MPAA

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000
Imuwuj
Exhibitor
Conventions,
New Clearance Policies
Highlights of
the Week
Pages 8-9
MPAA Panel Discussion:
'What's Right With Movies'
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION
Including till Sttlianal Nm Pagis ol All Editions
Entered M second -eliss mitter it tl» Post OfOM at Kansas Oty. Mo., under the aet of Mareb 3, 1879.
MAY 28, 1949

^S IN
"When an M-G-M
musical gets
clicking on all
cylinders, the
exhibitor knows
he can just sit
back and watch
the attendance
figures rise."
—FILM BULLETIN
Your public loves M-G-M's happy star-studded Technicolor musicals and
The Friendly Company brings to their door- step entertainments bigger
than any Broadway $6.60 show. Sure-fire box-office were such hits as
"Easter Parade/' ''Date With Judy/' "Words and Music/' "On An Island
With You/' "Luxury Liner" with "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" currently
delighting the fans.
Tell 'em about Leo's terrific new ones on next page!
1

WSIGAIS.TOO!
/'
ft
HWTT^i^^^WI
BARKLEYS of BROADWAY
HAMM
It's
Great at the State, N. Y. and soon your folks will see Fred
Astaire and Ginger Rogers together again in M-G-M's big,
Technicolor musical. It's
// .
the most highly publicized reunion in
screen annals, which Hedda Hopper in her nation-wide column,
calls: "Their greatest picture." And Walter Winchell salutes
it
with a "Curtain Call" in his column, syndicated to millions.
u
//
NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER
Already the airwaves are broadcasting the hit song, "Baby, It's
Cold Outside." M-G-M's Queen of Technicolor Musicals, starstudded,
spectacular, is the biggest commercial musical since
"Bathing Beauty." A cast of top entertainers: Esther Williams,
Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban, Betty Garrett, Keenan Wynn,
Xavier Cugat.
COMING!
"ANNIE GET YOUR GUN." The most famous long-run stage
musical
comedy of years is a resplendent M-G-M Technicolor screen gem now. A
big all-star cast in scenes of splendor, excitement and glamour — plus —
musical score that includes eleven famous Irving Berlin melodies.
"ON THE TOWN." Another famed Broadway musical becomes Technicolor
screen magic at the hands of the industry's top musical producer, M-G-M.
Packed with stars who have delighted the fans in recent hit musicals: Frank
Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Betty Garrett, Vera-Ellen, Jules Munshin, Ann Miller.
Judy Garland and Van Johnson fall in love "IN THE GOOD OLD
SUMMERTIME." It's
M-G-M's Technicolor romance with Songs that preview
audiences call
"the best romantic musical since 'Meet Me In St. Louis'."
"THAT MIDNIGHT KISS"- Every Technicoloriffic moment of it throbs
with delight, for the millions of wives, shop-girls, teen-agers. Cast includes
Kathryn Grayson, Jose Iturbi, Ethel Barrymore and a new singing sensation
handsome, virile Mario Lanza.
I
Back The Motion Picture Industrv'j
U. S. Savings Bond Drive, May 16— June 30

inn«a againsi me »Ky m tiv
^^
FROM WARNER BROS*
COMES A TREMENDOUS DRAMA
HURTLING OUT OF THE HEROIC
VASTNESS OF THE . .
STARRING
"COLORADO TERRITORY" JOEL M^CREi

viuciiio
liU^T ^iiy uf inv ifiuun
...A GIRL WITH A PRICE ON HER KISSES
AND A MAN WITH A PRICE ON HIS HEAD!
DIRECTED BY
/IDAIMIA MAYA raoulwalsh anthony veiuer
rllXWlllIM IflHIV Written by JOHN TWIST and EDMUND H, NORTH

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
rULISIED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
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D
OXOFFICE
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Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office. Kansas City, tf.a.
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TURNABOUT!
7
«^^ URNABOUT is fair play.
So Parade magazine,
which previously had published a series of articles containing
many critical comments as to "what is wrong with the movies,"
"what is right
now accords the industry an opportunity to tell
with movies" from the right side of the fence. Thus, an article
under this affirmative caption appears in the Sunday, May 29
issue of the newspaper supplement which, through 24 metropolitan
papers, reaches some 15,000,000 subscribers. A report
on this article appears elsewhere in this issue.
As Parade puts it,
"The candid discussion across cm unpolished
mahogany table was unprecedented, for never before
have moviemen of their rank and influence met together to
explain their industry to the public." That's because it was
an ancient policy of the so-called organized branch of the industry
to let people talk and, no matter how viciously they
attacked the screen, not to answer back. For the record, let it
be said that, gracious as was Parade in giving the industry its
inning, it did so, because members of the newly-constituted
production-distribution branch made the request.
Only last week did we comment on Cecil B. DeMille's admonition
that "It is time we stopped turning the other cheek
and gave some of it back." Agreeing, we said much depends
on how that is to be done. And now it ccm be said that it was
very well done by the panel of industry top men who participated
in Parade's round-table conference.
Perhaps now that this refreshing change of pace has come
about, there will be evidences of its
being carried forward to
reach the mcmy millions of the public who have thus far gotten
only the "wrong" side of the story. Since, as Life magazine
gratuitously proclaimed in a recent issue, "Everybody
loves the movies," everybody is entitled to be told what's
"right" about them. After all, moviegoers, by and large, prefer
the happy ending.
Drive- Ins
K *
and Runs
The postwar development of drive-ins has been so remarkable
that some of them are now playing percentage pictures.
For years these open-air theatres played pictures so old that
the younger patrons couldn't remember them. Since the end
of the war the oldies still have predominated, because the
Vol. 55
M A Y 2 8,
No. 4
19 4 9

'PuUe Sc^it^
Exhibitor-CommunitY Relations
Headed by Francis Harmon
Motion Picture Ass'n names veteran of its
staff to that post; Dr. Irvin Deer and Duke
Hickey services terminated; Arthur DeBra
continues; David Palfreyman undecided.
I
novelty of the drive-ins—like that of television—has in itseli
been a diavr. But conditions are changing fast.
Whole families climb into the old car and motor out into
the country to see pictures, but they don't want old pictures.
The open-air theatres are competition for enclosed theatres
live,
ten and 15 or 20 miles away, but the mass of precedents
set up in the arbitration system leaves the distributors no way
of proving that clearances are justified al such distances. But,
under competitive bidding, any exhibitor can come in and pay
first-run
prices and get the pictures.
As the number of drive-ins has increased, their distance
has become narrowed to the point where some have become
competition to one another as well as to enclosed theatres.
And with this condition has come an increase among them in
the demand for earlier runs, both in town and on the highways.
So a new problem is poised. Looks like the arbitrators,
or conciliators, are going to be mighty busy. .
On Competitive Bidding
Speaking of competitive bidding, the effusive Bennie Berger
of Minnesota, had quite something to say about it at the
convention of North Central Allied meeting in MiimeapoUs this
week. He calls it "ruinous" when, in the effort to move up
clearances, it
forces up film costs by as much as 500 per cent.
This was the case in one situation that was cited. Competition
may be healthy, but it can also be unhealthy, if such a condition
persists.
As a solution to this problem, Mr. Berger proposed the
alternating of first showings of pictures by competitors in each
availability division.
Thus, one theatre would show a release
first at midweek, vidth the competing house playing it at the
weekend. The next week the showings would be alternated
by these same houses.
There is precedence for such a plan, for one very similar
has been in operation for some years on a division-of-product
setup where two first-run theatres desired or had need for
some one producer's films. While not plainly a case of alternating
runs, its principle could be adapted to subsequent-run situations
where greater quantity of product is required.
This would seem to be a "live-and-let-live" policy that
would be of long-run benefit for everybody—including the
distributors.
\.j€a

NCA GOING ALONG WITH FOX
IN GIVING SALES POLICY A TRY
Lichtman Tells Conclave
He Opposes Percentage
In Small Towns
By LES REES
MINNEAPOLIS—While he expressed
opposition to the "retroactive" feature of
the sliding scale, President Bennie Berger
of Norih Central Allied, after hearing sales
executives and Vice-Presidents Al Lichtman
and Andy W. Smith of 20th-Fox answer
questions hurled at them for nearly
two hours at the organization's annual
convention here, said he'd go along with
the company and give the new sales policy
"a fair trial."
Members in attendance at the convention
indicated they're disposed to follow their
presidents lead and do likewise.
HIT AT SLIDING SCALE
Berger and others attacked the sliding
scale. Lichtman and Smith defended and
lauded it.
The membership, however, was heartened
and encouraged by Liohtman's interpretation
of the plan. The thi'eatened "uprising"
against it and the expected "denouncement"
of Fox and the sales executives and anticipated
fu-eworks never materialized.
North Central Allied members liked particularly
:
1. Lichtman's assertions that he opposed
percentage for small towns and
competitive bidding anywhere.
2. The Lichtman declaration that
"there is no arbitrary way of doing business"
and that his company favored
permitting customers to buy in the way
they prefer—flat, — straight percentage or
the sliding scale "consistent with a fair
and square deal."
3. That 20th-Fox has given M. A. Levy,
local branch manager, and its other exchange
managers, full authority to act
on all deals—that henceforth nobody in
the home office will pass on contracts.
4. That the new plan can only work
out to the best interests of all concerned
the exhibitors as well as the distributors.
5. That all 20th-Fox asks is for a square
deal which it is also prepared to give to
exhibitors.
CAN'T SEE BRIGHT SIDE
Lichtman pointed out to the convention
that "the industry's status didn't permit him
to paint a rosy picture"—that seven major
companies in 1948 lost 16 millions on film
production as compared to 30 millions profit
in 1947—which, he said, "isn't a healthy condition
for the business to be in."
"I realize that exhibitors have their problems,
too, what with business falling off," said
Lichtman. "We all have to go back to work
together to keep the industry on its feet and
revive the movie-going habit. We can't be
smug. The united work of all is needed to
accomplish the maximum results."
When the question-answer period started,
Berger minced no words in assailing distribu-
—BOXOmCE photo
At the North Central Allied meeting, left to right: Bennie Berger, NCA president;
William Ainsworth, president of National Allied; Andrew W. Smith jr., 20th-
Fox general sales manager; and Al Lichtman, 20th-Fox vice-president.
tors generally. In introducing Lichtman, he
declared the latter "is the creator of many of
the things we call evil in the industry." At the
same time, however, he praised Lichtman and
Smith for being the only sales executives "who
cared enough for us exhibitors in the sticks
to accept our invitation and come here to
hear our squawks and discuss our problems
with us." He said he was glad to have them
present to interpret the new sales plan.
Berger sailed into percentage hammer and
tongs. He called the sliding scale "the slippery
scale."
"All that the independent exhibitors ask
for is a fair shake— something they've never
had," declared Berger to Lichtman. "We've
been harassed and pushed around from pillar
to post. Distributors have given us the 'takeit-or-leave-it'
treatment.
"We want to be dealt with at least as decently
as the producers deal with the imions.
We're at least entitled to have them sit with
us at a round table to thresh out our differences."
"Compulsory percentage is destroying our
National Conciliation
Proposed by Delegates
MINNEAPOLIS — Wheels were set in
motion here for the establishment of a
national conciliation board to decide
industry differences and eliminate costly
litigation. The campaign was laimched
at the North Central Allied annual convention
when members endorsed such a
proposal by President Bennie Berger. Distributor
executives will be requested to
have their companies join the plan.
Under Berger's plan, the national conciliation
board would comprise one or
more exhibitor representatives from each
exchange area. They would meet two or
three times a year with the distributor
"policymakers" to "iron out any national
problems which may arise between the
distributors and exhibitors."
industry,'" asserted Berger. "It's only the abnormal
boom times and our popcorn and
candy sales that have kept many of us alive.
With the exception of about 2,000 theatres
throughout the country there is no rhyme
or reason for obnoxious percentage and no
basic need for it."
Other exhibitors, addressing Lichtman, declared
this territory's theatres "cannot operate
on the sliding scale." Berger said affidavits
are being collected showing forced
selling and asserted "we'll send some people
to jail for this."
ERRONEOUS CONCEPTION
Lichtman told Berger and others that their
conception of the sliding scale is erroneous
—that the idea is to give exhibitors an opportunity
to run a picture as long as it's profitable
instead of having to yank it because
the straight percentage makes it unprofitable.
"Another virtue of the sliding scale is that
it protects both the producer and exhibitor
if the picture doesn't prove the expected boxoffice
success," said Lichtman. "In such a
case the exhibitor will pay a minimum sum
for it on a sliding scale. But if the picture is
a boxoffice hit the distributor will receive his
just dues from it on a sliding scale.
"When there was block booking we dealt
with the exhibitor on the basis of averages.
The producer-distributor knew what income
to expect and costs were not nearly so high.
The income could be apportioned to the
various pictui'es. Every picture, however, is a
tremendous investment today. You are not
required to buy every picture. The major risk
is ours."
Berger called the sliding scale one step forward
and two backward and said the increasing
percentage shouldn't go back to the first
dollar of receipts. It operates to stop exhibitors
from using the utmost showmanship in
selling pictm-es to the public because it requires
him to pay an unfair share to the
distributor and the amount is likely to be
used as basis for flat rentals, he pointed out.
"What we want is simply a square deal for
our pictures—no more or no less," asserted
Lichtman.
8 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

NEW CLEARANCE REGULATIONS
CREATING EXHIBITOR HUBBUB
Mill City Independents "
Seeking a Compromise
On Film Bidding
MINNEAPOLIS— It was revealed at the
North Central Allied convention that the
local independent exhibitor group is trying
to agree on a plan to end "ruinous competitive
bidding" which has started among the
neighborhood and suburban independents as
one of the results of demands for 28-day and
other earlier availability — demands which
followed the Supreme Court decision and
consent decree.
This competitive bidding, it was disclosed,
already has raised film costs in some instances
from a former $150 per picture to a
present $750 per film for the Richfield and
Boulevard, competing independent 28-day
suburban houses. Unless the present trend
is checked. President Bennie Berger of North
Central Allied warned the Minneapolis
group, other independent houses now enjoying
the earliest 28-day clearance and others
demanding it "will find themselves in the
same boat."
SUGGESTS ALTERNATING FILMS
A Berger proposal is that the "clearance
mess" be straightened out by a plan to alternate
pictures to the various houses in each
admission slot throughout the city every
three weeks.
Ben Friedman, independent circuit owner
who has two local .suburban houses, also is
proposing a plan whereby competing houses
in the same general area and slot would
alternate the first showings in their availability
division each week. For example,
Friedman's Edina would show a release first
on one Thursday and the competing St. Louis
Park would play it on the following Sunday,
with the showings alternated by the same
houses the next week.
Before either plan can be adopted the
independent exhibitors themselves will have
to agree and subscribe to it and the distributors
must give it their approval. Berger
pointed out. A difficulty, of course, he said,
is to effect an agreement among the independents
themselves when many of them
seek advantages over the others,
DEMANDS BEING IGNORED'
Friedman declared at the convention that
his demands for 28-day availability for his
Edina are being ignored, although it has
been granted to newer theatres in the same
general area that pav no more film rental.
He warned the 20th-Fox executives that he
would be forced to go to court to enforce his
rights if the distributors continue to ignore
him.
Al Lichtman, 20th-Fox vice-president, drew
applause when he said he was opposed to
competitive bidding and felt that any distributor
who made it a policy was shortsighted
and misguided. He pointed out, however,
that "in some instances the present law
compels us to take competitive bids for runs
and product."
"My own belief," said Lichtman, "is that
competitive bidding is destructive,"
27-Theatre
By MGM in
Second Run
Chicago
CHICAGO — Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
is
trying the quick-playoff policy for "Take
Me Out to the Ball Game" in the Chicago
area. There was no waiting period
after the picture closed a three-week
Loop run at the Oriental Theatre, the
feature going directly into 27 neighborhood
and outlying houses. The picture
was reported doing good business in all
situations.
Allied Will Consider
'Litigation Threats'
WASHINGTON—The possibility that distributors
in some areas are using the alleged
threat of lawsuits to justify greater rentals
from competitive bidding will be a subject for
discu.ssion at the Allied board meeting in
Dallas Monday and Tuesday iMay 30, 31"1
General Coun.sel A. F. Myers said here this
week. Myers released a full agenda, which
includes discussions of forced percentage
playing, poss.ble contract revision, the new
Fox sales plan and a number of other matters.
The board will also consider the advisability
of setting up a standing committee
to keep an eye on the development of television.
Under the heading "competitive bidding"
Myers also listed for discussion the possibility
of calling for the opening of bids with
exhibitors in attendance in those areas
where there is competitive bidding.
Another subject of interest on the agenda
will be the possibility of invoking the socalled
Finneran plan to discipline stars
whose personal lives have resulted in harmful
newspaper publicity against future productions
.starring Rita Hayworth and Ingrid
Bergman. This would mean resistance to
films made by these stars in the future.
Reports on federal admissions tax reduction,
Ascap, the bond drive, improvement of
trailers, print shortage, Cryptix and theatre
insurance are also listed—with discussion
.slated on the advisability of concerted action
toward the lowering of insurance rates
as the new noninflammable film comes into
wider use.
Bidding Policy Setup
For UA in Chicago
CHICAGO—United Artists here has
switched to a policy of selling product on
competitive bidding in all first and subsequent
run situations. The company previously
experimented with such selling terms. The
decision to put current product up for bidding
is believed to be based on the strong
backlog of product which includes such films
as "Home of the Brave" and "Champion."
Memphis Is Watching
Para.'s New Policy
For Second Runs
MEMPHIS—The entire motion picture industry
is watching the outcome of Paramount's
new second run release policy whxh
gets a definite tryout the week of May 29
through June 4. For that week, three leading
Memphis de luxe theatres, the Ritz,
Rosemary and Idlewild, have contracted to
run "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's
Court." The Ritz is a first run house but
like all first runs, sometimes takes a live
second-run or repeat picture.
WAITING FOR THE RESULTS
All exhibitors in the Memphis area are
watching to see what happens when a film
is run for a full seven days at a $750 guarantee
against a 35 per cent cut for the first
$3,500 and a 50-50 split above $3,500.
Those are the terms Paramount required
in return for releasing the picture 30 days
after its first run on Main street instead of
the usual minimum of 39 days.
Distributors are all watching the result, too,
because ther« have been constant rumors
that Paramount's trail-blazing may lead to •
new avaUability polic es from other distributors.
However, all distributors have denied
any contemplated changes.
At present—except for the Paramount
"experiment"—.second runs for de luxe neighborhoods
and drive-ins are permitted under
a 39-46-day arrangement. Even number
films are released to one list of exhibitors
:n 39 days after first runs and odd number
films to a second list of exhibitors. All
others must wait 46 days. Then, at set
periods, the lists are switched so that even
numbers go to those who formerly received
odd number films find vice versa.
ALLIED IN A PROTEST
More than usual interest is involved in the
test-run by Ritz, Rosemary and IdleWild for
these reasons:
1—Because a group of independents
thought the special arrangement for a 30-
day second run was set up for Ritz. They
pointed out that Ritz was first to book the
"Yankee" under these terms.
2—Because Memphis Allied leaders held
an informal meeting when the news of
Paramount's plan leaked out and. Bob Bowers,
Memphis Allied manager, issued a statement
that Allied opposed Paramount's action, that
it "amounted to bidding" and "was vicious."
3—Because once the policy went into effect
and Ritz booked the picture, Edward O.
CuUins, temporary president of AUied, booked
it at the same rates and on the same dates
for the Idlewild, which he owns.
Both Idlewild and Rosemary are de luxe
neighborhood houses with large seating facilities.
Rosemary is owned by Augustine
Cianciola, who also owns and operates the
Luciann.
BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949 9

British Stand on Quota
May Stall New Moves
BULLETIN
NEW YORK—Eric Johnston, MPAA
head, has agreed to a postponement of
the next meeting of the Anglo-American
film council until the first week in
August. The meeting wjU be held in
London. The action was decided upon
because nothing can be decided in
connection with the British situation
until Harold Wilson, president of the
board of trade, returns to London from
Canada.
NEW YORK—Only one definite development
emerged from the fog shrouding the
British quota and frozen currency situation
during the week. It was the British statement
that the government could not reduce
the quota again before Oct. 1, 1950.
There was plenty of activity behind the
scenes, but it obviously was not getting anywhere.
Ellis Arnall, president of the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Producers,
issued another statement and went to Washington
for another conference with the Department
of Justice. He was accompanied by
Robert J. Rubin, counsel.
SUGGESTIONS 'EXPLORATORY'
It was indicated still another statement
would be forthcoming later in the week.
Arnall contends joint action by MPEA
members on the British situation is "cartelization"
and a violat:on of the antitrust laws
in spite of the Webb-Pomerene act which
authorized combinations for export trade purposes.
MPEA officials avoided a controversy, but
some of the executive committee members
pointed out privately that the outline of proposals
discussed at the recent Anglo-American
conference here contained no concrete proposals
upon which action had been taken;
they wei-e merely "exploratory."
In the meantime the Arthur Loew committee
has been confen-ing with MPEA leaders
and has uncovered a wide variety of
opinions on what course should be pursued.
As a result, there may or may not be
another Anglo-American conference here
next month. Th.3 present attitude seems to
be that if the British are going to refuse to
discuss any quota reduction for a year and
are going to insist upon continuing restrictions
limiting the use of frozen funds there
is nothing important to discuss.
A CALIFORNIA DEMAND
The postponement, if it comes, is expected
to be the result of a request from the British
Film Producers Ass'n. Harold Wilson, president
of the Board of Trade, left for Canada
shortly after the return to England of J.
Arthur Rank. Since that time British film
men have received no assurances from government
sources that quota discussions can
be held.
Nobody will be surprised if the California
delegation in Congress should renew its demands
for concessions during the discussion
of Marshall plan appropriations due to come
up soon.
In the meantime British production is not
perking up. Reports from England indicate
10
further curtailments are planned in J. Arthur
Rank's Pinewood and Denham studios, with
-
Hollywood in
Attack
On British Stand
HOLLYWOOD — Militant
broadsides
against the British government's rejection
of appeals to end quota discrimination
agamst American films were fired
simultaneously by two Hollywood organizations,
the Motion Picture Industry
Council and a member thereof, the Hollywood
AFL Film Council.
Both groups du-ected their protests to
California's congressmen and senators,
as well as to the State department.
The MPIC's blast, signed by Cecil B.
DeMille, chairman of the organization,
requested a congressional investigation to
"clarify the real reasons behind the British
government film policy" and urged
the house ways and means committee to
launch the probe along lines previously
indicated by Congressman Cecil R. King,
a member of that committee, in a house
speech last April.
a maximum of 20 pictures planned. Five of
these are scheduled to start during the summer
or before the first of the year.
There are assorted reports in this country
about the total of British film earnings in this
country in the year ending June 1 and how
much of it will be sent to England to be
added to the $17,000,000 which can be remitted
to the United States. "Henry V" is
still rolling up substantial grosses for United
Artists, "Hamlet" is reported to be well past
the million dollar mark on Universal-International
books, and "Red Shoes" is rurming
close to a million.
Because some films have been exempted
from the over-all agreement and private
deals have been made to balance income
of top British product here against income
from some American films in Great Britain
the situation has become extremely involved.
Nobody wants to talk for publication.
Wehrenberg's Will Leaves
$50,000 to 7 Employes
ST. LOUIS—Fred Wehrenberg remembered
his veteran employes in his will. He left
$50,000 to seven of them. Largest bequest,
$25,000, went to Lester Ki'opp, 43-year-old
booker and general manager who sold popcorn
for Wehrenberg 33 years ago. The wiU
also bequeathed $7,500 each to Mrs. Helen
Foster, manager of the Michigan Theatre;
Catherine Eilerman, cashier at the Melba
and Gustave N. Krause, manager of the Cinderella.
Other associates remembered were F. H.
Marlott. auditor, $1,000: Joseph Litvag, manager
of the Apollo, .$1,000; and Alfred Kropp,
maintenance man, $500. The Better Films
Council of St. Louis was given $2,000 and a
son-in-law, Paul Kreuger, who manages three
theatres was left $25,000.
An interesting bequest was to a grandchild—the
net profits from the confections
concession at the Cinderella Theatre.
ONE WOMAN'S STORY (U-D—Another high
quality J. Arthur Rank production, splendidly
directed and superbly acted by three
top British stars. The theme, which is
reminiscent of "Brief Encounter," deals
with two mature people, each happily married,
who attempt to renew a youthful
romance. Claude Rains, Ann Todd, Trevor
Howard. Directed by David Lean.
RED MENACE, THE (Rep)—Forceful, fearless
and frightening-in-spots is this expose
of Communist activities in America.
That it is an extremely courageous picture,
none will deny. Its fortitude is reflected in
many facets, most especially its pull-nopunches
subject matter and the assembling
of a virtually unknown cast to delineate
it. At to the picture's commercial
possibiUties, they obviously are entirely dependent
upon how intensively and intelligently
the offering is merchandised. If the
advantage of the film's
showman takes full
dramatic impact and, above all, the provocative
word-of-mouth reaction it is sure
to engender among both individuals and
organizations, the feature can be made to
be a top money attraction. True, the lack
of established names will have to be offset
but that is possible because performances,
under the able direction of R. G. Springsteen,
are exceptionally convincing. Robert
Rockwell, Hanne Axman, Betty Lou
Gerson, Barbra Fuller.
RIDERS OF THE WHISTLING PINE (Col)
Deviating from saloon brawls and the
average posse riding after outlaws, this
western with music has several other angles
of interest with Gene Autry involved
in a lumber war. Gene Autry, Patricia
White. Directed by John English.
These reviews will appear in full in
a lorthcoming issue of Boxoffice.
Republic Going 'All Out'
To Sell 'The Red Menace'
HOLLYWOOD—Republic expects its surprise
picture, "The Red Menace," to create
exceptional interest throughout the country,
Herbert J. Yates, president, said at a press
conference this week. An expose of communism
in this country, the film was secretly
made under another title.
The picture will get the works as far as
exploitation is concerned. Republic has set
aside a $50,000 appropriation to advertise and
exploit the Los Angeles opening.
With a cast largely comprising screen unknowns,
"The Red Menace" will make its
bow June 9 with a day-date opening at the
Downtown and Hollywood Paramount.
Openings in other key cities throughout
the country, Yates said, will be accompanied
by large-scale fanfare and exploitation, including
screenings for veterans' organizations,
women's clubs, and civic, religious and
labor groups.
BOXOFFICE
:: May 28, 1949

. . The
Things Looking Rosy,
Para. Chiefs Report
LOS ANGELES Reaffirming the optimistic
outlook initially expressed at studio
parleys attended by production, distribution
and field representatives last March, top
Paramount studio and homeoffice executives
and personnel from the company's six western
exchanges held a three-day western divisional
sales meeting at the Ambassador hotel here
May 23-25. It was the fifth and last in the
series of regional huddles to discuss new
product and map promotion and selling campaigns
thereon.
BALABAN IS
CO>fFIDENT
President Barney Balaban keynoted the
aura of confidence in the future of Paramount
and the industry in one of the opening
addresses at the session. Discussing operations
which will become effective January
1 when, under terms of the consent decree,
the company's exhibition holdings will be
separated from its production-distribution
branches. Balaban ?mphasized that "excellent
management has been provided for," and said
that Paramount "will embark on its new
status in the coming year with adequate resources
and top manpower."
In facing the new situation starting in
1950, Balaban declared himself satisfied that
"we have an organization which is unexcelled,"
and for that reason reiterated his
decision to remain with production and distribution
rather than devote himself to management
of theatre interests.
Another speaker. Adolph Zukor, chaii-man
of the board, paid tribute to Henry Ginsberg,
production chief, and predicted the company
"is on its way to greater heights of achievement."
Attending, in addition to Balaban, Zukor
and Ginsberg, were A. W. Schwalberg, vicepresident
and sales manager; George A.
Smith, west coast division chief, who was
official host at the meetings: Y. Frank Freeman,
vice-president and studio executive; E.
K. "Ted" O'Shea. Schwalberg's assistant;
Oscar A. Morgan, short subjects and Paramount
News sales chief; Max Youngstein,
home office advertising, publicity and exploitation
director; Richard Morgan of the
company's New York legal department, and
homeoffice officials J. A. Walsh and Fred A.
Leroy.
GINSBERG IN A REPORT
Principal speaker at the second day's session
was Production Chief Ginsberg, who
stressed the necessity for cooperation between
the studio and Paramount's distribution
organization. Ginsberg also outlined in
detail the present productional status, which
finds 40 pictures either completed, currently
shooting or being prepared for the camera,
declaring this places the company in its
strongest position in years.
Ginsberg advised the attending delegates
that blueprints have been worked out to accommodate
an expanding production schedule
through the recent acquisition of several
story properties which will augment the
company's output for the balance of 1949. He
told the salesmen he understands their problems
and declared he knew "how necessary
it is that we cooperate . foreign
market has been reduced and it is noiy our
responsibihty to get all we can from the domestic
market," Gin.sberg asserted.
Color Video May Get
To the Screen First
WASHINGTON—There were important
developments on color television as it affects
the motion picture theatre this week.
Earl Sponable, engineering expert for
20th Century-Fox and president of the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers filed
a 34-page progress report with the Federal
Communications Commission which indicated
that color television may beat regular
black and white video into theatres and
that in all likelihood color television will
be seen on the motion picture screen before
it is in homes.
The second development of the week was an
announcement by the FCC that it is preparing
to permit commercial color television on
present TV bands. This is a reversal of a
decision made some time ago when CBS asked
for color video approval.
OPENING UP CHANNELS
The communications commission also
said
it was also preparing to open up an area of
the ultra-high frequency space to increase
the number of channels currently available
for commercial television. This latter step is
of extreme importance to the motion picture
industry as the present limited number of
channels precluded the entry of most motion
picture interests — both in production, distribution
and exhibition—into video.
Both of these steps will be the subject of
extensive hearings and no final action is expected
until late fall.
Sponable makes no prediction as to when
this might come about, but he points out that
because of the smaller number of units Involved
in theatre television use it may be
possible to speed up development of color use.
About three years ago when CBS started
a national argument on color television development
some leading engineers predicted
it would take five years to develop it and
more recently other engineers have said the
test period might have to cover a ten-year
stretch.
Total of $71,858,795
Two Suits
Sought in
HOLLYWOOD—Two federal district
court suits, asking for damages totaling
$71,858,795, were filed this week. The socalled
"imfriendly ten" filed another suit
against the major motion picture companies,
charging violation of the Sherman
antitrust act and seeking triple damages
of $51,858,795.
Also filed were ten legal actions against
nine production companies, which attorneys
for the plaintiffs said were harbingers
of some 2,000 others involving
total wage claims of $20,000,000 on behalf
of members of the AFL carpenters' brotherhood
who allege they have been locked
out of the major studios since September
1948. Plaintiffs are members of the
Conference of Studio Unions, which has
been on strike against the film companies
since that time.
Sponable's experimentation with large
screen television without color have progressed
to the point where the company has decided
to try it in a group of west coast theatres.
Sponable's experimental work has been
carried out over a test relay system called
KA-256 in the Movietone News building.
When these licenses are granted by the FCC
progress reports are required semi-annually.
Sponable says both the "sequential" and
"simultaneous" systems of color television
.should be given serious consideration and
further study. At present he is using a microwave
relay.
Both the direct projection and the tube-tofilm
methods are being studied, Sponable reported.
He wrote: "Additional data is needed
concerning the alignment and construction of
plane reflectors, the practicability of using
pickup and re-radiation types or reflectors in
unusual line-of-sight and similar situations."
He also intends to make further studies of the
feasibility of microwave relay operations in
the 12,000-megacycle band and the film
storage method of theatre television.
OTHER PROBLEMS SLATED
Although the film storage method of largescreen
television has a number of advantages
over the direct projection method and must
be Included in any complete system, he
points out, "certain fundamental difficulties
exist which are yet to be resolved." He says
there is still a problem of conversion from the
30-frame-per-second television to the 24-
frame motion picture standard.
Sponable says the quality of home television
must approach the 35mm film standards
of theatres before the public will accept
it. He states that 20th-Fox has approached
the problem with an "open mind" and declares
that theatre television has now reached
a stage of development wh'ch warrants the
desgn of commercial equipment for theatres.
He expresses the opinion that a multiple
point-to-point intracity distribution of theatre
television could be established with a
minimum of two channels and says separate
channels would not be required for each
point-to-point link.
Asks $720,000 Damages
CHICAGO—Mars Amusement Corp., former
operators of the Ambassador, now the
Rockne Theatre, filed an antitrust suit in
U.S. district court here for $720,000 triple
damages against major film companies and
the Balaban & Katz Corp., claiming loss of
profits from 1937 through 1940 when its
lease was lost through failure to get the film
clearances it required.
Files Libel Suit
PHILADELPHIA—Mitchell Pantzer, operating
the Independent Poster Exchange of
this city, has started suit for libel in federal
district court, against Herman Robbins, president
of National Screen Service Corp., and
National Screen Service Corp. He is asking
$500,000 damages, alleging the NSS president
libeled him in a letter sent to independent
poster exchanges throughout the country.
BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949 11

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Chicago Theatre
Goes TV in
June
With its own television production staff
available/ B&K use of video points trend.
CHICAGO—The Chicago Theatre will go big-screen
TV June 16 and will become the first theatre in the
country to utilize virtually all phases of the infant television
industry. Equipment for big-screen television—
the Paramount teletranscription system which flashes the
telecast on the screen within 60 seconds—has already
been installed.
The Chicago Theatre is the second in the country to
install the teletranscription system—the Paramount in
New York being the first—but because the Balaban and
Katz house is directly associated with the company's
own TV production crews the circuit is expected to embark
on a much more ambitious adaptation of the new
form of communications to motion picture exhibition.
On opening night, B&K will present the initial telecast
of a specially-prepared, star-studded show from the
Chicago Theatre stage. John Balaban, circuit executive
and manager of WBKB, at a press conference this week
announced that television would be installed in B&K
houses and that the stage shows at the Chicago Theatre
would be available for sponsored commercial telecasts.
The circuit is planning a great many innovations in
adapting the motion picture theatre for television, he
said. For example, he said, the circuit would like to
make arrangements to carry the important Notre D^me
football games, the Kentucky Derby and other sports
events of great interest to the Chicago area.
On June 16, WBKB will celebrate its eighth anniversary.
It was Chicago's first television station and one
of the first to begin regular telecasting in
the counti-y. On that date, the station also
will officially begin operation of the latest
type RCA five-bay super-turnstile transmitter
atop the American National Bank
bu Iding. Seven hundred feet tall, the tower
will be the highest point in Chicago, more
Here is the step-by-step process of putting- the telecast on the screen
via the Paramount system: (1) The "picture is taken off the tube." Carl
Maurer, Paramount engineer, demonstrates the Ackley camera, focuses on
a special Idnescope tube on which the TV image appears; (2) Threading the
Ackley camera with its electronic shutter; (3) From the camera, the exposed
film begins its long trip through teletranscription—three more processes to
go; (4) The large drying cylinder through which wet film passes and is hot
air-dried in 10 seconds; (5) Developed, dried, the film passes to projection
room, distance of 30 feet. If it is being transcribed for later use, it winds
onto standard reels; (6) Film reaches the projection room, still untouched by
human hands—a high-quality 35mni print containing both sight and sound
ready to be fed into the projection machine.
than twice as high as the station's present
transmitter atop the State-Lake Theatre
build ng.
Balaban said that big-screen video will be
a regular feature at the theatre. Because
the WBKB staff is one of the most experi-
How Video Will Be Relayed to Chicago Theatre
enced in the country and the station itself
is part of the circuit, the Chicago Theatre
will have a video advantage over all other
theatres in the area. Nor is there any other
theatre which, at the moment, can install bigscreen
television and have virtually its own
crew available for telecasting of important
local events. The Wometco circuit in Miami
now operates its own video station but as
yet none of its theatres has Installed bigscreen
TV.
Film stars and civic leaders will participate
in the premiere, Balaban said. They will be
interviewed at the entrance to the theatre
and, by the time they reach the auditorium,
will be able to see themselves on the screen
via the teletranscription system.
The WBKB-Chicago Theatre operation imdoubtedly
wiU be watched closely by exhibitors
throughout the country, particularly circuit
executives who have the facilities and
financial resources to undertake a joint television
production and exhibition project such
as Balaban is forging here. Much of the
experimentation in this area of entertainment
will be by B&K and developments here will
point up national trends in the anticipated
marriage of motion pictures and television.
AT THE LEFT:
The WBKB-Chicago Theatre television setup:
The television camera picks up an event,
transmits it via microwave to the tower atop
the State-Lake Theatre, to the new transmitter
on the American National Bank building
and finally to the Chicago Theatre to be
film-recorded, carried to the projection room
and flashed on the screen.
14 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

I
HOtiyWOOD REPORTER
N THE BOOKINGS
'Top quality! Stirring, should please every
with top playing time on all the top circuits
coming up immediately — Loe>«f'S/
Fox, Warner's, Paramount, RKO —
in LOS ANGELES
• MILWAUKEE
• NEW ORLEANS
HARRISBURG • READING
• RICHMOND • BOSTON
CLEVELAND • DETROIT
• CINCINNATI
• ROCHESTER
SYRACUSE • TOLEDO KANSAS CITY
• ST. LOUIS
NORFOLK • PITTSBURGH BRIDGEPORT JOHNSTOWN
•
SPRINGFIELD -ATLANTA- PROVIDENCE -WILMINGTON
"Love, adventure, fighting and hardriding
DAYTON EVANSVILLE - HARTFORD
to please the most ardent of action
WASHINGTON, D.C. - LOUISVILLE - INDIANAPOLIS
type of audience. One of the finest
photographically!" _ daily varibty
"Suspense, drama, action. Well-knit with
vigor and imagination. A film spectacle!"
— MP HERALD
"Exciting and unusual. A chance for some
good old time exploitation and ballyhoo.
Welcomed at the boxoffice!"
— INDEPENDENT
"Color, intrigue and adventure, suspense
and an abundan'ce of drama and action!"
— MP DAILY
fans. Something to arouse intense excitement
and cheers!"
— SHOWMEN'S TRADE IteVIEW
'Spectacular chases and desert battles.
Realism of action and magnificent photography.
Will insure boxoffice draw!"
— BOXOfffCE
'Much in spectacle, excitement values.
Strong thrill note!" —film daily
ac^ccfTf T^i^C^/f/

-Photo courtesy Parade
The panel (1 to r) : Francis Harmon, Joseph Breen, Eric Johnston, Spyros Skouras,
Ned Depinet, Barney Balaban, as they discussed industry problems for Parade.
What's Right With Movies?
Eric Johnston, the presidents of the three major distributors and two
key MPAA officials answer the critics in a panel discussion to be
publishedjn the Sunday masazine supplement. Parade.
J'/ie first joint effort of presidents of important film producing and distributing companies
to combat the assumption that there are a variety of things basically wrong
with the motion picture industry is to be presented in the Sunday (29) issue of
Parade a Sunday magazine supplement which has a weekly readership of 15,000,000.
The three-page article, which is presented as a panel discussion of important
industry problems, publishes the views of Eric Johnston, president of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America, who acts as moderator; Barney Balaban, president of Paramount
Pictures; Ned E. Depinet, president of RKO; Spyros Skouras, president of
20th Century-Fox; Francis Harmon, vice-president of MPAA, and Joseph I. Breen,
head of the Production Code Administration.
Tom Waller, director of information in the New York office of MPAA, went to
work on the idea last January and spent many weeks developing the material and
inducing company heads to attend a conference at which Parade editors would ask
their questions.
Parade had presented a series of articles on all phases of the film industry, giving
views of the man-in-the-street, critics, technicians, producers, etc. This roundtable discussi07i
is being presented "to give Hollywood a chance to answer," Parade editors said.
Johnston, who asked the questions, began the discussion by saying he was "proud
of the motion picture industry, because it means so much to so many people, because
it gives people a7i opportunity to get away from themselves, and because of the great
variety of motion pictures which are made." Questions and answers follow:
What is the industry doing to preserve
and maintain its position as the nation's foremost
mass entertainment medium?
Balaban: "By making better pictures, continually
improving the quality of pictures.
That is a day-to-day job."
What about television? Will movies and
television be complementary, or competitive?
Will television mean fewer movies?
Skouras: "In my opinion, television will
be a boon to the motion picture industry.
It will never reach great success in the public
entertainment field except as a part of
the motion picture industry."
Then he added: "The radio, movies and
television will, within a few years, let us say
seven to ten years, be one of the foremost
means of entertainment. The present entertainment
which the public receives on television
today is not being accepted.
"First, the public is just talking about the
new medium right now, and they have just
started to listen to it and to watch it.
"It will succeed only when it has the right
facilities, and that is why we are going to
utUize it on the screen. Bing Crosby, Bob
Hope, Toscanini with a large orchestra, Rubinstein,
all of them can be shown to thousands
at one time. Or a great opera Uke
'Carmen' can be taken and shown by television
in the movie theatres.
"A play like 'South Pacific' can be taken
tomorrow and presented as entertainment by
television in the movie theatres. Without
motion pictures, television cannot succeed."
There are larg^e groups of the adult population
who do not attend motion pictures
regularly. Why? What is the industry doing
about it?
Balaban: "That's not a new question. I've
heard it for more than a quarter of a century."
He pointed out further that a great, untapped
potential always has existed for movie
attendance—so much that the theatre capacity
of the nation would need to be multiplied
three to five times to hold all the people
who do not attend pictures.
Other forms of entertainment compete, to
say nothing of ordinary social obligations.
Moreover, every picture, like every book and
every play, must make its way in the struggle
for pubUc favor.
Depinet added further comment by pointing
out that fewer people in the 35 to 55 age
see pictures than young people because:
"When you were young you had time to see
pictures. As you grew older and had to go
out and eai-n a living, you had less time. I
think it is no more than natural that as
people grow older they have less time to go
to the movies than youngsters do."
At this point Balaban answered the assertion
that film attendance is falling off
by saying that in the first 14 weeks of 1949
Paramount's business was about equal to that
of 1946, the peak year.
Does the star system of American movies
lead to emphasis on personalities rather than
plots, story, setting, or other essential qualities?
Depinet entered an emphatic "No." He
said the public chooses its stars and started
the star system by first identifying Mary
Pickford as "Miss Jones" in an early fourreeler.
"I don't think our industry can get away
from the star system—I don't think the public
will permit us to—any more than baseball
teams can get away from the star system.
You have nine players on a field and
eventually you have certain stars, and you
can't stop it. The public takes a fancy to
them; they go to see them. That is healthy,
that is good."
Balaban added: "Hasn't it been our recent
experience that a star will insure the kind
of a story the pubUc likes to see, and bring
in substantially higher grosses, while a star
will not protect a story that the public does
not care for?"
Do you believe that the present output of
films is adequate to meet the entertainment
needs of the American children?
Harmon answered this question. He said
an independent study of the output of family
films showed that the ratio of family films
to total output during the first nine months
of 1948 was sUghtly higher than the average
for the preceding eight years.
"The motion picture theatre," he continued,
"is one of the few places left in America
where the family as a whole can go and
parents and children alike can find entertainment.
The industry has never made films
solely for children. The British tried it in
recent years and have got their fingers burned
very badly as a result."
Does the production code of the MPAA
lead to forfeiture of the rights of free expression?
Is the industry censoring itself
out of business?
Breen replied: "Some people have the idea
that there is a mysterious something or
somebody in Hollywood which seeks to deny
to the motion picture screen the right of
discussion of problems which are valid. Let
me say right here that I know of no such
group. I know of no such movement. I
know of no such authority.
"If you will read the code, you will find
that it permits the widest possible freedom
16 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

, Davis
of expression. Nothing In the code denies
or curtails freedom of expression. Nothing
in the code denies or curtails freedom of expression
on any matter."
Wliat is the indiistr>° doing to foster the
broadest showing: of the best foreign films?
Depinet replied; "Our doors are wide open
for films produced anywhere in the world.
They have succeeded in proportion to the
way the American public accepted them. But
every good foreign picture that stands on
its own has the opportunity to play in 16,000
or 18,000 American theatres. There is no
quota, there is no tax. there is no restriction,
and their money is free to go back to their
own country. I wish we were treated as well
as they are."
Skouras added: "If it were not for the
American motion picture, the majority of the
theatres of the world would be closed.
"There are some foreign pictui-es that are
good and those the public will see. The poor
ones we cannot ram down their throats, because
our own poor motion pictures are also
not accepted by the public."
Does Hollywood make too many picture
cycles, lacking variety and originality?
Breen denies that cycles were common.
"It is not true to say," he continued, "that
they have no new plots and ideas. They do
They may follow a general trend, but there
is nothing extraordinary in that. Book publishing
has fads and phases. So do motion
pictures."
Skouras concluded the discussion by saying:
"England would do everything in the
world to have the advantages we have in
the motion picture industry, and you know
other nations would give everything. I know
Stalin would give everything to have it. There
is only one thing wrong with the motion
picture industry: We do not appreciate its
importance to the people of America."
Two Academy Winners Die
HOLLYWOOI>-Death took two Academy
award winners last week. Charles Gordon
Booth. 51, author and screen writer, died
at his home May 22. He won an Academy
award for the be.st original screen story.
"The House on 92nd Street" and wrote "The
General Died at Dawn" and "Johnny Angel."
Joseph R. Valentine, 48, one of the film industry's
top cameramen, died May 17 of a
heart ailment. He won the Oscar this year
for his color photography in "Joan of Arc"
and previously had been nominated four
times for his camera work.
Albert Mannheimer Dies
NEW YORK—Albert Mannheimer sr., 63,
head of exchange business operations of Film
Classics, Inc., died of a heart attack at his
office in the home office on Wednesday. His
son, Albert Mannheimer jr., screen writer,
flew in from the coast. Funeral services were
held at the Riverside Memorial chapel.
Owen Davis jr. Dead
NEW YORK—Funeral services for Owen
jr.. 42, television producer for NBC
and earlier known as an actor on the screen,
stage and radio, were held at the Little
Church Aroimd the Corner May 25. Davis
was found dead May 21 on the Long Island
Sound shore near Kings Point. L. I., after
disappearing from a yacht owned by Herbert
V. Anderson, NBC sales executive.
FIRST THEATRE TO USE FACSIMILE NEWSPAPER FOR ADS
COLUMBIA, MO.—The Uptown Theatre
here has installed a "Faxsimile" receiver
in its lobby and Rex P. Barrett, the manager,
believes that his is the first theatre
to provide this service for patrons and the
first to utilize a "newspaper of the air" to
advertise its current attractions.
The facsimile broadcasting is a project
of the University of Missouri school of
journalism, and the station is one of two
in the country. Because it is a local undertaking,
Barrett is able to take advantage
of the opportunities offered to advertise
his attractions. Facsimile reports are received
at noon and 2:30 p. m. and cover the
day's headlines, market and weather reports,
sports, features and advertising and
exploitation for current attractions at the
Uptown Theatre, which is a Conmionwealth
circuit operation.
Simultaneously, the facsimile reports are
received at the leading downtown bank
and hotel and at the University of Missouri
student library and journalism school.
In the accompanying photograph, Barrett
(at left) is shown with Miss Jean
Behmer, a university student, and Mayor
Roy Sappington of Columbia inspecting
the receiver and some of the facsimile
broadcasts in the theatre lobby.
Brandt Heads EL Advertising and Publicity
NEW YORK—Leon Brandt has been named
acting director of advertising, publicity and
exploitation for Eagle
Lion, according to Wil
liam J. Heinema
V i c e-p resident in
charge of distribution. ^
.
B r an d t . who had J
\
been assistant director
of the department
since the end of April,
takes over the duties of
Youngstein,
Max E.
who resigned as vicepresident
in charge o!
these activities May 20
to join Paramount. Leon Brandt
Youngstein is director of national advertising,
publicity and exploitation for Paramount.
Brandt joined Eagle Lion in October 1946
as midwestern exploitation representative.
Two years later he was named exploitation
manager, and last month became assistant
director of advertising, puWicity and exploitation,
succeeding Jerry Pickman, who had resigned
to become director of exhibitor relations
for Paramount.
During the mid 1930s Brandt did publicity
work for subsidiaries of National Theatres.
He later resigned to go into business for
himself, and in 1942 joined United Artists
as a home office exploitation representative.
Heineman said that he and Brandt will
continue the close sales-advertising and publicity
association developed during the
Youngstein regime.
Film Classics. Cinecolor
Split Talks Due June 14
NEW YORK—Directors of Film Classics
and Cinecolor will meet June 14 for a discussion
of whether or not the two companies
will be separated. It is expected a decision
will be reached at that time, according to
Joseph Bemhard.
In the meantime it has been officially
stated that S. H, Fabian is not interested
in buying into Film Classics.
BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949
17
I

completing
A/.y. Branch Takes Lead
In Monogram Drive
At the end of the first six weeks of the
current STEVE BROIDY 25TH ANNIVER-
SARY DRIVE FOR BOXOFFICE'S JIM
MOTE FUND, a tabulation of the standings
of Monogram-Allied Artists exchanges
during the campaign revealed the New
York office to be well out in front, having
garnered 70.42 points, and followed in order
by Omaha, with 66.66 points, and Cleveland,
with 63.15.
The drive is designed to help Exhibitor Jim
Mote rebuild his 210-seat Gem Theatre in
Sterling, Okla., after the showcase was
destroyed by fire late in 1948.
THEATRE STANDINGS UNCHANGED
New standings of theatres in the drive had
not, at this writing, been completely tabulated.
The last figures released—for the week
ending April 22, 1949—found the Bijou Theatre
in Minneapolis occupying first position
with 40 points, followed by the Consolidated
in Honolulu, with 32 points, and the Tinker
Drive-In in Midwest City, Okla., tied for
third with the Luxor in Newark, N. J. Both
houses had garnered 31 points.
Standings of other Monogram-AA branches
follow:
St. Louis, 61.54 points; Memphis, 60.99
Salt Lake City, 60.99; Dallas, 59.45; Oklahoma
City, 58.99; Atlanta, 58.19; Minneapolis, 58.02
Indianapolis, 57.88; Denver. 57.50; Boston
57.39; Pittsburgh, 57.26; Cincinnati, 56.68
Des Moines, 56.66; Charlotte. 55.44; Detroit
54.94; New Orleans, 54.42; Milwaukee, 53.87
Washington, 52.13; Los Angeles, 50.49; Seattle
50.40; Kansas City, 50.13; Philadelphia, 49.82
San Francisco, 49.07; Buffalo, 49.03; Albany
47.73; and, in the cellar spot, Portland, 37.87
Monogram-AA is, during the 13-week drive
donating a portion of its receipts over the
normal established for each of its exchanges
to BOXOFFICE'S Jim Mote Fund, the minimum
having been set at a guaranteed $5,000.
Additionally, BOXOFFICE is contributing
funds already donated by its readers, amounting
at this point to approximately $2,000, as
well as additional donations from subscribers,
and also is pledging a percentage of revenue
derived from the advertising which accompanies
these announcements.
BONDS AS TOP PRIZES
Offered as prizes to entrants in the campaign
are a total of $3,500 in U.S. government
bonds as well as an array of valuable and
useful merchandise.
Meantime, the humanitarian aspects of the
effort to re-establish an unfortunate exhibitor
continued to invoke an unending flood of
messages from exhibition circles congratulating
Broidy and BOXOFFICE and pledging
support of the drive. Among such communiques
and typical of the response generated
by the campaign are the following;
"We shall do our best ... I hope that the
drive will meet with great success." Herbert
Kohn, Malco Theatres, Inc., Memphis.
"It will be a pleasure to assist you in your
endeavor."—E. D. Martin, Martin Theatres of
Florida, Inc.
"You have my whole-hearted cooperation
... we will do everything in our power to help
Independent Producers
To Honor Broidy
In recognition of his quarter-century
of activity in motion picture distribution
and production, Steve Broidy, president of
Monogram and Allied Artists, will be
guest of honor June 2 at a meeting of
the Independent Motion Picture Producers
Ass'n. I. E. Chadwick, veteran independent
film-maker, is president of the
organization.
Broidy will be lauded at the affair for
his participation in the current Broidy
anniversary drive for BOXOFFICE'S Jim
Mote Fund.
you put it over."—Carl Buermele, General
Theatre Service, Inc., Detroit.
Similar pledges came from such representative
organizations as Evergreen Theatres,
Seattle; Cooperative Theatre Service, of Pittsburgh
and Cincinnati; the Fourth Avenue
Amusement Co. of Louisville, and from other
exhibitors and service firms in all parts of
the U.S.
> IK W
'
Cleveland Franchise Held
By Nate Schultz
Driving force behind Cleveland activities in
the STEVE BROIDY 25TH ANNIVERSARY
DRIVE FOR BOXOFFICE'S JIM MOTE
FUND is Nate Schultz,
franchise holder and
president of Monogram
Film Distributors, Inc.
A native of Russia,
Schultz arrived in Cleveland
at the age of five.

I
AVES OF RAVES
FOR MONOGRAM'S
SEA-THRILLER!
5eo Story hofrfs
oction ond
suspense.' }m\-rQii production
with considerable and varied
andience appeatt"
-HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
Solid entertainment... capable
of building by worcf-of-mouth.
Different ond (ikeaMe...for
the whole fomi/yi"
-MOTION PICTURE HERALD
.Very good. Quite different
from the ordinary run of product.
No exhibitor need hesitate
to
book ond exploit itl"
-HARRISON'S REPORTS
Suspense and oction wellcombined.
Considerable appeal
for audiences everywherej"
-SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW
A LINDSLEY PARSONS Production • Directed by WILLIAM BEAUDINE
• Screenplay by w Scott Darling

vu TuuK DUA urriit a i-avok:
SUPPORT THE STEVE BROIDY 25th ANNIVERSARY
DRIVE FOR BOXOFflCE'S JIM MOTE FUND!
^HoTi^^ns
Read What
Harrison's
Reports
has to say about the
company that gives
you cooperation
where it counts!
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35
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I
EING
Grouped on the stage of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood
are the 13 finalists in National Theatres' "Talent Quest" contest,
together with members of Manny Harmon's orchestra. Fox
West Coast officials and makeup and costuming experts from the
studios. The ultimate winner, Charles Nelson, Ls fifth from left in
the front row. Nelson was the Fox Midwest circuit contestant.
'Talent Quest' Pays Off
For National Theatres
Here's a report on how a major circuit
streamlined an
old idea and used it to stimulate additional business.
e
By IVAN SPEAR
advanced with increasing frequency
in these uncertain times, when
theatre revenues are dwindling, is one
suggestion highly regarded by its adherents
as a panacea for balky boxoffices—a return
to "old-time showmanship" through the
blending of live entertainment with film
fare.
Proponents of the policy argue—and with
some logic—that the public in constantly
growing numbers is according vaudeville an
enthusiastic welcome and that exhibitors
therefore should capitalize on it, to the probable
ultimate benefit of their fiscal operations.
Such reasoning recently was accorded a
thorough test—with results labeled, after a
preliminary survey, as "very helpful"— by
one of the country's leading circuits. National
Theatres, through the staging of its
"Talent Quest" contest, designed to unearth
previously undiscovered and or unexploited
newcomers antong the nation's aspiring
amateur entertainers. The contest final.s
were held in Hollywood late in April after
several weeks of intensive preliminary competition
among NT's subsidiary circuits—Pox
West Coast, Fox Inter-Mountain, Fox Midwest,
Pox Wisconsin and the Evergreen chain.
Other showmen may wish to emulate the
stunt as a means of building community
goodwill and patronage, either along the
lines set up by NT or in some modified, possibly
less elaborate form. Therefore, and
even though somewhat belatedly, a detailed
analysis of how the circuit staged its "Talent
Quest" may prove of some value:
Starting early in February, each district
-selected a "test house" and staged a preliminary
contest, of five acts each, for the
purpose of determining the best procedure
for launching the stunt in other theatre locations.
In FWC's southern California division,
for example, after the initial "test
run," 49 showcases were chosen to participate,
ranging from Santa Barbara on the
north to San Diego on the south and east
to Phoenix, Ariz.
Prom mid-February to mid-March, on a
specified night each week for five weeks,
these 49 theatres held "Talent Quest" programs
using five different acts each week,
selected from audition tryouts. The winners,
chosen by audience applause, qualified for
finals in each individual theatre.
In a subsequent cne-week period, individual
theatre finalists then competed for first
place at their respective theatres, whereupon
the winner entered the dstrict finals. Each
of FWC's eight southern California districts
staged such finals, the winners of which were
then sent to Loew's State, PWC first-run
outlet in Los Angeles, to compete in the divisional
finals.
The same procedure, varying only in minor
details, was pursued by NT's other divisions.
The winners in each division were trans-
Plenty of exploitation went into the
"Talent Quest." Here is one type of
lobby poster designed as an advance
teaser, being examined by Polly Sloan
(left) and Gerry Pattison, contest
entrants.
ported to Hollywood to compete on the stage
of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, with Dick
Haymes, radio and video star, as master of
ceremonies, and music supplied by Manny
Harmon's orchestra. The finals were highlighted
by personal appearances by film luminaries
including Shirley Temple, Sid Grauman.
Celeste Holm, Eddie Bracken, Roy Rogers,
Dale Evans, the Riders of the Purple
Sage, Edgar Bergen, Dan Dailey and Richard
Widmark.
All of the contestants' expenses, including
travel, hotel and meals, were paid by NT.
An important adjunct to the smooth staging
of the entire contest—and an imperative
"must" for other exhibitors planning something
of a similar nature—was a tiein with
newspapers, radio stations and merchants in
each community. In Los Angeles, for example,
the "Talent Quest" was jointly sponsored by
PWC and the Daily News, while a prominent
jewelry firm contributed several thousand
dollars' worth of custom-made jewelery and
watches to the ultimate contest winners. In
other Pacific coast areas newspaper cooperation
was arranged via the San Francisco
News, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the
Spokane Chronicle, the Portland Oregonian
and scores of newspapers in smaller communities
such as Long Beach, Compton and
Inglewood.
Similarly, in other parts of the country
newspaper and radio backing also was
secured. In the Fox Wisconsin territory, for
example, sponsors included the Milwaukee
Sentinel, the Kenosha Evening News, the
Ozaukee News, the Beaver Dam Citizen and
the Fond Du Lac News.
pOR the sake of the record, a recapitulation
of the winning amateurs is necessary. First
place went to Charles Nelson, 15-year-old
Salina, Kansas, baritone, who was awarded
$1,000 in cash, a $1,000 diamond ring and a
custom-made wrist watch. Additionally, he
was given a screen test by 20th Century-Fox.
In second place was Gordon Leigh, 13-yearold
boy soprano from Seattle, who walked off
with $500 cash, a $500 ring and a watch; Alfred
Purcell, 13, concert pianist from Alhambra,
Calif., bagged third spot, $250 in
cash, a $250 ring and a watch; and $100 in
cash, a $100 ring and a watch went to the
fourth-place winner, Albert Uhalde, 30, baritone
from San Francisco.
The remaining five competing acts each
(Continued
on next page)
COVER PHOTO:
The finals of the "Talent Quest." Young
Charles Nelson gets the first place prize, as
Bob Duke (left), manager of Loew's State,
and Manny Harmon, the house band leader,
look on.
BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949
21

Talenf Quest'
(Continued from preceding page)
received a $50 participation prize, and the
nine members of those acts each were presented
with a custom-made watch.
Winners were selected by audience applause
and by a council of judges at Grauman's
Chinese Theatre, the judges including Ivan
Kahn and Milton Lewis, talent scouts for
20th Centiu-y-Fox and Paramount, respectively,
and John Kingsley, president of the
Hollywood chamber of commerce.
For the guidance of NT personnel engaged
in staging the various "Talent Quest" preliminaries,
the circuit prepared an elaborate
brochure containing detailed information as
to how the event should be handled in each
theatre. Among helpful hints worthy of being
passed on to other exhibitors are such suggestions
as:
1. It is not a one-man show. To present
it right will take the facilities of your screen,
your lobby and advertising plus the cooperation
of a newspaper and radio station.
2. The more attractive your prizes and
awards, the more attracted to your "Talent
Quest" will be contestants.
3. The master of ceremonies should be
supplied a short introduction for each contestant
and cautioned to avoid wise-cracking
at the expense of any entrant. He should
play it straight and not waste time being
funny or performing himself, even for laughs.
4. You cannot sit back in anticipation of
sufficient voluntary performers. The best
will have to be searched for.
5. Every applicant must be auditioned before
appearing on your stage.
6. Avoid embarrassing any contestant and
give them all a fair chance to display their
talents.
7. The ideal show should be from eight te
ten acts and should not rim more than 30 to
35 minutes. No encores should be permitted.
8. Judging must be fair and must present
a clear-cut reflection of audience reaction to
the performers.
CUCH are among the rules devised by NT
as a blueprint designed to achieve the most
in the way of audience and contestant satisfaction,
increased revenue and community
good-will, and to hold to a minimum any
possible accusations of "partiaUty" or poor
showmanship.
The recent NT "Talent Quest" stemmed
from a similar contest first introduced in the
Fox Inter-Moimtain chain in the summer of
1948. It was presented in 24 houses with
newspaper and radio co-sponsorship, and the
idea snowballed almost from the start, proving
so popular that the decision was reached
to duplicate it on a nationwide basis by the
parent circuit.
As to the profits and benefits deriving
therefrom, these are viewed on a long-range
basis by NT executives rather than from the
standpoint of quick, short-term profits. In
the words of Dick Dickson, southern California
district manager for FWC, who was active
in staging the Hollywood finals:
"Business conditions throughout the country
are so mercurial that it would be difficult to
reduce the 'Talent Quest' into terms of dollars
and cents. We are, however, certain of
one thing—that it afforded a splendid opportunity
for yoimg people to demonstrate
their hitherto unexploited talents and that,
therefore, as a medium for building goodwill
among the public it had very substantial
results."
Charles Nelson (center) of Salina,
Kas., receives the felicitations of Sid
Grauman, veteran showman, after Nelson
was voted the winner of National Theatres'
"Talent Quest" contest. Another
star performer, Shirley Temple, is the
smiling onlooker.
Fi-om Dickson's comment and other information
gleaned from NT spokesmen,
several salient factors become apparent:
In the southern California area, particularly
in Los Angeles and Hollywood—where
the semi-finals and finals were held—the
increase in theatre attendance was below expectations.
This Dickson attributes primarily
to the well-established fact that the sector
is considerably more blase and sophisticated
than elsewhere, since it is the entertainment
center of the world; and, consequently, it is
vastly more difficult a task to excite the public
about new and imtested talent.
Results were progressively bettter in areas
farther and farther away from Hollywood,
and were considerably more satisfactory in
communities such as San Francisco, Denver,
Seattle. San Diego and Phoenix.
Further, Dickson pointed out, FWC and
NT shouldered a heavy burden in the Los
Angeles-Hollywood area, since it was necessary
to supply suitable promotional and advertising
material, in large quantity, for the
contest finals.
It has not been determined whether or not
the "Talent Quest" will be repeated. NT
executives are, however, giving the matter
"serious consideration" because circuit officials
were well pleased with the results.
Charles Skouras
Dick Dickson
Charles Skouras, president of National
Theatres, who guided the "Talent Quest"
project and Dick Dickson, southern California
division manager for Fox West
Coast.
UA and RKO Settle
'Champion' Battle
HOLLYWOOD—Legal
pyrotechnics involving
RKO Radio's allegation that sequences
in its prizefight melodrama, "The Set-Up,"
were pirated and incorporated into another
story of the squared circle, "Champion," came
to an abrupt end via an out-of-court settlement
wherein certain deletions are being
made in the footage of the latter picture.
Mutual agreement was reached by attorneys
representing RKO Radio and the defendants.
Screen Plays, Inc., and United
Artists, producer and distributor, respectively,
of "Champion." As recommended by Federal
Judge Peirson M. Hall, who viewed both films
during the course of the lawsuit, approximately
100 feet of film, representing about
a minute's running time and including only
two words of dialog, is being scissored from
"Champion."
UA has about 250 prints of the film in
distribution, which are to be revised within
two weeks.
Originally RKO Radio had filed suit seeking
an injunction to restrain the distribution
of "Champion" and asking $500,000 in damages
on the grounds Screen Plays and UA
had violated the copyright on "The Set-Up."
As part of the settlement, Screen Plays
does not acknowledge that it may have
"pirated" any story material from "The
Set-Up," while RKO Radio pledged it will
bring no damage actions against any exhibitors
for having shown the uncut version.
Moreover, until the indicated cuts have been
made in release prints of "Champion," exhibitors
may book and run the picture as is.
MPEA and Army Talk Over
Film Problem in Orient
NEW YORK—Termination of the present
Motion Picture Export Ass'n contract for
fUm distribution in Japan and Korea is now
being discussed with U.S. army heads in
Washington. The present contract expires
July 1. MPEA brought the matter to a head
May 19 when its directors voted disapproval
of the army's action in blocking yen balances
and dollar remittances, allowing American
companies to recover only the amount of
their expenses in distributing films in those
two countries. The amoimt they have been
permitted to withdraw since the end of the
war is only about $185,000.
MPEA is understood to be receptive to a
new contract permitting arrangements for
taking some profits out of the countries but
won't go along under the old plan, putting
it up to army brass hats as to whether they
wish the Japs and Koreans to continue to
see American films. Not long ago the far
east command of the army congratulated
Charles Mayer, MPEA representative in
Japan, on the public relations job he was
doing with filins. It could be that the army
had had the tipoff then on the action now
taken by MPEA.
RKO Advances Ed Stokes
NEW YORK—Robert Mochrie, vice-president
and general sales manager of RKO,
appointed Ed Stokes assistant to Frank
Mooney, RKO Radio North-South division
sales approval manager. Stokes was formerly
assistant to Irving Cane, head of the contract
department.
22 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

YOU CAN ALWAYS DEPEND ON THE COMPANY
THAT DELIVERS WHAT IT PROMISES!!!!
Wilt James'
SAND • IT HAPPENS EVERY SPRING • THE BEAUTIFUL
BLONDE FROM BASHFUL BEND • MR. BELVEDERE
GOES TO COLLEGE THE FORBIDDEN STREET • • THE
•
FAN CANADIAN PACIFIC MOTHER • IS A FRESHMAN
A LETTER TO THREE V\/IVES • DOWN
TO THE
SEA IN SHIPS • THE SNAKE PIT • YELLOW SKY
^Z'l^^ /^ gU*^ //i^2Si F«^ atf«n£Baclt th» Motion Picture Industry'i U. S. SAVINGS BONDS DRIVE, May l6- June 30

THm' €utd Sv^*t^
By JAMES M. JERAULD
New Clearances Spread
•THOSE shortened clearance setups are
spreading rapidly from Chicago to Minneapolis,
to Memphis to Philadelphia, to
the coast and elsewhere. Details vary in
various places and the methods of companies
are not the same, but the general
results are similar—faster playoffs.
Exhibitor reactions are a mixture of surprise,
pleasure and dismay. Two regional
Allied units have protested hotly that setting
up neighborhood first runs involves
bidding.
This is true, but what of it? Most city
exhibitors have been protesting for years
they have had to wait too long for films.
they get earlier rans. the price naturally
is higher, and, if some other exhibitor
wants the picture on the same run, the
man who offers the most gets it.
It's disturbing for the exhibitors who like
the status quo and know from experience
what they can afford to pay for films. Until
they have had experience with the new
system they must guess.
Nobody has ever been able to take the
chance element out of this business. It
begins with the story purchase and continues
until the last worn print has gone
into storage. If the new system gives more
exhibitors opportunities to get more pictures
when they want them in a fair competitive
struggle, with a better average of
profits, criticism of the change probably
will fade.
He's From the 'Sou-outh'
FLLIS ARNALL, president of the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Producers,
is from Gawja, suh, and he has a
bit of southern drawl, but further resemblance
to a gentleman from the land of
peaches and corn pone is not only not coincidental;
it's non-existent. He move too
fast.
Since he decided that those Anglo-
American conferences on quota and blocked
funds promised no good for independent
producers he has been popping up all over
the landscape.
"They're violating the Webb-Pomerene
law," he tells 'Washington department
heads and members of both branches of
Congress. If it's confusing on this side of
the Atlantic, it must be bewildering on the
other side.
How to get pictures into England and get
dollars out are the basic points at issue.
Talking Pictures in 1913
JI^NYBOUY around who remembers talking
pictures in 1913?
Up to last week this question could have
started an argument almost anywhere, because
the industry veterans will tell you
without stopping to take a deep breath that
talking pictures started in 1927. These are
the younger industry veterans.
Some of the old-timers have vague recollections
that Thomas A. Edison exhibited
a talking picture apparatus that connected
a projector booth to a graphophone located
behind the screen, but most of them think
If
this was a one-shot demonstration done
somewhere in New York. It was more than
that. On Sunday, May 15, the New York
Times reproduced a Palace Theatre ad published
in April 1913. In the middle of it
appears the words: "Edison's Talking
Moving Pictures, and second week by
popular request of Miss Orford and Her
Wonderful Elephants."
Ethel Barrynaore in a Richard Harding
Davis playlet took over the following week
—April 28.
Something Unusual
CTANLEY KRAMER, independent producer,
can claim an unusual distinction—especially
unusual in these days
when there is so much talk about the
troubles of the independents. He has two
pictures playing on Broadway— "Home
of the Brave" at the 'Victoria and "Champion"
at the Globe. Both are doing excellent
business.
Phillips Warms Up
\A7HEN H. I. Phillips, who conducts the
Sun Dial in the Sun, New York evening
paper, heard in March that Neil Agnew of
would re-
the Motion Picture Sales Corp.,
issue seven of Harold Lloyd's comedies he
devoted practically the entire column to his
reactions—all of which were warmly in
favor of the plan and a bit critical of the
present dearth of comedies.
Agnew has had the column reprinted for
distribution by the sales staff.
Phillips wound up his comments by
writing: "More fans are crying for the
return of the day when comedians were
artists and craftsmen, not muggers and
gangsters largely dependent on highpowered
press agents. And those famous
Lloyd comedies will help. So again I toss
my hat into the air over the news and wish
you lots of luck. Also why not some new
Lloyd comedies, or won't the Hollywood
moguls stand for genuine fun in current
scripts?"
See Television Linking
Coasts by End of 1950
NE'W YORK—The prediction that by the
end of 1950 some 12,000 miles of coaxial cable
will be, carrying television programs and
telephone messages from coast to coast was
made by the Bell Telephone Laboratories
during its celebration of the 20th anniversary
of the cable. The cables now carry three
television programs and 600 simultaneous telephone
calls each way between New York and
Chicago. 'When no television programs are
being sent, they can carry 1,800 telephone
conversations.
Credit for the invention is given to Lloyd
Espensohied and Herman A. Affel, Bell veterans.
The first cable was three inches In
diameter while the present one is about the
size of a lead pencil, very flexible and a
much more efficient carrier. They predicted
that it might be developed to the point where
it would be two to three times as capable of
handling wide bands of frequencies.
OLDEST EXHIBITOR
LARNED, KAS.—This Kansas town
claims the veteran of all exhibitors
John Schnack, owner of the Electric
Theatre—who has been exhibiting motion
pictures exclusively for 47 years.
The town helped him celebrate the anniversary
this month.
In 1901, a couple of itinerant showmen
came into town and rented the
Opera House for a picture show. Business
was so terrific that Schnack and
a friend decided to go into exhibition.
They invested in Edison Kinetoscope,
formed the Edison Exhibition Co. and
gave daily shows throughout the area,
starting in May 1902. Pour years later,
Schnack opened the Electric Theatre,
first in the old Opera House and later
in a new theatre, and has been exhibiting
ever since.
"Mind you," warns Schnack, "this is
not a success story. I have never had
more than one theatre. I have had continuous
opposition for 40 years and
about 40 different competitors. You
know what that means as far as making
money in a town of 4,000 is concerned.
I'm satisfied with my 400-seater
and I'm looking forward to celebrating
50 years in motion pictures in 1952."
'Two Hearts' to Dembow
NEW YORK—Sam Dembow jr.,
president
of Producei-s Service Corp., has been named
representative for "Two Hearts in Three
Quarter Time," which will be made in
Austria and distributed in the U.S. by United
Artists. Douglas Sirk will start shooting the
pictm-e in August. He is now in Vienna supervising
preliminary work.
RKO to Release 7 Disneys
NEW YORK— Seven Walt Disney one-reel
Technicolor cartoons will be released by RKO
during the summer months. Cun-ent release
is "Pluto's Sweater," to be followed by "Winter
Storage," featuring Donald Duck; "Bubble
Bee," featuring Pluto, the dog; "Honey
Harvest," another Donald Duck and "Tennis
Racquet," featuring Croofy.
24 BOXOFFICE May 28, 1949

OP&M^> /
-pRAisel
Box-office power . • . indicates
J)ng and prosperous runs."
I
—M. P. Daily
'Distinguished motion pic-
Huston's genius flames
lure.
rightly."—N. y. Herald Tribune
|A rousing experience In the
fieatre."—N.y. World-Telegram
Outstanding . . . intensely vivid
nd exciting.
—N.Y. Joumal-American
A masterpiece and a miracle."
—N.Y. Daily Mirror
^'Strong b. o. thriller . . . can't help
but do business everywhere."
— Variety
'^Great emotional wallop ... It
could very well be considered for
the Oscar of 1949."—Co/z/erv Mag.
^Tascinating . . . taut dramatic
film . . . Every part is well acted."
— N.Y. Daily News
"Desperate melodramatic tale
• • • staggeringly pictorialized."
—N.Y. Times
Jennifer JOMES
JOHN Garfieid
,.
PedroARMENDARIZ JOHN HUSTON'S,
Wb Were Sthangers
COLUMBIA
PICTURE
•
Gilbert Roland Ramon Novarro Wally Cassell David •
l„m ROBERT SYLVESTER'S novel, 'ROUGH SKETCH' • AN HORIZON PRODUniON
•
Bond screen piay by peter viertel and johnhustom^
•
Directed by JOH N H USTON Produced by S. P. EAGLE

