Boxoffice-December.24.1949

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000 

JJvi rlaumi uctwie. 

Paramount Creates New 

Chicago Clearance Plan 

Page 8 

Big Circuits Are Placed 

Under NLRB Jurisdiction 

Page 10 

Films Reach 

COVER STORY: 13 

Hit Class During Fall Quarter 

Page 18 

•! 

162% 

137% 

136% 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

Including thi SKtional Newi Pigo o( All Editions 

DFCFMRFT? UI.'^'t^mDC.a. 94 ^1, 13^3 IQdt) 

Entered u second-cUss matter «i the Post Office 

.t K.II9U Clt>. Mo„ under the jct of Mwrti 3, 1S79.

OKAY BOYS, TAKE THE 

BOWS, BUT THE NEXT 

ACT IS GOOD TOO r 

Those two smart performers ''BATTLE- 

GROUND" and 'ADAM'S RIB 

' 

rate the cheers and huzzahs! 

But there's a very cute number 

waiting in the wings with whom 

those record-busting boys are going 

to have to share the lime-light! 

Yes, indeed, the kid's a honey! 

definitely 

(Continued)

It 

o^^ 

SSTw 

To^: 

She's breaking in her act at Radio 

City Music Hall and in the first 4 

days she set an all-time non-holiday 

record. 

Saturday and Sunday grosses 

are highest in M-G-M records. 

And this 

is 

the pre-holiday lull! 

Isn't it 

interesting that M-G-Musicals 

have set a standard for the industry. 

The folks know that those Technicolor 

glamor shows from M-G-M are tops, as 

for instance "Take Me Out To The Ball Game," 

'In The Good Old Summertime," "Barkleys of 

Broadway," just to mention a few. 

"ON THE TOWN" is 

Happy Holidays because it's 

Leo's way of saying 

chockful of 

joy and a foretaste of the happiness 

waiting for you with "M-G-M Nifty in 1950"!

WARN 

^ 

MONTANA KRomYNNiSExis smith Es5 

CHAIN LIGHTNING BOGARTT^JKiTER 

-t^f 

YOUNG MAN WITH A HORN 

KIRK DOUGLAS « LAUREN BACALL DORIS DAY ., 

_ GARY LAUREN PATRICIA JACK S 

BRIGHT LEAF cooper ^BACALL^j^L^CARSor^ 

4 DAUGHTER OF ROSIEO^GRADY 1 

^ 

JUNE HAVER ^ GORDON M^^RAE [i!S"'^.colo»| ^ ^ ,|| 

GLASS MEHAGER« ^-..BouoL.w.w.K. 

;C 

Happy l956_WaMBr Bros, art

' 

We'ere celebrating completion 

ofthe most powerful product 

ever released in succession 

by this or any other company 

A/e're^ceJetrating the mightiest 

'-Strength ever 

by this or 

amassed 

other company! 

^^^ 

MARLENE DIETRICH RIRK DOUGLAS ^'^l 

BETSY DRAKE ERROL FLYNNJUNE HAVER 

JENNIFER JONES LOUIS JOURDAN 

* 

DANNY KAYE BURT LANCASTER 

'^ 

GERTRUDE lAWftENCE LAWRENCE CORDON M«RA£ 

WWNO MASSES 

mmiAMm 

OmiS MORGAN 

pmm HEki 

mnoR PArna 

^ 

GKmY PECK 

ftONALD 

* 

scon 

"^W .^^' 

feared to QQ as never before.

I 

^ 

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

PDBIISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS 

BEN SHLYEN 

Editor-in-Chief and Publisher 

JAMES M. JERAULD -...Editor 

NATHAN COHEN Executive Editor 

JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor 

IVAN SPEAR Western Editor 

KENNETH HUDNALL-.Equipment Editor 

RAYMOND LEVY.....General Manager 

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WO 2-0457. 

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NEW HAVEN^12 Church St., Gertrude Lander. 

NEWARK, N. J 

—207 Sumner, Sara Carleton. 

NEW ORLEANS— Frances Jackson, 218 So. Liberty. 

OKLAHOMA CITY—216 Terminal Bldg., Polly Trindle. 

OMAHA—Omaha World-Herald Bldg., 

Lou Gerdes. 

PHILADELPHIA—5363 Berks Si., Norman Shjgon. 

PITTSBURGH—86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith. 

PORTLAND, ORE.—Edward Cogcm, Nortonia Hotel, 

11th and Stark. 

PROVIDENCE—519 Howard Bldg., G. Fre

' 

; bookings 

I 

I 

buyer 

: a 

1 1949, 

I 

' 

on 

ing the tax imposed by the city of St. Petersburg, goes the credit 

for the victory won. Our congratulations for this fine example of 

teamworki 

''Duty and Privilege" 

This is the season of the year when the spirit of goodwill 

permeates the atmosphere around us, when tolerance and understanding 

displace their antonyms. It is fitting, therefore, that 

the amusements division of the National Conference of Christians 

and Jews should lay its plans for the aimual Brotherhood 

Week campaign, which is to begin February 17. 

The motion picture industry has given great assistance to 

; this worthy movement for many years. Aside from financial 

contributions, it has given that which money cannot buy: time 

its theatre screens, displays in lobbies; talks from stages 

and at other public and private gatherings; and a spirit of 

good-fellowship—and brotherhood—that little by little has been 

extending the interest in this movement aroiuid the world. 

J. Robert Rubin, of Loew's, has been an inspirational guiding 

hand in the industry's participation for a long time. In 

he was ably aided by Ned Depinet, of REO, who, as 

chairman, administered the increase of more than 50 per cent 

in collections for the year. For 1950, Ted Gamble will be national 

chairman of the amusements division. 

Mr. Gamble accepted the chairmanship conferred upon 

him by declaring that he did so as a "duty and privilege." 

That it is for all of us who con and should participate. 

High Mark of Goodwill 

Leo, the lion, roared from 20,500 U. S. theatre screens at 

least once in observation of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's twentyfifth 

anniversary this year. This represents the total number of 

theatres in operation up to August 31, which, we are advised 

by William F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales manager 

of MGM, comprises 19,300 indoor and 1,200 outdoor 

theatres. 

Something considerably more than a record number of 

is contained in the above facts and figures. Such 

100 per cent participation in an anniversary celebration is rare, 

indeed, and it betokens a high mark of goodwill between 

and seller in this industry. It further evidences as great 

tribute as any sales manager can want for his company's 

sales policies and, as well, for the abilities of his salesmen and 

customer regard for them. In Mr. Rodgers' own words, "This is 

a salesman's dream come true." And, he adds, "Of course this 

would not be possible without the perfectly grand cooperation 

of both regular customers and those who caimol regularly play 

our product. We certainly are deeply appreciative." 

Congratulations, Leo, on the fine examples you have shown 

that cooperation and teamwork can attain the very maximum 

of good results! 

(2.^ 

Arizona Paramount Corp. 

Is Set As New Chain 

Replaces Paramount Nace Theatres, Inc., 

as operator of ten theatres in Phoenix and 

Tucson; George M. Aurelius will supervise, 

headquartering in Phoenix. 

United Paramount to Build 

New Chattanooga Theatre 

Government grants circuit permission to 

construct or acquire new house to replace the 

Bijou, which burned down in 1943; first such 

order under consent decree. 

Three Percentage Suits 

Filed in New Orleans 

William A. Lighter jr., individually and doing 

business as Southeastern Theatres Co., is 

the defendant in separate complaints by 

RKO, Universal and Loew's. 

* 

WMGM Deal to Buy Mutual 

Network 'Falls Through' 

Negotiations between the Loew's-owned 

radio station and MBS are definitely off. 

according to Bertram Lebahr jr., WMGM 

director, and Frank White, Mutual president. 

Louis B. Mayer Is Honored 

By Jewish War Veterans 

To receive 1950 "Gold Medal of Merit" 

for 25 years of contributions to the "worldwide 

dissemination of American principles 

and ideals through the medium of the 

American motion picture." 

British Labor Goverrunent 

Planning Film Policies 

Official statement by member of Pi-ime 

Minister Clement Attlee's cabinet due early in 

1950, Harold Wilson, Board of Trade president, 

tells National Film Production Council 

at December 21 meeting. 

»< 

U.S. Investment Company 

May Lend to British 

Schroder Rockefeller & Co. is considering 

financial support of future J. Arthur Rank 

and Sir Alexander Korda productions in 

Britain and on the European continent. 

Indonesia and Germany Rated 

As Top U.S. Film Markets 

Samuel Burger, Loew's Infl sales manager, 

says these countries wiU join Italy as best 

field for Hollj-wood product: says Loew's 

plans theatres in Israel. 

Bank of England Approves 

$500,000 B-Pool Payment 

This amount represents U.S. distributors' 

share from earnings of British films in this 

country; brings year's total to million; division 

of fimd still controversial within distributor 

groups.

PARAMOUNTS CHICAGO PLAN 

PUTS FILMS ON A BID BASIS 

B&K Must Now Compete 

For Product in 16 

Sales Districts 

CHICAGO—A new Chicago releasing 

plan wiU be introduced in this area on January 

1 by Paramount, as a result of the 

consent decree, and Balaban & Katz theatres 

for the first time since they became 

affiliates of the producing-distributing 

company will not hold exclusive rights to 

first run Paramount pictures. 

Paramount has divided the Chicago area 

into 16 districts, with bidding one of the big 

factors in the manner in which product will 

be sold. Balaban & Katz theatres will hereafter 

not only compete for Paramount product 

in its showcase Loop theatres but will be 

required to compete for first subsequent runs 

in each of the 15 other districts in which it 

has theatres. 

EXCLUSIVE LOOP RUN 

Loop theatres will have an exclusive first 

run for an area which includes Hammond 

and Gary, Ind., but thereafter there will be 

bidding for first nms in each district. 

There is great interest in the plan here, not 

only because for the first time Balaban & 

Katz will be competing for Paramount product, 

but also because the plan may set the 

pattern for product of other companies in 

which production and distribution are being 

divorced from exhibition. 

Under the plan, the Loop area will have 13 

theatres and all may bid if they desire for 

Paramount pictures, and it is expected that 

both the Oriental Theatre which is an Essaness 

house and the Chicago Theatre which 

is the B&K flagship will become the principal 

bidders for the product. A theatre which 

loses a bid, however, does not lose the right 

to play the picture later. Paramount also 

The Chicago area as divided into sales 

districts by Paramount nnder new plan. 

Text of Paramount's 

Paramount's Chicago releasing plan as 

outlined in a letter sent to all exhibitors 

in the area this week follow: 

Beginning with the first Loop run of "The 

Heiress" and the first outlying runs of "The 

Great Lover," Paramount releases will be offered 

to you in the following manner: 

The cities of Cliicago, Gary, Hammond, and 

their suburbs, including all of that area which 

Paramount has referred to as its Chicago city 

releasmg area, have been divided into 16 

Paramount districts, each having a compass 

and numerical designation. 

A single first run in the above-described 

areas will be offered to one theatre in the 

Paramount district Loop. In this district, one 

second run, and multiple third, fourth and 

subsequent runs will be offered. In each of 

the other Paramoimt districts, there will be, 

generally, one first outlying run, and multiple 

second, thiid, fourth and subsequent runs. 

We hope to achieve by this plan a method 

that will prove to be the best possible diswill 

offer pictures for one second run and 

multiple third, fourth and subsequent runs. 

Losers on the first run in this district as well 

as in others may bid or negotiate for later 

runs. 

One effect of the new system will be to permit 

Balaban & Katz to get longer runs on 

pictures they are able to buy. Under the 

Jaclcson Parle decree they have been limited 

to two weeks on Loop pictures, unless the 

court granted special consent for a longer 

run. This has been a financial handicap to 

the circuit and, in the case of Paramount, has 

limited Loop earnings for its product booked 

into the Chicago Theatre. 

In a letter sent to all exhibitors in the area, 

Chicago Plan 

tribution procedure, and one which we believe 

will satisfactorily serve our customers 

and the public. 

We will invite competitive offers from all 

of the theatres in Paramount district Loop 

for the one first run in the entire Chicago 

city releasing aiea. We will also invite competitive 

offers from all of the theatres in 

each of the other Paramount districts for the 

one first outlying run which we will offer 

generally in each district. We will accept that 

offer from a theatre in each Paramount district 

which we ijelieve will result in our 

obtaining the greatest film rental. We reserve 

the right to reject any or all offers for 

any run if the offers, in our opinion, do not 

provide a fair and reasonable film rental for 

the run to be licensed. 

FOR REASONABLE CLEARANCE 

If all of the offers are deemed to be inadequate, 

or if no offer is received, we will 

then negotiate with a theatre or theatres 

according to our best judgment. 

In inviting competitive offers, and in negotiating, 

in Paramount district Loop, we shall 

consider requests for reasonable and necessary 

clearances, except where court decrees 

prevent such consideration. 

If an exhibitor with a theatre located in 

Paramount district Loop does not submit an 

offer for "The Heiress" for the Loop first 

run, or if an exhibitor with a theatre located 

in any other Paramount district does not submit 

an offer for "The Great Lover" for the 

first outlying run, we will assume that he is 

not interested in this mm. However, if at 

any time in the future that exhibitors wishes 

to submit an offer for a first run in his 

Paramount district on any later release, he 

need only give us reasonable notice. 

TO NEGOTIATE MOST RUNS 

For runs after the first run in each dis- 

Paramount said it reserves the right to reject 

any or all offers for any run if the offers, 

in its opinion, do not "provide a fair and reasonable 

trict, we intend to negotiate with particular 

film rental for the run to be licensed." 

theatres as outlined on the attached list. 

If all of the offers are considered inadequate, 

We have decided upon this method primarily 

or no offer is received, the company then because we believe it gives a maximum flexibility 

in the practical conduct of our business. 

intends to negotiate with exhibitors "according 

to our best judgment." 

Our selection of theatres has been made on 

The plan has two exceptions in its general the basis of our opinion of the best licensing 

plan. The Piccadilly Theatre, of the Schoenstadt 

opportunities for each run. However, if you 

circuit, gets first crack at product in its wish to license a Paramount picture on any 

district because of an antitrust settlement multiple nm in your district, for which another 

theatre has been selected, you need 

with B&K Paramount and others in lieu of 

financial damages. The Jackson Park Theatre 

only to inform us of your desire in writing. 

also is unaffected in the setup because We shall then invite competitive offers from 

of the decree in its case. 

you and from such other theatre or theatres 

The plan goes into effect for "The Heiress" in your Paramount district as we may determine 

to be necessary to achieve the best 

and "The Great Lover." 

The Paramount office has submitted sample 

licensing opportimity. In every such case, we 

bidding procedures to exhibitors. Ex- 

will accept that offer which we believe will 

hibitors bidding for product will be asked to result in our obtaining the greatest film 

submit terms, seating capacity, number of rental from the run licenser, subject to our 

days picture will be played, and dates of the 

week to be played, adult evening prices which 

right to reject inadequate offers. 

If we are unable to negotiate a license with 

the theatres will be charged for the run, any theatre selected for a particular run. we 

whether the picture will be a single or double shall, subject to the terms of licenses granted 

feature, amount to be spent on advertising to other theatres for the particular picture, 

and clearance desired. 

negotiate with another theatre in that district 

BOXOFFICE : 

: December 24, 1949

for that run. Such further negotiation will 

depend upon there being in the district another 

theatre which, in our opinion, affords 

us a film rental earning opportunity reasonably 

comparable to that afforded by the 

theatre first selected. Where we are unable 

to conclude a negotiation with a theatre on 

the run selected, we intend, generally, to 

negotiate with such theatre for a later run. 

In instances where we negotiate or request 

offers for the first and second outlying runs, 

licenses granted will provide a maximum of 

14 days in which to play and clear. In the 

third and subsequent outlying runs, seven 

days will be granted in which to play and 

clear. 

To sum up as briefly as possible, we have 

done the following: 

1. We have divided the cities of Chicago, 

Gary, Hammond and their suburbs into 

what we believe are logical districts. 

2. One first run in the entire area will be 

licensed to a theatre in the Paramount 

district Loop. 

3. We propose, generally, to license one first 

run in each outlying district, giving 

every theatre in the district the opportunity 

to compete for that run. Runs 

beyond the first run will be on a multiple 

basis. 

4. E^very theatre will have the opportunity 

to compete for any run in its district 

in which it may be interested. We have 

selected the theatres, in each Paramount 

district, for the runs after the first run, 

with which we intend to negotiate, but 

we re-emphasize that every theatre is 

being afforded the opportunity to compete 

for any run m its particular Paramount 

district. 

The proposals outlined in this letter are 

those which Paramount Film Distributing 

Corp., which corporation will handle the distribution 

of Paramount pictures in the Chicago 

exchange beginning Jan. 1, 1950, intends 

to follow. These proposals are all made on 

an experimental basis in a determined effort 

to find out what is best for our company, 

our customers and the public. If it develops, 

through our experience, that either major or 

minor changes are necessary or desirable, we 

will make such changes. 

Essaness Loses Round 

In Theatre Lease Fight 

CHICAGO—The legal squabble over who is 

authorized to operate the Oriental Theatre, 

in Chicago's Loop, has resulted in a temporary 

victory for the Booth Theatre management 

headed by James Booth. 

Recommendation that a temporary injunction 

be issued, allowing the Booth concern 

to take over from the Essaness Theatre Corp., 

was made to Circuit Judge Cornelius J. Harrington 

by Master-in-Chancery Thomas J. 

Sheehan this week (22). 

The affair started in 1936 when the Oriental 

Entertainment Corp., owner of the theatre, 

leased it to Essaness as managers. The 

managerial rights were to be turned over to 

Booth October 1, but Essaness declined to 

get out or to turn over books, accounts and 

keys, claiming a lease until 1963. 

The Oriental Corp. maintained the lease 

was a verbal one, terminable by them at any 

time. After receiving the master's recommendation. 

Judge Harrington said he would 

listen to objections,, and then render his decision. 

Spyros Skouras Cheerful 

In Outlook for 1950 

NEW YORK—Domestic film rentals and 

theatre receipts of 20th CentuiT-Fox in the 

first 39 weeks of the fiscal year were higher 

than they were in the same period a year 

ago, Spyros Skouras, president, reported to 

stockholders this week. While the net profit 

for the 39 weeks after taxes and dividends 

on preferred stocks dropped, Skouras predicted 

an improvement for the last quarter 

of the year and an upswing in both domestic 

and foreign grosses in 1950. 

He reported net profit for the first three 

quarters at $8,200,013 which was $919,600 below 

the 1948 figure— pointing out that foreign 

currency devaluations caused a loss of $703,- 

444. Skouras in an optimistic outlook on 

1950 business predicted domestic film rentals 

of $62,000,000 as compared to $54,204,000 this 

year. 

"It is apparent," he says in a report to 

stockholders, "that earnings in this current 

quarter will exceed those of a year ago and 

we are hopeful that the earnings for the full 

year of 1949 will be satisfactory as compared 

with last year's figures in spite of the devaluation 

of foreign currencies." 

Domestic film rentals and theatre receipts 

were higher during the first 39 weeks of 1949 

than they were in the same 1948 period. The 

1949 39-week total was $123,929,453, compared 

with $121,432,769 for the first 39 weeks of 

1948, but the consolidated earnings before 

federal taxes and minority interests were $2,- 

011,630 lower. 

The $703,444 loss on foreign currency devaluation 

was offset by the transfer of $700,000 

to earnings as a net credit as a result of the 

settlement of stockholders' suits growing out 

of several executives' employment contracts. 

The whole tone of Skouras's report to stockholders 

was cheerful. 

"Subsequent to devaluation, our foreign 

film rentals, expressed in dollars, have naturally 

been lower than they would have been in 

terms of previously existing exchange rates," 

he wrote. "In spite of this, we estimate foreign 

film rentals this year will total $31,500,- 

000, compared to $30,044,000 in 1948. Dollar 

remittances to the United States from film 

operations abroad were $11,300,000 for the 48 

weeks ending November 26, 1949." 

Foreign Film 

Earnings 

Expected to Equal '48 

Washing:ton—The film industry's foreign 

earnings for 1949 will probably prove 

to be just about equal to the 1948 total 

about $135 million. That is the estimate 

of MPAA officials here. 

Of the total, it is expected that close 

to 30 per cent will have come from the 

United Kingdom. This means probably 

more than double the $17 million provided 

in straight dollar remittances under the 

terms of the monetary agreement now in 

force. A sunj larger than (hat has apparently 

been made available here 

through the various other means permitted 

in the agreement. 

SPYROS SKOURAS 

Hopeful on Business Outlook 

"As we have previously reported to you, it 

is the practice of the corporation to produce 

pictures abroad whenever the subject matter 

would be benefited from such treatment. During 

the first 48 weeks of this year we spent 

$4,500,000 for this purpose. In addition, we 

expended $1,900,000 for the purchase of 

stories, theatre acquisitions and the like. These 

three categories in total aggregate $17,700,000 

and may be compared with an aggregate 

figure for the entire year 1948 of $18,000,000. 

"We look for satisfactory film rentals 

abroad in 1950. Three new markets are opening 

up with considerable promise—Germany, 

the Netherlands East Indies, and probably 

Japan. In the first two countries we have 

re-established our own organization, while in 

Japan our business is still subject to military 

control. 

"Domestic film rentals in 1949 have shown 

a large gain over 1948. This year we expect 

the total to exceed $62,000,000 as against $54,- 

204,000 a year ago. 

"The final report on 1949 operations will 

not be available for some months yet. It is 

apparent, however, that earnings in this current 

quarter will exceed those of a year ago 

and we are hopeful that the earnings for the 

full year 1949 will be satisfactory as compared 

with last year's figures in spite of the 

devaluation of foreign currencies." 

Jefferson Pays $25,000; 

Buys Theatre to Settle 

DALLAS—One of the largest settlements 

ever reached out of court in the federal district 

of Texas was announced this week (21 

in the suit of Charles Brent and W. H. 

O'Brien against the Jefferson Amusement Co. 

The exhibitors who own and operate the 

Village Theatre in Port Arthur filed an antitrust 

suit against the circuit, alleging that 

they had been deprived of top product. It 

was in this suit that the court ordered all 

records of the circuit opened, to permit the 

plaintiffs to prepare their case. 

The reported settlement was $25,000 damages 

and a $210,000 payment for the Village 

Theatre which the Jefferson circuit will take 

over this week. 

BOXOFFICE :: December 24, 1949

NLRB ASSERTS JURISDICTION 

OVER INTERSTATE EXHIBITION 

Circuits With Theatres in 

Two States or More Now 

Under U.S. Labor Law 

By ALAN HERBERT 

Washington Bureau, Boxoffice 

WASHINGTON—Asserting for the first 

time its jurisdiction in a theatre labor case, 

the National Labor Relations Board this 

week held that circuits operating in more 

than one state are engaged in interstate 

commerce and thus under the board's authority. 

In the past the board has refused 

to take jurisdiction in such cases. 

The petition of the Toledo Projectionists 

Ass'n for a collective bargaining election in 

Balaban & Katz's Princess Theatre, In Toledo, 

Ohio, was rejected. Before dismissing 

it, however, the board clearly stated its jurisdiction. 

JURISDICTION UNSETTLED 

Left unsettled was the question of jurisdiction, 

had the case involved an independent 

theatre rather than a theatre which 

was part of a chain, or which was part of a 

chain operating all within one state. It was 

indicated that the board might consider such 

an operation essentially local and not under 

its authority. 

Also of importance in the decision was the 

board's refusal to upset the multiple-employer 

bargaining pattern in Toledo. For a period 

of years contracts for projectionists have been 

negotiated between the lATSE, Local 228, 

and representatives of the entire group of 28 

Toledo theatres. The board said it could not 

approve an election designed to change the 

bargaining practice of Just one theatre of the 

group. 

At the same time, referring to charges that 

the lATSE local had been unfair to two projectionists 

in the Princess, the board suggested 

that other remedies might be sought. 

The reference apparently was to Taft-Hartley 

act provisions which might permit the filing 

of unfair labor practices charges against 

lATSE. 

ONE MEMBER DISSENTS 

Two Para. Groups Elect: 

Balaban and Goldenson 

NEW YORK—The new officers of the separate 

production-d'stribution and theatre 

companies created under the Paramount consent 

office with decree were elected this week. It marked 

is to be the home 

em theatres, and 

contact 

Edward L. 

south- 

Hyman, who 

the formal organization of Paramoimt Pictures 

will serve in a similar capacity for northern 

Corp. and United Paramount Theatres. 

As anticipated Barney Balaban was elected 

theatres, are slated 

dents in February. 

to be elected vice-presi- 

president of the picture company and Leonard 

In the series of organizational sessions durtre 

Goldenson was elected head of the theaing 

the week, John Balaban was elected 

company. 

president of Balaban & Katz—a post Barney 

The slate of officers for Paramount Pictures 

Balaban had held since the circuit was 

Co. includes, besides Balaban: Adolph founded. Walter Immerson, Arthur Goldberg 

Zukor, chairman of the board; Stanton Griffis, 

and Goldenson were elected vice-presidents, 

chairman of the executive committee; and Elmer Upton, secretary-treasurer. 

Y. Frank Freeman, Henry Ginsberg, Austin Meanwhile Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe 

C. Keough, and Paul Ra'bourn, vice-presidents; 

has signed an order setting up a voting trust 

Fred Mohrhardt, treasurer; Austin C. provided under the reorganization of Para- 

Keough, secretary, and Russell Holman, Jacob 

Karp and Louis A. Novins, assistant secretaries. 

mount Pictures, Inc., with the Bank of New 

York and Fifth Avenue Bank as trustee. 

Stockholders of the dissolving Paramount 

Ginsberg will continue as manager of studio 

Pictures, in place of receiving shares of capi- 

production and Freeman will continue as tal stock of United Paramount, will receive 

vice-president at the west coast studio. It certificates of interest issued by the trustee. 

also was announced that Paramount International 

The trustee will exercise all voting rights on 

will continue as presently consti- 

the stock deposited with it and will receive 

tuted with George Weltner as president. Distribution 

of the company's product will be 

handled by a subsidiary corporation to be 

headed by A. W. Schwalberg. 

Elected to board were Stephen Callaghan, 

an attorney; Harvey D. Gibson, banker; A. 

Conger Goodyear, industr'alist; Duncan G. 

Harris of Brown. Harris and Stephens; John 

Hertz, Lehman Bros.; Earl McCl ntock, drug 

manufacturer: Maurice Newton, Hallgarten 

and Co.; Edwin Weisl, attorney, and Balaban, 

Freeman, Griffis, Zukor, Keough, Raibourn, 

Mohrhardt and Weltner. 

In addition to Goldenson, the theatre company 

elected Walter W. Gross, vice-president; 

Robert H. O'Brien, secretary and treasurer; 

J. J. Brown, assistant treasurer, and Si 

Siegel, controller. Robert M. Weitman, who 

for the benefit of holders of certificates all 

dividends payable on these shares. During 

the fli'st two years the trustee is in existence, 

it will pay holders of certificates 50 per cent 

of all dividends received and will accumulate 

the rest for the holders. 

Under the consent judgment. Paramount 

Pictures is required to deposit the shares of 

capital stock of United Paramount Theatres, 

Inc., the new theatre company, in the voting 

trust. 

Holders of the certificates may convert 

them Into shares of capital stock of United 

Paramount by attesting by affidavit that 

they do not hold shares of capital stock In the 

new picture company. 

WB Board Okays Decree Proposal 

J. Copeland Gray, retiring board member, 

dissented from his colleagues on the jurisdiction 

question. "It is difficult for me to conceive 

of anything more local in character Warner Bros, has decided that negotiations 

NEW YORK—The board of directors of 

than a motion picture theatre," he wrote. "The with the Department of Justice for a consent 

decree to meet the requirements of re- 

mere fact that the owner of the Princess Theatre 

in this case also owns motion picture cent decisions in the antitrust case should 

theatres in other states in no way destroys proceed along the 1 nes of dividing these 

the essentially local character of the enterprises." 

interests between two separate corporations. 

In addition, the stock should be distributed 

The majority based its decision on the fact 

so that the present stockholders of 

that the Toledo Theatre is "operated as an Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., would own all 

integral part of the employer's multi-state the stock of the production-distribution corporation 

business." Referring to Gray's dissent, the 

and all of the stock of the theatre 

majority said it has consistently held in the corporation. 

past that "an employer's operations should While it is expected that there will be no 

be considered as a whole. Thus a branch or restrictions on the ownership or distribution 

segment of an employer's business which by of the stock of the two corporations by any 

itself is an essentially local enterprise loses stockholders except officers and directors, 

Its local character when viewed as part of the Department of Justice has demanded 

the employer's multi-state operations." that Harry M., Albert and Jack L. Warner 

shall either trustee their shares in one or 

the other corporation in such a way as to 

lose all voting rights or dispose of their stock 

in one or the other corporation to a purchaser 

who shall agree to hold it for a period 

of time to be approved by the DofJ. 

To comply with the department's requirements, 

the three Warner brothers are now 

negotiating for the sale of the stock which 

they will receive in the proposed new theatre 

corporation, according to a company announcement. 

Lehman Brothers, New York 

investment house, is said to be conducting 

negotiations for an option to purchase the 

1,800,000 shares of stock owned by the three 

Warner brothers, representing their entire Interest 

in the new corporation. Their shares 

represent approximately 25 per cent of the 

outstanding stock of the new company. 

10 BOXOFFICE : 

: December 24, 1949

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PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT OFF 

TO FAST START ON TAX FIGHT 

Group Starts Industrywide 

Move to Put Pressure on 

New Senate and House 

NEW YORK—If wartime ticket taxes are 

to be reduced, now is the time to make the 

try, says Abram F. Myers, Allied board 

chairman and general counsel, who now is 

acting as chairman of the legislative committee 

set up recently by the Council of Motion 

Picture Organizations in Washington. 

There may not be another similar opportunity 

in years, he states. 

With this in mind, the committee met Tuesday 

(20) and laid out a program designed to 

get the industry's side of the case before the 

House ways and means committee when Congress 

convenes at the beginning of the New 

Year. 

RAISING SMALL FUND 

Sub-committees were appointed and provisions 

were made for raising a small fund to 

cover current expenses by means of contributions 

from exhibitor organizations and others. 

All this is in anticipation of further steps in 

the organization of COMPO which will, it is 

expected, set up a national organization in a 

few weeks and eventually will have funds for 

the varied activities of the group through 

contributions of ten cents per $100 of film 

rental by exhibitors and a similar amount 

from distributors. 

Myers pointed out after the meeting that 

the campaign for ticket tax reduction carried 

out by exhibitors in recent months has 

developed a strong sentiment for a cut among 

members of both the house and senate, and 

he said that for the first time a favorable 

attitude toward a cut has become evident in 

administration circles. 

While Myers was telling the press in New 

York what had happened at the meeting of 

the committee it became known in Washington 

that President Truman before leaving 

Key West had indicated that he might favor 

cuts in the so-called wartime excise levies, 

if some way could be found to raise funds 

from other sources. He is said to favor a 

total budget of about $43,000,000,000. His annual 

state of the union message will be delivered 

to Congress January 4 or 5, and his 

recommendations on the tax problem will become 

known at that time. 

AN EMERGENCY MEETING 

In explaining the purpose of the COMF>0 

meeting, Myers said: "Despite pre-occupations 

with the approaching holidays, we called this 

meeting on an 'emergency' basis. It is generally 

felt that the impending campaign to 

bring about repeal of the federal admission 

tax is of such vital importance to the entire 

industry that no time could be lost in organizing 

our efforts on a nationwide, all-industry 

score. 

"Much splendid ground work already has 

been done by various organizations and individuals, 

but the time is now here when all 

of our various fronts and forces should be 

consolidated and coordinated into a united, 

tight organization that will reach into every 

ABRAM F. MYERS 

On the Go for Tax Reduction 

city and hamlet in the country. 

"Congress will reconvene in a couple of 

weeks. Many economists feel that 1950 is the 

year of decision so far as the so-called war 

taxes are concerned. If they are not repealed 

by the present Congress, they may never be 

repealed in our time. They may become a 

part of our peacetime economy. So the time 

for allout action is at hand. 

"Incidentally, in mobilizing ourselves for 

this fight against a discriminatory tax we 

have an opportunity to further the overall 

aims of the newly formed Council of Motion 

Picture Organizations by illustrating how, 

given a common cause, our industry can work 

together in all its branches and command the 

respect and consideration which we merit. 

That, in itself, is public relations on the 

highest plane. 

"Our committee, at its meeting today, set 

up the following general plan: 

"1. Through our Washington committee, a 

vigorous effort to present our case directly to 

members of Congress, to the proper Congressional 

committees. Preparation of briefs, etc. 

"2. Through exhibitor, distributor-producer 

committees, both on national and regional 

basis, to mobilize the screens and personnel of 

the theatres, exchanges and studios. 

"3. Through campaign activities committee, 

national and local, carry our message to the 

public and by the vigor of our efforts against 

the federal tax, to serve notice on local authorities 

that we intend to oppose any proposed 

local taxes with equal determination. 

TO NAME COMMITTEES 

"Appointments to the various committees, 

national and regional, will be announced by 

Chairman Myers from time to time. 

"The campaign is on and we hope it will 

develop into a demonstration of united 

strength such as we haven't had in our industry 

smce we did such a fine, unselfish job 

during the war. 

"We ask, and we are confident we shall 

receive, full cooperation of the tradepress, 

our principal line of communication within 

the industry. This drive should make news 

of interest to every worker in the industry, 

every exhibitor, every distributor and even 

to the millions of moviegoers who will benefit 

by elimination of the ticket tax." 

Myers added that he was highly pleased 

with the progress made to date. He also 

stated that H. M. Richey, exhibitor relations 

contact for MOM, who had an important role 

in the battle for ticket tax reduction after 

World War I, had been assigned by MGM to 

work with the committee. 

Chicago Better Business Bureau 

Attacks a Giveaway Promotion 

CHICAGO—The Chicago Better Business 

Bureau contended in its bulletin issued this 

week that an advertising tiein between the 

RKO Palace Theatre and Lander's restaurant 

for "Undertow" (U-I) was a lottery and 

utilized advertising copy unmailable under 

the postal laws. As the tiein is similar to 

dozens used regularly by exhibitors throughout 

the country, the allegation of the Better 

Business Bureau is of special interest to theatre 

operators. 

Both the theatre and the restaurant copy 

offered free dinners to the first 50 persons attending 

the RKO Palace after 5 p. m. on the 

first three days of the picture. The Bureau 

said that after complaints and an investigation, 

it found the copy contained all three 

elements of a lottery: No. 1—consideration 

(the price of a ticket to the theatre) ; 2 

chance (the possibility of being among the 

first 50 persons to enter the theatre under 

conditions outlined in the advertising copy), 

and 3 — prize (the free dinners at the restaurant). 

The bureau reported that it had informed 

Ansel Winston, manager of the theatre, and 

Lander that any further lottery advertising 

would receive "such further attention as the 

facts and circumstances appeared to warrant." 

It is not believed that an issue will be made 

of the Bureau complaint and its implied 

threat of legal action if such a promotion 

was undertaken in the future. However, as 

this is one of the most common types of 

tieins—a theatre and a merchant—it may be 

that exhibitors will have to keep their promotional 

material out of the mails. The tiein 

in itself is not a law violation. 

14 BOXOFFICE December 24, 1949

THE SNAKE PIT 

uncn; TO three wrvES 

SITTING PRETTY 

in i. 

come TO THE STABLE 

by one stiitlio 

Screen Play by Sy Bartlett and Beime Lay, Jr. • 

Based on the Novel by Sy Bartlett and Beime Lay, Jr.

Tenn. High Court Holds 

'Curley' Ban Invalid 

MEMPHIS—Cha'rman Lloyd T. Binford 

and the Memphis Board of Censors had no 

authority to ban from Memphis screens the 

motion picture "Curley" because it showed 

Negro actors in the cast, the supreme court 

of Tennessee has held. 

However, Tennessee's highest court threw 

out the case attacking the right of Memphis 

censors to ban exhibition of the picture on 

grounds that the complainants, Hal Roach, 

Inc., and United Artists Corp., were not motion 

picture exhibitors. Not being exhibitors 

—the supreme court held—the plaintiffs 

were not denied freedom of speech and secondly 

that they had no standing in Tennessee 

courts because they are out-of-state corporations 

and have not complied with the laws of 

the state. 

ENDS TWO-YEAR BATTLE 

This decision, rendered at Nashville last 

Saturday, brought to an end a two-year court 

fight which followed the dec sion of the 

Memphis censors that the film "Curley" could 

not be shown in Memphis because it showed 

white and Negro children playing together 

and attending the same school. 

The fight on censors was joined by the 

Motion Picture Ass'n of America and charges 

that the censors had violated the constitutional 

rights of the producers and distributors 

were made. 

Binford had said "the South does not permit 

Negroes in white schools nor recognize 

social equality between the races, even among 

children." 

United Artists and the Roach studios had 

argued that the private act in Tennessee 

creating the censor board was unconstitutional 

and that the board had no legal authority 

to disapprove the picture because of 

the presence of Negroes in the cast. 

The abbreviated ruling of the supreme 

court, read by Chief Justice A. B. Neil, follows: 

"United Artists Corporation et al vs. Board 

of Censors et al—Shelby Law, United Artists, 

a Motion Picture distributor, and Hal Roach, 

Inc., questioned the authority of the Board of 

Censors of Memphis to ban the exhibition of 

a picture, "Curley," on the ground that members 

of the Negro race were among the actors 

on the screen. 

TWO CONTENTIONS ARE LISTED 

"Contention is made (1) that the private 

act creating the board is invalid as an abridgment 

of 'freedom of speech' and (2) the board 

was not legally authorized to disapprove the 

picture. 

"Held that appellants are not in position to 

question the valid ty of the act, since there is 

nothing to show that either of the appellants 

is an exhibitor, and hence they are not denied 

freedom of speech. 

"Wh le the board had no authority to disapprove 

the picture because of Negro actors 

appearing in the picture, this contention being 

correct as a sound proposition of law, yet 

the appellants cannot maintain this suit because 

as a foreign corporation it was doing 

business in Tennessee without first complying 

with the laws of the state." 

The office of the secretary of state said 

Binford Says No More 

Racial Films Barred 

MEMPHIS—Chairman Lloyd T. Binford, 

who has attracted national attention 

by banning from Memphis screens 

motion pictures dealing with race relations, 

said he would bar no more shows 

for racial pictures. 

"We'll just have to pass these pictures," 

Binford said. "Frankly, it was what I was 

looking for, judging from President Truman's 

recent actions." 

Binford further said: "We would still 

ban 'Lost Boundaries' on the grounds that 

the leading character, a Negro passing as 

a white, was an impostor and liar. The 

people of his New Hampshire home town 

resented him until the minister in the 

film smoothed it over." 

Binford said that the censor board's recent 

approval of such films as "Home of 

the Brave," "Pinky" and "Intruder in the 

Dust," was influenced "by an inkling of 

what the court's attitude probably would 

be." 

Just last weekend, the stage show, "A 

Streetcar Named Desire," written by a former 

Memphian, Tennessee Williams, 

played three times at Ellis Auditorium 

without censorship changes. 

"If it had been a movie, attracting an 

audience of children, it would not have 

been passed," B nford said. "But the audience 

was 98 per cent adult and knew what 

it was getting." 

Binford and the attorneys for the city 

and county who defended the "Curley" 

suit made it plain there would be no 

change on Memphis censorship so far as 

immorality, lewdness and general undesirability 

were concerned. 

United Artists had not registered in Tennessee 

and that the state law requires an out-ofstate 

corporation wishing to do business in 

the state to file a copy of its charter, pay a 

$300 fee and to appoint an agent for service 

of process. 

Memphis' legal staff represented the censors 

when the case was filed in Circuit Judge 

Henderson's court in Memphis. Judge Henderson 

ruled that United Artists and the 

Roach studios had no legal standing in Tennessee 

courts. 

Blevins Comic Xmas Card 

Credited to Tom Little 

NASHVILLE, TENN.—The Blevms Popcorn 

Co.'s annual comic Christmas card mailed 

each December to the firm's customers and 

friends all over the country was done this 

year by Tom Little, Jim Blevins has announced 

here. 

Little is the Nashville Tennessean's political 

cartoonist, and is also creator of the syndicated 

cartoon feature, "Sunflower Street." 

GOLDWYN PLAYS SANTA 

Under the huge 40-foot Christmas tree 

erected by Samuel Goldwyn in the foyer 

of the United Artists Theatre in downtown 

Los Angeles, Pat DeCicco, operating 

head of the United Artists Theatres 

in California, and Producer Goldwyn 

(dressed as Santa Glaus) are shown handing 

out gifts to underprivileged children 

of Los Angeles. This is part of the twoday 

Christmas gift party held at the 

United Artists Theatre on December 23, 

24 by Goldwyn in conjunction with the 

showing of his recent picture, "My Foolish 

Heart," starring Dana Andrews and 

Susan Hayward. The film wiU be internationally 

premiered at the Four Star 

and United Artists theatres in Los Angeles 

on Christmas day. 

Checking Action Settled 

With 21 Exhibitors 

PITTSBURGH—Out of court settlements 

have been made by all local area independent 

exhibitors involved, except one, in the 

alleged irregular or false checking civil action 

in federal court here. This is the statement 

of a leading theatre owner, who announced 

"a satisfactory settlement" in the 

litigation (3052) also listed as Morris Roth 

et al vs. Paramount et al. Twenty-three exhibitors, 

according to th's spokesman, have 

concluded and have settled accounts. 

Bart Dattola, New Kensington, dismissed 

attorneys representing the 41 theatres in the 

action, and engaged Margiotti and Casey, as 

reported here. 

The Roth et al action was entered by exhibitors 

to prevent "a fishing expedition into 

the theatres' books and records" by attorneys 

representing film distributors. Their 

proposal backfired. Pox six years the action 

was moving in the western district court here 

holding the attention of three consecutive 

federal court judges. Sargoy and Stein, New 

York law firm, was counsel for the film distributors, 

and attorneys for the exhibitors 

were J. Roy Dickie and Nathan M. Katz, 

Pittsburgh. 

The New Kensington theatre owner, who 

has refused to budge, has nothing to report 

for publication. No other exhibitor involved 

has volunteered any information on the announced 

settlements. Branch managers of 

film companies here have no knowledge of 

the civil action or its disposal. 

16 

BOXOFFICE December 24, 1949

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13 FALL QUARTER RELEASES 

REACH THE HIT FILM CLASS 

Business Generally Was 

On the Upgrade, 21 Key 

Situations Report 

Reports from 21 key run situations in the 

first three months of the 1949-1950 season 

indicated an improvement in business over 

the summer quarter, but below that of the 

same period a year ago. 

Top pictures of the September-October- 

November period were "Pinky" and "I Was 

a Male War Bride," both of which came 

from the 20th Century-Fox studios, and 

"Adam's Rib," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

production. The key situations reported the 

trio earned more at the boxoffice than the 

top three hits of the summer months. However, 

in the case of the top films as in the 

general nin of product, key nin business 

below that of the preceding year—but up 

from the summer quarter. 

INCREASE IN HIT FILMS 

Of the 69 features released, on which sufficient 

playdates were recorded to indicate 

boxoffice strength, 13 reached the hit class 

by doing 120 per cent or better. This compares 

with 10 hits in the summer quarter and 

20 hits in the same quarter a year ago. Comparative 

figures for the summer of 1949 and 

the fall quarters of 1949 and 1948 follow 

Fall Summer Fall 

1949 1949 1948 

Number of releases.... 69 75 73 

Number of hits 13 10 20 

Percentages of hits 19 13.3 27.3 

Films doing average 

or better 37 41 42 

An interesting point here is that the percentage 

of pictures doing average business or 

better is being maintained. Early in 1948, 

there was a decided drop in the boxoffice pull 

of the average feature, but since then the percentage 

has been maintained. In the fall of 

1949, 56.4 per cent of the features did average 

business or better. In the summer quarter, 

55 per cent of the product reached this 

classification while in the fall quarter a year 

ago 57.5 per cent of the features were reported 

average or better. 

In the war years and immediately following, 

key situations reported consistently that 

between 70 and 80 per cent of the pictures 

booked did average or better. 

Top Hits -Fall Months 

(September through November 1949) 

PERCENTAGES 

Adam's Rib (MGM) „ 

Beyond the Forest (WB) 

^ 

Big Wheel. The (UA)... ^ 

Fallen Idol, The (SRO) ^ 

UI Was a Male War Bride (20th-Fox) 

My Friend Irma (Para) ._ 

Pinky {20th-Fox) .„ 

Rcseanna McCoy (REG) ^ 

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (RKO) 

Task Force (WB) .„ 

That Forsyte Woman (MGM) ^ 

Top C the Morning (Para) 

White Heat (WB) 

1,'Blue Ribbon Award 

UPPERT PRODUCTIONS: 

RACIAL FEATURES LEAD 

As in the summer quarter, it was a picture 

dealing with the racial question which led the 

entries. During the summer months, 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER: 

"Lost 

Adam's Rib 

• 136 

Boundaries" with 157 per cent took top honors. Border Incident 

In the fall months it was "Pinky" which Doctor and the Girl, The 

^nn 

Red Danube, The 

scored 162 per cent. Comedies took second 

Secret Garden, The 

and third spots, with "I Was a Male War That Forsyte Woman 

Bride" in second place with 137 and "Adam's That Midnight Kiss 

Rib" third with 136 per cent. All three did 

MONOGRAM: 

good business across the country, with holdovers 

being the rule. 

Black Midnight _ 98 

Angels in Disguise 97 

"Pinky" ran strongly everywhere in the 

and Maggie in Jackpot Jitters 94 

key situations. It ran for nine weeks at the 

Astor in Boston, with a 290 mark the opening 

week. It pulled for four weeks at four day- 

and-date houses in Los Angeles, where it recorded 

200 per cent—a percentage also gained 

in its Denver and Cleveland runs. 

"I Was a Male War Bride" ran for seven 

weeks at the Fifth Avenue in Seattle, four 

weeks at the Orpheum in Kansas City and 

three weeks at the Oriental in Chicago. 

"Adam's Rib" just getting into the first runs 

did 225 per cent at the Karlton in Philadelphia 

and 170 at the Fifth Avenue in Seattle. 

Following is a report on features released 

.since August 1: 

(Average Is 100) 

COLUMBIA: 

Barbary Pirate 

Blondie Hits the Jackpot 

Devil's Henchmen _ 

Hohday in Havana 

Miss Grant Takes Richmond. 

Reckless Moment, The 

Rusty's Birthday 

Tokyo Joe 

EAGLE UON: 

Black Book, The _• 104 

Trapped .;; 110 

Zamba 88 

FILM CLASSICS: 

Project X 

PARAMOUNTi 

Chicago Deadline 115 

My Friend Irma 122 

120 130 140 ISO 200 210 

Red, Hot and Blue.... 

Rope of Sand 

Song of Surrender 

Top O' the Morning . 

rctic Fury ,,.. 

ido for Sale 

Easy Living 

Ichabod and Mr. Toad 

Make Mine Laughs 

Roseanna McCoy 

Savage Splendor 

She Wore a Yollow Ribbon 

Strange Bargain 

They Live by Night 

Alias the Champ 

Brimstone 

Down Dakota Way 

Fighting Kentuckian, The 

Flame of Youth 

Kid From Cleveland, The 

Post Officer Investigator.. 

SRO: 

Fallen Idol, The 135 

20lh CENTURY-FOX: 

Everybody Does It 99 

Father Was a Fullback 115 

I Was a Male War Bride 137 

Oh, You Beautiful Doll 113 

Pinky .162 

Thieves' Highway „ 97 

UNITED ARTISTS: 

Big Wheel, The 126 

Red Light 100 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL: 

ADanijonea 

stopher Columbus . 100 

Gal Who Took the West, The 95 

Story of Molly X, The 104 

Sword in the Desert Ill 

Yes, Sir, That's My Baby 107 

WARNER BROS.: 

Always Leave Them Laughing 114 

Beyond the Forest 120 

House Across the Street, The 100 

Story of Seabiscuit, The 93 

Task Force 125 

Under Capricorn 101 

White Heat 

'..127 


I Para 

LETTERS 

FAVORS HENRY REEVE PROPOSAL 

To BOXOFFICE: 

The proposal by Henry Reeve in December 

10 BOXOFFICE for a plan to aid the smaller 

operator if struck by catastrophe should ap- 

forward-looking citizens of our in- 

peal to all 

dustry, and should be pushed to realization as 

rapidly as possible. 

A mutual plan of this nature would pay 

huge dividends in peace of mind to its supporters 

who could feel that in the event of a 

disaster, such as a burn-out, they had a 

strong and interested friend ready to stand 

behind them without coldly inquiring as to 

the value of tangible security available . . . 

a friendly circle of people who well understand 

that the population numerals on the 

signpost just outside of town, and a record 

of astute operation may well constitute the 

best security in the world. Or, in the case of 

illness or other misfortune, that people well 

versed in the peculiar problems and requirements 

of our business would step in and arrange 

for the continuance of the business 

with no other thought but. that here was a 

member of our industry who needed a little 

help over a rough spot. 

Mr. Reeve's plan for an overall national directorate, 

with a local board ui each exchange 

area to determine worth and need in each 

case, seems entirely logical and proper. 

Certainly I hope, and plan, never to be in 

a position to require assistance from a fund 

of this nature, for myself or my family, but 

it is a sound as well as a heartwarming 

thought for our industry, and should be put 

into action. After all, none of us ever know 

for certain what fortunes the years may bring, 

so let's help ourselves to help our own, when, 

as, and wherever the need may arise. 

I should be happy to pay my old Ascap fee 

into such a fund. 

Star Theatre, 

Willow Springs, Mo. 

AGAINST SORDID LIFE FILMS 

To BOXOFFICE: 

R, W. FISHER 

Does one have to comment on a specific 

picture to "have his say?" Pi'obably the producers, 

rather than exhibitors, would profit 

more by this obsei-vation, but here it it: 

By far the vast majority of theatregoers 

are family people, essentially honest and lawabiding, 

preferring a bill of film fare that 

applies to them and their way of life; something 

that will give them a lift and not a letdown; 

something they can understand and 

appreciate, rather than a recomiting of antisocial 

workings of a wai-ped mind. Exhibitors 

everywhere find this repeatedly reflected at 

the boxoffice so that in spite of the fact 

that producers must also know it, the great 

wonder is that they continue to turn out 

product dealing with the abnormalities of 

mankind. 

A person can enjoy a type of plausible action 

and adventure in which opportunity will 

not allow him to participate, such as are involved 

in the many super westerns where 

right always triumphs, but what normal man 

wants to imagine himself leading the life of 

Cagney in "White Heat," or being a "Mr. 

Soft Touch" or living the life of those on 

"The Forbidden Street"? All the world loved 

the human story in "The Stratton Story," but 

who cares of the trials of "Madame Bovary" 

and her ilk? "My Friend Irma" and "I Was 

a Male War Bride" show us the light and understandable 

side of human .situations, but 

few are acquainted with the sad stoiy of 

many "Molly X's" and no real mother can 

comprehend why a baby should be "Abandoned"; 

to her it is a case of where "And 

Baby Makes Three." "Adam's Rib" and "The 

Great Lover" relieve rather than add to the 

day's "Tension." "Mi-. Belvedere" and "Ma 

and Pa Kettle" have become favorites in a 

very short time, because when it comes to 

laughter, "Everybody Does It." and loves it. 

When it comes to the seamy side of life the 

ticket-buying public pass up what's "Beyond 

the Forest" to hear "The Story of Seabiscuit." 

They much prefer the songs of "Oh, You 

Beautiful Doll" to "Song of Sun-ender," which 

is no song at all. 

Turn to pages 42 and 43 of the current issue 

of the BOXOFFICE BAROMETER. Of 

the 45 features in the "hit" class, all but 

seven avoid the sordid and offer up action, 

adventure, gay music, comedy, and situations 

dealing with family life. Why, or why, then, 

do producers continue to turn out the tripe 

that salesmen try repeatedly to put over with 

the worn-out expressions, "Now, I want you 

to get along with us on this one," and "I won't 

let you get hiu-t"? 

Best Theatres, 

Edtnboro, Pa. 

Scio, Ohio 

S. W. RAWSON 

MORE "FAN " DISSEMINATION 

To BOXOFFICE; 

I am taking the liberty of sending you the 

Program of Work, No. 3, which I have prepared, 

as I thought you would be interested 

in seeing another publication that has utilized 

that very fine tribute to the motion picture, 

"I Am. a Movie Pan." 

As I read it during the past summer when 

it appeared in BOXOFFICE, I thought it 

would be fitting to include in this pamphlet 

which is devoted to the study of motion pictures. 

We also endeavor to cooperate with 

the motion picture industry to our mutual 

betterment. 

MRS. JOSEPH R. CHESSER 

Chairman, Motion Picture Committee, 

General Federation of Women's Clubs, 

Chicago, 111. 

Editor's Note; The entire second page of 

the eight-page booklet referred to was given 

over to a reproduction of "I Am a Movie 

Pan." 

Board of Review Guide 

Recommends Six Films 

NEW YORK—The National Board of Review 

guide to selected pictures for the week 

ending December 17 lists "Body Hold" (Colt, 

"The Man on the Eiffel Tower" (RKO), 

"Ranger of Cherokee Strip" and "Sands of Iwo 

Jima" (Rep), "The Rugged O'Riordans" (U-I) 

and "Tension" (MGM). 

Short subjects listed are "Down the Nile," 

"Hippety-Hopper." "Hunting the Fox," "Kings 

of the Rockies." "The Little Archer" and 

"Water Wizards" (WB>, "Progress Island" 

(U-I) and "Van Gogh," the last a Canton- 

Weiner film recommended as especially worth 

seeing. 

Eleven Varied Films 

On Estimates List 

NEW YORK—Among 11 pictures on the 

green list of joint estimates of current films, 

issued for the week ending December 15, are 

three from Columbia, two each from RKO 

and Warner Bros, and one each from MGM, 

UA, Paramount and Universal-International. 

None are recommended for children's programs. 

The list follows; "Adam's Rib" (MGM), 

which is rated as exceptional with the notation 

that the Protestant Motion Picure Council 

withheld that rating "because of the 

abundance of drinking" and also is recommended 

for adults and young people over 12 

years of age; "Always Leave Them Laughing" 

(WB), which is recommended for famUy programs; 

"And Baby Makes Three" (Col), adults; 

"Mi-s. Mike" (UA), adults; "The Heiress" 

I, which is rated as exceptional and 

recommended for adults and young people; 

"The Lady Takes a Sailor" (WB), family; 

"Prison Warden" (Col), adults and young 

people; "Tell It to the Judge" (Col), adults 

and young people; "The Threat" (RKO), 

adults; "A Dangerous Profession" (RKOi, 

adults, and "The Tight Little Island" (U-Ii, 

adults and young people, with a notation by 

the Protestant Motion Picture Council wishing 

that "whiskey had not been the main 

concern." The list also corrects a previous 

rating of "Prince of Foxes" (20th-Pox) to 

recommend it for adults and young people. 

'Bicycle' Is Named Best 

Of '49 by Nat'l Board 

NEW YORK—"The Bicycle Thief," Italian 

film released in the U.S. by Mayer-Burstyn, 

has been named the best picture of 1949 by 

the National Board of Review's committee 

on exceptional films. Four other foreignmade 

pictures and five American films are 

on the Board's best ten list. They are: "The 

Quiet One," Manhattan-made doctunentary 

feature also released by Mayer-Burstyn; "Intruder 

in the Dust" (MGM), "The Heiress" 

(Para), "Devil in the Flesh." French film 

released by A.F.E. Films; "Quartet," J. Arthur 

Rank production released by Eagle Lion; 

"Germany Year Zero," German-made film 

released by Superfilm; "Home of the Brave" 

(UA), "A Letter to Three Wives" (20th-Pox) 

and "The Fallen Idol," British-made picture 

released by SRO. 

Ralph Richardson, who appears in both 

"The Heiress" and "The Fallen Idol," gave 

the best performances in 1949, according to 

the board, and Gerard Philipe in "Devil in 

the Flesh," Lamberto Magglorani and Enzo 

Staiola in "The Bicycle Thief" and Pierre 

Fresnay in the French-made "Monsieur 'Vincent" 

were also mentioned for meritorious performances. 

Vittorio de Sica was named best 

director of 1949 for "The Bicycle Thief" and 

Graham Greene's script for "The Fallen Idol" 

was designated the best of the year. 

WB to Show 'Backfire' 

NEW YORK—Warner Bros. wiU tradeshow 

"Backfire." starring Gordon Macrae, Virginia 

Mayo, Dane Clark and Viveca Lindfors, 

in all exchanges January 16. The feature 

will be nationally distributed Februar>- 11. 

BOXOFFICE December 24, 1949 19

i 

ICE CHAMPION, 

( Nov. MOTION PICTURE HERALD " 

II 

ICE CilAMPION 

( Oct. MOTION PICTURE HERALD 

ICE CHAMPION 

(Sept. MOTION PICTURE HERALD) 

("5th successive week, best showing ever 

made in P^lEfY'S weekly survey.")

fHcti

COLUMBIA PICTURES presents 

„ ..J 

GIG YOUNG * MARIE McDONALD Harry Davenport Fay Baker -Katharine Warren 

Screen Play by Nat Perrin • Directed by NORMAN FOSTER • Produced by BUDDY ADLER J

Second Generation Skourases Greet an Uncle 

George Skouras, center, national operating head of the expanded United Artists 

Theatres Circuit, Inc., is greeted by two nephews who are the juniors of two illustrious 

figures in the film world, and sons of his brothers, Charles Skouras and Spyros 

Skouras. Charles Skouras jr. is congratulating his uncle upon assuming his position 

in the new circuit, while Spyros Skoura

Columbus Closes 28; 

No Effect on Others 

COLUMBUS—Closing of 28 local 

neighborhood 

houses for the seven days prior to 

Chi'istmas had little or no effect on attendance 

at the 24 which remained open, an early 

check revealed. This picture might change 

slightly toward the end of the week, some 

theatremen conceded. 

There was surprisingly little reaction, either 

by press or public, to the closing. Prospective 

patrons, busy with last minute shopping, 

either passed up going to their neighborhood 

houses or devoted their time to other things. 

One neighborhood circuit, which remained 

open, declared that Sunday, first day of the 

dark week, was only average for its houses, 

scattered in most sections of town. Monday. 

a late shopping night, was off from previous 

weeks in these houses. The same conditions 

prevailed generally in both downtown first 

runs and other neighborhood houses. 

Closed theatres placed window or lobby 

panels reading: 

WE WILL CLOSE 

FOR CHRISTMAS VACATION 

Week Beginning Dec. 18-Through Dec. 24 

Attend This Theatre 

For Christmas Matinee. 

Merry Christmas. 

The 28 included: Arlington, Avondale. Beechwold, 

Boulevard, Champion, Cleve, Colimibia, 

Dixie, Drexel, Empress, Esquire, Garden, 

Grandview, Hollywood, Hudson, Indianola, 

Lane, Linden. Livingston. Main. Northern. 

Old Trail, Parsons, Pythian, Southland, University, 

Victor and Westmont. These included 

theatres in the Academy circuit, Miles, Rowlands, 

H&S Theatres and two singly owned 

houses—Dixie and Linden. 

The J. Real Neth theatres—State, Eastern, 

Markham, Bexley, Clinton, Cameo and Lincoln, 

is the largest neighborhood circuit which 

remained open. The Pekras-operated theatres—Ritz, 

Rivoli and Oak—also remained 

open along with World and Little of H&S 

Theatres; Southern, Uptown and Majestic, 

the latter three subsequent run downtown 

houses. The Wilmar, Fifth Avenue, Royal and 

Ideal, also remained open. 

Downtown first runs—Palace, Grand. Broad 

and Ohio—also remained open. 

Full Reorganization Made 

Of Jerry Fairbanks, Inc. 

HOLLYWOOD—Complete reorganization of 

Jerry Fa rbanks. Inc.. video film producing 

firm, has been effected with Frank E. Mullen, 

radio-television executive, and Russ Johnston, 

former director of NBC's video film division, 

becoming executives and substantial 

stockholders. Fairbanks remains as president 

and continues in charge of all production 

activities; Mullen will be board chairman 

and will administer the company's business 

affairs. Johnston will assume vice-presidential 

duties. 

Mullen, former NBC executive vice-president, 

Will headquarter at the Fairbanks studios 

here, while Johnson will have his main 

offices in New York. 

Fairbanks said the reoi-ganization will result 

in an expansion of production facilities 

both here and in Gotham. The firm will 

develop and package video film programs 

and will immediately set up its own distribution 

and station sales agencies. 

Theatre Sales in Boom; 

553 Are Sold This Year 

By EDWIN J. MOORE 

KANSAS CITY—The theatre sales busincis 

has been good this year, with 553 theatres 

changing hands during the first U 

months of 1950. Although this represents 

only those deals which were announced 

publicly, indications eveiywhere showed a 

healthy, growing interest in motion picture 

exhibition as a business. 

These figures do not include the big shifts 

ill theatre ownership resulting from the dissolution 

of partnerships within the Paramount 

organization, and other sales growing 

out of the antitrust consent decrees. Nor do 

they include the 130 theatres sold by Griffith 

Consolidated Theatres to a group of eight 

employes earlier this month, or the shift in 

theatre ownership of a substantial group of 

houses involving the Fox West Coast chain 

and United Artists Theatres in California. 

NOT CAUSED BY LITIGATION 

The 553 theatres are those involved in 

straight-out business deals for properties not 

involved in com-t actions. This steady reporting 

during the year of theatre deals indicated 

both that outsde interests are regarding motion 

picture exhibition as a healthy, profitable 

business venture, and that good enough 

offers are being made to exhibitors for their 

properties to persuade them to sell. 

Arthur Leak. Dallas, whose theatre sales 

cover a wide area, reported his company had 

experienced its biggest year. There have been 

a number of good, substantial properties on 

theatres sell 

the market, but these profitable 

for "natural causes" and not because of any 

special boom in theatre sales, he said. The 

Dallas broker said these theatres change ownership 

because an exhibitor is retiring, goes 

into another situation or is sold to settle an 

estate. 

The Savereide Co., with offices in several 

mdwest cities, also has reported a substantial 

list of theatre changes in the breadbasket 

area of the coimtry. 

50 DRIVE-INS INCLUDED 

A breakkdown of the 553 theatres reported 

sold, as revealed in a state-by-state analysis 

by BOXFFICE, shows that 503 regular theatres 

changed ownership during the first 11 

months and that 50 drive-ins were sold. The 

big interest was in Iowa, where theatre sales 

popped up as rapidly as the rows of corn. 

Altogether, 45 theatres, representing 8^4 per 

cent of the total number of theatres in the 

state, underwent a change of ownership this 

year. 

The substantial interest in exhibition properties 

in the corn and wheat belt was interpreted 

as an indication of continued good 

business in agriculture. 

This "everybody wants to get into the act" 

attitude is noticeable in the entire area between 

the Rocky mountains and Mississippi 

river where 210 theatres were sold. Texas, 

famed for doing things big, was the scene of 

44 theatre transactions. Thus the middle section, 

which includes Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, 

Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, 

Nebraska, Minnesota and North and South 

Dakota, leads the country in the section-bysection 

breakdown, with the outer edges of 

Alabama 

1949 Sales by States 

I January through November)

Another coLUMBiil 

WITH.^ TRULY TREMEM 

Perhaps no greater serial audience exists than 

the many millions^ old and young^ who have 

^""^ 

thrilled to the legend of Sir Galiihad!

SERIAL 

bOUS 

HERO 

FOLLOWING! 

00ff^^, GEORGE REEVES as Sir Galahad 

§i0SS3, 

NELSON LEIGH as King Arthur • WILLIAM FAWCETT as Merlin 

HUGH PROSSER as Sir Lancelot 

• LOIS HALL as the Lady of the Lake 

written for the screen by George H. Plympton, LewJs Clay and Davjd Mathews 

A COLUMBIA SERIAL 

OLUMBIA'S SUPREMACY IN 

THE SERIAL FIELD!

. . There 

n- 

MPAA to Help Sell 

7V

eing 

Theatre Construction, Openings and Sales 

CONSTRUCTION: 

Amory, Miss.—Strand to nodeled by Fie 

Arlington Heights. III. — Construction oi 700-car 

Jrive-in ior Essaness Theatre Corp. will bo started 

early next spring. 

Atlantic City. N. J.—Walter Reade Thecftres to construct 

150-car drive-m on Block Horse pike, eight 

miles Irom city. 

Biloxi, Miss.—Meyers closed ior renovation. 

Bismarck, N. D.—Corra Drive-In, closed tor seaison, 

will be remodeled before opening next spring by 

owners Anton and Nicholas Schulz. 

Brooklyn, N. Y.—Brooks, 1,500 seats, under way 

Century circuit. 

ior 

Colorado Springs. Colo.—Peak being remodeled by 

Westland Iheatres, Inc. 

Buiials, N. Y.—Plans being considered for renovation 

ol Midiown by Costal Theatres Corp. 

Coaitov/n, Ohio—Construction started on 350-car 

Covingto , rebuilt after lire dan 

age. 

Dale Summit. Pa.—Contract awarded for construction 

of new drive-in by F. Glenn Westbrook, 

Caledonia Amusement Co, 

Delovon. Wis.—Permit issued for construction ol 

East Delavan Drive-In by Joseph Bikes v/ith Staben 

6t Hooper as architects. 

ElsQ. Tex.—Construction oi 734-seat theatre started 

by G- C- Harris. 

Douglas, Ariz.—Lyric remodeled. 

Eaton, N. J.—650-car drive-in under construction ior 

Walter Reade Theatres. 

Elkins, W. Va.— Nick Giovan plans to remodel Hippodrome. 

Everett, Wash. — 750-caT. $200,0000 Motor-View 

Drive-In under way lor B. F, Shearer. 

Fort Worth, Tex.—Work under way on 1,500-seat 

suburbcn Ridgiea Theatre by Interstate circuit. 

Franklin, Go.—Heard being remodeled. 

Graham, Tex.— L. N. Childress building new drivein. 

Honey. B. C.—Drive-m planned in Fraser valley. 

Hortsville, S. C.—Starlite Dnve-In under construction 

for Tony fones. 

Henderson, Ky.—Remodeling of the Kraver to start 

soon for ov.'^ners, Citizens Theatre Co. 

Hillsboro. 111.—Butler family plans to construct new 

new drive-m, 

Holbrook, Ariz.—Work to start sometime m April on 

new dnve-in tor Harry L. Noce circuit. 

Holdenville, Okla.—Griffith purchased lO-acre site 

on At wood highway for construction of drive-in. 

Houston, Tex.—Sites purchased for construction of 

five 800-car, $200,000 drive-ins for CloXide Ezell and 

associates- 

Huntington. L. I.— 1,500-seat Shore begun by Fred 

J. Schwartz oi Cenlury Theatres. 

Knoxville, Term.—Paramount announced plans for 

construction of 1,762-seat theatre on site of old 

Lyric 

Los Angeles, Calif.—Astor being remodeled- 

Marshall, Tex,—Site purchased for construction oi 

SQO^caT Ray Dnve-In on Highway 80 by R. W. 

Renyck and associates. 

Milwauicee. Wis.—Plans under way for construction 

of ihea.re in suburban Watiwatosa. 

Nanaimo, B. C.—FPC purchased site for construction 

of drive-m. 

Natchitoches, La.—Site leased on Route 20 for construction 

of $25,000 dnve-in for W. R. Younger and 

associates. 

Norwich, Coim.—Grading completed for drive-in. 

Ojai, Calii.—Ojon Theatre undergoing remodeling. 

Omaha, Neb.—Epstein Theatres, Inc. , have begun 

remodeling all their theatres here. 

Redgranite, Wis.—Nello D'Orazio purchased Community 

Hall ior conversion into 400-seat thecTtre. 

Sacramento, Calii.—Freeway Theatres, Inc., to 

build $120,000 drive-in at Arden Way and 14th St. 

San Antonio, Tex.— 1,000-seater planned by Richard 

G. Baltes as part of $350,000 shopping center. 

San Fernando Valley, Calii.— 1 ,500-seat stadiumtype 

iheatre under way for Nate Sheinberg, 

San Francisco, Calii.—Mandarin, Chinatown, will 

undergo a remodeling job. 

San Francisco, Calii.—Construction to start soon 

on dnve-m to be built by Excelsior Amusement Co., 

with Cantin

. . Kent 

. . . Kurd 

. . Una 

. . William 

. . "Four 

. . The 

ôUcfMWid ê^^tônt 

Academy Board Reinstates 

Separate Short Awards 

Such a furore was raised by the producers 

of, and other personnel associated with, the 

making of short subjects when the Academy 

of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently 

voted to chop the Oscar handouts from three 

to two in this category of filmmalung that 

the Academy's board of governors reconsidered 

and reinstated the vetoed Oscar. 

Under the now-discarded "streamlining" 

plan, one-and two-reelers were lumped together 

in competition for one statuette, with 

another award going to the best cartoon. Now 

the policy has reverted to the practice followed 

for the past 18 years, with one Oscar each going 

to the best one-reel, two-reel and cartoon 

subject. 

