Boxoffice-February.11.1950

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000 

Divorcement for Fox, 

Loew's and Warners 

Complete TeMt of Court 

Decrees in This Issue 

REPORT ON ALLIED MEETING 

Face 12 

lATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

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The Year's Greatest Honor 

WINNER OF 2 OUT OF 3 TOP AWARDS 

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"Gold Medal \\"/>i>ier" 

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A PAHERN OF UNITY 

•^-^ HE formation of a united intdustry group in Kansas 

City to function along lines in a manner similar to that of 

the Council of Motion Picture Organizations is an interesting 

development of the past week. Exhibitors, distributors, equipment 

people and others affiliated with the industry have organized 

the Motion Picture Ass'n of Greater Kansas City which 

proposes "to promote pubhc relations objectives, to participate 

in civic programs, undertake such charitable work as is required 

and to provide assistance to those within the industry 

who require such help." An additional objective is set forth 

in the plan to set up "a special committee to htxndle intraindustry 

matters in an effort to keep industry squabbles out of 

the courts." 

This very closely parallels the aims and purposes of 

COMPO and it sets a pattern that may be followed in other 

exchange areas throughout the country. As a matter of fact, 

this move may be interpreted as carrying forward on a local 

level the five-point program to which COMPO is committed 

even to the point of endeavoring to settle industry disputes 

which, no doubt, derives from Point 3 of COMPO's objectives 

directed "to improve internal relations." 

While exhibitor organizations from time to time call upon 

members oi otner brcmcnes of the industry to enter upon cooperative 

efforts, either in participation on civic matters or 

other community affairs, tbe Kansas City movement is the first, 

to our knowledge, wherein a permanent ail-industry organization 

has been created. In many respects this may be said to 

be an extension of the onetime unification that was known as 

the War Activities Committee. Under WAC there were similar 

setups in every exchange center, the great accomplishments 

of which are too well known to need repetition. 

While COMPO is still undergoing organizing "pains," it is 

good to see the Kansas City movement as giving evidence of 

implementation of the COMPO program in its application to 

local needs. 

It is to be hoped that COMPO on a national scale will soon 

receive the green Ught cmd get under way to carry out the 

program which not only the leaders but the rank and file of 

the industry acknowledge to be essential to the continuing 

progress of the industry. 

One needs only to scan the headlines of the trade news 

of the past few weeks to see how really vital is the need for 

a united front to fend the industry from the recurrent attacks 

made upon it by outside forces. The industry continues to be 

beset by unfair legislative assaults, not the least of which is 

Eiitved as Second Class matter at Post Office. Kansas City, Mo. 

Sictional Edition, $3.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50 

Vol. 56 No. 15 

FEBRUARY 11, 1950

— 

Producers Spur Congress 

To Abolish Federal Tax 

Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers adopts 

resolution emphasizing the discriminatory nature 

of the excise levy and charges there is 

no "just basis for it." 

censorship. New censorship bills are being introduced in 

stale legislatures and municipal councils; and other restrictive 

and regulative measures are being tried over and over 

again with some new ones cropping up. The purposes of 

these, as we have many times cited, is not so much in the public 

interest as in filling the state and municipal treasuries. Viz: 

the $350,000 annual fees received by the New York State Censor 

Board, duplicated in six other states and further pyramided 

in about 70 cities and towns. 

From the legislative and taxation standpoint alone, the inr 

dustry—and that means COMPO, when it gets to functioning 

has its work cut out for it. The taxation and legislative committee 

has its hands full presently with the fight to obtain the 

repeal of the federal admissions tax. A swell job is being 

done, incidentally, at the same time demonstrating how well' 

industry efforts can be coordinated for the common good. This 

gives further emphasis to the feeling that the industry should 

allow nothing to stand in the way of bringing COMPO into 

full bloom and of seeing it become the vital, united force which 

this industry has for so long needed. 

Small Investment, Big Return 

The Time: Brotherhood Week, Feb. 19-26. 

The Place: America's Theatres. 

The Goal: Ten members secured by each. 

If this minimum quota is attained, and it should not be 

difficult, the motion picture theatres will have obtained approximately 

$200,000 to aid one of the worthiest of causes. Sponsored 

by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, 

Brotherhood Week, is designed to bring about better understanding 

between peoples, races and creeds; to rid the world 

of hatred, bigotry and intolerance; to secure peace and freedom. 

It has been suggested that exhibitors enroll their own 

staffs, members of their families, in addition to patrons. Also 

that it would be a fine goodwill gesture to present Brotherhood 

memberships to merchants in their communities. 

Exchange managers, similarly, are urged to eruoU all of 

their office staffs and to get additional memberships from 

friends. 

At one dollar per membership, it is a small investment, 

indeed, from which to derive such big dividends. 

CLAy, 

Members of All N. Y Unions 

Urged to Aid Tax Campaign 

Emanuel Frisch, chairman of the exhibitor 

committee for repeal, mails request to several 

hundred labor groups through Metropolitan 

Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n. 

Court of Appeals Upholds 

Decision on Meiselman 

Higher district tribunal rules lower court 

judge within his rights in refusing to grant 

Charlotte exhibitor a preliminary injunction 

in damage suit against the majors. 

* 

Technicolor Litigation 

Reported Near End 

"Substantial possibility of a settlement" in 

the government antitrust action against 

Technicolor, Inc., and the Technicolor Motion 

Picture Corp. is expected in Washington. 

"Must Remain Free," Says 

Johnston to Boy Scouts 

MPAA head is principal speaker at 40th 

anniversary luncheon attended by film personalities 

who are leading campaign for $2,- 

000,000 fund in New York. 

X 

E. C. Rhoden Elected Head 

Of New Kansas City Group 

other officers of Motion Picture Ass'n of 

Greater Kansas City include Arthur H. Cole, 

first vice-president; Jay Means, second vicepresident; 

Senn Lawler. secretary, and Sam 

Abend, treasurer. 

National Theatres Heads 

To Convene Feb. 14-17 

Annual meeting of divisional presidents and 

executives scheduled in Los Angeles; more 

than 40 delegates expected from all five circuit 

divisions; Charles P. Skouras to preside. 

Walt Disney Productions 

Re-Elects All Directors 

stockholders again choose Walt Disney, 

chairman; Gunther R. Lessing, vice-chairman; 

Roy O. Disney, Paul L. Pease, Jonathan 

E. Lovelace and George E. Jones. 

Warner Bros. Terminates 

Danny Kaye Contract 

Five-year pact with the comedian ends by 

mutual agreement; "The Inspector General" 

wEis the only film the star made for Warners 

under the terms.

DIVORCEMENT FOR 20th-FOX, 

LOEWS AND WARNER BROTHERS 

Three-Year Limit Is Set 

To Carry Out Plan 

For Divestiture 

NEW YORK—The statutory court wrote 

the final chapter on divorcement this week. 

The three-judge court ordered 20th Century-Fox. 

Loew's. Inc.. and Warner Bros, 

to separate their production-distribution 

busine.;s from exhibition, to submit a plan 

for divestiture within six months and to 

complete the job of divorcement within 

three years. 

A THREE-YEAR DEADLINE 

If the three remaining theatre-holding defendants 

in the antitrust case and the Department 

of Justice adhere to the court's 

timetable, divorcement will be an accomplished 

fact by Feb. 8, 1953—when the threeyear 

deadline is reached. 

Judge Augustus N. Hand of the Circuit 

Court of Appeals and Judges Henry W. Goddard 

and Alfred C. Coxe of United States 

district court handed down their 61 -page 

findings of fact and conclusions of law and 

decrees for the three remaining Big Five 

defendants and Columbia. United Artists and 

Universal—the Little Three—late Wednesday 

afternoon (8i. There were separate decrees 

for the theatre-owning defendants and 

the Little Three, with the document for the 

Little Three consisting only of restraints in 

trade practices. These restraints, however, 

were identical with those invoked for 20th- 

Fox. Loew's and Warners. 

Tlie divorcement orders were not unexpected, 

in view of the consent decrees already 

negotiated by the government with 

Paramount and RKO Radio, nor were the 

trade restraints altered to any appreciable 

degree from previous declarations of the court 

on trade regulations. But there were several 

surprises. 

There was an absolute "no" to the maintenance 

of a system of clearances. Neither 

distributors nor exhibitors can become involved 

in any sort of a set plan for runs. 

The court did say that clearance "reasonable 

as to time and area is essential in the 

distribution and exhibition of pictures" and 

that the practice is of "proved utility" in 

the motion picture business. But clearance 

cannot be established along any established 

.system which distributors may agree to 

maintain between themselves or with exhibitors. 

DISCUSSED AT MINNEAPOLIS 

This would halt such a plan as was discussed 

at the annual National Allied meeting 

in Minneapolis last fall in which it was 

proposed that Allied members sit down with 

distributor representatives to settle some of 

the controversial clearance situations around 

the country. This, under the decree, would 

involve an arrangement to maintain a system. 

The court held that the system of clearance 

which had been set up by the majors 

gave them "practical control" over the status 

of in-,- ..ivPTi theatre in the country, even 

COURT ORDERS ON DIVORCEMENT: 

1. Within six months, 'iOth Century- 

Fox, Warner Bros, and Loew's, Inc., shall 

submit a plan for ultimate separation of 

their distribution and production business 

from their exhibition business, with 

final divorcement to become effective on 

Feb. 8, 1953—three years from the day 

the decree was entered. 

2. Within one year, the defendants and 

the Department of Justice shall submit 

a list of theatres which must be divested 

to satisfy requirements of the Supreme 

Court. 

3. No distributing company resulting 

from the divorcement may engage in exhibition 

of pictures and no exhibition 

company created through divorcement 

may engage in film distribution except 

on permission granted by the court, upon 

a showing that "such engagement shall 

not restrain competition in the distribution 

or exhibition of motion pictures." 

This apparently is designed to enable the 

new distribution companies to acquire 

TRADE PRACTICE 

The decrees for 20th Century-Fox, Warner 

Bros , Loew's Inc., Columbia, United Artists 

and Universal restrain these companies: 

1. From granting any licenses in which 

minimum prices for admissions are fixed, 

either in writing, through a committee, 

by arbitration or in any other manner. 

1. From agreeing with each other or 

with any exhibitors or distributors to 

maintain a system of clearances. 

3. From granting any clearance between 

theatres not in substantial competition. 

4. From granting or enforcing clearance 

against theatres in substantial competition 

with the theatre receiving the 

licenses in excess of what is reasonably 

necessary to protect the run. 

though it probably would be impossible to 

prove there was discrimination in negotiation 

for clearance and runs on a theatre by theatre 

basis. But, added the court, the system 

which had been set up made competition 

against the defendants practically impossible. 

The surprise in the decree handed down 

for the Little Three was the court's restraint 

on the granting of franchises, Columbia, 

UA and Universal had argued for this right, 

and Edward Raftery, UA's counsel, held that 

franchises were the small independent's insurance 

that he would get a steady supply 

of product from a distributor. The court 

was not inclined to accept this viewpoint 

showcases they contend is essential to a 

successful operation. 

4. No exhibitor company resulting from 

divorcement may acquire directly or indirectly 

any interest in any theatre 

divested by another defendant. 

5. The defendants are restricted from 

acquiring any new theatres unless it is 

shown first to the court that the acquisition 

will not restrain competition in exhibition, 

or the new theatre replaces one 

lost through physical destruction, expiration 

or cancellation of a lease under 

which such a theatre is held, or disposition 

other than dispositions made in compliance 

with the decree. 

6. For the purpose of securing compliance 

with the decree, the Department 

of Justice is permitted reasonable access 

to records of the defendants and to interview 

personnel as well as to request written 

reports as may be necessary for compliance. 

RESTRAINTS: 

5. From granting franchises, except 

for the purpose of enabling an independent 

exhibitor to operate a theatre in 

competition with a theatre affiliated with 

a defendant or with theatres in new 

circuits which may be formed as a result 

of divorcement. 

6. From entering into formula deals 

or master agreements with circuits, calling 

for blanket picture deals. 

7. From entering into any license in 

which the right to exhibit one feature 

is conditioned upon the exhibitor's taking 

one or more other features. 

8. From licensing features in any other 

manner than by offering them theatre 

by theatre and without discrimination 

in favor of affiliated circuits, circuit 

theatres or others. 

and it held that franchises could only be 

made to enable an independent exhibitor 

to operate a theatre in competition with a 

theatre affiliated with a defendant or with 

theatres in new circuits which may be formed 

as a result of divorcement. 

However, the Little Three may find some 

satisfaction in the decree handed down for 

20th-Fox, Warners and Loew's through the 

provision which gives the new distribution 

companies the right to acquire theatres, 

where it is proven the acquisitions will not 

restrain competition in exhibition. In some 

quarters this was taken as an invitation to 

the Little Three to acquire showcases for 

f! BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950

Invitation to Arbitration: 

"The defendants . . . and any others willing 

to file with the American Arbitration Ass'n 

their consent to abide by the rules of arbitration 

and to perform the awards of arbiters are 

hereby authorized to set up an arbitration 

system with an accompanying appeal board 

which will become effective as soon as it is 

organized, upon terms to be settled by the 

court, upon notice to the parties of the action." 

their product. For while the court ordered 

divorcement of production-distribution from 

exhibition, as presently constituted, it did 

not utter an absolute "no" to the right of a 

distribution company to own theatres or an 

exhibition company to produce and distribute 

pictures. This "out" would permit the new 

distribution companies to own some showcases, 

if they can prove to the court that the 

theatres are essential to a successful business 

operation and will not stifle competition. 

The court had a good word to say for arbitration. 

The decree invited distributors and 

exhibitors to take advantage of the American 

Arbitration Ass'n. to create a voluntary 

arbitration setup with court approval, along 

with a mechanism for appeal from decisions 

of arbiters. Tlie court held that the arbitration 

machinery established by the old consent 

decree in 1940 no longer was in force—except 

as it was required to terminate matters currently 

under consideration. 

LOOKS AT NATIONAL PICTURE 

The court, in coming to its conclusions, 

looked at the national picture of distributorexhibitor 

relations both from the practices 

of the individual companies and the companies 

as a group, i.e. both horizontally and 

vertically. From this viewpoint, the court 

came to the conclusion that "There is substantial 

proof that the intent to exercise the 

monopoly power existed among the defendants." 

The court also took into consideration evidence 

submitted since the case was returned 

to it by the Supreme Court on the 

change in status and practices since 1945, 

but said the evidence "has been insufficient 

to warrant a change in the findings and 

judgment entered herein." 

The court concluded that the defendants 

did join in a system of price-fixing on admissions, 

conspired with one another to restrict 

competition for theatre patronage, to 

set up a system of runs and clearances substantially 

uniform: and fixing runs and 

clearances to prevent effective competition, 

to protect their theatre holdings and to safeguard 

their theatre revenues. 

INTO CLEARANCE PICTURE 

The lengthy findings of fact went carefully 

into the whole operation of clearances, 

runs, regional monopolies and other trade 

practices. The court commented that it was 

essential to look at the national picture collectively 

rather than individually to grasp 

"the power which they exercised over the 

market by theatre holdings." 

"For the dependency of the defendants to 

obtain pictures for their theatres on the 

one hand and on the other to obtain theatre 

outlets for their pictures has lessened competition 

among defendants and between them 

and independents." 

Viewed collectively, the court found that 

the major defendants in 1945 owned at least 

70 per cent of the first run theatres in the 92 

largest cities of the country, and that collectively 

they also owned 60 per cent of all 

the first runs in cities of 25,000 to 100,000 population. 

"There is substantial proof." the court 

found, "that in approximately 238 towns involving 

all but 17 cases of populations of 

less than 25.000 but having two or more 

theatres, some single one of the five major 

defendants or in about 18 cases two of the 

defendants had all the theatres and therefore 

possessed complete local monopoly in 

exhibition." The court pointed out. however, 

that this was not applicable to Loew's, Inc.. 

which had no theatres in these towns. 

It also was pointed out that the major 

defendants aided each other in attaining a 

monopoly of exhibition and in restricting 

competition from having theatre interests in 

many areas where one of them had theatres. 

Here was the total national picture as the 

court saw it: 

Taking in account all theatres across the 

country in which the defendants had an 

interest, the court said there were 2,020 

houses located in 834 towns. In 26 towns 

or 3 per cent containing 100 of their theatres, 

or 5 per cent, there was competition 

among some of them. 

"In somewhat over 5 per cent of the towns, 

competition between them was substantially 

lessened or eliminated by pooling agreements, 

and in this 5 per cent were located 

7 per cent of their theatre interests. And 

in somewhat less than 92 per cent of the 

towns, containing 88 per cent of their theatre 

interests, only one of the major defendants 

owned theatres in the area. 

"Thus there appears to have been little, 

if any, competition among the five defendants 

or any of them in 97 per cent of the 

towns and in respect to 95 per cent of the 

theatres in which they had an interest." 

Divesting theatres where monopolies exist, 

Finding on Clearance 

"This system gave the defendants a 

practical control over the run and clearance 

status of any given theatre. It involved 

discrimination against per.sons applying 

for licenses and seeking runs and 

clearances for their theatres, because 

they had no reasonable chance to improve 

their status by building or improving 

theatres while the major defendants 

possessed superior advantages. Therefore, 

though the evidence was insufficient 

to prove that there was discrimination in 

negotiation for clearances and runs theatre-by-theatre, 

because it was well-nigh 

impossible to establish that a particular 

clearance or run w'as not refused because 

of the inadequacy of the applicant's theatre, 

the system of clearances and runs 

was such as to make competition against 

the defendants practically impossible, and 

there was discrimination in particular instances." 

as defined by the Supreme Court, will be 

one of the tougher problems facing the defendants 

and the Department of Justice. 

The defendants have one year in which to 

list these specific theatres and the government 

has six months within which to file 

objections or submit alternate plans for accomplishing 

the same results. 

Turning to monopoly in distribution, the 

court said that in the 1943-44 season, the 

defendants as exhibitors played first run 

substantially all of the feature films distributed 

by the five majors in about 43 of 

the 92 cities of more than lOO.ODO population 

and substantially all of the featm-e films 

distributed by the eight defendants in about 

143 cities of the 320 cities of 25,000 to 100,- 

000 population. 

GET 94 PER CENT OF RENTALS 

As distributors, viewed collectively, the 

five majors received approximately 73 per 

cent and the three minor defendants 21 per 

cent of the domestic rentals from all films, 

except westerns, in 1943-44. 

"The percentages of first run theatre ownership 

and domestic film rentals controlled 

by the major defendants when coupled with 

their strategic advantages of vertical integration 

created a power to exclude competition 

from the distribution and exhibition 

markets when desired." the court said. 

"This power." it continued, "might be exercised 

either against nonaffiliated exhibitors 

or distributors, for the ownership of what 

was generally the best first run theatres 

coupled with the possession by the defendants 

of the best pictures enabled them to 

control the market in first run pictures." 

In establishing the procedure under which 

the major defendants may operate under the 

decree, the court restrained 20th-Fox. Loew's 

and Warners from operating, booking, or 

buying features for any of their theatres 

through any agent who is known by it to 

be also acting for any other exhibitor, independent 

or affiliate. Tliis would prohibit 

buying and booking relationships with any 

circuits which may be formed out of divorcement 

or with any of the buying organizations 

already in existence. 

While the court ordered a plan of divorcement 

within a year, divestiture is likely 

to move much faster. Warner Bros, has been 

negotiating with the Department of Justice 

for some weeks and it is believed that a consent 

decree will be worked out within a very 

short period. This decree is expected to be 

followed by a similar decision on the part 

of 20th-Fox to negotiate a consent decree. 

Just what Loew's will do is not known. 

Extra copies of the findings of fact, conclusions 

of law and decrees in the antitrust 

case, published in this issue, are available 

without cost. Address your requests to: 

BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas 

City, Mo. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950

' 

' 

TAX CUT PROSPECTS 

AS INDUSTRY FIGHT 

House Ways and Means 

Committee Now Said 

To Favor the Step 

WASHINGTON—Pressure to ride over 

the administration recommendations for 

tax revision in order to cut the 20 per cent 

federal admissions tax in half was mounting 

in strength this week as the nationwide 

theatre campaign began to be reflected 

more and more clearly. 

At the weekend it was even reported that 

a majority of the key House ways and means 

committee was ready to support reduction 

of the admissions tax along with reduction 

of other excise taxes asked by the administration. 

Meantime. MPAA President Eric Johnston 

predicted flatly that there will be a reduction 

of the admissions levy this year, and 

support for the battle was voiced by both 

the AFX and the CIO. 

TO PRESENT INDUSTRY CASE 

It was announced that the industry's case 

for reduction will be presented the committee—perhaps 

next week—by Gael Sullivan 

and A. F. Myers, respectively director of TOA 

and chairman of National Allied. Myers is 

also chairman of the COMPO tax committee 

and thus head of the united industry 

campaign. 

Johnston will probably appear on behalf 

of the National Committee to Remove Wartime 

Excises. He said he will make a strong 

plea for the removal of the 25 per cent 

manufacturers' excise on photographic apparatus 

and the 15 per cent levy on raw 

stock. 

Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder 

told the ways and means committee last 

week the government cannot afford to give 

up any more revenue than would be lost by 

enactment of the President's recommenda- 

EDfTORI>tL PAGE OF THE DAILY MIRROR 

NEW YORK. SATURDAY. JA.NUARY 28. 1950 

Another Tax Gouge 

VI/HILE THE NATION is aroused over the un- 

*' fairness of the whole range of wartime excise 

taxes, we hope people won't forget one particular 

gouge that cuts into the purse of every 

American family and bites those in the lower and 

middle income ranges the hardest. 

This is the flat 20 percent "amusement" tax 

on movies, theatre, opera, sports events, etc. Let's 

confine our attention at the moment just to the 

movies. 

"They affect more people, about 85,000,000 

Americans being regular weekly moviegoers, and 

the movies being their principle source of outside 

recreation. 

You take your wife to the neighborhood movie 

and, on the average, you will be paying 30 cents to 

the Washington spenders for the privilege of 

watching the show. Multiply that by the number 

of times you go to the movies in a year and you can 

see it is a considerable tribute. 

The movie people, through the Council of 

-Mntion Picture Organizations, starting a dermined 

is 

battle on this discriniinatorv tax, and we 

ivl' all for them. Moviegoers should take part in 

iO 

fight for their own self-interest. 

The Tax Campaign: 

1. Newspaper editorials across the country 

call for tax aid to the industry. 

2. Radio announcements now going on 

the 

air. 

3. First shipment of 10.000,000 campaign 

aids has been sent to exhibitors by 

National Screen Service, which already 

has requests for 8,000 more booklets. 

4. Current newsreels carry an appeal 

by Congressman Cecil R. King, and tell 

theatre patrons to "sign up in the lobby." 

5. Actors Equity, League of New York 

Theatres and Committee of Theatrical 

Producers pledge aid. 

6. Fifteen New York congressmen will 

support repeal with their votes, with 

others due to follow their lead. 

7. Eric Johnston, MPAA president, predicts 

a cut in the tax. 

8. Abram F. Myers, National Allied 

general counsel, and Gael Sullivan, TOA 

executive director, selected to testify at 

House ways and means committee hearing. 

9. John Balaban and Jack Kirsch, Illinois 

Allied head, co-chairman of COMPO 

committee in Chicago, consolidating drive 

there. 

10. Jerry Zigmond of Paramount becomes 

general chairman of San Francisco 

campaign. 

11. Variety Clubs lining np all 35 tents 

to join campaign. 

12. Sam Pearlman, manager of Loew's 

State, New York, sends initial batch of 

900 protest cards to Congressman Walter 

A. Lynch of House ways and means committee, 

as New York theatregoers begin 

mass support of appeal. 

13. All amusements interests in New 

Jersey to work together. 

14. Many exhibitor groups publicly announce 

they will pass on savings to the 

public. 

15. New York Bookers club says repeal 

would increase business, employment and 

taxes on profits. 

16. Gael Sullivan warns exhibitor 

inertia is greatest threat to a snccessfnl 

campaign. 

tions. He did not refer to the admissions 

tax specifically in his formal statement, but 

when asked if the admissions tax enjoys any 

priority for reduction in the event the treasury 

finds it can give up more revenue, Snyder 

replied only that he would "have to look at 

my list." 

Both SulUvan and Myers warned against 

exhibitor inertia, stressing that public relations 

values going far beyond the tax battle 

are to be gained from personal contact between 

management and patrons. 

Biggest Tax Repeal Danger 

Is Inertia, Sullivan Warns 

NEW YORK—The greatest danger to successful 

completion of the industry's admis- 

BRIGHTEN 

BROADENS 

sions tax repeal campaign is exhibitor inertia, 

Gael Sullivan. TOA executive director, said 

after conferences in Washington with A. 

Julian Brylawski, TOA tax representative; 

Abram P. Myers, National Allied general 

counsel and chairman of the COMPO committee 

on taxation, and Henderson M. Richey, 

consultant. 

"It will not be enough to show the trailer 

and posters and set an unmanned table in 

the lobby." Sullivan said. "Our patrons are 

eager and willing to help, but we cannot 

expect them to stand in line to sign the 

petitions. We must make it convenient and 

easy for them. Comparable theatres in comparable 

locations show a wide variance in 

totals. The results will match your enthusiasm 

and efforts. The fight has just begun." 

'HEARTENING ACTION' 

Sullivan found "heartening" the action of 

William Green and the AFL in maldng a 

specific plea in Congress on the tax. He said 

he had assurance from Philip Murray that 

the CIO will reaffirm its position "in the 

strongest possible language" to the President 

and Congress for tax relief. 

Referring to a postal deficit this year of 

$500,000,000. Sullivan said over $225,000,000 of 

it is a subsidy to the press for certain mailing 

privileges which cannot be met by the 

revenues from second-class mail. 

"It has been said there are three great 

freedoms in communication: freedom of the 

press, freedom of the air and freedom of the 

screen," Sullivan said. "Millions who benefit 

from the motion picture industry, whether its 

workers or general public, cannot understand 

why the nation's screens should be imsubsidized 

and overtaxed, while the nation's 

press is subsidized and untaxed, except for 

those normal taxes which apply to all business 

enterprises." 

New York World-Telegram 

and 

A SCRIPPS-HOWARD NEWSPAPER. 

Tax That Should End. 

Now that Congress is reported ready 

to repeal the odious wartime excise taxes 

on women's handbags, cosmetics, furs, luggage, 

etc., motion picture theaters ask for 

a rollback of admissions taxes which Congress 

doubled to 20 per cent on the same 

plea of war emergency. 

The admissions tax is a tax on every 

man, woman and child attending a movie. 

They thus tax "the poor man's entertainment" 

and discriminate against him and 

his family. 

In fairness, the admissions tax should 

either be repealed or at least rolled back 

to the pre-war rate. 

It should not be allowed to become 

permanent through sheer Congressional 

neglect or refusal to keep the promise 

made when the tax was doubled. 

BOXOrnCE :: February 11, 1950

Text of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions 

Of Law and Decrees in 

the Antitrust Suit 

In Litigation Against 20th Century-Fox, Loew's Inc., Warner Bros., United Artists, 

Universal and Columbia Before the Statutory Court 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK 

Equity No. 87-273 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

Plointlff, 

against 

LOEWS INCORPORATED, WARNER BROS. PIC- 

TURES, INC., WARNER BROS. PICTURE DIS- 

TRIBUTING CORPORATION (formerly known as 

Vltagroph, Inc.), WARNER BROS. CIRCUIT MAN- 

AGEMENT CORPORATION, TWENTIETH CEN- 

TURY-FOX FILM CORPORATION, NATIONAL 

THEATRES CORPORATION, COLUMBIA PIC- 

TURES CORPORATION, SCREEN GEMS, INC., 

COLUMBIA PICTURES OF LOUISIANA, INC., 

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION, UNIVERSAL PIC- 

TURES COMPANY, INC., UNIVERSAL FILM EX- 

CHANGES, INC., BIG U FILM EXCHANGE, INC., 

and UNITED ARTISTS CORPORATION, 

Defendants. 

FINDINGS OF FACT* 

This action having been duly tried and the 

proofs and arguments of the respective parties 

having been duly heard and considered, this 

court, having filed its opinions herein dated 

June 11, 1946, and July 25, 1949, does hereby 

find and decide as follows: 

1. The following are definitions of terms 

used in these findings and in the Judgment 

to be entered hereon: 

Block-booking—The practice of licensing, 

or offering for license, one feature, 

or group of features, upon condition that 

the exhibitor shall also license another 

feature or group of features released by 

the distributor during a given period. 

Clearance—The period of time, usually 

stipulated in license contracts, which must 

elapse between runs of the same feature 

within a particular area or In specified 

theatres. 

Exchange District—An area in which 

an office is maintained by a distributor 

for the purpose of soliciting license agreements 

for the exhibition of its pictures 

In theatres situated throughout the territory 

served by the exchange and for the 

physical distribution of such films 

throughout this territory. 

Feature—Any motion picture, regardless 

of topic, the length of the film of 

which is in excess of 4,000 feet. 

Formula Deal—A licensing agreement 

with a circuit of theatres In which the 

license fee of a given feature is measured 

for the theatres covered by the agreement 

by a specified percentage of the 

feature's national gross. 

Franchise—A licensing agreement, or 

series of licensing agreements, entered 

into as part of the same transaction, in 

effect for more than one motion picture 

season and covering the exhibition of 

features released by one distributor during 

the entire period of the agreement. 

Independent — A producer, distributor, 

or exhibitor, as the context requires, which 

is not a defendant in this action or a 

subsidiary or affiliate of a defendant. 

Master Agreement—A licensing agreement, 

also known as a "blanket deal," 

covering the exhibition of features in a 

number of theatres, usually comprising 

a circuit. 

Motion Picture Season—A one-year period 

begirming about September 1 of 

each year. 

Road-show—A public exhibition of a 

feature in a limited number of theatres, 

in advance of its general release, at admission 

prices higher than those customarily 

charged in first-run theatres in the areas 

where they are located. 

Runs—The successive exhibitions of a 

feature in a given area, first-run being 

the first exhibition in that area, secondrun 

being the next subsequent, and so on, 

and shall include also successive exhibitions 

in different theatres even though 

such theatres may be under a common 

ownership or management. 

Trade-Showing—A private exhibition of 

a feature prior to its release for public 

exhibition. 

2. Paramount Pictures, Inc., Is a corporation 

organized and existing under the laws 

of the State of New York, with its principal 

place of business at 1501 Broadway, New 

York, New York, and is engaged in the business 

of producing, distributing, and exhibiting 

motion pictures, either directly or through 

subsidiary or associated companies, in various 

parts of the United States and in foreign 

countries. 

3. Paramount FUm Distributing Corporation, 

a wholly owned subsidiary of Para- 

•nount Pictures, Inc., Is a corporation organized 

and existing under the laws of the State 

of Delaware, with a place of business at 1501 

Broadway, New York, New York, and Is engaged 

in the distribution branch of the industry. 

4. In 1916 or 1917, a group of exhibitors 

which controlled many of the then best 

theatres throughout the country organized 

First National Exhibitors Circuit, Inc. Although 

this corporation was Initially organized 

to function as a film bujring combine, it 

evolved into a film-producing company first 

by financing the production of pictures by 

others for exhibition in the theatres of its 

members and finally by producing its own 

motion pictures. 

5. The members of this First National 

group, consisting of many of the most important 

exhibitors In the United States controlling 

many of the best theatres, became 

franchise holders of the distributing company 

which they formed. They acquired not only 

the right to exhibit in their own theatres 

the pictures produced and distributed by 

First National, but also they each obtained 

the right to sub-franchise other exhibitors 

in their respective territories. In a short time 

there were some 3,500 franchise holders, representing 

as many or more theatres. 

6. First National soon began to negotiate 

for the services of well-known stars and directors 

in the employ of other producers, including 

Paramount, and the members of First 

National began to refuse to exhibit Paramount 

films. Such well-known stars as Mary Pickford 

and Norma Talmadge went over to the 

First National group. 

7. Many of the theatres owned by members 

of First National had, for a long time prior 

to 1918, exhibited Paramount pictures. The 

formation and growth of First National gradually 

cut down the number of Paramount 

pictures exhibited in the theatres of the First 

National group. By 1919 Paramount faced a 

situation where a group of owners of many 

of the best theatres in the large cities, many 

of whom had been its customers in the past, 

had combined together for cooperative buying 

and had expanded into a strong organization 

which distributed its own pictures and 

threatened to supply its members with enough 

pictures to permit them to operate without 

using any pictures of other producers, including 

Paramount. 

8. In these circumstances Paramount determined 

to acquire interests in theatres of 

its own so that it might assure itself of 

outlets for Paramount productions. Prior to 

the fall of 1917 Paramount had no theatre 

interests. Between 1917 and 1919 it acquired 

an interest in two theatres in New York City 

as show windows, to replace the Strand Theatre 

which had gone over to the First National 

group. During that year in conjunction with 

its representative in the South, it formed 

Southern Enterprises, Inc., which acquired 

various theatres in the South. At about the 

same time Paramount acquired a 50% interest 

in the Black chain of theatres in New England. 

Paramount continued to expand Its 

theatre holdings. 

9. In January 1932, Paramount went into 

equity receivership in the United States District 

Court for the Southern District of New 

York. It stayed in equity receivership until 

March 1933, when It went into voluntary 

bankruptcy. It remained in bankruptcy until 

June 1934, when upon passage of Section 

77B of the Bankruptcy Law, it petitioned for 

reorganization. It was finally reorganized under 

its present name in June 1935. During 

these years various companies operating theatres 

in which Paramount was interested were 

themselves the subject of bankruptcy or receivership 

proceedings. 

10. Some of the theatre Interests which 

Paramount held at the time of the trial of 

this action had been acquired and were wholly 

owned by it either directly or indirectly 

through subsidiary companies prior to bankruptcy 

and reorganization. In the course of 

BOXOFFICE :: February U, 1950

its reorganization, some of its partly owned 

theatre interests were created, i. e., in some 

instances the plan of reorganization approved 

by this court provided for the sale or other 

disposition by Paramount of a partial interest 

(sometimes amounting to 50 ^t . sometimes 

more and sometimes less) in theretofore 

wholly owned theatre operating companies, 

or companies holding legal or equitable interests 

in theatres or theatre operating com« 

panies. The result was the creation of many 

of Paramount's present partly owned theatre 

interests. 

11. In the course of the reorganization proceedings 

Paramount lost its interests in some 

theatres and also changed its relationship 

with respect to interests in some of its theatre 

operating companies. The effect of these 

proceedings and the policy of decentralization 

inaugurated in the course thereof, was 

that in some instances Paramount disposed 

of a partial interest in companies theretofore 

wholly owned. 

12. Loew's Incorporated is a corporation 

organized and existing under the laws of the 

State of Delaware, with its principal place 

of business at 1540 Broadway, New York, New 

York, and is engaged in the business of producing, 

distributing, and exhibiting motion 

pictures, either directly or through subsidiary 

or associated companies, in various parts of 

the United States and in foreign countries. 

13. Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corporation is a 

corporation organized and existing under the 

laws of the State of Delaware, with principal 

place of business at 1270 Sixth Avenue, New 

York. New York, and is engaged in the business 

of producing, distributing, and exhibiting 


subsidiary or associated corporations, in various 


countries. 

14. RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., a wholly 

owned subsidiary of Radio-Keith-Orpheum 

Corporation, is a corporation organized and 

existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, 

with a place of business at 1270 Sixth 

Avenue. New York, New York, and is engaged 

in the prodiytion and distribution branch of 

the industry. 

Organizational History 

15. Keith-Albee-Orpheum Corporation was 

a corporation organized and existing under 

the laws of the State of Delaware, with a 


York, New York, and was engaged in the 

business of exhibiting motion pictures prior 

to its dissolution on September 29, 1944. Approximately 

99% of its common stock and 

33*:; of its preferred stock were held by 

Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corporation. 

16. RKO Proctor Corporation, a wholly 



existing under the laws of the State ef New 

York, with a place of business at 1270 Sixth 

Avenue, New York, New York, and is engaged 

in the business of exhibiting motion 

pictures. 

17. RKO Midwest Corporation, a wholly 



existing under the laws of the State of Ohio, 

with a place of business at 1270 Sixth Avenue, 

New York, New York, and is engaged in the 

business of exhibiting motion pictures. 

18. RKO was organized in 1928 by Radio 

Corporation of America largely for the purpose 

of obtaining an effective means of developing 

the use of its motion picture soxind 

recording and reproduction devices in the 

motion picture production and exhibition 

fields. 

19. At the time of its organization, RKO 

secured production and distribution facilities 

by merger with a small company, FBO Productions, 

Inc., which had limited production 

facilities and a national distributing organization. 

RKO invested substantial sums to modernize 

these facilities. 

20. The formation of RKO introduced a 

new and substantial competitive factor in 

the production and distribution of motion 

pictures. 

21. During its Initial organizational period, 

RKO acquired interests in a number of companies 

operating circuits of vaudeville theatres. 

22. RKO went into receivership in 1933 

and continued in receivership and reorganization 

until 1940. At the time of its receivership 

RKO operated considerably more theatres 

than its present total of 106. During the 

receivership it lost 57 theatres. 

23. The organization of RKO did increase 

competition in each of the three branches of 

the industry. 

24. Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., is a corporation 

organized and existing under the 

laws of the State of Delaware, having its 

principal place of business at 321 West 44th 

Street, New York, New York, and is engaged 

in the business of producing, distributing, and 

exhibiting motion pictures, either directly or 

through subsidiary or associated companies, in 

various parts of the United States and in 

foreign countries. 

25. On April 4, 1923, the four Warner 

brothers, Harry M., Jack L., Albert, and Sam, 

transferred their business of production and 

distribution of motion pictures to a corporation 

known as Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. 

(hereafter referred to as Warner). 

Develop Sound Films 

26. Beginning in 1925, Warner began the 

work of developing sound pictures under 

license and agreements from Western Electric, 

culminating in the production of such 

sound pictures as "The Jazz Singer," starring 

Al Jolson. in October, 1927, and the first 

100% talking picture, "The Lights of New 

York" in the summer of 1928. 

27. The Stanley Company of America had 

in 1928 and for a year prior thereto about 

250 theatres situated principally in and 

around Peruisylvania and New Jersey. 

28. Negotiations were begun with the view 

of exchanging stock of Warner for the stock 

of Stanley Company of America. This transaction 

was consummated late in 1928. 

29. With the acquisition of the stock of 

Stanley Company of America, Warner 

acquired 250 theatres which could be immediately 

equipped with sound installation. 

30. In the year and nine months immediately 

following the acquisition of the stock 

of Stanley Company of America Warner 

secured in a sirnilar fashion several other 

circuits of theatres owning theatres in the 

same general locality and a smaller number 

of theatres scattered in various other parts 

of the country. 

31. In 1931 Warner had an interest in 591 

theatres, the largest number of theatres in 

which Warner has ever had an interest. 

32. Today, the Warner companies have an 

interest in 547 theatres—a net reduction of 

44 from its peak holdings of 591 in 1931. 

33. First National Pictures, Inc., & corporation 

engaged in the production and distribution 

of silent motion pictures, had been organized 

as far back as 1917 by approximately 24 

exhibitors on a cooperative basis for the basis 

of acquiring film of first quality for exhibition 

in their own theatres, as well as for distribution 

by them for other theatres in the 

respective territories in which they operated. 

34. In 1928 Stanley Company of America 

owned >3 of the stock of First National F>ictures. 

Inc., all the stock of First National 

Pictures, Inc., being subject to a voting trust. 

35. Warner acquired as part of the Stanley 

Company of America transaction in 1928, % 

of the stock of F%st National Pictures, Inc. 

36. At or about the time of the acquisition 

of the Stanley Company of America stock, or 

shortly thereafter, Warner purchased another 

'3 of the stock of First National Pictures, 

Inc., from other First National Pictures, Inc., 

stockholders. 

37. Subsequently, in 1929, Warner acquired 

the remaining % of the stock of First National 

Pictures, Inc., from defendant Twentieth 

Century-Fox. 

38. Vitagraph, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary 

of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., is a 


laws of the State of New York, with a place 

of business at 321 West 44th Street, New 


of distributing motion pictures. On July 

20, 1944, its name was changed to Warner 

Bros. Pictures Distributing Corporation. 

39. Warner Bros. Circuit Management 

Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of 

Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., is a corporation 


State of New York, with a place of business 

at 321 West 44th Street, New York, New York, 

and, among other things, acts as booking 

agent for the exhibition interests of the said 

Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. 

40. Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation 

is a corporation organized and existing 

under the laws of the State of New York, 

having its principal place of business at 444 

West 56th Street, New York, New York, and 

is engaged in the business of producing, distributing, 

and exhibiting motion pictures, 

either directly or through subsidiary or associated 

companies, in various parts of the 

United States and in foreign coimtries. 

20th-Fox Production 

41. Twentieth Century-Fox produces Its 

features in its own studio in Los Angeles, 

California, distributes them in this country 

through thirty-one branches or exchanges 

which it operates in the principal centers of 

population, and licenses its features for exhibition 

in its own and other theatres. 

42. Twentieth Century-Fox acquired its initial 

interest in theatres through the purchase 

of stock in corporations then engaged in operating 

theatres. Since such original acquisition, 

it has acquired additional interestis in 

theatres, some of which were acquired in 

competition with other defendants and with 

independent circuits and some of .which are 

new theatres constructed by it. 

43. National Theatres Corporation is owned 

and controlled by Twentieth Centiiry-Fox 

Film Corporation, and is a corporation organized 

and existing under the laws of the 

State of Delaware, with a place of business 

at 2854 Hudson Boulevard, Jersey City, New 

Jersey, and is a holding company for the 

theatre interests of the said Twentieth Century-Fox 

Film Corporation. 

43(a). The theatre holdings of the major 

defendants have played a vital part in effecting 

violations of the Sherman Anti-trust 

Act. 

43(b). Each of the defendants. Pox, Loew, 

Paramount, RKO and Warner has since 1940 

increased its interest in theatres in which 

it had had an interest. Fox, Paramount and 

Warner, and RKO to a lesser extent, have 

acquired an interest since 1940 in a number 

of theatres in which they had had no interest 

prior thereto. The foregoing acquisitions 

BOXOFFICE 

:: February 11, 1950

were permitted under the consent decree of 

November, 1940. 

44. Columbia Hctures Corporation Is a 


laws of the State of New York, with its principal 

place of business at 729 Seventh Avenue, 

New York, New York, and is engaged 

in the business of producing and distributing 


subsidiary or associated companies, in various 


countries. 

45. Screen Gems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary 

of Columbia Pictures Corporation, is 

a corporation organized and existing under 

the laws of the State of California, with a 

place of business at 700 Santa Monica Boulevard, 

Hollywood, California, and is engaged 

in the business of producing motion pictures. 

46. Columbia Pictures of Louisiana, Inc., 

a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Pictures 

Corporation, is a corporation organized 

and existing under the laws of the State of 

Louisiana, with a pleice of business at 150 

South Liberty Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 

and is engaged in the business of distributing 

motion pictures. 

47. Universal Corporation is a corporation 


State of Delaware, with its principal place 

of business at 1250 Sixth Avenue, New York, 

New York, and is engaged in the business of 

producing and distributing motion pictures, 

either directly or through subsidiary or associated 

corporations, in various parts of the 

United States and in foreign countries. On 

May 25, 1943, its name was changed to Universal 

Pictures Company, Inc., when a subsidiary 

of the same name was merged into it, 

but Universal Corporation was the surviving 

corporation. 

48. The corporation named in the complaint 

as Universal Pictures Company, Inc. 

was a subsidiary corporation, controlled by 

Universal Corporation, which was engaged in 

the business of producing motion pictures, 

prior to its merger into Universal Corporation 

on May 25, 1943'. 

Universal 

Group 

49. Universal Film Exchanges, Inc., a 

wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Corporation, 

is a corporation organized and existing 

under the laws of the State of Delaware, 

with a place of business at 1250 Sixth Avenue, 

New York, New York, and is engaged in 

the business of distributing motion pictures. 

51. Prior to May 25, 1943, the name of Universal 

Pictures (Company, Inc., was Universal 

Corporation, incorporated in Delaware in 

1936. It owned approximately 92 per cent of 

the outstanding common stock of a Delaware 

corporation which was incorporated in the 

year 1925 and was also known as Universal 

Pictures Company, Inc. Said corporation 

last-named had its principal office in New 

York, N. Y., and was engaged in the business 

of producing motion pictures and distributing 

the same through its subsidiaries. It 

owned all of the outstanding stock of Universal 

Film Exchange, Inc., and 20 per cent 

of the outstanding common stock of Big U 

Film Elxchange, Inc. The other 80 per cent 

of said stock was owned by Universal Corporation. 

On May 25, 1943, Universal Pictures 

Company, Inc., (Delaware 1925) was merged 

into Universal Corporation (the surviving 

corporation), and the name of the surviving 

corporation was changed to Universal Pictures 

Company, Inc. 

52. Big U Film Exchange, Inc., a wholly 

owned subsidiary of Universal Corporation, 

is a corporation organized and existing under 

the laws of the State of New York, with a 



of distributing motion pictures. 

United Artists Organization 

53. United Artists Corporation is a corporation 

organized and existing under the laws 

of the State of Delaware with its principal 

place of business at 729 Seventh Avenue, 

New York, New York, and is engaged in distribution 

of motion pictures in various parts 

of the United States and in foreign countries. 

54. During the entire period in question 

United Artists Corporation distributed photoplays 

in the United States of America that 

were produced by David O. Selznick, Mary 

Pickford, Charles Chaplin, Hunt Stromberg. 

William Cagney, Bing Crosby, Edward Small, 

Sol Lesser, Lester Cowan, Jack Skirball, 

Benedict Bogeaus, Seymour Nebenzal, Jules 

Levey, David Loew, Arnold Pressljurger, 

Charles R. Rogers, Andrew Stone, Constance 

Bennett, Howard Hughes, Preston Sturgis, J. 

Arthur Rank, Edward Golden, or corporations 

with which the aforesaid individuals 

were associated and other independent producers. 

55. United Artists Corporation maintains 26 

branches or exchanges located throughout the 

United States, and through these facilities it 

distributes and has distributed all of the 

product handled by it during the period in 

question. 

56. Paramount Pictures, Inc.; Loew's Incorporated; 

Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corporation; 

Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.; and Twentieth 

Century-Fox Film Corporation and 

their respective distribution and exhibition 

subsidiaries are the five major defendants. 

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Universal 

Pictures Company, Inc. and United Artists 

50. The Universal group of defendants at 

the time of the trial consisted of the following 

corporations: (1) Universal Pictures Company, 

Inc., (hereinafter sometimes called 

Universal Pictures), a Delaware corporation 

with its principal office in New York, N. Y., 

engaged in the business of producing motion Corporation and their respective distribution 

pictures and distributing the same through subsidiaries are the three minor defendants. 

wholly owned subsidiaries; (2) Universal Film 

Exchanges, Inc. (hereinafter sometimes called 

Universal Film Exchanges), a Delaware mount, Loew's, Fox, Warner, Columbia, 

57. As between the eight defendants, Para- 

corporation, with Its principal office in New United Artists, and Universal, there are no 

York, N. Y., engaged in the business of distributing 

motion picture throughout the said defendants owns any controlling stock 

officers or directors in common, and none of 

United States (except for the Metropolitan or other securities in any other of said defendants. 

District of New York City), a wholly owned 

subsidiary of Universal Pictures; (3) Big U 

58. Neither of the defendants Columbia, 

Film Exchange, Inc. (hereinafter sometimes 

Universal and United Artists owns any theatres. 

called Big U), a New York corporation, with 

its principal office in New York, N. Y., engaged 

In the business of distributing motion 59. There exists active competition among 

pictures throughout the Metropolitan District 

of New York City, a wholly owned sub- 

of motion pictures. 

the defendants and others in the production 

sidiary of Universal Pictures. The term 

"Universal" as used herein means any or all 

of the Universal defendants. 

60. None of the defendants has monopolized 

or attempted to monopolize or contracted or 

combined or conspired to monopolize or to restrain 

trade or commerce in any part of the 

business of producing motion pictures. 

61. In the distribution of feature motion 

pictures no film is sold to the exhibitor; the 

right to exhibit under copyright is licensed. 

62. In licensing features, each of the distributor-defendants 

has agreed with each of 

its respective licensees that the licensee 

should charge no less than a stated admission 

price during the exhibition of the feature 

licensed. 

63. The minimum admission prices included 

in licenses of each of the eight distributor-defendants 

for any given theatre are 

in general uniform, being the usual admisjsion 

prices currently charged by the exhibitor. 

64. The defendants' licenses are in effect 

price-fixing arrangements among all of the 

distributor-defendants, as well as between 

such defendants individually and their various 

exliibitors. Thus there was a general 

arrangement of fixing prices in which both 

the distributors and exhibitors were involved. 

The licenses required existing admission price 

schedules to be maintained under severe penalties 

for infraction. In the case of such exceptional 

features as "Gone With the Wind," 

"For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Wilson," and 

"Song of Bernadette," licensed for exhibition 

prior to general release and as to which the 

distributors were not satisfied with current 

prices, they would refuse to grant licenses 

unless the prices were raised. 

65. The defendants granting film licenses 

have agreed with their licensees to a system 

which determines minimum admission prices 

in all theatres where feature motion pictures 

licensed by them are exhibited. 

In this way 

are controlled the prices to be charged for 

most of the feature motion pictures exhibited 

either by the defendants or by independents 

within the United States. 

66. All of the five major defendants have 

a definite interest in keeping up prices in 

any given territory in which they own theatres 

and this interest they were safeguarding 

by fixing minimum prices in their licenses 

when distributing films to exhibitors in those 

areas. Even if the licenses were at flat rate, 

a failune to require their licences to maintain 

fixed prices would leave tnem free for 

lowering' the current charge to decrease 

through competition the income to the licensor 

on theatres in the neighborhood. The 

whole system presupposed a fixing of prices 

by all parties concerned in all competitive 

areas. There exists great similarity, and in 

many cases identity, in the minimum prices 

fixed for the name theatres in the licenses 

of all the defendants. 

Joint Theatre Operations 

67. The major defendants made operating 

agreements as exhibitors with each other 

and with independent exhibitors in which 

joint operation of certain theatres covered 

by the agreements is provided and minimum 

admission prices to be charged are either 

stated therein or are to be Jointly determined 

by other means. These agreements show the 

express intent of the major defendants to 

maintain prices at artificial levels. 

68. Certain master agreements and franchises 

between various of the defendants in 

their capacities as distributors and various 

of the defendants in their capacities as exhibitors 

stipulate minimum admission prices 

often for dozens of theatres owned by an exhibitor-defendant 

in a particular area In the 

United States. 

69. Licenses granted by one defendant to 

another disclose the same interrelationship 

among the defendants. Each of the five major 

defendants as an exhibitor has been licensed 

by the other seven defendants as distributors 

to exhibit the pictures of the latter 

at specified minimum admission prices. RKO, 

Loew's, Warner, Paramount, and Fox, in 

granting and accepting licenses with mlni- 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 m.

- 

mum admission prices specified, have among 

themselves engaged in a national system to 

fix prices, and Columbia, Universal, and 

United Artists, in requiring the maintenance 

of minimum admission prices in their licenses 

granted to these exhibitor-defendants, 

have participated in that system. 

70. The distributor-defendants have acquiesced 

in the establishment of a price-fixing 

system and have conspired with one another 

to maintain prices. 