TVcu^iH'^tati
TT IS NOT LIKELY that the Department
of Justice will take any action on the
Society of Independent Motion Picture F>roducers'
protest against the reported agreement
by the Anglo-American Film Council
at least until there is some formal indication
that agreement has been reached. Since it is
not expected that the upcoming council meet
will result in anything conclusive, it is not
likely the government will have anything to
say for some time, if at all.
As yet, there has been no clear sign from
either the State or Justice department
whether the Council is considered to have
any real stature. The British last week suggested
to the State department that both
governments hold off and see what the council
might agree upon, but as we get it the
department has not committed itself in any
way to further delay.
What could happen is that the State department
will wait a while, notify the British
it cannot wait upon the negotiations of the
industry spokesmen, then sit back and wait
for the British to reply to that one. Weeks
might go by, during which the council would
have its chance to work something out.
An agreement by the councO, it is believed,
would be quite authoritative, so far as the
British are concerned, but there is no indication
here how much it would mean to the
American government. If the independents'
case is found to be strong, of course, the
Department of Justice may have to move
but the State department could pass the word
to the Motion Picture Export Ass'n even
before then that it had better make peace
with the SIMPP before trying to conclude
any agreement with the British.
NEGOTIATIONS ON THE in-principle
agreement for settlement of the ten-year-old
antitrust case against the Schine circuit are
dragging, and the optimism of a couple of
months ago has disappeared. The government
twice has agreed to continue the slated
hearing in Buffalo district court on its demand
for the virtually complete breakup of
the circuit, but it is now not certain it will
have an agreement to present the court by
June 18, the current target date.
It was believed especially significant that
Antitrust Chief Herbert Bergson said last
week as he left for the west coast that
there will be no negotiating talks in the
Schine case in his absence. He would not
have been so emphatic about it were the discussions
routine talks in the drive for outof-court
settlement.
« * *
THE SUPREME COURT was asked again
last week to review the Momand case. On
May 2 it refused to take jurisdiction in the
18-year-old litigation, but court rules permit
a new petition based on legal grounds not
set forth in the first request. Harold Schilz,
new coimsel to Momand, has offered new
legal points in the fight to win the reinstatement
of a Boston jury award which
would have meant nearly a million dollars
in damages from the majors to A. B. Momand.
The jury award was set aside by Federal
Judge Charles Wyzanski, and the new petition
to the high court argues that Wyzanski
^cfoont
By ALAN HERBERT
was in error in finding it material that
Momand had failed to show "specific intent"
by the majors to damage him personally.
Precedent in antitrust litigation makes it
adequate for Momand to show merely that
he is one of the class of people the defendants
conspired to damage, the new petition
holds. It also charges error in Wyzanski's
order regarding the establishment of monetary
damages.
* *
LAWYERS HERE ARE watching the Meisleman
antitrust case, in Charlotte, N. C, with
considerable interest. MGM was excused
from the case, it is recalled, because it agreed
to offer its product in the area on a competitive
bidding basis which permitted
Meisleman to bid against the Wilby-Kincey
competition in the city.
There is some speculation that the court
might order all the major exchanges in the
area to offer product on a competitive basis.
It is recalled that although normal rentals
rarely topped 40 per cent on the negotiated
basis, MGM rentals went as high as 54 per
cent on the competitive basis.
THE NEW BILL INTRODUCED last
week
by Rep. Wilbur MUls of Arkansas, which
would put business firms on a pay-as-you-go
basis, was looked upon in some quarters as
a possible means of winning excise tax reduction.
It would call upon businessmen to
pay up their next annual tax bill within six
months from the close of their tax year,
rather than one year, and would mean an
immediate gain of an estimated $4.6 billion.
If such a bill went through, and important
Democrats are interested in it, it is not unlikely
that it would carry a rider reducing
the excise taxes — including the admission
levy. GOP opposition was loud and immediate,
and although Democrats at first glance
liked the bill better than any straight tax
increase measures offered it would be rash
to predict that it will get very far.
Amusing Benny Short
For Treasury Drive
NEW YORK—Jack Benny, Rochester,
Byron Foulger and several other actors
have contributed their services to make
an entertaining short, "The Spirit of '49,"
which will induce theatre patrons to buy
U.S. Treasury bonds during the savings
drive. Six htmdred prints of the short
have been distributed by Universal-International
to theatres.
The short uses action shots from such
famous western epics as "The Covered
Wagon," "Union Pacific" and "The Thundering
Herd" during the story of Benny's
grandfather who went west during the
gold rush of 1849. In 1949, his grandson,
who turned his gold into savings bonds
in 1939, collects four dollars for each
three he invested. The message is confined
to the last minute of the 12-minute
picture.
KIDDING THE DRIVE-INS
The drive-in theatre has opened a new
era of activity for the cartoonist. Some
of the drawings are twists on old indoor
theatre jokes, but some are original such
as these two which appeared in recent
issues of the Saturday Evening Post. Currently,
editors of the Post are showing
considerable interest in both cartoons dealing
with the motion picture theatre and
articles on the amusement world. In last
week's issue, the magazine carried the first
of a series of eight articles on W. C. Fields
and "Popcorn Crazy," a story of popcorn
in the theatre and the part Manley, Inc.
plays in it.
Major Oldfield on Orders
For Honolulu Assignment
WASHINGTON—Orders have been issued
by the army which will send Maj. Barney
Oldfield to headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaiian
Islands, upon completion of his present
assignment as a student in the Command
& General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth,
Kas.
Oldfield, former BOXOFFICE correspondent
and onetime motion picture editor of the
Nebraska State Journal, in Lincoln, served
two years after the war in the publicity department
of Warner Bros, in Hollywood, and
returned to uniform when the call went out
for officers of previous service with public
relations experience in civilian life.
MGM Wins Second Award
NEW YORK—"The Stratton Story" (MGM)
has been chosen picture of the month for
June by the Christian Herald in association
with the Protestant Picture coimcil. "Command
Decision" received the award for
March. Both were directed by Sam Wood.
26 BOXOFFICE May 28, 1949

'i^oUeftiMMcC ^cfront
Kramer-Stillman Alliance
Ended After Two Films
A productional and financial association
under which two current and widely discussed
United Artists
releases were made
came to a halt with
the disclosure that
Screen Plays Corp. has
reached the end of its
two-picture deal with
Stanley Kramer
John StiUman. Florida
financier. The Stanley
independent
Kramer
unit, in liaison with
Stillman. turned out
"Champion." currently
in first run engagements,
and "Home of
the Brave." due for release shortly.
Kramer said his next three Screen Plays
films for UA will be completed with new
financing from other sources.
Family 'Series' Films
Returning Into Vogue
Family "series" films, once widely popular
but in recent years having gone into something
of an eclipse, may again come into
vogue, it was indicated when Monogram gave
the green light to Producer Peter Scully to
By
IVAN SPEAR
ready a third picture in his "Latham Family"
comedies starring Raymond Walburn. Scully.
whose Mayfair Pictures unit already has
made "Henry, the Rainmaker" and "Leave It
to Henry." has already set Jean Yarbrough
to meg the new entry in the group, titled
"Blame It on Henry." It will go before the
cameras in July.
Only other "family" series still active
MGM having tabled its "Hardys" and 20th
Century-Fox long since having abandoned its
"Joneses"—are the "Bringing Up Father"
films being produced by Barney Gerard, also
for Monogram, and based on the George Mc-
Manus comic strip, and Columbia's perennial
"Blondies."
Paul Short to Produce
Police 'Documentary'
Comes now another film subject described
as "factual" and "documentary." this one
emanating from the independent production
unit headed by Paul Short and to star Audie
Murphy, the World War II hero who had his
first starring assignment in Short's Allied
Artists entry, "Bad Boy." The new one. also
to be made for AA release, is titled "The
Police Story," and will be made with the
cooperation of the Los Angeles police department,
with all information for the yarn
being combed from that organization's bulging
files.
MGM Delays Two Costly Productions:
'Annie Get Your Gun/ 'Quo Vadis'
Chain reactions as demonstrated in
experiments with nuclear fission ain't got
nothin' on the cycle of circumstances
which led to the postponement of two
costly film projects, both on the MGM
production docket, and both shelved for
the time being because of unforeseen and
unavoidable difficulties.
The vehicles concerned are "Annie Get
Your Gun." the tunefilm which ground
to a halt after several weeks of camera
work when Judy Garland, who had the
title role, was suspended, and "Quo Vadis,"
slated for filming in Italy with Gregory
Peck in the topline.
In the case of "Annie." Miss Garland
was replaced by Betty Hutton, borrowed
from Paramount. Almost immediately,
however. MGM and Paramount "mutually
decided"—according to an official
joint statement—not to resume work on
the MGM opus until after La Hutton has
finished a co-.starring assignment with
Fred Astaire in Paramount's "Let's
Dance." So "Annie" stays on the shelf
while Hutton remains on her home lot.
Originally Paramount had "indefinitely
postponed" the Hutton-Astaire musical,
but that action was reconsidered after
a survey had been made of the elaborate
advance production preparations for
"Let's Dance."
Almost simultaneously MGM absorbed
another jolt when Peck was hospitalized
with an eye ailment, rendering him unable
to report in time to launch "Quo
Vadis" in Rome July 1. Upon recovery
from his illness Peck must first finish
his starring role in 20th Century-Fox's
"Tw-elve O'clock High," on which approximately
a month of shooting remains.
MGM therefore has postponed "Quo
Vadis" until next spring, pointing out
that any brief delay in starting would
extend the schedule into Italy's season
of bad weather and would "present serious
problems to the extensive exterior
location production."
Henry Henigson, who is representing
the studio in Italy and has been setting
up the preliminai-y arrangements for
camera w-ork on "Quo Vadis." will remain
in Rome to continue preparations. All
material and equipment already rounded
up will remain in readiness for the start
next spring.
Meantime, John Huston, who had been
set to meg, was immediately handed another
assignment to pilot "Asphalt Jungle."
a documentary police yarn to be
produced by Arthur Hornblow jr., who
also will produce "Quo Vadis" when it
hits the cameras.
Niven Busch Is
Over Title
for Film
Vexed
Sometimes the task of hanging a title
on a picture—simple as that operation
might appear on the surface—can cause
more trouble and vexation than the actual
production chores themselves. At least,
so testifieth Niven Busch, who—with Edward
Nassour as his associate—is about
to launch under the banner of Showtime
Pictures an opus co-starring Teresa
Wright and Lew Ayres, to be distributed
by RKO Radio.
Busch developed the property under
the title of "Daybreak." Then up popped
the J. Arthur Rank organization to point
out that our British cousins already
have completed a film under that tag.
Just so there could be no hint of international
discord. Busch dropped the handle
in favor of Tycoon Rank and adopted,
in its stead. "Guilt." Almost immediately
he ran into trouble again, when Columbia
notified him it had registered
"The Guilty" as a working title.
At this point the Wright-Ayres subject
is nameless, while the MPAA's title registration
committee is undertaking to arbitrate
the Columbia-Busch hassle.
Salt Lake City Bankers
To Make Films in Utah
Everybody, apparently, wants to get in on
the picture-making act. And that includes a
group of Salt Lake City bankers and financiers,
who have organized the Mid-Continent
Pictures Corp. and constructed a two-stage
studio at Midway, Utah, some 45 miles outside
of Salt Lake City.
The outfit, headed by Thomas C. Atkins,
has booked Michael O'Shea to star in a projected
.series of eight features titled "The
American Patrol Service." and based on the
U.S. government agency which protects the
nation's natural resources. Plans are to turn
out the films at the rate of four a year, the
first to get imder way early in July. No release
has been set.
. . Co-
Cast for 'Monte Cristo'
Is Selected at SG
A cast including Glenn Langan, Adele Jergens
and Steve Brodie was rounded up for
"Treasure of Monte Cristo." which Leonard
Picker is producing for Screen Guild release
Henry O'Neill, observing his 15th
. . . anniversary in films, joined the cast of Paramount's
"I Married a Dead Man" .
lumbia handed Lola Albright a term ticket
and the femme lead opposite Jack Carson in
"The Good Humor Man."
20th-Fox Inks Kohlmar
For Three More Years
Fred Kohlmar w-as handed a three-year
extension of his producer pact at 20th Cen-
. . Jerry
tury-Fox, where he has a program of three
films all set to roll next month .
Wald draws the production reins on "Always
Leave Them Laughing." in which Milton
Berle will star for Warners . . . Megging assignments
at MGM include Mervyn LeRoy
to "East Side. West Side," and George Sidney
to "Keys of the City."
BOXOFFICE
:
: May
28, 1949 27

i want
I
HURST
fSVJ
Theatre
Construction,
Openings and Sales
CONSTRUCTION:
Barstow, Calif. — Ground broken for 1,000-seat
house by Western Amusement Co., Ted Jones, president.
Camp Wood, Tex.—Ground broken for new theatre
to replace the present Dixie by L. J. Dean,
owner.
Charlemont, Mass.— Drive-in under way for Carl
H. Nilman of Buckland, Mass.
Compton, Calif.—Compton Drive-In, 1,200 cars, under
way for Dave Rector.
Corpus Christi, Tex.—New drive-in platined by
Arnulfo Gonzales of Laredo on Port drive. Architects:
Spillman

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
nmm
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
uafcartM^air* * «»*
DVd^o^e^
The difference between an optimist
and a pessimist is that the
optimist looks at his house with
assurance and says, "It's half full."
The pessimist looks at the same
house and says, "It's half empty."
Having worked for so many theatre
owners who were pessimistic
at heart, perhaps it is only natural
that we have developed a pessimistic
outlook, particularly whenever
we see empty theatre seats.
Of course, during the war years
and in the period immediately following,
even the most pessimistic
exhibitors came to change their
viewpoints. Many changed radically
and became outright optimists.
Not having been an exhibitor at
that time, we were never able to
change our own habits and so have
remained a pessimist right up to
now.
We read in the tradepapers the
other day that business is improving.
Optimists will say: "That's
fine. Great. Glad to hear it." But
being a pessimist, and having visited
a number of theatres lately
where we saw a surprising number
of empty seats, we believe that the
prosperity mentioned in the trade
reports must be confined to areas
outside the geographic limitations
of New York City.
We took the trouble to check with
a few exhibitors and circuit o^vners
around here. The most important
revelation is that theatres in Manhattan
and the Bronx are not suffering
as much as those in Brooklyn
and Queens. We believe there
is an obvious reason for this. Apartment
dwellers in Manhattan and
the Bronx do not find it easy getting
their landlord's permission to
rig TV aerials on rooftops. Brooklyn
and Queens residents are mostly
home owners or tenants of two and
four-family domiciles and do not encounter
so much landlord resistance.
We haven't seen a breakdown of
the 550,000 home TV sets in the
New York area, but it is just possible—and
highly probable—that a
large percentage of the total are
installed in Brooklyn and Queens.
That would make the drop in theatre
business in those boroughs more
than a mere coincidence. It might
also shed some light on TV com-
( Continued on page 30)
Civic, Merchant Aid Given
'Neptune in So. Carolina
A saturation campaign which covered Columbia,
S. C, and communities In a 50-
mile area, presaged the southern premiere of
"Neptune's Daughter" at the Carolina Theatre.
National tieups for the picture played
a major role in one of the most comprehensive
campaigns ever undertaken in that
part of the country.
The campaign was planned and executed
by Dave Garvin, manager of the Carolina,
the entire theatre staff, and Tom Baldridge,
MGM exploiteer. Every phase of the campaign
was prepared well in advance and was
completed down to the minutest detail.
BATHING BEAUTY CONTEST
A "Neptune's Daughter" contest sponsored
by the city recreation and parks department,
a Neptune water pageant, a bathing
beauty street parade and a proclamation by
the mayor of Columbia were among the
highlights.
Radio stations and newspapers thi-oughout
the area outdid themselves with publicity
for the premiere. National tieups produced
record plugs through ads, promoted radio
time and dealer cooperation.
The Lux soap hookup yielded co-op space
in all local and out-of-town papers, 1,000
Lux Journal giveaways for distribution, 200
Esther Williams counter cards imprinted
with playdates for display by retail outlets,
several hundred black-white and color ad
reprints for house-to-house distribution, 100
giant Esther Williams cutouts for display by
grocers and drug stores, 5,000 dealer broadcasts
for distribution to store customers and
a carton of .soap for giveaway on a disk
jockey radio program.
HEAVY TIEUPS HELP
Representatives of Cole swim suits were
contacted in Florida and Los Angeles for
the following cooperation: Newspaper and
radio advertising placed locally by retail
dealers, 5,000 reprints of a national magazine
ad for distribution with theatre imprint,
2,000 color photos of Esther Williams
in a Cole swim suit as a theatre giveaway
prior to opening, 50 full color counter cards
and an equal number of blowups for display
at stores handling the Cole product and
12 swim suits for giveaway via radio contests.
The Cugat jacket tieup, represented by
Sherman Shirts, helped to exploit the open-
—159—
ing by reaching additional people through
store displays, ads and radio plugs. Cugat
jackets were promoted and given as prizes
by disk jockeys on tune identifying contests
through which the picture received continuous
breaks.
Eight prominent music stores were brought
in on the campaign through Columbia and
MGM record tieups with co-op ads and lavish
window displays.
The Palmetto studio sponsored a "Neptune's
Daughter" photo contest offering cash and
camera prizes with the picture and theatre
dates dominating the promotion.
Belk's department store ran a full-page
new.spaper ad welcoming the southern premiere,
the Tapp Co. took a half-page ad
to promote Cole swim suits and the opening,
and several other leading merchants came
through with ads, windows, and other forms
of cooperative advertising which helped to
keep the picture title on the lips of the
public.
Each of 14 city parks conducted eliminations
to select the most attractive bathing
beauty representatives who appeared on the
Carolina stage opening night. The premiere
opening was ballyhooed in typical Hollywood
style. The Chamber of Commerce sponsored
the opening show which was preceded by the
Neptime parade and lobby interviews broadcast
by all radio stations as a distinguished
audience arrived.
Book Ballyhoo Boosts
Dayton 'Little Women'
Bill Reisinger, manager of Loew's Theatre,
Dayton, Ohio, used a perambulating book
ballyhoo built by the theatre sign shop to
exploit "Little Women." The book was placed
on a flat truck built with casters and was
moved around the downtown shopping area
by two uniformed ushers.
Hallmark Aids "Women
Bob Carney, manager of the Poll Theatre,
Waterbury, Conn., made effective use of the
Hallmark tieup to exploit "Little Women."
The Hallmark distributor arranged for window
displays, and Carney set up signs in the
windows of local book shops handling the
pocket size edition of the book.
29

Everything but the swinging door appears in this realistic theatre front built by Frank
Paul, manager of the Lyric Theatre, Indianapolis, for "I Shot Jesse James." Other features
of the campaign consisted of short teaser trailers, a 40x60 in the lobby with red painted
copy reading, "Is Jesse James dead?" and an outdoor ballyhoo.
Author Goes on Stage
For 'Flamingo' Bow
Mark DuPree, manager of the Enipire Theatre,
Daytona Beach, Fla.. promoted a wealth
of publicity and art in the local press as a
direct re.sult of cooperation he enlisted from
Robert Wilder, author of "Flamingo Road."
WOder, who was in Daytona Beach working
on a new book, proved extremely cooperative.
He furnished DuPree with a number of
photographs which were used extensively by
the press and in the theatre lobby.
The novelist agreed to autograph books
purchased at the Daytona book store coincident
with the opening of "Flamingo Road"
at tthe Empire. The book shop ran large
newspaper ads mentioning the theatre engagement,
and plugged the pictm-e through
window displays, counter displays, etc.
Wilder made a personal appearance on the
stage on opening night which was widely
publicized by press and radio. Station WNBB
interviewed the author on a 15-minute gratis
program the day before the picture opened.
Additional window displays were promoted
from book shops and a local furniture store.
Screenings and Music
Basis of 'Tulsa' Buildup
Myron Talman, manager of the Roxy Theatre,
Kansas City, did a good week's business
with "Tulsa" and passes his campaign along
for the benefit of other Showmandiser
readers.
He screened the picture for the district
managers of all local oil companies. "Tulsa"
recordings were planted with disk Jockeys on
all Kansas City radio stations, and sheet
music arrangements were given to entertainers
in various night spots.
A 9xl5-foot banner was placed against the
facade of the theatre building, above the
marquee, with spots illuminating it at night.
Posters and displays were used in the theatre
lobby in advance, and a special front was designed
for the current engagement.
Library Displays Help
Syracuse, N. Y., 'Pacific'
Dick Feldmans campaign for "Canadian
Pacific" at the Paramount Theatre in Syracuse,
N. Y., booked on a double feature program
with "A Duke of Chicago," was marked
by 25 window cards displayed in public libraries,
branch libraries, book store windows
and book counters in local department stores.
In exchange for a short trailer plugging
the Gabriel Heatter program over WNDR,
the Paramount show was plugged four times
a day for five consecutive days prior to opening.
The foreign language newspapers gave
"Canadian Pacific" gratis writeups, and a
co-op ad featuring a star head of Jane Wyatt
with mention of the theatre, title and playdates
was promoted from a neighborhood
beauty salon.
J {J
O^oaeu
(Continued from page 29)
petition in other locations where business
is not up to par.
We heard some comments from exhibitors
whom we queried that product has been
bad lately. Yet it has been good enough in
other parts of the country to show a general
increase in the volume of business. And with
the same product.
Exhibitors who argue that TV does not hurt
business might check statistics in the New
York area. The 550,000 sets probably are
reaching more than 25 per cent of the population.
If a sizable majority of TV sets in
New York are concentrated in two boroughs,
the theatres in those boroughs are competing
against a greater percentage of TV sets.
And as the TV saturation rating increases,
it is probable that motion picture attendance
decreases.
That formula will hold in any area and
for every exhibitor.
Heralds Distributed
To Launch Campaign
For 'Honeymoon'
Paul Townsend, manager of the Midwest
Theatre, Oklahoma City, launched his campaign
for "Family Honeymoon" by distributing
several thousand circulars plugging
forthcoming releases. Including "Honeymoon."
Art pieces in the lobby were displayed
two weeks in advance of opening.
Cross plug trailers, furnished by U-I, were
run at two affiliated houses in the city.
A 30-minute transcription record fm-nished
by the distributor and a personal interview
transcription were used over radio station
KTOW on promoted time. Free spot
announcements on the Treasure Chest quiz
program heard over KTOW were received in
exchange for several free passes. "Family
Honeymoon" was also plugged by Larry Cotton
on his sustaining show over WKY.
Advance newspaper art was placed in the
Sunday Oklahoman. The newspaper campaign,
starting nine days before opening,
was climaxed opening day with a 100-inch
ad, and through arrangements with the local
newspaper, a Lux soap newspaper co-op was
deliberately held up to break on opening
day of the second week of the picture's run
to implement the theatre's regular holdover
ad campaign.
Illuminated Display
Is Standout for 'Snake'
Concentrating selling in newspaper ads.
radio announcemen';s and the posting of a
24-sheet and three-sheets helped business on
"The Snake Pit" for James Bell, manager of
the Penn Theatre, New Castle, Pa.
Forty window cards w«re spotted in strategic
locations throughout the downtown
area. A special front was made up of 30x40s
and sets of 11x14 color photos. D splays were
located in two hotels, and a third carried
directory credits listing the theatre name and
picture title.
An outstanding window display was set
up with the G. C. Murphy Co. The window
was dominated by a Hollywood special 40x60,
illuminated from behind. In the foreground
were copies of the book, "The Snake Pit," and
stills from the film. Bell reports that because
of the illumination, the window was the Main
street
attraction.
Toy Balloons Released
With 'My Heart' Gifts
Randall Roberts, manager of the Browny
Theatre, Brownsburg, Ind., tied up with a local
grocery for a novel stunt which helped
exploit "So Dear to My Heart." Balloons
were filled with helium gas, and attached
to them were slips of paper entitling the
f:nders to such items as a ham, cake, coffee,
etc., redeemable at the cooperating grocery
store. The slips included a plug for "So Dear
to My Heart." The merchant publicized the
tieup with a 3-column, 14-inch newspaper ad
and announcements that the balloons would
be released at the theatre at a designated
time.
For "Hills of Home," Roberts stenciled
dog tracks on sidewalks throughout Brownsburg
with copy, "Follow me." The tracks
led to the theatre.
30 —160- BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 28, 1949

Profit Producers
The mammoth lobby display
lor "Canadian Pacific.
" at leit, was built
by Carl Rogers, manager
of the Broad Theatre.
Columbus. Ohio.
Fox West Coast Theatres
in Oakland exploited a
recent car giveaway
with this street motor
cade. Car caravan was
promoted by O. Roald
Vestbie. assistant at the
Franklin Theatre.
Model plane and still display in lobby of College.
College Point, N. Y.. helped Manager J. V. Pisapia
focus advance attention on "Command Decision."
Wannie Tyers. manager of the Odeon Toronto in Canada, hooked
up vtfith Arthur Murray tieup to hypo interest in "Saraband." Studio
instructors, below, gave free exhibition of new dance, "Mambo"
in the inner theatre lobby. Stunt attracted wide attention daily
from 6 to 8 p. m.
Window tieups played an important role in publicizing "Paleface"
at the Soisson Theatre. Connellsville, Pa. In addition to this full
display with luggage shop. Manager Alex Levin had a prominent
window loaded with Buttons and Bows clothing and "Paleface '
art.
Students of the Houston University modeling class took offense
at "Mr. Belvedere's" remarks pertinent to "sloppy dressing."
Pickets in front of the Majestic were right up the alley for Manager
Ed Bremer who cashed in handsomely on the spoken w^ord for
publicity and columns of controversial comments published in the
Houston papers.
Billy Wilson, manager of the Beacham, Orlando, Fla.. played up
the mystery woman angle in "Letter to Three Wives" with excellent
results. Lobby contest helped to stimulate wide interest. The
display shown above was animated. Small motor kept the Venetian
blind opening and closing in front of the silhouette cutout.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 28, 1949 —161— 31

Exhibits, Contests, Music Tieups,
Exploit 'Tulsa in Baltimore
Newspapers and local radio stations sponsored
various contests to help exploit "Tulsa"
for its Baltimore engagement at the Town
Theatre. A saturation campaign of publicity
and exploitation put on by Herb Thacher,
manager of the Town, and Eagle Lion exploiteer
Max Miller spread word of the playdates
for miles around the city.
Rave reviews resulted from a special
screening attended by Baltimore drama
critics. Oil company officials who attended
extended full cooperation through bulletins
mailed to all industry employes, special exhibits
provided for the theatre lobby and in
sanctioning the placement of window cards
at all gas stations in the area.
The song hit "Tulsa" was used to exploit
the picture through disk jockeys, music store
tieups and streamers placed on all jukeboxes
in the city. The Pi-att library displayed an
exhibit of books dealing with oil and included
scene stills from the picture as well as the-
Cartoon Show Booked
For Easier Program
A variety of promotions helped to boost
grosses for Ed Kennelly, manager of the
Lido Theatre, Maywood, 111., during the
month of April. He booked a special kiddy
matinee show prior to Easter, with an advance
sale of tickets helping to fill the house.
Fifteen color cartoons were shown and surprise
gifts were promoted for every child
who attended.
A cleaning establishment which sponsored
the show and donated the prizes also paid
for the imprint and distribution of 2.000 special
heralds. Publicity releases In the Herald
and Sentinel helped to spread news of the
special show.
To attract extra adult patronage, Kennelly
tied up with a market which provided
250 pounds of hams as a giveaway on April
13. The sponsor and the theatre distributed
lucky drawing coupons to customers at the
store and theatre patrons three weeks prior
to the drawing which was held on the Lido
stage. The giveaway was exploited through
a lobby display, theatre house program, and
signs placed in the window of the cooperating
market.
Silver Firm-MGM Jingles
Aid 'Women' in Atlanta
Boyd Fry, manager of Loew's in Atlanta,
tied in with the National Silver Co. and the
25th silver anniversary of MGM for a contest
giveaway in which the public was offered
an opportunity to win valuable silver sets.
The stunt was worked in conjunction with
the engagement of "Little Women" and the
picture received wide publicity.
The National Silver Co. offered 13 prizes
through its principal Atlanta retailer. Rich's
department store. Entry blanks were distributed
at the store, entrants being required
to write a jingle.
The stoi-e promoted the contest through interior
and window displays, all of which carried
color art plugging "Little Women."
atre copy on the film and playdates.
Free time was promoted from station
WAAM-TV which televised scene stills from
the film production, theatre credits and
dates. Radio station WCBM placed a large
display board plugging the picture in its
studio waiting room.
Promoted time on commercial radio programs
augmented strong newspaper support
in the form of publicity, art and contests.
Lobby listings in all leading hotels helped to
attract the interest of out-of-town visitors.
For outside ballyhoo, an ancient fire engine
was placed on exhibition in front of the
Town and a special front was designed using
critics'
quotes.
Two radios were promoted from the Admu-al
Co. as giveaways on two important programs
heard over WFBR before large audiences.
A coloring contest sponsored by the
Home News reached more than 150,000 families
with a plug for the picture's opening.
'Joan' Campaign in Troy
Nets Newspaper Space
An extensive exploitation campaign staged
by Lan-y Cowen for the engagement of "Joan
of Arc" at Proctor's, Troy, N. Y., included
a special Saturday morning performance for
1,000 orphans and needy youngsters arranged
through a tieup with the Central Veterans
committee, an organization representing 25,-
000 service men and women.
Other features of the campaign were an
evening preview for 200 sisters from the
teaching staffs of Catholic schools; a "Joan
of Arc" broadcast with Rensselaer county
Red Cross Chairman Frank Mealey as
speaker; recommendations of the film by the
Sisters; still displays on school bulletin
boards; mention of the picture from pulpits
in Catholic churches on Sunday. Troy is a
predominant Catholic city.
The Troy Record, which seldom gives
space to theatre promotion, carried to advance
stories as well as a followup report.
The veterans committee, headed by Harvie
S. Gardner, arranged for buses to transport
the children from eight orphans homes.
For the broadcast. Mealey's address included
mention of the theatre, picture and
playdates, while newspaper stories included
Cowen's name together with that of the theatre
and the circuit.
Stage Show Is Arranged
With Store as Sponsor
Jerome Baker, manager of the RKO Coliseum
Theatre, New York, promoted $380 from
a local merchant recently to sponsor a headline
vaudevaie show. Baker booked Dick
Brown from the Stop the Music radio show
as headliner for the program. The organist
plugged the stage show during his regular
solos, and a display card was placed in the
sponsor's window. Two thousand heralds were
distributed in subways, a writeup was obtained
in the DaUy Mirror Bronx Express
column, and a parade of cars equipped with
signs and flares ballyhooed the show. There
was no cost involved for the theatre.
Rubber Stamps Prove
Inexpensive Means
Of Promotion
Four thousand throwaways were distributed
door-to-door by Tiff Cook, manager of
the Capitol Theatre, Toronto, to exploit "The
Paradine Case." Several thousand were used
as stuffers in stores and shops. Large sixsheet
cutout heads were mounted on cardboard
to attract advance interest in the playdates.
These were used on the theatre marquee
after serving as advance boosters in
the lobby.
For "June Bride," two rubber stamps were
made up to imprint more than 5.000 grocery
bags and record envelopes with the theatre
message. Entire cost of the stunt was $10
for the rubber stamps, plus a few passes for
the storekeepers.
For "The Accused," large double-sided
blackhand cutouts pointing to the theatre
entrance were lettered with the title and
suspended from the marquee soffit. Smaller
black hands were tacked on lamp posts in
the theatre vicinity, all pointing toward the
theatre location. The catchline, "Everything
points to 'The Accused.' " was used everywhere
possible. Window displays were promoted
in several downtown stores.
Summer Styles Preview
Staged by Herman Kopf
A preview of summer fashions was engineered
by Herman Kopf. manager of the
Waller Theatre, Laurel, Del. A local woman's
shop is sponsoring the fashion program, with
a group of pretty models handpicked by Kopf
for their attractiveness.
The store's contribution, in addition to
special window displays and personal notices
sent by mail to all customers, covered the
furnishing of complete wardrobes for the style
show and gifts for all the models.
To further enhance the program, Kopf
booked a special fashion reel featuring Ilka
Chase.
This attractive standee lobby display was
created by Ed Schwarzbart. manager of the
Linden Theatre, Brooklyn, to promote "Wake
of the Red Witch."
32 -162- BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 28, 1949

Screenings and Tieups
With Bookshops Help
'Quartet' Opening
Advance screenings for select groups arid
resultant word-of-mouth publicity helped to
launch "Quartet" ai the Studio Theatre in
Philadelphia. The screenings were arranged
by Ben Zimmerman, manager, and Max Miller.
Eagle Lion field man, for newspaper
critics, heads of English departments at high
schools and universities, editors of school
publications. Variety Club members, radio
officials and commentators, owners and managers
of leading book stores, and the president
of all women's clubs in the city.
The mailing list of the influential Art Alliance
of Philadelphia was borrowed and 2,200
selected members were circularized by direct
mail. Announcement cards were mailed to
600 book dealers and rental libraries. "Quartet"
cards and stills were displayed in 22
branches of the Philadelphia public librarj-,
in a tribute to Somerset Maugham as onft
of the greatest living writers.
Bonwit Teller used a quarter-page co-op ad
in addition to interior and window displays
plugging the theatre dates. A student forum
discussed "Quartet" over radio station WRTl,
with representatives from the University of
Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr and other colleges
participating.
Every important department store had window
tieups displaying books and "Quartet"
accessories. Forty free radio plugs were promoted
over two local radio stations via planted
contests. A special theatre front was built
for the run.
Ginger Rogers on Stage
For 'Baltimore' Debut
The opening of "Adventure in Baltimore"
at the Town Theatre, Baltimore, was distinguished
by the appearance of Ginger
Rogers on the stage five times on opening
day. The film star was greeted at Pennsylvania
station by newsreel cameramen, press
photographers and a delegation from the
Ass'n of Commerce. Reporters from the
Baltimore Sun and News-Post as well as station
WITH interviewed Miss Rogers, who was
presented a key to the city by Mayor D'Alessandro.
This flash iwindo:w tieup dominated by "Command
Decision" booking at the RKO Orpheum.
Denver, was promoted by Manager Bill
Hastings.
Mayors of
Two Towns Proclaim
Go-tO'the-Show Week for Citizens
As a tribute to Lcs Dollison, ownermanager
of the Studio in Vaughn, N. M.,
and the Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa, located
in the same county, he recently was
honored simultaneously by the mayors of
both communities with proclamations issued
on "Go to the Show" week.
The proclamations were published in
their entirety by the Santa Rosa News,
most important publication in the county,
in which Dollison was commended for his
continuous efforts to improve the condition,
operation, safety factors, entertainment
and comforts of the two theatres.
Individually, each proclamation urged the
people of the community to show their appreciation
by attending the show at some
time during the designated week.
Timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary
of Dollison's management in
Vaughn and the completion of his first
year of operation in Santa Rosa, "Go to
the Show" week was made the subject of a
window card contest in the art classes of
Bunny Giveaway Hypoes
Kiddy Show in Missouri
When Arnold Gould, manager of the
Capitol, Jefferson City, Mo., noted that attendance
at the cartoon kiddy shows was
slipping off, he added a new twist to the
program and provided renewed interest by
calling the show a "Fuzzy Rabbit Cartoon
Party."
Gould tied up with a local rabbit breeder
and gave away ten live bunnies at a matinee
which boosted business to a new high. To
exploit the giveaway, 2,000 handbills were imprinted
and distributed in schools.
The rabbits were placed on exhibition in a
pen in front of the theatre, with an appropriate
sign. They were awarded to the youngsters
on the basis of lucky number tickets.
Graphic Displays in Lobby
Created by Jim Pisapia
A 24-sheet cutout of John Wayne placed
in the lobby of the College Theatre, College
Point, N. Y., helped focus interest on "3
Godfathers" for Manager James Pisapia.
The cutout was moved to the marquee for
the run.
A provocative display which helped to create
word-of-mouth publicity for "John Loves
Mary" con.sisted of a 40x60 painted to represent
part of a brick house and a window.
A shade was drawn over the window with
copy reading, "Raise the shade." When the
patron followed directions, the shade went up
to reveal a set of colored photos, the title,
cast and playdates.
Arranges 'Ships' Quiz
Bette Sniith, publicist for the Fox Theatre
in Detroit, .sold "Down to the Sea in Ships"
by means of a maritime quiz sponsored by
the Town Talk column of the Detroit News.
Prizes were promoted for winners. Participants
were required to identify from pictures
boats which have sailed the Great Lakes.
local schools. Dollison provided the classes
with his entire week's program, with the
students making up the window cards. He
later collected the cards and placed them
in window locations throughout the
county.
English classes in the school system
participated in an essay contest on "Why
I Like to Go to the Movies." Additional
activities for the anniversary celebration
included a concert in front of each theatre
by the local school bands, and cash awards
which Dollison provided as door prizes on
Saturday night during "Go to the Show"
week.
The proclamations obtained for direct
theatre patronage are believed to be the
first of this nature ever issued. They are
a direct tribute to Dollison who has earned
the goodwill of the citizens in both communities
because of his progressive participation
in community affairs and in
improving the standards of entertainment
and presentation in his theatres.
Fiddlers Vie on Stage
In Behalf oi Teudin'
Six of the best oldtlme fiddlers in the
Waupaca area of Wisconsin answered the call
of W. Berkley, advertising manager for Adler
Theatres, to participate in an oldtime fiddlers
contest, exploiting "Feudin,' Fussin' and A-
Pightin' " at the Palace in Waupaca.
Berkley secured excellent cooperation from
the Waupaca County Post by way of readers
on the front page two weeks in advance,
stories and art on the film and a front-page
photo of the contest winners.
A loud speaker was used on the marquee,
hooked up to record player in the lobby featuring
old-fashioned square-dance music.
Fifty window cards announcing the playdates
and the contest were used to get coverage in
outlying towns. A radio tiein was also effected
with a nearby radio station.
Cutouts for 'Paleface'
Perform Double Duty
Bill Davis, manager of the Ritz Theatre,
Gainesville, Ga., prepared 24-sheet cutouts
of the stars and title of "The Paleface" and
placed them around the concession stand in
the lobby. The posters were moved outdoors
during the run to provide a flash for perambulating
traffic.
Pennants were strimg from the roof to the
marquee, and the sound system played Bob
Hope records to attract passersby. One thousand
special heralds were imprinted and distributed
door-to-door.
Gets 'Undercover' Window
For "Undercover Man," Leonard Young,
manager of E. M. Loew's Theatre, Hartford,
promoted window displays in stores handling
men's clothes. They featured stills of the
leading male stars and credits.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 28, 1949 —163- 33

Lucky Star Slimulant
Boosts Business and
Nets Five-Page Co-Op
A Luckv Star night proved an excellent
one-night' business stimulant over a fiveweek
period for Ted Ames, manager of the
Opera House, Millinocket. Me. To start the
ball rolling. Ames made a tentative layout
for a full-page ad and prepared copy for a
trailer and drawing coupons. With this material,
he approached local business men and
sold them on the idea of sponsoring it on
a weekly basis at a cost of five dollars to
Twenty merchants signed up which gave
Ames a $500 working fund. Part of this was
used to purchase five full-page co-op ads
which were run once each week in the local
paper. A portion of the money went to pay
the cost of coupons which were given to
the merchants for distribution to their customers.
The balance of the $500 went to pay
for a fur coat, a combination radio and victrola
console and three additional grand
prizes which were given away on the Lucky
Star nights.
Ames reports the promotion was extremely
successful, both from the standpoint of attracting
extra business and in creating goodwill
with the merchants.
Small House Responds
To Exploitation Aids
A little extra effort usuaUy pays off with
extra business, as W. H. Curley, manager of
the Rex Theatre, Mimico, Ont., learned during
the run of "Red River." Curley reports
that the slight extra expenditure for exploitation
helped to fill the 494-seat house
with a better than average three-day gross.
Fifty window cards were distributed
throughout the community. The background
of the card was especially desgned to represent
the canopy of a covered wagon. The
lettering was designed in the form of a huge
arrow and was striking and colorful in appearance.
Twenty-five arrows were tacked
on street corner lampposts throughout
Mimico. The arrows were four inches wide
and 25 inches long. Each pointed directly
towards the location of the theatre.
Home jRun on 'Ball Game'
Manny Winston, manager of the Wicomico
Theatre, Salisbury, Md., hit a home run with
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game." He tied
up with a local store selling baseball equipment
for a half-page co-op ad. It carried
pictures of four members of the local team,
and the first 25 persons correctly identifying
them received guest tickets to see the picture.
There was also a list of major league
opening games, and a cut of the theatre ad.
Sells Eight Page Co-op
Joe Bruns. manager of the newly renovated
Mohawk Theatre, Amsterdam, N. Y., promoted
a special edition in the Amsterdam
Evening Recorder, sponsored by local merchants,
well wishers, and firms which participated
in the renovation. The eight-page
section included congratulatory ads, with
writeups and stories on the theatre's past
history and the modern innovations which
were installed.
34
Milk Bottles Topped
With 'Father' Dates
Although fairly common in the United
States, tieups with milk distributors are
difficult to make in England. For the
engagement of "Life With Father" at the
Broadway Theatre, Eccles, Lancashire,
Manager H. Clayton-Nutt tied up with
the Legal Cooperative society which does
a large milk business in the entire district,
to get his theatre message right on
the neighborhood doorsteps. Cooperative
imprinted milk bottle caps with the title
and theatre playdates were used for a
week prior to opening.
A window display in the Cooperative's
downtown store featured posters on the
film production with the catchline, "Don't
cry over spilled milk if you miss seeing
'Life With Father.' "
The Broadway manager reports that
alltime records were established during
the engagement.
Armor Exhibit in Store
Sells 'Arrow Strikes'
To exploit "The Black Arrow Strikes," S.
Tenser, manager of the Central Cinema.
Cambridge, England, searched the town for
days until he located several pieces of armor
in a small museum owned by a private collector.
These were then placed in the window
of a prominent store dealing in office
furniture. Tiein copy compared the steel of
medieval times with the steel used today in
modern office equipment. Stills and other
accessories helped to attract the eye of the
perambulating public.
Several items of armor and ancient
weapons were also used in a foyer exhibit.
The extra effort, according to Tenser,
helped give the picture a better than average
gross.
Circus-Type Promotion
Aids 'Unknown Island'
Guy Hevia, manager of the Lyric Theatre,
Asbury Park, N. J., used a circus type of
campaign to exploit "Unknown Island." A
false front was constructed with 40x60 blowups
of prehistoric monsters as the main elements.
A 30-foot banner borrowed from
the distributor of the picture was draped
across the facade of the theatre building.
Hevia dressed three of his ushers in wild
animal costumes, complete with papier mache
hats. A flat decked truck toured the streets
while the ushers handed out heralds offering
prizes to children who could solve
a maze problem based on "Unknown Island."
School Essay Contest
For "Home of the Brave" at the Victoria
in New York, a citywide high school editorial
contest was conducted, with prizes
totaling $100 in cash. Theme of the contest
was the history-making treatment of a
Negro in American life portrayed in the
film. The tieup was made by United Artists,
distributors of "Home of the Brave," through
the coordinator of school theatrical activities
for the board of education.
—164—
Kid Show Anniversary
Marked by Radio and
Press Breaks
More than 2,000 boys and girls swarmed
into the Olympia Theatre. New Bedford,
Mass., to help Manager Morris Simms observe
the fourth anniversary of the inauguration
of his Saturday morning kiddy shows.
For the occasion. Simms arranged an amateur
talent show, with special prizes, which was
broadcast over stations WNVH and WFMR.
The rest of the program included a professional
act, five cartoons, a Junior G-Man
film and "Tarzan and the Mermaid." Mayor
Harriman of New Bedford officiated as master
of ceremonies. The Standard-Times newspaper
boys band was on hand to play Happy
Bu-thday as a special tribute.
A front-page story in the Sunday Standard-Times
with a continuing inside story and
columns of pictures rewarded Simms for his
painstaking efforts in building the kiddie
shows into high favor in the community.
Twenty congratulatory letters were received
from women's clubs and city and school officials.
During the last four years, animal acts,
puppet shows, quiz contests, sports contests,
games, the presentation of toys, comic books,
cash prizes and trips to major league baseball
games in Boston have been part of the
programs which built the kiddy shows into
popularity.
Matinee Rabbit Giveaway
Sponsored by Toy Store
Ray Light, manager of the Maryland Theatre,
Cumberland, promoted 25 live rabbits
for a giveaway at an Easter weekend matinee
kiddy party. A toy store sponsored the event,
and advertising included a special window,
newspaper ads in both daily papers, a trailer
and lobby cutout.
To exploit "Take Me Out to the Ball
Game," Light hit all rural newspapers and
used a teaser campaign in the local daily.
The Allegheny Citizen ran an eight-column
stream, three inches deep, across the top of
one page plugging the film. Window displays
were promoted in two music stores featuring
cutouts, stills, title, playdates and sheet music
of the song hits heard in the picture. Two
thousand heralds were distributed, and threesheets
and 24-sheets were posted on main
highways.
Heralds in Italian Sell
'Paisan' in Kent, Ohio
The large Italian population in Kent, Ohio,
was a factor not overlooked by Ben Geary,
manager of the Kent Theatre, in selling
"Paisan." Geary mailed out 200 penny postal
cards, made up in Italian, pointing up the
international fame enjoyed by this picture.
He also sold 1,000 heralds to an Italian
market, completely covering the cost.
An attractive 40x60 in the lobby, a trailer,
and teaser ads were used two weeks in advance.
Currently, two 22x82s were hung underneath
the marquee, glamorized with 11x14
stills.
Geary promoted a half-page newspaper
co-op from two local merchants. He also
sold the break ad to a merchant which gave
him a chance to use more space.
BOXOFFICE Shovionandiser : : May
28, 1949

New MPAA Section
Headed by Harmon
NEW YORK — Francs Harmon, MPAA
vice-president, has been named head of a new
combined exhibitor relations and community
relations department,
Harmon said that the resignation of Mrs.
Alice Evans Field from the Hollywood office
obliged a shift to New York of the previewing
service. Its rep.-rts will emanate from
the east coast beginning July 1.
Economy moves, he said, include termination
of the services of Dr. Irvin Eteer, who
has been working out of Chicago, and Duke
Hickey, field representative for the community
relations department.
Arthur DeBra is expected to continue as
head of the community service department,
David Palfreyman, head of the exhibitors
relations department for many years, is expected
to decide soon whether or not he will
stay.
Lament Asks Exhibitors
To Aid Bond Campaign
ALBANY—Harry Lament of
Lamont Theatres
has mailed out a letter to exhibitors in
this area urging them to use their houses in
the current Opportunity bond drive. He asked
theatremen to arrange for premieres, or to
give a free pass on a given day for every bond
sold. He asked exhibitors to give good play
to a ten-minute short, "Opportunity of 1949,"
starring Jack Benny, which U-I is releasing
free. A bond premiere is scheduled to be held
at Fabian's 3.650-seat Palace here soon.
Lloyd Mills Opens Office
For Coastal Theatres
BUFFALO—Lloyd Mills,
Beginning Monday, Mills said, the Mid-
who has managed
the Midtown Theatre for the last ten
months, has left for Louisville, where he will
open a district office for Coastal Theatres,
Inc., operator of the Midtown. The Mills
headquarters there will be the Scopp Theatre.
town wrill change its policy to three program
changes weekly. Jack Gimbrone, now assistant
to Mills, will take charge of the Midtown.
Frank Shea Promoted
NEW YORK—Frank Shea, who has been
office manager of March of Time for the
past eight years, has been made director of
sales for the commercial and television fields.
He will be attached to the office of Richard
DeRochemont. producer, and also will work
closely with 20th Century-Fox, MOT distributors.
Fi-ed Brooks of the MOT staff will aid
him.
Goldman Closes Keith's
PHILADELPHIA—William Goldman will
close Keith's Theatre here June 1 for razing
of an office building and reconditioning of
the theatre into a deluxer. At the end of
August, when the Warner lease rims out,
Goldman also will take over both the State
in West Philadelphia and the Grange at
Broad street and Olney avenue.
Jersey TOA Anticipates
New Censorship Move
Film Publicists File
Charges on Firings
NEW YORK—The Screen Publicists
Guild
has filed charges with the National Labor
Relations Board declaring that the major
companies have violated seniority rights in
dismissing home office employes. SPG
charges such practices are illegal even under
the Taft-Hartley law.
Despite an attempt by M. L. Stone, commissoner
of mediation, to bring SPG and the
major companies together, the union states
that the companies still are refusing to make
"satisfactory counter-proposals" to its demands
for a 25 per cent wage increase.
Meanwhile both SPG and its sister union.
Screen Office & Pi'offssional Employes Guild,
have called off their picket lines in front of
the Palace Theatre, which reopened with a
vaudeville-screen bill May 19. However, the
union pickets are continuing in front of
Loew's metropolitan houses, except when an
Eagle Lion film is current. EL is the only
company to sign a wage pact with the two
white collar unions.
Picketing by members of lATSE projectionists
Local 306 in front of the Paramount
Theatre also was called off by order of Richard
F. Walsh, president. The picketing to
protest the dismissal of two projectionists
from the Brooklyn Paramount had been going
on for more than a month.
Mrs. Goldenson Presides
At Cerebral Palsy Event
NEW YORK — Mrs. Leonard Goldenson.
wife of the head of Paramount Tlieatre Service
Corp., was chairman of the first event held
by the women's group of the National
Foundation for Cerebral Palsy, Inc., at the
Larchmont Shore club May 22. Goldenson is
sponsoring the campaign to raise funds for
the foundation.
Approximately $18,000 was rai.sed at a dinner
and auction of furs, household equipment
and other clothing. Wendy Barrie and Arlene
Francis acted as hostesses, and Ed Sullivan,
columnist: Dennis James, television star, and
Miss Francis were masters of ceremony for a
show- which included Janet Blair, Peter Lorre,
Jerry Colonna and Benny Rubin.
Among the 500 who attended were Barney
and Mrs. Balaban, Spyros and Mrs. Skouras
and Ed and Mrs. Weisl.
David Lipton Shift June B.-
Bergman-Word Then, Too
NEW YORK—David Lipton. U-I director of
publicity, advertising and exploitation, will
start managing these departments from the
New York headquarters June 6. It is expected
that Maurice Bergman's advance to a new
exhibitor relations post and aide to Nate J.
Blumberg, president, will be announced at
that time. It has been rumored for several
weeks.
PASSAIC, N. J.—Strategy to combat an
expected reopening of the censorship issue
in New Jersey received a lot of attention at
the annual meeting May 25 of the Theatre
Owners Ass'n cf iCew Jersey at the Ritz
hotel here. Maury Miller was re-elected
president to spearhead the exhibitor campaign
against the threatened legislation.
Although a censorship bill was killed at
the regular session of the legislature. Governor
DriscoU has called that body back into
a special session and amusement interests
throughout the state fear that, with a gubernatorial
election coming up this fall, censorship
may play a role in the political
campagn.
While Miller said he would try to line up
all amu.sement interests in the state against
the censorship legislation. All theatres,
whether picture, legitimate, stock, burlesque
or drive-in, will be urged to impose their own
censorship on their programs. Bingo also
will become an election issue. Miller believes,
and plans are being laid to defeat an expected
bill before it can reach the referendum
stage.
M Her asked BOXOFFICE to aid in broadcasting
an urgent invitation to all interested
exhibitors and exhibitor groups to cooperate
with his unit in fighting anything detrimental
to the industry that may come up in
New Jersey. He pointed out that the unit
has been doing business on a cooperative
basis since it was formed.
Tlie meeting also strenuously decried any
elimination by producers or distributors of
national printed advertising addressed to the
public, charging that any such economy will
not do justxe to their own product as well as
to exhibitors. Plans to use television trailers
were commended "since the medium is here."
Walter Reade jr., co-chairman of the TOA
national television committee, told of the
progress that has been made in its study of
large-screen theatre televis on both through
the medium of open and closed circuits,
Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, a
guest, also discussed the subject.
Harold E.skin was elected, vice-president of
the unit and Adam Adams re-elected treasurer.
Prank Fowler became secretary and
Reade national delegate.
Allvine to Retain Post
Until Film Is Finished
ALBANY—Glendon Allvine, formerly associated
with the MPA publicity department,
will continue in his position as d rector of
the motion picture section, state department
of commerce, until a film now in production
is completed. He has held the position provisionally
about 18 months.
Thomas C. Stowrell, assistant director of
the public health education, division of the
state health department, was rated first on
the list of applicants who passed an examination
for the post temporarily held by
Allvine. He has produced several shorts for
the health department for showing in theatres
and on television.
BOXOFFICE :
: May 28, 1949
N Q5

. . Nat
. . Leon
. . Herman
. . . Orton
. . Reginald
. . Garson
. . Douglas
. . John
. . Orton
BROADWAY
Cpyros P. Skouras, Al Lichtman, Andy W.
Smith jr. and Charles Einfeld of 20th
Century-Fox attended an Allied meeting in
Chicago. Skouras and Einfeld returned afterwards
to New York, while Lichtman and
Smith went to Minneapolis for the North
Central Allied meeting . . .
Macgregor Scott,
overseas sales manager of Associated British
Pathe, Ltd.. London, visited the Monogram
International office here on his return from
a South American survey and then flew to
London.
Pincus Sober of the MGM legal department
will leave June 2 by plane for London.
Dubl'n, Belfast and Glasgow, accompanying
the AAU track team on tour.
He is
president of the Metropolitan AAU and
chairman of the national track and field
committee of the association. He is due back
June 14 . . . HaiTy Wright, head of the Paramount
tax department, returned from Boston
. Levy, RKO eastern division
sales manager, visited Albany. Gloversville
and Detroit.
J. Don Alexander, president of Alexander
Film Co. and chairman of the board of General
Screen Advertising, came here for talks
with his eastern staff at the 500 Fifth Ave.
office . . . William F. Rodgers, MGM vicepresident
and general sales manager, will
attend the June 13 graduation of his sons
William Parrell and Thomas Edward at
Georgetown University. About a week later
he will head for the coast for studio conferences
. J. Bamberger, RKO sales
promotion manager, attended the TOA of
New Jersey convention at Passaic. He previously
attended the convention of the ITO
of Arkansas.
Thomas J. Bennett, controller of the Paramount
European division, sailed for Paris
with Mrs. Bennett. His visit here was a
combined honeymoon and business trip . . .
Ted Harbert of the MGM studio publicity
department flew back to the coast. He had
accompanied Peter Lawford from the coast
to the Cleveland bond celebration. Lawford
also went to Hollywood after a stopover in
Chicago . G. Weinberg, advertising-publicity
director of Lopert Films, has
been named American correspondent of
Filmkunst, new quarterly magazine published
by Amandus-Verlag in Vienna. He also cortry
Us and You1l Agree
FILMACK
SPECIAL TRAILERS
Are 'Best By Test . . .
Quicker than the Restr
CHICAGO -1327
NEW YORK -
S.Wabash
619 W 54th St>
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them
responds for Sight and Sound, British Film
Institute organ, and La Revue du Cinema,
Paris.
Sol Handwerger of MGM Records addressed
the New England exhibitor convention May
25 at Boston . P. Byrne, MGM eastern
sales manager, and Jay Eisenberg of
the legal department returned from Boston
Rossano and Mrs. Brazzi left by plane
. . .
for Stromboli where he will make a film
Marilyn Maxwell
for William Dleterle . . .
and Chill Wills appeared in the stage show
that opened May 26 at the Capitol . . . Claude
and Mrs. Rains arrived from their home in
Downington. Pa.
Syd Gross, Film Classics advertising-publicity
head, and Borden Mace, associate producer
of Louis DeRochemont's "Lost Boun-
. . .
daries," met with Reader's Digest officials
to work out promotional ideas for the film
H. Hicks of Loew's International
returned from a visit to Canada, and Reginald
Wilson, MGM salesman, came from
Toronto for home office conferences
William B. Zoellner's short subjects tour
took him to San Francisco, Los Angeles and
Salt Lake City.
Ed Hinchy, head of the Warner Bros, playdate
department, returned to New York May
25 from New Haven . H. Hicks of
Loew's International has returned from Canada
. Wilson, MGM salesman
in Toronto, arrived in New York May 24 for
home office conferences.
Robert D. Hadley, art director for Eagle
Lion, has been elected president of the Bergen
County Players of Teaneck, N. J. Hadley,
a former actor, has been a member of the
repertory stock company for six years . . .
Thomas Hodge, director of films and publications
for the British Information Services in
New York, sailed for England on the Mauretania.
He will retm-n to New York in September
. Kanin, playwright and
former screenwriter; his wife Ruth Gordon,
the actress and playwiight, and Sir Sydney
Clift, British exhibitor, arrived in New York
on the Queen Elizabeth.
J. F. O'Brien, RCA theatre equipment section
sales manager, is visiting distributors in
major cities between Pittsburgh and Chicago
Jules K. Chapman, assistant general sales
. . .
manager of Film Classics, left May 25 for
visits to Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and
Omaha . . Phyllis Calvert, British actress,
arrived May 26 en route to Hollywood to resume
work with Paramoimt
Calvet, French actress, is here from Hollywood
on her first visit in two years . . Ann
.
Ronell, lyricist and composer, will go to
London with her husband Lester Cowan after
completing work on "Oh Susannah" (UA^ in
New York . Dick is another here
on a vacation who hasn't seen the city in
several years.
Fay Baker will appear as Raymond Massey's
wife in "Chain Lightning" for Warners.
Eleanor Parker is co-starred.
Youngslown Dispute
Goes to Two Courts
NEW YORK—Two court
actions have developed
out of the joint efforts of Warner
Bros, and Shea Enterprises to break off
their joint theatre operations in Youngstown,
Ohio. The breakup is necessary as a
result of the antitrust case decree.
Warner Bros, appealed to the U.S. district
court in Cleveland and Shea chose the New
York supreme court.
The pooling agreement signed June 1,
1933, covers the Warner Theatre, a 2,594-seat
first run Warner Bros, house; the Park
Theatre, a 1,333-seat Shea Enterprise house,
and the Paramount Theatre, a 1,506-seat first
rim house leased by the Harold Theatre Co.,
a 50-50 Warner-Shea partnership. Shea operates
the Paramount and Park; Warners, the
Warner, and the profits of the three theatres
are divided. The agreement expires in 1956.
In Cleveland, Warners has asked the court
to order the following settlement: Warners
to resume full control over the Warner Theatre
and its profits; Shea to resume full control
over the Park and its profits, and the
Paramount Theatre is to be sold and the
selling price divided between the partners.
Shea has opposed this settlement, and in
its complaint with the New York supreme
court has contended that it is "inequitable"
because the joint operation has improved the
status of the Warner Theatre at the expense
of the Park.
Shea has asked the New York court to order
a settlement that will divide the assets of
the three theatres equally between the partners,
and place the joint operation of the
three theatres in the hands of a receiver
until the division has been carried out.
Warners will reply within two weeks.
More Than 2,000 Blonds
Enter 20th-Fox Contest
NEW YORK—More than 2,000
blonds from
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
submitted their photographs in the 20th
Century-Fox Most Beautiful Blond contest
which ended at midnight Thursday (26).
The winner, who will be selected the evening
of June 2 on the stage of the Roxy
Theatre, where "The Beautiful Blonde From
Bashful Bend" opened May 27, will receive
an all-expense paid air trip and a one-week
vacation at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Havana.
She also will receive a wardrobe created
by leaders in the fashion world, including
shoes by Delman, hat by Lily Dache,
gown by Valentina, handbag by Koret, hosiery
by Gotham, a Vogue jewelry set and a
Sallis hatbox. Runnersup among the 16 finalists
will receive a Lady Esther makeup kit,
a Polaroid camera, a Perle gold wristwatch
and an Emerson portable radio.
Future Magazine Award
Jennifer Jones Receives
NEW YORK—Jennifer Jones
IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS
FOR NEW JOBS
OR REPLACEMENTS
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ^^k.c',"mT'
has received
the career accomplishment award of Future
magazine, published by the U.S. Junior Chamber
of Commerce. It is the first time the
magazine has made its award to an actor or
actress. Its July issue will survey the acting
profession and describe the career of Miss
Jones. She will receive the plaque on location
in England when she begins work in
"Gone to Earth" for David O. Selznick.
36 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

. . . Ernie
. . Nate
. . Bob
. . W.
. . Mrs.
Palace Show Is Best
In Mild B'way Week
NEW YORK—The retui-n of vaudeville to
the Palace, which had "Canadian Pacific"
on the screen, gave the house a strong gross,
almost double what it was when the theatre
was playing reissues or second runs. Except
for "The Lady Gambles," which gave the
the inadequacies of Hollywood's thinking,
week of "The Barkleys of Broadway" at
Loew's State, most of the other first runs
were far below average.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—We Wore Slrongers (Col), 4th wk 85
Bijou—The Red Shoes (EL). 31st wk. oi Iwo-a-day.. 85
Capitol—The Sun Comes Up (MGM), plus stage
snow. ',.nd v/k 60
Criterion—The Lady Gairbles (U-I) 105
Globe—Champion (UA), 7lh wk 90
Gotham— Big lack (MGM) 95
Little Carnegie— Intermezzo (EL), reissue, 2nd wk. 90
Loew's Stale—The Barkleys oi Broadway (MGM).
3rd wk. 110
Mayfair—Blossoms in the Dust (MGM). reissue .- 95
Palace—Canadian Pacilic (20th-Fox), plus eight
acts ot vaudeville „ 125
Paramount— Streets ol Laredo (Para), plus stage
show. 2nd wk 90
Park Avenue—Hamlel (U-I). 34th wk, ol two-a-day 95
Radio City Music Hall—The Stratlon Story (MGM),
plus stage show. 2nd wk 100
Rialto—Crash Dive (20th-Fox); Show Them No
Mercy (20lh-Fox). reissues 90
Rivoh—One Woman's Story (U-1) 85
Roxy—The Forbidden Street (20th-Fox), plus stage
show. 2nd wk 90
Strand Flamingo Road (WB), plus stage show.
3rd wk 90
Sutton-Quartet (EL). 8th wk 95
Victoria—Home oi the Brave (UA), 2nd wk 90
Jennie' Is Strong
In Buffalo Opening
BUFFALO—"Portrait of Jennie" was strong
at the Buffalo, as was "Flamingo Road" In
a holdover at the Great Lakes. Others were
off.
Butlalo— Portrait oi lennie (SRO); I Cheated the
Law (20lh-Fox) 116
Great Lakes—Flamingo Road (WB). 2nd d. t, wk .114
Hippodrome—Night Unto Night (WB); Stage Struck
(FN), reissue 97
Lafayette Ma and Pa Kettle (U-I); Song ol India
(Col) 92
Took—Utile Women (MGM): Little Orphan (SR) 91
20th Century Outpost in Morocco (UA). Stork
Bites Man (UA). reissue 93
Norman Livingston Speaks
At Television Meeting
NE'W YORK—Norman Livingston,
director
of commercial program operations for WOR
"What a Television
and WOR-TV, discussed
Station Looks for and Can't Find in Television
Film" at the National Television Film
council meeting at the Brass Rail May 26.
Livingston, who recently returned from
Hollywood and a tour of TV stations thi'oughout
the country, denounced what he called
the inadequacies of Hollywood's thinking,
and of the thijiking and production efforts of
current producers of TV films. The meeting
marked the first anniversary of the founding
of the organization, which is devoted expressly
to the advancement of films on television, according
to Mel Gold, president.
NBC Buying Weiss Films
NEW YORK—Adrian Weiss of Louis Weiss
& Co., television distributors, have closed a
deal with the National Broadcasting Co. for
the televising of eight Jolinny Mack Brown
and 16 Bob Steele films over WNBT in New
York, WNBK in Cleveland and KNBH in Los
Angeles. NBC also has taken the serials,
"Custer's Last Stand," "The Black Coin" and
"The Clutching Hand" for the Cleveland station
and WNBQ in Chicago. WPIX in New-
York is showing the Custer film.
Along New York's Filmrow
.By
LJERB BONIS has replaced Ray Connors as
manager of the RKO Palace Theatre,
which now is offering eight acts of vaudeville
and first run films. Connors has been
transferred to the RKO Flushing. Isadore
Berger is the new assistant manager of the
Palace . . . Ruth Newman of the RKO Theatres
publicity department, recently won $15
on the CBC Hits and Misses radio program.
If she had appeared on the program 24
hours earlier, she could have won the $400
jackpot for answering all the questions correctly.
The jackpot was picked up the previous
day. Others who appeared on the show
with Ruth were Blanche Livingston and
Peggy Poldes, also of the publicity department.
The Motion Picture Theatre Cashiers
Union, lATSE Local B52. will hold its third
annual dance at the Manhattan Center June
3. Mary J. Carrick is head of the dance
committee. Other members are Charlotte
Campbell, president and business manager;
Eileen Pierce, treasurer and financial secretary,
and Annette Gagnon, recording secretary.
George P, Skouras has turned over $32,000
collected by the Skouras theatres for the
New York Foundling hospital to Cardinal
Spellman . . . William A. White, general manager
of the Skouras chain, expects to open
the circuit's newest theatre, the Calderon.
Hempstead, L. I., by the middle of June.
The theatre will have a seating capacity of
2,600 . Simons, SkoiU'as division
manager for the Bronx, and Jim Bradley,
manager of the Park Plaza Theatre, supervised
a sneak preview showing of "It Happens
Every Spring" last Monday (23i.
Martin Moskowitz, sales manager for the
20th Century-Fox Empire State division, and
Joe St. "Clair, his assistant, spent the week
of May 23 visiting accounts in the Albany
Bess Goldstein
and Buffalo territories . . .
Allen, secretary to Herb Gillis, assistant
branch manager for 20th-Fox, has moved to
Long Beach for the summer. Gillis was ill
during the week.
Ed Lachman, president of the Allied Theatre
Owners of New Jersey, and Mrs. Lachman
flew to Dallas May 28 to attend the
annual meeting of the Allied Theatre Owners
of Texas. The Lachmans left directly
from Boston where they attended the annual
convention of the Independent Exhibitors of
New England May 26, 27.
. . .
Mike Simon, Ken Prickett, Charlie Kurtzman
and Sol Handwerger of the Loew's MGM
home offices also attended the Boston convention
The Loew's Pi-emiere Theatre,
Brooklyn, has a new cooling plant. Joe Beck
is the manager . Gibbons of Loew's
Lexington entertained Deborah Kerr when
the British star "christened" a new 65-foot
sign installed in front of the house May 25
Emerling, Loew's publicity director,
left for Europe Wednesday. He will be
gone four weeks
. Stewart McDonald
of Warner Bros. Theatres returned from
London May 28 . . . Marty Wurtzberg, Inter-
WALTER WALDMAN.
boro division manager for the Bronx, will
play "Gone With the Wind" at the Lido
Theatre on Fordham road.
Clem Perry of Riigoff & Becker has set a
deal with Herman Fialkoff of Programs &
Lectures, Inc., to present John J. Anthony,
the radio marriage counsellor, at the Oceana
Theatre, Brooklyn, June 20. and at the Laurel
Theatre, Long Beach, June 21 . . . Interboro
circuit and Topps chewing gum will cooperate
on a promotion campaign in connection
with a new bubble gum. Flip-O-
Vision. The gum package contains pictures
of various film stars. Topps w'ill provide
the 100 prizes that will be given away weekly
at special moppets matinees in Brooklyn,
the Bronx and Queens.
Recent Filmrow visitors were Bob Mapletoft
of the Matawan Theatre. Matawan, N. J..
and the Star Theatre. Jamesburg, N. J.; Bill
Didsbury of the Didsbury Theatre, Walden,
N. Y.; W. J. Unger of the Liberty Theatre,
Poughkeepsie, and Herb Nolan of the St.
Cloud Amusement Corp., Washington, N. J.
Kurt Parker. Columbia office manager, bid
his mother-in-law bon voyage May 25 when
she sailed for Em'ope on the S. S. Washington
. Jules Rieff, wife of the Columbia
salesman, was operated upon at the Med-
Nat Cohn,
ical Arts hospital May 23 . . .
Columbia district manager, returned Wednesday
from a company sales meeting in Chicago
. . . Elliott Foreman, MGM exploiteer,
was in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie Tuesday
and Wednesday.
Al Shanley and Cy Londner will start booking
for the Parkside Theatre, Brooklyn,
June 1. Centm-y Theatres now is handling
Harry La Vine. Monogram salesman,
the job . . .
and Mrs. La Vine left for Valley Forge
for the Memorial day weekend . . . Nat Furst,
Monogram branch manager, unveiled a monument
May 22 to the late Mrs. Furst, who
died last year . . . Gloria Romer of the Warner
Bros, exchange announced her engagement
May 23 . . . The
Patio Theatre, Brooklyn,
now is presenting stage shows every evening
Monday through Friday and matinees
and nights Satm-day and Sunday.
^ ST CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
* THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
ATLANTA: Asfor,
W. M Richardson
(3) 163 Walton St., NW
DALLAS: lenkins & Bourgeois, Astor
(1) Harwood & Jackson Streets
NEW ORLEANS: Dixie. R. A. (Bob) Kelly
(13) 218 S. Liberty
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
JOE
HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth At*.. New York Citr
BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949
37

. . . Tent
. . Sonya
. . Ann
. . 20th
WASHINGTON
•Phe Variety Club boat ride on Sunday, June
12, promises to be a grand affair. Entertainment,
prizes, refreshments, dancing, are
scheduled by the committee which includes:
Jake Flax, captain; Wade Pearson, 1st mate;
Morton Gerber, 2nd mate, and Glenn Norris,
purser. The ticket committee is composed of
Glenn Norris, Joe Kronman, John O'Leai-y,
Bill M chalson and Dr. Sylvan Danzansky.
Variety barkers and their friends will cruise
down the Potomac at 8 p. m. on the Wilson
Lines. Tickets are $1.15 each, including tax
No. 11 has two barkers on the Varety
International roster of officers; Carter
T. Barron, who has been named executive
Eide to the International chief barker, and
Nathan D. Golden, who has been appointed
international heart committee chairman for
a second year. Another gay spring luncheon
fo:- the ladies was held on Tuesday, May 24,
at the Variety Club. The following ladies were
responsible for the success of the affair: Mrs.
Jack Bryson, Mrs. Alvin Ehrlich, and Mrs.
Ben Lust. Fred Klein was responsible for
the smooth-running of the arrangements.
Sympathy is extended to Mrs. Thelma
Martin, Equity Pictures, whose husband, aged
22, was drowned when he tried to rescue the
outboard motor which fell off his canoe.
Martin and a friend, neither of whom could
swim, never came to the surface. Mrs. Martin
tried to rescue her husband, but could not
locate his body.
Metro items: Inspector Josephine Byrnes
attended the convention of Local B-13, lATSE
which was held in Baltimore this week . . .
Contract clerk Dot Small has returned to her
de.sk after a two weeks' vacation in Virginia
Beach, Va. and Myrtle Beach, S, C. . . . In-
LE ROY J. FURMAN—In charge
of operations "Monarch" Division,
Gamble Enterprises, Inc., New York,
N. Y.—says:
"We have just extended our
RCA Service agreement, and
included Projection Room
Parts. We believe it is a good
investment."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it!
Adv
spector Margaret Dempkish celebrated her
15th year with MGM on Saturday . . . Booker
Henry Ajello's little daughter, Carolyn, made
her first communion on Sunday, May 15.
Fred Klein, who has been connected with
the local 20th Century-Fox office as a. salesman
for the past 21 years, resigned this week.
Klein intends to devote his time to the personal
management of his two theatres, the
Churchill Theatre in Church Hill, Md. and
the Chester Theatre, Chestertown, Md. He
has his eye on several more houses and plans
to increase his circuit. Incidentally, Klein
became a grandfather again on Tuesday
when his daughter, Mrs. Helen Butcher, gave
birth to a son.
Mr. and Mrs. Morris Mechanic, New Theatre,
Baltimore, Md., spent several days in
Washington this week . Century-Pox
Branch Manager Glenn Norris took a trip
to Norfolk, Va., on "Wednesday to confer with
Robert Levine, Levine circuit . . . Booker
Sara Young spent the holiday weekend in
Miami Beach, Fla., getting acquainted with
her new grandson, Dennis Young . . . Evelyn
Manstoff has resigned from the cashier's department.
Ralph Binns, Highway Express Lines, is in
the hospital where he underwent an operation.
"Whitey" Morlitch came in from the
Highway Express Lines Philadelphia office
to "hold down the fort" during Binns' absence
.
Goldstein has resigned from
Paramount . . . Jeff Hofheimer expects to
reopen his newly decorated Willard Theatre,
Norfolk, Va., on June 1.
. . Cecil
. .
Dan Atkin has sold his controlling interest
in the New Theatre. Hancock, Md. to J. G.
Miller. Atkin will continue to do the buying
and booking for the Hancock house .
Ward will book and buy for his Stone and
Bassett theatres, Bassett, Va., effective May
28 . . . Harry and Ike Katz visited their local
Samson
Kay Film Co. exchange this week .
Pike is the new salesman and will handle
Baltimore . Hanower entertained her
sister Blanche and niece Joy this week when
they stopped off en route to Florida. Another
visitor was Mrs. Lena Kolbe and daughter
Pearl . . . RKO Booker Sullivan is a daddy
again. A little girl arrived at the Sullivan
home on Monday.
David J. Melamed Named
Eagle Lion Treasurer
NEW YORK—David J. Melamed. assistant
treasurer of Pathe Industries, parent company
of Eagle Lion, has been named treasurer
of EL by William C. MacMillen jr., vicepresident
in charge of operations. Melamed
replaces A. E. BoUengier, who has returned
to his former post at the EL studios in Hollywood.
Melamed, who joined Pathe in 1941, has
been assistant treasurer since 1946. He entered
the film industry as an accountant with
Columbia's foreign department in 1933.
Second Picture at Palace
NEW YORK—"Slightly Fi-ench," Columbia
picture, starring Dorothy Lamom' and Don
Ameche, opened at the RKO Palace May 26.
the second picture to be shown under
This is
the new combined motion picture and
vaudeville policy.
Reade Circuit Opens
Its Second Drive-In
KINGSTON, N. Y.—Walter Reade Theatres
opened its second outdoor theatre, the
9W Drive-In on route 9W two miles outside
of this city Friday i'J7i. Ceremonies and a
reception held in connection with the event
were attended by State Senator Arthur
Wicks and Mayor Oscar V. Newkirk of
Kingston. The reception was held at Judy's
Inn, Kingston, follow ng the opening show,
which featured "South of St. Louis."
The theatre will accommodate 700 automobiles
on its 18-acre site. It is similar to the
first Reade drive-in at Woodbridge, N. J.,
which was opened last year, in that it will
be used as a community recreation center
as well as a theatre. The drive-in includes
a picnic area, pony rides, slides, swings, seesaws,
a dance floor, shuffleboard courts and
horseshoe pits.
Programs will be changed three times
weekly, with a single feature Fridays and
Saturdays and double features during the
week. Children under 12 are admitted free.
Leon M. Einhorn of Albany was the architect
and I&OA Slutzky of Hunter, N. Y., the
general contractor. Joe Hornstein, Inc. of
New York supplied the Motiograph projection
equipment and in-car speakers. James
McKinney & Sons of Albany furnished the
steel screen frame.
The distance from the screen to the projection
booth is approximately 250 feet. The
entrance to the theatre is directly on route
9W. An area 30 yards deep and running
parallel to the road serves as a holding space
for cars. The screen tower backs on 9W,
with lighted lettering on the shell carrying
the theatre name. A V-shaped attraction
board has been built at road level.
The boxoffices are located, in two small
dutch-door buildings and can handle four
lanes of cars simultaneously. Over the boxoffices
is a rustic canopy running 125 feet
and trimmed with neon tubing to focus attention
on the entranceway.
The theatre includes a large center building
that houses a concession stand operated
by Reade. The building also houses the projection
booth and. rest rooms.
Robert W. Case, city manager for the
Reade theatres in Kingston, is the general
supervisor. Jack Hamilton manages the
drive-in.
National Board Praises
Four Western Pictures
NEW YORK—The National Board of Review
included four westerns among the eight
features recommended for the week ended
May 21. Six shorts also were on its weekly
list.
The westerns were "Frontier Investigator"
and "Law of the Golden West," (Rep); "Lust
for Gold" I Col) and "Roughshod" (RKO).
The remaining pictures were: "Don Quixote
de la Mancha" (Aztecai, a Spanish film picked
as the starred selected feature for the week;
"All Over the T(3wn" (U-Ii, a British production;
"The Big Cat" (ELi, and "The
Secret of St. Ives" (Col).
The shorts named were: "Beauty and the
Blade" (20th-Fox); "Best of the Breed" and
"Fairway Champions" (Para), and "Fraud
Fighters," "Helicopter Magic" and "Shush
Money," all RKO.
38
BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

