Boxoffice-January.28.1950

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000
oliJvi rlolicni l.klwit JndiuJnL
7
New Theatre Survey
761 Theatres Constructed
In U. S., Canada in 1949
At Cost of $105,822,723
Pages 17. 18, 19
Industry Launches Broad
Campaign in
Its Tax Fight
Page 8
TTT
COVER PHOTO: Ted Gamble, N,«tional
Chairman Brotherhood Week, Urges Exhibitor
Participation.
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—
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OXOFFICE «
^klrtu Ljeurd Ljcoun f
I
With this issue Boxoffice enters its thirtieth year.
We take this occasion to convey our thanks and appreciation
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Vol. 56 No. 13
JANUARY 2 8, 1950

Pcd^^cciU
House Ways and Means Group
To Begin Tax Hearings
Committee sets February 2 as day to start
receiving testimony on the government's new
tax legislation; film industry to present a
united front for tax cut.
SEEING AND SELLING
The importance of pictures being seen by exhibitors before
they buy them was emphasized by William A. Scully at
the Universal-International sales meetings held last week.
The
point of Mr. Scully's remarks was that, after seeing the pictures,
exhibitors will obtain some idea as to how to sell them to their
patrons.
In keeping with this viewpoint is comment which exhibitors
have made from time to time in the Exhibitor Has His Say
department.
Quoting one instance—and on a U-I release, incidentally—Lloyd
Hutching, owner of a chain of theatres in
Arkansas, reported, "Business was terrible, but the few I did
get in said it was one of the best pictures they had seen in
months. If I had seen it before I played it, I could have sold
if,
even in my small places."
Not every exhibitor can readily discern w^hat there is in a
picture that is salable and what is not.
Nor can the distributors
hit the nail squarely on the head every time. Moreover,
while exhibitors should make it a practice to see more pictures,
whether at trade screenings, on their trips to exchange centers,
or at key runs contiguous to their situations, it is not possible
for them to see every picture they buy before they buy it.
Especially is this true in situations where from 150 to 300 pictures
per year are needed.
So they have to depend upon the
distributors for information, for guidance in proper buying as
well as for proper selling of pictures.
Maybe the distributors might do a little
introspection into
their own shortcomings in the merchandising of pictures.
It is apparent that the film to which Mr. Hutchins made
reference was of better quality than he had known. Doubtless,
there are hundreds, if not thousands, of such instances, resulting
in losses instead of profits, both for exhibitors and distributors.
And this points up the existence of a huge potential
which has not been realized, only because of inadequate attention
to the job that needed doing. We reiterate that the
distributor must share the responsbility.
There is no rule of thumb by which to solve this problem.
But, maybe, it can be approached with this thought in mind:
While the industry is seeking new fields to conquer, new
names, new faces, new patrons, it might find it much more
profitable to better evaluate what it already has to sell—and
SELL it, SELL it, SELL it!
Change in RFC Policies
Is Sought by IMPPA
Independent Motion Picture Producers
Ass'n appeals to Reconstruction Finance Corp.
to permit loans to be advanced to independents
making low and medium budget films.
¥
'Fraudulent' Report Suit
Filed in West Virginia
J. C. Newbold and E. L. Keesling, circuit
owners, named defendants in civil actions
filed in Bluefield. W. Va., by seven major
distributors.
K
General Electric Co. Cuts
Television Set Prices
Reduction of $20 announced in list price
of company's three video receivers and $10
slashed on two others; all sets have 12%-inch
picture tubes.
M
U-I to Add Local Interest
To Newsreels: Scully
Coverage will be Incorporated on territorial
basis so exhibitors can advertise community
shots, according to sales head; reels also to
have more spot news and human interest.
Three Bills Affecting Fibns
*
Filed in Mass. Legislature
They asic state commission to supervise
exhibition, state unit to censor films shown
juveniles and not more than a six-day week
for theatre employes working Sundays.
Famous Players Canadian
Gets Theatre TV License
Limited to experimental operation by closed
circuit to its own houses; already tried out
in the Toronto Imperial; system is similar to
that of Paramount in U.S.
Video Independent Theatres
Not a Defendant in Suit
Judge Vaught in Oklahoma City refuses
government motion to name successor to Griffith
circuit as party to antitrust suit pending
against the Griffith interests in southwest.
Midcentral Allied Names
A. B. Jefferis as Head
Piedmont, Mo., theatre owner, elevated from
vice-presidency of the St. Louis unit, succeeds
Henry Halloway of Overland, who resigned
because of ill health, but will serve as
vice-president.

INDUSTRY GIRDS FOR CAMPAIGN
TO FIGHT FEDERAL TICKET TAX
Trailers, Petitions and
Posters Go to Theatres
Throughout Country
NEW YORK—An unprecedented national
campaign with the gloves off and
no holds barred is being started by all
branches of the industi^y to convince the
American public and all members of Congress
that ticket taxes are an unfair and
discriminatory charge on the pocketbooks
of low income families.
SEEK IVnLLIONS OF NAMES
By the time the Hous6 ways and means
committee gets around to public hearings on
tax problems it is expected that literally
millions of petitions and letters wiU have
reached members of Congress.
The COMPO legislative and taxation committee
withheld its heavy fne until after
President Ti'uman had sent his budget message
to Congress. His faUure to include
ticket taxes among the excise levies that
he believed should be made, if other revenue
producing measures are substituted, did
not surprise industry leaders. Abram F.
Myers was quick to point out that the
P*resident avoided this recommendation because
amusement taxes produce such large
sums.
Almost immediately after the contents of
the budget message were made public on
Monday (23) the COMPO committeemen
went into action.
Shipments of material to theatres began
Thursday (26i. By the weekend 20,000,000
individual petitions for signatures of theatre
patrons had been shipped to 31 exchange
centers.
Other
shipments included:
35,000 eight-page recommendations for
exhibitor activities at the local level.
20,000 50-foot trailers to be used on
the screens of all outdoor and indoor
theatres. This, in itself, was an achievement
brought about by Herman Robbins
of National Screen Service ui five days.
The trailers are to be sold at SI.50 each
and some projectionists' unions have
agreed to run them without charging
overtime.
20,000 posters for use in theatre lobbies.
40,000 stickers for boxoffices, calling the
attention of the public to the fact that
the tax is a tax on those who can least
afford it.
FILM PERSONNEL JOINS
All personnel in production, exhibition and
distribution will be asked to write or wire
congressmen and senators, with concentration
on the House ways and means committee.
Exhibitors have been asked to enUst the
support of their civic organizations and
newspapers, and a complete hst of senators
and representatives has been sent, so that
written appeals can be sent to them.
Everything planned for use from eastern
Truman Stand Expected;
Plans Laid in Advance
KEW YORK—Few industry leaders were
caught by surprise when President Truman
failed to include a recommendation for ticket
tax elimination in his budget message. This
explains the extraordinary speed with which
they acted Monday (23) as soon as the budget
message had been made public.
An eight-page campaign sheet for use by
exhibitors and distributor representatives
had already been prepared and it was put
into the mails Thursday (26i.
Abram F. Myers, chairman of the COMPO
taxation and legislation committee, wrote the
foreword. He described the campaign as "of
vital importance to every man and woman
engaged in the motion picture business."
In another paragraph he wrote: "The year
1950 is destined to be fateful in the history
of our industry. We must win the battle
against unfair and discriminatory taxation
this year for it may be our last chance . . .
Tax-hungry politicians are trying to have
the movies permanently classed with liquor
and tobacco as a subject for punitive taxation."
ALERT ON TAX D.\NGERS
"In the course of the campaign against
the federal tax we must alert the public to
the danger of all special taxes levies on our
business," he continued. "We must point
out to our patrons that any special levy
on our theatres over and above the taxes
paid by other enterprises is not only unwarranted
burden on them, but is unfair,
discriminatory and inconsistent with the
principles upon which our government was
founded."
The principal argument advanced in the
body of the text is that ticket taxes impose
a burden on those least able to bear it.
Three main points are raised in support
of this contention. In the first of these it
is pointed out that the government itself
recognized the need for relaxation by furnishing
films to the armed services during
the war, aird it is asserted that "low admissions
should be encouraged on grounds
headquarters wUl be matched on the west
coast by Art Arthur, member of the committee
representing the Motion Picture
Council. Arthur is coordinating efforts of
the stars, including transcriptions for radio
use, etc.
Oscar A. Doob of Loew's, a committee
member representing the Metropolitan Motion
Picture Theatres Ass'n, with the assistance
of Ernest Emerling, Loew's advertising
of public policy."
"Did you ever before hear of a tax burden
that increases as the family grows in numbers?"
the text inquires. "The special vice .
of the admission tax is that it increases as
the family increases, regardless of any increase
in the family income."
In emphasizing the argument that the tax
is discriminatory, the bulletin points out
that theatre owners pay all taxes that other
enterprises pay: federal—income, corporation,
social security, unemploj-ment, tax on
raw fUm, excises on supplies, hidden taxes
on supplies; state and local—Income, real
estate, personal property and intangibles,
unemployment, occupation and licenses, special
assessments, school and road taxes, fire
inspection, signs and marquees, billboards
and state excises.
"Not tincommonly," the bulletin states,
"the admission tax amounts to many times
the direct taxes imposed on other businesses
in the same community."
SMALL TOWN BUSINESS
Special emphasis is placed on the argument
that exhibition is small business, which
usually gets special consideration from
Congress.
"Not only are the movies a small business,
they are small town business. Close to onehalf
of the motion picture theatre seats in
the U.S. are in towns of 25,000 or less.
Nearly 80 per cent of the motion picture
theatres are in towns of 100,000 or less.
"These small business men necessarily
operate on a slender margin of profit. A
relatively small falling off in attendance
will affect them gravely, and a downward
trend has manifested itself."
It is pointed out that the first effort will
concentrate on the ways and means committee
of the House where revenue bills
originate. A roster of this committee will
be supphed to exhibitors in the districts from
which members of the committee originate.
All exhibitors are urged to form local committees
and to keep the national cormnittee
informed on their progress. Copies of
letters to congressmen and others should be
sent to Abram F. Myers, chairman, committee
on taxation, 1131 Dupont Circle Bldg.,
Washington 6, D. C., so that a complete record
of the drive will be available.
director, prepared much of the material
which will be used in the jump-off campaign.
Other members of the committee are:
Carter Barron, Variety Clubs International;
A. Julian Brylawski, TOA; Jack Bryson,
MPAA; Jay Emanuel, tradepress publisher;
Marvin L. Paris, IMPPA, and Rotus Harvey,
PCCITO. H. M. Richey is aide to the committee.
8 BOXOFTICE :; January 28, 1950

TOTAL OF 223 FILMS IS SET
FOR FIRST HALF OF 1949-50
Five More Than '48-49;
February Will Have 38,
Including 5 in Color
By FRANK LEYENDECKER
NEW YORK—With the addition of 38
features for February 1950 release, the
total number of pictures set for release
during the first six months of tlie 1949-50
season is 223. five more than were released
during the first half of the 1948-49 season.
The total number reissues for this
period in 1949-50 is only 14, compared to
23 for the same period during 1948-49.
The 37 features for February 1950 are
from the lists of 13 companies and compare
to 40 released by the same 13 companies,
plus Astor Pictures.
DECREASE IN COLOR FILMS
Three of the February releases are in
Cinefolor and one each in Technicolor and
"If This Be Sin," "Borderhne," "Backfii-e,"
"Chain Lightning" and the long-awaited Ingrid
Bergman film, "Stromboli." The comedies
include: "When Willie Comes Marching
Home," "Francis," "Dear Wife," "The Great
Rupert" and "Father Is a Bachelor." The
balance are either action films like "Mark
of the Gorilla" or westerns.
THE LINEUP BY COMPANIES
Broken down by companies, the February
releases will be:
COLUMBIA—"Father Is a Bachelor," starring
William Holden with Coleen Gray,
Charles Winninger and Mary Jane Saunders:
"The Nevadan," in Cinecolor, starring
Randolph Scott with Dorothy Malone, Forrest
Tucker, George Macready and Frank
Faylen; "Mark of the Gorilla," with Johnny
Weismuller, Ti-udy Marshall and Onslow
Stevens; "Gii'ls' School," with Joyce Reynolds.
Ross Ford, Laura Elliot and Thurston
Hall; "Mule Train," starring Gene Autry
with Sheila Ryan and Robert Livingston,
and "Trail of the Rustlers," a Charles Starrett
western with Smiley Burnette and Gail
Davis.
EAGLE LION— (tentative) "Guilty of
T:-eason," a Wrather-Golden production,
starring Charles Bickford, Bonita Granville
and Paul Kelly; "The Great Rupert," starring
Jimmy Durante, Terry Moore and Tom
Formal Bow Scheduled
For Jim Mote Theatre
HOLLYWOOD — Formal ceremonies, long
delayed, to herald the opening of the Friendship
Theatre in Sterling, Okla., by Exhibitor
Jim Mote have now been set for February 12,
when Monogram will premiere "Blonde Dynamite,"
latest entry in its "Bowery Boys" series,
in the showcase.
Highlights of the event will be personal
appearances by Huntz Hall, Leo Gorcey and
Gabriel Dell, of the "Bowery Boys" troupe,
and Adele Jergens, who has the title role in
the film. Hall is currently touring Mississippi
and Louisiana with a personal appearance
act. Also planning to attend is Jan Grippo,
who produces the series for Monogram.
The Friendship Theatre, industryites will
recall, was built to replace Mote's Gem Thea-
Anscocolor, compared to two in Technicolor
and one in Cinecolor for February 1949. The
total color featiu-es for the first half of the
1949-50 selling season is 32, including 22
in Technicolor, six in Cinecolor, three in tre in Sterling when the latter showcase was
Ti-ucolor and one in Anscocolor, a sharp razed by fire late in 1948—a disaster which
drop from the total of 48 color features for
the first six months of 1948-49.
Among the important dramas to be released
during February are: "The Man on
Drake, and "Tlie Third Man," the David O.
Selznick production, starring Joseph Cotten,
the Eiffel Tower," in Anscocolor; "Young
Valli, Orson Welles and Trevor Howard, set
Daniel Boone," "The Nevadan" and "Dakota
Lil," action films in Cinecolor, and
back from January.
"Guilty of Treason." "Four FILM CLASSICS—"Four Days' Leave," a
Days' Leave,"
"Intruder in the Dust," "East Side, West
Fred Zlnneman production filmed in Switzerland
and starring Cornel Wilde and Josette
Side," "Key to the City," "Captain China,"
"Tu'elve O'clock High," "Johnny
Day; "Cry Murder," with Carole Matthews
Holiday,"
and Jack Lord, and "Guilty Bystander,"
filmed in New York City and starring Faye
Emerson, Zachary Scott and Mai-y Boland,
set back from January.
LIPPERT—"E^verybody's Dancin'," with
Spade Cooley; "Western Pacific Agent," with
Kent Taylor, and "Ci'ooked River," with
James Ellison and Russ Hayden.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER — "Intruder
in the Dust," with Claude Jarman jr., David
Brian, Juano Hernandez and Elizabeth Patterson;
"East Side, West Side," starring Barbara
Stanwyck, James Mason, Ava Gardner
and Van Heflin with Gale Sondergaard; "Key
to the City," starring Clark Gable and Loretta
Young with Frank Morgan and Edward
Arnold, and "Blossoms in the Dust" in Technicolor,
a reissue starring Greer Garson and
Walter Pidgeon.
MONOGRAM—"Young Daniel Boone," in
Cinecolor, with David Bruce and Kristine
Miller, set back from January; "Joe Palooka
Meets Humphrey," starring Joe Kirkwood
and Leon Errol; "Blonde Dynamite," starring
Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall and the Bowery
Boys, and "West of Wyoming," an outdoor
feature.
PARAMOUNT—"Dear Wife," starring Joan
Caulfield, William Holden, Edward Arnold,
Billy DeWolfe and Mona Freeman, and "Captain
China," with John Payne, Gail Russell,
Edgar Bergen and Lon Chaney.
served once again to demonstrate that show
business does, indeed, have a heart.
For at that time, through the columns of
BOXOFFICE's The Exhibitor Has His Say
Department, theatre operators and representatives
of distribution, production and allied
industries spontaneously began contributing
to a fund to put Mote back in business—since
he carried no insurance on the Gem and
feared he was permanently out of action.
Subsequently BOXOPFICE and Monogram
combined their resources to conduct the
"Steve Broidy 25th Anniversary Drive for
BOXOFFICE's Jim Mote Fimd." From this
13-week billing and collections drive, observing
Monogram Pi-esident Broidy's 25th year
in the motion picture industry, Mote received
a check for $5,000 from the company—plus
$2,311.68 in contributions.
REPUBLIC—"Gunmen of Abilene," an
AUan "Rocky" Lane western with Eddy
Waller; "Tarnished," with Dorothy Patrick
and Ai-thm- Franz, and (tentative) "The Savage
Horde," starring William Elliott and
Adrian Booth.
RKO RADIO—"The Man on the Eiffel
Tower," in Anscocolor, starring Franchot
Tone, Charles Laughton and Bm-gess Meredith
with Robert Hutton, Jean Wallace, Patricia
Roc and Behta, and "Stromboli," the
Roberto Rossellini production starring Ingrid
Bei'gman.
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX—"Twelve
O'clock High," starring Gregory Peck with
Hugh Marlowe, Dean Jagger, Millard Mitchell
and Paul Stewart; "When Willie Comes
Marching Home," starring Dan Dailey with
Corinne Calvet, Coleen Townsend, William
Demarest, Evelyn Varden and James Lydon,
and "Dakota Lil," in Cinecolor, starring
George Montgomery, Marie Windsor, Rod
Cameron and Wallace Ford.
UNITED ARTISTS—"If This Be Sin," a
Gregory Ratoff production, starring Myrna
Loy, Richard Greene and Peggy Cummins,
and "Johnny Holiday," a Ronald W. Alcorn
production, with William Bendix, Stanley
Clements, Hoagy Carmichael and Allen
Martin jr.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATTtONAL — "Francis,"
starring Donald O'Connor, with Patricia
Medina and ZaSu Pitts, and "Borderline,"
starring Fred MacMurray and Claire Trevor.
WARNER BROS.—"Chain Lightning,"
starring Humphrey Bogart and Eleanor
Parker with Raymond Massey and Richard
Whorf, and "Backfire," starring Virginia
Mayo, Gordon MacRae and Dane Clark with
Viveca Lindfors and Edmond O'Brien.
J50XOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

Drive -Ins on Same Basis
As Subsequents at U-l
Three top executives of Universal-International at the sales meetings this week:
Left to right, John J. O'Connor, vice-president; N. J. Blumberg, president; and W. A.
Scully, vice-president and general sales manager.
ST. LOUIS—U n i V e r s a 1-International
plans to offer drive-ins the same availability
as subsequent runs, wherever it is
good business, W. A. Scully, vice-president
and general sales manager, told the
more than 120 home office executives and
district managers, branch managers,
salesmen and head bookers from the 21
southern and western branches attending
the company's second large-scale sales
meeting at the Hotel Chase January 24
through 26.
"In situations where we do not believe it
is going to affect first run revenue, we see
no reason why these accounts should not be
playing pictures earlier. We do not believe
that the drive-in theatres will affect the
regular theatres, but feel that this new
outlet is going to create numerous patrons
for theatres who have not had the opportunity
of seeing pictures for various reasons—such
as the theatre which might not
be a convenient place to go, as they might
have to change clothes, or there would be
no place for them to park their children,"
Scully said.
Scully also said that trade practices can
only be improved if a new spirit of cooperation
is mutually agreed upon by distributors
and exhibitors and he believes no
formally written trade practice code can improve
this relationship unless the old wornout
traditional psychology of every man for
himself is eliminated.
"The simplest way to obtain good trade
practices is for everybody to get a square
deal. This means that the obsolete idea
of clearances must be modified by distributors,
and, by the same token, exhibitors
have to play ball in going along with the
required modification. Some exhibitors who
are pressing for a trade practice code should
now be willing to adjust their thinking as
far as clearance is concerned," Scully said.
N. J. Blumberg, president, who presided
at the three-day meeting, also addressed the
delegates, and other speakers were: A. J.
O'Keefe, assistant general sales manager;
David Lipton, national director of advertising
and publicity; Mamice Bergman, home
office executive; Foster Blake, western sales
manager, and F. J. A. McCarthy, southern
sales manager. Other home office executives
present were; Irving Sochin, Prestige Pictures
sales head; F. T. Murray, manager of
branch operations; James J. Jordan, contract
playdate manager, and Ray Coyle and
Frank Mooney.
Blumberg Says Need
Is More Enthusiasm
NEW YORK — Industry problems revolve
around a "lost enthusiasm" rather than a
"lost audience," N. J, Blumberg, president of
Universal Pictures, said at the first session of
the company's sales meeting. He emphasized
that the industi-y has "gotten away from those
veiy things that not only brought it into
existence but those things that made it the
great business that it is." Talk about a lost
aud'ence, he said, actually refers to "our own
abandonment of hard work and the very life's
blood of our business—enthusiasm."
"The industry has never had so many good
pictures as are now available for exhibition,"
he said. "Public relations begin at home,
which merely means that the exhibitors not
only have the business of advertising and exploiting
pictures, but should constantly point
out that better pictures are being shown. The
day has passed when exhibitors can afford
to ask the oldtime question about who is
in the picture. Instead, exhibitors should do
everything possible to sell subject matter."
Blumberg said the public •mil go for pictures
on a high cultural level and that the
masses, as well as the selective audiences,
appreciate such pictures. He cited "Hamlet"
as an example.
"Exhibitors also have the obligation to help
the producer in building up new personalities."
he said. "This can only be done if the
exliibitor plays pictures with new personalities
and helps in the promotion of their
names." He called it important to have
variety in pictures.
W. A. Scully, general sales manager, told
the staff advertising will be concentrated on
the company's day-and-date bookings in the
next six months.
COMPO: One Deferral
And One Approval
NEW YORK—Ellis Arnall, president of the
Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers,
revealed Tuesday (24) that the executive
committee of the organization at a recent
coast meeting voted to defer any participation
in COMPO until there is clarification
of the proposed method of financing. He
said the decision is not to be taken as a stand
against COMPO, but as a necessary move to
straighten out details before conclusive action.
Arnall referred to the proposal calling for
collection by exchanges of 10 cents per $100
on feature film rentals, to which exhibitor
objection, including TOA, has been raised.
His point was that the wording of the proposal
mentions only exhibitor and producerdistributors
and not producers alone.
"Technically we are not covered," he said.
Arnall asked what is expected of a producer
who is not a distributor. Assuming he
has a 30 per cent distribution contract with
United Artists, does the producer share a part
of the distributor's cost of maintaining
COMPO, and if so what share?
He repeated that deferral of participation
does not mean turning down COMPO, but
said that the organization has to know exactly
what financial participation is expected
of it before giving formal approval. He believed
that "most" SIMPP members favor
COMPO.
Studio Council Gives
Okay to COMPO
HOLLYWOOD—Ratification of the Motion
Picture Industry Council's participation as
a charter member of filmdom's overall public
relations group, the Council of Motion
Picture Organizations, and selection of Paul
Groesse to serve as the MPIC's next cochaii-man,
highlighted the organization's last
membership meeting.
MPIC is the second group to ratify the
aims and purposes of COMPO, a similar
action having been taken earlier by the
Metropolitan Theatres Ass'n of New York.
Simultaneously MPIC gave its endorsement
to COMPO's initial projects, including full
support of the fight for repeal of excise
taxes on theatre admissions; observances
marking the 20th anniversary of the production
code and industry self -regulation;
and creation of an industry library of information.
Paramount Extends Pact
For Pine and Thomas
HOLL"YWOOD—Marking the
beginning of
their tenth year as independent producers
releasing through Paramount, William Pine
and William Thomas have signed a new twoyear
ticket with that company calling for the
making of six pictures. The new pact will
start following completion of their next picture,
"Ti'ipoli," to be filmed in Technicolor
and set for a March start.
First two of the six features called for under
the new ticket will be "High Venture," rolling
in June, and "New Guinea Gold," scheduled
for launching in September.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
10 BOXOFTICE January 28, 1950

^^^^^^^

ITIOTHER DIDN'T TELL ME.. .^,
is in the wonderful tradition of those r
pictures your patrons remember and talk C
fondly about for months after they 'f"t
i

iVIotHer
DidntTellMe
with a brilliani supporting cast
JUNE HAVOC
GARY MERRILL
Jessie Royce Landis • Joyce MacKenzie • Leif Erickson
CLAUDE BINYON • FRED KOHLMAR
Screen Play by C/pude Binyon • From the Book
"The Doctor Weors Three Faces" by Mory Bard

:
ORPHEUM. Marshalltown. Iowa PARAMOUNT, St, John. N. B. CALAVERAS. San Andn
BUILDING BOOM: 761 THEATRES
COSTING $105 MILLION IN 1949
NEW YORK—The motion picture industry's
greatest building year produced 761
new theatres in the United States and Canada,
built at an estimated cost of $105,-
822,723 and adding 531.895 seats for the
exhibition of films. It was the all-time
boom year for theatre construction.
With the 859 drive-in theatres reported
in last week's issue of Boxoffice, exhibition
gained a total of 1,609.895 seats with
outdoor theatre capacity figured on the
basis of a 750-car theatre equaling a 2,000-
seat house.
Here is how the construction picture sized
up:
New theatres in the U.S 669
New theatres in Canada 92
Seating capacity, U.S. theatres 478,178
Seating capacity, Canadian
theatres 53,717
Total investment, U.S $89,966,723
Total investment, Canada $15,856,000
REMODELING NOT INCLUDED
The construction figure does not include
rebuilding and extensive renovation jobs, although
a number of these projects provided
virtually new theatres. At least 308 theatres
underwent extensive repairs in the 12-month
period. Included among these were such
major undertakings as the $400,000 remodeling
of the RKO Missouri Tlieatre in Kansas
City; the Fox Midwest Orpheum Theatre
in the same town at $200,000, the $200,000
project at the Center Theatre in Buffalo,
the $150,000 jot) at the RKO Orpheum in Des
Moines, the Eg>-ptian Theatre in Los Angeles
and the Victory Theatre in Downey,
Calif., among others.
The building boom was heaviest in California,
Texas, Illinois, Florida and Ohio, but
all sections of the country and the Dominion
shared in the unprecedented wave of
new theatre construction. Texas put 78 theatres
into the works during the 12-month
period, with Lone Star State exhibitors
spending an estimated $10,804,000: but top
spending was reported by California theatremen
who put 514,259.560 into 67 theatres.
Construction was not an inexpensive undertaking,
as those exhibitors who put up
theatres attested. The 761 theatres were
built at an average cost of $198 a seat, with
the average cost $139,057.
There was considerable building in Canada
by both the Odeon and Famous Players
Canadian circuits, with both concentrating
several major projects in Toronto where
Odeon put up a $2,000,000 showcase and
FPC opened the $2,000,000 University. In
this country, multimillion-dollar projects included
the Calderone Theatre built by Skouras
Theatres for $2,000,000 on Long Island.
The heavy building is expected to be
projected into 1950, further establishing the
theatre market as an attractive one for
manufacturers of all types of equipment and
products which go into the construction,
Construction by States
STATE THEATRES COST CAPACITY
Alabama 19 $ 2.327.200 14,889
Arizona 3 232,500 1.650
Arkansas 15 1.013.000 8.107
Ciiliforria 67 14,259.560 59.177
Colorado 11 1,894,730 8,163
Connecticut S 1,678,000 7.237
Delaware 1 95.000 480
Florida 25 4,547.000 20.100
Georgia 23 1.979,000 12.672
Idaho 3 168,000 1,500
Illinois 34 2.995.500 18.877
Indiana 13 1.136,000 7.486
Iowa 16 880,000 6.167
Kansas 12 1.652.000 8.407
Kentucky 13 981.000 6,084
Louisiana 14 1.604.900 10.721
Maine 5 450,000 2.655
Maryland 6 895.000 4.626
M.i!!.lchusetts 7 1.345,000 6.625
Michigan 12 2.272.000 12.084
Minnesota 15 1.564,000 9.492
Mississippi 14 1.254.500 10.146
Missouri 13 1.214.000 8.030
Montana 6 718.000 3,534
Nebraska 5 438,000 2.770
New Hampshire 1 160.000 1.000
New Jersey 5 360.000 2.250
New Mexico 10 930.000 6.903
New York 18 5.886.000 20.015
North Carolina 18 1.517.000 9.882
North Dakota 7 783.000 4.648
. :
Ohio 28 4.74C.000 23.455
Oklahoma 6 915.000 4.262
Oreijon 8 598.000 3.415
Pennsylvania 22 2,891.000 15.322
Rhode Island 2 385.000 1.500
South Carolina 8 804.000 4.100
South Dakota 10 585,000 3.940
Tennessee 11 2.668.500 10.330
Texas 78 10.804.700 67.268
Utah 10 1.173.000 6.733
Vermont 3 245.000 1.466
Virginia 10 955,000 6,474
Washington 14 2.000.633 10.488
West Virginia 13 1.038.000 7.132
Wisconsin 20 2.114.000 11.585
Wyoming 7 813.000 4.321
Total 669 $89,966,723 478.178
"Canada 92 15.8S6.000 53.717
Tolal 761 $105,822,723 531.895
furnishing and maintenance of motion picture
houses.
Following is a list of new theatres built
in 1950 (asterisks indicate theatres already
opened)
ALABAMA
Alabama City: Cri\scent
.Vmiiscment Co., 1,000'
Alexander City: D. W. Lamhcrili.
E. J. Lamberlh. 0.
\V. Lamberlh and John
Rodney. GG3»
Andalusia: Martin Tlicatros,
970*
Clanton: .Icrae Theatres, 740
Cullman: Acme Theatres, 763*
Fairfield: Waters Theatre Co.,
l.OOO*
Fairfield: Community Theatres.
739»
Florala: Martin Theatres,
700»
Guntersville: (no details),
I/ikc Theatre, 900*
Hanceville: Earl Kretzchraar,
42(j»
Jasper: Wilby-Klncey, 914
Jasper: Wilby-Kincey, 1,086
Lafayette: Martin Theatres,
669*
Leeds: Waters Theatre Co.,
763*
U. S.
Roanoke: J. Oarfield Heard.
,".50*
Russellville: Rock\sood Amusement
Co.. 786*
Sheffield: Jimmy Roden, 7C3*
Troy: Pike Theatres, Inc,
S54*
,
ARIZONA
Douglas: Amusement Enterprices,
Inc, 500*
Glendale: Harry L. Nace Circuit.
600*
Holbrook: Harry L. Nace Circuit,
.150
ARKANSAS
Bluffton: H, I, Frizzell, ol.i*
Camden: Malco Theatre (no
details). 370
Earle: Savoy Theatre (no details),
300*
Eudora: Wren Tho.itres. 538
Hampton: A. B. Garrett, 517*
Harrison: Cam Cameron. 400*
Horatio: K. Lee Williams
Theatres. Inc.. 475
Kensett: II C. Melton, 300*
Magnolia: Maenolia Amusement
Co., (Robb & Rowley
affiliate), 850*
Mena: R. B. Bell, 533
Osceola: Moses Sllman, 600*
Paris: K, Ue Williams Thea-
50
Springdale: W, F, Sonneman,
317*
Tuckerman: Carl Christina,
CALIFORNIA
vin. Jim Banduccl, 874
Arlington: Waller J. Dennis
and l''rank Bersoon, 450
Azuza: ftlwards Theatres, 950
Bakersfield: Carnakis Family,
450»
Bakersfield: Arvin Tlieatre
(no details), 870
Barstow: Western Amnsemi'nl
Co., 1,000
Bellflower: Al Hfinson, Suuth-
Lyn Tlie;itres, Inc. 1,150»
Belmont: Bliimenfrld Circuit,
900*
Burbank: Malouf Realty Cu,,
1.500'
Castroville: Norman doodin,
1.000
Chico: Bob and Bob
Miller
Cotfman, 700*
Compton: Fanclion & Marco,
1.500*
Corona del Mar: Ralph Wll-
500*
,
Davis: Daiis Thealrc, Inc,
850
Downey: Evert Cummins, T50*
East Palo Alto: Westland
Theatres, 1.400
Elk Grove: Carl Amundson,
500
Elsinore: B. I). I'atterson, 775
El Sobrante: E. M. Jelia and
Benicil Theatre Co,. 700*
Encino: Jules Seder anil Howard
Goldenson, 700*
Fresno: Ben Nakaraiira, 900*
Half Moon Bay: Alvln S.
Hatch :uid Hariey II.
Hatch, 450
Huntinston Park: \V. 1). Mc-
Clinti.ck. 4110
Huron; R. li Itiilf. 700*
Lakeport: In, M. Rtese. COO*
Lincoln: Placer Theatre Corp.,
1.0011*
Lodi: Lyle Turner, 450*
Los Angeles: Grlffith-Colem:ui,
Inc. 1,500*
Los Angeles: Fanchon & Jlarco.
1.800*
Los Angeles: Alcv Schrelber,
1.400
Los Banos: Dave Bolion. John
Peters and L. Emmick,
800*
Marysville: (no details). 758*
Millbrae: Bay Shore Amusement
Co., 1,600*
Montebello: Samuel M. Olander
,ind son Alfred. 1,000
Monterey Park: Edwards Theaire
Circuit, 1.400
Monte Rio: S. A. Barllett.
490*
Mountain View: Siinnymount
Theatres. 999
Nevada City: .N'aify Theatres,
700*
fun
Circuit,
BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950
17

V
I
ALL THIS... iiiif[)>ir£i7/?/f/c
MONEY-MAKING CONTEST, TOO!
mm
mm
SHOWMANSHIP CONTEST
thi^-*^^'^(SiSSlM,4i^^lS^l'i93'XmS»^^
^^5r^
-MAY 7th AND
NE OF THE 134 PRIZES!
BOOK IT MOW ! ^^
Watch the Trade Papers for full details soon!
CENTURY-FOX
'^^(M

:
ORPHEUM. Marshalltown, Iowa PARAMOUNT, St. John, N. B. CALAVERAS. San Andreas. Calif. GALION, Gallon. Ohio
BUILDING BOOM: 761 THEATRES
COSTING $105 MILLION IN 7949
NEW YORK^The motion picture industry's
greatest building year produced 761
new tiieatres in tlie United States and Canada,
built at an estimated cost of $105,-
822,723 and adding 531,895 seats for the
exhibition of films. It was the all-time
boom year for tlieatre construction.
With the 859 drive-in theatres reported
in last week's issue of Boxoffice. exhibition
gained a total of 1,609,895 seats with
outdoor theatre capacity figured on the
basis of a 750-car theatre equaling a 2,000-
seat house.
Here is how the construction picture sized
up:
New theatres in the U.S 669
New theatres in Canada 92
Seating capacity, U.S. theatres 478,178
Seating capacity, Canadian
theatres 53,717
Total Investment, U.S $89,966,723
Total investment, Canada $15,856,000
REMODELING NOT INCLUDED
The construction figure does not include
rebuilding and extensive renovation jobs, although
a number of these projects provided
virtually new theatres. At least 308 theatres
underwent extensive repairs in the 12-month
period. Included among these were such
major undertakings as the $400,000 remodeling
of the RKO Missouri Theatre in Kansas
City: the Fox Midwest Orpheum Theatre
in the same town at $200,000, the $200,000
project at the Center Theatre in Buffalo,
the $150,000 job at the RKO Orpheum in Des
Moines, the Eg>-ptian Theatre in Los Angeles
and the 'Victory Theatre in Downey,
Calif., among others.
Tlie building boom was heaviest in California,
Texas, Illinois, Florida and Ohio, but
all sections of the country and the Dominion
shared in the unprecedented wave of
new theatre construction. Texas put 78 theatres
into the works during the 12-month
period, with Lone Star State exhibitors
spending an estimated $10,804,000: but top
spending was reported by California theatremen
who put $14,259,560 into 67 theatres.
Construction was not an inexpensive undertaking,
as those exhibitors who put up
theatres attested. The 761 theatres were
built at an average cost of $198 a seat, with
the average cost $139,057.
There was considerable building in Canada
by both the Odeon and Famous Players
Canadian circuits, with both concentrating
several major projects in Toronto where
Odeon put up a $2,000,000 showcase and
FPC opened the $2,000,000 University. In
this country, multimillion-dollar projects included
the Calderone Theatre built by Skouras
Theatres for $2,000,000 on Long Island.
The heavy building is expected to be
projected into 1950, further establisliing the
theatre market as an attractive one for
manufacturers of all types of equipment and
products which go into the construction,
Construction by States
STATE THEATRES COST CAPACITY
Alabama 19 $ 2.327.200 14,889
Arizona 3 232,500 1.650
Arkansas 15 1.013.000 8.107
California 67 14.259,560 59,177
Colorado 11 1,894,730 8,163
Connecticut S 1.678.000 7,237
Delaware 1 95,000 480
Florida 25 4,547.000 20.100
Georoia 23 1.979,000 12,672
Idaho 3 168.000 1,500
Illinois 34 2,996,500 18,877
Indiana 13 1.136.000 7.486
Iowa 16 880.000 6,167
Kansas 12 1,652,000 8.407
Kentucky 13 981,000 6,084
Louisiana 14 1.604.900 10.721
Maine 5 450,000 2,655
M,-iryland 6 895.000 4,626
Massachusetts 7 1.345,000 6.625
Michigan 12 2,272.000 12,084
Minnesota 15 1,564,000 9.492
Mississipoi 14 1.254,500 10,146
Missouri 13 1.214.000 8.030
Montana 6 718.000 3,534
Nebraska 5 438,000 2,770
Mew Hampshire 1 160.000 1.000
New Jersey 5 360.000 2.250
New Mexico 10 930,000 6,903
New York 18 5.886.000 20.015
North Carolina 18 1,517,000 9,882
North Dakota 7 783,000 4,648
Ohio 28 4,74C,000 23.455
Oklahoma 6 915,000 4,262
Oregon 8 598,000 3.415
Pennsylvania 22 2,891.000 15.322
Rhode Island 2 385.000 1.500
South Carolina 8 804,000 4,100
South Dakota 10 585.000 3,940
Tennessee 11 2,668,500 10.330
Texas 7S 10.804,700 67,268
Utah 10 1.173.000 6,733
Vermont 3 245,000 1,466
Virginia 10 955.000 6.474
Washington 14 2,000.633 10,488
West Virginia 13 1,038,000 7,132
Wisconsin 20 2.114.000 11.585
Wyoming 7 813.000 4.321
Total 669 $ S9.%6,723 478.178
'Canada 92 15.856,000 53.717
Total 761 S105.822.723 531.895
furnishing and maintenance of motion picture
houses.
Following is a list of new theatres built
in 1950 (asterisks indicate theatres already
opened)
ALABAMA
Alabama City: Crescent
.Amusement Co., 1,000*
Alexander City: D. W. Lamhcrlh.
B. ,1. Lamberth. 0.
W. Lamberth and John
Itodney. 66.3*
Andalusia: Martin Tlieatrrs,
iiTO»
Clanton: .\cmc Theatres, 740
Cullman: .4cme Tlieatres. 763»
Fairfield: Waters Theatre Co.,
1.000*
Fairfield: Community Theatres,
7.-!9*
Florala: Martin Theatres,
700*
Guntersville: (no details).
Lake Theatre, 900*
Hanceville: Earl Kretzchraar.
42(1*
Jasper: Wilby-Kincey, 914
Jasper: Wllby-Kiiicey. 1,086
Lafayette: Martin Theatres,
669*
Leeds: Waters Theatre Co.,
76:i*
Maxwell Air Base: U. S.
.\rmy, 763*
Roanoke: J. Oarfield He,ird.
:!S0*
Russellville: Rockwood Amusemnil
Co., 7.SG*
Sheffield: Jimmy Roden, 763*
Troy: I'ike Theatres, Inc.,
ARIZONA
Douglas: Amusement Enterprices,
Inc., 500*
Glendale: Harry L. Nace Circuit.
600*
Holbrook: Harry L. Nace Circuit,
550
ARKANSAS
Bluffton: II. I. Krlzzell, 515*
Camden: Mako Theatre (no
details), 370
Earle: Savoy Theatre (no details).
300*
Eudora: Wren Theatres, 53S
Hampton: A. B. Garrett. 517*
Harrison: Cam Cameron, 400*
Horatio: K. Lee Williams
Theatres. Inc., 475
Kensctt: II. C. Melton, 300*
Magnolia: .Mai;noI{a Amusement
Co.. (Robb & Rowley
amiiatc), 850*
Mena: I!. B. Bell, 533
Osceola: Moses Sliraan, 500*
Paris: K, I,ee Williams Thea-
50
Springdale: \V. I". Sonneman,
517*
Tuckerman: Carl Christina,
Arlington: Walter J. Dennis
and Frank Bersoon, 450
Azuza: Bttwards Theatres, 950
Bakersfield: Carnakis Family,
450*
Bakersfield: Arvin Theatre
(no details), 870
Barstow: Western Amusement
Co., 1,000
Bcllflowcr: AI Hanson, South-
Lyn Tlieatres, Inc., 1,150*
Belmont: Bhimenfeld Circuit,
900*
Burbank: Malout Realty Co.,
1,500*
Caslroville: Norman Coodin,
1,000
Chico: Boh and Bob
.Miller
Coffman, 700*
Compton: Fanchon & Marco,
1.500*
Corona del Mar: Ralph Wllmnt.
500*
Davis: Davis Theatre. Inc.,
850
Downey: Evert Cummins, 750*
East Palo Alto: Westland
ThsMtres. 1.400
Elk Grove: Car! Amundson,
500
Elsinore: E. D. Patterson. 775
El Sobrantc: E. M. Jeha and
Benicil Theatre Co.. 700*
Encino: Jules Seder and Howard
Goldenson, 700*
Fresno: Ben Nakamura, 900*
Half Moon Bay: Alvin S.
H.itch :uid Har\ey It,
Hatch, 450
Huntington Park: \V. 1). Mcflintuck.
400
Huron: li. 11. Ruff, 700*
Lakeport: Leo M. Reese. 600*
Lincoln: Placer Theatre Corp.,
1.000*
Lodi: I.yle Turner. 450*
Los Angeles: GriffIth-ColemMi.
Inc.. 1,500*
Los Angeles: Fanchon & Marro.
1„SOO*
Los Angeles: Ales Schrelber,
1,400
Los Banos: Dave Bolton, John
Peters and L. Emrofck,
800*
Marysville: (no details), 758*
Millbrae: Bay Shore Amusemenl
Co., 1,600*
Montebello: Samuel M. (Ilandcr
and son Alfred. 1,000
Monterey Park: Ednards Theatre
Circuit, 1,400
Monte Rio: S. A. Bartlelt,
490*
Mountain View: Siinnymount
Thealrcs, 999
Nevada City: Naify Theatres,
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE :; January 28, 1950
17

LA TIJERA. La TIjera. Calif. EMPIRE. Bay City. Mich. FRASER. South Vancouvi MERALTA. Downey. Calil
Pacific Palisades: Wiiliam
Fulton, I.IOO*
Palm City; (no dtlail.s). ij50»
Panorama City: Isley Theatres.
Inc., 1.800
Panorama City: Ma.\ Torodoi,
Edward Grossman, Joseph
.^. ajid Hudson Edward
liosenwald. 1.000*
Pasadena: Terry McDaniel and
.1. E- Poynler of Westatcs
Circuit, 750*
Flacerville: Placerville Tlieatre
Co.. 400*
Forterjille:
Principay Theaties
Corp., 1.200
Pico: (no details), 450*
Sacramento: Fox West Coast,
1.200*
San Andreas: Bob Patton,
600*
San Carlos: White Oak Theatre
Co., i.ono*
San Diejo: Kumi Swanson,
630
San Francisco: Westside Theatn
200
San Francisco: I'. S. .\rmy.
1.000*
San Francisco: San Francisco
Theatres. Inc. 1.350*
San Jose: (no details! .
1.275
San Jose: Lawrence Borg.
900*
Saratoga: Mason Shaw, 450*
Saticoy: Saticoy Commercial
Enterprises. Inc., .300*
Selma: Panero Theatre Co..
850*
Sherman Daks: Jack Grossman,
600*
Solano Beach: Joe .Markowitz,
650*
Torrance: .\lberl Mellnkofl
and Harry Milste;n. 1.000*
Van Nuys: Nate Sheinberg,
1.500
Ventura: Jay Berger. 726*
Visalia: Phil Harris. 730*
Willow Glen: San Jose .\musc
mcnt Co.. 1.100*
Willows: (no details), 400*
COLORADO
Center: Herk Gumper. 434*
Denver: Tower Theatre Co..
1.000*
Denver: Claude and Kussell
Graves and Wilbur Wil-
740
Denver: BM Build n- Co.,
900
Durango: (no details). 700*
Moz Amusements.
Englewood:
Inc.. 1.000
Fountain: Thoma.s Maestas.
200*
Golden: .\tlas The.itre Co.
900*
Granby: Louis Yeager. 414
Lakewood: Jefferson Amusement
Co.. 1.250
Wray: J. K. Powell. J. A.
Ilughes. 625
CONNECTICUT
Bridgeport: Perakos Circuit.
1.000*
East Hartford: Morris Keppner.
800*
Hartford: (no details). 835
Hartford: Burnside Theatre
Corp.. 800*
Meriden: Nick Kounaris. Paul
Tors and George Ulysses.
1.000*
Niantic: Nianlic Theatre
Corp 700
Norwich: Loew's Poll-New
England Theatres. 1.400*
Waterbury: Robert Schwartz.
702*
DELAWARE
Wilmington: .Inhn Scope. 4Sli*
FLORIDA
Avon Park: Carl Floyd. 6615
Chipley: .lohn Nelson. 660
Daytona Beach: (no details).
819*
Delray Beach: (no details),
Eau Gallic: Ilorton Bell. 600
Hialeah: Wometco Theatres,
1 .200*
Jacksonville: Fred Kent. 1.000
Jacksonville: 5 Points Theatre
Corp.. Kissimmee, 800*
Jacksonville: Ben J. Phillips.
.S14*
Little River: B
Circuil.
819*
Miami: Brandt Theatres.
1.130*
Miami Beach: Wometco Ciroult.
2.200
Miami Springs: Claughton
Circuit. 975*
Moore Haven: Thomas E
.Markette and Everett Bui
chard, :i70*
North Miami Beach; E. E
Branscome, 600*
Opalocka: U. S. Army. 81!)*
Orlando: Charles T. Niblack.
696*
Palm Beach: (nn details),
1.000*
Pensacola: Clinton Vucovich.
600*
Quincy: Interstate Enterprises.
1.022*
Ruskin: Businessmen, 500*
E, L. Starke: Pullm.in. 500*
1. Iloche. Vernon: 500*
West Palm Beach: Florida
State Theatres. 819*
Wildwood: M.irtin The.ilres.
Inc.. 819*
GEORGIA
Adel: L A. Stein. 550*
Athens: C. H. Martin. 500
Atlanta: 11. G. Spears. 650
Atlanta: Crescent Circuit, 500
Brunswick: Georgia Theatre
Co., 650*
Chamb'ec: (no details), 500
Donaldsville: Eniis Dunn, 885*
Donaldsville: Peoples Amusement
Co., 600*
Fayetteville: G. E. Duffy.
550*
Georgetown: (no details).
350*
Harlem: Paul Suint and W.
H. Griffin. 497*
Harlem: Weldon Whitacker,
550
Hartwe I: Bill Yarbrough,
500*
Hazelhurst: A. Stein, 850*
Hogansvitle: .\lbert Lee Wood,
400
Jesup: W. P. Riggins, 890*
Loganville: A. C. Clark. 400*
Macon: Phil H. Kapl.in. 100
McCrea: Martin - Thompson
Cirruit. 750
Ocilla: W. P. Gammon. 6511*
Rochelle: Cecil D. Crummey.
350*
Statesboro: Hal H. Macon
IDAHO
Alameda: (no details). 600*
Mountain Home: William Devlin.
500*
Paul: Arvis Edmondson. 400*
ILLINOIS
Abingdon: S E. Pirlle. 600*
Athens: W. J. Rodell, 400*
Blue Island: Bernstein Oicuit.
500*
Bunker Hill: Tom Baker. 450*
Byron: Bale & Johnson, 400*
Chicago: Howard J. Beck.
1.500*
Chicago: George Gollos, Bernard
Mnore and Morris and
Dave Solovy. 833*
Chicago: Telenews Theatres,
Inc.. 500*
Dekalb: Anderson Circuit.
soo*
DCS Plaines: W. A. Wischadt,
400
East St. Louis: Prisina
Amusement Co.. 800*
East St. Louis: Frisina St.
Clair Theatre Corp.. 900*
Equality: Gtorge W. Joyner.
300*
Flora: Flora AmiLsement Cii..
900
Golden: (no details). 256*
Fox Lake; Fox Lake Enterprises.
600*
Grayville; Turner-Farrar Circuit.
420*
Gardner: Charles Sorensoii.
500*
Jacksonville: Fox Midwest.
500*
Amusement
Jerseyville: Pirtle
Co.. 680*
Litchfield: Kerasotes Circuit.
BOO*
Mount Prospect: Whiter Wischadt.
400
Nameoki; Sam Nieberg, 500*
Nauvoo: Businessmen, 400
Nashville: Mrs. Alpha Hi^ev.
488*
Pekin; Great States Theatres
Corp.. 350*
Pocahontas: Burley Pruett.
200*
Pittsfield; Clark Armentrout.
500
Quincy; Nat Gould and associates.
600*
Rantoul: Ker,a.sotes Bros . 650
Round Lake: William Lemke,
700*
Troy; Lions Club. 550*
Waynesville; Leo Huffer. 350*
West Frankfort: Fox .Midwest.
500*
Wood River: George Ev.anoff.
650*
INDIANA
Alexandria; R, S. Weilert. 600
Angola; Austin and Robert
Brokavv. 660
Bloomington; .\rt Vonderschraidt
Enterprises. 600*
Carmel: Dr. and Mrs. Harry
G. Jones, 400*
Gary: Nick Bikos Co., 800
Gaston: J. Paul Janney. 308*
Indianapolis; Dr. Ralph L.
Lochry and son Richard.
1.100*
Kentland: H. J. Hermansen.
368*
Kewanna: Jne McPherson.
300*
Lowell: Byrnes, 500
P. A.
Muncie: Muncie Realty Corp
(V&W .Management Corp.),
1 00(1
Palmyra: Hugh Kessler, 450*
Wi!liams[Ort: C. A. Christy
IOWA
Bridgewater; G. 0. Dunker
son. 195*
Burlington; Central State;
Theatres, 500*
Coogon: Mahel and Ra;
French, 300*
Collins: R. L. Johnson. 262*
Diagonal: Chamber of Commerce.
300*
Elma: Charles Jones, 300*
Ellsworth: (no detaUs), 200*
Everly; A. J. Palmqulst, 300*
Fort Des Moines; L. M.
Smith. 500*
Jesup; J. M. Cappel and son
Robert. 260*
Mapleton: Eddie Kugel, 400
Marcus; (no details). 350*
Marshalltown: RKO Theatres,
1,000*
Mechanicsville: J. F. Brown,
400*
Osage; J. H. Watts. 600
Shenandoah; Virgil Harbison.
300*
KANSAS
Atchison: Fox, 950*
Augusta: D. A. Bisagno. 700*
Bonner Springs; .\lbert Orear.
500*
Chase: Ira Ruark and William
Guttman, 650*
Cherryvale; Bud Waldron.
525*
Hugoton; details), 628*
(no
Oakley; A. F. Baker Enterprises.
600*
Paico: Melvin Eichman. 300*
Perry: Mr. Thomann. 700*
Russell: Hale Danlelson. 704*
Salina: William Hansen. 650
Wichita: 0. F. Sullivan. 1.500
KENTUCKY
Bardstown; Melody. Arnold &
Sisco Enterprises. 300*
Campion: J. F. Carnahan .and
M. C. Hughes, 300*
Lawson Springs: Arthur Morris,
.(50*
Georgetown: Nelson Circuit,
500
Harmon Snyder, 300
Hi Hat:
Jenkins: Thalheimer, Letsinger
& Erling, 500*
Knifeley; Luther Knlfeley
200*
Lexington; \. B. and R. K.
Rouse. 620*
Liberty; Ralph Cundiff and
John W. Weddle. 600
Louisville: R. D. Dawson.
361*
Russellville: Charles Bowles.
850*
Versailles; Versailles Amusement
Co..
500*
Whitesburg: Cumberland
Amusement Co., 700
LOUISIANA
Abbeville: Ollie Bales and S.
J. Campisi. 1.200*
Cedar Grove: George H. Mercer.
1.025
Crowley: .\. Broussard. 725*
Gretna: Philip George and
Peeunia RajTier, 775*
Jonesville: Charles A. Phillips.
400*
Lafayette: Milton Guldry,
996*
Lake Charles; W. L. Paternoslro.
1.200*
Lake Charles; Pittman Theatres.
Inc.. 500*
New Orleans; Lazarus Circuit,
I.."lO0
New Orleans: WiK Tlieatres,
500
Ne Roads: L. T. Lemonit
Ville Platte: A. N. Fortenst
and H. B. Guillory. 300*
Ville Platte: Percy Duplissey
and L. D. Guidry. 800*
MAINE
Mattawaska: Bernstein &
Lieberman. 450
Presque Isle; Charles Brooks.
930
Randolph; Louis Score, 325*
Richmond: Robert Wheeler.
350
Van Buren: Frank LePage.
flOO*
MARYLAND
Baltimore: Myerberg Bros..
1.700*
Baltimore: Durkee Circuit.
600*
Barton: Barton Theatre. 300*
Dundalk: Lou Gaertner. 300*
Elkton: Doug Connellee. 800*
Silver Sprinfl: K-B Amusement
Co.. 926
MASSACHUSETTS
Chesnut Hill: American Theatres
Corp., 950*
Framingham: Philip Smith
Enterprises, 1.500
Maynard; Berg Coughlin. 425*
Newburyport, Frough Co..
1,250*
Roxbury: Morse and Rothberg
Circuit. 500*
Swampscott; (part of shopping
center), 1.000
Whitinville; (no deUlls).
1.000*
MICHIGAN
Augusta; Ell Franks. 432*
Battle Creek: Fred C. Weyman.
400
Bay City; Art Nariock. 1.500*
Bronson: E. J, PenneU. 606*
Caseville: Wallace Hart. 380*
Detroit: William Schulte,
1.366*
Detroit: Frank R. Spangler,
700*
Detroit: Saul Korman Circuit.
1,500*
Detroit: Dave Korman. 1.200
Flint: George Bachmann and
T. I. llaly. 500*
Redford: Community Circuit,
2.500*
Traverse City; Butterfleld
Michigan Theatres Co..
1.000*
MINNESOTA
Ada: Home Theatres, 750
Anoka; E. J. Bauhr. 765*
Austin: Clem Jaunlch 975
Brooten; (no details), 765
Cosmos; Irvin Hukreid and
J. M. Leltzan, 320*
Crystal Village; Qem Jaunich.
Donald O'Reilly, Paul
Mans, 350*
Minneapolis; BUI Levx 1,000
Minneapolis; Harry and Louis
Gainsley, 992
Monticello: Mr. and Mrs. A.
B. Muller. 600*
Morgan: C. A. Norrls. 400*
Morris; Edward Baehr. 400*
Robbinsdale; Yolk Bros..
•
1.200*
Rushford; Roy R. Stephens.
Daniel 8. Prinzing and
Clarence Loerch. 425*
Stephenson; Edwin Rickahy.
400*
Wood Uke: A. L Iiavls. 2.10*
MISSISSIPPI
Bay St. Louis: Gem Amusements,
Inc . 450
Bilcxi: Henry Meyer. 1.000*
Clar's'ale; A. N. Rossie. 320*
Houston: Charles Elldy. 465*
Jackson; A. L. Royal. 708*
Jackson; Arthur Lehman. 708*
Jackson: J. A. Drane. 700*
Jackson: J. W. William, J. B.
Knight and H. E. Allen.
1.295*
Liberty: Stanley Taylor. 500*
Long Beach; W. V. Lacy,
700*
Louisville; 0. C. Alewine.
350*
Picayune; Moseley Bros..
1.500
Poplarviile: B. V. Sheffield.
350*
Vicksburg; W. Prewitt A. jr.
and Joy Houck. 1.100*
MISSOURI
Chillicothe: Theatre Enterprises.
Inc.. 1.000*
Greenville; Vincent G. Milavich.
400*
Hamilton: W. L. Preslev.
400*
Hopkins; Ralph White, 430*
Independence: J. A. Becker,
Associated Circuit, 1,000*
Marshall: George and Leo J.
Hayob. 850*
Memphis: Clarence Locke.
400*
Poplar Bluff: Rodgers Theatres.
Inc., 1.000*
St. James: R. E. Carney Theatres.
600*
Steelville: L. L. Pruitt. 350*
Union Star: B. H. Meeks.
350*
Vanda:ia; 8. Bank, 450*
MONTANA
Hungry Horse: R. W. Merseal
and J. E. Lythgoe,
506*
Missoula; Warren Gavin. 512*
Missoula; Fox Intermountain
Theatres. 1.064*
Poison: W. A. Simons
Amusement Co.. 540*
Poison: Bob Hutchin. 600
Rudyard; Mr. and Mrs. Albin
Gustafson, 312
NEBRASKA
Beatrice; Fox .Midwest. SOO
Curtis: Fay Gardner, 400
Deshlcr; Struve & Schardi.
250
Nebraska City; Theatre Enterprises.
900*
Valley: Fisher. John H. 420*
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Newport: Peter D. Latchis.
1.000*
NEW JERSEY
Harrison: K&R Theatres,
400*
Mount Holly: Mejvin Fox,
300*
Walter W
Pleasantville:
Wehr. 350*
Widvmod; William C. Hunt
Theatres, 500*
Woodburn; Mr. and Mrs.
Stravitz. Rudy 700*
NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque; .Mbuqutrque Exhibitors.
Inc.. 450
Albuquerque: State Theatre.
1.000*
Albuquerque: .Vlbuquerque
Theatres. Inc.. 1.300
Espanola: John Marbege and
Philip Fidel. 600*
Portales: Theatre Enterprises.
Inc.. 950*
Farmington: Russell Ala.
500*
Reserve; Glen McCarthy. 114*
18 BOXOFTICE January 28. 1950

CORONET, San Francisco LAKE, Cleveland, Ohio MEADOWS, Flushing, L I. DREAM, Russell, Kas. OOEON, Toronto, Ont.
Santa Fe: Salmon & Greer
;ind Gibraltar Enterprises,
689*
Silver City: Sllco Theatres.
Inc., 800
Tucumcari: Mil as Hurley,
500*
NEW YORK
Albany: Ernie Wolfe. 750*
Amstcrilam: William II.
Striven, 1.000*
Amsterdam : Br.-uidt chain,
1.1 00*
Bronx ; Dave Weinstoek.
1,200«
Brooklyn: Century Circuit,
1,500
Catskill: Sam Rosenblatt,
GOO*
Greenfield
500*
Park: Joe Mirasola,
Hempstead: Skouras Theatres
Corp., 2.500*
Huntington: Fred J. Schwartz,
Century Drcult. 1,500
Hyde Park: Faye Emerson
Koosevelt, Phil Eisenberg,
Sidney Cohen and EUiot
Knosevelt, 600*
Lakawanna: Dlpson Theatres,
Inc.. 1,400
Massapequa: Carl Feller,
lino*
Monroe: Walter and Carlisle
Neilhold. 800*
Moores: Bennett Russell, 500*
New York: (Queensboro)
Meadows Theatres, 2,200*
New York: Slgmund Dornbusch,
1,800
Northport: Joe Mirosola, 60O*
Rochester: Winograd Bros.,
8K5*
NORTH CAROLINA
Bryson City: J. E. Masste,
.300
Bryson City: Goraer H. Martin,
30O
Clinton; Roy P. Rosser and
Jimmie .Vustin. 600
Dobson: (no details). 400
Franklinton: C. A. PajTit,
:iO0*
Greensboro: II. J. Fekas, 650
Greensville: Mickey Hemphill
and Stfie Mitchell, 700*
Kannapolis: Main Theatres,
630*
Kenansville: and E J. C. B.
(luinn, 400*
Liberty: Mrs. Buna Greenleaf,
550*
Maiden: Miller Realty Co.
and Llncolnton Amusement
Co., 400*
Marion: F. W. Davis, 570
Marion: Marlon Amusement
Co., 600*
Morganton: F. W. Davis. 602
Roseboro: Jnhnny KJme, 640*
Roxboro: 0. J. Klrby, 1,000*
Sanford: R. P. Rosser. 600*
Walnut Cme: Jesse J. Booth,
640*
NORTH DAKOTA
Bismarck: Frederic ,and Albert
Kriejer. 300*
Bismarck: Premiere 'Rieolre,
300
Cavalier: K. Brandhagen.
C.
450*
Mott: Allen and John Swin.
die. 450
Riverdale: U.S. Government,
1,244*
Valley Clark Thomas
City: -
Corp, 1,104
Williston: J. C., Jack and
James Snyder. 800*
OHIO
Akron: Bijou Amusement Co.,
SOU*
Akron: Lino Alessio, 800*
Ashtabula: Shea Circuit,
1,600*
Ashley: Clyde W. Gosnell.
165*
Athens: CTiakeres Circuit.
550*
Avon Lake: Associated Tliea-
Ires, 1,200*
Berea Lake: (no details), 400
Canton: Sheehan Bros., 700
Celina: Chakeres-Dyer. 250*
Cincinnati: Louis Wieth Associates,
500*
Community Circuit.
Cleveland:
1,800*
Cleveland: Modern Circuit,
1,600*
Columbiana: Manos Circuit.
800
Cuyahoga Falls: Slaff Amusement
Co., 900
Dayton: (no details). 1.000
Dayton: Da-Film Theatres,
Inc., 1,665
Dayton: (no details), 850
Denton: Interstate Theatres,
:i75*
Gallon: P. B. ,and Howard
Kelt and Associates, 1.200*
Independence: (no details),
300
I ronton: Mrs. Fon Saxton
J. jr.. and A. Se.Kton 1.000*
Maple Heights: Frank Gross
;md Frank Parozinskj,
1,600*
Middlesburg: (no details).
300
Middleport: Ollie Hlndy, 500*
Nicholasville: Ray Toepfer
and Associates. 400*
Paulding: Community Theatres,
400*
Community Theatres,
Port Clinton:
300*
Youngstown: Peter Wellman
Circuit, 1,500*
OKLAHOMA
Alva: Homer C. Jones, 790*
Healdton: (no details), 300*
Oklahoma City: Dr. and Mrs.
Leonard .\. Newcomb, 900*
Stillwater: Griffith Theatres
and Claude Leachman,
1,074*
Stillwater: John E. Gage,
500
Tulsa: Frances Wilson.
A.
Harold B. Bowers and R.
A. Wagle. 698*
OREGON
Burns: Wilfred Racine, 600*
Dallas: Jesse Jones, 365*
Empira: Jones Enterprises.
500
Lebanon: C. R. Sagert, G. N'.
Olllenwater. Clarence Shim.inek
and Clay Nichols.
500*
Madras: R40 Theatres, 500
Moro: Estol Harley, 350*
Scappoose: L. J. Anderson.
200
Scio: Bob Haliiday, 400
PENNSYLVANIA
Carmichaels: John Lund. 800*
Carrol Itown: Local Stock Co
.
500
Coaidale: P. A. Maguzzu.
ton*
Cheswick: Joseph F. Mulone,
Doylestown: William Smith,
i.onn
Elwood City: Manos Circuit,
500*
Erie: Zeny Brothers. 500
Evans City: Samuel Rothsteln.
400*
Harrisburg: .Mark Rubinsky.
700*
Jeanette: Manos Circuit, 800*
Lancaster: Harry Chertcoff.
400*
Lewistown: WllUnm G. Hump-
.shires. 400*
Littleton: Hicks Baker Circuit,
600*
Mars: Mars Theatres, Inc.,
500
Newcastle: Joseph Glorloso,
John Favorite, Albert R.
Tate and John A. Wincek.
1,000
New Hope: John Francis,
100*
Pttitadelphia: Freed Management
Co., 1,000*
Philadelphia: Melvln Fox,
2.000
Pittsbumh: Philip Reicher,
1,400
Salisbury: T. J. Cramblett,
400
Shillington: M. Shverba.
J.
500*
Tarentum; Manos Circuit.
700*
RHODE ISLAND
Barrington: Harrington Center
Corp.. 500*
Providence: Ralph Snider
Circuit. 1,000*
SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston: Pastime Amusement
Co., 375
Chester: Cherokee Theatres,
Inc.. 667*
Clinton: J. L. Young, 400*
Darlington: Darlington Theatres,
Inc., 618*
Greenville: Plaza Theatres,
Inc., 700*
Greer: Everett Enterprises,
550
Rock Hill: Rock Hill Exhibitors
Service, 400
Seneca: (no details), 590*
SOUTH DAKOTA
Buffalo: (no details). 250*
Colton: Arthur Tokelm, 240*
Eslelline: L. W. Roth. 300*
Eureka: Walter Wenzel, 500*
Gregory: R. C. Metzger. 350
Madison: Gil Sessler and
Duane Becker, 600*
McLaughlin: .Maier Bros..
200*
Pickstown: 600
(no details),
Seiby: Ernest Flemroer, 500
Sturgis: Black Hills Amusement
Co., 400
TENNESSEE
Athens: C, W. Dake, 600*
Clarksville: .V B. Hancock,
400
Columbia: Crescent Amusement
Co., 1,200
Dickson: Dickson Theatres
Corp., 950
Jackson: D. D. Spitzer, 530*
Martin: Ruffln Amusement
Co.. 1.000*
Memphis: Poplar Highland
PLiZa. Inc., 1.450*
Memphis: E. R. Glllett. 1.200
Nashville: Crescent Amusement
Co . 2.300
Raleigh: Scott Jordan and
niff Peck, 600
Trenton: Str.ind EntefprLscs,
Inc.. 400*
TEXAS
Abemathy: George Reed.
700*
Alvord: R. N. C.ulnn. 846*
Amherst: C. R. Stevens, SOO*
Arlington: Interstate Theatres,
1,000*
Baytown: Risi Texas Theatres.
Inc., 1,185*
Beaumont: Jefferson Amusement
Co., 1.400*
Bovina: Scotty Levins. 990
Bremond: Bielam Owicz Bros..
846*
Brownsville: Interstate Theatres.
1,150*
Calvert: Carl Allday, 400*
Camp Hood: L'.S. Array.
1.006*
Camp Wood: L. J. Dean, 990
Carrolton: A. R. Lowery, 750*
Carthage: H .L. Hampton, B.
B. Turner and N. F. and
Jalie C. Walker, 800*
Commerce: A. \V. Liley, 752*
Crosbyton: Jack Arthur, 659*
Daingerfield: W. W. McNatt,
600*
Dallas: Robb & Rowley,
1,050*
Dallas: M. S, White, 800*
Dallas: James Smith, 600*
Dallas: Interstate Theatres,
1,400*
Dallas: Interstate Theatres,
1,400
Dallas: Robb k Rowley. 800*
Dallas: Jerry Jobe. 990
Denton: Interstate Theatres,
1,500
Dilley: Glascock Circuit, 990
Earth: E. T. Borum, 400*
Eddy: H. Llgonl. 846*
Eagle Pass: Butler Bros.,
600*
Elsa: G. C. Harris, 724
Floresville: Glascock Circuit,
500
Greer: Van Chamberlain,
Fort Worth: Interstate Theatres,
1,500
Fort Worth: Boyd MUUgan,
700
Hamilton: H. H. Stroud,
1,210
Harper: 700*
(no details),
Houston: Victor A. Barraco,
Carl Tiuiner and Frank
Giiinn. 1,210*
Houston: Phil I.sley Theatres,
846*
Hughes Springs: W. W. Mc-
.Natt, 600*
Killeen: Robb i Rowley, 900
Kingsville: Hall Industries,
1.250
Levelland: Wallace Biankenship.
1.000*
Lewisville: M. A. Sisk. 650
Linden: T. L. Rickey, 400*
Lockney: Brad Scale, mgr
500*
Lubbock: Cye Tankersley,
,
500*
Lubbock: Preston E. Smith
Circuit, 700*
Mexia: Maurice Ba.sterllng,
Midland: (no detials), 314*
Miles: Bob Hendrick, 846*
Munday: P. V. Williams,
846*
Nacofldoches: (no del.alis),
1.20O*
O'Donnell: C. C. Caldwell,
700*
Armstrong, 450*
Olton: II C
Panhandle: H. B. Skellon,
846*
Pasadena: Phil Isley Thea-
Ires, 1,600*
Pasadena: lx)ng TTieatres,
846*
Arthur: Jefferson
Amusement Co., 2,000
Port La.aca: Long Theatres,
Port
1,000
Premont: M,anuel Pena, 550*
Richmond: Cole Circuit, 266*
Rio Grande City: Mike Garcia,
846*
Robstown: Robb & Rowley,
900*
Rockport: Ed Barnard, 280*
Rotan: Lance M. Davis, 748*
Rotan: Rotan Theatre Co.
IR&R). 734
San Angelo: Concho Theatres,
Inc., 1,000*
San Antonio: G. A. Lucchese,
2,500*
San Antonio: Richard G.
Baltes, 1,000
Seagoville: Charles Weisenberg,
650*
Snyder: (no details), 300*
Stanton: R. B. Whitaker,
585*
Sugarland: Cole Theatres,
Inc., 700*
Texarkana: Sidney Metcalf,
900*
Texas City: Long Theatres.
Inc. 1,003*
Valley Mills: B. W. Hall,
846*
Victoria: Ben and Ruth Dyer
700*
Whiteface: Jack Holman,
454*
UTAH
Bountiful: Davis County
Amusement Co.. 607*
Morgan: Alva Dearden, 576*
Payson: Huish-Cilhool Theatre
Enterprises, 810*
Salt Lake City: Joseph L
I^wrence and David K
Edwards, 1,300*
Salt Lake City: Cooper 4
Crowe, 590*
Salt Lake City: Bernard T
Price, 800
Salt Lake City: Alvic Peterson,
700
Salt Lake City: Jay C. Christensen,
600
Spanish Fork: Hulsh-Gilhool
Theatre Enterprises, 350*
Sunnyside: Sunnyside Theatres,
400
VERMONT
Bradford: Dr. GeorKe Abadessa,
500*
Lydonville: Andrew Tegu,
616*
VIRGINIA
Big Stone Gap: Spud (Jurr).
750*
Crozet: (no details), 300*
Elkton: Valley Enterprises,
400*
Hayes Store: C. Cattlett,
500*
Independence: Cecil Curtis.
524*
Marion: Spud Query. 750*
Pound: Pound TTieatres Co.,
950
Spud Query, 550*
Saitville:
Strasburg: Bill Dalke. SOO*
Tappahanock: George C.
Clanlon. 960
WASHINGTON
Benton City: John H.all, 400*
Benton City: A, J, LaMothe,
3.50*
Brewster: Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
Divls, 550*
Brewster: (fire replacement)
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Divis.
550*
Callam Bay: Al Fernandez,
325*
Camas; Albert .ind WUIiaro
Forman, 900
Highland: Mr. and Mrs. A.
fj. Pecchia, 600*
Olympia: Evergreen Circuit,
975*
Redmond: L. C, Dawley. 338*
Richland: Midstate Amusement
Corp., 1,200
Seattle: Walter and Gene
Roe, 750*
Spokane: (shopping center)
2,500
Tacoma: E. Pecchia, 700*
A.
Tieton: L. A. Knott. 350
WEST VIRGINIA
Bridgeport: (no details).
500*
Buckhannon: Ray and Dale
Coierlder, 680*
Deibarton: Frank AllarH,
450*
Grafton: Manos Circuit, 577*
Jane Lew: (no details), 370*
Keyser: Robert B. Lewis and
William A. Carrier, 300*
Kincaid; (no details). 500*
Logan; New Theatres. Inc.,
1,500
Millcreek: Ralph Perrack,
350*
Milton: Walters Circuit, 500*
R. Newtown: Mitchell, 300*
St. Mary's; Alex lUar, 806*
Valley Head; Troy R. Swecker.
300*
WISCONSIN
Creek: Otto Black Wagtier,
400
Bon Duel: Emory Ansnrge,
500
Chetek: Miner Amusement Co.,
400*
Genoa City; Genoa Theatre
Operating Co., 600
Highland: Charles Imhoff,
350*
Kewaskum: Local businessmen,
480
Lodi: Lyie Turner, 450*
Manitowoc: Nick Johnson,
900*
Milwaukee: Howell Theatres,
Inc., 700*
New Glarus: Fred Lienhardt,
700
Niagara: Floyd B. Merritt,
400*
Park Falls: James and George
E.sterl, 300
Prairie du Chien: George
Panka, 2,000
Sauk City: W. J. Charboneau,
500*
Shuiisburg: Eskhi Theatres,
Inc.. 420*
String Green: (nn details),
335*
Sturgeon Bay: Mrs. Fr.ink
Borchert, 600
Superior; J. L. Oalbreath, 550
Suring: G. E. and Peter
Bertsch, 500*
Three Lakes; (no details),
500*
WYOMING
Cheyenne: Mrs Carl Ray,
1,000
Hudson: Ben Beanch,'int,
500*
Laramie: Fox Intermounlain,
725*
Lusk: Wesco Theatres. 450
Riverton: Tom Knight. 500*
Riverton: Boh Otwell and Bill
Chopping. 400
Rock Springs: Owen W. West
and R. R. West. 746*
(Continued on page 20)
BOXOmCE January 28. 1950 19

1
Goldwyn Has His Say
On Industry Status
of Hollywood pictm-es for about three years,
those made in 1949 "are the finest anywhere
in the world and I am proud of the achievement."
"The thing that worries me," he continued,
"is the attitude of exhibitors toward product
made in the U.S. It is nothing short of. disgraceful
the way these pictures are being
treated. I don't believe they are treated
with the respect that we in Hollywood treat
our WTiters, directors, extras and all others
who help to make pictures.
"Not only do we have to make pictiu'es
but we also have to meet economic conditions.
We are facing a lack of revenue from the rest
of the world, but have to send out our own
exploitation and publicity men and spend
more money on advertising. The more we
spend, the less they spend. The producers
have been suckers. The large distributors
have owned theatres, so exhibitors have felt
it all in one part. Independent producers
without theatres have had to meet the same
situation,
'DEMAND THEIR RIGHTS'
"I think it about time that producers and
distributors fight like men and demand their
rights. I see now only one thing left for
producers to do and that is to stand in froi'it
of the theatres and pull the people in by their
collars.
"I don't do any business with Fox West
Coast and I single it out as the worst offender
among exhibitors in the country. I
have to work too hard to make a picture to
give them an option to do anything they
want to do. I know one case—not a Goldwyn
pictm-e—when they pulled a pictm'e Sunday
evening that they had begun showing Sunday
morning, though they had signed a contract
to play it five days.
"Their policy is to make so much money
every day in a theatre. I would like to know
if any Hollywood producer would make that
sort of a contract with any of the crafts. They
(FWCi do because they have a strong monopoly.
There are nearly 100 theatres in
their territory that you can't get into with a
By SUMNER SMITH
.shoehorn. Is that free enterprise or the
NEW YORK — Rank-and-file exhibitors. American way?
Fox West Coast Theatres and certain magazine
and newspaper critics were the targets
"Sometimes they pull a picture if they
don't do enough popcorn and candy business.
of a verbal offensive launched by Samuel Skouras told me in 1949 that he had made
Goldwyn shortly after his arrival here January
24 from Hollywood with Mrs. Goldwyn The producer never gets credit for the busi-
$5,000,000 the year before in that business.
and George Slaff, attorney. Goldwyn, as
ness his picture does.
usual, said-, exactly what was on his mind "I have nothing but contempt for their
without mincing any words.
methods, but I am certain they are going to
Exhibitor criticism had to do witK^^kh pay for them. I have not told the Department
of Justice. It is up to the department
alleged
faUui-e to properly advertise and exploit
American films, leaving it up to producers
and distributors to do the job for
to find out. The government is doing all it
can to Straighteh things out." -,.
Later in the interview, Goldwyn, without
them.
Fox West Coast Theatres he called a
identifying any particular group, said he
"strong monopoly" and he expressed ''nothing knew "definitely" of instances of collusion,
but contempt for their methods."
and added that if James A. Mulvey would
let
Certain critics, he said, like the New him, he would show the evidence in the
Yorker magazine, are "wise alecks who dismiss
our product" in favor of foreign "They will not
possession of the SIMPP.
films.
get away with tha,^," he
said, "for there are jails in this country.
ADMITS HE'S SEVERE CRITIC
That is a hard word, but it is true."
Goldwyn opened his press interview by Goldwyn said that, in contrast to the critics,
saying that while he had been a severe critic he traveled abroad and knew that Hollywood
pictures have tremendous influence all over
the world. He was friendly to foreign fllm.s,
he said, and there are excellent ones like
"The Bicycle Thief" and "The Devil in the
Flesh," but he has seen some that were inferior
to our worst B films, "and the critics
rave over them," He added that t'He New
Yorker had said "The Best Years of Our
Lives" "stunk."
"The producer's first responsibility is to let
the exhibitor know about his product through
tradepaper advertising," Goldwyn declared.
"After that, the exhibitor should carry the
ball."
WILL MEET TV CHALLENGE
Television Goldwyn called a novelty, and he
was confident that Hollywood would meet its
challenge and that television will turn to
Hollywood for expert cooperation. He has
no television plans. He was sorry "some companies"
will not give financial support to
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences awards, calling them "inspiring."
Asked if SIMPP will support the awards, he
replied that if he was consulted he would
make that recommendation. He said Hollywood
has done a "brilliant job" in introducing
new faces and that Farley Granger will
prove to be the biggest of them all.
Goldwyn said divorcement is "wonderful'
and that it will mean more competition and
better pictures. He has been invited by SIMPP
to attend the Anglo-American film parley in
London but did not know whether he will
attend.
Goldwyn has just completed four- features
in one season: "My Foolish Heart," now at
Radio City Music Hall; "Om- Very Own," due
for Easter release; "Edge of Doom" and
"Roseanna McCoy," which was shown last
September. Five wi'iters are preparing four
new plays, the first to enter production in
May. There are "Billion Dollar Baby," original
stories by Adria Locke Langley and F.
Hugh Herbert, and "Christmas Pi-esent."
Goldwyn will go to Em-ope later to look
into a project with an unnamed foreign company.
Building
Boom
I Continued from page 19
CANADA
Andres, Alia,; .\lex Straticliiik,
,360*
Beauharnois, Man,: .\drien
L.iplcrrc. 700*
Bonnyville, Alta.: Fred Slrffin,
35.5*
Brampton. Ont, : H. Adkins,
(;50*
Calgary. Alta,: Odeon Circuit.
500*
Calgary. Alta.: J. B. Barron,
350
Gardinai. Ont.: W. MacDonald
and M. T, Meldrum. 400
Casselman. Ont.: (no details),
250*
Chamlily, Que.: L, Venne.
400*
Ctlemainus. B. C: Willow
Tliealre. 406*
Chrlliwack. B. C. : Famous
Players Canadian. 900*
Cornwall. Ont.: (no details)
350
Cowansville. Que.: C, H, Book
and Lm Choquette, 750*
Dawson Creek, Alta.: Vogue
ThKilre, 400*
De'burne. Alta.: Mr. and Mrs,
W. Iln.l«in. 210*
East Brougliton Station, Que,:
,1. 11. rerre.lillt, 500*
Edmonton. Alta.: Odeon Theatr
COO
Edmonton. Alta,: .\, B. Slaniland,
450*
Edmonton, Alta,: Isadore Shaker,
BOO
Foam Lake, Sask. : Henry Narf.i.son.
300*
Gander. N. P.: W. J. Lahey.
350*
Golden, B, C: Owen Bird.
325
Grand Prairie. Alta.: I.en and
.Albert Jeanotte. 400
Greenfield Park, Que,: Monty
Is.iacs, 350*
Greenville, Que.: Roland Landriault.
400
Grimshaw, Alta.: (no details),
850*
Halifax, N. S.: FPC, 800
Harnston, Ont.: .1. E. Waller.
4!>n*
Huntingdon, Que.: Ken H,atton,
fi40*
Kamloops. B. C: FPC. 1,000
Kitchener.
Ont.: Biltraore Clr-
4.5fl*
cirit.
Kitchener. Ont,: Ben Okun.
300
L'Spiptanie. M.in, : Massiciitle
& Ladiapelle. 400*
Lethbridge, Alta.: FPC, 1.000
Lumsdcn. Sask.: Teddy
Orimes, 300*
Magog, Que,: Leo Choquelte,
800
Manning. B. C: John Lovlin.
325*
Mattawa. OnL: Lou and Max
Corsky, 472*
Meadow Lake, Sask.: Ben
Halyk. 325*
Midland, Ont.: Sam Finpild.
Moncton, N, B. : FPC. 1,200
Montreal, Que.: H. Davidson
(Dilrfin management), 912
Montreal North, Que.: Paul
L.tourneau. 450*
Montreal. Que.: United
,\musement, Co., 400*.
Montreal, Que.: David and
Itaymond Berzan. 600*
Montreal, Que.: LaSeala
.\mnseraenl Co.. 400*
Nanaimo, B. C: FPC, 1.200
Newcastle, B. C: FPC, 750
Newmarket. Ont.: Nationa
Theatres. 350
Newmarket, Ont.: Sam Fin
New Waterford. N. S.: FPC.
800
Nipigon, Ont.: (no details),
350*
North Battleford, Sask.: FPC.
1,000
North Bay, Ont,: 20th Century
Theatres Co,, 450
North Vancouver, B .C: Clarence
Dowsley, 1,000
Ottawa, Ont.; Louis Wolfe,
450*
Ottawa, Ont.: Odeon Theatres,
1,450*
Oxford. N. S.: Bob Fulton.
500*
Ponoka, Alta.: H. Labrie,
500*
Qualicum Beach, B. ; Warren
C.
Family.
550*
Redwater, Alta.: George Hunchuck,
300*
Rockglen, Sask.: Walter II.
Pvle, 900*
Scarboro. Ont.: Nat Taylor,
850
Sheet Harbor, S.: D. .\.
Ross, 450*
Sherbrooke. Que.: Caiiitol
Tlleatre. 500*
South Vancouver, B. C, : Odeon
Circuit. 840*
St. Anne Des Monts, Que.:
J, C. Beudette, 750
St. Johns, N. F.: (no details),
1.000*
St. Lin, Man.; Georges Patenaude
and Ovide Charette,
500*
St. Paul, Alta.: Jack Stinson,
425*
St. Pierre. Man.: .\lbert
Turenne, 500
Stratford, Ont.: Odeon Circuit,
750*
Sutton, Man.: Normand Joneas.
600*
Swan River, Man.: Conrad Anguston.
400*
Taber, Alta.: (no details),
400*
Thetford Mines, Que,: Lawrence
Payeur, 500*
Toronto. Ont.: 2Uth Century
Theatres. 500*
Toronto, Ont.: FPC 1.000*
Toronto, Ont.: FPC. 1.556*
Toronto,, Ont. : Odeon Circuit,
2.231*
Oxbridge, Ont.: Doug Wjrl

it Roxy Theatre,
^ew York City,
vhere the most
videly-heralded
ind eagerlyinticipated
picure
in years is
vriting a new
chapter in screen
ichievement!
GREGORY PECK
as "Savage"- his most electrifying performance!
w,th HUGH MARLOWE
•
GARY MERRILL- MILLARD MITCHELL- DEAN JAGGER- ROBERT ARTHUR- PAUL STEWART • JOHN KELLOGG • BOB PATTEN -JOYCE MacKENZIE
Screen Play by Sy Bartlett and Beirne Lay. Jr. - Based on the Novel by Beirne Lay, Jr. and Sy Bartlett

'THcft

Do
WANNA BET
that M-G-M's EAST SIDE,
WEST SIDE' will be the
most successful
woman's picture of
the year?"
^'^' *^- most
'«e ore the
''O'oZL"'"
'^^^ York's o„
^-G-A^
TOPS "STRATTON STORY"
in first
13 engagements!
BEATS "ADAM'S RIB" AND
"GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME"
at Springfield, Mass. and Buffalo,
N.Y., the latest engagements — and
it's wowing them everywhere!
M-G-M NIFTY IN 1950!
RD
(What Have
You Done
Today To
Help Kill
The 20%
Federal
Movie Tax ?)