71. In agreeing to maintain a stipulated 

minimum admission price, each exhibitor 

thereby consents to the minimiun price level 

at which it wUl compete against other licensees 

of the same distributor whether they 

exhibit on the same run or not. The total 

effect is that through the separate contracts 

between the distributor and its licensees a 

price structure is erected which regulates the 

licensees' ability to compete against one another 

in admission prices. Each licensee 

knows from the general uniformity of admission 

price practices that other licensees having 

theatres suitable for exhibition of a distributor's 

feature in the particular competitive 

area will also be restricted as to maintenance 

of minimum admission prices, and 

this acquie.scence of the exhibitors in the distributor's 

control of price competition renders 

the whole a conspiracy between each 

distributor and its licensees. An effective 

system of price control in wliich the distributor 

and its licensees knowingly take part by 

entering into price-restricting contracts is 

thereby erected. 

71(a). This system also restricted competition 

between the theatres of the major defendants 

in those areas where there were theatres 

of more than one defendant since the 

minimum price to be charged by any theatre 

licensee was fixed and the licensee was prevented 

from competing in the business of 

exiiibition by lowering his price. 

71(b). Complete freedom from price competition 

among theatre holders could only be 

obtained if prices were fixed by all distributors 

and such a result was substantially obtained. 

Consequently the system of theatre 

licensing had a vital and all-per\'asive effect 

m restricting competition of theatre patronage. 

Licensing Provisions 

72. Tlie differentials in admission price set 

by a distributor in licensing a particular feature 

in theatres exhibiting on different runs 

in the same competitive area are calculated 

to encourage as many patrons as possible to 

see the picture in the prior-rim theatres 

where they will pay higher prices than in 

the subsequent runs. The reason for this 

is that if 10,000 people of a city's population 

are ultimately to see the feature—no matter 

on what run—the gross revenue to be realized 

from their patronage' is increased relatively 

to the increase in numbers seeing it in the 

higher-priced prior-run theatres. In effect, 

the distributor, by the fixing of minimum 

admission prices, attempts to give the priorrun 

exhibitors as near a monopoly of the 

patronage as possible. 

73. Among the provisions common to the 

licensing contracts of all the distributordefendants 

are those by which the licensor 

agrees not to exhibit or grant a license to 

exhibit a certain feature motion picture before 

a specified number of days after the last 

date of the exhibition therein licensed. This 

so-called period of "clearance" or "protection" 

is stated In the various licenses In 

differing ways; in terms of a given period 

between designated runs; In terms of admission 

prices charged by competing theatres; 

in terms of a given period of clearance 

over specifically named theatres; in 

terms of so many days' clearance over specified 

areas or towns; in terms of clearances 

as fixed by other distributors; or in terms 

of combinations of these formiUae. 

74. The cost of each black and white print 

from $150 to $300, and of a Technicolor 

is 

print is from $600 to $800. Many of the 

bookings are for less than the cost of the 

print so that exhibitions would be confined to 

the larger high-priced theatres unless a system 

of successive runs with a reasonable protection 

for the earlier runs is adopted in 

the way of clearance. 

75. Without regard to period of clearance, 

licensing features for exhibition on 

different successive dates is essential in the 

distribution of feature motion pictures. 

76. Either a license for successive dates, 

or one providing for clearance, permits the 

pubUc to see the picture in a later exhibiting 

theatre at lower than prior rates. 

77. A grant of clearance, when not accompanied 

by a fixing of minimum admission 

prices or not unduly extended as to area 

or duration affords a fair protection of the 

interest of the licensee in the run granted 

without unreasonably interfering with the 

interest of the public. 

78. Clearance, reasonable as to time and 

area, is essential in the distribution and exhibition 

of motion pictures. The practice is 

of proved utility in the motion picture industry 

and necessary for the reasonable conduct 

of the business. 

Control Over Clearances 

79. The major defendants have acquiesced 

in and forwarded a uniform system of clearances 

and in numerous instances have maintained 

unreasonable clearances to the prejudice 

of independents. 

80. Some licenses granted clearance to all 

theatres which the exhibitor party to the contract 

might thereafter own, lease, control, 

manage, or operate against all theatres in 

the immediate vicinity of the exhibitor's theatre 

thereafter erected or opened. The purpose 

of this type of clearance agreements was 

to fix the run and clearance status of any 

theatre thereafter opened not on the basis 

of its appointments, size, location, and other 

competitive features normally entering into 

such determination, but rather upon the sole 

basis of whether it were operated by the exhibitor 

party to the agreement. 

81. The distributor-defendants have acted 

in concert in the formation of a uniform system 

of clearance for the theatres to which 

they license their films and the exhibitor 

defendants have assisted in creating and have 

acquiesced in this system. 

82. The defendants have acted in concert 

in their grant of run and clearance. 

83. Clearances are given to protect a particular 

run against a subsequent run and the 

practice of clearance is so closely allied with 

that of run as to make findings on the one 

applicable to the other. 

84. Both independent distributors and exhibitors, 

when attempting to bargain with 

the defendants, have been met by a fixed 

scale of clearance, runs, and admission prices 

to which they have been obliged to conform 

if they wished to get their pictures shown 

upon satisfactory runs or were to compete in 

exhibition either with the defendants' theatre 

or theatres to which the latter had licensed 

their pictures. 

85. The fixed system of runs and clearances 

which involved a cooperative arrangement 

among the defendants, was also designed 

to protect their theatre holdings, safeguard 

the revenue therefrom, and eliminate 

competition. The major defendants' predominant 

position in first-run theatre holdings 

was strongly protected by a fixed system of 

clearances and runs. The power to fix clearances 

and runs which existed and was exercised 

by the major defendants was in itself a 

power to exclude independents who were competitors, 

and w£is accompanied by actual exclusion. 

85(a). This system gave the defendants a 

practical control over the run and clearance 

status of any given theatre. It involved discrimination 

against persons applying for 

licenses and seeking runs and clearances for 

their theatres, because they had no reasonable 

chance to improve their status by building 

or improving theatres while the major 

defendants possessed superior advantages. 

Therefore, though the evidence was insufficient 

to prove that there was discrimination 

in negotiation for clearances and runs theatre 

by theatre, because it was well-nigh impossible 

to establish that a particular clearance 

or run was not refused because of the inadequacy 

of the applicant's theatre, the system 

of clearances and runs was such as to make 

competition against the defendants practically 

impossible, and there was discrimination 

in particular instances. 

86. Formula deals have been entered into 

by Paramount and by RKO with Independent 

and affiliated circuits. The circuit may allocate 

playing time and film rentals among the 

various theatres as it sees fit. Arrangements 

whereby all the theatres of a circuit are included 

in a single agreement, and no opportunity 

is afforded for other theatre owners to 

bid for the feature in their several areas, seriously 

and imreasonably restrain compretition. 

87. Loew's Is not, and never has been, a 

party either as a distributor or as an exhibitor, 

to any "formula deal" license agreements. 

88. Master agreements which cover exhibition 

in two or more theatres in a particular 

circuit and allow the exhibitor to allocate the 

film rental paid among the theatres as it sees 

fit and also to exhibit the features upon such 

playing time as it deems best and leaves other 

terms to the circuit's discretion, have been 

entered into by the distributor-defendants 

and unreasonably restrain trade. 

Franchises to 770 

89. Franchises have been entered into by 

the distributor-defendants with affiliated and 

non-affiliated circuits which unreasonably 

restricted the opportunities of small exhibitors 

to license fiims in competition with the 

theatres of such circuits by tying up the films 

released for long periods of time. None of 

the major defendants has entered into any 

franchises since November, 1940, and they 

have none in existence in 1950. 

90. Loew's today has outstanding no franchise 

agreements for any theatre In which It 

does not have an interest, and Loew's is not 

currently granting franchises. During its 

entire history Loew's, as a distributor, granted 

a total of 213 franchises, of which 154 were 

to independent theatres and only 59 to those 

in which any other producer-exhibitor had 

an interest. 

91. Twentieth Century-Fox has not granted 

any franchises since June 6, 1940. In 

1938-39, the motion picture season in which 

Twentieth Century-Fox had the greatest 

number of franchises outstanding, there were 

400. Of these, 361 were with independent 

exhibitors. 

92. During the period in question Universal 

entered into franchise agreements with 

727 independent exhibitors and 43 affiliated 

exhibitors. 

93. Block-booking, when the license of any 

feature is conditioned upon taking of other 

features, is a system which prevents competitors 

from bidding for single features on 

their individual merits. 

IV. BOXOrnCE :: February 11, 1950

94. For many years the distributor-defendants, 

except United Artists Corporation, 

licensed their films in "blocks" or indivisible 

groups, before they had been actually produced. 

In such cases the only knowledge prospective 

exhibitors had of the films which they 

had contracted for was from a description of 

each picture by title, plot, and players. In 

many cases licenses for all the films had to 

be accepted in order to obtain any, though 

sometimes the exhibitor was given a right of 

subsequent cancellation for a certain number 

of pictures. Because of complaints of block 

booking and blind-selling based upon the supposed 

unfairness of contracts which often includes 

pictures the inferior quality of which 

could not be known, Sections III and IV of 

the consent decree required the five consenting 

distributors to trade-show their films 

before offering them for license and limited 

the number which might be included in any 

contract to five. More than one block of five, 

however, could be licensed where the contents 

of any had been trade-shown. While this 

restriction in the consent decree has now 

ceased by time limitation, the consenting distributors 

have continued to observe the restriction. 

The non-assenting distributors have 

retained up to the present time their previous 

methods of licensing in blocks, but have 

allowed their customers considerable freedom 

to cancel the license as to a percentage of 

the pictures contracted for. 

95. United Artists did not at any time 

license the exhibition of Its pictures in blocks 

but on the contrary licensed the exhibition of 

its pictures separately and individually. 

96. During the period in question United 

Artists did not condition the licensing of any 

photoplay in any exhibitor's theatre upon that 

exhibitor's agreement to license other United 

photoplays for exhibition In said theatre. 

97. Blind-selling is a practice whereby a 

distributor licenses a feature before the exhibitor 

is afforded an opportunity to view it. 

Poor Trade Show Attendance 

98. Since the consent decree of November 

20, 1940, the five major defendants have given 

each exhibitor, whether a defendant or independent, 

an opportunity at trade shows to 

view each feature before licensing it. In general, 

trade shows, which are designed to prevent 

blind-selling, are poorly attended by exhibitors. 

99. I>uring the 1943-44 season, the number 

of features distributed by eight distributor 

defendants and the three other national distributors 

were as follows: 

Percentages of Total 

Number With With 

Distributor- of "Westerns" "Westerns" 

defendants: Mms included excluded 

Fox 33 8.31 9.85 

Loew's 33 8.31 9.85 

Paramount 31 7.81 9.25 

RKO 38 9.57 11.34 

Warner 19 4.79 5.67 

Columbia 41 10.32 12.24 

United Artists 16 4.04 4.78 

Universal 49 12.34 14.63 

Sub-total 260

Producer or its representative shall return 

such proposed contract to United with its 

rejection noted thereon or appended 

thereto. 

Should the Producer or its representative 

reject any such proposed contract 

the Producer or its representative shall 

have fourteen (14) days from the date of 

rejection in which to obtain a more favorable 

contract. Should the Producer or its 

representative fail so to do the original 

contract shall ipso facto be deemed approved 

unless the Producer or its representative 

shall have designated its original 

rejection as final. No proposed contract 

on which the rejection has been 

designated as final shall be entered into 

by United. 

Should the Producer or its representative 

at any time agree in advance with 

United upon the rental terms or license 

fees for the distribution, exhibition, or 

marketing of any motion picture in any 

specified theatre or situation. United shall 

not be obligated to submit the contract 

containing the terms so agreed upon to 

the Producer or its representative for approval. 

113. Other forms of operating agreements 

are between major defendants and independent 

exhibitors rather than between major 

defendants. The effect is to ally two or more 

theatres of different ownership into a coalition 

for the nullification of competition between 

them and for their more effective competition 

against theatres not members of the 

"pool." 

114. In certain other cases the operating 

agreements are accomplished by leases of 

theatres, the rentals being determined by a 

stipulated percentage of profits earned by the 

"pooled" theatres. This is but another means 

of carrying out the restraints found above. 

115. Many theatres, or the corporations 

owning them, have been held jointly by one or 

more of the exhibitor-defendants together 

with another exhibitor-defendant. These 

joint interests have enabled the major defendants 

to operate theatres collectively 

rather than competitively. When one of the 

major defendants has owned an interest of 

five per cent or less, such an interest was 

de minimis and was only to be treated as an 

inconsequential investment in exhibition. A 

summary of theatres jointly owned by two 

defendants is set forth in the following tabulation 

taken from RKO's Exhibit 11; 

Paramount-Fox 

Other Discriminations 

110. Various contract provisions by which 

discriminations against small independent 

exhibitors and in favor of the large affiliated 

and unaffiliated circuits were accomplished 

are: suspending the terms of a given contract, 

if a circuit theatre remains closed for 

more than eight weeks, and reinstating it 

without liability upon reopening; allowing 

large privileges in the selection and elimination 

of films; allowing deductions in fUm 

rentals if double bills are played: granting 

move overs and extended runs; granting roadshow 

privileges; allowing overage and underage; 

granting unlimited playing time; excluding 

foreign pictures and those of independent 

producers; granting rights to question the 

classification of features for rental purposes. 

These provisions are found most frequently 

in franchises and master agreements, which 

are made with the larger circuits of affiliated 

and unaffiliated theatres. Small independents 

are usually licensed, however, upon the 

standard forms of contract, which do not 

Include them. The competitive advantages of 

these provisions are so great that their inclusion 

in contract with the larger circuits 

constitutes an unreasonable discrimination 

against small competitors. 

111. The discriminations refen-ed to in 

Finding 110 can be enjoined but there is no 

effective way of preventing similar results 

from the use of other discriminatory devices 

in tiie absence of divorcement relief. 

112. Agreements were made by the exhibitor-defendants 

with each other and their 

affiliates by which given theatres of two or 

more exhibitors, normally in competition with 

each other, were operated as a unit, or most 

of their business policies collectively determined 

by a joint committee or by one of the 

exhibitors, and by which profits of the 

"pooled" theatres were divided among the exhibitors 

in or owners of such theatres according 

to pre-agreed percentages or otherwise. 

Some of the agreements provide that the 

parties thereto may not acquire other theatres 

in the competitive vicinity without first 

offering them for inclusion in the "pool." 

The result is to eliminate competition pro 

tanto both in exhibition and in distribution 

of features which would flow almost automatically 

to the theatres in the earnings of 

which they have a joint interest.

and in some cases the operating companies 

in which Paramount was interested were not 

able to obtain the right to exhibit tlie feature 

of some of the other defendant distributors. 

130. Paramount features are licensed for 

exhibition in from 8,000 to 14,500 theatres in 

the United States annually. The number of 

licenses each year varies from feature to feature 

and from year to year. 

131. In 21 of the 36 out of the 92 cities 

where Loew's operates theatres none of the 

other four producer-exhibitors licensed its 

features in the 1943-44 season for first-run 

exhibition in a Loew's theatre, to the extent 

of more than three features, the Loew's theatres' 

first-run exhibition being otherwise 

limited to its own features and those of nontheatre-owning 

producers. 

132. Over the 10 years from 1935 to 1945, 

the total number of features licensed by the 

other four theatre-owning distributors to 

Loew's first-run houses, decreased from 1,382 

to 998 and the features of non-theatre-owning 

distributors increased from 1,201 to 1,879. 

133. In 1935, the other four theatre-owning 

distributors earned $2,611,986 from Loew's theatres 

and the non-theatre-owning distributors 

earned $2,205,330 ($406,656 less). In 1944, the 

non-theatre-owning distributors earned $5,- 

261,116 in Loew's theatres, which was $419,477 

more than the $4,841,639, earned in Loew's 

theatres in that year by the four other theatre-owning 

distributors. 

Loew's Film Rentals 

134. In 1944, the percentage of the total 

film rental paid by Loew's theatres to each 

of the non-theatre-owning distributors, Columbia 

(8.8%), United Artists (8.3%) and 

Universal (7.4%), was higher than that paid 

to each of "three producer-exhibitors, RKO 

(2.1%), Warner Bros. (2.1%) and Twentieth 

Century-Fox (6.1%). 

135. In the year 1944, of the total film 

rental paid by Loew's theatres, 47.9% was to 

Loew's itself for the exhibition of Loew's pictures, 

and 27.1% was to non-theatre-owning 

distributors. Thus a total of 75% of all film 

rentals paid by Loew's theatres went to persons 

other than the four other defendantproducer-exhibitors. 

136. During the 1943-44 season RKO received 

56.9% of its total license fees from independent 

theatres, 14.1% from its own theatres, 

and (in the aggregate) 29% from theatres 

affiliated with other defendants. 

137. In the 1943-44 season, of the total 

number of exhibitions of features in first-run 

and metropolitan second-run theatres operated 

by RKO, 23.1% were exhibitions of featiu-es 

distributed by RKO, 29.6% were exhibitions 

of features distributed by other theatreowning 

distributors, and 47.3% were exhibitors 

of features distributed by non-theatreowning 

distributors. In the same season the 

respective peccentages of the feature film 

rentals paid by RKO were 30.6 to RKO, 43.7 

to other theatre-owning defendants, and 23.7 

to non-theatre-owning distributors. 

138. In the 4 pre-war seasons of 1937- 

1940, Warner derived about 61-6/10% of its 

domestic gross rentals from theatres not 

affiliated with any of the defendants, about 

14% from theatres in which it had an interest, 

about 13 7o from theatres in which Paramount 

had an interest, about 4% from theatres 

in which Twentieth Century-Fox had an 

Interest, about 6% from theatres in which 

RKO had an interest, and less than 1% from 

theatres in which Loew had an interest. 

139. Of its total domestic and foreign 

rentals Warner received about 30% from 

abroad, about 43% from theatres in which 

none of the defendants had an interest, about 

10% from Warner's own American theatres, 

and the balance, about 16%. from American 

theatres in which one or more of the defendants 

had an interest. 

140. Not a single one of the Loew first run 

theatres in the 39 of the 92 largest cities 

where Loew operates or has an interest in 

first run theatres licensed a Warner feature 

for exhibition in the 1943-44 season. In the 

same season the Warner theatres regularly 

exhibited the Loew features in many of the 

28 of the 92 largest cities where Warner 

operated or had an interest in first run 

theatres. 

141. The dollars paid by Warner to each 

of the other defendants and by each of the 

other defendants to Warner show no uniformity 

of pattern from company to company 

from year to year. 

142. There were marked variances from 

year to year in the sums paid as rental by the 

theatres in which Warner had an interest to 

United Artists, Universal, and Columbia, the 

non-theatre owning defendants. 

443. Between 1937 and 1944 the theatres 

in which Warner had an interest substantially 

decreased the amount of film rental paid 

to the 5 theatre owning defendants, and substantially 

increased film rental paid to the 

non-theatre owning defendants. 

143(a). During the 9 prewar years of 

1933-1941, the average cost of American made 

Warner features rose from $241,000 in 1933 

to $448,000 in 1940. By 1945 the average cost 

had risen to $1,371,000. 

143(b). In the past the foreign business 

of Warner has been exceedingly profitable. 

143(c). With the cessation of the war the 

foreign market for Warner pictures is being 

severely restricted. 

144. Of the total film revenue received by 

Twentieth Century-Fox in 1944 from all theatres 

in the United States, 60.8 percent was 

paid by exhibitors not defendants in this 

action; 14.1 percent was paid by its own theatres; 

1.26 percent by Loew theatres; 5.52 

percent by RKO theatres; 13.46 percent by 

theatres in which Paramount had an interest; 

and 4.82 percent by Warner theatres. 

145. On January 1, 1935, there were 13,386 

theatres operating in the United States. In 

1945, there were 18,076 theatres operating in 

the United States. 

146. In about 60% of the 92 cities having 

populations over 100,000, there are Independent 

first run theatres. 

In 91 % of Big Cities 

147. In about 91 percent of the 92 cities 

with over 100,000 population there are first 

run theatres of more than one defendant or 

of a defendant and independents. 

147(a). All the defendants entered into a 

horizontal conspiracy to fix prices, runs and 

clearances which was powerfully aided by the 

system of vertical integration of each of the 

five major defendants. Such a situation has 

made the vertical integration an active aid 

to the conspiracy. Vertical Integration has 

furnished an incentive for such conspiracy. 

147(b),. There is close relationship between 

the vertical integrations and the illegal practices. 

The vertical integrations were a means 

of carrying out the restraints and conspiracies. 

147(c). The interdependency of defendants 

to obtain pictures for their theatres, on the 

one hand, and on the other, to obtain theatre 

outlets for their pictures has lessened competition 

among defendants and between them 

and independents. 

147(d). There is substantial proof that 

monopoly power existed among the eight distributor-defendants 

who were all working together. 

Considering that the vertical integrations 

aided the horizontal conspiracy 

mentioned in Finding 147(a) at every point, 

the defendants must be viewed collectively 

rather than independently as to the power 

which they exercised over the market by 

major defendants' theatre holdings. 

147(e). Viewed collectively the major defendants 

owned in 1945 at least 70 percent of 

the first run theatres in the 92 largest cities. 

148. In the aforementioned 92 cities, at 

least 70% of all of the first run theatres are 

affiliated with one or more of the major 

defendants. In 4 of said cities there are no 

affiliated theatres. In 38 of said cities there 

are no independent first run theatres. In the 

remaining 50 cities the degree of first run 

competition varies from the most predominantly 

affiliated first run situations, such as 

Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, 

St. Paul, and Washington, D. C, in each of 

which the independent first run theatres 

played less than eleven of the defendants' 

features on first run during the 1943-44 season, 

to the most predominantly independent 

first run situations, such as Nashville, Louisville, 

Indianapolis, and St. Louis, where the 

affiliated first run theatres played at least 

31 of the defendants' pictures on first run 

during that season. In none of the said 50 

cities did less than three of the distributordefendants 

license their product on first run 

to the affiliated. In 19 of said 50 cities less 

than three defendant-distributors licensed 

their product on first run to Independent theatres. 

In a majority of said 50 cities the major 

share of all of the defendants' features were 

licensed for first run exhibition in theatres 

affiliated with the major defendants. 

148(a). Viewed collectively the major defendants 

owned 60 percent of the first run 

theatres in cities with populations between 

25,000 and 100,000. 

Control in Small Cities 

148(b). In addition to the proof of monopoly 

control in cities of more than 25,000, there 

is substantial proof that in approximately 238 

towns involving in all but about 17 cases 

populations of less than 25.000 but having two 

or more theatres, some single one of the 

five major defendants, or in about 18 cases 

two of the defendants, had all the theatres 

and therefore possessed a complete local 

monopoly in exhibition. (See Government 

Exhibit 488.) This Finding is not applicable 

to Loew's, which had no theatres in the foregoing 

towns. 

148(c). The film distribution in the 1943- 

44 season shows that one or more of the five 

major defendants exhibited on first run substantially 

all of the feature films distributed 

by the five major defendants in about 43 of 

the 92 cities of over 100 thousand, and substantially 

all of the feature films distributed 

by the eight defendants in about 143 of the 

320 cities of 25,000 to 100,000. (See Government 

Exhibits- 489, 490, 490A.) 

148(d). As distributors, the five major defendants 

viewed collectively, received approximately 

73 percent and the three minor defendants 

21% of the domestic film rentals 

from the films, except Westerns, distributed 

in the 1943-44 season. 

148(e). The percentages of first run theatre 

ownership and domestic film rentals controlled 

by the major defendants when coupled 

with the strategic advantages of vertical 

integration created a power to exclude competition 

from the distribution and exhibition 

markets when desired. 

148(f). This power might be exercised 

either against nonaffiliated exhibitors or distributors, 

for the ownership of what was generally 

the best first run theatres coupled with 

the possession by the defendants of the best 

pictures, enabled them substantially to control 

the market in first-run pictures. 

148(g). There is .substantial proof that the 

intent to exercise the monopoly power existed 

among the defendants. 

BOXOrnCE :: February 11, 1950 vn.

149. Loew's operates first-run theatres in 

36 of the 92 cities in the United States with 

more than 100.000 population; in every one 

of these 36 cities, there are other "first-run" 

theatres exhibiting the features of one or 

more of the other defendant distributors; in 

21 of these 36. one or more of the other firstnm 

theatres are operated by independents. 

150. Of the 92 cities in the United States 

having a population in excess of 100,000, 

Twentieth Century-Fox is interested in first 

run theatres in 16 and licenses its features 

to them. In 4 of the remaining cities, none 

of the defendants has theatre interests. This 

leaves 72 cities in which there are first run 

theatres operated by defendants other than 

Twentieth Century-Fox. In 23 of the 72 

cities, Twentieth-Century-Fox Ucenses its features 

to independent exhibitors. 

151. Except for a very limited number of 

theatres in the very largest cities, the 18,000 

and more theatres in the United States exhibit 

the product of more than one distributor. 

Such theatres could not be operated on 

the product of only one distributor. 

152. The major defendants aided each 

other ui attaining a monopoly of exhibition 

and in restricting competition by refraining 

from having theatre interests in many areas 

where one of tliem had theatres. 

Pooling Agreements 

153. In cities of less than 100,000 in population. 

Paramount, Warner, Fox and RKO 

owned or operated theatres either in largely 

separate market areas or in pools, without 

more than trifling competition among 

themselves or with Loew's. In cities having 

a population of more than 100,000, there was 

in general little competition among the major 

defendants, although considerably more 

than in towns of under 100,000. 

153(a). In cities of less than 100,000, 

Paramount had complete or partial interests 

in or pooling agreements* with other defendants 

affecting 1,236 theatres located in 

494 towns. In 13 of these towns containing 

31 of the theatres—only 3%—were theatres 

of another defendant. In 9% of these towns 

competition between Paramount and the only 

other defendant in the town was substantially 

lessened or eliminated by means of a 

pooling agreement affecting some or all of 

their theatres; and in this 97c were located 

10% of Paramount's theatre interests. And in 

88 7o of the towns, containing 87% of Paramount's 

theatre interests. Paramount was 

the only defendant operating theatres. Thus 

it appears that there was little, if any, theatre 

competition between Paramount and any 

other defendant in 97% of the towns under 

100,000 and in respect to 97% of the theatres 

in which Paramount had an interest. 

153(b). Fox had similar theatre interests 

in 428 theati-es located in 177 towns. In 13 

of these towns containing 29 Fox theatres, or 

about 7% thereof, there were theatres of another 

defendant. In about 93 7o of the towns 

containing the .same percentage of Fox's theatre 

interests. Fox was the only defendant 

operating theatres; in 22 of these towns there 

was but one theatre and a population capable 

of supporting only one theatre. 

153(c). Warner had similar theatre Interests 

in 306 theatres located in 155 towns of 

less than 100,000. In 17 towns, or 11%, containing 

30 Warner theatres, or 10% of its 

holdings, there were theatres of another major 

defendant. In 37c of the towns, competition 

between Warner and the only other defendant 

in the town was substantially lessened 

or eliminated by means of pooling 

agreements; and in this 3% were located 47o 

of Warner's theatre interests. In 86% of the 

'Pooling agreements cmd joint interests among defendants 

are treated in Findings 153-153(g) and 154- 

154(h) as indistinguishable for the purpose of summarizing 

geographical distribution. 

towns containing the same percentage of 

Warner's theatre interests, Warner was the 

only defendant operating theatres. Thus, 

there appears to have been little, if any, theatre 

competition between Warner and any 

other defendant in 89% of the towns and in 

respect to 90% of the theatres in which Warner 

had an interest. In 33 of these towns 

there was but one theatre and a population 

capable of supporting only one theatre. 

153(d). Loew had interests in only 17 

theatres located in 14 towns. In 4 towns 

containing 4 Loew theatres, there were theatres 

of another defendant. In 2 of the towns, 

competition was substantially lessened or 

eliminated by means of joint interests; and 

in these 2 were located 3 of Loew's theatre 

interests. In 8 of the towns, containing 10 

Loew's theatre interests, Loew was the only 

defendant operating theatres. Thus, there 

appears to have been little, if any, theatre 

competition between Loew and any other defendant 

in 10 of the towns and in respect to 

13 of the theatres in which Loew had an 

' 

interest. 

153(e). RKO had interests in 150 theatres 

located in 66 towns. In 6 towns, or 10%, 

containing 6 RKO theatres or 4%, there was 

competition with another major defendant. 

In 60% of the towns, competition was substantially 

lessened or eliminated by means of 

pooling agreements, and in this 60% were 

located 73%, of RKO's theatre interests. In 

30% of the towns, containing 23 %> of RKO's 

theatre interests, RKO was the only defendant 

operating theatres. Thus, there appears 

to have been little, if any, competition between 

RKO and any other defendant in 90 %> 

of the towns and in respect to 96%; of the 

theatres in which RKO had an interest. 

153(f). The major defendants had interests 

altogether in 2,020 theatres located in 

834 towns. In 26 towns, or 3% containing 

100 of their theatres, or 5%, there was conpetition 

among some of them. In somewhat 

over 5% of the towns, competition between 

them was substantially lessened or 

eliminated by means of pooling agreements, 

and in this 5%! were located 7% of their 

theatre interests. And in somewhat less than 

92% of the towns, containing 88% of their 

theatre interests, only one of the major defendants 

owned theatres in the area. Thus, 

there appears to have been little, if any, competition 

among the five defendants or any 

of them in 97% of the towns and in respect 

to 95% of the theatres in which they had an 

interest. 

Eliminated 

Competition 

The effect of the geographical dis- 

153(g). 

tribution in towns having a population of 

less than 100,000 was largely to eUminate 

competition among all of the defendants in 

the areas where any of them had theatres. 

The statistics upon which these findings are 

based are contained in the appendix to this 

Court's opinion of July 25, 1949. 

154. In cities of over 100,000 Paramount 

had complete or partial interests in or pooling 

agreements with other defendants affecting 

352 theatres in 49 cities. In 18 of 

these cities, or 37%, containing 91 Paramount 

theatres, or 26%, there were theatres of 

other defendants. In an additional 10% of 

the cities, containing 17% of Paramount's 

theatre holdings, there were other defendants 

having theatre interests, but those interests 

were so relatively small as compared with 

Paramount, both on first and later runs, that 

competition with Paramount was unsubstantial 

owing to the dominance which the latter's 

theatre holdings gave it. In 12% of these 

cities competition between Paramount and 

the only other defendants in the city was 

substantially lessened or eliminated by means 

of a pooling agreement affecting some or 

all of their theatres, and in this 12% were 

located 18% of Paramount's theatre interests. 

And in 41% of the cities, containing 39% 

of Paramount's theatre interests, Paramount 

was the only defendant operating theatres. 

Thus, it appears that there was little, if any, 

theatre competition between Paramount and 

any other defendant in 63% of the cities of 

over 100,000 and In respect to 74% of the 

theatres in which Paramount had an interest. 

154(a). Fox had similar theatre interests 

in 211 theatres located in 17 cities. In 5 of 

these cities, or 29%, containing 54 Fox theatres, 

or 26%, there were theatres of other 

defendants. In an additional 18% of the cities, 

containing 41% of Fox's theatre holdings, 

there were other defendants having theatre 

interests, but those interests were so relatively 

small as compared with Fox, both on 

Fox was unsubstantial owing to the dominance 

which the latter's theatre holdings 

first and later runs, that competition with 

gave it. In 53% of the cities, containing 33% 

of Fox's theatre interests. Fox was the only 

defendant operating theatres. Thus, it appears 

that there was little, if any, theatre 

competition between Fox and any other defendant 

in 71% of the cities and in respect 

to 74% of the theatres in which Fox had an 

interest. 

Warner Theatre 

Interests 

154 (b). Warner had similar theatre interests 

in 243 theatres located in 26 cities. 

In 14 of these cities, or 54%., containing 89 

theatres, or 37%, there were theatres of other 

defendants. In an additional S% of the cities, 

containing 5% of Warner's theatre holdings, 

there were other defendants having theatre 

interests, but those interests were so relatively 

small as compared with Warner, both 

on first and later runs, that competition with 

Warner was unsubstantial owning to the 

dominance which the latter's theatre holdings 

gave it. In 19% of these cities competition 

between Warner and the only other 

defendants in the city was substantially 

lessened or eliminated by means of a pooling 

agreement affecting some or all of their theatres, 

and in this 19% were located 51% of 

Warner's theatre interests. And in 19% of the 

cities, containing 7% of Warner's theatre interests, 

Warner was the only defendant operating 

theatres. Thus, it appears that there 

was little, if any, competition between Warner 

and any other defendant in 46% of the 

cities and in respect to 63% of the theatres 

in which Warner had an interest. 

154 (c) . Loew had similar theatre interests 

in 144 theatres located in 37 cities. In 

32 of these cities, or 86%, containing 122 

Loew theatres, or 85%, there were theatres 

of other defendants. In 3% of these cities, 

competition between Loew and the only other 

defendant in the city was eliminated by 

means of a pooling agreement affecting aU 

of their theatres, and in this 3% were located 

7% of Loew's theatre interests. And in 11% 

of the cities, containing 8% of Loew's theatre 

interests, Loew was the only defendant 

operating theatres. Thus, it appears that 

there was little, it any, theatre competition 

between Loew and any other defendant in 

14% of the cities and in respect to 15%, 

of the theatres in which Loew had an interest. 

154 (d) . In New York City Loew and RKO 

divided the neighborhood prior run product 

of the various defendant distributors under 

a continuing arrangement so that there was 

no competition between them in obtaining 

pictures. On one occasion where 

Paramount was having a long dispute with 

Loew's as to rental terms for Paramount films 

to be shown in Loew's New York neighborhood 

circuit of theatres, no attempt was made by 

Paramount to lease its films to RKO for exhibition 

in the latter's circuit, nor was any 

effort made by RKO to procure Paramount 

films as they both evidently preferred to adhere 

to the existing arrangement, under 

which Loew's circuit consistently exhibited 

the films of itself. Paramount, United Artists, 

Columbia and half of Universal, while 

RKO exhibited the films of itself. Fox, Warvm. 

BOXOrnCE :: February 11, 1950

ner, and half of Universal. Accordingly, the 

showing that 85 per cent of Loew's theatres 

are in competition with theatres of other defendants 

is misleading and may properly be 

reduced by the exclusion of its New York 

neighborhood theatres. If this is done, it 

would give Loew a percentage of approximately 

52 per cent of its theatres in competition 

with other defendants in cities over 

100,000. 

154(e). RKO had similar theatre Interests 

In 256 theatres in 31 cities. In 22 of these 

cities, or 72 per cent, containing 190 theatres, 

or 74 per cent, there were theatres of other 

defendants. In an additional 6 per cent of 

the cities, containing 4 per cent of RKO's 

theatre holdings, there were other defendants 

having theatre interests, but those interests 

were so relatively small as compared 

with RKO, both on first and later runs, that 

competition with RKO was unsubstantial 

owing to the dominance which the latter's 

theatre holdings gave it. In 16 per cent of 

these cities, competition between RKO and 

the only other defendants in the city was 

substantially lessened or eliminated by means 

of a pooling agreement affecting some or all 

of their theatres, and in this 16 per cent were 

located 15 per cent of RKO's theatre interests. 

And in 6 per cent of the cities, containing 

7 per cent of RKO's theatre interests, 

RKO was the only defendant operating theatrestle, 

if 

Thus, it appears that there was lit- 

any, theatre competition between RKO 

and other defendants in 28 per cent of the 

cities and in respect to 26 per cent of the 

theatres in which RKO had an interest. 

154(f). Approximately 58 per cent of RKO 

theatre interests were located in New York 

on neighborhood runs, and the same comments 

as to distribution of film made in regard 

to Loew's are applicable to RKO. If 

its New York neighborhood theatre interests 

were excluded from the category of theatres 

in competition with other defendants the 

RKO percentage would then be only about 16 

per cent in competition with other defendants. 

154(g). The major defendants had interests 

altogether in 1,112 theatres located in 

87 cities of more than 100,000. In 46 per 

cent of these cities, containing 23 per cent 

of their theatre interests, only one of the 

major defendants owned theatres in the area. 

In 11.5 per cent of the cities, competition 

between them was substantially lessened or 

eliminated by means of pooling agreements, 

and in this 11.5 were located 16 per cent of 

their theatre holdings. In an additional 11.5 

per cent of the cities, containing 17 per cent 

of their theatre interests, there was 

more than one defendant having theatre 

interests in the city, but the position 

of one defendant was so dominant relative 

to the others that competition between them 

was unsubstantial. In 31 per cent of the 

cities, containing 44 per cent of their theatre 

interests, there was competition among the 

defendants. But the New York neighborhood 

theatres of Loew and RKO, which are 

included in reaching the 44 per cent figure, 

should properly be excluded because there is 

no competition between Loew and RKO in 

obtaining pictures for the reasons we have 

already given. This would reduce the percentage 

of defendants' theatres which compete 

with one another to 27. 

154(h). The effect of the geographical distribution 

in cities having a population of more 

than 100,000 was substantially to limit competition 

among the major defendants. 

155. Although there was no agreement to 

divide territory geographically in the original 

organization of the defendants' theatre 

circuits, the geographical distribution of theatres 

among the major defendants became 

a part of a system in which competition was 

largely absent and the status of which was 

intentionally maintained by fixed runs, clearances 

and prices, by pooling agreements and 

joint ownerships among the major defendants, 

and by cross-licensing which made it 

necessary that they should work together. 

156. In the relatively few areas where more 

than one of the major defendants had theatres, 

competition for first-run licensing privileges 

was generally absent because the defendants 

customarily adhered to a set method 

in the distribution and playing of their 

films. 

156(a). A study of four seasons between 

the years 1936 and 1944 shows that during 

this period the privilege of first-run exhibition 

of a defendant's films was ordinarily 

transferred from one defendant to another 

only as the result of dissolution of a theatre 

operating pool or an arbitrary division of the 

product known as a "split." 

156(b). Effective relief from the monopoly 

power of and its exercise by the major defendants 

cannot be obtained without divorcement. 

No adequate competition among 

the defendants or between defendants and 

independents can exist in the presence of 

interdependency among the defendants on 

the one hand to obtain pictures for their 

own theatres and on the other to obtain 

theatre outlets for their own pictures. Divorcement 

is necessary to prevent the 

major defendants from being in a state 

of interdependence which too greatly restricts 

competition. Divorcement is a necessary 

remedy to introduce competition into 

defendants' system of fixed admission prices, 

clearances and runs, and to remove a major 

incentive to discriminatory trade practices. 

157. The arbitration system and the Appeal 

Board which has been a part of it have been 

useful in the past and should be continued 

upon terms to be settled by the Court. 

158. Evidence submitted since the remand 

of this case has been considered by this 

Court. Such evidence has been used by the 

Court in making its findings as to the situation 

in 1945. The change in status and practices 

since 1945 revealed by this evidence has 

been insufficient to warrant a change in the 

findings and judgment entered herein. 

159. A consent judgment was entered on 

March 3, 1949, against defendants Paramount 

Pictures, Inc. and Paramount Film 

Distributing Corporation, and neither of 

these companies nor their counsel appeared 

or participated in any of the proceedings 

after the entry of that consent judgment, except 

that, on April 21, 1949, counsel for these 

companies presented, and the court made and 

directed the entry of, an order severing and 

terminating, as of March 3, 1949, this action 

as against said defendants. 

160. A consent judgment was entered on 

November 8, 1949, against defendants Radio- 

Keith-Orpheum Corporation, RKO Radio 

Pictures, Inc., RKO Proctor Corporation, 

RKO Midwest Corporation and Keith-Albee- 

Orpheum Corporation, and none of these 

companies nor their counsel appeared or 

participated in any of the proceedings after 

the entry of that consent judgment, except 

that on January 18, 1950, counsel for these 

companies presented, and the court made 

and directed the entry of, an order styled 

United States v. Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corporation, 

et al, severing and terminating, as 

of November 8, 1948, this action as against 

said defendants. 

CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 

1. The Court has jurisdiction of this cause 

under the provisions of the Act of July 2, 

1890 entitled "An Act to Protect Trade and 

Commerce Against Unlawful Restraints and 

Monopolies," hereinafter referred to as the 

Sherman Act. 

2. Universal Pictures Company, Inc. and 

Screen Gems, Inc. have not violated the 

Sherman Act and should be dismissed as 

defendants herein. 

3. None of the defendants herein has violated 

the Sherman Act by monopolizing or 

attempting to monopolize or conspiring to 

monopolize the production of motion picture 

films. 

4. The consent decree entered herein on 

November 20, 1940 does not foreclose enforcement 

in this suit at this time of any rights 

or remedies which the plaintiff may have 

against any of the defendants by virtue of 

violations of the Sherman Act by them, except 

such acts as were in accord with such 

decree during the period it was in force. 

5. None of the defendants herein has violated 

the Sherman Act by combining, conspiring 

or contracting to restrain trade in any 

part of the business of producing motion pictures 

or by monopolizing, attempting to monopolize, 

or conspiring to monopolize such 

business. 

6. The defendants, and each of them are 

entitled to judgment dismissing all claims of 

the plaintiff based upon their acts as producers, 

whether as individuals or in conjunction 

with others. 

7. The defendants Loew's, Incorporated; 

Warner Bros. Pictures Inc.; Warner Bros. Pictures 

Distributing Corporation, (formerly 

known as Vitagraph, Inc.); Warner Bros. 

Circuit Management Corporation; Twentieth 

Century-Pox Film Corporation; National Theatres 

Corporation; Columbia Pictures Corporation; 

Columbia Pictures of Louisiana, Inc.; 

Universal Corporation; Universal Film Exchanges, 

Inc.; Big U Film Exchange, Inc.; 

and United Artists Corporation have unreasonably 

restrained trade and commerce in 

the distribution and exhibition of motion 

pictures and attempted to monopolize such 

trade and commerce, both before and after 

the entry of said consent decree, in violation 

of the Sherman Act by: 

(a) Acquiescing in the establishment 

of a price fixing system by conspiring 

with one another and with Paramount 

and RKO to maintain theatre admission 

prices; 

(b) By conspiring with one another 

and with Paramount and RKO to restrict 

competition for theatre patronage with 

each other and with independents 

through a system of admission price fixing; 

(c) Conspiring with each other and 

with Paramount and RKO to maintain 

a nationwide system of runs and clearances 

which is substantially uniform in 

each local competitive area; 

(d) Fixing, together with Paramount 

and RKO, a system of runs and clearances 

which prevented effective competition 

by outsiders and which was designed 

to protect the theatre holdings of 

the major defendants and to safeguard 

the revenue therefrom. 

8. The distributor-defendants Loew's, Incorporated; 

Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.; 

Warner Bros. Pictures Distributing Corporation 

(formerly known as Vitagraph, Inc.); 

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation; 

Columbia Pictures Corporation; Columbia 

Pictures of Louisiana, Inc.; Universal Corporation; 

Universal Film Exchanges, Inc.; Big 

U Film Exchange, Inc.; and United Artists 

Corporation, have unreasonably restrained 

trade and commerce in the distribution and 

exhibition of motion pictures and attempted 

to monopolize such trade and commerce, both 

before and after the entry of said consent 

decree, in violation of the Sherman Act, by: 

(a) Conspiring with each other and 


a nationwide system of fixed minimum 

motion picture theatre admission prices. 

(b) Agreeing individually with their respective 

licensees to fix minimum motion 

picture theatre admission prices; 

(c) Conspiring with each other and 


a nationwide system of runs and clearances 

which is substantially uniform as 

to each local competitive area; 

(d) Agreeing individually with their 

respective licensees to grant discriminatory 

license privileges to theatres affiliated 

with other defendants and with large 

circuits as found in Finding 110 above; 

(e) Agreeing individually with such 11- 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 K.

: 

censees to grant unreasonable clearance 

against theatres operated by their competitors: 

(f) Making master agreements and 

franchises with such licensees; 

(g) Individually conditioning the offer 

of a license for one or more copyrighted 

films upon the acceptance by the licensee 

of one or more other copyrighted films, 

except in the case of the United Artists 

Corporation; 

9. The exhibitor-defendants Loew's, Incorporated; 

Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.; 

Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corporation; 


and National Theatres Corporation, 

have unreasonably restrained trade and 

commerce in the distribution and exhibition 

of motion pictures both before and after the 

entry of said consent decree in violation of 

the Sherman Act by: 

(a) Jointly operating motion picture 

theatres with each other, with Paramount 

and KKO, and with independents 

through operating agreements or profitsharing 

leases; 

(b) Jointly owning motion picture theatres 

with each other, with Paramount 

and RKO, and with independents through 

stock interests in theatre buildings: 

(c) Conspiring with each other, with 

the distributor-defendants named in 

Paragraph 8 above, and with Paramount 

and RKO, to fix substantially uniform 

minimum motion picture theatre admission 

prices, runs, and clearances; 

(d) Conspiring with the distributordefendants, 

named in Paragraph 8 above 

and with Paramount and RKO to discriminate 

against independent competitors 

in fixing minimum admission price, 

run, clearance, and other license terms. 

10. The formula deals, master agreements 

and franchises referred to in Findings 86, 

88, and 89 have tended to restrain trade and 

violate Section 1 of the Sherman Act. 

11. Block-booking, as hereinabove defined, 

violates the Sherman Act. 

12. As an aid to the conspiracy to fix 

prices, runs, and clearances hereinabove 

described, and as a means for carrying out 

such conspiracy, the maintenance of vertical 

integration by the major defendants named 

in Paragraph 7 above has violated the Sherman 

Act and effected a situation where the 

creation of competition require dissolution of 

these vertical integrations. 

13. The collective monopoly power of the 

defendants named in Paragraph 7 above 

(taken together with Paramount and RKO) 

to exclude competitors from first run coupled 

with their intent to exercise this power violated 

Section 2 of the Sherman Act. 

14. Their use of this power to actually exclude 

independents from the first run market 

and to restrict the distribution of pictures to 

independents violated Sections 1 and 2 of the 

Sherman Act. 

15. The power of the defendants named in 

Paragraph 7 above to fix runs and clearances 

when exercised by the major defendants 

named in Paragraph 7 above to exclude independent 

competitors violated the Sherman 

Act. 

16. Loew's, Incorporated, has violated the 

Sherman Act by conspiring with RKO to 

monoplize and monopolizing the first neighborhood 

run in New York City, and by the 

dividing of that 

RKO. 

market between itself and 

17. Further conclusions of law are made 

and embodied in the decree filed herewith. 

Dated: February 8, 1950. 

AUGUSTUS N. HAND, 

United States Circuit Judge. 

HENRY W. GODDARD, 

United States District Judge. 

ALFRED C. COXE, 


FINAL DECREE 

for 

Columbia, United Artists, 

The plaintiff, having filed its petition 

hereon on July 20, 1938, and its amended and 

supplemental complaint on November 14, 

1940; the defendants having filed their answers 

to such complaint, denying the substantive 

allegations thereof, the court after 

trial having entered a decree herein, dated 

Dec. 31, 1946, as modified by order entered 

Feb. 11, 1947; the plaintiff and the defendants 

having appealed from such decree; the 

Supreme Court of the United States having in 

part affirmed and in part reversed such decree, 

and having remanded this case to this 

court for further proceedings in conformity 

with its opinion dated May 3, 1948; this court 

having, on June 25, 1948, by order made the 

mandate and decree of the Supreme Court 

the order and judgment of this court; 

Now, having considered the proposals of 

the parties, having duly received additional 

evidence and heard further arguments, and 

having rendered its opinion on July 25, 1949, 

and having filed its findings of fact and 

conclusions of law in accordance with said 

opinion 

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED. 

AND DECREED that the decree heretofore 

entered by this court on Dec. 31, 1946, as to 

the defendants Columbia Pictures Corporation, 

Screen Gems, Inc., Columbia Pictures of 

Louisiana, Inc., Universal Corporation, Universal 

Pictures Company, Inc., Universal Film 

Exchanges, Inc., Big U Film Exchange, Inc., 

and United Artists Corporation, is hereby 

amended to read as follows: 

1. The findings of fact and conclusions of 

law heretofore made are superseded by the 

findings and conclusions now entered in support 

of this decree. 

2. The complaint is dismissed as to the 

defendants Screen Gems, Inc., and the corporation 

named as Universal Pictures Company, 

Inc., merged during the pendency of 

this case into the defendant Universal Corporation. 

The complaint is also dismissed 

as to all claims made against the remaining 

defendants herein based upon their acts as 

producers, whether as individuals or in conjunction 

with others. 

n 

The defendants Columbia Pictures Corporation, 

Columbia Pictures of Louisiana, Inc., 

Universal Corporation, Universal Film Exchanges, 

Inc., Big U Film Exchange, Inc., and 

United Artists Corporation^ and the successors 

of each of them, and any and all individuals 

who act in behalf of any thereof with 

respect to the matters enjoined, and each 

corporation in which said defendants or any 

of them own a direct or indirect stock interest 

of more than fifty percent, are hereby 

enjoined: 

1. From granting any license in which 

minimum prices for admission to a 

theatre are fixed by the parties, either ili 

writing or through a committee, or through 

arbitration, or upon the happening of any 

event or in any maimer or by any means. 

2. From agreeing with each other or with 

any exhibitors or distributors to maintain a 

system of clearances; the term "clearances" 

as used herein meaning the period of time 

stipulated in license contracts which must 

elapse between runs of the same feature 

within a particular area or in specified theatres. 

3. From granting any clearance between 


Universal 

4. From granting or enforcing any clearance 


with the theatre receiving the license 

for exhibition in excess of what is reasonably 

necessary to protect the licensee in the run 

granted. Whenever any clearance provision 

is attacked as not legal under the provisions 

of this decree, the burden shall be upon the 

distributor to sustain the legality thereof. 

5. From further performing any existing 

franchise to which it is a party and from 

making any franchises in the future, except 


exhibitor to operate a theatre in competition 

with the theatre affiliated with a defendant 

or Vvfith theatres in new circuits which may 

be formed as a result of divorcement. The 

term "franchise" as used herein means a 

licensing agreement or series of licensing 

agreements, entered into as a part of the same 

transaction in effect for more than one motion 

picture season and covering the exhibition of 

pictures released by one distributor during 

the entire period of agreement. 

6. Prom making or further performing any 

formula deal or master agreement to which 

it is a party. The term "formula deal" as 

used herein means a licensing agreement 

with a circuit of theatres in which the license 

fee of a given feature is measiired for the 

theatres covered by the agreement by a specified 

percentage of the feature's national gi'oss. 

The term "master agreement" meairs a licensing 

agreement, also known as a "blanket 

deal," covering the exhibition of features in 

a number of theatres usually comprising a 

circuit. 

7. From performing or entering into any 

license in which the right to exhibit one 

feature is conditioned upon the licensee's taking 

one or more other features. To the extent 

that any of the features have not been trade 

shown prior to the granting of the license for 

more than a single feature, the licensee shall 

be given by the licensor the right to reject 

twenty percent of such features not trade 

shown prior to the granting of the license, 

such right of rejection to be exercised in the 

order of release within ten days after there 

has been an opportimity afforded to the 

licensee to inspect the feature. 

8. From licensing any feature for exhibition 

upon any run in any theatre in any other 

manner than that each license shall be offered 

and taken theatre by theatre, solely upon the 

merits and without discrimination in favor 

of affiliated theatres, circuit theatres or 

others. 

in 

The defendants named in Section II of 

this decree and any others who are willing 

to file with the American Arbitration Association 

their consent to abide by the rules of 

arbitration and to perform the awards of 

arbitrators, are hereby authorized to set up 

or participate in an arbitration system with 

an accompanying Appeal Board which will 

become effective as soon as it may be organized, 

upon terms to be settled by the court 

upon notice to the parties to this action. 