. . Arnold
. . Herman
. . New
. . . New
. . George
Father's Day Group
Sees Xamberlville'
NEW YORK—Paramount's 'The Lambertville
Stor>-," in which Paul Whiteman does
the narration, was one of the features of a
Father's day luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria
Thursday, attended by nearly 1,000 civic
leaders and business men.
This short has been chosen as "the father
short of the year" by the National Fathers
day committee. "The Lambertville Story," a
New Jersey town, where Whiteman has a
home, tells the story of a community that decided
to do something to keep youngsters
amused and active in a wholesome way Saturday
nights. The weelcly dances and entertainment,
held indoors when the weather requires
and outdoors when conditions permit,
has become a community institution attended
by old and young alike.
Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, director of the United
Nations trusteeship division, spoke. John
Garfield received a scroll as the "motion picture
father of the year." Alvin Austin, executive
diJ-ector of the Father's day committee,
was master of ceremonies.
Drive-In to Test Filter
When Next Fog Comes
NEW YORK—The Sunrise Drive-In Theatre,
'Valley Stream, Long Island, is awaiting
a fog in order to test filters which, attached
to the projection lens, will penetrate the hazy
atmosphere, according to 'Vincent Paolillo,
field engineer of Capitol Motion Picture Supply
Corp. Two filters, made by KoUmorgen
Optical Co. to tpecifications submitted
by Paolillo, are ready for the test. One will
be selected for promotion.
The fog problem came up during a recent
visit of Paolillo to the Sunrise when Frank
Sheering, manager, was having his troubles
w.th projection, Paolillo improvised a filter of
sheets of gelatine over the lens with good results,
he said. The comments of patrons during
intermission were favorable and led
Paolillo to des gn the two filters for KoUmorgen
manufacture. Now they're waiting
for another fog to see which filter produces
the best results.
Movielab Laboratories
Moves to Larger Plant
NEW YORK—Movielab Film Laboratories,
Inc., will move its laboratories and offices
from 1600 Broadway to 619 West 54th St. June
1, according to Saul Jeffee, president. The
new plant, which is more than three times
the size of the present quarters, is fully air
conditioned and fireproof storage vaults have
been installed on the premises. George R.
Taylor and Frank S. Berman will continue
to supervise the activities of the laboratory.
Judge Overrules Motion
To Drop Choraks Suit
LOS ANGELES—A motion by the defendants
to dismiss the action was overruled by
Federal Judge Ben Harrison in the conspiracy
suit filed by Steve and Emma Chorak,
operators of the Puente Theatre in Puente
against 14 distributors and exhibitors. The
Choraks seek $241,500 in damages on the
grounds the defendants conspired to prevent
them from obtaining product at a "reasonable"
clearance.
NEW HARKISON THEATRE—The K. & K. Co., a group of Newark, N. J., businessmen,
headed by David Cronheim, Lester Finger and Julius Vinik, has begun con.struction
of a 1,100-seat modernistic theatre in Harrison, X. J., across the Passaic river from
Newark. This is the first modern theatre to be started in this area for more than
a decade. The house has been leased to Warner Bros, for a period of years.
Harrison, a city of 30,000, has never had a theatre and is supposed to be the only
city of its size in the country without a theatre.
David Cronheim handled the transaction, including a 20-year mortage from the
Equitable Life Assurance Co. The architects are John and Drew Eberson. Completion
is scheduled for next autumn.
NEWARK
Ann Bontempo, home office contact for
Loew's, is writing a column on MGM
records for newspapers under the name of
Bonnie Tempo . Feld, co-owner of
the Treat, has returned from Miami. Sidney
Denby, co-owner and manager, is spending
some time at his bungalow at Lake
Hopatcong . Jordan, head bookkeeper
for Warner Bros., has purchased a
home in Maplewood and will occupy it July 1.
George Kelly, publicity head for Warner
Bros., will return May 31 from Fort Lauderdale,
Richard Hunter of Warner
Fla. . . . Bros, booking department was married recently
Warners is lining up several campaigns,
. . . one a Walter Thornton child model
contest, which will rim in ten theatres in
Essex coiuity during July, and another, a
cooking school campaign starting in September
in all Warner houses. George Kelly Is
in charge of exploitation.
Morey Schayer, manager of the Rialto, recalls
early days when he took a band out on
the famous showboat Cotton Blossom, which
cruised the Ohio river . . . Joe Peatherman,
.
at one time with RKO. is new doorman at
James J. Corbett is new operator,
the Rialto . . .
replacing Morris Hess usher
is John Lakome . . . The Rialto gave away
taffy at children's matinees for several weeks.
Joseph Fuller and Bernard Grasso, assistants
at Loew's, lined up an effective campaign
on "The Undercover Man." Fuller tied
in with six book stores, using stills and a
man-sized .sheet in the form of a Secret
Service badge as displays. Grasso arranged
a police equipment display and a radio quiz
show. Contestants were asked to identify the
"Undercover Man." an MGM star.
Warners is participating in the Miss America
pageant by running a Miss Bloomfield
contest at the Royal in Bloomfield and a Miss
Passaic contest at the Central Theatre in
that city. George Kelly, publicist, is in charge
of the campaign, which will run throughout
June. Contestants will appear on the stage
in evening gowns, street wear and bathing
suits. Each will be allowed three minutes
to display her talent. Winners will later
compete for the title of Miss New Jersey
and will go to Atlantic City to compete for
the title of Miss America. Similar contests
may be put into effect in other Warner
theatres.
.
Loew's will hold its annual bathing beauty
revue June 8 Ruddan. who is
now managing the Hawthorne, will continue
running frequent Jewish featui'es . . . Robert
Thompson, assistant at the Variety, resigned.
He was replaced by William Sanger
cashier at the 'Variety is DaEUen
Warddrip, formerly of the Branford ... A
new cooling system has been installed at the
Park Theatre, Caldwell.
David Beehler, manager of the Central,
used a five-foot-high papier-mache rabbit,
loaned by the Public Service Co., to announce
the theatre's Bugs Bunny cartoon
carnival. He ran a similar Bugs Bunny carnival
two years ago when the theatre celebrated
its silver jubilee. Again Bugs Bunny
products were used as prizes . . . The Embassy
has started admitting 100 children, who
are lucky number holders, every Saturday
free to the children's matinee. The policy
will be continued throughout the summer.
Through a tieup with the Senak Co., the
Embassy gave away a 12-piece aluminum
Through a
waterless cooker May 27 . . .
tieup with the manufacturers of Margaret
O'Brien products, the Central Theatre is
using numerous giveaways as a come-on for
patronage on "Little Women," scheduled for
Decoration day. The items include Margaret
O'Brien hats, Margaret O'Brien handbags,
jewelry, quilts, scarfs and handkerchiefs with
photos from the cast in the play on them.
It is anticipated that other Warner houses
will conduct a similar campaign on the film
German Musical to Open
NEW YORK—"Operetta," a German-language
musical written and directed by Willy
Forst, will open at the 55th Street Playhouse
Jime 4, following the 25-week run of the
French film, "Monsieur 'Vincent." "Operetta"
is being released in the U.S. by Discina-
Interfilm.
BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949 39

. . . Mr.
»;
. . Republic
. . Jerry
. .
ALBANY
Barbara Hellman, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs.
Neil Hellman, is one of five cum laude
students in this year's graduating class at
St. Agnes school. She is president of the
senior class . . . Carol Conery. daughter of
the late Mitchell Conery of Conery theatres
in Ravena, is also graduating with the class.
She acted as "governor" in the recent Youth
day program here and was photographed
with Gov. Thomas E. Dewey n his chair in
the executive chamber. Carol will become a
student in the 1949 class at St. Peter's hospital
school of nursing.
Audience reaction to "Prejudice" is reported
to vary. It attracts some persons who are
not regular patrons, but it causes less scholarly
fans to complain that the film is not
entertainment. Cliff Bradt Knickerbocker
critic, expressed the latter opinion, although
he praised the purpose.
Harry Savett of Newton Falls, Archie Conley
of Sherburne, Cecil Patten of Adams and
Woolsey Ackerman of New Berlin were
among exhibitors at the recent Friendship
luncheon and tradescreenng held by MGM
in Utica as part of the company's 25th
anniversary celebration. The preview of two
pictures was at Kallet's Oneida Square, managed
by Bill Keener. Floyd Fitzsimmons,
MGM area exploiteer, and Ralph Ripps,
MGM salesman, arranged the affair in, cooperation
with Albany Manager Jack Goldberg.
Fabian theatres' 35th anniversary was the
topic under discussion by Fabian managers
at a recent meeting in the Palace. Saul J
Ullman, upstate general manager, presided,
ass'sted by Eddie Fabian, son of Si H. Fabian,
and Larry Cowen, upstate publicity director.
Cowen reported on two New 'Vork confer-,
ences which have been held on the celebration.
A press book will be issued on the anniversary
next month. The Fabian operations
began in Patterson, N. J. Fabian managers
were present from Albany, Troy,
Schenectady and Cohoes.
Warner Zone Manager A. S. Makwitz is
walking around with a crippled foot as the
result of an infection which set in following
a bad case of sunburn. Makwitz did a little
sunbathing while attending the national Variety
convention in San Francisco and one
foot got an overdose. Makwitz reports he
saw Murray Lafayette, former Troy Theatre
manager, now with National Screen, and
Benny Goffstein, onetime Times-Union circulation
manager. Goffstein is credited with
suggesting the idea of a local "denial day"
for the Variety Club's summer boys camp.
All Warner houses are now equipped with
washable green plastic price signs which
give the theatre name and identify it as a
circuit house, as well as the admission price.
Removable numbers Jtre provided to allow for
price changes on the basis of times and days.
. .
. . .
Paul Wallen and Fabian General Manager
Saul J. Ullman made a trip to New Haven
to inspect the remodeling of the fire-damaged
Leland Theatre, which 'Wallen manages.
Eddie Fabian, assistant to Ullman, was
there for the inspection Jim Dufty has
resigned as assistant
.
manager of the Strand
Weekend business was strong at the
Ritz with the Warner double reissue bill,
"Casablanca" and "G-Men," drawing standees
much of the time on Sunday. Manager
Oscar Perrin sa'd audience reaction
was generally favorable.
E. K. O'Shea, Paramount sales executive,
was awarded the Chevrolet sedan in the donation
drive conducted by the Variety Club.
Ben Smith, Screen Guild salesman, sold
O'Shea the lucky $10 coupon when Ted came
to Albany with A. W. Schwalberg, Paramount
sales manager, for the George Lynch testimonial
dinner. O'Shea now is in Callifornia
and Mrs. Neil Hellman will fly to
Florida June 7 to spend a week in Miami
Beach where they spent some time last waiter.
Assistant general manager of the Fabian-
Hellman Drive-In circuit will be in charge
during Hellman's absence.
Columbia Manager Jack Bullwinkle accompanied
Charley Dortic, Columbia salesman,
on a trip to Elizabethtown and other cities
in the Adirondacks . Manager
Arthui' Newman visited the Schine offices
in Gloversville during a trip through the
north of the state . . . Herman L. Ripps, assistant
MGM eastern division manager, visited
the Variety clubrooms . Segal
is now in charge of the Saratoga E>rive-In
for Fabian-Hellman. He has been with the
Walter Reade circuit and has managed the
Congress in Saratoga, the Strand in Perth
Amboy, N. J., and the Lyric and Paramount
in Asbury Park, N. J.
BUI Konefsky, who worked for the Goldman
circuit in Philadelphia, is now managing
the Mohawk Drive-In on the Albany to
Schenectady road. Bill Powell, who started
the season as manager of this Fabian-Hellman
ozoner, is now running a drive-in for
Dave Will:g near Springfield, Mass. .
Exhibitors on Filmrow Monday included
George Thornton of Saugerties, Neil Hellman
of Albany, Sam Rosenblatt of Watervliet
and Lake George, Sam Davis of Phoenicia
and Woodstock, Jules Perlmutter of Schenectady
and Sylvan Leff of Utica.
Smakwitz Will Represent
Four Variety Chapters
ALBANY—Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner
Theatres Albany zone manager, has been
named international
^'"•"
:
representative of Variety
Club tents in
Boston, New Haven,
Buffalo and Albany by
R. J. O'Donnell, international
chief barker.
Smakwitz succeeds
Murray Weiss, who
was elected property
master recently.
Smakwitz has been
chief barker of the
Charles A. Smakwitz Albany tent twice and
recently represented
the local tent at the national convention. He
also has served as national canvasman and
at present is chairman of the Albany Tent's
Heart fund.
'Cleveland Story' Renamed
"The Cleveland Story," George Brent
starrer," was retagged "Pride of the Indians"
by Republic.
The Great State of Texas
Adopts Adolph Zukor
DALLAS—Adolph Zukor, chairman
of the board of Paramount Pictures,
and William Demarest, Paramount
actor, received special honors at the
company's sales meeting held here last
week. Zukor was made an honorary
citizen of Texas by Gov. Beauford Jester,
the highest honor the best can bestow.
In the accompanying photo,
Zukor is shown receiving the citation
from W. O. Reed, speaker of the house.
The Dallas Paramoimt contingent also
presented the film veteran with gold
spurs.
Demarest was presented with honorary
membership in the Paramount 100
Per Cent club for his efforts in behalf
of the promotion of the company's
product over a period of years. Demarest
annually makes a tour of exchange
cities to address sales forces on current
Paramount pictures.
Indian Ladder Drive-In
Is Opened Near Albany
ALBANY—Delayed 24 hours by heavy rains
which made regrading necessary, the Indian
Ladder Drive-In built by Don Hallenbeck on
Route 85 about eight miles from here was
opened last Tuesday night (24). The 300-car
open air theatre, which can be expanded to
accommodate 600 cars, was erected at a cost
of about $40,000.
The in-car speakers used in the new drivein
were made by Hallenbeck, a former
technical sergeant in the army air corps. He
once worked for the International Projector
Corp. He assembled the speakers, which required
more than 14,000 soldered connections.
Hallenbeck is managing the new drive-in.
He has been a dealer in home motion picture
equipment here about 11 years. Plans for a
restaurant adjoining the new open air theatre
were abandoned by him.
Sunday Ban Is Lifted
ULSTER, N. Y.—Ulster township has repealed
an old ordinance banning Sunday motion
pictures after a hearing by the town
board. The blue law was brought to attention
by the sheriff's office and the state police on
the first Sunday that Harry Lamont's new
Sunset Drive-In was to open.
40 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

State Labor Board
Certifies lA Local
PHILADELPHIA—The Pennsylvania Labor
Relations Board has certified the International
Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employes
Local B-lOO as collective bargaining
agent for cashiers, doormen, ushers, cleaners,
porters and matrons in local motion picture
theatres. The action followed a recent election
in which the workers chose the lA local
by more than a twc-to-one vote over District
50 of the United Mine Workers.
The union plans to begin negotiations for
new contracts soon and will demand pay increases
retroactive to last August 3, the date
on which its old contracts expired. Talks,
which extended into last winter, were broken
off when the union's jurisdiction was challenged.
Employers involved are Warners,
Paramount and Fox circuits and the Tlieatre
Cleaning Service.
Rites for Ed Walker, 34.
Former Variety Member
GREENWICH. N. Y.—Funeral services
were held here for Ed Walker. 34, former
Albany Times-Union promot on manager who
died last Monday night i23i at Samaritan
hospital. Troy. He once was a member of
the Albany Variety Club.
Stricken last year with a leg ailment which
may have been the result of a previous accident.
Walker had been hospitalized several
months in New York and Ti'oy. His w.fe had
given birth to a daughter several days before
he went to New York for treatment.
Walker began his career as an announcer
at WTRY. Troy, and later was promoted to
station promotion manager. He later joined
the staff of the Times-Union and subsequently
that of WROW. In addition to his
wife, survivors include two children.
Julius Levine
NEW YORK—The funeral of Julius Levine,
66, sales manager of Principal Pictures exchange,
was held, in Brooklyn May 24. Levine
died following his return from the annual
dinner-dance of the Motion Pictures Bookers
club of New York at the Hotel Commodore.
He was a member of the New York Variety
Club and an honorary member of the Motion
Picture Associates. His wife Kate and three
sons survive.
Joseph Fronder
NEW YORK—Funeral services for Joseph
Fronder, 72, veteran poster designer, were
held at St. Michaels church. Palisades Park.
Fronder died at his home May 21. He joined
the Paramount poster department in 1918 and
had been with National Screen Service since
1940.
Fred C. Cross
JERSEY CITY—Fred C. Cross, 68, manager
of the Teaneck Theatre for six years
before his retirement last January, died at
his home here. He previously served in the
Walter Reade Theatre circuit and was awarded
a medal by the government for his sale
of war bonds. He was a native of Vermont.
He is survived by his wife Annabelle, a stepson
Wilbur V. Smith and his brother Horace
B. Cross of Massachusetts.
R. R. Young of CS-O Is Inducted
By Saints With No Holds Barred
NEW YORK—Robert R. Young took time
out from his discussion of Eagle Lion problems
Tuesday i24i and went over to the
Waldorf-Astoria hotel to be inducted into the
Circus Saints and Sinners, while Serge
Semenenko, vice-president of First Boston
Corp., went to Boston to report to his banking
associates.
Young was introduced by Tex O'Rourke as
a man who is "in everything up to his shoestrings."
He arrived in a beaverboard locomotive
ringing the bell .ind wearing an engineer's
cap and striped jumper. The locomotive was
labeled Cheapskate and O-mi-O railway
the Old Road with Young Ideas." Yoimg is
chairman of the board of C&O.
From there on the going was rough for
Young, but he took it goodnaturedly.
Four railroad pi-esidents— the heads of the
New Haven, New York Central, Lehigh Valley
and Lackawanna—sang a welcoming chorus,
and the president of the Hudson & Manhattan
and the trustee of the Long Island railroad
were introduced. Nine vice-presidents
of railroads and one vice-president of Eagle
Lion.
William MacMillen, were introduced.
Young and O'Rourke and former Gov.
Harold Hoffman of New Jersey sat on the
observation platform of Young's private C&O
car with painted West Virginia scenery in the
background.
In giving a rock-ballasted biography of
Young, O'Rourke said he had stopped recently
at the "Hotel Cleandrier, a snooty
joint overlooking the common stockholders at
Why Suffer Springs, W. Va., where our
snappy whataman puts up his dukes."
O'Rourke also said that Young had bought
a "40-room bungalow at Newport where the
servants were so high class only half of them
would speak to the new owner."
In college. O'Rourke said, "because of
certain scholastic requirements, Young was
robbed of his greatest ambition—that of becoming
a sophomore at the end of his second
year."
At the' end of O'Rourke 's talk, Hoffman
presented him two four-foot high dice, one
with six dots on all sides and the other with
four dots.
A good time was had by all—except Young.
INCORPORATIONS
—ALBANY—
Teleducational Features Corp.: To produce
television, motion picture and radio programs
in New York: capital stock, 100 shares, no
par.
Community Cinema Corp.: To conduct
business in New York; capital .stock. 200
shares, no par,
Sound Systems: Electronic and sound systems
in New York: capital stock, 200 shares,
no par.
Bronxchester Amusement Corp.:
To furnish
amusement to the public: capital stock.
150 shares, no par.
Moriah Film Corp.: To do business in New
York: capital stock, 200 shares, no par.
Steuben Drive-In Theatre: To operate an
outdoor theatre in the village of Avoca in
Steuben county. Capital stock is 200 shares,
no par.
Film Shorts Ideal for TV.
Says lim Fi'.zPatrick
NEW YORK — Short -subject films are
ideally suited for television showing and the
new medium eventually will prove a boon to
the short subject industry, according to James
FitzPatr'ck, who has been producing travel
shorts for MGM for the past 19 years.
PitzPatrick showed his latest MGM release,
"Mighty Manhattan," to an invited
audience at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel May
23 following a cocktail party and reception
for the magazine and trade press. He plans
to leave June 12 on a whaling cruise to gather
material for his next MGM .short, one of a
series of 12 planned for 1949-50 release. He
will release his old shorts to television "when
the time is appropriate."
Among those who attended the Waldorf-
Astoria showing were Nicholas M. and Mrs.
Schenck. Herb Crooker, Pi-ed Lynch, Max
Weinberg and Lanny Ross. Both Mrs.
Schenck and Ross appear in "Mighty Manhattan."
LEON ROSENBLAl^- Secretary
and Treasurer, Rosenblatt-Welt
Corporation, New York, N. Y.
says:
"We are celebrating our 20th
year with RCA equipment and
service, and find it the best
insurance for good sound."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
SCREEN COATING AND
MASKING PAINT
PROMPT SHIPMENT
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
729 Baltimore
K. C, Mo.
BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949 41

Warner Int'l Parley
In New York June 9
NEW YORK—Warner Bros, has scheduled
a three-day international sales convention at
the Waldorf-Astoria for June 9-11. It will
be the first big-scale annual meet in three
years, according to Ben Kalmenson. vicepresident
in charge of distribution. Company
representatives from all over the world wUl
attend.
Production plans will be discussed in detail
and those attending will be given an outline
of story properties lined up for stars
under contract.
Merchandising plans for the films scheduled
for the remainder of the season will be
discussed. Among these pictures are: "The
Pountainhead," starring Gary Cooper and
Patricia Neal, to be released July 2; "The
Girl From Jones Beach," starring Virginia
Mayo and Ronald Reagan. July 16; "Look
for the Silver Lining," starring June Haver,
Ray Bolger and Gordon MacRae, Technicolor,
July 30, and "The Lady Takes a Sailor,"
starring Jane Wyman and Joseph Gotten.
H. M. Warner, Jack L. Warner and Maj.
Albert Warner are expected to attend. Home
office executives who will attend will be;
Samuel Schneider. Mort Blumenstock, Harry
Kalmine, Norman Moray, Wolfe Cohen, Roy
Haines, Jules Lapidus, Norman Ayres. I. F.
Dolid, Ed Hinchy, Clayton Bond, Bernard
R. Goodman, Harry Goldberg. Howard Levinson,
Harold S. Bareford, R. A. McGuire and
Charles Bally.
Offers New 'Outlaw' Ads
But No Suit Compromise
NEW YORK—Reports that Howard Hughes
is willing to drop his three-year-old $2,500,000
triple damage antitrust suit against the
Motion Picture Ass'n of America if that organization
will okav a new set of ads for
"The Outlaw" were denied May 24 after
representatives of MPAA, Hughes and RKO
had previously declined to comment.
The denial was made by the office of Judge
Samuel Rosenman, retained by Eric Johnston,
MPAA president, as coimsel in the matter.
"Hughes has submitted a new set of ads
but he has not offered to call off the suit
if they are approved," the spokesman said.
"The MPAA has made no move as yet to
pass on the ads. That is all I can say."
The film was originally distributed by
United Artists which, not being a member
of MPAA, showed it without a production
code seal. When Hughes bought a controlling
interest in RKO, an MPAA member,
and made a deal with UA to have RKO handle
the film. MPAA found the advertising
objectionable and withheld its approval.
Majors File Pet. Suits
In Cleveland Court
CLEVELAND—Separate percentage fraud
suits have been filed, in U.S. district court
here by Columbia, Universal. RKO, Loew's,
20th Century-Pox and Paramount against
Mrs. Nazera Zeglob, operator of the Dreamland,
Elvira and Pearl Theatres at Loraine,
Ohio, and the Liberty at Vermilion. Ohio.
Thomas M. Harman of the Cleveland law
firm of Jones, Day, Cockley & Reavis is local
attorney for the film companies, and Sargoy
& Stein of New York are counsel.
42
Jules Levey to Europe
On Distribution Deals
NEW YORK—Jules Levey flew to Germany
May 23 to finalize negotiations for distribution
of two groups of his completed pictures
abroad and to contract for American distribution
of French, Italian and British product.
He will also see thi'ee foreign pictures In
which he has a substantial investment and
arrange for further Investment in foreign
production.
The distribution deal for Germany, Austria
and France covers his United Artists releases,
"Abilene Town," "New Orleans," "The Hairy
Ape" and "Jacare," as well as five of his Mayfair
Productions, which were released by Universal-International.
Levey will stay at the George V. hotel,
Paris; the Savoy, London, and the Excelsior,
ROme. He will also visit Holland, Belgium,
Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Denmark
and Israel.
Ascap-Telecasters Hope
For June 15 Agreement
NEW YORK—Ascap and the television networks
hope to reach an agreement on music
fees by June 15, the deadline for free use of
Ascap music for video. To protect themselves
in case the negotiations for a fee schedule
fall through, the station executives are continuing
to line up rights to non-Ascap music,
particularly from the Broadcast Music, Inc.
The presidents of the networks and Ascap
officials have been meeting regularly since
May 16. These meetings picked up where
earlier meetings between Ascap and the television
committee of the National Ass'n of
Broadcasters broke off May 6. when a deadlock
was reached.
Tlie first indication that the situation had
improved came May 19, when Ascap extended
the deadline for the free use of its
music from June 1 until June 15.
The Ascap board of directors met Thursday,
May 26, to discuss the latest offer of
the networks and to offer additional proposals.
Eastman Kodak Co. Moves
Its New York Branch
NEW YORK—Eastman Kodak Co. has
moved its New York branch distribution unit
from Hudson St. to new quarters at 1334 York
Ave., Manhattan, reconditioned at a cost of
over $500,000. The new home, a four-story
structure of reinforced concrete, has 160,000
square feet of floor space, 120,000 of which
are occupied by the 200 employes of the
branch, according to James E. McGhee, vicepresident
and general sales manager.
It is air conditioned both for the personnel
and for the storage of sensitized goods, has
facilities for the demonstration of professional
photo materials and provides rest and recreation
rooms. Thomas M. Connors, manager,
said there will be a formal opening later.
Neil Agnew to Distribute
Italian-Made 'Pagliacci'
NEW YORK—Neil Agnew, president of Motion
Picture Sales Corp., has sent word from
Italy that he has closed a deal for western
hemisphere distribution rights to "Pagliacci,"
Technicolor film made in Italy with the La
Scala Opera and the La Scala Orchestra.
Charles L. Casanave, MPSC vice-president,
says the film will be given special distribution
arrangements next fall.
Jap Theatremen Air
Plaints by Request
NEW YORK—Japanese exhibitors are beinT
invited to sit down with the distributors,
present their grievances and suggest improvements
in service, according to a message to
the Motion Picture Export Ass'n from Charles
Mayer, its managing director in Japan. The
first of a series of forums was held about
two weeks ago in Fukushima with 35 exhibitors
and five MPEA representatives attending.
Complaints ranged from occasional delays
in the routing of prints and dissatisfaction
with the dates of program changes to tardy
delivery of publicity materials. Cooperative
printing of theatre programs and continuation
of MPEA lectiu-es on management and
showmanship were suggested. Mayer feels
that the forums will result in better service
to the 800 theatres showing MPEA product.
U-I Names 'Illegal Entry'
As Bond Premiere Film
NEW YORK— "Illegal Entry" (U-I), which
will open June 8 in the RKO Keith Theatre,
Washington, has been designated as one of
the industry's bond premiere pictures in the
Treasury department's Opportunity Savings
Bond drive. The first bond premiere will be
at the Ritz, Los Angeles, June 9, according
to Mam-ice A. Bergman, industry chairman.
U-I also has designed "Take One False
Step" as a bond premiere picture.
"Calamity Jane and Sam Bass," also U-I,
will have a special bond premiere at the
Majestic, Dallas, June 8. This will be the first
bond premiere in the southwest. It is being
tied in with the personal appearances of a
group of Hollywood stars headed by Yvonne
DeCarlo and Howard Duff.
Christophers' Citation
Goes to 'Joan of Arc'
NEW YORK—"Joan of Arc" (RKO) has
received the first award given a film by the
Christophers, a group devoted to promoting
Christian principles in public life. A citation
on a parchment scroll was given Walter
Wanger, producer, by Father James Keller,
founder and director of the four-year-old
organization, at a luncheon May 25. Dated
"on the 418th anniversary of the martyrdom
of Joan of Arc," it called the film an "inspiring
demonstration that a motion picture
which stresses the spiritual ideal, goodness
and decency can be a popular success."
'Capricorn' Promotion
NEW YORK—Grosset & Dunlap will
publish
a special 100.000 printing of "Under
Capricorn " the novel by Helen Simpson on
which the Ti-ansatlantic Pictures film of the
same name is based. It was directed by
Alfred Hitchcock for Warner Bros, distribution.
The illustrations will be scenes of
Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotten taken
from the film.
Audrain Quits Prestige
NEW YORK—LawTcnce Audrain, who has
been director of publicity and advertising
for J. Arthur Rank Prestige unit of U-I since
its formation in July 1946. has left to become
managing director of the newly formed
British Book Centre on east 55th street.
Audrain's successor will be announced later.
BOXOFFICE
:; May 28, 1949

(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Si)ear, Western Manuutr,
Machinists lA Union
Signs 5-Year Ticket
HOLLYWOOD—A five-year collective
bargaining
contract covering camera machinists,
general and laboratory machinists was set
by the major studios with Cine-Technicians
lATSE Local 789. The contract continues
present wage scales and provides for two
reopening dates, August 1949 and August 1951.
Signatories include Columbia, MGM. Paramount,
RKO, Republic, Hal Roach, 20t.h Century-Fox,
U-I and Warners.
While the independent Screen Publicists
Guild was laying plans for its forthcoming
election of officers by naming a list of 16
candidates for the top six posts the Film
Publicists committee for lATSE-AFL affiliation
kept the blurbers' civil war active by
distributing a broadside charging the SPG's
present administration with "perpetuating
the policies of the leadership of the defunct
Conference of Studio Unions, which called
the disruptive 1945 and 1946 jurisdictional
strikes."
Balloting on the SPG election will take
place at the group's next monthly se.ssion.
Candidates include:
For president—Dan Thomas, Jerry Hoffman.
Walter Seltzer. Vice-president— George
Lait. Clary Barbiaux, John Del Valle. Recording
secretary—Mabel Hill. Vi Homer,
Lindsay Durand. Financial secretary—George
Nichols, Homer Davies, Joe Weston. Ti-easurer—Milt
Stein. Ken Carter, Jack Gold,
Jack Diamond.
Meantime, the publicists favoring AFLlATSE
affiliation blasted the unaffiliated
SPG for having retained attorney Milton
Tyre as its legal counsel, charging Tyre w'as
an associate of Leo Gallagher, Communist
party candidate for secretary of state and
other offices in California. Tyre, it was alleged,
supported Herbert K. Sorrell, CSU
strike leader, and the AFL publicists warned
also that "this is the type of thinking and
the kind of leadership which will continue
to set guild policies" unless the blurbers
vote for the lATSE in the upcoming NLRB
jurisdictional election.
Build Legitimate Theatre
SACRAMENTO—Ground has been broken
here for the Eaglet Theatre, first legitimate
theatre here since the close of the Climie
in 1923. The house will be located at 15th
and H streets and will cost about $69,803 to
build. It will seat 1,800 persons.
Suit by Unfriendly Ten
Seeks $51858.000
HOLLYWOOD — Another
astronomically
budgeted chapter in the litigatory history of
the battle between filmdom's so-called "unfriendly
ten" and the major motion picture
companies was written with the filing of a
federal coui't action on behalf of the ten,
charging violation of the Sherman antitrust
act, and seeking triple damages of $51,858,-
795. Plaintiffs are Alvah Bessie. Samuel
Ornitz. John Howard Lawson, Albert Maltz.
Lester Cole. Ring Lardner jr.. Dalton Ti-umbo.
Edward Dmytryk. Herbert Biberman and
Adrian Scott. Named as defendants were
the Motion Picture Ass'n of America. Loew's.
Inc.. 20th Century-Fox. Paramount. Columbia,
Republic. Hal E. Roach. Universal-International
and Warners.
Still pending is a previous suit against the
.same defendants by the "unfriendly ten."
filed in superior court and charging conspiracy
to interfere with the right of contract.
In this action, in which damages of
$35,000,000 are sought, it is charged the major
companies and the MPAA illegally invoked
a "blacklist" under which none of the plaintiffs
may be employed in the industi-y unless
and/or imtil they "purge" themselves of any
suspicion that they are or ever have been
members of the Communist party.
The new federal court action, attorneys for
the "unfriendly ten" explained, hinges upon
the recent sale to 20th Century-Fox of a new
novel by Albert Maltz, one of the plaintiffs.
Titled "The Journey of Simon McKeever," it
was acquired by the company and almost immediately
shelved, with no official word of
explanation as to the reason for such action.
It is the plaintiff's contention that the
shelving of "McKeever" constitutes discrimination
with respect to the "sale of their
products or the pursuit of their callings in
motion pictures," and therefore involves the
asserted violation of the Sherman antitrust
legislation.
They contend further that a paralleling
precedent was set in a recent federal circuit
court ruling in the case of Danny Gardella,
a player who was barred from American
baseball by the game's commissioner after he
left t^e New York Giants to accept employment
with a so-called "outlaw" league in
Mexico. In this ruling it was declared Gardella
has a cause of legal action under the
Sherman act.
The legal history of the "unfriendly ten's"
battle with the major companies also includes
suits filed against RKO Radio by Scott
and Dmytryk; against MGM by Trumbo and
Cole, and against 20th Century-Fox by Lardner,
all charging breach of contract. Cole
recently was ordered reinstated and MGM
was ordered to pay him back salary, but
Loew's. Inc.. is appealing. The Scott, Dmytryk,
Trumbo and Lardner suits are being held in
abeyance pending the outcome of Loew's ap
peal.
Additionally, the Screen Writers Guild has
filed a federal court action charging the
MPAA with conspiring to institute a "blacklist"
in violation of antitrust law.s. No monetary
damages are asked in this suit, however.
All of the litigation stems from developments
at a 1947 session of Rep. J. Parnell
Thomas' house subcommittee on un-American
activities, at which the "unfriendly ten,"
called as witnesses, refused to testify as to
their possible Communistic affiliations. All
subsequently were indicted on charges of
contempt of Congress and in November 1947.
Eric Johnston. MPAA president, revealed the
decision to institute an employment ban on
the ten unless and/or until they had been
cleared of the charges.
Five Committees Set Up
By MP Ideals Alliance
HOLLYWOOD—In preparation for launching
an active schedule during the balance
of the year, the Motion Picture Alliance for
the Preservation of American Ideals has set
up five new committees to function under
the direction of John Wayne, president, and
Roy M. Brewer, chairman of the executive
committee. New groups include:
Meeting arrangements committee—Ward
Bond. Charles Cane, Steve Fisher, Borden
Chase and John Lee Mahin.
Policy committee—James K. McGuinness.
Robert Arthur, John Klorer, Ralph Clare and
Brewer.
Membership—Charles Cane, Charles Coburn,
Ben Martinez, Ward Bond and Cliff
Lyons.
Publicity—Borden Chase, Steve Fisher,
Fred Niblo jr., Morrie Ryskind, Hedda Hopper.
Murphy McHenry.
Finances—Mrs. Robert Ai-thur. Sam Wood,
LeRoy Prinz. Charles Cane, Pat O'Brien.
BOXOFFICE :: May 28. 1949 43

STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES
Barnstormers
Universal-International
In Texas to stimulate interest in the iorthcoming
bond premiere of "Calamity Jane and Sam Bass" is
actress BARBARA PAYTON. Stars YVONNE DeCARLO
ond HOWARD DUFF will be on hand for the premiere
in Dallas on June £,
Warners
WAYNE MORRIS, ALAN HALE, JAMES BROWN
and FRED CLARK, cast topliners in "The Younger
Brothers," made appearances May 27 at the Warner
Downtown, Hollywood and Wiltern theatres in
conjunction with openings of the picture in the
three houses.
Having completed his role in "Return of the
Frontiersman," GORDON MACRAE opens June 9 in
a three-week personal appearance engagement at
the Oriental Theatre, Chicago.
Blurbers
RKO Radio
Publicist PHIL GERSDORF has been borrowed by
Walt Disney Productions to beat the drums for
"Treasure Island," Disney's live action feature,
which rolls in England this summer. Gersdorf sails
June I for Britain to begin the assignment.
Briefies
RKO Radio
Robert Neil and Suzi Crandall have the leading
roles in "Prize Maid," first run in the new two-reel
Newlyweds series being produced by George Bilson
and megged by Hal Yates.
Cleffers
Metro
ANDRE PREVIN was assigned the scoring and
conducting chores on Robert Sisk's production,
"Tension."
Assigned to compose a number of hymns for "Quo
Vadis" was MIKLOS ROZSA.
Assigned as musical director on Joe Pasternak's
production, "Nancy Goes to Rio," was GEORGIE
STOLL.
Monogram
Music director EDWARD J. KAY is scoring the
Jimmy Wakely starrer, "Range Rogues."
Paramount
Radio and recording vocalist BUDDY CLARK was
signed to sing the title tune in "Song of Surrender,"
starring Wanda Hendrix.
Universal-International
FRANK SKINNER conducts the orchestra, using a
score by ELIZABETH FIRESTONE, for 'Come Be My
Love." Robert Montgomery produced and directed.
Loanouts
20th Century-Fox
On loan from U-I, JEFF CHANDLER will play an
Apache chief in Julian Blaustein's production, "Arrow,"
starring James Stewart.
Meggers
Columbia
"Hoedown," first of two western musicals to
star Eddie Arnold, hillbilly radio and recording star
will be megged by RAY NAZARRO for Producer
Colbert Clark.
Metro
Set to meg the Clark Gable-Loretta Young starrer,
'Keyto the City," was GEORGE SIDNEY. Z. Wayne
GrilfiiJ will produce.
Monogram
Producer Louis Gray signed OLIVER DRAKE to
direct "Boomtown Badmen" to star Jimmy 'Wakely.
Republic
Director FRED BRANNON was
other year.
reoptioned for an-
20th Century-Fox
Producer ROBERT BRASSLER has been handed a
two-yeoT contract extension. His last two pictures,
"Sand" and "Collision," have not yet been released.
Options
Columbia
Male lead in "Palomino," upcoming Robert Cohn
production, goes to JEROME COURTLAND. Ray
Nazarro will meg the Technicolor outdoor opus,
slated to loU in July.
HURD HATFIELD will star in the Sam Kalzman
production, "Chinatown at Midnight," to be directed
by Seymour Friedman. JACQUELINE DeWIT was
signed for a principal role. Chinese actress MAYLIA
will be featured with Hatfield.
Metro
JEAN HAGEN, young New York actress, joins Robert
Taylor and John Hodiak in "Ambush," to be
megged by Sam Wood for Producer Armand Deutsch.
Added to the cast of "Bodies and Souls," the
Glenn Ford starrer, was ARTHUR FRANZ.
Monogram
Additions to the cost of "Trail of the Yukon" are
AL BRIDGE, WALLY WALKER, STANLEY ANDREWS,
DICK ELLIOTT, BILL EDWARDS, ANTHONY WARDE,
MAYNARD HOLMES, PETER MAMAKOS, DAN SEY-
MOUR, GUY BEACH and IRIS ADRIAN William
Beaudine directs for Producer Lindsley Parsons.
BOB WOODWARD, BRET HAMILTON, DONALD
KERR, BILLY HAMMOND, EDMUND GLOVER, BUD
OSBORNE, KEIT-H RICHARDS, WILLIAM H. RUHL,
DEE COOPER, KENNE DUNCAN, TED ADAMS, LEE
PHELPS, CLEM FULLER, CAROL HENRY, CURT BAR-
RETT and RED EGNER were added to the cast of
"Mark of the Whip," under the direction of Ray
Taylor for Producer Barney Sarecky.
Paramount
JACK 'WEBB, radio's "Pat Novak," was signed
to portrcry an assistant director in the Gloria Swanson-Erich
von Stroheim topliner, "Sunset Boulevard,"
under the direction of Billy Wilder for Producer
Charles Bracket!. YVETTE VEDDER, UCLA coed,
makes her screen debut in the film.
Cast in the Alan Ladd starrer, "Eagles of the
Navy," was WILLIAM BENDIX. Robert Fellows will
produce.
RKO Radio
Inked to play a hotel slavey in Robert Sparks' production,
"The Boil Bond Story," wcrs PHYLLIS KEN-
NEDY. Ted Tetzlaff directs the Pat O'Brien-George
Raft topliner.
Samuel Goldwyn signed PHYLLIS KIRK to a long
RED CROSS DONATION — G e o r g e
Bowser, right, general manager of the
Fox West Coast circuit, hands a check
for $12,000 to Clarence S. Beesemyer, volunteer
general chairman for the 1949
Los Angeles Red Cross campaign. The
sum represented a donation from FWC's
southern California theatres and does not
include a separate gift from the corporation
in northern California nor the individual
contributions of its employes earlier
this year.
Beesemeyer said the "generous gift"
would' be used to help maintain a civilian
blood service project, as well as to finance
services to veterans and their dependants,
and assist educational and
training services of the local chapter.
term contract and handed her a role in the Farley
Granger-Joan Evans starrer, "Beloved Over All."
Republic
Set for the femme topline in Sidney Picker's production,
"Post Office Investigator," was AUDREY
LONG. George Blair will direct. Inked for leading
roles were WARREN DOUGLAS and JEFF DONNELL.
Others signed for the Sidney Picker production include:
JIMMIE DODD, TONY CANNON, MARCEL
JOURNET, RICHARD BENEDICT, CLIFF CLARK, VERA
MARSHE, THOMAS BRCWNE HENRY and PATRICIA
KNOX.
ROY BARCROFT, MARSHALL REED, 'WILL WRIGHT,
EARL HODGINS, HAL TALIAFERO, DOUGLASS DUM-
BRILLE, LLOYD INGRAHM, GEORGE CHEESEBRO
and JACK OSHEA are additions to the cast of the
William Elliott-Adrian Booth starrer, "Crosswinds."
Leading juvenile role in Walter Colmes' production,
"Pride of the Indians," will be played by
RUSTY RAMBLYN, 14-year-old Hollywood Little Theatre
actor.
KATHLEEN FREEMAN was signed to make her picture
debut in Fidelity Pictures' "The House by the
River." Fritz Long directs for Producers Howard
Welsch and Robert Peters.
Screen Guild
GLENN LANGAN, ADELE lERGENS and STEVE
BRODIE will star in Lippert Productions' "Treasure
of Monte Cristo."
20th Century-Fox
Handed a character role in the Betty Grable-
"Wabash Avenue," was MAR-
Victor Mature stcrrrer,
GARET HAMILTON. Henry Koster will direct for
Producer William Perlberg.
United Artists
Set for roles in Regal Productions' "Mrs. Mike"
were ANGELA CLARK and CHIEF YOWLACHIE.
Louis King directs the Dick Powell-Evelyn Keyes
starrer for Producers Edward Gross and Sam
Bischoff.
Universal-International
Handed the feminine lead opposite Audio Murphy
in Paul Short's production, "The Kid From Texas,'
was GALE STORM. ALBERT DEKKER was signed
to play her husband. Inked to ploY a bandit role
was WILLIAM TALLMAN. Other additions to the
cast are RAY TEAL, WILL GEER and MABTIN
GARRALAGA
DOROTHY HART was assigned the second feminine
lead in Michel Kraike's production, "Java,"
starring Shelley Winters and Stephen McNolIy. H.
Bruce Humberstone will direct.
PERCY KILBRIDE hds been cast as Ann Blyth's
father in "Hot Water," the forthcoming Robert
Buckner production. A character lead was set tor
RAY COLLINS.
Warners
Cast as a drive-in theatre cashier in the James
Cagney vehicle, '"White Heat," was CLAUDIA BAR-
RETT.
Character actor MINOR WATSON has a leading
role in the Bette Davis-Joseph Gotten starrer, "Beyond
the Forest." Assigned an important role was
DONNA DRAKE.
FAY BAKER will appear as Raymond Massey's
wife in "Chain Lightning," with Eleanor Parker costarred.
JACK REYNOLDS, JOHN ROGERS and pianist
WILLIAM LANKIN are additions to the cast.
Former Broadway actor ROY ROBERTS will appear
as Humphrey Bogart's commanding general. Former
studio test director MORRIS ANKRUM was cast
in the role of a jet aircraft mechanic.
Scripters
Monogram
CHARLES B. MARION is preparing an original
script, "KTasterminds," for the next in Producer Jan
Grippe's Bowery Boys series. Film replaces the
previously announced "Bowery Boys Go to College"
on the production schedule.
Paramount
Assigned to write the treatment and screenplay
for the George Stevens production based on Theodore
Dreiser's "An American Tragedy" wcte
MICHAEL WILSON.
ANDREW SOLT will write the final screenplay on
Hal Wallis' "September," starring Joan Fortaine.
Universal-International
Inked to do a script polish job on "Fuaitive From
Terror" was OSCAR SAUL. Michael Gordon will
direct for Producer Michel Kroike.
Inked to screenplay his own original story, "Shakedown,"
was JOEL MALONE.
Story Buys
Columbia
'Producer-Director Robert Rossen purchased the
Tom Lee best-seller, "The Brave Bulls."
Independent
King Bros, purchased "Born to Hang," original
by Arthur Nordhem, as a future Peggy Cummins-
John Dall starring vehicle.
Irving Allen and FrOnchot Tone, operating as
(Continued on next page)
44 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

Harold
extreme
Personnelifies SDG First Award to Mankiewicz
tContinued from preceding page)
A&T Productions, have secured screen rights 1o
Jacques Offenbach's Ught opera, "La Vie Parisienne."
lo be filmed in France with the original music.
Harry Brown will script from a libretto by Henri
Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy.
"Hurrah for My Side," original by Horace Jackson,
was purchased by Roy Del Ruth Productions-
Yarn concerns three ex-GIs who return to Europe
in search of their wartime sweethearts.
Technically
Columbia
MORT MORIARTY. assistant to the president ol the
Good Humor company, will be technical adviser on
S. Sylvan Simon's production, "The Good Humor
Man.
Metro
Assigned the art direction chore on "Europa and
the Bull" was PAUL GROESSE.
SERGEI PETSCHNIKOFF has been tabbed unit
manager on "Nancy Goes to Rio." Named art
director was JACK SMITH.
MALCOLM BROWN was set as art director ior
Edwin Knopi's production, "Running ol the Tide."
Art director on "Please Believe Me" will be
DANIEL CATHCART.
Art direction chore on Volderaar Vetluguin's production,
"East Side, West Side," was taken by
RANDALL DUELL.
Film editor on William H. Wright's production,
"Stars in My Crown," will be GENE RUGGIERO.
Jacques Tourneur directs.
GEORGE WHITE was assigned as film editor on
"Tension," with John Berry directing and Robert
Sisk producing.
WALTER PLUNKETT will design Katharine Hepburn's
wardrobe ior "Adam's Rib," to be produced
by Edwin Knopf.
Art director on "Key to the City" will be HANS
PETERS.
Paramount
Assistant to Director Mitchell Leisen on the Barbara
Stanwyck starrer, "I Married a Dead Man,"
will be JOHNNY COONAN.
Republic
Technical assignments on Fidelity Pictures' "House
by the River" include JOE DILL, unit manager;
JOHN GRUBBS, assistant director; EDDIE CRON-
JAGER, cameraman; ARTHUR ROBERTS, lilm editor;
BORIS LEVIN, art director, and MORTON SCOTT,
musical director
20th Century-Fox
Crew for William Perlberg's production, "Wabash
Avenue," includes ARTHUR E. ARLING, cinematographer;
BILLY DANIELS, dance director; CHARLES
r;MAlRE, stylist; LYLE WHEELER

Charles Brackett Is
Academy Head;
Hersholt Suggests Policy Changes
HOLLYWOOD—The four-year regime of
Jean Hersholt as president of the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ended
with the unanimous election of writer-producer
Charles Brackett to succeed him.
Chosen for the presidency by the board of
governors, Brackett heads a new list of officers
which includes;
George Murphy, first vice-president, succeeding
Brackett; Dore Schary, second vicepresident,
succeeding Jack L. Warner; Emmet
Lavery, secretary, succeeding Robert Montgomery;
Johnny Green, assistant secretary,
succeeding Thomas T. Moulton; Fred Metzler,
treasurer, succeeding N. Peter Rathvon;
and G. Carleton Hunt, assistant treasurer,
succeeding Charles G. Clarke.
Balloting was highlighted by the presentation
of a policy-and-progress report by the
retiring president, who refused to stand for
re-election. Since Hersholt currently is in
the east, his recommendations as to the
Academy's future were outlined by Brackett.
In a complete reversal of his previous
stand—Hersholt, shortly after the 1948 Academy
awards ceremonies, lashed out at several
major film companies on the groirnds they
were more interested in "commercialism"
than in "artistic achievement"—he declared
he had come to believe the Academy "would
be justified in seeking a prestige sponsor" for
the awards broadcast and also "in accepting
other commercial connections" to raise funds
for expanding the Academy's general program.
Other Hersholt recommendations
Staging of an international film conference
in Hollywood, dedicated to supporting
a "rising standard" in production "regardless
of national boundaries."
Increase in Academy memberehip over its
present 2,000 mark.
Construction or acquisition of a larger
NEW ACADEMY LEADER—Charles
Brackett, right, is the new president of
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences, succeeding Jean Hersholt.
Brackett is shown here with George Murphy,
elected first vice-president. The
Murphy whiskers? They're for an MOM
film
assigrnment.
building to serve as Academy headquarters,
including a museum to house oldtime film
relics.
Development of a standard format for
awards presentations, which he suggested
should be worked cut by a special committee.
Development of a long-range program to
map general organizational plans for five or
even ten years in advance.
Second TV Institute
Held in Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD—The second annual television
institute was slated to get under way
May 26 with the Screen Publicists Guild acting
as host in conjunction with five local
video organizations. Participating are the
Television Film Producers Ass'n, the Television
Producers Ass'n, Society of Motion Picture
Engineers, the Hollywood Council of the
Ass'n of Broadcast Unions and Guilds, and
the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Scheduled for discussion during the forums,
which will be held once a week for five weeks,
were such subjects as "management problems
in television," "films in television" and "Hollywood's
challenge as TV film production
center."
Mai Boyd of the TPA is coordinating the
series. Boyd, incidentally, was just re-elected
TPA president for a two-year period.
* »
Initialer in a projected new NBC-TV series
based on the "Dick Tracy" comic strip will
be turned out in pilot form for the network
by Rudy Vallee's video production organization.
Ralph Byrd has been set for the title
role.
Cameraman J. A. Valentine
Dies; 1948 Award Winner
HOLLYWOOD—A heart attack claimed
Joseph A. Valentine, 45, veteran cameraman,
regarded as one of the top members of the
craft and a five-time Academy award nominee.
He won an Academy statuette for 1948
for his color lensing of "Joan of Arc."
A member of both the American Society of
Cinematographers and lATSE Local 659 of
survived by his vrife
cameramen, Valentine is
and infant son, his parents and a sister.
Valentine's last lensing chore, recently completed,
was on "Love Is Big Business," the
Jack Skirball-Bruce Manning production for
RKO release. The cinematographer began
his career in 1922. He was a captain in the
army signal corps dm-ing World War II.
Gala 'Stratton
Bow
At Egyptian June 1
HOLLYWOOD—In gala film colony style
MGM will usher in its 25th birthday celebration
here June 1 with a "silver anniversary"
premiere of the James Stewart starrer,
"The Stratton Story," at the Egyptian Theatre.
Ceremonies include attendance by stars
and industry and civic leaders, the affair to
be replete with lights, music, bleachers and
loudspeakers.
* • *
"It Happens Every Spring," 20th Century-
Fox's baseball comedy toplining Ray Milland,
opened May 26 in St. Louis and in Pittsburgh
May 27, with Linda Darnell, Jean Peters and
Paul Douglas making personal appearances
in each city.
* *
Republic staged a press preview of its anti-
Communist opus, "The Red Menace," at the
Academy Awards Theatre May 25. In addition
to film and drama critics, the guest list
included state and federal judges, city, county
and state officials.
46
William Holden Narrates
Rehabilitation Short
HOLLYWOOD—Narration for a veterans'
rehabilitation short, filmed by students in
UCLA's motion picture department, was supplied
by William Holden, a World War II
veteran. The subject, a noncommercial educational
project, will be shown in colleges
and universities where many GIs are enrolled.
Taking part in "covered wagon" celebrtions
which are keynoting the U.S. Ti-easury's
"Spii'it of '49" bond-selling campaign, Dane
Clark, Wayne Morris and Peter Lawford
planed for New Orleans, Atlanta and Cleveland,
respectively, to star in rallies. Meantime,
Red Skelton. Lizabeth Scott and Paul
Lukas helped launch a "covered wagon" tour
at Independence, Mo., and appeared at a
bond rally in Kansas City.
Cry Room for Majestic
DALLAS, ORE.—Manager Don Wernli has
announced a cry room has been built in the
balcony of the Majestic. Norman Gatz did
the work.
UJW Theatres Division
Pledges Up 20 Per Cent
HOLL"YWOOD—Representing an increase
of 20 per cent over the figures for 1948, the
theatres and exchanges division of the United
Jewish Welfare fund at a dinner meeting at
the Ambassador hotel raised $112,300 in
pledges to the campaign. The dinner was
given in honor of Si Fabian, national chairman
of the motion picture division of the
United Jewish Appeal. His hosts included
Jack L. Warner, Charles P. Skouras, Mack
Sennett, Harry Popkin, Henry Ginsberg, Sid
Grauman, Mike Rosenberg, Sherrill Corwin
and Max and Kurt Laemmle.
MGM to Handle 'Pandora'
HOLLYWOOD — "Pandora and the Flying
Dutchman," which will be produced independently
by Al Lewln, veteran filmmaker
and MGM executive, will be distributed under
the MGM banner. Lewin some time ago
secured a leave of absence from his studio
berth in order to turn out the vehicle, based
on his own original. James Mason and Ava
Gardner have been set for the costan-ing
roles.
BOXOFFICE
:: May 28, 1949

sd(McC(M
^cfront
By JOHN SULLIVAN
nNATOLE LITVAK'S production "The
Snake Pit" opened in London last week
to the biggest press accorded to any picture-
British or American— for many years. Almost
without exception the national newspapers
treated the film as a top news story and all
agreed as to its value and sincerity, while
stressing that it was a subject only for those
with strong nerves.
In a banner headline Leonard Moseley of
the Daily Express asks, "This Terrible Film-
Why Was It Made?" and goes on to answer
his own question by saying: "It will change
your pity and horror of madne.ss into new
sympathy and understanding. It holds out
hope that diseases of the mind can be cured."
With the publicity given to the picture it is
almost certain to do standing room only busine.ss
during its run at the Odeon, Marble
Arch, one of London's biggest cinemas. On
the day the film opened, although it was .set
for an 8 o'clock premiere, waiting lines formed
at two in the afternoon and the cinema reports
the biggest advance bookings since the
house was opened, bigger even than "The
Best Years of Our Lives."
Although "The Snake Pit" will run at the
Odeon for as long as it will hold up, no circuit
deal has yet been fixed as undoubtedly
the circuit bookers want to gauge public
reaction to the picture before committing
themselves to a 300-theatre deal.
* » *
FOR SOME MONTHS PAST production at
the Shepperton and Isleworth studios of Sir
Alexander Korda has been merely ticking
over. Apart from the Carol Reed picture,
"The Third Man." which .stars Joseph Cotten,
Orson Welles, Trevor Howard and Valli.
the other films in production there have been
modest. Now, however, following the wholesale
dismissals of staff and internal reorganization
Sir Alex seems set to start work again
on the kind of lavish pictures for which he
is famous.
Starting on June 2 with Frank Launder
producing and Sidney Gilliat directing is a
comedy-thriller titled "State Secret," for
which Douglas Fairbanks jr. has been signed
to star. Launder will follow this with a film
version of a successful play called "The Happiest
Days of Your Life." Apart from this
Korda has lined up for production a very
ambitious composite picture about the great
exhibition of 1851. which is timed to tie in
with the Festival of Britain of 1951, the idea
being to have the picture ready just before
Christmas 1950 so that it will act as propaganda
for the festival which opens here in
the spring of the following year.
As planned now the picture will be composed
of several independent sequences with
a linking narrative and these sequences will
be directed by Michael Powell and Emeric
Pressburger, Launder and Gilliat, and Reed
with Sir Alex him.self as producer and all
the stars on the Korda payroll included in
the film.
« * *
IN LONDON NOW, preparing for the first
RKO Radio-Walt Di.sney British production,
"Treasure Island," are Perce Pearce. the producer,
and Byron Haskin, the director. They
are supervising the building of .sets at Denham,
where the picture will be made and
already has been to the coast to buy a ship
which will be converted into a brigantine.
Apart from Bobbie Driscoll who will play
the part of the boy in this famous classic
of Robert Louis Stevenson, the only othel
casting to date is that of Robert Newton
in the role
of Long John Silver.
«: *
INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS of Great
Britain are worried as to the effect that the
proposed agreement between the British Film
Producers Ass'n and the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America might have on them if it
is concluded when the British and American
film chiefs meet again on June 2.
The British Independent Film Producers
Ass'n has called a general meeting to di.scuss
the whole situation because they fear that
the agreement may mean a complete freezeout
of their product from British or American
screen time.
GUESTS FROM ENGLAND—Three visitors from Britain were luncheon guests
of Jack L. Warner, production chief at Warner Bros., during a recent Hollywood visit.
Shown here, left to right: Michael Wilding, English film star: Warner; Robert Clark,
production head of Associated British Pictures Corp., and Herbert Wilcox, English film
producer.
LAS VEGAS EXinBITOR HOST—Tom
Oakey, owner of the Fremont Theatre, Las
Vegas, is shown here conferring with Al
Horwits, studio publicity director for U-I.
The Fremont Wij-s the scene of a special
press preview of "The Lady Gambles."
Much of the picture was shot in Las
Vegas.
It seems more likely, however, that whatever
arrangements the big three in British
production come to with the American industry,
they will, in futiu'e. offer studio
facilities to independents instead of backing
productions with their own finance. This
trend is clearly to be seen at Rank's Denham
studios, where several independent producers
are due in within the next month to make
pictures for Rank distribution.
* * *
ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN by the
Cinema Exhibitors' Ass'n to di.scourage the
showing in England of old films which show
topline Hollywood stars when they were bit
players. Ronald Haines, an independent producer,
bought the British rights of two second
features "Hollywood Bound" with Betty
Grable and "Stairway to a Star" with Cornel
Wilde, both of which are made up of sequences
from very old films. The CEA, in a
circular to members advising not to book
either picture, points out that many patrons
might mistakenly be brought into the
cinema thinking that they were to see a
new Grable or Wilde picture and be disappointed
when they found that was not the
case. If this custom becomes widespread, they
say. quite justifiably, that it will reflect badly
on the industry.
* *
MENTION WAS MADE recently in this
column about the remarkable business that
Ealing's comedy, "Passport to Pimlico." has
been doing at the Gaumont, Haymarket, and
the Marble Arch Pavilion. Now comes a note
from Ealing .studios to say that at the latter
theatre it has taken more money than any
other film since the house was opened in
1914.
Critics of Rank's booking policy have always
maintained that it is a bad system to give
all pictures the same run in the west end,
whether they are doing good, medium or bad
business and it does seem foolish that with
these records being set the picture should
now be withdrawn.
Due for release on June 6, it will, however,
play two large second-run west end houses,
the Odeon, Tottenham Court road, and the
Metropole, Victoria, for a week before going
into its London release.
BOXOFFICE :; May 28, 1949 W 47

WNTERESTING and significant
beyond its
newsworthiness is the announcement that
Warner Bros, has signed Comedian Milton
Berle to a film contract calling for him to
star in at least one feature, with options for
additional pictures. Berle's first for the outfit,
to be made this summer, will be "Always
Leave Them Laughing," the productional
chore on which has been assigned to Jerry
Wald.
Reportedly Warners bagged Berle after
winning a heated race with several other
film-making outfits that also were bidding
to sign the actor to a picture pact.
And thus is launched the first experiment
to determine whether or not the rapidly growing
television field will be fertUe and profitable
recruiting ground for motion picture
talent.
In which connection, industry railbirds are
advancing two opinions, the usual pro and
con, of course.
The doubters hold that it is the same
Milton Berle who had a try at screen acting
throughout the early •40s when he was featured
in nearly a dozen pictures (RKO Radio
and 20th Century-Fox) and who subsequently
departed Hollywood because there was no
longer a call for his services before its
cameras and presumably because the magi
of production doubted his worth as a boxoffice
draw. These skeptics point out, further,
that the raiding of radio—when that medium
of entertainment was at its zenith—for names
that were top-drawer therein brought many
an ambitious picture-making venture to an
unhappy and unprofitable fate. Examples:
Lum and Abner, Bums and Allen, Fred Allen,
Henry Morgan, Jack Benny, Fibber Mc-
Gee and Molly, etc., ad infinitum. The unbelievers
argue also that such successful ones
as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Red Skelton
are the exceptions that prove the rule, that
they always have been just as much a part
of the screen as of the airways, sort of
chlcken-or-egg-came-first personalities whose
popularity as film stars made them ether
topliners rather than vice versa.
Furthermore, the diehards contend, an
analysis of the records down through the
years establishes beyond argument that a
dominant percentage of film luminaries who
always have been and still are reliable marquee
magic are the personalities who were
discovered and developed for the screen; that
theft- composite position as concerns both
popularity and the profits from their pictui-es
rarely has been seriously challenged by imports
from other media—stage, radio, opera,
sports or what have you?
There is no reason to think, the doubting
Thomases say, that television will be any different:
and they submit additionally that
turning to teevee for names, most especially
names that earlier had established their ineffectualness
in films, is a grasping-at-straws
gesture. It is, they opine, a departure from
the fundamental, solid-showmanship practices
which have made motion pictures
history's alltime most popular source of mass
entertainment and can keep them in that
position if wisely and unwaveringly pursued.
On the pro side, the briefs are weighted
with comparably obvious items. There it is
argued that video definitely is different because
its visual factor makes it more closely
related to films than is any other instrument
of show business: that there is bound to be
a strong liaison between the two: and that
an interchange of talent is miavoidable and
will work for the best interests of both.
Such being the case, the advocates maintain,
Berle is the hottest thing in today's entertainment
world because he is undisputedly
the most popular personage on television and
because of the widespread publicity he currently
and resultantly is being accorded^
as highlighted by the liberal space recently
devoted to him by such publications as Time
and Newsweek.
How, then, they ask, can a picture staiTing
him be anything but a smash hit?
Time and the turnstile reports on the
Warners' first Berle starrer will determine
which school of thought is right.
In the meantime, the industry must admire
and thank the Burbank brass for supplying
the fortitude, the laboratory and the considerable
wherewithal to dissect the motion
picture-television guinea pig— and none will
gainsay that they bought the best specimen
the market could provide.
Hollywood's public relations doghouse
never known to want for tenants—currently
seems to be sporting a "For Ladies Only" sign.
There's the deplorable and costly situation at
mighty Metro, where production on "Annie
Get Your Gun" had to be stopped because
studio executives found it necessary to
suspend Judy Garland when she failed to
show up for work one morning, and for hinted
reasons which gave the gossip columnists a
field day. Witness, too, another suspendee,
Rita Hayworth, and her pre-marital adventures
with Aly Khan. And—the topper—the
space devoted to Ingrid Bergman, heretofore
assumed to be the epitome of filmdom's
gentility and conventionality, and the reports
that she will divorce her husband and marry
her Italian producer, Roberto Rossellini.
Come, boys—you Mitchums, Flynns and
Tierneys—are you going to stand idly by and
allow the weaker sex to steal your show?
"Johnny Holiday" iR. W. Alcorn Productions).
"Johnny Allegro" (Columbia).
"Johnny Belinda" i Warners).
"John Loves Mary" (Warners).
And, a few years ago, "Johnny Eager"
(MGM).
Wonder what ever became of Manny, Moe
and Jack?
MGM Compiles Best
Scenes of 25 Years
HOLLYWOOD—"Some of the Best," a
four-reeler commemorating MGM's silver anniversary,
has been completed under supervision
of Frank Whitbeck. studio advertising
executive, and will have its initial screening
at the June 1 western premiere of "The
Stratton Story" at the Egyptian Theatre
here.
Narrated by Lionel Barrymore. "Some of
the Best" is a compilation of clips from the
25 pictures considered the studio's best, each
year, for the past quarter-century. The subject
was prepared primarily for exhibition to
newspaper editors, drama critics, educational
groups and similar organizations. It was compiled
by Herman Hoffman and edited by
Laurie Vejar.
Scenes therein are from 'The Big Parade,"
1924: "The Merry Widow," 1925: "Flesh and
the Devil," 1926: "Ben-Hur," 1927; "Tell It
to the Marines," 1928; "Broadway Melody,"
1929; "Min and Bill," 1930; "Ti-ader Horn,"
1931; "Grand Hotel," 1932; "Tugboat Annie,"
1933: "Dinner at Eight," 1934; "Mutiny on
the Bounty," 1935; "San Francisco," 1936:
"The Good Earth," 1937; "Boys Town," 1938;
"The Wizard of Oz," 1939; "Boom Town,"
1940: "The Philadelphia Story" 1941; "Mrs.
Miniver," 1942; "Random Harvest," 1943;
"National Velvet," 1944; "Met Me in St.
Louis," 1945; "The Green Years," 1946; "The
Yearling," 1947; and "Easter Parade," 1948.
Charles R. Metzger Dies;
Production Code Official
HOLLYWOOD—Funeral services were to
be held May 28 in Indianapolis for Charles
R. Metzger, 55, member of the staff of the
MPAA's production code administration, who
died at the Wilson sanitarium here May 23.
Metzger had been ill more than a year, following
a stroke.
A former Indiana educator and lawyer, he
joined the production code in 1935 under the
Will Hays regime. Previously he had served
as counsel and director for the Associated
Theatre Owners of Indiana and as director of
Allied States Ass'n of Motion Picture Exhibitors.
Metzger is survived by his mother and
three daughters.
To Law Officers Session
HOLLYWOOD—A group of film luminaries
will make personal appearances June 2 at
the Long Beach auditorium to highlight a
session of the Pacific Coast International
Ass'n of Law Enforcement Officials. Scheduled
for the turn are Mickey Rooney, Jimmy
Durante, Jane Powell, Dan Dailey, George
Murphy, Keenan Wynn, Betty Garrett, Marina
Koshetz, Andre Previn, Marcia Van
Dyke and Rafael Mendez.
'Quo Vadis' Data to UCLA
HOLLYWOOD—Being presented to UCLA
by MGM for permanent exhibit in the university
library is a 3,000-page document on
the life and customs of early Rome. The material,
assembled as the result of a year's
work, was garnered by the studio's research
department in connection with the forthcoming
production of "Quo Vadis."
48 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

'Belvedere' Continues at High Mark
On Holdover Weeks in Five Cities
LOS ANGELES—First run patrons placed
most of their admission chips on "The Lady
Gambles" in its initial week. In second
spot was a dualer. "The Window" and "A
Woman's Secret." while show money went to
another double-header, "The Streets of Laredo"
and "The Streets of San Francisco."
(Average Is 100)
Belmont, Carthay Circle, Culver, Orpheum,
Vogue—The Fan (20lh-Fox); Fighting FooU
(Mono) 90
Chinese, Stole, 'Uptown, Loyola- Mr. Belvedere
Goes to College (20th-Fox), Arctic Fury (SR).
3rd wk 100
Downtown, Hollywood Paramounts Streets of
Laredo (Para); Streets oi San Francisco (Rep) .-.izO
Egyptian, Los Angeles, Wilshire Take Me Out
to the Ball Game (MGM), 2nd wk 12b
Fine Arts—The Red Shoes, (EL), 21st wk 90
Four Music Halls—Champion (UA), 4th wk 8b
Four Star—Pygmalion (MGM), reissue, 2nd wk....lOU
Guild, Iris, Ritz, Studio City, United Artists—
The Lady Gambles; (U-I); Enchanted Valley
(EL) 130
Pantages, Hillstreel—The Window (RKO); A
Woman's Secret (RKO) 12b
Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern Casabianco
(WB), G-Men (WB), reissues 95
'Barkleys' Gross 150 Per Cent
For Portland High
PORTLAND—It was a fair week at all
downtown houses with "The Barkleys of
Broadway" leading the field at 150 per cent
at the United Artists. In nimiber two spot,
at 145 per cent at the Broadway, was "Family
HonejTnoon" and "Rose of the Yukon."
Holdovers were steady.
Broadway Family Honeymoon (U-I); Rose oi
the Yukon (Rep) 145
Guild—The Red Shoes (EL), roadshow 5th
d. 1. wk 130
Maylair Winner Take All (Mono); Force oi Evil
(MGM) 80
Music Box Mr. Belvedere Goes to College
(20th-Fox); Let Live a Utile (KL), 3rd d t, wk .120
Oriental and Orpheum Tulsa (U-I), Bad Men
of Tombstone (Mono) .- 120
Paramount Bride oi Vengeance (Para); The
Mutineers (Col)
...125
Playliouse Flamingo Road (WB); Kiss in the
Dark (WB), 2nd d t wk
....lib
United Artists The Barkleys oi Broadway
(MGM) 150
'Belvedere' Tops With 175
In Fourth Seattle Week
SEATTLE—The thousands who didn't attend
the baseball games or "Ice Follies,"
headed for the outdoors during the week as
summer sun melted grosses. "Flaniingo Road"
got off to a 115 start at the Orpheum to top
the newcomers.
Blue Mouse—The Life of Riley (U-I); State Department,
File 649 (FC), 3rd d. 1. wk., 4 days 50
Coliseum City Across the River (U-I); Rimiire
(SG) 100
Fiith Avenue—Portrait of Jennie (SRO) 50
Liberty Alias Nick Beal (Para); Sky Dragon
(Mono) 70
Music Box My Dream Is Yours (WB) The Lucky
Stiff (WB), 3rd d. t. wk 90
Music Hall—Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (20lh-
Fox); I Cheated the Law (20lh-Fox), 4th wk 175
Orpheum Flamingo Road (WB); Badmen of Tombstone
(Mono) 115
Paramount Adventure in Baltimore (RKO); Fighting
Fools (Mono), 4 days 40
'Window' Zooms to 175
As Frisco Top
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden Gate
opened the way with "The Window" to win
first spot honors with a loud 175 barometer
reading. Second honors went to two theatres,
the Esquire and the United Artists, both
opening with "Champion" at 150.
Esquire and United Artists ^Champion (UA)... .150
Fox—Tulsa (EL); Angel in Exile (Rep), 2nd wk 110
Golden Gate—The Window (RKO); A Woman's
Secret (RKO) 175
Orpheum—We Were Strangers (Col); Make
Believe Ballroom (Col), 2nd wk 125
Paramount—My Dream Is Yours (WB); Arson. Inc.
(SG), 5 days oi 2nd wk 90
St Francis Bride of Vengeance (Para) 130
Slate—The Raven (U-1); Murders in the Rue
Morgue (U-1), reissues... _ „
United Naljons—Mr. Belvedere Goes to College
(20th-Fox) The Last Bandit (Kep), 5lh wk 120
Worlield—Big lack (MGM); The Duke oi Chicago
(Hop) '00
.
'Belvedere' Fourth Week
Grosses 250 in Denver
Belvedere Goes to College"
DENVER—"Mi-.
continued strong at the Denham, raking down
a nice 250 per cent. "Flamingo Road" opened
with 150 per cent and "Streets of Laredo"
grossed 130 per cent.
Aladdin—Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (20th-
Fox); Strike It Rich (Mono), 4th d. t. wk 2b0
Broadway— Criss Cross (U-1) jOU
Denham—Streets of Laredo (Para) UU
Denver, Rialto, E;5quire. Webber—Flamingo
Road (WB); State Department, File 649 (FC) IbU
.
Orpheum—Adventure in Baltimore (RKO); Clay
Pigeon (RKO) ^-.... , 9°
^.
Paramount—The Dark Past (Col); Jungle Jim
(Col)
Vogue Jenny Lamour (Vog)
100
65
Staffs From 6 Exchanges
At Los Angeles Parley
LOS ANGELES—In addition to George
A. Smith, Paramount west coast division
sales
manager, who was host at a three-day
sales meeting here for the company's six
western branches, exchange personnel in attendance
included:
Seattle—Henry W. Haustein, manager:
David Dunkle, Ralph Hayden, Larry PuUs
and John Kent, salesmen.
San Francisco—H. Neal East, manager:
Ward Pennington, Edward Canty, Milton Anderson,
King Tiimble, James French and
Jack Stevenson, salesmen.
Salt Lake City—Frank H. Smith, Warren
Foster, B. R. 'Turgeon, Harry Swonson, Conrad
F. Rose, Gene Jones and Carl Lind.
Denver—Cornell J. Duer, James R. Ricketts,
Tillie Chalk, John Vos, Jack R. Felix, Paul
E. Allmeyer and Robert Quinn.
Portland—Wayne Thiriot, L. A. Hummell
jr., Glenn Broggen and Prank J. Doty.
Los Angeles—A, R. Taylor, Harland Brunt,
Gene Beuerman, Ken Derby, Earl Stein,
Henry Davis, Robert Clark and Robert Blair.
Protest Tucson Drive-In
TUCSON, ARIZ.—Approximately 175 residents
of the area surrounding the Broadway-
Tucson boulevard intersection attended a
mass meeting last week to protest the proposed
construction of a drive-in by Broadway
Theatres, Inc., on Tucson boulevard near
Broadway. The chairman of a protest committee
said 450 names have been signed to
agreements against the ozoner on the grounds
that it would be a detriment to the community.
New Plymouth Airer Sold
NEW PLYMOUTH, IDA. — Two Emmett
theatremen. Rex Voeller and J. B. Giezentanner,
are the new owners of the K&K
Drive-In. Purchase arrangements were made
with L. A. Knowles, representing K&K Corp.
Voeller owns the Gem Aircraft Co. at Emmett
and Giezentanner is owner-manager of the
Ideal Theatre at Emmett.
Tax Suit Settlement
Refused by Stockton
STOCKTON, CALIF.—The city council here
turned down an offer to settle its suit over
the legality of the city amusement tax for
approximately $125,000. Fox West Coast Theatres,
against whom the suit is directed, offered
in a letter to the council to waive any
right to the taxes already collected providing
the city drop its action and give up the
amusement tax.
The money is set aside in the city treasury
awaiting court decision on legality of the
tax, which has been paid under protest since
November 1947. If the city wins the suit, the
council says the money will go to construct
a golf course. If the theatres win the suit,
the money will be returned to the patrons
who have kept refund stubs and the remainder
of the funds will go to a worthy cause.
Cantin & Cantin, Architects for Studio
SAN JOSE—Cantin & Cantin of San
Francisco are the architects for the new
Lawrence Borg Studio theatre now under
construction here. The 1,000 seat house is of
stadium type.
11^
M. M. MESHER— District Manager,
Hamrick-Evergreen Theatres,
Portland, Oregon—says:
"RCA Service is dependable
and we have found it to be
most valuable for the excellent
operation we always
strive to maintain."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
We
have the
for
YOUR
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BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949
49

. . . Staurat
. . Frank
. . Victor
. . Newly
SAN FRANCISCO
. . .
n permit calling for construction of a $69,000
Sacramento civic repertory theatre has
issued by the city building inspector . . .
been
Jack Keegan, manager of the Nevada City
theatre, says the house may be reopened
early in July after a remodeling. Keegan
says the theatre will seat 650 persons. A
name for the theatre has not been selected
Manager Joseph Novitzky of the Motor
Movies in El Cerrito reports the theatre,
which opened October 29. has always completed
at least one full show even in the
worst weather.
The benefit opening May 26 of the El
Rancho Drive-In will go to the Building for
Youth fund. Children under 10 will be admitted
free . . . The Santa Cruz Theatre will
hold open house every day from 12:30 to 1:30
for patrons to hear organ concerts. Manager
M. A. Smith urged citizens to take advantage
of the recitals. The program will be aired
over the local radio station.
A six-act special vaudeville program was
given by Robert Retzer, manager of the
Sanger and Royal theatres in Sanger at the
gala reopening of ihe Sanger, following its
$20,000 remodeling and expansion program
Fletcher and Alex Balennasi
have taken an option on 14 acres of land
at Gilroy, where they plan to build a 400-car
drive-in costing $100,000. According to present
plans, the drive-in will be known as the
Hecker Pass Drive-In.
Tlie suit brought by the Rio Theatre in
Richmond against the projectionists union
and officers of the Central Labor council to
restrain picketing was laid over until June
. . . Steps toward cooperative understanding
between parents and theatre managers were
taken when 50 charter members of the
Berkeley Motion Picture Council were luncheon
guests of the Pox West Coast and Blumenfeld
Theatres at the Shattuck hotel. Fox
West Coast Theatres were represented by
Try Us and You1l Agree
FILMACK
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FIRST
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Kenneth Workman and Blumenleld Theatres
by A. A. Erickson.
Herman Kersken, district manager for Fox
West Coast, and Spencer Love, acting division
manager, named Jack McDougall. veteran of
20 years with FWC. as new manager of the
Oakland, replacing the late Robert Catley.
Robert M. Apple is the new manager of the
Grand Lake, being transferred from the Senator.
He succeeds Frank Jenkins, who resigned
to go to Los Angeles. A. R. Hansen,
former assistant manager of the Fox, replaces
Apple as manager of the Senator.
Gordon Allen is recovering in good order
and has visited his drive-in twice since his
illness . . . Henry Herbel. Warner Bros, district
manager, was in town for a few days.
Also, Sam Shapin, WB auditor . . . Naomi
Goldstein, WB percentage clerk, is vacationing
and toming Reno and Los Airgeles,
where she visited WB studios ... Ed Rowden
Theatre Service is doing the buying and
booking for the Crest Theatre in Daly City.
Rowden Service, in addition to booking and
buying for Tom Lucas Brockway at Kings
Beach, is now handling the Tahoe Theatre
at Kings Beach, owned by Vern Shattuck.
Will Zoellner, head of the short subject division
for MGM, was visiting the local exchange
on his visit from New York . . . The
Variety Club honored Rotus Harvey, general
chairman of the Variety Club convention,
with a testimonial dinner . Maun,
Lyric, MarysviUe, and drive-in, Yuba City,
was in town.
Sonney's Pictm-es opened a local office at
149 Hyde St. . . . Paul Perez, publicist with
Eagle Lion, was here for the opening of "The
Red Shoes" at the Stage Door Theatre. If
the preview audience is any judge of the reception
the film will have, "The Red Shoes"
should be at the Stage Door for many weeks.
The new Tower Theatre in Willows opened
May 25, says Manager Mario Menconito . . .
The management of the Los Gatos Theatre
ran a ballot in a local paper with a list
. . . Tlie Vogue Theatre
of foreign films asking patrons to mark the
pictures they desired to see. The requests
were so great that the theatre booked four
of the foreign films for each Wednesday and
Thursday in May
here has instituted a .policy of foreign films
two nights a week. The rest of the time the
usual product will be screened.
Jack Carson and Horace Heidt were among
the visitors to San Francisco . Mc-
Laglen and his wife spent a week in Walnut
Creek, visiting Mrs. McLaglen's daughter . . .
Walter Preddey of Pi-eddey Supply house
is touring Europe with his wife . . . The
Preddey spring '49 edition of the directory
is out . . . Another salesman for Screen
Guild here is Ralph Dostal, well known on
Filmrow and in theatre cu-cles . . . Among
the Paramount localites who went south for
the Paramount convention in Los Angeles
were H. Neal East, branch manager, and
salesmen Ward Pennington, Jack Stevenson
and Jim French.
LOS ANGELES
T^eath claimed two veterans of the southern
Californai exhibition field with the passing
of M. A. Kui-stin. 65, and George Bourke.
Km'stin operated the Boulevard in East Los
Angeles and the Ritz in Inglewood. A Los
Angeles resident since 1922, Km-stin is survived
by a wife, a son Sidney and two daughters.
Bourke was a partner with Fox West
Coast in the operation of the Nuart, Bundy
and Tivoli in West Los Angeles. A veteran
of more than 30 years in the business as a
salesman, branch manager and theatre owner.
Bourke is sui'vived by two sons and a daughter.
. . . Mr.
MGM added two new salesmen, Phillip
E. Rees and Stewart Engebretson
and Mrs. Roy Dickson of Cooperative Theatres
celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary
. . . C. T. Charack of Eagle Lion said
pooh to superstition and yes to Estelle Page
in a wedding ceremony at the Flamingo hotel
in Las Vegas on Pi'iday, May 13.
Herb Goldberg resigned as an Eagle Lion
salesman to take over as manager of Sid
Kurstin's Boulevard Theatre. Alex Cooperman.
EL office manager, has assumed part
of Goldberg's chores ... In town for circuit
conferences was Harry Denny. San Bernardiiao
city manager for Fox West Coast. Making
the trek with him were Paul Brown,
manager of the West Coast Theatre in San
Bernardino, and Bill Hallet, who manages
the Loma in Redlands.
Eagle Lion vacationers include Bee Morse,
contract clerk, who planes to Pittsburgh June
30, and Jeanette Nadler. booker's stenographer
. elected officers of the
Paramount Pep club are Ernie Kilpatrick.
president: Gene Agee, vice-president; Dorothy
Pluemacher, secretary: Betty Negrln,
treasurer, and Jety Curry and Betty DeBrown,
welfare committee.
. . Al
A visitor at Republic was Ralph Carmichael,
manager in San Fi-ancisco . . . "Hap"
Simpson resigned as manager of the Tracy
and Victor theatres in Long Beach .
Hanson will start remodeling his Bellflower
early next month, planning to spend about
$150,000 on a new balcony, new front and
tower, and increasing the seating capacity
to 1,150.
THEATRE /ALE/
.ARAKELIAN
25 TAVLOli
Hi
Pop Popcorn
Concessions
W. H. TURPIE
Western Division Manager
1914 S. Vermont Ave.. Los Angeles 7, Calif.
Castle Rock Repainted
CASTLE ROCK, WASH.—The Castle Rock
has been closed temporarily for repainting,
both inside and out. Lyle Bowen is the
manager.