New WB Film to Mark Debut 

In U.S. for Richard Todd 

Currently one of the fair-haired lads on the 

Warner Bros, contract list, Richard Todd 

who starred in Warners' new release, "The 

Hasty Heart," filmed in England— will make 

his American film debut in "Lightning Strikes 

. . . Paramount 

Twice," to be produced on the Burbank lot 

early next year by Henry Blanke . . . Hedy 

Lamarr has been booked by MGM for the 

femme starring role in "Visa" . Taylor 

was handed the title part in Lippert Productions' 

"Western Pacific Agent" . . . Columbia 

set Broderick Crawford to co-star with 

Glenn Ford in "One Way Out" 

signed Joan Fontaine to a three-pic- 

ture starring contract. She is tentatively set 

to start the ticket by headlining in George 

Stevens' "Mr. and Miss Anonymous" . . . Phil 

Brito, nightclub and radio singer, draws one 

Caruso Film Biography 

On Again by Lasky 

After several years in the on-again-offagain 

status as an independent project 

being groomed by Jesse L. Lasky, the 

film biography of Opera Star Enrico 

Caruso—variously titled "Caruso Sings 

Tonight" and "The Life of Caruso"—now 

is apparently definitely headed for the 

cameras. 

Lasky has sold his rights in the yam 

to MGM in a package deal whereby he 

moves onto the Culver City lot to share 

producer credit on the opus with Joe 

Pasternak—a transaction noteworthy in 

itself since MGM seldom dabbles in such 

sharecropping participation arrangements. 

The venture's story line will be based 

on "Eruico Caruso, His Life and Death," 

by Dorothy Caruso, the singer's widow. 

The title role is set for Mario Lanza and 

the screenplay is being prepared by Sonya 

Levien. 

Lasky also is actively preparing "The 

Valley of the Mists" as an independent 

offering which will be distributed by 

Paramount. Production reins on this entry 

will be assumed by the film veteran's son, 

William R. Lasky. 

By 

IVAN SPEAR 

of the leads in the upcoming Monogram musical, 

"Square Dance Katy" . Merkel goes 

into "My Blue Heaven" at 20th Century-Fox 

Hatfield and Myrna Dell were set 

for top roles in "Destination Murder," independent 

opus being produced by Edward L. 

Cahn and Maurie M. Suess . Elliott, 

Walter Brennan and Marie Windsor are 

toplined in "Sleep AU Winter," being produced 

for Republic, released by William J. 

O'SulUvan, Dorrell and Stuart McGowan. 

Rocky Mountain Exhibitors 

Form Production Company 

A group of exhibitors in the Rocky Mountain 

area has moved in on the production end 

of the industry with the formation of Broadway 

Productions, an association of showmen 

from the mountain states with Stanley Neal, 

veteran industrial film producer, and Attorney 

Oscar R. Cummins. 

Production headquarters have been secured 

at General Service studio and camera work 

on an as-yet unannounced schedule is slated 

to begin early next year. 

The theatremen making their productional 

plunge are Neil Beezley, Sam Langwith, R. D. 

Erwln and Mark I»rice. Neal, who has been 

making conunercial subjects for more than 30 

years, also makes his debut as a feature-film 

producer with formation of the firm. 

Adele Buffington Swamped 

With Monogram Scripting 

A busy scribe is Adele Buffington, who has 

been set at Monogram to write additional 

scenes for "Jiggs and Maggie Out West," just 

turned in a completed screenplay for an upcoming 

Johnny Mack Brown western, "Border 

Renegades," on the same lot. and will next 

turn her attention to "Bad Men of Indian 

Mesa." also for Brown and also at Monogram 

. . . Kenneth MacKerma. head of MGM's stu- 

. 

dio story department, was given a new ticket 

under which he becomes a member of the 

executive staff as well as continuing in the 

story spot . . . William MlUigan, formerly a 

member of Columbia's publicity staff, was 

booked by the studio to develop his own original, 

"Outlaw Frontier," as a forthcoming 

Charles Starrett sagebrusher producer-director 

reins on MGM's "Quo Vadls," 

recently relinquished by Arthur Hornblow jr. 

and John Huston, respectively, have been 

picked up by Sam Zimbalist and Mervyn Le- 

Roy . . . Universal-International has reactivated 

its proposed film version of "Song of 

Norway," the operetta, and has signed Harry 

Tugend to write the screenplay. It will be 

filmed in Technicolor next summer. 

Story Purchases D'windle 

To Two for the Week 

Alanning indeed was the state of the story 

market as only two transactions were completed 

during the period. Gearing it as a 

starring comedy for Eddie Bracken, RKO 

Radio acquired "The Sugar Plum Staircase," 

a novel by Richard English . Steps 

to the Wall," prison melodrama by Jon Edgar 

Webb, went to Monte Proser and Charles 

Weintraub and will be produced in association 

with James Nasser for United Artists 

release. 

A New Religious Cycle 

Of Films Under Way 

Comes now evidence from, thi-ee sources 

that a new religious cycle in picturemaking 

may be a 

highlight productionwise 

in the 

early months of 

1950. 

In the blueprinting 

stages at MGM 

and to be personally 

produced by 

Dore S c h a r y is 

"The Next Voice 

You Hear," a story 

of God's intervention 

when He feels 

that peoples of the 

William A. Wellman 

world are bent on self-destruction. It is 

being adapted by Charles Schnee from a 

story by George Sumner Albee and which 

appeared originally in Cosmopolitan magazine. 

Assigned to direct is William Wellman, 

previously associated with Schary 

in the making of "Battleground." 

And over at Universal-International 

Pi-oducer-Writer Robert Buckner is laying 

plans to film "Lend Me Your Ears," 

a comedy with religious overtones, in 

Rome next year. The picture, which will 

have an all-male cast, is being equipped 

with a story line which will "humanize" 

the church—and thus apparently bears 

some resemblance to the recent 20th Century-Fox 

entry. "Come to the Stable." 

Meantime from the Protestant Film 

commission and destined for theatrical 

distribution as well as showings in 

churches and before other religious 

groups is to come "Second Chance," a 

feature-length entry based on a story by 

Faith Baldwin. John Hubbard has the 

top role and William Beaudine directs. 

with Paul F. Heard as the producer. Robert 

Presnell sr. wrote the screenplay, 

which concerns a woman who re-lives her 

life and thus has a second chance to 

become a practicing Christian. Picture 

is being made at the request of the Presbyterian, 

Congregational and Evangelical 

and Reformed churches. 

M.P. Relief Fund Scores 

25th Year of Service 

Marking 25 years of service to the needy, 

sick and aged in the film industry, the Motion 

Picture Relief fund is celebrating its 

silver anniversary as an incorporated welfare 

organization. 

It started with nothing but the will to aid 

those in motion pictures who might need a 

helping hand—and now operates its own 

40-room hospital and country house, has its 

own dental clinic, a radio program and a welfare 

office staffed with 27 workers. 

Ninety per cent of industry toilers belong 

to the Fund, contributing 1 per cent or % 

per cent of their salaries to its support. 

Among those who have served as MPRP president 

during the past quarter-century are 

Jean Her.sholt, incumbent, serving his 13th 

consecutive term; Joseph M. Schenck, Jesse 

L. Lasky, Cecil B. DeMille, the late Carl 

Laemmle sr.. Jack L. Warner, Conrad Nagel 

and Marion Davles. 


CHESTCR FRIEDMAN 

EDITOR 

HUGH E. FRAZE 

OXOfflW 

SECTION 

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN 

Câuaii 

'i uaiizer 

For almost three years we have 

been poundini^ away in these columns 

on the fact that the BOXOF- 

FICE Bonus is the greatest equalizer 

in the industry for putting showmanship 

on a man-to-man or exhibitor-to-exhibitor 

basis. 

Our own qualifications for the job 

as editor of a theatre exploitation 

section stem mainly from our many 

years of experience as a. theatre 

manager and exhibitor, rather than 

any special proficiency as a writer. 

On various occas"ons we have tried 

to express to the readers, and especially 

to the small-town and subsequent-run 

theatre managers, that 

the Bonus presents no problems of 

inequity. Every Bonus is earned for 

outstanding achievement in direct 

proportion to the individual initiative, 

showmanship and results evidenced 

in each promotion, regardless 

of size of theatre, town or run. 

It remained for Bob O'Regan, 

owner-manager of the Twin Theatre, 

Waynesville, Ohio, to provide 

the most direct method of expressing 

the point we have brought out 

time and again. His letter opens 

with an apology for his tardiness 

in acknowledging a BOXOFFICE 

Bonus he won during the month of 

October. He expresses his personal 

gratificaition at earning the Bonus 

and the Citation of Honor, and 

points out the importance of the 

recognition bestowed on theatremen 

for small-town showmanship. He 

believes this heartens exhibitors who 

have beefed in the past over tradepapers 

which ignore the theatre 

operators in small situa

Kaiser-Frazer Tieup Nets Co-Op Ad Hidden-Name Contest 

And Ballyhoo for The Heiress And News Purveyor 

Charles Daniels, manager of the Paramount 

Theatre, Glens Falls, N. Y., took advantage 

of the national tieups with Kaiser-Frazer 

and the Admiral radio distributors to garner 

special exploitation in connection with "The 

Heiress." 

The Kaiser-Frazer dealer furnished two 

cars which were driven around Glens Falls 

and several of the surrounding communities 

with signs plugging the contest and playdates. 

During peak evening hours, the cars 

were parked in front of the theatre. 

The car dealer also purchased newspaper 

ads in the local press publicizing both the 

contest and the playdates. The local Admiral 

dealer provided a radio phonograph combination 

and a table radio as contest prizes. 

The contest was promoted on a free time 

hookup with the local radio station. Listeners 

were asked to write in submitting the 

name of the person most in need and deserving 

of a radio phonograph. Printed leaflets 

describing the contest and the tiein for "The 

Heiress" were supplied by the Admiral dealer. 

All retail stores handling Admiral products 

displayed accessories and posters plugging the 

picture and the contest. 

Newspapers used publicity releases and followup 

stories. Spot announcements over both 

Glens Falls radio stations recorded star interviews 

on promoted time, and gratis spot plugs 

on recorded music shows were used in advance. 

Both radio stations also sponsored 

contests on "Why I Would Like to See 'The 

Heiress.' " Winners were guests of Daniels at 

a preview, with radio interviewers in the audience 

to catch the reactions of the guests 

for a special broadcast. 

Advance lobby displays were made from 

litho 24-sheets and later used for current 

ballyhoo on the theatre marquee. 

For outside ballyhoo, six 24-sheets were 

posted on main highways leading into the 

city, 50 three-sheets were posted throughout 

the area ten days prior to opening, and miniature 

24-sheets were placed in merchant 

windows. A rubber stamp was used to imprint 

some 5,000 bags In markets and shops. 

Review Contest Promotes 

Film at Buffalo Center 

A citywide tiein with Kaiser-Frazer automobile 

dealers hooked in with the national 

review contest heralded the Buffalo premiere 

of "The Heiress" at the Center Theatre. Special 

heralds were distributed to all dealers. 

Posters were displayed in windows, and dealer 

cars were bannered with posters on windows 

and on the bodies. 

The public was asked to write a review of 

"The Heiress" and submit it for the attention 

of the national contest judges. The opening 

day of the picture. Kaiser-Frazer dealers 

staged a vehicular parade headed by an A- 

board truck. The motorcade visited all parts 

of the city with the contest message plus 

prominent mention of the theatre booking 

at the Center. 

Radio station WEBR sponsored an Heiress 

For a Day promotion which stimulated extensive 

interest in the film booking. Listeners 

were required to write letters to the radio 

station telling why they should be an Heiress 

for a Day. Prizes were promoted for presentation 

to the winner. WEBR gave the contest 

a ten-day buildup vrith numerous spot 

plugs and mention of the Center booking. 

A mammoth cutout display visible for blocks 

was placed on the theatre marquee. A ballyhoo 

truck mounted with two 24-sheets toured 

all neighborhoods throughout Buffalo a week 

before opening. 

A tieup was made with Royal Crown Cola 

providing for truck banners on all service 

vehicles, tieing in the drink hit of the season 

and the screen hit of the season, "The Heiress." 

The advertising campaign was launched two 

weeks in advance, using 50 line teasers building 

up to large space display ads. Stories 

and art broke in all Buffalo papers as well 

as in some 30 out-of-town publications. 

The Sunday Courier-Express used a fullpage 

roto section pictorial preview. Everybody's 

Daily, Polish language publication, 

broke a half-page splash with pictures and 

a synopsis. Many other outstanding newspaper 

features promoted interest in the picture 

playdates. 

Paper Runs Contest 

For 'Yellow Ribbon' 

A coloring contest run in the Memphis 

Commercial Appeal helped "She Wore a Yellow 

Ribbon" at the State there. Arthur 

Groom, manager, offered cash prizes and 

passes to winning boys and girls. The newspaper 

devoted generous publicity and art 

to the promotion. 

Groom invited 550 news carriers to the 

Press Scimitar to see the picture as his gue.sts 

at an evening supper show during the second 

week holdover of the picture. This resulted 

in special art breaks and current publicity. 

Yellow ribbon beau-snatchers were distributed 

to shoppers through a tieup with 

one of the leading department stores. They 

also displayed window signs pointing up the 

tieup and the picture playdates. 

Groom promoted window displays in music 

shops, and for street ballyhoo an attractive 

young woman was engaged to circulate in 

the downtown area dressed in cavalry uniform, 

with a sign calling attention to the 

State booking. 

Heralds Aid 'Brave' 

Special coverage in the Negro section of 

Laurel, Del., helped to obtain extra patronage 

for "Home of the Brave" at the Waller 

Theatre. Manager Herman Kopf distributed 

heralds door-to-door throughout the neighborhood 

three days prior to opening. 

Plug 'Adam's Rib' 

Joe Boyle, manager of the Poll Theatre, 

Norwich, Conn., launched his campaign for 

"Adam's Rib" by displaying several lobby setp'eces 

featuring star heads of Hepburn and 

Tracy in silhouette with a pair of miniature 

fabric pants against a colorful background. 

One thousand tabloid circulars were distributed 

by a newsboy on the main downtown 

intersection. Spot announcements were used 

a week in advance over radio station WNOC. 

One thousand bookmarks were distributed 

through the public lending libraries. One 

thousand special teaser heralds were made 

up locally and distributed in downtown offices 

and via insertion in Sunday newspapers 

prior to opening. 

ITie Norwich Bulletin Record sponsored a 

classified ad hidden-name promot'on. Names 

of local residents selected from the telephone 

directory were inter.spersed with personal ads. 

a box at the top of the page plugging the promotion 

as well as "Adam's Rib" and the Poll 

playdates. 

Local news dealers displayed cards calling 

attention to the Look magazine review on 

"Adam's Rib" and the Poll playdates. A disk 

jockey heard over .station WNOC used a radio 

contest offering guest tickets for "Adam's 

Rib" to listeners who submitted titles of previous 

pictures in which Hepburn and Tracy 

have appeared together. 

The cooperation of a large baking concern 

was enlisted in order to reach potential patrons 

in the rural areas. Drivers of the bakery 

trucks inserted novelty heralds in bread 

wranoers delivered direct to consumers. A 

display ad was used in the Plainfield Journal 

to reach patrons in the Plainfield, Jewett 

City and Moosup .sections. 

The meat departments of supermarkets displayed 

siens reading, "After you've seen 

'Adam's Rib.' etc., try our spare ribs." The 

star interview transcription was planted on 

radio station WICH three days prior to opening. 

'Everybody Does It' Co-Op 

Promoted by Assistant 

A full-page co-op ad was promoted by 

Frank Hambridge, assistant at the Wicomico 

Theatre, Salisbury, Md., on "Everybody Does 

It." The banner read: " 'Everybody Does It,' 

Shop at these stores." A two-column display 

ad on the picture ran down the center of the 

page. Merchants ads were tied in on a quiz. 

In each ad, a question pertinent to motion 

pictures was publ'shed. Readers were invited 

to submit the answers, with theatre 

tickets offered to the first 25 who came up 

with the proper solution. 

Hambridge also placed tent cards in every 

good restaurant. 

Co-Ops Sell Short 

For "The Savannah Story," a short film depicting 

business, civic, religious, educational 

activities in the Hostess city of the south, 

Leslie Swaebe, manager of the Avon there, 

promoted a page co-op ad in the Savannah 

Evening Press. The ad ran two days prior 

to opening and was repeated opening day in 

the Sunday Evening Press. 

32 — 436 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Dec. 24, 1949

I 

Lack of Accessories 

Fails to Handicap 

Xane' Campaign 

Lack of advertising accessories on "Spring 

in Park Lane" did not prevent Jack Randall. 

Strand Theatre manager in Vancouver. B. C. 

from giving the British film an all-around 

publicity campaign which resulted in excellent 

returns at the boxoffice. Randall created 

a large cutout display in the theatre foyer 

five weeks in advance of playdate. and later 

used it currently as a display in one of Vancouver's 

leading downtown restaurants. 

The picture was sneak-previewed and the 

press next day carried scene cuts and complimentary 

reviews. This occui-red about two 

weeks ahead of opening and garnered much 

valuable word-of-mouth advertising. 

Through a tieup with a local stage attraction 

booking agency, permission was obtained 

to include an attractive mailing piece on 

"Spring in Park Lane," with 5,000 special 

folders being mailed to a select list by the 

agency. Randall's staff inserted the theatre's 

advertising as well as the agency's folders, 

thereby eliminating any expense in this connection. 

The cost of this stunt would normally 

have been around $75. 

A large cooperative display ad promoted 

from the local Arthur Murray dance studio 

was used opening day. Scene cuts were 

planted in all three daily papers during the 

picture's run which kept interest alive for the 

entire engagement. A picture story broke in 

the Vancouver Sun. 

Two Circuits in Detroit 

Use Billboard Displays 

Neighborhood theatres can be moderately 

heavy users of outdoor advertising, according 

to the experience of two independent 

theatre circuits in Detroit, contrary to the 

prevailing view among exhibitors that outdoor 

space is not of much practical value to 

the smaller theatre in a big city. First run 

metropolitan houses and small town theatresare 

in a different category, affected by special 

conditions. 

The Wisper & Wetsman circuit, with 20 

theatres, is using 16 24-sheet stands close 

to their theatres, while the Korman circuit, 

with 11 houses, is using eight 24-sheets. Al! 

are changed and snipped weekly, with the 

posters devoted to one of the top featui'es 

booked at each house. 

The Korman circuit also has used about 

200 outdoor locations around the city to announce 

the recent opening of the new Booker 

T Theatre, which caters to Negro trade. A 

change of policy to all-n ght operation at the 

centrally located Times Square Theatre was 

similarly announced by 200 boards, and supplemented 

by window cards. 

Seasonally, the Korman circuit used additional 

outdoor locations to stress the coolness 

of their houses. Posting for the two circuits 

is handled by United Bill Posting Co. 

Battle of Comics Billed 

Nick Brickates, manager of the Garde, 

New London, Conn., recently advertised a 

morning show as "A Battle of the Comics." 

More than a dozen cartoons and comedy 

shorts were booked for the program, each 

popularized through newspaper comic strips. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Dec. 24, 1949 — 437 — 

33

Here is the answer ... in 

a strange flight from fear 

— and one of the greatest 

LUPINO 

woman-hunts ever staged. 

Here is suspense . . . that 

builds and builds like the 

iowanJi 

! 

"^^f\ 

pounding beat of an excited 

heart to one of the 

DUFF , 

^ 

screen's most unforgettable 

lai climaxes! 

McNALl 

yî:-

i 

Automobile Giveaway 

Shared by Fox Houses 

And Independent 

Aji annual automobile giveaway, sponsored 

through a novel tieup between the independently 

operated Trail Theatre, three Fox theatres 

and local merchants in Port Collins 

Colo., helps to bring seven weeks of exceptional 

business to the participants. The promotion 

is undertaken each year by Robert 

Pennock, city manager for the Fox houses, 

and Frank Aydelotte, manager of the Tra'l 

Theatre. The two showmen work together, 

calling on the various merchants and setting 

up the deal. 

Each merchant contributes $150 to underwrite 

the seven-week promotion. Sixteen 

merchants took part in the 1949 tieup. Each 

one receives coupons to be distributed to store 

customers with cash purchases or payments 

on accounts. The money collected under- 

WTites the cost of a new car and a weekly 

cash giveaway of $100 which is cumulative if 

not won each week. The fund also provides 

jumbo window cards, coupon containers for 

the merchants and theatres, trailer, lobby 

displays, street car banners, etc. 

Drawings are held at alternate theatres 

each week, with a four-way hookup between 

the houses so that announcements by the 

master of ceremonies are audible to audiences 

in each theatre. 

Each year the promotion is tied in with the 

Fall Harvest Movie Festival. The new car, 

which is the top award, is exhibited at the 

theatres and in front of the participating 

merchants' establishments thi-oughout the 

seven-week period the giveaway is in progress. 

'Holiday' Contest Staged 

For Amateur Photo Fans 

With the cooperation of a number of Phyllis 

Bell models. Vince lorio, manager of the 

Trans Lux Theatre, Washington, promoted 

an amateur photographers' contest to exploit 

"Holiday Inn." Hobbyists were invited 

to take pictures of girls posed with life-size 

cutouts of Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, 

stars of the film reissue. 

The contest ran for four days. Photo 

equipment and merchandise were awarded for 

photos depicting originality. Entries were 

judged by the Photo Editors of the Washington 

Post, Times Herald. Daily News and 

Evening Star. 

The contest was played up in the photo 

sections of the daily newspapers. 

Strong 'Quartet' Buildup 

Launched by Screening 

Screenings for newspapermen, radio commentators, 

educational officials and heads of 

women's groups were set up by Bob Eagen, 

manager of the National Theatre, Richmond. 

Va., for "Quartet." Local PTA groups aided 

in the distribution of heralds and mailing 

pieces. The Civic Music Ass'n made its entire 

maiUng list available to the theatre. 

Newspapers cooperated with liberal feature 

stories, book shops devoted window space to 

still displays and theatre signs, hotels and 

four affiliated theatres in the city displayed 

lobby boards and gratis announcements and 

plugs were promoted over radio stations 

WRVA, WHGB, WLEE, WXGI and WRNL. 

TORMENTED 

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tUlUKl PUISOH 

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OPENS WED.' 

One of a series of dramatic ads created by 

Bill Hoyle, ad-publicity director for Lichfman 

Theatres in Washington. The Lincoln is the 

leading Negro theatre in the nation's capitaL 

The campaign helped to convey the story 

theme wnth impact and special appeal. 

Radio Listeners Try 

For 'Samson' Ducats 

An extensive tieup with the White Rock 

bottling company, through a contest on their 

WNEW radio program starring Martin Block, 

wlU help to exploit "Samson and Delilah" 

prior to its New York premiere. 

The contest calls for listeners to identify 

a tune and submit letters on why they prefer 

White Rock soda. Eight hundred metropolitan 

radio listeners will be selected from among 

contest entrants to be special guests at a 

"Samson and Delilah" preview at the Normandie 

Theatre prior to the regular opening 

at the Paramount and Rivoli theatres. 

In addition to the radio plugs, the White 

Rock company distributed 12,000 window displays 

of counter cards and 500 package inserts 

to retailers in the New York and New 

Jersey area. 

The tieup was consummated by Paramount 

Pictures exploiteers, under the direction of 

Max Youngstein, national director of advertising 

and publicity. 

Mayor and Police Chief 

Hail 'Trooper' Short 

When Fi-ank Eldridge. manager of the 

Capitol. Concord, N. H., played "State 

Trooper" recently, he enlisted the aid of the 

mayor and the superintendent of state police 

in getting extra newspaper publicity for the 

short. A picture of the mayor and superintendent 

and several troopers was taken and 

the Concord Daily Monitor published it. along 

with a story including mention of the screen 

program booked at the Capitol. 

TV and Texaco Tieup 

Give Extra Punch 

To 'Laughing' 

Nate Wi.se, publicity director for RKO Theatres 

in Cincinnati, concentrated the majority 

of his promotional efforts for "Always 

Leave Them Laughing," which opened at the 

Palace Theatre, on Milton Berle's popularity 

with television audiences. The tieup was 

made with station WLW-TV, outlet for the 

Berle show in Cincinnati, for ten gratis oneminute 

plugs via a trailer. 

Wise al.so obtained from the station manager 

a list of television set owners. Nearly 

15,000 families on this list received postal 

cards carrying a direct plug for both the 

Berle television program and "Always Leave 

Them Laughing." Five additional mentions 

for the playdates were received by providing 

the Petticoat Party Line show with a few 

passes for its audience participation giveaway. 

A second line of promotion was opened by 

contacting Texaco, sponsor of the Berle TV 

program. Two-color cards plugging the Palace 

booking were placed in 90 gasoline stations 

throughout the area. Cooperative newspaper 

ads were obtained from the H&S Pogue 

Co., featuring a Milton Berle toy, and windowdisplays 

were arranged in Pogue's, RoUman's, 

and Sears in addition to displays in their toy 

departments. 

An advance setpiece used in the Palace 

lobby featured the star in a variety of characterizations, 

attracted widespread attention. 

All local dailies gave the picture advance and 

current publicity and art breaks. Special 

newspaper ads were placed on the radio and 

television page of Cincinnati's three principal 

papers. 

Studebaker Tieup Spurs 

Worcester, Mass., 'Wind' 

Displays in ten of the most prominent windows 

in Worcester. Mass., helped "Gone With 

the Wind." Robert Portle, manager of the 

Elm Street Theatre, and his assistant E. J. 

Labar lined up the locations. 

A 1950 Studebaker was promoted for street 

ballyhoo, bannered with signs reading: "The 

horse and buggy days are gone, but see 'Gone 

With the Wind,' etc." The Worcester dally 

newspapers, Sunday papers and the Jewish 

Civic Leader ran feature art and stories, and 

five gratis plugs were promoted from radio 

station WTAG. When answering telephone 

calls, cashiers told patrons that "Gone With 

the Wind" was playing a return engagement, 

and special announcements were made at 

several night spots to promote extra interest 

in the playdates. 

Riders Club Organized 

Fred Utter, manager of the Palace, Morristown, 

N. J., recently organized a Roy Rogers 

Riding club at his Saturday kid matinees. 

Each youngster has received a membership 

card, and a punch card system will be used 

whereby members earn points toward Roy 

Rogers merchandise prizes by regularity in 

attendance. The prizes will be supplied by 

local dealers and merchants handling licensed 

items under the Roy Rogers trademark. A 

Roy Rogers picture is screened each week and 

various stage contests provide additional interest 

for the small fry. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Dec. 24. 1949 — 439 — 35

SANTA COMES 

TO TOWN 

Here is an animated diorama display created by Jim Barnes, manager of the 

Huntington Park (Calif.) Theatre. Toy houses were illuminated. Train was in 

constant motion and the tiny snowman kept rocking to and fro. Kids were entranced. 

The grownups also stopped and lingered. 

Santa arrived at Loew's. Rochester, Thanksgiving day for 

Manager Les Pollock's annual cartoon show. Pollock promoted 

$300 in gifts and prizes from a business firm, below, 

which the fortunate kids took home with them. Tickets were 

placed on early sale. Result, a sellout. 

Frank Denehy, manager of the Orange (Mass.) Theatre 

whose reindeer and display on the rooftop won a 

BOXOFTICE Bonus last year, has another contender 

for Bonus cash. It took local artist 50 hours to build 

a 

this mammoth Santa cutout. Patrons entered the theatre 

by walking through the legs. 

At left, Steve McManus, 

manager of the Odeon, 

Fort William. Ont., had 

this attractive lobby display 

to exploit a "Perfect 

Woman" contest. 

Free theatre tickets 

were offered for best letters 

received on "Why 

I think I married "The 

Perfect Woman.' 

Right, one of four wrindows 

promoted for 

"Christopher Columbus" 

by Wannie Tyers, manager, 

Odeon Theatre, 

Toronto. 

At left. Cliff Loth, manager 

of the Uptown, 

New York, turned the 

lobby into a collection 

depot for toys, given annually 

to needy children 

by the police department. 

1^1

orphanages. 

I 

Sold 

Decca Hookup Paves 

Path for Pufalicily 

On 'Ichabod' 

When "Tl-ie Adventvires of Ichabod and 

Mr. Toad" played the Utah Theatre in Salt 

Lake City, Manager Charles Pincus gave the 

attraction strong exploitation. Two week.'; 

prior to opening, a tieup was set with the 

Decca record distributor, which provided the 

picture with plugs on jukeboxes and disk 

jockeys programs on stations KALL, KNAK 

and KtrrA. 

Art displays were placed in the theatre 

lobby well in advance. 

A screening for elders of the Mormon church 

paved the way for special announcements in 

about 200 church ward houses on two consecutive 

Sundays prior to opening. The Walt 

Disney studios sent Clarence Nash, the voice 

of Donald Duck, to the preview. Nash remained 

for personal appearancese at the theatre 

on opening day, and through a tieup 

with the Salt Lake Tribune, made a tour of 

children's hospitals and The 

. 

paper ran colorful human interest stories on 

this, and pictures wih full credits for the film 

and theatre playdates. 

The Parent-Teacher Ass'n highly endorsed 

and recommended the picture following a 

preview. Window cards were displayed :n 

downtown locations. A heavy newspaper 

schedule and radio saturation announcements 

rounded out the campaign. 

Trapped' Front Backed 

With Still Montages 

) Bernard Hayes, manager of the Granby in 

Norfolk, Va., built a front to exploit "Trapped," 

carrying out the action theme of the pictm'e 

via still montages headed, "This way for bullet-filled 

action and thrills." 

With merchandising tieups built around 

comic books, toy guns, etc., full window displays 

were promoted at Woolworth's and 

other five-and-dime stores. The Ann Page 

candy company was promoted for several 

thousand lollipops for distribution attached 

to cards reading, "Don't be a sucker for the 

phoney money racket. See 'Ti-apped,' etc." 

Radio station WLAW sponsored a Ti'ap 

the Mystery tune contest, awarding theatre 

tickets to listeners who properly identified 

the song. Announcements stressed the action 

elements of the film and included credits. 

Sound Truck Ballyhoos 

'Bagdad' in Baltimore 

Extra exploitation paid off at the boxoffice 

when Fred Schanberger. general manager 

of Keiths Theatre in Baltimore, played "Bagdad." 

A sound truck was used three days 

prior to opening with an electrical transcription 

played over the amplifier system and 

signs calling attention to the playdates. 

Reads drug stores throughout the city offered 

a "Bagdad" special at all soda fountains. 

Window and mirror signs plugged the 

Keiths booking. A weekly newspaper sponsored 

a coloring contest offering passes for 

readers who submitted the best examples of 

art. 

Cutout letters, five feet high, spelled out 

the title on the marquee and increased newspaper 

lineage attracted special interest and 

added patronage. 

You Pay Your Money 

And See Two Shows 

Tlic HKO circuit sold "Kverybody Docs 

It" to patrons of about 50 theatres in the 

New York area by offering the show on 

"free pass if you are not satisfied" basis. 

The guarantee of the show as top entertainment 

was sold in special trailers, lobby 

displays, window cards and outdoor 

posters and in large newspaper advertisements 

and radio spots. Reports indicate 

that each house averaged about 

20 claims for passes from persons who 

thought they did not get as much enjoyment 

from the picture as the guarantee 

stated. 

Xmas Presentation 

Staged by Students 

Pre-Christmas promotion by Edwin Enke. 

manager of the Calderone Theatre, Hempstead, 

N. Y.. included unique tieups to promote 

extra business and goodwill with the 

Hempstead High school and Hofstra college 

student groups. 

A week before Christmas, a colorful stage 

production of familiar songs and carols was 

presented by a mixed chorus and concert band 

composed of high school students. The presentation 

was tagged, "Christmas in America," 

and was well exploited through the usual 

theatre advertising channels and through the 

student body. 

On Wednesday before Christmas, Hofstra 

college presented special Christmas portions 

of the Messiah by Handel. The college glee 

club and orchestra also participated in the 

stage program. 

Mailing pieces were sent to all home owners 

in the area announcing the stage performances, 

with a list of current screen attractions. 

Enke advertised both the Messiah 

rendition and "Christmas in America" as a 

community service. 

Kids Get Free Gum 

A tieup with the Beech-Nut company arranged 

by Steve O'Bryan. manager of the 

Strand Theatre. Oswego. N. Y., provided every 

youngster who attended a recent Saturday 

matinee with free chewing gum. The giveaway 

was advertised in the lobby of the 

Strand and in theatre ads. 

NO PERFORATIONS: 20% More Light and Better Vision 

CYCimMIC 

Magic Screen 

of the Future 

-NOW! 

Custom Screen 

•Patent applied for 

Dislributed through Theotre Supply 

$500 Giveaway Helps 

Pre-Xmas Business 

Jersey State Electric day. sponsored by the 

local utility company of Elizabeth. N. J., was 

turned intp a cooperative business stimulant 

and pre-Christmas business booster by William 

D. Herman, assistant manager of the 

Ritz. 

Herman approached the company, offering 

to help promote the idea by coordinating the 

store and theatre through a tieup. The firm 

was enthusiastic and donated $500 worth of 

merchandise including a television set, radio, 

lamps, clocks, toa.ster, cooker, etc., and provided 

6,000 heralds announcing the tieup. 

They also ran advertisements in the Elizabeth 

newspaper announcing a Jer.sey State 

Electric day giveaway at the theatre. The 

giveaway was made on the basis of a door 

prize to patrons of the theatre on December 

16. 

All gifts were displayed in the theatre lobby 

two weeks in advance. 

Contest on 'Seabiscuit' 

A successful coloring contest planted by 

Walt Brubaker, manager of of the Wooster 

(Ohio) Theatre, for "The Story of Seabiscuit" 

elicited several hundred entries locally and 

from nearby towns. The daily newspaper 

ran a coloring mat for two days. Winning 

entries were announced on opening day. 

START 1950 

extra-fine' RESOLUTION 

Manufactured by 

B. F. SHEARER COMPANY 

2318 Second Avenue, Seattle 1, Waihington 

Exclusively In Export by FRAZAR & HANSEN, Ltd., 301 Cloy St., San Froncisco 11, Colif 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Dec. 24. 1949 — 441 — 37

Multiple Screenings 

Set Stage for Start 

Of 'Quartet' Run 

Screenings of "Quartet" were held for 

groups likely to aid in promoting tiie opening 

at the Lyceum in Minneapolis. According 

to James Nederlander, manager of the 

Lyceum, and Eagle Lion exploiteer Wally 

Heim, the results were highly satisfactory, 

yielding liberal newspaper and radio publicity, 

and grosses which hit a near record 

at the house. 

The screenings were attended by newspaper 

critics, editorial writers and feature 

writers; radio reviewers, news commentators 

and women who conduct "home" programs; 

PTA and women's club officials; high school 

English teachers, and teachers of English 

and dramatics at the University of Minne- 

.sota, book store executives, heads of all department 

store book counters and main and 

branch librarians. 

A title-selling contest was set up with the 

Minneapolis Shopping News, with passes offered 

to winners. A similar contest was promoted 

on radio station WDGY. 

Special ads were placed in the programs 

of all current legitimate shows in town. Book 

stores and department stores havinc; book 

departments used window displays. Counter 

displays were prominent in leading stores and 

in all library branches. 

The world's most famous 

MONEY A. 

MAKING 

PICTURE 

I' 

ipAD' 

HYG EN C PRODUCnONSlc 

AimO^^.mGMHl BLDG.WILMINGTON.OHIO.ui. 

Cost-Free Stunts Garner 

Business at Ocean Park 

Several recent ballyhoo stunts paid off via 

Increased business at the Dome Theatre, 

Ocean Park, Calif., according to Al Sachs, assistant 

manager, who promoted the deals at 

no cost. 

On "Duck Soup" and "Animal Crackers," 

two Marx brothers reissues, three ushers were 

dressed in outfits to make them resemble the 

stars. With a sign calling attention to the 

playdates. the three cavorted in the business 

area, attracting considerable attention with 

their zany antics. 

For "Pinky," Sacks promoted a panel truck 

bannered with posters advertising the booking. 

The truck toured the entire Bay area 

of Santa Monica and Ocean Park. 

An attractive lobby display helped to create 

advance interest for "Sword in the Desert." 

A dummy figure of a crystal-gazer was placed 

near the confection stand. 

Review in Ad Creates 

'Bovary' Business 

Edward Sharp, manager of the Rlalto in 

Missoula, Mont., conceived an idea for a novel 

newspaper ad which is credited with attracting 

more business for "Madame Bovary" 

than the film did in any other playdate in 

the Salt Lake area. The source of this Information 

is Mrs. Edna Wilma Simons, president 

of the Simons Amusement Co. which 

operates theatres throughout Montana and 

Idaho. 

Sharp read a review on "Madame Bovary" 

written by Margaret Bean which appeared in 

the Spokane (Wash.) Spokesman Review. 

Missoula's daily newspaper has a strict 

"thumbs down" policy on free theatre publicity, 

hence Sharp decided to combine the 

Margaret Bean review with his regular newspaper 

advertising. The popularity of the 

film critic in that part of the country, along 

with a screening for members of the faculty 

at Montana State university located in Missoula, 

had the entire town talking about 

"Madame Bovary." 

According to Mrs. Simons, the picture did 

far beyond all expectations, with holdout 

business on its opening playdate and exceptional 

grosses throughout the picture's run. 

Heralds, Direct Mail 

Assist 'David Harum' 

Chuck Keeling, manager of the Tower, 

Oklahoma City, distributed 2,000 heralds on 

"David Harum." A 40x60 was used in the 

lobby with a color blowup of Will Rogers, 

and copy above and below. Post cards were 

mailed to residents, and a window tieup with 

the book department of a prominent department 

store was made possible through the 

personal appearance of Will Rogers jr. on 

opening day of the picture to autograph books. 

Patrons Lend Jap Items 

For Exhibit on 'Tokyo' 

GU Green, manager of the Michigan 

Theatre, Detroit, obtained an unusual lobby 

exhibit to exploit "Tolcyo Joe." Green used 

an announcement sign inviting the public 

to lend the theatre trinkets, wartime trophies, 

silk, jewelry and any other objects manufactured 

in Japan, and offered prizes for any 

items which were used. The resulting exhibit 

attracted wide attention from the public 

and created special interest among collectors 

of Japanese art, etc. 

CLEARING HOUSE 

(Continned from inside back cover) 

THEATRE SEATING 

Discriminating exhibitors buy chairs from 8.0.8. 

271 excellent veneer folding chairs. $2.95; 471 

veneers, excellent, $3.50: 347 veneer back, spring 

cushion, excellent. $4.25: rebuilt, $5.75. Thousands 

others. Send for Chair Bulletin, Dept. C, 

SOS. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 62nd St., 

New York 10. 

Patch-D-Seat cement. Patching cloth, solvent. 

c. Fensln Seating Co.. Chicago 6. 

Tiohten loose chairs with Permastone anchor 

cement. Fensln Seating Co., Chicago 5. 

Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity 

wanted PhntoBraphs mailed with quotation. Fensln 

Se.iting Co.. Chicago g. 

No more torn seats: Repair with the original 

Patch-A-Seat. Complete kit, $6. General Chair 

Co., Oilcaeo 22. 111. 

Chair Parts: We furnish roost any part you require. 

Send sample for price, brackets, backs 

and seats. General Chair Co., 1308 Elston Ave., 

Chicago 22. 111. 

Several thousand used opera chairs now In 

stock. Can furnish any amount you request. Full 

upholstered back. Insert panelback, boxsprlng and 

spring edge seat. Write for photo and sUte 

amount and Incline. We also manufacture new 

chairs. General Chair Co.. 1308-22 Elston Ave.. 

Chicago 22. 111. 

Many years In the seating business Is your 

guarantee. Good used chairs are not too plentiful 

but we have the pick. Full upholstered, panel 

back and many other styles. We furnish proper 

slope or level standards to fit your floor. All 

size 18x21-lnch chairs. Our prices arc lowest. 

Write for exact photo and price. We furnish parlj 

for all makes. Send sample. Good quality plastic 

cn.iled leathrrrtte 25x26-lnch. all colors, 55c e«. 

Chicago Used Chair Marl, 829 South State St.. 

Chicago 5. III. 

No more loose chairs: Get "FIrmastone" Anchor 

cement. $5 per box. General Chair Co.. Chicago 

22. ni. 

Parts tor all chairs. Send sample for quotation. 

Fensln Sealing Co.. Chicago 5. 

Push-back chairs, 500, for slope floor. Spring 

h;ick de luxe model. The finest built Available 

In January, First lot of push-back ever offered. 

Write for price. Must be seen to be appreciated. 

Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 8. State St., Chlr-igo 

5. Til. 

Theatre chairs, 4.000 In stock. $1.50 up, exportlng. 

Photographs furnished, Jesse Cole. 2665 

MrClpllan. Phone Valley 23445. Detroit, Mich. 

775 scringedge theatre seats. 200 veneer seat* 

with %" plywood backs. Very good and cheap. 

Irving Levhi, 717 Independence Blvd.. Chicago, 

III. Tele. NB 8-733fi. 

A real bargain. 978 new theatre chairs. RCA's 

International Model 4fllA. Yours for $10.50 per 

chair. F.n.B. 8't. Louis. Mo. Privately owned. 

Write, wire or phone A. L. Matrecl, Uptown Theatre. 

4938 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis 8, Mo. 

DRIVE-IN EXHIBITORS with 

CENTRAL SOUND or POST SPEAKERS! 

CONVERT to IN-CAR SPEAKERS 

Orde 

1 prices before the seasonal rush, 

diately to assure prompt delivery. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MANUFACTURING CO. 

723 Baltimore (Phone HA. 8007) Konsas City, Mo. 

Pafrons Grab Passes 

Myron Talman, manager of the Roxy, Kansas 

City, promoted a recent horror program 

by having an usher dressed in wolf-man costume 

parade the downtown streets with a 

sandwich sign. During the show, several 

hundred balloons, a few containing passes, 

were dropped from the dome of the roof over 

the audience. 

THEATRE TICKETS 

Prompt service. Special printed roll tIcketJ!. 

100.000. $23.95: 10.000. $6 85: 2.000. $4.45. 

Each change admission price. Including change 

In 

In color. $3.00 extra. Double numbering extra. 

(FOB. Kansas City, Mo.) Cash wtth order. Kansas 

City Ticket Co., Dept. 9, 1819 Central, Kansas 

City. Mo. 

MOR£ CLASSIFIED ON 

INSIDE BACK COVER 

38 442 BOXOmCE Sliowmandiser 

: : Dec. 24, 194»

!!'*J^''^X?fJ"'*' 

To Hear of ZOth-Fox 

NEW YORK—Americans thi'oughout the 

nation will be due for a surprise New Year's 

eve. Above the din of parties awaiting the 

stroke of midnight via the radio will come, 

exactly at 11:59 p. m., a voice over the radio 

announcing: "It's coming! Twelve O'clock 

High! In just 60 seconds it will be Twelve 

O'clock High!" 

The voice will continue with the one-minute 

spot announcement of the new 20th Century- 

Fox picture, announcing the time every few 

seconds, until midnight when the conclusion 

vrill be: "It's Twelve O'clock High! Happy 

New Year!" 

The platter is now being shipped to 1,094 

radio stations in all states, with which arrangements 

for its playing have been made. 

It will celebrate not only the coming of the 

new year but also the turn of the mid-century, 

and 20th-Fox says, "the release of one 

of its foremost pictures of the year." 

The radio stunt was engineered and executed 

by Alfred Palca, radio manager, who 

arranged for the time-buy and set up the 

spot announcement. The Voice is stentorian 

enough to penetrate the noise of the celebrants. 

Palca estimates the announcement 

will reach 85,000,000 persons. 

Ned E. Depinet Purchase 

15,000 Shares in RKO 

NEW YORK—Ned E. Depinet, RKO president, 

has exercised his option to buy 15,000 

shares of the company's common stock at $8 

a share, giving him a total of about 35,000 

shares. N. Peter Rathvon holds rights to 

15,000 shares which he has not yet exercised. 

The late Charles W. Koerner also received an 

option at the time when the three men were 

given seven-year-employment contracts. 

Lost Video Bid to FCC 

Under TOA Auspices 

WASHINGTON—Application from Lockwood 

& Gordon Enterprises of New England 

and the MPTO of Washington have been filed 

with the FCC as the 15th and 16th requests 

for allocation of theatre television frequencies 

under the auspices of the Theatre Owners of 

America. No additional filings were expected 

by attorneys for the organization. 

RKO Dissolution Hearing 

To Be Held January 3 

NEW YORK—A hearing on dissolution of 

RKO will be held January 3. Filing of a petition 

is a necessary step toward the ending of 

a joint ownership with Metropolitan Playhouses 

and Skouras Theatres of three corporations 

which operate seven houses in the 

Bronx. 

Balaban Asks for Speed 

On Deposits of Stocks 

NEW YORK-Barney Balaban, president of 

Paramount, has sent a letter to stockholders 

urging them to speed up deposits of their 

stock certificates so that they can receive 

certificates in the new Paramount Pictures 

Corp. and certificates of interest in the new 

United Paramount Theatres, Inc., both of 

which will begin functioning January 1. 

He also as.sured stockholders that the company 

was anxious to supply all the information 

stockholders desire. A "question and answer" 

summary will be sent out for those who 

want to make inquiries and additional information 

will be furnished from time to time. 

Balaban pointed out that it will be advantageous 

to the stockholders and the corporations 

if the exchange of the old for new 

certificates is completed as quickly as possible. 

Shares of stock in the new companies (and 

certificates of interest in the common stock 

of United Paramount Theatres, Inc.) will be 

issued December 31, and will be listed for 

trading for the first time on January 3. 

"Both of the new companies will continue 

to report to you in the same manner as our 

present company has done in the past," Balaban 

wrote. "They will continue to publish 

quarterly statements of estimated earnings. 

The first reports on earnings for each new 

company will, most likely, be published in 

May of 1950. These should provide you with 

an opportunity to evaluate the respective 

earning potentials of each of the new companies. 

"Permit me to conclude my last letter to 

you as president of Paramount Pictures, Inc., 

with an expression of my deeply felt gratitude 

for the many kindnesses so many of you 

have extended to me over the years. You 

have understood our problems and consistently 

supported our efforts to safeguard and 

advance the welfare of our company. Your 

confidence has been a constant source of encouragement 

and inspiration to us. 

"Many of you have been with us for a long 

time. We've lived through trying days together 

and seen our company emerge into 

the most prosperous period of its history. 

Throughout it all, our relationship has been 

a happy experience which I shall always 

cherish. For all this, I am profoundly grateful. 

"I have great faith in the future of both 

new companies. May they prosper and contribute 

to the well-being of our beloved country 

in a world of peace." 

Hughes' 'Outlaw' to Open 

In 21 Cities Before 1950 

NEW YORK—Howard Hughes' "The Outlaw," 

now being released by RKO, will open 

in 21 key cities before 1950, starting with 

Boston, December 29. in Chicago, December 

30, and in 19 other spots December 21. The 

local newspaper campaigns began ten days 

in advance of the openings and radio and 

television spots are included in each campaign. 

Trial of Scophony Suit 

To Open in Three Weeks 

NEW YORK—A triple-damage action 

brought by the Scophony Corp. and Arthur 

Levey, its president, against Scophony-Baird 

of England has been placed on the U.S. court 

docket, and trial is expected to start in about 

three weeks. 

Austrian to Make Survey 

For Rathvon on Coast 

NEW YORK—Ralph B. Austrian, television 

consultant, will leave for Hollywood December 

26 to make a special survey for N. Peter 

Rathvon. financier and former RKO president. 

He will remain there several months, 

making his headquarters at N. P. Rathvon 

. . . Hershel 

. . Rudy 

. . William 

. . Louis 

. . . Denise 

. . Ava 

. . 

. . 

BROADWAY 

T\on Hartman, director of RKO's "A Holiday 

Affair," arrived on the America from United Artists release, arrived in New York 

Alcorn, producer of "Johnny Holiday" for 

England. Salvador Dali, surrealist artist who to set campaign plans on the film. Ned Crawford. 

Alcorn's advertising and publicity direc- 

will collaborate with Walt Disney on the production 

of a ballet film, was on the same boat tor, and Willis Goldbeck, director of the film, 

McCoy, art director for MGM's are also here promoting the picture. 

forthcoming "Quo Vadis," arrived on the He 

Irving Lesser and Seymour Foe, president 

de Prance. Henry Henigson. business manager 

for the same picture, has returned to the 

and secretary-treasurer, respectively, of Producers 

Representatives, Inc., have returned 

coast following his return from Italy. 

for a two-week visit to Hollywood . . . Carroll 

Puciato, Realai-t general manager in 

Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th-Fox, 

returned from the coast after addressing the charge of exchange operations, is back from 

west coast division of the UJA . . . Morey a two-week vacation at Miami Beach . . . 

Goldstein, general sales manager for Monogram 

and Allied Ai-tists, returned from the and Mrs. Kerman, are vacationing at Palm 

Moe Kerman, president of Favorite Films, 

west coast Tuesday after conferences with Beach and will remain in Florida until after 

Steve Broidy, president. George D. Burrows, January 1 . . . Thomas Gomez, featured in 

vice-president and treasurer, came back from Hal Wallis' "The Fm-ies," is back in New 

Hollywood later in the week . F. York to spend Christmas and New Year's with 

Rodgers, MGM vice-president, is vacationing his family on Long Island . . . Francoise 

in Miami Beach. William B. Zoellner, head Rosay, famous French star who recently made 

of the MGM reprints and short subjects sales, her American film debut in Wallis' "September 

Affair," arrived in New York December 

returned from his winter vacation. 

22 and will sail back to Paris aboard the 

John Joseph, assistant to Howard Dietz at He de France December 27. 

MGM, headed back tor the coast after two 

weeks in New York . Berger. MGM 

Gloria Gamzon, receptionist at the TOA 

southern sales manager, and Leonard Hirsch, 

headquarters, has announced her engagement 

to Julian Edward Schiff . auto driving instructor. 

The wedding will take place in June . 

home office assistant, retui-ned after a threeweek 

tour of southern offices . Brager, 

Film Clas.sics exchange operations head, has 

Les Sugarman, formerly on the Exhibitor 

staff, has joined the Columbia Pictures publicity 

staff as a.ssistant to Ray Murray . 

left for Charlotte and Atlanta . . . Ronald 

Abe Bernstein, Univer.sal-International exploitation 

representative, has left for Buffalo 

to work on the advance campaign for "Woman 

CIT RCADY ton 

in Hiding," which opens there January 7 . . . 

\9i0i FIRST BIG 

Mrs. Herbert A. Pogoda, daughter of Max 

EXPLOITATION DATCI 

Blackman. Warner Theatres executive, is the 

mother of a baby girl, born at Doctor's hospital 

IBth 

December 18 . . . Roy Haines, Warner 

. 

. . "Prince 

. . Mildred 

. . The 

. . . Max 

. . Francis 

. . Myra 

. . Mario 

. . Paramount 

. . Maria 

. . The 

. . Nat 

. . 

Philadelphia Locals 

Battle for Control 

PHILADELPHIA— The 

lony-sinoldering 

jurisdictional squabble between Local B-lOO, 

lATSE. and Local 252 of Building and Service 

Employes union over control of theatre porters 

and cleaners soon may break into open 

hostilities. Tlieatre cleaners and porters now 

belong to B-100. The union has 950 members 

who are employes of SW, Paramount and Fox 

theatres. The union members include cashiers, 

doormen, ushers, usherettes, matrons, 

captains, chief of service and assistant chiefs 

of service, as well as cleaners and porters. 

Anthony L. Teti, president of Local 252, 

contends that cleaners and porters should be 

members of his union under an award of the 

American Federation of Labor. Teti further 

alleges that cleaners and porters are members 

of the Building and Service Employes in 

such other cities as New York. Chicago, St. 

Louis, Pittsbui-gh and Milwaukee. 

While Loretta Jacobson, president of B-100, 

allowed herself to be quoted as having "no 

comment," other reliable souices in the union 

characterize the efforts of Local 252 as a 

"raid." Last year B-100 was threatened by 

an organizing di'ive by Local 50 of John L. 

Lewis' United Mine Workers. However, a 

National Labor Relations Board election 

showed that B-100 was entitled to retain bargaining 

power for its members. 

William A. Reed, 80, Dies; 

Pioneer Projectionist 

ATLANTIC CITY—William A. Reed, 80, 

one of the first motion picture projectionists 

in the country, was burned to death in his 

home here last Friday (16 1. It is believed 

Reed attempted to put out a small fire in a 

chair and was overcome. He was dead when 

found by his son Joseph when the latter came 

home from work. 

Reed began his career in 1896, and was the 

first man to work an outdoor show. That was 

53 years ago in New Orleans and the affair 

attracted 8,000. 

Kenneth R. Edwards 

NEW YORK—Kenneth R. Edwards, 54, adviser 

on nontheatrical films for the Eastman 

Kodak Co., died December 16 at the Algonquin 

hotel after a heart attack. He lived in 

Rochester, where EK makes its headquarters. 

Sidney Olcott 

HOLLYWOOD—Services were held December 

19 for Sidney Olcott, 76, veteran silent 

screen megaphonist, following which the body 

was shipped to Toronto, Canada, Olcott's 

birthplace, for burial. 

Mrs. Schenck Aids Drive 

NEW YORK—Mrs. Nicholas M. Schenck, 

wife of the president of MGM, is chairman 

of the auxiliary section of the New York 

Infirmary building fund drive to secure donations 

for a new building for the small hospital 

on the lower East Side. A fund of 

$1,250,000 in cash and pledges has already 

been accumulated out of the $4,050,000 needed. 

PHILADELPHIA 

Tâny exhibitors chumed that business has 

dropped to a record low. Premiums, benefit 

performances and double features do not 

seem to command the necessary "pulling 

power," they say . 

Martin announced 

the results of a write-in poll as to 

the best films of 1948-49. "Joan of Arc" 

copped first prize with "Come to the Stable" 

a strong contender in second place. "Champion" 

was third and "The Snake Pit" fourth. 

The others in the money included "Hamlet," 

"A Letter to Three Wives." "The Red Shoes," 

"The Stratton Stoi-y," "Take Me Out to the 

Ball Game," and "The Fallen Idol." Of 317 

pictures which were eligible to be voted on, 102 

did not chalk up even a single vote. 

"Blanche Fury" opened in 12 key run 

houses, including the Bandbox, Benner. City 

Line Center, College. Glenside, Grand, Great 

Northern, Iris, Renel, Rockland, State and 

Yeadon . of Foxes" started its first 

run at the Fox Saturday i24i advertised as 

"Our Holiday Gift to You" . Fox previewed 

"Dancing in the Dark" Tuesday (20) 

. . . Stanton showed "Farewell to Arms" as a 

special preview attraction Wednesday (21). 

The Girard plugged it« "exclusive Philadelphia 

showing" of "freaks" by asking, "Can 

Siamese Twins Make Love? What is the sex 

of the half-man, half-woman?" . . . The 

Studio offered a triple bill of "Wild Men of 

Kalahari," "Naked Man and Beast" and 

HEAR TAX REPEAL BILL—Congressman 

L. Gary Clemente of Ozone Park 

(seated right) explains his bill to repeal 

the 20 per cent luxury tax on theatre admissions, 

which he will introduce when 

Congress reconvenes in January, to Jamaica, 

L. I., theatre managers. Sealed at 

the left is Lou Grossman, manager of the 

RKO Alden. Standing, left to right, are 

Bernard Zelenko of Loew's Valencia; Earl 

Logue, manager of the Skouras Jamaica, 

and Frank DiGennaro, manager of the 

Skouras Merrick. 

Congressman Clemente, a Democrat, 

has already been assured of the support 

of Henry J. Latham, Queens Village Republican, 

when the bill is introduced. 

Those participating in this meeting urged 

that theatre managers all over the country 

write or wire their congressman to 

support this bill when it comes up in 

January. 

"African Big Game" ... A second son was 

born to Mrs. Harold Seidenberg, wife of the 

general manager of the Fox . Devon 

Theatre ran a pre-Christmas .show for kiddies 

at which it gave away 50 prizes, free 

candy, had Santa Claus make a personal appearance 

and had a screen attraction of five 

cartoons, a serial, and a double feature of 

Laurel and Hardy in "Saps at Sea" and Victor 

Mature in "1.000,000 B.C." 

David E. Brodsky, film decorator, was campaign 

treasurer of the successful $50,000 

maintenance campaign for the downtown 

Jewish Orphans home . Van Slyke, 

Paramount tubthumper, came into town and 

appeared on radio and television programs 

searching for the "lost film audience." 

The theatre building at 4408-10 Fairmount 

Ave. has been sold by Max N. Carol to G. Lit. 

It will be converted into a food market . 

Peter Donald, who wâs playing a club date 

in Atlantic City, came into town . . . Simon 

Miller made a $10,000 contribution to the 

Metropolitan hospital building fund. Lewen 

Pizor is president of the hospital. 

Glenn Norris, Washington manager, and 

Ben Tolmas, former salesman, attended 20th- 

Fox's Xmas party . Lukoff is a new 

booking clerk at 20th-Fox . Rosen, 

20th-Fox sales manager, who was sick, returned 

to work . DiStanislao is a 

new 20th-Fox shipping department employe 

. . . Joe Vanis is a new assistant-shipper at 

20th-Fox . Kelly, 20th-Fox head 

booker, returned from a week in Scranton. 

Paramount Decorating Co. has started to 

redecorate the Overlea Theatre in Baltimore 

Miller. EL publicity hawk, has gone 

to Florida on his vacation. Others also off to 

the warm summer climate include Republic 

salesmen Joe Schaeffer. Bill Karrer and Cy 

Perlsweig. 

Fire destroyed Mark Rubinsky's Lyric Theatre 

at New Philadelphia, six miles east of 

Pottsville . . . William Goldman held a special 

film preview for the 400 workers and their 

famihes Thursday (22i to celebrate the completion 

of the Randolph Theatre. At the official 

opening Saturday (24i, Ralph Kelly, president 

of the Chamber of Commerce, will present 

Goldman with a certificate of commendation 

for "outstanding enterprise" In 

"bringing to the city and its people the highest 

type of motion picture entertainment 

tlii-ough the construction and operation of 

the Randolph." Mayor Bernard Samuel will 

cut the ribbon alter which Miss Chestnut 

Street, the "most tyiJical working girl." will 

be crowned. 

The Y & Y Popcorn Supply Co. has been 

appointed as confectionary supplier of the 

Randolph Theatre . 

Theatres 

held a Managers' Chi-istmas party Friday (23 

at Palumbo's. Attending the affair were Norman 

Bailey. Tower: Allen Goodkin, Nixon; 

Lou Wakshul, Frankford; Charles Carver, 

Roosevelt; and representatives of the city 

Vergeslich, former WB New 

office . . . 

York short subject head, died suddenly ... El 

celebrated the holidays with a Christmas 

party at the Embassy Wednesday (21). MGM 

had its Christmas party Thursday (22) at 

Dagenhart's. The NSS staff had a party 

Friday (23i. 

BOXOFTICE December 24, 1949 41

, 

WASHINGTON, 

•^^^^ 

WASHINGTON, D. 

C 

/flffllNGS 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

1 Wishing You and Yours a Season of Happi 

f ness, Health and Prosperity 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

D. C. 

Rudy Berger, Southern Division Mgr. 

Jerry Adams, Branch Manager 

Paul Wall, Assistant Branch Manager 

Joe Kronman, Office Manager 

Fred Rippingale 

Pete Prince 

Tom Baldridge 

Eddie Kushner 

Henry Ajello 

Ida Borezofsky 

Buddy Sharkey 

Sidney Eckman 

Stepkin 

g!?ti^8j;Ji^»j;ft«J3^8jjii

•^^^^^5^-^^^5^^^-^^^5. 

WASHINGTON, D. C. WASHINGTON, D. C. 

i 

Christmas Greetings 

INDEPENDENT THEATRE 

SERVICE 

HARLEY DAVIDSON 

Serving 65 of Virginia's Finest Theatres 

Season's Greetings 

NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE 

1104 Ninth Street N. W. 

George Nathan Howard Savitz f 

Ernestine Bondel 

MERRY XMAS and 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

ST. MARY'S and NEW 

THEATRES 

Leonardtown, 

Md. 

Kenneth B. Duke and Jack Fruchtman 

e?Src?*5SSr8»a«i?a«iSr«i^^ 

Season s Greetings 

TO MY MANY FRIENDS IN THE WASHINGTON 

EXCHANGE AREA 

eagcjJiarcgyg^^tgygSD^^ 

JOSEPH B. WALSH 

EXHIBITORS SERVICE 

920 NEW lERSEY AVE., N W 

WASHINGTON 1, D. C- 

MERRY XMAS and 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

PARK THEATRE 

Lexington Park, 

Md. 

Jack Fruchtman Robt. E. Wigginton 

Mervell M. Dean 

PAUL McDANIEL 

Emergency Film Service 

AIR 

203 Eye St., N.W. 

FREIGHT — BUS SHIPMENTS 

BAGGAGE CHECKING 

WHEN TROUBLE CALLS 

CALL PAUL 

Sterling 4260 

Trinidad 8570 

Washington, D. C. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR 

1 

I 

SEASON'S GREETINGS 

BEST WISHES 

t 

BEN SIEGEL'S 

THEATRE ADVERTISING CO. 

704 New- Jersey Ave., N. W. 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

for 

A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 1950 

SARA YOUNG 

BOXOFFICE Representative 


" 

. . Paramount 

. . Filmrow 

Leading Figures in Industry Attend WASHINGTON 

Two-Theatre Opening of 'Samson 

NEW YORK^More than 100 industry 

figui-es attended the two-theatre opening of 

Cecil B. DeMille's "Samson and Delilah" at 

the Rivoli and Paramount theatres Wednesday 

(211. The ceremonies, which began at 

8:30 p. m., included simultaneous radio and 

television broadcasts of the proceedings and 

a dozen Hedy Lamarr "doubles," who served 

as hostesses and distributed the "Samson" 

souvenir programs. 

The Mutual coast-to-coast network of almost 

200 stations broadcast the opening here 

with a Hollywood cut-in bringing DeMille and 

various Paramount stars to the microphone. 

Simultaneously, the television broadcast went 

out over the WABD network and concentrated 

visually on the color and excitement 

at the two theatres. 

The hostesses, chosen from hundreds who 

answered a classified ad inserted in New York 

papers, participated in the television broadcast 

and wore original costumes worn by Miss 

Lamarr. Thi-ee thousand "Delilah" orchids, 

specially grown by Flowers of Hawaii. Ltd.. 

and flown in by Pan-American Airlines, were 

distributed to women attending the event. 

Barney Balaban, Paramount president, and 

Adolph Zukor, chairman of the board of Paramount 

Pictures, lieaded the company delegation 

at the opening. Other members of the 

board present were Stephen Callaghan, Y. 

Frank Freeman, Harvey D. Gibson, A. Conger 

Goodyear, Duncan G. Harris, Jolm D. Hertz, 

Austin C. Keough, Earl I. McClintock, Maurice 

Newton, E. V. Richards and Edward L. 

Wei.sl. Members of the board of the new 

United Paramount Theatres, Inc., who attended 

were Leonard H. Golden.son, John A 

Coleman, E. Chester Gersten, Walter Marshall 

and Robert H. O'Brien. 

Other members of the Paramount Pictures 

and United Theatre companies present: 

Paul Roiboum 

A. W. Schwalberg 

George Weltner 

Lou Novins 

Bernard Goodman 

A. J. 

Richards 

Edward L. Hymon 

Russell Holman 

E. K. OShecf 

Oscar Morgan 

Hugh Owen 

Max E- Youngstein 

Jerry Pickman 

Sid Blumenstock 

Mort Nathanson 

Maria Van Slyke 

Joseph Tisman 

Hiller Innes 

Boris Kaplan 

John Byrtfm 

Alan R. Jackson 

Henry Kahn 

C. J. Scollord 

Henry Rondel 

Myron Saltier 

Others present: 

Ned E. Depinet 

Nate Blumberg 

Gradwell L Sears 

Spyros P. Skouras 

James Mulvey 

George Dembow 

Buddy Rogers 

Mary Picklord 

A. J. Balaban 

George P. Skourcrs 

Maurice Bergman 

Paul Lazarus jr. 

Howard Dietz 

John D. Hertz 

Ben Kalmenson 

Charles Einfeld 

Charles M. Reagan 

Matthew Fox 

A. Montague 

Robert Mochrie 

Jack Cohn 

Sid Mesibov 

Paul Ackerman 

Albert Deane 

C. V. Hake 

loseph A. Walsh 

Henry Anderson 

Sam Boverman 

Clinton Combes 

Benjamin Fincke 

Herbert B. Lazarus 

James S. Polk 

Richard Hodgson 

George Shupert 

Simon B. Siegel 

Evan H. Perkins 

J. William Piper 

Milton Kirschenberg 

Roger C. Clement 

Louis Lazar 

Fred Leroy 

Monroe Goodman 

Agnes Mengel 

Harry Nadel 

Marty Friedman 

Arthur Dunne 

Marian Anderson 

Thomas A. Aurelio 

Theron Bamberger 

Wendy Barrie 

Norman Bel Geddes 

Robert S. Benjamin 

Gertrude Berg 

Leonard Bernstein 

Gene Tierney 

Samuel McCrea Cave 

Bennett Cerl 

Ely Culbertson 

Lilly Dache 

Alfred DeLiagre jr. 

Maj. Alexander 

DeSeversky 

Mgrlene Dietrich 

Gen. Jimmie Doolittle 

Morton Downey 

Jessica Dragonette 

June Duprez 

Joseph Hazen 

Robert Benjamin 

Al Lichtman 

Si Fabian 

Ed Fabian 

Francis Harmon 

Bob Savini 

Isadore Lubin 

Jules Lapidus 

Stanley Prenosil 

Maj. Leslie Thompson 

John McCarthy 

Howard LeSieur 

Monroe Greenthal 

Walter Reade jr. 

Harry Mandel 

Jack White 

Frank Lynch 

Joel Levy 

Norman Elson 

Frcfnk Moscato 

Adam Adams 

Jules Catsilf 

Wilbur Snaper 

Max A, Cohen 

Harry Brandt 

Charles Amory 

Joe Ingber 

Milton Arnswalder 

Alex Arnswalder 

Roy Haines 

Ben Gneler 

Mel Morgenstern 

Henry Ferber 

Edward Robinson 

Nick John Molsoukas 

A, Frisch 

Bob Lane 

Louis Weber 

1. Zatkin 

Edward J. Kelly 

Walter Abel 

George Abbott 

Maj. Gen. Julius Ochs 

Adler 

Brian Aherne 

James A. Farley 

Glend^ Farrell 

Vinton Freedley 

Horry D. Gideonse 

Albert and Mrs. 

Goldman 

Max Gordon 

Hank Greenberg 

Will H. Hays 

Mrs. W. Randolph HeaTst 

Fannie Hurst 

H. V. Kaltenborn 

Boris Karloil 

George S. Kaulman 

Leuenn McGrath 

Dorothy Kilgallen 

Sidney Kingsley 

Andre Kostelanelz 

Lily Pons 

Fritz Kreisler . 

Bambi Linn 

Joshua Logon 

Henry Luce 

Jeflrey Lynn 

Leonard Lyons 

Charles B. McCabe 

Tex and Jinx McCrary 

Gilbert Miller 

Fulton Oursler 

Judge Ferdinand Pecora 

Cole Porter 

Lanny Ross 

Dcrvid Sarnoil 

Cornelia Otis Skinner 

Rise Stevens 

Arthur H. Sulzberger 

Gladys Swarthout 

Lawrence Tibbett 

Michael Todd 

Joan Blondell 

Alfred G Vanderbill 

John W. Vandercook 

FrcJnk C. Walker 

Fred Waring 

Grover A. Whalen 

Mrs. Wendell Wilkie 

Peggy Wood 

Masterpiece Sues 

UA in Philadelphia 

PHILADELPHIA— Masterpiece Productions, 

Inc., has filed suit against United Artists 

Corp. in U.S. district court here claiming 

$750,000 for alleged failure of United Artists 

to account for Masterpiece's share of the proceeds 

of di.stribution of 38 films. It is also 

charged that UA improperly distributed the 

38 films after Feb. 14, 1947. 

Masterpiece claims it acquired exclusive 

license for distribution of the films from its 

predece.ssors in 1947 and, in turn, obtained 

rights from UA. Magnus Films, Inc., prior 

license of Masterpiece, has been brought into 

the suit as a co-plaintiff without its consent. 

Domestic Film Rentals 

Hold Up Well in 1949 

NEW YORK—A yearend roundup was expected 

to show totals of domestic film 

rentals for 1949 as being only slightly behind 

those for 1948. Despite earlier pessimistic 

rumors, the drop for the current year was 

expected to be only a few per cent. 

Cy Freedman to Wed 

WASHINGTON—The marriage of Estelle 

Lillian Dick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry 

Dick, to Seymour C. Freedman, son of Mr. 

and IVIi-s. Max Freedman of Wilkes-Ba:Te, Pa., 

will take place here January 1. Formerly exploiteer 

for 20th-Fox at its branch in Kansas 

City. Freedman now is associated with the 

Schine circuit at Gloversville, N. Y. 

fTariety Tent 11 will hold a New Year's ev.e 

party in the clubrooms from 10 p. m. to 

3 a. m. . . . Christmas parties and open houses 

, 

were general on the Row. Paramount and 

RKO parties were Monday night, Warners' 

Christmas luncheon party for exhibitors Tuesday, 

Monogram and Republic open house on 

Wednesday, Eagle Lion luncheon for the office 

on Friday. Exhibitors looking like veri/- 

table Santa Claus visited the exchanges and 

left gifts galore . . . John Broumas. Valley 

Enterprises, has every reason to be proud of 

his young 17-year-old brother Andre. This 

young man who graduates from Castle 

Heights Military academy, Lebanon, Tenn., in 

June has won a 4-year scholarship to Harvard 

university . . . Ann and Irving Hanower 

flew to New York Fi-iday to attend their 

niece's vredding and spend the holidays with 

their family. 

William E. Jasper has taken over the Dixie 

Theatre, Newport News, and has turned the 

booking and buying over to Joe Walsh. Walsh 

has added the Palace and Lyric theatres, 

Frostburg; the Rappana Theatre, Urbanna, 

Va., and the West End Theatre, Martinsville, 

Va., to his accounts. The West End, a 400- 

seat house for Negro patronage, vrill be 

opened Monday i26> by the Thomas brothers. 