Advertising Chiefs Meet
In Cheerful Atmosphere
NEW YORK—The three-day
merchandising
conference of aoth Century-Fox at-
employed.
pictures while 60,000,000 persons are gainfully
tended by theatre executives, advertising Andy W. Smith jr., vice-president and general
sales manager, also discussed the miss-
men, and the company's division managers
from all parts of the country opened on ing audience by saying, "It seems to me
a note of optimism for the 1950 outlook that the most serious problem at present
and with pleas for a study of how to get confronting our industry is that of influencing
the millions of non-moviegoers to
into theatres some of the hundred million
persons in this country who are not now attend motion picture theatres. There are
approximately 140 million people in the U.S.
patrons.
Spyros P. Skouras, president, sounded Of that number some 110 mUlion are physically
and financially able to attend motion
the optimistic note in his welcoming address
by predicting that pictures this year pictures. Yet, only 13 million see the average
motion picture. Therefore, we have a
will be the best in many years.
Charles Einfeld, vice-president in charge tremendous reservoir of 97 million potential
of advertising, publicity and exploitation, customers which must be tapped if our industry
is to grow and prosper."
went further by predicting that 1950 will
be a "year of great opportunity." He said The opening day's session was the start
1949 would go down in history as the year of a busy three-day program. After the opening
addresses and luncheon "When Willie
"in which the depression did not come," and
added that business in the latter half Comes Marching Home" was screened.
reached an "inspiring level." "In 1950," he The second day's session began with the
predicted, "business will be good for those screening of "Mother Didn't Tell Me." This
who make it good. The business will be was followed by a luncheon honoring the
there for anyone who is able to go out and eighth anniversary of the Eighth Air Force
get it. The greatest danger in the coming at the Waldorf-Astoria, at which the guest
year is fear talk and the psychology of wait-
speaker was Gen. Carl A. Spaatz. The gathering
reconvened in mid-afternoon to hear
Louis Ruppel, editor of Collier's magazine
ing."
Al Lichtman, vice-president, said he had
recently seen a greater number of good pictures
from all companies than ever before.
He urged all present to try to find the
answer why more people are not attending
Loew's Earnings Up
Over '48-'49 Profit
NEW YORK—Loews, Inc., has reported to
stockholders an increase in net income of
$1,435,102 for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31,
1949 over that for the corresponding period
the previous year after provision for depreciation,
taxes and all other deductions. The
1949 figure is $6,744,761, including $725,581,
Loew's share of net undistributed income of
partly owned corporations, equivalent to $1.31
a share on 5,142,615 shares outstanding. The
income includes $525,855, Loew's share of
previously undistributed earnings of a formerly
partly owned corporation which is now
whoUy owned, and subsequent profits from
that source. Also Included in net income
after taxes is $460,460 due to reduction of
depreciation on properties affecting prior
years to conform to rates recently fixed by
the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The corresponding net income for the previous
year was $5,309,659, including $1,097,-
267, the company's share of net undistributed
income of partly owned corporations, equivalent
to $1.03 a share. Total ciirrent and
working assets for 1948-1949 aggregated $116,-
299,820, compared with $120,212,009, and total
current liabilities were $22,965,982, compared
with $23,039,397, for the previous fiscal year.
The company also released figures for the
12 weeks ended Nov. 24, 1949, showing net
income after deductions of $1,652,649.
and to hold an open forum, led by Mel Davis
of Kenyon and Eckhardt and Senn Lawler,
advertismg manager of Fox Midwest Theatres,
on how to stimulate children's attendance.
In the evening all attended the
premiere of "Twelve O'clock High" at the
Roxy Theatre.
The Friday morning session was given over
to a discussion of advertising plans on
"Twelve O'clock High" and "Cheaper by the
Dozen," followed by an address by Bosley
Crowther, film critic of the New York Times.
Stockholder Sues Warners;
Asks Profits Accounting
LOS ANGELES — Charging nepotism and
conspiracy against the company's best Interests,
and demanding an accounting of profits
and a declaratory judgment, a stockholders'
suit was filed in federal district court against
Warner Bros., United States Pictures, and defendants
including Harry M. and Jack L.
Warner, Milton SperUng and Morris Wolf.
The action was brought on behalf of Irving
W. Mencher, a Warner minority stockholder
of New York, by Attorney Murray Riskin.
Rural
Filmgoers Vote
June Allyson No. 1
NEW YORK—Rural filmgoers here
voted June AUyson as their favorite
screen star, ousting Ingrid Bergman for
the first time in four years from the top
spot, the Covmtry Gentleman magazine
will announce in its annual rural poll to
be published in the February issue.
That a new femmine screen favorite
had replaced Miss Bergman was first indicated
in the results of the All-American
Screen Favorites Poll conducted by
BOXOFPICE and published in the Barometer
issue early in December. Through
the Country Gentleman, the findings of
the AU-American poll have been further
corroborated.
As in the Barometer report, Bing
Crosby also remains the No. 1 male star
among rural filmgoers.
The rural ballot showed these ten pictures
to be the favorites of the year:
"Little Women," "The Stratton Story,"
"Come to the Stable," "Roseanna Mc-
Coy," "I Was a Male War Bride," "Jolson
Sings Again," "In the Good Old Summertime,"
"Look for the Silver Lining," "Neptune's
Daughter," and "Home of the
Brave." Of these, five have won BOX-
OFTICE Blue Ribbon Awards for the best
family entertainment of the month—and
a sixth, "Jolson Sings Again" has yet to
be placed on the ballot.
Levy Interprets Ruling
In Toledo Theatre Case
NEW YORK—Herman M. Levy, Theatre
Owners of America general coimsel, has
mailed members an interpretation of the case
of Balaban & Katz and the Princess Theatre
in Toledo against the Toledo Projectionists
Ass'n, recently decided by the National Labor
Relations Board. He fotmd that the fact the
NLRB, which is answerable only to the President,
took jurisdiction, means that the operation
of the Princess was held to "affect" interstate
commerce and was, therefore, subject
to the provisions of the Taft-Hartley act.
Most theatres belonging to chams operating
in more than one state out of a central office
are operated in substantially the same manner
as the Princess.
Levy concluded that employes of theatres
operating within any one state are still to
be classified as employes of "retail or service"
establishments, and are exempt from minimum
wage and maximum-hours-withoutovertime-pay
provisions administered by the
U. S. department of labor independently of
The complaint charges that profits accruing
to United States Pictures, an independent
the Taft-Hartley act. In the case of a theatre
chain operating in more than one state, theatre
company releasing through Warners, should
employes in each state fall into the
belong to Warners on the grounds that the exemption. However, Levy found, the office
formation of U. S. Pictures was a "subterfuge" personnel of the central office of such a chain
to divert such profits. Sperling, president of do not fall into that exemption and are subject
to the provisions of the fair labor stand-
the independent company, is Harry M. Warner's
son-in-law.
ards act of 1938. The NLRB has yet to decide
if a local independent theatre which gets
Stockholder Mencher claims Warners financed,
helped to finance, and made available
its film and other supplies from another state
all of its studio facilities to the Sperling will fall into the Princess category.
unit. He asks the court to award a judgment
impressing a trust upon U. S. Pictures stock
and upon any funds distributed to any present
Have you ordered your taxation trailer and
or former stockholders of the Sperling petition cards from National Screen Service?
company.
Do it today.
24
BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

I
ttancis. ^^
X
VH p,nc\s.
®/sSHIf3r®
. . ."U-I's FRANCIS is
one of the sweetest pieces
of entertainment to
come out of Hollywood/*
'^H/liVci
ym.^^-^
*•
% DAILY
A rare, novel comedy.
Satisfaction guaranteed.
^
^ttW
Vee9 ''^
4
but «OJU8
lent
'^eas «^re
«fld
of
a fine
'Aat"
"N
"S^e^^**
\:vco»-
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—
7iJ

c:^!>'t°> >.••''"•• 0.."-
\V>e
\|\WlW
Frori^ce^cities^mainowns, North,
East, West and South, come the same
reports: BUSINESS IS BOOMING WITH
THE CURRENT U-l PICTURES.
And even bigger things are expected from
the soon-to-be-released "BORDERLINE,"
and that comedy of comedies, "FRANCIS."
*?SS«"-"'""
^•«\\
\o f\rs* \eO
,d grosser :'"s det"
.0^-^''
OS
6-0
\hefe
VJP
con>P-^^;^ ,W.s 0'^%
^^'^^,on^p•'°'^*•
So0^ Sea
mm•
Sr
tr»
'' 8«UCf H0M9t»s,(,„^
""* sensation
»' '"e Piano-
«cw^

'i^

LuxLisis20Feaiures
On 1950 Schedule
NEW YORK—Lux Film Distributing
tesa: "The Mill on the Po," with Carla del
Poggio. and "The Wolf of the Sila," with
Amadeo Nazzari. The bilingual feature is
"Without Pity," with Carla del Poggio and
John Kitzmiller.
The French films are: "Look After Amelia,"
starring Danielle Darrieux, and "Paris Waltz."
starring Yvonne Printemps and Pierre Fresnay.
"Ballad of Dolores." a Spanish film,
stars Imperio Argentine. In 1949, Lux Films
distributed nine Italian films and one w^ith
English dialog.
Many exhibitors, especially in the metropolitan
areas, are using foreign product on
their midweek programs to stimulate business.
Jacon said. Colleges and university towns are
also using foreign films in connection with
their language courses.
National Board Honors
'Francis/ 'Holiday'
NEW YORK—"Francis" (U-I; and "Johnny
Holiday" 'UAi have been given starred selected
features rating, the top honor of the
National Board of Review, in the weekly
guide to selected pictures. "Backfire" (WBj
and "Side Street" (MGM) were given selected
features rating.
Short subjects given special mention were:
"Cafe Society" (Coli and "Jewel of the Baltic"
and "A Chance to Live" '20th-Foxi.
Brandt Closes Promotion
Deal on 'Great Rupert'
NEW YORK— Leon Brandt, Eagle Lion advertising-publicity-exploitation
director, has
closed a deal with the National Broadcasting
Co. to promote "The Great Rupert," starring
Jimmy Durante, over all affiliated stations
of the network. NBC will prepare plugs for
all stations, suggest promotion ideas and supply
local release dates for the film. The stations
will receive the Eagle Lion pressbook.
snipe sheets and ad mats.
International Unveils
Its New Projector
Corp.
will release 20 features during 1950, double
the number for 1949. according to Bernard
Jacon, vice-president in charge of national
sales and distribution. The company has NEW YORK—International Projector Corp. Simplex-Bludworth, confidently claims that
established exchange offices in Chicago and has imveiled a new projector with automatic the design is the greatest advance achieved
San Fiancisco, Jacon said, following his return
oiling for all moving parts, a new type of in years, and asserts that the moving parts
from an 11,000-mile business tour of the shutter and a focusing apparatus that worits have been ground and poli.shed beyond any-
country.
through a 12-power telescope so sharp the thing attempted in the past. At the demonstration
The 20 features include 14 Italian productions,
one bilingual English-Italian film, two
operator can see the holes in the screen while
the apparatus is in operation.
in the Bloomfield factory he pointed
out the extreme quietness of operation.
French pictures and a Spanish picture, all The projectionist also can tell at a glance The machine is now being put on a production
with English subtitles, plus a 30-minute featurette,
how many minutes of film he has left in the
basis for the first time, according
"Eternal City," commemorating the upper magazine and can watch the sprocket to R. B. Tompkins, president of International
Holy Year in Rome during 1950.
a,pparatus and the tension through a window. Projector Corp., and Arthur E. Meyer, sales
The Italian features are: "Mafia." starring If it becomes necessary for him to open the manager, has completed plans for .showing
Massimo Girotti; "Lieut. Craig. Missing," window, a .small light bulb illuminates the it to the sales force convention to be held
with Peter Ford and Dera Scala; "Flesh Wi!l white enameled interior and there is plenty shortly on the coast.
Surrender." starring Aldo Fabrizi; "Bitter of "finger room" for re-threading.
It is claimed that the mechanical load has
Rice." with Silvana Mangana and Doris All corners in the compartment are rounded been reduced by 80 per cent on the start and
Dowling; "Peddlin' in Society." starring Anna so that cleaning can be done in a matter of by 66-3 per cent while the projector is running.
Magnani: "Prelude to Madness." with Roldano
seconds. The oil spraying compartment on
This, it is expected, will eliminate gear-
Lupi and Clare Calamai; "Return of the other side of the machine is so tightly .stripping and reduce wear.
the Eagle," starring Rossano Brazzi; "Adam sealed that no oil can reach the film. The Any lens up to four inches in diameter
and Eve." with Marcario and Isa Barzizza: channel through which the film runs is constructed
and f:1.6 speed can be used. The shutter has
"Anselmo's in a Hurry." with Gino Cervi; "A
so that it will take new film, old been located at the narrowest point of the
Bullet for Stefano." starring Rossano Brazzi film that has shrunk, and splices without
and Valentina Cortesa; "Easter of Blood." affecting the tension. If, by any chance, the
with Lucia Bose and Fulco Lulli; "I Miserabili."
tension should change, the projectionist can
with Gino Cervi and Valentina Cor-
press a button from the outside without stop-
ping and watch through the window.
Another new feature is the provision for
different types of lenses. The new machine
will take a lens up to four inches in diameter,
an important factor for drive-ins.
Engineering work on the machine began
about five years ago. During the war the
manufacture of ball bearings was refined to
a new precision point, and ball bearings have
been introduced.
Herman Place, president of General Precision
Instrument Co., says the machines
have been in test operation for more than
a year in various sizes and types of theatres.
They also have been submitted to extreme
tests at the factory, Bloomfield, N. J. Steady
running for 72-hour stretches did not affect
the mechanism, and he states that the original
oil is still in use in the oil-spray apparatus.
A projectionist can tell the status
of his oil supply at a glance toward a small
gauge, and he can tell when the spray is
working by another glance at a glass door.
Walter E. Green, president of National-
'Three Came Home' Given
Parents' Magazine Medal
NEW YORK — Parents' magazine has
awarded its special merit medal to "Three
Came Home" '20th-Fox). In the citation the
picture is described as "a great dramatic expression
of the meaning of family devotion to
the world today."
"Three Came Home" is based on Agnes
Newton Keith's book about life in a Japanese
prison camp in Borneo during the war. It
will open at the Astor Theatre following the
rwa of "Battlegrotmd."
Represent "Love Happy'
NEW YORK—Motion Pictiu-e Sales Corp.,
through Neil Agnew and Charles L. Casanive.
will be producer's representative of "Love
Happy," produced by Lester Cowan and starring
the Marx brothers. UA will release.
light beam l\i inches from the aperture. It
has two blades, with several moving parts
eliminated and with wings to keep air moving
to reduce the temperature. A knob on the
top of the machine permits adjustment without
changing gears.
Sprocket improvements are described as
"major." Both upper and lower sprockets
have 24 teeth, eight more than the u.sual
projector. This reduces speed by 33 H per
cent to 240 RPM. The increased sprocket
radius provides for a wider bend of the film,
a better wrap and minimizes danger of weak
patches pulling apart. Passage of defective
film is ea.sed. Speed reduction reduces wear.
The intermittent movement is completely
new. The flywheel is mounted directly on the
cam shaft. The gears on the driving shaft
and cam shaft are under constant pressure
lubrication.
In the past, the engineers say, no projector
had an absolutely certain frame lock indicator.
On the threading side of the new machine
there are foiu- distinct markings on a
window, which, together with a fixed pointer,
give instant visible evidence of positive lock
of star and cam, assuring that the film will
be in frame after a changeover.
Films Will Be Discussed
At Television Institute
NEW YORK—The 1950 television Institute
and trade show sponsored by Televiser magazine
will be held February 6-8 at the Hotel
New Yorker with 68 speakers participating, according
to Irwin A. Shane, general chairman.
Of special interest to the film industry will
be the February 8 sessions, which Ralph
Cohn, Coliunbia producer, will open with a
talk on "the Petrillo situation."
Other si>eakers will touch on such topics
as the effect of color on the film business,
whether kinescopes will replace films, the
question of a uniform rental base for television,
advances in television film techniques
and the prices of television films. Milton
Berle will talk on programxning at that day's
luncheon. There will be a color television
panel the previous day.
BOXOFnCE :: January 28. 1950
29

EAGLE LIOX FILMS pr,,udiv annou ,..unc.s riff's
8OUTSTANDIN(0
FROM LEADING INI[N
ALAN LeMAY and GEORGE TEMPLETON present
THE SUNDOWNERS
Color by TECHNICOLOR
starring ROBERT PRESTON • CHILL WILLS • ROBERT STERLING
and introducing JOHN BARRYMORE, JR.,
the most eagerly-awaited screen personality in years!
GEORGE PAL PRODUCTIONS INC. presents
3 THE GREAT RUPERT
starring JIMMY DURANTE • TERRY MOORE • TOM DRAKE
"Solid entertainment fare... a box-office windfall"
—Variety
BERT GRANET presents
•
PAULETTE GODDARD PEDRO ARMENDARIZ
THE TORCH
Brilliant action romance filmed on a magnificent scale!
GEORGE PAL PRODUCTIONS INC. presents
TINATION MOON
Color by TECHNICOLOR
NEW •
UNUSUAL
• SENSATIONAL
• keyed to the century's
most daring bid to the imagination!

NbxOFFICE ATTRACTIONS
^INDENT PRODUCERS!
^' «#*? i?.
«'*^,^"Ui'»
®oit/, '"92
J. ARTHUR RANK presents
THE RED SHOES
Color by TECHNICOLOR
The Three-Academy-Award record breaker!
There has never been a motion picture like "The Red Shoes"!
J. ARTHUR RANK presents
JEAN KENT • JAMES DONALD
in
1HE GAY urn
Color by TECHNICOLOR
A colorful bock-stage musical filled with mirthful romance!
'•A*
VJ %
THE FILMAKERS present
NEVER FEM
Directed by IDA LUPINO • Produced by COLLIER YOUNG
The dramatic successor to "NOT WANTED" • with SALLY FORREST
and KEEFE BRASSELLE • the some sensational star team!
From AUBREY SCHENCK
miirlNElinil
Tougher than "T-Men"! Bigger than "Canon City"!
Greater than "He Walked By Night"!
-And

Allied Honors Pete Wood
For 25 Years' Service
COLUMBUS—Temporary successor of P. J.
(Pete) Wood, secretary of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio, who has taken a
voluntary leave of absence because of ill
health, is expected to be announced soon by
Martin Smith, Toledo, president. The new
appointee will assume the duties of secretary
and business manager and later act as
field representative. Smith said.
Pete Wood week was celebrated by Allied
organizations throughout the country from
January 15 to 22. Every unit in National
Allied issued a bulletin praising Wood's 25
years of service. Abram F. Myers, counsel
for National Allied, said of Wood:
"To Pete Wood. Allied stalwart, mellow
philosopher, brilliant bulletineer and master
of the mimeograph, this bulletin is affectionately
dedicated. Like the pamphleteers
of colonial days he has exerted great influence
by the WTitten word and, by precept
and example, has taught us that criticism
can be constructive, that while the truth
may hurt, it cannot be smothered or ignored,
and that while satire may singe its
victims, it should never sear.
"From him stems the great Allied bulletin
service which is distinguished by the best
talent in all the units and carries to the
members accurate information on all important
developments together with interpretations
and comment which reflect the
independent exhibitors' ihterest and point of
view. For the foregoing and many additional
reasons Allied members everywhere
are taking time out to salute Philip J. (Pete)
Wood.
"Those of us in Ohio," wrote President
Smith, "have had Pete with us for so long
and have been so close to him that I am
afraid many of us do not fully realize his
true worth and all he has done throughout
the years for the benefit of all of us.
"It is Pete Wood, with his unswerving devotion
to the common cause and with his
untiring effort, who has been the outstand-
P. J. (PETE) WOOD
ing force in enabling us to attain our record
of accomplishment, to maintain our steady
progress, and to reach the enviable position
we occupy in state and national affairs and
among state and regional organizations.
"Theatre owners in Ohio are indeed fortunate
in having had such a man representing
us and doing om- organization work for
the past 25 years. To Pete Wood, for all of
us, I say—a good job, well done!"
Wood, who has been in poor health for
several years, will take a prolonged rest to
recuperate fully. He is being given the leave
of absence on full pay.
Since no "week" is complete without its
appeal for funds or cooperation of some sort.
President Smith pointed out, Pete Wood
week will be complete if ITOO members
send in their dues for 1950 and the special
Ascap assessment. "This will make him very
happy," concluded Smith.
Evicted Newsreels Back on Broadway
NEW YORK—Newsreel houses, which had Eagle Lion, for two and one-half weeks.
almost been threatened with extinction due "The demands for a low admission, varietynewsreel
theatre were too insistent to be
to the increase of news on television, are making
a comeback in New York, especially in the denied. We cannot desert a public that has
Dusy midtown districts. Two of the Embassy been with us for so many years," Elson said.
newsreel theatres, which had switched to first The Embassy on 42nd street, which switched
run showings of British features during 1949, to first run British features six months ago,
have reverted to newsreel showings during has changed to playing newsreels during the
January 1950, at least during the daytime. day and adding a feature picture for night
The Broadway Embassy, at 47th street, showings. The Embassy at Rockefeller Center
and the Embassy at 72nd street and Broad-
which switched to first run features only last
November, resumed the policy of newsreel way are continuing the newsreel policy.
presentations January 25. The programs will However, the Trans-Lux chain, which had
change every Wednesday and Saturday and
the prewar admission price of 25 cents before
5 p.m. was reinstated, according to Norman
Elson, president of Embassy Newsreel Theatres,
Inc. The theatre had played only "Quartet,"
in a moveover from the long run at the
Sutton Theatre, and "The Hidden Room," a
J. Arthur Rank feature being released by
four straight newsreel houses early in 1949,
now has only one house still playing the newsreel
policy, the Broadway and 49th street
house. The Trans-Lux on Madison avenue
is "very successful" with a British first run
feature policy, according to Trans-Lux executives
and the Philadelphia and Washington
houses are also continuing first run art films.
Theatre
Openings
Construction,
and Sales
CONSTRUCTION:
Benton, Ark.—$50,000, 400-car Big 4 Drive-In under
way for Big 4 Drive-In Corp.
CorrolHon. Ga.— 15-acre tract on Bremen highway
purchased by Rube Richards for construction ol
drive-in.
Hoopeslon. 111.—Henry and ArUe Karr purchased
ten-acre site for drive-in.
Minneapolis, Minn.—Permit granted S. P. Jones
for construction of 1,000-car, $200,000 drive-in
Omaha, Neb.— Permit issued North Star Theatre,
Inc., for erection of 1.000-seat theatre.
Portsmouth, N. H.—City council granted drive-in
permit to Harry E. and Clarence B. Yoken.
Reedsport, Ore.—Earl Baltazar building 500-car,
$55,000 drive-in to open in March.
Richmond, Ky.—Ground broken lor new drive-in for
Dr. Hume and associates.
West Plains. Mo.—Construction bids being taken
by Dean Davis for construction of 510-seat theatre.
OPENINGS:
Chicago—$250,000 Stony Theatre opened by Stony
Theatre Corp.
Brooklyn— l,5C0-seat theatre at Flatbush and Flatlands
avenues opened by Century Circuit, Inc.
Richmond, Me.—320-seat theatre opened by Robert
V/heeler.
Sulphur Springs, Tex.—Drew Palmer and W.
Cannon have opened their 300-seat theatre.
A.
Tarpon Springs, Fla,—Tarpon Theatre opened by
Stein circuit.
Wichita, Kas. — 814-seclt, $500,000 Crest Theatre
opened by O. F. Sullivan of Sullivan Independent
Theatres.
SALES:
Blue Mountain, Miss.—Joy purchased
Goodman from George F. Donnell.
by M. L.
Detroit, Mich.—DeVerne Darnell purchased Ross
and changed name to Marcellus.
Detroit, Mich.—David Korman is taking over Virginia
Theatre from William Schulte.
Minier, III.—Minier purchased from Mrs. Rosemary
Wollrab by George S. and son George K. Davison.
Mount Orab, Ohio— F. N. Swope purchased Marvel
from Paul McHaffee.
Sudbury. Ont.—Leo
W. E. Mason estate.
Mascioli bought Grand from
Charlotte Branch Leads
In Ned Depinet Drive
NEW YORK—The RKO Charlotte branch,
managed by R. F. Branon, led at the end of
the third week in the 1950 Ned Depinet drive.
Oklahoma City,
managed by R. B. Williams,
was second and Chicago, managed by Sam
Gorelick, third. Denver, managed by J. C.
Emerson, was fourth and Detroit, managed
by H. F. Taylor, fifth.
In the Canadian district, St. John's, managed
by Harry Cohen, was first, and Calgary,
managed by A. E. Elliott, second. In the nine
districts, the lead was taken by southwestern,
managed by Ben Y. Canamack, with midwestem,
managed by Herb Greenblatt, second.
The western division, headed by Walter E.
Branson, was first, with eastern, headed by
Nat Levy, second, and north-south, headed
by Charles Boasberg, third. The drive ends
June 22.
Audience Research Says
Tickets Down Slightly
NEW YORK — The average price
of film
theatre tickets dm-ing December was 45.9
cents, a drop of 1.3 cents from November,
according to a survey made by Audience
Research, Inc.
In spite of this slight drop, the average for
1949—47.1—was found to be practically the
same as for 1948—47.2 cents.
According to the research organization, the
averages for five years have been: 1945, 43.4;
1946, 45.9; 1947, 46.8; 1948, 47.2; 1949, 47.1.
32 BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

CHESTER FRffiDMAN
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PR ACT IC A L . SHOWMEN
Cy#i tke (^ufP
A theatre manager wants an opinion
on a promotion he used recently
which drew criticism from the home
office. This well-meaning theatreman
passed out several hundred letters
of appreciation to patrons, enclosing
a pass in every fifth envelope.
Each pass, reasoned the manager,
brought one or more paid admissions
to the boxoffice in addition
to the goodwill created, so why
the fuss?
For years back, exhibitors have resorted
to a two-for-one device to
fill empty seats. Eventually, most
of them learned that on nights when
the picture was weak they had just
as many unfilled seats at half-price
as they previously had at full admission
price. In terms of boxoffice,
they wound up with about half the
normal gross.
Give away 100 passes any time
and you are creating goodwill. The
drawback is that the goodwill lasts
only while the pass is valid. It will
have little influence attracting people
to the theaitre the following week
if the picture is so-so or below average
standard. Usually the 100 passes
serve merely to reduce income.
Any exhibitor who owns a theatre
has every right to be generous with
passes. On the other hand, every
manager on a pay roll is paid to operate
profitably. There is no business,
except possibly the garbage industry,
where overhead can be cut
or profits increased by free disposal
of its "merchandise."
Manufacturers can successfuUj
promote their products through large
scale distribution of sample merchandise.
That is because the product
has a staple consistency in texture,
taste, scent or utility and, more
important, in quality. When motion
pictures attain a consistency in
quality and entertainment value,
there may be some merit in offering
our intangible product on a
sample—or free basis.
Until then it is presumptuous to
expect people who are admitted free
one week to return every week as a
display of gratitude. It just ain't
human nature.
Benefit Programs Launch
Ohio Circuit Big 3 Drive
Twelve weeks of sustained exploitation and
promotion is the goal of Warner Theatre
managers in the Ohio zone as they participate
in a circuitwide Big 3 drive through
January, February and March.
Inspired by special prizes to be awarded
for outstanding ideas and campaigns by top
circuit executives and Nat Wolf, supervisor
of the Ohio zone, the Ohio managers are
concentrating their efforts on bigger grosses,
lower operating costs and more efficient
operation.
Many of them are concentrating on a
special prize offered for promotion in connection
with "The Hasty Heart." Benefit
shows are being arranged in numerous situations.
At Sandusky Jerry Scholer, manager
of the Ohio Theatre, had the Junior Chamber
of Commerce sponsor the booking of
"The Hasty Heart" with the organization's
share of the proceeds being donated to the
March of Dimes fund.
MARCH OF DIMES BENEFIT
At Mansfield, Bob Lytle, manager of the
Ohio Theatre, also had the Chamber of
Commerce sponsor the local booking for the
benefit of the March of Dimes. Frank
Wheatley, manager of the Variety Theatre,
Cleveland, had the West Park Kiwanis club
sell advance tickets for the picture, with a
share of the receipts going to a fund for
underprivileged children.
The American Legion will handle the benefit
for Jim Skelly, manager of the Ohio
Theatre at Sidney, and for Paul Montavon,
manager of the Sherman Theatre, Chillicothe.
Paul Jacobs, manager of the Columbia
Theatre at Portsmouth, launched his Big 3
drive by staging a parade which garnered
plenty of newspaper space and radio publicity.
Jacobs figured that cowboy outfits
were high on the list of Christmas presents
for local youngsters. Accordingly he invited
every boy and girl in town with a
western outfit to participate in the parade
to the theatre, then invited the entire gang
in as his guests. Prizes were promoted which
were awarded to those who showed up in
the most unusual and colorful costumes.
Aside from the publicity, the stunt resulted
in goodwill for the theatre.
To exploit "The Big Wheel" at the Uptown
Theatre, Cleveland, Manager Louis
Lamm promoted the use of a racing car from
the Indianapolis Speedway and displayed it
out front for advance and current ballyhoo.
Jim Salmans, manager of the Sixth Street
Theatre, Coshocton, set up a weekly Country
Store night with ten baskets of groceries and
other merchandise awards donated by neighborhood
merchants. The merchants use
newspaper cooperative advertising to plug
the giveaway.
Stiong support for "The Hasty Heart"
booking at the Strand in Akron was assured
for Manager Millard Ochs through a series
of tieups arranged with merchants and local
organizations. Over 20,000 persons of Scotch
descent received a direct appeal from thenorganization
leaders to attend Robert Burns
night at the Strand the night before opening
of "The Hasty Heart." On this night,
special services and the presence of two bagpipe
bands helped to pay homage to Robert
Burns on the anniversary eve of his birthday.
Members of the Scottish units sold
tickets to the perfomiance but received no
share of the proceeds.
The three-way tieup brought the pictiu'e
unprecedented publicity. The Akron Rotary
club president contacted the president of
the Rotary club in Glasgow, Scotland, and
made arrangements for the latter to ship ten
pounds of Scotch heather to Akron. American
Airlines brought the gift over at no cost.
On Robert Burns night, every patron of the
Strand received a glassine envelope containing
heather. The envelopes carried an Imprint
explaining the origin and a plug for
American Airlines.
A ROBERT BURNS NIGHT
Ochs made another tieup which helped to
publicize Robert Burns night. Through the
courtesy of Mac, the Liberal Scotchman, a
used car dealer, the first 1,000 men who attended
received a Robert Burns cigar from
the doorman. Both the doorman and lassies
who passed out the heather were clad in
kilts.
Throughout the campaign for Robert Burns
night. "The Hasty Heart" received full mention
and playdate credits. The picture's regular
engagement was under, the sponsorship
of the Men's Brotherhood of Christ Methodist
church. The organization took full
charge of the advance sale of tickets. The
admission was pegged at $1 with the theatre
receiving full admission at the regular scale
on every ticket sold.
Other highlights of the Akron campaign
included tieups with merchants.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser ;: Jan. 28, 1950 —21- 33

Appreciation Plan in
Fulfills
Small Town
Goodwill Objectives
Building^ g-oodwiU for a theatre in a community
of about 4,500 persons does not
always embrace large scale promotion and
tieups. For Silver Kaley, manager of the
Swiss Theatre, Tell City, Ind., it is chiefly
a day-by-day matter of personal contacts
and small deeds aimed at cementing the
ties of friendship with individuals, organizations
and the working people of the
town.
Raley uses what he considers an appreciation
plan, by means of which individuals
are selected for having performed
special services to either the theatre or the
community, or both, and invited to be a
guest at the theatre.
As an example, the pastor of one of the
largest churches has been cooperative on
a number of occasions, hence Kaley invited
him recen, ly to bring his Sunday
school teachers and key workers to see a
motion picture just prior to Christmas.
Haley's invitation was given exclusively to
the pastor who made up his own theatre
party and thus received the credit from
his co-workers; and on the other hand,
the church paper ran a story about the
theatre party, and the pastor was made to
feel that his efforts to cooperate with the
theatre were appreciated.
The editor of the local paper was asked
to invite his staff to see a show at the
Big 'Town Promotion
Pays at Providence
Reporting the biggest matinee business in
tlie 21 -year history of Loevv's State in Providence,
R. I., Maiuice Druker, manager, reaped
the rewards of one of the most intensive promotional
campaigns ever staged in that city.
Druker said his "On the Town" matiiiee
Monday (2) set an alltime record and the
weekend business was the best in ten years.
Cashing in on the two-day New Year's
celebration, Druker put out 3,000 paper napkins
and 3,000 coasters via the town's leading
restaurants and night spots, all imprinted
with "On the Town" advertising. In addition,
2.000 record holders, imprinted in red,
with illustrations and copy promoting the
picture, were distributed by the Central radio
store, this city's biggest record dealer.
Three thousand similarly imprinted blotters
were delivered by special messengers to
all leading business houses, and enclosed with
bills, by the New England Stationers, leading
paper house.
Hundreds of heralds, window display cards
and store cards were included in Druker's
extensive exploitation.
A huge display, almost reaching the ceiling
of the inner lobby, was outlined by concealed
lights illuminating a back drop which
had been specially adorned with thousands
of brilliant sequins. Altogether, the display
was one of the best ever seen in this city,
and both incoming and outgoing patrons
lingered, apparently dazzled by the effect
achieved.
Swiss Theatre, with no expense involved
on his part. Here again, it was theoretically
his theatre party, which gained him
the good^vill of his employes, but at the
same time Raley made of him a good
friend for the theatre.
In a small community, operators employed
by the telephone company can frequently
make a big difference in the type
of speed and service when people are calling
the theatre. To show appreciation and
to enlist the very best cooperation, the
chief operator of the telephone company
was contacted and she, too, ran a party
at the theatre for her co-workers.
School tieups also serve to promote
goodwill among the faculty and students.
Raley has an arrangement whereby, during
the various school sessions, students
receive free theatre passes as their grades
improve. Five per cent improvement over
previous grades earns tickets for the
youngsters.
The project is endorsed by the entire
school system, and more than a thousand
children who are students in the community
are perpetual boosters of the theatre
and are constantly striving to improve
their school work in an effort to
win theatre tickets, with its consequent
effects of engendering goodwill for the
theatre and student citizensrhip.
Treasure Chest in Lobby
Sells Kiddy Matinees
A recent treasure chest promotion at the
RKO Coliseum in New York worked so successfully
for Manager Jerome Baker that
the stunt was engaged to build up his kid
business on two weekend matinees prior to
the Christmas holidays.
A tieup was made with a local store specializing
in juvenile accessories, whereby the
merchant donated $300 in prizes and paid for
lucky keys, envelopes, a trailer and display
cards. Ten prizes were awarded at each show
including bicycles, doll carriages, etc.
The merchant distributed keys attached
to tags bearing full information on the
treasure chest. In the theatre lobby, a large
Santa Claus cutout had a lock on Santa's
bag. The prizes were placed around the display
and effective illumination attracted attention
for two weeks in advance.
Baker distributed several hundred keys to
children at nearby schools.
Santa and Reissued 'Eve'
Achieve Record Business
Howard B. McNally, manager of the Boulevard
Drive-In at Payetteville, N. C, reports
he grossed a Monday-Tuesday house record
on the reissued "Christmas Eve" with a
timely promotion that cost him less than $8.
McNally bought $6 worth of toy balloons and
used $1.61 worth of sign cloth, promoted a
Santa Claus suit froni the Sears, Roebuck &
Co. store. He advertised Santa would appear
at the Boulevard. The result was top business
on the preholiday run.
Goodiellows Accept
Help on Dinner Fund
By Stage Auction
Douglas Smith, manager of the Casino
who also serves as publicist for Odeon theatres
in Halifax. N. S., obtained extensive
newspaper and radio publicity for "Fighting
Man of the Plains" through a novel goodwill
promotion he staged to aid the Goodfellows
club Chi'istmas dinner fund.
Smith contacted studio officials and obtained
various items of wearing apparel used
in the filming of "Fighting Men of the
Plains." The articles included a shirt, scarf,
belt, etc., worn by the star of the picture,
Randolph Scott, and were placed on exhibit
in each of the three Odeon theatres in Halifax
several weeks prior to an announced
auction.
The auction was staged on the Penthouse
party radio program through the facilities
of CJCH. The Halifax Mail-Star maintained
a consistent account of the public relations
project, with repeated plugs for the picture
beginning a week prior to the auction. The
Penthouse party program heard nightly from
11 p. m. to 1 a. m. devoted three plugs each
night to publicizing the auction, including
full mention of the theatre playdates.
The stunt helped to create excellent goodwill
for Odeon Theatres and proved of major
value in building advance interest in the
regular engagement of "Fighting Man of the
Plains."
Classified Ad Contest
Extended Four Weeks
A classified ad contest promoted in conjunction
with the Lexington Herald and
Leader four weeks before Christmas provided
extra ad space through which Bob Cox,
manager of the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington,
sold his preholiday attractions.
A half-page ad appeared in the papers
each day. Patrons were invited to use the
catchlines in each of the ads to compose
humorous paragraphs or complete sentences.
Contestants were instructed to mail their
entries to the newspapers, and each day gift
certificates supplied by the participating
merchants were awarded to winners. A number
of passes to the Kentucky Theatre were
included in the daily prizes.
In return for suggesting the idea, the
theatre attractions were plugged each day in
a large box carrying complete information
on the contest.
Additional goodwill for the theatre was
obtained when Cox impersonated Santa
Claus at the annual Lions club Christmas
party. Cox visited 12 schools, hospitals,
churches and orphanages in Lexington, delivering
gifts to the sick and needy. The
Herald ran a three-column photo of him
making his rounds, on the front page.
Distributes 'Easy' Tickets
For "Easy Living" Don Lee, manager of
the Palace in Oneonta, N. Y., borrowed a
football uniform from the Oneonta Professional
club and printed one thousand tickets
resembling admission ducats to a football
game. Garbed in the gridiron outfit, an
usher distributed the tickets at rush hours
in the downtown area.
34 —22— BOXOFnCE Showmandiser :: Jan. 28, 1950

Paramount
l/hat picture has set allme
highs for any first
jn in Broadway history?
$
v^
'^y
am^oit atidl>etilali
Color by ^^Jechmcolof

Good Promotion
Makes Commotion
BELOW, a traveling billboard ballyhooed recent holiday attractions for
Larry Levy, manager of the Colonial Theatre, Reading. Pa. Spec.al
heralds and "snapping guns" built up interest in "Ambush" playdates.
Houston's most popular midget racing star '^'^P^^e'*^ 'i:^,
f °°°
car in front of LoeWs Slate Theatre to ^elp ballyhoo The Big
^eel." Homer McCallon. manager, arranged the exhibit, which
received much attention from crowds.
BELOW is part of the contributions
received at a canned food matinee
promoted by Dick Peffley, man
ager of the Paramount, Fremont,
Ohio. All donations were turned
over to a charitable group for dispensation
among needy families.
Picture and stories in local papers
plus radio publicity helped to create
goodwill for the theatre.
RIGHT, a spectacular front
used currently with "Prince
of Foxes" at the Rex, Colon,
Panama, literally converted
the theatre into a medieval
fortress. Colorful poster cutouts
provided a realistic
touch. Conceived by Primitive
Forgnone, owner-manager,
the cost was small.
36
lomes McDannold. recently promoted and with a raise in salary, continues
his exploitation activities at the State Theatre. Tallahassee. Fla. He
promoted this -'The Big Wheel" ballyhoo for a few theatre passes.
-24—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Jan. 28, 1950

'
1M. R Daily says the picture is superb .
A strong item. Film Daily calls it fine, tense
emotional, dramatic, brimful of action,
big league. Boxoffice comments a meaty bit
of stern entertainment. Should prove a
profitable booking venture. The Exhibitor
cheers it as taut, well-directed, well-acted.
THIS 'FEMALE' MEANS BUSINESS!
much suspense. Harrison's reports tense
suspense. Should go over. The Independent
applauds it as action to hold an audience
in suspense. Unusual twist. Showmen's
says suspense and action at high-pitch
throughout, exciting entertainment.
Word of mouth to put it across in any
situation. The Reporter notes fast
action, thrilling , always suspenseful.
Exhibitors will not regret booking it.
Deadit
IS THE
FEMALE
starring
PEGGY CUMMINS
JOHN DALL
A KING BROTHERS PRODUCTION
With BERRY KROEGER • MORRIS CARNOVSKY
Produced by MAURICE and FRANK KING
• Directed by
Joseph H. Lewis • Screenplay by MacKinlay Kantor
and, Millard Kaufman
From the SATURDAY EVENING POST Story
"GUN CRAZY" by MacKinlay Kantor
thru
Vfi

Georgia Theatremen
Plug Currenl Shows
And Family Month
Ed Anthony, manager of the Bradley Theatre,
Columbus, Ga., staged a complete campaign
in conjunction with pubhcist A. C.
Henderson to exploit "Triple Threat." Two
thousand facsimile football tickets for "Bradley
Theatre Stadium" were distributed. The
tickets bore a list of all football stars featured,
including Georgia's own Charley Trlppi.
Sports announcers on three radio stations
provided gratis plugs for the playdates.
One hundred window cards were displayed
in town and surrounding communities, and
advance trailers were run at affiliated theatres
of the Georgia Theatre Co. A portable
front was constructed for the current run with
catchllnes and cutout heads made from lithos.
BULLETIN AT SCHOOL
In conjunction with "Christopher Columbus,"
Anthony arranged with the superintendent
of Columbus schools for a bulletin
advertising the Bradley playdates to be
mailed from the school heads' office. The
bulletin went to all teachers with the request
that they inform students of the historical
PUBLIC -RELATIONS DRIVE
At Waycross, Ga., John Harrison, city manager
for Georgia Theatres, spearheaded a
public relations campaign centered around
Family month to unite the ties of relationship
between the theatres and the people of the
community. William Elliott, manager of the
Rltz, and Charlie Brock, manager of the Carver,
assisted Harrison In the campaign which
gave general emphasis to the entertainment
and comforts afforded residents of the community,
in addition to individual campaigns
on pictures which played during the month.
Family month was plugged in all regular
advertising via newspapers and radio, through
special trailers, lobby displays, outdoor banners
and marquee copy. Three thousand letters
were mailed to Waycross families, each
letter bearing a number. Every day throughout
the month, five lucky numbers were
posted at the theatres, and the family which
received a lucky number won free tickets.
To focus attention on the Lyric Theatre
booking of "Father Was a Fullback," patrons
were invited to vote for their selection of the
most popular high school football player. A
$125 wrist watch was promoted from a local
Jeweler for the winner, and presented on the
stage of the Lyric.
Grid Season Roundup
Scores at
Boxoffice
Football Interest has switched to other
sports but Lou Marcks, manager of the
Strand Theatre, Delaware, Ohio, cashed
in with a final hookup which gave him
a solid one- night gross.
Marcks made arrangements to show the
16mm film of the highlights of aU the
season's Ohio Wesleyan football games.
The films were shown in conjunction with
the regular screen show. It proved to be
a terrific draw among college students
and townspeople.
Exhibitors located in college towns
could borrow a leaf from Marcks' book
of exploitation. Benefits may be expected
both in the way of theatre receipts and
goodwill engendered with the students.
Window Tieups Add
To Boxoffice Take
BiU Adams, manager of the Madison Theatre,
Peoria, 111., has found that a most effective
method of promoting current and
coming attractions in the community is a
consistent application of tieups with business
importance of the film production.
When the local Rlalto Theatre played
"Mississippi Rhythm," Henderson and E. H.
Morrow, manager, tied up with disk jockeys concerns for window displays. Adams checks
on three stations to obtain gratis plugs via through his press sheets to determine which
hillbilly recordings. Window displays were type of merchandising tieups are recommended,
and follows through regularly.
set with record shops and a prominent cloth
ing house. An advance lobby display featured
a river boat cutout which was used out advantage of the sports background in the
For "Father Was a Fullback," he took full
front for the run.
picture to tie up with Keenan's and Portman's,
the city's two leading sporting goods
stores. Both firms featured full windows, us-
Ushers Dress Up
John DiBenedetto, relief manager at the
Broad Theatre In Columbus, Ohio, for "Fighting
Man of the Plains," had all theatre employes
dress in western attire starting a
week In advance. Ten-gallon hats had signs
in place of the usual hatband, lettered with
playdates.
38
ing football equipment, and posters and stills
from the picture.
For "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," merchant
tieups produced no less than 56 displays in
music shops and record departments of
large stores, with strong evidence of picture
playdates.
Whenever possible, original costumes from
pictures are obtained from Hollywood and are
used as the basis of window displays, generally
supported by co-op newspaper ads. The
tieups, according to Adams, are beneficial to
dealers who cooperate because they reaUze
the great interest the public has in Hollywood
attractions and their value in drawing
patronage to their windows.
Pants on Display Create
Laughter for 'Adam's'
A lobby display on "Adam's Rib" created
by Norman Prager, manager of the Oneonta
(N. Y.) Theatre, provoked hilarious laughter
and comment from patrons. Prager mounted
and cut out the star heads from a six-sheet.
Cutouts of the hands were rigged to hold a
real pair of trousers with copy: "It's the
hilarious answer to who wears the pants!"
With the picture scheduled to open before
Christmas, Prager had his doorman don a
Santa Claus costume and ballyhoo the picture
with a sign reading: "I had to get here
early to see 'Adam's Rib.'" The local ad
campaign carried out the "If" angle in which
names of prominent jurors, the poUce chief,
etc., were inserted to create word-of-mouth
publicity.
—26—
Schools Okay Fosters
With Theatre Copy
For 'Intruder'
Radio and newspaper breaks played a large
part in Manager Sid Kleper's campaign for
|
"Intruder in the Dust," prior to and during
the run at the College Theatre in New Haven.
Feature stories, art breaks, readers, and a
special story in the Sunday Herald timed with
the opening had most of New Haven "Intruder
in the Dust" conscious.
A mystery contest on WELI netted five
consecutive days of radio plugs, as did an
anagram contest on the same station. The
Claude Jarman jr. transcription was used
on WELI, WAVZ, WNBC and WBIB-FM.
The New Haven News sniped 200 newsstands
with 11x14 cards plugging the book
and the picture. Five thousand shoe, hosiery
and cosmetic bags were imprinted with provocative
copy, and 1,000 embossed doilies for
place settings were imprinted and distributed
to some of the better restaurants.
School cooperation was enlisted to the extent
that 45 public schools and six parochial
schools used bulletin board and classroom
announcements. In addition, plugs for the
picture were carried in teachers', principals,'
and PTA bulletins emanating from the audiovisual
department of the New Haven board
of education.
Two hundred "A" cards were dispensed to
grills and cocktail lounges; 1,000 bookmarks
were Imprinted for bookstores and lending
libraries; three excellent newspaper co-ops
were landed, with picture and playdate
credits; and window and counter displays
were set in a dozen places Including department
stores and specialty shops.
Special 40x60 blowups were made from the
"Intruder in the Dust" layout in Life magazine
and used for lobby display a week In
-advance and during the picture's run.
"A Movie Must," which was carried In all
advertising and publicity copy, was followed
through in the lobby where It was painted on
all the mirrors. A sound truck was used to
ballyhoo the picture day before opening and
opening day.
Sales Appeal in Rhyme
Boosts Gift Book Sale
Manager Ernie Hatfield of the Capitol in
Yarmouth, N. S., turned rhymester to promote
the sale of gift books. His sales doggerel
follows:
'Twas the night before Christmas
And the stores were all bare;
Eager shoppers had bought
All the gifts they had there.
It looked pretty tough for
Poor Santa, that's true;
But Santa's no diurnny—
He knew what to do.
With Capitol Theatre tickets
He pleased yoimg and old;
For long-lasting pleasure.
There's no better gift sold.
The rhyme was reproduced in special advertising,
on the Capitol screen, on lobby
stands and the theatre front and in local
papers.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Jan. 28, 1950

;
IN
J
PRIZES
in four 13->veelc ^^I^ovie Quiz'' contests
SEE YOUR LOCAL
lEALART DISTRIBUTOR
FOR THE DETAILS OF
THIS EXCITING
SOX-OFFICE BOOSTER
JUST THE
BOX-OFFICE
BOOSTER
YOU NEED!
Book
"MOVIE QUIZ"
now
Movie Quiz now being
regionally released
through these Realart
Franchise Holders only
ATLANTA
John Mangham
Screen Guild Prod, of Go., Inc.
164 Walton St., N.W.
Atlanta, Go.
BOSTON
Joseph Levine
Emboiiy Picture! Corp.
16 Piedmont St.
Boiton, Moil.
CHICAGO
Max Roth and Charles
Lindau
Henri Elmon Entarprlut, Inc.
1327 S. Wabaili Ave.
Chicago, III.
CLEVELAND
R. Snyder and E. Stutz
Realort Picture! of Clov.
2108 Payne Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio
DETROIT
Jock Zde
Allied Film Eichonge
2310 Can Ave.
Detroit, Mich.
NEW YORK
(Metropolitan Area)
Moe Kerman and Joe Felder
Fovorile Picturei Exchonge
of N. Y.
630 Ninth Avenue
New York, N. Y.
NEW YORK
(Up-Slote Territory)
Joe Miller
Realart Exchange
53 Peyiter St.
Albony, N. Y.
PHILADELPHIA
Nelson Wax
Boxoffice Picturei,
1321 Vine St.
Philadelphia, Po.
PITTSBURGH
Milton Brauman
Screen Guild Prod.
of Pitll., Inc.
415 Van Broom St.
Pitliburgh, Pa.
WASHINGTON
Bernie Mills
Inc.
Equity Film Exchange!. Inc.
1001 New Jeriey Ave., N.W.
Woihlngton, D. C.
I T LEGAL NOT LOTTERY
Rogers and Unger Associates, 1270 6th Ave., New York City, exclusive distributors in the United States
releasing through the Realart Exchanges

RKO RADIO PICTURES, inc.
TRADE SHOWINGS OF
STROMBOLI
ALBANY, Fox Screening Room, 1052 Broadway,
Tues., Februory 7, 8:00 P.M.
ATLANTA, RKO Screening Room, 195 Luckie St.,
N.W., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
BOSTON, RKO Screening Room, 1 22-28 Arlington
St., Tues., Februory 7, 10:30 A.M.
BUFFALO, Mo. Pic. Operators Screening Room,
498 Pearl SI., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
CHARLOTTE, Fox Screening Room, 308 S. Church
St., Tues., Februory 7, 2:00 P.M.
CHICAGO, RKO Screening Room, 1300 So.
Wabash Ave., Tues., February 7, 2:00 P.M.
CINCINNATI, RKO Screening Room, 12 East
6lh St., Tues., February 7, 8:00 P.M.
CLEVELAND, Fox Screening Room, 2219 Payne
Ave., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
DALLAS, Paramount Screening Room, 412 South
Horv/ood St., Tues., February 7, 1:30 P.M.
DENVER, Paramount Screening
St., Tues., February 7, 2:00 P.M.
Room, 2100 Stout
DES MOINES, Fox Screening Room, 1300 High
St., Tues., February 7, 1:00 P.M.
DETROIT, Blumenlhol's Screening Room, 2310
Cass Ave., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS, Universal Screening Room, 517
N. Illinois St., Tues., February 7, 1:00 P.M.
KANSAS CITY, Paramount Screening Room, 1800
Wyandotte St., Tues., February 7, 2:00 P.M.
LOS ANGELES, RKO Screening Room, 1980 So.
Vermont Ave., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
MEMPHIS, Fox Screening Room, 151 Vance
Ave., Tues., February 7, 2:00 P.M.
MILWAUKEE, Warner Screening Room, 212 W.
Wisconsin Ave., Tues., February 7, 2:00 P.M.
MINNEAPOLIS, Fox Screening Room, 1015 Currie
Ave., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
NEW HAVEN, Fox Screening Room, 40 Whiting
St., Tues., February 7, 2:00 P.M.
NEW ORLEANS, Fox Screening Room, 200 S.
liberty St., Tues., February 7, 10:30 A.M.
NEW YORK, Normondie Theatre, 53rd St. &
Pork Ave., Tues., February 7, 10:30 A.M.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Fox Screening Room, 10
North Lee St., Tues., February 7, 10:30 A.M.
OMAHA, Fox Screening Room, 1502 Davenport
St., Tues., February 7, 1:00 P.M.
PHILADELPHIA, RKO Screening Room, 250 N.
I 3th St., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
PITTSBURGH, RKO Screening Room, 1809-13
Blvd. of Allies, Tues., February 7, 1.30 P.M.
PORTLAND, Star Screening Room, 925 N.W.
19th Ave., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
ST. LOUIS, RKO Screening Room, 3143 Olive
St., Tues., February 7, 1:00 P.M.
SALT LAKE CITY, Fox Screening Room, 216 E.
Isl St. South, Tues., February 7, 1:30 P.M.
SAN FRANCISCO, RKO Screening Room, 251
Hyde St., Tues., February 7, 2:30 P.M.
SEATTLE, Jewel Box Screening Room, 2318
2nd Ave., Tues., Februory 7, 2:30 P.M.
SIOUX FALLS, Hollywood Theatre, 212 North
Philips Ave., Tues., February 7, 10:00 A.M.
WASHINGTON, Fox Screening Room, 932 New
Jersey Ave., Tues., February 7, 10:30 A.M.
Boys Do the Town Free
In 'On the Town' Bally
Three sailors and three volunteer girls had
an opportunity to "do the town" as a ballyhoo
for "On the Town" at the Poll Theatre,
Hartford, Conn. Manager Lou Cohen arranged
for the three couples to be entertained
at a popular restaurant, make a complete
tour of the city's high spots and attend the
opening night of "On the Town." The Hartford
papers carried stories and art on the
activities of the group.
Three navy enlistees were selected from a
large group who volunteered their services.
As the sextette made their rounds, they displayed
a sign lettered: "Thanks, Hartford,
for giving us a treat. 'On the Town' Now
at Loew's Poll."
Hillbillies Broadcast
From Theatre Stage
Fred Godwin, manager of the Wellston
Theatre, Warner Robins, Ga., features a hillbilly
show broadcast over 'WBML in nearby
Macon from the Wellston stage every Saturday
afternoon. Local merchant sponsors use
window displays to publicize the show as
do newspaper ads and gratis plugs over
WBML.
For "Mighty Joe Young," Godwin used a
large lobby cutout with flasher eyes to provide
animation. For "Top O' the Morning,"
a tieup was made with a local dairy for the
distribution of 2,000 milk-bottle collars, tieing
in the title of the picture as a greeting,
with the various dairy products.
Attendance Contest
Is Planted in Schools
An attendance contest in three Louisburg,
N. C., schools has been introduced with a
variation by W. F. Shelton, manager of the
Louisburg Theatre. The schools, in effect,
wUl compete against each other throughout
the balance of the school term. Each month,
the winning class having the highest attendance
record will be guests of Shelton at the
theatre. The school principals permitted
Shelton to post coming attractions on the
bulletin boards, and from this list the winning
class is allowed to select the show they
would like to see.
Shelton booked "The Mummy's Ghost" for
a special jinx show on Friday the 13th. and
advertised it through mailing pieces sent to
all rural and local householders and through
special circulars distributed in shops in the
main business district.
Locker Plant Deal Helps
Patronage at Theatre
Interviews With Star
Give 'Battleground'
Atlanta Breaks
The personal appearance of Denise Darcel,
lone feminine player in "Battleground," at
the Atlanta opening of the picture at Loew's
Grand received excellent coverage by the press
and local radio stations. An itinerary arranged
for Miss Darcel by Boyd Fry, manager
of the Grand, 'and Austin Emery, MGM
exploiteer, had the star on the move from
the moment of her arrival. The Atlanta
Journal covered her arrival with art and
a story written by Lois Norvell, women's editor.
This feature ran on the woman's page
and therefore reached the people whom the
publicists were most anxious to reach.
Miss Darcel was made an honorary
sergeant of the 108th airborne division and
was presented the official division shoulder
patch, sergeant chevrons and the official
order signed by the adjutant. The ceremony
was covered bj' the Atlanta Constitution in
a pictorial feature.
P*ress and radio representatives met the
star at a luncheon. She made three broadcasts
as a guest over WAGA, WCON and
WGST. She was interviewed by the society
editor of the Constitution and made two personal
appearances on the stage of the Grand.
Additional promotion included a broadcast
of transcribed interview records over all
three principal radio stations and a "live"
broadcast from the theatre lobby opening
night, with servicemen and veterans giving
their personal comments on the picture following
the first evening performance. Window
tieups with numerous downtown department
stores and shops helped to create additional
interest in the playdates.
More than 500 copies of the study guide
were made available to school teachers in
Atlanta and surroimding communities. Five
thousand imprinted napkins were placed in
downtown restaurants and hotel dining rooms.
Fifty pictorial window cards were placed
strategically in choice locations.
The army further cooperated by providing
searchlights for the theatre on opening night
and displayed 50 one-sheets on A-boards
located throughout the area. Ranking officers
who attended the opening endorsed the picture
on radio broadcasts.
Women Photographed
Free for 'Great Lover'
Women patrons of the College Theati'e,
College Point, N. Y., had an opportunity to be
photographed with Bob Hope in a lobby promotion
for "The Great Lover," arranged by
Leo Raelson. manager, and assistant Bill
Guest. A display was set up in the lobby
featuring an illustration of Hope in a kissing
pose and fashioned in such a manner that
when a woman placed her lips next to Hope's,
she appeared to be kissing him.
A tieup was made with a local sporting
goods firm to photograph the women and
present them with the photos, free of charge.
The cooperating merchant provided a camera
which develops pictures in one minute.
The stunt was used the night before opening,
after having been advertised through a
Bob O'Regan, owner-manager of the Twin
Theatre, Waynesville, Ohio, arranged a Tuesday
night business stimulant via a tieup with
the Waynesville locker plant. The tieup is
based on a giveaway in which the sponsor
gave drawing coupons to customers with each
dollar purchase. Coupons were also distributed
at the theatre. The drawing was held
on the theatre stage with prizes of turkeys,
chickens and bacon. Results were very good,
according to O'Regan, who reports that the
sponsor was well pleased and is now primed
for future cooperative tieups.
trailer, lobby display and special circulars.
40 —28— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Jan. 28, 1950

Gowns and Sketches BOXOF F I C E NUGGETS
Used in 'Malaya' Aid
Carolina Premiere
Impressed by the fact that MGM had selected
Greensboro, N. C, as the site of Its
world premiere of "Malaya," local newspapers
splurged with more than 500 inches of
free publicity prior to the opening at the
Carolina Theatre.
The picture opened at a special performance
at 10:30 p. m. Norris Hadaway, manager,
advertised tickets for the premiere a
week prior to opening. Special shadowboxes,
overhead signs, 24-sheet cutouts, standees,
and special displays were placed in the lobby,
foyer and restrooms of the theatre well in
advance to stimulate interest.
Gowns worn during the production of
"Malaya" were obtained from Hollywood and
displayed in a popular women's shop imder
strong spotlig'hts which provided a theatrical
touch. Saturation radio announcements and
free plugs on news commentator programs
assured the picture thorough coverage to
radio audiences.
Original studio art sketches of scenes from
the picture were exhibited by the public library.
On opening night three hostesses
wearing the "Malaya" gowns greeted first
nighters as they entered the theatre. Local
debutantes volunteered their services for this
chore.
George Roberts, assistant at the Crown
Theatre, Hartford, Conn., promoted a Patrons
Christmas party prior to the holiday
as a business stimulant. Roberts received
gift prizes from shopkeepers in the local area
which were awarded to lucky ticket-holders
at the "party." The gifts were displayed in
the theatre lobby in advance, and each merchant
advertised the promotion in window
displays.
Thor Hauschild, manager of the Piqua
(Ohio) Theatre, learned recently that a
Piqua resident is featured in the film, "Square
Dance Jubilee." He invited the boy's mother
and grandmother to be his guests when the
picture played the theatre. The stunt received
a good writeup in the daily newspaper.
Abe Ludacer, manager of the Valentine
Theatre, Toledo, created an animated display
in the lobby for "On the Town." The display
piece had a litho cutout of the six stars in
the picture moving up and down in dancing
positions against a silhouette effect of a New
York skyline. Stills, cast and cutout letters
spelling out the title were placed around the
board for a colorful flash.
Jack Scanlan, manager of the Warner Theatre,
Torrington, Conn., landed a two-column
art break in the Torrington Register on
"Savage Splendor." A cut of Lewis Cotlow
and Armand Denis, the two explorers whose
adventures in the remote areas of Africa are
chronicled in the film, was accompanied by
explanatory copy with credits.
THE $33,000 LIGHT
We recently received a 213 word telegram from a western
theatre owner. It advised that the theatre man had "seen the
light."
The "Ught" was a gross profit of $33,077 which the theatre
man had not earned during the past eighteen years because
he had not been displaying Alexander movie-ads in his three
theatres.
"Count me in now," the wire added, "I'm convinced of the tremendous
potential value of Alexander movie-ads to both theatres
and advertisers!"
P. S. More than half of the nation's theatres are watching the
added profits mount up as they regularly display top quality
movie-ads by Alexander . . . Why not drop us a line today
We'd welcome the opportunity to tell you more!
OUTDOOR NOW SPECIAUZINCX
REFRESHMENT IN KEFRESHMENT
CONCESSIONAIRES SERVICE FOR
fORIVE-IN THEATRES;
SPORTSERVICE Corp. Jacobs bros
703 MAIN ST. • BUFFALO, N. Y. • WA. 2S0G
PLANNING a DRIVE-IN?
Wo ccm lunvUh Junction Box Po»t Lights with any
ol our In-A-Car spsokers at a VEHY SMALL additional
cost
BRIVEIN THEATRE
MANUFACTURING CO.
729 Baltimore (Phone HA. B007) Kansas City. Mo.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.
500 Fiith Ave. Wrigley Bldg. 308 S. Harwood 125 Hyde Ct.
Now York City Chicago, 111. Dallas, Texas San Francisco
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Jan. 28. 1950 —29— 41

Fixed Loiv Cost.
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cco' a>f»

fve-/fi
You furnish
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An experienced contractor and builder,
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The RCA "PACKAGED" Drive-In is so well
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vS^^lSSS/
• • • •
ELMER H. BRIENT & SONS, INC.
12 "H" Street, N. E., Washington 2, D. C.
BLUMBERG BROTHERS, INC.
1305-07 Vine St., Philadelphia 7, Pa.