. . Manager
PORTLAND
TSu'is Morgan was in town working on RKO'.^
"Tarzan's Magic Fountain." The Mayfair
is going to run a "muscle man" contest
in conjunction with the picture, the winner
to be called "Mr. Portland" or some such
appropriate title . . . Roscoe Ates, who was
with RKO three years, played at the Clover
club. Ates says he may go back into pictures
about the middle of June when he
finishes moving his hoiusehold to California.
. . .
Monroe Carleson, booker at RKO, was a
judge in the recent Miss Clark County contest
in Vancouver, Wash. The Century
has an addition to its marquee, making it
readable from all angles . Archie
Zerowski of Hamrick-Evergreen's Oriental
Theatre says the student body of Lewis and
Clark university has rented the theatre for
a night to hold their variety show. The
Oriental also will run a film for the students
. . . Manager Herb Royster of the Mayfair
reports "I Know My Love," with Lunt
and Pontanne, broke all previous house records
during its thiee-day run. All orchestra
seats were sold out two weeks in advance
and the whole house, including the one matinee,
was gone six days before the opening.
Lee and Agnes Frakes, circuit operators
in eastern Washington and Idaho, were
weekend guests. Mr.s. Frakes attended the
convention of the Toastmistress club . .
.
Allen Burt, Theatre Exchange Co., a recent
Sun Valley, Ida., visitor, has some excellent
Colpixs of Sun Valley which may be seen
on the Theatre Exchange Co. screen.
Paramount Manager Prank Pratt and assistant
Bert Gamble promoted Columbia's
"We Were Strangers" with Arthur Murray
instructors Betty Jefferies and Danny Kirk
dancing in the lobby beside a board reading,
"We were strangers until we learned to dance
at Arthur Murray'.5." The stunt attracted a
large crowd from the streets and paid off
in word-of-mouth advertising. The couple
also paraded up and down Broadway with a
sandwich board attraction. "Make Believe
Balh'oom," doubled with "We Were Strangers,"
got a plug over station KWJJ. Bill
For Quick

Balboa and Lido af Los Angeles
Are Undergoing Renovation
LOS ANGELES — A $12,000 redecoration
and modernization is under way at the Balboa
and Lido theatres here.
Work on both houses
is being carried on without interruption of
the regular performances.
The Balboa auditorium is being redecorated
with new acoustic treatment, seat modernization,
new carpeting, lighting, screen and
soimd equipment. The Lido is getting an
overhaul in its decorative scheme with new
carpeting, drapes and complete painting of
the exterior. A snacK bar and a new cooling
and heating unit are also being installed.
Dave Rector Starts Drive-In
COMPTON, CALIF.—Construction has begun
on the 1,200-car Compton Drlve-In here,
to be operated by Dave Rector. A unique
feature of the operation is that it will be a
"double-header," comprising two units with
screens back to back. Rector currently operates
the Ebell in Long Beach and the Lennox,
both conventional indoor houses.
Bowling Alley Planned With Theatre
ESPANOLA VALLEY, N. M.—The El Capitan
is expected to open between June 15 and
July 1, according to John Merhege who also
announced a bowling alley will be constructed
in the lot adjacent to the new theatre. Architectural
plans have been drawn up to conform
with those of the theatre, Merhege
said, and the alleys will occupy a 50xl24-foot
building. The eight-lane alley is expected to
open July 1.
Near Opening at RosTwell
ROSWELL, N. M.—The drive-in under construction
on Route 285, southeast of the city,
is expected to be ready for opening around
the middle of the month, according to Boyd
Scott,
local manager for Theatre Enterprises.
Merrit Cass Awarded Contract
POLSON, MONT.—Robert Hutchins, manager
of the Lake, has announced Merrit Cass
will be the general contractor for a new theatre
to be built here. Poison Refrigeration &
Electric Co. were also awarded a contract.
Havre, Mont., Opening in June
HAVRE, MONT.—A 400-car drive-in theatre
being built near here by Emil Don-
Tigny and Clarence Golder, operators of the
Havre Theatre, is expected to be ready for
opening about June 15. Expected to cost
approximately $70,000, the open air theatre
will have a 30x40-foot screen. Motiograph
projection and sound equipment will be installed.
Clairiield Builds in Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, ORE.—Work has begun on a
$100,000 drive-in on a 600x800 foot tract
along the Bertha-Beaverton highway just
east of the city limits by Clairfield, Inc. F.
C. Scott, Portland contractor, is handling the
grading and ramping. The 670-car ozoner
was designed by Lathrop, Gillam and Percy,
architect-engineers. Western Theatre Equipment
Co. is furnishing the equipment.
Finkbeiner's Drive-In Opens
OTHELLO, WASH.—Finkbeiner's Outdoor
Theatre has opened on the west edge of
OtheUo near the rodeo grounds. A portable
power plant is being used until the Washington
Water Power Co. makes a hookup
to the lines. The drive-in accommodates 58
cars.
Columbia Remodeled in St. Helens
ST. HELENS, ORE.—A modernization and
improvement program is cui'rently being done
on the Columbia Theatre here. Owned by
Albert and William Forman, the Columbia
is operated by Clyde McCallum. A new marquee,
new lighting and a new sign were installed.
The interior of the theatre will be
recai-peted.
Contract Let for Sheridan Ozoner
SHERIDAN, WYO.—Contract for construction
of the buildings and towers for the
Sheridan Drive-In Theatre, Inc., has been
awarded to K. C. Bellows, local contractorengineer.
Prefabricated timbers will be
shipped from Oregon, assembled on the site
and then raised to form the tower.
Phoenix Group Suggests
Three Location Sites
PHOENIX—Three major productions
may
be filmed in Arizona as the result of recent
overtures made to Hollywood by the Phoenix
Chamber of Commerce. Letters sent by the
chamber to thi-ee producers pointed up the
advantages of authentic production if the
films are made in the cactus state. Pictures
in which the chamber is interested are:
RKO's "Jet Pilot," a story of the air force
jet plane training, which the chamber has
suggested might well be filmed at Williams
Air Force base near Chandler.
"Tomahawk," a western to be produced by
Universal-International.
"The Baron of Arizona," the story of James
Allison Reavis, who in 1887, by means of
forged land grants, gamed title to almost half
of Arizona. The production is being planned
by Sammy Fuller, an independent producer,
who has begun negotiations with 20th Century-Fox
to borrow Victor Mature for the role
of
Reavis.
Oakland Theatre Manager
Is Killed Under Truck
OAKLAND—Robert E. Catley, 61, manager
of the Pox Oakland Theatre, ended his life
early this month following a visit to his
doctor where he complained he was "always
tired." Catley lunged against a passing truck
on Bradway near Golden Gate street here.
Milton Rubino, driver of the truck, attempted
to swerve to miss him, but Catley was found
unconscious on the street when the truck
stopped. He was taken to Permanente hospital,
where he died.
Legitimate Theatre lor Venice
VENICE, CALIF.—New Horizons, a legitimate
theatre founded here by New York
drama authority Garrison P. Sherwood, is
expected to be completed around July 27.
The ultramodern theatre building will seat
100 persons. Associated with Sherwood in
the venture will be Morgan Farley, Bobb
Nichols, Lynwood Howe, Jack Freeman and
Joseph Wadling. Sherwood plans to operate
on a year-around schedule producing 17 plays
each year.
Wives of San Francisco theatremen prepared elaborate gift Jerry Zigmond. Henry Lewicki, Sam Sobel, Ed Sunny, Morris Rosenboxes
for all women who attended the recent 13th annual international
convention of Variety Clubs there. Sho^vn in the accom-
Daily, Jack Blumenfeld, Bernie Leven, Newton Jacobs, Jeanette
berg, Ben Levin, Walter Chenowith, Hal Neides, Arthur linger. Ken
panying picture, left to right, with contmittee chairman Herb Jack, Booker and Ralph Ryan. Jack and his women assistants are standing
around a stack of prepared are Mesdames Sam Roth, Lou Ashe, Herb Jack, Harry Franklin,
boxes.
52 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

. . . Exhibitors
. . . The
. . Helen
. . KRSC.
. . How'ard
. . Wilbur
. . Seen
SEATTLE
T^wight Spracher, Rex Thompson and George
Blair opened their new Rodeo Drive-In
six miles from Bremerton May 26, but held
.
the formal launching May 28 with a big
parade . Cantrell of the 20th-Fox
office has returned from visiting relatives
in Wichita. Kas. the city's only
television station, has started broadcasting
Pacific Coast League ba.seball games twice
weekly.
Gordon Leigh, who placed second in National
Theatres' Talent Quest, was booked into
the Orpheum for a week by Marvin Fox.
manager . . . Tom and Marion Shearer attended
an exhibitors' meeting in Gearhart,
Ore.
Al Fernandez will open his rebuilt Clallam
Bay Theatre, destroyed by fire some months
ago, about July 15 . . . Howie Odell. coach
of the University of "Washington football
team, and his staff, have looked at motion
pictures of the team's 1948 games 1,650 times
visiting Filmrow during the
week included Ollie Hartman. Coulee Dam:
E. S. Olson. Port Blakeley; A. C. Peechia.
Eatonville: Mel Sohn, Bellevue; J. R. Kane,
Tacoma, and "W. B. McDonald, Olympia.
. . Chris
Herbert Ebenstein, head of Northwest Automatic
Candy Co., w^as here from California
to visit with Ted Giubb, manager .
Ca.sper, manager of the Coliseum, placed ten
one-sheets in lobby panels and stills around
the boxoffice windows to advance U-I's "City
Across the River" . Doyle, northwest
representative for David O. Selznick,
Harry and
was here from Portland . . .
Ruby McDonald, exhibitors from Torrington.
Wyo., vi.sited friends and relatives here.
Merle Dyer has resigned as manager of the
Music Box in Tacoma to devote his time to
farming. He is succeeded by Cassius Smith
Winter Garden, Sterling circuit's
second run downtown house, has changed
its name to the Garden after acquiring a
new front and marquee . . . Jack Palmer of
Enterprises has opened
Northwest 'Theatrical
an office at 1419 Second Ave. . . . John Bretz,
manager of the D&R Theatre in Aberdeen,
had the mayor and other dignitaries on .stage
to help celebrate the house's .silver anniversary
. . . A. M. Ahlskog, controller for
Fox West Coast Theatres in Los Angeles
and former treasurer for the Evergreen circuit
here, came up to take his family south
with him.
Colorado Allied to Open
Annual Parley June 8
DENVER—Abram Myers and Trueman
Rembusch. both of national Allied, will address
the second annual convention of the
Allied Rocky Mountain Theatres, to be held
June 8. 9 in the Brown Palace hotel. Myers
probably will talk on Supreme Court actions
and divorcement, while Rembusch will go
over the latest developments in television.
The meeting.s, which will be on the open
discussion plan, are open to all independent
exhibitors, whether members of Allied or not.
John Wolfbei-g. president of ARMIT. will
preside.
Entertainment for the women will be provided
on the opening day in the form of a
luncheon at Elitch amusement park and a
tour of several old Denver mansions, conducted
by Edith Eudora Kohl, a Denver
Post staff writer. On the second day, the
luncheon will be at the Brown Palace hotel
for both men and women, and the meeting
will clo.se with a dinner dance at the Park
Lane hotel the night of the second day, A
large registration is expected.
Roxy in Buckeye, Ariz.,
Is Robbed of $1,000
BUCKE"ifE, ARIZ.—The Roxy Theatre here
was robbed of more ihan $1,000 early Sunday
by burglars who pried a front door off the
theatre to gain entrance and then battered
the door off the safe in the manager's office.
The men used a crowbar and clawhammer
in removing hinges li-om the safe, which was
encased in a cement wall, and stole a roll of
stamps and theatre tickets along with a large
cash box. Also missing, according to theatre
owner Wade Laudermilk. is a .38 caliber revolver
which he kept in his desk.
The office of Manager George Hamner was
left in complete disarray.
Laudermilk uses the local theatre as headquarters
for his Arizona theatre chain, which
includes houses in Gila Bend and Yarnell.
Buy Buena Vista Theatre
BUENA 'VISTA. COLO.—Mr. and Mrs.
Chad DeCastro, formerly of Lusk. Wyo., have
taken over the management of the Pine Theatre
here. Now closed to permit redecorating
and other improvements, and the installation
of new carpeting and seating, the theatre
will be reopened about June 1.
DENVER
.
. .
pobert Palrick. >iwner of the Navajo, and
Carol Andrew, manager of the theatre,
were married recently. They will make their
home here Cox has sold
Rudy
the
Prince. Ault, Colo., to Don Moore .
Verzuh. who recently sold the Princess,
Crested Butte. Colo., to his brother Martin,
has taken over the Columbine hotel. Gunnison.
Colo., and is remodeling it into a first
cla.ss place. He invites all film salesmen and
theatre friends to call on him in Gunnison.
He says the fishing will be better than ever
there this year.
E. F. Stahl, owner of the Rialto. Melrose,
N. M., was here with his wife and two daughters,
who boarded a train to go east for a
visit, making the trip as far as Washington
and North Carolina. Stahl went back home
to see that the theatre kept going . . . George
Frantz. theatre construction engineer, is in
Raton, N. M.. supervising the construction of
a store building, being put up by Tom Murphy,
who owns the two theatres there. The
plans call for the use of the new building
as a theatre later.
Lloyd Kerby, owner of the Kerby. Worland.
Wyo., has bought ten acres near town and will
build a $75,000, 350-seat drive-in. equipped
with Simplex booth, sound and in-car .speakers,
all furnished by National Theatre Supply.
Raleigh Messcrschmidt has sold the Kiowa,
Kiowa. Colo., to W. V. Stapleton . . . L. J.
Maginley of Prestige Pictures was here calling
on circuit heads and conferring with
Mayer Monsky. branch manager ... In connection
with the hobby horse deal being promoted
by Tom Bailey, one merchant in Rifle.
Colo., has given away more than lO.OOO tickets,
with the horse to be given away at the
Ute. Fred Lind, theatre owner, is wondering
how he is going to get them all in the theatre.
Of course, most of the people have many
tickets. The deal is going like mad in Meeker,
Colo., also.
. . .
.
Robert Patrick and Larry Sandler have split
up their partnership and Patrick has taken
the Navajo, while Sandler will operate the
Alpine Earl Corder has improved his
New Cody. Cody. Wyo.. with the installation
of Simplex sound equipment, bought from
National Theatre Supply on Filmrow
were N. S. Sawaya and son John. Trinidad:
E. P. Stahl, Melrose, N. M.: E. W. Savard,
Greeley: C. G. Diller, Ouray: Elden Menagh,
Port Lupton.
RCA-Brenkert Theatre Equipment Dealer
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BOXOFFICE
:
: May
28, 1949 53

THE CHAMPS—A popcorn diet quite possibly was a contributing factor when
the bowling team sponsored by W. H. Turpie, western division manager for Manley,
Inc., won the southwest major league championship. Turpie is seated at his desk with
the trophy. Members of the team, standing left to right: Max Gardens, operator of
the Roslyn and Muse theatres; Paul Dunivan, Bob McLachlan, Chuck Piercy, Ralph
Smith (the captain) and Jim Atkins.
Films to 'Advertise the Country
Urged by Australian Showmen
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Bureau, Boxoffice
PERTH. W. A.—Ernest Turnbull, managing
director of Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., believes it is
futile for Australia to compete with the type
of films produced in the U.S. and Britain.
"Australia." he says, "should produce films
which will advertise the country. There should
certainly be a rapid advance in the production
of films in Australia, but first, a studio
comparable with the best in the world will
have to be establi.shed. This should be centrally
situated, preferably near Sydney.
"The type of film which should be produced
in Australia is like 'The Overlanders.'
Already two films on similar lines have been
completed, 'Eureka Stockade' and 'Sons of
Matthew,' while a feature Australian film,
'Robbery Under Arms,' concerning the bushranging
days, also is planned."
Turnbull added that the dollar situation
has not affected the supply of films from the
states, and that recent films from both
America and Britain have been of high
standard.
* * *
Dr. K. Sternberg, a vi.siting film producer
who was responsible for "Spotlight on Bal-
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let." now is producing for the department of
information a film entitled "Theatre in Australia."
L. C. Thaw, producer, and John W. Boyle,
cameraman, are visiting Darwin, shooting
sequences for use in several film stories of
the Pacific war.
* * *
Gordon Mirams, who has been attached to
the film section of UNESCO in Paris for
the last 18 months, recently returned to New
Zealand where he will take up the position
of film censor.
* * *
Among the recent patent applications
lodged and accepted was one by J. F. Knox,
New South Wales, for a motion picture camera.
Details are: "To reduce noise level to
a minimum and to enable a 'blimp' to be
dispensed with, a camera body has an inner
and outer shell surrounding a space filled
with a sound-absorbing medium, a partition
dividing the case into two parts, one for
receiving the film transmission mechanism
and the other for the motor-driven mechanism."
An electromechanical means for drawing
film through the gate, an electromechanical
clamp for the gate and a film tensioning
device also are described and claimed.
* « *
Harry Hunter, managing director of Paramount,
recently spent five weeks in New
Zealand conferring with the company's executives
and renewing acquaintances with a
number of exhibitors. He was accompanied
by Mrs. Hunter.
When a cyclone struck Rockhampton Tn
Queensland recently, it severely damaged the
Tivoli and Liberty theatres. At the Liberty,
only one matinee and night's screening was
lost and the Tivoli was reopened after a lapse
of two days. To get the theatres going again,
heavy work had to be carried out by every
member of the combined staffs. The Tivoli
had one wall blown away, more than 150
sheets of iron torn from the back of the
building, its screen destroyed, side tabs damaged
beyond repair and a good half of the
stage roof blown off. A portion of the Liberty
roof also was missing when the cyclone
passed.
* * *
Reg Felton, branch manager for Paramount
in Auckland, recently resigned after
21 years with the firm. He will go into
partnership with Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Wheeler,
trading as East Coast Theatres and will assume
management of the concern.
* * •
L. A. Brewer, managing director of Claremont
Theatres, Ltd., in western Australia,
recently left for Genoa, from where he will
begin a 12-month tour of Europe, Britain and
the states. During Brewer's absence, Hamilton
Brown will manage the firm.
* * *
The west Australian education department,
realizing that the average modern child probably
would say that his favorite subject was
films, is keen to introduce films into all
schools throughout the state. At present 99
schools have sound projectors and mobile
units now are traveling to 33 schools on the
outskirts of the Perth metropolitan area. A
country mobile unit is being fitted up and
battery-run projectors are being forwarded
to the northwest. This move will be welcomed
by exhibitors, for it will bring home to those
parents who still keep their youngsters away
from shows that they are very much behind
the times. It also will make more youngsters
"film minded."
* • *
A film society is being formed in Perth to
screen "films of merit, including those of
silent days, documentaries and foreign films."
Jack Gannaway, manager of the Mayfair
Theatre, Bunbui-y, for the last three years,
has been transferred to the Civic Theatre,
Inglewood.
Montana Business Bureau
Warns of Talent Fraud
HELENA—The Montana Chamber of Commerce
better business bureau has warned
against a "talent of tomorrow" scheme operating
in Montana and other western states.
The bureau says that alleged talent scouts
attempt to interest parents of young children
in signing contracts calling for payment
of $75 for screen tests or stage training.
Representatives, the bureau charges, give
fictitious New York addresses and claim noted
film producers and local theatre owners as
sponsors for their illegal business.
Thoughtful Manager
Makes Many Friends
Bellingham, Wash.—It is for his personal
touches that LeRoy Kastner, manager
of Evergreen circuit's American Theatre
here, has a host of friends in this
city.
On Mother's day, Kastner presented a
huge floral treat to the oldest mother
attending the show. After the presentation
and when the show was over, Kastner
discovered
she had come alone and
would have to carry her huge bouquet
home on a bus. So, it was typical of the
manager to get out his car and take the
mother home.
54 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

Allied Rally at Peoria
Draws 40 Showmen
PEORIA. ILL.—Some 40 theatre owners,
mo.st of them from towTis of less than 3.000
population, attended a regional gathering of
Midcentral Allied Independent Theatre Owners
at the Pere Marquette hotel here last
week. W. H, Hoffman, Lamar Theatre, Arthur
III., a member of the board of directors,
presided.
The meeting marked the first official appearance
of David S. Nelson since he was
named general manager of the regional Allied
unit.
William L. Ainsworth, Pond du Lac, Wis.,
national AITO president, gave a detailed story
of the origin and operations of the national
organization.
Trueman Rembusch, Indianapolis, national
treasurer and president of the Indiana unit,
discussed television and its probable effects
on motion picture theatre owners.
Charles Niles, Anamosa, Iowa, national secretary
and a member of the board of directors
of the AITO of Iowa-Nebraska, Inc.,
talked on the Allied Caravan and how it can
be used to advantage by the independent
theatre owners, especially those in the smaller
towns.
were Heni7 Hal-
Others who spoke briefly
loway. St. Louis, president of Midcentral:
A. B. Jefferis, Piedmont, Mo., vice-president.
and General Manager Nelson.
Also in attendance were High Graham, St.
Louis, secretary-treasurer; Charley Beninati,
Carlyle, 111., and Elvin H. Wiecks, Staunton,
111., members of Midcentral's board of directors.
Richmond Heights Houses
Fight 5 Per Cent Impost
CLAYTON. MO.—A declaratory judgment
suit to eliminate Richmond Heights' 5 per
cent tax on theatre amusement admi.ssions
has been filed in the St. Louis county circuit
court by the owners of the Esquire and Richmond
theatres.
The suit also asked for a permanent injunction
again.st further collection of the tax
and that the taxes already collected be set
aside in a special fund to be returned to the
theatres if and when the Richmond Heights
ordinance is declared invalid.
The petition contends that the levy is a
revenue tax and not a license tax, as specified
in the ordinance and is invalid under
the Mi.ssouri Constitution.
Free Father's Day Trailer
Features John Garfield
CHICAGO—John Garfield, selected by the
National Father's day committee as the Screen
Father of 1949, is featured in a special Father's
day trailer produced by Filmack Trailers.
The trailer is being made available for
free showings to all theatres. Exhibitors may
secure the free trailer from the National
Father's Day committee, 50 E. 42nd St., New
York City.
Filmack Drive-In Trailer
CHICAGO—Filmack Ti'ailer Co. has completed
production of a ten-minute clock trailer
for drive-in theatres. It is designed for showing
during intermission periods to infoi-m
audiences of intermission time remaining. It
also Includes ten minutes of music.
St.
Louis Puts Spotlight
On Premiere of Spring
Fire Chief of Indiana
Busy in Capital Ciiy
INDIANAPOLIS—After the inspection of
70 per cent of the neighborhood theatres in
the city limits, Alex Hougland, state fire
marshal, reported that most theatres are
"only in fair condition."
Three theatres were found structurally unsafe,
he said, and major repairs were ordered.
Owners of the buildings were Instructed
to present plans for repairs within
60 days under penalty of closure. Names of
the theatres will not be disclo.sed unless they
refuse to make the recommended repairs.
Deputy Fire Marshal Delberl R. Taflinger
reported "housekeeping" in most theatres was
bad. He said inspectors found much litter,
such as popcorn and candy boxes. Orders
were issued for the theatre to be cleaned
every night following the last show. The in-
.spection does not include any of the large
dowaitown houses. The inspection was made
with the cooperation of the Indiana Fire Prevention
Inspection department.
Eppley Popcorn Co. Files
Bankruptcy Petition
INDIANAPOLIS—A fire at the Treaty,
Ind., processing plant of the Eppley Popcorn
Co. of Indianapolis was blamed for the
voluntary bankruptcy action filed by the firm.
In a petition filed in federal court, the wholesale
popcorn firm listed assets of $49,961 and
debts of $67,007. Assets included $44,000 in
insui'ance policies, but officials said it was
not sufficient to cover the loss. The blaze
occurred at the firm's newly constructed
Treaty plant, where operations had been
moved from Indianapolis only 90 days earlier.
Garber D. Wright is president and Ted A.
Wilson is vice-president.
Arthur Morris to Remodel
Dawson Springs Strand
DAWSON SPRINGS. KY.—Arthur Morris,
coal operator here for many years who purchased
the Strand Theatre, 500-seater, from
J. H. Meadows May 1, has announced plans
for remodeling and redecorating. Sam Maple,
former resident of Dawson Springs, has assumed
his duties as manager of the Strand
for Morris. Maple formerly was employed
by the Malco circuit of Memphis.
Meadows had owned and operated the
Strand since December 1933.
Buy Stanley, Wis., House
STANLEY. WIS.—Tillie M. Smith and
Raymond Guelsow have purchased the Stanley
Theatre here from Jack Heywood. The
sale was made by Harry Buck of the Minneapolis
office of Savereide Theatre Brokers.
The purchasers formerly were in the farm
implement business in Sauk Center. Minn.
ST. LOUIS—Linda Darnell, Jean Peters and
Paul Douglas were on hand for the world
premiere of "It Happens Every Spring,"
Thursday (26) at the St. Louis Theatre. The
20th-Fox film .story of a meek professor who
becomes an overnight sensation with the St.
Louis Cardinals was given a real Hollywoodtype
sendoff with spot lights, civic leaders
and newspaper men adding to the first-night
atmosphere.
The three stars arrived in advance of the
premiere and participated in a preview Buddy
Poppy sale Wednesday (25i.
Following their appearance here, the party
moved on to Pittsburgh for a day. Then Miss
Peters returned to Hollywood, Douglas continued
on to New York and Miss Darnell
went back to Indianapolis to appear as guest
of honor at the Memorial day races.
The local exchange has booked "It Happens
Every Spring" for showings throughout the
territory In the week following the premiere.
Oakland City Drive-In Opens
OAKLAND CITY. IND.—Tlie Oakland City
Drive-In was opened here recently by owners
Marshall Bottoms and Siegal Thurman.
Equipment, installed by the Evansville Theatre
Supply of Evansville, Ind., included De-
Vry projectors, sound and in-car speakers.
Strong rectifiers and screen. The Oakland
City ozoner is a 300-car situation.
Marilyn MaxAvell on Stage
INDIANAPOLIS—Marilyn Maxwell, Hoosier-born
stage and screen star, gave feminine
support to the opening of the Opportunity
savings bond, drive at a rally on Monument
circle. She has appeared on the Circle Theatre
stage for the last week.
Louis Odorizzi Is Owner
MOUNT OLIVE, ILL. — Louis Odorizzi,
Staunton hotel owner, is owner of the proposed
400-car drive-in near here. He hopes
to have it open and in operation late in June.
Try Ds and You'll Agree
FILMACK
SPECIAL TRAILERS
Are "Best By Test . . .
Quicker than the RestT
CHICAGO -1327
NEW YORK -
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619 W 54th St.
IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS
FOR NEW JOBS
OR REPLACEMENTS
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
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BOXOFFICE
:
: May
28, 1949
55

C. W. RODGERS — President,
Rod gers Theatres, Inc. (18 theatres),
Cairo, Illinois—says:
"RCA has always given us dependable
service over our circuit
that is 100 per cent RCA
sound equipped."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
Adv
MODERNlZt: YOUR SOUND—call .
.

. . Herman
District Heads Study
New Columbia Films
CHICAGO—District managers and home
office representatives of Columbia Pictures
started a three-day sales meeting Monday
(231 at the Drake hotel. Liquidation problems,
general sales and new product were
the principal topics of the discussions, which
were led by A. Montague, general sales manager.
Among the films receiving attention were
"Jolson Sings Again," "All the King's Men,"
"Tokyo Joe," "Anna Lucasta," "The Decline
of Oklahoma." "Lust for Gold," "Johnny
Allegro" and "We Were Strangers."
Field representatives who attended Included
Nat Cohn. New York district manager: S. A.
Galanty. mideast district manager; Jerome
Safron, western district manager; Carl Shalit,
central district manager; B. C. Marcus, midwestern
district manager; R. J. Ingram,
southeastern district manager; J. B. Underwood,
southwestern district manager; I. H.
Rogovin. New England dsitrict manager, and
Harry Weiner, district manager for southern
New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.
Home office representatives present, in addition
to Montague, included Rube Jackter,
assistant sales manager; Lou Astor, Louis
Weinberg and Irving Wormser, circuit sales
executives; Maurice Grad. short subjects sales
manager; George Josephs assistant to Montague;
Joe Freiberg, manager of the sales
sales accounting department; H. C. Kaufman,
manager of the exchange operations department;
Seth Raisler, manager of the contract
department; Vincent Borelli, assistant to
circuit sales executives, and Irving Sherman
and Sydney Singerman. assistant managers
of the exchange operations department.
Federal Tax Lien Filed
MADISON—A tax lien against the Gem
Shows Theatre of Baraboo was filed in federal
court here by the internal revenue department.
The department claims $25,739 is
due from the theatre for admission taxes for
three-fourths of 1948.
DRIVE-INS
Add to your profits with
Hot Dog and Bun Warmers
Sandwich Grills
Peanut Roasters
Popcorn Machines
ST. LOUIS Outdoor Vaudeville
p

. . . "Take
. . . Norman
. . Jack
. . Nat
. .
. . . Variety
CHICAGO
lyTrs. Louis F. Jelinek, wife of the owner of
the Sky-Hi Drive-In, was the guest on
ABC's Ladies Be Seated, program. Tom
Moore, emcee of the show, gave Mrs. Jelinek
an opportimity to expound some of the advantages
the American housewife gets when
she attends a drive-in such as the problem
of baby sitters, no hotfitting gu-dles and the
like . . . Louis F. Jelinek, manager-owner of
the Sky-Hi at the intersection of Roosevelt
and Butterfield roads, reports the opening of
two additional ramps for an additional 250
cars, increasing the capacity to 1,000 cars.
James N. Jovan, director of the Monroe
Theatre, obtained some excellent publicity
by tying in with a new teen-age radio show
sponsored by the MacCormac School of Com-
MACLAY— Manager,
JOHN H.
Grand, Strand and Avon Theatres,
Dubuque, Iowa—says:
"We have always found
RCA Service to be eminently
satisfactory."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
For Drive-In Theatre Equipment
See
JOE HORNSTEIN INC.
3146 OUve FR 0999 St. Louis
!! INSULATE ! !
DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY
Save up to 40% on fuel, 30% of the
cost of electricity for Cooling system
MANY THEATRES INSULATED
WITH TOP-SUCCESS
By
BRENTON CO., INSULATION-ROOFING
6525 S. Harvard Ave., Chicago 21, HI.
Free estimate, phone WENtworth 8-4277
Adv.
merce. The show is aired every Saturday from
2:30 to 3:30 p. m. over WCFL. and is known
as Professor Bellair's Record Lab. There is a
popular mystery tune played over the air and
the first 25 students who call in or write
giving the correct title are awarded a pair of
ducats to the Monroe Theatre.
Paul Swinger, co-owner of Salem Drive-
In. Dayton, was in town to look over new
drive-ins in this area . Nathanson, UA
manager, is head of the new house committee
of the Variety Club. Members are
Harry Blumenthal. Eddie Brunell, Ben Lourie
and Moe Wells.
Ben Feldman, manager of the United Ajrtists
Theatre, and his staff received glowing
praise in a recent column by Mae Tinee.
Chicago Tribune critic, thanks to the efficiency
of usher John Stanko who takes his
training to heart. Miss Tinee commented on
the fact that John seated every one who
came to his aisles, .silenced a noisy gum
chewer and patroled his section to maintain
perfect order.
Jack Kramer is the new secretary to
Charles Cottle. B&K district manager .
Board members of the Better Films Council
of Chicagoland discussed plans for a fashion
show this summer at a meeting held last
week in the clubrooms of the Illinois Federation
of Women's Clubs. Lloyd Summer Van-
Schoyck, recently elected president of the
coimcil, presided . Barnett, cameraman
who recently left Fox Movietone News
after 16 years, is on a special assignment for
Ail-American Negro News.
Movie-ln-Dlne, Decatur, will open its first
drive-in restaurant at the junctions of routes
40 and 461 there. The restaurants will show
shorts and novelty films . . . William Kusack
of WBKB televisioza section welcomed the
birth of his first child, William Peter jr.
. . . Harold Butchin rejoined the U-I public
relations staff after six months as praiser
with "Hamlet" in the midwest territory . . .
Paul Montague is doing advance exploitation
in this area for "Portrait of Jennie."
The BPR circuit has taken over operation
of the Wicker Park Theatre, which has been
owned and operated by Prank Gordon for 20
years. Clyde Winans, formerly of Great
States circuit, has been appointed manager
Me Out to the Ball Game" moved
direct from a three-week showing at the
Oriental to 27 houses in outlying and suburban
districts. It is doing standout business
Wrobel and his wife, the former
Jean Hamilton, are expecting the stork in
June. They reside in St. Paul, where he Is
manager of the RKO Orpheum.
Cole Products Corp., manufacturers of the
Colespa Hermetic three-drink cup dispensers,
recently moved executive and general sales
offices from the factory at 5000 South Halstead
to a new suite of offices at 39 South
LaSalle St.
Members of the projectionist Local 110
were saddened by the death of Sid Kaplan
May 19 . . . Back from vacation and ready,
with good reason, for another, is Les Walrath,
manager of the Uptown. Les returned
to a double duty due to illness of Jack De-
Wiggens and on his first night back, a couple
of north side "hoods" staged a near panic
by overturning fire extinguishers in the theatre
balcony. Quick action on the part of
Walrath and Arch Pearson, who was in the
audience, prevented serious consequences.
MILWAUKEE
part of the Strand still is boarded up in a
major remodeling job. A sign at the door
tells of the modernization program, including
a new floor, seats, screen, foyer, lobby,
boxoffice, air conditioning, lounge, etc., in
addition to the new front and marquee, which
was installed several weeks ago. No opening
date has been mentioned, but it is expected
in June.
National Screen Service is offering special
trailers for Father's day with gifts for fathers,
such as fishing tackle, cigars, free admission
for new fathers and gift books. Father's day
essay contests and quiz contests are included
Tent 8 held a special meeting
May 23 at the Fox exchange room on North
8th street. Charles Trampe, who recently
returned from San Francisco and the Variety
convention, reported, on convention activities.
A permanent clubroom for Tent 8 was discussed
at the meeting.
. . .
Sally Clowacki and Audry Kaeshauer of
MGM have announced their engagements.
The prospective husbands are not in show
business The Atlas Theatre on Upper
Third street will be remodeled, according to
plans being drawn up by Myles Belongia,
theatre designer. The modernization program
includes a new floor, office, air conditioning,
plumbing, canopy, heating, front, etc.
Atlas Amusement Co. is the owner of the Atlas
as well as the Midcity in downtown Milwaukee.
John Freuler is head of the company.
Marcus Theatres, with 21 theatres at Oshkosh.
Neenah. Menasha, Appleton, Clintonville,
Ripon. Milwaukee and La Crosse, reports
the opening of a new drive-in on Highway
41, five miles north of Neenah-Menasha.
Another outdoor theatre owned by this firm
is one under construction at La Crosse in
western Wisconsin and is scheduled for opening
on Memorial day.
Due to ill healtii. Jack H. Lorentz, former
central division sales manager for 20th-Fox
with headquarters in Chicago, asked to be
relieved of that position and accepted the
branch managership of the Milwaukee exchange.
Charlie Koehler, Astor Pictures, Milwaukee,
is a grandfather again. He has three
other grandchildren, all girls. The latest
Winnie DeLorenzo,
addition is a boy . . .
Quality Premium distributor for Wisconsin
and upper Michigan, reports a visit from
Mr. and Mrs, Albert Behm of the State
Theatre at Waupaca in central Wisconsin.
The Behms. Winnie says, are great boosters
for premiums for women patrons. The Behms
were on a booking trip here.
Iva Benning, Laona Dahlke and Bert Banning,
all with NSS. are on a vacation on the
west coast. They motored there . . . Marcella
Bonaschek. the new switchboard operator
at MGM, is on the waiting list at Northwest
Airlines as a hostess.
Word comes to Filmrow that an outdoor
theatre will be built near Dickinson, N. D.,
by Frank G. Hallowell of that city at a cost
of $75,000 to $100,000. It will be the first
outdoor theatre in that area. Dickinson Theatre
Co. will operate it. Opening date is
scheduled for early July, possibly July 4.
58 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

NORTH CENTRAL CONVENTION
RE-ELECTS ALL ITS OFFICERS
Allied Unit Voices Enmity
For Percentage; Berger
Charges Forcing
E. L. Peaslee
MINNEAPOLIS— All officers and directors,
except John Pillar, 44-year exhibitor of Valley
City, N. D., who is
^^^^.
retiring, were re-elect-
^^^^iy< ed at the annual con-
W^ \ vention of North Cen-
1 I tral Allied here Mongv.'^
« day and Tuesday.
The officers are
Bennie Berger, president.
E. L. Peaslee and
Martin Lebedoff, vicep
r e s i d e n ts ; Jack
Wright, secretary, and
Ted Mann, treasurer.
George Gould, Glencoe,
Minn., was elected
director to succeed Pillar. Others are S. E.
Heller, W. C. Carter jr.. Will Glaser. George
Granstrom, Clarence Kaake. Lowell Smoots,
R. J. Risch, Mike Cooper. Gordon Amuth,
John Anderson, Charles Rubenstein, A. E.
Munro, Lou Huinmell and Al Lee. The advisory
committee comprises Henry Greene jr.;
Jack Heywood and A. A. Kaplan. S. D. Kane
is executive counsel.
At the luncheon at which the 20th-Fox
delegation was present President Berger introduced
W. T. Ainsworth. national Allied
president: John Adler. president of Wisconsin
Allied: Leo Wolcott. chairman of the board of
Iowa-Nebraska Allied: Charles Niles. Iowa-
Nebraska Allied representative on the national
board: Sam Shalii. 20th-Fox exhibitor
relations director: H. M. Richey, MGM public
relations director; A. W. Smith jr., 20th-
Fox sales executive: Fi-ed Cubberly, retired
veteran film man now a resident of Los
Angeles: Mrs. W. A. Steffes, who received a
standing tribute: Eddie Ahrens, new 20th-
Pox division manager, and M. A. Levy, 20th-
Fox manager.
GIVEN FULL AUTHORITY
Smith told the luncheon guests that as far
as this territory is concerned. Levy, the
branch manager, is 20th-Fox president because
the latter is now empowered to decide
all deals.
Charges were made by President Berger
in his annual report that in spite of the Supreme
Court edict, "forcing of pictures still
is commonplace, unreasonable clearances are
used to continue the Big Eight's monopoly
and competitive bidding, which the Supreme
Court criticized so severely, is being used to
boost film rentals to new highs."
North Central Allied will be on the alert,
however, to guard members against violations
of rules laid down by the court and are now
preparing to take steps against offenders,
Berger promised.
"We will not stand idly by and permit the
distributors to look for and find loopholes,"
he declared. "If they do, this organization
will use every legal method at its command
to destroy those who have spent so much time
Seen at the North Central Allied convention were, seated, left to right: Charles
Niles, Anamosa, Iowa, national Allied secretary, and William Ain.sworth, national
president, and wife, Fond du Lac, Wis. Standing: A. B. Jeffris, Piedmont, Mo., Midcentral
Allied vice-president; H. J. Halloway, St. Louis, Midcentral president, and
Trueman Rembusch, Indianapolis, national treasurer.
in seeking to destroy the independent exhibitors.
"I say this with the knowledge that it may
mean that all of us will go down with the
ship if it sinks. We have made every effort
to have the distributors play the game according
to the new rules and give us an even
break. If the months ahead .show that it is
not possible and that the present structure
has to be destroyed and rebuilt from the
ground up. we will do it."
Although there have been many gains for
the independent exhibitor during the last
year, Berger said, he feels "that the present
producer-distributor mechanism may be so
John Pillar. Valley City, N. D., who has
been an exhibitor for 44 years, resigned as
director of North Central Allied because
of his retirement from the business. He is
shown above registering at the Minneapolis
convention with Mrs. Lenore
Shields.
distorted that it is past all help and both
impossible and incapable of reform."
"In consequence of divorcement," he said,
"real competition will develop in all three industry
branches."
"The small independent producer knows
now that if his product is meritorious he can
find a show window for it. The distributor
has been told in no uncertain terms that he
must mend his ways and sell his wares in a
competitive, rather than a monopoly market."
Gains cited by Berger included the Smith-
Berger mediation plan adopted by 20th-Fox,
the victory over Ascap and "the 20-year
fight's success in getting a bill of rights
written for the independent exhibitor by the
highest court of the land."
OPEN FORUM ON FILM BUYING
Following an open forum discussion on film
buying. North Central Allied members went
on record against percentage by a viva voice
vote. President Berger started a succession of
fireworks with a declaration to the members
that independent exhibitors haven't been
getting "anywhere near a fair return on their
investment" and, "even while we've prospered
during the recent flush period, people in other
lines of business have done better."
"Take popcorn, candy and screen advertising
away and many of us couldn't get by,"
asserted Berger. "We're entitled to a fair
profit on the principal product we're sellingpictures.
We're going to fight until we get
film at the right price."
Berger called attention to the fact that
20th-Fox in the last quarter showed larger
earnings than for the same period a year ago
and asserted the film companies are not entitled
to 20 per cent, let alone 40 per cent
"they don't need it."
"Let's not let 20th-Fox or any other com-
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE :
: May 28, 1949 MW 59

Twentieth Century-Fox sent a multiple delegation to the North Central Allied
convention. Above, left to right: Sam Shain, head of exhibitor relations; Andrew
W. Smith jr., general sales manager; Al Lichtman, vice-president; M. A. Levy, Minneapolis
manager, and Edward Aarons, Kansas City, district manager.
Your Blessings Justify Optimism,
Ainsworth Informs Independents
MINNEAPOLIS—William T. Ainsworth,
president of national Allied States, and H. M.
Richey, MGM exhibitor relations director,
sounded optimistic notes at the North Central
Allied convention here. Both were speakers
at the opening session.
Decrying pessimism in some exhibitor
quarters, Ainsworth told theatremen they
should "count their blessings." These blessings,
he said, more than offset existent evils,
and optimism should be engendered in consequence
of the many gains that independent
exhibitors have made during the past year.
Ainsworth also told of national AUied's
goal to add 1,000 new members this year as
a tribute to Abram F. Myers. Up to the
present, he announced, 240 of these already
have been obtained.
With regard to the new 20th-Fox sales
policy, "which is constantly being changed,"
the national organization's policy is one of
"watchful waiting," according to Ainsworth.
Richey told of the "new enthusiasm" in
evidence at the recent MGM convention in
California and declared it is permeating every
other company in a way that spells prosperity
for producer and exhibitor alike if, as is
necessary, it spreads to the exhibitor.
"It behooves us to acquaint the pubhc with
this enthusiasm within the industry," declared
Richey. "We must let the public know
that everybody connected with our industry is
enthusiastic, that there is a determination to
make better pictures than ever, that the
economies now being effected will not affect
the quality of product adversely.
"We are on the threshold of a great era.
We've left many of our problems behind us.
We're all confident that the public will continue
to buy good pictures and that's what
our enthusiastic studios are going to produce."
Richey feels that taxation is a danger to
the industry and that the division of the industry
dollar "outside of the industry," with
such a large slice going for taxes, must be
corrected.
Richey declared the situation must be corrected
where only 20 million people attend
the motion picture shows and the percentage
of the amusement dollar going to pictures has
declined from 75 to 65 per cent because of new
and greater competition from television, night
baseball, night racing, etc. This necessitates
more intensive selling of its attractions by the
industry, in Richey's opinion.
Orpheum in Kansas City
To Be Legitimate House
KANSAS CITY—Following remodeling anfl
reseating to be completed at a cost of approximately
$100,000, the Orpheum here will
begin the presentation of legitimate attractions
about September 15, according to Elmer
C. Rhoden, Fox Midwest Theatres president.
The corporation acquired the Orpheum several
months ago in a deal by which RKO
Theatres obtained the Mainstreet, which will
be reopened in July as the Missouri following
remodeling and redecorating now nearing
completion at a cost of about $500,000.
James H. Nixon, former partner in A&N
Presentations, will become manager of the
Orpheum under the terms of a participating
contract. Nixon for many years has held a
franchise with the United Booking Offices,
New York, for local presentation of legitimate
attractions here.
In addition to reseating of the entire theatre,
changes at the Orpheum will include
moving of the boxoffice from its present
street location to the lobby. The house also
will be redecorated.
Corinne Calvet Is Guest
At Kansas City Party
KANSAS CITY—Corinne Calvet, young
French actress who recently completed her
first American picture, was introduced to
local newspaper and radio workers at a
cocktail party last Wednesday (25) at the
Muehlebach hotel here.
The 22-year-old French girl, who came to
the U.S. two years ago, is starred in "Rope
of Sand," produced by Hal Wallis for Paramount
release. M. D. Cohn, Paramount Theatre
manager, and Jim Castle, Paramount
exploiteer, were hosts at the cocktail party.
Percy Kilbride will play the role of Ann
Blyth's father in the U-I picture, "Hot
Water."
North Central Keeps
Berger and Others
(Continued from preceding page)
pany get away with higher film rentals," said
Berger. "The highest percentage in the
smaller towns should be 20 per cent and there
shouldn't be any percentage for situations
under 2,000 population."
When Berger invited members to state their
grievances, however, only a few responded.
Most of those present, in response to a Berger
inquiry, raised their hands to indicate they've
been the victims of "forced" selling, being
offered certain pictures on condition they'd
buy unwanted ones.
"That's now a violation of the law," Berger
declared, "and we're now accumulating
evidence so that we can bring criminal
charges against the offenders."
During the discussion, some of the Minneapolis
exhibitors charged that the bad deals
made by small-town exhibitors "make It impossible
for our buying organizations to buy
as they should." One prominent local independent
circuit owner declared that "when
it comes to buying pictures you small town
fellows are responsible for all our troubles."
Several exhibitors admitted from the floor
that "we didn't have much complaint during
the lush days." But now, they said, these lush
days are over and "things are different." It
was asserted "this particular territory cannot
stand present film rental demands." Instances
were cited of pictures for which high
percentage is charged in this territory being
double and triple featured in other areas.
"We've got to make distributors eliminate
their take-it-or-leave-it policy," Berger said.
To Run Concession Stand
PERRY, IOWA—Iowa Sportservice, Inc.,
will operate the refreshment concession at the
Corral Drive-In now under construction at
the east edge of Perry, according to Al Hansen.
The corporation is one of America's
largest outdoor refreshment concessionaires.
Divisions of the firm service the parks where
the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis
Browns, Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh
Pirates play.
Treasure Window Helps
OMAHA—Manager Larry Caplane of the
Brandeis is featuring a "window of treasures"
in the lobby prior to the June engagement
of "The Window." Patrons view such a
variety of items as toasters, radios, records,
pipes and mirrors. They can obtain numbered
cards at the theatre prior to the playdate.
Numbers on each gift item will be uncovered
during the showing and prizes handed
out to those who have digits to match.
Kanawha Theatre Opens
KANAWHA, IOWA—The new Tall Corn
Theatre here opened for business last week
following a complete redecoration job. Among
the improvements was an electrically operated
draw curtain with special lighting effects.
Spencer Theatre Opened
SPENCER, IOWA—Spencer's Corral Theatre
was opened for the first time here. The
refreshment concession is operated by Sportservice,
Inc.
60 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

ALLIED INDEPENDENT THEATRE OWNERS
OF KANSAS AND MISSOURI, INC.
Invite You to Attend Their
SECOND ANNUAL
CONVENTION
Hotel Muehlebach, Kansas City
June 7-8. 1949
Program Includes
Business Meetings with Plenty of Punch
^
Banquet • Other Entertainment
Plan Now to Attend
Send Your Reservations to
C. M. Parkhurst, 1717 Wyandotte Street
Kansas City 8, Missouri
BOXOFTICE :
: May
28, 1949 61

. . Mary
. . Norman
. . Paul
. . The
. .
. . The
D E S
MOINES
. . .
. . . Esther Needham, Universal
n Ian Crawford has been named head booker
and office manager at Warners, replacing
Norman Holt, who now is a salesman. Crawford
has been assistant booker at the exchange
. Hoffman, Warners, spent
the Memorial day weekend in Walnut, Iowa
Carl Sokolof, head shipper for NSS, was
spending a two-week vacation in Detroit . . .
Foster Blake, Universal district manager,
was here
cashier, will celebrate her first wedding anniversary
May 31. The Needhams soon will
move to Fort Dodge to make their home.
Edna Cloonan, RKO, was vacationing, but
not too comfortably. She had an infection
which slowed her down some . Glen
Mardykes are remodeling their Iowa Theatre
at Richland . . . Their daughter Ruth will be
married June 28 to Jerome Genereux of
Winterset . . . Bud
and Shirley Wilson,
owners of the Times Theatre in Davenport,
recently retm-ned from a fishing trip—without
fish, but with a bad case of poison ivy.
Lucille Chicilli, MOM inspector, was off
sick as was Paramount inspector Pearl Ellenwood's
husband . Webster, Republic
manager, spent two days in Chicago .
Among visitors on the Row were Ed Nordhus,
McGregor; Nathan Thon, Armstrong; V. J.
Shipwright, Osceola, and Dick Kurl, Greenfield
and Corning.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY'S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Dea Moineg. Iowa
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
From SQUINT to
Ken Wagner, owner of the house at Wilton
Junction, has been elected president of the
Lions club there . Stark has been
named evening cashier at the Rocket Theatre,
Rock Island, replacing Anita Koenig, who resigned
. Art Stoltes should have no
trouble keeping warm in their north woods
cabin with the foui- wool blankets presented
to them at the testimonial stag given by
Variety Club. In addition to the blankets, the
tent presented the departing Ti-i-States district
manager with two aluminum chairs
also for their cabin.
Jack Gilbson, EL booker is proud of a
family picture with his 10-month-old daugh-
. . .
. .
Ethel Valadez,
ter the center of attraction . . .
Paramount, was on vacation The Paramount
office is decorated with an attractive
lighted display advertising "Samson and
Delilah" . Jackie Barclay, Paramount, spent
the weekend at Spirit Lake.
Harry Blubaugh Sells
Mapleton, Minn., Ritz
MAPLETON, MINN.—Harry Blubaugh,
owner and operator of the Ritz Theatre
here for the last 12 years, has sold the
property to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mueller of
Elysian. The Muellers will take possession
of the property, which includes the two-story
brick building and apartments, June 1.
Their son Lester will act as projectionist.
The theatre will be open every night with a
Sunday matinee and three program changes
a week. The Blubaughs are moving to Mankato,
where they have purchased a new
home.
J. Heywood Sells Stanley
STANLEY, WIS.—Jack Heywood, onetime
film salesman and exhibitor, has sold his
Stanley Theatre to Tillie M. Smith and Raymond
J. Guelsow. Heywood had owned the
house since 1929. He had rebuilt it in 1936.
Heywood, who has been an exhibitor for
nearly 40 years, has decided to cut down on
his activities, but will retain his theatre in
New Richmond.
SPARKLE
With ''National" High Intensity Carbons
Even the best "thriller" or "tear-jerker" will not be
completely enjoyed by your audience if the image on the
screen is blurred or hazy. The brilliant white light from
the crater of a "National" high-intensity, positive projector
carbon is the brightest and most perfectly colorbalanced
man-made light in the world. Be sure your
patrons enjoy the full detail and color of the picture on
the screen. A "National" carbon can make the difference.
DES MOINES THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
National
Mohawk Carpets
Carbons
1121-23 High St.
Phone 3-6520
^ Heyvrood-Wakefield Seating
Projector Repair Service
Des Moines, Iowa
'Belvedere' Makes
Peak at Twin Ciiy
MINNEAPOLIS—Despite cold, favorable
weather for theatregoing, a generally unim- i
pressive array of newcomers failed to make '
much of a boxoffice impression last week. j
It was rather slow going ever for the highly
regarded "The Undercover Man," as well as
'
for "The Bribe" and "The Fan," other major
entries. "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" was
still strong in its second week.
(Average Is 100) .
Aster Silver Queen (UA)), reissue; Hideout
(Rep) -
Century—The Fan (20th-Fox)
Gopher—Stote Department, File 649 (FC);
Last oi the Wild Horses (SR), reissue
Lyceum Guadalcanal Diary (20th-Fox);
90
SO
Purple Heart (20th-Fox), reissues 80
Lyric-Flamingo Road (WB), 2nd wk 95
Radio City Mr. Belvedere Goes to College
(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 125
RKO-Orpheum—Undercover Man (Col) 95
RKO-Pan—Casablanca (WB); G-Men (WB), reissues
85
State—The Bribe (MGM) lOU
World—Take Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM),
4th wk 110
'Shoes' Continues to Lead
Trade in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—Uncertain weather during
the weekend combined with holdovers to
crimp trade generally at first runs here. A
dualing of "The Walking Hills" and "Song
of India" at the Orpheum set the pace for
newcomers. "The Red Shoes," in a fifth week
at the outlying Kimo, continued to show
strength and rated a sixth stanza.
Esquire Frankenstein Meets ihe Woli Man (U-I);
Tlie Mad Ghoul (U-I), reissues 75
Kimo The Hed Shoes (EL), advanced prices, 5th
wk 155
Midland—The Barkleys ol Broadway (MGM); The
Judge (FC), 2nd wk - 95
Orpheum—The Walking Hills (Col); Song of India
(Col) 105
Paramount—My Dream Is Yours (WB), 2nd wk 95
Roxy—Hed Stallion in the Rockies (EL); Million
Dollar Weekend (EL) 75
Tower, Uptown, Fairway—The Red Pony (Rep) 75
Baseball Hits Grosses;
105 High in Omaha
OMAHA—Twelve straight nights of Western
League baseball in new municipal stadium
took its toll of theatre patrons. Only
"Red Canyon" and "Winner Take All" could
buck the tide to roll above par at the Orpheiun
Theatre.
Omaha—Whiplash (WB) 90
Orpheum—Red Canyon (U-I); Winner Toke All
(Mono) - 105
Paramount ^Flamingo Road (WB) 95
RKO-Brandeis—Adventure in Baltimore (RKO);
The Mutineers (Col) - 90
State—Take Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM),
2iid wk 100
Town—False Paradise (UA); Swing Your Partner
(Rep), reissue; Sea Spoilers (U-I), reissue;
split with The Rangers Ride (Mono^;
Take My Life (SG) _ 100
Improve Grinnell Houses
GRINNELL, IOWA—Improvements are
being made at the Strand and Iowa theatres
here. The front of the Strand is being streamlined
with installation of a poster case and
new showcases. Both theatres will be
equipped with new RCA soiuid systems. Work
will be completed in about a month.
STANDEE SPEAKERS
FOR FRONT SECTION AND REAR RAMPS
FOR TRUCKS AND OVERFLOW
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. "^
c.',' mo.°"
90
62
BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

. . Eph
Booth Fires Darken
Two Iowa Houses
GALVA. IOWA—Fire starting in the projection
room gutted the Galva Theatre here
and the apartments over it during a recent
Sunday evening show. A crowd of more than
100 persons left the buUding when the warning
was given. About ten Galva firemen were
in the audience. Also fighting the blaze were
fire companies from Holstein and Schaller.
Two families living in the apartments above
the theatre escaped through the windows and
climbed down fire ladders. The theatre
equipment, destroyed by the fire, was the
property of the Galva businessmen, organized
as the Galva Theatre association. The group
says it plans to rebuild the theatre. The
building was owned by the Hoops estate. Herman
Grimes is manager of the Galva.
RICEVILLE, IOWA—Fire broke out in the
projection room of the Iris Theatre here causing
damage estimated by owner Cliff Freeman
at $2,500. The fUm broke, caught fire,
caused the camera to explode and threw
flames all over the booth. The second show had
ten minutes to go when the blaze started and
a number of patrons were in the house. All
reached the outside in safety. Frederick
Bodenham, operator, suffered singed hair in
fighting the blaze. The film "Linda Be Good,"
running at the time of the blast, was
destroyed as well as a second film ready for
the double feature. The building owned by
the Masonic lodge, will need considerable redecorating
as a result of the fire and blast.
Minneapolis Colosseum
Re-Elects All Officers
MINNEAPOLIS—The local chapter of the
Colosseum of film salesmen re-elected all of
its officers at its amiual meeting. They are
Paul Weiss, president; Don Halloran, vicepresident;
George Fosdick, secretary-treasurer,
and Clyde Cutter, sergeant-at-arms.
In recognition of their contributions to a
recent dinner-dance which netted the club
a substantial profit, pens were presented to
Morrie Steinman and Pat Halloran.
Robert W. Smith Rites
KANSAS CITY—Funeral services were held
here last Monday (16 1 for Robert W. Smith,
77, pioneer drygoods wholesaler and father
of Robert M. Smith, operator of a drive-in
at Osage Beach, Mo. He died following a
heart attack during the opening of the
drive-in May 13.
M. G. Rogers to New York
OMAHA—M. G. Rogers, owner of Film
Ti-ansport, and his wife flew to New York to
attend the Film Depot and Carriers convention.
They also will have a brief reunion with
their daughter and son-in-law, who live in
Washington.
Ray Kennedy Is Manager
LAKE VIEW, IOWA—Ray Kennedy of
Waukee has been named manager of the
Lake Theatre here. He replaces Harry
Arthur.
BOXOFFICE : : May
MINNEAPOLIS
II large North Dakota delegation attended
at the North Central Allied convention
here. Some of the Dakotans sighted were
Mrs. Helen Lehman. Enderlin; Walter Saylor,
Wishek; Bill Brightbell. Cando: Don
Tracy, Carrington; Paul Ayotte, Drayton;
Mr. and Mrs. John Piller, Valley City; Mike
Ccoper. Grand Forks; Ralph Christianson.
Watford City, and Mr. and Mrs. K. E.
Broossmann, Oakes. Some of the Minnesota
exhibitors at the meetings were Paul Snyder,
Warren; Joe Carrier, Hallock. Bill Cameron,
for many years an MGM salesman and now
owner of the theatre at Waterville; George
F. Westerman, Grac«ville, and Clarence
Quinzer, Wadena.
The opening session of the Allied convention
provided a good laugh when President
Bennie Berger had a memory lapse
in introducing Mayor Eric G. Hoyer and
forgot the mayor's name for a few moments.
He covered up by explaining to his honor
that it was only the latter's "initials" that
had slipped his mind.
President Berger announced that the body's
present membership is 400. This exceeds
that of any other previous independent exhibitor
organization in this territory . . .
The Reid Ray Film Industries of the Twin
Cities hosted a cocktail party for members.
Most of the members also attended the
Northwest Variety Club's banquet for past
chief barkers.
The Minneapolis public library is showing
shorts Tuesday nights free to the public . . .
. . For
A. J. O'Keefe. U-I assistant general sales
manager, was in town for a routine visit
with LeRoy J. Miller, local manager .
Saturday and Sunday matinees only, the Orpheum
here is having a cartoon and short
subject carnival in addition to its feature . . .
Another Twin City drive-in theatre, also an
enterprise of the MEE, comprising leading
Twin City independent exhibitors, opened
this week, making four in all.
Additions at Paramount are Ann Anderson,
a new secretary, and Tom McGinty, a
booking department assistant . . . Mike Sal-
Ion, Republic home office auditor, was a
visitor . . . Louis Orlove, MGM exploiteer,
was in from Milwaukee for ten days . . . Jack
Heywood. New Richmond, Wis., exhibitor:
Ted Mann, independent circuit owner, and
George Turner, MGM salesman, were among
these who saw and enjoyed "Finian's Rain-
. . Ralph Cramblett, United
bow," the Broadway musical comedy booked
at the Lyceum .
Artists district manager, was in from Chicago.
J. F. Cubberly, onetime F&R circuit executive
who has lived In Los Angeles since his
retirement, paid his annual visit to Minneapolis.
At the age of 70 he drove from Los
Angeles to Minneapolis with no relief at the
wheel.
W. L. Grouse, Eveleth exhibitor who recently
brought a clearance suit against the
Minnesota Amusement Co. and major distributors
for $1,500,000, is planning to build
theatres at Virginia and Hibbing where there
are now Minnesota Amusement Co. and independent
houses . Rosen, MGM Twin
City salesman, is in Asbury hospital for a
checkup.
John M. Thomas Manages
Cedar Rapids Drive-In
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA—Cedar Rapids'
first outdoor theatre is being readied for its
opening. John M. Thomas has been named
manager. The theatre, which will hold 650
cars, will be the first new Tri-States ozoner
to be opened this spring. Thomas, a native
of Beacon, began his theatre work as an
usher at the old Capitol in Des Moines. He
worked his way up with A. H. Blank enterprises
and was a representative for Blank
theatres with National Screen Service when
he joined the army during the last war.
After service he spent two years as booker
and assistant manager for the Fox Intermountain
theatres in Denver. A year ago he
became general manager of a chain of theatres
in Denver and vicinity.
Golden Valley Prohibits
Drive-In Construction
MINNEAPOLIS—The town council of
Golden Valley, local suburb, has indicated it
will prohibit the construction of any drive-in
in the town. Three applicants have appeared
before the council seeking drive-in licenses.
Joe Powers, who is building a 800-seat conventional
theatre in Golden Valley, opposed
the drive-ins on the grounds that they would
"ruin his investment." This, however, was
not the determining factor with the council
members, according to their statements. The
principal influencing factor, it appeared, was
a doubt about the projects desirability.
K. t». I'.KlLivS- Owner and Manager,
Lyric Theatre, Emporia, Kansas—writes:
"RCA Service, over a period
of 15 years, has proved its
value to us in consistently good
sound quality and trouble-free
operation. We are 'RCA All
The Way.'
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
Quality
iRAIiiRS
mDIIDfl PICTURE SERVICED
I
12S HYDI tT. Jan ^rancnto rCalif
28, 1949 63

. . . Charles
. . . The
. . Grading
KANSAS
Qscar F. Neu, New York, Neumade Products
Corp. head and TESMA president, visited
Arthur DeStefano, National Theatre Supply
Co. branch manager . . . Elmer C. Rhoden,
Pox Midwest Theatres president, was back
from a business trip to the west coast . . .
Finton H. Jones, insuror, was in Missouri terriLMACK
SPECIAL TRAILERS
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CITY
Harry R. Hamburg, Paramount
ritory . . .
branch manager, and other local personnel
returned from a sales meeting in Dallas.
Ed D. Durwood, Durwood Theatres head,
disclosed that the ozoner being erected by the
circuit on the Belt highway near St. Joseph,
Mo., would be known as the Skylark Drive-In
Shreve, Shreve Theatre Supply
Co., celebrated his birthday May 19 . . . Hal
Parker, cameraman, was preparing to film a
sales promotion picture for Swift & Co. . . .
Don Davis, RCA-Victor district manager, was
in Colorado territory.
Marilyn Lee Farkhurst, daughter of Allied
general manager C. M. and Mrs. Parkhurst,
has chosen June 21 as the date of her marriage
to James Calvin Dowell of Elgin, 111. . . .
Mrs. M. A. Tanner, wife of the 20th-Fox head
booker, was a patient at St. Joseph hospital
. . . Pauline Frame, formerly at Exhibitors
Film Delivery, joined the UA office staff . . .
Ruby Pasley, Republic cashier, returned from
a Florida vacation.
Construction of the new Oakley Theatre
being erected by A. F. Baker Enterprises at
Oakley, Kas., has been started and the house
is expected to be ready for opening late this
summer . has been completed at
the site on Route 73 near Leavenworth, Kas.,
where Beverly Miller, Kansas City, will erect
a drive-in . . . The drive-in being constructed
by Wade Renick and Glen Cooper near Hays,
Kas., is nearing completion.
The group recently organized to provide a
theatre for Union Star, Mo., has purchased a
building for the project and remodeling now
Remodeling of the former
is in progress . . .
Karyl Theatre at Milan, Mo., recently purchased
by Shelby Armstrong from Chester L.
Hurdle, is being planned by the new owner
new Mary Lou Theatre being erected
by George H. and J. Leo Hayob at Marshall,
Mo., is nearly completed.
. .
Kansas theatre operators seen on Filmiow
included C. B. Kelly, Kelly, Wakeeney; Don
Phillips, Colby, Colby; Albert Orear, Rio,
Bonner Springs, and T. J. Campbell, Osawa,
Osawatomie . Among Missouri showmen at
exchanges and supply houses were G. W.
Campbell, Norb, Norborne; W. E. CuUen, Cozy.
Wheaton; Ed May, Uptown, Strong City: A.
W. Mustion, Dixie, Belton, and Chet Borg,
Plaza, Apleton City.
Public Relations to Be
Allied Conclave Topic
KANSAS CITY—Improved public relations
for the motion picture industry and film
buying problems will be among keynotes at
the second annual convention of the Kansas-
Missouri Allied unit here June 7, 8, according
to O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, president.
Among speakers at the two-day conclave will
be William L. Ainsworth, national Allied
president, and Trueman Rembusch, national
Allied treasurer. William Murchie, a humorist
of St. Joseph, Mo., will speak at the
banquet.
Registration will be started June 7, at 10
a. m. in the Trianon alcove at the Muehlebach
hotel, where all convention sessions will
be held. A luncheon at 12:15 p. m. will be
the initial activity. Topics dm-ing afternoon
sessions will include public relations, television,
16mm films, advertising and film buying.
A fashion show for women also will
IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS AND
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be an opending day feature.
Special meetings for subsequent run exhibitors
and for those using Allied booking and
buying service will be held Wednesday morning.
Concessions and drive-ins will be subjects
to be discussed at a closed session for
exhibitors in the afternoon. New officers will
be elected at a final closed session for members.
Advance reservations received by C. M.
Parkhurst, general manager, indicate that the
registration for the 1949 conclave will greatly
exceed that listed during the initial Kansas-
Missouri unit convention last year. Invitation
to attend the two-day gathering is extended
by Sullivan to all independent exhibitors.
Equipment Co.
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64 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