Ed£:ar Growden was to take over the Midland, 

Midland. Md., December 25 . . . George 

Crouch, Warner Theatres general zone manager, 

and assistant Lou Ribnitzki spent several 

days in New York . exploiteer 

John Tassos left the hospital and is 

now recuperating at home in Passiac, N. J. 

Sam Wheeler's brother Al has joined the 

Lippert sales force and has found an apartment 

in Filmore Gardens . visitors 

included Sam Mellits, Morris Oletsky, 

Walter Gettinger, Wilbur Brizendine, Maurice 

Hendricks, George Jacobs, L. A. Flowers, 

Jack Fruchtman, Jack Levine, John Smith, 

Henry Sauber and Bernard Gonder. 

Diplomats, Stars Attend 

'Foxes' Benefit Opening 

NEW YORK—Diplomats, government officials, 

social and civic leaders and stars of 

stage, screen and radio attended the benefit 

performance of "Prince of Foxes" at the Roxy 

Theatre December 22 for the benefit of the 

United Hospital fund. All proceeds from the 

showing will go to the support of New York's 

86 voluntary hospitals, which are currently 

conducting a campaign to raise $3,367,000. 

Columbia Sets 57 Dates 

For 'All King's Men' 

NEW YORK—Columbia has set 57 key city 

openings for "All the King's Men" between 

December 21 and mid-February. The picture 

is now in its eighth week at the Victoria Theatre, 

New York City, and has opened in 13 

other spots in November and December. Release 

date is January. 

Tex and Jinx Among Stars 

At Ampa Christmas Party 

NEW YORK—Tex McCrary and Jinx Falkenburg, 

NBC commentators and newspaper 

columnists, acted as master and mistress of 

ceremonies at the annual Ampa Christmas 

party at Town Hall December 21. 


. . The 

. . 

. . . The 

. . "Farewell 

. . The 

David Supowitz Heads 

Philadelphia Variety 

PHILADELPHIA — David Supowitz has 

been elected chief barker of the Variety Club 

here. Other new officers include Cecil Felt, 

secretary, and Ben Bliben, treasurer. Ed 

Emanuel is the new national canvasman, 

and Mike Felt and Jack Greenberg are delegates 

to the international convention. Members 

of the board of directors include Jack 

Beresin. Victor H. Blanc, Harold Cohen. AI 

Davis. Ed Emanuel. Cecil Felt, Charles Goldfine. 

Harry Pennys, Leo Posel, Ralph Pries, 

Theodore Schlanger, Clint Weyer, Ben Bliben, 

Mike Felt and David Supowitz. 

Twentieth-Fox to Press 

Application for TV 

NEW YORK—Twentieth Century -Fox will 

continue to vigorously press its application before 

the Federal Communications commission 

for authorization of theatre television and for 

the allocation of frequencies. The statement 

was made December 20 by Kenneth C. Royall, 

of Dttlght, Royall. Harris. Kpegel and Caskey, 

representing the company. 

"There has been no thought of abandoning 

this application." Royall said, "but on the 

contrary every effort is being made to obtain 

a hearing before the commission at as early 

a date as practicable. 

Louis Renner, 76, Dies; 

Former Member of ITOA 

NEW YORK—Louis Renner, 76, who with 

Louis Nelson founded the Endicott circuit in 

Brooklyn, died December 21 at Miami Beach, 

Pla. Until his retirement a few years ago, 

he had been an active exhibitor since 1921 and 

a member of ITOA. The funeral was held 

December 22 in Riverside Chapel, Brooklyn. 

He leaves the wife, Lena: two sons, Irving, 

who heads the Endicott circuit, and Martin, 

and four daughters, Mrs. Betty Mendelsohn, 

Mrs. Ethel Kabat, Mrs. Ruth Berloff and 

Mrs. Mary Nadler. 

Samuel H. Trigger 

NEW YORK—Samuel H. Ti-igger, 95, pioneer 

exhibitor, died December 18 at the Manhattan 

State hospital after a ten-year illness. 

Oldtime exhibitors say that in 1907, when 

films were being shown in nickelodeons, he 

built the first theatre here to show films, 

located at 110th St. and Fifth Ave. Later he 

built two theatres in the Bronx. He retired 

from the industry many years ago to become 

an antique dealer. He leaves his wife and 

two sons. 

Daniel D. Doran 

YONKERS, N. Y.—Daniel D. Doran, 89, who 

operated five theatres in New York during 

silent screen days, died December 20 at his 

home, 12 Bell Place. A requiem mass was 

sung December 22 at St. Mary's Church. He 

leaves a son, Arthur J. Doran, U.S. district 

court referee for Westchester and Rockland 

counties: two daughters, a sister and ten 

grandchildren. 

Stars in "Visa' 

Hedy Lamarr, John Hodiak and Don Taylor 

will star in "Visa." a Metro film. 

AT BUFFALO PARTY—Some of merrymakers at the annual Christmas party 

staged in Paramount's Buffalo exchange are shown a.bove. At the party were Mr. 

and Mrs. Mike Simon, Mr. and Mrs. John McMahon, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kranze, 

Mr. and Mrs. AI Fitter, Ml-, and Mrs. Frank Saviola, Mr. and Mrs. James H. Eshelman, 

Mr. and Mrs. John Mitri, Mr. and Mrs. James Davis, Mary Gerken, Dorothy 

Siejek. Helen Huber, Doris Clarke, Mary Randaccio, Robert Finzak, Ruth Egan, 

George Ferris, Robert Weber and Sam Block. A buffet dinner was served, and 

There also was a screening of some new Paramount 

there was dancing in the evening. 

pictures, and photos were made to send to John Good, city salesman, recently stricken 

with polio aind taken to Boston in an iron lung. 

ALBANY 

n 40x60 blowup of "I Am a Movie Fan," which 

BOXOFFICE frontpaged last summer, 

stands in the first-floor lobby of the Paramount 

exchange . Paramount exchange 

is the temporary site of a display case showing 

scenes in color from "Samson and Delilah." 

The painted scenes on glass are illuminated. 

The case will be rotated around area 

theatres which play "Samson." 

Schine circuit toppers attending the wedding 

of Doreen Schine, daughter of Mr. and 

Mrs. Louis W. Schine, to Ross Higier of Gloversville, 

in the Waldorf-Astoria hotel December 

15, included J. Myer Schine, L. W. 

Schine, John May, Gus Lampe, Howard Antevil, 

Florence D. Thompson, J. Dewey Lederer, 

Seymour L. Morris, George Lynch, Lou Goldstein, 

Bernie Diamond, Arch Levine and 

Maurice Glockner. Their gift to the bride 

was a combination .stove . . . Ben Smith, district 

representative for Lippert Pictures, went 

to Oneida for a meeting with Sid Kallet . . . 

"Jolson Sings Again" has been booked into 

ten Schine theatres for New Year's eve. 

"Holiday Inn" at the Grand evoked nostalgic 

memories in Assistant Manager Bob Griffith, 

who saw the picture a half dozen times 

during his army service in Central and South 

America. He first witnessed "Holiday" in 

Panama 1942 . . Willie Foley, veteran 

in . 

Strand projectionist, his wife and Jean Brousseau, 

daughter of John Brousseau. assistant 

at the Ritz, visited Joan Foley at the West 

Haverstraw Reconstruction hospital. Joan, 

who had been a student nurse at St. Peter's 

hospital with Jean, is suffering from polio. 

The Schiners club held its annual Christmas 

party at the Schine offices in Gloversville 

Thursday (22). Art Gibbons, president, 

was chairman of the committee on arrangements 

. . . Nate Dickman. Monogram manager, 

returned from a trip to New York . 

Sale of the Palace, Watertown, to Chicago interests 

left four houses in the Albany territory 

which the Schine circuit must cut loose 

under the Supreme Court decision: the Plaza 

in Malone, the Pontiac in Ogdensburg, the 

Richmond idarki in Little Falls and the 

Palace, Oneonta. Schine is permitted to operate 

one theatre in each of these situations 

Leland here reverted to 35 cent 

Matinees, 50 evening and Sunday, children 

18 cents, after dropping first run pictures. 

"Francis," the "talking mule" picture with 

Donald O'Connor, is a laugh riot, according 

to Chris Pope, Schine booker. To build wordof-mouth 

comment, Schine houses will hold 

sneak previews . to Arms" and 

"The Hatchet Man," Warner reissues, drew 

fine business at the Ritz Saturday, Sunday 

and Monday, but then dropped in the face of 

Christmas-shopping competition . 

fourdrink 

machines, recently installed in the 

Strand, Ritz, Madison and Delaware in Albany, 

and the Troy, Lincoln and American 

in Troy, are the product of the Strange Mfg. 

Co. Four flavors. Coca-Cola, cherry, lemon 

and lime, are on tap for ten cents. 

The 1950 Ned E. Depinet drive was launched 

at an all-day meeting here addressed by Nat 

Levy, eastern division manager: Morris Lefko, 

district manager, and Frank Drumm, Levy's 

assistant. Tlie drive will close Jime 22 . . . 

The bookers dinner at the Ten Eyck hotel 

Thursday night

Indonesia and Germany 

Seen As Big Market 

NEW YORK—Indonesia and Germany are 

certain to join Italy as among the most profitable 

U.S. film markets 

in the world, according 

to Samuel N. 

Burger, sales manager 

of Loew's International. 

He returned 

recently from a nineweek 

tour of 20 countries 

that took him 40,- 

000 miles. He did not 

visit South America, 

South Africa or Australia. 

Burger was enthusiastic 

about Indonesia, 

Samuel N. Burger 

saying that now the country has independence 

it offers a fine market, that local capital is 

building theatres and that Loew's is looking 

forward to operation of its own sales there 

after the first of the year, when the Motion 

Picture Export A.ss'n will become only a service 

organization handling physical distribution 

and storage. Edward O'Connor is in 

charge and hiring native employes. Other 

companies are doing the same. 

FIFTEEN FILMS TO GERMANY 

Burger checked on the establi-shment of 

the home office in Germany at Frankfort, 

and branches set up at Dusseldorf, Hamburg, 

Munich and Berlin, in the expectation that 

the German market will become "one of the 

most important" in Europe. Present Loew's 

plans call for export of 15 films to Germany. 

Quite a few prewar exhibitors have returned 

there. Burger said. 

Italy, he predicted, will be the biggest European 

market, "as always." The Italians 

are very friendly to Americans, and the overall 

gross of all U.S. films has risen .steadily 

each year since the war. Burger spoke in high 

terms of Loew's new synchronizing plant in 

Rome, established by Arthur Loew, calling it 

the finest equipped studio of its kind in the 

world. Its modern American equipment does 

dubbing for the films of many producers. At 

the present time two and a half shifts are 

working daily. In charge is Arthur Field, 

former Hollywood production man, who represents 

Loew's throughout Europe. 

TO BUILD IN ISRAEL 

In Israel, Loew's plans to build theatres 

in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem if and when 

suitable sites can be obtained. One new 

theatre and one renovated theatre have just 

opened at Haifa and two are under construction 

at Tel Aviv, all with local sponsorship. 

Loew's will finish construction in May 1950, 

of its theatre at Alexandria, which will be as 

fine as any in the world, but does not now 

plan any other building abroad. 

Regarding the overall foreign business picture. 

Burger said that general economic conditions 

are "perking up" in all Europe because 

of the Marshall Plan, and that there 

is no question but that U.S. films dominate 

more than ever before. 

"Outbreak" is the new title of the 20th- 

Pox picture formerly called "Port of Entry." 

DuMont Predicts Sales 

Of 80 Million in '50 

WASHINGTON— Sales by DuMont Laboratories, 

television manufacturing company, 

should total $45,000,000 this year and may 

reach $80,000,000 in 1950. Dr. Allen B. Du- 

Mont, president and founder, told the investment 

subcommittee of the House-Senate economic 

committee December 12. He said sales 

are currently at the rate of about $70,000,000 

a year. In 1946 they amounted to $26,859,049. 

DuMont predicted 1949 profits of more than 

$3,000,000. Earnings in 1948 were $2,701,767, 

equal to $1.29 a common share. Total company 

assets reached $22,376,000 as of November 

6, compared with total assets of $12,- 

169,275 as of Jan. 2, 1949. He said there will 

have to be expansion in about a year, and 

that he hoped it could be financed out of 

profits. The company was formed in 1931 

with a capital of $1,000 and its sales that 

year amounted to only $70. In 1938 the company 

first began selling stock on the market 

to get equity capital. 

DuMont again attacked color television as 

not being sufficiently advanced for pre.sentat:on 

to the public. If peimitted now, he said, 

it might have to be "thrown out" in a few 

years and a new start made. 

U.S. Investment Co. 

May Lend to British 

NEW YORK — The American 

investment 

house of Schroder Rockefeller & Co. is considering 

financial support of future J. Arthur 

Rank and Sir Alexander Korda productions 

in Britain and on the European continent. 

Negotiations have been proceeding since late 

in the summer when Mord Bogie, president, 

met in London with the British film men. 

Avery Rockefeller, grandson of John D. Rockefeller 

jr., is a member of the firm. It would 

be its first entry into film financing. 

All would be Technicolor films, according 

to Kay Harrison, head of British Technicolor, 

and they would possibly number six. Harrison 

is now here after introducing Bogie to 

Rank and Korda in London. He .said interiors 

and laboratory work would be done in 

London, and forecast important financing 

deals in the near future. 

Philip W. Moore, assistant to Bogie, confirmed 

that conversations have been held 

with Rank and Korda, but said no estimate 

is possible as to when, if ever, they might 

result in an agreement on financing, and that 

nothing is definite about the amount the 

company would invest. 

Harrison said it is tentatively planned to 

use Hollywood stars, directors and writers. 

He thought there will have to be changes in 

the current system of financing before a deal 

can be agreed upon. He said British Technicolor 

business this year has exceeded that of 

1948 by 50 per cent, and that things are looking 

even better for 1950. 

'B' Pool to Produce 

Second Half Million 

NEW YORK—The Bank of England has 

approved a second payment of $500,000 to 

U.S. distributors out of the controversial "B" 

pool, so that the yield of the pool during its 

first year of operation will be $1,000,000. The 

two payments are for money due imder the 

Anglo-American film agreement for the period 

of June 1948-June 1949. 

Under the agreement, the "B" pool represents 

the earnings of British films in this 

country and that is added to the "A" pool, 

which comprises the top earnings of $17,000,- 

000 in Britain that American distributors are 

permitted to take out in dollars each year. 

It was intended that the total amount would 

then be divided among the distributors in relation 

to the amount of business each did in 

Britain during the year. That would mean 

$18,000,000 for the distributors for the year. 

However, the "B" pool has not worked out 

well in practice. When some American distributors 

and British producers arrived at 

special deals, no money was forthcoming 

for the pool. Universal-International, which 

had earnings from J. Arthur Rank films, objected 

that it was contributing the major 

part of the income of the pool, and it has 

now refused to recognize the pool any longer. 

MPAA-member companies have insisted 

that U-I should stay in the pool. The dispute 

was gone over by company presidents 

recently and referred to their legal departments 

for recommendations. A protest may 

be made to the British government. At any 

rate, the matter is sure to come up at the 

next Anglo-American meeting in London early 

in the year. 

Electronic Color System 

For TV Is Developed 

TROY—An all-electronic color television 

.system, said to embody new principles 

throughout, has been developed by two 

scientists of Rensselaer In.stitute. Dr. Victor 

A. Babits and H. Frank Hicks jr.. both members 

of the electrical engineering department. 

The system, still in the laboratory stage, 

can also be used in the motion picture field, 

it was said. Colored films can be taken with 

black and white film by using the color control 

device on the camera and on the projector. 

For television, the system achieves 

color control with either an electric or magnetic 

field using a single camera tube at the 

studio and a single picture tube in the home 

receiver. 

Pakistan Moslems Angry 

About 20th-Fox Film 

KARACHI—Moslem religious leaders in 

Pakistan have expressed indignation over 

"Everybody Does It," 20th Century-Fox film 

burlesque on opera, viewing it as based on 

the life of the holy daughter of the Prophet 

Mahomet. They registered a complaint with 

Hooker A. Doolittle, American charge d'affaires, 

that it is "outrageous" and "inunoral." 

(Twentieth-Fox said it is amazed at the 

reaction, and that there was no intention of 

offending anyone, i 


HOLLYWOOD 

MEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CENTER 

(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivav Svo-r. Westpm Manaaeri 

Council Heads Speak 

On Relations Setup 

HOLLYWOOD—Back in the film colony 

last week were Roy M. Brewer and Art Arthur, 

Motion Picture Industry council delegates to 

the all-industry public relations conference 

held recently in Washington. Brewer is cocha-rman 

with Ronald Reagan of the council, 

and Arthur is executive secretary. 

The two laid before the public relations 

session a suggestion for a preliminary "experimental 

period" as a necessary first step 

in the development of a national public relations 

organization. Th's recommendation was 

based upon the council's experiences in organizational, 

financial and public relations 

problems in the Hollywood area, which members 

declare resemble those "likely to be encountered 

by the national organization," 

Meantime at a midweek council meeting 

speakers included Luther Evans, librarian 

of Congress and executive committee member 

of the U.S. national committee for 

UNESCO; actress Myma Loy, member of the 

American delegation to a recent UNESCO 

conference in Paris; Howard M. Vickery of 

the State department, and Mogens Skot- 

Hansen, Hollywood liaison for the UN. 

Evans and Miss Loy reported on UNESCO 

matters relating to motion pictures. 

Contracts With 80 Houses 

Signed by New Film Firm 

HOLLYWOOD—With contracts already set 

with more than 80 California theatres for 

individual weekly newsreels in each community 

served by the showcases, fonnation 

of Town and County Topic Productions as a 

newsreel and television fii-m has been completed 

by Robert Farquhar, Sam Martin and 

Bradley Kemp. Jack Patterson heads the 

camera department and Milton L. Smith is 

the outfit's theatre representative. 

Annual Emmy award dinner will be held 

January 27 by the Academy of Television 

Arts and Sciences at the Ambassador hotel, 

honoring 1949 achievements in live and film 

video. Emcees will be Ed Wynn and Bill Gwin 

Plan Start on 'River' 

HOLLYWOOD—A February camera start 

is slated for "Proud River," first in a projected 

series of independent films to be produced 

for an as yet unnegotiated release by 

Shenandoah Pictures, headed by Joseph 

Gottesman. "Proud River" is a story of the 

first exploration passage down the Colorado 

River by white men in 1869. Ben Colman will 

direct. The U.S. Park department will cooperate 

for this Technicolor film. 

Academy Board Approves 

Names of 19 Applicants 

HOLLYWOOD—The Academy of Motion 

Picture Arts and Sciences closed its membership 

ranks for the year with 19 new names 

approved by the board of governors. 

John P. Austin, Francis Cugat, Francis 

Keogh Gleason and Joseph Kish were accepted 

into the art directors' branch; Harry 

Wilde, cinematographers; Mark Robson,_directors; 

Mishel Green, Kenneth L. Grossman, 

Andre Hakim, Joseph Justman and 

Mon-is M. Landres, executives; Herschel 

Burke Gilbert and Joseph A. McLaughlin, 

music; Robert Stillman, production; Carl 

Foreman and Irwin Gielgud, writers, and 

Stanley E. Fox, William J. German and 

Jacques Leslie, members at large. 

The rules committee governing film editing 

awards in the Sciences Oscars sweepstakes 

has been completed. G. Carleton Hunt, 

RKO, is chairman, with other members including 

Harry Ger.stad, Stanley Kramer Productions; 

Ernest Nims, Universal; William 

Hornbeck, Paramount; Warren Lowe, Hal 

Wallis Productions; Lester Milbrook, RKO, 

and Georg« White, MGM. 

Berg-Allenberg Combines 

With William Morris 

HOLL"YWOOD — Dwindling 

employment 

from the top star brackets right down the line 

to featured and supporting players, plus reductions 

in salaries and other offshoots of the 

lagging production scene, have been reflected 

in concrete fashion in an important adjunct 

to motion picture making—the talent agencies. 

In one of the largest-scale mergers in the 

history of such firms, Berg-Allenberg has 

pooled its interests with the William Morris 

agency, and has begun operations under the 

name of the latter. Bert Allenberg, who had 

headed the former office, becomes a partner 

in the new setup, acting as coordinating chief 

of the motion picture department. He joins 

Abe Lastfogel, William Morris and John 

Hyde, partners in the Morris firm. 

Almost simultaneously, three other agency 

groups—Levee-Stark, Goldstone-Willner and 

Vic Orsatti—merged their firms into the new 

United Agency Corp., effective immediately, 

with a board of d rectors including M. C. 

Levee, Nat Goldstone, Ray Stark, Orsatti, 

George Willner, George Gottfried and M. C. 

Levee jr. The new company represents more 

than 150 clients. 

Douglas in 'My Shadow' 

HOLL'YWOOD-Actor Kirk Douglas and 

producer-agent Charles K. Feldman have 

formed an independent company to produce 

"My Shadow," starring Douglas, from an 

original by Leonardo Bercovici, Ivan Goff 

and Charles Lederer. 

Leaders of Air Force 

At 'High' Premiere 

HOLLYWOOD—It was 20th Century-Fox's 

turn to step into the premiere Imelight when 

the company's new World War II aviation 

drama "Twelve O'clock High" was given its 

world premiere December 21 at Grauman's 

Chinese Theatre, with top air force officials, 

civic and industry dignitaries in attendance. 

An atmospheric entertainment highlight was 

contributed by the Lackland Air Force base 

band, which staged a parade down Hollywood 

boulevard and presented a 45-minute concert 

in the theatre forecourt prior to the showing 

of the Gregoi-y Peck starrer. Among those 

present, most of them with their wives, were: 

Darryl F. Zanuck 

Gregory Peck 

George Cukor 

. 

Edmond Goulding 

Howard Hawks 

Walter Long 

loseph Mankiewicz 

Otto Preininger 

John M, Stclhl 

Lamar Trotti 

Claude Binyon 

Nunnally Johnson 

Hugh Marlowe 

Ronald Colman 

Lou Schreiber 

Heflry King 

[j"^« 

Hath"crway 

Henry Koster 

Anatole Litvak 

Jean Negulesco 

George Seaton 

George Jessel 

Robert Bossier 

Sam Engel 

Sol Siegel 

Dana Andrews 

First world premiere ever staged in Montana 

will be held at the Marlow Theatre in 

Helena when Warner Bros.' new Technicolor 

western "Montana," starring Errol Flynn 

and Alexis Smith, opens January 10. A statewide 

series of special events will be conducted 

in connection with the premiere. 

M'dwest premiere of Monogram's "Bomba 

on Panther Island" will be held January 18 

at the Gopher Theatre in Minneapolis. 

The Missouri Theatre in St. Louis will be 

the scene of the January 12 world premiere 

of U-I's "South Sea Sinner," starring Shelley 

Winters and Macdonald Carey. The opening 

will be tied in with a homecoming celebration 

for Miss Winters, who will participate 

in the event and then will visit other midwestern 

cities to attend territorial openings. 

U-I also is planning a series of invitational 

sneak previews of its new comedy, "Francis," 

in each of 31 exchange centers and other key 

cities to permit all exhibitors to see the picture 

with an audience. 

Local 150 Re-Elects 

LOS ANGELES—Earl Hamilton, running 

unopposed, was re-elected president of the 

projectionists Local 150, Magnus Neilson was 

renamed business manager. Charles Venc 1 

defeated Charles Crowe for the post of secretary-treasurer. 

BOXOFnCE December 24, 1949 47

George 

I 

STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES 

Barnstormers 

Monogram 

HUNTZ HALL, who is featured in the Bowery Boys 

series, is scheduled to leave January 2 on a sixweek 

personal appearance tour throughout the 

southern states. 

ROBERT COOGAN will accompany JOE KIRKWOOD 

on a personal appearance tour in conjunction with 

prerelease openings of the star's latest vehicle, 

"Honeymoon for Five," in which Coogan played a 

supporting role. 

KIRBY GRANT, star of the Lindsley Parsons production, 

"The Wolf Hunters," is making personal 

appearances in connection with the film's openings 

in the Chicago territory. 

Briefies 

Columbia 

"A Snitch in Time," first Three Stooges brielie on 

Producer Hugh McCollum's 1949-50 calendar, is being 

directed by Ed Bernds from a script by Elwood 

Ullmcm. Others cast in addition to the Stooges 

lean 'Willes, Henry Kulky, Bob Cason and John 

Merton. 

Feli: Adler was set to script a Vera Vague briefie, 

s Versus Hearses," to be produced and 

i by Jules White. 

Clefiers 

Columbia 

THE CASS COUNTY BOYS, wei 

Aulry 

or square dance sequences in 

tarrer, "Beyond the Purple Hills 

RKO Radio 

Tunesmiths JULE CTYNE and LEO ROBIN were 

signed to compose the score for "Two Tickets to 

Broadway." 

VICTOR YOUNG wrote the original score and will 

conduct the music lor "Our Very Own." a Samuel 

Goldwyn production. 

Meggers 

Options 

Paramount 

s set to direct the William Holden. 

ind Nancy Olson topliner, "Union 

Columbia 

Set for Producer Robert Cohn's William Bishop 

one- Evelyn Keyes topliner, "The Killer Thcrt Stalked 

New York," was WHIT BISSELL. Earl McEvoy directs. 

Character actors GEORGES RENAVENT and 

JAMES KIRKWOOD ore cast additions to "Fortunes 

of Captain Blood." 

Independent 

RUTH WARRICK was signed to star in "Second 

L,hance, Paul ' F. Heard is producing for the 

rrolestarit Film commission 

KURD HATFIELD and MYHNA DELL were set for 

top 

production, 

also direct 

McKENZIE, 

DEKKER. 

Lippert 

SHEILA RYAN rs set for the top femme role 

with Kent Taylor and N ckey Knox in Producer Sigmund 

Neufield's "Weste 1 Pacific Agent." Sam Newfield 

directs. 

the Edward L. Cahn-Maurie M, Suess 

Destination Murder," which Cahn will 

Other cast toppers set include JOYCE 

STANLEY CLEMENTS and ALBERT 

Metro 

HEDY LAMARR was signed to star with John 

Hodiak and Don Taylor in "Visa," to be directed by 

Joe Newman for Producer Sam Marx. 

ANTONIO MORENO and LEON AMES join the cast 

^r Producer Arthur Freed's "Crisis," starring Cary 

Grant Richard Brooks will meg. 

Signed for the Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and 

rni^MMc 

"Summer Stock," 

rîf"/®*",?!"; was RAY 

COLLINS. Charles Walters megs for Producer Joe 

Pasternak. 

Signed to a term contract was PAULA DREW 

lormer Detroit civic opera stcrr. 

JUNE ALLYSON will star with Dick Powell in 

night Cross." 

CECIL KELLAWAY was signed for the Leon Gordon 

production Kim," starring Errol Flynn, Dean Stockwell 

and Paul Lukas. Victor Soville is directing. 

Monogram 

Slated for a lead in Scott R. Dunlap's production. 

The Longhom," was FLORENCE MARLY. 

RODDY McDOWALL is slated to star in 'Timte 

or Producer Lindsley Parsons. 

Paramount 

Cast in "Union Station' was BARRY FITZGERALD 

Rudy Mate will meg the William Holden-Wanda 

Hendrix-Nancy Olson starrer for Producer Jules 

Schermer. 

IAN WOLFE was signed for Producer-Director 

George Stevens' "A Place in the Sun." starring 

Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor and Shelley 

Winters. FRED CLARK and WALTER SANDE were 

signed. 

Inked for Producer Hal Wallis' "The Furies," was 

BEULAH BONDI. Anthony Mann directs the Barbara 

Stanwyck, Wendell Corey and Walter Huston topliner. 

Also signed was MYRNA DELL, 

RKO Radio 

CHESTER CONKLIN has been handed one of the 

comedy leads in "Come Share My Love,'" the Harriet 

Parsons production starring Irene Dunne and 

Fred MacMurray. 

TANIS CHANDLER was signed for "Sons of the 

Musketeers," starring Cornel Wilde and Maureen 

O Hara. Leviris Allen directs for Producer Jerrold 

T. Brandt. 

Signed for Producer Samuel Goldwyn's Dana 

Andrews, Farley Granger and Joan Evans vehicle. 

The Edge of Doom," was JEAN INNES Mark Robson 

is the director. HENRY KUKLY and ALLAN 

MATHEWS were cast. MABEL PAIGE. New York 

stage actress, was signed 

Republic 

WILLIAM ELLIOTT, WALTER BRENNAN and MARIE 

WINDSOR are starred in "Sleep All Winter." under 

the direction of Dorrell and Stuart McGowan. 

Universal-International 

Inked lor a featured role in "Death on a Side 

Street" was TITO RENALDO. Mexican film star 

GEORGE SAWAYN, former Eagle Lion casting director, 

was booked for an acting role in the James 

Mason, Marta Toren and Dan Duryea vehicle. Hugo 

Fregonese megs for Producer Leonard Goldstein 

GEORGE LEWIS, silent picture star, was set for 

the picture. Also signed was WILLIAM CONRAD, 

SHELLEY WINTERS will be starred with James 

Stewart in "Winchester .73," which Anthony Mann 

will direct for Producer Aaron Rosenberg. 

NADIA GRAY, European stage and screen star, was 

inked to a long-term pact. 

Warners 

WHIT BISSELL, WILLIAM FRAWLEY and SHEILAH 

STEVENS were signed for supporting roles in "Pretty 

Baby." Bretaigne Windust directs and Harry Kurnitz 

produces. ZACHARY SCOTT joins Dennis Morgan, 

Betsy Drake and Edmund Gwenn in the lopline 

cast of the picture. RAYMOND ROE was set 

ior the production. 

PERDITA CHANDLER and DICK BARTELL join 

AT 'HEART- PREMIERE — Jack L. 

Warner, center, vice-president in charge 

of Warner Bros, production, was on liand 

for the formal Hollywood premiere of 

"The Hasty Heart" at Warners' Hollywood. 

He is shown here with two of the 

stars of the film, Ronald Reagan and 

Patricia Neal. 

the 

cast of "The Glass Menagerie,'" starring Jane 

V. yman. Kirk Douglas, Gertrude Lawrence and 

Arthur Kennedy. Irving Rapper directs for Producer 

Jerry Wald. 

Cast lor the Ginger Rogers-Ronald Reagan-Doris 

Day starrer, "Storm Center," were DON DILLA- 

V/AY and ARTHUR WARD. Jerry Wald produces 

and Stuart Heisler directs. 

British Star RICHARD TODD was handed the male 

lead in '"Lightning Strikes Twice, " to be directed 

by King Vidcr for Producer Henry Blcmke. 

Added to the cast of "Bright Leaf" was "WILLIAM 

Scripters 

Columbia 

Signed to screenplay his own original, "Outlaw 

Fronlier," was WILLIAM MILLIGAN Colbert Clark 

will produce the film as a Durango Kid vehicle. 

Monogram 

ADELE BUFFINGTON was signed to write additional 

scenes for "Jiggs and Maggie Out West," 

next in the Bringing Up Father series. 

Signed to adapt the Jatnes Oliver Curwood novel, 

"Tentacles of the North,'" for Producer Lindsley 

Parsons was BILL RAYNOR. 

ADELE BUFFINGTON is writing an original screenplay, 

tentatively titled "Bad Men of Indian Mesa," 

in which Whip Wilson will star. 

RUTH 

Paramount 

nd AUGUSTUS GOETZ w 

ipis for the studio 

signed to pen 

20th Century-Fox 

PHILIP and JULES EPSTEIN were assigned to the 

screen treatment of "Take Care of My Little Girl " 

to be directed by Anatole Lilvak 

Universal-International 

HARRY TUGEND was signed to write the screenplay 

for the musical, "Song of Norway."' 

Story Buys 

Independent 

Monle Proser and Charles Wemtraub bought 

Jon Edgar Webb's prison novel, "Four Steps to the 

" 

Wall. for Proser-Nasser Productions. 

Paramount 

" 

"Look, Ma, I'm Dancin"! Abbott's Broadway 

musical comedy, was purchased as a Betty 

Hutton starring vehicle. Music and lyrics ore by 

Hugh Martin and book by Jerome Lowrence and 

Robert E. Lee. 

RKO Radio 

"The Sugar Plum Staircase," novel by Richard 

Lnglish, was purchased and assigned Alex Gott- 

to 

lieb for production as an Eddie Bracken starring 

comedy. 

Ida Lupino and Collier Young's company. Filmaker 

Productions, has purchased the John R. Tunis novel 

about a tennis star and "her mother. "Mother of 

the Champion." 

Warners 

Cagney Productions has purchased "Kiss Tomorrow 

Goodbye." novel by Horace McCoy, to b« 

filmed with James Cagney in the starring role 

Technically 

Independent 

MAURICE GOLDEN, former talent sec ut ior Metro, 

was signed as casting director ior tl le Protestant 

Film commission. 

Metro 

PAUL VOGEL will handle the cam 

on 

jvork 

Visa."' to be produced by Sam Marx. 

ARMANDO AGNINI of the Metropolitan Opera 

-vill stage the operatic sequences Ior '"fCiss of Fire." 

RKO Radio 

Named as production manager lor Filmakers" "Nice 

Uirl" was NORMAN COOK. Ida Lupino will direct 

Technicians assigned to "Sons of the Musketeers" 

:"-'"'^* HAR'^Y WILD, camera; JOHN CASS, sound; 

I'^CK OKEY, assosiate art director; SAMUEL E. 

BEEFLEY. film editor, and WILLIAM DORFMAN assistant 

director. Named as dialog director and 

script clerk was RICHARD WALTON. 

Warners 

assignments ^,^1?.',', for Pretty Baby" include PHIL 

QUINN, assistant director; PEVERELL MARLEY, cinemalographer; 

CHARLES CLARK, art director, and 

IRENE MORRA. film editor. 

Title Changes 


of Entry" to OUTBREAK 

48 


i 

"runaway" 

Troops Entertained 

In Berlin By Stars 

HOLLYWOOD—Foregoing the comforts of 

Yuletide at home, a grou;^ of fihii, radio and 

stage luminaries has undertaken to make it 

a merrier Christmas for members of the US. 

air force stationed in Europe. Planing out 

for Berlin to provide entertainment for American 

fliers in Germany were Gene Raymond, 

Jeanette MacDonald, SlT'rley Ross, Whip Wilson, 

Hillary Brooke, Maxie Rosenbloom, 

Gypsy Markoff, Jack and Alice Cavanaush. 

Vance Henry, Libby Burke and Larry Stevens. 

Producer Stanley Kramer will be guest of 

honor and principal speaker on the first 

George Washington Carver memorial program, 

honoring the distinguished Negro scientist, 

over the Mutual Broadcasting network 

January 5. A special memorial cantata is 

being composed for the program by Dimitvi 

Tiomkin. 

Film Labor Council Fires 

At Foreign Filmmaking 

HOLLYWOOD— Aiiot her Wast at so-called 

production—the making of films 

in foreign locales by U.S. companies—was 

fired by the Hollywood AFL Film council 

when a special committee was ordered to draft 

two re.solutions for presentation at the next 

council meeting, scheduled for January 9. 

One resolution will ask the Motion Picture 

Industry counc 1, of which the AFL group is 

a member, to aid in the campaign: the other 

will call upon the AFL to consider imposing 

a boycott on films produced by American 

companies outside U.S. boundaries. Roy M. 

Brewer, AFL Film council chairman, presided 

at the meeting, at which Rep. Cecil 

Kng wus a featured speaker. 

Autry and Cast to Tour 

22 States and Canada 

HOLLYWOOD— Longest barnstorming trek 

to be planned to date by Gene Autry will 

cari-y him through 22 states and part of 

Canada on his 1950 winter personal appearance 

tour. Thirty-six bookings already have 

been set and 34 others are in negotiation. 

The cowboy star, wlio heads his own film 

company for release through Columbia, will 

open his junket in Pueblo, Colo., January 7, 

and will tour through Kansas, Nebraska, 

South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, 

Michigan, Ontario, Massachusetts, Rhode 

Island, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. 

He will be accompanied by the 27 

members of his Western Variety show, and 

his two horses. Champion and Little Champion. 

Autry will return in March to star in 

"Indian Territory." 

Warner Signs Del Ruth 

HOLLYWOOD—Pi-oducer-Director Roy Del 

Ruth has been signed to a long-term contract 

as a megaphonist by Warner Bros. He 

recently piloted Warners' Milton Berle comedy, 

"Always Leave Them Laughing." Warner 

studio spokesmen said the contract calls 

for Del Ruth's exclusive services, indicating 

that the producer-director will abandon his 

own independent unit, through which he has 

made several features for Allied Artists and 

United Artists release. 

i||NTO each life some rain must fall. 

the Paul Bunyan News. Showman Financier 

11 But the battered efforts of the Motion Mann, who owns and operates a fair share 

Picture Industry Council seem to be getting 

of the small-city theatres in northern Cali- 

more than their share. Most recent fornia, apparently launched the journal prin- 

cloudburst to engulf MPIC's widely touted cipally as an advertising medium for his 

campaign to improve the overall public relations 

of Hollywood and its darlings is I'affaire 

showhouses 

it has developed 

in that part 

into a periodical 

of the state. 

of general 

But 

Bergman baby, the hinted sordid details of news coverage and advertising content; and 

which supplied filmdom's scandalmongers a right good one, at that. 

with the biggest field day they have had in 

Its weekly piece de resistance is a column, 

years. It reflects once again that, as concerns 

Cinemania, liberty of the press is prone 

captioned "Mann to Man," written by the 

publisher and devoted to philosophical and 

to degenerate into license. The deplorable, 

erudite observations on a wide variety of 

revolting and unfair treatment of the Bergman 

story in the Los Angeles dailies is further 

subjects, both of intra- and extra-industry 

interest. The "Mann to Man" pillar has a 

illustration that Hollywood will have to expect 

and dispose of many homing chickens 

homey, down-to-earth quality which makes 

it reminiscent of the late, great O. O. Mcbefore 

MPIC can register gains toward its 

goal of educating the press to accord the private 

lives of HoUywoodians the same just 

consideration as is the lot of comparable personages 

in less glamorous pursuits. 

BABY-IT'S-COLD-OUTSIDE DEPART- 

MENT 

(Norman Siegfel Division) 

"Sidney Lanfield, Paramount director, is 

recovering: from an auto accident at Sunset 

and Gardner," informs a tidbit from Siegel's 

department. 

Some people recuperate in hospitals. 

As a plug for MGM's upcoming Technicolor 

musical, "Duchess of Idaho," starring Esther 

Williams, chefs on Union Pacific trains have 

entered a contest, according to a morsel of 

information emanating from Leo's praisery, 

to concoct a new potato delicacy, prepared 

in a manner to be known as "Duchess of 

Idaho." 

The rules of the competition do not set 

forth whether the spuds should be baked, 

boiled, mashed, French fried or just plain 

hashbrown, but something new will have to 

be added. 

And heaven help the chef who serves the 

potato with ham. 

Tiiere was a touch of nostalgia in the event 

cooked up recently by Margaret Ettinger, 

free-lance space-snatcher deluxe, at which 

homage was paid Cecil B. DeMlUe by industry 

veterans on the Vine St.-Selma Ave. site 

where, 35 years ago, he made "The Squaw 

Man," first feature-length film ever produced 

in Hollywood. 

C. B. DeMille may have started with squaw 

men, but down through the years they 

evolved into yes-men, of whom Phil Koury 

currently is making a bid for the all-time 

championship. 

Up north at Fort Bragg, Calif., George 

Mann publishes a weekly newspaper called 

Intyre's columning. It's a journeyman's job 

of wliich any experienced newshawk could be 

proud. The Paul Bunyan News now circulates 

3,700 copies every Monday. Most of them, 

of course, reach the citizenry of Fort Bragg 

and environs, but many are the industry 

prominents throughout the country who have 

asked to be placed on its mailing list. 

All of which, from a film industry perspective, 

adds up to prove what just a little initiative, 

imagination and extracurricular work 

can contribute to the cause of good showmanship. 

Nor is the Paul Bunyan News free of other 

touches of humor and/or irony—either advertent 

or accidental. Witness the recent large 

advertisement therein for Mann's State Theatre 

and captioned "Turkey Nite." The dual 

bill: 20th-Fox's "The Forbidden Street" and 

Columbia's "Home in San Antone." 

HO-HUM DEPARTMENT 

(Valentino Division) 

At last reports Producer Edward Small, 

who has been trying for lol these many years 

to film "The Life of Valentino," had yanked 

Sheridan Gibney off the umpty-umpth version 

of the script and reassigned the scenario 

to George Bruce for another rewriting job. 

Small's projected filming of the great screen 

lover's biography has been kicked around so 

much and so long that about the only further 

announcement thereon that could hope for 

press or public attention would be news that 

the producer himself will delineate the title 

role. 

What's-wrong- with-show-business 

Twentieth-Fox's multi-miUion doUar spectacle, 

"Prince of Poxes," was being dualed in 

its local first run with an RKO quickie, "The 

Threat." 

And certain local showcases are co-billing 

Republic's "The Red Menace" and 20th-Fox's 

"Pinky." 

The J. Pamell Thomas influence, no doubt. 

BOXOFFICE Etecember 24, 1949 49

J 

sdottdctt 

^cfront 

JJAROLD WILSON, during a debate of films 

in the House of Commons last week, threw 

the industry's plans for tax remission back 

with a flat refusal either to reduce the tax 

or to allow a rebate to help exhibitors and 

producers. He said: "Handing back money 

in the form of a subsidy without guarantee 

that this money would not be swallowed up 

in further extravagance is something we cannot 

do." In the course of his speech he referred 

to "an unaccustomed and sinister unanimity 

in all sections of the industry" and 

this reference aroused anger from members 

of Parliament both in the Labor and Tory 

ranks. 

Tom O'Brien, M.P., who is 

general secretary 

of a film labor union and a Socialist member, 

interrupted the minister to say: "For 25 

years government departments have criticized 

the film industry because it was divided. Now 

that we have reached an agreed policy we are 

sinister." Returning to the attack on the 

Minister's charge of extravagance, O'Brien 

said: "A certain amount of extravagance is 

essential in show business. You cannot put 

on a show or make a film in the same way as 

you can roll out sausages or mix pots of jam." 

The truth obviously is that this Labor government 

does not wish to acknowledge the justice 

of the industry's claim to a rebate of tax 

since it would involve them in loss of revenue 

that they may find difficult to replace in other 

ways. There is no arguing the fact that the 

£^cec44ii4Ae 

East: Independent Producer R. W. Alcom 

planed to New York to confer with United 

Artists home office executives on plans for 

the upcoming February release of his first 

film, "Johnny Holiday." 

South: James R. Grainger, Republic vicepresident 

in charge of sales, came in from 

San Francisco to spend the Christmas holidays 

with his family here. 

East: Otto Preminger, 20th-Fox producerdirector, 

planned to take off for New York 

to scout locations for his next assignment, 

the Dana Andrews starrer, "Where the Sidewalk 

Ends." 

West: Al Horwits, U-I studio publicity director, 

trained in from Gotham after a threeweek 

trip east, during which he visited St. 

Louis to set plans for the premiere of "South 

Sea Sinner," New Orleans to plan the American 

debut of "Francis," and New York for 

huddles with home office executives. 

East: Maurice "Razz" Goldstein, Monogram-Allied 

Artists sales manager, returned 

By JOHN SULLIVAN 

film industry carries a heavier burden of 

taxation than any other in this country and 

to refuse a remission on the grounds of extravagance 

is an attempt to divert attention 

from the real point at issue. That British 

producers have materially cut their costs is 

shown by films at present on the floor here. 

Pictures that would have been budgeted at 

$600,000 a year or two ago are now being 

made with the same quality for one-half of 

that figure. 

AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR many of 

the critics of the trade and lay papers occupy 

their space with a resume of what they consider 

the ten best fUms of the year. Reg 

Whitley, the veteran critic of the Daily Mirror, 

has gone one better than this and conducted 

a poll of exhibitors to find from them 

which films they made most money on during 

1949. 

The surprise winner was a film from Ealing 

Studios—"Scott of the Antarctic." Siu-- 

prise it was, not for lack of quality in the film 

itself for it was well-made and sincere, but 

because it was a sombre, unhappy story without 

any conventional love interest. Running 

second was another "low-key" picture, 

"Johnny Belinda," but the third place was 

taken by two comedies, "Easter Parade" and 

"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Runnersup, 

not in order, were: "'The Paleface," "Red 

River," "The Guinea Pig,"* "The Gay Lady,"" 

^fuiaele^ 

West: William Pine and William Thomas, to his Manhattan headquarters after studio 

independent producers releasing through conferences with President Steve Broidy. Also 

Paramount, returned from a three-week going east, for huddles with New York officials, 

was George D. Buitows, executive 

barnstorming junket through the east, midwest 

and south, during which they huddled vice-president and treasurer. 

with exhibitors, circuit operators and distribution 

personnel on changing public tastes South: Having tentatively selected Mexican 

location sites for his next Columbia film 

in film entertainment. 

"The Brave Bulls," Pi-oducer-Director Robert 

Rossen will return to Mexico City January 1 

to complete preparations for his picturization 

of the Tom Lea novel. It will be made almost 

entirely below the border. 

West: Heni-y Henigson, production supervisor 

on MGM's "Quo Vadis," returned from 

Rome after a seven-month stay. He will 

return to Italy next spring when camera 

work is slated to start on the opus. Also returning 

from Europe was William Golden, 

who reported back to MGM after handling 

arrangements for the group of Hollywood 

stars who appeared in London at the royal 

performance. Representing the American film 

industry at the annual British charity performance 

were Rosalind Russell, Ann Sothem, 

Gregory Peck, George Murphy, Greer Garson, 

Walter Pidgeon and Errol Flynn. 

East: Joseph Bernhard, president of Film 

Classics, planed east for conferences with New 

York banking officials concerning a projected 

expansion program for the distribution organization. 

The Bernhard company already 

has completed arrangements for releasing 

eight features during the early months of 

1950. 

"Maytime in Mayfair,"* "I Was a Male War 

Bride," "Madness of the Heart'" and "The 

Blue Lagoon."* The films marked * are all 

British. 

Turning to the tradepress Josh Billings 

of the Kine Weekly, who is regarded as 

the best boxoffice judge of a film in this 

country, agrees largely with Whitley's findings. 

He claims as the boxoffice film 

of the year Carol Reed's "The Third 

Man" but Whitley makes the point that 

this picture has not yet received enough 

bookings to judge results although it will undoubtedly 

finish well up at the top. The rest 

of the films published in Whitley's survey also 

appear in Billings' roundup. 

It seems ironical that although exhibitors 

are constantly asking for comedies only onehalf 

of the big ten are comedy subjects and 

the two biggest of all were unrelieved drama. 

JAMES LAWRIE, managing director of the 

National Film Finance Corp., told a press 

conference last week that his bank has just 

granted loans for the production of a further 

eight pictures. He also revealed that, in spite 

of rumors to the contrary, the corporation 

had some money available for finance. 

still 

The biggest sensation of the meeting was 

his disclosure that an inspector will be appointed 

by the Board of Trade to investigate 

the affairs of Plantagenet Films, Ltd., which 

produced the Edward Dmytryk film, "Give 

Us This Day" ("Christ in Concrete"). The 

corporation is not satisfied with the way in 

which the company has carried on its affairs 

and has asked for this investigation to clear 

the air. 

The directors of Plantagenet Films, Ltd., 

are Nat Bronsten, A, Kerstein and the Duke 

of Leeds. Nat Bronsten co-produced "Give 

Us This Day" with Rod Geiger, who is at 

present in New York to attend the premiere 

of the film. 

IT IS NOT A COMMON occurence for a 

top-rank star to produce a film and cast himself 

in a minor role—allowing others to take 

the top credits. When he does so, and produces 

a boxoffice winner in every sense of 

the word, it is a pleasant task to report on it. 

The film, which was tradeshown last week, 

is "Rocking Horse Winner," produced by 

John Mills, directed by Anthony Pelissier and 

starting John Howard Davies and Valerie 

Hobson with Mills himself playing a small 

but most important role. 

The film is based on D. H. Lawrence's 

classic short story, which tells of a small boy 

with an extravagant mother. The child hears 

his mother constantly demanding more money 

and, presented with a rocking horse foi 

Chiistmas, he discovers that he can forecast 

race winners while riding on it. The child 

himself has no idea of the value of money but, 

aided by an uncle and by the family groom, 

he wins a huge sum which is passed on to 

his mother without her suspecting, or caring, 

where the money has come from. Eventually 

the child contracts brain fever and, in his delirium, 

he mounts the house and rides it 

madly until he falls from it shouting the 

name of his last big wanner. 

Such a story could so easily descend into 

bathos or over-sentimentality and it Is to 

the eternal credit of Mills and to Director 

Pelissier, that they have avoided these pitfalls 

and have produced a moving and sincere 

film which will appeal to women audiences 

all over the world. Young Davies, 

nine years old, surpasses even his great performance 

in "Oliver Twist." 

50 


Lady 

Arizona Paramount 

Set as New Chain 

NEW YORK—A new corporation, 

Arizona 

Paramount Corp.. has replaced Paramount- 

Nace Theatres. Inc.. as 

operator of ten theatre.s 

in Plioenix and 

Tucson, according to 

Leonard H. Goldenson, 

head of Paramount 

theatres. The n e w 

company was organized 

as a result of the 

resignation of Harry L. 

Nace and Harry L. 

Nace jr., who will devote 

full time to the 

George M. Aurelius 

operation of their own 

exhibition interests. 

Paramount-Nace was a wholly owned subsidiary. 

Arizona Paramount Corp. will be a subsidiary 

of United Paramount Theatres after 

January 1. The main executive and general 

administrative offices of Arizona Paramount 

will be located in the Orpheum Theatre Bldg.. 

Phoenix. 

George M. Aurelius, city manager for Paramount 

in Phoenix since 1946. will supervise 

Dana Roehrlg Jesse Chinich 

Theatre in Clovis, Calif., 

Sold to Barney Gurnette 

CLOVIS, CALIF.—The Clovis Theatre here 

the operations of Arizona Paramount. He 

has been with Paramount since 1938. 

Jesse Chinich will be head booker and 

buyer for the new circuit. He has been a 

Paramount employe for the past four years. 

Dana Roehrig will continue as city manager 

for Tucson, where he has been operating 

since 1946. 

Maurice J. Pyle. manager of the Palms 

Theatre, Phoenix since 1947. has been named 

head of the warehouse department. He will 

be in charge of all purchasing and maintenance. 

was sold recently by J. Bradley Fish to Barney 

Gurnette of Santa Cruz, former district manager 

for Golden State Theatres for 23 years. 

Fish established the Clovis in 1943 and retains 

ownership of the building which he has 

leased to Gurnette for a long term. 

Frank Shermer, who has managed the theatre 

for several years, will retain his post 

under Barney Gurnette. 

Tenth Anniversary for Fox 

LONGMONT, COLO. — The Fox Theatre 

here, operated by the Fox Intermountain circuit, 

recently observed its tenth anniversary. 

Clifl Hays is manager of the house. 

'Baftleground' Continues to Pace 

Los Angeles With Third Week 160 

LOS ANGELES — 'Twas the week before 

Chri-stmas and all along the fti'st run sector—with 

three notable exceptions— business 

went into the expected nosedive. Still topping 

the list was "Battleground." which hammered 

out an impressive 160 per cent in its 

third stanza. 


Carlhay Circle—The Heiress (Para). 9lh wt E5 

Chinese, Los Angeles, Loyola, Uptown, Wilshire— 

Prince of Foxes (20th-Fox); The Threat (RKO), 

2nd wk 130 

Culver, Four Star, Studio City, United Artists, 

Vogue—A Farewell to Arms (WB); The Hatchet 

Man (WB), reissues 75 

Downtown, Hollywood Paramounts—Red, Hot and 

Blue (Para): Song oi Surrender (Para), 2nd wk. 65 

Egyptian, Loews Stale—Boltlegrcund (MGM), 

Fine Arts—The Fallen Idol (SRO), 4th wk 

Four Music Hails—Home of the Brave (UA); 

Champion (UA), 2nd wk 

Orpheum—Black Midnight (Mono), plus vaudevill( 

Pantages, Hillstreet—A Dangerous Profession 

(RKO); Bodyhold (Col) 

Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern—The 

Hasty Heort (WB) 

Reissue Bill Registers 140 

As San Francisco Leader 

SAN FRANCISCO—Trade generally was 

weak, tops in barometer readings going to 

the Esquire with 140 for a dualing of "Desperadoes" 

and "Renegades," two reissues. Second 

honors were divided between "Always 

Leave Them Laughing" at the Paramount and 

"Free for All" at the Orpheum, both with 

125 per cent. 

Esquire—The Desperadoes (Col). Renegades (Col). 

reissues 140 

Fox—Tension (MGM); Change of Heart (20th-Fox), 

reissue . 100 

Golden Gate—She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (RKO); 

My Brother's Keeper (EL). 3rd wk 95 

Orpheum—Free for All (U-I), Abandoned (U-I). .125 

Paramount—Always Leave Them Laughing (WB). 125 

St. Francis—The Heiress (Para), 3rd wk 100 

Slate—The House on 92nd Street (20th-Fox); My 

Gal Sal (20th-Fox), reissues 85 

United Artists—lolson Sings Again (Col), 7th v/k,,,U0 

United Nations—Everybody Does It (20th-Fox); 

Master Minds (Mono), 2nd d, t. wk 90 

Warlield—That Forsyte Woman (MGM), 2nd wk.. 90 

"Adam's Rib' Second Week Paces 

Seattle at 120 Per Cent 

SEATTLE—Santa Claus made his influence 

felt hei-e by taking a solid slap at grosses 

which tumbled badly. 

Blue Mouse—Ichabod and Mr. Toad (RKO); Down 

Memory Lane (EL). 3rd d t wk 65 

Coliseum—Abandoned (U-1), Idol of the Crowds 

(EC) - 100 

Fifth Avenue—Adam's Rib (MGM), Prison Warden 

(Col), 2nd wk 120 

Liberty-Tell It to the Judge (Col); Mary Ryan, 

Detective iCol) 90 

Music Box—Oh, You Beautiful Doll (20th-Fox); 

Chinatown at Midnight (Col), 3rd d. t. wk 75 

Music Hall—The Reckless Moment (Col),- And 

Baby Mokes Three (Col) 65 

Orpheum-Always Leave Them Laughing (WB); 

Master Minds (Mono), 2nd wk 95 

Paramount—Bride for Sale (RKO); Deputy Marshal 

(LP) ^ £0 

'Great Lover' Leads Trade 

At Portland First Runs 

PORTLAND—A pre-Christmas slump hit 

all downtown houses. The top. 130 per cent, 

was carded by "The Great Lover" and 

"Chinatown at Midnight" day and date at 

the Paramount and Oriental. In the second 

spot was a dualing of "Hit the Ice" and "Hold 

That Ghost" at the Mayfair. All other first 

runs were off. 

Broadway—Free fo 

Mayfair—Hit the Ic 

All (U-I); Abandoned (U-I).... 

(U-I); Hold That Ghost (U-I), 

Box—Bride for Sale (RKOl; The Gal Who 

. 

Took the West (U-I), 3rd d. t. v/k 105 

Oriental, Paramount The Great Lover (Parq); 

Chinatown at Midnight (Col) 130 

Orpheum—Holiday Inn (Para); Lody Eve (Para). 

reissues 90 

Playhouse— Red, Hot and Blue (Para); Song of 

Surrender (Para), 2nd d wk I 90 

United Artists—The Story oi Molly X (U-I) 85 

Yule Shopping Takes Toll 

At Denver Boxoffices 

DENVER—Christmas shopping proved to 

be the winner in a battle with the boxoffice. 

Only two houses had a percentage better 

than average. 

Broadway—That Forsyte m (MGM), 4th wk, 

Denhom—Holiday Inn ( 2nd wk ; Eve 

(Para), reissues 

105 

Denver, V/ebber—The I 

i Seabiscuit (WB); 

Post Office Investigator (Ri-; 

90 

Esquire, Pararr.our,! - Christoph. Columbus 

(U-I); Joe Palooka in the Coi. irpunch (Mono).. 90 

Orpheum—A Dangerous Prof. (RKO); One 

Woman's Story (U-I) 

Vogue— Lysistrata (SR) 

YOUR POPCORN WARMER 

IS LOSING YOU 507, 

Can You Afford It? 

HERB 

* 

TURPIE 

Manley Popcorn Machines and Supplic 

Los Angeles 7, Calif. 

WE'VE BEEN PRODUCING 

Motion 

Pictures 

FOR MORE THAN 39 YEARS 

industrial . . . sales . . . animation 

. . . public relations . . . 

training . . . theatre ads. 

We originated these current 

Film Ad Campaigns: 

• Chevrolet 

m John Deere 

• International Harvester 

• Tappan Ranges 

• General Mills 

• Motorola 

• Speed Queen 

• Niitrena Mills 

• Phillips "66" 

• Florsheim 

Use Business Brevities 


. . J. 

. . Rowland 

. . Irving 

. . Ted 

. . Lenore 

. . The 

. . Fox 

. . Film 

SAN FRANCISCO 

T eslie Rossiter of Hawaii and J. L. Cortner 

of Bremerton, Wash., have taken over the 

theatre and skating rink in Auborn. Both returned 

recently from Okinawa where they had 

worked under the military government . . . 

An electric generator has been installed at the 

Oroville Drive-In to permit enlargement of 

the screen and the projection of a 64x56-foot 

picture. George Hickox is manager. 

Ukiahans saw themselves on the Ukiah 

Theatre screen in "Life in Ukiah," hour-long 

film produced by Reelife Productions of Hollywood 

and featm-ing an all-local cast . . . The 

Automotive in Pittsburg is now on winter 

schedule, dark on Tuesday, Wednesday and 

Thursday evenings. Shows start at 6:30 on 

other evenings. 

Mrs. Hulda McGinn of the California Theatre 

Ass'n spoke on "Lobbying as a Profession" 

Cer RCADY FOR 

1950s FIRST BIC 

EXPLOITATION DATB! 

CHItl^GU 

1327 S. 

W^BASH 

\ . 

FumY 

THe 

I3tk 

IJANUARV) 

4 

^^' ( /pre-»ell it with a 

— 

//SPECiai TRAILER 

from ... 

FILMACK IMWVORKI 

RI9W. 

54th SI 

. . . Helen 

. . The 

. . The 

. . The 

Pal McGee Is Elected 

Denver Variely Head 

DENVER—Pat McGee, general manager of 

the Cooper Foundation Theatres, was elected 

chief barker for the new Tent 37 at its first 

PAT AIiGEE 

election under the Variety banner. 

The tent 

is the former Rocky Mountain Screen club, 

which has club and screening rooms in its 

building at 1345 Glenarm. It is said to be the 

only Variety Club with its owri screening room 

which is used regularly. 

Other officers elected included Bernie 

Hynes, manager of the Denver, first assistant 

chief barker; Hall Baetz, district manager for 

Fox Intermountain Theatres, .second assistant; 

William Hastings, Orpheum manager, 

property manager, and Harry Green, treasurer 

for Fox Intermountain Theatres, doughguy. 

The following are canvasmen: R. C. Hill, 

Columbia manager; Fred Brown, booker and 

buyer for the Black Hills Amusement Co.; Ed 

Mapel, city councilman and owner of the 

Gem; H. W. McLaren, president of Western 

Service & Supply; Robert Selig, executive 

assistant to the president of Fox Intermountain; 

Mayer Monsky. U-I manager, and Duke 

Dunbar and Kenneth Smith, lawyers. 

The affiliation of the former Rocky Mountain 

Screen club with Variety will be completed 

at a dinner early in February at which 

R. J. O'Donnell, chief barker of Variety International, 

will present a charter. 

DENVER 

prank H. Rirketson jr., president of Fox Intermountain 

Theatres, returned from a 

five-week tour of Europe and Israel. He made 

the trip with Charles P. Skouras, president 

of National Theatres, and E. C. Rhoden, head 

of Fox Midwest, Kansas City. Ricketson reported 

that American religious films are very 

popular in Europe, along with spectacular costume 

pictures. While the theatres do not have 

popcorn, some of them have bars and serve 

liquor. Ricketson reported the spirit in Isreal 

is remarkable. He said Fox theatres will be 

built in Tel Aviv. Israel, and in Alexandria 

and Cairo, Egypt. 

"Borderline" will be premiered at the Paramount 

and Webber, and there is a strong 

probability that either Fred MacMurray or 

Claire Trevor will be present for the event 

M. R. Austin. Eagle Lion 

January 24 . . . 

branch manager, and Paul Snoddy and Frank 

Sheffield, salesmen, left for Chicago to attend 

a sales meeting . 450-car drive-in 

being erected by Gus Daskalos and Steve Nitse 

at Las Vegas, N. M., at a cost of approximately 

$45,000, will be ready for opening next spring. 

Motiograph projection equipment and speakers 

are to be supplied by Ted Knox. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Knox of the Service 

Theatre Supply and their two children are 

sf>ending the Christmas holidays at Ray, N. D. 

McAbee, booker at Lippert Pictures, 

is spending the holidays at her former home 

in Green Bay, Wis. . Universal exchange 

held its Christmas party at the Variety 

Club December 21. 

Paul Rothman, owner of the Colorado 

Springs drive-in theatres, and Elden Menagh, 

owner of the Star, Ft. Lupton, Colo., are building 

a 325-car drive-in near Brighton, Colo., 

at a cost of $50,000. It will be ready for a 

spring opening . two Wolfberg driveins 

which were kept open as long as possible, 

closed only when the weather dropped to zero. 

Davis & Jones has sold the Highway 85 drivein, 

Raton, N. M., to J. E. Oliver. 

Exhibitors seen on Filmrow included Dave 

Warnook, Johnstown; Herbert Gumper, Center; 

Mr. and Mrs. Leon Coulter, Loveland; 

June Canda, Westcliff; Kenneth Powell, 

Wray; Bernard Newman, Walsh; Larry Starsmore, 

Colorado Springs, and Mr. and Mrs. 

Don Munson. Rifle, Colo.; Robert Spahn. 

Mitchell; Dr. and Mrs. F. E. Rider, Wauneta, 

and Dorrance Schmidt, Bridgeport, Neb., and 

Joe Stallman, Lingle, Wyo. 

Pastime Theatre Remodeled 

PINE BLUFF, WYO.—Remodeling and redecorating 

of the Pastime Theatre here has 

been completed. 

Piuei Hn Eniptv 

Seat 

9WHEN YOU BUY QUALITY 

I 

ITj^ Sdotwiumslup 

TRAILERS 

^! J. T.H M 

WHMlWffli 

125 HYDE ST SAN FRANCISCO (2), CALIF. 

.Gerald L. Karski ... President 

r 

Hannah Opie Elected 

SAN FRANCISCO—The Film Colony 

club 

elected Hannah Opie, secretary at the office 

of the Independent Theatre Owiiers of Northem 

California, president: Mary Marquart, 

manager's secretary at MGM, vice-president; 

Helen Graham, secretary at the California 

Theatres Ass'n office, as secretary, and Bess 

Huntoon. MGM cashier, as treasurer. 

George Atton to Granada 

RENO, NKV.—George Atton, formerly at 

the New Turlock Theatre in Turlock, Calif., 

has assumed new duties as manager of the 

Granada Theatre here. The house is operated 

by T&D Theatres, for which Homer 

LeBallister is district manager.

. . When 

Pound Devaluation May Cause Rise 

In Ticket Prices in Australia 

By WILLIAM BEECHAM 

Australian Representative, BOXOFFICE 

PERTH, W. A.—L. C. Waterman, chairman 

of the South Australian Motion Picture 

and Theatre council, stated recently that 

the loss by American film producers following 

the devaluation of the Australian pound 

might necessitate a general rise in admission 

prices at cinemas throughout the Commonwealth. 

"The devaluation has meant that 

the distributors' frozen profits held in Australia 

have been reduced by one-third of their 

value," he said, "and since the cost of all 

goods imported from America is now Increased, 

there will naturally be higher costs 

for raw stock. Technicolor pr nts, advertising 

accessories and general equipment. Opinion 

in film circles here is that our distributors 

may have only two courses open to them 

— to cut their operating costs or to get more 

revenue, both from percentage and flat film 

rentals. If the latter method is chosen it will, 

of course, eventually lead to higher admission 

prices." 

[We 

hare the 

J. D. Williams shows its profit as £26.313. 

compared with the £26,006 of the previous 12 

months, and its dividend is at the rate of 6 

per cent. Spencers shows its profit as £18,662, 

compared with £18,499, and its dividend is 

also at 6 per cent.' We.sts shows its profit 

as £23,110, compared with £21,923, and its 

dividend is at the rate of 7H per cent. 

Amalgamated Pictures .-jhows its profit as 

£13,943, compared with £13.237, and its ordinary 

dividend is at the rate of 6H per cent. 

oil 

companies offering free subui'ban picture 

shows. Now comes news that in one countrj' 

town a leading Australian oil company not 

only presented a free picture show but also 

offered patrons free beer and sandwiches 

after the performance. In addition the 

Council of Adult Educat'on is now sponsoring 

free film shows in many centers. 

The Australian production, "Sons of 

Matthew" made Australian history recently 

when it was screened before Queensland 

members of parliament in the legislative 

council chambers. The screening was made 

possible by the installation of special sound 

equipment, and as far as can be learned 

marked the first tim.e any film has had its 

first screening in a House of Parliament in 

Australia. It was disclosed that Australian 

audiences will be able to see the swimming 

pool scenes deleted by the Johnston office, 

as the Au.stralian film censor has passed 

them. A spokesman for Universal Pictures, 

the company releasing the film throughout 

Australia, says that these scenes—taken 

Recently we 

amid 

had something to say in these 

beautiful surroundings and showing Wendy 

Gibb swimming In the nude in a woodland 

pool—are "very artistic." 

Clive Amott, managing director of United 

Artists of Australia, said recently that if an 

accurate popularity graph could be given for 

all types of films during the last 20 years, it 

is certain that westerns would reveal little 

or no falling off. "The appeal of musicals, 

NOW IS THE TIME! comedies and dramas has fluctuated through 

the years," he stated, "but for the confirmed 

western fan the outdoor action picture has 

DOUBLE 

always possessed an interest unaffected by 

other factors." 

YOUR LIGHT WITH OUR NEW 

Greater Union Theatres has paid unchanged 

dividends to 

VINYL 

its four holding companies 

for the financial year July 1, 1948, to 

June 

PLASTIC 

30, 1949. Ordinary dividends again were 

£75,000, half of which was distributed among 

the holding companies and half to the Rank 

organization in Britain. A preference dividend 

of 5 per cent also was paid. Greater 

SCREEN 

337 GOLDEN GATE AVE. • HE l-82 

SAN FRANCISCO 2. CALIF. 

Morris, Pres. Wayne Mayhew, C. W. vice-Pres. 

Jor 

YOUR 

Over 1,200 orphans from 16 homes in 

Count on ul lot Quick AcHoid 

In EAtRE Western Australia recently were given a pic- 

£^.^ 

THEi THEATRE EXCHANGE CO. 

^201 Fill Fint Alls BIda. Portland 5. Orcoon 

after vehich they went by ferry to the South 

Perth zoo where they were given limch, entertained 

and provided with fruit and ice 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE 

cream. 

NEW Junior in-A-Car Speaker. Unsurpassed Sea our In 

faithful reproduction. Can be tuned to suit the ear. 

Priced so that the smallest Drive-in can use them. 

Junction Box can be mounted V/z" 2" pipe. 

on or 

nic by the management and staff of the 

Grand Theatre here. Youngsters first were 

taken to the theatre to see "Bill and Coo," 

Hoyts suburban cinemas in the Sydney 

area recently held a most successful Food 

for Britain drive, the aim being to provide 

5,000 food parcels which could be posted to 

reach England before Christmas. 

SEATTLE 

Tl 

pran Bergerson has resigned as manager for 

the Northwest Automatic Candy Co. and 

joined the Sterling Tobacco Co. in association 

with H. D. Bracken jr., in promotion of theatre 

candy and soft drink sales in the northwest 

. Dan Redden moved from the 

Paramount Theatre to manager of the Music 

Hall as a result of the Hami-ick-Evergreen 

splitup. the first thing he moved was the 

house cat. 

One hundred Filmrow families attended 

the annual Christmas preview party at the 

Jewel Box Theatre, followed by ice cream 

and cake at the Rendezvous cafe . . Other 

. 

Filmrow and theatre office parties extended 

from December 16 through the 23rd, ranging 

from exchange cocktail parties to dinner 

dances at golf and country clubs . . Ted 

. 

Galanter, MGM exploitation representative, 

and his wife Mildred were visitors. 

. . . Five 

Wally Rucker, manager, and Ken Mellgren, 

salesman for EL, flew to San Francisco to 

attend a sales meeting December 19-21 . . . 

Guy Maxey of WB and his wife celebrated 

their 39th wedding anniversary 

downtown houses were playing reissue programs 

during the pre-Christmas doldrums 

. . . Visitors to Filmrow included Lou Pressler, 

Aberdeen; Florence Benson, Fiiday Harbor; 

Joe Lewis, Snoqualmie; Lee Kirby, Monroe; 

A. G. Peechia, Eatonville; W. B. McDonald, 

Olympia; Walter Graham, Shelton, and Junior 

Mercy. Yakima. 

To Reopen Kiva Theatre 

GREELEY. COLO.—The Kiva Theatre here 

will be reopened Chi'istmas day following extensive 

remodeling now in progress. The 

boxoffice is being shifted from the center to 

the east side of the lobby, and a confection 

stand is being installed. 