IV 

The provisions of the consent decree of 

November 20, 1940, are hereby declared to be 

of no further force or effect. 

1. For the purpose of securing compliance 

with this decree, and for no other purpose, 

duly authorized representatives of the Department 

of Justice shall, on written request of 

BOXOFFICE :: February H, 1950

; 

the Attorney General or an Assistant Attorney 

General, and on notice to any defendant 

bound by this decree, reasonable as to time 

and subject matter, made to such defendant 

at its principal office, and subject to any 

legally recognized privilege (a) be permitted 

reasonable access, during the office hours of 

such defendant, to all books, ledgers, accounts, 

correspondence, memoranda and other records 

and documents in the possession or under the 

control of such defendant, relating to any of 

the matters contained in this decree, and that 

during the times that the plaintiff shall 

desire such access, counsel for such defendant 

may be present, and (b) subject to the reasonable 

convenience of such defendant, and 

without restraint or interference from it, be 

permitted to interview its officers or employes 

regarding any such matters, at which interviews 

counsel for the officer or employee 

interviewed and counsel for such defendant 

may be present. For the purpose of securing 

compliance with this decree any defendant 

upon the written request of the Attorney General, 

or an Assistant Attorney General, shall 

submit such reports with respect to any of 

the matters contined in this decree as from 

time to time may be necessary for the purpose 

of enforcement of this decree. 

FINAL 

for 

2. Information obtained pursuant to the 

provisions of this section shall not be divulged 

by any representative of the Department of 

Justice to any person other than a duly 

authorized representative of the Department 

of Justice, except in the course of legal proceedings 

to which the United States is a 

party, or as otherwise required by law. 

VI 

Jurisdiction of this cause is retained for the 

purpose of enabling any of the parties to 

this decree, and no others, to apply to the 

court at any time for such orders or direction 

as may be necessary or appropriate for 

the construction, modification, or carrying out 

of the same, for the enforcement of compliance 

therewith, and for the punishment 

of violations thereof, or for other or further 

relief. 


AUGUSTUS N. HA^^^, 

United States Circuit Judge, 




United States District Judge 

DECREE 

20fh Century-Fox, Loew's, Inc., Warner Bros. 

The plaintiff, having filed its petition herein 

on July 29, 1938, and its amended and 

supplemental complaint on November 14, 

1940; the defendants having filed their answers 

to such complaint, denying the substantive 

allegations thereof; the court after 

trial having entered a decree herein, dated 

December 31, 1946, as modified by order entered 

February 11, 1947; the plaintiff and 

the defendants having appealed from such 

decree; the Supreme Court of the United 

States having in part affirmed and in part 

reversed such decree, and having remanded 

this case to this court for further proceedings 

in conformity with its opinion dated 

May 3, 1948; this court having, on June 25, 

1948, by order made the mandate and decree 

of the Supreme Court the order and judgment 

of this court; a consent decree having 

been entered on November 8, 1948, against 

the defendants Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corporation, 

RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., RKO 

Proctor Corporation, RKO Midwest Corporation, 

and Keith-Albee-Orpheum Corporation; 

orders having been entered on stipulation 

against the Fox, Loew, and Warner defendants 

respectively, and Loew having further 

stipulated in the record, with respect to certain 

theatre interests held jointly with others; 

and a consent judgment having been 

entered on March 3, 1949, against defendants 

Paramount Pictures, Inc. and Paramount 

Film Distributing Corporation; and an order 

having been entered on April 21, 1949, severing 

and terminating, as of March 3, 1949, 

this action as against defendants Paramount 

Pictures, Inc. and Paramount Film Distributing 

Corporation; and an order having been 

entered on January 18, 1950 severing and 

terminating as of November 8, 1948 the 

action as against defendants Radio-Keith- 

Orpheum Corporation, RKO Radio Pictures, 

Inc., RKO Proctor Corporation, RKO Midwest 

Corporation and Keith-Albee-Orpheum 

Corporation; 

Now, having considered the proposals of 

the parties, having duly received additional 

evidence and heard further arguments after 

entry of the consent decree against the RKO 

defendants, and having rendered Its opinion 

on July 25, 1949, and having filed its findings 

of fact and conclusions of law in accordance 

with said opinion: 

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, 

AND DECREED that the decree heretofore 

entered by this court on December 31, 1946 

is 

hereby amended to read as follows: 

1. The findings of fact and conclusions of 

law heretofore made are superseded by the 

findings and conclusions now entered in support 

of this decree. 

2. The complaint is dismissed as to all 

claims made against the defendants herein 

based upon their acts as producers, whether 

as individuals or in conjunction with others. 

II 

Each of the defendant distributors, Loew's, 

Incorporated; Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.; 

Warner Bros. Pictures Distributing Corporation 

(formerly known as Vitagraph, Inc.) 

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, 

and the successors of each of them (including 

but not limited to companies resulting 

from divorcement), and any and all individuals 

who act in behalf of any thereof 

with respect to the matters enjoined, and 

each corporation in which said defendants 

or any of them own a direct or indirect stock 

interest of more than fifty per cent, is hereby 

enjoined: 

1. From granting aiiy license in which 

minimum prices for admission to a theatre 

are fixed by the parties, either in writing or 

through a committee, or through arbitration, 

or upon the happening of any event or 

in any manner or by any means. 

2. Prom agreeing with each other or with 

any exhibitors or distributors to maintain 

a system of clearances; the term "clearances" 

as used herein meaning the period 

of time stipulated in license contracts which 

must elapse between runs of the same feature 

within a particular area or in specified 

theatres. 

3. Prom granting any clearance between 


4. From granting or enforcing any clearance 


with the theatre receiving tlie license 

for exhibition in excess of what is reasonably 

necessary to protect the licensee in the run 

granted. Whenever any clearance provision 

is attacked as not legal under the provisions 

of this decree, the burden shall be upon the 

distributor to sustain the legality thereof. 

5. From further performing any existing 

franchise to which it is a party and from 

making any franchises in the future, except 


exhibitor to operate a theatre in competition 

with a theatre affiliated with a defendant 

or with theatres in new circuits 

which may be formed as a result of divorcement. 

The term "franciiise" as used herein 

means a licensing agreement or series of 

licensing agreements, entered into as a part 

of the same transaction, in effect for more 

than one motion picture season and covering 

the exhibition of pictures released by one 

distributor during the entire period of agreement. 

6. From making or further performing any 

formula deal or master agreement to which 

it is a party. The term "formula deal" as 

used herein means a licensing agreement with 

a circuit of theatres in which the license 

fee of a given feature is measured for the 

theatres covered by the agreement by a 

specified percentage of the feature's national 

gross. The term "master agreement" means 

a licensing agreement, also known as a 

"blanket deal," covering the exhibition of 

features in a number of theatres usually 

comprising a circuit. 

7. From performing or entering into any 

license in which the right to exhibit one 

feature is conditioned upon the licensee's 

taking one or more other features. To the 

extent that any of the features have not 

been trade shown prior to the granting of 

the license for more than a single feature, 

the licensee shall be given by the licensor 

the right to reject twenty per cent of such 

features not trade shown prior to the granting 

of the license, such right of rejection 

to be exercised in the order of release within 

ten days after there has been an opportunity 

afforded to the licensee to inspect the feature. 

8. From licensing any feature for exhibition 

upon any run in any theatre in any 

other manner than that each license shall 

be offered and taken theatre by theatre, solely 

upon the merits and without discrimination 

in favor of affiliated theatres, circuit theatres 

or others. 

in 

Each of the defendant exhibitors, Loew's 

Incorporated; Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.; 

Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corporation; 


and National Theatres Corporation; 

and the successors of each of them (including 

but not limited to companies resulting 

from divorcement), and any and all individuals 

who act in behalf of any thereof 

with respect to the matters enjoined, and 

each corporation in which said defendants 

or any of them own a direct or indirect stock 

interest of more than fifty per cent, is hereby 

enjoined and restrained: 

1. From performing or enforcing agreements, 

if any, referred to in Paragraphs 5 

and 6 of the foregoing Section II hereof to 

which it may be a party. 

2. From making or continuing to perform 

pooling agreements whereby given theatres 

of two or more exhibitors normally in competition 

are operated as a unit or whereby 

the business policies of such exhibitors are 

collectively determined by a joint committee 

or by one of the exhibitors or whereby profits 

of the "pooled" theatres are divided among 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 XI.

the owners according to prearranged percentages. 

3. From making or continuing to perform 

agreements that the parties may not acquire 

other theatres in a competitive area where 

a pool operates without first offering them 

for inclusion in the pool. 

4. From making or continuing leases of 

theatres under which it leases any of its theatres 

to another defendant or to an independent 

operating a theatre in the same 

competitive area in return for a share in the 

profits. 

5. From continuing to own or acquiring 

any beneficial interests in any theatre, 

whether in fee or in shares of stock or 

otherwise, in conjunction with another defendant, 

or with any company resulting from 

divorcements provided for in decrees entered 

in this cause. 

6. From acquiring a beneficial interest in 

any additional theatre unless the acquiring 

company shall show to the satisfaction of 

the court, and the court shall first find, that 

such acquisition will not unduly restrain 

competition in the exhibition of feature motion 

pictures, provided, however, that the 

acquisition of a theatre as a replacement for 

a theatre, held or acquired in conformity 

with this decree, which may be lost through 

physical destruction, conversion to nontheatrical 

purposes, disposition (other than 

the disposition of a theatre in compliance 

with this decree) or expiration or cancellation 

of the lease under which such theatre 

is held, shall not be deemed to be the acquisition 

of an additional theatre. 

7. From operating, booking, or buying features 

for any of its theatres through any 

agent who is known by it to be also acting 

in such manner for any other exhibitor, independent 

or affiliate. 

rv 

2. Within one year from the entry of this 

decree the Government and each of the defendant 

exhibitors named in Section III of 

this decree shall submit respectively such 

plans for divestiture of theatre interests, 

other than those heretofore ordered to be 

divested, which they believe to be adequate 

to satisfy the requirements of the Supreme 

Court decision herein with respect to such 

divestiture. Upon the filing of such a plan 

the Government and the affected defendant 

shall have six months within which to file 

objections thereto and propose amended or 

alternative plans for accomplishing the same 

result. Such further proceedings with respect 

to such plans may then be had as the 

court may then order. 

3. No defendant distributor named in Section 

n of this decree, and no distributor 

company resulting from the divorcement ordered 

herein, shall engage in the exhibition 

business; and no defendant exhibitor named 

in Section ni of this decree, and no exhibitor 

company resulting from the divorcement 

ordered herein, shall engage in the 

distribution business, except that permission 

to a distributor company resulting from divorcement 

to engage in the exhibition business 

or to an exhibitor company resulting 

from divorcement to engage in the distribution 

business may be granted by the court 

upon notice to the United States and upon 

a showing that any such engagement shall 

not unreasonably restrain competition in the 

distribution or exhibition of motion pictures. 

4. No exhibitor company resulting from 

the divorcement ordered herein shall acquire 

directly or indirectly any interest in any theatre 

divested by any other defendant pursuant 

to any plan ordered under Paragraph 2 

of Section IV hereof or pursuant to Paragraph 

C 1 of Section II of the Consent Judgment 

as to the Paramount defendants entered 

March 3, 1949. 

Nothing contained in this decree shall be 

construed to limit, in any way whatsoever, 

the right of each major defendant bound by 

this decree, during the three years allowed 

for the completion of the plan of reorganization 

provided for in Section IV, to license, 

or in any way to provide for, the exhibition 

of any or all the motion pictures which it 

may at any time distribute, in such manner, 

and upon such terms, and subject to such 

conditions as may be satisfactory to it, in 

any theatre in which such defendant has a 

proprietary interest, either directly or through 

subsidiaries. 

1. Within sLx months from the entry of 

this decree each of the major defendants 

named in Sections II and III of this decree 

•shall submit a plan for the ultimate separation 

of its distribution and production business 

from its exhibition business. Upon the 

filing of such a plan, the Government shall 

VI 

have three months within which to file objections 

thereto and propose amended or altion 

n of this decree and any others who 

The defendant distributors named in Secternative 

plans for accomplishing the same are willing to file with the American Arbitration 

Association their consent to abide 

result. Such further proceedings with respect 

to such plans as the court may then by the rules of arbitration and to perform 

order shall then be had. Such plans shall, in the awards of arbitrators, are hereby authorized 

to set up an arbitration system 

any event, provide for the completion of such 

separation within three years from the date with an accompanying Appeal Board which 

of the entry of this decree. 

will become effective as soon as it may be 

organized, upon terms to be settled by the 

court upon notice to the parties to this 

action. 

VII 

The provisions of the existing consent decree 

are hereby declared to be of no further 

force or effect, except in so far as may be 

necessary to conclude arbitration proceedings 

now pending and to liquidate in an orderly 

manner the financial obligations of the defendants 

and the American Arbitration Association, 

incurred in the establishment of 

the consent decree arbitration systems. 

Existing awards and those made pursuant to 

pending proceedings shaU continue to be 

enforceable. 

vni 

1. For the purpose of securing compUance 

with this decree, and for no other purpose, 

duly authorized representatives of the Department 

of Justice shall, on written request 

of the Attorney General or an Assistant 

Attorney General, and on notice to 

any defendant bound by this decree, reasonable 

as to time and subject matter, made 

to such defendant at its principal office, and 

subject to any legally recognized privilege 

(a) be permitted reasonable access, during 

the office hours of such defendant, to all 

books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, 

memoranda and other records and documents 

in the possession or under the control of 

such defendant, relating to any of the matters 

contained in this decree, and that during 

the times that the plaintiff shall desire 

such access, counsel for such defendant may 

be present, and Cb) subject to the reasonable 

convenience of such defendant, and 

without restraint or interference from it, be 

permitted to interview its officers or employees 

regarding any such matters, at which 

interviews counsel for the officer or employee 

interviewed and counsel for such defendant 

may be present. For the purpose of securing 

compliance with this decree any defendant 

upon the written request of the Attorney 

General, or an Assistant Attorney General, 

shall submit such reports with respect to any 

of the matters contained in this decree as 

from time to time may be necessary for the 

purpose of enforcement of this decree. 

2. Information obtained pursuant to the 

provisions of this Section shall not be divulged 

by any representative of the Department 

of Justice to any person other than a 

duly authorized representative of the Department 

of Justice, except in the course of 

legal proceedings to which the United States 

is 

a party, or as otherwise required by law. 

IX 

Jurisdiction of this cause is retained for 

the purpose of enabling any of the parties 

to this decree, and no others, to apply to the 

coiu-t at any time for such orders or direction 

as may be necessary or appropriate for 

the construction, modification, or carrying 

out of the same, for the enforcement of 

compliance therewith, and for the punishment 

of violations thereof, or for other or 

further relief. 


AUGUSTUS N. HAND, 

United States Circuit Judge 





xn. BOXOmCE 


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1

REPORT ON ALLIED BOARD MEETING: 

MYERS WARNS ALLIED AGAINST 

RELAXING ON VIGILANTE ROLE 

Can't Rely on Decisions 

Alone, He Says, to Win 

Free Market Fight 

WASHINGTON—Allied Board Chairman 

A. F. Myers warned this week that any 

relaxation of exhibitor vigilance at this 

stage of the battle for an open market 

for film "would be to snatch defeat from 

the jaws of victory." In his annual report 

to the Allied board, which met here 

Pi-iday and Saturday, he said the future 

is bright for exhibitors but that it 

would be folly to sit back and rely upon 

court decisions and other legal documents. 

Stressing the importance of Allied pressure 

for divorcement, he called for continued 

strong exhibitor organization as the surest 

safeguard for the gains made thus far. In 

general, lie was complimentary to the government 

in discussing the settlements 

achieved, but he did criticize the consent 

settlement in the Schine case. 

ON CONSENT DECREE 

The conclusion of separate consent decrees 

in no way relieves the signatory parties 

from having the evidence heretofore brought 

out in the case used against them in federal 

court, Myers stressed. "The entry of 

separate decrees may make it a little awkward 

for private litigants desiring to use 

them as evidence, but since they could not 

have been entered but for the joint conspiracy, 

and since proof in support of the 

decrees was received both at the trial and 

after the Supreme Court's mandate had come 

down, it is not now seen how this maneuver 

can impair their effectiveness." 

Already, said Myers, "with their films no 

longer moving in fixed channels, the distributors 

are beginning to revive the lost 

art of salesmanship. The independent exhibitors 

are receiving more consideration than 

they have in many years, and the end is not 

in sight. We look forward with confidence 

to the day when the playing time on every 

screen will be at least as important to the 

distributor with a picture to sell as that particular 

feature is to the exhibitor." 

The Allied chairman .said the consent decrees 

entered in the Paramount and Schine 

cases could more properly be called "litigated 

decrees," since they follow court decisions. 

He recalled that he had in the past 

been critical of the widespread use of consent 

settlements, but conceded that "to apply 

the Supreme Court's doctrine to each 

community in which a major circuit operates 

would require the taking of much proof and 

the expenditure of much time—moreover, 

proof may no longer be available—and—the 

matter of regional divestiture will have lost 

some of its urgency. In the pending cases 

all we are entitled to ask is that an aggressive, 

bona fide effort be made to require 

the divestiture of enough theatres so 

\'.:At the segregated circuits will be exposed 

'Continued on next page) 

Phonevision Real Threat, 

Rembusch Tells Board 

WASHINGTON—Phonevision was termed 

by Allied television Chairman Trueman Rembusch 

"the greatest threat to exhibition conceived 

to date." Reporting to the Allied 

board on the current effect of video on the 

film business, Rembusch related that he and 

W. A. Carroll had been tremendously impressed 

by the possibilities of Phonevision 

as they viewed it during a demonstration 

in Chicago last month. 

The board was told also by President Wilbur 

Snaper of Allied of New Jersey that "the 

impact of television on the theatre business 

is becoming greater as each set is sold." 

Referring to the prospects for better TV 

programming, Snaper said, "I myself made 

a terrible error in judgment when I said if 

the worst competition we ever get is old 

films we'll be O.K. but now I find people 

stay and watch those, too." 

Gloomily he added, "television is going to 

grow and grow and grow and our customers 

are going to go and go and go. Good 

pictures alone are not the answer to TV." 

WARNS OF MONOPOLY 

Warning of the danger of monopoly in 

theatre TV. Rembusch said Allied should join 

with other industry groups in asking the 

FCC for "suitable" frequencies for theatre 

TV. But he made it plain that he does not 

consider the microwave bands suggested in 

other quarters as suitable, since it would be 

extremely difficult and expensive to rural or 

even suburban theatres via microwave. He 

said the "powers that be in the motion picture 

industry" slept on TV until little more 

than a year ago, when suddenly they demanded 

action from their technicians. 

Technicians know that "microwaves are 

neither technically suitable nor economically 

suitable for general theatre TV," he reported. 

Because of coverage problems he said 

it would be necessary to have a separate 

transmitter for each theatre, with coverage 

limited to distances of 25 miles. Vast quantities 

of equipment and huge technical staffs 

would be required. 

"Large metropolitan theatres could use it, 

but adoption of microwaves for theatre TV 

precludes small rural subrun or suburban 

theatres receiving service because of attendant 

costs. Microwaves for theatre TV would 

mean a TV monopoly for the large affiliated 

theatres." 

Rembusch said the Zenith Radio Co., promoters 

of Phonevision, is ready to run a test 

of the system in 300 Chicago homes almost 

immediately now that the FCC has given 

the green light. The system furnishes programs 

to subscribers when they call their 

FCC Okays a Test 

For Phonevision 

WASHINGTON—While Trueman Rembusch, 

AUied's TV chairman was reporting 

to the Allied board, the FCC announced 

formally its approval for the 90- 

day test of Phonevision. Two commissioners 

who had previously voted to deny 

the testing until a general hearing was 

held reversed themselves, but Commissioner 

Edward M. Webster wrote a vigorous 

dissent from his colleagues. 

Commissioner Webster said this is the 

first step toward possible introduction of 

subscription TV and radio and that "such 

a momentous change in the American 

system of broadcasting" should not be 

taken without full hearing. If authorized 

on a continuing basis and successful, he 

said. "I do not believe that very much 

vision is required to see that—the best 

evening hours, every day in the week, 

will be devoted to subscription television 

rather than to free television programming. 

"Every television station license will be 

clamoring for a subscription television 

franchise and will be pounding on the 

commission's door for regulation insuring 

that will be no discrimination in the 

issuance of such franchises or the rates 

charged therefor. Television receiver 

owners will expect the commission to promulgate 

rules which will provide to each 

listener a choice of some free television 

programs during the best listening hours 

and which will insure that the listener 

be charged a reasonable and non-discriminatory 

fee for viewing television programs." 

Webster said the step is so important 

that it should perhaps be taken by Congress 

rather than by the FCC. 

telephone operators and ask for a release so 

that the Phonevision program can come in 

properly. In return the subscriber is billed 

on a monthly basis. Non-subscribers cannot 

get the programs because the electronic release 

signal is essential. 

"Zenith has interested some producers to a 

point where top reissues may be supplied for 

the test run." He explained that the Zenith 

proposal would return 50 per cent of the program 

intake to the producer—so that if 

50,000 subscribers tuned in for a film the 

return to the producer would be $25,000. 

12 BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950

to, and the public will enjoy, substantial competition 

in all situations." 

The government has done an effective job, 

he wrote, in all instances but the Schine 

decree, "which must always rank as one of 

the government's poorest bargains." He referred 

to "woefully weak provisions for divestiture" 

and charged that the government 

lawyers had not actually been sufficiently 

familiar with the local situations involved in 

the Schine settlement. 

"It would be a travesty of justice and a 

reproach to all concerned if these proceedings 

should result merely in enabling the circuits 

involved to case of£ a lot of rundown, 

unprofitable theatres and to retain all 

the efficient, up-to-date ones." 

COMPETITIVE BIDDING 

Exhibitors were told that distributors resort 

to competitive bidding practices to resolve 

competition between two or more independent 

exhibitors is absolutely unjustified 

"in any existing or prospective decree." What 

the court was seeking to wipe out when the 

idea of competitive bidding was first advanced, 

he said, "Favoritism to the affiliated 

circuits and discrimination against the independents. 

But the court went too far and 

ordered bidding in all competitive situations." 

That, Myers said, was the main reason the 

competitive bidding system was eliminated 

from the New York court's decree. But to 

prevent a renewal of this type of discrimination 

against which the case originally directed 

the New York court included its "antidiscrimination" 

clause. The purpose of this 

clause, he said was "to prevent discrimination 

by permitting independents to compete 

with the entrenched monopoly for preferred 

runs." It in a way requires competitive bidding. 

The Allied chieftain dwelt upon the court's 

requirement that licensing of features be on 

a "theatre-by-theatre" basis, observing that 

"discrimination is inherent in any contest 

between an independent exhibitor and a circuit. 

So the court ordered, in such a contest, 

that the pictures shall be licensed theatre-bytheatre; 

i.e., that each theatre shall stand on 

its own merits and not absorb merit or 

strength from other theatres in the chain." 

He also attacked any disposition on the 

part of distributors to license films solely on 

the basis of which distributor offers the most 

money, recalling the Supreme Court opinion 

that established business relationships should 

not be overturned lightly. 

"The sense of all this," he went on, "is that 

competitive bidding is merely a weapon by 

which an independent exhibitor may battle 

the circuits for a place in the sun. Independent 

exhibitors should resist to the utmost 

all efforts by the distributors to use competitive 

bidding as a means of putting one independent 

against another, or to disrupt harmonious 

competitive situations, merely as 

a means of increasing film rentals. Discrimination, 

like fraud, is hard to define but we 

recognize it when we see it. Even after divorcement 

has been effected, there will be a 

temptation to continue the old discriminatory 

methods of distribution. Independent exhibitors 

and their organizations will have to be 

alert to detect any hangover of former practices. 

This provision will be a pillar of 

strength to the independents in their efforts 

successfully to compete with the divorced circuits 

and the value of the words 'without 

discrimination' will become more important 

as time wears on." 

ARBITRATION 

On the matter of arbitration. Myers al- 

Allied Actions 

Washington — The Allied board this 

week ratified the new COMPO, in the 

form outlined by the December meeting. 

Approval is with the notation that Allied 

surrenders no rights of independent action. 

Allied members will be urged by their 

board of directors not to show the Ingrid 

Bergman film "Stromboli," and a vigorous 

protest against its release has been directed 

to RKO President Ned E. Depinet. 

The Allied board voted Thursday to 

employ engineering and legal counsel to 

help it prepare for the FCC's theatre television 

hearing. 

Suggestions that the Allied constitution 

be amended to provide for a new post of 

vice-president and to reactivate the executive 

committee were voted down by 

the board. 

lowed that despite AUied's longstanding opposition 

there might be limited value to arbitration 

in clearance cases. He said he is 

not sure the distributors are still interested, 

but that there might be some point to having 

an Allied committee sound out distribution 

sentiment toward an inexpensive system of 

commercial arbitration for clearance and licensing 

disputes. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS 

On the matter of industry public relations, 

Myers suggested that in the view of reheadline 

stories -about the "private" lives of 

big boxoffice attractions that the so-called 

Finneran plan to force stars to keep their 

lives free of scandal be dusted off and reexamined. 

If the industry's "big brass" still 

finds it unworkable, he said, "let them produce 

a better one." 

He said the industry is coiirting disaster if 

it continues to ignore "flagrant violations 

of the moral code by those it has elevated to 

stardom." 

Brotherhood Week Drive 

Continues Climbing 

NEW YORK—All phases of the industry's 

effort in behalf of Brotherhood week are 

meeting with success, says Ted R. Gamble, 

national chairman of the motion picture 

division of the National Conference of Christians 

and Jews. A record number of branches 

have reported 100 per cent participation in 

the drive scheduled from February 19 to 26, 

he states. 

Six more branches have signed up all employes 

for membership contributions. They 

are: Paramount, Albany; RKO, Des Moines; 

Universal-International, Cleveland, and Film 

Classics, Chicago. 

"While I am very pleased with the results 

of the campaign to date," Gamble 

stated, "I would like to remind the industry 

of the importance of enlisting new members 

in the National Conference of Christians 

and Jews during Brotherhood Week. If we 

can get only ten new members from eacli 

theatre in the country as a result of this 

drive, we will have made an important contribution 

for a worthy fight against bigotry 

and racial discrimination," he said. 

Unnecessary Bidding 

Unsounl Says Levy 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—Producers are automatically 

throwing certain areas into competitive 

bidding whenever there is a request 

for it, Herman Levy, general counsel of the 

Theatre Owners of America, told United Theatre 

Owners of Illinois at the convention 

here Thursday (9). He said this was unnecessary, 

unwarranted and economically unsound. 

. 

"Further," he continued, "in the absence 

of extenuating circumstances, such use of 

competitive bidding would appear to be, 

prima facie at least, an attempt to obtain 

increased film rentals. There are legal and 

economically sound ways of providing product 

to competing exhibitors without resort 

to competitive bidding. These are well known 

to production and distribution. 

"No company should be willing to sit idly 

by watching an exhibitor pay more for film 

than his theatre grosses warrant. It is unsound, 

illogical and poor business. It may 

well result in that company's top pictures 

only being sold. The others may go unhid 

for—and not because of collusion between 

exhibitors, but because the theatres may decide 

to do without that product rather than 

to get involved in bidding. There is substantial 

evidence that this is already happening." 

Levy also discussed the Ascap problem. 

He said that if producers pay performing 

rights fees to Ascap and do not pass the 

charges along to exhibitors, everything will 

be fine. 

If they attempt to pass the charges along 

to exhibitors, there will be a "harrowing 

howl," he predicted. 

Levy's remarks were prompted by the fact 

that negotiations between Ascap and the 

Department of Justice for a revision of the 

1941 consent decree to bring Ascap's operations 

into conformity with the Judge Leibell 

decision in New York and the Judge Nordbye 

decision in Minneapolis are nearing completion. 

"At the present time Ascap seems to have 

no definite policy," Levy said. "The best 

available information is that it is not accepting 

payment for performance rights 

from exhibition. It has also come to my 

attention that production has been, and is, 

at the present time, agreeing to pay for performance 

rights at se\seral times more than 

exhibitors ever paid." 

Nat Nathanson Succeeds 

Schnitzer in UA Sales 

NEW YORK—Nat Nathanson, branch manager 

of the United Artists Chicago exchange, 

has been named to .succeed the late Edward 

M. Schnitzer as eastern and Canadian general 

sales manager by Gradwell L. Sears, 

president. 

Nathanson has been with United Artists 

since 1935 when he became a salesman at the 

Denver exchange. Two years later, he moved 

to the Chicago exchange in a similar po.st 

In 1941, Nathanson was named manager of 

the Milwaukee office, which he held until 

1944, when he returned to Chicago as branch 

manager. A year later, he was shifted to San 

Francisco, where he also held the post of 

branch manager. He returned to Chicago in 

1947 as branch manager. He is assistant chief 

barker of Chicago Tent No. 26, Variety Club. 

BOXOFFICE :; February 11, 1950 13

o/mr 

—The Exhibitor 

lifHILE IT'S HOT! 

!^ 

EDWARD L. ALPERSON presents 

starring 

Wi mmmm 

• 

rod gameiion • marie Windsor 

WALLACE JACK LARRY Produced by Directed by 

Associate Producer 

lY • FORD • LAMBERT • JOHNS • EDWARD L ALPERSON . LESLEY SELANDER • JACK JUNGMEYER, JR. 

lay by MAURICE GERAGHTY • Based upon a story bv Frank Grjber • Music by Dimitri Tiomkin • An Alson Production • Released thru Twentieth Century-Fox 

lo ^Md^rUZtf^- m^l. 2m ^

— 

Protests and Bookings 

Race on Stromboli' 

NEW YORK—At the weekend it appeared 

that a national race was in progress with 

RKO on one side trying to roll up as many 

bookings as possible for a February 15 

opening of "Stromboli." and with clergymen, 

civic groups and exhibitors on the 

other side trying to roll up national opposition 

to the booking of any Ingrid Bergman 

films. 

Observers agreed that women and the 

younger set among moviegoers would be the 

judges of Miss Bergman's future as a screen 

attraction. Public reactions to escapades of 

screen stars is unpredictable, as has been 

demonstrated in the Flynn, Mitchum and 

other cases. 

JOHNSTON IS NONCOMMITAL 

&ic Johnston, MPAA president, refused to 

make any comment in response to a request 

from a coast ministerial union that he attempt 

to bar "Stromboli" from the screen, and 

RKO went ahead with its plan for general 

key city openings February 15. This is the 

day on which, it is expected, Miss Bergman's 

Mexican divorce will become effective. 

In order to do this RKO canceled tradeshowings 

scheduled for February 14 in some 

places and February 15 in others. The sales 

department moved swiftly and set the New 

York opening for the Criterion Theatre and 

38 RKO houses with 300 bookings in other 

cities. 

In the meantime ministerial associations 

were publishing protests, individual clergymen 

were expressing themselves from the 

pulpit and by means of communications to 

newspapers, and columnists were having 

field days. From the trade standpoint interest 

centered in the decision of Interstate 

Circuit of Texas and of other smaller organizations 

not to play the film. 

Karl Hoblitzelle, president of the Interstate 

circuit, which operates more than 175 

theatres in Texas, issued a statement in 

which he declared that "We regret exceedingly 

the unfortunate circumstances and publicity 

which surround the picture. Without 

having any desire to act as self-appointed 

censors, we feel that we would be rendering 

our communities a disservice to exhibit 

this picture." 

ALLIED UNITS OPPOSE FILM 

In Indiana, TYueman Rembusch, president 

of A.ssociated Theatre Owners of Indiana, 

recommended that the picture not be played 

and J. p. Finneran, author of Allied's socalled 

Finneran plan for disciplining of film 

stars, announced that he would not book the 

picture into any of his 12 theatres. 

North Central Allied issued a bulletin in 

which it suggested that its members take 

newspaper space and radio time to inform 

patrons that they will not play the film, 

pointing out that if the film is played it 

will be the exhibitor who is blamed. 

In Ohio, the attorney general handed down 

an opinion that the state censor board is 

without authority to recall its approval of 

"Stromboli," originally given January 30. Dr. 

Clyde HLssong, chief state film censor, was 

told that there is no legal authority for 

the recall of a film because the state cannot 

Ban on Ingrid s Films i 

Spreading Over U.S. \ 

ll„-"..lv 

:',~^^.:' huUfiiUi Tlieiitrr Cliitin 

American Women 

!^;u| 

Urged to Boycott | 

Ingrid's Pictures 

^ 

The above reproduction of newspaper 

clippings is indicative of press reaction 

to the showing of Ingrid Bergman films. 

go into the private lives of characters in the 

cast. Dr. Hissong thought he had a legal 

right to recall the film although his original 

approval indicated there was nothing objectionable 

about the film itself. 

The Memphis Press- Scimitar editorially 

opposed the banning of the picture and other 

Bergman films, although the town's wellknown 

censor, Lloyd Binford, banned the 

film. "If the people want to stay away from 

the pictures to rebuke Ingrid Bergman and 

Roberto Rossellini for their conduct, they 

are free to do so," the newspaper commented. 

"But this is not a field for official public 

censors to enter. Official banning would tend 

to defeat its own purposes. The mere banning 

of a picture prejudices many people in 

favor of it and tends to heroize those who 

made it." 

During the week, there also was an attempt 

in the Texas legislature to introduce 

a resolution seeking to ban the picture in 

that state. By a 67-43 vote, the house refused 

to take immediate action on the legislation 

and referred it to a committee. 

Chicago Censor Okays 

Showing of Picture 

CHICAGO—The Chicago censor board has 

approved "Stromboli" for showing at the 

Grand Theatre, starting February 15. 

Police Captain Harry Fulmer, head of the 

board, commented: "It's the board's job to 

judge a film on its merits and not worry 

about the personal life of the actors. If we 

werp going to delve into the past of every 

Hollywood actor, we'd be eliminating about 

two-thirds of the films." 

Guilds Should Enforce 

Discipline: Sullivan 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—The responsbility 

for disciplining erring members of the industry 

rests with the guilds to which they 

belong because producer chastisement is 

ineffective, Gael Sullivan, Theatre Owners 

of America executive secretary, told 

the opening meeting of the annual convention 

of the United Theatre Owners 

of Illinois. He did not mention any individual 

by name. 

"Each segment of the industry has its 

own guild and its own definite obligation 

to its members—actors, directors, technicians 

and the others," he said. "Each 

guild has the right and the duty of selfdiscipline. 

Each guild must work aggressively 

to advance the welfare of its worthy, 

conscientious members. Each guild 

should have the grave responsibility to 

discipline those members whom they find 

to be fugitives from moral decency and 

offenders against good taste. That is 

where the real responsibility lies. 

"All the codes in creation will not help 

unless there is some penalty for flaunting 

those codes, and when any members of 

the separate guilds run out on their responsibility 

to the accepted canons of 

good taste and right acting, they should 

be answerable to their guilds and disciplined 

in line with their public offense 

and disciplined also in line with what 

that guild considers a public offense." 

Sullivan said that "Individual producer 

chastisement of any erring star is ineffective 

to prevent any star's further employment. 

Combined producer chastisement 

may well be a violation of the nation's 

laws." 

Ask Atlanta Court Ruling 

On Freedom of Screen 

ATLANTA—U.S. Judge Neil Andrews was 

asked this week to decide whether motion 

pictures come under the freedom of the 

press provision of the Constitution. 

Samuel I. Rosenman. New York, counsel 

for Louis DeRochemont and Film Classics, 

producer and distributor of "Lost Boundaries," 

contended that motion pictures are entitled 

to the same privileges that newspapers and 

other publications receive. Christine Smith, 

city censor, and the board of directors of the 

Carnegie, through attorney J. M. B. Bloodworth, 

argued that films do not come under 

the freedom of the press provision and are 

subject to community censorship. 

Rosenman became nationally known as 

personal adviser to the late President Roosevelt. 

If Judge Andrews upholds Rosenman's 

view, the local board of film censors, and 

similar boards throughout the nation, possibly 

could be outlawed. 

DeRochemont is seeking an injunction 

against enforcement by the board of its banning 

the showing of the racial film on 

ground that it "would adversely affect the 

peace, morals and good order" of the city. 

The legal arguments involved a 35 -yearold 

decision of the Supreme Court in an 

Ohio case that motion pictures do not come 

under the press freedom clause. Rosenman 

argued that the points of the case have been 

swept away by the Supreme Court and asked 

Judge Andrews to "throw away this last 

obstacle." 


, 

Mr. Martin Quigley takes pen in hand... 

.he legend, "Darryl F. Zanuck Presents," gains a new 

and brilliant lustre from its main-title position in association 

with this markedly different kind of motion 

picture. In the imposing storehouse of Zanuck productions 

there is nothing quite like "Three Came Home." 

While stark and realistic at times, it also has moments 

of quiet, restrained power that bespeak a harvest of 

both talent and experience. 

There is a story behind the story. An American 

woman, Agnes Newton Keith, born in Oak Park, Illinois, 

married a British consular agent and went to live 

in North Borneo. She wrote a book telling of her 

experiences when she, the lone American, and 79 Europeans 

became prisoners of the Japanese in the early 

days of the late war. 

^ 

The book became a Book of the Month selection 

and gained a large reading public. It was distinctly 

out of the usual pattern of motion picture stories and 

there was little or no competition for it for screen 

purposes. But Zanuck determinedly acquired it and 

put in train a long series of preparations which included 

the photographing of considerable material in 

Borneo. 

The production which eventually ripened out of 

long and careful preparation is notable in its human 

that audiences long remember. In addition to the efforts 

by the principals two effective performances are contributed 

by Patric Knowles and Florence Desmond. 

The story in which Claudette Colbert plays the real 

life role of the author of the book is depicted untheatrically 

and with a great deal of genuineness. The 

Japanese captors are not made out as melodramatic 

fiends. They are dealt with much more severely by 

means of an authentic interpretation of the true facts 

of their behavior. Hayakawa gives a vivid portrayal 

of the Japanese militarist's confusion of loyalties, 

hatreds and devotions. 

There is an inspiring example of high courage in 

the manner in which the Colbert character and the 

Europeans meet the terror, torment and privation of 

the three years during which they are the captives of 

the oriental horde that once so savagely swept through 

the South Pacific. 

"Three Came Home" seems destined to make a 

sharp impress upon audiences — and upon current 

screen history as well. 

"^/^ also appeared as a 

Reader's Digest Feature, Mr. Quigley. 

impact. While studiously minding its own business in 

telling its story it becomes incidentally a striking argument 

against war and the inhumanities that war breeds. 

Two of the acting performances, by Claudette Colbert 

and the veteran Sessue Hayakawa, are of Academy 

award calibre. Nunnally Johnson makes distinguished 

contributions as the producer and the writer. The di^ 

rection by Jean Negulesco is sharp, sensitive and 

adds up to many moments that are of the stuff 

World Premiere, February 20th, Astor Theatre, New York

— 

ilwaukee Suit Brings 

$1295,000 Verdict 

MILWAUKEE—The Towne Theatre 

here, 

owned by C. J. Pappas and his brother-inlaw 

Andrew M. Spheeris, was awarded damages 

of $1,295,000 in its antitrust suit against 

six major distributors and the two Warner 

Bros, theatre operating concerns. 

The decision of U.S. Judge John P. Barnes, 

handed down last week in Chicago, may have 

far-reaching effects on the clearance arrangement 

in Milwaukee, comparable to that 

which occurred in Chicago as a result of the 

Jack.son Park Theatre verdict. 

Defendants in the Towne case are Loew's, 

Inc.. Paramount Pictures Corp.. RKO, 20th 

Century-Fox, Warner Bros. Distributing 

Corp., Columbia, Warner Circuit 

ment Corp. and Warner Theatres. 

Manage- 

INJUNCTION IS 

GRANTED 

Judge Barnes also granted an injunction 

prohibiting the defendants from "further 

conspiracy to deprive" the Towne of first 

run pictures. The judge did not rule, however, 

on the Towne's petition that the motion 

picture companies be forced to divest 

themselves of their theatre ownership. An 

attache in the judge's office said a ruling 

might be made on that point later. 

In addition to the damages, the judge 

ruled that the Towne should be paid costs 

of its suit and attorney fees. Pappas and 

Spheeris said these costs would "run into 

.several hundred thousand dollars." 

B. P. Burnham, Chicago, counsel for Loew's, 

RKO and Columbia, indicated the verdict 

would be appealed. 

The attorney for the Towne Corp. was 

Thomas C. McConnell of Chicago, the same 

lawyer who broke the old Chicago clearance 

system in 1945 with a victory in the Jackson 

Park case. 

Commenting that no exhibitor could successfully 

operate a first run theatre in Milwaukee 

without "reasonable access" to the 

product of the defendant distributors, Judge 

Barnes gave the following summary: 

AGREEMENT MADE IN 1930 

In July 1930, the defendant distributors 

made an agreement fixing the designation 

of first run theatres and clearances for runs 

of pictures. In July 1933, uniform zoning and 

clearance schedules were drafted for all motion 

picture theatres in Milwaukee zones and 

subzones. 

Subsequent to June 11, 1946, and pursuant 

to an opinion of the statutory court in New 

York they removed from their licensing 

agreement provisions fixing minimum admission 

prices. However, they directed branch 

managers to watch reductions in prices and 

advise the home office of their effects on 

theatres. 

Each chain also maintained that it was 

able to refuse pictures if uniform prices and 

clearance schedules were not maintained. 

As a result, the Towne was prevented from 

buying first run pictures. 

The purpose of the system established 

July 28, 1933, and carried on subsequent to 

June 11, 1946. was a combination and conspiracy 

to restrain trade, the judge held. 

On April 3, 1946, the Towne Corp. started 

to negotiate for the old Miller Theatre. Be- 

Towne Theatre, Milwaukee 

tween April 3 and April 18, the Towne tried 

to get first run pictures and was told that 

the Miller was a second run house and 

not entitled to first run pictures. 

On Aug. 15, 1946, the Miller Theatre was 

closed and the Towne Corp. remodeled it at a 

cost of $200,000. It reopened December 26, 

as the Towne Theatre. The Towne again 

asked the defendants for first run pictures 

and was refused. 

With the exception of a smaller number 

of seats, the theatre is comparable to other 

first run theatres in Milwaukee, and, the 

judge held, the number of seats was not important 

to the case. If they could have obtained 

first run pictures, without restraints, 

they could have grossed as much as other 

theatres, he held. 

Nevertheless, Judge Barnes ruled, the defendants 

knowingly entered into their conspiracy 

to restrain trade. 

GET MORE THAN ASKED 

The case was tried for six weeks last fall 

and winter and the judge took it under advisement. 

The Towne originally asked triple 

damages totaling $1,050,000. but Judge Barnes 

set damages at $431,959.42. totaling $1,295,- 

873.26 under the triple damage provisions of 

the law. Court attaches in Chicago said the 

judge based his decision on what the Towne 

might have grossed but did not. 

Milwaukee's leading theatremen in charge 

of exchanges here, testified. In his closing 

arguments, McConnell said the case was 

unique in one respect. 

"The ordinary conspiracy case," he said, 

"is established by inference and circumstantial 

evidence. Here we have produced direct 

evidence." 

Testimony during the trial frequently alluded 

to the "Wisconsin plan." This plan, 

according to testimony, was an agreement between 

Milwaukee movie distributors to allocate 

first run features and to set minimum 

admission prices. 

To Handle 'Francis' Promotion 

NEW YORK—Benjamin H. Serkowich has 

been engaged by Universal-International for 

special promotions on "Francis." He will work 

on the New York and other key city campaigns. 

Ask SIMPP Support 

In Fight on Decree 

LOS ANGELES—Charging a new form of 

monopoly in the motion picture industry 

"monopoly by nepotism"—the Independent 

Theatre Owners of Southern California and 

Arizona came out swinging in round two of 

its campaign of protest against the reportedly 

impending consent decree on behalf of 20th 

Century-Fox, whereunder Charles P. Skouras 

would be permitted to remain in control of 

National Theatres and its subsidiaries, while 

Spyros Skouras would continue as president 

of 20th Century-Fox. 

In a telegram directed to Ellis Arnall, president 

of the Society of Independent Motion 

Picture Producers, currently in New York, the 

ITO—through its general counsel, Fred 

Weller—sought SIMPP aid by calling for a 

united protest to the Department of Justice 

against divorcement consent decrees under 

U.S. vs. Paramount, which Weller contended 

would permit "the Skouras brothers—and 

other 'brothers' within the Big Five—to divide 

between themselves major motion pictui-e 

exhibition and distribution production interests." 

A few days earlier the ITO had protested 

the reported 20th Century-Fox decree in a 

telegram to Howard McGrath, U.S. attorney 

general, and Herbert Bergson, assistant attorney 

general in charge of the antitrust division. 

McGrath and Bergson were urged to 

give the matter their "earnest reconsideration" 

and were informed that the reports were 

"a severe shock to independent theatre 

owners." 

The ITO's telegram to Arnall charged that 

if the "Skourases, Warners, Balabans, 

Schencks and Loews were enabled to divide 

their respective companies' exhibition and 

distribution-production activities between 

them, there will result a series of monopolies 

out of reach of existing laws because they 

are, presumably, based upon love and affection, 

brother for brother." 

The communique attacked the "baleful effects 

of nepotism in Hollywood production 

organizations" and warned that the alleged 

"monopoly by nepotism" wôuld "gravely 

jeopardize independent producers as well as 

independent theatre owners." 

Ass'n of M. P. Producers 

Re-Elects All Officers 

HOLLYWOOD—All officers of the Ass'n 

of Motion Picture Producers were re-elected 

to serve through 1950 at the organization's 

annual meeting. At the helm are Eric Johnston, 

president: Y. Frank Freeman, board 

chairman: Charles S. Boren, vice-president 

in charge of industrial relations; B. B. Kahane 

and Louis K. Sidney, vice-presidents, 

and James S. Howie, secretary-treasurer. 

Two changes were made in board membership. 

Gordon E. Youngman replaces Leon 

Goldberg, for RKO Radio, and Robert Newman 

replaces Allen Wilson for Republic. 

20th-Fox Names 2 Judges 

NEW YORK—Ted Gamble, head of Gamble 

Enterprises and past Theatre Owners of 

America board chairman, and Reba Schwartz 

of the Capitol Theatre, Dover, Del., have 

joined Trueman Rembusch in accepting the 

invitation of 20th Century-Fox to judge the 

national "Mother Didn't Tell Me" contest. 

18 


I 

< 

' 

U-l Campaigns to Sell 

The Public on a Mule 

— 

By J. M. JERAITLD 

NEW YORK—How do you make the American 

public want to see a mule? 

Answer that question blithely—and effectively, 

of course—and you can qualify as an 

expert merchandiser. 

How do you make the American public 

want to see a talking mule on the screen? 

Answer this one so that the advertising 

researchers will start talking about "wantto-see" 

ratios and "penetration" and you will 

really be going places as an answer man. 

Mules are not noted for their beauty, or 

their spirit. No mule ever appeared in a 

competitive exhibition. Usually they pull 

loads or carry them on their backs. At times 

they are obstinate—even mean. When a mule 

lays his ears back and lets his heels fly 

it's just as well if the target isn't within 

to see the picture and to cogitate. (That's 

what they do before coming up with ideas.) 

Finally, it was decided to show "Francis" 

(the quotes indicate the picture, not the mule) 

to as many moulders of thought as possible 

and to hold sneak previews in key centers 

for exhibitors. These were so numerous they 

broke the record set in "The Egg and I" 

campaign. 

Then it was agreed that the picture should 

be shown to the army in Germany. This 

was done with the help of the Air Force, 

which flew Jackie Coogan. Yvonne DeCarlo, 

Patricia Medina, Louis Andrews, Leslye Banning, 

Donald O'Connor and Peggy Castle, 

along with a number of correspondents, to 

Germany for personal appearances. Louella 

Parsons broadcasted from Germany to this 

country. Showings were put on in Frankfurt, 

Erding, Berlin, Purstenfeldbruch, Neuberg 

and Landsberg. 

range. 

Up to late September no mule ever jabbed 

at stuffed shirts, or punctured balloons, or 

TN the meantime the radio campaign gained 

kidded an army officer, or said all the things 

momentum in this country. Art Linkletter's 

"People Are Funny" program had a 

that a lot of GIs wanted to say while making 

the Asiatic jungles safe for monkeys and 

special contestant on the trip. Three successive 

ABC network shows plugged "Francis" 

unsafe for Japs. 

David Lipton, director of publicity and advertising 

for Universal-International, and 

two Sundays. Walter Winchell reported that 

Fred Allen had described the picture as the 

his aides were confronted by this mule problem. 

Simply telling people that Francis 

funniest he had ever seen. Allen remarked 

that it had been a tossup between Jack 

spelled with an I—was a talking mule, they 

Benny and Francis as to who should get 

figured, would be something like saying the 

the lead in the film, and "he was happy 

Empire State building tower had chromium 

that the jackass with talent had won." 

trimmings. The natural answer to that would 

The American premiere was held February 

be: "What of it?" 

3 at New Orleans, where David Stern, author 

Pictures need "names" and Francis was 

of the story, who also is publisher of the 

well, just a cognomen. 

New Orleans Item, resides. Tlie Crescent 

They went to work on "Francis" and before 

the beginning of February every im- 

City populace stopped chuckling the following 

weekend. 

portant radio commentator and hundreds of 

The slow buildup to this premiere was 

exhibitors had described "Francis" as the 

elaborate. Newsfiapermen received Muletide 

funniest picture they had ever seen. More 

greetings at Christmas. They received Muleimportant, 

from the trade viewpoint, William 

O-Grams before the German showing. They 

A. Scully, vice-president in charge of sales, 

received mule-shoe paperweights to hold 

was selling the picture on percentage. 

down the flow of publicity releases. Four 

Francis went on tour. Everywhere crowds 

of them would have been more effective. 

gathered to watch him flick an ear and to 

U.S. Attorney General J. Howard Mcwait 

for a wisecrack, but Fi'ancis was taciturn. 

Grath was host at a screening in the Academia 

Theatre of the MPAA in Washington. 

Let's go back to the start of the campaign. 

In September Lipton summoned the 

Even the Republicans liked the Democratic 

trademark. 

east and west coast ad staffs to the coast 

The American War Correspondents Ass'n 

Francis at the world premiere in New saw the film at the annual awards dinner 

Orleans, where the "star" participated in in the Hotel Pierre, New York, with many 

a March of Dimes campaign. The mule army and navy officers present. It is being 

will get to as many cities as possible as shown at all army installations in the U.S. 

part of the exploitation for the film. Members of the Washington press corps 

saw the film at the National Press club. 

New York press and radio representatives 

attended a screening at the Museum of 

Modern Art. 

Francis may need vitamins before he gets • 

back to his corral; the campaign has already 

had them. 

r- 

The hilarious talc of 

a Talking Army Mule 

...and a dumb 2nd Looic 

who darn 

wrecked the 

U. S. Army, gfe ^^ j4 TW>^^- 

\ 

7 

DONALD O'CONNOR 

"^1 PATRICIA MEDINA 

• ZASU PITTS 

• 

^»^ RAY COLLINS JOHN MclNTIRE 

^'i^to?' 

and "FVanciS" The-mtmsuml 

o ®

4ST,Wf 

iNCHELL WROTE: 

m;'iL-{OiI:Ii[i 

»h n n maiiiii 

'Gone With The Wind' that promises to 

gross more than that record grosser." 

NOW TO EXHIBITORS EVERYWHERE PARAMOUNT SAYS: 

Please do not use ANY previous ppi 

measuring rod for what Paramoui 

sensational grosses now being re 

25 key engagements clearly indiae 

money attraction like 

CECIL B. De||| 

am$on 

I 

BROTHERHOOD WEEK— February 19-26. 