SPEAKERS TO DRIVE-IN BY
PLANE—The initial planeload of in-car
speakers for the East Park Drive-In at
Watertown, S. D., is shown in the accompanying
picture. Shown left to right are
Harold E. Hanson and Harold Boyd of
Drive-In Theatres, Inc., Sioux Falls, under
whose direction the new open air
theatre was to be opened May 26. Boyd
formerly was manager of the Hollywood
Theatre and the Starlite Drive-In at
Sioux Falls. Drive-In Theatres, Inc., also
operates an outdoor theatre there.
Winthrop Theatre Sold
WINTHROP. IOWA- The
Winthrop Theatre
building has been piircha.sed by St.
Patrick's church here. The church will use
the basement for a hall to serve dinner and
conduct public meeting.s. The first floor has
been leased to Burdette Ross who will showfilms
four nights a week beginning June 1.
Thomas Kinney will operate a snack bar on
the theatre floor of the building. The church
bought the property from Mr. and Mrs. W. T.
Reinbold.
Ray Blank Memorial
For Scouts Started
DES MOINES — Ground-breaking ceremonies
for the Raymond Blank Memorial
lodge at Camp Mitigwa were held May 22. The
lodge, the gift of A. H. Blank, father of the
late Raymond Blank, and president of Tri-
States Theatres Corp. and Central States
Theatre Corp., is the first major building in
the new area of the Boy Scout camp.
Tlie first spadeful of dirt was turned by
Blank, who presented the building in memory
of his son, the youngest boy in the U.S. ever
to receive the Eagle Scout rank. Raymond,
when 13, represented the states of Iowa and
Nebraska at a Scout jamboree at Copenhagen.
Denmark. He was 33 at the time of his death
in 1943. and had been appointed to the Scout
Tallcorn council only a short time before.
At the ground-breaking ceremonies. Blank
was made an honorary chief of the Mitigwa
tribe, a Boy Scout organization.
The building will be Y-shaped with a memorial
lounge in the open part of the Y. It
will seat 2.50 scouts with porch room on each
end for an additional 75 boys. The kitchen
will be 43x33 feet and contain up-to-date
cooking equipment. There will be a basement
under the kitchen for storage space, a working
area and garage. Over-all dimensions of the
building will be 123x100 feet.
The memorial lounge, done in native stone,
will have a 12-foot fireplace with an 18-inch
raised fire ba.se. An oil painting of Raymond
will hang over the fireplace. All interior posts
holding up the roof will be designed so that
they can become totem poles. It is expected
that' the dining hall will be ready for occupancy
in 1950.
Rites for Homer Cole
SENECA, MO.—Funeral services were held
last Sunday i22i for Homer Cole, local theatre
owner who died following a heart attack.
Cole was co-owner with John Kelly of the
Grand Theatre here which they bought in
1945 from Roy Mathes.
L6rL Popcorn Co. Shifts
Offices to Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—Offices of the L&L Popcorn
Co.. located for more than three years
at Blue Springs, Mo., have been moved to
120 West 18th St. here by Woody Latimer.
Brokers in popcorn, the company holds contracts
with various large theatre circuits.
The company is a representative in 12 states
of the Popcorn Growers & Distributors Co.,
Wall Lake. Iowa, and distributes a full line
of popcorn in bags and cans, .seasoning, boxes
and other items. Butterflake, which is handled
by the firm, is the only washed popcorn
on the market.
The company maintains branches in Dallas
and Houston, Tex.
JOHN H. MACLAY — Manager,
Grand, Strand and Avon Theatres,
Dubuque, Iowa— says:
"We have always found
RCA Service to be eminently
satisfactory."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
Melcher Theatre to Close
MELCHER, IOWA—The Melcher town
council has ordered the Iowa Theatre to close
its doors until it agrees to obey the town ordinance
to install restrooms as ordered by the
council. Also named in the same action was
Skatland. Anna Ma.ssarini, owner of the theatre,
stated that estimate made for the repair
job were too high to enable her to undertake
it. She said the theatre will close.
New Projectors Installed
IOWA FALLS, IOWA—New Century
projectors
and Voice of the Theatre speakers
have been installed at the Metropolitan
Theatre here, according to I. C. Jensen,
manager. The house, which was operated
for approximately 40 years by the late E. S.
ElLsworth. now is run by the Iowa Falls
Amu.sement Co.
Joe E. Brown Will Lecture
ST. PAUL—Joe E. Brown, star of .screen
and stage, embarking on a lecture tour, will
be one of the attractions presented here next
season by the St. Paul Pioneer Press-Dispatch
newspapers' sponsored Women's Institute.
Brown's subject will be "Laughter Is
Holy."
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II
BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949 65

. . . Samuel
. . Fred
OMAHA
lyTax McCoy, U-I salesman, and Paul Back,
RKO seller, were on the sixth floor of a
and other horses in Chicago, will have some
entries in the Ak-Sar-Ben meeting. He also
has added a new horse to his string . . . Bill
Miskell, Ti-i-States Theatres district manager,
Hastings hotel when a tornado struck. They
claim an alltime downstairs speed record.
Damage at the Hastings naval base was $250,-
Frank Hollingsworth. Beatrice exhibitor,
000 . . .
who has been running Chance
Day
went to Des Moines for a meeting . . . Peggy
Bragg, Warner Bros, head inspector, is vacationing
at Lost Lake.
The Filmrow g:roup was glad to see Ben
Harding, owner of the Liberty at Council
Bluffs, back for a visit. He has been fighting
a long battle with his eyes and now is better
Deutch, U-I office managerbooker,
has one Collie left out of the latest
litter . . . Mr. and Mrs. Will Johannsen, owners
of the Wonderland at Paulina, Iowa, are
on a fishing vacation at the Prince-Jackson
resort. Walker, Minn. . Teller, manager
of the Omaha, headed the week's drive
efforts in this district for Tri-States Theatres
. . . H. B. Johnson, U-I branch manager, went
to Des Moines.
. . .
H. L. Beecroft, Eagle Lion district manager
from Dallas, Tex., spent two days here
L. J. McGuiley, sales manager for Prestige
Pictures, arrived here from New York . . .
UA salesmen spent their weekend in a screening
room, seeking this display of product:
"Too Late for Tears," •"Africa Screams,"
"The Great Dan Patch," "Outpost in
Moroco," "The Gay Amigo" and "The
Crooked Way."
. .
. . .
Foster Blake, U-I district manager from Los
Angeles, made a routine visit to the Omaha
exchange Mary Pahls, Eagle Lion secretary,
is
.
vacationing in Kansas and Denver
Omaha Paramounters in Chicago for a
sales meeting had an opportunity to see botn
the White Sox and the Cubs play big league
Among Filmrow visitors wer4
baseball . . .
Harold Schnoonover, Aurora; Olie Schneider,
Osceola; Prank Good, Red Oak; Raymond
Brown, Harlan; D. C. Campbell, Central City:
Arnold Johnson, Onawa; Blanche Colbert,
North Bend; Archie Mahoney, Ute; Fritz
Largen, Creighton; Arnold Meierdierks,
Pender; Mr. and Mrs. FVed Shuler, Humboldt,
and Al Haals, Harlan.
U-I will handle bookings of "Spirit of '49"
in this territory and promises to advise of
dates shortly. It is the 11-minute reeler to
help the bond drive . . Allen Jacques, U-I
.
shipper, was spending his two-week vacation
painting a house. That also enables him to be
home with Mrs. Jacques, recently out of the
hospital.
Evert Cununings, former Tri-States Theatres
chief here, has the new Avenue Theatre
in Downey, Calif. , . . Ted Mack was here to
salute Omaha with his amateur show. He
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
We Cover the U. S. Market
A different service ol long
experience and reputf!*ion
ARTHUR LEAK THEATRE SALES
3422 Einmoia 1109 Orchard Lane
Dallas 13-2026 Des Moines 4-9087
got his start at the World Theatre in 1929
when he took over handling of stage shows.
Irving Waterstreet, Ti'i-States publicity chief
here then, now handles a similar job with
Mack and also was here.
Theatremen Eye Progress
Of Bill on Aisle Widths
KANSAS CITY—Progress of senate Bill 80
in the Missouri legislature was being observed
by a delegation of local theatremen who went
to Jefferson City this week in the interests
of the measure, now pending in the house of
representatives.
Included in the delegation were Elmer Bills,
Salisbury, KMTA president: R. R. Biechele,
KMTA legislative chairman; Joe Kelly jr.,
KMTA attorney, and Dick Brous, Fox Midwest
Theatres attorney.
The bill, which specifies aisle widths for
theatres and other places of amusement and
outlaws a statute enacted in 1877 permitting
the filing of informer suits, recently was
approved by the senate.
Partlow Buys Stuart House
LAURENS, IOWA—Joe Smith has sold
the
Elite Theatre here to Glenn Partlow of
Stuart, Iowa. The transaction was handled
by R. M. Copeland of the Savereide Theatre
Brokers. Smith plans to take a vacation for
about a year. The addition of the Laurens
house gives Partlow thi-ee Iowa theatres, at
Logan. Stuart and Laurens.
Monona, Iowa, Plaza Sold
MONONA. IOWA—Glenn Partlow has sold
the Plaza Theatre here to N. J. Martin of
West Union, Iowa. The deal was consummated
through Savereide Theatre Brokers
with R. M. Copeland handling details. Martin
formerly was in the hardware business.
Partlow operates the Stuart Theatre in
Stuart, the Logan at Logan and the Elite at
Laurens.
Theatres to Do Own Buying
MINNEAPOLIS— Recent defections from
the ranks of the nonprofit buying and booking
combines here include George Granstrom,
St. Paul theatre owner; the Montgomery,
Dale & Ryden circuit of St. Paul, and Sim
Heller.
Sound for Tri-State Houses
OMAHA—Western Theatre Supply Co. announced
these recent installations: Sound for
Tri-States theatres, the Iowa at Grinnell,
Iowa, and the Bonham at Fairbury, Neb., and
650 new seats for the Strand at Dubuque,
Iowa.
Brothers Open Drive-Ins
OMAHA—Two brothers opened new driveins
in Iowa within a week. Alfred Haals got
the Harlan Drive-In under way at Harlan,
and his brother Edward Started the Red Oak
Drive-In.
Buys in Humboldt, S. D.
HUMBOLDT, S.
D.—John Egge, zone manager
for Investors Syndicate, has purchased
the Legion Theatre here and will take over
operation on June 1.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
JJARVEY HAMMOND, organist at the
Plaza in Kansas City, escaped being victimized
by a blackmailer by a narrow margin
when a planted detective caught the man in
the act of receiving money from Hammond.
The man had posed as a police officer and
had demanded $25 on a threat of accusing
Hammond of grand larceny.
* » *
Sam Brandt of Kansas City returned from
Denver where he visited Earl Jameson who
is in the west developing business for the
Exhibitors Film Delivery & Service Co. . . .
The new Paramount exchange at 18th and
Wyandotte in Kansas City will open soon,
according to Oscar Morgan, branch manager
. . . Sam Carver has opened the New Auditorium
Theatre at Ninth and Holmes, showing
silents with synchronized music.
* * *
Recent changes in ownership in Kansas:
Palace, .sold to Mrs. B. Koch by G. M. Pohlenz;
Belle Plaine, Opera house, sold to J. L.
Leonard by Dewey I. Gates: Florence, Mayflower,
sold to H. C. Musgrave by 'Whitney
Bros.; lola, Elite, sold to O. D. Taylor by
T. M. Magruder; McDonald, sold to Moore
& Knock by Ritter Bros.; Marion, Garden,
sold to Glen Newbold by S. A. Mudd; Russell,
Mainstreet, sold to E. B. Danielson by
Wallis Bros.; Utica. Olympic, sold to Ed
Wheatcroft by H. E. Davis.
* * *
Fire destroyed the show house in Lewis,
Iowa, recently, with a loss of more than
$6,000 . . . The Capitol Theatre in Des Moines
is doing away with its stage show, stage
band and master of ceremonies.
* * *
The New Center Theatre and the Kansas
City Slide Co., both at Fifteenth and
Troost, Kansas City, suffered extensive damage
from flames recently, the fire starting
in the International Boxing arena next door.
Flames spread to the seventh floor of the
New Center building, causing damage to the
slide company estimated at $15,000. according
to George Wieda. manager.
* * *
The Midland circuit of theatres, Kansas
City, plans to build a $400,000 theatre in
Salina, Kas. A site has been purchased for
$100,000.
« • *
Walter J. Hammers is the new manager
of the Esmond Theatre, Esmond, S. D. . . .
"King of Kings," Pathe's $2,500,000 special,
is the first pictiu-e to be shown in the Gem
Theatre at Morton, Minn., by H. B. Hanson,
new owner, who purchased the house from
Daun & Johnson . . . The Capitol Theatre in
Des Moines opened its doors last week as the
New Paramount, with an exclusive picture
policy . . . Arnold Flink has rented the
Verndale, Minn., showhouse and has opened
the theatre on a one-day-a-week plan.
* * «
W. A. Bm-ke, former Paramount salesman,
is back to his old love. First National in
Omaha .
. . Exhibitors
seen in Omaha recently:
G. G. Griffin, Plattsmouth, Neb.;
Herb Bluebell, Clarinda, Iowa; C. A. Sample,
Manilla, Iowa; M. Biemond, Loup City, Neb.;
Bert Beams, Red Cloud, Neb.; Oscar Gross,
Bloomfield, Neb.; Hy Robinson, Blair, Neb.;
C. E. Fletcher, Hartington, Neb.; E. C. Scott,
LeMars, Iowa.
66 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

Drive-In Theaire Ass'n
Formed in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — Tlie Tristate Drive-In
Theatres Ass'n has been formed here to promote
better conditions and the welfare of
open-air theatres: to circulate information
among the membership, spreading reliable
theatre intelligence among them, and furnishing
information to members to enable
them to regulate operation, advertising and
purchasing; to exchange ideas and information
and problems of labor relations; to collectively
promote the interests thereof by
means of public relations. A nonprofit corporation,
the a.ssociation incorporators are
Theodore Grance, Robert W. Thom.son .1r.,
John A. Robb. Dario Castelli and Andrew F.
Battiston.
Kentucky Newsreel Firm
Formed at Louisville
LOUISVILLE—Jesse Hopewell, projectionist
at the Scopp Theatre here, and Phil
Harnden, long t;me newsreel cameraman
around town, have formed the Kentucky
Eagle Studios to film and market regular
newsreel features for presentation in
Kentucky theatres and on television screens.
Coverage will embrace nine general subjects,
such as water sports, land sports, police
and fire activities and special events, plus a
dash of local hi.story narrated around a
Louisville landmark or site of historic significance.
Additional groups are contemplated.
The films will be released on regular 35mm
stock and will be complete with sound. The
sound recording will be handled by a professional
studio, but it is hoped that the complete
processing of the film can be done
locally by Harnden and Hopewell to give
quicker coverage on current events.
The partners have a total of almost 50 years
experience in the theatre and newsreel field.
Their initial programs are expected to make
their appearance on local screens within the
next few weeks and from that time on are
.scheduled for regular programs in the theatres.
Fabian Shift in Altoona
ALTOONA, PA.— George Long, manager of
the Strand here for the Fabian circuit, has
resigned and left for Cleveland to join Associated
Theatres. Ward B. Kreag, Fabian
city manager, is taking over as State manager
and has moved his office there from the
Strand, where Jack Day has been shifted.
Day. formerly State manager, also will handle
publicity and advertising for the tlu-ee local
Fabian houses. Harry AJberth will continue
as manager of the Logan. Prank Hughes is
assistant and Betty Dobie is treasurer at the
Strand.
Fire Cry Causes Near Panic
BUTLER, PA.—Near panic resulted from a
cry of "fire" at the Butler Theatre one night
recently. Smoke from burning rubbish in a
building near the theatre was pulled into the
auditorium by the ventilation system and a
patron immediately set up the cry. Patrons
rushed to the exits and left the theatre. A
pocketbook and other articles were lost in
the rush but no one was injured and there
was no damage.
Tribute to Ray Branch
In Lansing on June 15
Drive-In
ELIZABETHTOWN,
Openings
KY. — Construction
was rushed here on Bob Enoch's Star-Lite
Drive-In, in order to hold the opening ceremonies
at the 400-car situation. The Star-
Lite was equipped with Motiograph projectors,
hall lamps, .sound and in-car speakers
by Falls City Theatre Equipment Co. of
Louisville.
Eugene Hoskin.son, formerly connected with
the State Theatre here, has been named
manager of the Star-Lite. In addition to the
drive-in, Enoch also operates the Grand Theatre
here. The drive-in features bottle-warming
facilities and artificial moonlight illumination.
Admission is 40 cents for adults,
15 cents for children six to 12 years old, and
kiddies under six, free.
Morgantown Drive-In Opens
MORGANTOWN, W. VA.—The new Star
Light Drive-In has opened on Route 19 on
the Fairmont road five miles from this city.
Jim Work Opens Drive-In
NEW MARTINSVILLE. W. VA.—Jimmy
Work. Pine Grove exhibitor, opened the new
Work Drive-In here, engineered and equipped
by Gordon Gibson of Atlas Tlieatre Supply,
Pittsburgh. Capacity is 400 cars and equipments
include Motiograph-Hall lamps. The
Skyway Drive-In, Route 2, is across the highway
from the new ozoner.
Charter Belle Air Drive-In
WEIRTON. W. VA—The Belle Air Drive-
In, which will open soon, has been chartered
by the secretary of state in Charleston.
Authorized stock was listed at $50,000, starting
business at $38,000. Incorporators include
Joseph Yacos. Mary Yacos and Peter Rodak,
all of Weirton.
East Pittsburgh Theatre
Sold to George Katsilas
EAST PITTSBURGH. PA.— Nicholas A.
Malanos has transferred the Frederick here
to George Katsilas, effective June 1. Malanos
continues in exhibition at the Urban in East
McKeesport. Katsilas is in the restaurant and
transfer business and is a brother of Gust
Katsilas of the G. A. Katsilas & Son Trucking
Co., co-owner of the Colonial Manor
restaurant and the White Barn Theatre,
strawhat stock house, near Irwin.
Floor Tile Firm Expands
FREMONT, OHIO—Fremont Rubber Co.,
maker of rubber floor tile, is undergoing a
plant expansion program which w'ill provide
50 per cent more floor space and permit
installation of twice the present equipment.
This will permit a 100 per cent increase in
production by August 1, says R. P. Johnson,
president.
LANSING—Ray Branch of Hastings, president
of Allied Theatres of Michigan from
1932 until his retirement last fall, will be
honored by the organization at a dinner to be
held in the Hotel Olds June 15.
The dinner will be given following a special
board meeting to be open to all members.
The banquet itself will be a mixed event, with
exhibitors' wives attending.
In citing the occasion for the testimonial,
KAV BRANCH
Charles W. Snyder., executive secretary of
Allied, said, "Ray Branch is deserving of
recognition far beyond our ability to express.
He has worked hard, traveled much, worried
no end about the exhibitors' problems
through 19 of the 20 glorious years of Allied
States' existence."
Allied has also voted to return to Detroit
for the annual convention this year. The
event will be held at the Hotel Book Cadillac
on October 3, 4 and 5.
Branch has been in the motion picture industry
for 41 years, having started as a film
exchange shipping clerk in 1908. His career
in show business started in 1904 as assistant
property man for stage productions, then successively
became property man, stage carpenter,
fly man, theatre treasurer and assistant
manager.
In 1911, Branch became a theatre operator,
then booking clerk, salesman, manager and
branch manager. He owned a theatre equipment
house in Detroit in 1917 and in 1923
went to First National Pictures as a salesman.
He owned the Strand Theatre in Hastings
in 1925 and in 1935, he opened the Barry
Theatre. He was president of the Detroit
lATSE in 1912 and head of the Film Board
of Trade here in 1920.
Variety Show at Toledo
TOLEDO—Tent 30 of Varety Club sponsored
a charity screen and stage show at midnight
Friday (27i in the Rivoli Theatre. The
film was "Bad Boy" and the stage show included
night club acts.
BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949
ME 67

. .
, . . George
. . Floyd
. . Leo
. . Wilber
. . Robert
. . Akins
DETROIT
.
Jlrvid Kantor. former branch manager for
National Screen Service, has been named
central division manager for Electroaire Theatre
Distributing Co., Inc., manufactm-er of
odor-dispelling equipment. He will cover
Michigan. Ohio. Illinois and Indiana
Division offices are being opened in the Fox
Fred Bormem, former
Theatre building . . .
manager for Film Classics, has been named
district manager for Michigan. First installations
in the territory are being made in the
Colonial for the Midwest circuit and in the
Alhambra for the Kilbride circuit.
Arnold Wisper of Maksym Refrigeration
Engineers reports installation of a new Ty-
DELUXE
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
68
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* RCA SOUND SYSTEMS
*RCA RECTIFIERS
*RCA SOUND SCREENS
BRENKERT LAMPS
INTERNATIONAL CHAIRS
MOHAWK CARPET
HORSTMAN MARQUEES
ADLER LETTERS
CENTURY GENERATORS
KOLDRINK BARS
STAR POPCORN MACHINES
NEUMADE PRODUCTS
COINOMETER CHANGERS
STAGE EQUIPMENT
DRIVE-IN THEATRES OUR
SPECIALTY
ERNIE FORBES
THEATRE SUPPLY
Film Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich.
Days
WO 1-1122
WO 1-1123
Nights
VE 7-1227
. .
. . . Carl
phoon air conditioning unit in the Willis for
Irving Katcher . Haartge, operator
at the Midtown, and bride Daley, went to
Springfield, Mo., for a honeymoon after a
double wedding at which his stepson also
spoke his vows . Marty Shore can keep a
weather eye on Local 199 headquarters right
from h s booth in the Colonial
Kaufman, new manager at the Colonial, is a
newcomer to Detroit . . . Albin Frosty has
moved from the Amo to the Home, replacing
Nate Kaufman, who went to a drive-in.
Broder has
. .
Fred Newman has moved from the Courtesy
to the Conant, replacing Carl Mingoine, who
moved
went to a drive-in . . . Al
from the Rainbo to manage the Seville, replacing
William Mann e, who went to the
Times Square . Charlotte Clark, cashier at
the Rainbo, has taken on the added duties of
cashier, while the house shifted to a Rainbo
Ranch policy, with three changes a week, all
westerns.
. . Mel
Tom Fitzgerald came up from Cleveland on
a one-man invasion to try to gel back the
trophy the boys across the lake lost to the
Nightingales . H. Akins was guest of
honor at a surprise birthday party given by
Mrs. Akins with Fitzgerald, Edgar Douville
and Jack Yellich as guests, joining up later
with H. O. Bloug. Leo Brooks and Frank
Scheuer, all with their wives . sends
congratulations to Tom Smart, new Cleveland
Local 160 Bowling League president .
Owens of the Brenkert projection service was
out to visit the Circle, checking over the
equipment and found it all okay.
, . .
Mannie Gottlieb. U-I district manager, had
to borrow a bright green umbrella from Agnes
Mattson for his trip on Filmrow in the rain
Harold Bernstein and Ed Johnston of Bay
City were visitors . . . Nat Levy and Morris
Lefko, RKO division and district manager,
respectively, were due in town to meet with
Manager Nat Taylor . . . Irwin Gold and
Dennis Lenahan are recruiting help to build
a dock out at Wolverine lake . . . Walter
Shafer's new Wayne Drive-In has opened.
Roy Bommarito has closed the Kum-C, east
side house formerly known as the Odeon . . .
Jack Krass, circuit operator, has taken over
the Graystone, west side house, from Anthony
Dubiel. Booking for the theatre has been
transferred to Mutual Theatres, headed by
Allen Dowzer . Fullarton, RCA
sound engineer, is proud of that concealed
wiring job at the Martha Washington in
Hamtrack . Hudzik, formerly of the
Lasky, now stationed at the Martha Washington,
used to have a golf practice course on
the roof of the Garden Theatre when he
worked there . . . Gil Lubin has moved to the
East Side Drive-In.
. . .
. .
George McArthur had his first miss in
years as a faithful attendant at the annual
Nightingales party Arvid and Ella
Kantor of Arvid Display Service are back
from the big Variety doings. They also visited
Harry Balk of
Ben
their son in Pueblo, Colo. . . .
the Chic has returned from Florida .
Rosen and the confection Cabinet gang
headed into Chicago for a weekend conference.
Ben Lefkowitz of the L&L Concession Co.
was on a brief trip upstate visiting theatres
Turner, new manager of the
Garden, was formerly on the road as supervisor
for the Sports and Boat show . . . Emli
Setzke jr., who has replaced Charles Walters
at the Garden, is the son of the longtime
Grand operator, and got his booth training
working for Charles P. Skouras jr. in the
army at Roswell, N. M.
. . . Donald
David U. Farlow, new manager of the Majestic,
has a distinguished record as producerdirector
of the Vesper Players, legitimate theatre
organization, achieving national recognition
in producing "For the Time Being." He
has also had radio experience
Lewis sr. of the Palms-State, is back from
seven weeks in Albuquerque, getting acclimated.
Lewis jr., who was out of the bowling
season this past year because of an internal
injury, has been putting in two months
repainting his home furniture . . . Glenn
Ramsey, Rosedale manager, has prepared an
analysis of current show business problems
. . . Victor Lopez Herrera, owner of the Aztec,
has had his car refinished after receiving
$1,000 damages in a collision.
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BOXOFFICE May 28, 1949

Midweek Dark Night
At Suburban House
DETROIT—New policy in theatre opeiation
is being inaugurated by Felix L. Goletz.
operator of the east side Moran Theatre,
with the elimination of Wednesday shows.
The house will remain closed on that day
under the new setUD.
One sign ficant reason is that the Wednesday
closing allows the house to operate un
two changes a week, instead of the prevailing
three in the neighborhood class. By reducing
film rental for the third change and
general operating costs. Goletz figures he is
actually saving money on net figures for the
house.
In addition, he is giving the entire staff,
as well as himself, one definite night off a
week, without the necessity of working staggered
shifts or finding someone to fill in for
just one night following a practice widely
adopted since wartime days in the restaurant
trade.
David E. Flayer Is Elected
Cinema Lodge President
DETROIT—David E. Flayer was elected
president of the Cinema B'nai B'rith lodge,
succeeding Ted Birnkrant. Other new officers:
vice-presidents, Marvin Lubin and
Irving S. Katcher, circuit owner; treasurer,
Leonard Soskin: recording secretary. Art
Perlmutter; financial secretary, Alan Soskin;
warden, M. Rosenthal; guardian, Joe Lulenfeld;
chaplain, Ted Birnkrant; assistant
chaplain, Kal Bru.^s.
New members on the board of trustees:
Paul Broder, Realart president; Jack Zide,
Allied manager: Irving Belinsky, circuit
owner; Max Blumenthal, Film Projection
Service; Ted Levy, Warners salesman; Ben
Ro.sen. manager of the Confection Cabinet
Corp.; Joseph Lee, 20th -Fox manager; James
Laker, Ruby Kapper, P. Chatnick and Irvin
Serlin.
New Melody Open in Bardstown, Ky.
Arnold & Sisco Enterprises, of which
C. K. Arnold is general manager, recently
opened the new Melody Theatre
in Bardstown, Ky., next door to its
Arco. Above view taken on opening
night shows the upper facing had not
yet been completed and display frames
were yet to be installed;. The men in the
adjacent photo are Arnold and Ous
Datillo, Louisville businessman who
owned and operated the first motion
picture show in Bardstown 40 years ago.
A. F. Battiston Withdraws
From Drive-In Field
PITTSBURGH—Andrew F. Battiston, theatre
broker and veteran in the motion picture
industry, who is accredited with the promotion
of area drive-ins, has withdrawn from
this field. The Battiston interests, including
those of sons Richard and Wallace, have been
transferred. They now have no interests in
the Outdoor Theatres Corp., owner-operator
of several drive-ins in the mideast. Mario
Battiston, Export theatre owner, has not sold
his outdoor theatre interests, according to
members of the family.
Joe E. Brown Hurt in Fall
TOLEDO— Joe E. Brown spent a day in a
Toledo hospital after slipping on the stage
of Town Hall Theatre and injuring his back.
He was pantomining the role of "Elmer the
Great" and slipped while doing the baseballpitching
routine, aggravating a back injury
suffered in a 1939 automobile accident. He
had finished a four-day booking of "Harvey"
at the Town Hall. He had refused pleas of
his audience to do the "Elmer the Great" role
on advice of his doctors, but he finally gave
in to the audience's clamor.
Drive-In Film Stampedes
Cattle in Nearby Field
CLARKSBURG. W. VA.— Proof of the
realism enjoyed by drive-in audiences comes
from Gray Barker, film buyer-booker, who
reports that during a western feature at the
Harrisonburg Drive-In, Harrisonburg, Va.,
cattle in a field adjoining the theatre became
excited at a stampede sequence, broke
down the fence and ran across the field,
halting at the screen tower. No one was injured.
At Moorefield Drive-In, Moorefield, W. Va.,
which also has a centralized speaker system,
cattle in an adjoining field were frightened
during the big stampede scene in "Red River"
and ran about bellowing loudly.
Host High School Band
CARNOT, PA.—Members of the Moon
township high school band were guests of
the Penn-Lincoln Drive-In, near Imperial.
Transportation was arranged to take the students
to the theatre, where they were guests
of Arthur E. Klixbull, manager.
C. W. Marsh Purchases
Glenville, W. Va., Lyric
GLENVILLE, W. VA.—C. W. "Judge"
Marsh, owner of the Pictureland here, has
purchased the 200-seat Lyric, which he previously
operated under lease. A weekend action
policy is in effect, and double bill reissues
have been used recently. Marsh also
owns the Gilmer county fairgrounds, and has
the "Wings Over Jordan" chorus booked May
29. Extensive radio and newspaper advertising
is being used.
Bill Rymer, projectionist at the Pictureland,
is recuperating at his home from cuts and
bruises suffered in an automobile accident.
Prize Film at Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH—Now on exhibit here at
the Art Cinema is "Monsieur Vmcent," Lopert
masterpiece and the year's most honored
picture. The theatre management staged a
special screening of the picture at the Mount
Mercy Academy here. The Art Cinema, in
recent weeks, featured "Symphonie Pastorale,"
"Beauty and the Beast" and a revival
of "The Mikado."
BOXOFFICE May 28, 1949 69

. . Bing
. .
. . . Joe Blowitz,
to view the television, which is in front
Manor
of
the standee chutes
manager, is in Montefiore hospital and Dave
Smith is looking after the Squirrel Hill house.
AT PARAMOUNT DIVISION SALES MEETING—Paramount sales officials met for
a divisional meeting May 12-14 at Pittsburgh. Shown left to right in the accompanying
picture are Ulrich Smith, Philadelphia branch manager; A. C. Benson, Washington
manager; E. K. O'Shea, assistant general sales manager; A. W. Schwalberg, general
sales manager; Harry H. Goldstein, mideast sales manager; Saul Frifield, Cleveland
manager; Edward Stuckey, Detroit manager; James J. Gardy, Cincinnati manager;
Richard Morgan, legal department, and Dave Kimelman, Pittsburgh manager.
PITTSBURGH
IJarry Battistini, former Punxsutawney ex-
. . . Betty
hibitor, apparently is doing well with his
investments. He leased his theatre to the
Warner crixuit some years ago. Recently, he
completed a large market building there,
which has been leased and is occupied by the
A&P stores. Harry said hello the other day
on Filmrow and indicated that he might return
to exhibition in this area
Goldberg of the Film Classics office is wearing
a sparkler from William Mash .
. . Harry
Finkel, theatre owner, has been ill at his
home in Florida where son Morris M. Finkel,
Allied MPTO president, has been visiting for
a number of weeks. The illness of his father
ROBERT H. URLING — Owner
and Operator, Wayne Theatre,
Wayne, West Virginia—says:
"The theatre I operate is
small but I know that I can
compete with the biggest and
best by using RCA sound
and service."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Jim Alexander
Sam Fineberg
Adv.
1705 Blvd. of the AlliesI
PITTSBURGH 19. PA.
Phone EXpresB 0777
will prevent Morris from attending the Allied
confab at Dallas.
Pittsburgh entertainers have increased their
minimum wage scale about 70 per cent . . .
Laskey Bros.' new Starlite Drive-In near
Fairmont. W. Va., will open May 29 . . John
.
A. Robb, attorney and drive-in theatre investor,
and Horace Goodenough and Joseph
R. Royston jr., have incorporated Goodenough
Associates, Inc., to act as business
consultants, investigators and to manage all
types of manufacturing businesses.
MGM visitors included Harry Simons, auditor,
and Oliver Broughton, home office representative
... A. A. Shubert, RKO branch
operations manager, was another visitor . . .
Herb Ochs, drive-in circuit operator who is
. .
opening a new one at Elm Grove, W. Va., was
a Filmrow shopper . . . Bill Walker. Crafton
exhibitor, who underwent an operation in
Presbyterian hospital, was to undergo surgery
again this week . Gabe Rubin, Art Cinema
proprietor, is busy preparing for the opening
of the new drive-in at Silver Lake, and is
operating a freak film show at the Casino
under a special lease-license.
. Bill Stich, Screen Broadcasts representative,
Midget auto races will be staged May 29 at
the race track on the Speedway Drive-In
between Fairmont and Bridgeport, W. Va.
Admission to the drive-in is 35 cents per
Skyline Drive-In at New Castle featured
car . . .
"Mamma," Italian dialog film . . .
Reynolds Drive-In near Sharon staged preshow
musical entertainments recently, presenting
Bill Gardner and His Rambling Riders
..
reports that practically all of
the drive-ins of the area are using his advertising
reels.
Sam DeFazio, manager of the J. P. Harris.
has a special baseball gear and Pirate photos
display in the lobby exploiting "It Happens
Every Spring." Harry Keck and Al Abrams,
sports editors, were in the theatre for a sneak
preview of the comedy. DeFazio reports that
more and more of the theatre patrons stop
IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS;
SPEAKER POSTS
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO
729 Baltimore
K. C. Mo.
Marion Fogel of Republic has been making
transportation reservations for those who
desire to have special bus service to and
from the Filmrow bam dance at the Museum
building June 3. The event has shaped up
as a big evening and the sponsor, Filmrow
Exchange Front Office Employes Local Fll,
lATSE, has been busy with details.
Tom Woods, manager of the Hi-Way
Drive-In near Latrobe, also manages frozen
Mr. and Mrs. Dominic
food lockers there . . .
Navarro were hosts at the family party at
Filmrow visitors included
Variety Club . . .
National Carbon representatives E. R. Geib
of Cleveland and Pittsburgh area salesmen
Robert Varsha. Jack Casey and Tom Lewis
. . . Tommy Cowell and his bride are at
home in Erie after a four-month honeymoon
in Florida. He will get to work on his drive-in
on his Lake Erie beach, but it may not be
completed for opening this season.
Theodore Mikolowsky, pioneer exhibitor,
again is a grandpop. A second son George
Julius was born to his son and daughter-inlaw
the George Mikolowskys. George assists
his father in exhibition at Masontown .
John Perry, Belle Vernon exhibitor, has filed
an amended complaint in his claim that he
was illegally ousted as burgess there. The
job carries no salary but Perry is staging
a big court fight to be reinstated . Loew's
. .
Penn sneak previewed "The Stratton Story"
the evening of May 18 and the following evening
the J. P. Harris sneak previewed "It
Happens Every Spring."
Nearly three decades have passed since an
independent exhibitor affair has taken Fred
J. Herrington, local Allied MPTO secretary,
to Dallas, but he is en route there to attend
Allied sessions and the Texas convention.
Last time he addressed Texas exhibitors at
Dallas was in the fall of 1920. Fred has been
attending independent theatre owners meetings
and conventions for more than 40 years.
Abe Weiner, Allied Artists-Monogram manager,
has located a residence here and will
move into a duplex on South Evaline street
in the Bloomfield district. Mrs. Weiner and
their daughter, who have made their home
in Boston, will come here immediately . . .
Al Suchman, SRO division manager, was a
Filmrow visitor. He reports thta Eddie Fontaine,
veteran of the industry, has returned
to the SRO fold . . . Harry M. Kalmine,
Warner circuit general manager and former
local zone manager, was here for a short
visit.
Mother of Sam Fineberg, RCA theatre products
distributor, is critically ill . . . Mother
of the Gellman boys, Joseph and Gilbert,
local theatremen, remains critically ill at a
nursing home . Crosby, broadcasting
a play-by-play account of a Pirate game
last Saturday, was approached by three Pittsburgh
policewomen, who just wanted to take
a look at the crooner, and for a moment he
said he thought he was being arrested for
vagrancy as a result of his last picture . . .
Allied MPTO grievance committee met.
The Sunset Beach Auto Theatre and swimming
pool on Route 40 near Claysville recently
were reopened by C. M. Ducray and
Stephen Setto.
70 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

. . Boyd
'Strangers' Pulls 110
For Detroit High
DETROIT — A slight general upturn in
business was attributed chiefly to cooler
weather, which proved a good stimulant over
the weelcend, about offsetting the usual spring
decline. Among first runs, conservative booking
of holdovers, with plenty of promotion
was evident. (Average Is 100)
Adams—EnchanlmenI (RKO) 75
Cinema—The Red Shoes (EL), 5th wlc ....lOG
Downlown—Cily Across Ihe River (U-I); Hide.
Ryder, Hide {ED 105
Fox— Mr. Belvedere Goes lo College (Mlh-Fox);
Last of Ihe Wild Horses (SG), 2nd wk 100
Madison—Outpost in Morocco (UA); The Duke ol
Chicago (Rep) ._.;,, 80
Michigan—Flamingo Road (WB); The Lucky Still
(UA), 2nd v/k 95
Palms-Slate-Million Dollar Weekend (EL) Tulsa
(EL), 2nd wk . -
90
Paradise—Son of Billy Ihe Kid (SG); The Raven
(U-1), reissue, plus stage show 90
United Artists—We Were Strangers (Col); Make
Believe Ballroom (Col) 110
'Belvedere' Chalks Up 140
As Leader in Cincinnati
CINCINNATI—Grosses at local first runs
generally were below average, with hot
weather blamed as the cau.se. After a rousing
initial week at the Palace, "Mr. Belvedere
Goes to College" was moved to the Shubert
for another stanza. "Take Me Out to the
Ball Game" rated a third frame at the Capitol.
Albee—Outpost in Morocco (UA) 80
Capitol—Take Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM),
2nd wk no
Grand—Red Canyon (U-I) 90
Keiths—Enchantment (RKO) 95
Lyric—Undercover Man (Col), 2nd d. t. wk., split
with Hangover Square (20th-Fox); The Lodger
(20lh-Fox), 4 days 70
Palace—Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (20th-Fox) 140
Shubert—Flamingo Road (WB) 90
"Connecticut Yankee' High With 120
As Business Drags in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — Boxscore on the Golden
Triangle: The Fulton Theatre closed for remodeling,
thi'ee houses exhibited moveovers
and all under par. one deluxer died with a
new twin bill, two theatres offered newscreen
shows and the winner was "A Connecticut
Yankee." Ca.shiers at neighborhood
theatres are lonesome.
Hams—City Across the Hiver (U-1) 110
Penn—Bride oi Vengeance (Para); The Lucky Stiff
(UA) 75
Rilz—Portrait of Jennie (SRO), 2nd d. t. wk 70
Senator-Knock on Any Door (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 80
Stanley—A Connecticut Yankee (Para) 120
VVarner—Flamingo Road (WB), 2nd d t. wk 85
"Flamingo Road' Hits 140
To Set Pace in Cleveland
CLEVELAND—Trade generally at first run
houses here was disappointing. Uncertain
weather from day to day kept many persons
away from boxoffices. "Flamingo Road" at
the Hippodrome rang up a lusty 140 per cent
to take the lead. "Quartet," showing at advanced
prices at the Esquire, was next best
with a rating of 130 per cent.
Allen—Outpost in Morocco (UA) 90
Esquire—Quartet (EL) 130
Hippodrome—Flamingo Road (WB) 140
Ohio—Passionelle (DF); Torment (Oxford) 105
Palace—The Window (RKO) 75
Slate—The Citv Across the River (U-I) 90
Stillman—The Stratton Story (MGM), 4th wk 80
Ochs to Build at Elm Grove, W. Va.
ELM GROVE, W. VA.—A modern drive-ln
will be opened here by Herb Ochs and associates.
John Gardner, manager of the
Riverside r>rive-In, Rayland, Ohio, will
manage the Elm Grove situation.
LOUISVILLE
Ceen on the Row for the first lime in several
months was Pat Murphy, Victory Theatre.
Huntingbiu-g. Ind. Other exhibitors visiting
here were C. K. Arnold, Arco and Melody
theatres, Bardstown: A. R. Milby. Cardinal.
Hodgenville; C. O. Humston. Lyric, Lawrenceburg;
Oscar Hopper, Arista, Lebanon; A, E.
Campbell Lyric, Lexington; Kimmons Wilson,
Airway Amusement Co., Memphis; Gene
Lutes, Chakeres Theatres, Frankfort; J. F.
Burnette, Gypsy Drive-In, Bardstown; Mrs.
Hugh Kessler. Pal, Palmyra, Ind.; Bob
Enoch, State and Grand. Elizabethtown, and
Sam Maples, Strand, Dawson Springs.
According to an article in the Louisville
Courier Joiu'nal, Berwyn T. Moore, broker,
has sued the Scoop Theatre for $26,000 damages
in circuit court. He alleges his head
and a shoulder were injured in a fall at the
theatre last May . Martin, drama
critic of the Courier Journal, was scheduled
to talk on "Broadway Scene" at the limcheon
meeting of the University of Louisville
Women's club.
In conjunction with the pre.sentation of the
"Hawaiian Paradise Revue," stage show at
the National. Manager Jimmy Robertson
staged a big Hula-Hula contest . . An oldtime
.
black-face minstrel show was staged at
the Arco Theatre, Bardstown, Pi'oceeds were
slated to go to the underprivileged children
for siunmer playground activities. The program
was sponsored by the Kiwanis club
of Bardstown, whose president is C. K. Arnold,
general manager of the Arco. The 2'--
hour show of home talent is an annual affair
at the Arco and the current program made
its third year running. The Arco is owned
by Arnold and Pope Sisco, also of Bardstown.
Guthrie Crowe, president of the Kentucky
Ass'n of Theatre Owners and state commander
of the American Legion, spoke at the
dedication ceremonies of the new $100,000
Highland Post recreation building here . . .
Two hundred dollars in small bills and silver
was reported stolen from a safe in a break-in
at the Park Theatre here. Prom the information
given to the police by Manager Stuart
Ruble, the safe was cut open after an emergency
door had been jimmied.
A variety of programs was listed at the
first rims. "Flamingo Road" opened at the
Mary Anderson, as a singleton. Also in the
one feature class was the Scoop with "Children
of Paradise." Doubling their programs
were the Strand with "The Last Bandit" and
"Moonrise," and Loew's with "Ma and Pa Kettle"
and "Act of Violence" and the Rialto with
"El Paso" and "My Own True Love." The
National brought in "Mom and Dad" for
women only at 2 and 7 p. m. and for men only
at 9 p. m. "Mother Is a Freshman" and
"Sofia" moved over to the Brown following
a week at the Rialto.
USED THEATRE SEATS
Thousands — Completely Reconditioned
All Types — From $4.75 Up
(Others Irom SI. 50 Up)
Write for Prices and Photographs
Immediate Delivery — Anywhere in U. S.
Delivery in Good Condition Guaranteed
ATLAS CHAIR & EQUIPMENT SALES CO.
211 Moss Avenue Detroit 3, Mich.
Phone TOwnsend 8-7227
William P. McMahon Buys
Sagamore House for 16mm
SAGAMORE, PA. William P. McMahon of
the Woodland Drive-In near Vandergrift has
acquired the Sagamore Theatre here from A.
L. Hodgson, who had closed the house March
1 due to his illness. McMahon has operated
16mm show-s for a decade and is Armstrong
county distributor for Victor projectors.
Opening May 24, the Sagamore was operated
as a 16mm film theatre, 35mm projectors having
been removed. Only 16mm film will be
serviced. McMahon is a partner with Harold
A. Lee in the operation of the Woodland
Drive-In.
Jean Hagen, a young New York actress,
has joined the cast of Metro's "Ambush."
.A^
pOB

. . Charlie
. . Mike
. . "Monsieur
. . Walter
CLEVELAND
. . Joe Krenitz,
•The Variety Club will sponsor its annual golf
tournament in July at the Beechmond
Country club. Bert Lefkowich is general
chairman of arrangements .
former U-I manager who now owns and operates
several local theatres, and wife will
give a reception in the Assembly room of the
HoUenden hotel Sunday evening, June 5, following
the marriage of their daughter Marilyn
to Irving Chadys of New Haven, Conn.
The wedding ceremony will be at 8:30 p. m.,
and the reception from 9 to 11 p. m.
. . J. W. Servies, National
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. "k.c'I'mT"
Pittsburgh. Pa.
show begins . . . Mrs. Ben Fain, who is continuing
operation of the Milo Theatre since
the recent death of her husband, flew to the
west coast for a vacation.
The Ace Theatre, which has had a successful
season showing Jewish films, will close
for the season on Memorial day. The management
plans to present the best available
Jewish talent on stage and screen when the
house reopens in the fall . . . Susan Weingarten
is the newest member of the Paramount
office staff. She is in charge of the
newly established eastern division files . . .
Martin G. Smith, Rom Gamble and I. J.
Schmertz rallied exhibitors, distributors and
salesmen for a bond drive in the assembly
rooms of the Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass'n.
M. M. Dorsey, owner of the Dorsey Theatre,
Johnstown, completed installation of new
Motiograph projection and sound equipment
from the Ohio Theatre Supply Co. Dorsey
also has ordered new Ideal automatic retractable
seats which will be delivered within
the next 30 days . Deardourff, improved
after treatments at Fairview hospital,
now is at home .
Theatre Supply Co. official, was one of 500,-
000 people who attended the Union Industries
show in the public auditorium. NTS had an
exhibit showing a Powers 6B projector and
the latest Simplex E-7 model. Fox Movietone
cameramen took pictures of the show.
Screen Guild's reissues of "The Cowboy and
the Lady" and "The Westerner" were dualled
at the Circle Theatre, de luxe first run neighborhood
house . Levin has resigned
as booker at Realart Pictures ... J. Stuart
LOU PADOLF— Manager, Virginia Cangney is no longer connected with the
Theatre, Parkersburg, W. Va.
Theatrecraft Manufacturing Corp. For the
writes:
last year he has been general advertising and
publicity manager. Sandler now is handling
"For the past 10 years I
this end of the business himself.
have been using RCA Service.
I feel it is one of the
Mrs. J. Knox Strachan, wife of the
best investments I have
Warner Theatres publicity du-ector, was
made for this theatre."
the winner of the television set given
away by the League of Showmen's Wives at
To get the benefits of RCA Service
the Variety Club . Vincent,"
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
prize winning film, has been booked into
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
virtually all key houses in Ohio, according to
Camden, New Jersey.
Bernard Rubin of Imperial Pictures . . . Mi-,
Adv. and Mrs. Sam Lichter were hosts to Filmi-ow
personnel at their new lake shore home.
Every Kind of Successful Promotion
Merchant Tie-Ups
also
ZIP-O for KIDDIES
Ohio Exhibitors Attention!
Play the Excellent Gratis
THEATRICAL ENTERPRISES
17-Minute Featurette
JACK GEBTZ
BEN STAHL
"THE LOCKED DOOR"
Contact
E. JOHNSON
PRE-FABRICATED STEEL
Film Distributors of Cleveland
SCREEN TOWERS
Pittsburgh Area Exhibitors Contact Lou Hanna,
LOW PRICES PROMPT SHIPMENT
Acme Distributing Co., 70 Van Braam St.,
. . .
Jim Levine, Paramount exploiteer, was in
Toledo with screen star Dan Duryea, who
made personal appearances in connection
with his forthcoming picture "Manhandled"
Jimmy Ramicone is attracting crowds to
his drive-in on Route 224 near Akron with a
newly constructed dance floor. Here couples
may dance free to jukebox music until the
for Theatres and Drive-ins
Dinnez-ware .. All Types of Bingo Games
A Promotion Package including Merchandise,
Contest, with Trailers and Displays, costs as
little OS 2 cents per child or can be had at
no cost to you.
403-404 Film BIdg. 1705 Boulevard of Alli«B
Cleveland Ohio
Pittsburgh, Pa.
72
Radio Quiz on Stage
NEW CASTLE, PA.—A special stage attraction
at the Penn was radio station
WKST's Quizdom Class.
Filmrow Baseball Team
Started in Cincinnati
CINCINNATI—The F.lmrow baseball team,
called the Hey Hey team, has three games
to its credit, and while not making an
auspicious start, is confident of improving its
standing. It played the Mount Auburn Presbyterian
church and the score was 5-5, which
has been protested. The game will be replayed.
The next opposing team was the
Clifton cafe, and the Hey Hey lost, 8-9. The
V. O. club won the third game 15-5. The
Hey Hey team will play against these teams
in the second round of the season.
The regular players include:
Stan Kamhn—MGM second base
Clitl Garbutt—MGM - pitcher
Jim Harrison—MGM center field
Bob Coleman—RKO short center
Ted Langenbaum—Warners right tield
Red Novak—Mid-West
catcher
Haywood Mitchissun— U-I
shortstop
Carl Heinichen—20th-Fox right field
Woodrow Bressler—exhibitor
pitcher
Ray Russo Columbia - catcher
Bill Kaufelt—U-I short center
Ed Spahr third baseman
W. Chaney first baseman
Bob LaSance—20th-Fo]t ..— left field
COLUMBUS
T eo Yassenoff has booked "Tulsa" first run
into six of his Academy theatres, the
Beechwold. Lane, Esquire, Cleve, University
and Westmont. This departure from usual
neighborhood policy is being watched closely
by local theatremen . W. Grelle,
63, former owner of the Dreamland, St. Louis,
and a theatre in Havana, Cuba, died at his
home here. He formerly was in business with
his brother Harry Grelle, who cmTently operates
a theatre in Pittsburgh. For the last
five years, he was associated with the Fred
Smith Real Estate Co.
. . Gov. Prank J. Lausche
Capacity houses were the rule at the threeday
Dispatch cooking school conducted at
the Palace Don Weaver, editor of the
Citizen,
. . .
praised "The Barkleys of Broadway"
in an editorial during showings of the picture
at the Ohio .
and secretary of state Charles Sweeney
opened a local drive for athletic equipment
for needy children by contributing autographed
baseballs in a collection box in the
lobby of Loew's Ohio. The stunt was tied
in with "The Stratton Story" by Manager
Walter Kessler.
. . . Martin
Bob Nicholson and Bill Fried of the Ohio
State university journalism school were guest
film editors for the Colimibus Citizen on the
annual Ohio State Lantern day
C. Burnett, division manager for Loew's, has
been vacationing.
Office Building Complete
BURGETTSTOWN, PA.—Don and Tony
Mungello, owners and operators of the Mary
Ann Theatre here, have completed construction
of an adjoming office building. The new
offices, six in number, will be occupied by
lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc. Most of the
construction was done by the two Mungello
Lrothers, exhibitors here for many years.
Free Cooking School Held
MEADVILLE, PA.—Crawford county Westinghouse
dealers advertised special free cooking
schools Thursday and Friday mornings
at the Park Theatre in an eight-page supplement
published by The Tribune-Republican.
BOXOFFICE May 28, 1949

. . Betty
. . Betty
. . Charles
. . Lou
. . Margaret
. . Marian
Grafton, W. Va., Manos
To Open in Two Weeks
GRAFTON. W. VA.—The new Manos is
expected to be opened within two weeks,
Bernard Buchheit. Manos circuit general
manager said after inspecting the property
and progress of construction. The theatre will
have a seating capacity of 577 and will feature
de luxe push-back chairs. The lobby finish
is of solid mahogany.
Gus Gianakos will manage the new Manos.
His former theatre experience was in association
with the Notopoulos operated theatres at
Ambridge, Pa., managed by John Notopoulos.
The Manos circuit's Manos at Ellwood City.
Pa., extensively remodeled and modernized.
was reopened May 5.
Dan Duryea in Detroit
DETROIT—Dan Duryea. here in advance
of the opening of "Manhandled." met the
local and trade reporters and radio men at a
buffet luncheon in the Book Cadillac hotel.
Alice Gorham. exploitation manager for
United Detroit Theatres, arranged the conference
at which Duryea d!.scussed his screen
career at length. The host was Paramount
Manager H. Edward Stucket, with A. C. Lyles
jr., director of publicity and advertising for
Pine-Thomas Productions, and Paramount's
special representative for the mideast. James
Levine. assisting.
'James' at Fox, Detroit
DETROIT— Albert Dezel and William
Flemion of Screen Guild Productions of
Michigan have closed a deal with David Idzal
of the Pox Theatre here for first run showing
of "I Shot Jesse James." An unu.sual
feature of the booking is that the 5.500-seat
Fox seldom has run an independent production.
Smoke Forces Patrons Out
SHARON, PA.—Smoke from a nearby store
chimney, drawn in by an electric fan, forced
350 patrons of the Nuluna Theatre here to
leave the house at 10 p. m. Fu'emen reported
there was no panic and most of the patrons
returned when the theatre was cleared of
smoke.
MORE PROFITS
ON CONCESSIONS
by savings on costs.
Special Prices to
Theatres
Write for latest price list
Many specials and free deals
UNIVERSAL SOUND MOVIE CO.
CALHOUN, KY.
Wf* ,irp Al.iniifactiirers Dt'^lrihiilorfl for All rniiiilar
Kr.inds Cand,v, Confections and G

. . The
From the BOXOFFICE Files
p
• • *
(Twenty Years Ago)
E. McGILLICK of 906 Park Bldg., Pittsburgh,
has bought the Lyric and the
Corapolis theatres in Corapolis, Pa., from
Anthony P. Jim of Aliquippa. president of the
MPTO of W. Pa. L. H. Goehring is manager
of the Corapolis, and Anthony Apone Is in
charge of the Lyric.
* * *
Sam DeFazio, former manager of the
Schenley Theatre in Pittsburgh for the Stanley
Co,, will be manager of the new Harris-
Mount Oliver Theatre, now practically completed.
DeFazio started as an usher at the
Olympic 18 years ago . . . Herman Lorence,
former manager of Stanley's Perry Theatre
at Erie, and Ralph Walsh, from the Skouras
organization in St. Louis, have been brought
to Pittsburgh to act as supervisors of theatres
. . . Tom Fordham, who has been manager
of the Strand in Erie, is now in charge
of all four Stanley hou.ses there: Strand,
Perry, State and Aris.
* * *
.
. . . Dick
Les Bowser, manager of the Rowland and
Colonial in Wjlkinsburg, is now manager of
the Schenley Theatre Colonial is
now in charge of Lyle Harding
Bt-own, former manager of the Cameraphone
in East Liberty, is now head of the Liberty
Harry Thomas,
for Stanley in East Liberty . . .
former manager of the Liberty, is now at the
Capitol Theatre, Braddock, a J. B. Clark
house . . . Charlie Melson has been brought
from the Stanley at Philadelphia to act as
guest master of ceremonies at the Stanley,
Pittsburgh, succeeding Vic Erwin, who left
Earl Wright, formerly
on account of illness . . .
of the press department of the Davis
Theatre, is now manager of the Manor Theatre.
Esquire Books 'Vincent'
TOLEDO — Loew's Esquire, which was
forced to pull out "Symphonic Pastorale" after
tlu-ee days because of poor business,
booked another French film, "Monsieur Vincent."
Billboard Fight Started
By Tallmadge Council
TALLMADGE, OHIO — Harry H. Seff.
owner and president of
the Sterling Outdoor
Advertising Co., Akron, which has several
signs here, is prepared to go to the U.S.
Supreme Court, if necessary, to prevent the
village from enforcing an ordinance forbidding
commercial signs within its corporate
limits.
The village council discovered an old
statute which makes erection of such signs
illegal and carries a fine of up to $500, unless
the sign is on the owner's property. The
council has decided to enforce the measure.
Seff said he would seek an injunction against
any village action until his company could
take the case to the courts.
In a letter to Mayor S. A. Schlup, Seff
cautioned the mayor that if "any damage is
done by your village to our billboards in
taking the law into yom- own hands, we will,
of course, file suit for any damage done to
our property."
Father's Duties Assumed
By Floyd McClellan jr.
JOHNSTOWN, PA.—Floyd Eugene Mc-
Clellan jr., son of the late president of the
Ideal Amusement Co., and Cuba Walker,
executive of the circuit corporation, are
handling Ideal film licensing and booking.
Young Gene formerly managed one of the
theatre units and for a year and a half had
been a member of the office staff. His father
died April 14.
Remodel Ellwood City House
ELLWOOD CITY. PA.—The Biordi Bros.
Majestic here will be extensively remodeled
in mid-June. The auditorium will be lowered
and a new floor installed. A new front will
be constructed and new front fixtures, including
doors and frames will be installed,
with the lobby and auditorium newly decorated,
says Andy Biordi. Victor A. Rigaumont,
architect, has planned the modernization.
Attention, Mr. Exhibitor
BUYERS WAITING!
We Can Sell Your Theatre if the Deal is Right
Large or Small Houses—One Theatre or a Circuit.
CONTINENTAL REALTY CO.
1535 Dime Btmk Bldg., Detroit 26. Mich.
Phono woodward 1-7834
Drive-In Name Changed
MOUNT PLEASANT. PA. — The Ruthorn
Drive-in's name has been changed to the
Evergreen. D. J. Ruth and R. M. Thorn
opened the outdoor theatre on the Mount
Pleasant-Connellsville road two seasons ago.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER

8,000 See Bond Rally
Kickoff in Boston
BOSTON—An estimated 8,000 persons
overflowed Boston Common at Tremont and
West streets for the giant kickoff of the Opportunity
bond drive, staged by the amusement
interests of greater Boston in conjunction
with the Treasury Department.
Hollywood star Dan Dailey headlined a
long list of stage, screen and radio celebrities
who entertained. Speakers included
John Hurley, state treasurer, representing
Gov. Paul Dever; Mayor James Curley; John
Del Monte, state chairman of labor and industries,
and Samuel Pinanski. New England
chairman of the motion picture industry
bond drive.
ARMY UNIT DRILLS
An entertainment highlight was a precision
drill staged by a crack army unit from
the famed First battalion, Seventh infantry,
while an army exhibit of latest types of
weapons attracted wide attention.
The big two-hour show featured the music
of Larry Green and his orchestra, Tony Bruno
and his band, and the navy band of the
Boston naval base. The long list of performers
included Sophie Tucker. Ray Doi-ey, Gail
Reese, Hum & Strum, Georgia Mae, Herb
Lewis, Bob Munstedt and Westy, Bob and
Ray, Gloria Carroll, Wild Azelias, Tom Russell,
Don Dennis, Ranny Weeks, Nel.son Bragg
and Howard Malcolm. Fred Garrigus, Chick
Morris, Eddie Kasper and "Red" King acted
as masters of ceremonies,
THEATREMEN PRESENT
Headed by Pinanski, ATC. and Daniel Murphy,
president of Independent Exhibitors,
theatremen present at the ceremonies were
Francis Lydon, Allied Theatres of New England;
Ray Feeley, Independent Exhibitors;
William Mulcahy, Maine and New Ham.pshire;
Jim Shanahan, Loew's; Ben Domingo
and James "Red" King. RKO Theatres; Bob
Sternberg, Jack Saef and Harry Browning.
New England Theatres; Joe Cifre. Variety
Club; Stanley Sumner. University Theatre;
Al Somerby, Howard Theatre; Joseph Liss,
Warner Theatres; John Giles, Giles circuit;
E. Harold Stoneman and James Mahoney,
Interstate Theatres; Arnold Eisen, B&Q Associates;
Paul Levi and Herb Philbrick, ATC;
John Glazer, Western Mass. Theatres; Arthur
Lockwood and Louis Gordon, Lockwood
& Gordon Enterprises; Larry Laskey, E. M.
Loew's; Abner Eilenberg, Middlesex Amusement
Corp.; Herbert Copelman. Snider circuit,
and Al Margolian, Astor Theatre.
Beano Games Approved
For Charitable Groups
CONCORD. N. H.—Defeating a move for
Indefinite postponement, the state senate
approved an amended bill to permit the operation
of beano games upon payment of a
$10 license fee. Under the amendment, the
original measure was extended to permit the
game to be played by any "religious, charitable,
civic, veteran or fraternal organizations
to which contributions are exempt from
federal income tax, and which is organized
under the laws of the state."
An attempt to eliminate "religious organizations"
from the groups for which beano
would be legal was killed before the senate
approved the bill and sent it to the house.
Seminar on Show-Selling
Features Boston Parley
BOSTON—A forum discussion arranged by
MGM on "How to Get More People to Attend
Your Theatre" featured
the opening session
of the annual
convention of the Independent
Exhibitors.
Inc.. of New England
here Wednesday at the
Copley-Plaza hotel.
The Seminar, led by
M. L. Simon, assistant
to H. M. Richey, exhibitor
relations head
for MGM, covered thea
t r e advertisements,
M. L. Simon
including newspaper
ads; development of community interest in
the theatre, the use of phonograph records
and exploitation services available to theatres.
Ernie Hoftyzer, head of the Hearst newspapers
advertising staff in Boston, analyzed
theatre newspaper ads.
Others on the program;
Simon, who made a report on how other
theatre owners are getting closer to the people
in their corrmiunities, citing many examples
of promotions that have achieved results.
Sol Handwerger of MGM records, who told
how records can help sell the show.
Ken Prickett, field promotion man, who
described the exploitation services available
to theatres and how to u.se them.
Paul Levi. American Theatres, who related
how his circuit uses the distributor aids in
selling the .show.
Charles Kurtman, division manager for
Loew's Theatres.
Maurice N. Wolf, who reported on public
relations he has observed in two and one-half
years of speaking to civic organizations and
clubs.
Richard A. Harper, assistant to William P,
Rodgers, MGM.
Climaxing the first day's session was a report,
"Business Outlook for 1949," by Arthur
C. Bab-son.
The highlight of the first day for the women
was the legitimate play, "Born Yesterday,"
viewed at the Colonial. Evening entertainment
was a night club party in the
Oval room of the hotel where convention
members dined, danced and watched a floor
show.
Municipal, state and federal taxes were discussed
at the Tliursday afternoon meeting by
David Palfreyman of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America. A di-scussion of public relations
with representatives of all the film
companies participating was under way at
2 p. m. This was followed by open foiTim on
product which included the quality of pictures,
sales policies, film companies' profits,
executives, Caravan, cooperative buying,
production costs, competitive bidding, foreign
market and clearances.
Second-day entertainment for the women
was furni.shed by passes to the club houses of
the racing park, Suffolk Downs.
A 6:30 p. m. cocktail party preceded the
banquet. Art Moger emceed the affair and
Charles Einfeld of 20th-Fox. Maurice Wolf of
MGM and Dr. Hugo Ko.sloff, who recently returned
from Russia, were among the .speakers.
Talent Show in New Haven
NEW HAVEN—Henry Cohan went to town
on the Dixwell Playhouse bathing beauty
contest May 24. The screen features were
"Chicken Every Sunday" and "Criss Cross."
Cohan plugged the show on the radio, by
cards and advertising and won hearty support
and cooperation of 20 merchants. Prizes
included a radio, permanent wave and beauty
treatments, flowers, cake, and groceries. The
bathing beauty event was also used at Fishman's
Rivoli. West Haven, but Cohan added
the vaudeville angle.
PLAN BOND DRIVE EXPLOITATION—Boston circuit and theatre publicists
are helpng to direct exploitation for the local Opportunity savings bond drive.
Shown around the table in the accompanying picture are Edward Kasper, Kasper-
Gordon studio; Al Sheehy, U.S. Treasury department; James King, RKO Theatres;
Harry Goldberg, ATC; Jim Shanahan, Loew's; Paul Levi, ATC; Phil Engle,
UA; Ken Prickett, MGM; Herbert Philbrick, ATC; Jack Saef, New England Theatres;
John McCroen, U.S. Treasury department, and Al Margolian, B&Q circuit.
BOXOFFICE : : May 28, 1949 NE 75

BOSTON
. . . Affiliated has added
^XZalter Mitchell, Morse, Franklin, spent a
week in Canada fishing but. accordinging
to a postcard, fishing was not too successful
. . . Dr. L. G. Tewksbury. Opera
House. Stonington. Me., spent a week here,
stopping in at Affiliated Theatres Corp..
which does his buying and booking . . . Forest
Carmichael of Affihated was off a few days
with a bad cold
Sky-Ray Drive-In in Hookset. N. H..
the
owned
and ojjerated by Arniand Bourque, to its account
list. The newly constructed drive-in
opened early in May.
Dominic Turturro, Elms, Millbury, is identified
with the Kiwanis youth program of the
town. This group raises money each year
for the improvement of children's playgrounds
and recreation centers. Turturro
used his theatre for the showing of special
trailers and shorts depicting the work done
each previous year for the youth centers.
He is an active member of the committee and
is in charge of the collections from the
town merchants. The Elms has been air
conditioned with the unit ready for use on
Memorial day.
Fred Stein, in charge of distribution of J.
Arthur Rank pictures for Eagle Lion in this
country, and Ernest Pelson, exploiteer for
"The Red Shoes," visited Harry Segal, EL
manager here. "The Red Shoes" was set to
open at the Avon Theatre, Providence, June
1, and at the Maine Theatre, Portland, May
24. Both houses were slated to play extended
runs at roadshow prices. Meanwhile,
'The Red Shoes" continues at the Majestic
here in its 27th week.
Muriel Balkan is new secretary to Ai-thur
Lockwood and Louis Gordon, replacing Joan
Mansfield, who resigned to be married
Harry Zeitz, New Bedford circuit
. . .
owner, has
returned from a vacation trip to the west
coast, where he took in the Variety Club
convention and visited the studios. The long
trek westward was broken up by using both
automobile and plane.
Twelve-year-old Eddie Andelman, son of
Mickey Andelman of Devonshire Film Co..
recently was elected captain of his baseball
team at Driscoll school, Brookline. Mickey
recently returned from a business trip to the
west coast.
In the New
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Palmer Theatre Proceeds
Given to Hospital Fund
PALMER, MASS.—Donald B. Holbrook,
operator of the Five Star Theatre here, donated
the entii-e proceeds for the benefit
week at the theatre (8-14) for the Wing
Memorial hospital's new building fund. Holbrook
personally also has guaranteed a
mininmm in order that the townspeople
could benefit from the grant that the federal
government would allow.
Last fall, Holbrook brought an antitrust
action against the major film producers, distributors,
affiliated theatres and several independent
circuit owners alleging that they
had conspired to monopolize all the first run
product. This action, which Holbrook demanded
be heard by a jury, still is pending.
Fireproofing Bill Goes
To New Hampshire Senate
CONCORD, N. H.—A new bill which would
put teeth in regulations regarding fireproofing
of all stairways and hallways in buildings
throughout New Hampshire has been
introduced in the senate here through the
rules committee.
The measure, which was sent to the judiciary
committee for hearings, would require
fireproof surfaces for all such areas,
with Jan. 1, 1950 set as the deadline foi
applying the fire-resistant covering.
In the event of a fire resulting in loss of
life or personal injury in such buildings, a
law violation would be presumed as the
cause and the owner or owners would be
liable to damages.
Loew's Book Al Monty
HARTFORD—Al Monty, former 'Waterbury
and New Britain theatre manager who is
presenting amateur and kiddy revue shows,
has been booked into 20 houses on Loew's New
York circuit beginning May 28. He also has
started a weekly kiddy program at the Victory
Tlieatre,
New London, Conn.
NEO-SEAL BURIAL WIRE
10-2 — 12-2 — 14-2
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
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76 BOXOFFICE May 28, 1949

. . . Loew's
Reissues Stand Out
At 125 in Boston
BOSTON—Mild, balmy weather took its
toll in downtown theatres with the surprise
standout the reissue bill of "Casablanca"
and "G-Men at the Boston. The only other
feature to hold up was "Flamingo Road" at
the Met, which opened to good weekend business.
(Average Is 100
Astor—The Secret Garden (MGM), 3rd wk 75
Boston—Cosablanca (WB); G-Men (WB).
reissues '25
Exeter Street Cesar (Lopert). 2nd wk 85
Mayilower and Pilgrim— Outpost in Morocco
(UA); The Big Sombrero (Col), 2nd wk 70
Maiestic—The Red Shoes (EL), 26th wk 70
Memorial—The Window (RKO); Tucson (20th-Fox).. 9U
Metropolitan-Flomingo Road (WB); Fighting
Fools (Mono) I'O
Paramount and Fenway—Impact (UA): Sky
Dragon (Mono)
- 85
Stale and Orpheum The Undercover Man
(Col); Make Believe Ballroom (Col) 80
Beacon Hill— Passionelle (Dist), Torment (ConI) 110
'Flamingo' Grosses 125,
Best in New Haven
NEW HAVEN — Business was very poor
along most of the main stem, but the Roger
Sherman did excellent business with
"Flamingo Road" and "The Clay Pigeon,"
and were held another week.
Bijou Make Believe Ballroom (Col); Valiant
Hombre (UA) 60
College— PorUait ol Jennie (SRO); Tucson (20th-
Fox), 2nd wk, 60
Loews Poll—The Undercover Man (Col); Texas.
Brooklyn and Heoven (UA) 80
Roger Sherman—Flamingo Road (WB); The Clay
Pigeon (RKO) 125
'Flamingo Road' Scores 130
To Lead Hartford Trade
HARTFORD—B u .s i n e s s was off, with
"Fliiminjo Road" the only bright spot at
dowi.town houses. Loew's Poll has shifted
from Saturday to Thursday opening for new
f.lms.
^Ilyn— Cover-Up (UA); The Lucky Stiff (UA) 70
Center—Blonde Ice (FC), Money Madness (FC)_ 65
E. M Loew—We Were Strangers (Col); Make
Believe Ballroom (Col), 2nd wk 100
Poll—Ma and Pa Kettle (U-I); Mr. Petrin and Mr.
Traill tU-1) £0
Palace—Johnny Apollo (20th-Fox); Show Them No
Mercy (20th-Fox), reissues 60
Regal—Red Stallion in the Rockies (EL); Broken
Journey (EL) -50
Stale— Calling All Marines (Mono), reissue, plus
stage shew — . 80
Strand — Flamingo Road (WB); Amoxon Quest
(FC), 2nd wit 130
BRIDGEPORT
n Ibert M. Pickus of the Stratford Theatre
was a business visitor in Boston . . . The
Strand, Stamford, if trying five acts of,
vaudeville and a feature film on Tuesdays,
Carlo J.
Wednesdays and Thursdays . . .
Rose is seeking a permit to erect an amusement
park in Danbury . . . Edward Russell
has resigned as doorman at Loew's Poll . . .
Dan Finn is the new concession manager at
E. M. Loew's Drive-in at Milford.
Lewis Harmon will open his Chapel Playhouse,
Guilford, July 2. Arthur Earle has
been named manager . . . Leonard Altobell
has taken over as sole manager of the Litchfield
Summer Theatre . . . The Show Shop,
Canton, will open for the summer on June 7.
Each show will play two weeks . . . Louis
Townsend is back at his Roxbury home after
wintering in Hollywood. His Theatre-in-the-
Dale. New Milford, is on the market and will
not reopen this summer.
. . Tlie boys at
Always the perfect hostess is Mrs. Matt L.
Saunders, wife of the manager of Loew's
Poll. When son, Robert, who is studying law
at Yale university, brought home a fellow
student who hails from England, she whipped
up an English dinner, complete even to the
Yorkshire pudding. The lad appreciated her
thoughtfulness as much as she enjoyed his
British accent . . . Projectionist George F.
Antoniak of the Astor celebrated a birthday
Majestic has switched from Saturday
to Thursday openings .
Loew's Globe have formed a .Softball team.
Al Schuman Heads 1949
Jimmy Funci Campaign
HARTFORD— Al Schuman, general manager
of the Hartford Tlieatre circuit, has
been appointed city chairman for the 1949
Jimmy Fund drive w-hich will be launched
May 28 to raise funds for the Children's
Cancer foundation of Boston, in conjimction
with the Variety Club of New England and
the Boston Braves baseball club.
Walter B. Lloyd, manager of the Allyn, is
northern Connecticut chairman, and Jim
Darby, manager of the Paramoimt, New
Haven, is southern Connecticut chairman,
with Albert M. Pickus, owner of the Stratford
Theatre. Stratford, and regional TOA vicepresident,
as general state chairman.
BASKET
PETIT POINT
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LE ROY J. FURMAN — In charge
of operations "Monarch" Division,
Gamble Enterprises, Inc., New York,
N. Y.—says:
"We have just extended our
RCA Service agreement, and
included Projection Room
Parts. We believe it is a good
investment."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
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Adv.
Peter Latchis to Film
Highway Conditions
NEWPORT, N. H.—At a big meeting of the
Western New Hampshire Better Roads Ass'n,
Inc., here it was revealed that Peter Latchis,
owner of several theatres in this area and a
hotel operator, will make a picture of road
conditions in this section.
The theatreman and other speakers at the
session charged that recreation, trade, manufacturing
and agricultui-e are suffering because
of poor highways.
Latchis, who was named membership and
publicity committee chairman, said that his
film will be shown in theatres throughout
New Hampshire to emphasize the need of
highway improvements before the public. At
the same time, the exhibitor proposed a highway
beautification program and started the
ball rolling by offering the nearby towns of
Gilsum and Marlow $50 each to do their share
in the project. The offer was made through
the selectmen of the towns, with actual work
to be under supervision of the state highway
department.
Cameo Screen
Attractions, Inc.
Samuel J. Davidson, President
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
HAncock 6-3880
i
BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949 77