To Reopen Fox Theatre 

SANTA ANA, CALIF.—The Fox Theatre 

here, closed several weeks ago for extensive 

remodeling, will be reopened Christmas day 

by the Fox West Coast circuit. Improvements 

will include air conditioning, new carpeting 

bv the Fox West Coast circuit. 

Coos Bay Drive-In to Be Ready Jan. 1 

COOS BAY, ORE.—The 500-car drive-in 

being constructed at a site on Ocean boulevard 

near here by W. A. Graeper of Portland 

is expected to be completed about January 1. 

A 60-foot screen tower is being erected at 

the north border of the tract. The parking 

area will contain 11 ramps, the first one 150 

feet from the screen. A building in the center 

of the area will house the projection booth, 

a snack bar and restrooms. Construction is 

being handled by Cartwright & Wilson, 

Toelle, Utah. Cost is $100,000. 

Services lor Vin Moore 

LOS ANGELES—Graveside services for Vin 

Moore, 71, veteran motion picture director, 

were held at the Pierce Bros. Hollywood mortuary 

in Vahalla cemetery. Born in New 

York, Moore came here 34 years ago and 

had been directing pictures since 1917. He 

had been wnth Universal and directed the 

Cohen and Kelly series. He is survived by his 

wife Virginia. 


Paramount Sets up New Chicago Plan 

Area Is Divided Into Sixteen Selling Zones, First Runs by Bid Only 

CHICAGO—Paramount's new system of 

selling films in the Chicago area provides 

for dividing the territory into 16 districts, 

with exhibitors competing through bids for 

the first Loop run and first outlying run in 

each of the remaining 15 districts. J. H. 

Stevens. Chicago manager for Paramount, 

announced the plan with J. J. Donohue. the 

central division manager. 

The new district plan has placed theatres 

in the following zones: 

PARAMOUNT DISTRICT LOOP 

One first run in the entire Chicago city 

releasing area will be licensed to a theatre 

in this district. Every theatre in the district 

Is invited to submit a competitive offer for 

the run. 

Excluding the theatre licensed first rim, we 

will negotiate for a single second run and 

multiple subsequent runs as outlined below. 

Our negotiations for the single second run 

will be conducted in the order set forth after 

the designation of run for the theatres selected 

in this run. 

Our selection of runs under these proposed 

negotiations will be subordinated to requests 

for specific runs made by competitive offers. 

Theatre 

Seating 

Capacity 

Run 

Chicago 3,869 

Clark 920 2nd, 4th 

Garrjck 980 

Grand 1,199 

McVickers 2,206 2nd, 1st 

Monroe 953 2nd, 3rd 

Oriental 3,164 

Palace 2,451 

Rialto 1.574 2nd, 2nd 

Roosevelt 1,535 

•• 

State-Lake 2,649 

• 

United Artists 1,703 

•* 

Woods 1,126 

•• 

Subsequent Runs, Multiple 

Astor 300 ' 

Fashion 240 * 

Gem 480 * 

Joyland 270 * 

La Salle 675 

• 

National 277 

• 

New Paris 274 * 

State-Harrison 260 

' 

Studio 349 

' 

World Playhouse 500 

* 

DISTRICT NORTH NO. 1 

(Following regulations are for all districts except 

Loop) 

One first run will be licensed in this district. 

Every theatre in the district is invited 

to submit a competitive offer for this 

run. 

Excluding the theatre licensed first run. we 

will negotiate for multiple second and subsequent 

runs as outlined below. 

Our selection of runs under these proposed 

negotiations will be subordinated to requests 

for specific runs made by competitive offers. 

Some of the theatres designated for negotiation 

on a second or later subsequent run 

basis ordinarily prefer to play on a run earlier 

than the one proposed. Our designation assumes 

that some of these theatres may be 

interested in negotiating for a later run when 

they are not the successful licensee of an 

earlier run. 

J. J. DONOHUE 

1 All theatres in Ciiicago except where designated 

otherwise.) 

Belmont 3.265 

Biograph 996 

Buckingham 999 

Century 2,939 

Covent 2,018 

Esquire 1,400 

Lincoln 1,200 

Vic 1,338 

Windsor 1,215 

2nd 

3rd 

3rd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

3rd 

3rd 

3rd 

4th and Subsequent Runs 

Carnegie 

Cinema 300 

City 550 

Crest 500 

East 470 

Gold Coast 900 

HoUy 800 

Ideal 680 

Julian 737 

Kino 440 

Lake Shore 525 

Lane Court 925 

Little Paramount 296 

Newberry 700 

New Parkway 620 

152 300 

Plaza 1,194 

Rosco 690 

Standard 397 

Surf 650 

DISTRICT NORTH NO. 2 

Adelphi 999 

Davis 1,371 

Devon 1,075 

Granada 3,443 

Howard 1,613 

Norshore 2,999 

North Center 2,492 

Nortown 2,086 

Pantheon 2.000 

Riviera 1,910 

Sheridan 2,649 

Uptown 4,320 

Vogue 1,642 

480 • 

3rd 

3rd 

3rd 

2nd 

3rd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

Argmore 

Bertha 

Bryn Mawr 

Bugg ..- 

Calo 

Cine 

Co-ed 

De Luxe 

E,ssex 

400 

Lakeside 

Mode 

Music Box 

4th and Subsequent 

676 

623 

790 

992 

880 

970 

600 

999 

625 

795 

960 

807 

800 

Ridge 1 ,200 

Rosewood 

950 

Evanston 

Coronet 

811 

Stadium 1 .250 

Valencia 

906 

Varsity 1 ,850 

Glencoe, Glencoet 

847 

Highland Park, Alcyont... 1 ,000 

Lake Forest, Deerpatht.... 948 

Skokie, Skokie 

425 

Wilmette, Teatro del Lago 1 ,082 

3rd 

3rd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

2nd 

3rd 

2nd 


* 

Highland Park, Pearl 720 

' 

Highwood, Bartlett 285 

* 

Wilmette, Wilmette 500 

* 

Winnetka, Com. House 374 

tThese tlu-ee theatres are negotiating competitively 

for our product. We intend to continue 

that procedure. One will be licensed 

s-econd run, the others offered third run. 

DISTRICT NORTHWEST NO. 1 

(Chicago) 

Alvin 540 3rd 

Belpark 2,004 2nd 

Biltmore 1.729 2nd 

Congress 2,890 2nd 

Crown 1,299 2nd 

Crystal 1,860 2nd 

Embassy 1,451 3rd 

Grand 565 3rd 

Harding 2,993 2nd 

Hub 750 3rd 

Logan 950 3rd 

Luna 871 3rd 

Mars 1,200 3rd 

Oak 848 3rd 

Royal 1,400 3rd 

Vision 735 3rd 

Will Rogers 1,600 3rd 

Armitage 900 

Avaloe 654 

Avon 811 

Banner 797 

Bell 425 

Fox 700 

Harmony 300 

Karlov 932 

Liberty 632 

Main 299 

Milford 1.150 

New Strand 600 

Nita 770 

Oakley 950 

Paulina 820 

Pix 613 


I 

Continued on next pagei 

BOXOFFICE December 24. 1949 

55

( Chicago 

New Chicago Plan 

For Paramount 

(Continued from preceding paget 

Rogers 480 

Roundup 730 

Schindlers 700 

Webster 530 

Wicker Park 540 

* 

* 

* 

F 

"m 

Arlington Hts., Arlington 770 3rd 

Chicago 

Commodore 966 3rd 

Drake 1,477 3rd 

Gateway 2,092 2nd 

Irving 1,400 3rd 

Patio 1,500 3rd 

Portage 1,838 2nd 

Terminal 2,389 2nd 

Times 994 3rd 

Des Plaines, Des Plaines... 950 2nd 

Park Ridge, Pickwick 1,500 2nd 


Chicago 

* 

Admiral 1,399 

Alba 

* 

968 

* 

Jeff 491 

Metro 

* 

896 

Revue 

• 

424 

* 

Rivoli 1,302 

• 

Palatine, Palatine 300 

DISTRICT WEST NO. 1 

I 

Alamo 1,535 2nd 

Alex 990 3rd 

American! 1,279 2nd 

Atlantic 2,500 2nd 

Broadway-Strand 1,505 2nd 

Byrd 1,486 3rd 

California 655 3rd 

Central Park 1,758 2nd 

Crawford 1,299 3rd 

Four Star 1,168 3rd 

Illington 940 3rd 

Imperial! 1,035 2nd 

Kedzie 1,396 3rd 

Marbro 3,931 2nd 

Marshall Square 1,340 2nd 

Milo 900 2nd 

Paradise 3,612 2nd 

Rena 2,000 3rd 

Senate 2,999 2nd 

Star & Garter 1,500 2nd 

Tiffin 2,000 2nd 

Twentieth Century 750 3rd 

White Palace 700 3rd 


Avenue 580 

Century 750 

Circle 707 

Crown 1,100 

Douglas 719 

Elmo 780 

Empire 855 

Famous 600 

Garden 278 

Garfield 625 

Globe 800 

Gold 750 

Grand ....'. 

565 

Harrison 568 

Homan 300 

Home 300 

Irving 290 

Joy 946 

Kedzie Annex 750 

Lexington 650

Brighton 1,500 2nd 

Colony 1,500 2nd 

E. A. R 720 3rd 

Empress 1,000 2nd 

Englewood 1.290 2nd 

Halfield 952 3rd 

Harvard 688 3rd 

Highway 900 3rd 

Linden 700 3rd 

Marquette 900 3rd 

Midwest 1,600 2nd 

Milda 850 3rd 

Ogden 2,042 2nd 

Peoples 1,850 2nd 

Ramova 1,100 2nd 

Regent 825 3rd 

Rex 500 3rd 

Southtown 3,202 2nd 

Stratford 2,433 2nd 


.• 

Acadia 671 ' 

Ace 800 

Atom 500 • 

Oharm 285 • 

Cornell 300 » 

Cort 285 • 

Eagle 300 

Gaelic 290 

Gale 275 • 

Hillside 300 * 

Holden 250 

Loomis 280 * 

Lynn 299 ' 

Metropole 

30O 

* 

Norwal 280 * 

Olympia 582 

' 

Park Manor 299 

* 

Radio 450 

* 

Rita 298 

* 

Sun 600 

* 

Wallace 300 

Clearing, Mayfair 300 

* 

DISTRICT SOUTH NO. 5 

Blue Island, Lyric 939 2nd 

Chicago 

Beverly 1,240 2nd 

Capitol 2,456 2nd 

Cosmo 1,181 3rd 

Highland 2,043 2nd 

Parkway (Roseland) .... 761 3rd 

State iRoseland) 1,981 2nd 

Chicago Heights 

Lincoln or 1,610 2nd 

Rio 706 2nd 

Harvey, Harvey 876 2nd 

Homewood, Homewood 600 3rd 

Oak Lawn, Coral 1,000 2nd 


Blue Island. Grand 719 * 

Chicago 

Normalf 750 • 

Ridge il20th)t 734 * 

Roseland 991 

* 

Verdi 383 

• 

Chicago Heights 

Liberty 400 

* 

Nortown 500 

* 

Dolton, Dolton. 500 

• 

Harvey, Brandt 525 

* 

Harvey, Era 428 ' 

Midlothian, Towne 500 

* 

Steger, Steger 325 • 

JNote: Normal and Ridge are now negotiating competitively 

and we propose to continue this procedure 

if satisfactory to both Iheatres- 

DISTRICT HAMMOND 

East Chicago, Vogue 914 2nd 

Griffith, Griffith 600 2nd 

Hammond 

Calumet 700 3rd 

Hohman 700 2nd 

Milwaukee Towne Case 

Now in Hands of Judge 

CHICAGO—The decision of Judge John P. 

Barnes in the hard-fought $1,050,000 triple 

damage antitrust suit brought by the Milwaukee 

Towne Corp., owner of the Towne 

Theatre, Milwaukee, is being awaited with intense 

interest. So many witnesses were examined 

during the six weeks of the trial, and 

the testimony was so extensive that it covered 

several hundred pages of transcript. It 

is not expected that the decision will be 

handed down for three or four weeks. 

Defendants in the case are MGM, Paramount, 

RKO, 20th-Fox, Warner Bros. Distributing 

Corp.. Warner Bros. Circuit Management 

Corp., Columbia, and James A. Coston 

of Warner Management Corp. 

"It takes three things to make out an antitrust 

cause of action for damages—the proof 

of an unlawful conspiracy, the proof of damages 

to the plaintiff, and most important in 

this case, it takes proof of a direct and proximate 

and casual connection between the conspiracy 

charged and the damage claimed." 

defendant counsel argued. "There is not even 

prima facie evidence of the necessary hookup 

between the Milwaukee plan and the availability 

to the Towne of first run pictures." 

"It is our position that the so-called piece 

of whole cloth is a patchwork which hangs 

together only upon the gossamer threads of 

counsel's oratorical ability. The defendants 

contend that the so-called Milwaukee plan, 

even while it was functioning never had the 

meaning, the pm-pose. the force or the effect 

of preventing the Towne or any other theatre 

in Milwaukee from buying first run pictm'es 

if they wanted to and were competitively in 

a position to buy them. 

"In any event, the so-called Milwaukee zoning 

and clearance plan, after having shed by 

the processes of attrition throughout the 

years, all but a residue of its meaning was 

snuffed out immediately after June 1, 1946. 

"We also contend that prior to that time 

the plaintiff did not make any request for 

first runs from distributors who are defendants 

here. We contend that the operation 

of clearances in Milwaukee after 1946 was a 

New Hammond 700 3rd 

Orpheum 836 2nd 

Paramount 1,992 2nd 

Parthenon 2,139 2nd 

Hessville, Ace 475 3rd 

Highland, Town 432 2nd 

Indiana Harbor, Indiana.. 1,217 2nd 

Lansing, Lans 803 2nd 

Whiting, Hoosier 785 2nd 


* 

East Chicago, Forsythe.... 847 

• 

East Chicago, Mars 500 

Indiana Harbor 

• 

American 578 

* 

Broadway 440 

• 

Garden 750 

Vic • 

429 

DISTRICT GARY 

Crown Point 

Palace or 497 2nd 

Rex 345 2nd 

Gary- 

normal, lawful operation of what the courts 

have held not to be lawful. 

"The plaintiff's idea of what was lost in the 

way of profits by not getting all the first runs 

wanted has been exaggerated many, many 

times over the true facts." 

An attorney for Warner Bros, argued the 

Towne had not been deprived of first runs, 

and a Paramount lawyer said in his last 

argument, "There is nothing in this whole 

story of the old Milwaukee system of release, 

or its remmants, if there be any, which has 

anything to do with this case." 

Counsel for the Towne Theatre, in his closing 

pleas, Thomas C. McConnell, attorney for 

the plaintiff said: "It was as clear a case of 

conspiracy as could be presented in a court. 

Every single theatre in the city of Milwaukee 

had its clearances fixed, had a number in a 

zone and a subzone. Admission prices were 

fixed with the further vicious provision that 

if a theatre lowered its admis.sion price it lost 

clearance position. 

its 

"There is not any possible question that 

this sort of arrangement is illegal. The overriding, 

overwhelming interest of the public 

condemns it and declares it illegal from start 

to finish. There are overwhelming, inherent 

and transcendent rights of a whole community 

involved in this Utigation. 

"Witness after witness testified the purpose 

of the monopoly was to throw patronage 

into fu'st runs at the highest admission 

prices, keep the second run admission high 

enough so it wouldn't compete too much to 

keep the patronage away—stagger it down 

the line, work it out so that the overall dollar 

taken away from the community will be 

the highest po.ssible. Of course the conspirators 

were happy. You couldn't imagine a 

better system. They had everything tied up. 

the whole city sewed up. There isn't a legal 

clearance shown in this case, not one of them. 

The theatres were manipulated just like men 

on a chessboard. The defense says we didn't 

complain. We are complaining now. This 

suit is a complaint." 

Fifth Avenue 956 3rd 

Gary 980 2nd 

Grand 600 2nd 

Indiana or 1,000 2nd 

Roosevelt 800 2nd 

Lake 500 3rd 

Miller 760 2nd 

Palace 2,458 2nd 

Ridge or 670 3rd 

Roxy 1,070 3rd 

State 1,200 2nd 

Tivoli 1,200 2nd 

Hebron, Hebron 292 2nd 

Hobart, Art or 550 2nd 

Strand 420 2nd 

Lowell, Ritz 320' 2nd 

Gary, Tolleston 550 4th 

* Specific run for each theatre to be negôtiated. 

*'Because of the policies followed by these 

theatres, no designation of second or subsequent 

run has been made. 

BOXOFFICE December 24, 1949 

57

. 

-NOW! 

. . Horace 

ST. LOUIS 

Tênise Darcel was here for a personal appearance 

in connection with the screening 

of "Battleground" at the Apollo Wednesday 

(21) . . . Word comes from Belleville that 

the old Lyric Theatre building is being razed 

by the Hoeffken Bros. Construction & Materials 

Co., which owns the property. The 

theatre, originally the Hinckley Mill, was 

converted into a theatre in 1906. Motion pictures 

were offered later and the house closed 

in the 1920s. 

Edmond Metzger, auditor for the Kerasotes 

Bros. Theatres, Springfield, will be married 

December 28 to Mary Knotts, a Chicago 

model . G. Buckley, founder and 

head of the Buck-Lee Tire Co., and a brother 

of Harry Buckley, United Artists executive, 

left a bequest of $2,000 to the Shriners hospital 

for Crippled Children. 

Mayor Joseph M. Darst plans to ask Gov. 

Forrest Smith to call a special session of the 

Missouri general assembly to consider a bill 

extending the St. Louis municipal earnings 

law authority beyond the present limit of 

THESE ARE TOO QUIET 

FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE! 

BUT— 

Perlect for every other tiight of the year. 

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POPCORN BAGS 

No rustle, no crackle, no pop. 

1/2 lb. size @ $2.75 per 1,000, 

1 lb. size @ $3.75 per 1,000, 

11/2 lb. size @ $3.90 per 1,000, 

now available. Prices are in case lots 

of 4.000. Smaller lots 20c per 1.000 more. 

"Automatic" Cartons 

available in the No. 10 (10c size) @ $7.50 

per 1.000 in 10,000 lots. Smaller lots $7.7S 

per 1.000. 

PRUNTY SEED & GRAIN CO. 

620 North 2nd St. St. Louis 2, Mo. 

— In our 75th Year — 

Producers of iamous "Rush Hour" Popcorn 

June 30, 1950. The governor has indicated 

he doesn't favor a special meeting of the lawmakers 

and has suggested alternatives for 

raising funds by the city. 

Leo Keiler, president and general manager, 

Columbia Amusement Co., Paducah, Ky., and 

his wife left for the west coast immediately 

after the marriage of their son J. W., vicepresident 

of the Amusement company, to 

Jeanie Hughes in Darien, Conn. They will 

spend the Christmas holidays with Keller's 

mother in Los Angeles. 

Exhibitors seen along Filmrow included 

Forrest Pirtle, Jersey ville; Bernie Palmer, Columbia 

Amusement, Paducah: Elbert Butler, 

Hillsboro; Bill Williams, Union, Mo.; Albert 

Keuss, New Athens: John Giachetto, short 

subjects booker, Frisina Amusement Co., and 

Harry Blound, Potosi, Mo. 

Armed bandits invaded the home of Carson 

W. Rodgers of the Rodgers Theatres in 

Cairo recently and robbed Rodgers and his 

guests of money and jewelry. Complete details 

of the loss were not immediately available 

. . . The Pox Midwest circuit is expected 

to open its remodeled Roxy Theatre in West 

Frankfort soon. In anticipation of the opening 

John Marlow is readying his Annex Theatre 

in Herrin and the Rivoli in Murphysboro 

for reopening also, since they will follow the 

Roxy on pictures shown first run in West 

FYankfort. 

U-I's "South Sea Sinner" will have its world 

premiere at the Missouri here January 12, 

with Shelley Winters making personal appearances 

on opening day. It will be part of 

a 50 day-and-date opening scheduled in the 

territory. 

Suits the Hair to the Face 

A part of Loretta Young's charm is due to 

the way of dressing her hair to suit her face, 

giving it soft, feminine beauty. 

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CONFIDENTIAL COBHESPONDENCETNVITED 

Xmas Parly for Aged 

Is Held at St. Louis 

ST. LOUIS—The annual Christmas party 

for residents of local institutions for the aged 

was held at the Missouri Theatre here under 

the auspices of the Better Films Council of 

greater St. Louis in cooperation with the St. 

Louis Amusement Co., operator of the theatre. 

Mrs. Arretus Franklin Burt, founder and honorary 

president, and Mrs. Robert E. Colyer, 

president of the council, received the guests. 

The party has been a fixture at the Missouri 

Theatre for some 20 years. Harry C. 

Arthur of Fanchon & Marco and his brothers 

have cooperated with the council to make 

the party something that the old folk look 

forward to every year. The film companies 

furnish the films, while projectionists, stagehands 

and members of the theatre staff contribute 

their services. 

In addition to the entertainment, each 

woman is given a box of candy and a little 

gift, while the men are remembered with 

tobacco. Chairmen for the 1949 party were 

Mrs. Leslie Barco, Mrs. Charles Rederer, Mrs. 

Joseph Barzen, Mrs. Martin Berg, Mrs. George 

E^gelke, Mrs. F. W. Von Wehrden and Mrs. 

E. Ray Alexander. 

MGM provided the picture, "Take Me Out 

to the Ball Game," while Paramount furnished 

a combination singing and cartoon 

short picture. One of the women, aged 94 

years, said it was her first trip from home in 

ten years. She was among the 300 guests at 

the party. Transportation to and from the 

theatre was provided. 

MPTO Regional Gathering 

In Poplar Blufi Jan. 24 

ST. LOUIS—The local MPTO will hold a 

regional meeting in Poplar Bluff January 24, 

it was decided by officers and directors at a 

meeting here recently. 

Charles H. Weeks of Dexter, Mo., will handle 

the arrangements for the gathering. 

Decision on a Filmrow location for new 

MPTO headquarters also was expected to be 

reached. 

After the meeting, Joe Ansell was host at 

a buffet luncheon. Tom Edwards of Parmington. 

Mo., president, will soon announce the 

names of new members of the various committees. 

Sex Films in Church 

CHICAGO—Sex education films were shown 

recently at the North Prairie Methodist 

church in Zion as part of the church's Family 

Life series. Separate sessions were held for 

women and girls, and men and boys. Each 

se.ssion consists of a film on sex followed by 

discussions by doctors and nurses. Pastor R. 

James Sansbury explained the church had 

decided to show films because the churches 

"should get rid of their 'hush-hush' attitude 

toward sex and sex instruction." 

Magic Screen 

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58 BOXOFTICE :: December 24, 1949

. . Mark 

. . "Adam's 

Yule Buying Crimps 

Loop House Grosses 

CHICAGO — The Loop hai been packed 

daily with one-half million people, busy with 

shopping, and theatre business was as good 

as could be expected. The best showing was 

made by "Red. Hot and Blue," and a stage 

show headed by the King Cole Trio at the 

Chicago. Other newcomers. "Mourning Becomes 

Electra" at the Roosevelt and "The 

Story of Seabiscuit" at the State-Lake, opened 

fair. The Orinetal had a fail' second week 

with "Anna Lucasta" and a stage show with 

Al Morgan and Bonnie Baker. "Pinky" still 

was filling seats at the Woods. 

INDIANAPOLIS—First run houses were hit 

hard the last week. The drop was attributed 

to Christmas shopping, several concerts and 

other amusements, Loew's headed the list 

with "The Doctor and the Girl," Neighborhood 

houses had a fair week. 

Circle—Thieves' Highwcry (20th-Fox), The Gal Who 

Took the West (20th-Fox) 75 

Indiana—Bride for Sale (RKO); Tough Assignment 

(LP) 75 

Loew's—The Doctor and the Girl (MOM); Rusty's 

Birthday (Col) 90 

Lyric—The Black Book (EL); Home in San 

Anione (EL) - - _. 70 

Milwaukee Variety Tent 

Selects Its New Crew 

MILWAUKEE—Variety Tent 14 elected a 

new crew at its 

recent meeting here and the 

crew was to name new officers this week. 

Named to the crew for 1950 were Joseph 

Strother. S&M circuit: John McKay. Standard 

Theatres; Joe Imhoff. EL; Charles Trampe, 

Monogram: Jack Lorentz. 20th-Fox: Ben Marcus. 

S&M circuit: Bob Haynes, Standard Theatres; 

Gordon Hewitt, Fox Wisconsin; Harry 

Melcher. Eskin Theatres; James Kilbert. 

Supur Display Corp,, and Arnold Brumm, 

Ritz Theatre. All are from Milwaukee except 

Marcus who hails from Oshkosh. 

Date for the annual dinner-dance was set 

for February 14. The location for the affair 

will be decided by the club's new officers. 

Open house for the new quarters in the Wisconsin 

hotel building will be held later, although 

the quarters are now open. 

Free Show Held for Kids 

REEDSBURG. WIS.—Children 11 

years old 

or younger were entertained at a cartooncomedy 

free show at the Badger Theatre as 

part of a pre-Christmas party arranged by 

Manager Nick Kelly and the Chamber of 

Commerce. Santa Claus appeared on stage 

and handed out gifts. 

MILWAUKEE 

. . . Charles 

f^hristmas parties for Filmrow employes were 

the order of the day at mo.st exchanges. 

Columbia held its affair December 22 at Variety 

Club; Paramount held its party the 

16th at the LaSalle hotel, and others .still were 

in the offing during the week 

Trampe, Monogram manager, is reported recovering 

nicely after an operation at Mayo 

Clinic. Rochester. Minn. He is expected to 

return home by Christmas day. 

Harry Olshan, Columbia manager, left for 

the east to spend the holidays at his former 

home in New England and a few days at the 

Columbia office in New York City . . . Two 

Chicago— Red. 


Hot and Blue (Para), plus stage 

show 

lis 

Garrick—A Song to Remember (Col); The Awlul 

Truth (Col), reissues 90 Vincent Price spoke at a dinner of the One 

Grand—Bagdad (U-I), 3rd wk 95 

Oriental—Anna Lucasta (Col), plus stage show .110 Hundred club here on the subject of art. one 

Palace—The Story of Molly X (U-I),- Holiday in of the actor's hobbies . Rib" was 

Havana (Col) 95 

Roosevelt—Mourning Becomes Electra (RKO) 95 held over for a second week at the Towne, 

Selwyn—The Red Shoes (EL), roadshow, 53rd with "City of Little Children" as the co-feature. 

wk 

State-Lake^The Story of Seabiscuit (WB) 

Light 

95 

Studic^Dedee (EL), 4th wk . 90 

(Para): United Artists—Holiday Inn 

(Para), reissues 

The Lady Eve The New York Opera Co. put on "Tosca" at 

- 

Woods—Pinky (20th-Fox). 4th wk 

SO 

120 the Oriental recently. Pi'ices were $6. $4.80. 

World Playhouse The Raven (Lopert); Lover's $3.60 and $2.40, including tax for the first 

floor and $4.80, $3.60 and $2.40 for the balcony. 

Return (Lopert) _ 95 

This was the first time an opera 

Yule Shopping Cuts Grosses 

played a Milwaukee residential theatre. Usually 

At Indianapolis Houses 

they play at the Davidson, downtown 

legitimate house. 

reissues were brought to the Warner — "A 

Farewell to Arms" and "The Hatchet Man." 

Foreign films continue to draw crowds at 

the Fox Downer where latest offering are 

"Carmen" and "Barber of Seville" . . . Visitors 

along Filmrow included William Ainsworth, 

Fond du Lac. president of National Allied; 

Larry Husten. Troy. Ti-oy; M. L. Reiboldt. 

Princeton and Montello, Princeton; Mr. and 

Mrs. Baldwin. Gem. Gillett; John Hanus. 

Home. Antigo; Irv Koenigsreiter. Douglas. Racine; 

Bill Exton, Roosevelt, Kenosha, and 

Charles Guelson, Badger, Stoughton. 

"Koenigswaltzer" and "Der Jaeger Von 

Fall." German films, played at the Pabst 

Theatre downtown . Scott. UA salesman, 

visited Casper Choinard, UA manager, 

here recently. 

New Waukesha Manager 

KENOSHA. WIS. — Steve Karengeannes, 

who has been manager of the Kenosha Theatre, 

has been transferred to manage the 

Pix at Waukesha, by Standard circuit. The 

new manager at the Kenosha will be Francis 

Schlax. district manager for Standard. 

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Civic Film Lending Faces 

Inquiry in Milwaukee 

MILWAUKEE There is competition in 

film lending in the public library and museum, 

the two services located in the same building. 

A public hearing is to be held by the 

city council to .see why there is duplication 

of the same services, A firm of efficiency experts 

has reported after an investigation of 

the two lending services that the two be consolidated. 

The head of the public library. 

Richard E. Krug. recommends that the two 

services be combined into one under the public 

library's direction, while W. C. McKern. 

director of the museum, says his department, 

in the same building, is the one to have the 

consolidated department of film lending. 

Neither department makes a charge for film 

rental for PTA and other groups. 

Eskin Asks 10-Year Lease 

On Lancaster, Wis., House 

LANCASTER. WIS.—Harry Melcher of the 

Eskin circuit, Milwaukee, has requested the 

city to approve a ten-year lease on the 

Grantland Theatre here to permit Eskin to 

spend about $7,000 on new equipment for the 

house, which Eskin has operated since 1945. 

Under term,s of the present short-term 

lease, such equipment would become property 

of the theatre's owners. Melcher said 

the circuit would be willing to increase the 

rent some for the longer lease. Eskin also 

leases the Orpheum Theatre building here. 

Melcher also said the seats in the Grantland 

were being repaired as required, but 

that many needed replacement. 


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CHICAGO 

pilmrow personnel here observed the Christmas 

season with parties at the exchanges 

and nearby hotels. Virtually all exchanges 

and offices had yule festivities throughout the 

week . . . The Allied held open house in its 

meeting room here with President Jack Kirsch 

on hand to greet members, civic leaders and 

newsmen . Kaye's "The Inspector 

General" was available this week at no cost 

for veterans hospital and shut-in groups by 

contacting Irv Kup of the Chicago Sun-Times. 

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The picture will open at the Essaness Woods 

December 27. A 35rmn projector and operator 

also was provided by the Essaness Corp. 

Woods Manager Jack Belasco says: "With 

a water shortage in New York they ought to 

send Al Jolson there to sing 'April Shows'." 

Jack says, "They still have WetBrook Pegler" 

... A program of 1915 Charlie Chaplin comedies 

will be shown at 2 p. m. next Saturday 

for the members of the Chicago Historical society 

and their families in the Society auditorium 

in Lincoln park. Admission is free 

Eager," and "Blossoms in the 

Dust" are being readied for reissue by MGM 

February 16. 

Carl Krueger, producer, completed location 

shooting here of his Eagle Lion release, 

"The Golden Gloves Story." and announced 

he plans to make three more pictures in Chicago 

during 1950. All three features will be 

filmed entirely in this city as well as financed 

by Chicagoans, with distribution to be handled 

by a major film company. Krueger, 

now on the coast cutting and editing "Golden 

Gloves," will return here late in January to 

arrange a world premiere in late February. 

A zingy tieup ad campaign with Thompson's 

restaurants broke last weekend with a 

series of 1,000-hne Tribune ads. The first 

ad on Bob Hope plugged Thompson's, but 

with a supergenerous plug for "Great Lover" 

at the Chicago. Set by Ed Seguin, B&K publicist, 

the series is tied up with Chicago attractions 

. . . The Ritz brothers will appear 

at the Chicago January 6 with Milton Berle's 

"Always Leave Them Laughing." 

William J. Doyle, U-I salesman and officer 

of Philadelphia Variety tent, stopped at 

the Variety Club here with his wife . . . Arthur 

Schoenstadt turned his Piccadilly Theatre 

over to the fourth ward committeeman 

Joe Plunkett for the ward youth clubs annual 

Christmas party . RKO Palace 

sparked business in a big way over the holidays 

by taking free 5x7 photos of children 

with Santa in the lobby of the theatre every 

day from 2 to 8 p. m. Children must be accompanied 

by an adult. Santa also had free 

gifts for every child. 

The Lakeside of B&K circuit is featured 

in a special series of family entertainments 

until December 23. Seven programs were 

ananged for the pre-holiday period. 

Bob Gardner is installing equipment in 

the new Fox Lake Tlieatre, headed by Robert 

Bartell. The new house seats 600 and 

will be ready in early spring . E. 

Brown, well-known Cleveland popcorn 

broker, died recently. He had been with 

the Marquardt Co. and was well known to 

the theatre trade . Essaness circuit has 

booked "Inspector General" to follow "Pmky" 

for the Loop Woods Theatre. The picture 

will open Christmas eve. 

The Buckingham Theatre, Essaness circuit, 

is receiving a stainless steel and porcelain 

front. Work will be finished January 1 

Essaness circuit has selected architect 

Lewis Eugene Wilson, Los Angeles, to 

draw plans for three drive-ins planned in 

this area for next year. The circuit now is 

operating the huge Starlite Outdoor on the 

south side of Chicago . new Coed Theatre 

installed RCA sound and a new-type 

vinyl screen. 

Northside Theatre of Balaban & Katz, under 

the supervision of District Manager Abe 

Piatt, held its get-together breakfast and 

Ray Carsky, director of merchandise, told 

the managers and their assistants about the 

outlook for popcorn, candy and beverage fields 

and also the tryout of the sale of chocolatecovered 

taffy apples. Edward Trunk spoke 

on efficiency of theatre management and 

Walda Bail surveyed publicity and advertising 

programs of the circuit . . . Irving Mack 

will go to Miami for the holidays to join his 

wife who now is there enjoying the Florida 

sunshine . Rubens, head of B&K 

maintenance department who was seriously 

injured in an auto smashup, is at the Little 

Company of Mary hospital, Evergreen Park. 

Xmas Ticket Sales High 

CHICAGO—Pete Panagos, promotion manager 

for Alliance Theatres circuit, reports that 

merchants and food distributors in various 

circuit cities have taken at least a quarter 

of a million tickets for special Christmas 

shows put on by the circuit December_24. The 

tickets were given to customers as a holiday 

gift and the individual theatre will be turned 

over to the holiday ticket guests under Alliance 

supervision. This plan was tried out 

last year by Mid-States circuit in Washington 

and 150,0000 tickets were sold to merchants. 

Harold Teel Buys Theatre 

ALEXIS, ILL.—Tlie Fern Theatre here has 

been purchased by Harold Teel, formerly of 

Geneva, 111., from Mr. and Mrs. John Dykeman, 

who are planning to move to a farm 

they own near Avon, 111. 

Don Slddmore Buys Theatre 

WATERLOO. IND.— Dick Tomkinson has 

sold his interest in the Lyric Theatre here to 

Mr. and Mrs. Don Skidmore, formerly of 

Marcelles, Mich. 

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Jack Kirsch IsChosen 

Chicago Variety Head 

CHICAGO—Jack Kirsch was elected 

barker of Variety Club Tent 26 at 

Jaek Kirsch 

chief 

a meeting 

in its clubrooms December 

12. Other new 

officers of the club ini 

iude Nat Nathanson. 

lust assistant chief 

baiker; Edward Brunell. 

second assistant 

chief barker; Albert 

Baitelstein, property 

master; John Balaban, 

dough guy, and Edward 

Levin, sergeant 

at arms. 

New directors, in ad- 

^.^.^^ ^^ ^^^ officers. 

include Irving Mandel, Al Goering, Van A. 

Nomikos, Sylvan Goldfinger and Harry Lustgarten. 

INDIA NAPOLIS 

Oalvadore lozzo is the new manager at the 

Rodeo Theatre here. He at one time was 

connected with Eagle Lion pictures . . . Mrs. 

Georgia Hershey has been named cashier at 

Monogram . Screen Sei-vice held 

its Christmas party December 19 in the 

Boulevard room at the Antlers hotel. Gifts 

for all employes were distributed at the office 

later in the evening. 

.•\. B. Thompson, operator of the Ritz and 

Park in North Vernon, and his wife will 

.spend two months in Miami, Fla. . . Harrj' 

. 

Douglas, operator of the Dana in Dana, has 

in.stalled a new popcorn machine and removed 

four rows of seats from the rear of the 

auditorium to enlarge his lobby, which has 

been redecorated . and Mi'S. Donald 

Skidmore have bought the Lyric at Waterloo, 

Ind. The house is a member of Affiliated 

Theatres, Indianapolis, and formerly was operated 

by Tom Kinson. 

Illinois UTO Meeting 

Slated for Feb. 9, 10 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL — Members of the 

United Theatre Owners of Illinois will gather 

for their midwinter convention Thursday and 

Friday, February 9, 10, at the Abraham Lincoln 

hotel here, according to Edward G. Zorn. 

president. Topics to be di.scussed during the 

two-day conclave will include proposed repeal 

of federal excise taxes, state and local 

taxes, exhibitor-distributor relations and 

other subjects of increasing concern to theatre 

operators. 

Among prominent film world executives 

who are expected to be .speakers during the 

convention are Bob O'Donnell. international 

chief barker of Variety Clubs; Gael Sullivan. 

TOA executive director, and Herman Levy, 

TOA general counsel. Exhibitor relations officials 

of the various distributors also are 

expected to speak. 

Chicago Rialto Books 

Its First Foreign Film 

CHICAGO — "The V\ênch," introducing 

FYench star Maria Casares and released nationally 

through Ben Goldberg's Spalter 

Films, has opened at tiie Rialto Theatre here. 

This booking was made by Albert Dezel, who 

has distribution rights to the picture for the 

middlewest. This is the first time in the last 

ten years that the Rialto has played a foreign 

release. Albert Dezel Pi'oductions also has 

acquired the rights from Motion Picture Sales 

Corp. to "Prejudice" for the Chicago and 

Detroit exchange areas. 

Guy Craig Is Married 

INDIANAPOLIS—Guy Craig, manager for 

Columbia, and Ann Franklin, Indianapolis, 

were man-ied December 15. They are honeymooning 

in California. While there, they will 

visit Herb Johnson, former Madison, Ind., 

exhibitor. 

New Neon Sign for State 

HAMILTON, ILL.—A new ivory and maroon 

neon sign has been installed at the 

State Tlieatre here. 

THESifRE EQUIPMENT 

442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET 

INDIANAPOLIS 

INDIANA 

Vllll\ PROGRAMS 

ONE DAY SERVICE 

THEATRICAL ADV. 

CO. 

"SERVING EXHIBITORS FOR 33 YEARS" 

2310 CASS WO. 1-2158. DETROIT. 1. MICH 

Emory Kreighbaum, operator of the American 

in Ladoga, was confined to his home by 

tonsillitis . . . Mj-. and Mrs. Don Bennett 

have retui-ned from an extended vacation 

in the south. They operate the Rex at Terre 

Haute . . . LariT Jacobs, Screen Guild manager 

recently stricken by a heart attack, was 

recovering rapidly . . . Robert Smay has been 

named steward at the Indianapolis Variety 

Club . Agnes Dritthauer. booker at 

Affiliated Theatres, Inc., and James Cutshaw 

have disclosed their engagement. 

Gene Sivkelman, Columbia home office representative, 

w'as checking the local branch 

employes held their annual 

Christmas party at the Variety Club December 

16 . . . Larry Jacobs, salesman at Columbia, 

was saddened by the death of his mother-inlaw 

who died recently at her home in Port 

Wayne . . . Gilbert Ogles and, Walter Campbell 

were planning to build a 300-car drive-in 

at the junction of routes 40 and 43 near Greencastle. 

The project will be known as the 

Ogles and Campbell Theatre. The drive-in 

will be equipped with a steel screen tower by 

F. O. Hilligoss, Greencastle. 

Exhibitors visiting Filmrow included John 

Austin, Versailles; Matt Scheidler, Orpheum- 

Jefferson, Hartford City, and Main, Dunkirk; 

Robert Hudson jr., Hudson circuit, Richmond; 

Harry Van Noy, Van Noy, Middletown; B. 

Fuller, Miami-Grand, Union City, and Strand, 

Angola; Herbert Sullivan, Rembusch circuit, 

Columbus, and Kenneth Law, Cozy, Argos. 

. 

Directors of ATOI held their regular monthly 

meeting at the Indianapolis Athletic club 

Film sale.smen at all exchanges 

December 13 . . . 

started their midwinter vacation De- 

cember 16 Dotterer, 20th-Fox 

salesman who has been afflicted with an arm 

and shoulder ailment has not responded to 

treatment and remains inactive ... A strike 

of employes at the Terre Haute house, largest 

hotel in Terre Haute, Ind., has incon/enienced 

salesmen calling on theatre operators 

there. 

New Projectors, Sound 

Installs 

PARDEEVILLE. WIS.—New projectors and 

sound equipment have been installed at the 

Pardee Theatre by owners Mr. and Mr.s. Vail 

Thompson. 

lever Hd Eniptv 

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> TRAILERS 

wmnwiii 

125 HYDE ST. SAN FRANCISCO (2), CALIF. 

^Gerald L. Karski ... President 

See Us for ihe New 

STRONG MIGHTY "90" 

REFLECTOR ARC LAMP 

Complete Equipment for 

Theatres and Drive-Ins 

Write for FRSB UTBRATURE 

Thehtre EquipniEnT [o. 

ADAMS 8107 


Robinson 

Building Is Started 

On Litchfield Airer 

( 

LITCHFIELD, ILL.—The Harry Jones Construction 

Co. of Law:-enceville, has started 

construction on the $100,000 drive-in on the 

outskirts of this city for the Pi-isina Amusement 

Co. of Springfield. 

The contractor hopes to complete the 

rough work on the drive-in by the middle of 

January. Plans call for opening of the theatre 

early in the spring of 1950. The 50-foot 

towers supporting the screen will be put up 

on the west side of the ground. Then construction 

of the ramps will be started. Plans 

call for a large projection building on the 

east side of the field. A concession section 

and offices will be included in the projection 

building. 

The drive-in will accommodate 750 automobiles. 

Frisina will continue to operate the Capitol 

and Ritz theatres here. Russell Hogue 

resident manager. 

is 

Expansion of its drive-in program by Frisina 

calls for the building here of the first 

such amusement place in Macoupin county. 

The company's local associates Mrs. Frieda 

Paul and her son Norman will manage the 

new drive-in as well as the 750-seat Marvel 

Theatre, which they have managed for the 

last 30 years. 

The proposed drive-in will accommodate 

750 cars and cost about $100,000. Frisina also 

plans drive-ins in Springfield, Lawrenceville, 

Gordon Junction i, Effingham. 

Taylorville and Olney, 111.: Hannibal and 

Mexico, Mo., and Keokuk, Iowa. 

Butler Brothers Lease 

Hillsboro Ozoner Site 

HILLSBORO, ILL.—Elbert W. Butler, local 

lawyer, and his brother Homer S. of Centralia, 

have leased a 14-acre tract northwest of 

the Butler Y Junction as a .site for a 480-car 

drive-in. 

The land is sufficient to provide space for 

additional cars if and when business warrants. 

The theatre may open in the early 

summer. 

Entrance to the drive-in will be from Route 

16 and the exit on Route 127. The Butlers 

have a similar project at the western edge of 

Centralia, which is due to open early in 1950. 

They also are interested in theatres in Louisville 

and Toledo, 111. 

Bamett Brothers Start 

Mount Vernon Drive-In 

MOUNT VE:RN0N, IND.—Construction 

ramps for the 300-car drive-in east of the city 

limits on the old state road has been started 

by Harnett Bros., Henderson, Ky.. contractors, 

for Mount Vernon Drive-In Theatre, Inc. 

The drive-in company is controlled by Thomas 

Baldwin and his wife and Mr. and Mj-s. John 

Herbert Leffel, all of Mount Vernon. 

Louis Davis soon will terminate his 17 years 

of management of the New Vernon Theatre 


PORT HOLE BLOWER 

Eliminates Dust, Bugs and Rain From Coming in Port 

Hole — Also eliminates use of Optical Glass, Therefori 

giving clearer and cleaner projection. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. JZ^^^^yTo. 

of 

liere for the Southern Enterprises of St. Louis, 

and return to St. Louis to take a position in 

the home office of the company, which also 

owns the Will Rogers Theatre there as well 

as the New Vernon and Empress theatres 

here. Cos Ofer has been named resident 

manager of the New Vernon Theatre and Gilbert 

Skelton, house manager. 

For six of the 17 years he has been manager 

in Mount Vernon, Davis was associated 

with his father, the late Samuel Davis. Mrs. 

Bettie Davis will accompany her son to St. 

Louis. Another son Maurice has been managing 

the Will Rogers in St. Louis for some 

years. 

Facelifting Job Planned 

At Olney, 111., Drive-In 

OLNEY, ILL.—The Olney Drive-In, owned 

by H. E. "Barney" Coen, Robert Hill and 

associates, will undergo an extensive facelifting 

job this winter in which the capacity 

will be increased. 

The drive-in is closed for the season. The 

improvement program calls for reworking the 

entire surface, installation of additional lighting 

to insure safe traffic and a complete playground 

for children in front of the screen 

tower. The concession stand vrill be remodeled 

and tables will be furnished. 

Slate 700-Car Drive-In 

Near New Haven, Ind. 

NEW HAVEN, IND.~A 700-car drive-in is 

to be built at a site on Route 30 west of here 

by Horace E. Shock, who operates two theatrs 

In Lima, Ohio, and a drive-in near 

there. The new drive-in will be erected on a 

ten-acre tract bought recently by Shock from 

Paul Werling. The project is expected to be 

completed and ready for opening next May 1. 

Highland Theatre Opens 

HIGHLAND, WIS.—The new Highland has 

been opened here. The hou.se measures 40x86 

feet, with 350 seats. Tlie building is insulated 

with rockwool and air conditioned. A cry 

room has been placed on the second floor 

next to the projection room. Charles Imhoff 

is president of the theatre company and the 

theatre has been leased by Carl Lunenschloss, 

who owns other theatres in Wisconsin. 

Renovate Tuscola, 111., House 

TUSCOLA, ILL.—An extensive improvement 

program is in progress at the Strand 

Theatre, owned and operated by George B. 

Barber of Villa Grove, 111. A new carpet has 

been laid in the foyer and a 7x9-foot plate 

glass mirror has been hung facing the entrance. 

Another improvement has been the 

enlargement of the cry room. The theatre 

al.so will be redecorated soon. 

Build Benton, 111., Airer 

BENTON. ILL.—Robert Strauss and Joe 

Sullivan, both of Benton, are constructing the 

Midway Drive-In pn the Benton-West Frankfort 

road. They hope to have it ready for 

operation early in the spring of 1950 It will 

have accommodations for about 400 cars. 

Plan Elletsville Drive-In 

ELLETSVILLE, IND.—Plans for construction 

of a drive-in on Route 46 about one mile 

west of here have been disclosed by officials 

of the Cascade Amusement Co. 

Two New Theatres 

To Open in Chicago 

CHICAGO—The Engelwood Theatre, a 

landmark at 63rd and Halsted, owned and operated 

by Basil Cliaruhas and associates, has 

completed a modernization program costing 

$75,000. The main floor and balcony were recarpeted 

and pushback seats installed. New 

interior decorations were placed in the lobby 

and auditorium and a new entrance was built 

with glass doors. New stage settings were installed 

for vaudeville and additional sound 

improvements added. 

Southsiders will welcome on December 29 

the newest theatre in their part of town, the 

Stony at 6855 Stony Island Ave. This new 

house, erected and operated by George GoUos, 

Bernard Moore and Morris and Dave Solovy, 

proprietors of a string of south side theatres 

and dance halls, was built at a cost of $250,000. 

The policy will be double features plus newsreels 

and shorts, with doors opening at 1:30. 

Another new community theatre, the Mercury, 

located at North and Harlem avenues, 

opens December 30. The theatre is owned 

by Howard J. Beck, who also operates the 

Tiffin. Designed by architect Edward J. 

Nitsche, the theatre embodies all advance 

ideas in construction. It will seat 1,500 persons. 

Burglars Wreck Offices 

In Franklin, Ind., Robbery 

FRANKLIN, IND.— At least $1,000 damage 

was counted in the wake of a burglary attempt 

at the Artcraft Theatre here, where 

three offices virtually were wrecked before 

a hurry-up getaway was .staged by thugs who 

left several hundred dollars behind in their 

haste. 

A 400-pound safe containing boxoffice receipts 

and change wavS found on a two-wheel 

cart in a rear alley by city police who happened 

on the scene at 5:30 a. m., while the 

robbers apparently had gone after their car 

or truck to haul the safe away. 

Offices riddled were those of Syndicate 

Theatres, Inc.: its president Trueman T. Rembusch, 

and Theatre Manager William A. 

Handley. The safe in the office of the theatre 

chain was ripped .so badly that police 

for a while believed it had been blasted 

with nitroglycerine. It contained mostly theatre 

records. Entrance to the theatre was 

gained through a coal chute. 

Two Chicago Theatres 

Lose $7,900 to Bandits 

CHICAGO—Three well-dressed bandits fled 

with $5,000 from the RKO Palace Theatre, in 

Chicago's Loop, unknown to 1,000 patrons 

watching the late Sunday show. Two other 

bandits escaped with $2,900 early Monday 

from the Irving Theatre, a suburban house, 

after knocking unconscious the assistant 

manager, Roy Allred. 

The Palace bandits apparently followed the 

assistant manager, Jerry Cohen, as he left 

the boxoffice for the basement office with 

Josephine Paul, cashier, and Henry Glick, 

an usher. The bandits forced Cohen to open 

the safe. They then took both Saturday and 

Sunday receipts and fled. 

At the Irving Theatre, Allred said he was 

walking upstairs to his office next to the 

projection room, when two gunmen came up 

from behind and f.orced him into the office. 


.., 

. . Roy 

. . Louis 

. . Eddie 

??? ^^.^'î^'^^''^ 

Tri-States Considering 

At Minneapolis 

MINNEAPOLIS—The week before Christmas, 

traditionally the worst for the boxoffice, 

50 Theatres 

was just that. The newcomers were not out- 

.standing in quality, undoubtedly being spotted 

with the view that even the strongest fare 

probably could not buck the adverse seasonal 

trend .successfully. "Miss Grant Takes Richmond" 

led the proce.ssion and was followed 

by "Yes. Sir, That's My Baby." "The Gal Who 

Took the West" and "The Wench," the last 

named a French film. It was the second week 

for "Tokyo Joe" and "Tell It to the Judge." 

(Average is 100) 

Aster WoU Hunlers (Mono), Black Midnight 

(Mono) 85 

Century—Tell It to the Judge (Col), 2nd wk 90 

Gopher—Frisco Sal (U-I). Paris Bombshell (U-I), 

reissues 

"'' 

Lyric— It Ain't Hoy (Realcn-t), Hit the Ice (EL) 

Pix-Amok (SR) - 

85 

8S 

Radio City Miss Grant Takes Hichmond (Col).... SO 

RKO Orpheum—Yes. Sir. That's My Baby (U-I).... 85 

RKO Pan—Tokyo Joe (Col), 2nd wk 85 

Slate—The Gal Who Took the West (U-I) 

'.Vorld-The Wench (Spelter) 

Moderate Trade Continues 

At Kansas City Houses 

KANSAS CITY—Trade at first run houses 

here continued at a slackened pace as Christmas 

shopping neared its end. Strong holiday 

week product was being advertised. A dualing 

of "Bagdad" and "Undertow" day and date 

at the Tower, Uptown and Fairway registered 

100 per cent. "Too Late for Tears" and "Outpost 

in Morocco," paired at the Midland, drew 

average business. Other downtown theatres 

were imder par. 

Esquire, Apollo—Square Dance Jubilee (LP); 

Deputy Marshal (LP) 65 

Kimo Mourning Becomes Electro (RKO), 3rd wk., 

4 days 100 

Midland—Too Late for Teors (UA): Outpost in 

(UA) 

100 

Paramount—Beyond the 

(WB), 2nd wk 85 

RKO Missouri—The Rec 

st 

Moment (Col); 

Kazan (Col) 

'/b 

Roxy Trapped (EL); Assigned to Donger (EL) 65 

Tower, Uptown, Fairway—Bagdad (U-1); 

Undertow (U-1) 100 

85 

TV for Its 

MINNEAPOLIS 

Tack Kelly, MGM short subjects salesman, 

from Chicago, will spend the holidays 

with his brother in Winona, Minn. . . Outof-town 

. 

exhibitors visiting Filmrow 

included 

Clint Noreen, Fredric, Wis., and Chet Werner, 

LeSeur, Minn. . Haines and Harry 

Seed, Warner Bros, western sales and district 

manager respectively, were here briefly for a 

conference with Art Anderson, local branch 

manager. 

. . . George Fosdick, Republic 

. 

Harry McWilliams, Columbia exploitation 

manager, was here from New York for conferences 

on showings of "All the King's Men," 

adapted from the Pulitzer prize winning novel 

by Prof. Robert Penn Warren of the University 

of Minnesota . Orlove, MGM 

exploiteer, returned to Milwaukee to spend 

the holidays 

salesman, and his family left for California 

for a brief vacation. 

RKO held its Christmas party at the exchange 

with Al Stern, office manager, in 

charge . . . Bill Soper, Paramount Pep club 

president, handled the arrangements for his 

company's Christmas party Burke 

and Earl Lorentz. 20th-Fox salesman, left 

for a vacation in the south . . . Congi'atulations 

to O. E. Maxwell, whose daughter Jean, 

will be married January 21 to Byron Johnson, 

Lindstrom, Minn., exhibitor. 

OMAHA — Tri-States Theatres Corp. is 

considering installing television in 50 houses 

it operates in Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois. 

President A. H. Blank and General Manager 

G. Ralph Branton said they have filed a 

petition with the FCC asking that rules for 

theatre channels be .set up. The arguments: 

Cost of home receivers is too high for 

low-income groups. 

Some types of program are too expensive 

for advertising sponsors and probably 

would not be telecast outside of 

metropolitan areas. 

Theatre television is technically better 

than home television. 

Theatre television opens prospects for 

public education programs. 

Tri-States already has applied for an FCC 

permit for a television station in Des Moines. 

Des Moines Colosseum 

Selects Pearl Robbins 

DES MOINES—The Colosseum of Motion 

Picture Salesmen has elected Pearl Rabbins, 

Paramount, president; George Baumeister, 

MGM. vice-president; Raymond McKettrick, 

RKO, secretai-y; Ken Bishard, Paramount, 

treasurer; Sol Yeaser, RKO, sergeant at 

arms: and Ralph Olson, Universal. Carl Olson, 

EL. and Ted Mendenhall, UA. trustees. 

Duluth Theatreman Seeks $10,050 

In 

Suit Over Closing of House 

TinkY' Continues to Lead DULUTH-A $10,050 false aiTest suit was 

In Second Omaha Week 

instituted this week against a city commis- 

OMAHA—"Jolson Sings Again" remained at sioner and two policemen by Bert Langley, 

the State Theatre for a fourth week, helped manager of the Lake Theatre, as the result 

by lower admissions and the addition of a 

gf ^ council controversy over the recent clossecond 

feature, "Boys of the City." All first jng of the theatre. Thp council a week ago 

runs were held down by the threat of a bliz- 

,i2) denied Ray Lumsden, owner of the thezard 

that did not materialize. 

atre, a license to operate after a minister had 

Omaha—Pinky (20th-Fox), 2nd d, t, wk 

; I Cheated opened up an attack on the type of films be- 

Ihe Low (20th-Fox) 110 . 

\.n. 

Orpheum-Too ... 

Lote for Tears (UA); Border Inci- ^g run at the hOUSe. 

dent (MGM) _ 100 The false arrest suit was filed against 

A '" 

RKoTrand";fs'-I?Se H^ckUsr Moment 

Safety Commissioner Henry C. Daugherty, 

(Col);- 

Dangerous Profession (RKO) 100 License Inspector A. C. Mayville and Patrol- 

State--Jolson Sings Again (Col), 4th wk,; Boys 

^^^ Lerov Brandenhoff. 

of the City (Mono) -- _ ^. ' ., 100 

A citv 

... 

charge 

• 

of 

^ 

- 

Town—Riders of the Whistling Pines (Col); Sky operating a theatre Without a license against 

Dragon (Mono); The Big Clock (WB) 100 Langley was dismissed in municipal court, as 

was a similar charge against Lumsden. Harry 

Tri-States XmaS Party 

Weinberg, city attorney, is to defend the city 

___., _ ,, * employes, and a nephew Alfred Weinberg will 

Is Held at a Breakfast 

represent the exhibitor. 

OMAHA—The big Christmas party for 150 The citv council denied a license to the 

Tri-States Theatres employes here began Lake Theatre by a 3-2 vote, following an exthis 

year with a breakfast. In past years plosive debate over the type of films played 

the parties were held after the last show at by Lumsden. Counsel for the exhibitor 

night, meaning a windup in the early morn- charged that the action was based on politiing. 

cal expediency rather than law. Films which 

This year everyone met at the Paramount had been played at the Lake over which 

Theatre at 8 a. m. for a breakfast. An ex- there had been some controversy included 

change of presents followed and then a "Marijuana." "Blond Captive." "Burlesque" 

choice, by popular vote, of a half-dozen pic- and "Hollywood Girls." 

tures available for screening. 

Basic argument raised by Alfred Weinberg 

was whether the council had the authority to 

use its licensing ordinance as a censorship 

weapon. He contended that the council has 

a perfect vehicle for punishing an exhibitor 

if he shows lewd or salacious pictures. He 

termed the action on the license no different 

from that on a grocery or milk license. To 

"arbitrarily or capriciously deny" the license 

is a violation of state law, he said. 

It was a letter from the Rev. Charles Gordon 

Beale, United Protestant church, which 

created much of the controversy. He contended 

the films violated the Production 

code and claimed that the films were made 

under the Will Hays administration, that the 

code under Hays was not as strict as that under 

Eric Johnston, and, by that deduction, 

probably were films of the 1930s when pictiu'es 

"descended to an aJltime low." 

"Acceptance of that standard would be to 

return to an outmoded and outlawed code," 

Beale wTOte. Mayor George W. Johnson accepted 

this explanation in a statement at the 

council session, although the production code 

has remained virtually unchanged in almost 

tW'O decades. 

Lumsden, who said he is losing from $400 

to $700 a week by being forced to remain 

closed, may also bring legal action against 

the council. 

BOXOFFICE December 24, 1949 MW 63

. . Durwood 

. . . Lou 

. . . The 

. . Clare 

. . Missouri 

KANSAS CITY 

pimer C. Rhoden, Fox Midwest Theatres 

head, left last Thursday (22) for California, 

where he and his family will spend the 

Christmas and New Year holidays . . . Lawrence 

Lehman, RKO Missouri manager, was 

convalescing at his home following a recent 

operation at Menorah hospital . . . Arthur De- 

Stefano, National Theatre Supply Co. manager, 

was preparing to leave for Los Angeles 

to attend an annual firm meeting. 

The 20th-Fox production "Prince of Foxes" 

was to open Saturday (24) at the Orpheum 

Theatre . . . Officials and employes of MGM 

held their Christmas party last Thursday at 

the exchange . circuit officials 

Icept holiday open house Friday afternoon in 

its offices . . . The Paramount production 

"Dear Wife" will be previewed here with four 

— FOR CENTURY — 

THEATRE and DRIVE-IN THEATRES 

PROJECTION MACHINES, SOUND 

SEE 

EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES 

STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. 

In Your Service Since 1899 

1804 Wyandotte Kansas City 8, Mo. 

C. H. Badger, Mgr. 

ODCHT MPTCDM 

STAGE EQUIPME NT COMPANY 

UllirH MLUIHIH , 

showings New Year's eve at the Paramount 

Theatre. 

Al Briggs, manufacturers representative for 

the Altec Service Corp., began a two-week vacation 

last Monday (19) ... Lloyd Lenhart, 

Commonwealth circuit booker who recently 

underwent an operation at St. Mary's hospital, 

was convalescing there . . . John Scott, 

Republic booker, was on vacation . . . Lege 12, 

Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen, will 

meet January 3 in the Pine room at the local 

union station. 

Larry Larsen, pioneer theatreman in Webb 

City, Mo., and ill several years, was reported 

to be slightly improved, according to information 

received by friends on Fllmrow here 

Dufour, RKO exploiteer, was in town 

local United Artists staff held its 

Christmas party Friday afternoon at the exchange 

. McGee, representative from 

the first Missouri district, was a guest at the 

KMTA meeting last Tuesday (20) at the 

Phillips hotel. 

Kansas theatremen in town included Dale 

Danielson, Dream, Russell; Don Burnett, 

State, Larned; George Nescher, Rio, Valley 

Falls; W. J. Braun, Gay, Victoria; Homer F. 

Strowig, Lyric, Abilene, and J. H. Neeley, Star, 

Hays . showmen booking and 

buying here included Walter Lovan, Park, 

Eldorado Springs; E. W. Kerr, Rigney, Albany; 

George Campbell, Norb, Norborne; 

Glen Hall, Hall. Cassville, and Nick Kotsis, 

Holden. Holden. 

T. E. Martin Buys Maviland 

HOPE, KAS.—T. E. "Ike" Martin has purchased 

the Maviland Theatre. 

Yule Shows at Drive-In 

In Fayetteville, Ark. 

Kansas City—Weather permitting, residents 

of Fayetteville, Ark., will find open 

air entertainment available during tlie 

yearend liolidays when the Commonwealth 

circuit reopens its drive-in there, 

closed for the season several weeks ago. 

A dual bill booked for the week between 

Christmas and New Year's day, with special 

attention to fare for younger theatregoers, 

will include reissues of "Dumbo" 

and "Saludos Amigos," according to Jack 

Braunagel, Commonwealth drive-in department 

manager. If temperatures fall 

below freezing but remain fairly moderate, 

the drive-in will provide gasoline for operation 

of car heaters by patrons. 

Satisiaction — Always 

Missouri Theatre Supply Co. 

L. I. KIMBRIEL. Manager 

Phone BAltimore 3070 

Z: lis W. 18tb KanBos City 8. Mo. =: 

REPAIR 

NOW! 

SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY 

We Cover the U. S. Market 

A different service ol long 

experience and reputation 

ARTHUR LEAK THEATRE SALES

Before You Buy 

Be Sure to See 

the 30-line chair. 

The new Griogs 

30 chair is 

pleasing everyc> 

» •- 

-0 

C. V. Griggs ot 

the Griggs company 

says 

theatre 

owners like the 

sturdy, 

construction 

pleasing 

ot 

Ray Gibson, 

Griggs assistant 

manager, says the 

great popularity 

of the Griggs 

30-line chair 

among buyers is 

because it has all 

of the features 

patrons like. 

ohnny 

Boutwell 

n charge o 

Griggs' 

theaownefs 

installasays 

are 

buying Griggs 30- 

ine chair beause 

it meets 

he 

specifications 

GOOD seat- 

EQUIPMENT 

COMPANY 

BELTON, TEXAS 

A/fW 30-Hne theatre chair 

the chair with seli-rising seat! 

Well constructed - Reasonably Priced Good Looking 

- 

See E. J. Staton 

in our Oklahoma City office, 708 W. Grand, 7-1821, Oklahoma City, Okla., 

or contact GRIGGS EQUIPMENT COMPANY, Belton, Texas. 

BOXOFFICE December 24, 1949 

65

. . Everyone 

. . Thelma 

. . Joanne 

. . . National 

. . The 

. . Bernard 

. . R. 

. . Only 

DES MOINES 

Tim Velde, EL manager, and the salesmen 

returned from their Chicago meeting full 

of enthusiasm for their product for 1950. In 

three days they viewed seven pictures . . . 

Jack Gibson, EL booker, is the father of a son 

named Dale Lloyd . on the Row 


Motion 

Pictures 






Film Ad Campaigns : 

• Chevrolet 

• John Deere 




• Motorola 


• Nutrena Mills 

• Phillips "66" 

• Florsheim 


From SQUINT to 

is waiting for Helen Clarke of Republic to 

roll her tire down High street. The auto 

tire was Helen's take-home package from the 

recent Variety Club paity Hoffman 

was keeping 

. 

the gii-ls company at the 

Republic exchange last week. Home for the 

holidays from the University of Iowa, Joanne 

joined with the other girls at Republic and 

the former women employes in their annual 

Christmas get-together—a dinner and gift 

exchange. 

Fred Amiington returned to his desk at 

Metro after a few days of vacation . . . Helen 

McGregor, MGM receptionist, spent the 

Christmas weekend at her home in Coming 

... Sol Francis was a guest in the Monogram 

exchange . . . Bill Johnson, Monogram 

salesman, reports his son Donald, now a student 

in New York City, was home for the 

holidays . Washburn, RKO booker, 

is in Florida spending the holidays with 

her daughter. 

Many Holiday Kid Shows 

Held at Kansas City 

KANSAS CITY—Special Christmas shows 

for children were given at 12 theatres in the 

two Kansas Citys last Saturday 1 17 1 in tieups 

with commercial sponsors. 

Western films and 

cartoons were shown at the Uptown, Gladstone, 

Linwood, Waldo, Rockhill, ApoUo, Fairway, 

Brookside and Carver theatres in Kansas 

City, Mo., and the Granada In Kansas 

City. Kas. All are operated by the Fox Midwest 

circuit. Admission was by cake mix box 

tops. 

Similar programs were shown at the Home 

and Gauntier theatres in Kansas City, Kas., 

with the cooperation of a neighborhood bank. 

COMPLETELY NEW 

HORKY'S CAFE 

Bigger and Better Than Ever 

— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks 

1202 High St, D*s Moinei. Iowa 

"Where Filmrow Friends Gather" 

Open Daily at 4 p. m. 

SPiiRKLE 

With "National" High Intensity Carbons 

DES 

Even the best "thriller" or "tear-jerker" will not be 

completely enjoyed by your audience if the image on the 

screen is blurred or hazy. The brilliant white light from 

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OMAHA 

lyrr. and Mrs, Harry Levy of Minneapolis 

were in the city a week prior to Christmas. 

Levy is city salesman for 20th-Fox and 

formerly was here. They attended the Fox 

Christmas party . Warner club held 

a Christmas party Monday night. 

Leon Mendelson, Warner Bros, salesman, 

resigns as secretary of the Colosseimi January 

1. Paul Back of RKO is his successor 

Theatre Supply scheduled a big 

Christmas party for exhibitors Tuesday . . . 

H. B. Johnson, U-I manager, spent a week 

in the South Dakota territory . . . William 

Miskell, Tri-States Theatres district manager, 

went outstate to visit circuit houses at 

Grand Island and Hastings, where Christmas 

parties were scheduled . Dudgeon, 

manager of the Omaha Drive-In, is 

back from his vacation and will spend the 

winter helping to get the Council Bluffs 

Drive-In ready for an early spring opening. 

. . Carl 

The Warner Bros, sales staff will be in 

town during the holidays . V. Fletcher, 

Hartington, Neb., exhibitor, made his visit to 

the Row, but had more important business in 

town: furniture for a new home . 

Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa, exhibitor, showed 

up with his two sons, students at the University 

of Iowa. 

It was a busy day for the MGM staff. Manager 

Bill Gaddoni went to Lincoln in the 

morning for a screen of the same picture at 

the Nebraska Theatre followed by a luncheon. 

Rich Wilson accompanied him. . . . Salesman 

Fred Fejfar handled a .screening at the same 

time in Sioux City at the Victory Theatre, 

also followed by a luncheon . a few 

exhibitors were noted. Among them were 

R. V. Fletcher, Hartington; Charles W. Lathrop, 

Neola. and Ray Brown, Harlan, Iowa. 

Theatre Design, Construction and 

Remodeling 

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Jim 

UDT Manager Staffs 

In Year-End Shuffle 

DETROIT—The policy of periodical slufts 

to give personnel of the managerial staffs experience 

in various types of operations is being 

continued by United Detroit Theatres. 

Richard Sklucki of the Alger and Ben Johnson 

of the Madison have traded managerial 

posts. 

Feminine managers have become a thing of 

the past, with Calvin Collard of the Norwest 

replacing Dale Young at the Bloomfield, 

while William Pitts, formerly assistant at the 

Palms-State, replaced Virginia Martin at the 

Varsity. Thomas Kessler, former assistant 

at the Riviera, moved out Grand River to replace 

Collard at the Norwest. 

Among assistants, Gary Lacy, a newcomer 

in the field, was named at the Michigan, replacing 

Victor Philipchuk, who took Earl 

Tyrie's old post at the Broadway-Capitol. 

John Bies and Daniel Candea are both newcomers 

at the United Artists, replacing Richard 

Lassman and James Lang, with the latter 

going to the Regent to succeed Harold 

Sharpe. Harold Martin moved from the Annex 

to the Palms to take Pitts' vacant post, 

with Edmimd Faudman as his new second 

assistant. 

Arnold Stone is new second assistant at 

the Fisher, replacing Anthony Pnakovich, 

transferred to the training department. B. 

Sinkus took over Kessler's job at the Riviera. 

Carl Meyerling, a newcomer, replaced John 

Halaby as second assistant at the Cinderella. 

James Dresibach, another newcomer, succeeds 

Charles Reeve at the Woods. 

Grace Lubar, the only feminine newcomer, 

succeeded Harold Martin at the Annex. Peter 

Streicher moved from the Alger to the Vogue, 

with Edward Rampp replacing him. 

Long Sign Co. of Detroit 

Moves in Larger Home 

DETROIT—The Long Sign Co. has moved 

into its new plant at 6209 Hamilton Ave. A 

new power-operated hoist with revolving 

crane for use in sign erection has been added. 

Mounted on a truck, the imit is designed to 

give increased convenience and speed in sign 

erection. 

The enlarged plant gives the Long firm 

ample floor space for layout work for marquee 

sections and soffits, and reduces labor 

costs and increases accuracy and precision, 

according to general manager Ed Long. 