Brotherhood—for Peace and Freedom. 

Color byE 

Mille s SAMSON AND DELILAH • -• Hedy Lamair-Vi 

uiur by TECHNICOLOR • Produced and Directed by Cecil B DeMille • scr.tnpi.r by !.>•« l toky ir Fr«di 

I

. 

ture - however great - as a 

s greatest can do for you. The 

rded at every one of its first 

that there has never been a 

I LIE'S Paramount Masterpiece . 

lECHNICOLOR 

Tell 

Your Congretiman To Vole 

To Repeol The Movie Ton 

Jijr 

Mature -George Sanders -Angela Lansbury • Henry Wilcoxon 

Prom orlglnBl triatminti by Harold Lamb and Vladimir Jabotlnaky 

• Baaad upon Iha hlalory oi Samaon and Dalllah In tha Holy Bibia, ludgaa 13-16

, and 

^^He^tcutcC S(^^€*tt4^ 

Petitions Roll In 

rVEN in the present early stages of the 

ticket tax fight petitions are being 

signed by the hundreds of thousands and 

a second printing of several million has 

been made. They will be on their way to 

congressmen and senators in every district 

before long, tied in neat packages as fast 

as they come along. 

Already a number of congressmen have 

gone on record in writing in favor of outright 

repeal of the ticket tax. The weak 

link in the chain is in the house ways and 

means committee. Some of the Republican 

members favor repeal, but the Democratic 

members who feel called upon to support 

the administration tax policy are noncommittal. 

Some of them say their votes 

will be conditioned on finding substitute 

tax sources before the excise taxes are 

discarded. 

The campaign is gathering speed. Nothing 

like it has been attempted before. The 

nearest approach to the present technique 

was put on several weeks ago in 

Yonkers where a united protest from 

theatregoers was effective in two days. 

It is obvious that theatre patrons are 

all for repeal. If exhibitors persist in their 

efforts and do not become over-confident, 

the chances are good for action in Congress. 

In several cities newspapers have joined 

in the campaign by giving editorial support. 

The Daily Mirror in New York was 

the first. No exhibitor should fail to present 

his arguments to his local editor. 

We Stand Corrected 

JN THE January 14 issue of BOXOFFICE 

we stated in this column that the 1947 

Pennsylvania law permitting municipalities 

to tax a variety of things, including 

admissions, went through "without notice." 

R. F. Klingensmith, western Pennsylvania 

correspondent for BOXOFFICE, 

challenges this statement. He writes: 

"I want it remembered that Fred J. 

Herrington, veteran secretary of Allied 

MPTO of Western Pennsylvania, fought 

this bill every paragraph of the way for 

weeks, by personal interviews and contacts, 

telephone messages throughout the 

state, bulletins, telegrams. He pleaded for 

a uniform measure iwhen it became obvious 

the bill 

> 

would pass he pleaded 

for a limit, as he visualized some political 

subdivisions going hog-wild with 

their new power of taxation (which is the 

power to destroy!. That happened, of 

course. 

"In 1949 the Permsylvania general assembly 

had to do just that, limit the 

total admission tax in any political subdivision 

to 10 per cent. This nullified the 

effectiveness of any ordinance or resolution 

which called for more than 10 per 

cent, or any measure which affixed 'or 

fraction thereof.' 

"That's what he fought for in 1947. He 

certainly brought the facts before exhibitors 

and other business groups. They 

-By JAMES M. JERAULD 

were apathetic. Now they are hurt—very 

much so." 

We are glad to give Herrington full 

credit for his single-handed fight. Now 

that the results of the general apathy are 

known, it is to be hoped that future efforts 

of leaders like Herrington wiU receive 

general support. 

MPAA Restores Funds 

THE Motion Picture Ass'n of America decision 

to restore financial support for 

the annual award of Oscars by the Academy 

of Motion Picture Ai'ts and Sciences 

will be generally approved. The decision 

will disarm those outside critics who have 

been suggesting that the withdrawal of 

funds was due to the award to "Hamlet," 

a British picture. It will help the industry 

effort to unite behind the Council of Motion 

Picture Organizations in an overall 

public relations program. 

If those producers who have been rushing 

pictures into a one-theatre showing on 

the coast simply for the purpose of qualifying 

will refrain from the practice, there 

will be better feeling all around. 

The publicity value of the awards is 

enormous. 

Black Plague 

JNTRIGUING caption, eh what? Leo F. 

Wolcott, chairman of the board of Allied 

of Iowa and Nebraska and at the same 

time author of some of our favorite literature, 

used it in the January 7 bulletin. 

Says Leo: "When you get a disease you 

attempt to get at the source of the trouble. 

Well, the black plague of the show business 

is auditing. What is the source of 

this dreaded disease? Nothing but percentage. 

It is very easy at this time of the 

year, a few bad grosses, a few bad days 

at below zero weather, not a handful of 

people in your theatre, and you get to 

thinking maybe percentage is OK. Just 

remember, if you don't want the black 

plague, do not sign percentage 'contracts.' " 

Another choice item: "Popcorn sales 

have for a long time been the measure in 

these midwest prau-ies of the popularity 

and drawing power of the stars. Personally, 

I'll stack good ol' Roy Rogers up against 

any of 'em. The 'class' stars, Colbert, 

Crawford, Davis and Garson, are the poorest 

popcorn sellers." 

No literary flourishes, no fancy verbiage 

—just the simple jotting down of thoughts 

of a grassroots philosopher with a talent 

for observing things close at hand. 

Dr. Handel Writes Book 

About Film Audiences 

NEW YORK—The University of Illinois 

Press has scheduled June as the tentative 

publication date of the book. "F^lm Audience 

Research." written by Dr. Leo A. Handel. 

MOM director of audience research. 

The book is the first on this subject and 

Dr. Handel has emphasized the sociological 

and psychological aspects in his study of 

motion picture audiences. 

Jock Lawrence Fills 

Lynn Farnol Post 

NEW YORK—J. 

B. L. "Jock" Lawrence ha.s 

been signed by Samuel Goldwyn Productions 

as vice - president in 

charge of public relations, 

publicity and advertising. 

He succeeds Lynn 

Farnol, who had been 

publicity and advertising 

director for Goldwyn 

for more than 22 

years. Farnol resigned 

Monday (6). 

Lawrence had been 

vice-president of the J. 

Arthur Rank Organization, 

Inc., since early J. B. L. Lawrence 

in 1945. The Rank office here recently dropped 

most of its staff and moved into Universal- 

International office space at Park avenue 

and 57th street. Lawrence has withdrawn 

as vice-president of the Rank organization, 

but will continue in an advisory capacity on 

public relations and as a member of the 

American board of directors. 

From 1933 to 1939 Lawrence was director 

of advertising and publicity and assistant 

to Goldwyn on the coast. Then he became 

executive secretary to the publicity directors' 

committee in Hollywood. 

During the war Lawrence was a colonel and 

served as chief public relations officer in 

the European theatre of operation under 

General Eisenhower. Prior to that, he was 

chief public relations planner for the combined 

operations headquarters of British commandos 

and American rangers. 

Farnol was a lieutenant-colonel with the 

air force public relations office during the 

war and is widely known both inside and 

outside the industry. During the period of his 

association with Goldwyn he has also been 

director of advertising and publicity for 

United Artists. He has been associated with 

Donahue & Coe, handling the Radio City 

Music Hall and other Rockefeller Center accounts. 

An Hour a Day Will 

Keep TV Worry Away 

CHICAGO — Harry M. Warner, on a 

stopover here this week, said there is so 

much loose talk in Hollywood on what 

television is going to do to the film 

business that he is contemplating the 

same ban he put into effect in the early 

1930s. 

"Those were the depression days," he 

said, "and the studios were in bad shape. 

All our employes talked about how bad 

conditions were. So we decided that if 

the employes would concentrate on their 

work instead of worrying about radio and 

the depression we might be able to make 

some good pictures and pull through. So 

we banned all discussions about the depression—except 

between 10 a. m. and 

11 a. m. on Thursdays. That was known 

as the "worry hour" for the week, during 

which we could all cry about conditions. 

"And that's what we're going to do 

now, but instead of depression talk, we'll 

make it no television talk," he said. 


and 

LETTERS 

EXHIBITOR ANSWERS GOLDWYN 

To BOXOFFICE: 

I have read with care . thoroughly 

digested the words of Samuel Goldwyn in 

your January 28 issue concerning the terrible 

attitude of exliibitors toward exploiting 

and advertising pictures. 

We exhibitors always welcome constructive 

criticism from any member of our industry, 

and cherish it even more coming 

from such an artist as Sam Goldwyn. 

However. I think some of Mr. Goldwyn's 

comments were made in haste—without mucli 

thought—and I think we exhibitors have a 

right to explain our point of view. 

CITES SOME PROBLEMS 

Mr. Goldwyn states in no uncertain terms 

that we do not properly advertise and exploit 

American pictures as we should. Since 

this maker of top-grade pictures is not next 

Perhaps Mr. Goldwyn is like AlexaiKier 

Hamilton in that he doesn't believe in the 

basic intelligence of the common man. Maybe 

he feels that you can go on telling them 

each picture is better than the last and 

fool them. But we who are next to the 

public, we who get the dissatisfied looks, 

we who have to listen to the off-color comments 

we can tell you from practical experience 

you can fool them once or twice, 

but. brother, that's all. You definitely can 

cry 'wolf!', which makes it bad when you 

do have a good one. 

'SHOW THEM WHAT THEY WANT' 

I think Mr. Goldwyn has overlooked the 

one thing which has become so evident to 

the exhibitors in tlie last year or so. That 

is the fact that if you are playing what they 

want to see, all you have to do is tell them 

where it is and what time, and they'll go 

see it. On the other hand, if you have something 

they don't want to see, you can beat 

your head against the wall and scream until 

you're hoarse, and you will still just play to 

the u.shers and projectionist. It just shows 

they are picking them carefully. Why? Because 

they have been fooled too many times 

in the past. 

I certainly do not mean by this that the 

exhibitor should eliminate all exploitation 

quite the contrary. But we try to use a 

little common sense. Exploitation properly 

used can mean lots of dollars and cents, but 

exploitation used indiscriminately means 

nothing at all—and can even be injurious. 

In closing, I would like to say one thing 

to all the movie makers as well as Mr. Goldwyn. 

We are at a crossroads in our industry. 

Let's make sure we go the right way. 

Give us more "Male War Brides" and 

— 

"Yellow Ribbons" and "Battlegrounds"—give 

us more pictures that we don't have to exploit 

to get them in, and we will exploit 

them and we'll get back that goodwill of the 

public wliicli we have come close to losing. 

Don't oversell every picture you make, and 

try to make us believe that it's the biggest 

thing you ever did. If you're truthful, you'll 

see how quickly 99 out of 100 exhibitors fall 

in line and play ball. And believe us when 

we tell you we're all trying our best to help 

the industry that butters both your bread 

and mine, for what's good for one is good 

for all. 

Stop and realize, Mr. Goldwyn, that possibly 

exhibitors aren't stubborn, blockheaded 

jackasses—maybe they have a reason for what 

they are doing. 

KEITH COLEMAN 

American and Uptown Theatres, 

Mt. Carmel, 111. 

it through a defense article, by some one 

capable of refuting all the charges that are 

being hurled. Since another article in BOX- 

OFFICE said 20 per cent of the theatres are 

located in towns over 100,000. the remaining 

80 per cent are those exhibitors in towns of 

less than 100.000 of which we are one. Therefore. 

80 per cent of the criticism is directed 

to us small exhibitors. 

Let's take the article in question and feee 

how it could be refuted by a more capable 

per-son than I am. We'll tear it down by 

statements . . . "It is nothing short of disgraceful 

the way these pictures are being 

treated." As I recall it double features were 

resorted to because the exhibitor could not 

get strong enough pictures to get people in 

his theatre and therefore had to resort to 

bargain sale tactics. If the exhibitor had 

been able to get strong enough pictures to 

bring people in there would be no double features 

in theatres now. 

Now in regards to exploitation it says, 

"Goldwyn has just completed four features 

in one season." In our theatre we show 260 

different pictures in one year. Will Mr. Goldwyn 

be so kind as to tell me how that many 

pictures can possibly be exploited. It would 

hardly be fair play to exploit the four pictures 

of Ml-. Goldwyn's and not exploit the 

other producers' picture output. 

Another factor in regards to exploiting.pictures 

that must be taken into consideration 

here in the sticks. Does Mr. Goldwyn give 

reduced rentals if the picture is exploited? 

No. the film rental for a picture is based on 

the gro.ss. either anticipated or actual. The 

exhibitor is faced with tw-o problems—either 

exploit the picture to get Iris film rental 

back or exploit the picture with the distributor 

getting the benefit of the extra gross 

without sharing the extra cost of exploiting. 

Therefore, the exhibitor must exploit 

pictures that will return this extra cost to 

him. though there are a few exceptions such 

as super pictures which he plays simply to 

get patrons into the theatre to sell them on 

coming back in the future. 

SMALL THEATRES NEED HELP 

In regards to the distributor and producer 

selling the picture for the exhibitor: May 

I ask if there is ever an advertisement in a 

magazine or radio announcement or anything 

whatsoever to indicate that the picture 

"Roseanna McCoy" is still being shown in 

the small theatres. You can search high and 

low and find nothing. Any poor exhibitor 

who didn't play it while it was hot is still 

faced with a selling job or take a chance 

on an empty house. But. suppose our friend 

the producer goes all out on a saturation 

campaign on a picture and lo it turns out 

to be a dud. Then, brother, the poor exhibitor 

who didn't play this picture prior to the 

fact it was nationally classed as a dud is 

their spunk. I don't see any sense in losing 

money on both ends of the business. Wish 

that we could do the same occasionally. 

No distributor that I have ever done busi- 

to the public every day. as we are. perhaps 

really up against it. He hasn't a chance of 

lie does not often have occasion to be around ANOTHER EXHIBITOR REPLY 

getting even. 

a theatre at the conclusion of the performance 

of some highly touted, heavily ex- 

To BOXOFFICE: 

In regards to Fox West Coast pulling the 

Ever since I have been able to read ..trade picture out because it did not do any popcorn 

ploited picture that has been sold to us at 

magazines I have resid the same old story or candy business. I can only say I glory in 

top terms, preferred time, and described as 

about exhibitors—the only change in the 

the biggest thing the company has ever done 

criticism being who said it. Never have I 

and is breaking records everywhere. Of 

read about the poor exhibitor defending himself 

or any exhibitor association saying any- 

course, we exhibitors all know without asking 

that each picture is doing 25 per cent 

thing in defense of the poor exhibitor or any 

to 50 per cent more business than the previous 

picture. Perhaps he has never seen 

exploited, all they ever ask is will you give 

ness with gives a hang about how the picture 

defense of any kind. 

is 

I have just finished reading the article 

the dissatisfied looks, nor heard the off-color 

this much rental for the picture? The rental 

in regards to the same criticism by Mr. Samuel 

remarks that we see and hear as they leave 

for us, and the exhibitor can get it back the 

—feeling our exploitation misled them. 

Goldwyn. 

best he can. If Mr. Goldwyn wants the exhibitor 

to exploit his pictures why doesn't 

Why don't you give the exhibitors' side of 

he make allowances for this when setting up 

liis rentals for the theatre, and make it encouraging 

for the exhibitor to get out and 

.sell the picture? 

SELL AS BEST AS CAN 

Still 260 pictures is a lot of pictures and 

we still sell them the best we can and, 

brother, if the returns on these 260 give us 

enough to keep the wolf from our door we're 

thankful. And Mr. Goldwyn is worrying about 

four pictures. 

I believe that if you could get some capable 

exhibitor to defend the rest of us poor exhibitors 

it could be proved that most of the 

smoke comes from a producer or distributor 

covering up some bad product that the public 

doesn't want and. rather than go ahead and 

call it a dud. uses the excuse that the exhibitor 

isn't selling the picture. 

Ti-ust that you can understand why it 

makes me so hot to hear the same exhibitor 

taken over the fire by every one every so 

often. 

Swiss Theatre, 

Tell City. Ind. 

SILVER RALEY 

White Crocus Plans Film 

NEW YORK—"Edge of Innocence" has 

been selected as the title for the film White 

Crocus Productions will start shortly, according 

to Fred Pressburger and Peter 

Packer, production heads, who are also writing 

the scenario. It is being adapted from 

a novel by Packer. "White Crocus." Joseph 

Brun. recently elected to the American Society 

of Cinematographers, has been signed 

as cameraman. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 23

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Me. •Stole, Calais. Me. •Copitol, Hillsboro, N.H. • State, 

ton. Me. • Savoy, Northfield, Vt. • lotchis, Claremont, N.H. • loll > 

Keene, N.H. • Ployhouse, Randolph, Vt. • Eost Greenwich, 

Greenwich, R.I. • Vîndsor, Windsor, Vt. • Ideal, Springfield, 

20th Century, Buffalo, N.Y. • Jefferson, Auburn, N.Y. • Fan 

Batovio, N.Y. • lafoyelte, Botovio, N.Y. • Capitol, Binghomlon, I 

State, Cortland, N.Y. •Regent, Dunkirk, N.Y. • Regent, Elmiro, I 

Genevo, Genevo, N.Y. •Temple, Geneva, N.Y. • Strand, Ithaca, 

Y. • Wintergorden, Jomeslown, N.Y. • Colarocl, Niagara Falls, I 

Havens, Oleon, N.Y. • 

K.Y. • Playhouse, Conandaigua, N.Y, • Bobcocic, Both, NY.A^ 

lum. Perry, N.Y. • Elmwood, Penn Yon, N.Y.»Fo«, Coming, 

Si 

.rk, N.Y •Strond, Seneca Foils, NY. •Grond, w 

eneco, Salomonca, N.Y, •RIalt 

N.Y. • Riollo, lockporl, NY. 

:t|, Daylon, O. • Folate. ColuKlbui, O. • Puloce, Huntingloa,' 

Willlomson. W.^'a, • Var 

Athens. O, • Store, Springfield. O. • Wayne, Gr. 

Newark, O. • MiomI Weslern, Oxford. O. • Stole. Washington CT"' 

LOEWS INC • WARNER • SKIRtALl THEATRES • TEO GAMBLE THEATRES • SHEA • SCHINE • UNITED PARAMOUNT NORTHIO CIRCUIT • DARNELL THEAT HI 

ASSOaATED THEATRU (Cleveland) • CO-OP THEATRES OF OHIO (Cleveland) • ASSOCIATED THEATRES (Cincinnati) • CO-OP THEATRES OF OHIO (CIntlnni Xm, 

Hippodrome, Gloveriville, N.Y. -Olyi c, Watertown, N.Y. • Riolto, 

Glons Folli, N.Y. •Riollo, little Fo N.Y. •State, Tupper lake, 

N.Y. • SItond. Ogdensburg, N.Y. 'ontiac, Saranoc lake, N.Y. 

General Storke, Bennington, Vt. • . IRiolto, Potidam, N.Y. • lyric, 

Rouie'i Point. N.Y. • AmericQi), Conton, N.Y. • Riolto, Amsterdom, 

N.Y. -Slrond, Carthoge, N.Y. • Stole, Hamilton, N.Y. • Molone, 

lo, N.Y. •Oneonto, Oneonto, N.Y. 

N.Y. -Ho «ood, AuSoble Forki, N.Y. • Grolyn, 

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RICAN THEATRE ORCUIT • UNITED PARAMOUNT NEW ENGLAND THEATRES • INTERSTATE THEATRES OF MASS. • MAINE & NEW HAMPSHim THlATRiS 

State, London, O. • Hafrod, Horrodsbu 

Michigon City, Ind. • doxy, la 

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Bridgeoprt, Conn. 

Mayivillo, Ky. • 

Stote, Limo, O. • Modii 

M. Loew, Hartford, Conn. ' Copitol, Meriden, Conn. ' Poli, Norwich 

a. London, Ky. 

Poiomount, Sleubenville. 

Conn. • Empress, S. Norwolk, Conn. ' Ploio, Stomford, Conn. • Modi 

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Woosler, Wooitet, O. • 

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'iôU^fewMd êîont 

By 

IVAN SPEAR 

Story Sales Climb to 12; 

MGM Buys Four Yarns 

With an impressive total of 12 sales recorded 

during the period, the story market 

broke wide open as MGM set the pace for 

the field by acquiring no less than four sub- 

jects. To Leo's lair went "The Loco Motive," 

detective yarn by Craig Rice and Stuart 

Palmer, which is being scripted by William 

Bowers and will be produced by William H. 

Wright; "Darling, I'm Stuck," an original 

comedy about a Broadway hoofer, by Ruth 

Brooks Plippen, also to be produced by 

Wright; "This Is News," a newspaper-background 

yarn by Jerry Horwin. which was 

added to Nicholas Nayfack's production slate, 

with Irwin Gielgud set to script; and "When 

In Rome," by Robert Buckner, dealing with 

a priest who visits the Italian capital during 

Holy Year. Clarence Brown will produce and 

direct . . . Two properties went to RKO Radio. 

"Target." forthcoming magazine serial by 

Martin Goldsmith and Jack Leonard, will be 

produced by Stanley Rubin as a starring subject 

for Charles McGraw; "No Place Like 

Home," a historical western by William R. 

Cox and William R. Lipman, goes on the 

studio docket as a John Wayne topliner . . 

. 

To his production schedule at Columbia 

William Etozier added "The Nice Mrs. Gary." 

an original by Mary McCarthy . . . Producer 

Joe Kaufman acquired from Roy Del Ruth 

Productions a screen treatment of "The Lady 

and the Tiger," short story by Pi-ank Stockton 

for independent production. 

Prank Ross purchased "Save Your Kisses," 

an original comedy by Ross and Robert 

Russell . . . Norma Productions—the Burt 

Lancaster-Harold Hecht company—picked up 

"Our Enemy, the Baby," by Hugo Butler and 

Jean Rouverol, and booked the authors to 

write the screenplay Pacific," 

by George Waggner, went to War- 

SIGmNG THE DEAL—President Steve 

Broidy (seated) of Monogram affixes his 

signature to the contract whereby David 

Diamond (right) is bringing to the 

screen, for Monogram release, "A Modern 

Marriage," story of the problems arising 

from a young girl's frigidity in marriage. 

The subject bears the endorsement 

of the American Institute of Family Relations, 

of which Dr. Paul Popenoe (left) 

is the director, and is based on a case 

history from its files. 

ners, where it will be prepared as a costarring 

subject for John Wayne and Virginia 

Mayo . inclusion in the forthcoming 

"Queen for a Day." Robert Stillman 

Pi'oductions purchased "The Gossamer 

World." a .short story by Faith Baldwin. 

"Queen" will be Stillman's second project for 

United Artists release. 

Three Producers Pitching 

For Baseball Film Fare 

World leaders may fret over the H-bomb, 

the populace may stew over high taxes, the 

coal strike may cripple a vast segment of 

U.S. industrial production, but spring is just 

around the corner—which, to a substantial 

proportion of American citizenry, means just 

one thing: 

The 1950 baseball season is almost here. 

And, foreshadowing the crack of bats and 

the roar of "Kill the umpire!" from millions 

of throats that will ensue when the season 

gets under way, the magi of production are 

paying more than ordinary attention to the 

revenue possibilities inherent in film fare 

glorifying that great national pastime. Seldom, 

in recent years, has there been such 

widespread interest in baseball as the subject 

for screen entertainment. 

Over at Warners, for example, an early 

camera start has been set for "Elmer the 

Great." adapted from the widely read Ring 

Lardner story, and to insure authenticity as 

well as add exploitation value thereto, the 

studio has booked both the New York Yankees 

and the St. Louis Cardinals to appear 

in the picture. 

A similar move has been made by MGM, 

which signed 30 pro and semi-pro horsehiders 

to appear in diamond sequences in 

"Three Little Words," including stars of such 

teams as the Detroit Tigers, the Boston Red 

Sox, the Chicago White Sox and the Hollywood 

Stars. 

Eagle Lion, meantime, is readying "The 

Jackie Robinson Story," a biography of, and 

starring, the celebrated Negro athlete and 

Brooklyn Dodgers star; and Columbia has 

already completed, as a William Bendix 

topliner, a baseball comedy appropriately 

titled "Kill the Umpire." 

Armand Deutsch to Produce 

The Magnificent Yankee' 

Armand Deutsch has been set to produce 

MGM's "The Magnificent Yankee," starring 

. 

Louis Calhern in the film version of Emmet 

Lavery's Broadway play Mate replaces 

Leslie Fenton as megaphonist on 

"Montana Rides." with Fenton switched to 

Stephen Auer and Phil 

"The Jewel" . . . 

Ford are set as producer and director, respectively, 

on Republic's "State PoUce Patrol" 

. . "Tall Timber" will be Lindsley 

. 

Parsons' next production toplining Roddy 

McDowall for Monogram release . . 20th 

. 

Century-Fox's "Lydia Bailey." to be produced 

by Sol C. Siegel. is being .scripted by 

Charles O'Neal . . . Milton Krims is screenplaying 

"Christmas Present," from a novel 

by Margaret Cousins, for Producer Samuel 

Goldwyn. 

LOBBY HUDDLE 

Toppers of Lippert Productions hold 

a sidewalk conference to discuss audience 

reactions after the first sneak preview 

of "The Baron of Arizona," staged 

at Fox West Coast's first run Ritz Theatre 

in Los Angeles. The chit-chatters, 

left to right: Al Grubstick, assistant 

sales chief; Arthur Greenblatt, 

general sales manager; William Pizor, 

vice-president in charge of foreign distribution; 

and President Robert L. Lippert. 

"The Baron" will be world-premiered 

March 1 at the Orpheum Theatre 

in Phoenix. 

Torero' Is Bullfight Subject 

On Republic-Wayne Slate 

Add another one to the bullfight cycle. 

Under terms of his ticket as an independent 

producer releasing through Republic, John 

Wayne will produce and star in "Torero," a 

matador melodrama, which he plans to shoot 

on locatidn in Mexico. Oscar Boetticher has 

been set to direct and Grant Withers will 

function as Wayne's associate producer. No 

starting date has been scheduled. 

The Wayne project is the third to embrace 

the not-so-gentle art of matching man 

against bull. Set for an early launching is 

"The Brave Bulls," which Robert Rossen will 

produce and direct for Columbia release, 

while MGM recently acquired "Montes, the 

Matador," which Jack Cummings will produce 

as a starring vehicle for Ricardo Montalban. 

'Condemned to Live' Set 

For Eagle Lion Release 

Current headline hysteria concerning socalled 

"mercy killings" have led Eagle Lion 

to capitalize thereon by setting a deal to 

release "Condemned to Live," an exploitation 

subject to be produced by Walter Jurmann. 

With shooting scheduled to begin 

in April, the script has been completed by 

Ken Britton. It will be filmed almost entirely 

on location in a typical, but as yet 

unselected, American small-town. 

Claudette Colbert Signed 

For 'All About Eve' Role 

Claudette Colbert was inked by 20th Century-Fox 

to co-star with Anne Baxter in "AH 

About Eve," being scripted and to be directed 

by Joseph Mankiewicz 

Productions booked Actor 

. . . Lippert 

Don Castle on a 

one-year ticket and .set him for the lead in 

"Highway Patrol." 


nAGINC ISLAND.. 

^%^ 

ThSs Ss /T! 

THE PLACE: 

STROMBOLI 

THE STAR: 

THE INSPIRED 

UNDER 

:^mm^ 

DIRECTION OF 

ROSSELLI 

Produced and Directed by Roberto Rossellini • Released by RKO Radio Pictures

HAGINC PASSIONS! 

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. . The 

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SAILOR JULES MUNSHIN AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL 

STUDENT ANN MILLER DANCE IN A MUSEUM 

ALICE PEARCE, THE •IMPOSSIBLE" ROOMMATE. 

TRIES TO CONSOLE GENE KELLY FOR VERA-ELLEN 

SIX GAY YOUNG PEOPLE IN A ROMANTIC SETTING 

ON EMPIRE STATE BUILDING REST FROM DANCING 

'On the Town' Is January Winner 

Of Boxoffice Blue Ribbon Award 

By VELMA WEST SYKES 

JÊTRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER again carries off the BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award 

honors, the January winner being "On the Town," sparkling screen musical comedy starring 

Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra. Jules Munshin. Betty Garrett, Ann Miller and Vera- 

Ellen. Patrons take a Cook's Tour of New York City with three lively sailors and their gals, 

whose singing and dancing spell entertainment for family audiences that enjoy its beauty 

of color and costume, its action and gay tunes as well as its light-hearted, episodic story. 

National Screen Council members voted it the picture currently playing which was most 

likely to prove pleasing as whole family entertainment, and was also outstanding in many 

respects. In addition to leading the dance sequences which form the top entertainment in 

the film. Gene Kelly acts as co-director. 

The review carried in BOXOFFICE, issue 

of December 10, 1949, described the picture 

in these terms: "MGM has turned out a 

lavish, sparkling musical comedy in Technicolor 

loaded with gay tunes, smart dancing 

and ticket-selling names. Gene Kelly, Frank 

Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, Jules 

Munshin and Vera-EUen recreate the characters 

of the Adolph Green-Betty Comden 

Broadway show that scored a hit several seasons 

back ... It rates A playing time and top 

budget advertising and exploitation . . . The 

dance sequences with Kelly, Miss Miller and 

Vera-Ellen are standouts." 

Delightful for the Family 

According to the MPAA Green Sheet, 

"Superlatives are needed to catch the flavor 

of warm, gay, beautifully-produced comedy 

which retains pleasing air of fantasy . . . 

a 

There is expert and novel dancing, tuneful 

singing and dialog that is fast and funny. The 

Bernstein music heightens the mood of a 

picture that is delightful entertainment for 

the whole family." 

In UNBIASED OPINIONS (Fox West Coast 

Theatres), the California PTA is quoted: "Recommended 

as light entertainment for the 

The eastern committee of 

family" . . . 

G.F.W.C. calls it, "delightful cinematic entertainment 

for the whole family" . Protestant 

Motion Picture Council mentions, 

"There are some fine dancing sequences by 

Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen." And the Los Angeles 

Council of Jewish Women says "it proves 

Gabey 

Gene Kelly 

Chip 

Frank Sinatra 

Brunhilde Esterhazy Betty Garrett 

Claire Huddesen Ann Miller 

Ozsie 

Jules Munshin 

Executive Producer Louis B. Mayer 

Produced by 

Arthur Freed 

Directed by Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen 

Associate Producer 

Roger Edens 

Screenplay by lalso original by) 

Adolph Green, Betty Comden 

From Idea by 

Jerome Robbins 

Music by 

Leonard Bernstein 

Lyrics by Adolph Green, 

Betty Comden, Leonard Bernstein 

Musical Director 

Lennie Hayton 

Orchestrations by Conrad Salinger 

Vocal Arrangements by Saul Chaplin 

delightful entertainment for those who like 

good clean fun." According to the Southern 

California Council of Church Women: "Beautiful 

dancing, gay lyrics, and vivid Technicolor 

provide a rare treat for the young and 

young in heart." 

From the first run reports obtained on 

engagements in key cities, "On the Town" 

has been given an average of 154, with holdovers 

predominating. It is an 11-plus picture 

in the Review Digest, and it starts 1950 for 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer with a winner — the 

company that won five out of the 12 Blue 

Ribbon awards for 1949. This will be 

the fifth Plaque received by Producer Arthur 

Freed and the third for actors Gene Kelly, 

Frank Sinatra and Ann Miller. Among the 

players, Betty Garrett and Jules Munshin 

now have two Blue Ribbons, Vera-Ellen a 

single. On the production staff, Stanley 

Donen, Adolph Green and Betty Comden now 

have two each. 

Ballots of the National Screen Council 

members contained comments in many instances, 

a few of which are given here: 

"A gay, bouncing comedy of sailors on the 

loose in the world's greatest fun city. What 

more could any family ask?" writes Russell 

Rhodes, New York Journal of Commerce. (He 

could be prejudiced, of course. Maybe we'd 

better quote from out-of-town members.) 

"Such gay fun." Elisabeth Murray, Long 

Beach Teachers' Ass'n . a musical it 

shows more originality than anything Hollywood 

has turned out in a long time."—Tom R. 

Gilliam jr., Fort Wayne Journal Gazette . . . 

"Any Gene Kelly movie can be depended 

The Cast 

upon as first rate entertainment."—Henry 

Decker, Frederick (Md.) News Post. 

"Wholesome entertainment, bright, catchy 

musical numbers that the teen-agers adored." 

—Mrs. W. H. Barker, San Antonio Motion 

Picture Council. 

Ivy Smith 

Mme. Dilyovska 

Lucy Shmeeler 

Professor 

Production Staii 

Vera-Ellen 

Florence Bates 

Alice Pearce 

George Meader 

Director of Photography 

Harold Rosson, A.S.C. 

Technicolor Color Coiisultants 

Henri Jaffa, James Gooch 

Art Directors 

Cedric Gibbons, Jack Martin Smith 

Fihn Editor Ralph E. Winters 

Recording Supervisor Douglas Shearer 

Set Decorations by Edwin B. Willis 

Associate 

Jack D. Moore 

Special Effects by Warren Newcombe 

Costumes by 

Helen Rose 

Hair Styles Designed bj/..Sydney Guilaroff 

Make-Up Created by 

Jack Dawn 

!J This Award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstanding merit 

and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio 

film commentators, and representatives of bette- film councils, civic and educational organizations.

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TV Building Audiences 

For Westerns: Lippert 

NEW YORK—The dynamic Robert L. 

Lippert, 

exhibitor and president of Lippert Productions, 

expounded on television's influence 

on audiences for westerns, the increase in 

drive-ins, the difficulties in securing independent 

financing and Samuel Goldwyn's recent 

gripes about exhibitors on his recent 

visit to Manhattan. Lippert. who came east 

to talk to exhibitors about his big-budget 

film. "The Baron of Arizona" started back 

west February 6 and gave luncheons for 

75 to 100 exhibitors and circuit buyers in 

Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and 

Kansas City before February 11. 

The opening of "The Baron of Arizona" 

will be held in Phoenix. Ariz., March 1 with 

Vincent Price and Ellen Drew, stars of the 

picture, and other Hollywood stars present. 

Immediately after the opening the film is 

booked day-and-date in every theatre in 

Arizona. Lippert said. A $100,000 ad campaign 

will start in March and the picture 

will be plugged in 15 top radio shows starting 

late in February. 

Lippert believes that the film industry 

should "work with television instead of ignoring 

it" and should make television trailers 

plugging new releases. In Los Angeles, 

which has more television sets per person 

than any other city in the U.S., neighborhood 

theatre business is off 40 per cent and 

first runs off 20 per cent. However. "Hopalong 

Cassidy" has staged a comeback due 

to television and Lippert was influenced to 

make a series of westerns starring James 

Ellison and Russell Hayden (two former 

"Hopalong" stars) due to their popularity 

with kids at a recent personal appearance 

in the Los Angeles area. 

Drive-ins are also hurting business at regular 

theatres in the west and one of the 

Denver drive-ins is doing bigger business 

than any downtown spot there, he said. Theatre 

television will never compete with home 

sets, except in the rare cases of an outstanding 

sports event. Regarding Samuel 

Goldwyn's recent criticism of exhibitors. Lippert 

scoffed at it and classed the veteran 

producer as one who should step out of the 

industry in favor of "younger blood with new 

ideas." 

The independent producer is still finding 

it difficult to secure financing for his lowbudget 

films. Lippert gets most of his financing 

from private individuals or companies. 

Walter Heller Co. put up the money 

for seven of his recent films. Lippert claims 

he made a profit of $400,000. before taxes, 

for the first 11 months of 1949. 

Lippert. who owns or controls 64 theatres 

in northern California and Washington, also 

has bought out 11 of the 34 Screen Guild 

exchanges. The others are owned by franchiseholders. 

He recently put on seven more 

salesmen for the Lippert 1949-50 program 

and added a midwest division manager. Harris 

Dudelson. formerly with Eagle Lion. 

Dudelson will make his headquarters in 

Detroit. 

Star's Pulpit Appearance 

Gets Plenty Publicity 

NEW YORK—Colleen Townsend's appearance 

in Punxsutawney, Pa., where she 

preached from the pulpit of the local Presbyterian 

church Sunday (Feb. 5). brought a 

barrage of publicity for the 20th Century-Fox 

star, who recently announced that she was 

leaving the screen to devote herself to religion. 

Twenty-three wire service representatives, 

reporters and photographers attended the 

Punxsutawney event and special stories and 

pictures appeared in the Herald Tribune. 

Daily News. Compass. World Telegram and 

Journal American. Miss Townsend appeared 

in Punxsutawney at the opening of her latest 

picture, "When Willie Comes Marching- 

Home," February 4. 

Terrell Now Heads MGM Exploitation 

NEW YORK — Dan S. Terrell took ovei 

operation of the MGM exploitation depart- 

.„ ment on Monday (6), 

succeeding 

^^1^^ 

WiUiam R. 

^^^^B^ Ferguson, who retired 

M after 30 years with the 

Fg^ 

Î company. Terrell was 

m tPj *fcy If 

assistant to Ernest 

* Emerling, advertising 

and publicity head for 

Loew's, Inc. for the 

past four years. 

Dan S. Terrell 

Terrell has already 

held meetings with 

Frank Whitbeck, MGM 

studio advertising 

head, and Ralph 

Wheelwright, assistant to Howard Stickland. 

and plans to visit the Culver studio shortly 

for meetings with the publicity and advertising 

staffs. 

William R. Fergruson (left) is seen with 

J. Robert Rubin, Loew's vice-president 

(center) and Charles C. Moskowitz, 

Loew's vice-president and treasurer, at his 

farewell luncheon last week. 

Theatre 

Openings and 

CONSTRUCTION: 

Construction, 

Sales 

Alvin, Tex.—Roy Lambden and M. A. Matlock constructing 

Tex Theatre, 500 seats. To open in April. 

Berryville, Ark.—Site on Highway 62 selected by 

Mo-Kan Dnve-In, Inc., lor 200-car drive-in. 

Berryville, Ark.— J. Fred Brown has begun rebuilding 

of tire-destroyed Ozark. 

Blythe. Calii.—Bob Dunmgan building 500-car 

drive-in. 

Charlotte, N. C—70Q-seat, $100,000 Belvedere under 

way lor Herb, Hal and Art Sherman, Sherman Enter- 

Forest, Tex.—Rebuilding of the fire-destroyed Forest 

Thecrtre begun by co-owners Mrs. Nettie Brown 

and Central States Theatres Corp. 

Fort Worth, Tex.—Bids being taken by E. Foster 

J, 

i Son for $250,000, 1.000-seat Weslcliff. 

Honey Grove, Tex.—Work under way on 79J-seat 

Stale. 

Houston. Tex.—Construction started on $400,000 

shopping center to include theatre. 

North Fort Worth, Tex.—Line Harrington and as 

sociates building drive-in, with Jack Corgan as 

architect. 

Oil City, Pa,— Construction begun on drive-in for 

Arthur Kunes. 

Pratlville, Ala.—G. C. Coburn and sons Grover R., 

I- T. and H. D. Coburn building $75,000 drive-in on 

Highway 31. 

Providence, R. I.— Liberty Theatre undergoing $60,- 

000 renovations for Samuel Homes. 

Tompkinsville, Ky.—Midstate Theatres, Inc., purchased 

site for construction of 1,000-seat theatre. 

OPENINGS: 

Bryson City, N. C.—Gem opened by Gomer Martin. 

Miss.—525-seal Ritz opened by J. C. 

Moore 

Cuero. Tex.—$35,000 Cuero D: -In opened by 

Video Independent Theatres, Inc. 

Curtis, Neb.—425-seaf, $60,000 Star opened. 

De Land, Fla.—R. E. Hawker and H. W. Alexander 

opened 300-car drive-in. 

Elmer. N. J.—Star opened. 

Hermleigh. Tex.—Ken, 279 seats, opened by J. H. 

Hutcheson. 

Leesburg, Fla.—Carver, 300 seats, opened by R. A. 

Getford. 

Providence, R. I.— 1,000-seat Elmwood opened by 

Ralph Snider circuit. 

Salisbury, Pa.—750-seat Village opened by T. J. 

Cramblett. 

Sterling, Okla.—Friendship Theatre opened by Jim 

Mote alter rebuilding. 

Whitesburg, Ky.—300-seat Alene opened by Cumberland 

Amusement Co, 

SALES: 

Carnegie, Okla.—Nu-Sho sold to H. D. Cox and 

Clint Applewhite by George Payne. 

Carnegie, Okla.—H. D. Cox and Clint Applewhite 

purchased Liberty from Carl Hartman. 

Detroit, Mich.— Martin H. Popielarski has taken 

over the Forest from Edward Jacobson. 

Grand Rapids, Mich.—Albert May purchased Art 

from Milton lacobson. 

Harrison, Arlc.—250-car drive-in under way f'r 

Nichols (S Hinze purchased by Commonwealth Amusement 

Co. 

Mexico, Mo.—500-car Little Dixie Drive-ln, under 

construction, purchased by Frisina Amusement Co. 

Quitman, Ark.—Forace Kennedy bought Quitman 

Theatre. 

Racine. Wis.—Main Street purchased by Joseph J. 

Lee and Alvin Slutz from Standard Thealres. 

ry. Conn.—Raymond Joyce sold 460-seal Eno 

Me 

jle. Mo.—Henry Pickens purchased Semo from 

: A. Gilliland. 

Wakaw, Sosk.—240-seat Wakaw sold by George 

lerzowsky to Steve Sryniuck. 

Ten Republic Releases 

For February, March 

HOLLYWOOD—Republic will put in national 

release 10 features during the current 

month and March. 

This month's releases include "Gunmen of 

Abilene." February 6: "The Arizona Cowboy" 

(15); "Singing Guns" and "Tarnished" (28). 

The March lineup includes "Federal Agent at 

Large" (12); "Twilight in the Sierras" (22); 

"The House by the River" and "Code of the 

Silver Sage" (25); "Harbor of Missing Men" 

(26); and "The Vanishing Westerner" (31). 

32 


CHESTER FRIEDMAN 

EDITOR 

HUGH E. FRAZE 

Associate Editor 

SECTION 

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN 

^-(l5omb 

If the enthusiasm displayed by 

New York theatre managers can be 

accepted as a criterion, the effort 

to enlist public sympathy in the crusade 

to repeal the federal tax on 

admissions is succeeding. 

During the past week, inspection 

of theatres in this area revealed 

that the material furnished by the 

committee leading the repeal campaign 

is in good hands. The effort 

and result leave nothing to be desired. 

Nor does the enthusiasm of 

audiences after seeing trailers and 

newsreels urging public support. 

If the industry maintains this unified 

effort, continued support of 

news-disseminating agencies and 

rising public interest could provide 

Congress with a T-type of bomb, 

one with greater explosive force 

than any other fissionable product. 

* * * 

In this week's mail we received 

evidence of a promotion from an exhibitor 

on what he calls a piece of 

timely showmanship. The contributor 

writes that he feels he deserves 

"mention." We hasten to accede. 

To this exhibitor, the recent million-dollar 

holdup of the Brinks 

company in Boston and a booking 

two days later of a short subject 

titled, "So You Want to Get Rich," 

was coincidental and offered opportunity 

for special exploitation. 

Whereupon he rushed to the newspaper 

office and inserted an advertisement 

asserting that the Boston 

robbery might have been "inspired" 

by "So You Want to Get Rich." 

For years, meddlers, reformers 

and crackpots have tried unsuccessfully 

to indict this industry as a contributing 

influence on delinquency 

and crime. Educators, psychiatrists 

and a free press have been our 

strongest allies in disproving these 

accusations. 

Every bit of film on the screen is 

deserving of exploitation. In our 

anxiety to prove we are showmen, 

let's first make a careful analysis of 

the effect each promotion will have 

on industry relations with the public. 

And let's be careful that in our 

eagerness, we do not furnish agencies 

hostile to our industry with ideas 

which can boomerang. 

Three Texas Showmen 

Win January Bonuses 

Bill McSpedden 

Julius Henderson 

Bill Hendrix 

Texas, the largest state, and the leading 

cotton and petroleum producing state, also 

produced a bumper crop of BOXOFFICE 

Bonus winners during January. Three exhibitors 

from the Lone Star state submitted outstanding 

ideas and promotions to the Showmandiser 

section and were each awarded $10 

and a Citation of Honor from BOXOFFICE. 

J. Jantz, a novice exhibitor operating the 

Fi-ost (Tex.) Theatre, developed a house program 

of special merit and several ingenious 

features. G. W. Amerine, who operates the 

Jewel at Humble, took top honors in the lobby 

display category. The most noteworthy newspaper 

advertisement submitted during the 

month came from James Alexander, manager 

of the Wallace Theatre, Sundown. 

Apparently showmanship developed regionally, 

with two Bonus winners representing 

North Carolina and an equal number from 

Ohio. O. D. Calhoun, owner-manager of the 

Carolina. Spruce Pine, N. C. led the entries 

in the General Tieup classification. Bill 

Hendrix, manager of the Rockingham Theatre, 

Reidsville, N. C was cited for exceptional 

showmanship promoting "Father Was a Fullback." 

A co-op ad earned a Bonus for Jack 

Mitchell, manager of the Weslin Theatre, 

Massillon, Ohio; and Millard Ochs. manager 

of the Strand, Akron, led all submissions for 

a campaign on "The Hasty Heart." 

An adaptation of an original idea in which 

two newspapers published a photo of several 

collie dogs watching a screening of "Master 

of Lassie" earned high commendation and a 

Bonus for an overseas contributor, C. H. G. 

Evill. manager of the Coliseum Cinema. Whitley 

Bay, Northumberland, England. 

Julius Henderson, manager of the Strand 

in Jacksonville. Fla.. earned a Bonus for a 

low-cost theatre front he created for "Mighty 

Joe Young." 

Skillful handling of an unusual newspaper 

plant by Bill McSpedden, manager of the 

Palace, Greenville, Ky.. earned a $10 Bonus 

and a Citation of Honor. 

The January Bonus was the 33rd consecu- 

monthly award of $100 offered by BOX- 

tive 

OFFICE for outstanding promotions or ideas 

administered by theatre managers, assistants 

and publicity managers in behalf of the boxoffice 

and public relations in behalf of the 

theatre. Bonuses of $10 plus a Citation of 

Honor are presented for theatre fronts, lobby 

displays, co-op ads and tieups and each individual 

facet of exploitation. 

Millard Ochs 

Jack Mitchell 

James Alexander 

G, W. Amerine 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Feb. 11, 1950 —49— 33

BOXOFFICE Bonus 

For Brotherhood Week 

• Offering special encouragement to theatremen during the Brotherhood 

week drive, February 19-26, BOXOFFICE will present a special Bonus 

and a Citation of Honor to the manager, assistant manager or theatre 

publicist who enrolls the greatest number of members during the 1950 

drive as a result of personal and theatre promotion. 

• Announcement of the special Brotherhood Bonus vnnner will be made 

in the March 11th issue of BOXOFFICE. The wirming manager will receive 

$10 and a Citation as evidence of outstanding support and achievement 

in behalf of the industry's participation in Brotherhood week. 

• Campaigns should be forwarded to: The Showmandiser, BOXOFFICE, 

9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, N. Y. They should be postmarked no 

later than midnight, February 28. Attached to each campaign must be a 

copy of the report on enrollment of members which goes to the regional 

exhibitor chairman of the Brotherhood week committee. 

Score Guessing Snags 

Grid Game Broadcast 

Loren Parker, manager of the Liberty in 

Cumberland. Md.. tied up with a new radio 

station in the community to obtain plugs for 

"Easy Living" and "Apache Chief." Parker 

took advantage of the fact that the opening 

broadcast of the new station was the Los Angeles 

Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles football 

game. He accordingly arranged a score-guessing 

contest, awarding passes to those coming 

ci-...sest to the actual score. Each time the 

contest was announced, the two film attractions 

and the Liberty playdates were mentioned. 

Another contest which paid off recently at 

the Liberty was a "wild tie" contest as an 

aftermath of the recent holiday season. 

Parker inyited all men who received loud ties 

for Christmas gifts to enter a free-for-all 

contest on the theatre stage. Guest tickets 

went to those with ties of the more flamboyant 

hues and patterns. 

Class A Entertainment 

Sold as 'Must See' List 

W. S. Baskin jr., manager of the Florida, 

Daytona Beach. Fla.. designated a recent 

week's attractions as "Class A entertainment 

with bookings of top hits for patrons' 'must 

see' list." The idea was advertised through 

all facets of promotion, and a special lobby 

display attracted favorable comments. 

To exploit "Always Leave Them Laughing," 

an usher dressed in tuxedo jacket, top 

hat and a pair of patched trousers circulated 

around city streets, provoking laughter 

from pedestrians. A sign on his back 

announced the picture playdates. 

Plants 'Holiday' Story 

Andy Sette, manager of the Capitol. Springfield, 

Mass., got several breaks on "Holiday 

Affair" in the local dailies when be notified 

them that Wendell Corey, a featured player in 

the film, was at one time active in a dramatic 

stock company m Springfield. 

Paper Lauds Manager 

On 25th Anniversary 

When somebody tipped off the editor of the 

local newspaper that Harold Lee was observing 

his 25th anniversary as manager of the 

Babcock Theatre, Bath, N. Y., the surprised 

theatreman was not prepared for the fine 

publicity breaks which resulted. The newspaper 

ran a picture of Lee on the front page 

with his complete biography and highlights 

of his career since coming to Bath 25 years 

ago. Another portion of the front page was 

devoted to a three-column story covering 

some of the outstanding events of Lee's career. 

Pepsi Sponsors Circular 

Lou Merenbloom, manager of the Hippodrome, 

Corbin, Ky., used a herald to help sell 

his New Year's eve program that featured 

"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon." Merenbloom 

got the Pepsi Cola distributor to underwrite 

the cost of the herald in exchange for the 

back page. 

Dave lones, publicity director lor the Senate 

Theatre, Springfield, 111., tied up wfith Fred 

Astaire dance school and a local iurniture 

store to exploit "Jolson Sings Again." School 

instructors entertained pedestrians via this 

novel salute and dance routine in store window, 

at scheduled intervals. 

National Promotions 

Plus Local Tieups 

Exploit 'Mrs. Mike' 

Taking full advantage of national and local 

tiein possibilities. Jack Sidney, publicist for 

the Century Theatre, Baltimore, obtained 

extensive cooperation in the promotion of 

"Mrs. Mike." 

Two weeks prior to opening, Sidney used 

the screen trailer contest offering theatre 

tickets to patrons sending in the best letters 

describing the parts of the novel which had 

impressed them. A good response to this 

contest attested to widespread interest 

aroused. 

The Baltimore News-Post tied in with the 

theatre on a four-day contest in which readers 

were invited to submit letters on the 

"heart sacrifice" angle. A Savings Bond was 

awarded to the winner and theatre tickets 

were given as consolation prizes. Throughout 

the duration of the contest, the picture 

was well publicized through columns of free 

space. 

One of the most popular radio programs 

invited all persons in the city whose name 

is "Mrs. Mike ." . . to be guests of the management 

during the picture playdates. This 

was plugged daily and provided the picture 

with excellent publicity. Sidney landed free 

plugs on all the popular disk jockey shows 

which were interspersed with paid commercials. 

With all downtown stores featuring a 

January White Sale. Sidney made up special 

window streamers with a cut of Evelyn 

Keyes and copy: "'Mrs. Mike' says Save 

Now by buying at our January, etc." The 

bottom of the streamer was imprinted with 

the theatre name and the playdates. 