Suburban Hancock Village Theatre
Opened by American Theatres Corp.
WEST ROXBtTRY,
MASS. — American
Theatres Corp. formally
opened the new
Hancock Village Theatre
here with proceeds
marked for the
Hancock Village nursery
and the childen's
medical center. Mrs.
Paul Clark, wife of
the president of the
John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Co.,
sponsors of the village
settlement, cut the
ribbons, marking the
entrance of the theatre
into the motion
pictuie world of suburban
Boston. With
Mrs. Clark were her
husband and Samuel
Pinanski. ATC head.
Clark spoke from
the theatre stage and
presented checks for
the evening proceeds
GRAND OPENING MAY I8TH
JENNIFER JONES - JOSEPH GOTTEN
PORTRAIT OF JENNIE'
to the two charities.
A two-reel film showing
the work done at the Children's hospital
was first on the program, followed by a showing
of "Champion." The house was filled to
capacity for the opening by residents of the
800-family settlement. The inaugural ceremonies,
extensively covered by Boston newspapers,
received added impetus from a special
lobby broadcast conducted by WVOM announcer
Ben Bartzoff.
Headed by Pinanski, other prominent ATC
officials in attendance were Edward Canter,
general manager, and district manager
Francis McManus, Harry Wasserman, John
Dempsey and John Carroll, publicist Paul
Levi and Herbert Philbrick, and Henri
Schwartzberg, Tom Fermoyle, Sam Feinstein,
Joseph Saunders, Al Bevan, Louis
Rodrigues and controller Robert Foster.
The addition of the Village to the ATC
chain raises the total number of theatres in
the circuit to 50.
Former undercover agent Herb Philbrick,
who recently testified at the Communist
trials in New York, also attended the opening.
He went unnoticed, however, and at the
opening, it was advertising assistant Philbrick
who was at Pinan.ski's elbow but behind a
post when the picture was taken. Philbrick
also remained unnoticed at the mammoth
kickoff bond rally in Boston, although he
spent the entire period on the stand with his
boss Paul Levi and the visiting stars.
Swanzey, N. H., Prepares
Annual 'Homestead'
SWANZEY, N. H.—Elaborate preparations
are being made for the tenth anniversary
presentation of the "Oberammergau" of
America's summer theatres, the annual revival
of Denman Thompson's "The Old
Homestead," at the outdoor theatre near the
famous playwright's birthplace here, with the
all-Swanzey cast.
Thousands of persons have witnessed the
play's revival at Potash Bowl, surrounded by
trees, and with its comfortable wooden
benches and 148-foot stage illuminated with
a battery of three million-beam candlepower
lights.
Although the cast has become very "professional"
in abihty, the home town actors
have rejected numerous offers to appear in
New York's biggest theatres.
The old drama is always presented during
a full moon period, and this year it is scheduled
for July 8, 9 and 10.
"The Old Homestead" was first staged in
Boston in 1886, and from then until Thompson's
death in 1911, the author himself played
the leading role in the United States, Canada
and Europe 25,000 times—the longest single
role in the history of the American stage. The
play packed theatres for an aggregate boxoffice
of $5,000,000.
Manley Popcorn Machines
Installed at 5 Theatres
BOSTON—Samuel Horenstein, New England
district manager for Manley, says the
new Manley Super Stadium model popcorn
machine, designed for drive-ins, has been installed
in the new Boro Drive-In at North Attleboro,
and the Milton Drive-In, Milton, Vt.
This model pops from 35 to 40 bushels of corn
an hour with sufficient warming space to
keep over 200 boxes warm.
Horenstein also says that Manley C-3 theatre
machines have been installed at the
Monson Theatre, Monson, Mass.; the Community
Theatre, Brandon, Vt., and the Four
Leaf Clover Drive-In, Bernardston, Mass.
These two machines plus the Manley Twin
Popper were on display in two booths at the
21st annual convention and exposition of
Independent Exhibitors, Inc., of New England
at the Copley-Plaza hotel, May 25, 26.
AUyn Leading Hartford
Theatre Softball Teams
HARTFORD—The AUyn is leading in the
Hartford Theatres Softball league. Supervisor
Norman Levinson of Loew's Poll said that a
dinner will be held in August to mark the
end of the season. Various circuit and independent
executives will be invited by the
eight-theatre league to attend.
Won Lost
Allyn 3
Regal 3 I
Strand 2 1
Poll 2 2
Loew's 1 2
Paloce I 3
State _ 1 3
Bushnell 1
James Reardon Is Named Inspector
HARTFORD—James M. Reardon, who has
been in the motion picture division of the
state police department since January 1946,
has been promoted to theatre inspector, replacing
Earl Morin, who has retired. The
promotion was made on the basis of competitive
examination.
Brockton Permit Sought
BROCTON, MASS.—As soon as the permit
submitted by Nat A. Trager, manager of the
local airport, is approved, work will begin on
a 400-car drive-in in the southwest corner of
the airport property. Plans for the ozoner,
which Trager says will be built by local interests,
have been submitted to the building
superintendent. This is the second request
by the airport manager for an application for
an outdoor theatre this year. Early in the
spring, Ti'ager asked a permit for a similar
venture near Hayword avenue. The first
proposal was turned down when the airport
owners were given an option and a proposition
for a dog track stadium.
20th-Fox Ups Connolly
NEW YORK—Jim Connolly has been promoted
to branch manager of the 20th Century-Fox
Boston exchange by A. W. Smith
jr., vice-president and general sales manager.
He succeeds Ed Callahan, recently promoted
to New England division manager.
Jeweler Anniversary on Stage
PUTNAM, CONN.—LaPoints, a local jewelry
concern, held its first anniversary celebration
on the stage of the Bradley Theatre
here. Six 17-jewel wrist watches were given
patrons.
Solons Adjourn in 2 States
PROVIDENCE, R. I.—The Rhode Island
legislature has completed its final session
with no legislation detrimental to exhibitors.
The Vermont legislature also adjourned without
action on theatre measures.
Strawhat Tax Bill Ahead
HARTFORD—State senate bill 724 has received
a favorable report in the legislature.
This would require nonresident operators of
summer theatres to pay an amusement tax.
To Husband and Wife Roles
Husband and wife roles have been assigned
to Nicholas Joy and Billie Burke in "Baby Is
Here," a Coliunbia film.
78 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

Drive-In Regulation
To New Hampshire
CONCORD. N, H.—Acting on complaints
that the spread of drive-in theatres through
the New Hampshire countryside is disturbing
the slumbers of folks in tranquil communities,
the state senate rushed action on bill 109
which would regulate the operation of the
ozoners.
After hearing the complaints, particularly
from Brentwood and HoUis. the senate approved
the measure, allowing the selectmen
to set up regulations at once and empowering
voters to act at their next regular town meetings.
A number of residents of Brentwood and
Hollis protested that loudspeakers wer?
keeping their children awake at night.
Bloomfield Board Hires
Drive-In Case Counsel
HARTFORD—Members of the zoning board
of appeals of suburban Bloomfield have voted
to engage private counsel in the pending action
brought against it by Bloomfield taxpayers
for granting permission to Philip W.
Maher to construct and operate a drive-in on
Blue Hills avenue.
According to secretary John B. Carvalho.
counsel fees and court expenses in connection
with the case, which is scheduled for the
coming term of the court of common pleas,
will be borne by members of the board on a
pro rata basis so that the town of Bloomfield
will not be obligated.
Deny Greenwich Drive-In
Permit to Samuel Orson
HARTFORD—state Police Commissioner
Edward J. Hickey, acting in his capacity as
state fire marshal, recently denied an application
for construction of a drive-in on
U.S. Highway 1 in Greenwich.
The commissioner ruled that the proposed
location, a spot not far from the New York
state line near Homestead lane, was imsuitable
for the venture. Applicant was Samuel
F. Orson of Yonkers, N. Y. A group of property
owners opposed the application. Owner
of the proposed site is Mrs. Julia Saunders.
Rush to Build Drive-Ins
On in New England Area
BOSTON—New England drive-in construction
has taken a decided upward surge
this spring, partially caused, it is believed,
by a circuit court of appeals decision in the
case of Park-In Theatres, Inc., of Camden,
N. J., and E. M. Loew's. The judges reversed
a decision by the lower court of Providence
and stated that drive-in owners did not have
to pay royalties to the New Jersey company.
Construction jobs currently under way in
the New England area include an unnamed
535-car drive-in on Route 13 in Lunenberg,
Mass., just outside Whalom Park. It will be
opened August 1 by Williams Brothers.
Construction has started on a 535-car
drive-in on Village street in Medway, Mass.,
to be called the 50-Acre Drive-In Park. This
property borders Lake Populatic and the
drive-in is being built by Charlie Cifre, who
is in the drive-in equipment business. He
has been with M&P Theatres for 22 years.
The theatre is expected to open in two
months.
In Cape Cod on Route 1 at East Dennis,
contractor Louis Segrini from Mansfield will
start construction of a 1,000-car drive-in to
cost $100,000, while at Turners Falls, Mass.,
near Greenfield, Joe Harlow, auctioneer and
furniture dealer, will start building a 500-
car situation soon.
A drive-in is under consideration on routes
9 and 63 near Gill, Mass., by Jack Zemp,
owner of a large cabin and restaurant business.
A permit has not been issued. A 300-
car situation is under way in Mallets Bay,
Burlington, and at Keene, N. H., the Keene
Drive-In will be ready for opening soon.
Joseph Mathieu of the Mathieu circuit will
operate the 350-car Keene.
Among those New England ozoners which
have opened for this season are the new
drive-in on the Mohawk Trail in Shelburne
Falls, Mass., to be opened late this month
by Carl Nilman, operator of the Town Hall
Theatre there. Nilman opened his first drivein
last year at Northfield, Mass., on the
New Hampshire line.
Armand Bourque opened a new drive-in
for 425 cars ana called the Sky-Ray Drive-
In at Hookset, N. H., and L. Mieelli opened
the 500-car Metro Drive-In at Palmer, Mass.,
May 20. A. Yamilkowski will open a new
drive-in for 400 cars June 1 at Southampton,
Mass. All three contracted with Capitol
Theatre Supply for equipment throughout,
including sound, projectors, lamps, In-car
speakers, etc.
The Viens Brothers will open an unnamed
400-car drive-in June 1 on Route 7 near Burlington,
Vt.
Two Drive-ins Proposed
In Worcester Suburbs
WORCESTER — Open-air theatres are
springing up in central Massachusetts with
a rapidity that is alarming operators of indoor
theatres.
Auburn is one of the latest sites. The
.selectmen of this Worcester .suburb held a
hearing on the application of Ralph Conroy
for a permit to construct an outdoor theatre
at the Auburn airport on the southwest cutoff.
The board reserved decision.
Shrewsbury, another .suburban, apparently
is going to get a second such theatre. Plans
are afoot to build one near White City Park.
The Metropolitan Airport Theatre in
Palmer was opened last week at a capacity of
500 cars, and there are drive-ins already in
operation at Shrewsbury, Sutton, Mendon
and Bellingham. Others have operated in
Sturbridge and West Brookfield.
In Athol, selectmen have deferred action on
a petition asking that an outdoor theatre off
Gage road be closed as a public nuisance.
Edmund J. Truehart, owner, has told the
board he is attempting to correct complaints
that the pictures are too noisy.
Cooking Schools Booked
HARTFORD—The two suburban Lockwood-
Gordon theatres, the Webb in Wethersfield
and the Plaza in Windsor, have booked cooking
schools for a one matinee presentation
late this month. The bookings mark the first
time in a number of years a theatre in this
area has used such a school.
Postpone Crown Arbitration
NEW HAVEN—Hearing of the clearance
complaint of the Crown, Hartford, tentatively
scheduled for last week, was postponed on
request of the intervener, and has tentatively
been rescheduled for July 11.
Beverly to Open Late in June
BRIDGEPORT, CONN.—The 1,000-seat
Beverly, currently under way here by the
Perakos circuit, is expected to be ready for a
late June opening.
HARTFORD SOFTBALL PLAYERS—The Lo€W-Poli softball team, which has been
leading: the seven-theatre Hartford league, is shown in the accompanying picture. Left
to right, first row, are Norman Levinson, Willie Pep, Louis Cohen, Lee Feigin, Bill
Rickey and Walter Remillard; second row: John Romley, Bill Healey, Mickey Healey,
Cliff Peters, Bemie Menschell and Donald Mailous; third row: Jim Healey, Joe Rickey
and Irving Goldfarb.
BOXOFFICE : : May
28, 1949 79

. . Harry
. . Frances
. .
. . . George
HARTFORD
ITelene Dolgin, wife of the Pike Drive-in's
general manager, directed the Jewish
Community Center drama group's production
of "Margin for Error" . Hoff, Strand
stage manager, was planning a fishing trip
this summer, and Charlie Lowe, district
sound man for Warner Theatres, was talking
about a vacation visit to northern Maine.
Norman Levinson of Loew's Poll was in
New Haven, his home town, on day off . ,
a .
Irene Moquin, former cashier at the Palace
and Allyn. now is attending an X-ray technicians'
school in St. Louis . Gordon
of the Gordon booking agency had her sister
Connie and a friend, Gertrude Farkriss of
New York, as guests for a weekend visit . . .
Bill Healey, house policeman at Loew's PoU,
was rushed to Hartford hospital with acute
appendicitis.
Bernie Menschell, Community Amusement
Corp., was in New York for several days buying
Local visitors included
and booking . . . Jerry Lewis, Republic: Bill Canello,
Sam Davidson, theatre premiums . . .
RKO;
Bernie
Stevens, assistant manager at the Princess,
visited Jim Cotoia, manager of the Warner
Lewis Turner,
circuit's Art, Springfield . . .
Pi-incess projectionist, was planning a June
vacation, with Pete Marino of the same theatre's
booth staff slated to take his time off
in August.
Carmella Perrone is the new cashier at the
Princess, replacing Ellen Fecteau, who resigned
. . . Dorothy Scarpello, former Princess
cashier, was married last week . . . 'Vincent
O'Brien, formerly manager of the E. M. Loew's
HOWARD R.
JOHNSON—Manager,
Strand Theatre, Hamden,
Conn.—says:
"The Showman's Number One
consideration is his booth's operation.
RCA Service is 100 per
cent insurance against breakdown
and a top boost to highest
efficiency of light and sound
quality."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
Adv.
Order Your Screen Coating and
Masking for Spring Painting NOW
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO
729 Baltimore
K. C, Mo.
BLUE RIBBON WINNER—Burl Ives.
American folksong authority, radio singer
and film player, receiving a BOXOFFICE
Blue Ribbon award for his part of Uncle
Hiram in RKO's "So Dear to My Heart."
Frances Harding, Boston representative
for BOXOFFICE, presented the award.
Ives was appearing in the Oval room at
the Copley-Plaza hotel.
Hartford Drive-In, now is managing a circuit
house in the Rhode Island territory . . . The
ail- conditioning plants being installed in the
Central and the Colonial by the Hartford
Theatre circuit will be ready for operation by
June 1, according to Ernie Grecula, circuit
assistant general manager.
Janet Boske, candy girl at the Webb,
Wethersfield, will be married in September
to Roger Dow of Wethersfield . . . Bob "Spike"
Repass, son of the late Charlie Repass who
for years was manager of the Crown Theatre
here, is back in baseball as fii'st-string shortstop
for the Baltimore club of the International
league. A back ailment forced the ex-
Washington Senator player to leave baseball
about two years ago. Spike is well known to
Connecticut amusement industry men.
The Kounaris-Tolis-Ulyssis theatre interests,
currently building a 1,000-seat theatre
at Meriden, hope to have the house
ready for operation in June. Nick Kounaris,
Paul Tolls, George Ulyssis and Paul Purdy
have been busy with numerous advance details
of the opening. Meriden, which has 40,-
000 population, has only three theatres at
present. Loew's Poll circuit operates the
Palace and the Poll, while Leo Ricci has the
Capitol.
New Britain notes: Manny Borenstein,
brother of the Strand manager, is expected
in New Britain soon on a visit from Brazil,
He is an overseas officer of the Jewish Joint
Distribution committee ... A new dish give-
. .
away has been started by Frank Smulski,
manager of the Music Box. The theatre collects
a 15-cent service charge on the giveaway
. Monica Zisk has joined the cashiers'
staff at the Strand.
Brookie LeWitt planned to reopen ths
Strand, Sound 'View, for the summer resort
town trade about July 4. Managers at the
467-seat house again will be Jane and Peggy
Glackin, daughters of the late Jack Glackin,
for many years a partner in the Glackin
& LeWitt theatre circuit in Connecticut .
Don Borenstein, 15, son of the Strand manager,
and Mrs. Borenstein, is continuing his
career as a musician. Recently he has been
playing the drums in a local teen-age musical
aggregation.
Charlie Lowe, Hartford district sound engineer
for Warner Theatres, called on Joe
Borenstein at the Strand, and Joe Miklos at
the Embassy . . . Pete and Sperie Perakos of
the Perakos circuit were in Bridgeport looking
over construction of the circuit's new
1,000-seat house, to be known as the Beverly.
The theatre will be ready for operation by
summer.
New Britain notes: Eddie Kirk is the new
maintenance manager at the Arch Street
Lobby renovations, including
Theatre . . .
relocation of the boxoffice, have been completed
at the Strand . . . Joe Borenstein,
Strand manager, is observing his 30th year
in show business. He has been with the
Warner circuit 14 years.
Norman Levinson, Poll assistant, disclosed
plans for a dinner-dance next month to end
the season for the Hartford Theatres softball
league. Sunday morning games are
scheduled to June 5. Mike Piccirillo, Center
Theatre manager, is league commissioner . . .
Bernie Menschell, Commimity Amusement
circuit, was in New Haven.
. . . Harry Bernstein
Fred Greenway, Palace manager and Bob
Gentner, assistant manager, was planning to
hold a bathing beauty contest next month
Madore is the new maintenance
manager at E. M. Loew's, succeeding Sydney
Holmes, who resigned
of the Columbia exploitation department.
New York, was in Hartford and Springfield.
Jack Mitchell, chief projectionist at the
Colonial here, has returned from a twoweek
vacation at his summer cottage in
Brattleboro, 'Vt. . . . Ruth McCormick, cashier
at E, M. Loew's here, was married recently
to Salvatore Catina, projectionist at
the same theatre.
Interstate Officers Meet
To Discuss Six Openings
BOSTON— E. Harold Stoneman, president,
and James Mahoney, general manager for
Interstate Theatres, held a district managers
meeting in the Interstate offices here to discuss
openings of the circuit's six summer theatres
and the Jimmie fund drive.
The six theatres are the Hyannis at Hyannis;
the Cape Cinema, Dennis; Community,
Chatham, Chatham; Strand, Har-
Osterville;
wichport, and the Bristol. Bristol, N. H. District
managers present were Chris Joyce,
Plymouth, Mass.; Erwin Neumann, Connecticut;
Ernest Fitzgerald, New Hampshire; Ray
Kinii-y, Vermont, and Joseph Bean, Revere
Theatres.
Try Us and You1l Agree
FILMACK
SPECIAL TRAILERS
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80 BOXOFFICE ;: May 28, 1949

. . Ray
. . Clever
. . William
. .
NEW HAVEN
•Phe big get-together of the month was a
luncheon for 65 at the Hotel Taft for the
Jimmie fund with Martin MuUin and William
Koster of the Boston Variety Club conducting.
Al Pickus, Stratford Theatre operator,
will be state chairman for the one-week drive
May 29 to June 4, during which some theatres
will have collections, others lobby collections,
etc. An effective trailer has been made for
the screen. Among those present at the
luncheon were I. J. Hoffman. Max Hoffman,
Larry Germaine. Lou Brown. Al Schuman
and Mrs. Schuman. Henry Needles, Henry
Germaine. Hany Rosenblatt. Carl Goe, John
Pavone, Barney Pitkin. Walter Silverman,
Max Salzburg. Ray Wylie. Joe Dolgin and
Mrs. Dolgin and Beth Caplan.
Also in toH-n last week were Tom Duane, of
Selznick and Harold Eskin. Sal Adorno . . .
John Matthews, whose original Warner connection
was with the theatre zone office here
and who has subsequently held several theatre
managerships on the circuit, the most
recent being the Warner in Worcester, is back
at the home office as purchasing agent.
The Princess in Rockville may be closed for
the summer for renovation while new owners
William Bassett and Mary Elizabeth Wright
concentrate on the restaurant business in the
same building . . . Leon Jakubson. MGM office
manager, witnessed the May 22 golf
matches at the Wykagil Country club. New
The Waterford Drive-In was
Rochelle . . .
due to open Friday (27 1 and the new TCO-car
Post Drive-In. East Haven, Saturday (28).
The Warner club had a buffet supper and
screening of "Neptune's Daughter" with
Francis Flood, president, in charge and Mary
Peiper, Guido Rosano and Ida Spivak, of the
contact department, engineering arrangements.
The club is lining up interesting spots
and dates for the annual outing.
Sara Hadelman is using a kitchen canister
set for a novelty giveaway at the Grand . . .
Athan Prakas, of the Rivoli, Bridgeport, is
contemplating an Ohio vacation . . . Joe Di-
Frances of the Cheshire is looking for company
for a quick trip to Miami to pick up his
Extensive repairs and changes
father's car . . .
at the West End in Bridgeport are finished
and Jack Schwartz is to be congratulated on
the results.
Spot bookings on the Warner circuit include
"Pa.ssionelle" and "Torment" dual June 16, 17
at the Capitol, Danbury; "Passionate Spring,"
a Hungarian picture, at the Rialto, South
Norwalk, June 2. and two Italian films. Continental's
"When Love Calls" and "Before
Him All Rome Trembled" June 1, 2 at the
Commodore Hull, Derby . . . Newlywed
Thelma Jafte Rubin, MGM secretary, is taking
a vacation to move into her new apartment
Oscar Doob was in from the New York
. . .
Loew's office to make the Poll circuit with
Division Manager Harry Shaw.
.
.
United Artists screened "Home of the
Sid Kleper, manager
Brave" for the press . . .
of the College, may be first on the Loew Poll
vacation list, starting June 20 . . . Henry
Romanowsky was head of the Roger Sherman
champ bowling team which won both first
and second round m the downtown theatre
league Flynn. College assistant,
handled the publicity for the recent National
Guard minstrel original jewelry
creations are being designed by Ann Donner
of 20th-Fox.
The Fishman circuit ran a bathing
beauty contest at the Rivoli, West Hav3n,
with good results. It will sponsor a similar
contest at
man has
the Dixwell here . . . Helen Nor-
replaced Tillie Duplee at the National
Theatre Supply . . . Phil Gravitz, Metro
salesman, bought a new Plyn.outh coach .
Tohs-Kounaris-Ulysses of New Britain
planned to open its new Meriden Theatre
June 1.
FALL RIVER
lyTanager Paul Slayer launched an extensive
campaign for "The Barkleys of Broadway"
at the Durfee May 25 to 30. The publicity
includes elaborate newspaper advertising,
special programs on WSAR during the
What Is It to you period, window displays
in leading downtown stores and trailers on
the screen , . . John Negus has been transferred
from the Embassy to the Empire as
doorman . Canning recently spent
three days in Boston reviewing pictures.
. . The
Evening features held at the Yamins houses
during the winter have closed following a
very successful run. Both the Strand and the
Park ran a series of Country Store and
Amateur Latent Talent nights with special
awards being made at all programs .
Empire specialty consisted of Search for
Talent programs staged every Tuesday. The
stage acts ran in series of seven weeks each,
with the series winner by audience selection
receiving major awards and engagements at
night spots.
Brothers Are Booth Men
WINDSOR, CONN.—Al Abronzino has
been a projectionist at the Plaza Theatre
ten years. His brother Fred is marking hiS
sixth year as projectionist at the E. M.
Loew's Theatre. Hartford. Both brothers
came to the U.S. from Italy back in 1937.
Pi'ior to that time, Al was projectionist in
the Callo Theatre in Naples. He recalls now
that the theatre ran only silent motion pictures.
Pianist in Cast
Pianist William Lankin has joined the
cast of Warners "Chain Lightning."
SPRINGFIELD
/^eorge Roberts, general manager of the
Rifkin circuit. Boston, was looking over
the circuit's neighborhood houses in this
area. At one time, George managed the
Forest Park Phillips here . . . Bill Powell is
back in active exhibition again, managing
the Parkway Drive-In here for Dave Willig,
who owns a number of drive-ins in the Hartford
territory.
Drive-ins are springing up rapidly in this
. . .
area. Carl H. Nilmon of Buckland has reopened
his Northfield Drive-In in Franklin
Edward King of Greenfield, owner
county . . .
of the South Deerfield Drive-In, disclosed
plans to expand next sea.son Nilmon has
been building a drive-in at Charlemont , . .
In-car speakers are being installed at the
Starlight outdoor theatre four miles from
Greenfield.
.
Harry Lazarus of Pittsfield has reopened
his Berkshire Drive-In on Route 20 . . . Fred
Cloutier of Pittsfield, owner of the Sunset
Park Drive-In on Route 7 in Lanesboro, has
reopened Edgar Briggs. owner of the
Briggs
. .
Drive-In, Dallon, has been installing
new speakers.
The 1,000-seat Holyoke, which has been
closed several years, will be reopened by
the E. M. Loew circuit next fall. Renovation
now is in progress . . . Elihu
owner and manager of the Majestic,
Glass,
West
Springfield, observed the third anniversary
of his special children's Saturday afternoon
programs with ten cartoons on May 14.
The newly renovated base theatre at Westover
field was opened with the presentation
of "Hollywood Revue," .starring Celeste Holm
Nathan E. Goldstein, owner of the
.
Arcade, was in Boston on a buying and
Dave Willig. Springfield,
booking trip. . . .
has reopened the Auto-Vision Drive-In at
East Greenbush. N. Y.. for its fourth season
. . . Louis Segrini, Mansfield, Mass.,
contractor, will build and operate a 1,000-
car drive-in on Cape Cod this summer . . .
Herb Brown of the Victoria, Greenfield,
was in Boston recently on business.
Chief of Projectionists Visits
HARTFORD—Lester Isaacs, chief of the
projection department for Loew's Theatres,
New York, and Harry F. Shaw, division manager,
recently visited the PoU and Palace
theatres here.
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BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949 81

. . . Jay
NEW HAMPSHIRE
•Pheatremen were encouraged by an optimistic
report on this year's tourist business
prospects, given by Theodore G. Morss. research
statistician for the Federal Reserve
bank of Boston. Speaking at the New Hampshire
resort operators annual institute at the
University of New Hampshire in Durham,
"The potential vacationist has more
he said.
money than last year because the cost of
living is lower and the heavy demand for
durable goods has been satisfied."
Manchester's skating brothers, Lenny,
Kenny and Ed Raiche, have left Hollywood
with the "Ice Cycles" for a tour of Europe,
starting with a week's engagement in London
Dowd, a dancing star in "Oklahoma!"
who recently signed a Hollywood
contract, was given a long writeup in the
local papers when the musical comedy hit
played the Palace in Manchester. The
dancer, former city tennis title holder in
Hartford, was a spectator at school athletic
events and handed out advice to the youthful
athletes.
The Pine Island Drive-In in Manchester
has announced that from now until the
schools close it will offer a half hour of cartoons
and comedies as an added film attraction.
The theatre offers free admission to
children under 12 years old . . . Ansel N. Sanborn,
widely-known Carroll county circuit
owner and representative in the legislature,
entertained a large group of fellow solons
May 17 at the 'Wolfeboro Casino, which the
exhibitor also operates. The program included
bowling, boating, motion pictures and
dancing.
For obvious reasons, the state's theatre
operators are not overjoyed over the night
racing bill which has been endorsed by the
senate ways and means committee. The
measure has been called a "protective" one
to meet competition from pari-mutuel tracks
in Massachusetts where after-dark races
have also been proposed. Races in this state
must be over by 7 p. m. under the present
law.
The State in Manchester held over "Mr.
Belvedere Goes to College" ... A "Voice
of America film, recently made in Conway,
featured the Methodist church choh- in an
Easter Sunday service climaxing a weekend
in the life of a typical American boy
Senate BUI 94, which would legalize
. . .
beano
games, passed its first hurdle without opposition
at a hearing before the committee on
public welfare and state institutions. The
measure, sponsored by Senator Raoul Lalumiere
of Manchester, would allow religious
or charitable organizations to operate games
by paying a $10 license fee.
The romantic escapades of two American
film stars abroad were lambasted in an editorial,
"Not Heroines," in the Union in Manchester.
"It is too bad that La Bergman
and La Hayworth have to make that kind of
news . .
." the newspaper declared. "It is
also too bad that Ingrid was cast in the role
of 'Joan of Arc' Heroines, it seems, are
born; not made. The pity is that those who
portray people of character cannot become
imbued with it."
The recently opened Manchester Drive-In
on South Willow street heralded the opening
of a n'jw refreshment establishment
opposite the ozoner . . . The latest sound
films of Philmont Scout ranch in Cimarron,
N. M., were shown by "Big Jim" Fitch, general
manager of the 'Waite Phillips properties
for the Boy Scouts in Manchester, Franklin,
Rochester, Dover and Portsmouth.
The Granite state's natural beauty is emphasized
in a color film, "Scenic New Hampshire,"
produced by Guy Shorey, well known
Gorham photographer.
LYNN
f^ircuses for chUdren have been drawing
so well at the Paramount on Saturday
mornings that manager James Davis will
stage a third such performance June 11,
when the attraction wUl be Captain Anderson
and his ponies, dogs and monkeys. The
film will be "Alice in Wonderland" . . . Larry
Burke, Paramount assistant manager, substituted
for Arthur Murch, North Shore manager,
Gloucester, while the latter was ill recently.
A contest sponsored by the Uptown to select
the most talented amateur was won by
a young baritone, who will g to New York
to appear in a nationwide radio broadcast.
Another such contest will be sponsored by
the Uptown later this year. Leonard Barrett,
manager, solicits donations from the
various Lynn merchants for his weekly Country
Store night.
CBS Show Brings Trouble
To Langford Appearance
HARTFORD—Ted Harris, managing director
of the State, downtown motion picture-vaudeville
theatre, had his hands full
with the personal appearance of Frances
Langford, Hollywood actress-singer. It seems
that the CBS radio network featured a radio
broadcast from Des Moines, Iowa, with Miss
Langford in the starring role on the broadcast.
Miss Langford was tn Hartford.
Hundreds of State patrons called Harris to
ask whether the Pi-ances Langford on the
State stage was an "impostor" or the real
thing. The answer was simple, however, smce
the broadcast had been transcribed earlier.
As soon as the hundreds of calls started
flooding into the State office, Harris sent out
a plea to WDRC, basic CBS station for Connecticut,
to make periodic announcements
over the air, reasserting the fact that the
broadcast had been transcribed.
Along with Miss Langford in the stage
revue here was her husband Jon Hall. The
couple flew to Hartford in their private
plane from Hollywood.
Visual Education Supplier
From Mideast Edition
AKRON—M. E. Lockard, who entered the
motion picture field as an operator at the
old Arlington Theatre in 1915 and has been
a projectionist in every Akron theatre, is
now a dealer in visual education supplies.
He was recently written up in the Akron
Beacon-Journal as one of the first operators
to work on Vitaphone and Movietone equipment.
When 16mm sound films began to be
practical in 1935, he became interested in its
po.ssibilities as an education medium.
WORCESTER
IJarold H. Maloney, manager of the Poll,
went to New York to attempt to line up
a personal appearance to open his summer
season . . . The Ringling circus will play
a one-day stand at Beaver Brook playground
June 23 despite opposition from neighbors . . ,
Herb Asher, manager of the Olympia, was
host to priests and nuns of the city at a
screening of "The Fugitive."
Says a columnist in the Sunday Telegram:
"The handling of refunds to theatre patrons
is one of the headaches of an assistant manager.
Too many chiseling customers see most
of the show, then invent reasons why they
should get their admission fee back. Bob
Bergin of the Poll witnessed 'Mr. Belvedere
Goes to College,' then observed, 'I'd give my
right arm to have Clifton Webb working for
the theatre just to handle refunds.'
The Sturbridge Summer Theatre has set
its opening for June 28 . . . Carroll McComas
came in from Broadway to play the lead in
"The Glass Men.igerie" at the Red Barn . . .
Kay Francis will guest star in "Let Us Be
Gay" at the Whalom, Fitchburg. and at the
Playhouse, Worcester, in June . . . Ruth
Chatterton drew only fair houses in her
three-day stand here In "Lovers and Friends."
The Playhouse opened its seventh season
here with "For Love or Money" ... A writer
to the People's Forum in the Evening Gazette
complained because only one theatre
in tovm is air conditioned . . . The annual
luncheon of the Better Films council was
held at the Sheraton with Mi's. Bettina
Gunczy, secretary of the motion picture council
of the National Board of Review, as the
speaker. Her topic was "The Motion Picture,
a Community Interest" . . . The Nipmuc in
Mendon was reopened for the season with
"Mom and Dad."
The young reviewers group of the Better
Films council picked these pictures as the
best of the year: "Hamlet," "The Search,"
"Paleface," "Sitting Pretty," "Johnny Belinda,"
"I Remember Mama," "The Return
of October," "Apartment for Peggy," "Command
Decision" and "Take Me Out to the
Ball Game."
Mrs. Dominic Turturro, wife cf the manager
of the Elms in Millbury, has been
named chairman of the motion picture advisory
committee of the Millbury Woman's
club . . . Billy Eckstine, the singer, was in
The three-day engagement
town for a show . . .
of "Oklahoma!" at the Auditorium was
a flop, the show having made too quick a
return here after a previous week's sensational
Ruth Chatterton was
business . . . here to start a three-week tour of New England
one-night stands in "Lovers and
Friends."
Check of Theatre Ceilings
Is Ordered in Ontario
From Canadian Edition
TORONTO—The recent collapse of several
theatre ceilings in the U.S. has brought a
request by O. J. Silverthorne, director of the
Ontario theatres inspection branch, for theatre
owners to have an architect or engineer
check the conditions of ceilings in their
buildings. A report on ceiling conditions is
to be filed with the government not later
than June 1.
82 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

Griffiih Suit Recess
Until Last of June
OKLAHOMA CITY — The long-drawn-out
Griffith antirust suit is recessed until June
20. Soon after the hearing is resumed late
in June, the case is expected to be taken
under advisement by Judge Edgar S. Vaught
for about the next five months.
Dispositions of Heywood Simmons, Paramount
manager at Dallas: Howard Nicholson,
Paramount salesman: Sol Sachs, RKO
manager: H. H. Martin, U-I manager, and
Tony Philbin, MGM office manager, all of
Dallas, will be read immediately after the
hearing is resumed June 20. Then the judge
will hear arguments on whether Theatre
Enterprises should be in the law,suit or not.
Recent testimony presented by the defense
was given by H. J. Griffith. Los Angeles,
who testified with respect to his activities
when connected with Griffith Amusement
Co. He pointed out that his job was with
construction and maintenance and not film
buying. He .said the people who own Theatre
Enterprises was substantially different from
tho.se people who owned R. E. Griffith Theatres,
Inc. He said the latter was sold becau.se
the estate was in such a condition that
federal taxes couldn't be paid.
Henry S. Griffing, executive vice-president
of Griffith Consolidated Theatres, testified
regarding what he had done to keep the defendants
from violating the law. He said he
did not know just what was expected of them
until the Supreme Court decision.
Others tesstifying were Cliff White, buyer
for Griffith Consolidated here: Ray Higdon.
buyer for Theatre Enterprises, Dallas, and
R. E. Nickerson, New York lawyer.
The government put on two rebuttal witnesses
who operate drive-ins in Texas. They
were Carroll Jones, Midland, and John Fagan,
Borger. Neither claimed they couldn't get
pictures. They said they had the first driveins,
then Griffith came along and tried to
buy them out and after they didn't sell that
Griffith put in its own drive-ins.
Answering them were White and Howard
Hodge, associate of Griffith Theatres in Midland.
Building Bronco Drive-In
BEEVILLE, TEX.—A. M. Gaines of Alice
has a 350-car drive-in under construction
three miles north of the city on the San
Antonio highway. The ozoner will be known
as the Bronco Drive-In and will be open
on a year-around ba.sis. R. W. Hailey, brother-in-law
of the owner, will have charge of
buying and booking the pictures.
Interstate to Open Theatre
BROWNSVILLE, TEX.—Interstate is remodeling
the Capitol Theatre and also building
the 1,400-seat Majestic, which is expected
to be ready by September 1, according to J. C.
McNeill, city manager.
W. p. Moran to Open Drive-In
DALLAS—W. P. Moran, former theatre
partner of Phil Isley in Oklahoma and Kansas,
will open the new High View Drive-In
June 15 far out on South Beckley. It will
have 600 in-car speakers and a playground
for children. It is believed Moran may have
formed a new alliance with Isley or at least
reaffiliated with him on his recent move
here from the Sooner capital.
Jribute Paid to Founders
By Arkansas ITO Parley
LITTLE ROCK—Seven original members
of the Independent Theatre Owners of Arkansas
were honored at a luncheon highlighting
the last day's session of the annual convention
here last week. The seven who joined
ITO of Arkansas when it was organized in
1919 were Cecil Cupp, Arkadelphia: O. C.
Hauber. Pine Bluff: Will Mack. Jonesboro:
Sidney Nutt, Hot Springs; Eli Whitney Collins,
Little Rock; John A. Collins. Paragould,
and D. E. Finton, Harri.son.
C. A, Lick, Fort Smith, another original
member, was ill and could not attend. The
late J. M. En.sor, Little Rock, E. C. Robertson,
Payetteville, and W. L. Landers sr.,
also joined in 1919.
FORMER SECRETARY-TREASURER
Sam B. Kirby, Little Rock, who has served
as .secretary-treasurer, was elected president
to succeed E. W. Savage, who became chairman
of the board.
The other new officers are O. G. Abernathy,
Morrilton: Jack Bomar, Little Rock,
secretary-treasurer, and these directors: Sidney
Wharton, Warren: Henry Haven, Forrest
City; Terry Axley, England: W. C. Sumpter,
Lepanto; W. D. Mitchell, Dumas; L. G.
Renfro jr.. Holly Grove, and Herod Jimerson.
Little Rock.
"The exhibitor must maintain a free, uncen.sored
screen comparable with newspapers
and the radio," Gael Sullivan, executive director
of the Theatre Owners of America,
told the 150 men and women exhibitors assembled
at the convention.
Sullivan urged the exhibitors to make their
impact felt through intensive interest in
community affairs.
In the face of declining revenues, Sullivan
urged better exploitation methods. He as-
•POPCORN CRAZY" LIKE A FOX—
P, A. "Bob" Warner, vice-president of
Manley, Inc, of Dallas, is absorbed in the
recent Saturday Evening Post article,
"Popcorn Crazy," which tells the storj- of
Charles T. Manley and Manley, Inc.
Warner has been with the company since
1932.
serted the TOA was now working with major
Hollywood producers in the preparation of an
exciting, stimulating type of television trailer
to bring audiences back. He felt that the
present type of trailer was "old hat" and
lacked imagination ani the kind of modern
showmanship necessary to meet the challenge
of
home television.
"Television will not be a crippling influence
on the exhibitor," Sullivan said. "We will be
merely adopting new techniques."
Herman M. Levy, TOA general counsel,
gave an analysis of pending legislation and
litigation affecting the industry. In discussing
the U.S. vs. Paramount case Levy said
that several companies have added additional
clauses and have changed clauses in .standard
exhibition contracts, and that some of
the.se changes very seriously affect exhibiitors,
most of whom do not bother to read
their contracts. He caUed on all distributors
to notify exhibitors riiecifically where changes
are made.
Levy also stated that while those companies
that were not parties to U.S vs. Paramount
case are technically not bound by the terms
or the decision of the relief granted, they
fairness accept the decision and
-should in all
not now employ or take advantage of these
practices outlawed by that decision.
WARNS ON ASCAP MOVE
Complaints have come to TOA that there
have been some flagrant offenses in this field.
As to Ascap, Levy asserted that there appears
to be fairly accm-ate information that
negotiations now are either going on or are
being anticipated leading toward a consent
decree revision under which A.scap would be
permitted or compelled to sell musical copyrights
directly and outright to picture producers.
If this is so, then exliibitors must be
vigilant to protest in all ways at their command
the passing on of this charge.
Glenn A. Green, executive director of the
Arkansas Free Enterprise Ass'n, was guest
speaker at the annual banquet.
Leon J. Bamberger of RKO spoke on "Unity
Between Distributor and Exhibitor," and said
the exhibitor is on the firing line in respect
to the industry through public contact.
The final meeting also saw exhibitors resolving
to present a scroll in appreciation to
Edward B. Dillon, state representative from
Pulaski county, for his help to the men and
women of show business. A special committee
was to be appointed to select and present
the gift to Dillon.
Social gatherings of the meeting included
a cocktail party given by the Motion Picture
Advertising Service Co., New Orleans, and a
barbecue given by Film Transit, Inc., Memphis.
Officers and directors fomiulated plans to
combat infiltration of 16mm operators and
appointed Kirby, Savage and Abernathy to
study the problem.
Exhibits on display included those of Tri-
State Theatre Supply, Memphis; Blevins Popcorn
Co., Nashville; Griggs Equipment Co.,
Belton, Tex.; Manley, Inc., Kansas City, Mo.;
Quik-Serv Fountainette, Dallas: The William
C. Hill Co., marquees and attraction panels.
Pine Bluff, Ark., ond the American Desk
Mfg. Co., Temple, Tex.
BOXOFFICE
:
: May 28, 1949 sw 83

nr«
SAM SCHWARTZ—Owner, Aztec
and Yolanda Theatres, Eagle Pass,
Texas—declares:
"I have used RCA Service
continuously for the past 20
years. Service has been prompt
and very efficient. It's a sound
business investment."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
RAMP-EXIT.
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K. C, Mo.
DALLAS
Business at Miracle
y^ p. Moran of Oklahoma City reports his PflSl EXDeCtatiOIlS
new drive-in on South Beckley boule- ^
vard will open June 15. This new sit-in-yourcar
operation will accommodate 600 cars
Corinne Calvet, -he new French star, together
. . .
with Will Demarest, Nan Leslie and
John Bromfield appeared at the opening of
Paramount's "Streets of Laredo" at the Majestic.
Lloyd Rust, partner in the four Gene Autry
theatres in Oak Cliff, is home from a vacation
trip. Spending only a few hours each
day looking after his theatre interests, Lloyd
now spends a lot of his time in his home
carpenter shop and his rose garden.
Mr. and Mrs. P. A. "Bob" Warner had as
house guest Mrs. Lawson Burdett of Jacksonville.
Pla. Sunday (22) the Warners entertained
with a Texas barbecue. Food was
served ranch style on the lawn. Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Bemis and son Gene and his bride,
and Hal Norfleet were dinner guests . . .
Basil O'Neil, late of Hollywood, has opened
an interior decorating business in Dallas.
One of his first contracts was decorating
the display room and offices of the new
Manley building at 2013-15 Young St. O'Connor
is a native Texan.
To Screenplay "September'
Andrew Solt will write the final screenplay
on Paramount's "September."
MIAMI—The Miracle Theatre on Miracle
Mile is one of Coral Gables' brightest spots.
Wometco officials frankly report that this
showplace is attracting a volume of business
which they did not expect for at least another
three or four years.
"Our purpose was to build a theatre which
would be adequate, and of which the people
might be proud, not only today but ten or
15 years from now. We must admit that we
underestimated the present business potential
of Coral Gables. The Miracle Theatre
already is beginning to justify our faith in
the progress we expected of the city," said
Mitchell Wolfson, co-owner with Sidney
Meyer of the Wometco Theatres.
Wolfson pointed out the trend indicates
that prompt action toward the establishment
of off-street parking in the area is even
more urgent than it has been considered.
"Potential customers for any business will
drive three or four miles to avoid walking
two or three blocks," .said Wolfson," and while
this problem has not yet become a serious
one in Coral Gables, the time when it will
be serious is near at hand unle.ss we act
promptly."
The Miracle, with 1,600 seats, is the third
largest theatre in greater Miami and was
designed and equipped to achieve the elegance
and comfort of a luxurious downtown
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84 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

theatre. An example of this is the extras
that went into the air conditioning system.
In addition to the normal filters. Miracle
equipment includes activated charcoal filters
to remove odors, and electro-static filtering
which charges dust and smoke particle.s with
electricity and then removes them from the
air by magnetism. The only other theatre
in the area having such a system is the
Miami.
Miracle Mile merchants have welcomed the
addition of the theatre to the rapidly growing
shopping center. The Miracle, like most
theatres, gives a pulse and an animation to
its neighborhood. Window displays, which
were of little value in the evenings, continue
to sell merchandise until midnight as film
patrons window-shop.
Westerns-Features-Serials
Tower Pictures Co.
HAHOLD SCHWABZ
3021/2 S. Harwood St. Dallas 1. T«xa>
Phones C-73S7 and R-3998
J. T. BOUTWELL INSTALLATION COMPANY
Contractor ol Theatre, School
and Church Seating
We install any Chair for anyone at any place.
For information, write
Box 325 or Call 6976. Temple, Texas
Schoolman's Private Initiative Ideas
Turn U. S. Attention on Searcy
MEMPHIS—The Lttle city of Searcy, Ark.,
received national attention last week when a
world premiere of a motion picture short was
shown at the Rialto Theatre there. United
Press. Scripps-Howard and other national
news services staffed the affair and sent out
dispatches all over the world.
All the fuss in the little Ozark mountain
community centered around an eight-minute
Technicolor cartoon entitled, "Meeting
Joe." The brainchild of Dr. George S.
Benson, president of Harding college for
13 years, the film is one of a series of six
designed to tell the story of the American
way of life. Pioduced by MGM and shown
first at K. K. King's Rialto in Searcy, it
is scheduled for national release May 28.
Around 6,000 persons attended the premiere
activities. The high school band
played In the streets. Visitors came from
far and near. Each of the six films will
cost $75,000 and is paid for by Harding
college.
Benson, whose rugged private initiative
system received national attention with his
"work-your-way-through-coUege" program
.some years ago, has the backing of some
of the nation's leading businessmen. He
worked with MGM on the film to embody his
free enterprise ideas into it.
Max Weinberg, MGM's advertising and
publicity man from New York; Mike Simon,
MGM public relations d rector from New
York: Emery Austin. MGM district publicist,
and Louis C. Ingram, Memphis manager for
MGM, attended.
Wrote Edwin Howard, amusements editor
of the Press-Scimitar:
"It's in color, and it is as full of laughs as
any cartoon you evsr cackled at. But sandwiched
unobtrus.vely between slices of fun
are some thick cuts of cold fact. King Joe
is the American working man, and the cartoon,
without one pause to preach, points out
that Joe can buy more with his wages than
any other worker in the world. Still without
sermonizing, it .shows why—the free enterprise
system."
Mayor Oliver, speaking at the celebration,
said: "Harding is one college whose campus
is the nation. With Harding-inspired movies
going out over the earth, that can be revised
to read, 'the world.'
CONSOLIDATED ARTIST BOOKING AGCY.
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1 DALLAS: Jenkins & Bourgeois. Aotor
( Harwood & lacltson Slreels
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iNtW ORLEANS: D.«ie. H. A. (Bob) Kelly'
(13) 218 S. Liberty
OKLAHOMA CITY
. . . Lewis
Oeveral Filmrowers attended the gala reopening
of the Tivoli Theatre in Ardmore.
which was remodeled completely inside and
out. Harry Lowenstein of Ardmore is a partner
with Griffith in the Tivoli and two other
situations in Ardmore . N. Wolf,
Boston, MGM public relations head, was
here to speak before the Oklahoma City
Junior Chamber of Commerce
Gordon and Murray Weiss of Boston were
local visitors. Gordon is a partner with
Arthur Lockwood, TOA president, in a theatre
circuit. Weiss, international property
master for Variety clubs, is a contractor.
Changes in C&R personnel included the
transfer of Rex Ochs from management of
the Tower to the Plaza as manager, replacing
Green Hays, who resigned. Succeeding
Ochs at the Tower was Chuck Keeling, former
assistant to Dee Fuller at the Criterion.
George Grube, assistant at the Tower, moved
into Keeling's former post at the Criterion
and Don Middleton took the assistant's job
at the Tower.
Vinson DiFiore, Cooper Foundation home
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Your Deal Handled Personally
27 years exverience
We Cover the U. S. Market
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. . .
office, Lincoln, Neb., spent a few days here
Roy King of Alexander Films, Colorado
Springs, was a visitor.
Howard Jaggers, Griffith manager in Claremore,
has been named president of the Claremore
Lions club . . . "We Were Strangers"
opened at the Center . "The Beautiful
Blonde From Bashful Bend" opens, it'll
be day-and-date in four C&R houses, the
Criterion. Plaza. Capitol and Ritz . . . "The
Walking Hills" moved over to the State
from the Center . Lindsay and his
Oklahoma Nite-Ridevs, who appeared on the
Criterion stage in a broadcast over Station
KBYE, brought two of the stars of the
Grand Ole Opry to town. Cowboy Copas
and Lazy Jim Day joined the band for a
toiu- of the state. The two visitors appeared
with the Lindsay orchestra in the broadcasts
from the Criterion at noon on Monday, Tuesday
and Wednesday.
. . . "Flamingo
The Ink Spots will make personal appearances
at the Home June 5. There will
be two performances—white only at the
matinee, colored in the evening
Midwest . . .
Road" opened at the
Starting the same day at the Will Rogers, a
Griffith operation, was "The Red Shoes."
The Home stopped
Seats were reserved . . .
its picture policy May 24, 25 for the stage
show, "Brigadoon." There were three shows,
including a matinee.
Radio and recording vocalist Buddy Clark
has been signed to sing the title tune in
"Song of Surrender," a Paramount film.
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214 SOUTH SAINT PAXIL STREEf
DALLAS, TEXAS
Complete Theatre Equipment
Phone: Riverside 5009
86 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

. . . George
. . . M.
Rio Grande Showman
Speaks 5 Tongues
BROWNSVILLE. TEX. — Youthful Bob
Wiseman, manager of the Capitol Theatre
here and a graduate of the Interstate managers'
school in Dallas, has been plugged
by Hollywood visitors as "one of the best
showmen in the Rio Grande valley."
Customers of the Capitol describe Wiseman
as being pleasant and friendly under
all circumstances. He speaks four languages
—English, Spanish. German, and Italian—
and can greet almost any customer in the
filmgoer's native language.
Wiseman is popular with the valley press.
Newspapermen from all parts of this general
area know Bob well and always make it a
point to drop in and see him.
Last March, when Warners premiered
"South of St. Louis" in Brownsville, the
event got full press support.
"In this business," Wi.seman says, "you
should be nice to everybody. Sometimes it's
pretty hard to do. But where my newspaper
friends are concerned, it's always a pleasure."
of
When Pedro Armendariz made a series
personal appearances throughout the Valley,
he went back to Hollywood singing praises
of Wiseman's efficiency to anyone within earshot.
The two men are still corresponding in
Spanish.
At the moment Wiseman is pulling every
string at his command to book a couple of
old films, "Viva Villa" and "Juarez." He's a
conservative chap, but he swears those two
films would really "pack 'em in" at the Capitol.
Wiseman began his Interstate career as a
popcorn boy in the 1930s and has been with it
ever since, except during the war.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • «
(Twenty Years Ago)
THE KING SCENIC CO., Dallas, has now
located on East Elm street, with adequate
floor space to care for its many customers
R. Spence. manager of the R&R
theatres at Sherman, Tex., has asked the
city commission to stop showing free motion
pictures in the public parks, a practice which
has harmed the Gem, Rialto and Washington.
* « «
A $200,000 theatre is being built at Plainview,
Tex., by the Underhill Construction
Co., and will be the finest theatre in West
Texas, according to A. G. Hinn. one of the
financiers.
« « *
Leslie Wilkes and his whole crew in
Corsicana, Tex., were again arrested recently
for operating a theatre on Sunday. A
case following previous arrest was said to
have been postponed The Palace, San
.
Marcos, operated by F.
. .
W. Zimmerman, suffered
damage during a heavy windstorm recently.
The house was dark for several days
L. Moore is opening a new theatre in
Prankston, new Texas oil town.
West Theatre Sponsors Amateurs
GEORGE WEST. TEX.—The grand finals
to amateur contests being sponsored by the
West Theatre were held Saturday night (.21).
Cash prizes were awarded.
TKOll'KKS .\l'ri:.VK lOK L.\Ki:UO— .Sliu«n abovi are Oklahoma City theatremen
greeting a troupe of Hollywood stars on their arrival for a stage show in connection
with "Streets of Laredo." Sho«Ti following a breakfast given for the stars by
C&R Theatres are C. R. "Charley" Freeman, C&K Theatres manager, center, and C.
H. "Buck" Weaver, Paramount manager, right. Members of the troupe are, left to
right, Dick Foote, Nan Leslie and Gail Russell. The stars arrived from Texas where
they had been appearing in connection with the film. Giving three performances in
Oklahoma. City, were the three stars shown here and William Demarest, John Bromfield
and Corinne Calvet. With the troupe were Al Jermy of Hollywood, publicist,
and George Henger, Dallas, Paramount publicist. The troupe went on to Tulsa for
three shows at the Orpheum.
Hargis to Colorado Ranch
DALLAS—Fred Hargis. Alexander Film
Co. branch manager, made a weekend trip
to his Sky Valley guest ranch at Buena
Vista, Colo. Mrs. Hargis, who accompanied
him. is supervising final preparations for the
summer season at the resort.
R. B. Wallace Quits Post
DALLAS—R. B. Wallace has re.signed from
the Blankenship circuit staff. A previous report
that Tim Stamps had resigned from
Blankenship was in error. Stamps said he
had no intentions of resigning.
Robert Neil and Suzi Crandall will play
the leading roles in "Prize Maid," an RKO
film.
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BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949 87

. . The
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SAN ANTONIO
g W. Spillman, architect, is drawing plans
and specifications for Arnulfo Gonzales'
new drive-in on Port avenue in Corpus Christie.
Gonzales also operates a drive-in at
Laredo . Ralph Labutis, who was formerly
connected with the Texas-Valley Film Service
here, has turned exhibitor and has
opened a walk-in for Negro patrons at the
Pays to Advertise
—in BOXOFFICE
9fuUaU Griggs SeaU
Thomas Williams, office secretary for Zaragoza
Amusement Co. here, is going back to
his hidden talent as a featured dancer this
fall, according to Sammie Katz, an official
for the Alameda Teatro. Tommy, he says,
will join the "Annie Get Your Gun" roadshow
company and starts rehearsals soon in
New York City for the 1949-50 season . . .
Ester Exon, who has been at local switchboards
for almost ten years, was appointed
chief PBX operator for the International
Casa de Mexico building office in the Alameda
city office . . . Red River Dave serenaded
over 500 nurses who were here in convention
last week.
John T. Floore, onetime manager for the
Texas, has turned publisher and is getting
out the new weekly newspaper at Helotes,
where he now resides . . . The Mission Drivein
had a Western Whoopee week, playing
a different film each night.
. .
"Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" went over
extra well with the local teen-age students
at the Majestic and Texas . "Here Comes
Trouble," "Laff-Time" and "Who Killed Doc
Robbin?" rounded out a triple program at
the Josephine, neighborhood house . . . Public
Safety Pictures produced a film here with
sheriffs deputies as the principal actors to
IJortray the dangers of speeding and di-unken
driving. It will be exhibited in downtown
and neighborhood theatres . . . C. J. Wheeler,
RKO salesman, Dallas: Walter Wiens, Eagle
Lion, Dallas; Sam Barry. National Theatre
Supply Co.. Dallas, and Clarence Wilson, Film
Classics' central and south Texas representative,
were among the recent visitors along
Theatrerow.
Mrs. Louise C. Griffith, wife of the head
of Griffith Amusement Co., looked stunning
in her new spring frock at a recent style
show held here . . Mi's. Beverley W. Spillman,
.
wife of the theatre architect, left for
Oklahoma City and Kansas City on a short
Robert Walker sr., editor
vacation visit . . .
and publisher of the Military Service News,
is recovering from a recent heart attack at
his home here.
Spook and jinx shows held here included
"Flamingo Road" at the Majestic for a midnighter;
"The Corpse Came C.O.D." and
"Monster Maker" at the Broadway, a suburban;
"Hold That Ghost" and "Mummy's
Ghost," the Empire, while "Rope" and "Son
of Frankenstein" were on the double horror
bill at the San Pedro Drive-In.
Louis Novy, Austin Interstate city manager,
was up and around recently but looked
a little weak . capital city had two
big indoor shows there last week. "Ice-Capades
of 1949" and Polack's circus took some
of the business away from, the downtown and
outlying showhouses.
Camp Wood
Ne'w Theatre at
CAMP WOOD, TEX.—Ground has been
broken for a new theatre to be built by L. J.
Dean to replace the Dixie now being operated
by him.
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HERBER BROTHERS
"Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years"
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1, TEXAS
88 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

Rebirth of Stage Entertainment
Seen as Video Training Ground
MIAMI—Show business oldtimers here have
predicted the possible beginning of a new
era, the rebirth of stage entertainment on
a nationwide scale, in the revival of vaudeville
at the Palace Theatre here, a revival
which theatremen believe will prove a fine
training ground for future television stars.
The new format at the Palace offers a feature
screen attraction along with the live
show, a policy which the Olympia in downtown
Miami has pursued successfully for a
number of years. A trend toward occasional
live acts, in addition to regular screen fares,
has been noted here for sometime, particularly
since the advent of television, says Dick
Lowe.
But how a medium as limited in scope as
vaudeville can hope to become a springboard
for video talent, is a question puzzling some
theatre people. It is well known that video
eats acts at the rate of dozens a week. A
different slant on this is that some show
people see in a revival of vaudeville the basis
of television's biggest future competitor.
Trom the employment angle, Lowe says,
the return of vaudeville is a good thing, putting
to work both entertainers and backstage
workers. It is to be seen whether the
present day theatre patrons, conditioned by
the advanced techniques of the motion picture,
can be offered an entertainment pattern
acceptable to their tastes. Since the
death of vaudeville in 1919. the world is no
longer bound by the limits of a town or city.
Films offer e.scape to every part of the world
with a sweeping grandeur completely unavailable
to the human actor on a comedy
stage. The dancers, acrobats, singers, magicians—all
will find that what was great entertainment
30 years ago is tame today.
"Will the performers find themselves overshadowed
by the film billed along with their
acts?" asks Lowe. Will the public attend the
theatre in large numbers when the film is
good, but stay away when it's run-of-the-mill,
regardless of live talent? These are questions
interesting to theatre people, who also wonder
whether vaudeville will become great in
itself or become merely the springboard for
future entertainment stars. "The greats of
today." says Lowe, "are fighting the one
hopeless fight—against time. As things stand
now. there is actually no place for a newcomer
to get enough steady work to qualify
himself as a successor." A new and better
era in show business may be opening up,
and theatre people are keeping a weather
eye on developments.
Brenkert Shows Lamps
INDIANAPOLIS— Mrs. and Mrs. J. C. Clickner
of the Mid-West Theatre Supply Co.
here attended a demonstration of the new
Brenkert Super-Intensity lamp, a recent development
for drive-ins and theatres using
extremely large screens.
AMERICAN DESK
MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Manufacturers of Theatre Seating
Mr. W. H. Matlingly. 201 IV2 lackson St.
Dallas. Texas Ph. Prospect 71398
Free Drive-In Show Costs
Motorists $14 in Court
OMAHA — Three Omaha motorists, who
thought they were on the "inside" seeing a
free motion picture, got their disappointment
before county Judge Robert R. Troyer.
He fined them each $14, which would have
paid their way into a good portion of the
season's menu at the Omaha Drive-In.
The motorists were picked up by the highway
patrol for parking without lights on the
highway at night. Actually they were taking a
long-distance look at the film. The arresting
officer said: "The parked cars are a hazard."
Radio Singer in ""Surrender"
Claudia Barrett has been cast as a drivein
theatre cashier in the Warner picture,
"White Heat."
TICKETS
MACHINE
FOLDED
^ ^A-GGURAGY-
SPEED
RESERVED SEAT 'M'
TICKETS
SOUTHWEST TICKET
& COUPON CO.
CORINTH STREET
TEXAS
2IIO
DALLAS (H-7185)
PRESTON E. SMITH—Owner of
State, Tech, Plains and 5 Point
Drive-In Theatres, Lubbock, Texas
—declares:
"RCA Service has been and
will continue to be an intimate
part of my operation."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICK COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
^^^^
TICKETS
ROLL
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
lOlh n., 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC. Dallas, Tex.
"Picked Up My Popcorn
Sales at Least ZZV3%"
. . . Says Little Rock Exhibitor
*
"I can conscientiously recommend your Atomic Ring Popcorn
Boxes as a stimulant to popcorn sales for child patrons,"
writes Mr. Sam B. Kirby of the Nabor Theatre, Little Rock,
Ark. ".
. . the Atomic Ring Boxes picked up popcorn sales
on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday matinees by at
least 33 l/3°v> . . Several of my child patrons . . have
. .
received their rings and are highly pleased."
LET BLEVINS' ATOMIC RING BOX INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS!
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BLEVINS POPCORN COMPANY
Southwest Regional Office
•
.
Room 205 Interstate-Trinity Whse. Bldg. "W"
301 North Market St., DALLAS, TEXAS
'^
Drop by for a Visit While in Town for t/ie Allied Theatre Owners of Texas' Annual Convention.
BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949 89

Manager Answers Lobby Experts
Who Term His Job Soft Racket
The job of theatre manager often
may appear to the castial patron to be
a soft racket. That this is far from
correct is shown by the following
ichimsical account of the life of a
small town theatre manager, luritten
by one in Kentucky.
By SAM THOMPSON
Manager, Lyric Theatre, Guthrie. Ky.
This is an article written in answer to the
comment so often heard in the — lobby or on
the street "Oh, if only
~1 I had a racket like that
theatre manager, with
~
^. nothing to do except
stand around and
^^^ll
^^^^^SHa watch the suckers lay
^HH^^H their money down at
^R'^^^^B the boxoffice."
l| «
Oh. brother! How
« they have been mis-
' informed! Somewhere
back along the line
A. that "guy with the
racket" thought
Sam Thompson
^j^g ygj.y ^^^^ ^^;^^^^
only he decided to look further into the racket.
He spent many months in charge of his
department at a small theatre in some small
town, this department being "doing anything
nobody else will do." He sweeps, mops, dusts,
cleans toilets, runs errands, and anything
else any of the regular employes want done.
Some time later he gets his big chance! The
big strong projectionist needs someone to
carry those big heavy film cans up four flights
of stairs to the projection booUi. The wouldbe
manager sees his chance of learning something
of the machines that cause all that
fuss on the screen, so he labors diligently
and becomes a genuine assistant operator
(unofficially).
DOES WELL IN BOOTH
Soon another big chance comes along! The
projectionist doesn't show up. The manager
hurriedly looks up the bewildered "assistant"
and queries him as to the chances of getting
him to try to start the show and run the
reels in the right place. He does pretty well,
and when the operator comes back to work
he finds that the assistant has taken over his
job, and he is in the office being laid off
for the last time.
The brand new operator, still thinking
about that soft job as manager in the future,
does well in the booth and keeps in
constant contact with the floor and office
procedure. After a few years of this he gets
a chance to go back downstairs and act as
assistant manager and take tickets or anything
else no one else shows up to do. This
does all it can to discourage him but he is
a glutton for punishment and goes on and
UNITED THEATRES SERVICE CORPORATION
Confidential Boalcing & Buying
reason \rtiy . . . many large There Is a and small
exhibitors are signing for United buying and booking
-lervlce.
Let us. without obligation give you complete Information,
show you how United service and e'flciency
"ill perform for your situation.
3rd Floor Film Bldg. Telephone Riverside 9276
308 S. Harwood SL Dallas. Texas
JOHN C. GREER
becomes a theatre manager. Boy. oh boy!
One of the very first things expected of a
manager is to be everywhere in the theatre
at the same time. This can be accomplished
after a few years' practice.
His job as a whole is small and seemingly
unimportant. All he has to do is to know
where all employes are at all times, and what
they are doing, exactly who is in the theatre
and where they are seated in case someone
wants to see them and just can't wait until
they have seen the movie. He must know
what has been shown, what is showing and
what is going to be shown, for at least three
months in advance. He must know if "mommy"
is in the theatre when some small child
presents the question, especially a child he
has never seen before and refuses to tell him
its name.
LOST PROPERTY PROBLEM
Lost property always pre.sents a problem.
There has never yet been anyone who can
remember where thoy were sitting when they
lost their billfold, comb, watch, shoe or anything
else detachable from their- body. But
they are sm-e that they had it when they
came in.
Next comes the problem of knowing where
the film is that was supposed to have arrived
the day before and was verified by
the projectionist who mistook tomorrow's
film for the one in question. This takes up
30 minutes to an hour calling film exchanges,
carriers and lastly the home office. Of
course five minutes before starting time the
porter discovers the film behind a stack of
popcorn and janitor supplies that the film
carrier left along with the film.
This over with and the show on the screen
at the specified time, the manager finds that
he has no ticket taker. The manager then
becomes chief ticket-taker and ponders for
the next hour and a half just what he will
say to the doorman if and when he shows
up. But. by the time he does show up the
manager is so glad to see him that he just
forgets the whole thing.
He then walks the aisles to see that everyone
is happy and reasonably quiet, retires
to the office to read the morning mail and
rest a spell. Then Mrs. Jones phones for
complete information regarding the picture
playing and will take no one's word but the
manager's. She wants to know who plays
has he seen it
in it . . . has she seen it . . .
. . . and is it good. Natm-ally it is, but she
won't like it—she never does!
HURRIES TO BOOTH
. . . sorry to
. . .
Buzzzzzzzz goes the interphone from the
booth. A gimmick, dodad or thingamabob
(operators are always exact in their diagnosis)
on the right or left machine, depending
on the way you look at it, won't
come down or up, whichever the case may be.
The manager makes a quick rmi up three or
four flights of stairs and through the dark
balcony to find upon his arrival that the
operator has found the remedy for the
trouble and acted accordingly
have bothered you, boss, guess I should have
tried that before calling you. "Vou stalk back
down to the lobby again and find the
cashier eating an ice cream cone, the doorman
sitting on the ticket box and the pop-
Mysteiy of 'P. P. F.'
Is Solved in Houston
Houston—The mystery of the "teaser"
advertising campaign featuring the cryptic
letters "P. P. F.," for the last several
weelis extremely annoying to local theatre
managers anil newspaper amusement
editors, has been solved.
"Watch for the first local showing!"
advised one of the teaser ads, while another
proclaimed "the greatest film ever
produced."
"I do not know what the letters stand
for," one usually even-tempered theatre
manager said after he had been asked
repeatedly about the initials, "but it had
better be good after this buildup!"
Late developments indicate that the
teaser campaign has been sponsored by
the manufacturer of Palmer's Plastafilm,
an automobile polish.
corn boy standing with his head in the auditorium
doors watching the cartoon and customers
are around the popcorn machine hoping
the attendant will show up before the
feature begins. As soon as they see the
boss exerything rapidly returns to normal
the ice cream disappears, the red faced doorman
gets off the dox and stands erect, and
someone tips off the popcorn boy and he
hurriedly returns to his post.
Everything goes swell until the manager
leaves for his supper. We'll dispense with
what goes on in his absence. He returns,
finds that the show is off the screen and
has been off for some time and angry patrons
want to know where he has been and
why he wasn't here to avoid the stoppage.
Of course the manager isn't expected ever to
eat a meal. He appeases them in his own
sw'eet
manner that only a saint and a theatre
manager could possess and the show
goes on.
NOW OUT OF CHANGE
By now the cashier is out of change and
this takes up some thirty minutes searching
for pennies and nickels. He returns and all
is well once more.
He closes the boxoffice around 10 p. m. and
proceeds to check up and make out all sorts
of reports for the home office. By now it's
midnight and he goes home, has a midnight
snack, reads the paper and goes to bed. He
can't sleep so he counts customers until he
does.
He arises around 9 a. m. and sleepily goes
down to the theatre to get ready for the day's
run. He finds that the janitor did not arrive
in time to get the place cleaned up in time
to start the show, so he dons coveralls and
helps. By the time he is dressed again it is
time to start the show and practically all is
repeated.
Oh. yes, I forgot to mention the duties of
laying out all advertising, painting signs, and
seeing that they are put up. He also mails
circulars .to patrons who in turn bum them
upon receipt but will raise cane if you fail
a soft racket. That this is far from
various clubs, are to be taken care of in your
spare time.
But we love it, don't we, boys?
As Gale Storm's Husband
Albert Dekker will portray Gale Storm's
husband in the U-I film, "The Kid From
Texas."
90 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

ORIGINAL MEMBERS RECEIVE
TRIBUTES OF ARKANSAS ITO
Seven Who Joined in 1919
Are Honor Guests at
30th Convention
LITTLE ROCK—Seven original members
of the Independent Theatre Owners of Arkansas
were honored at a luncheon highlighting
the last day's session of the annual convention
here last week. The seven who joined
ITO of Arkansas when it was organized in
1919 were Cecil Cupp. Arkadelphia; O. C.
Hauber. Pine Bluff: Will Mack. Jonesboro:
Sidney Nutt, Hot Springs: Eli Whitney Collins,
Little Rock; John A. Collins, Paragould.
and D. E. Finton, Harrison.
FORMER SECRETARY-TREASURER
C. A. Lick, Fort Smith, another original
member, was ill and could not attend. The
late J. M. Ensor. Little Rock. E. C. Robertson.
Fayetteville. and W. L. Landers sr.,
also joined in 1919.
Sam B. Kirby. Little Rock, who has served
as secretary-treasurer, was elected president
to succeed E. W. Savage, who becomes chairman
of the board.
The other new officers are O. G. Abernathy.
Morrilton: Jack Bomar. Little Rock,
secretary-treasurer, and these directors: Sidney
Wharton. Warren: Henry Haven, Forrest
City: Terry Axley. England; W. C. Sumpter,
Lepanto; W. D. Mitchell. Dumas; L. G.
Renfro jr.. Holly Grove, and Herod Jimerson.
Little Rock.
"The exhibitor must maintain a free, uncensored
screen comparable with newspapers
and the radio," Gael Sullivan, executive director
of the Theatre Owners of America,
told the 150 men and women exhibitors assembled
at the convention. Sullivan pointed
out that various special interests constantly
are making restrictive laws affecting the
producer and exhibitor and that the motion
picture industry in our economy "was too
important to be treated as a group of civic
misfits."
URGES COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
Sullivan urged the exhibitors to make their
impact felt through intensive interest in
community affairs.
He touched also on the matter of taxation
laws now in effect, or being introduced in
state legi.slatures, and pointed out that theatres
bear a: disproportionate amount of taxes
on local, state and national levels.
In the face of declining revenues. Sullivan
urged better exploitation methods. He asserted
the TOA was now working with major
Hollywood producers in the preparation of an
exciting, stimulating type of television trailer
to bring audiences back. He felt that the
present type of trailer was "old hat" and
lacked imagination and the kind of modern
showmanship necessary to meet the challenge
of home television. Sullivan called for an
end to the prophets of doom concerning
television, and declared that television offers
new and broader opportunities for better
showmanship and better boxoffice. He recalled
that exhibitors were just as concerned
The new officers of the Arkansas ITO
are seen, standing, left to right: Jack
Bomar, secretary -treasurer, and O. G.
Abernathy, vice-president. Seated: E. W.
Savage, retiring president, and chairman
of the board, and Sam Kirby, president.
and anxious about their futui'e during the
early days of radio, and that eventually radio,
having drawn largely on motion picture personalities,
enhanced instead of retarded the
motion picture industry.
"Television will not be a crippling influence
on the exhibitor." Sullivan said. "We will be
merely adopting new techniques."
•FLAUNTS DECREE PHILOSOPHY'
Herman M. Levy, TOA general counsel,
gave an analysis of pending legislation and
litigation affecting the industry. In discussing
the U.S. vs. Paramount case Levy said
that several companies have added additional
clauses and have changed clauses in standard
exhibition contracts, and that some of these
changes very seriously affect exhibitors, most
of whom do not bother to read their contracts.
He called on all distributors to notify exhibitors
specifically when changes are made.
Levy also stated that while those companies
that were not parties to U.S. vs. Paramount
case are technically not bound by the terms
or the decision of the relief granted, they
should in all fairness accept the decision and
not now employ or take advantage of these
practices outlawed by that decision.
Complaints have come to TOA that there
have been some flagrant offenses in this field.
"There can be no justification for the continuing
of these illegal practices," Levy said.
"It flaunts the philosophy of U.S. vs. Paramount
agreement for the distributor to use
competitive bidding for increased film rentals,
or for any purpo.se other than to avoid litigation
or to permit somebody who has been
product-starved to obtain -sufficient product.
Employment of competitive bidding for increased
film rental will boomerang to the
distributors' disadvantage because it ultimately
must result in the exclusion of product
from the competitive area, in the operation
of the theatres at a loss or in some such
other uneconomic and unstabilized condition."
As to Ascap, Levy asserted that there ap-
Guard Against Passing on
Of Ascap Fee, Warns
Herman Levy
pears to be fali'ly accurate information that
negotiations now are either going on or are
being anticipated leading toward a consent
decree revision under which Ascap would be
permitted or compelled to sell musical copyrights
directly and outright to picture producers.
If this is so. then exhibitors must be
vigilant to protest in all ways at their command
the passing on of this charge to exhibitors,
he warned, and declared distributors
.should not go into any such decree intendmg
to pass the charge on to exhibitors.
SEES OBLIGATION
M. A. Lightman jr. declared the only major
television threat to theatres is the telecasting
of motion pictiu'e first run. In anticipation
television theatre owners must make their
theatres more attractive in order to make the
theatres successful in competing for the
amusement dollar. Lightman .said.
Glenn A. Green, executive director of the
Arkansas Free Enterprise A.ss'n, was guest
speaker at the annual banquet. He speech,
entitled, "The Siren's Song," reviewed the
current trend toward socialism.
He charged motion picture exhibitors as
being the custodians of the mo.st potent educational
medium ever known.
"You have an obligation as American citizens
enjoying the blessings of the American
way of life to guard against motion picture
propaganda bearing injury to the American
capitalist system," Green said. "I am not
suggesting that motion pictures from Hollywood
or New York are consistently carrying
un-American propaganda. They aren't, of
course, but they are carrying some, and that
is too much.
"The industry is one of America's greatest.
In every great American cause since the birth
of the movies, the industry has given generously
of its talents and resources. In many
ways, the motion picture industry is making
priceless contributions to the strength
of America." Green named two film shorts.
"Meet King Joe" and "Letter to a Rebel,"
which he said did a "swell job of promoting
the American capitalist .system."
URGES INDUSTRY UNITY
Leon J. Bamberger of RKO spoke on "Unity
Between Distributor and Exhibitor," and said
the exhibitor is on the firing line in respect
to the industry through contact with the
public.
"You who operate theatres have to do
everything in your power to strengthen contact
of these theatres with the public through
increasing attention to the art of showmanship,"
Bamberger said. "It will help to maintain
and increase the flow of the public's
money into boxoffices on a healthy and sound
basis.
"Because of the mcreased cost of motion
picture production, the distributor is doing
(Continued on next
page)
BOXOFFICE
:
: May
28, 1949
91