The Long Sign Co. is installing several new 

contracts, including a new marquee on the 

Ramona, Detroit, for United Detroit Theatres, 

with a curved front and V-shaped sections on 

the two ends. 

Other new jobs: Porcelain enamel marquee 

signs for the Carver, Detroit, for David Korman; 

Family, Jackson, for Harry Small, and 

the Savoy, Grand Rapids, for Emmett Goodrich, 

and new marquee for the Aloma and 

Wagner interchangeable letters over the 

candy coimter for the Flamingo, both for the 

DeLodder circuit, Detroit. 

Veteran Film Man Elected 

HARRISVILLE, PA.—Bob Lynch, Warner 

salesman in this area, has been elected a 

member of the Harrisville council and president 

of the Lions club. He has been a film 

man in the Pittsburgh zone for 32 years. 

Columbus Variety Helps 

Stage Kiddy Karnival 

Ted Tolley Re-Elected 

Pittsburgh B- 11 Head 

PITTSBURGH--Ted Tolley, MGM shipper, 

has been re-elected president of Pilmrow Employes 

Local B-11 for the 11th time. Sarah 

Kells, RKO vice-president for the last ten 

years, has been returned to office for her 11th 

term. Other officers re-elected include Mildred 

Kindlin, Warners, .secretary; Alfy Kuhn, 

Warners, treasurer, and Gertrude Boyle, business 

agent. 

Elected to the executive board were Mary 

Hughes and Sarah Kells, RKO, inspectors; 

Joseph McCormick, RKO, and Robert Kimbel, 

Republic, shippers; Louis Lombardi, National 

Screen, and Robert Bittner, National Screen, 

poster clerks. Ti'ustees are Cecilia Stumpf, 

RKO; Hilda Alvin. MGM, and Minnie Huber, 

Republic. Sergeant at arms is Joseph Mc- 

Cormick, RKO. Convention delegates will be 

Ted Tolley and Gertrude Boyle, with Mildred 

Kindlin and Alfy Kuhn named alternates. 

David Ferguson, Acme, was named delegate 

to the Central Labor Union. 

The B-11 local meets the fourth Thursday 

of each month at the Pittsbm-gher hotel. A 

report to the members showed that the B-11 

local has paid out $1,975 in sick funds. The 

welfare department was initiated by Ted Tolley 

in 1941. The members pay five cents each 

week. The fund pays $7.50 weekly for four 

weeks. 

A. A. Lostetter Is Named 

Pittsburgh F- 11 Head 

PITTSBURGH—Alveme A. Lostetter, U-I 

cashier, was elected president of Film Exchange 

Employes Union F-11, at the annual 

election December 15, at the Italian club. 

Other new officers include: William Nesbitt. 

Republic, vice-president; Ida Wolf, 

Paramoiuit, secretary; John Navoney, Paramount, 

treasurer; Orlando J. Boyle. 20th- 

Fox, business agent, and Warren J. Wiu-doch, 

U-I, sergeant at arms. Trustees for 1950 will 

be Helen Garlitz, EL; Hilda Lissmann, Warners, 

and Leo Wayne, Paramount. 

Executive board members include Belle Simon, 

Warners, stenographers; Jay Angel, 

Warners, and Helen Garhtz, EL, cashiers; 

Margaret O'Connell, Paramount, billers; 

Agatha Donahue, MGM, contract clerks; 

Wahneta Gardner, MGM, and Jack Lange, 

RKO, bookers; Miriam Weinberger, RKO, 

switchboard operators, and Josephine Beck, 

National Screen representative. 

Dezel Sells Cincinnati 

SG Rights to Salzberg 

CHICAGO—Albert Dezel has disposed of 

his interest in Screen Guild Productions of 

Ohio, Inc., to Edward J. Salzberg. who will 

continue to maintain and operate the exchange 

in Cincinnati. In addition to Favorite, 

Masterpiece and Astor pictures, Salzberg 

also will distribute all of the product 

which Albert Dezel Pi-oductions, Inc., controls 

for national distribution. 

COLUMBUS—Variety Tent 2 cooperated 

with the Columbus Dispatch in staging the 

second annual Kiddie: Karnival in the statehouse 

yard. Rides were supplied by Floyd 

Gooding, popcorn wa.^^ given by local theatres 

along with many othe,- treats for the youngsters. 

Gooding was general chairman. Executive 

chairmen were John Barcroft, chief 

barker: Frank Ferneau, chief barker-elect, 

and Ramon Cram, promotion manager of the 

Dispatch. 

Other committeemen were Ralph Shiflet, 

finance chairman; Oscar Little, operations 

chairman; Gov. Frank J. Lausche, State Auditor 

Joseph E. Ferguson and Director of 

Public Works Samuel O. Linzell, advisory 

committee; Mayor James A. Rhodes, chairman 

mayor's committee with Richard Davis, 

Charles C. Cole, Elmer Keller, Frank Harrison, 

W. G. Strickfadden and Samuel Zaayer; 

Bishop Michael J. Ready, chairman chaplains' 

committee, with P. G. Corbett and 

Donald Timerman. 

Executive committee: Chairmen Harry 

Schreiber and Martin Biunett, Leo Haenlein, 

Robert F. Boda, P. J. Wood, William C. Pullin 

sr.. Virgil Jackson and Walter Miles: Safety 

committee: Chairman Art Robison, Donald 

Bowers, A. B. Johnson, R. B. Lawyer, Louis 

Mark and William Fell. Ken Agee and Joe 

Thomas were chairmen of the traffic committee, 

with all Variety Club members on the 

committee. 

Giveaway committee: Chairmen Ben Cowall 

and Sandy Hallock, Herb E\ershor, George 

Horvath, John Miu-phy, Mike Flesch and 

Woolf Solomon; Children's corrunlttee: Chairmen 

Sid Katz and Henry Entrekin, Andre 

Correale, Ed Bath and Frank Yassenoff; 

Ti-ansportation: Chairmen Milt Yassenoff and 

Gene Hazelton, Bob Oestreicher; Groimds 

committee: Chairmen George Boiler, MUt 

Staub, Byron Stouder, Bob Wagner, Harold 

Schwartz, Jack Needham, Don Burrows and 

A. Field Conard. 

Entertainment: Chairmen Jim Rawlins and 

Andre Correale, John Barcroft, . Naulty, 

Lloyd Gaetz, Bob Nelson, Frank Ferneau, 

John Agnew, Walter Knick, Lou Posey and 

Chuck Selby; Pubhcity: Chairmen Tod Raper, 

John Barcroft, Frank Busch, Jim Taylor 

and Mike Tatem; Television: Ray Evans jr., 

Ed Bronson, Kenny Goodman and Sandy 

Hallock. 

Michigan Variety Club 

Adds Three Members 

DETROIT—Tlie Variety Club of Michigan 

has initiated three new members, Harold 

Brown of United Detroit Theatres, chairman 

of the membership committee. The new 

members: James H. Ross, owner of the Dearborn 

Drive-In; Eddie Chase, disk jockey on 

CKLW, and David Korman, independent circuit 

owner. Sponsors for the new members 

were, respectively, Ted Rog\'oy, architect, and 

Edward A. Long, sign contractor; Norman 

Wheaton, manager of the Telenews .and Edward 

Stuckey Paramount manager, and Ralph 

Raskin, premium dealer, and Morris Aaron. 

BOXOFFICE :: December 24, 1949 ME 71

Ohio Showman Harry Elliott Recalls 

Longest Game in Baseball History 

SPRINGFIELD—About the closest Harry 

Elliott, manager of the Ohio Theatre here, 

comes to a baseball game now is a seat in 

the grandstand, but 29 years ago he was behind 

the plate for Brooklyn when the Dodgers 

played a 1-1 deadlock with Boston in the 

longest game on big league record books— 

26 innings. 

Elliott, who thinks show business is "a nice 

quiet business after baseball and police work," 

which he did after quitting the diamond, 

still follows the game closely, especially 

Cleveland and Cincinnati teams. 

SIGNED AT ONCE 

One day when he was playing baseball 

with a high school team back in his home 

town of Pittsbm-gh, a big league scout saw 

Elliott doing some pretty fair work as a 

catcher. "They signed me up," the theatre 

manager recalls. 

Then followed a year with the Kansas City 

HARRY ELLIOTT 

Blues in the American Ass'n. This was in 

1918. After only one year in the minors, 

still was 1-1. Fans began to be aware of the 

Elliott was called up by Brooklyn. This alone 

hard seats but the tenseness of the teams, the 

score and the inning kept them in the park. 

Then came inning 26. Both teams again 

went dovm without a runner crossing the 

reveals that he must have been a pretty good 

ball player. But, Elliott says, "I guess I really 

got the breaks." Anyway, he was the regular 

Dodger catcher for two years—1919 and 1920. 

It was in 1920 that the Dodgers won the 

National league pennant, lost the world series 

to Cleveland, five games to two, and played 

the longest game on record. That long game, 

Elliott remembers, "finished" two good pitchers 

and made him a mighty tu'ed player. He 

caught the full 26 innings for the Dodgers. 

That game, Elliott says, started out like 

any other. Leon Cadore was on the mound 

for Brooklyn. Joe Oeschger was doing the 

hurling for Boston. The scene was Braves 

field. The exact date: May 1, 1920. 

The players began feeling that this was 

going to be a "tough one" as the innings 

slipped by and neither team could score. 

Brooklyn scored once in the fifth and Boston 

tied the score with a run in the sixth. 

At the end of the ninth the -score was still 

tied 1-1. At the end of 15, the scoreboard 

still read 1-1. Through nine more innings 

the teams struggled unsuccessfully to make 

a rim. 

PLAYED 26 INNINGS 

"Both pitchers were going strong," Elliott 

said. "We all were tired but didn't notice it 

too mucli. It really was a dogfight." 

After the early innings both hm-lers settled 

down again. Boston batters went down swmging, 

so did Brooklyn batters, including Elliott. 

At the end of 25 innings, the score 

CIT READY fOR 

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BXPLOITATIOH DATCI 

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FILMACK 

rPre-Mll il with i 

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plate. About then, something had to give, 

but it wasn't the ball clubs. It was the sun. 

Daylight could last only so long. The umpires 

walked on the field, shook their heads and 

called the game because of darkness. No 

decision had been reached after 3 hours, 50 

minutes of play. 

"Boy, were we tired." Elliott declared. "That 

long game ruined both pitchers. Their careers 

in baseball were ended. They should 

have been taken out, but it developed into 

such a battle they dared their managers to 

jerk them." 

•PLAYED FOR PEANUTS' 

That 1920 season, Elliott says, saw Brooklyn 

win the pennant "in a close race" with 

the Phils and Chicago. "But it wasn't as 

close as la.st season," he believes. "We had 

the pennant pretty well cinched by September 

1." 

Managing the Dodgers that year was Wilbur 

Robinson, Elliott remembers. "I can't 

remember who owned the club then although 

I .should. He signed all the pay checks." 

Speakmg of pay checks, EHliott said the 

salaries paid then were "peanuts" comipared 

to what the players get today. "You had to 

be a star to get $5,000 a year; a superman to 

get $10,000." fNote: Cleveland Player-Manager 

Lou Boudreau made $75,000 for the 

1949 season). 

It's hard to recall one's teamimates after 

29 years, but Elliott does remem.ber three 

of the boys he knew then. There was Burley 

Grimes, the New York Giants pitcher, and 

"Muggsy" McGraw, manager of the Giants. 

There was another fellow Elliott played 

against. His name is Casey Stengel, now 

manager of the Yankees. Then, the theatre 

manager said, Casey played with Pittsburgh. 

"Casey always was asleep. He played shortstop 

and pulled more boners than any other 

guy in the league. We always yelled at him 

after one of his misplays: 'Casey's asleep at 

the switch.' " 

What was wrong with the Dodgers this 

year in the series? "Well," says Elliott, "they 

were a pretty good club up until the series. 

I guess the Yanks were a little too much 

for them." 

Speaking of the Yanks, EUliott knows they 

bought their ball club. "They're wiUmg to 

pay the money for good men," he declared, 

"but the Red Sox bought their ball club, too, 

and what happened to them?" 

"I guess the answer is that the Yanks 

seemed to have picked up the right men— 

that and a lot of luck." 

Elliott said that pitchers back in his day 

seemed to have more "staying power" than 

the hurlers have today. "Why, a relief pitcher 

was an oddity. The regular hurlers took a 

turn every three days and it was a rare 

occasion when one didn't last the full nine 

innings." 

Those were the days of the old "spitball," 

said Elliott. "The pitcher would go to the 

moimd with a big chew of tobacco. As he 

got ready to deliver, he would spit some of 

that tobacco on the ball and, boy, would 

it hop. I know!" 

SCHOOL SYSTEM FAVORED 

Elliott is in favor of installing a school for 

promising young ball players rather than 

training them in minor leagues. He doesn't 

think the majority of the kids get much 

help in the minors. 

"Take Springfield's Giants for instance. 

I've watched a player come up to bat time 

after time and make the same mistake—he 

either stands wrong, swmgs wi-ong or does 

something else that will keep him out of the 

big time." 

The Springfielder believes that too many 

of the minor loop club managers concentrate 

on winning ball games and not enough 

on developing players for their parent clubs. 

That was enough baseball talk for Elliott. 

He rose from his desk chair and, as a parting 

remark, said: "As for me, I don't think 

I now could throw a ball back to the pitcher, 

let alone to second base. In fact. I know 

I can't. I tried it." 

Elliott quit baseball in 1921 and joined the 

Pennsylvania state police. After six years 

with them, he joined the force at Permsylvania 

state prison where he did identification 

work. In 1931 he joined the Perkins 

detective service and was in charge of the 

Pittsburgh office. 

It wasn't until 1943 that Elliott got into 

motion picture business. He was persuaded 

by George Bauer, then nianager of the Regent 

and now in the front office of Chakeres 

Theatres, to take the job of manager of the 

Ohio Theatre. Elliott has been there ever 

since. 

Reopen Strand Theatre 

BROWNSVILLE, PA.—The Strand, undergoing 

remodeling and renovation in recent 

weeks, is being reopened here by the newly 

incorporated Fayette Amusement Co. of which 

William Basle and George Petroplus are officers. 

Alexander Theatre Supply fiumished 

RCA sound, projection and carpets. 

Dezel to Offer 'Savage' 

DETTROIT—Distribution rights of "I Married 

a Savage," featuring Zorita, have been 

acquired from Classic Pictures, Inc., New 

York, by Albert Dezel Productions. The picture 

will open at the completely remodeled 

Columbia Theatre under its new first run 

policy on Christmas day. 

72 BOXOFFICE :: December 24, 1949

. . 

. . U-I 

. . 

CLEVELAND 

/Cleveland theatre owners report that holiday 

business dropped lower this year than 

in any previous year. It is from 30 per cent 

to 50 per cent down from other records for 

the same period. The long steel strike is 

blamed, not only because of the halt in steel 

production in tliis highly concentrated manufacturing 

area, but also because of short weeks 

of operation at plants making automobile 

parts and other steel products To balance 

this, however, is announcement that Christmas 

bonuses amounting to almost a million 

dollars will be distributed in greater Cleveland, 

Some of this cash undoubtedly will 

turn up at the boxoffices of the city. 

Sam Galanty, Columbia district manager, 

was here in consultation with Manager Oscar 

Ruby. There soon will be an announcement 

as to Columbia's policy on "Jolson Sings 

Again," which is currently playing the eighth 

week of its prerelease run at the Esquire . 

"Samson and Delilah" opens its local run at 

the Stillman January 26. Policy still is under 

discussion. 

Max Mink, RKO Theatres division manager, 

announces a week's engagement of "Dr. I Q." 

at the Palace starting January 4 . . . Eugene 

Rosenbluth, owner of the Stork Theatre, announces 

the forthcoming marriage of his son 

Bertram to Leona Fromson. Bertram is the 

first of the five Rosenbluth brothers to marry. 

All five were in service during World War II. 

Helen Smith Russell will be hostess at the 

annual Akron Theatre Managers and Owners 

Ass'n Christmas dinner at the Mayflower 

hotel December 27. As usual, there will be a 

Cleveland delegation present. Mrs. Russell is 

the first woman to hold the top association 

office . . . Nat Barach, National Screen Service 

manager, has sold his Shaker Heights 

home and now is domiciled at the Commodore, 

an apartment hotel. 

. . . Abe 

Herman Deutschman of Reel F^lms is ill at 

Fred Holzworth, 

Mount Sinai hospital . . . 

Hilliard Square Theatre manager, has a new 

grandson Robert Biery Holzworth . . . Mrs. 

M. B. Horwitz, wife of the Wasliington circuit 

general manager, has returned from an 

early wir^ter vacation in Florida 

Kramer of Associated circuit, left for an undetermined 

stay in Miami. 

Word comes from St. Vincent's hospital that 

Vivienne Boniface's recent fall on the ice 

was more serious than expected. She broke 

her hip and other bones. She is in a cast 

and it will be some time before she can resume 

her duties as receptionist for Associated 

Henry Wilcoxon will not be in 

circuit . . . 

Cleveland in January to speak before cultural 

groups on "Samson and DelUah" as originally 

announced. Instead, Frank Braden and Dick 

Condon, coordinators in the national prerelease 

campaign, will be here. 

Academy Film Service held an employes 

Christmas party in its offices . Realart's 

. . 

Bob Snyder and Manny Stutz were dispensing 

hospitality in their Film Bldg. exchange 

December 22 . . . The needle in the haystack 

has nothing on trying to find an exhibitor on 

Filmrow. Only ones spotted during the week 

were Walter Steueve of Findlay and Mrs. 

Mena Pliehman of Caldwell. 

Carl Duncan is boosting his Wednesday 

night business at the Duncan Theatre, Killbuck, 

by presenting a hillbilly show once a 

month on that night . . . J. S. Jossey, vicepresident 

of Hallmark, says prospects for 

showing "Mom and Dad" in Ohio within the 

near future are very good. "Mom and Dad" 

originally was pa.ssed by the cen.sor board and 

later withdrawn. Jossey says he anticipates 

a favorable reversal soon after the first of 

the year. 

Christmas card from Mrs. Frank Drew reports 

that she and Fi'ank, formerly MOM 

manager here, now are living in Los Angeles. 

Frank, who has been ill, is much better, she 

wjites, and will be glad to .see all visiting film 

men at their pi-esent home, 2641 Westwood. 

Charles Rich, Warner district manager, 

conducted a sales meeting here, then he proceeded 

Arnold Gates, manager of the Stillman Theatre, 

Leonard Katz and 

Pittsbui-gh . . . 

downtown Loew house, offered a special 

to 

his wife are parents of a daughter, the first 

kiddy program to lure cliildren away from in the Katz family. Katz is booker at RKO. 

the department store Santa Clauses. The 

show consisted of ten reels of talking animals. Rita Beickcr, Warner contract clerk, is saying 

He gave a puppy away as a prize. Admission 

farewell to her business associates, after 

price for all seats was 35 cents and he had .seven years service with the company. Rita, 

practically every seat filled. 

who was married recently, plans to devote 

her time to household duties 

TOLEDO 

. . . Rex Carr, 

general manager of Theatre Owners Corp., 

attended to company business in New York 

recently. 

•T"own Hall, only legitimate theatre in Toledo, 

has booked Susan Peters in "The Barretts 

of Wimpole Street" for a four-day stay, 

January 5-8, with Saturday matinee . . , Fourteenth 

annual Toledo Sports, Home, Food and 

Auto show will be held in the Civic auditorium, 

March 4-12 

Granada Theatre here will give theatregoers 

another opportunity to enjoy vaudeville. Jack 

dinger, manager, says vaudeville will be reinstituted 

at the theatre Friday i30i and continue 

as long as there appears to be a demand 

for it. Bookings have been made for a fourweek 

period. The theatre will install new 

drapes, curtains and backstage equipment. 

Members of the Allen county school safety 

patrol were guests of the Jefferson Theatre, 

Fort Wayne, Ind., at a double-feature allcolor 

film program starting at 12:45 p. m. on 

Satui'day. The films "Desperadoes" and 

"Renegade" were shown. 

Frank Welch Co. and national headquarters 

of Ad-Ver-Tis-Er, Inc., have moved into 

a converted residential structure at 340 West 

Wayne St., Fort Wayne. An open-house also 

marked the 25th anniversary of the Welch 

company. Third floor of the former dwelling 

will be converted to the use of the art 

and promotion departments of the two companies. 

Ad-Ver-Tis-Er is an outdoor advertising 

poster service. 

'Horrors' First in Third Run 

DETROIT—Booking of 

the four-day stand 

of Dr. Silkini's "Asylum of Horrors" took an 

unusual twist when .scheduled to play third 

run theatres before it goes into a first run 

downtown house. The magic-horror roadshow 

will open December 27 at the Mel Theatre 

in Melvindale and move into the Regent 

and Annex theatres, then downtown to play 

the Broadway-Capitol for a one-day stand in 

each. Situation was necessitated by available 

booking dates in connection with each house. 

United Detroit Theatres circuit operates all 

the houses. 

Ronald Reagan, Charles Coburn and Edmund 

Gwenn will play the male leads in 

the U-I picture, "Louisa." 

CINCINNATI 

pjave Wilson of Miami, W. Va., flew in and 

made the rounds of the exchanges. Becau.se 

of the preholiday .season, not many 

exhibitors were in town. The exceptions were 

Mr. and Mrs. F. Williamson, Dayton; J. C. 

Shanklin, Ronceverte, W. Va.; G. C. Porter, 

Beckley, W. Va.; Robert Dinkle, Raceland, 

Ky,; Sante Macci, Greenville; John Woodward, 

Zanesville. and John Walters and 

Frank Lively, Huntington, W. Va. 

S. C. Jacques, manager, RKO. was in Cleveland 

for a district meeting with Morris 

Lefko, in preparation for the forthcoming 

annual Ned Depinet drive. 

Mr. and Mrs. William A. Meier (Paramount 

salesman) are enjoying a belated 

honeymoon in Florida. The Meiers were married 

November 5 . . . The annual Paramount 

Christmas party was held Thursday i22) at 

the Metropole hotel. Employes, their wives 

and husbands, enjoyed a gala evening. 

Marion Conley, cashier, Paramount, spent 

the holidays with her family in Portland, Me. 

. . . Mr, and Mrs. Fred Meyers (Paramount 

Dayton salesman) spent the Christmas holidays 

with their children in Buffalo, N. Y. . 

Ray Moon, 20th-Fox division manager, visited 

hei-e, accompanied by Ed Solomon, publicity 

director for the central division, 

Twentieth-Fox salesmen who will vacation 

during the holidays; Robert C. McNabb, sales 

manager; Jack Kaufman, Columbus salesman; 

Sam Weiss, Kentucky, and Maimy 

Weiss, Dayton . . . Bill Garmer, 20th-Fox 

West Vii'ginia salesman, was called home to 

Little Rock, Ark., after his father suffered 

a stroke. Several days later his mother fell 

and fractured a hip . held its annual 

Christmas party Monday (19) at the Alms 

hotel. 

3-- 

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. . Manager 

. . Mrs. 

. . George 

. . Edith 

. . Wayne 

. . 

DETROIT 

. . . Shirley 

Dernadette Schneider of the Stratford is a 

real neighborhood operator—hasn't even 

been downtown in over a year 

Staley is the competent cashier at the Stratford, 

naaking the second generation of her 

Eddie Waddell of the Arcade 

family there . . . 

is working out a new followup system for his 

personal business . . . Jack Susami has his 

hands full building up business at his new 

acquisition in the Arcade. 

Don Fill of the Alvin is one manager who 

manages to get around . . . Thomas Beeton, 

manager of the Majestic, finds his two daughters, 

ages 3 and 5, can keep him plenty occupied 

. Peter Tabor reports 

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ERNIE FORBES 

THEATRE SUPPLY 

Film Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich. 

Days 

WO 1-1122 

WO 1-1123 

Nights 

VE 7-1227 

George Flucksa and William Stoica have refurbished 

the Cameo, keeping it a strictly 

modern operation. William J. Schmitz still 

holds forth in the Cameo booth . . . Charles 

Porter of the Adams is completing his new 

ranch home at Whitmore lake, and will move 

in next spring. 

Andy Trainer of the Adams made a trip to 

Saline and Sturgis for the Vacuumatic Co., 

for whom he is distributor on the side . . . 

Nate Block of the Adams has left for a winter's 

stay in Arizona and California, with Max 

Mansfield coming in to pinch-hit for him . 

Virginia Dare Taylor, concession girl at the 

Lenox in Highland Park, celebrated her 16th 

birthday, while cashier Ruth Bryant celebrated 

her 18th . Lankin, relief cashier 

at the Lenox, headed for Chicago with her 

bowling team to play in the tournament. 

Manager Frank Forest is moving from the 

Oakdale in Hazel Park to the Liberty in Van 

Dyke, replacing Bill Crowden, who moved to 

the Motor City, while Mike Doyle moved from 

the Motor City to the Oakdale . . . William J. 

Girard, manager of the Virginia, is back from 

a trip to Grand Rapids . Roberts, 

operator at the Virginia, reports his son Ernie 

was down with the mumps and his wife with 

the flu at the same time. 

Dave Korman has named his new 1,200- 

seater, the Dream. Construction of the house, 

to play on a subkey run, will be started about 

January 1 . . . Clarence Williamson, National 

Theatre Supply manager, was swamped by a 

supply of photos of the new Ryan . . . Emil 

Beck has taken over booking of the new 

Kearsley at Flint for the Richfield Development 

Co. . Sampson of RKO has 

two secretaries who manage to share a chair 

between them . . . Vincent E. Butterly and 

E. G. "Duke" Baldes have been named to the 

contact staff by Ross Roy 

Michael Noch, Billposters' business agent, 

covered the Outdoor Advertising Ass'n of 

America convention for his local . . . Billposter 

Richard Goetzlnger is convalescing at his 

home in Roseville . . . Earl A. Bradley of 

Lorenzen's has registered title as "Detroit 

Theatrical Florist" . . . William Crowley of 

the Etowntown went into St. Mary's hospital 

for treatment with a high fever. Fred Warendorp 

pinch-hit for him in the booth. 

Sidney A. Elliott, who operates at the Flatroc 

in Flat Rock, also has the Elliott Photo 

Service in Wyandotte . . . Floyd Akins, secretary 

of the Nightingales, who sends season's 

greetings, says that the Tuesday meeting at 

the Labor Temple should draw out all the 

gang with all the entertainment on the program 

. Mary Scheuer has been leading 

the women of the Nightingales, rolling a 

210 and a 167 . . . Harry Small has taken over 

the Family at Jackson from Steve Springett. 

Patrick O'Connell, former manager of the 

Imperial for Mike Chargot, is planning to take 

ri^lll PROGRAMS 

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2310 CASS WO. 1-2158. DETROIT, I, MICH 

over or open a theatre of his own In the 

upstate territory . . . Harold C. Berg has 

been given the publicity post for the Shrine 

circus . . . Harold Lloyd, in town on official 

Shrine duties, confirmed he will return for 

the opening of the circus on January 30 . . 

. 

Phil Zeller, manager of the Senate, will close 

Christmas eve to give the staff the night off 

. . . Harry Owen, back from Newberry with 

a spikehorn deer, is taking time off to rest 

up because of a bothersome heart condition. 

Ken MacFarlane, the painter-photographer, 

now has the Grand booth all to himself . . . 

Bob Seeley has been upped to chief engineer 

for Altec, succeeding J. I. Mather, transferred 

to Washington . . James "Tiny" Powers 

. 

jr. has joined Altec, coming from the 

Punch and Judy in Grosse Pointe, as a sound 

engineer. CUfford Vericker of the Greenwood 

says the neighborhood begins to look like 

a deserted village, with houses being pulled 

down wholesale for two big highways. 

Joseph D. Lenahan of Mills Mutual Agency 

has an unexpected sideline. He's one of the 

top prizefight judges in this area . . . James 

W. Padfield, vacationing from the Paradise, 

is at the Fox, pinch-hitting for Leon Crowell, 

the universally liked historian of Theatrical 

post who has been at Veterans' hospital. 

Rogers Valiquette, former manager of the 

Fine Arts who has been off with flu, is re- 

NOW. 

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1507 W. Kirb7 Detroit t, Meb. 

Phone: TYIer 74015 

FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS 

The Showmen 's Drug Store 

Drugs * Cosmetics * Prescriptions 

Personal Service from Two Shovrmen 

MAX BERNBAUM JACK GALLAGHER 

Pharmacist 

Manager 

Phone CLillord 1527. CLiiiord 3694 

SERVICE-QUALITY-PRICE 

COLD CHIPS 

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VETERAN FOOD PRODUCTS, INC. 

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Phone WAhiut I-5S16 

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2821 Brooklyn 

FOntiac 3-4473 

Detroit 1. Mich. 

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>ating Representative. 

Century Theatre Bldg. 

6519 14th St., 

Detroit 8. Mich. 

Phone: TYIer 8-S629 


. . George 

. . Max 

. . Jack 

. . Victor 

. . 

. . . Hallmark 

. . 

. . 

. . The 

turning to active show business shortly . . . 

J. Adams of the Pasadena reports all quiet 

on the Mack avenue front these days . 

George Hemp of Royal Oak. who is dividing 

his time between the East Detroit and RoseviUe 

theatres currently, may retui-n to Mount 

Clemens 

. Flucksa and William 

Stoica of the Cameo are planning a trip to 

Florida. 

Jack Stewart, formerly with Allied, is making 

his home in Kansas City . Lopez 

Herrera is planning to close the Azteca, only 

outlet for Mexican pictures, in April when the 

present lease expires . . . Alex Schreiber, head 

of Associated circuit, was official Goodfellow 

for the Old Newsboys fimd for Filmi'ow, "selling" 

papers Monday at the exchange building 

. . . John Thomas Stahley jr., is incorporating 

the Theatre Tiucking Co. 

ings to friends back here. 

Jeff Williams has redecorated the East 

Detroit and installed new sound. He also has 

completed remodeling of the Roseville . . . 

Lee Goldsmith of Universal had a chance to 

get nostalgic over old cars as he tried to 

figure out the brand of the jalopy Sydney 

Sam Seplowin has 

Turer just bought . . . 

been having the Republic office redecorated 

SPRINGFIELD 

Tames Dunn, star of stage and screen, will 

play the lead role in "Harvey," which has 

been booked for the Fairbanks Theatre January 

23, according to Michael H. Chakeres, city 

manager for the Regent-State Corp. . 

OUver Nicklas, manager of the State, reports 

the death of his brother John, who had been 

ill for two months. 

Michael H. Chakeres attended the Warner 

Bros, annual zone meeting in Cleveland . . . 

Don Flanders has been named manager of 

the Fairbanks. He came to Springfield from 

Xenia where he managed the Orplieum . 

Don Lucas of Lima was named manager of 

the Xenia house . . . Tommy Chakeres, former 

manager of the Fairbanks, has taken 

over the assistant manager's spot at the State 

Productions' "Prince of Peace" 

Ambrose LoPresto is reported to be a partner 

in the Civic at Jonesville with Howard 

Sharpley, who recently took over . . . Wilson ended a vei7 successful run at the State, according 

to Manager Oliver Nicklas. 

Elliott, house manager of the Fox, engineered 

a party for veterans at the Dearborn hospital 

Sid Garris, disk jockey, did a good job of 

as a pre-Chi-istmas activity . . . Joseph Kopach, 

former Dearborn booker, is back on the 

piloting radio station WJEL's first j)roduction 

of its TV Talent Quest on the stage of 

job after an operation for ulcers . . . Joseph 

the Fairbanks. Nine acts made up the first 

J. Lee, Fox manager, rated a nice story in 

show of which there will be 12 in coming 

Our Times the other day for his $12,500 gift 

weeks. Winners of the weekly shows will 

to the Al Smith Memorial hospital fund . . . 

compete for the area winner who will be sent 

Nate Kaufman of the Dearborn Drive-In is 

to New York and given an audition to appear 

taking a couple of weeks' vacation before going 

on the board until spring. 

with Ted Mack on the Old Gold Amateiuhoiu". 

The weekly winners also are given 

cash prizes. 

Christmas cards: Walt Disney sends a highly 

imaginative calendar . Smukler of Christmas festivities highlighted the week 

the Beverly selected the traditional camel to among theatremen. David D. Sawyer, publicity 

chief for Regent-State, gave a break- 

carry his message . Blumenthal wrapped 

his with bright red ribbon ... A. MUo fast for company managers in Hotel Shawnee. 

Following the affair, Michael Chakeres 

(Bring 'em Back) DeHaven, onetime manager 

of the Grand, now an exhibitor at Waterville, 

Ohio, always remembers to send greet- 

Amend Amusement Tax 

Law to Straight 10% 

WASHINGTON, PA.—The city amusement 

tax ordinance passed earlier this year has 

been amended to change the levy to 10 per 

cent instead of 10 per cent and fraction 

thereof in order to comply with recent legislation 

passed by the commonwealth prohibiting 

any amusement tax to be more than 10 

per cent. The city solicitor said that any 

mimicipal ordinances in effect calling for 

more than a 10 per cent tax on amusements 

will be null and void effective Dec. 31, 1949. 

The solicitor said that the "fraction 

thereof" tax called for in the city ordinance 

might be in excess of the new law, and consequently 

might make the entire ordinance 

null and void. 

Thomas Maxedon Named 

MOREHEAD, KY. — Thomas Maxedon, 

manager of the Grand at Frankfort, has replaced 

Billy Clifford as manager of the Trail 

here. 

The latter was reassigned to a position 

in Ohio by the Chakeres circuit. 

conducted a business meeting . . . Girls in the 

main office held a party and gift exchange. 

Regent- State personnel was entertained at 

a Christmas party in Hotel Shawnee by Michael 

Chakeres . annual children's 

Christmas party was held at the Fairbanks. 

Sponsored by the Interfraternity council of 

Wittenberg college, admission was a toy or a 

can of food. Later, these donations were distributed 

by the council to underprivileged 

children in the city . . . Gene Conrad, former 

Bank night announcer, played Santa Claus 

at the annual Warners party in the clubrooms 

at the Fairbanks. Gifts were exchanged. 

A new radio show entitled "Leave It to the 

Kids" presented its premiere from the stage of 

the Fairbanks. The show is in the form of a 

juvenile court. Children having problems attend 

and present them to the jury who attempts, 

over the air, to solve them. The jury 

is made up of six children from the Clark 

County Children's home. The program, to be 

held weekly, is sponsored by a group of local 

merchants. It has the endorsement of Juvenile 

Judge Harry C. Gram and county commissioners. 

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BOXOFFICE I>ecember 24, 1949 75

Margaret 

. . Mr. 

. . Monogram 

. . James 

. . Roselia 

. . 

. 

. . The 

. . Exhibitor 

. . Al 

. . Mrs. 

. . The 

. . Republic's 

. . Guy 

. . The 

. . Moe 

. . State 

. . The 

PITTSBURGH 

T Albert Finch, manager of Warners' Ritz at 

New Kensington, an ex-GI, is active in 

veterans' organizations, being a member of 

tlie VFW Post 92 and the Legion Post 347 .. . 

The new Levitske Bros, store, beUeved to be 

the first drive-in department store in the district, 

was opened on Route 51, Brentwood . 

Most of the local film salesmen vacationed 

this week. They will be absent until January 

3. 

. 

Bob Hoff, general sales manager of the 

Ballantyne Turn-Key drive-in systems, was 

here to confer with Andy Battiston, area distributor 

National Screen employes held 

. . . their Christmas party at the Roosevelt hotel 

last Saturday evening Hendel, 

John Zomnir and Milt Broudy attended Eagle 

Lion sessions in New York last week . . . 

George Tice, Columbia manager, is vacationing. 

Exhibitors and special guests attended a 

screening of MGM's "Battleground" at the 

Logan in Altoona Tuesday (20 1 afternoon. 

Saal Gottlieb, local manager for MGM, attended 

the Altoona screening the evening following 

the local showing of "Battleground" at 

the Shadyside. Shea's at Erie screened the 

war picture E>ecember 22. 

Edwin P. Brown, Wesleyville exhibitor, acquired 

a theatre at Ashtabula, Ohio, from 

Pete Wellman . exchange Christmas 

party was held at the office Thursday 

afternoon . and Mrs. J. J. McFadden, 

Renovo exhibitors, returned from Hot Springs, 

Ark., where McFadden went for relief from 

his arthritis. Their son George manages the 

Rialto. Their son-in-law and daughter, the 

James Renehans, escaped serious injury in a 

highway collision near Lock Haven recently. 

born, is ailing, but is on his feet daily. Kelley 

and Williams are arthritis sufferers. 

The Acme-Franklin-Hanna office has been 

remodeled and enlarged. Joe Hanna, has 

established his booking department in the 

new room which is freshly painted . . . Stanley 

L. Rawson of the Best at Edinboro is vacationing 

in Bermuda. Wounded severely 

while in the navy during the war, young 

Rawson also is operator of a theatre at Slio, 

near East Liverpool, Ohio . D. T. Enstrom, 

wife of the Shinglehouse exhibitor, 

underwent an operation at Grove City. Enstrom's 

partner in the theatre business at 

Shinglehouse is C. N. Barnhart. 

Wally Anderson was in Buffalo recently for 

a checkup at the Medical Center. Operator 

of theatres at Mount Jewett, Eldred, Sandy 

Lake and Sheffield, Pa., and Fi-iendship and 

Addison, N. Y., Anderson's Xmas gift for 

Mrs. Anderson is an organ. She is a skilled 

musician . Warner at Erie, in a merchant 

tieup, gave away 50 Porky Pig wrist 

watches at its Christmas show for children 

last Saturday morning . Nordquist jr. of 

the Main Street at Galeton, who bagged his 

buck the first day of hunting season, served 

as guide for nine hunters one day and each 

hunter got a doe. 

State . . . Kiddle Krismas Karnlval was a big 

] 

free event last Saturday morning at the State 

; 

in trniontown. Manager Joe Murdock reported 

that 3.000 gifts were given to children 

under 11 and that all present enjoyed the free 

feature, cartoons and contests . . . A. W. Mccormick 

presented a two-day show at his 

Beaver in Beaver for the benefit of the Boy 

Scouts' Christmas basket fund. 

Nearly $2,300 was received at the Warner 

in Erie through contributions and ticket 

sales in connection with the special midnight 

stage show for the May-Waldinger fund. The 

', 

money goes to the families of the two police 

officers recently killed by a crazed man. 

Mr. and Mrs. George Moore vacationed at 

• 

Franklin, Pa. The former 20th-Fox representative 

again is in the "pink" and he expects 

to return to film sales duties at an early 

date . . . E. S. "Jim" Thorpe, also a former 

20th-Fox representative, is reported entering 

the piano sales field here . at 

Altoona scheduled a 10 a. m. 20-cartoon show 

December 30 . . . Don and Tony Mungello 

expect to modernize the Mary Ann at Burgettstown 

next spring. 

Most of the Manos circuit houses presented 

free Christmas shows for kiddies . . . W. L. 

Dunn, Cochranton exhibitor and contractor, 

has been awarded state construction jobs in 

Crawford county which include highway surfacing 

and the building of an I-beam bridge 

over Crooked creek . Evening Standard 

of Uniontown in an editorial states that 

the "city council blunders again" on its budget 

and fiscal policies for 1950, which increases 

amusement taxes to 10 per cent. Quotes include: 

"almost confiscatory levy on the 

. . does not make sense 

Auxiliary Bishop Edward P. McManaman 

of the &ie Catholic diocese, on the occasion 

of the recent pledge to the Legion of Decency, 

said the standard of motion pictures can be 

raised by solid support of good and decent 

films made here and abroad; cold-shouldering amusement industry . 

of all movies that cheapen Christian marriage, 

... is an unfair tax increase . . . nonsensical." 

family life, make divorce acceptable A 150 per cent jump in the amusement tax 

and offend common decency In any way. from 4 per cent is planned. 

Among the sick: Harry Drew, projectionist 

at the downtown State, is convalescing . 

Sadie Scott, Republic inspector, injured in an 

auto accident two months ago, is home from 

. 

the hospital but she will not be able to go 

back to work yet . . . Archie Garson, projectionist, 

is up and aroimd . Amato, 

Warner inspetcor, returned home from the 

hospital . . Marie Kosman, veteran inspector 

who was last employed on Filmrow as a 

temporary inspector, is in St. Francis hospital 

.. Von Strott, Columbia inspector, 

is in Mercy hospital ... Ed Kelley, 

35 years in the industry and who has been ill 

at home for foiu" years, is not improved . 

Harry WiUiams of Filmrow, who sold film 

here before most of today's salesmen were 

USED THEATRE CHAIRS 

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1046 BroadwoT Phooe S-SDSS 

Albany, New York 

SAMFINEBERG 

TOM McCLEARY 

1705 Blvd. of the AUiee 

PITTSBURGH 19. PA. 

Phone Express 0777 

Margie and Frank Simon of the Rothenstein 

theatres at West Aliquippa, Baden, Cambridge 

Springs and Evans City have been 

vacationing in New York . C. J. Lattas 

are back in U.S. for a visit from England 

where the former Pittsburgher heads the 

Warner organization . . . Clerc's jewelry store 

furnished 20 Porky Pig wrist watches for 

giveaways at the Christmas party cartoon 

show at the Prince in Ambridge . . . "Marriage 

in the Shadows." foreign film, was exhibited 

for two days at the Nittaiiy in State 

College . Max Bloomberg has 

been re-elected president of Israel Isaiah 

Beneficial Society, Johnstown. 

Bart Dattola staged four free kiddy shows at 

his New Kensington theatres during the holiday 

season . . . Bill Basle ran "Abandoned" 

as an "adults only" attraction at the Basle 

in Washington, Pa. . . . Taper's jewelry store 

at Butler donated 25 Porky Pig wrist watches 

for giveaways at a morning show last Saturday 

(17) at the Butler in Butler . Variety 

Club's new officers for 1950, headed by 

Benny Steerman, were Installed December 19 

at the clubrooms following a regular meeting 

of the board. George W. Eby is the retiring 

chief barker . Christmas party 

was held at the exchange Monday evening 

A. P Way, DuBois exhibitor who is observing 

The Variety Club's annual New Year's Eve 

his 53rd year in the show business, and celebration December 31 includes an 11 p. m. 

wife are spending the holidays in Pittsburgh dance and a 1 a. m. supper. Sam Speranza 

where son Albert jr. is hospitalized. The 

Oglietti, Leechburg exhibitor, 

is chairman . 

pioneer showman then has a business trip to 

continues to wear a plaster cast to 

Philadelphia before departing for St. Petersburg, 

protect his spine. Ill for a long period, he 

George Eberwein presented was a PUmrow visitor last week, apparently 

Fla. . . . 

the annual free Christmas party for children in good health. 

of Juniata at the Juniata Theatre with the 

business and professional men's association More than 2,000 attended the Press Old 

sponsoring. As usual the Altoona police department 

Newsboys' annual benefit show at the Warner 

had a representative present to give 

a short talk to the children on safety on the 

streets. 

December 14. 

was premiered. 

Children's hospital 

Warner's "The Hasty Heart" 

Money contributed will go to 

. . . Charles Levy, Walt 

Disney representative, was a visitor . . Bell 

Croatian Hall at Parrell is operating as a System video cable will reach Johnstown next 

commercial theatre, using Victor 16mm projection 

June. WJAC at Johnstown has been on the 

and sound . . . Retail division of the air for several months . Silver and 

Bellefonte Chamber of Commerce held Treasure 

Harry Feinsteln of the Warner circuit office 

Chest drawing at the Plaza and free were in New York last week attending a com- 

shows for children on recent Saturdays at the pany meeting. 

(191. 

76 BOXOFTICE December 24, 1949

'Pinky' Holds Strong 

In Detroit at 130 

DETROIT—The preholiciay slump hit its 

here and business generally was down. 

stride 

Surprise of the week was "Pinky." holding 

a rare third week in the 5.000-seat Fox, after 

a second week score of 130 per cent. 

Adams—That Forsyte Woman (MGM), 2nd wk 60 

Cinema—Monsieui Vincent (Lopert) 100 

fox— Pinky COth-Fox), 2ncl wk 130 

Pownlown- Intruder in the Dust (MGM); Red Stallion 

in the Rockies (EL), 2nd wk 70 

Madison—Beyond the Forest (WB). Deputy 

Marshal (LP), 2nd d. t wk 65 

Michigan—A Dangerous Profession (RKO), Master 

Minds (Mono) 95 

Palms-Slate Always Leave Them Laughing 

(WB); Alias the Chomp (Rer), 2nd wk 90 

United Artisls-Bride for Sale (RKO), Stampede 

(Mono) 90 

Trade at Cleveland Houses 

Crimped by Yule Shopping 

CLEVELAND—Grosses at first runs here 

continued to show the effects of Christinas 

shopping, with most houses under par. In 

its seventh week at the Esquire, "Jolson 

Sings Again" dropped from its previous high 

level to 200 per cent at advanced prices. 

Alien-Without Honor (UA) 85 

Esquire-Jolson Sings Again (Col), 7th wk 200 

Hippodrome— Port of New York (EL) 70 

Lower Mcfll—The Scoundrel (Para); Crime Without 

Passion (Para) - 80 

Ohio—The Great Dan Patch (UA); The Lucky Stiff 

(UA) 100 

Palace—A Dangerous Profession (RKO) 85 

Slate—Adam's Rib (MGM), 2nd wk 60 

Stillman—Tension (MGM) - 75 

'Blue' Leads Pittsurgh 

As Shopping Takes Toll 

PITTSBURGH—Downtown streets were 

packed with shoppers but they were not necessarily 

shopping for entertaiimient. Expected 

pre-Christmas grosses were registered 

by the drop-in shoppers. "Red, Hot and Blue" 

at the Stanley chalked up 95 per cent as the 

top newcomer. 

Fulton—Fighting Man of the Plains (20th-Fox) 90 

Harris—Tell It to the ludge (Col) 85 

?enn—Adam's Rib (MGM), 2nd wk 75 

Stanley—Red. Hot and Blue (Para) 95 

V/arner Savage Splendor (RKO) Make Mine 

Laughs (RKO) 90 

"Adam's Rib' Tops Cincinnati 

With 120 Per Cent 

CINCINNATI—Business was the poorest it 

has been in some time. Only "Adam's Rib" 

topped average at the Capitol with 120 per 

cent. Others were below the normal mark. 

Albee—Without Honor (UA) 70 

Capitol—Adam's Rib (MGM) 120 

Grand—That Forsyte Woman (MGM), 2nd wk 70 

Keiths—The Black Book (EL) 95 

Lyric—Hold That Ghost (U-I); Hit the Ice (U-1), 

reissues 70 

Palace A Dangerous Profession (RKO) 80 

;-ubert—Pinky (20th-Fox), 4th d. t. wk 80 

Theatres at Urbana, Ohio, 

Collect Toys and Food 

URBANA, OHIO—Free films were featured 

for children at the Gloria and Lyric, Chakeres 

theatres here, in a project sponsored by the 

Pearce-Kems post, American Legion. 

Only fee for entrance was a toy, broken or 

new, or a can of food, which were distributed 

at Christmas to needy families in the city 

and county. Broken toys were taken to the 

Urbana fire department for repairs. The feature 

attraction was a Roy Rogers show. Santa 

Ciaus was on hand to distribute gifts to children. 

BOWLING 

CINCINNATI— Idle Hour Theatre broke 

into the win column for the first time after 

losing 36 straight by taking three from Forest 

Theatre. Midwest Supply lost one to 

RCA. while National Supply lest one to the 

Westwood Theatre. This week's 200s : C. Keith 

sr. 233, G. Vlochas 205, G. Krebs 201. 

Won tost 

Won Lost 

Midwest 35 4 Westwood 17 22 

National 32 7 Keith 16 23 

Bond 27 12 Times 14 25 

Altec 26 13 Associated 13 26 

Mount Healthy 26 13 Theatre Candy 13 26 

Strond 23 16 Forest 8 31 

RCA 20 19 Idle Hour 3 36 

DETROIT—Allied Theatres, which has been 

making a .steady climb in the Film Bowling 

league, reached second place in the 14th 

game of the series, leading Cooperative Theatres 

by one game. High 200 rollers declined, 

with W. Goryl. 210, and J. Sullivan, 

200, the only members of the 200 club. Team 

standings: 

Team Won Lost Team Won Lost 

Theatrical 35 21 Monogram 28 28 

Allied 30 26 RKO 28 28 

Cooperative 29 27 S6G Premiums 27 29 

United Artists 29 27 Republic 19 37 

COLUMBUS 

fjfrs. Ethel Miles, secretary of Ohio Drive-In 

Theatre Ass'n, in a bulletin to members 

asks for immediate information about the 

action of any Ohio city or other municipal 

council in discussing legislatioh aimed at taking 

over the federal tax on admissions. 

Joan Bennett, her husband Producer Walter 

Wanger and their three children were 

grounded at Port Columbus when their Paristo-New 

York TWA Constellation plane landed 

there. Fog prevented a landing at New York. 

Miss Bennett was on her way to HoUsTVOod 

to start work in "Father of the Bride" with 

Spencer Tracy. 

It is reported that a neighborhood circuit 

is interested in acquiring a long-term lease 

on a downtown corner. If a new theatre is to 

be built downtown it would be the first allnew 

house since opening of the Ohio in 

March 1928. The present Grand was rebuilt 

about 15 years ago, however, on the site of 

the old Grand after a fire leveled the old 

building. 

Raymond Scott has been named student 

assistant at the Broad. He formerly was on 

the service staff of the neighborhood Cleve 

. . . Robert McKinley, Broad assistant, has 

been transferred temporarily to the Ohio, relieving 

William Green, who is vacationing at 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. . . . John Rugg, chief 

of service, Ohio, was wed recently to Pauline 

Illick. 

Jean Gaston, former localite, has been appointed 

agent in the Los Angeles exchange 

area for Hallmark Productions. 

Santa Hosts Local 171 Kids 

PITTSBURGH—A Christmas party for 

children of projectionists of Local 171 wis 

held last Saturday morning at Homer 

Michael's Liberty on the south side. Motion 

pictures of last year's Christmas party were 

screened and new pictures were taken as 

Santa Claus distributed more than 300 big 

bags of goodies. The kiddies and their parents 

and grandparents enjoyed a musical program 

and a cartoon show. 

CIO Theatre Staffs 

Strike in Monessen 

MONESSEN. PA.—CIO United Theatrical 

Workers walked out of the Manos, Grand and 

Star theatres Wednesday evening last week 

and set up picket lines. The Star closed, but 

the Manos and Grand continued in operation. 

Projectionists of lATSE Local 628 remained 

at their posts, and R. J. Crosby. bu.sine.ss 

agent, said that his union absolutely would 

live up to its contract. 

The strike came without warning after 

wage talks between CIO agents and the 

Monessen Amusement Co. broke down at the 

Monessen headquarters in Green.sburg. Affected 

are 34 house employes, including 

cashiers, usherettes, doormen, candy girls and 

janitors who claim a CIO affiliation but who 

do not have a charter. Theatre repre.sentatives 

stated that the strikers had demanded 

wage increases ranging from 29 per cent for 

janitors to 56 per cent for candy girls. Doormen 

and cashiers demanded 36 per cent increase 

and usherettes demanded 22 per cent 

increase. 

The CIO won the right to represent the 

employes in a bargaining election last July 

13. This election was appealed by the AFli 

but the state labor relations board certified 

the CIO group as bargaining agent in a decision 

handed down last November 24. 

The Monessen Amusement Co., headed by 

Michael Manos, and the other Manos theatrical 

interests, always has had satisfactory 

relations with organized labor, and in ^5 

years of operating theatres, this is the first 

time any of its employes ever have struck. 

The theatre company announced it "has been 

ready and willing to negotiate at all times, 

and sincerely regrets that the employes have 

seen fit to break off negotiations." 

See Us for the New 

STRONG MIGHTY "90" 

REFLECTOR ARC LAMP 

Complete Equipment for 

Theatres and Drive-Ins 

Write for FUSE LITERATURE 

Theatre EquipmEnr [o. 

ADAMS 8107 


. . 

. . . Caption 

. . John 

LOUISVILLE 

IJaskell Nivens, former owner and manager 

of the Ritz in Burkesville, who moved out 

of the state approximately eight years ago, 

returned for a visit recently and stopped by 

the Row to renew old acquaintances . 

Clarence Taylor of the Kentucky Ass'n of 

Theatre Owners has returned to his office 

following an extensive tour of the state. 

Creating a little goodwill in behalf of his 

theatres, Eddie L. Ornstein, head of Omstein 

Theatres, Marengo, Ind., managed to have 

large cutout standees of Santa Claus placed 

in school corridors in each of the towns in 

which he operates theatres. The cutouts 

were captioned with the manager's and owner's 

names, the name of the theatre, and 

the salutation "Merry Christmas 1949." The 

stunt drew quite a bit of attention and was 

well received by the townspeople. 

Numerous exhibitors visited the Row prior 

to the holidays. Included were Oscar Hopper, 

Arista, Lebanon; J. E. Thompson, Sunset 

Drive-In, Bowling Green; Tex Richards, 

State, Crothersville, Ind.; Nelson Ward, 

Glenn, Georgetown; Eric Hammel, Shelby and 

Burley, Shelbyville; Louis Chowning, New 

Washington, New Washington, Ind.; Clark 

Bennett, Valley, Taylorsville; A. N. Miles, 

Eminence, Eminence; Gene Lutes, Capitol, 

Frankfort; Ralph McClanahan, Estill, Irvine; 

Richard Bernard, Sunset Drive-In, Bowling 

Green; Adolph Baker, Malco Theatres, Owensboro, 

and C. O. Humston, Lyric, Lawrenceburg. 

Hadden Films, Louisville, has been incorporated 

for $26,000 by Carl M. Hadden, Frank 

Yoakum and Jack C. Watts . . . Abbott-Perry, 

Midway, Woodford county, has been incorporated 

for $25,000 to operate theatres, pool halls, 

restaurants and general merchandise. D. J. 

and Gladys Abbott and W. B. and Helen 

Perry are incorporators. 

L. B. Fuqua, owner and manager of the 

Kentucky, Eddyville. is on vacation at Sarasota, 

Fla. . . . R. H. & Bubba Robertson, owners 

of the Majestic, Springfield, plan a short 

vacation trip to Miami. While there, they 

will take in the Orange Bowl football game 

on New Year's day. Both ardent football 

fans, they rarely miss an opportunity to see 

their favorites in action. 

Sam Levene and Lynn Bari appeared here 

in "Light Up the Sky" for one performance 

at the Memorial auditorium. Also here in 

person was Susan Peters in "The Barretts 

of Wimpole Street" also at the Memorial for 

three performances ... It appears that Louisville 

is bursting with legitimate stage talent 

with no less than five new amateur theatrical 

groups springing up here in the last year or 

so. Included in the group are C. Douglas 

Ramey's Carriage House; Patty Lane's Gateway 

Players; Bill Hodapp's Green Room 

Players; YMHA Theatre, and the University 

Playshop. In addition to putting on periodical 

plays, some of the groups hold special 

classes for teaching acting and the general 

mechanics of the theatre. 

Guthrie F. Crowe, president of the Kentucky 

Ass'n of Theatre Owners, flew to Los 

Angeles to look over the film entitled "Your 

Kentucky," which Cascade Film Corp. has 

just completed filming and which now is 

in the process of production. Guthrie was 

scheduled to go over the narration script, 

which has been assembled in the rough, so 

that it can be made ready for formal production. 

When completed the film will be 

brought to Kentucky for distribution. It will 

have its world premiere in Frankfort, the 

Kentucky capitol, for the legislative officers 

and mimicipal groups. The film then will be 

available for distribution through the state. 

The film, made in Ansco color, is designed 

primarily to sell Kentucky to Kentuckians, 

then to sell Kentucky to the people outside 

of Kentucky. 

Two German films made in the '20s were 

scheduled to be shown here in the playhouse 

at the University of Louisville. One film was 

"Hamlet" and the other "The Last Laugh," 

starring Emil Jannings ... A well-known 

figure in the theatrical world, Charles Willinghurst 

died of a heart attack here, according 

to chief deputy coroner. Willinghurst at 

one time headlined the famous Keith vaudeville 

circuit. 

The National Theatre, former downtown 

first run which has been closed for several 

months, and which now is undergoing a remodeling 

and facelifting, is scheduled to reopen 

on Christmas day. Formerly a theatre 

for white patronage, it is said the theatre 

will reopen for Negro patronage operating 

on a stage show-feature film policy. According 

to the management, the theatre has been 

leased by Allan Moritz, Cincinnati, from Ted 

and Frances Channock, Beverly Hills, Calif. 

. . . J. E. Huckleberry, 

With the seasonal closing of his East and 

Dixie drive-ins here, Floyd Morrow, executive 

director of both theatres, left for Florida 

recently on his annual vacation trip. 

As usual both enterprises are scheduled to 

reopen next March 

service engineer for the Motiograph Co., Chicago, 

stopped over here en route south. 

Ford Tracey, foiTnerly of the Ohio here and 

new district manager for Settos Theatres 

with offices in Evansville, Ind., is recuperating 

at his home following an illness ... P. J. 

McAlamis, an exhibitor of long standing in 

the state, has sold his Hardburly Theatre, 

Hardburly, Ky. McAlarnis, who has moved 

from Hardburly to Summersville, W. Va., did 

not name the new owners. 

The Kenwood Drive-In, closed officially for 

the season, nevertheless is scheduled to remain 

open on weekends until further notice. 

It will be mider the direction of Wallace, 

Bosemer & Woods. Out of a total of seven 

drive-ins in the area, the Kenwood is the 

only one attempting to remain open during 

the winter. In an effort to keep up patronage, 

the management is offering one gallon 

of gas to evei-y car entering the theatre, with 

which to operate car heaters during the show. 

Hamed says with the closing of 

Mrs. R. L. 

the Theatair Twin Drive-In, Jeffersonville, 

Ind., she and her husband are planning a 

vacation to Coral Gables, Fla. According to 

present plans, they will leave for the south 

December 29. 

Ticketed for 'My Blue Heaven' 

Vivian Mallah and BiU Baldwin will support 

Dan Dailey and Betty Grable in 20th- 

Fox's "My Blue Heaven." 

Variety Tent 6 Hosts 

150 Poor Children 

CLEVELAND—The Variety Tent 6 entertained 

more than 150 underprivileged children 

with a Christmas party in the clubrooms 

Wednesday i21>. A complete turkey dirmer 

was served with members' wives acting as 

waitresses. After dinner the children were 

entertained with a floor show. A personal 

gift was presented to each child as well as a 

$5 basket of food to take home. 

The Variety Club party was staged as part 

of the Press Helping Hand campaign to provide 

food, clothes and toys for needy children. 

The Variety guests were chosen from 

the city's relief roles. Capt. Arthur Roth of 

the police juvenile bureau arranged to get the 

children out of school and Variety members 

handled transportation. 

Robert Snyder and E. J. Stutz were cochairmen 

of the Variety Christmas party 

committee. 

WEST VIRGINIA 

pvery time you take a seat in a theatre 

you're sitting on a hidden tax," reports 

Nose Gays in the Wheeling News-Register . . . 

MGM's "Battleground" will be screened for 

members of the trade and guests at 11 a. m., 

December 28, at the Capitol in Charlestown 

. . . Miss Pomeroy of the Virginia at Paden 

City who suffered a stroke several weeks ago 

is recuperating at her home in Paden City. 

She and her partner for upwards of a score 

of years. Miss Elizabeth G. Gaffney, are former 

school teachers there. 

Ohio Valley's annual Christmas concert was 

presented last Sunday afternoon (18) at the 

Virginia Theatre in Wheeling. There was 

no admission and the program featured the 

Opera Work Shop, West Liberty State college 

men's choir and the Wheeling Symphony orchestra 

conducted by Henry Mazer. 

Marty Sheam, manager of the Fairmont at 

Fairmont, was exceptionally pleased with last 

Saturday midnight's Fairmont Times benefit 

stage show . L. Hatfield, Morgantown 

lawyer for more than half a century 

and associated with George Comuntzis-George 

Sallows theatres, has contributed $1,000 to 

West Virginia University's Loyalty permanent 

endowment fund. 

This is the time of the year when films are 

changed faster than favorite sons at a political 

convention, says Bill DeMuth jr., amusement 

editor of the Wheeling News-Register 

on the Alhed of West Virginia 

convention photo. December 3, switched Eugene 

R. Custer and Wendell H. Holt . . . The 

Wheeling Junior Chamber of Commerce push 

for fimds for building the proposed $900,000 

sports arena and convention hall at Wheeling 

Park will get under way after the first of the 

year. 

Collect Xmas Canned Goods 

LONDON, OHIO—Admission 

was one can 

of fruit or vegetables for each person at a 

special show at the Chakeres State here December 

21. The fruit and vegetables were 

distributed to needy families for Christmas. 

78 BOXOFFICE : 

: December 24, 1949

eissue 

'Bagdad/ Stage Bill 

Pace Boston Trade 

BOSTON—Another pre-Christmas lull hit 

the downtown theatres with only three theatres 

registering over average. "Tokyo Joe" at 

Loew's State and Orpheum garnered a fair 

weelc's gross, while "Bagdad" at the Memorial 

was held a .second week. "Devil in the Flesh" 

at the Beacon Hill continued to draw well. 

"The Fallen Idol" completed four weeks at 

the Mayflower and was moved to the Esquire. 

The EJxeter Street will play second runs until 

Christmas day when it will open with "Tight 

Little Island" first run. 


Astor—Slormy WeaUier (20lh-Fox), reissue 85 

Beacon HUl—Devil in the Flesh (Graetz), 3rd wk...l25 

Boston—A Dangerous Profession (RKO); The 

Dallon Gang (LP) 85 

Esquire—The Fallen Idol (SRO), 5th wk 85 

Memorial Bagdad (U-I), plus stage show 120 

Metropolitan—Red Light (UA); Call oi the Forest 

(LP) 65 

Paramount and Fenway The Big Wheel (UA); 

Apache Chief (LP) 90 

State and Orpheum Tokyo Joe (Col); Mary Ryan. 

Detective (Col) 115 

'Yellow Ribbon' Sfill Leads 

First Runs in Hartford 

HARTFORD—Business was only fair, with 

the annual pre-Christmas shopping season 

and cold weather hitting downtown boxoffice 

takes hard. RKO's "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," 

which did above average during its 

first local week, was steady in a holdover 

stanza. The film was the downtown area's 

only holdover. 

Allyn— -Without Honor (UA); Tough Assignment 

(LP) 70 

E. M. Loews—It Ain't Hay (Realart); You're a 

Sweetheart (Redlart), reissues ., 65 

Palace—She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (RKO); The 

Golden Madonna (Mono), 2nd wk 120 

Poll—Fighting Man of the Plains (20th-Fox); 

Thieves' Highway (20th-rox) 90 

Regal—Trapped (EL), The Fighting Red Head 

(EL) 80 

Strand— The Story of Molly X (U-1); Change of 

Heart (Rep) , - 100 

Yule Shopping Cuts Trade 

At New Haven First Runs 

NEW HAVEN—Trade at all downtowii fu-st 

runs was below average as Christmas shopping 

took its toll at boxoffices. "The Doctor 

and the Girl," dualed with "Mary Ryan 

Detective" at the Loew Poll, paced newcomer^ 

with 88 per cent. A pairing of "Pinky" and 

"Flame of Youth" at the College was second 

Bijou Legion of Lost Flyers (Embassy); Raiders 

of the Desert (Embassy) 

College—Pinky (20th-Fox); Flame of Youth (Rep) 

2nd d. t. wk - 

Loews Poll—The Doctor and the Girl (MGM) 

Mary Ryan, Detective (Col) ^' 

Paramount—Fighting Man of the Plains (20th-Fox), 

Thieves' Highway (20th-Fox) 7.. 

Roger Sherman Easy Living (RKO); Ichobod and 

Mr. Toad (RKO) 80 

New Year's Eve Premieres 

Set by Loew's Poll Houses 

NEW HAVEN—"East Side, West Side" premiere 

will be the New Year's Loew's Poll 

greeting at Poll theatres in Bridgeport, New 

Haven, Worcester. Hartford and Norwich. All 

are selling tickets at $1 in advance, except 

the Poll at Norwich, which made it 76 cents. 

At the Palace, Meriden, "On the Town" 

will be the featm-e at 76 cents admission, 

while the Majestic. Bridgeport, will have 

"Malaya." with admission at $1. The Poll, 

Springfield, and Elm Street, Worcester, start 

"On the Town" Sunday afternoon before New 

Year's eve and continue through until 3 a. m. 

with the same show. 

Theatres Play Star Role 

In Gay Providence Xmas 

PROVIDENCE—For the first time since before 

Pearl Harbor, this city went all-out for 

Christmas. Group carol-singing was conducted 

on the steps of the city hall twice 

daily in front of a huge imitation organ, the 

pipes of which measure from five to 25 feet 

in height. Organ music recordings were 

piped through a loudspeaker directly in back 

of the organ. Huge spotlights played on the 

scene which included five large figures of 

carol singers standing in an alcove over the 

organ. Three huge white Christmas bells 

surmoimted the display. 

Decorated and lighted Christmas trees were 

placed on every street-light pole in the downtown 

shopping section. 

Providence theatres took a major part in 

this citywide display. 

Loew's State was bedecked in holly and 

evergreens, and Maurice Druker, manager, 

had loudspeakers concealed in the greens over 

the marquee. Christmas carols a la organ 

serenaded Christmas shoppers. 

Christmas parties were staged in several 

Providence houses. Albert Siner, manager 

of the Strand, was host at an employes Christmas 

party, which comprised a carol-sing, refreshments 

and exchange of gifts. Archibald 

Silverman, president of the operating 

company, wound up the festivities by presenting 

generous bonuses to all hands. 

The Avon Cinema was the scene of another 

yule party, with Charles R. Darby, manager, 

hosting the affair. 

Out in Pawtucket, Harold Lancaster, manager 

of the Strand, staged a huge kiddie's 

Christmas party, with Santa Claus appearing 

BARRYMORE JR. VISITS—John Barrymore 

jr. is pictured at lower right above 

being interviewed by Mary Sullivan, 

drama editor of the Boston Advertiser, 

while Jack Hamilton, Boston GIot>e, and 

Paul Levi, ATC publicist, look on. Young 

Barrymore visited Boston in advance of 

his first film, "The Sundowners," in which 

he plays a supporting role. Accompanying 

him to Boston was Bob Goodfried of 

EL's studio exploitation department, who 

with Joe Mansfield, local publicist, hosted 

a party to introduce the yoting actor. 

on the stage at a special Saturday morning 

performance to hand out novelties to himdreds 

of children. 

All theatres in the Rhode Island area joined 

in the holiday festivities, decorating on a 

more pretentious note than before World War 

II. Parties galore were conducted, and the 

amusement centers played an important part 

in making this Christmas the most golorious 

in many vears. 

LETTERS 

CLARIFIES DRIVE-IN STORY 

To BOXOFFICE: 

Your issue of BOXOFFICE dated Nov. 26. 

1949 has just been received. Always interested 

in your fine publication, I opened it 

immediately, and was attracted by the article 

"Rush Brockton Drive-In Job" on page 39. I 

cannot help taking exception to the fact that 

this article was written erroneously, evidently 

inspired by the rumor system. 

These are the facts: the writer is the 

president and manager of Brockton Airways, 

Inc., the airport corporation which leased the 

land to the Brockton Drive-In Theatre, Inc., 

of which I also am president and manager. 

The construction of our theatre was begun 

before the November election, with no regard 

for the outcome of the dogtrack issue, 

since as far as we are concerned, this issue 

was closed several months ago when the 

Brockton city council had not approved the 

application of the Brockton Stadium Corp. 

to obtain a permit for a dogtrack. At that 

time an option was granted to the dogtrack 

corporation for a period of 60 days. This 

option has never been renewed. 

Our theatre construction has been progressing 

steadily. 

The fact that the issue was brought out 

again in the November election was brought 

about by the Brockton Stadium Corp., who 

were successful in initiating a petition for a 

referendum, anticipating that our corporation 

might be willing to renegotiate the sale of 

a portion of our property. 

In any event, our decision to continue the 

construction of our theatre and to open in 

the springtime was not affected by the Brockton 

Stadium Corp. in any way. and I am 

happy to say that the construction is proceeding 

satisfactorily. 

Having made exhaustive research into the 

present methods of construction and drivein 

theatre innovations, I am sure that our 

theatre will constitute the most progressive 

thought in its features. 

N. A. TRAGER, Pi'esident 

Brockton Drive-In Theatre, Inc.. 

Brockton Airways, Inc. 

Student Theatre Rate Sought 

NORWALK, CONN.—Members of the local 

motion picture council approved a resolution 

favoring special prices at theatres here for 

junior and senior high school students. Council 

members have asked theatre managers 

here to consider the proposal. 

BOXOFFICE December 24, 1949 NE 79

. . . The 

. .William 

. . "The 

. . Eddie 

. . Joe 

. . . Mrs. 

. . . Spending 

. . Roy 

BOSTON 

Mat Levy, eastern division manager for 

RKO, and assistant Prank Drumm 

launched the first 1950 Ned Depinet drive 

meeting at the Boston exchange Monday (19 >. 

The Boston staff, headed by Ross Cropper, 

was in attendance, as were Barney Pitkin, 

New Haven branch manager, and Bill Conelli, 

New Haven salesman . Savage, 

manager of the Arcadia in Portsmouth, N. H., 

a Morse & Rothenberg house, was in the 

Portsmouth hospital for a routine checkup. 

