3^

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000
JUvi rloiimt IJjduAJi JncwjiJ/tu
TO A Convention: 3 -Page
Report on 1949 Meeting;
Public Relations Okayed
Page* 8. 9, 10
COVER STORY: Blue Ribbon
Award Goes to Warner Brothers'
'Look for the Silver Lining'
Page 22
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NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION
Includtno Ihi Scdional Newi Pagts of All Editions
.1 the I'oit om« SEPTEMBER 17, i.. 1949
if March 3 1879
'i-r.i^ lui-i.

THE BIGGEST KISS
IN MOVIE HISTORY!
M-G-M presents its great
New TECHNICOLOR MUSICAL!
"THAT MIDNIGHT
KISS"
starring
KATHRYN
GRAYSON
JOSE ..
ITURBI
with
ETHEL BARRYMORE
KEENAN WYNN
J. CARROL NAISH • JULES MUNSHIN
THOMAS GOMEZ • MARJORIE REYNOLDS
and introducing
MARIO LANZA
COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR
Screen Play by Bruce Manning and Tamara Hovey
Directed by NORMAN TAUROG
Produced by JOE PASTERNAK
A METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURE
Worl
break
Theai
Sweei
cals;

Il
SMACK!
(in Technicolor)
World ^
Premiere in Philadelphia
breaks 20 -year record of Boyd
Theatre for first week. M-G-M's
Sweetheart of Technicolor Musicals
is headed for terrific long run!

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INGRID
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BERGMAN
J JOSEPH -,
COTTE^l
MICHAEL
BOTIIf
NEW
STANDOUll
MFRtD HITCHCOCK'S
vaosn
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COLOK B'
TECHNlCOLOi
ARC
WARNE
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SMASHES
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LIGHTNINC/cet Geared

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THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PIBIISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EOITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. lERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Executive Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR
Western Editor
FLOYD M. MIX Equipment Editor
General Manager
RAYMOND LEVY
Published Every Saturday by
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OXOFFICE
LIF THOSE RESTRAINTS
7 •^^ HE evidence has been building up for a long
time that concerted and aggressive action will be undertaken
by the industry in combatting unfair and discriminatory taxai
tion. This is further emphasized in remarks made by Eric
Johnston in his address at the convention of the Theatre Own- i
ers of America, as follows:
"Through collaborative effort, we can do more than improve the good
name of the industry. We can also improve its good fortune. It is time
vre stopped being easy marks on the tax front—the favorite target for
taxation in Washington, in state capitals, and in municipalities.
"We are perfectly willing to carry our share of the tax load. We
|
always have. But we do complain—and rightly— at being singled out
for unfair and discriminatory taxes. I think we are on solid ground with
a two-fold position on discriminatory taxation.
"First, the motion picture is a free medium of expression which
should have the same rights as the press, and should receive equal \
treatment at the hands of all legislatures.
"Second, the motion picture is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Here in
America, as elsewhere around the world, it fills a vital public need in
bringing information, entertainment and relaxation to the great masses
of people. Stalin and Tito wouldn't be buying American films—far from
it—unless they clearly recognized the motion picture as a necessity.
"We have already joined hands against the wartime federal admissions
tax which lays so unfair a burden on the moviegoing public. It was
one of the first evidences of this growing spirit oi collaboration within
our industry."
Charles Sawyer, secretary-of the U,S- Department of Commerce,
addressing the same group, held out a vague assurance
on the possibilities of tax reduction when he declared,
"There is general agreement that wartime excise taxes should
be repealed as soon as possible." What made this vague was
the qualification: "Here, as elsewhere, the problem for the
government is to replace or lose the revenue which comes
from this source. At a time when we are undertaking to stimulate
consumer expenditures, we should survey carefully the
possibility of reducing taxes which discourage such expenditures."
Mr. Sawyer made no comment on the fact that, through
increased consumer expenditures, which would result from
the elimination of nuisance taxes, the government treasury
would be replenished by added tax income derived from increased
business profits and higher personal incomes.
However he concurred with Mr. Johnston on the vital pubhe
need of the motion picture when he said, "We in America
have a stake in the maintenance of the solvency and strength
of the movie industry. We w^ant to make life in America pleasant,
and you make one of the great contributions to that end.
In order that you may continue, you must operate your business
at a profit." There will be wide agreement with that.
Of further significance is this parallel to Mr. Johnston's
remarks:
"In America, motion pictures are produced without (federal) censorship,
without control of subject matter by the government. They are as
free as our press. In nearly every other country of the world the motion
picture lies under the heavy hand of government regulation ... I know
iifelowirraiil
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liexcesave"
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Jshouldoiia
Inltetopirt
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that the industry prizes its freedom . . . The product you sell is a powerlul
force in our society,"
There is basis in that, as well as in Mr. Johnston's like remarks,
to warrant the lifting of restraints that are placed upon
the scope of the motion picture's public influence and service
by excessive and discriminatory taxation; and upon its worldwide
impact by other restrictions which our government can
and should aid in removing.
hi the tax picture as a whole, collaborative effort must be
continued by the various elements of the industry with one
another—and vnlh other businesses where there is a community
of interest.
In
Commendation
In response to requests from their branch managers and
hundreds of exhibitors. National Screen Service has produced
an attractive 40x60 on "I Am a Movie Fan," which may be used
in lobby and front frames. As a service to the industry's public
relations endeavors, NSS is making this display available
at nominal cost. One of the first orders came from a circuit
which already had made up 30x60s of its ovm. This same
circuit also used "I Am a Movie Fan" in full-page newspaper
advertisements.
The anonymous author of this epic tribute to the motion
picture should be very proud of the extent to which his fine
interpretation is being carried to the public. It has been used
in many newspaper editorials; in advertisements; by columnists;
in programs and house organs; by exhibitor associations to
their memberships and in general promotions; on mailing
cards; in letters; in stockholder report brochures; in trailers and
various other forms. And it has even served to bring competitors
together, as note the foUowring excerpt from a letter
received from a progressive small-town theatre ovimer:
"You've published several reproductions of your (June 25) cover. "I
Am a Movie Fan,' and, knowing how vitally interested you are in helping
build better public relations, I took the liberty of getting the advertising
manager of the Sentinal to get the rest of the theatres in the county
to go in on a cooperative ad. I'm especially proud of the fact that it is
cooperative, as I feel we are getting somewhere when the little fellow,
like me, and the big circuits can work together in tackling our problems.
I wanted to put our signatures on the bottom, but the rest thought
it more effective as you see it (without signature)."
We are not being immodest in any praise that we may
here or otherwise give to "I Am a Movie Fan," because we
didn't write it. We merely had the good fortune to have been
chosen by its author as the vehicle through which to bring
it to the attention of the people of our industry. Their recognition
of its inspirational values and its worth in fostering public
goodwill was spontaneous. And all those who have made
good use of it in this direction are to be commended. Nevertheless
there is a measure of gratification to us in the widespread
use to which "I Am a Movie Fan" has been put by exhibitors
and others in America, Canada and England in that
BOXOFFICE has thereby rendered a service to our great industry.
^it~
Paramount Case Defendants
May Ask 30-Day Extension
However, chances for the government to
agree to any delay in the September 20 deadline
for submitting proposed antitrust decrees
and findings look very slim.
Ohio Drive-ins Organize
For Vigorous Campaign
Plans to form five committees authorized
at the first regular meeting of the new Ohio
Drive-In Theatres Ass'n in Columbus; Frank
Nolan of Athens, Ohio, heads the group.
*
SIMPP to Aid in Fighting
'Boundaries' Censorship
Joins MPAA with pledge to support Louis
DeRochemont's legal moves to lift Memphis
censorship; producer now seeking local exhibitor
to bring test case against Lloyd Binford,
the Memphis censor.
Use of More Children's Films
Asked by Leon J. Bamberger
Tells exhibitors at New Jersey Allied convention
in Atlantic City that many showmen
could benefit from the MPAA Children's Film
Library as a part of the public relations effort.
*
Herbert Yates to England
For Frozen Funds Talks
Republic president will sail September 21
for conferences with executives of British
Lion on possible uses of company's blocked
English pounds; also will visit continental
countries.
United Front Possibility
Is Visioned by Zukor
Veteran Paramount executive, at New Jersey
Allied meeting, says concerted effort
needed to gain public's respect. Both sides
have sometimes used wrong methods, he says.
Amendment to Aid Industry
Abroad Killed by Senate
Reciprocal trade agreement acts extension
passed, but Senator Knowland's move to protect
film business from unfair overseas treatment
defeated by 54 to 27 vote.
Edgar Hatrick, Gen'l Manager,
News of the Day, Is Dead
Veteran newsreel producer and pioneer in
silent film serials dies in Colorado Springs at
63; handled all of William Randolph Hearst's
film interests.
*
Allied of Indiana Bulletin
Praises Chicago Meeting
Trueman Rembusch, who represented Allied
States Ass'n at session, says important
achievement of public relations conference
was getting all segments to understand each
other's problems better.

COOPERATIVE SPIRIT PREVAILS
AS TOA OKAYS P. R. PROGRAM
By IVAN SPEAR
LOS ANGELES—With cooperation and caution the dominant
convention notes, some 750 delegates to 1949's annual meeting
of the Theatre Owners of America met here September 12
through 15 in what virtually evei-yone ia attendance, as well as
outside observers, agreed was probably the most carefully implemented,
efficiently conducted and effective gathering of showmen
in motion picture history.
Representing 6,500 theatres with a seating capacity of more
than 9,000.000, the TOA conventioneers assembled for the first
time in the heart of the film production world to map and take
action on such controversial issues as television, the federal
amusement tax, competitive bidding, 16mm competition, censorship,
exhibitor-distributor relations, legislation, industry unity
and a host of related subjects. To these subjects was devoted the
major amount of attention and discussion.
Keynoting the industry's views on television and the potential
threat of that entertainment medium to motion pictures was a preconvention
statement by Arthur H. Lockwood, retiring TOA president,
who called for a "joint approach of producers and exhibitors"
to the problem and opined that such a study "is not to be centered
in any one city."
GET WARNING ON TELEVISION
Delegates to the conclave were warned on the second day of
the convention, September 13, that television has mushroomed into
a gigantic industry during the past three years, that more than 80
per cent of TV set owners are attending motion pictures less frequently,
and that by the end of 1950 some 5,000,000 television receivers
will be in operation throughout the U.S. These statistics
were supplied by Marcus Cohn, the TOA's video consultant, who
urged that film industry representatives, to meet the TV threat, must
push for allocations of special video frequencies and take other direct
action to bring back their lost customers.
In complete agreement with Cohn's analysis, the video committee
recommended a special assessment be levied to defray the cost of
hearings at which the FCC will be asked to allocate channels for
theatre television. Committee members agreed also that theatre
video is economically feasible. Charles P. Skouras outimed Fox
West Coast's plans for installation of television equipment and Si
Fabian reported that his TV installations
have resulted in increased attendance.
On the same day Paramount demonstrated
the latest "interim" model of its theatre TV
system at the Ambassador Theatre m the
Ambassador hotel, convention headquarters.
Dubbed the "Paralent," the portable device
includes a radically new film-drying unit
which processes film within a few seconds.
TOA conventioneers witnessed a jiersonal illustration
of the system when their entrance
into the theatre was picked up by TV cameras
and the images were flashed on the
screen shortly after they were seated.
Video came in for further discussion September
14 when the TOA's television committee,
headed by Mitchell Wolfson, presented
a detailed report on the subject and,
m the Ambassador Theatre, RCA staged a
demonstration of its theatre television system.
Tempered optimism characterized the conventioneers'
approach to the repeal of federal
admission taxes. As one of the gathering's
honored guests, Secretary of Commerce
Charles Sawyer made a keynote address at
a luncheon session September 13 in which the
In the upper photo, Samuel Pinanski (second from left), new
president of TOA, meets informally with (L to R), S. H. Fabian,
member of the board; -Mitchell Wolfson, vice-president, and Gael
Sullivan, executive director. In the lower panel (L to R) are Ted
Gamble, retiring board chairman; Arthur Lockwood, retiring president
and new board cliairtaan; Charles P. Skouras, treasurer; and
Robert Coyne, member of the board.
%•
government official declared himself "greatly
impressed" with the arguments that have
been advanced for the levy's appeal. He did
not, however, hold out any immediate hope
that the legislation can be abolished. The
amusement tax was discussed further at a
meeting of the TOA's taxation committee,
of which Morris Loewenstein is chairman,
on the following day.
Speaking for the cause of all-industry cooperation
and the necessity for an all-out
public relations campaign was Ned E. Depinet,
president of RKO and chairman of the
INFORMAL MOMENTS AT THE CONVENTION: In the left
photo, two veterans, A. H. Blank of Des Moines (L), and Frank
Newman of Seattle meet Starlet Betty Lynn. In the next photo
(L to R) are Roy Cooper, San Francisco; Ed Zorn, Pontiac, III.;
John Balaban, Chicago, and Samuel G. Levin, San Francisco. Third
photo shows M. A. Lightman (L) of Memphis with Leonard Goldenson,
Paramount Theatres chief; Ned Depinet, RKO president, and
Francis Harmon, MPAA vice-president and head of its communityexhibitor
relations program. Photo at right has (L to R) W. F.
Crockett, Virginia Beach, Va., M. L. Hurley, Clovis, N. M., and Roy
Cooper of San Francisco in committee sessions. All delegates received
an opportunity to participate in the convention affairs.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

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and
industry's conference committee which recently
staged the widely-acclaimed unity
meeting in Chicago. Reporting on that session
in a speech delivered September 13,
Depinet contended the Chicago conference
provided a "historic opportunity for the foundation
of public relations unity in our industry,"
and reiterated that the screen "belongs
to the free peoples of the world; we
shall guard it well in their name."
Earl Hudson, chairman of the TOA's public
relations committee, declared in his report
—presented on the same day—that public relations
means "public respect," and urged exhibitors
to carry this message direct to their
local press and radio representatives. Such
community endeavor, he declared, can help
immeasurably in eliminating the "sensationalism"
with which many newspaper, radio
and magazine outlets handle motion picture
news.
Hudson's report, calling for the TOA to
appoint a permanent representative on the
all-industry council, was approved by the
convention delegates It also calls for each
TOA affiliate to create its own public relations
committee.
All-industry cooperation is bringing forth
concrete results through the return of showmanship
to exhibition and distribution, it
was declared by Al Lichtman, 20th Century-
Fox distribution executive, who spoke at the
public relations session September 13.
A blast at regional censorship, through
which he declared much film entertainment
is rendered innocuous—and is therefore keeping
millions of potential moviegoers out of
the theatres—was delivered by Producer Samuel
Goldwyn at a luncheon meeting at which
he was host September 14. Goldwyn pointed
out that the industry adheres to strict selfregulation
through the MPAA's production
code administration and urged exhibitors to
launch a determined fight against "petty"
censorship groups in their own communities.
Topflight production representatives met
with exhibitor leaders at a dinner on the evening
of September 14, followed by an open
forum during which mutual problems were
discussed. Eric Johnston, MPAA president;
Dore Schary of MOM, and Y. Prank Freeman
of Paramount, were spokesmen for the producers
and speaking for the exhibitor segment
were Ted Gamble, Sam Pinanski, new
TOA president, and F. H. (Rick) Ricketson.
That open forum failed, however, to develop
the fireworks which some delegates had
expected. Keynote of the talks was mutual
cooperation to benefit all of the industry's
branches.
Sounding an optimistic note, Schary proclaimed
himself satisfied with the manner
in which exhibitors have handled his pictures,
blasted "pressure groups" and predicted it
What Was Done and Said at TOA:
Samuel Pinanski, president of American
Theatres Corp., Boston, was elected president,
and Denver was picked as the 1950
convention site.
Arthur Lockwood, retiring president,
was named chairman of the board, and
other officers elected were: Mitchell Wolfson,
Miami, and Sherrill Corwin, Los Angeles,
vice-presidents; Charles P. Skouras,
Los Angeles, treasurer; Edward Zorn, Pontiac.
111., secretary; Herman Levy, New
Haven, general counsel; Ben Strozier, Rock
Hill, S. C, and Claude Mundo, Little Rock,
co-chairmen finance committee; Gael Sullivan,
executive director.
The board of directors was increased
from seven to 13, with the following elected;
Ted R. Gamble, Portland Ore; J. J.
O'Leary, Scranton, Pa.; Robert Wilby, Atlanta;
Si Fabian, New York; Nat Williams,
Thomasville, Ga.; Leonard Goldenson, New
York: Robert J. O'Donnell, Dallas; Morris
Loewenstein. Oklahoma City; Max Connett,
Newton, Miss.; Robert Coyne, New York;
B. D. Cockrill, Denver; William Ruffin,
Covington, Tenn., and R. R. Livingston,
Lincoln, Neb.
Delegates approved the industrywide
public relations program, voted to name a
permanent member to the all-industry
committee, and recommended that each
TOA affiliate appoint its own public relations
committee.
The television committee reported that
theatre TV is economically feasible and
recommended that a special assessment be
levied to defray the cost of hearings at
will be a "bonanza year in terms of quality,
which the FCC will be asked to allocate
channels for theatre television.
Opposition to competitive bidding was
reiterated by a committee headed by Walter
Reade jr. which recommended that if
it becomes necessary to engage in bidding,
an exhibitor-distributor committee be established
to work out a uniform fair trade
code, with court approval, and this committee
also establish a system of arbitration.
The convention approved the recommendations.
Eric Johnston, president of the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America, recommended
that a series of producer-exhibitor forums
be held in Washington for mutual exchange
of helpful ideas.
Samuel Goldwyn asked for an overhauling
of the Production Code to bring
it up to current standards, and urged a
strong, militant industry fight against
censorship on national and local levels.
Charles Sawyer, secretary of commerce,
said he was greatly impressed with the
arguments against the admissions tax and
said there is general agreement that wartime
excise taxes should be repealed as
soon as possible, but the problem is still
to replace or lose the revenue which comes
from this source.
Ted Gamble, retiring chairman of the
board, reported that boxoffice receipts are
up 10 per cent over 1948. He also said
that the more than 1,000 drive-in theatres
have done more to attract new patronage
to the theatre than anything that has happened
to the industry in many years.
in terms of prestige and importance to
Hollywood."
Johnston, discussing television, taxation
and other problems, suggested that a series
of exhibitor-producer seminars be held in the
film capital for the mutual exchange of helpful
ideas. Through such "collaborative effort,"
he declared, the industry's good name
can be improved.
Pinanski emphasized that production and
distribution should be made aware of the
tremendous investment in exhibition, far
above that in the other two branches of the
business, and said that among all three "there
must be an awareness" of underlying problems.
He called for "constructive" thinking
instead of "feuding."
Ricketson called exhibitors, large and small,
the primary and greatest strength of the industry,
and said that an "essential weakness"
is that many showmen regard producers as
adversaries. The public relations problem,
he declared, must be approached on the local
level.
Maintenance of a high level of production
to service 13,000,000 theatre seats was urged
by Gamble, who said the industry cannot
afford a product shortage. He hailed the allindustry
public relations program as a "life
saver" and called for a new and harmonious
(Continued on page 10)
MORE INFORMAL MOMENTS: At left is a sextet of directors.
Standing (L to R) are Ed Zorn, Pontiac, 111.; E. D. Martin, Columbus,
Ga.; and, seated, Gus Metzg-er, Los Angeles; Al Pickus, Stratford,
Conn., Robert Livingston, Lincoln, Neb.; and Pat McGee, Denver.
In second photo, Louis Montez, president of Mexico's exhibitor association,
(C) registers as R. J. O'Donnell (R) and Gabriel Alarcon,
Mexico City, watch. Third photo has Betty Lynn at 20th-Fox booth
posed with Roy Martin, Columbus, Ga.; C. L. Patrick of the Martin
circuit; C. W. Rodgers, Cairo, 111., and Harold Farmer, of Rodgers circuit.
At right, are Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Williams, Union, Mo.; Duane
Medley, McCutcheon circuit; A. L. Matrici, St. Louis; Loren Mc-
Cluster, of McCutcheon circuit, all from Missouri.

TOA CONVENTION
Propose a Code to Police Bidding
LOS ANGELES— "Unalterable"
opposition
to compulsory competitive bidding or
the use of competitive bidding to obtain increased
film rentals was once again affirmed
by TOA via a report presented before
the convention by Walter Reade jr. of
the exhibitor-distributor relations committee.
If, however, it becomes necessary to engage
in competitive bidding in any given
area, the committee urged the establishment
of a uniform fair trade code and
recommended formation of a committee
of distributors and exhibitors who would
create such a code subject to the approval
of either the Supreme Court or the Department
of Justice.
The Reade conunittee further recommended
that "proper written notice" be
rendered each affected exhibitor and that
"sufficient stipulated time" be contained
in such notice as to the date when the
bid would be due.
Further recommendations of the committee:
1. Because of lack of uniform availabilities,
it "definitely" urged a method be
devised by the distributor-exhibitor committee
to remedy such hardship cases as
exist; and that the same committee establish
an arbitration tribunal to air exhibition
and distribution complaints.
2. That the TOA executive committee
request distributors to furnish sufficient
prints to meet requirements in each territory.
3. That distributors return to the prewar
practice of releasing featizres to military
posts a "sufficient number" of days after
exhibitor's run.
the local
4. It asked the convention to resolve
that TOA is imalterably opposed to advanced
admission price pictures whether
such boosts are created by contract demand
or by insistence on "increased, imfair
and unjust percentage arrangements."
5. That the existing National Screen
Service committee be continued and commended
for its work.
6. That distributors be asked to make
available sufficient advertising material in
each exchange area to combat shortages
in advance of a given picture's release.
The report was approved without alteration.
Convention
(Continued from page 9)
set of relationships among all three branches.
Freeman, acting as moderator, pledged that
the majority of Hollywood's 30,000 craftsmen
will not "violate our trust" and will "strive
at all times to make you feel proud of this
member of your family."
Schedule for the closing day, September 15,
included the delivery of other committee reports—covering
legislation, taxation, 16mm
competition, theatre equipment and concessions—and
further discussion by Depinet of
the Chicago industry unity conference.
Producer
Edward Small was host at a luncheon
for the delegates, and reports were presented
at a business session by TOA officers including
Ted Gamble, Charles Skouras, Gael
Sullivan and Herman M. Levy. Five new
films in the industry's public relations shorts
dealing with "behind-the-scenes" life in Hollywood
were screened through arrangements
made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences, and Fox West Coast unreeled
the "safety" films which it made and exhibited
in its theatres last year.
Windup of the convention was the president's
dinner, at which Louis A. Johnson,
secretary of defense, was the featured speaker.
Entertainment comprised Hollywood's "All-
Star Salute," a musical show produced and
directed by Joe Pasternak of MGM, with
George Jesse! as master of ceremonies.
Goldwyn on Censorship;
Following are excerpts from Samuel Goldwyn
's attack on censorship at the convention:
"I think it Is about time that we all joined
to do something about this awful millstone
around the neck of the motion picture industry.
For a group of intelligent people,
able to look out for their own interests, we
—and I mean all of us—have shown ourselves
to be weak-kneed and spineless. We
have permitted ourselves to be frightened
to death by the shadow of organized pressure
groups whose total membership sometimes
represents no more than the half dozen
names printed on their letterhead. What's
more, we have taken, lying down, the laws
of those states and countless cities which
provide for censorship of our business.
"I am opposed to censorship, in principle
and in practice. Our fear of what the censors
will do keeps us from portraying life as it really
is. We wind up with a lot of empty, little
fairy tales that do not have much relation to
anything—and, particularly, do not have much
relation to bringing into theatres the huge
public over the age of 30 which so consistently
stays away.
"I, myself, have had as little trouble with
censors as anyone in this industry. So, when
I say that censorship must go, I am certainly
not asking for the license to make
pictures which offend public decency in the
slightest. But I am saying that once we
have exercised the self-regulation that we do,
and have turned over our pictures to you for
exhibition, we both have the right to be
free from the interference of petty, smallminded,
single-tracked dirt-sniffers who feel
that they have to justify their official existence
by using their scissors instead of their
heads.
"The censors know, as well as you and I
$1,386,000,000 Paid
In
1948 Admissions
LOS ANGELES—Charles Sawyer, secretary
of commerce, gave delegates to
TOA some statistical data on the motion
picture industry. Here are some of his
figures:
1. In 1948, the public paid $1,386,000,000
to get into motion picture theatres.
2. The investment in the industry Is
$2,700,000,000 of which aU but $160,000,-
000 is in theatres.
3. The industry employed 248,000 individuals
in 1948 and paid them $664,000,-
000 in salaries and wages.
4. The federal government alone received
nearly a half billion dollars in
taxes; stockholders received $74,000,000 in
dividends.
In 1948, motion pictures took close to
56 per cent of all the money paid on
spectator amusements.
"It was a good year," he said. "Not as
good as 1946 or 1947 but better than any
previous year."
do, that within the ranks of the motion picture
industry, we exercise the highest degree
of voluntary regulation and self-discipline.
We know our responsibilities to the American
public and we have accepted them
willingly. Once a picture has the seal of
the production code, it is fit to be shown
any place—except as far as the arrogant,
dictatorial censorship boards around the
coimtry are concerned.
"Don't get the impression that I am in complete
agreement with everything in the production
code and the way it is interpreted
by my good friend, the benevolent keeper
of our conscience, Joe Breen. It is my firm
belief that the time has come to bring that
code up to date, to conform to the changes
that have taken plaae during the 19 years
since it was first adopted. It needs overhauling,
revamping and renovating. That is
a problem that we in Hollywood have to
face honestly and frankly. But that is essentially
the problem of the producers.
"But the problem of local and state censorship
is one which affects you as much
as it does us. It is a sorry state of affairs
when only 25 per cent of the population
above the age of 30 are moviegoers. It may
be an exaggeration of what is possible as a
practical matter, but if everybody between
the ages of 31 and 60 went to the movies
once a week, pictures would take in an extra
$800,000,000 a year. But you will never attract
those people to your theatres regularly
as long as all that can be offered
them, as a rule, are pictures from which
most of the vital juices and reality have been
removed because of fear of what some censor
might do.
"Censorship is defended on the ground that
motion pictures reach a tremendously wide
audience which includes young people and so,
the audience must be wrapped in cotton to
keep it from coming into contact with any
harsh facts of life. I would like to point out
that the newspapers of America reach as
many people in a day as we reach in a week.
Take a few minutes, some time, to go through
any newspaper and notice how much of it Is
devoted to murders, divorce, sex, corruption,
brutality, crime, horrors of all sorts. This Is
necessary, because they must report life as
they find it. And yet, no one would think of
censoring the press."
10 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

T
HEADLINE IN N. Y. POST, SEPT. 12th, 1949
STUMPOVER!
GOOD YEAR
•4Juu;
aj.
AHEAD!
"THAT MIDNIGHT KISS' (Technicolor)
Philadelphia record-breaker!
"MADAME BOVARY'
4th Big Week, Capitol, N. Y.
'THAT FORSYTE WOMAN" (Technicolor)
Next at Radio City Music Hall.
'THE RED DANUBE'
The Big Picture's 4-city World Premiere soon.,
"ADAM'S RIB'
Coast Preview calls it
'INTRUDER IN
THE DUST'
55-city Southern Premiere soon.
funniest in 10 years.
'BATTLEGROUND'
World Premiere, Astor, N. Y., Nov. 11th.
r
"THE DOCTOR AND THE GIRL"
Glenn Ford .Charles Coburn . Gloria De Haven. Janet Leigh
"BORDER INCIDENT"
Ricardo Montalban . George Murphy
"TENSION"
Richard Basehart • Audrey Totter • Cyd Charisse
Barry Sullivan
"DEATH IN THE DOLL'S HOUSE"
Ann Sotherri . Zachary Scott . Gigi Perreau
"CHALLENGE TO LASSIE" (Uchni.olor)
Edmund Gwenn • Donald Crisp • Geraldine Brooks • Lassie
"CONSPIRATOR"
Robert Taylor . Elizabeth Taylor
"ON THE TOWN" (Uchnicolor)
Gene Kelly • Frank Sinatra . Betty Garrett • Ann Miller
Jules Munshin . Vera-EUen
"MALAYA"
Spencer Tracy • James Stewart • Valentina Cortesa
Sydney Greenstreet • John Hodiak . Lionel Barrymore
"NANCY GOES TO RIO" (Uckmcolor)
Ann Sothern . Jane Powell . Carmen Miranda . Barry Sullivan
"SIDE STREET"
Farley Granger • Cathy O'Donnell
James Craig • Paul Kelly
"STARS IN MY CROWN"
Joel McCrea . Ellen Drew . Dean Stockwell
"AMBUSH"
Robert Taylor • John Hodiak • Arlene Dahl
"BLACK HAND"
J. Carrol Naish • Teresa Celli
"KEY TO THE CITY"
Clark Gable « Loretta Young . Frank Morgan
"EAST SIDE,
WEST SIDE"
Barbara Stanwyck . James Mason • Van Heflin
Ava Gardner . Cyd Charisse
"PLEASE BELIEVE ME"
Deborah Kerr • Robert Walker . Mark Stevens
Peter Lawford
"ANNIE GET YOUR GUN" (UMcolo,)
Betty Hutton . Howard Keel . Frank Morgan
Edward Arnold • Keenan Wynn • J. Carrol Naish

THE WEEK'S TELEVISION DEVELOPMENTS
WORLD SERIES INTO THEATRES;
BEGINS NEW EXHIBITION ERA
Fabian Reportedly Paying
$10,000 for Rights to
Show in One Theatre
NEW YORK—For the first time in theatre
and television history the forthcoming
world series baseball games will be
shown next month via large-screen video
equipment in at least one and possibly
four theatres.
A deal has already been set to televise
the contests at the Fabian Pox Theatre,
Brooklyn, with an RCA unit providing instantaneous
projection.
MORE NEGOTIATIONS START
Negotiations are expected to be completed
momentarily to bring the games to the New
York Paramount Theatre and the Chicago
Theatre, Chicago, via the indirect off-thefilm
Paramount projection method. The Chicago
is a Balaban & Katz house recently
equipped with a large-screen video unit.
There is also some likelihood that the series
may be shown over an RCA unit at a theatre
in Baltimore.
Tlie Fabian deal was signed September 9
by Samuel Rosen, treasurer and vice-president
of Fabian Theatres, acting for Si H.
Fabian, president, and Paul Jonas, sports
director of Mutual Broadcasting Co., acting
for Baseball Cormnissioner A. B. Chandler.
It is reported that Fabian will pay $10,000
for the rights, the money to go to a special
welfare fmid for ball players of both leagues.
The deal with Fabian, and with all other exhibitors
who also sign, includes carrying the
commercials of the Gillette Safety Razor Co.,
which is sponsoring the series on television
and radio. None of the theatre payments will
go to Gillette or WOR and Mutual, the station
and network which will transmit the
games.
The Fox Theatre will use the same experimental
RCA large-screen video xmit used last
June for the championship heavyweight fight
televised from Chicago. The equipment was
removed after the fight and Fabian ordered
a permanent installation from RCA for delivery
late this year.
PRICE STILL A QUESTION
At this time, Rosen and Fabian are still
trying to decide whether to bUl the world
series as an added attraction with the scheduled
film program and show both at the
single, regular admission price. This was
the policy used for the fight telecast. As an
alternative, now under consideration, they
might charge an advanced admission and
drop the regular film program. They expect
to set the policy by the end of the week
(September 23 or 24). Fabian was in Hollywood
September 12-15 to attend the TOA
convention and did not return to New York
until the weekend.
Another problem to be decided is the question
of delay or postponement due to bad
weather. The exhibitor who carries the telecast
will have a restless, disappointed audience
on his hands unless he makes special
preparations for such emergency, Rosen
pointed out.
If Paramount signs the television deal and
the Baltimore house also comes in, the games
can be shown to a maximum of 12,399 seated
patrons plus another 1,200 to 1,500 standees
at a single performance.
The Fox has 4,060 seats and room for about
500 standees; the New York Paramount has
3.650 seats plus room for 300 to 500 standees;
the Chicago has 3,869 seats and also can
handle about 500 standees, and the Baltimore
Theatre can seat about 820 and hold
another 100 standees.
No matter which of the leading pennant
contenders wins, the games can be televised.
All of the pennant leaders are located in
cities with either coaxial or relay facilities:
New York, Boston, Detroit and Cleveland,
the American league pace-setters, and Brooklyn
and St. Louis, the top National league
contenders.
Fox West Coast Reveals Its
WASHINGTON—Twentieth Century-Fox was not speaking in generalities when It
informed the Federal Communications commission last week that it is ready to establish
the coimtry's first theatre television circuit, with an initial west coast chain of
24 houses, the moment the goverrmient agency gives the word.
In general, 20th-Pox said theatre in television is technically feasible, the time for
its introduction to the public has arrived, distribution of the programs is not the
function of a common carrier, and the FCC should authorize a west coast 20th Century-Fox
theatre television service and allocate such frequencies as are required for
that service.
Fox named theatres, detailed its transmission plans and submitted potent arguments
for special theatre TV channels in a scholarly 98-page report and petition to
the communications agency. The technical material was prepared under the direction
of Earl Sponable, director of research, and under the immediate supervision of
H. J. Schlafly, director of television research, and Mcintosh & Inglis, consulting radio
engineers.
The 20th-Fox brief contains much of Interest to exhibitors everywhere, though
emphasis is on establishment of a California setup. The plans, the report says, are
"no sketchy outline or figment of the imagination," but a "concrete proposal naming
theatres, points of program origination and locations of microwave distribution stations
in an area of southern California extending from' Santa Ba^^bara, 80 miles northwest
of Los Angeles, to El Centre in the Imperial valley, 150 miles to the southwest.
CIRCUITS TO BE CAREFULLY SELECTED
The plans call for service to a group of 24 theatres, carefully selected so as to
represent every type of problem that could reasonably be expected anywhere in the
country. The area contains the third largest metropolitan population in the U.S. as
well as an isolated town which is the center of an agricultural community.
A transmitting station on Lookout Mountain park would normally be the central
distribution station, but the link between this station and San Pedro Hill would be
reversible so that either station could act as point of origin for other distribution
stations. Under ordinary conditions, programs would originate either in Grauman's
Chinese Theatre, a theatre television studio or at some remote point requiring the
use of mobile pickup equipment. They would be relayed to Lookout Mountain park
for retransmission to 12 theatres and other distribution stations at San Pedro Hill,
Saddle Peak, Santiago Peak, Palomar, Mt. Laguna and Red Mountain. The latter would
transmit to the other theatres in the group of 24.
The Los Angeles and Hollywood theatres are ElPort.al, Highland, Grauman's Chinese,
Los Angeles, Uptown, Carthay Circle and Loyola. The others are: Alex, Glendale;
Academy, Pasadena; Golden Gate, Belvedere Gardens; California, Huntington Park;
Dome, Ocean Park; Village, Westwood; Crest, North Long Beach; West Coast, Lxmg
Beach; Cabrillo, San Pedro; Fox, Inglewood; Fox, Riverside; Pox, San Bernardino:
Fox, Pomona, El Centro, El Centro: Fox, San Diego, and Arlington, Santa Barbara.
After a discussion of t,echnical engineering details, the report concludes that a
"practical, workable and economical system can be constructed to a large number of
theatres by employing only two channels."
In discussing types of programs, the report points out that the development of
theatre television will be dependent upon its ability to provide fine entertainment to
vast numbers of people, regardless of the geographical locale involved, at a price they
can afford. The goal would be to remove good professional entertainment from the
luxury class for presentation to audiences which appreciate it but otherwise could
not afford it.
One suitable type of programming would be Broadway-type, legitimate theatrical
productions of which 60 to 80 open each year in New York. The presentation of good
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"oiffl:
will carry the world series into
Fabian's Metropolitan Theatre in
Brooklyn.
.tbstrif'
/7 Theatre TV Units Built;
Para. Speeds Its System
NEW YORK—Paramount and RCA have
built 17 theatre television systems for installation
in United States and Canada. In
addition, it was revealed that Paramount has
five more systems in the manufacturing process
and RCA has one more plus orders for 24
large-screen units for Fox West Coast theatres
to be built if the Federal Communications
commission approves pending applications
for special theatre TV frequency channels.
In the television equipment field, the big
news of the week was Paramount's demonstration
of its highly-accelerated high-speed
f Im processing technique for theatre video.
Heretofore, Paramount's television projected
televised events on the screen within 60 seconds.
The new equipment in which telecasts
are photographed, developed and dried
cold in a few seconds throws the telecast
on the screen within 20 seconds.
Paramount shipped a portable model to
show its new technique at the TOA convention.
The price is to be below $25,000, it was
ns for 24-Theatre TV Circuit
music by nationally famous oi>era and concert groups, symphony orchestras, musical
artists and ballet groups would provide excellent program material. More top vaudeville
entertainers than ever before v/ould be seen via theatre television. Sporting events
of a national and local character would be presented.
Theatre television can also perfoi-m a significant service to the community and
nation. Public service programs, including those of a civic, religious and educational
natui-e, would be shown in dramatic form. For instance, more effective assistance would
be provided to Red Cross, Community Chest, cancer and similar drives. Police, fire
and local safety organizations could, in cases of emergency, utilize theatre television
to provide courses of instruction to a great number of people at one time. Mass education
projects could be developed for nonperformance hours. A community news service
could be inaugurated on a daily, on-the-spot basis. Actually, program possibilities are
seen as unlimited.
"One revealing illustration of what theatre television will mean to the public," the
report continues, "is to be found in a comparison of the present outlets for legitimate
theatrical productions with those which would be created by the advent of theatre television.
The Biltmore Theatre in Los Angeles, which incidentally is the only adequate
legitimate theatre in the city, has a seating capacity of 1,656 and books, on the average.
15 roadshows per season. Generally speaking a dramatic presentation runs two to
three weeks and a musical from three to four.
CAN REACH 39,525 PATRONS SIMULTANEOUSLY
"Based on its seating capacity and assuming eight performances a week, the largest
number of people who could possibly see a legitimate show at the Biltmore in any one
week would be 13,248, or in three weeks, 39,744. The average admission price at the
Biltmore is $3.50 plus tax for musicals and $2.50 plus tax for dramatic productions.
"On the other hand, assume petitioner's Los Angeles theatre television plan is in
operation. Conceivably, the rights of the show 'South Pacific' could be purchased and
produced, not with a roadshow group, but with the original Broadway cast. The performance
would originate in a special television studio and be transmitted, not to one
theatre alone, but to the 24 in the Los Angeles area specified in the plan described
herein, which theatres have a total seating capacity of 39,525. Therefore, it would be
possible for 39,525 persons to see the masical at a single performance, as compared with
the 39,744 who could see it at the Biltmore during the course of a three-week run.
"Based on the present estimated population figures for the city of Los Angeles,
approximately 0.63 per cent of its people can now see a legitimate show at the Biltmore
in one week. If only the 24 theatres in petitioner's Los Angeles plan were involved,
15 per cent of the same population would be able to see the production by means of
theatre television. Furthermore, they would be able to see it conveniently and at a
much lower price."
The report states that "to the best of petitioner's knowledge," there are no cable
systems of sufficient quality available, that "coaxial cable or wire is not, from a technical
standpoint, the answer to the needs of theatre television," and that the cost of
coaxial cable would make its use prohibitive. Lacking "satisfactory" cable or wire
facilities, radio frequencies must be used, it adds.
In conclusion, the report says it has established "not only the basic need for a
theatre television service, but that such a service, competitive in nature, can operate
within a sufficiently narrow portion of the radio spectrum to warrant the immediate
allocation of frequencies for its use."
It concludes that one system, performing all required transmission functions, can
operate with two channels, each channel having a radio frequency bandwidth of 30
megacycles, and that 360 megacycles of spectrum space would provide facilities for at
least six competitive systems m a given community or area.
announced. The unit was designed in cooperation
with Raytheon Mfg. Co. and supervised
by Richard Hodgson, director of technical
operations for Paramount. Engineers
were able to set up the portable equipment
within a few hours.
Additional purchases and leases of theatre
television systems were announced during the
week. Samuel P.nanski, TOA's new president,
has leased an RCA unit for the Pilgrim
Theatre in Boston and he hopes to have it
ready for the world series.
Of the 12 RCA sets, including the one slated
for Pinanski, ten are direct, instantaneous
system units. The remaining two use an indirect,
off-the-film system, which employs a
similar principle used by all the Paramount
theatre television receiver-projectors.
Warner Bros, and 20th-Fox each have two
direct and one off-the-film RCA sets. These
companies have spent large sums in cooperating
with RCA on the development of largescreen
television research and equipment.
The U.S. army also has three RCA theatre
sets for use by its motion picture services
department. The 11th set will be leased
by Fabian Fox Theatre, Brooklyn, for the
world series. This is the same set used last
June by the Fox Theatre to telecast the
heavyweight championship fight from Chicago.
Fabian has ordered a permanent RCA
unit to be installed in the Fox Theatre early
next year. The 12th existing set, RCA's most
recent model, was used for demonstration
purposes at the TOA convention.
COST ABOUT $25,000
Each direct transmission RCA set costs $25,-
500. Off-the-film units have been selling for
about $35,000. The camera alone, in the offthe-film
unit, costs $11,000 to $12,000. RCA
expects the cost-per-set to decrease as soon
as they are produced in larger numbers. The
large-screen sets are for sale and not for
lease, according to the latest merchandising
RCA poUcy.
Four Paramount receiver-projectors have
already been installed in the Paramount
Theatre, New York, and the Chicago Theatre,
Chicago, both of which may telev'.se
the series; the Imperial Theatre. Toronto:
and station KTLA, Los Angeles.
MGM Conference on Sales
Is Set for Mid-October
NEW YORK—An MGM fall sales conference
that is expected to last a week has been
scheduled by William P. Rodgers, vice-president
and general sales manager. It w-ill be
held at the Astor hotel here starting October
17. Final details will be completed when
Rodgers returns from the coast in a few days.
Attending will be 46 men from the field
and about 20 from the home office, including
executives and assistants to field sales
managers. Those from the field will be the
five sales managers, their field assistants,
district managers and branch managers. It
will be the first mass get-together of the
field and home office selling forces since the
company held its Silver Anniversary conference
eight months ago at the Culver City
studio.
I
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
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UA Has 15 Films to May;
Expects 10 More in '50
NEW YORK—United Artists has 15 pictures
lined up for release between September 1,
this year, and May, next year, and expects
to have ten more for the balance of the 1949-
50 season which ends next September.
"Things are looking up and we have the
biggest advance program in years," says Howard
LeSieur, advertising and publicity head.
"Independents are finding it easier to raise
money."
LeSieur made his statement at a luncheon
at the Stork club last week.
Big campaigns are in work on three of the
15 on the current schedule. Jack Dempsey
will make a national tour of important cities
in advance of "The Big Wheel" (tentative
title I which was produced by the Popkin-
Stiefel-Dempsey group. Dempsey has a share
in the investment. The film stars Mickey
Rooney with Thomas Mitchell.
The Samuel Bischoff production, "Mrs.
Mike," is another for which the company
has important plans. It stars Dick Powell
and Evelyn Keyes.
The first 15 include: "Red Light," George
Raft and Virginia Mayo, a Roy Del Ruth
production; "Without Honor," Laraine Day,
Dane Clark and Franchot Tone, a Robert
and Raymond Hakim, Nasser production;
"The Big Wheel" (tentative title), Mickey
Rooney, Thomas Mitchell, Mary Hatcher,
Michael O'Shea, Lina Romay, a Popkin-
Stievel-Dempsey production; "A Kiss for Corliss,"
Shirley Temple and David Nlven, produced
by Colin Miller; "Mrs. Mike," Dick
Powell and Evelyn Keyes, Samuel Bischoff
producer; "Gun Crazy" (tentative title) Peggy
Cummins and John Dall, King Brothers;
"Wayward Angels," Paul Henreid and Catherine
McLeod, produced by Edward J. and
Harry Lee Danziger; "Indian Scout," George
Montgomery and EUen Drew, Edward Small,
producer; "Champagne for Caesar," Ronald
Colman, Celeste Holm and Barbara Britten,
produced by Harry M. Popkin and George
Moskov; "Quicksand," Mickey Rooney, Peter
Lorre, Barbara Bates and Jeanne Cagney,
Rooney- Stiefel production; "Love Happy,"
Harpo, Chico, Groucho Marx, a Mary Pickford-Lester
Cowan production; "Dead on
Arrival," Edmond O'Brien and Pamela Britton,
Harry M. Popkin production; "The
Whip," Dan Duryea, Gale Storm and Michael
O'Shea, Hal E. Chester producer; "Johnny
One-Eye," Wayne Morris, Pat O'Brien and
Dolores Moran, Benedict Bogeaus production;
"The Men," Marlon Brando and Teresa
Wright, Stanley Kramer production.
Universal Loss Down
For 39Week Period
NEW YORK—A Universal Pictures Co. financial
statement released September 12
shows that the company's loss for the 39
weeks ended July 30 Is $934,789 less than that
for the coiTesponding preceding period. The
figures are $775,018 for the latest period compared
with $1,709,807 for the previous one.
For the 13 weeks ended July 30, the company
reported a loss of $309,776 for it and its
subsidiaries, compared with a loss of $1,942,-
674 in the corresponding period of the preceding
fiscal year, a difference of $1,632,898.
Four Exhibitor Groups
Endorse P. R. Program
NEW YORK—Four exhibitor associations
this week gave approval to the formation
of an industrywide public relations mechanism,
as recommended at the Chicago
Conference this month.
Approval was given by Allied Independent
Theatres of Kansas and Missouri, Theatre
Owners of America, Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatre Ass'n of New York and Independent
Theatre Owners Ass'n of New York.
National Allied to Vote
P. R. Stand in October
ATLANTIC CITY—National Allied's formal
stand on the industry public relations program
will await the convention to be held
in Minneapolis October 24-26. This was decided
Wednesday at a closed business session
of New Jersey Allied members at their 30th
anniversary convention here.
In the meantime—probably within two
weeks—the New Jersey unit will hold a special
meeting for discussion of the program.
Abram F. Myers, national board chairman
and general counsel, who attended ' the sessions
here, said there would be general discussion
in the meantime among the autonomous
regional units. No opposition has developed,
he said, but the board of directors
wants to hear sentiment from all quarters
before formulating the policy of the organization.
Many inquiries have floated into his
office, he said, as to whether Allied was
about to drop its militant stands on industry
problems.
To clear up this point he told the Jersey
unit that this is "no happy honeymoon," because
there always will be points of conflict
between buyer and seller. He said he and his
associates felt there was an area of agreement
upon which all industry elements could
unite to improve public relations, but predicted
the directors would include reservations
in its approval so that no large "bureaucracy"
could develop. He repeated his Chicago
suggestion that a research program should
be started, so that there can be clearer imderstanding
of the sources of bad industry public
relations and he expressed the hope that there
might be a committee with strong political
influence to work in behalf of the industry.
Wilbur Snaper, newly elected president of
the Jersey unit, said that "on the surface it
looks like a good idea." He was referring to
the public relations program.
Walker in New RKO Post
NEW YORK—J.
Miller Walker, RKO general
cotmsel, has been elected a vice-president
of RKO Radio and its parent company,
Radio-Keith-Orpheum by the board of the
latter company. He retains his present position
of secretary of both companies.
33 Features.. 6 Shorts
On Lippert Lineup
HOLLYWOOD— Simultaneously with the
announcement that the corporate name of
Screen Guild Productions
has been dropped
in favor of Lippert
Productions, Inc., the
production-distribution
company headed by
Robert L. Lippert disclosed
plans for the
manufacture and release
of 33 features
and six shorts on the
1949-50 program.
The lineup includes
three high-budgeters,
four intermediate entries,
six "Black Rider" westerns, four fea-
Robert L. Lippert
tures starring Don Barry and 12 programmers,
plus the shorts.
Since June 1, six pictures on the new season's
schedule have been completed, and
Lippert declared a total of 20 will be finished
by the first of the year. He said financing
for the whole program has been set.
In the high budget category, "The Baron
of Arizona" will roll early next month, with
Carl K. Hittleman producing, Samuel Fuller
writing and directing. Also in the higher
bracket are "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,"
based on the Jules Verne story, to be filmed
in color, with Fuller and Hittleman again
teamed; and "Square Dance Jubilee," recently
completed by Producer Ron Ormond
and now in the cutting rooms. Starring Don
Barry, it features 25 stellar individual acts.
BEING READIED LIST
Being readied for release is "Deputy Marshal,"
produced by WiUiam Stephens, costarring
Jon Hall and Frances Langford. It
will be followed by "Fort Disaster," story of
early frontier days; "Return of the James
Gang," to topline Barbara Britton and Preston
Foster; and "Tales of Captain Kidd,"
which will bring that pirate up to date for
a modern treasure hunt.
In the medium budget niche are "Treasure
of Monte Cristo," already completed, toplining
Glenn Langan and Adele Jergens;
"Corny Rhythm," hillbilly musical to star
Jerry Colonna; "The Lock and the Key,"
from the novel by Frank Gruber, who will
also script and direct; and "Operation Haylift,"
story of the U.S. air force's effort to
feed starving cattle during last year's severe
blizzards.
Ron Ormond will produce the series of six
"Black Rider" westerns, in which top sagebrush
personalities will be starred. These
are all slated for completion before Jan. 1.
1950, and will be followed by four features
starring Don Barry.
Winding up the feature program will be:
"The Dalton Gang," "Red Desert," "Tough
Assignment," "Radar Patrol," "Daredevils of
the Highway," "Western Pacific," "Montana
Badlands," "Highway Patrol," "The Great
Jewel Robbery," "The Abilene Kid," "Sierra
Crossroads" and "Hollywood Varieties of
1950."
The Lippert company will make its bow in
the short subjects field with six one-reelers
in color, featuring the "Western Kids"
moppets ranging in age from 3 to 10. Titles:
"The White Phantom," "Showdown at Sunup,"
"Hal's Half Acre," "Last of the Good
Guys," "Hurry-Along Harrigan" and "Bar-
Bar-Black Sheep."
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

PRESENT PRICES TO CONTINUE,
3,000-HOUSE CHECK REVEALS
Exhibitors Unimpressed
By B'way Reductions;
Cite Current Costs
By WALTER WALDMAN
NEW YORK—Exhibitors throughout the
country will generally continue their present
admission prices for some time to come,
according to a BOXOPTTCE survey covering
about 3,000 theatres.
The theatremen queried included executives
of national, affiliated circuits and
heads of local chains, operating first run
and neighborhood houses.
Reductions of 25 to 30 cents made by first
run Broadway and mid-Manhattan theatres
during the past nine months (reported by
this publication in the September 10 issue)
have apparently had no effect on their determination
to maintain present admission
levels. They also were unswayed by recent
cuts advertised by several large clothing
chains.
HAD BEEN OVERPRICED
The general exhibitor consensus was that
Broadway theatres have long been overpriced
and were due for a reduction. The circuit
officials interviewed said that none of their
houses ever approached the Broadway admissions
of $2.40, $1.80 or $1.50. Sam Rosen,
treasurer and vice-president of Fabian Theatres,
which has about 50 theatres in New
York state. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and
Virginia, said his top first run price has
been about 74 cents.
He also said that while most theatre admissions
have increased less than 35 per
cent since 1940, the prices of other commodities
and services have gone up 100 to 200
per cent during the same period.
Sol A. Schwartz, general manager of RKO,
whose 100-plus theatres cover 12 states from
New York to California, said he does not see
how admissions can be reduced at this time
with operating costs as they are today. The
circuit has made minor increases for its theatres
presenting vaudeville. Fourteen theatres,
excluding the Palace, New York, now
show vaudeville once a month. The increases
apply to the vaudeville dates only.
Max A. Cohen, head of Cinema circuit,
which has about 17 theatres in New York
City, Yonkers, Lyndhurst, N. J., and North
Tarrytown, declared that present film rental
charges rule out any admission reductions.
SHEA UPS ITS SCALE
The Jamestown Amusement Co. (Shea Enterprises)
does not plan to cut admissions,
according to Ray Smith, buying official and
assistant to E. C. Grainger, president. He
said that the circuit raised prices several
months ago five to ten cents in many of Its
46 theatres located in New England, New
York, Pennsylvania and the midwest.
Edward L. Hyman, vice-president of Paramount
Theatres, expressed the view that
business generally was improving and better
pictures were on the way. Therefore, he
added, this is not the time to think of cutting
admissions.
The present Paramount circuit and affili-
Established Customers,
Clearance Top Problems
ATLANTIC CITY — Problems of the old
established customer and some form of agreement
on clearance are two of the most important
problems facing the industry today,
declared Andy W. Smith jr., vice-president
and general sales manager of 20bh Century
Fox, at the 30th anniversary convention of
Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey.
Both arise out of the antitrust decision.
Smith said time and, above all, a realistic
approach and complete cooperation will be
required. Distributors and exhibitors will
have to get together to "talk these things out,"
he said. He did not state specifically that
he thought there should be a joint approach
to the Department of Justice and the court
on these, but that was the impression he left
on the minds of his listeners.
"You know," he said, "that in many areas
we have reduced clearances and made our
pictures available to theatres ^t an earlier
date. While this arrangement is advantageous
to our customers, it has created a problem
due to the fact that each individual distribution
company has a different clearance
and availability arrangement for its customers.
This has created confusion and leaves
a theatre owner In a position where there
is a great uncertainty as to the plctiu-es he
will receive and when he will receive them.
He plays some pictures early; others late,
and it is not a good arrangement.
"The practical side of the matter indicates
ates, totaling about 1,400 theatres, have no
plans for reductions, he said. He did not,
however, rule out the possibility of minor
local adjustments, but doubted whether partnership
holdings would cut prices now. He
indicated that it was still too early to predict
the policies of the new United Paramount
Theatres circuit to be organized soon
under the terms of the consent decree, but
he did not think the new chain would reduce
admissions.
Both Warners and National Theatres, with
total holdings of nearly 1,100 theatres coastto-coast,
also discounted the possibility of
price cuts. Dan Michalove, vice-president of
National Theatres, said the only changes that
have been made recently, or will be made
are those connected with shifts in run. When
a house moves up from second to first run
the admission rises in line with first run
policies. By the same reasoning when a first
run house goes to second run, appropriate
reductions go into effect.
The recent 25-cent cut by Loew's Capitol
Theatre, New York, does not mean that the
other 130 Loew's theatres will reduce their
that, unless there is a pattern of clearance
and unless a theatre owner knows just where
he is, there is confusion and misunderstanding
and resultant loss of revenue on all
sides.
"It is my eonsidered opinion that theatre
owners can do more toward solving this problem
than I, as a distributor, can do. But I
should like to be of every possible help to
you in solving this problem which is so important
to all of us."
In discussing the court prohibition against
favoring old customers Smith said 20th-Pox,
like other companies, had depended on old
customers and that these customers and the
distributors had built their business together.
"We are no longer in a position where we
can serve this old customer without finding
ourselves arbitrarily refusing to deal with a
competitive theatre. This leaves the old customer
in some instances with a theatre and
with no pictures and this certainly is not good.
"I have always been a great believer in
talking out problems face to face, and I am
presenting these problems here today in the
hope that we may be able to get together
and talk them out and find a way of solving
them to our mutual advantage.
"This is not going to be accomplished overnight.
It will require the most careful study
and consideration of the best interests ef all
involved, but I know that if we put our minds
to it we will reach a happy solution."
prices, said one of the circuit executives.
The Capitol reduced weekday admissions because
they were slightly out of line with
prices charged by other Broadway theatres,
but elsewhere Loew's admissions conform to
local scales, he added.
Harry Brandt, head of the Brandt Theatres,
summed up the situation by saying
that motion pictures are the least expensive
form of entertainment and the public gets
more than its money's worth at present admissions.
He said he has no intention of cutting
prices for his 145 theatres in New York,
New England, Florida and New Jersey.
Memphis Censor Approves
'Intruder in the Dust'
MEMPHIS—"Intruder in the Dust," MGM's
entry in the recent Negro tolerance cycle, has
been passed by Lloyd T. Binford, chairman
of the Memphis board of censors, and will
open October 11 in Oxford, Miss.
The picture will open in Memphis October
12 followed by other dates in the Mississippi,
Tennessee and Louisiana territories.
Binford recently banned Louis DeRochemont's
"Lost Boundaries," released by Film
Classics.
ni9«
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
17
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Arnall's New Target
FLLIS ARNALL, president of the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Producers,
is now gunning for booking combines
and local monopolies, and when he
starts gunning something usually happens.
He loves a controversy, he is not averse to
publicity for himself, he has an outstanding
talent for dramatic statements, and
he pops into the halls of Congress and
the offices of government departments so
fast newspapermen can't keep up with him.
Now he says the Department of Justice
should go to work on these two problems.
This is a neat little state of affairs that
Allied has sidestepped during all the long
years it has been fighting distributors inside
the courts and out. Several prominent
Allied leaders are heads of booking combines.
Because the antitrust decrees require picture-by-picture
selling and because Arnall
is a former attorney general of Georgia
his moves will bear watching.
Many industry leaders active in the public
relations movement would like to see litigation
reduced, or eliminated, but Arnall
and some of the SIMPP members are not
among them.
TV Progress Swiit
JJOW
the pace of theatre television development
has speeded up in recent
months was demonstrated dramatically at
the Theatre Owners of America convention.
Paramount's apparatus for transferring
television pictures to film in a theatre
booth has been speeded up so the
operation can be done by one man in 20
seconds, which is 46 seconds faster than it
was a few months ago. What's more, the
cost has been reduced.
With the new arrangement, an electronic
shutter on the television receiver takes care
of the difference in speed between the 24
frames-per-second standard film and the 30
pictures-per-second used in television.
Any day now "WBKB, Chicago, and KTLA
in Los Angeles will have filmed television
programs ready for fast syndication to theatres
or to other stations.
British Unions Agitated
IXITrH one-third of their number idle
and financing so difficult for producers
that more curtailment is in sight,
film union leaders are getting into a panic
in Great Britain. They still oppose a cut
in the 45 per cent quota in spite of the fact
that it can't be filled and was in itself a
major cause of the production slump. They
foresee much of the British production financed
by U.S. frozen funds, and they are
worried about the rumors that the quota
might be dropped.
Some of the talk is just talk—a manifestation
of the general jitters.
Community Newsreels
HMONG the interesting possibilities of
future theatre television mentioned in
the 20th Century-Pox brief submitted to
18
By JAMES M. JERAULD
the Federal Communications commission
are community newsreels.
During the course of the years many
enterprising exhibitors have supplemented
the national newsreels with 16mm films
made by themselves on local events and
have found them a boxoffice stimulant.
The fresher they were, the stronger they
were as attractions. How these things will
work out in practice will be demonstrated
on the coast in a 24-theatre hookup soon
after wave lengths have been allocated.
Showmanship
^OWN at Nantucket there is a theatre
which uses a Boston buying service. It
gets the very latest releases—practically
all top attractions from all the major companies—plays
them two nights as a rule,
two shows per night. Often the owner
doesn't know what films are coming.
The exploitation consists of pasting up
three six-sheets for a week's attractions
on the front of the house. If a six-sheet
fails to arrive, the janitor paints the name
of the attraction on white paper.
The first show is supposed to start at
7:30 p. m. If the house fills up before that
time—and it usually does during the summer—the
doors are closed and the program
starts.
It's a great life—like the days during the
war when all'the manager had to do was
get out of the way of the crowds as he
unlocked the door.
Altec Service Sales Drive
Mark 12th Anniversary
NEW YORK—Altec Service Corp. opened
its 12th anniversary sales drive September
12 and it will run 12
weeks, according to
H. M. Bessey, executive
vice-president. It
is the first all-serviceall-products
drive to be
organized on a national
scale by the
company. Cash prizes
are offered competing
sales representatives,
including inspectors,
field and business
L. D. Ntetter jr.
managers and division
chiefs.
L. D. Netter jr., national sales representative,
is drive captain and the drive committee,
which will allocate the prizes in each
sales territory, is headed by Paul Thomas,
treasurer. Before joining Altec in 1947, Netter
was manager ot the nontheatrical department
of Eagle Lion.
To Attend Allied Confab
MINNEAPOLIS—Acceptances ot invitations
to attend National Allied States convention
here October 24-26 were received this week
from W. F. Rodgers, MOM sales manager;
George Murphy, president of the Screen Actors
Guild and screen star, and Chill Wills,
film actor. The Chicago delegation alone
will number 40.
Public Relations Idea
Clicks in
Rural Area
HAYTI, MO.—A way of doing an industry
public relations job in a rural area
has been demonstrated
here by J. C.
Mohrstadt, owner of
the Joy Theatre in
this 2,000-population
community. So successful
was the experiment
that Allied
States Ass'n, of which
Mohrstadt is a member,
is recommending
J. C. Mohrstadt the idea as "just
about as sound and constructive a plan
that has come along for public relations
at the local level."
Mohrstadt called a meeting to be held
at his theatre to present some of the
trade problems to his community. Realizing
that not every small town can have
its own public relations meetings, with
representatives of film companies and
advance screenings as an attraction, he
invited exhibitors from nearby small
towns to be present, and to bring along
some of their civic leaders.
As a result, when the session opened,
the auditorium of the Joy Theatre was
filled with mayors, councilmen, the
clergy, professional men and other representative
residents of a half dozen communities.
The branch and district managers
of three distributing companies
came in for the trip and three film salesmen
and the manager of a theatre supply
company were present. For the first time,

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Miramar Signs Lloyd jr.
As 'Dog's Life' Star
Aspiring independent production outfits
continue to come and go—often without ever
having shot a foot of film—but on occasion
an organization will bob up with announcement
of a project sufficiently off the beaten
track to merit more than passing attention.
Such is the case with Miramar Films, newlyorganized
independent, which has signed Harold
Lloyd jr., son of the famous bespectacled
comedian, to star in "A Dog's Life," Miramar's
initial filmmaking try, slated to go into work
this month on location in Michigan. Young
Lloyd—he's only 18—will play the comedy role
without glasses. It's his second screen assignment,
by the way, he having made his screen
debut in Samuel Goldwyn's "With All My
Love."
Miramar's top personnel includes Producer
Ray Pierson, Director Harold Erickson and
Edward Greening, midwestern industrialist.
Meantime another new independent—Ventura
Pictures, set up by Producer Frank Melford
and Megaphonist John Rawlins—plans
a late September start on "The Boy From Indiana,"
first of three to be made for Eagle
Lion release. It will star Lon McCallister.
Over Columbia way. Actor Robert Cummings
secured a release for "The Glass Heart,"
based on the Marty Holland novel, which he
will not only produce but essay the starring
role
therein.
And Playwright-Scenarist Philip Yordan,
bagging the screen rights to "Big Blonde,"
the Dorothy Parker short story, asked for and
received a release from a pending 20th-Century-Fox
commitment in order to devote full
attention to developing the Parker property
as an independently made film. He'll launch
production on it after winding up a writing
assignment for Samuel Goldwyn.
MGM Inks Thorpe to Meg
Words'
"Three Little
MGM assigned Richard Thorpe to direct
"Three Little Words," film version of the careers
of Songwriters Bert Kalmar and Harry
Ruby . . . Blake Edwards is scripting the
Warner remake of Ring Lardner's "Elmer the
Great," to star Jack Carson . . . William Berke
will meg "Operation Haylift," to be produced
for Lippert Productions by Actor Joe Sawyer
. . . RKO set Steve Fisher to script "Roadblock,"
which is on Alex Gottlieb's production
slate . . . Phil Ford is megging the Monte
Hale oater, "Pioneer Marshal," for Republic.
Seven Stories Purchased;
U-I Buys Three Yarns
still plugging along at a steady pace was
the story market, with Universal-International—embarking
on a literary spree by
purchasing three properties—accounting for
nearly half of the total of seven sales. To
U-I went "Pauline Cushman," a Civil War
spy story by Sam Shaw, being scripted by
Gerald Adams for Producer Aaron Rosenberg;
"Flame Blue Glove," murder mystery
by Lois Eby and John C. Fleming, also for
Rosenberg; and "Yangtse Pirate," by Herbert
Margolis and Louis Morheim. Ted Richmond
will produce it . . . Harry Tugend sold
By
IVAN SPEAR
his original musical, "I'll Get By," to 20th
Century-Fox and was set to develop the
screenplay for production by William Perlberg.
It'll be in Technicolor . . . Actor Louis
Hayward went for "Dick Turpin Rides to
York," by Jack DeWitt and Duncan Renaldo,
and plans to produce and star in it, probably
Film rights to "Flame," upcoming
in England . . .
magazine serial by George W. George
and George F. Slavin, went to F>roducer Jack
Schwarz for his independent slate . . . "Gaunt
Woman," a screenplay by Dale Van Every
based on a novel by Edmund Gilligan, was
purchased by RKO Radio. It concerns a
Gloucester fisherman and is localed in the
Grand Banks area of the North Atlantic.
Thomas and Schwarz Deny
Report of Splitting Up
ain't so—the repdrt that Harry Thomas
It
and Jack Schwarz, the head men of Equity
Pictures, were splitting up. each to go his
separate way. At least, so say Messrs. Thomas
and Schwarz, who ought to know.
Instead, Thomas and Schwarz—who have
produced 11 films to date for Eagle Lion release—point
out that that they are broadening
their activities, with Equity Pictures continuing
to function with EL as the distributor,
while the producers also will make independent
pictures on their own. Equity will
continue to make pictures based on the "Red
Ryder" comic strip, starring Jim Bannon;
Schwarz, who recently completed "Forbidden
Jungle," will turn out six others during the
coming year under his own banner, and
Thomas, who has just returned from New
York, is formulating production plans which
will be announced later.
MGM Casts Richard Carlson
In 'King Solomon's Mines'
Among morsels of casting news during the
period was the booking of Richard Carlson
by MGM for one of the male leads opposite
Deborah Kerr in "King Solomon's Mines,"
due to roll on location in Africa later this
fall . . . Evelyn Keyes was handed the stellar
femme role in the Columbia semidocumentary,
"The Killer That Stalked New York" .
Lynne Roberts will be Tim Holt's leading
lady in "Dynamite Trail" over at RKO Radio
to a term ticket by Producer Hal
Wallis, Francoise Rosay, French character
actress, will journey to Hollywood for a role
in "September," new Wallis entry for Paramount
release . . . Jeff Chandler, a comparative
screen newcomer, will co-star with
Marta Toren in Universal-International's
"Deported," which will be filmed in Italy . . .
Edward Norris joined the cast of "The Wolf
Hunters" at Monogram.
U-I Signs Aubrey Schenck
To Long-Term Contract
Aubrey Schenck, formerly with 20th Century-Fox
and for the past several years an
executive producer at Eagle Lion, has joined
Universal-International as a producer on a
long-term ticket. Unassigned as yet, his last
chore was the EL entry, "Port of New York,"
not yet released.
'Dr.
Freud' Biography
On 20th-Fox Docket
Come to ponder on it, it's odd that
while Cinemania was going through its
lengthy cycle of celluloid devoted to
psychology, psychiatry and related subjects—a
cycle which, at this writing,
appears to have tapered off pretty well
nobody ever bobbed up with the notion of
doing a picture about the man who had
so much to do with the development of
those sciences.
That oversight is at long last being
remedied by 20th Century-Fox with the
announcement that "Dr. Freud." a biography
of the eminent psychiatrist, has
been added to its upcoming schedule, with
Julian Blaustein assigned to produce. The
screenplay is being written by Charles
Kaufman, but the choice of an actor for
the title role is being delayed until the
return of Headman Darryl F. Zanuck
from his current European tour.
Paramount Lists 20 Films
Completed or on Stages
Backlogs, backlogs. Everybody's thinking
about backlogs.
Comes now Paramount, as 1949 approaches
its last quarter, with a tally of 20 pictures
completed or before the cameras, eight ol
them to go into distribution before the end
of the year and the remainder an assurance
of a steady flow of product well into 1950.
Already in pre-release engagements are
"Top O' the Morning," with Bing Crosby, and
the Hal Wallis production. "Rope of Sand."
These will be followed, ere the old year
passes, by another Wallis opus, "My Friend
Irma"; "Song of Surrender," with Wanda
Hendrix and Claude Rains; Alan Ladd in
"Chicago Deadline"; "Red, Hot and Blue,"
starring Betty Hutton; "The Heiress," with
Olivia DeHavilland; and Bob Hope in "The
Great Lover."
The advent of 1950 will be the signal for
distributing other completed product including
"Dear Wife," two Wallis Productions—"Bitter
Victory" and "The File on Thelma Jordon"
Cecil B. DeMille's "Samson and Delilah,"
"After Midnight," "Copper Canyon," "Riding
High," "Sunset Boulevard," "The Lie," 'Taney
Pants," "Let's Dance" and "United States
Mail." The latter three are currently in production.
A Record of 150 Westerns
For Johnny Mack Brown
One hundred and fifty—yep, count 'em,
150—westerns is a powerful lot of sagebrushers
in which to have ridden thataway, pardner.
Achieving that impressive record is Johnny
Mack Brown, who has been ridin' the Monogram
range for several years, and who hit
the 150-picture mark with the recent completion
of "Western Renegades." To commemorate
the milestone, the cast and crew
of the picture presented Brown with a miniature
silver-studded saddle for his trophy
room. A former All-American grid star,
Brown entered films some two decades ago
and since 1940 has been featured predominantly
in western fare.
BOXOFHCE September 17, 1949 19

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CHARLOTTE
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Every new "Roseanna" opening
'the real McCoy when it comes to
sensational boxoHice performance!
...Scores of theatres reporting
grosses from 200% to 400% over
average... Many reporting top business for months and months,
and some hitting new all-time highs!...Watch the openings this
week and next, of the sensational show that brings that wonderful
''Roseanna" glow to boxoffice business everywhere!
\
ROSEANNA McCOY
starring
FARLEY GRANGER • CHARLES BICKFORD
RICHARD BASEHART • GIGI PERREAU
and introducing JOAN EVANS
Directed by IRVING REIS
• RAYMOND MASSEY
• Screeopby by JoHd ColUer • Director of Photogr«phy Lee G«rmes^ AAC
Distributed by RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC
mm^m

Look for the Silver Lining' (WB)
Wins August Blue Ribbon Award
By VELMA WEST SYKES
QNE of those tuneiul screen biographies, "Look for the Silver Lining," a Warner Bros.
picture, is the August winner of the BOXOPPICE Blue Ribbon Award. National Screen
Council members selected it as the family film release of the month, thus paying tribute
to June Haver and Ray Bolger's teamwork with Gordon MacRae. With the revival of vaudeville
over the country, this Technicolor film with vaudeville touches fits into the entertainment
mood of the moment. It is Warners' second Blue Ribbon picture for the 1948-49
season, its last winner being "Johnny Belinda," an entirely different type of film, for November.
Based on the life of musical comedy star Marilyn Miller, the story is symbolic of
the period rather than an accurate biographical sketch.
RAY BOLGER CALLS A LITTLE GIRL OUT OF THE AU-
DIENCE TO DANCE WITH HIM, STARTING HER CAREER
As reviewed in BOXOFFICE for July 2,
"Look for the Silver Lining" gets this appraisal:
"Down through the years, screen
biographies of departed greats of the theatre's
golden era have proven reliable to win critical
acclaim and audience satisfaction and shekels
—with Warner Bros, to the forefront of the
more successful projectors of such fare.
Seldom, if ever, before have the Burbank
Brudern—or any other film-makers, for that
matter—concocted a picture of that ilk more
convincingly, ingratiatingly or entertainingly."
The review goes on later to say, "the feature's
every frame oozes promise of top profits."
That this is true is told by the Barometer
gross average from 21 key cities, which scored
129 playing at the duU season of the theatre
year.
Impressed by Beauty
Of the three principal actors, only Ray
Bolger has been a Blue Ribbon winner before,
both his other Plaques being earned in 1939.
For June Haver and Gordon MacRae these
are firsts. Of the production staff, this is the
second for Producer William Jacobs, the
sixth for Director David Butler and the eighth
for Musical Director LeRoy Prinz. Others
will receive their first Plaques.
Screen Council members commenting on
their post card ballots about the winning film
seemed to be impressed with its beauty. "This
is a delightful treat," wrote Genevieve Hackett,
Kansas City, motion picture chairman of
the D.C.C.W. "It has everything—beauty,
music, color, dancing and an excellent cast.
Ray Bolger is tops."
Elaine A. Drooz of WABY, Albany, comments
on a trend:
"We are going back to musicals that have
always ranked high. This has some plot
much good music, and some excellent production
numbers."
And here's interesting news:
"The audience reaction on 'Look for the
Silver Lining' was terrific. We have had
many phone calls requesting another run."—
H. B. Schuessler, Rome (Ga.) News and Lam
Amusement Co.
"Briefly, this picture had everything from
an entertaining standpoint—fine theme, good
acting, and it was wholesome, too. My family
joins me in saying, 'It's a great picture.' "
Anne Hayes, KCMO, Kansas City.
"This is an entertaining production enriched
by hauntingly lovely music, exquisite
dancing, fine dramatic values, and beautiful
Technicolor. It is too good to miss the family
rating."—Mrs. Wm. A. Burk, S. Calif. Motion
Picture Council, Los Angeles.
Eastern Committee, G. F. W. C:
"Threaded with the music of the title song
and full of enchanting lyrics of the past, flashbacks
take one through the early vaudeville
days of Marilyn Miller and, later, highlight the
succeeding theatrical successes in which she
was the beloved sweetheart of Broadway. June
Haver plays the part of Miss Miller with winsome
ease and grace, and Ray Bolger displays
his inimitable and dashing agility as a dancer
in the role of her friend Jack Donohue. The
production is staged in magnificent Technicolor,
and in spite of a few sad moments is
lavish with gaiety and verve—an exemplification
of the adage that 'the show must go on.'
The Jerome Kern-Youmans-Herbert-Hammerstein
tunes, joyous and lilting, will send
audiences away humming the old-time favorites,
and should make a newer generation more
receptive to sweet, restful music. Family."
Marilyn Miller June Haver
Jack Donohue
Ray Bolger
Frank Carter
Gordon MacRae
Pop Miller
Charlie Ruggles
Mom Miller
Rosemary DeCamp
Claire Miller
Lee Wilde
Ruth Miller
Lynn Wilde
The Cast
Production Stafi
Executive Producer Jack L. Warner
Produced by
William Jacobs
Directed by David Butler
Screenplay bj/....Phoebe and Henry Ephron,
Marian Spitzer
Story by Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby
Photographed by. ...Peverell Marley, A. B.C.
Art Director
John Hughes
Film editor Irene Morra
Sound by Francis J. Scheid,
David Forrest
O
.-.
Henry Doran
Dick Simmons
Shendorff S. Z. Sakall
Himself Walter Catlett
Ballet Specialty
George Zoritch,
Gleg Tupine
Violet ^ Lillian Yarbo
Mr. Beeman
Paul E. Burns
Doctor
Douglas Kennedy
Dialog Director Herschel Daugherty
Technical Adviser
....Mecca Graham
Technicolor Director Natalie Kalmus
Associate
Mitchell Kovaleski
Set Decorator F^ed M. MacLean
Gowns by
Travilla
Men's Costumes by Marjorie Best
Makeup Artist
Perc Westmore
Musical Numbers staged and directed
by
LeRoy Prinz
Musical Direction
Ray Heindorf
This Award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstandinii merit
and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio
film commentators, and representatives of better film councils, civic and educational organizations.

