Boxoffice-December.24.1949

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; bookings
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1 1949,
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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.
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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.