Exhibitors at Arkansas ITO Convention
Exhibitors registered at the ITO of Arkansas
convention:
ARKANSAS
LITTLE ROCK—Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Edenfield,
Southern Theatre Service Co.: Mr. and
Mrs. R. H. Jennings, Motion Picture Advertising:
B. F. Busby, Jones-Busby Theatre;
Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Perrin. Perrin Theatre
Supply; Mr. and Mrs. Dave Callahan. Miss
Nona White and Mrs. Deb Rondeau, all of
R&R; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Peek, Garland
Theatre; Mr. and Mrs. Herod Jimerson, Liberty
and Airway; Mr. and Mrs. O. G. Wren
and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Homer, all of Wren
Theatres; Mr. and Mrs. Sam B. Kirby,
Nabor; Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Mundo, Rex; Ima
Jean Duty; Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Green, and
Mr. and Mrs. Eli Whitney Coll ns, retired
exhibitors.
HOT SPRINGS—Mr. and Mrs. Joe Howe,
Mrs. Ruth Demby and Mrs. Jessie Howe, all
of the Strand, and Sidney Nutt, retired
exhibitor.
MONTICELLO—B. V. McDougald, Drew
and Amusu.
COTTER—Lew Andrews, Paradise.
CORNING—Mrs. Ann Hutchins, State.
WILSON—Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Bird, Wilson
ṀALVERN—Travis T. Arnold, Ritz and
Joy, and Mrs. T. T. Arnold, Robb and Rowley
ḞORREST CITY—Mr. and Mrs. Henry T.
Haven, Imperial Theatre Co.
PARAGOULD—Mr. and Mrs. Orris Collins,
Capitol; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Collins,
Capitol and Majestic.
HARRISON—Mr. and Mrs. Garvin Fitton
and D. E. Fitton, all of the Plaza.
BLYTHEVILLE—Warren L., Elisabeth Ann
Moxley, Moxley Theatres; Mr. and Mrs.
J. B. Fisher, Audreanel Freeman and Mrs.
O. W. McCutcheon, all of the Ritz, Gem and
Roxy.
ELAINE—Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Watson, a
new theatre.
ENGLAND—Mrs. Bert Axley and Terry
Police Preview 'Walked'
ST. PETERSBURG—Approximately 50 St.
Petersburg police officers attended a special
showing of "He Walked by Night" at the
Plaza Theatre here. The policemen commented
on the show, picked out flaws as they
saw them, and then adapted ideas and criticized
their own setup with a view to improving
service.
92
TICKETS
MACHINE
FOLDED
Axley, a new theatre.
ARKADELPHIA— Cecil Cupp, Cecil Cupp
Theatres.
LEPANTO—Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Sumpter,
Cotton Boll Theatre.
HOLLY GROVE—L. G. Renfro jr.. Grove.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK—Roy and June
Chochran, Juroy; Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Mc-
Cord and M. J. Pruniski, all of Malco Theatres.
NEWARK—J. V. Chapman, Royal.
PINE BLUFF—Leroy Branch and Billy
Hill, both of William C. Hill Co.; Mr. and
Mrs. O. C. Hauber, Hauber. and C. F. Bonner,
Community.
JONESBORO—W. L. Mack, Malco Theatres.
BOONEVILLE—Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Savage,
Savage.
TUCKERMAN—Tom B. Kirk, a new theatre.
MORRILTON—Mr. and Mrs. O. G. Abernathy.
Petit Jean.
WARREN—Sidney Wharton, Pastime and
Avalon.
OSCEOLA—A. B. Ward, Joy; Mrs. Emma
DUMAS—Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Mitchell,
Cox and Mrs. Ella Evans, both of the Gem.
Gem.
DERMOTT—Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wren,
Wren Theatres.
LAKE VILLAGE—Mr. and Mrs. Clem
FoUis.
LINCOLN—Mr. and Mrs. William J. Harris,
Crown.
HARRISBURG—Mr. and Mrs. Don Landers,
Radio.
DEWITT—Ray A. Wilson, Wilson Theatres.
MAGNOLIA—Harold L.
AUGUSTA—Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Malin,
Lura.
JACKSONVILLE—Mr. and Mrs. Bartus
Gray, Graco.
Out-of-state Exhibitors
DREW, MISS.—Mr. C. H. Collier, Globe.
Runnels, R&R.
Free Show Is Safety Drive Climax
ELBA, ALA.—The Elba Theatre, managed
by Dozier Roberts, and Western Auto's associated
store were hosts to all school children
of Elba at a free show on Tuesday (17 >.
The show was the climax of a safety campaign
started last fall and all schools, white
and Negro, were dismissed for the showing.
Two bicycles were awarded as prizes.
-A-eeu-RAe-Y-
SPEED
RESERVED SEAT W
TICKETS
SOUTHWEST TICKET
& COUPON CO.
2110 CORINTH STBEET
DALLAS (H-7185) TEXAS
TICKETS
ROLL
Founders Honored
By Arkansas Ass'n
(Continued from preceding page)
everything in his power to advertise and
make attractive to the people throughout the
country motion pictures and new personahties
which you will show in your theatres. It
behooves every exhibitor to present them
adequately and try to build them up through
publicity and exploitation in their respective
communities."
The final meeting also saw exhibitors resolving
to present a scroll in appreciation to
Edward B. Dillon, state representative from
Pulaski county, for his help to the men and
women of show business. A special committee
was to be appointed to select and present
the gift to Dillon.
Social gatherings of the metting included
a cocktail party given by the Motion Picture
Advertising Service Co., New Orleans, and a
barbecue given by Film Transit, Inc., Memphis.
Officers and directors formulated plans to
combat infiltration of 16mm operators and
appointed Kirby, Savage and Abernathy
to study the problem.
Exhibits on display included those of Tri-
State Theatre Supply, Memphis; Blevins Popcorn
Co.. Nashville; Griggs Equipment Co.,
Belton, Tex.; Manley, Inc., Kansas City, Mo.;
Quik-Serv Fountainette, Dallas; The William
C. Hill Co., marquees and attraction panels.
Pine Bluff, Ark., and the American Desk
Mfg. Co., Temple. Tex.
Miami City Commission
Asked to Regulate 16mm
MIAMI — George E. Raymond, business
manager of Local 316 of projectionists, presented
an ordinance to the city commission
to regulate use of 16mm films and the
places in which they may be shown. Raymond
said he represented both the projectionists
and owners and operators of Miami
theatres.
The ordinance would forbid the showing
of motion pictures, free or not, except in
licensed theatres or large assembly halls. It
did, however, carry a long list of exemptions.
The assembly halls would have to have seats
for at least 750 persons or a permanent stage
and seats for 350.
Exempted would be schools, churches, museums,
armories, libraries, hospitals, sanitoria,
orphanages, nurseries, penal institutions, asylums,
private dwellings, business, trade and
professional conventions, and films shown
for business, military or industrial training.
Raymond said that under present city regulations
a new type of 16mm projector permits
people to rent any kind of a building
for showing motion pictures, without having
to live up to fire and other regulations. He
emphasized the ordinance excluded television
stations, churches, schools, civic organizations
and private homes. The commission referred
the ordinance to City Manager Hart for study.
LORRAINE
CARBONS
JIMMY WILSON
"A Friendly Service"
WILSON-MOORE ENT., INC.
P. O. Box 2034 Atlanta
BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

Western Adventure Patron Taste No Problem to Her
MIAMI—Diminutive Rina Cursi of Washington,
one of the most unusual people in likes it better than ever. "I don't worry too
started her work eight years ago and now
Office to Charlotte
CHARLOTTE—The home office of Western the motion picture industry, is visiting in much about the tastes of our clients," she
Adventure Pi-oductions, Inc.. maker of western
films, will be shifted from San Francisco Cursi, a Rochester girl, has made a name for to the theatre on time and undamaged."
Surfside. In a field trod mostly by men. Miss acknowledges. "It's enough to get the films
to Charlotte.
herself as a film booker.
Unlike hundreds of other people in the distribution
business, .she has few ideas on what's
Francis White, president of the film company,
is associated in the operation of Con-
music and voice, all of which led her to the the matter with boxoffice attendance. "Peo-
The soft-spoken brunet studied ballet,
solidated Theatres here with Tom A. Little, theatre. She explains the jump from stage ple just don't have as much money to spend
vice-president of the producing firm. The to screen work as nothing more significant and there's some competition from television,
company was formed last year, and production
is carried on in California.
marketing or otherwise.
she explains. Such controversial factors as
than a yearning to do motion picture work-
though not with our small town customers,"
Scott Lett, local manager of Screen Guild Miss Cursi watches out for the theatregoing
wants of Virginia customers. From saccharin musicals," and so on, don't worry
"too much blood and thunder." "too many
Pi-oductions, has been appointed general sales
manager of the firm. Offices are now being Washington she services an entire chain of her, because, she says, her theatres vary so
prepared in the Film Exchange building at theatres, most of them in small cities. She much in tastes and preferences.
300 W. Third St.
With the opening of the home office, contracts
for the showings of the firm's pictures
will be sent here for approval. Banking
and all legal affairs will also be carried on
"Picked Up My Popcorn
from the Charlotte office.
The corporation has already released a
number of western pictures starring Lash
La Rue. Relea.ses are handled through Screen
Sales at Least 33y3%"
Guild. Lett has been in distribution for a
number of years and was formerly connected
. . . Says Little Rock Exhibitor
with Paramount, 20th-Fox and Warners.
•
"I can conscienfiously recommend your Atomic Ring Popcorn
Film Referendum Refused
Boxes OS o stimulant to popcorn sales tor child patrons,
By Talladega Officials
writes Mr. Sam B. Kirby of the Nabor Theatre, Little Rock,
Ark. ".
. . the Atomic Ring Boxes picked up popcorn sales
TALLADEGA, ALA.—The city commission
on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday matinees by at
turned down a request for an informal referendum
on Sunday films by a two to one
received their rings and are highly pleased."
least 33 l/3°o . . . Several of my child patrons . . .
hove
vote.
Commissioner J. B. McKinney, who offered
the motion to hold the election, said
LET BLEVmS' ATOMIC RING BOX INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS!
it is almost certain he will run for re-election
in September on a "Sunday film"
Boosts Boxoffice as Well as Sales through Self-Liquidating "Box Top" Premium with Terrific Kid
plank.
Appeol • No Premiums to Buy, Stock to Handle • Costs No More than Regulor Boxes
There is talk that the local legislative
Use it as You Would any Other Popcorn Container • Only $7.35M in 5M lots.
delegation may be asked to determine whether
they could pass a local bill providing for BLEVINS POPCORN COMPANY
the referendum.
Popcorn Village
650 Murphy Ave., S W
Mayor W. L. Baker and Commissioner
3098 Charlotte Ave.
Building E, Unit 8
Noble Hall voted against McKinney's move
NASHVILLE, TENN.
ATLANTA, GA.
to hold the referendum.
Warehouse Stocks in Memphis, New Orleans, Little Rock and Tampa
Show Goes on at Orpheum
NEW ORLEANS— First run films are continuing
on a full-time basis at the Orpheum
throughout the major exterior alterations
currently under way. Tlie lobby and boxoffice
are being completely renovated and a
new marquee with an upright sign is to be
installed. Major interior alterations, including
installation of more than 2,000 new
seats, have been completed. A new pecan Improve Your Projection
wood floor and new tile lavoratories were
also installed during the general refurnishing
of the interior. John V. Dostal
WITH
is city
manager of the RKO theatres.
B & L COATED
CONSOLIDATED ARTIST BOOKING AGCY.
Hollywood • San Antonio • Chicago - New York
BOOKING VAUDEVILLE COAST to COAST HIGH SPEED LENSES
Shows for All Types of Entertainment
Phone Fannin 5496 405-406 Texas Theatre Bldg.
THEY PASS MORE LIGHT
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
ATLANTA. CA.
VIL-KIN
Ramp Identification Lights
SAVES TIME — ELIMINATES CONFUSION
CHAHLOTTE, N. C.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. 'k'c'.'mT"
"Everything Jor the theatre except /Urn"
BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949 93

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— FACTORY — TEMPLE, TEXAS —
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94 BOXOFTICE :; May 28, 1949

U
. . The
. . Dottie
Transit Strike Still
Cuts Atlanta Trade
ATLANTA—First run trade here slumped
again as the transit strike continued. "My
Dream Is Yours" at the Fox set the pace with
a rating of only 90 per cent.
(Average Is 100)
fox—My Dream Is Yours (WB) 90
Grand—The Barkleys ol Broadway (MGM) 90
I
Paramount—Red Canyon I £7
Roxy—Mr. Belvedere Goes lo College {20th-Fox).
2nd d. t. wk, 85
Rhodes—Outpost in Morocco (UA), 2nd d. t. wk... 89
"Undercover Man' Is Topper
Of Trade in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS -With a wide variety of
outdoor activities luring patrons away from
boxoffices, trade at local first runs slumped
sharply. "The Undercover Man" at the Orpheum
carded 97 per cent to take the lead.
Saenger—Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (20th-
Fox), 2iid wk 89
State—Ma ond Pa Kettle (" 1) 92
Orpheum—The Undercover Man (Col) 97
Liberty—Passionelle iFF). Torment (Oxford) 90
Joy—El Paso (Para) - 92
BIRMINGHAM
/^llie Haynes, Lyric manager, was a member
of the committee which arranged for
the two-day Civitan club convention here
recently . . . N. A. Kriel, Ritz projectionist,
is back at work after a long illness . . .
R. M. Kennedy, district manager for
Wilby-Kincey, has named Ralph Curry,
former manager of the Walton Theatre
in Selma, as manager of the new Sel-
Mont Drive-In there. No successor at the
Walton has been appointed. The 500-car
Sel-Mont is scheduled for a June 14 opening.
Roger Butler is city manager in Selma
for the circuit . . C. J. "Smoky" Moore,
.
Melba projectionist, is back at work after
an illne.ss of more than six weeks.
Lewis Waites of Queen Feature Service,
Inc., has been busy at Cullman on installation
of Voice of the Theatre sound at the
new Ritz Theatre there. The house, owned
by Acme Theatres, is slated to open around
Smith Rundle, Homewood pro-
June 1 . . .
jectionist, spent a ten-day vacation at his
former home in North Georgia.
Birtninghatn Theatre booked the King Cole
Trio for five shows a day June 1, 2 . . . Fred
Pinckard, Lyric projectionist, returned after
a week's illness. Because of his illness he
was forced to miss his annual visit to the
Memorial day speedway races at Indianapolis.
Instead, he spent his vacation at his former
home in north Alabama.
Ted Saizis, relief projectionist and local
newsreel cameraman, has returned from Oxford.
Miss., where he was a second cameraman
on one of the crews shooting MGM's
"Intruder in the Dust." He was working
there nearly ten weeks and spent a brief
vacation in New Orleans before returning.
Saizis has a new 35mm sound camera, one
of the few in the south, and expects to do
considerable television work with it. He also
has a new station wagon to transport his
camera equipment . . . Newmar Theatre
went into a third week on the roadshowing
of "The Red Shoes." It was the only
holdover on any of the downtown screens.
NEW ORLEANS
.
l^embers of the Universal club from the
clerical and inspection departments and
executives of the local office enjoyed a seafood
dinner at the Beach House . . . B. D.
Bright has sold his Motor-In Theatre at
. . Dan
Monroe, La., to H. G. Tiophit
.
Brandon, Tramw-ay general manager, went
to New York on business Doyline
Theatre. Doyline, La., has been closed indefinitely,
says owner L. M. Fulton.
. . .
Walter Christiansen, general manager of
Southeastern Theatres, with headquarters in
Franklin, La., was being introduced along
the Row by W. A. Lighter, head of the circuit
. . . Freddie Houck. concessions manager
for Joy Theatres, made a trip here from
his headquarters in Shreveport . . . Allied
of Gulf States General Manager Maurice
Artigues was in Mobile on business for the
organization W. A. Prewitt, Associated
Theatres head, flew to Arkansas to attend
the Arkansas ITO convention.
The Saenger and Loew's State shared honors
for opening attendance. "Flamingo Road"
was at the former, and "The Barkleys of
Broadway" .it the latter. "Adventure in
Baltimore ' opened at the Orpheum. Busine.ss
grossed by "The Undercover Man" did
not warrant its being moved to the Liberty
for a second week's run, and "Bad Men of
Tombstone" was that theatre's feature. "Tlie
Big Cat" was showing at the Joy. "Paisan"
was featured at the Center. "Canadian Pacific"
opened at the Tudor. "Laff-Time" was
at the Globe. On the Joy Strand's double
bill were "Roll, Thunder, Roll" and "Tlie
Dark Mirror." The Lyceimi was showing
"The Search" and "West of Sonora."
Visiting exhibitors included B. V.
Sheffield,
formerly of the Strand, Poplarville, Miss.;
Claude Darce, Opera House, Morgan City;
GOLD KEY TO GINGER—Ginger
Rogers is shown above as she received
the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce's
gold key to the city in ceremonies at the
Downtown club. Presenting the award
is Mayor Cooper Green. Ginger, in the
city for the cotton fashion show sponsored
by the News-Age-Herald and
downtown merchants, made a personal
appearance at the Alabama Theatre.
Tanos Josephs, Teche and Opera House theatres,
Franklin, accompanied by his wife; J. C.
Keller, Liberty, Queen and K&M, Eunice;
Mrs. R. H. Muse, Leslie, Denham Springs;
Frank Corbitt, Ritz, Laurel, Mi.ss.; A. L.
Royal, Royal Theatres, Meridian, Miss.; N.
L. Ordoneaux, Lake, Lake Arthur; Milton
Guidry, Bijou, Erath; Roy Pfeiffer, Avenue,
Istrouma and Tivoli, Baton Rouge; Frank
Olah, Star, Albany, La.; Mrs. A. Guzzardo,
Liberty, Independence, and Charlie Levy,
Harlem, Thibodaux.
Participating in a goodwill air tour of the
state of Mississippi June 2-5, are Connie
Black, secretary to W. A. Prewitt, and Jeanette
DeJarnette of National Theatre Supply
Co. The two girls will fly a Cessna 140 on
the tour, with Connie as pilot and Jeanette
as navigator. Prewitt also will make the tour
in a separate plane, accompanied by two of
his children . Walk is the new clerk
at Dixie Films, replacing Lillie McMillan,
who resigned.
. . Ellen
Bruce
Gail DeJarnette, sound engineer, suffered
two broken fingers recently when his hand
became entangled in the flywheel of his boat
while he was working on the motor .
Beyer, Film Inspection Service employe,
has resigned. FIS personnel gave her several
gifts on her last day at work .
Hirstus of
. .
FIS celebrated a birthday. Workers
gave him a gift and shared a birthday
cake . . . Jerry Comment, FIS inspector, was
on a two-week vacation.
Republic personnel on vacations included
Vivian Surgi, cashier, and Ethel Engler, inspector
Republic special representative
. . . W. L. Kreh, who came here from New York
to spend several days at the local office, left
for Oklahoma . . . Willis Houck of Booking
Service Co. says his organization has as-
.sumed tlie booking for the Joy, Ritz, Palace
and Leo theatres in Texarkana, Ark. He has
requested that all futiue correspondence be
directed to him at 218 So. Liberty St., New
Orleans.
Charles "Buddy" Rogers, actor-producer,
spent several days here, arriving on the
mammoth plane Constitution. He was putting
in two weeks' duty in the naval reserve. In
an interview Rogers said that, in his opinion,
as far as the future of the motion picture
industry is concerned "from now on it
will be the survival of the fittest." He believes
that the story rather than the star
will count in the future, and that the star
system is definitely on the way out, as evidenced
by several inexpensive pictures recently
released, some of which grossed more
than star-weighted productions.
New Films Council Head
ST. LOUIS—Mrs. Robert E. Colyer, governor
of the International Federation of
Catholic Alumnae and a member of the local
circle, was installed as president of the Better
Films council at the annual luncheon anfi
installation meeting in the Congress hotel
Friday (20).
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BOXOFFICE :
: May
28, 1949 95

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damaged bocks, seats or other parts.
We can re-cover worn or torn seats
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See Harlan Dunlap
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at 410 S, Second St., Phone 8-1770
Bee Alon Boyd
Louisiana and Southern Mississippi Exhibitors:
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Or Call, Wire or Write:
GRIGGS
'
Texas
MONARCH
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Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis, Tenn.
J
MEMPHIS
Morman J. Ayers, Warner division manager,
was a visitor . . . Herb Kohn, Malco
Theatres, named to the national council ot
the Joint Defense Appeal, fund-raising
branch of the American Jewish committee
and the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai
B'rith . . . Tom Young, 20th-Fox manager,
has a son Joe S., who is a salesman for
Paramount. Joe has a son named Wayne,
who was on a Cotton Carnival float representing
Snowden school, which won frist
prize in the children's parade.
L. J. Lenhart of Kansas City, who books
. . .
for the Commonwealth circuit houses at
Searcy and Harrison, Ark., was in town on
business Ted Zohbel, U-I auditor, who
has been working at the local branch about
four months, moved on to New York
Katherine Handle, Eagle Lion office
. . .
manager,
attended the graduation of her sister
at Goodman Junior college, Starkville, Miss.
. . . L. W. McClintock, Paramount manager,
office manager Travis Carr, and salesmen
Bob Kilgore, Joe Young and Tom Donahue
attended a company sales meeting in Dallas.
An early summer heat wave hit Memphis.
Swimming pools were opened. Night clubs
and hotels opened roof gardens. First run
attendance was described as "just fair" . .
.
W. F. Ruffin sr. and jr. were in town booking
and shopping for the Ruffin Amusement
Co. theatres which are operated from Covington,
Term., headquarters . . . Owen Burgiss.
Gem, Jackson, and Amelia Ellis, Mason,
Mason, were other visiting Tennessee exhibitors.
Henry Haven jr., who operates the Haven
circuit from Forrest City, Ark., with houses
in Marianna, Wynne, Brinkley and Forrest
City, was here on business. Zell Jaynes, Joy
at West Memphis and Maxie at Trumann;
Charles Nelson, Palace, Greenwood; J. E.
Singleton, Tyro, Tyronza; K. K. King, Rialto,
Searcy, and K. H. Kinney, Hays, Hughes,
were other visiting Arkansas exhibitors.
From IVIississippi came A. N. Rossi, Roxy,
Clarksdale; Mrs. Clare Collier, Mrs. Vallery
Bm'ke, Bem Jackson and C. J. Collier, who
operate theatres at Drew, Shaw, Benoit and
Ruleville. Others from Mississippi included
Mrs. J. Forte, Norjan, Olive Branch; Leon
Roundtree, Holly Springs, Water Valley and
Lexington operator; J. C. Bonds, Von, Hernando;
Mrs. Ethel Lobdell, Talisman, Rosedale;
Dr. R. W. Johnson, Shelby, Shelby; Joe
Wofford, Calhoun City, Eupora and Union
operator; and J. C. Brents, Gloria, Senatobia.
. .
.
D. D. Flippin, whose Flippin Theatre was
burned to the ground recently, now is back in
business at Bragg City, Mo., with an openair
show . The Malco Theatre entertained
winning tag day school girl teams as a reward
for their work for the Cynthia milk
fund of the Press-Scimitar which provides
free milk for needy Memphis babies the year
around Memphis managers and
salesmen attended the annual convention of
Arkansas ITO in Little Rock last week.
Buys Site Near Sikeston
SIKESTON, MO.—Earl Ferrell of Charleston,
Mo., has purchased ground near here
as the site for a 400-car drive-in he hopes
to open within the next four to six weeks.
Florida's High Court
Rules Out Ticket Tax
JACKSONVILLE—The Florida Supreme
Court, in a unanimous decision, has ruled
that the city of St. Petersburg was without
authority to levy a 10 per cent tax on
theatre admissions under terms of an ordinance
passed last fall.
The finding by the court was on an appeal
from a decision by Judge Victor O.
Wehle in circuit court which found in favor
of theatre owners who challenged it.
The decision also entails the return by
the city to those who paid the tax of all
money held in escrow pending a decision
by the supreme court. Theatre owners had
posted bonds to cover their tax payments if
Other amusement owners
they lost the case.
have set aside the equivalent of the tax to
cover the same contingency.
Theatreman Leads Civic Club
EAST GADSDEN, ALA.—J. R. Long, manager
of the Coosa Theatre here, has been
elected president of the East Gadsden Civitan
club.
Atkins, Ark., Theatre Sold
ATKINS. ARK.—Carl Bangert has sold the
Royal Theatre here to W. D. Buford of
Cookeville, Tenn.
ANOTHER
BLEVINS
WAREHOUSE
TO SERVE YOU
BLEVINS

. . Irmgard
. . Another
. . Wives
. . Barry
. .
MIAMI
f^laughton's Variety and Embassy theatres
presented each child attending a recent
Sunday show with a pass to Tropical Hobbyland.
The pass also entitled the bearer to a
free You-Go-I-Go game . of Variety
Club members and their children are
eligible to membership in the newly formed
women's committee of the local tent. Election
of officers is on the agenda for a May 27
meeting.
Emogene Leslie of this city has been named
Miss Miami of 1949. A model, she w-ill compete
for the title. Miss F'nrida, which can
put her in line for the Mi. America contest.
"Little Women," which lecently broke records
at the Emba.ssy for length of run of a
regular-priced feature, is now playing at
Paramount's Sheridan, Florida and Cinema,
and at the independent Normandy as part
of a double-feature program . Gray,
who conducts a late-at-night radio program
here, has made a number of motion picture
musical shorts which are featured prominently
when bookings bring them to local
theatres. The Lincoln at pre.sent has a large
easel poster in its outer lobby.
The Miracle Theatre's Saturday children's
show presented Bob Ellis, Mystogogue of
Magic. Bob is a University of Miami student.
Located near the university, the Miracle
has a large student clientele . . Richard
.
Conte cut his Miami Beach vacation short
when Pat Kane, his stand-in, was promoted
by Darryl Zanuck to featured player. Conte
returned home to coach Kane.
, . .
Bob Freeman, the personable youngster who
won a week's date at the Olympia in a Daily
News Youth Roundup contest, confessed after
the finals, held at the theatre, that he was
so nervous under the bright spotlight that
he thought he didn't have a chance. However,
singing star Freddie Stewart, one of the
contest judges, commented that Bob's work
was the best of any amateur sing«r he'd
viewed in years Wometco's State presented
a double feature, "The Mutineers"
and "I Cheated the Law."
Pincus Tell, better known as Chris Graham,
has a new book out called "Opportmiities
in Motion Pictures" . hygiene
film, "Street Corner," has opened here, beginning
an extended run at Bern.stein's Dixie
downtown. Showings are in the .same manner
as the recent "Mom and Dad" which ran
so successfully at the Tivoli.
Video fans were promised a treat recently
when a talented singer from a local club was
scheduled to make his WTVJ debut ... It
was "Leonard Sacks night," at the Variety
Club recently. Barker Sacks, who is a Coral
Gables furniture dealer when not engaged in
Variety activities, was host to the professional
talent at the weekly benefit show in
the club's rooftop rooms.
WTVJ, Wometco's television station, showed
the third chapter of the Eisenhower documentary,
"Crusade in Europe." The fi'm was
edited from some 165 million feet of film,
much of it captured from Germany and Japs.
It was sold exclusively to television. The
third chapter is entitled "America Goes to
War" . Dawson is mentioned in a
Hollywood studio release reading, "Florida
beauty has been added to a California-made
motion picture. The beauty is Irmgard Dawson,
twice "Miss Miami' and once 'Miss
Florida.' "
Charles Skouras was among film executives
before whom Buster McGovern performed on
the accordion and piano at the Kentucky
Derby. McGovern has returned to Miami .
Al Weiss of Paramount's Olympia booked
"The Quiz of the Three Ts" for a recent
stage presentation. Broadcast locally, it offered
prizes, including a trip to Havana.
'12 OXlock' Filming
Completed in South
MIAMI— Twentieth Century-Fox pulled up
stakes here in Florida after a month's filming
of "TR-elve O'clock H gh" with Gregory
Peck. The Eglin nir force base here, and
Ozark and Enterpri.se, Ala., were the scenes
for the shooting.
About 72 member.s of the studio company
headed by veteran Director Henry King
have been here since April 17. King said
the only complication about the Eglin field
f Imlng was that the base's pine ti-ees didn't
fit too well into the setting for an English
air base, locale of the story.
Among actors brought here for the filming
were Dean Jagger. Don Hicks. Hugh Marlowe,
John McKee, Paul Stewart and Lee
McGregor. Miami cameraman Joe Gibson
returned home having completed his aerial
photography for the pi'oduction. Shots were
made with B17s flying In the same formations
which carried the first American
bombs to Germany. The U.S. air force cooperated
in making the film which is a semidocumentary.
It will be released next year.
Jeff Chandler will play an Apache chief
in "Arrow," a 20th-Fox picture.
Gryder and Alig Quit
Florida State Posts
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.—Two Florida State
Theatres executives have resigned.
Glenn Gryder, film buyer and manager of
the booking department for the la.st 17 years,
left the company May 14 and has joined the
Talgar circuit with offices here as head
buyer and booker.
Frank Alig, treasurer of Florida States,
will leave June 1 and will enter private business
at Lakeland.
B. B. ANDERSON— Owner, Anderson
Theatre Company, Mullins,
South Carolina— declares:
"We use RCA Service in every
Anderson Theatre and have
found the service very satisfactory."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
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Adv.
I
BOXOFFICE ;
: May
28. 1949 97

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SOUTHERN DESK COMPANY
Theatre Seating Division
P. 0. Box 630 HICKORY, N. C.
[cSi^if^^SoAL PHOTO
ENLARGEMENTS
BLOWUPS
Rapid
Service
Low Prices
Standarci Dale
Slides
3 ior $1.00
ATLANTA
O A. Roebuck, former Film Classics salesman,
has been appointed head booker
. . .
and office manager . . . Leonard Allen of
Paramount returned from New York .
Tommy Read. Georgia Theatres executive,
celebrated his birthday The Fairview
Theatre here has been sold by Sol Miller to
W. W. Adams.
Mrs. Berniee Wadsworth, secretary to
Monogram Southern Exchanges president
. . .
C. Bromberg, returned from a Florida trip
Ike and Harry Katz of Kay Film Ex-
changes were back from New York . . .
John W. Mangham, Screen Guild, was out
of town on business . . . Bill Briant, assistant
UA western division manager, was a
visitor here
open his drive-in near Childersburg, Ala.,
about June 1.
. . Ralph
N. E. Savini, Astor Pictures, returned from
New York following a visit with his brother
Bob. president of the company .
was in Florida . . .
McCoy, Film Classics,
Mrs. E. C. Fain, theatre operator in Wetumpka,
Ala., was reported ill in a hospital
at Montgomery, Ala. . . . John Donnell,
Monogram home office representative, visited
the local branch.
Charles Clark, Madison Pictures branch
manager, left for Tennessee . . . Mrs. Cora
Roberts of the Monogram office was ill at
her home . Paul, RCA southern
district manager, was back from a sales trip
Staples of Monogram returned
a vacation trij] . . Dunn Theatres
from .
disclosed that their new houses in Donaldsonville,
Ga., and Chattahooche, Fla., soon
would be ready for opening.
Visitors on Filmrow included Mr. and
Mrs. Fred G. Weis. Weis Theatres, Macon:
Mrs. Wallace Smith, Gem, Barnesville; Roy
Mitchell, Stone, Stone Mountain: W. P.
Gammon, Ocilla: Mrs. V. M. Edwards. Royal.
Monticello: J. E. Martin, Grand, Montezuma:
W. R. Boswell, Madison: W. P. Rig^ins,
Strand, Jessup, and W. Greene, Palmetto,
Palmetto, Ga.: Alfred Starr, Bijou Amusement
Co., NashvUle, Tenn., and R. L. Bailey,
Eagle, Blountstown, Fla.
Starlight Drive-In vs. Union
In Chattanooga Paper
CHATTANOOGA—MPMO Local 259 and
the management of the Starlight Drive-In at
suburban Rossville, Ga., are airing a controversy
in the display advertising columns of
the local press.
The miion started it with an ad which
read, "Starlight Drive-In Theatre . . . does
not employ a member of the Moving Rctui'e
Machine Operators Union, Local 259."
The theatre management countered with an
ad, almost identical in appearance, which
ran side by side with that of the union:
"Starlight Drive-In Theatre . not
employ a union operator because it is operated
by the owners. If at any time we do
employ an operator it will be a union
operator."
Coed Makes Screen Debut
Yvette Vedder, UCLA coed, will make her
screen debut in "Sunset Boulevard," a Paramount
picture.
A CONVENTION CHAT—Among
exhibitors
at the recent Theatre Owners of
Georgia convention were Mr. and Mrs.
Fred Weiss, owner of the Weiss, Roxy and
Savannah theatres In Savannah, Ga.
They are shown above chatting with Leon
Bamberger, RKO sales promotion executive,
center.
Wilby-Kincey Manager
Aids Charlotte Drive
CHARLOTTE—Jack Austin, city manager
for Wilby-Kincey theatres, is helping direct
the local Opportunity bond drive, which has
a quota of $1,207,000. Austin says the
principal event of interest during the campaign
will be the visit to the city of the
covered wagon. Containing several types of
exhibits representing the country's progress,
the old relic of the gold rush of '49 began
its tour of North Carolina commimities at
Greensboro a few weeks ago.
Charlotte's goal in the drive is slightly
more than 10 per cent of the state quota
of $12,000,000. Closing campaign date is
June 30.
BOLIVAR HYDE— General Manager,
Talgar Theatre Co., Lakeland,
Florida— declares:
"We have used RCA Service for
over 14 years, and have found this
service satisfactory and economical.
Our equipment always is kept
in excellent condition."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
Adv.
98 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

Armview Vaudeville
Does Good Business
HALIFAX—The introductory six-act vaudeville
bill which played at the Armview. two
miles from downtown, for a week to excellent
business, was moved to the Gaiety, lowerpriced
Walker Affiliated downtown house.
Armview prices were 45 cents afternoons and
60 nights while the Gaiety admission is 30
and 45.
The live acts, imported from Boston, played
thrice daily with "The Green Grass of
Wyoming."
The Armview opened its second vaudeville
bill May 19. titled "Harlem on Parade." also
consisting of six acts from the U.S. The
Armview seats about 700 and. the Gaiety 613.
TV Export Hike Expected
By British Factories
MONTREAL—With earlier commitments
nearly met. British television equipment
manufacturers soon will make a determined
bid for more export trade with Canada, said
Harold Wilson, president of the United Kingdom
Board of Trade. Wilson .said that United
Kingdom delivery dates now were firmer
than they had been. He expressed the belief
that Canadian orders would receive top
priority in Britain now that the backlog had
been reduced by increased production.
Britain hopes to make a good showing in
television. Wilson added. "We are the world's
largest suppliers of transmitting equipment."
he said, "and I believe our receiving sets are
superior to the American televison sets."
Negotiations have been going on betw'een
British manufacturers and the Canadian
Broadcasting Coitj., he said, but the dissolution
of parliament before the granting of
fund.s for television in Canada forced a temporary
halt.
lATSE Local Organized
At Corner Brook. N. F.
ST. JOHN—The first local of the lATSE
on Newfoundland has been organized at
Corner Brook by projectionists of the Majestic.
Palace and Regent theatres. The
operatore are seeking shorter working hours,
higher wages and improved working conditions.
The promoters of the local are trying
to widen the appeal to cover projectionists
and other -employes of theatres in St.
John's, Harbor Grace, Gander, Carbonear,
Buchans, Grand Falls, Bell Island, StephenviUe,
Botwood and Deer Lake. There are ten
theatres in St. John's.
Four Alberta Drive-Ins
Slated by Western, Ltd.
EDMONTON—Four drive-ins. the first in
Alberta, are planned for the province this
year by Western Drive-In Theatres, Ltd.
Two were opened in May, one in Calgary
and one in Edmonton. A third in Lethbridge
will be ready for patrons by fall.
Site for a second drive-in has been selected
in Edmonton. Manager of Edmonton's
first, Norman McDonald,, said it is
hoped to keep the theatre open until November.
Heaters will be provided for the
cool fall months.
Dignitaries at Opening
Of New Odeon, Ottawa
Plan Newsreel Footage
On Party Candidates
TORONTO—With the Canadian federal
election campaign in full swing, a special
arrangement has been made under the auspices
of the national coirunittee. Motion Picture
Exhibitors Ass'n of Canada, for special
film coverage of recognized political party
leaders. Special footage will be attached to
newsreels for specified weeks prior to the
elections on June 27. The general plan follows
the time apportioned to political talks
over the national networks of the Canadian
Broadcasting Corp.
The first of the political releases, called
"The St. Laurent Story" for Prime Minister
Louis St. Laurent, will form a part of news
weeklies for showing during the week of
June 5. This will be succeeded in the following
week with a film for George Drew, leader
of the Conservative party, the official opposition
in the last Parliament. During the weeTi
of June 19 the film will deal with M. J.
Coldwell, leader of the Co-operative Commonwealth
party.
Election Tiein Helps
ST. JOHN—With the ail" saturated with
political talk because of the provincial and
dominion general elections in June, Manager
Ei-nie Hatfield of the Capitol, Yarmouth,
stressed "The Three Musketeers" as "Tlie
People's Choice," using local papers, throwaways,
window cards, lobby displays, etc., all
on the election and people's choice themes.
AT PREMIERE OF ANTARCTIC FILM
The Avenue Theatre in Montreal recently
was turned over to the Canadian military
forces for the initial showing of
"Scott of the Antarctic," a color producduction
of the ill-fated polar expedition.
Shown left to right in the accompanying
picture are Sir Sterling Hamilton, naval
adviser to the British high commissioner;
Ron Morris, announcer, and Winston
Avery, Avenue manager.
OTTAWA—A capacity crowd attended the
opening Friday t20) of the 1.539-seat Ottawa
Odeon. first major theatre to be constructed
here in more than ten years. Leonard Brockington.
vice-president of Odeon Theatres,
welcomed Governor-General and Viscountess
Alexander of Tunis, Sarah Churchill, actress
daughter of Winston Chuixhill, and the society
set which attended the opening ceremonies
in evening attire.
Miss Churchill made a brief talk, in which
she created some amusement by declaring
she could not measure up to another member
of the family in oratorical effectiveness.
During her Ottawa stay, she was a guest at
Rideau Hall, the vice-regal residence.
A stage feature in keeping with the theme
of "The Red Shoes" was presented by a
group of nine dancers of the Duval School
of Ballet. Newsreel cameramen and press
photographers took pictures of the governorgeneral,
cabinet ministers, government officials,
distinguished citizens and members of
the diplomatic coitds as they arrived at the
brightly illuminated entrance. Prior to taking
their places in the royal box, the party
from Government House toured the colorful
mezzanine floor to inspect the art gallery
where a collection of Canadian paintings,
"Portraits of the Dance," had been hung
under the direction of Paul Duval of Toronto.
Tlu-oughout the richly appointed lobby,
foyer and lounges there was a profusion of
handsome floral tributes and an array of telegraphed
greetings from many enterprises of
the film industry in Canada, the United
Kingdom and the United States.
Escorting the official party, resplendent
with ribbons and emblems of high British
decorations, was the manager of the magnificent
theatre, Gordon D. Beavis. A veteran
of 21 years in theatre operation, he started
in 1928 as an usher at the Capitol, Peterboro.
Following the formal opening, which was
under the auspices of the Canada Foundation,
the Odeon made its regular start without
further fanfare at noon the next day
with an admission scale rang ng from 15 to
65 cents. The occasion was marked by the
publication of a 20-page Odeon supplement
in tabloid size by the Ottawa Citizen and a
large section by the Ottawa Journal.
Mark Watkins Appointed
Assistant at Vancouver
VANCOUVER—Mark Watkins, recently
.appointed assistant manager at the 1,500-
seat Odeon-Hastings downtown, has quite a
background in show business. Born in 1898
in Liverpool, England, Watkins was a boy
.soprano at 8 and in 1914 was leader of a
vaudeville orchestra at the Fleet Theatre,
Fleet Hants. In 1920, he became oi-ganist at
the Pavilion Croydon and in 1927 he came
to Canada to do night club and dance work.
He was with the Canadian Scottish Concert
Party across Canada in 1940 and in 1943 became
free lance organist at the Orpheum
Theatre, Vancouver. He then decided to get
into the motion picture business and joined
the Odeon circuit.
BOXOFTICE :
: May 28, 1949 K 99

VANCOUVER
T>oy Gordon, theatrical promoter from Seattle,
is putting on Search for Talent
shows at the Odeon Theatre in Victoria
each Tuesday and at the Hastings in Vancouver
on Wednesday as off-night business
builders . . . Numerous beauty contests ai-e
being staged in provincial theatres. Miss
Vancouver for 1949 was chosen after eliminations
at local Odeon theatres and will compete
in the Miss Canada contest in Hamilton
this summer for the right to go on to
Atlantic City. The contest was sponsored by
the Vancouver Junior Chamber of Commerce,
and the winner was Joan McPherson, former
usherette in West Vancouver. Famous Players
will hold its annual beauty contest
shortly.
A new suburban theatre will be built by
Dave MacParlane, a local merchant, in his
new shopping district. Plans call for an
$80,000, 900-seater . . . Mary Eigner, Dominion
Theatre head cashier, resigned because
of ill health and moved to Edmonton.
Phyllis Smith, who was in the show business
in New Zealand before coming to Canada,
succeeded her. Vivian Todd moved up from
usherette to cashier . . . Ronald Houston, a
newcomer to the show business, was appointed
assistant manag-er at the International
Cinema succeeding Earl Barlow, moved to the
Capitol.
Mark Watkins, oldtime theatreman, was
appointed assistant at the Odeon Hastings
to replace Agnes Gray who moved to Los
Angeles with her family . . . Filnu-owers
report
that the reason there are fewer theatre
sales lately is that owners hesitate to put a
price on their places due to excessive new
construction costs . . Maxie Chechik, here
.
from Toronto, said he will not start construction
of his planned $100,000 theatre in
an exclusive residential district of Vancouver,
because costs are too high. Chechik
runs the York and Bay theatres here ... It
is reported that Seattle interests will buiW
a drive-in at Haney, B. C, in the Pi-aser
Valley.
Paul Harmon of Empire Agencies, Ltd. of
Vancouver, representative for J. C. Clancy,
Inc., stage equipment company of New York,
is equipping the Auditorium here and a new
high school in Edmonton with complete
stage effects, flood lights, etc. . . . The Alberta
censor board is following other provincial
censors in using the "Adult" and
"Family Entertairmient" classifications . . .
Bill Forward, manager of General Theatre
Supply Co., was in ChOliwack to install
Simplex projectors and soimd in the new
Paramount Theatre there which will open
early in June. The 900-seater will be the
second theatre for FPC there.
Theatre and exchange vacations started
early this year and many already have left
for south-of-the-border and British Columbia
summer resorts . . . Amusement park is
being erected by White City Amusement Co.
near New Westminster on the Pacific highway.
The park will include a dance pavilion,
roller rink and auditorium, rides, etc.
It will open July 1 and will operate aU year.
It will be no help to the six small seat
theatres in that section, now doing only fair
business.
. . There will
"Concert Magic" kept up the Vancouver
record of roadshow picture flops. "Joan of
Arc" also slipped badly at the Strand. Higher
price pictures are poison at the boxoffice
here. Both the above roadshows played only
six days to moderate business .
be no less than three first ruir Italian pictures
here next week, "Shoe-Shine" at the
Studio, "La Tosca" ut the Park, and "Paisan"
at the Cinema. The foreign pictui'es are getting
better reviews in the Vancouver press
than the Hollywood product.
Hugh Porteous of Oliver, B. C, has been
elected president of the Southern Okanagan
Film council of Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan
Falls in the interior . . . Jack Cohen,
owner of the Crescent and Plaza in Calgary,
here on vacation, reports that business
was holding up well in the Alberta cow
town . . . Earl Barlow, assistant at the
Capitol, was on vacation. Walter Hopp from
the Oi-pheum is on relief.
Odeon Fence Ruled Okay
ST. JOHN—There will be no appeal by
Franklin & Herschorn from a decision by
Justice Doull of the Nova Scotia supreme
court allowing Odeon to erect a fence between
the F&H Vogue and Odeon Casino. The
alley between the two theatres is about 11
feet wide, and Odeon owns about eight feet
of it. A steel fence was put up by Odeon,
but a court injunction was obtained by F&H
to have it taken down.
Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs
J. M. RICE & CO.
202 Canada BIdg. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone 25371
Everything For Your Theatre
COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
An Expert Repair Department
'Lagoon' Scores 110
As Best in Toronto
TORONTO—Trade at first run theatres
here showed improvement as the result of
cooler weather, which kept people in town
instead of hastening an exodus to summer
resorts. "Blue Lagoon" at the Odeon-Toronto
registered 110 per cent and paced the city.
"Flamingo Road" at the Imperial and "Streets
of Laredo" at Shea's both carded 105 per
cent. "Pa and Ma Kettle" rated a third stanza
at the Uptown.
(Average Is 100)
Biltmore—Slorte Department. File 649 (FC), The
Eansan (U-A), reissue 90
Daniorlh, Humber—Mr. Perrin and Mi. Traill (EL);
Angel on the Amazon (Rep) 95
Fairlawn—Wake of the Red Witch (Rep); Fabulous
Joe (ISR) 90
Hyland—Red River (UA); Three Is a Family (SR).. 90
Imperial—Flamingo Road (WB) 105
Loew's—Portrait of Jennie (SRO), 2nd wk , 100
Odeon Toronto The Blue Lagoon (EL) 110
Sheas Streets of Laredo (Para) 105
Tivoli A Connecticut Yankee (Para) 95
University and Eglinton Mr. Belvedere Goes to
College (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 90
Uptown—Ma and Pa Kettle (U-I), 3rd wk 85
Victoria The Big Sombrero (Col); Thundeihoof
(Col) - 95
and 'Concert Magic'
'Champion'
Best at Vancouver
VANCOUVER—It was another blue week
for the downtowners. Two newcomers. "The
Champion" at the Vogue and "Concert Magic"
at the Studio exceeded average to lead the
pack. The fight pictures of the last two
weeks, "Whiplash," "Set-Up" and "Champion"
were okay for the sporting element, but no
good for the female trade.
Capitol—John Loves Mary (WB) Fair
Cinerna Water Front at Midnight (Col);
Whispering Smith (Para) Moderate
Orpheum Force of Evil (MGM) Moderate
Paradise—Last of the Wild Horses (SG);
Thunder in the Pines (SG) Fair
Plaza—Pitfall (UA) - Average
Strand—WTiiplash (WB) - - Poor
Studio— Concert Magic (Cardinal Films) Good
Vogue—Champion (UA) Good
Cooler Weather Boosts Trade
At Theatres in Calgary
CALGARY—Trade at first
run houses here
zoomed as rain and colder weather replaced
unseasonably hot weather. "The Red Shoes,"
playing at the Grand at regular prices, drew
well. "Words and Music" at the Capitol and
"Chicken Every Sunday" at the Palace played
to average attendance.
Capitol—Words and Music (MGM) Good
Grand—The Red Shoes (Rank) Very good
Palace Chicken Every Sunday (20th-Fox) Good
High Quality Equipment
Used for Canada Films
MONTREAL—Film equipment being used
by the National Film Board is equal to the
highest standard available to Hollywood producers,
according to a report made by Gerald
Graham, director of technical operations
for the board, who recently studied the
operation of California studios.
"I see no reason why the technical quality
of our work, in time, should not be equal or
superior to that obtained in Hollywood,"
Graham said.
In cooperation with the Crown company,
Canadian Arsenals, the report stated, the
board recently produced an optical effects
printer. The printer, the first to be made in
Canada, was manufactured at a saving in
U.S. funds of $20,000 and its design soon will
be made available to the film industry in
Canada and other countries.
100 BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949

. .
^
ST.
JOHN
LTamlet" was presented at the Odeon Casino
at Halifax on a three-day, first-halfof-the-week
run, reserved seats at $1 afternoons
and $1.50 nights. Mail orders were
featured, and with coupons reproduced in
newspaper advertising. The Casino is the
only Halifax booking for the Oscar film . . .
Members of the Canadian seamen's union,
on strike about two months, canvassed people
on the streets and at theatre entrances
at Halifax and St. John for signatures to a
petition condemning the Dominion government.
The strike, coupled with refusal of
the St. John longshoremen's local to work
the strike-affected steamers until recently,
reacted unfavorably on theatre business here
and to a lesser extent at Halifax.
Prices of senior baseball games in Halifax
and St. John appear to be due for hoists;
at Halifax to 55 cents and to 50 cents here.
Last sea.son the 50-cent tariff was started
here, but had to be dropped to 35 and 40
cents because of slipping boxoffice . . H. M.
.
Armstrong, Fi-edericlon, chief fire marshal
for New Brunswick and central figure in the
battle over smoking at the :iew St. John
Paramount, has been reported as hospitalized.
Indications are that the appeal against
Ai-mstrong's ban will come before the provincial
appeals court in June. Two decisions
have gone against Famous Players, the original
by Armstrong and the second by county
court Judge Jack Barry. Armstrong's standing
as a fire prevention expert is questioned
by FPC.
The Palace in the north end, which has
been dark since opening of the Regent, has
been looked over as a location for bowling
alleys. A plan to use it as a church for
Negroes has collapsed because of objections
by neighbors. It is now being rented for fraternity
meetings by owner Joe Franklin.
There had been some talk of converting it
to bingo. It is across the street from Lucky
Hall, where bingo prevails every week night.
The recent death of "Big Ed" Auger started
Herman McArthur reminiscing. Mc-
Arthur succeeded Auger as manager of the
Mutual Film exchange. Although he has a
touch of heart di-sease, McArthur continues
in film distribution with RKO. He has been
selling films for about 43 years, and has been
manager of several exchanges here and at
Halifax, including RKO.
Eveoi for free, and with organ and band
music and entertainment and with Prime
Minister Louis St. Laurent, and opposition
leader George Drew and CCF leader M. J.
Coldwell as the oratorical draws, the political
parties have been unable to fill theatres and
rinks hired for campaign rallies in the maritimes.
In view of this, maybe film exhibitors
shouldn't wonder at being unable to
crowd all theatres to capacity for each show.
The Empire, Halifax, used its first stage
show in many years recently. It was Frank's
radio cowboy show, which recently was the
first stage bill at Empire, St. John, for about
a dozen years. Both Empires are operated by
Domerson & 'Vassis.
Currently through the maritimes there is
a rash of amateur stage shows with some of
them priced as high as $1. The local Knights
of Columbus staged their annual spring musical
show with a big cast for six consecutive
crowded nights at SI a ticket in St. 'Vincent's
auditorium, which seats 840 . . The
sharp climatic change from warm Florida
to extremely chilly St. John brought a cold
to Mrs. Frankie Franklin, wife of Joe Franklin.
Exterior Theatre Lights
Still Under Regulation
TORONTO—Although most of
the restrictions
on the use of electricity have been
removed following last w-inter's crisis, exhibitors
in Ontario will continue to come under
the regulations of the Ontario hydroelectric
commission. The latter has removed
the ban on all interior lighting but theatre
marquees, outdoor advertising and display
windows cannot be lighted between the hours
of 7 a. m. and 6 p. m., according to the latest
order. The ruling means that marquees
cannot be illuminated until the evening hours
from Monday to Friday inclusive but tliey
can be turned on at any hour on Saturday or
Sunday.
Australian TV Expected
Within Next Three Years
MONTREAL—Television in Australia is "a
practical po.ssibility" within three years,
says Postmaster-General Cameron. He reports
tenders for television services in Australia
will be submitted to the first meeting of the
Australian Broadcasting Control Board in
Melboui'ne. FoDowing consideration by the
board, the plans and tenders will be discussed
at a meeting of the Cabinet.
"Our objective is to have the most up-todate
system in the world," he said. "We
should get assistance from overseas because
we now are i-egarded a very important in
the scheme of things from the defense angle
and trading."
MONTREAL
f^harles Chaplin of United Artists was
here from Toronto. Chaplin formerly
was Montreal district manager, and his visits
to the scene of his old activities are always
welcomed by a host of fUm friends
. . . Jack Roher of Toronto, president of
Peerless Films, was here for a week on
business. Eloi Cormier, salesman for the
same concern, left on a fortnight's selling
trip to Abitibi. H. M. Masters, Toronto,
was here on business.
. . Larry
. .
Jean Ouimet, former booker with Empire-
Universal, joined Sovereign Films as salesman,
and Joseph Dorfman, former salesman
at United Artists, replaced him at Empire-
Universal as booker-salesman
Sheehan, secretary to Mel
.
Johnson, manager
of the public relations department at
United Amusement Corp., has joined the
RCAF band and will play the bagpipes . . .
F. Brown is auditing the books at Paramount
. Mr. and Mrs. Chouinard, owners
of the Princess and Imperial theatres in
Quebec City, visited Filmrow exchange.
Signed as Technical Adviser
Cpl. Bruce Carruthers of the Royal Canadian
Police has been ticketed for technical
adviser for United Artists' "Mrs. Mike."
TORONTO
^ol. John A. Cooper, 81, affectionately regarded
as the patriarch of the Canadian
film industry, was elected a vice-president
of the Canadian Red Cross society at the
annual meeting of the central council here.
He is chairman of the 16mm Motion Picture
Distributors Ass'n of Canada and also holds
office in the Musical Protective society . . .
Win Barron advises that the Paramount
short, "The Lambertville Story," is the choice
of the Canadian Father's day committee as
"The Father's day picture of 1949."
President J. L. Smith of Alliance Films has
i-eturned to his Toronto office after a business
tour through the west to Vancouver .
Assistant Chief Barker Morris Stein of Toronto
Tent 28 is scheduled to give a report
at the dinner meeting of the club on May 31
on the San Francisco International Variety
convention at which he represented Canada.
. . . The
Because of the Victoria day holiday May
24, the independent Rio in central Toronto
ran all-night shows starting late on Monday.
The Rio is the only theatre in Canada to attempt
around-the-clock operation
Community at Hamilton, which recently reopened
with a foreign film policy, played
"The Kite" for one week following a week's
engagement of "The Lost One." Mrs.
Yvonne Taylor held "Quartet" for a seventh
week at the International Cinema here while
"The Guinea P*ig" concluded a two-week run
at the Towne Cinema May 21.
R. B. Baxter's Rex Theatre at Tecumseh
has joined the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n
of Ontario, it is reported by executive secretary
Arch H. Jolley . . . When "Joan of Arc"
played the Famous Players Century at Hamilton,
a set of table silverware was presented
to a woman patron as an attendance prize
twice daily during the week.
Manager Tom Daley of
the Toronto, originally
from Halifax, has been named as a
judge for the beauty contest at the Halifax
bicentennial celebration in June . . . Chairman
J. J. Fitzgibbons of the national committee
of the Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass'ns of Canada, says the annual meeting
probably will be after June 27, the date of
the federal general elections.
Solly Ginsler, former Toronto exhibitor and
film salesman now with Un:ted Ai-tists in
Detroit, was back home for a visit . . . Lan-y
Graburn of Toronto was here for the Odeon
The wife of P. H. Fisher, general
opening . . .
manager of Eagle Lion of Canada, is in
the hospital.
USED THEATRE CHAIRS
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today while the selections ore unlimited.
ALBANY THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1046 BROADWAY Phone 5-5055 ALBANY. N. Y.
ENTRANCE
AND EXIT
FLOODLIGHTS
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729 Baltimore
K. C, Mo.
BOXOFFICE :: May 28, 1949 101

. . Gerald
07 7 A\l\l A
^anadian Odeon executives who attended
the opening of the Ottawa Odeon included
George Peters, vice-president; C. J.
Appel, general manager for eastern Canada;
A. J. Laurie, public relations director, and
James A. Cowan, publicity manager, all of
Toronto, and Henry Morton of Winnipeg,
partner-supervisor of Manitoba. Eagle Lion
Films was represented by Prank H. Fisher,
general manager. Toronto . . . Barney Cannon,
formerly of Kingston and Toronto, has
been appointed assistant manager of the
Ottawa Odeon. Before coming to Canada,
he was with Associated British Cinemas in
England. He served with the Royal air
force from 1943 to 1946.
The Strand, owned and operated by Louis
Wolfe, was opened May 19. It became the
25th theatre in the Ottawa area. The opening
bill was "The Fuller Brush Man" and
"Eyes of Texas" . . . Donat Paquin. proprietor
of the Francais and, the Lam'ier, left
May 18 with his two daughters Pauline and
Pierrette for London and Paris. Pierette is a
figure skater, and she will appear at the
Palais de Sports in Paris.
Air conditioning equipment has been installed
by D. B. Stapleton in the Center
Theatre here . Graham, director of
technical operations for the National Film
Board, returned from Hollywood, following
an inspection of installations at the major
"Summer Is for Kids," a release
studios . . .
of the National Film Board, was screened for
government and recreation officials May 19
at the Capitol Theatre.
John Sperdakos to Marry
Loula Demetre in Fall
MONTREAL—John C.
Sperdakos, assistant
advertising and publicity director of United
Amusement Corp., Ltd., will be married this
fall to Loula Demetre. youngest daughter of
of the late Mr. and Mrs. P. G. Demetre.
Demetre was vice-president and a director
of the United circuit before his death. Sperdakos
was manager of the Monkland and
Regent for United before taking over his position
in the advertising department.
For Male Lead in 'Palomino'
Jerome Courtland has been signed for the
male lead in the Columbia film. "Palomino."
Board of Trade Issues
Emergency Directory
TORONTO—The Toronto Film Board of
Trade has drawn up a list of bookers and
shippers for the use by exhibitors in making
emergency calls for films. The directory is as
follows
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer — Booker. Robert
McBain; shipper, William Travers.
United Artists—Bookers, Ralph Knights and
Harold Bell; shipper, J. J. Jolinston.
Warner Bros.—Bookers. Aldo Magglorotti
and Bernie Sieger; shipper. James Fletcher.
Eagle Lion—Booker. William McGuire.
Monogram Pictures—Booker, Isadore Shapero;
shipper, Ivan Wilson.
International Film Distributors— Bookers,
David Brandston and William Tod; shipper,
Frank Kowcenuk.
20th Century-Fox—Booker, Jim Powis and
William Tyrrell; shipper, William Reddy.
Columbia—Bookers, Abe Fox, Wilf Silverberg
and Miss N. Young; shipper. Jack Bond.
Paramount—Bookers, Jerry Cass and Ambrose
Theurer.
Empire-Universal — Bookers, Sid Cohen,
Perry Labow; shippers, Ernest Young and
Jan^es Nolan.
RKO—Booker, James Hogan; shipper, Roy
Mitchell.
Toronto Board of Trade
Organizes Film Council
TORONTO—The Canadian Motion Picture
Industry Comicil has been formed mider
the sponsorship of the motion picture branch.
Toronto Board of Trade, to replace the public
relations committee of the Canadian film
industry. The council will provide official
information on matters of general importance
to every branch of the trade, it was
said by F. D. Tolchard, secretary-manager
of the Board of Ti-ade.
Members of the council are James A. Cowan.
J. Arthur Rank Organization of Canada;
Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario.
Ai-ch H. Jolley. executive secretary; James
R. Nairn, Famous Players Canadian Corp.;
Jack Chisholm, Associated Screen News, for
the Canadian Motion Picture Pioducers
Ass'n of Canada; William Redpath, General
Films for the 16mm Film Distributors Ass'n
of Canada, and Ben Freedman. representing
the Independent Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass'n of Ontario, all of Toronto.
CALGARY
pred Dillon, recent appointed executive director
of the Canadian Motion Picture
Distributors Ass'n. was a visitor here. He
met local exchange managers at a luncheon
at the Palliser hotel ... A license fee of $50
a month or $250 a year has been estabhshed
for drive-in theatres by the provincial government.
. . .
Harry Saifer of the Cinema Center screen
room. Winnipeg, visited here while returning
home from Hollywood . . . William Guss,
manager of the Canadian MGM distributing
office, was confined to h;s home by illness
"Bud" Goldin. manager of the westend
Kinema and Tivoli theatres, left by plane for
Los Angeles.
Shirley Stevens, secretary to Gray Sharp
. . .
of Sharp Theatres, returned from visits in
Toronto and New York. She was a member
of a group which was seen in "Hedda
Gabler" in the recent amateur tournament
"Joan of Arc" drew only average trade
Plans for a new hotel in Leduc
here . . .
are being made, according to a report.
. . .
Visitors on Filmrow included Hed La Brie
of the Empress, Ponoka, and George Mandryk
The
of the theatre in Canmore search for oil is being continued in the vicinity
of Stettler, according to George Anable,
operator of the Roxy there and a recent
visitor at local exchanges.
First Pioneer Benefit
Is Staged in Toronto
TORONTO—The lirst of the midnight
shows in Toronto in aid of the Canadian
Picture Pioneers benevolent fimd was staged
May 26 at the Imperial, the 3,343-seat theatre
of Famous Players Canadian Corp. Manager
Tom Daley backed the drive to raise the
fund to $100,000 by arranging for all proceeds
to be turned over to the campaign.
"Knock on Any Door" was donated by the
film exchange.
Permits for the series of midnight shows
were secured from the Toronto police commissioners
by Arch H. Jolley. executive secretary
of the Motion Pictm-e Theatres Ass'n
of Ontario. The next performances will take
place Jime 10 at four Toronto theatres, the
Famous Players' Paikdale and Beach and
Odeon's Danforth and Humber. The CPP
campaign director is O. R. Hanson, and the
president of the association is J. Earl Lawson,
Canadian Odeon head.
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TORONTO—The new Canadian National
exhibition grandstand here will not be used
as a motion picture theatre during the summer,
it has been decided by a special civic
committee. The showing of motion pictures
in the stadium was opposed by theatre owners,
who claimed it would interfere with
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102
BOXOFFICE :: May 28. 1949

BOXOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
BookinGuide
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more of the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs ore reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT
OF THE WEEK
Mr. Belvedere Goes to College
Denver .200
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
PICTURES
Just as the Barometer page shoios first run reports on current pictures, this
department is devoted for the most part to reports on subsequent runs, made
by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is neu\ two stars means the exhibitor
has been writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor
is a regular of one year or more, who receives a token of our appreciation. All
exhibitors loelcome.
COLUMBIA
Gallant Blade. The (Col)—Larry Parks,
Marguerite Chapman, Victor lory. This is just
an action show. The color is very good but
that isn't enough to give the people theii
money's worth. You can take this picture oi
leave it. If your patrons like sword fighting,
play this. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather: Cold
—Kenneth Clem, Earle Theatre, Taneytown,
Md. Small town patronage.
Knock on Any Door (Col)—Humphrey Bogart,
John Derek, AUene Roberts. One of the
best pictures I've played in a long time.
Bogart at his best and the new player, John
Derek, is excellent as the victim of the slums
and society. Give it a buildup and it will
make you money. Played Tues., Wed.
Weather: Fair,—Paula Welch, Star, Rising
Star, Tex.
Last Roundup. The (Col)—Gene Autry, Jean
Heather, Ralph Morgan. This is one of the
finest westerns we ever had and Autry still
draws the same as usual. The musical numbers
were excellent and the comedy just
enough to make it interesting. The best draw
in months. The comedy short, "Rolling Down
to Rio," as good as any I ever saw. Von Zel!
rates with the Stooges. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Good,—W. H. Swan, Auditorium,
Roscoe, S. D. Rural.
EAGLE LION
Adventures of Gallant Bess (EL)—Cameron
Mitchell, Audrey Long, Fuzzy Knight. Business
was good for the weekend but should
have been much better for a horse show in
color. Of all the titles to choose, why "Adventures
of Gallant Bess?" Did they forget that
Metro put out one called "Gallant Bess?" Many
thought this was a repeat. Played Tues.
Wed. Weather: Good.—Ralph Raspa, State,
***
Rivesville, W. V. Small town.
Let's Live a Little (EL)—Hedy Lamarr, Roberf
Cummings, Anna Sten. I would say this
is just plain silly and not worth the playing
time. Some walkouts, and the manager was
not around when patrons went out. Played
Mon., Tues., Wed. Weather: Dry.—H. J. Partridge,
Lyceum, Gull Lake, Sask. Rural and
small town.
Return of Rin Tin Tin, The (EL)—Rin Tin
Tin III, Donald Woods, Bobby Blake. Played
this one awfully late but it is a picture any
exhibitor can show to his family trade with
pride. Many told us it was tops. It went over
big here. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.
—Lloyd Hutchins, Pangburn, Pangburn, Ark,
Rural.
FILM CLASSICS
Gung Ho (FC)—Reissue. Randolph Scott,
Robert Milchum. This is a wonderful picture
and it gave us a very profitable one-night
run. It appealed to our college trade and to
our families. Good material for midweek in
a small town. Played Thursday. Weather:
Fair.—E. A. London, State, Olivet, Mich. Small
*
town, rural and college
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Bribe, The (MGM) — Robert Taylor, Ava
Gardner, Charles Laughton. This was a good
picture of its type but too many don't care
for mysteries here, so the crowd was not too
good. Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Good,
T. M. Patton, Scenic, Lexington, 111. General.
Command Decision (MGM) — Clark Gable,
Walter Pidgeon, Van Johnson. One of those
top budget features that was sold in the high
brackets and on preferred time, and wound
up doing less business than some of the
current Class B features. Leave' this one lie
unless you can double it on a Saturday with
some good Autry western. Played Sun., Mon.
—Dan W. Goodwin, Peak, Dallas, Tex. General.
Hills of Home (MGM) — Edmund Gwenn,
Donald Crisp, Janet Leigh. A fine cast and
story that leaves the kids and grownups crying
at the end. I started a novelty giveaway
with each child's ticket with this picture.
Business was above average for a Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good.—Fred C. Weppler, Colonial
Theatre, Colfax, 111, Small town and rural
patronage.
*
Secret Land. The (MGM)—Men and ships
of the U.S. navy with narration by Robert
Montgomery, Robert Taylor, Van Heflin. This
I thought was very good. I saw it three times
but it didn't go over at all. Byrd's latest
Antarctic expedition in color. Played Wed.,
Thurs.—Harland Rankin, Beau Theatre, Belle
River, Ont. Small town patronage. * * *
MONOGRAM
Black Gold (Mono)—Anthony Quinn, Katherine
DeMille, Elyse Knox. Just what the doctor
ordered for us. Everyone went out with
a smile. The race scene was good and carefully
engineered. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat.
Weather: Dry.—H. J. Partridge, Lyceum, Gull
*
Lake, Sask. Rural and small town.
16 Fathoms Deep (Mono) — Lon Chaney,
Arthur Lake, Lloyd Bridges. I was very pleasantly
surprised with this one. The Ansco
color was very rich and natural for this picture
and it moved along leisurely to a thrilling
and exciting climax. The underwater photography
was splendid. A little extra exploitation
will do wonders. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Warm.—Philip Cohnstein, Midway,
Perrine, Fla. Rural.
PARAMOUNT
Accused. The (Para)—Loretta Young, Robert
Cummings, Wendell Corey. Another feature
that we gave top playing time to and
it failed miserably to do even an average
business. Several walkouts, some liked the
feature but they were in a small minority
compared to those who didn't care for it.
Plaved Sun., Mon.—Dan W. Goodwin, Peak,
Dallas, Tex. General.
Golden Earrings
(Para)—Ray Milland, Mar-
No HoTTor Shows, Please,
For Ralph Raspa
CAYS RALPH KASPA, State Theatre,
RivesviUe, W. Va.:
"Played a double bill to give my audience
a horror show and both the audience
and I were horrified, because business
was terrible and that was what horrified
me. One feature was so bad it
must have inspired the writer in the
American Legion magazine when he wrote
the article, 'The Reissue Racket,' several
months ago. If you don't want patrons
revolting against you, I'd advise you to
pass up 'The Revolt of the Zombies' as
it didn't even scare the kids—they just
laughed at the antics of the amateurs
on the screen."
Check and Double Check:
Exhibitor Has Fun
\lt7ALT SAYLER of the Dakota Theatre
at Wishek, N. D., has his own private
sources of amusement, for he writes:
"We are still chuckling about two checkers
showing up to check 'Red River.' One
didn't trust the other and by the time
the show was over, they both wanted to
quit their jobs. We gave them a hard
time just to see what would happen!"
lene Dietrich, Murvyn Vye. The picture is
okay and well acted, but has no draw here.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—L. Brazil
jr.. New, Bearden, Ark. Small town. * * *
Paleface. The (Para)-—Bob Hope, Jane Russell,
Robert Armstrong. Even though Paramount
got a nice chunk of my bank account,
this picture pulled them in. I was surprised
at the results since the picture had run in
ten theatres ahead of me, Hope, Russell, color
and comedy did the job. Let's see more of
this type picture. Paramount. Played Sat.
(preview). Sun., Mon. Weather: Clear and
warm.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy, Wichita, Kas. Subsequent
run.
RKO RADIO
Berlin Express (RKO)—Merle Oberon, Paul
Lukas, Robert Ryan. This is too slow-moving
lor our small town audiences. The accents
were hard to follow and the photography
was very poor in spots. Disappointed in the
picture and it did very poor business. Played
Sat., Sun., Mon.—Bob Halliday, Willamette
*
Valley, Albany, Ore. General.
OBesl Years of Our Lives, The (RKO)—
Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews.
A wonderful production that holds the interest
throughout. This show is exceptional and
held up against local competition very well.
Played Fri,, Sat. Weather: Okay.—D. W.
Trisko, Ritz, Jerome, Ariz. Mining. * * *
Every Girl Should Be Married (RKO)—Cory
Grant, Betsy Drake, Diana Lynn. This comedy
did average business for us. The title
was a good draw, which means so much here.
It was good for laughs. Played Mon., Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Fine.—H. J. McFall, Lyric, Russell,
Man. Rural and small town.
Good Sam (RKO)—Gary Cooper, Ann Sheridan,
Ray Collins. It's been a long time since
we ran a picture that drew the praise this
one did—and I add mine. A wonderful piece
of entertainment. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Wet— Bill Leonard, Leonard, Cedarvale,
Kas. Small town and rural.
OSo Dear to My Heart (RKO)—Burl Ives,
Bobby Driscoll, Luana Patten. This is the
best Disney yet. It does business and pleases
all who come. Should be a must for every
theatre. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather:
Fair.—Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile^
Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
Song Is Born, A (RKO)—Danny Kaye, Virginia
Mayo, Benny Goodman. Danny Kaye
seems to be losing ground here. This was the
poorest gross of all that I have played.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Rain. — Terry
Axley, New Theatre, England, Ark. R^J^^aJ
and small town patronag^.
Station West (RKO) — Dick Powell, Jane
Greer, Agnes Moorehead. An entertaining
drama with a western background. Those
who came were pleased but Dick Powell has
never been a good draw here. We broke
even on this. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Good,—E, M, Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla, Small town patronage. *,**
Velvet Touch, The (RKO)—Rosalind Russell,
Leo Genn, Claire Trevor. Rosalind gives a
top performance, but with this story, who
cares? It was a simply colossal flop. Stay
away from it. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 28, 1949

and
Fine.—Mrs. Pal W. Murphy, Queen Theatre,
HolUday, Tex. Oil Held patronage. * * *
REPUBLIC
Bill and Coo (Rep)—George Burton Love
Birds. For bird lovers, this is perfect and tne
kids enjoyed this. It made a nice supporting
picture. Played Fri., Sat.—Harland Kankin,
Beau Theatre, Belle River, Onl. General patronage.
" * *
Calendar Girl (Rep)—lane Frazee, William
Marshall, Gail Patrick. Another oldie picked
up from Republic. Average business lor midweek.
Comments were good on this pic'.ure
and it seemed to be enjoyed by all. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good.— Fred G. Weppler.
Colonial Theatre, Colfax, 111. Small town
and rural patronage.
* * *
Campus Honeymoon (Rep) — Lynn Wilde,
Lee Wilde, Adele Mara. Nice little program
picture that we doubled with Roy Rogers.
Played Fri., Sat.—Harland Rankin, Erie Theatre,
Wheatley, Ont. General patronage. * * *
Gallant Legion, The (Rep)— Bill Elliott,
Adrian Booth, Joseph Schildkraut. This was
an exciting western and they turned out
well and reports were favorable. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Okay.—Frank Sabin,
Majestic, Eureka, Mont. Small town.
* *
Tuxedo Junction (Rep)—Reissue. Weaver
Bros, and Elviry. Here is corn on the cob,
and they scrape the bottom of the bin. Your
patrons in the small towns eat it up. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Small town patronage.
*
SRO
Paradine Case, The (SRO)—Gregory Peck,
Valli, Ann Todd. A beautifully finished production,
intensely done, and except for much
too much talk (and British accents all over
the place!) it is tops in its line. But if your
audiences aren't arty, leave it alone. We
didn't make enough to pay for the picture.
Give us less beauty and more action for our
patrons. Played Sun., Mon. Weather Good.
— R. E. Hals'ead, Tri-Town, Lindstrom, Minn.
Rural and small town.
* * *
20th CENTURY-FOX
Belle Starr's Daughter (20th-Fox)—George
Montgomery, Rod Cameron, Ruth Roman. Just
a very ordinary western that the distributors
allocated after drinking too much champagne.
Very poor draw at the boxolfice, and it should
have been classified as a C picture. Played
Wed., Sat. Weather: Good.—M. W. Mattecheck,
Mack, McMinnville, Ore. City and
rural.
Fallen Angel (20th-Fox)—Alice Faye, Dana
Andrews, Linda Darnell. Good cast, good
show, and the film was in excellent shape, so
we have no complaint. Dana Andrews is very
popular here with the women, so we had fair
attendance. If you haven't played this one, try
it. You won't be sorry. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Good.—Tom Hetherington, Musicland
Theatre, Kaslo, B. C. Small town patronage.
*
Slave Ship (20th-Fox)—Wallace Beery, Warner
Baxter, Elizabeth Allan. After a week
of bad business with new clucks this reissue
pulled them in on Fri., Sat. and paid off the
mortgage. If you want to make some money,
play this swell action picture with Wallace
Beery, Mickey Rooney and Warner Baxter.
It has both length and star power and will
do more business than most of the new prodduct.
Wake up, Hollywood, as this is what
the public wants. You can keep "The Snake
Pit."—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * *
When My Baby Smiles at Me (20th-Fox)—
Betty Grable. Dan Dailey, Jack Oakie. This
is the story of a drunk comic in show business
yet one of our ministers came to see it and
later told me he liked it very much. The
music is good, the jokes rather spicy, and the
color excellent. Played Mon., Tues. Weather:
Cold.—Kenneth Clem, Earle Theatre, Taneytown,
Md. Small town
*
patronage.
UNITED ARTISTS
Body and Soul (UA)—John Garfield, Lilli
Palmer, Hazel Brooks. Here is -truly a picture
with a body and soul. One of the best 1 have
ever played and everyone was very well satisfied.
If you can buy it flat, don't fail to
grab it. It is worth your best playing time.
Carnival in town hurt my gross. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Fair.—Philip Cohnstein, Midway,
Perrine, Fla. Rural. * *
Red River (UA)i—John Wayne, Montgomery
Cliit, Joanne Dru. Special mention to Harry
Carey jr., John Ireland, Noah Beery jr. This
picture was a big flop, though, for me—big
rental, walkouts. Goodbye, United Artists
no more big ones for mel Playe