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No Unanimty on Duals,
Pete Wood Learns
COLUMBUS, OHIO—When Al Lichtman,
vice-president of 20th Century-Fox, came out
against double features recently, Pete Wood,
secretary of Independent Theatre Owners of
Ohio, decided to find out what sales executives
of other distributing companies thought
about the twin bill policy. There was no
unanimity on the subject.
A. Montague, Columbia's general sales manager,
said that the "decision as to whether
or not double bills are necessary is one that
rests purely in the laps of the men who own
and operate theatres. If theatres want to
run double features we do not intend to
interfere with their policy; and, on the other
hand, if they do not want to run double bills
we will be glad to serve them on a single
feature basis."
"Personally," Montague remarked, "I think
distributors have talked too much about
whether or not double features are a menace.
I believe it is purely an exhibitor's problem,
if it be a problem at all."
Paul Lazarus jr., assistant to the president
of United Artists, said that his company is
"diametrically opposed to the dissipation of
top product by the showing of two top features
together."
"But," he added, "there is no point in taking
an ostrich-like attitude. The double feature
is here, evidently to stay. Our opposition
to the showing of two top-bracket films
together does not conversely mean that we
favor the showing of what you call "trashy"
films. It must be realized, I think, that no
producer starts out to make a bad picture.
Some pictures turn out better than others.
The exhibition phase of the industry has a
responsibility, however, to production to lessen
the pain of the less successful production
efforts. In this way, therefore, there is
a beneficial aspect to the second feature."
As for A. W. Schwalberg jr., vice-president
and general sales manager of Paramount, the
double feature "is like the tariff," or any
other political issue dragged through the
years—no decision is reached.
His personal viewpoint is that a show
should consist of one good feature and a
number of balanced shorts, including a
newsreel. "It is quite apparent, however,
that a vast majority of theatre customers
prefer the two-picture deal. There are a
great many people who feel as I do. Yet,
during the course of my contacts with exhibitors,
they maintain that any time they
tried to run a single feature show, the results
were unsatisfactory. My own feeling is that
it is going to become increasingly difficult
to maintain the double feature pattern."
Schwalberg said that production costs made
it necessary—at least at Paramount—to eliminate
the so-called little picture, and he assumes
that other companies are facing the
same problem.
Pittsburgh Tops Branches
In Astor Sales Campaign
NEW YORK—Pittsburgh is leading the
Astor Pictures exchanges and franchise holders
in the Bob Savini 45th Anniversary Drive
which will end September 30. Minneapolis
is in second place, Philadelphia is third and
Cleveland in fourth place with Boston, Canada
and New York City trailing.
Savini, president of Astor Pictures, has returned
from an extended trip of exchanges
to discuss the new product as well as the
reissues starring Bill Elliott, the East Side
Kids and Bela Lugosi. He went as far west
as California, Washington and Oregon. ^
TWA Exploits RKO Short
NEW YORK—Transcontinental
& Western
Air, Inc., is cooperating with RKO in
the exploitation of the RKO Pathe short,
"Airline Glamour Girls," The one-reeler
highlights the career of a TWA air hostess.
Theatre
Construction,
Openings and Sales
CONSTRUCTION:
Bointree. Mass.—Ground broken for construction of
open air tfieatre.
Dallas, Tex.—Construction begun on $85,000 tlieatre
lor Jerry Jobe.
Edmonton, Alia.—6Q0-seat Odeon Theatre under
construction for Isadore SftcJker.
Edmonton, Alta. — Avenue Theatre in planning
stages for Odeon Theatres.
Legal, Alta.—Legal Theatre, 500 seats, under way
by Arthur Lamarche.
Notwalk, Ohio—$80,000, 500-001- drive-in under construction.
Plattsburg, N. Y.— Nev/ drive-in under construction.
Presque Isle, Me.—Ground broken for construction
ol new theatre for Charles Brooks.
Raymondville, Tex.—Work to begin soon on construction
of 600-car drive-in for R. N. Smitli, with
Jack Corrigan set as architect.
Roswell, N. M.—New drive-in to be built by World
Theatrical Enterprises.
Troy, Ala.—Plans under jvay for construction of
300-cctr drive-in for new company headed by Marvin
H. Carter, president.
Uvalde, Tex.—400-car drive-in under way for Jack
Pickens.
Williston. N. D.—Snyder Theatre Co. constructing
800-seat, $150,000 theatre.
OPENINGS:
Albany. N. Y.—Town Hall Theatre, 750 seats, $160,-
000. designed by M. J. DeAngelis, architect, opened
by Ernie Wolfe.
Beatrice. Neb.—Holly Theatre reopened alter renovations.
, , T i_.
Boston. Mass.—Avon Drive-In opened by Interstate
Theatres.
Bumside. Conn.—Morris Keppner opened new Burnside
Theatre.
Cleveland, Ohio—Lake Theatre. 1,600 seats, opened
by Associated Theatres.
Cleveland. Ohio—Madison Theatre, 1,600 seats,
$500,000, opened by P. E. Essick and Howard Reif of
the Modern circuit.
Collins, Iowa—Collins Theatre opened by R. L.
Johnson.
Detroit, Mich.—Chopin Theatre reopened.
Magnolia. Ark.—Cameo Theatre, 700 seats, opened
by Robb & Rowley.
Memphis. Tenn.—Fourth Street Drive-In, 300 cars,
opened by Ed Blair.
New Haven. Conn.—440-seal Avon Theatre reopened
by Fred Dandio and Tony Terrazano.
Now Haven. Conn.—Lords Baltic, 410-seat renovated
house, reopened byi Edward Lord.
Shawnee, Kas.—Aztec Theatre reopened after remodeling
by Dickinson Theatres, Inc.
Shenandoah. Iowa—Mayfair Theatre opened by
Virgil Harbison.
, „ u
Suring, Wis.—Suring Theatre opened by the Bertch
family.
Swan River. Man.—Crescent Theatre, 400 seats,
opened by Conrad Auguston.
Tumwater. Wash.—Sunset Drive-In opened by A.
L. Berg and F. S. Miller.
Nafional Popcorn Crop Above Par
But Somewhat Down From 1948
KANSAS CITY—The 1949 crop of popcorn
will start moving to elevators before the end
of the month, to be shelled, graded, bagged
or canned and merohandised. The- national
crop is reported better than the average for
the last ten years but somewhat down from
last year's big yield, due partially to the
fact that some popcorn is still on hand from
the big 1948 crop.
The harvest of Missouri and Kansas popcorn
will be under way shortly, and will be
on its way to elevators in North Kansas City-
Tarkio, Mo., by October 1. It is already under
way in Texas and the harvest is moving
northward through Oklahoma. It will wind
up in Illinois and Ohio. The states mentioned
are the top producers, but some popcorn
comes from Colorado, Indiana. Tennessee,
Kentucky and Nebraska.
Charles G. Manley, vice-president of Manley,
Inc., said approximiately 100,000 acres is
24
planted in popcorn in the U.S. "That's a
mighty small acreage for any crop," he said,
"so the farmers all have their crops contracted
by elevators before it is even planted.
There is no government control on the crop
but there is a pretty sharply defined hmit
on demand."
Top production this year will come from
either Iowa or Illinois, he said. There's between
15,000 and 20,000 acres planted in the
two states, and the final production figures
will not be known until the end of November.
"Here in Missouri," Manley said, "we are
going to be pretty happy about the popcorn
crop. We will get more bushels than last
year and from less acreage. It has been a
wonderful growing season."
A good average yield is 1,800 pounds an
acre and on the basis of 100,000 acres under
cultivation the 1949 production can hit 180,-
000,000 pounds.
SALES:
Diagonal. Iowa—Diagonal Theatre sold to Clyde
Hicks by Chamber of Commerce.
EUwood City. Pa.— Blue Sky Drive-In sold to John
FcAforite and Joe Glorioso by John Wincek and Albert
R. Tate.
Gronlsburg, Wis.—Grand Theatre by Joe Murray
to Sidney Sigerson.
Moron. Tex.—Capital Theatre to R. E. Blailock by
V. E. Davis.
,
Limon, Colo.—£actus Theatre to Sam Feinslein and
Charles McCarthy by Roy Steele.
South Lyons. Mich.—Lyons Theatre to Rex Kinne
by Edward C. Carrow.
Springfield. Mo.—Granada Theatre sold to Dickinson
Theatres, Inc., by Harry Neal.
Springfield. Mo.— Dickinson Theatres, Inc., purchased
the Tower Theatre from Wayne Frederick.
Warner Bros. Distribute
'Task Force' Brochure
NEW YORK—Warner Bros, has prepared
an eight-page brochui-e on "Task Force,"
starring Gary Cooper, which includes official
U.S. navy auxraft carrier photographs as well
as scenes from the film. Comments are supplied
by Adm. Louis Denfield, chief of naval
operations; Adm. C. T. Durgin, deputy chief
of naval air operations, and Adm. W. P.
Halsey, retired.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

'
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CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
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Jack Hamilton, who recently endorsed
our 40 Club idea, has one of
his own which is making new paitrons
for the 9W Drive-In at Kingston,
N. Y. Cued from the first letters
of "The woman is requested to
pay," Hamilton introduced a "Twirp"
season, publicized through a series
of ads in cartoon style. On Twirp
nights, men are admitted to the theatre
free when accompanied by a
woman, but it's the woman who pays
for her admission and the federal
tax on her escort's admittance.
It's a takeoff on a popular Leap
year promotion and a reverse slant
on Ladies day at the ball parks. At
any rate, Ha

Tieups
With Noted Racing Figures
Help 'Dan Patch' in Pacer Country
Shown above is the miniature race track window display originated by lohn S. Falco to promote
"The Great Dan Patch." The toy horses were borrowed Irom a local harness racing
enthusiast, and an art;st drew the track, the grandstand, fence and theatre signs.
Letter-Writing Contest
Assists 'Summertime'
A contest, promoted with the cooperation
of the local newspaper, helped "In the Good
Old Summer Time." Bill Frlese, manager of
the Rivoli, La Crosse, Wis., invited fans to
select their favorite tune from the picture
score and submit letters explaining why it
was the writer's favorite in 20 words or less.
Frlese promoted 12 record albums for winners
and gave additional runnersup free
theatre tickets.
26
John S. Falco, manager of the State, Beloit,
Wis., capitahzed on the longtime love
of horses and harness racing in this area
in this campaign for "The Great Dan Patch,"
with help from some of the area's most noted
racing figures.
Falco arranged for Charley Smith, veteran
horse trainer, who actually saw Dan Patch
make some of his record races, to harness one
of his best pacers to a sulky and parade the
downtown streets the Friday preceding opening
and the opening Saturday morning.
He arranged with Miss Dixon, local owner
of harness horses, to use eight toy horses and
riders which she secured at various fairs and
races, in a window display that attracted the
attention of all passersby. A sign artist made
up a track on a showcard, drew a grandstand
and fence and put theatre and playdates on
the card. Falco placed the toy pacers and
trotters on the track simulating an actual
race, with the black horse, depicting Dan
Patch, paced as lead horse. Pictures of Joe
Patchem, sire of Dan Patch, and the famous
racer, also were borrowed from the Dixons
and placed in the window with appropriate
cards.
From the Victory Acres farm, Falco promoted
a personal appearance by Victory
Patch, great granddaughter of the pacer. A
white stall was made for the lobby and a
pedigree was posted. Special boxes at the
top of the preopening and opening day newspaper
ads called attention to the filly's appearance.
The names of 110 persons who bought tickets
to see the harness races in Elkhorn were obtained.
They were sent a penny post card
good for one admission as special guests of
the management during the showing of the
film. Response was excellent, Falco said,
and the goodwill it created among horselovers
was inestimable.
On the Saturday preceding the opening a
radio was placed on the sidewalk and the
races at Elkhorn were broadcast to passing
shoppers. Spot announcements in front of
and in back of the one-hour program were
purchased by the theatre to plug "Dan Patch."
A lobby display offered "actual scenes of
the greatest harness racer of them all." Behind
the display board was a 35mm slide projector
which automatically fed 17 different
scenes obtained from splicing the trailer on
the film. A date strip was injected into the
machine and the display paid off since holdout
crowds watched the miniature show while
waiting for seats. Falco promoted the equipment
from a local camera store.
Harness racing equipment, promoted from
a local distributor, was grouped into a display
over the concession stand. Window
cards were distributed, folded flyers were
stuffed into Sunday newspapers and extra
space was promoted from sports editor of the
local paper to aid the promotion stunt.
Sand Display in Window
Helps 'Sword in Desert'
A window guessing contest helped highlight
the booking of "Sword in the Desert" for Lou
Cohen, manager of the Poll Theatre, Hartford,
Conn. A large punch bowl filled with
sand was displayed in the window of a downtown
five and dime store. Passersby and
store customers were invited to guess the
weight of the sand, with free
theatre tickets
as a stimulant for their curiosity and accuracy.
— 308 —
Visiting Sea Cadets
Furnish Tiein Plug
For 'Down to Sea'
The Famous Players Paramount in Halifax,
N. S., went all-out on promotion for
"Down to the Sea in Ships" with the total
cost of the exploitation amounting to $2,
which was spent to hire an extra man to
watch the nightly lineup of customers.
Starting within the house with a display
of a ton and a half of relics and showpieces
loaned by local supply dealers, the campaign
was highlighted by a tiein with a parade
of 100 visiting sea cadets from Britain
and Sweden.
Everything from a needle to an anchor
filled the lobby, giving any landlubber an
eyeful of the days when iron men sailed
wooden ships. The entire staff was dressed
in dungarees, sou'westers, sweaters and oil
skins. The girls at the refreshment bar were
dressed as galley cooks, the doorman was an
admiral and the cashier was the skipper.
Signal flags proclaimed the film and the
black sou'westers were lettered in white with
the title. A youth dressed in seagoing garb
paraded around with the title painted on
his chest and back.
The Navy league paraded through the city
accompanied by a band and the sea cadets.
Leading the parade were two Paramount
usherettes in their regular uniforms and
carrying a banner which read, "The Paramount
Theatre welcomes a group of lads
who go 'Down to the Sea In Ships'." The
parade ended at the front door of the theatre
where the mayor of Halifax welcomed the
visitors and the naval chief of staff delivered
an official naval welcome. The two addresses
were carried by station CJCH and
newspaper representatives gave the whole affair
a big play, with special mention of the
Paramount.
At the conclusion ot the parade, the cadets
were Invited into the picture and the crowd
followed, leaving standing room only.
Assistant Manager Don HoUoway was in
charge of the stunt, with Manager Freeman
Skinner cooperating on details.
Dictaohone Tieup Starts
'Top O' the Morning' Talk
with the cooperation of the local dictaphone
distributor in Kansas City, Babe Cohn,
manager of the Paramount, arranged an effective
lobby display on "Top O' the Morning."
A Dictaphone Time Master was installed
in the lobby along with an operator
furnished at the expense of the distributor,
and patrons were invited to send a "Top O'
the Morning" greeting to a veteran in any
local hospital. Stunt provided a public service
gesture that had people talking about the
picture far In advance of opening.
Palms Used in False Front
Real palm leaves added an authentic touch
to the front of the Mission Theatre in Santa
Barbara, Calif., during the running of
"Daughter of the Jungle." The decorative
scheme, which included murals of palm leaves
across the front and surrounding the attraction
boards, was carried out by Douglas Lace,
assistant to Norman W. Lofthus at the Mission.
The real palms completely covered the
boxoffice and formed an edge for the two
front attraction boards.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Sept. 17, 1949
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Superstitions Used
In Mystic Picture
Bally in England
H. Clayton-Nutt, manager of the Broad-
)way Cinema, Eccles, Lanes., England, played
on the superstitions of people to promote
"Silent Dust," a picture dealing with Egyptian
mystics.
Three thousand envelopes were imprinted
with "This may bring you luck. The ancient
Egyptians thought it would bring one luck
to carry sand in a wallet upon one's person.
Enclosed is some sand in the hope you may
have luck whilst carrying it around. Open
this package on or before Saturday." A small
quantity of sand was enclosed in each envelope
along with a slip of paper imprinted,
"You are lucky to be reminded of 'Silent
Dust' and will be unlucky if you miss seeing
it at the Broadway Cinema, etc." On the reverse
side, copy read: "This is where you can
be really lucky. Send a post card to the
manager of the Broadway Cinema, telling the
story of any stroke of luck you may have
experienced since you received this package
of sand. Free complimentary tickets will be
awarded to those submitting the best stories."
Clayton-Nutt reports that the stunt caused
quite a bit of talk, created interest and
helped to focus attention on the film. Many
responses and comments were received from
patrons, and one lady informed him that she
had sent her package of sand to a little boy
at a vacation resort.
Paramount in New York
Hails Fall Hits in Lobby
In the most elaborate advance lobby display
in its history, the Paramount Theatre
in New York is boosting coming attractions
for the company's latest lineup of films. Running
the entire length of the 90-foot grand
lobby, the display comprises 12 specially constructed
shadowboxes measuring 9x6 feet
which run parallel on either side of the lobby
and flank an advance display which measures
30x8 feet above the arch at the head of the
lobby. Each of the individual pieces are of
three-dimensional scope and are illuminated
by fluorescent lighting. The frames are hand
carved and decorated with gold leaf.
The display, suggested by Paramount publicity
director Jack Mclnerney, was designed
by Hal Pereira and executed by Max Fine
Signs.
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Stores in Lexington, Ky.,
Give Generously to 'Oz'
Five local stores tied up with John Hutchings,
manager of the Ben Ali Theatre, Lexington,
Ky., to display merchandise and tiein
copy on "The Wizard of Oz." One window
was completely devoted to a display of "Wizard
of Oz" books and a large credit card.
Kresge's played up the music angle in its display
and also used a credit card on the counter
of the music department.
Joyland pleasure park, home of the largest
swimming pool in town, permitted the display
of a poster at the entrance gate to the
pool. The playdates were likewise plugged in
each of Lexington's six organized playgrounds.
Gratis plugs were received from the Man
on the Street program and a local disk jockey
played the hit tunes from the picture with
credits.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Sept. 17, 1949
Fabianites Run Gamut of Contests
In 35 th Year Showmanship Drive
Sparked by the offer of attractive prizes,
managers of the 44 Fabian theatres in New
York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, have delivered
an array of promotion campaigns,
tieins and publicity stunts throughout the
month of August that will serve as a reminder
of the circuit's 35th anniversary celebration
for many months to come.
An overall master plan for the showmanship
campaign worked out by Edgar Goth,
Fabian publicity and promotion director, and
Sam Rosen, secretary-treasurer of
the chain,
included suggestions for managers on a wide
variety of contests and tieins. Throughout
the anniversary month, bulletins, carrying
reports of various ideas used by Fabian managers,
were issued.
Most popular of the promotion managers
carried out were contests, ranging all the
way from beauty to skill in milking a goat,
with local merchants furnishing prizes, with
cooking schools, stage weddings, pie eating
contests also being used by many.
Manager George Kemp of the Paramount in
Stapleton, N. Y., promoted an all-expense
vacation for two to Bermuda for the winner
of a bathing beauty contest. Prizes included
transportation via Colonial Airlines, plus a
complete going-away outfit. Two other contests,
patterned after suggestions sent out
by Goth, were to choose a Tarzan and a
Sweater girl. All costs incident to staging
and selling these contests were paid for by
the merchant sponsors.
Every Wednesday evening the Paramount
featured a teen-age jam session featuring local
teen-age bands, which ranged from eightpiece
to 22-piece aggregations. During three
successive Tuesday evening programs, industrious
Kemp engineered a Wild West jamboree
with a local cowboy band of six and
a community sing.
Other stunts on the Paramount's calendar
for August included a novelty attraction
called the Battle of the Chords, with cham-
pionship barber shop quartets competing, a
contest to pick Staten Island's most popular
sandlot baseball player, with 14 prizes promoted
for the winner; a weight lifting contest,
and flowers to the women patrons each
Sunday.
City Manager Earl Westbrook lined up contests
to lure patrons to the Norva in Norfolk,
Va., with each event having a separate sponsor.
On the docket were an Apollo contest,
a public wedding with a 12-day honeymoon
to Bermuda as an inducement, a Breakfast
in Hollywood program, a Miss Fabian Theatres
contest and a Dodge car giveaway.
In Harrisburg, Pa., Gerry Wollaston tied
up with the Hotpoint distributor and the
Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. for a cooking
school. Four weekly matinees were devoted
to the school with an admission charge.
There were $1,500 in prizes and co-op ads.
Schenectady Fabian houses tied in with a
local store on a pony giveaway in connection
with special cartoon shows.
Although a subsequent run house, the Palace
on Staten Island, N. Y., proved the type
of the house doesn't matter when a little aggressive
showmanship is applied. Highlighting
the month, were the opening ceremonies
which featured a salute to Fabian Theatres
with a massing of colors by various veteran
organizations, presentation of a bouquet by
the board of trade to Mrs. DeHart, builder
of the theatre, and introduction of surviving
members of the Narragansett Minstrel show
that opened the Palace 35 years ago and a
personal appearance by film star Vera-Ellen.
The Staten Island Drive-In took advantage
of its space to hold a square dance every
Saturday night with a professional caller and
cash prizes.
Also included in the campaign were many
tributes to Si H. Fabian, head of the circuit,
arranged by local managers and presented in
ceremonies which were presided over, in
many cases, by the mayors of the cities.
BOXOFFICE NUGGETS
A "barber shop quartet" contest held on
the stage of Loew's Poll Theatre, Hartford,
was conducted by Norman Levinson, assistant
manager, in conjunction with "In the
Good Old Summertime." The contestants,
in white tonsorial get-up complete with
flowing moustachios, sang in groups of four,
and the winners were chosen by audience
applause.
Extensive merchant plugging with window
and interior displays of records and sheetmusic
publicize the event in advance, and
Levinson reports a packed house the night
of the contest.
One hundred and fifty Empire Sea cadets
and officers from the United Kingdom, New
Zealand and Australia, who are touring Canada,
were guests of Wannie Tyers, manager
of the Odeon Theatre, Toronto, to see "Home
of the Brave." The stunt rated extensive
news breaks in the local press. The cadets
marched from downtown Toronto to the
Odeon and staged a drill in front of the theatre
before going in to see the film.
— 309 —
In connection with the opening of Loew's
New Show season. Matt Saunders, manager
of Loew's Poll, Bridgeport, Conn., promoted
a full page of art and publicity stories on
future theatre bookings in the Bridgeport
Sunday Post. The paper used scene mats
from various coming attractions, star heads
of popular Hollywood players w'ho will appear
in these films, and ran a three-column story
emphasizing the fine pictures which have
been booked to play at the Poll.
To plug the opening of the new Skyvue
Drive-In, TEI City Manager Dave Dallas of
Manhattan, Kas., sent out a post card addressed
to every motor car owner in his
county. The card stressed the fact that "the
movies have been motorized and that Hollywood
and Detroit had joined forces" to bring
motorists the latest in entertainment. The
card also was an invitation to visit the new
drive-in, any Monday through Thursday
night, as the circuit's guest.
27

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waiting for is now ready for its crosscountry
day-and-date premiere on Columbus
Day (October 12). Get in on this one!
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Door County, Wis., Cherries Focus
Interest in Pie-Eating Contest
When a pie-eating contest attracts
statewide attention and garners publicity
in leading newspapers throughout the
state, it becomes a bit more than just a
theatre attraction. According to Herb
Graefe, manager of the Door Theatre,
Sturgeon Bay, Wis., the stunt originally
was launched to serve as a civic and institutional
device to focus attention on
Door county, known as the greatest cherry
producing area in the world.
The campaign book received at the
Showmandiser, which contains an unprecedented
amount of newspaper publicity, including
numerous front-page stories and
photos, attests to the interest created over
a wide area.
There were several novel features connected
with Graefe's idea. The contest
was open to all children 12 years or under,
and required that contenders register for
the contest by filling out a blank published
under the sponsorship of the Door
County Advocate, and submit a 25-word
slogan on why they like to eat cherry pie
Free Drive-In Coupon
Draws New Patrons
To celebrate the first anniversary of the
Twilite Drive-In at Saginaw, Mich., R. D.
Ashmun, head of Ashmun Theatres circuit,
offered a free admission coupon in newspaper
advertising as an anniversary gift to
patrons.
Presented as "our anniversary gift to you,"
the coupon idea brought much bigger attendance
for the week and promoted a lot of goodwill
among regular customers, Ashmim said.
It also acquired many new customers who
were not in the habit of attending the drivein.
The coupon, plus federal tax, admitted the
car and driver any night, Monday through
Friday. It read:
"FREE ADMISSION COUPON
"Admit Car and Driver
"This coupon plus federal tax admits car and
driver upon presentation any night starting
Monday, August 22, through Friday, August 26 "
Spaces were left for the name and address
of patrons using the free coupon.
Ashmun reported that business for the
year at the drive-in has been very satisfactory
and that concession sales have been up
to par. The Twilite concession is operated
by Jacobs Bros. Sportservice. The drive-in
plays major product seven days after second
run.
Drive-In Program Cover
Lists Comforts for All
Ever on the alert to keep folks informed
of the particular comforts and advantages
offered by the drive-in, Pearce Parkhurst,
manager of the drive-in, Lansing, Mich., uses
the cover of his theatre program to good purpose.
Headed, "Extra! Good News for the whole
family," the copy following is a plug for the
free open-air dance pavilion and the play-
30
made with Door County cherries. From
the tremendous entry list, 25 were selected
to compete in the contest.
The finals were set up for a Saturday
night performance on the theatre stage.
Graefe then provided an incentive for
filling the house during the matinee by
conducting the elimination contests during
this early show. The 25 contestants
were divided up into groups of five, with
one winner selected from each group to
perform in the finals at the evening show.
A large loving cup and additional prizes
donated by public-spirited business firms
were awarded the winner and the runnersup.
All pies consumed during the contest
were provided by a baking concern,
and the winner received the cup from
the county cherry pie baking queen of
this year's state fair.
Two Hollywood juvenile actors, Claude
Jarman jr. and Dean Stockwell, sent congratulatory
telegrams to the winner, injecting
their personal comments and men
tion of current screen attractions.
ground for children with pony rides, swings,
see-saws, etc.
Around the border of the program are
sketches of various members of the family,
i.e., mom, dad, grandma, the teen-agers, the
youngsters and the baby. Under each sketch
is a balloon with copy extolling the particular
attraction each one finds at the drive-in
such as "No parking worries," "Come as you
are," "We all stay seated together," "Baby
bottles warmed free," "Smoke if
you like," etc.
Theatre Publicity Pegged
On Local Tar in Newsreel
Lily Watt, manager of the Florida Theatre,
Kings Park, Glasgow, Scotland, promoted art
and newspaper stories in the Daily Mail and
the Daily Record as the result of her discovery
that one of the crew members of the
HMS Amthyst, seen in a recent issue of the
Movietone newsreel, is a resident of Kings
Park. The newsreel pictures showed the
young sailor as the Amethyst put in at Hong
Kong harbor.
Miss Watt invited the family of the young
tar to see the newsreel on the Florida screen,
and had photographs taken of the parents
examining the film closeups. Both newspapers
ran the photo, with fine plugs for the
current screen program.
Disk Jockey Uses Quiz
On Theatre Attractions
Vic Wintle, manager of the Manring Theatre,
Middlesboro, Ky., has a regular tieup
with a disk jockey on the local radio station
which affords him a daily plug on his current
program. The broadcast features a quiz
on current attractions, and the question is
framed in such a way that the title of the
picture is mentioned, or the stars playing in
it, or the Manring Theatre. Contestants ai-e
asked to supply the missing information, and
passes are awarded for correct answers.
— 312—
20-Page Supplement
Used to Ballyhoo
'Baby' in Joliet
A 20-page newspaper supplement in the
Joliet Herald-News was the ambitious and
effective promotion successfully undertaken
by George F. Mahoney jr., manager of the
Rialto, Joliet, 111., with assistance from Ben
Katz, U-I field representative, in connection
with "Yes, Sir, That s My Baby."
The newspaper was sold on the idea of
getting out the 20-page special section around
full-page advertisements by merchants specializing
in baby apparel, milk products and
other infant necessities. A dairy, for example,
used cuts of a dozen local youngsters,
with copy: "Yes sir, these were our babies,
now growing up on rich, creamy, etc."
Kresge's ad was keyed to the theme, "It costs
so little to outfit an angel."
The Eagle Store, specializing in Storkline
furniture and accessories for babies, used the
line: "Plan your baby's future." A second
dairy, in its full page ad, used a large scene
cut from the film production, headed: "No
question about it. Yes sir, Joliet babies like
Weber's, etc."
A cafeteria stressed "It's an honor to serve
babies with special high-chair equipment,
etc." Sears, Roebuck took a full-page ad
headed, "You'll be proud to say 'Yes, Sir,
That's My Baby' with Sears furnishings."
The Block & Kuhl Co. used a similar idea on
infants' wearing apparel. A sketch of a woman
admiring her Laundromat was used by a
Westinghouse dealer, with the tiein line,
"Women everywhere are saying, 'Yes, Sir,
That's My Baby.' "
"For Baby's Comfort" was the angle used
by the Midwest Supply Co., dealers in oil
bui-ners and fuel stokers. Florists, a photographer,
two maternity hospitals, several laundries,
a jeweler and shoe firms specializing
in baby shoes all weffe represented with display
ads.
Every advertisement included mention of
the theatre booking of "Yes, Sir, That's My
Baby." Most of them were illustrated with
scene and star cuts from the picture.
The front page of the supplement was filled
with a scene cut and headed, "Theatre Supplement
. . . Joliet Herald News." For editorial
text in the 20-page section, the newspaper
used large cuts illustrating scenes from
the film and dozens of publicity stories.
The special supplement was part of the regular
Herald-News edition mailed to subscribers
and sold at newsstands on August 23, the
day before the picture opened.
Top Boston Locations
Are Landed for 'Magic'
Three of the choicest locations in town
were landed for window displays by Jim
Shanahan, publicist for the State and Orpheum,
Boston, on the two-theatre engagement
of "Black Magic."
The Jordan Marsh Co., New England's largest
department store, used three complete
windows, one of which displayed a "Black
Magic" gown against a glamorous backdrop,
the other two an artistic arrangement of stills
from the film production and credit cards.
Filene's department store tied the picture
in with a display of "Black Magic" perfume,
and I. J. Pox, located next door to the Orpheum,
attired its window manikins in
"Black Magic" velvet gowns.
BOXOFFICE Shovimiandiser :: Sept. 17, 1949

TOr
ii,
the N. Y. Mirror
—and tops at delighting crowds at more than 1,250
dates, many of
which topped "Connecticut Yankee,"
"Welcome Stranger" and "Emperor Waltz."
That's why right now your Number 1 Boxoffice
Star's up-to-the-minute hit is top
exhibitor-choice. Right now national magazines
are singing its praises— and this month
Bing'll be back on the air singing its songs
and selling this heart -warming show for
you as only he can! So play it right now!
f
"^ISgr^^v,
It's The Latest
Gold-Getter in
IPARAMOUNT'S GOLD RUSH
OF '49
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Ballyhoo Tricks
[rttts \
Natural curiosity attracted
plenty of passersby
to this still, right,
for "Great Gatsby." Stunt
was used by Dick Fink,
assistant manager, Orpheum,
Portland,
Ore.
mSyracii
The public got a kick watching this street
ballyhoo perambulate the streets of Cumberland,
Md., when John Manuela, manager of
the Strand, played "Lady Gambles." Rear of
the barrels had picture and theatre credits.
At right, giant dice lettered
with copy plugging
"Lady Gambles"
was an eye-catcher used
by Fred Leavens, manager
oi the Circle Theatre
in Toronto. Cubes
served as advance and
current comment provoker.
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"In the Good Old Summertime" was exploited by D. C. Murray, manager
of the Indiana Theatre at Marion, Ind., with this old-fashioned,
but effective, street stunt.
J. F. Thomas, assistant city manager for Robb & Rowley Theatres
in Little Rock, Ark., promoted a new car and an eye-filling
ballyhoo for the Arkansas Theatre booking of "The Girl From
lones Beach."
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Outdoor ballyhoo for "Return of October" at the Oxford in Nova
Scotia, attracted both adult and kiddy attention, according to
Manager L. P. Charlton.
Exhibitor Glen Hall built this perambulating monster to draw
attention to "Unknown Island" dates at the Hall, Cassville, Mo.
The eyes vreie animated.
32 314 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Sept. 17, 1949
SOXOFT-

D
Newspaper Editorial
Greets
Vaudeville
At Syracuse, N. Y.
Vaudeville returned to the Paramount in
Syracuse on the wave of a citywide promotion
put on by Dick Feldman, manager, and
Irving Cantor, manager of the affiliated
Eckel Theatre.
A full-page newspaper cooperative ad in
the Post-Standard was sponsored by merchants
to welcome the return of live talent
to the city. The page was headed by a banner
streamer playing up the fact that the
Paramount policy would now include eight
big acts of vaudeville in addition to fine
screen entertainment.
The Post-Standard ran a "Welcome Back"
editorial urging the citizens of Syracuse to
support the new policy. This broke on the
second day. Two hundred jumbo window
cards plugging the new setup were distributed
throughout the city and environs.
The cashiers conducted a personalized telephone
campaign to inform local phone subscribers
that vaudeville was returning. Extensive
newspaper publicity was obtained in
the Herald-Journal, the Polish News, the
Italian Gazette and several weekly pubUcations.
Gratis spot plugs were promoted over radio
station WSYR. WAGE and WNDR.
All local
disk jockeys also welcomed the return of
vaudeville with spot plugs and via interviews
with the performers on the opening show.
Proclaims 'Dan Patch'
An elaborate lobby display stimulated interest
in "The Great Dan Patch" for Bill
Porter, manager of the Boulevard Theatre,
Minneapolis. The display was constructed
in the form of a horseshoe covered with silver
foil. Stills from the picture were set
In the center of the
horseshoe were a cutout from the three-sheet
poster and cutout letters spelling out the title.
Porter displayed a sulky in front of the
theatre with signs calling attention to the
picture playdates. Porter reports that the
extra exploitation effort lifted boxofflce
Silver Foil Horseshoe
against this background.
,.. s 5o»lev Tbes-
. „1 o eje-Siig
. .. Tie ^'" t"''
grosses.
Makes 'Adventure' Co-Op
Manny Winston, manager of the Wicomico,
Salisbury, Md., developed an attractive fourcolumn
by eight-inch newspaper cooperative
ad which helped to exploit "Adventure in
Baltimore." With more than 60 per cent of
the space devoted to the film attraction, ad
copy was cued: "For an adventure in motoring,
drive a new Hudson; and for an adventure
in entertainment, see 'Adventure in Baltimore.'
"
Portable PA on Street
Tells About 'Window'
A. Fred Serrao, manager of the Circle in
New Kensington, Pa., used a novel street
ballyhoo to promote "The Window." A young
man was dispatched to the business section
of town, carrying a portable public address
system and a card lettered with picture title,
playdates, etc. He walked along the streets
announcing the merits of the film through
the amplifier, attracting marked attention.
The first Mo/or Screen Improvement X "> ^^"^Y ^^'"'^ • • •
HALLMARK S
THE LAWTON STORY OF
princeIfpehcl
Even Distribution of IJght
Elimination of Backstage Reverheraliun
White Clear Through — and slays' White
"Exclusive
laminated
Color Control
Construction
yivid Realism to Color Projection
* PlI Awliei r»r
Greater Depth and Clarity in black and white
MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED
EXCLUSIVELY BY
B. F. SHEARER COMPANY
Sold Exclusively in Export by
LOS ANGEKS -POIITUND-SEUnE'StN FRANCISCO
Eitcutivi Olfices: 231B Stcond Aflnye. Seitllc I. WlshiD|(on
BOXOFFICE Showmaiidiser :: Sept. 17, 1949
FRAZER & HANSEN, LTD.
EXPORT DIVISION
301 Clay Street San Francisco 11. California
— 315 — 33

Theatre Patrons Get
found their names posted in the classified
columns of the paper each day.
A tieup with the Fred Astaire studio pro-
vided for free dance lessons to the first 100
theatre patrons attending daily throughout
the engagement of the picture. In addition,
the studio ran two display cooperative ads
which totaled over 700 lines of free space,
with prominent picture and theatre credits.
Mullane's candy company cooperated by
providing an attractive model to ballyhoo the
picture, distributing candy kisses enclosed in
envelopes Imprinted with theatre copy.
Pogue's department store ran a large cooperative
newspaper ad and built window and
counter displays around the "Anna Lucasta"
beret.
The Yellow Cab Co. placed cards in its
fleet of 300 cabs. This tieup was based on
the angle of Paulette Goddard being the cabbies'
favorite movie star. The cards carried
complete plugs for picture and playdate.
Special fashion art was planted in the Cincinnati
daily newspapers and two of them
used special art spreads. An advance lobby
setpiece and a flash front during the current
engagement helped to attract patronage.
Cowgirl Star Makes
Personals for 'Gal'
As part of the campaign in behalf of "The
Gal Who Took the West" through the southeastern
part of the country, U-I had Patricia
Alphin of the cast appear in several of the
cities where the picture was scheduled to
premiere.
WRITE..WIRE In Tampa, Fla., Elmer Hecht, manager of
the Parl£ Theatre, promoted considerable publicity
for the picture by capitalizing on Miss
Alphin's personal appearance. Despite the
yiUiCi^l^.mGmt: BLDG.WILMINGTON.OHIOllSee
fact that he had only 12 hours advance notice
of her arrival, Hecht arranged an elaborate
luncheon which was attended by representatives
of all newspapers, radio stations
Our Ad in Modem Theatre Section
and exhibitors from neighboring towns.
The starlet was interviewed over radio
,.. A STEEL SCREEN TOWER station WFLA and WALT, and the Tampa
Daily Times ran a special pictorial layout.
Miss Alphin also appeared at the Ybor City
Rotary club.
Projectionist Constructs
OUTDOOR NOW SPECIALIZING]
REFRESHMENT
CONCESSIONAIRES
IN KEfRESHMENT
SERVICE FOR
FROM COAST rO COAST
.
OVH >/^ CtNKJKY IRIVE-IN THEATRESi
SPORTSERVICE Corp.
MAIN BUFFALO. jAposs BROS.
Free Dance Lessons
In Xucasta' Tieup
A number of local tieups helped to exploit
"Anna Lucasta" at the Palace in Cincinnati.
Nate Wise, publicity director for RKO Theatres
here, and Elwood Jones, manager of
the Palace, arranged a classified contest in
the Times-Star which netted 600 lines of free
space, with passes offered to readers who
OR PHONE
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
ERECTED ON YOUR LOT, FffST
AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD
MALEY CONSTRUCTION CO.
Wayne Theatre Bldg. Wayne. Mich
KOIL-KORDS :: BURIAL WIRE :: SCREEN TOWERS
Koiled Kords lor speaker replacements; 14-2 Neo-Se«l transposed
Burial Wire, $58.30 per thousand feet. Immediate
delivery. Pre-fahricated Steel Screen Towers at amazingly
low prices, 60-day delivery. Everythino you need. Vast experience.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MANUFACTURING CO.
729 Baltimor* (Phone HA. 8007) Konaaa City. Mo.
34
-NOTICE-
Oscar Micheaux is NOT authorized to
book the picture, "THE BETRAYAL."
All bookings MUST be approved by
ASTOR PICTUHES CORPORATION, who
control exclusive distribution rights.
Display for 'Red Witch'
An attractive lobby set-piece was built to
exploit "Wake of the Red Witch" by John
Mitckes, projectionist at the Apollo, Belvidere,
111. Mitckes, who has been making a
study of art in addition to his regular duties
as operator, made a cutout of a large sailing
vessel similar to the Red Witch. The ship
was placed against a colorful background
representing the sea with waves. The sails
of the ship were covered with stills of action
highlights from the film production, and lettered
in the center with the star names. The
title of the film was lettered across the hull
of the ship, with playdates on the foreground.
Plane Tows 'Stable Sign
Jack Clements, manager of the Strand,
Wildwood, N. J., used an airplane towing
banners over Wildwood and adjacent towns
to ballyhoo "Come to the Stable." Cross
trailers were used in other theatres of the
Hunt circuit. Telephone calls were made to
phone subscribers announcing the playdates,
and Clements contacted the local clergymen
with information on the film. One-minute
spots over WMID aided.
— 316 —
CLEARING HOUSE
(Continued from inside
THEATRE TICKETS
back cover)
Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets.
100,000, $23.95; 10,000, $6,85; 2,000, $4.46.
Each change in admission price, Includine change
iji color, $3.00 extra. Double numbering extra.
Shipping charges paid to 500 miles. Cash with
order. Kansas City Ticket Co., Dept. 9, 1819
Central, Kansas City, Mo.
THEATRE SEATING
~
Parts (or all chairs. Send sample for Quotation.
Fensln Seating Co., Cliicago 5.
Patch-0-Seat cement. Patching cloth, solvent,
etc. Fensln Seating Co., Chicago 6.
Tiglitcn loose chairs with Permastone anchor
cement. Fensln Seating Co., Ctilcago 6.
Chair supplies. Everything for theatre chairs.
Fensln Beating Co., Chicago 5.
Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity
wanted. Photographs mailed with quotation. Ftnsln
Beating Co.. Chicago 5.
No more torn seats: Repair with the original
Patch-A-Seat. Complete kit, $6. General Chair
Co., Chicago 22, 111.
Chair Parts: We furnish most any part ;ou require.
Send sample for price, brackets, backs
and seats. General Chair Co.. 1308 Elston A
ItiBS P" :
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INTEREST IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
SHOWN AT N. J. ALLIED MEET
[C0««
,ol'
Lachman, Simons, Novins,
Kindel Are Speakers
On Industry Topic
(See Also Pages 16, 17 and 40)
ATLANTIC CITY — Public relations was
one of the livest topics of discussion both in
the meetings and in the hotel corridors at
the 30th annual convention of the New Jersey
Allied unit. The unit has been acutely
conscious of public relations problems during
the past year. It was one of the first in the
country to join with representatives of civic
groups and major distributors in fighting censorship
and other legislation last winter. Its
efforts paid off.
Ed Lactanan, retiring president, referred
to this in his opening address. On the second
day of the convention three major distributor
representatives discussed the Chicago conference
and the reactions. Ed Kindel of Baltimore
gave some of the details of the plan
being pushed there by all the theatres in the
city. Benny Berger of North Central Allied
said he saw "new hope" for improved relations
both outside and inside the industry and
made a plea for a spread of the Smith-Berger
conciliation plan.
SIMONS LAUDS P. R. PROGRAM
Mike Simons, assistant to H. M. Richey in
charge of exhibitor relations for MGM, was
the first to point out the significance of the
Chicago industry conference.
"I am convinced," he said, "that 99 per
cent of all bhe people I have met in show
business—and I have met a lot of them—want
to make their business something to be
prouder of. Most of us need only the guidance;
I believe that guidance is nearer at hand now
than ever in the new determination that we
must all hang together lest we most surely
hang separately. The declaration at Chicago
is a milestone in oiu" business—a landmark
that points the way to the future; the handwriting
on the screen of a bigger theatre
than any ever built or operated—the hall
that's to house our reputations and to preserve
our legacy for the generations to come.
"It is needless for me to say that the
declaration is not enough; that every principle
must be put into practice.
"It's an uphill fight, when our critics keep
saying we don't make good pictures—for us
to keep reciting, as we can do, a list of 40 or
50 hit pictures of the past year in rebuttal.
"HISTORIC," SAYS NOVINS
Louis Novins, eissistant to Barney Balaban,
Paramount president, who was one of the
speakers at the Chicago meet, said the conference
"souglit to forget the past and build
for the future."
Like the previous speakers, he described it
as "historic," an effort to get together in
the one area where agreement can be reached.
The keen exhibitor interest in the Baltimore
campaign now getting started was evident
the minute Ed Kindel of the Maryland
Allied unit was called upon. Many questions
were asked.
Only three theatres in that city are not
Seen at the New Jersey Allied unit convention in Atlantic City are, left to right,
Harry Lowenstein, past president; Wilbur Snaper, newly elected head; Leon J. Bamberger,
RKO sales promotion manager; and Irving Dollinger, Allied board chairman.
Snaper Elected Jersey Allied Head
ATLANTIC CITY—Wilbur Snaper of South
River, N. J., was elected president of the New
Jersey Allied unit at the third day's session
contributing 10 cents per seat toward the
campaign, he said. He described these as
"really distressed theatres—hardship cases."
He also said that about 40 per cent of the
theatres in the campaign are Allied members.
"We are approaching this from a new slant,"
he stated; "we are not going to hit the customers
on the head and tell them to go tc
the movies. Our approach is more subtle; we
want to show people what they can get out of
the movies."
He described the "backbone" of the campaign
as the newspapers. He said the spacing
of five-column ads dominate the pages, so
that something appears in some paper, including
the neighborhood publications, each
day. The ads do not appear on the amusement
Images, and the papers have cut the 55
cents-per-line rate to 30 cents for the campaign,
which will carry through to December.
The American Oil Co. and laundries are cooperating
by giving free use of outdoor space.
The radio is being used. Slugs are appearing
on the bottom of newspaper columns and
editorial support is forthcoming.
"We have $17,500 in the bank now," Kindel
said, "but this will not be enough."
In reply to a question from Irving Dollinger,
Kindel said the entire ad campaign had been
laid out in advance. He also told Dollinger
of the 30th anniversary convention here on
Wednesday. He succeeds Ed Lachman.
Other officers named were: Vice-president
for North Jersey, Louis Gold of Newark: vicepresident
for South Jersey, Samuel Frank,
Hammonton: secretai-y, Sidney Stern of Elizabeth:
treasurer, Haskell Block of Newark:
assistant treasurer, Sidney Franklin of Newark:
sergeant at arms, William Basile; directors
for three-year terms, John Harman, Herbert
Lubin and Joseph Siccardi.
A chairman of the board will be elected
by the board at the next meeting to be held
in about two weeks.
Misallocation of terms of percentage pictures
was the topic of lively discussion at the
final business session. It was contended that
this has resulted in bad returns for both exhibitors
and distributors, and has taken away
the incentive for pressing good pictures in
order to earn an extra dollar to tide over the
"rough spots" on weak films.
It was contended that in South Jersey
which is served out of the Philadelphia exchange
the major company representatives
are not living up to the commitments of their
general sales managers. A film committee
consisting of Irving Dollinger, Louis Gold and
Wilbur Snaper will confer with home office
sales executives.
The final feature of the convention was a
banquet Wednesday night at which Adolph
Zukor and Abram F. Myers were the speakers.
that the use of color was contemplated.
National Screen Service has supplied a kit
containing banners, cards and other aids, but
there has been no mailing campaign.
Andy W, Smith jr., vice-president in charge
of sales of 20th Century-Fox, inquired whether
the merchants had been approached.
Kindel said they have given space.
Harry Lowenstein asked: How about films?"
Kindel said these were being used.
George Schaefer to Coast
For Kramer Pact Talks
NEW YORK—George J. Schaefer, general
sales representative for Stanley Kramer Productions,
left for the west coast September 15
for two weeks of conferences with Kramer,
company president, and George Glass, exploitation
and publicity vice-president.
Schaefer will discuss the renewal of his
contract with the producer, which calls for
three per cent of the gross on Kramer pictures
released by United Artists. UA has
already distributed "So This Is New York,"
"Champion" and "Home of the Brave," and
will also handle "The Men," soon to go into
production. The unfreezing of Kramer's
funds in foreign countries will also come up
for discussion. Schaefer said.
,• :«« BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949 35

. . . Agnes
. . Jacques
. . Al
.
BROAD\NAy
ytrUUam F.
Rodgers, MGM sales vice-president,
is expected to arrive from Hollywood
September 21 after a stopover in Chicago . . .
Hank Linet, Universal-International eastern
advertising manager, and Charles Simonelli,
national exploitation head, have left for Atlanta
to attend the opening of "The Gal Who
Took the West" Chabrier, president
of Pa the Cinema, returned from the west
.
coast September 15 . . . Charles Schlaifer.
head of Charles Schlaifer & Co,, is back from
Lake Tarleton, N. H., where he held a series
of discussions with Walter Jacobs, director
. . . Charles
of the No Name Summer Theatre, regarding
plans to televise summer stock
LeMaire, director of wardrobe and executive
designer for 20th Century-Fox, is in New
York for two weeks of screenings of "Prince
of Poxes" and to study new fashion trends.
. . .
E. Z. Walters, controller of Altec Service,
is in New York from the coast . . . Carey
Wilson, producer _ of MGM's "The Red
Danube," is in Manhattan for a stay at the
Waldorf-Astoria. At the same hotel are such
other MGM personalities as Janet Leigh,
starred in "Danube," and Kathryn Grayson
and her husband, Johnnie Johnston
Joseph Cotten. Selznick star; Andre Kostelanetz
and his opera star-wife. Lily Pons, as
well as Producer Hal Wallis and Murray Silverstone,
president of 20th Century-Fox International,
were among the entertainment
world figures on the Queen Mary which
docked September 12.
Nicholas Joy, 20th-Fox player, returned
from Europe on the De Grasse September 14
Moorehead, Warner Bros, player,
sailed for Europe on the Queen Mary September
Jeanne Crain, 20th-Pox star,
14 . . . and her husband. Paul Brinkman. are in New
York to publicize "Pinky." whitfh opens at
the RivoU late in September . . Maurice
.
Segal, formerly with 20th-Fox and with Century
Theatres, has joined Paramount's pressbook
department . . . Maurice "Red" Silverstein,
director of Latin American for Loews
International, is the proud father of a daughter,
Pamela Jane, born to his wife, the former
Betty Brj'ant, Australian film star, at
Jewish Memorial hospital.
.
William A. Scully, U-I general sales manager,
was in Albany and Buffalo during the
week . . . Phil Gerard, eastern publicity manager,
has returned to New York from Nashville,
Birmingham and Atlanta Margolies
has returned from London where he
concentrated on the American publicity campaign
on Warner Bros.' "Stagefright," which
Alfred Hitchcock has been filming there.
. . .
Adolph Zukor, chairman of the board of
Paramoimt, and E. K. "Ted" O'Shea. assistant
general sales manager; Hugh Owen
eastern and southern division manager, and
Jerry Pickman, assistant ad and publicity
director, attended the 30th anniversary convention
of Allied Theatre Owners of New
Jersey in Atlantic City Barney Balaban.
Paramount president, and A. W. Schwalberg,
general sales head, have gone to the coast foi
studio conferences with Y. Frank Freeman
Henry Ginsberg and Cecil B. DeMille. Waltei
Seltzer, representing Hal Wallis on the coast,
Is in New York for a series of meetings with
Max E. Youngstein, Paramount director of
national advertising and publicity, on "My
Friend Irma."
George Shupert, director of comjmercial
operations of Paramount's television department,
planed to Los Angeles and addressed
the TOA convention there September 13 . .
Stirling Silliphant, special promotions manager
for 20th Century-Fox, attended the
Schine circuit annual theatre managers' meeting
in Syracuse September 14 and went from
there to the Schine meeting in Columbus,
Ohio, September 16.
. .
Harry M. Kalmine, Warner Theatres president,
has left for the west coast . . .
David
D. Home, foreign sales manager for Film
Classics, has returned to New York from a
Max
five-week business trip to Europe .
Shulgold, head of Crown Film Co., Pittsburgh,
is in New York for conferences with
R. M. Savini, president of Astor Pictures . . .
Carroll Puciato, Realart general manager in
charge of exchange operations, has left for
Boston to confer with Joe Levine, franchise
holder there.
Charles F. Hynes Dies
MINNEAPOLIS—Services were held September
16 for Charles F. Hynes, 49, veteran
trade paper man, who died here September
13 after an illness of several years. Burial
was in Fort Snelling national cemetery.
Hynes had been associated with Rim Daily,
Motion Pictiu-e Daily and Greater Amusements.
Berle Returning to TV
NEW YORK—Milton Berle will return to
the NBC television network with the Texaco
Star Theatre September 20 at 8 p. m., eastern
daylight time. During the summer he
completed a Warner Bros, film, "Always
Leave Them Laughing."
Set for
Comed'y Role
Stuart Erwin has been ticketed for a comedy
role in Columbia's "A Mother for May."
AT $100,000 DINNER—Eddie Cantor,
right, an active worker in the Israel
cause, emphasizes the importance of the
United Jewish Appeal to Max M. Yellen,
owner of the 20th Century Theatre, Buffalo,
and treasurer of the UJA, who invited
100 of his friends to pay $1,000 each
to have dinner at his home in Orchard
Beach, where they also met the film and
radio comedian.
Bergman Film Leads
B'way First Runs
NEW YORK— 'Under Capricorn," Ingrid
Bergman's first new picture since her Rossellini
news headlines, did smash business in
its first week at the Radio City Music Hall,
where it was the only important new picture
of the week. The other first run leaders on
Broadway were "White Heat," unusually
strong in its second week at the Strand, where
Xavier Cugat headed a big stage show, and
"Jolson Sings Again," which had a big fourth
week at Loew's State. "Sword in the Desert,"
in its third week at the Criterion, and "Top
O' the Morning," in its second week at the
Paramount, also held up well and the three
J. Arthur Rank films, "Hamlet," "The Red
Shoes" and "Quarter,," continued their long
runs while two Korda films, "Dolwyn" and
"Saints and Sinners," did well in small houses.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—Lost Boundaries (FC), llth wk _... 95
Bijou—The Hed Shoes (EL), 47th wk 95
Capitol Madame Bovory (MGM), plus stage
show, 3rd wk 95
Criterion Sword in the Desert (U-I), 3rd wk 110
Globe—The Crooked Way (UA), 2nd wk S5
Gotham—Animal Crackers (Para); Duck Soup
(Para), reissues, 3rd wk 95
Little Carnegie Saints and Sinners (Korda-
.•
London Films) - .....100
Loew's State—lolson Sings Again (Col). 4th wk 120
Mayfair The Kid From Cleveland (Rep), 2nd wk... 85
Palace Blondie Hits the Jackpot (Col), plus
Vaudeville 105
Paramount Top O' the Morning (Para), plus
110
stage show, 2nd wk -
Park Avenue—Hamlet (U-I), 50th wk. oi two-a-day 95
Radio City Music Hall—Under Capricorn (WB),
plus stage show 130
Rivoli—Come to the Stable (20th-Fox), 7th wk 100
Roxy—I Was a Male War Bride (20th-Fox), plus
stage show, 3rd wk 105
Strand—White Heat (WB), plus stage show,
2nd wk 120
Sutton—Quartet (EL), 25th wk 90
Victoria—The Window (RKO), 6th wk 90
Second Week of 'Kiss'
Grosses
115 in Quaker City
PHILADELPHIA — Business in first nm
theatres remained good^ with two new offerings
and cool weather lielping to swell boxoffice
receipts. First place was captured by
a holdover which had its world premiere in
the Quaker town. The picture. "That Midnight
Kiss." playing at the Boyd, scored 115.
Aldine—Madame Bovary (MGM), 3rd wk 100
Boyd—That Midnight Kiss (MGM), 2nd wk 115
Earle—The Big Steal (RKO) 100
Fox—Come to the Stable (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 70
Goldman In the Good Old Summertime (MGM),
4th wk 50
ICarllon—Miqhtv Joe Young (RKO), 2nd wk 100
Mastbaum—White Heat (WB), 2nd wk 110
Stanley—Top O' the Morning (Para), 2nd wk 75
Stanlon—The Doolins of Oklahoma (Col) 67
'Heiress' to Open First
At Radio City Theatre
NEW YORK—WiUiam Wyler's "The Heiress,"
starring Olivia DeHavilland, Montgomery
Clift and Ralph Richardson, will open
here at the Radio City Music Hall following
the run of "Under Capricorn," according to
A. W. Schwalberg, Paramount vice-president
and general sales manager. It will be the
first showing of the feature anywhere.
Mrs. Nat Liebeskind Dies
NEW YORK—Mrs. Teresa K. Liebeskind,
wife of Nat Liebeskind, distributor and exhibitor
in the South American market, died
suddenly September 13. The Liebeskinds had
been married 32 years. Pimeral services were
held September 16 at the Campbell funeral
church.
38 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

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AT PHILADELPHIA THEATRE OPENING—Crowds formed in line early to attend
the recent opening of the new City Line Theatre in Philadelphia. The house,
shown in the upper photograph, is the hub of a $5,000,000 shopping center development.
Proceeds from the opening performance at the new theatre on August 31 went
to the Variety Club camp for crippled children in memory of the late Harry Fried.
Edward Emanuel, chief barker of Tent 13, is shown in the lower photograph accepting
a check from Harry M. Penneys, general manager of the Fried Theatre Management
Corp. Smiling their approval are William L. Brooker, commander of the Variety
Post of the American Legion, and left to right John, Irving and Bernard Fried, sons
of the late theatreman.
PHILADELPHIA
lyrany prominent exhibitors showed up at
the world premiere (liD of David S.
Moliver's new game, Quizo, in his Airport
Theatre at 71st and Elmwood streets ... A
landslide business was recorded by Mickey
Rappaport's Natalie Drive-In, Mount Carmel,
Pa., when it played "Tulsa." This was the
first instance in this vicinity of a drive-in
playing first run product . . Starlet Patsy
.
Garrett, known to millions as the Chesterfield
Girl, was the last of a parade of stars
to appear in the Music Hall of Atlantic City's
Steel Pier.
The New Hope Recreation center in the
artist's colony in New Hope, Dela., opened
its adult film program Saturday (17) with
the showing of "Brief Encounter." Justin
Herman and Sol Jacobson have selected the
films, a feature and a documentary short,
• ! ,
'
TO ANNOUNCE ?
VseAFILMACK
. | :tJ!ll TT ^
SSPECIAL TRAILER^
1^ To Help Put It Across! j^
r I L M A C K
CHICAGO 1327 S. Wabash Ave.
NEW YORK 619 West 54th. St.
to be shown the third Saturday of each month
through May. All proceeds donated at the
screenings will be turned over to the New
Hope Memorial Gymnasium fund . . . Melvin
Fox annoimces that his rubber walled Pennypak,
once known as the Holme, will have
its seating capacity increased to 2,000 from
its present 1,000. Air conditioning and other
renovations will cost about $75,000 .
Beckett, MGM juvenile film star,
. Scotty
came to
.
town unannounced.
. . .
Marion Bozym, MGM bookkeeper, has left
the firm . . . Emma Roat, MGM cashier,
has returned from a fishing trip to Rockhall,
Md. . . . Sam ScuUi, booker, reports
that he will stay home on his vacation . . .
Dave Titleman, MGM booker, has returned
from vacation Benny Harris of American
Film Co. says the Greenhill Theatre
screened the "Stephen Foster Story" Thursday
(15) for its Pennsylvania premiere . . .
Capital Films has a new window display
of Dogpatch, U.S.A., which shows L'il Abner
and his schmoos. Eddie Gabriel, the exchange's
manager, hopes exhibitors will bring
Dogpatch to their houses by booking "L'll
Abner."
David and Ned Yaffe of YY Supply Co.
have come back from Wachapreague, Va.,
with documented evidence to back up their
story of catching 40 fish . . . The Y&Y Supply
Co. is handling the Y&Y Odor Control
System for scent conditioning . . . Edna
Laurelli, U-I assistant cashier, is on vacation,
as is U-I shipper Peter Clccotta . . .
Joe Horn, U-I traveling auditor, is visiting
the local office . . . Dr. Harold Schwartz,
son of branch manager George Schwartz, is
father of his second son.
Shep Bloom is a new salesman for 20th-
. . Meryle Conover, 20th-Pox assistant
Pox .
cashier, was married Saturday (17) ... Boxoffice
Pictures' booker Jack Goldman broke
his finger in football practice . . . Screen
Guild's Dollar Collection Roundup drive has
been extended from September 24 to October
8, according to Philadelphia Manager Harry
Brillman. This extension makes it possible
for later playdates furnished by exhibitors
to be included in
the drive.
Screen Guild booker Janet Hallard is on
Republic is greasing its gears
vacation . . .
to get ready for its Salesman's week to be
held from November 6-12 . . . Many exhibitors
are helping in the promotion of Pennsylvania
week October 17-24 . . . Lillian Rudner,
National Screen Service bookkeeper, had
her honeymoon cut short when her father
Charles was killed in an automobile accident.
Lou Blaustein, National Screen Service
credit manager, went to University hospital
for a physical checkup . . . The Jeffries Theatre
in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia
recently ran an ad featuring "HeUfire
in Trucolor" . . . Marie Wilson, star of
"My Friend Irma," arrived Thursday (15)
to help in the drum beating for this picture,
which is scheduled to come to the Stanley
soon. One of the publicity tricks worked up
by Paramount exploiteer BiU Brooker is a
round-the-clock marathon from 10:30 a. m.
to 5 p. m.
During this time she will cut into
every program on WCAU, the city's CBS
outlet. Also, she will concoct the biggest
salad ever made, using the case of a giant
searchlight as a bowl, and making enough
salad to supply six institutions.
Ralph Garman, Paramount head booker,
is on vacation . . . Bill Brooker, Paramount
drumbeater, went to Lewistown, Pa., to set
up a test campaign on "Song of Surrender,"
which showed at the Miller Theatre. Brooker
made a fast jump from there to Atlantic
City where he set up Paramount's display
for the Allied convention of New Jersey at
the Ritz-Carlton hotel.
'Outside the Walls' Crew
Films Location Shots
PHILADELPHIA—U-I has sent a film crew
to take location shots at the Eastern penitentiary
for the forthcoming picture, "Outside
the Walls." This is the first Hollywood
contingent to take locations or backgrounds
since the Warners group, which came here
to shoot some of the footage for "Pride of the
Marines."
A young local actor, Richard Basehart, who
received his spurs as a hedgerow trouper,
stars in the picture. The story involves the readjustment
of an imprisoned juvenile delinquent
who is released 16 years after having
been jailed at the age of 14.
The Hollywood troupe is headed by the
director and writer of the screenplay, Crane
Wilbur, and Aaron Rosenberg, the film's producer.
Also included are several score of
technicians and a publicity staff headed by
Paul Kamey. The party is quartered at the
Ritz-Carlton hotel.
Only the all-male scenes are being shot in
Philadelphia. The Universal crew is shooting
sound sequences unlike the general run of
location companies. The film people have
secured the aid of the police to keep the
curious from straying into camera range at
shots taken in the Philadelphia General hospital,
on the University of Permsylvania campus,
at a bus station, in a popular sqxiare, in
a flophouse, a saloon, Independence Hall, and
the Eastern penitentiary.
38 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

. . . The
. . Margaret
. . Returning
. . "Spud"
. . Sara
. . Han-y
Goldman Petition Up
WASHINGTON
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In Philadelphia 21st
PHILADELPHIA—Counsel for the majors
and the Goldman interests will go into court
Wednesday (21 1 to argue Goldman's petition
to divest Warner Bros, of its theati'es in
Philadelphia. The arguments will be before
Judge Kirkpatrick of federal court "on the
merits of reforming the final petition to
amend the decree" wdth divestiture or a ban
on cross-licensing of product as the remedy.
Judge Kirkpatrick's calendar is filled with
industry cases these days. On Thursday (15),
he was to have heard the suit filed against
seven majors by Jack Greenberg for improved
clearance for his Harbor Theatre, Stone Harbor,
N. J. Greenbei-g has petitioned for
availability on part with Wildwood, N. J.
Judge Kirkpatrick had set aside two days
for the presentation of the case, but a heavy
docket forced him to call lawyers into conference
and, as a result, the suit was rescheduled
for 10 a. m. October 10. This happens
to be the date set for the second Goldman
suit against the majors, but the arguments
next Wednesday may have some bearing on
further developments in the long, drawn-out
litigation.
Fall Fashion Preview Ad
Run in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA—"It is customary for
smart specialty shops to show their fall
fashions well in advance of the season," so
said advertising copy which the Fox Theatre
ran recently in metropolitan daUies.
The message continued: "We, too, have had
unprecedented showings almost each week of
our Fall Fashions in Entertainment. For the
first time anywhere, with the cooperation of
20th Century-Fox and their laboratories, we
have previewed our coming attractions to
capacity audiences during the summer
months.
"Some of our patrons already have seen
such hits as: 'Come to the Stable," 'I Was a
Male War Bride,' 'Father Was a Fullback,'
'Everybody Does It.' They (the patrons)
know the great entertainment in store for
the fall season.
"No pig in a poke, no taking our word
for it. Those who have seen these fine pictures
can assure you that as far as the Fox
Theatre is concerned, more than ever before
motion pictures provide your best entertainment."
The Variety Club women's committee for the
welfare drive prepared to open booths at
the Statler and Willard hotels. Mrs. Fi-ank
Boucher and Mrs. Clark Davis opened a booth
in the lobby of the Shoreham hotel Tuesday
Stony Creek (Va.) Drive-In was
closed several weeks for repairs following a
fire in the booth.
Paramount's "The Great Lover" was sneakpreviewed
at the Warner Theatre Wednesday
evening . . . Charlie Freeman was here from
Charlotte to book the Paramount theatres in
Lynchburg and Charlottesville and the Capitol,
Rialto and Dan theatres in Danville, Va.
. . . Rina Cursi returned to Washington . . .
l/ir. and Mrs. Frank Jones, Midway Drive-In,
Galax, Va., became the parents of a baby
daughter . . . Tom Halligan was on Filmrow
booking the Williamsburg Theatre.
Tom LeCompte was vacationing . . . Robert
Miller has replaced Ruth Starr in the contract
department at RKO vacationists
.
included Ralph Collett, Helen Paul-
son and Dorothy Morrow. The Olmstead
Knoxs were vacationing in Atlanta and
Florida.
.
Metro items: Office Manager Joe Kronman
and his wife celebrated their 20th wedding
anniversary . . . Raymond Dean is new
assistant shipper Dempkish
spent her vacation in and around Boston . . .
Shipper Aaron Armentrout has returned from
a vacation in Atlantic City, New York and
the Shenandoah vaUey.
.
At 20th-Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Sichehnan
spent a week at Grossingers in New York
Inspector Thelma Eltinge still was
state . . .
ill . . . Cashier Emily Watts reported that
her son was out of the hospital and with
her while she was vacationing in Kansas and
Indiana Manager Glenn Norris spent
Thursday
. .
conferring with Morton Thai-
himer and Sam Bendheim at Richmond . . .
Doris Hardin has been promoted to the booking
department . Young's husband
Ben and son Dick returned from Miami
Beach, where they visited son Herbert.
.
Harry Katz of the Kay Film Co. supervised
the local branch while Ann Hanower vacationed
in New York with her mother, who
flew from California .
Valentine was
back with the Independent Theatre Service
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Lust flew to California
. .
Query opened the new
700-seat Center Theatre at Marion, Va., Friday
night 1 16 1. He will open the new 550-seat
Salt Theatre at Saltville, Va., on September
19, and the new 750-seat Trail Theatre at
Big Stone Gap, Va., on October 1.
Clare Cunningham spent the weekend with
ner son in Bristol, Tenn. . . . Booker May
Feldman at Screen Guild was in first place
in the collection drive . . . The Keyser Theatre
at Keyser, W. Va., owned by Mrs. Newt
Carskadon, celebrated its tenth anniversary
September 25.
RKO Sets Tradeshowings
Of Five New Features
NEW YORK—RKO has scheduled tradeshowings
of five new features in all exchange
centers on September 20, 21 and 22. The single
exception is Seattle, where the pictures
will be screened the day previous to the regular
showing.
"I Married a Communist," starring Laraine
Day and Robert Ryan, will be shown September
20; "Arctic Fury" will be shown the same
day; "They Live by Night," starring Farley
Granger and Cathy O'Donnell, will be shown
September 21, and "Strange Bargain," with
Jeffrey Lynn and Martha Scott, will be shown
the same day. "Masked Raiders," a Tim
Holt western, will be shown September 22.
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Fabian Will Speak on TV
At RCA Demonstration
NEW YORK—S. H. Fabian, president of
Fabian Theatres, will talk on theatre television
September 28 at a Radio Corp. of
America demonstration of its newest TV
equipment at the annual TESMA-TEDA convention
at the Hotel Stevens, Chicago.
The RCA display wUl include the latest
Brenkert projectors, the new Brenkert Hi-
Enarc and supertensity lamps, weatherproof
In-car speakers and junction boxes featuring
dual-beam roadway and post lighting, drive-in
sound systems and a new series of vinyl plastic
theatre screens. The theatre equipment
section of the engineering products department
will hold a meeting of its sales representatives
and dealers at the hotel September
23, 24.
CONGRATULATIONS IN ORDER—John Turner, former Warner Bros, film buyer
here, is feted by associates on his appointment as Philadelphia branch manager for
United Artists.
At the dinner were, left to right, Stewart Aarons, WB legal department;
Mark Silver, UA district manager; Ted Schlanger, WB Philadelphia zone manager;
Paul Lazarus jr., executive vice-president and assistant to Gradwell Sears, UA president;
Turner; Eddie Schnitzer, UA sales manager, and Lester Krieger, assistant zone
manager, WB Philadelphia Theatres. A television set given Turner by his friends
is
shown on the table.
.- 1;
»»
BOXOFHCE September 17, 1949
39

Bamberger Asks for Use
Of More Children's Films
ATLANTIC CITY—Many exhibitors are not
using the recommended films for children's
matinees because they are under the impression
that the list has been played out, it developed
at the New Jersey convention.
In a discussion which developed as a result
of a speech by Leon J. Bamberger of RKO,
it was made clear that a green paper list of
new product can be obtained for these shows,
and Andy W. Smith jr. of 20th Century-Fox
said complaints that prints are not available
could be eliminated by transferring prints
from one exchange to another and by furnishing
additional prints. He promised his
cooperation.
Bamberger made a plea for greater use of
the children's show films as a part of the
public relations effort.
He said the Children's Film Library, now
in its third year of operation, is being used
by over 3,500 theaties "and more are availing
themselves of its advantages every
month." The library, he said, now contains
55 features, the titles of which are about
equally divided among Motion Picture Ass'n
of America members. He urged his hearers
to get a copy of the booklet obtainable at
the MPAA New York offices, 28 West 44th
St., and pointed out that it contains many
suggestions for securing civic cooperation in
putting on the shows.
Bamberger pointed out that only one print
of each film is kept in an exchange and
service is on a "first come, first sei-ved" basis.
In addition to the listed films, sales managers
have agreed to furnish recommended
films out of regular release, provided they
have completed all possible nms in each
situation. In addition, it is possible to play
a highly recommended film Saturday mornings
at the usual matinee prices, provided
adults pay the regular fare. This is in cases
where the film has been booked on the
regular weekend program.
"As so many pictures carry the CPR or
CPA endorsement, this enables you to use
the special CPL (Children's Film Library)
pictures on only those Saturdays that you
do not happen to have a recommended attraction
on your regular program, and, therefore,
you can keep a larger reserve of available
material," Bamberger said.
He pointed out that during the past year
34 features had been put in the highly recommended
category.
Bamberger then said exhibitors should receive
regularly a green sheet called "Joint
Estimates of Current Motion Pictiires" published
by the MPAA, and that if they were
not receiving it they should ask to be put
on the mailing list.
It was this reference to a green sheet which
developed the fact that many Jersey Allied
members had not heard of it.
Year of Victory, Declares Lachman
At A/ew Jersey Allied Convention
ATLANTIC CITY—In his annual report
to Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey presented
at the opening session of the 30th
annual convention at the Ritz-Carlton Ed
Lachman, president, described 1949 as a year
of victory, both nationally and in the state.
"That the pictm-es produced for a free
market will exceed in quality those made for
the controlled market, there can be no doubt,"
he declared in discussing the effects of the
antitrust decisions.
"It should be the duty of every Allied unit,
including that of New Jersey, to see, to watch,
and even to police, so divested theatres do
not continue the obnoxious practices of unreasonable
clearances, print preferences, price
discrimination and over-bidding in certain
situations," he asserted.
In his discussion of New Jersey legislative
problems, Lachman said they had been
a "constant threat," the most serious of which
was a censorship bill fostered by "powerful
political forces in Newark." With the
help of other organizations this bill had been
defeated and had saved exhibitors much "aggravation
and annoyance."
Lachman described a coming referendum
on bingo as a threat to show business, and
he called for a miited front in combating it,
because it is a "hot potato" in an election
year. He proposed an educational campaign
against this "insidious type of gambling."
Among the state public relations activities,
he reported, was active cooperation with Gov.
Alfred E. DriscoU in his efforts to secure
employment for the physically handicapped,
numerous addresses before Parent-Teacher
groups, an active effort in behalf of National
Brotherhood week, and a share in the
bond drive, in which Lachman served as cochairman.
Lachman was warm in his praise of George
Gold, chairman of the legislative committee,
and of Albert "Gabby" Gebhart, office manager
for the unit.
A, nominating committee was named to
bring in a report for a slate of officers to
be named Wednesday. The members were:
George Gold, chairman; Haskell Block, recording
secretary; David Snaper, Sidney
Stern, Harry Lowenstein, Irving DoUinger
and A. Louis Martin.
Other committees named: Reception—Lou
Gold, chairman; Haskell Block, Harry H.
Lowenstein, William Basil, Morris Fogelson,
Harry Kridel, Sam Frank, Herb Lubin, John
Harwan, David Silverman, George Gold, Sidney
Stern, John Fioravante; ladies—Mrs.
Harry H. Lowenstein, chairman; Mrs. Edward
Lachman, Mrs. Lou Gold, Mrs. George Gold,
Mrs. Irving DoUinger, Mrs. Haskell Block,
Mrs. Morris Fogelson, Mrs. Sidney Stern, Mrs.
Lou Baurer, Mrs. Lou Martin, Mrs. Henry
Brown, Mrs. John Fioravante; golf—Lee Newbury,
chairman; Sam Frank, Henry Brown,
Joe Siccardi; resolutions—George Gold, chairman;
Jack Unger, Irving DoUinger, Louis
Baurer.
Jersey Convention Notes
Atlantic City
A TLANTIC CITY was brUliantly illuminated
late Monday night. Fire whistles blew
and the Steel pier became a mass of flames
and sparks. Nearly everybody in the city, including
most of the Allied delegates, turned
out to watch the spectacle. As a result, everybody
was up imtU 5 a. m. and the Tuesday
session started late.
* * *
A golf tournament was scheduled for Tuesday
afternoon, but a southeast wind accompanied
by high surf, a pelting rain and occasional
mists kept the would-be golfers indoors.
* * *
A coming New Jersey referendum on
whether or not bingo shall be legalized is
scheduled for a concerted camijaign of opposition
by Allied. Wives of the delegates
have only an academic interest in this. They
played bingo Tuesday afternoon at a long
table in one of the public rooms of the Ritz
Carlton. And had fiui!
* * *
Ed Kintel of Baltimore aroused the enthusiasm
of the delegates by describing the
highlights of the public relations campaign
there. At the end of his talk he received a
telephone call and came back and announced
a film carriers' strike had started.
* * *
There was a run on the soft drink, candy
and popcorn booths near the entrance to the
ballroom. About 200 delegates to a pottery
makers' convention stopped for samples. They
all looked like exhibitors— vei-y prosperous.
* » *
Benny Berger of Northwest Allied, who gets
things off his chest in his convention speeches,
came into the convention room and sat beside
Andy W. Smith jr. of 20th-Fox. They chatted
amicably—they are joint authors of the
Smith-Berger conciliation plan—but that
didn't prevent Berge* from a rapid-fire discharge
of verbal shots about the "robbers and
bandits" who have been grinding dovra the
independents for lo these many years.
* * •
Abram F. Myers, boai'd chairman and general
counsel of the national organization, arrived
Tuesday afternoon just in time to go
into a closed session of the board and the
Atlantic seaboard representatives.
* * *
Andy W. Smith jr. of 20th-Fox stirred a
lively chuckle while mentioning big pictures
coming from a number of companies. Among
them he spoke of the success of "Jolson Sings
Again" and advised those present to book it
"if they feel they can afford it."
Para. Ships 52,913 Prints
During Special Week
NEW YORK—Paramount made a total
of
52,913 film shipments during the company's
Paramount week, September 4 to 10, according
to A. W. Schwalberg, vice-president and
general sales manager. The product went to
18,437 theatres in the U.S. and Canada to
achieve almost 100 per cent saturation,
Schwalberg said.
Paramount week, which was dedicated to
the placing of the company's trademark for
some product or service on every screen
in the country, inaugurated the "Gold Rush
of 49" sales drive, ending December 5.
40 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

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D of J, Treasury Okay
Para. Income Tax Plan
WASHINGTON—The Justice and Treasury
departments have approved an arrangement
whereby Paramount stockholders will pay an
income tax on only the 50 per cent portion
of the new theatre company dividends they
actually receive imder the terms of the decree
voting trusteeslrip plan.
The trusteeship plan will withhold the remaining
50 per cent of the theatre company
dividends, pending the sale by the stockholders
of their shares in either the theatre
company or new picture company. They will
pay an Income tax on this 50 per cent when
they receive the accumulated dividends.
The theatre and picture company stock
will be issued and the theatre stock placed
in the hands of a trustee (the Bank of New
York and Fifth Avenue bank) , when the present
Paramount Pictures, Inc., is dissolved and
separate production-distribution and theatre
organizations are established. The trusteeship
plan was designed to assure separate ownership
of the new companies.
Paramount Dickering for
Sale
Of Home Office Building
NEW YORK—Paramount Pictures, Inc., is
negotiating for the sale of the Paramount
home office building to the Prudential Insurance
Co. for approximately $9,250,000. If
the deal goes through, the money will be
turned over to the new picture company that
will be organized before the end of the year
as required by the consent decree. The new
theatre company. United Paramount Theatres,
also to be set up, will then form a
subsidiary company which will lease the
building from Prudential.
25-Day Construction Job
Ends With Ozoner Opening
POUGHKEEPSIE—Harry Lament's 600-car
Overlook Drive-In was opened to capacity
audiences here just 25 days after the start of
construction. Originally scheduled for a Labor
day opening, the event was held up by
minor hitches, including a lost shipment of
equipment from the Ballantyne Co. of Omaha.
The only incompleted work was laying of calciimi
chloride to bind the surface and prevent
dust blowing.
The first bill was "California" and "Alexander's
Ragtime Band." The program will
change three times a week. Admission is 60
cents. A crew of 20 is employed under the
direction of Gerald Schwartz, Lamont's partner.
Lamont expects to keep the drive-in in
operation until the middle of November.
INCORPORATIONS
—ALBANY—
Evans Drive-In Corp.: To conduct an openair
theatre and store bu.sine.ss in Evans, Erie
county; capital stock $200,000, $100 par value.
Incoi-porators: Christian F. Reitler, 1204 4th
Ave., Ford City, Pa.; Elmer Riefler, 37 Westview
Ave., Hamburgh, N. Y., and Christ Otto,
257 Union Ave., Kittanning, Pa.
Hollow Brook Drive-In Theatre Corp.: To
carry on business in New York; 200 shares,
no pai\
Public amusement and
Hogue Enterprises:
recreation enterprises in the Bronx; $20,000,
$100 par; Katherine and Gerald Hogue, 525
W. 238th St.; Laurence D. Kieran, 15 Broad
St.
S & K Film Distributors: Motion picture
business in New York: 100 shares, no par.
Approved FlameproofIng Co.: To conduct a
wholesale and retail flameproofing business
in Kings county; capital stock, 100 shares,
no par. Incorporators: Maldwin L. Fertig,
2770 Kingsbridge Terrace; Ruth Rosenberg,
3004 Cruger Ave.: Samuel W. Smith, 196
Quenting Rd., New York.
The Television Corp.: To conduct business
in television, radio, motion pictures and advertising
in New York; capital stock, $50,000,
$50 par. Incorporators: Crawford Hill, 2 E.
55th St., New York; James J. Flanagan,
Scarsdale; William H. Radebaugh, Hartsdale.
Cinema Souvenir Corp.: Printing, engraving,
lithographing and publishing business in
New York; capital stock, $20,000. $100 par.
Homell Drive-In Theatre Corp.: 200 shares,
no par; Harry A. Rachlin, Erie County Bank
Bldg.; Alfred M. Zisser, 148 Baynes St., Buffalo;
Agnes Baldwin, 65 Kenview Ave., Kenm.ore.
Sears and Kelly Back From Coast
NEW YORK—Gradwell L. Sears, United
Artists president, and Arthur W. Kelly, executive
vice-president, returned over the
weekend from a week's trip to Hollywood to
discuss new distribution deals and financial
arrangements for forthcoming pictures by
independent producers.
NO
PERFORATIONS
20% MORE LIGHT
and BETTER VISION from
EVERY SEAT!
Edgar B. Hatrick Is Dead;
News of the Day Official
NEW YORK—Edgar B. Hatrick, 63, vicepresident
and general manager of News of
the Day and Cosmopolitan Productions, died
at Colorado Springs, Colo., according to word
received here. He was a pioneer in the newsreel
and silent film serial fieldsi and handled
all the film interests of William Randolph
Hearst, publisher.
During the first World War Hatrick served
in this country and in France under George
Creel, chief of the U.S. information service,
and later assembled the first comprehensive
documentary films of the war. He was the
father of Mrs. James Stewart, wife of the
film star.
Other survivors are his wife. Mrs. Jessie
Hatrick: a son, Edgar B. Hatrick jr. of New
York; another daughter, Mrs. Ruth Braddy
of Larchmont, N. Y., and two sisters, Mrs.
George Shindle and Miss Estelle Hatrick of
Lansford, Pa.
Grayson, Lanza on Tour
NEW YORK—Kathryn Grayson and Mario
Lanza, MGM players, who recently appeared
at the opening of "That Midnight Kiss" at the
Boyd Theatre, Philadelphia, are continuing
their tour. Their schedule; September 12,
Loew's Poll, New Haven; 14, Loew's State,
Cleveland: 15, 16, Loew's State, St. Louis;
17, Loew's Midland, Kansas City.
USED THEATRE CHAIRS
All lots in A-1 condition at only $3.75 each. Now
loc^ated along Canadian border. All choits guaranteed
and iull refund will be made if dissatisfied.
Terms offered if so desired. ^
Contact us
today while the selections are unlimited.
ALBANY THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1046 BROADWAY Phone 5-5055 ALBANY. N. Y.
lii^l^il FLOODLIGHTS
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
729 Baltimore
K. C, Mo.
,
n"
accordsaw*"'
id
to
fcfor
. street
Serkowich Gets Special
UA Promotion Position
NEW YORK—Howard LeSieur, United Artists
advertising-publicity dii-ector, has named
Ben Serkowich special representative for the
Hakim Bros, film, "Without Honor." Serkowich
wUl assist Al Tamarin, publicity head,
and Mori Krushen, exploitation head, in a
campaign to promote the film, which will be
released early this fall.
Co-starring with Marilyn Maxwell in "The
Last Count," a U-I film, will be Gale Storm
and Richajrd Basehart.
CYCL«RAMIC
The FIRST
Major Screen
Improvement in
30 Years!
Custom Screen
I
*Potent opplied for
Perfect Soond
TransnilssioD • Elitnigatign
^~'---i^^-v-":-:-M
o< Backstage Reverberation • Perfect Visieii in Front
Rens • Setter Side Vision
JOE HORNSTEIN.
THE MAGIC SCREEN OF
THE FUTURE NOW!
Inc.
630 Ninth Avenue New York
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
41

ALBANY
IJarry Lamont will relinquish operation of
the Strand in Philmont September 30.
Fred Herbs, owner and currently manager for
Lamont, will conduct it after that date. Lamont
has been operating in Philmont for
ten years. The Strand seats 300 .. . Inclement
weather affected attendance at the
Labor day matinee at Harry Lamont's Vails
Mills Drive-In and eventually forced discontinuance
of a stage performance by Jerry
& Sky, radio artists. It rained at 11 in the
morning and during the afternoon. The
show was called off at 4 o'clock. Lamont
said that about 100 persons stayed through
the old-fashioned dancing and stage show.
. .
Harry Lamont will shutter his drive-in at
Leeds the end of September and close ozoners
at Kingston, Vails Mills, Lake George and
Middletown about the first of November .
Lou Golding, former upstate manager for
Fabian, now general ma,nager for Wihner &
Vincent Theatres, visited the new Overlook
Drive-in at Poughkeepsie. He was accompanied
by Joe Eagan of the Fabian maintenance-operation
department and Nat Lapkin,
chief of realty. Fabian interests are expanding
drive-in operations in New York. Pennsylvania
and Virginia.
WUliam A. Scully, U-I general sales manager,
and Fred Meyers, eastern division manager,
conferred with Gene Vogel, branch manager,
on sales policies . . . Arthur Newman,
Republic manager, attended a regional sales
meeting in New York . . . Judy Canova and
her Hollywood radio show will play September
24 at the armory in Schenectady.
Exhibitors making the round of exchanges
included Johnny Capano, State. Troy; Morris
Slotnich, Wateiville and Oriskany Falls, and
Kingsiey Ryan, Ausable. Ryan retired from
the State, Keesville, last summer. The house
now is said to be dark. Keesville has another
theatre, the Rex, now in operation ... "I Was
a Male War Bride" was moved to the Ritz
after a good week at the Strand.
The Mohawk and Saratoga drive-in theatres
were joined by the Royal and the Paramount
for an automobile giveaway. The
drive-ins are operated by Fabian-Hellman,
while the indoor houses are run by Neil Hellman.
Extra newspaper advertising space was
used in dailies in the area in connection
with the giveaway, arranged in cooperation
with Gateway Motors.
Herman L. Ripps, assistant eastern division
manager for Metro, was among film men
attending the wedding in Buffalo of Elmer
Lux's daughter and Bob Kallet, son of Mike
Kallet and a staffer in Kallet offices at
Oneida. Lux, now Donald Schine's partner
in Darnell Theatres Corp., which operates
the Rialto, Massena, among others, formerly
served as RKO manager in Buffalo. Young
Kallet works with his uncle Sid on booking
assignments.
J. J. Milstein loins Cinecolor
HOLLYWOOD—J. J. Milstein has joined
Cinecolor Corp. as special sales representative,
resigning as sales manager for the Du
Art Film Corp. in New York to take the
Cinecolor assignment His background in
sales dates back to 1923 when he joined MGM
as sales manager for the area covering Los
Angeles to Kansas City. He was also at one
time worldwide sales manager for Republic.
Tebay Named to UA Post
NEW YORK—Charles H. Tebay has been
named manager of the United Artists office
in Trinidad by Arthur W. Kelly, executive
vice-president.
Paul Waller Manager
At Grand in Albany
ALBANY—The resignation of Milt Schosberg
at Fabian's Grand brought Paul Waller
into the 1,500-seater from the Leland and Lou
Rosenfeld, onetime manager of the Strand,
Schenectady, back into the organization as
chief at the Leland. Johnny Gottiiso, who
had been assisting on a part-time basis at
the Palace since he underwent an operation
18 months ago, now is Waller's assistant.
Frank Cunningham retired as Grand assistant.
Waller celebrated his 16th anniversary as
manager of the Leland on Labor day. He
helped reopen the theatre in July after renovation
necessitated by a fire in February.
Waller began as assistant treasurer of Proctor's
Fifth Avenue in 1920 under Billy Quade.
He later served at the Palace in Newark
under Lou Golding.
Rosenfeld recently was a theatreman in
Detroit. Gottuso worked up from usher to
assistant manager of the Palace. Schosberg
had been with Fabian five or six years after
working for Schine and Paramount. Cunningham
served with Fabian for about five
years.
Schroon Lake Theatres
Report Lower Grosses
SCHROON LAKE, N. Y.—Theatres in this
area ended the 1949 summer season with reports
of diminishing grosses through August.
The drop in receipts was attributed to the
fact that since early July all of the many
camps scattered within a ten-mile area near
here had been operating under a self-imposed
quarantine due to the polio epidemic
in other sections of the state. No polio cases
were reported from this county during the
summer and as an added precaution the
camps voted unanim^sly to break camp one
week earlier this year in comparison to prior
seasons.
Charles Deitcher Dies;
Schenectady Showman
SCHENECTADY — Charles Deitcher, 53,
well-known local exhibitor, died at Ellis hospital
here after suffering a heart attack.
Deitcher had conducted the Lincoln here
for several years. Prior to that he was at
the Palace in Schenectady. He also was a
partner of Isador Bernstein and had been
an active exhibitor for about 15 years. He is
survived by his wife, a son Robert and a
brother. Services were held in Albany at the
Silberg Memorial chapel with burial in
Sharah Tephilah cemetery, Troy.
THE NEW DRYDEN THEATRE—The above is an architect's conception of the
entrance to the Drydcn Theatre at the north end of the Eastman House in Rochester,
N. Y. The theare is named after Mr. and Mrs. George B. Dryden of Evanston, 111.,
who have contributed 8200,000 for the project. Mrs. Dryden is a niece of George Eastman.
The theatre will be of the stadium-type and have a seating capacity of about
600. The George Eastman House is the home of George Eastman, founder of the Eastman
Kodak Co. It will be an institute for the "display and demonstration of the art
and science of photography."
McCabe Joins Eagle Lion
As Syndicate Contact
NEW YORK—Tom McCabe, recently syndicate,
magazine and newspaper contact man
for Margaret Ettinger, has been named syndicate
and column contact for Eagle Lion by
Leon Brandt, advertising, publicity and exploitation
director. McCabe also has been
connected with 20th Century-Fox. The Eagle
Lion contact staff now consists of Ruth Cosgrove,
handling fan and national magazines
and radio; Phil Cowan, in charge of tradepapers
and daily newspapers, and McCabe.
42
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

New Anglo-U.S. Pact
To Stir Up Debate
LONDON—The withdrawal of Universal-
International from the Motion Picture Ass'n
of America B pool is thought here to have
strengthened the hand of the board of trade
in the negotiations for a new Anglo-American
monetary agreement due before the end of
the year. The board is expected to demand
a more specific agreement calling for more
U.S. showing of British product and increased
investments of frozen funds in British production,
in return for the $17,000,000 remittable
in dollars.
The board recently approved the remittance
of $500,000 to American companies beyond
the $17,000,000 as an interim sum for the
earnings of British films in the U.S. for the
six months ending Dec. 31, 1948. The final
sum for the period is not expected to exceed
$4,000,000. U.S. remittances for British films
are .decreasing fast and could become nonexistent
by the end of this year. This is not
because fewer British films are showing in
the U.S., but because of altered Anglo-
American relations. Joint production deals
and purchases of British negative rights may
help to promote exhibition in the U.S. but
don't help Britain doUarwise.
Disagreement over details of a new Anglo-
American agreement is certain and may delajr
a decision imtil early in 1950. It will
center around a formula for estimating British
film earnings. U.S. film men want to
use as a base all boxoffice receipts less distribution
costs and import duties. The board
of trade wants taken into accoimt dollar payments
to American stars and other advances
In connection with British production, and
the earnings to be computed on an absolute
net basis.
Final Republic Meeting
Addressed by Yates
NEW YORK—Republic held its third and
last in the current series of sales meetings at
the home office September 15, 16, with James
R. Grainger, executive vice-president in
charge of sales and distribution, presiding.
Herbert J. Yates, president and chairman of
the board, described forthcoming product.
Other home office executives present were
Edward L. Walton, assistant general sales
manager; Walter L. Titus jr., division manager;
John Curtin, executive assistant to
Grainger; A. E. Schiller, manager of branch
operations; Richard Yates, service depart-
"nt, and John Alexander, contract department
manager.
Branch managers were William Murphy,
New York; Norman Silverman, Philadelphia;
Arthur Newman, Albany; Leon A. Herman,
Buffalo; Frank Dorvin, Boston; Jerome
Lewis, New Haven; I. T. Sweeney, Pittsburgh;
George H. Kirby, Cincinnati; Jake Flax,
Washington; E. H. Brauer, Atlanta; J. H. Dillon,
Charlotte, and Harold Laird, Tampa.
Release Two Jewish Films
NEW YORK—Elias Marks and David Fine
of Jewish Films Distributors have arranged
with Globe Film Distributors for the release
of "Long Is the Road," postwar feature made
in Germany, and "Sing, Molly, Sing," starring
Molly Picon. They will be part of an all-
Jewish program opening soon at the Stanley
Theatre. Both are spoken in Yiddish and
have English titles.
Adolph Zukor Appeals
For Industry Unity
ATLANTIC CITY—Speaking at the
dinner which closed the New Jersey Allied
30th anniversary convention, Adolph
Zukor, chairman of the board at Paramount,
made an earnest plea for cooperation
between all branches of the
industry.
"There has been bad feeling in the
past," he said. "Distributors have made
mistakes and exhibitors have made mistakes.
At times exhibitors have taken
advantage of distributors. Perhaps in the
future Allied and the rest of us can work
together. We will gain the respect of the
public if we do. Let's settle our disputes
among ourselves and not in front of the
public."
Zukor said he was now 77 years old, but
that he was still looking into the future.
"Public relations should have been
studied 20 years ago," he continued. "I
have no animosity. I am sorry that I
did not meet Abram F. Myers 20 years
ago. Things might have been different.
"Any salesman or exchange manager
can become arrogant. If they do, why
not take up the problem with the higher
officers of a company? I am sure you
will get proper treatment. We are all
in the same boat. We all want to make
a good living out of this business and to
send our children to college. We all
ought to be proud of this business.
"You are bound to have competition,
but we can solve the differences that
arise between us without saddling a tremendous
lawyers' expense on the industry.
Lawyers make more money than the rest
of us.
"It Is high time we faced the future.
I am not afraid of divorcement. I think
exhibitors and distributors can work together.
I want to see the business
healthy and respected, and I think we
—all of us—have the manpower and
the brainpower to make it that way."
'Heiress' Tradeshowings
Will Be Aimed at Women
NEW YORK—The Paramount trade and
exhibitor screenings on the William Wyler
production of "The Heiress" will be held in
small, intimate theatres in branch cities for
the wives, mothers, daughters and friends
of exhibitors beginning October 3, according
to A. W. Schwalberg, vice-president and general
sales manager.
Wherever possible, the screenings will be
scheduled in the afternoon, the most convenient
time of day for women, to whom the
picture has a special appeal. Invitations are
also being sent to women prominent in public
life, the heads of organizations and clubs,
newspaper women and society leaders. This
is in line with Paramovmt's effort to promote
word-of-mouth publicity on the film.
New York to See 'Manon'
NEW YORK—Vog Film Co. has scheduled
"Manon," French film, for a New York opening
in the fall. The players are Cecile Aubry.
Woolf Quiis Rank Job;
Odeon Shares Decline
Michel Auclair, Serge Reggiani and Gabrielle
Dorziat. The story deals with Parisian black
markets and the British blockade of Palestine.
LONDON—^Two developments in the J. Arthur
Rank film empire during the week were
the official resignation of John Woolf as
joint managing director of General Film Distributors
and a decline in the market value
of ordinary shares of Odeon Theatres, Rank
parent company.
Woolf took over his position in 1945. Teddy
Carr continues as sole managing director for
the present. Odeon shares dropped two shillings,
sixpence in five days to 12 shillings,
threepence. The fir.?l of the year they were
quoted at 31 shilling.s, ninepence.
Woolf will now go to work on organizing
a production plan in which independent
American producers have been asked to participate.
He is said to have good financial
backing and would finance U.S. independent
production in England after suitable stories,
directors and stars are lined up. In return,
he would get American distribution rights.
His British distribution company is already in
the process of organization. His new move
puts him in competition with Rank, who has
had Earl St. John, one of his top officials,
in the U.S. trying to make cooperative production
deals with American producers.
J. Patrick Rooney Named
Palsy Group Director
NEW YORK—Leonard H. Goldenson, Paramount
vice-president and president of the
United Cerebral Palsy Ass'ns, has appointed
J. Patrick Rooney executive director of health
group. Rooney has been associate director
of the American Social Hygiene Ass'n since
1946. Previously, he was on the staff of the
New York War Fund and a field representative
of the National Recreation Ass'n. Dr.
Winthrop Morgan Phelps of Baltimore, medical
director of the Children's Rehabilitation
Institute, is medical adviser of the UCPA.
Buy "I'll Get By'
Harry Tugend's original musical, "I'll Get
By," has been bought by 20th Century-Fox
for production by William Perlberg.
TKIO AT •QUAHTET' — Philip Cohen,
left, co-owner of the new Cinema Theatre,
Rochester, N. Y.; John Co>'ne. public
relations man for the house, and Morris
P. Slotnick, the other owner, at the
opening; of Eagle Lion's "Quartet." The
overall campaign was handled l>y^,,Max
Miller, EL field representative.: ;:.