Another type of window streamer was made 

which was distributed by Standard Brands 

to all retailers in the area handling the 

products, which also carried full theatre 

credits. This tieup provided excellent coverage 

in Baltimore and throughout the metropolitan 

area. 

The Bantam Pocketbook tieup yielded 13 

attractive window displays including the Read 

Drug chain. Special advance lobby displays 

also helped to focus attention on the opening 

of the picture. 

Valentine for Stars 

Patrons of the Rivoli Theatre on Broadway, 

New York, are being asked to send their 

Valentine greetings to Hedy Lamarr and Victor 

Mature, stars of the current attraction, 

"Samson and Delilah." Manager Monte Salmon 

has set up a giant-size greeting card 

in the shape of a heart on the mezzanine 

foyer. Girls are asked to sign for Mature 

and the boys have an opportunity to express 

their sentiments towards Hedy. 

Marines See 'Jitna' 

A group of local marines were interested 

spectators at a screening of "Sands of Iwo 

Jima." arranged by Matt Saunders, manager 

of Loew's Poll Theatre. Bridgeport, Conn. 

The immediate result of the invitation performance 

was a three-column break in the 

local daily, with a photograph of the marines 

watching the show. 

34 —50— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Feb. 11, 1950

Dodge Dealer Tieup 

Sells Extra Tickets 

For 'Splendor' 

Francis Lattin, manager of the Avalon 

Theatre in Easton, Md., made an excellent 

tieup recently with the local Dodge dealer 

in behalf of "Savage Splendor." The dealer 

purchased for distribution 414 children's 

tickets, good at matinees only, for which he 

paid the regular price. He supplied a new 

Dodge truck with an A-board on which 

Lattin posted a three-sheet on "Savage 

Splendor" and "Ichabod and Mr. Toad." 

Bannered with playdates, the truck toured 

the streets two days before opening and 

during the run. 

The dealer showrooms were plastered with 

three 40x60s and two one-sheets. The material 

was supplied by the Dodge manufacturers 

and Lattin had snipes made for them. 

The crowning part of the tieup were three 

superior newspaper co-op ads which the 

dealer paid for; one 4-column, 10-inch, another 

3x8 and the third 2x7. 

The free ticket deal rated a one-column 

story in the local daily. 

Cracker Contest Helps 

'McCoy' in Olympia, N.Y. 

Milt Baline, manager of the Olympic Theatre, 

Watertown, N. Y., took advantage of 

the national tieup with the Sunshine Biscuit 

Co. on "Roseanna McCoy." The Syracuse office 

of Sunshine sent a representative to 

Watertown to set up displays and crackerguessing 

contests in numerous markets. 

Shoppers were asked to guess the correct 

number of crackers in a jar and the first ten 

coming closest were awarded guest tickets to 

the Olympic. 

A square dance contest was held in the theatre 

between the local group and a championship 

4-H group. Music was furnished 

by a hillbilly band promoted by Baline. 

Cafe Feeds Newlyweds 

To Help 'Bride for Sale' 

Jerome Baker, manager of the RKO Coliseum 

Theatre, New York, used a novel tieup 

with a local restaurant on "Bride for Sale." 

The restaurant played host to all brides married 

during the two weeks prior to the opening 

of the picture, following which they were 

to be guests of the theatre to see "Bride for 

Sale." 

Baker publicized the stunt through lobby 

displays, a trailer, and a sign in the restaurant 

window. Marriage certificates were required 

to verify the wedding dates. 

'Hasty Heart' Co-Op Ad 

Sold in Danbury, Conn. 

Irving Hillman, manager of the Empress 

Theatre, Danbury, Conn., tied up with eight 

merchants for a full-page newspaper co-op 

ad on "The Hasty Heart" in the Danbury 

News-Times. Theatre copy and a large cut 

of Richard Todd consumed almost half the 

upper portion of the page. Tie-in copy read. 

"Ten years from now you'll remember the best 

performance of any year, etc. . . . and ten 

years from now you will still remember these 

merchants for their outstanding merchandise 

and service." 

Train Giveaway Zooms 

Candy Stand Sales 

H. G. Kempton. manager of the Gillioz, 

Monett, Mo., recently completed a 

successful promotion in which concession 

sales increased considerably over a sixweek 

period. 

Coupons were given away with each 

ten-cent purchase of candy, popcorn, hot 

dogs and soft drinks. Patrons dropped 

their coupons into a drum after filling 

in their name and address. An electric 

train was awarded to the lucky coupon 

holder at the conclusion of the six-week 

period. 

Concession sales boomed and on the 

day of the giveaway, the house attendance 

was far above average, with most 

of the younger population on hand In 

eager anticipation. 

Mystery Girl Quest 

Is Merchant Co-Op 

Two Markets Sponsor 

Country Store Night 

George Cameron, manager of the Holland 

Theatre in Bellefontaine, Ohio, tied up with 

two markets as sponsors of a Country Store 

night every Thursday during January. In 

addition to grocery baskets which will be 

awarded to lucky ticket holders, Cameron 

promoted the services of an orchestra to feature 

square dance music plus a demonstration 

and contest for square dancing. Cameron 

officiated at each Country Store night 

dressed in a "loud" outfit and boots supplied 

gratis by the Montgomery Ward store. 

For background atmosphere, a rustic setting 

was built and racks constructed on stage 

to display the prizes and groceries. 

Veterans, Guard Unit 

Stage Parade to Aid 

'Battleground' 

Murray L. Scharff, manager of Loew's 

State, Newark, N. J., enlisted the cooperation 

of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign 

Wars and the National guard to stage 

a parade in behalf of "Battleground." Representatives 

from the various posts participated 

in the parade, and army air force 

carrier pigeons were released from the theatre 

marquee to add an effective note to 

the proceedings. 

War heroes who saw action in the Battle 

of the Bulge were guests of the theatre on 

opening day, where they were welcomed on 

the stage by the mayor of Newark. A-boards 

announcing the attraction were planted 

throughout the city, and shields on lighting 

poles solicited recruits for the army while 

calling attention to "Battleground" and the 

playdates. 

Window displays were promoted, tied In 

with Hershey's chocolate bars: radio was 

tapped for transcriptions over station WNJR; 

and teaser stories were planted in local newspapers 

reasonably in advance. A phonograph 

in the theatre lobby kept playing the 

Jody chant, heard throughout the picture, 

and on opening day wsis transferred to the 

army recruiting station. 

A Mystery Girl promotion, not unlike a 

Raffles quest, was worked by Fred Barthel, 

manager of the Margie Grand Theatre, Harlan, 

Ky., in conjunction with the retail division 

of the Chamber of Commerce. Barthel 

sold his idea on the basis of stimulating shopping 

Scharff was aided In this campaign by his 

on certain bargain days. The public assistants, Joe Fuller and Bernard Grasso. 

was asked to identify the girl in the following 

manner. On two specific days, she and 

an escort visited each participating store. 

Customers holding sales receipts were given 

the privilege of asking the girl one question 

School Aid and Windows, 

Lift 'Hamlet' in Glasgow 

to which her answer was simply "yes" or Lily Watt, manager of the Florida Cinema 

"no." 

in Glasgow, Scotland, used several facets of 

The customer was then urged to keep her promotion on "Hamlet." Window displays 

identity secret if he or she knew who she were arranged in eight stores and 25 shops 

was and submit a guess on a slip at the used interior hanging cards advertising the 

theatre. That evening the Mystery Girl was theatre dates. An artistic display was arranged 

unmasked on the stage of the Margie Grand 

in the waiting room of the theatre. 

by the mayor, and the winning customer was School headmasters directed that children 

presented prizes. The local newspaper and be informed of the Florida booking In their 

the radio station each contributed $50. Merchants' 

classrooms. 

gift awards pushed the total to $1,000. For another recent program consisting of 

All cooperating stores displayed signs and "A Song Is Born" and "40 Minutes at the 

advertised the tieup in their regular newspaper 

Zoo," posters were placed in pet shops, and 

and radio announcements. The paper Wilson's zoo displayed three separate signs 

and radio station cooperated by giving the with theatre copy. The Leisure library tied 

stunt plenty of free publicity. 

in with book displays on animals and Hall's 

The idea is adaptable in any type of community 

canteen plugged the pictures via still dischants 

and on any occasion when the merplays 

and color enlargements. 

are desirous of promoting a Bargain 

Day or Special Sales. 

Hometown Fetes General 

At 'Iwo Jima' Opening 

The historic flag which was used on Iwo 

Jima recently was flown from Camp Pendleton, 

Calif., to the Marine Corps museum 

at Quantico, Va., by Maj. Gen. G. B. Ersklne. 

The general stopped off at his hometown of 

Monroe, La., to be honor guest at the opening 

of "Sands of Iwo Jima" at the Paramount 

Theatre there. Melvin Greenblatt, 

manager of the Paramount, arranged a series 

of interviews for the general. Gold Star 

Mothers presented the visitor with a gift on 

the stage of the theatre. Several mayors of 

communities in the Monroe area were on 

hand to extend an official greeting when the 

general landed at the airport. The newspapers 

covered each event with stories and 

art plus mention of "Sands of Iwo Jima." 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Feb. 11, 1950 —51— 35

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co-storrrng 

JOHN AGAR • ADELE MARA • FORREST TUCKER 

with WALLY CASSELL . JAMES BROWN . RICHARD WEBB • ARTHUR FRANZ 

JULIE BISHOP • JAMES HOLDEN • PETER COE • RICHARD JAECKEL 

Screenplay by Harry Brown— James Edward Granl • Story by Harry Brown 

DIRECTED BY 

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER 

ALLAN DWAN • EDMUND GRAINGER

. . and 

Novice Showmen Prove Ingenuity 

Can Substitute for Experience 

how the picture can help the child's educational 

experience. 

For "Task Force," they reported: "The 

importance of aircraft carriers is explained 

and a background into the services 

of the naval air reserve is given." 

They had this to say about "Riders of 

the Whistling Pines": 'TProblems of Forest 

Rangers and the importance of forest 

preservation, mixed with an entertaining, 

tuneful story." "Scene of the Crime" had 

this to recommend it: "The effectiveness 

of modem police methods and the futility 

of crime." "Slattery's Hurricane" offered 

the youngsters an educational insight to 

the workings and service of the navy and 

When Mr. and Mrs. Jantz purchased the 

Frost (Tex.) Theatre, they had high 

hopes, a detennination to succeed and no 

experience. Frost has a population around 

2,000. Experience is important in operating 

a small town theatre, but the Jantzes 

are already proving that success in theatre 

operation is mainly learning what 

kind of entertainment the townspeople 

like, providing that type of entertainment 

and servicing the theatre in a manner 

which appeals especially to family trade. 

One of their plans embraces a method 

of presenting each feature attraction to 

parents so that they can judge the suitability 

of the picture for their children. 

This is accomplished by publication of the weather bureau. 

a 12-page mimeographed monthly booklet The booklet cover is bound in a color 

prepared entirely by the couple. 

contrasting with the rest of the program. 

On each page, two features booked at It is used to emphasize special programs 

the Frost are reviewed by the Jantzes in or special holiday bookings and attractions. 

The text is written in a breezy, 

thumbnail form. Complete billing credits 

and playdates. the cast and a brief outline 

of the story theme are included. At that the Jantzes are homefolks. Personal 

personal style which reflects that the fact 

the bottom, a footnote provides an innovation. 

Uifder the heading, "Educa- 

interest help to increase its general ap- 

messages in the booklet and items of local 

tional Standpoint," parents are informed peal to theatre patrons. 

Screenings and Ads 

Launch The Idol' 

"The Fallen Idol" was presented at the 

Welton Theatre, formerly the Telenews, in 

Denver, as the recent holiday attraction with 

considerable fanfare and wide newspaper 

publicity promoted by Manager Ross McCausland. 

The newspapyer publicity began 11 days 

PM-ior to opening, with the regular ad campaign 

launched a week in advance. Screenings 

were held for newspaper and radio people 

and for numerous women's clubs and 

heads of the Film Arts Study group from 

Denver university. More than 100 persons 

attended the screenings. 

A special invitational opening performance 

was held for a group comprising state and 

city officials, British consulate members and 

a selected list of British subjects obtained 

from the consul. 

A special theatre front consisting of blowups 

and still boards was constructed for eurrent 

use. 

PTA 14 Miles Away Runs 

Benefit on 'Columbus' 

George Cameron, manager of the Holland 

Theatre, Bellefontaine, Ohio, found it difficult 

getting local organizations to tackle a benefit 

performance of "Christopher Columbus." He 

accordingly traveled 14 miles to another community 

to set up a benefit with the Parent- 

Teacher Ass'n which sought funds to send the 

school senior class to Washington next spring. 

The school superintendent arranged to have 

buses bring the townspeople in on two successive 

nights since no other transportation 

to Bellefontaine was available except private 

car. 

Big Parade Highlights 

Portland, Ore., 'Iwo Jima' 

Highlight of the campaign for "Sands of 

Iwo Jima" at the Broadway in Portland, Ore., 

was a parade promoted by Jack Matlack, general 

manager and advertising director for 

the J. J. Parker Theatres. The parade included 

a marine corps band, color guard, 

platoons of marching men, and motorized 

units with trucks, weapons, tanks, etc. The 

procession paraded the full length of Broadway, 

which is the main downtown street in 

Portland, halting in front of the Broadway 

Theatre to salute the showing of "Sands of 

Iwo Jima." Thoiisands of people were attracted 

to the demonstration with resulting 

effect at the boxoffice. 

Postal Cards Displace 

More Costly Programs 

Norman Lofthus, manager of the California 

Theatre in Santa Barbara, recently discontinued 

house programs in favor of a direct 

mail. Lofthus changed after an analysis disclosed 

that programs cost an average of 5 

cents each including delivery whUe the postal 

cards, imprinted and mailed, cost $1.80 a 

hundred. Reaction to the new type of advertising 

has been favorable. 

Free Plugs for Smiley 

The appearance of Smiley Burnette at the 

Milford (Del. I Theatre was well publicized 

by Manager Harold DeGraw. Free radio 

plugs were promoted from local disk jockeys 

ten days in advance. One hundred window 

cards were distributed, and there were publicity 

stories published in eight daily and 

weekly newspapers. The master of ceremonies 

of the vaudeville show made announcements 

two weeks in advance. 

Newspaper Promotion 

Gets Women's Interest 

For 'All King's Men' 

Morris Rosenthal, manager of the Poll 

^ 

Theatre in New Haven, went after the ^« 

women's patronage to help "All the King's 

Men." He used a direct approach to get 

space on the women's page of the New Haven 

Journal-Courier. 

The newspaper regularly runs a news brief 

in Feminine Topics section among which are 

advertising paragraphs. The section editor 

offered theatre passes to persons who found 

their names scattered throughout the section. 

Each time a winner was paragraphed, 

the picture and playdates were mentioned 

and the first paragraph gave complete details 

with another fine plug for the show. 

Libraries distributed bookmarks carrying 

picture credits and by displayed posters listing 

prize-winning Pulitzer plays and books 

with "All the King's Men" included. 

A music store helped distribute 10,000 lucky 

numbered heralds and devoted a full-window 

display to the theatre attraction. Window 

cards were distributed and special posters 

tied in with the February issue of Esquire 

were displayed at newsstands. 

Signs with art illustration were placed in 

downtown hotels, restaurants and at bus 

stations. The Pulitzer award to the author 

of "All the King's Men" made it possible 

for Rosenthal to promote announcements 

over the Yale university radio station which 

also pipes music and comments into all 

dormitory rooms. 

^^ 

The New Haven Sunday Register ran a ^~j 

special feature story on the Pulitzer angle ^^ 

and both daily and weekly publications ran 

advance art and stories heralding the Poll 

engagement. 

Animated Lobby Displays 

Help 'Wheel' and 'Lover' 

An animated lobby display helped to promote 

advance interest in "The Big Wheel" 

for Al Hatoff. manager of the Park, Brooklyn. 

A lithograph from the picture was 

placed in the lobby, topped with a Stop 

and Go sign distinguished by green and 

red lights and copy: "STOP for your safety's 

sake, look both ways when crossing at street 

comers . GO to see one of the year's 

big hits, etc.. etc." The red and green bulbs 

flashed at intervals, helping to attract people 

to the display. 

For "The Great Lover," a three-sheet was 

placed on display, with the tip of Bob Hope's 

nose converted into a transparency. At intervals, 

a flasher bulb lit up the proboscis, 

drawing humorous chuckles from onlookers. 

Lip Imprint Adds Color 

To Miami 'Kiss' Heralds 

Herb Rubenstein added a "handy" idea to 

a herald on "That Midnight Kiss" which 

captured the fancy of Miamians and stimulated 

extra business at the local Center Theatre. 

Circulars were imprinted with a regular 

display ad cut from the press book. A rubber 

stamp was then prepared and in each corner 

of the herald, a red imprint was affixed. The 

extra color gave the handbills a bit of novelty 

and attracted unusual attention. 

o 

38 

BOXOFHCE Showmandiser :: Feb. 11, 1950

TECHNICOLOR 

IS THE TRADE MARK OF 

TECHNICOLOR MOTION PICTURE CORPORATION 

HERBERT T. KALMUS, PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER

Annual Dance Revue on Salt 

Lake Stage 

Every year a local dance school stages a revue at the Utah Theatre in Salt Lake City. 

Manager Charles Pincus made the tieup several years ago. The show has been built 

into one oi the more popular attractions in the city. The most recent program included 

lull stage settings, a cast of almost 200 children and a full orchestra of students. The 

show was staged for four days during the recent holidays. Because of its great local 

appeal, the show rates strong support from the press and radio stations. Parents and 

relatives of the children who are in the show make up a good portion of the audience. 

Pictured is the complete cast on the Utah stage in the finale. 

Campaign on 'Jolson' 

Beats Competition 

strong competition for "Jolson Sings Again" 

when it played the Russell Theatre. Maysville. 

Ky.. inspired Manager Ben Tureman to 

put on a forceful campaign which resulted in 

exceptional business. Tureman planted a 16- 

minute transcription of Jolson songs with the 

disk jockey on the local radio station. Fifty 

window cards were planted locally and in 

surrounding towns. A 40x60 was placed In the 

theatre lobby, cards with picture playdates 

were put in restrooms. and all theatre employes 

wore cardboard badges imprinted with 

picture copy. 

A block of tickets was sold to a supermarket 

for distribution as gifts to employes. Several 

disk jockey shows featured Jolson records with 

picture and playdate credits. 

The largest record store In town tied up 

for a colorful window exhibit of Jolson records, 

and in addition featured them over a 

public address system with an amplifier on 

the main street. 

Talent Search Garners 

Profits at Three Shows 

A search-for-talent contest, the first of a 

series to be introduced at the Rialto Theatre, 

Amsterdam, N. Y., was launched recently by 

Manager Fielding O'Kelly. A 40x60 lobby 

board Invited entries 18 days in advance. 

O'Kelly also combed students of the senior 

high school and obtained talent with a large 

popular following. Tryouts were held at the 

theatre and entrants were lined up for a 

three-week show. 

Names of the students were plugged in 

newspaper ads for two days and through the 

regular theatre advertising facets. As a grand 

prize, O'Kelly promoted a $40 wrist watch, 

and merchandise certificates for runnersup. 

Horsey-Type Ballyhoo 

Exploits 'Seabiscuit' 

To exploit "The Story of Seabiscuit," Johnny 

Manuela, manager of the Strand Theatre. 

Cumberland, Md., borrowed a horse costume 

of the type which has to be manned by two 

persons, and used it as a comic street ballyhoo. 

For "The Great Lover," Manuela located a 

small Mexican burro and had a theatre employe 

lead the animal around town with a 

sign reading, "I'm the only jackass in town 

who's going to miss seeing Bob Hope in 'The 

Great Lover.' " 

Oriental Rug Display Aids 

'Bagdad' in Hamilton, Ont. 

Ken Davies, assistant at the Palace in Hamilton, 

Ont., promoted an attractive window 

display on "Bagdad." Davies arranged with 

a carpet firm for a display of oriental rugs 

in its main window. In the foreground, a 

life-size cutout figure of the dancing star of 

the film gave a realistic touch to the display. 

The title in huge cutout letters was placed 

against the front of the window, and at the 

extreme right a sign on an easel read, "Come 

away on a magic carpet to 'Bagdad,' etc." 

Toledo Exhibitors Run 

'I Am Movie Fan' Co-Op 

Recently the Toledo (Ohioi Blade observed 

the approach of the halfway mark of the 

20th century with a special edition. Twentyfour 

exhibitors subscribed for a quarter-page 

newspaper co-op ad using the copy of "I Am 

a Movie Fan." which has received wide propagation 

since it first appeared on the cover 

of BOXOFFICE several months ago. The incident 

was one of the rare occasions when 

theatres have pooled their resources in a 

united effort for public relations in Telodo. 

Civic Activity Plus 

Rogers Club Keep 

Business Good 

A. J. Kalberer. manager of the Indiana in 

^^ 

Washington. Ind., has launched a campaign 

^J 

designed to keep the theatre in the forefront ^^ 

of local activities by giving all organizations, 

civic clubs, etc.. a helping hand. Business 

has been good, according to Kalberer, and is 

probably accounted for by a succession of late 

promotions. 

A Roy Rogers Riding club formed some time 

back has weekly meetings at a Saturday 

morning show. Children have manifested a 

keen interest in the roundup meetings of the 

sroup which has consistently grown and fills 

the house each week. 

HrOE CARD TO ROGERS 

A mammoth post card w-as mailed to Roy 

Rogers with signatures of all the members. 

For over a week, the card was on display in 

the theatre lobby and the greetings were 

mailed to the star in Hollywood. Receipt 

of the post card was acknowledged in a personal 

letter to "Ranch Foreman" Kalberer. 

Rogers also sent the club photos of himself 

posing with the card. 

The Washington Herald runs a Roy Rogers 

comic strip every day. Kalberer approached 

the editor of the paper and obtained permission 

to publicize the weekly meetings of the 

Rogers club at the Indiana in a special notice 

over the top of the daily syndicate feature. 

To sustain interest each week, contests and 

competitions are staged at the theatre. Under 

proper supervision, boxing bouts for boys and 

^^ 

a baby-doll contest for girls proved highly fl 

successful. These were publicized in advance 

of the meeting and in display signs out front. 

At another meeting of the club, Jeanne La- 

Duke, a 12-year-old 4-H girl who has a part 

in "The Green Promise," was invited to meet 

members of the club from the theatre stage, 

at which the young thespian was welcomed 

by Mayor Ralph Burris and presented a bouquet 

and various other gifts as a token from 

the city. 

DOG, MONEKEY SHOW, TOO 

A dog and monkey show presented for members 

of the club as an added attraction drew 

a re :crd -breaking crowd and received wide 

publicity in art and stories in the Washington 

Democrat and the Washington Herald. 

Kalberer recently was appointed county 

campaign director of the annual fund-raising 

drive for the National Foundation for Infantile 

Paralysis. Under Kalberer's guidance and 

experience, the entire community was set up 

to collect the greatest sum ever achieved for 

this purpose. 

Kalberer participates in various other community 

enterprises. He assisted the Fraternal 

Order of Police in obtaining a band, stage 

show and dance for a special fund-raising 

drive. The program was presented on the 

stage of the Indiana Theatre on two consecutive 

days. 

In conjunction with the Indiana's Christ- 

^^ 

mas show, Kalberer obtained the voluntary Q j 

services of the Glee club from Washington 

Catholic High school. The group presented 

"The Wondrous Story" in four tableau scenes 

with music and vocal accompaniment. The 

stage presentation helped to attract added 

patronage to the theatre and created goodwill 

\îth the school faculty. 

40 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Feb. 11, 1950

French Exhibit and Tower Replica 

Focus Attenfion on Eiffel Tower 

The personal appearance of Franchot Tone 

at the opening of "The Man on the Eiffel 

Tower" provided extra publicity breaks for 

Ansel Winston, manager of the RKO Palace, 

Chicago. 

Winston arranged a schedule for the Hollywood 

visitor which included personal appearances 

on the Palace stage at each performance 

on opening day, an interview on the 

Welcome, Travelers network radio show, an 

interview on the Breakfast Club show and a 

broadcast on the Let's Have F\tn program. 

Tone also appeared on Tony Oilman's television 

show over WENR-TV, and at the La 

Salle hotel to officially open a "France Come.i 

to You" exhibit, resulting in picture breaks 

in the Herald-American and the Sun-Times. 

In a tieup with Bond's department store. 

Tone made an appearance there where he 

interviewed 50 members of the Charm sorority. 

This event was plugged on Bond's air show 

every day a week in advance, with newspaper 

ads in all Chicago papers announcing it. The 

star also distributed 2,000 autographed photo.s 

to store customers, with complete theatre 

imprint. 

The TWA Airlines cooperated by providing 

a novel lobby display consisting of an eightfoot 

replica of the Eiffel tower, a large map 

of Paris pointing out various landmarks, and 

French flags and posters. Two uniformed 

hostesses representing TWA were in attendance 

at this exhibit during peak hours. Displays 

of "The Man on the Eiffel Tower" were 

also installed at both TWA offices in the 

Loop district. 

The sponsors of the "France Comes to You" 

exhibit extended further cooperation by installing 

displays plugging the picture playdates 

in 60 travel agencies throughout the 

Chicago area. Heralds plugging the picture 

were inserted in special programs distributed 

at the exhibit. 

Tone's personal appearances and interviews 

were covered by all Chicago newspapers, resulting 

in several stories, photos and column 

breaks, with mention of the picture's engagement 

at the Palace. 

Al St. John in Person 

Provides Coop Angle 

For Theatre, Stores 

Aside from his duties as manager of the 

Elkton (Va.) Theatre, Lurty C. Taylor doubles 

in brass as district manager for operations 

in three other towns in the Valley, one of 

which is the Stanley (Va.) Theatre. 

Lurty had an opportunity recently to book 

Al "Fuzzy" St. John and his Musical Rangers 

for a stage appearance. He approached the 

merchants of Stanley, told them he would 

bring a Hollywood actor to town "in person" 

on the last Saturday of the holiday shopping 

season, and asked for their support in exploiting 

the event, in view of the fact that they 

would reap rich rewards from extra business. 

The Merchants Ass'n called a meeting, a3 

a result of which Taylor was provided enough 

funds to run a full-page spread in the Page 

county paper and pay for 20, 100-word spot 

ads on WSVA. the powerful radio station in 

Harrisonburg which covers the entire state 

of Virginia. 

Taylor laid out the full-page ad which was 

completely devoted to the St. John personal 

appearance, and had it ready to hit on Thursday, 

the same day he began blasting the radio 

with announcements. When Saturday rolled 

along, the people came from miles around to 

see the show. 

The results were highly successful, Taylor 

reporting that he had "patrons hanging from 

the rafters." 

COLUMBIA PICTURES ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS OF THE (FOLLOWING 

PICTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN 

OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING

PTA-Sponsored Series 

Fills Theatres on 

II Saturdays 

Louis Orlove, MGM exploiteer in Wisconsin 

and Minnesota, is calling to exhibitors' attention 

a stunt conceived by Elmer Brennan, 

district manager for Standard Theatres, 

Green Bay, Wis. 

Brennan, enlisting the Green Bay school 

superintendent's cooperation, put over a PTAapproved 

film show plan running for 11 

weeks, with a $1 "season ticket" good for all 

11 shows. The school superintendent wrote 

letters to all principals, asking them to cooperate 

and assist. Mimeographed letters 

were sent by Brennan to all parents. They 

had subscription coupons attached. 

On the first Saturday Brennan had $500 in 

admissions sold for the 900-seat Bay Theatre, 

and it was also necessary to utilize the Packer 

Theatre. Additional "subscriptions" poured 

in, particularly after Brennan sent out post 

cards to parents, telling them of the heavy 

demand and warning that soon more tickets 

wouldn't be available. The final result was 

that Brennan sold 3,000 tickets at $1 each 

and had to use three theatres, instead of two. 

"This is what I call good showmanship, and 

I'd say Brennan hit on a formula that really 

hit and spelled good public relations," commented 

Orlove. 

NUGGETS 

Special "reminder" circulars were used by 

Murray Melnberg, manager of the Rltz Theatre, 

Brooklyn, on "Pinky." They were imprinted, 

"Tie this string around your finger 

to remind you, etc." Pieces of cord were 

stapled to the cards and were then distributed 

throughout the neighborhood. 

Ken Carter, manager of the Madison Theatre, 

Richmond, Ky., tied up with the jukebox 

dealer to place cards throughout the county 

plugging Jolson records and the playdates for 

"Jolson Sings Again." Window displays were 

set with music shops centered around the 

Jolson albums. 

A false front was built under the direction 

of Sam George, manager of the Paramount 

Theatre in Atlanta, for "Samson and 

Delilah." On both sides of the entrance 

large display pieces were built, using three- 

Sheet Utho cutouts with title and cast in 

cutout letters. An overhead banner and a 

valance aroimd the outer edge of the marquee 

provided additional flash. Near the boxoffice, 

a large billboard included highlights 

of production scenes with captions giving 

details of the action. 

. . . Nuff Sed!" 

Elihu M. Glass, owner-manager of the Majestic, 

West Springfield, Mass., ran special 

ads in the local dailies on "I Was a Male War 

Bride," headed "It's Here 

Copy comprised a personal postscript from 

the management to the effect, "If you see 

only one picture a year, this is the one to see." 

Neighborhood Merchants Support 

Theatre 'Dimes Collections 

The National Foundation for Infantile 

Paralysis received strong support from Harold 

Grott, manager of the Rialto, Baltimore, as a 

result of his aggressive drive to collect funds. 

Grott displayed a novel combination poster 

and game board in the theatre lobby, much 

on the order of a pinball machine. Patrons 

were invited to insert coins and try their skill 

at directing the coins into a crutch lined with 

nails on the regular March of Dimes poster. 

If the coin landed in the proper position, a 

red light was automatically illuminated and 

the patron was presented a pass to the theatre. 

The device was set into a large display, 

tied in with the March of Dimes and an explanation 

that all money collected would be 

contributed to the fund. 

The large amount of money which dropped 

into the device was visible to the public 

through a glass frame, and attracted such 

great attention in the neighborhood that one 

of the merchants on the block volunteered 

to give a prize to the person estimating the 

nearest figure to the actual amount of money 

collected at the conclusion of the drive. 

Encouraged by the merchant's interest, 

Grott contacted the other shopkeepers in the 

neighborhood and obtained prizes from each 

one on the block where the theatre is situated. 

A secondary sign was then placed near the 

display, explaining to the public how the 

prizes would be awarded. Envelopes were 

made available in which they could enclose 

42 

a contribution to the fund and an estimate 

of the amount which would ultimately be 

collected. 

The stunt was exceptionally successful and 

helped to raise a sum of money for the March 

of Dimes far in excess of any previous drive. 

—58— 

Exhibit and Windows 

Plus Marine Co-Op 

Sell 'Iwo Jima' 

Arthur Keenan, manager of the Strand, ^^ 

Lowell, Mass., was fortunate in securing the C^ 

services of one of the three living survivors ^^ 

of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima, for a personal 

appearance in connection with the 

opening of "Sands of Iwo Jima." The marine 

hero, a native of Manchester, N. H., appears 

in the picture and cariie down on opening 

night to greet patrons of the Strand in 

Lowell. 

Keenan obtained the full cooperation of 

the local Marine Corps league, the state 

department of the Marine league and marine 

recruiting officers. Thirty marines in 

uniform with colors and color guard marched 

through the audience to the stage opening 

night to open officially the stage presentation. 

The audience was addressed by the 

marine commandant who introduced state 

and city executives in addition to local heroes 

who had served on Iwo Jima. 

The marine recruiting services suppUed 

souvenirs of Japanese and marine fighting 

equipment for lobby and window displays. 

Recruiting A-boards were sniped, and Keenan 

used additional lltho posters in regular 

billing spots throughout the area. 

The newspaper cooperated by running a 

coloring contest a week in advance, and 

furnished advance publicity which enabled 

the picture to open its engagement with capacity 

business. 

Jap Currency Imprinted 

With Lucky Pass Numbers 

Lucky numbered heralds representing Japanese 

invasion currency were distributed by 

Bill GoUer, manager of the Tower, Mianii, 

as advance exploitation for "Tokyo Joe." Fifty 

numbers were posted on a board in the theatre 

lobby and people whose numbers matched 

those listed received a free pass. Instructions 

printed on the currency advised people to 

check numbers in the Tower lobby. Reverse 

side of the heralds carried a cut advertising 

the picture playdates. 

Passes /or Yule Displays 

Irving Cantor, manager of the Auburn 

(N.Y.) Theatre, rewarded home owners having 

the most novel and attractive Christmas 

decorations with passes, rating feature stories 

and photos in the local paper. Cantor drove 

around the city after dark, stopping at homes 

which had the most striking holiday displays, 

introduced himself to the occupants, and with 

a cheerful "Merry Christmas," handed them 

a pass to see "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon." 

S Promotes 'Adam's Rib' 

George Sawyer, manager of the Victory in 

New London, Conn., promoted a newspaper ^^ 

co-op ad on "Adam's Rib." An insurance C_J 

broker sponsored the ad which was topped ^^ 

with "Are you insured for laugh assurance?" 

Novelty cards were distributed to pedestrians 

with copy: "Who Wears the Pants In Your 

Family?" Sawyer promoted several thousand 

sticks of chewing gum, and pasted them to 

the cards, 

BOXOFFICE Showmiandiser :: Feb. 11, 1950 

3

D 

Roosevelt in Miami 

Opens With Fanfare 

And 'Battleground' 

Edmund Linder, manager of the Roosevelt, 

the newest theatre to open in Miami Beach, 

civic, army and Hollywood personalities 

broadcasting from the lobby over WKAT on 

opening night. 

A sign measuring 30x15 feet was stretched 

across the building facade announcing the 

twin premiere. Two hundred window cards 

were distributed throughout the area and 

smaller cards were placed in hotels and stores 

which normally cannot display the regular 

cards. 

Two hundred copies of the study guide on 

"Battleground" were distributed to English 

teachers of, the Miami schools. The army 

provided A-boards for posters plugging the 

picture and opening, illumination for the 

theatre exterior on opening night, radar and 

other equipment for outside display and a 

band to play as the guests arrived. 

Opening night proceeds were donated to 

the National Children's Cardiac Home. The 

organization handled the advance sale of 

ticlcets, and much publicity and goodwill was 

derived from this. 

Exhibit of Tiny Ships 

Borrowed for 'Sailor' 

As the result of a tieup with the navy, a 

set of miniature ships and an eight-foot 

cruiser, valued at $4,000, were loaned to Joseph 

Geller, manager of the Castle Theatre, 

Irvington, N. J., for a lobby display in connection 

with his booking of "The Lady Takes 

a Sailor." Geller, with the aid of two naval 

keyed his opening campaign to the local premiere 

of "Battleground," with numerous tieups 

helping to focus attention on the dual tive display that the navy took photographs 

officers, arranged such an unusually attrac- 

event. 

of it for its private collection, and many 

A tremendous newspaper and radio campaign 

presaged the opening with 

patrons were moved to remark about the 

leading 

Winners Shore $250 Prize 

In 'Beautiful' Contest 

Ted Flodis, manager of the Pilgrim, Bronx, 

N. Y., staged a beautiful doll contest in conjunction 

with his booking of "Oh, You Beautiful 

Doll." The promotion was staged on a 

balloting basis. Children entered their dolls 

which were displayed in the lobby with an 

entry number. Patrons were invited to vote 

for their choice. Two local merchants sponsored 

the tieup and contributed $250 in prizes 

for 15 winners. Winners were presented oit 

the stage during the current showing of the 

picture. 

11 

THIS 

has outgrossed any 

picture played at this /^ 

theatre during my six >^ 

years with the company.* f 

Says: 

T. G. PROPHET, Mgr. 

PICTURE 

interesting exhibit. Pamphlets were distributed 

in the lobby by navy personnel to aid 

in enlisting recruits. 

Interests Women 

In 'Battleground' 

Dorris Moss Pearl, publicist for the Adams 

Theatre, Detroit, concentrated her sales 

campaign for "Battleground" on the feminine 

angle, helped by the personal appearance of 

Denise Darcel at five scheduled performances. 

Mrs. Pearl arranged for interviews with the 

star on various women's radio shows and by 

reporters and columnists who have special 

appeal for women in their columns. 

Miss Darcel appeared at the Grand River 

Chevrolet factory, leading to three full-pages 

of cooperative advertising by dealers and a 

sales piece mailed to 4,000 car owners. 

your pafroiis eyesl 

fauf SELL FRONT and SIDE SEAT SATISFACTION 

with the 

Sensational 

__^ ^ tf fl ^ 

CYCLÂMIC 

CUSTOM SCREEN 

Magic 

Screen 

of the Future 

HOY/l 

'^^^^^ 

NO PERFORATIONS 

More light without 

Reflection Glare 

ACTUAL COMMENTS FROM PLEASED PATRONS 

• "No glare or distortion from 

any angle . . . front or side seats. . .eye strain eliminated . . 

delighted with improvement .. .permit children to attend 

more often .. .amazingly fine sound rendition .. .softer, 

brighter picture. . .wonderful definition and clarity. . . 

third 

dimensional illusion in color as well as black and white." 

^^ 

Dlsfribufed through Theatre Supply Deolers in All film Centers 

Manufactured by 

B. F. SHEARER COMPANY 

2318 Second Avenue, Seoltle 1, Woshingfon 

Sold Exclusively in Export by fRAZAR X HANSEN, Lid. 301 Clay St., Son Francisco II, Calif. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Feb. 11, 1950 

—59— 43

Zenith Distributor Tieup Spreads 

Interest in 'Jolson 

at Savannah 

Mm 

Leslie Swaebe, manager of the Avon Theatre, 

Savannah, Ga., contacted the distributor 

of Zenith radios and obtained nine excellent 

window displays in music and record shops 

throughout the city to publicize "Jolson Sings 

Again." 

Each of the music stores devoted a complete 

window to the display. Set against a black 

background, cutout hands, eyes, mouth and 

bowtie covered with metallics gave the general 

idea of the famous Jolson pose. In the 

foreground was a life-size cutout of Larry 

Parks in a singing pose, and a large sign calling 

attention to the theatre dates. From the 

top of the window to the bottom, production 

stills were placed in orderly array, along with 

albums of Jolson song hits. 

The Zenith distributor provided special 

window cards which were also displayed, and 

many of these were placed in other windows 

throughout the city. The Decca Record Co. 

supplied Jolson records to juke boxes, the 

latter tagged with stickers, and additional 

records were furnished to disk jockeys on 

three radio stations. According to Swaebe, 

although no money was spent for radio promotion, 

free plugs received in connection with 

the records netted greater coverage than a 

paid campaign. 

Menu imprints in downtown restaurants 

and soda fountains also helped to promote 

the playdates. 

Swaebe had a print of the picture flown to 

Savannah by the Delta Airlines, and after the 

newspaper refused to run the photo, he had

. 

Here's what the RCA 

plan will do for you: 

You furnish the land . . 

Have RCA do the rest 

By having RCA arrange for the construction, 

operating equipment and 

financial planning, you eliminate confusion 

and costly mistakes . . . save -time 

. . . save money. You deal with ONE 

reliable source of supply for the complete 

RCA "PACKAGED" Drive-In. 

Your drive-in is built to specifications 

approved by you. You know, in advance. 

the low, fixed contract price of your 

drive-in, all ready and set to go on 

opening night. 

An RCA "PACKAGED" Drive-In 

costs less than you think. For complete 

details see your nearest Independent 

RCA Theatre Supply Dealer. Or write: 

Theatre Equipment, Dept. 18L, Radio 

Corporation of America, Camden, N.J. 

Contracts are being booked tioiv for 

RCA "PACKAGED" Drive-ins in all sections oj the Nation 

Arrange a Financing Plan adjusted 

to your requirements. 

Provide planned layout and

— 

Co-Op and Baby Derby 

Exploit 'War Bride' 

And 'On Town' 

Spencer Steinhurst, manager of the Weis 

Theatre. Savannah. Ga., promoted a full-page 

merchant Co-Op ad in his campaign for 

"I Was a Male War Bride." The ad included 

a six-column cut on the film, topped 

by a streamer reading, "For the merriest 

comedy of the season, etc. . . For bigger, 

. 

better values, patronize these local merchants." 

Among other things, Steinhurst invited all 

war brides in the city to be guests on opening 

night. A 24-sheet cutout of the pictorial 

illustration was placed in the lobby. 

With "On the Town" booked as a New 

Year attraction, Steinhurst tied up with a 

number of merchants to give the first baby 

born on New Year's day a considerable 

amount of gifts "On the Town." A special 

promotion tied in with the picture booking. 

In addition to providing the gifts which included 

milk, a layette, shoes, baby clothes, 

a ring and a savings account, the cooperating 

merchants paid for a full-page newspaper 

advertisement advertising the baby derby, 

with a fine plug for "On the Town." The 

Savannah Morning News and the Evening 

Press ran newspaper stories publicizing the 

derby and the picture playdates. 

DON'T WAIT! 

the 

"M 

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A 

Start your 1950 Season 

with a proven Profit^maker! 

HyGIENIC PRODUCTIONS 

liim, Cma: HTGIENE BIDG. WILMINGTON, OHIO, u, 

Style Show Triples Take 

At Fitzgerald, Ga., Grand 

T. C. Laird, manager of the Grand Theatre, 

Fitzgerald, Ga., staged a full-scale fashion 

revue in conjunction with the local department 

store which tripled the theatre gross 

and was so successful that the sponsor immediately 

agreed to undertake a spring fashion 

show. 

The winter revue, in addition to exhibiting 

the newest styles, included entertainers obtained 

locally at no cost. The sponsor advertised 

generously through newspapers, radio 

spot armouncements, and provided 3,000 oversize 

handbills for door-to-door distribution. 

The theatre played up the show through 

its usual facets of advertising, trailer, lobby 

and newspaper. 

Local Queen Is Selected 

As 'Vanity' Sidelight 

When the "Vanities of 1950" stage attraction 

was booked at the Wallace Theatre, Andrews, 

Tex., Manager A. J. Burleson conducted 

a local queen contest to stimulate 

interest. 

Patrons of the theatre were invited to cast 

ballots to determine the most popular girl in 

Andrews. On opening night of "Vanities," 

the queen was announced and presented a 

bouquet by the cast of the show. Window 

cards, newspaper ads and a lobby display 

helped to focus attention on the contest. Fifteen 

girls were nominated for the title as an 

indication of the public interest aroused. 

Heralds, Direct Mail 

Promote 'Intruders' 

Bud Sommers, manager of the Rialto Theatre, 

Amsterdam, N. Y., ordered a threecolumn 

mat on "Intruders In the Dust," had 

it imprinted locally, sold the back page to 

an advertiser and had them distributed 

door-to-door. A mailing list of doctors, ntu-ses 

and members of women's clubs was circularized 

and three local stores devoted full 

window displays to exploitation for the picture. 

An usher dressed in an impressive black 

outfit with mask, ballyhooed the playdates 

with a sign reading: "Death Stalks Its 

Victims, etc." 

CLEARING HOUSE 

(Continaed from inside back cover) 

BUSINESS STIMUIATORS 

Comic books again available as premiums, giveaways 

at jour kiddy shows. Large variety latest 

48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co., 

412B Greemvich St.. New York City. 

Bingo with more action. $2.75 thousand cards. 

Also other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bedford 

Ave., Brooklyn. N. Y. 

Bingo die-cut cards, two colors, 75 or 100 numbers. 

$3 per M. Premium Products, 354 W. 44th 

St.. New York 18. 

Giveaway everything now, dinnerware to cars! 

Merchant advertising tie-up. No cost to theatre. 

Interstate Theatre Service, 1115 East Armour, 

K. C.. Mo. 

Dishes are back! Beautiful 44-piece set. Average 

cost 10c piece. Arkansas Equipment Co., 

Sulphur Springs. Ark. 

Comic books proven the most successful method 

of attracting the "small fry" to their Saturday 

matinees- Always large variety and latest popular 

title-^ all Sold on newsstands at lOc; $22.50 

per 1.000, F.O.B. New York City. Dumont Sales, 

15 Park How, New York City. 

Dartavray: Two sensational new theatre games 

of skill. Fill those empty seats. Don't wait 

start now. Over 200 theatres now using our games. 

No theatre too big or too small. Write or wire 

Dartaway Enterprises. Inc., Shawnee, Kas. 

THEATRE SEATING 

Cliair-ity liegins at S.O.S. We're practically 

giving 'em away. 271 sturdy veneer folding chairs. 

$2.95: 293 rebuilt panelback spring cushion, only 

2.0(|i» $4.05; late American 7-ply veneers, lllie 

for new. $5.25. Send Cbalr Bulletin for complete 

list. Dept. C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 

602 W. 52nd St.. New York 19. 

Patch-0-Seat ctmaii. I'atchlng cloth, solvent, 

e lc. l''ensin Seating Co., CMcago 5. 

Tishten loose chairs with Permastone anctior 

cement. Fensln Seating Co., Ctllcago 5. 

Chair supplies. Everything for theatre .Aairs. 

rensin Seating Co., Chicago 5. 

Used cliairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity 

wanted- Photographs mailed with quotation. Fensln 

Sgitlng Co., Chicago 8. 

No more torn seats: Repair with the original 

Patch-A-Soat. Complete kit. $6. General Chair 

Co.. gilcago 22. III. 

Chair Parts: We fumish most any part you require. 

Send sample for price, brackets, backs 

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

Ctiicago 22. 111. 

Several thousand used opera chairs now in 

stock. Can furnish any amount you reqirest. Full 

upholstered back. Insert panelback, boxsprlng and 

spring edge seat. Write for photo and state 

amount and Incline. We also manufacture new 

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

Chicago 22. III. 

Many years In the seating business is your 

guarantee. Good used chairs are not too plentiful 

but we have the pick. Full upholstered, panel 

back and many other styles. We furnish proper 

slope or level standards to fit your floor. All 

size 18x21-inch chairs. Our prices are lowest. 

Write for exact photo and price. We Inrnish parts 

for all makes. Send sample. Good quality plastic 

coated leatherette 25x26-lnch. all colors, 55c ea. 

Ctllcago Used Chair Mart, 829 South State St., 

Chlc.igo 5. 111. 

No more loose chairs: Get "Flrmastone" \nchor 

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

22. 111. 

nple for quotation. 

PLANNING a DRIVE-IN? 

W» can fumish Junction Box Post Lights with any 

of our In-A-Car speakers at a VEHY SMALL addl- 

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DRIVE-IN THEATRE 

MANUFACTURING CO. 

729 Baltimore (Phone HA, 8007) Kansas City. Mo. 

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Completely Rebuilt Machines 

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TICKET 

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Allowances made on old machines. 

Trade in your obsolete 

ticket machines for modem 

guaranteed like new registers. 

REGISTER INDUSTRIES 

Chicago 3, III 

'U 

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

Photograph-s furnished. -Tesse Cole. 2565 

McCldlan. Phone Valley 23445. Petrolt, Mich. 

Theatre chairs, many reconditioned. Trade your 

veneers on cushion chairs. Lone Star Film Co., 

Pallas. 

Tex. 

THEATRE TICKETS 

Prompt service Special printed roll tickets. 

100.000, $23.95: 10.000. $6.85: 2.000, $4.45. 

Each change in admission price, including change 

in color. $3.00 extra. Double numbering extra. 

(F.O.B. K.ansas City, Mo.) Cash with order. Kansas 

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

City, Mo. 

MOR£ CLASSIFIED ON 

INSIDE BACK COVER 

46 

— 62 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Feb. 11, 1950

Mayfair Corp. Files 

$1320,000 Lawsuit 

PHILADELPHIA—The Mayfair Amusement 

Corp. has filed an antitrust case in federal 

court here, naming the eight major film distributors 

and seeking triple damages of 

$1,320,000. The action was launched by Lewis 

and Sadie Sablosky. Marion Fox and Myrtle 

Singer, making up the Mayfair company. 

They claim the film companies are guilty 

of criminal conspiracy because of an alleged 

combination to deprive the 805-seat Penypak 

Theatre of product on key run basis. They 

say that the Penypak is situated in a metropolitan 

section in northeast Philadelphia and 

is not in substantial competition with any 

other key run houses. The clo.sest competition, 

they allege, are Stanley Warners' Circle 

and Paramounfs Roosevelt, both more than 

three miles from the Penypak. 

They charge they have been trying to get 

product on a key run basis since acquiring 

the theatre in 1939. The house was built in 

1929 and was known as the Holme. It had 

1,400 seats until it was renovated by the 

present owners in 1941 who charged its name 

to the Penypak and reduced the seating 

capacity to 900. 

They allege that the reduction in capacity 

was necessitated by "wrongful conduct of the 

defendants," and say that they plan to expand 

back to 1,400 seats by removing partition 

walls which were installed in the renovation. 

Plaintiffs charge that it is unfair to discriminate 

against the Penypak by placing it 

on a clearance basis of seven days after the 

1,372-seat Liberty Theatre in the Tacony section 

of town. They allege that the Liberty 

gets product seven days after the key rims. 

Further, plaintiffs state, when the Penypak 

was leased to SW Theatres, the theatre was 

on a day-and-date basis with the Liberty from 

1929 to 1936. 

Defendants in the case are Paramount Film 

Distributing Corp., RKO. Warners Distributing 

Corp., Columbia, Universal, United Artists. 

Loew's, Inc., and 20th-Fox. 

Distributors Are Targets 

At Allied Convention 

PHILADELPHIA—Distributors were blamed 

for the poor relationship between film distributors 

and exhibitors at the recent meeting 

of the Allied Exhibitors of Eastern Pennsylvania. 

Members charged that the film 

exchanges were "woefully undermanned." 

They declared that film sale.smen called on 

them "very infrequently," but that branch 

managers visited them even less. 

The exhibitors said that all major exchanges 

except UA called for percentage deals instead 

of permitting them a choice of flat 

rentals. Some said that 20th-Fox also allowed 

them their choice of deals. 

Newspaper Cooperation Is 

To Boost Theatre Attendance 

NEW YORK—A cooperative effort to 

stimulate film theatre attendance has been 

worked out between the New York Journal- 

American and the advertising and publicity 

directors committee of the Motion Picture 

Ass'n The committee is now trying to extend 

it nationally. 

The New York tieup was made by Silas 

F. Seadler. advertising manager for MGM, 

in behalf of the picture companies. It consists 

of a series of ads contributed by the 

Journal-American. Each advertisement reproduced 

a still from a forthcoming picture 

and carries the slogan— "Let's Go to the 

Movies," with copy urging frequent attendance 

and citing the film services of the 

newspaper. 

Copy for the ads is along the following 

lines: 

Let's Go to the Movies: 

Entertainment is a tonic for everyone—and 

movies are good entertainment. 

The Journal-American is outstanding 

in its coverage of Hollywood 

in news and photos. Read Louella Parson's 

column and Rose Pelswick's reviews 

of the new films. Let's make 

'Let's go to the movies' a family phrase 

... a family habit. 

Advertisements have already appeared In 

behalf of "The Hasty Heart" (MGM) 

"Deadly Is the Female" (UA), "Blue Gra.ss 

of Kentucky" (Mono), "Ambush" (MGM) 

and "Samson and Delilah" (Para). 

The publicity directors committee will 

circularize all field men, theatre repre- 

Civil Liberties Affiliate 

Assails 'Stromboli' Din 

NEW YORK—The National Council of 

Freedom From Censorship, an affiliate of the 

American Civil Liberties union, has protested 

the demands of various groups throughout 

the country to ban the exhibition of "Stromboli." 