Ernie Warren of the Warren. Whitman, 

was back at work following an illness which 

kept him at home 15 days, during wh ch he 

lost eight pounds. His daughter Barbara, 

away at school, also was ill and was brought 

back to the Waltham hospital for treatment 

opening of the new Marilyn Theatre 

in Van Buren. Me., owned by Frank LePage, 

was opened recently. The house was filled 

three times on the opening day. The film 

was "Come to the Stable." Harold Young 

of Boston is doing the booking. 

The annual stockholders meeting of American 

Theatres Coip, was held December 15, 

and another meeting for the partners the 

following day. Both meetings were held in 

the office of Benjamin A. Trustman, attorney 

for the firm, at his offices. 

On the day that Samuel Pinanski. ATC 

president, was elected a director of the John 

Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. at a 

luncheon, newspapers published a story telling 

of his election as president of the Hebrew 

Free Loan society of Roxbury. In the latter 

post, Pinanski succeeds his late brother Judge 

Abraham Pinanski. Their father, the late 

Nathan Pinanski, was the founder and first 

president of the charitable Institution. 

. 

. . . Herbert 

Contracts have been signed for construction 

of a 500-car drive-in near South Windsor, 

Comr., by Richard Edwall of Springfield. 

The grading will be started immediately. 

National Theatre Supply of Boston will equip 

the theatre Klein of Bay State 

Films became a grandfather again when his 

son Harold announced the birth of his second 

son Barry in Lansing, Mich. 

Philbrick, former publicist with ATC, became 

a father again when Mrs. Philbrick gave 

birth to a daughter at the Melrose hospital. 

The new baby Leslie Sue is the fifth daughter 

in the family. Philbrick now is head of 

exploitation and advertising for the Maintain 

Store Engineering Corp. 

From the Graphic circuit comes word that 

Burton Tolman, manager of the Grand in 

Ellsworth, Me., has resigned and has been 

replaced by Ed Isaacson of Haverhill. John 

Collins, manager of the Reading in Reading, 

has been ill at home , Coyne, manager 

of the Elite in Walpole. has moved into 

the new house which he recently purchased 

there . Outlaw" will open December 

29 at the Keith Boston, and in Providence 

and Lowell December 31. 

For the first time in the history of RKO 

Theatres in Boston, a picture will be guar- 

M*ffi» 

ttV .tAStV.T 

^-r,-r 

AMERICA'S 

GREATEST 

\EHTERTAIHER 

[stirring 

MOW! 

[at THESE ASTOR\l 

J 

memories of 

yesteryear! 

1*1 

SONGS WRITTEN 

ESPECIALLY for 

O LS O N 

^ 

THE HEART 

^ NEW YORK 

Formerly: 

HALLELUJAH! I'M A BUM 

BAY STATE—36-3S Melrose St.—Boston 

CONNECTICUT FILM—126 Meadow— New Ha 

,^ 

./, 

anteed to the public. When "Holiday Affair" 

opens at the Keith Memorial Theatre on 

Christmas day, trailers will be flashed on the 

screen telling the audience, "After you see 

this picture, if you can honestly say that 

you did not enjoy it, see the manager of this 

theatre and he will arrange for a guest ticket 

for a future show." The management came 

to the decision to exploit the film in this 

manner because of the tremendous audience 

reaction the picture aroused at a sneak prevue 

at the Keith Boston Theatre. 

"Buff" Donelli, Boston university football 

coach, was the chief speaker at the final 

1949 luncheon of the local Publicity club. 

The group of about 50 members has 15 publicists 

from the film industry on its roster . . . 

Elinor Hughes, drama critic of the Boston 

Herald, invited a group of theatrical personages 

to speak before members of the 

Women's City club. The speakers were Lehmann 

Engel. musical conductor; Rosemary 

Casey, author of "The Velvet Glove" now 

playing at the Wilbur, and Jay Robinson 

and Whitford Kane, players in "As You Like 

It" at the Colonial. Each spoke briefly and 

amusingly of their experiences in the theatre. 

The program was enthusiastically received. 

A Boston architect is the owner of the little 

island in the Outer Herbides which is the 

locale for the Universal film. "Tight Little 

Island." He is the 45th chief of the island, 

and many of his tenants played bit parts in 

the film. He was an interested spectator at 

a screening of the film at the Un versal exchange 

at the invitation of Viola Berlin, 

manager of the Exeter Street Theatre, where 

the film was to open Christmas day. He said 

at the screening that he has not returned 

to his island since 1939. but that he hopes 

to make a visit this summer. 

. . . Bill Slater, exploiteer 

Marilyn Greenberg, secretary to Leon Leven.son. 

manager of the candy and vending 

department for ATC. is engaged to William 

L. Holiver of Holyoke 

for Film Classics, was in town work- 

ing on "Pirates of Capri." the Ital'an-made 

film starring Louis Hayward and Binnie 

Barnes and set for a Christmas day opening 

at the Mayflower Theatre. 

Sj-mpathy to Lawrence Weiss, Boston lawyer 

well known in the film world, on the 

death of his mother. Mrs. Gisella Weiss of 

Brookline . Burroughs of the R&W 

Theatres took 16mm films of the annual 

Amesbury vs. Newburyport football game and 

ran them at his Strand. Amesbury, and Premier. 

Newburyport. They were a popular 

draw. 

Jack Sweeney, former manager of the Scollay 

Square, a New England Theatre house, 

has been transferred to the Community at 

Dedham, a Snider circuit theatre. He replaced 

Dick Quirk sr.. who has gone to the 

Orient in East Boston, also a Snider house 

Ella Mills of the Milo, Milo, Me., 

was in town booking at Affiliated Theatres 

Charles Tobey, 

with Ernest Colarullo . . . 

operator of the Lyric at Riverside, R. I., and 

the Strand, Westboro. returned from the hospital 

where he underwent a minor operation 

the long holiday weekend at 

Joe Mathieu's home in Winchendon were 

his three sons and their families, Joe jr. with 

Joe III. Bob and his three sons, and Ralph, 

a student at Holy Cross. 

Richard Rober as FBI Agent 

Richard Rober will play the role of an 

FBI agent in "Jet Pilot." an RKO film. 

80 BOXOFFICE December 24. 1949

. . 

20 1 when 

. . Manager 

' 

Kansas 

. . 

NEWHAMPSHIRE 

Deports on the March of Dimes fund, which 

is aided substantially each year by theatre 

collections, were not encouraging at a luncheon 

meeting of county leaders at the Eagle 

hotel in Concord. A northern New England 

representative of the National Foundation for 

Infantile Paralysis, told the gathering that 

unless the 1950 campaign was an "unusual 

success," the national program to combat 

polio might have to be abandoned. 

Rev. Robert H. Dunn of Portsmouth, who 

played the role of Rev, John Taylor in "Lost 

Boundaries," discussed racial prejudice, on 

which the film is based, in a talk at Colby 

Junior college in New London. He also 

brought the film to be shown before students. 

A film by the U. S. Steel Co. dealing with 

the manufacture of stainless steel and its 

uses was shown at a meeting of the Franklin 

Rotary club . . . "Colorado Skis," a sound and 

color film shot by Steve Koch at skiing areas 

in the Rockies, was presented in the Concord 

High school auditorium under auspices 

of the Concord Ski club. 

Ansel N. Sanborn, Carroll county circuit 

owner and member of the legislature, spoke 

on institutional farms and public safety at 

the seventh Institute of Public Affairs at the 

University of New Hampshire in Durham . 

"Louisiana Story," produced and directed by 

Robert Flaherty, was shown at the Institute 

of Arts and Sciences in Manchester. A short 

subject, "The Hunter," also was on the program. 

Propose Annual Issuance 

Of Sunday Film Permits 

BOSTON—Issuance of Sunday film exhibition 

licenses annually instead of weekly was 

recommended by members of Independent 

Exhibitors, Inc., of New England, following 

a discussion of the subject at its December 

luncheon meet at the Town House here. Daniel 

Murphy, president, appointed Bob Waldman, 

Leslie Berdslev and Nat Hochberg members 

of a special committee which will study 

the proposal and make a report at a later 

meeting. 

All films distributed in this area are censored 

by the Sunday licensing bureau operated 

by the department of public safety. All 

deletions for Sunday showings are effective 

for weekday runs. It was declared that the 

procuring of a license for Sunday showings 

becomes unnecessary, and that placing licenses 

on a yearly basis would facilitate the 

operation. 

Four new members accepted at the meeting 

included Irving Dunn, Granite Square, Manchester, 

and Edward Sokolowski, Park, 

Nashua, N. H., and Mrs. Muriel Pollard, Mutual, 

Saco, and Mrs. Lillian Keegan, Gayety. 

Van Buren, Me. 

FOR SALE 

2 SIMPLEX projectors with rear shutters 

in good condition 

IDEAL THEATRE 

MILFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 

New Posts to Two Former 

Hartford Theatremen 

HARTFORD—Two former Hartford area 

showmen have been named theatre managers 

in different parts of the country. Franklin B. 

Ram.sey, former manager of the Warner 

Lenox and Rialto theatres here, has been appointed 

manager of the Fox West Coast Ravenna 

at Los Angeles. Edmund E. Linder, 

former chief usher at the Capitol in Springfield. 

Mass., has been named manager of the 

New Roo.sevelt in Mami Beach, which will 

open Christmas day. 

Rosenwald Hosts Preview 

PROVIDENCE—Benn H. Rosenwald, manager 

for MGM, played host to a Friendship 

meeting for theatre owners in this area Tuesday 

1 "Battleground" was given a 

special screening here. The preview was preceded 

by a luncheon for the exhibitors. Another 

screening and luncheon was held at the 

Art Theatre in Springfield, also arranged by 

Rosenwald with the aid of George E. Freeman, 

Loew's Poli manager. 

SPRINGFIELD 

TXTlth New Year's eve on a Saturday night 

this year, local theatre managers, forced 

to close by law at midnight, decided to run 

up to the deadline Saturday, then stage their 

actual midnight shows on Sunday, running 

until 3 a. m. on Monday, January 2. "Customers 

always have been used to a New Year's 

midnight show," a local theatre spokesman 

said, "and we expect to satisfy them, even 

if it does come a day late." 

Harry Shaw, Loew's division manager, was 

here briefly, after visiting Harold Maloney, 

Loew's manager in Worce.ster. Maloney, who 

had been hospitalized for major surgery, is reported 

making excellent progress. 

A burned-out motor in the pump room of 

the Paramount alarmed the management this 

week, but the audience was unaware that the 

fire department had been called until Ed 

Smith, manager, reassured those who detected 

an unusual odor. There was no damage 

to the building. 

Edmund E. Linder, former head usher at 

the Capitol here and well known in western 

Massachusetts theatre circles, has been appointed 

managing director of the New 

Roosevelt at Miami Beach, Fla., which 

opened Christmas day. 

LYNN 

M'cw carpeting and a new public address 

system have been Installed at the Paramount, 

where James Davis is manager . 

Jack Foster, formerly on the staff of the 

Strand in Peabody. has been promoted to 

manager of the Orpheum at Danvers. The 

Orpheum is owned and operated by Philip 

Bloomberg, and is the first hou.se to be acquired 

by him for his proposed circuit. A 

.successor to Foster at the Strand has not 

yet been named. 

. 

"Adventure in Baltimore" proved to be a 

successful booking when it was shown at the 

Plaza in Salem. The film, which stars Shirley 

Temple and her former hu.sband John 

Agar, drew heavily as Salem residents displayed 

keen interest in the recently divorced 

couple. Henry J. Chapman is manager of 

the Plaza James Davis of the 

Paramount was ill with a light attack of 

influenza. 


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HARTFORD 

T eonard Young, former assistant at E. M. 

Loew's, was reported to be singing in New 

York night clubs. Prior to joining the E. M. 

Loew circuit. Young was a night club performer 

in Miami. He is a brother-in-law of 

Morris Keppner, partner in the Burnside Theatre 

Corp., East Hartford . White, 

former stage manager at the Colonial, now is 

stage manager at the Astor in East Hartford. 

Joe Giobbiav Crown Theatre; Morris Keppner, 

Burnside Theatre Corp.; and Maurice 

Shulman. Shulman Theatres, were among area 

exhibitors in New Haven last week . . . Bernie 

Menschell of the Community Amusement 

Corp. was in Plainfield looking over the circuit's 

Plainfield Theatre . first annual 

Wethersfield policemen's Christmas party was 

held December 24 at the Webb Playhouse. 

Nick Kounaris of Kounaris-Tolis-Ulyssis 

Theatres was planning a Florida vacation 

Tolls, partner in KTU interests, was 

on the sick list . . . Stanton Griffis of New 

Canaan, chairman of the executive committee 

of Paramount Pictures, became a grandfather 

recently. His son Nixon and wife of 

New Canaan became the parents of a baby 

girl recently . . . Jack Mitchell, chief projectionist 

at the Colonial, has been vacationing 

dn Vermont. George Goodi-ow has been relief 

man. 

The Warner circuit has installed new candy 

stands at the Embassy and Strand. New Britain. 

Charles F. Lowe, the circuit's Hartford 

. 

district engineer, supervised the installation 

. . . Frances Gordon, daughter of Jack W. 

Gordon of Gordon's Entertainment Bmeau, 

will leave January 1 tor a vacation in Miami 

Beach Purdy of Kounaris-Toli.s- 

Uly-ssis Theatres, Meriden and Newington, was 

a Hartford visitor . . . Mrs. Estelle O'Toole of 

the Warner circuit's Hartford district offices 

received a- letter from Prank Ramsey, formerly 

manager of the Lenox and Rialto, now 

living in Los Angeles . Everett Horton 

was appearing in ''On Approval" for a 

week at the 500-seat Astor in East Hartford. 

The recent two-day appearance of Frank 

Sinatra at the 4,000-seat State Theatre reportedly 

chalked up one of the best weekend 

grosses in the history of the house. It was 

said that the boxoffice receipts of more than 

$18,000 surpassed previous gross records êt 

by other Hollywood names at the theatre. 

Teddi Sherman and Graham Baker will 

screenplay "Tall Man From Texas" for 

United Artists. 

^'^^^JyflC^ 

rAST ER SERVICE 

HAncock 6-3592 

mmmmmm 

Desk Ad Helps Theatre 

But Hinders Student 

PROVIDENCE—Charles R. Darby, Avon 

Cinema manager, prior to the opening of the 

fall semester at Brown university and Pembroke 

college, distributed free of charge 1,100 

desk-size blotters for use in student dormitories. 

Inscribed on the blotters was: "Tired 

of Studying? Take in a Movie—the Avon 

Cinema." 

One evening recently a Brown student accosted 

Darby in his office and told him that 

a few nights after the blotter was placed on 

his desk, weary from study, he glanced at 

the message on the blotter, promptly slammed 

his books shut and hied himself to the Avon. 

A few nights later the same performance 

was repeated. After a half dozen similar 

occurrences the student found that by following 

the advice on the blotter his study 

was being neglected, yet he couldn't seem 

to resist the urge. 

Finally, in desperation, he took out his 

pocket knife and removed the Avon advertisement, 

leaving a gaping hole in the blotter. 

"But this didn't do a darn bit of good," the 

student comiplained to Darby. "Every time I 

looked at the blotter I saw the hole, and 

that message etched itself so deeply in my 

mind, by constantly seeing it, that I imagined 

it was still there. So here I am again 

a hole in my blotter and your ad in my 

mind." 

Darby assuaged his feelings by presenting 

a brand new blotter with the admonishment 

to complete his studying and then come to 

the Avon and relax with a clear conscience. 

Darby added he didn't want to be responsible 

for any student neglecting necessarj' 

study. 

Transfer of Fire Agency 

Opposed in Concord, N. H. 

CONCORD, N. H.— Strong opposition was 

expressed at a hearing here on a 

reorganization 

plan to include transfer of the state fire 

marshal's office, which controls safety regulations 

in theatres and other public buildings, 

to 

the state police department. 

Chiefs of fire departments from all over 

New Hampshire attended the hearing and 

gave "thumbs down" testimony on the proposal. 

Opponents of the plan went all-out, 

contending the fire marshal's office would be 

"hamstrung" if too closely associated with the 

state police agency. 

It was contended that the fire marshal's 

job is not law enforcement, but to instruct 

people in the prevention of fires and to obtain 

cooperation on the use of safety devices 

in places of public assembly, homes and industrial 

plants. 

Jack Mellincoff Is Winner 

In Warner Circuit Drive 

HARTFORD—Jack Mellincoff of the Palace 

in Lawrence, Mass., has been named winner of 

a theatre managers' contest sponsored by the 

Warner circuit. Other winners included Nick 

Birckates, Garde, New London; Edgar Lynch, 

Roger Sherman, New Haven; Irving Hillman, 

Empress, Danbury, and Fled Raimo. Circle, 

Manchester, Conn., and James W. Cotoia, Art, 

Springfield, Mass. 

KânL^ct";". 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE STANDEE SPEAKERS 

For Front Section and Rear Ramps 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. Miller. 

A top femme role in "Deadfall," an Eagle 

For Trucks and Overflow 

Lion picture, has been given to Kristine 

NEW HAVEN 

rjniversal and Monogram personnel joined 

in Christmas celebrations at Donat's Town 

Ho restaurant on the Milford turnpike 

Wednesday i21). RKO held its party at 

Oneco, with dinner and dancing the same 

night . Wylie, United Artists manager, 

prefaced that company's party at Donat's 

with a cocktail party at his own home . 

RKO, MGM and Lou Phillips were among the 

first to display Christmas trees. Several promised 

to have a final get-togethers in the offices 

just before the holidays . Theatre's 

Ralph Civitello was host to 600 kiddies 

at two shows. 

Lou Phillips of the theatre supply company 

was on the sick list . . . Mrs. John Pavone, 

wife of the Monogram manager, was ill . . . 

The Lew Ginsburgs of Amalgamated Booking 

& Buying have a new home in Westville . 

Lou Cohen, Poll, Hartford, visited the Loew's 

Poll boys in Bridgeport and Waterbury during 

a week's vacation . Ferguson, 

manager of the Whalley and booker for W 

Theatres here and Palace. Middletown, 

planned a gala Christmas party for 6,000 

children at the Whitney and Whalley December 

24, in a tieup with Majestic Laundry. 

. . Ted 

At Middletown, a morning show for underprivileged 

children was a huge success with 

cooperation of police department and the 

Harold Donevan of the 

radio station . . . 

Strand, Seymour, gave away ten turkeys, contribution 

of Molloy's Turkey farm . 

Fleisher of Interstate Theatres, Boston, made 

his annual visit to the exchange district . . . 

Walter Higgins of Prudential Pictures also 

was a visitor . . . Monk Maloney. Poll, Worcester 

manager, was home recuperating after 

an operation at Boston . Klingler, 

Strand, Waterbury, is being treated at a 

Waterbury ho.spital for a kidney ailment. 

"Gone With the Wind" was brought back 

to the Whalley two weeks before Christmas 

with 150 reserved seats, 85 cents evenings and 

76 cents afternoons, regular admission 60 

cents and 50 cents . back at the Whalley 

was "Wizard of Oz" ... At the Black 

Rock, Bridgeport, "The Red Shoes" came 

back for a second three-day booking after a 

week interval. 

Loew's Poli played a state trooper film 

made in Connecticut, opening at a Saturday 

night screening to which state troopers, local 

police officers and member of the local police 

board were invited. State Police Commissioner 

Hickey's letter recommending the film 

was featured in the local press . . . Five-hundred 

children were guests of Nate Podoloff, 

Arena manager, at an afternoon performance 

of Icecapades . . . Richard Podoloff, son 

of the Arena manager, recently became engaged 

to Jacqueline Brody, a local girl. 

JOIN 

THE MARCH OF 

DIMES 

IM lUTIONAl FOUNDATIOM FOI INFANTILE PARALYSIS 


Texas Theatre Construction: 

Cole Theatres Builds 

Drive-In at Rosenberg 

ROSENBERG, TEX. — Construction of a 

580-car drive-in liere for Cole Theatres, Inc., 

is progressing and will be opened by spring, 

according to Mart Cole, president of the organization. 

The $75,000 ozoner will have a 

concrete and steel screen tower 57x59 feet, 

a 30x40-foot screen, and individual speakers, 

it was said. Later, a bowling alley and a 

skating rink will be added. 

Wilson Grisham, manager of the Lamar 

Theatre at Richmond, Tex., will manage the 

new airer. 

FORT WORTH—Boyd Milligan, local newsstand 

operator, is building a new 700-seat 

theatre at the comer of Vaughn and Strong 

streets in Polytechnic. 

Start on Marlin Drive-In 

MARLIN. TEX.—Construction of a 400-car 

drive-in has been started at a site on Route 

6, one mile north of here, by E. L. Wiirams, 

who operates several theatres in western 

Texas and New Mexico. The site was leased 

from George H. Carter and Mrs. Mary C. Rice, 

owners. 

Tower Theatre Reopened 

DUNCAN, OKLA.—The former Tower Theatre 

here has been reopened as the Moore 

following extensive remodeling recently completed 

at a cost of $3,000. A new marquee 

has been installed, and the interior has been 

repainted. The front will be repainted later. 

A. E. Moore ow'ns the house. 

Grand Being Remodeled 

PECOS, TEX.—Remodeling of the Grand 

Theatre here is nearing completion, according 

to Al Cook, manager. Capacity of the 

house has been increased to 700, and new 

seating and lighting have been installed. 

Buys Groesbeck, Tex., Theatre 

GROESBECK, TEX.—Richard Cutting of 

Littlefield, Tex., has bought the Thornton 

Theatre here from Orval Hall. Hall and his 

brother-in-law, H. Salter of Dallas, are planning 

to build a drive-in near Fort Parker 

state park. 

Sale of Christmas Books 

Increased in Lubbock 

LUBBOCK, TEX.—A "steady 

but not spectacular" 

increase in the demand for Christmas 

coupon books was noted during the 

week by the manager of Lindsey Theatres, 

Inc., here. 

The sale of books was resumed three years 

ago, but the demand was disappointing. Results 

were more satisfactory last year and 

even more so this year. They moved slowly 

until last week, when demand began to pick 

up, increasing as Christmas approached. 

The books were offered for $5, $2.50 and $1, 

containing coupons of $5.50, $2.75 and $1.10. 

Renovate Cozy at Sulphur 

SULPHUR, OKLA.—C. G. Crowe, who recently 

purchased an interest in the Cozy and 

Ritz theatres here, has started renovations 

at the Cozy. While that house is closed, the 

Ritz will fill in the schedule ordinarily carried 

by the Cozy. 

No Closings Slated 

For Lubbock Airers 

LUBBOCK, TEX.—The week before Christmas 

found all four of the drive-ins serving 

Lubbock still going strong, with none scheduled 

for closing while weather continues favorable. 

Two—the Westerner and the Circle—aren't 

scheduled for closing at all, according to 

operators. 

The Five Points, operated by Preston E. 

Smith Enterprises, and the Corral, one of 

the Lindsey circuit, will be shut down, if and 

when the weather becomes severe. Both already 

have extended their operations well 

beyond the tentatively .scheduled closing during 

the first week of December. 

None of the four had missed a performance 

at the beginning of Christmas week 

and all reixirted "satisfactory" bu.siness even 

on the nights when the temperature dipped 

below freezing. 

Billy Joe Hardy Appointed 

JACKSONVILLE, TEX. — Robert Lugenbuhl 

jr., city manager of the local East Texas WELLINGTON, TEX. — Jointly sponsored 

Club Sponsors Kid Show 

Theatres, appointed Billy Joe Hardy of Henderson 

manager of the Rialto Theatre, suc- 

Theatre, a benefit show for underprivileged 

by the local Kiwanis club and the Texan 

ceeding Roy Arnold who has been transferred 

to Baytown. 

children was held at the Texan. Emmett 

Passmore is manager. 

Miracle Horses at Belton 

BELTON, TEX.—Edward Staib's nationally 

known "Miracle Horses" performed between 

show-s for three nights at Max Skelton's Tem- 

Bel Drive-In. 

Alton Brown Is Promoted 

LEVELLAND, TEX.—Alton Brown recently 

became the assistant manager for Wallace 

Theatres here. He has been with the Wallace 

organization for more than three years. 

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BOXOFPlCEr: December 24, 1949 sw 

83.

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No Changes in Prospect 

At Lindsey Theatres 

LUBBOCK, TEX.—No changes in personnel 

or policies of the Lindsey theatres here 

are expected to follow the recent sale of the 

Griffith Consolidated properties to Video Independent 

Theatres, Inc., according to J. B. 

Rhea, Lindsey manager. 

The Lindsey corporation, in which Video 

succeeds Griffith Consolidated as a principal 

stockholder, operates eight theatres, all in 

Lubbock. Mrs. J. D. Lindsey is president of 

the local corporation, which she and her late 

husband founded. 

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Blankenship Chain 

Holds Xmas Parlies 

LtTBBOCK, TEX. — The personnel of 14 

Wallace Blankenship Theatres In nine towns 

of this area celebrated pre-Chrlstmas week 

with traditional enthusiasm. Blankenship 

touched off the celebration by mailing bonus 

checks to all employes to start the week. The 

checks amounted to one week's salary for 

each year of service up to three years with 

the circuit. All received something. 

In most of the towns, parties were arranged. 

At Levelland, where L. E. Webb is 

manager, the personnel of the Wallace, Rose 

and Old Rose exchanged gifts and ate fried 

chicken. At Tahoka, where L. P. Flood is 

manager, employes of the Wallace, Rose and 

Lynn held a Chirstmas tree party. 

The climax of the observance on Christmas 

eve was a free morning matinee in all towns 

for the kids. 

These were conducted under joint sponsorship 

with some local organization—a luncheon 

club, church group or r>atriotic order. 

Children who could were asked to bring a toy 

or can of food for distribution to the needy. 

Blankenship Theatres are in Ralls, Lorenzo. 

Andrews, Tahoka, Petersburg, Sundown, Levelland. 

Seagraves and Morton. Headquarters 

are in Lubbock, with S. J. Neyland the office 

manager. 

Double Bills at Hiway Drive-In 

KINGSVILLE, TEX.—The Hiway Drive-In 

now is showing double features Saturday 

nights. 

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84 BOXOFHCE : 

: December 24. 1949



C. V. Griofls ot 

the Griogs company 

says theatre 

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owners 

sturdy, [leasing 

construction ot 


The new Griggs 

Ray Gibson, 




ot the Griggs 

30-line chair 




patrons like. 

Johnny Boutwell. 

charge of 

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line chair because 

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GOOD seating. 

for 

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A/fW 30 'line theafte chair 


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See Forrest 

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Riverside 3595, Dallas, Texas 

Or Call, Wire or Write GRIGGS EQUIPMENT CO., Bel'.on, Texas 

BOXOFFICE December 24, l9'^9 

85

. . Bollman 

: December 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

The Jess Bollmans are planning a Sugar 

Bowl journey, according to friends. The 

Bollmans are two loyal Sooner fans, and 

follow the football squad on many of its 

junkets. On January 2, the Bollmans will 

be rooting for the OU team in New Orleans 

at the Sugar Bowl . is said to be 

buying and selling theatre equipment, and 

he is frequently seen on Filmrow. 

W. R. Howell, local supply dealer, installed 

complete booth equipment in the new Brook 

Theatre at Tulsa, opened recently . . . 

B. F. Shearer jr., in charge of distribution of 

the new Cycloramic screen, has been calling 

on the trade here. 

The old Temple Theatre in Kingfisher has 

been leased by Don Abernathy and J. Phil 

Burns and has been opened as the 89er. Jesse 

Jones is managing the 500-seat house, which 

is showing first run product . . . The screening 

room at the 20th-Fox exchange is to be 

remodeled, and a new Cycloramic screen is 

to be installed ... In a recent huUetin of the 

TOO, Morris Loewenstein, president, disclosed 

that the organization is supporting the plea 

of TOA for a theatre television channel. 

Burglars Take $150 

LUBBOCK. TEX.—Burglars who broke 

into a desk in the Arcadia Theatre office 

here last week took about $150, according 

to I. B. Wallace, manager. The intruders 

also battered a fiUng cabinet open, damaging 

it heavily, but obtained only a flashlight. 

Wallace said. 

Wishing You A Happy And 

PROSPEROUS 1950 

Give your popcorn business a real start for the New Year, and 

buy "Manley Merchandise." Monley's Popcorn is quality controlled 

and pop bigger and fluffier. Manley Season'ng has 

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Buy Manley — and Make Everything Nifty in 1950! 

BOB WARNER 

Division 

Manager 

2013 Young St. 

Shamrock Hotel Books 

Big Name Film Stars 

HOUSTON—From now on the fabulous $21,- 

000,000 Shamrock hotel, owned by oilman and 

film producer Glenn McCarthy, will pursue 

a pohcy of booking big-name screen and radio 

entertainers. 

Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy will 

kick off the parade of stars, opening here 

New Year's eve. Others to follow are Jack 

Carson, Frank Sinatra. Tony Martin, Dinah 

Shore, Jane Russell, Betty Hutton, Dorothy 

Lamour, Gene Kelly and Burns and Allen. 

Each star has been booked for a two-week 

engagement and will give two shows nightly 

in the hotel. 

Since its opening last March, the Shamrock 

has played host to Jack Benny, Bruce 

Cabot, John Carroll, Hildegarde, Dorothy 

Shay, Margaret Phelan. Tommy Dorsey, 

Frankie Carle, Ted Fio Rito, Carmen Cavallero, 

Charlie Spivak, Russ Morgan, Art Mooney, 

Claude Thornhill, Glenn Gray, Richard 

Himber, Ginger Rogers, Sonja Henie, Alan 

Hale, Rhonda Fleming and others. 

Westerns-Features-Serials 

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LCerald L. Ka rski . .. Pres ident 

FOR INFORMATION write 

if,

Bill Lawrence Killed 

In Automobile Crash 

CHARLOTTE -William H. Lawrence. Warners 

film salesman here, was killed recently 

when his automobile overturned on the outskirts 

of Spartanburg, S. C. Lawrence was 

returning to Charlotte when the accident 

occurred. Cause of the accident has not been 

determined but it is understood the vehicle 

F. E. Dyer Is Salesman 

For SG in Charlotte 

CHARLOTTE—F. E. Dyer has been named 

special sales representative for Screen Guild 

here. A native of Virginia, Dyer entered the 

business with the old Mutual company in 

Washington in 1915 as relief shipper. This 

and other odd jobs kept him busy until 

1917 and the first World War. 

After serving in the navy. Dyer re-entered 

the industry and affiliated himself with the 

original Realart company, which later merged 

with Famous Players Lasky Corp., then Paramount. 

In 1921. Dyer joined United Artists 

and was transferred to Charlotte by that 

organization in 1934. He joined RKO in 1940 

and remained with that film company until 

his recent resignation to join Screen Guild. 

Dyer has been a charter member of the 

Colosseum and has served as the local chapter's 

secretary for the last year. He also has 

been active in the Variety Club and was vicepresident 

of that organization this year. 

Mississippi Theatre Blast 

Fatal to Three Persons 

HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS.—The Holly Theatre 

here was crowded. Its 400 seats were full. 

"Meet the Killer," with Abbott and Costello 

ran off the dual highway, came back 150 feet 

and Boris Karloff. was the feature. The fullhouse 

of patrons, including many children, 

up the road, then crashed into the center 

parkway on the highway. Patrolman C. W. 

laughed at the antics of Abbott and Costello 

and shuddered at Karloff. 

Dorman said Lawrence was thrown from the 

car. W'hich fell on top of him. 

The Charlotte Warner branch annual The show was over at 10:30. The crowd 

Christmas party, scheduled for that night. filed out and went home. The doors were 

was canceled when news of the accident closed and locked. The little Mississippi town's 

reached here. Lawrence died in the General only theatre was dark. 

hospital in Spartanburg 20 minutes after being 

admitted. 

who had an office and apartment above a 

Thii-ty minutes later, Dr. H. R. Davidson, 

Lawrence was 48 years old and a native of store next door to the theatre, smelled gas 

New York. Before accepting his present position 

he was associated with the auditing Tucker, owner of the store, working on his 

and came downstairs to investigate. J. C. 

branch of Wilby-Kincey Theatres. He is survived 

by his wife Mrs. Guydebelle Clifford to investigate. 

books, also smeUed gas and went out front 

LawTence. three daughters, his mother, a "We were standing right inside the door 

sister and a brother. 

looking at the gas meter," said Tucker. "There 

Funeral seiTices wei-e held Monday (19) at was an explosion. It was just then that the 

the McEwen chapel on East Morehead. Pallbearers 

wei-e Paul Cockrell, Edward Chumley. mendous roar. A brick chimney fell about 

roof was lifted off the theatre with a tre- 

C. E. Ogburn, PatU Hargette, A. B. Graver. f.ve feet from me. 

James T. Cartledge. Tom E. Bailey and Ralph 

lannuzzi. 

"I told Dr. Davidson we had better call 

the fire department but he said he was going 

back upstairs to get. his family. He dashed 

up the stairs between the store and show. 

That's the last I saw of him." 

The blast shook the whole town. The time 

was 11 p. m. Thui'sday il5i. Two hours later 

firemen and rescue workers fought theu' way 

into the Davidson apartment and found the 

charred bodies of Dr. and Mi's. Davidson and 

their 4-year-old son Russell. Nearby was a 

new- tricycle Santa Claus had left for Christmas. 

Tire doctor, his wife and child—who had 

moved to Holly Siirings from New York 

about two months ago—had been trapped 

and burned to death by the fire which followed 

the blast, investigators said. 

Mayor Sam Coopwood of Holly Springs, 

which is about 30 miles southeast of Memphis, 

said a new natural gas blower heating 

system had been installed recently in the 

Holly Theatre. 

"I shudder to think what would have happened 

if the bla.st had occurred a little earlier. 

My little girl was in the .vhow. There were 

about 400 persons there. It was full. I picked 

up my child and took her home only about 

half an hour before the blast," said Mayor 

Coopwood. 

Holly Theatre is owned by Leon Roundtree, 

Water VaUey, Miss. 

Damage was estimated at $100,000—$60,000 

to the theatre and $40,000 to the store. Both 

buildings were demolished. Roundtree said 

investiga-tors were considering two possibilities 

as to the cause. 

"We believe that either there was a leak 

in the city's main gas line back of the theatre 

or a leak in the new heater which had been 

installed three weeks ago and that the gas 

accimiulated and was ignited by the pilot 

light," Roundtree said. 

He said there w'ere two automatic shutoffs 

on the heater "but these automatic things do 

not always work." 

Mayor Coopwood ordered a new test of the 

city's main gas line. It was necessary to dig 

through concrete to make the test. 

Roundtree said Holly Theatre would be rebuilt 

immediately. The film, rented from 

Universal in Memphis, was destroyed. Both 

buildings were insured. 

Meiselman Appeal Slated 

For January 4 Hearing 

CHARLOTTE—Tile H. B. Meiselman Theatres 

appeal from a decision handed down 

against them by U.S. District Judge Wilson 

Warlick, will be heard at the January 4 term 

of the appellate court here. 

Judge Warlick in his decision denied the 

request of the Meiselman firm that an injunction 

be issued barring seven film distributors 

from licensing films for exhibition 

at the Broadway. Imperial and Carolina theatres 

here unless a like niunber was made 

available to his Center. 

Judge John J. Parker of Charlotte is senior 

judge of the appellate court. Other members 

are Judge Armlstead Dobie of Richmond and 

Morris A. Soper, Baltimore. 

T.\LK TO WESTERN STAR—Two 9-year-oId sirN. members of the Roy Rogers 

club recently organized by the Florida Theatre in Sebring, Fla.. recently were winners 

of an amateur contest sponsored by the group and were rewarded with a visit 

by long 

distance telephone with the western film star and his wife Dale Evans. Shown in the 

accompanying picture left to right are Betty Pettur, Jesse Watson, Florida manager 

who completed arrangements for the call, and Ruth Raulerson. During a performance, 

the two girls asked Rogers various questions and requested a letter and photograph 

from him. 

BOXOFFICE December 24. 1949 

SE 91

. . . Went 

. . W. 

HART BEATS 

p 

By HARRY HART 

P. ROSSER told me about his new 600- 

seat theatre, when I called on him at Sanford. 

N. C. He also has started construction 

on a brick and cinder block theatre at Clinton, 

N. C. . . . Robert Dutton of the Sunrise 

Theatre at Southern Pines was playing 

"Prince of Peace" and had a full house for 

the morning show . . . Bill Stewart has a new 

baby girl at his home in Plainfield, N. C. She's 

named Frances Marie. 

J. B. Edwards of the Aberdeen at Aberdeen 

had just finished redecorating his house 

tliroughout . . . C. A. Huntley of the Star- 

View Drive-In at Southern Pines, N. C, has 

installed 100 in-car speakers for winter trade 

on down through the sandy land 

to Lumberton, N. C, where I stopped at the 

Starlight Drive-In. Jerry Mundy was starting 

to install 200 in-car speakers to take 

caie of winter trade. He said more would 

be installed next spring. He just completed 

a new boxoffice outlined in neon lights. Jerry 

has a new daughter Virginia Ann. 

Ij. L. Thiemer has been pinch-hitting a; 

manager of the Albermarle Road Drive-In 

while Manager Harry Wood is recuperating 

after an appendectomy performed at Mercy 

hospital in Charlotte . . . J. W. Wadsworth, 

manager of the York Road Drive-In in Charlotte, 

has enlarged his concession stand and 

plans to landscape it. Wadsworth was with 

Warner Bros, for 18 years. 

Tony Stoundemire has been named assistant 

manager of the South 29 Drive-In at 

Charlotte . A. Taylor, manager of the 

North 29 Drive-In, was busy with promotions 

of "King of Kings" for a two-day playdate 

December 28. 29. He has contacted the Ministerial 

Ass'n personally and given each pastor 

two free passes. 

H. P. Rhodes, director for Dixie Drive-ins 

0J 

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BOXOFTICE December 24, 1949 9.3

. 

-NOW! 

. . Ann 

. . Chic 

. . The 

J 

MIAMI 

. . . Marti 

ni Weiss has booked John Boles into the 

Olympia for his annual, and always highly 

Lou Clayton of 

successful engagement . . . 

the famous team of Clayton, Jackson and 

Durante is in town in connection with a personal 

appearance of Durante 

Schenck, daughter of the film magnate, is on 

her way to becoming a successful singer. The 

Schencks spend much of their time here and 

in Palm Beach . Dvorak, here with 

her dancer husband, is due soon in Hollywood 

to do a pictui'e for Vera Caspary. 

Harvey Fleischman, district manager for 

Wometco. says "Hamlet" will return to the 

Mayfair Art Theatre during the holidays for 

a reduced-ticket run . Johnson, of 

Olsen and Johnson "Hellzapoppin' " fame, is 

in town with his show. He says that negotiations 

have been going on for some time for 

the purchase of the Cole Bros, circus which 

winters here. Al Jolson. a circus fan, may 

join Olsen and Johnson on a torn- if plans 

work out. Arthur Wirtz, who stages the Sonja 

Henie ice shows, is also interested in the 

circus deal. 

Al Wilkie is pleased that for its foiu-th 

consecutive year, Paramount successfully 

staged its special Christmas toy matinees at 

the Coral. Dade, Boulevard. Cinema and 

Harry Brandt of 

Shores theatres (lOi . . . 

Brandt Theatres, flew here from New York 

in connection with the proposed operation 

of a theatre in a new building now under 

construction on the southwest corner of East 

Flagler street and Third avenue. A church 

formerly occupied this corner. Architect's 

plans call for 760 seats. There is a possibility 

that the house may have a newsreel-short 

subject policy, with a new show beginning 

each hour. A Howard Johnson restaurant is 

reported to be negotiating for space on the 

same property. 

Brandt's new Miami Beach theatre will be 

known as the Roosevelt. The opening is 

.scheduled for Christmas eve. Both Mrs. 

Eleanor Roosevelt and FDR jr. have been 

invited to the premiere ... An entire Miami 

Beach block is being eyed by a group of investors 

for possible construction of a TVradio 

center. Reports indicate that archi- 

tects are already blue-printing the project 

to include ground-floor shops, second-floor 

radio and television studios, and a penthouse 

studio for audience-participation shows. 

The Olympia's music director Les Rhode 

is sending a band to Barcelona, Venezuela, 

Joe Rynock, former 

for New Year's eve . . . 

assistant manager at the Lincoln, is now 

manager of the Surf . Olympia, which 

lends its facilities to the Variety children's 

theatre series, will be the scene of "Broken 

Toys," a musical, second of the productions. 

Early Construction Date 

Slated at Delray Beach 

DELRAY BEACH, FLA.—The possibil ty 

of an early construction date for a new theatre 

was revealed at a political rally by James 

W. Galloway, candidate for city councilman 

and owner of the property on which the building 

is to be erected. 

Original plans for the theatre were drawn 

over a year ago but litigation has prevented 

Galloway and the theatre corporation from 

making a start. At present, no details are 

available as to possible changes in the original 

drawings, and the actual date on which 

construction will begin has not been revealed. 

Location of Galloway's land is on 

Atlantic avenue just east of the intercoastal 

waterway bridge. 

$50,000 Drive-In Started 

Near Forrest City, Ark. 

MEMPHIS—A new $50,000 drive-in has 

been started for opening next spring three 

miles west of Forrest City, Ark., for Walter 

Priddy and Don Montgomery. 

As soon as the site is cleared, a screen and 

projection house will be built and restrooms 

installed. The new showhouse will be for 400 

cars. Contractor is Tri-State Theatre Supply 

Co. of Memphis. Robert Blank is manager of 

Tn-State. 

Xmas Eve Shows Given 

For Memphis Shut-Ins 

MEMPHIS— Because many Memphis shutins 

never get to go to motion pictures, films 

were taken to them here Christmas eve. 

Alex Bernstein, Southern Visual Films, Inc., 

and a group of Memphis churches and individuals 

made it p>ossible. Portable projectors 

and 16mm films were used. Films were furnished 

by Southern. Many were shown in 

homes. Some in hospitals and institutions. 


CYCL«RAMIC 

Cusfom Screen 

Patent applied for 

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Oistiibuted throuqh Theatre Supply Oeolers in All film CenteTs 

of the Future 

To Build New Gulfport Drive-In 

GULFPORT. MISS.—A corporation headed 

by Palmer G. Murphy, has purchased approximately 

14 acres of land having a frontage of 

840 feet on the Biloxi-Gulfport back road, 

and plans to start construction immediately 

of a drive-in. It is to have a minimum capacity 

of 350 automobiles. 

Ruskin, Fla., Theatre Opened 

RUSKIN, FLA—Home-owned and homeoperated 

is the new 500-seat Ruskin Theatre. 

Local capital made it possible to erect and 

equipment the $63,000 structure. George Buchannan 

is manager. 

. 

JOE HORNSTEIN. Inc. 

714 N. E. First Avenue Miami, Florida 

New Sound for Roxy Theatre 

AMERICUS, GA.—A new RCA sound system 

has been installed at the Roxy Theatre 

here. 

94 




C. V. Griaos ot 

the Griggs company 

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owners like the 

sturdy, 

construction 

pleasing 

of 

Ray Gibson, 




of the Griggs 

30.line chair 




patrons like. 


The new Griggs 

30 chair is 

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Johnny Boutwell. 

in charge of 

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says theatre 

owners are 


line chair because 

it meets 

the specifications 

for GOOD seat- 

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CLASSIFIED ADS—EASY TO USE 

ATLANTA 

'txrilliam H. Pine and William C. Thomas, 

producers whose films are released 

through Paramount, were visitors here 

Arthur C. Bromberg, Monogram 

. 

Southern 

Exchanges president, returned from Florida 

. . Republic branch officials and employes 

held their annual Christmas party December 

The Film Classics branch will be 

16 . . . 

moved to a new location in the former Strickland 

Film Co. quarters about Februai-y 1 . . . 

Charles Durmeyer, Southern Automatic 

Candy Co. president, returned from a business 

trip to New York. 

. Louis Worthington 

Brinson Wallace, fonnerly associated with 

various major film exchanges, was a visitor 

on Filmrow . Paschal has joined 

the booking staff at the Monogram exchange 

engagement of Marie Albright of 

the Kay Film Exchange to Roy McClure was 

among those announced in local newspapers 

Hopkins, film star, was here 

for appearances in "The Heiress" at the 

Penthouse Theatre 

of the Worthington 

. . 

Amusement Co., Bessemer, 

Ala., was a visitor. 

. 

Robert J. O'Donnell, international chief 

barker of Variety, was here to install recently 

elected officers of the Atlanta tent . . . "Samson 

and Delilah" will open an engagement 

at the Paramount Theatre here January 19 

Hardy, former secretarj' to William 

K. Jenkins at Georgia Theatres. Inc., 

visited friends on Filmrow managers 

appointed by the Florida State circuit 

include W. Perry Neel, Florida; C. F. Green. 

Ritz, and James McDonald, State, all in 

Tallahassee. 

Theatre operators booking and buying on 

Filmrow included R. H. Brannon. Holly, 

Dahlonega; John Carter, Brookhaven, Brookhaven; 

Louis Hutchinson, Ritz, Austell; Nat 

Williams. Interstate Enterprises. Thomasville, 

Ga.; N. H. Waters sr.. Waters. Birmingham; 

Wishing You A Happy And 

PROSPEROUS 1950 

Give your popcorn bus ness a real start for the New Year, and 

buy "Manley Merchandise." Manley's Popcorn is quality controlled 

and pops bigger and fluffier. Manley Seasoning has 

is flavor plus. Manley Salt fine grain. Manley Cartons and 

Bogs ore America's best known popcorn packages. And last, 

but not least, Manley Machines are tops! 

Buy Manley — and Make Everything Nifty in 1950! 

WE BIGGEST NAME IN POPCORN 

Mack Johnson. Strand. Alexander City; C. S. 

Pitman. Pitman. Gadsden; J. W. Miller, 

Dixie. Cordova, and Earnest Ingram. Ashland, 

Ala., and James Biddle. Jasper, Jasper, 

and M. C. Moore, Lakeshore, Jacksonville, 

Fla. 

Pine and Thomas Relate 

Some Results of Tour 

CHARLOTTE—"One thing we have discovered 

on our torn'," said Producer William 

Thomas here this week, "theatremen all 

over the country seem to have made their 

minds up on what they want." 

Thomas was here with his partner William 

Pine. Producers of Pine Thomas Productions, 

they are visiting 16 cities in 16 days on their 

annual tour of the nation. 

"We found out." said Pine, "that theatremen 

don't want psychological murder mysteries. 

Now there will be some films made like this 

this year, but not by us." 

The producers also discovered that the public 

will tire even of westerns if a certain 

. type is overdone. 

"For instance." said Thomas, "the many 

fiUns with herds of cattle being driven to 

market. People are tired of seeing so many 

cows. They want something different in 

westerns." 

Last year while on tour the producers hit 

on the idea of making a sea story combining 

the same elements of action and excitement 

of a western. Out of this idea has come 

"Captain China," which will be released soon. 

"There is a terrific fight in this picture," 

Pine related. "John Payne and Lon Chaney 

-slug it out on a ship. They beat each other 

to a pulp, jumping on one another from 

heights of ten feet or more, fall down ladders, 

and everything else. And this they did 

themselves. They wouldn't use doubles. 

"We were pretty worried about it because 

the .scene was shot early in the shooting 

schedule. If Payne had cracked a rib or 

.something we would have had to drop him 

in the ocean and let Jeffrey Lynn get the 

girl." 

The producers left for New Orleans after 

a day here during which they were entertained 

at a luncheon by Paramount Manager 

Al Duren. 

Norris McCollum Named 

Manager at Calhoun, Ga. 

PORT ST. JOE. FLA.—Several changes in 

personnel at the Martin Theatre chain will 

take Norris McCollum, manager of the Port 

Theatre for several years, to Calhoun, Ga., 

where he wall be manager of another Martin 

theatre. This is an advance for McCollum 

as the new post is at a much larger theatre 

than the one here. Replacing him as manager 

of the Port is C. J. Brown, who is being 

transferred from Milledgeville, Ga. 

Offers Free Xmas Show 

GURDON, ARK.—The Hoo Hoo Theatre, in 

cooperation with merchants of the city, is 

sponsoring a big free Christmas show on 

Shoppers' day, December 22, 23. 

Peter Virgo, character actor, will be featured 

in "The Killer That Stalked New York," 

a Columbia film. 


Williamson Again Heads 

Variety Club in Memphis 

MEMPHIS — Ed Williamson, manager of 

the Warner Bros, exchange here, was reelected 

chief barker of 

the local Variety Club 

at a meeting last Monday 

(19) in its clubrooms. 

Other officers 

named for 1950 include 

Bob Bostick, first assistant 

chief barker; 

Clayton Tunstill, second 

assistant chief 

barker; Bailey Pritchard. 

secretary, and 

Chrisman, 

Herman 

treasurer. New chair- 

Ed Williamson men chosen to head 

committees include Bob Bostick. membership; 

Ben Blueste!n. entertainment, and Jack 

Scharff, shutins. 

A charter member of the local Variety 

Club. Williamson has been a member since 

1942. He headed the organization for the 

first time when he was elected by its directors 

to fill out the luiexpii-ed term of David 

Flexner. president of Flexner Theatres, Inc., 

who resigned to devote his time to his various 

business interests. Williamson has served 

many times as chairman for parties and other 

programs for Memphis orphans and shutins. 

Earl Young Is Promoted 

To Succeed Will Mack 

MEMPHIS—A series of promotions were 

announced at Chi-istmastime by Malco Theatres. 

Earl Young, manager at Hope. Ark., where 

Richards-Lightman Theatre Corp. operates 

the Saenger and Rialto. has been promoted 

to city manager at Jonesboro. Ark., where 

Malco operates the Strand, Palace and Liberty. 

Young succeeds Will Mack, who will 

retire January 1, but will continue in an 

advisory capacity. 

Edward Holland, Malco manager at Clarksville. 

Ark., has been promoted to manager 

at Hope to succeed Young. 

Holland is succeeded at Clarksville by A. 

F. Thomas, former assistant at Fayetteville. 

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Write for trial trim — State size. 

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Memphis, Tenn. 

MONARCH 

THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc. 

MEMPHIS 

pilm exchange;* held Christmas parties last 

weekend and this week. Universal employes 

staged their annual yule celebration 

at Variety Club December 16. 20th-Fox Family 

club. compo.sed of Fox employes, had their 

big Santa Claus party at Variety Monday 

' 19. Warner Bros, staged its party at Variety 

Tuesday (20) . . . Frances Barker inspector, 

and Robert Schlofer, were to be married December 

24 in Memphis. Many Warner employes, 

where Miss Barker works, attended. 

Frank Owen, office manager at Warners, 

is leaving his post January 1 to become a 

salesman for Klyce Brothers Motor Car. Co., 

Studebaker dealers ... J. Fred Brown, who 

operates Bristol Theatre in Memphis, Ozark 

Amusements Co. and Prescott Theatres in 

Ai'kansas, is recovering from an illness which 

sent him to Baptist hospital in Memphis for 

a spell. 

Nathan Reiss, owner Gem Theatre, Covington, 

Tenn., is rushing repairs on his theatre 

which was damaged by a fire in the projection 

booth December 6 . . . Fourth Street 

Drive-In, West Helena, Ai'k.. closed for the 

winter, Ed Blair, owner, said. 

Loew's State was the scene of the 17th annual 

Christmas benefit show for the needy 

of Memphis. Funds were used in the American 

Legion-Commercial Appeal fund to buy 

baskets of food for the poor. The show was 

staged December 18 at midnight with State 

Manager Arthur Groom, Loew's Palace Manager 

Cecil Vogel and Louis Ingram, MGM 

manager, cooperating. Both theatres sold advance 

tickets and MGM furnished the picture, 

A stage show was presented. 

More than 3,000 attended the annual show 

staged at Ellis auditorium by the Memphis 

Musicians union and the Press-Scimitar to 

buy Christmas toys and clothing for Memphis 

needy children through the newspaper's 

Goodfellows fund . . . Malco Theatre was the 

scene of much excitement one night last 

week. A bandit suspect fled into the theatre 

with police right behind him. He had just 

held up a nearby Main street store. Hundreds 

of police surrounded the theatre and conducted 

a thorough search, but the robber 

escaped. 

First run attendance was off but Christmas 

week was expected to show an increase, 

managers said . . . Willis Houck of Joy Houck 

Theatres. Inc., has piu'chased the Rex Theatre, 

Little Rock, from Claude and Thelma 

Mundo. Rex will continue to book in Memphis 

Mmes. Stigall and Massey have 

. . . bought Stone Theatre, Mountain View, Ark., 

and will book and buy in Memphis. 

Whyte Bedford, Marion. Hamilton, Ala., 

was a Memphis visitor . . . Executives from 

Mississippi included J. R. Adams, Tate, Coldwater; 

C. J. Collier, Globe, Shaw; Bem Jackson, 

Delta, Ruleville; Jack Watson, Palace, 

Tunica ; Mrs. Clara Collier, Globe, Drew ; Mrs. 

Vallery Burke. Benoit, Benoit; Joe Wofford, 

Eupora and Jomac, Eupora, and P. E. Morris, 

Regent and Honey, Indianola. 

Mrs. H. A. Fitch, Erin, Erin, Tenn., and 

Lyle Richmond, Missouri and Richmond, 

Senath, Mo., were Filmrow visitors . . . From 

Arkansas came Frank Patterson. City at 

Jimction City and Joy at Dubach, La.; Lawrence 

Landers, Landers, Batesville; Gene 

Higginbothan, Melody. Leachville; John 

Staples, Carolyn and Franklin, Piggott; Orris 

Collins, Capitol and Majestic. Paragould; K. 

H. Kinney, Hays. Hughes; W. E. Ringger, 

Gem at Leachville and Gem at Osceola; Paul 

Whiting, King Cotton, Cotton Plant, and 

Everett Malcolm, Arkansas, Mammoth 

Springs. 

Arthur Rush, Houston. Miss., will take over 

as manager of the Memphis office of Allied 

Independent Theatre Owners of the Mid- 

.south. Inc.. in Hotel Chisca in Memphis January 

1. Ru.sh will spend week days in Memphis 

and weekends in Hou.ston. He will continue 

his activities in Mi.ssi.ssippi where he 

is directing a fight again.st 30 per cent taxes 

on theatre admissions—20 per cent federal 

and 10 per cent state. 

Ellis auditorium presented Tennessee Williams' 

stage play. "A Streetcar Named Desire," 

for three performances last Friday and Satui'day 

"High Button Shoes" was scheduled 

. . . "Without Honor," 

for December 21-24 . . . which was passed without cuts by Memphis 

censors, opened at Loew's State. United 

Artists expressed fear that Memphis censors 

might not pass it "because it is frank treatment 

of the problem of unfaithfulness." 

After 17 years as partners. Bill Pine and 

Bill Thomas—called the longest running double 

bill in Hollywood—were in Memphis for 

coiifabs with L. W. McCIintock, manager for 

Paramount, and to look things over generally. 

The producing team attended a luncheon with 

40 or 50 exhibitors while here to "talk things 

over." Latest Pine-Thomas production. "Caplain 

China." will open at the Paramountowned 

Strand in Memphis January 24. Payne 

is scheduled to make personal appearances 

in connection with the picture. 

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BOXOFFICE :: December 24, 1949 

97

. . Featured 

. . The 

Florida Courl Rules 

City Tax Is Illegal 

ST. PETERSBURG—The city legal depaitment 

had no comment this week relative to 

a ruling by the state supreme court declaring 

the city's 10 per cent tax on amusements 

illegal. The city now holds more than $8,000 

in amusement taxes which, under the supreme 

court ruling, must be refrmded unless further 

action is taken. 

The high tribimal upheld an opinion by 

circuit court Judge Victor O. Wehle who said 

the levy was unconstitutional. 

Assistant City Attorney Harry I. Young, 

who argued the city's case before the high 

court, said he could not reveal the city's position 

until he had received the full text of 

the court's opinion. 

There appears only one coiu-se open to the 

city if it chooses to continue the fight to 

establish the validity of the tax. This would 

be in the form of a petition for rehearing 

which, in view of the unanimous decision by 

the tribunal, is not expected to be filed. 

Stars Stop at Miami 

On Way to Hotel Fete 

MIAMI—A troupe of Hollywood celebrities 

stopped over here on their way to the opening 

of the Hilton Caribe hotel in San Juan, 

and their arrival was described as "just the 

kind of public relations medicine the film 

colony needs." 

Forty persons comprised the group for 

whom a cocktail party and dinner was given 

at the Northshore hotel. Miami Beach Mayor 

Harold Turk and other city officials were on 

hand to do the welcoming honors. The group 

arrived as guests of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, 

president of Eastern Air Lines. Included 

in the delegation were Gloria Swanson, 

her daughter Michelle Farmer, Alexis 

Smith, Janis Carter, Leo Carillo, Drue Mallory, 

Jon Hall, Robert Preston. Craig Stevens 

and Stephen Chase. 

Leaving with the party the next day for 

San Juan were Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Biffle. 

Biffle i.s secretary of the U.S. senate. Aboard 

also were Peter F^-eeman, vice-president of 

Paramount, and C. E. Arney, president of the 

National Ass'n of Broadca-sters. 

Highway Bridge Opens 

Memphis-Arkansas Route 

MEMPHIS—The new $15,000,000 

four-lane 

automobile bridge across the Mississippi river 

from Memphis to Arkansas was opened last 

Saturday. 

Driving time from Memphis to West Memphis, 

just acrcss the river, which was formerly 

45 minutes, has been cut to 12 "i minutes. 

Most of the pictui'es banned in Memphis 

are shown in West Memphis theatres. 

A. E. Kemp Heads Local 225 

ATLANTA—A. E. Kemp has been elected 

president of lATSE Local 225. Other new 

officers include I. P. Allen, vice-president: 

J. M. Morris, treasurer; Bruce Self, secretary; 

Fred Rauol, business agent, and Jesse C. 

Cox and R. R. Means, delegates to the Atlanta 

Federation of Trades. 

Jimmy Durante has been borrowed from 

MGM to star with Donald O'Connor in the 

U-I film, "The Milkman." 

NEW ORLEANA 

nctivities on FiUnrow were highlighted by 

the arrival of William H. Pine and William 

C. Thomas, Hollywood producers, who 

were guests at a luncheon sponsored by 

Paramount Wednesday at the Roosevelt hotel. 

Among those present at the luncheon were 

L. C. Montgomery, Eldon Briwa and Ernest 

MacKenna, of the Joy Theatre, New Orleans; 

W. A. Prewitt and Mam-ice Artigues, Allied 

Theatres; Page Baker and Ed Ganucheau, 

Tlieatres Service Co.; Abe Beren.son, Gretna, 

La.; Rene Binmet, Imperial Theatre. New 

Orleans; E. J. Fonseca, Ashton, New Orleans; 

Earl Evans, Everett Olsen, Gordon Bradley 

and Foster Hotard of Paramoimt. 

Other visiting dignitaries included Producer 

Eddie Dowling, here to confer with 

author Bob Tallant; Tallulah Bankhead, who 

will star in Noel Coward's "Pi'ivate Lives," 

.scheduled for a run at the Poche, starting 

December 26; Paul Douglas, Barbara Bel 

Geddes and Richard Widmark, who will begin 

shooting Eliza Kazan's "Port of Entry"; Paramount's 

advance exploitation man Earl 

Evans, scheduled for an 8-week stay, who is 

now working on a campaign for "Samson 

and Delilah." 

"Highlights of Notre Dame-SMU Game" 

is included in the Saenger Theatre's program 

for the week. This 7-minute short has been 

released by Floyd P. Murphy of Commerce 

Pictures. Murphy announced that the "LSU 

vs. Tulane" was held for a second week's run 

at the Joy, New Orleans. Sixteen prints have 

been distributed throughout the territory to 

many independents and to Joy Theatres, Don 

George circuit. Film Service. Theatres Service 

Co., W. W. Page circuit and Broggi Booking 

Service. 

On Friday, December 23, the Poche Theatre 

here presented a concert by the Yale 

Glee club. American Folk Songs, Scandinavian 

Songs, Old English glees and Yale 

songs, including the "WhiffeniMof Song," 

comprised the program for the evening. The 

local Alurmii Ass'n received proceeds for the 

Yale Scholarship fund. 

Paramount Pep club opened the Christmas 

holidays with a supper dance at the White 

Kitchen, Thursday night. Warner Bros, employes 

celebrated Friday night in Jefferson 

parish, while other local exchanges entertained 

on the Row Friday evening . . . H. G. 

Prophit jr. will close his drive-in in Monroe. 

La., for the winter season. 

A. L. Royal, Meridian, Miss.; Arthur Lehmann, 

Jackson, Miss.; Roy Pfeiffer, Baton 

Rouge, La., and OUie Bales, Abbeville, La., 

were in town . at fir.st run New 

Orleans theatres were; Saenger. "Brimstone"; 

Loew's State, "The Doctor and the Girl"; Orpheum, 

"Always Keep Them Laughing" and 

Joy, "Holiday Inn." 

Improve Frostproof, Fla., Theatre 

FROSTPROOF, FLA. — Considerable remodeling 

and redecorating is being done to 

the Ramon Theatre. The lobby and foyer 

will be painted in shades of turquoise and 

plum. Restrooms are being modernized, and 

the ticket booth glassed in. 

A comedy lead has been handed to Rudy 

Vallee in the United Ai-tists film, "Once 

Over Lightly." 

Trade Remains Steady 

At Atlanta Theatres 

ATLANTA—Grosses at local fii-st runs were 

steady. "The Lady Takes a Sailor" at the 

Fox chalked up a lively 112 per cent to set 

the pace. "A Dangerous Profession" at the 

Paramount was next best with 109 per cent. 

Other houses were above average. 


Fox—The Lady Takes a Sailor (WB) 112 

Loews—Challenge to Lassie (MGM) 101 

Paramount—A Dangerous Profession (RKO) 109 

Roxy—The Golden Stallion (Rep); Hellfire (Rep) ...103 

Holiday Hair Style Show 

FORT PAYNE. ALA.—DeKalb Theatre 

sponsored a holiday hair style show December 

14 in cooperation with three local beauty 

shops. Two shows were given. Prizes were 

awarded to the persons guessing the identity 

of a mystery singer, a local man, and there 

were two $15 free permanent waves. 

Variety Holds Xmas Party 

CHARLOTTE—The Variety Club staged 

its annual Christmas party for children of 

its members in the clubrooms at the Charlotte 

hotel December 22 at 2 p. m. The club's 

annual New Year's eve party will be held in 

the hotel ballroom December 31. 

Film Show Benefits Church 

BLOUNTSTOWN, FLA.—R. L. Bailey, manager, 

donated the use of the Eagle Theatre 

for a benefit performance of "Montana Mike." 

Proceeds were given to the Methodist church 

and will be used for repairing its outdoor 

cooking rig. No admission was charged, but 

a collection was taken. 

CHARLOTTE 

poy L. Champion has sold his Biscoe, N. C, 

Theatre to Mr. Long . Charlotte 

Variety Club will hold its annual New Year's 

party at the Charlotte hotel December 31. 

Gene Dyer and Ray Ervin are in charge of 

Everett Olsen, Paramount 

reservations . . . 

advertising man, has returned to his desk 

after a week in New Orleans. 

Elizabeth Mary Ross, 17-month-old daughter 

of Mr. and Mrs. Barney Ro.ss, has been 

stricken with polio. Memorial hospital officials 

say the case is not serious. This is the 

15th case of polio this year. Nine of them 

were in the city limits. 

Roy Rogers presented cowboy suits and 

boots to children and friends of salesmen and 

bookers of Charlotte. Each salesman and 

booker was asked to send Rogers the sizes of 

the individual child and a suit and boots 

was sent to fit. 

Nick Condon and Frank Braden brought 

"Sam-son and Delilah" here in an exhibit 

of .stills taken when the picture was in production. 

Condon is in charge of the Paramount 

exhibits for the film and Braden is 

a press agent of Ringling Bros.-Barnum & 

Bailey circuit, assisting Condon on the "Samson" 

stunts. 

Red Skelton has been signed to portray 

himself in a sequence in "Duche-ss of Idaho," 

a 20th-Fox film. 

98 December 24, 1949

LfJ"^^^" ^^'"''^ 

NFB Commissioner 

MONTREAL—W. Arthur Irw.ii, 

newspaper 

and magazine editor, will be the new commissioner 

of the National Film Board. The 

51-year-old editor of MacLean's magazine 

will replace Ross McLean, 44. whose threeyear 

contract expires January 9. 

Reconstruction Minister Winters confirmed 

reports that McLean's contract as board commissioner 

was not being renewed. He declined 

to disclose the name of the new commissioner, 

but Irwin said in Toronto that he 

had been offered the job by Winters and 

that he had accepted. 

McLean confirmed his retirement but said 

he had no statement to make immediately. 

It was expected that an official government 

announcement would be issued after Winters 

had an opportmiity to discuss Irwin's appointment 

with other members of the cabinet. 

Winters said that as NTB chaimian he had 

decided there "should be a fresh approach" 

to the work being done by the board. As a 

result, a new commissioner would be appointed. 

He praised McLean for his service to the 

board in the 11 years he has been associated 

with it, the last four as commissioner. 

He emphasized that McLean was not being 

let out due to recent criticism in commons 

over film board employes being screened 

for loyalty. The board has been under criticism 

for almost a month, most of it directed 

at the screening of board employes. 

It was reported that Irwin will receive a free 

hand in NFB matters on the understanding 

he will clear up the situation in such a way 

that it will regain public confidence. Reports 

said he will receive a salary of $15,000 annually. 

McLean's salary has been $8,000 a year. 

Irwin joined McLean's editorial staff in 1925 

and eight years ago became its managing editor, 

graduating to editor about four years ago. 

Zero Chill in Edmonton 

Forces Drive-In to Close 

EDMONTON, ALTA.—In the face of zero 

readings on the thermometer, the Starlite 

Drive-In here has closed for the winter. 

Opened early this year, the airer just 

west of the city has been drawing big crowds 

nightly. Norman McDonald, manager, announced 

a few weeks ago he would be closing 

down "any time," but a prolonged spell 

of warm weather allowed operation into early 

December. 

Originally it was planned to have electric 

heaters available for patrons' cars, but a 

switch in exchange regulations barred their 

import from the U.S. Substitutes wUl be 

made in Canada but they will not be ready 

until spring. 

Joe Lieberman Elected 

ST. JOHN—At the annual meeting of the 

Shaarei Zedek synagogue here, Joshua "Joe" 

Lieberman was renamed to the presidency. 

He is a partner in B&L Theatres and a former 

Columbia exchange manager. Named to 

the directorate was Sam Babb, manager of 

the Mayfair Theatre. Other theatremen who 

are active members of the congregation include 

Abe Garson, maritime manager for 

Odeon; Mitchell Bernstein, partner in B&L 

Theatres, and Joe Franklin, head of Franklin 

& Herschorn. 

Alberta Blue Law Hinders 

New Year's Eve Shows 

EDMONTON— Alberta's Sunday blue law 

bounced hard on theatre operators here. 

Two weeks ago Attorney General Lucien 

Maynard, top provincial law official, and the 

provincial secretary, whose government department 

looks after theatre legislation, aniiounced 

that this year theatres would be 

allowed to run New Year's eve after-midnight 

previews, regardless of the fact that the shows 

would be held in the wee small hours Sunday. 

A number of operators began planning their 

programs, ordered special ticket and program 

printings, lined up an advertising campaign 

and so on. 

Then the government order allowing the 

early Sunday showings was rescinded. No 

reason for the sudden about-face was given. 

But an Edmonton newspaper blamed the 

move on pressiu-e by Calgary clergymen. 

Police officials in Calgary had revealed 

tiiat they planned to enforce regulations requiring 

all theatres, dance halls and public 

places of entertainment there to close at 12 

o'clock Saturday night. Theatre managers 

in that city were reported much relieved by 

the rescinding order and postponed their 

hoUday frolics to Sunday midnight. 

It is understood ministers in the southern 

center were outspoken in criticism of the 

move to ease the Sunday restriction. Churchmen 

in Edmonton didn't protest publicly, although 

some felt the relaxation order was 

the "thin edge of the wedge." But the capital 

city clergy loudly praised the rescinding 

order. 

Said the Rev. A. M. Ti-endell, Anglican 

church dean of Edmonton; "In view of the 

fact that the Lord's day act is constantly 

under pressure to loosen up restrictions placed 

on the observance of Sunday, I view with appreciation 

the action of the attorney general 

in prohibiting the use of theatres into Sunday, 

in spite of the fact that New Year's coincides 

with the Lord's day." 

Theatre managers, however, had other 

views. "Shocking, amazing," were the terms 

they used to describe the about-face order. 

Walter P. Wilson of the FPC Capitol said he 

personally had received permission to open 

for a Sunday morning preview. This oral 

permission had been followed up by a letter 

of confirmation. Only stipulation had been 

Electric Commission 

Turns Santa Claus 

Toronto—After a variety of threats 

about what the Ontario hydroelectric 

commission would do if the consumers 

failed to show more economy of electricity 

in the power shortage throughout Ontario, 

Chairman Robert H. Saunders decided 

to be a Santa Glaus. He announced 

that from December 15 to 24 the commission 

would ease the restrictions to permit 

the lighting of advertising displays and 

store ^vindows from 7 o'clock to midnight 

each evening. Such use of power prior to 

7 p. m. would continue to be banned, however, 

because of the peak load during the 

late afternoon. 

that all tickets be sold before midnight December 

31. 

Wilson said Edmonton police officials were 

in favor of the midnight preview plan. It 

helped materially by cutting down crowds on 

the streets as the New Year rolled in. 

"We've had these midnight shows on Sundays 

before," Wilson recalled. 

Capitol prices for the midnight show for 

some years have been $1.25 general admission 

and $1.50 loges. The house alw-ays was 

sold out three or four days before New Year's 

eve. Door prizes were a feature, with top 

award generally being a $250 Chesterfield 

suite. 