Loew's, Inc. and Television Retailer
Join to Boost Each Other's Business
NEW YORK—For the next three months, a
prominent New York apphance chain which
sells a large volume of television sets
is going to promote patronage for
Loew's, Inc. neighborhood theatres
and Loew's, in turn, is going to boost
business at the store. It's a case of
prospective competitors joining up
to build their trade.
Several months ago, Joseph Rudnick,
co-owner of Sunset Appliance
Stores, Inc., sold a lot of television
sets and won his company a substantial
amount of free publicity by
offering free tickets to Broadway
hit shows with each TV set purchased.
The idea worked so well, it
was borrowed by R. H. Macy & Co.
Rudnick then decided to apply the
same prom.otion to motion picture
theatres.
He approached Loew's executives
Oscar A. Doob, Ernest Emerling and
Eugene Picker—interested them in
the idea, and the plan will go on a
three - month experimental basis
Aa MOW ui ui
shortly. During the 90-day period.
Sunset will buy annual passbooks
SuNsn Appliance Stores, .
at full price—from Loew's, good for
Kckarf &3S2A
one pair of admissions any day of
the week, matinee or evening. During
this period, the company will
Types of advertisements being used'.
give one of these passbooks with each purchase
of a television set or any other major
appliance. The tax will be prepaid, and the
passes will be good at any of Loew's neighborhood
houses.
Tied into the deal is a promotion plan
which will plug both the theatres and the
store. Sunset will publicize Loew's programs
over its three television programs, which
total five horns a week—with .Emerling,
Loew's director of advertising and publicity,
supervising copy regarding the circuit's attractions.
The tieup was advertised on the amusement
page of the Daily News of September 9 in
'Christopher Columbus'
Gets Key City Openings
NEW YORK—Universal-International has
booked "Christopher Columbus," J. Arthur
Rank Technicolor film starring Fredrlc
March, for Columbus Day openings at the Victoria,
New York; Keith's, Cincinnati; Allen,
Cleveland; Malco, Memphis; Adams, Detroit;
Lafayette, Buffalo; Rivoli, La Crosse, and
Loew's situations at Loew's, Canton Valentine,
Toledo; Majestic, Bridgeport; Poll,
Hartford; Poll, Norwich; Poll, Waterbury;
State, Norfolk; State, Richmond; Ohio, Columbus;
Grand, Atlanta, and Loew's in Dayton,
Houston and Louisville.
To Reissue Jungle Films
NEW YORK—U.S. reissue rights to "Baboona"
and "I Married Adventure," Martin
Johnson jungle films, have been acquired by
Commander Pictures of 1790 Broadway. The
first was originally released by 20th Century-
Pox and the second by Columbia. They will
be released as a double feature program.
42-B
page of the Daily News of September 9 in
ad and a two-column, 163-line Loew's ad.
GO TO THE MOVIES
FREE^
FOR 1
WHOLE YEAR!
Iff Waiting for You Now at Sunt*) Appllant* Stora*
YOUR SUHSETIOEWS YEAt HOKOF GUEST
TICKCTS FOR YOUR NEICHBORHOOO
LOEW'S THEATRE
OalluOHAdiuaaiAir^r AnrTimt OBCtaWr^t. laiSiWnk,
IWga ^art Br tuhy^r- to Wnd-
CAU MOW u Xkkm i-XiA
BHOW SEASO^J.
N'oa orih lOCtV S CREATEK M
LOEW'S ^!i^
MOVIE SEASON!
two ads—a three-column, 163'-line Sunset
The Sunset ad was headed: "Go to the
Movies Free for One Whole Year!" Details
of the offer and instructions for getting the
passbooks filled the rest of the ad.
The two-column Loew's ad briefly mentioned
the Simset offer, but played up "Loew's
Greater Movie Season" and new films.
The phrase "Hollywood's clicking' used by
Loew's is one recommended at the Chicago
public relations meeting.
Donahue & Coe is the advertising agency
for Loew's and Sunset.
If the tieup is successful, it will be continued
beyond the three-month period and
Loew's may try it out of town.
Zanuck Delays Arrival;
Now Expected Monday
NEW YORK—Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th Century-Fox
vice-president in charge of production,
is now expected to arrive from Europe
Monday (19). The home office had expected
him the previous Monday but he delayed departure
from Paris. He will come by air.
Spyros P. Skouras, company president, has
said that after a New York conference with
Zanuck lasting about a week, both of them
will then go to Hollywood.
Eastman House Date Set
ROCHESTER—George Eastman House will
be opened to the public November 9, according
to Dr. C. E. Kenneth Mees, president.
Plans are to make it a world center for an
exhibition of photography as an art and
science. About the same time, construction
of the Dryden Theatre, to cost $200,000, will
be started.
20lh-Fox to Release
30 Films in '49-50
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox will
release 30 productions during the 52-week
1949-50 selling season, or a minimum of two
features a month, according to Andy W.
Smith jr., general sales manager. The company
will distribute only three or four independently-produced
features, including two
from Nat Holt and at least one from Edward
L. Alperson.
All of the independently-produced features
will be in Cinecolor and in the higher-budget
classification, in contrast to the 1948-49 season
when 12 lower-budget or "B" features
were released. Only the Nat Holt production
of "Canadian Pacific" was in Cinecolor, the
balance being 60 to 70-minute features produced
by Sol M. Wurtzel, Frank Seltzer, Reliance,
Belsam and Marcel Hellman.
The 20th-Fox total for 1948-49 was 36 features.
MGM and Universal-International will
definitely release more features in 1949-50
than in the previous selling season while
RKO and Warner Bros, are also expected to
increase their monthly releases.
New Bill Elliott Series
Due for Early Release
NEW YORK—A second series of eight Wild
Bill Elliott westerns wiU be released this fall
by Astor Pictures, according to R. M. Savini,
president. With the release this month of
"Pioneers of the Frontier," the current series
of eight Elliott westerns will have been distributed.
Previously released and now being booked
during the Bob Savini 45th Anniversary drive
are "The Law Comes to Texas," "Return of
Daniel Boone," "Lone Star Pioneers," "Frontiers
of '49," "The Man From Tumbleweeds,"
"In Early Arizona" and "Taming of the West,"
as well as the eighth Vi the series.
Western Electric Plans
Capital Stock Increase
NEW YORK—^Western Electric Co. will
hold a special meeting of stockholders September
27 to submit a proposal to increase
the authorized capital stock from 9,000,000
shares to 10,500,000 shares, according to
Stanley Bracken, president. The proceeds
from the proposed issue, which will be offered
pro rate to stockholders, would be used
largely for the repayment of outstanding
indebtedness.
The board gf directors has declared a
dividend of $1 per share on the outstanding
capital stock, payable September 30 to stockholders
of record September 23.
Norman Westwood Buried;
Was Orient Film Attache
NEW YORK—Funeral services were held
September 15 for Norman Westwood, 62, representative
for many years of U.S. companies
in the Orient, who died September 13 in
Harkness Memorial Pavilion. Before the last
war, when he was a prisoner of the Japanese
for four years, he was associated with
United Artists and Universal-International in
China. Later he represented Arthur Bank tn
Japan. He leaves a daughter and two grandchildren.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

I
At Theatre
Owners of America Convention
'^- ^.Jin? two
There were evidently a good many chuckles in the conversations
at the TOA luncheon tables in Los Angeles this week, judging
from photographs which emanated from convention hall. Here
are three of the groups snapped by a BOXOFFICE cameraman.
At the left is Ned Depinet, (C) RKO's president, flanked by Harry
Warner (L) and Jack Warner. In the center photo with the broad
grin on his face is that veteran of production, Harry Sherman, visiting
with E. C. Rhoden (L), president of Fox Midwest theatres and
F. H. Ricketson, president of Fox Intermountain theatres. In the
third photo, Y. Frank Freeman, standing a.t right, apparently has
related another of his top grade stories to George Skouras who
stands next to him and Spyros Skouras jr., son of the 20th-Fox
president, and his companion at the right, Pat DiCicco, vice-president
of the United Artists Theatres circuit.
ncieose
^'^
• ?:;:-£ Co.
.ojf.olileK Sep-
.. ., i :o
increase
!«M
, iDi
to
.,•.. j:«rdiii?
'-
T:e P""*^
;- -. nil be »'
.:.:"Ti:.tlit«'^
UA Negotiating Deal
For British Films
NEW YORK—United Artists, which recently
announced 15 American features for
release from September to May, is negotiating
with Anatole DeGrunewald and Anthony
Asquith, British producers, for the
American distribution rights to "O, Mistress
Mine," the picturization of the Broadway
stage success, and several other features for
worldwide release.
Asquith and DeGrunewald, who have
formed World Screenplays, Ltd., to make the
features in E:ngland, formerly produced for
Alexander Korda. The deal is being arranged
by Arthur W. Kelly, UA executive
vice-president. The last British feature for
UA distribution was "Just William's Luck."
which was generally released in December
1948 but has had very few bookings to date.
If the deal for "O, Mistress Mine" is
closed, it would not be released in the U.S.
before next summer, according to Howard
LeSieur, UA advertising, publicity and exploitation
director.
Gala Opening for 'Gal'
At Atlanta Paramount
ATLANTA—Many festivities centered
around the Universal-International opening
of "The Gal Who Took the West" at the
Paramount Theatre here September 14 as
part of the 450-theatre southern territorial
kickoff of the film out of the Atlanta, Charlotte
and Memphis exchanges. Charles Coburn,
co-star, was present and there was a
parade featuring stage coaches and cowgirls
in full western regalia.
Charles Simonelli, U-I executive in charge
of national exploitation, and Henry A. Linet,
eastern advertising manager, came for the
affair. Phil Gerard, eastern publicity manager,
accompanied Coburn on his tour of key
cities, which included Nashville. Birmingham,
Memphis, Charlotte, Macon and Knoxville.
Lees Opening Extensive
Advertising Campaign
BRIDGEPORT, PA. — James Lees & Sons
Co. will place 65 full-page advertisements,
most of them in full color, in Sunday supplements
throughout the country in the next few
weeks to promote Home Fashion Time, home
furnishings industry drive starting September
22. The carpet company, which also sells its
products to theatres, has scheduled full pages
in the Saturday Evening Post, American
Home, House Beautiful, House & Garden and
Sunset.
RKO's "The Bail Bond Story" will be released
as "A Dangerous Profession."
'Magic' Gets Top Billing
In Girl's Channel Try
NEW YORK—Newspaper photographs
showing Shirley May France attempting
to swim the English Channel conspicuously
featured her accompanying rowboat
with the name Black Magic painted in
large letters on the sides.
This was part of the payoff for the financial
aid given by Edward Small, producer
of the film, "Black Magic," to Miss
France and her retinue.
When she, her father and trainer arrived
in England for the channel swim
early this summer, they ran short of
funds. Small in exchange for future
exploitation services placed 1,000 pounds
of frozen earnings at their disposal. This
was about $4,000.
Although Shirley faUed to cross the
channel, she will go ahead with a personal
appearance tour mapped by Small
and United Artists, distributor of the film.
Small also will see to it that she has a
chance for a Hollywood career. When
news of her failure reached him. Small
said she was still "America's sweetheart"
and that he intended to stand by her.
NEFC to File Papers
In Sacramento, Cal.
HOLLYWOOD — Articles of incorporation
were slated to be filed in Sacramento, Calif.,
this week for the National Exhibitors Film
Corp.. which was organized recently by a
group of the nation's leading exhibitors to
supply financing for independent production.
Decision to file the incorporation papers
was reached by the NEFC's officers and directors—all
of whom are here to attend the
first annual national convention of the Theatre
Owners of America—at an informal meeting
just a few days after the Secirrities and
Exchange commission in Washington, D. C.
approved the organization's corporate setup.
Additional exhibitor members will be recruited
by the NEFC, which plans to create
a $10,000,000 fund for bank-rolling independent
filmmakers in an effort to bolster what
NEFC leaders view as an alarming di-op in
the flow of such product.
Presiding at the meeting was Si Fabian,
temporary president, the huddle being attended
by Sam Pinanski, treasurer; Robert
Coyne, secretary; Ben Trustman, legal counsel,
and directors including Edward Silverman,
Sol Lesser, Mitchell Wolfson, J. J.
O'Leary, Sherrill Corwin, MjTon Blank. M. A.
Lightman, Ted G. Gamble, Arthur Lockwood,
George Skouras and Col. Robert Haynes.
New Disney Cartoon Series
Opens With 'Nutshell'
NEW YORK—The 11th Walt Disney series
of one-reel Technicolor cartoons for RKO release
opens with "All In a Nutshell." starring
Donald Duck. Three specials in the new series
will be "Toy Tinkers," December 16; "The
Brave Engineer," April 7. and "Morris, the
Midget Moose," June 30.
Six rereleases will augment the regular
series. The four already selected are "Lone-
.some Ghosts." "Farmyard SjTnphony," "How
to Ride a Horse" and "Brave Little Tailor."
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
42-C

Soviet Films Win Prizes;
U. S. films Draw Crowds
NEW YORK—Though Soviet films won
most of the prizes, American films drew the
audiences at the fourth International Film
Festival which closed recently at Marienbad,
Czechoslovakia, where 20 nations entered 30
features and 59 shorts, according to the Motion
Picture Export Ass'n. Irving A. Maas,
vice-president and general manager, had arranged
for American participation earlier in
the year.
The U.S. films shown were "Johnny Belinda"
and "Ti'easure of Sierra Madre (WB).
Now "Arabian Nights" (U-I) is in its 14th
near-capacity week in Prague, and "The Adventures
of Robin Hood" (WB) is approaching
its sixth week in Pilson.
Latest reports from Yugoslavia are that
"Madame Cirrie" (MGM) opened to 100 per
cent business and became the first American
first run to show at the Boegrad, leading theatre,
since 1941. The film also was doing well
in Zagreb, Skoplje and Ljubljana. "Tarzan's
Secret Treasure" (MGM scored in the last
named city with a 30-day simultaneous run
at the Tivoli and Moskva. "A Night in Casablanca"
(UA) opened to capacity in Zagreb
and did well in Belgrade, Sarajevo and Skoplje.
Other MPEA features being currently released
were "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"
(Col), "Watch on the Rhine" (WB) and
"Gulliver's Travels" (Para).
In Vienna, "In the Navy" (U-Ii was doing
near-capacity day-and-date at the Schottenring
and Elite and may overtake "Springtime
in the Rockies" f20th-Pox), which was ending
its second month at the Opern. "Mark
Austria Invites Filming
By American Companies
NEW YORK ^ American production of
films in Austria is the object of a visit to
this country of two officials of the Austrian
ministry for trade and reconstruction. Dr. Eugen
Lanske and Dr. Harald Langer-Hansel,
who were entertained September 13 at a Motion
Picture Export Ass'n luncheon at the
Harvard club. Irving Maas, MPEA vicepresident
and general manager, was host.
Lanske is chief of the ministry's industrial
division, which includes films, and Langer-
Hansel head of the section for tourism and
traffic. They were accompanied by Dr.
Franz Leitner, Austrian consul in New York,
and Dr. Martin Fuchs, head of the Austrian
consulate information and cultural service.
The visiting officials left the next day for
Hollywo6d to confer with production heads
and inspect studios. Others at the luncheon
were John G. McCarthy, William B. Levy,
Herbert J. Erlanger, Frank J. Alford and
Bernard Mazer, all of MPEA, and Alfred F.
Corwin, MPAA New York director of information.
'Columbus' Break in Coronet
NEW YORK—Coronet magazine will carry
an eight-page pictorial synopsis on "Christopher
Columbus," J. Arthur Rank-Universal-International
film in Technicolor, in its
October issue.
42-D
of Zorro" (20th-Fox) was in its sixth week
at the Urania. Doing well in the provinces
were "In Old California" and "Pardon My
Sarong (U-I>, "It Happened on Fifth Avenue"
(Mono), "Two-Faced Woman" (MGM),
"To Each His Own" (Para). "Dakota" (Rep)
and "Anchors Aweigh" (MGM).
In Sofia, "The Life of Emile Zola" (WB)
was still packing the Republica after its sixth
week. It had been shown there in 1940 and
again in 1946. Several more MPEA films are
slated for future release.
In Indonesia, "The Story of Dr. Wassell"
(Para) in a 17-day run at the Capitol and
Grand in Batavia set a new record for total
grosses day-and-date. Opening strongly
were "Night and Day" (WB) at the Menteng
and Globe and "Wnite Savage" (U-I at
the Cinema Palace and Astoria. On first run
in Soerbaya "The Pirate" (MGM) ran eight
days at the Rex and Luxor, and "Call Northside
777" (20th-Fox) ran a day longer at the
Capitol. In Handoeng, "Green Dolphin
Street" (MGM)), on first run at the Elita,
outlasted by two days the eight-day playing
time of "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (U-I) at the
"Varia, but the latter film got the bigger
gross.
In Japan the MPEA hits were "The Yearling"
(MGM), "Welcome Stranger" (Para),
"Mrs. Miniver" (MGM), "Long Voyage" (UA),
"I Remember Mama" (RKO) and "Unfinished
Business (U-I), Other releases were
"The Treasure of Sierra Madre" (WB), "Road
to Rio" (Para), "The Exile" (U-I) and "The
Ghost of Mrs. Muir" (20th-Fox). Just opening,
were "The Pearl" (RKO) and "White
Cliffs of Dover" (MGM).
Reisman Assigns Spiegel
To RKO Post in Germany
NEW YORK—Marc M. Spiegel has been
assigned RKO home office representative in
Germany by Phil Reisman, vice-president in
charge of foreign distribution, because of his
knowledge of the country and the language.
He has been handling special RKO assignments
for fom- years. He left for Paris September
11 for conferences with Elias Lapinere,
Eui'opean sales manager.
Spiegel will headquarter in Frankfort. Other
RKO offices will be maintained in Berlin,
Munich, Dusseldorf and Hamburg for the
independent operations which will start the
first of the year. The RKO space in those
cities will be in the premises of the Motion
Picture Export Ass'n where the company will
handle the sale and booking of its films, with
physical distribution through MPEA.
New Italian Film Shown
At Modern Art Museum
NEW YORK—"Under the Sun of Rome,"
an Italian language feature which will be
released by United Artists, was screened publicly
for the first time in this country at the
Museum of Modern Art September 8 in celebration
of the current "Twentieth Century
Italian Art exhibition. The film, which has
a cast of nonprofessionals, will open at the
Avenue Playhouse in October.
20th-Fox Will Open
5 German Branches
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox will
operate five branches in the western zones of
Germany after January
1, according to
Murray Silverstone
Murray Silverstone,
vice-president and
head of the company's
foreign operations.
He discussed the
plans for Germany on
his retm-n to the U.S.
September 12 following
a three-month tour of
Europe and the Middle
East.
At present the
MPEA is handling the
sales and physical distribution of film in Germany
for 20th-Pox and nine other member
companies. After December 31 its activities
will be reduced to those of a service organization
for 20th-Fox, Paramount, RKO,
Universal-International and Warners. It will
handle film inspection, vault storage and
the physical distribution of prints only for
these companies. They will do their own
selling and booking. The remaining MPEA
members—MGM, Colimibia, United Artists,
Monogram and Republic—will do their own
selling, booking and physical distribution.
LITTLE DANGER OF FLOODING
To date, RKO, MGM and 20th-Fox have
reported progress in establishing branch offices.
The MPEA "exchange" cities since the end
of the war have been Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen,
Dusseldorf, Frankfort, Munich and
Stuttgart.
When the member companies b^in selling
on thwr own aft,er January 1, they will
operate in four or fi^ of these exchanges.
Silverstone thought there was a little danger
of the MPEA-affiliated companies flooding
the German market with product. They
all have agreed to limit exports to 15 films
each.
He said that 20th-Fox will distribute its
own newsreel in the occupation area. This
reel will probably compete with one now handled
by the state department, which has
taken over the administration of the U.S.
zone from the army. The government newsreel,
"Welt Im Film," consists of clips supplied
by the American newsreel companies,
footage shot by state department and military
agencies and British newsreel clips. At
this time there is no indication that the
State department will withdraw the newsreel
even though it will compete with private
reels.
MIDDLE EAST GREAT MARKET
Silverstone then discussed the Middle East
which he said can become one of our greatest
overseas film markets. He refen'ed particularly
to the new state of Israel, and said
that its influx of 1,000,000 educated displaced
persons from Europe was of great interest
to distributors and exhibitors. There is a
constant demand for high quality product,
and also a need for new theatres in Israel,
he declared. Spyros P. Skouras, president of
20th-Fox, has already reported that the company
plans to build four theatres in Israel
and one in Alexandria, Egypt.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
ilDl
KelieiFunc
Hourf.,.

NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CENTER
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager
Britain Is Big Question
In Foreign Film Net
LOS ANGELES—Tempered optimism as to
the amount of foreign revenue U.S. filmmakers
may expect in the coming year keynoted
remarks emanating from Eric Johnston, president
of the Motion Picture Ass'n of America,
at a press confeemce staged after his arrival
here for the Theatre Owners of America convention.
American motion picture companies now
are receiving 38 per cent of their total film
rentals from countries outside the U.S., Johnston
disclosed, somewhat lower than last year,
when dollar remittances from Britain were
unrestricted. It is "anybody's guess," he
added, as to what will happen after next
June, when the present dollar agreement with
Britain, whereby the U.S. industry receives
$17,000,000 annually, will terminate.
The MPAA chieftain reiterated, in some detail,
the many trade deals through which
American film companies arrange to convert
such merchandise as textiles, wood pulp, cement
and oil—produced in foreign lands—into
dollars in exchange for celluloid. The industry
has "done very well on remittances" in
the past year, Johnston added, declaring that
he hopes "we can do better" in 1950.
The MPAA executive planned to check out
September 17 for Europe on a joint mission
for the Economic Cooperative administration
and the MPAA. He will visit Greece, Turkey
and other countries and will conduct an extensive
survey of the motion picture situation
abroad.
Start on Chest Film
HOLLYWOOD — United Productions of
America laimched production on a Community
Chest sales training picture, "It's Up to
Us." The film will open with an introduction
by George J. O'Brien, Community Chest
campaign chairman in the Los Angeles area.
Working with UPA are Commimity Chest
executives Guy Thompson, campaign director,
and Ben Wells, chairman of the sales
committee. Also cooperating are Thornton
Sargent of Pox West Coast Theatres, the
Screen Actors Guild and Screen Writers
Guild.
Relief Fund Cards on Sale
HOLLYWOOD—Christmas isn't as far away
as you think. The Motion Picture Relief
Fund has already launched its annual sale
of yuletide greeting cards, proceeds from
which are used throughout the year to purchase
toys, clothing and layettes for the children
of the fund's beneficiaries. Lucile Brown
is chairman of the sales drive committee.
AT TOA CONVENTION—Shown in the
accompanying picture, taken at one of
the exhibits during the recent TOA convention
in Los Angeles, above, are Mr.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Walker, Fruita,
Colo., and bottom, Mr. and Mrs. Victor C.
Anderson, Orem, Utah.
lA Wins in Dispute
Over Decorators
HOLLYWOOD—One of the jurisdictional
tangles which was a primary cause of the
1946 studio strike—a dispute over whether
the lATSE or the Brotherhood of Painters
should represent set decorators in the film
foundries—has been written off the books.
The lATSE came out the winner when the
National Labor Relations Board finally got
around to counting ballots cast last May by
the set decorators, who were offered their
choice of lA or painters brotherhood affiliation.
Last spring's vote-tallying had been
delayed because all the ballots were challenged.
Of 36 ballots accepted (challenges against
15 others were sustained by the NLRB), the
lA made a clean sweep, with the set decora-
thus coming under lA jurisdiction.
tors
Hal Roach Will Start
New TV Film Series
HOLLYWOOI>—Hal Roach sr., who some
months ago disclosed he was abandoning
theatrical film production to devote his entire
time to the TV film market, early in
1950 will start on a series of 52 television
pictures based on American corporations and
how they operate. Under the overall title,
"Industrial U.S.A..," the films will have a
running time of 30 minutes each. They are
being underwritten by the corporations involved
and time on TV stations will be purchased
by brokerage firms representing the
industrialists. The pictures also will be
shown in schools and brokerage houses.
* * *
Pi-oducer Nat Holt is using television to
introduce his new acting find. Dale Robertson,
to the industry and public. Robertson
was presented both live and in film clips from
Holt's "Fighting Man of the Plain," made
for 20th-Fox release, over the CBS video
outlet in Los Angeles, Station KTTV, on
September 12. Holt plans to use the same
TV introduction procedure for Robertson on
a national basis just prior to the November
release of the picture.
* * *
With the purchase of more than 18,000
television receivers in the Los Angeles area
during August, total number of sets in operation
rose to 186,777. it was reported by the
Southern Calif. Radio & Electrical Appliance
Ass'n in its monthly report. The tally of Los
Angeles area TV sets has jumped more than
46,000 in the last 90 days. Estimated at five
viewers per set, television addicts in the area
now total nearly 1.000,000.
* * *
Hollywood gossiper Erskine Johnson, in assooiation
with Coy Watson, has incorporated
Johnson-Watson Productions to turn out a
weekly TV Hollywood newsreel, covering spot
news and "behind-the-scenes" activities in
filmmaking. The reels will be distributed by
TeeVee Films, Inc. Johnson will write and
narrate, with Watson directing, photographing
and editing.
* * •
Manning J. Post has been set by Gordon
LeVoy's Television Enterprises to produce 26
video films for sponsorship by Proctor and
Gamble. Post's Pyramid Pi-oductions will
launeh filming early next month at the Hal
Roach studios.
DeMille, Lasky Honored
HOLLYWOOD—Cecil B. DeMille and Jesse
L. Lasky were awarded lifetime honorary
membership in the Society of Motion Picture
Art Directors at a dinner meeting held September
15 at the Bel Air hotel.
BOXOFTICE September 17, 1949 43

. "The
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
20th Century-Fox
JEANNE CHAIN, WILLIAM LUNDIGAN and ETHEL
WATERS, who have the lopUnes in "Pinky," will
make personal appearances when the lilm opens
in New York.
Blurbers
Independent
Freelance praiser WILLIAM HEBERT will handle
the advertising, publicity and exploitation chores
lor Louis Mandel Productions, Inc., recently lormed
by Mandel in association with Larry Parks and
Betty Garrett. First film lor the company will be
"Stakeout," starring Parks.
Cleffers
Paramount
FRANZ WAXMAN has begun recording the score
for "Sunset Boulevard," using the studio's symphony
orchestra.
RKO Radio
Producer-Director Don Hartman set ROY WEBB to
compose the musical score for "Christmas Gift."
Republic
Musical direction on "Rock Island Trail" will be
handled by JERRY ROBERTS.
"Pioneer Marshal," upcoming Monte Hale starring
western, will be directed by PHIL FORD.
Universal-International
MILTON SCHWARZWALD will score "The Bowie
Knife" and "Frame-Up," with FRANK SKINNER assigned
"Sierra" and "Deported," and WALTER
SCHARF composing scores for "Double Crossbones"
and "The Last Count."
Meggers
Film Classics
ARCHIE STOUT will photograph "Never Fear" for
Producers Ida Lupino and Collier Young.
Lippert Productions
first two properties to be filmed by BARNEY
SARECKY since he joined the company to head a
new production unit will be "Radar Patrol" and
"Daredevils of the Highway."
Monogram
WILLIAM BEAUDINE was signed to direct "Blue
Grass of Kentucky" for Producer Jeffrey Bernerd.
Republic
"Radar Patrol vs. Spy Kings" will be directed by
FRED BRANNON. Franklin Adreon is producing the
12-chapter serial.
Options
Columbia
EVELYN KEYES draws the lemme stellar assignment
in "The Killer That Stalked New York," story
of a deadly epidemic, to be produced by Robert
Cohn.
British character actor MELVILLE COOPER was
signed for a featured comedy part in "The Petty
Girl." A supporting spot in the film, starring Joan
Caulfield and Robert Cummings, went to AUDREY
LONG. Broadway comedienne MARY WICKES and
LYN THOMAS were set for the picture.
STUART ERWIN was set for a comedy role in
"A Mother for May." Added to the cast was SIG
RUMAN. Norman Foster directs.
LOIS HALL was inked for the femme lead opposite
Charles Starrett and Smiley Burnette in "Frontier
Outpost." Ray Nazarro directs and Colbert
Clark produces. Set for a role was JOCK O'MAHONEY.
Metro
RJCHARD CARLSON was set for one of the male
leads opposite Deborah Kerr in "King Solomon's
Mines," to be produced in Africa by Sam ZimbaHst,
Assigned to "Devil's Doorway" was FRANK Mc-
GRATH.
Signed to a long-term pact was the dance team
of MARGE and GOWER CHAMPION. First film under
their new contract will be "Show Boat."
FERNANDO LAMAS, Argentine actor and baritone,
was signed to a contract.
Monogram
GAIL DAVIS and MILBURN MOPANTE were booked
for supporting roles in "Six Gun Mesa," new Johnny
Mack Brov»Ti western being megged bv Wallace Fox
and supervised by Eddie Davis. Added to the roster
vrere STEVE CLARK, STAN'^Y AND"FWS, FRANK
McCARROLL, PAUL CRAMER, DENNIS MOORF,
MYRON HEALEY, MARY GORDON and CARL MAT-
THEWS.
JANE ADAMS draws the femme lead in "Master-
Minds." new Bowery Boys comedy being produced
by Jan Grippo. Added to the cast were CHESTLri
CLUTE, KIT GUARD, SKELTON KNAGGS, WILLIAM
YETTER and MINERVA URECAL. Jean Yarbrough
directs.
EDWARD NORRIS was signed for a starring role
with Kirby Grant, Jan Clayton and Helen Parrish
in Lindsiey Parsons' production, "The Wolf Hunters."
Paramount
Producer Hal Wallis picked up his option on the
services of actor DON DEFORE for another year.
FRANCOISE ROSAY, French character actress, has
been signed by Producer Hal Wallis for a featured
spot with Joan Fontaine and Joseph Gotten in
"September."
RKO Radio
DICK CLAYTON joined the cast of "With All My
Love," the Samuel Goldwyn production which is
being megged by David Miller, with Ann Elyth,
Farley Granger and Joan Evans in the toplines.
A featured role in the Claude Rains starrer, "The
White Tower," was hatided JUNE CLAYWORTH.
Ted Tetzlaff is directing.
Stage actor KEITH ANDES has been signed to a
long-term contract.
Tim Holt's leading lady in "Dynamite Trail" will
be LYNNE ROBERTS. REGIS TOOMEY, CLEO
MOORE, ROBERT SHAYNE, ROSS ELLIOTT, JOHN
DEHNER, DON HARVEY, DENVER PYLE and DON
HAGGERTY are set for the supporting cast.
Set to star in the Polan Banks production, "Carriage
Entrance," were AVA GARDNER and ROBERT
MITCHUM. Robert Stevenson will direct.
CLAUDETTE COLBERT and ROBERT RYAN will star
in the Skirball-Manning production, "Blind Spot."
Republic
Title role in the Sidney Picker production, "Blonde
Bandit," goes to DOROTHY PATRICK with GERALD
MOHR. ROBERT ROCKWELL, MONTE BLUE and
LARRY BLAKE signed for supporting parts.
Assigned to a top featured role in "Rock Islcmd
Trail" was BARBRA FULIER, Set for the chief
comedy role was CHILL WILLS. Added to the cast
of the Paul Malvern production was ADRIAN BOOTH.
20th Century-Fox
Hcfnded a role in Producer Nunnally Johnson's
Gregory Peck vehicle. "The Gunfighters," was
ALBERT MORIN.
United Artists
BONITA GRANVILLE, DICK KERR and JOHN
EMERY were set for topline roles in Freedom Productions'
"Guilty of Treason."
Universal-International
ROC HUDSON was set to portray Ca'ptain Kidd in
the Donald O'Connor comedy, "Double Crossbones,"
with CHARLES McGRAW also booked for the picture.
HAYDEN RORKE and STANLEY LOGAN were
signed for featured roles. The film will be produced
by Leonard Goldstein and directed by Charles
Barton.
Inked for supporting roles in "Comanche Territory"
were JOHN CASON. STAN JOLLY. STANLEY PLY-
STONE, JOHN CAT^PENT-ER, JASPER PALMER. EM-
METT LYNN. FELICE RICHMOND and LEW HARVEY.
Leonard Goldstein produces the Maureen O'Hara and
Macdonald Carey vehicle. George Sherman directs.
GAIL STORM and RICHARD BASEHART are set
to star with Marilvn Maxwell in the AoTon Rosenberg
production, "The Last Count," which Crane
Wilbur will direct.
Supporting spots in "Ma and Pa Kettle Go to
Town" went to LFNNIE RREMMAN, CHARLES MOR-
TON and MARGARET BERT.
JESSICA KRAIKE, 8-year-old daughter of Produce-
Michel Kraike, makes her screen bow in "Sierra,"
which her folher is producing.
JOSEPH PEVNEY was set for a role in "Outside
the Wall." Also assigned to the Marilyn Maxwell
and Richard Basehart topliner was CHARLES DRAKE.
Warners
Chinese actress BO LINS was inked for a role in
"After Nightfall." STANLEY CHURCH, onetime mavor
of New Rochelle, N. Y.. was cast in the Bryan Fnv
production. LOIS AUSTIN, BTGIOW SAYER, WAR-
REN DOUGLAS and JOHN MORGAN join the cast.
Additions to the cast of Producer Jerry Wa'M's
Eleanor Parker starrer. "Locked In," oTe WILLIAM
HAADE and SANDRA GOULD. John Cromwell megs.
Scripters
Metro
"American in Paris" is being developed by ALAN
TAY LERNER as an original screenplay, based on
the George Gershwin composition.
Monogram
Actor-writer Charles Lang has been signed by
Producer Lindsiey Patsons to do the screen treat-
ment on "Killer Shark," next Roddy McDowall starrer.
RKO Radio
"Bunco Squad" is being scripted for Producer
Lewis Rachmil by GEORGE CALLAHAN.
United Artists
Producer Samuel Bischoff
signed LENORE COFFEE
to screenplay "Yesterday's Promise."
Universal-International
MARTIN JUROW and RICHARD LANDAU will script
"Air Cadet" from an original idea by Jurow.
Warners
Remake of "Elmer the Great," based on the Ring
Lardner story, is being scripted bv BLAKE EDWARDS.
Jack Carson will have the title role.
On loan from MGM, LUTHER DAVIS is penning
the screen treatment of "A Lion Is in the Streets.^'
novel by Adria Locke Langley, which will be ^produced
by William Cagney as a starring vehicle
for his brother James.
Story Buys
Independent
Actor Louis HaVward acquired "Dick Turpin Rides
to York," by Jack De'Witt and Duncan Renaldo, and
plans to produce and star in the film in England.
20th Century-Fox
Get By." on original musical by Harry Tugend,
"I'll
was purchased cfnd assigned to William Perlberg
for production. Tugend is writing the script.
Technically
Metro
ARLINGTON VALLES will design the costumes for
"Kim."
CHARLES ROSHER will be the lenser on the Technicolor
musical, "Annie Get Your Gun," which
George Sidney will direct with Betty Hutton in the
title role.
Monogram
Production crew on "Six Gun Mesa" comprises
HARRY JONES, assistant director; HARRY NEUMANN,
camera; JOHN KEAN, sound mixer, and JOHN C.
FULLER, cutter.
Production crew for "Master Minds" includes
MARCEL LE PICARD, camera: WILLIAM CALIHAN,
assistant director, and WILLIAM AUSTIN, film editor.
RKO Radio
White Tower" will be edited by SAMUEL
E. BEETLEY.
Producer Walter Wanger ticketed JAMES WONG
HOWE to photograph "Love and Friend," the up-
.coming Greta Garbo-James Mason starrer, which will
be produced in Italy.
Republic
ELLIS W. CARTER is lensing "Blonde Bandit,"
with NATE BARRAGER as assistant director; ARTHUR
HILTON, lilm editor, 5>d FRANK HOTALING, art
director.
With JACK MARTA as cameraman, other crew
members assigned to "Rock Island Trail" include
NATE EDWARDS, unit manager; DICK MODER, assistant
director; ARTHUR ROBERTS, film editor, and
FRANK ARRIGO, art director.
ROBERT MARK, studio makeup department head,
was signed to a new contract.
PEGGY GRAY, head of the studio hairdressing
department for the past 14 years, was signed to a
new contract.
20th Century-Fox
Crew assigned to "The Gun Fighter," new Gregory
Peck starrer, includes JOE BELM, unit manage;;
JOHNNY JOHNSTON, assistant director; ARTIE MIL-
LER, cameraman, and RICHARD IRVINE, art director.
Universal-International
"Deported" will be lensed by WILLIAM DANIELS.
Lieut. Comdr. K. D. IAIN MURRAY, RNR, authority
on pirate lore, was signed as technical adviser for
the Donald O'Connor comedy, "Double Crossbones."
Warners
ROBERT HAAS was set as art director for the
Jerry Wald-Charles Feldman production, "The Glass
Menagerie."
Title Changes
Independent
Producer Frank Seltzer switched the handle on his
upcoming "Blood Money" to WRONG GUY.
RKO Radio
"The Bail Bond Story," starring George Raft, will
be released as A DANGEROUS PROFESSION.
United Artists
Samuel Bischoff's forthcoming production purchased
under the title of "Father's Day," will be filmed
as YESTERDAY'S PROMISE.
Universal-International
Title switches include COMANCHE TERRITOSY
for "The Bowie Knife"; THE BIG FRAME for "Frame-
Up," and OUTSIDE THE WALL for "The Last Count."
I
44
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

Square Dance Experts
'^
- -= J!e!5,
»ili be
"i in.
[v-Fox
- f:!«'- '«,*!
For 'McCoy' Premiere
HOLLYWOOD — The scheduled western
premiere September 16 of Samuel Goldwyn's
"Roseanna McCoy" at the RKO Pantages
here was to be highlighted by a Roseanna
Square Dance Jamboree on the stage of the
showcase. Intricacies of the new dance craze
were to be demonstrated by Bob Osgood,
square dance caller, and 48 experts in the
art. Farley Granger and Joan Evans have
the toplines in the new Goldwyn film for
RKO release.
* i: *
William Wyler's Paramount production,
"The Heiress," starring Olivia DeHavilland,
Montgomery Clift and Ralph Richardson,
will be given its world premiere next month
at the Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Meantime it was ^iven a special preview
showing September 13 for 200 wives of delegates
to the first annual national Theatre
Owners of America convention and was
screened at the Ambassador Theatre in the
Ambassador hotel, Los Angeles.
* * *
Striving for a mass key city premiere in
every section of the country on Columbus
day, U-I executives have lined up 20 dates for
J. Arthur Rank's "Christopher Columbus" in
addition to the scheduled opening of the
feature at the Victoria Theatre in New York.
Meantime U-I's "The Gal Who Took the
West" was given its territorial world premiere
in Nashville and Memphis, September 14, as
part of 450 dates set by the company's Atlanta,
Charlotte and Memphis exchanges. As
part of the advance promotion campaign,
players including Charles Coburn left for
Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, Memphis
and Charlotte to make radio appearances
and meet newspaper representatives.
500,000 School Children
To See Task Force' Stills
HOLLY'WOOD—Through the cooperation
of the Los Angeles board of education and
Warner Bros., producers of "Task Force,"
the story of naval carrier aviation, starring
Gary Cooper, half a million school-age children
in Los Angeles will have an opportunity
for a more thorough knowledge of the U.S.
navy air arm. Every school in the city and
county of Los Angeles will display prominently
during the next month a pictorial board with
photos of naval carriers and planes and production
stills made for "Task Force" aboard
the
USS Antietam.
Robert Young to 'Love'
HOLLYWOOD — Robert Young has been
signed to star in "Here Lies Love," an original
screenplay by Robert Smith, which will
be produced by Mort Briskin and Smith at
Motion Picture Center studios. "Here Lies
Love" will be the first film on a proposed
three-picture production schedule. James V.
Kern was signed to direct, with shooting to
start next month. No release has been set.
m
HILE they display admirable enterprise,
the salesmanship plans of Pine
and Thomas pose other interesting
possible ramifications.
P. & T., the pair of erstwhile press agents,
widely known as the "Dolla* Bills" and now
producing independently for Paramount distribution,
have broadcast their intentions to
devote 15 weeks out of every year to road trips,
this time to be incorporated into the production
schedules of their upcoming pictures, so
that they can feel out exhibitor and audience
desires in the way of cinema entertainment.
Thomas, who believes divorcement of theatres
from producing companies will render it
imperative for filmmakers to become salesmen
as well, personally went out with Partner Pine
some time ago to ballyhoo two of their recent
films, "Albuquerque" and "El Paso." That experience,
he declared, "proved that it pays
off in dollars and cents when you personally
go out and sell your product."
Now they plan a five-week road trip in connection
with each of the three pictures they
will turn out for Paramount's 1949-50 program,
talking with film salesmen, theatre operators
and the cash customers, and following
completion of their current production, "The
Eagle and the Hawk," will embark on a preliminary
three-week tour through the western
sector.
"In that manner we will find out what kind
of pictures they want, see first hand the needs
of the exhibitor, and be able to produce a
picture that will satisfy the patron and make
money for the exhibitor," Thomas explained,
adding:
"The man who doesn't get out and sell his
picture will find himself out of business. We
intend to sell our product."
Assuming for a moment that other filmmakers
agree with Thomas' prediction that
producers who fail to devote a portion of their
time to selling their brain-children will go
bankrupt, and also assuming that such contemporaries
decide to follow the P. & T. example,
the nation's exhibitors are going to
be busy little beavers. In fact, they'll have
little time for anything other than listening
to sales presentations by producers, which
augmented by routine pitches by established
film peddlers traveling out of 31 exchange
centers—will add up to a lot of salesmanship.
And, as a by-product, an endless series of
devastating hangovers for the besieged theatremen.
Probably, however, the showmen need not
worry too much about that alarming prospect.
The environs of Hollywood are still too attractive
to Imagine many producers, either independent
or major, deserting their swimming
pools and klabiasch sessions to beat the hinterland
bushes for bookings.
Monogram's Lou Lifton advises that "Gloria
Jean, who recently completed a featured role
in Allied Artists" There's a Girl in My
Heart.' has been selected to judge a beauty
contest, one of the top events in the California
Chiropractic Ass'n-sponsored Grand
Festival and Barbecue."
At which barbecue the piece de resistance
was spare ribs, no doubt.
Prom RKO came word that more than a ton
of "the world's finest mountain climbing
equipment" was shipped from the French
Alps for use in sequences of "The White
Tower," which has begun work at the studio
after completion of location filming abroad.
The equipment, the communique added, includes
such "rare and specialized items" as
pitons. cramptons, ice axes, primus stoves,
rucksacks and karabiners.
With all those "rare and specialized items"
at their disposal, both Praise Pvmdit Perry
Lieber and his planting chief, Nat James,
should henceforth be able to climb their way
out of the inevitable morning fogs which
surround the mountain tops of RKO's praisery.
An interesting prospect is posed by the
announcement that Charles P. Skouras, National
Theatres and Fox West Coast president,
has accepted an invitation by J. Arthur
Rank to be the British film tycoon's guest
this fall at Rank's shooting lodge in England.
Remembering what happened in Britain
to the American motion picture industry following
J. Arthur's last hands-across-the-sea
wooing of Hollywood cooperation, it is suggested
that Uncle Charlie select his guns and
ammunition with meticulous care.
Producer Sol Siegel switched the tag on
his upcoming Betty Grable starrer at 20th-
Century-Fox to "My Blue Heaven" from
"Storks Don't Bring Babies."
Lo! the facts of life come to Westwood!
Paramount's publicist-in-chief seems determined
to earn for himself designation as
Siegel, the sorrowful space-snatcher. Witness
the following lugubrious intelligence
from liis department:
"On-the-spot films of the first rescue operations
in the aftermath of the Ecuador earthquake
were made by Paramount News cameramen
and rushed to the U.S. from Quito.
The films appear in the issue of the newsreel
which opens here . . . Another tragedy, the
most terrible forest fire in French history
which killed 80 persons and destroyed entire
villages, is included in the issue. Also shown
is the interment in Jerusalem of Theodor
Herzl, founder of Zionism, after his body was
flown from Vienna."
This reel is just one laugh after another!
Frank Seltzer Switches
HOLLYWOOD — Independent
Producer
Frank Seltzer switched his headquarters from
General Service studios to the Hal Roach lot
in Culver City. His next picture, "Wrong
Guy," Is slated for an early camera start,
with distribution arrangements to be negotiated
later.
Enlarge Western Studio
HOLLYWOOD—Additional proof, if such
were needed, that sagebrushers are here to
stay as a cinematic staple came when 20th
Century-Fox launched a complete remodeling
program on the western street at the
Westwood studio.
Next Pine-Thomas Film
HOLLYWOOD—"The Outcast," an original
screenplay by Geoffrey Homes, will be the
next William H. Pine-William C. Thomas
production for Paramount. An action romance
with a Mexican background, the picture
will be shot on location.
8 ,
i
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949 45

~
AoocCM' ^cficnt
T^AVID COPLAN, who until recently was
managing director of United Artists in
Britain, has bought all the shares of a small
distributing company, International Film
Renters, in association with Sir Sidney Clift,
chairman of the 33 theatre Clift circuit, and
Major Andrew Holt, the banker and financier
who is a large shareholder in the company
which publishes the Daily Express. Sir Sidney
Clift will be chairman of the company's
new board of directors, and Coplan managing
director. Joining them as a director
is David Griffith, who is president of the
Kine Renters Society.
IFR will distribute Film Classics product
in Britain including Ida Lupino's picture,
"Not Wanted," and Louis DeRochemont's
"Lost Boundaries." In addition, four Cinecolor
subjects are on the books. These are
"The Daughter of the West," "Unknown
Island," "Miraculous Journey" and "State
Department." Coplan revealed that plans
are in hand to distribute British product
and they will either acquire films or produce
them here under his supervision. Coplan
leaves for the U.S. within the next week for
a three-week visit, during which time he
hopes to negotiate further deals with American
independent producers.
* « *
ONE CHEERFUL SIGN that the
business
may be getting back on its feet is the large
number of waiting lines at the big west end
cinemas during the past two weeks. Practically
every large house playing any kind
of a reasonable program had larg« crowds
waiting for admission and if the film were
a good one the queues were little short of
phenomenal compared with business during
the summer months. As an example, MGM's
showcase house, the Empire, which is playing
"The Barkleys of Broadway," was seen
by your correspondent to have people at the
pay box at 10:15 a. m. on a Saturday morning
waiting to go in and the same kind of
business is being done at the larger neighborhood
houses in the suburbs.
Although the Astaire-Rogers film is doing
very good business many of the pictures
playing the Empire recently have not enjoyed
such success and this
may be the reason
for the new policy which Sam Eckman
jr. announced last week. Very shortly this,
the largest cinema in London's west end,
will go over to a combination of film and
stage shows which will Include plans for a
32-piece orchestra, a corps de ballet and a
chorus of 26 precision dancers. In making
the announcement Eckman says "Our target,
frankly, is to make the Empire the
showplace of the nation, meaning to Britain
what the Radio City Music Hall, New
York, means to America. We shall continue
to present MGM's outstanding American
and Briti-sh films as in the past with other
leading British pictures also introduced in
the programs, but in addition we will present
stage shows and spectacles of every form
on a scale not previously seen in this country.
The Empire theatre originally opened in
1884 and it has been a cinema under MGM's
management since Nov. 8, 1928, almost 21
years ago. It seems more than likely that
the changeover to the new policy will be
timed to coincide with the 21st anniversary.
A pleasant coincidence is that the last live
46
By JOHN SULLIVAN
show there was "Lady Be Good," which
starred Fred and Adele Astaire and, as stated
above, the current attraction is Fred Astaire's
"The Barkleys of Broadway."
* • *
THE SECTION OF THE RANK organization
which makes films for children is one
that receives li,};tle publicity but does consistently
good work in supplying clean and
wholesome entertainment for the hundreds
of children's cinema clubs In existence in
Britain and overseas. At the Venice Film
Festival awards were announced recently to
three films produced by this unit. One of
them, "One More River," took first prize in
the section of films for children under seven
years and second prizes were won by "Riders
of the New Forest," made for children between
seven and 11 years, and "Trapped by
the Terror" for children of 11 to 15 years.
The only British feature film to receive an
award at Venice was Ealing's "Kind Hearts
and Coronets," which was cited for the best
art direction of the year. A more appropriate
award for this picture would have
been for the best screenplay and dialog, but
it is probable that the piercing satire which
is peculiarly English would have been lost
on the Italian judges. "Scott of the Antarctic"
was not entered for an award at
Venice but was shown there and the International
Catholic Cinema Organization
gave it a certificate of commendation, pointing
out that it demonstrated the best qualities
in humanity.
« « «
THE SYDNEY BOX PRODUCTION,
"Diamond City," which Is the first serious
attempt to make a "western" type picture in
Britain, will have its premiere on September
22 simultaneously in London, Johannesburg
and Kimberley.
This is a story built around the early days
of the Dominion of South Africa and the
tough diamond miners who were the first
settlers
there.
It is the first time that a J. Arthur Rank
picture has opened at the same time in
London and abroad. The film is of particular
interest to the inhabitants of Kimberley
since the location scenes were shot
there and many of the local police were
used in the picture. If the film is successful
it may mark the start of several other
outdoor action subjects by British companies.
George Minter of Renown, for one, is known
to be considering the idea of filming a story,
"The Trap," with a Canadian background
out of doors in Wales where there are many
localities similar to the Canadian forests.
• • *
OPENING LAST WEEK at the New Gallery
and Tivoli is the last film made by
Wessex Film Productions before leaving the
Rank group to produce for Korda. It Is
titled "Dear Mr. Prohack" and Is based on
a novel by Arnold Bennett. Produced by
Ian Dalrymple it was directed by Thornton
Freeland and stars Cecil Parker, Glynis Johns
and Dirk Bogarde.
"Dear Mr. Prohack" is a simple, pleasant
little comedy which tells of a senior civil
servant, head of the British Treasury, who
rules his department like a dictator but
who cannot control his own finances when he
unexpectedly inherits a fortune. He is an
easy mark for all the crooks and confidence
men who approach him with wildcat schemes
and is heartily glad when it looks as though
he has lost his fortune and can return to
the Treasury. By a stroke of irony, however,
he finds that one of the more risky
speculations has doubled his fortune. In
spite of that he decides that it Is better to
have a job and goes back to work.
The first half of the film is brilliant comedy,
well written with sparkling dialog in
a satirical vein but unfortunately it degenerates
into farce towards the end—and
not very good farce at that. There is a
brilliant performance from Parker and a
completely delightful one from Miss Johns.
The picture opened to good press notices
here and should do better than average
business since there is a constant demand
for comedy at present. Its purely British
allusions make it a doubtful proposition for
the U.S. market, but suitably trimmed it
could be an art house booking.
« * *
THE FIRST STEP in what should prove a
move toward better labor relations was
taken last week when a Joint Industrial
council for the British film industry was
inaugurated. The JIC will consist of members
delegated by each of the labor unions
working in films and by members representing
the producers association. At a meeting
this week the constitution was approved and
the council should become operative before
the end of this month.
The main job facing JIC when it convenes
its first meeting is the negotiating of agreements
for new salary scales and conditions
of employment at studios here. For some
months the old wage agreement has been
inoperative, although employers and unions
alike have been adhering to the terms. Some
time ago the employers gave notice that they
would terminate the agreement and the institution
of the PIC means that a new scale
can be worked out more easily than if separate
agreements have to be negotiated and
signed with each union.
Three unions are represented: Ass'n of
Cine Technicians, wlikh looks after cameramen,
assistant directors and other technical
crew; National Ass'n of Theatrical and Kine
Employes, which has for Its members the
craft grades of plasterers, carpenters, etc.,
and also makeup staff and wardrobe personnel;
Electrical Trades Union, which controls
all the electricians employed in studios. In
the past there has been considerable dissatisfaction
among film studio staff with
certain inequitable rates of pay which are
inevitable when three separate bodies are
negotiating rates for their members and one
of the main tasks of the JIC will be to
arrange a joint agreenient for all grades.
* • «
BROOKLYN-BORN ROD GEIGER.
who
bought "Open City" in Italy and took a
small fortune with it in America, seems to
have settled permanently in England with
an annoimced program of four feature pictures
to be made here during the next year
or two. Co-producer with Nat Bronsten of
the Edward Dmytryk film, "Give Us This
Day," which has just been completed at
Denham, Geiger has now branched out on
his own with a new company.
On the board of directors with Geiger is
Sir George Franckenstein, who was formerly
Austrian ambassador to Britain and was
granted British citizenship because of his
constant friendship with this country. Also
a director of the company is actor Bonar
Colleano who has been released from his
Rank contract to join Geiger.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
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Gross on Vaudeville Lifted to 140;
Other Los Angeles Business Slow
LOS ANGELES—With holdovers the rule
and new bills the exception, first run takes
spiraled downward, the deflation being aggravated
by a continuing hot spell. In the
second week of its revived stage-and-screen
policy the Orpheum finished out in front of
Its competitors, snagging 140 per cent with
eight acts of vaudeville and "Post Office Investigator"
on the screen.
(Average Is 100)
Belmont, Culver, El Rey, Iris, Million Dollar
Stampede (Mono); Angels in Disguise (Mono)....IlC
Chinese, StcTte, Uptown, Loyola Come to the
Stable (20th-Fox): House Across the Street (WB),
2nd wk -...- 105
Downtown, Hollywood Paramounts Rope of Sand
(Para), 3rd wk 90
Egyptian, Los Angeles, Wilshire In the Good Old
Summertime (MGM), 2nd wk 90
Fine Arts—The Red Shoes (EL), 37th wk 70
Tour Music Halls Movie Crazy (MPS); Sinister
Journey (UA), reissue 70
Orpheum Post Oitice Investigator (Rep), plus
vaudeville 140
Four Star Lost Boundaries (FC), 6th wk 110
Guild, Ritz, Studio City, United Artists—Abbott
and Coslello Meet the Killer (U-I): Joe Palooka
in the Counterpunch (Mono), 2nd wk 60
Pontages, Hillslreet—Easy Living (RKO); Follow
Me Quietly (RKO), 2nd wk 100
Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern White
Heal (WB), 2nd wk 100
'Roseanna' Tops Denver
With 140 Per Cent
DENVER—Preschool shopping took its toll
at the boxoffice of most first runs. "Rosearuia
McCoy" did 140 at the Broadway, where
it held, and also at two of the drive-ins.
"In the Good Old Summertime" turned in
a good week at the Orpheum.
Aladdin—Come to the Stable (20th-Fox)- The Lost
Tribe (Col), 4th d. t. wk 100
Broadway, East and West drive-ins Roseanna
McCoy (RKO) _ 140
Denhcrm—Top O' the Morning (Para), 3rd wk 90
Denver, Esquire, Webber Anna Lucasta (Col);
Hold That Baby (Mono) ,..100
Orpheum—In the Good Old Summertime (MGM);
October Man (ED- 120
Paramount, Rialto Johimy Stool Pigeon (U-I);
Kazan (Col) lOf
Stable," day and date at the United Nations,
and the Warfield with "Trail of the Yukon"
chalked up a potent 180 per cent. "White
Heat," dualed with "The Lovable Cheat" at
the Fox, also rang up 180 per cent. "Abbott
and Costello Meet the Killer," paid vidth
"Silent Conflict" at the Orpheum, registered
150 per cent.
Esquire Anna Lucasia (Col); Air Hostess (Col),
3rd d. t. wk 100
Fox—White Heat (WB); The Lovable Cheat (FC)..I80
Golden Gate—Easy Living (RKO); Against the
Wind (EL)
- 135
Orpheum Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer
(U-1): Silent Conflict (UA), reissue 150
Paramount, State Top O' the Morning (Para);
Skyliner (SG) - 128
St. Francis—Any Number Can Play (MGM), 3rd
wk. 90
United Artists—Black Magic (UA), 3rd wk 150
United Nations, Warfield Come to the Stable
20th-Fox); Trail ol the Yukon (Mono) 180
"War Bride' Chalks Up 200
At Seattle 5th Avenue
SEATTLE—Brilliant sunshine kept down
gi'osses, but most houses managed to chalk
up fair returns. "I Was a Male War Bride"
was the standout with the first 200 percentage
in many months at the Fifth Avenue.
Blue Mouse Once More, My Darling (U-I); The
Mysterious Desperado (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk 60
Coliseum The Blue Lagoon (U-1); Far Frontier
(Rep) 110
Filth Avenue— I Was a Male War Bride (20th-Fox);
Followr Me Quietly (RKO) 200
Liberty—The Great Gatsby (Para); Blondie Hits
the Jackpot (Col) 90
Music Box Look for the Silver Lining (WB) ; One
Last Fling (WB), Eth d. t. wk 150
Music Hall — Lost Boundaries (FC); California
Straight Ahead (FC), reissue 150
Orpheum—It's a Great Feeling (WB); Post Office
Investigator (Rep), 2nd wk 100
Paramount Rope of Sand (Para); Jiggs and Maggie
in Jackpot Jitters (Mono) -....115
PORTLAND
'Stable,' "Heat' Register 180
As Leaders in Frisco
SAN FRANCISCO—Trade at first runs here
continued at a brisk pace. "Come to the
for Quick

'
1
DENVER
Tack Cleary, foiinerly with Fox Intermountain
Theatres, and later manager of the Vogue,
Denver, has organized the Western States
Theatre Exchange and will deal in sales and
trades of theatres. He has established an
office at 436 Broadway . . . Monday noon
luncheons are being resumed by the Rocky
Mountain Screen club. You usually have to
get there early to gel a table, what with the
food being tops. Thursday night screenings
wUl again start for the fall and winter in the
screening room at 8:30 p. m.
Garry Klein, son of Richard Klein, general
manager of Black Hills Amusement Co.,
is confined to a Rapid City, S. D., hospital
with polio . . Marie Wilson, star of "My
.
Friend Irma," was in Denver garnering some
fine publicity for the film, which wUl open
at the Denham. She is making a toiu' of 18
key cities . . . Tom Bailey is taking on the
distribution of Lippert Productions in the
Denver and Salt Lake territories.
Elaborate Exhibits Form Backdrop
For Seattle Orpheum Anniversary
These four employes have been with Seattle's Orpheum Theatre since it opened
in 1937. As a result they were honored when Marvin Fox, manager, organized an elaborate
22nd Anniversary celebration. Left to right: Morgan Denton, engineer; Lester
McJannet, stage manager; Alfred McKay, stagehand, and Martin O'Malley, stagehand.
Harold L. Beecroft, Dallas, southwestern
district manager for Eagle Lion, was in on
a sales mission, conferring with M. R. Austin,
local manager . . . Joe Emerson has a
new Olds convertible, and some of the more
inquisitive want to know why he didn't buy
red.
Out-of-town theatre folk seen on Filmrow:
Elden Menagh, Fort Lupton; Neal Beezley,
Burlington; Walter Houser, Lafayette; Dave
Warnock, Johnstown; Floyd Bigger, Scottsbluff;
Mr. and Mrs. Prank Roberts, Lincoln,
Neb.; J. H. Roberts, Fort Morgan; Lyle Myer,
Yuma; L. C. Scheiddeger, Seibert; Dr. P. E.
Rider and son Gene, Wauneta, Neb.; E. J.
Tuey, Grants, Neb.
Rio at Richmond, Calif»
Sold to Paul Aglietti
SAN FRANCISCO—J. Leslie Jacobs, theatre
broker, reports that the Rio Theatre in
Richmond has been sold by Henry Lazzerini
and Von Smith to Paul Aglietti, an experienced
exhibitor who plans many improvements
to the front of the building and equipment.
The Cortland Theatre here has been sold
to Robert Borovoy, formerly of the Rex in
Oakland by Gingerich and Ray. Ray contemplates
development of oil lands in Texas
while Gingerich will continue with the operation
of his Sunset Theatre here.
SEATTLE—Marvin Pox, manager of Hamrick-Evergreen's
Orpheum, made a real occasion
of his house's 22nd aimiversary celebration.
Among the highlights were a backstage
party for press and radio, elaborate
Osburn, Ida., Ozoner Slated
OSBURN, IDA.—B. J. Dickinson & Garrett
will begin construction on a 300-car
drive-in here soon. Dickinson and Garrett
are Wallace, Ida., men. Osburn is located
halfway between Wallace and Kellogg. The
drive-in will be equipped with Royal Sound
Master car speakers and booth equipment by
the Holmes Projector Co., represented in this
area by L. S. Brown.
exhibits and the tossing of balloons from the
theatre on opening day.
Fox began preparations for the event over
two months in advance. He collected old
stills, oat-of-date equipment and newspaper
clippings. Several days before the launching
of his anniversary program, which consisted
of "White Heat," "The House Across the
Street" and a Flicker Flashback short, he
really had something to show.
Back stage he set up the display, which
included easels of scenes from Academy award
winners; photos of stars who have appeared
on the theatre's stage and screen; blowups
of the theatre's opening ads; shots of historic
events; new and modern projection
equipment and a variety of other subjects.
Then he had press and radio reporters back
stage to see the exhibits. He served cocktails.
All this resulted in a generous amount
of publicity.
On opening day he brought the material
into the foyer where it made an attractive
exhibit. All this was carried in the ads along
with the annomicement that balloons, carrying
cash and passes would be dropped from
the theatre roof the morning of the opening.
Bombs were set off to further bally the event
and as a result he had a huge crowd gathered
about the house.
Further publicity was garnered when the
papers ran a photo of four employes who
had been with the theatre since it opened.
They were: Morgan Denton, engineer; Lester
McJannet, stage manager; Alfred McKay and
Martin O'Malley, stagehands.
BOXOFFICE WANT ADS PAY
uanaser
e OT"
He propefty
Film Cowboy in Montana
SIDNEY, MONT.—Appearing recently at
the NYA hall here with Johimy Lingo and
his Blue Mountain gang was Rex King and
Sundy, his horse. King, star of western films,
was the most popular man in town with the
younger set during his two-day appearance
when he taught many small cowboys the art
of rope spinning and how to shoot a gun 30
times without reloading.
Glenn Coffey Manages Ritz
HAYWARD, CALIF.—The Ritz Theatre
here, new half-million dollar showcase,
opened September 7 with Glenn H. Coffey
of Alameda in charge. He formerly was manager
of Golden State and Blumenfeld theatres
in the area. The 945-seat Ritz is a first
run house.
Cuftom Habe
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SAN FOANCISCOil)
CALIFORNIA
Ramp Identification Lights
SAVES TIME ELIMINATES CONFUSION
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
729 Baltimore
X. C, Mo.
We are now prepared to assist
you with any problem iwhatsoever
relating to Theatres . . .
indoor or drive-in.
RCA-BRENKERT MAKES
CUSTOMERS
327 Golden Gate Ave. HEmlock 1-8302
San Francisco,
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
49

. . Vandalism
. . The
. . Thys
.,
•
PARTNERSHIP FORMED—A new partnership,
Popkin-Stiefel-Dempsey Productions,
gets rolling on the set of "The Big Wheel" as Jack Dempsey, second, from left,
former heavyweight champion, meets with Harry M. Popkin, left, and Sam Stiefel,
right, his new associates. The film stars Mickey Rooney, center, standing next to
blond EUye MarshaU, featured in "Champagne for Caesar," another Popkin production.
SAN FRANCISCO
n bandit held up the Paramount Theatre
here and escaped with $125. Assistant
Manager Edwin Gtoodford was forced to open
the safe and surrender the cash . . . Another
holdup took place when $1,750 was taken
from the Roosevelt Theatre. The robber was
waiting at noon when Manager Arthur Wodell
and Assistant Robert Olsen arrived to transfer
the funds to the bank.
Felix Hoffman, known to all local Filmrowers
and theatremen, died recently. Among
the pallbearers were Mark Ailing, manager
of the Golden Gate Theatre ; Howard Creighton,
his assistant; Prank O'Leary, electrician,
and Al Dunn, manager of the Orpheum.
Bill Laurie of the Vista in Isleton was taken
to the hospital with appendicitis . . . The
unofficial ban against theatres and public
meetings in Grass Valley has been lifted.
The ban was put into effect due to the polio
scare . at the Empire Theatre
in Placerville has mounted recently and Tom
Hall, manager, has asked filmgoers to report
any acts of vandalism immediately.
"Rope of Sand," which opened at the St.
IDEAL
MODERN
THEATRE
SEATING
(^mnJiCi^iieddi
UNderhiU 1-7571
187 Golden Gala Ave. San Francisco 2. Cilii.
SO
Francis, had a splendid promotion with a
tiein between the theatre and a local jewelry
store. About $1,800 worth of diamonds were
given away and a display of diamonds worth
a quarter of a million dollars was shown in
the theatre lobby.
.
Agnes Cannon, cashier at Monogram, was
vacationing in Merced . . Georgia Brandon
is the new girl at the Warners exchange.
She hails from Mill Valley . . . Joe Hanley,
office manager at WB, returned from his vacation
at Pinecrest . . . Mike Carney, army
motion picture service, visited the Row . . .
Ruth Gilbert, secretary to J. Saul, theatre
broker, has been following the Tokyo Rose
treason trial with much interest. She attended
one of its sessions.
Seems as if the Walter Pieddey Co., theatrical
supply house, has the corner on rear
screen projection in San Francisco. The new
Post Theatre at the Presidio and the Nob
Hill are the only two rear screen theatres
in the city. Both are equipped with new
Century projectors. The Post is scheduled to
open September 20 and is equipped with Ideal
chairs from Preddey.
Harry Ostler, formerly of the American
Theatre, Winnemucca, Nev., was visiting on
Filmrow . Cortland, operated by Robert
Ginnerich, has been sold to Bob Borovoy,
former manager for Arthur Barnett at the
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur
Rex in Oakland , . .
Barnett of the Rex, Oakland, are again on
the go. A post card was received from Havana,
Cuba.
The Ritz, Huron, Calif., has been opened
THEATRE /ALE/
J.D.ARAKELIAN
IS rAVLOK SA N TMHCISCO 2
PHONE PROSPECT S-7146
by R. D. Ruff. Sound and projection equipment
and Ideal chairs were installed by Preddey
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Scott Chestnutt of the
Columbia in Firebaugh have started extensive
remodeling. They will install Ideal chairs.
. . .
Randall Goldenson, who operates the Tobin
at Tobin, has opened the new Plumas. The
Hal
theatre is a quonset-type structure
Miller and Bob Coffman were in town. They
are preparing to open the new Vecino Theatre
in Chico.
K. O. Bemis, manager for the Walter Preddey
Co., left for Chicago to attend the annual
Burt Schweitzer, Los
trade convention . . .
Altos, is new manager of the Altos, succeeding
Davis Petersen who left to take over duties
with Western Theatrical Equipment Co.
Schweitzer has been assistant manager at the
Altos since it opened last spring. His appointment
was announced by Hal Honore, district
manager.
. .
Tony Mistlin, Metro Motors and formerly
with RKO exchange, bought a new Hudson.
The following day, he bought a new house
in Marin. The next day he married Joan
Phillips in Reno, and then honeymooned at
Lake Tahoe ... At the Variety Club, the
board of canvasmen decided that since their
social activities are one of the main features
of the club and since they want the forthcoming
season to top past seasons, they would
appoint Paul Spier as chairman of activities.
Spier is publisher of the local Amusement
Guide publication . Dick Flynn is the new
manager of the Variety Club, replacing S.
Lewicki.
Clarence Wasserman, Roxy, Sacramento,
was seen along Filmrow having lunch with
his old school chum, Earle Williams of Royal
Amusements, Ltd. . . . Peter Fat, Royal Phillippine
Films, went to Los Angeles on business
. . . Earl Lyons is new salesman at
Eagle Lion here.
Chan Carpenter, salesman at Film Classics,
is the father of a babji girl named Catherine
Louise . Winkel has taken over the
buying and booking of his own theatres from
Affiliated. They are the Pix, Oakland, Rio,
Rodeo and the Times in Richmond.
Mathew Allen Is Stricken;
Manager of El Capitan
LOS ANGELES—Mathew Allen, 61, part
owner and manager of the El Capitan Theatre
in Hollywood since 1941, died at his North
Hollywood home Saturday l3) after a long
illness. Born in Chicago, Allen had been engaged
in show business since the age of 13.
He was a company manager for Producer
John Golden in New York for more than 15
years.
Allen initiated the policy of taking live
shows to ai-my camps during World War I.
He came to California as company manager
for Hem-y Duffy at the old El Capitan in
1923. He managed and produced more than
150 plays there. When that theatre was sold
to Paramount, Allen and his partners bought
the present El Capitan and booked in Ken
Murray's Blackouts, which ran continuously
until it closed two weeks ago for a New York
run. Services were conducted Tuesday with
interment at Los Altos.
Composes Two U-I Scores
Walter Scharf will compose the scores for
the U-I "Double Crossbones" and "The Last
Count."
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
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n mong Modern Theatre Supply Service managers
who attended a meeting here were
R. L. Schultz, district sales manager for
RCA; Stub Schultz, service manager; W. D.
Cooley and Harold Gray, Seattle; Harry
Quackenbush, Spokane; Spence Egan, Great
Palls, Ont., and Louis Gibbs and Don Howard,
Portland . Roy Brown, formerly with
Evergreen circuit and Ted Gamble Enterprises,
has been named general manager of
the Jesse Jones Theatres in Portland and
Dallas, Ore.
Joe Rosenfield will open his new drive-in
on Spokane's East Sprague street soon . . .
Among those attending the Ellensbm'g, Wash,,
rodeo were Bud Brody, branch manager for
National Screen Service, and Bill Shartin,
northwest manager for FC . Rodenburg,
secretary to Ralph Abbett, Monogram
head, has moved to California, and has been
succeeded by Elizabeth Nichols.
Jack Thatcher, Northwest Film Service
driver for the last 22 years, has retired to
his ranch on Whidby Island . . . Sterling
circuit's nine suburban houses have launched
a program of Saturday afternoon kiddy shows
with the opening of school . Fay,
manager for Astor and Special Attractions,
flew to San Francisco . . . Mercedes Cleveland
has joined the office staff of Favorite
Films.
Frances Seeger of 20th-Pox's cashier department
is recovering from an appendectomy
in Providence hospital . . . 'Vic Gauntlett,
advertising manager for Evergreen circuit,
addressed the Olympia Kiwanis as a representative
of Seattle's Chamber of Commerce
and Mayor William F. Devin on that city's
centennial celebration . . . Frank L. Newman
sr. of the same company attended the
TOA convention in Los Angeles.
Among those on Filmrow were Peter Koppinger,
Montesano; Earl Stierwalt, McCleary;
Loren Wahl, Bellingham; Art Zabel, Olympia,
and Martin Brown, Yakima.
Groups Move to Oppose
Return of Fast Time
LOS ANGELES—Opposition to daylight
saving time, retirrn of which will be voted
upon at a special statewide election November
8, has been officially registered by the
Independent Theatre Owners of Southern
be appointed as mem-
California and Arizona. Four of the organization's
directors will
bers of the recently formed Citizens Committee
Against Daylight Saving Time.
All southern California drive-in operators
also are waging an active campaign against
the fast-time proposal, as are farmer associations,
tavern and restaurant owners and
other business groups.
Rites for Ben Reingold
SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—Private services
were held for Ben Reingold, 60, former branch
manager for 20th Century-Fox in St. Louis,
who died here September 7 of a heart attack.
Reingold retired from the post about a year
ago. Survivors include the widow, Mrs.
Vivian Reingold; a sister and brother, and
his nephew John Evans who is in charge of
the U.S. navy film booking office in Los
Angeles.
Bakersfield Tax Suit
Into Final Phase
BAKERSFIELD, CALIF .—Local
Fox theatres
have filed the final brief in their suit
to nullify the city amusement tax of 10 per
cent on all admissions over 15 cents. The
brief was submitted to Judge Frederick E.
Stone of Tulare. The final document was in
reply to the city's answer to an opening brief.
Judge Stone's ruling will decide whether
the city may spend $213,000 already collected
since the tax was imposed. The money has
been impounded in a special bank account
pending outcome of the suit. The final brief
contends that the tax has singled out nine
theatres as a minority of amusement enterprises
in Bakersfield, and that it levies 50
per cent of the total burden of business license
taxes on the theatres.
It was pointed out that the theatres have
a gross revenue of less than $2,000,000 a year,
while the other 2,237 nonamusement business
licenses in Bakersfield have a gross revenue
of more than $110,000,000. It also was stated
that the city collects $61,000 per year from
the plaintiffs, while the average tax per year
for all other nonamusement businesses is $56.
The theatres held that the tax exempts a
"large majority," numbering more than 172,
of other amusement enterprises.
Plaintiffs are the Bakersfield Fox Theatre
Corp. and the Fox Paradise Theatre Corp.
They ask the court for an injunction against
the tax, a judgment, and refund of collections
to stub-holding patrons.
The plaintiffs request that, after stubholders
have been paid back, remaining funds
be distributed to public and charitable organizations,
such as the Community Chest,
Red Cross, the National Infantile Paralysis
Ass'n and the Boys' club. They also maintain
that the proposition as presented to the public
on the ballot in 1947, was of a "misleading
character."
According to City Attorney J. Kelly Steele,
the tax is not discriminatory because the
amusement industry is "a luxury business"
and so can be taxed higher than other businesses,
so long as the tax is not confiscatory.
As to the proposition when voted upon
and approved, Attorney Steele said: "the
ballot was publicly discussed, copies of the
ordinance were circulated, and the matter
was aired over the radio and in the newspapers."
Megaphonists Charter
New Filmmaking Unit
HOLLYWOOD—Aspen Productions has
been incorporated as an independent filmmaking
unit by megaphonists Mark Robson
and Robert Wise, with Theron Warth drawing
the post of production chief. Robson recently
directed Producer Stanley Kramer's
"Home of
the Brave," while the next assignment
for Wise will be "Ring Waterfront 3"
for Producer Sol C. Siegel at 20th Centuryr
Fox.
The new outfit is currently lining up a
group of story properties.
Nathan Boasberg Dies
LOS ANGELES—Nathan Boasberg. 59,
former
owner of the Ritz Theatre, Inglewood,
died at his home here. Services were held
at the Home of Peace mausoleum. Boasberg
is survived by his wife and a sister.
LOS ANGELES
pirst local utilization of the "Proclamation
and Pledge of the Motion Picture Industry"
which was adopted at the recent public relations
conference in Chicago, was reported
from the Hawaii Music Hall Theatre in Hollywood.
The Al Galston-Jay Sutton operation
is prominently di-splaying a 40x60 blowup of
the resolution in the lobby. Fred Jacks,
United Artists western district chief, checked
in from a trip to New York and Dallas.
Sam Narthanson moved his N&R Associates
Headed
publicity offices to Hollywood from the Row
Solomon, Monogram sales manager,
underwent a successful operation at
Cedars of Lebanon ho.spital and the prospects
all point to a speedy recovery . . .
for a New York vacation are M. Rochlin, operator
of the Campus Theatre, and the missus.
. . 'Visiting from Escondido
. . .
D. C. Thomason has acquired the Rampart
Theatre on Temple Avenue . . Jack
.
Chazen and Al Olander took over Harry Hollander's
Savoy .
Dominic Grillo, former
was Joe Markowitz . . .
Cleveland exhibitor, reopened the Aloha
Theatre here after extensive remodeling
Up from San Diego on buying and booking
expeditions were Ford Bratcher and Leo Hamacher.
Paul Davis, formerly a booker for RKO,
takes over the booking chores for the new
Mr. and Mrs.
United Artists circuit setup . . .
James Banducci, OUdale and Bakersfield theatre
owners, and Arnold Anderson of the
California Theatre, Ont., were on the Row
booking and buying ... In from New York
for local confabs was Al O'Keefe, U-I executive.
Actress Gale Storm Ends
Term Contract With U-I
HOLLYWOOD—Assertedly because of dissatisfaction
with the roles handed her by
the studio, actress Gale Storm parted company
with Universal-International, her term
contract being washed out. On loan from
U-I, she had just completed a stint opposite
Dan Durj-ea in Producer Hal Chester's "The
Whip," for United Artists release, and was
next to have gone into "Outside the Wall"
at the valley studio.
Formerly with Monogram, Miss Storm
swung over to U-I about three months ago.
^ei0^ PROJECTION
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1975 South Vermont Avenue. Phone: REpublic 0711
Los Angeles 7, Colifornia
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949 50-A

I
First
Hawaiian Island Drive-In
Opened by Consolidated Circuit
SALT LAKE CITY
^he west side of Salt Lake City isn't the only
section of town getting theatres. A stadium-type
showhouse, first in the area, is
expected to be opened on Highland drive this
fall by the Joseph L. Lawrence Theatres . . .
Another theatre is rapidly being constructed
a little east and north of this one by distributing
executives.
Chilly nights and frosty cold weather In
the Intel-mountain region are making drive-in
operators wonder how much longer their season
will last. None has closed as yet, but
with Helena, Mont., already reporting 12
inches of snow, it looks as if the northern
ones can't stay open much longer
talk along Filmrow is that several
. . . The
drive-ins
around Salt Lake will bid for first run pictures
next season.
Shown above is a view of the screen from inside Honolulu's new drive-in, the first
in the Hawaiian Islands. Projection room and snack bar are housed in the low building
to the left, located in the center of the parking ramps. The outline of Hawaii's famed
Diamond Head is in the background.
HONOLULU, T. H.—The first drive-in theatre
in the Pacific has been opened here.
Against a background of the rugged green
Koolau range the 90-foot-high screen tower
and surrounding walls of dull rose blend
harmoniously with the everchanging colors of
the mountains and the billowy cloud formations
of Hawaii. Capacity is 750 cars.
The new drive-in is one in the chain of
the Consolidated Amusement Co., which pioneered
motion pictures in Hawaii in 1920 when
it consti-ucted the first permanent theatre in
Honolulu. Plans for the drive-in were drawn
by George M. Petersen, well-known designer
of numerous east coast drive-ins and author
of many articles on the subject.
The Consolidated firm had been considering
for several years the possibility of a
drive-in in the Islands, but it was not until
later in 1948 that final arrangements were
made with contractor E. E. Black of Honolulu.
At this time the Honolulu Construction
& Draying Co. began filling the ten acres
of low ground with 140,000 cubic feet of
earth brought from nearby Mount Tantalus.
Situated at the intersection of two main
arteries, the di-ive-in is located midway between
Honolulu's downtown business district
and famed Waikiki Beach. Seventy-five per
cent of the 380,000 persons liviiig on the
island of Oahu, close to half of the total
population of all eight Hawaiian Islands, are
within a two-mile radius of the theatre.
Its entrance faces world-renowned Diamond
Head while the screen, 54x42 feet, is slanted
directly at Punchbowl, National Memorial
cemetery of the Pacific, burial place of Eniie
Pyle and thousands of World War II dead.
Girl attendants provide each car with
printed instructions giving all necessary information
about parking, use of facilities and
procedure after the show is over.
In the interest of the younger set three
rows of benches have been installed in front
of the ramps where children may sit should
they become restless in family cars. A limited
number of pedestrians also may also
occupy the benches, capable of seating some
200 persons. Stationary speakers of stable
sa-B
volume aa-e installed for seated patrons.
The in-car Simplex speakers, distributed
by National Theatre Export of New York,
were installed by Consolidated of Hawaii.
Since the annual average temperature of
Honolulu is 74.9 degrees, the drive-in, under
present plans, will operate 365 days a year.
The show time will vaiy according to when
the sun sets but, due to Honolulu's location
within the tropic zone, there is scarcely more
than an. hour's difference in the length of
days between summer and winter. Another
advantage of a drive-in theatre in Hawaii is
that there is no long twilight period as on
the mainland with night darkness falling
shortly after sunset. At present the two
ticket windows open at 6 o'clock in the evening
and the first show goes on at 7:30.
Kenneth Means has retiu-ned to Hawaii to
manage the drive-in, following a number of
years on the mainland where he held several
similar positions. Assistant manager is Wallace
Branco, formerly of the Waikiki Theatre.
Traffic lights have been installed at the
main entrance by the city. The policy is
double bills of rereleases, changing Wednesdays
and Sundays. Admission is 65 cents for
adults, 25 for children between the ages of 6
and 12, with free admission for those under
6 years old.
The screen tower is capped on the entrance
side by a slanting roof of glazed green
Cubana Tapered Mission tile, handled in
Honolulu by the Peerless Roofing & Paint
Co. for the mainland concern of Gladding,
McBean & Co. Flex-Board for the seven
foot-high fences, which i-un halfway around
on either side of the tower, was furnished
by the Honolulu Iron Works.
Para. Personnel in Show
HOLLYWOOD—Four Paramount players
and two members of the studio's music department
staged an hour-long show for the
annual convention of the Los Angeles County
Peace Officers Ass'n September 14. Appearing
were William Bendix, William Demarest,
Jean Ruth, Patti Thomas and the songwriting
team of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.
Benjamin J. Kalmenson, vice-president of
Warner Bros., was a visitor. He said business
across the country looks "very good" . . .
Marie WiLson paid an all-day visit to Salt
Lake to hypo interest in "My Friend Irma,"
the radio program as well as the show. She
visited Mayor Earl J. Glade and spoke at a
luncheon of a local civic group. She was accompanied
by her mother and Bob Quinn,
Paramoimt field representative.
Everytime they hear fire engines racing
near Second South street, staffers at Intermountain
Theatres get the jitters these days.
The July 4 fire in offices in the Capitol Theatre
building was followed by a trash blaze
in the alley, which brought out engines, and
a week later a short circuit in the same alley
caused smoke and brought the engines again.
Nevin McCord, manager, says he dreams false
alarms these days.
Salt Lake was having more than its share
of Italian films this week. "Paisan" went into
the Capitol, and th^ Cinem.a Arts Theatre,
which recently opened in the new Film Center
building on Filmrow, had "Shoe-Shine"
as the second production on its schedule . . .
Charles M. Pincus, manager of the Utah, returned
from a two-week vacation to San
Francisco.
Melford-Rawlins Firm
To Make Three for EL
HOLLYWOOD — Release through Eagle
Lion has been set for three pictures to be
turned out on the 1949-50 slate by Ventura
Pictm-es, new independent formed by Frank
Melford and Director John Rawlins. Initialer
will be "The Boy From Indiana," outdoor
drama to star Lon McCallister, for which
the original screenplay has been written by
Otto Englander.
Dunsmuir Airer to Open Soon
DUNSMUIR, CALIF.—The 450-car drivein
being built by M. E. "Jack" Hammond of
Mount Shasta City on Highway 99 north of
here will open this month. The airer will
operate eight months a year, weather permitting.
Murph'y Builds at Alamosa, Colo.
ALAMOSA, COLO. — Construction of a
$100,000, 450-car drive-in on the Alamosa-
Monte Vista highway has been started by
Murphy Theatres.
BOXOmCE :: September 17, 1949
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Picket Utah Theatre
At 'Brave' Opening
SALT LAKE CITY—Negro and white signcarriers
started picketing the Uptown Theatre
Tuesday (13) after the opening of "Home
of the Brave," protesting against the theatre's
policy of making Negroes sit in the
balcony.
A similar segregation policy is practiced by
all local theatres and amusement, restaurant
and similar business in general A fight
against such segregation has been carried to
the Utah supreme court, but no ruling has
been made yet to alter the situation.
The Uptown Theatre pickets represented
what they called the "Young Progressives
of Utah." They carried signs saying, "Good
Picture . . Lousy Theatre," and distributed
.
mimeographed sheets which read:
"You are about to see a movie which will
show some of the dangers of racial prejudice.
If you are not a Negro you can sit
anjTvhere in the theatre. But the Negro
people must sit in the balcony. They have
no choice. This is the hypocritical policy of
the management of this theatre and other
theatres in Salt Lake City. Notice that
everyone pays the same price, but the Negro
people must pay the same price for the
poorest seats. This is how profits are made
from racial discrimination in Salt Lake City.
Segregation forces everyone who is not white
to live in the most undesirable homes, where
they pay the same high rents."
The declaration opposed all segregation. It
demanded patrons go to the office of the
Uptown manager and demand that he end
the policy of discrimination.
The Uptown is one of the Joseph L. Lawrence
theatres. It is managed by Harry B.
Ashton. No effort was made to remove the
pickets who attracted a large crowd to the
theatre.
Paramount Chieftains
Address LA Exchange
LOS ANGELES — The sales
and booking
staff of the local Paramount exchange were
addressed by Henry Ginsberg, studio chief;
A. W. Schwalberg, vice-president in charge
of distribution, and George A. Smith, western
division manager, during a three-day session
devoted to the company's Gold Rush of 49
drive. Ginsberg recently addressed a similar
Gold Rush meeting in Denver.
Schwalberg junketed out from his New
York headquarters for the meeting and to
attend the Theatre Owners of America convention
here September 12-15. The Paramount
meetings were staged September 12-14.
The studio executive declared a new creative
spirit is evident in Hollywood and is
reflecting itself in the production of better
pictures. He predicted that with the coming
of divorcement January 1, "production and
distribution will become one entity, and that
means we have to make good together."
"Distribution is the right aiTn of production
and is responsible for its success," Ginsberg
said. "We must understand each other's
problems. It is an obligation and a responsibility
that we have to each other."
Sohwalberg commented on the "fine spirit"
prevailing at the studio and declared that it
is "up to us in the distribution department
to provide the necessary encom-agement for
continued production of boxoffice pictures."
Steady Flow of U.S. Film Supplies
Into Australia as Result of Pact
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Representative, BOXOFFICE
PERTH, W. A.—F. McN. Ackland, chief executive
of the Motion Picture Distributors
Ass'n of Australia, said recently that by an
agreement negotiated between the Commonwealth
government and American producers
on the basis of dollar remittances and dollar
restrictions, a continuity of film supplies
from the United States has been achieved.
* * *
A deputation of picture theatremen in
western Australia recently asked Prime Minister
Chifley to abolish the entertainment tax
on the lower priced seats in cinemas. The
deputation was led by C. G. Norton of the
local Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n, and
after some discussion the prime minister said
that the question would come before the federal
cabinet. Norton said that his association
had received many complaints from the
public who objected to the heavy tax on
seats—"a tax," he reminded Chifley, "which
ranges from 25 to 30 per cent." Exhibitors
here are of the opinion that entertainment
tax should not exceed one-sixth of the admission
price.
* * *
J. O. Alexander, Commonwealth film censor
since 1942. confesses that he has a zest
for films and that he often goes to a cinema
for entertainment after a day of censorship
screenings. Alexander states that no Australian
films have been cut for censorship in
the last three years. He admits that he has
no fixed ideas as to what should come within
the realms of censorship. "Censorship cannot
remain static," he says. ''While censorship
must never give a lead, it must always
be ready to follow changing social conditions
very closely." As to what was expressly forbidden,
he mentioned "the sinking in of the
boot" (kicking a man while down), any new
criminal technique such as the forgery of
fingerprints, scenes indicating the name of
alleged poisons on bottles, and prolonged
kisses in love sequences. Alexander adds that
he has a rule never to read a book that has
been filmed before attending a screening
of it. To be a film censor, he says, requires
"a fairly good education, a keen sense of
humor, a good store of general knowledge,
and experiences in rubbing shoulders with the
world so as to know all the answers."
» * »
When a holdup man tried to rob the Princess
Theatre in Melbourne recently, the cashier
Miss Eve Fennelly was alone in the boxoffice.
The man entered and put a hand in
a pocket as if holding a gun. He demanded
the takiags. Miss Fennelly tried to stall for
time, as she was expecting other staff members
to come back from dinner. She pretended
to misunderstand him and asked for
which night his seat was booked. Then when
the man repeated his threat and told her
to hand over the money, she told him he was
taking a great risk for only a few shillings.
Then another man appeared and the holdup
man ran off, threatening Miss Fennelly with
"I'll be back for you." When police searched
the locality, they found no trace of the culprit.
« * «
C. E. Sticht, an Australian who now is
assistant director to Prank Capra of Paramount
and who arrived on a visit to Australia
recently, said: "Cowboy films could be
made in Australia very cheaply on sheep or
cattle stations. No costiimes would be needed,
and no special sets. The films could be made
outdoors." Sticht now is looking for story
material and facilities for American motion
picture interests if they decide to make a
film in Australia.
* • «
Australian Producer A, K. McCreadie says
that the Australian film industry has
emerged from its swaddling clothes. "In the
past, production was intermittent, and because
there was no continuous employment,
artists and technical men were lost to Australia.
Today the scene has changed. New
studios have been built incorporating the
newest ideas and equipment, including the
latest cameras and sound recording equipment.
Now it seems that it was a miracle
that any films at all were prcxiuced in the
old studios. As the key to success is continuity
of production. Embassy Pictures has
drawn up a long-range production plan calling
for two features diu'ing the next 12
months. But as technical staff members are
trained, production will be stepped up to four
features a year, and eventually it is hoped
to produce six films annually."
* * *
It is officially announced that a British
film unit soon will make a film based on the
childhood of Eileen Joyce, Australian pianist,
in Australia. Ealing plant and facilities will
be used, although the production will not be
one of that company's.
* * *
If the Geelong city council's plan for a
site for the erection of a national memorial
is carried out, the Plaza Theatre there will
cease to function, since it is proposed that
the site be purchased for £17,000.
-^•l.'.I^Jill.^
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*
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Manley Popcorn Machines and Supplies
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
50-C