Elmer Rice, chairman of the council, 

.sent telegrams to Sidney K. Rogell, production 

chief at RKO, and to Eric Johnston, 

president of MPAA, in which he termed the 

group demands "an outrageous and illegal 

denial of free speech and expression as guaranteed 

by the First amendment." 

Rogell protested that the issue opened new 

channels of censorship activity against the 

personal lives of film participants and not 

against the contents of the film itself. He 

stated that "films, like speech or written 

statements, must stand or fall on what the.v 

show and say, not on the personal conduct 

of the picture's stars." 

Started 

LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES! 

JOURNAL-AMERICAN 

sentatives and exchange affiliations with 

reproductions of the Journal-American ads 

urging that they be brought to the attention 

of local newspapers to duplicate the 

plan. It is believed that with the spread 

of this nationwide propaganda the industry 

will get effective stimulation of theatre 

attendance. 

Highway Billboard Control 

Is Sought in Four Bills 

ALBANY—Pour bills 

which would establish 

control of billboards along highways and 

roads in New York have been reintroduced 

by Senator Thomas C. Desmond. Pointing 

out that the state spends $400,000 annually to 

advertise its scenic and recreational advantages. 

Desmond said that the exploitation 

program is being handicapped by outdoor 

advertising which increasingly is lining highways 

and roads. 

The four bills would ban billboards on the 

New York to Buffalo highway, restrict billboards 

on all local roads designated as scenic 

routes by counties, cities, towns and villages, 

require the licensing of outdoor advertisers 

and the payment of fees based on sizes of 

boards used, and establish commercial and 

non-commercial areas on highways for locations 

of billboards. 

Philco Corp. Executive 

Blasts Proposed TV Tax 

PHILADELPHIA—Courtney Pitt, vice-president 

in charge of finance for Philco Corp., 

said here recently that the 10 per cent excise 

tax on television sets proposed by Secretary 

of the Treasury John W. Snyder would 

"undo part of the progress already made in 

bringing the price of television within reach 

of every family in the United States." 

Legion Auxiliary Leader 

Calls for Film Boycott 

ATLANTIC CITY—Mrs. Dorothy Pearl of 

Detroit, former national president of the 

American Legion women's auxiliary, was 

loudly cheered when she called for a boycott 

of films featuring stars involved in moral 

scandals. Her address was made before the 

23rd Area B child welfare conference of the 

American Legion and affiliated organizations 

at the convention in the President hotel here. 

Bingo Bill Reintroduced 

In lersey Legislature 

TRENTON—Robert Vogel, state .senator, 

has reintroduced a bill to legalize bingo 

playing in churches and civic auditoriums. 

The measure was defeated by organized New 

Jersey theatre owners in the 1949 session, 

many exhibitors believe that it will not 

come up for vole by the legislature during 

1950. 

BOXOFTICE :: February 11, 1950 47

. . . W. 

. . Harry 

I 

I 

. . Don 

. 

" 

Syracuse 

: 

BROAD\MAY 

prrol FljTUi, who has been wortong in India 

on MGM's •'Kim," arrived on the lie de 

France February 9 en route to Hollywood 

where the picture will be completed. Victor 

FTamcen. French screen actor: Henri Diamant 

Berger. FYench film producer: Andre Halley 

des Fontaines, president of the Association of 

Movie Producers of Paris, and Joan BlondeU 

came in on the same boat . . . H. C. Potter 

.vho has been directing MGM's "The Miniver 

Story" in England, flew in from London and 

Compton Bennett, another MGM director, 

arrived on the way to Hollywood. 

George Kochifer. BUI Shanks and Bill Watson, 

of the "King Solomon's Mines" production 

unit working in South Africa, came in 

by plane en route to the coast . . . Agnes 

Newton Keith, author of "Three Came Home." 

which will open at the Astor February 20. 

will fly in from her home in Borneo to attend 

the event . . . Frederick Badden. Powell Weill 

and N. A. Bronsten. English film producers, 

flew west to discuss deals with several Hollywood 

writers . . . Frederick N. Polangin. vicepresident 

in charge of the Los Angeles office 

of Buchanan & Co.. was here for conferences 

with United Artists home office executives 

on campaigns for new releases. 

Samuel H. Stiefel, producer of "Quicksand" 

for UA release, was here for talks with Edward 

J. Peskay, his representative, and UA 

officials on the picture's March release . . . 

Carroll Puciato. Realart manager in charge 

of exchange operations, was back from a twoweek 

tour of Philadelphia, Washington, Cincinnati, 

Indianapolis and other exchanges. 

Paul X. Lazarus jr., executive assistant to 

Gradwell Sears at United Artists, has postponed 

his trip to the west coast indefinitely 

C. Gehring. 20th-Fos assistant general 

sales manager, left for Dallas to conduct sales 

meetings there . M. Warner arrived 

with Mrs. Warner for a Manhattan stay . . . 

Eddie Ruff. New England di\-ision manager 

for Motion Picture Sales Corp., conferred with 

NeU Agnew and Charles Casanave on the 

Anna Magnani film. "'Volcano" . . R. M. 

. 

Sa\-ini. president of Astor Pictures, returned 

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Congressman Pledge 

Tax Drive Support 

NEW YORK—Fifteen New York congressmen 

had pledged unconditional support of 

the admissions tax repeal campaign by 

Wednesday (8), according to Harry Brandt, 

ITOA president. Tliey are Leonard W. Hall, 

L. Gary Clemente, Louis B, Heller, Edna F, 

Kelly. Eugene J. Keough, John J. Rooney, 

Donald L. O'Toole, Abraham J, Multer, 

Emanuel Celler, James J. Murphy, Frederic 

R. Coudert jr.. Jacob K. Javits, Isidore Dollinger. 

Anthony F. Tauriello and Daniel A 

Reed. 

Five of them went on record at a February 

4 meeting with Brooklyn exhibitors after 

hearing reports on curtailed theatre operations 

and theatre closings. Emanuel Pi-isch, 

chairman of the tax committee of the Metropolitan 

Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n, said. 

Frisch said exhibitors will step up the campaign 

by bombarding Congressman Walter A. 

Lynch, New York member of the House ways 

and means committee, with messages urging 

tax repeal, and will also concentrate on Congressman 

Joseph L. Pfeifer and James J. Heffernan, 

who had not gone on record. Newspapers, 

radio stations and other media will 

cooperate in the overall campaign. 

Further progress on campaign plans was 

made at a February 6 meeting of exhibitors 

attended by Walter Brecher, Oscar A. Doob, 

Eugene Picker. Ernest Emerling, Russell V. 

Downing. Harry Goldberg. Leslie Schwartz. 

Edward N. Rugoff. Sam Rosen. Edward L. 

Fabian, Louis Goldberg, Nat Lapkin, Harold 

Fischer, O. R. McMahon. Fred Lakeman. 

Harry Mandel, Robert K. Shapiro, Jack Mc- 

Inerney. Louis Weber. Vernon Hammer. Peter 

Fink. M. O. Strausberg. D. John Phillips, 

Harry Brandt, Joshua Goldberg and Morton 

Sunshine. 

Stockholders Help Asked 

In Ticket Tax Campaign 

NEW YORK—Stockholders in film companies 

are being urged to send letters to 

congressmen in support of the campaign for 

repeal of the admissions tax. The COMPO 

committee has sent out appeals for this 

support. 

Warner Bros, included a tax message in 

its annual statement to stockholders. Loew's, 

Inc., and 20th Century-Fox will include letters 

when they send out dividend checks. 

Eastman Kodak Employes 

Get $191,000 for Ideas 

ROCHESTER—The Eastman Kodak Co. 

paid out $191,000 for suggestions submitted 

by company employes in 1949. During the 

year the organization adopted 9,711 ideas, 

almost a third of those submitted. 

This is an alltime record for the suggestion 

system which has been in operation 

for 51 years. More than $900,000 has been 

paid out in that time. 

Holiday in Home Offices 

NEW YORK—MGM, 20th Century-Fox and 

Loew's home offices will be closed on Monday 

1 131 in observance of Lincoln's birthday. 

Monogram. Warner Bros., Paramount, Columbia, 

United Artists and RKO will close down 

at 1 p. m., and Eagle Lion will remain open 

all day. 

Tax Repeal Drive 

Gains Momentum: 

New York City Projecfionists Waive 

Overtime on Tax Trailer Showings 

NEW YORK—Projectionists will waive all 

overtime payments in connection with the 

showing of trailers attacking the admissions 

tax. according to Herman Gelber, president 

of the lATSE local 306. He made the pledge 

at a meeting of representatives of the three 

New York exhibitor associations and the distributor 

chairman which is planning its part 

in the excise tax campaign. Gelber said all 

labor organizations, both AFL and CIO. will 

cooperate with management in the fight. 

At the meting were Sam E. Diamond. New 

York distributor chairman; Wilbur Snaper. 

president of Allied of New Jersey; D. John 

Phillips and Morton Sunshine, executive directors 

of MMPTA and ITOA respectively. 

The following appointments to the distributors 

committee have been made: Nat Cohn 

and Saul Trauner, Columbia; Harrison Duddleson. 

Eagle Lion; George Waldman. Film 

Classics; Jack Bowen. Ralph Pielow and Lou 

Allerhand. MGM; Nat Purst, Monogram; 

Myron Sattler and Henry Randall. Paramount; 

William Murphy and Robert Fannon, 

Republic; Lou Gruenberg and Phil Hodes, 

RKO; Dave Schmer. Screen Guild; Martin 

Moskowitz. 20th Century-Fox; Abe Dickstein, 

United Artists; David Levy. Universal-International; 

Norman Ayres and Ben Abner, 

Warner Bros.; Harold Bennett, National 

Screen Service. 

Variety Clubs Joining 

In Tax Repeal Fight 

DALLAS—R. J. "Bob" O'Donnell. international 

chief barker of Variety Clubs, is lining 

up the full strength of the 35 tents in the 

U. S. in the campaign to repeal the theatre 

excise tax. A petition will be sent all members 

of the house ways and means committee, 

O'Donnell has asked that individual tents 

cooperate with state and regional exhibitor 

organizations in their areas in getting thousands 

of additional petitions to Congress. 

"The increasing importance and strength 

of the Variety Club membership in the motion 

picture industry." O'Donnell said, "is rapidly 

being recognized by all branched of the industry 

as a powerful weapon that can be utilized 

for the benefit of the industry in any 

effort that is important to our business. As 

one of the constituent members of COMPO, 

we are lined up solidly behind that organization 

to further their aims and purposes. 

Tills tax battle simply serves to emphasize 

again how important the Variety Clubs 

are to the industry. We are confident that 

the combined elements of all the organizations 

and individual exhibitors working for 

the repeal of the excise tax will add up to 

enough strength to insure some action being 

taken along with the repeal of other excise 

taxes." 

Newark Theatres Issue 

Petitions for Tax Repeal 

KTEWARK—While local newspapers have 

run very little publicity on the campaign for 

the federal amusement tax repeal, all theatres 

are participating in the industrywide 

drive by distributing forms to be filled out 

by patrons and to be used as a petition 

against the tax. Proctor's and other houses 

plan to incorporate in their theatre ads a 

request to fight for repeal. Joseph Gibson, 

manager of the Broad, sends out forms by 

registered mail to Robert C. Hendrickson and 

H. Alexander Smith, senators from New 

Jersey. Other theatres mail the forms in 

allotments of 300. 400 and 500 to New Jersey 

congressmen. 

Practically all theatres report an excellent 

response in the few days the forms have been 

placed in the lobby. Most theatres have run 

trailers. Ushers in Warner's houses are wearing 

tags on their sleeves, calling attention 

to the drive. 

Attendance Decline Due 

To Tax, Bookers Find 

NEW YORK—Repeal of the "punitive" 20 

per cent admissions tax would "undoubtedly 

result in increased business, increased employment 

of personnel, increased taxes on 

profits and a healthier economy throughout 

the industry," according to a resolution adopted 

by the Motion Picture Bookers club of 

New York, which called on Congress to give 

priority to action on the admissions levy. 

The 135 members, who book 950 theatres in 

the metropolitan New York and New Jersey 

area and represent every distributor in the 

area, found "from actual experience" that 

the tax is the main reason for a decline in 

attendarice, that the industry needs a "shot 

in the arm" and that Congress is in a position 

to give much needed relief by a repeal 

or rollback of the tax. 

"Our livelihoods are imperiled by this 

onerous tax on admissions." the resolution 

said. It told Congress that the tax hits lowincome 

groups and "works an inequity in that 

it increases as the family increases, regardless 

of the family income." Harold Margolis. 

president, signed the resolution. 

Legitimate Theatre Men 

Join Excise Tax Fight 

NEW YORK — Actors Equity Ass'n. the 

League of New York Theatres and the Committee 

of Theatrical Producers have joined 

the battle on the federal admissions tax. 

Equity is cooperating with lATSE in calling 

on theatre audiences to send protests to Congress. 

The producer committee, headed by 

Robert E. Sherwood. Oscar Hammerstein II, 

Leland Hayward, Gilbert Miller. Howard 

Lindsay and Herman Shumlin, is studying the 

relation of the tax to production. James F. 

Reilly, executive director of the league, is 

making plans for a theatre campaign with 

the Committee for the Reduction of Excise 

Taxes, which represents many industries. 

'Wall' Opening Feb. 17 

PHILADELPHIA—U-I's 'Outside the Wall." 

which was shot in part on location here, win 

open at the Aldine Theatre February 17 

backed by an intensive promotional campaign 

handled by Abe Bernstein. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE COMBINATION ENTRANCE 

and ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY FLOODLIGHT 

Also available with Exit Panels 

Arrows may be either right or left. 

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729 Baltimore 

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. . . Messrs. 

. . Mr. 

. . The 

. . Ray 

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WASHINGTON 

Oidney Lust's office reports construction has 

started on a shopping center at New 

Hampshire avenue and East West Highway 

in Prince George county. The center is being 

built by Kass Realty Co. for New Hampshii-e 

Shopping Center. Inc.. and was designed by 

James F. Hogan. local architect. Outstanding 

in the new shopping center is the modern 

design of a group of buildings including 

a 1.500-seat theatre to be leased by Lusf 

Enterprises. It will have an entii-e glass lobby 

through which may be seen a mural executed 

in architectural concrete. A large marquee 

covers the approach to the ticket booth and 

the entrance so that the entrance of the 

theatre is protected from the weather. There 

will be vaudeville shows presented throughout 

the season, and the theatre is equipped for 

the presentation of television. Hogan says 

the theatre will be ready for occupancy on 

or before Sept. 1. 1950. 

The Variety Club women's committee, under 

the direction of Mrs. Araline Adams, is 

making big plans for the Valentine card 

party and tea which will be held in the clubrooms 

Tuesday 1 14 1 ... Leon Makover, chairman 

of the entertainment committee of Tent 

11, and Jerry Adams, chairman of the house 

committee, are responsible for the successful 

Valentine party held in the clubrooms Saturday 

night . . . Board of governors met February 

6 . . . Happy birthday to barkers Ervin 

Ornstein, Fritz Hoffman, Lloyd J. Wineland. 

Frank Fletcher, Max Rosenberg, Edward Norris. 

Mac Mannes. Joseph Zamoiski and James 

Neu. 

The annual Tent 11 Brotherhood luncheon 

will be held at the Mayflower hotel Monday 

1 20 1. Speakers will be Chester M. Bowles, 

governor of Connecticut, and Col. William 

McCraw. executive director of Variety Club 

International. In addition, there will be entertainment 

arranged by Joel Margolis, Arnold 

Fine and Morgan Baer. 

Columbia Manager Ben Caplon and his wife 

are in Florida vacationing. They took with 

them greetings from Filmrow to Mr. and 

Mrs. Earl Taylor, who are residing in Miami 

Beach . . . It's a boy for the Jerry Prices, 

UA manager . and Mrs. Buck Stover. 

Alexandria Amusement Co., have returned 

from a Miami Beach vacation. 

Kenneth Clem has taken over the Earle 

Theatre, Taneytown, Md., from Max Goodman 

. Eyrey, field supervisor for Warner 

Bros, contact department, was in town 

. . . Vince Dougherty, 

pinch-hitting for C. E. McGowan, who was 

vacationing in Florida 

U-I salesman, spends several hours in the 

office each day now and soon will be out 

on the road again . . Eilleen Olivier, husband 

. 

and son, leave Sunday for a 

two-week 

vacation in New Orleans. She plans to attend 

the Mardi Gras. 

. . . 

Myron Mills, son of Equity's Bernie Mills, 

planning a spring wedding with Joan Alice 

is 

Mrs. Mary Margaret 

Weil of Hewlett, L. I . . . 

Ludwig, formerly with Republic, died recently. 

She was residing in the Canal zone at the 

time . Wheeler, daughter of Mr. and 

Mrs. Sam Wheeler, Screen Guild, graduated 

with honors from Wilson High school 

May Feldman entertained her brother Si and 

his daughter Rita en route home from Florida 

to Rochester. N. Y. 

. 

Frank Boucher is the busiest man in town 

these days with the opening of the K-B 

Amusement Co.'s latest theatre, the Flower 

in Silver Spring, Md. Barrymore 

jr. was a visitor Henderson and 

Ham Durkee 

. 

were 

. . Billy 

here. They operate the 

Washington and Baltimore Film Express and 

this was one of their rare visits to Filmrow 

New Theatre to Be Built 

In Mount Vernon Plaza 

MOUNT VERNON, N. Y.—A 600-seat 

. . . Florence Garden, Fred Rohrs' secretary, 

is looking for a new car. Having trouble 

with her old Buick, she says, but daily riders 

Sally Myers and Sara Young are not complaining. 

theatre 

will be part of a railroad shopping center 

to be built here this spring by the Schein- 

Cohen Co., construction firm of Mount Vernon 

and White Plains. The New York, New 

Haven & Hartford Railroad Co., in conjunction 

with the Mount Vernon city administration, 

originally proposed the idea to the 

. . Miss 

. 

Louis Bernheimer says his Sylvan Theatre 

will be converted into a Negro house 

Mike Leventhal and Bill 

builders. 

March 1 . . . 

Allen came over from Baltimore 

Thompson 

to attend 

the Allied meetings 

the Schine circuit 

. 

home office recently 

of 

became 

Gus Lampe. Schine 

Mrs. Torrey . . . district manager, appeared as a talent scout 

on Arthur Godfrey's television talent show 

Branscome and Chitwook were westbound side of the tracks. 

in town buying and booking for their Sky- 

View Drive-In, Marion, Va. Robert 

Levines came in from Norfolk to buy for their 

Portsmouth and Norfolk theatres. Head 

booker Evelyn Butler was a member of the 

party. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS 

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It is believed that, outside of large cities, 

this will be the first time a theatre has 

ever been a part of a railroad station arcade. 

The entire station will be rebuilt and the new 

development will occupy 108,000 square feet 

of property owned by the railroad on the 

There will be facilities for approximately 

35 shops, a bus terminal, a department store, 

and roof and basement parking, in addition 

to the theatre. Patrons will be protected in 

bad weather, whether arriving by train, bus 

or car. Boak & Road, New York City, are 

the architects. 

Exhibitors in 70 Cities 

To See 'Riding High' 

NEW YORK—Paramount will hold approximately 

70 additional exhibitor screenings of 

the Frank Capra production, "Riding High," 

in cities other than exchange cities between 

February 14 and 28, according to A. W. 

Schwalberg, distribution head. The exhibitor 

screenings in the 32 exchange cities were held 

from January 6 to 30. 

In most cases, the showings will be in the 

form of sneak previews for the general public 

with only the exhibitors knowing that "Riding 

High" will be shown at the theatres. 

James Hendel Named 

EL District Manager 

NEW YORK—James Hendel, Pittsburgh 

manager for Eagle Lion, has been promoted 

to New York district 

manager by William J. 

Heineman, vice-president 

in charge of distribution. 

John Zomnir, 

sales manager at 

Pittsburgh, has been 

promoted to manager 

there. Hendel entered 

1^ 

the film industry in 

1938 as salesman for 

United Artists at 

Cleveland. In 1941, he 

was promoted to 

Cleveland manager James Hendel 

where he remained until 1944. For six 

months he was with Universal, then in 1945 

he joined PRC as Pittsburgh manager. Shortly 

after, he was promoted to PRC district 

manager of the Pittsburgh, Cleveland and 

Cincinnati territory. He retained this post 

until PRC was absorbed by Eagle Lion in 

1947 when he was named Pittsburgh manager. 

Zomnir entered the industry with MGM 

in the Pittsburgh, where he was shipping 

clerk, then student booker, head booker and, 

finally, office manager. In 1945 he joined 

PRC as salesman in Pittsburgh under Hendel 

and was promoted to branch manager when 

Hendel became district manager. 

Area Distribution Heads 

Named to Aid Tax Drive 

NEW YORK — Distribution forces aiding 

the COMPO federal tax repeal campaign have 

now been organized and exchange area chairmen 

have been selected, according to Andy 

W. Smith jr., distribution chairman for the 

industry. The area chairmen are: 

Albany, John Bullwinkel; Atlanta, Clyde 

Goodson: Boston, Jim Connolly; Buffalo, 

Dave Miller: Charlotte, Al Duren; Chicago, 

Tom Gilliam; Cincinnati, J. S. Abrose: Cleveland, 

Oscar Ruby; Dallas, Phil Longdon; 

Denver, R. C. HiU; Des Moines, Jim Veldes; 

Detroit, W. D. Woods; Indianapolis, G. R. 

Frank; Kansas City, James W. Lewis; Los 

Angeles, Jack Laughlin; Memphis, Ed Williamson; 

Milwaukee, John G. Kemptgen; 

Minneapolis, William H. Workman; New Haven, 

Arthur Greenfield; New Orleans, C. 

James Bryant; New York, Sam Diamond; 

Oklahoma City, Ralph B. WUliams; Omaha, 

Harold Johnson; Philadelphia, William Mansell; 

Pittsburgh, Saal Gottlieb; Portland, 

Ralph Amacher; St. Louis, Ned Steinberg; 

Salt Lake City, Gifford Davidson; San Francisco, 

Neal East; Seattle, A. J. Sullivan; 

Tampa, Harold Laird; Washington, D. C, Joseph 

Brecheen. 

Joe Wolhandler to Para. 

NEW YORK—Joe Wolhandler has been 

taken on the Paramount publicity staff by 

Max E. Youngstein, advertising-publicityexploitation 

director, and will work under 

Mort Nathanson, pubhcity manager. Wolhandler 

was formerly with United Artists 

and has handled publicity for many foreign 

films. 


. . The 

. . Monogram 

. . The 

. . Milton 

. . Jack 

. . Milton 

New Eslimales Sheet P H I L AD E LP H I A 

Lists 17 Pictures 

NEW YORK—Among 17 pictures on the 

green list of joint estimates of current films, 

issued for the period ending January 31, are 

four from Columbia, two each from RKO, 

Republic, United Artists and Universal-International, 

and one each from MGM, Paramount, 

20th Century-Fox and Warner Bros. 

Tliere is also •'Tlie Titan," story of Michelangelo, 

which is not credited with having a 

distributor as yet. One is recommended for 

children's programs and three are listed as 

acceptable. 

Tlie list follows: "Davy Crockett, Indian 

Scout" (UAi, which is recommended both 

for the family and children's programs: "East 

Side, West Side" (MGM), rated for adults; 

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

recommended for adults and young people 

over 12 years of age: "Montana" (WB), rated 

for family and as acceptable for children's 

programs: "Twelve O'clock High" (20th- 

Foxi, rated as exceptional and recommended 

for adults and young people over 12 years of 

age: "The Nevadan" (Col) recommended for 

adults and young people; "The Rugged 

O'Riordans" (U-I), recommended for the 

family: "The Titan," recommended for 

adults and young people: "My Foolish Heart" 

(RKO), recommended for adult and young 

people; "The Blonde Bandit" (Rep), recommended 

for adults and young people: 

"Borderline" (U-I), recommended for adults 

and young people: "Captain China" (Para), 

recommended for adults and young people: 

"Cow Town" (Col), recommended for the 

family and acceptable for children's programs: 

"Deadly Is the Female" (UA), recommended 

for adults; "Gii-ls' School" (Col), 

recommended for the family; "Pioneer Marshal" 

(Rep), recommended for the family, 

and "Trail of the Rustlers" (Col), recommended 

for the family and acceptable for 

children's programs. 

Reade Circuit Conducts 

Jersey Newsreel Survey 

NEW YORK—The Walter Reade circuit 

is conducting a theatre-by-theatre survey in 

its Jersey houses as to whether the average 

patron still wants to see newsreels. The 

MPAA is conducting a similar poll in metropolitan 

New York houses. 

Reade theatre managers personally interview 

patrons. The initial response is that a 

majority still are interested in the reels. 

The survey will continue several months, 

according to Walter Reade jr., head of the 

circuit. The chain was among the first to 

cancel newsreels in a number of houses shortly 

after spot news on television began to 

be felt. Reade now is convinced that the 

reels "have gone a long way in doing a 

better job." 

MGM Signs Bob Sherwood 

NEW YORK—Bob Sherwood, now appearing 

in the Broadway play, "Mr. Roberts," 

has been signed to a long-term contract by 

MGM after screen tests here directed by Al 

Altman, studio talent representative. Sherwood 

will report to the studio February 15 

and his first role will probably be in "Running 

of the Tide," film version of Esther 

Forbes' novel. 

TTniversal-International is rushing extra 

prints of "Outside the Wall," which concerns 

a $1,000,000 robbery, in order to ca.sh 

in on the recent Brink's robbery . . . Bernie 

Haines, who is building a new theatre in 

Sellersville, disclosed that he will give a lifetime 

pass to the person submitting the best 

name for the house . Pix showed 

"Lost Youth" and "Merchant of Slaves" first 

run in this area . . . Scenario, a new audience 

participation quiz show with a $750 weekly 

jackpot, opened Thursday (9) in more than 

30 houses. 

. 

Melvin Fox was said to be planning to 

build a theatre at Fourth and Spruce. Some 

exhibitors claim that the deal hinges on 

whether the Dock street area will be developed 

into a residential .section . . Lex 

. 

Barker, the new "Tarzan" was in town recently 

Irving Coopersmith has been 

. . . appointed feature booker, and Muriel Marlin, 

shorts booker for the Allied Motion Picture 

Booking Service Philadelphia Home 

and School council discussed the place of 

motion pictures in the visual education programs 

of schools, and the part they can play 

in adult education through home and school 

associations at a meeting Tuesday (7). 

A film which is being reissued by an independent 

exchange was .shown on television 

Sunday (5). This situation is drawing 

the anger of various industryites . . . 

Gloria Newman, 20th-Pox switchboard operator, 

. has resigned is distributing 

Whip Wilson comic books to exhibitors 

Mike Katz, Monogram salesman, 

. . . Dave Yaffe of 

was ill . . . The 

was on sick leave . . . the Y & Y Supply Co. also 

Paramount Decorating Co. is repainting the 

Plaza Theatre in Washington, 

William Goldman is constructing a drivein 

theatre near Pottstown . . . Holiday magazine 

will have a story on William Goldman's 

fight against the majors in its next 

AWARD TO BALABAN—John L. 

Sullivan, 

former secretary of the navy, presents 

a Brotherhood award to Barney 

Balaban, Paramount president, at the 

Brotherhood luncheon held last week at 

the Waldorf hotel in New York City. 

George Murphy, film actor, and Maxwell 

Anderson, playwright, also were honored. 

K&B Theatres opened its new 

issue . . . 

Flower Theatre Thursday (9> in Tacoma 

Park. Md. . Goldman, Boxoffice 

Pictures booker, brought back gifts from 

Florida for the office staff . . James Reimel, 

, 

EL booker, who co-authored "My Heart's 

Aflame" with John A. MacKay, won a weekly 

prize in the Top Tunes contest on KYW. 

Bill Brooker, Paramount exploiteer, went 

to Pittsburgh to help in exploiting "Samson 

and Delilah," which opens at the Warner 

Theatre there February 23. Betty Wagner, 

secretary to Brooker, disclo.sed her engagement 

on her 19th birthday . Hale, 

Paramount, has lined up a campaign for 

plugging "Samson and Delilah." He arranged 

a tieup with Samson tools and secured 

165 window displays, full-page cooperative 

newspaper advertisements, 250,000 

two-page colored circulars, and hundreds of 

three sheets on a fleet of S-B-S trucks. 

Milton Hale is going upstate for Paramount 

to help in the exploitation of "Dear 

Wife," "Thelma Jordon" and "Captain 

China" . Schosberg. who was on 

Vine street last week, is building a drive-in 

near Coatesville. It is expected to be ready 

April 1 . . . Lou Colantuona, manager of the 

Keystone Tlieatre, was a winner of a $25 

bond in 20th-Fox's "Father Was a FîUback" 

exploitation contest. 

INCORPORATIONS 

—ALBANY— 

Telco, Inc.: Sound equipment, machinery 

and television, in Buffalo: $100,000; Jo-seph 

M. Crotty, 232 Tuscarora Rd.; Peter J. Crotty, 

78 Milford St.; Alice T. Nediak, 114 Eckhert 

St., Buffalo. 

Four Star Productions: Motion picture 

films in New York; $1,000, $1 par value. 

Governor Films: Motion pictures, in New 

York; 200 shares, no par. 

Israel Classics: Motion picture and recording 

business in New York; 1,000 shares, 

no par. 

B. P. Schulberg Productions: To provide 

entertainment and to produce radio and television 

programs; 200 .shares, 100 "A" at $100 

par and 10 "B" at no par. 

Visual Educational Building Corp.: Realty 

and building business in New York; 100 

shares, no par. 

Daniels' High Speed Motion Picture Corp.: 

Photographic equipment in Rochester; 200 

shares, no par; Victor J. Daniels, 395 Barry 

Rd.; Richard B. Secrest, 103 Landon'Pkway; 

Ell.sworth Van Graafeiland, 36 Allerton St., 

Rochester. 

Trovatore' Opens 

'II 

NEW YORK—Roberto Tarchiana. Italian 

ambassador, and wife, Arturo and Mrs. Toscanini 

and Licia Albanese, Jarmila Novotna, 

Salvatore Baccaloni and Ri.se Stevens of the 

Metropolitan Opera attended the opening of 

"II Ti-ovatore" at the Little CineMet February 

8. The picture stars Enzo Mascherini. currently 

appearing with the Metropolitan 

Opera. A ballet short, "Graduation Ball," 

was on the program. 

BOXOFFICE ;: February 11, 1950 53

. . . Charles 

. 

-NOW! 

. . George 

. . 

. . Pranchot 

. . 

. . 

BUFFALO 

The Variety Club entertained with a Valentine 

party Saturday night (11) in its clubrooms. 

Following a dinner, a program Included 

dancing and other entertainment. 

Elmer F. Lux is chief barker . H. 

Gammel. president of Gammel Theatres and 

western New York MPTO head, and his wife 

Eddie Meade of Shea Theatres here and 

Arthur Castner, Seneca, Salamanca, were 

winners of $25 bonds from 20th-Fox for exploitation 

campaigns for "Father Was a 

Fullback." 

Rollin Palmer, in his Courier-Express column, 

pointed out two persons of local interest 

in the cast of "Samson and Delilah," currently 

at the Center Theatre. When Dick 

Condon brought the special display on the 

film to the Statler. Palmer was invited to 

view it. He recognized Buffalo's popular stock 

company idol of other days, William Farnum, 

and a currently popular local wrestler. Wee 

Willie Davis, who often appears on local 

wrestling cards. Palmer used a long story 

on two men in his column on the opening day 

of the Cecil B. DeMille masterpiece. 

Schine's Auburn Theatre is celebrating the 

first anniversary of its vaudeville-film policy. 

Vaudeville was revived in the Auburn just a 

year ago after a lapse of nearly 30 years, and 

it has been popular with local theatregoers 

E. Daniels, new manager of the 

Kenmore Theatre, is a graduate of Harvard 

and has a degree from the Harvard Graduate 

School of Business Administration. Daniels, 

who is a native of Connellsville, Pa., served 

47 months in the U. S. naval reserve after 

completing his college studies. 

Frank H. Bassett, manager of the Clean 

Theatre for the last year, has been named 

manager of the Bailey, a Dipson neighborhood 

house here. Before going to Clean, Bassett 

managed Dipson theatres in Hornell. 

Joe E. Brown will bring his show, now on 

a nationwide tour, to Kleinhans Music Hall 

February 21. The presentation here will be 

sponsored by the Kiwanis club and will be 

staged for the benefit of its Underprivileged 

Children's club . . . Elmer F. Lux, general 

manager of Darnell Theatres. Inc., has been 

named a director of Kleinhans Music Hall 

Management, Inc., for a three-year term . 

Joseph F. Szell, former manager of the Palace 

Magic 

NO PERFORATIONS: 20^ More Light and Better Vision 

CYCLWAMIC 

Screen 

of the future 

. 

Custom Screen 

•Potent applied for 

in Lockport. has been transferred to the West 

End Theatre in Rochester, and he has been 

replaced by George Secord, former manager 

of the Palace in Lockport. 

William C. Gehring, 20th-Fox assistant 

general sales manager, was here for a conference 

w'ith Charlie Kosco, branch manager 

. . . Anthony Quinn, film player who was here 

last week as a member of the cast of "A 

Streetcar Named Desire," said in a local interview 

that he thinks producers should consider 

films more as a form of art. He would 

like to see such classics as Tolstoy's "War 

and Peace" on the screen. Quinn is a sonin-law 

of Cecil B. DeMille, whose "Samson 

and Delilah" is current at the Center. 

Ed Don George, former wrestler and now 

operator of the U State Athletic club here, 

booked the Gene Autry show now touring the 

nation for 14 performances in New York, 

Pennsylvania, and Ontario, Canada . 

"Stromboli," the much-discussed Ingrid Bergman 

film, was to have its initial showing here 

February 15 at the 20th Century Theatre . 

Friends here of James Whitmore. who appears 

in "Battleground," were pleased to learn that 

the former Buffalonian will play one of the 

principal roles in "The Next Voice You Hear" 

soon to be made by MGM. 

Al Pierce, manager of Shea's Bellevue in 

Niagara Falls, is cooperating with merchants 

there by offering guest tickets to persons 

whose names and addresses are inserted in 

advertisements urging shoppers to trade in 

their home community . Tone, 

film player who is a native of Niagara Falls, 

recently visited relatives there. F. Jerome 

Tone jr.. his brother, is vice-president of the 

Carborundum Co. While in this area. Tone 

made personal appearances in connection 

with showings of "The Man on the Eiffel 

Tower." 

UA Workers Get Awards 

NEW YORK — Hyman Perlowitz of the 

United Artists foreign department and Jack 

Wright, company porter, were awarded Saks 

Fifth Avenue $25 gift certificates for their 

faithfulness to duty during 1949. Both had 

perfect punctuality and attendance records. 

Robert Goldfarb, personnel director, made the 

awards. 

Installed 

SCHINE'S GLOVE THEATRE 

Gloversville, N. Y. 

By JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc. 

630 Ninth Ave. Theatre Equipment Specialists New York City 

at 

Funeral Services Held 

For E. M. Schnitzer 

NEW YORK—Funeral services were held 

Sunday morning (5i at Riverside Memorial 

Chapel for Edward M. Schnitzer. 56. eastern 

" 

.ÎHKfev 

Edward M. Schnitzer 

and Canadian sales 

^ manager of United 

^^^^JBP^k Artists, who died Feb- 

^m ^ ruary 2 of a heart at- 

^P J tack while preparing to 

T -T^Sf^- 4^ 

leave for a vacation 

with Vitalis L. Chahf, 

—1^ a member of the UA 

-^"i"-' 

^^ board of directors. 

^^^^j^^ ^ Burial was in Beth 

^^^H^*^^^^^ David cemetery. 

^^^^^^Ml^^B Schnitzer a mem- 

^B^BBHB^W^ 

years in the industry. 

ber of the Motion Picture 

Pioneers and a 

veteran of almost 30 

He was active in charitable 

drives and had served as assistant 

chairman of the distributors division of the 

War Activities Committee. Born in Poland, 

he came to this country at an early age, and 

after becoming successful in the ornamental 

feather business and as a hotel resort operator, 

he entered the film industry in 1922 as 

an associate of Samuel Seidler. 

Schnitzer joined Commonwealth Pictures 

in 1923 and Producers Distributing Corp. in 

1924. The following year he joined Fox, becoming 

branch manager of the New York and 

Brooklyn territories. In 1932 he left Fox to 

become New "ôrk manager for World Wide, 

in which post he continued until Fox took 

over distribution. On March 20, 1933, he 

joined Columbia as New York exchange head, 

and in 1936 went to Republic as eastern district 

manager. Two years later he joined 

Warner Bros, as eastern district manager. He 

joined United Artists in January 1942, holding 

the posts of eastern district manager and 

western division sales manager until 1946, 

when he became eastern and Canadian sales 

manager. 

He leaves his wife. Mrs. Rose Schnitzer; a 

son. Gerald Schnitzer. of Hollywood; a daughter, 

Mrs. Lawrence Parsly; a brother. Louis 

Schnitzer; four sisters, Mrs. Samuel Rinzler, 

Mrs. William Schutzer, Mrs. Jack Bernstein, 

Mrs. William Morel, and four grandchildren. 

Robert L. Lippert Speaks 

To Buffalo Theatremen 

BUFFALO—Robert L. Lippert, San Francisco, 

head of Lippert Productions, w-as a 

guest at a luncheon given at the Statler hotel 

here by William P. Rosenow. general manager 

of the Screen Guild branch here. Pi-oduction 

problems in Hollywood were discussed by Lippert 

in a talk. He invited exhibitors who were 

interested to buy stock in the Lippert organization, 

pledging that the full resources of 

the company are being devoted to production 

of better product. 

Lippert was accompanied here by Arthur 

Greenblatt, general sales manager of the 

company. Among those attending the luncheon 

were Robert T. Murphy, Max Yellen and 

Sam Yellen, 20th-century Theatre; Spance 

Balser and Jerry Westergren, Basil Theatres; 

James H. Eshelman and Charles B. Taylor, 

Paramount Theatres; Marion Gueth, MPTO 

of New York secretary; Eleanor Paradeis, 

Screen Guild office manager; Al Heckler jr.. 

Screen Guild, M\Ton Gross, Schine Theatres. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 195C

. . Others 

. . The 

Tax Repeal Meeting A L B A N Y 

Tuesday in Albany 

ALBANY—A luncheon meeting of Albany 

exchange area exhibitors will be held at 

Jack's Restaurant here Tuesday (14) to coordinate 

local effort to repeal the federal 

ticket tax with that of the COMPO taxation 

committee. Leonard L. Rosenthal, general 

counsel for the Albany TOA. sent letters 

to exhibitors urging attendance and stressing 

that the area drive should be tied up 

with national campaign "to make certain we 

are assuming our responsibility with sufficient 

vigor and coverage." 

The TOA counsel that the interest of all 

exhibitors, large and small, will be affected 

by the outcome of the fight to repeal the 

20 per cent admission tax. For this reason, 

he declared, it is imperative that each exhibitor 

order a tax protest trailer, protest 

cards, one sheet, repeal stickers for boxoffice 

windows and other material, to write 

to his congressman and to urge employes and 

friends to take similar action. 

Support of war veteran organizations in the 

campaign has been pledged by Ben Chuckrow, 

chairman of the central veterans committee 

in Rensselaer county, to Larry Cowen, area 

chairman of publicity for the drive. Cowen, 

who served in the army in World War I and 

the navy in World War II, said that the support 

of the group would be warmly received. 

Cowen. who is manager of the 2,700-seat 

Proctor's, declared that he expected to receive 

the signatures of at least 25,000 theatre patrons 

on repeal petitions during a threeweek 

period. Every effort to discourage the 

signing of petitions by "repeaters" would be 

made, so that an accurate count of bona fide 

petitions could be maintained. 

A plea for active participation by theatre 

patrons in the drive to effect repeal of the 

ticket tax was made by Dan Houlihan, area 

distribution chairman for the campaign. He 

urged that theatre employes as well as patrons 

should write to their senators and 

representatives in behalf of the drive. 

Monogram's 'Blue Grass' 

Is Booked by RKO Circuit 

NEW YORK—"Blue Grass of Kentucky," 

Monogram's Cinecolor production, has been 

booked for the long five-day half of the 

week in the entire RKO metropolitan circuit, 

starting February 21. This is one of 

the most important bookings on a Monogram 

film within the past year and will require 

78 prints. 

'Love Happy' Release Set 

NEW YORK—Lester Cowan's "Love Happy," 

starring the Marx Bros, and Ilona Massey 

and Vera-EUen, which was originally scheduled 

for release by United Artists in early 

fall, will finally be released March 1, according 

to Gradwell L. Sears, president. 

I. P. Bethell to Retire 

PHILADELPHIA — J. P. Bethell. retiring 

RCA theatre equipment sales representative 

in this area, was given a silver cigaret box by 

his associates in the engineering products 

department. 

Toe Agresta of the Orvis, Massena, and the 

Palace in Fort Covington, made one of his 

infrequent visits to Filmrow . in to 

book included Phil Baroudi of Warrensburg, 

North Creek and Indian Lake; Morris Slotnick, 

Waterville and Oriskany Falls, and 

Clarence Dopp of Johnstown. Frankfort, Poland 

and Northville . . . Mrs. Arthur Newman, 

wife of the Republic manager, underwent an 

operation in Albany hospital . . . Frank Mc- 

Lane, new chief of service at the Strand, is 

the brother of the chief usher at the Palace. 

Dan Houlihan, 20th-Fox manager, was 

awarded a wrist watch for heading the exchange 

which made the best showing in the 

Empire state division of the branch managers 

drive that ended December 31. Presentation 

was made at a district meeting in Buffalo at 

which W. C. Gehring was the principal speaker. 

The Albany office staff also received a 

The Strand 

bonus of three weeks' salary . . . 

sneak-previewed "Chain Lightning." new 

Humphrey Bogart release, Tuesday night . . . 

The Schine circuit showed "Sands of Iwo 

Jima" at the Hippodrome, Gloversville. four 

days after the picture had played the Glove. 

This gave it a week's time. 

Rene Gagon, one of the marines who participated 

in the raising of the American flag 

on Iwo Jima. will come here for opening night 

ceremonies on the stage of the Palace of 

"Sands of Iwo Jima." Gagnon lives in Manchester, 

N. H. Major Thomas Hutton, In 

charge of marine corps recruiting here, has 

sent out a call, via radio and otherwise, to 

all marines in this area who served on Iwo 

Jima and Tawara to participate in the Palace 

ceremonies. 

Fred Schader and Clarence Bell were here 

several days arranging the Strand Theatre 

appearance of Tallulah Bankhead in "Private 

Lives" February 21. Schader was to fly to 

Binghamton Monday, but Bell planned to 

remain here longer. The Noel Coward comedy 

will play Warners' Avon in Utica the night 

before it visits this city, and will fill out the 

week with dates in Schenectady. Binghamton 

and Syracuse (two days). A stage crew of 

21 is required to take the show in and out 

of town, and 12 to work it. 

Rapidly shaping plans for the Variety Club 

dinner honoring Saul J. Ullman, retiring chief 

barker, at the DeWitt Clinton hotel. March 3. 

include the appearances of Gael Sullivan, 

executive director of Theatre Owners of 

America, as toastmaster. and Eric Johnston, 

president of the Motion Picture Ass'n, as a 

speaker. It is expected that 300 or 400 will 

attend the affair, wives and sweethearts of 

Variety Club members will be present, for 

the dinner dance. Si Fabian is honorary 

dinner chairman. Spyros Skouras. 20th-Fox 

president, has also accepted an invitation to 

attend. The dinner will be a triple celebration 

for Ullman. who celebrates his 25th wedding 

anniversary that day and his 30th year 

with the Fabian organization that month. 

Charles A. Smakwitz. new chief barker, will 

introduce Sullivan. Leo Rosen, first assistant 

chief barker, is dinner chairman. 

Editorial endorsement and front-page publicity 

for "Guilty of Trea.son" came from the 

Evangelist, official weekly of the Albany 

Catholic diocese, before the picture opened 

at the Strand. Wednesday (8). The paper, 

for the first time, deviated from its policy of 

refusing advertising copy for a commercial 

film. A two-column, eight-inch insertion was 

carried on page five. The page-one story on 

"Guilty" was topped by a two-column heading, 

"Local Film Tells Story of Cardinal 

Mlndszenty" . Evangelist, in an editorial 

titled "Movie Cooperation," said the 

action of Warners in canceling the showing 

of "Etevil in the Flesh" at the Ritz here was 

worthy of commendation. The show opened 

Wednesday. Local officials of the Legion 

of Decency protested to the Warner offices 

and it was decided to yank.the film, and the 

companion, "Sarumba." 

Representatives from the ranks of exhibitors, 

radio people, fashion editors, department 

store stylists and others attended the 

six-hour showing at the Ten Eyck Hotel of 

jewelry, costumes and other material used in 

"Samson and Delilah." They met Dick Condon, 

who has been traveling for several 

months on behalf of the DeMille-Paramount 

picture. He made five radio appearances during 

a busy day here. 

. . . George Miller, 

Jack Bullwinlde, Columbia manager, was 

to leave for a vacation in Florida. He has not 

been in the best of health since he sustained 

a sunstroke last June 

Republic salesman in Syracuse, Rochester and 

the Albany territory, was here Monday to 

confer with Arthur Newman, branch manager. 

He attended the Variety Club dinner Monday 

night . . . Carl Goe, former Warner salesman 

here, has resigned as manager of the company's 

New Haven exchange. 

Edgar S. Van Olinda, film, drama and 

music critic for the Times-Union, sang for 

a $25 pledge to the March of Dimes on an 

all-night program broadcast over WPTR. 

Malcolm Atterbury, actor and owner of the 

Playhouse, recited the soliloquy from "The 

Glass Menagerie" for another $25 donation. 

More than $1,200 was pledged ... A Warner- 

Pathe newsreel cameraman photographed legislators 

and legislative rooms Monday night 

when a 14-member delegation from the Japanese 

Diet visited the state capitol. Governor 

Thomas E. Dewey greeted the delegation. 

A million copies of a folder on "Guilty of 

Treason" have been distributed to Catholic 

churches and schools in a tieup between 

Eagle Lion and the Rev. Patrick Peyton of 

the Family Rosary. They were passed out 

at masses in churches in the Albany and 

Troy areas Sunday and in parochial schools 

Monday before the picture opened at Warners' 

Strand here and at Warners' Lincoln in 

Troy. More than 1,100 pastors and over 900 

heads of schools received the pamphlets. The 

distribution was effected before the national 

release date for the film in New York state, 

Ohio, Indiana, Massachu-setts, Virginia and 

elsewhere. 

Drawings by Hy Rosen, Times-Union cartoonist, 

of characters appearing in that paper 

were featured at the weekly dinner of the 

Variety Club Monday night (6). Lou AUemann. 

Times -Union promotion manager and 

former RKO exploiteer: Fred I. Archibald, 

publisher, and Edgar S. Van Olinda. film 

critic and columnist, were "kings for a day." 

George O. Williams, managing editor and 

active Variety member, had left on a trip 

to Mexico and could not attend. Leo Rosen. 

first assistant chief barker, introduced Archibald 

and Hy Rosen. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 N 54-A

. . . John 

. . Sam 

. . Harry 

. . Louis 

. . Stanley 

. . 

. . 

NEWARK 

lûrray Mankowitz, manager of the Pic Theatre, 

tied in with the national guard when 

playing "The True Glory" and used war souvenirs 

as displays, and tanks in front of the 

theatre . Broskie, manager of the 

Rivoli, set up a wishing well in the lobby as 

a bid for the March of Dimes donations . 

Dick Behul, son of Mrs. Yolanda Behul, 

cashier at the Rivoli, was given an audition 

with Paul Whiteman's orchestra. An 

accomplished accordionist, Behul was the winwinner 

in a recent talent contest held in 

Elizabeth. 

Bill Hamilton, Rivoli assistant chief of 

service, works parttime for the Newark News, 

and he is planning a career in journalism . 

Mayor Ralph Villani proclaimed the period 

of February 3-10 as Iwo Jima week in connection 

with the opening of "Sands of Iwo 

Jima" at the Paramount Theatre. Preceding 

the initial showing of the film, city officials, 

a 75-piece marine corps band, a color guard 

and two companies of the marines took part 

in a street parade. Marine corps officers and 

city notables were guests at the premiere. 

Herbert Heintz, manager of RKO Proctor's, 

used a variety of methods to exploit "Hamlet." 

Swords similar to those used in the 

film were used in a lobby display. Newark 

schools and those in surrounding suburbs 

were supplied with student discount tickets. 

Participants in a contest were asked to guess 

how many times the name of Hamlet appeared 

on a 40x60 lobby display . . . Rocco 

Zarra, student assistant at Proctor's, and 

Rose Nigro of East Orange will be married 

this month. 

Weekly amateur shows at the Liberty, Elizabeth, 

are gaining in popularity. Jackson 

Hurford, manager, attributes their success to 

the cooperation of retail merchants who provide 

$150 each week for prizes. Contestants 

are auditioned Sundays at the theatre and 

only selected performers try their skills on the 

stage. Applicants have come from Newark, 

Vaux Hall, Linden. Nutley and other suburbs. 

Besides the awards, all who appear on the 

programs are given prizes for their efforts 

L. Stanek, manager of the Cranford 

Theatre in Cranford, ran "Hamlet" for a twoday 

engagement. 

. 

Ed Kane, manager of the Regent in Elizabeth, 

in having success with his family nights 

on Fridays. Although "That Forsyte Woman" 

was not a picture of family appeal, it was run 

at the Regent in conjunction with shorts. 

The theatre will run special Lincoln and 

Washington birthday kiddy shows . . . Wendy 

Barrie, film star, was a recent guest here 

at the Tavern . Simon of the Essex 

doing exceptionally well with his toy giveaways 

Is 

Tuesdays Tryon is new 

electrician at the Savoy. 

Isabel Dickson, relief cashier at the Savoy, 

was ill at a hospital . . . The theatre will run 

special Lincoln and Washington birthdaj 

kiddy shows 

. Lowenstein, owner of 

the Court Theatre, attended the national 

Allied board meeting in Washington. Al 

Lippe, manager of the Court, is using grocery 

giveaways as well as toy giveaways on Saturdays 

for children. 

Broadway actor Ted Andrews will play the 

male lead in RKO's "Nobody's Safe." 

MAKE AWARDS — Howard 

CRITICS 

Barnes, vice-chairman of the New York 

Film Critics, hands a scroll to Olivia De- 

Havilland for the best female performance 

of 1949 in "The Heiress." Wanda 

Hale, New York Daily News motion picture 

critic, 

passes a scroll to the actor of 

the year, Broderick Crawford, for his outstanding 

performance in "All the King's 

Men." The ceremony was held In the 

Rainbow room of the RCA Bldg., Radio 

City, N. Y. 

Wilcoxon to Resume Tour 

For 'Samson' Feb. 13 

NEW YORK—Henry Wilcoxon will resume 

his tour in behalf of "Samson and Delilah" 

February 13 at Charlotte which will be the 

first of 12 southern cities he will visit in a 

three-week period, according to Max E. 

Youngstein. Paramount advertising-publicityexploitation 

director. Wilcoxon figured in a 

highly successful tour last fall when he addressed 

12,000 public opinion leaders in 15 

key cities. He suspended it temporarily when 

his health was taxed. 