One theatre manager blamed the whole 

upset on the press. Said he; "The press can 

be blamed ... If the newspapers and radio 

stations had kept quiet about the whole thing 

we would have been able to go ahead with our 

New Year's shows." 

Some houses may run previews after midnight 

January 1. Under Canadian law, when 

a holiday such as Christmas and the New 

Year fall on a Sunday, the Monday automatically 

is a holiday. Early morning Boxing 

day, December 26, previews are planned by a 

nimiber of exhibitors. 

Bl-itish Columbia May Celebrate 

After Sundo'y Midnight 

VICTORIA, B. C—Deputy Attorney General 

Eric Pepler said here this week that if 

night clubs, theatres or other places of 

amusement stay open after midnight New 

Year's eve, they'll be breaking the law. But, 

he had no comment on what the department 

might do about it. 

"The Lord's day act says it is illegal to 

carry on entertainment on Sunday if a fee 

is charged directly or indirectly," Pepler said. 

He added that even if theatres and clubs do 

not sell tickets on Sunday, their operation 

would be illegal because it would be an 

"indirect Sunday charge." 

Chief Constable Mulligan is preparing a 

statement on what city police will do to enforce 

the Sunday closing law. 

Meanwhile, J. H. Boothe of Odeon Theatres 

said, "if the attorney-general's department 

doesn't want us to open, we won't open. 

"We'll have midnight shows on Simday. 

with proceedings starting at one minute past 

12 on Monday morning. That means w;e'll 

celebrate New Year's one day late. We had 

intended to stay open downtown on New 

Year's eve, but we don't intend to defy the 

law." 

New Ponoka, Alta., Theatre 

Will Open December 26 

PONOKA, ALTA.—The newly designed and 

equipped theatre here opens December 26. 

The 500-seat house forms a new landmark in 

this central farming community and will offer 

motion picture programs six days weekly. 

The house was built by H. Labrie, operator 

who also owns the Empress Theatre here. The 

older 380-seater wiU handle weekend crowds, 

opening only on Saturday. 


. . Harry 

. . With 

. . The 

VANCOUVER 

DiU Wallace, Marpole manager, is seriously 

ill with a lung ailment at the Columbia 

hospital in New Westminster . . . Joyce Taylor, 

Rex cashier, was married to Vernon More. 

She will return to the theatre after the honeymoon 

. Howard of Theatre Equipments 

and Han^f Page, Eagle Lion manager, 

were on a sales trip in the interior . . . Fred 

Stone, Sovereign Films manager, and David 

Gilfillan, Ai-thur Rank 16mm manager, were 

on Vancouver island visiting the narrowgauge 

Jack Reid, Monogram 

theatre spots . . . Harry Woolfe, United 

salesman, was ill . . . 

Artists manager, returned from a Chicago 

Howard Fletcher, Studio 

sales convention . . . 

projectionist, is recuperating from an operation. 

Charlie Doctor, Capitol manager, reports 

attendance is excellent at the Eaton's Good 

Deed club each Saturday a. m. The juveniles 

are given stage acts, cartoons and a 

serial. Admission is 15 cents. 

Ernest Lay, owner of the Roxy was slugged 

and robbed of $350 in Saturday night's receipts 

. . . Harry Simmonds, Vancouver architect 

who has designed many British Columbia 

Odeon theatres, was re-elected president of 

the Architect's Institute of British Columbia. 

Named vice-president was Fred Towiiley, who 

has designed many Famous Player houses. 

Construction will get under way before the 

New Year on the Fraser Valley's first drivein. 

Located two miles west of Cnilliwack, it 

will be built by Louis Tisman and city alderman 

John Mcintosh. Capacity will be 500 

cars. P. W. Mahon, Famous Players partner 

in two Prince Albert, Sask., theatres, has 

announced plans for the building of an outdoor 

theatre in the northern Saskatchewan 

town 100 miles from Saskatoon. 

The three-man conciliation board named 

to settle the dispute between lATSE B-71 and 

the distributors on a 20 per cent increase demand 

by backshop employes held its first 

meeting at the courthouse. A decision will 

be announced by December 24, Chairman 

Percy Gomery said . . . Bob Murphy, Paramount 

manager, attended a regional sales 

conference at Toronto where the main topic 

was "Samson and Delilah," which will be released 

in this ten-itory soon. 

Local Odeon theatre managers held their 

Christmas party on the stage of the Hastings. 

David Niven Inked 

David Niven has been inked for Producer 

Joe Pasternak's "Kiss of Fire," a Metro picture. 

SEASON'S GREETINGS 

from 

J. M. RICE & CO. 

Motion Picture Supplies & Equipment 

202 Canada Building 

Winnipeg 

TORONTO 

Tânager Howard Elliott of the Fairlawn in 

the north end obviously is happy once 

more now that the suburban house has been 

paired with the Carlton street Odeon for 

simultaneous bookings. The change got under 

way with "The Hidden Room." Manager 

Wannie Tyers of the Odeon staged a fashion 

show on two afternoons in the theatre's restaurant 

. Ross McLean stepping out 

as commissioner of the National Film Board 

in Ottawa, his assistant, Ralph Foster, attracted 

no little attention by making the 

rounds in Toronto where he was once a newspaper 

reporter. 

Win Barron, ejcploiteer for Canadian Paramount, 

sent out gold invitations for a screening 

December 28 of "Samson and Delilah" at 

the Victoria, where the film will premiere the 

following day . . . Recent trade visitors included 

Dewey McCourt of the Brock, Niagaraon-the-Lake; 

R. H. and V. Flaherty of the 

Strand, Beaverton; W. S. Quiim of the Victoria, 

Tweed; Sam Merlina of the Berford, 

Wiarton; W. S. Woof of the Liberty, Amherstburg, 

and E. S. Meehan, former exhibitor of 

Lindsay. 

Sarah Churchill appeared with Jeffrey 

Lynn in "The Philadelphia Story" on the 

stage of the Royal Alexandra . theatre 

managers of Chatham got together in 

the organization of a community draw for 

turkeys before Christmas, the proceeds to be 

turned over to the Variety crippled children's 

school of Toronto Tent 28. They offered 25 

turkeys—not films. 

Al Perly, manager of the Biltmore, has 

been transferred to the head office of Biltmore 

Theatres' circuit to head the new publicity 

and ad department . . . President J. J. 

Fitzgibbons of Famous Players and Manager 

Tom Daley of the Imperial are directors of 

the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews 

which is organizing a Toronto Brotherhood 

week February 19-26. 

A. Bossenberry, proprietor of the Aldon at 

Grand Bend, is the latest new member of 

the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario 

. . . Two engineers have joined the staff 

of General Theatre Supply Co., the equipment 

subsidiary of Famous Players. They are 

Harold Isaacs and James Piatt. 

« sags SSS JSfit SSSS 3Sg5 5Sg5 5855 WS JSSS sasS jaa 3583«5 Sgt;i 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

and a 

PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 

from 

MANITOBA MOTION PICTURE 

EXHIBITORS' ASSOCIATION 

S Season's Greetings § 

tg from » 

I 

^ 

g 

^ 

CHARLES MAYBEE 

Manager 

GENERAL THEATRE SUPPLY 

CO., Ltd. 

^ 185 Portage Ave. East Winnipeg 

100 BOXOFFICE :: December 24, 1949

. . Mel 

. . Les 

WINNIPEG 

nil Famous Players houses pushed hard the 

sale of gift tickets as the ideal Christmas 

Charlie Ki'upp. former longtime 

gift . . . showman now associated with one of the 

city's leading oil finns as its sales manager, 

has carved another career for himself by buying 

his way into the hotel business. Charlie 

now is owner of the St. Boniface hotel. He 

still has a finger in the film industry by 

operating a booking agency for country 

houses in addition to his other enterprises. 

All local houses have felt the usual pre- 

Christmas falling off in busi:iess, but with 

the holiday season in sight, they now are 

sitting back waiting for the bonanza they 

always receive . . . Famous Players' first run, 

downtown Gaiety, has been playing "Paisan" 

for a second week. 

Lou Goldin's Rialto has been showing a 

double bill of foreign films; one, the Austrahan 

"Eureka Stockade," and the other 

the British "Snowbound" ... A Jewish picture, 

"The Cantor's Son," with Moishe Oysher. 

has been doing well at Ban Sommers' 

State. 

After a short-lived run of the Swedish picture, 

"Apassionata," with Vlveca Lindfors, 

Albert Cohen's Valour is opening with the 

British filming of H. G. Wells' "History of 

Dave Rosemond carried his 

Mr. Polly" . . . 

first run of "Not Wanted" into an extra week 

and now has opened with the Abbott and 

Costello comedy, '>Meet the Killer." 

For the Christmas season, Tom Pacey 

brought in "The Wizard of Oz," which started 

off to a big play at his house. 

As a special Christmas attraction, the Winnipeg 

Ballet is presenting a new three-act 

ballet, "The Rose and the Ring," with choreography 

by Director Gweneth Lloyd and 

music by Walter Kaufman, conductor of the 

Wirmipeg Symphony . Torme, the 

"Velvet Fog," is coming to town to delight the 

bobbysoxers at Don Carlos' Casino, Januaiy 

6-12. 

The Tribune notes that the Memorial at 

Reston, Man., has built a cry room, a soundproof, 

glass-enclosed room where mothers can 

take their babies without missing any of the 

picture when the yoimgsters start to cut up. 

The idea has value, thinks the paper, and 

commends it to the consideration of local 

house operators. 

Marcus Loew's Theatres 

Adds to Working Capital 

OTTAWA—Keeping capital expenditm-es 

at a minimum, Marcus Loew's Theatres, Toronto, 

is steadily rebuilding its working capital 

position, which was depleted by the redemption 

of the preferred stock in April 1947. 

Redeeming the shares took $763,428 and reduced 

net current assets from $808,249 as of 

Aug. 28, 1946. to $248,250 at the end of the 

following August. However, during the year 

just completed with net profits totaling $115,- 

172 and capital expenditures aggregating 

only $34,922 and dividends paid amounting 

to $30,000, working capital at August 31 last, 

improved to $469,491 from $304,227 a year ago. 

Current assets were higher at $566,434 and 

consisted chiefly of $202,674 in cash and $353,- 

114 in Dominion of Canada bonds. 

Trade al Vancouver 

Holds Fairly Well 

VANCOUVER^Considering the pre-Christmas 

slump, business at first runs held up 

rather well. Most of the theatres were getting 

average or better grosses, and where 

business was off, it is not unexpectedly low. 

A return visit of "Dillinger" at the Paradise 

led the town. A second week of "That Forsyte 

Woman" at Capitol, also held up fairly well. 

Capitol—That Forsyte Woman (MGM), 2nd wk. Good 

Cinema—The Winslow Boy (EL); Spring in 

Park Lane (EL) Average 

Dominion—My Friend Irma (Para): Rope ol Sand 

(Para) 

Fair 

Orplieuin—Task Force {WB) Average 

Plaza and Hastings-Too Late lor Teors (UA) Fair 

Strand—Thieves' Highway {20th-Fox) Average 

Stale- Call Northside 777 (20th-Fox), plus stage 

show 

Fair 

Studio—Mrs. Fitzherbert (IFD) Average 

Vogue— Passport to Pimlico (EL) Fair 

"Adam's Rib' in Second Week 

Is Best at Toronto 

TORONTO—Many seats were vacant during 

the week before Christmas. Only one holdover 

was in the major list, "White Heat," 

in its second week at the Imperial. 


Biltmore Silver Queen (UA),- The Night Invader 

(SR) 80 

- 

Imperial—White Heat (WB), 2nd wk 85 

Loew's-Adam's Rib (MGM) 105 

Odeon and Fairlawn-The Hidden Room (EL) 95 

Shea's Nortown and Capitol—The Small Voice 

(EL).' Arctic Fury (RKO) 85 

Tivoli—Under Capricorn (WB) 

S5 

University and Eglmton—Holiday Inn (Para); The 

Lady Eve (Para)..._ - 85 

Uptown—Tension (MGM); Free For All (U-I) 85 

Calgary Grosses Are Good 

Despite Holiday Rush 

CALGARY—Exhibitors were content with 

business here dui-ing the usual pre-Christmas 

rush. All local houses did good business with 

strong film offerings. 

Capitol—Madame Bovary (MGM) Good 

Grand—Home of the Brave (UA) Good 

Strand—Scene of the Crime (MGM); 

Counterpunch (Mono) - Good 

ST. JOHN 

IJalpli C. Ellis, 25, former field representative 

for the National Film Board in 

Nova Scotia, now is located at Ottawa, 

handling distribution of NFB films to theatres. 

He was in the field about three years 

and is a native of Milton, N. S.. near Liverpool 

. Sprague, part owner and manager 

of the FairvUle, N. B., Gaiety, and 

projectionist at 'the Empire here for many 

years, is credited by some industryites with 

installing the first talkies in the maritimes. 

The Gaiety was founded by Tom O'Rourke 

and is heading for its 30th birthday. 

O'Romke owns a half Interest, as well as 

owning and managing another Gaiety about 

90 miles away at Mlnto, N. B. The FairvUle 

Gaiety was improved considerably several 

months ago. The front has been revamped. 

A new sound system has been installed in 

the Park at Southwest Harbor. There is one 

show daily at the .seaside house at 7:30. Single 

bills prevail, with tliree weekly changes . . . 

Booked into the Grand, Ellsworth, for the 

holiday period were "I Was a Male War 

Bride," "Madame Bovary," "That Forsyte 

Woman," "Oh, You Beautiful Doll." There 

are six bill changes a week, including a dual 

for Saturday. 

OTTAWA 

. . . 2,500 

•Phe civic board of control ivis made a bid for 

a .substantial share of tii' Ontario amusement 

tax of 20 per cent in .- move to help 

to defray the rising costs of l.^v government. 

The Ontario Ass'n of Mayo; and Reeves 

has been asked to take up tht matter with 

-ome the provincial authorities 

juveniles crowded the Capitol for ur armual 

Christmas performance of the loi i Rotary 

club Satui-day morning (17 1. The th. itre was 

donated by Manager T. Ray Tubmai: in behalf 

of Famous Players. 

The Britisii feature, 'Whisky Galore, has 

been given the new title of "Tight Little 

Island" for its release in the Dominion. 

There seems to be some connection betwet n 

whisky and being tight, at that. The picture 

was screened for a gxiest audience by Manager 

Jack Gibson at the Glebe Sunday night 

(18), prior to Christmas engagement under 

the theatre's adult-audience policy. 

Tlie Evening Citizen ran a streamer story 

to announce that Ontario theatres had got 

together to submit a brief to the provincial 

government for strict enforcement of the 

lotteries act which would ban bingo competition. 

The Ottawa police department favors 

the abolishment of bingo games . . . 

The 

mobile television unit of Famous Players 

Canadian Corp.. under the supervision of 

George Cuthbert. TV engineer, will make its 

next appearance at the forthcoming convention 

here of the Ontario Medical Ass'n, for 

which 1,000 doctors are expected. 

After several weeks, the entrance to the 

Regent continues to be boarded up while the 

front is being remodeled and patrons are required 

to use what is virtually a side door. 

Manager Hem-y Marshall is somewhat amazed 

that business had held up despite the inconvenience 

The new 

for customers . . . Odeon was used for the first time for a special 

attraction when the Ottawa Choral union 

gave a performance of Handel's "Messiah" 

December 14 with Manager Gord Beavis 

supervising the presentation. All seats were 

reserved. 

In Ottawa to talk sports, Clarence S. Campbell, 

president of the National Hockey league, 

Montreal, disclosed that he is interested in 

four drlve-in theatres in Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

Opposes Sunday Change 

TORONTO—With the local ratepayers voting 

Januai-y 2 on the question of abolishing 

the Sunday blue laws, William P. Covert, 

lATSE vice-president, condemned any commercialization 

of the religious day in a statement 

in a display advertisement. Covert is 

business agent of the Toronto Local 173 of 

projectionists. Covert said in part that he 

regarded the move as "the thin edge of the 

wedge to break down the workers' one day 

of rest in seven and it is a definite attempt 

to take away the God-given freedom of 

Sunday. We will oppose this move with every 

power at om" command." 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE CENTER AISLE LIGHTS 

With numbered Panels for Ramps with Opaijue Panels 

for Driveway Illumination 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. KââsMI^Mo. 


. . Jack 

. . 

Two Executives Resign 

From Odeon of Canada 

TORONTO—Tv\o resignations from Odeon 

Theatres within a week, a short time after 

the visit to Torunto of John Davis of London, 

a director 

'.•: lie Canadian circuit and gen- 

erally rei .'fifd as the spokesman for J. 

Arthur RaiiK. startled film circles here. The 

first to -esign was George W. Peters, vicepresidi 

Living-Cost Pay Link 

Rejected by Board 

'1' who announced he intended to go 

VANCOUVER—F*rojectionists in 32 British 

into iiiuther business field. 

Columbia theatres operated by Famous Players 

Canadian Corp. turned down a concili- 

S

aii. 

.1- 

kjOXOFFICE BAROMb.r-u • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

Bookmûide 

[mature chart • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART 

iORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS 

IB,

EXHIBI AS HIS SAY ABOUT 

PICTURES 

Juit as the Barometer page shows first run reports on current pictures, this 

department is devoted for the most part to reports on subsequent runs, made 

by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is 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 

exMbitori vaeleome. Blue ROtbon jHcturea are marked thus W. 

COLUMBIA 

Adam Had Foot Sons (Col)—Reissue. Warner 

Baxter, Ingrid Bergman. A good old reissue 

whloh did fair business for me. However, 

I could not show a profit on the engagement. 

My patrons want acting, not emotion. 

Played Tuesday. Weather : Good.—E. M. Preiburger. 

Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. 

Small town patronage. • • • 

Lust for Gold (Col)—Glenn Ford, Ida Luplno. 

Gig Young. This is another of those 

"adult entertainment" pictures that didn't 

click here. Played Wed., Thurs.—Harland 

Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General 

patronage. • • • 

New Adventures of Batman and Robin 

(Col)—Serial. We have the best serial business 

with this since "Jungle Girl." The kids 

are wild about it and even the grownups like 

this serial. It is much better than the average. 

Played Fri., Sat.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, 

Queen Theatre, Holllday, Tex. Oil field patronage. 

• * • 

Return of October, The (Col)—Glenn Ford, 

Terry Moore, Albert Sharpe. This Is very 

good and attendance was above average. My 

folks go for this type. They go for any good 

picture. Played Fri., Sat., Sun.—Frank Sabin. 

Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small 

town and rural patronage. • • • 

Rim of the Canyon (C3ol)—Gene Autry, Nan 

Leslie, Thurston Hale. Good old Gene! After 

a week of mediocre pictures and small receipts, 

this pulled them in on Fri., Sat. and 

helped us to show a profit on the week. This 

picture is good as usual, so play it soon. 

Weabher: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount 

Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town 


Swordsman, The (Col)—Larry Parks, Ellen 

Drew, George Macready. This feature drew 

exceptionally well In this situation. Larry 

Parks did a swell Job and the Scottish setting 

made it extremely interesting. This should 

do well in any action house. Business was 

above average here. Played Thurs., Fî., Sat. 

Weather: Fair.—H. J. McFall, Lyric Theatre, 

Russell, Man. Rural and small town patronage. 

• • • 

Untamed Breed, The (Col)—Sonny Tufts, 

Barbara Britton, George "Gabby" Hayes. 

Golly, I'm glad I didn't pass this one (and 

I almost did). It's a pippin'. We enjoyed 

every minute of it. Sonny Tufts, Gabby 

Hayes, the wild horse, the Brahma bull and a 

story with a new twist—bet you'll like it. 

—Prank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, 

Mont. Small town and rural patronage. • • * 

EAGLE LION 

Noose Hangs High, The (EL)—Lou Costello, 

Bud Abbott, Cathy Downs. This is neither 

better nor worse than other A&C pictures 

and was enjoyed by an above average crowd. 

People still like to laugh loud and long. 

Played Sun., Mon.—W. O. Woody, Stockton 

Theatre, Stockton, Mo. Small town and rural 

patronage. 

• • • 

Olympic Games of 1948 (EL)—Documentary 

narrated by Bill Stem and Ted Husing 

and British sportcasters. This is wonderful 

for athletic centers. Fine Technicolor and 

complete and excellent coverage of all events. 

This overgrown cowtown didn't even know 

what the games were, so I took a beating of 

50 per cent of normal business. Little towns, 

beware. Played Sat. (preview), Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Clear and cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy 

Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Second and third 

downtown run patronage. • • 

FILM CLASSICS 

Lost Boundaries (PC)—Mel Ferrer, Richard 

Hylton, Beatrice Pearson. This was played 

midweek (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) to more than 

average business. It is truly a great picture 

and we were proud to show it. The characters 

were real and human (and mostly unknown), 

but even the kids were exceptionally 

quiet. When the young man found out he 

was a Negro, you could have heard a pin drop. 

He really did a fine job hi that part. In fact, 

the whole cast was superb. Weather: Clear 

and cold.—Jack Hammond, Shastona Theatre, 

Mount Shasta, Calif. Small lumber 

town patronage. 

• • • 

LIPPERT PRODUCTIONS 

Jungle Goddess (LP) — George Reeves, 

Wanda McKay, Armlda. This was a fair picture, 

bought right and it did a nice business 

for us. Our patrons go for action pictures. 

No sophisticated stuff for them. We wish we 

could get more of these little Jungle pictures. 

We never pass one up, and are never disappointed. 

Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Pair. 

—Lois and Ira Haaven, States Theatre, East 

Grand Forks, Mlrm. Small town and rural 

patronage. • • 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

UBarkleys of Broadway, The (MGM)—Fred 

Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Oscar Levant. We 

could not agree with fellow exhibitors that 

reported favorably on this picture. Rogers 

and Astaire are getting too old for our fans. 

Many commented that It was monotonous. 

We had a very poor turnout and some walkouts. 

We were disappointed and would recommend 

it only for midweek. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Pair.—Walt Sayler, Dakota Theatre, 

Wishek, N. D. Rural and small town 


Edward, My Son (MGM)—Spencer Tracy, 

Deborah Kerr, Ian Hunter. This Is Just too 

morbid and tawdry for a small town. I guess 

this one sets a new aUtime record for low. 

Pulled a Dumb Boner 

Playing It Midweek 

MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (RKO)—Terry 

Moore, Ben Johnson, Robert Armstrong. 

What a dumb boner we pulled by playing 

this midweek! It's the best action and exploitation 

picture we have liad all year. 

We advertised it and also made several' 

special announcements in our theatre. 

It's a natural for smaller towns and by 

all means, play it Sunday. If some tliink 

this corn, then by all means, RKO, give 

us more corn. We had a wonderful turnout 

and comments were excellent. We 

would enjoy comments from others on 

this one. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Cold. — Walt Sayler, Dakota Theatre, 

Wishek, N. D. Rural and small town patronage. 

• • 

Monogram Commended 

For Family Films 

TRAIL OF THE YUKON (Mono)— 

Kirby Grant, Suzanne Dalbert, BUI Edwards. 

We doubled this with "Mississippi 

Rhythm" to the best Saturday night in 

monttis. Monogram should be commended 

for its excellent family-tyx>e films. Played 

Saturday only. Weather: Cold.—Bert J. 

Lewis & Sons, Peerless Theatre, Holyoke, 

Colo. Small town patronage. * 

The acting is great but the story, including 

the absence of Edward, is certainly a turkey. 

Illegitimate children, drunken mothers and 

Tracy's secretary-paramour all make for fine 

family trade! We would have lost money If 

Metro had given us the picture. Yet, on the 

other hand, if they had given it to us, we 

could at least have kept it off our screen. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.—Jack 

Hammond, Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta, 

Calif. Small lumber town patronage. • • • 

Uln the Good Old Summertime (MGM)— 

Judy Garland, Van Johnson, S. Z. Sakall. 

This is one of the most charming pictures 

we have ever played. It has a wonderful 

story, good music, excellent comedy and beautiful 

Technicolor. Business was good and our 

people were well pleased. It is worth preferred 

playing time at reasonable flat rental. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.—E. A. London, 

State Theatre, Olivet, Mich Small town, 

rural and college patronage. • * 

Neptune's Daughter (MGM)—Esther Williams, 

Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban. This 

Technicolor comedy was a midweek hit here. 

It is well made, as is most of the MGM product, 

and this did the business. Red Skelton 

was very good and as far as my customers 

and I are concerned, he was the whole show. 

Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Pair.—L. D. 

Montgomery, Melba Theatre, Oakwood, Tex. 

Small town and rural patronage. • * 

OStratton Story, The (MGM)—James Stewart, 

June Allyson, Prank Morgan. This is a 

natural from Leo, the lion. I promoted a 

ball-and-bat giveaway with one of the hardware 

stores in conjunction with this picture 

and included a big window display and extra 

advertising, thus enjoyed above average gross 

with the picture. Everyone enjoyed the show, 

and I strutted around town for several days. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Rain.—Fred G. 

Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax, 111. Small 

town and rural patronage. * • 

Three Godfathers (MGM)—John Wayne, 

Pedro Armendariz, Harry Carey Jr. This is 

a different type of western that pleased in 

our situation. Business was above the average 

and we need more of this type. Played 

Wed., Thurs.—Leo W. Smith, Elk Theatre, 

Elkton, S. D. Small town patronage. • 

OThree Musketeers, The (MGM) — Gene 

Kelly, June Allyson, Van Heflln. The Technicolor 

was perfect but the story took the 

usual Uberties with the book. However, our 

patrons liked the sword-fighting and were 

happy. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fine. 

C. E. McMurchy, Memorial Hall Theatre, Reston, 

Man. Rural and small town patronage. 

• 

MONOGRAM 

Panhandle (Mono)—Rod Cameron, Cathy 

Downs, Reed Hadley. My opposition was 

playing "Father Was a Fullback" but "Panhandle" 

was too much for it. Don't fail to 

play this—I used it Thurs., Fri.-E. H. Moon, 

Peoples Theatre, Donalsonville, Ga. Small 

BOXOFFICE BooldnGtude Dec. 24, 1949

i 

Western Renegades (Mono)—Johnny Mack 

Brown, Max Terhune, Riley Hill. These west- 

don't seem to please as the older ones 

I 

1' did. Better production, apparently, but not 

i 

ems 

are not well attended here. We lost heavily 

on this one, which means, "No more Hope for 

the future." Played Sun., Mon. Weather: 

Panhandle (Mono)—Rod Cameron, Cathy Fair.—E. A London, State Theatre, Olivet, 

Downs, Reed Hadley. We were a little disappointed 

in this feature. The fight scene age. • • 

Mich. Small town, rural and college patron- 

^ 

is very realistic but our patrons were not 

!' overly impressed. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Good.—C. E. McMurchy, Memorial 

I 

( 

Hall Theatre, Reston, Man. Rural and small 

• 


town mixed house, balcony for Negro patronage. 

• • 

|, enough action. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. 

(I Weather: Good.—Terry Axley, New Theatre, 

England, Ark Rural and small town patronage. 

! 

PARAMOUNT 

Alias Nick Beal (Para)—Ray Milland, Audrey 

Totter, George Macready. If there ever 

was a dud, this was one. Besides playing the 

company a rental on this picture that was 

'way out of line, we had more walkouts than 

we have ever had on a picture. If you want 

my opinion, we think Paramount should come 

down to earth with their rentals. It is true 

that they do put out some winners, but they 

also put out some clinkers and this is one of 

them. We could name a few more, too. We 

got stuck with several pictures that we have 

been rimning midweek, and to date we have 

gone in the red on all of them. Don't let 

their high-powered salesman talk you into 

buying this one. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Good.—Lois and Ira Haaven, States 

Theatre, East Grand Forks, Minn. Small 

town and rural patronage. • * 

El Paso (Para)—John Payne, Gail Russell, 

George "Gabby" Hayes. This is a good picture 

for action dates in small towns and is 

worth reasonable flat rental. The Cinecolor 

is not good and many of our customers stated 

that they prefer black and white to Technicolor. 

In our situation the value of a picture 

is diminished by Cinecolor or sepiatone. 

Played Thurs., Frl., Sat. Weather: Fair.— 

E. A. London, State Theatre, Olivet, Mich. 

Small town, rural and college patronage. • • 

Great Gatsby, The (Para) — Alan Ladd, 

Betty Field, Macdonald Carey. This is better 

than Ladd's last, but still lacks his past action. 

Why doesn't Paramount give him another 

"Wild Harvest?" Business was average 

and patrons not too displeased. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair and warm.—Mrs. 

Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex. 

OU field patronage. * • • 

My Own True Love (Para)—Melvyn Douglas, 

Phyllis Calvert, Wanda Hendrix. This 

one smelled up the house so badly that even 

a good feature with it couldn't clear the air. 

It is too bad that time, money and talent are 

wasted on this sort of clinker. Played Pi-i., 

Sat. Weather: Cool and cloudy.—Bert J. 

Lewis & Sons, Peerless Theatre, Holyoke, 

• 

Colo. Small town patronage. 

Paleface, The (Para)—^Bob Hope, Jane Russell, 

Robert Armstrong. Apparently our people 

do not Uke Bob Hope because his pictures 

Terriiic Appeal Still 

In This Reissue 

iiPRIDE OF THE YANKEES, THE 

(RKO) —Reissne. Gary Cooper, Teresa 

Wright, Babe Ruth. This picture still 

has a terrific appeal for the public. We 

were aêeably surprised at our boxoffice 

returns and our patrons were delighted. 

Play it again, by all means. Played Mon., 

Tues. Weather: Fair.—C. E. McMurchy, 

Memorial HaU Theatre, Reston, Man. 

Rural and small town patronage. * 

People Are Funny (Para)—Jack Haley, 

Helen Walker. I brought this one back to 

nice business. It was well liked and moved 

along fast all through. The radio show 

brought the older people out to see Art Linkletter. 

Played Monday. Weather: Clear and 

nice.—L. E. Wolcott, Quinlan Theatre, Quinlan, 

Tex. Small town and rural patronage. • • 

Rope of Sand (Para)—Burt Lancaster, Paul 

Henreid, Corinne Calvet. This is one of the 

better productions from Paramount and it 

did good business. Your patrons should see 

the picture from the fiist, though, to enjoy 

same. There is lots of conversation but superb 

acting and some action. Played Sun., 

Mon. Weather: Good.—Terry Axley, New 

Theatre, England, Ark. Rural and small town 


Streets of Laredo, The (Para)—Macdonald 

Carey, WiUiam Holden, William Bendix. This 

is another big western with beautiful color. 

The big westerns have been thicker than fid- 

People Like to Laugh 

And Be Entertained 

WAS A MALE WAR BRIDE (20th- 

iil 

Fox) —Cary Grant, Ann Sheridan, Marion 

Marshall. We played this midweek (Tues., 

Wed., Thurs.) to 'way over average business, 

which only proves that the people 

Uke to laugh and really be entertained. 

'Tlorence" is a riot and everyone went 

home happy. We made a few bucks and 

so we were happy, too. It is a rare 

event these days. Weather: Good.—Jack 

Hammond, Shastona Theatre, Mount 

Shasta, Calif. Small lumber town patronage. 

* * * 

dlers in you-know-where. But they stiU do 

business and my customers love them. Played 

Thurs., Fri., Sat.—W. O. Woody, Stockton 

Theatre, Stockton, Mo. Small town and rural 


Take It Big (Para)—^Reissue. Jack Haley, 

Harriet Hilliard. This is a very nice picture 

with a very bad title. In fact, if it had had no 

title at aU, I tliink it would have done better. 

The second night here was much better than 

the first. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Nice.—L. E. Wolcott, Quinlan Theatre, Quinlan, 

Tex. Small town patronage. • * 

Trail of the Lonesome Pine, The (Para)— 

Reissue. Sylvia Sidney, Fred MacMurray, 

Henry Fonda. This is still tops in entertainment 

and gave us a good midweek Thanksgiving 

boost. Everyone remembers this story 

and it never grows old. It is good to see 

Spanky MacFarlane again. It's a shame he 

had to grow up. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Fair and warm.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen 

Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil field patronage. 

• • • 

RKO RADIO 

Adventure in Baltimore (RKO) — Robert 

Young, Shirley Temple, John Agar. RKO 

sold this to me at top rentaL I put it on a 

Sun., Mon. rxm. At the last minute I got 

afraid of it and doubled it with "Way Out 

West," and boy, was I glad. "Baltimore" is 

strictly in the medium class—not good, not 

bad. Played Sun., Mon. — Lloyd Hutchins, 

Pangburn Theatre, Pangburn, Ark. Rural 

patronage. * » 

Blood on the Moon (RKO)—Robert Mitchum, 

Barbara Bel Geddes, Robert Preston. 

Mltchum is one of our favorite stars and this 

is a very good picture that did better than 

L 

Thanks UA bjlesman 

For Okaying Picture 

PITFALL (UA)—Dick PoweU, Llzabeth 

Scott, Jane Wyatt. I kicked this around 

for a long time—afraid of it. Mr. John 

Graliam, our UA salesman, said it was 

okay. I booked it and they liked it very 

much and it played to better tbian average 

business. Tlianks, John!—W. O. 

Woody, Stockton Theatre, Stockton, Mo. 

Small town and rural patronage. * * * 

average business on Sun., Mon.—W. O. 

Woody, Stockton Theatre, Stockton, Mo. 

Small town and rural patronage. * • * 

Dumbo (RKO)—Reissue. Disney feature 

cartoon. This is one of the best cartoons 

Disney made and there were fewer walkouts 

in my situation. Business was fair. Played 

Tues., Wed. Weather: Good.—Terry Axley, 

New Theatre, England, Ark. Rural and small 

town patronage. • • • 

Roseanna McCoy (RKO)—Raymond Massey, 

Charles Bickford, Farley Granger. This 

was supposed to be a top picture but we 

couldn't see it. It did less than half what a 

top picture should have done. Although it 

has entertainment value, it has but little 

pulling power. If the trailer had indicated 

more action instead of playing up the love 

affair, it would have appealed more to the 

average moviegoer. Played Sun. through 

Wed.—Von Gulker, Wilshlre Theatre, Fullerton, 

Calif. General patronage. • 

Roseanna McCoy (RKO)—Farley Granger, 

Joan Evans, Charles Bickford. The title of 

this one is for sure real small town meat. 

However, the picture itself is a little too sexy 

for family audiences—or at least that was 

the general comment from the patrons. We 

couldn't show it on the matinee for that reason. 

I guess folks are more acquainted with 

the "comic" version of the feuding McCoys 

and the rugged portrayal was too realistic 

lots of blood and thunder. Played Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Good.—Jack Hammond, Shastona 

Theatre, Mount Shasta, Cahf. Small lumber 

town patronage. • • * 

Song Is Bom, A (RKO)—Danny Kaye, Virginia 

Mayo, Hugh Herbert. We delayed 

booking this picture because we knew that we 

would lose on it—and we did! We lost heavily. 

We believe that the picture has so little 

drawing power that it is not suitable for the 

average small town. Played Tues., Wed. 

Weather: Fair.—E. A. London, State Theatre, 

Olivet, Mich. Small town, rural and college 


Station West (RKO) — Dick Powell, Jane 

Greer, Agnes Moorehead. Business was not 

quite up to average on this western but I 

blame this partly on myself as I did not play 

up Burl Ives in my advertising on this feature—and 

believe me, he Is a drawing card in 

our deck here. However, the trailer was good 

and RKO did not rob us for it. Therefore, 

we have no complaint. Played Thurs., Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Good.—H. J. McFall, Lyric 

Theatre, Russell, Man. Rural and small town 

patronage. 

• • • 

REPUBUC 

Gallant Legion, The (Rep)—Bill ElUott, 

Adrian Booth, Joseph Schlldkraut. This is 

better than our usual Fri., Sat. offering and 

did a little better than average. A better 

title would have helped this picture. Weather: 

Fair.—L. D. Montgomery, Melba Theatre, 

Oakwood, Tex. Small town and rural patronage. 

• • 

Hellfire (Rep) — WllUam ElUott, Marie 

Windsor, Forrest Tucker. This is a very good 

movie in color that I was proud to show. I 

(Continued on page 4) 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Dec. 24, 1949

Exhibitor Hi 

riisîoy 

(Continued from page 3) 

did top business here on this picture. It 

should be good on any day In any location. 

Played Sat. (preview), Sun. Weather: Warm. 

—L. Brazil jr., New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. 

Small town patronage. • • • 

Puddin'head (Rep)—Reissue. Judy Canova, 

Francis Lederer. I waited over a year 

to play a second Judy Canova and was disappointed 

with results. "Sis Hopkins" was a 

record-breaker, but this wasn't. It should have 

been, though the same old com from start to 

finish. It is swell for rural situations. Played 

Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair and cool.—Mrs. 

Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holllday, Tex. 

Oil field patronage. • • » 

Sheriff of Wichita (Rep)—Allan "Rocky" 

Lane, Eddy Waller, Lyn Wilde. This Is my 

second "Rocky" Lane and evidently he's got 

something. "They came in droves and seemed 

well pleased. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Pair. 

—Lloyd Hutchlns, Pangbum Theatre, Pangburn, 

Ark. Rural patronage. • • • 

Train to Alcatraz (Rep)—Donald Barry, 

Janet Martin, William Phipps. This is a 

good action show that will do okay in a situation 

that uses double bills. Played Tues., 

Wed. Weather: Okay.—D. W. Trisko, Rltz 

Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining town patronage. 

• • * 

CENTURY-FOX 

20lh 

Down to the Sea in Ships (20th-Pox)— 

Richard Widmark, Lionel Barrymore, Desm 

Stockwell. We went down to sea in chips 

or, I should say, for lack of them. People 

around here do not seem to know what water 

is and are somewhat timid about paying good 

money to find out. We lost our bathing 

suits on this one. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: 

Nice.—MarceUa Smith, Vinton Theatre, Mc- 

Arthur, Ohio. Small town patronage. • • • 

House of Strangers (20th-Pox)—Edward G. 

Robinson, Richard Conte, Susan Hayward. I 

had an early date on this drama and business 

was fairly good. I bought it right and showed 

a small profit on it. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount 

Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town 

patronage. 

• * • 

It Happens Every Spring (20th-Fox)—Ray 

A Georgia Exhibitor 

Commends 'Boundaries' 

LOST BOUNDARIES (FC)—Mel Ferrer, 

Beatrice Pearson, Richard Hylton. 

I played this on Son., Mon., and it is a 

good picture. In tills town there are two 

theatres and you have to advertise. I sat 

in the theatre and saw the people crying. 

It did some good. I think every theatre 

should play it.—E. H. Moon, Peoples Theatre, 

Donalsonville, Ga. Small town 

mixed house, balcony for Negro patronage. 

* 

Milland, Jean Peters, Paul Douglas. Now 

here is one really darned good show. It Is 

light, wholesome entertainment with comedy, 

baseball, some excitement, and a romance 

all blended together in a well knit story that 

pleased 100 per cent. Not for a long time 

have I had so many spontaneous compliments 

on the picture. It has rather poor boxoffice 

appeal, however, for some reason or 

other. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good. 

Homicide for Three (Rep)—Audrey Long, 

—Walt Rasmussen, Star Theatre, Anbhon, 

Warren Douglas, Grant Withers. We received 

a very poor print on this which almost 

Iowa. Small town and rural patronage. • • • 

ruined the picture. Otherwise it was one of It Happens Every Spring (20th-Fox)—Ray 

the best mystery comedies we have had. Do Milland, Jean Peters, Paul Douglas. I didn't 

I detect an Imitation of Jean Arthur in Audrey 

Long's acting? If so, I certainly hope good and receipts were up, which makes 

see this one but reports from the staff were 

she attains the heights Jean A. did. Warren everything aU right. Played Tues., Wed.— 

Douglas is all right, too.—Marcella Smith, Frank Sabln, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. 

Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town Small town and rural patronage. * • * 


Letter to Three Wives, A (20th-Fox)—Linda 

Main Street Kid (Rep)—Al Pearce, Janet Darnell, Jeanne Grain, Ann Sothem. This 

Martin, Alan Mowbray. Doubled with a Roy is a masterpiece in clever dialog and it Is 

Rogers and we beat the pre-Christmas slump. splendid adult entertainment. Our gross was 

Played Pri., Sat.—Harland Rankin, Plaza only fair and our picture cost was high, 

Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. which adds up to a loss, even though we had 

* * • a college to draw from. Played Tues., Wed. 

Weather: Pair.—E. A. London, State Theatre, 

Olivet, Mich. Small town, rural and college 

patronage. * * 

Purple Heart, The (20th-Pox) — Reissue. 

Dana Andrews, Richard Conte, Donald Barry. 

For some unexplainable reason, the public is 

Took Salesman's Advice: 

He Knew His Stuii 

MA AND PA KETTLE (U-I)—Marjorie 

Main, Percy Kilbride, Richard Long. I 

was advised by the salesman to play this 

picture for three days Instead of two. 

Then if I did not make one of the highest 

grosses I ever had, he would buy. Well, 

he won't have to, so "nnff sed."—^Leo W. 

Smith, Elk Theatre, Elkton, S. D. SmaU 

• 


Sand (20th-Fox) — Mark Stevens, Coleen 

Gray, Rory Calhoun. This is top allocated 

and a good action picture which we used Fri., 

Sat. with the weather okay.—R. V. Fletcher, 

Lyric Theatre, Hartlngton, Neb. Small town 

patronage. 

• • • 

ScuddaHoo! ScuddaHay! (20th-Fox)—June 

Haver, Lon McCallister, Walter Brennan. We 

picked this up for a Thanksgiving day special. 

It's a small town natural and if you haven't 

played it, then by all means write Fox for a 

playdate. The color Is beautiful and it has a 

perfect country setting! Play it Sunday. 

This type of picture is a credit to 20th Century-Fox 

and the movie industry. Played 

Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Walt Sayler, 

Dakota Theatre, Wishek, N. D. Rural and 

small town patronage. • • 

Sitting Pretty (20th-Fox)—Robert Young, 

Maureen O'Hara, Clifton Webb. Here is a 

picture that we were late in playing, but this 

did not hurt at the boxoffice and the patrons 

were all pleased with this comedy. The print 

and sound were good. If you haven't played 

this, then do so. They will come out for it, 

rain or shine. Played Sat., Mon. Weather: 

Pair.-Sam Holmberg, Regal Theatre, Sturgis, 

Sask. Rural patronage. • • • 

UNITED ARTISTS 

Champion (UA) — Kirk Douglas, Marilyn 

Maxwell, Paul Stewart. This is a good prizefight 

picture but did not do big business here. 

Comments were good from those that came. 

Played Sat. (preview). Sun. Weather: Cool. 

Boss Home Smiling 

After This Played 

YOUNGER BROTHERS, THE (WB)— 

Wayne Morris, Janis Paige, Bruce Bennett. 

Here is a swell action Technicolor 

feature. We played it some time after 

the Jesse James series and found that our 

western fans ate this one up, hook, line 

and sinker. We thought it was a well 

made film and had some good acting for 

a western. Warner sold it right and the 

boss went home smiling! Played Fri., Sat 

Weather: Fair.—Walt Sayler, Dakota 

Theatre, Wishek, N. D. Rural and small 


• 

—L. Brazil jr., New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. 

SmaU town patronage. 

• • • 

Great Dan Patch, The (UA)—Dermis 

O'Keefe, Gall Russell, Ruth Warrick. This 

is a pretty good picture and those few who 

saw it seemed to hke it. But it sure fell 

down at the boxoffice. One of the poorest 

Sun., Mon. we have had so far. Weather: 

Pine.—Orin J. Sears, Apache Theatre, Loving, 

N. M. Small town patronage. • * • 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

Ma and Pa Kettle (U-D—Marjorie Main, 

Percy Kilbride, Richard Long. This is a silly 

picture but drew more than 100 per cent of 

our usual Sunday business. It is family entertainment 

which was well received and was 

liked by all. Played Sim., Mon. Weather: 

Excellent.—Howard C. Bayer, Iowa Theatre, 

Schleswig, Iowa. Small town patronage. • 

River Lady (U-D—Yvonne DeCarlo, Dan 

Diuryea, Rod Cameron. This is one picture 

that I personally liked but they stayed away 

in droves. In fact, this one set a new house 

record for an aUtlme low, so It goes down in 

our books as a flop. It's not the stars or 

Technicolor or story that make a good picture—it's 

just the tinkle at the boxoffice, and 

beginning to go for war pictures again. I took the tinkle of this one was in stars (the kind 

a chance on this doubled with "Guadalcanal in the sky!). Played Tues., Wed. Weather: 

Diary" and guessed right on these two reissues. 

Played Tuesday. Weather: Fair.—Al atres, Albany, Ore. Rural and small town 

Rain.—Bob Halliday, Willamette Valley The- 

Hatoff, Rltz Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y. Neighborhood 

* 

patronage. 

• 

patronage. • 

WARNER BROS. 

John Loves Mary (WB)—Ronald Reagan, 

Jack Carson, Patricia Neal. This Is a comedy 

that did pretty fair business. Our attendance 

was none too good but that was on 

account of the weather. Played Mon., Tues. 

Weather: Snowing but mild. — C. E. Mc- 

Miu-chy, Memorial Hall Theatre, Reston, 

Man. Small town and rural patronage. • 

OJohnny Belinda (WB) — Jane Wyman, 

Lew Ayres, cmarles Bickford. This was our 

first Sunday picture this year and it didn't 

do too well, but it's a wonderful picture and 

those who saw it really enjoyed it. Jane 

Wyman was really entitled to the Academy 

Award, for she did a wonderful job of acting. 

Played Sunday. Weather: Fair and warm. 

M. E. Glnn, Manon Theatre, Pickens, Miss. 

Small town and oil field patronage. * • 

South of St. Louis (WB)—Joel McCrea, 

Alexis Smith, Zachary Scott. This is a good 

picture virlth lots of action that we played 

over the weekend to satisfaction. Played 

Fri., Sat.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, 

Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. • • • 

Younger Brothers, The (WB)—Wayne Morris, 

Janls Paige, Bruce Bennett. This does 

above average business, but it's a bloody, 

shootln' story of violence and it had some 

angles about it that people did not like. It's 

not as good as many other super-westerns 

of a historical nature.—Walt Rasmussen, 

Star Theatre, Anthon, Iowa. Small town and 

rural patronage. • • • 

BOXOFTICE BookinGuide :: Dec. 24, 1949

I 

(84) 

.' 

Alphabetkal Picture Guide Index and REW DICES 

?6 sl 

1^ 

,080 Abandoned (79) U-l 10-15-49 

[1)61 Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer 

U-l 8-13-49 

jsg? Accused, Tlie (101) Para 11-20-48 

|997Act of Violence (82) MGM 12-25-43 

!093Adam and Evalyn (93) U-l U-2S-49 

r088 Adam's Rib (102) MGM 11-5-49 

022 Adventure in Baltimore (89) RKO.. 3-26-49 

1998 Adventures of Don Juan (110) WB.. 12-25-48 

012 Affairs of a Rogue, The (95) Col..-. 2-19-49 

033 Africa Screams (75) UA 5-7-49 

042 Against the Wind (95) EL 6- 4-49 

055 Air Hostess (SI) Col 7-23-49 

006 Alias Nick Beal (93) Para. 1-22-49 

085 Alias the Champ (60) Rep 10-29-49 

048 Alimony (72) EL 7- 2-49 

.044 All Over the Town (88) U-l 6-11-49 

.087 All the King's Men (110) Col 11-5-49 

.094 Always Leave Them Laughino 

(118) WB 11-26-49 

.040 Amazon Quest (70) FC 5-28-49 

.101 Ambush (90) MGM 12-24-49 

965 An Act of Murder 9-4-48 

(90) U-l 

|l090And Baby Makes Three (84) Col 11-12-49 

Angels In Disguise (63) Mono - 

1054 Anna Lucasta (86) Col 7-16-49 

L042Any Number Can Play (102) MGU.. 6- 4-49 

1082 Apache Chief (60) LP 10-22-49 

1046 Arctic Fury (61) RKO 6-18-49 

tOTl Arctic Manhunt (69) U-l..; 9-17-49 

1037 Arson, Inc. (60) LP 

3-21-49 

B 

1006 Bad Boy (67) Mono. 1-22-49 

995 Bad Men of Tombstone (74) Mono... 12-18-48 

942 Bad Sister (90) U-l 6-12-48 

i095Bagdad (90) U-l 12-3-49 

1078 Bandit King of Texas (60) Rep 10- 8-49 

1982 Bandits of El Dorado (56) Col 10-22-49 

1072Bafbary Pirate (65) Col 9-17-49 

UeS Barkleys of Broadway. The (110) 

MGM 4.:6-49 

1078 Battleground (118) MGM 10- S-49 

1040 Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend, The 

(77) 20-FoX 5-28-49 

1 

1082 Beyond the Forest (96) WB 10-22-49 

1033 Big Cat, The (75) EL S- 7-49 

1025 Big Jack (85) MGM 4- 9-49 

1027 Big Sombrero, The (87) Col 4-16-49 

1045 Big Steal, The (71) RKO 6-18-49 

1059 Big Wheel, The (92) UA 11-U.49 

1038 Black Book, Tba (formerly Reign 

of Terror) (S9) EL 5-21-49 

1066 Black Magic (105) UA 8-27-49 

Black Midnight (66) Mono 

1077 Black Shadows (62) EL 10- 8-49 

969 Blanche Fury (93) EL 9-18-48 

1061 Blazing Trail, The (56) Col 8-13-49 

1052 Blind Goddess, The (88) U-l 7- 9-49 

935 Blonde Ice (73) FC 5-22-48 

108O Blondie Hits the Jackpot (66) Col. .. 10-15-49 

1021 Blondle's Big Deal (66) Col 3-26-49 

991 Blondie's Secret (68) Col 12-4-48 ± 

1060 Blue Lagoon. The (105) U-l 8- 6-49 -f- 

Bodyhold (..) Col 

1016 Bomba, the Jungle Boy (71) Mono. . . S- S-49 

1065 Border Incident (95) MGM 8-27-4S 

-f- 

+ 

1021 Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture 

(59) Co? 3-26-49 ± 

897 Boy With Green Hair. The (82) RKO 11-20-48 3: 

1010 Bribe, The (98) MGM 2-12-49 + 

1083 Bride for Sale (87) RKO 10-29-49 + 

1023A Bride of Vengeance (92) Para,.. 4-2-49 ± 

1044 Broken Journey (89) EL 6-11-49 

-J- 

+ 

1064 Brimstone (90) Rep 8-20-49 

1015 Brothers in the Saddle (60) RKO... 3- S

I 

++ Very GoodV Good; v Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary Vr is rated Oi 2 pluses. — as 2 minuses. 

1006 Flaxy Martin (86) WB 1-22-49 — 

1051 Follow Me Quietly (60) RKO 7- 9-49 -f 

1034 Forbidden Street, The (91) 20-Foiie.. 5- 7-49 -f 

999 Force of Evil (79) MGM 1- 1-49 ± 

1052 Forootten Women (64) Mono 7- 9-49 ± 

1048 Fountainhead, The (113) WB 6-25-49 + 

1097 Francis (91) U-l 12-10-49 + 

1090 Free for All (83) U-l 11-12-49 + 

1038 Frontier Investicator (60) Rep 5-21-49 + 

G 

1074 Gal Who Took the West, The (84) U-l 9-24-49 

1040 Gay Amigo (62) UA 5-28-49 

+ 

± 

1047 Girl From Jones Beach (78) WB 6-25-49 -f 

1060 Girl in the Painting, The (90) U-l.. 8- 6-49 ± 

12-17-49 ± 

UOO Give Us This Day (120) EL 

1081 Golden Madonna, The (88) Mono.. .10-22-49 ± 

1088 Golden Stallion, The (67) Rep 11- 5-49 

1068 Grand Canyon (78) LP 9- 3-49 

+ 

+ 

1056 Great Dan Patch, The (94) UA.... 7-23-49 +| 

1032 Great Gatsby, The (91) Para 4-30-49 + 

1072 Great Lover, The (80) Para 9-17-49 ± 

1050 Great Sinner, The (110) MGM.... 7-2-49 # 

1017 Green Promise, The (94) RKO 3-12-49 -f 

Gun Runner (56) Mono 

1000 Gun Smugglers (62) RKO 1-1-49 ± 

H 

950 Hamlet (155) U-l 7-10-48 ++ 

1096 Hasty Heart, The (105) WB 12-3-49 -f 

1072 Heiress, The (115) Para. 9-17-49 4+ 

1043 Hellfire (90) Rep 6-11-49 +f 

1007 Henry, the Rainmaker (64) Mono.... 1-29-49 — 

921 Here Comes Trouble (54) UA 4-17-48 + 

1045 Her Man Gilbey (77) U-l 6-18-49 i 

1025 Hideout (61) Rep 4- 9-49 ± 

1000 Highway 13 (60) LP 1- 1-49 ± 

976 Hills of Home (95) MGM 10- 9-48 + 

Hold That Baby (64) Mono 

1091 Holiday Affair (..) RKO 11-13-49 + 

1074 Holiday in Havana (73) Col 9-24-49 ± 

1034 Homo in San Antone (62) Col 5- 7-49 ± 

1031 Home of the Brave (86) UA 4-30-49 

1018 Homicide (77) WB 3-12-49 

-f 

± 

992 Homicide for Three (60) Rep 12- 4-48 ±. 

1069 Horsemen of the Sierras (56) Col... 9-10-49 ± 

1063 House Across the Street, The (69) WB 8-20-49 ± 

1046 House of Strangers (101) 20-Fox... 6-19-49 ++ 

898 Hunted, The (85) Mono 2- 7-48 -f 

I 

1067 Ichabod and Mr. Toad (68) RKO... 9- 3-49 

1004 1 Cheated the Uw (71) 20.Fox 1-15-49 

H 

± 

1073 1 Married a Communist (73) RKO.. 9-24-49 

1009 1 Shot Jesse James (81) LP 2-12-49 

+ 

+ 

1061 I Was a Male War Bride (105) 20-Fox 8-13-49 -f- 

1046 Illegal Entry (84) U-l 6-18-49 ± 

1021 Impact (111) UA 3-26-49 + 

1048 In the Good Old Summertime 

(102) MGM 6-25-49 + 

± 

999 Incident (68) Mono 1- 1-49 

985 Indian Agent (65) RKO 11-13-48 

1092 Inspector General, The (104) WB..U-19-49 

+ 

+ 

1080 Intruder in the Dust (87) MGM 10-15-49 ±. 

1017 It Always Rains on Sunday («!) EL 3-12-49 ±. 

1036 It Happens Every Spring (89) 20-Fox 5-14-49 -t- 

1058 It's a Great Feeling (85) WB 7-30-49 ++ 

J 

991 Jiggs and Maggie in Court (70) Mono. 12- 4-48 + 

1067 Jiggs and Maggie in Jackpot Jitters 

(67) Mono 9- 3-49 + 

1019 Jigsaw (72) UA 3-19-49 ±. 

982 Joan of Arc (145) RKO 10-30-48 +f 

1014 Joe Palooka in the Big Fight 

(66) Mono 2-26-49 -f 

h^ 

Joe Palooka in the Counterpunch (71) 

Mono 

1008 John Loves Mary (96) WB 1-29-49 ++ 

1047 Johnny Allegro (81) Col 6-25-49 -f 

1093 Johnny Holiday (92) UA U-26-49 + 

1055 Johnny Stool Pigeon (75) U-l 7-23-49 + 

1064Jolson Sings Again (95) Col 8-20-49 ++ 

1037 Judge, Ttie (69) FC 5-21-49 ±. 

1035 Judge Steps Out, The (91) RKO 5-14-49 ± 

997 Jungle Jim (73) Col 12-25-48 ± 

972 Jungle Patrol (70) 20-Fox 8-25-48 -f 

996 Just 

Just a Big Simple Girl (..) UA 

William's Luck (86) UA 12-18-48 — 

K 

1049 Ka2an (65) Col 7- 2-49 

1070 Kid From Cleveland, The (89) Rep. 9-10-49 

+ 

— 

969 Kidnapped (80) Mono 9-18-48 .ff 

1082 Kiss for Corliss, A (88) UA 10-22-49 + 

I "ia i i Is i-l |l 

m zE >iZ x££zzo 

± + ± -f 

•H 

-f tt 

5+7- 

7+4- 

7+4- 

6+4- 

6-1-5- 

6+3- 

7+ 

7+3- 

6+3- 

± 6+2- 

5+4- 

±. 8+2- 

+ 7+2- 

3+1- 

3+3- 

± 7+1- 

- 3+3- 

±. U+3- 

+ eH-2- 

+ e+2- 

± 8+4- 

± 8+3- 

=t ^3- 

5+3-

] 

1014 

. )24.A 

j. 

ttVery Good; + Good; ±Fair; —Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary 'H is rated as 2 plui. 

f 

as 2 minuses. 

Ranje Justice (..) Mono 

'- 90 Banner of Chei-okee Strip (60) Rep. ..11-12. 

>( 84 Rccliless Moment, The (82) Col 10-29 

;Jt 09 Red Canyon (82) U-l 2-12 

173 Red Danube. The (119) MGM 9-24- 

147 Red, Hoi and Blue (84) Para. 6-25' 

'163 Red Light (83) UA S-20 

142 (87) Red Menace, The Rep 6-4 

111 Red Pony, The (89) Rep 2-19 

ISO Red Shoes, The (134) EL 10-23. 

. 119 Red Stallion in the Rockies (S5) EL 3-19- 

. 117 Ride, Ryder, Ride (59) EL 3-12 

I. 196 in Col.' Riders the Sky (70) 12-3. 

. IS3 Riders of the Range (60) RKO 10-29' 

. 141 Riders of the Whistling Pines 

(70) Col 6- 

Rimfirc (67) LP 4- 2- 

...155 Rim of the Canyon (70) Col 7-23-49 

fj )56 Ringside (62) LP 7-23' 

u )53 Roll Thunder Roll! (58) EL 7-15-49 

V. 350 Rope of Sand (105) Para. 7- 

,. )63 Roseanna McCoy (89) RKO 8 

•.;. )07Rose of the Yukon (59) Rep 1-29- 

)37 Roughshod (88) RKO 5-21- 

-. 100 Rugged O'Riordans, The (83) U-l.. 12-17 

;j. )22 Rustlers (61) RKO 3-26- 

i 029 Rusty Saves a Life (68) Col 4-23^ 

094 Rusty's Birthday (60) Col 11-26-49 

S 

084 Samson and Delilah (130) 10-29-49 

Para. 

079 San Antone Ambush (60) Rep 10-15-49 

031 Sand (77) 20-Fox 4-30-49 

102 Sands of l«o Jima (109) Rep 12-24-49 

029 Saraband (95) EL 4-23-49 

u 091 Satan's Cradle (60) UA 11-19-49 

. 057 Savage Splendor (60) RKO 7-30-49 

_ 048 Scene of the Crime (94) MGM 6-25-49 

_ 028 Scott of the Antarctic (111) EL 4-16-49 

_i 032 Secret Garden, The (92) MGM 4-30-49 

J. 049 Secret of St. Ives, The (76) CoL.. 7- 2-49 

,;. 022 Set-Up, The (72) RKO 3-26-49 

j. 

035 Shamrock Hill (71) EL 5-14-49 

j. OOlShcp Comes Home (62) LP 1- 8-49 

,' .015 Sheriff of Wichita (60) Rep 3- 5-49 

j^ .057 She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (104) RKO 7-30-49 

,. .003 Shockproof (79) Col 1-15-49 

.094 Silent Dust (82) Mono 11-26-49 

;. 

998 Siren of Atlantis (75) UA 12-25-48 

.056 Sky Dragon (64) Mono 7-23-49 

•j. 

1059 Sky Liner (60) LP 8- 6-49 

;1059 Slattery's Hurricane (83) 20-Fox. .. 8-6-49 

1023- A Sleeping Car to Trieste (95) EL. . 4- 2-49 

1010 Slightly French (81) Col 2-12-49 

(.ilOOSSmoky Mountain Melody (61) Col... 1-29-49 

j. 

986 Snake Pit, The (108) 20-Fox. .. .11-13-48 

, 

.1024 Snowbound (85) U-l 3-26-49 

^. 993 So Dear to My Heart (82) RKO 12-11-48 

^932 So This Is New York (79) UA 5-15-48 

|, ; 967 

Sofia (S3) FC 9-11-48 

Song of India (77) Col 2-26-49 

1^,1072 Song of Surrender (93) Para 9-17-49 

Son of Billy the Kid (65) LP 

11027 Sorrowful ^ Jones (88) Para 4-16-49 

,1061 South of Death Valley (54) Col 8-13-49 

_ 

Parole, Inc. (87) EL 1-15 

Passport to Pimlico (84) EL 10- 

')7 Piccadilly Incident (88) MGM 2 

)rr Pinky (102) 20-Fox 10- 

58 Pirates of Capri, The (94) FC 12-10' 

13 Place of One's Own, A (94) EL 2-26 

!3 Plunderers. The (87) Rep 11- 

)5 Port of New York (79) EL 12- 

J9 Portrait of Jennie (90) EL 1- 1-49 

71 Post Office Investigator (60) Rep... 9-17-49 

35 Prairie. The (65) LP 10-29 

18 Prejudice (58) MPSC 3-12. 

S6 Prince of Foxes (107) 20-Fox 8-27 

26 Prince of Peace (formerly The Lawton Story) 

(111) Hallmark 4-9 

11062 South o( Rio (60) Reo 8-13-49 

1011 South of St. Louis (88) WB 2-19-49 

1032 Special Agent (70) Para 4-30-49 

1076 Spring in Park Lane (91) EL 10- 1-49 

10S9 Square Dance Jubilee (79) LP 11-12-49 

+ + 

.BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Dec. 24, 1949 

H- -H 

+ + 

+ + 

+ + 

+ ± 

+ + 

H- # 

+ -f 

+ 

+ + 

tt tt 

+ 

+ -ttt 

tt 

+ - 

+ + 

-f + 

tt -f 

tt 

tt 

tt 

tt 

+ + 

+ + 

+ + 

+ + 

i: + 

tt 

tt 

+ + 

+ 

+ + 

+ + 

fa 

±. - 6+6- 

tt 

+ 

tt 

± 

IIH- 

6+6- 

tt tt tt tt 13+ 

5+2- 

± 7+6- 

± 9+2- 

4+2- 

10+1- 

tt 

± 6+S- 

1+2- 

± + 

6f2- 

9+1- 

49 ± -f ± + + 

5+2- 

30 Prince of the Plains (60) Rep 4-23 

± — ± — 4+6— 

97 Prison Warden (62) Col 12-10-49 -f 

± ± 5+4- 

91 Project X (60) FC 11-19 

+ - ± 2+5- 

Q 

23-A Quartet (120) EL 4- 49 4+ + + tt +1 4+ tt 12+ 

Quick on the Trigger (54) Col 

+ ± i 4+3- 

+ ± 

+ + 

+ 

+ ± 

+ 

tt ± 

+ tt 

+ ± 

+ 

+ + 

+ ± 

+ + 

2+3- 

5+ 

frfl- 

tM-2- 

tt 9+2- 

6+3- 

frf2- 

9+ 

+ 9+ 

tt ItH- 

6+4- 

6+4- 

± 4+3- 

4+ 

± 5+3- 

± 5+2- 

it 5+4— 

4+2- 

=t 5+5- 

+ 8+2- 

* 9+2- 

± 6+6- 

± 6+4- 

4+3- 

Sfl- 

2+1- 

12+ 

5+3- 

7+2- 

7+1- 

6+2- 

4+1- 

tt + »f 

+ + 

tt 

tt 

+ 

8+ 

9+ 

+ 10+2- 

± 5+3- 

tt 8+2- 

± 7-H- 

3+ 

± 6+3- 

+ 

12+ 

tt 

± 

tt 

± 7+4- 

2+1- 

± 5+6- 

± 5+5- 

± 4+3- 

+ ± 6+2- 

+ 6+2- 

+ ± 5+5- 

tt tt tt tt 13+ 

± 3+3- 

+ 

+ 

tt 

± 

+ + + 

+ 10+ 

± 7+2- 

± 7+1- 

- 6+6- 

± 5+3- 

± 4+3- 

6+ 

3+1- 

± 5+S- 

± 7+3- 

± 7+3- 

tt 6+ 

1046 Stagecoach Kid, The (60) RKO 6-18-49 — 

1044 Stallion Canyon (72) Astor 6-11-49 + 

1031 Stampede (78) Mono 4-30-49 + 

1015 State Department—File 649 (87) FC 3- 5-49 ± 

1092 Story of Molly X, The (83) U-l ... .11-19-49 

1083 Story of Seabiscuit, The (93) WB. 10-29-49 

+ 

+ 

1075 Strange Bargain (68) RKO 10-1-49 

981 Strange Mrs. Crane, The (60) EL. . .10-23-48 

+ 

± 

1034Stratton Story, The (106) MGM 5- 7-49 

1010 Streets of Laredo (92) Para 2-12-49 

ff 

+ 

1034 Streets of San Francisco (60) Rep. . . 5- 7-49 + 

989 Strike It Rich (81) Mono 11-27-48 + 

1002 Sun Comes Up, The (93) MGM 1- 8-49 

1036 Susanna Pass (67) Rep 5-14-49 

+ 

± 

1068 Sword in the Desert (100) U-l 9- 3-49 ++ 

T 

1018 Take Me Out to the Ball Game 

(93) MGM 3-12-49 

1041 Take One False Step (94) U-l... 6- 4-49 

1019 Tale of the Navajos (53) MGM 3-19-49 

++ 

+ 

± 

lOOSTarzan's Magic Fountain (73) RKO 1-22-49 + 

1068 Task Force (116) WB 9-3-49 tt 

1092 Tell It to the Judge (87) Col 11-19-49 + 

1020 Temptation Harbor (78) Mono 3-19-49 + 

1091 Tension (95) MGM 11-19-49 + 

1084 That Forsyte Woman (112) MGM . 

.10-29-49 + 

1065 That Midnight Kiss (98) MGM.... S-27-49 # 

990 That Wonderful Urge (82) 20-Fox. .11-27-48 tt 

1088 Thclma Jordon (100) Para. 11-5-49 + 

1094 There's a Girl in My Heart 

(82) Mono 11-26-49 ±. 

945 They Live by Night (Reviewed 

as Your Red Wagon) (95) RKO.. 6-26-4S + 

1070 Thieves' Highway (94) 20-Fox 9-10-49 + 

1002 This Was a Woman (102) 20-Fox.. 1- 8-49 + 

1083 Threat, The (65) RKO 10-29-49 + 

992 Three Godfathers (106) MGM 12- 4-48 

1093 Tight Little Island (84) U-l 11-26-49 

+ 

— 

1087 Tokyo Joe (88) Col 11-5-49 

1028 Too Late for Tears (99) UA 4-16-49 

+ 

+ 

± 

± 

± 

— 

1060 Top 0' the Morning (98) Para 8- 6-49 + + tt 

1092 Tough Assignment (64) LP 11-19-49 ± ±. ± 

1059 Trail of the Yukon (67) Mono 8- 6-49 ± — ± 

Trail's End (55) Mono ± 

952 Train to Alcatraz (60) Rep 7-17-48 — ± ± 

1076 Trapped (78) EL 10-1-49 + -j- + 

1073 Treasure of Monte Cristo (76) LP.. 9-24-49 ± ± 

Trouble Makers (66) Mono ± -j- 

20-Fox Trouble Preferred 

1041 Tucson (64) 

(63) 

20-Fox 6-4-49 ± 

-(- 

— 

±, 

— 

1022 Tulsa (88) EL 3-26-49 tt 

1020 Tuna Clipper (77) Mono 3-19-49 -)- 

tt 

.f 

+ 

± 

1101 Twelve O'clock High (133) 20th-Fox. 12-24-49 ++ 

u 

1071 Under Capricorn (117) WB 9-17-49 + ± ± 

1021 Undercover Man, The (85) Col 3-26-49 11 + +f 

1097 Undertow (71) U-l 12-10-49 — ± ± 

1087 Under the Sun of Rome (100) UA. .11- 5-49 ± + 

976 Unfaithfully Yours (105) 20-Fox. . .10- 9-48 — + _ 

989 Unknown Island (75) FC 11-27-48 ± ± 

V 

1001 Valiant Hombre (60) UA 1- 8-49 ±. ± 

w 

1001 Wake of the Red Witch (106) Rep. . . 1- 8-49 

1039 Walking Hills, The (78) Col 5-28-49 

1011 Waterloo Road (77) EL 2-19-49 

1053 Weaker Sex, The (85) EL 7-16-49 

West of El Dorado (58) Mono 

1033 We Were Strangers (106) Col 5- 7-49 

998 Whiplash (91) WB 12-25-48 

936 Whirlwind Raiders (54) Col 5-22-48 

1095 Whirlpool (97) 20-Fox 12-3-49 

994 Whispering Smith (89) Para 12-11-48 

1065 White Heat (114) WB 8-27-49 

1089 Without Honor (69) U 11-12-49 

1035 Window, The (73) RKO 5-14-49 

1067 Woman Hater (69) U-l 9-3-49 

1100 Woman in Hiding (92) U-l 12-17-49 

1023 Woman in the Hall, The (93) El 3-26-49 

1009 Woman's Secret, A (85) RKO 2-12-49 

994 Words and Music (121), MGM 12-U-4S 

1053 Wyoming Bandit, The (60) Rep 7-30-49 

T 

990 Yellow Sky (98) 20-Fox 11-27-48 + ± ++ 

1064 Yes, Sir, That's My Baby (81) U-l.. 8-20-49 i: ± -f 

984 You Gotta Stay Happy (100) U-l... 11- 6-48 + ± + 

1033 Younger Brothers, The (77) WB 5- 7-49 ± ± ±: 

1052 You're My Everything (94) 20-Fox.. 7- 9-49 + 4+ i 

5+2- lOSlZamba (75) EL. .10-22-49 ± — 

tt 

i: - - + 

tt 

tt 

+ ± 

± + 

tt 

tt 

tt 

tt 

+ + 

2+4- 

4+3- 

6+3- 

± 8+2- 

± 7-f4— 

:t 4+6- 

tt 13+ 

+ 7+1- 

± 7+5- 

±: 7-1-4- 

* 7+2- 

± 6f3- 

tt 12+ 

+ tt 

tt U+ 

+ 7+3- 

S+6- 

± 7-Hl- 

+ 10+1- 

3+1- 

+ 7+2- 

+ 4+ 

tt tt 10+1- 

+ tt 10+ 

± + 10+1- 

6+1- 

5+3- 

± 8+2- 

+ 10+ 

3f2- 

± 7+3- 

9+2- 

4+3- 

7+2- 

6+3- 

9+ 

&+3- 

4+6- 

2+2- 

6-1-6— 

6+ 

+ 

:t 4+3- 

± ± 5+^ 

± 4+3- 

- ± 2+6- 

tt + 12+ 

+ ± 7+2- 

+ tt 7+3- 

tt + 11+ 

- ± 

4+4- 

5+3- 

+ tt 7+3- 

± 5-H- 

+ - 4+5-

I B—June 

I 

RIM 

EAT 

CHART 

Feature productions, listed by compcmy, in order oi rV ^. Number in squS? 

release dote. Production number ia cit right. Number ^ pareniheeee is ninning 

iumished by home oliice of distributor; checkup with local exchanges ia reco: 

R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol if indicates BO! 