. . who
'Lost' Theatregoers
Seek New Formula
HOLLYWOOD—There is a "lost tribe" of
30.000.000 potential tlieatregoers which is "fed
up with formula fare" and can only be lured
back to the boxoffice through "new and vital
ideas" in film entertainment.
That is the essence of a speech delivered
by Producer Stanley Kramer—via telephone
from his office in Hollywood—before the
fourth national convention of the Pai'aplegic
Veterans of America in New York. During
the telephonic addi-ess Kramer also discussed
his forthcoming "The Men." which deals
with the problems of paralyzed veterans. It
will be nxade for United Artists distribution.
The "lost tribe," Kramer declared, consists
of onetime regulars now seen in theatres
"rarely if at all . . . They are older people,
thinking people . insist that entertainment
can and should have something
vital in content . . . The formula film is
out. The starring combination is no longer
insurance. Ours is an expanding market in
which new ideas are the surest-fire commodity."
New Screen at Laurel
LAUREL, MONT.—A new Cycloramic custom-made
screen has been installed at the
Royal Theatre here by Elmer Jackson, who
purchased the theatre a year ago. He has
altered and enlarged the foyer, redecorated,
installed new seats throughout the building,
replaced projectors with new, modern machines
and sound equipment and has otherwise
expended a considerable on renovation.
More Original Film Stories Sought
NEW YORK—Film producers are using
more original story material than ever before
and are looking less to
the stage and literary
field, according to Hal
Wallis, producer for
Paramount. He believes
that the story is
now the most impor-
tant item in a picture's
success but that stars
will add immensely to
the film's boxoffice
value. His recent "Rope
of Sand" was an original,
Wallis said.
Hal WalUs
Wallis, who has been
supervising the filming of scenes on location
in Italy for his Joan Fontaine-Joseph Cotten
pictures, "September," may make a picture
for Paramount in England before June
14, 1950, but only if he finds a story suitable
for filming there. He sees little advantage
in making a picture there Just to use up his
own or Paramount's blocked funds because
the average British-made film must have one
or more American players to insure its success
in the U.S. This would mean an added
dollar investment of close to $500,000 for
the players, director, etc., Wallis said. Under
the terms of the Anglo-American agreement,
if a portion of American blocked
pounds are not invested by the owner prior
to June 14, 1950, they will be used for
philanthropic purposes.
Filming abroad is advantageous only when
the backgrounds call for foreign locations.
as in the case of "September," Wallis said.
However, the studio scenes of this film will
all be made at Paramount's Hollywood studio,
starting November 1. Francoise Rosay, the
French character actress, will come to
America to play an important supporting
role. Wallis found the Italian film workers
were helpful and less costly than American
technicians but that costs of filming in Italy
had risen approximately 25 per cent in the
past year, or since various American companies
have been making features there.
In addition to "September," Wallis will
also start production of "The Furies," from
the Niven Busch novel and starring Barbara
Stanwyck, Wendell Corey and Walter Huston,
November 1. He has completed three
others, "Rope of Sand," "My Friend Irma"
and "File on Thelma Jordon," on his recently-renewed
12-picture deal with Paramount.
Wallis also plans two more for 1950,
a sequel to "Irma," with Marie Wilson, John
Lund and Martin & Lewis, and "No Escape,"
starring Burt Lancaster. The proposed British-made
picture may come later as his contract
with Paramount is a flexible one and
calls for either three or four pictures yearly.
Wallis made "So Evil My Love" in England
for Paramount release in 1948.
Although Wallis believes that shorter
shooting time and other economies have reduced
production costs in Hollywood during
the past year, his productions still average
$1,500,000 in cost. He believes bank financing
for independent producers will remain difficult
as long as the "frozen funds" situation
continues.
If It's Good Promotion
BOXOFFICE
some one will
report it in .
Fresh from the scenes of the activities each week come constant
reports of merchandising of films. Most of these are ideas vou
can use for your own promotion. All of them are interesting and
most of them are profitable in other similar circumstances. Make
full use of these practical ideas by practical showmen, many of
whom you may know
Motion pictures lend themselves ideally to good advertising. The public interest is
high.
Capitalize on the interest that already exists and increase your attendance
with proved ideas.
50-D BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

- ft
Illegal Tax Refunds
Only $60 to Patrons
MOLINE, ILL.—Moline theatre patrons,
who paid out $25,844.71 under the 4 per cent
amusement tax which recently was declared
illegal and ordered rescinded, asked for only
•
$60.45 refunds, it was disclosed by Mrs. August
Brissman, city clerk. The theatre customers
had to surrender their ticket stubs
to get their money back.
Of the remaining amount which was collected
the city will receive 75 per cent and
the theatres will retain 25 per cent under
an agreement concluded with the city council.
The city's share will amount to $19,338.19
which goes into the general fund. The theatres
will realize $6,446.07.
Four theatres had actually paid into the
city a total of $9,443.46 collected as the tax.
The other two theatres operated by Tri-
States Theatre Corp. withheld payment while
the tax was contested in court but deposited
a check for $12,000 with the city as earnest
to take care of their share in the settlement
agreement. The sum of $2,386.41 was refunded.
Salesman Black Feted
At Fort Wayne Dinner
FORT WAYNE, IND.—Local exhibitors, and
film salesmen covering the northeastern portion
of Indiana, gave a dinner for Gayle
Black, Warner salesman, in celebration of
his 25 years in the film business. Gayle was
transferred to Indianapolis as city salesman
after one-quarter of a century in the
northeastern territory. The dinner was held
at the Yacht club here. Among those present
were Peter Mailers, John Micu, George
Heliotos, Roger Scherer, George Reef, Earl
Penrod, George Devine, Clayton Bond, Frank
Warren, James Kaylor and Norman Linz.
A. H. Poos, St. Louis, Talks
On Youth Cinema Clubs
ST. LOUIS—Albert H. Poos, district supervisor
for the St. Louis Amusement Co., was
to speak at a meeting of the Better Films
Council of Greater St. Louis in Vandervoort's
auditorium at 10:30 a. m. Friday (16) on
"Organization and Operation of Youth Cinema
Clubs."
Harry C. Arthur has been a leader in the
sponsoring of Youth Cinema clubs since that
movement was started by Mrs. A. F. Burt,
founder of the Better Films council several
years ago. Several of the St. Louis Amusement
Co. houses operate Youth Cinema clubs.
•
Driver in St. Louis Collision, Fatal
To Francis Kaimann, Held for Jury
ST. LOUIS — The funeral of Francis S.
Kaimann, 33, co-owner of five theatres and
the North Drive-In
and treasurer of the
Balka Corp., operator
of several theatres in
north St. Louis, was
held at St. Stephen's
Evangelical church,
Monday morning (12).
Kaimann died at a
hospital in Clayton of
injuries suffered in an
automobile collision at
VWWfc Beliefontaine and
Chambers roads in St.
Francis S. Kaimann Louis county the night
of September 6.
A coroner's jury recommended that Florence
Higginbotham, 63-year-old retired school
teacher, driver of the automobile that struck
Kaimann's car, be held for the grand jury
after it returned a verdict of homicide. Miss
Higginbotham did not testify at the inquest
on advice of counsel. Cornelia Coulter, who
'was riding with Miss Higginbotham, testified
that she did not see the stop sign at the intersection,
where the collision took place, and
did not believe Miss Higginbotham did. Deputy
Sheriff Charles Adams said the sign is
close to a telephone pole and that "it is worn
and dirty and somewhat hard to see."
Miss Higginbotham's car struck Kaimann's
automobile in the rear as it passed
along^ Bellefontaine road, causing it to go
out of control and crash into a telephone
pole. Kaimann suffered a fractured skull,
fractures of both arms and internal injuries.
He was rushed to the county hospital where
a number of blood transfusions were given.
Seventeen men from Filmrow donated blood
and an equal number volunteered.
Kaimann, who resided on the Bellefontaine
road at Spanish Lake, is survived by his wife,
a son Kenneth, a sister and a brother Clarence
H. He was a son of the late Stephen
A. Kaimann, who built the first motion picture
theatre in north St. Louis, the O'Pallon
Park on Florissant avenue west of Warne
avenue. He learned the motion picture business
under the guidance of his father, growing
up with the industry. He had been active
in the affairs of the Motion Picture
Theatre Owners of St. Louis, Eastern Missouri
and Southern Illinois for a number of
years. He also was district chairman of
Council Grove district of Boy Scouts.
Friends of the famUy were requested in
lieu of flowers to send contributions to the
Boy Scout Memorial trust fund.
Ben B. Reingold Dead
ST. LOUIS — Benjamin B. Reingold, 64,
former manager for 20th Century-Fox, died
of heart disease in Santa Monica, Calif.,
where he had been living since his retirement
here 18 months ago. Pi-ior to coming
to St. Louis as manager in 1928, Reingold had
served as a salesman in Omaha and as manager
in Des Moines. He is survived by his
wife.
Host Rotarians at Theatre
JACKSON'VILLE, ILL. — Rotarians and
their wives recently were entertained by
B. M. Montee, Fox Midwest resident manager,
at the annual theatre party at the
Illinois. A buffet luncheon was served in
the lobby by the Dunlap hotel, after which
the men and women enjoyed "Top O' the
Morning."
Lee Thompson Shifted
CLINTONVILLE, WIS.—Lee Thompson of
Green Bay has succeeded Gerald McMillan
as manager of the Times and Grand theatres
here. McMillan was transferred to the S&M
theatres in Marshalltown, Iowa. Thompson
formerly was manager of the Time in Oshkosh.
Defense Waives Argument
On South Bend Suit Brief
CHICAGO—The defense in the South Bend
Auto Drive-In antitrust suit waived argument
over the brief submitted by Seymour Simon,
attorney for the plaintiff, asking that the
decision in the Paramount case be considered
as having a bearing on the suit. Judge
John P. Barnes directed Simon to present
his argirment regarding relativity of the
Paramount case. The defense contended that
since some points in the Paramount case
had been remanded to the next lower court,
it should not be considered as having bearing
in the South Bend case.
STARLITE DRIVE-IN OPENED—Formal opening ceremonies were held recently
at the Starlite Outdoor Theatre on Cass street in Preble, Wis. Town chairman Henry
Katers snipped the ribbon across the main entrance, witnessed by Phyllis Kessler, who
was crowned Miss Starlite. Others looking on are Stan Karatz, left, of the theatre
company and Robert LeCoque, right, theatre manager, and members of the drive-!n
service
staff.
.gfljalW'
I
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949 51

. . Among
'
MILWAUKEE
Toe Woodward, local manager for Delft Theati'es
and affiliates who broke his leg in
three places in August, now is able to be
about again on crutches. Woodward fractured
his leg shortly after returning from his
Prank Fischer, who resigned
vacation . . .
as salesman for National Screen here, has
opened an office at 714 West State St. on
Pilmrow, handling a line of posters.
Carl Michel, C&M Sales, has returned from
a swing around his territory in the interests
of jingle contest activities . . Whenever
.
Mayor Frank Zeidler cannot appear personally
to welcome celebrities in show business,
F. R. Peterson, his secretary, pinchhits.
Peterson once was a department head
with Fox Amusement Co. and Standard Theatres
before taking the position with the
mayor.
Ray Bonner, local manager for Gallagher
Films of Green Bay, Wis., was on a business
trip to northern Wisconsin . . . Mrs. Pauline
L. Melcher, mother of Harry Melcher of Eskin
Theatres, died recently ... An Italian film,
"Mama," starring Benl Giglio, will be shown
at the Astor in the Italian section of town,
the first Italian film to be shown at this
theatre for some time.
"White Heat" was held over for a second
week at the Warner ... A Spanish language
film, "La Cortesana," was shown at the
World on the south side, where there is a
large Mexican population . . . Mary Mucci,
cashier at 20th-Fox, will be married September
24 to Raoul Castelani.
Employes of
Monogram and Film Service
THEATRE
2 COLOR PROGRAMS
ONE DAY SERVICE On Request »
THEATRICAL ADV.
CO.
•SERVING EXHIBITORS FOR 33 YEARS"
2310 CASS WO. 1-2158. DETROIT, 1, MICH
20% MORE LIGHT
and BETTER VISION from
EVERY SEAT!
CYCL9RAMIC
The FIRST
Major Screen
Improvement in
30 Years!
Custom Screen
*Patenf applied for
were the guests at a picnic at the summer
home of Charles Ti-ampe at Phantom Lake,
Wis. . the judges for the showing
of "Father Was a Fullback" will be William
L. Ainsworth of Fond du Lac, Wis., president
of National Allied; Si Fabian of Theatre
Owners of America, and Lou Little, football
coach at Columbia university.
For the opening of the new Sports arena
here next April, Milwaukee Progress week
will be held. The committee for this event
is headed by H. J. Fitzgerald, head of Fox-
Wisconsin Amusement Corp.; P. R. Peterson,
secretary to Mayor Frank Zeidler, and Angela
Provinzano of the Alamo and Mozart theatres
here. The new arena is being built onto
the present block-long, block-wide auditorium
near downtown Milwaukee. The entire structure
will be two blocks long and one block
wide when completed. The arena portion will
cost about five million dollars and will seat
about 1,300 persons . . . Erv Clumb, manager
of the Towne, is taking two weeks' vacation.
The Alhambra Theatre here recently was
the scene of a flower show in which a group
of models from three department stores posed
with a collection of corsages. The occasion
was the convention of the Telegraph Delivery
Service of Wisconsin-upper Michigan group
... At the new Bertch Theatre, recently
opened at Suring, Wis., equipment consists
of RCA sound, Mohawk carpeting, RCA projectors,
RCA lamp houses and screens, all
furnished by Vic Manhardt & Co. of Milwaukee.
Author Named on Marquee
MILWAUKEE—When the
Towne Theatre
offered "Any Number Can Play," latest Clark
Gable vehicle, it took note of the fact that
the author of the novel from which the film
was adapted was written by a local author.
On the top line of the Towne marquee the
management placed the line "By Milwaukee's
own author Edward Harris Heth."
Perfect Soond
Transmission • Ellrainatian
of Bickstige Reverberation • Perfect Vision in Front
Rows • Better Side Vision
JOE HORNSTEIN.
THE MAGIC SCREEN OF
THE FUTURE NOW'
Inc.
3146 OUve LUcQS 2710 St. Louis
'Jolson' Second Week
Leads Chicago at 190
CHICAGO—Labor day crowds and chilly
weather gave Loop houses a fine week. Outstanding
newcomer was "Lost Boundaries,"
which bowed in strong at the Grand. The
Palace also had a fine week with "Roughshod"
and another week of vaudeville. "Jolson
Sings Again" had a sensational second week
at the Woods and the Chicago had a top
second week with "Top O' the Morning," plus
a stage show headed by Alan Young and
Liberace.
(Average Is 100)
Chicago Top O' the Morning (Pard), plus stage
show, 2nd wk 130
Garrick Reign oi Terror (EL); Sleeping Car to
Trieste (EL), 2nd wk 105
Grand—Lost Boundaries (FC) -...130
Oriental Black Magic (UA), plus stage show,
2nd wk. -- 125
Palace—Roughshod (RKO), plus vaudeville 140
Riallo Miracle ol Liie (Jewel), 5th wk 115
Roosevelt—Manhandled (Para); The Big Cat (EL),
2nd wk „..10O
Selwyn—The Red Shoes (EL), 38th wk.,
roadshow
Good
Slate-Lake—Rope of Sand (Para) 115
Studio—Ingagi (Dezel); Ubangi (Dezel) 105
United Artists—Madame Bovory (MGM), 2nd wk...l05
Woods—Jolson Sings Again (Col), 2nd wk 190
World Playhouse—The Quiet One (M-B), 2nd wk,..120
"Summertime' Grosses 130;
Best in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS—Despite the Indiana State
Fair, an all-week event, first run grosses
held therr own. Fair visitors patronized the
theatres at night and boosted attendance.
Nights have been unusually cool and outdoor
amusements suffered a setback.
Circle— You're My Everything (20th-Fox); The Lost
Tribe (Col) 105
Keiths—It's a Great Feeling (WB); The Counterpunch
(WB), 2nd wk 90
Loew's In the Good Old Summertime (MGM);
Air Hostess (Col), 7 days 130
Lyric Brimstone (Rep); Post Office Investigator
(Rep) 95
Delavan, Wiau, Theatre
Offers Student Prices
DELAYAN,
WIS. — Manager Bud Campbell
has announced new admission prices for
the Delavan Theatre. Prices will be 40 cents
until 7 p. m. on week days and until 1 p. m.
on Sundays and holidays. In the evenings
tickets will sell for 50 cents. A special student
ticket has been set at 30 cents for Monday
through Friday and will
be available to
students up to 18 years old. Children up to
12 years old will continue to pay 14 cents. All
prices include the tax.
Shift to Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS—The Brokau Theatre
at
Angola and the Star at Freemont are now
booking from the Indianapolis exchanges,
transferred from Chicago offices.
ST.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ^^.c'.'mT'
Bomb Breaks Theatre Windows
HIGHLAND, ILL.—Several windows in the
B 'be
Town Theatre were broken recently when a
bomb exploded near the rear of the house.
'3tl;r,
Marshall Harry Rimbach said the explosive
was dynamite or black powder in small quantity.
"lid
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floodlights
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52 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949 'OXOFTir,

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j[f now
Dave Nelson Leases ST. LOUIS
McNair at St. Louis
ST, LOUIS—Dave Nelson, veteran theatre
manager, film salesman and branch manager
and In recent months executive manager for
Midcentral Allied Independent Theatre Owners,
has taken a ten-year lease on the 583-
seat McNair Theatre at 2869 McNair Ave.,
owned and operated for the past 20 years by
Walter A. Thimmig, who started his film
career in 1910 by opening the Gem in Marissa,
111. It is understood that Nelson wUl have
the option of buying the theatre outright at
the end of five years, or, if he so desires, he
can let the lease rmi for the full ten years
and then exercise another option to extend
the lease for an additional ten years. The
effective date of the deal, it is understood,
will be October 1.
Nelson started his career as a theatre manager
back in the days when the Skouras
brothers, Harry Koplar, Fred Wehrenberg
and Billy Goldman were the big figures in
the local exhibition field. Several years ago
he entered the distribution end of the business
as salesman for Republic. Later he was
sent by that company to Des Moines to manage
the branch there. He held that post for
about two years, when he returned to St.
Louis to become organizing manager for
Midcentral Allied. He will, of course, devote
his entire tim.e to the McNair Theatre.
During his career Thimmig has operated
theatres in Lenzburg, Marissa, New Athens,
Coulterville, Tilden, DuQuoin and Sparta, 111.,
and Salina, Kas. With his brother he also
operated the old Midway Theatre on the
site of the present 5,000-seat Fox Theatre.
Morton Gottlieb Equips
Car With Mobile Phone
ST. LOUIS—Morton S. Gottlieb, local
sales representative for Joe Homstein, Inc.,
has installed a mobOe phone unit in his
automobile and can be reached at any point
in the territory he travels, including Illinois,
Missouri and parts of Arkansas and Kentucky.
The unit comes in handy In moments
of difficulty too, as it is on a similar wave
band with the Illinois state police. On one
occasion, the salesman reports, he got lost
and was directed back to a main highway by
the state police station at DuQuoin, 111.
Funeral for Ivan H. Rouse
ST. LOUIS—The funeral of Ivan H. Rouse,
a projectionist for the Ivanhoe Theatre, was
held Saturday.
lyfildrcd Rauth, owner of the Ritz at Rolla,
. . George Wai-e, 20th-Fox
Mo., and booker-buyer for the R. E.
Carney Theatres, returned from a vacation
spent in Cuba .
salesman, was in New York attending a conference
of the bargaining committee of the
Colosseum . . . Kathi-yn Grayson and Mario
Lanza, Hollywood singing stars, were to make
personal appearances September 16 at Loew's
State Theatre here.
Hall Walsh, Warner district manager, was
in Des Moines . . . I. W. Rodgers, for many
years a motion picture exhibitor, was convalescing
after a recent operation at Cairo,
111. . . . Tonuny James and Paul Krueger of
St. Louis, and Tom Edward, Parmington,
Mo., are among exhibitors from this area at
the TOA convention in Los Angeles.
Dan Patch night was celebrated September
9 at the Fairmount Raceways in Madison
county, Illinois. The feature race honored
the great pacer, and the winner was given a
trophy contributed by Dennis O'Keefe, star
of the film . . . Missouri exhibitors in town
included Russell Armentrout, Louisiana, and
Ralph and Clifford Hough, Lebanon . .
.
Other visitors included Jimmy Frisina,
Springfield, and Joe Lyman, Whitehall, 111.
The St. Louis JVIunicipal Opera, which
closed its 1949 season September 5, broke aU
attendance records during its 31 years of operation,
with almost 900,000 spectators for the
87 performances given this year. Two performances
wei-e rained out . . . Petersburg,
111., health authorities have lifted the partial
quarantine which for two weeks barred children
under 16 from public gatherings, because
of the polio situation. The Salem Theatre
there is operated by Lloyd Pearson.
Loew's, Inc., and Paramount, in compliance
with a stipulation reached for defendant
Christ Zotos, have dismissed their federal
court suits against him in connection
with a dispute involving film rentals. The
cases were dismissed at the cost of the defendant.
Secret Service Warns
Of New Bogus Money
ST. LOUTS — Jackson N. Krill, agent in
charge of the Secret Service office here, has
warned local merchants, hotels, theatres,
banks, etc., to be on guard against bogus $10
and $20 bills that are being circulated here,
at Kansas City, Memphis and other midwestern
cities. The $20 bills are on the Federal
Reserve bank of St. Louis and bear the
face plate number of C43. The back plate
number is 592 and the serial number is
H95621073C. The color of the bills is lighter
than the legitimate one and the paper quality
is poor. The signature of W. A. Julian,
former treasurer of the United States, also is
irregular.
The $10 bills are on the Federal Reserve
bank of Richmond, Va., and were made by a
photoengraving process. All bear the serial
number in the upper right and lower left hand
corners. It is E269689959A. The check letter
and face plate number is F28. Hamilton's
face is not well executed. The quality of the
paper is good but it lacks red and blue silk
fibers through it.
St. Louis Earnings Levy
May Reach $8,000,000
ST. LOUIS—The city earmngs tax collections
for the fiscal year which ends next
April probably will reach $8,000,000 city controller
Milton Carpenter told the board of
estimate and apportionment. This is $500,-
000 more than was estimated by the most
optimistic supporters of the municipal income
tax law when it was being considered. The
city collected $2,803,575 from the tax from
April 12 to August 21. This did not include
any payment from those persons who report
on an annual basis, so the rate of collections
will be increased during the balance of the
fiscal year.
The state enabling act permitting the city
earnings tax expires next June but city officials
hope to have the law extended indefinitely.
A proposal advanced to the board
of freeholders, drawing up a new city charter,
would give the city the power to levy such a
tax without state permission.
Charter Real Estate Firm
ST. LOUIS—The Komm Realty & Investment
Co., the New Shenandoah Theatre
building, has been incorporated by H. Komm,
E. K. Jablonow and M. Komm, members of
the family of the late Sam Komm, head of the
mm
Use A F/LMACK
SPECIAL TRAILER
Komm circuit of theatres, with headquarters
in the New Shenandoah.
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$3.75 per 1,000, case lots of 4,000
$3.95 per 1.000, smaller lots
Have you seen a sample yet? They
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Pricelist of about 25 kinds of popcorn
bags and full line of popcorn supplies
and Star Popcorn machines and Food
Equipment upon request.
P R U N T Y
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Producers of famous "Rush Hour" Popcorn
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I
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
53

Larry Woodin Arranges
Own World Premiere
From Mideast Edition
WELLSBORO, PA,—An article in the August
20 issue of BOXOFPICE related how
Larry Woodin, manager
of the Arcadia
Theatre in Wellsboro,
Pa., developed his own
Film Festival to promote
the motion picture
industry and his
own boxoffice totals in
a four - week August
_ ^^^^
^i ^^^^H program. Accompany-
^H """H^^^^H ^'^S ''^^ article was a
^^^^j^^^^^^H photo erroneously des-
^y^^^^^^^^l ignated as that
Manager Woodin.
Larry Woodin Woodin's correct likeness
appears herewith.
Woodin reports another example of his
alertness that paid off well. In checking
his booking he noticed "Top O' the Morning"
was scheduled at the Aixadia on the same
date as the premiere in Connecticut, so got
the local band together, and with some other
civic cooperation, promoted the "world premiere"
of the film at Wellsboro, with resulting
lineups at the boxoffice. He reports his
August Anniversary month promotions added
up to the biggest month in the Arcadia's history.
Goetz Theatre Celebrates
18th Year in Monroe, Wis.
MONROE, WIS.—The Goetz Theatre celebrated
its 18tli anniversary for a week recently,
during which "The Great Dan Patch"
was featured with "Bad Boy." For part of the
week, the MGM short "Some of the Best"
was shown. It was booked also at the Chelet
Theatre. Both houses are owned by Mr. and
Mrs. Chester J. Goetz, Robert Goetz and
Nathan Goetz. The Goetz was built in 1931
and the Chelet was acquired in 1939.
'Joan' Demand Holds Up
From Midwest Edition
MINNEAPOLIS—If this territory Is a criterion,
the fears that have been expressed
that Ingrid Bergman's affair in Italy would
injure "Joan of Arc" at the boxoffice are
groundless. The picture, now being sold
again, is going bigger than it did before, according
to the reports reaching Filmrow.
Fort Branch Star Leased
FORT BRANCH, IND.—The Star Theatre
here has been leased from its owner, Mrs.
Barbara Gwaltney, by B. Bennett, owner of
theatres in Calhoun, Ky. Ralph Gentry of
Fort Branch has been named manager.
THEJsyrRE EQUIPMENT
442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS
fJIts. Hollis Bass, operator of the Ritz,
Owensville, has been called to the bed-
. . . Peggy Swing,
side of her mother in Enid, Okla., who is
critically ill . . . Mrs. Iva Moore, operator
of the Orpheum at Mitchel, has remodeled
her home . . . Meri Whallon is the new secretary
to Jack Dowd, manager at Republic,
succeeding Elaine Van Splinter . . . Jane
Lyons, assistant booker at Republic, was vacationing
EL managers
secretary, has resigned to join the Affiliated
booking staff. Affiliated's Dorothy Robison
has left for the west coast to live.
Gus Heinrich, office manager at Columbia,
reports his brother Fred Heinrich died
September 2 in Miami after a lingering illness
. . . Mrs. Elnor Roth, booker at RKO,
and Joan Chapman, stenographer, are vacationing
. . . Carl Miller, salesman at Midwest
Theatre Supply, is vacationing at home . . .
Harry Hayes, salesman at UA, is in Kansas
City, visiting relatives.
R. S. Weilert of the Ritz, Alexandria, is a
hay fever sufferer . . . Exhibitors on Filmrow:
Floyd Morrow of the drive-in at Shively, Ky.;
John Micu, Indiana and State, Fort Wayne;
Al Borkenstein, Wells, Fort Wayne; William
Studebaker, Logan, Logansport; Harry Van
Noy, Middletown; Walter Weil, Greenfield;
William Handley, Rembusch circuit, Franklin.
Sam Abrams, FC manager, announces first
run pictures booked for the week of Septem-
included "Not Wanted," and "Daugh-
ber 7,
ter of the West" in the Strand at Louisville,
and "C-Man" at the Rialto, "Lost Boundaries"
at the Scoop and "State Department,
File 649" in the National.
. .
The personnel at Warners is very enthusiastic
over the first week standing in the
All-star drive. Reports indicate the local
exchange exceeded the first week's quota .
Joe Million, operator of the East Side Auto
Theatre here, reports his attendance far beyond
expectations.
Theatre Games Crackdown
Promised at Marion, Ind.
INDIANAPOLIS—Grant County Sheriff
Vaughn Treber is preparing to crack down
on Marion theatres, vhich he alleges are operating
lotteries. Treber says he intends to
move against the theatres in Marion, although
at a conference in the attorney general's
office he failed to get a "clear-cut
opinion" as to whether or not the games are
illegal. However, he said, a deputy attorney
general indicated to him the theatre games
—screeno, wahoo, extra and bingo—are illegal.
If and when there is a crackdown at
Marion it might have a statewide effect,
since scores of other theatres sponsor similar
games as a customer drawing card. Deputies
for Ti-eber have been taking names of
the game winners for several weeks in the
event they have to be subpenaed. However,
before the crackdown becomes effective, theatre
managements will be warned and arrests
will be made if they refuse to stop the
games.
E. J. Alfery Sells Theatres
HANCOCK, WIS.—E. J. Alfery has sold
his theatres at Hancock and Plainfield to
Carl Willihngany of Ripon, Wis. The new
owner took possession September 1.
Rob Fort Wayne Auditorium
FORT WAYNE, IND.—Thieves cracked the
safe in the Quimby auditorium boxoffice recently
and escaped with $650. The safecrackers
had hidden in the auditorium until
after the show. The safe was opened by
punching in the combination, probably with
the aid of a heavy hammer or a sledge.
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54
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

. . Danny
. . The
. . Sam
»
Child Labor Violations
In Theatres, Drive-Ins
INDIANAPOLIS—Child labor laws in Indiana
are "virtually impossible" to enforce,
because of an undermanned state staff and
a lack of cooperation with police officials in '
various cities, according to Mrs. Rose Schaffner,
director of the labor department bui-eau
of women and children. The bureau said
that approximately 10,000 childi-en between
the ages of 14 and 18 are working legally under
state permits, but several times this number
are employed illegally.
The most common violations are drive-ins,
restaurants, theatres, bowling alleys and drug
stores. Mrs. Schaffner said the most common
violations are of employers permitting
minors to work later than 7 p. m., persons
hiring minors without requiring working permits
and employers failing to requu'e proof
of age from doubtful job applicants.
Mrs. Schaffner's bureau has only two inspectors,
one in Indianapolis and the other
in Kokomo, who check on reported violations.
She said it would take a staff as large as the
state police force to enforce the state law.
The bureau has time only to check on places
where complaints have been made formally,
and makes no routine inspections of businesses
and industries where children are employed.
Alexandria, Ind„ Theatre
Faces Additional Delay
ALEXANDRIA, IND. — Construction of
a
theatre in the 400 block on North HaiTison
street by R. S. and Hope Weilert, halted in
mid-July by a temporary injunction granted
to the city, was further delayed when Judge
Offutt of the Hancock county circuit court
continued the writ till the October term
which opens November 14.
The case was transferred from Madison
county, in which Alexandria is situated, on a
change of venue. The city requests that the
temporary writ be made permanent, alleging
that the lot line of the theatre site extends
approximately three feet into the alley
at the rear. The city also asks $500 damages
and costs of the legal action.
Another temporary injunction issued
against the Weilerts in July, based on a city
zoning ordinance, has been dissolved in the
Henry county circuit court.
Judge Offcutt ruled that his court could
render no final decision because it was technically
on vacation, but decided that arguments
and briefs could be presented again.
Films Council Fashion Show
CHICAGO — Mrs. Lloyd S. Van Schoyck,
president of the Better Films Council of
Chicagoland, said her organization plans a
fall fashion festival for its members and
guests along with a preview and tea, Wednesday
(21) at 1 p. m. at the Surf Theatre.
The fashion show wiU be under the direction
of Virginia McMillian of Oak Park.
Members of the council will model. Mrs.
James Carr is social chairman.
Drive-In Petition Granted
HUNTINGTON, IND.—The board of public
works has granted a petition to vacate certain
streets and alleys in the Modern Home
annex in the extreme northeastern part of
the city where a drive-in is to be constructed.
Eighty-five property owners protested the
ground is needed for city expansion.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
CHICAGO
Wacation^ are over. Everybody is back on
the job. Chicago's Filmrow put on full
steam with drives at all exchanges and publicity
men working overtime to spark new
product at first run houses. At midweek
nearly half-a-million youngsters returned to
school and matinee business dipped, mostly
at outlying houses. The Railroad fair has
about two more weeks to go. Over 2,000,000
have attended the fair, which brought in
thousands of out-of-towners upping attendance
at all Loop theatres.
Vaudeville has returned to the Palace of
the LubUner & Booth circuit in Cicero, featuring
five big time acts every Saturday and
Sunday, plus a film direct from a two-week
run in the Loop. Other outlying houses are
planning stage shows, discovery contests and
giveaways and other stimts to spark business
. . . Variety Club members were saddened by
the death of Philip Simon, 67 . . . "One
Woman's Story," U-I's latest J. Arthur Rank
release, bowed in very strong at the Surf
Theatre.
now located in
Clyde Elliott Attractions is
new offices at 900 South Wabash Ave. . . .
Leo Pillot, former Publix Theatres publicist
and New York exploiteer, was in town with
Sid Caesar, whom he now manages. He covered
the town from the Railroad fair to the
Maywood park harness races all in a day.
Jo Stafford day will be observed at the Railroad
fair September 21 as part of the publicity
program Seguin has set up for her
Chicago Theatre appearance September 23.
. . . Saul
The Sun-Times columnist is back at his
desk after a four-week vacation absence
Herald-American scribe Nate Gross has
. . .
also returned after an extended European
jaunt . . . Chebby Hahasiak, NSS poster
clerk, is the father of a son born September
Goldman,
5 and named Chubby
Variety Pictures, went to Bloomington to enroll
his daughter Elaine in Indiana university,
his alma mater.
WORK FOR CHEST — Heading
the
amusements and recreation division of
the Community Chest drive in Chicago
are, left to right: John Balaban of B&K
and Harris Silverberg of National Screen
Service, co-chairmen; Chaleton Blunt,
chairman of the citywide campaign, and
W. K. Hollander, amusement group
chairman.
Judith Koral, Monogram office manager,
will become the bride of Sidney Mesirow
September 25 at the Belden Stratford hotel
. . . Irving Mandel, head of Monogram and
Variety chief barker, left on a motor trip
throughout the south .
Kaplan, manager
of local Dezel offices, has returned from
a Miami vacation . . . Dick Sachsel came in
from Florida to say hello to pals at Variety
Club . Kaye will do a week's stage
stand at the Chicago Theatre October 7, with
"Father Was a Fullback" on the screen.
Marie "Irma" Wilson will put in a day here
September 22 to help publicize "My Friend
Irma," opening the following day at the
Chicago . Variety Club is planning a
gala Mask-O-Ween carnival for Halloween
night . . . Albert J. Hirsch, Miami Variety
member, came in town with books of sweepstake
tickets for the Widener races at Hialeah
park February 10. The proceeds from
the sale of the tickets will go to Variety's
pet charity in Miami, the Children's hospital.
Faith Bacon was a visitor at Variety Club
with her husband James Buchanan. She
chatted with Moe Wells, Morrie Salkin and
Ralph Kettering about the days when she was
a Ziegfeld chorine, and later a fan dancer.
She recalls appearing at the Chicago Century
of Progress fair with Tyrone Power, Arthur
Lake, Grant Withers and many others. Her
salary then was more than the combined pay
of Power, Withers and Lake ... Dr. Herbert
Kalmus, president and general manager of
Technicolor, Inc., and his bride stopped en
route to New York.
. . .
. . . Gov.
. . .
Harold Wirthwein, western division sales
manager for Monogram, returned to his Los
Angeles headquarters after a meeting here
Plans to organize an Illinois drive-in organization
are being discussed
Adlai Stevenson signed a night racing bill
which means more competition for theatres
here The theatre and amusement division
under Irving Mack has raised $268,371
for the United Jewish Welfare drive here.
Eddie GUmartin has been appointed assistant
manager of the B&K Tivoli . . . Pete
Pisano, assistant at Warners Capitol, broke
his leg while on a fishing trip and is hospitalized
at Joliet . . . S. J. Gregory, vice-president
and Pete Panagos, promotion manager
of Alliance circuit, have returned by plane
from a tour of their Washington state theatres
. . . Dick Galvin has been named assistant
at the Capitol Theatre, Bill Dart assistant
at the Avalon, Harry Chronos assistant
at the Highland and Tom Greenan, assistant
at the Shore Theatre, all of Warner
circuit . . . It's a boy for
Henrotin hospital. Hal is
the Hal Tates at
WAIT announcer
. .
Fred Mathew of Motiograph has returned
to local headquarters after a business
trip in western territory . . Ernest Goldberg
.
is back on the job after a short stay at the
W. C.
Norwegian American hospital . . .
Fields oldies, "The Bank Dick," and "My Little
Chickadee," which ran four weeks at the
World, are filling seats in a big way at the
Cinema . "How Much Do You Owe?" is
being shown at the United Artists Theatre.
It was released Thursday (15) to all first run
theatres and eventually will be shown in 18,-
000 throughout the country.
55
i

'
Tom Sawyer, Formerly the Orpheum,
Opened in Hannibal by Frisina
HANNIBAL, MO. — The Tom Sawyer, a
1.400-seater formerly known as the Orpheum,
was formally opened by the Frisina circuit
Wednesday evening (14).
The theatre, one of the finest in this section
of the country, was kept open during a
remodeling and modernization program that
cost upwards of $50,000. In addition to structural
changes, includmg a new marquee, front
and electric signs, the improvement program
involved new equipment.
Many out-of-town visitors were scheduled
to participate in ceremonies, including top
officials or the Frisina Amusement Co. of
Springfield, 111., which controls the Tom
Sawyer and the 750-seat Star here.
The name of the theatre was changed to
Tom Sawyer because of the local traditions
associated with that hero created by the
Mark Twain.
Widened Drive-In Entrance Asked
FOND DU LAC, WIS.—Samuel G. Coates,
owner of the new drive-in here, has asked
county commissioners for authority to cut a
60-foot wide entrance to parking places from
North Main street boulevard so that a more
direct entrance can be made from the main
thoroughfare. He has requested that the city
do the work for which he will pay. Commissioners
took the matter under advisement.
Coates, Feme Coates and Loula Beckman
have formed a new corporation, known as the
Lake Park Outdoor, Inc., to operate the drivein.
A capital of 100 shares of common stock
SIGNS
MARQUEES
^ATTRACTION
BOARDS
W/?/T€ Off m/f£
at no par value was authorized,
capital will be $10,000.
Minimum
To Build 700-Car Drive-In
Near Lake Geneva, Wis.
LAKE GENEVA, WIS.—A 700-car drive-in
theatre is to be built by Standard Theatres,
Inc., on a 15-acre site recently acquired by
the company near here. Construction will be
started early next spring, and the drive-in
is expected to be ready for opening by Memorial
day. Features of the new drive-in,
which will be about six miles from here, will
include a playground and pony rides for children.
A 50-foot screen tower will be erected.
A name for the drive-in has not yet been
selected, according to L. F. Gran, manager
of Standard Theatres, Inc.
Start Flora, 111., Theatre
FLORA, ILL.—J. E. Spalding of the Flora
Amusement Co. has awarded contracts for
the construction of a brick, concrete and steel
900-seat theati'e building on the south side
of East North avenue. The contractor, Norman
Bryden of Flora, has started razing of
the old buildings now on the site. The new
building also will contain two office spaces,
on either side of the theatre lobby. The front
of the building is to be glazed tile.
Spalding now owns the 900-seat Florine and
360-seat Roxy here.
Clarksville, Ind., Drive-In Open Soon
JEFFERSONVILLE, IND.—A $75,000 drivein
being constructed in Clarksville on the
road to New Albany was nearing completion
for a September opening. Work was started
late m July by the Clarksville Drive-In Co.,
composed of Theodore J. Atkins, Clarksville,
and Gilbert Bowling and John L. Bell, Louisville.
Beckemeyer, Dl., Theatre Open
BECKEMEYER, ILL.—The 250-seat Clinton
owned by Deaae DuComb, reopened recently
after being closed several w«eks due
to a license dispute with city officials. While
closed the theatre was redecorated and the
sweet shop was enlarged. The theatre will
operate four nights a week, Friday, Saturday.
Sunday and Monday,
The Jensens had operated the hou.se for 32
years before it burned down.
Renovate Urbana Princess
URBANA, ILL.—The Princess Theatre here
was reopened recently with a completely remodeled
front and interior redecoration.
Center-Brook Under Way
MARTINSVILLE, IND.—The new 500-car
Center-Brook Drive-In is under way for the
Center-Brook Drive-In Theatre, Inc. The
theatre is on Road 67 and will cost $75,000.
To Open at Camdenton
CAMDENTON, MO —A 150-car drive-in being
constructed on Route 5 adjacent to the
high school by E. E. Hopkins of Lebanon,
Mo., was scheduled tc open on Saturday (1).
'Perfect Woman' Contest
Conducted by Tom Pacey
WINNIPEG—Tom Pacey, Odeon manager,
is running a letter contest in conjunction
with the Odeon's current showing of the
British picture, "The Perfect Woman."
First contest of its kind here in years,
Pacey's invites married men to write him an
open letter saying why they think they are
married to the perfect woman. Through
numerous tieups, Pacey is able to offer the
prize-winning letter a pair of ladies' shoes,
a bouquet of flowers, a permanent wave,
blouse and skirt ensemble, a photograph,
dinner for two at the Marlborough hotel and
tickets to the Odeon.
Pacey received mention in BOXOFFIC^
last year for a campaign he staged in connection
with the Odeon's showing of "The
October Man."
Show Indian Program
TORONTO—The Famous Players'
University
here screened an Indian film program
consisting of "Chhota^Bhai," by the Indian
novehst, Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, and three
short subjects before a large gathering of
invited guests September 11.
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ior Over a
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Plan Two Illinois Drive-Ins
LINCOLN, ILL.—Steve Bennis, theatre operator
at Lincoln and Freeport, 111., and Gus
Constan, operator at Decatur and Danville,
will build new drive-ins here and in Freeport.
Both situations will accommodate 400
cars with a hold-back area of 200 to 300 cars
to be added later.
'(rsity
Hewb: -
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PRICES
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EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE
Personalized Service
St. Louis Theatre Supply Company
Aicb Hosier
3310 Olive Street. St. Louis 3, Mo.
Telephone JEflerson 7974
Flora, Dl., Drive-In Opens
FLORA, ILL.—The 500-car Flora Drive-In
of Jones, Inc., headed by Harry Jones, Lawrenceville,
opened recently and has been doing
nice business. Jones and his associates
also own other drive-ins at Gordon Junction
near Robinson, 111., and in Indiana.
Jensens to Rebuild Theatre
CLAY CITY, IND.—Mr. and Mrs. Bud Jensen
plan to reconstruct their Photoplay Theatre
which was recently destroyed by fire.
HE TAKES THE CAKE!—Irving Mack
of the Filmack Trailer Co., Chicago, celebrates
his 54th birthday and receives
greetings from Variety Chief Barker Irving
Mandel and Jack Kirsch, Allied Theatres
head, at the Variety clubrooms in
Chicago.
Duniageli...
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56
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

,
•
j',
Kerasotes Acquires
Chillicothe Building
CHILLICOTHE, ILL.—Sale of the Palace
Theatre building to Kerasotes Bros., Springfield,
by Prank J. Rolan was completed with
the filing of the transaction in the recorder's
office at the courthouse. The price was not
disclosed. Rolan has owned the building for
many years, leasing it to the Kerasotes, operators
of the Palace ever since he went out
of the theatre operating business himself.
The Kerasotes have not announced their
plans as to future operation of the Palace
after the completion of theii' new theatre,
which Is being reconstructed in the old Sim.-
set Theatre building on the west side of
North Second street.
William Galligan Takes
Over Glen Ellyn Theatre
GLEN ELLYN, ILL.—Sixteen years to
the
day after they opened the Glen Theatre here
on Sept. 3. 1933, Elwyn Seymo"ur and wife
turned over operation to William D. Galligan
& Associates of Chicago, who recently
purchased the hou.se.
Seymour, who has been in poor health the
Ijst six years, will retire to his home on
Portage lake near Onekama, Mich.
Galligan has been associated with the Balaban
& Katz circuit in Chicago the last 20
years. With the exception of the war years
he managed the E.squire since its opening in
1938. He was instrumental in planning and
construction of that theatre, long considered
as most representative of the modem motion
picture theatre.
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Chandlerville Theatre
Has New Glass Front
CHANDLERVILLE, ILL.—Mrs. R. L. Kennedy,
who has owned and operated the 240-
seat Chandlerville Theatre here since 1946,
recently completed extensive improvements.
Structural glass now covers the front. New
carpeting has been laid and a concession bar
installed in the lobby. Nu-Wood finishes
the lobby ceiling and also the walls above the
wainscoting. A striking color scheme of maroon
and paprika mtet the eye as one enters
the lobby.
L. B. Hettinger Manages Drive-In
LOVINGTON, ILL.—The drive-in located
on the L. B. Hettinger farm west of this city,
now is operating under the management of
Hettinger, who has taken the place of George
Carroll in the theatre organization. Heck
Randol continues as the projectionist. The
drive-in now operates on Saturday, Sunday
and Monday nights until further notice.
Reopen Fairfield Uptown
FAIRFIELD, ILL.—The 430-seat Uptown
Theatre, which was closed for the summer,
was to reopen Sunday (11 >. Bob Johnson,
manager of the house, says it will operate
every night in the week except Tuesdays.
Art Policy for Von-Lee
BLOOMINGTON, IND.—Arthur Clark of
the Vonderschmitt circuit will reopen the
Von-Lee Theatre here with an art policy this
month after students enroll at Indiana university.
EARLY SHOWMAN—I. Walter Rodgers,
who began his career in 1893 at the
age of 18, is shown in the accompanying
picture with his wife in front of their
home at Cairo, 111. Operator of a motion
picture theatre for several years, he was
the first president of the St. Louis MPTO.
A son Carson now is president of Rodgers
Theatres, Inc., with a circuit of 18
houses.
$75,000 Drive-In for Carmi
CARMI, ILL.—Construction is to begin
immediately on a $75,000 drive-in on U.S.
460 about one mile east of the city limits. A
corporation to own and operate the theatre
is being formed by Herbert W. Newcomb of
Carmi. S. R. Stanley of Crossville and Bertis
B. Wilkins of Enfield. 111. The ten-acre
site will provide space for 500 cars. The
owners hope to have it ready for opening
early next spring.
'Joe Young' in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—A feature of a campaign
by Orpheum Manager M. E. Berman
was the appearance on streets of the traveling
"Mighty Joe Young" display. Mayor Harry
Eielson posed for a photograph as he shook
hands with the mighty gorilla on the truck.
Buy Oquawka, 111.,
State
OQUAWKA. ILL.—George P. Thye and his
wife, who early in May sold the Strand Theatre
(now the Mark Twain) in Perry, Mo., to
C. R. Paisley, have purchased the State here
from Mr. and Mi-s. George Richardson. Since
selling the house in Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Thye
have been residing in Burlington, Iowa.
John Greenmore Shifted
SHELBYVILLE, ILL.—John Greenmore of
Springfield has been named manager of the
Roxy here by the Frisina circuit, succeeding
James Fenoglio. who recently purchased the
Aida Theatre in Oglesby, 111. Martin Holeman,
former owner of the Aida. has purchased
a theatre in Fort t)odge. Iowa.
O. R. Sebring Visits Peru, 111.
PERU, IND.—O. R. Sebring, former manager
of the Webb, Isis
and Wallace theatres,
was a visitor during the city's centennial celebration.
New Installations Complete
INDIANAPOLIS — The Midwest Theatre
Supply Co., distributors of RCA equipment,
has installed new Brenkert projectors, magazine
bases and lamps in the Indiana Theatre
here.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
Damage Rochelle, 111., Screen
ROCHELLE, ILL.—Manager William Kassul
of the Hub Theatre reported vandals
broke into his theatre recently and slashed
three holes in the screen. The damage was
estimated at $500.
Fort Wayne Palace Cuts Price
FORT WAYNE—The Palace is
advertising
new low prices, with adults 30 cents from 1
to 6 p. m., Monday through Friday, and 50
cents on Saturday, Sunday and evenings.
Children Ere 16 cents at all times.
IBOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
i

Tell . . and Sell
Scores of busy little messages
go out every week to over 23,000
subscribers —and they get a tremendous
response!
Every exhibitor is
busy— buying,
selling, renting, hiring. All this is
made easier
and more profitable
with the classified ads in Clearing
House each week.
^
READ • USE • PROFIT BY—
Classified Ads
in
BOXOFFICE
Cost very little . . . easy to write . . . easy to read . . . pay big
dividends ... 10c per word per issue.
Four Insertions /or Price of Three
58 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
•0«Of^CE
\

Vaudeville Ups Gross
To 175 at Twin City
MINNEAPOLIS—The Orpheum again went
to town with vaudeville plus "Roughshod"
on the screen. It was the second vaudeville
unit to play the house and did as well as the
first. The only newcomers were "Calamity
Jane and Sam Bass" and "My Brother Jonathan,"
both of which came through satisfactorily.
There were plenty of holdovers. It
was the second week for "Top O' the Morning,"
"Home of the Brave" and "Mighty Joe
Young," all good boxoffice performers.
(Average is 100)
Aster Hangover Square (2Qth-Fox); The Lodger
(20th-Fox), reissues 90
Gopher Special Agent (Para): Kazan (Col) 95
Lyric—Home ol the Brave (UA), 2nd wk 110
Orpheum Roughshod (RKO), plus vaudeville 175
Pan—Mighty Joe Young (RKO), 2nd wit 100
Pix—Wuthering Heights (FC), reissue ..^ 100
Radio City—Top O' the Morning (Para), 2nd wk....l25
Slate—Calamity Jane and Sam Bass (U-I) 100
World—My Brother Jonathan (Mono) 100
Video, Drive-Ins, Taxes
Up at KMTA Conclave
";%>'-f
'Not Wanted' Hits 130
To Top Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—Ti-ade at first runs here
continued at a brisk pace. "Not Wanted," day
and date with "C-Man" at the downtown
Esquire and the outlying Apollo, chalked up
a rugged 130 per cent to pace newcomers to
local screens. In a second stanza at the Paramount,
"Top O' the Morning" continued to
show strength with a rating of 125 per cent
and was held for a third round. "The Red
Shoes" went into a 21st week of its recordbreaking
run at the Kimo.
Esquire, ApoUo—Not Wanted (FC), C-Mon (FC)....130
Kimo—The Red Shoes (EL), 21sl wk 145
Midland—The Doolins ol Oklahoma (Col); The
Secret Garden (MGM) 100
Paramount Top C the Morning (Para), 2nd wk 125
RKO Missouri—The Big Steal (RKO); An Old-
Fashioned Girl (EL) 105
Roxy—My Little Chickadee (U-1); The Bank Dick
((J-l), reissues S5
Tower, Uptown, Fairway Abbott & Costello Meet
the Killer (U-I) 75
'Morning' Chalks Up 160
To Lead Trade in Omaha
OMAHA — "Top O' the Morning" easily
topped the boxoffice parade here. Crosby pictures
always prove to be the magnet of the
year for local patrons. "White Heat" and
"Kazan" at the RKO Brandeis Theatre drew
heavily, but other first runs did not fare so
well. The holiday weekend was a help generally.
Omaha—It's a Great Feeling (WB), 2nd d. t. wk;
Rose ol the Yukon (Rep) 90
Orpheum Top O' the Morning (Para) 160
Paramount Scene oi the Crime (MGM) 85
RKO Brandeis—White Heat (WB); Kazan (Col)....135
State—In the Good Old Summertime (MGM), 2nd
wk 95
Town Nighttime in Nevada (Rep); Design ior
Death (RKO); split with Strike It Rich (Mono);
Manhattan Angel (Col); Ranger and the Lady
(Col) 115
Twin City Parley Slated
On Twin Bill Trouble
MINNEAPOLIS—President Bennie Berger
of North Central Alhed will call Minneapolis
members together soon to try to get
them to reach an agreement to curb double
featuring, now on the increase. With A
pictures being used on the twin biUs, for
the first time, Berger says it's "an alarming
situation." Exhibitors using the A pictures
on the dual bills claim they're driven to the
policy by the fact that competitors are getting
earlier clearance.
MARIE WILSON
KANSAS CITY—With television, drive-ins,
public relations, concessions and court opinions
among the subjects to be discussed during
the various business sessions, and reports by
TOA officials of proceedings at the recent
national conclave at Los Angeles among other
features, the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n
will hold its 31st annual convention Tuesday
and Wednesday (20, 21 1 at the Muehlebach
hotel here.
Other subjects will include national, state
and local taxation, applied showmanship, new
product to be released during the 1949-50
season, exploitation and advertising, according
to Senn Lawler, general chairman. Elmer
Bills, Salisbury, Mo., KMTA president, will
be the presiding officer at the various business
sessions, and all members will be asked
to participate in discussions.
National TOA officials expected to be present
at the convention, including several new
officers elected at the national conclave last
Monday (12), wiU include Herman Levy, general
counsel, and Gael Sullivan, executive
director. Several members of the national
executive committee, returning from the Los
Angeles gathering, also are expected to be
present.
Preceding the two-day convention, the
third annual film golf tournament will be
held at the Santa Fe Country club. The
tourney wHl begin at 1:30 p. m., and prizes
will be awarded at a buffet supper at 6:30
p. m. Preparations for the tournament are
being supervised by a committee which includes
Robert Shelton, Martin Stone, Tom
Baldwin and Ralph Morrow sr.
Marie Wilson, who is starred in the Paramount
production, "My Friend Irma," will
arrive early Tuesday to be a guest at the
initial luncheon. She will be given a special
award of the Columbia Broadcasting system
by Karl R. Koerper, executive director of
radio station KMBC here, during the luncheon.
The speaker at the banquet Wednesday
night climaxing the two-day convention will
be Joseph I. Breen. vice-president of the
JOSEPH I. BREEN
MPA and of the Production Code Administration.
An RCA tape recorder given by
L. J. Kimbriel of the Missouri Theatre Supply
Co. win be awarded as an attendance
prize during the banquet.
Attendance at the 1949 KMTA convention,
according to an estimate based on advance
registrations, was expected by officials of the
two-state organization to exceed that at its
earlier gatherings here. The convention committee
headed by Lawler includes R. R.
Biechele, Robert Shelton and George Baker.
All convention activities will be centered
at the Muehlebach hotel, and the official program
arranged by Lawler and BiUs will be
as follows:
TUESDAY
10:00 a. m.—Registration, mezzanine desk.
12:15 p.m.—Luncheon, Trianon room, with
Marie Wilson, "My Friend Irma,"
as special guest.
1:30 p.m.—Business session.
5:30 p.m.—Cocktail party, ballroom, given by
Alexander Film Co., Exliibitors
Film Deliver}', L&L Popcorn Co.,
Manley, Inc., Paramount Theatre
and Shreve Supply Co.
8:00 p.m.—Screening, "Jolson Sings Again,"
courtesy of Columbia Pictures at
Paramount and 20th-Fox projection
rooms.
WEDNESDAY
10:00 a.m.—Business session.
12:15 p.m.—Luncheon, grill.
1:30 p.m.—Business session.
7 :00 p. m.—Banquet, ballroom.
Cutout of 'Mighty Joe'
OMAHA—When Larry Caplain, manager of
the Brandeis, showed "Mighty Joe Young,"
he carved out a giant-sized ape cutout to
stand in the lobby. One arm of the ape extended
out in such a fashion that any young
woman could be held about the waist. Caplain
offered to take a picture free of any
girl who wanted to accept the hospitality.
»ra*
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949 MW 59

.
To
. . Filmrow
. . Steven
. . Roberta
. . Mrs.
DES MOINES
. . . Enos
JS rthnr Greenblatt, sales manager for Screen
Guild, was a visitor . . . Paul Webster, Republic
manager, spent three days in Chicago
attending a sales meeting
Manfredini and Lois Weiland. EL; Zora Fini,
Monogram, and Helen Clarke, Republic, gave
Joanne Hoffman, Republic, a dinner party
prior to her leaving for the University of
Iowa.
. . .
Filmrowers were anxiously awaiting reports
on the condition of Metro biller Irma White's
two sons who are hospitalized at Iowa Lutheran
hospital here with polio. At this writing
they were coming along fine . . . Jackie
Barclay, Paramount, was on vacation
Don Hicks, Paramount branch manager, attended
a Chicago meeting.
Elaborate plans were made for a personal
appearance in Des Moines of Corinne Calvet
and John Bromfield on September 19. Jim
Castle, Paramount exploiteer, made a couple
of trips to arrange luncheon and dinner
meetings, radio interviews, etc. The promotion
is publicity for "Rope of Sand." Miss
Calvet will be hostess to French war brides
at the noon luncheon . Lee Harris, Monogram,
. .
and Helen Knop, Warners, spent the
weekend with Helen's folks in Rockwell City
'
.r Uj ' '
i iTr c
TO ANNOUNCE ?
UseA F/LMACK^
SPECIAL TRAILERSI
F I
Help Put It Across
L M A C K
CHICAGO 1327 S. Wabash Ave.
NEW YORK 619 West 54»h. St.
JUST FOR YOU
. . . C. A. Bedford, owner of the Molo Theatre
in Moulton, has been named superintendent
of schools at Udell. He formerly was
principal of the school.
Max Godlove, exhibitor at Milo, has bought
additional farm land to help keep him busy
. . . W. J. Whaley, Deep River, was on the
Row . . . Max Rosenblatt, RKO manager,
held an office screening of "Roseanna Mc-
Coy" at the Paramount screening room.
A clever publicity stunt for "So Dear co
My Heart" was used by Mrs. Pauline Hill
of the State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. She
mailed valentines to children in her community
and advertised the forthcoming film
with a written invitation to the theatre on
the back . employes are not too
happy about the new parking meters which
hne High street, making it necessary to pay
for parking in front of the exchanges during
working hours . Chapman, Warners,
is vacationing at Spirit Lake.
.
V. L. Mauro, auditor, was at Warners . . .
Earl Kerr was here from Colorado to book
. . . Barbara Bumgarner, U-I secretary, was
vacationing Ward has been
transferred from the Washington Universal
branch to the exchange here to handle the
booking. With his wife and two children,
he is living at the Brown hotel and searching
for a home!
First Night Party Slated
For Allied States Parley
MINNEAPOLIS—Exhibitors who attend
the national Allied convention here next
month won't want for entertainment. S. D.
Kane, North Central Allied executive counsel,
said a big night club party will be staged
the first night. On the second night the
American Seating Co. and National Theatre
Supply wiU be joint hosts at a cocktail party.
Manny Brown Appointed
OMAHA—Manny Brown, formerly with
Paramount at Buffalo, is the new Film Classics
manager here.
He succeeds Sol Reif.
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OMAHA
T McKechneay, Tri-States Theatres treasurer
from Des Moines, was to arrive here,
then go on to Grand Island for several days
with District Manager Bill Miskell . . . Bill
Wink, Warners salesman, is a Colisseum representative
in new contract negotiations.
.
. .
Howard Kennedy, Broken Bow exhibitor,
attended the Theatre Owners of America
convention Margaret Smith, U-I
secretary, vacationed in the eastern states
and Canada . Jack Andrews, Paramount
salesman, went to Canada over Labor day.
Walter Austin, Plainview exhibitor, went
fishing in Minnesota . . . Bill Nedley, MGM
booker, went dove hunting and bagged a crow.
Only at the office did he have to eat it . . .
Ruth Moberg, United Artists cashier, is vacationing
Don McLucas, United Artists
. . . manager, entered St. Joseph's hospital for
Hymie Novitsky, 20th-
blood transfusions . . .
Fox salesman, was out with a severe cold
Hazel McLaughlin is a new inspector at
. . .
United Artists, replacing Dorothy Reiner, who
resigned.
Joe Smith, former film salesman here who
recently sold his theatre at Laurens, Iowa,
stopped off for several days in Omaha en
route to a Las Vegas, Nev., vacation . . .
Max Meyers, Columbia home office representative
from New York, was in town . . .
Dorothy Weaver, 20th-Fox bookkeeper, is vacationing
. . . Lois Brown, picture report
girl at Paramount, was married to Jim Rush
of Omaha.
Mrs. Georgia Rasley, O'Neill exhibitor, has
been ill. She is the mother of Warren Hall,
Betty Keaslin, Warners
Burwell exhibitor . . .
contract clerk, is vacationing in Minnesota
. . Visitors on Filmrow included Ralph Martin,
Moorehead, and Mr. and Mrs. Omar Nel-
.
son, Soldier, Iowa; iaura Moorehead and
Earl Barclay, Stromsburg; Frank Cook, David
City; Harold Schnoonover, Aurora; W. G.
Horstman, Odebolt, lowa; Bob Kruger, Uptown,
Sioux City; Olie Schneider, Osceola;
Elmer Wulf, Kingsley, Iowa; Arnold Miererdiers,
Pender; H. O. Qualsett, Tekameh; Phil
Lannon, West Point; Spec Nelson, Utica, and
Paul Plummer and Jeannette Shoeneman,
Wahoo.
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60 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

Melvin B. Halvorson Now
Owns Peru, Neb., Theatre
PERU, NEB.—Melvin B. Halvorson, formerly
of Bagley, Minn., and wife have moved
here and taken over the Peru Theatre, which
they purchased early in August from Robert
Kempkes, who entered Peru State college here
to complete a teaching course.
Happy New Movie Year Proclaimed
By Pioneer Theatres in Iowa
MINNEAPOLIS—Pioneer Theatres, a circuit
in Iowa headed by Harold Field, with and some of the local managers found it
with the theatre. Bumper strips were used
Halvorson became the owner of the Peru
Theatre as a result of a trip he and his wife head offices here,
rather simple to get them on cars in the
made with their son-in-law Paul Clark Maxwell
from Bagley to Peru around August 1.
launched a ten-city
drive-ins.
fall Happy New Movie
On September 3, a Saturday, all Pioneer
They decided they would like to live here
Theatres offered a special midnight "New
Year campaign with a
and learned of the desire of Kempkes to dispose
of the theatre in order to pursue his
and horns distributed to patrons. Special
Year show," with noisemakers, balloons, hats
broad special campaign.
college work. As a result the Halvorsons purchased
the Peru after arranging with Martin teaser-type 14x22 and
Year's policy and the other with special clips
Hundreds of
trailers were used, one denoting the New
Heuer for a long-term lease on the building. 12x18 window cards
advertising the special midnight show.
They took over September 1 after settling were distributed to
The promotion's main purpose is to acquaint
the public with the fact that the 1950
their affairs in Bagley.
stores and placed in all
strategic spots. The
film product is coming to it four months
cards carried the line,
early, Field explained at his headquarters
Sues Theatre Over Fall
"1950 Starts With September."
Each local
Pioneer Theatres also set up a special
here.
WARRENSBURG, MO.—A motion picture
advertising poster pasted and shellacked on chamber of commerce Harold Field queen contest in its ten situations. Each
the sidewalk in front of the Star Theatre was asked to have the cards distributed so local high school football homecoming queen
here is blamed for a fall over which Flora as partly to disguise the fact that it's a will be presented a loving cup by the local
Maxwell has sued Commonwealth Theatres theatre promotion.
theatre and be taken to an outstanding
and George Wilhoite, Star manager. She asks This teaser campaign resulted in a number
of front page newspaper stories in variferent
and novel campaign also is planned
college game during the season. Another dif-
$20,000 damages for Injuries she charges she
received when the poster slipped as she
ous situations. During the campaign's second for November.
stepped on it.
week new cards were distributed with copy, Edward C. "Bud" Benjamin, former Warner
Bros, exploiteer here, handled the as-
"1950 Starts With September, a Happy New
Okay Heart Fund Hats
Year for You, a Great New Movie Era," signment of setting up the Pioneer Theatres
MINNEAPOLIS—For the second successive tipping off that promotion was connected fall campaign.
year, North Central Allied Is lifting its ban
on collections at member theatres to permit
the Northwest Variety Club again to pass
Ball Players Are Guests Joseph Ryan to Go West
the hat for its heart hospital fund. The
Minnesota Amusement Co., which ordinarily BEDFORD, IOWA—Members of the Bedford
MADISON, S. D.—Joseph H. Ryan, who recently
sold his interest in the Lyric and
turns thumbs down on theatre collection, Bruins baseball
is
club and their families
expected to do
were guests
likewise.
of the management of the Rialto State theatres here to the Minnesota Amusement
Co., is planning to move to California.
Theatre here last week to see "It Happens
Every Spring," a film about the St. Louis Ryan said he decided to retire because of
Gateway Air Conditioned Cardinals. Hosts were owners, Mr. and Mi's. illness. He had been in the theatre business
WEST HOPE, N. D.—Installation of air Wilbur Young.
here since 1932.
conditioning equipment was completed recently
in the Gateway Theatre.
Theatre Operation Suspended
Ticket Tax Totals Up
COGSWELL, N. D.—Operation of the Cogswell
Theatre, along with
More Capacity to Minnesota House
MINNEAPOLIS—Reflecting continued boxoffice
prosperity in the state,
the Enterprise
BROWNS VALLEY, MINN. —
newspaper,
The Roxy
federal
has been suspended
amusement
tax collections still
by C. R. Jordan,
Theatre here is being enlarged, raising its
who intended to accept
show gains over
a position either in
capacity by several hundred. Leo Beck is
the corresponding
Fargo
peak periods of
or Devils
a year ago.
Lake, N. D. Jordan and his
owner.
Those for last
father has
month, just
published the
announced, were
Enterprise since
$664,000, compared to $651,000 for August
1906.
Marcus, Iowa, Liberty Open
1948, a $13,000 increase.
MARCUS, IOWA — The Lyric Theatre,
which has been closed for some time due
Showman Buys Home
to
an injury suffered by the owner, recently ANOKA, MINN.—Roy Boots, manager of To Wichita Theatre Staff
opened.
the State Theatre here, purchased the demonstration
house constructed by DeLong- been appointed assistant manager at the
WICHITA—Mrs. Gladys Robertson has
TEI Transfers Eugene Akins
Walters here last spring.
Tower Theatre here.
PARSONS, KAS.—Eugene Akins has been
transferred by the TEI circuit from manager
at the Flat River Theatre to assistant manager
"for TEI here.
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949 61

.
I
KANSAS
Toseph A. Walsh, New York, Paramount
'
manager of branch operations, conferred
with Harry R. Hamburg, manager, and other
branch officials and then left for DaUas .
.
.
Harry Hays, UA executive in Indianapolis
and formerly with the local Paramount
branch, was a visitor here while on vacation
Don Davis, RCA-Victor district manager,
returned from St. Louis and left several
days later for southern Missouri.
The new home office building of the Durwood
circuit at 1806 Baltimore will be formally
opened with a reception there September
23. beginning at 3 p. m., according to Stan
Durwood, vice-president and general man-
"
Satisfaction — Always
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KANSAS OTY 8, MOfW
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CITY
ager . . . George Reagan, 20th-Fox salesman,
sustained minor injuries in an automobile
accident near Wamego, Kas. . .
.
Ralph Gregory has joined the home office
staff of the Dickinson circuit.
Another meeting of the Kansas City film
luncheon club is being planned for October 3
at Bretton's restaurant . . . Larry Biechele,
Film Classics salesman, was in Missouri territory.
Ardyth Wingett, secretary at RCA-Victor,
flew to Los Angeles for a Labor day visit
with relatives and friends . . . Dorothy Murphy,
Kansas-Missouri Alhed unit office manager,
returned from a vacation spent in Niles,
Mich., and Chicago . . . Betty Caruso, Monogram
cashier, flew to Chicago for Labor day
. . . Jennie Schubert, stenographer at MGM,
was vacationing at various points in Tennessee.
C. M. Parkhurst, Kansas-Missouri Allied
unit general manager, returned from Kansas
territory for the meeting of its board of directors
at its offices here Tuesday (13) . .
An educational film library will be available
soon to patrons of the North Kansas City
public library, with 11 new titles to be added
each month for use by schools and civic organizations,
according to Mrs. E. C. Wuest,
librarian.
Kansas theatre operators seen on Filmrow
included J. H. Neeley, Star, Hays; A. Y. Breeden,
Welling, Natoma; Jay Wooten, Drive-
In, Hutchinson; G. J. Johnson, Lakin, Lakin;
J. L. Dunbar, Roxy, Wichita, and Albert
Orear, Rio, Bonner Springs . . .
Among Missouri
showmen were Charles Mohler, DeRay,
Joplin; Wallace Melon, Lathrop, Lathrop;
Charles Fisk, Fisk, Butler, and Ken Winklemeyer,
Casino, Boonville.
Free Show to Competition
OMAHA—The night that "Easy Living"
opened on the Brandeis screen, the Los Angeles
Rams, shown in the picture, were playing
an exhibition football game here with
the New York Giants. To show there were
no hard feelings due to outside competition,
members of the Rams team were invited to
see the picture free.
Jerry Roberts will handle the musical direction
on Republic's "Rock Island Trail."
Kansas City Business
In Salute to Films
KANSAS CITY—The attention of executives
in all fields of business endeavor will
be focused on films when the Kansas City
Chamber of Commerce sponsors a special
Motion Picture Industry on Parade luncheon
Wednesday (21) in the ballroom of the
Muehlebach hotel here, and a capacity crowd
is expected to attend the event. Herbert H.
Wilson, Chamber of Commerce president, will
open the luncheon meeting. The principal
speaker will be Joseph I. Breen, vice-president
of the MPA and of the Production Code
Administration.
One of the features of the limcheon wUl be
the appearance of Marie Wilson, star of the
Paramount production "My Friend Irma."
The ballroom will be decorated with ixjsters,
stills and other film advertising material, and
a special souvenir" edition of BOXOFFICE
will be distributed. Motion pictures will be
taken at the opening of the luncheon, rushed
to a local laboratoi-y for developing and printing,
and shown as the climax of the luncheon
with projection equipment which wUl be installed
especially for the event.
Arthur H. Cole, industry representative at
Paramount, is general chairman of preparations.
Assisting committeemen include Louis
Patz, decorations; Senn Lawler, statistical
information; Barney Joffee, projection equipment;
George Baker, motion pictures; M. D.
Cohn and Howard Burkhardt, talent; B. J.
McKenna, popcorn; Felix Snow, projectionists,
and Stan Durwood and Finton Jones,
special details.
Lynne Roberts will be Tim Holt's leading
lady in "Dynamite Trail," an RKO picture.
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62
BOXOFFICE
:: September 17, 1949

I
o! '.3'
:.vzbe
Tta Holt's leailiiil
I'KRKOjittim
)IL POPCORN
IMING
.51(5(1
ptft
flllD POPCORN,
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ia»li«=
Kansas-Missouri Allied
Gains 25 New Members
KANSAS CITY—The addition of 25 new
members em-olled during the last ten weeks
by the Kansas-Missoui-i Allied imit was reported
by C. M. Parkhui-st, general manager,
at the monthly meeting of its board of directors
here last Tuesday 1 13 1
New members from Kansas included E. J.
May, Lyric, Cottonwood Falls: Cliff Johnson,
De Luxe, Bucklin; John J. Wehner, Royal,
Rossville; Louis E. Stein, Drive-In, Parsons;
R. F. Fite, Fite, El Dorado; K, H. Gaston,
Mayflower, Florence; C. D. Sproule, State,
Hutchinson; Robert Sproule, Iris Di-ive-In,
Hutchinson; Jesse DeLong, Ute, Mankato;
Sam Abend, Jayhawk, Kansas City; Ray
Musselman, Roach, Lincoln; George P.
Moore, Moore, Plainville; J. N. Welty, Midway,
Hill City; W. R. Horton jr., Jayhawk, Atwood;
Alex Sniderman, Strand, Concordia, and K.
H. Ehret, Star, Clay Center.
Included in new members from Missouri
are Russell R. Benton, Jewel, Clarence; C. L.
Summers, Jasper, Jasper; Virgil Harbison,
Tarkio, Tarkio; W. E. Korsmeyer, Family,
Kirksville; R. O. Robinson, Grant, Grant
City; E. E. Jameson, Vogue, Lees Simimit;
Shelby O. Armstrong, Karyl, Milan; Charles
L. Mohler, DeRay, Joplin, and L. E. Wells,
Gillham, Kansas City.
Diablos Top Kansas City
Film Bowling League
KANSAS CITY—Standings of teams in the
Filmrow Bowling league here, reported by
Bob McKlnley, secretai-y, after the initial
week of competition, were as follows:
Team Won Lost
Diablos 3
Fox Trotters 3
Sharpshooters - 2 1
Fox Terriers 2 1
Film Delivery No. 1 2 1
Michaels 1 2
Warners 1 2
20th-Fox 1 2
Film Delivery No. 2 .. 3
MGM .._
..__ 3
Sponsors for several of the teams in the
league still are needed, according to Ray St.
James, president. An enti-y fee of $10 is paid
by a sponsor, who in some cases buys shirts
for the team chosen.
Venice Award to 'Chante'
From Canadicm Edition
MONTREAL—A Canadian film, "Chante
Jeunesse," has won first prize for short subjects
at the Venice Film festival. It was
one of the Canada Carries On series issued
last spring under the English title "It's Fun
to Sing." The film features the Leslie Bell
Singers of Toronto. This award from the International
Exhibition of Cinematographic
Art is the third won by the National Film
Board within a week. Last week two animated
films, "Hen Hop" and "Piddle De
Dee" won prizes at the Brussels Film festival.
Theatre Host to Patrons
CLAPLIN, KAS.—W. M. Wheatly and wife
played hosts to the community on a Tuesday
night recently at their Lux Theatre in celebration
of the fnst anniversary of the motion
picture house.
Buys Ewing, Neb., House
EWING, NEB.—Waldo Davis has purchased
the Eldorado Theatre here from A.
Mueting.*
Kenneth Wagner, Iowa Theatreman,
Seeks Fame as Cartoon Creator
WILTON JUNCTION, IOWA—"Everybody
loves a circus." That's the theory on which
Kenneth A. Wagner, 38, manager of the
Wilton Theatre here, has based years ol
planning and work leading up to what he
hopes will be his "big moment" in the comic
strip field.
Ever since Wagner won a $100 prize in
a national art contest 20 years ago he has
been interested in art work, and planning a
cartoon series based on circus life. Recently
he presented his idea and sample strips to a
half-dozen newspaper syndicates, and at the
moment it's a good bet that one of them
buys it.
The strip is called "Spangles," intended
for daily and Sunday publication. It is a
sort of Grand Hotel of circus life. It's a
happy strip, with humor, fun, pathos and
an inside picture of life under the big top.
There are such characters as Pop Jingle, the
circus owner; Pee Wee, the clown; Buck
West, the cowboy star, and Swifty King, the
wild animal trainer. And there's Sally Jones,
the bareback rider, and Cecille LaVerse, the
ex-aerialist, who's wardrobe mistress.
Wagner has been enthused about circuses
and the entertainment world since' he
was in grade school. Born in Council Bluffs,
he attended grade school there and was
graduated from high school at Mason City.
For years, after he won that art prize. Ken
worked as a commercial artist for a lithographic
firm which has a national reputation
for show and dance band posters. It
was like working for a circus.
Even back in those days, Wagner had
created the title Spangles and had started
Lyceum in Minneapolis
Starts 28-Day Pictures
MINNEAPOLIS—The Lyceum, legitimate
roadshow house, got off to a good start this
week with its new 28-day availability film
pohcy, offering "The Stratton Story" for its
opener. The pictiu-es will fill in between road
attractions. The theatre's newspaper ads proclaimed
"Top Pictures at Suburban Pi-ices."
The 28-day availability puts the house in
the same clearance class as first run neighborhood
and suburban theatres and also
makes it, in effect, a second run downtown
theatre for the pictures of MGM, 20th-Fox
and Warner Bros., the companies which acceded
to its demand for this clearance. Admission
is 60 cents, the same as at the 28-
day neighborhood and suburban 28-day
houses. Like most of the uptown 28-day theatres,
too, the Lyceum has matinees only
on Saturdays and Sundays.
With fewer legitimate roadshows touring
this season, the pictm'e policy, it is hoped
by the management, will be the theatre's
"salvation."
Owl Shows at Drive-In
LINCOLN, NEB.—The Starview Drive-In,
managed by Herman Gould, has been granted
permission by the Lancaster county commissioners
to operate midnight shows each
Saturday night until October 1.
Ellis W. Carter is lensmg "Blonde Bandit"
for Repubhc.
developing characters for the strip. Seven
years ago Wagner leased the Wilton Theatre
here, with living quarters for his family in
an apartment over the theatre. Five years
ago he opened his photographic studio (he'd
always been a camera fiend; in his apartment.
Wagner also has tried his hand at writing
and has sold a number of articles on
photography to such magazines as Popular
Science, Popular Photography and Home
Moviemakers. For a while—although it didn't
pay off—he produced a home newsreel—
local film feature—which he showed in his
theatre.
"I even produced and filmed a home movie
called 'The Rescue of Nancy Smith,' in which
I had my son Ken jr. in the hero's role. That
was back in 1940. The boy was 5 then," said
Wagner.
Since Wagner's theatre operates evenings,
he has worked over his di-awing board during
the day. Mrs. Wagner, the former Lavina
Stevens of Mason City, has become a firstclass
assistant in the photo studio. She
does the developing and the mounting of
pictures. The son also is a help. He takes
over the popcorn sales at the theatre much
of the time. The Wagners also have two
daughters, Diane 9, and Linda 6.
There is, naturally, a chance that "Spangles"
won't sell. However, some top-ranking
syndicate editors have given high praise to
Wagner's ideas, work and his knowledge of
the tanbark. He lives "on needles and pins"
waiting that big moment when the strip has
been placed.
Slight Effect on Films
From Freight Embargo
KANSAS CITY—While 38 cities and towns
with theatres in the Kansas City exchange
area have been affected by the freight embargo
resulting from the Missouri Pacific
strike, 31 of them are being served by the
Exhibitors Film Delivery. The seven remaining
localities are being included temporarily
in regular runs or exhibitors are transportng
prints to and from points on truck routes.
No railroad service other than Missouri Pacific
is available in the 38 cities and towns.
Teacher Operates Theatre
BUCKLIN, MO.—Vii-gil Anderson, new
music instructor in the Bucklin High school,
has purchased the CR Theatre from Clifford
Byler. Anderson came here from Ossian,
Iowa. The CR will operate every night except
Tuesday.
Don Smith to Storm Lake
STORM LAKE. IOWA—Don Smith has
been named assistant manager to the city of
Pioneer Theatres in Storm Lake, W. L. Hill
has announced. Smith, a former Buena Vista
college student, succeeds Jim Bye.
Free Show for School Pupils
HAMILTON, MO.—W. B. Presley, owner of
the Till Theatre, invited all school children
to a free show the afternoon of September 6,
the opening day.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
f
63

i
Philip Winslow and S. A. Oellerich
To Build Second Waterloo Drive-ln
WATERLOO, IOWA—Waterloo, home of
the first di-ive-in in the state, will have a
second outdoor theatre with a 700-car capacity.
Phihp E. Winslow and Stephen A.
Oellerich, partners in the Starlite Drive-In
Theatre Co., have puixhased a 20-acre tract
of land on Highway 20 east of the new Waterloo
city limits.
Purchase price of the tract from Sam J.
Bowers, a farmer, was $12,500. The new
drive-in will be located at the southeast corner
of the Bowers farm. Construction is
scheduled to begin immediately.
No name has been chosen. With construction
of the theatre, Winslow and Oellerich
will have theatres bordering Waterloo on two
sides. The existing theatre is on Highway
218 between Waterloo and Cedar Falls. It
also has a 700-car capacity.
Estimated cost of the new drive-in is
$150,000.
"We planned back in 1946 to build two
theatres," the partners said. "This is part
of our long-range program." The drive-in
has met with huge success here in its operations
from April until late November.
Winslow said he and his partner conducted
a survey recently and found that more
than 90 per cent of the audience was over
30 years of age and that 87 per cent of that
figure brought children in their automobiles.
"Drive-ins have caught on in Waterloo and
this second theatre will give the residents
of surrounding communities better facilities
for entertainment," they said.
About 70 persons will be employed in the
two theatres next season.
Filler Is Modernized
FILLER, N. D.—Lawrence Bonaventura,
who took over the Filler Theatre last May,
siSMwS
S^^ffl
SAH FRANCISCO (3)
CALIFOIVNIA
64
has completed modernization work that cost
more than $10,000 and included new sound
equipment and complete redecoration, the
latter by G. R. Linder Theatre. Decorators,
Inc., of Minneapolis. Bonaventura came here
from Nashwauk, Minn.
The decorative theme on the walls is that
of an oasis with huge palmdates and flamingoes,
rose-colored background and the scenery
in white and brown.
Star in Warrensburg, Mo.,
Gets New Sound, Lights
WARRENSBXJRG, MO.—The Star Theatre
was closed several nights for installation
of a new RCA-Brenkert sound system and
new lights. The Star's old lights and sound
system were moved to the smaller Mainstreet
Theatre, which was to reopen September 11
after being closed for the summer. The
Mainstreet was repainted and redecorated. It
will play second runs and westerns. George
Wilhoite is manager of the Star.
Sol Frank and Associates
To Build Second Drive-In
WELLINGTON, KAS.—Construction of a
500-car drive-in has been started at a site
on Route 160 east of here by Sol Prank and
associates. The new open air theatre, to be
known as the Trail Drive-In, will be ready
for opening next spring. Projection and other
equipment will be fui^nished by the National
Theatre Supply Co. Fi-ank and his partners
also operate the Trail Drive-In recently
opened at I»ratt, Kas.
A Grand Forks Drive-In
GRAND FORKS, N. D.—Construction of a
drive-in theatre was to be started about
September 15 on a site near here by Joe
Floyd of Sioux Falls, S. D. Floyd operates
drive-ins in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Huron,
S. D.
Local Group Operates Theatre
RUSHFORD, MINN.—The new Trojan Theatre
has been opened here by a group of local
businessmen who formed a corporation called
the Rushmore Theatres, Inc. Organizers of
the firm are Mat Barry, Clarence Loerch,
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THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN
NAME
STATE..
POSITION
Daniel S. Frinzing and Roy R. Stephans.
Mat Barry will be manager of the 435-seat
house.
The building was constructed with local
materials, the front being trimmed with Biesanz
stone from Winona, Minn., quarries. All
doors and trims are made of birch, with natural
blond finish, while the outside walls are
of slag blocks.
Commonwealth Reopens
Summit in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—The 877 -seat Summit
Theatre here, operated by the Commonwealth
circuit, was reopened September 9 following
extensive remodeling and redecorating. Improvements
include a new marquee, an enlarged
boxoffice and a snack bar. New carpeting
and seating has been installed. The
house was built by the late Barney Corrigan
about 35 years ago, and it was operated for
many years by the late Mrs. Rose Burkey.
It is one of the oldest theatres in the Kansas
City area.
Saturn in Langford, S. D.
Undergoes Renovation
LANGFORD, S.
D.—A renovation program
at the Saturn Theatre here, executed by
Burnell Bengtsson, included installation of
Voice of the Theatre sound, new projectors
and arc lamps and construction of a cry
room with bottle warming service. The cry
room was equipped with toys and games for
the tots. Other improvements included laying
of tile floor in the lobby and foyer and
installation of air conditioning equipment.
The Saturn was closed only one night.
Following the one-night closing Bengtsson
presented the first ten women and men patrons
that night gifts from the stage and a
bouquet of roses to the oldest woman present.
Philip, S. D. Gem Reopens;
Remodeling Continues
PHILIP, S. D.—Fred Haberly is continuing
renovation of the Gem Theatre here following
its reopening late in August after a shutdown
since May 16, when the remodeling was
started. Installation of new seats and rebuilding
of the front is being completed while
the show is in operation. Previously the auditorium
floor was lowered to give a greater
slope for seats, the walls were refinished and
the entire interior redecorated.
A Monett, Mo., Drive-In
MONETT, MO.—J.
Glenn Caldwell, owner
of the Princess in Aurora, and Glenn L. Hall
of the Hall Theatre in Cassville have agreed
on plans for construction of a drive-in here.
Shoo-Fly Drive-In Opened
WINNER, S. D.—The Shoo-Fly Drive-In
was opened here recently by owner Don King
with Mrs. William Whitford as manager.
Theatre Front Repainted
STERLING, KAS.—The front of the Royal
Theatre here was repainted during the summer.
Maysville Anne Repainted
MAYSVILLE, MO.—R. H. Meek redecorated
the interior of his Theatre Anne during
the week it was closed while the DeKalb
county fair was under way.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
froiDl