From Charlotte he will go to Columbia, Augusta, 

Savannah, Macon, Louisville, Montgomery, 

Birmingham, Nashville, Chattanooga 

and Knoxville. He will speak at joint meetings 

in theatres in each city between 10:15 

a. m. and noon, and in the afternoon will give 

press and radio interviews and make television 

appearances. He will be flown from 

Macon to Louisville February 21 to address 

a Brotherhood Week gathering. 

Wilcoxon spoke February 9 at the annual 

convention of the United Theatre Owners 

of Illinois in Springfield at the invitation of 

Edward G. Zorn, president. 

Eastman Kodak Graduates 

ROCHESTER—The sales training center of 

Eastman Kodak Co. graduated 346 persons 

during 1949, according to Howard Kalbfus, 

director. They consisted of 19 groups, with 

enroUees from 41 states, and included 35 

women. The center will hold open house for 

Kodak dealers en route to the convention of 

the Master Photo Dealers and Finishers Ass'n 

in Cleveland, March 27 through April 1. 

Gift to Barton Kreuzer 

CAMDEN — Barton Kreuzer, manager of 

theatre sound and visual products in the RCA 

engineering products department, was given 

a desk and pen set by his associates during 

recent annual sales sessions in Camden. 

RKO Starts Proceedings 

For Trenton-NB Split 

TRENTON—RKO started legal proceedings 

February 8 seeking dissolution of Trenton- 

New Brunswick Theatres, circuit of 11 houses 

owned jointly with Walter Reade. The suit 

asks for the appointment of a trustee to operate 

the circuit pending sale of assets and, 

upon sale, divide the proceeds. 

Repeated efforts by RKO and Reade to 

negotiate a settlement were unsuccessful and 

RKO was forced to take some definite action 

before February 15, as called for in its 

consent decree. The circuit is reported to 

have a market value of approximately $3,- 

000,000. 

RKO has also been unsuccessful in disposing 

of its stock in Metropolitan Playhouses, 

New York circuit, and may ask for 

a trustee for this. Talks are continuing between 

RKO Skouras Theatres, leading to the 

breakup of their joint ownerships, and with 

the Hyman Brothers for an agreement for an 

amicable split of their co-ownership of seven 

theatres in Huntington, W. Va. 

Arthur Davis Associates 

To Offer Foreign Films 

NEW YORK—Arthur Davis Associates has 

opened offices at 55 West 42nd St. to distribute 

foreign films with English subtitles. 

Arthur Davis, publisher of the Foreign Film 

News, will head the company. Among the 

early releases scheduled are a French film, 

"Caged Men," with Michael Simon and Yves 

Vincent; two Swedish pictures, "Caged Women," 

with Eva Dahlbeck and Cecile Ossbahr, 

and "Girls in Every Port," with Nils Poppe 

and Cecile Ossbahr. 

Several foreign classics of the past are 

being re-edited and retitled for future release. 

They will be shown in this country 

for the first time. 

Four More Loew's Houses 

Abroad Get Glascreens 

NEW YORK—Shipments of four more 

Glascreens to key theatres in Loew's International 

circuit in Brazil have been made by 

Nu Screen Corp., according to Herman Gluckman, 

president. Three of the theatres ai'e 

located in Rio de Janeiro and the fourth in 

Sao Paulo. Recent Glascreen installations in 

Loew's International theatres were in Bogota, 

Calcutta and San Juan. 

Local 306 Awaits Walsh 

NEW YORK—lATSE Local 306 will refuse 

to have any further contract talks with 

the theatre circuits pending the return of 

Richard F. Walsh, lATSE president, from 

Florida, according to Herman Gelber, head 

of the New York projectionists union. 

To Prerelease 'Samson' 

NEW YORK—Thirty-two prerelease engagements 

have been arranged for "Samson 

and Delilah" during February and March by 

A. W. Schwalberg, Paramount vice-president. 

They cover theatres in 15 states. 

Garthwaite Elected to U Board 

NEW YORK — Albert A. Garthwaite has 

been elected to the board of directors of 

Universal Pictures. He has been president 

and general manager of the Lee Tire & Rubber 

Corp. since 1939. 

54-B 


Victor Norton Joins NBC 

In Big Reorganization 

NEW YORK—A major reorganization at 

the National Broadcasting Co. has brought 

Victor T. Norton to the company as administrative 

vice-president, according to 

F>resident Joseph H. McConnell. He has been 

president of American Home Foods and a 

vice-president and director of the Kenyon & 

Eckhardt ad agency. 

The network has been divided into three 

major operating divisions and a number of 

staff units. Charles R. Denny, executive vicepresident, 

is head of the radio network 

pending appointment of an executive to have 

overall charge. Sylvester L. Weaver is vicepresident 

in charge of the television network. 

James M. Gaines Is director of I

TBA Re-Elects Raibourn; 

TV Film Problems Aired 

NEW YORK—Paul Raibourn, Paramounl 

vice-president and television expert, was reelected 

a director and assistant secretarytreasurer 

of the Television Broadcasters Ass'n 

at its annual clinic February 8 at the Waldorf-Astoria. 

His term as director is foi 

three years. J. R. Poppele was re-elected 

president and Will Baltin secretary-treasurer. 

Ernest B. Loveman of Philco was elected vicepresident 

and re-elected to the board for 

three years. A resolution was adopted protesting 

the suggested imposition of a 10 pei 

cent excise tax on television receivers. 

Ralph M. Cohn, manager of the television 

department of Screen Gems, a subsidiary ot 

Columbia, discussed the relative merits of film 

versus live programming. He favored live production 

for programs such as quiz shows, 

guessing games and audience participation 

shows, and film for programs where the 

effect is to entertain by telling a story. He 

pointed out that live costs are rising rapidly. 

'PREPAID SALES' EXPLAINED 

Cohn suggested a method of "prepaid sales" 

which he explained by reviewing motion picture 

history. 

"Thirty years ago," he said, many picture 

producers who had developed a reputation for 

stability and reliability as well as for quality, 

financed their pictures by selling them either 

to exhibitors or statesright distributors before 

the films were made. The producer 

made up a program of 12 or 14 pictures he 

planned to make, and then toured the country 

getting advances on the strength of his 

campaign book. When he had enough money 

to get started, he went to Hollywood and 

knocked the first of the pictures out. As soon 

as he started delivery of his program, additional 

advances were made, and so he continued 

to finish his commitment. 

"Eventually a farsighted banker, 'Doc' 

Giannini, began lending money to the best 

of these producers, which graduaUy replaced 

the need for advances. The 'Doc' was a great 

man, requiring as his security only his own 

judgment of the character and talent of the 

producer. Since banks don't work that way 

any more, something similar to the system of 

advances must be developed in the field of 

television if the vast needs of local advertisers 

are to be satisfied. 

OTHER EXECmVES' VIEWS 

"Why isn't it 

pKJssible for a producer or distributor 

to get advances from stations, advertising 

agencies or local advertisers, so that 

he can start production? I double that the 

initiative and trust that characterized the 

American way of doing business has gone out 

of our lives. Most television stations, owned 

as they are by newspapers, AM broadcasters 

or motion picture exhibitors, can raise enough 

cash to help finance reliable producers. So 

can many large local advertisers or their 

agencies." 

Russ Johnston of Jerry Fairbanks I^roductions 

said that, by and large, the local television 

package has not yet emerged and that 

the reasons are that the stations won't sell 

them and that none good enough to sell have 

yet been made. He was convinced that television 

film programs properly prepared by 

qualified persons and properly exhibited will 

become the salvation of the television industry. 

Ned Irish, executive vice-president of Madison 

Square Garden, New York, said gate receipts 

are not adversely affected by television, 

except in instances of unusually severe 

weather or by mediocre attractions on a 

schedule which may include many standout 

features in a relatively short time. "That we 

have proved and hope to get further proof 

before April 1 when our indoor sports programs 

conclude," he said. 

President Poppele, in his annual report, 

said that "there is no reason—beyond just 

plain indifference—why every television operator 

in the country should not be a member 

of TBA." He called for the lifting of the 

government freeze on new station grants. The 

association distributed a sample rate card as 

a guide to formulating more uniform rate 

practices. Its preparation took a year. Charles 

C. Barry, vice-president, American Broadcasting 

Co., was chairman of the chnic. 

DuMont Says Two U.S. 

Officials Hold Up TV 

NEW YORK—Two government officials are 

chiefly responsible for the freeze on construction 

of new television stations and are 

stifling the industry by their "arbitrary" 

action. Dr. Allen B. DuMont, president of 

the television company of the same name, 

told the fifth annual Television Institute and 

Industry Trade Show February 6. He identified 

the officials as Sen. Edwin C. Johnson, 

Democrat, of Colorado, and Robert F. 

Jones of the Federal Communications commission. 

DuMont said that Senator Johnson, as 

chairman of the senate committee on Interstate 

and foreign commerce, has supervisory 

responsibility over FCC, and that Jones 

"has no eye or ear for anything that doesn't 

look or sound like color." Tests show, he 

said, that color transmitters can operate on 

present channels with no additional interference 

problems than those involved with 

present black-and-white transmission. He 

urged continued experiments in color but 

said a final decision on its use may take 

years. He said "these two laymen" insist 

that "we standardize on a color system now." 

House of Lords Decides 

For MGM in Libel Suit 

LONDON—The House of Lords has dismissed 

an appeal by E. Arnot Robertson, 

English author and critic, against an earlier 

verdict by the court of appeals in her suit 

against MGM for libel and slander. She 

originally had been awarded 1,500 pounds 

damages after a jury found the company 

guilty of malice when it barred her from 

MGM previews following her radio review of 

"The Green Years" in 1946 on the BBC. 

The court of appeals reversed the decision, 

finding no evidence of malice in the company's 

action or in its letter of protest to 

the BBC. Cost of the lawsuit to Miss Robertson 

is estimated at 13,000 pounds. 

MPIC Ailer More Data 

On Foreign Siiualion 

HOLLYWOOD—Spurred by the Hollywood 

AFL Film Council—long a bitter foe of socalled 

"runaway" foreign production by American 

film companies—the Motion Picture 

Industry Council, of which the AFL group 

a member, has set machinery in motion to 

is 

seek additional information through which 

a joint program may be initiated to study the 

entire foreign situation, including the problem 

of frozen funds and the upcoming renegotiation 

of the Anglo-American film 

agreement. 

At the last MPIC membership meeting, 

representatives of the AFL council reiterated 

its strong opposition to foreign production 

as a solution to frozen dollar difficulties on 

the grounds it creates unemployment ameng 

Hollywood film workers. 

As concerns the "Additional information' 

to be sought, an MPIC spokesman emphasized 

the organization "seeks only to weigh areas 

of possible agreement among its component 

groups," and pointed out that in the event no 

such agreement can be reached, "the groups 

are free to act individually as heretofore." 

That comment was in apparent response 

to an AFL council declaration that if no 

reasonable solution can be found by the MPIC, 

the labor organization will press the campaign 

on its own. 

Efforts will be made, the MPIC spokesman 

said, to have "clarifying facts" available 

for "further examination" at the next 

council meetings, scheduled for February 15. 

Directors Guild to Guide 

Makers of TV Ad Films 

HOLLYWOOD—A film advisory service for 

manufacturers, advertising agencies and others 

interested in making advertising films 

for TV and other exhibition outlets is being 

launched by the Screen Directors Guild, 

which claims the move will spread emplojfment 

among its members, create more general 

employment in Hollywood per se, and 

contribute to better public relations for the 

industry as a whole. 

The SDG, pointing out that only l/30th 

of all ad films are made in Hollywood, is preparing 

a brochure for presentation to members 

of the National Ass'n of Manufacturers, 

agencies, and regularly established commercial 

producers. A council of 30 directors will 

be formed to provide, at no charge, analyses 

and suggestions for proper handling of scripts 

submitted. In the event bids on production 

are called for, the advisory council will charge 

a small fee to cover operating expenses. 

Rodney Gurr New Ad Man 

For MGM in Australia 

NEW YORK—Koaney Maynard Gurr has 

been named director of advertising and publicity 

for MGM of Australia and New Zealand 

by N. Bernard Freeman, managing director 

of MGM in Australia. Gurr succeeds 

the late Hal A. Carleton. 

Before joining Metro he was dii-ector of 

advertising and publicity for Greater Union 

Theatres, large Australian circuit. He has 

had considerable experience in the Anzac territory. 

During the war he was in the Australian 

army and later directed the Australian 

war loan publicity. 

54-D BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950

AMPP Urges Congress 

To Drop Federal Tax 

AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION 

(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager) 

Hollywood—Lending further impetus to 

the industrywide campaign for abolition 

of the federal excise tax on theatre 

admissions, major producers have called 

on Congress for help in the drive by sending 

to all California congressmen and 

senators, as well as members of the house 

ways and means committee, a resolution 

adopted by the board of directors of the 

Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers. 

The resolution, emphasizing the discriminataory 

nature of the levy, charges 

there is "no just basis for it" and that it 

places "an unfair penalty on the millions 

of Americans who look to motion pictures 

for their principal entertainment." 

Citing that the war established "beyond 

question" that recreation through 

films was essential to civilian and armed 

forces morale, the producers contended 

that while the end of the conflict did not 

change those facts, the emergency which 

justified the tax no longer exists. 

Fairbanks to Appeal 

Suspension by AFM 

HOLLYWOOD—A direct appeal to James 

C. Petrillo and the executive board of the 

American Federation of Musicians is being 

readied by Jerry Fairbanks Productions, television 

and industrial film manufacturer, following 

the AFM's notification that Edward 

Paul, musical director for the studio, has 

been suspended for six months and fined 

$1,000 for "alleged violation of the regulations 

of the APM regarding services for television." 

The Petrillo group's charges, which the 

Fairbanks company contends are "vague and 

in specific instances inaccurate," hold that 

Paul assisted in building up a stockpile of 

recorded music on .soundtracks for use in 

video films although the AFM has banned 

the recording of any type of music for filmed 

TV programs. 

In its appeal, the Fairbanks organization 

will maintain that it was forced to record its 

background music out of the country when no 

action was taken by the AFM on requests for 

the negotiation of wage scales and working 

conditions for musicians in the video film 

field. The company also will maintain that 

recording background scores outside the U. S. 

is "common practice" for the new TV film industry 

and that Paul did not participate as 

a musician or conductor in such recording 

Wide Drive Is Under Way 

On Bunco Talent Schools 

HOLLYWOOD—Support of city and state 

officials and leaders of business organizations 

has been enlisted by the Motion Picture 

Industry Council and the Screen Actors 

Guild, an affiliate thereof, in an effort to 

stamp out wliat the MPIC characterizes as 

a "widespread talent racket which is preying 

on the gullibility of thousands of honest 

citizens." 

The campaign is the result of a lengthy 

investigation by the SAG, MPIC and the 

Better Business Bureau, launched after hundreds 

of complaints had been received from 

amateur thespians aspiring to careers in 

films and television charging they had been 

bilked of sums ranging from $50 to $200 by 

•so-called motion picture and video "talent" 

schools and "production" companies in the 

Hollywood area. 

Municipal and state government officials 

and business leaders were invited to an 

MPIC-sponsored gathering which will be held 

February 14 at the Beverly Hills hotel and 

at which efforts will be made to devise a 

program to "drive from the community of 

Los Angeles" the alleged racketeers. 

Simultaneously, and following conferences 

with MPIC and SAG representatives, Don 

Redwine, assistant city attorney for Los 

Angeles, set February 15 as the date for a 

hearing at which charges against the accused 

talent agencies and "production" firms 

will be aired. 

CHARGE $100 AND MORE 

The SAG was particularly perturbed over 

charges that one such firm—and possibly 

others—required aspiring amateurs to join 

a so-called talent union, called the Screen 

Players Guild, and charged .sums approximating 

$100 for membership therein before 

they could be accepted as "clients" or "actors." 

Tlie Los Angeles police department's bunco 

squad, which has been working on the probe 

for several months, disclosed it has "more 

than 100 documented cases." 

In most instances, according to the complaints 

lodged thus far, the "talent racket" 

operators have been contacting their prospective 

"clients" by mail, indicating parts 

might be available for them in a projected 

production in the event they successfully 

undertook a "screen test." One SAG spokesman 

said the operators profess to fulfill their 

contracts by running groups of 40 to 50 ambitious 

thespians through a "quickie" script 

and then "tell the suckers that they'll let 

them know if and when the TV film .sells, 

but of course it doesn't . . . The same film is 

made over and over again." 

Almost invariably, it was charged, fees 

ranging from $50 to $200 have been collected 

under terms of a "contract" whereby the 

actor involved is cut in for a pro-rata return 

from the proceeds of the picture, if, as and 

when it is sold. 

In a letter of invitation to civic and business 

notables to attend the MPIC session, 

Ronald Reagan, council chairman, charged 

that "a multitude of racketeering firms purporting 

to operate as legitimate film or television 

production companies" but actually 

having "no connection with the television or 

motion picture industries" are "stealing from 

between $5,000 to $20,000 a week from the 

citizens of Los Angeles." 

MAYOR, SHERIFF INVITED 

Invited to the meeting were Mayor Fletcher 

Bowron, Sheriff Eugene Biscailuz, the chief 

of police, district attorney, presidents ol the 

Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills 

chambers of commerce. Better Business Bureau, 

state attorney-general, state labor commissioner, 

video station and net work executives, 

television producers' association leaders 

and others whose organizations may be 

able to assist in the "cleanup" drive. 

A special MPIC committee in charge of the 

campaign comprises Y. Frank Freeman, board 

chairman of the Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers 

and a Paramount vice-president; Dore 

Schary, MGM production chief: George Bagnail, 

Society of Independent Motion Picture 

Producers; I. E. Chadwick, Independent Motion 

Picture Pi-oducers Ass'n; John Dales jr. 

and Kenneth Thomson, SAG. 

It was reported meantime by the Los Angeles 

Daily News that Redwine—assistant 

city attorney—had indicated that at his 

scheduled February 15 hearing the targets 

of the probe would include .such firms as 

, 

SAGA Productions, Lord Productions, Saturn 

Productions, West Coast Productions, Atlas 

Studios. Metropolitan Studios, Pine Arts Productions, 

Television Guild, Inc., the Milmauer 

Theatre, Milton Syde Films, Rossmore Productions, 

Professional Screen Children's 

Guild, Val Jean, Inc., Play-Ad Films and 

Personality Films. 

Get your audience signing petitions now! 

BOXOF7ICE :: February H, 1950 55

were 

Blurbers 

STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES 

United Artists 

FLORENCE MORIN has joined Ihe publicity stall 

)l Robert Stiilman Productions- 

Briefies 

Metro 

Gil Warren, radio news commentator, was signed 

by Producer Fred Quimby to do the narration lor 

Technicolor cartoon, "You Auto Be '" "'"* " 

Pictu 

Cleffers 

Metro 

RUDOLPH KOPP will prepare and direct the musical 

score for the Pete Smith short, "Wrong Son." 

ERNESTO and TALIA, husband-and-w;ife dance 

leom, was set for a specialty number in "Visa." 

Monogram 

Musical score lor "Square Dance KcJty" is being 

prepared by EDWARD KAY. 

Warners 

Musical score for the Norma production, "The 

Hawk and Ihe Arrow," will be composed by MAX 

STEINER. 

Loanouts 

Paramount 

Producers Bill Pme and Bill Thomas borrowed 

MAUREEN O'HARA Irom 20th-Fox to play the feminine 

lead in "Tripoli," to be directed by Will Price. 

RKO Radio 

Borrowed from Columbia, TERRY MOORE will have 

Ihe feminine starring role opposite Victor Mature 

and William Bendix in Ihe Warren Duff production, 

"Alias Mike Fury," which Ted Telzloff directs. 

Meggers 

Lippert 

Assigned the production reins on Retu of 

"oys" was CARL K. HITTLEMAN 

Metro 

ARMAND DEUTSCH was handed the production 

reins on "The Magnificent Yankee," from the Broadway 

play by Emmet Lavery. Louis Calhem will 

have the title role. 

First producing assignment for HENRY BERMAN, 

former film editor, is to be "Just This Once." 

Monogram 

WILLIAM BEAUDINE will direct "High Stakes," next 

in Producer Jan Grippo's Bowery Boys series. 

Paramount 

RUDY MATE replaces Leslie Fenton, previously 

assigned, as director of "Montcma Rides," while 

Fenton draws "The Jewel" as his next piloting chore. 

Originally set by Producer Hal Wallis on a onepiclure 

deal to direct "My Friend Irma Goes West," 

HAL WALKER has been handed a term ticket. 

Republic 

STEPHEN AUER will produce and PHIL FORD will 

direct "State Police Patrol," action melodrama 

scripted by Albert DeMond from an original by 

Rose Kohn. 

20th Century-Fox 

Set to direct the Tyrone Power-Micheline Prelle 

starrer, "American GueriUd in the Philippines," was 

FRITZ LANG. 


ARTHUR LUBIN was signed to meg "Queen lor a 

Day" for Robert Stillman Productions. 

Options 

Columbia 

TOMMY FARRELL, actor son of Glenda Farrell, 

was booked for a lop supporting role in Sam Kcrtzman's 

serial, "Atom Man vs. Superman." 

CHESTER CONKLIN was signed lor the Vera Vague 

two-reeler, "Nurses Versus Hearses." 

Eagle Lion 

Handed a new contract was actress LOIS BUTLER. 

Independent 

KAREN HALE, daughter of the late screen actor 

Alan Hale, will make her film debut in the Arthur 

Lubin production, "Rhubcfrb." 

Lippert 

Signed to a one-year ticket, DON CASTLE will 

have the starring role in "Highway Patrol," a 

Barney Sarecky production. 

Metro 

Screen nev^comers NANCY DAVIS and JAMES 

WHITMORE were set for the starring roles in "Ihe 

Next Voice You Hear," to be directed by William 

Wellman for Producer Dore Schary. 

STEVEN GERAY was signed lor a character role 

in "Visa," the Hedy Lclmarr-John Hodiak vehicle 

being directed by Joe Lewis. 

Monogram 

Joining the cast oi the Whip Wilson starring western, 

"Guns Roar in RockhiU," were DENNIS MOORE, 

GEORGE CHESEBRO, CAROL HENRY and GEORGE 

DE NORMAND. 

Cast additions for "A Modern Marriage" are 

EDWARD KEANE, DICK ELLIOTT, LELAH TYLER, 

CHARLES SMITH, GLORIA WINTERS and FRANK 

FENTON. 

Paramount 

JEAN RUTH has been handed a featured role in 

"Union Station," the William Holden starrer. 

WENDELL NILES, CHARLES DAYTON and stage 

actor ALLAN NIXON will appear in the Hal Wallis 

production, "My Friend Irma Goes West." 

RKO Radio 

Cast in a comedy role in the Robert Mitchum and 

Faith Domergue topliner, "A White Rose for Julie," 

was CHARLES KEMPER. EARLE HODGINS, ETHAN 

LAIDLAW and ROBERT STEVENSON are cast add-1- 

tions- John Farrow is directing. 

Slated for Producer Lewis Rachmil's "Bunco 

Squad" were ROBERT STERLING and DANTE, a 

stage magician. 

Broadway actor TOD ANDREWS was set as the 

male lead for Filmakers' "Nobody's Safe," to be 

directed by Ida Lupino. 

Stage actor ZACHARY A. CHARLES makes his film 

debut in the Victor Mature vehicle, "Alias Mike 

Fury." Ted Tetzlaff directs for Producer Warren 

Duff. 

Ten-year-old GREGORY MARSHALL will portray 

Maureen O'Hara's small brother in "Sons of the 

Musketeers." 

Republic 

Leading roles in Producer William Lackey's "Dark 

" 

Violence assigned DOROTHY PATRICK and 

ROBERT ROCKWELL. George Blair is the director. 

JAMES LYDON was set for a featured spot Also 

signed were ROBERT ARMSTRONG, JOHN HARMON, 

CLARIE DuBREY, LARRY J. BLAKE, DANNY MORTON, 

MICKEY KNOX and RICHARD BENEDICT. 

AT 'KEY TO CITY" PREMIERE—Clark 

Gable and his bride, the former Sylvia 

Stanley, are shown signing the guest 

book at the Egyptian Theatre premiere 

of "Key to the City." Less Whittemore, 

Egyptian manager, supervises the operation. 

Loretta Young, Gable's co-star in 

the film, was among other screen notables 

present. 

20th 

Century-Fox 

vhide," starring Tyrone 


EVE ARDEN was signed for "Three Husbands." 

Universal-International 

MEG RANDALL and RICHARD LONG have been 

set for roles in "Ma and Pa Kettle Back Home," the 

Leonard Goldstein production 

Mam and Percy Kilbride. 

toplining Marjorie 

TEDDY HART was signed 

for a feature role. RAY COLLINS is a cast addition. 

Cast additions for the Ralph Dietrich production, 

" 

"Peggy, include FELLIPA ROCK, DAVID STOLLERY, 

CHARLES CONRAD, MICHAEL CISNEY, BILL KEN- 

NEDY, OLAN SOULE, FELICE RICHMOND, HAROLD 

DeGARO and DAVID McMAHON. 

Moppet JIMMY HUNT will portray the young son 

of Ronald Reagan and Ruth Hussey in "Louisa." 

Warners 

ADELE JERGENS was booked lor the femme lead 

opposite fândolph Scott in "Sugarfoot," the Technicolor 

western being produced by Saul Elkins. Set 

for a character role was ROBERT WARWICK. 

Inked to a long-term contract and assigned a role 

in "The Two Million Dollar Bank Robbery" was 

EDMON RYAN. 

Set for a featured role in "Lightning Strikes Twice" 

was NACHO GALINDO. A character role in the picture, 

starrina Richard Todd and Ruth Roman, goes 

to KATHRYN GIVNEY, stage actress. The Henry 

Blanke prod-uc'ion is being megged by King Vidor. 

Assigned to the cast was DARRYL HICKMAN. 

Scripters 

Monogram 

Set to script the Roddy McDowall starrer. 

Timber," was CHARLES LANG. 

RKO Radio 

"Tall 

THAMES WILLIAMSON checked in to develop his 

own original, "Hunt the Man Down," to be produced 

by Alex Gottlieb. 

Warners 

IVAN GOFF and BEN ROBERTS are teamed on 

"Mara Moru," maritime adventure yarn. 

Story Buys 

Independent 

Purchased by the King Bros, was the Harold 

Douglas original, "'Sinful City," which will be produced 

as a documentary. 

frank Ross Productions has slcfted "Save Your 

Kisses," an original comedy by Ross and Robert 

Russell, as an upcoming project. 

Norma Productions, headed by Harold Hecht and 

actor Burt LcJncaster, purchased "Our Enemy, the 

Baby," an original by Hugo Butler and Jean Rouverol, 

and booked the authors to prepare the screenplay, 

Metro 

"Wlien in Rome," story of a priest who visits the 

Italian capital during Holy Year, was acquired and 

assigned to Clarence Brown to produce and direct. 

It was authored by Robert Buckner. 

"This Is News," original by Jerry Horwin with a 

newspaper background, was purchased and assigned 

to Producer Nicholas Nayfack. Irwin Gielgud 

is preparing the script. 

RKO Radio 

"Target," a magazine serigl by Martin Goldsmith 

and Jack Leonard, has been added to the 1950-51 

production slate with Stanley Rubin set to produce 

and Charles McGraw handed the starring role. 

"fust Like I Hate Money," professional golfing 

storv by James Atlee Phillips, wcrs purchased. Robert 

Mitchum is sloted to star in the yarn, which was 

published serially in Collier's magctzine. 


For inclusion as one of the episodes in "Queen 

a Dav," Robert StiUmcm Productions acquired the 

for 

Faith Baldwin short story, "The Gossamer World," 

concerning a youngster starting in public school. 

Warners 

"Operation Pacific," an original World War II yarn 

by George Waggner, was purchased as a starring 

vehicle for John Wayne and Virginia Mayo. 

Technically 

Columbia 

Director of photography on "The Lady of the 

House," upcoming "William Dozier production, will 

be BURNETT GUFFEY. 

Set as camercnnan for "The Fuller Brush Girl" was 

CHARLES LAWTON. 

GEORGE DISKANT will handle the camera's on 

"Prowl Car." 

Eagle Lion 

Assigned to "The Jackie Robinson Story" were 

ERNEST LAZLO, cameraman; ARTHUR NADEL, film 

editor, and BORIS LEVEN, art director. 


— 

Paramount 

Producer Hal WalUs has relickeled film editor 

WARREN LOW lor another year. 

JOAN HATHAWAY is the dialog director on "My 

Friend Irtna Goes West." 

RKO Radio 

LLOYD RICHARDS was set as assistant to Director 

Ted Tetzlaff on "Alias Mike Fury," with AL HER- 

MAN as art director and PHIL BRIGANDI as sound 

engineer. HARRY WILD is handling the cameras and 

ROLAND GROSS is the film editor. 

Republic 

Assignments for "Dark Violence" include JOHN 

MACBURNIE, cameraman; LEE LUKATHER, assistant 

director. TONY MARTINELLI, film editor, and FRAMK 

HOTALING, art director. 


Art director JOSEPH C. WRIGHT was reoptioned 

lor another year 


Crew on "Louisa" includes HOWARD CHRISTIE, 

unit manager; ROBERT BOYLE, art director; MAURY 

GERTSMAN, cameraman, and MILTON CARRUTH, 

lilm 

editor. 

Op'ion wors hoisted lor another year on BUD 

WESTMORE, head of the makeup and hairdressing 

departments. 

BILL THOMAS is designing Marta Toren's wardrobe 

lor "Panther's Moon." 

Warners 

Cameraman CARL GUTHRIE, art director LEO 

KUTER and assistant OREN HAGLUND were assigned 

to "The Million Dollar Bank Robbery," 

Named as dialog director on "Lightning Strikes 

Twice" was FELIX JACOVES. 

Title Changes 

Paramount 

"After Midnight" to CAPTAIN CAREY, U. S. A. 

"No Escape" (Hal Wallis) to DARK CITY. 

RKO Radio 

"Blind Spot" to THE SECRET FURY. 


"The Condemned" (Robert Slillman Productions) 

to THE SOUND OF FURY. 

Warners 

"Roadblock" to THE MILLION DOLLAR BANK 

ROBBERY. 

"The Million Dollar Bank Robbery" to THE TWO 

MILLION DOLLAR BANK ROBBERY. 

Hugh King and Warners 

Settle Term Contract 

HOLLYWOOD—An amicable settlement of 

his term contract was reached with Warner 

Bros, by Producer-Writer Hugh King, who 

joined the company several months ago. He 

had been preparing "Wait for IVIe, Darling," 

his own original, and will negotiate other arrangements 

for the production of that melodrama. 

Terminating his association with Edward 

L. Alperson's Alson Productions was Jack 

Jungmeyer jr., who had been vice-president 

and an associate producer in the independent 

firm, which releases through 20th Century-Fox. 

Jungmeyer will make a European 

junket to survey the foreign situation before 

organizing his own independent company. 

'Heiress' Score Is Given 

HOLLYWOOD — The complete original 

manuscript of the musical score by Aaron 

Copland for Paramount's "The Heiress" has 

been presented to the Library of Congress. 

It was accepted by Dr. Harold Spivacke of 

Washington, chief of the library's music division. 

Presentation on behalf of Paramount 

was made by Louis Pipstone. head of the 

studio's music department. 

What have YOU done today to help secure 

repeal of the unfair amusement tax? 

«« LTHOUGH it commanded bigger headySja 

lines, the navy's success in dislodging 

the Big Mo from its resting place in 

the mud was mere child's play as compared 

to a bit of Herculean dislodging that Hollywood 

witnessed during the same week. 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and 

Sciences finally convinced the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of America that the latter should 

bankroll this year's annual Oscar clambake. 

In view of which dual, coast-to-coast derangement 

there is some slight hope that 

someday, somehow, someone will figure out 

a way to extricate the Academy from the 

mud of archaism into which it is sinking 

more deeply every year. 

In addition to tlie five listed in this space 

a coupla weeiss ago, still another event has 

been scheduled to discount the effectiveness 

of the Academy's belated kudos-bestowing 

glamorfest, which this year will not take 

place until March 23. 

Conies now the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents 

Ass'n with the information that 

it will stage its eighth annual Golden Globe 

awards dinner exactly one month ahead of 

the Oscar sweepstakes—February 23, to be 

explicit—and will hand out kudos in the 

usual "best" divisions for actors, actresses, 

supporting players, production achievement, 

writing, music, photography, etc., etc. 

Bring on the tugs and TNT! 

Southern California's "unusual" cold spell 

seems to be having a marked effect upon 

the train of publicity thought over at Lou 

Lifton's Monogram praisery. One release 

from that bailiwick informed that "five tons 

of chipped ice covered streets on the Monogram 

lot ." . . and another revealed the 

arrangements President Steve Broidy had 

concluded with David Diamond for the production 

of " 'A Modern Marriage,' which has 

the endorsement of the American Institute 

of Family Relations." 

The Diamond opus, continues the Liftonian 

intelligence, will be a "story based on 

a case history from the files of the Institute, 

and bares problems arising from a 

young girl's frigidity in marriage." 

Which, it will be readily recognized, seems 

to involve quite a bit of baring. When 

Actress-Producer Ida Lupino made Film 

Classics' "Not Wanted," dealing with unwed 

mothers, it was thought in many quarters 

that the screen was reaching hazardously 

far for realism. Fortunately, the Lupino 

venture was done in such excellent taste 

that unfavorable repercussions to the film 

were virtually nonexistent. 

For the sake of the industry's overall public 

relations, let it be hoped that Mr. Diamond, 

undertaking an even more volatile 

and intimate subject, will be comparably 

circumspect. 

First paragraph of an item from the spacesnatching 

sanctum of Paramount's Norman 

Siegel qualifies as the undisputed understatement 

of the week. Witness: 

"Although the motion picture studios still 

do not permit their contract players to appear 

on television, they are not overlooking 

the fact that it occupies an important place 

in the American scene." 

And as evidence that Sagacious Siegel 

knows whereof he speaks, consider a facet 

of the operations of Fanchon and Marco 

theatres, which, parenthetically, are the local 

first run outlets for Paramount product. 

P. and M. are giving away 20 television sets 

as boxoffice stimulants in its ten theatres 

in this area. The circuit has tied up with 

KECA-TV and is imprinting on the backs 

of the "chance" tickets the message: 

"You always win on KECA-TV, Channel 7 

. . . it's a natural." 

Natural or not, there are 20 more families 

to stay away from P. and M. showhouses 

or any others, for that matter. 

A Beverly Hills psychiatrist, one Dr. Harold 

Fink, has acquired rights, in Englishspeaking 

countries, to "Hardly a Criminal," 

which was made in Argentina as a Spanishlanguage 

film last year by Director Hugo 

Fregonese. 

The good doctor not only plans to distribute 

it in small theatres in key cities 

throughout the U.S., but also intends to screen 

it for psychiatrists as a "case history." 

This may launch a new era in film critiques 

—a three-couch picture. 

Last season 20th Century-Fox made "A 

Letter to Three Wives," in which three young 

matrons were informed by another gal that 

she was having a love affair with the husband 

of one. Vera Caspary wrote the screenplay. 

Now, for United Artists release. Producer 

I. G. Goldsmith is preparing "Three Husbands," 

in which three male spouses are informed 

through letters from a man who has 

just died that he has had affairs with 

their wives. Vera Caspary wrote the original 

and screenplay. 

Vera, you're getting in a rut. 

U-I drumbeaters inform that Director 

Frederick DeCordova took the studio's 

"Peggy" troupe to the University of Southern 

California for two days of shooting in 

the university library. 

Chief Flack Al Horwits did not accompany. 

He had already seen a book. 

From Ted Loeff a morsel to the effect that 

"the title of the second LeMay-Templeton 

picture for Eagle Lion relea.se has been 

changed from 'Deadfall' to 'High Lonesome.' 

Title is derived from the term used to describe 

the tall windmills in the Texas ranch 

section." 

What, pray, is the term to describe such 

short windmills as Loeff? 


AoHcCcM ^cfiont 

pOK THE FIRST TIME within living memory 

a west-end cinema was closed last week 

by order of the London county council enforced 

by the special branch of Scotland 

Yard. Late on Friday night, police officers 

escorted an LCC messenger when he served 

a notice on the manager of the New Gallery 

cinema, Regent Street, ordering the house to 

close until it had withdrawn from exhibition 

the U-I film, "Sword in the Desert," the first 

film to deal with the troubles in Palestine. 

Although many critics had seen the film 

as anti-British this was not the reason for 

the action taken by the LCC. That body is 

responsible for the licensing of cinemas in 

London and is charged with the duty of enforcing 

safety measures in theatres within 

its area. The police had laid information 

with the LCC that certain organizations were 

planning demonstrations against the film this 

weekend and that the safety of the public 

might be in danger if the audience panicked. 

Already, on the Thursday preceding 

the closure, smoke-bombs had been thrown 

from the circle and fights had broken out 

among people watching the film. On these 

facts it was decided that it was against the 

interests of public safety to allow the film 

to continue its run. 

When the film was first shown in New 

York, months before its opening in London, 

a print was flown to England and shown to 

London critics .so that they would not be influenced 

by criticism coming across the Atlantic 

before they had viewed the film. At 

that time and again at its opening last 

week comment was lukewarm in the British 

press. After the first showing a typical 

notice was that of the Londor| Daily Express 

whose reporter wrote: 

"The film shows the (British) army as a 

burlesque, a crowd of excitable, ill-disciplined 

types, incapable of guarding even their 

own barracks. The tolerant British will 

probably laugh uproariously, but abroad it 

may be taken as sober fact." 

No clue has been given as to the identity 

of the organization responsible for the rowdiness 

in the New Gallery last Thursday, 

but it is probably one of the crackpot, pseudofascist 

organizations that number about one 

or two thousand members from among London's 

12,000,000 population. 

The last time a film was withdrawn from 

its west-end .show its removal was caused by 

the press rather than the public. That was 

on the occasion of Warners' "Objective 

Burma," which offended British susceptibilities 

by showing EJrrol Flynn winning the 

Burma campaign practically single-handed 

and without mention of the British 14th 

army. 

FACED WITH THE alternative of a nervous 

breakdown if he continues work Sydney 

By JOHN SULLIVAN 

Box, one of J. Arthur Rank's three executive 

producers, has chosen to take a year's 

unpaid leave to recover from the strain of 

overworking. For two years at Gainsborough 

studios Box turned out a constant stream 

of modest-budget films and when that studio 

closed he moved over to Pinewood and, in 

company with Earl St. John and Lord Archibald, 

helped to maintain a flow of production 

at those studios by producing films directly 

for Rank and by Insuring that enough 

independents came forward to keep the studios 

busy. 

Box will leave shortly on a world cruise 

during which he hopes to return to his first 

occupation of screen-writer. If the material 

comes easily he will write one or two scripts 

to produce when he rejoins the Rank group 

next year, to complete the remaining two 

years of his contract. Replacing him as producer 

of the W. Somerset Maugham picture, 

"Trio" is his young protege Antony Darnborough 

who was trained by Box at the old 

Gainsborough studio. After "Trio" Darnborough 

will also produce the new Margaret 

Lockwood film, "Highly Dangerous," the 

script for which is now being written by 

Eric Ambler. 

WITH SYDNEY BOX AWAY more work 

than ever will fall upon 

the shoulder of Earl 

St. John, the genial 

American from Baton 

Rouge who controls 

Two Cities Films. In 

theory he and Lord 

Archibald are jointly 

in charge of Pinewood 

and Denham studios, 

but it is more than 

likely that the latter's 

recent elevation to the 

peerage means that 

the Labor party is Earl St. John 

looking to his support in the House of Lords, 

which will mean that he will have less time 

to spare for films. 

St. John brings to filmmaking the outlook 

of the exhibitor since he was with Paramount 

Theatres for years before joining 

Rank. He encourages the production of pictures 

which are frankly commercial, such 

as "Madness of the Heart" and the current 

"The Reluctant Widow." This is not to say 

that he discourages the artistic film for if 

his producers are sure that they have a 

subject which will result in credit to his 

studio he allows them full scope to make 

the film. This is proved by his support of 

John Mills when the latter made "The 

Rocking Horse Winner." a D. H. Lawrence 

story that was a tricky subject for neigh-' 

borhood houses and by his encouragement 

of Leslie Parkyn and Jay Lewis when they 

came to him with the script of a submarine 

story, "Morning Departure." This is now 

being tipped as one of the likely prestige 

pictures of 1950. 

SOME MONTHS AGO Ronald Neame left 

David Lean's Cineguild company to start his 

own production unit and this week his first 

film reached the screen at the Odeon, Marble 

Arch. Titled "The Golden Salamander," 

it was produced by the late Alexander Galperson 

and directed by Neame himself. The 

stars are Trevor Howard and a French discovery, 

Anouk, a girl of 17. 

Howard is seen as a young archaeologist 

visiting Tunisia to recover a collection ol 

antiquities which were salvaged from a mined 

ship during the war and had since been 

stored at the house of a wealthy Levantine 

On his way in to the village of Kabarta he 

passes an overturned truck containing arms 

and, unseen himself, watches the two men 

who come to collect the cargo. 

When in Kabarta he stays at a cafe-hotel 

kept by Anouk and her brother (Jacques 

Cernas) and recognizes the boy as one of 

the men with the truck. From a natural 

diffidence he keeps his discovery secret until 

he reads an inscription on one of his rescued 

treasures—a golden salamander—which says: 

"Not by ignoring evil does one overcome it, 

but by going to meet it." Taking this as an 

omen he interferes in the gun-running business 

with fatal results to the young Frenchman, 

but finally succeeds in rounding up the 

gang. 

IN A MEMORANDUM to the Board of 

Trade, the Ass'n of Specialized Film Producers, 

which looks after the interests of 

short subjects makers, comments on their 

reactions to the recently issued report of the 

Plant committee. In the memorandum they 

ask the Board of Trade to encourage the 

annual production here of 100 shorts at a 

cost of about $13,000 each and of a further 

50 three-reel subjects costing between $45,000 

and $60,000 each. To enable them to meet 

the estimated revenue of 4 '2 million dollars 

yearly necessary to accomplish this they 

suggest that the hire of second features 

should be paid for by way of percentage of 

gross receipts in the cinemas, as in the case 

with first features, instead of the present 

system of a flat rate for supports. 

It is unlikely that exhibitors will take 

kindly to this suggestion since it must involve 

them in further expense unless the 

distributor concerned takes less for his first 

feature—an unlikely contingency. 

'King's Men' Judged 

Best Written Drama 

HOLLYWOOD—Dual honors were accorded 

Columbia's "All the King's Men" when the 

Screen Writers Guild staged its second annual 

awards presentation to pay tribute to 

film scrivening achievements during 1949. To 

Robert Rossen and Robert Penn Warren, who 

wrote the Broderick Crawford topliner, went 

the kudos for "the best written American 

drama" and the Robert Meltzer Memorial 

award for the "writing achievement which 

most ably dealt with problems of the American 

scene." 

Rossen also produced and directed the opus, 

which was adapted from Warren's novel. 

Other awards: 

Best comedy — "Letter to Three Wives." 20th 

Century-Fox, written by Joseph Mankiewicz. 

Vera Caspary and John Klempner. 

Best musical — "On the Town," MGM, written 

by Adolph Green and Betty Comden. 

Best western — "Yellow Sky," 20th Century- 

Fox, written by Lamar Trotti and William R. 

Burnett. 

George Jessel served as master of ceremonies 

and presented the awards, sharing the 

latter chore with Benjamin Cohen, assistant 

secretary-general of the United Nations, who 

also spoke on the contribution of the screenwriter 

to "peace and better understanding 

among the nations of the world," 

The affair was broadcast over a national 

hookup. Entertainers included Lucille Ball, 

Louis Calhern, Jack Carson, Audrey Totter, 

Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Barry Sullivan. 

David Niven. Barbara Lawrence and Phil 

58 BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 

Silvers.

— 

Directors Approve 

New Working Pact 

HOLLYWOOD—Formal ratification of a 

new basic working agreement with the major 

producers was unanimously voted by members 

of the Screen Directors Guild at a general 

membership session, which followed an 

earlier meeting at which tentative approval 

of the commitment had been signified. The 

new deal calling for a 100 per cent guild 

shop and salary increases of 20 per cent, was 

okayed with but one qualification—the early 

settlement of "certain inequities" in wage 

scales and working conditions for assistant 

directors. 

Such settlement was slated for discussion 

later in the week with producer representatives 

by SDG negotiators including President 

George Marshall and William Holman, executive 

secretary. 

Terms of the agreement call for a new 

minimum weekly wage of $420 as compared 

to the $347.50 minimum guaranteed under 

the old contract, which expired in May 1948. 

Unable to reach agreement with the producers 

on terms of a new contract, film editors 

lATSE Local 776 has called upon Richard 

Walsh, lA president, to intervene in the 

negotiations, which have been under way 

since last August. 

Charging that producers are "continuing 

their heartless and hypocritical campaign to 

lower the living standards of extra players 

by depriving them of their unemployment 

insurance rights," the Screen Extras Guild 

sent representatives to a hearing called by 

the California state unemployment insurance 

appeals board, held to hear oral arguments 

in two cases involving extra players. 

At the hearing, at which Central Casting 

Corp. appealed against a referee's decisions 

allowing unemployment insurance for the two 

extras, the SEG charged that while the producers 

admit they must have available "a 

large pool of experienced extra players," they 

do not admit "in public" that they are "trying 

to dodge paying their fair share of the 

cost of unemployment insurance for such 

players." The SEG claims it has the support 

of the Hollywood AFL Film council in its 

contention. 

Awards to 'Iwo' and 'High' 

HOLLYWOD—Republic's "Sands of Iwo 

Jima" and 20th Century-Fox's "Twelve 

O'clock High" have been given special 

awards by the Southern California Motion 

Picture Council for their "unusual and outstanding 

merit." Presentations were made 

on behalf of the SCMPC by its president 

Mrs. William A. Burk, who also is a representative 

of the National Screen Council 

the organization selecting the "best picture 

of the month" and which is the recipient of 

the monthly Blue Ribbon Awards presented 

by BOXOFFICE, 

Luigi Luraschi Elected 

HOLLTWOOD—Luigi Luraschi, head of 

the Paramount international department and 

studio censorship chief, has been elected 

chairman of the international committee of 

the Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers. He 

will appoint pubhcity and credentials committee 

chairman within a few days. 

Z'xecûilae 

East: William J. Heineman, Eagle Lion 

sales chief, has returned to his New York 

headquarters after a five-day stay here. 

During his visit to the coast he huddled 

with local EL executives and conferred with 

various independent producers concerning 

possible EL release for their upcoming 

projects. 

West: Producer Rene Williams and Director 

Alfred Zeisler returned from Rome 

with the disclosure they have canceled plans 

for filming "Horn of Plenty" in Italy and 

instead will make the picture in Hollywood. 

Williams explained he could not secure suitable 

shooting space in the Italian capital. 

East: Producer Harry Sherman junketed 

to New York for parleys with Gradwell Sears, 

United Artists president, on the four-picture 

program which Sherman is preparing 

to undertake for UA release. 

West: Spyros Skouras, president of 20th 

Century-Fox, and Murray Silverstone, head 

of the company's international division, arrived 

from Gotham for conferences at the 

studio with Darryl F. Zanuck, production 

head. Skouras also planned meetings with 

his brother Charles P. Skouras, president 

of National Theatres and Fox West Coast, 

concerning divorcement. 

West: Director pêd Zinnemann returned 

from New York after conferences with Producer 

Ai'thur Loew concerning the filming 

of "Teresa," which Zinnemann will pilot, and 

which will be filmed in Italy and Manhattan. 

West: President Nate J. Blumberg of U-,[ 

was due from New York for product conferences 

with William Goetz and Leo Spitz, 

studio toppers. 

East: To discuss production and distribution 

problems, Henry Ginsberg, Paramount 

studio head, and Y. Frank FYeeman, vicepresident, 

will plane to Gotham next week. 

They will meet with President Barney Balaban 

and other company toppers. 

East: David O. Selznick will head for New 

York early next month for business huddles 

and will continue on to London from there. 

He will be accompanied by his actress-wife 

Jennifer Jones. 

East: Harry M. Warner, president of Warner 

Bros., headed for New York for discussions 

with the company's legal representatives 

concerning divorcement of the Warners' production 

and exhibition operations. 

East: Producer Sam Engel of 20th-Fox 

checked out for Washington, D. C. to confer 

with government officials on two of his forthcoming 

picture projects. 

North: Director Henry King returned to 

his desk at 20th-Fox after an extended tour 

of southern hemisphere countries includini; 

Brazil. Venezuela, Panama, Peru, Martinique, 

the Virgin Islands and Mexico. Surveyint; 

film industry progress below the border, tho 

^fUuoel&n^ 

veteran megaphonist declared there is considerable 

active planning for expansion both 

in the manufacture of product and the construction 

of new studio facilities. 

West: Irving Allen, partner of actor Franchot 

Tone in A&T Productions, returned 

from Gotham after huddling with RKO 

distribution toppers on "The Man on the 

Eiffel Tower," which RKO is releasing. 

East: Mort Nathanson of Paramount's 

home office publicity department will return 

to New York after a week's vacation in Palm 

Springs, He has been huddling here with 

Norman Siegel, studio publicity chief. 

West: President Steve Broidy and Vice- 

President Harold Mirisch of Monogram-Allied 

Artists returned from New York and 

Kansas City, where they attended regional 

sales sessions. 

Technicolor 

Suit 

Nears Completion 

HOLLYWOOD—That there was a "substantial 

possibility of a settlement" in the government's 

antitrust action against Technicolor, 

Inc., and the Technicolor Motion Picture 

Corp. was the opinion of persons closely 

aligned with the color firm as, at midweek, 

it was reported from Wa.shington, D. C, that 

a Technicolor attorney was in huddles with 

the Department of Justice and William C. 

Dixon, west coast chief of that department's 

antitrust division. 

Indications that such a settlement might 

be reached were given further credence when 

it was learned that the date of trial, originally 

set for February 8 in U.S. district court 

here, had been postponed, presumably pending 

conclusion of the Washington conferences. 

The action against Technicolor was brought 

by the government in August 1947, at which 

time Eastman Kodak was named as a codefendant. 

The Justice department charged 

that since 1934 the firms had been engaged 

in a "combination and conspiracy in restraint 

of and to monopolize" the color cinematography 

trade in the U.S. and foreign countries. 

Subsequently Eastman entered into a consent 

decree with the government and was 

removed as a defendant in the suit. 

Technicolor and Eastman had been accused 

of entering into a written contract granting 

each other cross-licenses under all the "Monopack" 

patents and patent rights, and it was 

charged that from the time of execution of 

that licensing agreement in 1934 Technicolor 

has refrained from manufacturing and from 

licensing others than Eastman to manufacture 

film used in professional color photography. 

The government charged that thereby the 

development of color cinematography has 

been retarded, the development of color 

processing techniques by others in the industry 

has been hindered, and the public 

and film producers have been deprived of 

benefits of competition in the color field. 

Technicolor's legal representative is Hugh 

Fulton. 


' 

1 

' 

'Samson 

Shows Great Strength 

With 225 Score in Los Angeles 

LOS ANGELES — Booked at advanced 

prices, "Samson and Delilah" turned in a 

smashing 225 per cent as the runaway leader 

among local first run offerings. The Cecil B. 

DeMille opus is being day-dated in two situations. 

Showing more than ordinary strength 

were "The Fallen Idol" and "Mrs. Mike," 

each carding a 140 per cent average, and 

"Sands of Iwo Jima." registering 130 per cent 

in its second stanza. 

