Boxoffice-December.24.1949

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. . 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. (Average Is 100) 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. BOXOFTICE December 24, 1949 99
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TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS
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Boxoffice-December.24.1949

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