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From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • «
(Twenty Years Ago)
. . .
TOE BLOUSTINE, assistant cashier for Pox
in Kansas City, who has been managing
the Roanolie for L. J. Lenhart of the Lee
in Clinton, Mo., has been replaced by Art
Johnson, who will run the theatre in addition
to his new duties as
John
cashier for the
Educational branch
manager of the Benton in
W. Creamer,
Kansas City, received
a $25 check from the advertising department
of Paramount Famous Lasky. It
was for an idea in promoting Harold Lloyd's
new picture, "Welcome Danger."
« * «
George Baker, son of R. P. "Peck" Baker,
has assumed duties as manager at the Publix's
Newman in Kansas City, replacing
Holden Swiger who has been promoted to
Dallas to become manager of the Palace .
Sunday shows won in a recent
. .
Chillicothe,
Mo., vote.
* * *
Seen on Filmrow in Kansas City: George
Shilkett, Rex, Joplin; J. D. Wineland, New
Baxter, Baxter Springs, Kas.; S. E. Wilhoit,
Grand and Princess, Springfield, Mo.; W. E.
Thowe, Colonial, Alma, Kas., and Strand,
Eskridge. Kas.; J. P. Philips, Lyric, Colby,
Kas.; Harry T. Till, Auditorium, Braymer,
Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Sharer, Plaza, Brookfield,
Mo.; H. F. Higgins, Princess, St. Marys.
Kas.
Activity in Theatre Sales
Reported in Midwest
Partner Sells Out
SIDNEY, IOWA—Byron V. Hopkins has
sold his interests in the Sidney Theatre here
to his partner. Earl E. Cowden. Cowden and
Hopkins bought the Sidney from Ralph Hossie
six years ago. They have remodeled and
installed new equipment since. Hopkins, who
formerly also operated a theatre at Scribner.
Neb., continues to own a theatre at
Bellevue, Neb.
Grantsburg Grand Sold
GRANTSBURG, WIS.—The Grand Theatre
here has been sold to Sidney Sigurdson
of La Crosse, Wis., by Joe Murray, former
owner who plans to return to North Dakota.
Sigurdson is new to theatre operation. He
formerly was a plant foreman. The sale
-was handled by Harry Buck of Savereide
Theatre Brokers of Minneapolis.
Take Over Everly, Iowa, Theatre
EVERLY, IOWA—Mr. and Mrs. Palmquist
of Hartley have taken over the mortgage of
the Cozy Theatre here from Richard Arndt
of Ruthven. They plan to open the theatre
In several weeks. The Palmquists operated
the Cozy before it was sold to Arndt. Palmquist
is a former postmaster of Hartley.
Buys Lakin, Kas., House
LAKIN, KAS.—Operation of the Lakin
Theatre here was taken over last Sunday (11)
by G. L. Johnson, who recently purchased
the house from Fred Munson. Johnson is
new to show business. Munson has not disclosed
his plans for the future.
Thurston Ogden Buys Theatre
BRIDGEWATER. IOWA—G. O. Dunkerson
has sold the State here to Mr. and Mrs.
Thurston Ogden of Tucumcari.
too MILLION DOLLARS
WORTH OF MOVIES!
FlttT OK MR
20th Aimit'tTScirv
FILM FESTIVAL LISt
il won * rlLLOW !
ANO MANT MOKE
All Yours For
Less Than $15
r*ii "» ««>
after being shuttered for a week to permit
redecorating. "Top O' the Morning" was the
reopening attraction, starting its thii-d week
downtowTi . . . Sidney Chaplin and wife
stopped here en route back to California after
a 13-month European tour. They visited Mr.
and Mrs. Charlie Weiner, local UA salesman.
Sidney is a brother of Charlie, the former
screen comedian himself, and is a UA director.
Reporting a new high in advance season
ticket sales, the Minneapolis Symphony orchestra
attributed the gain in part to "better
business generally in the entertainment field."
The Northwest Variety Club will resume
its Saturday night open houses during the
ensuing football season which starts here
September 24 with Minnesota pitted against
Washington, Ted Bolnick, chief barker, announces.
Special entertainment will be provided
for the Saturday nights, Bolnick says.
As hitherto, members will be privileged to
bring guests for the occasions.
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
65

ii.pvm i^' *v iPM ' w'i j ii^^^.^v u " W V^ V V^M,! v"v"v» V^'^-^.^'^rv
SUPER SALESMAN !
The Industry's Market ior Purchase or Sale of Equipment. Theatres, Service
• ClasBilied Ads 10c P«i Word. PdyobI* in Advonc*. MhiiiOMin 11.00. Diiplay Rot»« on [1»qo«ai •
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
1. Hcrlner homonljl [ene/jtor, 811-I6O amps.
85 mils rtieosiuis (or Suprex oiKfjiion. including
___ jfLinteei] _
meter and xjliuje reguuior panel.
cwidltion. Ideal ror dtlie-ln or large theatre. A
buy at present djy prices for t70U- 2. Western
Eleelric soiMid equlpmeni, serviced and euar^nited
coniJiUon. Wide range apertures, motor ycneralor,
Brown ii Brockmeyer motors, 75 u-illi ol jiudio,
41, 42 jfid luo 43 jmpliNers mwdmcd. Ideal
lor Uiiie-in or large Ilie.ilre, ('JllU 3. Clncinnail
Time recorder iujnd euuiMDienl. oierhauled
and eojrjnired condiiion Tuo Scoit Ballanlynt
ampHllers, Bictllent lor stojII Iheutre, $350
P.rblle Ch.iir Instjlbdon to. 318 FJIni Bldf.
2108 r.iyne Ave., Cleieljnd. Ohio
Comolete^ PorLiOle 35inm sound projecL_. ,
lit. fno 35mni Holmes Ijmp sojnd projeciors
«tlh 2m mngJzjnes ft. Amplifier and speaker In
Mse, S750 »U0 Datlle beaded, roll-up type
screen In Mareiproal cirrylns ullh screen
c.ise
tripod*. S75 Write. lUre. plione. Jeanne Moore
15 E OWo Chlc;jgo 11, 8222
. St 111 Superior
fiio Complete Simplex projectors,
eonslsllng of eli.>n6eo»ers, lenses, magazines Uid
l"0 Gcnerjl Ekciric copper mtlde Good
reciiflers.
fondlllon. Inquire American Tliejire, 3621 Main
" " - :jko. Ind
Bargain pnees, Lou miensiiy lamps, rectifiers,
molor Generator sets, rlieoslals. sound heads amplifiers.
spe:ikers. one s>ncroIllm purlabte 35mm
projector; «oimd Pair Preddty DC HJ lamps and
rectifiers Many oiliei Hems U( us knoi\ jonr
m'eJs Siebbfn^ Tlie.Urr Eiiuipment Co. 1804
Wy:milolie St., K-ins.is Cily 8. SIo
THEATBE SEATING
Sei'eral ihouund used upnolitered oper
on hand We are headquarters lor the
ilie used chair crop. We pick the lots thai \*t
Itirnisli Ihlnk you will like. We proper slope and
sections desired to fit >uur Iheiiire Our inany
Is >ears experience In the seating business your
gu.irantee Write for exact plmto and price. We
h.iie parts for all makes of cti.urs Also, leathereile
25\25 in. all colors, 55c ea Good qualli)
fhlesRO llJed Chair .Marl, h2\) So Siaie Si ,
Chieago 5. HI-
Ftnsin Chiir malotenaoce beadQuarters tia« all
parti uid accessories tor all cbalrs Also upbolsterr
labrlci uid Ibestre cbair supplies. Bend us
your lample for quotation Repair scnlce atallablfl
rlgbt In your Ibealre also Kensln Sealint;
Co.. 62 e 13;b 81 . Oilcago 5. lU
1,200 Used Sprtng cushioned theatre cbalrs.
11.60 ea.. ud }3.50 ea complete. Immediate
,
delivery. Ruisdl Cbalr. 2567 McCleU&n, Detroit.
MicbPbooe LENoi 3445.
CiedlOGHOUSt
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatre: Otegun couniy seal io»n Owner sjjs
cleared $900 last month alter pd)ing manager's
salary and all expenses. Nice ne* place to ll^e
Included in deal, $16,000 cash will handle Theatre:
Abuut one hour's drite from metropolitan
Portland. An easy lining can be made by mosi
anyone here. Situated the heart one of the
In of
most scenic spots In America. S15.000 Includes
modern bulldlrtg. Theatre: County
selling 2,500 pupulailon Ouner on account ol
oilier tnleresis EXisy terras "ith only S5.00U
do«n Theatre I'oriland suburban Neiv bouiti
equhpmeni. good district. Ji2,5U0 lull price
.Mljjht consider some terms. Write us for hifuirT>allon
nn ihrse and many other good Iheaire bii)3
Theatre Exchange Co., 21' Coternor BIdg . fun
land 4. Ore
THEATRES FOB SALE
Clark
CU:t
'eric
,
erty
p.,,
"Pal
cr/^
66 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949 ^OXOFTic,

l"A"JiTn"''''
Target at Detroit
DETROIT—The film industry was taken
to task for deficiencies of public relations
consciousness in connection with the conference
at Chicago devoted to that very project
by a local newspaper critic and by an exhibitor
leader here. Helen Bower, motion
picture editor of the Detroit Free Press, led
off with a caustic comment that it was difficult
for a newspaperman to understand why
no information on the conference had been
given to the press.
Taking up the criticism, Sam Carver, vicepresident
of the Michigan Independent Theatre
Owners, asked, "Where was the smart
showmanship of the advertising and publicity
men, when they overlooked the daily
press?" Pointing to the public relations value
of the speeches and resolutions in the conference,
Carver said that probably "when
the news is stale a few weeks later ,somebody
will send the newspapers a two-paragraph
statement about the meeting. What a
wonderful chance to have hit the newspapers
at the right time and given the millions
of theatregoers some real great news."
New Building Code Goes
To Akron City Council
AKRON—A new building code designed to
spur construction and protect public safety
has been submitted to the Akron city council,
ending a five-year task by the city plarming
commission. The code, which bears the approval
of the city building department, contains
369 pages and was completed after
numerous hearings.
The committee failed to reach an agreement,
however, on two points, and decided
to leave to city council. These were whether
billboards should be permitted across from
public buildings and parks, and whether clay
pipe should be used for sewage underneath
homes.
An ordinance for the licensing of electricians,
plumbers, heating and sign men will
be introduced to city council. Councilman Leo
Laney said that the city is facing large damage
suits if the city building department
doesn't staj-t checking the structures on
which it issues building permits.
Ohio's New Drive-ln Assn
Begins 5 -Point Campaign
Mike Single Stricken;
Dunlo, Pa., Exhibitor
DUNLO. PA.—Mike Single, 58, veteran exhibitor,
who died after a heart attack, had
been in the motion picture business 39 years
to the day. He began his career here in 1910.
He was one of the first licensed projectionists
in the Johnstown area. He operated the
Dunlo Theatre here, the Lilly at Lilly, the
Palace at Beaverdale and the recently buUt
New Theatre at Cresson. Born in Austria,
he was a retired employe of Mountain Coal
Co.
Surviving are his wife Susie and the following
children: Mary, wife of George Novak,
Beaverdale: George and Joe, theatre managers,
both of Dunlo, and Helen, Sue and
Catherine, all at home. Funeral services were
conducted at SS. Peter and Paul's Greek
Catholic chui-ch, Dunlo, and burial was in
the church cemetery.
Theatre Owners of Ohio
To Meet September 20
COLUMBUS—One of the best-attended
conventions of the Independent Theatre Owners
of Ohio is expected when President Martin
Smith, Toledo, bangs the gavel for the
opening session September 20 at the Deshler
Wallick hotel here. The convention will continue
through Thursday, September 22.
Two special meetings are scheduled for
the first day, the first for small town theatre
owners and the second for drive-ins, an
innovation this year. On Wednesday there
will be a general meeting at 1 p. m. and the
annual banquet at 7 p. m. The convention
will close with a single meeting at 1 p. m.
Thursday when there will be a general business
session and election of officers and
COLUMBUS — An organization of five
committees to conduct a vigorous campaign
on behalf of Ohio drive-in theatres was authorized
at the first regular meeting of the
new Ohio Drive-In Theatres Ass'n here.
Frank Nolan, Athens, president, will appoint
members of committees soon on taxation,
daylight savings repeal, insurance rates,
highway safety and general business-getting
activities.
The committees will seek to prevent passage
of new local or state taxes, seek repeal
of daylight savings in 30 Ohio cities, set up
an exchange of business-getting ideas, work
with the state highway department for
greater trafifc safety and conduct a survey
of insurance rates.
A resolution was passed limiting membership
on the board of directors to outdoor
theatre owners. Incorporators of the nonprofit
group are Nolan, Mrs. Ethel Miles,
secretary and Horace Abrams, Cleveland,
member of the board. Other officers who
were continued in office until the next meeting
in March 1950 are Prank Yassenoff, Columbus,
vice-president, and Jack Armstrong,
Bowling Green, secretary.
About 40 attended, including eight new
members. A membership campaign to enroll
all 130 Ohio drive-in operators is plarmed-
Use of Fox Donated
DETROIT—Complete facilities of the Fox
Theatre here have been turned over to the
central volunteer bureau of the Council of
Social Agencies for September 19 by David
M. Idzal, managing director. Dr. Lillian M.
GUbreth, mother in "Cheaper by the Dozen,"
and "Woman of the Year" in 1948, will speak
at the third annual presentation of volunteer
awards by the bm-eau. The bureau is a
Red Feather agency.
Milt Jacobson Reopens
Grand Rapids Theatre
DETROIT—The Fox Theatre in Grand
Rapids is being reopened by MUton Jacobson,
who has had the house since last year,
with a new policy of artistic and foreign
films. The theatre, once known as the Rialto,
is being rechristened the Art, to signalize the
new policy, and mark the departure from
stage shows formerly booked there. Bookings
for the house will be taken over by William
Clark of Clark Theatre Service.
Civil Rights Case Dismissed
SPRINGFIELD, OHIO—Unable to reach a
verdict, a jury in the civU rights case of William
Settos, owner and operator of the Liberty
Theatre here, was dismissed in Municipal
court by Judge Harry W. Snodgrass.
The jury deliberated nearly one hour and
voted 10 to 2 for acquittal. Settos had been
accused of denying admission to his theatre
to two Negroes.
CHAKERES LEADERS—Here are the eight Chakeres Theatre, Inc. managers who
were cited for improving their gross business over the previous year. They received
cash awards at the recent annual Chakeres managers meeting in Springfield, Ohio,
recently. Sitting, left to right, are: Grant Frazee of the Fairbom, Fairfield; Nick
Condello of the State, London; Eric Hanimel of the Shelby, Shelby^ille, Ky., and
Jack Frazee of the Gloria, Urbana. Standing: Dale Brooks of the Logan, Logan; Hal
Watts of the Grand, Circleville; Harry Wilson of the Markay, Jackson, Ohio, and
Stan Ridge of the Louvee, Wellston.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17. 1949
ME 67

. . . WSPD-TV,
Partners of Community Circuit Host
Managers of Exctianges at Detroit
'Kid' Boosted to 200;
First in Cleveland
CLEVELAND—"The Kid From Cleveland"
did sensational business at the gtillman, with
capacity crowds for each performance doubling
the average take. "White Heat" at the
Hippodrome was another big hit, with a score
of 160. "Slattery's Hurricane" brought the
Allen 145, and "Roseanna McCoy" went to
a happy 125 at the Palace.
(Average Is 100)
Allen—Slattery's Hurricane (20th-rox) 145
Esquire—Lost Boundaries (FC), 7th wk 185
Hippodrome—White Heal (WB) 160
Lower Mall—The Last Stop (Times) - HO
Ohic^The Great Gatsby (Para), 2nd d. t. wk 100
Palace—Roseanna McCoy (RKO) 125
State—Madame Bovary (MGM) 105
StiUman—The Kid From Cleveland (Rep) 200
DETROIT-Tables were reversed in
intraindustry
relations here when Charles A.
Komer and Adolph and Irving Goldberg
played host to all local exchange managers
in a day-long gathering at the swanky Franklin
Hills Country club. Komer and the Goldberg
twins operate Community Theatres, one
of the largest circuits in Michigan, and decided
to inaugurate the gathering as an annual
event, strictly social with no business
discussions allowed. At future meets they
plan to add sales managers and other home
office executives to their roster of guests.
The program included a luncheon, with
golf and swimming afterward, dinner, then
a lively program of evening entertainment.
Place cards were Dunhill cigaret lighters with
each guest's monogram engraved thereon.
Exchange and district managers attending
TOLEDO
'Duth Elgutter, theatre editor of the Toledo
Times, celebrated the first anniversary
of her coliunn. Shifting Scenes. The column
devotes itself largely to the entertainment
world, with an occasional change of locale
to larger fields of human interest . . . Abe
Ludacer, manager of Loew's Valentine, and
his wife Shirley are on a three-week trip
to California.
The Tex Ritter Western Festival, originally
booked for the Sports arena September 21, has
68
L A I
l\ A J55nfs
100% HYBRID SOUTH AMERICAN MUSHROOM.
permanently treated, 30 volume, moisture prooi
bags, POPCORN S6.50 per 100 lb. bag
RETURN STANDARD 10c COMIC BOOKS 3c ea.
POPULAR BRANDS CANDY 78c and 75c per
box, 24/Sc bars. Chewing Gum, GOc per box.
(48 boxes prepaid shipment).
5c Popcorn Bags
$1.20 per 10c Popcorn Bags 1.70 per M
(50M PREPAID)
REFINED CORN OIL 20c per lb., in 400 lb.
drums, prepaid.
Complete line of nationally advertised theatrical
equipment. Special factory prices.
We are manufacturers distributors for all
popular brands of candy, confections and
equipments.
Free Candy and Brock Balloons for BROCK
KIDDIE MATINEE. Write for complete details.
UNIVERSAL SOUND MOVIE CO.
CALHOUN, EY.
included Donald Woods, Warners; Jack Zide,
Allied Films; Carl Shalit and Edward Hochstim,
Columbia; Clair Townsend, Eagle Lion;
Joseph J. Lee, 20th-Pox; George Lefko, Film
Classics; Frank J. Downey and Frank Hensler,
MGM; Edward Stuckey, Paramount;
Samuel Seplowin, Republic; Hatton Taylor,
RKO; William Flemion and Albert Dezel,
Screen Guild; Moe Dudelson and Sidney
Bowman, United Artists, and Ben Robins,
Universal.
In addition there were James F. Sharkey,
Samuel Barrett and Fred Sturgess of Cooperative
Theatres of Michigan, to which
the Community group belongs; Samuel Goldberg,
father of the twins, and John Carlisle,
Detroit News columnist.
Shown in the picture, left to right: Komer,
Woods, Sharkey. Stuckey, Irving Goldberg,
Shalit and Adolph Goldberg.
been shifted to September 25 so that both
a matinee and evening show can be offered
Fort Industi-y Co.'s Toledo
television station, plans to broadcast some
of the high school football games, but viewers
will not know until ju^ after game time
what game they will see. Since there are six
high school football teams in the city, this
is expected to prevent any drop at the schools'
boxoffices. The schools figure that the advance
information of a telecast may cut down
the crowds both at the event and at any
other game scheduled at the same time.
Cleveland and Detroit
Keglers Meet in March
CLEVELAND—Floyd Akins, secretary of
the Detroit Nightingales, and his wife were
here to set up tentative dates for the spring
bowling series between the Detroit team and
th Motion Picture Operators Local 160 team
of Cleveland. Tentative dates were set for
March 7 and March 21. First of the series
will be played in Detroit with the final games
to be rolled here.
The first contest between the bowlers of
the two cities was played last year and at
that time it was hoped that the event could
be made an annual affair.
Art Films to Johnstown
JOHNSTOWN, PA.—Sixteen feature pictures
will be exhibited during the new season
of the Film society at the Cambria library
September 22 through April 24. Season membership
is $5. The program will include films
from Sweden, Russia, England, FYance, Mexico,
Italy and Greenland.
'Jennie' Grosses 150 to Pace
First Runs in Detroit
DETROIT—The Michigan state fair and
Silver cup boat races proved stiff competition
for local theatres. Best gross of the
week was recorded at the Cinema on the second
week of "Portrait of Jennie," with 150
per cent. Second place honors went to the
Palms-State and "Rope of Sand," which
grossed 125.
Adams—In the Good Old Summertime (MGM) 100
Cinema—Portrait of Jennie (EL), 2nd wk 150
.^
Downtown Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer
(U-I); Flaming Fury (Rep) 100
Fox—Slattery's Hurricane (20th-Fox); The Devil's
Henchmen (Col) 120
Madison-Mr. Soit Touch (Col); Lost Tnbe (Col),
2nd d. t. wk ^
9=
IvlichigcJn Top O' the Morning (Para): The House
Across the Street (WB) -120
,
Palms-Slate—Rope of Sand (Para); Hold That Baby
(Mono)
-;,, nn
Jnited Artists—Anna Lucasta (Col); Kazan (Col) 9U
"Morning' Doubles Average
At Cincinnati Albee
CINCINNATI—"Top O' the Morning" doubled
normal business at the Albee and was
held over for a second week, a rare distinction
at that house. Other fiSst rvms were near normal,
although "Mighty Joe Young" gained
120 at the Palace.
Albee Top O' the Morning (Para); Song of India
(Col) ..
200
Capitol—Madame Bovary (MGM), 2nd wk 90
Grand—The Secret Garden (MGM) 90
Keiths—Yes, Sir, That's My Baby (U-I), 2nd wk 105
Lyric-Gone With the Wind (MGM), reissue 110
Palace—Mighty loe Young (RKO); Make Mine
Laughs (RKO) 120
Shubert—It's a Great Geeling (WB); Arctic Manhunt
(U-I), 2nd d. t. wk 30
"Great Sinner' Scores 110
As Tops in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH—Trade generally at downtown
first i-uns was dull, with holdovers plentiful.
"The Great Sinner" at the Perm was
the top newcomer with a rating of 110 per
cent. "Lost Boimdaries," in a third stanza at
the Warner, continued to show strength by
carding 120 per cent.
Fulton—Once More. My Darling (U-1) 80
Harris—Mr. Soft Touch (Col), 6 days 70
Penn The Great Sinner (MGM) 110
Ritz—Black Magic (UA), 2nd d. t. wk 80
Senator—Yes. Sir. That's My Baby (U-I). 2nd d. t.
wk 80
Stanley—The Great Gatsby (Para) 85
Warner—Lost Boundaries (FC), 3rd d. t. wk 120
Show for Score Writer
AKRON—The Copley Theatre recently
screened "Once More, My Darling," lor members
of the Harvey S. Firestone jr. family,
including daughter Elizabeth, who wrote the
musical score for the film. With her was her
grandmother, Mrs. Harvey S. Firestone sr., a
well-known composer and pianist.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

-J %WSi

. . Ritz
. . George
I
P I
T T S B U R G H
Tjorothy Tice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
George Tice, was married to William Finn
jr. A reception followed at the Jacktown
hotel. The bride is a daughter of the Columbia
manager. The bridegroom is manager
of the Park Theatre at Munhall.
Tavern owners with television sets who
sell only beer are subject to an amusement
tax amounting to 20 per cent of their U-
cense. The Pennsylvania legislature passed
a measure exempting the 19,000 taprooms in
the state that sell both liquor and beer from
paying amusement tax on video. However,
the malt beverage law covering the 2,000
cafes that retail only beer and ale, was not
amended, and under a Supreme Court decision
they'll have to pay.
Terry Tony Hatfield, great-grandniece of
Devil Anse Hatfield, who knows the real
McCoy about the Hatfield feud, appeared on
the stage of the Fulton here to defend her
family. The Fulton presented her to exploit
Samuel Goldwyn's "Roseanna McCoy"
. . . Theatre management, a new course,
limited to seniors only, has been added at
Carnegie Tech drama school, with Dick
Hoover, general manager of the Pittsburgh
Playhouse in charge.
Don Mungello, Burgettstown exhibitor,
ripped out the six bowling aUeys which he
installed only a year or so ago. He did so,
he says, before his business was taxed out
of business . . . Variety Club held a membership
meeting and buffet supper Monday
(12) ... M. A. Sargent, manager of Warner's
Latonia in Oil City, staged a special
campaign for "Task Force" . . . Alvin Seller's
Vox at Ligonier was the first theatre in the
area, following Pittsburgh, to offer "The Red
Shoes" for a week at roadshow prices . . .
The Clark at Suterville is no longer an account
of the Star booking agency.
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Rankin, Bridgeville
theatre owners, celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary during a month's vacation
on the west coast . . . Nick Goldhammer,
Monogram-Allied Artists' executive, was
here on business with Abe Weiner, local
manager, who is being honored by a special
September business drive which observes his
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Order Your Screen Coating and
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third anniversary with the company here . . .
Mannie Brown, newly appointed RKO salesman,
made a tour into West Virginia, had
auto and highway trouble and quit . . . Allied
MPTO directors failed to meet last
Friday afternoon, regular monthly meeting
day.
Show business at work and play, with the
latter prevailing Tuesday midnight, September
20, is the theme of the lATSE Local 171
40th anniversary banquet. The affair is
scheduled from 11 p. m. to 3 a. m.
Big Slim and his Oklahoma Boys appeared
in person at the Starlite Open Air
Theatre near Uniontown . . . Patrons in attendance
at the regular Saturday night show
at the Sky-Hi Drive-In at Cranberry may
remain for a change of program midnight
show at no extra cost . . . Family Drive-In
at New Kensington bids for the kiddies by
offering free comic books and colored .
balloons
John D. Rossino, manager of the
. . . El Rancho Drive-In at Bridgeville, Is seeding
the front lawn and planting evergreens.
A distraction at the El Rancho is night
football games with giant lighting systems in
the property adjoining the outdoor theatre.
Harry Long, 58, vice-president of Bert M.
Steam's licensing combine, died recently.
He suffered a heart condition and had entered
Mercy hospital several weeks ago. Long
formerly was division manager for Loew's
Theatres. Services were conducted here at
Samson's and the burial was in Detroit.
Surviving are his wife, Edith Johnson Long,
a sister Blanche and brothers Walter E.
and C. Robert Long.
Max ShuJgold of Crown Film Co. was in
New York on business . . . John W. Robison,
Bedford projectionist, and his wife have
adopted a 16-month-old girl. John was associated
with Ace and John Stuckey at
Everett for a number of years before going
to Bedford nearly a decade ago . . . Charlie
Sheftic was scheduled to stage a dinner at
the Somerset Country club in celebration
of the opening several months ago of the
Richland Drive-In near Johnstown . . . Because
of the polio condition at Butler, health
authorities delayed the opening of schobls
and put a wider curb on gatherings of persons
under 18. One of the bans was on
theatres.
Louis Rothenstein,
Cambridge Springs exhibitor,
is a candidate for council there . . .
The Austin Interrantes of Philipsburg are
vacationing in New York . . . Drew Kolb of
MOlheim has been enjoying a Canadian fishing
vacation . . . C. L. Hall, Clarence exhibitor,
is back on the job following an 11,400-
mile auto tour to Alaska . Curtz,
Paramount booker, has resigned . . . Ray
Allison, Altoona-Johnstown exhibitor, and his
bride are at home following an extended
honeymoon .
its Kiddy Klub September 17.
at New Kensington st.arts
Dismissal of the mandamus proceedings in-
by John Perry, Belle Vernon exhibi-
stituted
tor and former burgess of that borough, is requested
by the borough's solicitor in Fayette
county court. Perry is trying to regain the
office of burgess, lost dui'ing a term he spent
in the Allegheny county workhouse on an
assault charge brought by a former employe.
kini's Asylum of Horrors at Shea's in Bradford;
Richard E. Sylvers at the Manos in
Uniontown; Vaughn Monroe orchestra at
the Warner in Erie; Freddie Martin orchestra
at the State in Johnstown and the
Manos in Greensburg; Louis Prima's orchestra
at the Columbia in Sharon, and Dipson's
Bradford at Bradford; Hawkshaw Hawkins
the Nuluna in Sharon.
at
Frank Panoplos, Clairton exhibitor, is at
the Mayo clinic at Rochester, Minn., where
he underwent an operation . . Bob Kimbel,
.
Republic shipper, was injm-ed slightly in an
auto accident . . . Mrs. Dom Serrao, mother
of Bill, Fred and Roxy, Arnold-New Kensington-Ford
City exhibitors, is recuperating
at home after being hospitalized . . . The
Butler at Butler will inaugurate a regular
Tuesday amateur show starting September
20 . . . The Manos at Uniontown and the
Veterans council will present the reissued
"Story of G.I. Joe," opening October 3.
. .
Filmrow's F-11 union plans a Halloween
party October 28 . . . Republic's new head
cashier is George Wain of Homestead. He
became the father of a son the day he reported
on the job Paramount sneakpreviewed
.
"The Great Lover" Tuesday evening
(13) at Loew's Penn . . . The Variety
Club crew hosted the September 16 family
nite party.
The Variety Club previewed "People Are
Important," which depicts the work of the
Allegheny County Community Chest. The
short was produced by James Baker of Mode-
Art Pictures . . . Frances Langford and Jon
Hall are here for appearances at the Better
Homes exposition September 17-23 at West
View park . . . The Oaks at Oakmont played
a two-day engagement of "The Red Shoes"
. . . Owners and managers of drive-in theatres
met September 13 in the Plaza bmlding
downtown.
National Theatre Brokers
To Distribute Turn-Key
PITTSBURGH—National
Theatre Brokers
now is Pittsburgh-Philadelphia-Washington
area distributor for the Ballantyne Co. Turn-
Key Drive-In, which will be featured at the
TESMA trade show in Chicago, September
26-28. Andrew F. Battiston, NTB general
sales manager, recently flew to Omaha where
he completed negotiations with Ballantyne.
Leo Isaacs Dies
PITTSBURGH—Leo Isaacs died here Tuesday
evening following a long illness. A former
local film laboratory owner and commercial
producer. Isaacs was a Colimibian salesman
for a long period and recently was a
representative of Alexander Theatre Supply.
S
stage shows in the area included Dr. Sll- m.^^
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

First Runs at Drive-ins
Up in Cleveland Area
CLEVELAND—Drive-ins, once regarded as
stepchildren of the industry, are now looked
upon favorably by distributors. A few years
ago. the ozoners could buy pictures only after
the last neighborhood run. Now things have
changed to such an extent that two drive-ins
in this area, the Fairview and Wicliffe, belonging
to the chain operated by Horace
Abrams, showed first runs. Monogram's
"Smart Woman."
"This was not a precedent," a Monogram
official said. "It was just a trial booking to
see what the public reaction would be."
It was found that this is not the first such
booking in this area. Peter Wellman recently
played "Not Wanted" in all of his
Youngstown theatres, indoor and outdoor, on
a day-and-date basis.
Herbert Ochs, who controls and operates
18 drive-ins, says he played first runs m
his Dayton Drive-In as far back as 1942.
The picture played was "Corregidor." The
Wayne Drive-In at Fort Wayne, frequently
spot-books first runs, Ochs says, and these
included "Tarzan and the Magic Mountain,"
"The Judge Steps Out," "Roughshod,"
"Tulsa," "Massacre River," "Mom and Dad"
and "Prince of Peace."
Inasmuch as no objections have been voiced
by exhibitors rumring indoor theatres, it may
be assumed that the drive-ins pick up pictures
which indoor theatres have passed up.
Four Affiliated Circuit
Units to Get New Signs
DETROIT—Walter Horstman of Horstman
& Co. reports award of contracts for simultaneous
jobs involving both signs and marquees
for four theatres by Afliliated circuit.
The Ritz at Flint and three Detroit houses
the Plaza, East End and Lakewood—are involved
in the deal. Total amount is over
$50,000, making it one of the largest sign
jobs in this territory in several seasons.
Hart Theatre Renovated
HARTFORD, MICH.—The Hart Theatre,
operated by Lillian Stembaugh, has been
renovated with asphalt tile floors laid in
restrooms, a lobby and confection store added,
new carpeting laid in auditorium, seats
recovered and new projection and sound
equipment installed.
Wexford, Pa., Opening Soon
WEXFORD, PA.—The new 1,000-car capacity
drive-in theatre here on Route 19 is
being constructed by the J. B. H. Enterprises
and will be named the Starlite. Joe Volpe,
McKeesport drive-in owner and swimming
pool operator, is president of the corporation,
and members include James H.
Nash, Bert M. Stearn, Harry Hendel and
other representatives of the Cooperative Theatre
Service of Pittsburgh, a licensing and
booking combine. RCA equipment is installed
and the Starlite will be opened before
the end of
September.
To Start 650-Car Drive-In
CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO—A drive-in is scheduled
to be erected soon near the Pickaway
county fairgrounds to be operated by Harley
Bennett of Chillicothe. It will occupy eight
acres of land and serve 650 cars.
Big year-Round Drive-In
Starts in Dayton Center
DAYTON—A $3,000,000 shopping center to
include a 1,300-car year-around drive-in, will
be constructed on Par Hills avenue, a short
distance south of David road here. Robert F.
Poorman, president of Dayton Film, Inc., is
one of three men named as operating agents
for Da-Film Theatres, Inc., which will construct
the center. He said the fireproof theatre
of brick facing will cost about $500,000.
Completion of the theatre is set for November.
The shopping units will extend north and
south from the screen tower and will provide
space for 26 stores. Poorman said the
project win be the first outdoor theatre built
in the northern states for year-around patronage.
In-car electric heaters will keep auto
interior temperatures at 70 degrees except in
coldest weather. The 1,300-car capacity will
be twice that of any drive-in operating in
this
area.
There will be parking facilities for 1,200
cars in addition to the 1,300 in the theatre
itself. Concession cars will be used to bring
soft drinks to the cars, and artificial moonlight
will be provided to eliminate darkness
normally present in a drive-in. Fried chicken
dinners will be served in the cars from 6 to
8 p. m.
The other two operating agents are Arthur
W. Kemp, president of Autocrat, Inc., and
Ralph Gross, secretary of the Dayton Bar
Ass'n.
Winograd Bros. Open Theatre
ROCHESTER, PA.—The Winograd brothers
staged a grand opening for their new Family
Theatre on Hinds street, directly across from
the Oriental. A light brick front has a
V-shaped marquee with the name Family doubled
above changeable letter frames and neon
trim. The boxoffice is centered and built out
to the sidewalk with doors on either side.
The new theatre was opened during Rochester's
centennial and while the Oriental was
celebrating its 18th anniversary.
Harry L. Widom, architect, plamied the
sti-ucture for the Winograd family and Alexander
and Superior supply houses furnished
equipment. The building is fireproof and has
a thermostat-controlled cooling and heating
system. Decorating has been done with subdued
coloring and lighting. There is a small
platform stage with draw cm'tains and exits
on either side. Mike Winograd, manager of
the Rochester Amusement Co. who announced
the plans for construction of the Family two
years ago, and his associates received many
messages of congratulation from a large
opening audience. Newspapers in Beaver
county cooperated with the owners-managers
in connection with the opening.
Philippi, W. Va., Skyview Open
PHILIPPI. W. VA—The Skyview Drive-In
was opened by Alex Silay and Steve Medve
at Berryburg on Route 77, about six miles
out of town. Virginia Howell, secretary to
D. E. Lovett, whose firm installed the DeVry
projection and sound equipment, will manage
the operation, representing one of the few
women drive-in theatre managers in the
country.
Silay and Medve also own the Lido Theatre
here, along with several other indoor theatres
in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The
partners are also associated in the Sunset
Drive-In, Clarksbui-g. Lovett & Co., Clarksbm-g,
engineered the theatre and supervised
construction. One hundred engraved invitations
to the opening were mailed to exhibitors
and industry leaders, and a fireworks
display was a special attraction at the kickoff
showing.
First In-Pittsburgh Airer Open
PITTSBURGH—The Silver Lake Drive-In,
only outdoor theatre located within the city
of Pittsburgh, staged a grand opening September
9. Located on Washington boulevard,
just below Frankstown avenue, the ozoner is
ten minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.
Souvenirs were distributed to kiddies. Free
dancing is a feature. Alexander Theatre Supply
furnished RCA equipment and the Tri-
State Automatic Candy Corp. operates two
refreshment buildings. Gabe Rubin, proprietor
of the dowTitown Art Cinema, is manager
of the Silver Lake.
Build at Cuyahoga Falls
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO—Slaff Amusement
Co., Cleveland, is building a one-story
85x300-foot theatre here on State road between
Chamberlain and Maitland streets, with
parking facilities for 900 automobiles. The
theatre will cost approximately $400,000.
George Ebeling of Cleveland is the architect.
AN IN -THE -CAR SPEAKER
That's
COMPLETE
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EQUIPMENT
for THEATRES and DRIVE-INS
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•CENTURY PROJECTORS AND
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Write for FREE LITERATURE
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ADAMS 8107
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949 71

. .
. . . Sam
. . . Gregoi-y
. . . W.
. . Ben
. . Barney
. . Saul
. . George
. . Harry
. . George
. . Jim
. . Ben
i
CLEVELAND
IJal Marshall, Paramount publicity repre-
. . .
sentative, was all set for a full three-day
program for Corinne Calvet's personal appearance
when the deal was called off. The
Hal Wallis stai- became ill in Toronto and
cancelled her Cleveland engagement
Charles Roberts, assistant manager at the
Ohio, was yanked out of active duty by an
appendectomy from which he now is convalescing
nicely.
. . "Mighty
Marie Weigler, secretary to United Artists
Manager Sidney Cooper', has returned from
a visit with relatives in Boston .
Joe Young" got some nice national publicity
as one of the names to be identified on the
popular Twenty Questions program .
Urban Anderson has resigned as manager
of the State and Ohio theatres, Uhrichsville,
owned by the Tuscarawas Amusement
Co. He joined the organization four years
ago, soon after his army discharge. Future
plans will be announced soon.
Max Miller, Eagle Lion publicity representative,
was here working on an exploitation
campaign for "The Black Book," opening soon
at the Allen . . . "Lost Boundaries," now in
its eighth week at the Esquire, will run at
least one more week. In Toledo at the Palace,
the picture played five weeks. Warner Theatre,
Youngstown, reports a tremendous opening
following an extensive exploitation program
during which screenings were held for
selected groups.
Herbert Ochs, drive-in circuit operator, left
on a tour of his 11 outdoor theatres in Canada
. . . Lou Opper of Novelty Scenic Studios
was here from New York to make final arrangements
to decorate the new Mapletown
Theatre being built by Frank Gross and
Fi-ank Porozinski.
Shep Bloom left to report to the 20th-Fox
branch in Pittsburgh. He has been covering
the river ten-itory for the local 20th-Fox
office . . Frank Masek, National Theatre
.
Supply Co. manager, has installed all new
Simplex sound and projection equipment in
the Mansfield reformatory, Mansfield; Lima
State hospital, Lima, and the Cleveland State
Mrs. Nazera Zegiob, owner of
hospital . . .
the Elvira, Dreamland and Pearl theatres.
Lorain, underwent an operation at St. Luke's
hospital here.
Visitors were scarce along Filmrow. Spotted
were Joe Robins, Paul Ellis, WaiTen; Bill
Twigg, Youngstown; R. Ulmer, Lonet, Wellington;
R. Mazzochi and booker Dale Brugman,
Mumac, Middlefield, and the Arkon
regulars . . . Herb Ochs, whose Canadian
drive-in chain now numbers 11, will add two
more next spring. He has permits to build
one in Sarnla, just across from Detroit, and
another at Sault Ste. Marie.
A golf contest between Eddie Johnson and
Nat Walken playing against Louis Gross and
Joe Ti-unk at the Tippecanoe Country club
in Yoimgstown ended in a draw. Another
meet is planned to decide which of the four
is the champion . . . Manny Glick, former
partner of Peter Welhnan at the Harbor
Theatre, Ashtabula Harbor, has joined the
Universal Chemical Co. and is learning from
Sid Schoen how to keep new theatres looking
new and how to make old theatres look new.
Edward Rabb tmiied over his Copley Theatre,
Akron, recently to the Hai-vey Firestone
jr. family for a private family screening of
"Once More, My Darling" for which their
daughter Elizabeth wrote the musical score.
The Metropolitan Theatre building at 5012
Euclid Ave., has been sold by M. B. Horwitz.
Jack Shulman, H. H. Felsman, attorney, and
William Bialosky, real estate dealer, for a
Work started this week
reported $120,000 . . .
on M. B. Horwitz' new de luxe theatre in
Ben L. Ogron of Ohio
Cuyahoga Falls . . .
Theatre Supply Co. has closed the following
deals: Motiograph projection and sound at
the Chardon Drive-In; Motiograph equipment,
including sound and projectors at the
new Skyview Drive-In on Route 20, and Ideal
chairs for the new Mapletown Theatre here.
Lester Dowdell is back at his job as United
Artists office manager after a record threeweek
convalescence following an operation
. . . Jack Bernstein, recently arrived from
Toronto to succeed Han-y Walders as RKO
manager, spent his first two weeks in town
getting acquainted with local exhibitors.
For Role in The White Star'
June Clayworth has been ticketed for a
featured role in the Claude Rains starrer,
"The White Tower," an RKO film.
'BOUNDARIES' STAR—Henry Greenberger, left, owner of the Esquire Theatre
in Cleveland, and his sons, Leonard and Harold, are snapped with Richard Hylton,
star of "Lost Boundaries," which was in its seventh week at the Esquire. Hylton
was a. guest of the Greenbergers at a luncheon and was interviewed by newspaper
and radio reporters during his day in Cleveland. Harold Greenberger, at right, is
manager of the Esquire.
Remember
When—
By ELSIE LOEB
. . . Oscar Ruby managed
.
.
.
. . Gradwell
CLEVELAND — Bill Raynor was Hippodrome
manager
the Pathe exchange Ross was
Paramount district manager . . . John Royal
was manager first of the Hippodrome and
then of the Palace . . . Frank Rembusch was
president of the Motion Picture Congress of
America Rose was Universal
branch manager Roberts was
20th-Fox district manager . Reilly was
with Columbia . Resnick managed
the UA exchange . . . Ralph Redman managed
the Memphis Theatre . . . Mike Resnick
had his M&G exchange in the Film building.
Max and Joe Shagrin both operated their
Youngstown theatre . . . Andy Sharick was
local Universal publicity man .
Sears managed the First National exchange
in Cleveland . . . Ward Scott was 20th-Fox
manager . . . William Shalit was UA manager
. . . Fred Schram had the Zenith Film
Co. . . .
fice manager
Fred Scheberman was
. . . Charlie School
Warner of-
was MGM
cashier.
Bill Shartin headed the Grand National
. . . Justin
. . Marvin Samuelson was assistant
.
local exchange . . . Harry Seed was Pittsburgh
Carl Scheuch
Warner manager . . . was with Import Films . . . Jim Sharkey was
Columbia district manager . Schwartz
managed the Uptown Theatre
Spiegle was Paramount ad sales manager . . .
Leonard Shlesinger was Warner booker . . .
Harris Silverberg was RKO branch manager
Schonfeld was with UA . . . Morris
Segal owned the Majestic Pictures of Cleveland
and Cincinnati . . . B. D. "Buck" Stoner
was MGM booker . . Jack Skirball was Educational
sales manager . . . L. P. Stewart was
with Art Morrone's Superior Motion Picture
Supply Co .
manager at the Hippodrome.
Remember when Joe Trunk was a leading
Youngstown theatre djyner . . . Rube Traube
was selling Tone-a-Graph sound equipment
Truesdale was with the
RKO Palace
man . . . P. R.
and later
Touney
was MGM publicity
managed the Lincoln
. . .
. .
. . Sherman
Theatre in Cleveland Ted Teschler was
assistant manager at the Mall Theatre . . .
Bill Twigg was Paramount ad sales manager.
Bob Sable was with Tri-States Pictures
. . . Tom Sample represented International
Enterprises . . . Frank Turner was with Superior
Theatre Supply Co. . . . Eugene Vogel
sold MGM pictiu-es in the Cleveland exchange
August Valentour, Paramount
territory . . .
ad sales manager, was transferred to Pittsburgh
. Morton Van Praag was sales manager
for Advertising Trailer Service Corp.
Vojae was Columbia booker.
Louis Van Baalen was booker at Paramount
E. Van Horn represented Air Controls,
Inc., in this territory . . . A. K. Veech was
with Warner Bros.
Harold Wendt was with FBO .
Webster was manager of the Hodkinson exchange
. . . Louis Weintz was Columbia cashier
.. . Bill Weiss was affiliated with Meyer
Fisher in the Fisher exchange . . . Ralph
Walsh was Waraer theatre district manager
. . . C. J. Ward was a member of the Pox
Wilmot Warren managed the Lake
staff . , .
Theatre, a Warner house at that time . . .
Bill Watmough was a booker at the MGM
W. D. Ward was selling "Ten
exchange . . .
Nights in a Bar Room" . Wiegand
was Warner contact manager.
CALKr,-
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72 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
5

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Ambridge, Pa„ Manager
To Lead Songs at Console
Ambridge, Pa.—The Ambridge Theatre
pipe organ, which has not been in use for
many years, will be heard again by patrons
in Conununity Sing programs featuring
the mammoth organ with Manager
Bill Hock at the console. Hock was
featured organist at theatres for many
years prior to the advent of sound and
talking pictures. After a long absence
from the console, he is practicing some
of the oldtime hits as well as the popular
tunes of today, in which the audience
will participate by singing. In addition to
the organlogue, guest bands, singers and
novelties will be introduced from the
stage, and participa^te in what is to be
known as Beaver Valley's Musical festival.
Nightingale League
To Begin 25lh Year
DETROIT—The Nightingale club, Pllmrow
bowling organization, will start its 25th season
September 22 at the Palmer Park recreation
alleys on McNichols road, according to
P. H. Akins, secretary. With the silver anniversary
plans in the background, expectations
are that this will be the best season of
competition in many years.
Sponsors for this season, most of them having
a tradition of sponsorship dating far
back, will be National Theatre Supply, Ernie
Forbes Theatre Supply, McArthur Theatre
Equipment Co., Lorenzen flower shop, Detroit
projectionists Local 199, Brenkert, National
Carbon Co. and Altec Sound Service.
Secretary and Mrs. Akins are going to
Cleveland to assist in the formal opening
of the 1948-49 bowling season there, and
scout the play in the Cleveland projectionists
Local 160 league. A match between the two
cities will be played this season again, and
Detroit bowlers count on retaining the trophy
in this city.
Victory Theatre Sold
In Calhoun, Ky.
CALHOUN, KY.—The Victory Theatre here
has been sold to Mitchell & Survant of
Owensboro by B. Bennett of the Universal
Sound Movie Co. The theatre, formerly the
Ritz, was pui'chased by Bennett in 1941. Universal
Sound Movie Co. operates the Palace in
Owensboro as well as several small town theatres
in Indiana. Bennett recently leased the
Star Theatre at Fort Branch, Ind., from its
owner Mrs. Barbara Gwaltney.
Celebrate Anniversary
FORT WAYNE, IND.—Celebrating its
25th
anniversary, the Rialto Theatre here booked
a series of outstanding films.
Pennsylvania Leads Recreation
HARRISBURG—Pennsylvania leads all
states in the number of communities with
recreation services for their residents. The
state planning board discloses that 623 Pennsylvania
communities have some type of
planned recreation program.
Confinued Public Relations Needed
In Film Industry, Broadcaster Says
CLEVELAND — "Hollywood has become
aware that the film industry is completely
dominated by public acceptance, and that a
continuing gesture to maintain the public's
favor is a necessity," Sidney Andorn, local
radio commentator, told his listeners recently
in a broadcast designed to acquaint
them with the term "public relations," particularly
as applied to the motion picture industry.
Andorn told his hsteners that during the
lush war years the film industry grew fat
and lazy and did nothing to keep alive the
public's interest in pictures and players.
Now, realizing the error of its ways, the industry
is trying to recapture the public with
personal appearances of boxoffice names and
by putting its best foot forward.
"In slow, but very firm steps," he said,
"there is moving into our consciousness the
fact that an organization—big business, a
corporation, a firm of attorneys, a show— is
composed of individuals, of people exactly
like the people who buy the big business's
product . enlightenment carries with
it the knowledge that all organizations are
as capable of making mistakes as are the people
of whom it is made up.
"In order to explain these mistakes, in
order to keep the reputation of the organization
favorable in the public eye, there has
grown up a profession known as public relations.
For years and years we've had press
agents, people whose game it is to try and
DRIVE-IN HELPMATE — The better
half does her share of the work at the
Town and Country Drive-In at Cheat
Lake, W. Va,, near Morgantown. Pictured
above is Mrs. William Cobum as
she meets patrons in the refreshment
center. The Coburns formerly operated
the theatre then y-clept the Cheat Drivein,
using 16mm projectors, but recently
installed DeVry 35mm projectors with
high intensity arc lamps and DeVry intar
speakers from Lovett & Co. of Clarksburg.
The Town and Country is located
near the Cheat Lake, on Fairchance pike.
get facts favorable to their employers printed
for free in the papers, carried gratis on the
air. And for years and years we have had
publicists, who made it a career to protect
their employer, to try to keep out the press
and away from the radio anything which
might seem detrimental to their employers.
"Now, there has come about a joining of
the two, whose job it is to keep the public
informed more or less completely about the
activities of their organizations, to soft pedal
the mistakes, to pull out all stops on the accomplishments.
This new job seeks to keep
the organization constantly before the public
in a favorable light.
"But, like the people they represent, these
public relations experts are people, too, subject
to the assets and liabilities of all of us
people. So. when things are going good, are
sailing, they are apt to slack up in the effort
with which they try to keep the public
pleased. Then, when things begin going
badly, when the light of their organization
is not too favorable with the public, they
become frenzied in their efforts to sell out
to say, via every available medium—we're
nice people, nothing's wrong with us, see
what we're doing, how alert we are, how
aggressively we operate?
"For a period of about ten years, the film
industry, aided, of course, by the war, was doing
beautifully at the boxoffice, so Hollywood
retrenched within Hollywood. Few stars or
players left to appear in the hinterlands.
Few were the promotional activities originated
in Hollywood's publicity offices and
fanned out to reach the nation's key cities.
"The industry all oi a sudden found things
dropping off at the boxoffice. They discovered
a conspicuous lack of interest in the
things the film industry was doing. So Hollywood
got on its toes. Now, we here in Cleveland,
like the rest of the nation, are getting
an influx of stars, featured players, stunts.
They are sending out name talent in vaudeville
troupes to please the public.
Obviously. Hollywood realizes that you
can't ignore the public when you're in the
business of catering to the public. Nor can
you decide to periodically ignore the public
and hand them gratuities only when it's convenient
to you ... I think Hollyi^'ood sees
now that there was a mistake of omission
made by its public relations people who represent
the film corporation, which, in turn, is
composed of people."
Yorktown at Cleveland
Celebrates Birthday
CLEVELAND—The Yorktown. operated by
Triangle Theatres, celebrated its second birthday
with Manager Charles Shannon as host.
The celebration lasted most of the week.
Vaudeville was presented three nights and
the fh-st 100 lady patrons received orchids.
The public also had a chance to win a sixweek
supply of baked goods from a cooperating
bakery by guessing the weight of a 118-
pound cake in display in the lobby. The
theatre was decorated inside and out with
permants.
To Vote on Sunday Films
AVONMORE, PA.—Tlie Sunday film issue
will be settled here at an election on November
8.
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949 73
, jc't

. . William
. . Peter
. . Mrs.
'
DETROIT
\Tera, Willis, former assistant manager of
. . .
the Highland Park Theatre, is an old
schoolmate of Dorothy Harrison of Allied
Films FeUx L. Goletz, owner-manager
of the Moran. in talking about traffic hazards
around the house, had a big three-car
smash at the next corner on the occasion
of your scribe's visit to prove it . . . Joseph
Pickering has moved from the Moran to
the Garden, replacing Emil Setzke jr. . . .
Sidney Turer, Universal booker, admits he
has reached the ripe old age of 32.
Harry W. Irons, former manager of the
Ypsilanti Drive-In, has joined the Van Upholstering
Co. . . . L. L. Leonard closed the
Turner Theatre, only house at Turner, last
DELUXE
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
BRENKERT PROJECTORS,
* 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
Nights
WO 1-1122 VE 7-1227
WO 1-1123
.
. . .
Saturday Collins, former manager
at the Palace and National, is ticket
superintendent for the Michigan state fair
Mac McMillen of the Colonial was stage
manager at the Coliseum for the state fair,
with Al (Kelly) Dear in a similar post for
the Tex Ritter show at the grandstand.
. . .
J. Oliver Brooks, head booker of the Butterfield
circuit and one of the best-loved
figures on Filrmow, was official judge in
the pigtail contest at the state fair . . .
Frank J. Bettelli, now with the Technicolor
studio in Los Angeles, sends greetings to
friends back home W. P. Dawson of
the Roxy and wife have returned from a
visit with their granddaughter in Los Angeles,
where he also made a deal with 20th-
Pox studios for the Vari-Tork, which he invented
. . . Raymond E. Moon, 20th-Pox
division manager, was back home here a
couple of days visiting old scenes and friends.
. . B. Griffin, a
Jack Zide of Allied Films is enthusiastic
over the record of "Paisan," held for a
fourth week at the Krim .
newcomer to the show business, has taken
over the Manchester, only theatre in Manchester,
from Bert Bell . . . Irving Katcher
of the Willis and Russell is organizing a
neat job of cooperative advertising for independent
theatres. Ralph Forman assisted
on the early editions.
Max Bembaum, manager of the Filmrow
drug store, is back from Miami, where he
was in the middle of the recent hurricane
. . . Aivid Kantor, former head of Arvid
Display Service, has taken over the western
Michigan territory, with headquarters at
Grand Rapids, for Republic, replacing W. J.
"Gus" Embach . William R. Stebbins
and Mrs. Clara Stebbins, now managing
the Film Exchange building, have christened
themselves the "Gold Dust Twins" . . .
Moe Dudelson, UA district manager, was
away on a trip to the Cincinnati office.
Walter Collins, longtime city salesman for
Warners here, was guest of honor at a farewell
dinner Thursday at Variety Club. He
is being transferred to his long -sought quest,
a west coast post, at Portland, Ore. Joe
Varinghaus, office manager, is moving up to
city
sales.
Don Figuero, operator of a circuit in Cuba,
visited Dan Lewis of W&W. He also is as-
.
sistant secretary of state for Cuba . . . Louis
Lutz. RKO chief at Grand Rapids and former
manager of the Uptown in Highland
Park; Michael Oakum, Toronto circuit operator,
and Miguel Carranza, bull fight promoter,
were Lewis' other visitors of the week
. . . Henry Zapp was musical director of
the hillbilly concert at Walter Collins' sendoff
party Simon has been working
nights getting the trailers out for the
usherettes at the state fair.
Sidney E. Golos, formerly with a premium
company in New York, has opened the new
NOW-
THEATRE SEATS
Upholstered, Repaired, AnyTvhere. Better Materials.
Workmanship Gucrronteed. Prompt Service,
Reasonable.
JOHN HEIDT
1507 W. EirbT Detroit 8. Mich.
Phone: TYlei 7-801S
S&G Theatre Premium Service in the Film
Exchange . . . William "Boots" Scharun of
Universal Theatre Premiums has moved his
offices into the basement of the Film building
. . . Clair Townsend is sporting a new
super rug presented by Sol Krim . . . Ann
Rogell of General Theatre Service and Genevieve
Santer, wife of George H. Santer of
the Radio City, were among the charming
usherettes at the state fair.
Butterfield Books
Stage Attraction
DETROIT—Fi-ankie "Sugar Chile" Robinson
will make his first appearances in nine
towns through his home state, except for
Detroit appearances and a few one-nighters,
on a four and one-half week tour opening
September 22 over the Butterfield circuit.
The Boyle Woolfolk agency signed with Herbert
M. Eiges, manager for Sugar Chile. The
deal includes a complete package show, with
four supporting acts and a leader and two
sidemen to form the nucleus of the house
orchestra.
Routing for the unit includes: Michigan
Theatre, Jackson, September 22-24; Michigan,
Lansing, 25-28; Michigan, Muskegon,
29-October 1; Capitol Flin, October 2-5; Temple,
Saginaw, 6-8; Michigan, Aim Arbor, 9-12;
Oakland, Pontiac, 13-15; State, Kalamazoo,
16-19, and Bijou, Battle Creek, 21-23.
THEATRE
2 COLOR PROGRAMS
« ONE DAY SERVICE — On Request »
THEATRICAL ADV.
CO.
"SERVING EXHIBITORS FOR 33 YEARS"
2310 CASS WO. 1-2158. DETROIT, I, ^aCH
L O- L THEATRE CONCESSION
INCREASED PROFITS - DECREASED WORRIES
PERSONALIZED SUPERVISED SERVICE
DRIVE-IN AND INDOOR THEATRES
2937 St. Aubin
Phone Te. 13352
Detroit 7,
Mich.
Te. 13884
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
ITie Showmen's Drug Store
Drugs * Cosmetica * Prescriptions
Personal Service Irom Two Showmen
MAX BERNBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist
Manager
Phone CLiilord 1527, CLilford 3694
EQUIPMENT
McARTHUR THEATRE
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST WEST - DETROIT I. MiCH
IDEAL SLIDE BACK CHAIRS
Phone: CAdillac 5524
Thealrp Sign and Marquee Maintenance
/^^^ Our Specialty
^
%jJfiorstmaM^LLo»
WOodard 5-4050
2821 BrooklTs
POotlac 3-4473
Detroit 1. Mich.
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to D;;.-"
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74 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
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Allied of Michigan
To Meet October 3-5
DETROIT—Operation of drive-ins and the
problems created by television will occupy
prominent spots on the agenda at the convention
of Allied Tlieatres of Michigan, to
be held at the Book-Cadillac hotel, October
3-5. KejTiote in the fields is slated to be
given by Trueman Rembusch, president of
Associated Theatre Owners of Indiana, who
also will talk on film buying.
The current industry public relations program
will be presented by President William
L. Ainsworth of Allied States, chairman of
the industry coordinating committee. Ainsworth's
talk will be given at the luncheon
Tuesday (4).
Abram P. Myers, counsel of Allied, will present
his annual talk to exhibitors Tuesday
afternoon.
Other problems expected to be prominent
in the convention discussion will include
film delivery, which provoked a lively debate
last year, and relations with the national
poster service companies.
Social program will be a heavy one for this
convention, with a cabaret party at the Elmwood
hotel in Windsor, Ont., Tuesday night,
and a banquet in the .^abian room of the
Hotel Tuller on Wednesday, preceded by a
cocktail party in the Variety Club rooms.
Ladies at the convention will have a luncheon
on Tuesday at Dearborn Inn, followed
by a tour through Greenfield Village, and
a luncheon and card party on Wednesday at
Variety Club.
Frolic, Detroit, Dark Again;
Folds After 3 Weeks
DETROIT—The Frolic Theatre, formerly
the Davison, small north end house, has
folded after about three weeks of operation
under Edward James Prilick, who had refurnished
and tailored the house to cater to
the Negro neighborhood in which it is located.
Prilick had added a colored stage show policy
to accompany the pictures. Several operators
have tried rimning straight pictures in
the past, including Detroit's only commercial
experiment with 16min shows. However, they
gave up and the house had been closed for
over a year when PriUck tried it.
Speaker Thieves Jailed
CLARKSBXIRG, W. VA.—Two dozen in-car
speakers, cut and stolen from junction boxes
at Warners Skyline Drive-In some weeks ago,
have not been located, but the thieves have
been apprehended and are in jail in Kentucky.
Owners Charles and Dale Warner
played a part in locating the robbers with an
assist from an exhibitor friend. The thieves
now have been implicated in various other
crimes. Loss of the speakers cut the ozoner's
car capacity for accoimnodations by one
tenth.
Detroit Film Bowling
Starts With 8 Teams
DETROIT—Pilm Bowling league got rolling
here Monday (12). The lineup of teams has
been compiled by Al Levy of 20th-Fox, secretary.
The teams:
Allied—Captain Don Pill, Rohert Lenox,
Jack Susami, Jack Haynes and Jack Zide.
Cooperative — Captain Aj-t Trombley, Al
Levy, John Dembek, Irving Belinsky and
Pred Sturgis.
Monogram—Captain Jack Saxe, Robert
Lamb, Walter Corey, Emil Beck and Prank
Barr.
RKO—Captain Eddie Loye, Walter Goryl,
Max Blumenthal, Eric Clarry and Harvey
Trombley.
Republic—Captain Burt Holmes, Lou Metzger.
Max Bembaum, Eddie Sullivan auid Carl
Dorst.
S&G Premiums—Captain Earl England, Sid
Golos, Art Koskie, Johnny Gentile and Robert
Misch.
Theatrical — Captain William Pasanen.
Dave Kaplan, Robert Haskins, Julius Pavella
and Jake Sullivan.
United Artists—Captain Sid Bowman, Stanley
Malinowski, Robert Buermele, Ralph Forman
and Ruby Graff.
Midway Open at Clarion
CLARION, PA.—The Midway Drive-In was
opened this week by N. C. Sherman of New
Bethlehem. It had been scheduled to open
July 22 but the state department of labor
and industry did not approve the screen.
Alterations were started at that time and the
job now meets all specifications. The ozoner
is located seven miles south of Clarion on
Route 66 on the Clarion-New Bethlehem road.
»——••••••••••—
HOME FOR SALE
IN
ROSEDALE PARK
This house has doions of 6xtia features found
only in a custom-built prewar home, and has
been given exceplionolly good care by occupant.
Being sold to close estate.
• Bungalow type
• Three bedrooms—two on first floor
• Seven rooms, including sunroom, plus breakfast
nook
• Full, dry basentent, with lavatory
• Tile bathroom
• Attic space, suitable for extra room (and
additional bathroom)
• Oil yacuum-steom heat
• Insulation in two bedrooms, bath and hallway
• Large fruit cellar
• Huge closet space—one suitable as sewing
room
• Deep linen closet
• Electric stove and refrigerator
• Paved side drive
• Two-car garage, excellent condition
• Some awnings, storm windows
• Lot 54x120 feet
• Attractively landscaped
• Boulevard street
For this attractive buy in one of Detroit's best
residential neighborhoods, write or call c/o
Boxoffice, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit 1. Mich.
Phone woodward 2-1100.
»—met
USED THEATRE CHAIRS
For Sale—6,000 in Stock-
For Immediate Delivery Anywhere.
FBOM $1.50 EACH. OP.
Guaranteed in Good Condition.
Write for Exact Photographs and Prices.
ACE USED THEATRE CHAIR CO.
2565 McClellan Ave. Detroit, ^Ecb.
Phone VAlley 2-3445
Your Boxoiiice is the Heart
ot Your Business
• Lowest in
, . . equip it well. Use the speedy action
"711" COINOMETER
Protect youTseli against loss from errors
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• Guaranteed 3
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and Sound Service
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
106 Michigan St., N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
Telephone GLendaie 4-8852 Nights and Sundays 3-2413
i)i««i''
jjjtn
Nick Tornechio Named
POSTORIA, OHIO—Nick Tornechio, former
assistant manager of Schine's Theatre
in Bucyrus, has assumed new dutiees as manager
of the Civic here. A native of Crestline,
he had been with the Bucyrus for two and
one-half years.
OFFICE OR DESK SPACE TO RENT
Excellent location for anyone contacting show business, or anyone
seekmg central downtown location.
Write or phone c/o BOXOFFICE, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich. Phone WOodword 2-1100
jfr't
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
ME 75

. . Aunt
. .
•.
I
WEST VIRGINIA
•Phe Stop the Music show presented with the
Mr. and Mrs. Style Revue at the Capitol
in Wheeling was sold out several days in
advance of the playdate . . . The Bridgeport
Junior Women's club offered a Fall Fashion
show, presented by Parsons-Souders, at the
Pierce in Bridgeport, managed by Joe Feeney
. . . Free peanuts, popcorn and a pair of
eye goggles were given to kiddies at the first
anniversary party of the new Victoria in
Wheeling, operated by Steve Manas.
. . .
An attendant at the Valley Drive-In on
Route 60 near St. Albans was held up and
Don Schultz,
robbed of approximately $90 . . .
manager of the Lee, Fairmont, is back on
Brick work is
the job after a vacation . . .
Hearing completion on the new theatre at
Buckhannon George Tice, Columbia
manager at Pittsburgh, visited with West
Virginia exhibitors.
Charles E. Warner's Clarksburg Skyline
Drive-In gang closed the swimming season
at a second outing at Garland West's pool
in Buckhannon. Following an afternoon of
swimming, the Skyline crew enjoyed a wiener
roast. Mrs. West, wife of the Buckhannon
exhibitor and outdoor theatre owner, baked
a big chocolate cake. The following day the
Skyline management and employes held a
chicken fry and picnic at the Clarksburg
theatre property. This was followed by a
Warner crew watermelon party and special
screening.
Steede Amusement Co. of High Point, N. C,
is informing exhibitors in West Virginia and
Kentucky of illegal showings of "Confessions
of a Vice Baron," "Highway Hell" and
"Juke Joint Girl" . . . Art Pierce has quit
as manager of Fairmont's Starlite Drive-In.
He is a veteran legitimate theatre manager
and agent and formerly was connected with
the Warner circuit at Fairmont . . . Mario
Lanza got a great reception at the Capitol
In Charleston . Bunie, with the
Garrett Snuff Varieties, appeared on the
stage of Garland West's Colonial in Buckhannon
September 15.
.
Ted Laskey presented Big Slim and his
cowboy show in person at the Starlite Drive-
In at Fairmont . . . Forrest R. Jarvis jr.,
seaman in the navy, son of Jarvis the Great
magician, who formerly was an exhibitor at
Everettville, is now serving aboard the destroyer
TJSS Brownson . The Grove Drive-
In at Elm Grove
.
staged a midnight spook
Two new passenge?
show last Saturday . . .
car tires were awarded to a lucky patron at
the Starlite in Fairmont Monday evening . . .
Parkersburg theatre operators vetoed the
"on-cuff" ticket plan and got a feature story
MID-WEST THEATRE SUPPLY CO., Inc.
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DRIVE-IN THEATRES OUR
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1638 Central PorkwaV' Cincimiati 10. Ohio
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writeup in the Sentinel. They said a good
plan for Hollywood would be to make good
pictures. The quote: "It's a wonder Hollywood
hasn't thought of it—a few good
movies."
air. and Mrs. J. C. Shanklin, Ronceverte,
attended the TOA convention in Los Angeles.
The Shankllns plan to retui-n home via Tacoma,
Seattle, Vancouver, B. C, and other
Canadian points. They will be home about
October 1. Shanklin is president of the
MPTO of West Virginia and a national director.
He served on the producer, distributor,
exhibitor committee at the convention .
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Phelan and their young
daughter also attended the convention. The
Phelans operate the Roxy and Star theatres
in Clendennin.
Cowboy-Attired Bandit
Robs Columbus Theatre
COLUMBUS—Dolled up in western togs,
including a sombrero and a green scarf, a
young bandit held up the Old TraU, Academy
westside house, and escaped with $25. Donna
Thompson, working her first night as cashier,
told sheriff's deputies the "cowboy" poked
a blue steel revolver through the window and
said: "This is a stickup. Give me all your
money."
Reviewer Writes Takeoff
On 'I
Am a Movie Fan'
CLEVELAND—Omar Ranney,
motion pictui-e
editor of the Press, inspired by the "I
Am a Movie Fan" verses that appeared in
BOXOFFICE, wrote a piece called "I Am a
Movie Reviewer" that goes like this:
"In a week I have traveled almost everywhere.
The Bering sea and the Mexican
border. On the ball diamonds of the American
league and the range country of Arizona in
the 1880s.
"I have set foot in the stinking wartime
concentration camps of the Nazis and I have
come away horrified. Danced to 'Sweet
Georgia Brown' in the prohibition days of
the roasting 1920s. Stood on a far-off island
and watched a baby seal learn to swim.
"Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones and Mr. Toad
of Toad Hall are friends of mine. I have
heard the frightening hoofbeats of the Headless
Horseman, heard what Lou Boudreau told
Bob Feller when it was time to put m
another pitcher, heard the shrill cries of the
kittiwakes off the Alaskan coast.
"I have almost gone to sleep in a gang war.
(Almost, I said). Chased bandits through
lettuce fields of southern California, and, by
sheer daring and brute strength, helped rescue
a man from quicksand. Rode herd in a
cattle drive (yipee-I-ay).
"I have stood face to face with Connie
Mack, a white-face bull, President Truman,
a bracero, a woman scorned, an Arctic fox,
Bernarr MacPadden, a cormorant and Satchell
Paige.
"Fact, fiction and the most dreadful hokimi
have brimmed my cup.
"Heaven help me, I am a movie reviewer."
This is the result of reviewing, Ranney
said, all in one week, the following pictures:
"Mr. Soft Touch," "Stampede," "The Great
Gatsby," "The Last Stop," "Ichabod and Mr.
Toad," "Seal Island," "Border Incident," various
newsreels and "The Kid From Cleveland."
COLUMBUS
ni Sugarman and Lee Hofheimer of the
H&S Theatres opened the World art
house at its new location, the former Alhambra
at High street and Lane avenue,
with 'Quartet." On the same day the former
World, renamed the Little, began its revival
policy with a showing of "State Fair." The
Little has a special reduced student price in
the evenings.
Fred Rowlands had the first local showing
at the Main neighborhood of two revivals
the W. C. Fields-Mae West comedy, "My
Little Chickadee," and Olsen and Johnson's
"Crazy House." The Palace recently played
Fields' "The Bank Dick" and "Never Give
a Sucker an Even Break" . . "Holiday on
.
Ice of 1950" will come to the Ohio State
Fairgrounds Coliseum October 7 to play
through October 16 . . . Fall meeting at Beulah
Park racetrack is providing opposition for
theatres . . . Dr. Silkini's "Asylum of Horrors"
will play a midnight date at the Palace
September 23.
.
Sonja Henle's new husband is a former
Bexley resident—Winthrop Gardiner jr., now
a New York socialite and aviation executive.
While here he tested planes for Curtiss-
Wright . . Jeanne Dhume and Parke
Cushnie, two former local actors, are in the
cast of "Will the Mail Train Run Tonight?"
at the Golden Spike Theatre in Hollywood.
Cushnie, who uses the stage name Parke
McGregor, has been in several recent pictures.
Dizzy Gillespie opens the Palace's fall season
of name band attractions on September
19 . . . Virgil Jackson and John Murphy,
Uptown, have started weekly amateur shows
with awards of $10, $3 and $2 and a grand
prize of $20 at the end of eight weeks.
The stolen automobile of William S. Cunningham,
former Colymbus Citizen theatre
editor now in the Paramount studio publicity
department, was found burned near the
Berwick golf course. The car was stolen from
a parking lot while Cunningham and his
wife Betty were here on vacation.
Television news: Robert Thomas, national
sales manager for WBNS, has been named
sales manager of WBNS-TV . . . Test pattern
for WBNS-TV is scheduled to be on
the air this week in preparation for the start
of regular programming around October 1.
The Columbus Dispatch station will have such
CBS stars as Jack Benny, Ken Mui-ray and
the Goldbergs. A giant microwave antenna
which will receive TV programs beamed from
Dayton has been erected at the 40th floor
level of the LeVeque Lincoln tower. Antenna
of WTVN has been placed atop the
same skyscraper.
'Red Shoes' Benefit Set
YOUNGSTOWN—The first
day's performances
of "The Red Shoes" at the Belmont
and Newport theatres here September 19 will
be for the benefit of the Children's Concert
series of the Youngstown Symphony orchestra.
Proceeds from the advance sale of tickets
will go to the women's committee of the Symphony
society, which sponsors the five concert
children's series. Special ticket booths
for the benefit performances will be set up
in two department stores and one downtown
drug store.
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Vaudeville Circuit
Starts in Michigan
DETROIT—Vaudeville has been organized
in a suburban and outstate circuit of theatres
to use the Palace Theatre shows. Territory
involved completely surrounds but bypasses
the Motor city, which has a complete
absence of a regular vaudeville policy.
The Harbor Theatre, located about ten miles
south of downtown in the downriver suburb
of Ecorse, will be the key house for the
suburban area, beginning its unit September
18 upon a split-week basis, playing Sunday
through Tuesday.
Prices will be advanced from 50 to 60
cents for adults and from 20 to 25 cents for
children for the stage shows plus a second
run class B picture. The Harbor, operated
by Andrew and Daniel Bzovi, was opened
under a year ago as a straight motion picture
house.
During the other four days the house will
continue its present policy as a key or third
run film house, playing standard double bills
at the old admission prices. Vaudeville acts
are being booked through the Mount Clu
agency, New York.
The Harbor will follow Toledo, 55 miles
south, and precede dates set for the Harold
Bernstein circuit at Bay City, 100 miles north,
and a theatre at Flint, 60 miles north, allowing
easy jumps for acts between bookings.
Toledo Firm Producing
Electric Display Sign
TOLEDO—Baldwin Electric Co. here has
placed in production a double-faced, moving
message, electric display sign, said to be the
product of more than two years of development
and testing. Each face of the sign can
cari-y both moving film and still displays,
illuminated and in color.
The case of the standard model has face
panels 8x2.4 inches with a depth of 314 inches,
and opens like a suitcase for film changes.
Heading the firm, which was organized recently,
are Samuel W. Poore, president; Fred
S. Young, vice-president, and Bernard J.
Toth, secretary-treasurer. All thi-ee are officers
of the Pioneer-Toledo Corp.. which manufactures
printing equipment.
Big Headaches Seen
In Tickets on Credit
Detroit—Proposals for a credit system
for theatre patrons were strongly condemned
by Sam Carver, vice-president of
Michigan Independent Theatre Owners,
who asked: "What would happen if the
customer delays payment? Would you
stop him from coming to the theatre?"
Carver also pointed out the problem
that would arise if a customer forgot to
bring his credit card to the theatre when
he came, asking, "Would you stop him
or his family from coming?"
Psychologically, he added, the effect of
small payments made each time the patron
comes to the house is vastly different
from the cumulative effect he would get
when he got a bill for several dollars'
worth of theatre attendance at the end
of the month, and urged exhibitors, "We
have enough headaches now—let's stick
to the cash business."
Popularity of Foreign Films Gains
CLEVELAND—Foreign films,
which fought
for recognition here before the war, have
found a resurgence of interest locally within
the last two or three years.
Locally, in addition to the Lower Mall,
which introduced foreign films here, the Esquire
spots such product and the University
plays them second run. Other Ohio theatres
with established foreign policy include the
Liberty at Akron; World, Columbus; Art,
Dayton; Guild. Cincinnati; Little Theatre,
Yellow Springs, and occasionally the Majestic,
Lima.
In prewar days foreign films were introduced
at the Penn Square here, but found it
rough going when only a small group of the
intelligentsia would support them. The policy
was just begmning to catch on when the war
halted the importation of film. After the
war, the Lower Mall introduced the policy to
excellent business.
Local distribution has been a problem in
LOUISVILLE
"Vhe 1949 Amphitheatre season was reported
as the second most successful in the 11-
year history of musicals at the Iroquois Park
show place . Goldberg of Realart,
Cincinnati, returned to his home here
after a two-week trip through West Virginia.
Joe advises that for the second anniversary
of the opening of the Craigsville Drive-In,
Craigsville, W. Va., owner A. A. Richards
booked the film "PittsbiU'gh" as a compliment
to his wife who hails from the Steel
city.
In keeping with the atmosphere of an allwestern
theatre, the new Rodeo here lists on
its admission sign "Oldtimers 25 cents,"
"Buckaroos 15 cents," then on the restroom
doors are Usted "Cowboys" and "Cowgirls"
From the office of the Kentucky
respectively . . .
Ass'n of Theatre Owners comes word
that the names of all paid-up members will
be listed in the souvenir program of the
convention which is now in the making. The
program will be elaborately illustrated. Convention
plans are going along at full speed,
and present indications foretell one of the
biggest conventions ever held by the organization.
Exhibitors seen on the Row recently included
Tom Speer, Monroe, Moru-oe City,
Ind.; F. X. Merkley, Rialto, Columbia; R. H.
Robertson jr.. Majestic, Springfield; George
Lindsay, Lindsay, Brownsville; Edwin St.
Clair, St. Clair, Lebanon Junction; R. L.
Gastrost, Victory, Vine Grove; Frances Wessel.
Royal, Carrollton; James Howe, Richland,
CarroUton; Eugene Martin, New Ace,
Brandenburg, and James Totten, Lake View
James F. Willard
Drive-In, Pendleton . . .
of the Strong Electric Corp. of Toledo spent
several days here inspecting recent installations
of equipment in the territory.
.
. . . Also stopping
A. Edward Campbell of the Skyway Drive-
In here is father of a baby daughter named
Jean Bernard of the Sunset
Drive-In, Bowling Green, stopped over en
route to Bryn Mawr, Pa., for a short vacation
in his home town
over en route on a vacation trip to Canada
were Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Marshall of the
although currently Bernard Rubin,
this field,
head of Imperial Pictures, state rights distribution
group, claims to be the largest distributor
of foreign films in the state. Taking
advantage of Cleveland's large foreign population,
Rubin aims his pictures at theatres
in special language groups, playing Himgarian
pictui-es .at the Moreland and Lorain-
Fulton theatres; Polish films at the Jeimings
and Eclair theatres; Italian pictures at the
Mayfield, etc.
Rubin says he now has enough
foreign product to supply a theatre with an
established foreign policy. He does not ask
for preferred playing time but books the
films on the theatre's off days.
Rubin has been in show business since 1932.
His first job was selling theatre valances.
Then he sold theatre promotions. He later
joined Lee Goldberg's Feature Rights exchange
as salesman and was well established
as manager of the exchange when he was
called into military service.
Columbian, Columbia . . . Another visitor
was Jim Howe of Carrollton who stopped
off on his trip up the Mississippi and Ohio
rivers on the Delta Queen.
The Skyway and Parkway drive-ins still
are bidding for first run product and joined
up in booking "Take One False Step" for
day and date runs. Instead of the 65 cents
admission usually prevailing for first class
first run product, 49 cents was top fare for
adults with children under 12 free as usual
. . . Continuous matinees were in evidence
at a number of suburban houses on Labor
day.
"Gone With the Wind" retmned to the
local scene for showing in both the East
and Dixie drive-ins with one show nightly.
Regular prices prevailed . . The Scoop, on
.
its new policy of single features, brought
in "Lost Boundaries." The National offered
another stage show-film program. A variety
show took over the stage while a double
bill was featured in "Model Wife" and "State
Department, File 649." Loew's double billed
"The Great Sinner" and "Music Man," while
the Rialto showed "You're My Everything"
and "C-Man," and the Strand featured "Not
Wanted" and "Daughter of the West." Held
over for second Louisville weeks were "White
Heat" at the Mary Anderson and "Top O'
the Morning" at the Brown, both as singletons.
Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Gray, Gray Theatre at
Brodhead, Ky., have returned from a tenday
vacation at Virginia Beach, Va.
Lancaster Liberty Sold
LANCASTER, OHIO—Erway Briner, owner
of the Liberty here since 1934, has sold it to
the Lancaster Amusement Co., headed by
Shea Enterprises, which also owns the Lyric.
Briner wiU devote more time to his stable
of racing horses. Fred Lahrmer, Lyric manager,
will take charge of the Liberty.
Open Greensburg, Pa., Drive-In
GREENSBURG, PA.—The F&G Drive-In
has been opened on Route 71. four miles west
of Greensburg.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
77