Blue Bibbon Award Winner. Symbol O indicates color photography, 

Mar 

26 

Apr 

2 

Apr 

9 

Apr 

16 

Apr 

23 

Apr 

30 

May 

7 

May 

14 

Moy 

21 

May 

28 

Jun 

4 

COLUMBIA 

g (TS) Wfwttrn 181 

STHE BIG SOKBRERO 

OeD« Aiilr;-I1«o> Vndugo 

(78) Drami 140 

THE WALKING HILLS 

(100) Drama 1«1 

KNOCK ON ANY OOOR 

B. [toitart-Jokn Der«k 

0. Mantady-Allene Rotwrta 

1!—Feb. 26—P0-1S18 

(B (68) Drama 111 

RUSTY SAVES A LIFE 

Ted DoBaldBon-CHorla Hetu-j 

J] (6«) Western 1(S 

DESERT VIGILANTE 

55 (82) Art-Mof 181 

HOME IN SAN ANTDIE 

Boy Acuft-J. Tkoiiai 

BlU Bdwarda 

The Moderaalrea 

a (60) A

FEATURE CHART 

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

tMh* COLUMBIA EAGLE LION FILM CLASSICS LIPPERT M-G-M MONOGRAM PARAMGUr 

Sep 

3 

Sep 

10 

Sep 

17 

Sep 

24 

Oct 

1 

Oct 

8 

Oct 

15 

Oct 

22 

Oct 

29 

Nov 

5 

Nov 

12 

Nov 

19 

Nov 

26 

Dec 

3 

Dec 

10 

Dec 

17 

Dec 

24 

(93) Dramt 1 (94) Drama 

B) (98) Muslcil a (78) V.awrn 

MR. SOFT TOUCH 

A PLACE OF ONE'S OWN 

OTHAT MIDNIGHT KISS STAMPEDE 

Qletm Ford-Eielini Keja JanKS UaaoD-M. Loekvuod 

Kathryn Grayson-M. Laroa Hod f^Biocron- lt\f Siora 

B—Scirt. 10—PO-1069 

(rS) Drama 004 

BtM Barrymore-J. Itiirbl Johnny Mack Uown 

ZAMBA 

R—Aug. 27—PO-1065 R— Aiir 30—\ 0-l»31 

(TB) Western 184 (9S) Drama 961! SI (92) Drama 

H) (60) Western 

IS (98) Musical 

The Cowboy and the Indian* AGAINST THE WIND 

1HE SECRET GARDEN HAUNTED TRAILS 

TOP 0' THE MORNIg 

Qene Autry-Bheila Bran Jaok Waraer-S. Sltnoret 

Margaret O'Brien 

Wbli> Wilson 

BIng Crosby-Ann 

Harry Fitzgerald 

Reno Browne 

B—Aut 0—PO-IOIOJ 

(89) Mystery H» (87) Drama 

SII (87) Comedy 4811 

THE DEVIL'S HEICHMEI ONCE UPON A DREAM 

JIGGS AND MAGGIE IN 

Warner Baiter 

Google WItliers-a. Mldileton 

JACKPOT JITTERS 

Mary Betk Bughei 

Orimtb Jones-Betty Lymie 

K«nle Blano-sToe Tale 

B—Sept. 10—P0-l»e9 R—July 9—PO-1061 

m (S6) Western 

(88) Drama 914 a (93) Comedy H (SB) Western 4886 (lOB) Drama 

The Horsemen of the Sierras THE WEAKER SEX 

Tht Doctor and the Girl ROARING WESTWARD ROPE OF SAND I 

(Tharles Starrett 

Cedl Parker-Drsula Jeaiu 

aierm Ford-Janet Leigfc Jimmy Wakely 

Burt Laneaster-C. Calnl! 

Smiley Bumette-Lots Hall Joan Boptlns-Derek Bond 

Cbarles Cobum 

(^Dooball Taylot 

Paul Henreld-P. Lorn 

B—Sept. 10—PG-1889 R—July 18—PO-10B8 

R—Sept. 10—PG-107i 

R—July 2—PG-1M» 

(87) Comedy 12! 

9 (83) Comedy 4818 

Mils Grant Takes Richmond 

ANGELS IN DISGUISE 

LucUle Ball-WUUam Holden 

Leo (3orcey 

Janli Carter-Jamea Oleaaoo 

Bowery Boys 

B—Oct 1—PO-1078 

Vrant Klchards-rhamDlon 

R—Dec. 

a 

17—PO-1099 

Robert Beatty-G. Jatkson 

B—June 4—PO-1042 

Herbert Mari?baU-D. 

R— Aor. SIV—PG-1032 

Rtockvell Andy Clyde 

m (68) Comedy ItB 

Blondie Hits the Jackpot 

Penny Slngleton-Artbur Lake 

Larry BImms-Marjorle Kent 

B—0«t. IS—PO-1080 

n (73) Musical lir 

HOLIDAY IN HAVANA 

Desl Amai-Mary Hateiier 

Ann Doran-Eay Walker 

B—Sept. 24—PG-1073 

O (S6) Western 28: 

BANDITS OF EL DORADO 

Oarles Slarrett-Q. J. Lewli 

Smiley Bumette 

R—Oct. 22—Pa-1882 

(82) Drama 223 

THE RECKLESS MOMENT 

Jamea Masoo-Joan Bemietl 

(S (60) Drama 2] 

RUSTY'S BIRTHDAY 

(78) Drama 00 

TRAPPED 

Uoyd Brldges-Joko Hoyt 

Barbara Paytoo-James Todd 

B—Oct 1—PG-1078 

(98) Drama (1 

THE HIDDEN ROOM 

Bobert Newton-Sally Gray 

NantoD Wayne-Pkll Brown 

(e«) Western 9fiB 

3THE FIGHTING REDHEAD 

Jim BaimoO'Marln Sals 

Forrest Taylor-Peggy Stewart 

R—Oct 8—PG-1077 

83 (66) Drama 112 (91) Comedy 008 

BARBARY PIRATE SPRING IN PARK UNE 

riouald Woods-Trudy Uarskill Anna Neagle-Tom Walla 

Hlckael (70) Western 266 

RIDERS IN THE SKY 

WUdlng-P. Grarea 

B—Oct. 1— PG-ie78 

(88) Drama 124 

TOKYO JOE 

Humphrey Bogart-A. Knoi Dulde Gray-Mlcbatl Deolson 

Florence Marly-J. Courtliikl 

Valentlna 

R— No». 6—PG-1087 

B (66) Western 261 

NEIEGADES OF THE SAGE 

Ckarlea Starrett 

BfflUey Buniett«-L. Bannlnc 

(97) Drama tl2 

THE GLASS MOUNTAIN 

Cortne 

93 (90) Drama 

(Swedljli) 

FRUSTRATION 

Holger Lowenadler 

B—Oct. 1—PO-1078 

83 (60) Mys-Melodrama 

PROJECT X 

Eeltk Abdet-Juk Lord 

RIU Coltoa 

IB—Nov. 19—PO-1091 

\S (86) Outd'r-Art 4805 

BLACK MIDNIGHT 

Roddy McDowall 

Damlan •'Flynn 

83 (119) Drama a (66) Western 4886 33 (103) Comedy 

SS (78) Drama 4901* 

THE RED DANUBE tVESTERN RENEGADES MY FRIEND IRMA 

Treasure ot Monte Criito 

Glenn Langan-Adele Jerfeoa Waller Pldgeon-Petw Lawtord Hack Brown 

Diana Lynn-Don DeFotv 

loknny 

Stere Brodle-B. Jordan 

B—SepL 14—PG-1073 

Btbel Barrymore-J. Lelgb 

R—Sept. 24—PO-1873 

Maj Terbune 

.Marie WUson-Jobn Uol 

R—AUR. 20—PO-108» 

gH (68) Drama 4913 

THE DALTON GANG 

Bobert Lowery-D. Bany 

Betty Adams 

490B 

(73) Western 

Ii (96) Act-Dr 

ii 

DEPUTY MARSHAL 

Jon nail -Frances, Langfotd 

BORDER INCIDENT 

K. Montalban-J. MItclieU 

Oeorgp Murpby-H. DaSUTa 

Dick Foran-Julle 

R—Oct. 

Bishop 

IS—PG-1079 1— ug. 27—PO-ie66 

O (60) Indian-Drama 4824 

APACHE CHIEF 

Alan Curtis-Tom Neal 

Carol "rturston 

R—Ort. 22—PO-1082 

m (79) Musical 4903 m (112) Drama 8 

SQUARE DANCE JUBILEE THAT FORSYTE WOMAN 

lion Barry-Spade Cooley Greer Oarson-Errol Flynn 

Mary Beth Hughes 

Waller Pldgeou-Robert Tounj 

R—Not. 12—POIOSD R—tct. 29—PG-1084 

83 (74) Drama 4821 ^ (102) Drams 

CALL OF THE FOREST ADAM'S RIB 

Bobert Lowery-Ken Curtis Spencer Tracy-K. Hepburn 

M. SberrlU 

Judy HoUlday-Darld Wayne 

R— Nov 6—PG-1088 

gl (96) Mys-Drama 

TENSION 

.Audrey Totter-B. Basehart 

Ojd Charlsse-B. Sullivan 

R—Nov. 19— Pa-1091 

(70) Outd'r-Act 482J 

WOLF HUNTERS 

Klrby Qrant-Belan Parnak 

ii (67) Western 4844 

XIDERS OF THE DUSK 

Vhlp WlLian-Andy Osat 

tS (64) Comedy 4{ 

MASTERMINDS 

Leo Gorcey 

Huntz Hall-Bowery Boys 

a (93) Dram* 

SONG OF SURRENDEI 

Wanda Hendrli-Claude 

donald Cvey 

Sept. 17—PO-lOn 

gl (87) Drama 

CHICAGO DEADLINE 

Alan Ladd-June Havoe 

Donna Beed-Ireae HetTI9< 

R—Sept. 3—P0-1««T 

a (84) Uui-Oni 

RED, HOT AND BLUE _. 

Betty Button-Victor lU 

June Bavoc-BlU Denunri 

B—June 26—PG-IMT "^ 

I 

I 

I 

Dec 

31 

Jan 

7 

Jan 

14 

Jan 

21 

Jan 

28 

H (55) Western 

FRONTIER OUTPOST 

Charles Starrett 

Smiley Bumett« 

(110) Drama 13 

ALL THE KING'S MEN 

Broderlck Crawford-J. Drti 

John Ireland-John Derak 

R—Nov. 5—PG-1087 

June Vincent-Harry Shannon 

R—Dec. 17—PG-1099 

(90) Western-Dr 

©THE SUNDOWNERS 

Robert Preston- B. Sterling 

Cblll Wills-Cathy Downs 

(67) Murder-Mys 218 

. ) Drams 

CHINATOWN AT MIDNIGHT NEVER FEAR 

Hurd Hatfleld-Jean Wllles Sally Forrest 

Tom Powers-Ray Waller Keefe Braasella 

B— Dec. 17—PG-1099 

(68) Crime Drama 214 (120) Drams 

MARY RYAN, DETECTIVE GIVE US THIS DAY 

Marsha Hunt-John Litel Sam Wanamaker-K. Ryan 

Lea Padovanl 

R—Dec. 17—PQ-llOO 

(93) Drtint 

THE THIRD MAN 

Joseph Cotteo-VaUl 

a Welles-Trevor Howard 

gS (98) Mus-Com 

©ON THE TOWN 

Frank Sinatra-Gene Kelly 

Bettv Garrett-Ann Miller 

R— Dec. 10—PG-1098 

(96) Drama 

MALAYA 

Spencer Tracy-James Stewart 

Valenllne Cortesa-J. Hodlak 

R—Dec. !0—PG-1098 

(inS) Drama 

EAST SIDE. WEST SIDE 

Barbara Sfiinwyck-J. Ma.son 

Van IlefUn-Ava Gardner 

.) Drama 

PLEASE BELIEVE ME 

Dp|)or;ih Kerr 

Robert Walier 

a (56) Western 

RANGE LAND 

Whip Wilson 

Keno Browne 

(80) Comedy 

THE GREAT LOVER 

Bob Hope-Rhonda neab 

md Youns-Oary Qnr 

Sept. 17—PO-IOTI 

lU Drams 4901 

) (100 lirsms 

( . . 

@Blue Gran of Kentucky 

1 

THELMA JORDON 

Billy WlUlsma 

Barbars Stanwyck-P. KtS 

Jsne Nlfh 

\S (67) Western 

SIX-GUN MESA 

Johnny Mack Brown 

.Msi Terbune 

4961 

53 (..) lll.n-Western 490! 

OYOUNG DANIEL BOONE 

David Bruce 

Krisllne 

Miller 

Feb 

4 

|@ Comedy 49131 (97) Dâma 

( . 

BLONDE 

. ) DYNAMITE CAPTAIN CHINA 

Leo Gorcey 

John Paync-Oall Bussell 

Bowery Boys 

I/on Chancy-Edgar Beift 

Ib—Nov. 5—PO-1088 

10 BOXOFHCE BookinGuid* :: Dec. 24, 1949

i:| 

I 

[ flcott-Sonn; 

I 

l:0 RADIO 

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

REPUBLIC 

D (80) Dr«ni« 4901 

The Kid From Cleveland 

20TH-FOX 

UNITED ARTISTS 

UNIV.-INT'L 

WARNER BROS. 

D (114) Con-Myi 801 

WHITE HEAT 

James Cagney-Vlnfljila Mayo 

Drama 003 

(0(S) Drama «ii 

p'lVIIE 

yCOME TO THE STABLE 

rlliturt-Luellle Bill Dforge Brent-Lynn Barl Loreita Young-Celeste Holm 

Ttitta rieielind Indians 

Hugh Marlowe-T, Gomel 

Edmond O'Brloi 

13—po-ioaa «—Sept. 1»—PG-1070 It—June 35—PO 1047 

R—Aug. 27—P0-106B 

Travelog 0' f^S (S») Melodnma 8ie 

(81) Musical 705 19 (69) Drama 

SE SPLEIDOK Post Office Investigator 

SiYes Sir, That't My Baky The House Across the Strett 

lionald O'Connor 

Wayne Morris 

Rogers-Dale Aug, 

R—Aug. 30—PO-1063 

(e Western 012 

M (84) Drams 61 (84) West-Drama 706 

tSK) RAIDERS 

RED LIGHT 

, Western 016 (6t) Conedy-M'dr 

DE OF THE RAIIGE 4LIAS THE CHAMP 

jio Allan Fred Laralne Clark Fredrlc March-r. L. Bulllvan Bette Davis-Joseph Gotten 

m ar-Bcn Johnson Eddy Waller-D. Curtla. Betty Lynn-Rudy Vallee Franchot Tone 

Florence Eldrldge-D. Bend David Brlan-Buth Bomao 

-Ji 3»—P(3-106I R—Oct. 29—PG-ie8B H—Aug. 20—PG-1064 

Vov. 12—PG-1089 R—Oct. 15—PG-IOTO R—Oct. 22—PO-1082 

,1) Drama 015 

E IREAT 

,ctt O'Sbea-VlrglnIa Ore; 

lie iSbop-B. Shayne 

--0 29— G- 1083 

bTrMtlot 

It—PG-1«»T 

o nt-Rlfhard Martin Gorgeous George 

(B (87) 

ODOWN 

Roy 

eutd'T-Mus 

DAKOTA WAY 

Evam 

oftM WUte 

Barbra Fuller-Robert Rockwell 

--ft 29—P(3-1083 B—Oct. 29—PO-1085 

i~fj) fframa oi 

a (60) Western 86 (84) Comedy 925 Hi) (69) Drama 

(104) Drama T«8 S (96) Drama 9M 

SChristopher Columbus 

Charles Cnbiirn-O. DeBaren Janla Paige-Bruce Bennett 

20—Pa-1»64 

MVore a Veliow Ribbon NAVAJO TRAIL RAIDERS 

ayne-Joanne Dru 

"Rocky" Lane 

FATHER WAS A FULLBACK WITHOUT HONOR 

MacMurray-M. O'Hara 

Day-Dane 

BEYOND THE FOREST 

(98) Comedy 926 

818 

(92) Drama 

()09 HI (80) Western 8 

9( 

(;) 

Drama 

IRLIVE BY IIGHT 

EVERYBODY DOES IT 

g) 

THE BIG WHEEL 

(83) Comedy 

FREE FOR ALL 

Ranger of Cherokee StrIt 

,rlr,QraDe«r-C. O'Donnell Monte Hale-Paul Burst Paul Douglas-Linda Darnell 

O'Skea 

Blyth-Percy Kilbride 

m DeSUva-H. Cralt Monte Blue-D. Kennedy Celeste Holm-Charles Cobum Iliomas Mltebell-M. Hatcher Rasumny-R. Qjmmlngg 

-Ji 86-PQ-945 R—Nov. 12—PG-1»00 

Sept. 3—Pa-1068 R—Nov. 12—PQ-1089 B—Nov. 12—PO-109e 

Comedy 068 

( O (93) Drama 807 

) 

Mickey Rooney-M. Ann 

IIDFOR SALE 

©The Story of Seablicuit 

aid:e Colbert 

Shirley Temple-B. Fitzgerald 

Lon McCalllstCT 

B—Oct. 29—PO-IOM 

H (67) Outd'r-Mufl 

(94) Musical 927 

(83) Drama 902 

OTHE GOLDEN STALLION OOh, You Be2utiful Doll 

THE STORY OF MOLLY X 

June Havoc-Joka BusseU 

Roy Rogers-Dale Evans June Haver-Mark Btcvens 

Pat Brady-Foy Willing 

Dorothy Hart 

Z. Sakall-C. Oreenvood 

R—Nov. 5—PG-1088 E—fleot. 24—PO-10V4 

R—Nov. 19—PO-1092 

fW) 

'lalKrous 

Drama 

Profession 

01 H (60) Western 4961 (102) Drama 931 (88) Comedy 61 (88) Drama 903 m (116) 

POWDER RIVER RUSTLERS PINKY 

A KISS FOR CORLISS QBAGDAD 

Always Leave 

Comedy 

Them Laughing 

WRec. ( . . ) Comedy 

HIT THE ICE 

liiid Abbott-Lou CtosteUo 

July UM 176) Drama 

WHITE SAVAGE 

July a (70) Drama 

COBRA WOMAN 

•ft. ai (89) Drama 

BACK STREET 

Charle* Boyer-M. Sullavaa 

Q (1*2 Drama 

SCARLET STREET 

Joan Bennett-B. G. Bohhuoo 

June a (85) Comedy 

MOVIE CRAZY 

Harold Lloyd 

Oct. m (83) Drama 

TABU 

July [S (IM) Moileal (I8 

S>THE WIZARD OF OZ 

Judy Garland-Fraok Uorfao 

June Eg (90) U'draaa 482S 

GERONIMQ 

Preston Foster-Balpk MorfU 

Jnne g?) (89) Drama 4822 

Trail of the Lonesomi PIni 

'" MacMurray-g. Sidney 

Dec. 51 (90) Comedy 4808 

LADY EVE 

B. 8tanwyck-H. Fonda 

Dec. a (90) Musical 4997 

HOLIDAY INN 

B. Cro6by-F. Astalra 

Aug. (61) Drama 

SPY RING 

Jane Wyman-Wllllam Hall 

Aug. (61) Drama 

DOUBLE ALIBI 

Wayne Morrls-M. 

Lindsay 

Aug. (72) Comedy 

THE BANK DICK 

W. C. Fields-Una Merkel 

Aug. (7») Comedy 

NEVER GIVE A SUCKER 

AN EVEN BREAK 

C. Fields 

Sept. (92) Drama 

FURY AT SEA 

Franchot Tone-John CarroU 

. (96) Drama 

THE SUN NEVER SETS 

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. 


FRISCO SAL 

Turhan Bey-Alan (Sjrtla 


LEGION OF LOST FLYERS 

William Lundlgao-J. Caraoo 

Oct. (79) Comedy 

YOU CAN'T CHEAT 

AN HONEST MAN 

W. C. Fields 

Aug. (76) Fantasy 

TARZAN TRIUffPHS 

WelssmuUer-B. Joyce 

J. (70) Fantasy 

Tarzan'f Desert Mystsv 

J. Welssmuller-B. Joyoe 

•64 

u Hay SS (59) ffevters iri 

^ RANGER AID THE LADY 

•5 Boy Sogers 

g- M«; (D (69) WeiUia 

" 

8r« 

^ COLORADO 

Boy Bogers-Oibby Hayei 

June (88) Draiia 950 

HOUSE ON 92ni STREET 

SIgne Basso 

June (103) Musical 8BS 

MY GAL SAL 

aiu Hayworth-Vletor Uatort 

June ta (1»2) Drau SU 

CASABLANCA 

H. Bogart-I. Berfmaa 

June gi (86) U'drau 116 

G-MEI 

Junes Cafney-Ana Drank 

Dec H (78) Drama »M 

FAREWELL TO ARMS 

Belen Hayea-Oary Oioper 

Dec. Eg (74) Dranu »1( 

HATCHET MAN 

G. Roblnsop-L. Totnn 

B. - 

11

. ) . 

11- 

SHORTS CHART 

Short subjecta, listed by company, in order of release. Running time ioUows 

title. First date is national release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE. 

Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: ++ Very Good. 

+ Good. — Fair. — Poor. = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography. 

Columbia 

Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd 

ASSORTED COMEDIES 

1435 Flung by a Flino (16).. 5-12 + 10- 1 

1426 Microspoolt (16) 6-9 

1436 Cluiil

iJt.J.\JI\l.i3 VÎTlXlXll 


'rod. No. . Title Rel. Date Ratina Rtv'd 

DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE 

1949 SERIES 

mi Satisfied Saurians (9) Mar. + 

FEMmiNE WORLD 

1949 SERIES 

)t01 Talented Beauties (Vyvyan 

Donner) (11) Jure 

)602 Fashions of Yesteryear 

(lllta Chase) (S) Nov. 

MARCH OF TIME 

/ol. 14. No. IS Watchdogs of the 

Mail (IS) Dec. 

1949 SERIES 

i(ol. 15, Ho. 1 On Staoe (18) Jan. 

ôl. 15, No. 2 Asia's New Voice 

(IS) 

Feb. 

l/ol.lS, No. 3 Wish You Were Here 

(18) Mar. 

ôy. 15. No. 4 Report on the Atom 

(20) Apr. 

l/ol. 15, No. 5 Sweden Looks Ahead 

(IS) 

May 

Vol. 15. No. 6 It's In the Groove 

(19) June 

Vol. 15, No. 7 Stop— Heavy Traffic! 

(IS) 

July 

Vol. 15, No. S Farmino Pays Off 

(18) Auo. 

Vol. 15, No. 9 Policeman's Holiday 

(IS) 

Sept 

Vol 15, No. 10 The Fioht for Better 

Schools (20) Oct 

Vol. 15, No. n MacArthur's Japan 

(IS) 

Nov. 

MOVIETONE ADVENTURES 

9251 ©Landscape of the Norse 

(8) Jan. 

9252 ©Quaint Quebec (S) April 

9253 ©Golden Transvaal (8) May 

9254 iSMaine Sail (S) Aug. 

9255 ©Realm of the Redwoods 

(S) 

Sei)t 

9201 Ahoy, Davy Jones (11) Oct 

9202 Aboard the Flattop Midway 

+

J 

SHORTS REVIEWS 

Opinions on tite Current Short Svb/ecfs- 

The Sound Man 

CoL (The Movies and You) 10 Mins. 

Very good. This latest in the all-industry 

public relations series, set lor Jan. 12, 1950, 

release, has top audience appeal. Articles 

have been written about the techniques of 

film production, including sound, but none 

of them has ever presented so clearly and 

interestingly the manifold problems of the 

sound man as does the film. The combined 

presentation of mechanical details with a 

history of sound and clips from any films 

could hardly have been handled more skills 

fully. 

In Old Amsterdam 

MGM (FitzPatrick Traveltalk) 9 Mins. 

Good. The city built on land reclaimed 

from the sea lends itself especially well to 

the camera and descriptive narration. This 

Is scientifically one of the most interesting 

of the entire series. The great Holland 

painter, Rembrandt, also is discussed and 

many of his famous works sTiown. 

Sports Oddities 

MGM (Pete Smith Specialty) 9 Mins. 

Good. As usual, Pete comes up with a different 

treatment of such sports as bowhng, 

acrobatics, ice skating and comedy diving, 

along with a humorous commentary. In 

bowling, for instance, strikes are scored by 

rolling the ball down the gutter. The comedy 

diving scenes are probably the most ludicrous 

of their kind ever shown. 

Tennis Chumps 

MGM (Tom and Jerry Cartoon) 7 SDns. 

Good. This Technicolor subject ranks with 

the best in the series. Tom, Jerry and Spike 

the alley cat get involved in a wacky teimis 

match that shows all the rules broken and, 

finally, bombs used for balls. In the end, 

the mouse gets pressed into service as a ball 

but manages to get the best of the situation. 

The net result is hilarity. 

We Can Dream, Can't We? 

MGM (Pete Smith Specialty) 9 Mins. 

Good. Highly amusing nonsense done in 

Pete's Inimitable style. The accent is on better 

living through the Invention of devices 

that make the dusting of books easier and 

provide for more efficient record albums and 

catsup pourers. But the bookcase, designed 

to tip over gently at the touch of a button, 

discharges its contents on the inventor, the 

album spills when opened upside-down and 

the catsup in tubes spreads over the scenery 

like lava from a volcano crater. 

Diamond Showcase 

BKO (Sportscope) 9 Mins. 

Good. A very interesting short, of especial 

appeal to men, showing the physical setup 

and operation of the highly modern and 

efficient Seals Stadium in San Francisco. 

Here well-trained girls take the tickets of 

the baseball fans and seat them as well. 

There are beautiful powder rooms to encourage 

feminine attendance. It's the "new 

look" in baseball. 

The Greener Yard 

RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins. 

Good. One of the best of all the Disney 

shorts. A young beetle plans to leave his dad, 

who lives among litter in a vacant lot, for 

the greener pastures of Donald Duck's vegetable 

garden next door. The old beetle tells 

his story to dissuade the youngster. Once 

upon a time he went there only to be attacked 

by Donald and pursued by chickens 

and birds, barely escaping with his life. The 

youngster decides to stay. 

Kilroy Returns 

BKO (This Is America) ISRIins. 

Very good. Jay Bonafield has produced a 

very poignant film story of a war veteran 

returning with his wife to famous battle sites. 

They include Omaha Beach, Saint Lo, Bastogne 

and Remagen Bridge, and there are 

also scenes of Paris and tlîe Alpine area of 

Switzerland. The last stop is at a quiet place 

called Hamm, in Luxemburg, where the 

American flag flies over many graves. Veterans 

who haven't been able to make the 

tour since the war will want to see the film. 

It will awaken many memories. 

Square Dance Tonight 

BKO (Screenliner) 9 Mins. 

Good. Elisha Keeler leads the orchestra 

and calls the dances in which typical farmfolk, 

young and old, participate in a bam 

decorated with wheat sheaves and cornstalks, 

with cider on tap for the thirsty. It is instructive 

as well as entertaining, showing 

how intricate steps are performed, especially 

in the involved "Birdie in the Cage" nxmiber. 

Two tor the Money 

BKO (Edgar Kennedy Comedy) 17 Mins. 

Good. Typically amusing Kennedy skit 

featuring three bandits who have robbed 

a bank, taking refuge in his home on pretense 

of wanting to buy his store. The money 

is in a suitcase, a duplicate suitcase shows 

up and there is general confusion. Edgar, 

seeking the $10,000 reward offered over the 

radio, is mortified at the end to find the 

bandits have been captured by a police quartet 

rehearsing in his parlor. 

Four Bears Before the Mast 

Univ.-Int'l (Special) 18 Mlns. 

Good. The four little Coati-Mundis bears, 

who were so popular in an earlier U-I short, 

"They Went That-a Way," again get into a 

lot of trouble when they brush with human 

beings. This time they follow their long 

noses to a pier and get aboard a sparkling 

motor yacht. After the boat sails, the captain 

and the crew think they are going crazy 

when they see bears all over the place. They 

nearly wreck the place but, in the end, save 

the captain's life by kUling a tarantula. 

Skinnay Ennis and His 

Orchestra 

UniT.-Int'l (Name Band Musical) 15 Mlns. 

Good. A pleasing melange of band selections 

and vaudeville and nightclub specialties 

which wiU fill out any bill headed by a 

dramatic film. Ennis sings in his familar 

breathless style and attractive Marlon Colby 

also puts over two numbers. Hightower and 

Ross are a spectacular acrobatic and ballet 

team and Landre and Verna do the ballroom 

routines. "It's a Good Day" and "St. 

Louis Blues" are among the six tunes heard. 

You Don't Say 

Unlv.-Infl (Variety Views) 10 Mins. 

Good. Herb Sheldon, famous radio announcer, 

takes the part of an Inquiring Reporter, 

and goes to Coney Island to question 

various people having fun there. The questions 

and answers are made more amusing 

by the fact that the people asked are imaware 

that they are being filmed. When they are 

finally told, the women usually pose before 

the camera. One of the questions is "Should 

the m&n or woman walk the baby at night?" 

In the Newsreels 

Movietone News, No. 100: Floods in Italy; 

death of a warship, the Implacable; first 

United States woman ambassador, Mrs. Eugenie 

Anderson; Princess Elizabeth • goes 

dancing in Malta; Joseph Dolinaj is crochet 

champion; wonderland for skiers; champion 

figure skater is Aja Brozanova; surf board 

sirens. 

News of the Day, No. 230: Opera stars sing 

for hospitalized children; Giant of the skiers; 

floods in Italy; multiple birthday; Princess 

Elizabeth steps out; ski season opens; sport 

deluxe. 

Paramount News, No. 33: Battle of the ' 

basketball giants; Santa makes preview appearance; 

Princess Ellizabeth at Malta; news 

from the home front; London honors men of 

the Berlin air-lift. 

Universal News, No. 308: New assault plane 

gets official test; the Implacable; Shah of 

Iran in Nevada; jewelry; gymnasts in Germany; 

the world enters the season of goodwiU. 

Warners Pathe News, No. 35: Jerusalem 

oath; Implacable sent to the bottom; flying 

foxes; J. Parnell Thomas jailed; Judge Medina 

on vacation; Shah of Iran at the great -, 

Hoover dam; Doolittle preaches; automatic 

parking; fashions of Paris; new transport 

plane; Sutter's mill. 

, 

• 

Movietone 

—the 

News, 

nativity; 

No. 

old world 

101: Christmas 

traditions; 

story 

new 

world festivities; the spirit of Christmas; 

peace on earth. 

News of the Day, No. 231: Uncle Sam Santa 

flies Christmas cheer to Arctic wilds; atomic 

scientists urge union to halt Red peril; Potomac 

airplane crash; furs for 1950; kid gymnastics; 

Happy New Year. 

Paramount News, No. 34: World's best skiers 

train for title meet; UCLA finds Hope at 

Junior Prom; Yuletide presentation. 

Universal News, No. 309: Atomic scientist 

says Western union can stop reds; plane 

crash in Washington; Jackie Robinson; Labrador 

Christmas; kid acrobat in California; 

holiday greetings from children of the embassies 

in Washington. 

Warner Pathe News, No. 36: Plane crash; 

football; Christmas 1949. 

• 

AU American News, No. 374: Children at 

Carver center in Kansas City repair toys for . 

needy friends; Columbia university class 

elects Negro as president; army trains parachute 

jumpers at Fort Benning, Ga.; two 

youths are leaders at Bergen coUege in Teaneck, 

N. J.; Joe Louis in exhibition bout. 

• 

Telenews Digest, No. 50A: J. Parnell 

Thomas gets from six to 18 months; Mount 

Etna volcano erupts; Russian is compulsory 

in all Czechoslovakia schools; Korea—vegetables 

grown with aid of Marshall plan; Italy 

—divers can practice in pool without water; 

New York—Dachshund wins National ducky 

dog contest; New Jersey—air force tests attack 

transport; Washington—Representative 

Brown hits census "Snooping"; football- 

Browns win ACC. 

• 

Telenews Digest, No. 50B: New York water 

shortage; five die, 18 survive air crash; Ex- 

President Hoover addresses national conference 

about the Hoover report; Senator Lucas 

forecasts Congress plans; Representative 

Mansfield talks about Germany; Yugoslavia 

—sixth anniversary of foimding Communist 

regime; Rumania—fifth anniversary of liberation; 

Poland—world's tallest radio tower; 

Jackie Robinson wins Carver award; Shah of 

Iran skis at Sun Valley; Mrs. Smafield wins 

baking contest; sports—New York baseball 

meet; Detroit—hockey; Joe Louis fights two 

foes in one night. 

14 

BOXOFnCE BookinGuido :: Dec. 24, 1949

Opinions on Current Productions; Ixphitips for Selling to the Public 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

(FOR STORY SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE REVERSE SIDE) 

Cindeiella 

RKO Radio-Disney ( ) 75 Minutes 

F 

Feature-Lenolh 

Cartoon 

Rel. Mar. 11. '50 

Here is Walt Disney at his all-time best—and Charles 

Perrault's immortal, fabled heroine is such a natural subject 

for the cartoon-maker's artistry that showmen and patrons 

alike probably will wonder why he didn't do the story of 

Cinderella long since. But the thousands of the former who 

will profit from its exhibition and the millions of the latter 

who will thrill to its limitless charms will be unanimous in 

deciding the film was well worth waiting for. The Disney 

technique has progressed considerably since he made cartoon 

history with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," and 

on almost every count the new venture is superior to its 

illustrious predecessor. The music, an outstanding asset, 

contributes to the film's vast overall exploitability, and such 

ultimate in entertainment values and tremendous merchandising 

possibilities odd up to a stratospheric commercial 

potential. Ben Sharpsteen was the production supervisor 

and the directors were Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske and 

Clyde Geronimi. 

Mrs. Mike 

United Artists (G21) 99 Minutes Rel. Jan. 15, '50 

Masterful is an adjective greatly overworked in the appraisal 

of motion picture entertainment—but in this instance 

no other description can suffice. As a book the subject long 

occupied a high place on the best-seller lists', as film entertainment 

the screen version of the Benedict and Nancy 

Freedman tome can hardly fail to exert the same widespread 

appeal, with satisfied audiences and profitable 

bookings an almost foregone conclusion. Expertly written, 

produced and directed, the film boasts an array of compelling 

performances and deftly combines warmth and 

humor, pathos and melodrama, in the story of a rugged 

northwest mounted policeman (Dick Powell) who brings his 

bride (Evelyn Keyes) to a desolate north country outpost 

where she battles loneliness and fear and ultimately gains 

inner happiness and contentment in her life. Samuel Bischofl 

and Edward Gross produced and Louis King directed. 

Dick Powell, Evelyn Keyes, J. M. Kerrigan, Angela Clarke, 

John Miljan, Nan Boardman, Will Wright. 

Sands of /wo Jima 

F 

F 

War 

Drama 

Republic (4905) 109 Minutes Rel. 

If consideration given the popularity of John is Wayne, 

the subject matter and, above all, the limitless exploitation 

possibilities of the latter, there is no apparent reason why 

this should not garner its share of the patronage the ticketbuying 

public is prepared to devote to the current cycle of 

top-budget features dealing with World War II. While it 

follows the previously set pattern of many such epics, the 

film is substantially produced, impressively delineated and 

understandingly directed. First of the war films devoted 

to the marine corps, which branch of the armed services cooperated 

in its making, it is accorded an aura of spectacle 

through the judicious and carefully edited interpolation of 

combat footage filmed during the battle of Iwo Jima and 

leading up to the thrilling and widely publicized climax, the 

planting of the Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi. Directed 

by Allan Dwan. 

John Wayne, John Agar, Adele Mara, Forrest Tucker, Wally 

Cassell, James Brown, Richard Webb. 

The Man on the Eiiiel Tower F 

BKO Radio ( ) 

96 Minutes Rel. 

"City of Paris where this was filmed in its entiretygets 

billing along with the stars on the main title because 

it was that fabulous metropolis which furnished locale and 

backgrounds and, thereby, supplied the feature with one of 

its more engrossing facets. Incidentally, and as a natural 

development of such furnishing, it supplied the actors with 

plenty of scenery to chew, in which mastication the starstudded 

cast indulged with great gusto and abandon. Inasmuch 

as most of them are expert scenery nibblers—as a 

gander at the stellar lineup will reveal—the overall effect 

should prove reasonably acceptable to average audiences. 

There are movement, suspense and some excitement in the 

man-hunt mystery which veers toward the horror play; and 

its unusual setting should prove an added attraction and 

certainly a substantial peg upon which to hang exploitation. 

Burgess Meredith, one of the stars, directed for A.&T. Films. 

Charles Laughton. Franchot Tone, Burgess Meredith. Robert 

Hutton. Jean Wallace, Patricia Roc. Belita. 

n|^ 

1102 BOXOFTICE 

Twelve O'Clock High 

War 

Drama 

20th-Fox (- -) 133 Minutes 

As concerns performances, direction and productional details 

this undoubtedly ranks high among the best of the 

large cycle of current and upcoming features finding their 

genesis in various facets of World War II. And certainly 

because of its authenticity and the blessing accorded it by 

the AAF— it is as prime a subject for merchandising as any 

of them. Whether such two top assets—and there are otherswill 

establish the feature as a record grosser probably will 

depend upon just how much war stuff the public is prepared 

to buy. Because of its praiseworthy refusal to compromise 

tacts, the picture is often on the grim side. There are only 

a few spots of comedy relief and no romance. But the 

paucity of such more-or-less standard ingredients is mora 

than offset by the excellent performances of an all-male 

cast and the sharp, severe direction of Henry King. 

Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe, Gary Merrill, Millard Mitchell, 

Dean Jagger, Robert Arthur, Paul Stewart. 

East Side. West Side 

MGM ( ) 108 Minutes ReL Jan. 20, 'SO 

Super-charged sex in the rarified atmosphere of Gotham's 

cafe society makes of this lush, sophisticated brittle drama 

a jet-propelled parcel of entertainment that should penetrate 

deeply the ticket-buyers' collective bankroll. Romances, 

mostly of the clandestine variety, are the keynote; with one 

murder tossed in for an added fillip. Everybody loves everybody 

else's vrife, husband or girl friend; but, despite such 

somewhat vertiginous pattern of not-so-tender passions, it 

all ads up to exciting, engrossing screen fare. For the lady 

customers, the femme stars' wardrobe alone are vrorth the 

price of admission and the keen showman will readily 

recognize the exploitation possibihties of this facet, which, 

augmented by the inherent magnetism of the star-encrusted 

cast, will take care of opening attendance. After that, word 

of mouth should do the trick. All performances, under Mervyn 

LeRoy's expert megging, are exceptionally impressive. 

Barbara Stanwyck, James Mason. 'Van Heflin, Ava Gardner, 

Cyd Charisse, Nancy Davis, Gale Sondergaard. 

Ambush 

_. T 1 Tp Western 

MGM ( ) 90 Minutes Rel. Feb. 3, '50 

An' another redskin bit the dustl Just to prove that he 

can get back to fundamentals when upon rare occasions 

he decides to make a western epic, Leo produced this one 

in the best tradition of the cavalry-and-Indians thrillers 

which down through the years have always been considered 

prime entertainment by the devotees of action. That 

such fans will patronize—and praise—the picture in large 

numbers is elemental. And to further assure business— 

from those who are indifferent towards films of the great 

west—there is the appeal of the storslrong cast. The combination 

should add up to profits in all bookings, most 

especially if the theatreman takes full advantage of its 

merchandising possibilities. Rugged and rough in story and 

performances, the picture has countless productional assets, 

prominent among which is the photography of natural desert 

backgrounds. Directed by Sam Wood. 

Robert Taylor, John Hodiak, Arlene Dahl, Don Taylor. Jean 

Hagen, Bruce Cowling, Leon Ames. 

Paid in Full 

Paramount (4915) 104 Minutes ReL March '50 

In trade parlance this will be called a woman's picture, 

which is another way of saying that the producer and distributor 

believe that its appeal to the femme customers will 

be sufficiently great to offset any aversion the mere male 

ticket buyers may have to participating in an emotional 

marathon. And if there be soundness in such commercial 

analysis, the film doubtlessly has a strong chance to succeed 

despite its somewhat confusing, too plentiful and 

overdrawn story threads. The screenplay stemmed from a 

_. widely publicized case history of sister-love and sacrifice, 

depai first recorded in the Reader's Digest, a fact which could be 

as m' 

made potent exploitation ammunition. It is mounted with 

the authenticity of atmosphere and the lushness expected 

in a Hal Wallis picture. The impressive cast, under William 

Dieterle's direction, delivers everything that could be expected 

from the situations and dialog. 

Robert Cummings, Lizabeth Scott. Diana Lynn. Eve Arden< 

Ray Collins. Frank McHugh. Stanley Ridg»s. 

December 24, 1949 HOI 

A 

r 

A

. . Who 

. . When 

. . . Tells the World's Most Wonderful Story . . . Aglow 

. . . Exciting . . . Human 

. . Unforgettable 

. . and 

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Adl'mes for Newspaper and Programs 

THE STORY: 

"Twelve O'Clock High" 

In the faleful days of 1942 when men and materiel were 

scarce, the morale of the Eighth air force's 918th bomber 

group is at a low ebb. Losses of men and planes are heavy 

in the overwhelming task of daylight bombing of Nazi positions 

and the commanding officer, Gary Merrill, is near the 

breaking point when he is replaced by Gregory Peck. Peck 

is a powerful, dynamic and tough leader, basically as sympathetic 

toward his men as was his predecessor, but on 

the surface he is a man of iron discipline, following orders 

blindly without regard to human frailities. Unrelenting, he 

leads his men to devastating raids on German targets and, 

although ultimately suffering a nervous collapse, has the 

satisfaction of a job well done. 

CATCHLINES: 

You'll Be Spellbound by This Stirring Story ... of Heroes 

and Cowards . . . Braggarts and Fighters . . . Whose Daring 

Deeds Amid the Horror of War Will Long Be Remembered 

by a Grateful Nation. 

THE STORY: 

"East Side, West Side" 

The marriage of Barbara Stanwyck and James Mason, 

wealthy socialite, is constantly threatened by Ava Gardner, 

since for years Mason has been fatally fascinated by her. 

Despite many promises to end the affair. Mason breaks a 

date to take Barbara to a party, and instead meets the other 

girl. Going alone to the party, Barbara meets the guest of 

honor. Van Heflin, former policeman, now a noted writer. 

Mason again begs forgiveness, suggests he and Barbara 

take a vacation trip, and again stands her up. This time 

Barbara locates him at Ava's apartment—but Ava has been 

murdered. Barbara enlists HelUn's help and he clears Mason, 

but Barbara now realizes her love for Mason is dead 

and knows true happiness can be hers with Heflin. 

CATCHLINES: 

Get Set for Romantic Fireworks . Two Gorgeous 

Gals Clash Over One Guy . Isn't Worth It . . . Seldom 

Has the Screen Dared to Present So Tempestuous a 

Story of Flaming Love. 

THE STORY: 

"Ambush" 

Diablito, cunning Apache, is on the warpath again, and 

Robert Taylor, veteran guide, is summoned to Fort Gamble 

to lead an expedition ordered by a high army ofhcer to 

rescue his daughter, captured by the Indian warrior. Taylor 

discovers the post commander, John Hodiak, is ignorant of 

Indian fighting; meets Arlene Dahl, sister of the captured 

girl, but refuses to lead the expedition on the grounds it 

would cost the lives of too many men, despite all Arlene's 

attempts to persuade him. Subsequently Taylor changes his 

mind, although he and Hodiak have become bitter enemies, 

and leads an attack on Diablito's camp. In a bloody ambush 

almost everyone is wiped out, but Taylor kills Diablito, rescues 

the captive girl, and returns to Arlene. 

CATCHLINES: 

A Thrill-Flamed Masterpiece of Conquest and Revenge 

... as a Raw Frontiersman and a Gallant West Pointer 

Clash for a Woman's Love ... in the Fiery Glare of an 

Apache Onslaught. 

THE STORY: 

"Paid in Full" 

Two sisters, Lizabeth Scott and Diana Lyrm, are both in 

love with the same man, Robert Cummings, and' conflict 

arises between them when Cummings marries Diana, whose 

selfish interests come first in her life. Robert and Diana have 

a baby, but the child dies under the wheels of Lizabeth's 

car when she accidentally runs over the infant. Determined 

to make amends, Lizabeth sets out to compensate for her 

deed by having a child of her own, although she is well 

aware that she will die in childbirth. This fate does befall 

her, but Lizabeth dies secure in the knowledge that her 

baby will be adopted by Robert and Diana and that she thus 

will have "paid in full" for the death of the other child. 

CATCHLINES: 

The Year's Most Daring Personal Story ... of Two Sisters 

in Love With the Same Man . . . and of a Woman's Courage 

That Dared Defy Certain Death ... as She Paid in Full for 

Her Sin. 

(t sto 

THE STORY: 

"Cinderella" 

Cinderella is the much-abused drudge in the household 

of her stepmother while her three stepsisters spend their 

time attending fine balls. On the evening when the handsome 

prince is staging a ball, Cinderella's fairy godmother 

appears, turns the girl's rags into a beautiful gown and a 

pumpkin into a coach, but makes Cinderella promise that 

she will return from the ball at midnight. Hastening home 

on the stroke of twelve, Cinderella is in such a hurry that 

she loses one of her glass slippers', her gown turns back to 

rags, the coach back to a pumpkin. The prince, struck by 

her beauty, searches wide for the girl whose foot can wear 

the glass slipper. In this way he finds Cinderella again, 

and they live hapjaly ever after. 

CATCHLINES: 

The World's Most Wonderful Story Teller . . . Walt Disney 

With 

Bewitching Beauty . 

Entertainment for All 

Ages. 

THE STORY: 

"Mrs. Mike" 

Sergeant Dick Powell of the Canadian northwest mounted 

police and Evelyn Keyes, comely miss from Boston, fall in 

love. She marries him despite his warnings that life will 

be tough in the sparsely populated, freezing northwest. As 

his wife she experiences the hazards of loneliness, fear and 

unexpected epidemics; imbibes wisdom and courage from 

the new friends she meets; and inner happiness in her role 

as the wile of a man whose work is so important. But 

when her infant daughter dies of diphtheria, Evelyn decides 

she cannot stand it any longer and plans to return to Boston. 

Powell does not try to stop her and has himself transferred 

to another post; but when he arrives, there is Evelyn 

—who has decided to stick it out. 

CATCHLINES: 

A Great Book Becomes a Greater Picture . . . the Compelling 

Love Story of a Man ... a Woman . 

a 

Wilderness . . . It's a Memorable Motion Picture Triumph 

. . Lovable. 

THE STORY: 

. 

"Sands of Iwo lima" 

Those U.S. marines destined to make World War II history 

at Iwo Jima learn to fight the hard way under Sergeant 

John Wayne, seasoned campaigner, whose tactics make it 

a ca.';e of hate at first sight. His particular enemies are Corporal 

Forrest Tucker and Private John Agar, son of a marine 

officer killed at Guadalcanal, who himself does not want 

to be a marine. Wayne proves his own courage at Tarawa, 

and during a brief leave in Hawaii his bitterness is revealed 

to have stemmed from an unhappy marriage. He is somewhat 

softened as the squad reaches Iwo Jima; in that desperate 

fighting Agar redeems himself in Wayne's eyes, and 

by heroic efforts the island is captured, although Wayne is 

killed by a last-minute Jap bullet. 

CATCHLINES: 

Here Is the Glorious, Incredibly Thrilling, Human Story . . . 

of the Marines' Greatest Hour ... a Sweeping, Surging, 

Smashing Saga of Heroism That Will Never Be Forgotten. 

THE STORY: 

"The Man on the EiUel Tower" 

Burgess Meredith, a Parisian knife-grinder, agrees for 

1,000,000 francs to murder the rich aunt of Robert Hutton, 

who wants her money so he can pay off his wife and run 

away with another woman. But when Meredith enters the 

aunt's apartment he finds her already slain. Police Inspector 

Charles Laughton, convinced the crime was committed by a 

clever man who framed Meredith, permits the knife-grinder 

to escape and has him shadowed. Meredith contacts Franchot 

Tone, a mysterious fellow, once a brilliant medical 

student, now a derelict. Next on the murderer's list is Hutton. 

Laughton sets a trap; Tone, falling into it, flees to the Eiffel 

tower, climbs it but ultimately capitulates and confesses. 

CATCHLINES: 

Suspense That Makes Your Nerves Scream Out ... a 

Killer's Cunning Pitted Against a Detective's Skill . . Lead- 

. 

ing to the Most Breathlessly Amazing Climax the Screen 

Has Ever Seen.

I 

1 52nd 

I 

HTES: 10c per word, muiimum Sl.OO. cash with copy. Four insertions for price oi three. 

COSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to 

• Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. • 

CUeRIOGHOUSf 

HELP WANTED 

irive-in Theatre Manager; First class: 1,000-car 

jie-lii to be opened May 1. 1»50. State compje 

ttork history, educational backuround. qunllmions, 

references, salary desired. Experience 

Iribooking and drive-In management desirable, 

ilmlt recent photograph. Brockton I)rlve-In 

X'ltre. Inc., Box 602, Brockton, Mass. 

"panted: Clean cut assistant manager for drive- In 

tlitre. Top salary, ideal working conditions. 

Bie reference, details, etc., first letter. Jack 

Al'nrr. Sk>^vay Theatre, Bryan, Ten. 

'LiiKiaer small theatre, mining town. Must knov> 

Mtioii. No drinker. Married. Salary, aparttt. 

(iiTCentage. Theatre, Ouray, Colo. Send 

d:iN. 

picture. 

lave three territories open east or iMlssissippl 

f( iiiMc energetic salesmen. Must be hard 

»,,i Compensation lilgh. Some knowledge of 

u III iti^ and acquaintiuice with exlilbltors help- 

(i line full details of past experience. Appoint- 

Bt »m be arriUiged. Bosofflce, 3T01. 

I iirowMig midwest circuit of drive-in theatres replies 

the services of an experienced theatre or film 

Bti to take complete charge of all buying and 

bkiiit:- Please do not answer unless you have 

£ many years of successful experience and 

tjible of earning a minimum of $10,000 per 

y. Keplies v\ill be treated in strict confidence. 

Coffice. 3700 

POSmONS WANTED 

iiBflressive and highly recommended theatre ex- 

Btive. Available late December. Well versed 

B circuit and independent management, stage, 

Pen, buying, 

t connection 

booking, 

with 

publicity. 

opportunity. 

Seeks 

Salary 

perma- 

open. 

la will consider Investment, percentage or lease. 

loffice. 3082. 

I'rojectionisl: 15 years experience, wants job 

fctlieast. Sober, dependable worker. References. 

H cr,5, rortsmouth, Va. 

\vailable, experienced man and wife to manage 

I casliler a theatre. Capable of booking, buying 

a operating. Boxoffice, 3684. 

Projectionist; 25 years experience. Single. Now 

pliable. Go anywhere. Arthur Blair, General 

liverv. Oklahoma City, Okla. 

iflanager, 31, married, e.xperience in all phases of 

6;e and screen operations. Permanent position 

vited. Now managing first run theatre. Best of 

r^renccs- Go anywhere. Boxoffice. 3702. 

Operator, married. 6 yrs. experience, minor re- 

[rs. Write Percy Young, Welsh, La. 

A/anted job as manager of theatre: 27 years 

piencf. A-1 references. M S. Freeman, c/o 

dnty Agent, Conyers. Ga 

1 STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

'êw Cinevoice 16mm single system camera, $695; 

Ihowell 16/35 hot splicer, worth $1,000, rebuilt, 

$)5: hiimped 35mm Askania studio camera. 3 

Ises. 4 magazines, syncraotor. rebuilt, $795: new 

iichronous tape recorders. $499.50; new auto- 

'tic I6mm processing machines. $1,395: new 

nm sound printers, $550; 35mm recorders from 

i.j nia Auricon 33 minute camera. $1,665: B. 

iiFT 16mm recorder, $1,595. Send for catalog 

.iril.ib. Dept, C. S OS Cinema Supply Corp., 

a \\. 52nd St . Neu York 19. 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED 

iSpecial sale on Semiportables. Holmes EducaiS 

(rebuilt), $550; Simplex Acme (rebuilt), 

195: Simplex SP or Standard (rebuilt), $995. 

'. 

dual equipments with 2.000' magazines, lenses, 

iplifier. speaker, etc. Available on time pay- 

!nts. C. Dept. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.. 602 

St.. New York 19. 

'Two Simplex FS 35mm projectors. Sound sysn 

iomplete. Stored since factory overhaul. 

ecu, popcorn machine. Make offer. C. E. 

vis, Route 12. Oak Hil! Gardens, North Kansas 

'y. 

Mo, 

Two complete 12.000 series DeVry projectors, 

IPs. 250 «att amplifier. Strong Mogul 

ii I' 

^0 amp. Strong rectifiers, and soundheads. 

1947 and used very little. Boxoffice, 

,Tir Powers GB, two extra heads. Operaldo 

il, LI lamps. Strong rectifiers. Simplex 

2 

i'IIh'hIs. new sound screen, 250 upholstered 

r Entire lot $1,250. F. Shafer, Washing- 

In.J. 

1,000 American Seating Co. chairs, spring cush- 

11 tinttoms. veneer backs. In good condition, 

;.iil,il)le soon $2 per chair at the theatre. Con- 

h 

|-t LpRnv KtndLi. Associated Theatres. 300 Film 

idc . CI.-iHand. Ohio. 

jCalllopes. 

EQUIPMENT WANTED 

coin 

Lee, 9.34 

i 

lOXOFFICE 

Etecember 24, 1949 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW 

New too? Yesirec! With cooperation of manufacturers. 

S.O.S. has assembled latest booth equipments 

for theatres, $2,950; drive-ins, $3,950, 

actually 50% of market price I Time deals and 

trades, too. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 

602 W. 52nd St., New York 19. 

Hop on the S.O.S. bandwagon for values aplenty. 

Rectifier bulbs, 15 amp., $4.95: 6 amp., $2.95; 

automatic enclosed rewinds, $G9.50; 2,000' film 

cabinets, $3.50 section; coin chiingers. $149.50; 

intercom telephones, $9.95 pair; crystal pickups, 

$1.75; marquee letters. 35c up. Beautiful stage 

settings, $277.50; wall and ceiling lighting fixtures, 

45% off. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supplj 

Corp., 602 W. 52nd St., New York 19. 

New complete equipment for outdoor and indoor 

theatres. Queen Feature Service, Inc., Birmlng- 

Thcatre and drive-in amplifier units complete 

All sizes, 8 to 1,000 watts. DAR Electronics, 

Barlow, 

Ky. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Drive-ins, don't delay your opening. Order equipment 

now for future delivery. Complete dual 35mm 

outfits from $1,595; dual 16mm amproarcs. $1,795; 

No. 14 underground cable, $55.45 M; marquee 

letters, 35c up. Time deals invited. Write for 

details. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 

602 W. 52nd St., New York 19. 

CAMERA AND SOUND MEN 

Slightly sensational. Cine Balowstar fl. 3 fabulously 

fast lens makes you master of everything 

visible. This "Night Hawk" of lenses takes Indoor 

sports events, stage shows, surgical operations, 

church weddings, fits any 16mm camera. Priced 

only $199. Free brochure. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema 

Supply Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St.. New York 19. 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

Comic books again available as premiums, giveaways 

at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest 

48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co., 

412R Greenwich St., New York City. 

Bingo with more action. $2.75 thousand cards. 

Also other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bedford 

Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Theatre Managers: Something new! Dartaway. 

A game of skill, legal In any state. Terns reasonable. 

Pack your theatre. No theatre too big 

or too small. For Information, write or call 

Jimmle Stopina. Aztec Theatre. Shawnee. Kas. 

Bingo die-cut cards, two colors, 75 or 100 num 

hers, $3 per M. Premium Products. 354 W. 44th 

St., New York 18. 

Auction night boxoffice stimulator programs 

Giveaway 105-piece dinnerware sets. Merchant advertising 

tleup. No cost to theatre. Interstate 

Theatre Senice, 1115 E, Armour. Kansas City, Mo, 

THEATRES WANTED 

Sell your theatre privately. Confidential correspondence 

Invited. Leak Theatre Sales. 3422 

Kinmore, Dallas. 1109 Orchardlane. Des Moines. 

Iowa. 

Walter Jackson, Chllllcothe, Mo., has buyer for 

two or more big theatres close together. 

Would like to hear from private theatre owner 

wishing to sell in Montana, Idaho or Utah. Boxoffice, 

3685. 

$200 cash, plus good paying official position, 

to the man or woman who will assist me in 

securing theatre, 500 seats (more or less) in any 

large city in good downtown grind location. Look 

around, there may be a theatre available in your 

locality. Boxoffice, 3686 

Theatres, Nebr.iska, western Iowa, northern Kansas. 

No brokers. Over 400 seats. Town 1,800 

population or over. Confidential, Experienced. 

L, J. Burkitt, Sparta, Wis. 

Sold mine. Want lowa-Hlinols good paying 

house. Have $35,000 plus. Solid deals only. 

Boxoffice, 3695, 

Will $6,500 down find me midwest paying theae? 

Confidential. Boxoffice. 3696. 

Texas-Oklahoma theatre that 

$50,000 down kindles. 

Entirely confldentM. Serious. Boxoffice, 

3697. 

Wanted to lease, one or more theatres direct 

Calif., from owner. Ore., or Washington, small 

towns preferred. Boxoffice, 3704, 

Want to buy or lease small town theatre. Prefer 

No. California, Oregon, Would manage larger 

theatre. Experienced. P, 0, Box 68, Redding, 

CaUf. 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

Theatre For Sale; Selected listings In Oregon 

and Wasiilngton now available. Write for list. 

Theatre Exchange Co., Fine Arts Bldg., Portland, 

Ore. 

__^_ 

Build double parking drive-in theatres under 

franclfise Patent No. 2,102,718, reUsue No. 

56 and improvements, patent pending. Up 

to 30 per cent more seating capacity with little 

additional cost. Louis Josserand, architect, 3908 

S. .Main St., Houston, Tel. 

Give Waller Jackson, Chllllcothe. Mo., chance 

to sell your theatre. lias buyers galore. $5,000 

to $200,000 listings. Answer: 

North Miami Theatre, North Miami, Fla. Over 

600 spring edge seats, air conditioned, two 

;torcs, two apartments. Only theatre In city 

10.000, $110,000 

Theatre and building for sale: West Virginia, 

Yearly building income $15,600: theatre nets 

$50,000; no brokers. Boxoffice, 3678. 

Theatre for sale Waco, Tex. Write for particu- 

418 El 

$7,200 cash handles the sweetest small town 

theatre in southern Ohio, Completely air conditioned; 

350 full upholstered seats. Only theatre 2,000 

population plus thickly settled farming district. 

New 1942. First time offered because of other 

interests. Prefer lease. Will sell and finance 

qualified prospects only. No milkers, no circuits. 

Boxoffice, 3681. 

Want to sell your theatre? We have clients with 

the money waiting. Quick confidential sales. 

Correspondence Invited, Morgan Realty Co., Valley 

Head, 

Ala. 

For sale, only theatre in county seat town 

located in central part of Alabama. 275 seats, 

good booth equipment, brick building with 4-room 

apartment and modern cafe including fixtures. 

Only $15,000. Morgan Realty Co., Valley Head, 

Ala. 

For Sale: Modem theatre complete with building 

and two rentals, 533 upholstered seats. Super 

Simplex projection and sound equipment. Only 

theatre in fast growing northeastern Alabama town. 

First time offered for sale. Priced for quick sale. 

Morgan Realty Co., Valley Head, Ala, 

Suburban, near Des Moines, 111 health forces 

sale. Built in 1948. Fast growing community. 

Price without building, $16,500 cash. With building 

$40,500, with $24,500 down. Photo available. 

Leak. 1109 Orchardlane, Des Moines, Iowa. 

Dissolve partnership. Partners say "sell." Newest 

theatre Iowa's fastest growing town 80,000. 

Second run. Paramount, RKO, Fox. Warners, Eagle 

Lion; 500 encore seats, new carpeting, drapes. 

Beautiful canopy, front, lobby, full stage, concession 

bar; $30,000 down. Records available. Leak, 

1109 Orchardlane. Des Moines, Iowa. 

Theatre for sale. 261 cushion seats, small town 

of 1,100. Will sacrifice. Private owner. W. L. 

Gates, Kinmundy, 111. 

Texas, 300-seater, clean, first class throughout. 

Town 1.200 population, near Hillsboro. Other 

listings ready L. new now. D. Montgomery, Oakwood, 

Tex. 

for sale in Theatre northern New York, 350 

seats, long term lease. City of over 40,000. For 

details write Boxoffice, 3628. 

Pacific northwest the.itres for sale. Write Theart 

Sales Co.. 4229 NE Broadway, Portland, Ore. 

Will sell my theatre in beautiful, enterprising 

southern city. Unusual opportunity. Never offered 

before. $25,000. Boxoffice. 3690. 

Well known theatre. 285 seats. Simplex equipment, 

RCA sound; central Texas; attractive. A 

little money spent for repairs will be sure money 

kcr. Bo.xofflce, 3691 

Theatre, first run midwestem city, population 

25,000, highly equipped, showing major products. 

Priced so total investment will pay out less than 

three years, b.ascd upon current theatre records 

Boxoffice, 3692. 

900-seat theatre in the heart of downtown Denver, 

Colo,, doing sensational business with exploitation 

and sex pictures: 13-year lease: fully 

equipped with new sound; also apartment. Price 

$25,000, half cash; immediate possession. This 

theatre can pay for itself in less than two years. 

It is for sale only because we do not want to 

run this type of theatre, since It conflicts with 

our first runs, our drive-ins, and our art cinema 

operation in the city. Reply Cinema Amusements, 

Inc., 1756 Broadway, Denver, Colo. 

Theatre for sale or leiuse. New all modern 

theatre, 500 seats, store and two apartments. 

Center of resort section northern Wisconsin. 

Boxoffice. 3693. 

500 modern cushioned seats. Building. Separate 

snack bar. New M.anley. Booth re-equipped. 

crop last One banked two million week. New 

. 

$300,000 department store. Only theatre west 

central Texas market center. Reliable owner shows 

$400 weekly profit fully operated, $30,000 down. 

Leak. Dallas. 3422 Kinmore. Tex. Many others 

519-seat second run, city of 30,000 western 

Montana, $65,000. Terms. All new. Boxoffice. 

I 

3703. 

THEATRES FOR SALE (Cont'd) 

Texas permanent oil town. Building. Fine 

chools. $10,000 down. Also west Texas county 

cat 2,600. $18,500 dowTi. Also north Texas 

county seat 4,000. Both theatres, $35,000 down. 

20 others. Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex. 

Two theatres by owners, with about 1,700 seating 

capacity. Only theatres In good Wisconsin 

city of approximately 15,000. For details, contact 

K. G. ,Marsden, B. C. Zlegler & Co., West 

Bend, Wis. 

Both theatres, attractive, enterprising city 4,450. 

Kansas City territory. Opening processing plant. 

Dally newspaper. Large new factory. Principal 

theatre new throughout. Adequate second theatre. 

$52,500. Terms to suit financially reliable purchaser 

on 50/60% of price. Unexpected Illness. 

Unusu.iUy attractive, every respect. Boxoffice, 

3705. 

Boulevard Drive-in Theatre, FayettevUle. N. C, 

Ili-Y Tlieatre, and Drivc-ln Henderson, Ky„ for 

sale by owner. Ken Benson, 150 Irby St., Florence, 

S. C. 

For Sale: 3 suburban houses in Knoxville, Tenn., 

to be sold as a unit. One of the finest propositions 

we have ever had to offer! Uaase-Sbea 

Tlieatre Brokers, McCall Bldg., Memphis, Tenn. 

Near Dallas, only theatre town 2.000. Includes 

good brick building. Showing steadily increasing 

substantial profit. Wife's serious illness forces 

earliest sale, $11,000 down. Arthur Leak, 3422 

Kinmore. D.illas. Tfx. Several others similar. 

220-seat 

llieatr 

sort and liiiiiiii,; 

:ii ;uiid Wisconsin re- 

,:•'• Fox Ukc, Wis. 

POPCORN SUPPLIES 

Attractively printed popcorn cartons for sale. 

10c size, $6.25 M; 25c size, $16.00 M. Fabian 

Kontney, 609 N. Ashland, Green Bay, Wis. 

Bee- Hive Hybrid—better than ever lor '49; In 

cartons, the Family-Size "Premiere" is the latest 

thing. Blevlns Popcorn Co., Popcorn Village, 

NLshvllle, Tenn. 

Pop-Mor, the popcorn that is tested for taste. 

Costs less to pop the best. Complete line of popcorn 

supplies. Write for our free delivery service 

to theatres. Whitley Popcorn Co., Trenton, Mo. 

Ace Popcorn Warmer. .\merica's most perfect 

warmer, keeps every kernel hot and crisp. Patented 

heating and blower system. Comes in and 3 

4 ft. sizes. ft. Specializing in 6 popcorn warmers 

and combination hot dog and bun warmers for 

drive-in theatres. Ace Mfg. Co., 799 Grove St., 

S;in Fr;uiciscu, Calif. 

POPCORN MACHINES 

Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guarantuid. 

Price from $100, Consolidated Confectiuns. 

1314 8, Wabash, Chicago 5, 111. 

Bargain prices in used and completely reconditioned 

popcorn machines. Blevlns Popcorn Co., 

Nashville, 

Tenn. 

Burch, .Manley, Cretors, Advance, all electric 

french fry types. 50 Hollywood type, theatre 

special electric poppers from $250. Karnelkorn 

Equipment. 120 S Halsted. Chicago 6. III. 

Rebuilt popcorn macnines. half price. Write 

list. Drivc-ln for poppers, bargain. Poppers Supply. 

Box 838. Atlanta. Ga. 

Free 58-page 1949 catalog of Award-Winning 

Popcorn and Concession Equipment and Sutlplles 

Blevlns Popcorn Co.. Popcorn Village. Nashville. 

Tenn 

One new Snow Cone machine. $225, Jayhawk 

Popcorn Co,. Atchison. Kas. 

Cretors Hollywood model with seasoning pump, 

filter exhaust system and seasoning urn. Used 

two weeks, cost $854. Sell at half of cost, $425, 

Sam Valenti, 230 Main St.. Norfolk. Va. 

Manley-Burch popcorn machines. Reconditioned 

barg.ains. Bill Ramsey. 1670 Poplar A\e., Memphis, 

or 426 Transportation Bldg. Cincinnati^ 

SIGNS 

Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns. 

Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experience 

needed for expert work. Write for free samples. 

John Rahn. B-1329. Central Ave.. Chicago 

51. HI 

AIR CONDITIONING 

Heavy duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped. 

15.000 cfm to 50.000 cfm. Air washers, all 

sizes. Hydraulic drives, two and four speed 

motor and controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers 

wanted. Co., National Engineering and Mfg. 519 

Wyandotte St., Kansas City, Mo. 

Blowers, ball bearing, variable speed drive, belts 

and pullevs. $47.50 up, Rejnolds Mfg. Co.. 412 

Prnsoect, V E . Gr.ind R.inMs. Mich 

THEATRE SEATING 

Theatre chairs, many reconditioned. Trade your 

veneers on cushion chairs. Lone Star Film Co.. 

Dilllas, 

Tex, 

MORE CLASSIFIED ON PAGE 38

t^fe^^%^^ / 

Wishbones are fine at Sunday dinner, but . . . 

No smart Showman will risk his business on 

the whims of a good luck charm— because he knows 

that Trailers and Accessories represent an inexpensive 

investment in the kind of showmanship that 

sneers at superstition. 

Good luck is a handy commodity, but good 

salesmanship is safer. And selling is surer, easier, 

when NSS Trailers and Accessories are an important 

part of YOUR advertising efforts! 

selling aids 

They're your least expensive, most expressive 

IT'S EASIER TO SELL SEATS WITH TRAILERS AND ACCESSORIES! 

nai\omi,\Ci^^ service 

V_y PHizfaaay of meiaousmy

Boxoffice-December.24.1949

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