.
-.
Organ Music Attracts
Added Patronage at
Hugo, Colo., Gem
The presentation of an organist at the Hammond
organ has been attracting added patronage
on Sunday nights at the Gem in
Hugo, Colo., for Clarence Martin, ownermanager
of the theatre. Martin invited Alfred
A. Clarke jr., director of the Music Studio,
and Scott Funston, director of music In tne
Hugo public schools, as featured organists to
take over the beautiful Hammond which had
been sOent for several years.
Martin used his regular newspaper ads and
promoted heralds to publicize the organ solos
of both popular and classical offerings.
Martin has also inaugurated a series of
Saturday matinee shows for children under
the sponsorship of 20 business firms. Called
the Lucky 20. each participating store distributes
free theatre tickets to its customers.
Each week, the Gem show includes a western
feature, a cartoon and a chapter of an exciting
serial.
A midnight horror show billed as a "Friday
the 13th Jinx Buster" helped to attract extra
patronage recently. Martin booked "House of
Dracula" and "House of Horrors" and advertised
them through special circulars, a lobby
s-gn, trailer, and calendar advertising.
Magic
NO PERFORATIONS: 20% More Light and Better Vision
CYCL«RAMIC
Screen
of the Future
-NOW!
Custom Screen
Merchant Gives Tickets
In Theatre Cooperative
Harper Howard, manager of the Elmwood
Theatre, Penn Yan, N. Y., promoted a cooperative
deal with a local music shop which
was very successful for both. Howard sold
the owner the idea of offering a free ticket
to the New Year's eve midnight show at
the Elmwood to every store customer spending
$50 or paying that amount on account.
The dealer plugged the offer via a window
display and a two-column by eight-inch
newspaper advertisement.
The stunt was so effective for the dealer
he contemplates repeating it on other attractions
at the Elmwood from time to time.
Theatre Collects Dolls
For Needy Youngsters
Matt Freed, district manager for the California-Oregon
Theatres, Medford, Ore., converted
the lobby of the Craterian Theatre
into a doll collection depot to provide toys
for needy children and to help publicize "Oh.
You Beautiful Doll." The public was invited
to bring old or broken dolls to the theatre,
which in turn were delivered to the fire department
for repairs. The dolls were distributed
prior to Christmas, and aside from the
publicity for the picture, the theatre received
many letters commenting on the public spirit
displayed.
CLEARING HOUSE
(Continned from Inside back coyer)
THEATRE SEATING
Chair-ity begins at S.O.S. We're practically
givInK 'em .iway. 271 sturdy veneer folding chairs.
S2.S5: 2S3 reiinm panelback spring cushion, only
n.5: S4 2.nn0 late .American 7-plv veneers, like
neir ?5 25 Send fnr Ttialr Bulletin for complpte
li«t Pent r. SOS. rinema Supply Corp.,
1-02 \Y. 52nd St-. New York 19.
Patch-0-Seat cement. Patching cloth, soUent,
etc. Fensin Seating Co., Chicago B.
TlBhten loose chairs with Permastone anchor
cement, Fensin Seating Co., Chicago 5.
Chair supplies. Evervlhing for theatre (hairs.
Fensin Seating Co.. Chicago 5.
Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity
wanted. Phologr.anh6 mailed with quotation. Fensin
Se.itlng Co., Chicago 5.
No more torn seats: Itep.iir with the original
Pntch-.*-Seat. Complete kit, $6. General Chair
Co.. Chicago 22. 111.
Chair Parts: We furnish most any part you require
Send sample for price, hrackets. backs
seats. C.eneral and Chair Co.. 1308 Elston Ave.,
CTiicago 22. 111.
Several thousand used opera chairs now in
stock. Can furnish any amoimt you reqvrest. Full
upholstered Insert hack. panelbnck, boxspring and
spring edge seat. Write for photo and state
Incline. amount nnd We also manufacture new
chairs. Oenernl Chair Co., 1308-22 Elston Ave.,
Chicago 22. 111.
Many years in the seating business i« your
guarantee. Good used chairs are not too plentiful
but we have the pick. Full upholstered, panel
back and m.any other styles. We furnish proper
slope or level fit stapdards to your floor. All
size 18j21-inch chairs. Our prices are lowest.
Write for exact photo and price. We furnish parts
for all makes. Send sample. Good quality plastic
coated leatherette all 2552B-inch. colors. 55c ea.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 South State St.,
Chicago 5. 111.
No more loose chairs: Get 'TIrmastone" Anchor
cement, $5 per box. Geoerai Chair Co., Chicago
22. 111.
Parts for all chairs. Send sample for quotation.
Fensin Seating Co.. Chicago 5.
Theatre chairs, 4.000 In stock, $1.60 up, exporting.
Photographs furnished. Jesse Cole. 2565
MrClcllan, Phone Valley 23445. Detroit, Mich.
775 springedse theatre ssats. 200 veneer seats
with %" plywood backs. Very good and cheap.
Irving Levin, 717 Independence Blvd., Chicago,
111. Tele. NE 8-7336.
Theatre scats 800 American, good condition,
whole or part, reasonable. Liberty Theatre.
Providence, R. I.
Used chairs for sale. About 150, fully padded
back, spring bottom. Elston Dodge. 2324 Beecbmont
.A ve.. Cincinnati 30, Ohio.
Seats: I'p to Theatre 2,400 available. Good
condition Harold Williams. 842 S. Broadway,
Lns Angeles 14, Calif.
DON'T BELIEVE
THIS AD!
We say that....
MOMandDAD
IS ONE OF THE GREATEST MONEY-MAKING
..Sold Exclusively In Export by fRAZAR & HANSEN, Ltd., 301 Clay St., Son Francisco 11, Calif.
PICTURES ON THE NATION'S SCREENS TODAY
BUT DON'T BELIEVE US.
Ask any Exhibitor who has played "MOM
and DAD." He'll say the same thing...
but even more enthusiastically than we
do. Drive-In engagements are booking
now— Set Yours Early! write. . wire. .
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
.,

L
Launch Albany Drive
Against Ticket Tax
ALBANY—A meeting of exchange managers
in the 20th-Fox projection room Monday,
to complete organization for a drive to
repeal the 20 per cent federal amusement
tax, was to be followed by a meeting of exhibitors,
according to Dan Houlihan, distributor
chairman. Saul J. Ullman, upstate
general manager for Fabian, said he would
call a meeting of exhibitoi-s as soon as possible.
Branch managers are contacting circuit
heads, while salesmen are approaching independent
exhibitors.
Houlihan and UUman believe that small
town exhibitors can be especially helpful in
the effort, since they know their patrons intimately
and are in a position to suggest
the wi'iting of letters to congressmen. Houlihan
pointed out that since the pubUc pays
the tax, its cooperation in the repeal drive
is very important.
Ed Wall, Paramount publicist, was chosen
to handle publicity for the distributors. Pi-esent
at the Monday meeting were Larry
Cowen, Jack Goldberg, Ray Smith, Gene
Vogel, Jack BuUwinkle, Arthur Newman, Max
Westebbe and Nate Dickman.
The drive was given a big lift when the
legislature passed a resolution urging Congress
to take the wartime excise taxes off the
statute books. The vote was unanimous in
the senate, while one negative ballot, that of
John R. Pillion, Buffalo Republican, was cast
in the lower house. Gov. Thomas E. Dewey,
in a speech before the State Publishers Ass'n,
strongly advocated repeal of the excise levies,
including that on admissions.
Film Industry Not Affected
By Senator Mitchell's Bill
ALBANY—A bill by Senator MacNeil
Mitchell, Manhattan Republican, which adds
the words "motion picture film, phonograph
record and photograph" to the section of the
penal law prohibiting sale, distribution or
showing of obscene prints, pubhcations and
articles, does not affect the established motion
picture industry or its outlets, in the
opinion of film lawyers. Orin Judd, counsel
for the Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres
Ass'n, and Leonard L. Rosenthal, counsel for
Albany TOA, said that all films exhibited in
theatres of this state are reviewed and licensed
by the motion picture division. State
education department. The sole effect of the
Mitchell bill would be on .so-called bootleg
pictures, Judd and Rosenthal opined.
Ad Committee to Assist
COMPO in Campaign
NEW YORK—The MPAA advertising and
publicity directors committee voted Tuesday
(241 to lend every possible aid to the Council
of Motion Picture Organizations tax committee,
of which Abram F. Myers, general
comisel of National Allied, is chaiiTnan. Max
E. Youngstein, Paramount advertising-publicity
director, will head up activities and channel
them thi-ough Oscar A. Doob and H. M.
Richey, both of MGM, of the COMPO committee.
Agreement was reached to contribute space
in distributor tradepaper advertising for tax
campaign copy. Copy aimed at the public
will be inserted in national cooperative newspaper
ads.
Doob told the committee that President
Truman's tax message did not exclude consideration
of the tax and that, given enough
exhibitor and public support, he is confident
there is a good chance for the tax to be in
the final bill to reach the floors of Congress.
"There is no job that your group could do
to stimulate the business more than to help
bring about repeal of the tax," he said. "If
exhibitors could reduce their prices 20 per
cent, it might be a shot-in-the-arm such
as the movies haven't had since sound was
introduced."
Others at the meeting were Arthur A.
Schmidt, Columbia; John Joseph and Si
Seadler. Loew's; Madeleine White, Monogram;
Ben Grimm, RKO; Milton Silver, Republic;
Ulric Bell, 20th-Fox; Hank Linet,
U-I; Mort Blumenstock and Gilbert Golden,
Warner Bros.; Kenneth Clark and Alfred
Corwin, MPAA.
ITOA has entered energetically into the
admi-ssions tax repeal campaign by ordering,
at its own expense, trailers, one-sheets and
250.000 protest cards for use by its member
theatres.
"President Truman's message," said Harry
Brandt, president, "while not specifically
mentioning the tax, gives use a golden op-
Ijortunity to present our case to the public
and to Congress. If we all knuckle down and
use the tools provided by COMPO in arousing
indignation, we cannot fail. Congress
cannot ignore the mandate of the people."
Action of the New York legislature in askmg
Congress for repeal of wartime excise
taxes has been hailed by Leo Brecher, president
of the Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres
Ass'n.
"The tax hits the pocketbooks of the men,
women and children who find in the movie
their major source of entertainment and relaxation,"
he said. "The motion picture has
become a necessity in the American way of
living and as such should not be taxed either
on a national or local level. It is encouraging
to see that legislators are beginning to realize
how deeply resentful people are of these
nuisance taxes, and the New York legislature
deserves credit for expressing the will of the
people."
Loew's Gives Cash Prizes
To Six Contest Winners
NEW YORK—The six winners in Loew's
Theatres Greater Movie Season quiz contest
in neighborhood theatres were awarded
prizes January 23. The winners; Mrs. Cornelia
Koecher, Floral Park, $250; Betty Sopolsky,
$150, and Marion Cooper, New York
City, $50; Ruth Bassin, Brooklyn, $25; Gina
Carlino, New York City, $15, and Dorothy
Kaye, Woodhaven, $10. In addition, a pair
of guest tickets for two each were awarded
as consolation prizes.
Jersey Allied to Meet
To Discuss Tax Matters
NEW YORK—Wilbur Snaper, president of
Allied of New Jersey, will preside at a membership
meeting at the Hotel Stacy-Trent,
Trenton, January 30 to discuss the excise tax
situation and other industry matters. The
members will also be advised as to paj-ments
of costs for the Ascap fight. Snaper is also
expected to set a date for the fall convention.
Various county lawmakers will attend a
luncheon preceding the afternoon meeting.
RKO Sets Tradeshow Date
NEW YORK—RKO will tradeshow "The
Tattooed Stranger" at 11 a. m. February 1 in
its exchange projection room at 630 Ninth
Ave.
BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950
TRANCIS" GOES TO EUROPE—A group of Hollywood figures stop off in
Washington D. C, en route to Wiesbaden, Germany, for the opening of Universal-
Intematior.al's "Francis" for the American troops there. Left to right, they are:
Frank McFadden, assistant to Al Horwits, U-I publicity director at the studio; Sam
Israel, assistant pubUcity director; Hal Belfer, Leslye Banning, Donald O'Connor and
Patricia Medina, stars of "Francis"; Peggy Castle. Archie Herzoff, studio advertising
manager, and H. J. Martin, U-I Washington branch manager. Ray Turner and
Lois Andrews are seen in the back. Yvonne DeCarlo, .lackie Coogan and a group of
press correspondents also made the trip to Germany.
N
45

. . Michael
. . Chester
. . Katharine
. . Perry
. . . Lou
. . . Jules
. . David
. . EUye
. . Edward
. .
. . . Ben
. .
BROADWAy
C\o\. Baden-Powell Weill, chairman of the tour of eastern and midwestern exchanges
board of Independent Sovereign Films,
J. Kaufman, Warner Theatres
and N. A. Bronston, producer and director, executive, left for Washington . . . William
arrived from London to discuss production C. MacMillen, vice-president in charge of
of two screenplays by Philip Yordan in England.
Tino Rossi, Pi-ench film and operatic
Lapidus, Warner division sales
operations for Eagle Lion, left for Hollywood
star, and Dr. Gaylord Hauser arrived at the manager, returned from a Boston trip.
same time . Ferry, Paris, manager
of Tele-Pi-oductions and chief of public
Franchot Tone and Burgess Meredith,
stars of "The Man on the Eiffel Tower,"
relations for Universalia Films, arrived from
Fi-ance January 25 . . . Virginia Mayo, who
made foui' appearances at the Criterion on
the opening
will make "Captain Horatio Hornblower"
day i28) . . . Alec Guiness, star
for
of J. Ai'thur Rank's "Kind Hearts and
Warner Bros, in England, and her actorhusband
Michael O'Shea sailed for South-
Coronets," which Eagle Lion will release
here, is playing in "The Cocktail Party,"
ampton on the Queen Mary.
which opened at Henry Miller's Theatre .
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall arrived
for a three-week stay to catch up on
Albert Lewis, who will produce "Pandora
and the Flying Dutchman" for MGM, left
for England and Spain where the picture will
be filmed . Casanave, vicepresident
and assistant treasurer of Motion
Picture Sales Corp., left for Canada to name
a representative for the company's distribution
there . Noel Parker,
new director of films and promotion of the
British InfoiTnation Service, has arrived
from England to replace Thomas Hodge,
who will return to Britain.
Hugh Owen, eastern and southern division
manager for Paramount, will return to his
New York headquarters Sunday after sales
meetings in Buffalo and Albany . . . Joseph
H. Hazen. vice-president of Hal Wallis Productions,
returned to his Hollywood headquarters
after conferences with Paramount
home office executives . Lieber,
RKO studio publicity head, has returned to
Hollywood following three weeks of accompanying
Jane Russell on her personal appearance
tour.
Carroll Puciato, Realart general manager
in charge of exchange operations, is on a
new shows and see "South Pacific" for the
fom'th time.
Cesar Romero is here to confer with
United Artists executives on promotion of
"Once a Thief" . Marshall, featured
in "Champagne for Caesar," will act as
"glamor girl" ticket seller for the preview
of the picture at the Mark Hellinger Theatre
February 5 for the heart fund . . . William
G. Bishop, MGM exploitation head for
the midwest, conferred with Howard Dietz
on the campaign for the Windy city opening
of "Battleground."
.
John P. Byrne, eastern MGM sales manager,
conferred with Benn H. Rosenwald in
Boston . H. Lion resigned as vicepresident
of Spectrolux Television Corp. and
has joined Fletcher Smith Studios as director
of sales Klein, head of
Bay State Films, Boston, conferred with Fred
Bellin, secretary of Astor Pictures. R. M.
Savini, Astor president, is visiting the southern
exchanges and will be back in New York
James A. FitzPatrick, pro-
February 1 . . .
ducer of MGM Traveltalks, and wife arrived
from Hollywood.
Fred Goldberg, Paramount tradepress contact,
has been elected chairman of the
Screen Publicists Guild unit of Paramount
Halpern of Paramount's pressbook
department will marry Lois Jule Gordon .
Jeanne Sager, wife of Jerry Sager, publicity
director of the Criterion, is in Doctor's hospital
suffering a recurrence of rheumatic
Bernard E. Zeeman, assistant
fever . . .
treasurer of Columbia Pictures International,
and wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
To Report on Industry's
Brotherhood Week Role
NEW YORK—Louis Nizer, chairman of the
amusements division Brotherhood Week
luncheon of the National Conference of
Christians and Jews, to be held at the
Waldorf-Astoria hotel February 2, will point
out the contributions made by the film industry
in combating prejudice and threats
to our civil liberties. Nizer will cite the
examples set by "Lost Boundaries," "Crossfire,"
"Gentlemen's Agreement" and "The
Boy With Green Hair."
The event will be cUmaxed by the presentation
of Brotherhood awards to Barney
Balaban. president of Paramount Pictures;
Maxwell Anderson, Pulitzer Prize playwright,
and George Murphy, MGM actor. The awards
will be made by Madeleine Carroll, screen
and stage star: John L. Sullivan, former
secretary of the navy and chairman of Brotherhood
week, and J. Robert Rubin, vicepresident
of Loew's, Inc., and general chairman
of the amusements division. Excerpts
from "South Pacific," "Miss Liberty" and
"Lost in the Stars," legitimate plays which
also fight for the rights of the individual,
will be given at the luncheon.
The Eagle Lion branch at Milwaukee is the
second branch in the U.S. to report 100 per
cent contribution to 1950 Brotherhood week.
The Paramount Buffalo branch reported 100
per cent achievement last week.
To Aid Brotherhood Week
NEW YORK—Full cooperation will be given
the observance of Brotherhood week February
19-26 by the Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Ass'n, according to Oscar A. Doob,
executive committee chairman.
\VttKHBI926
REAIIY TO DO THEIR PART—United Paramount Ihcatres pledges complete
support to Brotherhood week as Bob Weitman, vice-president of the theatre chain,
affixes hi-, signature to a voluntary agreement. Bob Shapiro (right), manager of the
Paramount Theatre in New York, and Jack Mclnerney, publicity director for the theatre,
pledged support of the drive. The Paramount Theatre became one of the first
in the nation to outline a specific plan of cooperation.
New York Houses to Show
Salvation Army Trailer
NEW YORK—Three hundred theatres here
will show a special Milton Berle trailer promoting
the 70th anniversary appeal of the
Salvation Army. Scenes of the organization's
services to the needy will be incoiTxirated
with others from "Always Leave Them
Laughing," in which the comedian stars for
Warner Bros. Among exhibitors who will
show the trailer during the next few weeks
are members of the Metropolitan Motion
Picture Theatres Ass'n and the Independent
Theatre Owners Ass'n, Skouras houses in
Queens also will show it.
Leo Brecher, MMPTA president, is motion
picture chairman of the publicity committee
for the drive, and D. John Phillips, executive
director, is vice-chairman. Berle is a publicity
chairman.
46 BOXOFFICE
:: January 28, 1950

. . . William
. . The
. . Joseph
. . Anna
. . Schine
. . Bill
Republic Officials
Attend Iwo Jima'
WASHINGTON—Herbert J. Yates. Republic
president, and James R. Grainger, executive
vice-president in charge of sales and distribution,
joined a Hollywood contingent,
marine corps officers and government offi-
SAG Outlines Its Terms
For TVA Organization
NEW YORK—The Screen Actors Guild in
Hollywood has sent a detailed statement to
the newly formed Television Authority outlining
the terms on which it is willing to
cooperate in the organization to represent
actors in the live television field.
SAG seeks an equal partnership in the
organization and administration of the television
field for all entertainers, but it will
not agree to any form of joint membership
meeting at which film actors "could be
forced to strike or be prevented from striking
by other actors who do not work in the
motion picture field, "according to John
Dales jr., SAG executive secretary.
In the first National Labor Relations
Board election for television wardrobe attendants,
Columbia Broadcasting workers in
this category have chosen lATSE Local No.
764 as their collective bargaining agent. The
local has filed a petition for a similar election
at National Broadcasting Co.
WASHINGTON
Tnvitations to a premiere of "Twelve O'clock
High" February 8 at Loew's Palace Theatre
have been issued by 20th-Fox and
Jack Kohler, 20th-Fox
Loew's officials . . .
booker, has resumed work following a brief
iUness . Variety Club gave a luncheon
cials at the January 24 opening of "Sands of at the Shoreham hotel for women who cooperated
in raising $20,000 for the welfare
Iwo Jima" at the Warner Theatre. Special
performances were also given at the Ambassador
and Metropolitan theatres. The pic-
program. Assisting committee members in-
(27).
fund. Sara S. Young was in charge of the
ture opened day-and-date at the Warner and cluded Mesdames Frank Boucher, Clark Korda's complaint also asks that all advertising
matter on the forthcoming film be re-
Ambassador the following day.
Davis and Ben Lust. Team captains pre.sent
Other Republic officials present were Edward
L. Walton, assistant general sales manmeyer,
Mary Nathan, Sid Rosenthal, Emma asserts that Korda owns the American as well
included Mesdames Lillian Lee, Mamie Lohmoved
from the Victoria lobby. The action
ager: Walter L. Titus jr.. division manager; Sandford. Ann Bord, Hattie Briskman and as the English copyright to "The Third Man,"
John Petrauskas jr., treasurer; William Martin
Saal, executive assistant to Yates, and
ery of authorized prints or documents clear-
Ida Cohen.
and that Selznick has not been given deliv-
Steve Edwards, advertising-publicity director. Elmer Lux stopped off in Washington en ing the licensing of the picture by him. Last
From Hollywood came Edmund Grainger, route to Appalachia, Va. . circuit week Korda filed an action against Selznick
associate producer; Allan Dwan, director; officials Gus Lampe, David Schine and Harold
DeGraw toured the eastern shore visit-
for two Korda films, "The Third Man" and
seeking to dissolve a reciprocal releasing deal
John Agar, Forrest Tucker and Adele Mara,
stars, and Wally Cassell, featured player. ing theatres in that area. After a visit with "Gone to Earth," both filmed abroad.
With them was Capt. H. G. Schreier, who Gus Lynch, zone manager, the party went to Meanwhile, the Selznick office is going
commanded the group captming Mt. Suribachi
and appeared in the film. They were star, who hails from Petersburg, Va., stopped of "The Third Man" for the benefit of the
Cumberland, Md. . Gotten, Selznick ahead with plans for the invitation opening
met by marine officers. Rene Gagnon, Ira off in Washington for a few days on the Lighthouse of the New York Ass'n for the
H. Hayes and John H. Bradley, sui-vivors of way from Hollywood to New York where his Blind February 1. Joseph Cotten, John Agar,
the Iwo Jima flag-raising, also arrived.
latest production "The Third Man" will open Buddy Rogers and Mary Pickford, Marlene
Warner Bros. Theatres gave the stars a at the Victoria Theatre February 1. He was Dietrich, Linda Darnell, Madge Evans, Howard
Lindsay and Dorothy Stickney, Faye
dinner at the Carlton hotel. Yates, James accompanied by his wife . Michalson
R. Grainger, Edmund Grainger and Dwan was planning a trip to New York.
Emerson, Deems and Mi-s. Taylor and Mrs.
lunched with Gen. Clifton B. Cates, marine
Marshall Field are scheduled to attend.
corps commandant, at his home. A buffet Filmrow visitors included Linden Hurst,
dinner brought out many military officials. Park Drive-In. Pearisburg, and George Ward,
The marine corps band played on the stage Cape Charles, Va.; and Mrs. Yolanda Bishields.
Mount Savage, and Sam Eisenstein,
of the Warner before the opening, while outside
there were music by a marine band from Annapolis, Md. . Eisenstein, daughter
of Sam Eisenstein, will be married in
Quantico and formations by a drill team.
June to a naval academy graduate. His son
Howard is attending Maryland university.
'Chain Lightning' Is Set
For Jan. 30 Tradeshow
NEW YORK— "Chain Lightning." the Warner
Bros, film starring Humphrey Bogart and
Eleanor Parker, will be nationally tradeshown
January 30. The picture will be released nationally
February 25.
Warner Bros, other February release,
"Backfii-e, " starring Gordon MacRae, Virginia
Mayo, Dane Clark and Viveca Llndfors,
will be distributed February 11.
Frank Boucher, Variety Club ways and
means committee member, said that a charity
benefit football game between the Washington
Redskins and a yet-unselected opposing
team is being planned for a fall date
Brenner, National Screen Service
manager of branch operations, was a
visitor . . . Ml-, and Mrs. Ike Weiner and
their daughter June and son Gordon visited
in Staunton, Va., last Sunday. Mrs. Sara
Young of 20th-Fox was a guest . . . Pete
Prince, MGM salesman, went to Cincinnati
Rucker, 20th-
to visit his mother . . . Helen
Fox, was called to St. Louis because of the
illness of her mother.
Magic
NO PERFORATIONS: 20% More Light and Better Vision
CYCLSRAMIC
Screen
ot the Future
Custom Screen
•Potent opplled for
Korda Files Suit to Halt
Selznick 'Man' Opening
NEW YORK—Sir
Alexander Korda's London
Film Productions has filed an infringement
action in U.S. district court against
David O. Selznick to prevent the latter from
opening "The Third Man" at the Victoria
Theatre February 1. The action, which seeks
a temporary injunction, names the Astor
Theatre Corp. and City Enterprises Corp.,
owners and operators of the Victoria. The
argument w^as scheduled for hearing Friday
'Gigi/ New French Film,
Fourth at Paris Theatre
NEW YORK—"Gigi." a French pictiu'e with
Daniele Delorme in the title role, being released
in the U.S. by Spalter International
Films, will be the fourth film attraction at
the Paris Theatre, starting January 30. The
first two French pictures, "Symphonic Pastorale"
and "The Devil in the Flesh," each
played more than six months but the third
film, "Angels of the Streets," also a Fi-ench
film, played only two weeks.
Expect 'Rain' Deal Soon
NEW YORK—The Motion Pictuj-e Sales
Corp. has just about closed a deal with Lester
Cowan for the western hemisphere distribution
of a Technicolor remake of "Rain," according
to Neil Agnew and Charles L. Casanave.
The producer and star are still to be
chosen.
RANDFORCE'S ACE THEATRE
Ozone Park Long Island
By JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninfh Ave. Theatre Equiiimcnt Specialists New York City
BOXOFFICE January 28. 1950 47

Hv
. . Harry
. . Harry
. . . Seventeen
. .
. .
PHILADELPHIA
. . .
Martin Ellis is in Florida, as is Charles
Amuse-
Goodwin of Quality Premiimis
TWryron E. Wheaton of the local RCA office ment tax receipts for 1949 were $56,421 less
attended a sales conference in Camden than in 1948, or $261,105 as compared to
The Italian "Under the Sun" played at $4,317,526 Jack Seidman of the Paramount
Decorating Co. was in Washington
. . .
the Pix Theatre, as did "The Surf" . .
The
.
Studio advertised that its double bUl of reissues
was "right out of today's headlines." Theatre for its February 9 opening . . .
working on the K. B. Amusement Co.'s Flower
Larry
The theatre tied in its offerings of "I Stole Ruch and Bud Freeman, A. M. Ellis district
a Million" and "You Can't Get Away With managers, are back at work after a week's
it" with the $1,000,000 Boston Brink holdup. absence because of sickness.
Philadelphia had two premieres last week
with "Dear Wife" opening at the Goldman
and "Borderline" at the Aldine . .
Saul
.
Krugman, EL assistant eastern sales manager,
Charles Goldfine has sold his Alden Theatre
to David Shapiro, and is concentrating
on the construction of a drive-in in south
Philadelphia Freeman, advertising
manager of the Fox Theatre; Al Boyd,
.
the Boyd circuit, and Everett Callow, S'W publicity
director, attended the second annual
20th-Fox showmanship meeting 'Wednesday
and Thursday (25, 26).
Thomas H. Carroll, partner of the accounting
firm of Peat-Marwick-Mitchell & Co.,
testified at the impeachment trial of receiver
of taxes Frank Marshall that inefficiency in
the receiver's office resulted in the Aldlne
Theatre building not being fully billed for
Lewen Pizor, exhibitor
water services . . .
who is chairman of the Metropolitan hospital's
board, heads a $200,000 fund drive to
finance expansion and modernization for its
new quarters at 18th and Arch streets . . .
Edward Emanuel has been appointed chairman
of the theatrical division for the Jewish
Appeal.
Melvyn Douglas will head the Locust stage
presentation of "The Bird Cage" starting
February 7 . . . Susan Peters will star in the
Walnut presentation of "The Barretts of
Wimpole Street" February 6 . . . The Stanton
previewed "Ambush" Wednesday night (25)
prior to its opening the following day.
Industryite members of the Police Athletic
league included Jack Beresin, James P. Clark,
William H. Lee and Morris Wax, PAL em-olled
J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI, as an
honorary member at a dinner Wednesday
(25) at the Bellevue-Stratford ... A suspected
safe robber was caught on Friday (20)
in the Imperial Theatre.
went to Scranton on business .
Berman,
EL manager here, will enter Mount
Sinai hospital for a minor operation
.
. .
Max Bronow, EL office manager, entertained
his parents during the weekend . . .
Cardinal
Dougherty of Philadelphia saw a private
screening of "Guilty of Treason," which tells
the story of Cardinal Mindszenty.
Jack Reimel, EL booker, had his song, entitled
"My Heart's Aflame," played on the
Top Tune Time contest in K'iTW. Reimel also
appeared on a television program to explain
his invention of a call check, which he thinks
will help to cut telephone bills . . . SW and
Paramount key theatres are booking Principal
Film's "Circus Days" for kiddy shows.
Principal is releasing "The Woman."
SW sent out 10,000 cards to ex-marines to
help exploit "Sands of Iwo Jima" ... J. Ellis
Shipman, SW contact executive, and assistant
and Abe Bernstein helped on the openings
of "South Sea Sinner" and "Borderline."
arrange showings of paintings by world famous
artists on "Samson and Delilah." Bill
Brooker, Philadelphia Paramount publicist,
went to Pittsburgh to help in promoting the
opening of "Samson and Delilah" at Loew's
Penn Theatre.
Director 'William Seiter shared honors with
Claire Trevor and her husband-producer Milton
Bren in personal appearances at the
premiere of "Borderline" at the Aldine .
Eddie Gabriel reports that Capital Films is
issuing a Sunset Carson series . . . Sarah
O'Brien suffered shock when a film exploded
while she was working on a rewinder in the
Clark Film Co.
Colleen Townsend will be here to help kick
off the regional saturation premiere of
"When Willie Comes Marching Home" .
Herman Morgolies, Charles Stiefel's booker,
will enter a hospital for an operation . . .
Max Miller, EL tub-thumper, went to Cleveland
to arrange publicity for the Ohio premiere
of "Guilty of Treason" . . . Mrs. Mildred
Wood is taking the place of Rose Kulak
in Paramount's accounting department while
Mrs. Dorothy Calavecci is taking over Mrs.
Mary Bennington's duties.
The Variety Club has trailers available
which request theatre patrons to recommend
worthy children for the tent's summer camp
theatres joined ITO of Eastern
Pennsylvania in 1949.
Arthur Johnson, former assistant at SW's
Wynne, is now manager of the Imperial on
Second street, while Ruth Murphy, former
manager of the Imperial, was moved to the
booking office . . . Twentieth-Fox has a tiein
Jack Brodsky, are planning to go to South with Fred Astaire dance studios wherein certificates
for free dancing lessons are given
America on their vacation . . . Henry Etynge,
SW Vernon manager, has gone to the Capitol
to patrons at the opening day of "Dancing
to fill in Sam Crayder's boots while Crayder in the Dark."
is out sick . . . U-I publicists JeiTy Evans
Ladd Named Most Popular
By Kinematograph Weekly
NEW YORK—Alan Ladd has been chosen
the most popular screen star in England in
Sid Mesibov was in from New York to help
exploitation of "Samson and Delilah." Milton
Hale of the Philadelphia Paramount publicity
office, arranged a tiein with Samson the annual poll of exhibitors, conducted by
tools which the Supplee, Biddle & Steltz Co. the Kinematograph Weekly. The Paramount
had on display at its hardware exhibit at pictures starring Ladd which have been
Convention hall last week. Paramount arranged
for the presentation of small "Delilah" cluded "Whispering Smith," "The Great
shown in England during the last year in-
orchids to hardware dealers at the conveion. Gatsby" and "Chicago Deadline."
Bob Montgomery came in from New York to Montgomery Clift. another Paramount star,
was chosen "most promising newcomer" for
his work in "The Heiress."
H. J. Mayer Gets RCA Post
CAMDEN, N. J.—Harry J. Mayer, former
manager of Technical F*roducts Service of
the RCA Service Co. in the Chicago district,
has been made New York district manager
of the Technical Products Service division
by W. L. Jones, vice-president in
charge of the division. Fred W. Wentker,
formerly of the home office, takes over
Mayer's Chicago post.
48
AT U-I PARLEY IN NEW YORK—Three top executives who attended the Universal-International
sales conference in New York this week are shown here. Left
to right: iM. J. Isman, assistant general sales manager of Empire-Universal; F. J. A.
McCarthy, southern and Canadian sales manager for U-I, and A. W. Perry, president
and general manager of Empire-Universal of Canada.
New Republic Dividend
NEW YORK—The Republic board of directors
Thursday (26 1 declared a dividend of 50
cents a share on preferred stock, payable April
1 to stockholders of record March 10.
Have you ordered your taxation trailer and
petition cards from National Screen Service?
Do it today.
BOXOFFICE
:: January 28, 1950

—
'Heart' Films Strong
In Broadway Slump
NEW YORK—Two heart films.
"My Foolish
Heart" at the Radio City Music Hall and
"The Hasty Heart" at the Strand, had strong
opening weeks when the majority of the
longer run pictures along Broadway were
way down. "Ambush," in its first week at
the Capitol, also did well and "Sands of Iwo
Jima" held up nicely in its fourth week at
the Mayfair.
Two pictures — showed a business jump over
previous weeks "Samson and Delilah" at the
Rivoli. because its foui'-week day-and-date
run at the Paramount had ended, and "Tight
Little Island." because of the editorial comment
and word-of-mouth in the foui-th week
at the Trans-Lux Madison Avenue. "Thelma
Jordon" was just average in its first week at
the Paramount.
New pictures that opened during the week
were "Twelve O'clock High," "The Man on
the Eiffel Tower," "Backfire" and "Blue
Grass of Kentucky."
(Average Is 100)
Astor—Battleground (MGM), 11th wk 95
Bijou—The Red Shoes (EL), 66th wk. of two-a-dcfy 85
Capitol—Ambush (MGM), plus stage show 110
Criterion—South Sea Sinner (U-I), 2nd wk 80
Glob£^-Red Light (UA), 2nd wk 75
Gotham—Monkey Business (Para); Horsefeathers
(Para), reissues, 5th wk 85
Loews State— East Side. West Side (MGM),
5th
70
Mcryfair Sands oi Iwo Jima (Rep), 4th wk ..105
Paramount — Thelma Jordon (Para), plus stage
Palace—There's a Girl in My Heort (Mono), plus
vaudeville 100
Radio City Music HcJll—My Foolish Heart (RKO),
plus stage show 120
Rivoli—Samson and Delilah (Para), 5th wk 120
Roxy—Whirlpool (20th-Fox), plus stage show, 6
days of 2nd wk 90
Strand—The Hasty Heart (WB), plus stcTge show.llC
Sulton—The Fallen Idol (SRO), lOlh wk 105
Trans-Lux—Tight Little Island (EL), 5lh wk 110
Trans-Lux 72nd Street—The Laughing Lady (Four
Continents) 90
Victoria—All the King's Men (Col), 11th wk 75
Carol Brandt Quits MGM
To Join Talent Agency
NEW YORK—Mrs. Carol Brandt, head of
the MGM eastern story department, has resigned,
effective July 15, to join the newly
merged Artists Agency Corp. as head of its
London office. She will take over her new
post September 1. The AAC was recently
organized in Hollywood by combining Levee-
Stark, Inc., Goldstone-Willner, Inc., and
Orsatti, Inc. Mrs. Brandt is the wife of Carl
Brandt, head of Brandt & Brandt, literary
agency in New York. She has been with
MGM for alnlost five years.
Moira Shearer Is Signed
By Powell & Pressburger
NEW YORK—Moira Shearer, star of
"The
Red Shoes," has been signed by Powell &
Pressburger for their next fUm to be produced
for Sir Alexander Korda's London Film
Productions. Carol Reed's next for Korda,
following "The Third Man," will start in
June and will have Germany as its locale.
Frisch Renamed for Red Cross
NEW YORK—Emmanuel Frisch, treasurer.
Randforce Amusement Co., Brooklyn, has
been reapjxiinted amusements chairman of
the Brooklyn Red Cross 1950 fund drive.
Frisch is one of 50 Brooklyn business leaders
active in the campaign's corporate contributions
committee.
AT 'MEADOWS' OPENING—Seen at
the opening ot "Red Meadows," a Danish-produced
feature which turned the
Stoddard Theatre, New York City, into
a first run house, were, left to right:
Commissioner MacCaffrcy, representing
the mayor of New York; Egon C. Nielsen,
president of North International
Films, and Henrik DeKaufman, Danish
ambassador.
Public Newsreel Survey
Still Being Discussed
NEW YORK—No decision was reached during
the week as to whether there will be a
national sui-vey of theatre audiences to determine
their feelings about newsreels and no
date has been set for another meeting on the
subject, according to Edmi^nd Reek, chairman
of the MPAA newsreel committee. A
recent sample check of five Long Island and
New Jersey theatres showed a large percentage
of patrons liking newsreels.
New British Films Soon
NEW YORK—British Information Services
has been showing at the Museum of Modern
Art a number of new films to be offered for
U.S. distribution this year. Among them
were the 38th in the This Is Britain series
with Eleanor Roosevelt as commentator;
"Farnsborough Air Show," and "Harvest
From the Wilderness." In the J. Arthur
Rank This Modern Age series were "Wonders
of the Deep," "Local Government" and
'Daybreak in Udi."
Mrs. Parker Takes Over
NEW YORK—Mrs. Katharine Noel Parker
has arrived from London to take over her
new post as director of the films and promotion
division of the British Information
Sei-vice. Since 1946 Mrs. Parker has been
with the British foreign office, American
information department.
RKO to Show 'Stromboli'
NEW YORK—RKO will hold national
tradeshowings of "Stromboli," the Roberto
Rossellini picture starring Ingrid Bergman,
in all exchange centers February 7. The local
showing will be at the Normandie at 10:30
WB Stockholders to Meet
NEW YORK—Warner Bros, stockholders
will meet February 21 at Wilmington, Del,, to
elect officers and conduct other business.
Those of January 16 record are entitled to
vote.
Twelve OTlock' Given
Big Sendoif at Roxy
NEW YORK—Elaborate ceremonies marked
the opening of "Twelve O'clock High" by
20th Century-Fox at the Roxy Theatre Thursday
(26). The campaign included heavy advertising
and radio and television coverage.
One of the highlights was a west-east air
dash of Paul Mantz Sunday (22) which secured
wide coverage in newspapers and on
the air. Mantz appeared on a number of
radio shows, including This Is New York, the
Bill Stern show. We, the People, Tex and
Jinx show. Luncheon at Sardi's and the Betty
Crocker program.
At an Eighth air force luncheon Thursday
noon Nancy Craig broadcast the proceedings
coast-to-coast on ABC. She repeated the
program by transcription on Friday.
Other radio programs plugging the picture
and the premiere included Ted Mack's Amateur
Hour, the Arthur Godfrey show on both
radio and TV, You and Leadership, and the
Walter Winchell and Louella Parsons programs.
Vancouver Theatre Man
Wins 20th-Fox Contest
NEW YORK—Ivan Ackery of the Orpheum
Theatre, Vancouver, has been named winner
of the first prize in the 20th-Fox "Father
Was a Fullback" All-American premiere contest.
John Corbett, Park Theatre, Taunton,
Mass.: Sid Holland, Fahview Theatre, Fairview
Park, Ohio, and Dick Feldman, Paramount
Theatre, Syracuse, N. Y., were named
second, third and fourth prize winners, respectively.
In all, 134 theatremen shared
in the $7,500 total of cash prizes, receiving
a minimum of $25 savings bonds each. The
judges were William Ainsworth, Si Fabian
and Lou Little.
CHICAGO
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NEW YORK
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729 Biltlmore
Kansas City,
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Now installing new machines throughout large
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ALBANY THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1046 Broadway S-50SS Albany, N. Y.
BOXOFTICE January 28, 1950 49
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Jack Glenn Renamed
By Film Directors
NEW YORK—Jack Glenn, senior director
of March of Time, was unanimously reelected
president of the Screen Directors
Guild at the fifth annual convention at the
Shelburne hotel Januar>- 21. Others elected:
Dana Noyes. first vice-president: CuUei)
I^ndis. second vice-president; Leslie Roush.
recording secretary: John Flory. corresponding
secretarj': Warren Murray, treasurer:
Joseph Henabery. Gene Martel. William Resnick.
Herbert Kerkow and Howard O'Neill,
members of the board of directors, and William
Alley. Broder Peterson and Samuel Datlowe.
members of the auditing committee.
Robert Flaherty, sponsor of "The Titan—
the Story of Michelangelo." now at the
Little Carnegie Theatre, was guest of honor
at the banquet, and Gilbert Seldes, author
and critic, was the speaker. Glenn read telegrams
of praise for Flaherty from Hollywood
directors and producers.
Seldes said that the motion picture business
is the only enterprise that willingly
loses a large percentage of its customers every
year. "It is known that after the age of 19.
people begin to go less and less often to the
movies: that in their thirties people go rarely
and. later, hardly at all." according to Seldes.
"The reason people stop going to the movies
is exactly the same as the reason they stop
using baby foods. The formula no longer
satisfies. To recapture the lost audiences, the
movies have only to accept the basic principles
of good business—supply what the people
want, bring out different models to suit
different tastes, keep the base-product going
for the audiences you have and keep adding
new products to bring in other audiences."
Seldes said.
150 Theatres to Collect
Dimes in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA—Two-thirds of Philadelphia's
theatres, or 150. have enlisted in
the ten-day collection phase of the March
of Dimes campaign, according to David
Supowitz. Collections will be made by an
army of more than 15.000 women marshaled
by Mrs. Kathrjne Sura, director of women's
activities. The recoven- of film support for
the March of Dimes was achieved by the
Variety Club. Serving as co-chairman with
Supowitz are Sidney Samuelson. general
manager of ITO of Eastern Pennsylvania, and
Ted Schlanger, zone manager of Stanley-
Warner theatres.
Carl Bovee Is Shifted
To Jamestown Theatre
ALBANY—Carl Bovee. for the last 18
months manager of Warners' Delaware, has
been transferred to the Winter Garden at
Jamestown to succeed the late Donald Sleight.
who died January 12. A native of Glo\-ersville.
Bovee became associated with the Warner
organization as assistant manager of the
Strand here under Al La Flamme. At Jamestown
he will be under the supervision of A)
Nestle, city manager. John J. Brosseau, assistant
to Oscar Perrin at the Ritz for one
and one-half years, has succeeded Bovee at
the Delaware. Brosseau was on the Leland
staff before going to the Ritz.
ALBANY
The Variety Club is using a new "kings for
a day" plan under which the promoters
of the special programs at the weekly dinners
are not drawTX exclusively from the
ranks of the organization honored. The
Fabian night Monday i23i had Ray Smith,
Warner manager, paired with Larry Cowen,
Proctor's Theatre, Ti-oy. Metro night will be
arranged by Lou AUemann. Times-Union
promotion manager and former RKO exploiteer.
and Isadore Warshaw, an active lay
member of Tent 9.
Roy Shudt, in a tiein on the Win, Place
and Show program over WROW for "The
Hasty Heart." coming to Warners' Strand,
offered two tickets to the first listener who
correctly named the leads in "Gone With
the Wind" . Leff, Utica exhibitor
and Realart salesman for the Albany and
Buffalo districts, and his wife attended the
final performance of "Two Blind Mice" at
the Playhouse.
"Battleground" opened big Wednesday and
held through Sunday at the Palace. It had
been previewed by an audience of 400 at
the Delaware the week before Christmas . .
.
Mbrtha Hoffman, until recently cashier for
Metro, was married here Sunday to Louis
Lazaroff of Providence. R. I. They left on
a motor trip to Florida ... Ed Wall, Paramount
publicist, was in Buffalo several days.
The Clinton in Clinton and the Star in
Poultney, Vt., are for sale. Mary Farrall
has operated the Clinton for several years
while John DiMichele has operated the Star
for many years . Owen, division
manager, and Al Kane, assistant, were here
for a two-day huddle with Manager Ed
Maloney and .staff.
Hals of film and sports stars were used
in the lobbies of local theatres Saturday and
Simday to collect funds for the March of
Dimes. The hats, which are being circulated
throughout the country, include ones worn
by Dan Dailey. Cornel Wilde. Kay Kyser,
Gene Autry and Stan Musial. Local thetres
also used lobby collection receptacles
shaped like iron lungs.
Dick Condon will come alone January 31
^B0^H
with the traveling exhibit for "Samson and
Delilah." His partner Frank Braden is ill.
Letters of invitation to the exhibit at the
Ten Eyck hotel have been sent by Ed Wall,
Paramoimt publicist, to exhibitors, society
and fashion editors of local papers, the
women's directors of local radio stations and
various others ... A treasure hunt for S400
worth of merchandise was held at the Union-
Fern furniture store here in connection with
"The Pirates of Capri" at the Ritz,
Form Company to Build
Schuyler. N. Y., Drive-In
ALBANY—The Schuyler
Drive-In Theatre
Corp. has been formed to operate a 650-car
drive-in in Schuyler, N. Y., according to
Lewis A. Sumberg, who said he was acting
for the "investing clients," listed has himself,
Joseph Boochever and Ethel G. Wallace.
Capitol stock is 200 shares, no par.
Griffing Construction Co.. Abilene. Tex.,
will build the drive-in and equipment will be
installed by the Ballantyne Co.. Omaha, Neb.
Sumberg said those behind the project, believed
on Filmrow here to be established
theatremen, were considering the building of
a diesel-propelled miniature railroad on the
drive-in grounds. Cost of constructing the
drive-in is estimated at S75.000. Work probably
win be started in March and an Easter
opening is planned.
The Glenville town board denied a request
by Lewis A. Sumberg of Albany, attorney for
the Harry Lament organization, for a permit
to construct a drive-in theatre on the Amsterdam
road. Supervisor Dudley L. Rowledge
pointed out that a town ordinance prohibits
such construction. Town Attorney J. F. H,
Robinson jr. told Simiberg that the only
way the board would reconsider the ordinance
would be to submit a petition signed
by residents of the area in which the drive-in
would be built. It was believed that Lament
and his associates will attempt to secure the
necessary signatures.
Have you written to your congrressmcn and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
BOXOFTICE :; January 28. 1950

—
Independent Producers
Seek RFC Assistance
HOLLYWOOD—An alteration in the
policies of the federal government's Reconstruction
Finance Corp. which would permit
loans to be advanced to independent producers
making low and medium budget films
is being sought by the Independent Motion
Picture Producers Ass'n, with the endorsement
of the Hollywood AFL Film Council,
on the grounds that such filmmakers are
"small business men." In his request to Harry
F. Smith, the RFC's western representative,
I. E. Chadwick, IMPPA president, emphasized
that the "encouragement" of production
in these budgetary categories would be
a "worthy activity" for the RFC "because
it would increase employment and aid small
business not only in production but in ex-
In endorsing the request, the AFL Film
council, through its chairman, Roy M.
Brewer, pointed out that the industry has
been "hard hit" by the "artificial" restrictions
imposed on U.S. films in foreign countries,
as well as the frozen currency problems
being encountered by American producers
and distributors abroad.
Chadwick cited that IMPPA members
from 1925 to 1939 turned out an average
of 250 B pictures annually, but that because
Goldwyn, Disney Ask
Jap Market Permits
NEW YORK—Samuel Goldwyn and Walt
Disney will seek separate Japanese import
licenses although RKO, their distributor,
now releases their films in that country
through the Motion Picture Export Ass'n.
At present, MPEA has an arrangement with
Gen. Douglas MacArthur, commander there,
for a $1,600,000 appropriation guaranteeing
convertibility of U.S. earnings on a maximum
of 104 films a year.
The move by Goldwyn and Disney, both
SIMPP members, will test MPEA control of
the Japanese market. If a separate deal can
be made, it could mean a wider Japanese
market for independent pictiu-es. Goldwyn
and Disney have sent a joint sales representative,
Alexander Caplan, to Tokyo to
work on the matter on that end. Roy Disney,
president of Walt Disney Productions; James
A. Mulvey, president of Samuel Goldwyn
Productions, and Robert J. Rubin, SIMPP
general counsel, are expected to see army
officials in Washington.
MPEA Wants French O.K.
On More U.S. Films
WASHINGTON—The Motion Picture Export
Ass'n has asked the U. S. state department
to reopen negotiations with the French
government looking toward an increase in the
number of American films allowed in France
for distribution after dubbing. The present
agreement allows the 11 MPEA members ten
films each a year, according to John G. Mc-
Carthy, MPEA vice-president, who filed the
request.
of difficulty in securing financing, as well
as the unfavorable foreign outlook, total
production by IMPPA members in 1949 had
declined to 80 pictures "although the market
has not declined." The so-called "vacuum"
created, Chadwick declared, has been filled
by reissues.
The IMPPA contended in his appeal to
the RFC that the serious drop in production
has resulted in considerable unemployment,
a loss of an estimated 12,000 man
hours of work during 1949. As a "tentative"
suggestion he asked that the application for
loans be limited to the lowest-budget pictures,
ranging from $32,000 to $60,000, where
the distributor would guarantee the full
amount of the loan to the RFC or the
lending institution in an 18-month period.
Brewer, in his endorsement, declared that
the plight of the independents has had the
"doubly bad effect" of stimulating so-called
"runaway production" to foreign countries in
order that some of the frozen funds in those
countries might be recouped. He added that
it is the "earnest hope" of the industry's
30,000 workers that the RFC regulations may
be changed so as to permit the independent
filmmakers to benefit from the RFC program.
Norway and Denmark Aid
U.S. Dollar Position
NEW YORK—The amount of
kroner that
can be converted out of American film earnings
has been increased by Norway and Denmark
by an amount that will return dollar
earnings equivalent to those permitted before
devaluation last September, according to John
G. McCarthy, MPAA vice-president in charge
of international affairs. It has been done to
offset dollar remittance losses suffered since
that time, when kroner in both countries
were devalued by about 30 per cent.
Radio Keith Stock
Sells Around $4
NEW YORK—Over-the-counter trading in
Radio Keith Pictures stock on a "whenissued"
basis is being carried on by Wall St.
brokers at a price of around $4 per share.
RKO has until May 8 to carry out the separation
of its production-distribution interests
from exhibition.
There will be 3,939,920 shares. Net current
assets are rated by B. L. Taylor III & Co.,
Stock Exchange members, at $9.03 per share
and at $225.75 per $100 of investment.
The brokers' analysis says that write-downs
running to large amounts and a partial solution
of the foreign exchange problem through
production abroad brighten the prospects for
profit during 1950.
During 1947, it is pointed out. RKO wrote
off losses in investments in foreign subsidiaries,
made provision for estimated loss on
productions on hand, and wrote off investments
in productions, stories, continuities and
stage plays to a total of $4,692,435. In 1948
the writeoffs were $8,252,564.
These writedowns, the analysis says, total
more than $2 per common share and are a
part of a readjustment that provides "a certain
amount of tax shelter."
"It may well be that the delay in consummation
of the reorganization has been a
blessing in disguise; in that substantial income
taxes have been saved, while the studio
part of the business has been placed on a
sound financial and operating basis," the report
states.
Arnold Jacobs to Become
Discina General Manager
NEW YORK—Arnold Jacobs has resigned
as general manager of Siritzky International
Pictures to become general manager of Discina
International Films, starting February 1.
Discina International will release five foreign
films for 1950, starting with "A Royal Affair,"
a French picture starring Maurice Chevalier,
which has been edited and titled.
Myers Urges Ad Men Aid Tax Fight
NEW YORK—Industry efforts to fight
admission taxes on both the federal and
local levels should command the respect
and support of everyone, declared Abram
F. Myers, chairman of the Council of
Motion Picture Organization and legislation
committee, in an address at the
opening session of the 20th Century-Fox
merchandising conference on Wednesday.
Myers urged all the advertising and
publicity representatives, all the theatre
executives, and company division managers
and exploitation men from all parts
of the country to volunteer in the antitax
crusade. He pointed out that all the
divergent groups in the industry "which
for years have been taking shots at one
another have found in the tax menace a
common ground on which they can stand
in defense of their common interests."
"Not only are all factions united in the
common cause," Myers continued, "but
they are working together with right
goodwill, and the pledges of support
which I have received from rival organizations
have been no less cordial than
those received from the Allied stalwarts.
"Oui- task is tremendous, involving a
two-front war. Om- first job is to secure
repeal of the existing taxes on admissions.
Then we—that is, our successors
will have to remain ever alert to see
that such taxes are never again imposed.
We have got to sell the Congress of the
United States, the legislators of the several
states and local authorities everywhere
the idea that it is WTong to impose
special taxes on the motion picture
business which are not imposed on all
other enterprises.
"We must teach legislators and all
other public officials that they cannot
saddle enormous tax burdens on this
great communications industry—for that
is what it is—simply because theatre
cashiers can be used as tax collectors
without cost and the boxoffice is regarded
as an easy touch."
52 BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950

NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager)
Oscar Awards Ahead
Despite Majors' Snub
HOLLYWOOD — Although member-companies
of the Motion Picture Ass'n of America
for the second successive year have declined
to lend financial aid to the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences annual
Oscar sweepstakes, the event will be staged
"as planned" on March 23, it was declared
by Charles Brackett, Academy president. A
special meeting of the organization's board
of governors was called for January 27 to discuss
ways and means of financing the affair
at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.
Word of the nonsupport policy adopted by
the major film companies came from Fred
Metzler, Academy treasurer and member of
the board of governors, who journeyed east
to discuss the awards-financing with film
company presidents and other top executives.
Brackett. asserting the decision "was hot
unexpected," nevertheless expressed "a keen
regret that the financial heads of the motion
picture industry should' withdj-aw their support
of an event which has stood and will
continue to stand for the best in motion pictures."
Meanwhile the Society of Independent Motion
Picture- Producers jumped aboard the
Academy award ballyhoo express when Ellis
Arnall. SIMPP president, asserted that independent
filmmakers' "brilliant record of accomplishment"
in the garnering of Oscars
shows them to be "actual winners and contenders
out of all proportion to size and number
of pictures."
According to the Arnall statistics, independents
have won the best picture awards three
times, best direction three times, best actor
three times, best actor once, best supporting
actor or actress five times, and "more than
30 other top awards of the Academy in various
categories."
Olympic Company Formed
HOLLYWOOD — Formation of Olympic
Productions has been completed by Sam
Wiesenthal, vice-president of General Service
studios, with "Cry Danger," from an
original by Jerome Cady and Sloane Nibley,
set as its first independent venture. Dick
Powell has been set for the starring role and
camera work is slated for March, with a major
release to be negotiated.
EL to Release 'World'
HOLLYWOOD—Distribution through Eagle
Lion has been secured by Peter Scully and
William Castle for their independently produced
feature, "It's a Small World," dealing
with a midget's attempt to find his place in
modern hving. Castle wrote and directed.
Authors Oath Refusal
Stalemates SWG Pact
HOLLYWOOD—Its affiliation with the
Authors League of America, which currently
is engaged in a dispute with the National
Labor Relations Board over interpretation
of clauses in the Taft-Hartley act, has temporarily
stymied the Screen Writers Guild
m its negotiations with major producers for
a new bargaining agreement. At its last
membership session, the SWG discussed at
length but took no action concerning an
NLRB edict, which holds that for any bargaining
contract to be ratified, the officers
of a guild or union must abide by the Taft-
Hartley ruling and take a non-Communist
affidavit.
All SWG officers have done so, but the
council of the Authors' league has, so far,
refused. The NLRB holds that since the
SWG is an AL affiliate, the latter must make
such an affidavit before any SWG contract
with the producers can be validated.
The SWG contract with major filmmakers
expired last May. Producers have offered a
new ticket calling for a $250 weekly minimum
to supplant the pz'evious contract under
which the minimum was $187.50.
The scriveners
have been holding out for $350.
Action has been tabled for 90 days, the
length of time requested by the AL to work
out its differences with the NLRB.
Detailed proposals for an equal partnership
in the newly formed Television Authority,
as concerns the organization and
administration of the video field for all
entertainers, have been sent TVA by the
Screen Actors Guild in a further effort to
resolve the differences which thus far have
stymied agreement on jurisdiction. The SAG
reiterated that it will not "join nor participate"
in TVA and "will never accept any
condition which would allow performers primarily
interested in the live field to have a
controlling vote on the problems of actors
in motion pictures, however exhibited."
The actors' organization also emphasized
it will not agree to one TVA proposal, that
for the calling of a joint membership meeting
at which, the SAG contends film players
could be "forced to strike or be prevented
from striking by other actors who do not
work in the motion picture field."
Filmdom's elite turned out for dedication
ceremonies opening the new Hollywood headquarters
for the APM Musicians Mutual Protective
Ass'n Local 47. Bob Hope was master
of ceremonies and the program was themed
to the music fraternity's support of the
March of Dimes campaign. On the program
were Bing Crosby, songwriters Jay Livingston
and Ray Evans, Lionel Barrymore, James
Roosevelt, Les Brown's orchestra, Phil Harris,
Jimmy Durante, and the Paramount symphony
orchestra imder the direction of Franz
Waxman. A portion of the ceremonies was
broadcast over NBC.
Poll Is Launched by AP
To Tally Best Pictures
HOLLYWOOD—Yet another poll
has been
added to the growing list dealing with
achievements in motion pictures with the disclosure
that Gene Handsaker, Hollywood correspondent
for the As.sociated Press, is conducting
a tally among approximately 60 top
Hollywood critics representing both the trade
After a week's trial. Central Casting abandoned
a new and experimental plan for
the hiring of extras which called for the
casting agency to call out in the placement and lay press. They are being polled on their
of bit players and extras. It has reverted
opinions as to 1949's best picture, best actor
to the time-honored system of having extras and actress, and best supporting actor and
telephone Central for work. The new plan actress. The poll is being conducted because
was discarded when it was found that present
facilities, equipment and personnel were
of the AP's opinion that those critics who
pass upon the merits of Hollywood's film output
inadequate to deliver effective service.
at its source should be entitled to a voice
in the selection of "bests" for the year. Handsaker
said the poll would be utilized by the
AP as a Sunday feature for its newspaper
clients, with publication date not yet set.
Meanwhile dates have been set for two
other already well-established bestowals of
kudos upon Cinemania. Photoplay magazine
will present its annual Gold Medal awards
February 13 at a dinner at the Beverly Hills
hotel, with George Murphy functioning as
master of ceremonies and the affair to be
broadcast over ABC. Look magazine will, as
in past years, utilize the Bob Hope airshow
to hand out its citations, with February 28
set as the date.
BOXOFTICE :: January 28, 1950 53

from
"
Others
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Eagle Lion
Actor JOHN ARCHER planed to New Orlecms on
January 22 to appear at the annual convention ol
the Southwestern Exhibitors Assn.
Monogram
Upon completion of her current assignment in
"Jiggs and Maggie Out West," actress RENIE
RIANO has been set to star in Producer Myron
Hamm's stage presentation oi the Noel Coward
comedy, "Hay Fever," at the Eaglet Theatre, Sacramento.
Paramount
LiZABETH SCOTT, who stars with Robert Cummings
and Diana Lynn in Producer Hal Wallis'
"Paid in Full," will begin a 15-city, cross-country
personal appearance lour about February 15, to
coincide with openings of the film.
Republic
ROY ROGERS, DALE EVANS and FOY WILLING
and the RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE planed to
Texas to begin a 12-day rodeo stand at the Houston
stock show February 1-12.
Blurbers
Lippert
J. L. "BUCKIE" WILLIAMS was assigned to guide
key-city exploitation and publicity in connection
with openings of "The Baron of Arizona." which
is to be premiered in February-
Briefies
Columbia
Jules White produces and directs the Three Stooges
briefie, "Baby Sitters' Jitters." from d Felix Adler
script. Supporting the trio of comics will be Lynn
Davies, Myron Healey and Maggie Liszt.
Metro
James A. Fitzpatrick has been signed to turn out
a new series of travelogs, to be released under
the general title. The World's a Stage. The
shorts ore to deal more with people than geographical
locations.
Slated for a mid-February start is "1 Love Children,"
fourth of the current series of Pete Smith
specialties. Dave O'Brien will be featured in the
short.
An early starting date has been scheduled by
Pete Smith for "Remember 'WTien?" Scripted by
Julian Harmon and David- Barclay, the short deals
with a man's nostalgic memories about his boyhood.
RKO Radio
George Bilson will produce the comedy short,
"Knickerbocker
"
Buckaroos, a script by Elwood
Ullman.
Warners
Producer Gordon Hollingshead is preparing a tworeel
Technicolor short, "The Miracle of the West,"
which depicts the history of California and will
coincide with this year's California centennial celebrations.
Owen Crump screenplayed the briefie.
Cleffers
Columbia
MORRIS STOLOFF, music department head, will
conduct and record the score for "No Sad Songs
lor Me."
Paramount
Studio lifted its option on the services of songwriters
JAY LIVINGSTON and RAY EVANS, marking
the team's fifth year on the lot.
Warners
Assigned to write the music for "Storm Warning"
was DAVID BUTTOLPH.
Signed to score "The Victirn" was DANIELE
AMFITHEATROF.
Set to score the two-reel Technicolor short, "My
Country 'Tis of Thee," was WILLIAM LAVA.
Meggers
Columbia
GORDON DOUGLAS is slated to direct "Prowl
Car" for Producer Hunt Stromberg.
Independent
FRED ZINNEMAN was signed by Arthur Loew to
-lirect "Teresa," which will be filmed in England
znd Italy.
Monogram
Second and third in the Bomba series are to be
"Bomba and the Jungle Slave" and "Bomba and
the Lost Volcano," both to be directed by FORD
BEEBE and produced by WALTER MIRISCH.
Paramount
Assigned to produce "Look, Ma, I'm Dancing"
was JOSEPH SISTROM.
ROBERT V/ELCH will handle the production reins
on "The Lemon Drop Kid," forthcoming Bob Hope
vehicle.
REO Radio
HERBERT I. LEEDS was inked to direct "Bunco
Squad" for Producer Lewis Rachmil.
Republic
Studio exercised its option on the services of
Producer-Director JOSEPH KANE for another year.
20th Century-Fox
SY BARTLETT was held for another year on his
writer-producer-director ticket.
United Artists
Producer Sam Spiegel signed JOSEPH LOSEY to
meg the Van Heflin starrer, "Cost of Living."
CYRIL ENDFIELD was engaged to direct "The
Condemned," first film slated for Robert Stillman
Productions.
Universal-International
Signed to meg the James Stewart vehicle,
"Harvey," was HENRY KUSTER.
HARRY TUGEND is slated to produce as well as
script the Technicolor musical, "Song of Norway."
Signed to meg Ma and "Pa Kettle Back Home
was EDWARD SEDGWICK. Leonard Goldstein will
produce the Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride
Options
Columbia
EDDIE ALBERT has been booked to star with
Lucille Boll in "The Fuller Brush Girl," which Lloyd
Bacon will direct for Producer S. Sylvan Simon.
FRED SEARS was set for Producer Milton Feldman's
""David Harding, Counterspy," which has
Howard St. John in the title role. Ray Nazarro
directs. Also cast was JOCK O'MAHONEY. Set to
portray a villcrin was JIM BANNON.
LYLE TALBOT drew a heavy role in Producer Sam
Katzman's serial, "Atom Man vs. Superman," being
directed by Spencer Bennet and Derwin Abrahams.
Also cast were KIRK ALYN, PIERRE WATKIN,
TOMMY BOND, NOEL NEILL, RUSTY WESCOATT,
JACK INGRAM, WALLY WEST and TERRY FRONT.
RANDOLPH SCOTT'S next starring vehicle will be
Santa Fe," to be produced by Harry Joe Brovra.
Eagle Lion
Producers Helen Rathvon and Paul Sloane signed
HOUSELEY STEVENSON for the Sally Parr and Philip
Shawn topliner, "The Sun Sets at Dawn "'
Independent
Inked for a leading role in the Thor production,
"Dark Challenge," was MILBURN STONE. Tay
Garnett directs and Bert Friedlob produces the
Mickey Rooney starrer.
Metro
JOHN MITCHUM, brother of star Robert Mitchum.
was signed for a featured role in Producer Armand
Deutsch's "Right Cross." John Sturges directs.
Assigned to a starring role in Producer Edwin
Knopf's "Running of the Tide" was KEEFE BRAS-
SELLE. Charles Vidor will meg.
A top suoporting role in the upcoming Lana
Turner starrer, "A Life of Her Ovra," was handed
LOUIS CALHERN. Set for the picture was PHYLLIS
KIRK. George Cukor will direct for Producer Voldemar
Vetluguin.
Set for the Kathiyn Grayson. Mario Lanza and
DaviL- Niven starring musical, "The Toast of New
Orleans," was CLINTON SUNDBERG. Norman
Taurog megs.
Monogram
Inked for the iemme lead opposite Johnny Mack
Rrown in "Border Reneoades" was WENDY WALD-
RON. Also set for the film, which Wallace Fox produces
and directs, were CAROL HENRY, FRANK
McCRROIL BUrv pAjT.EY. BUD OSBORNE, BOB
WOODWARD, GEORGE SOWARDS and HANK BELL.
ROBERT HOUSE PETERS JR., son of the late silent
screen star, was signed to portray a heavy.
Set for "Jiggs and Maggie Out West" are wrestlers
TERRY McGINNlS, DAVE LEVIN. BROTHER
FRANK JARES and BOMBER KULKOVICH.
RUSSELL HICKS was signed for Producer Lindsley
Parsons' Vera Vague topliner. "Square Dance Katy."
Jean Yarbrough directs.
Paramount
Assigned to the William Holden topliner, "Union
Station," was PAUL LEES. Rudy Mate megs for
Producer Jules Schermer. As her first assignment
under a newly signed term ticket, actress JAN
STERLING has been given a supporting role in the
picture. Inked for the film was ALLENE ROBERTS.
RICHARD BARON, Broadway actor, and EDITH
EVANSON are other additions to the cast.
Signed to a term contract was AILEEN STANLEY.
REO Radio
Set for the second male lead in "Code 3" was
DON McGUIRE. Richard Fleischer directs the Charles
McGraw and Adele Jergens topliner lor Producer
Herman Schlom.
Set to make his film bebut in the Cornel Wilde-
Maureen O'Hara starrer, "Sons of the Musketeers,"
was CLAUDE DUNKIN, stage actor.
Republic
ELIZABETH FRAZER was inked for the feminine
lead and FUZZY KNIGHT and ROSCOE ATES for
comedy roles in the Rex Allen starrer. ""Hills of
"
Oklahoma set for the film, which R. G.
Springsteen directs for Producer Franklin Adreon,
are ELIZABETH RISDON, ROBERT KARNES, LEE
PHELPS, TREVOR BARDETTE and ED COBB.
Inked for the comedy lead in the Allan "Rocky"
Lane vehicle, "Salt Lake Raiders," was EDDY
WALLER. Fred Brannon directs and Gordon Kay
produces.
20th Century-Fox
A cast addition for Thor Productions' ""Dark Challenge,"
starring Mickey Rooney, was HELEN WINS-
TON. Producers Bert Friedlob and Toy Garnett inked
MARILYN MONROE for the film.
JEFF COREY joined the cost of "Rawhide," the
Tyrone Power western being produced by Sam
Engel.
Slated to star in "Interpole," to be produced by
Samuel Engel, was RICHARRD BASEHART.
for Set producer-director Otto Preminger's Dana
Andrews and Gene Tierney vehicle, "Where the
Sidewalks End," were RALPH ROBERTS. RALPH
PETERS, DON DIAMOND, JOE MELL, PAUL DE BEE,
TUE HAYWORTH. PAUL PICCERNI. LOUISE LORl-
MER, ADELAIDE KLEIN and ROBERT SIMON.
Silent screen star MAE MARSH was handed a
featured role in the Dan Dailey-Betty Grable starrer
"My Blue Heaven." Henry Koster megs for
Producer Sol C. Siegel.
Universal-International
PETER BROCCO and JAMES TODD were signed
for supporting roles in Producer Ralph Dietrich's
"Peggy." Frederick de Cordova megs.
PHILIP DORN was signed for a top featured role
with Marta Toren, Howard Duff and Philip Friend
in "Panther's Moon."
Warners
MERCEDES McCAMBRIDGE joins Richard Todd
and Ruth Roman for a topline role in Produce'r
Henry Blanke's "Lightning Strikes Tvrice," to be
directed by King Vidor.
DEWEY ROBINSON, PAT FLAHERTY, GENE EVANS,
HOWARD MITCHELL. FRANK CARROLL, MIKE
LALLY, DOUGLAS CARTER and MICHAEL McHALE
were added to ihe cost oi the Ginger Rogers-
Ronald Reagan-Doris Day starrer, "Storm Warning."
Stuart Heisler directs for Producer Jerry Wald.
Scripters
Independents
WALTER DONIGER was signed to screenplay the
Thomas Costoin novel, "The Moneyman," for Benagoss
Productions.
Paramount
EDMUND BELOIN was assigned to develop the
Damon Runyon stcry, "The Lemon Drop Kid,"' for
Producer Robert Welch.
Cecil B. DeMille assigned FRANK CAVETT to
join Fredric M. Frank in writing the script for "The
Greatest Show on Earth."
REO Radio
"Secrets of the French Police." based on A.
Ashion Wolfe's series oi features on the French
surete, will be screenplayed by FRANK MOSS. The
four-part melodrama will be produced by Lewis
Rachmil.
Slated to screenplay '"Mad With Much Heart" for
Producer John Houseman was A. I. BEZZERIDES.
Universal-International
WALTER REILLY was inked to write the script
01 "Miss Private Eye."
Story Buys
Lippert
Purchased was "The Bandit Queen," an original
by Ken Bohn.
Metro
Acquired was the Irving Wallace story, "A Young
(Continued on next news page)
54 BOXOFFICE :: January 28. 1950

A&T FILM
PRODUCTIONS, INC.
^•^
CHARLES LAUGHTON
FRANCHOT TONE
BURGESS MEREDITH
ROBERT HUTTON
and the
W Jk
-CITY OF PARIS
iiiiliiii
"^e MAWontrie
EIFFCLTOWER"
Photographed in Ansco Color
AN IRVING ALLE^-.FRANCHOT TONE PRODUCTIOI
Also Starring '
XHMHBHam
JEAN WALLACE
PATRICIA ROC and BELITA
with GEORGE THORPE • WILLIAM PHIPPS
WILLIAM COTTRELL • CHAZ CHASE «r^..
WILFRED HYDE-WHITE
*%">r^A»>p«f;
Piodiued 6v IRVING AIJ.EN
Direrir

—
^1^ TILL another bite has been taken at
^^
waning prestige and effectiveness of
Hollywood's once top-dog glamorfest,
the annual aw'ards event of the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It's a
comparatively small nibble, true enough, but
during the past few years Oscar's stature
has shrunken to such proportions that even
the minutest of bites hurts.
Most recent venture to take wind out of
the sails of the Academy awards is a poll
conducted by Gene Handsaker. who covers
the Cinemania front for the Associated Press.
Correspondent Handsaker polled approximately
60 of Hollywood's top film reviewers,
including those of both the trade and lay
press, to obtain their respective votes on
the best 1949 picture, best starring performance
by a male and female player, and best
supporting actor and actress. In effect, he
was roimding up a consensus opinion on the
same accomplishments—the more important
ones, at least—for which the Academy awards
its annual kudos.
Results of the AP compilations were to be
sent to that wire service's New York headquarters
for distribution to its many newspaper
clients as a Sunday feature, which may
or may not have been in print by the time
these paragraphs appear. That means they
were earmarked for publication in most of
the nation's leading newspapers for perusal
by a large percentage of the coimtry's motion
picture patrons.
Handsaker- holds—and there is much of
logic in his position—that the lads and
lassies who make their livings (you should
pardon, please, the expression) by evaluating
the merits of Hollywood's product and
those histrionically responsible therefor are
certainly just as well qualified to pass on
their respective worth as are the denizens
of Cinemania who see only a comparatively
small percentage of an entire year's output
—and into whose voting enter personal likes
and dislikes, politics, inter-studio rivalry and
countless other obvious extraneous influences.
So it seems an entirely reasonable
assumption that the AP poll of Hollywood
fUm appraisers—if made an annual undertaking—could
assume considerable importance,
certa nly as much as, or more than,
a somewhat similar annual venture, the
New York Film Critics' awards.
Thus the AP poll becomes the fifth of such
activities to discount the effectiveness of,
and lessen the interest in, the outcom.e of the
Academy's annual balloting. The aforementioned
New York Film Critics' aw'ards were
annoimced some weeks ago; upcoming, and
emanating from Hollywood, are three other
functions, including the yearly bestowal of
kudos for film achievements by two nationally
circulated and widely read magazines.
Look and Photoplay, and a Screen 'Writers
Guild affair at which citations will be distributed
for the best screen-WTiting chores
in five categories.
Chronologically, the SWG event this year
will be staged ahead of the Photoplay and
Look presentations. The screen scriveners
will gather to honor their clan at a dinner
meeting February 5, and arrangements have
been made to broadcast the clambake over
NBC. This will be followed on February 13
by Photoplay's "Gold Medal Awards" banquet,
customarily a lavish affair, at which
this year George Murphy, MGM contractee,
will be the master of ceremonies. It, too, is
scheduled for ether coverage via ABC. Lock
will pass out its citations February 28 and,
as has been the ctistom in previous years,
will do so on Bob Hope's weekly radio broadcast
over NBC with Comedian Hope doing
the honors. On that date Look also will
circulate copies of the issue of the magazine
in which the awards are tallied.
All of the five projects manage to garner
their respective shares of space and interest
—both within and without the industry
long before Oscar gets around to staging
his badly battered annual sweepstakes, and
each one of them takes something off of the
edge of Hollywood's appetite for acclaim,
gluttoniSh as it may be.
Is it any wonder, then, that by the time
the snaU-paced Academy gets around to staging
its awards event—this year it will be held
on March 23—Hollywood and the world are
very much in a "so-what?" mood about the
whole thing, a mood which is becoming more
pronoimced every year? Nor is the rank-andfile
attitude toward the outcome of the
Oscar balloting Improved any by the annual
and widely publicized barrage of picayunish
bickering which precedes it, and which usually
concerns date, locale, financing, eligibility,
modus operandi and countless other
prosaic and controversial details.
The Academy would do well to trade a
little of its overstock of archaisms for just
a mite of streamlined action, which easily
could bring about the bestowal of Oscars at
least 60 days earlier.
Alas, the tattered robe of RKO Radio!
That company has launched a foreclosure
action jiguinst Independent Producer Frank
Ross, seeking damages of $1,173,420, which
amount it claims to have invested to date in
the proposed making by Ross of a film version
of the Lloyd C. Douglas novel. "The
Robe." RKO Radio charges that Ross abrogated
liis contract to film the subject,
which has encountered many a delay since
it first was announced for the 1945-46 season.
If victorious, the Gower St. film foondrv
will wind up not only with "The Robe," but
with Producer Ross' shirt as welL
And it is entirely possible, considering
the productional and publicity football that
has been made of the Douglas tome, that at
this point Ross* shirt could be a better screen
subject.
Our Filmi-ow correspondent in Los Angeles
reports a new trend in film buying. A suburban
exhibitor offered a film salesman five
30-poimd turkeys in exchange for a picture
Five-to-one—the price is right.
Personnelities
(Continued from preceding news pag«)
Wives' Tale." which concerns the efforts
war widows to adjust their postwar lives.
of four
Republic
Film rights were acquired to "A Present for
Katie," forthcoming novel by George Beck, who
was signed to do the screenplay, John Auer was
assigned to produce and direct.
Purchased and assigned to Mel Tucker for production
as a Monte Hale starrer was "Phantom
Rider's Revenge," an original screenplay by Bob
"Williams.
20th Century-Fox
rUm rights were acquired to Charlotte Armstrong's
new suspense novel, "Mischiel."
Warners
'"V/hiteface." western novel by Thomas W. Blackburn,
was purchased and will be produced in
Technicolor
Technically
Independent
Harold Hecht signed MITCHELL LINDEMANN, radio
producer, as his assistant in Norma Productions.
Metro
Named as cameraman for Producer Armand
Deutsch's "Right Cross" was NORBERT BRODINE.
Named as unit production manager and assistant
director, respectively, were AL SHENBERG and
DOLPH ZIMMER.
Monogram
Production crew for ""Border Reneaades" includes
HARRY JONES, assistant; HAHRY NEUMANN, comera;
JOHN KEAN, mixer, and JOHN C. FUaER,
cutter.
Paramount
DETECTIVE LIEUT, E, W SMITH of the Los Angeles
police department was set as technical adviser
for "Union Station."
REO Radio
DESMOND MARQUETTE was handed the film
editing chores on "Code 3."
Republic
Assigrunents for "Hills of Oklahoma" include
ELLIS W. CARTER, camera; ROY WADE, assistant
director; TONY MARTINELLI, film editor; JAMES
SULLIVAN, art director, and JERRY ROBERTS, music
director,
20th Century-Fox
JOSEPH C. "WRIGHT'S art director pact was picked
up for another year.
Handed the camera chore on "Where the Sidev/alks
End" was JOSEPH LA SHELLE.
Designer WILLIAM TRAVILLA had his option
hoisted for another year
Universal-Intemational
CHARLES HYSINGER, former marine marksman,
was inked to coach James Stewart, Stephen McNally
and Dan Duryea on the correct handling of rifles
for "Winchester 73."
Warners
STANLEY FLEISCHER will serve as art director
"Roadblock,"
for
WILL CLINE will hctodle the camera chore lor
"Pretty Baby" un:il Pev Marley recovers from his
current illness.
Assigned as art direc'or for Producer Saul Elkins'
Sugarfoot" was STANLEY FLEISCHER.
Title Changes
20th Century-Fox
Big Fail" to UNDER MY SKIN
Japanese Diet Members
Are Hollywood Guests
HOLL"yWOOD—Fourteen
representatives
of the Japanese diet were entertained with
luncheon and studio visits through the auspices
of the international committee of the
Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers. The affair
was arranged at the request of the U.S.
Army as part of a 45-day American tour
sponsored by Gen. Douglas MacArthur and
the office of the undersecretary of war.
Y. Frank Freeman, board chairman of the
association, headed the Hollywood group of
executives and players who hosted the luncheon.
Carey 'WUson of MGM was toastmaster.
56
BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