Columbus Art Policy
To Larger Theatre
COLUMBUS—The World, north side art
house, has moved its poUcy to the Alhambra.
situated on North High street near Ohio
State, Manager Charles Sugarman said. The
new World will continue under the same
management, the H&S Theatres, owned by
Al Sugarman and Lee Hofheimer. The theatre
will be associated with a national syndicate
headed by Vance Schwartz, Louisville,
Ky.
The old World was renamed the Little
Theatre and will show domestic films.
H&S Theatres will continue to operate the
325-seat house, first in Columbus to show
foreign films as a regular policy. Manager
Sugarman said that the change is being
made because of the great success of the
foreign-language and English-film policy.
The change to the 450-seat Alhambra will
make the theatre more accessible to Ohio
State students. Many departments at the
university, particularly foreign language and
speech, encourage their students to attend
showings of foreign films as a laboratory
project.
Extensive remodeling was carried out at the
new World, including a modern, indirectly
lighted auditorium and attractive lobby, revamped
marquee and restrooms.
Musical Stage Show Set
For Capitol at Detroit
DETROIT—Bebop versus Dixieland will
be
the issue in the special one-shot musical stage
show concocted by United Detroit Theatres
for the Capitol Theatre. Art Mardigian and
his Beboppers, complete with goatees and
berets, and Art Gillis and His Dixie Five, both
well known in their fields, will be the contestants
in this extra traffic-bringing promotion.
Each side will have its own master
of ceremonies, in the persons of two local
disk jockeys, John Slagle of WXYZ, who is
an authority on Dixieland, and Robin Seymour
of WKMH, who will handle the bebop
side. A big first run house, the Capitol usually
plays a straight film policy.
Newport, Ky„ Music Hall
Damaged by $5,000 Fire
NEWPORT, KY.—Fire damage to the Music
Hall Theatre, one of the oldest motion picture
houses in northern Kentucky, has been
estimated at between $3,000 and $5,000.
Flames, which were confined to the stage and
rear room, started in a large switch box.
Woodrow Bressler, Dayton, owner of the theatre,
said the sound system was damaged and
would have to be repaired or a new one
installed. Bressler took over the theatre May
1. He also operates the Dayvue Theatre, Dayton,
and the Riverview Drive-In east of
Dayton.
Matinee Stage Show Given
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO—The first afternoon
stage show ever presented at a drive-in
in this area was held at the North side,
where Denver Bill and his Colorado Ranch
Hands, a western musical group heard twice
daily on WFMJ, Youngstown, were offered.
Denver Bill used the refreshment stand as
a stage, and hooked his microphone to the
in-car sound system.
Films by Buses Illegal
Except in
Necessity
DETROIT—Tiansportation of commercial
motion picture films by public bus has been
banned in the state by the Michigan Public
Service comjnission for reasons of safety, except
'"when no other form of transportation
is available."
Some towns upstate have been served regularly
by bus transportation of films, and
such deliveries are occasionally made to
theatres served regularly by film carriers or
otherwise for special shipments, particularly
in the case of late shipment.
A hearing was held on the petition of the
Greyhound Bus Co. to carry film, as it formerly
did extensively, and was opposed by
Arnold Renner, state fire marshal, and by
Film Truck Service, principal carrier in the
state.
Course in Silent Films
At Cleveland College
CLEVELAND—Cleveland college of Western
Reserve imiversity is offering for the first
time this year a 16-week course on the best
silent films in motion picture history. The
course, which costs $6 for the 16-week series,
will begin September 20 and will continue
weekly untU January 24, 1950, with the usual
Christmas holidays.
The eight classifications studied during the
course include the following films: Drama
•Way Down East" (UA, 1920), "Greed" (MGM,
1924) and "Sunrise" (UA, 1927); western
drama— "Wild Bill Hickock" (Para, 1923) and
"The Pony Express" (Para, 1925) ; farce— "The
Strong Man" (FN, 1926) and "The General"
(UA, 1927); crime— "The Unholy Three"
(MGM, 1925) and "Underworld" (Para, 1927);
docimientary— "Chang" (Para, 1927); war
drama—"The Birth of a Nation" (UA, 1915)
and "What — Price Glory" (20th-Fox, 1926);
jazz age "Are Parents People?" (Para, 1925)
and "Dancing Mothers" (Para 1926), and
fantasy— "The Headless Horsemen" (Hodkinson,
1922) and "Peter Pan" (Para, 1924).
'Peace' Preview Too Distant
DETROIT—Helen Bower, film critic
of the
Detroit Free Press, publicly "declined with
thanks" an invitation to a screening of "The
Prince of Peace," which was given a first run
booking at the Drayton Plains Drive-In, 30
miles northwest of Detroit, on September 18.
Explaining that she would "wait until the
picture is to be released in Detroit," Miss
Bower commented, possibly facetiously, that
"the situation suggests the rather terrifying
possibility of critics having to become mobile
units and cover outlying counties to keep
the public informed on new pictures." The
film is distributed ay Hallmark Productions.
Twins to Blair Mooney
CLEVELAND—Blair Mooney, son of Milton
A. Mooney who heads Cooperative Theatres
of Ohio, is the father of twin sons born at
University hospital. The youngsters have
been named Pat and Mike. The twins are
Milt Mooney's first grandchildren.
To Portray Captain Kidd
Roc Hudson will portray Captain Kidd in
Universal's "Double Crossbones."
Saturday Matinee Crowd
Escapes Fire at State
BELLWOOD, PA.—Several hundred children
were evacuated from a Saturday matinee
at the State when film in a projection
machine caught fire. Smoke quickly filled
the auditorium and office and poured from
second story windows of the building on
Main street. Projectionist Jerry Smith of
Altoona was uninjured. Bellwood volunteer
firemen, working a block away in preparing
for their festival, arrived at the theatre within
a few minutes, dormed gas masks and used
chemicals to extinguish the burning film and
other equipment in the projection booth.
Flames were confined for' the most part to
the fireproofed room but firemen removed
some of the soundproof decorations to get at
the flames which were threatening to spread
to the auditorium. Damage was covered by
insurance, according to the management,
and the theatre was closed for several days
while a repair crew from Johnstown was on
the job. The State was remodeled recently
and new decorations were installed along with
other fixtures and equipment.
Henry Wilcoxon to Visit
On Behalf of 'Samson'
CLEVELAND—Henry Wilcoxon, starred in
Cecil B. DeMille's "Samson and Delilah,"
will spend November 1, 2 here. Hal Marshall,
Paramount special publicity representative,
says he has arranged four speaking engagements
for the DeMille ambassador of goodwill
as well as two cocktail parties.
Talks will be made before group heads of
the Cleveland Federation of Women's Clubs,
religious groups, fashion experts of local department
stores and representatives of the
board of education and local colleges. All
meetings will be held at the Carter hotel.
Sam Isaac New Manager
Of Whitesbiitg Theatres
WHITESBURG, KY. — Nineteen - year - old
Sam Isaac, a student at Virginia Polytechnical
Institute, has been named manager of
the Kentucky Theatre here and of the new
Isaac Theatre now under construction. His
father J. E. Isaac of Cumberland has been
in show business for 30 years, coming to
Kentucky in 1922 after operating theatres
in Norton, Va., for several years.
Mrs. Rose Seyboldt Dies
ERIE, PA.—Mrs. Rose A. Seyboldt, 73, wife
of exhibitor Joseph Seyboldt of the Gem
here, died in her residence September 9.
Surviving in addition to her husband are
three sons, Arthur, Eugene and Joseph;
seven daughters, Mrs. Joseph Riley, Mrs. J. R.
Barrow, Mrs. William McGinnis, Josephine
and Rose Seyboldt, all of Erie; Mrs. Leo
English, Oil City, and Mrs. Frank Sandrock,
Franklin; a brother, Andrew Schwanz, and
a sister, Mrs. John Dardish, both of Titusville,
and 13 grandchildren. Requiem mass
was sung at St. Andrew's church Tuesday
morning.
Former Film Censor Dies
PHILADELPHIA, PA.—Mrs. Lucy (Haws)
Love, for nine years a member of the Pennsylvania
board of movie censors, died last
week of a heart attack at her home in St.
David. A former secretary of the censor
board, she resigned from this work in 1948.
78
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
I

At Kickoff of ATC Circuit's Fall Festiva
BOSTON—A three-point program to increase
motion picture attendance was
launched by the American Theatres Corp. at
its Fall Movie Festival kickoff meeting here.
The program, introduced by ATC President
Samuel Pinanski, emphasized "Bring 'em in.
Keep 'em Coming and Keep 'em Happy."
Pinanski told ATC executives that some
30,000,000 persons go to the show every week.
"But there still are 60,000,000 who do not attend,
an imtapped source of new patrons that
offers a gold mine of opportunity for extra
business," he said. "Go after new patrons.
"Keep your regular patrons coming, showafter-show,
week-after-week. Sell them with
traditional ATC showmanship—extra activities,
special promotions, courteous service.
"Keep 'em happy by making the visits of
both old and new patrons a happy and satisfying
leisure-time activity."
Each exchange manager spoke at the meeting
for 20 minutes on his forthcoming product,
stressing selling and exploitation angles,
and emphasizing the importance of oldfashioned
showmanship in selling film to the
public. Shown at the top of the page are
film men who spoke. Seated, left to right:
Al Kane, Paramount; John Scully, U-I; E.
X. Callahan, 20th-Fox; William Scully, U-I;
Pinanski; James Winn, UA, and Boss Cropper,
RKO. Standing: Arnold Van Leer, Paramount;
Abe Bernstein, U-I; Tom O'Brien,
Columbia; Myer Feltman, U-I; Jack Brown,
Paramount; Bill Horan, WB; John Moore,
Paramount; Tom Donaldson, U-I; Harry
Kirshgessner, NSS; Al Daytz, WB; Benn
Rosenwald, MGM; Ben Babchick, MGM; Gus
Schaefer, RKO; Sam Berg, 20th-Fox; Phil
Engel, 20th-Fox; Terry Turner, RKO; Irving
Mendelson, UA, and Ralph Banghart, RKO.
Shown at the right are ATC managers.
Top panel: Harry Goldberg, Pilgrim; Wilfred
Tully, Esquire; Abner Pinanski, city manager;
Harry I. Wasserman, district manager;
Henry Kalis, Mayflower, all of Boston. Second
panel: Francis Sergi, Eggleston Square,
and Robert Hanson, Plaza, P.oxbury; George
Sweeney, Jamaica, Jamaica Plain; J. J.
Dempsey, district manager. Third panel:
Hugh Martin, Hancock Village, Chestnut Hill;
Francis McManus, district manager; Morris
Stretletsky, Egyptian, Brighton; John Donahue,
AUston, Allston. Panel 4: Albert Kay,
Humboldt; John Buckley, Warren, and Norton
Shapiro, Rivoli, all of Roxbury; District
Manager Dempsey; Edward Frizzel, Dudley,
Roxbury. Panel 5: Joseph Lourie, Oriental,
Mattapan; Melvin Meyers, Franklin Park,
Dorchester; Thomas Green; Paul St. Louis,
Morton, Dorchester; Nathan Levin, Roxie,
Roxbury, and District Manager Wasserman,
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

2nd
2nd
',',
,
•,
'
Mythical Figures Form Floor Design
In Theatre Built by Peter Latchis
NEWPORT, N. H.—This is more than a
story of the opening of a modern new theatre.
It's a story of a most unusual theatre
for which the owner himself was architect,
builder, engineer, superintendent, foreman
and a laborer.
The new ultra-modern Latchis Theatre,
just opened here, was built without the aid of
blueprints to the specifications of owner Peter
D. Latchis, one of northern New England's
best-known exhibitors.
Latchis' dream was fulfilled after 15 months
of construction work. The 60xl08-foot building
seats 1,000 persons. The main foyer is
bright with color in the floor pattern, which
has Latchis' original designs, such as a double
rainbow, the sun's rays, the moon. Atlas
carrying the world on his shoulders, the
world within a five-pointed star, Apollo and
his chariot and Sagittarius, the archer who
was half man and half horse.
The projection room has been built outside
the theatre walls, and the 17x32-foot stage
has double-decker dressing rooms on either
side. The entii'e structure opens onto Main
street, and absorbs a space once occupied by
the private dining room of the Newport hotel.
Another entrance to the theatre is from the
present dining room of the establishment.
Latchis started his career as a film exhibitor
in Hinsdale and row operates several theatres
throughout this area.
To Build on Brockton Airport
BROCKTON, MASS.—-Work has started on
this city's first drive-in to be built in the
southwest corner of the Brockton airport by
the Brockton Drive-In, Inc. It is expected to
be ready for occupancy "before the snow
flies" but will not open until early spring.
The corporation is made up of the principal
stockholders of Brockton Airways, Inc., the
treasurer being Nat A. Tj-ager, manager. A
capacity of 975 cars is planned.
The Izzo Construction Co. of Johnston,
R. I., has been given the contract for the
grading and ramping. Contracts for the remaining
phases of the project will be let soon.
Niantic, Conn., Theatre Started
NIANTIC, CONN.—Ground has been broken
VseAFILMACK ^
SPECIAL trailer!
.
To
Help Put It Across!
F I L M A C
CHICAGO 1327 S. Wabash Ave.
NEW YORK 619 West 54th. St.
NEO-SEAL BURIAL WIRE
FOR IMMEDIATE
DELIVERY
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
729 Baltimore
K. C, Mo.
for a new 685-seat theatre, to be called the
Niantic, with completion of the building expected
by March 1, 1950. The new theatre
is on Main street, between the Niantic Bowling
alleys and Dousis' clothing store. A large
parking area is planned in the rear of the
site.
The project is being underwritten by the
newly organized Niantic Theatre Corp., consisting
of Alphonse Dubreuil, Waterford contractor
who is in charge of construction;
George Deligeores, owner of the Niantic
bowling alleys, and Samuel Cornish, Harrison,
N. Y., exhibitor.
Suspends Plymouth Project
PLYMOUH, MASS.—An application for a
permit to operate a drive-in suburban in
Manomet, which has been on file at the office
of the board of selectmen, has been withdrawn
by Lionel J. Moreau, who thus sidestepped
a concerted attempt by opponents for
a selectman to take a vote on the question.
The matter was considered closed without the
selectmen committing themselves.
Burnside Opens Sept. 14
HARTFORD—The Burnside Theatre, 800-
seat house built by Burnside Theatre Corp.,
Morris Keppner, president, opened September
14.
Maurice Safner to Build
KILLINGLY, CONN.—Maurice Safner of
Danielson has announced plans for construction
of a new drive-in on the west side of
Route 12, in the Elmville section.
LYNN
Owampscott theatregoers are becoming impatient
over the delay in starting the proposed
$200,000 picture house on the shore
road. The town meeting voted almost unanimously
for the theatre and the necessary
permits have been obtained from the selectmen
and building department.
The treasury of the North Shore Players,
which brings Edward Everett Horton and
other noted stars to the Marblehead High
school every summer, is short Tuesday's receipts
of $2,278 and police have a mystery
on their hands. John L. Washburn, co-manager,
was taking the money in a bag to the
bank and his auto only went 100 yards from
the school when the money was missed.
Mrs. 'Washburn and two companions had
changed places and a front door of the car
was partly open.
Alfred Michalski, former manager of the
Circle in Manchester, Conn., died recently
after an illness of two years. He left the
Warner staff here to go to Connecticut shortly
after his marriage to Yvonne Kerry, 'Warner
cashier. He was given treatment; for a
year at the 'Will Rogers sanitarium and
seemed much improved when he returned to
his home here several months ago.
Leo Barber, Warner operator and president
of the Lynn Central Labor union, made an
auto trip with his family through the Great
Lakes region.
Three New Pictures
Gross 135 in Boston
BOSTON—Labor day weekend business got
off to a shaky start, but brightened on Sunday
to solid boxoffice. Most of the first runs
had new product, some starting as early as
the previous Wednesday and Thursday.
"Come to the Stable" at the Memorial was
a decided hit and held. "In the Good Old
Summertime" at Loew's State and Orpheum
did not reach the holdover figure. "Top O'
the Morning" at the Met and "Rope of Sand"
at the Paramount and Fenway were both
strong for second stanzas. 'Vaudeville was still
going well at the Boston. Another good gross
was registered at the Astor with the opening
of "Roseanna McCoy."
(Average Is 100)
Aslor—Roseanna McCoy (RKO) 135
Beacon Hiil Guaglio (Lux), 2nd wk 110
Boston ^Aictic Manhunt (U-I), plus stage show.. ..130
Exeter Street—Girl in the Painting (U-I); They
Mel at Midnight (MGM) 130
Majestic—The Red Shoes (EL), 42nd wk 90
Mayflower—Not Wanted (FC), 6th wk 115
Memorial—Come to the Stable (20th-Fox); Make
Mine Laughs (RKO) 135
Metropolitan Top O' the Morning (Para); Forgotten
Women (Mono) 135
Paramount and Fenway Rope of Sand (Para);
Do\pra Dakota Way (Rep) 125
State and Orpheum In the Good Old Summertime
(MGM) 100
Top O' the Morning' Pulls 150
To Lead Hartford Grosses
HARTFORD—With area
drive-ins starting
to close for the season, first run houses are
getting back more of their steady trade.
Among holdovers were Paramount's "Top O'
the Morning" and Columbia's "Mr. Soft
Touch."
Allyn Top C the Morning (Para); Special Agent
(Para) , wk 150
Center—Gone With the Wind (MGM) 100
E. M, Loew's—Mr. Solt Touch (Col); Kazan (Col),
2nd wk 75
Poll-Come to the Stable (20th-Fox); The Valiant
.'.
Hombre (UA) 100
Palace Cobrcf Woman (fiealart); White Savage
(Realart), reissues T'. 60
Regql—Movie Crazy (MPSC); Roughshod (RKO).... 70
State — Angels in Disguise (Mono), plus stage
show 120
Strand—White Heat (WB); Moke Mine Laughs
(RKO) , wk 140
'White Heat' Grosses 110
To Pace Ne'w Haven
NEW HA'VEN—Matinees were poor, but
evening takes were good, especially after rain
and cooler weather sent holiday celebraters
indoors.
Bi]Ou—The Window (RKO); The Lost Tribe (Col)....100
College In the Good Old Summertime (MGM);
Air Hostess (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 65
Loews Poll Madame Bovory (MGM); The ludge
Steps Out (RKO) 98
Paramount Top O' the Morning (Para); Special
'
Agent (Para) 100
Roger Sherman White Heat (WB); Make Mine
Laughs (RKO) 110
Edgar Bergen Visits Friend
HARTFORD—While in town for a booking
at the State Theatre, Edgar Bergen took time
off from his busy schedule to visit a friend.
Donald Davis of Hollywood, an employe of
the Music Corp. of America in New York who
is a medical patient at St. Francis hospital.
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
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. . . According
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BOSTON
lyjayor Curley's failure to go ahead with
plans lor the underground garage beneath
Boston Common was attacked by Patrick
J. McDonough, governor's aide, who is
campaigning for the mayoralty. He challenged
the mayor to tell the people of Boston
"what he has done to meet the critical
parking problems besides installing the parking
meters." Theatremen long have been
anticipating the building of the huge underground
garage as a stimulant to theatre
business. The inadequate parking facilities
have long been considered a vital problem
which would be alleviated by the erection
of the underground space.
A parade and reception welcomed home
Harold RusseU of Watertown, famed handless
war veteran who won an Oscar for his
work in "The Best Years of Our Lives." He
recently was elected national commander of
the AMTVETS at Des Moines. Gen. William
Blake of the VA and the army band from
Murphy General hospital were on hand to
greet the popular actor and veteran at the
South station.
. . .
Lynn Curtis, owner of the Strong Theatre,
Burlington, Vt., has closed his theatre for
several weeks for complete alterations. He
will reopen around the end of October
Phil Berler took a flying trip to Washington
and the Atlanta exchanges for buying and
booking for the E. M. Loew southern driveins
.. . Florence Buckley, shorts booker at
E. M. Loew's, spent her vacation at the Basin
Harbor club in Vergennes, Vt., on Lake
Champlain . . . Adeline Struzzeiro. secretary
at Independent Exhibitors, visited York
Beach, Me., on a weekend.
Following a stay of six weeks at the Jane
Brown Memorial hospital. Providence, Teddy
Rosenblatt is now at home where he must
remain quietly for another month before getting
back to the theatre . . . Herman Rifkin
flew to New York to talk with Steve Broidy
before the latter left for the coast.
Thomas DePalma closed Sanford Hall, Medway,
the last of June and reopened it September
11 for Sundays all day and Wednesday
and Thursday nights, his regular schedule.
During the summer he renovated the
theatre with new carpets, a new screen and
repainting throughout. The house seats 375
The E. M. Loew circuit wUl reopen the
. . .
Taconic, Williamstown, September 16, after
shuttering the theatre for the summer.
Joe Levine of Embassy Pictures, New England
distributor for the two W. C. Fields
reissues, "The Bank Dick" and "My Little
Chickadee," which is booked for the Center
Theatre, gave a press dinner at Locke-Ober's
restaurant followed by a preview of the films
at the Center . . . Harry Segal has installed
a new television set in his snack bar on
Filmrow which lends a festive air to his restaurant
. . . The world premiere of MGM's
"The Red Danube" is scheduled for the State
and Orpheum theatres September 22 with
Director Carey Wilson and star Janet Leigh
due to attend.
The cooling system installed at the Elms
Theatre, Millbury, helped business substantially
during the hot summer days, according
to Dominic Turturo, owner. Before the
installation, business was down to rock bottom,
he said, but when the new system was
put in and properly advertised, grosses were
back to normal. "Ninety-eight per cent of
my patrons told me they came in to cool
off," Turturo said. The Elms is .situated six
miles from Worcester. T\irtmo has booked
"Joan of Arc." which has not played
Worcester.
. . .
Vincent O'Brien, who has been with the
E. M. Loew circuit the last few years, has
been transferred to the Capitol, Everett, a
Warner Theatres house. He recently married
Virginia Grady of Pawtucket, R. I. Anthony
Boschetto has replaced him at the Universal,
Fitchburg, O'Brien's last E. M. Loew post
to Larry Laskey, E. M. Loew
partner, the Hollywood, Charlestown, will reopen
the latter part of September for weekends
only, playing Friday and Saturday
Eugene
nights and all day Sundays
Mielnkoush of the Victoria, Chicopee, has
applied for membership in Independent Exhibitors.
NEW HAVEN
ly/Torris Keppner opened his new 702-seat
Burnside Theatre in suburban Hartford
on September 14. Seating, projection machines
and other equipment was supplied by
the National Theatre Supply Co. . . .
The
remodeled Jodoin Theatre at Baltic was reopened
with "Adventure in Baltimore" on
the screen and vaudeville. Admission for the
opening show was $5. A manager for the
house had not been appointed by Ed Lord before
the opening . . . The 1,020-seat Community
at Fairfield is being remodeled by the
Fishman circuit.
. .
"White Heat" was a holdover at the Roger
Sherman, where second weeks are unusual
Film Classics' "Not Wanted" is a coming
. . .
attraction at the same theatre . . . Bill Brown
of the Bijou played a laugh record and piped
the laughter to the boxoffice and front of the
theatre in connection with showings of
"Movie Crazy" . The Dixwell is the second
Fishman house to feature Miss Connecticut,
recent winner in a statewide bathing beauty
Tim O'Toole's son Buddy, a guest
contest . . .
on Meadow Street, brought greetings from
the retired Columbia manager, now in Fort
Lauderdale.
Hannah Ginsburg, secretary to Carl Goe,
Warner exchange manager, left to spend the
remainder of her vacation at Plum Point . . .
Dick Cohen of Monogram vacationed in
Maine . . . Athan Prakas, operator of the
Rivoli in Bridgeport, visited with his family
in Long Island, where he is chairman of an
emergency hospital project for his native
town in Greece.
Earl Wright, Columbia salesman, sustained
a back injury while diving during the Labor
day holiday . . . Phil Humphrey, RCA district
engineer, was given a toy terrier for his
birthday . . . Phil Sherman of the Hamilton,
Waterbury, returned with his family from a
Canadian vacation The Niantic Theatre
Corp. of
. . .
East Lyme filed a certificate of incorporation
on August 22, and East Coast
Theatres, Inc.. Norwalk. filed similar papers
on August 25.
Ramp Identification Lights
SAVES TME — ELMraATES CONFUSION
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
729 Baltimore
K. C, Mo.
PROVIDENCE
pauI Howland, Providence Journal film
critic, is seriously ill in a local hospital
. . James E. Darby, brother of Charley
Darby, Avon Cinema manager, and a New
Haven resident, recently visited his brother
while on a trip here .
Center, Pawtucket,
celebrated Paramount Encore week,
presenting two feature attractions, with a
complete change of program each day. "California"
and "Calcutta" inaugurated the schedule
with "Golden Earrings" and "Albuquerque,"
and "Perils of Pauline" plus "I Walk
Alone" as other double feature billings.
Charles R. Darby, Avon Cinema manager,
is hitting Italian language newspapers and
radio programs hard and often in conjunction
with the forthcoming screening of "Guaglio,"
Italian film . . . Albert J. Siner. recently
appointed manager of the Strand, succeeding
the late Edward C. Reed, received considerable
publicity in the local and surrounding
newspapers and on the radio. His appointment
was a popular one.
The scheduled visit and reception for Corinne
Calvet, star of "Rope of Sand," which
was to have taken place in the Sheraton
hotel here September 12, was cancelled because
of a change in Itinerary which takes
Miss Calvet to Canada. Montreal replaces
Providence on the schedule of personal appearances.
Maurice Druker, manager at the State, arranged
a special preview of "Home of the
Brave" for newspaper and radio men . . .
The Rev. Russell J. McVinney, bishop of the
Providence diocese, through the Majestic
Theatre management, arranged for a private
showing of "Come to the Stable" for all nuns
of the diocese. The presentation took place
in the nurses home at St. Joseph's hospital.
With Labor day officially winding up the
outdoor season and school opening, thousands
of families returned from seashore resorts
and local theatre managers looked for a sharp
upswing in attendance. Hampered by record-breaking
hot weather and an unusually
heavy scheduled of outdoor concerts, festivals
and block dances, operators were welcoming
a return to normal fall business.
Harold Lancaster, manager of the Strand,
Pawtucket, is lining up a tremendous number
of attendance gifts for his annual cooking
school. The first session will be held
Bert Slater, Rhode Island
September 26 . . .
Theatrical Supply Co. head, returned from
an extended vacation and swordfishing trip
in and around Block Island.
New Haven Drive-In Sued
By Concession Operator
NEW HAVEN—The New Haven Drive-In
Theatre, Inc., North Haven, was named defendant
in a $10,000 suit filed in superior
court by Ralph Palcigno of Meriden alleging
that he was not permitted to continue operation
of a concession stand in accordance
with the terms of a contract. Falcigno claims
that he made an era! agreement on April 2.
1949. with Charles M. Lane, president and
treasurer of the drive-in, to operate the concession
stand. After providing equipment,
merchandise and labor, he was to receive 30
per cent of the gross income. Payments were
made until May 27, when the management
disclosed plans to terminate the contract.
Falcigno claims that his business w-as destroyed,
and that he suffered loss as a result.
s^es
' 19!)
BOXOFFICE Sentember 17, 1949
83

. . Walter
. . Lew
. . Ann
. . Mary
.
.
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CONNECTICUT GOLFERS DINE—Some of the men who joined in the annual golf
tournament of the MPTO of Connecticut at New Haven walked out with a raft of
prizes. Seated, left to right: George Wilkinson, Albert Pickus, Marshall Baldwin, Capt.
WiUiam Schatzman, Tom Wilson and James Reardon. Standing: Carl Goe, Henry
Germaine, Harry Rosenblatt, Max Hoffman, Barney Pitkin, B. E. Hoffman, Herman
Levy and Sam Weber.
HARTFORD
rjan Schuman, son of the Hartford Theatres
executive, has left for Switzerland
where he will study the violin for a year at
the Geneva Conservatory of Music. He has
been a student at the Julius Hartt School of
Music, was graduated from Dartmouth college,
and attended the Cummington School
of Art for two seasons .
Mello, Loews
Poll stage manager, spent a few weeks at
Saratoga Springs. N. Y., on his vacation.
. .
Norm Levinson, Loew's Poll assistant,
viewed the featherweight matches at the auditorium
the other night Lee Peigen,
.
Poll student assistant, is back from a Connecticut
shoreline vacation . Gilberto
is the new usherette at the Princess . . . Tom
Grace of the Eastwood has switched his
kiddy film shows from Tuesday afternoons
to Saturday matinee performances.
John D'Amato, manager of the Palace.
Perakos circuit theatre in New Britain, returned
from a vacation in the middle west
... A thief stole the bicycle owned by Peter
Lund of the Palace in Meriden, but is was
recovered shortly afterward . . . Charlie
Aaron, manager of the Victory, New London,
reports resumption of a two-ciay a week
vaudeville policy.
.
Elmer Lloyd was relief projectionist at the
Eastwood while Walter Myotka was on the
Jack Gordon of Gordon's entertainment
sick list . . .
bureau checked in from a week's
vacation in upstate New York . Gus Soderberg.
Palace projectionist, is
. .
home from a
Baltimore vacation Chesky, Palace
student assistan";, intends to vacation in
the south for a few weeks, starting September
29.
Jay Hass, Loew's Poll doorman, is home
Jerry Evans,
from a Detroit vacation . . .
U-I promotion man, covered Hartford,
Bridgeport, New Haven and Norwich on
"Sword in the Desert." He held a meeting
. . .
on the film here with Lou Cohen, Norman
Levinson, Bob Gentner, Lee Feigin and Walter
Chesky of Loew's Hartford theatres
Bill Gilwech, Poll projectionist, and his wife
Martha, are home from a vacation . . .
New
price policy of 12 cents for children and 32
cents for adults during weekday matinees,
and 20 cents for children and 44 cents for
adults on Sundays and evenings has gone into
effect at the Victory in New London. Manager
is Charlie Aaron.
Harry Schwartz is the new doorman at the
Allyn . E. Clark has joined the cashiers
crew at E. M. Loew's . . .
Umberto
Abronzio, E. M. Loew projectionist, returned
from a vacation at Sound View.
.
Estelle O'Toolc, executive secretary to Henry
L. Needles, Hartford district manager for
Warner Theatres,, has returned to her desk,
following a vacation trip to Nantucket Island
.Harry
with her husband and children
Green of the Alexander Film
.
Co. came
through the north.ern Connecticut territory
. . . Tom Carey has recarpeted the office at
Carey Theatrical Enterprises . . . Two bu-thday
parties are on the Grecula famUy schedule
this month with Ernie jr. to mark his first
birthday and Penny to observe her eighth.
Doug Amos of Lockwood & Gordon looked
over the newly opened Danbury Drive-In . . .
Bill Moore, former assistant at the Regal,
is managing this new location. The circuit
plans to continue operations at the new spot
as long as weather permits.
Brookie LeWitt of Glackin & LeWitt Theatres
has launched a new dish giveaway at
the Arch Street in New Britain . . . Joe Borenstein.
Warner Strand manager, reports
starts via station WHAY in New Britain.
James O'Brien of the Rialto is marking his
26th year as a motion picture projectionist
in the Connecticut area. The Hartfordite
joined the ranks of boothmen back in 1923,
when he went to work for the late Charles
L. Repass. Repass at that time operated
one or two night stands in the area and in
1931 moved into the Crown here as manager
for independent interests. O'Brien went
along to the Crown and was assigned projectionist
duties. O'Brien remained at the
Crown until early 1949, when he shifted to
the booth at the Rialto. Repass died in
1947.
On Gershwin Composition
Alan Jay Lerner is writijig an original
screenplay for Metro on the George Gershwin
composition, "An American in Paris."
Zeitz Bros. Renovate
Porlland, Me., Civic
PORTLAND—The Civic Theatre, owned by
the Zeitz Bros, of New Bedford, has been
undergoing complete renovation and redecoration
for the last four months with the
theatre remaining open on its regular schedule.
Most of the work was completed during
the night and early morning hours before
the theatre opened at 11 a. m.
Costing in the neighborhood of $200,000,
the plans and actual work were drawn up
and executed by a crew of workmen, contractors
and artists employed by the Zeitz
circuit of which Harry Zeitz is president.
A feature of the remodeling is the air conditioned
metal boxoffice furnished in upholstered
leather with two ticket machines
handled by two cashiers.
Two huge marquees designed by C. I. Brink
were installed. Inside the house the 250-foot
lobby was replastered and redecorated with
new lighting fixtures, new frames and new
paneled glass doors. All new carpeting was
added as well as new stage fixtures. American
Seating Co. furnished the 2,000 new seats
and the entire house is air conditioned by
York machines.
SPRINGFIELD
pddie Harrison of the Bijou has installed a
new RCA sound system . . .
George E.
Freeman of Loew's Poji is in the midst of an
extensive campaign on a New Movie Season,
with plenty of plugging being accomplished
through newspapers, radio, and merchants in
the interests of forthcoming theatre bookings.
Ed Carroll's Riverside Park-In Theatre in
Agawam is the first^f the Springfield area
drive-ins to close down for the season .
George E. Landers, Hartford division manager,
E, M. Loew circuit, came through on
business.
'Shoes' in 43rd Week
Moves to Copley
Boston—After a record-breaking 43-
week run at the Majestic Theatre "The
Red Shoes" moved to the Copley Theatre
on Copley Square, which was unshuttered
to allow the popular English film
to continue its Boston showing. The same
roadshow price policy continues on the
two-a-day basis. Another Eagle Lion
release, "Quartet," replaced the film at
the Majestic for an extended run.
The Copley Theatre, built by the late
E. E. Clive more than two decades ago,
has not played a picture since "Stairway
to Heaven" in March 1947. Last winter
the Boston Repertory Co. took over the
house for a short season of stock. The
Shubert organization, controller of the
theatre, has made a new entrance to
the theatre from Huntington avenue, allowing
foot traffic from that area as well
as from the frontage on Stuart street.
Mike Cavanaugh, Shubert manager, is
hopeful that "The Red Shoes" is a forerunner
of a series of roadshow film engagements
at this 1,000-seat theatre.
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

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Dallas Firm to Make
Small Drive-In Units
DALLAS—The Cross Roads Theatre Co. has
been organized here under the general managership
of H. K. Canington, long active in
the motion picture industry in this area, to
manufacture and distribute prefabricated
drive-in units.
The unit of metal and steel consists of a
screen tower, screen, side-screen wings, attraction
board, concession stand, stage boxoffice
and booth. The front side of the screen
structure houses a concession stand, which
also forms the stage and the attraction board
over it, permitting several lines of lettei-ing.
NOT FOR COMPETITION
"These drive-in units are neither intended
as a competition to existing outdoor theatres,"'
CaiTington said, "nor ai-e they planned for
larger cities and towns. They are intended
primarily to supply the need for inexpensive
drive-ins in the smaller communities where
the population-to-profit possibility ratio would
not permit the erection of an expensive or
elaborate theatre. The interest already displayed
in these prefab units has demonstrated
they they have a very definite place in this
newest type of show business.
"It is a well recognized fact that almost
anyone can build a drive-in theatre; but, just
as in the manufacture of automobiles, one
at a time and by hand, the excessively expensive
car would be prohibitive except to a limited
few of the vei-y rich. However, through
the application of assembly line production
methods, the cost of automobiles is now within
the present price range. Likewise, assembly
line production of prefabricated di'ive-in units
will reduce their cost and make their construction
price within the limits of smaller
town operation."
The iuiits are of steel and metal and will
be available in two models—standard and de
luxe. They differ only slightly in design and
in material and vary only slightly in price.
Both are designed for a maximum audience
of about 350 cars. The engineers, headed by
a well known structural steel designer who
has lately completed several large buildings
in the area, claim that a Cross Roads theatre
can be erected in two days, using only two
nonskilled mechanics.
SHIPPED READY TO USE
Peeling that the exhibitor can best determine
his needs for projection and concession
equipment, the Cross Roads plan does not
include this equipment. The entire imit is
flexible in that it may be used as a drive-in
theatre, as an airdome theatre, with seats
and for seasonal operation where weather
conditions restrict year-around business, and
as a restam-ant drive-in, serving food and
drinks. By simply reversing the position of
the concession stand, the owner has all needed
facilities for self-sei-vice or car hop service
to patrons who watch a changing series of
short subjects which insures rapid customer
The complete unit can be shipped, ready for
assembly and erection, by truck or by freight
anywhere in the nation. It can be erected on
approximately five acres of leased land and
serve as a tester of location as well as a permanent
outdoor theatre, Carrington said.
Baby Show on Stage
PALACIOS, TEX.—A baby show on the
stage of the Capitol Theatre recently augmented
the regular screen fare.
Foreign, Art Films
In Dallas Through
DALLAS—Foreign and art films have
gained unprecedented prominence in recent
years among local theatregoers, a far cry
from the feeble beginnings of 12 years ago,
when Elmer Scott, Civic Federation executive,
first started screening foreign and outstanding
domestic films at the new Scott Hall, the
first formal cinema art program for Dallas.
A former Sears official, Scott resigned in
1915 to work in the city department of public
welfare. He founded the federation two
years later, and in 1924 received the first
Linz award, a citation for community service.
That first year at Scott Hall, in 1937, saw
Dallas getting a big dose of art pictures. The
French industry was represented by "Mayerling,"
"The Baker's Wife," "Harvest," "Ballerina"
and "The Life and Loves of Beethoven."
The Viennese film, "Orphan Boy of
Vienna," and the Chinese celluloid accomplishments,
"Son of China" and "Clcoda."
were shown. There were German films,
such as "Maedchen in Uniform," and Spanish
films, such as "La Paloma." A documentary,
"The Yellow Cruise," was shown and
the silent films of the 1920s held their own
with stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Douglas
Fairbanks and Charles Chaplin featured.
The group soon found the programs popular
enough to warrant weekend showings for
ten months of the year, which Is the policy
still in effect today. Patrons began selecting
their fare by putting in requests the year
before.
It was not, however, until three years ago,
that art films gained real prominence here.
On Christmas eve, 1946, the' downtown Telenews
Theatre inaugurated a new feature picture
policy as an exclusively art house. A
scattering of outstanding foreign and art
films had shown at other downtown theatres
but a good majority of foreign product was
Frost, Tex„ Theatre Sold
FROST, TEX.—Ross 'Willoughby has sold
the Frost Theatre to J. Jantz of Oklahoma
City. Jantz, a retired army man, bought the
Willoughby home and will move his family to
town soon.
Reopen Talco, Tex., House
TALCO, TEX.—The Strand has been reopened
after a modernization. A new front
and boxoffice were added, and new projection
equipment installed.
BXisiness Rise in South Texas
SAN ANTONIO—Due largely to a bumper
crop in the San Antonio and south Texas
territory, both of the Latin-American film
exchanges—Azteca Films and Clasa-Mohme
expect to do an increased amount of business
for the fall and winter. Inasmuch as
the local theatres are optimistic for a brisk
trade during the coming months, the return
of vaudeville at the Majestic did a rushing
business proving that flesh shows are much
in demand by the theatre patrons these days.
Two westside theatres—the National and
Zaragoza—had stage shows and features.
Gain Prominence
Three Theatres
bypassing Dallas.
The Telenews became the
first commercial theatre with a foreign film
policy. It's first film was the Engli.sh-made
"Notorious Gentleman." English films have
predominated but other masterpieces shown
at the Telenews included the Italian films,
"To Live in Peace," "Open City" and "Paisan."
The theatre, owned half and half by Telenews
Corp. and Interstate Theatres, is managed
by Jim Preddy.
Even with the Telenews, Dallas still was
not getting enough foreign product. So,
seven months ago the Coronet Theatre was
opened by Alfred N. Sack of the Sack
Amusement Enterprises. This house in its
short history has shown French, German,
English, Spanish, Yiddish, Swedish, Italian,
Russian and Danish films.
Opened as an experiment to learn if there
existed a worthwhile market in the Dallas
territory for art pictures, the Coronet has
enjoyed solid patronage. Visitors come each
week from Longview, Tyler, Denton, Arlington,
Fort 'Worth, Hillsboro and other distant
points. There is widespread interest in
operatic films at the theatre. To date, nine
operas or opera stories have been presented.
They have been most widely attended, sharing
near equal honors with the French
"down-to-earth" films.
Outside of the Coronet and Telenews, there
are no other fuUtime art houses in the south,
with the exception of the Peachtree Art in Atlanta.
These types of attractions are shown
at intervals at the River Oaks in Houston,
the Variety in Austin, the Broadway in Galveston
and the 25th Street in 'Waco. The
Josephine, an independent house in San Antonio,
has been playing musical and operatic
films in recent months and the Poche In
New Orleans divides its time between unusual
films and roadshow attractions.
Dan W. James Launches
His Swank Persian Club
OKLAHOMA CITY—Dan W. James, president
of the James Hotel Co. and assistant
chief barker of the Variety Club of Oklahoma,
opened the swank Persian dine-anddance
room in the .Skirvin hotel with an invitational
formal-dress affair attended by local
and visiting dignitaries.
The room was con^ferted from the Silver
Glade room where the Theatre Owners of
Oklahoma has held its dances. John Carroll,
Hollywood producer-actor: Glenn McCarthy,
Houston oil and hotel man and film producer;
Governor and Mrs. Turner and Mayor and
Mrs. Allen Street were among those at the
The James company operates the Skirvin.
Skirvin Tower and Black hotels.
Fashion Review Staged
BRYAN, TEX.—A 30-minute style show was
held on the stage of the Palace Theatre here
in cooperation with a local department store.
Burqlars Miss 51,000
HOUSTON — The Stude. a neighborhood
house, was broken into, according to D. L.
Murray, manager, but the intruders passed
up a safe containing more than $1,000.
,11.1'
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
sw
85
SeP»

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with the self- rising seat !
A brand-new chair for finer theatres.
Well - constructed with comfort and
beauty and the self-rising seat of automatic
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See Forrest
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Riverside 3595, Dallas, Texas
Or Call, Wire or Write:
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Texas
See us at Booth 60, TESMA Show, Chicago,
Stevens Hotel, Sept. 26. 27, 28
FOR SALE
1500 used Chairs — both Cushion
Veneers.
FORREST DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St. Dallas,
R - 3595

eissues
fails to arrive, etc., and the program is
changed at the last minute. But the programs
are out, so the public finds out later.
Except for addition of a section of seats
and erection of light towers, work on the
big east deck of the Cotton Bowl has been
completed. Consulting Engineer Frank W.
Chappell has promised that the last detail
of the $470,000 Cotton Bowl improvement program
will be finished by September 20, four
days before Southern Methodist University
plays Wake Forrest. The new deck will seat
7,912 persons, boosting- the bowl's seating capacity
to 75,347. Since SMU plays eight of
their ten scheduled games at home this year,
the hotels report they are booked .solid already
and are appealing to the public for
rooms for weekend guests during football
season.
Reissues Gross 150
To Lead in Dallas
DALLAS—Two W. C. Fields reissues,
"The
Bank Dick" and "My Little Chickadee,'
topped the town with a score of 150 per cent
at the Coronet. Second place honors went
to "Africa Screams" with 110 at the Rialto.
Others were normal or lower.
(Average Is 100)
Capitol Jacare (FC); India Speaks (FC), reissues.. 70
Coronet—The Bank Dick (Realart); My Little
Chickadee (Realart) , 150
Majestic—White Heat (WB) 100
Melba—The Big Cat (EL) 95
Palace— It's a Great Feeling (WB) 100
Riaito—Africa Screams (UA) 110
Telenews—The Purple Heart (20th-Fox), reissue.... 85
Tower Top O' of the Morning (Para), 2nd d. t.
wk 100
Good Business for New Airer
DUBLIN, TEX.—The newly opened Tower
Drive-In is catching on with -residents of this
area, report owners R. L. Roberts and W. C.
Mauldin.
Quik-Serv for
Profits
The flve-gaited show horse playing the role
of Jubilee in the new Majestic film, "Sand,"
is a Dallas product. His registered name is
Sun's Red Shadow. His sire was Sun Beau
and his dam Joanna Jean, two famous show
horses owned by Cleo George of Dallas.
Charlie Wise, general manager of the Phil
Isley Theatres, has returned from a trip to
California. This was his first flight. He
went there to confer with Isley, who has
spent the summer in California.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • «
n B. MOMAND is
(Twenty Years Ago)
the head of a nucleus of
an Allied States unit foi'med in Oklahoma
City recently . . . Pat McGee, manager
of the Capitol and Criterion in Oklahoma
City, announces that Publix, which operates
the two houses, will take over the Victoria.
McGee will become manager of the Victoria
and continue as director of the Criterion and
Capitol.
Fourth Dallas Airer Slated
DALLAS—The Dallas suburbs will get their
fourth new drive-in within 12 months. It
will be a $100,000, 700-car layout on Highway
67, a mile south of Garland. James McQuaid
of Tyler and C. J. Leon of Dallas are owners.
A private road will be built for the drive-in
connecting Highway 67 and nearby Shiloh
road so that cars may enter from either road,
McQuaid said.
Cuttom Mddc
to Your Order
^TRAiLE^
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A L I F O R. N I A
J. T. BOUTWELL INSTALLATION COMPANY
Contractor of Theatre, School
and Church Seating
We install any Chair for anyone at any place.
For information, write
Box 325 or Call 6976, Temple, Texas
Drive-In Radio Contest
ODESSA, TEX.—Millard Jones, owner and
general manager of the Cactus Drive-In, is
running a Mystery Voice contest over radio
station KECK here. Listener participation
in the contest requires a blank obtainable
only by persons attending the ozoner. Drawings
are held weekly and the first prize is a
$50 savings bond.
Build at Raymondville
RAYMONDVILLE, TEX.—R. N. Smith Theatres
has begun work on a 600-car drlve-in
south of the city limits. Among the featiu^es
of the plant will be individual speakers and
a snack bar.
Pecos Eighth Anniversary
FORT STOCKTON, TEX.—The Pecos Theatre
obeserved its eighth birthday with a
week of specially booked films, according to
Manager G. C. Moses.
D-l Model. Also available with ice cornpartment.
Stainless steel. Other sizes.
Contact: FORREST DUNLAP, JR.
QUIK-SERV
FOUNTAINETTE, INC.
211 S. Pearl P7-3470 Dallas
IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS AND
JUNCTION BOXES
FOR REPLACEMENT JOBS
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. "k.c'.'mT*
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT OUT OF DALLAS STOCK
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EXTRAS
Simplex and Powers
Exit Lights
LAMPHOUSE PARTS
Rewinds
Strong, Peerless,
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Perfumes & Deodorants
REFLECTORS
Thumb Tacks
Strong, Peerless,
Record Ledgers
Mazda, Gardner &
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Others
Film Splicers
CARBONS
Photo Electric Cells
For all lamps
Exciter Lamps
PROJECTION LENSES
Admission Signs
All sizes in Coated
Series I & 11. Also
Goldberg Reels
Used Lens
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Complete Projection
Bulbs
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Sound Equipments
Ticket Machines
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Screens
Sand Urns
HERBER BROTHERS
"Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years"
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1, TEXAS
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
lOth FI., 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC. Dallas. Tex.
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949 87

. . G.
L
SAN ANTONIO
. .
^arol Liebmann and Keith Brown will be
married here October 1. The bride is the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Griffith of
Griffith Consolidated Theatres . The Los
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Angeles Rams triumphed over the New York
Bulldogs here at Alamo stadium by a score
of 21 to 14. Many of the Rams have played
in motion pictures . . . WOAI's 570-foot TV
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tower, now under construction, will be the
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goes on the air this fall.
. . .
Dudley Early is now conducting the Show
World amusements column for the Austin
American The leading first runs here
for the week were "The Big Steal" at the
Aztec and "Mighty Joe Young" at the Majestic
. . . "Manhandled" had a three-day
first run at the Texas.
Gerard Ebeier has sold his Runge Theatre,
Runge, to Rosa Willoughby. Ebeier plans to
operate a drive-in, which will open shortly
Don Donaldson, newly appointed sales
. . .
representative for Monogram now handling
the San Antonio and south Texas territory,
was in town meeting exhibitors.
The Palace, Roysce City, which had been
remodeled, was destroyed in a big downtown
fire on Labor day, according to a press dispatch
. . . Danny McCarthy is back in town
from a successful swing through east Texas
with his "Bob and Sal" roadshow picture
which has been doing big business.
O. C. Miller of Lubbock, new Paramount
salesman for this territory, was here calling
upon the trade . . . Pedro Infante,
Mexican film star, who was injured in an
airplane accident several months ago, has
recovered and has been booked for midnight
appearances here at the Alameda, National
and Guadalupe September 17.
Mrs. Sally Gomez, office secretary for
Zaragoza Amusement Co., is enjoying a brief
respite in Tampico, Mexico . J. Lucchesse
is on the board of directors for the
newly opened West Side State bank . . .
Henry Diaz, former manager of the Guada-
ulo accitei :.'
iiniiiif
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88 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

lupe Teatro, now is in the insurance business.
Ignacio Torres, general manager of Zaragoza
Amusement Co., spent the Labor day
holiday in Corpus Christi . . . Gustavo Lavenant
of the Haydee, Dilley, was the only
exhibitor to visit the exchanges during the
week . . . Two first run pictures were showing
at neighborhood houses—"Angel in Exile"
was at the Hi-Ho, and "Holiday Camp" played
the Josephine.
Eph Charninsky, head of Southern Theatres,
spent the weekend in Dallas on business
. . . Gregory Salas, 56, was killed in an
auto accident near Sweetwater while returning
from Lubbock. His brother-in-law
Alfred Pena is a local motion picture machine
operator.
Film Theatres for Adults
Are Suggested by Critic
HOUSTON—The division of motion picture
theatres was offered as a solution by Hubert
Roussel, drama critic of the Houston Post,
to a charge by New York theatre pundit
George Jean Nathan, who declared that films
have been outgrown by the American public
and that Hollywood is making no practical
effort to appeal to the maturing dramalover.
"What Nathan didn't bother himself to
figure out," commented Roussel, "is exactly
the method by which motion pictures could
bring about the indicated adjustment. If it
is true that the Hollywood drama in general
is too innocuous and insulated against ideas
for one developing part of the audience, it is
even more true that any major revision of
its content in the direction Nathan suggested
would quickly baffle, incense and drive out
of the playhouse a much larger and indispensable
part of its clientele."
Roussel went on to say that "the obvious
answer to Hollywood's problem is a division
of theatres.
"Some of the public is undoubtedly weary
of patterned and juvenile drama. By comparison
with the general audience, this division
is small, but its absence is felt. The
sensible way to get it back is to set aside
some of the cinema houses for adult drama,
and then to furnish them steadily, not once
in a while, with films matching in depth and
variety of ideas any works to be found in
the living theatre.
"The larger tabernacles could again be
given over exclusively to melodrama, Esther
Williams and popcorn, and their audience
would no longer be annoyed by occasional
visits from strange and disturbing interlopers."
First Motion Pictures in Atlanta
Drew Scorn From Public in 1895
From Southeast Edition
ATLANTA—Atlanta had one of the first
motion picture shows in the world and didn't
like it. In fact the show did not draw a
single patron during the first three days it
was open at 25 cents a head. Now Atlanta
motion picture patrons maintain 47 theatres.
C. Francis Jenkins told the story of the
first show here in the Satui-day Evening
Post in 1929. The Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
has a copy on file. Jenkins wrote
about buying one of the first motion picture
cameras and seeking a place to show "its
amazing action to an astonished public."
NOBODY CAME FOR 3
DAYS
"I found out that there was a place at the
Cotton States exposition in Atlanta and wired
for it," Jenkins related. "I was assigned a
little green shack in the center of the exposition
grounds." The site was on the present
athletic field at Piedmont park.
With only a few days in which to make
pictures for the exposition, Jenkins called
on Anna Bella, heroine of the "Black Crook,"
for some serpentine and butterfly dances,
and upon Carmencita, Broadway!s favorite,
for some Spanish dances. He hastened to
Niagara Falls for some action pictures of the
falling waters as well as the spectators hustling
around. Then he shot a scary picture
of the Black Diamond Express hurtling by.
"I put up a sign, 'Motion Pictures Inside, 25
Cents,' and waited for my first customer,"
Jenkins said, "but nobody came. A great
many people stopped to read the sign then
shook their heads and said it couldn't be.
For two days I did not have a single patron.
"On the third day the manager of the
park came around to check up, and when he
found that I had not taken in a cent, he
ordered me out. I think he originated that
expression, 'Go hire a hall.' I had to beg
him to look at the show himself.
"He told me that he wanted the building
for a sort of rest and recreation center, and
I could show my pictures if I wanted to do
so free of charge. So we changed the sign to.
'Come inside and rest and see motion pictures.'
"
GIVEN $15 IN DONATIONS
On the first day of free exhibitions Jenkins
received $15 in donations to help him develop
his motion picture show. From day to day
his crowds grew and the donations helped
him in a substantial way.
The Cotton States and International exposition
was in 1895. By 1900 picture shows
were beginning to spring up all over the country.
Lieut. Jim Anderson, probably a Confederate
veteran, opened the first picture
theatre in Atlanta in 1900. It was on Peachtree
street opposite the old Aragon hotel, on
the present site of the Winecoff hotel.
Atlanta people, however, did not take kindly
to this show, either. Somebody got out an
injunction complaining of the squeaky noise
that came through a phonograph horn over
the door. The city council protested that
such a place, dark at that, would promote
"too intimate wooing." That was before it
was called "necking." So Lieutenant Anderson
closed the show up.
Later, O. D. Posey, Decatur businessman,
opened the Elite on Peachtree street, and
made about $40,000 out of it. Then William
Oldknow built the old Alcazar and the development
really started.
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: 1;, '^ BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
89

Sound Stage Localion
Sought by Joe Rock
DALLAS—Joe Rock, Hollywood producer,
is in Texas seeking a location for a sound
stage to serve as an auxiliary to his Hollywood
setup. He is known to have surveyed
the old army buildings at Camp Wolters,
Mineral Wells, and he has asked about the
big exhibit halls at Fair Park between state
fair seasons. Most of the previous rumors
of film studios in Texas have been promotional
in design. But Rock, who has been
making fUms since 1916, is thinking along
different lines.
"Texas is a good location for outdoors,
rural-type or frontier films," he says. "California
has limitations. Arizona and New Mexico
can only be Arizona and New Mexico. I
can find outdoor spots anywhere within 300
miles of Dallas that could be Texas, New
England, Iowa or Czechoslovakia. Some sort
of auxiliary sound stage around Dallas would
be a practical investment, which I am prepared
to make if I find anything suitable.
When I wouldn't be using it I could rent it."
Ordinarily film studios take companies on
location for outdoors scenes or process actors
against backgrounds filmed anywhere from
Whitehall, London, to the streets of Dallas.
Interiors are filmed in Hollywood studios.
"But here's what happens," Rock went on.
"Suppose we are on location in Texas. It
rains or grows overcast. We have to lay
around until the weather clears. We have
outdoors weather trouble in Los Angeles, too.
But on such days we can move indoors and
shoot our interior scenes. This is an enormous
saving in picture costs. In other words,
we are making some sort of film, rain or
shine. That's why I would like to have a
big stage in Texas."
He must come to Texas, he says, for at
least 16 pictures. His first, which will start
in a month or two, is called "Huntsville" and
part of it will be filmed at the state penitentiary.
The central idea is rehabilitation
and the story is an original one by Garland
R. Farmer of the Henderson, Tex., News.
Broadcasts from the prison also figure.
Chartered at Uvalde
UVALDE, TEX.—Star Dust Drive-In has
been granted a 50-year charter. Authorized
capital stock was listed at $9,000. Incorporators:
George D. FitzSimmons, J. C. Dunn
and Robert D. Dunn.
OKLAHOMA CITY Bad Publicity Hurls
pxhibitors here for an exhibitors meeting,
conducted by Henry Wilcoxon, star of
Cecil B. DeMille's "Samson and Delilah,"
included Mr. and Mi-s. Johnny Jones of
Shawnee; W. F. Deaton and J. L. Kelley,
Alva; Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Lord of Moore;
A. D. Smith of Dawson; John M. Buffo,
Hartshorne; L. Guthrie and Corley Guthrie,
both of Wheeler, Tex.
Others were Lamar Guthrie, Enid; C. B.
Reeder, Ponca City; Mr. and Mrs. Robert
L. Barton, Del City; M. H. DeFord, Anadarko;
Barry King, Britton; Mr. and Mrs.
John Gray, Chickasha; John Thomas, Kingfisher;
D. V. Terry, Woodward; Wesley and
LeRoy Hodges, Anadarko, and Roger Rice,
Glen D. Thompson, Glen D. Thompson jr.,
Cliff White jr., Frank McCabe, Roy Avey jr.,
Richard King, John J. King, R. E. McFarland,
A. B. McFarland, Reggie Pappas, Paul
Rice, Sam Brunk and C. H. Buck Weaver,
all
of Oklahoma City.
Ed BeUew joined the Henry Wilcoxon caravan
here. He has joined Paramount in a
pubhc relations capacity. He was with United
Artists for 11 years, including three years
he spent in the army. He was headquartered
in St. Louis as field representative for UA.
Jimmy Gillespie of 20th-Fox, Dallas, was
in town . . . Morris Loewenstein, TOO president
and TOA secretary, and his wife of
Oklahoma City went to Los Angeles and
. . . Film
the TOA parley. Ditto for Charles Freeman
of the Cooper Foundation here
work on "The Rock Island Trail," a Republic
picture which is being made at Haileyville
near McAlester, has started. In the film are
Grant Withers and Bruce Cabot. The filming
is in color.
Remodeled Queen Reopens
MERKEL, TEX.—The Queen Theatre has
reopened after undergoing a complete modernization
job, making it, according to the
weekly Merkel Mail, "the very finest little
theatre in all west Texas."
Manager N. T. Hodge said the improvements
include a new concrete floor, new
seats, a stepped-up air conditioning system,
a new green tile front, a V-shaped marquee,
and enlarged foyer.
Warners Borrow Luther Davis
Warners has borrowed Luther Davis from
MGM to screenplay "A Lion Is in the Streets."
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
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THEATRE

. . . After
. . Eddie
. . many
'GWTW Demand Rises
With Death of Author
From Southeast Edition
ATLANTA—"Gone With the Wind," which
has grossed a phenomenal $38,000,000, as a
film and has been among best sellers in
literary form for more than 13 years, is shooting
to new heights of popularity. Both the
film and book are in greater demand now
than at any time since the film was premiered
here in December 1939. The death of
author Mai^aret Mitchell after being struck
down by an automobile has stimulated new
interest in her story.
All available copies of the book have been
sold and Atlanta bookstores report they have
himdreds of orders for the volume. At the
same time, C. E. Kessnich, official of MGM,
reported that theatres throughout the south
are bidding for a showing of the fOm, but
only a nominal number of prints now are in
circulation. He said interest in the film has
not waned one bit in its 10-year history and
it has played to capacity audiences everywhere
it has shown.
Thousands of autos jammed evei-y artery
leading to the Piedmont Drive-In recently
when the film was shown. Walt Meyer, manager
of the drive-in, said autos were "backed
up for three miles in all directions" almost
an hour before showtime.
Kessnich said the picture probably would
be taken out of service by the end of this year.
At the same time, a number of theatres in
this area are making plans for a memorial
showing at which a number of Hollywood
stars would appear. Funds from this showing
would go to the Margaret Mitchell Memorial
at Grady Memorial hospital.
Theatre Manager Proves
Good Ball Club Captain
From Southeast Edition
EUTAW, ALA.—Roth Hook, owner of
several
theatres in central Alabama, not only is
a theatre manager. He's a baseball manager,
too.
Hook pUoted the Aliceville baseball team
to a very successful season this year. His
team was rated one of the best seen in this
county since the Pickens County league after
World War I.
Now he's being urged to get into the Black
Belt league next year.
They tell some good stories on Hook. He
lives theatres and baseball. Once during a
game in Aliceville he started shelling peanuts,
eating the hulls and throwing the nuts
over his shoulder.
On one other occasion, they say. Roth was
lighting a cigar with his auto lighter. When
he finished he shook the lighter well and
threw it out the window. He didn't realize
what he had done until he was five miles
down the road.
Visit San Antonio Office
SAN ANTONIO—Recent visitors to the
Interstate city office included Raymond B.
Willie, Interstate assistant general manager,
Dallas: Charles Freeman, Interstate vaudeville
booker. New York, and Louis Charninsky,
suburban theatre manager, Dallas.
Television Actress in Debut
Television actress Betty Root will make
her screen debut in Monogram's "The Wolf
Hunters."
HOUSTON
^ore than $30,000 was raised for
the Hous-
.
ton Variety Club's boys home project at
the two-night millinery festival at the Shamrock
hotel. At the $25-a-plate events, hats
were auctioned off by George Jessel and
Hedda Hopper. Special guests included film
actor John Carroll and singer Monica Lewis
Holdovers were plentiful at local theatres.
. .
"Gunga Din" went into a second week
at the River Oaks. "White Heat" went eight
days at the Kirby after a crowded week at
the Metropolitan. "In the Good Old Summertime"
earned a four-day holdover at
Loew's State. "The Girl From Jones Beach"
started the trend earlier this month with a
nine-day encore at the Kirby.
First runs have been showing up more frequently
at Houston's subsequent run houses.
"Home in San Antone" played the Texan.
"The Scar" bowed in at the Delman. "Frieda"
was shown at the Uptown . . . Ross Vallone,
manager of the Eastwood, recently returned
from a Mexico City vacation and planned
the staging of a show for back-to-school
children
. . . Anne Molesworth, assistant
manager of the River Oaks, was back from
her vacation, during which time she supervised
a tonsillectomy for her son Charles jr.
playing "Holiday" for a week, the
River Oaks brought in "The Louisiana Story"
which opened big. according to Art Meyer,
manager.
That smilinir ticket-taker at the Kiiby is
Birdie Taylor . . . Charlie Evans of the Houston
Chronicle is president of the newly formed
Pi-ess club . . . Alvin Guggenheim, assistant
manager of the Metropolitan, returned from
a vacation
. . . Henry Wilcoxon. beating the
drums for "Samson and Delilah," visited here
long enough to meet with several groups.
Ray Hay, manager of the Kirby, was entertained
by the Emmett brothers, Dickinson exhibitors,
at a barbecue dinner .
Cope.
Houston writer, has a theatrical article in
the October issue of Holland's magazine . . .
Simon King, Houston projectionist, has gone
to Jasper, Ala. . . . Paul Hochuli, drama
critic of the Houston Press, has "retired" the
uniform he wore as an extra in the Pine-
Thomas film "The Eagle and the Hawk" . . .
Con Brady, Interstate publicist, was back at
work after a three-week vacation.
Free Vaudeville Show
Given for Handicapped
DALLAS—A free vaudeville show was given
Friday night (1) for handicapped persons
who came in wheel chairs, on crutches, canes,
stretchers and with Seeing-Eye dogs into
Fair Park casino. Many had never seen a
stage show before. The show started as an
idea of Goodwill Industries, which employs
150 handicapped men and women, and snowballed
into a giant community project. Every
handicapped person in Dallas county was
invited. Free transportation was provided
for all who asked. A sheriff's posse of 30
cars hauled many of the guests, and Continental
Ti-ailways donated a bus for the evening.
Professional entertainers donated their talents
to put on a topflight two-hour show.
Title Role to Dorothy Patrick
The title role in the Republic film, "Blonde
Bandit," wiU be played by Dorothy Patrick.
Autry Theatres Sale
Reported in Dallas
DALLAS—Negotiations are reported in
progress for the sale of Gene Autry's four local
theatres to Robb & Rowley Theatres.
The four Autry theatres, the Cliff Queen,
Kessler, Hill and Beckly, have been owned
and operated by Autry, Lloyd Rust and Ed
Blumenthal for the last three years. All
papers should be complete by the end of the
week and the report says that R&R is to take
over on October 1.
Deals also are reported in the making for
the sale of the Lucas Theatre here to Alfred
Sack. The Lucas, owned by L. R. Robertson,
has been leased to Mon Witcher for a couple
of years but no definite information has
been secured as to when the sale deal is to
be completed. Sack now owns the Coronet
in Dallas and operates it on a foreign picture
policy.
R. L. Hall Quits as Manager
Of Aztec at Van Alstyne
VAN ALSTYNE, TEX.—R. L. "Ran" Hall
has resigned as manager of the Aztec Theatre
here to accept an administration position
with the Sherman, Tex., school system.
He will head a newly created public relations
department. He has been at the Aztec, a
Lutzer Brothers house, since September 1937.
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UNITED THEATRES SERVICE CORPORATION
Confidential Booking & Buying
There Is a reason why . large and small
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I,et us, without obligation give you complete inform.ition,
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30S S. Harwood St. Dallas. Texas
JOHN C. GREER
SERIALS
2— Thrill Serials Ready to Book
WESTERNS
52—Western Releases Every Year
FEATURES
52— Big Star Features
Send for Our New List of Pictures
R. A. (BOB) KELLY. DIXIE FILMS, INC.
218 S. Liberty St.
New Orleans 13, La. Magnolia 5812
fENKINS & BOURGEOIS, ASTOR PICTURES CO.
Harwood & Tacksoa Sts. Dallas 1, Tex.
Prospect 7-2408
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
91

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92 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

100 Aiiend Goodwill
Rally ai Hayii, Mo.
HAYTI. MO.—More than 100 persons were
guests of John Mohrstadt, local exhibitor, at
a public relations gathering followed by a
cafeteria luncheon recently at the Joy Theatre
here. Mohr.stadt owns the Joy and Missouri
theatres here and a drive-in on Route
61 south of town. The first motion picture
public relations gathering ever held in southeastern
Missouri brought together men and
women of all professions for a program designed
to give them a better understanding
of the film industry and its aims and objectives.
Duke Clark, Paramount district manager
in Dallas, told how the home town theatre
was a part of the community, that the industry
was a comparatively new one with only
37 years to its credit, and that it deals in a
highly perishable commodity saleable during
only a brief span.
Clark emphasized the theatre industry has
made some mistakes, just as any other industry
makes mistakes, but that motion picture
workers had profited by them and are
striving always to o;ive the public better pictures
that would meet general approval.
Among film executives present were L. W.
McClintock, manager, and Tom Donahue,
salesman. Paramount; Robert Bostick, National
Theatre Supply Co., district manager;
Nelson Towler, manager, and John Osbourne,
salesman, Warners, all of Memphis. William
Kroeger, manager of the Portageville
Theatre, also attended.
R. C. Cobb's Civic Projects
Include Search for Barn
FAYETTE, ALA.—R. C.
Cobb, manager of
the Richards Theatre here, is quite busy
with civic promotions. As president of the
Payette Chamber of Commerce, young Cobb
is member of a committee to find a suitable
site and raise necessary funds for a new livestock
barn and facilities to serve Payette
and adjacent counties.
He also is a member of a committee to select
Fayette county's representative in the
statewide Maid of Cotton contest.
Grand 25th Anniversary
At Cartersville, Ga.
CARTERSVILLE, GA.—The Grand Theatre
here recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The house was opened in 1924 with
the first showing of "Wanderer in the Wasteland,"
the first color film shown in the area.
The house was built by Manning & Wink
with A. R. Shoemaker as manager. Shoemaker
now is in charge of all technical work
for Martin Theatres in this district. Jesse
L. Marlowe is manager of the Grand.
William Elliott Named
WAYCROSS, GA.—William T. Elliott of
Macon has been named manager of the Ritz
Theatre here by John Harrison, city manager
for Georgia Theatres Co. In addition to
managerial duties, Elliott also will be in
charge of advertising and publicity for local
theatres.
Wedowee House
Free Passes to
WEDOWEE, ALA.—Passes are being awarded
to persons whose names appear in the
weekly newspaper ad of the Wedowee Theatre.
Me'iselman Loses Round
In Suit for First Runs
Film Will Be Started
In New Orleans Soon
NEW ORLEANS—Plans to produce and direct
a feature picture here, the title of which
will be "Angry Waters," were announced last
week by Rene Plaissetty, a native of this city.
Plaissetty says that he will use local players
in supporting roles, bit parts and as extras.
The complete Picture will be filmed in and
about New Orleans, natural settings being
used wherever possible.
Jeanne Cezane, Parisian actress, has been
selected for the leading feminine role and
will fly to New Orleans soon and a 16-man
crew of technicians will arrive from Hollywood
to begin shooting about October 25.
Plans are to complete the feature in eight
weeks. Plaissetty also said negotiations have
been completed with Film Classics, for national
distribution of the production. The
story, which was written by Plaissetty, concerns
a Parisian girl who comes to New Orleans
just prior to World War II and falls
in love with a naval officer, only to have
the war bring dark complications into their
lives. Plaissetty says .he has been in European
film production for most of the past 27
years and has directed for Pathe. Gaumont
and Metro, having produced and directed
some 266 pictures in France. England, and
the United States.
"Angry Waters" will be the second picture
which Plaissetty has produced in New Orleans.
A musical, "Chungking Follies," was
made at the Municipal auditorium during
the early stages of the recent war.
John Norman Fendley Dies;
Andalusia, Ala., Manager
ANDALUSIA, ALA. — John Norman Fendley.
41, manager of the Martin and Ritz theatres
for the Martin circuit here, died of a
heart attack in the Martin lobby. Fendley,
a war veteran, was a civic leader in Andalusia,
coming here three and a half years
ago from the army. He was a veteran of 26
years in theatre business. He joined the
Martin circuit in 1940 after managing his own
theatre at Marion, Ala. He was manager
at Roanoke, Ala., when he joined the army.
Survivors include his wife and son. Burial
was in Oneonta, Ala.
Successor to Fendley as Martin manager
here is Norman "Boots" Adams. He was first
manager when the circuit established a theatre
here. He had been sei-ving as Martin
manager in Americus, Ga. Adams has assumed
his duties here. He had been serving
as vacation relief for Duke Stalcup, Martin
manager at Opelika.
Ronald C. Chaney in Jail
MEMPHIS—Ronald C. Chaney, sailor, who
identified himself as the son of Lon Chaney
jr., film star, pleaded guilty to attempted
felony recently and was fined $10 and
sentenced to 60 days in the workhouse. The
state charged he and another sailor attempted
to pawn an electric fan stolen from a hotel.
CHARLOTTE—A request by H. B.
Meiselman
Theatres for an injunction to restrain
seven distributors from licensing first run
films to three Charlotte theatres has been
dismissed by Federal Judge Wilson Warlick
in the antitrust suit through which Meiselman
hopes to attain first run product for his
Center Theatre here
Meiselman asked that three first runs be
denied A pictures unless the Center also received
them.
This was the first ruling in the case since
last March when Judge Warlick granted
MGM a dismissal from the case on the
grounds that its system of competitive bidding
for product provided the Center with
ample opportunity to secure first run films.
Warlick, In the latest ruling, said it had
not been proven that the defendants conspired
to prevent the Center from obtaining
first run films and added that there was "no
evidence that the Sherman antitrust act has
been violated."
"It must be shown," he said, "that the defendants
conspired as a group to prevent
the Center from obtaining films before it
can be termed a violation of the law." However,
he added, it was up to a jury to decide
whether such a violation existed.
No date has been set for actual trial of
the suit. The next step in the case, unless
Meiselman decides to appeal to the circuit
court of appeals, will be hearing of the main
issues, primarily Meiselman's charge of conspiracy
to prevent him from obtaining first
run product.
The next term of district court wiU be
held next month. The calendar for this term
has been completed, however, thus virtually
precluding the possibility that the case will
come up until the next term in April 1950.
Meiselman, who operates a chain of theatres,
filed the suit last December 7 and said
that unless his theatre was able to obtain
top-quality films it would be forced to close.
He said that the Center had lost $10,000
since its opening two months earlier and that
he faced the loss of his entire $250,000 investment.
The three theatres named in the suit are
the Carolina, Imperial and Broadway, all
controlled by H. P. Kincey interests. Distributor
defendants are Warner Bros., RKO,
Paramount, 20th-Fox, Universal, United Artists
and Columbia.
A. S. Clark Is Appointed
Evergreen, Ala., Manager
EVERGREEN, ALA.—A. S. Clark is new
manager of the Pix Theatre here, succeeding
Gene Raynor, who returned to his home in
Fitzgerald, Ga., because of ill health. Clark,
who has been with the Martin chain three
years, comes to Evergreen from the Martin
Theatre at Canton, Ga.
Palmetto Theatre Leased
PALMETTO, FLA.—Howard Smith of Orlando
took possession of the Palmetto Theatre
here September 1 after leasing the house
from Mrs. Margaret King. Smith said no
change would be made in personnel and that
he would erect a new building later if patronage
justifies it.
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
SE
93
SfiH"

. . Robert
. . Romola
J
'Morning' Grosses 110
CHARLOTTE
1 LlCuQ 11 6W UricallS CcoU Lett, manager here for Screen GuUd,
NEW ORLEANS—''Top O' the Morning" served on the newspaper committee for
topped the town with 110 per cent at the Employ the Physically Handicapped week
Joy. Other first runs were near normal. "In observance here Hardy, wife of
.
the Good Old Summertime" grossed 102" at Harry Hardy, district manager of Wilbythe
State.
Kincey Theatres here, has qualified for mem-
(Average Is 100) bership in the Quarter Million Round Table
Joy—Top O- the Morning (Poja) • 110
^f Life Insurance Women, composed "^ of out-
Orpheum—Roseanna McCoy (RKO) 98
Saenger^whiie Heat (WB) 100 standmg life Underwriters.
Slate—In the Good Old Summertime (MGM) 102
_ , , „ ,.
Charlie Picquet, operator of the Carolma
Theatres in Southern Pines and Pinehmst,
is recovering after an eye operation recently
at Duke university. He had been ill since
late May . Saxton, who has been
'Rope of Sand' Grosses 112
To Pace Atlanta
ATLANTA — Cooler weather moved into
Atlanta bringing better first run business
with it. High point of the week was "Rope
of Sand" at the Fox with 112 per cent.
Fox—Rope of Sand (Para) 112
Loew's Grand—In the Good Old Summertime
(MGM), 2nd wk 110
Paramount—Slattery's Hurricane (20th-Fox) 104
Roxy—Top C the Morning (Para), 2nd d. t. wk.-.lOI
New Screen at Stuart, Fla.
STUART, FLA.—The Lyric has been
equipped with a new radiant vinyl plastic
screen. Manager Wayne R. Page is planning
other equipment replacements.
BLOWUPS
212 N. MIAMI AVENUE, rT
MIAMI, FLORIDA *
Standard
Date
Slides
3 for $1
6^^!^
PRE-FABRICATED STEEL
SCREEN TOWERS
connected with Exhibitors Service here for
five years, has opened his own business, Saxton's
Service, providing all theatre services
except management.
The Charlotte Theatre will reopen in about
30 days following an extensive program of
modernization. Eveiything but the four walls
was torn down. T. A. Little and S. W. Graver,
who will operate the theatre, said that new
restrooms, lounging parlors, new seats, drapes,
lighting fixtures and sound equipment will
be installed. A new name also will be selected.
Several members of the Theatre Owners of
North and South Carolina attended the convention
of Theatre Owners of America in Los
Angeles: C. A. Holliday, Pentagon; J. W.
Holatia, Aurora; Gary Caudell, Wallace; H. E.
Wessinger, Lexington; Ben Strozier, Rock
Hill; S. S. Stevenson- and wife, Rock Hill;
George Carpenter and Verne Benfield, Valdese;
H. E. Buchanan and wife, Hendersonville;
Carl Bamford and wife, Asheville;
Worth Stewart, Charlotte, and Robert Bryant
and wife of Rock Hill.
Supporting Roles in 'Six Gun Mesa'
LOW PRICES PROMPT SHIPMENT
Booked for supporting roles in Monogram's
"Six
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
Gun Mesa" are Gail Davis and
"k.I'.'mT"
Milburn Morante.
>
Gael Sullivan to Talk
At Carolinas Session
CHARLOTTE—Gael Sullivan, executive director
of the Theatre Owners of America,
will speak at the get-together of the Theatre
Owners Ass'n of North and South Carolina
here October 23, 24. Sullivan's acceptance
of the invitation was an'anged at a meeting
of the program comjnittee last week, held in
the office of Mrs. Walter Griffith, executive
secretary.
Sullivan is a lormer assistant postmaster
general and also former chairman of the
Democratic national committee. Mrs. Griffith
said that Herman Levy, general counsel
of the TOA, also will attend the meeting and
other figures prominently identified with the
motion picture industry will be invited.
The meeting will be held in the Charlotte
hotel and will be in lieu of the annual convention
which formerly h^s been held the
last of January and first part of February.
Now no convention will be held until October
1950 and officers elected at the past convention
will serve until that time.
Hank Heam is chairman of the program
comm^ittee with Roy Smart, L. L. Theimer
and Bob Bryant.
Future of Gutted Theatre
Undecided at Savannah
SAVANNAH—No decision has been made
on the future of the Savannah Theatre, local
house owned by Fred G. Weis, which was
gutted by fire twice early last year. Weis
was conferring with his contractor Will H.
Artley on the fate of the historic theatre,
while the city council demanded immediate
a'ction on the ruins, which it termed unsafe.
It was believed that Weis would decide to
rebuild the house with apartments on a second
floor, but there was a possibility that
the entire building wonld be razed. The theatre
company obtained a city permit to close
off sidewalks around the theatre with a fence
to keep persons from approaching the standing
walls.
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Campaign for Election
On Blue Law Question
CARTERS'VILLE, GA. — A campaign to
override Georgia's Sunday blue laws is
growing in intensity here. An election was
forced through a petition filed by J. L. Marlowe,
manager of the two local Martin Theatres.
A counter-petition was filed by the
local Ministerial Assti.
Both sides have stepped up their campaigns
of advertising, letter writing and vote appealing.
Marlowe has claimed in his ads that
the vote also will affect Sunday entertainments
such as baseball games and golf. However,
City Attorney Colquitt Finley says the
vote will affect only motion pictures.
i
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ATLANTA, GA.
75 Vance
MEMPHIS
1414 Cleveland
NEW ORLEANS
315 So. Church
CHARLOTTE
Aid Drive for Handicapped
CHARLOTTE—"The Stratton Story," the
dramatic picture of the baseball pitcher who
came back after losing a leg, was shown here
recently as promotion for Employ the Physically
Handicapped week. Manager A. B.
Craver sent invitations to hundreds of employers,
heads of civic organizations, and persons
interested in aiding the handicapped to
attend a special show at the Mabor Theatre.
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94
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

E. H. Hays Named
Atlanta SE Manager
ATLANTA—John W. Mangham. president
of Screen Guild Productions of Georgia and
United Film Distributors,
has appointed Edward
H. Hays as his
Atlanta manager, succeeding
Kenneth R.
Smith, who has resigned
to becom.e advertising
representative
for radio station WFLA
in Tampa, Fla.
Hays has been engaged
in motion picture
distribution locally
for the last 18
Edward H. Hays
yeai-s. Most of his experience
was with United Artists as booker
and later as office manager and salesman.
For the last nine months Hays has covered
the Tennessee, north Georgia and north
Alabama territory for Screen Guild and
United Film.
Appointed to succeed him in the territory
is Eddie Foster, who has 22 years experience
as a film salesman. Foster started with Paramount,
remained with that firm for eight
years, then joined Columbia to remain there
for about the same length of time. He then
joined Republic and recently resigned from
that company to manage a drive-in in Knoxville,
Tenn., in which he was financially interested.
Lynn Dunn, who formerly represented United
Artists and RKO for some ten years,
has joined Screen Guild and United Film
to represent them in south Georgia, southeast
Alabama and Florida. Dunn more recently
has been manager of the theatre in
Sylvania, Ga., and formerly was buyer-booker
and general manager for the Dixie Amusement
Co., Swainsboro, Ga.
Raymond Edwards will continue to cover
the middle Georgia and middle Alabama zone
for the firms.
In making the personnel changes, Mangham
said that his interests in Western Adventure
Productions and in Western Adventure
Pictures, together with his other interests,
were consuming such a large portion
of his time that it was necessary to delegate a
major part of the responsibility and supervision
of the Atlanta office to Hays. Mangham
has been in distribution in this area
for 30 years. Screen Guild and United Film
are two separate organizations. Screen Guild
distributes first run product, primarily, while
United Film handles rereleases. Both corporations
are handled by the same sales force
and office organization.
Brighton. Ala., Fox Sold
To Birmingham Couple
BRIGHTON, ALA.—The Fox Theatre here
has been purchased by Mr. and Mrs. J. L.
Phillips of Birmingham from Moore and
Stripling. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips took over
the 300-seat house in July and one of the
former owners, Herbert Moore, remained
with them until September 10 to assist in the
management. The new owners have made
some minor improvements.
George Callahan Is scripting RKO's "Bunco
Squad" for Producer Lewis Rachmil.
Showman Rings Doorbells to Study
Desires of Patrons First Hand
MIAMI—John L. Griffin, manager of
Claughton's Royal Theatre in downtown
Miami, is one manager who is not content
to study patron reaction with an eye to boosting
attendance only from the confines of his
theatre.
Griffin, in an effort to provide, and keep
providing, the kind of pictures and the sort
of sei-vice that Royal theatregoers appreciate,
went out and rang doorbells and got his opinions
right from the source. He made a fiveday
house-to-house canvass, choosing as typical
a neighborhood as possible, and asking
direct questions of Mr. and Mrs. Miami. He
did not overlook the juvenile trade, either,
but canvassed a couple of playgrounds and
talked to the kids.
Griffin's findings made an interesting study.
This enterprising and original approach fired
the imagination of Edward N. Claughton,
owner of many theatres and widely known
in show business, and it was at Claughton's
suggestion that a large display easel appeared
in the Royal's street lobby.
65% WANT MUSICALS
The result was Griffin prepared a poster,
titled "I Run a Movie," and set it up on an
easel which was easily seen by all patrons
and passersby.
Griffin said that in making his canvass
he was prepared for all kinds of receptions.
"People were more surprised than anything
else," Griffin discovered. They seemed to
find it hard to believe that it was actually
the manager of the Royal Theatre who had
taken the trouble to call in person. Some
were frank to state they 'didn't think a
manager would do that."
As soon, however, as they realized the situation,
practically everyone was cooperative
and cordial. Griffin talked mostly, of course,
to women, though he found that the men
he happened to find at home went out of
their way to help him. One man was so
pleased at Griffin's attention that he took
him around the neighborhood and introduced
him to friends.
To Griffin's query as to what type of pictures
brought them into the theatre, about 65
per cent said musicals; 30 per cent preferred
drama and adventure, and the balance was
a tossup among westerns and other types.
Many people named the films they would
go to the Royal to see, some of which already
had been shown there.
CHILDREN SPEAK UP
Asked what were the most outstanding impressions
which he got from his survey. Griffin
said he came away with two impressions:
People are not going to movies because
"stories aren't good enough." Films do not
have strong enough plots to hold the interest
of the viewer. Griffin was given as an example
the titles of several recent pictures in
which well-known stars appeared, but the
story on which the star's performance himg
was too slight and the patron came away
unsatisfied.
"Not enough variety" was the second outstanding
criticism. Most people, having seen
a musical, for instance, were then in the
mood for something else—drama perhaps. But
the entire Miami area, they complained,
seemed either to be flooded with musicals
or with heavy drama, or with some particu-
'I AM A MANAGER'
I
Following a five-day doorbell-riiiging
canvass of a typical Miami, Fla.,
neighborhood. Manager John Grijiin
of the Royal Theatre wrote the following
and displayed it prominently on
a lobby poster.
RUN A MOVE
The movie fan is my bread and butter,
God bless 'em, wish there were
more of them. The movies are a large
part of my life—and I love it. The
movies, to my patrons, is the place to
go for laughs, tears, excitement, action,
escape from boredom, even education—it
all adds up to entertainment.
I
RUN A MOVE
Each day I hope the people who visit
my theatre are made a little happier by
what I have been able to bring them.
In their dreams or visions they are playing
the parts my screen brings to them..
They see the glamor of Hollywood and
its stars, also adventure, travel and
experiences that Ihey would not have
in a lifetime, all because . . .
I
RUN A MOVE
I have seen kids look at me, not as
a businessman who sells popcorn,
candy and tickets, but as a man who
opens the door to their little minds.
They see me as Roy Rogers, Gene Autry,
Donald Duck, Dumbo, Bambi, maybe
Trigger—whatever their little hearts
desire. They cheer the cowboy, they
shoot the villain, they laugh, they cry,
all because . . .
I
RUN A MOVE
And when people make a special
fort to tell me how much they enjoyed
the program, I know then, I have done
a good job and I am then proud, because
. . .
I
RUN A MOVE
JOHN L.
GRIFFIN.
lar type of fUm. The patron stayed home
as a result untU movie fare offered a change.
Griffin had a wonderful time talking to
the children. They were free with their
opinions and wanted to be helpful. Mostly
they seemed to run to cowboy and adventure
pictures. Much interest, however, was shown
in a teen-age musical type. As an experiment
along these suggested lines. Griffin tried
a double-bill, teaming "A Date With Judy"
and "Daniel Boone." He was rewarded with
a big house. "Luxury Liner" is booked for
a future showing.
Griffin feels that the juvenile trade should
receive serious attention as well as adult.
He
believes that service to the small fry is service
to their parents, and if he is to run a
theatre along popular and successful lines
he must go after the goodwill of the whole
family.
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949
95