I
^|
I-EATUKE CHAKT
iurnished
by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol W indicates BOXOFFICE
Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol © indicates color photography.
^
lULY 24
(70) Drama 829
SHED NO TEARS
Wallace Ford
June Vincent
Robert Scott
II—Aug. 14—PG-960
^
JULY 31
|3i] (90) S'Western 939
©CORONER CREEK
liandolpb Scoft
It—June 5—PO-940
12]
(65) Musical 953
ARKANSAS SWING
lloosier Hotsliots
li—July 24—Pa-953
(64) Western 4757 |2S] (82) Drama 4801
BACK TRAIL
©16 FATHOMS DEEP
Johnny Mack BroffD Lon CHlaney
Mildred Coles
Arthur Lake
lUymond Hatton
Tanis Cbandler
R-^une 12—PO-941
^
AUGUST 7
(23] (86) Comedy 4721 (62) Drama 4722
[U (109) Drama 4723
DREAM GIRL
BIG TOWN SCANDAL SO EVIL, MY LOVE
Betty Hutton
Philip Reed
Ray MUland
Macdonald Carey
Hillary Brooke
Ann Todd
Virginia Field
Stanley Clements
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Patrlc Knowles
Darryl Hickman
Leo G. Carroll
R—May 8—PO-927 R—May 22—Pa-933 R—May 22—PG-933
[6] (79) Drama 827 (61) Drama 831
U] Reissues
THE AMAZING MR. X LADY AT MIDNIGHT [i|] (86) Comedy 847
(formerly THE
Richard Denning HOLD THAT GHOST
SPIRITUALIST) Frances RatTerty
Abbott-CosteUo
Turhan Bey
Ualpli Duim
(Ig] (96) Comedy 850
Lynn Bart
Nana Bryant
Cathy O'Donneil
l{—July 24—PC 954 HIRED WIFE
R—Aug. 7—PG-958
Rosalind Russell
Brian Aheme
(104) Drama 830
THE SEARCH
.Montgomery Cllft
.iline MacMahon
R—Mar. 20—PG-914
AUGUST 14
AUGUST 21
AUGUST 28
|i2] (64) Western 967 (87) Drama 941
[2^ (76) Adv-Drama 942 (79) Western 982
[9] (66) Drama 916
TRAIL TO LAREDO LULU BELLE
THE BLACK ARROW ©THE STRAWBERRY
Charles Starrett
lorothy Lamour
GENTLEMAN FROM
Louis Hayward
ROAN
NOWHERE
Smiley Burnette
George Montgomery
Janet Blair
Gene Autry
Warner Baiter
Jim Bannon
Albert Dekker
George Macready
Champion
Fay Baker
Virginia Maxey
Otto Kniger
Edgar Buchanan
Gloria Henry
Luis Van Rooten
R—July 17—PG-951 R—June 19—PG-943 Rhys Williams
Jack Holt
R—Oct. 2—PG-973
R—July 10—PG-949 R—Mar. 6—PG-907
r^ (116) Drama 4724
FOREIGN AFFAIR, A
Jean Arthur
John Lund
Marlene Dletrlcb
William Netr
Boyd Davis
R-^une 12—PG-941
SEPTEMBER 4
^
(98) Musical
U]
901
OLUXURY LINER
Jane Powell
Lauritz Melctiior
George Brent
Frances Gl/ford
B—Aug. 21—PO-96J
^
(Jj (82) Drama 4726
BEYOND GLORY
Alan Ladd
Donna Reed
(George Macready
George Coulouria
Henry Trarers
E-^uly 19—Pa-»44
SEPTEMBER 11
(76) Outd'r-Dr
[U 90
©NORTHWEST
STAMPEDE
Joan Leslie
James Craig
Jack Oakie
Chill Wills
R—July 10—PG-950 I
(79) U]
Drama 471i:
15] (53) Western 4753
|22] (53) Western 4763 (69) Drama 4720 [6] (66) Musical 4721
VIICHAEL O'HALLORAN FIGHTING RANGER SILVER TRAILS THE GOLDEN EYE THE MUSIC MAN
icotty Beckett
lolinny Mack Brown Jimmy Wakely
Roland Winters
B-July 24—PG-963
VUene Roberts
Raymond Hatton
Chri.'itlne Larson
Claire Trevor
[e] (107) Blog-Dr AAIO
fommy Cook
Dub Taylor
Charles BlckTo.d
Isabel Jewell
OTHE BABE RUTH
R-^une 19—PG-944
STORY
WUUam Bendii
R^July 31—PO-955
i
g
Special
(75) Musical 991
©MELODY TIME
Andrews Sisters
Hoy Rogers
Dennis Day
R—May 22—Pa-»34
^
Special
(97) Drama 961
THE VELVET TOUCH
Rosalind Russell
Leo Genn
Claire Trevor
Sydney Greenstreet
R-^uly 24—PG-954
Group 1
Special
Group 2
(69) Musical 902 |t] (114) COB-Dr 962 g
VARIETY TIME
(63) Mystery 905|i
GOOD SAU
BODYGUARD
Leon Blrrol
Gary Ooper
Lawrence Tleraey
Edgar Kennedy
Knn Sheridan
Priscllla Lane
Jack Paar
Bdmund Lowe
PhUlp Reed
Frankie Carle
loan Ijorring
Steve Brodie
R^uly 7—PO-968 a-^iUy 31—PG-9S8 B—Sept. 4—PO-M«
g
RUNAWAY DAUGHTER
Barbara Stanwyck
Robert Young
(67) Drama 825
THE CHECKERED COAT
Tom Conway
Noreen Nash
Uurd Hatfield
R—Aug. 7—PO-967
(26] (88) Outd'r-Dr 715
THE GALLANT LEGION
rt'UUam Elliott
it—May 29—PO-938
(60)
m
Western 756
MARSHAL OF
AMARILLO
Allan "Rocky" Lane
Reissue
Reissue
(71) Comedy S-3 (66) Western
(HE SHOWDOWN
HC22
William Boyd
Russell H&>'den
(23] (58) Drama 589 go] (109) Com-Dr 582
BORROWED TROUBLE
riME OF YOUR LIFE
lames
William Boyd
Cagney
William
Andy Devlne
Bendli
Wayne Morris
Jeanne Cagney
R—May 22—PQ-933
^
Reissues
(86) Musical 832
ROSE OF WASHINGTON
SQUARE
ryrone Power
(92) Drama
SUVE SH(P
Wallace Beery
[lo] (60) M'drama 716
DAREDEVILS OF THE
CLOUDS
itobert Livingston
Mae aark
James Cardwell
R—July 31—PG-955
61) Outd'r-Dr
[U 4802
JUNGLE GODDESS
George Reeves
(106) Musical 826 (89) Musical 836
WALLS OF JERICHO ©THAT LADY IN
Linda Darnell
ERMINE
Cornel Wllde
Betty Grable
Anne Bai:ter
Douglas Fairbanks jr.
R—July 10—PG-9S0 Cesar Romero
833
Walter Abel
R-^uly 17—PO-961
(76) Comedy 583
TEXAS, BROOKLYN
AND HEAVEN
E—July 24—PG-964
g] (86) Drama 587
PITFALL
Dick Powell
R—Alig. 7—PG-987
(61) Drama 82f
•IGHTING BACK
Langton
'*aul
'ary Gray
'ean Rogers
t—Oct. 30—PG-982
[T] (60) M'drama 718 [u] (61) M'drama 71;
SONS OF ADVENTURE OUT OF THE STORM
Lynn Roberts R—Sept. 26—PO-971
R—Dec. 4—PG-992 [J] (67) Outd'r-Mus 73;
[s] (90) Drama 719 ©NIGHTTIME IN
ANGEL IN EXILE
NEVADA
Jotin Cirroll
Roy Rogers
R-^an. 1—P0-10«0 R—Oct. 30—PG-981 ]
Us] (81) Drama 4801 Reissues
Reissue
THE RETURN OF
[T] (62) Western HC23
[io] (72) Comedy S-!
WILDFIRE
HIDDEN GOLD
FLIRTING WITH FATS
Richard Arlen
William Boyd
Joe Bi. Brown 1
R—Aug. 21—PQ-962 Russell Hayden
[s] (81) Comedy S-6
THAT'S MY BOY
Jimmy Durante
(70) Outd'r-Dr 829 Reissues
THE WINNER'S CIRCLE (82) Drama 835
-lean Willes
WAKE UP
IRISH
Morgan Farley
SCREAMING
T>rone Power
Johnny Longden
Betty Grable
Anne Baxter
R—Aug. 7—PO-957 V'iclor Mature
Cecil Kellaway
(125) Drama 534
BLOOD AND SAND
Tyrone Power
(99) Dr.ima 8:
THE LUCK OF THE
Lee J. Cobb
R—Sept. 4—PG-9«5
(77) Drama 584
(lo] (61) Western 59
VICIOUS CIRCLE, THE
FALSE PARADISE
Conrad Nagel
William Boyd
Frit2 Kortner
Lyie Talbot
Philip Van Zandt
B—June 6—PO-939
(78) Mus-Com 665 (80) Drama 676 (109) Drama 668 (89) Comedy 667 (89) Drama 669 (82) Comedy 670 (88) Drama 671 (90) Comedy 67
FEUDIN', FUSSIN' THE END OF THE ©TAP ROOTS
MR. PEABODY AND LARCENY
ONE TOUCH OF VENUS THE SAXON CHARM FOR THE LOVE OF
AND A-FIGHTIN' RIVER
Van Heflln
THE MERMAID John PajTie
Ava Gardner
Robert Montgomery MARY
Donald O'Connor
Sabu
Susan Hayward
William Powell
Joan Caulfield
nick Haymes
Susan Hayward
Deanna Dnrbin
Percy Kilbride
Bibi Ferrelra
Ward Bond
Ann Blyth
Dan Duryea
Robert Walker
John Payne
Edmond O'Brien
R—June 19—PG-943 Esmond Knlgbt
R^Iuly 3—Pa-947 'rene Hervey R—Aug. 14—PG-9S9 R—Aug. 28—Pa-9e4 R—Sept. 11—PG-967 Don Taylor
Torin Thatcher
Andrea King
R—Sept. 4—PQ-966
R^une 26—PG-948
B—July 10—PO-949
|3l] (101) Drama 731
KEY LARGO
Humphrey Bogart
Edward 0. Robinson
Lauren Bacall
Lionel Barrymore
R-^uly 10—PO-949
|I4] (118) Craoedy 7(K
|2l] (80) M'drama 732
©LIFE WITH FATHER EMBRACEABLE YOU
William Powell
Dane CJark
Irene Dunne
Geraldine Brooks
Eaizaheth Taylor
8. Z. SakaU
Edmund Gwenn
Wallace Ford
Zasu Pitts
8-^uly 31—Pa-9SB
B—Aug. 23—PG-860
T] (86) Mus-Com 801
©TWO GUYS FROM
TEXAS
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Dorothy Malone
R—Aug. 7—PO-958
o H
<
Oct. (60) West-Reissue
THE LAW COMES TO
TEXAS
"Wild Bill" Elliott
Oct. (66) West-New Rel
SUNSET CARSON RIDES
AGAIN
Sunset Carson
Nov. (62) West-Reissue
RETURN OF DANIEL
BOONE
"WUd Bill" ESliott
Dec. (68) West-SelBsue
LONE STAR PIONEERS
"WUd BlU" ElUott
Jan. (72) West-New Rel
©STALLION CANYON
Ken Kurtia
Jan. (66) West-Reissue
FRONTIERS OF '49
"WUd BUI" EUlott
Feb. (61) West-Reissue
FROM
MAN
TUMBLEWEEDS
"WUd BUI" EUlott
Mar. (55) West-Reissue
IN EARLY ARIZONA
"WUd BUI" EUlott
Mar. (72) West-New Rel
RIO GRANDE
Sunset Carson
Evohn Keys
Feb. ( . . ) Dr -Reissue
LORNA DOONE
Margaret LockTvood
Apr. ( . . ) West-Reissue
TAMING OF THE WEST
"WUd BUI' EUiott
May (..) West-Reissue
PIONEERS OF THE
FRONTIER
"WUd Bill" Elliott
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 28, 1949

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
pTEMBER 18
I

I AM
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
I
NOVEMBER 13J
NOVEMBER 20
[n] (75) Drama 1 ]8) (66) Drama Ut
(8a) Com-Fontasy 131
\T\ (54) Western
LEATHER GLOVES
©THE RETURN
RACING
OF
LUCK
OCTOBER
QUICK ON THE
Cameron Mitchell
Gloria Henry
Glenn Ford
TRIGGER
Virt^inia Grey
Stanley Clements
R—Oct.
Jane
23—PG-979 Charles Starrett
Nigh
David Bruce
(81)
Sam
M'drams 132 Smiley Bumette
Levene R—Nov. 6—PO-983 ©THE GALLANT BLADE Helen Parrish
R—Nov. 13—PG-985
Larry Parks
R—Oct. 23—PG-979
[15] (85) Comedy 907 (73) .\cl-llr 90S (80) Drama 910
LET'S LIVE A LITTLE MILLION DOLLAR HE WALKED BY NIGHT
Hedy Lamarr
WEEKEND
Richard Basehart
Hobert
Clene
Cummmgs
Raymond
Scott Brady
Anna .Ste|ih;mie
Sten
Paull
Roy Roberts
Robert Shayne
c'raiicis Lederer
Whit Bissell
R—Oct. 30—PG-981 Patricia Shay R—Nov. 13—PG-986
R—Oct. 16—PO-97T
[12) (S»6) Comedy 904
NO MINOR VICES
It.ina Andrews
Lilli Palmer
Jane Wyatt
Louis Jourdan
R—Oct. 9—PQ-978
[7] (55) Western 4758
GUNNING FOR JUSTICE
Johnny Mack Brown
EM'lyn Fin ley
Raymond Hattoo
NOVEMBER 27
^
DECEMBER 4
DECEMBER 11
(125) Drama 906 Reissue
[To] (97) Drama 909
U©THE THREE
[3] (117) M'drama 907
©HILLS OF HOME
MUSKETEERS SAN FRANCISCO
(Also DANGER IN
Lana I'urner
Jeaiuiette MacDonald THE HILLS)
Gene Kelly
|ioJ (96) Comedy 908 R—Oct. 9—PG-976
June Allyson
A NIGHT AT THE
Vaji Heflln
OPERA
R—Oct. 16—PG-978 .Marx Brothers
^
g
DECEMBER 18
DECEMBER 25 JANUARY 1
g
167 (99) Drama 133 (73) Outdr-Dr 134 (68) Con.edy 107
©THE MAN FROM JUNGLE JIM
BLONDIE'S SECRET
COLORADO
Jolmny WeissmuUer
Penny Singleton
Glenn Ford
R—Dec. 25—PG-997
Arthur Lake
William Holden ^ (61) Mus-West 151
R— Dec. 4—PC!- 991
HUen Drew
SMOKY MOUNTAIN
R—Nov. 20—PG-988 MELODY
R—Jan. 29—PG-1008
[n] (71) M'drama 9U ^ (60) Drama
THE STRANGE
PAROLE, INC.
909
-Micliael Shea
MRS. CRANE
Turban Bey
Marjorie Lord
Evelyn Ankers
Robert Shayne
Michael Whalen
Ruth Brady
R-^an. 15—PO-1003 Pierre Watkin
R—Oct. 30— PG-981
(66) Western 4768 (80) Cost-Dr 4725 [1] (55) Western 4851 [ip] (66) Comedy 4805 (l9] (61) Drama 4S23 [T] (81) Drama AAlj •Mi
COURTIN' TROUBLE KIDNAPPED
HIDDEN DANGER Ji'gGS and MAGGIE THE FEATHERED STRIKE IT RICH "
.Inuniy Wakely
Roddy McDowall
Johnny Mack Brown
IN COURT
SERPENT
Rod Cameron
"Caniionbair' Taylor Sue England
Ra>mond Hatton R—Dec. 4—rG-991 Roland Winters
Bonlta Granville
Dan O'Herlihy
Beverly Jons R—Nov. 27—P0-!
Roland Winters
Carol Formal!
R—Sept. 18—PC-969
1
(119) Musical 91
Hg
©WORDS AND MUSie
liidy Garland
tiene Kelly
Mickey Rooney
R—Dec. 11—PQ-994
(95) Drama i
ROAD HOUSE
[da Lnpino
Cornel Wilde
Richard Wldmark
Celeste Holm
R—Oct. 2—PO-974
|l9| (101) Comedy 4805
MISS TATLOCK'S
MILLIONS
John Lund
Wanda Uendrii
Barry Fitzgerald
.Monty Woolley
U—Sept. 18—PO-9T0
[I| (67) Outd'r-Mus 734
©GRAND CANYON
TRAIL
Roy Rogers
Jane Frazee
R—Nov. 27—PG-989
(98) Com-Dr 845
©WHEN MY BABY
SMILES AT ME
Betty Grable
Dan Dailey
Jack Oakie
Jime Havoc
R—Nov. 13—PG-986
^
(70) Drama 593
HIGH FURY
Madeleine Carroll
Ian Hunter
Michael Rennle
E—Nov. 13—PQ-985
Group 3
(88) West-Dr 909
BLOOD ON THE MOON
Robert Mltchum
Barbara Bel Geddes
Robert Preston
Walter Brennan
R—Nov. 13—PG-985
g
(60) Western 862 [I] (87) Gutd'r-Dr 721
Reissue
jl] (60) Mys-I)r 801
RENEGADES OF ©THE PLUNDERERS
15] (57) Mus-West 87?
HOMICIDE FOR THREE
SONORA
Rod Cameron
IN OLD CALIENTE
Audrey Long
Allan "Rocky" Lane Uona Massey
Roy Rogers
Warren Douglaa
Reissue
R—Nov, 6—PG-982
Mary Hart
Grant Withers
^ (72) Comedy 8601
George "Gabby" Hayes
Reissue
R—Dec. 4—I'G-992
SCATTERBRAIN
(68) Comedy 8602
J30]
Judy Canova
YOKEL BOY
22] (93) Drama 4805
THE MOZART STORY
Hans Holt
HORSES
Winnie Markus
lames Ellison
Irene von Meydendorff Jane Frazee
R—Nov. 27—PG-990
BUNGALOW 13
Tom Conway
d]
(60) Drama 4806
DISASTER
Richard Denning
Trudy Marshall
WiU Wright
Jack Lambert
R—Oct. 23—PQ-980
|29] (84) Western 4806
LAST OF THE WILD
Mary Betb Hughes
R— Dec. 18—PG-996
Group 3
uj (64) Western 910
INDIAN AGENT
rim Holt
.Noah Beery jr.
Richard Martin
Nan Leslie
K—Nov. 13—PG-985
(62) Act-Dr
U]
4809
THUNDER IN THE
PINES
(n] (62) Outdr-Dr 4810
SHEP COMES HOME
Robert Lowery
Margia Dean
R—Jan. 8—PQ-lOOl
(87) Western 846 (70) Drama 848 (105)Com-Fantasy 850
BELLE STARR'S JUNGLE PATROL UNFAITHFULLY
DAUGHTER
Kristine Miller
YOURS
Rod Cameron
.Mickey Knox
Rex Harrison
R—Oct. 30—PG.982 Arthur Franz
Linda Darnell
Gene
(65) Drama
Reynolds
Barbara Lawrence
847
R—Sept. 25—PG-972 Rudy Vallee
R—Oct. 9—PO-976
lo] (86) Comedy
(83) Drama 57J
599
JUST WILLIAM'S
SIREN OF ATLANTIS
LUCK
Maria Montez
Leslie Bradley
Jean-Pierre Aumont
Garry Marsh
Dennis O'Keefe
Jane Welsh
R—Dec. 25—PG-998
William Graham
B—Dec. 18—PO-996
(100) Western S49
(63) Drama 851 (108) Drama !
YELLOW SKY
TROUBLE PREFERRED QTHE SNAKE PIT
Gregory Peck
Ceggy Knudseti
Olivia de Havilliind
,Vnne Baxter
Charles Russell
Leo Genu
Richard Wldmark
Lynn Roberts
Mark Si evens
Robert Arthur
Celeste Hulm
R—Nov. 27—PG-990
Glenn Langan
R—Nov. 13— PG-988
g
|4] (91) Comedy 4807
©THE PALEFACE
Bob Hope
lane Russell
Robert Armstrong
John Lltel
R—Oct. 23—PG-980
Group 3
Group 4
g (85) Comedy 908 [T] (82) Fantasy antes; 91
EVERY GIRL SHOULD U©THE BOY )Y
' WITH I
BE MARRIED
GREEN HAIR '
[
I'lt O'Brien
Cary Grant
Franchot Tone
Kobert Ryan
Betsy Drake
Deui Stoekwell
li—Nov. 20—PO-987 li—Nov. 20— PH-987
^
(67) Outd'r-Mus 84
|29J
©THE FAR FRONTIER
ICoy Rogers
Andy Devlne
K—Jan. 29—P0-10a7 i
(60) Western 4811 |3l] (60) Western 481
FRONTIER REVENGE OUTLAW COUNTRY
Lash LeRue
Lash LaRue
"uzzy St. John
Fuzzy St. John
Reissues
[l] (121) Drama 5!
GUEST IN THE HOUf
Anne Baxter
[T] (91) Drama
LADY OF BURLESQll
Barbara Stanwyck
(86) M'drama 682
ROGUES' REGIMENT
Dick Powell
Marta Toren
Vincent Price
Stephen McNally
»—Oct. »—PO-975
(112) Drama
DULCIMER STREET
Richard Attenborougb
.\lastair Situ
Fay Compton
Stephen Murray
(77) Mus-Cora 683
THE COUNTESS OF
MONTE CRISTO
Sonja Henle
Olga San Juan
Michael Klrby
R—Nov. 6—PO-984
(77) Comcdv 684
MEXICAN HAYRIDE
Bud Abbott
Lou Cosiello
Virginia Grey
Luba Malina
R—Dec. 11—PG-994
(76) Adv-Dr 635 (100) Comedy
BUSH CHRISTMAS YOU GOTTA STAY
HAPPY
L'hips Rafferty
Joan Fontaine
Helen Grieve
Jimmy Stewart
lobn Fernside
Nicky Yardley
Eddie Albert
Roland Young
It—Nov. 6—PG-984
(97) Comedy
[jD
805
JUNE BRIDE
Bi-tle Davis
Robert Montgomery
Fay Balnter
Betty Lynn
Tom Tully
R—Oct. 23—PG-979
m
(94) Drama 806
©FIGHTER SQUADRON
Edmond O'Brien
Robert Stack
John Bodne;
Henry HuU
Tom D'Andrea
R—Nov. 27—PG-989
Reissues
[h] (97) Drama 807
ANGELS WITH DIRTY
FACES
Cagney-O'Brien
ln\ (95) Drama SOS
THEY DRIVE BY
NIGHT
^
(75) Drama 809 [l] (90) Musical I
THE DECISION OF ©ONE SUNDAY
CHRISTOPHER BLAKE AFTERNOON
.Uexis Smith
Dennis Morgan
Itobert Douglas
Dorothy Malone
Cecil Kellaway
Don DeFore
Ted Donaldson
Janis Paige
R— Dec. 4—PG-992 R—Dec. 18—PO-995
O
(117) Drama 105 (86) Drama
THE PARADINE CASE PORTRAIT OF JENNIE
Gregory Peck
Jennifer Jones
pg Valli
Joseph Gotten
yj Ann Todd
Ethel Barrymore
Ethel Barrymore
LlUIan Glsh
R—Jan. 3—PO-888 R^an. 1—PO-999
(89) Drama
Eng. Films
SHOWrriME
R—June 12—PG-942
(72) Musical
Bell
CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE
R—Aug, 14—PG-960
(83) Comedy
nist. Films
QUIET WEEKEND
R—Oct. 2—PO-973
(98) Drama
Variety Films
THE GUINEA PIG
B— Apr 23—PC-1030
(58) Docum-Dr
MPSC
PREJUDICE
R—Mar. 12—PO-1018
(75) Rellg-Dr
Rudolph Carlson
WITH YOU
li—Mar 26— PG-in24
(111) Rel-[)r.
Hallmark
©THE LAWTON STO
B—Apr. 9—PG-1026
(66) Doc-Drama
Maj'er-Bursty
THE QUIET ONE
R—Apr. 23—Pn-10;
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 28, 1949

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
JANUARY 8

I
FEATURE CHART
I
MARCH 5
MARCH 12
MARCH 19
MARCH 26
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
APRIL 2
APRIL 9
APRIL 16
APRIL 23
(59) Mjstery 122 |lo] (66) Comedy 108 It] (68) Mus-Com 116 (78) Western 182 (100) Drama 141 [a] (68) Drama 112
5|]
(62) Act-Mus 152 (60) Drama It
I22]
[U
BOSTON BLACKIE'S BLONDIE'S BIG DEAL MANHATTAN ANGEL ©THE BIG SOMBRERO KNOCK ON ANY DOOB RUSTY SAVES A LIFE HOME IN SAN ANTONE THE MUTINEERS
Gene Aiitry
Humphrey Botian
CHINESE VENTURE I'u-riny Singleton
Gloria Jean
Ted Donaldson
,luy Acutl
Jon Hall
Champion
John Derek
Cliester Morris
Arthur Lake
Ross Ford
It—Apr. 23—PG-1029 Jacqueline Thoma.s
.\dele Jergens
R—Apr. 16—PG-1027 George Macready
Bill
Maylia
Larry Simms
Patricia White
Allene Roberts
(56) Western 168 Edwards
George Reeves
Uichard Lane
.Marjorie Kent R—Nov. 20—PG-988
[U The Modernalres B—Apr. 23—PG 1029(
(78) Drama 140 R—Feb. 26— l'G-1013 DESERT VIGILANTE
1!—Mar. 26—PG- 1021 R—Mar. 26—PG-1021
R—May 7—rG-10:!4
THE WALKING HILLS
Charles Starrett
Randolph Scott
R—Apr. 23—PG-1029
Ella Riiines
(89) Drama 916
ijj\ (85) Drama 92; Reissue
|16] (76) Comedy 923
|23] (88) Drama 941
[U j^ (88) S-Western 927 |2o] (111) Drama
©RED STALLION IN [9] (171) Drama 985
BROKEN JOURNEY ©TULSA
©SCOTT Of THE
MIRANDA
IT ALWAYS RAINS ON
Phyllis Calvert
Pre-release
ANTARCTIC
THE ROCKIES SINCE YOU WENT Glynis Johns
SUNDAY
Margot Grahame
Susan Hayward
John Mills
Arthur Franz
AWAY
Griffith Jones
Google Withers
lames Donald
Robert Preston
Derek Bond
Jean Heather
Ciaudette Colbert
Google Withers
Jack Warner
Francis L Sullivan
i'edro Armendariz
Harold Warrender
Jim Davis
Jennifer Jones
Jolin McCallum
John McCallum
R—Mar. 26—PG-1022 .lames R. Justice
Red Stallion
Shirley Temple
It—Jan 16—PO1003 R—Mar. 12—rG-1017
R—Apr. 16—PG-102S
It—Mar, 19—PO-1019 Joseph Gotten
[4] (98) Mystery 917
^ (79) Drama 919 (93) Musical 921
U] T| (88) Drama 918
IjI] (121) Drama 922
.
THE BRIBE
FORCE OF EVIL i©TAKE ME OUT TO CAUGHT
©LITTLE WOMEN
Robert Taylor
John Garfield
THE BALL GAME lames Masoi
June AUyson
Beatrice Pearson
Frjink Sinatra
Barbara Bei Gedde.'- Peter Lawford
Ava Gardner
Charles Laughton
rhomas Gomez
Esther Williams
Robert Ryan
Margaret O'Brien
.Marie
John Hodlak
Windsor
Gene Kelly
Curt Bois
Blizabetb Taylor
It—Feb. 12—PG-IOIO
R—Jan. 1—PG-9!il) Betty Garrett R—Feb. 19 PG-Iuiv Mary Astor
R—Mar. 12—PG-1018
R—Feb. 26—PG-1014
\-
rj] (66) Drama 4803 [13] (64) Western 4862 [20] (71) Drama 4S06 nn (110) Drama 4826 [3] (55) Western 485:
JOE PALOOKA IN THE GUN LAW JUSTICE BOMBA. THE JUNGLE TEMPTATION
TRAILS END
BIG FIGHT
Jimmy Wakely
BOY
HARBOR
-lohnny Mack Brown
Johnny Sheffield
Simnne Simon
\l.ix Terhune
Joe Kirkffood
Peggy Ann Garner I!—Mar. 19—PG-I020 Kay Morley
Leon Errol
R—Mar. 5—PG-1016
Keith Richards
R—Feb. 26—PG-1014
[10] (771 M'drama 480'1
TUNA CLIPPER
Itoddy McDowall
Elena Verdugo
lloland Winters
ftlck Vallin
R—March 19—PG- 1020
(69) Comedy
Ijt]
FIGHTING FOOLS
Leo Gorcey
Bowery Boj«
[4] (93) Drama 4812
ALIAS NICK SEAL
Audrey Totter
Thomas Mitchell
George Macready
R—Jan. 22—PG-1002
\T\ (103) Comedy 4815
©EL PASO
John Payne
Gail Russell
Sterling Haydcn
Georee "Gabby" Hayes
R—Mar. 12—PG-1018
ra (107) Fantasy 48
©A CONNECTICUT
YANKEE IN KINl
ARTHURS COURj
BIng Crosby
Rhonda Fleming
William Bendli
B—Feb. 26—PG-IOIS
(T| (106) Drama 803
WAKE OF THE RED
WITCH
John Wayne
Gail Russell
Adele Mara
Gig Young
R—Jiin. 8—PG-lOOl
[T| (60) Western 4S16
SON OF BILLY THE
KID
Lash LaRue
Fuzzy St. John
Special
Group 6
Group 5
Special
Group 6
Group 6
(102) Drama 953 (94) Drama 921 (63) M'drama 918 Reissue
(72) Dr.ima 922 (89) Comedy 920
ENCHANTMENT THE GREEN PROMISE THE CLAY PIGEON (128) Drama 954 THE SET-UP
ADVENTURE IN
Ua\ id Niven
Robert Paige
Bill Williams
PRIDE OF THE
Robert Ryan
BALTIMORE
Teresa Wright
Marguerite Chapman Barbara Hale
YANKEES
Audrey Totter
Robert Young
Evelyn Keys
Walter Brcnnan
Richard Quine
Gary Cooper
George Tobias
Shirley Temple
Farley Granger
li—Mar. 12— PG-lOl? Richard Loo Teresa Wright
Alan Baxter
lohn Agar
.
K— Dec. 11—PQ-993
R—Feb. 19—PG-1012
R—Mar. 26—rG-1022 R—Mar. 26—rO-1022
m (61) Drama 806
|15] (59) Drama 809
|28) (89) Drama 805 l29| (60) Western 864 [8] (60) Western 831 [15] (60) Drama 81C
HIDEOUT
OUKE OF CHICAGO ©THE RED PONY DEATH VALLEY PRINCE OF THE STREETS OF SAN
Adrian Booth
torn Brown
.Myina Loy
GUNFIGHTERS
PLAINS
FRANCISCO
Lloyd Bridges
Audrey Long
Uubert Mitchum R—Apr. 23—PG-1030 Monte Hale
Robert Armstrong
Ray Collins
It—Apr. 2—
^
l'G-1024-A Louis Calhern
Reissue
Shirley Davis
Mae aarke
Sheila Ryan
( . . ) Western 808 Peter Miles
T] (59) Western 875 li— Apr, 23—PG-1030 .ary Grey
It-Apr. 9—PG-1025
CASTAWAY
R—Feb. 19—PG-lOll RANGER AND THE
ll_May 7—PG-1034
LADY
[n] (67) Drama 4817
RIMFIRE
James MiUlcim
Mary Beth Hughes
Reed Hadley
R—Apr. 2—Pa-1024-A
[Tj (60) Western 4815
SON OF A BAD MAN
Lash LaRue
Fuzzy St. John
(120) Drama 910 (69) Comedy 912 (81) Comedy
DOWN TO THE SEA IN MISS MINK OF 1949 ©MOTHER IS A
SHIPS
Jimmy Lydon
FRESHMAN
Lionel Barrymore
Lois Collier
Loretta Youo»
Itichard Widmark
Van Johnson
Dean Stockttell
Rudy Vaiiee
R—Feb. 19—PG-1012
Barbara Lawrence
R—Mar 6—PO-I016
(71) Act-Dr 603
JIGSAW
Franchot Tone
Jean Wallace
Lawrence
.Vlarc
Myron McCormick
R—Mar. 19—PO-1019
9U
Reissues
(97) Drama 908
(77) Drama 951 ©CANADIAN PACIFIC
HANGOVER SQUARE Itandolpb Scott
ileorge Sanders
Jane Wyatt
Carrol Nalsh
(84) Drama 952
THE LODGER
J.
Victor Jory
R—Feb. 26—PG-1013
Merle Oberon
\T\ (111) Drama 605
IMPACT
Brian Donlevy
Ella Raines
Helen Walker
R—Mar. 26—PG-1021
(71) Drama 905
CHEATED THE LAW
Tom Conway
Steve Brodie
Robert Osterloh
Rarbara Billlngsley
R—Jan. 15—PG-10n4
g
(89) Drama 6
THE CROOKED WAY
John Payne
Ellen Drew
Sonny Tufts
R—May 14—PG-loa
(90) Comedy 689
FAMILY HONEYMOON
Clainlette Colbert
Fred MacMurray
Rita Johnson
William Daniels
R— Dec 18—PO-995
g
(87) Comedy 690
THE LIFE OF RILEY
William Bendix
(iosemary DeCamp
lames (51eason
Beulah Bond!
R_Feb. 12—PG-1009
(82) Drama 691
3RED CANYON
\nn BIyth
(leorge Brent
Howard Duff
Rdgar Buchanan
R—Feb. 12—PO- 1009
(75) Comedy 692
MA AND PA KETTLE
Marjorie Main
Percy Kilbride
Richard Long
Meg Randall
R—Apr. 2—PG-1024-A
^
(105) Drama
Siritzky-Int'l
S>
2)NAIS
2 It—July 3—PG-947
2, 2^ (75) Documentary
h
S THE
Mayer-Burstyn
ILLEGALS
•"^ 11—July 17—PG-952
(88) Drama 815
©SOUTH OF ST. LOUIS
Joel McCrea
Alexis Smith
Zachary Scott
DorotJly Malone
(88) Drama
liiscina Int'l
BLIND DESIRE
R—July 17—Pa-962
(90) Comedy
Siritzky-Inn
PORTRAIT OF
INNOCENCE
R—July 24—PO-954
^
(81) Drama
Creative
FRANCOIS VILLON
R— Aug. 14— PG-960
(105) Drama
Films Int'l
SYMPHONIE
PASTORALE
R—Sept. 25—PG-972
(87) Comedy 816
Reissues
[le] (101) Mus-Com 820
[2] (77) Drama 817
'T\ (134) Drama 818
A KISS IN THE DARK
©MY DREAM IS YOURS
HOMICIDE
David Niven
SERGEANT YORK Jack Carson
Robert Douglas
Jane Wyman
Gary Cooper
Doris Day
Helen' Westcott
Victor Moore
Lee Bowman
Robert Alda
~9\ (77) Drama 819
Wayne Morris
Eve Arden
Monte Blue
CASTLE ON THE
R—Mar. 5—PG-1016
Adolphe Menjou
R—Mar. 12—PG-1018
>
HUDSON
R—Mar 19—PG 1
(105) Drama
.\zteca Films
LA MORENA DE Ml
COPLA
R—Aug. 28—PG-963
(96) Drama
Art kino
MURDERERS AMONG
US
(92) Drama
Superfilpi
THE LOVES OF DON
JUAN
R—Oct.
2—PG-974
(75) Comedy
Siipprfilm
THE MERRY CHASE
R—Oct. 2—PG-974
(92) M'drama
Gramercy
MARRIAGE IN THE
SHADOWS
n_Ort. 2—rG-973
(83) Mus-Dr
Cla.sa-Mohme
LA BARCA DE ORO
R—Oct. 2—ra-973
(65) Drama
Lopert
WHERE WORDS FAIL
R- Oct. 9—rG-976
(105) M'drama
Superfilm
WHEN LOVE CALLS
R—Oct. 16—PG-978
(87) Drama
Discina Int'l
RUY BLAS
R—Oct. 23—rG-980
(102) Drama
Film Right 1
BACK STREETS OF
PARIS
B—Oct. 3(^—PG-981
BOXOFFICE BooklnGuide :: May 28, 1949

APRIL 30
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
MAY 7
MAY 14
MAY 21
MAY 28
(85) Drama 142 (IOC) Drama 143 (72) Drama 144 [in (55) Western 161 26| ('9) Musical 105
HE UNDERCOVER WE WERE STRANGERS THE LOST TRIBE LARAMIE
MAKE BELIEVE
MAN
.Jennifer Jonts
.lohnny Welssmuller
Charles Starrett
BALLROOM
eiin Kord
John Garfield
Myrna Dell
(Till
IM ViKh
Pedro Armendariz
Elen.i Verdugo
Wf^tern 183 Jerome Courlland
mes Whit more
Gilbert Holand
H-t-May 11— PO-1036 RIDERS OF THE
Ruth Warrick
»rry Kelley H—May 7—PG-1033
WHISTLING PINES Frankle Laine
-Mar. 26—PQ-lMl
Gene Autry
KUig Cole Trio
R—May 21— PGl(>:i7
IUNE4
JUNE 11
FEATURE CHART
JUNE 18
[9] (6!) Mystery 109 (90) Drama
CRIME DOCTOR'S LUST FOR GOLD
DIARY
Lupino
Id.i
Warner Baxter
Glenn Ford
Stephen Dunne
Gig Young
Lois Maxwell
William Prince
.\dele Jergcns
n
;
(58) Western 954 (120) Com-Dr 915 (951 Hist-Dr 921 (75) Drama 928 (70) Mus-Com 930
(95)
(S;"l Drama 926
M'drama 922
( . . ) Drama
ROLU THUNDER, QUARTET
SARABAND
©THE BIG CAT SHAMROCK HILL REIGN OF TERROR SLEEPING CAR TO ALIMONY
ROLL
llermione Baddeley Stewart Granger
l.on McCalllster
I'ecgi- Ryan
Robert Cummings
TRIESTE
.luhn Beal
ieil KydG-1031
[jj (64) Drama 4S24
SKY DRAGON
Roland Winters
(9S) Drama 4816
Ul
BRIDE OF VENGEANCE
Paillette Coddard
-John Lund
Macdonald Carey
Albert Dekker
R— Apr. 2—PG-1023-A
((S5) Western 4863
[15)
ACROSS THE RIO
GRANDE
Jimmy Wakely
Cannonball Taylor
Reno Browne
m
(92) Western 4813
©STREETS OF LAREDO
William Ilulden
William RendLx
.Macdonald Carey
Mona Freeman
R—Feb. 12—PO-IOIO
(29] (67) Western 4810
MISSISSIPPI RHYTHM
limmie Davis
[T] (105) Drama AA13
MY BROTHER
JONATHAN
R—Apr. 16—PG-1027
|Io] (96) Drama 4817
MANHANDLED
liorolliy Lamour
Sterling Hayden
D;ui Duryea
Irene Hervey
R—Apr. 16—PG-1027
oup 6
(60) Western 923
ISTLERS
n Holt
rhard Martin
rtha Hyer
•ve Brodie
-Mar. 26—PO-1022
(75) Drama
THE WINDOW
Bobby Drlscoll
Barbara Hale
Arthur Kennedy
Ruth Roman
R—May 14—PG-1035
925
(91) Comedy 924
THE JUDGE STEPS
OUT
.\nn
Alexander
Sothern
Knox
George Tobias
R—May 14—PG-1035
Reissues
Reissues
(I'll)
(liO) Westerji 9S1
Cartoon
FIGHTING GRINGO DUMBO
(CO) Western 982
MARSHAL OF MESA
CITY
983
(fiO) Western
LEGION OF LAWLESS
(12) Cartoon
SALUDOS AMIGOS
Reissues
170) Ould'r-llr
TARZAN'S DESERT
MYSTERY
(TO) llutd'r-Dr
TARZAN'S TRIUMPH
(80) Drama 806 Reissue
\T\ (68) Western 876
Ulam Eailott
COLORADO'
WEST
-Feb. 1»—PO-lOU Hoy Rogers
Monte Hale
(60) Western
(67) Outd'r-Mu> 842
865 Paul
\J]
Hurst
iUSANNA PASS
FRONTIER INVESTI-
GATOR
t Etogers
Allan
-May
"Rocky" Lane
14—PG-1036
R—May 21—PG-103S
I
fHE LAST BANDIT
( . . ) Drama 4S18
lOO-OMOO
1 K.ir!dell
Iro DeCordoba
[5] (60) Western 852
LAW OF THE GOLDEN
(64) M'drama
ARSON. INC.
Rdljcrt Lowery
.\nne Gwynne
.Marcia Mae Jones
R—.May 21—PG-1037
(. . ) Drama
RINGSIDE
Don Barry
Tom Brown
(83) Comedy 913 (701 Drama 914 (64) Western
MR. BELVEDERE THE FAN
TUCSON
GOES TO COLLEGE leanne Craln
Jimmy Lydon
Clifton Webb
Madeleine Carroll
Penny Edwards
Shirley Temple
George Sanders
Cbarles Russell
Tom Drake
Richard Greene
.Vian Young
R—Apt. 9—PO-1026
R—Apr. 9—Pa-1026
|T| (92) Drama 607
OUTPOST IN MOROCCO
(jeorge Raft
.\Iarte Wlnd.'ior
Akim Tamlroff
John Lltel
R—Apr.
2—PQ-1024-A
g
915
(100) Drama 608 iH (79) Adv-Com 610
CHAMPION
AFRICA SCREAMS
Kirk Douglas
Bud Abbott
Miixilyn Maxwell
Lou Costello
Arthur Kennedy
Clyde Beatty
Ruth Roman
Frank Buck
R—Mar. 19—PG-1019 R—May 7—PG-1033
(88) Drama 904
( . . ) Drama 916 (87) Comedy 917
THE FORBIDDEN BEAUTIFUL BLONDE IT HAPPENS EVERY
STREET
FROM BASHFUL SPRING
Dana Andrews
BEND
Ray Milland
Maureen O'Hara
Betty Grablo
Jean Peters
Dame Sybil Tborndike Cesar Romero
Paul Douglas
Diane Hart
Rudy Vallee
Alan Hale jr.
R—May 7—PG-1034 Olga San Juan
It—May 14—PG-1036
(91) Drama 694
CITY ACROSS THE
RIVER
Stephen McNally
Sue England
Peter Fernandez
Thelma Rltter
R—Mar. 5—PG-1015
(69) Drama 695
ARCTIC MANHUNT
Mlkel Conrad
Carol Thurston
Wally Cassell
(991 Drama 693 ( . . ) Drama 696 (90) Drama 697
fHE LADY GAMBLES TAKE ONE FALSE ONE WOMAN'S STORY
Barbara StannTCk STEP
Ann Todd
Stephen McNally
Willi.im Powell
Claude Rains
Robert Preston
Shelley Winters
Trevor Howard
F,dith Barrett
James Gleason
R—May 14—PG-1036 Marsha Hunt
(94) Drama 821
>MINGO ROAD
1 Crawford
ney Greenstreet
bary Scott
lys George
Apr. 9—PG-1025
[14) (84) Drama .'822
NIGHT UNTO NIGHT
RoniUd Reagan
Viveca Lindfors
Broderick Crawford
Rosemary Decamp
R—Apr. 16—PG-1028
|28) dT) Drama 823
THE YOUNGER
BROTHERS
Wayne Morris
Janis Paige
Bruce Bennett
Geraldine Brooks
B—May 7—PO-1033
825
826
[u] (94) Outd"r-Dr 824 Reissues
COLORADO TERRITORY [is] (102) Drama
.McCrea
CASABLANCA
.loel
Virginia Mayo
Humphrey Bogart
Henry Hull
Ingrid Bergman
Drama Dorothy Malone
[Jg] (85)
R—May 21—PG-1038 a-MEN
lames Cagney
w
(98) Musical
Clasa-Mohme
2" LA REINA DEL
^ TROPICO
(100) Drama
Films Inn
WOMAN HUNT
R— .Nov. 6—PG-984
(103) Dranu
VmuvIo Films
MALACARHE
R—No?. 6—PO-»84
(77) Drama
Lopert
LONG IS THE ROAD
R—Nov. 20—PO-987
(130) Drama
Slritzky
Infl
CESAR
R— Dec. 4—Pa-991
(91) Drama
Voe
THE ETERNAL
HUSBAND
R— Dec. 4—PO-Wl
(91) M'drama Vog (102) Drama
EAGLE WITH TWO
Lopert
HEADS
R— Dec. 18—Pa-996
MONSIEUR VINCENT
B—Jia. 15—PQ-ie04
(84) Drama
Dist. Films
(95) Com-Dr
SECRETS OF A
Lopert
BALLERINA
MLLE. DE5IREE
R—Jan, 8 PG1002 R—Jan. IS—PO-1194
(93) Drama
Superfllm
MONTE CASSINO
R—Jan. 15—PQ-1003
(85) Drama
Globe Films
INTERLUDE
R—Jan. 22—PG-1006
(98) Comedy
Armanac
HIS YOUNG WIFE
R—Mar. 26—PO-1023
(88) Com-Dr
Dlst. FUms
FOUR STEPS IN THE
CLOUDS
R—Mar. 26—PG-1023
(8 3) M'drama
Crest Films
OUTCRY
R—Mar. 26—PO-1023
(100) M'drama
Slritzky
MAN TO MEN
26—PO-1024
R—Mar.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 28, 1949

REVIEW DIGEST
and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index
X o
i-2
A
987 Accused, TTie (100) Para 11-20-4S ff
997 Act of Violenoc (S2) MGM 12-25-4S
1022 Advciitura in Baltimore (89) RKO.. 3-26-49
+
+
993 Adventures of Don Juan (110) WB.. 12-25-48 ++
956 Adventures of Gallant Bess (73) EL.. 7-31-48 ±
1012 Affairs of a Rooue. The (95) Col.... 2-19-49 -f
1033 Africa Screams (79) UA 5- 7-49 +
1006 Alias Nick Seal (93) Para 1-22-49 +}
1040 Amazon Quest (70) FC 5-2S-49 ±
965 An Act of Murder (90) U-l 9- 4-4S +
998 Angel on the Amazon (86) Rep 12-25-48 ±
982Anjry God, The (57) UA 10-30-48 =
969 Apartment for Pegjy (96) 20-Fox 9-18-48 ++
978 Appointment With Murder (67) FC 10-16-48 ±
1037 Arson, Inc. (63) SG 5-21-49 ±
B
1006 Bad Boy (87) Mono 1-22-49 +
995 Badmen of Tombstone (74) Mono. .. .12-18-48 -f
1028 Barkleys of Broadway, The (109)
MGM 4-16-49 ff
1040 Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend, The
(79) 20tli-Fox 5-2S-49 -f
969 Behind Locked Doors (61) EL 9-18-4S +
982 Belle Starr's Daughter (87) 20-Fox 10-30-48 ±
964 Betrayal, The (183) Astor 8-28-48 ±
1033 Big Cat, The (75) EL 5- 7-49 ±
1025 Big Jack (85) MGM 4- 9-49 ±
1027 Big Sombrero. The (78) Col 4-16-49 +
969 Blanche Fury (93) EL 9-18-48 -
935 Blonde Ice (73) FC 5-22-48 ±
1021 Blondio's Big Deal (68) Col 3-26-49 ±
991Blondie'5 Secret (68) Col 12-4-48 ±
985 Blood on the Moon (88) RKO 11-13-48 +)
1016 Bomba. the Jungle Boy (71) Mono... 3- 5-49 +
1021 Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture
(59) Col 3-26-49 ±
897 Boy With Green Hair, The (82) RKO 11-20-48 ±
1023-A Bride of Vengeance (95) Para... 4- 2-49 ±
1010 Bribe, The (98) MGM 2-12-49 +
1015 Brothers in the Saddle (60) RKO... 3- 5-49 ±
Bungalow 13 (65) 20-Fox
c
1013 Canadian Pacific (97) 20-Fox 2-26-49 +
1010 Canterbury Tale, A (90) EL 2-12-49 +
1012 Caught (S3) MGM 2-19-49 +
Challenge of the Range (56) Col
1019 Champion (99) UA 3-19-49 ff
996 Chicken Every Sunday (94) 20-Fox. .12-18-48 4+
1015 City Across the River (90) U-l 3- 5-49 ff
1012 Clay Pigeon, The (63) RKO 2-19-49 +
970 Code of Scotland Yard (60) Rep 9-18-48 -f
1032 C-Man (76) FC 4-30-49 +
1038 Colorado Territory (94) WB 5-21-49 -f
997 Command Decision (111) MGM 12-25-48 ++
1013 Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's
Court, A (107) 'Para 2-26-49 +
943 Corridor of Mirrors (96) U-l 6-19-49 —
984 Countess of Monte Cristo, The
(77) U-l 11- 6-48 ±
Courtin' Trouble (56) Mono
1014 Cover-Up (83) UA 2-26-49 ++
Crime Doctor's Diary (61) Col
lOOSCriss Cross (87) U-l 1-22-49 +
1035 Crooked Way, The (89) UA 5-14-49 ±
972 Cry of the City (95) 20-Fox.. i... 9-25-4S ±
D
1000 Dark Past (75) Col 1- 1-49 +
1020 Daughter of the Jungle (69) Rep 3-19-49 ±
1023-A Daughter of the West (81) FC... 4- 2-49 +
1030 De.ith Valley Gunfighter (60) Rep. 4-23-49 -f
992 Decision of Christopher Blake
(75) WB 12- 4-48 —
Denver Kid, The (60) Rep
1029 Desert Vigilante (56) Col 4-23-49 ±
980 Disaster (60) Para 10-23-48 ±
1007 Don't Take It to Heart (90) EL... 1-29-49 ±
1012 Down to the Sea in Ships (120)
20-Fox 2-19-49 ++
1024-A Duke of Chicago (59) Rep 4- 2-49 ±
986 Dulcimer Street (112) U-l 11-13-48 ±
988 Dynamite (67) Para 11-20-48 ±
E
1017 Easy Money (94) EL 3-12-49 ±
1031 Edward, My Son (110) MGM 4-30-49 ++
993 El Dorado Pass (56) Col 12-11-48 ±
1018 El Pbso (103) Par*. 3-12-49 +
+
H

ana iraae press reviews, ine piua aaa nunua signs inaicccte me aegree
of lavor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an
ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page niunber. In parentheses after title is running
1009
1014
1001
Lone Won and His Lady, The (. Col
923 Lost One, The (84) Col
4-24-48
1036 Lost Tribe. The (72) Col
5-14-49
1025 Lovable Cheat, The (74) FC 4- 9-49
961 Loves of Cirmcn. The (98) Col 8-21-48
lOOS
1039
1024.
977
1037
1008
S99
1027
988
1026
994
1039
977
1003
Miss Mink of 1949 (69) 20-Fox
970 Miss Tatlock's Millions (101) Para. 9-18-48
1026 Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (S4)
2Q-F0X 4- 9-49
997 Mr. Perrin and Mr. Traill (91) 12-25-48
970
1016
879
990 Mozart Story, The (93) SG 11-27-48
1029 Mutineers, The (60) Col 4-23-49
1027 My Brother Jonathan (102) Mono.... 4-16-49
1016 My Brother's Keeper (85) EL 3- 5-49
968 My De.v Seofetary (94) UA 9-11-48
1020 My Dream Is Yours (101) WB 3-19-49
994 My Own True Love
N
(84) Para 12-11-48
1038 Neptune's Daughter (94) MGM 5-21-49
951 Night Has a Thousand Eyes
102S
963
976
995
Life of Riley. The (57) U-l...
Little Women (122) MGM
Loaded Pistols (79) Col
2-12-49
2-25-49
1- 8-49
Lucky Stiff. The (99) UA 1-29-49
Lust for Gold (90) Col 5-28-49
M
A IMa and Pa Kettle (75) U-l 4- 2-49
M.icbeth (107) Rep 10-16-48
Make Believe Ballroom (79) Col 5-21-49
M.W About the House (93) 20-Fox. . 1-29-49
Man From Colorado (99) Col 11-20-48
Manhandled (98) Paia 4-16-49
Manhattan Anoel (68) Col 11-20-48
Massacre River (78) Mono 4- 9-49
Mexican Hayride (77) U-l 12-11-48
Mighty Joe Younj (93) RKQ 5-28-49
Million Dollar Weekend (73) El 10-16-48
Miranda (75) EL 1-15-49
Moonriso (90) Rep 9-1S-4S
Mother Is a Freshman (81) 20-Fox 3- 5-49
Mourning Becomes Electra (173)
RKO 12- 6-47
1024 One Night With You (85) U-l 3-26-49
995 One Sunday Afternoon (90) WB 12-18-48
1024
9S0
8SS Paradine Case, The (117) SRO 1- 3-48
1003
897
1013 Place of One's Own, A (95) EL 2-26-49
983 Plot to Kill Roosevelt, The (83) UA 11- 6-48
983
999
,018
1030
(81) Para 7-17-48
Night Unto Night (84) WB 4-16-49
Night Wind (68) 20-Fox 9-U-48
No Minor Vices (96) MGIVI 10- 9-48
o
Old-Fashioned Girl, An (82) El 12-18-48
One Woman's Story ( . . ) U-l
Outlaw Brand (57) Mono
Outlaw Country (50) SG
A Outpost in Morocco (92) UA... 4- 2-49
P
Paleface, The (91) Para 10-23-48
Parole, Inc. (87) EL 1-15-49
Piccadilly Incident (88) MGM 2- 7-48
=t +
+ +
± +
-f ±
+
+
+
+
+ ±
+ ±
u
a
[)23.
953
983
.009
.011
1019
980
.038
979
017
024
i-l 974
975
,007
037
.022
977

«c;viow lit u\^A\jrri\^Et,
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: ++ Very Good.
+ Good, - Fair, — Poor, = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography.
Prod. t

1 Happy
Vol.
20th Century-Fox
I
Prod. No. Title Rcl. Date Ratina Rev'd
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
1949 SERIES
9901 Satisfied Saurians (9) Mar.
FEMININE WORLD
1949 SERIES
9601 Talented Beauties (Vjrvyan
Conner) (. .) June
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 14, No. 12 The Case of Mrs.
Conrad (18) July
Vol. 14, No. 13 White Collar Girls
(17) Aug.
Vol. 14, No. 14 Life With Grandpa
(19) Sept.
Vol. 14, No. 15 Battle for
Germany (19) Oct.
Vol. 14, No. 16 AmKica't New Air
Power (19) Nov.
Vol. 14, No. 17 Answer to Stalin
(19) Nov.
Vol. 14, No. 18 Watchdogs of the
Mail (18) Dec.
1949 SERIES
Vol. 15, No. 1 On Staje (18) Jan.
Vol. 15, No. 2 Asia's New Voice
(IS)
Feb.
Vol. 15, No. 3 Wish
(17)
You Were Here
Mar.
Vol. 15, No. 4 Report on the Atom
(20) Apr.
++
+
3-12
10
7
++ 9-18
# 10-16
+
+
++
++
+
+
1)204 Majesty of Yellowstone
(9) July
8256 ©Riddle of Rhodesia (8). -July
8257 ©Bermuda (8) Aug.
8258 ©Desert Lights (8) Aug.
8259 ©Portrait of the West (8) Oct.
8260 ©Way of the Padres (g)..Dec.
1949 SERIES
9251 ©Undscape of the Norse .
(8) Jan.
9252 Quaint Quebec (8) April
9253 Golden Transvaal (..).... May
9254 Maine Sail (. .) August
+
MOVIETONE SPECIALTY
6801 Symphony of a City (11). Sept. +
1949 SERIES
9801 Struggle for Survival (9).. Feb. ++
9802 The Hunter ( . . ) August
MOVIETONE MELODIES
8101 Charlie Barnet and His Band
(..) July
MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
SPORTS
8304 Football Finesse (10) Sept. +
8305 Olympic Water Wizards
(9) Nov.
8306 Yankee Ski-Doodle (9) Dec.
1949 SERIES
9301 Foaled for Fame (9) Feb.
9302 Neptune's Playground
(. .) April
9303 Beauty and the Blade (9). .May
9304 Future Champs (..) July
TERRYTOONS
(Technicolor)
8521 Mighty Mouse in the Witch's Cat
(7) July
8522 The Talking Magpies in Magpie
Madness (7) July
8523 Mighty Mouse in Love's Labor
Won (7)
Aug.
8524 The Hard Boiled Egg (7). Sept.
8525 Mighty Mouse and the Mysterious
Stranger (7) Oct.
8526 The Talking Magpies in Free
Enterprise (7) Oct.
8527 Mighty Mouse in Triple
Trouble (7) Nov.
8528 Tallting Magpies in Out Again,
in Again (7) Nov.
8529 Mighty Mouse in the Magic
Slippers (7) Dec.
8530 Talking Magpies in
Goony Golfers (7) Dec.
1949 SERIES
9501 The Wooden Indian (7)... Jan.
9502 Talking Magpies in the Power
of Thought (7) Jan.
9503 Mighty Mouse in the Racket
Buster (7) Feb.
9504 Sourpuss in Dinbat Land
(7) Mar.
9505 The Talking Magpies in the
Lion Hunt (7) Mar.
9506 The Talking Magpies in the
Stowaways (7) Apr.
9507 Mighty Mouse in a Cold
Romance (7) Apr.
9508 The Kitten Sittir (7) May
9521 Hook, Line and Sinker
(7) (reissue) May
,9509 The Talking Magpies in
Landing (7) June
(9522 Catnip Capers (7) Reissue. June
9510 Mighty Mouse in the Catnip
(Gang (7)
June
9511 The Talking Magpies in Hula
Hula (7) July
9512 The Lyin' Lion (7) July
9513 Mrs. Jones' Rest Farm
• (7) August
15, No. 5 Sweden Looks Ahead
(IS)
May •H-
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
12-
+ 3-12
10
3-:
+ 12-
±
8-14

SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on the Current Short Subjects
Fishing for Fun
MGM (Pete Smith Specialty) 9 Mins.
Good. Absorbing scenes ol the pursuit by
various methods oi various kinds of fish. The
finale is really spectacular, showing Gene
Beilharz, light-tackle champion of the Paojfic
coast, fighting and landing a huge sailfish.
Anglers everywhere will be thrilled at the
sight oi the fish plunging through the sea
and leaping high above its surface.
Mr. Whitney Had a Notion
MGM (Passing Parade) 11 Mins.
Good. It isn't generally known that Eli
Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin, mass-produced
muskets for the U.S. army. The film
makes a point of crediting him with introducing
mass-production methods. Whitney is
seen fighting government red tape and eventually
winning out in his barnlike factory in
Connecticut. The film has historical and human
interest.
Sen or Droopy
MGM (Cartoon) 8 Mins.
Good. Senor Droopy is a mild fellow who
falls in love with a picture of Linda Romay
and enters the bullring to distinguish himself.
Pitted against him is the foremost matador
of Mexico who algo likes Romay 's looks.
Droopy is out of the running until the painting
of mustaches on his would-be love's picture
enrages him to the point of heaving the
bull out of the arena, and he wins the gal.
Donald's Happy Birthday
RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Good. A very clever cartoon which deals
with Donald's mischievous nephews. They
need money to buy Donald a birthday present
so they tidy up the yard and then present
a bill for their services. Donald makes
them put the money in a piggy bank, but
they steal it and buy a box of cigars. Donald
makes the little ducks smoke the whole
box before he sees the birthday card—he
then shrinks to the size of an insect.
Heart Troubles
RKO (Comedy Special) IG Mins.
Good. Wally Brown is starred in a fairly
amusing slapstick situation comedy. Enraged
because his father-in-law loafs around the
house, Wally pretends to have heart trouble.
His wife and the father-in-law both try to help
him and only make matters worse. Wally's
boss arrives with a doctor and the latter learns
that his only ailment is the measles. The boss
then offers the father-in-law double salary if
he will fill in for the furious Wally.
I Found a Dog
RKO (My Pal Series) 21 Mins.
Good. The second in the newest of the "Pal"
series, featuring "Flame," the Wonder Dog,
and Gary Gray, a natural acting youngster, is
solid fare for neighborhood audiences. Anne
Nagel does a nice job as the boy's mother
and Griff Harnett is a fine character actor.
The story, which has a few heart-tugs, tells
now Gary rescues a beautiful shepherd dog
from a rabbit trap and thus forgets the recent
loss of his pet dog. The owner of the shepherd
dog wants him back, but Gary eventually
is able to keep his new pet.
Romantic Rumbolia
Republic (Impossible Pictures) 8 Mins.
Good. The fourth of the new series of Trucolor
comedy cartoons produced by Impossible
Pictures for Republic continues in the
kidding vein set by the other three. The narration
by Frank Nelson reviews the history
of a mythical Latin American island called
Rumbolia. The gags are corny but humorous
and the parody on conventional travelogs
is obvious.
Ace in the Hole
U-I (Lanfz Cartune) 7 Mins.
Good. Woody Woodpecker is training for
the army air corps but runs afoul of a tough
sergeant. A flare in Woody's flying suit
ignites and deposits him in a plane which
promptly takes off. The sergeant joins him
and crashes with the plane while Waody
parachutes to earth. Woody is assigned a
clipper job—clipping an endless line of army
horses.
Symphony in Swing
U-I (Name Band Musical) 15 Mins.
Good. Duke Ellington and his orchestra
star with the assistance of the Delta Rhythm
Boys, Kay Davis and the Edwards Sisters.
The numbers are "Take the 'A' Train," "Suddenly
It Jumped," "Turquoise Cloud," "Dancers
in Love," "Knock Me a Kiss" and "Frankie
and Johnny." It is fast, tricky entertainment
with the Duke's personality as emcee giving
it an extra fillip.
Hop, Skip and a Chump
(Blue Ribbon Hit Parade)
Warner Bros. 7 Mins.
Good. One of the best of the Technicolor rereleases
about the two dumb crows. The birds
decide to go hunting for a grasshopper, but
the latter is too smart for them and makes
chumps out of the crows. When the grasshopper
starts bragging about how smart he
is, however, he is finally captured by the two
crows.
Treachery Rides the Trail
(Technicolor Adventure)
Warner Bros. 10 Mins.
Fair. Except for the element of novelty, this
is a mildly amusing western short. A junior
cast of players tries to re-enact the days when
the wild west was really wild but most patrons
will only label it "cute." Using miniature
sets and appropriate props, the film tells
how Black Rider, the terror of the Texas trail,
terrorizes the town until a handsome ranger
saves the day and the beautiful heroine.
Water Wonderland
Warner Bros. (Sports Parade) 10 Mins.
Good. Some excellent shots of water sports
in the balmy summer climate of southern
California. The camera records a variety of
swimming, diving, fishing, sailing and yachting
sports, as well as the dangerous surf
boarding. Places covered in the film are Lido
and Balboa Island)^ Newport Beach and
Corona del Mar.
Stars Alone, He Says,
Don't Make A Picture
J^ W. MATTECHECK, Mack Theatre,
McMiimville, Ore., says:
" 'Command Decision' has a lot of gold
braid and a lot of high-priced stars, but
these do not in themselves make an entertaining
picture. Classified as a percentage
picture, it just about flopped with
us because of the poor story and no
appeal for women. Distributors still have
a lot to learn—and Hollywood is slow in
growing up."
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 40: Blasts and fire
damage Holland tunnel; blockade of Berlin is
lifted; Truman honors women of achievement;
I Am an American day celebrated in New
York; Barkley salutes Israel at a New York
anniversary rally; the Truculent Turtle-^U.S.
navy plane; Roupd-Robin tourney; Capot captures
the Preakness at Pimlico.
News oi the Day, No. 274: New era in Berlin
as blockade ends; chemical blast rocks Holland
tunnel; Grandma Moses wins achievement
award; American day celebrated; Capot
wins Preakness.
Paramount News, No. 77: Thrill-packed
Preakness; Berlin freed from the blockade; 1
Am an American day.
Universal News, No. 248: Berlin blockade;
Holland tunnel explosion; Preakness.
Warner Pathe News, No. 79: Holland tunnel
blast; Berlin blockade; Dewey on vacation;
women's press awards; Jap emperor; Swiss
guards; seals on remote Pacific isle; French
fashions—burlap and forbidden fruit dresses;
Capot wins Preakness in photo finish.
•
Movietone News, No. 41: General Clay
comes home from Berlin; Truman opens opportunity
bond drive; another Roosevelt enters
politics; Pope Pius proclaims a new saint;
President Dutra of Brazil arrives in U.S.; "It
Happens Every Spring" premiere; inflated
building; Florida introduces the skim boat;
Wellesley sophomores win crew race.
News of the Day, No. 275: General Clay
gets hero's welcome; spotlight on another
FDR; Pope proclaims new saint; modern 49ers
hit bond trail for Uncle Sam; great day for
Monty Stratton; skim boating newest sport;
U.S. honors president of Brazil.
Paramount News, No. 78: Stars help launch
bond drive; Washington greets Brazil's chief
executive; FDR elected to Congress; U.S. salutes
hero of the peace.
Universal News, No. 249: U.S. acclaims General
Clay; Brazil's president welcomed to the
capital; international Golden Gloves; President
asks bond support.
Warner Pathe News, No. 80: Dutra; FDR jr.;
McClay; General Clay; spring in the northwest;
bond drive; Swiss acrobat; international
Golden Gloves; surf boarders; Great Americans—Captain
Lawrence.
•
All American News. No. 343: Newspaper
of Norfolk, Va., wins Wendell Willkie award
for journalism; Etta Moten, operatic star, wins
praise during rehearsal; Philadelphia Stars
Meet Kansas City Monarchs in baseball
opener in Newark, N. J.; Awards presented to
Howard university ROTC staff at annual review
in Washington.
All American News, No. 344: Stanley Kramer,
producer of "Home of ths Brave," is honored
in New York; pilgrimage to Rock City,
Tenn.; youngsters of Norfolk, Va., battle for
marble championship; postal worker of Dallas
turns inventor; sculptress exhibits work at
New York's New School for Social Research.
•
Telenews Digest, No. 20A: Germany—blockade
ends; England—Eisler caught; Washington—Congress
debates on giving arms to
Europe; New York—the Philadelphia Symphony
orchestra leaves for a tour of London;
England—naval conference; Egypt— girls in
calisthenics; Pimlico—Capot takes Preakness
Telenews Digest, No. 20B: Shanghai under
siege; nation honors General Clay; Washington
— President Dutra of Brazil pays
Truman a ten-day state visit; New York
Congressman-elect FDR jr. leaves for Europe;
Texas—a howling tornado in Texas leaves
ruin in its wake; Italy—Alpine floods; France
a Frenchman posing as an archaeologist is
forced from the top of an 80-foot obelisk when ,
police discover he's only a publicity seeker.
14 BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 28, 1949

Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
The Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend F
Comedy
(Technicolor)
20th-Fox (91G) 79 Minutes Rel. Juno '49
During recent seasons the screen has been treated—and
profitably— to some outstanding features which undertook to
burlesque the time-honored gallopers. This goes one step
further inasmuch as it hovers between the screwball comedy
and a western, although about all that it adopts from
the latter category is locale, circa and aura. Written, directed
and enacted strictly for laughs, and lushly tinted in Technicolor,
the film's humor—which carries fairly well most of the
way—is broad and blatant and sufficiently rowdy to make
the picture a borderline case as concerns the production
code. As a straight-shooting dancehall gal, who gets in hot
water because she repeatedly plugs a judge in the derriere,
La Grable has plenty of opportunity to display the celebrated
gams which established her as No. 1 pinup girl, and
her fans will like her change of thespian pace. Limned and
megged by Preston Sturges.
Betty Grable, Cesar Romero, Rudy Vallee, Olga San Juan,
Leave It
Sterling Holloway, Hugh Herbert, El Brendel.
to Henry
Comedy
Monogram (4827) 57 Minutes Rel. June 12, '49
Stalwart trouping and a tight, laugh-laden script which
places emphasis upon wholesome, homespun comedy render
this eminently suitable for booking in that secondary spot,
for which exhibition niche it is further qualified by reason
of its compact running time. Second in a projected series costarring
Raymond Walburn and Walter Catlett (the initiale:
"Henry the Rainmaker"), the new entry reflects improvement
over the first, assaying higher in entertainment content and
benefiting from well-drawn, typical and humorous smalltown
characterizations. Most audiences should find it to their
liking. Walburn and Catlett carry the major part of the
thespian load, delivering in their standard slapstick style
the former as a busybody lawyer, the latter as the community's
muddle-headed mayor helplessly involved in one of
Walburn's wild schemes. Directed by Jean Yarbrough.
Raymond Walburn, Walter Catlett, Gary Gray, Mary Stuart,
Barbara Brown, Houseley Stevenson, Ida Moore.
Jimn
Mighty Joe Young F \'Zl7
RKO Radio ( ) 93 Minutes Rel. July 23. '49.
Hokum in unlimited quantities and of unabashed quality
ignites this pin wheel of adventure, fantasy, action and
humor. Some 16 years ago, Merian C. Cooper, the film's
co-producer, gave the screen "King Kong," the popularity
and profits of which will be remembered with drools by
I
veterans of the exhibition field. Whether this—cast in a
ina, A somewhat similar mold and again treating with a gigantic
"lit gorilla—can deliver similarly probably depends upon how
much tastes in screen fare have changed in that decade
and a half. Possibly because he suspects such changes,
Cooper apparently approached his chore with tongue in
cheek, which resulted in the offering being sufficiently flexible
so that spectators can look at it for laughs or for thrills,
depending upon the individual. Inasmuch as there are plenty
of both, the film should register stoutly at the turnstiles.
Directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack.
Terry Moore, Ben Johnson, Robert Armstrong. Frank McHugh,
Douglas Fowley, Denis Green, Paul GuiHoyle.
Lust for Gold
F
~^'
Columbia ( )' 90 Minutes Rel. Juno '49
Purportedly this is a factual history of the fabulous Lost
Dutchman mine in Arizona's Superstition mountains, said
to be the hiding place of $20,000,000 in gold. If so—and a
foreword by the governor of Arizona attests to the film's
authenticity— then here is another and striking example of
truth being frequently stranger than fiction. For the film
spins a story of greed and passion, intrigue and murder
that is unrelentingly savage and violent, unleavened by
comedy touches and therefore destined to appeal more
strongly to masculine than to feminine patrons. Within that
limitation, it rates on a par with the other current entries—
and they are legion—in the present popular cycle of hardbitten
outdoor fare. The teaming of Glenn Ford and Ida
Lupino in the leads should prove a marquee asset, and S.
Sylvan Simon's dual chore as producer and director was
effectively accomplished.
Ida Lupino, Glenn Ford, Gig Young, William Prince, Edgar
Buchanan, Will Geer, Paul Ford.
The Gay Amiga
United Artists (604) 62 Minutes Rel. May 13, '49
^he second in Philip N. Krasne's new Cisco Kid series
has more laughs than action but is entertaining enough to
serve as supporting dualler in the neighborhood houses. Not
strong enough to stand alone in action spots. Made on a
modest budget, the film again plays up Cisco as a philosophical
adventurer and his pal, Pancho, as a loquacious
busybody. Duncan Renaldo is adequate, but not virile
enough as Cisco, while Leo Carrillo gives one of his stock
comedy portrayals as Pancho. Joe Sawyer contributes a few
laughs as a dim-witted army sergeant and Armida supplies
the feminine interest as a lively little spitfire. The scenic
backgrounds are outstanding. When Cisco is blamed for
banditry which was actually committed by an American
gang, he determines to capture the real outlaws. He has
several clashes -with on army sergeant before he exposes
the culprits. Directed by Wallace Fox.
Duncan Renaldo, Leo Carrillo, Armida, Joe Sawyer, Walter
Baldwin, Fred Kohler jr., Kenneth MacDonald.
F
only
$205
ttlr,
FIv
The Walking Hills
Dram

. . . and
EXPLOITIPS
Suggestions for Selling; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "Mighty Joe Young"
Since there are many nightclub scenes herein, work out
tieups with local cocktail bars, which might serve a "Joe
Young" cocktail. Make over the lobby and theatre front in
jungle fashion and -dress attendants either as African nasuch
as are employed in big-game hunting expeditions. Organize
a "safari" for street ballyhoo, with "natives" toting ^g^
dummy "crates" fhe sides of which carry picture and theatre ,g ^^
billing.
CATCHLINES*
By All Odds the Biggest Thrill Show the Screen Has Ever
Seen ... a Picture That Will Never Be Matched . . . Packed
With Such Daring, Such Danger, Such Amazement, Such
Fantastic Adventure . . . That It Stands Alone as the Epic
Shocker of All Time ... a Riot of Thrills.
In All Screen History . . . Never Has There Been Presented
Such a Rousing Spectacle of Wild Adventures ... a Thrill-
Tingling Riot of Amazing Suspense . . . Enthralling Action
Dazzling Drama.

RATES: 10c per worcL minimum Sl.OO. cash with copy. Four insertions for price ol three.
CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to
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thing. Blevlns Popcorn Co., Popcorn Village,
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Popcorn, the cream of the Hybrid crop. Popcorn
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ON PAGE 28
29

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