Suit Against Republic
Entered by Ex-Marine
New Snapshot Will Aid
U.S. Bond-Selling Drive
HOLLYWOOD—Producer Ralph Staub's
latest Screen Shapshot for Columbia, "Famous
Cartoonists," will be utilized by the Treasury
Department to spur its latest bond-selling
drive. The subject is set for showings in
more than 8,000 theatres throughout the
country. In addition to the Ti-easury Department,
most of the nation's major newspaper
syndicates cooperated with Staub in
the making of the short. Among the 42 cartoonists
appearing in it are Ham Fisher, Walt
Disney, Milton Caniff and George McManus.
Hollywood personalities participated in a
program sponsored by the Conference of
Jewish Women to honor Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt,
chosen by the group as Woman of the
United Appeal Reaches
84 Per Cent of Its Goal
HOLLYWOOD—With the final report
meeting scheduled to be held February 10,
the industry's fifth annual United Appeal has
reached 84 per cent of its $1,350,000 goal with
pledges totaling $1,133,724. The figure exceeds
by more than $100,000 the total collected
in last year's campaign, it was reported by
Y. Frank Freeman, drive chairman. A special
committee has begun contacting potential
donors who have not yet turned in their
pledges in an effort to bring the campaign
collections up to the established par.
Pledges to date include:
Producers and executives. 390 subscriptions.
$221,871.25: actors, 665, $271,340.66: du-ectors.
125. $74,423.75: WTiters, 287, $98,554.50; agents,
182, $26,463.50: corporations, 23, $51,735; labor
crafts and unions, 14,697, $335,714.32.
Field Man on the Coast
NEW YORK—Max Bercutt has been named
west coast exploiteer for Warner Bros, by
Mort Blumenstock, vice-president in charge
of advertising and publicity. Bercutt was a
field man for David O. Selznick before and
after the war. During the war he has liaison
man for the navy with the Hollywood Victory
committee. Bercutt will have his headquarters
in Los Angeles after finishing conferences
here on forthcoming product plans.
Caecidilae
HOLLYWOOD^A former sergeant in the
marine corps who was one of the successful
invaders of Iwo Jima during World War II
East: With preliminary editing on his latest
feature for RKO release completed. Pro-
has expressed unhappiness over another alleged
invasion—that of his privacy—in Republic's
current "Sands of Iwo Jima."
ducer Samuel Goldwyn trained for New York
for a three-week stay, accompanied by his
Suit for damages in the amount of $150,000
wife and George Slaff, studio legal adviser.
was filed in superior court against the company
and writers Harry Brown and James
Goldwyn will return the middle of next
month for a short stay before embarking on
Edward Grant, by Louis B. Stryker, onetime
a six-week trip to Europe.
marine staff sergeant. His complaint asserts
that the leading character in the film, as portrayed
by John Wayne, underwent celluloid
South: William M. Pizor, vice-president
experiences in the unfolding of the drama
and foreign manager, and Arthur Greenblatt,
sales chief for Lippert Pi-oductions, planed
that are closely patterned after his own, although
his consent was not obtained for the
in from San Francisco, where they attended
home office .sessions. They huddled here with
use of his name and adventures.
President Robert L. Lippert on sales plans
for the company's upcoming release, "The
Baron of Arizona."
briefies.
Year. Dore Schary, MGM vice-president, and
Mayor Fletcher Bowron of Los Angeles were
the speakers and entertainment was supplied
by Van Heflin and Ludwig Donath.
East: Pi-oducer-Director W. Lee Wilder
trained to Gotham for discussions with
United Artists executives on the campaign to
be set up for his recently completed "Once
a Thief."
North: Owen Crump of the Warner studio
short subjects department left for Toronto,
Canada, to confer with government officials
on a two-reeler about Canada which he is
scripting for Producer Gordon HolUngshead.
West: Due in at MGM early next month
from Manhattan is William B. Zoellner, head
of the shorts and reprints sales department.
He will discuss the 1950 shorts lineup with
Fred Quimby, in charge of producing the
West: Arthur Freed, MGM producer, will
plane to Hawaii early in March to scout locations
for an upcoming musical with a tropical
background.
South: Pi-oducer Bert Granet headed for
Mexico City to complete final editing of a
Paulette Goddard starrer which he made below
the border for Eagle Lion release.
West: W. J. Heinemann, Eagle Lion sales
manager, and William McMillen, operations
executive for the company, checked in from
New York for a survey of the Hollywood
scene and conferences with various independent
producers on current and forthcoming
projects for EL distribution.
East: D. A. Doran. Paramount studio
executive, headed for New York on a twoweek
business junket. Meantime William H.
Pine, partner of William Thomas in the independent
company releasing through Paramount,
returned from Roanoke, Va.. where
he attended the premiere of "Captain China."
West: Actress Jane Russell and Perry
Lieber. RKO studio publicity director, planed
in from Boston, where Miss Russell made a
personal appearance in connection with the
opening of "The Outlaw" at the RKO Boston.
North: Producer-Director Robert Rossen,
accompanied by his assistants Shirley Miller
and Robert Parrish. returned to Columbia
from Mexico after scouting locations and
completing shooting arangements for Rossen's
next film venture, "The Brave Bulls."
Many Mayors Attend
'Key to City' Preview
HOLLYWOOD—A political aura characterized
MGM's midweek press screening of
"Key to the City," in which Clark Gable
and Loretta Young portray mayors, when 33
mayors from almo.st every community in Los
Angeles county, as well as more than a dozen
honorary mayors, were on hand for the showing
at the Egyptian Theatre.
Tlie guest list included such honorary civic
leaders as Esther Williams, "mayor" of
Twenty-Nine Palms: Ann Blyth, Toluca
Lake; Vera Vague, Woodland Hills; Al Jolson,
Encino; Andy Devine, Van Nuys; Frank
Sinatra, Palm Springs; Rex Allen, Studio
City; Dennis Morgan, La Canada; Gary
Cooper, Brentwood; Brian Donlevy, Malibu;
Tex Williams, Valley Village; Richard Arlen,
Sherman Oaks, and John Carroll.
Republic's "Sands of Iwo Jima" was given
its Washington premiere January 24 with
top-ranking marine and other service officers
in attendance. Also on hand were Producer
Edmund Grainger, Director Allan
Dwan and cast members John Agar, Forrest
Tucker, Adele Mara and Wally Cassell, flying
from Hollywood, and Herbert J. Yates, Republic
president.
Heralding the opening of "The Sundowners,"
the LeMay-Templeton production being
released by Eagle Lion, Gov. Allen Shivers of
Texas proclaimed January 30 as Panhandle
Pioneer day to coincide with the world premiere
of the picture at the State and Paramount
theatres in Amarillo. Event will include
a civic parade and a square-dancing
competition. John Barrymore jr. and Chill
Wills, members of the cast, will make personal
appearances ac both theatres, after
which they will junket to Dallas, San Antonio,
Houston and Fort Worth to attend
other openings.
Paramounfs "Dear Wife" has been set for
its premiere engagement at the New York
Paramount February 1.
Cast members and civic dignitaries attend
the premiere of "Guilty of Treason," filmed
by Freedom Productions for Eagle Lion release,
in Boston February 8. The debut vnll
mark the beginning of a 100-theatre day-date
run m the Boston area.
TV Academy Presents
Its Annual Emmies
HOLLYWOOD—Annual Emmy presentations
for achievements in video during 1949
were handed out Friday i27i by the Academy
of Television Arts and Sciences at its second
annual awards dinner. To be cited were the
best live show, best kinescope show, outstanding
live personality, best film made for TV,
best public service coverage, best sports coverage,
best overall achievement by a video
station, best commercial and a variety of
technical accomplishments.
Paramount is setting a new pattern for TV
trailers by turning out a specially designed
30-second spot film for national distribution
to plug the upcoming Hal Wallis production,
"Paid in Full." Heretofore studios have converted
standard two-minute theatre trailers
for use on television.
BOXOFFICE :: January 28. 1950 w
57

—
^do^tdcm ^e^tont
JT SEEMS THAT THERE will be strong
opposition from the Board of Trade in
this country if American distributors attempt
to buy studios with their frozen currency.
A British tradepaper last week carried
an interview with an official of the
board in which the latter is quoted as saying
that if this situation arose the board
would invoke the clause In the 1948 monetary
agreement which protects legitimate
British interests. It is difficult to see which
clause is referred to since the only exemption
in the agreement is the ban on the
purchase by Americans of British cinemas.
This question has arisen over the constant
rumors that 20th Century-Fox is negotiating
with the Rank group for the purchase
of Denham studios which are now dark and
which have no work scheduled except for
a few weeks loan to Warners for "Captain
Hornblower." The rumors about impending
sale may be true, but it is pointed out that
the Board of Trade could only intervene if
the sale were completed with the use of
frozen sterling and that if dollars were paid
for the plant the transaction would be legal.
If these negotiations are proceeding—and
that has not been confirmed in London— it
seems unlikely that 20th-Fox will have
enough money available in frozen sterling to
pay for a modern, completely equipped,
seven-stage studio, the price of which must
run over the million-pound mark. Although
the 20th-Fox turnover in Britain is undoubtedly
considerable the company has invested
very large sums in pictures here during the
past year or so. "The Black Rose" is reported
to have cost over $2,000,000, not all
of it in sterling but a considerable proportion,
and the Richard Widmark film, "Night
and the City," was also an expensive production.
These two films must have accounted
between them for a large proportion
of the frozen sterling held by 20th-Fox.
What is more likely than a sale of the
studios is a lease with 20th-Fox as tenants
in the same way that space is being currently
leased to independent producers. The
amount of non-transferable sterling earned
by any major American company in the
course of a year is scarcely likely to exceed
the production costs of four to five largescale
features and it would not pay to buy
Denham studios to make that number since
the plant is capable of turning out a minimum
of 12 a year.
However, whether as tenants or owners,
it seems certain that June 1950 will find
20th-Fox in occupation of Denham since
it is unlikely to renew its lease of Sir Alexander
Korda's Shepperton studios.
THE CINEMA EXHIBITORS' ASS'N, in
a letter to the president of the Board of
Trade, has asked for a reduction in the
British quota from 40 per cent to 25 per
cent. The letter asserts: "Until quality is
substituted for numbers of British films, production
must invariably decline. Quality is
still the only condition necessary to attract
the public."
If this suggestion were accepted it would
allow the production of 36 first-quality features
a year and exhibitors claim that this
would mean the end of the slump since these
films would gross more than some of the
By JOHN SULLIVAN
lesser products now being made to meet the
quota. This, of course, is an argumentative
point since the spending of more money and
time on one picture does not necessarily
mean that it is going to take more money.
There is a limit to the gross of any film
in this market and a large-scale production
that does not happen to be popular can
lose more for its producer than two lowercost
films. It is almost certain that the
producers' association will fight the lowering
of the quota to such an extent although
they may be prepared to compromise at 30
or 35 per cent.
Another point made in the letter was a
suggestion that London should be allowed
to revert to the two-way system of general
release. Before the war a film was released
throughout London in the same week and
bad weather during that time could account
for a drop of 50,000 pounds in the film's
overall takings. A return to those conditions
was not suggested, but the two-way
system was claimed to eliminate bad features
of the old and of the present threeway
method. At the moment a picture plays
north and west London the first week, north
and east the second and south on the
third and the CEA's request is that London
should be split into north and south for
distribution purposes.
OPENING LAST WEEK at the London
Pavilion, a United Artists theatre, was the
Associated British picture, "No Place for
Jennifer," which was produced at Welwyn
studios by Hamilton Inglis and directed by
Henry Cass. It stars Leo Genn, Rosamimd
John and Beatrice Campbell and introduces
a new child star, Janette Scott.
"No Place for Jennifer" might almost
serve as propaganda for an antidivorce society
and is as heavy-handed as propaganda
usually is. The story tells of a child of ten
who loves both her parents and who is
heart-broken when they are divorced. Both
of them re-marry and the child stays with
the father and his new wife, although she
sees the mother frequently. Her emotional
upset leads the father to send her to a clinic
for psychological treatment and, although
she enjoys the treatment and almost recovers,
her selfish mother takes her away
and, in defiance of a court order attempts
to smuggle her to France. She is charged
with contempt of court and the child, hearing
the bitter arguments about herself, runs
away and finds happiness with a family
which she knows has a happy home.
The somewhat ham-handed and artificial
dii-ection does not give three intelligent
artists the scope that they deserve. Genn,
Miss John and Miss Campbell are all
worthy of considerably better material and
the film as it stands is only a moderate
"programmer." The child, Janette Scott,
is certainly a discovery and would repay an
investment in a carefully written script to
take advantage of her undoubted talents.
Cut by 20 minutes, Genn's name on the
marquee might make this acceptable as the
second half of a bill in some U.S. cinemas.
A particularly unsavory sequence in which
the child is pursued in a subway train by
an elderly sex maniac is not only unnecessary
to the story but also offensive.
A NOVEL LITTLE FILM written and directed
by Val Guest for release by Grand
National went into a circuit's booking last
week. It is titled "Miss Pilgrim's Progress"
and will be released on the Gaumont-British
circuit as co-feature with the Gainsborough
film, "Boys in Brown."
Guest's picture may have some interest
as a support in American situations since
it stars an American girl, Yolande Donlan,
as a factory worker from New Jersey who
comes to England under the recent scheme
for an interchange of workers. Her arrival
in England coincides with a government
decision to demolish the village in which
she is staying and her energy and persistence
forces the villagers to protest so strongly
that the government abandons its plan.
It is a neat little comedy and disarmingly
pleasant in the way in which it pokes mild
fun at the British and the Americans.
A DETERMINED EFFORT is being made
by the J. Arthur Rank group to build young
Jean Simmons into its first world star, an effort
which it seems the press is helping since
scarcely a day passes that one of the national
newspapers can-ies a picture of her.
"Hamlet" has meant that she has been seen
on screens all over the world and writh a picture
completed just before the New York Miss
Simmons is set for a program during 1950 that
will need stamina to complete. She starts
work almost immediately on "Trio," the W.
Somerset Maugham film which Sydney Box
is producing at Pinewood and in which Paramount
has a half share. From that film she
goes straight on to a thriller, "Clouded Yellow,"
in which she wiU co-star with Trevor
Howard, whose performance in the recordbreaking
"The Third Man" may also bring
him international status. After "Clouded
Yellow" there is a good chance that Miss
Simmons wiU co-star in "The Captain was a
Lady" with a top American star. Negotiations
are still going on between Rank and RKO
to bring off this deal. Whether or not this
film is made she is also likely to star in a film
version of Mary Webb's classic, "Precious
Bane."
Sale of Old Films to Tele
Offers New Income Source
HOLLYWOOD — Independent
producers
who are suffering from a shortage of cash
and that condition prevails among many such
filmmakers—should consider television "the
answer to their prayers" for additional revenue.
That is the opinion of Irving Lesser,
president of Producers Representatives, Inc.,
here from New York to secure video rights
to old films from various independents.
Lesser, who has acquired TV rights to 24
features, contended that the sale of such
rights to old films is providing many "hardpressed"
producers with "much-needed income
for current financing."
Latest acquisitions by his company include
two Bobby Breen starrers, "Make a Wish"
and "Hawaii Calls," a Charles Ruggles comedy,
"Breaking the Ice," and "Way Down
South," with Ralph Morgan and Alan Mowbray.
The Lesser firm represents such independent
units as Walter Wanger, Sierra Pictures,
Horizon, Sol Lesser, Rampart and
United California Productions in the handling
of purchases of residual rights, international
film distribution and defrosting of
foreign funds, in addition to its TV distribution
activities.
58 BOXOFFICE January 28. 1950

—
—
—
Los Angeles Cutback
Blamed on Video
LOS ANGELES — Based on comparatiife
figures for a year ago, theatre attendance
in the Los Angeles area has dropped 28 per
cent, and half of that is attributable to the
competition of television, it was declared by
W. G. McKinney, newly appointed public
relations counselor for the Independent Theatre
Owners of Southern California and
Arizona.
The ITO executive has therefore advanced
a possible means of utilizing video's growing
popularity as an aid to, rather than a competitor
of motion picture theatres. His proposal
is that a certain portion of the film
distributors' advertising dollar be spent to
buy television time and that a trailer of a
given pictiu'e to be opened in a particular
area be telecast. Theatre names and playdates,
he asserted, could be carried in subsequent
radio and newspaper advertisements.
Television audiences, "through proper presentation
of what the theatre has to offer."
can, in McKinney's opinion, "be pried away
from their television sets long enough to see
current, worthwhile attractions." He pointed
out that 350,000 video receivers are now in
use in this area, with a potential viewing
audience of 1,735,000, assuming five viewers
to each set.
Nine Pictures Being Cut
By Editors at Warners
HOLLYWOOD—Activity in Warner Bros.'
film editing department has hit an alltime
January high with nine films in the cutting
rooms. The films currently being cut include
"Storm Warning," being edited by Clarence
Kolster; "Bright Leaf," Owen Marks:
"Pretty Baby," Folmar Blangsted: "The
Hawk and the Arrow," a Norma-F. R. Technicolor
production. Alan Crosland jr.: "The
Glass Menagerie," David Weisbart: "The
Great Jewel Robber," Frank Magee: "The
Rock Bottom," Thomas Reilly; "The Victim,"
Rudl Fehr, and "Colt .45," Magee.
Scenarist Asks $175,000
In Suit Against Columbia
HOLLYWOOD — Damages of $175,000 are
sought from Columbia in a superior court action
filed by scenarist George C. Reid sr,,
charging the studio plagiarized his original,
"Man, Woman and Dog," in the making of
"The Return of October." He asks $100,000
for his story, which he claims w-as submitted
to Columbia and rejected, plus exemplary
damages of $75,000.
TV Firm Rents Darmour
HOLLYWOOD—Shuttered for the past several
months, the Darmour studios have been
subleased by Columbia to Filmtone Productions,
video firm which is manufacturing the
The Darmour lot's
"Life of Riley" TV series.
facilities include two sound stages, a commissary,
projection rooms and offices.
Mark for Ralph Staub
HOLLYWOOD—Ralph Staub currently is
observing his 19th year as producer and director
of the Screen Snapshots shorts for
Columbia. Now in the final editing stages
is the 660th entry in the series, "Famous Cartoonists."
'South Sea Sinner' Paces Los Angeles
As Other Grosses Continue to Sag
LOS ANGELES—First runs continued their
downward march despite the debuts of five
new bills. Exerting the most audience pull
were "South Sea Sinner" and "Montana,"
each of which carded 125 per cent, while the
runnerup, at 120, was "D, O. A." Otherwise
trade was normal or less.
'King's Men' Registers 190
In Second Frisco Week
SAN FRANCISCO-A second week of "All
the King's Men" and "Blondie's Hero" at
the Orpheum chalked up 190 per cent, the
top boxoffice figure here. "Mrs. Mike" at
the United Ai-tists registered 180 per cent
in its initial stanza. A second round of "On
the Town" at the Warfield continued to draw
and rated 140 per cent.
Cinema—Sands of Iwo lima (Rep), 5th d t. wk. .120
Esquir^Lost Boundaries (FC); Not Wanted
(FC), 2nd run 90
Fox—Montana (WB); The Blonde Bandit (Rep) 130
Golden Gate—Bride lor Sale (RKO); Apache
Chief (LP) 120
Orpheum—All the King's Men (Col), Blondie's
Hero (Col), 2nd wk 190
Paramount—Thelma Jordon (Para); The Cowboy
and the Prizefighter (EL) 125
St, Francis—The Hasty Heart (WB), 3rd wk 90
United Artists—Mrs. Mike (UA) 180
United Nations—Prince of Foxes (20th-Fox);
Hollywood Varieties (LP), 3rd d, t. wk 100
Wariield—On the Town (MGM). 2nd wk 140
'Mrs. Mike' Chalks Up 120
To Set Pace in Seattle
SEATTLE—Blizzards and record cold cut
heavily into receipts during the week. A
sudden thaw turned streets into small rivers
and caused more grief to exhibitors. Of the
four openings. "Mrs. Mike" rang up 120 per
cent, the highest boxoffice figure of the week.
Blue Mou = .— The Inspector General (RKO); Bomba
on Panther Island (Mono), 3rd d, t, wk 90
Coliseum—Without Honor (UA); Sarumba (EL)... 90
Fifth Avenue—The Heiress (Para); The Blonde
Bandit (Rep) 90
Liberty-All the King's Men (Col); Girls' School
(Col), 4lh wk 80
.Music Box—Bagdad (U-I); Free for All (U-1), 3rd
d. t. wk £0
Music Hall—Mrs. Mike (UA); Apache Chief (LP)..120
Orpheum—Montana (WB); Square Dance Jubilee
(LP) 110
Paramount ^Sands of Iwo lima (Rep); Belle of
Old Mexico (Rep), 3rd wk 70
'hf/o Jima' Still Leads
Denver First Run Trade
DENVER—"Sands of Iwo Jima." in a moveover
week at the Rialto. continued to draw
heavily and rated 200 per cent. "Adam's Rib"
went into its sixth stanza at the Broadway
after a fifth round which was nearly equal
to its fourth.
A'addin Paramount-The Lady Takes a Sailor
(WB); Deputy Marshal (LP) 125
Broadway—Adam's Rib (MGM). 5th wk 120
Denham—The Heiress (Para), 2nd wk 100
Denver. Esquire. Webber—Montana (WB); There's
a Girl in My Heart (Mono) 135
Orph.uiii Intruder in the Dust (MGM), The
Stagecoach Kid (RKO) 60
Riallo- Sands of Iwo Jima (Rep); Belle of Old
Mexico (Rep), 4lh d t, wk 200
Vogue—The Girl in the Painting (U-I);
Leibestraum (SR) 125
Wedding on Theatre Stage
Promotes 'Bride for Sale'
SAN FRANCISCO—The marriage of a
young couple from the stage of the Golden
Gate Theatre here ushered in the benefit
preview showing of "Bride for Sale" at that
house recently. Former sailor Bill Neal and
his red-haired fiancee Betty Neal. formerly
of Columbia, Mo., were found applying for
(Average is 100)
ChiTiese, Los Angeles, Loyola, Uptown, Wilshire
Whirlpool (20lh-Fox), 2nd wk.; Radai Secist
Service (LP) 100
Culver, Ritz, Globe, Studio City, Vogue-
South Sea Sinner (U-1); Riders oi the Range
(RKO) 125
Downtown, Hollywood Paromounts—The Heiress
(Para); Hoedown (Col) 85
Egyptian, Loew's State Adam's Rib (MGM),
Znd wk 100
Fine Arts—The Fallen Idol (SRO). 9th wk 90
Four Star—My Foolish Heart (RKO), 5th wk.. 80
Music Halls, Forum—D. O. A. (UA) 120
Orpheum—Blondie's Hero (Col), eight acts
vaudeville 80 a marriage license by Helen Wabbe, assistant
manager of the theatre.
Pontages. HUlstreet—The Man on the Eiifel Tower
(RKO): Sons o( New Mexico (Col) 90
Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wilterm
Miss Wabbe and Dave Cantor of RKO arranged
for the wedding at the theatre prior
Montana (WB) 125
to the showing of the picture. The couple
was given a honeymoon trip to Hollywood,
a trip to the RKO studio and a complete
wedding outfit. The stunt attracted capacity
audience at the Golden Gate and got
three column picture and story spreads in
the local papers.
Proceeds from the preview went to the
Call-Bulletin Welfare fund for children.
Jack Allender Is Named
West Coast HP Manager
SAN FRANCISCO—Hallmark
Pi-oductions
and Hygienic Productions, Wilmington, Ohio,
announce the appointment of Jack Allender
sr. as sales manager for the San Francisco,
Portland and Seattle zone with headquarters
at 347 Eddy St. here.
Allender formerly was in charge of sales
for the company in Washington, D. C, and
Charlotte areas, but previously worked for
years in both the theatre and exchange field
in this area. Hallmark-Hygienic distribute
"The Piince of Peace," "Devil's Weed," "Mom
and Dad," "Sideroad" and "One Too Many."
Early showings of "The F*i-ince of Peace" are
scheduled by Blumenfeld's Theatres, the
General Theatrical circuit and at the Studio
Theatre in Sacramento, operated by Bert
Silvera,
Jewish Award to Warners
HOLLYWOOD—More than 1,000 representatives
of 320 major Jewish organizations in
the Los Angeles area paid honor to Harry M.
and Jack L. Warner at a luncheon at the Ambassador
hotel when the two fUm executives
received the Judge Harry A. Holzer Memorial
award for fostering racial and religious goodwill.
The award was presented at the 16th
annual meeting of the Los Angeles Jewish
Community council.
Citation to 'Ball Game'
HOLL'yWOOD—For his production of the
MGM tunefilm, "Take Me Out to the Ball
Game," Arthur Schwartz was the recipient of
an award from the Inter-American Music
League, which hailed his work as one of the
"great contributions to music in the last
year."
BOXOFFICE :: January 28. 1950 59

. . . Peter
. . Ann
. . Rudy
. . Joe
. . Earl
SAN FRANCISCO
TX7iUiain Stewart of Patterson is new owner
of the Orland Theatre in Orland, taking
over from Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Lathrop, who
have been owners and managers for the last
seven years. The deal includes the business
and equipment. The Lathrops retained the
lots upon which the theatre is located and
those adjoining.
. . . For the third time
Extensive remodeling of the Hayward Theatre
in Hayward is under way. The renovation
will include installation of new lobby,
marquee and heating system. The interior
will be redecorated
within a year, the Crest Theatre in Daly
City is under new ownership. Edward Albin
THEATRE /ALE/
.ARAKELIAN
PHONE PROSPECT 5-714 6
UNderhill 1-7571
IDEAL
MODERN
THEATRE
SEATING
187 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Colli.
Of Alameda recently purchased the theatre
from Ray Knight. Bill Maurree, manager,
says Knight has gone to Canada but will
return to open a new theatre on the peninsula.
The Mission Theatre in San Jose has been
taken over by United Artists Theatres of
Los Angeles. Harry Seiple. division manager
for Fox West Coast, which has operated the
California, Mission and Padre in San Jose,
referred inquiries about the deal to Pat De-
Cicco, vice-president of the United Artists
circuit.
Installation of a $12,000 air conditioning
unit in the State Theatre in Hollister is expected
to be completed shortly . . . The
Strawhat Theatre, Inc., has purchased land
in Lafayette for the construction of a building
for staging productions . Vallee
thrilled hundreds of University of California
coeds when he lectured before the
group on musicians' unions and television
prospects.
Along the Row were John Hillman of the
Granada Theatre, Morgan Hill; R. B. Smith,
Chowchilla:
Mrs. Emma Moore, Moore Theatre,
Lincoln; Stanley Court jr.. Court, Livingston;
Joe Fredericks, Rio, Soledad; G.
McPherson, Sonoma: owners Muraki and
Nagatanim, Lincoln, Sacramento . . H.
.
Bradley Fish is living here since he sold his
Clovis Theatre to Barney Guernette.
Scott Chestnutt was in from his Firebaugh
Theatre in Firebaugh, as were Charles Ide
and his son of the Osocales Theatre, Soquel;
F. J. Schaeffer, North Fork; Charles Tisdale,
Pinedale, and H. P. Taylor, Melody Theatre,
Highway City.
Mel HuUing, Monogram, attended the Bing
Crosby golf tournament . House, formerly
a Warner booker here, flew in from
Honolulu with her husband for a brief stay
Fat, Royal Amusement, Ltd.,
flew to Honolulu on business . Williams
of Royal Amusement was driving
around in his 1928 Buick, hunting for a new
1929 one . . . Jerry Juroe, publicist for Paramount
Theatres here, went to Los Angeles
. . . Joe Smith, RKO manager, was ill in
Peter Thorn, RKO salesman,
the hospital . . .
Dave Cantor, publicist
also was sick . . .
for RKO, returned to Los Angeles . . . Jay
Golden, Golden Gate Theatre, was here a
January 19
few days from Los Angeles . . .
was the birthday of Mark Ailing, manager
of the Golden Gate, and Hulda McGinn,
California Theatres Ass'n Solomon
of the Wester Post Co. is a bridegroom of
three months.
Showman Bob Duke Killed
By Hit-and-Run Driver
LOS ANGELES—Robert F. Duke, 41,
manager
of the Los Angeles Theatre at 615 S.
Broadway, was killed recently by a hit-andrun
driver as he walked from a drug store
to his parked car. Duke's body was hurled
30 feet and his shoes were found 15 feet
from the point of impact, police said.
Witnesses said the car slowed momentarily
after the impact, then sped on north on
Canada boulevaid. Duke's brother Ben was
waiting in the parked car and was a witness
to the accident.
Duke was dean of the Fox West Coast
Theatre circuit managers and recently was
promoted to the chain's "flagship" theatre
management. He had been in the Industry
for 19 years, the last 12 with P'WC. When
killed he had just bought medicine for his
wife Sue who is seriously ill. A son Robert
jr., 6, also survives.
Extensive Renovation
Completed at Boise, Ida.
BOISE, IDA.—An extensive rehabilitation
program, which included installation of new
seats, oak flooring, new carpets, a candy and
soft drink bar and sound equipment, has been
completed at the Granada Theatre, managed
by LeMar Hewlett.
New Ideal seats at the theatre are finished
in blue imitation leather and red
mohair. They were installed by J. A. Bugger
and K. N. Jones of Service Theatre Supply
Co., Salt Lake City. The theatre is operated
by Mendenhall Theatres Co.
JSHfSA&^W
with Large 16' Reflector Arc Lamps using
Rotating Positive Carbons,
with MOTIOGRAPH 5" Plastic In Car Speakers.
with MOTIOGRAPH Drive In Projectors with Air
Blowers,
with Arc Lamps & Generators built to develop
more light at lower amperage with less
current consumption.
These "MUSTS" Available ONLY through
B. F. SHEARER COMPANY
ifuttetit SpecitUuii
lOS ANGELES: I1B4 Soulb Vermont .IIEpitlic 3 IHi> PORTLAND: 1947 N. w Re
SAN FRANCISCO: 243 Olden die A

. . Sam
. . Joe
. . Glimpsed
LOS ANGELES
lyTanagerial shifts in the Pacific Drive-In
Bokersfield Fox Carries
circuit have placed Dick Pritchard at
Tax Fight to High Court
. . .
the helm of the Century in Inglewood in
addition to his chores with the chain's pubhcity
department. Gerald Fowler has been
named manager of the Gage in Bell Gardens,
with Frank M. Diaz drawing the post
of supervisor of Pacific's 15 ozoners
Thornton Sargent, National Theatres public
relations director, was appointed to the
board of the Los Angeles airport commissioners
by Mayor Fletcher Bowi'on. His term
runs until 1955.
Visitors from Wisconsin were H. J. Flaaten
and John E. O'Connor, operators of the
Avalon and Gem theatres in Platteville . .
.
Bud Congdon, owner of the Mount Vernon
Drive-In, plans another 850-car ozoner which
he will build in association with Ford and
Carl Bratcher . . J. R. McDonough, formerly
.
with United Artists, has taken over
the Eureka in Brawley and the Calipatria in
Calipatria from Ben Arenda.
.
Kathleen Sonday has taken over the operation
of the Klva ITieatre here from Moses
Hernandez . Felder, vice-president of
Favorite Films, checked in from New York
for huddles with Herb Levin and Charles
Kranz, local representatives for the company
. . Burton Jones, operator of the
La Mesa in La Mesa, was in booking huddles
with Wajme Bateman, United Artists
salesman.
Harry LeSeff is planning an early reopening
of the Aloha, neighborhood house
here, which has been shuttered for some
time . . Booking and buying visitors included
.
Chet Goldberg of the Sombrero in
Phoenix and Jimmy Nicholson of the local
Academy theatres . . . Jules Needleman,
former Columbia home office auditor, joined
the local Columbia branch in a sales capacity.
Ben Braunstein and Ernie Umann are
planning a 550-car drive-in in Palm Springs.
Braunstein is a former Los Angeles exhibitor
and Umann is a onetime film salesman
. Weiner has joined Lippert
Productions as an exploitation counselor. He
returned recently from a nine-month tour
of South America.
$2,000 Fire at Anaheim
ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Damages estimated
at $2,000 resulted from a recent fire in the
Grant Theatre at 304 E. Center here. The
blaze was believed started by a short in the
electrical wires leading to a recently installed
clock to the left of the stage. Flames damaged
the rafters.
Replace Damaged Sign
STEVENSON, WASH.—A new neon sign has
been erected at the Lorin Theatre, replacing
a sign which was damaged nearly a year ago.
BAKERSPIELD, CALIF.—The city amusement
tax of 10 per cent on admissions above
15 cents is running into bad weather again,
despite the recent superior court ruling in
favor of the city. The Fox Paradise Theatre
Corp. and the Fox Bakersfield Theatre Corp.
have filed a notice of appeal to the state
supreme court in their suit contesting the
constitutionality of the ordinance.
Thus, the $238,000 so far collected under the
ordinance, plus an expected collection of m.ore
than $25,000 for the quarter ending December
31, is undoubtedly money in the bank, but it
cannot be safely spent until the final issue in
the suit which has been a legal battle front
for more than two years.
The recent decision in favor of the city
was made by Superior Judge P*i-ederick E.
Stone of Visalia, in which it was held that
the tax was not discriminatory and there-
Betty DeBrown, Al Taylor's secretary at
Paramount, is on vacation . . . Visiting from fore was a legitimate tax.
San Francisco was Arthur Unger, the premium
merchandiser . on the
ing no admission. The house has been shut-
Theatre here as a television showcase, charg-
The tax is bringing in about $10,000 a
month, and the accumulated funds have
Row were Syd Cohen, general manager of
tered temporarily.
been set aside during the court battle. The
Paramounfs intermountain theatre operations,
and his assistant Jess Chinick, zone
screen and a special projector to bring in
Gimbel had proposed using a full-size
city fathers want the money to build a new
city hall. The funds, according to the theatre
manager in Phoenix.
programs telecast over local TV stations. His
owners, are being retained in a special savings
account pending outcome of the civil
suit. The sum is expected to reach quite a
figure before the highly controversial question
is finally resolved in the courts. California
and other state precedents have been
set for and against city amusement taxes,
and so there is no foregone conclusion, either
way.
The theatremen contend that the city
amusement tax is unconstitutional, discriminatory
against theatre owners and patrons,
and that the levy is "unfair and oppressive."
A point made by Judge Stone in his ruling
was that theatres could be singled out for
taxation as long as the levy is "not aggressive
or enacted with a malevolent motive."
When City Attorney J. Kelly Steele was informed
of the appeal, he estimated that it
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would be "eiglht months to a year" before the
decision of tJie liigher court could be announced.
It was explained by James Petrini
of the law firm representing the showmen
that although the appeal is being filed in the
state supreme court, he expects it to be referred
to the fourth district court of appeals
at Fresno.
In the opinion of City Manager Carl J.
Thornton, the fight eventually will be carried
at least a step higher than the district court
"by either side."
Drops TV Theatre Plans
Due to Fire Regulations
LOS ANGELES—Inability to secure approval
from the fire department caused
abandonment by Harold Gimbel of plans
whereby he proposed to operate his Mission
revenue, he had planned, would be derived
from the sale of popcorn, candy and other
concessions.
It was ruled, however, by the fire department
that such a venture would cancel
Gimbel's theatre license and that if he
wished to resume the showing of motion
pictures the house would have to be remodeled
to conform to regulations adopted since
the Mission was constructed.
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BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950 GO-A
Price!"

SCORE OF DRIVE-IN THEATRES
GOING UP IN FRISCO AREA
Five Ozoners to Be Started
Soon Near San Jose;
Others Under Way
SAN FRANCISCO—Despite the phenomenal
rush into the drive-in business since
the hfting of construction controls two years
ago, the saturation point hasn't been reached
yet. At least a score of projects are on the
drawing boards or under actual construction
in the mid-California area extending as far
north as El Dorado county and south to
Tulare county.
Near San Jose in Santa Clara county, no
less than five drive-ins are under way or
set for immediate construction. Bruno Vecchiarelli,
district manager for Sunnymount
Theatres, reports construction has started in
Mountain View, near San Jose, on a 900-
car, $150,000 theatre which will include 300
seats under shelter for pedestrians. The
drive-in will be equipped for television and
a special screen making matinee programs
possible. The covered area for 300 indoor
seats will have a glass front.
TWO OTHERS ARE SLATED
Vincent Traina and his partners Alex Balanesi
and Stuart Fletcher are planning a
600-car, $100,000 di'ive-in on Highway 50
near San Jose, and another group headed
by Arthur Yarimie and Paul Catalana are
erecting an 850-car, $150,000 ozoner at Alameda
road and Alma avenue in that vicinity.
Slated for a March 1 opening is the new
drive-in being built at First and Alma streets
in San Jose by the Shamrock Amusements
Co.. headed by Ray J. Wilson. This situation
will have a capacity of 900 cars and will cost
$100,000.
Meanwhile the Santa Clara county planning
commission has issued a permit for
construction of a 450-car drive-in on Alum
Rock avenue between McCreery and Sunset.
The permit was granted to Michael
Guerra to operate the theatre and a zoning
adjustment was given Prank Perrone, owner
of the 15-acre tract on which the drive-in
will be located. The drive-in will cost
$100,000.
MISSION TO OPEN IN MARCH
In the immediate San Francisco area,
the 1,000-car Mission Drive-In is under way
for the Mission Amusement Co., with opening
slated for March. Owners of the company
are Bolton, Stevenson and Mike Naify.
The Excelsior Amusement Co. soon will start
construction of a drive-in also. Cantin &
Cantin, aixhitects, now are working on plans.
Work on the new $50,000 drive-in near
Hollister, south of San Jose on Nash road,
is under way and owner Hans Severinsen
expects the 4,000-car situation to open early
in the spring.
At Fairfield, in Solano county, northeast
of here, bids have been asked for construction
of the $75,000 drive-in planned for the
old Highway 40-new 40 intersection, four
miles north of town. The drive-in will be
built by G. R. Moore of the Solano Theatre
Murals of Indian Life
Higfilight New Gila
SILVER CITY, N. M.—Wall murals depicting
ancient Gila Indian life and painted in
a modernistic motif are part of the decorative
features of the new 800-seat Gila Theatre
opened here Thursday (26) by Silco Theatres,
Inc., headed by E. W. Ward. The murals
and all interior decoration of the house was
done by the Ed Arnold Co. of Denver.
Outfitting of the Gila was estimated to
cost more than $60,000. Floyd Kaiser Co.,
also of Denver, Installed Bodiform seats and
carpeting for the house was provided by Alexander
Smith. Altec Service Corp., Tucson,
installed Simplex projection equipment and
Altec speakers. Other installations included
a pushbutton curtain control, an automatic
ticket dispenser, a concessions counter and
air conditioning. The Britton Sign Co., a
local concern, installed the neon lighting and
erected the marquee and attraction board.
with his son-in-law, H. I. Tegtmeier of
San Francisco. It will be located on an 18-
acre tract. Contract for the tower has been
let by architect Vincent G. Raney to the
Schrader Iron Works of San Francisco.
Meanwhile, a drive-in slated for Gait
(Sacramento county) was held up pending
a January 31 session of the Gait city council
and a report to be submitted by Howard
G. BisseU of Stockton, city planning consultant.
After a city building permit was
issued, construction was blocked by an
"urgency ordinance" passed by the council.
In Fresno, too, planning commissioners were
faced with more applications for drive-ins
than the council could handle. Eight di-ivein
permits have been approved in recent
weeks since councilors decided upon a pattern
for drive-in locations. The county
planning commission approved special use
permite filed by Frank C. Paiva and C. S.
Chestnutt as the last of the applicants. The
permits were referred for final action to
the county board of supervisors.
Expected confirmation by this group will
give Paiva the green light on his ozoner at
Academy and Manning avenues in outlying
Fresno, and Chestnutt the right to establish
his drive-in three miles southeast of
Firebaugh on Highway 33.
The pattern angle adopted by the commission
means that it has established a fairly
set rule on the question of drive-in permits,
in which traffic problems, neighborhood
sentiment and such questions are balanced
against the economic, recreational and civic
advantages of the outdoor theatres.
The Fi-esno county commission also passed
on to the supervisors the application of
August Panero for a special use peimit to
build a drive-in on the south side of Rose
avenue, 1300 blocks west of Academy. The
supervisors denied a permit to C. H. Callan
of Coallnga after the commission had approved
it, when Harold Thompson, counsel
for Noyo Theatres, opposed the permit on
the grounds that his employer was denied
a permit to construct a drive-in almost
across the street from the proposed Callan
site.
The board later did approve a site for Noyo
at Alta and Manning avenues, near Dinuba,
and this drive-in is under construction for
a June 1 opening. George M. Mann is
president of Noyo Theatres, which owns and
operates the State and Alta at Dinuba. The
drive-in is located four miles north of that
city and just over the county line in Fresno
county. Dinuba is located in Tulare county.
The drive-in will be named the Midway.
Construction of an 812-car drive-in between
Calida and DeWitt hospital in Auburn
was started by Harvey W. Smith and William
W. Hall. Cost will be about $85,000,
and Smith will manage the house.
In Placerville, Mr. and Mi-s. Clarence
Freitas have opened their El Rancho Drive-
In five miles from town off Highway 50.
Others interested in the theatre are Laurence
Freitas of San Juan Bautista and
Victor Banta of Placerville.
A new drive-in will be built at the corner
of West Olive street and Newcomb drive in
Porterville, south of Fresno for Verne Schwin.
The 700-car project will cost about $65,000.
Schwin has arrived from Montana to start
construction of the drive-in which he will
own and manage. The site is a ten-acre
plot which the Tulare county planning commission
has okayed for the drive-in. Design
of the drive-in will be similar to the
new ozoner at Hanford, which Schwin plans
to open early in the spring.
Disclosed here recently by T. R. Tanner,
president of Empire Drive-In Theatres, was
a two-screen project at San Diego in the
southern end of the state.
Shelby, Mont., Drive-In Planned
SHELBY, MONT.—Plans have been made
to construct the first drive-in in Toole
county. Actual work will begin as soon as
frost goes out of the ground. The new drivein
will be on a 60-acre tract across the
highway from the Ranch Theatre and will
be built by three men forming a partnership
and now associated with the Ranch.
Baldy Kelly, Ranch owner; Jim SchoUard,
Ranch manager, and W. G. Hawkins, Ranch
employe, make up the partnership.
The men hope to have the theatre completed
and open by May 1. Most of the
equipment has been purchased.
E. D. Pollock to Build Drive-In
MOUNT VERNON, WASH.—Eldon D. Pollock,
owner of three local theatres, has revealed
plans for construction of a 600-car
drive-in here. Pollock says the drive-in will
represent an investment of about $150,000
and that construction will begin soon.
To Build San Diego Drive-In
SAN DIEGO—The Empire Drive-In Theatres,
Inc., here plans to build a new drivein
here. T. R. Tanner, president, says plans
call for two screens, one at each end of the
grounds, facing each other, allowing patrons
a choice of two pictures.
60-B BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

. . Al
. .
DENVER
Tames W. Auten, advertising manager for
Fox Intermountain Theatres, has been promoted
to city manager at Longmont, where
he succeeds Don Smith, who resigned. The
advertising manager's post goes to Paul H.
Lyday. who has been publicity director . . .
George Nescher, owner of the Capitol at
Springfield, has gone to the Rio Grande valley
in Texas to spend most of the winter . . .
Tom Bailey, Lippert Pictures franchise owner,
went to Montana on a sales trip, and later
will go to Phoenix, Ariz., for the world premiere
of "Baron of Arizona."
Harry D. Epting, air conditioning engineer
connected with the Dallas National Theatre
Supply, was at work here on several jobs . . .
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lind. owners of the Ute in
Rifle, went south for a vacation. On their
return they expect to start construction of a
300-car drive-in for which a site already has
been purchased near Rifle.
The condition of B. A. Dixon, Lamar, Colo.,
city manager for Atlas Theatres, remained
serious. He entered the Lamar hospital a
few weeks ago with virus pneumonia. Doctors
say he will not be able to work for
several months after he is discharged from
the hospital . . . R. C. HUl, Columbia branch
manager, went to San Francisco to attend a
sales meeting . Mabey, Monogram salesman,
has returned to Film Classics as salesman
and he will work out of the Salt Lake
City exchange . . . William Peregrine, booker
at Paramount, was the recipient of a
"shower" at the exchange. He was married
this week to Ann Kountz.
Tony Archer, president of Civic Theatres,
John Wolfberg of Wolfberg Theatres was
vacationing in Florida
has joined Columbia as student salesman
. . . Visitors on Filmrow included C. E. Mc-
Laughlin, Las Animas; John Roberts, Ft.
Morgan; George Nescher, Springfield, and
Frank Aydelotte, Fort Collins; J. C. Parker,
Dalhart, Tex.; Harry McDonald, Torrington,
Wyo., and Dr. F. E. Rider, Waunata,
Neb.
Denver Film Folk Begin
Brotherhood Drive
DENVER—Brotherhood week preparations
got under way here at meeting of theatre
and exchange men under Joe Emerson, RKO
manager and distributor chairman. Pat Mc-
Gee, general manager of the Cooper Foundation
Theatres, and John Wolfberg, Rocky
Mountain Allied president and head of Wolfberg
Treatres, are exhibitor chairmen. William
Hastings, Orpheum manager, is in charge
of publicity.
In line with suggestions by Hall Baetz, Intermountain
Theatres, homing pigeons will
be used in talks before service organizations
in cities throughout the area, the pigeons
symbolizing "brotherhood." And on a day
yet to be set, the pigeons will be released
in the cities each with a check around its
leg representing the Brotherhood donation.
The pigeons will retui'n to Denver with the
checks made out to Variety Tent 37.
The minimum donation suggested from
each theatre is set at $10, and a SI minimum
average from each theatre and exchange
employe.
Record Cold Blasts
Washington Trade
SEATTLE—Record cold, blizzards and torrential
icy rain brought woe and miserable
grosses to Washington state exhibitors. Intermittent
snow and cold weather was climaxed
on Friday the 13th when the "worst
blizzard" ever to hit western Washington
laid on a foot of snow with zero temperatures
and gales that ranged from 50 miles per
hour in Seattle to 70 in Bellingham. Eastern
Washington also felt the .storm's fury
that resulted in 12-foot drifts and 25-below
thermometers.
For the most part exhibitors merely braced
themselves and waited hopefully for the
weather to break. Needle.ss to say business
was skimp, except in Spokane where patrons
shrugged it all off and went to a show.
However, many theatre owners said "What's
the use?" and closed their doors until the
storm abated.
Normally, western Washington drive-ins
remain open the entire year, except in case
of severe snow. This was one of those times
and at this writing, not one drive-in in the
state is operating. Eastern Washington
drive-ins usually close for the winter, anyway.
W. A. Slater, manager of National Film
Service, said that despite the difficulties not
one show was missed in the state. Service
was slow at times "but the boys take pride
in getting material through," Slater said.
Many theatre managers were forced to
spend the night in downtown Seattle the
night of the blizzard. Many others spent
the night in their theatres to keep fires up
and pipes from freezing. On the following
Thursday two inches of rain hit the city,
turning the streets and sidewalks into running
river. This also kept patrons home in
droves. But a week later streets were clear
and exhibitors were looking for a big weekend
from patrons who had "cabin-fever" as
a result of being kept in.
William Trout Manages
Wickenburg, Ariz., House
WICKENBURG, ARIZ.—William Trout has
been named manager of the Saguaro Theatre
here by Dwight Harkins of Tempe, owner
of the house. Trout succeeds Russell Parker,
who resigned on the advice of his physician.
Parker will remain here for the winter and
plans to resiune his theatre work in the
northern part of the state this spring.

. . Talking
. .
Rebuilt Tower Open
In Salt Lake Section
SALT LAKE CITY—The second major theatre
project in Salt Lake City within three
months, the remodeled Tower, a neighborhood
house, reopened last week. The remodeling
and installation of ice cream parlor
and coffee shop next door, cost $100,000,
according to Harold P. Anderson, owner.
The front of the theatre is terra cotta;
the auditorium has been equipped with new
maple flooring, new screen, draperies and
carpets. Five hundred upholstered and
form-fitting seats have been installed, the
lobby has been enlarged and redecorated and
a popcorn and confectionery stand have been
added.
The terra cotta front extends to the Tower
House, which accommodates 100 patrons and
offers counter and booth facilities. Both
buildings have been air conditioned. A parking
lot to the rear will accommodate 500 cars
Proclaim New Screens
OLYMPIA, WASH. — Their regular film
programs took a subordinate position in newspaper
advertising when the competitive
Olympic and Capitol theatres both proclaimed
they had installed new Starke Cycloramic
screens, supplied by the B. F. Shearer Co.
of Seattle. Both showcases took extra 18-
inch newspaper ads, using the identical copy
on the same date to announce the first showings
of the new screen. The Shearer company
reported more than 100 of the new
screens were purchased by theatremen during
December.
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EXHIBITOR HONORED—Robert
Veness,
operator of the Mill City, Ore., theatre
was honored recently at a dinner given
by the Chamber of Commerce. He was
elected president and named first citizen
of the year. Veness was instrumental in
promoting Consolidated Builders, formed
to put up housing: projects of men to be
employed in constructing dams near Mill
City. Above J. C. Kimmell, outgoing president,
is congratulating Veness.
SALT LAKE CITY
Cpringlike weather the five days last week
made drive-in operators feel they might
open early, but an old-fashioned winter blizzard
the first of this week made them decide
to wait and also cut grosses for regular
showhouses . of drive-ins, a couple
of executives on Filmrow have let the
word drop that they will face stiffer terms on
picture deals this season, but clearance battles
may work out in their favor.
The Salt Lake Motion Picture club's annual
crab stag dinner was scheduled for January
30, with Giff Davison, Fred Weimer and
Harold Chesler as co-chairmen. More than
125 members and guests were scheduled to
attend . . . Vincent Price has agreed to appear
here to emcee a fashion show and luncheon
to be held in connection with the March
of Dimes campaign.
The death of Alan Hale left Salt Lake's
theatregoing public and the local theatre people
almost as bereaved as HolIy\^'ood. Hale
won the hearts and plaudits of thousands
during his personal appearance on the stage
of the Utah Theatre January 12 for the premiere
of "Montana." BiU Gordon, 'Warner
manager, was especially grieved since he had
personally known the actor for years.
The Crest Theatre on Salt Lake City's east
side is expected to get into operation within
a month, and Alvie Peterson's new theatre
on the west side is nearing completion .
Although Intermountain Theatres, Inc., has
been given the go-ahead for a new showhouse
in the city, they have announced no plans
for construction.
Paul, Ida., ArVon Opened
PAUL, IDA.—Mr. and Mrs. Arvis Edmondson
have opened the new ArVon Theatre here,
which has been under construction since last
May. The theatre is equipped with a cry room
and a parking area. Capacity is 400.
Societies Will Get
Best Europe Films
By W. A. BEECHAM,
(Australian Correspondent, Boxofficei
PERTH, W. A.—John Heyer, head of film
production for the Shell Oil Co. in Australia,
who returned to this country recently after
studying film production in England, France,
Denmark and Germany, says that within 12
months Australians should be seeing the film
classics of the world. His words seem to forecast
further competition for the commercial
exhibitor here. Heyer says:
"I had several discussions with the directors
of the British Film Institute in London. They
are very keen on developing an Empire film
circuit and are prepared to act as its headquarters
and to do most of the initiatir^ and
spade work. The films will go either on a
huge air circuit around the British commonwealth
or go out to individual countries on
long loan. It will mean that film societies and
others will at last be able to enjoy the best
of world cinemas."
Heyer's words are of more than mere passing
interest. He resigned from the Australian
National Film Board in November 1948 to undertake
production of documentary and educational
films for the Shell Co. of Australia,
a firm which also is interested in the future
of television here. He made "Native Earth"
and "The Valley Is Ours," the latter chosen
by UNC as one of the most important films
of 1948. He is president of the Sydney Film
society and vice-president of the Film Societies
federation.
Speaking of the German film industry,
Heyer says: "Considering the extent of the
damage to studios and the tremendous social
and economic upheavals which the technicians
have been through, the German film
industry has made considerable progress. The
subject matter and themes are the weakest
point. Only one feature film was outstanding,
'Berline Ballade.' This was magnificent and
more films like this would put Germany in
the advance guard of world film production."
He added that, in the main, the Germans were
apathetic or skeptical about films on social
problems or the business of living. Documentarv
films were few.
Hoyts Theatres announces the signing of
a new deal with Warner Bros, which now
clarifies the question of Warner releases
throughout the commonwealth for the next
two years. Early releases will be "Adventures
of Don Juan" and "John Loves Mary."
Haymarket theatres, Sydney, reports a net
profit of 4,994 pounds for the financial year
compared with the 3,316 pounds of the previous
12 months. The dividend remains steady
at 5 per cent.
V. W. Webb, general sales manager of British
Empire Films, is now on his way to Britain
where he is to spend a six-month vacation.
Executive members of Greater Union Theatres
and British Empire Films farewelled him
prior to his departure and presented to him
a semi cabin trunk, an overnight bag and a
radio.
Godfrey Levy, manager for MGM in Western
Australia, is retiring becau.se of ill health.
BO-D BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1960

A. B. Jeiieris Named
Allied President
ST. LOUIS—A. B. Jefferis, owner of the
Jefferis Theatre, Piedmont, who has been
vice-president of Midcentral Allied Independent
Theatre Owners, has been elevated to the
presidency, succeeding Henry Halloway of
Overland.
Halloway, who owns the Airway Drive-In
on the northwestern edge of Overland: the
Gem Theatre, St. John's Station: the Beverly,
University City, and the Overland, Overland,
all under lease to Phihp Smith Enterprises
of Boston, resigned from the presidency of
Midcentral Allied because of ill health, his
letter to the board of directors explained.
Halloway, accompanied by his wife, has
gone to Florida for an extended vacation and
rest. E. H. Wiecks, owaier of the Temple,
Staunton, 111., has been elected vice-president.
Jefferis, in addition to his other duties, will
assume editorial responsibility for the Dope
Sheet, official publication of Midcentral Allied.
In the future, that bulletin will be issued
from Piedmont.
Hugh Graham, owner of the Webster, St.
Louis, continues as secretary-treasui'er. William
H. Hoffman, owner of the Lamar, Arthur,
111., chairman of the executive committee,
was named delegate to the meeting of the
national board of Allied States at Washington
February 8-10.
Attending the Midcentral Allied board
meeting at which Halloway's resignation was
accepted and Jefferis was named successor
were W. H. Hoffman, Arthur, 111.: A. B. Jefferis,
Piedmont: Hugh M. Graham, St. Louis:
William Zimmerman, Warrenton: Charley
Beninati, Carlyle, 111.: Marion Bodwell, Wyoming,
111., and Earl Vandiver, Kennett. A
regional meeting of Midcentral Allied will be
held in Springfield, 111., February 21, probably
at the Abraham Lincoln hotel.
Keith Coleman Leases
His Father's Theatres
MOUNT CARMEL, ILL.—Theodore
Coleman,
long associated with local theatres, recently
leased the American and Uptown here
to his son Keith, the thii'd generation of the
family to operate theatres here. John Coleman,
grandfather of Keith, managed the old
Joy here before his son Theodore took over
33 years ago.
MIDLOTHIAN, ILL.—New sound and a
new heating plant have been installed in the
Towne Theatre here by Manager Askounis,
who purchased the house a few weeks ago.
NEW BOSTON, ILL.—The New Boston
Theatre, pirrchased recently by Harold Mc-
Meen and Kenneth Bergren of Monmouth,
111., has been reopened with two program
changes a week.
R. G. Phillips, 58, Dies
CHICAGO—Ralph G. Phillips. 58,
producer
of educational and industrial films here many
years, died at his home January 17 following
a heart attack. He was the owner of the
Action Film Co. which he founded in 1926.
During World War I he was a cameraman
for the army. Suinavors include a son, a
sister and two brothers.
Drive-lns Near Vincennes,
Illinois Theatre Flooded
lATSE Heads Return
Control to Local 6
ST. LOUIS—Control of Local 6 here has
been returned to the officers of the organization
by the lATSE officials who took over
the affairs of the union in September 194G as
the result of a factional dispute.
LeRoy Upton, president, and Elmer V.
Moran, business agent, among the officers
and members who requested the lATSE
officers to step into the situation and who
were automatically suspended from those offices
when the parent body took over, were
renominated and elected to the same positions
without opposition at a special meeting held
last week.
At the meeting supporters of John P. Nick,
former vice-president of the lATSE who
dominated its affairs several years prior to
his conviction here on charges of violating
the federal antiracketeering act in connection
with dealings with a group of local
theatre owners, failed to place anyone in opposition
to either Upton or Moran. Nick did
not attend the January 16 meeting.
Frank Sticking of Elgin, 111., lATSE representative
who had been administering the
affairs of Local 6, presided at the meeting.
Richard Walsh of New York City, lATSE
president, was among those attending.
Standard Will Construct
Drive-In Near Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE Standard Theatres will
erect a 640-car drive-in in the northeast
suburb of Granville if an application for a
permit, now before the town board, is approved.
L. P. Gran, general manager, said
that the petition was signed as the law requires
by all residents who live within 1,000
feet of the proposed site. Only nine property
owners live in the prescribed limit, it was
said. Following a hearing, the town board
asked the town engineer to inspect the
drive-in plans and check the number ol
residents within 1,000 feet of the site.
C. W. Jones to Gary, Ind.,
As Y&W City Manager
FORT WA'VTSIE-C. W. Jones has resigned
as manager of the Jefferson Theatre to become
city manager for six Young & Wolf
theatres in Gaiy, Ind. A. W. Stanisch has
been named manager of the Jefferson by the
Alliance circuit headquarters in Chicago,
where Stanisch served as relief field manager.
He has been with Alliance two years,
but previously managed houses in Wisconsin
for the Fox Wisconsin. He is married and
has a 16-month-old daughter.
Dick Frank Appointed
INDIANAPOLIS—Richard Frank has been
appointed local chairman of legislation and
taxation by the Council of Motion Picture
Organizations. Frank is manager at Paramount.
ST. LOUIS—Only one motion picture theatre,
the 350-seat Capitol in Rosiclare, 111.,
actually was flooded in the recent river rampages
along the Ohio river and its principal
tributaries. There was some eight feet of
water in the house before the river began to
go down. The manager could have changed
the marquee lights from a rowboat.
The theatre is a unit of the Turner-Farrar
circuit of Harrisburg. In belief that the house
probably would be flooded, the seats, projection
and sound equipment and other furnishings
and equipment were moved to high
ground before the water got into the house.
Some of the drive-ins near Vincennes, Ind.,
also were flooded by the Wabash river. Many
theatres in the territory will be affected
badly by losses sustained by farmers and
others. In southeastern Missouri, the army
engineers and Red Cross field workers, fearing
it might be necessary to blow up the
Bird's Point levee and let water into the
government floodway there, forced more than
8,000 persons out of their homes.
Cotton crops in the bootheel section suffered
badly and some 15,000 sharecroppers
and fai-m laborers were out of work. Various
charitable organizations are rushing surplus
commodities into the section to feed families
that are without work and money.
Counties affected are New Madrid, Pemiscot,
Dunklin, Mississippi, Scott, Butler,
Stoddard and Ripley.
Dezel Makes Unit Deal
NEW YORK—Albert Dezel has closed a
deal with FUm Renters, Inc., headed by Nat
Sanders, to distribute the unit bill, "Tunisian
Victory" and "Desert Victory." in the Chicago
and Detroit areas. The combination is now
playing the RKO and Loew's circuits.
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BOXOFTICE January 28, 1950 61

. -NOW!
The Public Has Gone
"Hoppy" Crazy I
WIUIAMBOYD
"HOPALONG
CAS SIDY"
(Biggest Bet in Pictures Today)
On Television — on the Radio
Comic Strips — Feature Stories.
(No Western Star Has Ever Received
Such Tremendous Publicity)
How Booking
12 of the Best "Hoppies" ever produced
with Bob Mitchum in some
of them and Andy Clyde.
Titles
Time
1. Riders of the Deadline... 70
2. False Colors 65
3. Forty Thieves 60
4. Colt Comrades 67
5. Mystery Man 58
6. Leather Burners 67
7. Texas Masquerade 59
8. Lumberjack 63
9. Lost Canyon 62
10. Border Patrol 66
11. Hoppy Serves a Writ 67
12. Bar 20 54
These are not televised.
New Prints — New Accessories
Exhibitors Waice Up!
Run Special Kid Morning Shows.
Play Each Week in Serial Form.
Give Away "Hoppy" Prizes
Weekly.
Serving Chicago and Milwaukee
Areas.
Phone in Your Dates.
First Come — First Served.
ALBERT DEZEL
PRODUCTIONS.
INC
831 So. Wabash Ave. Chicago
Phone: HARRISON 7-3626
ST. LOUIS
The 14,000 electric users of Alton were without
electricity twice on the night of Jan-
and sales personnel from some 21 offices
U-I held a sales conference for managers
uary 18. Union Electric Co. officials reported
that cold weather caused power lines here Tuesday and Wednesday i24. 25). Top
throughout the country at the Chase hotel
leading to the company's federal substation
to snap. One line broke at 10:45 p. m. The St. Louis film colony was grieved to
officials of the company were on hand . . .
and was back in service at 11:18 p. m. An learn of the death in Kansas City of Floyd
emergency switch broke down at 1:30 a. m. Lenhardt. booker for Commonwealth circuit.
and service was restored in ten minutes. The Funeral services were held Fi-iday i20>
. . .
town's seven motion picture theatres were C. D. Hill, Columbia manager; Tommy Williams
of RKO: Jack Harris, Warner Bros,
not seriously affected by the breaks.
salesman, and Jimmy Bradford, Columbia,
Mo., were in RoUa for a sales conference
with Caesar Bei-utt, Dean Davis and Bill
Williams, who operate a number of theatres
in central Missouri.
The Rev. Charles H. Helmsing, Catholic
auxiliary bishop of the St. Louis archdiocese,
spoke on "The Purpose of Visual Aid
Education in School and Church" at a
meeting of the Better Films Council here.
Mrs. Ai-retus F. Burt, founder and honorary
president of the council, presented a report
on her observations of motion pictm-es in
Em-ope on her recent trip across the Atlantic.
Exhibitors seen along Filmrow recently
included Bill Williams, Union; Izzy Wienshienk.
Alton, district manager for Publix
Great States; Lee Norton, Sullivan, 111.;
Earl Vandiver, Kennett; Dean Davis, West
Plains, who is off for a hunting trip to
South Carolina; Loren Cluster, Salem, 111.;
Howard Bates. Cape Drive-In, Cape Girardeau:
Irwin Dubinsky, Esquire, Cape Girardeau;
L. A. Leber, Pacific; Frank X.
Reller, Wentzville; Rani Padrucci, feature
booker, Frisina Amusement Co., Springfield;
Clarence Denny, Roodhouse, 111.; Charles
Weeks, Dexter, and Ed Fellis, Hillsboro, 111.
A large attendance is anticipated at the
luncheon meeting here on February 14 to
be addressed by Bob O'Donnell of Dallas, who
will discuss the operations of the TOA . . .
Ray Nolan, RKO manager, returned home
January 21 after being in St. John's hospital
for a checkup . . . Also on the sick list was
Harry Haas, Paramount manager.
Plans for Brotherhood week were discussed
at a gathering of exchange managers
and their representatives in the Fox
screening room. Exhibitors who attended
were Tommy James and Paul Krueger of
St. Louis; Loren Cluster, Salem, 111., and
Charles Weeks, Dexter, Mo. Nat Steinberg,
Republic manager, reported on the activities
of the distributors committee in the campaign
seeking the repeal or reduction of
the federal tax on theatre admissions.
NO PERFORATIONS: 20% More Light and Better Vision
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KERNEL PRUNTY SAYS:
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Silver HuUess and Golden HuUess Popcorn.
Also list of 7 kinds popcorn cartons
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Food Serving Equipment.
PRUNTY SEED & GRAIN
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St. Louis Theatre Supply Company
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COLUMBIA THEATRE
Poducoh, Ky.
By joe HORNSTEIN, Inc.
3146 Olive LUcos 2710 St. Louis, Mo.
at
62
BOXOFFICE
:: January 28, 1950

. . Don
. . The
. . Warner
. . Filmrow
. . Chick
. .
. . Back
Allied Galhering
In Madison Feb. 2
MILWAUKEE—Ben Marcus, president of
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Allied, has
issued a personal invitation to exhibitors in
the Madison area to attend a regional meeting
there February 2, the first group gathering
this year. Exhibitors and their wives
were asked to come early for a cocktail party
to be hosted by Marcus at 6 p.m. the night
before (February 1) at the Loraine hotel.
Tlie business session will open at noon
February 2, Marcus will explain a plan to
increase business and strengthen public relations,
particularly in small town theatres. In
addition a report will be made on the progress
of the recently appointed screening committee
of the Wisconsin Allied.
Herb Bennin, MGM, Talk
At Poplar Bluff Conclave
POPLAR BLUFF, MO.—One of the best
attended regional meetings of the Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of St. Louis, Eastern
Missouri and Southern Illinois was held at
the Dunn hotel here, with President Tom
Edwards of Farmington presiding. The program
of events was prepared by co-chairmen
Charles Weeks of Dexter and Bill Griffin of
the Rodgers Theatres, Cairo. First feature of
the program was a screening of "Pinky" at
the Rodgers. The luncheon session was attended
by officials and business and civic
leaders from a number of towns in southern
and eastern Missouri.
Herb Bennin, St. Louis manager for MGM,
discussed the national movement to get the
public back into the habit of regular theatre
attendance. Lee Grand, St. Louis division
manager for Confection Cabinet Corp., spoRe
on "Leave a Sweet Taste with Your Patrons."
President Edwards, just back from the Washington
gathering of TOA leaders, reported
on that session. He stressed the necessity for
continued pressui-e from the grass roots, especially
the small town operators. All should
contact their congressmen advising them of
the need for amusement tax relief.
Harvard O'Laughlin New
President of Local 148
ST. LOUIS—Harvard OLaughlin, former
president of lATSE Local 143, was elected
business agent at the annual meeting here.
OXaughlin, who has been a projectionist at
Loew's State the last 25 years, succeeds Harry
Barco, projectionist at the Missouri and business
agent for the last six years.
Other officers elected for two-year terms:
Tony Blust, president: Leonard Michaels,
vice-president; Howard Flier, secretary; financial
secretary, Herbert Butz: treasurer,
William Briley; guide, Elmer Wieser, and
sergeant at arms, Basil Bickel.
Earl Hobbs jr. was elected to a two-year
term of the executive board and Joseph
Schuller and Harry Jackso;i were re-elected.
George Oonk was elected a trustee.
V^^Ill PROGRAMS
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MILWAUKEE
Ctarting a policy of stage shows whenever
commitments will allow, Riverside opened
a bill made up of Dizzy Gillespie and the
Ravens, Dinah Washington and others with
"Trapped" on the screen. A "Big Parade
of Stage Shows," ads said, will continue
for five weeks . Milwaukee Auditorium
featured barbershop harmony on the
stage January 21, sponsored by Society for
the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop
Quartet Singing in America. There
were six top quartets and the famous Milwaukee
chorus. Other features were the
Midstates 4, the Aquatennials and the
Atomic Bums, in side-splitting comic-quarteting.
It was the fourth annual event of
this kind.
.
"Malaya" was in its second week at the
Towne Schwartz of Realart Pictures,
Minneapolis, conferred with William
Benjamin, who handles Realart product in
Wisconsin . . . Louis Orlove, exploiteer for
MGM, put his parents on a train last week
for a vacation in Florida.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank DeLorenzo returned
from Florida where they motored there to
visit their son, Lieut. Cmdr. F. L. DeLorenzo,
at the Pensacola naval station. They
also visited Ross Baldwin at Lake Wood.
Baldwin formerly operated the Tosa Theatre
at Wauwatosa, Wis., and worked at the
Universal exchange here many years ago .
Art Miresse, booker for S&M Theatres, has
resigned to join Samson Stores, Inc., as
salesman in the television division.
John Black, projectionist at the Varsity,
was away on a vacation . Evans,
exploiteer, conferred with Casper Chouinard,
UA manager . Manager Nat
Marcus left for Florida to convalesce after
an operation . hears that Allen
Usher, former manager at Paramount here
and district manager at Chicago, has taken
over the new Woodruff Theatre at Woodruff
in northern Wisconsin.
. . .The
The Kialto at Nekoosa is reported to have
been purchased by Glen Schwartz
husband of Lucille Forbes Fowler, who operates
the Palace at Antigo, Cosmo at Merrill
and the Chilton in Chilton, died recently
Eddie Weisfeldt, formerly with
. . . Saxe Amusement Corp. and managing director
of the Wisconsin and Riverside theatres,
is reported to have taken over the
general management of the Saul Korman
circuit in Detroit.
Johnny DePaul of the Soo Amusement
CHICAGO
1327 S. Wobosh
FILMACK
NEW YORK
619 W. 54th St.
Co., Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., was making
the rounds of the exchanges .
on
the job was Henry Bratz, whose leg was
broken in chasing some children who tried
to sneak into the Riverside . . . Gil Nathanson
of St. Cloud Aniusement Corp.. operator
of the Towner, Oriental and Zenith theatres
here, was in New York on business . . .
With the resurgence in popularity of William
Boyd, Winnie DeLorzeno of Independent
Film Exchange has added Hopalong
Cassidy belts and purses for giveaways at
children's matinees.
Seize Youths in Theatre
CHICAGO—Shakespeare police seized two
young men with an a.ssortment of burglary
tools in the projection booth of the Ai'mitage
Theatre at 3353 Armitage. One, Charles
Scaccia jr., 23, said he is the son of the
26th ward Republican organization secretary.
The other is Sam Grizaffi, 18. Police
said a March of Dimes container on the
theatre candy counter had been broken and
emptied. The pair denied any burglary attempt
.
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Junction Box can be mounted on V/2" o"" 2" pipe.
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—
BOXOFTICE January 28, 1950 63

. . . Mrs.
. . William
. .
. . Sam
. . Bob
|
INDIANAPOLIS
Qscar Fine of the Pine circuit, Evansville,
was a Louisville business visitor . . .
Arthur Morris, operator of the Strand, Dawson
Springs, Ky., complains that the coal
strikes have hurt his business. Morris says
his boxoffice receipts have dwindled to practically
nothing .
McGovern. operator
of the Ritz, Loogootee, reports he is back
on the job since hunting and fishing is over
for the season. Bill has been featured in
several magazines as a top fisherman and
hunter.
Abe Fischer, Republic at Chicago, called on
Joe Barr, buyer for the Williston circuit . . .
Suzane Jones, secretai-y to Gene Tunick,
Eagle Lion manager, is vacationing in Florida
Joann Ennis replaced Mrs. Sherry
Arnett as biller at Warner Bros., who returned
to her home in Kenton, Ohio.
. . .
Foster Gauker, manager for MGM, presided
at a Brotherhood week meeting Monday
at the Paramount screening room of all
branch managers. Later the sales and branch
managers discussed plans for local opposition
to the 20 per cent admission tax. Richard
Prank, manager at Paramount, is chairman
of COMPO in this area . . . Ben Edelman of
the Jam Handy Organization. Chicago, was
Ti-ueman
at the Monogi-am exchange
Rembusch, president of ATOI: William Carroll,
executive secretary, and Joe Pinneran,
Syndicate Theatres, will attend the Caravan
and the Allied national board meeting February
8, 9, in Washington.
The Kenwood Drive-In, Louisville, according
to Wilbur Fields, will open March 15 . . .
Some exchanges report drive-ins are inquiring
about product, and many are setting their
opening dates for the coming season .
Exhibitors on Pilmrow Included William T.
Studebaker, Logansport: Don Steinkamp,
French Lick; John Micu and Al Borkenstein,
Fort Wayne; William Conners, Marionaire,
Marion; Jack Stone, Windfall, and his cashier
Phyllis Yohe.
GEB^BAR
THEH*fRE EQUIPMENT
442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANA
'Mrs. Mike' Grosses 120
In 1st Chicago Week
CHICAGO — Terrible weather, icy streets
and mercury around zero shattered grosses at
Loop houses. However. "Dancing in the
Dark." plus a stage show headed by Jules
Munshin and the DeMarco s'sters, had a
fair first week at the Chicago, as did the
Oriental with "Whirlpool" plus a stage show
headed by Willie Shore. "Mrs. Mike," sparked
by appearances of Dick Powell and his wife,
had a good first week at the Roosevelt.
(Average is 100)
Chicago—Dancing in the Dark {20th-Fox), plus
stage show - - 115
Garrick—An Act of Murder (U-I) 90
Grand—The Outlaw (RKO) 3rd wk 115
Oriental—Whirlpool (20th-Fox), plus stage show..ll5
Palace—Challenge to Lassie (MGM); The
Stagecoach Kid (RKO) _ 90
Rialtc^Paris Bombshell (U-I); Raiders oj the
Desert (U-I), reissues 90
Roosevelt-Mrs. Mike (UA) - - 120
Selwyn—The Hed Shoes (EL), 8th wk., roadshow
- Fair
Slate-Lake—The Hasty Heart (W3) _ 100
Studic^Ravaged Earth (Elliott); Mutiny (E),
reissues - - - 90
United Artists—The Traveling Saleswoman (Col);
Once More, My Darling (U-I). 2nd wk 90
Woods—The Inspector General (WB), 3rd wk 100
World Plavhouse—Fame Is the Spur (RarJc);
Birth oi a Ballet (Brill), 4th wk 95
Headed by Cugal Tops
Grosses
INDIANAPOLIS — Xavier Cugat and his
Bill
Indianapolis
orchestra was the di'awing card and the
Circle last week topped the list. Loew's with
"Too Late for Tears" headed the straight
picture gross.
Circle—Free for All (UA), plus Xavier Cugat
orchestra ...- 250
Indiana—Sands of Iwo lima (Rep), 4 ddys 70
Keith's—The Heiress (Para) _... 75
Loew's—Too Late for Tears (UA); Outpost in
Morocco (UA) - 100
Lyric—The Story of Molly X (U-I); Savage
Splendor (RKO) — - 85
Judge Invalidates Law
Banning Outdoor Houses
CHICAGO—Judge Harry M. Fisher of
circuit
court held invalid a city zoning ordinance
enacted last April 4 by the city
council banning outdoor theatres within the
city limits.
The ruling was asked in a suit brought by
the Liberty National bank as trustee for 32^^
acres of vacant property in the vicinity of
Columbus and CaUfornia avenues. Jacob
Shamberg, attorney for the bank, said an
outdoor theatre -with space for 2,000 autos is
contemplated there.
Fisher held the city has power to keep
certain business out of certain zones, but
cannot enact a blanket ordinance banning
a type of business from the city.
Reopens at Lower Prices |
PORT WASHINGTON, 'WIS.-After being
closed several weeks, the Grand Theatre was
reopened January 15 at lower prices; namely,
40 cents until 4 and 60 cents thereafter. The
Grand and Ozaukee theatres are owned by
Fox-W'sconsin. Marvin Sabel is manager.
'Red Shoes' Plays Circle
INDIANAPOLIS — "The Red Shoes" is
booked for a popular-priced engagement at
the Circle Theatre. The picture had an extended
run as a reserved seat attraction last
fall in the Coronet here.
CHICAGO
jVyTaurice A. Salkin is at Michael Reese hospital
for a checkup . Tigerman,
formerly with B&K publicity department
before going into service, is back with B&K
at the Uptown . Levinsohn, Chicago
Used Chair Mart, was elected chairman of
the Heart Ass'n Cooperative committee by
the board of directors of Cinema lodge. Sam's
work will coincide with the fund-raising
campaign to start in February by the Chicago
Heart Ass'n.
James Booth, president of Cinema lodge
B'nal B'rith, announces Monte Carlo nite
to be held April 1 at Congress hotel . ' . .
U-I will use 600 lines in news column of
the Chicago Tribune to announce showing
of "South Sea Sinner" at the Palace, owing
to the success of the initial campaign on
"Bagdad" in the same paper, says Dave
Lipton . . United Artists has 12 new prints
.
of Hopalong Cassidy films for Chicago territory
theatres to tie in with the Chicago
Ti-ibune, which started to use Hopalong cartoons
in their daily issues. Bill Boyd was
in town all week and took part in parades
and other festivities in the Loop and at
Shriners auditorium, wliich was attended by
record crowds of youngsters. UA is kept busy
booking Hopalong shorts for this territory
and some of the old Hoppie films are finding
their way into Chicago theatres.
Charles Freeman, ticket-taker at the Oriental
who was ill at the Garfield Park
hospital recently, has recovered . . . Norman
Olsen jr., export manager of Golde Co., is
father of a daughter, Janet Idelle . . . Albert
Dezel has concluded a distribution deal
with Nat Sanders, Film Renters, Inc., to
distribute
the unit show, "Tunisian Victory"
and "Desert Victory," for Chicago and Detroit
exchanges. This combination now is
playing the RKO and Loew's circuits . . .
Mac Richard, New York film booker, was a
visitor at the Philco television meeting.
Jim Bannon will play the role of a villain
in the Columbia picture, "Richard Harding,
Counterspy."
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64
BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950