. . Francis
Theatre Loss Is Slight
In Florida Hurricane
CORAL GABLES, FLA.—Reports from
various parts of the state indicate that while
some theatres were damaged by the hurricane
which recently swept across the peninsula
loss generally was not large. Considering
the many drive-in theatres which have been
built in Florida, damage to the various outdoor
projects also was relatively slight.
The outdoor theatre on the Auburndale
road near Winter Haven was heavily damaged,
the screen tower and the fence surrounding
the theatre having been swept away.
The roof of the new Auburn Theatre at Auburndale
was damaged by water, but operation
was resumed when power lines were
restored. The Ace Theatre in Auburndale
for Negro patrons was slightly damaged.
The screen tower of the drive-in theatre
between Clearwater and Largo was blown
down, and the ticket office was demolished.
Poncing also was blown away. The roof of
the new Palms Theatre now nearing completion
in West Palm Beach was blown off
by the high winds.
R. M. Daugherty Is Named
Jacksonville Manager
TAMPA—Florida State Theatres has transferred
R. M. Daugherty, manager in the
Tampa area, to Jacksonville, to become manager
of theatres there. Replacing Daugherty
in Tampa is Walter B. Lloyd who comes to
Florida from Hartford, Conn.
Florida State dominates the Tampa and
Jacksonville area, v.ith seven houses here
and ten in Jacksonville.
Operate Lake City Carver
LAKE CITY, FLA.—The Carver Theatre
here is being operated by Floyd C. Hassler
and Rogers A. Getford. All-Negro films and
stage shows will be featured. The building
is of modern brick construction. Since its
recent opening, the theatre has met with
great success. Getford has long operated
Negro theatres successfully in Florida.
Nick Marlenis Manager
ST. PETERSBURG — Nicholas Marlenis,
Tarpoon Springs, has been named manager
of the Gulf Winds Drive-In, at which George
Mitcheley, Austin, Tex., has been acting
manager for the last six months. P. Mc-
Whirter, Clearwater, owner of the drive-in,
plans improvements at the ozoner to be
started sometime this month.
BIRMINGHAM
p M. Kennedy, district manager for Wilby-
Kinoey Theatres, has been a busy traveler
these days. After a week in New York City
on a business trip, Kennedy returned for a
two-day visit, then left for the TOA convention
in Los Angeles . Falkenburg,
Alabama manager, and his wife accompanied
Miss Alabama (Frieda Roser)
to Atlantic City for the Miss America contest.
Mrs. Betty Crum, secretary to R. M. Kennedy,
has returned from a vacation in Memphis
. . . Charles Mizelle, Wilby-Kincey auditor,
was making his rounds in the city . . .
Two projectionists were back after a long
siege of illness. They are N. A, Kriel, Ritz,
and S. W. Whatley, Ensley.
Bill Coury, Ritz manager, won quite a
spread on the visit of Charles Coburn, plugging
"The Gal Who Took the West." Coburn
was accompanied here by Phil Garrard, U-I,
New York City, and Al Burke, U-I publicist
from Atlanta. Coury planted a two-column
picture of Coburn on page one of the Birmingham
News, showing the star visiting
children's hospital . . . W. H. Harper, Galax
projectionist, is back from a Mobile vacation
and S. T. Gaston, Woodlawn, is back
after two months in Miami with his family.
John W. Geiger died recently in Atlanta.
He was the husband of Mrs. MUdred Geiger,
former secretary to Prank V. Merritt, general
manager of Acme Theatres. Mrs. Bessie Curl,
wife of Harry M. Curl, general manager for
Commimity Theatres here, accompanied the
body from Atlanta to Mimcie, Ind., for burial.
Curl, who was in Atlanta on business, brought
his wife back to Birmingham .
Douglas, assistant
. . John
general manager of
W.
Acme
Theatres, has returned from vacation.
Dale M. Riley, sales promotion manager
of Motion Picture Advertising Service, New
Orleans, spoke at a meeting of the Birmingham
Advertising club . . . Ralph Root jr.,
who will graduate from Georgia Tech in December,
visited his parents after taking a
State department examination. He is a son
of Ralph A. Root, business manager for the
MPMO Local. Root's daughter, Mrs. Gloria
Savoldi, visited here on her way back to her
home in Deland, Fla.
J. A. Jackson, former manager of the Empire,
is booking an October 1 opening for his
new drive-in near Clanton. Jackson, here for
a visit, said that it had been reported that
he was associated with a theatre circuit in
Birmingham. He named, however, as his associates.
Dr. W. P. Wilson and Mrs. Myrtle
H. Wilson, both of Chilton county . . . Bob
Tarwater, EL manager, Atlanta, was a visitor.
. . . Charles
Lewis Worthington, manager of Auto Movies
No. 1 on the Bessemer Super highway,
and his wife have returned from an Atlanta
visit . . . Jimmy Trent, Five Points projectionist,
is returning September 26 to resume
his studies at Georgia Tech
Pike, Melba projectionist, was off to California
for a two weeks' vacation . . Ralph
.
Walker, projectionist at the Gary in Fairfield,
Ala., will be married to Elaine Amason
September 25.
. . .
C. H. Copeland, Neely Theatre, Oneonta,
and B. Ward Wright of Wright Theatres,
Gadsden, were among exhibitors visiting here
Don Waters, managers of Waters' Roebuck
Drive-In, returned from his vacation
. . . Back-to-school parties were held by
Penney's store at the Ensley Theatre and the
Palace. The store awarded free tickets . . .
Barbara Jean Stracener is new cashier at
the Galax. She replaces Irene Levette.
IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS;
SPEAKER POSTS
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
"k.c',"mT'
SERIALS
2—Thrill Serials Ready to Book
WESTERNS
52—^Western Releases Every Year
FEATURES
52—Big Star Features
Send for Our New List of Pictures
W. M. HICHAHDSON. ASTOH PICTUHES CO.
OF GA., INC.
163 Walton St. Atlanta 3. Ga. Main 9845
R. A. (BOB) KELLY, DIXIE FILMS, INC.
218 S. Liberty St. New Orleans 13. La.
Magnolia 5812
JENKINS 4 BOURGEOIS, ASTOH PICTUHES CO.
HoTwood & lackson Sts. Dallos 1, Tex.
Prospect 7-2408
96 BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

. . Miamians
-'SiinDe.
'''
'akiii
a
'' ^ a son
'--^ 13! If
•Blilliwi
Educational Value
Seen in Most Films
MIAMI— "Just What part motion pictures
should play in education is perhaps more a
matter of discrimination than of opinion,"
according to an article written by Dick Lowe
and published in a recent Sunday Miami
Daily News on a page devoted to news of
school children. "For in many high schools
and universities, films, in one form or another,
have become an accepted part of the
curriculum, just as in the armed services
the movie was found to be an invaluable
training aid.
"But these were mostly specially produced
films, of no value except for their specific
purpose. A more interesting question is:
Does the ordinary, run-of-the-mill film have
any educational value? Prom this stems another
question: Should the average film be
produced with education in mind?
"My answer to the first question is simple
and emphatic. It is yes. Most fUms are
produced with careful attention to detail,
especially with regard to modes of dress,
habits of life in period pictures, and the use
of special machinery or techniques in crime
dramas, outdoor adventures and the like.
"How many of us today have a pretty good
idea of how a cowboy goes about roping a
steer, for instance, or of how the FBI tracks
down a kidnapper or a bank robber?
"Whether we ever intend to do these things
ourselves is unimportant, for every bit of
knowledge which seeps into our brains, and
sticks, makes the brain a more malleable and
useful instrument for everyday use. Like
muscles, the brain needs exercise to stay in
top form.
"But whether film should be produced as
a medium of education is another matter.
Here opinion enters the picture. One producer
might feel that young people should
be taught a certain thing, another might
feel this unsuitable.
"Matters of religion and morals would come
in for considerable rough treatment if the
fUms attempted to educate people about them
under the guise o^ntertainment. Except for
the maintenance of a general high moral
tone, films should confine themselves to matters
of fact and leave the matters of opinion
up to the individual.
"Opinions are, after all, formed correctly
only when a person is in possession of the
salient facts. If the facts are presented impartially
and accurately, the indivdual then
has a fair chance ot arriving at a proper
conclusion."
MIAMI
. . .
. . . Bill Brandt of the
John H. Auer, associate producer-director for
Republic, left here on his way to Buenos
Aires to make arrangements for completing
"The Avengers" The first run house,
Sheridan, in Miami Beach is playing "Gone
With the Wind"
Brandt circuit and Lee Shubert of the legitimate
theatre dynasty are mentioned by
George Bourke as representing the B&S syndicate
rumored to be bidding for the currently
defunct Copa City, a fabulous showplace
designed by Norman Bel Geddes. which
opened here last season.
Color motion pictures of the Mayan ruins
in Yucatan, Mexico, were the feature of the
first fall meeting of the Miami Movie Makers.
Also shown were two national prize-winning
films from the Amateur Cinema league.
Miami Movie Makers members filmed the
.
Yucatan pictures while on a recent trip there
Lou Marks, manager of a local club,
.
is
.
one of Mack Sennett's original Keystone
Kops . named Hatfield or Mc-
Coy were invited to attend the opening of
"Roseanna McCoy" at Paramount's Florida
and Cinema theatres.
. . .
Ryt Hassan D'Suesse is resigning as manager
of the Colony Theatre, reputedly to
undertake a project which will bring some
"really fabulous premieres" to the Miami area
Wometco now bills its Boulevard Drivein
as "America's Finest, Most Beautiful
Drive-In Theatre" . . . The S. Gordon Spradleys
became parents of a baby girl. He is
the manager of Wometco's Capitol . . . George
Hoover, Paramount general manager here, is
responsible for bringing the popular Freddie
Calo, rumba pianist, to the Olympia. Hoover
spotted him in a Havana club. Now Calo
plays at two night spots here.
Hammond Ritz Lease Denied
LAFAYETTE, LA.—Gilbert Romero of
the
McComb Theatre here has not leased the
Ritz Theatre at Hammond, La., as recently
reported in the trade press.
20% MORE LIGHT
and BETTER VISION from
EVERY SEAT!
'Bovary' Listed as Best
By Jacksonville Group
JACKSONVILLE — The Motion Picture
Council of Jack.sonville at its monthly meeting
in the Seminole hotel made its selection
of the outstanding films to be shown
in Jacksonville during the month. The selection
was made from a list of advance attractions
furnished by local theatre managers.
"Madame Bovary" was picked as the best,
with "Come to the Stable," "House of Strangers"
and "It's a Great Feeling" also in the
desirable list.
Car Crashes Into Theatre
GADSDEN, ALA — An intoxicated driver
caused minor damage at the Coosa Theatre
here, when his car crashed into the front
of the theatre after ramming a utility pole.
Both the driver and a passenger were treated
for minor injuries.
T. R. Parish Is Manager
CLAYTON, ALA.—New manager of the
Clayton Theatre is T. R. Parish of Clayton.
He succeeds Thomas Ventress. Parish was
in the drug business a nimiber of years and
more recently was connected with the Clayton
Banking Co.
Repairs Hurricane Damage
AUBURNDALE, FLA.—Grant Raulerson,
manager, is supervising repairs at the drivein
theatre here, badly damaged by the recent
hurricane.
Madison Theatre Sold
MADISON, FLA.—Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Owens
sold the Greenville Theatre to Ernest Handley
and E, B. Jones.
To Vote in Spruce Pine, N. C.
SPRUCE PINE, N. C—An election to determine
whether or not voters want motion pictures
shown here on Sundays is scheduled
for September 20.
AMERICAN DESK
MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Manuiacturers of Theatre Seating
Mr. W. A. Prewitt, Jr.. 223 South Liberty St.
New Orleans. La. Ph: Magnolia 6571
"A FRIENDLY
EXHIBITOR
SERVICE
JIMMY WILSON
WILSON-MOORE ENT., INC.
89 Cone S(. Atlanta
'
CYCWMIC
The FIRST
Major Screen
Improvement in
30 Years!
Custom Screen
*Patent applied for
Perfect Soond
TransinissiOD • Elinisation
ol Btckstage Reverberatkin • Perfect VIsien in Front
Rows
tetter Side Vision
JOE HORNSTEIN.
THE MAGIC SCREEN OF
THE FUTURE NOW!
Inc.
714 N. E. First Avenue Miami, Florida
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
97

. . . Fox
. . Mr.
MEMPHIS
Premiere of 'Dust'
llmong those from Memphis and nearby
cities attending the TOA convention at
Los Angeles were Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Lightman
sr., Malco Theatres, Memphis: Mr. and
Mrs. W. F. Ruff in, sr., Covington: Mr. and
Mrs. L. A. Weaver, Airways, Memphis: Henry
Haven, Forrest City, Arlc., and R. L. Bostick,
National Theatre Supply Co., Memphis . . .
It's
New!
It's Beautiful!
It's
Comfortable!
It's
Economical!
Spring Edge Seots .. Face Padded Backs
Cast Iron Standards .. Ball Bearing Hinges
For complete information write:
SOUTHERN DESK COMPANY
Theatre Seating
Division
P. 0. Box 630 HICKORY, N. C.
98
MONARCH
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis. Tenn.
NOW DISTRIBUTING
EXCLUSIVELY
lorrhmne
CHRBONS
In Memphis Film Area
V/rite for trial trim — Sfote size.
TRI-STATE THEATRE SUPPLY
318 So. Second St.
Memphis, Tenn.
1
W. R. Scruggs, RKO head shipper, and his
wife, secretary there, were on vacation.
N. B. Blount, manager of the Monarch
Theatre Supply Co., was on a trip through
sections of Tennessee . . . J. B. McGovern,
auditor, was working at Paramount . . . Mrs.
Margaret Jones of Los Angeles, former cashier
at 20th-Fox, visited the exchange here
Family club held a wiener roa.st at
Riverside park . and Mrs. Bonnie Mc-
Carley were vacationing from 20th-Fox. Mc-
Caxley is a salesman there and his wife is a
booker. They are visiting in the Smoky
mountains and Blue Ridge mountains in
Tennessee and Virginia.
. .
W. C. Kroeger, Shannon and Maxon, Portageville;
James W. Seay, Grand at Cardwell
and Arbyrd, and J. C. Mohrstadt, Joy and
Missouri, Hayti. were among Missouri exhibitors
on Filmrow Two sets of brothers
who are exhibitors were among visitors. They
are Burris and Henley Smith, Imperial, Pocahontas,
Ark., and Fred and Zell Jaynes, Joy,
West Memphis.
Arkansas exhibitors seen on Filmrow included
Willis Houch, Joy, Magnolia; Benny
Hugger, Clinton, Clinton; Harold Jemison,
Liberty, North Little Rock, and Airway, Little
Rock; Horace Stanley, Radio, Bebee;
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Spicer, 71 Drive-In,
Ft. Smith; Don Landers, Radio, Harrisburg;
J. R. Keller, Joiner, Joiner; E. J. Smith, Victory,
Altheimer; C. W. Tipton, Tipton circuit,
Manila; W. C. Sumpter, Cotton Bowl, Le-
Panto; Roy Bolick, Kaiser, Kaiser: W. R.
Lee, Rice, Des Arc, and Gem and New, Heber
Springs, and Moses Sliman, Murr, Osceola,
and Lux, Luxora.
From Mississippi cajne Fitz Farris, Harlem,
Clarksdale; J. M. Mounger, Mart, Calhoun
City; J. C. Bonds, Von, Hernando;
Jack Watson, Palace, Tunice, and W. R. Tutt,
Savoy, Tunica . . . M. E. Rice jr.. Rice, Brownsville;
Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar; J. L. Denning,
YMCA, Bemis; J. A. Petty, Wayne,
Waynesboro; W. T. Willis, Munford, Munford;
Onie and Amelia Ellis, Mason, Mason, and
Harry Shaw and Aubrey Webb, Webb, Ripley,
were here from Tennessee cities.
Charles Coburn Appears
In Charlotte for 'Gal'
CHARLOTTE—Charles Coburn, the motion
picture character actor, was here last week
in behalf of the October 18 world premiere of
"The Gal Who Took the West." Coburn
made several personal and radio appearances
in the city and also spoke from the stage of
the Imperial Theatre where the picture will
open. The Imperial was one of the 500
southern theatres selected for the day-anddate
premiere.
Coburn's visit followed closely that of Patricia
Alphin, film starlet, also here in connection
with the picture.
Receipts Off 5.3 Per Cent
BIRMINGHAM—Theatre receipts in Alabama
were down 5.3 per cent in June as compared
with May, according to the University
of Alabama's bm'eau of business research. In
comparison with the same month a year ago,
June receipts in Alabama theatres were off
1.9 per cent.
Set for October 11
OXFORD, MISS.—The world premiere of
"Intruder in the Dust," the motion picture
based on the novel by William Faulkner of
Oxford, Miss., has been set for October 11 at
the Lyric Theatre there by MGM. The premiere
date was disclosed the day after the
Memphis board of censors unanimously approved
the picture for showing on local
screens.
The day following the Oxford premiere the
pictiu'e will open at Loew's theatres here and
in Nashville. On succeeding days of the same
week, it will open in from 50 to 55 theatres
in the Memphis trade territory. The picture
was filmed near Oxford last spring.
Clarence Brown, director of the pictiu'e and
a graduate of Tennessee university, will attend
the Oxford premiere, according to Emery
Austin, MGM publicity director. Claude Jarman
jr., star of the film and a native of
Nashville, will be present if he has completed
Nashville, Chattanooga, Little Rock and
work on a current film. Both are expected
to be in Memphis later.
Critics from Atlanta, Birmingham, Knoxville,
other cities will attend the premiere. The
governors of Mississippi and adjoining states
have been invited to be special guests. The
Lyric at Oxford is owned and operated by
Bob Williams, who is mayor there.
"Intruder in the Dust" is the story of a
Negro accused of killing a white man and
who is saved from a mob when a small boy
and an old school teacher present evidence
to show that he is innocent.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
VISITORS on Atlanta Filmi-ow last week:
Frank Merritt, Marvin Wise theatres,
Birmingham; W. T. Murray, formerly manager
of the Grand in Atlanta and now manager
of the Empire in BiAiingham (Murray
is recovering from a serious eye ailment
which necessitated several operations during
the last few months^ ; Joe Steed of the
Southern States Co., Ensley, Ala.; F. E.
Williamson, Williamson, Winter Haven, Fla.;
S. H. Borisky, Independent Theatres, Chattanooga:
Mesdames Margaret Ware and W.
D. Kimbro, Greensboro, Ga.; Mrs. L. W. Holland,
Madison, Madison, Ga.
Razing of old buildings for the erection of
a new million-dollar theatre and office building
at 14 and 16 North Harvey, Oklahoma
City, is going forward, the building operations
being in charge of Midwest Enterprises, of
which John Sinopoulo is president. It will
be named the Midwest Theatre. The atmosphere
will be Spanish.
* * *
H. A. Niver, expert organ technician, is
building up a trade among theatres on the
repair of organs and the reinstating of
these instruments in regular programs. The
old organ sounds good in a theatre after the
squeakies have been holding sway, Niver says
. . . Sol Davidson is opening his new theatre
at Cordell, Okla., soon, which makes the
second one for him there. Both houses are
named Ritz and are built on much the same
plan, seating 450.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
I

. . Howard
. . Marie
. . Grover
. . Mr.
. . On
. . Two
ATLANTA
C'uneral services were held for Cecil R. Pearson,
47-year-old foniier theatre owner
. . . Nineteen-year-old Jaculyn Hyde became
Miss Fulton County of 1949 at the beauty
pageant held on the stage of the Lakewood
Theatre before a packed house. Latecomers
had to be turned away. Sponsors plan to
make the contest an annual affair.
. . .
Mel Brown of the Peachtree Art and the
Montgomery Drive-In, Savannah, is back
Max
from a business trip to Charlotte
Holden, Astor, Charlotte, returned there after
visiting the local Madison exchange . . . Mrs.
Grace Hammond, office manager, Madison, :s
back at her desk from a New York trip . . .
Ralph McCoy. Film Classics manager, left
on a trip to Tennessee . Wallace,
manager of Sack Amusement Enterprises.
Charlie Dermeyer,
checked in at his office . , .
Southern Automatic Candy Co., is back from
a Florida trip.
A new arena-type theatre to star noted
Broadway and Hollywood stars will open here
September 20. The theatre will be known as
the Penthouse and it will be located on the
swank roof of the Ansley hotel. The Roof
has been transformed into a plush semicircular
theatre in the center of which plays
will be presented each night and on Sundays.
Edward Everett Horton will star in the first
play, "Springtime for Henry" . Wilson,
star of "My Friend Irma," was a visitor.
J. D. Woodward has been appointed manager
of the Peachtree Art Theatre, according
to Melvin Brown, director. Woodward, formerly
with Warners, says the theatre will continue
its policy of bringing back popular films
with first run pictures being shown most of
the time. Already booked are "Hamlet" and
"The Red Shoes," both of which enjoyed long
runs here.
Blackstone, veteran magician whose tour
was interrupted when he was sent to an
Atlanta hospital with a severe attack of
asthma, signed a contract to appear at the
Quik-Serv for
Profits
Front-side views D-5 model, compact, IGVs s(l"
stainless steel. Other sizes: Contact: FORREST
DUNLAP, JR.
QUIK-SERV
FOUNTAINETTE, INC.
211 S. Pearl P7-3470 Dallas
Tower February 21-23 . . . Henry Wllcoxon,
one of the stars of "Sam.son and Delilah,"
will arrive November 12 to plug the film.
Leonard Allen, Paramount publicity expert,
said Wilcoxon would be here four days.
. .
On the Row booking were C. S. Pitman,
Pitman, Gadsden, Ala.: J. P. Stokley. Roxy,
Crawford; Sidney Laird and L. J. Duncan,
West Point Amusement Co.. West Point;
Clyde Sampler, Duncan & Richards Theatres
in Georgia; Abe Soloman, Chattanooga, and
O. C. Lam, Lam Amusement Co.. Rome . . .
Roy Prewitt, southern sales manager for
American Desk Co., Temple, Tex., checked in
after a Florida trip . . . Babe Cohen, formerly
of Atlanta, is confined to a hospital in New
Orleans . Ann Mayo, Eagle Lion accounting
department, is back at her desk after a
trip to New Orleans.
W. C. Moore, owner of the Fox, Brighton.
Ala., has sold his theatre to J. Lewis Phillips
. . . Harry Cury, general manager. Community
Theatres, Birmingham; R. E. Hook.
Gordo, Gordo, Ala.; Earnest Ingram, Lineville,
Ala., and Ashland, Ala., theatre owner; John
R. Moffitt, State, Montgomei-y; H. Powell,
Oxford, Oxford, Ala.; Dave Regan, Roxy,
Selma, Ala.; Leon Robbins, Lincoln, Gainesville,
Fla.; C. S. Dunn, Havana, Havana, Fla.,
and John T. Ezell, former member of Atlanta
Filmrow now in Daytona Beach, Fla., were on
the Row visiting.
Back at his post after visiting his daughter
in St. Louis, Mo., was O. S. Barnett, office
manager. Monogram . and Mrs. Arthur
C. Bromberg, president. Monogram Southern,
are back from Sea Island . . . Mr. and Mrs.
Abe Brown, owners of the K&B Soda Co., are
visiting with friends in New York . the
in
Row was Jules Goldman of Warner Bros,
Indianapolis.
George Oldham, co-owner of the Cumberland
Amusement Co. in Tennessee, died at
his home in Winchester, Tenn., after a long
Sam M. Berry of the National
illness . . .
Theatre Supply Co., Dallas, his wife and
daughter returned there after visiting friends
here . Parsons, southern district
manager. Eagle Lion, is back after visiting
in Memphis with the new manager, Nelson
Towler.
Martin Theatres Buys
Auburn-Opelika Airer
AUBURN, ALA. — The Aubum-Opelika
Drive-In has been purchased by Martin Theatres
for $130,000 from former owners John
Gazes and Louis Soult of Auburn.
According to a deed filed in the probate
office, the transaction was the largest private
business deal in Lee county this year.
Duke Stalcup. manager of Martin's Martin
and Ritz theatres in Opelika, has taken over
management of the drive-in.
Ralph Mann Is Manager
At Monroeville Theatre
MONROEVILLE, ALA.—Ralph Mann, formerly
of Montgomery, has been named manager
of the Monroe Theatre here, succeeding
L. P. Head, operator for the last year who
is moving to Hazlehurst, Miss., where he will
manage the Hazle Theatre. Both the Monroe
here and the Hazlehurst house are affiliated
with the Fred C. McClendon and Sam Wilson
circuit.
NEW ORLEANS
jWr Brocato has purchased the Lake Theatre
in Campti, La., from R. L. Gifford and
has changed the name to Hedy Rose . . . The
Buck and Rose theatres, both Paramount-
Richards operations at Hattiesburg. Miss.,
W. A.
have been closed indefinitely . . .
Prewitt, As.sociated Theatres head, and Mrs.
Clara Mae Collier have opened their Airport
The Idle
E>rive-In at Greenwood, Miss. . . .
Hour, a 250-car drive-in, has been opened at
Yazoo City, Miss., by F. M. Sigrest.
Bill Keith, former local UA manager now in
charge at Kansas City office, was in several
days as was UA representative from Dallas,
Billy Briant . holdovers were included
in last week's lineup. "Top O' the Morning"
continued at the Joy, while "Roseanna Mc-
Coy" moved from the Orpheum to RKO's
holdover house, the Liberty, for a second
downtown week. "Mighty Joe Young" was the
new feature for the Orpheum. Loew's State
featured "The Great Sinner." "The Fighting
Kentuckian" was showing at the Saenger.
The Poche presented "Symphonic Pastorale."
"Hellfire" was at the Globe, and "It's a Great
Feeling" was at the Tudor. The Joy Strand
double-billed "If You Knew Susie" and "Rainbow
Valley." "The Freak" was at the Rio.
The Lyceum doubled "The Dark Mirror" and
"Road to Big House."
On the Row were C. E. Cooper, booker, W.
W. Page circuit, Robelene, La.; Hank Jackson,
booker, A. L. Royal Theatres, Meridian,
Miss.; Jimmy Harris, Pix manager, Pascagoula,
Miss.; Charlie Levy, Harlem, Thibodaux;
Sam Pasqua, operator of the Gonzales
and Pasqua theatres in Gonzales, Carville in
Carville, and the Sorrento in Sorrento and
Union in Union, La.; Teddy Solomon, Palace
and Lyric, McComb, Miss.
D. A. Barre, 64. for the past nine years
in the bookkeeping department of Joy Theatres,
died September 5 from a heart attack
at his home here . . . Barbara Dupuis, Dixie
Film stenographer, was home ill . . . Judy
Whitney is the new switchboard operator and
receptionist at Joy Theatres . . . C. J. Briant,
MGM manager, underwent an operation at a
local hospital last week.
T. G. Worthman Appointed
EUFAULA, ALA.—T. G. Wortham, former
manager of a theatre in Roanoke, Ala., has
assumed duties as manager of the Martin
Theatre here, succeeding L. G. Smith, who
was transferred to the Roanoke house.
''!.'.UJ!II.7.
TO ANNOUNCE ?
VseAFILMACK
. To
SPECIAL TRAILERJ
Help Put It Across!
F I L M A C
CHICAGO 1327 S. Wabash Ave.
NEW YORK 619 West 54»h. St.
«r !,>'« BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949 99

'
'
.'.
JyNO New Drive-ln Theatres Slated
For Nashville; Other Building
NASHVILLE, TENN.—Two new drive-ins
and one new theatre are slated for Nashville.
Ted Goldblatt, owner of the Pen Shop here,
has started construction of a $50,000 drive-in
on Gallatin Road and Old Hickory boulevard.
The drive-in will have a capacity of
600 cars. Contractor is Thomas Griffing of
Dallas, Tex.
Meanwhile, L. O. Bing, owner of Bing's
Nursery in Madison, has petitioned for a
zoning change in order to build a similar
drive-in about a quarter mile north of Due
West avenue.
Crescent Amusement Co. now operates the
only local drive-in. This firm has been
granted a permit for construction of a theatre
and several other buildings for stores
and recreational purposes on Hillsboro Road.
The project will cost an estimated $200,000.
Marr & Holman is the architectural firm.
Crescent has not, as yet, been given permission
to build a large parking area in the rear
of the proposed recreational center, since a
number of persons living in the area filed
objections to the parking area.
Charleston North 52 Airer Opens
CHARLESTON, S. C—The new North 52
Drive-in was opened recently by Consolidated
Theatres, Inc., of Charlotte. F. H. Beddingfield,
president of the company, attended
the opening of the new drive-in, construction
of which was supervised by H. M.
Gibbs, manager of the circuit's High Point,
N. C, theatre. The drive-in has accomm.odations
for about 500 cars. The screen was
designed and built by the Bulcraft Corp.,
Florence, and was erected by the Wilhoit
Erecting Co., Florence. The Truluck Construction
Co. held the grading contract and
General Contracting Co., Charleston, the
building contract.
Jim Gaylard to New Drive-In
TROY, ALA—Jimmy Gaylard, manager of
Wilby-Kincey's Enzor Theatre here, has resigned,
effective October 1, to become manager
of the new Starlight Drive-In, for a
November 1 opening on the Brundidge road.
The theatre will have room for 300 cars
on eight ramps and will feature in-car speakers.
In addition to his duties as manager, Gaylard
also wUl serve as treasurer of Troy Drive-
In Theatres, Inc. Other officers are Marvin
H. Carter, president; Sigmond Rosenbei-g,
vice-president, and Rudolph Blumentritt,
secretary. The board of directors include the
officers and Dr. Oscar Edge.
100
TICKETS
MACHINE
FOLDED
-A-eeURAGY-
SPEED
One of Gaylard's last promotions before
leaving the Enzor was a big back-to-school
party. Free drinks were included, along with
free balloons and school supplies. Six paiis
of blue jeans were attendance prizes. A 30-
minute stage show also was presented.
October 1 Opening Planned
SAVANNAH—A tentative opening date of
October 1 has been set by Harris Robinson,
president of the Dixie Drive-In Theati-es circuit,
for opening of the new Dixie Drive-In
under way on Route 80 here. The new
ozoner will cover a 12-aci-e tract and will
have a capacity of 700 cars on twelve ramps.
The entire area will be paved, according to
Horace Denning, Dixie Drlve-In official.
Harry C. Herr jr., who wUl manage the theatre,
said the landscaping will be seraitropical
in style with many palm trees, tropical
shrubs, plants and large lawns.
Christmas Opening Is Planned
HAZLEHURST, GA.—A tentative Christmas
opening has been set for the new Jeff
Davis Theatre, under way here for Stein
Theatres. The building is located on Latimer
street and will be built of jumbo brick
in a modernistic design. It will measure
125x50 feet and will seat approximately 800
persons, according to F. L. Alig, general manager
for the circuit.
Here to supervise the start of construction
were L. A. Stein, circuit president; Louis Leffler,
controller, Jacksonville; F. L. Alig jr.,
and B. J. Nickelsen, manager of the construction
department for J. N. Bray Co.,
Valdosta.
Opened
Augusta Drive-In
AUGUSTA, GA. — The 650-car, 100-seat,
Skyview Drive-In was opened here recently.
The Skyview features a 65-foot brick screen
tower.
Open Manchester, Ga., Circle
MANCHESTER, GA.—The Circle Drive-In
was opened recently on the Manchester-
Warm Springs highway by owner H. R. Richards.
McRae Drive-In Is Opened
HAZLEHURST, GA.—The new McRae
Drive-In on the Hazlehurst-McRae highway
about 2y2 miles outside of McRae opened recently,
with a policy of two shows nightly,
one at 7:45 and the cither at 9:45.
RESERVED SEAT '^W
TICKETS
SOUTHWEST TICKET
& COUPON CO.
2110 CORINTH 8TSEET
DALLAS (H-7185) TEXAS
TICKETS
To Start Drive-In Job Soon
ALEXANDER CITY, ALA.—Ground work
on Alexander City's first drive-in is expected
to get under way in about a month, according
to Mack Jackson, local theatre owneroperator.
The 300-car drive-in is located on
a five-acre plot that was the city's first
airport. In-car speakers and a 54-foot-square
screen will
be features.
Bartow, Fla., Airer Planned
BARTOW, FLA.—Charles R. Hanson, former
owner and manager of the Bradenton
Drive-In, has sold his interest in that situation
to build a 400-car airer here. The new
drive-in will be located at the intersection
of Route 10 and Kessenger Springs road,
two miles south of town. The drive-in will
have a 48-foot screen, in-car sjjeakers, concessions
stand and lounges.
Sky Chief Opening Soon
PENSACOLA, FLA.—The West Pensacola
Civitan club will sponsor the opening of the
new 600-seat Sky Chief Theatre here soon
and receive a share of the gross. Clinton
Vucovich, who operates a theatre in Warrington
as well as the Belmont and Pen in
Pensacola, is the owner and operator.
Build at Madisonville, Tenn.
MADISONVILLE, TENN. — J. G. Hill of
Maryville and his associates are building a
new drive-in east of town near Jack's Tourist
court.
To Improve Drive-In Site
WAYNESVILE, N. C—Homer West and
Clayton Mehaffey, owners of the recently
opened drive-in here, plan further developments
of the area into a recreational center.
Open Winter Park Drive-In
WINTER PARK, FLA.-The 400-car Ri-
Mar Drive-In Theatre recently completed
near here has been opened by Ben Rivers,
Jack Martin and Sam Manning. Motiograph
projection equipment and Western Electric
sound have been installed. A fountain with
colored lighting is one of the architectural
features. Amber floodlights are used during
intermisisons. Mrs. Martha Satterfield is in
charge of the concession stand.
To Open October 15
QUINCY, FLA.—Interstate Enterprise's new
theatre here will be opened about October 15.
Prentiss Huddleston, Tallahassee, is architect
and Albritton-Williams is contractor.
Nashville, Ga., Ozoner Opened
NASHVILLE, GA.—The Sun-Set Drive-In
on the Ray City highway south of here has
begun nightly operations. The new theatre
is operated by Billy Tygart.
Douglas, Ga., Sky View Opens
DOUGLAS, GA.—The Sky View Drive-In,
one-half mile outside the city limits, was
opened recently by Mrs. Richard McLendon
and John Y. Brown, brother and sister, from
Fitzgerald.
To Be Produced in Italy
The Greta Garbo-James Mason starrer for
RKO, "Love and Friend," will be produced
by Walter Wanger in Italy .
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949
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WINNIPEG DRIVE-IN OPENING—At the recent opening of
Winnipeg's first drive-in those responsible for the open-air house
lined up for ai group shot. Left to right: Engineer Fleming; D.
Tallman, excavating contractor; Lyie Boyce, Minneapolis, architect;
E. Hall, electrical contractor; H. A. Gray, manager of the drive-in;
Mayor R. L. Fennell of Fort Garry, who officially opened the drivein;
J. Miles, president, Western Theatres, Ltd.; E. A. Zorn, western
division manager. Famous Players; R. S. Miles, general manager,
Western Theatres, and Architect Liebenberg, Minneapolis.
Exhibitors Win Support
On Fast Time Fight
WINNIPEG—Local exhibitors are winning
considerable support from labor unions and
other organizations in a drive to defeat daylight
savings time in referendums to be held
in the city and neighboring suburbs this fall.
The campaign took on definite shape with
the formation of the Standard Time league.
It will approach community clubs, home and
school associations and other service groups.
A program of press and radio publicity is being
lined up.
An eight-man executive staff was elected,
with Ken Beach, secretary of the Manitoba
Motion Picture Exhibitors' Ass'n, as secretary.
Other executives are A. Birkett, running
trades; Father William Turney, A. Montague
Israels, Mrs. J. M. Owens, S. Herbst, needle
trades unions; E. Parkes, representing the
travehng pubhc; A. Cowley, Local 119, Teamsters'
union, and S. R. Miles, representing
the film industry.
The executive staff is drafting plans for
speedy action. Beach said its organization
followed previous independent efforts by the
industry to beat fast time.
Vaudeville Show Booked
At Winnipeg Playhouse
WINNIPEG—An attempt to bring vaudeville
back is being made by Bill Moore, veteran
Negro showman who was associated
with the Beacon stage shows for many years.
Moore will present a vaudeville unit at the
Playhouse for one week, starting October 10.
He will play two shows nightly and matinees
twice a week, charging $1 and 75 cents. Moore
will not show any pictures.
For his first bill, he has lined up a show
headed by "Ivory Joe" Hunter, boogie-woogie
pianist, with Paul Stradelman and Trudy
Randall, the Stuart-Arnold dancers, the Two
Zephyrs, Jack and Jenny, Russ Wyse jr.. and
Peggy Womack, Frank Payne as master of
ceremonies, and the Alvers Family circus.
Jail for Fight at Theatre
CALGARY—A shooting fracas at the Variety
Theatre early in August was climaxed
last week by the sentencing for two years of
Kenneth R. Dunlap, Moose Jaw, and for six
months of his partner Robert Boyle. A third
man, Douglas Seigner, struggled with the
two men at entrance to the Variety, then ran
into the lobby, pursued by Dunlap who shot
Seigner in
the abdomen.
Two Branch Managers Quit
International in Canada
TORONTO—Two branch managers have
followed Dave Griesdorf in resigning from
International Film Distributors. Griesdorf
stepped out as president and managing director
to become general manager of Odeon
Theatres of Canada. Now comes word that
Jack Bellamy has resigned as IFD branch
manager at St. John to join Canadian Paramount
at Toronto. G. L. Chernoff, branch
manager at Montreal, was named successor
to Ed English, veteran representative of 20th
Century-Fox in that city.
Meanwhile Nat Taylor, head of 20th Century
Theatres, Toronto, has become president
of International Film Distributors.
Bing Crosby Officiates
At Jasper Tournament
JASPER—Competing in the recent Totem
Pole golf tournament here, Bing Crosby officiated
at the opening ceremonies in the absence
of the lieutenant governor of Alberta.
He hit the first ball, and gave a $5 reward
to the caddie who recovered it. Crosby won
the contest in 1947. A total of 180 entries
had been listed when registrations were
closed. The opening day qualifying round was
won by G. Cameron, Miami, Okla.
Paradise Valley Theatre
To Be Opened Sept. 22
CALGARY—Completely rebuilt and with
new equipment throughout, the theatre operated
by Mr. and Mrs. William Risk at Paradise
Valley was to be reopened September 22.
Seating 200 persons, the remodeled theatre
has a modern front. The auditorium has been
completely redecorated. Programs will be
changed twice weekly. Mr. and Mrs. Risk also
operate the Bellvale Theatre at Bella Coola,
B. C.
'Adam' Premiere Slated
At Odeon in Winnipeg
WINNIPEG—The North American premiere
of the British picture, "Adam and
Evaline," will be held here September 23 in
conjunction with British Trade week, says
W. G. Coventry, United Kingdom trade commissioner
here. The picture will play the
Odeon, and Manager Tom Pacey plans a
gala premiere with plenty of dignitaries in
attendance.
New Members Added
To Maritime Allied
ST. JOHN — Twenty-five New Brunswick
and Prince Edward Island exhibitors have
been added to the membership rolls of the
Maritime Allied Exhibitors Ass'n. Among
them were George A. Walters, manager of
the Capitol and Prince Edward, Charlottetown,
and Harold Gaudet, owner of the Capitol,
at Summerside, both on Prince Edward
Island.
New Brunswick exhibitors were J. A. Williams,
owner of the Capitol. Chipman; James
Mitchell, Capitol manager here; Peter J.
Leger, owner of the Opera House, Bathurst;
Joe LeBlanc, owner of the Capitol, Shediac;
Winfield Newman, Maple Leaf manager,
Campobello Island; Charles Staples. Queen
owner, St. Stephen: Harrison Howe, manager
of the local Paramount; Les Sprague,
manager of the Gaiety, Pairville; Jack Butler,
owner of the Moncton Imperial, and
Tommy O'Rouke, owner of the Gaiety, Minto.
Others were Harry Adkins, Victory owner,
Richibucto, and Roxy, Buctouche; Edgar A.
Neal. manager, Capitol, Woodstock; Colin
Danson, co-manager, Strand. Sussex: Walter
R. Golding, owner. Community, West St.
John; W. W. O'Fenety, owner, Capitol and
Gaiety, Fredericton; R. R. Kertson, owner.
Opera House, Grand Falls; Mitchell Franklin,
vice-president, Franklin & Herschom. St.
John: Joseph McCaivey, owner, Capitol. Tracadie;
W. A. Richards, manager, Opera
House, Newcastle: Gordon Gazeley, manager.
Paramount and Capitol, Campbellton; L. D.
Pollock, owner. Corner, Petitcodiac; Mrs.
Emma Fournier. owTier, Arcadia, St. Leonard,
and Mrs. Helen Nesbit. owner. Star. Edmundston.
Fourth Art Theatre Setup
At Hyland in Toronto
TORONTO—A new policy has been adopted
for the Odeon Hyland here making it
the fourth local theatre to specialize in class
films. The theatre is offering unusual motion
pictures for adult audiences, according
to the announcement of Manager Vic Nowe,
the first attraction being the British feature,
"Portrait From Life." A teaser campaign was
used in advance of the plan conmiencing
September 12.
The other class theatres here are the International
Cinema, Towne Cinema and King,
the last of which concentrates on foreignlanguage
films.
BOXOFFICE September 17, 1949 E 101

. . The
. . Don
. . . Ann
reissues
VANCOUVER
Dookers in British Columbia report that exhibitors
in the province are asking for
more musical films and fewer western pictures.
Patrons apparently want the lighter
forms of screen fare, and boxoffice grosses
seem to prove it . . . Norma Saddlemyer, cashier
at the Northland operated by Famous
Players at Flin Plon, Manitoba, vacationed
here. She said that business in Fhn Flon
has been improving steadily. Much impressed
with local theatres, she rated them on a par
with the best in the Dominion.
. . .
Frank Dwyer, a newcomer to show business,
has been appointed assistant manager
at the Cinema to succeed Ronald Huston, who
resigned because of his health .
Colman,
head of Trans-Canada Films, and his
Gus
wife were on vacation in Alaska
Hoeck and his wife, both members of the Lux
Theatre staff, were hoUdaying at San Francisco
and points south of the border . . .
John Jackson, MGM booker, was on vacation
. . . Betty Rendall, Eagle Lion secretary, was
Bedford, MGM cashier, was at a
ill . . .
dude ranch in the Cariboo section for a vacation.
The Vancouver Film Exchange club elected
the following new officers: President,
Douglas White, Warner Bros., and secretarytreasurer,
Elizabeth Alexander, Sovereign
Films . Alberta Theatres Ass'n has
petitioned the provincial government to
amend regulations to conform with a recent
ruling by a labor board that theatres need
not have more than one operator in the
booth. The decision was handed down by
Justice McLaurin, and applies to all theatres
regardless of size. The projectionists
local is expected to appeal the ruling, of-
reported.
ficials
Frank Troy, recently appointed Vancouver
branch manager of Theatre Confections, arrived
here from Toronto. He succeeds Kevin
Fitzgibbons, who was transformed to Toronto
. . . James Carter, 65, doorman at the Capitol
Theatre here, collapsed and died while at
work September 6. He is survived by his
wife.
Presaging development of the Canadian
drive-in field by Paramount, Famous Players
Canadian Corp., has established a special
drive-in theatre department. The first project
to be built by the circuit will be five miles
from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. It will
have a capacity of 550 cars. The outdoor
spot will not in any way interfere with plans
for a 1,000-seat theatre at Nanaimo, which
NEW SALES CHIEF —R. E. Ferguson
has been appointed sades manager of
Gaumont Kalee, Ltd., Canadian theatre
equipment company which Is a unit of the
J. Arthur Rank Organization but also
represents more than 40 U.S. manufacturers
in the Canadian fields The announcement
is made by E. L. Harris, general
manager.
now has two houses with a total seating capacity
of 1,500. Famous Players also will
build some drive-in theatres on the mainland,
officials here said.
The talent quest sponsored by the Daily
Province opened at the Odeon-Hastings Theatre.
The newspaper is giving the show good
publicity. It will run for 11 weeks, with the
winner getting a trip to Hollywood; Roy
Gordon of Seattle is master of ceremonies
Thompson, manager of the Odeon-
Dunbar Theatre, launched a British film
festival on September 13. A different film,
each an award nominee, is being shown each
night.
. . Empire
Vancouver was flooded over the Labor day
weekend with counterfeit $10 bills. Theatres
and merchants were victims. Most of the
bogus bills which theatres cashed were passed
at midnight shows. Police believe they have
smashed the ring with the arrest of two suspects
Agencies,
at the fair grounds .
equipment supply house, has been appointed
distributors for western Canada for
Flamort fire retardants.
Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs
J. M. RICE & CO.
202 Canada BIdg. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone 25371
'GWTW Reissue Tops
With 115 in Toronto
TORONTO—The Labor day rush subsided
at local theatres, but attractions were held
over at eight first runs. "Top O' the Morning,"
"Look for the Silver Lining" and "The
Stratton Story" proved to be headline pictures.
For its first anniversary week, the
Odeon Toronto offered a revival of "Gone
With the Wind."
(Average Is 100)
Billmore—Not Wanted (FC), 4th wk 90
Danforth, Humber and Hylond—Welcome Stranger
(Para); Where There's Life (Para) ..--^^. ^-- 95
Imperial—Look lor the Silver Lining (WB), 2-na
^.^
IUd
Loew's—The stratton Story (MGM). 2nd wk ......105
Odeon Toronto—Gone With the Wind (MGM),
reissue
.^....... -^. 115
;
Shea's Capitol and Nortown—Top O the Morning
(Para), 2nd wk .;---„„
'"^
Tivoli—House ol Strangers (20th-Fox); Doll Face
(20th-Fox), reissue
_
i.— i;V 'ioniu '
University and Eglinton—Come to the Stable (ZOth-
Fox), 2iid wk ;• ••-,-• U5
Uptown—The Gal Who Took the West (U-I) 100
'Morning' Is
Best Grosser
At Vcmcouver Theatres
VANCOUVER—Trade at first runs here
showed improvement, with the Labor day
holiday and returning vacationists helping.
"Top O' the Morning" at the Capitol was out
in front, with "Any Number Can Play" at
the Orpheum next best. "Ma and Pa Kettle"
at the Vogue was good, and reissues of "The
Trail of the Lonsome Pine" and "Geronimo"
dualed at the Cinema also drew well.
Capitol—Top C the Morning (Para) Excellent
Cinema Trail of the Lonesome Pine (Para);
Geronimo (Para) Good
,
Dominion Mr. Belvedere Goes to College
(20th-Fox); Tucson (20th-Fox) Average
Orpheum—Any Number Can Play (MGM) Good
Paradise Bomba, the Jungle Boy (Mono);
Stampede (Mono) '"if
Plaza—Bed Canyon (UA); Leave It to Henry
- (Mono) Average
Strand—You're My Everything (20th-Fox) Fair
State Marked Woman (Col), reissue, plus
stage show- Moderate
Studio—The Guinea Pig (EL) -^Fair
Vogue—Ma and Pa KelUf (U-I) Good
'Stratton Story' Tops Trade
At Calgary First Runs
CALGARY—With a backward glance at a
good summer season, local first run managers
are anticipating an equally good fall.
"The Stratton Story" at the Palace topped
first runs here.
Capitol—John Loves Mary (WB) - Good
Grand—The Big Cat (EL); Blondie Hits the
Jackpot (Col) Go°5
Palace—The Stratton Story (MGM). .- Very good
Bigger Ticket Tax Share
Asked by Toronto Board
TORONTO—Because of
the belief that the
city is not getting its fair share of the 20
per cent provincial amusement tax, the city
board of control has decided to ask the Ontario
government for a greater portion of the
levy, perhaps 90 per cent.
Mayor Hiram McCallum expressed the
view that Toronto theatre patrons are contributing
the bulk of the tax and it should
be returned to the city to defray rising hospital
costs. The tax is collected under the
Hospitals tax act.
COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
Everything For Your Theatre
An Expert Repair Department
102
IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS AND
JUNCTION BOXES
FOR REPLACEMENT lOBS
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
729 Baltimore
K. C, Mo.
BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

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New Quonsets in
TORONTO
Qorinne Calvet, French film personality, appeared
at a press conference here arranged
by Win Barron, Paramount promotional
specialist . . . Manager Howard Elliott
has reorganized his Saturday morning film
club for juveniles at the Fairlawn. For the
show on September 10, he offered free comic
books as a special inducement.
. . . Six features
The Dr. Leslie Bell Singers, Toronto allgirl
choir which has been featured in several
short subjects, drew huge crowds at a series
of concerts in the bandshell at the Canadian
National Exhibition have
been given adult ratings by the censor board.
They are "Slattery's Hurricane," "Madame
Bovary," "The Great Sinner," "File on Thelma
Jordon," "Any Number Can Play" and "Anna
Lucasta."
George Murphy, MGM star, is scheduled
to represent the Screen Actors Guild at the
all-industry meeting of the national committee
of Motion Picture Exhibitors' Ass'ns
of Canada at Ottawa October 12, 13. Chairman
J. J. Fitzgibbons has invited representfrom
all branches of the industry to
take part in the deliberations . . . Featured
as organists at the Canadian National exhibition,
Toronto, were Kathleen Stokes, for
years a great theatre artist of Toronto, and
Ronnie Padget from the Odeon and Gaumont
theatres in England.
Manager Fred Thompson of the suburban
Rex in London, Ont., has introduced china-
i
I
Montreal Area
MONTREAL — With quonset-type theatres
going: up in this area in increasing
numbers, Perkins Electric Co. announces
the supplying of equipment to seven such
houses, including the local Dieppe, pictured
adjacently, and the Caribou, shown
above, in Ste. Anne des Monts. Third
quonset theatre to open recently was the
Royal, built by J. Emile Berthiaume in
Malartic.
Other quonset theatres to open shortly
are located in St. Lin, by Georges Patenaude
and Ovide Charette; Sutton, by Normand
Joncas; I'Epiphanie, by Massicotte
& Lachapelle, and a 700-seater in Beauharnois,
by Adrien Lapierre.
Equipment for the Dieppe includes
RCA Brenkert projectors, Royal Sound
Master sound equipment, Kroehler Push-
Back seats and Fiberglas drapes.
. .
ware premiums which are being offered four
nights each week . Famous Players Canadian
has appointed Robert Eves of its head
office staff to handle promotion on the 19
British features recently secured through
Rank's Eagle Lion of Canada here. Eves formerly
was supervisor of suburban theatres
here.
Earl St. John a Visitor
TORONTO—A Toronto visitor was Earl St.
John, executive producer of the J. Arthur
Rank Organization in England, here after a
tour of the States. He expressed the view
that Hollywood companies would make pictures
in England and other countries for
the absorption of frozen funds.
'Quartet' Ends 22nd Week
TORONTO—The record engagement of
"Quartet" at the International Cinema finally
reached its conclusion at the end of
the 22nd week and was followed by a revival
of "Wuthering Heights." At the Towne
Cinema, "PygmaUon" went four weeks and
was succeeded by "Lost Boundaries."
William Guss Recovers
CALGARY—William Guss, MGM branch
manager, has returned to his desk after a
recent illness. As the retiring president of
the Calgary lodge of B'nai B'rith, Guss has
been appointed Canadianism chairman of
the district grand lodge.
Power Cuts Now to Prevent
Drastic Winter Shortage
TORONTO—Complaints have been general
among theatre owners and other commercial
users that the public has been lulled into
the belief that no extensive restrictions on
the use of power will be ordered in Ontario
cities for the winter by the Provincial Hydro-
Electric commission.
Because of assurances that the situation
was normal, some theatres went ahead vrith
the installation of new signs and lighting effects
only to find that exterior and advertising
illumination would be banned again
after October 1. Chairman R. H. Saunders
of the commission replied that such restrictions
in the fall months will be a guarantee
against more drastic measures later in the
season. Meanwhile, exhibitors are preparing
to put their independent power-generating
units back into service for lighting theatre
fronts.
World Champion Skater
Set for Canada Ice Show
OTTAWA — T. P. Gorman, Ottawa impresario,
said Barbara Ann Scott will not
appear before Hollywood cameras for many
months to come. As president of the National
Sports Enterprises, Inc., Gorman asserted the
Olympic and world champion skater was
under contract with his company for a Canadian
ice show, "Skating Sensations of 1950,"
which will open its tour at Winnipeg October
10 and continue on tour till late in March.
According to press reports, Walt Disney was
planning to have Miss Scott in a picture with
Dick Button, the American skater who captured
the world and Olympic titles for men.
Gorman said Barbara Ann would not be available,
intimating that Hollywod producers had
had their chance to obtain her services.
WINNIPEG
\
T ena Home played to tremendous business
at Don Carlos' Casino for one week, performing
at a dinner and dance show each
evening. Carlos is reported to have paid
$10,000 for Miss Home and a trio which
accompanies her. The Casino operator says
he came out slightly ahead.
The Paris blossomed out with practically
a quarter-page ad in the dailies announcing
a new dinnerware giveaway to women attending
the house. The china offered is a
69-piece Blue Willow service for eight persons.
A 10-cent service charge is added, and
a new piece is given each week, except in
the case of larger pieces which require two
tickets. The St. Boniface house opens daily
at 5:45 p. m. and usually plays double bills
of later runs.
Famous Players has taken extra large ad
space to plug its coming lineup of features
at its downtown houses. The pictures include:
"The Berkleys of Broadway," "The
Stratton Story," "Look for the Silver Lining,"
"Come to the Stable," "Portrait of Jennie,"
"You're My Everything," "In the Good Old
Summertime," "The Great Sinner," "Any
Number Can Play," "Rope of Sand" and
"The Heiress."
Lionel Hampton and a company of 31 are
coming for a one-night stand dance and concert
at the auditorium, September 24. The
troupe is being presented by A. K. Gee of
Celebrity Concerts series.
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BOXOFFICE :: September 17, 1949

30XOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
|ATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
BookinGuide
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
key cities
pictures in live or more of the 21
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT
OF THE WEEK
(Not an average)
Top O' the Morning
Cincinnati 200
Kansas City 175
'e
SUtB."

i
•
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
ABOUT
PICTURES
Just as the Barometer page shows first run reports on current pictures, this
department is devoted for the most pan to reports on subsequent runs, made
by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new. 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 welcome.
COLUMBIA
Batman and Robin (Col)— Serial. This is a
good serial for our situation. It caused quite
a bit of comment at first.—W. S. Punk, Star
Theatre, St. Stephen, S. C. Small town and
farm patronage. • * •
Dark Past, The CCoD—William Holden, Lee
J. Cobb, Nina Poch. Doubled this with "Make
Believe Ballroom" iColi, which we were gla'd
we had. It diversified our program and everybody
was happy. Played Wed., Thurs.—Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
Small town patronage. • * •
Destroyer (Coll—Reissue. Edward G. Robinson,
Marguerite Chapman, Glenn Pord.
Yes, it's a reissue, but it is also a swell action
picture. I played it on Pri., Sat. to good
business and showed a profit. Plenty of action
when the destroyers are sinking submarines.—
E. M. Preiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage. * • •
Knock on Any Door (Col)—Humphrey Bogart,
John Derek, AUene Roberts. This is an
excellent epic for its kind, but business
smelled. There was plenty of action but still
it failed to draw even an average crowd.
This should kill business in small towns completely.
We would have been better off to
have passed this one entirely. Doubled with
"Philo Vance's Secret Mission" to 75 per cent
business. Played Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Clear and hot.—Jim Dunbar,
Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Second and
third downtown run patronage. * .*
Mutineers, The (Col)— Jon Hall, Adele
Jergens, George Reeves. This is another
little Columbia production that did well. My
audience liked it very well and ball games
both nights did not hui-t us. Played Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Fair.—L. D. Montgomery,
Melba Theatre, Oakwood, Tex. Small town
and rural patronage. *
Sahara (CoH—Reissue. Humphrey Bogart,
Bruce Bennett. This reissue is still a good
picture and it pleased good business. Men
dying of thirst in the desert do not make a
pleasant subject for a picture, but this is
something different. Played Pri., Sat.
Weather: Warm.—E. M. Freibui'ger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
* * *
EAGLE LION
Alimony (ED—Martha 'Vickers, John Beal,
Hillary Brooke. This is a fairly good picture
which should please the adult trade. Played
Mon., Tues.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre, Bearden,
Ark. Small town patronage. * ' *
Big Cat, The (ED—Preston Foster, Lon
McCallister, Peggy Ann Garner. This picture
had a fair draw but that was all. I had no
kick from customers but the picture was sold
too high to me.—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre,
St. Stephen, S. C. Small town and fai-m patronage.
* ' '
Hold That Ghost (EL i—Reissue. Bud Abbott,
Lou Costello, Joan Davis. This is an
oldie that topped all A&C pictm-es except
"Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein."
Business was fine both nights. My only complaint
was from headaches caused by the
shrieks and screams of the kid patrons.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Mrs.
Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex.
Oil field patronage. • • •
Lost Honeymoon (EL)—Franchot Tone, Ann
Richards, Tom Conway. This is old but is a
honey of a comedy and was well received here.
Played Friday. Weather: Hot. — Charles
Osbonie, Presidio Theatre, Presidio, Tex.
Small town patronage.
*
Shamrock Hill (ED—Peggy Ryan, Ray Mc-
Donald, Trudy Marehall. This is the biggest
waste of time, film and money that I have
ever played. Stay off this picture—it smells.
We had the worst receipts of the year and
it was definitely the fault of the picture.
Played Wednesday. Weather: Good.—W. S.
Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephen, S. C. Small
town and farm patronage. * * *
FILM CLASSICS
Amazon Quest (PC)- Tom Neal, Carole
Mathews, Carole Donne. After struggling
along thi-ough the first half of the picture
to figure out what all the talkie-talk was
about, the kids were finally rewarded with
some swell animal action for the last couple
of reels. This needs support. Played Pri.,
Sat. Weather: Fair.—Mrs. Pat Murphy,
Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil field patronage.
* * •
Daughter of the West (PC i—Philip Reed,
Martha Vickers, Donald Woods. This is similar
to the great picture, "Ramona." The picture
is a little different and is educational
and entertaining. As it is in color, this makes
it better than the average. Comments on it
were good. Played Sat. (preview). Sun.
Weather: Warm.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre,
Bearden, Ark. Small town patronage. * * •
Junior G-JMen (FO—Serial reissue. This
reissue is a better serial than you can buy
today. If you can save money and give better
product, then play it.—W. S. Funk, Star
Theatre, St. Stephen,. S. C. Small town and
farm patronage. * * »
Things to Come (PC )—Reissue. Raymond
Massey, Margaretta Scott. Good movies, like
good books, never grow old. This one proved
it. The photography is tops, the acting excellent,
and the story is above average. If you
have not played this picture, do so. Don't be
afraid to advertise it and your return will be
good. Film Classics releases are moneymakers
for us. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Hot.—Charles Osborne, Presidio Theatre,
Presidio, Tex. Small town
*
patronage.
Have Money in Reserve
It Picture Not Played
JIGGS AND MAGGIE IN COURT
(Mono)—Joe Yule, Renie Riano, George
McManus. The "sophisticate" who can't
laugh and enjoy this old-fashioned piethrowing
bee is too dead to go to a show.
I have yet to have a complaint on a
Maggie-and-Jiggs, and this is the best to
date. I still think more like this and less
of the tear-jerkers would help us all, and
the boxoffice results prove it. If you
haven't run any of this series yet, brothers,
I envy you, for you've got money in
reserve—when you start using Jiggs and
Maggie. Let's have more Barney Gerard.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Hot.—Robert
C. Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo.
Small town and rural patronage. * * *
Spanish-Dubbed Reissue
A Hit With Patrons
MOTIN ABORDO (MGM) — (Reissue of
"Mutiny on the Bounty" in Spanish).
Charles Laughton, Clark Gable. In English
this was one of the all-time greats
and it does not lose any of its punch by
being dubbed in Spanish. It is remarkable
how well the lips match when you
consider they are speaking English and
the dialog you hear is Spanish. The Mexican
trade really enjoyed this one. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Hot and dry.
Charles Osborne, Presidio Theatre, Presidio,
Tex. Small town patronage. *
LIPPERT PRODUCTIONS
Last of the Wild Horses (LPi —James Ellison,
Mary Beth Hughes, Jane Piazee. This
they enjoyed, although tractors may have replaced
horses on the farms. They still love
westerns and horses in our community. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather;, Warm.—Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage.
* '
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Big Jack (MGM)—Wallace Beei-y, Marjorie
Main, Richard Conte. A swell show for a small
town, as it has a wettem background. It is
with regret that we play the last picture of the
old reliable Wallace Beery. We made a profit.
Played Sun., Mon.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
* • •
Bribe, The (MGM)—Robert Taylor, Ava
Gardner, Charles Laughton. Ouch! Metro
should be ashamed to' put its label on this
one. All the stars were miscast, in my opinion.
Once again Metro threw its top stars
into this—merely forgot to give them a good
story. My patrons like action but this didn't
have anything to satisfy them. Please, no
more of this type, or of the last five or six
Metro has released. Doubled with "The
Amazing Mi-. X" (EL) to 85 per cent business.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Clear
and hot.—Jim Dunbajr, Roxy Theatre, Wichita,
Kas. Second and third downtown run
patronage. * *
Bride Goes Wild, The (MGM)—Van Johnson,
June Allyson, Butch Jenkins. Thank
you, exhibitors, for your raves on this one.
I passed it up for a long time, but you finally
sold me. It's everything you said. Never have
I had a comedy to equal this one. It loosened
a heck of a lot of seats, but it was worth it.
If you haven't played it. don't let it go by.
Played Sim., Mon., Tues. Weather: Hot.
R. C. Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo.
Rural patronage. * * *
Command Decision (MGM)—Clark Gable,
Walter Pidgeon, Van Johnson. I took in exactly
$2.83 over the film rental on a Sun.,
Mon. playdate. In my estimation, this picture
should mean death to any small town
exhibitor. It is too slow-moving for my type
of patronage. The customers here do not
care about military strategy. Weather: Fair.
Fred G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax,
111. Small town and rm-al patronage.
Force of Evil (MGM)—John Garfield, Beatrice
Pearson, Thomas Gomez. Star an unknown
femnie and this picture failed to jell.
We had complaints and walkouts. Don't play
it if you can skip it. I took a loss on it.
Played Tuesday.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
* * *
*.;Little Women (MGM) — June Allyson,
Peter^ Lawford, Margaret O'Brien. Leo makes
'em, as proved by this feature and its good
i-eception. This played all over town before
it hit the Roxy and still there were persons
who came and saw this masterpiece. It has
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BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Sept. 17, 1949

~
Pedro
Para
been a pleasuie
-JUDt jflvsw- Give us
more of these. Played Wed., Thurs.
to in
again have your roar
the Roxy. Leo. Business was 125 per
leissue
cent
for the three days, doubled with Screen
Guild's streamliner, "The Hat Box Mystery."
Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cloudy
and hot.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita,
Kas. Second and third dowijtov^Ti run
patronage. • •
Romance of Rosy Ridge iMGM)—Van
Johnson, Thomas Mitchell, Janet Leigh. Good
old Metro and I had to quit speaking about
the time this came out, so I had to go back
into the boneyard for this. Business wasn't
high, but neither was the rental! However,
the picture has everything—cast, storj-, comedy,
locale, etc. It is a small town natural.
If they had used color on this, it would have
been really big. If you passed it up like I
did, here's one I'd say to go back and pick
up. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Hot.
—Robert C. Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita,
Colo. Small town and rural patronage. " * *
QStratton Story, The (MGM)—James Stewart,
June Allyson, Frank Morgan. This is
an exceptionally fine production that will
appeal to all, young and old ahke. Also, it
IS a very fine piece of acting. It is a picture
that gets under your skin. Played Wed.
thi-ough Sat. Weather: Splendid.—M. W.
Mattecheck, Mack Theatre, McMinnvilie, Ore.
City and rm-al patronage. * ' *
yXake Me Out to the BaU Game ^MGM)—
Prank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly.
This is really super. Some stayed to see it
over again. I gave away a baseball glove, bat
and ball on opening day and word-of-mouth
advertising took care of the rest. Everybody
loved it. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Hot.—
Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre, HoUiday,
Tex. Oil field patronage. * * *
C-Take Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM)—
Prank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly.
This is good but did not do the business it
should have done. Quite a number of our
people do not like Frank Sinatra. The picture
has a perfect title and a good story combining
baseball and vaudeville. Kelly's songand-dance
numbers were not up to standard
but I believe that the picture is worth preferred
playing time in small towns at a reasonable
flat rental. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Pair.—E. A. London, State Theatre,
Olivet, Mich. Rural and small town patronage.
* •
Three Godfathers (MGM1—John Wayne,
Armendariz. Hari-y Carey jr. This was
not too hot and didn't go over so big. The
people seemed divided on this as to their
likes. Played Fri., Sat. — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage.
* • •
PARAMOUNT
Accused, The iPara)—Loretta Yoimg, Robert
Cunxmings, Wendell Corey. I knew in advance
what to expect, but it wasn't quite as
bad as I thought it would be. I did make
expenses, but nothing more. Played Wed.,
Thm-s. Weather: Fair.—Mrs. Pat Murphy,
Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex. Oil field patronage.
* * *
Alias Nick Beal ( )
— Ray Milland,
Audrey Totter, Thomas Mitchell. This is a
fantasy that did not click. From a production
standpoint, it is satisfactory. From an
Waiting for This Type:
Turned Out for It
MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM (Col) —
Jerome Courtland, Ruth Warrick, Ron
Randell. This is what they were waiting
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ont. Small town patronage. * « *
entertainment standpoint, it has slight value.
Played Sun. through Tues. Weather: Splendid.—M.
W. Mattecheck, Mack Theatre, Mc-
Minnvilie, Ore. City and rural patronage. * * *
Big Clock, The (Para) — Ray Milland.
Charles Laughton, Maureen O'SuUivan. Now
here is one that fails to click. A few will
like it—the majority won't. Laughton is
hard to understand, but he sure can act!
Prank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont.
Small town patronage. • * •
Big Town Scandal (Para) —Philip Reed,
Hillary Brooke, Stanley Clements. This is
not bad for a double bUl, but is strictly B
stuff. It is a far-fetched basketball stoi-y
and the crime angle overshadows the sports
angle, so it gets a cold shoulder at the boxoffice.
You'll never miss anything if you never
play this one. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Hot.—Robert C. Walker, Uintah Theatre,
Pruita, Colo. Small town and rural patronage.
* • »
Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,
A (Para)—Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Sir
Cedi'ic Hardwicke. Fantasy supreme, with
Bing crooning his way through in his usually
fine tradition. However, the fantasy was a
bit too far-fetched to please most fans. Between
"The Emperor Waltz" and this, Paramoimt
will start wondering why Bing's draw
is lagging. Most fans are far from happy
about his casting lately. Doubled with "Case
of the 'Baby-Sitter" (LP) to 90 per cent business.
Played Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon.
Weather: Cloudy and sijltry.—Jim Dunbar,
Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Second and
third downtown run patronage. * *
Dynamite (Para) — William Gargan,- Virginia
Welles, Richai'd Crane. This is okay
and was doubled over the weekend to satisfaction.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm.—
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
Small town patronage. * * •
The Best Free Short
Put Out, He Thinks
SOME OF THE BEST (MGM)—Trade
short. This is the best free short put out
by any film company. I was actually
proud that I had played it. Attendance
was light because of the county fair and
it was played with "Clay Pigeon" (RKO),
which was a weak sister. I think every
theatre should play "Some of the Best."
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.
Fred G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax,
111. Small town and rural patronage.
*
Wanda
Miss Tatlock's Millions (Para ) —
HendrLx, Barry Fitzgerald, John Lund. We
didn't have much luck with this one and it
didn't draw enough for film rental and house
expenses, so use your own judgment. If you
can buy it right, the picture isn't so bad,
and it does have quite a few laughs. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair and hot.—Mayme
P. Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas.
Small town patronage. • * •
CWelcome Stranger (Para)—Bing Crosby,
Joan Caulfield, Barry Fitzgerald. I played
a return date on this and it did all right.
You can't beat this pair of stars. Played
Wed., Thm-s. Weather: Pair.—Bill Leonard,
Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale, Kas. Small town
and rural patronage.
*
^'^^lispering Smith (Para)—Alan Ladd, Robert
Preston, Brenda Marshall. Customers
were disappointed in this one. Played Fri.,
Sat., but it failed to draw them in. Weather:
Hot and sulti-y.—C. E. McMurchy, Memorial
Hall Theatre Co., Ltd., Reston, Man. Small
town and rural patronage.
*
RKO RADIO
Adventure in Baltimore (RKO) Robert
It
Has Entertainment:
What Patrons Want
MOTHER IS A FRESHMAN (20th-
Fox)—Loretta Young, Van Johnson, Rudy
Vallee. This picture is a "must" for all
small towns. It sure has entertainment,
and that is what my patrons want. Played
Thurs., Fri. W. S. Funk, Star Theatre,
St. Stephen, S. C. Small town and farm
patronage. * » »
Young, Shirley Temple, John Agar. This is
just another picture, neither good nor bad,
but it has some comedy in it. The few who
came were pleased. I took a loss. Played
Wed., Thurs.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
* * *
CBest Years of Our Lives, The (RKO)-
Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews.
This did good business at regular admissions.
Comments all were good on it. I gave them
a 10-minute recess at the end of the sixth
reel. It is tops in entertainment. Played
Tues., Wed.—Prank Sabin, Majestic Theatre,
Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage. * * *
Enchantment (RKO)—David Niven, Evelyn
Keyes, Parley Granger. Our customers' comments
were all to the bad. It was not liked
and we took a splendid licking, as it is just
not the type our patrons want. It can be
used as the lower half of a double bill. Played
Tues. through Wed. Weather: Splendid.—M.
W. Mattecheck, Mack Theatre, McMinnvilie,
Ore. City and rural patronage. ' *
Indian Agent (RKO)—Tim Holt, Nan Leslie,
Noah Beery jr. This is the usual Tim
Holt western, well made and good acting from
all participants. Doubled with "Rusty Leads
the Way" from Columbia to slightly above
average gross. Played Saturday only. Weather:
Pair.—Fred G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre,
Colfax, 111. Small town and rural patronage.
•
Joan of Arc (RKO)—Ingrid Bergman, Jose
Ferrer, Francis L. Sullivan. This is truly a
great film. Wonderful acting and beautiful
color. The advanced price hui't us some, and
the fact that the peso dropped about the time
we played this cut off some of om- acrossthe-border
trade. Still we did okay and have
no complaints, for it is a pleasure to play a
picture hke this. Played Stm., Mon. Weather:
Pair. — Charles Osborne, Presidio Theatre,
Presidio, Tex. Small town
*
patronage.
Melody Time (RKO)—Roy Rogers, Sons of
the Pioneers, and Ethel Smith with Disney
cartoons. I played this one for the kids but
it was away above their heads. We had a lot
of walkouts half way through it. Pass it up
for our money. Weather: Cold and cloudy.
C. E. McMurchy, Memorial Hall Theatre Co.,
Ltd., Reston, Man. Small t-owa and rural patronage.
•
^Pride of the Yankees (RKO)—Reissue.
Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Walter Brennan.
Reissuing this splendid picture was good
business for both RKO and the exhibitor.
We've shown a few corny reissues, so it's a
pleasure to get this type. Played Fri., Sat.,
Sun. Weather: Okay.—Frank Sabin, Majestic
Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small towTi and
rural patronage.
* •
Station West (RKO)— Dick Powell, Jane
Greer, Agnes Moorehead. This played to one
of my lowest Saturday grosses this year—and
in my situation, Saturday night is my life
blood. It was a well-made whodunit western,
which I enjoyed—but then I do not pay to
see my own pictures. Played Saturday only.
Weather: Fair.—Fred G. Weppler, Colonial
Theatre, Colfax, 111. Small tovm and rural
patronage.
•
Tarzan's Magic Fountain (RKO) — Lex
(Continued on page 4)
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Sept. 17, 1949

III M
EHHS a Great Help
To Small Town Shows
f^ E. McMurchy, president of Reston
Memorial Hall Theatre Co., Ltd. at
Reston, Manitoba, sends in Ills first reports
this week, with these introductory
remarks:
"Exhibitor Has His Say' is a great
help to the small town theatres. More
Canadian exhibitors should give their
comments on pictures."
Exhibitor Has His Say
(Continued from pag« 3)
Barker, Brenda Joyce, Evelyn Ankers. This
probably will make Tnoney in some spots but
we always lose on the Tarzan pictures. In
fact, none of the low-bracket pictures show
a satisfactory profit here. This picture is
very cute and Lex Barker is a handsome specimen
as well as a good actor. The animal
shots are excellent. Played Tues., Wed.
Weather: Fair.—E. A. London, State Theatre,
Olivet, Mich. Rural and small town patronage.
• *
REPUBLIC
Winter Wonderland (Rep)—Lynne Roberts,
Charles Drake, Roman Bohnen. With the
temperature at 102, 1 doubled this with "Spoilers
of the North," turned up the air conditioning
and advertised it as a cool trip back
to winter! "Winter Wonderland" really
pleased and the mountains of snow helped
them forget the heat. Both pictures are old
but they made a nice program that did average
business. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Hot.—Robert C. Walker, Uintah
Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Small town and rural
patronage. • * *
20th CENTURY-FOX
Chicken Every Sunday (20th-Fox) — Dan
Dailey, Celeste Holm, Colleen Townsend. This
is a good picture that drew well on our midweek
change and seemed to satisfy our regulars—which
is quite a feat in these times.
Played Tues. through Thurs. Weather: Fair
and hot.—Mayme P. Musselman, Roach Theatre,
Lincoln, Kas. Small town patronage.
Cry of the City (20th-Fox)—Victor Mature,
Richard Conte, Betty Garde. My customers
liked this one, which is unusual for this kind
of picture. Our only beef on this kind is
that they are always labeled "Adult," and
that hurts the family trade here. Played
Mon., Tues., Wed. Weather: Hot.—H. J. Partridge,
Lyceum Theatre, Gull Lake, Sask. Rural
and town patronage. * •
Letter to Three Wives, A (20th-Fox)—
Jeanne Crain, Linda Darnell, Ann Sothern.
This is one picture that should be seen from
the start or you have a bunch of dissatisfied
people, who never got the drift of the stoi-y
and gripe about that phase. It is a pretty
good picture but should be shown after the
audience has all been seated. Played Sun.,
Rained for Two Days:
Came for Reissue
IT AIN'T HAY— (LP) —Reissue. Bud
Abbott, Lou Costello. It rained for two
days straight and still they came to see
this. It very nearly topped the house
record. We did not think this was up to
the standard set by this pair, but anyway,
it paid. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Rain.—L. E. Wolcott, Qulnlan Theatre,
Quinlan, Tex. Small town and rural
patronage. *
Mon. Weather: Pair and hot.—Mayme P.
Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas.
Small town patronage. * * *
Mother Is a Freshman (20th-Fox)—Loretta
Young, Van Johnson, Rudy Vallee. Here's
another fine picture from a company that
has put out many good pictui-es. This one
will please all audiences. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good.—W. L. Stratton, Lyric Theatre,
Challis, Ida. Small town and country
patronage. ' *
Rose of Washington Square (20th-Fox)—
Reissue. Tyrone Power, Al Jolson, Alice Faye.
This is a good reissue, since Jolson has been
clicking lately, and it does okay. Played Wed.,
Thms. Weather: Warm.—Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small town
patronage. ' * *
Trouble Preferred (20th-Fox) — Peggy
Knudsen. Lynne Roberts, Charles Russell.
This is strictly a program picture but on the
weekends, it is action that they like. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Warm.—Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small
town patronage.
• * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Daring Cabailero (UA)—Duncan Renaldo,
Leo Carrillo, Kippee Valez. This is an average
western which pleased the plowboys on
Fri., Sat. No complaints and no comments,
but we showed a profit.—E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage. • • *
Girl From Manhattan, The (UA)—Dorothy
Lamour, Charles Montgomery, Charles
Laughton. From some of the reports, I
thought this would be a flop. However, the
picture seemed okay to me and I even made
a little profit on it. Our new minister liked
it, too. Comments were good and it drew
well. Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Cool.
L. Brazil jr., New Theatre, Bearden, Ark.
Small town patronage.
' * * *
Calls Randolph Scott
The Best Loved Star
FRONTIER MARSHAL (20th-FOX) —
Randolph Scott, Cesar Romero, Nancy
Kelly. This is a very good picture, well
named, and the best-loved star in these
parts is Randolph Scott. What more can
one want? We would like more of this
type. Played Monday. Weather: Hot.—
L. E. Wolcott, Quinlan Theatre, Quinlan,
Tex. Small town and rural patronage. •
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Countess of Monte Cristo, The (U-D—Sonja
Henie, Olga San Juan, Michael Kirby. Don't
be afraid to play this one. This picture has
lots of comedy and the skating is good. Played
Wednesday. Weather: Hot.—W. L. Stratton.
Lyric Theatre, Challis, Ida. Small town and
country patronage.
* '
Tap Roots (U-D—Van Heflin, Susan Hayward,
Boris Karloff. I enjoyed this very
much, but my patrons were bored until the
battle scene in the last reel. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Fair. — Mrs. Pat Murphy,
Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex. Oil field patronage.
* • *
Yes, Sir, That's My Baby (U-D—Donald
O'Connor, Gloria DeHaven, Charles Coburn.
My best gross in 20 weeks—but even that
wasn't a high gross. Extra advertising and
local radio plugs by Universal accounted for
the greater part of the extra gross. I played
it here the week after its world premiere
in Chicago. The picture was well liked by
all, and the predominant comment was
"cute!" Played Sim., Mon. Weather: Fair.
Fred G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax,
111. Small town and rm-al patronage.
*
WARNER BROS.
Casablanca (WB)—Reissue. Humphrey Bo-
Invited the Ministers:
That Type of Show
C-'SO DEAR TO MY HEART (RKO) —
Burl Ives, Bobby Driscoll, Luana Patten.
This is the best Walt Disney I ever played.
However, the gross was 'way below that of
"Melody Time." I invited the ministers of
our area to be my guests (since it is "that
kind" of show), and I know they enjoyed
it. The polio scare, although there were
few cases in this area, is affecting my
gross. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.
—Fred C. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax,
III. Small town and rural patronage.
*
gart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid. This is
one of Bogart's and Bergman's best. It
pleased everyone. What has become of Dooley
Wilson? He was really good. Conrad Viedt
was tops as the villain. In my opinion he
was one of our best actors, but just never
did seem to make top billing. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Hot.—Charles Osborne, Presidio
Theatre, Presidio, Tex. Small town patronage.
*
Life With Father (WB)—Irene Duime, William
Powell, Elizabeth Taylor. This is a swell
picture. Play it, by all means. We played it
on the weekend on a percentage basis, and
sme were surprised. Weather: Sultry and
hot.—C. E. McMurchy, Memorial Hall Theatre
Co., Ltd., Reston, Man. Small town and
*
rural patronage.
My Dream Is Yours (WB)—Jack Carson,
Doris Day, Lee Bowman. This is one of the
swellest pictures I have ever played. Advertise
this picture big. It will please all who
come—and all will come. It appeals to every
class of customer. Played Mon., Tues.
Weather: Good.—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre,
St. Stephen, S. C. Small town and farm patronage.
* * *
South of St. Louis (WB)—Joel McCrea,
Alexis Smith, Zachary Scott. This is truly
one of the great action pictures. I have played
several of this type in the last few months.
I feel that ihis is aiyong the very top. I
would say, play it. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Warm. — L. E. Wolcott, Quinlan
Theatre, Quinlan, Tex. Small town and rural
patronage.
'
That Hagen Girl (WB)—Shirley Temple,
Ronald Reagan, Rory Calhoun. I made lots
of the gossipy old maids mad in my advertising
on this one, but after seeing the picture
they complimented me on showing it, for
it really taught them a good lesson. The picture
is most interesting all the way through
and it had my patrons guessing as to how
it would turn out. I did average business on
it, which these days, is good business. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair one night, storm
the next.—I. Roche, Vernon Theatre, Vernon,
Fla. Small town and rural patronage.
* •
This Theatre and You (WB)—Public relations
short. This is one short that every
theatre should be proud to show. It is excellent
in every way.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre,
Bearden, Ark. Small town patronage.
* * •
Wonderful Picture
Pleased Everyone
SEARCH, THE (MGM) —Montgomery
Clift, Aline MacMahon, Jarmila Novotna.
This is a wonderful picture that pleased
everyone. It did good business and the
rental was fair. Played Mon., Tues.
Weather: Hot.—C. E. McMurchy, Memorial
Hall Theatre Co., Ltd., Reston, Man.
Small town and rural patronage. *
Llli to 111 1*' '
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BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Sept. 17, 1949
'"or
^^

Alphabetical Pkfure Guide Index and
REVIEW DIGEST
/•»:
i o
CD

++ Very Good; + Good: — Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary 'tt is rated as 2 pluses; — as 2 minuses.
-li.^ •
S

.
'
975
++ Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary ^ is rated as 2 pluses: = as 2 minuses.
.2-C
1
z
+ + -
t -
+ #
I «
^
'+!
M
+ 5H
'
-
Wl
: - I-!-
il-
: S-)
- 12-1-
: H
--
W
+ UH
14
;-!
w
5tl
- -
m
1 1 w
Si!-
Outcasts of the Trail (60) Rep.
971 Out of the Storm (61) Rep... 9-25-48
Outlaw Brand (57) Mono
Outlaw Country (60) LP
1024-A Outpost in Morocco (92) UA 4- i-4V 2:
P
±
980 Paleface, The (91) Para 10-23-48 4+
888 Paradine Case, The (117) EL 1- 3-48
1003 Parole, Inc. (87) EL 1-15-49 +
903 Pearl, The (77) RKO 2-21.48
897 Piccadilly Incident (88) MGM 2- 7-48
1013 Place of One's Own, A (95) El 2-26-49
983 Plot to Kill Roosevelt, The (83) UA 11- 6-48
983 Plunderers, The (87) Rep 11-6-48
999 Portrait of Jennie (90) EL 1- 1-49
1071 Postotf ice Invcstijator (60) Rep.... 9-17-49
1018 Prejudice (58) MPSC 3-12-49
1066 Prince of Foxes (111) 2D-Fox 8-27-49
1026 Prince of Peace (formerly The Lawton Story)
(111) Hallmark 4- 9-49
1030 Prince of the Plains (60) Rep 4-23-49
: I+S
Q
m 11023-A Quartet (120) EL
4- 2-49 tt
hi
Quick on the Trigger (54) Col
R
948 Race Street (79) RKO 7-3-48
958 Rachel and the Stranger (92) RKO.. 8- 7-48
983 Racing Luck (66) Col 11- 6-48
Rangers Ride, The (56) Mono
1009 Red Canyon (82) U-l
2-12-49
1047 Red, Hot and Blue (85)
1063 Red Light (84) UA
1042 Red Menace, The (87) Rep..
Para.
1011 Red Pony, The (89) Rep...
952 Red River (126) UA
1019 Red Stallion in the Rockies (84)
980 Red Shoes, The (134) EL
Renegades of Sonora (60) Rep...
979 Return of October, The (89) Col.
1017 Ride, Ryder, Ride (59) EL
1041 Riders of the Whistling Pines
6-25-49
8-20-49
6- 4-49
2-19-49
7-17-48
EL 3-19-49
..10-23-48
. .
10-23-48
.. 3-12-49
(70) Col 6- 4-49
)4lMl024-A Rimfirc (67) LP 4- 2-49
4|4 a055 Rim of the Canyon (70) Col 7-23-49
5.5 1056 Ringside (62) LP 7-23-49
Iji]
'974 Road House (95) 20-Fox 10-2-48
Rogues' Regiment (86) U-l 10-9-48
T it + « H 1053 Roll Thunder Roll! (58) EL 7-16-49
963 Rope (80) WB 8-28-48
1050 Rope of Sand (110) Para 7- 2-49
+ t « w
1063 Roseanna McCoy (S9) RKO 8-20-49
1007 Rose of the Yukon (59) Rep 1-29-49
+
ṯ +
!-!•
3-
1037 Roughshod (88) RKO 5-21-49
1022 Rustlers (60) RKO 3-26-49
977 Rusty Leads the Way (59) Col 10-16-48
11029 Rusty Saves a Life (68) Col... 4-23-49
+ ^
S
1031 Sand (77) 20-Fox
4-30-49
1029 Saraband (95) EL
4-23-49
1057 Savage Splendor (60) RKO
7-30-49
967 Saxon Charm, The (88) UA... 9-11-48
2+5
ji5il04S Scene of the Crime (95) MGM. 6-25-49
4. 1028 Scott of the Antarctic (111) EL 4-16-49
967 Sealed Verdict (83) Para 9-11-48
St
1022 Set-Up, The (72)
Hit
RKO 3-26-49
1035 Shamrock Hill (70) EL 5-14-49
, If^
^lll032 Secret Garden, The (90) MGM 4-30-49
963 Secret Land, The (71) MGM 5-28-48
Hi
1049 Secret of St. Ives, The (76) Col... 7- 2-49
1001 Shen Comes Home (60) LP 1- 8-49
Sheriff of Medicine Bow (55) Mono
t015 Sheriff of Wichita (60) Rep 3- 5-49
.057 She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (103) RKO 7-30-49
.003 Shockproof (79) Col 1-15-49
998 Siren of Atlantis (83) UA.
12-25-48
.056 Sky Dragon (64) Mono
7-23-49
I+!
.059 Sky Liner (60) LP
8- 6-49
i-i
a*
.059 Slattery's Hurricane (S3) 20-Fox.. 8- 6-49
023-A Sleeping Car to Trieste (95) EL 4- 2-49
.010 Slightly French (81) Col
2-12-49
It!
971 Smart Girls Don't Talk (81) WB. 9-28.48
.008 Smoky Mountain Melody (61) Col. 1-29-49
Smuggler's Cove (66) Mono
986 Snake Pit, The (108) 20-Fox 11-13-48
024 Snowbound (85) U-l 3-26-49
993 So Dear to My Heart (82) RKO.
967 Sofia (83) FC
964 Song Is Born, i-Sl A (110) RKO...
!-' 014 Song of India (77) Col
Hi 072 Song of Surrender (92) Para
pi Son of Billy the Kid (60) LP. .
Hi 932 So This Is New York (79) UA. . .
.12-11-48
9-11-48
. 8-28-48
. 2-26-49
. 9-17-49
+
+ -
+ ±
+ ±
+ +
++
+ ±
+ i
5-15-48 + +
+ +
+ +
+
+ ±
It!-
± + ++ H- +
+ ± + -f ff
+ ± -H- + + ff
+
+ +
+ ++ +
+ +
+ + + + +
+ + + +
+ + + + + ff
± + + +
+ + + 4+ + +
+ + +
ff
± +
+
++ +f
+
T+ + ff
+ + +
± ± + + ++
+
+
+
+ +
+ ff +
ft ff
+ + + ±
+ + ++ ++
fl-
H-
+
W
±
-
ff
+
++ + flff
+
+
+ +
+ +
+ +
tt + # ff
± +
+ ++ ff
+
+ +
+ ± +
+
+ + + H ±
+ +
+ + +
+ + ++ ++ ff
++ + +• + ff
++
ff ++ H
+
•H- + +++ +
=t + + +
+
+
± + +
+
+
+ ++
+ + +
± + +
+ ++ ff H
+
ff
ff
+ ±
+ + +
11 iftOXOFFICE BookinGuide :
: Sept. 17, 1949