Flames Raze States
At Grand Forks, N. D.
EAST GRAND FORKS, N. D.—The States
Theatre here, owned by the Haaven-States
Theatre Corp. and since 1923 one of the
leading theatres in the Grand Porks area,
was destroyed by fire January 13 which
caused a loss estimated at $150,000. The loss
on the building was fully covered and that
on contents partially covered by insurance,
according to Ira L. Haaven, president of the
company.
WhUe the cause of the fire has not been
determined, the blaze apparently had been
smoldering in the basement several hours
before it broke out and spread rapidly through
the building. The sub-zero temperature hampered
the work of the firemen who responded
to an alarm, a strong east wind blew
flames toward a nearby river and prevented
adjoining building from igniting. Plans for
rebuilding the theatre have not been completed,
according to Haaven.
Fox Reopens Remodeled
Grand at Moberly, Mo.
MOBERLY, MO.—The 870-seat Grand Theatre
here, operated by the Fox Midwest circuit,
recently was reopened after having
been closed several months for extensive remodeling
and redecorating. A new front of
structural glass in two colors Is topped with
a triangular marquee of stainless steel. The
remodeling eliminated the store windows
which formerly flanked the entrance.
Colors of the glass front are repeated in
the foyer, mezzanine and auditorium. The
interior color scheme combines tones of blue,
gray, taupe, cream and wine. Wine-colored
carpeting has been laid in the auditorium.
New neon signs bearing the theatre name
have been installed on the sides of the marquee.
Shelley Winters Appears
At Kansas City Houses
KANSAS CITY—Shelley Winters, star of
"South Sea Sinner," made personal appearances
at the Tower and Uptown theatres here
Thursday (26) as a feature in connection with
opening day showings of the U-I production.
Appearing with her in a 45-minute stage bill
were Liberace, French pianist who also is featured
in the film; Jerry Paris, who appeals
in "D. O. A." and who was emcee, and Bobby
True and his instrumental trio.
DeLong to KMTA Post
KANSAS CITY—Jesse DeLong, owner and
operator of the Ute Theatre in Mankato, Kas.,
was named a director of the Kansas-Missouri
Theatre Ass'n at its monthly board meeting
Tuesday (24i at the Phillips hotel here. He
replaces George Baker, general manager of
the A. F. Baker Enterprises, who recently
resigned because of his business interests.
Iowa Owners Promise
To Pass on Tax Relief
Central City, Iowa, House
Is Threatened by Taxes
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA—L, B. Heaton
last week complained to the Linn county
board of supervisors that his Town Theatre
in Central City was going to be taxed out
of existence this year. Heaton said the theatre
building and equipment were given an
a.ssessed value of $10,000 last year, compared
with a valuation of $3,024 in 1948. Heaton
maintained the theatre business in Central
City, with a population of between 700
and 800, will not support that valuation.
The Town was built about three years ago
as a war memorial. Heaton and his father
John Heaton bought the theatre from the
civic group which built it and now are operating
it privately seven nights a week. Heaton
says it is the finest little theatre to be
found in Iowa in towns the size of Central
City. The house seats 304. Heaton is expected
to take his predicament to the board
of review which is not scheduled to convene
until
May.
H. C. Finnern Re-Elected
Opera House President
DENISON, IOWA—H. C. Finnern has been
DES MOINES—Any repeal or reduction of
the 20 per cent wartime excise admission tax
by this session of Congress will be passed on
to patrons by Iowa motion picture theatre
owners. This was the substance of a telegram
sent last week to Congressman Tom
Martin (Rep., Iowa) in Washington by Allied
Independent Theatre Owners of Iowa and
Nebraska. Central States and Tri-States Theatres
of Des Moines and Pioneer Theatres,
with headquarters in Carroll.
The board of Allied Independents, representing
all towns in Iowa and Nebraska, and
the other theatre chains, met at Hotel Savery
and passed unanimously the following resolution
which they wired Martin:
"That the theatre owners of Iowa and
Nebraska recognize that all money paid by
patrons for admission taxes belong to the
people. Therefore, the theatre owners of
Iowa and Nebraska will pass on to their
patrons any repeal or reduction of the 20
per cent wartime excise admission tax by the
81st Congress of the U.S. We pray you, Mr.
Martin, to do all in your power to assist in
this wartime tax relief."
Map Brotherhood Plans
MINNEAPOLIS—Plans for area theatre
participation in Brotherhood week were
mapped out at a meeting here. The goal
re-elected president of the Denison Opera will be a minimum of ten memberships from
House Co. at the annual meeting here in the every theatre. Harry B. French, president
Ritz Theatre. Finnern has been president of the Minnesota Amusement Co. and Bennie
Berger, circuit owner and North Central
since the organization was founded in 1913.
Other officers re-elected included Hugo P. Allied president, are exhibitors' co-chairmen,
Saggau, vice-president, and Mrs. Patricia and Art Anderson, Warner manager and
Miller, secretary. Mrs. Lydia Saggau was Northwest Variety Club chief barker, distributors'
chairman for the territory.
named treasurer. Finnern, Mrs. Hedwig
Brodersen, Louis L. Miller and Henry Saggau
were re-elected as directors. New director Desmond Marquette has been handed the
is Mrs. Lydia Saggau.
film editing chores on RKO's "Code 3."
New Post to Marion Hart
KNOXVILLE, IOWA — Marion Hart has
been appointed manager of the Marion Theatre
here to succeed W. E. Anderson, who
recently retired. The house is owned and
operated by the Kerr circuit. Anderson recently
went to California after spending the
Christmas holidays here.
PLAN BROTHERRHOOD OBSEKV.VNCE—Uetoils of the observance of Brotherhood
week February 19-26 in the Kansas City exchange area were planned at a recent
meeting of the advertising and publicity committee headed by M. D. Cohn, Paramount
Theatre manager. Shown at the table, left to right, are Don Walker, SRO:
Senn Lawlcr, Fox Midwest Theatres; Cohn, who is committee chairman; Earl Horton,
BOXOFFICE, and Lou Patz. National Screen Ser\ice. Standing are Howard Burkhardt.
Midland Theatre; Arthur Cole, Paramount industry representative, and Elmer
C. Rhoden jr.. Commonwealth Theatres.
B.OXOFFICE :: January 28. 1950 MW 65

—:
. . . Clark
—
—
—
Theatre Managers Define
Most Annoying Patrons
DES MOINES—Five local theatre managers
were interviewed by an inquiring reporter
for the Des Moines Tribune and asked
What is the most common way in which
theatre patrons annoy each other? Their answers,
printed with pictures of the managers,
were as follows:
Bob Leonard. Paramount—Loud, unnecessary
talking in the auditorium probably is
most annoying to patrons who are trying to
concentrate on the picture.
E. L. Doherty, Rocket—Some women wear
large hats that prevent persons sitting behind
them from seeing the screen, and loud
talking probably annoys most patrons.
Harry Hiersteiner, Family—Most people
are so interested in seeing a good show they
don't seem to be annoyed by anything.
Harold Lyon, Des Moines—Not being cotu"-
teous to other patrons, such as putting feet
on the seat in front, women not removing
hats, and loud talking during the show.
Jerry Bloedow, Orpheum—Setting the theatre
on fire certainly would be annoying
and patrons who crush lighted cigarets into
carpets are in danger of doing just that.
Little Men Are Autry's Guests
OMAHA— The entire population of Boys
Town boarded 20 chartered buses near here
fo.- an outing in Lincoln. It was the fii'st
time the entire "city of little men"—including
705 youngsters and 45 counselors—have
made the trip together. At Lincoln they saw
a matinee performance by Gene Autry and
were his guests at dinner in the Cornhusker
hotel ballroom. The trip was a gift of Autry
and Lincoln Midget Baseball Program, Inc.
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DES MOINES 'Honor' and Stage Bill
. . Tri-
T^orothy Day, publicity head for Central
States, and Jlmmie Redmond, Trl-States
advertising chief, were in New York City at
an annual advertising meeting
States District Managers
.
WiUiam Miskell
and H. D. Grove were here for conferences
Baker has been named distribution
chairman in the Des Moines exchange
area for observance of Brotherhood week,
and Russ Fraser is publicity chairman.
Eraser also has been appointed a team captain
for the local Red Cross drive which
wiU be launched soon.
Eugene Melone, former Warner office
manager here and more recently office manager
for the Warner branch in Minneapolis,
died recently following a heart attack.
Funeral services were held here . . Nate
.
Sandler became a grandfather when a son
was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jay Sandler . .
.
Eileen Ohlson is the new stenographer at
Monogram, replacing Jenny Mead, who resigned
. . . C. E. Clawson has resigned as
manager of the Coliseum Theatre at Lamoni,
Iowa, and the Graceland college board
has named J. Hyde to succeed him.
Don Hicks, chief barker of Variety Tent
15, received a letter from the boys at Arlington
hall expressing thanks for the warm
clothing which the club bought for them at
Christmas. The letter also contained an
invitation for Variety Club members to meet
the camp team in a baseball game at a
picnic in the spring.
Among^ visitors on Filmrow were Mrs. R. E.
Nelson, Plainfield: Burdette Ross, Lamont;
M. L. Dickson, Mount Pleasant, and Jim and
Nick Yiannas, Dubuque ... J. J. Donohue,
central division manager, and his assistant,
Irving Werthamer, visited the Paramount exchange.
Selected as technical adviser for Paramount's
"Union Station" was Detective Lieut.
E. W. Smith.
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Big in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—Despite uncertain weather
from day to day. trade at first nm houses
here was fairly steady. "Without Honor" at
the Orpheum. with Xavier Cugat and his
orchestra in a stage bill, paced downtown
theatres with a rating of 155 per cent. A
dualing of "The Big Wheel" and "Intruder
in the Dust" at the Midland registered 115
per cent. In a second week at the Param.ount,
"The Heiress" continued to draw well and
chalked up 125 per cent.
(Average Is 100)
Esquire—Dracula's Daughter (U-I). Night Monster
(U-1), reissues - 85
Kimo—The Fallen Idol (SRO). 4th wk 140
Midland—The Big Wheel (UA); Intruder in the
Dust (MGM) 115
Orpheum Without Honor (UA), plus stage show..l55
Paramount—The Heiress (Para). 2nd wk 125
RKO Missouri—A Dangerous Profession (RKO):
One Last Fling (WB) _ - 90
RoxY Imitation of Life (U-I); o Douht
Shadow of
(U-I). reissues _ 90
Tower. Uptown, Fairway ^Woman in Hiding
(U-1) - - 85
'Iwo Jima' Registers 200
To Pace Trade in Omaha
OMAHA—Local first run houses continued
to draw capacity business despite icy streets
and low temperatures. Helped by a strong
advertising and publicity campaign, "Sands
of Iwo Jima" at the Orpheum chalked up
a record-breaking 200 per cent. "The Gal
Who Took the West" and "Search for Danger."
dualed at the Omaha, registered 110
per cent. "On the Town" was steady in a
second round at the Paramount.
Omaha—The Gal Who Took the West (U-I):
Search for Danger (Col) _ 110
Orpheum—Sands oi Iwo Jimo (Rep) 200
Paramount—On the Town (MGM), 2nd wk 100
RKU Brandeis—And Baby Makes Throe (Col); The
House Across the Street (WB) _...110
Stale—Adam's Rib (MGM), 3rd wk.; Appointment
for Murder (U-I) 100
Tov.-n—The Blazing Trail (Col); The Law of the
Barbary Coast (Col). 2nd run; The Lone Wolf
ond the Lady (Col), 2nd run. split with True
Glory (Col), reissue; Burma Victory (WB),, reissue
_..II5
'Battleground' Registers 180
In Opening at Mirmeapolis
MINNEAPOLIS—The strongest lineup of
pictures in many months brought substantial
patronage to the Loop. There was "Samson
and Delilah" along with such outstanding
attractions as "Battleground" and "All the
King's Men" to pull heavy trade. Other
newcomers included "Beyond the Forest,"
"Passport to Pimlico" and "Trapped." It was
the fourth week for "The Fallen Idol," the
thii'd for "Prince of Foxes" and the second
for "The Heires.s."
Aster -Strange Bargain (RKO); Blonde Bandit
(Rep) _ 90
Century—Samson and DeUIah (Para) _175
3cr)ier -Tarzan's Desert Mystery (RKO); Tanan
Triumphs (RKO), reissues - _ 90
Lvceum— Passport to Pimlico (EL) _ 85
Lvnc—The Heiress (Para), 2nd d. t. wk.... -..125
Pix—The Fallen Idol (SRO). 4th d. t. wk 100
Radio City—Battleground (MGM) 180
HKO Orpheum—All the King's Men (Col) 115
RKO Pan—Trapped (EL) _ _ 90
Slate—Beyond the Forest (WB) -100
V.'orld-Prince ol Foxes (20th-Fox), 3rd d. t. wk...llO
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S6 BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

Dululh Lake Dispute
Gains Momentum
DULUTH—A former parttime ticket seller
at Duluth's shutdown Lake Theatre claims
city authorities have been imposing upon her
to obtain evidence for their defense against
a $10,050 false arrest suit. LaVonne Palmer
wrote city councilmen asking them to put a
stop to the annoyance of police officers
bothering her at her subsequent places of
employment. Not only has it been embarrassing,
but it is hindering her chances cf
holding a job, contended the ex-ticket seller.
•PUBLICITY STUNT' CHARGED
She said she would be glad to tell all she
knows about the Lake Theatre operation in
court under subpena when the false arrest
case against three Duluth police officials
comes up in Duluth district court. Bert Langley,
former Lake manager, claims he was
maliciously arrested on a charge, later dismissed,
of operating a theatre without a
license.
Harry E. Weinberg, Duluth city attorney
who is defending the three police officials,
described the Palmer letter as "just written
as a publicity stunt and nothing more."
Councilmen referred it to Weinberg for filing.
Safety Commissioner Francis C. Daugherty,
one of the co-defendants, demanded immediate
termination of the council meeting
discussion on grounds that it might jeopardize
the case pending in court. But Finance
Commissioner E. W. Lund insisted on discussing
with Weinberg the question of
whether city employes should seek evidence
from citizens against their will. Lund's action
so angered Daugherty that later, when Lund
sought to cancel a $20 monthly pay boost
granted A. C. Mayville, license inspector and
another defendant, Daugherty claimed:
PICTURES REAL ISSUE
"All this is a demonstration to show certain
people in town that I haven't got control
up here. It's child's play, kid stuff.
There's been plenty going on here for many,
many years. Mayville's stopped a lot of it.
He'll continue to stop it. That's why he deserves
a raise. And he's in coiu-t right now
for doing what he is supposed to do."
Although the Langley arrest was made on
the technical charge of operating a theatre
without a license, the real issue in the case
is the type of pictures the Lake had been
showing. No one makes any attempt to deny
that point. The owner, Ray Lumsden, Minneapolis,
was acquitted by a Duluth municipal
judge of operating a theatre without a license.
But councilmen have refused to grant him
a new one.
WALT

. . Tom
KANSAS CITY
Dobert Shelton, Commonwealth Theatres
vice-president and general manager, and
Dick Orear, purchasing agent, and their wives
returned from a vacation in New Orleans and
Mexico City . . . M. D. Cohn, Paramount Theatre
manager, was ill several days at his home
with a bronchial ailment . Smiley,
Denver, Selected Pictures general manager,
visited the local branch ...CM. Parkhurst,
Kansas-Missoui-i Allied unit general manager,
returned from northern Missouri.
Howard E. Jameyson, Commonwealth Theatres
president, and his wife left for Miami,
where they will visit L. M. Miller, former
theatreman in Wichita, Kas. They will return
about February 20 . . . Don Davis, RCA-
Victor district manager, returned from an
eastern business trip during which he visited
Camden, Baltimore, Philadelphia and other
cities . . . R. R. Winship, Phillipsburg, Kas.,
pioneer exhibitor in the Kansas City exehange
area, was a visitor on Pilmrow.
Dick Contino, Horace Heidt radio contest
WALT

. . Bryn
. . Ray
. . The
Top 'Sundowners' Players
To Kansas City Stages
KANSAS CITY—Personal appearances by
John Barrymore jr. and Chill Wills, starred
in "The Sundowners," will be featured at
opening day showings of the Eagle Lion production
at the Tower and Uptown theatres
here February 9, launching a saturation campaign
during which the film will be run in
approximately 125 houses in 40 Kansas and
Missouri cities and towns, according to Gene
Snitz, EL branch manager here.
Following their stage routines at the two
local theatres, Barrymore and Wills will go
to Salina, Kas., for appearances at the Watson
Theatre February 10 and then to Wichita
to appear at the Boulevard and Orpheum
theatres the next day. The two players then
will return to Hollywood. Nearly 20 radio
stations in Kansas and Missouri will be used
in exploiting "The Sundowners" during the
saturation campaign.
Diablo Team Takes Lead
In Filmrow Pin League
KANSAS CTTY — The Diablo squad advanced
to first place in the Filmrow Bowling
league here by winning two games in
the 18th weekly round and breaking a tie
with the F^lm Delivery quintet, which chalked
up only a single win during the week. The
current standings:
Team Won Lost Team Won^ Lost
Diablos - 31 23 Fox Trotters 28 2G
Film Delivery 30 24 Michlo Theatre 27 27
Shreve 29 25 Warners 27 27
Fox Terriers 29 25 Michaels 23 31
MGM - 28 26 Sharpshooters .18 38
Individual high 10, Eddie Golden, 230; individual
high 30, Warren Smith, 609. Team
high 10, MGM, 839; team high 30, MGM,
2,284.
The Warner Starlets added two victories
to its string in the 18th roimd of contests
and broke a tie with the Fox Midwest Vixens
for the lead in the Women's Filmrow Bowling
league here. The standings:
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
Warner Starlets 34 20 Hartmon 25 29
Fox Vixens ,33 21 En Ess Essers 21 33
Central Ship. 30 24 Als Wildcats 19 35
Individual high 10, M. Beime; individual
high 30, M. Heueisen, 568.
Bill Miskell in Campaign
OMAHA—William Miskell, Tri-States Theatres
district manager, has been appointed
regional director of advertising and publicity
for the industry's participation in Brotherhood
week. February 19.
From the BOXOFFICE FiJes
(Twenty Years Ago)
IjriTH the purchase of the Lyceum Theatre
in Duluth for $900,000, Publix now
controls six local film houses in the Minneapolis
area. In addition to the Lyceum, they
are the Garrick, Lyric, Astor, Strand and
Sunbeam . . . Active construction work is
about the be started on the new five-story
exchange building for Warner Bros, at First
avenue and Seventh street in Minneapolis.
The structure is to cost $300,000 and is to be
completed by March 15. There will be a 300-
seat theatre for trade screenings.
Opening of the new Iowa Theatre in
Waterloo. Iowa, was attended by 2,500 persons.
It was formerly the Plaza. Jake Rosenthal
is the new manager . new $25,000
theatre in Villisca, Iowa, seats 600. The town
has been without a picture theatre for several
months . Griffiths, foiTner manager
of the Strand in Madison, Wis., later
publicity manager for Publix in South Dakota,
has taken over the advertising managership
of the two RKO theatres in South Bend, Ind.
The Grubel brothers' circuit of theatres
in the Kansas City area has been sold to
the Publix organization. Edward J. Grubel,
president, and his brother Prank O., secretary
of the Electric Theatre Co., have been
retained as advisers. A, V. "Peck" Baker,
who has been general manager of the foiu-
Electric theatres at Kansas City, Kas., Joplin,
Mo.; St. Joseph, Mo., and Springfield, Mo.,
has been retained as a member of the Publix
executive department and will supervise a
group of theatres in the area. The Grubels
began their careers as theatre operators in
1908 when they established the Electric Theatre
in Kansas City, Kas., at that time a
nickelodeon with 144 kitchen chairs, a muslin
screen and an antiquated Edison projector.
Harry E. Schiller, manager of MGM in
Kansas City, was elected president of the film
board of trade. C. A, Schultz, manager of
Midwest Film Distributors, was elected vicepresident
. . . William Flynn, pioneer theatreman
in Kansas City, was killed in an airplane
crash at Fairfax airport, after making
a trip to Wichita. Flyim operated the Globe
Theatre in Kansas City, which has been
closed for several years. He planned a reopening
in March . V. Holan is new
manager for Pathe in Kansas City.
Novel Invitations Mailed
For Wendell Corey Party
KANSAS CITY— As an invitation to a cocktail
party at the Muehlebach hotel Thursday
(26') for Wendell Corey, here during an
exploitation tour for "Thelma Jordon," M. D.
Cohn, Paramount Theatre manager, and Jim
Castle, Paramount exploiteer;, prepared a
summons executed in legal form on a regulation
blank. While some of the newspaper,
radio and Filmrow per.sonnel who received
invitations may have been perplexed at first
sight of the legal-appearing forms, according
to Cohn, the unusual invitations were
credited with having attracted an unusually
large crowd to greet the Paramount star.
Russell Harris to Build
Hugoton, Kas., Drive-In
HUGOTON, KAS.—A ten-acre tract east
of here has been purchased by Russell Harris,
local theatreman, as the site for a drivein
theatre to be built later this year. Plans
for the project now are being drawn, but a
date for beginning of construction has not
yet been determined. Harris and his son now
operate the Harris and Rusada theatres here.
Buys Moonlight Interest
LEBANON, MO.—Clifford Hough, who with
Ralph Hough jr. opened the Moonlight
Drive-In here last May, has bought the interest
of his partner in the project.
Ideal Theatre Chairs
The most comfortable, substantial, froublefree
chair that gives you years of service.
If
you want the best, now at reduced prices
Call — Write or Wire
STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
1804 Wyandotte St. Kansas City 8, Mo.
WALT
Clyde H. Badger, Manager
V CUech 144. ^o^ . . .
DELUXE SHOWMANSHIP
POSTERS
Specialties 40x60's — 30x40's — 20x60's — 24x82's
Following STANDARD ADVERTISING POSTERS may be ordered on any PICTURE releosed;
1 sheets, 3 sheets, llxH's, 22x28's, 14x36's, 8xl0's, Mots and Pressbooks.
St. Louis Area
Exhibitors Contact
JACK O'NEIL
3206 Olive St.
Phone LUcos 8827
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 W. 18th St. Kansas City, Mo. GRand 8626
Serving the Theatre Trade Since 1945
Omaha Area
Exhibitors Contoct
OSCAR HANSON
1520 Davenport
Phone ATlantic 7161

. . . The
. . Four
OMAHA
TWranager Larry Caplain of the Brandeis
came up with a report on the top four
pictures ever to play at the house during its
15-year span after "The Outlaw" took a new
high gross for a week. Second on the boxoffice
list of the 1,100-seater is "Bells of St.
Mary's." third "Going My Way" and fourth
"Snow While and the Seven Dwarfs." "The
Outlaw" previously had been shown in
Omaha.
Columbia arranged an 8:30 p. m. screening
at the Brandeis for local and out-of-town
exhibitors to see "All the King's Men." Another
screening at the 20th-Fox screening
room was set up for top brass of Ak-Sar-Ben
Shrine circus has been scheduled
for April 10-15 at the City auditoriiun.
The latest list of pictures recommended by
the Omaha Education Ass'n screening committee
includes Battleground. Pygmahon.
That Forsyte Woman, That Midnight Kiss for
teen-agers; The Inspector General, Movie
Crazy, Pinky for all ages; Story of Seabiscuit
Omaha
for children and teen-agers .
veterans of the Battle of the Bulge and one
widow attended the opening of "Battleground"
at R. D. Goldberg's State Theatre.
The Joe Jacobs' drive, ending March 30, is
rolling along in great style, the Columbia
A ten-page section of the Mapleton, Iowa,
Pi-ess was devoted to the opening of Eddie
office reports . . . Prank HoUingsworth,
Kugel's new Maple Theatre there. Almost
Beatrice exhibitor, has been in Clarkson hospital
for obsei-vation. Mrs. HoUingsworth has
every firm in town joined in the cooperative
advertising program.
been here with him.
WALT

"
Ex-Air Force Colonel Tells
Story of 'Twelve O'Clock'
OMAHA — "Twelve O'clock High" was
"written in blood." It is the story of the
2'i; million men in the air force who never
could explain to their wives, mothers and
sweethearts how it was "over there."
Most of it was written In a radioman's
seat of a B-29 high over Nebraska. It never
would have been made into a motion picture
had it not been for the determination of a
native Nebraskan, Dan-yl Zanuck, to prove
to his bosses and half the directors and
producers in Hollywood that they didn't know
a good thing.
This is what Sy Bartlett, former air force
colonel and co-author of the film, said on
arrival here for a special screening of the
picture arranged by Lieut. Gen. Curtis E
LeMay at strategic air command headquarters
here at Offutt Field.
Bartlett got the idea for the story as he
watched his superiors, Frank Armstrong and
Curtis LeMay, then colonels and group commanders
in the Eighth air force in Europe.
"I promised myself then I'd tell the story
of those two dedicated people, of their affinity
for their country and disregard for personal
safety," Bartlett said, "of how they took a
sick chicken' and whipped it into the Eighth
air force that did such a tremendous job in
Europe."
In the picture Gregory Peck is a composite
of Generals LeMay and Armstrong.
Bartlett put first words of the story on paper
at the Grand Island B-29 base. When peace
came, he and Bemie Lay, former fellow officer
who had been shot down in Europe, finished
the story.
Group in Minneapolis
Promotes Civic Theatre
MINNEAPOLIS—A group of many prominent
citizens, including civic, women's club,
business, professional and labor leaders, has
been organized into Minneapolis Playgoers to
promote a local civic theatre. Both the Minneapolis
Tribune and Minneapolis Star ran
editorials commending the project.
The Old Log, summer strawhatter, has
started a ten-week season of plays for a winter
season as the local civic theatre. The
Woman's club has donated the use of its
theatre, rent free, for the Old Log's use. The
season opened with "Charley's Aunt." There
are five performances weekly with a $1.50 top.
Don Stolz, organizer and head of the Old Log,
is the director.
A former civic tlieatre. North Star Players,
also was housed in the Woman's club theatre,
but had to pay a rental for it and a rehearsal
hall. That venture proved an artistic success,
but a financial failure.
Airborne Epic at Falls
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MINN.—"Battleground,"
MGM's epic about the 101st air-
'oorne division, opened at the Border Theatre
here. Manager Ray Vonder Haar said
MGM granted the Falls the northwest premiere
because a Falls veteran served as a
technical adviser on the production last
spring. He is Lieut. Ivan Warmuth. Vonder
Haar also was looking for any other members
of the famed division in this area so they
could be his guests during "Battleground's
four-day run here.
Three Theatres fo Be Constructed
As Parts of Twin City Project
MINNEAPOLIS—Three theatres with seating
capacities totaling 3,012 persons are to be
included in shopping center and other projects
to be erected in Twin City suburbs. One
of the new houses will be in the Columbia
Heights area near here, another is to be built
in St. Anthony northeast of here, and the
third will be located near Hillcrest, St. Paul.
A 900-seat theatre to be known as the Central
will be included in a structure to be
erected by Donald Shanedling and associates
and which also will contain ten bowling
alleys. Of modified California architecture,
the theatre will include a cry room, a novel
mezzanine floor and earphones.
All Minnesota Showmen
Asked to Aid Tax Move
MINNEAPOLIS—All exhibitors in the
Minneapolis exchange area have been asked
in a special bulletin issued by S. D. Kane,
North Central AUied executive director, to
WTite immediately to their U.S. senators and
cangressmen to support the drive to eliminate
the federal admission tax. The letters
will call upon legislators to make public
statements placing them on record for repeal.
Child to Donald Shanes
OMAHA—A second child, a baby girl, was
born to Mrs. Donald Shane. The father is
the manager of the Paramount Theatre.
New Glass Front for Lyric
SUTTON, NEB—A new black glass front
has been installed on the Lyric Theatre here.
The house is owned and operated by Mr.
and Mrs. Charles Gibson.
PRIVATE PREVIEW — Bernie Evens,
MGM exploiteer in the Kansas City- St.
Louis area, and wife spent their recent
vacation in HolljT^'OOd. They ajre shown
above on the set of "The Toast of New
Orleans" with Mario Lanza, star of the
film, showing them some of the interesting
scenes of the picture.
Construction soon will be started on a
992-seat theatre which will be part of a shopping
center proposed for the village of St.
Anthony. It will be built on a seven-acre
tract. The house will be operated by Lou
Gainsley, local theatreman. It is expected
to be ready for opening about July 1.
A 1,120-seat theatre is to be erected on
White Bear avenue in St. Paul as a part of a
shopping center being developed by the Clapp-
Thomssen Co. The 60xl65-foot theatre will
have a glass front. Conveniences will include
a cry room and a refreshment bar. Sheldon
Grenga, who owns the Hollywood Theatre in
Eau Claire, Wis., will operate the new house.
Film Showmanship Puts
Play Over in Twin City
MINNEAPOLIS—The motion picture technique
of showmanship, going all out to sell a
meritorious picture to the public, was adopted
here with much success for the first time by
a stage attraction, "Mister Roberts," at the
Lyceum. When the mail order advance sale
was only moderately satisfactory, the Lyceum
adopted film "tactics" just before the window
sale started and put on a big-scale advertising
and exploitation campaign. A record
amount for any stage attraction here, $2,000,
was earmarked for the campaign.
The campaign included radio spot and other
announcements. There also was posting of
24-sheets and much other paper, advertising
cards on the outside of every street car, letters
to all former navy members and members
of the naval reserve and such stunts as bookstore
tieups and two special nights to honor
the memory of the late Tom Heggin, coauthor,
a Minneapolitan and University of
Minne.sota alumnus whose parents reside here.
A number of newspaper interviews and a
considerable amount of newspaper art were
obtained, too.
The result was a tremendous advance window
sale the week before the attraction
opened here. There even was a complete sellout
the opening Sunday night when business
might have been badly hurt in consequence
of a bhzzard, 15-below-zero temperatures and
icy streets if it had been necessary to depend
on the window sale Sunday.
Minnesota Firm to Sell
State in Huron, S. D.
MINNEAPOLIS—In complying with tenns
of the consent decree, the Minnesota Amusement
Co. is offering for sale the State Theatre,
first run house in Huron, S. D. Paramount
will retain the Huron Theatre there.
Deals now are pending for the sale of the
Eastman in St. Cloud, Minn., and the O'Klare
in Eau Claire, Wis., according to H. B.
French, president of the company.
Two Projectors Purchased
HUMBOLDT, IOWA—Two new projectors
have been purchased for the Humota Theatre
here by Alva Hopper, manager.
BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950
71

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Yan Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
to receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
n Acoustics
D Air Conditioning
D Architectural Service
n "Black" Lighting
n Building Material
n Carpets
D Coin Machines
Lighting Fixtures
g Plumbing Fixtures
Projectors
n Projection Lamps
n Seating
n Signs and Marquees
n Complete Remodeling Sound Equipment
D Decorating D Television
n Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts
n Drive-In Equipment lH Vending Equipment
n Other Subjects
Theatre,

:
Local 160 Dedicates Bufferfield's Remodeled Liberty
Its New Building
CLEVELAND—lATSE Local 160 held a formal
dedication of its new building at 1866
East 25th St., Tuesday (24i, attended by
Richard Walsh, president, and William Raou),
national secretary. Harland Holmden, business
manager of Local 160: John Fitzgerald,
president, and Victor Wellman. secretary, officiated
at the all-day open house. Chief
event of the banquet held at midnight was
presentation of gold life membership cards
to Walsh, Raoul and William Finnegan, head
of stagehands Local 27.
Qp^n at Benton Harbor, Mich.
Kroger Babb to Leave
On Trip Around World
WILMINGTON, OHIO—Kroger Babb, president
of Hallmark Pi-oductions, distributors
of "Prince of Peace," "Mom and Dad,"
"Devil's Weed," "G. I. Love" and "Delinquent
Angels," accompanied by Hallmark
Secretai-y Charles R. Kirk, will leave about
February 1 for a trip around the world by
way of Australia. They will supervise initial
showings down under of "Prince of Peace"
and then will visit the European countries
playing "Mom and Dad."
Samuel Mintz Stricken;
Detroit Theatre Owner
DETROIT—Samuel Mintz, pioneer exhibitor
and theatre owner here for 37 years, died
recently. He operated the Monroe Theatre,
which his late wife Charlotte purchased in
1912, until his retirement in 1945. Tlie house
which was taken over by his three children,
Mrs. J. Shurley Horwitz, Mrs. Milton H. Sims
and Marvin Mintz, is not operating now.
Mintz is survived by his three children.
Blue Law Death Assures
New Sparta, 111., Theatre
SPARTA, ILL.—Erection of a modern motion
picture theatre here was expected to be
started soon following a recent election in
which residents voted 1,067 to 641 to repeal
Sunday blue laws which have been in effect
more than 100 years. As soon as the old laws
are removed from the statutes, motion picture
shows and other forms of amusement
will be permitted Sunday.?.
Seen above is the front of the newly remodeled Liberty in Benton Harbor, Mich.
Left to right are Mayor Leon Gideon, cutting the ribbon; Manager Jack King and
casliier Harriet Miles.
BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—The newly
remodeled Liberty Theatre was formally reopened
with capacity crowds in attendance.
The complete modernization program was
among the first approved for the Butterfield
circuit under the regime of M. F.
Gowthorpe, who took office as president in
February 1949, and it brings to the Twin
cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph an
ultramodern theatre complete with every
facility for presentation of both screen and
stage shows. Modern settings in the new
mode and every convenience for comfort
of the patrons, make the new Liberty a
peer among new theatres in Michigan.
Manager Jack King realized a ten-year
dream when the Liberty was reopened. It
was scheduled to be remodeled in 1941, but
the war interrupted these plans. Among the
improvements
A 75-ton air conditioning unit from Mechanical
Heat & Cold Co., Detroit.
New Bodiform seats, made by the American
Seating Co. of Grand Rapids.
Slimline fluorescent lighting installed in
the lobby. The ceiling is of white acoustical
tile, and the flooring is of soundproof carpeting
from Acoustics, Inc. The tile came
from Mecotta Co., Detroit. The boiler is a
Weil McLain.
The stage is equipped for all kinds of
stage attractions, with eight dressing rooms
placed below. The ticket window is allglass
and contains facilities for selling tickets
on both sides.
The projection room, too, was done over
and equipped with new Western Electric
projection and sound. The marquee was made
by the Long Sign Co. and was supplied by
the National Theatre Supply. All new stage
drapes in flamingo and chartreuse were installed
by the Mork Green Studios of Detroit.
A confection bar was installed with a
Confection Cabinet Corp. counter and a
Cretors popcorn machine.
The manager's office was moved just off
the fust landing on the way up to the
balcony.
The new auditorium contains murals done
by Hanns Teichert, Chicago. The auditorium
chartreuse, flamingo red and green.
is
Manager King has been with the Butterfield
chain for 20 years. Before that he was
associated with Radio-Keith-Orpehum as a
manager and producer.
Mrs. Nellie Ritter Dies
DETROIT—Mrs, Nellie Ritter, 75, died recently
following a stroke. She was the wife
of James C. Ritter, pioneer Detroit exhibitor
and a national leader of the industry who
at one time was president of Allied States
Ass'n of Motion Picture Exhibitors. Survivors
include her husband, a son Delno A.,
who manages the Rialto and Rivola theatre
properties for the family interests and is
vice-president of Cooperative Theatres of
Michigan, and a daughter Eleanor.
Dezel Makes Unit Deal
NEW YORK—Albert Dezel has closed a
deal with Film Renters, Inc., headed by Nat
Sanders, to distribute the unit bill. "Tunisian
Victory" and "Desert Victory," in the Chicago
and Detroit areas. The combination is now
playing the RKO and Loew's circuits.
Series of Stories on 'Weed'
NEW YORK—The New York Sunday News
is publishing a series of thi-ee articles about
Lila Leeds, star of "Devil's Weed," telling
the story of her career from the time of her
arrival in Hollywood through the period of
the marijuana scandal on which the pictiu-e
is based. The series appears in advance of
the premiere of "Devil's Weed."
Cuyahoga Falls Operator Dies
CUYAHOGA FALLS. OHIO—Raymond H.
Romans, 52, projectionist at the Norka Theatre
for many years, died following a stroke.
He had been a motion picture operator 26
years and was secretary-treasurer of the
union.
March of Dimes Campaign
In Youngstown Theatres
YOUNGSTOWN—Tlieatre week, an annual
feature of the March of Dimes campaign
in Mahoning county, began January 16,
with numerous city and district theatres accepting
March of Dimes tickets, sold at $1,
in lieu of admission. The tickets have perforated
stubs for use at the theatres. The
program was in charge of E. C. Prinsen,
general manager of the State and Palace,
who inaugurated it in this city. The tickets
were on sale through civic, labor and business
organizations, and also were sold in
downtown stores, banks and office buildings.
They could also be used for admission to
various community parties to be held at
Stambaugh auditorium January 28.
BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950 ME 73

. . Welber
. . . Ray
. . . Sam
. . . Sidney
. . . Jack
. . Bud
. . Harold
. . Frank
. . Mr.
DETROIT
prian Davies is covering the Michigan territory
for United Film Service Edward
. . .
Macyshyn has bowed out as a partner in the
B&C Film Service, leaving Charles Steinborn
as the sole owner . . . William "Uncle Billy"
Graham, now relief manager for Midwest
Theatres, will be married June 10 Floyd
. . .
Akins, secretary of the Nightingales, was
scouring the booths to find three more bowlers—says
they must be good . . . Ray Gagnon
was on the missing list at the last session,
readying for the double birthday celebration
with his wife Iris.
.
Donald Lewis has joined the National Theatre
Supply team, replacing Nick Forest, who
has left the Booker T .
Haartge,
theatrical post commander, was sick . . .
Charles MacFarlane was vacationing in the
west . . Mrs. Gladys B. Pike of Film Truck
Service is the victim of a gall bladder ailment,
she advises, but is trying to stick it
out on the job.
George E. Marr, owner of the Marr and
Royal at Saginaw, died last week at the
age of 80 . . . Martin H. Popielarski, a newcomer
in the field, took over the Forest from
Edward Jacobson, and reopened following
renovation January 27. Straight subsequent
run policy will be followed rather than the
exploitation film policy under the Jacobson
regime. The house will be booked by William
Clark of Clark Theatre Service.
Jerry Carroll, Fox auditor, was in town for
a periodic once-over . . . Richard Sklucki of
ihe Madison and August Sermo of the Regent
traded jobs in a new shift of UDT managers.
William Cadmus moved from the Annex to
the Mel in Melvindale, replacing William
Ahrens who went to the Rosedale. Glenn
Ramsey moved from the Rosedale to the
Annex to complete the shift.
Milton Jacobson, owner of the Stone, is
back on the job after' two protracted bouts
with a throat infection . . . Edward Jacobson,
still vacationing, may go into the special
stage show field . . . Don Kennedy, hibernating
from the Town Drive-In, may head south if
he gets his new OldsmobUe in time . . .
Martha Glaser has been doing special publicity
on coming attractions at the Paradise
Schreiber has decided to move his
office across the hall from that of the local
BOXOFFICE.
Helen Madak of the Korman circuit office
kept on the job last week despite a bad cold
Greisman is leaving Korman Theatres,
where he has been supervisor . . . Robert
Vicki-ey of the National, who recently helped
to open the remodeled Columbia, has worked
in both Detroit houses having the arcadestyle
entrance. He used to be at the Grande
BowTnan, UA manager, is back
on the job every day and feeling fine after
his recent illness.
Helen Hinds was hoping they get finished
with the tar up on the Film building roof
soon . . Charles Garner returned to his desk
.
after a two-week bout with a cold . . . Harvey
Appel. who comes from Norwich, Conn., is
the new student salesm.an at Columbia . . .
Carl Shalit was back from a two-week vacation
on the west coast.
Denise Darcel was guest of honor at a
luncheon given Friday by the ladies of Variety
Club in the clubrooms, and made a number
of appearances in connection with the opening
of "Battleground."
Fred Bonnem returned to his job after recovering
from injuries received in an auto
crash. Mrs. Bonnem is improving and has
been able to go home . and Mrs. Ray
Cloud of Columbia were back from a Florida
vacation . Brown, UDT film buyer,
became the father of a baby girl January 15
. . . Nat Levy, Frank Drumm and Morris
Lefko, RKO division and district chiefs, were
in town.
Frank Vincent, formerly with Universal on
the west coast and onetime manager of the
Cameo here, is taking over as western Michigan
salesman for Lippert Pictures. Branch
Manager William Flemion advises Robert
Lippert himself will be in town February 6
for a trade luncheon and screening of "Baron
of Arizona."
. . John Walker,
Theatrical post notes: Comdr. Welber
Haartge had been slated to pay a fine for
nonattendance when vice chief George Fj-ederick
pinch-hit for him .
pianist at the Avenue, and Kenneth Weagle
of WXYZ-TV, have joined the post . . . Mrs.
William Fouchey presented a number of special
gifts to post members now hospitalized
Yellich has moved into his new
home . Cusick is still vacationing in
Florida . . . Cliff Vericker arrived home from
the post meeting in time to meet his son
going to school . "Muscles" Tieman
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Moving to California

. . Han-y
has been assigned to the steam roller . . .
Jack Williams has retiu'ned from a visit to
Pittsbm-gh . Berns is laying off to
turn out for his meetings.
Spud Seall blew taps for Lee Crowell, historian
of the post, with Earl McGlinnen, Ira
Rottell, Prank Kinsora and Pop Stolz as the
color guard. Harry Carson was chaplain,
with Gil Lubin, Max Kolin, George Frederick,
Harry Berns, Owen Blough and Welber
Haartge as pallbearers . . . Hal Marshall and
Dick Condon of Paramount held open house
for press, radio, church, civic and other
figures with the terrific display for "Samson
and Delilah" . . . Patti Ann Dietz, daughter
of Charles Dietz, MGM exploiteer, has announced
her engagement to Spike Bamstead,
former football player.
Mac MacMillen is back in his old post at
the Paradise, but will head south about March
1 . . . Al Kelly Dear is chief electrician on
the big Kaiser-Prazer exhibit at Willow Run,
in addition to his post as chief electrician
at the Broadway-Capitol . . . Joe Lee was
host to the Row with a screening of "When
Willie Comes March Home" at the Fox exchange
. . . Phil Zeller, former Midwest circuit
manager in Bay City and recently manager
of the Senate here, has resigned to become
general manager, after a short vacation,
of the Valos circuit in the Chicago area.
'Human Bridge' Depicts
Story of Ford Autos
DETROIT—The unusual motion picture,
"The Himian Bridge," full-color documentary
film, tells with simple realism how the new
Ford was produced. Original musical score
is played by members of the Los Angeles
Philharmonic orchestra. The 30-minute film
is the result of a nine-month 10,000-mile
filming schedule that ranged from coast to
coast. The film was tailored for showings in
public schools, before civic and service groups
and in churches.
Special showings now are being given
throughout the country for Ford employes
and their families. Luncheon previews also
are being held in 55 cities for newspaper,
radio and television folk, civic leaders and
visual aids specialists. The film will be distributed
ovei'seas by Ford International.
The story progresses through planning, designing
and testing to include a broad sweep
of thousands of manufacturing and assembly
operations.
Raphael G. Wolff studios of Hollywood produced
"The Human Bridge."
TheatreSign and Marquee Maintenance
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2821 Broolclyn
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
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Martin Christiansen
To Muskegon Helm
MUSKEGON, MICH.—Martin R. Chi-istiansen,
who served 36 years with the
Schlossman theatres here, has been appointed
general manager of Muskegon Theatres,
Inc., carrying out the wishes of the
late Paul J. Schlossman, who stated in his
will that he wanted Christiansen continued
in a managerial position.
Christiansen had served as assistant to
Paul Schlossman for 20 years.
The bulk of the Schlossman estate, estimated
at $390,000, was willed to his daughter,
Pauline Knilans of Kohler, Wis., and
his two grandsons, Paul John Brownrigg of
Kohler and Lou:s P. Bayard of Columbus,
Ga.; Mi-s. Norma Schlossman, the wife,
was willed a life income.
Beauregard Lee of Los Angeles, a nephew,
was provided a monthly income of $100 for
life.
Schlossman owned and operated the Michigan,
Regent and State theatres here.
The position of assistant to the general
manager, formerly held by Christiansen, will
be held by George Dellinger, manager of
the Regent, who started as an usher 15 years
ago.
BOWLING
DETROIT—Allied was in first place in the
second half of the Film Bowling league with
S&G and Monogram tied for second place.
Team standings:
Won Lost
Won Lost
AlUed 4 UA 2 2
SdG 3 1 RKO 1 3
Monogram 3 1 Hepublic 1 3
Theatrical 2 2 Co-op 4
High S team: Theatrical 2,738, S&G Premium
2,545 and Co-op 2,521: High 1 team:
Theatrical 927, UA 924 and S&G 886. High
3 individual: L. Metzer 635, J. Pavella 614
and J. Crane 610. High 1 individual: D. Fill
252, D. Kaplan 243 and A. Koskie 241. 200
club: R. Hazard 224, J. Crane 212-201, W.
Goryl 210. J. Susami 209 and R. Haskins 208.
DETROIT—National Carbon Co. retained
the lead in the Nightingale Club league with
Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply in .second place.
Team standings:
Won Lost
Won Lost
Nat'l Caiboo 42 22 Btenkert 30 34
Ernie Forbes 3S 24 Local 199 30 34
Lorenzen's 33 31 Nafl Supply 26 38
Altec 30 30 McArthur 2G 38
Jack Lindenthal 204, Gilbert Light 201,
Percy Huebner 203, Robert Andrews 210 and
Roy Thompson 235. Roy Tliompson had a
good day with his 235 for a 633, while Lindenthai
was knocking the pins down at a 583
clip. Robert Andrews did well with a 556 to
take the high tlu'ee in his division. Carl
Larsen made the 4-7-10 split which is hard
to do.
Theatre Firm Incorporated
PERRYSBURG, OHIO—Young's Theatres,
Inc., has been incorporated to operate the
amusement enterprises of the Rufus Young
family. Young owns the Maumee Theatre
Maumee, Ohio. Officers of the company will
be Young and his son and daughter.
Kinsora-Kennedy Rule
Continued by Local 199
DETROIT—lATSE Local 199 has re-elected
Frank Kinsora of the Palms-State Theatre
as president and Roger M. Kennedy as business
agent for two-year terms. This marks
two decades in office for both. Kennedy also
is vice-president of lATSE.
Other newly elected officers: Gil Light,
Michigan Theatre, vice-president; Roy Ruben,
Fox, financial secretary; Joseph Sullivan,
treasurer; Thomas O'Toole, station WWJ-TV,
recording secretary; Floyd Akins, Circle Theatre
of Dearborn, board member; Percy
Huebner, Rialto, sergeant at arms; Owen
Blough of the Telenews, Walter Craig of
the Center and Edgar Douville of the Linwood-LaSalle,
trustees.
DELUXE
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
* BRENKERT PROJECTORS
* RCA SOUND SYSTEMS
"RCA RECTIFIERS
«RCA SOUND SCREENS
* BRENKERT LAMPS
* INTERNATIONAL CHAIRS
* MOHAWK CARPET
* HORSTMAN MARQUEES
SADLER
LETTERS
* CENTURY GENERATORS
< KOLDRINK BARS
*STAR POPCORN MACHINES
* NEUMADE PRODUCTS
* COINOMETER CHANGERS
STAGE EQUIPMENT
DRIVE-IN THEATRES OUR
SPECIALTY
ERNIE FORBES
THEATRE SUPPLY
Film Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich.
Days
Nights
WO 1-1122 VE 7-1227
WO 1-1123
BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950 75

. . Combining
LOUISVILLE
JJichard Piccola has replaced Richard Mullen
as manager of the subsequent run
Bard Theatre here. The Bard is owned by
Premier Theatres, Evansville . . . The Neon,
Claysburg, Ind., owned and operated by R.
E. Horton, has been closed indefinitely.
. . . Russell
Added to Savoy personnel was Ernest
Lynch. The Savoy, a subsequent run downtoHTi
theatre, is owned by Mrs. Gratia Locke
and Mi-s. William R. Williams
Morga, former projectionist at the Shelby,
underwent an operation at the Kentucky
Bapti.st hospital recently. Russell has returned
home where he is recuperating nicely.
He expects to be back in the booth soon.
The Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre Owners
recently adopted a resolution to issue theatre
passes to all members of the state senate
and house of representatives, good for admission
to practically all theatres controlled
by KATO members. The face contains the
pass information, with an extended strip
listing participating theatres. The passes are
in the print stage and will be presented to
the legislature soon.
The color film of Kentucky, titled "Your
Kentucky." was p:emiered Tuesday (24) at
the Chakeres Capitol in Frankfort, which is
under the direction of Gene Lutes. Following
the premiere, a reception was held at
the Capitol hotel there. The affair and
showing w^as invitational for the governor,
lieutenant governor, state officials, members
of the senate, house of representatives, members
of the Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre Owners,
film notables, members of the press and
others. The film is available throughout the
state and in other sections of the country.
The film is designed primarily to sell Kentucky
to Kentuckians, more than to sell Kentucky
to those outside the state.
Exhibitors seen on the Row included Oscar
Hopper, Arista, Lebanon; Oscar Fine, Premier
Theatres, Evansville, Ind.; Joe Brauer,
Strand, Paoli, Ind.; A. N. Miles, Eminence,
SIGNS
MARQUEES
^ATTRACTION
BOARDS
W/?/T€ Off WIR£
^DV^S£RVIC£
M-fiRior), momn^
"Sign and Lighting Specialists
lor Over a
Quarter Century."
REASONABLE
PRICES
Eminence; Louis Baker, Star, West Point;
Gene Lutes, Capitol, Frankfort; Luther
Knifley, Art, Knifley, and R. L. Gastrost,
Victory, Vine Grove.
.
A. H. Robertson of the Majestic, Springfield,
returned from an extensive vacation
trip to Florida live talent
with films, the Vogue, a subsequent run
neighborhood, featured a Radio Roundup on
stage headed by Randy Atcher . . . The
Dream, Jeffersonville, Ind., owned and operated
by the Switow Amusement Co. here,
featured "The Prince of Peace" with prices
advertised at 50 cents for adults and 25 cents
for children. Taking advantage of the small
traveling time between Louisville and Jeffersonville,
appropriate ad space was taken in
the Courier Journal.
"Quartet" opened a four-night engagement
at the subsequent run Crescent with continuous
performance at 60 cents for adults
and 25 cents for children . . . Application for
permission to construct a twin drive-in on
Crittenden drive at Dakota was made to the
planning and zoning commission by the
American Drive-In Theatre Co., operator of
the Sky-Way Drive-In on Bardstown road
at Buechel. The theatre would park approximately
900 cars in one lot and approximately
700 in the other. The lots are to be
separated by double screens, facing in opposite
directions.
Burglar Robs J. S. Jossey
CLEVELAND—While J. S. Jossey, head of
Modern Enterprises, Hallmark Productions
and other interests, was in Toronto on a
business trip and Mrs. Jossey was dining
with friends, a burglar entered their apartment
at 1327 East Blvd. and stole two wrist
watches and other valuables. Evidently surprised
by the unexpected retm-n of Mrs.
Jossey, the intruder fled through the back
door leaving part of his assembled loot piled
on the floor. Just to make the occasion
more memorable, it happened on the Josseys'
15th wedding anniversary.
Prize Winner Is Robbed
DETROIT—Uneasy lies the head of the
winner in a children's matinee contest, a
9-year-old youngster found out at Milton
Jacobson's Stone. As a promotional event,
Jacobson gave away a wrist stopwatch, which
the proud winner took with a little speech
on stage. Two hours later as he stepped
away from the theatre, three other youngsters
jumped him and made off with the
watch. His stage appearance obviously
served to "finger" him for the youthful
gangsters.
Theatrical Ad Co. Expands
DETROIT — Theatrical Advertising Co,
leading printing fii-m in the field here, has
been named distributor for the Michigan
territory by Theatre Posters, Inc. David Kaplan
is president of Theatrical. Posters are
being produced in a five-color and six-color
process, w-ith a glow-like effect, designed for
lobby and exterior theatre lighting. Special
black-light tubes are used to create the unusual
effects.
—
'Battleground' Still
Sets Cleveland Pace
CLEVELAND—Rain Saturday and Sunday
hurt business generally but the retui'n of
good weather brought grosses up. "Battleground,"
in its fourth round at the Stillman,
continued to set the pace with 125 per cent.
Dr. I. Q. on the stage Wednesday night at
the Palace, bolstered "Bagdad" to a lively
115 per cent. "Dancing in the Dark" came
through with a similar total. "Beyond the
Forest" brought out the Bette Davis fans to
the Hippodrome to lift it above average. "The
Heiress," in a second stanza at the Ohio,
carded 110 per cent. "Jolson Sings Again"
closed a 12-week run at the Esquire with a
final 115 per cent.
(Average is 100)
Allen—Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox) 115
Esquire—Jolson Sings Again (Col), 12th wk 115
Hippodrome—Beyond the Forest (WB) 105
Lower Mall—The Fallen Idol (SRO), 4th wk 110
Ohio—The Heiress (Para), 2nd d. t. wk _....U0
Palace—Bagdad (UI) 115
Stale—East Side. West Side (MGM) 90
SliUman—Battleground (MGM), 4th wk 125
'On Town/ 'Hasty Heart'
Pittsburgh Leaders
PITTSBURGH—For a second week, "On
the Town" was a money leader here, while
"Sands of Iwo Jima" and "Prince of Foxes,"
exhibited in smaller capacity theatres, were
out front in the barometer parade at the
boxoffice. A fourth holdover, but moved into
the Warner, also registered over the top.
"Hasty Heart" gave the Stanley one of its
best weeks in months.
Fulton—Sands oi Iwo Jima (Rep), 2nd wk 125
.Harris—Prince ol Foxes (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 120
Penn—On the Town (MGM), 2nd wk 100
Stanley—The Hasty Heart (WB) _ 115
Warner—The Inspector General (WB), 2nd d. t.
wk 105
Trade Drops at First Run
Theatres in Detroit
DETROIT—Local theatre business appears
to have settled back to the usual January
doldrums, with an exceptional number of
holdovers which have not attracted much
interest fi-om patrons.
Adams—Bagdad (U-I); Tough Assignment (LP),
2nd wk 75
Cinema-The Quiet One (M-B) 90
Downtown—The Story oi Molly X (U-I); Undertow
(U-I) _ 85
Fox—Whirlpool (20th-Fox) 100
Madison Stormy Weather (20th-Fox), reissue;
The Cowboy and the Prizefighter (EL) _... 60
Michigan The Inspector General (WB); Mary
Ryan. Detective (Coll, 2nd wk.- ...115
Palms-State—Sands oi Iwo Jima (Rep), 3rd wk 110
United Artists—All the King's Men (Col); And
Baby Makes Three (Col), 4th wk 115
Drive-In Plea Rejected
LOUISVILLE — The zoning commission
turned down an application for a permit to
erect a drive-in for Negroes on the Newberg
road north of the Southern railroad
crossing. The main objection was that it
would constitute a traffic hazard at the
crossing.
Opera Movie Week Offered
ERIE. PA.—A Grand Opera-Movie week
was staged here at Warners' Columbia. Opening
January 21 and continuing tlirough January
27, an opera a day was exhibited. The
program included Verdi's "La Traviata,"
Donizetti's "L'Elisir D'Amore." Rossini's "Barber
of Seville," Verdi's "Rigoletto," Donizetti's
"Lucia Di Lammermoor," Puccini's
"Tosca" and Bizet's "Carmen."
76 BOXOFHCE :: January 28, 1950

. .
. . Jake
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
UAL ROACH thinks dialog
in his comedies
is dangerous—that there is a temptation
to use talk where action and pantomime are
essential to good comedy. Tlie use of dialog
to explain situations is too easy, he thinks,
and is bound to result in static footage and
ruined tempo . . . Plans have been completed
for the new million-dollar Warner Theatre
to be built at Chestnut and Federal area in
Youngstown, Ohio.
Leo Jones, MGM booker in Cleveland,
skidded in his new Essex and the car was
wrecked but Jones emerged unhurt . . . Sanford
Parkas, manager of Loew's State Theatre,
is doing his bit in maintaining the straight
and narrow path. He has posts, tied together
by velvet ropes to maintain a line of travel
for the public, from the lobby to the auditorium.
LeMotto Smith has sold the Duchess Theatre
in Warren, Ohio, to the Robins Enterprises.
He retains the Hippodrome and Opera
House, as well as other theatres in Alliance
and Hunting, W. Va. . . . The Chicos brothers,
who own the Pastime Theatre In Coshocton,
have taken over the Utanah as well . . .
The Strand Theatre in Bradford, Ohio, has
been purchased by G. A. Freeman of Osborn,
Ohio. It will be managed by Ronald Freeman
who has been with the Vernard in Osborn.
The Royal Theatre, Toledo, Ohio, was partially
destroyed by fire. It is one of the Beidler
& Smith circuit . . . The Gould Theatre,
719-723 East Ohio St., Pittsburgh, was destroyed
by fire, with a loss estimated at $50,-
000. Ten fire companies fought the blaze.
Seventeen reels of film were found in good
condition after the flames were checked .
In a fire in Parkersburg, W. Va., the Camden
Theatre was destroyed, along with ten other
business estabUshments, the damage being
estimated at a million dollars.
Walter Hammer, treasurer at the Pittsburgh
Stanley who worked up from usher,
always wears a white carnation, says Charlie
Danver . . . Twenty-seven merchants are financing
the operation of the LeBeof Theatre
in Waterford. Pa. Tickets are prorated to the
merchants and distributed free. Six hundred
were distributed for the two evenings of the
opening, showing "Abie's Irish Rose."
Popular price picture houses throughout
the world show that business has been standing
up nicely and has not been affected by
the Wall street stock market slump. Reaction,
if any, will probably be felt in luxui-y production
centers . . . Sid Grauman will make a
spectacular return to show business with a
1,800-seat house on Hollywood boulevard, one
block from the Chinese.
While returning from Detroit to Jackson
recently, Steve Springett, who operates the
Family in Jackson, suffered severe cuts about
the head and face when the car he was driving
skidded on the ice and left the road . . .
When Bill Slocum, manager of the Library
Theatre in Detroit, leaves for a visit to Australia,
his native land. Herb Taylor, former
manager of the Lakewood, will take over in
his absence . Schreiber has engaged
Charley Komer as manager of the Pine Arts
Theatre in Detroit, which Schi-eiber recently
acquired from W. C. Guensche.
this recent step.
Moran and Mack, the Two Black Crows, are
about to start their second talking comedy
for Paramount, entitled: "Two Black Crows
in the A. E. P." Direction will be by Richard
Wallace.
'Fighting Back' Helps Man
Win Release From Prison
MILWAUKEE
A man was ^-eleased from
the Wisconsin state prison at Waupun last
week (18) because seeing a motion pictm-e
"about an innocent man who took the rap
for a guilty one" bothered a 13-year-old
girl's conscience so much she couldn't sleep
at night. The man, Leonard C. Jastrow of
this city, recently was sentenced to a one to
two-year term on charges made by the girl.
He had served more than three months of
his term when the girl appeared at the district
attorney's office and confessed that she
had lied about Jastrow because she felt resentful
toward him. She then told how seeing
the picture, "Fighting Back," had filled
her with remorse, which resulted in a decision
to confess that she had lied.
Released from prison, Jastrow said he
"wasn't mad at any one." Municipal Court
Judge Herbert J. Steffes advised him to
apply to the state legislature for compensation
for the time spent in prison.
Detroit Columbia Goes
To Stock Burlesque Soon
DETROIT—The Columbia Theatre will
switch to burlesque as soon as personnel can
be lined up, according to Jim Bennett, circuit
supervisor and oldtime burlesquer who will
be in direct charge of production. Stock
policy will be followed. Plans were made two
months ago, then dropped to reopen the
Columbia with stage shows, giving Detroit
a third burlesque house.
The house, taken over and remodeled by
the Saul Korman circuit, reopened Christmas
week as a straight film house.
Low on Stage Bookings
DETROIT—The Paradise Theatre, currently
the only house offering a steady diet
of live shows in towTi, is set for only two
additional weeks' bookings. Sarah Vaughan
and Errol Gamer will headline the bill for
the week of February 3 and Ella Fitzgerald
and Illinois Jacquet and his band will come
in the following week.
COLUMBUS
n would-be holdup man, whose "gim" turned
out to be a broken pocket knife, was
captured by two fast-acting concessioners at
the Gayety here. The bandit, who had ordered
Mi-s. Sadie McGee, cashier, to give
S. J. Stebbins, who has been manager of the
Fox Detroit Theatre since the house was
opened a little over a year ago, has resigned
and will enter production on the west coast.
As
him the theatre's cash box, fled without the
a producer of stage presentations, Detroit
looi
has never seen his equal. It was he who
when a patron stepped up to the boxoffice.
Carl Schoop and Thomas Pern, the
conceived and produced the mammoth stage
concessioners, pursued the holdup man and
presentations which were a part of the house
captured him after a short chase. The timid
policy when the theatre first was opened. As
bandit gave his name as Floyd Rector.
many as 200 persons were used in some of
the big spectacles. In addition numerous
stage settings, all designed under his supervision,
added greatly to the magnitude of his
productions. It is believed that ill health,
brought on by overwork, forced him to take
l\lrs. Florence Louise Needham, 39, Wife
of Jack Needham, widely known central
Ohio showman and for many years salesman
for 20th-Fox in the Cincinnati area, died
after a five-month illness. In addition to
her husband, she leaves her stepfather and
mother, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Sudbui-y; a son
John David and thi-ee sisters. Mrs. Needham
was former president of the 'Variety Club
women and was active in the Red Cross.
Dm-ing the war she was a nm'se's aide at
Grant hospital and at the local blood bank.
John E. Ogden, 74, insurance man and
former circus manager, died at his home
here. Before going into the insm-ance business
he was associated with circuses and
traveling shows for 40 years and had many
friends along the local rialto . . .
Local
theatres are placing posters protesting the
federal admissions tax in the lobbies, with
the Collier's magazine editorial displayed
on the poster. "Let's Ax that Tax" is the
keynote. Patrons are asked to write their
congressmen and protest the continuance of
the tax.
Edward V. Bronson, who has been program
manager of WBNS-TV since its opening, has
been promoted to station manager . . . Tom
Rogers, who was here as press representative
for Denise Darcel in her local appearances,
had a reunion with Walter Knick,
WBNS-TV pianist, whom he knew when both
were in uniform.
Samuel T. Wilson's theatre desk at the
Columbus Dispatch has been moved to the
new fifth floor editorial rooms of that newspaper.
The new rooms are the last word
in modern newspaper plant arrangement and
Colleen Kocher, who reviews
convenience . . .
films for Sam Wilson's theatre
page
in the Dispatch, was wed Friday (27) to
Robert Dishon of the editorial staff . . .
Ward Farrar, former UA exploiteer in the
Cincinnati area, is now with RKO Theatres
in Trenton, N. J.
CHICAGO
1327 S. Wabash
FILMACK
NEW YORK
619 W. 54fh St.
BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950 77

. . . The
CLEVELAND
l^ilton E. Cohen, Eagle Lion eastern division
sales manager, his assistant Saul
Krugman and three members of the EL publicity
staff met here to discuss plans for
showing "Guilty of Treason" in key cities
February 8. Local engagement is at the
Allen Theatre . . Ai't Leazenby jr., Max
.
Miller and Aaron Krochmel have set up regional
exploitation headquarters in room 264
of the Carter hotel. An extensive local campaign
now in the making will precede the
Allen premiere ... A capacity house turned
out for the sneak preview of "Francis" at
the Palace. Showing a kindred feeling with
"Francis' " opinions of arm.y brass, former
servicemen were kept in gales of laughter.
Oscar Bloom, longtime Columbia salesman
in the Cleveland area who has been in another
business in Florida for the last four
or five years, is back with Columbia in the
Cincinnati area. Jack Share, who was in
business with Bloom, still is in Florida . . .
Sam Galanty, Columbia district manager,
was a visitor as was Ray Moon, 20th-Fox
district manager.
Urban Anderson of the Hallmark sales
organization, closed contracts with SkirbaU
Brothers for indefinite runs on "Pi'ince of
Peace" at the Palace, Toledo, and the
Barry, Pittsburgh. The Toledo engagement
Harry H. Goldstein,
starts February 24 . . .
Paramount division manager, and Lou Averback,
his assistant, were in New York and
Nat Wolf, Warner Ohio
Philadelphia . . .
zone manager, visited the circuit's southern
$8,427 ERECTS THIS
NEW SCREEN TOWER
A FEW OUTSTANDING FEATURES
(Overall size: 50 ft. x 40
ft.
-K Screen size: 44 ft. x 33
ft.
^ All 4 sides covered &
painted
Ohio theatres to see what damage resulted
from high waters in those areas.
Abe Kramer of Associated Theatres is back
from a Florida vacation and Howard Reif
of Modern Theatres flew down to spend a
couple of weeks in his Miami home.
Visitors included Peter Wellman, Guard
and Youngstown circuit owner; Frank Slavik,
Mount Gilead and Wellington; Paul ElUs
and Pete Rufo, Warren; Bert Schoonmaker,
Toledo; D. B. Follett, Gibsonberg; Mrs. Mena
Fliehman, Caldwell; Joe Shagrin, Youngstown,
and Leo Jones, Upper Sandusky . . .
Charles B. Meade, Hallmark Production foreign
representative, left for England to head
the London office from which all European
business will be cleared.
. . . "Sands of Iwo
Wade M. Carr, Manley district manager,
has installed a new stadium model
popcorn machine in the Yorktown Theatre
Abe Kramers of Associated circuit
are back from Florida
at Loew's State . . .
Jima" opens February 4
Jack Ellis of Ellis Films was in from New
York to talk distribution with Bernie Rubin
of Imperial Pictures.
"Battleground," with a sensational boxoffice
record behind it, is being held a fifth
week at the Stillman . . . Oscar Ruby, Columbia
manager, was laid up with a foot
Bob Snyder of Realart is recovering
infection . . .
from the flu . . . J. S. Jossey and
Kroger Babb of Hallmark and Herbert Ochs
were in Toronto to attend a business meeting
affecting their Canadian drive-in circuit.
P. E. Essick of Modern Theatres and Mrs.
Essick were to leave for the Miami Beach
sunshine . . . Owners of the Film building
are equipping an independent Film building
screening room on the fourth floor . . .
That deal of Myer Fine and his associates
in the purchase of the Union Office building
at West 25th and Lorain involved an
estimated $1,000,000. It is the largest commercial
building in the city outside the
downtown district and it contains ten
stories. Central National bank has leased
the ground floor for 30 years for a total
of $1,050,000.
Claire Trevor has a February 1 date with
the Palace for a personal appearance in
connection with the showing of "Borderline."
Milton Bren, producer of the picture and
husband of the star, will be among those
present . . Wesley First, film editor of the
.
Erie Dispatch, and Janet Mahoney of the
Erie Sunday Times, went all out in praise
of the Grand Opera Movie week at the
Columbia. This is something new introduced
by Manny Stutz and Bob Snyder of Realart.
Ohio opening is February 2 at the Guild,
Cincinnati.
Theatre Advertising, Inc.
Formed at Cleveland
CLEVELAND—Stanley Barach and Oliver
Pike have formed Theatre Advertising, Inc.,
to handle theatre promotions in the Cleveland
exchange area. They have opened an
office on the sixth floor of the Film building.
Both Barach and Pike formerly were affiliated
with the J. L. Gertz Enterprises.
Drive-Ins Tax Based
On Car Seats Asked
FRANKFORT. KY.—Two bills affecting
motion picture theatres are slated to come
before the general assembly.
Senator Rodes K. Myers (Dem.) of Bowling
Green was to offer one to require drive-in
theatres to pay the same 20 cents a year
tax on each seat that is paid by operators
of indoor theatres. However, the number of
seats would be those in the motor cars that
drive in. Drive-ins now pay only the 3 per
cent state admission tax.
Senator H. Stanley Blake (Dem.) of Carlisle
planned a bill to establish a state censorship
of motion pictures along the general lines
of this bill that was defeated in 1948.
Bernard Rubin Directs
Imperial Pictures Co.
CLEVELAND—Head of Imperial Pictures,
independent distributor here, is Bernard
Rubin, who has been
in the film business
since he took a job
with Novelty Advertising
Co. after his graduation
from high
school in 1934.
Before the war interrupted
his activities,
Rubin had moved
up to film salesman
for Lee Goldberg's exchange.
He stuck to
his chosen field during
Bernard Rubin
the war, serving in the
air force motion picture unit at Culver City,
Calif., and acquired valuable experience in
the Hal Roach studio.
Rubin organized Imperial Kctures following
his return from the service, and now
distributes not only reissues but also top
foreign pictures, and some first runs.
Butterfield's J. O. Brooks
To Head New Section
DETROIT—M. F. Gowthorpe, president and
general manager of W. S. Butterfield Theatres,
reports J. O. Brooks, chief buyer and
booker, will direct a new department to be
established about February 1 for coordinating
all advertising, publicity, exploitation,
and public relations activities of the company.
Ed Stuckey, manager for Paramount
for the last five years, will join the company,
takmg charge of all film buying and booking.
i
STANDARD and SPECIAL
ACCESSORIES ON ALL BOOKINGS!i
INDEPENDENT POSTER RENTAL CO.
ROOM 430 • 2300 PAYNE AVENUE
CLEVELAND 14, OHIO • SU. 1-0838
t
GLO-ART (Black-Light)
POSTERS - a\ NO EXTRA COST!
I
DRIVE-IN
THEATRE
New 40" Double Face Entrance or Exit Ligtit
Also available in single face
77Q Pnltimnr»
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. KanL City M°.
78 BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950