FEATURE CHART
Feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Number in circle is oa
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running tia
furnished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recomm*
R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol U indicates BOXO]
Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol O indicates color photography.
I SHOT
Week
Ending
Dec
18
Dec
25
Jan
1
Jan
8
Jan
15
Jan
22
Jan
29
Feb
5
Feb
12
Feb
19
Feb
26
Mar
5
Mar
12
Mar
19
Mar
26
Apr
2
Apr
9
Apr
16
Apr
23
Apr
30
May
7
Moy
14
Moy
21
(79) Drama
SHOCKPROOF
Cornel Wllde-P. Knleht
John Baragrey
15—Pn-1003
R—Jan.
COLUMBIA
(73) Outd'r-Dr 134
JUNGLE JIM
Johnny Welssmuller
g|! (61) Act-Mus 151
Smoky Mountain Melody
a (68) Comedy 107
BLONDIE'S SECRET
Penny Singleton
Arthor Lake
R—Dec. 4—PO-991
135
(75) Drama la
THE DARK PAST
William Holden-Nlna Foch
Lee J. Cobb-Adele Jergeiis
li—Jan. 1—PO-1000
(79) Western 181
LOADED PISTOLS
Gene Autry-Cliamplon
Barbara Brltlon-CWll Wills
R—Jan. 8— PO-1001
S] (56) Western 166
Challenge of the Range
Charles Starrett
Smiley Bumette
Paula Raymond
H (61) Musical 114
LADIES OF THE CHORUS
Adele Jergens-M. Monroe
Rand Brooks
R—Jan. 22—PQ-1005
(81) Com-Dr 137 S (93) Drama
lijl (76) Drama
SLIGHTLY FRENCH ©BUNCHE FURY ©STATE DEPARTMENT,
D. Lamour-Don Ameche V. Hobson-S. Granger
FILE 649
J. Carter-W. Parker
Walter Fitzgerald
William Lundlgan
R_Fcb. 12—PO-1010 R—Sept. 18—PG-969 R—Mar. 5—PO-1016
(77) Jungle-Dr 138 @ (59) Western 953
SONG OF INDIA
©RIDE, RYDER, RIDE
Sabu-Gall Russell
Jim Bannon
(95) Drama 139 Little Brown Jug
The Affairs o( a Rogue R—Mar. 12—PG-1017
E] (57) Mystery 122 [3 (85) Outd'r-Dr 925 g] (77) Drama
BOSTON BLACKIE'S ©Red Stallion in the Rockies ALASKA PATROL
CHINESE VENTURE Arthur Franz-Jean Heather Richard Travis
Chester Morrls-Maylla Jim Davis-Red Stallion Helen Westcott
R—Mar. 26— PG-1021 R—Mar. 19—PG-1019
gg (60) Comedy 108
BLONDIE'S BIG DEAL
P. Slngleton-Artbur Lake
Larry Slmms-Marjorle Kent
R—Mar. 26-PO-1021
m (68) Mus-Com 116
MANHATTAN ANGEL
Gloria Jean-Ross Ford
Patricia White
R—Nov. 20— PG-988
m (78) Western 185 a (88) Melodrama 941 g (70) Drama
9THE BIG SOMSRERO
It Always Rains on Sunday AMAZON QUEST
Gene Autry-Blena Verdugo GooKie Witllers-Jack Warner Tom Neal
(78) Drama 140 John McCallum
Carol Mathews
THE WALKING HILLS R— Mar. 12—PG-1017
(100) Drama 1»1
El (76) Drama
KNOCK ON ANY DOOR
©DAUGHTER OF
II. Boeart-John Derek
THE WEST
G. Macready-Allene Roberts
Philip Reed
R—Feb. 26—PG-1013
R—Apr. 2— PO-1023-A
rs] (68) Drama 112 El (89) Drama 9l5
RUSTY SAVES A LIFE BROKEN JOURNEY
Teil DnnaWson-Glorla Henry Phyllis Calvert-M. Grahame
(U (56) Western 168
DESERT VIGILANTE
fTS) (62) Act-Miis 152
HOME IN SAN ANTONE
Roy Acu(f-J. Thomas
Bill Edwards
The Modemalres
a (60) Ad?-Dr
101
THE MUTINEERS
Jon Hall-Adele Jergens
OeorRe Reeves
R—Apr. 23—PG-1029
(85) Adv-Dr 142
THE UNDERCOVER MAN
Glenn Ford-Nina Foch
J. Whitmore-Barry Kelley
R—Mar. 26— PQ-1021
(106) Adv-Dr 143
WE WERE STRANGERS
Jennifer Jones-John Garfield
Pedro Armendarlz
Gilbert Roland
EAGLE LION
aa (60) Drama 900
The Strange Mrs. Crane
Marjorle Lord-Robert Shayne
Ruth Brady-Pierre Watkln
R—Oct. 30—PG-981
m (82) Com-Dr 912
AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL
Gloria Jean-Jimmy Lydon
Frances Rafferty-J. Hubbard
R— Dec. 18— PG-996
a (75) Com-Fant 923
MIRANDA
Glynis Johns-Griffith Jones
Google Wlthers-J. McCallum
R—J.m. 15—PG-1003
James Donald-F. L. Sullivan
R—June U—PG-1044
H (88) Act-Dr 927
©TULSA
Su^an Hayward-R. Preston
Pedro Armendarlz
R—Mar. 26—PG-1022
gg (111) Drama 920
©Scott of the Antarctic
John Mills-Derek Bond
H. Warrender-J. R. Justice
R—Apr. 16—PC-1028
g (58) Western 964
©ROLL. THUNDER. ROLL
J. Bannon-Llltle Brown Jug
Gmmett Lynn-Marin Sails
R—July
16—PC-1053
(120) Com-Dr 915
QUARTET
Hermionc Baddeley-C. Parker
Dick Bogarde-Merr.vn Johns
R—Apr. 2—PG-1023-A
FILM CLASSICS
H (69) Melodrama
THE JUDGE
Mllburn Stone
Katherlne DeMlUe
IE (63) Mystery
SEARCH FOR DANGER
.lohn Calvert
Albert Dekker
(72) Melodrama 144 (95) HIst-Dr 921 TS (74) Comedy
THE LOST TRIBE ©SARABAND
THE LOVABLE CHEAT
Johnny Welssmuller
Stewart Grancer-J. Greenwood rh.irlie RuRgles
Myrna Dell-Elena Verdugo F. Ro'tnv-Flora Uob^on
P. A. Garner-Richard Ney
R_May 14—PG-1036 R— Apr. 23— PG-1029 R—,\nr. 9— PO-in25
(75) Oiitd'r-Dr 928' 1? (76) Drama
Western 161
Hii (55)
LARAMIE
©THE BIG CAT
C-MAN
rtiarlcs Starrett-Fred Sears L. McCalllster-P. Ann Garnet De.4n Jagger-John Carradine
Smilev Burnelte-Tom Ivo Preston Foster
Edith .\twater-HaTrv Landers
R—June 4—PG-1041 R—May 7—PO-1033 R— Apr. 30—PG-1 032
LIPPERT M-G-M MONOGRAM PARAMOU
R—Jan. 8— PO-loui
m (62) Oufr-Dr 4810
SHEP COMES HOME
Robert Lowery-Margla Dean
Billy Rlmbley
@ (60) Western 4811
FRONTIER REVENGE
Lash LaHue
Fuzzy St. Jobo
lU (60) Western
OUTLAW COUNTRY
Lash LaRue
Fuzzy St. John
4812
m (58) Drama 4813
HIGHWAY 13
Robert Lowery-Pamela Blake
Michael Whalen-Dan Seymour
R—Jan. 1—PG-IOOO
SI (81) West-Dr 4814 g| (93) Drama 916 m (87) Drama AA15
JESSE JAMES ©THE SUN COMES UP BAD BOY
Preston-Foster-B. Britton J. MacDonald-Uoyd Nolan Lloyd Nolan-Audie Murphy
John Ireland-Reed Hadley C. Jarman jr. -Lassie a (54) Western 4852
R—Feb. 12—PO-1009 R—Jan. 8—PG-1002 LAW OF THE WEST
H (60) Western 4816 g) (98) Melodrama 917
Son of Billy the Kid THE BRIBE
Lash LaRue
Robert Taylor-Ava Gardner
Fuzzy St. John
53 (67) Western 4817
RIMFIRE
J. Mllllcan-Mary Beth Hughes
Reed Hadlev
R—Aug. 2--PO-1024-A
H (60 Western 4815
SON OF A BAD MAN
Lash LaRue
Fuzzy St. John
m (119) Musical »1«|
©WORDS AND MUSIC
Judy Garland-Oene Kellj
Mickey Rooney
R—Dec. 11—PG-994
H (106) Super-West 911
©3 GODFATHERS
J. Wayne-Harry Carey jr.
P. Armendariz-Ward Bond
R— Dec. 4—PG-992
(88) Drama 912
THEY MET AT MIDNIGHT
Anna Neagle-M. Wilding
Reginald Owen-M. Laurence
R—Feb. 7—PG-897
m flOO) Musical 913
©THE KISSING BANDIT
Frank Sinatra-K. Grayson
C. Charisse-J. Carrol Nalsh
R—Nov. 20—PO-988
53 (82) Drama
ACT OF VIOLENCE
Van HelUn-Robert Ryan
Janet Letgh-Mary Astor
R—Dec. 25—PG-997
914
51 (111) War Drama 916
COMMAND DECISION
Clark Gable-W. Pldgeon
V. Johnson-Brian Donlevy
R—Dec. 25—PG-997
C. Laugbton-John Hodlak
R—Feb. 12—PG-1010
m (79) Drama 919
FORCE OF EVIL
John Garfield-B. Pearson
Thomas Gomez-Marie Windsor
R—Jan. 1—PG-999
[D (93) Mus-Com
©TAKE ME OUT TO
THE BALI GAME
Fianh Sinatra-f. Williams
R—Mar. .12—PG-1018
Drama
(S (88)
CAUGHT
J. Mason-Barbara Bel Geddes
Robert Ryan-Curt Bots
R—Feb. 19—PG-1012
@ (121) Drama 922
©LITTLE WOMEN
June Allyson-Peter Lawtord,
M. O'Brlen-E. Taylor
R—Feb. 26—PG-1014
g§ (58) Drama 4818 gl (85) Com-Dr 924
OMOO-OMOO
BIG JACK
Ron Randell
M. Main-Wallace Beery
Pedro Decordoba
R. Conte-Edward Arnold
R—July 9—PG-1051 R—Apr. 9—PG-in25
51 (110) Musical 925
U©Barkleys of Broadway
Fred Astalre-Glnger Rogers
Oscar Levant-Blllle Burke
R—Anr. 16— PG-1028
(70) Comedy 4811
JIGGS AND MAGGIE
N COURT
Joe Yule-Renie Rlano
R— Dec. 4—PG-991
a (61) Mystery 4823 a (91) Com-Wei
The Feathered Serpent ©THE PALEFACE
Roland Winters
Bob Hope-Jane Ri
Keye Luke
R—June 11—PG-1043
H] (81) Drama
STRIKE IT RICH
Rod Cameron
Bonlta Granville
R—Nov. 27—PG-989
d] (66) Comedy
TROUBLE MAKERS
Leo Gorcey
Bowery Boys
IS (57) Western
CRASHING THRU
Whip Wilson
.\ndy Clyde
R. Armstrong-John
R—Oct. 23—PO-91
AA12
4727
4841
m (74) Western AAU
BABMEN OF TOMBSTONE
Barry Sullivan
Marjorle Reynolds
R—Dec. 18—PG-996
S (68) M'drama 4829
INCIDENT
W. Douglas-Jane Frazee
R. Osterlob-J. Compton
B—Jan. 1—PG-999
@ (56) Western
GUN RUNNER
Jimmy Wakely
CannonbaU Taylor
-Noel
Neill
4861
51 (64) Comedy 4830
HENRY. THE RAINMAKER
W. Tracy-R. Walburn
Walter Catlett-Mary Stuart
R—Jan. 29—PG-1007
H (66) %ama 4803
Joe Palooka in the Big Fight
Joe Kirkwood
Leon Errol
R—Feb. 26—PG-1014
51 (64) Western 4862
GUN LAW JUSTICE
Jimmy Wakely
CannonbaU Taylor
m (71) Melodrama 4806
Bomba, the Jungle Boy
Johnny Sheffield
Peggy Ann Garner
R—Mar. 5—PG-1016
921IIIS (78) Melodram.i 4826
TEMPTATION HARBOR
Siraone Simon-Robert Newton
R—Mar. 19—PG-1020
918j[l) (55) Western 4853
TRAILS END
Johnny Mack Brown
Max Terhune-Kay Morley
Keith Richards
(100) Drama
THE ACCUSED
L. Young-R. Cummin
W. Corey-Sam Jaffe
R—Nov. 20—PG-981
S (68)
Drama
DYNAMITE
William Gargan-V.
R. Crane-I. Bacon
R—Nov. 20—PG-98|
\S (84) Drama
MY OWN TRUE LO'
Phyllis Calvert-M. 1
Wanda Hendrti-Blnnlj
R—Dec. 11—PG
H (89) Super-Wi
©WHISPERING SMI
Alan Ladd-Robert Pi
Donald Crisp-B. Mi
R—Dec. 11—PG-9i
H) (93) Drama
ALIAS NICK BEAL
Audrey Totter-T. MlKl
George Macready
R—Jan. 22—PG-IOI
[a (103) Super-We
©EL PASO
John Payne-Gail Rui
S. Hayden-"Gabby"
R—Mar. 12—PG-10
S) (77) Melodrama 4S04
TUNA CLIPPER
Roddy McDowall-E. Verdugo
Roland Winters
R—Mar. 19—PG-1020
53 (69) Comedv 4816 P (107) Fantasi
FIGHTING FOOLS ©A Connecticut Yai
Leo Gorcey
King Arthur's
Bowery Boys
Bing Crosby-R. Flen
R—July 23—PG-1056 R—Feb 26—PG-1
Q] (64) Mystery 4824
SKY DRAGONS
Roland Wtnfers-Keye Luke
Tim Rvan-Noel Nelll
R—July 23—PG-1056
•Tl (55) Western 486;
ACROSS THE RIO GRANDE
limmy Wakely
CannonbaU Taylor
Reno Browne
(fl (92) Cost
BRIDE OF VENi
P. Goddard-John
M. Carey-Albert
R—Apr. 2—PO-
8 BOXOmCE BookinGuide :: Sept. 17, 194 lOJorf,^
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I CHEATED
UNITED
UNIV.-INT'L
WARNER
KO RADIO
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
REPUBLIC
(lUU) Super-West 849 li:a (!e Arden
_ 1-Siij -B;i 1—PG-1000
R— -Nm. 27— PG-990
R— Dec. 25— PO-998
'
Coojedy 992 a (60) Western 863
U (6U) Western 60» (90) Drama 686
nu
Dear to My Heart SHERIFF OF WICHITA
VALIANT HOMBRE AN ACT OF MURDER
es-Beulab Bondl
.\lUn Lane-Lyn Wilde
Duncan Renaldo-L. Carrlllo Fredric Marcb-E. O'Brien
DriscoU-Luana Patten Eddy Waller
John Lltel-B BUllngsley Florence Eldrldgo-0. Brooks
11—PO-993 R—Mar. 5— PG-1016
I!—Jan. 8— PO-lOOl 1!—Sept. 4—PG-965
(102) Drama 903 m (99) Com-Dr 601
gi (110) Melodrama 812
THIS WAS A WOMAN THE LUCKY STIFF
©Adventures of Don Juan
Sonia Dresdel-B. White D. Lamour-Brian Donlevy
Errol Flynn-V. Lindfors
AteLBM
W. Fitzgerald-C. Raymond Claire Trevor
Robert Douglas-Alan Hale
_J»-5» !«-FO-l
I!—J.in. 8—rG-1002 I!—Jan. 29—PG-1008
R—Dec. 25—PG-998
• llW
(ik
»«*
irul
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Fantasy 914
» "'die Fountain
rker
Joyce
22—PG-1005
) Mys-Dr 916 m (69) Ad»-Dr 804
lAN'S SECRET
Daughter of the Jungle
t'Hara-M. Douglas Lois Halt-James Cardwell
Grahame
Sheldon Leonard
12—PG-1009 I!—Mar. 19—PO-1020
2) Drama 953
NTMENT
Xlten-Ieresa Wright
keys-F. Granger
. 11—PG-993
Western
the Saddle
919
in
tlt-Rlcbard Martin
iVodie
. 5—PG-1015
918
Melodrama
„,,,. ,,,, „, UY PIGEON
PSIWIU y|,j„s.Barbara Halt
ilB9 «e-' m Quine-Rlchard Loo
19—PG-1012
.(*»-«J!
Drama 921
3EEN PROMISE
Paige-M. Chapman
Brennan
12—PQ-1017
Comedy 920
t in Baltimore
foung-S
Temple
26—PO-1022
20TH-FOX
I
(103) Drama 906
A Letter to Three Wives
leanne Crain-Linda Darnell
Ann Sothern-Ivirk Douglas
li— Dec. 11—PG-993
(94) Comedy 907
Chicken Every Sunday
Dan Dailey-Celeste Holm
Colleen Townsend-A. Young
R— Dec. 18—PO-99fi
(93) Melodrama 909
A Man About the House
Kieron .Moore-M. Johnston
Dulcie Gray G. Middleton
I!— J.in. 29—PG-1008
H) (106) Act-Dr S03
Wake of the Red Witch
John Wayne-Gail Russell
Adele Mara-Glg Young
R—Jan 8—PG-1001
B (61) Drama 807
HIDEOUT
Adrian Bootb-Uoyd Bridges
Ray Collins-Sheila Ryan
R—Apr. 9—PG-1025
II (59) Drama 809
DUKE OF CHICAGO
Tom Brown-Audrey Long
Grant Wlthers-Paul Harvey
R—Apr. 2—PG-1024-A
H (89) Drama 805
©THE RED PONY
Myma Loy-Robert Mltchum
Louis Calbem-Peter Miles
R—Feb. 19—PO-1011
a (60) Western 864
Death Valley Gunfighter
Mian Lane-Eddy Waller
Jim Nolan-Gall Davis
R— Apr. 23—PG-1030
(1201 Drama 910
Down to the Sea in Ships
L. Barrymore-R. Widmark
Dean Stockwell
If—Feb. 19—PG-1012
169) Comedy
MISS MINK OF 1949
Jimmy Lydon-Lols Collier
Richard Lane
R—July 2.3—PG-1055
912
(81) Comedy 91 i
©Mother Is a Freshman
Loretta Young-Van Johnson
Rudy Vallee-B. Lawrence
R—Mar. 5—PG-1016
ARTISTS I
(83) My'terv 602
COVER-UP
W. Bendix-Dennls O'Kecfe
Barbara Britton-Art Baker
R—Feb. 26—PO-1014
gj (71) Mystery 60.'
JIGSAW
Francbot Tone-Jean Wallace
M. Lawrence-M. McCormick
R—Mar. 19—PG-1019
Jory
a (111) Drama 605
IMPACT
Brian Donlevy-Ella Raines
Helen Walker
R—Mar 26—PG-1021
Drama 922 B (60) Western 851 (fi-i Hist-West 908
T-UP
PRINCE OF THE PLAINS ©CANADIAN PACIFIC
(tyan-Audrey Totter .Monte Hale
Randolph Scott-Jane Wyatt
Tobias-Alan Baxter Shirley Davis
26—PG-1022 R—Apr. 23—PO-1030
I Carrol
R—Feb.
Nalsh-Vlctor
26—Pn-1013
Jl (60 Drama 810 (711 Drama 905
Streets of San Francisco
THE LAW
Robert Armstrong
Tom Conway-Steve Brodie
Mae Clarke-Gary Grey
R—May 7—PG-1034
S (80) Drama
©THE LAST BANDIT
William Elliott
Andy Devlne
R—Feb. 19—PG-1011
5f 671 Out'r-Mus
©SUSANNA PASS
Rny Rogers
Dale Evans
R. Osterloh-B. BUllngsley
R—Jan. 15—PG-1004
|
(94) Com-Dr 681
THE FIGHTING O'FLYNN
Douglas Fab-banks jr.
Helena Carter-R. Greene
R—Jan. 15—PG-1004
ID (87) Drama
CRISS CROSS
B. Lancaster-Y. PeCarlo
D. Duryea-S. McNally
R—Jan. 22—PG-1005
(90) Comedy 68
FAMILY HONEYMOON
C. Colbert -Fre* MacMurray
Rita Jobnson-W. Daniels
R—Dec. IS—PG-995
|§ (87) Comedy 690
THE LIFE OF RILEY
W. Bendix-R. DeCamp
James Gleason-Beulab Bondi
R—Feb. 12—PG-1009
(82) Outd'r-Dr 691
©RED CANYON
,\nn Blyth-Genrge Brent
Howard Duff-E Buchanan
n—Feb. 12—pn-)no9
(75) Comedy 69
MA AND PA KETTLE
M. Main-Percy Kilbride
Richard Long-Mec Randall
T)_Anr. 2—Pn-in24-A
BROS.
688 _ (86) Drama 813
FLAXY MARTIN
Virginia Mayo-Z. Scott
Dorothy Maione-T. D'Andrea
R—Jan 22—PG-10n6
H (96) Comedy 814
JOHN LOVES MARY
R. Reagan-Jack Carson
W. Morris-Edward Arnold
R—Jan. 29—PO- 1008
51 (88) Hist-Dr 816
©SOUTH OF ST. LOUIS
Joel McCrea-AlexIs Smith
Zachary Scott-D. Malone
R—Feb. 19—PG-lOll
51 (87) Comedy 811^
A KISS IN THE DARK
David Niven-Jane Wyman
Victor Moore-Wayne Morris
R—Mar 5—PG-1016
g (77)' Melodrama 817
HOMICIDE
Robert Douglas-H. Westcott
Robert Alda-Monte Blue
R—Mar 12—PG-1018
gi (101) Miis-Cnm R2(
©MY DREAM IS YOURS
Jack Carson-Dennis Day
Lee Bowman-Eve Arden
R—Mar. 19—PG-1020
806 51 (89) Drama 60!
THE CROOKED WAY
John Payne-Ellen Drew
Sonnv Tufts
R—May 14—PO-1035
842 ig (94) Drama 821
FLAMINGO ROAD
J. Crawford-S. Greenstreet
H (921 Drama 607
OUTPOST IN MOROCCO
George Raft-M. Windsor
Akim Tamlroff-John Lltel
R— Apr, 2—PG-1024-A
Western 923 ID (6(1) Western Si! (83) Comedy 913
ns
FRONTIER INVESTIGATOR Mr. Belvedere Goes to College
t-Blchard Martin Mian Lane-Eddy Waller (^irfon Webh-Sblrley Temple
flyer-Steve Brodie Roy Barcroft
Tom Drake-Alan Young
26—PO-1022 R—May 21—PG-1038 R—Apr. 9—PO-1026
Thriller 925 "fl IRO) Western 852 (79) Cost-Dr 914 (621 Western
NDOW
Law of the Golden West THE FAN
THE GAY AMIGO
rlscoU-Barbara Hale Mnnte Hale
Jeanne Crain-M. Carroll Duncan Renaldo-Armida
dy-Buth Roman Paul Hurst
G. S.andcrs-Richard Greene !.pn rarrillo-Joe Sawyer
14—PG-1035
R_Anr. 9—PG-in26 R—Mav 28—PG-1040
ffi4) Drama
5B (inn) Drama 60t|
TUCSON
CHAMPION
limmy I.vdon
Kirk Dnuelas-M. Maxwell
Penny Edwards
.\. Kennedv-Ruth Roman
'
R—June 4—PG-1041 R—Mar. 19—P0-1019
BOXOFHCE BookinGuide :: Sept. 17, 1949
I (91) Drama 69'
CITY ACROSS THE RIVER
.

I
COLUMBIA
.'(ID
I
FEATURE CHART
Week
Ending
I
May
28
Jun
4
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
EAGLE LION FILM CLASSICS LIPPERT M-G-M MONOGRAM PARAMOUf
(70) Outd'r-Mus 183
Riders of the Whistling Pines
CiL-ne Autry-Jimmy Lloyd
Patricia Wbite-Champton
R—June 4—PG-1041
(71) Mus-Com 930
SHAMROCK HILL
Peggy Kyan-Ray McDonald
Trudy Marshall
It—May 14—PO-1036
5i (79) Musical 105 (131) Drama 990
Make Believe Ballroom DUEL IN THE SUN
.lerorae Courtland
(95) Mys-Melodrama 922
Kiilh Warrlck-Frankle Lalne SLEEPING CAR TO TRIESTE
11-May 21— PG-in37 Jean Kent-Albert Lleven
a ((!1) Mystery 109 (117) Drama 991
CRIME DOCTOR'S DIARY THE PARADINE CASE
Jun
Warner Baxter
(72) Drama 931
11 S. Piinne-Lols Maxwell ALIMONY
It—June 11—PG-1043 Martha Vlckers-John Beal
(90) Hlst-Dr 14S (96) Comedy 992
Jun LUST FOR GOLD
MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS
Ida Lupino-Glenn Ford
HIS DREAM HOUSE
18 Olg Young-W. Prince
(93) Cora-Dr 959
It—May 28—PG-1039 A CANTERBURY TALE
(81) Drama 146 (90) Com-Fantasy 939 m (91)
Jun JOHNNY ALLEGRO DON'T TAKE IT TO HEART
George Raft-Nlna Foch
Ricliard Greene-A. Drayton
25 George Macready-W. Geer Patricia Medlna-R. Bird
R—June 25— PG-1047 R—Jan. 29—PG-1007
^ (76) Melodrama 103
Jul
2
Jul
9
Jul
16
Jul
23
Jul
30
Aug
6
Aug
13
Aug
20
Aug
27
Sep
3
Sep
10
Sep
17
Sep
24
Oct
1
THE SECRET OF ST. IVES
Richard Ney-Vanessa Brown
Henry Danlell
R—July 2—PG-1049
m (56) Western 162
THE BLAZING TRAIL
Charles Starrett-Fred Sears
Smiley Burnette-M. Stapp
R—Aug. 13—PG-1061
Draraa
NOT WANTED
Sally Forrest-Keefe Brasselle
Leo Penn—Dorothy Adams
R—June 25—PG-1048
gi (68) Mus-M'drama 4810 @ (92) Super-West
MISSISSIPPI RHYTHM ©STREETS OF LAREI
Jimmie Oans-Lee While William Holden-W. B(
Sue England-V. A. Borg M. Carey-Mona Freema
R—Feb. 12—PG-IO:'
gS (112) Drama 926 [a (58) Western 4854 H (96) Myatery
EDWARD, MY SON WEST OF ELDORADO MANHANDLED
S. Tracy-Deborah Kerr .lohnny Mack Brown
D. Lamour-SterMng E
Ian Htinter-Leueen MacGratb Max Terhune
Dan Duryea-Irene Hen
B—Apr. 30—PG-1031
R—Apr. 16—PG-IOJT
63 (57) Comedy 4827
LEAVE IT TO HENRY
Raymond Walburn
Walter Catlett-Gary Gray
R—May 28—PG-1040
H (60) Melodrama 4819 @ (94) Mus-Com 927
ARSON. INC.
©NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER
R. Lowery-Anne Gwynne Red Skelton-E, Williams
Marcia Mae Jones
R—May 21-PG-1037
R. Montalban-K. Wynn
R—May 21—PG-1038
S (64) Comedy
HOLD THAT BABY
Leo Gorcey
Bowery Boys
(91) Drama 924
m (106) Drama 929 ID (102) Drama AA13 a (88) Com-Dra
Mr. Perrin and Mr. Traill
OTHE STRATTON STORY MY BROTHER JONATHAN SORROWFUL JON
It
David Farrar-Greta Gynt
James Stewart
Michael Denlson-Dulcie Gray Bob Hope-Lucille
,*liil»«
Marius Goring-R. Huntley
June AUyson
W. Demarest-B. Cab (ll-tUtSi
R—Dec. 25—PG-997
R—May 7—PG-1034
R—Apr. 16—PG-10,
|u| (65) Drama 102 (96) Melodrama 964
m (62) Drama 4120 61 (102) Drama 93C|pl (56) Western 4864 OKg
KAZAN
MY BROTHER'S KEEPER
RINGSIDE
ANY NUMBER CAN fLAY BRAND OF FEAR
Stephen Dunne-Joe Sawyer Jack Warner-Jane Hylton
Don Barry
Dark Gable-Alexis Smith Jimmy Wakely
Lois Maxwell-Zoro
George Cole-Bill Owen
Tom Brown
W. Corey-Audrey Totter CannonbaU Taylor
I!—July 2—PG-1049 R—Mar. 6—PG-1016
R—July 28—PG-1066 R—June 4—PG-1042
El (65) Drama IIB (90) Drama 993
(60) Drama 4823
63 (64) Drama 4813 g| (70) Drama
li'hilii! «1{B m
Law of the Barbary Coast PORTRAIT OF JENNIE
SKY LINER
FORGOTTEN WOMEN SPECIAL AGENT K vouiE mm »
Gloria Henry-Stephen Dunne Jennifer Jones-Joseph Cotten
Richard Trails-Pamela Blake
gg (78) West-Drama AA9 William Eythe-Georga tulim omit
Adele Jereens
Ethel Barrymore
Rochelle Hudson
MASSACRE RIVER
Laura Elliot-Paul Vl
UlBllll l-l« >
R—July 16— PG-1054 R—Jan. 1—PG-999
R—Aug. 6—PO-1059
Gu.v Madison-Rory Calhoun R—Apr. 30—PG- HMO
(90) Western-Dr 147 (62) Documentary 944
(102) Mus-Com 932 m (59) Western 4842
Dun (Kg i(M
The Doolins of Oklahoma BLACK SHADOWS
@ln the Good Old Summertime SHADOWS OF THE WEST
lEWETLV iFUIIN
Randolph Scott-John Ireland Filmed in African
Judy Garland-Van Johnson Whip Wilson
Idlii'Jill (ni ki IM
(70) West-Dr 186 Congo Jungles
S. Z. Sakall-Spring Bylngton Andy Clyde
RIM OF THE CANYON
R—June 25—PG-1048
i-tugsi li-j* H
(86) Drama 148 dl (93) Drama 960 HI (97) Documentary-Drama
d] (110) Drama 923 3 (67) Western 4820 [D (91) Drama Dtm mill nil
ANNA LUCASTA WOMAN IN THE HALL LOST BOUNDARIES
THE GREAT SINNER TRAIL OF THE YUKON THE GREAT GA' ^ni \m
Paulette Goddard-B. Crawford Ursula Jeans-CecU Parker Beatrice Pearson-Mel
m
Ferrer
Gregory Peck-Ava Gardner Klrby Grant-Suzanne Dalbert Alan Ladd-Betty Field
''''«
John Ireland-WilUam Bishop (95) Drama
Susan
U«l ki
Douglas-Richard Hylton
Walter Huston
R—Aug. 6—PG-1059 Macdonald Carey
HiIK
R—July 16—PG-1054 DEDEE
R—July 2—PG-1050
iB
R—July 2—PG-1050
R—Apr. 30—PG-1
(0) (60) Drama H (77) Drama 940
m (78) Western 4822 H (57) Western 4855
LONE WOLF AND HIS LADY WATERLOO ROAD
GRAND CANYON
RANGE JUSTICE
Ron Randell-June Vincent (72) Comedy
Richard Arlen
Johnny Mack Brown
Alan Mowbray
DOWN MEMORY LANE
Mary Beth Hughes
Max Terhune
R—July 30—PG-1056 Blng Crosby-W. C. Fields
R—Sept. 3—PG-1068
^ (54) Western 164 a (94) Comedy
51 (114) Drama 931 83 (74) Qrama 4808
SOUTH OF DEATH VALLEY EASY MONEY
MADAME BOVARY
Joe Patooka tn\he Counter
Charles SUriett-Gall Davis Greta Gynt
Jennifer Jones-James Mason Punch
Smiley Burnette
Dennis Price
Louis Jourdan
Leon Errol-Joe Klrkvood
R—Aug. 13—PG-1061 R—Mar. 12—PG-1017
R—July 30—PG-1066
@ (61) Drama 120 (89) Drama 001
13 (78) Drama H (94) Mystery 935 gj (60) Western- 4843
AIR HOSTESS
THE BLACK BOOK
Treasure of Monte Cristo SCENE OF THE CRIME HAUNTED TRAILS
lioss Ford-Gloria Henry Robert Cummlngs-A. Dahl
GTienn Langan
Van Johnson-Arlene DaU m (66) Comedy 4812
William Wright
Richard Basehart-4. Barker
Adele Jergens
Gloria DeHaven-Tom Drake JIGGS AND MAGGIE IN
R—July 23—PG-1055 K—May 21—PG-1«38
Steve Brodle
R—June 25—PG 1048 JACKPOT JITTERS
(93) Drama 149 (94) Drama 961
[U (98) Musical ?i (78) Western AA14
MR. SOFT TOUCH
A PLACE OF ONE'S OWN
©THAT MIDNIGHT KISS STAMPEDE
Glenn Ford-Bvclyn Keyes James Mason-M. Lockwood
Kathryn Grayson-M. Lanza Rod Cameron-Gale Storm
hi
R—Sept. 10—PG-1069
(75) Drama 004
Ethel Barrymore
Johnny Mack Brown
ZAMBA
R—Apr. 30—PG-1031
(..) Western 184
The Cowboy and the Indians
Gene Autry-Sheila Ryan
Frank Rlchardo-Ctaamplon
61 (69) My.stcry 110
THE DEVIL'S HENCHMEN
Warner Baxter
Mary Beth Bughea
R—Sept. 10—PG-1069
m (56) Western 163
The Horsemen of the Sierras
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette-Lols Hall
R—Sept. 10—PG-1069
(95) Drama 966
AGAINST THE WIND
Jack Warner-S. Slgnoret
Robert Beatty-G. Jackson
R—June 4—PO-1042
(87) Drama 942
ONCE UPON A DREAM
Google WiUicrs-G. Middleton
Griffith Jones-Betty Lynne
R—July 9—PG-1061
(85) Drama 914
THE WEAKER SEX
Cecil Parker-Ursula Jeans
Joan Hopkins-Derek Bond
R—July 16—PG-1053
19 ( . . ) Drama
THE DALTON GANG
Robert Lowery-D. Barry
Betty Adams
It) ( . ) Drama
RED DESERT
Don Barry-Tom Neal
Margia Dean
53 ( • • ) Western
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Ion Hall-Frances Langford
F. Foran
H (92) Drama
41 (55) Western 4866 a (198) Musical
THE SECRET GARDEN ROARING WESTWARD TOP 0" THE MORNH
Margaret O'Brien
Jimmy Wakely
Blng Crosby-Ann Blytt
Herbert Marshall-D. StockweU Cannonball Taylor
Barry Fitzgerald
R—Apr. 30—PG-1032
R—Aug. 6—PG-1 060
a (98) Comedy
The Doctor and the Girl
Glenn Ford-Janet Leigh
Charles Coburn
R—Sept. 10—PG-1070
U] (63) Comedy 481S
i^NGELS IN DISGUISE
;.eo Gorcey
Bowery Boys
53 (66) Drama
BLACK MIDNIGHT
Roddy McDowall
a (105) Drama
ROPE OF SAND
Burt Lancaster-C.
Paul Henreld
R-July 2—P0-10(
L'«it«iii
:''. 1.-
Oct
8
( . Drama 007
•
TRAPPED
Lloyd Bridges-John Hoyt
Barbara Payton-James Todd
la] ( . . ) Drama
CALL OF THE FOREST
R. Lowery
M. Sherrin
D (56) Western 485r
VESTERN lENEGADES
Tobnny Hack Brown
Oct
15
Oct
22
(98) Drama Oil
OBSESSION
Robert Newton-Sally Gray
Nanton Wayne-Phil Brown
?i3 ( ) Musical
. .
SQUARE DANCE JUBILEE
Don Barry-Spade Cooley
Mary Beth Hughes
13 (119) Drama "?)(..) Western 482
THE RED DANUBE
VOLF HUNTERS
Walter Pidgeon-Peter Lawford Klrby Grant-Helen Parrlsh
Ethel Barrymore
Tl (103) Comei
•l\\ FRIEND IRMfl
niana L^Tip-Don Dd
Marie Wilson-Jnhn
R—Aug. 20—PG-1
Oct
29
iS ( . . ) Western
APACHE CHIEF
Alan Curtis-Tom Neal
Carol Thurston
(95) Aot-Dr
111 BORDER INCIDENT
R. Mo?)lalban-J. Mitchell
George Mtirphv-H. DnSilva
R—Aug. 27—PG-1065
51 (..) Western 4844 'a (9.1) Drama]
RIDERS OF THE DUSK ^ONG OF SURRENQ
IVhip Wilson
U'and.i Hendrix
Macdonald Carey
10 BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Sept. 17, 194

jiUt
I
UNITED
WARNER
KSS
UUflfGi
ft...,
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CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
KO RADIO REPUBLIC 20TH-FOX
I
) Com-Dr 924
UDGE STEPS OUT
tbtrn-A. Knox
Tobias
14—PG-1U35
West-Dr 926
HOD
Ing-G. Grabame
21—PG-1037
(91) Drama
THE LADY GAMBLES
B. Slan»yck-S. McNally
K. I'resloii-H^ditli Barrett
R—May 14-i'G-103l)
(B (84) Drama 698 as (94) Outd'r-Dr SH
ILLEGAL ENTRY
COLORADO TERRITORY
Howard Duff-Marta Toren Joel McCrea-Vlrginia Mayo
George Brenl-Oar Moore Henry llull>D. .Malone
II—June 18— PG-1046 li—May 21—PG- 1038
(86) Drama 697
ONE WOMAN'S STORY
Ann Todd-Claude Rains
Trevor Howard
II—June 4—PG-1042
Western 002 an (60) Western 86
(69) Comedy 701 (78) Drama 82f
'AG ECOAC H KID THE WYOMING BANDIT
WOMAN HATER
GIRL FROM JONES BEACH
It-Richard Martin Allan "Rocky" Lane
Stewart Granger-R. Squir« Virginia Mayo-Eddie Bracken
mell-Joe Sawj'er Eddy Waller
Susan Hayward-Debra Paget
Edwiije FeuUlere
Ronald-Reagan-Dora Drake
18—PG-1046 R—July 30—PG-1053 R—June 18—PG-1946
«—Sept. 3—PG-1067 R—June 25—PG-1047
Adv-Fantasy 061 S (60) Western 854
m (94) Drama 611
JOE YOUNG SOUTH OF RIO
THE GREAT DAN PATCH
ttbtCa loore-Ben Johnson Monte Hale-Paul Hurst
Dennis O'Keefe
trong-F. McHugb R—Aug. 13—PG-1062
Gail Russell
28—PG-1039
R—July 23—PG-1056
Drama 005 H (60) Semidocum 812
(75) Melodrama 700 m (106) Musical 82!
l«|
I ME QUIETLY FLAMING FURY
JOHNNY STOOL PIGEON ©LOOK FOR THE SILVER
Lundigan-Jeff Corey Roy Roberls-David Wolfe
Dan Duryea-Howard Duff
LINING
Shelley Winters
June Haver-Ray Bolger
9—PG-1051 R—July 16—PG-1053
R—July 23—PG-1055 R—July 2— PG-1049
mi nil ta Drama 001 g (87) Drama 830 (94) Musical-Comedy 920
[D (105) Romance 704 El (64) Comedy 830
ni« MtiartAi S STEAL
THE RED MENACE ©YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING
©THE BLUE LAGOON ONE LAST FLING
• on III l#BttI! Ultchum-Jane Greer Robert Rockwell
Dan Dailey-Anne Baxter
Jean Simmons-Noel Purcell Alexis Smith-Z.achary Scott
Bendls
Hanne Axman
Anne Revere-Shari Robinson
Donald Houston
R^uly 9—PG-1051
18—PG-1045 R—June 4—PG-1042 R—July 9—PG-1052
R—Aug. 6—PG-1060
Patrick-Nestor Palta George Cooper
Drama 006
(83) Drama 921
|US|
ITLAW
SLATTERY'3 HURRICANE
111!
M^
mil
,»««
sell-Jack Beutel
luston-T. Mltcbell
Travelog
SPLENDOR
B Travelog
"
30—PG-1057
004
Drama 00
VING
lature-Lucille Ball
Scott -Sonny Tufts
13—PG-1062
Drama 051
MtCOY
Massey
I Blckford-P. Granger
20—PG-1063
Western 007 Ul (60) Drama 816 (105) Comedy 923
lOUS DESPERADO FLAME OF YOUTH
I Was a Male War Bride
>Marjorie Lord Barbra Fuller
Cary Grant-Ann Sheridan
Martin
Ray McDonald
Marion Marshall-Randy Stuart
27—PO-1066
R—Aug. 1.3—PG-1062
Drama
BARGAIN
lOtt
ynn
Comedy
INE LAUGHS
er-Dorls Day
rIev-Joan Davis
13—PG-1062
Cartoon 90?
DD AND MR. TOAD
by
3by-BasiI Rafhboiie
3—PG-1067
m (90) Outd'r-Dr 814
©BRIMSTONE
Rod Cameron-Adrian Bootb
Walter Brennan
R—Aug. 20—PG-1064
If (60) Western 867
BANDIT KING OF TEXAS
Allan "Rocky" Lane
Eddy Waller
a (99) Melodrama 606
TOO LATE FOR TEARS
Lizabeth Scott- Dan Duryea
D. DeFore-Arthur Kennedy
R—Apr. 16— PG-1028
(101) Melodrama 919
HOUSE OF STRANGERS
Richard Conte-E. G. Robinson
(67) Butd'r-Mus 843 (95) Drama 921
©DOWN DAKOTA WAY COME TO THE STABLE
® (89) Drama
Loretta Young-Celeste Holm
The Kid From Cleveland Hugh Marlowe
George Brent-Lynn Bar! R—June 25—PG-1047
Tf (60) Melodrama 815
Post Office Investigator
Warren Douglas
Veronica Lake-Lbida Darnell
Richard Widmark
R—Aug. 6—PG-1059
H (105) Melodrama
BLACK MAGIC
Orson Welles-Nancy Guild
(94) Drama 924
THIEVES' HIGHWAY
Richard Conte-Jack Oakle
V. Cortese-Lee J. Cobb
R—Sept. 10—PG-1070
(84) Comedy 925
FATHER WAS A FULLBACK
Fred MacMurray-M. O'Hara
Bettv LjTm-Rudv Vallee
R— \ug. 20—PG-1064
Akim Tamiroff-F. Latlmore
R—Aug. 27—PG-ioee
(94) .Mystery 696|
TAKE ONE FALSE S1 EP
William Povvell-M. Hurt
8. Winters-James Gleaj on
R—June 4—PG-1041
(85) West-Dr 6
©CALAMITY JANE AND
SAM BASS
Yvonne DeCarlo-Howard Duff
R—June 11—PG-1044
m (113) Drama 82;
THE FOUNTAINHEAD
Gary Cooper-Patricia Neal
Raymond Massey-Kent Smith
K—June 25—PG-1048
(84) Coraedy-Drama 702 m (85) Comedy 831
Abbott and Costello Meet the ©IT'S A GREAT FEELING
Killer, Boris Karloff Dennis Morgan-Doris Day
R—Aug. 13—PG-1061 Jack Carson-Bill Goodwin
R—Julv 30—PG-1058
(92) Drama Tflf
ONCE MORE MY DARLING
Robert Montgomery-A. Blytb
lane Cowl
R—July 30— PG-1057
(51 (114) Com-Mys 901
WHITE HEAT
James Cagney-Virginla Mayo
Edmond O'Brien
R—Aug. 27—PG-1065
(81) Musical 705 51 (69) Drama 902
©Yes Sir, That's My Baby The House Across the Street
Donald O'Connor
Wayne Morris
Charles Coburn-G. DeHaven Janis Paige-Bruce Bennett
R— Aug. 20—PG-1064 R—Aug. 20—PG-1063
(85) Western 706
©The Gal Who Took the West
Yvonne DeCarlo
Charles Coburn
Scott Brady
(100) Actlon-Dr 709
SWORD IN THE DESERT
Dana .\ndrews-Marta Toren
Stephen McNally-H. French
R—Sept. 3—PO-1068
(79) Drama 707
ABANDONED
Dennis O'Keefe-M. Rambeau
Gale Storm
55 (116) War Drama 903
©TASK FORCE
Gary Cooper-Jane Wyatt
Wayne Morris-W. Brennan
R—Sept. 3—PG-loeS
ai (117) Drama 904
©UNDER CAPRICORN
Ingrid Bergm,in-J. Cotten
Michael Wilding
. . Drama
(104) Drama 70S
©Christopher Columbus
)
CHAIN LIGHTNING
Frederic March-F. L. Sullivan Humphrey Bogart
Florence Eldridge
Eleanor Parker
H (
FEATURE CHART
U
E
a.
2I
I
2
o
15 3a.
u
0£
o
<
REISSUES
(Cont'd)
Apr. [a («4) Mystery
Murders in the Rue Morgue
Beia Lugosl
Apr. [S (60) Mystery
THE RAVEN
Boris Karlotf
.May (S (63) Drama
IDOL OF THE CROWDS
May ga (86) Comedy
RIDE EM COWBOY
.May a (86) Comedy
KEEP EM FLYING
inly S (76) Drama
WHITE SAVAGE
July a (701 Drama
COBRA WOMAN
June 24 (85) Comedy
MOVIE CRAZY
Harold Llojd
.\iigust 1 (83) Drama
TABU
July [S (102) Musical 928
©THE WIZARD OF OZ
ludy Garland-Frank Morgan
June B (90) M'drama 4823
GERONIMO
Preston Foster-Ralph Morgan
June 551 (99) Drama 4822
Trail of the Lonesome Pine
F. MacMurray-S. Sidney
Mar. (96) Musical 878
YOU'RE A SWEETHEART
Alice Kaye-George Murpby
Mar. (89) Musical 795
THREE SMART GIRLS
Deanna Durbin-Ray Milland
Apr. (64) Drama 1058
SKI PATROL
Philip Dorn-Luli Deste
Apr. (58) Drama 1184
NORTH TO THE KLONDIKE
is. Crawford-Lon Chaney
June (73) Thriller 1279
Frankenstein Meets Wolfman
Bela Lugosi-Lon Chaney
June (65) Thriller 1317
THE MAO GHOUL
Turban Bey-Ekelyn Ankers
July (61) Drama 1135
MUTINY IN THE ARCTIC
Richard Arlen-Andy Devlne
July (61) Drama 1165
BOMBAY CLIPPER
Maria .Montez-Turhan Bey
Ian. iS (58) Western 873
FRONTIER PONY EXPRESS
Roy Rogers-Mary Hart
Feb. S (58) Western 874
SAGA OF DEATH VALLEY
Roy Rogers-Doris Day
May m (59) Western 875
RANGER AND THE LADY
Roy Rogers
May B (59) Western 876
COLORADO
Roy Rogers-Gabby Hayes
Feb. (99) Melodrama 948
THIS IS MY AFFAIR
.'ntiert T.aylor-B. Stanwyck
liar. (77) Drama 951
HANGOVER SQUARE
t.inda Darnell-George Sanders
Mar. (84) Mystery 952
(HE LODGER
Merle Oberon-G. Sanders
May (93) Drama 953
GUADALCANAL DIARY
Preston Foster
May (99) Drama 954
THE PURPLE HEART
Dana Andrews
lune (88) Drama 956
HOUSE ON 92nd STREET
Signe Hasso
June (103) Musical 955
MY GAL SAL
Rita Haywortb-Vlclor Mature
Jan. tS (121) Drama 598
GUEST IN THE HOUSE
.\nne Baxter-Ralph Bellamy
Jan. Q] (91) Mvs-M'dr 697
LADY OF BURLESQUE
Barbara Stan\iyck-M. O'Shea
Dec. nil (97) Drama 807
Ungels With Dirty Faces
lames Cagney-Pat O'Brien
Dec. EH (95) Melodrama 808
THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT
a. Raft.-A. Sheridan
Apr. a (134) M'drama 818
SERGEANT YORK
Gary Cooper-Joan Leslie
\pr. [g (77) Drama 819
CASTLE ON THE HUDSON
John Garfield-Ann Sheridan
.Tune SI (102) Drams 826
CASABLANCA
H. Bogart-I. Bergman
June H (85) M'drama 826
G-MEN
James Cagney-Ann Dvorak
OXOFFICE BookinGuide Sept. 17, 1949
11

.
.
7-17
. 9-16
SHORTS CHART
Short subjects, listed by company, in order of release. Running time iollows
title. First date is national release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: -H- Very Good.
+ Good, — Fair, — Poor, = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography.
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Ratim ttei'i
ASSORTED
COMEDIES
1432 He's in Again a&Zf)
1433 Miss in a Mess (1%)
1424 Radio Riot (16)
1425 Sunk in the Sink (16)
1434 Trapped by a Blonde
(I51/2) 4- 7
1435 Flung by a Fling (16).. 5-12
1426 Microspook (16) 6-9
1436 Clunked in the Clink (16) 7-13
1949-50 SEASON
2411 Waiting in the Lurch
(151/2) 9-8
CO' OP FAVORITES
(Technicolor Reissues)
1605 A Boy aiia His Dog (7). 1- 6 ±
1606 Soring Festival (8) 3-17 +
1607 Indian Serenade (8) 5- 5
1608 Two Lazy Crows (7) 7-13
1949-50 SEASON
2601 The Foxy Pup (7) 9- 1
COLOR RHAPSODIES
1503 Coo-Coo Bird Dog (6) ... 2- 3
1504 Grape Nutty (6) 4-14 1505 Cat-Tastrophy (6) 6-30 +
COMEDY FAVORITES
(Reissues)
1444 Nothinr But Pleasure
(17) 3-Sl +
1445 A Rookie's Cookie (17) 5-19
. .
1446Craiy Like a Fox (I8V2) 6-16
1949-50 SEASON
2431 Three Blonde Mice (16).. 9-29
COMMUNITY SINGS
16S3 No. 3 III Magic (91/2) .12-23
1664 No. 4 Bouquet of Rotes
(9

. No.
*»*[. "iGooi
r^t SI
1*1..
U +
a-
li) 1
117)
14
b«piM+i
*»m....
hffl
7-1!
«*m...M
•id).... Hi
BDOl COMED0
-
%I».H1+ " ^ ' (
1949 SERIES
-|D).,..tB
..HI +
H
TPAISQUES
."» SUSI
• msi .1>7
: SKUT5C0PES
1r r u-u
•r»;!i..,l!-l!+ !
>u +
(Mm n
I III
„„,,,, ,
59
ii
Ml 111,... I- 1 T
MM 1)1 1'S +
« W
J
20th Century-Fox
Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
1949 SERIES
01 Satisfied Saurians (9).... Mar. +
FEMININE WORLD
1949 SERIES
01 Talented Beauties (Vyvyan
Conner) (11) June +
MARCH OF TIME
1. 14. No. 15 Battle for
Germany (19) Oct.
1. 14, No. 16 America's New Air
Power (19) Nov.
1, 14, No. 17 Answer to Stalin
(19) Nov.
1. 14, No. IS Watchdogs of the
Mail (18) Dec.
1949 SERIES
I. IS, No. 1 On Stage (IS) Jan.
1.15, No. 2 Asia's New Voice
(18) Feb.
1. 15, No. 3 Wish You Were Here
+
+
++
H
+
+
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
©Portrait of the West (8) Oct.
. Dec. +
rfMffllM " H>©Way of the Padres (S) .
SlQLandscape of the Norse
(8) Jan.
Quaint Quebec (8) April
Golden Transvaal (S) May
Maine Sail (S) Aug.
is Realm of the Redwoods
(8) Sept.
ttAhoy, Davy Jones (11) Oct.
MOVIETONE SPECIALTY
11 Struggle for Survival (9) . . Feb. ff
12 The Hunter (S) Aug.
t3 Shadows in the Snow (9). .Sept.
MOVIETONE MELODIES
it I'll 'f )>! Charlie Barnet and His Band
^hlla (11) July
MOVIETONE
w,,i;i....u-n-
"l*lU)12-»
CBSIUIIQ
Wti. ii'« « '*
MM I"
...i-a
?*....«» +
•( MS +
^l!l-"5
IHftlHl
.J.5 +
OS -rir:
mQA"
I'**
NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
SPORTS
Football Finesse (10) Sept. +
Olympic Water Wizards
(9) Nov.
6 Yankee Ski-Doodle (9) Dec.
1949 SERIES
1 Foaled for Fame (10)... Feb.
2 Neptune's Playground
(8) April
"S:Cil|i3 Beauty and the Blade (9) . .May
4 Future Champs (9) July
,1.7 •
1.
,iiJL
BltllBl
1
3-12
7-23
++ 10-16
12- 4
1-29
3- 5
(IS)
Mar. 3-26
I. IS, No. 4 Report on the Atom
(20) Apr.
15, No. 5 Sweden Looks Ahead
(18) May H- 5-21
15, No. 6 It's in the Groove
(19) June 6-18
15, No. 7 Stop— Heavy Traffic!
(IS)
July
1. 15, No. S Farming Pays Off
(IS)
Aug.
L 15, No.9 Policeman's Holiday
(IS)
Sept. -H- 9-17
1- 8
2-12
+ ++
3-12
7- 2
7-30
+
+
+ TERRYTOONS
m
Auiutt
of Pearl Pnreheart (7) .Oct. . .
(Technicolor)
4 The Hard Boiled Egg (7). Sept
5 Mighty Mouse and the Mysterious
Stranger (7) Oct.
6 The Talking Magpies in Free
Enterprise (7) Oct.
7 Mighty Mouse in Triple
Trouble (7) Nov.
8 Talking Magpies in Out Again,
n
^ in Again (7) Nov.
"
9 Mighty Mouse in the Magic
Slippers (7) Dec.
Talking Magpies in
Goony Golfers (7) Dec.
1949 SERIES
LThe Wooden Indian (7)... Jan.
2 Talking Magpies in the Power
of Thought (7) ...... .Jan.
3 Mighty Mouse in the Racket
Buster (7) Feb.
tSourpuss in Dingbat Land
(7) Mar.
5 The Talking Magpies in the
Lion Hunt (7) Mar.
SThe Talking Magpies in the
Stowaways (7) Apr.
7 Mighty Mouse in a Cold
Romance (7) Apr.
1 The Kitten Sitter (7) May
I Hook, Line and Sinker
(7) (reissue) May
9 The Talking Magpies in
Happy Landing (7) June
) ! Catnip Capers (7) Reissue. June
"ighty Mouse in the Catnip
Gang (^7) June
The Talking Magpies in Hula
a Hula (7) July
),! >The Lyin' Lion (7) July
-.j I Mrs. Joiws' Rest Farm
! I Sourpust in the Cowed
; Pushcart (7) Sept.
I Trutkload of i A Trouble
(7) Oct
i Mighty Mouse in the Perils
3-12
8-14
3-12
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Dale Rating Rev'd
ANSWER MAN SERIES
3398 Home of the Icebero (8) 8-23 -f
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor— Reissues)
3325 Nutty Pine Cabin (7) Oct.
4321 Pantry
1948-49 SEASON
Panic (7) 11-22 +
4322 Hollywood Matador (7).. 12-13
4323 Mouse Trappers (7) . , , . 1-24
4324 Hams That Couldn't Be
Cured (7) 2-21
4325 The Screw Driver (7) 3.14
4326 Ace in the Hole (7) 4-4 -f
4327 Goodbye, Mr. Moth (7) . . 5- 2 -f
4328 Jukebox Jamboree (7) . . . 5-30 -|-
4329 The Loan Stranger (7) . . 6-27
4330 Dizzy Acrobat (7) 7-25 +
4331 Dizzy Kitty (7) S-22
4332 Cow Cow Boogie 9-19
(7) . . . .
4333 The Screwball (7) 10-17
MUSICAL WESTERNS
10-30
5-28
6-18
6-18
9- 3
2-12
5- 7
5-21
6-18
9- 3
Prod. No.
Warner Bros.
Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
SHORTS CHART

SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on the Current Short Subjects
Wild Bill Hickock
Columbia
(15-Episode Serial)
First episode 20 Mins. Others average 15 Mins.
Very good. A re-release of a popular serial
of several years back, this has excellent name
value today because William Elliott, the star,
has since become a top western star and is
now making action features for Republic. The
title, too, is a natural for youngsters and
action-minded fans. The opening episode,
"Law of the Gun," is a little slow in getting
the stoi-y under way but the second, "Stampede,"
is full of Indian action and stampeding
herds, and the others are equally exciting.
Monte Blue. Frankie Darro and the slowtalking
Roscoe Ates are other familiar players.
Sammy McKlm is natural as a young
deputy for Hickock.
Hollywood's Happy Homes
Columbia {Screen Snapshots) 10 Mins.
Very Good. As if to refute all the news
stories about Hollywood's high percentage of
divorces, this short shows some of the outstanding
examples of happy homes in the
movie colony. Eddie Cantor, his wife, Ida,
and their five girls are shown in an old film
strip and Bing Crosby and Dixie Lee, when
they had only one son; Bebe Daniels and
Ben Lyon and other oldtimers are also
glimpsed. More recent happy screen couples
include the Charles Starretts, Burns & Allen
and Gale Storm and Dorothy Lamour and
their husbands.
Policeman's Holiday
20th-Fox (March of Time) 19 Mins.
Very good. Dramatic and interesting issue
showing how Scotland Yard actually operates
in tracking down a killer. The title is derived
from the fact that the Yard's operations are
witnessed by a New York detective in London
for a holiday. As a matter of courtesy the
New Yorker is invited to observe the British
crime-busting agency at work.
Airline Glamour Girls
RKO (Screenliner) 9 Mins.
Good. An entertaining short revolving
around the training and duties of a typical
airplane hostess. Young girls will be especially
interested in the tale of a successful
office worker who Ijecomes bitten by the
hostess bug and starts on a round of studies,
beauty exercises, postui-e and makeup to fit
her for the job. A pretty young blond hostess
for TWA does a capable acting job in
the leading role.
RKO
Hoodoo
(This Is America)
17 Mins.
Good. Most patrons will be amazed to learn
how many Americans have their private superstitions.
Two centuries ago, it was natural
for people to believe in witches and secret
charms, but today enlightened folk still
are afraid of black cats, Friday, the 13th,
walking under ladders, etc. As an example,
few buildings have a 13th floor while hotel
guests would never sleep in a room numbered
"13" but they have no qualms about sleeping
in the same room if marked "12A." Many
firms make millions out of marketing rabbits'
feet, horseshoes and four-leaf clovers.
RKO
Rollinq Thrills
(Pathe Sportscope) 8 Mins.
Good. This Sportscope release packs action
and thrills into a review of a popular
sport, roller skating. An estimated 17,000,000
skaters indulge in roller hockey, the roller
derby or just plain sidewalk skating. The
derby has men's and women's teams each tak-
Ing over the floor for skating at breakneck
speed. The roller champions are also shown.
Bad or Putty-Tat
Warner Bros. (Merrie Melody) 7 Mins.
Fair. This illustrates that silliness isn't
always humor. Tweetie-Pie lives in a birdhouse
protected by barbed wire from Sylvester,
the cat. The latter resorts to various
devices to make a mouthful of the bird, such
as sawing down the birdhouse and making a
model of a female bird. Children may like it.
Down the Nile
Warner Bros. (Technicolor Special) 20 Mins.
Good. This is a travelog for tourist-minded
folk of scenes along the Egyptian river, from
the Congo regions to the Mediterranean.
Most of the emphasis is on relics of earlier
days, including the temples of Karnak, temple
of Rameses, the obelisks. King Tut's tomb,
the Sphinx and the pyramids, ^t ends with
scenes of the old and new in Cairo.
The Gray Hounded Hare
Warner Bros. (Bugs Bunny Special) 7 Mins.
Good. Real imagination and humor. Bugs
visits a dog track, gets infatuated with the
electrical rabbit and decides to save her from
the pursuing canines. He either knocks out
or outruns the pack, finally catches up with
the rabbit and kisses her. A violent short
circuit makes Bugs the center of an electrical
display.
Often an Orphan
Warner Bros. (Merrie Melody) 7 Mins.
Good. Charlie Dog needs a home and tries
to sell himself to farmer Porky Pig but isn't
very good at it, being> evicted repeatedly.
Finally, Porky tries a stunt that had been
worked on Charlie before—taking him off
for a picnic and then abandoning him—but
this time Charlie drives off, leaving Porky
by the roadside.
So You're Having In-Law
Trouble
(Joe McDoakes Comedy)
Warner Bros. 10 Mins.
Good. An always timely subject amusingly
put over by George O'Hanlon in the lead.
Relatives of both Joe and his wife arrive for
uninvited visits, bringing a yovmg vamp with
them. When they eat up all the food, break
furniture and begin fighting among themselves,
Joe orders them out. His wife goes,
too, but returns when she sees the vamp
making passes at Joe.
Sports New and Old
Warner Bros. (Sports Parade) 10 Mins.
Good. Sport-loving Americans will be interested
to see how enthusiastically the
Egyptians go in for the same kind of games
popular here. Among these, the fUm shows,
are tennis, volley ball, soccer, paddle tennis,
gymnastics, sailing, swimming, diving and
horse racing, all along the banks or on the
waters of the storied Nile.
Wafer Wizards
Warner Bros. (Sports Parade) 10 Mins.
Good. Underwater swimming beauties pass
the air hose around at Wickiwachee Springs,
Fla., clown around and then show their skill
in graceful swimming formations. The rest
of the reel is devoted to exciting shots of
aquaplaners and water skiiers, showing the
latest in the way of risky stimts on smooth
and rough surfaces.
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 72: New American Legion
commander; GAR's final encampment;
P.D.R. jr. takes a bride; Greek king sees successful
assault on guerillas; Naples water
fiesta; football training; vacation schooner.
News of the Day, No. 202: Greeks crush
Red guerillas; Legion elects World War II
"vet"; new bride for P.D.R. jr..; American
youth design new autos; Puero Rico's police
on alert; Notre Dame football starts '49 season;
pigskin stars visit Variety hospital.
Paramount News, No. 5: Football training;
fall shoe fashions; spotlight on the Balkans.
Universal News, No. 280: Craig heads American
Legion; Pandit Nehru on goodwill visit
to Tibet; German wagon; "Mrs. Dynamite";
girls baseball; Giants' training; Aquazanies.
Warner Pathe News, No. 7: F.D.R. jr.;
Gary Cooper; Legion officers; Bevin and
Cripps; GAR encampment; Santa's workshop;
Charleston fashions; football all-star
game.
•
Movietone News, No. 73: International
economies; President Truman on tour; fatal
crash marks national air race at Cleveland;
Miss America; twin convention; national tennis;
cold water marathon; channel swim.
News of the Day, No. 203: Parleys begin
British dollar conference; MacArthur confers
on Reds in Asia; Shirley May fails in
channel swim; tragedy mars air race; Miss
America preview parade; greatest tennis
match.
Paramount News, No. 6: Truman; Shirley
May France; Robeson concert erupts into
violence; big dollar question; British-U.S.-
Canada talks; tennis.
tJniversal News, No. 281: Dollar crisis;
whaling; Miss America; fire in Philadelphia;
Shirley May France; battle of Peekskill.
Warner Pathe New§- No. 8: Air racescrash;
the Camden killer; money conference;
Miss America; Shirley May France; men's
tennis.
•
All American News, No. 360: Virginia Union
imiversity students on sightseeing tour in
Paris; unique class for children with weak
eyesight at the Baker school in Richmond;
Harlem "Y" youngsters spend day in Palisades
park in New Jersey; George Watson,
theatre manager of Lexington, Ky., is amateur
radio operator; air base in Lockbourne,
Ohio, boa'sts four green card honor men;
American Legion parade in Philadelphia.
Telenews Digest, No. 36A: Yugoslavia—war
of nerves; Turkey—search for Noah's Ark;
Japan—Undersecretary of War Tracy Voorhees
calls on Japan's supreme occupation
commander; Brooklyn Red Cross headquarters—three-year-old
Susan Giardina celebrates
her birthday; New York—the Aero
Medical Ass'n demonstrates new Arctic survival
gear; marines test battle tactics.
Telenews Digest, No. 36B: Peekskill—Robeson
concert starts riot; Cleveland—Odom
killed in plane crash; Washington—economic
conference; Italy—miniature war; Washington-President
Truman returns to Washington;
California—naval midshipmen on summer
training mission inspect new aircraft
for the fleet; Mexico—Diego Rivera, shown
at work in liis secluded Mexican studio.
r
11
14
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Sept. 17, 1949

^Opinions on Current Productions; fxp/o/f/ps for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
The Heiress
Paramount (- -) lis Minutes Rel.
Olivia DeHavilland, who won an Academy award in 1946
for "To Each His Own," will be a strong contender for the
coveted "Oscar" for 1949 because of her superbly sensitive
portrayal of the shy, plain girl who falls in love with a penniless
fortune-hunter. Another Academy award winner, William
Wyler, produced as well as dy-ected and has faithfully
recreated the somber mood of this powerful tale of heartbreak
and poignant romance in the Washington Square of 100
years ago. The picture will have a tremendous appeal to
women fans and, while the action may occasionally be too
slow-moving for male patrons, they cannot fail to be impressed
by the many dramatic highlights. The fame of the
stage play will create advance interest in key cities and the
name draw of the three stars will insure strong grosses in
all except action houses.
Olivia DeHavilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson,
Miriam Hopkins, Vanessa Brown, Ray Collins.
Song of Surreflder
Paramount (4904)
92 Minutes
F
TP
Drama
Rel. Oct. 28, '49
Against a background which sketches the morals, the
prejudices and the atmosphere—and which gives an impression
of unusual authenticity—of New England at the turn of
the century is projected a love story which is remarkable for
its tenderness and the delicacy with which it is told. Showmen
will recognize at a glance that such qualifications add up
to what the trade calls a woman's picture, which is more
or less synonymous with a money picture. The extremely
critical may decide that the film's early sequences move too
slowly, because much footage is devoted to the painting of
backgrounds and characterizations, but such leisurely pace
is more than compensated by the last half, when the performances
by the trio of topliners are given a chance to take
full advantage of the script's dramatic impact, and Mitchell
Leisen's sensitive direction brings the yarn to its engrossing
and emotional climax.
Wanda Hendrix, Claude Rains, Macdonald Carey, Andrea
King. Henry Hull, Elizabeth Patterson. Art Smith.
The Great Lover
F
Comedy
Paramount (4909) 80 Minutes Rel. Dec. 28, '49
Several cuts below the high standards established by his
recent pictures, this Bob Hope starrer makes it necessary for
the comedian to enlist all of his sizable bag of tricks to generate
its too-few and too-scattered moments of humor, which
at no time reach the dialog-drowning hilarity normally associated
with his screen appearances. Doubtlessly Hope's
popularity will provide enough business to establish the picture
as a profitable booking venture, but even the most
devout of his followers are apt to opine that it is far from his
best. The screenplay—and there's the rub—specializes in
gags—albeit many of them fail to jell. Hope is a newspaperman
escorting a troupe of youngsters (a burlesque of Boy
Scouts) on a European tour, on the return from which he gets
himself involved with a card-sharp murderer and a romance
with a duchess. Directed by Alexander Hall.
Bob Hope, Rhonda Fleming, Roland Young, Roland Culver,
Richard Lyon. Gary Gray, Jerry Hunter.
In, ti cent
cost
~5unt^
theatrf
Under Capricorn F a.°"Zor)
Warner Bros. (904) 117 Minutes Rel. Oct. 8. '49
The celebrated Hitchcock touch endows this unusual entry
wi;h m.oments of high drama, suspense and engrossment
and, of course, the inevitable shock sequence which is that
veteran director s stock in trade. Those elements, bolstered
by the brilliancy of the topline stars, the appeal of Technicolor
and other lush productional trappings,* should generate
enough appeal to account for highly satisfactory bookings
in first run and moveover situations. lust what kind of wordol-mouth
reaction it can expect to help subsequent showings
probably will depend upon individual tastes. Many
may adjudge the picture overlong and there undoubtedly
will be some objections to its mid-Victorian theatrical approach.
But additional assets may be found in its locale and
era—meticulously ensnared in a story of life and love in
Australia when its citizenry was largely ex-convicts, during
the early 19th century. Alfred Hitchcock directed.
Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, Michael Wilding, Margaret
Leighton. Cecil Parker, Denis O'Dea, Jack Watling.
Post Office Investigator
F
Action
Drama
Republic (815) 60 Minutes Rel. Sept. 10, '49
Republic seems to have found a successful formula for
turning out action programmers with a realistic, documentary
flavor. Like the recent "Flaming Fury," which dealt with
the arson squad, this shows the activities of post office inspectors
in tracing criminals who use the mails for illegal
purposes. While name value is mild, the picture will make a
strong supporting feature for the average dual bill. Under
George Blair's able direction, the film has a minimum of
contrived story twists and the romantic angle is only brought
in near the close. The climax has both suspense and excitement.
Audrey Long is attractive and convincing as a coldblooded
accomplice of a master thief who deals in stolen
rare stamps and Warren Douglas does a good acting job
as the likable young mailman who unwittingly helps her
double-cross her confederate. Marcel Journet is outstanding
as the suave stamp criminal.
Audrey Long, Warren Douglas, JeH Donnell, Marcel Journet,
Dodd, Vera Marshe, Richard Benedict.
Jitiunie
The Fighting Kentuckian
F
Historical
Drama
Republic ( ) 100 Minutes Rel.
Purportedly based on an obscure page from American
history, this specializes in incidents, and although many of
them are entertaining and action-laden the screenplay which
weaves them together is so patently contrived, meandering
and unconvincing that the highlights lose much of their effectiveness.
The fact, however, that John Wayne currently is hotter
than a bandit s pistol at the boxoffice should in itself be
sufficiently potent to assure the offering a fair measure of
financial success; but it appears unlikely that reactions of
initial spectators will add to the film's popularity. Localed in
Alabama and concerning the settlement there of followers
of Napoleon, exiled because of their loyalty to the emperor,
the plot is built around a romance between a refugee gentlewoman
and a Kentucky frontiersman. Wayne's performance
is as good as his material permits, but even he cannot
hurdle literary shortcomings. Directed by George Waggner.
John Wayne, Vera Ralston, Philip Dorn, Oliver Hardy, Marie
Windsor, John Howard, Hugo Haas, Grant Withers.
Barbary Pirate
Columbia (212) 64 Minutes Rel.
F
Adventure
Drama
This uses one of the dramatic incidents of history, the
determined resistance of the new and weak United States to
the tribute paid to that pirate-de-luxe, the Bey of Tripoli, by
its merchant ships. While done in melodramatic fashion and
without the use of name stars, it is a good lower half entry
and has angles which will be useful for exploitation. The
fiction which ties the historical facts together uses a romance
between an officer, disguised for spying purposes as a traitor,
and the sister of an ardent patriot on one of the boats captured
by the Bey. While they are held in prison, the "traitor"
becomes a trusted (well, more or less) employe of the Bey
and with the help of a servant girl connected with an underground
movement, exposes the U.S. official who has been
sending information to the Bey enabling him to know when
every ship sailed. Lew Landers directed.
Donald Woods, Trudy Marshall, Lenore Aubert, Steian Schnabel,
Ross Ford, John Dehner, Matthew Boultan.
1072 BOXOFTICE
V,
be
Arctic Manhunt
Univ.-Int'l (695)
69 Minutes
F
Rel. May '49
The Arctic backgrounds and the life and customs of an
Eskimo community aie more interesting than the melodramatic
chase sequences of this modest-budget programmer.
The picture lends itself to exploitation in action houses but,
because it lacks marquee value, it will otherwise be relegated
to the supporting spot in neighborhood duals. The
story, which seems dragged in to pad out the striking scenes
made on the Arctic tundra, is
contains only a few dialog sequences. It deals with a young
criminal who completes a prison term for his part in a $250,-
000 robbery and then flees to Alaska with the hidden loot.
He loses his money in the snow but finds temporary happiness
by aiding the simple Eskimos before the insurance
investigators catch up with him. Carol Thurston gives a
narrated by Russ Conway and
refreshing performance as an educated Eskimo girl. Ewing
Scott directed.
Mikel Conrad, Carol Thurston, Wally Cassell, Harry Harvey,
Helen Brown, Paul E. Burns, Jack George, Quianna.
September 17, 1949 1071

. . . The
. . Here's
. . Seeking
. . Searing
. . And
. . Where
. With
. . With
. . Tender
. . The
. . Over
. .
. .
. .
, . . Love
. . . Swashbuckling
, . The
. . Bob
. . The
. . Olivia
. . Swamping
. . And
. . That
. . Adventure,
. . The
. . He's
EXPLOITIPS
Suggestions for Selling; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES:
"Under Capricorn"
SELLING ANGLES:
"The Heiress"
Contact local distributors of astrology magazines and arrange
to snipe covers with copy such as: "Interested in
astrology? Then don't foil to see what happens to a woman
born 'Under Capricorn.' " Tieups are indicated with bookstores
and libraries on the novel by Helen Simpson on which
the film was based. In view of her recent headline-snatching
activities, Ingrid Bergman's name should be liberally
splashed around your marquee and lobby. Offer free admission
to the first ten persons who can prove they were born
"Under Capricorn."
CATCHLINES:
Ingrid
.
. . . It's Ingrid
Alfred Hitchcock's Greatest Dramatic Triumph . . .
Bergman's Most Sensational Screen Romance . . . The Tense,
Unforgettable Drama of Australia a Century Ago . . . The
Land Down Under . Men Went to Forget.
You May Love Henrietta
Bergman
You May Hate Henrietta . . .
But You'll Never Forget Henrietta
.
in Her Most Masterful Portrayal . . . Gay
Deadly . to Rule ... Or Ruin.
.
. .
nale
ChL
Compare OJivia DeHavilland's portrayal of "The Heiress"
to her Academy award winning role in "To Each Her Own"
and last year's "The Snake Pit." Play up Montgomery Clifi,
who rose to fame in only two previous pictures, and Miriam
Hopkins, in her return to films after a six-year absence. The
stage play had a year's run on Broadway and toured the
country. Arrange bookstore tieups for window displays of
Henry James' "Washington Square," from which this was
adapted.
CATCHLINES:
A Powerful Stage Play Becomes a Greater Motion Picture
and Hate Behind the Bolted Doors of a Washington
Square Mansion . DeHavilland Gives Another
Portrayal of
Academy Award Caliber.
A Truly Great Motion Picture With the Dramatic Portrayal
of the Year . Poignancy of DeHavilland, the Romanticism
of Clift, the Dramatic Power of Richardson in a Heart-
Rending Tale . . . What Was the Secret of the Bolted Door?
SELLING ANGLES: "Post Office Investigator"
Audrey Long and Warren Douglas recently starred in
another Republic feature, "Homicide for Three." Use "Wanted"
window cards with photos of Miss Long and copy pertaining
to the picture at your theatre. As the picture deals with collectors
of rare stamps, contact local philatelist groups for
displays of rare stamps and invite leading stamp experts to
the first showing. Jeff Donnell was a Columbia contract
player, appearing in leading roles in a dozen features.
CATCHLINES:
Thrilling Entertainment Based on Facts from Official Files
True Story About the Unsung Heroes of the Post
Office Department ... A Postman's Life Seems Like a Routine
Affair—Until He Becomes Involved in a Game of Murder and
Grand Larceny.
A Young Postman Falls for a Lovely Girl and Becomes.
Involved in Grand Larceny and Double Cross . Thrill
Story About the Men You Never See or Hear About But Who
Keep a Constant Vigil Over the Mails.
SELLING ANGLES: "Song of Surrender"
Exploit the December-and-May romantic motif with a newspaper
contest on "Why Older Men Make the Best Husbands"
or something similar in subject matter. Award a special
prize to the. married couple in your community which boasts
the greatest difference in age between husband and wife.
The title could be tied into displays of perfume and cosmetics,
and could also be the basis for an amateur song-writing
contest, with a local disk jockey, music teacher or orchestra
leader as the judge.
CATCHLINES:
An Emotional Milestone Compelling Story of a
Young and Beautiful
Husband Much Older .
.
Torn Between Loyalty to a
. . .
Love for a Young, Handsome
Girl
and Wealthy Suitor.
The Screen Brings All Its Genius ... To the Most Gripping
Love Story That Ever Haunted Three Hearts ... So Tender
The
in Its Telling ... So Rich in Its Remembrance
Kind of Movie the
. . .
Whole World Has Been Asking For
The Kind of Picture You'll Never Forget.
SELLING ANGLES:
"The Fighting Kentuckian"
SELLING ANGLES:
"The Great Lover"
For your lobby centerpiece prepare a large compo-hoard
map of the Alabama territory which is the locale for the film
and illustrate it with suitable action stills. Stage a "Kenlucky"
night for residents of your community who hail from
that state. Stimulate the interest of school children, particularly
those studying American history, through displays on
bulletin boards. Award inexpensive prizes for the best "reviews"
wriiten by students, and use some of them as a part
of your advertising-exploitation campaign.
Try for tieups with men's shops, slanting copy to read:
"Bob Hope Says You, Too, Can Be a 'Great Lover'—In That
Nev/ Made-to-Measure Gabardine Suit." Get local high
schools to launch a "Great Lover" popularity contest. Use
suitable stills from the picture for a chuckle-provoking "Lessons
in Love" layout, perhaps as a shadow-box display in
your lobby. Another possible lobby layout: Stills of Valentino,
Barrymore, John Gilbert and others of filmdom's "great
lovers," topped by comedy shots of Hope in his new picture.
CATCHLINES:
One Kiss From Her Lips . . . Set a Whole Territory Aflame
Action Galore . the Fabulous Fighting
Kentuckians
. Romance Aplenty . the Screen's
Most Exciting Soldier of Fortune.
CATCHLINES:
. . . . That
. a
Those Boudoir Eyes Reckless Nose
Fighting Chin .
Rock You Right
. It's All
Out of
Hope—and
That Chair .
Smile Wide . . . He'll
a One-Man Riot
... In the Rib-Wrecker of the Year.
An Unforgettable Saga of Gold, Vengeance and Glory .
. .
Of One Man Among Men ... Of One Love Among Loves
... As History's Boldest Adventurers Go on the March .
Toward a New Ehipire.
More Guffaws Than "The Paleface" . . . Funnier Than
"Sorrowful Jones" . the Screen With Waves
of Laughter . Hope Will Convulse You as a Cut-Rate
Casanova . . . It's Almost More Than Human Ribs Can Stand.
SELLING ANGLES: "Arctic Manhunt"
This can be exploited with inexpensive stunts such as a
doorman or cashier dressed in fur outfits complete with
parkas or a walking ballyhoo man dressed in an Eskimo
outfit passing out handbills. Simulated blocks of ice made
of beaverboard around the boxoffice or theatre front will
attract a'.tention. Give guest tickets to the patrons who can
name the most songs suitable for an Arctic climate, such as
"Baby, It's Cold Outside," "Button Up Your Overcoat," etc.
CATCHLINES:
Roaring Adventure Drama of the North . Six
Months Filming in the Rugged Alaskan Wastelands .
Through 1,000 Trackless Miles of Danger—With a Fortune
in His Hands and a Price On His Head.
.
He Could Break Every Law But the Untamed Law of the
North Whips! Roaring Gunsl Savage Animalsl
Untamed Natives! . . . Vengeful Guns Behind Him, 1,000
Frozen Miles of Fury Ahead . . The Mighty North Roars
With a
Savage Story.
anv
; wa
ski
sky
SELLING ANGLES:
"Barbary Pirate"
Since this has historical interest, offer a prize for the best
essay on that period of American history when the Barbary
pirates were defied. Use a pirate display in the lobby, flying
the "black flag" over the theatre while the show is playing.
Another prize stunt might.be used in having the most famous
pirates named by contestants, the longest list winning a
ticket prize. Ask libraries and bookstores to cooperate with
displays of histories marked at the incident of Barbary
pirates, and of books dealing with pirates in general.
CATCHLINES:
The Man Who Made Merchants Pay Tribute From Every
Country but One—the Youngest and the Weakest Defied Him
Pirates, Grim Heroes, and Romance on
the High Seas . "Traitor" Who Caught a Real Traitor
by Posing as One Himself.
The Pirate Who Filled a Prison With Merchant Seamen and
His Coffers With Gold . Romance and Intrigue
on Land and Sea Taken From the Pages of American History
Action and Romance in a Historical Setting of
. . . Oriental Splendor.

'
and
I house
. $3
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:-.3!ls
; A
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-r.aiig
. :;.!ilia
.I'lJj
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r
ATES: 10c per word, minimum $1.00, cash with copy. Four insertions for price of three.
LOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to
Box Numbers to BOXOFTICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. •
HELP WANTED
Wanted: Franchise agents to bundle sure-fire
[ven Game for Drive-In Theatres. Contact
jilenge Money." Box 336, Cambridge, Ohio.
Lecturer for social hygiene Him and sell books.
ate qiialirications. Box 815. Boxoffice. 9
ickefel.er Plaza, New York Clly.
Wanted : Projectionist. $35 week Write, wire
iz Theatre, Cameron, Mo.
Specialty salesman with car to travel and sell
ition picture advertising to merchants. Live
re can earn $200 to $250 commission per week,
itt' Nationwide Theatre Service, 540 S. Dearn,
Chicago.
Drive-in theatre manager. First class. l.OOO-car
ive-ln to be opened May 1, 1950. Stnte com-
;te work lilslory, educational bacligroiind. qiiallalions,
references, sa.ary desired. Submit recent
otograpli. Brocliton Drive-ln Tiieatre Corp.,
IX C02, Brocliton. Mass.
IManager, Arkansas town. State experience, salfull
particulars. Wren Theatres. 118 W.
-'ond. Liltle Rock. Ark.
Jperator Wanted: Prefer G.I. not over 5'6"
with some experience, eligible for training
gram. Others considered. Iowa. Boxoffice.
15.
POSITIONS WANTED
\ change is in order! If you need a young,
rcssive manager, who has five years experience
first and second run houses. Now managing
theatres. Good on advertising, exploitation
management. Single, will go anywhere.
Ifornia, Illinois or Wisconsin preferred. Boxre.
3461.
;Vojectionist, 8 .years experience, 25 years old,
I take permament job anywhere. Married; refices;
available at once. Harold Fansler, 117
leka Blvd., Topeka, Kas.
Iperator, 15 years experience all types booth
lipment. Also capable of managing small thea-
Bnxoffice. 3586.
/ouiig man, 25, wants opportunity as assistant
ager to learn theatre business. Background;
ege, theatre staff. References. Write Boxce,
3587.
TICKET REGISTERS
lur factory rebuilt two unit ticket machines, ofd
at $109.50; three tmit. $269.50, guaranteed
? two years. Beautifully modernized like new.
e deals and trades made. Ticket Register Indus-
3, 30 E. Adams St., Chicago 3.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
omJc books again available as premiums, give-
's at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest
iige newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co.,
B Greenwich St., New York City.
Jiingo with more action. $2.75 thousand cards,
other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bed-
Ave.. Brooklyn, N. Y.
[ heatre M anagers : Something new ! Dartaway.
'iiime of skill, legal in any state. Terms realible.
Pack your theatre. No theatre too big
Itoo smaK. For information, write or call
Inie Stcpina. Aztec Theatre. Shawnee, Kas.
ingo die-cut cards, two colors, 75 or 100 numper
M. Bingo Screen Dial, $30. Premium
iucts. 354 W. 4-lth St., New York 18.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
[or Sale: Popcorn Processing Plant! Am offer-
\my poiicom prncps

Jdantf^
^AiaLtuUed Jdeadzn^iUip,
RENDERING
GREAT SERVICE
TO THE ENTIRE
MOTION PICTURE
INDUSTRY
Ho'H in
Preparation:
The MODEM THEME "RED BOOK''
Distributed in November as a section of BOXOFFICE —
for 30 years "The Pulse of the Motion Picture Industry."
THE most widely-used theatreman's reference
book and buyers' guide. With its essential
information it is consulted the year around. The
RED BOOK, with greatly expanded editorial departments,
reviews the important developments
of the past year and charts significant trends—for
all phases of theatre operation, including design,
construction, equipment, maintenance, refreshment
merchandising and drive-in operation.
IT
CONTAINS "The Key to Better Buying," the
most complete classified product-service directory
in the field. This directory, bound in its own
durable cover, is cross-indexed to local supply
sources and contains also a trade-name reference
section plus other valuable data. With its yeararound
usage it offers an unexcelled medium for
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regular Modern Theatre rates apply. Mo/ce your
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Goes to All BOXOFFICE Subscribers — More than 23,000 Net Paid
^ Issued NOVEMBER 19, Forms Close Oct. 10 -k
J-ke /UiiUe oj. tkeyl^Latlffn /UlctiLtec^^iiJiiidtu
^4^1/L^ IN
THE FIELD by every standard of measurement
Circulation • Editorial Quality * Advertising Volume • Njmber of Exclusive Advertisers • Number of Agency Accounts
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ILL.
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