. . Ellen
. . West
. . American
. . Many
. . The
. . The
Renovated Manos
Open in Tarentum
TARENTUM, PA. — The beautiful Manos
Theatre was opened with appropriate ceremonies
the evening of January 18. Giant
searchlights roamed the skies in a "Lights
Over the Valley" tribute which started at
twilight with a street parade, bands, etc. The
stage ceremony was brief, with T. M. Manos,
vice-president of Manos Entei-prises, Inc.,
serving as official welcomer.
The theatre, owned by the Manos circuit
for more than a decade but operated by the
Warner circuit as the Palace, has been completely
remodeled, enlarged and equipped at
a cost of $200,000. Innovations include exclusive
features for health and comiort, as
plamied by top showman Michael Manos.
VICTOR KIGAUMONT THE ARCHITECT
Victor A. Rigaumont was the architect, Ben
B. Poblocki & Sons installed the stainless
steel marquee, boxoffice and front, Pittsbui-gh
Plate Glass Co. furnished structm-al glass,
the seats are Ideal, Atlas and Alexander supply
houses furnished projection equipments
and sound: Mohawk Carpets and Goodrich
Rubber furnished floor coverings.
Bert Detwiler, formerly at the Manos in
EUwood City, is manager of the renovated
550-seat theatre.
Ted Manos, addressing first-nighters, said:
"From the deep-pile, rubber-lined carpet underfoot,
to the automatically dimmed lights
overhead, we have thought of comfort every
step of the way."
Inaugural souvenir gold program's truck
or middle page reproduced BOXOFFICE's
"I Am a Movie Fan."
Hundreds of guests attended an elaborate
reception in the beautiful auditorium of the
Tarentum Legion post where an orchestra
furnished music for dancing and the Legion
choral group entertained with songs.
MICHAEL MANOS ARE HOSTS
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Manos. as always,
were wonderful hosts. Among Manos circuit
representatives in attendance were Louis and
Harry Manos, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Manos, Mi",
and Mrs. Bernard H. Buchheit, George Purcell,
H. G. Pattison, Joe Bugala, V. L. Wadkins
and Mr. and Mrs. Nick Giovan.
Motion picture industry representatives
present included:
Saal Gottlieb, Wahneta Gardner, MGM:
Ml-, and Mrs. George Tice, Mr. and Mrs. Jack
Judd, Grace Niederberger, Columbia; John
Zomnir, Helen Garlitz, Eagle Lion; Perry
Nathan, National Screen; Mr. and Mrs. Eli
Kaufman, Pittsburgh Poster; Bob Klingensmlth.
BOXOFFICE; Milton Brauman,
Screen Guild; Mr. and Mi-s. Gordon Gibson,
Milton Gibson, CaroljTi Gibson, Mr. and Mrs,
Ben Stahl, Mr. and Mrs. Patsy Martin,
Eugene Naccarato, Mike McGannon, Atlas
Theatre Supply; Bert M. Stearn, Welden
Waters, Cooperative; Max Shulgold, Crown;
Jimmy Coyne, Universal.
Ike Sweeney, Bill Nesbitt, Fred Hart, Republic;
Andrew F. Battiston, National Theatre
Brokers; Sam Fineberg, Alexander Theatre
Supply: Gordon Contee, C. C. Kellenberg,
Mr. and Mrs. Ellwood Ohleger, 20th-Fox: Bob
Caskey. Leo Wayne, Melvin Mann, Buelah
Hart, Paramount: F. D. Moore, Paul Krumenacker.
Jack Kalmenson, Warners; David C.
Silverman, Paul Reith, Doug Beck, Jack
Lange, Claire Niederberger, RKO; Harry
Feinstein, Sam Gould, Warner theatres.
Independent theatre owners present included
Morris and William Finkel, Pi'ed
Elmer Hasley, Mrs. N. A. Malanos, Andred
Malanos and sister, John Lipsie, Mr. and
Mrs. Alvin Seiler, Mr. and Mrs. Max Arnold,
Miv and Mrs. John McCauley, Fleming Carpenter:
out-of-state exhibitors on hand included
Charles and Dale Warner, Clarksburg,
W. Va.; Nick and Bessie Giovan, Elkins,
W. Va., and Dr. Chris Antonoplos, Chicago,
111,
WEST VIRGINIA
/Charleston will have two and possibly three
television stations by spring of 1951, radio
station manager J. T. Quirk predicts. Television
outlets have been filed by firms in
Beckley. Charleston and Wheeling and are
awaiting FCC go-ahead . Legion
and other groups at Elkins are planning
a war memorial auditorium which will serve
for athletic contests, dances, conventions and
as an aiinory . Virginia attorney
general has ruled that a radio game similar
to bingo in which participants receive their
cards through the advertising outlet is illegal.
The game in question is called "Tuneo" and
requires consideration through purchases at
the retail outlet and therefore is a lottery,
according to the ruling.
Joe Feeney, manager of the Pierce at
Bridgeport, arranged for distribution of free
comic books through the courtesy of Rex
Heck News . Faull, soprano, was the
featured soloist with the Wheeling Symphony
orchestra at the January 19 concert in the
Capitol at Wheeling . . . West Virginia racing
commission announces that the track at
Wheeling Downs will be open from July 22
to September 30. This will be a 61-day season
as compared to 55 in 1949.
Gov. Okey L. Patteson has proclaimed
February 7 as West Virginia University day
and Harold E. Stassen will be in Morgantown
for the occasion . gifts were
distributed at the Strand in Parkersburg last
under the direction of theatre personnel.
Saturday afternoon by Eastern Auto Store
in a cowboy and Indian contest. The kiddies
dressed up in their western best to compete
Bids will be received in
for the prizes . . .
MANAGER
February on Weirton's new million dollar
community center. Plans call for a large
stage with auditorium seating capacity of
1,600: large lounge, gymnasium, swimming
Write Box 3747, BOXOFFICE,
pool, offices, meeting rooms, dining room,
kitchen, library, projection booth, service
rooms, heating section, engineer's quarters,
locker rooms, youth gymnasium, showers,
youth center, handball courts, etc., with a
large outdoor playground and parking lot.
Jack Marks, who has been confined to St
Mary's hospital at Clark.sburg, suffering a
heart condition and kidney complications,
was reported as better following a relapse.
His son Richard is looking after Marks' Orpheum
at Clarksburg . mother-in-law
of Gene DeFallo, Lumberport exhibitor, died.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE DIT-MCO DRAG BROOM
Used for leveling and filling holes in gravel covered
Drive-Ins
TOLEDO
T^enise Darcel giade a hit here last Thursday
(19). She not only publicized the
"Battleground" opening at the Valentine, but
aided in selling tickets to the PALS boxing
show, a project of special interest to Abe
Ludacer, manager of the Valentine, and Jack
O'Connell, operator of the Loop, who are
leaders in staging the charity event.
Tallulah Bankhead has been scheduled to
appear in "Private Lives" in Town Hall for
four performances, instead of six previously
announced, because she refused to play two
shows scheduled for Sunday .
University
of Michigan Mimes will take to the
road from Ann Arbor during the Easter vacation,
and will play the Rivoli Theatre
here April 13.
Jack Armstrong, general manager of Carl
Schwyn's Theatres, returned from New York
where he tried to get a booking of "South
Pacific" for a week at the Paramount here.
He has obtained a promise of a date early
next season, and also reported there was a
chance of Toledo seeing "Kiss Me Kate" in
the spring.
Anna Kline (Mis. Fred Stauber), Toledo
reporter for BOXOFFICE, left January 21 for
a month's vacation in Florida with her husband
and two children.
The annual Variety Club movie ball and
Oldsmobile car tieup has been scheduled for
April 13 at the Trianon ballroom. Ed Bush,
Gordon Taylor and Jack Lykes are in charge
of ticket sales. Harold Hertzfeld is chairman
for the event. The club will hold a
Jack Lykes appreciation night in honor of
its
founder February 14 in the Willard hotel.
Theatre Booth Gutted by Fire
SMETHPORT, PA. — The Star Theatre's
projection booth was fire-gutted one night
recently when a reel of film ignited. The
projectionist and manager, Wilbur P. Best,
said no one was injui'ed. Some 50 patrons
left the auditorium in an orderly manner
10 Years Experience. Desires change.
Michigan preferred. Best of references.
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
SAM FINEBERG
TOM McCLEARY
1705 Blvd. of the Allies^
PITTSBURGH 19. PA. i
Phone EXpress 0777
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. K^nL^citr"""
0UT5TAN01N0 CRAFTSMANSHIP CUIO ANO Alan FNC ENCINEeRINC
INEEftINC
BOXOFnCE January 28, 1950 79

1 231
. . . Saul
. . Dapper
. . . Lou
. . The
PITTSBURGH
p
H. Gentzel, who closed his bowling alleys
at State College in protest of additional
taxes, points out that the taxation on his
alleys has increased by more than 3,414 per
cent in the last five years. Meanwhile, State
College bowlers are going out of town to
bowl and shop or have given up such recreation
Frederic C. Shadley underwent an
. . . emergency appendectomy in a St. Louis hospital.
Son of Ralph H. Shadley of the Academy
at Meadville, he recently became engaged
to Betty Marie Schweitzer of Webster
Grove, Mo.
Michael Manos, suffering with a sinus condition,
departed for Florida with his wife . . .
Bellefonte and Centre county will observe a
sesquicentennial August 21-27 . . . Marty
Rothenstein arranged for students of the
Conway school to be dismissed at 2 o'clock
the other afternoon to attend a special entertainment
at the Baden in Baden for the
polio fund drive . . . Shirley Brown (Mrs.
Alex Levin) withdrew from a leading part in
"Lend an Ear" when the Pittsburgh-born
musical review closed on Broadway to tour,
and returned to her home and theatre duties
at Comiellsville.
Lewis Hepinger, exhibitor, left Monday
for a vacation in Florida. After three
weeks in St. Petersburg he will go to New
Orleans in time for Mardi Gras ... Ed Kelley,
oldtime film man, is at home confined to
bed after being hospitalized for a number
of weeks . . . Flosso, magician, appeared at
a Saturday kiddy matinee in Shea's at Bradford.
Exhibitors are protesting sneak previews
as unfair. Newspapers last week announced
that Bing Crosby's "Riding High" would be
exhibited at 8:30 p. m. at the Stanley in
addition to the regular complete program
and that "When Willie Comes Marching
Home" could be seen for no extra admission
at the Fulton for one performance in addition
to "Sands of Iwo Jima." Announcement of
titles of so-called sneak previews have been
made before and various exhibitors state
that the publication of the titles constitutes
a first run. Independent neighborhood exhibitors
say they are never privileged to present
an on-the-square sneak.
Loew's Penn is presenting its first stage
show in more than 15 years. This called for
George Carey and Thomas Smith, veteran
employes, to put up a stage entrance sign
I. Perilman, Warners' main line
salesman, became ill at the exchange office
and two hours later underwent an appendectomy
in Montefiore hospital . . . Gene Autry
and his western variety show will be featured
at the Gannon auditorium in Erie February
4 . . . Warner Theatres have a 50-ticket
giveaway cooperation with the weekly East
Liberty Shopping News.
Newt Williams, National Theatre Supply
manager, and his wife are vacationing in
California . . . The Rev. E. Harvey Rice, recently
ordained and affiliated with the Memorial
Spiritualist church, formerly was employed
at the Hanna Theatre Service . . . The
Senator sneak-previewed "Mother Didn't Tell
Me" . Dan club's annual banquet
will be held February 12. This is also the
date of the Colosseum dinner dance at the
William Penn hotel. Reservations are being
taken by film sales members at $12.50 per
couple. Exhibitors from all points in the
area and their wives will join with the Filmrow
gang for the dinner dance, starting at
7 p. m.
Upwards of 30 dates have been set here for
an area premiere around March 1 on "Guilty
of Ti-eason." Seven exploitation representatives
will be at work in this territory. Jimmy
Hendel expects the list to grow to around 50
or more on the Cardinal Mindszenty film
drama . Cathedral at New Castle will
present the New Castle Symphony orchestra
Both the Nulima and the
February 1 . . .
Gable at Sharon offered "Sands of Iwo Jima"
day and date.
Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Navari of the de
luxe Eastwood in Penn township became
parents of a baby daughter, their third child
Hanna, vacationing in Florida with
his wife and two sons, has been keeping in
touch with his Filmrow offices by mail and
telephone ... A lone gunman held up Sylvia
Trueman, Senator cashier, one evening last
week and beat it up an alley with $38. Several
theatre employes and a patron, alerted
by a buzzer, ran to the cashier's cage but
were too late to locate the gunman.
The Pennsylvania superior court has ruled
that Negroes cannot be denied entrance to
public swimming pools and the decision will
be appealed to the state supreme court. The
law provides that a person who denies use
of public accommodations, either resort or
amusement, on account of race, creed or color,
is guilty of a misdemeanor . . . Pete Profili,
retired Vestaburg exhibitor, returned home
from California the other day after visiting
his daughter, and discovered that his house
had been ransacked and that his 500-poimd
safe had been carried out . . . Robert O'Hare,
manager of Warners' Orpheum at Titusville
since 1939, has been promoted to manager
of the circuit's Strand at Ridgway.
The State at Uniontown participated in the
Kaiser Traveler review contest with exhibition
of "The Heiress" . . . Nittany at State
College featured for two days the foreign
success, "Monte Cassino" . . . Chief Cherokee
Bill made a two-day personal appearance at
the Park in Johnstown . . . McKeesport's 10
per cent amusement tax continues in effect
during 1950 . . . Prince at Ambridge played
a spooky "missing link" picture as a FMday
the 13th midnight attraction and the Daily
Citizen photographed the special ballyhoo
and theatre front, using a three-column cut.
Arcadia at Youngrwood was another theatre
which featured a horror program at a
midnight show Friday, January 13 . . . John
Walsh, Perry Nathan, Jimmy Murray, Jack
Mervis and Carl Dozer, membership committee
of Tent No. 1, were hosts at the January
20 family night party in the Variety Club.
A. W. McCormick Is Killed
In Florida Auto Crash
BEAVER, PA.—A. W. McCormick, local
theatre owner and operator and weU known
in the Pittsburgh exchange
area, was killed
instantly in an automobile
accident Tuesday
(24) near Melbourne,
Fla., according
to information re-
^ ^ *a^» ceived by relatives
. '^'""IBb.. jJ^M^ here. On the way home
from a vacation in
Florida, the car in
which McCormick, his
wife and two others
riding collided head on
A. W. McCormicli
^jj^ another automobile.
Mrs. McCormick and the others in the
car were seriously injured. McCormick for
a number of years was office manager at the
20th-Fox exchange in Pittsburgh. Later he
entered the exhibition field, buying the 399-
seat Beaver Theatre here.
Movie Quiz Franchise
Sold to Realart Owners
CLEVELAND—E. J. Stutz and Robert Snyder,
Realart franchise owners, have acquired
Movie Quiz for the Cleveland area. Movie
Quiz, an audience participation game in
which wimiers stand to win as much as
$160,000 in prizes, has passed through the
government wringer and is acclaimed legal.
Postal authorities have cleared it from any
lottery charge, so that the game can be
advertised by the theatres and material
relevant to its playing rules can go through
the mails.
Movie Quiz, Stutz reports, is a 13-week
game in which patrons answer questions projected
on the screen by punching out numbers
on a card presented upon entering the
theatre. Local winners compete with regional
winners for a $10,000 cash prize and
regional winners compete nationally for
prizes valued at $160,000.
'Iwo Jima' Grosses 180
At Cincinnati Palace
CINCINNATI—"S a n d s of Iwo Jima"
topped local first nins with a 180 per cent
score at the Palace. "The Great Lover" took
second place honors at the Albee with 140
per cent.
(Average Is 100)
Albee—The Great Lover (Para) 140
Capitol—On the Town (MGM), 3rd wk 100
Grand—The Great Dan Patch (UA) 60
Keiths—The Heiress (Para), 4th wk 85
Lyric—The Red Shoes (EL), 4th d. t. wk 80
Palace—Sands ol Iwo Jima (Rep) 180
Shubert—Prince of Foxes (20th-Fox), 2nd
d. t. wk - 110
'^"'i?yA^5°!°!,^^°"^^ . Town to Tax Tickets
DANVILLE, KY.—An all-day turkey shoot
was held on the grounds of the Starlite Drivein
on Shakertown road north of Danville
recently under the sponsorship of the local
Sportsmen's club.
C. D. Hager Sells Theatre
CHAPMANVILLE, W. VA. — Harold Mc-
Cloud, who operates a theatre in Verdunville,
W. Va., is taking over the theatre here
from C. D. Hager.
IRWIN, PA.—The Irwin borough school
board this week amiounced plans to levy a
series of special taxes to finance mandatory
salaiT increases for school employes. New
taxes to be approved at the board's February
7 meeting include a 10 per cent tax on amusements,
$5 a month on pinball machines and
other game devices, $3 a month on jukeboxes
and $1 a month on each pool table, billiard
table and bowling alley. The taxes are expected
to yield an estimated $6,500.
80.
BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

. . . Theatre
N. Hampshire Award
Given DeRochemont
PORTSMOUTH. N. H. — Louis DeRochemont
of nearby Newington. producer of "Lost
Boundaries" and now under contract to produce
eight films in the next three years for
release by Columbia Pictures, was honored
for his outstanding contribution to racial and
religious understanding through his motion
pictures at a testimonial dinner at the Rockingham
hotel here on the evening of January
15.
The dinner was sponsored by the southern
New Hampshire lodge of B'nai B'rith and was
attended by approximately 250 persons, including
state and civic leaders. Invocation
at the event was given by Robert H. Dunn,
rector of St. John's church in Portsmouth
who played the clergyman's role in "Lost
Boundaries." Samuel J. Levy of this city,
president of the local B'nai B'rith group, extended
the welcome and Albert H. Woolfson.
also of Portsmouth, acted as master of ceremonies.
Leonard Finder, former Manchester newspaper
publisher and vice-president of the
first district lodge of B'nai B'rith, presented a
distinguished service award to Pi-oducer De-
Rochemont, which said in part;
"Piesented to Louis DeRochemont for his
outstanding contribution in fostering racial
and religious understanding among all peoples
by means of the art of the motion pictures,
wherein with technical competence and
rare skill he has depicted the significance of
real life and the doctrine of the dignity of
man as masterfully portrayed in his production
of 'Lost Boundaries.' "
Other dignitaries who Joined in the impressive
tribute to the producer included
Gov. Sherman Adams, who praised the guest
for doing much for the state of New Hampshire
"by his attainment, thoughts and philosophy,"
and mayors Richman S. Margeson
of Portsmouth. Fred C. Smalley of Dover and
C. Westley Lyons of Rochester.
Following the dinner, there was a program
entitled "Folk Songs From Many Lands," featuring
Bill Johnson. Negro baritone from
New York, and Sonya Austin, accompanist
and accordion player.
Carmine Riccioli Named
Fitchburg Strand Head
FITCHBURG, MASS. — Carmine Riccioli
has been named manager of the Strand here
for the Saxon cii'cuit. Riccioli formerly was
assistant to Frank Boyle at the Saxon. The
circuit also operates the Gem here. He was
replaced at the Saxon by John Sullivan, who
transferred from the Metropolitan at Leominster.
Boyle has been named general manager of
the three Fitchburg houses. The Saxon circuit
also operates the Beacon Hill at Boston,
where George Kraska is managing director.
Post to George Daab
PALL RIVER, MASS.—George Daab, formerly
of Cambridge, has been appointed
manager of the Capitol Theatre here, according
to James MacNamara. general manager
of Yamins Theatres. Louis Morrissette.
who has been assistant at the Capitol, has
been transferred to the Durfee Theatre to
assist Paul Slayer. He replaces James 'Walker,
who resigned.
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
UA-NE Theatres 30 14 Allilialed 20 24
RKO Pictures 25 19 National Screen 13 31
UA-NE Theatres at Top
In Boston Pin League
BOSTON—standings of teams in the Theatrical
Bowling league here, following completion
of the first half of the current season,
were as follows:
Members of the teams are as follows: UA-
NE Theatres—Max Burlone, Bill Romanoff,
Fred Palbusch, Joe Plimkett and Joe Arsenault:
RKO—Dick Dobbyn, HariT Smith,
John Downing, Jim O'Hara, Harold Levin
and Stan Davis; Affiliated Theatres—Seth
Field, Stanley Farrington. Joe Hockberg. Carl
Goldman, Ernest ColaruUo and Bon Rand,
and National Screen—Jack Hill, Bill Jennings,
Joe Rathgeb, Irving Saver, Arthur
Fraser and George Kaplan.
Sam Pinanski to Add Five
To American Circuit
S'WAMPSCOTT, MASS.—Samuel Pinanski
of the American Theatres Corp., will add the
proposed new theatre at the beach here and
four open air theatres, two of them in Saugus,
to his chain next year. He will lease the
Swampscott house from a local company of
which William O'Brien, Revere Beach amusement
promoter, is financial backer. Construction
work has not started as yet on the house.
Showmanship of
Edward Fay Is Feted
On His Anniversary
PROVIDENCE—Edward M. Pay. dean of
Rhode Island theatre owners, was guest of
honor at a party in the Commodore hotel in
New York on his 75th birthday and the silver
anniversary of his association with the
M. E. Comerford organization of Pennsylvania
and New York.
Honoring the owner of Fay's, Majestic and
Carlton theatres of Providence, were Frank
G. Walker, J. J. O'Leary. Thomas P. Friday
and 'William P. Cronin of the Comerford
Theatres of Scranton, Pa., and New York
City. Also Herman Robbins of National
Screen Service. New York; Eddie Dowling,
actor, author and producer; Al Lichtman and
Andrew W. Smith jr., vice-presidents of 20th
Century-Fox; Edward X. Callahan of Boston,
sales manager of the New England division
of 20th Century-Fox.
Also Robert H. O'Brien, secretary-treasurer.
United Paramoimt Theatres; Austin C.
Keough, vice-president of Paramount; Edward
C. Raftery of the law firm of O'Brien. Driscoll,
Raftery & Lawlor; Geoi-ge J. Schaefer,
former president of RKO; Martin Sweeney,
general manager of the Commodore hotel;
Colvin Brown, a director of General Analine
& Film Co.. and attorney Arthur P. DriscoU.
Fay was given a silver tray worth over
$1,000 at the celebration.
Michael Piccirillo
Pulls Hartford Center to Success
HARTFORD—"When Michael E. Piccirillo
took over management of the Center Theatre
here some 18 months ago, he undertook a job
of promotion at which several predecessors
publications and the hke and impressed upon
them that the theatre is in business to entertain
all elements of the family circle, thereby
erasing a general public belief that the theatre
would follow its old policies of burlesque
and sex films.
For family appeal, Piccirillo went to school
officials repeatedly and stressed that the Center
provides supervised protection of youngster
patrons. Prior to the Continental-Picci-
had failed. Before Piccirillo's advent to the
manager's job, the Center had gone through
many phases of exhibition with exploitation
and sex films, wholesome family productions
—practically the gamut of various types of
motion pictures.
Piccirillo, taking over as manager upon the rillo regime, the belief that burlesque and sex
resignation of Jack A. Simons, decided he films brought juvenile delinquency, etc., to a
must institute a definite policy at the Center theatre's patrons was widespread in the city,
and follow it through. He first proclaimed and it was through Piccirillo's con.stant reminders
from the theatre marquee. "Center Theatre
to schools and churches that ade-
of Thrill Hits," and in other promotion
quate house police protection was available
he sought to impress upon the public that the feeling on the part of the public
that the theatre now offered entertainment changed. As proof: The other day, a group
designed for a family audience.
of Hartford priests attended a kiddy film
"You can't call this an exploitation house," show. "That's the first time I've seen a priest
Piccirillo explains, "because we're catering to in here since I came." said Piccidllo.
a family element. When Continental circuit Advertising. With emphasis on family appeal,
took over this house, the circuit had to get
advertising is handled by both Zipper-
into the patrons' minds the fact that the theatre
man and Piccirillo.
no longer was showing sex or presenting Today, business is good, according to Picciman
burlesque (the house underwent a stage policy riUo. And showmanship continues, as evidenced
for a short time under other exhibition interests'),
by signs prominently displayed in the
but wholesome entertainment, designed
lobby: "Where Hits Are a Habit" and "Always
for a family audience."
a Good Show at the Center!"
How has the circuit—and Piccirillo—sold Continental circuit of New York took over
the city on a wholesome policy?
the Center about three years and installed
Piccirillo, who has been on the job since Arnold Leapard, formerly with southern exhibition
June 1948, and his assistant James Doran
interests, as manager. After Leapard
contacted practically every religious social resigned. Continental partners Martin Lewis
organization in the city, schools, members of and Max Zipperman appointed Simons as
the board of education, religious leaders, manager. He resigned 18 months ago to join
newspapers, regional weekly and monthly the Warner circuit in Pittsburgh.
BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950 NE 81

. . Another
. . Frank
The
2nd
BOSTON
Dob McNulty, Warwick, Marblehead, Is looking
fit after his recuperation in Florida. the first anniversary of the imprisonment of
space was taken. The opening date marks
He is back on the job reporting that negotiations
are under way for complete air condi-
the plot of the film.
Cardinal Mindszenty, whose story makes up
tioning of the Marblehead Theatre. Phil
University Sign Co. has designed a huge
Bloomberg, operator of the Orpheum, Danvers,
for the McNulty estate was in the dis-
new marquee for the new Huntington avenue
entrance of the Copley Theatre. By the means
trict with Bob, both booking at 20th-Fox.
of breaking thi-ough a wall at the rear of the
theatre, a new lobby and new entrance was
gained, thus giving the theatre two boxoffices
and entrances. David Sawyer of University
George and Alex Tradd, brothers, who
opened a projector repair shop at 11 Winchester
St. are celebrating their first year in
business. Not an equipment shop, but strictly
one for repairing and rebuilding projection
equipment, the Tradds have the latest line of
machine repairing equipment.
The campaign on the world premiere of
Eagle Lion's "Guilty of Treason," which opens
February 8 in 150 theatres in the New England
area, is well under way with several field
men and representatives coming over from
New York to work on it. Bill Tourney has
spent some time here with Joe Mansfield,
local publicist, and brought with him Edward
Dowden, Vera Budnik. Jimmie Boyle, Sid
Newman and Joe Balabar. The headquarters
are at the Hotel Statler, where extra
Sign reports that the marquee will be ready
for installation by the first of February.
Head booker Ted Fleisher of Interstate and
his wife were present at the opening of the
new musical. "Arms and the Girl," at the
Ralph Banghart, RKO publicist, has been
in Canada for the last two weeks working on Shubert Theatre, while at the Boston Opera
the Montreal premiere of "Man on the Eiffel House. Harry Germaine was with a group of
Tower," starring Franchot Tone, who is making
a personal appearance in that city and de Paris."
friends at the opening night of the Ballets
in Quebec .
Soule, EL branch operations
manager, and Frank Heffernan. head of
the print department, visited the Boston exchange
.
visitor was Bob Zerinsky,
reporting on his two new drive-ins, which
are well under way for an early spring opening.
One is in Claremont, N. H., and the
other in Westminster, Mass. . . . Also in town
were Fred Fideli and his son, who stopped in
at the offices of Independent Exhibitors io
confer with Manager Ray Feeley on trade
problems. They operate the Rialto, Worcester
and the Southern, Norwood.
Expert Projector Repairing
Prompf Service — Reasonable Prices
PROJECTION EQUIPMENT SERVICE CO.
11 Winchester St. Boston
DRIVE-INS AND THEATRES
FOR SALE OR RENT!
If Yoj Want to Buy or Sell See Me First!
LEW BREYER
246 Stuart St.. Boston HANcock 6-S4Z4
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PIEOMOHTST' BOSTOft IE MRSS.
Mercy Death Headlines
Used to Promote 'Act'
BOSTON—"An Act of Murder," which has
a mercy killing background similar to the
front page story of Dr. Sander of Manchester,
N. H., is playing the Center Theatre here,
and Nick Lavidor. manager, is taking advantage
of the similarity between the film
and the Sander case to exploit the showing.
He has a huge display board in the lobby
showing news clippings from headlines on
the Sander case, svurounded by stills from the
film.
The current Fox Movietone news features
scenes from the New Hampshire area, and
Lavidor flashed the trailer from "Act of
Murder" on the screen immediately after the
newsreel showing the similarity in plots.
Lavidor also took additional newspaper space
to plug the film.
Crippled Kids to Benefit
From Premiere of 'Heart'
BOSTON—The Bay State Society for Crippled
and Handicapped Children will receive
the entire proceeds of the New England premiere
of "My Foolish Heart" at the Astor
Monday i30i by the Women's City club. The
regular showing of the film starts the following
day.
Samuel Goldwyn has signified his intention
of arriving for the premiere. Officers and
members of the committee of the Women's
City club are working with publicist Al Margolian
and Manager Louis Krasnow of the
Astor. Tickets for the premiere are being
sold in advance of the opening with Mrs.
Gladys Beckett Jones, president of the club,
in charge.
Meriden Plays First Runs
MERIDEN. CONN.—Tlie
Meriden Theatre
now is playing first run in that city, according
to Paul S. Purdy. general manager of the
Kounaris-Tolis-Ulyssis theatres.
Estelle O'Toole to Go to Florida
HARTFORD—Mrs. Estelle O'Toole. executive
secretary to Henry L. Needles, Hartford
district manager for Warner Theatres, will
leave February 15 for a three-week Florida
vacation.
—
—
Five Holdovers Cut
Boston Grosses
BOSTON — Holdovers brought business
down to average or below after a threeweek
upswing. Of the new product "The Inspector
General" at the Met and "Malaya"
at the State and Orpheum were the leaders.
The Exeter Street was holding "Tight Little
Island" for five weeks in its second longest
run this year. "Paisan" played the house
eight weeks a year ago.
(Average is 100)
Astor—Prince of Foxes (20th-Fox). 4th wk -...100
Peacon Hill—Devil in the Flesh (AFE), Sth wk 100
Boston—The Outlaw (RKO), plus Jane Russell
in person, 3rd wk 100
Exeter Street—Tight Little Island (U-I); Golden
Madonna (Mono), 4th wk 130
Memorioi—The Red Shoes (EL) _ 95
Metropoh'an-The Inspector General (WB), 2nd
wk Blonde Bandit (Reo) 115
;
Porconount and Fenway—The Lady Takes a
Sailor (WB), Panther Island (Mono) 110
Stale and Orpheum—Malaya (MGM); Prison
Warden (Col) - 120
'Hasty Heart' Takes Lead
In Hartford With 140
HARTFORD—Business at local first runs
was only fair, bad weather crimping boxoffice
takes. "The Hasty Heart," paired with
"Bomba on Panther Island" at the Strand,
set the pace with 140 per cent. "The Great
Lover," in a second week with "Call of the
Forest" at the AUyn, was the only holdover.
Allyn-The Great Lover (Para).- Call of the Forest
(LP) , wk _ - 125
E, M, Loev.''s The Traveling Saleswoman (Col);
Chinatown at Midnight (Col) - 75
Palace—Intruder in the Dust (MGM); Tension
(MGM) -
80
Poli—Ambush (MGM); Challenge to Lassie
(MGM) - 100
Regal-Port of New York (EL); The Cowboy and
the Prizefighter (EL) - 100
Strand—The Hasty Heart (WB); Bomba on
Panther Island (Mono). - - 140
'Battleground' Registers 125
As Leader in New Haven
NEW HAVEN — Continued mild weather
helped trade generally. "Battleground" topped
newcomers at downtown houses and was
moved to the College for another stanza.
Buou A Dangerous Profession (RKO); Savage
Splendor (RKO) -.- 100
College—East Side. West Side (MGM); The Wolf
Hunters (Mono), 2nd wk „_ 100
Loew PoU—Battleground (MGM) 125
Paramount—The Great Lover (Para); Tough Assignment
(LP) 90
Roaer Sherman—Holiday AJfoir (RKO); Spring in
Park Lane (EL)
- .-- - - 75
Ross Cropper Stricken
BOSTON — Manager Ross C. Cropper of
RKO died of a heart attack while sitting at
his desk Thursday morning (19 1. Cropper
had been in the industry for many years,
starting in the old days of the Pathe Co. He
had been branch manager since 1931. He is
survived by his wife and two daughters.
'Hasty Heart' Screened
HARTFORD—Jim McCarthy, manager of
the Strand, screened "The Hasty Heart" for
some 260 persons, representing local service
organizations, men's and women's clubs of
Hartford commercial and insurance companies,
press, radio, and other groups. The
showing was held at Avery Memorial.
Launch Dinnerware Deals
HARTFORD—Dinnerware giveaway deals
were launched at the Wirt and Lido theatres.
Waterbury.
82 BOXOFHCE January 28. 1950

. . Ben
. . The
. . Herman
. . The
. . Cornish
. . . Carol
. . . The
. . . The
. . Jack
. . Mary
. . Guy
. . Tony
. . Bobby
. . Gene
. . Frank
NEW HAVEN
Oympathy to Michael Tomasino on the untimely
death of his daughter Mrs, Concetta
P. Corcoran, 24, of Hartford, a recent
bride. Angelo Tomasino, formerly in exhibition
with his father here and now of Rome,
Italy, and Gloria Tomasino, teaching and
studying in Paris, flew in from the continent
for the funeral January 19 . . . On
the same day Ross Cropper, RKO manager,
Boston, died.
IVIarkoff Bros.' hearing in arbitration was
finished and the decision should be issued
in mid-February . Crown, Hartford,
arbitration complaint, continued to January
30, has not been set for hearing because
the local arbitration office may not be fimctioning
by that time . Levy and
Al Pickus were in Washington for the TOA
executive meeting on excise taxes on theatre
Managers and salesmen
ticliets . . . met recently under chairmanship of Ben
Simon of 20th-Fox to plan for Connecticut
participation in Brotherhood week
February 19-26 and solicitation of members.
Report is that the new 800-seat Niantic
Theatre to be operated by Sam Cornish will
have March 1 opening date . once
was a film salesman in the middle west for
First National and more recently operated
two theatres in Harrison, N. Y. . . . Following
the recent death of Steve Panora, the
718-seat Twentieth Century, New Milford, is
on the market and attracting many prospective
buyers. Operation of the theatre
has been uninterrupted . new 550-
car Pine Drive-In on Route 69, Bristol,
two miles from Waterbm-y, is due to open
about April 1 under direction of Joe Dolgin
of the Pike Drive-In, Newington.
.
. . . Uni-
Arthur Greenfield and Alec Schimel, manager
and salesman for Universal here, attended
an eastern division sales meeting at
the Hotel Warwick, New York, while the
western and southern divisions met in St.
Louis Simon, Sam Germain and
David Squire of 20th-Fox were in Boston
for a district meeting January 17
versal's Joe Home, traveling auditor, was in
town ... At RKO Jack de Waal, home
office representative, was here for a few days.
The Avon New England premiere of "Under
the Sun of Rome" turned them away.
Ralph Civitello, formerly operating the Devon,
CHICAGO
1327 S. Wabash
FILMACK
NEW YORK
619 W. 54th St.
ORIVE-IN THEATRE IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS
and Junction Boxes. For new jobs or replacements
caused from theft or vandalism
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ^^Jcny^Zl
is assisting at the Avon . Terrezano
and Fred Dandio are considering remodeling
the 628-seat White Way Theatre, New
Haven . . . N. C. Wrisley will attend the
New England Houseware show at Boston's
Mechanics hall February 15 . . . Nick Cohen
of Monogram was in New York for a Bar
Mitvah at the Belmont Plaza January 28.
Visitors along Filmrow included Phil Eerier,
Boston; Fi-ank Farrel, who recently took
over the Devon; Jack Schwartz of West End,
Bridgeport; Han-y Rogovin, Columbia district
manager, Boston . . . Mi-s. Jack Byrne,
wife of Metro's division manager, was a
visitor . . A. M. Schuman and Mrs. Schuman
.
are sending enthusiastic cards from
their Caribbean cruise Abbot of
20th-Fox and her
.
husband Herman leave
for two weeks in Florida January 28.
Fay Spadoni of 20th-Fox went to New
York recently to see Ed Sullivan's program
Salzberg. daughter of Max, Eagle
L on manager here, appeared in a three-day
University Players performance of "Ai-senic
and Old Lace" at the University of Connecticut
. Fishman, head of the
Fishman circuit, is in New Haven hospital
for surgery . O'Brien, office manager
for UA, now is with RKO as cashier.
WORCESTER
jWrurray Howard, manager of the Warner,
conducted a Miss Hasty Heart contest in
behalf of "Hasty Heart." Pretty girls filed
across the stage separately, and the one causing
the judges' heartbeat to quicken the most
was adjudged the winner . Autry
booked his variety show into the Auditorium
for Februai^y 9.
Sid Sawyer of this city will operate the
summer theatre in Bar Harbor, Me., this year
Gem in Fitchburg dropped weekday
matinees while alterations were being made
to the house . Palmerton, wintering
here, was called in by the Shuberts to restage
the touring "Merry Widow" . Cronin
was in Minneapolis press-agenting Hildegarde.
The Blanchard brothers, Southbridge theatre
men. have started rebuilding the Blanchard
block, recently restroyed by fire . . .
Films of the Bartlett High school- Wells High
game were shown at the Strand. Southbridge
Sunday Telegram paid tribute to
Fred Cain, fonner employe of the Elm Street,
on the first anniversary of his death.
Bettina Gunczy, secretai'y of the National
Board of Review, spoke at the annual dinnermeeting
of the city's motion picture and theatie
review board at the Aurora. H. Gordon
Hargrove was chainnan of the session . . .
Tire city .solicitor has ruled that all permits
i.s5ued by the license board, plus amusement
licenses, in the future must be approved by
the city manager.
SPRINGFIELD
An unusual circumstance has arisen in Chicopee
theatre circles with the granting of
a permit to John L. Sullivan, local restaurateur,
for the erection of a drive-in, the
second to be granted in that city. Neither
theatre has been erected as yet. but both are
in the planning stage and scheduled to be
ready for operation next summer. The strange
part of the transaction is that the two sites
are adjoining. Walas Bros, was granted the
first permit.
Westfield's school department is inaugm-aling
the showing of motion pictures in its
audio-visual program for elementary and intermediary
school pupils. The first in the
.scheduled series started this week, with "The
Last of the Mohicans."
A fine illustration of the "show must go on"
tradition was accorded patrons of the Court
Square Theatre last week. The theatre, which
features both films and vaudeville, was the
scene of an unusual circumstance of which
the audience was completely unaware, due to
the fortitude of Naida Roberta, one of the
stage performers. Miss Roberta, who comes
from Rochelle Park, N. J., has an animal act,
using a pony, dog and monkey. During the
act, she was severely bitten by the Rhesus
monkey, but she finished the act, and was
then rushed to the hospital, suffering intense
pain and loss of blood. John Silverwatch is
the manager.
Mrs. Edward A. Smith, wife of the manager
of the Paramomit Theatre who was hospitalized,
is now back home and reported making
an excellent recovery . . . Harry Smith, executive
vice-president of Western Massachusetts
Theatres, was host to a gathering of press
and radio representatives at a screening of
"Samson and Delilah."
The Bijou, chosen for the premiere of
"Deadly Is the Female," made the most of
the recent wave of holdups in Boston by
pointing out the parallel between the plot
of the King Bros, production, and the occurrences
in the Massachusetts capital.
Bob Portle, manager of the Elm Street, got What was originally planned as Wendell
a local angle to "East Side, West Side" when
Corey day here, turned out to be considerably
he discovered that Nancy Davis, a member
less than that, because the Springfield actor,
of the cast, had played here in stock . . .
whose first starring vehicle, "Thelma Jordon."
Teena Starr and Frank Daley, both former
was currently at the Paramount, had to get
actors at the Westboro Red Barn, were marred
in Chicago, where they're both in "De-
to other engagements on a crowded New England
schedule. Corey met the press and radio
tective Story" . . . The new de luxe candy
at a Hotel Kimball luncheon, co-hosted by
stand at Loew's Poll is in operation. About
Paramount's Arnold 'Van Leer, Harry Smith
24 seats were removed to make way for it.
and Edward A. Smith. The latter is the local
Paramount manager.
Feature 'King's' Opening
NEW HAVEN—The Loew's Poll opening of
"All the King's Men" January 21 got a twocOlunui
story in the Sunday Register as an
adaptation from the Pulitzer prize novel.
Drive-In for Portsmouth, N. H.
PORTSMOUTH. N. H.— E. M. Loew and
Larry Laskey have been granted a permit to
build a drive-in at a site on Route 1 near
here. Construction is expected to be .started
soon, and the 864-seat drive-in will be opened
in June.
BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950 83

. . . Albert
. . Elmer
. . Joe
. . Ben
. . . Empire
. . New
. . The
. . The
. . The
. . Olympia
. .
HARTFORD
Col Karp. assistant at the State, is planning
to revisit Los Angeles next summer.
He recently returned from a six-week
stay In the California city. His mother, who
went west with him, is planning to return
to Hartford with him next September . . .
George E. Landers, Hartford division manager
for E. M. Loew's Theatres, was in Holyoke
to call on Jack Edwards, manager of
the State there . . Eggy Salone, State chief
.
usher, has resigned, with Robert Utterback
replacing him.
. . . Lill
. . . Henry
Norman Kowe, former manager of the
Lockwood & Gordon Plaza in Windsor, was
reported living in Maine . Rosenberg
of the New England Theatres was here from
Boston . Charette, assistant at the
Empress in South Norwalk, has resigned.
Replacing him is Peter Ferrandino
Rozner. secretary to Managing Director Ted
Harris of the State, will visit Europe next
summer with her husband Joe
Boehm, State advertising manager, will vacation
on the west coast in June . . . Bernie
Menschell of the Community Amusement
circuit was in New York.
Charlie Smedick, house manager at the
Shulmans' Rivoli, became the father of a
son who has been named Timothy August
R. Lessow, assistant at Loew's
Poll. Waterbury, was a Hartford visitor.
Pi'ior to shifting to his present position,
Lessow assisted Manager Fred R. Greenway
at the local Palace.
Elected to the board of directors of Boys
Village, nonsectarian home for underprivileged
boys at Milford, were Lou Brown,
advertising director for Loew's Poll Theatres,
and Barney Pitkin, New Haven, RKO
Lou Cohen, manager, and
manager . . .
Norman Levinson, assistant at Loew's Poll,
recorded some of the entertainment given
at the recent Poll and Palace employes
party.
.
Peggy Ryan, Hollywood actress, was in
The Astor in East Hartford, now
town . . .
a legitimate playhouse, will offer its initial
bill January 30 at a $3 top. Hollywood players
are being lined up by Producer Harold
J. Kennedy for participating roles . . Paul
S. Purdy of the Kounaris-Tolis-Ulyssis Theatres,
Meriden, was a visitor.
J. B. McClellan Installed
As Head of Local 439
NEW LONDON, CONN.—James B. Mc-
Clellan was installed as president of lATSE
Local 439. Frank Gookin of Local 454 in
North Attleboro was the installing officer.
Other new officials include John Kane, vicepresident;
William A. Reed, financial secretary
and treasurer; Leonard Reed, recording
secretary; Fred Nowell, business agent; Salvatore
Patti, Irwin Daley and Cleary Patterson,
trustees, and Thomas Kenure, Dawley
and Patti, executive board.
Special guests at the installation included
Walter Murphy, manager, and Russell Newton,
assistant manager, Capitol Theatre; Nick
Brickates. manager, and John Petroski, assistant
manager. Garde Theatre; Lou Yaffee,
manager, and George Donahus, assistant
manager. Empire Theatre; Warren Gilson,
Local 245, Lyma, Mass., and George E. Sawyer,
manager, and William Landers, assistant.
Victory Theatre.
FALL RIVER
/^onnie Michaud is the new candy girl at
the Capitol, replacing Doris Michaud.
Eleanor Fitzpatricks has joined the Capitol
staff . . Robert Zeitz, student at Babson's
.
institute, Boston, recently visited his brother
Carl Zeitz, district manager for the Zeitz
Robert Johnson,
theatres in this area . . .
Denver university student, spent several days
with his parents. Earl Johnson, Academy
manager, and Mrs. Johnson . . . Collections
for the March of Dimes drive were taken by
ushers at the Academy.
Paul Slayer, Durfee manager, resumed his
duties following a brief illness at his home
ushers were wearing new
French blue coats and dark blue trousers
trimmed with gold braid . officers
of the local musicians union include Alcide
H. Breault, president; Raymond C. Holland,
vice-president, and Edward J. Gahan, secretary
and treasurer.
The Academy Theatre team leads in the
second round of the Merchants Bowling
league tournament with four of its men
averaging high singles of 120 and the lowest
117. Carl Zeitz placed second in the Durfee
alleys sweepstakes with a five-string total
of 708 for an average of 141 plus . . . Maureen
Russell has resigned from the Academy
.
K^n^as^Ci'ttwo.
Irving Hillman, manager of the Warner
Empress
man
in Danbury, has been city chair-
George H.
for the cancer drive . . .
Wilkinson jr., owner staff.
of the Wilkinson in
Wallingford and president of the MPTO
of Connecticut, has been elected a du-ector
of the First National bank there . . . Assistant
Sol Karp of the State reported the To Request Tax Relief
Boston Showmen Organize
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ment tax.
addition of Robert Boulanger and Edward BOSTON—James M. Connolly, 20th-Fox
Bellotti to the service staff.
manager, called a meeting of various industry
Cesar Romero, Hollywood player, will arrive
groups to set up plans for removal of the
January 30 to star in "Strictly Dishonorable"
20 per cent amusement tax. AU branch man-
at the Astor Theatre in East agers, publicists and exhibitor organizational
Hartford Adorno, son of the Palace heads attended. Under Chairman Connolly,
owner in Middletown, has been named motion
Arnold Van Leer, Paramount, and Phil Engel,
picture committee chairman for the 20th-Fox. were elected to head the publicist
Tercentenary celebration there September 10- group, while the chaii-man of the exliibitor
group will be elected later.
16.
The Boston contingent will work directly
with General Chairman Abram F. Myers of
DRIVE-IN THEATRE COMBINATION ENTRANCE
and ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY FLOODLIGHT Washington, industry chairman. An extensive
campaign will be waged in this area for
Also available with Exit Panels
the reduction or elimination of the amuse-
Arrows may he either right or left.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
TJarold Russell of Boston, the handless veteran
who made a hit in "The Best Years
of Our Lives" and is now national commander
of the American Veterans of World War
II, will visit the Concord unit of the organization
during the latter part of January .
Walter Young, owner of the Strand in Farmington,
and wife recently attended the funeral
of the latter's sister, Mrs. Olga Massey,
in Rochester . Claremont Junctioneers
wUl present an ice ballet during the three-day
34th annual winter carnival in Newport.
.
A two-day showing of "Malaya" at the
Scenic in Rochester was for the benefit of
the freshman class at Spaulding High school
there New Hampshire Fire Chiefs
club has gone on record as being solidly opposed
to a proposal to place the state fu-e
marshal's office, which has supervision over
safety regulations in theatres, factories, etc..
under the state police department. The consolidation
has been recommended by Gov.
Sherman Adams' state reorganization commission.
A new theatre advertising medium looms
in Manchester as the result of incorporation
papers being filed at the secretary of state's
office by a new concern, the Manchester Advertiser.
Inc. Incorporators were listed as
John Mac L. Clarke, publisher of the Claremont
Eagle; Ellston Goff of Claremont and
John R. McLane jr. of Manchester . . . One
of the state's oldest theatre fans is 90-yearold
Llewellyn S. Powers of Brookline. who
spends a day a week in Nashua, taking in a
show. He formerly was New England's champion
fiddler.
Recent newsreels at the State and Strand
in Manchester had an especially strong local
appeal as they featured candid shots of Dr.
Hermann Sander of that city, who faces a
murder trial for the alleged "mercy killing"
of a cancer patient in a case which has attracted
international attention.
LYNN
The recent $1,000 holdup at the Strand Theatre,
Gloucester, has put theatre managers
and the police in the north shore area on
special guard. The office of Manager Arthur
Murch of the North Shore Theatre, Gloucester,
has been moved from the third to the
first floor, which will give added protection.
Leonard "Skip" Dunn, former Lynn Olympia
manager and vaudeville star, will act as
master of ceremonies locally for the first
time for several years, although his services
are always in great demand. He will officiate
at a testimonial for a Lynn man who recently
lost his sight and he will present the entertainers
at the new city hall memorial auditorium.
Dunn now is supplying candy concessions
at theatres.
.
Paramount now has parking space for 550
cars, a ratio of one car for four patrons, with
the largest parking lot for downtown theatre
in New England has followed
Paramount with a new public address system
. Empire. Salem, will run' a bank
night once a week. It has been tried successfully
at the Peabody Strand for some
time.
04 BOXOFFICE :: January 28. 1950

Rig at Premonl, Tex.,
Opens With 'Ribbon'
FREMONT, TEX.—The new Rig Theatre
here was opened recently at a gala showing
of "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" to a crowd
that taxed the 500-seat capacity of this R. N.
Smith Theatres. Inc., house.
In the receiving line to welcome the firstnighters
were Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Smith and
son of Mission, Tex. Mayor Martin Engelking
of Fremont officially welcomed the new organization
to the city. Many floral tributes
from personal friends of the Smiths and from
business establishments decorated the stage.
Among those seen at the opening were Ray
Ffeiffer, secretary-treasurer of Smith Theatres:
Fi'eston Jobe, air conditioning engineer
for the circuit: Kelly Ross, manager of the
Rig and Rex theatres, Fi-emont: K. N. Greer,
manager of the Pioneer and Cactus, Smith
houses in Falfiu-rias, Tex., and Lowe Pox.
manager of the Smith situations in Raymondville,
Tex. George Christian was master of
ceremonies.
Herschel Stuart Is 111
In Hospital at Dallas
DALLAS—Herschel Stuart, early local
showman who at one time was general manager
of the old Southern EnteiTjrises and
later of the E. H. Hulsey Theatres, is confined
to Baylor hospital here with paralysis.
Prior to World War II, he went to Australia
to become supervisor for National Theatres,
a position which he held until he was
stricken about 15 months ago. He was flown
here six weeks ago to become a patient at
the local hospital.
After leaving Dallas about 1920. Stuart
later became manager of RKO houses. A
brother Floyd is an employe of a printing
firm in Fort Worth, and a sister lives in
Arlington. Stuart was accompanied here by
his 17-year-old daughter. A home has been
purchased in the northeast section here, and
Stuart is expected to leave the hospital soon
for convalescence at home.
Houston Horwitz Houses
Getting First Run Breaks
HOUSTON—Unexpected first runs popped
up recently in the suburban houses. "Song of
Surrender" played the Delman and "The
Crooked Way" was unreeled at the Tower.
Eastwood. Broadway and North Main.
At the Horwitz houses, which usually pursue
a second run policy, new films are emerging
with increasing regularity. Some of these
first runs were "Angels in Disguise," "West of
El Dorado." "Law of the Barbary Coast."
"Loaded Pistols" and "Shadow of the West."
The downtown Horwitz houses are the Uptown.
Texan and Iris.
Landsman-Richter Begins
2 San Antonio Drive-ins
Texas Showmen Warned
Of Racket Being Used
DALLAS—Owners and operators of theatres
in all parts of Texas and other southwestern
states are warned by Buddy Harris,
who runs a circuit of houses in small towns,
to be alert for approaches by a man claiming
to be a projectionist but who apparently is
finding a small-time racket profitable.
The man, who appears to be about 30 years
old, claims to be on the way to Oklahoma
where he says he has found a job. He is
driving an old car and he claims to have run
out of money. Saying that he has pawned
virtually everything except his overcoat, he
asks a loan on it.
At Selina. Tex., the man obtained $20 from
the manager of a Harris-operated theatre
there. Tlie same day he was given $20 by the
manager of another Harris house at Kauffman,
Tex. Neither manager has heard from
the man. who first approached them about
three w«eks ago, and who said he would repay
the loans as soon as he reached Oklahoma.
Renovation at Harlingen
HARLINGEN, TEX.—Interstate's Arcadia
Theatre is undergoing a renovation and refiu-nishing
program. Not long ago Lew Bray,
district Interstate Theatres manager, told the
civic affairs committee of Harlingen Chamber
of Commerce that "it won't be too far
off" until Interstate builds another theatre
here.
SAN ANTONIO—Two drive-ins are being
constructed here by Landsman-Richter Enterprises,
one the Rigsby on Rigsby avenue
near Comanche park, and the South Loop 13
Drive-In on south Military highway. Each
will have a capacity of about 80O cars, Arthur
Landsman said.
The two theatres will boast screens the
height of an eight-story building and use
new RCA electronic speakers. Ramps and
grounds will be completely paved for allweather
operation.
Thurman Barrett jr. is the general contractor
and Fred Grothaus is engineer and
architect. Both theatres are scheduled to
open in April. They will be the fourth and
fifth owned by Landsman-Richter in this
area. The other three are the Alamo on the
Austin highway, the Mission on Roosevelt
avenue and the Kelly at Taft boulevard and
Frio City road.
Landsman recently returned from a tour
of the U.S. studying operation, management
and construction of drive-in theatres. He
said the two new units would contain many
of the ideas for improved entertainment
which he uncovered on his tour.
The Rigsby Drive-In is financed by the
National Bank of Commerce and the South
Loop 13 by the Great Southern Life Insurance
Co. of Houston.
Medina Drive-In Opened
NATALIA. TEX.—A 300-car situation, the
Medina Valley Drive-In between here and
Devine on Highway 81, was formally opened
recently.
Film in 8 Long Houses
HOUSTON—Eight theatres operated by the
Long circuit played "The Story of Bob and
Sally" day-and-date for five days starting
January 16. The Social Guidance Enterprises
film was shown at the Airway. Boulevard.
Center, Garden, OST. Queen, Sunset and
Union theatres to separate audiences, women
and girls at 2 and 7 p.m. and men and boys
at 9 p.m.
ARRIVE TO IVIAKE FILM—Clifton Dnrham, manager of the Palace and Texas
theatres in Marfa, Tex., was out at the airport with a welcoming hand when members
of the cast arrived to start work on "Deadfall." which is being filmed in the mountain
and ranch country around Marfa. Basil Ru.vsdael, actor, is tall man standing in back;
Durham is third from left in white hat; standing sideways is .\lan LeMay, writer;
No. 6 from left is Chill Wills, comedian; George Templeton, director, sitting down;
No. 7 standing is John Archer. First girl on steps is Christine Miller and second is
Lois Butler.
BOXOFFICE :: January 28. 1950
sw 85

. . . Ernest
. . Claude
. . The
. . The
SAN ANTONIO
Tgnacio Torres, general manager of Zaragoza
Amusement Co. here, celebrated his 25th
wedding anniversary Ezell of Ezell
.
& Associates, Dallas, was here conferring
with Eph Charninsky, city manager for
Southern Theatres Co. here.
Quite a number of theatremen were in
town last week to book and buy product at
both Mexican film exchanges. They were
M. P. Garcia, Hut and Garmon, Rio Grande
City; Juan Monsivais of the theatre that
bears his own name, Kenedy: Jose Garcia jr..
National, Asherton; Gilbert Fernandez, Globe,
Corpus Christi; C. V. Jones, general manager
R&R circuit, Dallas; John H. Rowley. Dallas;
George Spence, R&R Theatres, Laredo,
and others.
G. A. Lucchese, president of Zaragoza
Amusement Co. which operates four theatres
here, was honored on a radio station KIWW
program here by the Council of Pan-American
Relations by being selected as the "Good
Neighbor of the Week" . . . Louie Santikos,
who is readying the new Olmos Theatre here
for an early opening, returned last week from
a business trip to Chicago where he pmxhased
equipment for the new neighborhood house.
C. H. Wheeler, president of the new Hi-Park
Drive-In Theatre being built at Goliad road
and Dauchy and Woodruff streets, reports
completion is expected about February 15.
The theatre will occupy a 16-acre site and
will provide space for 500 autos and seats for
200 walk-in pedestrians. The screen tower
will be 62 feet high. The projection room,
concession buildings and restrooms will be of
concrete block construction. The cost is estimated
at $85,000.
Interstate's ace suburban house, the Laurel,
in celebrating its fifth anniversary January
17, offered "Mr. Blandings Builds His
Dream House" . Texas Theatre was
Louis Santikos, John Carson and John Santikos
of Olmos Amusement Co., which recent-
Friday (20) morning . . . Interstate city of-
opened for a free Christian Science lecture
ly was formed here, are building the new fices are now located on the third floor of
suburban theatre on San Pedro avenue just the Majestic Theatre building.
north of Hilderbrandt avenue. The new
Ranger, the Wonder Dog, which has appeared
in many theatres throughout the
house will open in February . . . Harry
Nathan, 64, retired San Antonio theatreman
nation, was a guest on WOAI-TV here
who at one time managed the old Plaza Theatre
here, died in a local hospital January 12
Tuesday (17 1 evening with his mastei',
Everett Charles. The canine counts and
Nalle, 74, pioneer Austin resident
does numerous other tricks . . . The Empire
presented "Arctic Manhunt" and "End
and businessman, died in Dallas recently. He
built many of the capital city's buildings,
of the River" . . . "Pinky," which chalked
including the Paramount Theatre building
up some nice business for the Majestic
there. Funeral services were held in Austin.
last week, was shifted over to the Texas
. . . Diane Hart, a San Antonio native, was
back for a visit to the old hometown. She
is now engaged in picture, radio and television
work, and is currently scheduled to
go to Chicago for a TV show.
Rose Stein's "One White Rose" has been
recorded by Everstate Records. John Currie
wrote the music for the current number . . .
Jack Shoemaker, news editor and special
events director of KEYL-TV, has announced
that the station has signed as the
San Antonio affiliate of Paramount television
network, starting with its regular
Peggy O'Donnell,
broadcasts February 2 . . .
owner of the Little Shop in the Texas Theatre
building, and sister of R. J. O'Donnell,
Interstate circuit general manager, was elected
vice-president of the local antique dealers
association.
Ignacio Torres, general manager of Zaragoza
Amusement Co. here, spent his 15-day
leave of absence taking in the sights of
Mexico City. Saltillo and Monterrey, Mexico
.. . Red River Dave and his western
show played a return engagement at the
Palace, Fredericksburg, January 27. Walter
Knoche is owner, manager and operator of
this Hill country house.
Gustavo Lavenant, Dilley theatreman who
was born in Mexico, became a naturalized
citizen of the U.S. Manager Gordon B.
Dunlap of Clasa-Mohme here acted as one
of his co-sponsors. Ninety-five others were
made American citizens on the same date,
January 20 . . . Rogers Morgan, president of
the Casino Enterprises, and assistant Bob
Morales were here from Tampa to contact
for Latin-American pictures. Others in town
for the same purpose were Bob Odom and
wife, tent show operators, Floresville; Eddie
Reyna, Uptown Theatre, Victoria; Mateo
Vela, Manvell Theatre, Alice; J. E. Green,
Tex, Poth, and Raul Gonzales, Azteca,
Natalia.
"My Friend Irma" played at five theatres
day and date last week. They were the
Sunset. San Pedi-o Drive-In, Kelly, Varsity
and Ti-ail drive-ins . . . "Chicago Deadline"
was shovm at the Highland, Harlandale,
Alamo and Fredricksbujg road drive-ins si-
. multaneously New Olmos, an 800-
seater costing $150,000 on San Pedro avenue
two blocks north of the underpass, will be
opened February 15, according to the owners,
Santikos & Carson of Olmos Amusement
Co. here.
Book Display Promotes
PTA-Backed Kid Shows
A huge display fashioned to resemble a
book was used to exploit a five-week series
of kid shows by Guy Hevia, manager of the
St. James Theatre, Asbury Park, N. J. The
book was labeled, "Child Film Library." Pictures
booked from the library were illustrated
with inserts and stills. Hevia received
the endorsement of the PTA groups in Asbury
Park and surrounding communities for
the shows. The PTA committee handled the
sale of tickets for the series.
A. C. Overt Is Appointed
R&R Aide at Big Spring
BIG SPRING, TEX.—H. C. Overt of Sherman
has become city manager of the Ritz,
State, Lyi-ic and Rio theatres, succeeding E. A.
Caywood who resigned. These houses belong
to the Robb & Rowley organization. Overt
has been connected with the R & R circuit
since 1924, except for some 40 months he
spent in the army air corps.
Becomes C of C Secretary
GRAHAM, TEX. — Ed Fleming, former
manager of the Palace and Leon theatres
here, recently resigned to become secretarymanager
of the Graham Chamber of Commerce.
T. L. Harville Remodels
ORANGE GROVE, TEX.—T. L. HarviUe,
owner of the Star Theatre here, has remodeled
the house, adding more seats, new projection
equipment and a new air conditioning
system.
ON BOWL BROADCASTS—Among those who appeared on the national broadcast
of the Variety Club-Cotton Bowl New Year's eve party in Dallas were Julius Schepps,
chief barker of the Variety Club, and Bob O'Donnell, Variety International chief
barker. The new year was welcomed by more than 575 members and guests of Tent 17
assembled in the ballroom of the Adolphus hotel. Gov. Allan Shivers of Texas adso was
on the program, which was emceed by Bill Stern, sports announcer. Left to right:
Jim Stewart, secretary-treasurer of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Ass'n; Dan D. Rogers,
chairman; Schepps, Stem and O'Donnell, and Tyree Bell, Cotton Bowl president.
Hawkins, Tex., Theatre Sold
HAWKINS, TEX.—Roy DeVinney. owner
and operator of the Hawk Theatre here and
the Strand in Big Sandy, Tex., has sold the
Hawk to B. B. Spm-lock, formerly of Brownwood.
Of Russian-Pohsh descent, Ruth Roman
was born into show business, with her father
a carnival spieler and her mother a dancer.
86
BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950

. . . Lauritz
Houston Variety Club
Installs New Slate
HOUSTON—The Variety Club of Houston
installed new officers Wednesday night (18)
in the Rice hotel. Fi-ed Nahas was installed
for the second straight year as chief barker.
Others were Francis Deering. first assistant
chief barker: Al Lever, second assistant; Ray
Hay, doughguy, and Fred Cannata, property
master.
New directors sworn in were Eddie Bremer,
Bill Bryan, W. S. Hipp jr.. Mack Howard, Al
Mortensen, King Robinson and Jack Howard.
Lifetime memberships were awarded to W.
P. Sutherland and John Paul Goodwin.
The remainder of the evening was devoted
to entertainment. Dorothy Lamour sang, and
Leo Chalzel, a member of the Houston Players,
gave a short Shakespearean reading.
Rubin Frels Will Build
El Campo, Tex., Drive-In
EL CAMPO, TEX.—Rubin Frels of Victoria,
owner of the Normana Theatre here,
has announced the purchase of a ten-acre
tract south of the city on Highway 71, where
he will start construction soon on the first
drive-in in the El Campo area. The opening
is scheduled next spring or early summer.
It will have capacity of 500 or more cars.
Frels built his first di-ive-in, the Tejas, in
Victoria, two years ago.
Ti-acey Wilkinson is manager of the Normana
here.
HOUSTON
Uarold Lloyd, film comedian and imperial
potentate of the Shrine, will be here February
22 for Ai-abia temple's 32nd annual
crippled children's ball . . . Come February 1
Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans will open
the Houston fat stock show and livestock
exposition and headline the 12-day rodeo.
Gabby Hayes will also be on hand . . . "Stampede"
had its first local showings at the
Broadway, Almeda, Alabama, Eastwood and
North Main theatres,
Frank Sinatra is playing a two-week engagement
at the Shamrock hotel . . . Rene
Plaissetty, producer-director of "Angry Waters"
for Film Classics release, has been laid
low by an auto accident. As soon as he is
well enough to travel, he will return to Hollywood
for a brief rest before shooting starts
Melchior, opera and motion
picture star, will be presented in concert
February 15 at the Music Hall.
"The Red Shoes" went into a second week
at the Kirby . . . L. O. Wallace, Long Theatre
. . Editor Allen K.
circuit executive, addressed the Teague Rotary
club and got in many good plugs for the industry
. . . "Duck Soup" and "Animal Crackers,"
a couple of Marx Bros, revivals, packed
'em in at the Delman .
Tyler of Retail Facts ran a good story on
western film stars in his current issue . .
.
Spike Jones and his revue played the City
auditorium . . . Jack Lutey, the Variety Club
manager, is expecting to become a father any
day now.
The cashier of the Delman Theatre, Katherine
Ti-ippe, was robbed of $250 by a welldressed
holdup man at the peak of the evening's
business. The armed man escaped on
foot down Main street.
Well-known cowboy singers and hillbilly
bands, many of which have made local theatre
appearances, performed for the March of
Dimes on the City auditorium stage Saturday
(211. The entertainers included Floyd
Tillman, Jerry Irby, Leon Payne, Ben Christian,
Benny Leaders, Hank Lochlin, Jimmy
and Leon Short, Benny Hess and others.
The Houston art museum presented a program
of five documentary films on the United
Nations.
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Pioneer Celebration
Hails 'Sundowners'
AMARILLO, TEX.—Eagle Lion's "The Sundowners"
was to be world-premiered here
Monday (30) amid allout civic cooperation.
Monday was designated Panhandle Pioneer
day by Texas Gov. Allen Shivers and
Amarillo Mayor Gene Kline, with a celebration
packed with color, romance and pageantry
of the Old Southwest flavor.
The celebration will be touched off by a
giant parade which will feature a herd of
cattle driven by members of the Western
Cowpunchers Ass'n, composed of oldtime cowboys
who rode the range and fought the
cattle rustlers.
Present for the festivities will be a troupe
of Hollywood stars, including Robert Preston,
Cathy Downs, Cathy Butler and John
Barrymore jr.
National newspaper syndicates and newsreel
cameramen will cover the festivities.
Special towers have been erected for use
of newsreel crews.
Preparations for the premiere were made
under the personal supervision of Leon
Brandt, EL director of advertising and exploitation.
HOUSTON—"The Sundowners," Eagle Lion
western film, will bow into the Metropolitan
February 1 with a five-star personal appearance
on that date. Headed for the Met are
Cathy Downs, Robert Preston, John Barrymore
jr.. Chill Wills and Lois Butler.
Redecorate Four Lowton Houses
LAWTON, OKLA—Four houses operated
here by the Lawton Theatre Co. recently
vrere reopened after having been closed several
days for redecorating. Joe Turner is
manager of the company, which operates the
Dome, Palace, Murray and Lawton theatres.
Improve Eagle Lake Cole
EAGLE LAKE, TEX.—The Cole Theatre is
getting an attractive new front and new seats.
Mrs. Robert L. Cole is manager.
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BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

C.B.Akers Heads Drive
To Seek Tax Relief
TTJLSA—C. B. Akers, Tulsa radio executive
and former Griffith circuit official and legislative
chairman of Theatre Owners of Oklahoma,
has been named to head an Oklahoma
committee to work for reductions in
present federal taxes on amusement.
Also named to the committee were Ralph
Williams, RKO manager at Oklahoma City;
Morris Loewenstein, TOO president; Tom
McKean, Paramount salesman, and Roger E.
Rice, Video Theatres, representing the exploitation
and merchandising field.
"This committee will function to ward off
any local effort toward continuing these taxes
through state or municipal levies which might
seek to continue them in the event the national
tax is rescinded," Akers said. "The
removal of these taxes will stimulate business
by encom-aging greater attendance in motion
picture theatres."
A subcommittee, headed by Rice, for press
relations and public information includes Dee
Fuller, C&R Theatres of Oklahoma City, and
C. F. Motley of Video Theatres; Tom Herrick
of Talbot Theatres in Tulsa, and E. B. Coleman,
MGM exploiteer.
Showman Is Candidate
WKATHERFORD, TEX.—E. B. Bufflngton,
veteran showman and manager of the two
Long theatres here, has announced his candidacy
for mayor.
Big Houston GBS Week
HOUSTON — George Bernard Shaw was
well represented in Houston this week. His
"Major Barbara" opened at the River Oaks
Theatre Wednesday i25i for a week's run.
The Houston Players presented GBS's play,
"You Never Can Tell," at the Music Hall
Thursday, Friday and Saturday (26-28).
Plan Drive-In for Wharton
WHARTON, TEX.—An 800-seat theatre will
be erected here by Rubin Frels. The 50x120-
foot structiu-e will have a balcony. A tentative
date for completion of the house has not
yet been determined.
Women Sponsor Style Show
JOURDANTON, TEX.—The home demonstration
women of Atascosa county recently
held a style show on the stage of the Leon
Theatre here.
TEXANS AT TOA MEETING—Attending the recent board meeting of Theatre
Owners of America in Washington were those pictured above from Texas. Left to
right: Julius Gordon, Beaumont; R. J. O'Donnell, Dallas; Supreme Court Justice Tom
Clark; John Q. Adams, Dallas, and Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson.
Sex Film at Victoria, Tex.
VICTORIA, TEX.^"The Story of Bob and
Sally," a sex-type roadshow, played the El
Rancho Theatre to segregated audiences January
23, 24.
Style Show on Stanley Stage
LULING, TEX.—The stage of the Stanley
Theatre was used for an afternoon style show
sponsored by a local ladies' ready-to-wear
store.
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BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950 89

Daughter of Dallas Theatreman
Crowned March of Dimes Queen
DALLAS—Pretty Beverly Yowell, daughter
of Reed D. Yowell, city manager here for J. G.
Long Theatres, was crowned March of Dimes
queen of the Fourth army. Three men from
the army and air force recruiting station
here drove to the Yowell home at 2206 Gilford
Ave. to honor the 17-year-old girl who
is recovering from an attack of polio which
she suffered two years ago.
Beverly looked at her crown, smiled and
said: "I think it's very nice, and I'm happy
to be your March of Dimes queen. I owe
my life to the March of Dimes."
The .ceremony was scheduled originally to
be held downtown but due to a freezing temperature
and a cold mist plans were changed
on advice of Beverly's doctor.
In downtown Dallas, and aU over the
Fourth army area—Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas,
Louisiana and New Mexico—army men
were standing on street corners, asking people
to donate to the drive.
Maj. Bert E. Ezell, commanding officer of
the arm.y and air force recruiting station
here, and the man who crowned Beverly,
explained that Thursday was Fourth Army
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New Cole Situation
To Have Ramp Bldg,
ROSENBERG, TEX. — Construction of a
$75,000 drive-in on Highway 90-A between
Rosenberg and Richmond is expected to be
completed by early spring, according to Mart
Cole, president of Cole Theatres.
Wilson Grisham, cui'rently manager of the
Cole houses in Richmond, will be in charge
of the new 580-car situation and will live with
his family in a ground-floor apartment in the
screen tower.
Features include RCA sound system and individual
speakers, a playground for children,
a small park, a concessions building, a large
stage, and an air conditioned ramp house with
seats for 400 persons.
At a later date. Cole said, a bowling alley
and a skating rink will be added.
To eliminate mosquitoes the area will be
thoroughly fogged with DDT prior to all performances,
Cole added.
—
•..
-)^\'
IGmm Outfit to Museum
HOUSTON—The Houston Junior Chamber
of Commerce presented the Museum -of Pine
Ai'ts a 16mm motion picture projector and
sound system as a gift of appreciation.
Funds for the pui'chase of the equipment
were raised by a special showing of "Carnival
in Flanders" last November at the Sunset
Theatre.
Falfurrias Drive-In Sold
FALFURRIAS, TEX. — Van Chamberlain
has bought the Star Drive-In Theatre here.
He owns the City Drug Co. here and also
operates the Rita. Benavides and the Rialto,
Fleer.
Beauty Contest for Dimes
DAYTON. TEX.—A Miss Dayton of 1950
contest was held at the Rio Theatre to help
the March of Dimes campaign here.
New Manager at Crowell
CROWELL, TEX.—Jeff Hardin jr. is the
new manager of the Rialto here.
Managers at Kenedy, Tex.
KENEDY, TEX.—Alfred Pawelek and Alois
Linhart manage the new Midway Drive-In
near here.
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92 BOXOFFICE :: January 28. 1950

:
Operators of Drive-Ins
To Meet in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE—Drive-in theatre operators
of the Carolinas intend to do something about
taxes in addition to talk. Drive-In Ass'n ot
the Southeast President Bob Jeffress has invited
all members to attend a meeting here
February 5 to decide on action in behalf of
tax relief.
The drive-in operators voted to hold the
February 5 session at their annual session
last January 15 here, but left the place for
later decision.
Points to be discussed at the meeting will
be the current tax situation and possible
ways and means of co-ordinating the association's
efforts with other interested organizations.
New officers also will be elected.
A cocktail party will be given by Bob Pinson,
manager of the Astor Pictures exchange
here. All members are asked to notify Mrs.
Hazel Graves, Box 2750, Charlotte, for reservations.
2 Theatres Change Hands
In Bessemer, Ala., Area
BESSEMER, ALA.—Two theatres in the
Bessemer area have changed hands recently.
J. P. Corbett has purchased the Fox Theatre
at Brighton from Mr. and Mrs. J. Lewis
Phillips. Corbett is managing the 350-seat
house temporarily.
Howard A. Sadler of Bimiingham bought
the Princess Theatre at Hueytown from
Harry Willoughby, veteran exhibitor of this
section. The house has 300 seats and Sadler
is acting as his own manager.
Paul Engler Jr. Marries
BIRMINGHAM—Paul A. Engler jr., manager
of the Carver here, and Agnes Marilyn
Sherman were married at Sixth Avenue Pi-esbyterian
church. He is a son of Paul A.
Engler sr.. head of Jefferson Amusement Co.
A buffet supper was served after the ceremony
at the home of the elder Englers. The
newlyweds are at home in Birmingham after
a trip to the gulf coast.
Hank Hearn in New York
CHARLOTTE—Hank D. Hearn, operator of
Exhibitors Service here, was a guest of
20th Century-Fox in New York this week
125-27) at a meeting to which about 75
prominent men of the industry were invited
to discuss new advertising ideas for theatres.
Tlie guests previewed new 20th-Fox pictures.
Film Firm Loses Tax Fight
MONTGOMERY, ALA. — Alexander Film
Co., Denver, has lost a fight against license
taxes. The Alabama supreme court sided
with the state department of revenue In
holding that the company is liable for the
taxes. The company rents advertising films
to business places in the state.
T. G. Coleman Heads Drive
ANNISTON. ALA.—Thomas G. Coleman,
city manager for Paramount Theatres, is
chairman of the theatre campaign for the
March of Dimes in Calhoun county.
Mississippi Exhibitors
Battle Ticket Levies
MEMPHIS—Pi'ogress is being made in the
midsouth fight against the 20 per cent federal
tax on theatre admissions.
A group of local theatremen, returning
from a statewide meeting in Jackson, Miss.,
report great enthusiasm there, where there
are indications that Mississippi patrons also
may shake off the 10 per cent state admission
tax during the present session of the state
legislature.
A large number of representatives and
senators from the Mississippi legislature attended
the meeting which featured for their
pleasure a screening of "Samson and Delilah."
At the meeting a $1,000 U. S. savings bond
was awarded the winner of the essay contest
on why the tax should not be charged on
theatre admissions. The winner read the
letter in the presence of the members of the
legislature.
An executive session of theatre leaders was
held at Jackson later. Plans were outlined
for running of trailers and the obtaining of
signatures of citizens in the lobbies. These
signatures to a petition which will be sent to
senators and representatives in Washington
protest the federal tax.
M. A. Lightman sr., president of Malco
Theatres; M. A. Lightman jr., Malco executive;
Ed Doherty, Exhibitors Services; L. W.
McClintock, Paramount manager, and a number
of others from Memphis attended the
Jackson meeting.
The petitions being signed by patrons say:
"We, the undersigned, are being forced to
pay an exorbitant 20 per cent federal tax
HONORED BV FILMROW — R. M.
"Buster" Hammonds, resigned manager
for Film Classics in Memphis, was honored
at a dinner party at Variety Club. A
large number ot friends from Filmrow
and other branches of the motion picture
industrj- attended the event. Hammonds
is shown at left, above, receiving a gift
certificate from Ed Williamson, chief
barker of Variety. The gift was from
friends. Hammonds has quit as manager
of Film Classics and is building a drive-in
grocery store — something new in these
parts. The dinner was a farewell party
but he made it plain he plans to be around
and active in film circles for a long lime
to come.
(plus local taxes) every time we attend a
movie and we object. Motion pictures are not
a luxury because they bring to our families:
The finest classics! The world's greatest
music! Scenes of history when it happens!
A broad knowledge of the entire world! The
latest styles and customs! Important sports
events and considerably more!
"Movies provide my family with low-cost,
necessary relaxation and recreation.
"Our government needed quick money during
the war and we moviegoers patriotically
paid the tax willingly.
"But we were promised immediate relief
at the war's end.
"Because of the type of community service
rendered by the motion picture theatre, there
should be no admission tax whatsoever. Certainly,
then, there should be no discriminatory
tax on theatre patrons."
The goal is 1,000,000 signatures on this petition
from the Memphis trade territory. Three
copies are signed. One each for the two senators
from each state and one for the direct
representative from the district.
Meetings, similar to the one just concluded
in Jackson, are planned in other cities in
Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee.
Ed Williamson, Warner manager, is distributor
chairman here and M. A. Lightman jr.
is exhibitor chairman.
Insurance Committees
Named for Carolinas
CHARLOTTE — Directors of the Theatre
Owners of North and South Carolina met
here Friday (20) in the offices of T A. Little.
J. Bates Harvey, president, presided. Taxes,
insurance rates and other matters were discussed,
and the following committees were
named
North Carolina insurance committee: Ed
J. Haley, chairman. Harry E. Buchanan, J.
Francis White jr. and H. D. Hearn.
South Carolina insurance committee: J. B.
Harvey, chairman; Robert E. Bryant, Warren
Irvin and J. C. Long.
Present were George D. Carpenter, Valdese,
vice-president; Mrs. Walter Griffith, executive
secretary; Harry E. Buchanan, Hendersonville;
Ed J. Haley. Raleigh; W. H. Hendrix
jr., Reidsville; E. G. Hill, Smithfield;
Ben L. Stroxier of Rock Hill, and H. H. Everett,
H. F. Kincey and T A. Little of Charlotte.
New Booth Equipment
Is Installed in Tarpon
TARPON SPRINGS. FLA.— Carl Floyd, circuit
operator of the Royal here, took possession
of the Tarpon with the beginning of the
new year following its purchase several
months ago from Charles Richelieu. The
Tarpon was clctsed one day for installation
of new sound and projection equipment.
A. M. Foxworthy. manager of the Royal, also
manages the Tarpon. Several additional improvements
are planned.
There will be matinees every day at the
Royal with continuous performances on
weekends.
BOXOFFICE January 28, 1950 SE 93

Introducing
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F.O.B. TEMPLE, TEXAS
The American Desk Drive-ln Chair is built to stand
up under every condition of outdoor installations.
Wooden parts are made of rock elm, which is
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is applied. Steel frames ore finished in boked-on
enamel.
To insure comfort, bock slats are steam-bent to
conform to notural body positions; seat slats are
scrolled for added comfort. Slats individually bolted
to steel frames. Inset ball bearing hinges allow
seats to be easily turned up or down.
The American Desk Drive-In Chair is proved in actual
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In use daily . . .
Americon Desk Theatre Chairs are silent stars in theatres throughout
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94 BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

—
'Samson' Grosses 150 Fort Lauderdale Sunset Loses $100
As Mania Topper
jo Smooth Swindler and His Pal
ATLANTA—Warmer weather combined
with strong product to improve trade at FORT LAXJDERDALE, FLA.—A man in a
local first runs. "Samson and Delilah" at the powder blue suit employed an amazingly
Paramount, showing at advanced prices, simple way to steal money at the Sunset
paced newcomers with a lusty 150 per cent. Theatre. The man just asked for $100, got
"Sands of Iwo Jima" at the Fox chalked up it in 10 and 20-dollar bills from the 17-
125 per cent. "On the Town" at the Grand year-old cashier, Beverly Branohaud, on the
also di-ew well. pretense that he was taking it upstairs to
(Average is 100) '^^ manager, and disappeared.
Fox—Sands of Iwo lima (Rep) 125 The Unique robbery took place about 8:45
Loews Grand—On the Town (MGM) 115 p. rn. when the man walked into the theatre
Paramount—Samson and Delilah (PoTa), advanced „ , , , ,,. „ ,. j i. ii
prices 150 ^^^ asked Miss Branchaud where the man-
Roxy—The Heiress (Para), 3rd d. t. wk 101 ager's office was. He returned once to ask
Type of Films
—
Determined 'f^ °''
'*Yl i_T
°^^^'^^-
T
^^ talked with Williams for
T3 1
By PubllC/ Forum Rules some 15 minutes, claiming that he was try-
BIRMINGHAM—A radio forum which ini"g
to get a theatre job for his brother-in-
. for more specific directions, and finally lo-
Manager Roy wniiams in lils second
cluded two theatre exhibitors decided here '^^ who was flying here to join him.
that the public is the determining factor Williams told him no jobs were available,
in what type of films are made in Hollywood. Then the man walked downstairs to the
The 15-minute forum over station DSGN cashier's booth. "The manager wants $100,"
had R. M. Kennedy, veteran executive who he told Miss Branchaud.
recently purchased several theatres in the The girl counted out the money, three
state, and Piancis Falkenburg, Alabama man- 20s and four 10s and handed it to the thief,
ager, as participants. who started back upstairs. Then he turned.
Another participant took issue with Ken- left the theatre and got into a car driven
nedy's assertion that movies do not educate, by an accomplice, tQ disappear down Las
She said that they do educate, whether they Olas boulevard,
are intended to or not. Miss Branchaud said she didn't realize
Falkenburg said some films of excellent anything was wrong until the man got into
story, direction and casting are produced on the car. The other man, at the wheel, said,
a high cultmal level, but, he pointed out, "Let's get out of here," and the cashier
many of these pictures are not successful at called the manager who summoned police
the boxoffice.
Blmd Driver Attraction
Precedes Stage Show
ZEPHYRHILLS. FLA. — A free attraction
was sponsored by the Home Theatre Thursday
(12). Mayor B. F. Parsons blindfolded
Madame Pauline at 3:30 after which she
drove through the business district. This
free attraction preceded a stage show given
at the Home Theatre that evening and again
on Friday evening at 9 o'clock. Brvmdell,
hypnotist and magician, and his company of
too late.
Williams described the man to police as
T»i" 1 TN - It ., .. about 35 years old, sandy-haired, 5 feet 10
24, came on the stage each evening to give
a full hour of mystery.
Carl Wheeler is manager of the theatre.
Special prices prevailed for the two days:
children 35 cents and adults 62.
Orlando Rialto on First Run
ORLANDO, FLA. — The Rialto has again
become a first run theatre after playing a
secondary role in the Florida State chain for
some time. Opening its new role was "The
Secret Land" and "The Search."
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inches, 170 pounds, and wearing a powder
blue suit with brown shoes.
His accomplice was "tall and dark," Miss
Branchaud said, and the cashier described
the car as 1947 or 1948 light brown Plymouth
sedan.
Williams said the "job hunter" was an easy
conversationalist, who mentioned connections
with Universal pictures and described
Ins present employment with an electrical
contractor here. Tlie thief claimed he lived
in a duplex in the northwest section, where
he would be joined by his brother-in-law.
Miss Branchaud, cashier for only ttoee
weeks, could only say, "It won't happen
again."
You'll Always
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BLEVINS
POPCORN VILLAGE, NASHVILLE, TENN.
650 Murphy Ave., SW, AtlanU
c/o Poston Whse., 671 S. Main St., Memphis
c/o Transway, Inc., 235 S. Genois, New Orleans
c/o Caldwell Whse., 209 S. Franklin, Tampa
Little Rock (send orders to Nashville for
shipment from Little Rock)
Appointed Clearwater Manager
CLEARWATER, FLA. — James F. Hawthorne
jr. has been named manager of the
Capitol Theatre, replacing George O. Zane,
who has been sent to Jacksonville for reassignment.
Lee Kugel Dies in Florida
WEST PALM BEACH—Lee Kugel, former
lawyer and retired publicity man and Broadway
producer who was associated with the
Shubert theatrical enterprises lor 40 years,
died at his home here. "Everything for the theatre except film"
BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950
95

piX^IDA Tbeatres has b::i:rc Co.u*n
Wfflnir, IiilOHllj tadio star ini n^aie
bands to play in several of lis houses, acconttng
to Ho-yard PetteneilL ptiblicny director.
HART BEATS
The sfaovs are
betng eiipkiitpri vith
posters, ttailets and
radio . . . W. D. Konp
of Kemp, Banch &
Jacfcstm «wsi-ing«i chat
'.'ey win famish plans
::r tbe nev WJAX
'eierisian station in
.'acksanTille, Fla. . . .
A. Rottisidiild. manager
of Natianal Tlie-
3 jes, Jacksonville, was
:eUtDg me alnot tbeir
Haxry Hart
drive-in. the &jr Viev.
«4iicfa has 900
1 a weather-proof
anditocimn and a capacity of 385 cars. Edgar
I^ uiU, manager, immmig^ amateur tModi^
inatrt>f!> which are sponsored t^ the drire-
It's
New!
It's
Beoutiful!
It's
Comfortable!
It's
SpHag Uge Seats .
Cost Iroa Sroadards
Economical'
Foce toMei Bocks
Boll
Bcoriag Hiages
Fof compile mferwtatiom write:
SOUTHERN DESK COMPANY
p. 0. Box 630 HICKORY, N. C-
ia every '.Veizirc-iiT z - Jfent to see
rro's'd roaring
~i> telling me
"^^" " "^ j-zxi::^ z:j.:cl-.ei ire recorded by
^JHP azd recrojGcas; over that station.
Rochiciiilc -s-i; b-irr at the Roosevelt Theatre
with a cro-sG rehearsng for graduation
exerdses. He also coopoated with serenl
Negro srhnols recenttr on a prouMtian for
"The Boosevdt Story" with a nine-cent admission
price to an childrai of school age.
Tbe schools fOmxsfaed bases to brii^ and
return the chilrtrai to and from the sdioals.
The Tblgar circait was to open its new
drire-in at Wtma- Haven. Pta., January 20.
Tbe OBoner wHl handle 330 cars . . . Jacit
Price. Warner Bros, branch manager in
JacksimviDe, was in \rTam

vUle when I called. They have a beautiful
apartment in the concrete block and steel
screen tower. They are adding another ramp
to this fine airer to make the capacity 480
cars. The ramps and driveways are paved
and landscaped to make the place a veritable
flower garden. I can attest to the quality of
the hot dogs they serve at the neat and clean
concession stand. K. T. and his wife work
hard to keep things rolling and take a personal
interest In their customers.
On the edge of the orange country at Hawthorne,
Fla., oldtimer J. Paul Grimes was
taking time out from his screen service business
to run the Dixie for his son Jack P., who
operates the Corral as well as Brooker on
Saturday nights. The Grimeses are old showmen.
Jack was projectionist while in the
army and Paul has quite a 16nun paper business
which he ships everywhere. He has a
great deal of ancient posters, one-sheets and
window cards. Jack is thinking about building
a theatre for Negroes In Hawthorne. They
wanted me to stay over and go fishing with
them as a huge lake is right at their door,
and they have a private lake of their own.
'Nation' Draws Crowds
At Miami Embassy
film, secured the camera for Claughton to
exhibit. Another Miamian who was a particiilarly
interested spectator was Jacques
Walthall who is a nephew of Henry B. Walthall,
the male star in the picture.
Binford Bans Film He Saw in 1934;
Distributor Ttireatens Lawsuit
MEMPHIS — The local censors are at It
again. But this time, they clashed with a
woman who spoke plainly to the newspapers
and the fur is beginning to fly.
Just recently the censors were told flatly
by Tennessee's supreme court that they had
no right to ban pictures from local screens
because of Negroes in the cast. The warning
was handed out by the state's highest court
in the "Curley" case.
The court, however, threw the "Curley" case
out on the grounds that United Artists and
Hal Roach Studies, Inc.. were out-of-state
corporations and had no right to bring legal
action against the censors in a Tennessee
court. However, since the constitutionality
qiftstion was sidestepped by the Tennessee
court, this decision will be appealed to the
U. S. Supreme Court by the motion picture
indu.stry.
But back to the current fuss.
A reissued picture, "Imitation of Life," was
offered for review by Mrs. lone Jemigan,
office manager of Screen Guild Productions.
She .sought permi-ssion to release the picture
through Realart.
Chairman Lloyd T. Binford, chairman of
the Memphis censors, said "no."
He refused to even see it screened. He had
seen it some 16 years ago when it played in
Memphis.
Then came the verbal blast from Mrs.
MIAMI—Claughton's Emba- y .. JraAing
big audiences to see "The Birth of a Nation."
On display in the lobby is an old Pathe silent
motion picture camera, the one Billy Bitzer
used in making the picture so many years Jemigan who was quoted in the newspapers
ago.
as saying: "Mr. Binford told me 'Imitation
The camera now is the property of G. L. of Life' was the worst case of racial equality
Coutant of Coconut Grove and was loaned he ever saw. He would not even agree to see
to the Embassy for the run of the famous it for review, saying he remembered it and
film. The camera was the only rear-winder there was no need for him to see it again.
on the major lots long after other photographers
had switched to the newer Bell & Strand on Main. It had 29 runs in Memphis
"It was a 1933-34 relea.se and played the
Howell and Mitchell cameras.
before it was banned.
Bitzer's magic, which he originated with "Mr. Binford asked me where I was from.
Griffith, was the fadeout and closeup device, I told him Georgia, but spent 26 years in
the latter with long-focus lenses. This
technique is apparent in every foot of this
daddy of the film epic.
Shorty Haines, who played a bit part in the
WE BIGGEST NAME IN POPCORN
New Orleans before coming here three years
ago. He made a reference to the'Ku Klux
Klan bothering me about such as this if I
would return to Georgia.
"We do not intend to pre.ss the matter of
the picture further. It would be too expensive
to take the matter to court."
The next day Binford decided that he
would .see the picture again before making
his ban final and official. He said he and
Avery Blakeney, another member of the
board, would see a screening this week and
give a final decision. Binford said his decision
to see the picture with Blakeney came
after another talk with Mrs. Jernigan.
"It has been 16 years since I saw the picture,"
Binford said. "I was under the impression
the Negro Involved came to the south
from the north. Mrs. Jemigan says this is
not so."
What will happen to the picture? Who
knows?
While Binford and his Memphis cen.sors
were waiting to see "Imitation of Life"
screened, Budd Rogers, vice-president of
Realart Pictures, was quoted in dispatches
from New York as saying if Memphis censors
did not permit the picture to be shown
court action would result. So Binford and
his Memphis censors face a new wrinkle In
censorship. They have announced they will
see a screening of the film to pass on it and
have been forewarned that court action will
follow if they ban it.
'Heiress for a Day' Contest
AUBUR.V, ALA.—George Deavours, Tiger
Theatre manager, cooperated with local merchants
in s-ponsorlng an Heiress for a Day
contest. Prizes totaling $140 were awarded
those who wrote the best letters of not more
than 50 words telling why they thought they
.should be Heiress for a Day.
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-NOW!
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MEMPHIS Boone, N. C, Theatre NEW ORLEANS
.
M'athan Reiss, owner, has reopened the Gem
Theatre in Covington, Tenn., closed since
fire caused extensive damage recently in the
Mr. and Mrs. Charles
projection. booth . . .
Jones are parents of a daughter born last
week. Jones is a booker at Columbia
R. L. Bostick, National Theatre Supply manager,
attended managers meeting held by his
company in Los Angeles January 23-25 . . .
Norma Staces, bookers stenographer, at
Monogram, has resigned and moved to California.
Her place has been filled by Mrs.
Ann Freeman.
Bailey Prichard, Monogram branch manager,
and F. J. Kaiser, company salesman,
were in Little Rock on business . . . Carrollton
Allman has closed the Camden Drivein
at Camden, Ark., for several weeks for
repairs ... A. J. Delcambre, SRO district
manager, Dallas, was a Memphis visitor . . .
Bud Freeman, New York publicity man, was
in town with "The Story of G. I. Joe,"
Mrs. Irene
which 0{>ened at the Malco . . .
Owen, U-I head bookers stenographer, resigned.
Ruth Hill was promoted to take her
place.
Mrs. Robert Estes, former U-I manager's
secretary now living at Helena. Ark., and
her husband became parents of a baby girl
Young, 20th-Fox manager, gave
. . . Charles
a dinner dance Monday night (23) at the
Claridge hotel for employes
Elgin, former apprentice booker, has become
booker at Warner Bros, to succeed
Frank Owen, now an automobile salesman.
Bob Pedretty, shipper, has moved up to apprentice
booker.
Miss Emma Cox, who died recently at Osceola,
Ark., left her Gem and Joy theatres
and the remainder of her estate to be divided
equally between Rosa Lee who worked
for her; her family and the Catholic church,
friends have reported. Bill Kroeger, Portageville.
Mo., is operating the theatres under
John PajTie, star of "Captain
a lease . . .
China," was here to make three personal
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Destroyed by Fire
BOONE, N. C.—The Appalachian Theatre
was destroyed by a fire here Saturday (21)
which started in a popcorn machine.
No one was injured in the blaze, but damage
to the building which houses the theatre,
an apartment, offices and a soda shop was
placed at $150,000.
Bob Agle, district manager of the controlling
Sams Theatre Corp., said the audience
filed out quietly.
appearances on the Strand Theatre stage
Januai-y 24. On January 30, Wendell Corey
will be here in connection with the opening
of "Thelma Jordon."
Malco, according to Manager Elliott Johnson,
plans another try at vaudeville February
2 . . . Cliff Peck, who formerly operated
the Gem in Covington, now is selling
automobiles here . . . Floyd Harvey jr.,
U-I salesman, and his wife are parents of
a son Floyd Harvey III, born at Baptist
hospital here.
Filmrow visitors from Tennessee included
W. F. Ruffin sr., Ruffin Amusements Co.,
Covington; Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar; G. H.
Goff, Rustic, Parsons; W. H. Gray, Ken,
Kenton; W. A. Peel, Rutherford, Rutherford;
Harry Shaw, Webb, Ripley, and Mrs.
M. M. West, Rex, Centerville . . . From
Arkansas came E. A. Patton, Roxy, Huntingdon;
J. E. Singleton, Tyro, Tyronza; Gene
Higginbotham, Melody, Leachville; Lawrence
Landers, Landers. Batesville; Mr. and Mrs.
John Keller and Mrs. R. S. Bowden, Joiner,
Joiner; Fred Jaynes, Joy, West Memphis, and
W. R. Lee, Lee and Gem, Heber Springs.
.
Robb-Rowley officials, C. V. Jones, Dallas,
and Dave Callahan, Little Rock, were in
town on business . Bedford. Marion,
Hamilton, Ala., and Roy Dillard, Dillard at
Warden and Rex at Lilbui-n. Mo., were among
exhibitors seen on Filmrow Mississippi
came John Miller. 78 Drive-In, Tupelo;
H. C. Langford, Folly at Marks and
Lam at Lambert: B^m Jackson, Delta, Ruleville;
Mrs. Clara Collier, Globe, Drew; Mrs.
E. S. Gullett, Benoit, Benoit; C. J. Collier,
Globe, Shaw; J. C. Bonds, Von Hernando;
J. C. Pratt, Dixie, Fulton, and J. H. Moore,
Ritz, Crenshaw.
parbara Bel Geddes, cast as the wife of
Richard Widmark in "Outbreak," arrived
here this week to begin shooting the film .
The Rickey Theatre opened in Pelahatchie,
Miss. . . . E. V. Landaiche now will book and
buy for the Carver, Piichard, Ala., previously
a part of Joy Theatres.
John Ganucheau, former United Artists
booker, now is on the road for Film Classics
Fornea, theatre operator, died in the
hospital in Picayune, Miss., and was buried
from his home in Derby. Fornea operated
theatres in Columbia and Picayune, Miss.
Mrs. Tom Bailey, tax collector for Mississippi;
Kenneth Toler, reporter for the
Commercial Appeal; Kirby Walker, superintendent
of schools, Jackson City, judges for
the Mississippi Theatre Owners' Essay contest,
part of a campaign launched against
the Mississippi amusement tax, named the
following winners: Mrs. B. Mitchell, Collins,
$1,000; Mrs. Clyde Webster. Clarksdale, $200;
Emile J. Gex jr.. Bay St. Louis, $100; W.
Everett Rogers, Greenville, $50; C. Patrick,
Sematobia, $25; Eddie Jones, Meridian, $25;
Mrs. Powe, Hattiesburg, $25, at a special
screening of "Samson and Delilah," held for
Mississippi Theatre Owners at the Lamar,
Jackson.
J. G. Broggi, who books for a number of
theatres in this area, has moved to new
quarters on the second floor of the building
at 218 South Liberty St. . . . Exhibitors in
town booking and buying were Mrs. R. Muse
and daughter, E. I. Hawkins, L. W. Watts,
A. L. Royal and Roy Pfeiffer.
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98 BOXorncE January 28, 1950

. . The
: January
. .
. . Exhibitor
. . Jimmy
. . James
. . Henry
CHARLOTTE
T ash LaRue, western picture star, was here
last week making arrangements for a tour
of Carolina and Virginia cities. He opened
in Roanoke January 23 and is due to appear
on a Charlotte stage late next month .
Late show previews of 20th-Fox's "Willie
Comes Marching Home" and "Mother Didn't
Tell Me" were held here last week. The first
was at the Carolina and the second at the
Dilworth.
Jack Austin, Paramount Theatres city manager
here, spoke at a Charlotte Motion Picture
council meeting at which Mrs. Candace
Bryant Smith presided . . . South Carolina
Senator Olin Johnston will be the house guest
of Col. J. Bates Harvey, president of the
Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina,
in his home in Clover January 28, 29.
He will attend a dance in behalf of the March
of Dimes and will teach the Men's Bible class
of Clover ARP Church of which Harvey is
president. Harvey also is chairman for the
dance . Mai-garet Webster Shakespeare
Players presented "The Taming of the Shrew"
In the Armory auditorium here.
John Payne is making action pictures because
he preferred that type of film to the
musicals which he used to make for 20th
Century-Pox. "I bought my contract from
Pox," said Payne. "Action pictures were always
my meat and I am doing what I always
wanted to do." Payne came here following
the world premiere of his new film "Captain
China" in his home town of Roanoke, Va.,
and a busy day in Greensboro and Winston-
Salem. From Charlotte he went to Raleigh
and Durham and was to visit a dozen other
towns before heading back to Hollywood.
Ben Bicknell to Manage
Strand in Shreveport
SHREVEPORT—Ben Bicknell, former assistant
manager of the Strand and manager
of the Saenger here, has taken over management
of the Strand. He replaces Mrs.
Hilda Taft, who has been transferred to the
Paramount in Greenville, Miss., where Bicknell
has been manager the last two years.
Bicknell was connected with Paramount
Richards Theatres here from 1927 to 1936.
He al.so had held the managership of one
of the Paramount Richards theatres in
Mobile. During World War II he served in
the army about two years. After the war,
Bicknell was on the road for Paramount-
Richards several years, connected with the
maintenance department of the organization.
Start Modernization
JUDSONIA, ARK.—O. C. Waller and Sons,
ottTier of the Judd Theatre, have begun modernizing
and redecorating and will buy complete
new equipment and sound equipment
for the house as well as enlarge the screen
and seating capacity.
Lake Wales Scenic Open
LAKE WALES, FLA.—The Scenic Theatre
is operating during the winter season on a
four-day-week basis. Miss Betty Brinkworth
is in charge, according to Leslie Pendleton,
manager of the State Theatre.
-
Work Resumed on Theatre
Started Two Years Ago
TUSCUMBIA, ALA.—Work will be resumed
here in two weeks on a new $250,000 theatre.
No opening date has been set.
The 950-seat house on Main street was
begun more than two years ago, but work
was stopped because of the shortage of building
materials.
The theatre is owned by Louis Rosenbaum
and his son Stanley of Florence, and Mrs.
Nettie E. Sudekum of Nashville, Tenn. There
are six other houses in the Muscle Shoals
Theatres circuit in this area.
Fun-Lan Drive-In Opened
At Tampa; 650 Cars
TAMPA, FLA.—Tlie Fun-Lan Drive-In has
been opened here by P. J. Sones and S. T.
Wilson. Its capacity is 650 cars, plus a section
for walk-in patrons. More than 75 tons
of concrete were used in building the foundation
for the screen, which is designed to withstand
any hurricane winds which might visit
the area.
Webb Bros. Build Drive-In
DEMOPOLIS, ALA.—Webb Bros,
have announced
plans for a 300-car di'ive-in here.
Construction started this week on the layout,
which is one and one-half miles east of
Demoix)lis on Highway 80. The Webb brothers,
Mem, Stewart, Cox and Henry, operate
the Marengo Theatre here.
New Miami Drive-In Started
MIAMI—Construction has been started by
George Wilby on a 150-car drive-in at Northwest
Seventh avenue and 87th street. Completion
is expected in 90 days. The drive-in
will have a section for "walk-in" patrons.
JACKSONVILLE
T^orothy Shay, "the Park avenue hillbilly,"
visited her home town after an eightyear
absence Alice Nunn is another
. . .
Jacksonville girl who has reached fame as a
vocalist. Alice was one of three girls wlio
represented Jacksonville in the national
Tommy Dorsey girl singer contest in 1937,
and later received her training from Mary
Martin's voice instructor in New York. She
is now the featured vocalist aboard the
SS Argentina, cruise ship.
Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Margaret
Truman and Oscar Levant are scheduled
to make concert appearances in the
George Washington auditorium in the near
future . Howard Smith was in
town and on a booking and buying trip.
OlUe 'WiUlamson was in from Atlanta to
confer with the Warner circuit officials . . .
Virginia Williams is the new typist for Paramount
. . . Marion Stowe is temporarily at
The Paramount exchange
Paramount . . .
here finished in third and fourth places, respectively,
in the bookers drive and Pine
Thomas contest.
Howard Pettcngill of Florida State Theatres
has returned from a New York bu.siness
"Adam's Rib" was held over
trip . . . at the San Marco Theatre.
ATLANTA
p J.
A. McCarthy, U-I Canadian and southern
sales manager, left for New York
after visiting the local branch . . . Ike
Katz, Kay exchanges president, returned
from New Orleans after the opening of a
.
. . . Charles Karr,
new branch there Wakely, western
film star, resumed his tour following
an appearance here
Martin Theatres local booking manager, was
back at work after a recent illne.ss.
.
C. S. Pitman, owner and operator of the
Pitman at Gadsden, Ala., was a patient
at a local hospital . Willard, Strong
Electric Co. representative, was a visitor on
Tom Drake, young film star,
Filmrow . . .
was expected to arrive here soon to appear
in "John Loves Mary" at the Penthouse
Theatre Krumm, SRO
southern district manager, was in town . . .
The Delta Theatre Supply Co., New Orleans,
has been purchased by the Southeastern
Theatre Equipment Co., which has its main
offices here.
Ralph McCoy, Film Classics branch manager,
returned from a sales trip into Tennessee
. . . Trial of the suit filed by Film
Classics against the local film censor was
expected to begin January 31 . . . John
Kirby, Warner Bros, southern district manager,
left for New York after visiting the
local branch . . . R. P. Davis, former Florida
theatre owner, visited friends on Filmrow
... Ed Stevens, Stevens Pictures president,
returned from Florida.
Theatremen on Fihnrow buying and booking
included Joe Maddox, Hampton; William
Yarboro, Emily. Hartwell: P. J. Gaston,
Lincoln, Griffin; Ellison Dunn, Olive,
Donaldsonville; R. H. Brannon, Holly, Dahlonega;
J. E. Jarrell, Roxy, Commerce; E. J.
Hunter, Colquitt, Colquitt; J. S. Tankersley,
Chatsworth; Wallace Smith, Gem, Barnesville,
and Louis Hutchinson, Ritz, Austell,
Ga., and E. L. Bailey, Eagle, Blountstown,
Fla.
C. S. Dunn Renovates Theatre
CHATTAHOOCHEE, FLA.—A new snack
bar and fountain have been opened at the
Gibson Theatre, which also has received a
new marquee, indirect interior lighting and
a new tile front as part of renovation program
of C. S. Dunn, owner. New curtains,
seats, carpeting and air conditioning will be
installed.
Tamiatni Theatre Renovated
NAPLES, FLA.—Extensive remodeling and
repairs have been completed at the Tamiami
Theatre at Everglades. The floor has been
rebuilt to slope at an approved angle so as to
give all patrons adequate vision. New innerspring
seats have been installed, and the interior
completely repainted. Paul Cooke is
manager.
The title of the 20th-Pox picture "The Big
Fall" has been changed to "Under My Skin."
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Screen Coating and Masking Paint. Prompt Shipment
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. KanL^cllyT.
BOXOFFICE :
28, 1950 99

. . "Sands
. . Emery
. . The
MIAMI
/^ corge Hoover, one of the most popular figures
of show business in this area, will
be feted at a testimonial dinner January 26.
Hoover, general manager for Paramount Enterprises
here, was the first chief barker of
Variety Tent 33 and served in this position
for the three years the tent has been in
existence. Wilham McCraw, international
executive director, will be toastmaster for the
dinner. Due to limited spaoe and a heavy
demand for the 150 reservations, the affair
will be attended only by barkers, associate
barkers and their wives. The dinner also
serves as the occasion for installing Variety's
new crew. Retiring Chief Barker Hoover will
be succeeded by Paul Bruun, showbusiness
editor on the Miami Beach Sun and Riviera
Times.
In town to shoot some Warner newsreels
and short subjects is NoiTnan Moray, photographer
. Austin, MGM, was here
from Atlanta . . . Russ Morgan of RKO has
been here from Atlanta on business . . .
Claughton's Embassy and Variety secured
"Cinderella" for a world premiere here February
16. Trailers are being shown.
As promotion for "Jolson Sings Again,"
Phil Masters had a Jolson impersonator in
the lobby of Wometco's Town. He was 8-
year-old Ronnie Thompson. Masters says,
"He really packed 'em in" . . . 'Winners in
the "My Foolish Heart" contest were announced
over station WGBS. Contestants
wrote letters citing personal experiences in
keeping with the pictm'e's theme.
Warner Bros, cameras are centering
thi'ough January 30 at the Boca Raton club.
Two films are to be made, one a resort
fashion story, and the second an overall
general Florida winter sports story. Both
are scheduled for a February release. Norman
H. Moray, Warner Pathe News, will
supervise three or four days' shooting. The
production staff mcludes Jack LeVien, producer-director;
Norma DuPaul, fashion editor;
Clifford Poland, cameraman, and two
New York top-flight models.
Lon Walters and 65 of his performers arrived
in Miami en route back to New York
from their Blanquita Theatre engagement in
Havana . Sunday eight-column picture
review of the week in the Miami Daily
News was devoted to "Samson and Delilah,"
which opens soon at the Florida and Sheridan
. of Iwo Jima" at the Paramount
and Beach, is another opener that has
been heralded widely . . . "Dancing in the
Dark" opens at the Miami, Lincoln and
Miracle, and has been given good advance
notices.
"Tension" opens at Claughton's first runs.
One of the stars, Cyd Charisse, is in Miami
at the moment. She is the wife of Tony
Martin, currently appearing at a local club
. . . Bill Brandt and Joe Kipness are guests
at a Miami Beach hotel. Kipness opens "All
You Need Is One Good Break" in Philadelphia
this week.
Maurice Schwartz, director of the New York
Yiddish Art Theatre, appears with his entire
cast on stage of the Plaza for a fortnight
beginning February 7. Manager Edgar Pearce
has been featuring Yiddish stage productions
for some time. These are in addition to the
regular screen fare . . . Rudolph Weiss, a
Warner Bros, vice-president, is vacationing
at a Miami Beach hotel.
. . .
Sonny Shepherd sneak-previewed an unreleased
Universal film at the Miami after
a late showing of "South Sea Sinner"
Charles Rosher, MGM cameraman who
filmed the Academy award winning "The
Yearling," arrived here en route to Jamaica
where he will build a home and "go native"
... A pedigreed pup was the prize for a
youngster at a recent Saturday show at the
independent Normandy.
Newsreels in local first rim theatres have
been showing nine girls from a local model
agency, displaying 2^2 million dollars worth
of jewels from the collection of the late
Princess Eristavi-Tchitcherine who had a
home here.
According to Paul Bruun, a business man,
whose name he is asked not to mention, has
about made up his mind to make three motion
pictures in norida. One will be made
of a book he read ten years ago about an
island south of Miami. Last week a rereading
of the book was more convincing
than ever. Though the anonymous producer,
whose money was made in the film business,
is plarming to use his own funds in the production
of these three films, he already has
three would-be investors who think enough
of the idea to want to invest, too.
Ray Teale, bandleader at Paramount's
Olympia a few years ago, will have a role
in Goldwj'n's "Edge of Doom" . . . Raymond
Lang, the 11-year-old who made such a hit
in the recent presentation of "Tom Sawyer,"
by the Variety Club's women's group, will play
the lead in the next in the series, "Hansel
and Gretel."
Joseph Gotten is due in town February 3
to be on hand for the premiere of "The
Third Man," in which he stars, and which
will open at the Miami, Lincoln and Miracle
February 8. He also will make a personal
f
IP
AT WASHINGTON PARTY—Discuss-
theatre television at a recent party in
ing;
Washington, Mitchell Wolfson, TOA vice-
video com-
president and chairman of its
mittee, is shown left to right with Wayne
Coy, FCC chairman; John Balaban,
WBKB president, and Gael Sullivan,
TOA executive director. Wolfson is coowner
of the Wometco circuit and WTVJ,
first Florida television station.
appearance at the March of Dimes ball.
Cotten gave up a job on the Miami Herald
to don greasepaint. It was the Committee
of Fifteen Theatre and the Federal Arts
Pi-ojects here which gave him his first stage
experience.
Joe Schenck, film executive, has arrived in
Boca Raton . . . Dr. Harry Watson, husband
of Louella Parsons, also is there as is Irving
Berlin.
Eric Johnston Terms
1949 Product Finest
MIAMI—Hollywood last year produced
some of the finest motion pictures in its
history, Eric Johnston, president of Motion
Picture Ass'n of America, said here recently.
Johnston was in town for a meeting of the
board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce of which he is a past president.
Speaking to the local press, he said that
it was true that there had been a letdown
in quality of films immediately after the
war "when you could sell almost anything
in motion pictures." But he declared that
this was no longer true of Hollywood's output.
Johnston's public admission that there had
been postwar celluloid "stinkers" was, according
to the Miami Herald, probably his
first. When he was here eight months ago
for a meeting of top picture executives, he
would not acknowledge that there had been
substandard films since the war.
Television, thus far, Johnston stated, is not
furrowing the filmmakers' brows. He believes
there still are too few sets to determine what
effect video may have on film producing.
"We are studying sporadic reports about television,"
he said, "but it's a little too early
to say what future problems will be."
He reported that the motion picture industry
soon will have an FCC hearing on
applications it has made fof licenses for installing
video in theatres.
Johnston said the devaluation of the pound
sterling had cut the industry's foreign market
by about a third. But he said that, conversely,
Hollywood is doing more this year to
help foreign exhibitors than it has ever done
before. He said the industry has set up a
special committee to assist the foreign filmmakers
in selling their products in this country.
The Miami Daily News quoted Johnston
as explaining that coltminists and the public
have the WTong idea about his job. Although
he is the "czar" of the motion picture business,
he does not, as so many people think,
have anything to do with how many minutes
Lana Turner spends kissing Tyrone Power.
Critics frequently complain that Johnston
has "ruined" some pictm-es by taking out a
torrid scene, and he gets it both ways from
the public—either too hot or too cold. Actually,
Johnston said, the censoring is done in
Hollywood by Joseph Breen, an officer of
MPAA. At the completion of the meeting
for which he came to Miami, Johnston returned
to Washington.
Add to Crescent City Schedule
CRESCENT CITY, FLA.—The Star Theatre
has started Wednesday night showings
m response to requests. Lloyd C. Preston
said the addition will remain on a trial basis
during January.
100 BOXOFFICE :: January 28, 1950

. . . "The
. . "Burlesques
.
Pay Roll at St. John Docks
Indicates Weekend Gross
ST. JOHN—Sam Babb, manager of the
Mayfair here, has set up a foolproof method
of determ-'ning what his weekend business
will be. On Thursdays and Fridays, Babb
calls on or telephones heads of local shipping
agencies, stevedoring firms, harborfront
unions and railways and gets information on
what the weekend pay will be for longshoremen,
freight handlers, checkers, cargo repairmen,
grain elevator workers, trainmen
and the like.
Through this advance information, Babb
can prepare for topheavy business if his survey
indicates such, hiring extra staffers, if
necessary.
Port business is the major employment
source here from December 1 until middle
or late April, and the employment situation
at the docks and railways is reflected in the
business of all local theatres and stores.
Babb's estimates of business for Fridays
and Saturdays and Mondays have been on
the bull's-eye since he started assembling the
information several weeks ago. As a result
he is set to act on seat repairs, cleaning,
lineups, congestion in the lobby and aisles,
standee space, regulating incoming and outgoing
patrons, possible disturbances, demands
for candy, safety and other factors which
need special attention.
FORT WILLIAM
Dusiness at the Lakehead has been verj'
spotty since Christmas. With the mercury
staying around 20 below zero and with
cold winds adding to the misery, the boxoffice
receipts have suffered badly. The Capitol
here did fa-rly well with "That Forsyte
Woman," but it did not hold. The Paramount,
with "On the Town," was fair.
The four houses of Famous Players, which
were slated to close, are starting giveaways.
The Oi-pheum here and the Colonial, Port
Arthur, are giving dinnerware on Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday and the Royal. Fort
William, and Lyceum, Port Arthur, are rujining
Hollywood.
. . . Stella
. . .
Mary Bigg:s, a former cleaner at the Orpheum,
now is at the Odeon
Gireaux, cash'er at the Capitol, is away on a
month's leave of absence. Bunny Wilson is
filling Stella's place during her absence
Jimmy Cameron of Famous Players is here
checking on FPC houses.
Gordon Carson of the Royal headed the
polls on his re-election as city alderman.
Charlie Dilley of the Paramoimt, Port Arthur,
also was elected alderman. Charlie ran
tenth and just got in. There were ten aldermen
elected.
Thieves Steal Safe. $300,
At Danbury, Conn., House
DANBURY, CONN.—Thieves broke into the
Empress here and stole a safe containing approximately
$300. The theatre building is
located diagonally across from the Danbury
police headquarters. Irving Hillman is manager.
MONTREAL
n windstorm of unusual velocity damaged
several theatres, particularly the Echemin
in St. Romauld, owned by J. Albert Theberge,
where the roof was carried off . . . Mickey
Lsman. formerly of the home office of Empire-
Universal at Toronto, has succeeded Manager
Owen Lightstone here. He will attend the
Universal sales meeting in New York City . .
The Seville Art Theatre premiered an American
and a British film; "Louisiana Story"
and the Hitchcock production, "Counterblast."
A 33-year-old motion picture usher, who
underwent trial here for the murder of a
middle-aged crippled woman patron whom he
allegedly robbed and beat to death, fainted
in the courtroom. He met the woman when
he was usher at the Bijou, and, according
to his statement, changed his job and became
usher at the Papineau prior to the tragedy
Man on the Eiffel Tower" was
premiered simultaneously in the Victoria Theatre
at Quebec City and the Capitol here.
Pranchot Tone made a personal appearance
at the Capitol in connection with the premiere.
He was accompanied by the producer,
Burgess Meredith. Tone's interest in Canada
has prompted him to build a counti-y residence
in the Gatineau valley of Quebec province.
Alterations to the Orpheum are expected
to get under way in May . de
Paris," staged for a week at His Majesty's,
after which the troupe played Three Rivers
and Quebec, is due to retui'n here for another
week starting January 30 ... A French language
version of a Paul Muni film titled "Les
Commandos Frappent a I'Aube," is showing
at the Electra.
. . . Theatre
France Film Co. gave a reception for the
Parisian comedian Bourvil, whose films
France Film distributes in Canada. J. A. De
Seve, president and managing director, presided,
and, according to an announcement,
"a wine of honor was served"
construction and alterations in Canada totaled
35,832,000 in 1949, over $1,000,000 more
than in 1948, according to MacLean Building
Reports. The largest annual total was in 1946
when $8,921,500 was spent on new construction
and alterations.
Empire-Universal is releasing the Associated
Screen News color film, "Rocky Eden,"
of the Canadian Cameo series, which pictures
HANDY
the wild life and scenery of the Canadian
Rockies . . . E. V. Brennan, head booker at
Warners, suffered a broken left arm when she
fell on the icy sidewalk on her way to work
during the heaviest windstorm recorded in
Montreal for several years.
Exhibitors visiting Filmrow included Guy
Bachand of the Rex, Sherbrooke: W. Mainville,
Rose, Ste. There.se, and Charles Magnan
of the Laurier, Victoriaville . . . According to
the Farm Women's club of Quebec, films
produced by the National Film Board could
be made more acceptable by respecting the
customs of the rural population, and all films
should be edited in both official languages,
English and French. The club's brief before
the royal com.mission on arts and letters
lU'ged that the National Film Museum be
given adequate financial resources to complete
its development.
The La Scala Theatre Introduced a new
policy of presenting Italian films with Eng-
. . . Films
lish titles, first of which was "Torna, Caro
Ideal" (Return, Most Beloved)
showing beauty spots on the Gaspe peninsula
and in the new Gaspe National park were
screened at Quebec before an audience of
government officials headed by Dr. Camille
Pouliot, and including Joseph Morin, director
of the provincial film service.
Shakeup in Ottawa Cabinet
OTTAWA—R. H. Winters, a member of
the Canadian cabinet who was directly responsible
for the deposing of Ross McLean
as commissioner of the National Film Board,
has been placed in another post as a result
of a shakeup of ministers by Prime Minister
Louis St. Laurent. McLean was relieved of
his duties, following criticism of National
Film Board activities, when his request for
an increase of his $8,000 salary was declined.
His successor, W. Arthur Irwin of Toronto,
who accepted the appointment at $15,000 a
year, does not take charge until February 1.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
"Men" and "Ladies" Rcsl Room Liol'ts $6.7'; eath
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO, K^nl! cliri
Elizabeth Frazer has been inked for the
feminine lead in the Republic film, "Hills of
Oklahoma."

. . Manager
. . Workmen
. . New
. . The
. . James
. . Gordon
ST. JOHN
prank Sobey of Stellarton, after a dozen
years as mayor of that town, has decided
to run again for the office. Sobey
originally planned to retire from city hall
activities, but changed his mind recently.
He has been part-owner of theatres in Stellarton,
Westville and New Glasgow and he
also operates a food store chain.
Eugene Hovcy of Bathurst, N. B., who has
been operating dance schools at Bathurst,
Fredericton, Moncton and Campbellton, has
opened another in the former Palace Theatre
here. Hovey is a nephew by marriage
of Pete Leger, owner of the Capitol at Bathurst.
Hovey has had small parts in motion
pictures and stage productions before settling
down as a dance teacher in this part
of the nation.
Exhibitors at southern Nova Scotia are expecting
favorable boxoffice from a new ferry
service between Yarmouth and Rockland,
Me. A steamer, costing about $3,000,000,
will be built at Halifax for an operating
start early in the summer of 1951. It will
have a capacity of 1,000 cars and 1,000 to
1,500 persons. The service beitween Yarmouth
and Boston, functioning only during a summer
season and announced as cancelled entirely,
will be resumed in June.
"Christopher Columbus" played a week at
the Strand here at hiked admissions of 40
cents for adults at matinees and 44 to 50
cents nights Johnny Parr of
.
the North Sydney Odeon hopes he can do
considerable sailing this season. For many
years he favored snipe boats and his batting
average at the tiller was above par for
the course. Before becoming a theatre operator,
Farr was a professional ventriloquist
and toured the maritimes with stage troupes.
Ronald Mclntyre, tank-truck driver of the
deefndant Irving Oil Co., testified in the
F. G. Spencer suit against the firm recently.
Spencer claims that spilled oil from a delivery
caused a fire which destroyed the Capitol
at Kentville. Mclntyre denied that he spilled
any of the oil, but admitted some of the
oil, not more than two gallons, blew back
from the intake pipe, because, he said, of an
air lock in the tanks. The fire originated
when oil ignited, Spencer contends, and was
due to negligence in the oil delivery.
Film-Restaurant Idea
Popular in Smithfield
SMITHFIELD, R. I.—The Roseland Movie
restaurant is fast becoming the most popular
night spot in this state, since inaugurating
a policy of presenting films, along with
meals and drinks.
Patrons are treated to two full-length features,
comedies, cartoons, news and other
shorts every evening week in and week out
while enjoying delicious cuisine and cocktails.
Tables are arranged so everyone has a
"preferred position," and judging by the rapidly
increasing business, the idea has more
than usual merit. It is rumored that other
nighteries are planning to follow the pattern
set by the Roseland management. The program
is changed twice weekly. W. C. Patt is
owner-manager.
Mickey Rooney will take the title role in
Columbia's "Freddie the Great," comedy
about an amateur magician.
Edmonton Suburban House
May Be Built by FPC
EDMONTON, ALTA.—Construction of an
FPC suburban theatre here this year is a
possibility, acording to E. A. Zorn of Winnipeg,
Famous Players western district manager.
The new house, if built, will be in the
Highland district on a site bought several
years ago. At that time the cost of the proposed
theatre was estimated to be $100,000,
but with costs considerably higher today the
figure now is thought to be about $150,000.
In discussing the project. Zorn said he had
no accurate estimate on the cost, since detailed
plans have not been prepared. Meanwhile,
bids have been called for FPC's $1,-
000,000 downtown theatre. The new plant,
to seat 1,800 patrons, is to be named the
Paramount. It is expected to require from
12 to 18 months to build, and when completed
it will be the major FPC unit here. The site
for the theatre has been cleared of buildings
and is ready for excavation.
OTTAWA
Tn connection with a proposed vote on Sunday
sports in Ottawa, a rumor gained
ground that local exhibitors had started a
move for Sunday film performances. A representative
for a religious group sought information
on the subject and found theatres
saying Sunday shows were desired . . .
So successful has "Tight Little Island"
proved at the Glebe here that Manager
Jack Gibson has held the picture for a fifth
week. The theatre has been doing nicely
since the adoption of a class-film policy.
The Ottawa Theatre Managers Ass'n held
a progressive party Sunday when the members
and their wives, starting out from the
Odeon to a country lodge for dinner, indulged
in bowling and wound up at the
Nelson for a special screening. There were
no speeches .
are erecting a
new marquee on the Famous Players' Regent
at the corner of Bank and Sparks streets.
The job was not completed before the ban
was lifted on exterior lighting by hydroelectric
authorities. Manager Henry Marshall
is looking forward to the new lobby, seating
and other improvements which are being
made without interruption of performances.
When the job is finished the Regent will
offer "Samson and Delilah."
Many guests were present at the Crawley
Films' studio on Fairmount avenue January
24 for a special screening of "His Name
Was Smith," which deals with a Canadian
railway pioneer who became Lord Strathcona,
and of "Creative Hands" which was
produced for Coronet Films . . . George
Oullahan of Toronto, manager of Sterling
Films, was here to check with local exhibitors
on bookings.
Anita Page, former Hollywood star, now
is a resident of the Canadian capital with
her husband Capt. Herschel House and their
6-year-old daughter. House is attached to
the U.S. embassy and is on loan to the Royal
Canadian navy as a technical specialist . . .
M. S. Rennie, 62, former chief purchasing
agent for the National Film Board, was
convicted of false pretenses in connection
with a transaction for a war-surplus camera.
TORONTO
Tack L. Hunter, former Paramount manager,
was pleased when he saw the electric sign
erected on the front of his Bay Theatre,
opposite the city hall, in the complete overhaul
of tlie onetime Colonial. After weeks
of reconstruction the opening is in sight but
he hasn't announced the policy for the new
house . type luminous posters are
in use on the front of important local theatres,
including the Imperial, University and
Shea's. They are the creation of Theatre
Poster Service at 277 Victoria St.
Manager Holmes of the Humber has arranged
for two theatre auctions to aid the
family of Albert Boorman. a war veteran,
whose son was killed accidentally by a hand
grenade recently. In addition to the auctions,
a donation box in the form of a birthday
cake has been placed in the theatre
lobby for the needy family . . . Win Barron,
Paramount exploiteer, has seen to it
that Toronto is conscious of "Samson and
Delilah" at the Victoria. At its concert
January 20, the Toronto Symphony orchestra
tied in with the engagement by playing
Bacchanale from the "Samson and Delilah"
opera.
Mrs. James R. Nairn, wife of the Famous
Players' advertising executive, is busy with
organizing details for the annual Canadian
Red Cross campaign Which opens March 1.
She is the national publicity director . . .
Franchot Tone was here on a promotional
campaign for "Man on the Eiffel Tower,"
which was shown at a screening.
A Toronto visitor was Len B. Johnson of
Vancouver, president of the British Columbia
Exhibitors Ass'n and owner of a drivein
on the coast. Other callers included Red
Pell of the Queen's, Hamilton; Keith Wilson
of the Odeon pair at Brampton, and
Al Hartshorn, manager of the Regent in
Oshawa . latest new member, another
independent, for the Motion Picture
Theatres Ass'n of Ontario is located way
up north. He is W. J. McLaughlin, proprietor
of the Princess at Massey.
Gene Autry will pay his second visit here
in a decade on February 1, when he will
appear at the head of his own show at the
Coliseum . Stevenson of Toronto
and Winnipeg is resigning from the Famous
Players head office staff February 13 to assume
management of a hotel he has bought
at Bracebridge Lightstone,
.
Paramount general manager here, and Frank
Fisher of Eagle Lion were in New York for
conferences.
Suspects in Robbery Arrested
TORONTO—Following a break-in at the
Odeon Theatre on the night of January 15.
police arrested two unemployed youths, Warren
J. Sharpe. 17, and Clarence Rawn, 18,
as suspects.
NEO-SEAL

: January
Ontario Ticket Tax Cut
Asked by Theatremen
TORONTO—H. C. D. Main, chairman of
the tax committee of the Motion Picture
Theatres Ass'n of Ontario, reports that in
cooperation with the motion picture section
of the Toronto Board of Trade, the organized
exhibitors of the province have asked the
government for a reduction in the hospitals
tax on film patrons from 20 to 10 per cent.
Main, a former president of the association,
said that a request had been made in
the brief prepared by Vice-President R. W.
Bolstad of Famous Players, for the abolishment
of the amusement tax on all admission
tickets for 25 cents or less.
In turn, the theatre owners of Ontario have
been asked to give a guarantee that no increase
in admission prices would be made
for a period of one year after the Ontario
legislature has approved any amendment for
amusement-tax relief. The exhibitors, headed
by the circuit companies, are submitting written
pledges that this policy will be followed
for the 12-month period.
Formal application for tax reduction will
be placed before Pi-emier Leslie M. Frost
almost immediately by a representative delegation
of chain executives, independent exhibitors
and labor union officials. The latter
have given their cooperation because the
main burden of what is regarded as excessive
taxation in present economic conditions
falls on the working classes.
Ontario MPTA Counsel
To Ask Ban on Bingo
TORONTO—Joseph Singer, counsel for
the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario,
has arranged to appear February 11 before
the board of governors of the government
controlled Canadian Broadcasting
Corp.. to present argument for a prohibition
of bingo radio programs which are conflicting
with attendance at theatres.
A pointed brief against bingo games, prepared
by Singer, has been placed in the
hands of government officials for consideration
in connection with the session of the
legislature which opens February 16 here.
The association, which claims that bingo is
illegitimate competition for the exhibitors,
has called for an amendment to the statutes
to prohibit all such games of chance and for
the strict enforcement of the lottery act.
An appendix to the brief contains statistical
data showing the extent of bingo playing
throughout Ontario, compiled from information
supplied by exhibitors in practically all
cities and towns. Tlie details were the result
of letters sent out by executive secretary
Arch H. JoUey.
Famous Exchange Handles
Two Series of Westerns
NEW YORK — The Famous Pictui-es exchange
has closed two distribution deaJs for
western pictmes in the New York territory,
according to Han-y Goldstone, president. The
deals are with the Devonshire Film Co. for
a series of nine Cisco Kid features and with
Raj-mond Freidgen of Hollywood for three
new westerns starring Spade Cooley, "Red
Rock Outlaw," "The Kid From Gower Gulch"
and "Silver Bandit."
Showmanship Contest Set
For 'Mother Didn't'
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Pox will
release "Mother Didn't Tell Me" in March
backed by a nationwide showmanship contest
for exhibitors, according to Andy W. Smith
jr., vice-president and general manager. The
winning entrants in the contest will receive
a total of $7,500 in prizes for engagements
played during the March 2 to May 7 period.
A total of 500 prints will be available for
showings during the contest period. Entry
details will be announced via tradepress advertising
and by contest brochures through
the 20th-Fox exchanges. The winning advertising,
publicity and exploitation campaigns
will be judged by a panel of industry
notables. Smith said.
The contest was prompted by the success
of the "AU-American Premiere Contest" for
"Fatlier Was a Fullback" this fall. The picture
played a record high of 6,000 engagements
during the first ten weeks and himdreds
of campaigns were submitted. The
judges, William Ainsworth, Si Fabian and
Lou Little, are now judging the entries, with
the results to be announced in January.
MPSC, Pagnol Will Make
English 'Baker's Wife'
NEW YORK—Motion Pictiu-e Sales Corp.,
headed by Neil Agnew and Charles L. Casanave,
has closed a deal with Marcel Pagnol,
French film author and producer, to make
an English version of his famous 1938 film,
"The Baker's Wife." The French-language
version, which was distributed in the U.S.
a decade ago, won high honors.
Negotiations were first started by Agnew
and Pagnol in Paris last summer, but were
held up due to the failure to find a suitable
actor for the role created by the late Raimu.
Casanave met Jose Ferrer in Rome a few
weeks ago and arranged for the actor to meet
Pagnol in Paris. Pagnol selected Ferrer for
the role and the latter is expected to start
work on the film as soon as he completes his
present MGM assignment.
Anna Magnani. the Italian star who appears
in MPSC's "Volcano," is expected to
arrive in the U.S. shortly after January 1 for
dubbing sessions with William Dieterle.
Campaigns Analyzed
NEW YORK — Audience Research, Inc.,
cites the Paramount campaign on "Samson
and Delilah" as an outstanding example of
advance "penetration" and says 72 per cent
of the city's moviegoers knew about the
opening, as compared with 24 per cent who
know about the average A picture before its
New York release.
Periodical measurement of penetration. Audience
Research states, "makes possible a
check on actual results being achieved during
the campaign," and "a picture's final
penetration record pei-mits an analysis of the
effectiveness of the campaign which can be
used to advantage in planning future campaigns."
RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
to receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
n Acoustics
D Lighting Fixtures
Air Conditioning Q Plumbing Fixiures
Architectural Service
^ projectors
D
D "Black" Lighting ^ „ . .• ,
n
Projection Lamps
Building Material
Seating
Carpets
„„.,,,. n Signs and Marquees
'-'
n Coin Machines
D Complete Remodeling
Sound Equipment
Television
D Decorating
D Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts
Drive-In Equipment Q Vending Equipment
n
D Other Subjects
Theatre
Seating Capacilv
Address
City
State
Signed.
Postage-paid reply cords for your further convenience
in obtaining information ore provided in The MODERN
THEATRE RED KEY SECTION (Nov. 19, 1949).
BOXOFFICE :
28, 1950 103

. . The
British Children Report
Their Film Preferences
By SUMNER SMITH
NEW YORK—About 50.000 children
every Saturday attend special morning
matinees at most of the 58 theatres in the
Granada chain in England, according to
Sidney L. Bernstein, chairman. These
shows are not perfunctoiy exhibitions of
films, but are highly developed social enterprises,
he says. All of the children become
members of Granada clubs, receiving
membersliip cards and badges. They are
encour?.ged to join in community singing
at ea.n show, and to form glee clubs, sports
teams and other social groups. Each child
receives a card on his birthday and gifts
at free Christmas shows.
Started in 1927. this Granada enterprise
has been active and steadily growing ever
since, with the exception of the war years.
In charge of it are a well known British
psychiatrist and a man with special recreational
training.
SIX QUESTIONNAIRES ISSUED
From 1927 to 1947. Granada issued six successive
questionnaires by means of which
adult audiences made known their film preferences.
In the last named year the questionnaire
solicited the opinions of the children.
Their opinions were freely given and are
interesting. Cecil G. Bernstein, circuit director,
says they haven't changed much in
last two years. He suggested that American
exhibitors might be interested in a summary
of them.
The Bernsteins got out the questionnaire
to learn the answers to the following questions:
Do the shows satisfy the child audiences?
Do their replies show any defects in the
program which would warrant the accusations
of unhealthy, uneducative or positively
anti-social entertainment?
Do the children's responses express any
particular likes, dislikes, fears or conflicts
which might guide the sponsors in their future
policy for improving perfomance quality?
Do the responses show that the films exhibited
accentuate or actually produce
socially undesirable interests which would
ultimately end in anti-social behavior?
NOT A COMIVIERCIAL SURVEY
No attempt was made to do a conamercial
survey.
One of the most surprising discoveries was
that both boys and girls voted a preference
for historical films, with comedies second and
cartoons third. The boys followed with serials,
thrillers, adventure and cowboy films in that
order, and the girls with thi'illers, serials, adventure
and cowboy films. Tlie big lead enjoyed
by the historical films and the placing
of cowboy films at the bottom of the list
is taken to indicate that the children want
fantasy rather than realism. Comedies, it
is noted, are becoming part and parcel of the
modern child's vocabulary.
Asked if they liked 'Walt Disney films, 96
per cent said "yes." The liking for these
cartoons indicates, according to the Bernsteins.
that "the fantasy-making life of the
child has its full realization in animal symbolism"
and "however aggressive and .sometimes
sadistic the themes may be, we must
confess that they represent the primitive impulse
of the child." As to Disney characters,
Donald Duck is the most popular, with Mickey
Mouse second and Pluto third.
Ninety-two per cent like films with children
in them, with the girls showing an outstanding
preference for them. The same is
true of animal films, representing "the child's
capacity for identification with animals and
a consequent solicitude for them. It is, however,
noted that these become less poular as
children become older, particularly in the
case of girls."
The liking for the newsreel is pretty strong,
with 76 per cent of the boys and 61 per cent
of the girls voting "yes." This liking was
found to rise slightly with age, but was a
slight drop at the puberty years. The deduction
is that "the normal child can swing
easily from indulgence in fantasy to a strong
and critical interest in passing events."
To the question. "Do you dislike films in
which people are hurt?" 51 per cent of the
girls and 43 per cent of the boys registered
affirmatively. Boys, it is found, display
greater indifference than gii'ls. but the age
breakdown shows that while girls resent
cruelty more as they grow older, boys become
more indifferent to a marked degree, the
proportion disliking such films falling from
a half to a thii-d.
LOVE SCENES NOT POPULAR
Love scenes are clearly not very popular,
with the tabulation for both sexes showing
only 37 per cent liking them. However, 66 per
cent of the girls expressed a liking for them.
The Bernsteins' comment says: "It is perhaps
surprising to find as many as onequarter
of all the seven-year-old boys expressing
interest in love scenes. The fact
that interest declines up to 11 years, then
rises again, may perhaps be explained by a
certain bashfulness during the years of
puberty. In the case of the girls, however,
the interest declines fairly uniformily with
rising age."
Asked to pick then- favorite film stars, both
sexes chose Roy Rogers by an overwhelming
majority of six times as many votes as the
next star on the list. Below Rogers the boys
picked, in the order given. James Mason, Bing
Crosby, Stewart Granger and Gene Autry,
while the girls chose Margaret Lockwood,
James Mason, Stewart Granger and Bing
Crosby.
The children were asked the blanket question.
•'Why did you like the film so much?"
No types of answers were suggested and the
Bernsteins consider it significant that 60 per
cent of the spontaneous replies feU into sev«n
clearly marked categories. These, in the order
of their importance, were "exciting." "had
animals in it," "was in color," "there was
fighting in it," "it was funny," "my favorite
star was in it" and "there was music in it."
"While the exact
The Bernstein's comment:
meaning attached by the child to the word
•exciting' may be disputed by psychologists, it
seems clear that it is some kind of suspense
which the child chiefly seeks. On the other
hand, it is also noteworthy that color and
music are of themselves reasons for liking a
film, regardless of the plot."
Suggestions for the improvement of the
Satm-day mornmg shows were: stage shows,
25 per cent; other children to make less noise,
14 per cent; sell ice cream, five per cent; more
cowboy films and more cartoons, four per
cent each; more animal films, three per cent;
shows are perfect, 17 per cent; no suggestions,
22 per cent. Tile percentages add up to more
than 100 since many children made more than
one suggestion.
Boys and ghls together voted 91 per cent
in preferring theii- Satm-day morning shows
to shows for grown-ups. An age breakdown
showed that the children's matinees decline
in appeal as children grow older, more rapidly
in the case of boys. A desire for community
singing at the matinees was expressed by 78
per cent, suggesting that its inclusion has
emotional release value.
In conclusion, the Bernsteins say: "These
children's performances do not provoke any
alarming responses . inquiry does,
however, open up interesting lines for research.
It would be interesting, for example,
to interview samples of children of both sexes
and of each age group in order to see what
disturbances or conduct and or what traits
of character they display. If the number so
interviewed was a significant statistical
sample, we would then be in a position to
draw useful conclusions about the child and
the film which would help exhibitors to readjust
their programs.
"One might add that while the present
programs are fairly well balanced, it might
be wise altogether to exclude the undersevens
and to eliminate the love picture which
this questionnaire shows to be boring to the
child between seven and puberty. The questtionnaire
also proves the need for further
production of a group of historical shorts and
perhaps newsreels, des gned both for the education
and entertainment of young people."
Adult Features Total 19
During Last Half Year
NE'W YORK—Among the 109 features rated
by the group of women's organizations which
sends out the Joint Estimates of Current Motion
pictures through the Motion Rcture
Ass'n of America during the period from
July 15 through December 15, only 19 were
considered acceptable exclusively for adults.
All the others were given varied forms of approval
for both family and children audiences.
Forty-seven received A-'YP rating. This
means adult and youth appeal. Twentythree
were "listed for entire families, six were
for families as well as being recommended
for children. Fourteen were acceptable for
families and children, a slightly different
rating. Two received ratings as acceptable
for children's shows.
Among five featm'es put on the December
list were; "AH the King's Men" (MGM^
adult and youth appeal; "Holiday Affair"
1RKO1. family; "Dancing in the Dark" (20th-
Foxi. family; "On the To-wn" (MGM1, family,
and "The Great Lover" (ParaK adult and
youth appeal.
First Production Starts
Under New Paramount
HOLLYWOOD—First
production effort for
Paramount Pictures Corp., the new production-distribution
company which came into
being Januarj- 1 to bring to actuality the
divorcement of production and exhibition
in the Paramount organization, went to the
post January 18 when camera work was
launched on "Union Station."
104 BOXOFnCE January 28, 1950

iATTOE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
ISHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS BookinGuide
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more of the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
(Not on orerogre)
Battleground—
Philadelphia 205
Computed in terms of percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
ABOUT
PICTURES
—
Just as the Barometer page shows first run reports on current pictures, thU
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 exhibitors welcome. Blue Ribbon pictures are marked thus «.
COLUMBIA
Jnngle Jim (Col) — Johnny WeissmuUer,
Virginia Grey, George Reeves. The kids all
welcomed Johnny WeissmuUer back. He's
still Tarzan to them, with clothes on. This is
very well made, has good animal shots and
the clever crow's antics were well received.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—Mrs. Pat
Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil
field patronage. • • »
Laramie (Col) — Charles Starrett, Smiley
Bumette, Fred Sears. The Durango Kid and
Smiley Burnette are money in the bank to me
in this situation. This picture has Indians,
no love, some yodeling that the customers
stayed a second time to hear, and plenty of
comedy supplied by Smiley Burnette. I believe
exhibitor complaints about lack of action
in the Starrett westerns of several years
ago have been heeded since by the film producers.
When Starrett hits them now the
somid-effects man gives a big slap right on
the sound track at the right time and the
crooks fall fast. They have also started putting
lead in his cartridges—he hits what he
aims at a large part of the time now. This is
another money-making picture, in what is,
for me, a money-making series. Played Fri.,
Sat.— L. D. Montgomery, Melba Theatre, Oakwood,
Tex. Small town and rural patronage.
* *
EAGLE LION
Adventures of Gallant Bess (EL)—Cameron
Mitchell, Audrey Long, Fuzzy Knight. This
is a good western in color, which pleased good
business. It was a little old when I played it
but it still did good business. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger!
Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
• « •
Northwest Stampede (EL)—James Craig,
Joan Leslie, Jack Oakie. Here is a picture
that drew them out of their homes on Christmas
eve, and everyone that saw it, said they
thought it was good. That James Craig is
good—at least, that is what we think here
anyway. We can put him up against any top
star in this town and we have proved it.
Played Sat., Mon. Weather: Cold—br-r-r.—
S. N. Holmberg, Regal Theatre, Sturgis, Sask.
Small town patronage. » • •
Tulsa (EL)—Susan Hayward, Robert Preston,
Pedro Armendariz. We played this one
a little late too, and did below average business.
Maybe they had seen it—maybe it was
the weather—maybe it was the strike. It
surely wasn't the picture, because it's goodvery
good. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.
— Orln J. Sears, Apache Theatre, Loving,
N. M. Small town and farming patronage • * •
Tulsa (EL)—Susan Hayward, Robert Preston,
Pedro Armendariz. This is a grand action
picture, but the money Eagle Lion wants Is
too much. They must think the war is stiU
on, because little houses like mine can't and
won't continue to pay prices like this. In
the future, I intend passing them up.—Mrs.
James Robinson, Bama, Dale and Star Theatres,
ToTUTi Creek, Ala. Small town patronage.
• •
FILM CLASSICS
SpoUers, The (FC) — Reissue. Marlene
Dietrich, John Wayne. John Wayne and Randolph
Scott carried this one for us. Dietrich's
style Is just too blase for the small town.
Business was poor. However, we were bucking
a sleet storm. It's stUl a good show and should
pay rental. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Sleet and slick.—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn
Theatre, Linn, Mo. Rural and small town
patronage. • » »
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Big Jack (MGM)—Wallace Beery, Marjorie
Main, Richard Conte. We played this on the
traditional worst Sun., Mon. of the year—the
Sunday before Christmas, but the magic
names of Wallace Beery and Marjorie Main
gave us average boxoffice. It is just an average
picture and should be played weekends.
Weather: Cold. — Ken Christlanson, Roxy
Theatre, Washburn, N. D. Small town patronage.
• »
CIn the Good Old Summertime (MGM)—
Judy Garland, Van Johnson, S. Z. Sakall.
Business was disappointing—below average,
and we had expected much better. Some even
walked out on it. The trailer is excellent, but
the picture falls a little short. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Fair. — Mrs. Pat Murphy,
Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex. Oil field patronage.
* . »
C#In the Good Old Summertime (MGM)—
My
Judy Garland, Van Johnson, S. Z. Sakall.
salesman advised that this was a good picture
for Christmas. It was perfect for the
An Unrehearsed Show
In Front of Theatre
GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY
(20th-Fox) — Dan Dailey, Charles Winninger,
Nancy Guild. We nearly had a
free show on the sidewalk for competition
the first night. I was standing out front
when a newly married couple walked up.
After spotting Dan DaUey on the onesheet,
the girl nearly swooned and said,
"Ooo-oh, I just love Dan Dailey." The
husband replied very gruffly, "Then why
didn't yuh marry him Instead of me?"
Then things began to get going good. I
finally stepped up and told the husband
that Dan Dailey was 72 years old, had a
wife and 12 kids, and that this was not a
love picture. The new bride then bought
two tickets and they and the sidewalk
audience all went inside. The picture was
family type, not a Broadway musical, and
did average business. Dan DaUey is good
in any pictiu-e and is fast winning many
new female fans—and where the women
lead, male customers follow. Played Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Fair.—L. D. Montgomery,
Melba Theatre, Oakwood, Tex. Small town
and rural patronage. • »
Blizzard on Playdate;
Patrons Came Anyway
SEARCH, THE (MGM) — Montgomery
Clift, Aline MacMahon, Jarmila Novotna.
Some of our patrons had heard comments
on this picture which gave it a good buildup.
Everyone came and liked it. I was
skeptical about playing this one but now
I say, "Play it." Played Sat., Sun. Weather:
Blizzard, but they came anyway.
C. E. Bennewjtz, Royal Theatre, Royalton,
Minn. Rural patronage. •
Christmas playdate and is plenty good for
the rest of the year, too. The opening and
closing scenes have stmimer settings. The
picture features a "lonely hearts" romance by
mall between Van Johnson and Judy Garland.
Our customers were pleased with the
picture. I am a Judy Garland fan myself, so
naturally I thought the picture was swell. (It
reaUy is). Played Sat. (preview), Sim. Weather:
Fair.—L. D. Montgomery, Melba Theatre,
Oakwood, Tex. Small town and rural patronage.
. •
Luxury Liner (MGM)—Jane PoweU, George
Brent, Lauritz Melchlor. This is just the kind
that our patrons like. There is just enough
music, with good color and a wholesome story.
They all love Jane Powell and Latirltz Melchior
pleased. Played Sat., Sun.—C. E. Bennewitz,
Royal Theatre, Royalton, Minn. Rural
patronage. *
Neptune's Daughter (MGM)—Esther Williams,
Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban. Although
this is out of season, we enjoyed
Miami business on it. Played Mon., Tues.
Weather: Rain.—Harland Rankin, plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. • • *
Secret Garden, The (MGM)—Margaret
O'Brien, Herbert Marshall, Gladys Cooper.
Even extra advertising did not help this pictiu'e.
It gave me my lowest midweek gross
in ten weeks. The special sequences in Technicolor
were fine, but the type of picture
killed the gross in my situation. There were
few favorable comments from my patrons.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair and cold.
—Fi-ed G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax,
111. Small town and rural patronage. * •
Senor Droopy (MGM)—Short. This is one
of the cleverest cartoons I ever saw. Little
Droopy as a bullfighter brought howls of
laughter. Ask for this one.—Mi-s. Pat Mm-phy,
Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex. OU field patronage.
• • •
Wizard of Oz, The (MGM)—Reissue. Judy
Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr. Top fantasy
flicker with a fine cast. For the youngsters
this pleases, and in the ten years since Its
first release, most of the rest of us have forgotten
it and it was pleasing entertainment,
but due to being booked the week before
Christmas, the patrons didn't show up. Business
was off 50 per cent. I used "Some of
the Best" (MGM) with it and it was a fine
review of 25 years of plcturemaking by
Metro. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Sleet and snow and cold.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy
Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Downtown subsequent
run patronage.
• •
MONOGRAM
Forgotten Woman (Mono) — Elyse Knox,
Edward Norris, Robert Shayne. Here is a
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: January 28, 1950

picture for the middle of the week that is a
little different, with better than average draw.
Played Mon., Tues.—L. Brazil jr., New Theatre,
Bearden, Ark. Small town patronage.
Jinx Money (Mono)—^Leo Gorcey, Huntz
Hall, Billy Benedict. This is a good program
picture, good for double billing everywhere.
Played Pri., Sat. Weather: Mild.—Harland
Rankin, Rankin Enterprises, Chatham, Ont.
General patronage.
• • •
Massacre River (Mono)—Guy Madison,
Rory Calhoun, Carole Mathews. Personally,
I didn't see enough of this one to know what
it was about. However, there were no kicks
and no compliments, so it must have been
just another picture. One thing I must compliment
them on, and that was a good title.
I ran "The Lost Patrol" (RKO) with this
one and did above average business for the
week following Christmas. Played Frl., Sat.
Weather: Drizzle and warm.—Jim Dunbar,
Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Downtown subsequent
run patronage. * *
PARAMOUNT
Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,
A (Para)—Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Sir
Cedric Hardwicke. Personally, we liked it as
far as entertainment goes, but had the lowest
boxoffice on any class-A picture we ever
played. The only redeeming fact was, Paramount
paid to have it checked. If you are a
small town exhibitor, stay away from this one.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold. — Ken
Christiansen, Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D.
Small town patronage. • •
El Paso (Para)—John Payne, Gail Russell,
George "Gabby" Hayes. Here is a picture that
will please any action house. From the comments
we got from the people, this is the best
western we have played in the last six njonths.
This picture has good color, sound, a good
story and actors. In other words, it is terrific.
Played Sat., Mon. Weather: 50 below zero.
S. N. Holmberg, Regal Theatre, Sturgis, Sask.
Small town patronage. • • •
Geronimo (Para)—Reissue. Preston Foster,
Ellen Drew, Ralph Morgan. This is another
Paramount flop. What is the matter with
Paramount? It used to be one of our favorite
companies, but now we shy away from its
product like a frightened horse—for good reason.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Cold.—
Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur,
Ohio. Small town patronage. • • •
Top C the Morning (Para)—Bing Crosby,
Ann Blyth, Barry Fitzgerald. The most complimentary
thing I can say about this picture
is: It has absolutely nothing! And them's
kind words, brother! Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fair and warm.—Mrs. Pat Murphy,
Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil field patronage.
• • •
Cops-and-Robbers Plus
Some Corn-and-Comedy
HOSDE IN SAN ANTONE (Col)—Roy
Acnff, Jacqueline Thomas, Bill Edwards.
We wish we could have Acuff every
Wednesday. We think that would answer
the midweek problem. This is cops-androbbers
flavored with com-and-comedy,
with a dash of quiz-radio just for seasoning.
It is especially good for the small
town. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain.
—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn Theatre,
Linn, Mo. Rural and small town patronage.
• • •
—
Top O' the Morning (Para)—Bing Crosby,
Ann Blyth, Barry Fitzgerald. "Emperor
Waltz" and "Connecticut Yankee"—now this
cluck. While business was normal, we received
many adverse comments on the poor
pictures Crosby has been in lately. If Paramount
doesn't give him a good story soon,
his boxoffice draw will be ruined. Crosby
or no Crosby, this is not worth top rental.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Rain.—E. W.
Clark, Molalla Theatre, Molalla, Ore. Small
town patronage.
•
Trail of the Lonesome Pine, The (Para)—
Reissue. Fred MacMurray, Sylvia Sidney,
Henry Fonda. This re-release Is still as good
as it was w^hen it was first released. Patrons
were few since it played Frl., Sat. (Christmas
eve) and all the church programs in the area
were held on Christmas eve. This was one
of those years when Christmas fell at the
wrong time for me. Weather: Fair and nuld.
—Fred G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax,
lU. Small town and rural patronage. • •
RKO RADIO
Dumbo (RKO) — Reissue. Disney feature
cartoon. I didn't know there were so many
kids in my neighborhood xmtil I played
Laughed ior 111 Minutes
So Got Money's Worth
MR. GROUNDHOG TAKES THE AIR
(Para) — Short. Well, Paramount really
surprised us, coming up with a short subject
like this. It is one of the best and
funniest shorts we have ever played. We
played it with "I Was a Male War Bride"
(20th-Fox) and the people were convulsed
with laughter for 111 minutes, continuously,
so I think they got their money's
worth. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.
—Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, Mc-
Arthur, Ohio. Small town patronage. * • *
"Dumbo." There were more kids than adults
at each performance but business was good
and I am glad I played it, as I showed a profit
on the engagement. Coupled it with "Saludos
Amigos." Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Good.—E. M. Freiburger. Dewey Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. • • *
Easy Living (RKO)-Victor Miatiu'e, Lucille
Ball, Lizabeth Scott. Here's an entertaining
picture of the life of a professional football
player. Business was average and it gave satisfaction.
Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Dewey Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. • • «
Mighty Joe Young (RKO)—Terry Moore,
Ben Jolinson, Robert Armstrong. For something
unusual, this is terrific. The gorilla
looks pretty realistic and the story is exciting
and clever. It didn't do anything for us, but
it should be good in almost any situation.
New Year's eve midnight show. Sun., Mon.
Weather: B-r-r-r!—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen
Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil field patronage.
• • •
Roughshod (RKO)—Robert Sterling, Gloria
Grahame, Claude Jarman Jr. A very poor
matinee and Monday kept picture
night this
In the red. The only thing I can say Is that
it's unusual and comments were divided. A
weak cast and Christmas shopping are hard
to beat. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.
Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, RlvesvUle, W.
Va. Rural patronage. • • •
Set-Up, The (RKO)-Robert Ryan, Audrey
Totter, Alan Baxter. We ran this with a Tex
—
Brought a Short Back
Four Times Already
TEX WILLIAMS AND HIS WESTERN
CARAVAN (U-I)—Short. Has any theatre
played a two-reeler four times by
bringing it back? Well, we did on this
one and they are asking us to bring it back
again. ^Vhy some film company does not
make a picture with these fellows, I don't
know. Some of the top western stars could
take some singing lessons from Tex and
Smoky Rogers. — S. N. Holmberg, Regal
Theatre, Sturgis, Sask. Small town patronage.
• • »
Ritter (in person) stage show, thinking it
would not draw alone, and It might not have
here; but for a fight picture, it is absolutely
the best to date. Our folks certainly enjoyed
it and applauded the fight scenes. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Clear.—Joe and Mildred
Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo. Rural and
small town patronage. » • •
REPUBLIC
Inside Story, The (Rep)—Marsha Himt,
William Lundigan, Charles Winninger. There
was very little story to this as I could see,
and my patrons couldn't see one, either.
Comments were poor, business ditto. If It
hadn't had Charles Winninger and Gene
Lockhart in it, I am sure there would not
have been a patron left In the house for
the last reel. They just walked out, and I
couldn't blame them. Played Mon., Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Cloudy and cool.—H. J. Mc-
Fall, Lyric Theatre, Russell, Man. Small town
and rural patronage.
* • •
Phantom of the PUins (Rep)—Wild Bill
Elliott, Bobby Blake. The trailer on this was
action-packed and so was the picture. It's
a wonder that Elliott doesn't rate higher on
the western star list. This pleased an average
audience. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Cold.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,
W. Va. Rural patronage. * * *
Fuddin' Head (Rep) — Reissue. Judy Canova,
Francis Lederer. This was used on the
top billing for FYi., Sat., doubled with "Arctic
Manhunt" (U-I). Business was average, but
would have been poorer had we not played
this "corn." Judy and Slim will stUl bring
them out and keep them coming—if producers
will realize this and put them back on the
screen. Weather: Rainy. — Paul D. Ratliff,
Daytona Theatre, Dayton, Ore. Small town
and rural •
patronage.
Red Menace, The (Rep)—Robert Rockwell,
Hanne Axman, Betty Lou Gerson. Here is a
good picture about Commimists In America,
that should be run in every theatre. I pushed
this picture more than any other picture I
have ever shown. The results showed a profit
and comments were good. Played Wed., Thurs.
—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre, Bearden, Ark.
Small town patronage. • • •
20TH CENTURY-FOX
UApartment for Peggy (20th-Pox)—Jeanne
Crain, William Holden, Edmund Gwenn.
Lovely, lovely and lovely. You coiildn't ask for
anything better in the line of movie entertainment.
We will play this picture again in a
year or so. Played Sat., Mon. Weather: Fair
but cold. — S. N. Holmberg, Regal Theatre.
Sturgis, Sask. Small town pyatronage. • • •
Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend, The
(20th-Fox) — Betty Grable, Cesar Romero,
(Continued on page 4)
BOXOFFICE BookinGuida :: January 28, 1950

Exhibitor Has His Say
(Continued from page 3)
Rudy Vallee. It was beautiful (thanks to the
color), she is blond (don't know whom to
thank for that), and it was okay for our crowd
—but so help us, we can't figure out why they
liked it. However, it will pay off at the boxoffice,
so play it. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Cold.—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn Theatre,
Linn, Mo. Rural and small town patronage.
Chicken Every Snnday (20th-Fox)—Dan
Dailey, Celeste Holm, Alan Young. 'We read
some beefs on this one by some of the exhibitors.
Everyone enjoyed it here and we had
good comments on it. A very good small town
picture. Celeste Holm and Dan Dailey give
a good performance and it is a good, clean,
down-to-earth picture that kept the audience
chuckling. Played Fri., Sat. 'Weather: Fair.—
E. W. Clark, Molalla Theatre, Molalla, Ore.
•
Small town patronage.
Chicken Every Sunday (20th-Pox)—Dan
Dailey, Celeste Holm, Alan Yoimg. This
opened up big on Monday, as everyone was
sick of eating turkey on the previous day,
Christmas, but the second day dropped 50
per cent. Weather: Fair.—Harland Rankin,
Rankin EnteiTDrises, Chatham, Ont. General
patronage. * • *
CCome to the Stable (20th-Fox)—Loretta
Young, Celeste Holm, Hugh Marlowe. Comments
were good from those who attended,
but business was below average on a Tues.,
Wed., Thm-s. run. This is not a Catholic community,
which would perhaps account for the
small take. However, it is interesting to all,
the film being out of the ordinary. Weather:
Rainy.—Paul D. Ratliff, Daytona Theatre,
Dayton, Ore. Small town and rural patronage.
»
Deep Waters (20th-Fox) — Dana Andrews,
Jean Peters, Cesar Romero. This is a fine,
family-type pictiu-e, with a waterfront setting.
It is not worth extra money but should do
average business in most small towns. Played
Mon., Tues. Weather: Fair.—L. D. Montgomery,
Melba Theatre, Oakwood, Tex. Small
town and rural patronage. • *
Drums Along the Mohawk (20th-Fox)—
Reissue. Claudette Colbert, Henry Fonda.
This is just a fair picture but makes you
nothing to pay off the mortgage. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain.—Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General
patronage.
• • •
Fan, The (20th-Fox)—Jeanne Grain, Madeleine
Carroll, George Sanders. This is not
for general patronage—a drawing-room
"drammer." Better get a horse opera to draw
them in. It's a cinch "The Fan" won't.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Okay.—Frank
Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small
town patronage.
• • •
He Will Have to Trade
The New for Old Ones
— Reissue.
BELLE STARR (20th-Fox)
Randolph Scott, Gene Tierney, Dana
Andrews. Reissues, to us, are money in the
bank. This one did well for us — much
better than "Belle Starr's Daughter." It
looks like we'll have to trade a lot of the
new for old ones. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Cold—below zero.—Ken Christianson,
Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D.
Small town patronage. * •
t,I Was a Male War Bride (20th-Pox) —
Gary Grant, Ann Sheridan, Marion Marshall.
It is really foolish to write in about this, as
everybody knows it is the best comedy ever
produced. Our public is demanding that we
bring it back in about a year, which we fully
intend to do. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Cold.—Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, Mc-
Arthur, Ohio. Small town patronage. « • »
When My Baby Smiles at Me (20th-Fox)—
Betty Grable, Dan Dailey, Jack Oakie. This
is a good musical that would have done
better had we had a chance to play it sooner.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Okay.—D. W.
Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining
patronage.
• • •
You're My Everything (20th-Fox) — Dan
Dailey, Anne Baxter, Anne Revere. This is a
fine musical in Technicolor which has everything.
Business was good and all were pleased.
Play it and be proud to have it in your house.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.—E. M.
Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage. » • •
UNITED ARTISTS
Africa Screams (UA) — Bud Abbott, Lou
Costello, Clyde Beatty. This is not the best
Abbott and Costello we have played, but these
Calls Some Film Music
'A Gob of Racket'
T\ L. LAYTON of the Jamestown Theatre
at Jamestown, Kas., has a pet peeve
he wants to air here:
"My pet peeve is the background of
music, or let us say 'noise,' in most pictures.
They build up a gob of racket for
a climax and you forget what it's all
about, the noise is so deafening. Then
suddenly it is absolutely quiet. Is this
necessary? To say the least, it is very
distracting."
How do the rest of yon exhibitors feel
about this? Want to comment?
two have their faithful fans in almost every
little town. As usual Costello handled the
slapstick comedy very well. A very good part
was played by Shemp Howard (one of the
Three Stooges). His near-sightedness in handling
a rifle brought nearly as much laughter
from the patrons as Costello's antics did. It
is worth playing. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fair.—L. D. Montgomery, Melba Theatre,
Oakwood, Tex. Small town and rural patron-
Four Faces West (UA) — Joel McCrea,
Prances Dee, Charles Bickford. The trailer
is wonderful and does not oversell the picture.
This is a dandy—another one you can play
and please 'em all. This is no shoot-'em-up,
but it will please and they go out talking about
it. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold and clear.
—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn,
Mo. Rural and small town patronage. • • •
Little Iodine (UA)—Jo Ann Marlowe, Hobart
Cavanaugh, Marc Cramer. We used this
as a free movie for the kiddies at Christmas
and never saw so many kids in our lives. They
behaved very well and really ate it up. It
could be used to good advantage on a double
bill — is a good program pictm'e. Played
Wednesday. Weather: Blizzard.—Ken Christianson,
Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D.
Small town patronage. • •
Red River (UA)—John Wayne, Montgomery
Clift, Walter Brennan. This is a he-man
pictm-e with women almost imnoticed, and it
'Horse' Town Succumbs
To Lumberjack and Dog
KAZAN (Col) — Stephen Dunne, Lois
Maxwell, Joe Sawyer. This is a little,
cheaply produced, sepiatone picture; but
is the first dog picture besides the Lassie
ones that I have done good business on.
Oakwood is a "horse" town and dogs have
not fared too well here in the past. The
lumberjacks-and-dog combination paid
off here on a single bill. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Cold.—L. D. Montgomery,
Melba Theatre, Oakwood, Tex. Small
town and rural patronage. * *
pleased our patrons. We need this type occasionally
as a rest from comedy and music.
Attendance was above average. Played Sat.,
Sun.—G. E. Bennewitz, Royal Theatre, Royalton,
Minn. Rural *
patronage.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Countess of Monte Cristo (U-I) — Sonja
Henie, Michael Kirby, Olga San Juan. With
some "pushin' an' pullin'," this one will make
it over center. However, it is nothing to rave
about—some nice skating scenes. We had a
lot of walkouts. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fair. — BiU Leonard, Leonard Theatre,
Cedarvale, Kas. Small town patronsige. • » *
Criss Cross (U-I)—Burt Lancaster, Yvonne
DeCarlo, Dan Duryea. We doubled this with
"Oklahoma Frontier" for Fri., Sat. Seldom
do we play features of this type, a racketeering
story. My operator cut the final scene
for the second night, since it left a bad impression
on the audience the first night. They
can shoot 'em up in a western, and they roar
and cheer, but gang killing is taboo here.
Why, I wonder. Weather: Good.—Paul D.
Ratliff, Daytona Theatre, Dayton, Ore. Small
*
town and rm-al patronage.
Family Honeymoon (U-I)—Fred MacMurray,
Claudette Colbert, Rita Johnson. This is
not as good as "The Egg and I" but is worth
the best playing time, as it will please everyone.
We saved it to start the new year with
and it gave us a good boxoffice and was indeed
a happy New Year. Played Sun., Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Gold. — below zero. — Ken
Christiansen, Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D.
Small town patronage. * *
Tap Roots (U-D—Van Heflin, Susan Hayward,
Boris Karloff. All exhibitors gave it to
their folks to bring them a picture like this.
We received many comments such as "Good
as 'Gone With the Wind'." It was a sleeper,
so business was just normal, but that takes
nothing away from the picture. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Fau-.—Joe and Mildred Faith.
Liim Theatre, Linn, Mo. Rural and small town
patronage. * « •
WARNER BROS.
Younger Brothers, The CWB)—^Wayne Morris,
Janls Paige, Bruce Bennett. This is a
good picture that did above average business
for us. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Gold.
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
General patronage.
• • •
MISCELLANEOUS
Clancy Street Boys (SR)—Reissue. East
Side Kids. It w-as hilarious and well worth
playing. It only did average business but
this is the first time this has ever happened
on the Fri., Sat. before Christmas. It nms
59 minutes. Weather: Gold.—Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, RlvesviUe, W. Vs. Riural patronage.
• • *
—
BOXOFFICE BooldnGuide : : January 28, 1950

Alphabetical Picture Guide Index and REVIEW DIGEST
. - -i
CO x(r > il 3:£q.£
A
1080 Abandoned (79) U-l 10-15-49 +
+ - ± 6+3-
1061 Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer
(84) U-l 8-13-49 ±
987 Accused, The (101) Para U-20-48 H
997 Act of Violence (82) MGM 12-25-48 -f
1093 Adam and Evalyn (93) U-l U-26-49 ±
loss Adam's Rib (102) MGM 11-5-49 -f
1022 Adventure in Baltimore (89) RKO.. 3-26-49 +
998 Adventures of Don Juan (110) WB. .12-25-48 ff
1012 Affairs of a Roflue. The (95) Col.... 2-19-49 +
1033 Africa Screams (75) UA 5-7-49
1042 Aijainst the Wind (95) EL 6- 4-49
+
±
1055 Air Hostess (61) Col 7-23-49 ±
1006 Alias Nick Seal (93) Para. 1-22-49 ff
loss Alias the Champ (60) Rap 10-29-49 +
1049 Alimony (72) EL 7-2-49 ±
1044 All Over the Town (88) U-l 6-11-49 =t
1087 All the King's Men (UO) Col 11- 5-49 ++
1094 Always Leave Them Laughing
(116) WB 11-26-49
1108 Amazing Mr. Bcccham. The (85) EL 1-14-50
++
±
1040 Amazon Quest (70) FC 5-2S-49 ±
1101 Ambush (90) MGM 12-24-49 -f
965 An Act of Murder (90) U-l 9- 4-48 +
1090 And Baby Makes Three (84) CoL. .11-12-49 -f
Angels In Disguise (63) Mono
1054 Anna Lucasta (86) Col 7-16-49 +
1042 Any Number Can Play (102) MGM.. 6- 4-49
1082 Apache Chief (60) LP 10-22-49
+
-
1046 Arctic Fury (61) RKO 6-18-49 ±
1071 Arctic Manhunt (69) U-l 9-17-49
1037 Arson, Inc. (60) LP S-21-49
±
±
B
1110 Backfire (92) MGM 1-21-50 -f
1006 Bad Boy (87) Mono 1-22-49 +
995 Bad Men of Tombstone (74) Mono.. .12-18-48 -f
1095 Bagdad (90) U-l 12-3-49 ±
1078 Bandit King of Texas (60) Rep 10- 8-49 +
1082 Bandits of El Dorado (56) Col 10-22-49 ±
1072 Barbary Pirate (65) Col 9-17-49 ±
1028 Barkleys of Broadway, The (110)
MGM 4-16-49 ++
1078 Battleground (118) MGM 10-8-49 ff
1040 Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend, The
(77) 20-Fox 5-28-49 +
1109 Bells of Coronado (67) Rep 1-21-50 ±
1082 Beyond the Forest (96) WB 10-22-49 -|-
1033 Big Cat, The (75) EL 5-7-49
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 8ig Wheel, The (92) UA 11-12-49
+
+
Reign
1038 Black Book, The (formerly
of Terror) (89) EL 5-21-49 -f
1110 Black Hand (92) MGM 1-21-50 +f
1066 Black Magic (105) UA 8-27-49 +f
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 ±
1112 Blonde Bandit (60) Rep 1-28-50 +
1080 Blondie Hits the Jackpot (66) Col. .. 10-15-49 ±
lOa Blondie's Big Deal (66) Col 3-26-49 ±
Blondie's Hero (..) Col
1111 Blue Grass of Kentucky (70) Mono... 1-28-50 +
1060 Blue Lagoon, The (105) U-l 8- 6-49 -|-
Bodyhold (..) Col
1107 Bomba on Panther Island (76) Mono. 1-14-50 -f
1016 Bomba, the Jungle Boy (71) Mona . . 3- 5-49 -f-
1065 Border Incident (95) MGM 8-27-49 -|-
1109 Borderline (88) U-l 1-21-50 +f
1021 Boston Blatkie*! Chlneie Veirtwe
±
(59) Col 3-26-49
897 Boy With Green Hair. Tlie (82) RKO 11-20-48 ±
1010 Bribe, The (98) MGM 2-12-49 +
1083 Bride for Sale (57) RKO 10-29-49
1023-A Bride of Vengeance (92) Pari... 4- 2-49
+
±
10S4 Brimstone (90) Rep 8-20-49 -)-
1044 Broken Journey (89) EL 6-11-49 +
± ± ±
— ±
+ +
- ± +
± +
-f
zt + ±
+ +
+ H
+ +
+ ±
+ *
+
— ±
•ft ++
H -H
-f +
+
+ ±
+ +
+ ±
± ±
± 6+4-
+ 10+2-
± 7+2-
*+3-
++ 10+
+ 8+2-
H 9+1-
3+4-
- 6+1-
4+3-
± fr+6-
± 10+2-
± 5+3-
± 5+7-
2: 6+5-
H 13-f
± 10+1-
+ 4+2-
± 4+5-
&fl-
+ 8+
± 6+5-
± 2+3-
+ »+3-
+ 8+1-
± 3+3-
6+3-
± 5+6-
± 5+3-
5+2-
+ 9+1-
± 7+2-
± 7+6-
± 5+2-
2+1-
* 4+6-
+f 13+
H 14+
+ 5+4-
3+1-
± 7+4-
± 7+3-
- 6+6-
+ 5+2-
± 7+2-
± 9+2-
6+3-
5+
* 9+3-
± 5+5-
3+3-
H 5+3-
± 5+4-
± 6+5-
5+4-
- 4+5-
- 5+4-
3+1-
6+
6+
± 4+5-
4+1-
+ 7+3-
± B+l~
6+2 -
± 5+5-
± U+2-
± 7+6-
* 7-t-3-
+ 7+5-
± 7+5-
± 7+3-
An interpretative analysis of opinions deducrted from the Icmguage oi lay
and tradepress reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an
AlPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title ia running
015 Brothers in the Saddle (60) RKO... 3- 5-49 ±
c
044 Calamity Jane and Sam But
'85) U-l 6-11-49 +
013 Canadian Pacific (97) 20-Fox 2-26-49 +
010 Canterbury Tale. A (93) EL 2-12-49
088 Captain China (97) Para. 11- 5-49
+
+
Caravan (. .) U-l
012 Caught (88) MGM 2-19-49 +
Challenge the Range of
084 Challenge to Lassie
(56)
(76)
Col
MGM 10-29-49 ±
019 Champion (99) UA 3-19-49 ++
067 Chicago Deadline (S7) Para 9- 3-49 +
996 Chicken Every Sunday (94) 20-Fox. .12-18-48 4+
099 Chinatown at Midnight (67) Col. .
.12-17-49 ±
079 Christopher Columbus (104) U-l 10-15-49 +
102 Cinderella (75) RKO 12-24-49 4+
015 City Across (he River (91) U-l 3- 5-49
012 Clay Pigeon. The (63) RKO 2-19-49
ff
+
032C-Man (75) FC 4-30-49 +
038 Colorado Territory (94) WB 5-21-49 +
047 Come to the Stable (94) 20-Fox... 6-25-49 ff
997 Command Decision (111) MGM 12-25-48 ff
013 Connecticut Yankee In King Arthw't
Court, A (107) Para 2-26-49 +
943 Corridor of Mirrors (96) U-l 6-19-49 -
014Covcr-Up (83) UA 2-26-49 ff
099 Cowboy and the Indians (70) Col. .. 12-17-49 ±
109 Cowboy and the Prizefighter (59) EL 1-21-50 +
043 Crime Doctor's Diwy (61) Col 6-U-49 *
005 Crist Cross (87) U-l 1-22-49 +
035 Crooked Way, The (SO) UA 3-14-40 ±
D
111 Dakota Lil (84) 2mh-Fox 1-28-50 ±
Oalton Gang, The (58) LP
089 Dancing In the Dark (92) lO-Fox. .U-lI-49 +
OSl Dangerous Profession, A (79) RKO. .10-22-49 +
059 Daring Caballero, The (61) UA 8-6-49 +
000 Dark Past (75) Col 1- 1-49 +
020 Oaughtar of the Jungle (69) Rep. . . 3-19-49 ±
02S-A Daughter of the West (77) FC. 4- 2-49 +
lOS Davy Crockett, Indian Scout (71) UA 1-14-50 ±
057 Daybreak (81) U-l 7-30-49 ±
087 Deadly Is the Female (87) UA 11- 5-49 +
090 Dear Wife (88) Para U-12-49 ff
030 Death Valley Gunflghftr (60) Rep... 4-23-49 +
079 Deputy Marshal (72) LP 10-15-49 +
029 Desert Vigilante (56) Col 4-23-49 ±
069 Devil't Henchmen, The (69) Col 9-10-49 *
104D.0.A. (83) UA 12-31-49 ±
070 Doctor and the Girl, The (98) MGM 9-10-49 +
007 Don't Take It to Heart (90) EL.. 1-29-49
0.13 Ooolins of Oklahoma, The (90) Col. 6-U-49 +
074 Down Dakota Way (67) Rep 9-24-49 ff
073 Down Memory Lane (72) EL 9-24-49 +
012 Down to the Sea In Ships (UO)
20-Fox 2-19-49
024-A Duke of Chicago (59) Rep 4- 2-49
ft
±
988 Dynamite (68) Para 11-20-48 ±
E
MGM. 101 East Sid^ West Side (108) .12-24-49 ff
062 Easy Living (77) RKO 8-13-49 ±
017 Easy Money (94) EL 3-12-49 *
031 Edward, My Son (112) MGM 4-30-49 ff
018 El Paso (103) Pva 3-12-49
993 Enchantment (102) RKO 12-11-48
+
+
068 Everybody Does It (98) 20-Fox.... 9- 3-49 ff
F
080 Fallen Idol, The (94) SRO 10-15-49 ff
995 Family Honeymoon (90) U-l 12-18-48 +
026 Fan, The (79) 20-Fox 4- 9-49 +
007 Far Frontier, The (67) Rep 1-29-49 +
.064 Father Was a Fullback (84) 8-20-49 +
20-Fox
056 Fighting Fodi (69) Mono 7-23-49 ±
071 Fighting Kentucklan, The (100) Reg. 9-17-49 ±
079 Fighting Man of the Plains (94)
+
20-Fox 10-15-49
004 Fighting O'Fiynn, The (94) U-l 1-15-49 ff
077 Fighting Redhead. The (60) EL 10-8-49 +
078 Flame of Youth (60) Rep 10- 8-49 —
053 Flaming Fury (60) Rep 7-16-49 +
± ± ±
+
+
+
± +
± +
+ +
:t ff
H
+ f
+ H
+ +
ft +
++
^: - ±
± +
± ff
+ +t
+ H
± +
± +
±- +
+ +
ft H
+ +
± +
+ H
ff
+ +
+ +
+
+ ±
+
+ +
+ ±
+ ±
+ +
+
+ +
ff :t
±
+
+
^
+ ±
+
+ +
+ +
ii
± 7+3-
± »f2-
± frf2-
7+3-
+ 3+1-
ff *+4-
± 4+4-
7+2-
ft 13+'
+ 7+1-
ff U+1-
± 6+4-
+ 9f2-
11+
+ 10+1-
± 6+5-
* 5+4-
± 7+3-
ff 12+1-
ff 12+
+f 10+
+ 6+4-
+ 8H-3-
± 4+3-
1+
± ft+5-
+ 8+1-
+ 7+5-
2+2-
- tf2-
+ 7+
± 7+5-
5f3-
+ 7+1-
± 5+7-
± 6+4-
5+3-
± 4+5-
6+3-
7+1-
5+2-
± 4+4-
± S+5-
* 6+5-
6+1-
± 7+1-
ft »+3-
± 7+4-
* 7+1-
4+2-
tf M+
± 6+7-
± 6+6-
8+2-
7+5-
7+2-
U+
7+2-
8+2-
12+
ft 12+
+ 8+1-
+ 8+2-
± 6+3-
tt 8+
± 6+6-
± 6+4-
+ 7+4-
+ 10+1-
± 4+2-
i 5+6-
* &+4-
time. Dote following distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings cover
cnirrent reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the
various signs and their combinations is aa follows:
++ Very (iood; + GoocL* ±Fair; —Poor; = Very Poor.
In the summary tf is rated as 2 pluses. = aa 2 mintiaes.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : January 28, 1950

+ Very Good; + Good; —Taix; —Poor; = Very Poor. In the summaiy -H- ia rated oa 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses.

H Very Good; + Good; —Fcdz; —Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary H is rated as 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses.
1

I
COLUMBIA
.
FEATURE CHART
release
Week
Ending
|
Apr
30
May
7
May
14
May
21
May
28
Jun
4
Jun
n
Jun
18
Jun
25
Jul
2
Jul
9
Jul
16
Jul
23
Jul
30
Aug
6
Aug
13
Aug
20
Aug
27
Sep
3
Sep
10
Sep
17
Sep
24
Oct
1
EAGLE LION FILM CLASSICS LIPPERT
(86) Adi-Dr 142
THE UNDERCOVER MAN
Glenn Ford-Nina Foch
J. Wbltmore-Bsrry Kelley
R—Mar. 26—PO-1021
(106) Adv-Dr 143
WE WERE STRANGERS
Jennifer Jooes-J. Garfield
Pedro Armendarlz
R—May 7—Pa-1033
(72) Adventure 144
THE LOST TRIBE
Johnny WelssmuUer
Myrna DeU-Eaens Verdugo
R—May 14—PQ-103e
5D (66) Western 161
LARAMIE
Clharles Starrett-Fred Sears
Smiley Bumette-Tom Ivo
R—.lune 4—P(}-1041
g (68) Western 964
©ROLL, THUNDER, ROLL
J. Bannon-Uttle Brovn Jug
Emmett Lyim-MarlD Sails
R—July 16—Pa-1058
(120) Coin-Dr 916
QUARTET
n. Baddeley-C. Parker
Dick Bogarde-Merryn Jobna
R—Apr. 2—PG-1023-A
(96) Hlst-Dr 921
OSARABAND
8. Qranger-J. Greenwood
F. Rosay-FIora Bobsoo
R—Apr. 23—PG-1029
(75) Outd'r-Dr 928
©THE BIG CAT
L. McCalll3ter-P. A. Ganier
Preston Foster
R—May 7—PG-1033
Outd'r-Mus 18 (71) Com-Mclo 930
(70)
RIDERS OF THE SHAMROCK HILL
WHISTLING PINES Peggy Ryan-Ray McDonald
Gene Autry-Jlmmy Uoyd Trudy Marshall
K—June 4—PQ-1041 R—May 14—PO-1036
M (79) Musical 106 (131) Drama 990
Make Believe Ballroom DUEL IN THE SUN
Jerome Courtland
(96) Mys-M'drams 922
Sleeping Car to Trieste
Warrick-P. Lalnc
Rutb
R_May 21—PG-1037 Jean Kent-Albert Ueven
a (61) Mystery 109 (117) Drama 991
CRIME DOCTOR'S DIARY THE PARADINE CASE
Warner Barter
(72) Drama 931
ALIMONY
8. Dunne-Lois Maiwell
R—June 11—PG-1043 Martha Vlckers-John Beal
146 (96) Comedy 992
(90) Hlst-Dr
LUST FOR GOLD
MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS
HIS DREAM HOUSE
Ida Luplno-Glenn Ford
(93) Com-Dr 969
Gig Toung-W.
R—May
Prince
28—PO-1039 A CANTERBURY TALE
(81) Drama 14
JOHNNY ALLEGRO
George Raft-Nlna Foch
George Macready-W. Geer
R—June 25—PO-1047
(90) Com-Fantasy 939
Don't Take It to Heart
Richard Oreene-A. Drayton
Patricia Medlna-R. Bird
R—Jan. 29—PO-1007
(76) Melodrama 103
Secret of St. I»es
The
Richard Ney-V. Brown
Henry Danlell
R—July 2—PO-1049
a (56) Western 162 (91) Drama 924
THE BLAZING TRAIL Mr. PerrIn and Mr. Traill
David Farrar-Greta Gynt
Charles Starrett-Fred Sears
Sralley Bumette-M. Stapp Marius Goring-R. Huntley
R—Aug. 13—PG-1061 R—Dec. 26—PO-997
H (66) Drama 102 (96) Melodrama 964
KAZAN
MY BROTHER'S KEEPER
Stephen Dunne-Joe Sawyer Jack Wamer-Jane Hylton
George Cole-Bill Owen
Lois Maxwell-Zoro
R—July 2—PG-1049 R—Mar. 6—PG-1016
10) (66) Drama 116
Law of the Barbary Coast
Gloria Henry-8. Dunne
Adele Jergens
R—July 16—PO-1854
(90) Drama 99
PORTRAIT OF JERIIE
Jennifer Jones-J. Gotten
Ethel Barrymore
R—Jan. 1—PG-999
(90) Western-Dr 14T (62) Documentary 944
BLACK SHADOWS
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Riuidolpb 8cott-J. Ireland Filmed In African
Congo Jungles
186
(70) West-Dr
RIM OF THE CANYON R—Oct. 8—PG-1077
Drama (86) Drama 148
ANNA LUCASTA
m (93) 961
WOMAN IN THE HALL
P. Goddird-B. Crawford Drsula Jeans-Cecil Parker
John Ireland-W. Bishop
(96) Drama
R—July 16—PG-1064 DEDEE
in (77) 5J (60) Drama 123
Drama 940
WATERLOO ROAD
Lone Wolf and His Lady
Ron RandeU-June Vincent (72) Comedy 005
Alan Mowbray
DOWN MEMORY LANE
R—July 30—PG-1058 BIng C!roeby-W. C. Fields
m (64) Western 164 a (94) Comedy
South of Death Valley EASY MONEY
Charles Starrett-Gali Davis Greta Gynt
Smiley Bumette
R— Aug. 13—PO-1061
Dennis Price
R—Mar. 13—PG-1017
Bf (61) Drama 120 (89) Drama 001
AIR HOSTESS
THE BLACK BOOK
Ford-Olnria Robert Chimmings-A. DaU
Ro8!! Henry
WUUam Wright
R—July 23—P0-1056
(93) Drama 149
MR. SOFT TOUCH
Glenn Ford-E\'elyn Keyee
R—Sept. 10—PO-1069
(70) Western 184
The Cowboy and the Indians
Gene Autry-Sheila Ryan
Frank Richards-Champion
R_Dec. 17—PO-1099
M (69) Mystery
The Devil's Henchmen
Warner Baxter
Mary Beth Hughes
R—Sept. 10—PO-1069
@ (66) Western 163
Horsemen of the Sierras
Charles
Btarrett
Richard Baseliart-J. Barker
R—May 21—PG-1038
(94) Drama 961
A PLACE OF ONTS OWN
James Ma.son-M. Lockwood
(75) Drama 004
ZAMBA
(96) Drama 96S
AGAINST THE WIND
Jack Waraer-8. Slgnoret
Robert Bcatty-0. Jackson
B-^une 4—PO-1042
110 (87) Drama 942
ONCE UPON A DREAM
G. Wlthers-a Middletoo
Griffith Jones-Betty Lynne
R-^uly 9—PG-1061
(86) Drama 914
THE WEAKER SEX
Cecil Parker-Drsula Jeane
Burnette-Lols Hall Joan Hopkins-Derek Bond
Smiley
It—Sept. 10— PO-1069
(87) Comedy
R-^uly 16—PG-1063
331
Miss Grant Takes Richmond
LucUle Ball-William Holden
Janls (?art«r-James
B—Oct
GDeasoo
1—PO-1076
S3) (76) Corned;
THE LOVABLE CHEAT
Charlie Buggies
P. A. Oaraer-Rlchard N«y
R—Apr. 9—PO-1026
gl (76) Drama
C-MAN
Dean Jagger-J. Carradine
B. Atwater-Harry Laoden
R—Apr. 30—PO-1032
M (91) Drama
NOT WANTED
Sally Fonest-K. Brasielle
Leo Peon-Dorothy Adams
R—June 26—PG-1048
H) (97) Docum-Drama
LOST BOUNDARIES
Beatrice Pearson-M. Ferrer
Susan Douglas-R. Hylton
R—July 2—PO-1080
date. Production number ia at right. Number in parentheses is running time, *
furnished by home oiiice oi distributor; checkup with local exchange is roconunende
R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol O indicates BOXOFFIC
Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol ® indicates color photography.
^ (58) Drama
OMOO-OMOO
Ron Bandell
Pedro Decordoba
R—July 9—PG-1061
M-G-M
m (85) Com-Dr 9!
BIG JACK
M. Main-Wallace Beery
R. Conte-Edward Arnold
R—Apr. 9—PO-1025
m (110) Musical 926
OOBarkleys of Broadway
FYed Astaire-Qlnger Rogers
•scar I/evant-BUlle Burke
E—Apr. 16—PO-1028
MONOGRAM
tB (64) Mystery 4824
SKY DRAGON
Roland Wlnters-Keye Luke
Tim Ryan-Noel NeUl
R—July 23—PG-1058
5S (65) Western 4863
Across tKe Rio Grande
Jimmy Wakely
C^nonball Taylor
Reno Browne
g§ (68) Mus-M'drama 4810
MISSISSIPPI RHYTHM
Jlmmle Darls-Lee Wlilte
Sue England-V. A. Borg
g§ (112) Drama 9 H (58) Western 4854
EDWARD, MY SON WEST OF ELDORADO
8. Tracy-Deborah Kerr Johnny Mack Brown
Ian Bunter-L. McGrath Mas Terhune
R—Apr. 30—Pa-1031
m (57) Comedy 4S27
LEAVE IT TO HENRY
Raymond Walbum
Walter Catlett-Gary Oay
R—May 28—PCI-1040
m (60) Melodrama 4819 13 (93) Mus-Com 927
ARSON. INC.
©NEPTUNFS DAUGHTER
R. Lowery-Anne (Jwynne Red 8kelton-E. Wllllama
Marcla Mae Jones
R. Montalban-K. Wynn
R—May 21—PQ-1037 R—May 21—PG-1038
m (64) Comedy 48ir
HOLD THAT BABY
Leo Ooreey
Bowery Boyi
\S (64) Drama 4826
THERE IS NO ESCAPE
Carol Thnrston-D. Hicks
g^ (62) Drama 4820
RINGSIDE
Don Barry-Sheila Ryan
Tom Brown-M. Dean
E-^ulj 23—FQ-1056
H (60) Drama 48
SKY LINER
Richard Traris-P. Blake
Rocbelle Hudsoo
R—Aug. 6—PG-1059
H (lOfl) Drama 929 El (102) Drama AA13
yTHE STRATTON STORY By Brother Jonathan
James Stewart
Michael DenlsoB-D. Gray
June Allyson
R—May 7—PG-1034
El (102) Drama 930 m (66) Western 4864
ANY NUMBER CAN PLAY BRAND OF FEAR
Jimmy Wakely
Cannonball Taylor
Clark Gable-Alexis Smith
W. Corey-Audrey Totter
R-^une 4—P(}-1»42
m (102) Mus-Com 932
©IN THE GOOD OLD
SUMMERTIME
Judy Garland-Van Johnson
R—June 25—PG-1048
m (110) Drama 92!
THE GREAT SINNER
Oegory Peck-Ava Gardner
Walter Huston
R-^uly 2—PO-IOBO
m (78) Western 4822
GRAND CANYON
Richard Arlen
Mary Beth Hughes
R—Sept. 3—PO-1068
962 Bll (114) Drama 931
MADAME BOVARY
Jennifer Jones-J. Mason
Louis Jourdan-V. Heflin
R—July 30—PG-1058
PARAMOUNT
(92) Cost-Dr 4811
IS
BRIDE OF VENGEANCE
P. Goddard-John Lund
M. Carey-Albert Dekker
R—Apr. 2— PG-1023-A
a (92) Super-West 481
©STREETS OF LAREDO
William Holden-W. Bendli
M. Carey-Mona Freeman
R—Feb. 12—PG-101*
81 (96) Mystery 481
MANHANDLED
n. Lamour-Sterling Hayde
Dan Duryea-lrene Heryey
R—Apr. 16—PO-1627
a (88) Com-Drama 481
SORROWFUL JONES
Bob Hope-LucUle Ball
W. Demarest-B. Cabot
R—Apr. 16—PG-1027
m (64) Drama 4813 S (70) Dram;
FORGOTTEN WOMEN SPECIAL AGENT
48i
13 (78) West -Drama AA8 WiUiam Ey1hc-0. Eeeyee
MASSACRE RIVER
(3uy Madison-Rory
Laura ElUot-P.
R—Apr.
Valentine
30—PQ-1032
Calhoun
m, (69) Western 4842
SHADOWS OF THE WEST
Whip Wilson
Andy Clyde
gj (67) Western 4820
TRAIL OF THE YUKON
Kirby Qrant-S. Dalbert
R—Aug.
6—PG-1059
HI (57) Western 4855
RANGE JUSTICE
Johnny Mack Brown
Max Terhune
E3 (71) Drama 4808
Joe Palooka in the Counter
Punch
Leon &rol-Joe Klrkwood
§i (94) Mystery 933
SCENE OF THE CRIME
Van Johnson-Arlene Dahl
Gloria DeHaven-Tom Drake
B—June 25—PG-1048
m (96) Musical 1 a (78) Western
©THAT MIDNIGHT KISS STAMPEDE
AA14
Kathryn Grayson-M. Lanza Rod C!ameron-(3ale Storm
Ethel Barrymore-J. Iturtil .Johnny Mack Brown
R—Aug. 27—PO-10fl6 R—Apr. 30—PG-103!
IS (92) Drama a (60) Western
THE SECRET GARDEN HAUNTED TRAILS
4843
Margaret
Whip Wilson
O'Brien
Andy Clyde
H. Marshall-D. Stockwell
R—Apr. 30—PG-1032
m (67) Comedy 4812
JIGGS AND MAGGIE IN
JACKPOT JITTERS
Renle Riano-Joe Tule
SS (98) ComedT
The Doctor and the Girl
Glenn Ford-Janet Ledgh
Charles (>)bum
B—Sept. 10—PQ-iore
H (66) Western 4866
ROARING WESTWARD
Jimmy Wakely
Cannonball Taylor
gi (63) Comedy 4818
ANGELS IN DISGUISE
Leo Qoms
Bowoiy Bc9l
IS (91) Drama 481
THE GREAT GATSBY
Alan Ladd-Betty Field
Macdonald Carey
R— Apr. 30—PG-1032
IS (98) Musical 49(
TOP 0' THE MORNING
Bing Crosby-Ann Blyth
Barry Fitzgerald
R—Aug. 6—PO-1060
tt!(f
S (105) Drama 4»
ROPE OF SAND
l*t
Burt Lancaster-C. CalvetHlr.3'
Paul Henreld-P. Loire
R—July 2—PG-1060 titr

FEATURE CHART

. 1-22
.
6
SHORTS CHART
.
"
title.
Columbia
Metro-Goldwyn-Moyer Paramount
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Ratino Rev'd Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
ASSORTED COMEDIES
CARTOONS
CHAMPION
1435 Flung by a Fling (16)
.
. 5-12 + 10
(Technicolor)
(Reissues)
1426 MicrosDOOk (16) 6-9
W-34 The Cat That Hated People
Z9-1 Busy Little Bears (10).. 10- 7 + 12-
1436 Clunked in the Clink (16) 7-13 -f II'
(7) 11-20 ff 12-18 Z9-2 Suddenly It's Spring (10) 12- 2 ++ 1-3
1949-50 SEASON
W-36 Goggle Fishing Bear (7). 1-15 -f 2-5 Z9-3 Breezy Little Bears (11) 2-3
2411 Waiting in the Urcli
W-37 Bad Luck Blackie (7) .
-H-
2-5 Z9-4 Cilly Goose (10) 3-10
(I51/2) 9-8 -t- U W-39 Senor Droopy (8) 4-9 + 5-28
2421 Super Wolf (16) 10-13 ++ ] W-41 Meet King Joe (9) 5-28 -H-
7-9 GRANTLAND RICE SPORTUGHTS
(Technicolor)
2422 Wha' Happen? (I6I/2) .. .11-10
W-43 The House of Tomorrow
2412 Let Down Your Aerial
(8) 6-11 + 7-9 R8-5 Best of Bread (10) 4-8 +
W-45 Doggone Tired (8) 7-30
RS-6 Fairway Champions (10) . 5- 6
W-46 Wags to Riches (7) .-.
.
. 8-13 + 11- 5
Rg-7 Top Figure Champs (10) " . RS-S Sporting Spheres (10)... 7 +
1949-50 SEASON
RS-9 Official Business (10) ... 8 H-
W-132 Little Rural Riding Hood
R8-10 Running the Keys (10).. 9 4-
(6) 9-17 + 10- 1
1949-50 SEASON
W- 135 Out-Foxed (g) 11-5
R9-1 Water Speed (10) 10
W-136 Tennis Chumps (7) 12-10 + +
12-24
R9-2Thc Husky Parade (10). 12
W-137 Counterfeit Cat (7)... 12-24
R9-3 Farther Down East (10). 1 20 -H
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS R9-5Wild Goose Chase (..).. 2
(Technicolor)
(Technicolor Reissueib)
NOVELTOONS
1608 Two Uzy Crows (7) 7-13
T-12 Night Life in Chicago (9). 11-27 -t- 12-18
(Color)
1949-50 SEASON
T-13 Scholastic England (8).. 12-18 + 2-5 P8-7 Little Red School Mouse
2601 The Foxy Pup (7) 9-1
T-14 Ontario, Land of Lakes
(7) 4-15
2602 Window Shopping O'/i) .10- 6
(10) 2-12 4- 4-2 P3-8A Haunting We Will Go
2603 Happy Tots (7) 11-3 T-15 Calling on Michigan (10) 3- 5
+ 1-21
-f 4-2
(9)
T.16Playland of Michigan (9) 3-26 4-9
2604 Hollywood Sweepstakes
PS-9A Mutt in a Rut (8)
T-17 Quebec in Summertime (10) 4- 9
(S) .12- 1
+ 5-21
PS-10 Campus Capers (7) 7
2605 Poor Elmer (B) 12-29
T-18 Roaming Through Northern
1949-50 SEASON
Ireland (8) 7-9
2606 Ye Olde Swao Shoppe (8) 1-19
P9-1 Leprechaun's Gold (10).. 10
2607 Kanoaroo Kid (71/2) .... 2-2
1949-50 SEASON
P9-2Song of the Birds (8).. 11
T-111 From Liverpool to Stratford
P9-3 Land of the Lost Jewels
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(9) 9-10 4- 10- 1
(10) 1
1504 Grape Nutty (6) 4-14 +
T-112 Glimpses of Old England
P9-4 Quack-a-Doodle Do (7)
1505 Cat-Tastrochy (6) 6-30 3
. . -|-
(9) 10- 8 -I- 10-29 P9-5 Teacher's Pest (7) 3
COMEDY FAVORITES
T-113 In Old Amsterdam (9). .U-12 + 12-24
PACEMAKERS
(Reissues)
T-114 A Wee Bit of Scotland
Kg-6My Silent Love (11)..
-f
1445 A Rookie's Cookie (17) . . 5-19
(10) 12-17
KS-7The Lamhcrtville Story
1446 Crazy Like a Fox (I8I/2) 6-16 ±
1949-50 SEASON
GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS
(10) 5
(Technicolor)
K8-g Southward Ho! Ho! (11) 6
2431 Three Blonde Mice (16).. 9-29 +
2432 The Spook Speaks (IS). 10-20 W-21The Little Goldfish (8) .11-20 + 11-27 Kg-9 Roller Derby Girl (10).
ff
2433 Love in Gloom (19) 12-15
W-22 Fine Feathered Friends
KS-IO Neighbors in the Night
2436 Calling All Curtains (16) 2- 9
(8) 1-1
(11)
-I-
W-23 The Blue Danube (7) . . 4- 2 4-2 K8-11 Tom Ewcll in the Football
-f-
COMMUNITY SINGS
W-24 Sufferin' Cats (8) 6-4 -H 11-5
Fan (11) 9'
1656 No. 6 My Blue Heaven
1949-50 SEASON
KS-12 Strawhat Cinderella (11) 9-23 4+ 10- 8
(91/2) 7-7
W-161 Lonesome Mouse (7) . . . 11-28
1949-50 SEASON
K9-1 Tom Ewell in Caribbean Capers
FILM NOVELTIES
MARTIN BLOCK'S MUSICAL
1902 America's Heritage of Hospitality
MERRY-GO-ROUND
(IO/2) 8-25 +
M-984Les Brown-Virginia O'Brien
2901 Yukon Canada (10) 12-22
(10) 7-17 ± 8-14
JOLLY FROLICS
M-986Art Lund, Lcs Brown,
2501 Ragtime Bear (7) 9-29 +
Tex Beneke (10) 8-3 -|- 10-9
2502 Punchy De Leon (6I/2) •
.
1-12
M-9g5 Frankie Carle & Orch.
ONE-REEL SPECIAL
(10) 8-28 + 10- 9
(Color)
1553 No. 3 Candid Microphone
NEWS OF THE DAY
Eg-4 Lumber Jack and Jill (7) 5
(10) 8-19
(Released Twice Weekly)
ES-5 Hot Air Aces (7) 6
1949-50 SEASON
E8-6 A Balmy Swami (7) 7-22
2551 No. 1 Candid Microphone
PASSING PARADE
+
Eg-7 Tar With a Star (7) g
(9) 10-27
K-71Thc City of Little Men
ES-g Silly Hill Billy (7).... 9
2552 No. 2 Candid Microphone
(10) 11-20 + 11
1949-50 SEASON
(11) 12-29
K-72 Annie Was a Wonder (11) 1-29 -H 2
E9-1 Barking Dogs Don't Fife
2750 The Sound Man (10) 1-19 -R
K-73 Stuff for Stuff (11) 3-26 + 4
(7) 10-2g ± 12- 3
2553 Candid Microphone (..).. 2-23
K-74 Mr. Whitney Had a Notion
E9-2 The Fly's Last Flight (7) 12-23 + 1-14
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
(11) 5-7 5 E9-3 How Green Is My Spinach
1859 Hollywood's Happy Homes
K-75 Clues to Adventure (10) 6-11 + 7
(7) 1-27 -1- 1-21
(91/2) 6-16 K-76 City of Children (10) . . . 8-27
-H-
E9-4Gym Jam (..) 3-17
1860 Howdy Podner (91/2) 7-20
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
POPULAR SCIENCE
1949-50 SEASON
54 Let's Cogitate (8) 12-25 4- 12
(Magnacolor)
2851 Spin That Platter (11).. 9-15 ±
55 Super Cue Men (9) . . . . 1-29 -f- 2 Jg-3 White Magic (11) 4- 1 -|- 4-30
2852 Motion Picture Mothers, Inc.
56 What I Want Next (8) 2-12 H- 2 J8-4 Air Force Fire Fighters
. .
57 Scientifiquiz (10) 4-2 4
(10) 4-29
58 Those Good Old Days (9) 4-16 5 Jg-5 Seaweed Science (10) 6-17 t
59 Fishing for Fun (9) 4-23 + 5 Jg-6 Talking Turkey (11) 8-19 +
60 Football Thrills No. 12
(9) 8-27
SCREEN SONGS
-f 10
(Color)
1949-50 SEASON
S-151 Water Trix (9) 11-5
X8-5 The Stork Market (8) . . 4- g
S-152 How Come? (10) 11-19
XS-6 Spring Song (7) 6-3
Xg.7
S-153We Can Dream,
The Ski's the Limit (g) . . 6-24
Can't We?
+
(9) 12- 3
X8-8 Toys Will Be Toys (7) 7-15
-f 12
.
S-154 Sports Oddities (9) 12-31
X8-9 Farm Foolery (7) 8-
+ 12
5
S-155 Pest Control (8) 1-14
XS-10 Our Funny Finny Friends
(7) 8-26 -I-
8-6
(17) 11-17
2423 French Fried Frolic
(16/2) 12- S
2413 His Baiting Beauty (Iff/z) 1-12
2424 Hold That Monkey (.).. 2-16
CAVALCADE OF BROADWAY
2651 Cafe Society (11) 11-17 ± 1
2652 Blue Angel (..) 1-26
COLOR FAVORITES
(9> 10-13
2853 Hollywood Rodeo (91/2) . .11-17
2854 Disc Jockeys U.S.A. (10). 12-15
2855 The Great Showman (10) 1-26
STOOGE COMEDIES
1407 Hokus Pokus (16) 5- 4 it
1408 Feulin' Around (15) 7-7 +
1949-50 SEASON
2401 Malice in the Palace (16) 9- 1 ±
2402 Vagabond Loafers (16). 10- 6 +
2403 Dunked in the Deep (17) 11- 3
2404 Punchy Cowpunchers (17) 1- 5
2405 Hugs and Mugs (16) 2-2
THRILLS OF MUSIC
2952 Miguelito Valdes & Orch.
(10) 9-22
WORLD OF SPORTS
1809 Rasslin' Riot (SVi) 6-23 -f
1810 West Point Track Champions
(9) 8-12 +
1949-50 SEASON
2801 Horseshoe Wizardry (9) . . 9-22
2802 Winter Capers (9) 10-27 -f
2803 Hell Drivers (91/2) 11-24
2804 Racing Hcadliners (SI/2) . 1- 5
2805 King Archer ( . . ) 2-23
SERIALS
1160 Great Adventures of Wild Bill
Hickok 9-8 -H
15 Chapters (Reissue)
1949-50 SEASON
2120 The Adventures of
Sir Galahad 12-22
15 Chapters
+
S-156 Crashing the Movies (8) 1-28
SILVER ANNIVERSARY SHORT
934 Some of the Best (40) -1+ 7
SPECIALS
A-2 Heart to Heart (21) 5-21 ff 6
TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
W-35 Mouse Cleaning (7) 12-11 + 12-18
W.38 Polka Dot Puss (8) 2-26 -f 4-9
W-42The Little Orphan (7).. 4-30 ff 5-21
W-40 Hatch Up Your Troubles
(7) 5-14 5-21
W-44 Heavenly Puss (7) 7-9
-f
1949-50 SEASON
W-131The Cat and the Mermouse
(8) 9- 3 H
W-133 Love That Pup (8) 10- 1
W-134 Jerry's Diary (7) 10-22
W-138 Little Quacker (7) . . . . 1-7
W-139 Saturday Evening Puss
(7) 1-14
First date is national release, second the dale oi review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: ffVery Good.
+ Good. — Fair. — Poor. = Very Poor. O Indicates color photography.
10- 1
10-29
11- 5
(11) 11-11
K9-2 The Country Doctor (11). 12-30 -H 1-21
K9-3 Tom Ewell in the Rumba
Seat 2-10
( . )
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
X8-11 Marriage Wows (7).... 9-16
Xg-12The Big Flame Up (7).. 9-30 — 9-3
1949-50 SEASON
X9-1 Strolling Through the Park
(8) 11- 4
X9-2The Big Drip (8) 11-25
X9-3Snow Foolin' (g) 12-16 ++ 1-14
X9-4 Blue Hawaii (7) 1-13 + 1-21
X9-5 Detouring Thru Maine
(.) 2-17
X9-6 Shortenin' Bread (..)... 3-24
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Yg- 4 Hocus
Yg-5Goin'
Focus (10)
Hollywood
4-22
(10)... 6-10
-I-
±
4-30
4-30
Y8-6 Video Hounds (9) 8-12 if 8-6
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(Magnacolor)
L8-3The Flying Dancers (10). 3-11 -f 4-30
L8-4 The Fall Guy (11) 4-15 + 4-30
-f L8-5 Flying Grandmother (10). 6- 3 6-4
LS-6 Sky Rider, The (U) 7-lS -f 8-6

'
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Ratinn Rev'd I Prod
DRIBBLE
no„, .
PUSS PARADE
9901 Satisfied Saurians (9) Mar. +
FEMININE WORLD
9601 Talented Beauties (Vyvyan
Doniier)

FUTURE RELEASES
COLUMBIA
Ualed herein ore features on which national release dates have not been
get or which go beyond the dates covered by the Feature Chart.
Behind This Mask (Drama) Humphrey Bojart
Blondie's Hero (Comedy) Penny Singleton-Arthur Lake
Blondie's Nloht Out ((iimedy)
. .rcnoy Singleton-Arthur Uit
Car JO to Capetovm (Melodrama)
. Broderlck Crawford-J. Ireland
Confessions of a Diaper Salesman (Comedy) ... .UicUle Ball
Customs Aoent (Drama) William Ei'the-Marjorie Reynolds
Man, The (Crime-Drama) Sydney Oreenstreet
Fuller Girl, Brush The (Comedy)
Fat
I^ciU' »»"
Good Humor Man, The (Comedy)
. .Jack Carson-Lola Albright
©Jolson Sinos Again (Musical) ... .Larry Pafka-Barbara Hale
Killer That Stalked New York, The
„^ , „ ^„
(Melodrama) Bvelj-n Reyes. Charles Konrln
©Palomino, The (Western-Drama)
. .Jerome Courtland-B. Tyler
(BPetty Girl, The (Drama) . .Joan Caultleld-Bobert Cummlngs
Prowl Car (Drama) WUUam Holden
©Rotues of Sherwood Foreit (Drama) .
.John Der«k-D. Lynn
Woman of Diitinetlon (Comedy) B. Bus»«U-B«y Mllland
EAGLE LION
©Alice In Wonderland (Fantajy) Carol M«r«ii-Puppet«
Beloved (Drama) Paulette Ooddard-Pedro Armendarla
Blaie of Glory (•utdoor-Drama) . .Lon McCalllster-Lola Butler
Calendar, The (Comedy) OreU Oynt-John McCaUum
©Deadfall (Drama) John Barrj-more jr.-ChUl Wills
Doll's House, The (Drama) Paul Lukas-Cbarles Korvln
Esther Waters (Drama) Kathleen Kyan-Dlrk Bogarde
Floodtide (Drama) Bobert Ander»on-

;
exploitable
; marquee
[
town
; dicate. Actually, she is never a bandit and she is forced to :
i
handle
I
I
Opinions on Current Productions; Ixploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
The Blonde Bandit F
A^'i"""'-'
Republic (4904) 60 Minutes Rel. Dec. 22, '49
• A well-made, interest-holding action programmer with an
title which is ideally suited to the duals. While
names are mild, the picture will fit neatly into the
is an extremely attractive and capable actress as a small
girl who gets caught up in a big city gambling syn- ,
a gun only once. Gerald Mohr is convincing and
likeable as a big time gambler who starts out as a villian
I
but winds up as an heroic figure—a new and refreshing
•
story twist. Others who register are Argentina Brunetti, as
a voluble Italian woman, and Nana Bryant, as a welfare
I
1
worker. As ably directed by Harry Keller, the picture has
both excitement and suspense and winds up with a thrilling
gun battle to stop a speeding airplane.
g|||.
i
Dorothy Patrick, Gerald Mohr, Robert Rockwell, Larry I. Blake,
: Nana Bryant, Charles Cane, Argentina Brunetti.

. . and
. . Action-Packed
. . Amid
. . The
a
. . . Trapped
, . . The
. . . Even
. . . and
. . Drama
. . Thrills
"
FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs
THE STORY: "Blue Grass oi Kentucky"
Rival horsebreeders in Kentucky ore two families; the son
of one. Bill Williams, and the daughter of the other, Jane
Nigh, are romantically involved and Jane is confident that
Bill one dcy will marry her although her family is wealthy
and his is not. After some years of misfortune Bill and his
father, Ralph Morgan, enter their horse. Blue Grass of Kentucky,
in the Derby, while Jane and her father, Russell Hicks,
enter Tarzana. Blue Grass v/^ins but Ted Hecht, trainer for
Jane and Hicks, pro:ests that the horse was falsely registered
cs a thoroughbred. But Jane submits proof that Hecht is
wrong, the stewards accept the error in registration as an
honest mistake and Jane finally gets her man.
CATCHLINES:
Thrill to Pounding Hearts and Pounding Hoofs . . . the Story
of a Gallant Horse Who Galloped -.o Glory ... To Bring Love
and Fortune to Two Youngsters . the Roaring Excitement
of the Turf.
THE STORY:
"Dakota Lil"
George fv'cntgomery, fndian scout and government agent,
is assigned to round up a gang headed by Rod Cameron
v/hich has stolen $100,000 in unsigned treasury notes. Posing
as an ou.law, Montgomery persuades Marie Windsor—
forger known as Dakota Lil—to lead him to the gang, hoping
they will offer Marie the job of signing the notes. All goes
well until Marie discovers Montgomery's true identity and,
although she has fallen in love with him, is about to inform
Cameron. But she changes her mind when she sees Cameron
sadistically murder another government agent, and she and
Montgomery set a trap for the gang leader. It takes all the
skill Montgomery learned in his Indian-fighting days to kill
Cameron and accomplish his mission.
CATCHLINES:
Rousing Thrills and Roaring Adventure Along the Flaming
Frontier ... A Blood and Thunder Saga of the West's Most
Savage Days
. Entertainment the Way You
Like It.
THE STORY:
"The Palomino"
Hard times beset the ranch owned by Beverly Tyler following
the death of her father. El Rey, a priceless palomino
stallion, has disappeared and there is only one little golden
colt left. Jerome Courtlond, a cattle buyer, visits the ranch,
where he meets Roy Roberts, a rancher friend of Beverly's.
Actually Roberts is responsible for the theft of EI Rey, whom
he has hidden on a mountain and is using to breed with a
string of his own mares. Roberts refuses to sell Couxtland any
cattle, but Jerome, who has taken a liking to Beverly, sticks
around, having formed the suspicion that Roberts is the thief.
Ultimately Jerome bests Roberts in a furious fist fight, recovers
the stallion and the future of Beverly's ranch is secured.
CATCHLINES:
Here's Glorious Ouidoor Adventure ... to Set Your Blood
Racing . Your Heart Singing With Joy ... It Will Sweep
You Off Your Feet in a Thundering Stampede of Thrills.
THE STORY:
'The Laughing Lady"
To save his French duchess mother from the guillotine,
Booth bargains with Robespiere, agreeing to recover the
Pearls of Sorrow, which have been smuggled to England.
In England, Booth robs Anne and her rascal father, who are
visiting the prince. He gets nothing but a clue to the pearls,
and a stolen kiss. The prince arranges her marriage to
Mountroyal, commissioning his discovery, the French painter,
to do her portrait. Anne recognizes the bandit artist, but
keeps his secret. When she receives the pearls as a gift from
the prince. Booth cannot bring himself to steal from her, returning
to France empty-handed, only to find his servant has
stolen them. He saves Anne from disgrace by returning them,
only to have her follow his man back to France and use them
to free him. Both are imprisoned, but are saved when ransomed
by the prince, who blesses them in marriage.
CATCHLINES:
The Handsome Robber Steals Nothing But a Kiss ... A
Prince's Ransom and the Pearls of Sorrow . Bandit
Offered His Life for a Woman's Smile.
awk,-
(Mu.'
THE STORY:
"The Blonde Bandit"
Dorothy PaTick, a small town girl, arrives in a big city
find that her fiance has deserted her and she is forced
to
to pawn her ring, which is bought by a jeweler who frames
her on a robbery charge. Gerald Mohr, head of a gambling
syndicate, puts up the bond for her jail release and makes
her his secretary. Robert Rockwell, young district attorney
has been trying to get the goods on Mohr and his many
v.'ho
bookie establishments, persuades Dorothy that her charge
will be dismissed if she helps him get evidence against Mohr.
When Barbara falls in love with Mohr she intends to tell him
the truth but meanwhile two crooked cops frame him. Although
Mohr is disillusioned about Dorothy, she helps police
save him from being killed and promises to v^'ait until his
jail sentence is up.
CATCHLINES:
A Dra:na of Suspense and Violence in a 'Vice-Ridden City
by Her Love and His Crimes . . . Their Love Was
Bigger Than the Law ... A Blonde Bandit Becomes a Loyal
Sweetheart.
THE STORY:
"The Hidden Room"
Robert Newton is insanely jealous of his beautiful wife,
Sally Gray, and when he finds a young American diplomat,
Phil Brown, making love to her he determines to murder this
latest rival. His plan for a perfect murder includes Brown
chained up in a bomb-site cellar so that he can be produced
li ihe police get on the track. Meanwhile, he gradually fills
a bathtub with an acid solution in which he eventually
intends to dispose of Brown's body. However, his wife's dog
follows him to Brown's hiding place and eventually Brown
trains it to pull the plug from the tub. Naunton Wayne, a
Scotland Yard inspector, eventually finds Brown just as Newton
is about to poison him. Miss Gray goes on a trip, but
leaves Brown the dog that helped to save his life.
CATCHLINES?
What Was the Horrible Secret of the Underground Room?
Almost-Perfect Murder by an Insanely Jealous Husband
... A Little Dog Ruined His Plans for a Deadly Revenge
a Perfectly Planned Murder Has One 'VVeak Link.
•B
THE STORY: "The Gay Lady
Trottie True, daughter in a middle-class British family, prepares
to join a vaudeville troupe when a balloon crashes in
the garden of her home and she meets the pilot Sid Skinner.
He flies his balloon around the country to see her on tour,
Trottie is a big hit and moves upward into musical comedy,
where she has to resist the propositionings of the show's
backer and some assorted lords, among them the duke of
V/ellwater. Since Sid seems chiefly interested in his gas bag,
she becomes a duchess. The duke gets innocently involved
in an intrigue with a friend. Lord Maidenhead, and his actress
girl friend, and Trottie makes a scene in public. She takes
a balloon ride with Sid, who conveniently appears, but in
the end there is a reconciliation.
CATCHLINES:
Men Flocked Around the Gay Lady Like Bees Around
Honey . . . Beautiful Jean Kent in a Spirited Comedy.
THE STORY:
"Radar Secret Service"
When a truckload of atomic materials is hijacked, radar
secret service agents John Howard and Ralph Byrd are assigned
to the task of rounding up the culprits. They recover
some of the stolen materials while Tom Neal, head of the
atomic-thief ring, is transporting another load of the radioactive
loot to his buyer, Tristram Coffin. Tipped off by a gong
member's girl friend, the radar secret service brings a helicopter
into action to trail Neal's truck, and the helicopter
pilot gives Howard and Byrd directions as they close in.
Coffin, who is in love with Neal's girl friend, Adele Jergens,
doublecrosses and kills Neal. Meantime Howard and Byrd
capture the rest of the gang, including Adele and Coffin, who
fail in a getaway attempt.
CATCHLINES:
.
Action . ... as Uncle Sam's Most
Daring Secret Agents Go on the Trail of Trigger-Mad Killers
Smash a Gang of Dangerous Radar Hijackers.

I
apartment
>, Acme.
j
i
1,000,
1 (jood
'
sidered.
I
Air
i
700-car
RATES: 10c per word, minimum $1.00, cash vrith copy. Four insertions for price ol three.
CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publicaficn date. Send copy and answers to
Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. •
HELP WANTED
Sell merchants advertising specialties, daytime.
Coleads, Sillfi Llrnrood. Detroit. Micli.
Wanted: Two experienced managers, sober, reliable.
Slate qiialiflcatlons and references. Manos
Tbeatr«s. Inc., 202 N. Fourth St., Toronto, Ohio.
Theatre managers, assistant managers and drivemanagers
wanted. Permanent positions in New
york-New Jersey area: salary open. State experience,
age. r«ferences and availability. Write Box
112, Boxoffice, 9 RocKefdler Plaza, New York
City.
Excellent position for outstanding theatre ex-
Bcullve with top flight Midwest circuit. Bo.xoffice.
?731.
Wanted: Experienced manager; county seat of
1,800: up-to-date theatre: location, midwest:
Include phoio. qualifications, salary expected. Boxiffice.
.t7:i2.
Drlve-in theatre manager, first class 600-car, I
central Ohio. Experienced in handling people and ,
jperating business necessary. Theatre management
ind bonking experience desirable. State work history,
qualifications, educational background, references,
salary desired. Submit recent photograph.
Modern apartment available. Boxoflice. 3733.
House manager wanted: Young man capable of
landling people. Experience in theatre is essenial
but as a manager of a theatre is not neces-
:ary. \ good position in a nice house for a sober,
iard-«orking young man. Apply to Harold Kay,
:,ake Theatre, Painesvllle, Ohio.
Concession manager wanted for large New York
;ity diive-in. Only experienced need apply. Saliry
$5,000 and bonus. State full background first
etler Leon Rottenberg. 135 Eastern Parkway,
Bronklyn. N. Y.
Wanted: Manager for neighborhood theatre. Top
ialary and bonus. Ideal working conditions. Write
eferences, details, etc., care 0. Brotman, Avaloe
rhealre. 2807 W. Diversey Ave., Cliicago.
POSITIONS WANTED
Manager, 12 years experience, desires change.
kVIll enter partnership, or lease your theatre.
Southeast. Boxoffice, 3713.
Projectionist and manager, 14 years experiince.
41 j-ears old. white, married, Protestant.
3ober, reliable. Desires ctiange account have
idvanced far as possible present employment.
\vailable two weeks notice. Prefer Southwest.
Iteferences, Boxoffice, 3725.
Wanted to manage or would lease theatre in
iny location 1,500 population or over. Experinccd.
confidential. Boxoffice, 3726.
Position as manager. Experienced in all deirtnicnt5.
Sober and capable. References. Small
l.ir^e theatre. Must be within commuting dismn-
i.f Bridgeport, Conn. Boxoffice, 3735.
Projectionist, experienced, reliable and sober,
illi -nod iitt'rences. wants position in Florida
ith sm:ill nr large theatre. Now operating in
ViscniKin, liNl available. Bo.xoffice, 3736.
Th:,f
ojectionisl: 10 years experience on Simplex
'itli.i makes of equipment. Married, age 25.
liililren. Wish city in middlewest with fur-
or house. Salary $45 to $50
No drunkard: able to go to work Feb.
"0, Boxoffice, 3737.
looking (or future in any phase of theatre
^. .\t present am partner in small theatre,
in Business Administration. Southern
list university. Young, veteran, family, ex-
• il buying, booking, advertising, explnitallave
managed large suburban for circuit.
.rit references. Boxoffice. 3738.
rienced theatre and concession man wants
rnnci'ssinns small circuit. Boxoffice. 3739,
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
s new. iipiT.iles Tini, But it's rebuilt!
tlip Sll,S iMi, llnlmes Educators, $550;
S7!i.i: Simplex SP or Standard,
.Ml dual equipments with 2,000' magazines,
implifier. speaker, etc. Available on time
l^ Dept C, SOS, Cinema Supply Corp,,
52nd St.. New York 19,
^ of the Year! Like new pair rear shutter
V machines, complete, ready to install, con-
30X0FFICE :: January 28, 1950
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW
S-t-r-e-t-c-h your dollars at S.O.S. Here's value
extraordinary: Rectifier bulbs, 15 amp., $4.95;
6 amp., $2.95: carbon silvers, 7Tc; Snaplite 11
coated lenses, $75 (liberal tradeins) ; coin changers,
$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. (Send for brochure),
nept. C. S.O.S. CUlema Supply Corp., 602 52nd
St.. New York 19.
New, too? Y'esireel 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! Time deals and
trades, tool t)ept. 0. SOS. Cinema Supply Corp.,
fi02 W. 52nd SI . New York 19.
New complete equipment for outdoor and indoor
theatres. Queen Feature Service. Inc., Birmlng-
Thiatn and drive-ln amplifier units complete.
.Ml siies, 8 to 1,000 watts. DAR Wectronlcs,
Bartwv,
Ky.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT
Drive-ins, order now. open early. Complete
Dual 35mm outfits from $1,595: Dual 16mm
Amproarcs, $1,795; No. 14 tinderground cable.
$55.45 M (quantity discounts); marquee letters,
351' nn. Time deals invited. Write for details
and drive-in catalog (now in preparation). Dept.
C. SOS. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd
St.. New York 19.
Speaker stands fabricated to specification in
our owTi plant. Immediate delivery, any quantity.
or Wire, write phone. Long Distance 1024
or THatcher 9243. Sonkcn-Calamba Corp., Second
and Riverview, Kans,as City 18. Kas.
Drive-in theatre replacement speakers. $1.75.
Re-Cone 4 or 5 inch speakers. $1.35. Weather
resistant cones. Ditsco, 1009 W. Gramercy, San
Antonio,
Tex.
STUDIO AND PRODUCTION
EQUIPMENT
New Bridgamatic Automatic Processors, $1,595:
new Cine Balowstar l^;" n3 lenses, $199; S>-nchro'inus
35mra Dubbing Projectors. $695; new
Cinevoice 16mm Single System Sound Camera.
$695: Twin turret Eyemn. 6 fast lenses, motor,
etc. $1,095: Somm recorders, from $495; new
Auricon 33-Minute Camera. $1,665. Send for
catalog Slurelab. Dept. C. SOS. Cinema Supply
Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St.. Ni'W York 19,
Filmcraft studio linuidalinn s.ile—Mole Richardson
Solarspols. Wonderful shape, including
bu'h, barndoors, diffusers, rolling stand. 5KW
Seniors. $189.50: 2KW Juniors, $104.50; Juniors,
less stands, $87.50: hundreds other ligh's. dimmers,
cables, plugs, etc. Complete background
process projection outfit. Including 4 SelsjTi motors,
sound playback, lenses, screen, etc.. worth
$15,000. rebuilt, $4,995: MR Mieronhono Boom,
with dolly. $395. Send for Bulletin Filmcraft,
Dent, C. SOS. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
52nd S'.. New York 19.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Two sets good Strong utility. Junior or B:ihy
lamps, rectifiers; set 35 Holmes, A k T, Wickes,
Will swap 1946 Ford Pickup and pair Holmi
nn booth equipment Want hi-lamn. Arkansi
Equipment Co.. Sulphur Springs. Ark,
Complete drive-in hnoih. used (nrefer S'rong
Mogul lamps). No iunk. Write, wire, call Montana
Theatre Equipment. Inc.. Box 1000. phone
33. Sunburst, Mont.
K mechanisms, bases, magazines. lamphouses,
Giveaway everything now. dinnerware to cars
No
lors, lenses and sound system. First $1,150.
Merchant advertising tie-up. cost to theatre.
Medfield Theatre. Medfield. Mass
Interstate Theatre Service, 1115 Ea.st Armour,
For the preview room, rebuilt navy DeVry proiectors.
K. C. Mo,
$550 pair. Reconditioned navy DeVry
set. Aver^
Dislies are hack! Beautiful 44-piere mplifiers. $65. Holmes Educators, pair, com-
'lete. new, Arkansas Equipment Co.
cost 10c piece, age like $600. Midstate Theatre Supply,
906 Thomas Fresno. Sulnhiir Springs. Ark,
.\ve., Calif
Comic books proven the most successful method
After Christmas bargain: Ti'o sprockel-t.vpe
neVry 16mm sound pro.iectors. complete with rerird
.attracting the "small fry" to their Saturday
of
player, at $125 each. One 16mm I.'niversal matinees. Always large variety and latest popular
at
|oimdmaster 16mm sound projector, complete, Sold on newsstands at 10c: $22.50
all title'.
5115. Theatre Equipment & Supply 1009
;. Co., ner 1.000. F.O.B. New Y'ork City. Diimont Sales,
r N. Seventh St., Milwaukee 3, Wis,
15 Park Row, New York City.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell your theatre privately. Confidential correspondence
Invited.
Leak Theatre Sales, 3422
Klnmore, Dallas. 1109 Grchardlane, Des .Momes,
Iowa.
Texas-Oklahoma, small io»n non-competitiie
that $12,000 down handle-s. Entirely conlidentlal.
Boxofflce, 3730.
Will buy Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming. Color.ido
drive-in. Detailed Information desired. Confidential.
Boxoffice. 3745.
We have several prospects for a good theatre.
All listings handled in utmost conlldence. Ilaase-
Shea, Tlleatre Brokers, 509 McCall Bldg., Memphis.
Tenn.
3.10,000 flown tor small town Idaho, Oregon,
northern California. Phelps, 429 Bast Carter,
Pucattllo.
Idaho.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Ihcatres For Sale: Selected listings in Ortgon
and WashUigton now available. Write for lisl.
Thealre E.\change Co., Fine Arts Bldg., Portland,
Build double parking drive-in theatres under
franchise Patent No. 2,102,718, reissue No.
22.756 and improvements, patent pending. Up
to 30 per cent more seating capacity with little
additional cost. Louis Josserand, architect, 3908
S. Main St.. Houston, Tex.
Paciiic northwest theatres lor sale. Write Theatre
Sales Co., 4229 .NE Broadway, Portland, Ore.
Florida Theatres, 550 seats, long lease. Typical
grind house, $31,500; 700 seats, air conditioned,
20 yr. lease, $40,000; 600 seats, without
real estate, $31.500:with real estate, $80,000;
250 seals, $5,500. Harry G. Elmore, Jr.,
Itealtor, 942 Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, Fla.
Describe to Walter Jackson. Broker, Chilllcothe,
.Mo., theatre you want to buy or sell.
For Sale: One of western Virginia's finest drivein
theatres: 400-car capacity. Illness reason for
desire to sell. Reply to owner, Boxoffice, 3720.
$35,000 down handles both theatres, growing
Texas county seat, over 4,000. Absentee ownership
showing good profit. Investigate thoroughly,
please. Arthur Leak, Worthwhile Theatres, 3422
Kinmore. Dallas. Others.
$14,000 down. Dairy town near Tulsa, 3,500.
Worth much more. Personally operated. Arthur
U.ik, Thc;itres Exclusively, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas.
.Many
others.
For Sale; Slarligllt Drivc-ln Theatre, Owensboro,
iCy. 700 cars, latest Simplex equipment. Andy
Anderson. Hartford, Kj\
Fully equipped theatre in city of 180,000. Only
house in town vvitli line of girls and vaudoille.
Owner's sickness forces sale. Write or "ire
llusilre Owner. 1818 W. Riverside, Spokane. Uash.
Theatre, year old. Showing good return. E\cellent
equipment and seats. Big pay loll to.vo li
Frazer valley. Seats 420. Boxoffice, 3723.
Suckers are scarce. Buy or sell theatres right.
Better business. Contact Walter Jackson, Broker
fJlilliai'llc Mo
$10,500 down. Only theatre adjoining touiK
totaling 2.800. Good brick building included.
Owner showed $245 weekly Profit lust month.
Serious illness. Arliuir Leak, Theatre Sales, 342'J
Kinmore. Dallas. Many others.
Theatre building, with 3 apartments, for sale.
Good investment. Located Iowa. $20,000 down.
385 seats: equlpmenl. building good condition.
New marquee. Boxoffice, 3727.
320-seat grind house, downtown Tulsa (Strand).
Will sell for half price due to other business;
about 3 years, Boxoffice. 3728^
Two theatres. Town near W,aco, Tex.us. Both
hrick buildings included. Present owner shows
$200 weekly profits. M\ cushion seats. Late
model equipment. $38,500, half down. "Joe"
Joseph, 8611 Beauregard Drive, phone E6-6289,
Dallas, Tex
Notice, mailing list customers of "Joe" Joseph:
Folloilng theatres sold since Jan. 1, 1950. Please
destroy all information. Qulnlan. Texas: SeagoviMe.
Texas, and Olton, Texas. Must have more
listings for immediate disposition. "Joe" Joseph.
8GU Beauregard, Dallas, Tex.
CLtflRine Houst
THEATRES FOR SALE (Cont'd)
Theatre in Northern Louisiana. Population
3.500; noncompetitive situation. Theatre in Southeast
Missouri, 2,500 population; new attractive
theatre and equipment. Three theatres in east
Tennessee, excellent suburban locations. One of
the best propositions we have ever been able to
submit. Theatre In NB Mississippi, 25 miles
from .Memphis. good proposition! Haase-Shea,
A
Theatre Brokers, 509 McCall Bldg.. Memphis,
Tenn.
For sale, at Victoria, Kas., 414-seat house,
built in 1946. Sell everything, building and
equipment, for $22,000 casli, no terms. Write
for particulars: W. .1. Braun, Victoria, Kas.
For Lease; Central Texas theatre. Town over
no competition near. Exceptionally equipped.
town, schools, churches. Bank, newspaper.
Prosperous farm area. Ideal setup for family
operation. Only experienced and qualified con-
Present operator has other business requiring
all attention. Boxoffice, 3740.
Ten-year lease. All-day grind theiitre in Illinois,
50,000 population. $200 monthly rental includes
apartment. $14,000 for Icxse .and e

«Excerpt from prophecy by
BENJAMIN N. BERGER
President, North Central
Allied Independent Theatre Owners
In
"INDUSTRY LOOKS INTO A HOROSCOPE'
GREATER AMUSEMENTS,
December 23, 1949
\iwmiWi,\c^e€n service