(Average is 100) 

Belmont, El Rey, Iris, Guild—The Fallen Idol 

(SRO), 2nd run . 140 

Chinese, Los Angeles, Loyola, Uptown, WUshire— 

Sands ol Iwo Jima (Rep): Belle of Old Mexico 

(Rep), 2nd wk „ 130 

Culver Ritz, Globe, Studio City. Vogue—Woman 

in Hiding (U-1), The Rugged O'Hiordans (U-I), 

2nd wk ;v-'00 

Downtown, Hollywood Paramounts—Soznson and 

Delilah (Para), advcmced prices .225 

Egyptian, Loews Stole-The Red Danube (MGM); 

Tension (MGM), 2nd wk 80 

Fine Arts—Spring in Park Lone (EL), 2nd wk 90 

Four Star-My Foolish Heort (RKO), 7th wk 80 

Music Halls, Forum—Mrs. Mike (UA) 140 

Orpheum—Mark of the Gorilla (Col), eight acts 

ol vaudeville - " 

Pontages, HiUstreet—Back to Botaan (RKO); The 

Spanish Main (RKO), reissues 80 

Warners Hollywood Downtown, Wiltern—The 

Lady Takes a Sailor (WB) 90 

Vaudeville Boosts 'Heart' 

To 180 in Frisco 

SAN FRANCISCO—Tops for the week was 

the opening of vaudeville again at the Golden 

Gate, which played with the screening of 

"There's a Girl in My Heart" for 180 per cent 

high. Second spot honors went to the St. 

Francis with the second week of "Samson 

and Delilah" at 160. 

Esquire—All the King's Men (Col). 5th d. t. wk 125 

Fox—Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox); Spring in 

Park Lone (EL) 90 

Golden Gate—There's a Girl in My Heart (Mono), 

plus vaudeville 

- 180 

Orpheum—The Nevadan (Col), Mark ol the Gorilla 

(Col) 135 

- 

Paramount—The Inspector General (WB); Bells of 

Coronado (Rep), 2nd- wk 100 

St Francis—Samson and Delilah (Para), 2nd wk...l60 

United Artists—Mrs. Mike (UA), 3rd wk 125 

United Nations—Montana (WB), 3rd d. t. wk 80 

Warlield—Battleground (MGM), 2nd wk 125 

'Battleground' Breaks Record 

With 275 at Seattle 

SEATTLE—Record cold failed to keep "Battleground" 

from opening at 275 to break a 

three-year record. But for most of the other 

houses the weather resulted in a sad story of 

sagging profits. 

Filth Avenue—Whirlpool (20th-Fox); Radar Secret 

Service (LP) - 

^ 

Liberty-Roseanna MeCoy (RKO); Hollywood 

Varieties (LP), 2nd wk 

Music Box—Mrs. Mike (UA); Apache Chief (LP), 

3rd d. t, wk ': 

Music Hall—Battleground (MGM) 2 

Orpheum—The Hasty Heart (WB); Bells of 

Coronado (Rep) ,' 

_ , 

Paramouni—Dancing in the Dork (2Cth-Fox), Call 

of the Forest (LP), 2nd wk 

'Samson' Second Week Grosses 

250 at Denver Denham 

DENVER—"Samson and Delilah" packed 

the Denham in its second week to garner a 

percentage of 250. "Battleground" ran a 

close second in its opener at the Broadway 

with 225 per cent. 

Aladdm Denver, Esquire—All the King's Men 

(Coli; The Blonde Bandit (Rep) 135 

Broadway—Battleground (MGM) 225 

Delilah (Para), 2nd wk 250 

(MGM); The Golden 

Denham—Samson and 

Orpheum—On the Town 

Madonna (Mono) - 

140 

Paramount, Webber—The Big Wheel (UA); Rusty's 

Birthday (Col) ,—- 135 

Tabor—The Story ol Molly X (U-I); The Red 

Desert (LP) 100 

Vogue—Dead oi Night (SR) 90 

'Battleground' Grosses 190 

In Second Seattle Week 

PORTLAND—"Battleground" continued to 

lead the downtown parade in its second week 

with a torrid 190. Other business also picked 

up. Pacing the newcomers were "Mrs. Mike" 

and "The Crooked Day" at 150 per cent in 

the Broadway. 

Broadway—Mrs. Mike (UA); The Crooked Way 

(UA) 150 

Mayfoir-The Reckless Moment (Col); Wolf 

Hunters (Mono) 90 

Music Box—All the King's Men (Col); And Baby 

Makes Three (Col), 3rd d. t. wk 140 

Oriental and Paramount—Dear Wife (Para); 

Spring in Park Lane (EL) ..- 125 

Punctured 

Orpheum—Dakota Lil (20th-Fox); Tillie's 

Romance (20th-Fox), reissue - 

Playhouse—Thelma Jordon (Para); Girb' School 

110 

(Col), 3rd d wk 95 

United Artists—Battleground (MGM), 2nd d. t. wk .190 

t, 

Attend RCA Sales Confab 

CAMDEN, N. J.—Among those attending 

the recent theatre equipment sales representative 

meeting at the RCA engineering products 

department here recently were Ed Miller 

of Los Angeles, Bob Schultz of San Francisco, 

C. N. Batsel of Los Angeles. Harry Paul of 

Atlanta,, Mike Yahr of Chicago, Jack Piatt 

Blue Mouse—Montana (WB); Square Dance Jubilee of Cleveland, Don Davis of Kansas City and 

(LP), 3rd d, 1. wk 90 Barney Scholtz and Marty Bennett of New 

Coliseum—Dakota Ul (20th-Fox); Tillie's Punctured 

Romance (20th-Fox) 80 York. 

The ultimote in artistic and luxurious stage 

unit I nnW I curtains and theatre draperies. Individually 

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He gives shape to things to come... 

HIS the ability to see each script through 

the camera's eye ... to picture with brush 

and pencil the story's dramatic highlights 

. . . and, finally, to shape sketches 

into settings of authentic merit. 

He is the screen's art director, at once 

responsive and responsible. Not only 

must he be sensitive to the mood of the 

story . . . giving full consideration, as well, 

to the personality of the star . . . but 

also he must be constantly aware of the 

practicalities of motion picture production, 

be able to work closely with scores 

of crafts within and without the studio. 

Above all, the art director knows the 

importance of the faithful reproduction 

of the values he creates ... an assignment 

he is well content to see competently 

handled 

by Eastman's famous family of 

motion picture films. 

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY 

ROCHESTER 4, N. Y. 

J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., 

FORT LEE • CHICAGO 

DISTRIBUTORS 

. HOLLYWOOD 


. . The 

. . Clover 

. . 

Graham 

. . Alan 

SAN FRANCISCO 

T K. Venard of Richmond has requested a 

permit to operate a Mobile-Movie in residential 

areas in the city ... A. P. Ifland and 

F. E. Cappo of Vallejo have applied to the 

Yuba county board of supervisors for permission 

to lease ten acres of county airport property 

in the Arboga district for a drive-in . . . 

Alfred Thiele, Placerville contractor, is in 

charge of building the new drive-in on the 

Grass Valley-Auburn highway between De- 

Witt hospital and Calida mill. Harvey W. 

Smith and William F. Hall of Roseville are 

owners. 

Don Nichols, formerly of Lodi, is new manager 

of the Sunset Theatre on West Lodi 

avenue in Lodi. The theatre, a new installation, 

opened January 20. It seats 1,000 persons 

and has been under construction since 

November 1948. It is owned by T&D Jr. 

. Enterprises Santa Clara County 

Motion Picture council has been formed in 

San Jose. 

The Rialto Theatre, which occupies the 

first floor of the Odd Fellows hall in Stockton, 

suffered fire and water damage when a 

$100,000 fire raged through the upper two 

floors of the building ... A masked bandit 

obtained $300 in a holdup of the boxoffice 

of the Motor-In Theatre at Fresno. 

The El Rey Theatre in Walnut Creek had 

eight loge seats destroyed by fire recently. 

Flames are believed to have started from a 

cigaret left on one of the seats . . . Actress 

Ann Miller was named Miss Squaw Valley 

at the dedication party at the new resort. 

Other Hollywood personalities attending were 

Ella Raines, Robert Stack and Joan Fontaine. 

^5i££feiq.® 

IDEAL 

MODERN 

THEATRE 

SEATING 

UNde 

187 Golden Gali Ave. Francisco 2, Cilif. 

BLOCKBUSTER 

The San Carlos Chamber of Commerce 

board of directors recommended to the city 

council that a variance permit be granted for 

lots to permit off-street parking facilities 

without charge to the public. The recommendation 

came after an application by the 

Laurel Theatre for variance of the rezoning 

would enable theatre patrons and customers 

of nearby business firms to park their cars 

without charge. 

Bill Helm of the Niles Theatre returned to 

work after a serious bout with chicken pox . 

Jane Russell appeared in person on the stage 

of the Golden Gate Theatre at the opening 

of "The Outlaw" and broke all opening day 

attendance records since Frank Sinatra appeared 

there in 1946. The same day, during 

the running York . 

of the film, fire broke out in the 

projection room. 

Jack Allen, genial manager of the Stage 

Door Theatre, plans for the opening of 

"Saints and Sinners" a collection of Irish 

bogwood miniature harps displayed at the 

theatre in addition to coins from Ireland. 

An unusual story occurs when an exhibitor 

remembers a film salesman for 23 years. 

That's what happened to E. I. Rubin of Interstate 

Popcorn Co. here. Rubin celebrated his 

birthday on February 2 and, as for the last 

22 years, a birthday cake arrived air express 

from Mrs. Gropper, who operated the Empress 

Theatre in Wausa, Neb. In 1926, Rubin 

was selling film for Paramount in Nebraska 

where he met Mrs. Gropper. 

Abe Chapman, feature booker at Columbia 

in San Francisco, died on January 9. Chapman 

formerly was with National Screen in 

Iowa and before that was associated with 

UA in Milwaukee. He had been associated 

with Columbia for the last five years. 

. . . Thys Winkle, 

Mike Newman, publicist for Columbia, was 

in town working on the "Jolson Sings Again" 

engagement in Oakland 

Times, Richmond, Rio, Rodeo and Pix, Oakland, 

was in town . LaFave, assistant 

cashier at Columbia, was operated upon 

and is in the French hospital. 

A gin rummy tournament is being planned 

by Variety Club members with over 100 already 

signed up and with Gerald Karski as 

chairman. The Variety Club members gave 

the film colony girls, who donated $750 to the 

Heart fund last year, guest cards to the club. 

Mrs. Frank Costello, president of the eighth 

district American Legion Auxiliary, wife of 

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the chief projectionist of the St. Francis Theatre, 

was responsible for securing women 

volunteers to man the March of Dimes collections 

in the local theatres. 

The Film Colony girls threw a surprise 

party for Hulda McGinn, California Theatres 

Ass'n, on her 25th anniversary in the industry 

.. . Gislingbury, publicist for 

North Coast Theatres, was appointed chairman 

of the theatre group in the citywide 

drive to collect $2,000,000 for the University 

of San Francisco. 

Mary Hennessey, publicist for the Warfield 

Theatre, has the usherettes and cashiers attired 

in western costumes with the word "Ambush" 

plastered on them in two-week advance 

of the opening of the film at the theatre . . . 

Ellis Levy, Gerald Karski and Abe Blumenfeld 

are among the delegation slated to attend 

the Variety Club convention in New 

Washauer, district manager, 

resigned from the Blumenfeld circuit to go 

to Los Angeles. 

Golden State to Transfer 

17 California Theatres 

SAN FRANCISCO—MarshaU Naify of 

the 

Golden State Theatres chain says negotiations 

are under way to transfer certain theatres to 

Fox West Coast. The deal involves transfer 

of 17 northern California theatres. The move 

will change the set up under which FWC 

owns a 30 per cent interest in the Golden 

State group of 120 theatres. The balance is 

held by Golden State, of which Mike Naify 

is president. FWC will trade its 30 per cent 

interest in the entire chain for full ownership 

of the 17 theatres. The transfers comply with 

a court antitrust decision handed down in_ 

New York and confirmed by U. S. Supreme 

Court. 

Expected to change ownership in Oakland 

are the Chimes, Palace, Parkway and Eastmont. 

In San Francisco, Golden State will 

sell the Parkside, Midtown and Noe. 

Paramount Talks Plans 

For Its New Product 

LOS ANGELES—First discussions of Paramount 

product and sales plans in the field 

since institution of the new Paramount Film 

Distributing Corp. were held during a threeday 

meeting February 6, 7 and 8 at the local 

exchange, launching three weeks of such 

sessions in the five branches of the western 

division. George A. Smith, western division 

manager, presided, and speakers included Y. 

Frank Freeman, Paramount vice-president 

and studio executive. In attendance at the 

huddles here were A. R. Taylor, branch manager, 

as well as the entire sales staff, bookers 

and other office personnel. 

A similar meeting was slated for Salt Lake 

City February 9, 10 and 11, to be followed by 

parleys in Denver, San Francisco, Portland 

and Seattle. 

Renovate at Pocatello 

POCATELLO, IDA—The Capitol Theatre 

is undergoing extensive renovations slated 

for completion some time this month. The 

house, owned by Fox Intermountain circuit, 

first was opened in January 1938. 

Lloyd Richards has been set as assistant 

to Director Ted Tetzlaff on RKO's "Alias 

Mike Fury." 


. . . United 

. . 

Evergreen Chain Manager 

Speaks at Bellingham 

BELLINGHAM, WASH. — Carl Mahne of 

Seattle, district manager for Evergreen Theatres 

circuit, spoke before some 30 members 

of the Washington club here recently. Mahne 

told how Charles Skouras, president of 

National Theatres, promoted the idea of using 

the screen for lessons on accident prevention. 

He told members that a series of safety 

films now is being shown in the 600 member 

theatres throughout the nation. 

The club then adjourned to the Mount 

Baker Theatre where it was shown one of the 

films. Accompanying Mahne here was Lowell 

Parmentier of the Evergreen circuit and local 

theatre managers Bob Monaghan and LeRoy 

Kastner. 

Tom Arrants Arranges 

Show for Denver Widow 

DENVER—Tom Arrants, manager of the 

State Theatre, recently performed a goodwill 

deed here which won considerable praise. 

He arranged for a benefit at the theatre for 

the widow of a slain highway patrolman, the 

late Harold Bechtelheimer. The benefit raised 

$1,000 for the widow. Arrants and other 

theatre personnel rounded up talent for a 

three-hour revue at the State in what was 

believed the greatest lineup of local stage 

entertainers. A motion picture completed the 

program. Tickets sold for $1. 

Ollie May Norman Dies 

DENVER—Mrs. Ollie May Norman, 76, former 

owner of theatres in Charles City, Iowa, 

died at her home here, where she moved after 

selling her Charles City theatres to Central 

States in 1942. She operated in Charles City 

for 20 years. Burial was in Charles City. A 

grandson Jack Bloesser is booker at the Denver 

Realart exchange. 

^^m 

DENVER 

Tack Copeland, manager of the Tabor and an 

active air force reservist, has been ordered 

to 90-day active duty at Maxwell air base In 

Alabama . . . Herman Wobber, western division 

manager for 20th-Pox, was in for conferences 

with James Dugan, branch manager. 

Together, they called on major accounts. 

Vincent Footman, manager of the Victory, 

entered St. Luke's hospital for a checkup . 

Tom Bailey, Lippert franchise owner, writes 

from Montana that he is wearing two extra 

sweaters to combat the cold. He wishes he 

were back in Denver, where yesterday the 

temperature went up to 63. 

James Mooney, 20th-Fox salesman, who 

spent three days in the hospital because of an 

attack of bulbar polio, is recovering nicely, 

but it will be necessary for him to enter 

Children's hospital for two days for treatments 

. . . E. E. Jameson, owner of the Kansas 

City and Denver Shipping and Inspection 

bureaus, stopped over to visit Lynn Fetz, Denver 

manager, on his way to Phoenix, Ariz., to 

spend a month. 

Film Exchange Employes Local B-29 elected 

these officers for 1950: William Fenske, president; 

Tom Parr, vice-president; Elmer Finch, 

secretary-treasurer; Ida Schultz, recording 

secretary; Don Spaulding, business agent, and 

Paul Kauzalrich, sergeant at arms. 

Film Offices Employes Local F-29 has 

named these 1950 officers: John Roberts, 

president; Dorothy Whitney, vice-president; 

Mary Jane Robertson, secretary; Herman 

Ruel, treasurer; Dorothy Beardshear, sergeant 

at arms, and Ellsworth Hayes, business 

agent. 

Theatremen seen on Filmrow included 

W. R. Pickard, Newall, S. D.; Mr. and Mrs. 

Fred Hall, Akron; Kenneth Powell, Wray; 

Robert Kehr, Ogallala, Neb.; Jack Brandenberg 

and Floyd Beutler. Taos, N. M.; Mr. and 

Mrs. Fay Gardner, Curtis, Neb.; Robert Smith, 

Steamboat Springs, and Burl E. Lingle, 

Estancia, N. M. 

Tax Repeal Campaign 

Launched in Denver 

DENVER—Twenty-four persons attended 

the kickoff luncheon at which a campaign to 

kill the 20 per cent federal amusement tax 

was explained, committees named and the 

groundwork laid for an aggressive campaign. 

The meeting was presided over by R. C. 

Hill, Columbia manager and distributor 

chairman. Hill first put all Denver exchange 

managers on a committee to work for the tax 

removal. They include C. J. Duer, Monogram; 

James Parson, National Screen; Henry Friedel, 

Loew's; Joe Emer-son, RKO; Mayer Monsky. 

Universal; Ward Pennington, Paramount; 

Tom Smiley, Realart; Clarence Olson, 

United Artists; M. R. Austin, Eagle Lion; 

Manuel Oslo, Clasa-Mohme; James V. Dugan, 

20th Century-Fox; Earl Bell, Warner Bros.; 

Tom Bailey, Lippert, and Eugene Gerbase, 

Republic. 

Joe Ashby, general manager for Allied 

Rocky Mountain Independent Theatres, was 

named exhibitor chairman and will be assisted 

by Pat McGee, general manager for 

Cooper Foundation Theatres, and Fred Brown, 

film buyer-booker for Black Hills Amusement 

Co. Representing labor unions at the meeting 

was George Brayfield, international representative 

of lATSE. 

T. Bidwell McCormick, publicity man for 

RKO, was named publicity director, a post 

to which he also was named for the Salt Lake 

City territory. 

The meeting was held in the dining room 

at the Variety tent. 

Luther Strong Manager 

At Grand Junction Mesa 

Harry Wood, 20th-Fox traveling auditor, GRAND JUNCTION, COLO.—L ut h e r 

was checking accounts at the local exchange Strong, manager of the former Avalon Theatre, 

now the Cooper, has taken over the 

Enterprises, Inc., doing film buying 

and booking, has opened offices on Filmrow 

at 824 Twenty-first St., with Robert ceeding B. V. Warren. Warren was called to 

management of the Mesa Theatre here suc- 

Spahn, recently manager of the Nile, Mitchell, Texas by the serious illness of his mother 

Neb., in charge. 

and upon his return to Colorado will go to 

Colorado Springs where he will manage the 

Thomas Cantrell was changing the marquee Peak Theatre, closed for remodeling. 

at the Oriental, standing on a scaffolding 

between two stepladders. Suddenly he was 

pitched to the sidewalk, breaking a leg. Seems 

an auto pulled away from the curb with its 

bumper hooked into one of the ladders. 

US HVDE ST. 

•• San fr«KTuo(S) Calif. 

LEAGUE LEADERS — The El Rancho 

Drive-In bowling team is leading the San 

Francisco East Bay league. The quintet 

carries the colors—and a plug for new 

film releases—of Robert Lippert Productions. 

Left to right, top row: Robert Lippert 

jr., C. Glum and L. Williams. Bottom 

row: P. Johnson and O. Walker. 

James Hummell, former manager here for 

Metro, now U-I manager in Portland, Ore., 

and Archie Holt, one of his salesmen, stopped 

over here to visit friends on their way home 

from the St. Louis sales meeting . . . Sammy 

Seigel, Columbia exploitation man, was here 

setting up the publicity on "All the King's 

Men," which opens at the Denver and 

Esquire. 

Dick Dekker, manager of the Golden Theatre, 

has been moved to Lamar by C. U. 

Yaeger, president of Atlas Theatres. Dekker 

will substitute for B. A. Dixon, who still 

is seriously ill in a Lamar hospital. 

THEATRE /ALE/ 

I.D.ARAKELIAN)^|^;t;| 

25 TAyLOR ST. «AN TMHCISCO ' 

PHONE PROSPECT 5-7146 


"Men" and "Udits" Rest Room Lights $6.75 each 

DRIVE-IH THEATRE MFG. CO.

Al LEAST 60 DRIVE-INS DUE 

TO OPEN IN SALT LAKE AREA 

About All Towns of 3,000 

Or More Will Have Its 

Outdoor Theatre 

SALT LAKE CITY—With February, drivein 

operators turn their thoughts to spring 

openings. In this exchange area, which the 

Wall Street Journal once referred to as "overbuilt 

with drive-ins," it appears there will 

be at least 60 ozoners operating this year. 

Of the 60, more than 15 will be in Montana, 

20 in Idaho and 25 in Utah. Although definite 

plans for openings are awaiting breaks 

in the weather, it appears the outdoor showhouses 

may be headed for their best year. 

A cursory check shows hardly a town of 

more than 3,000 population in the area not 

having a drive-in. Every large metropolitan 

district has one or more drive-ins in the three 

states, with a few more slated to open this 

spring. At least one will open in the Salt 

Lake area; one may be enlarged in the same 

district; at least one will open in the Ogden 

region, one in Boise and a couple in metropolitan 

areas in Montana. 

The largest circuit operating drive-ins is 

the Associated Amusement Co., with headquarters 

in Salt Lake City. It has 16 ozoners 

in the area and one in Las Vegas. The TuUis 

and Naylor Co. operates five, including the 

Riverdale Drive-In, and other showmen are 

getting established with partnerships in two 

or three outdoor theatres in Montana and 

Idaho. 

Another check shows renovations have included 

recovering of the screen tower and 

building of a new concession stand at the 

Twin Palls Motor-Vu, and building of a 

snack bar and renovations of parking area 

and restrooms at the Weber Motor-Vu in 

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, 

THE GRASS HAS REZ. 

Things are booming 

in the 

DRIVE-IN BIZ / 

The most advanced and newest 

in equipment— designed especially 

for Drive-In Theatre use, by 

-RCA- 

337 GOUJEN GATE AVE. • HE 1-8302 

SAM FBANCISCO 2, CALIF. 

C. W. Morris, Pres. : Wayne Mayhcw. Vice-Pres. 

Ogden. Other changes are contemplated, but 

are being held up for various reasons. 

One drive-in that will operate under a new 

owner this year is the Blackfoot Motor-Vu 

in Idaho, which was purchased by Albert 

Barrett, co-owner of the Roxy Theatre at 

Blackfoot, and Oscar Paisley, theatre operator 

of Couer d'Alene. They purchased it 

from the estate of the late Mayor Merrill C. 

Boyle. 

Will Build Near Reno 

RENO, NEV.—Tony Pecetti and associates 

have been granted a permit to built a drive-in 

west of the Sparks city limits by the Washoe 

county board of adjustment, subject to several 

conditions. The board of adjustment 

ruled that work must start on the drive-in 

within six months and must be completed 

within a year. Pecetti must fence the property 

and a 60-foot access road north from 

Prater Way must be dedicated to the county. 

Final plans for the drive-in also must be 

approved by the board. 

The Pecetti project ran into no opposition 

at the board of adjustment hearing, primarily 

because construction of the drive-in will mean 

drainage of one of the biggest mosquito breeding 

grounds in the county. Pecetti plans to 

have the drive-in ready for early spring 

opening. 

It will be located near Route 40 between 

Reno and Sparks and will have a capacity of 

about 500 cars. 

This project is in addition to a theatre to 

be built here, also scheduled for opening this 

year. The theatre will be in the 900 block 

of South Virginia street and will seat about 

800 persons. Both theatres were designed by 

William B. David of San Francisco. The 

houses will be operated by Charles H. Olive, 

formerly of K-B Theatres in the nation's 

capital and former secretary of national Allied. 

Pecetti has been in the amusement business 

here for many years as operator of various 

ballrooms. He is a native of Reno. 

To Start Caldwell Drive-In 

CALDWELL, IDA. — Work is expected to 

start Wednesday (1) on the new outdoor theatre, 

the Caldwell Motor-Vu, which will be 

built near South Kimball avenue. The drivein 

will have a capacity of 350 cars. Frank 

Judd and Harry Harris of Twin Falls and 

Morris Eckert of Buhl are partners in the 

operation. Judd and Harris own the Auto 

Theatre at Jerome. 

Springtime Opening Planned 

BARSTOW. CALIF. — Western Amusement 

Co., operator of the Forum Theatre here, 

plans to have the new Barstow Theatre ready 

for a spring opening. Plans for the theatre 

include two cry rooms, air conditioning and 

a large parking area directly behind the 

theatre. 

Porterville Airer to Be Started 

PORTERVILLE, CALIF.—Construction was 

to get under way immediately on the new 

$65,000, 700-car drive-in at Newcomb road 

and West Olive street for Verne Schwin. The 

15-acre site for the drive-in has been purchased 

and the Tulare county planning commission 

has approved the plans. Schwin plans 

to have the house open early this spring. 

Santa Paula Drive-In Slated 

SANTA PAULA, CALIF. — Negotiations 

have been completed here for the purchase of 

an eight-acre site on the old Walnut Park 

subdivision for erection of a drive-in by the 

Hickey Bros. Co. of Ojai. The drive-in will 

accommodate 500 cars and will feature RCA 

in-car speakers. 

FWC to Rebuild Glen City 

SANTA PAULA, CALIF.—Fox West Coast 

will build a new 1,200-seat theatre here, replacing 

the Glen City which was destroyed 

by flames a few weeks ago. The new house 

will be located on a site which the theatre 

circuit has owned for many years—on Main 

street next to the public library. Michael 

Kirsch, manager of the Glen City, will operate 

the new showhouse for FWC, according 

to the circuit's General Manager George 

Bowser of Los Angeles. 

Drive-In Exits Cleared 

UKIAH, CALIF.—Roads have been cleared 

leading to and from the new drive-in which 

George M. Mann will build south of town this 

spring. 

Eldon Pollock Plans Drive-In 

MOUNT VERNON, WASH.—Eldon D. Pollock, 

owner of the three local theatres, plans 

to construct a new drive-in here this spring. 

Tentative plans call for construction of a 

600-car situation, representing a total investment 

of some $150,000. The drive-in will be 

the second to be built north of Everett. One 

was built just north of Bellingham a year ago. 

Peter Garrette Seeks Permit 

WOODLAND, CALIF. — Peter Garrette, 

owner of the Yolo Theatre here, plans to build 

a drive-in on Highway 99 three miles south of 

here, as soon as he acquires a permit signed 

by property owners in the adjacent area indicating 

there are no objections. 

Work on Yreka Site 

YREKA, CALIF.—Surveyors are at work on 

the site here where a 425-car, $65,000 drive-in 

is to be erected by Robert L. Lippert Theatres. 

The drive-in will be built south of town and 

will be opened about April 1. The firm's construction 

superintendent J. E. Henning is here 

now supervising work. 

Two More in New Mexico 

DENVER—Two more drive-ins, both of 350- 

car capacity, are being built in New Mexico 

for spring opening. Ray Bartlett is building 

one to cost $70,000 at Artesia, N. M., where he 

owns three theatres. Fidel Theatres, Inc., is 

building a $50,000 drive-in at Riverside, a 

half-mile from Espanola, where it owns theatres. 

Bartlett's drive-in will be called Circle B. 

62-B BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950

LSOO-Car Airer Begun 

At W. Covina, Calif. 

WEST COVINA, CALIF.—With working 

plans for construction of a two-screen, 1,500- 

car drive-in now virtually completed, James 

C. Powell, representative for a large theatre 

syndicate, reports that surveyors have begun 

laying out the area for preliminary 

grading. The site, located on the north side 

of Garvey at the eastern edge of West 

Covina, was approved by the county planning 

commission recently, and Powell says 

that the area will be laid out as a "onestop 

recreation center." 

Cost of the venture, which is to include a 

restaurant, snack bars, children's playground 

and picnic facilities, is estimated at $400,000. 

An earlier application filed by C. C. Toland 

for permission to erect a drive-in near the 

Ivy motel at Glendera avenue was turned 

down by the commission when property owners 

raised objections. 

To Complete Airer in 90 Days 

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.—Bruno Vecchiarelli, 

district manager for Sunnymount 

Theatres, Inc., estimates that work will be 

completed in about 90 days on the new $150,- 

000 drive-in his firm is building on Grant 

road near El Camino Real here. The 900- 

car drive-in is located on a 15-acre tract. 

Vecchiarelli also said that construction of 

a 1,000-seat indoor theatre at El Camino 

Real and Miramonte avenue here will be 

resumed upon completion of the drive-in. 

Work on the $250,000 structure was suspended 

about a year ago. 

Hayward Permit Denied 

HAYWARD, CALIF.—Application for a use 

permit for construction of a 700-car drive-in 

in suburban Castro Valley has been denied 

by the Alameda county planning commission. 

The application was presented by Arnold Anderson 

on behalf of an undisclosed San Francisco 

theatrical agency. The drive-in would 

have cost $150,000 and would have been located 

between Center and Marshall streets. 

Midstate Builds at Richland 

RICHLAND, WASH. — Construction has 

been started on a new theatre and store 

building here for the Midstate Amusement 

Co. The $250,000 building will house a 1,200- 

.seat theatre and eight small retail stores. 

Completion is expected by early August. 

Plans provide for a reinforced concrete 

framework with pumice block panels set between 

the frame members. 

Renovate Vagabond Theatre 

LOS ANGELES—Herb Rosener's Vagabond 

Theatre on Wilshire boulevard is undergoing 

a remodeling job including a new ceiling, 

floor and seating. 

Falcon at Gilbert, Ariz., 

Redecorated, Reopened 

GILBERT, ARIZ. — The Falcon Theatre 

was reopened recently by Manager Forrest 

Clare after complete redecoration. including 

installation of new rugs, improvements in 

the building front, a new sign and interior 

painting and cleaning. The theatre is owned 

by Harry L. Nace, Arizona circuit owner. 

SERVE BEJEWELED CAKE—Shortly after E. A. Patchen acquired the Minor 

Theatre in Areata, Calif., he discovered that the house was soon to reach the 35th 

anniversary of its construction as the first "modern" theatre built in northern California. 

So Patchen made the anniversary the occasion of a countywide celebration 

and "meet the new owner" event. The highlight of the observance was the serving of a 

35-jewe! birthday cake, which contained 35 precious stones, including one diamond. 

More than 500 patrons received slices. Patchen and his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Bert 

Fettengill, former owners of the Minor, are shown with the bejeweled cake. 

Jody Chant Dramatizes 

'Battleground' Opening 

SALT LAKE CITY—One of the most 

smoothly run exploitation stunts ever pulled 

in Salt Lake City opened "Battleground" 

at the Utah Theatre last week. Manager 

Charles M. Pincus enlisted the help of veterans 

groups, including a band. For the first 

evening performance, the band gathered in 

front of the theatre, and then at a signal 

it marched into the lobby, separated into 

two groups and went down two center aisles 

to the stage. 

As soon as the band reached the stage, 

the curtain parted, and members of veterans 

groups were revealed standing at attention. 

Then a carefully trained veteran started the 

famous Jody chant while the veterans and 

bands marked time on the stage. Secretary 

of State Heber Bennlon jr., who was introduced 

next, introduced Brig. Gen. J. Wallace 

West, adjutant general for Utah and 

a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. West 

told some experiences, and then, with the 

Jody chant again sounding, the band and 

veterans marched off the stage and the picture 

started. 

New Equipment Installed 

At C. J. Severson Houses 

WOLF POINT, MONT.—C. J. Severson, 

owner of the local theatres and president of 

the Montana Independent Theatre Owners 

Ass'n, has installed new equipment in his 

two local hou.ses. Installed at the Liberty 

were new arcs, generator, lenses, screen, while 

at the Point, Severson installed new screen 

and arcs. 

The Liberty has been repainted and redecorated 

and in the spring, Severson plans 

to remodel the building front. Plans also are 

under way for additional improvements at the 

Point. 

Order your taxation trailers today! 

Income on Ticket Tax 

Slips in Bakersfield 

BAKERSFIELD, CALIF.—The final quarter 

of 1949 showed a sharp drop in gross receipts 

from city-taxed theatres here, yielding a 

lower sum than estimated to be added to the 

savings account in which the money is being 

set aside pending a final decision in the 

courts as to the constitutionality of the 10 

per cent levy. 

City Treasurer Walter Smith reported 

amusement tax collections for the last 1949 

quarter at $25,724. This was $3,846 less than 

the same period in 1948. 

The latest collections bring the fund in the 

disputed kitty to $264,000, being held in a 

separate bank account pending the outcome 

of an appeal from a superior court decision 

which recently upheld the tax as legal. If 

higher courts sustain the ruling, the city gets 

the money. If the final decision is against the 

validity of the tax, then theatre patrons holding 

receipts given with admissions at the boxoffices 

will get refunds. 

Thousands of customers have just thrown 

the tax coupons away, however. Consequently, 

there will be a big fund left over if the 

theatres win the suit. This fund goes to 

charity, according to plans of the embattled 

exhibitors. 

Former Fresno White Aide 

Is Sentenced for Theft 

FRESNO, CALIF. — Duane McKamey, 29, 

former a.ssistant manager of the White Theatre 

here, was sentenced to San Quentln 

penitentiary after he pleaded guilty to absconding 

with $2,236 in theatre funds. Mc- 

Kamey left Fresno with a former usherette 

in the theatre and her brother, and had only 

$14 left when he was arrested in Los Angeles. 

He told police the money was spent on playing 

the horses in Florida and on clothes for 

the trio. 

BOXOFFICE February 11, 1950 62-C

1 201 

amount 

Eugene, Ore., Tax Legality 

To Be Decided by Court 

EUGENE, ORE. — Oregon theatremen this 

week were awaiting an opinion from Circuit 

Court Judge G. F. Skipworth in the case of 

Western Amusement Co. and Eugene Theatres 

Co. against the city on whether Eugene's 3 per 

cent amusement tax will continue in effect. 

The case was brought before the court after 

almost a year's delay since being filed last 

May. 

The case revolves around an ordinance 

passed by the city council in April 1948 providing 

that 3 per cent of the admissions 

charged for public amusements, after other 

taxes, should be turned over to the city "for 

regulation, and also for revenue." 

PAYING UNDER PROTEST 

The theatres, the Rex and McDonald, 

owned by Evergreen circuit, and the Heilig, 

Mayflower and Lane, Western Amusement 

Co., have been paying the tax under protest 

since it was passed. Henry Beistel, city recorder, 

testified that the tax has collected 

approximately $42,000 from places of amusement, 

about $34,000 of it from theatres. 

In March 1949, the city took steps to have 

the case dismissed on the grounds that the 

theatre owners had failed to state a cause of 

suit. The city said that theatres had no suit 

because the tax was legally levied and was 

not discriminatory. Skipworth overruled this 

but stated that the city had the authority to 

NEO-SEAL BURIAL WIRE 

Solid or Stranded 

Drive- In Theatres 10-2 - 12-2 - 14-2 

Immediate Delivery — From Stock 

the city prevailed on the issue of legality of 

the tax and its answer to the complaint based 

its defense on the contention that the tax is 

reasonable. 

John Pennington, attorney for the city, said 

that the city would show that the theatres 

shifted the tax to the patrons and that the 

tax was actually an occupational one levied 

against the theatre business. Other amusements 

in Eugene have absorbed the tax themselves, 

he said. The city claimed that there 

had been no objections on the part of the 

patrons when the 3 per cent tax was added. 

The prices charged in Eugene have been 

35 cents, 51 cents, 72 cents in most cases. 

The city also contended that the theatre 

business is nonessential and a luxury. It also 

was argued that many patrons who live outside 

the city and pay nothing for fire and 

police protection, still receive such protection 

while in the city and in this way contribute. 

The theatres called Andrew G. Iskra, a 

local accountant who examined the city's records 

for the theatres, and Fred M. Brenne, 

manager of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce 

who was questioned as to the volume of 

business in Eugene. The city countered denying 

that the tax and resultant price increase 

had noticeably affected theatre business. 

Officials from various other city governments 

in Oregon were present studying the 

Seen on Filmrow were Joe Rosenfield, 

Spokane; Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Derby, Naches; 

Morrie Segel and Jack O'Bryan, Portland, 

and Ben Pish, personal representative of 

Samuel Goldwyn. 

Wenatchee, Wash., House 

Serves as Court Room 

WENATCHEE, WASH.—Recently 

thks 

city's Liberty Theatre played to a full 

house, several hundred standees and 200 

more were turned away at the door—but 

not one admission was paid. 

It all came about when the trial of a 

rancher for shooting deer out of season 

was switched to the Liberty when two 

courtroom^s failed to hold the spectators. 

Morrie Nimmer, city manager for Evergreen 

circuit, operator of the Liberty, 

permitted the use of the 1,070-seat house 

as a community service. The judge occupied 

the stage while the jury sat in 

the pit. The prosecutor and defense lawyers 

took their places on each side of 

the jury. 

The unusual interest in the real-life 

drama was raised because ranchers have 

long been feuding with the state game 

department over damage done to their 

orchards by deer. The rancher was 

brought to trial for killing 21 deer which 

he said had been eating buds and 

branches on his 30-acre orchard. The 

man admitted killing "about 50" of the 

animals between September and Christmas 

without notifying the game department. 

After the rancher was freed on the illegal 

killing charge he was fined $10 on 

a second charge of failing to report to the 

game department that he had slain the 

deer. With the excitement over, Nimmer 

cleaned up his "courtroom" and went 

back to getting ready for his screen program 

of "The Great Lover" and "Red 

Light." He didn't have the same size 

crowd that night. 

situation. It was stated that if the city should 

levy the tax narrowing the issue to whether 

win the case in Eugene, other cities would 

the tax was reasonable. 

not be long in following with their own 

Moe Mesher, manager for Hamrick-Evergreen 

in Portland; William Thedford, district 

amusement tax. Eugene city officials also 

have said that if they win, hitherto nontaxed 

manager for Hamrick-Evergreen in Seattle; 

properties such as churches and schools (the 

Willard Gamble and Al Foreman, Western 

University of Oregon is in Eugene and owns 

Amusement Co., were among those on hand 

property in the downtown area) would be 

for the latest court proceedings. The theatres 

considered for levying of special taxes. 

said they would prove that the tax is discriminatory 

and unreasonable, that the cost of 

Projectionist Bill Marr 

regulating the theatres is much less in proportion 

to the , of the tax and that SEATTLE 

SALEM, ORE.—William Marr, projectionist 

Invents Carbon Saver 

the tax is actually one against patrons and 

at the local drive-in and secretary of the 

not the theatres. 

Dill SchoU has been in town lining up some local union, has devised a new type carbon 

CHARGE TAX IS UNFAIR 

excellent exploitation stunts on "The Sundowners," 

which is set to play the Coliseum ago and has been improving it since then. 

saver. Marr invented his saver about a year 

The theatres contend that while they do 

only two one-thousandth of 1 per cent of the 

soon. The tieups involve both afternoon and He saved the carbon butts for a three-month 

total volume of annual business here, they are 

evening newspapers ... A break in Seattle's period and for the following three-month 

compelled to pay 66^ per cent of the total 

horrible weather which set alltime marks for period used no new carbons but attached the 

license fees charged by the city. They cold and snow for the month of January is saver to the butts and used them. When the 

estimate 

that the tax will cost them $21,000 a 

thawing out exhibitors' long faces . . . Archie boss inquired what was taking place, Marr 

year. AH other businesses which pay 

Zarewski, manager of the State, Olympia, begged off and went back to work to further 

license 

fees to the city pay an average 

and his wife are the parents of a daughter improve his invention. Finally perfected and 

fee of only 

$11 per year and in no case more than 

Gena Ray. 

ready to go on the market, Marr signed up 

$200. 

Because 

Warren Porter & Associates at the Mead 

of Skipworth's ruling last March, William H. Thedford and Lowell Parmentier building in Portland as sales agents and is 

of Evergreen flew to Eugene, Ore., on a business 

trip . . . Sterling circuit's Capitol, for- 

who already have asked for his savers despite 

getting ready to fill orders for distributors 

merly the Telenews, will have a new marquee the fact they are not yet in production. 

soon to help launch it on its popular-price 

Marr says that with his carbon saver the 

subsequent run policy . . . Richard E. Hays, 

1 fot Quick Action! | HEAnTRE 

projectionist can use carbons down to 

Times motion picture critic, may 

M of 

have to be 

Our wid* nmlacu

. . His 

. . 

. . 

Tax Group Formed 

By Frisco Council 

SAN FRANCISCO—The Council of Motion 

Kcture Organizations committee on taxation 

and legislation in the San Francisco area was 

formed at a recent meeting here. Appointed 

to the executive committees were, H. Neal 

East for distributors; Roy Cooper, California 

Theatres Ass'n; Floyd Billingsley, labor, and 

Rotus Harvey, Independent Theatres Ass'n. 

Advisory committee — Spencer Lave, Fox 

West Coast: C. Verney Taylor, United California 

Theatres: Irving Levin, San Francisco 

Theatres: Jay Golden, RKO Theatres: Cliff 

Gieseman, North Coast Theatres: Boyd Sparrow, 

Loew's Warfield; Ellis Levy, Pacific 

Newsreel Theatres; Ben Levin, General Theatrical: 

Gerald Hardy, Westland Theatres; 

George Mann, Redwood Theatres: Robert 

Lippert, Affiliated Theatres; L. S. Hamm, 

Westside Theatres; Sid Weisbaum, Sunnymount 

Theatres: David J. Bolton and Rex 

Stevenson, Trans-California Theatres; Irving 

Ackerman, Ackerman-Rosener Theatres; 

Joseph Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld Theatres; 

Harry P. Franklin, Goldberg Theatres; Guy 

W. Meek, Guy Meek Theatres; Frank E. 

Lucido, Auto-Movie Theatres; George Nasser, 

Nasser Bros. Theatres, and August Panero. 

Panero circuit. 

Appointed as general chairman was Jerry 

Zigmond, Hulda McGinn was named to head 

public relations; Jerry Juroe to handle publicity, 

Charles Thall was named executive 

secretary and Jack Marpole for National 

Screen. 

Key city and territorial committee—Irving 

Levin for San Francisco; Harry Seipel, Peninsula: 

Fred Curtis, San Jose; Paul David, 

Sacramento; Russell Hoss, Sahnas; Thomas 

Whittemore, Chico: Mike Kassis, Redding; 

Robert Corbin, Eureka; Edward Smith, 

Ukiah: Al Fourmet, Tulare; Henry Kins, 

Vallejo. 

Allan Warshauer, East Bay; Al Goodwin, 

Marin county; L. G. Tavalora, Stockton; 

George Sharp, Fresno; Barney Gurnette, 

Santa Cruz, Harry Browne, Marysville; Homer 

LeBallister, Reno; Earl Baughman, Klamath 

Falls, Ore.; Harold Wright, Santa Rosa; Bert 

Hensen, Modesto; August Panero, Delano; 

Nate Krevitz, Pittsburg, and M. Fred, Medford. 

Ore. 

SALT LAKE CITY 

r^ Clare Woods, Shirl Thayne and Harry 

Swonson have been named co-chairmen 

for the annual exhibitor-distributor roundup 

of the Salt Lake City Motion Picture club, 

which will be held this summer . . . Fred 

Weimer, former NSS manager and more recently 

head of his own advertising concern 

on Filmrow, has left for Des Moines to become 

a salesman for NSS . family will 

join him there as soon as school closes. 

Vincent Price won the hearts of Salt Lakers 

during his appearance here on behalf of the 

March of Dimes campaign. He was made 

honorary governor for the day and Gov. J 

Bra,cken Lee gave him a deed to the state. 

He also appeared at the two fashion show.s 

in behalf of March of Dimes and participated 

in re-enactment of the famous shaving scene 

from his stage success, "Victoria Regina." 

Exhibitors in the Salt Lake area are using 

the cold weather as an excuse to get to 

warmer climes. Among them are Hugo Jorgenson 

of Ribgy, who went to Phoenix for a 

month, Francis Feltch of Vernal, who has 

been in Acapuico, Mexico, and Louis Moore 

of Glendive, Mont., who stopped in Salt 

Lake en route to Las Vegas. 

"Samson and Delilah" and "Ambush" held 

top pace among the city's first run pictures 

last week, with the former in its third week 

Jack McGee, district manager for Fox ITitermountain, 

bemoans the fact that "they 

seem to be burning me out in Butte, Mont." 

the past three months. Previous loss was the 

Park. Bob Anderson is city manager . 

Barney Rose, new western district manager 

for U-I, returned "home" last week, when 

he came to Salt Lake in company with Foster 

Blake, who moves up to western division 

manager. Rose started his film career in Salt 

Lake nearly three decades ago when he was 

salesman for Universal. He and Foster met 

the local staff and then went on to Denver. 

Al Kolitz, RKO district manager, was another 

visitor, here to set up bookings on 

"Stromboli" and "The Outlaw" . . . Ditto 

Bidwell McCormick, RKO field representative 

. . . Jazzbo, sidekick of Charles M. Pincus 

and one of the city's most colorful disk 

jockeys, has changed radio stations again. 

He's no longer with KALL, but no official 

announcement has been made of his new 

The Salt Lake Motion Picture 

station . . . 

club is ready to vote on its new constitution 

which will take it into Variety International. 

A special meeting of the membership is 

scheduled for February 20 to discuss the bylaws 

drawn up by Henry S. Ungerleider . 

The club also has scheduled a Valentine dinner 

dance for February 13 and has voted to 

keep the clubhouse open on Saturday afternoons. 

Cake for Anniversary 

and the latter being held extra days. Variable 

weather, from blizzards through thunderstorms 

LONGVIEW, WASH. — A large cake, de- 

to spring-like days, kept boxoffices signed as a replica of the Longview Theatre 

Vern Austin, manager of the here, was served to patrons recently upon 

uncertain . . . 

Uptown, arranged for the Utah National the eighth anniversary of the house. Mayor 

Guard to put on a flight demonstration over E. E. Cloney served the first piece of cake to 

the city coincidental with the opening of Steve A. Oversby, who built the theatre. The 

"Twelve O'clock High." 

party was planned by Manager Bill Eagen. 

New Screen at Riverton Acme 

RIVERTON, WYO.—T. E. Knight, manager, 

has installed a new screen, new generating 

system and new arc lights at the Acme Thea- 

Latest blaze destroyed the American. It was 

of undetermined origin and was the second 

fire to destroy a Fox house in the city within tre here. 

Hollywood Group Seeks 

Arizona Mine Property 

PHOENIX—Announcement that Hollywood 

film investors have put in a $300,000 bid for 

purchase and development of the old Pike's 

Peak mining property in Morgan Wash, Ariz., 

about 65 miles northwest of here, was made 

last week by E. S. Clark. Phoenix attorney. 

Clark told the Maricopa county board of 

supervisors that purchase of the property is 

contingent on the board's waiver of a tax 

lien of about $1,300. The property, owned by 

a Phoenix woman, consists of five patented 

claims and two patented mill sites. Clark did 

not reveal the names of the prospective purchasers 

but said they are well-known figures 

in Hollywood and that one of them is an 

actress. 

Have you ordered your taxation trailer and 

petition cards from National Screen Service? 

Do it today. 

with Large 16" Reflector Arc Lamps using 

Rotating Positive Carbons, 

vtfith 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" Availoble ONLY through 


LOS ANGELES: 19(4 South Virinoni .lEMtnc M I 

SAN FRANCISCO: 243 ttldin (ili «

. . . The 

. . Jack 

. . Alan 

LOS ANGELES 

•paking over as manager of Sid Kirsten's 

Boulevard in East Los Angeles is Jim 

Rackin . . . Phil Isley, owner of the Lankershim 

in North Hollywood, the Picwood in 

Los Angeles and the Meralta in Culver City, 

planed in from his headquarters in Dallas for 

huddles with his local manager, Jim Haynes, 

and Earle Johnson, who operates a booking 

service here. 

Harry LaSeff has decided not to reopen his 

Aloha Theatre, at least for the present. The 

showcase has been shuttered for several 

months . Van Lear. Film Classics 

representative in Phoenix, checked in for conferences 

with Charles Kranz. manager of the 

local FC exchange. 

. . . Mr. and Mrs. 

Booking and buying visitors: Jack Mingus. 

operator of the Florencita; George Diamos, 

Tucson Amusement Co., Tucson ... Ed Finney, 

veteran independent producer, lunched 

on the Row with Sid Lehman and Harry 

Vinnicof chain has put its American 

Theatre on South Broadway on a threeday 

operating schedule 

Morris Borgos celebrated their 25th wedding 

anniversary. They hosted 50 friends at a 

party at their home . Parker, manager 

of the Vogue in Montebello, lunched on 

the Row with his father Bill Parker of Film 

Classics. 

There'll be no more shootin' irons at the 

Hitching Post in Santa Monica. After several 

years of operation on an exclusive sagebrush 

policy, the showcase is being remodeled 

and will reopen with a new line of film fare 

. . . Scheduled for opening February 28 is the 

Aladdin Drive-In in Southgate. The 850-car 

operation is the first project for the Aladdin 

outfit, headed by Jack Y. and Izzy Herman 

and Harry Popkin, producer and exhibitor. 

Campbell Meiklejohn, manager of FWC's 

Criterion in Santa Monica, won a $100 government 

bond for his campaign on "Father 

Was a Fullback" which he submitted in the 

showmanship contest of 20th Century-Fox 

. . . Vocalist Sarah Vaughan will headline the 

vaudeville bill at the Orpheum for the week 

YOU 

DON'T 

KNOW 

WHAT 

YOU'RE 

MISSING... 

'TIL YOU TRY 

'QUICKER 

&BBTTER' 




MR. THEATRE OWNER!

Charles Stewart Buys 

Torrington Drive-In 

TORBINGTON, WYO.—Charles D. Stewart 

of the U.S. air corps, originally of Rivertoii, 

Wyo., has purchased the Kar-Vu Drive-In 

here from Pi-ank Sheffield of Denver and 

Bob C. Otwell and Bill Chopping of Riverton. 

The theatre first was opened last 

August 19, and has been operated as the 

KenMor Kar-Vu. It is located one mile 

north of Torrington and will be reopened in 

April as the Hilltop Kar-Vu. according to 

Jim M. Nolan, who will remain with the 

theatre in his present capacity as manager. 

Stewart will be discharged from the air 

corps this month, Nolan said, but will not 

come here until the theatre begins operations 

in April. Nolan will do buying and 

booking for the house. Nolan said improvements 

at the drive-in would be made before 

the opening. 

Percentage Actions Filed 

Against Eight Theatres 

SALT LAKE CITY—Six percentage action!; 

have been filed in U. S. district court for 

Utah against Samuel L. Gillette and the Associated 

Amusement Co.. alleging false returns 

on percentage exhibitions at the Ritz, 

Strand and Tod Park theatres, Tooele, Utah; 

the Motor-Vu Drive-In, Twin Falls, Idaho; 

the Motor-Vu Drive-In, El Centro, Calif.; the 

Motor-Vu Drive-In, Las Vegas, Nev.; the 

Motor-Vu Theatre, Bellingham, Wash., and 

the Weber Motor-Vu Theatre, Riverdale, 

Utah. Separate actions were brought by United 

Artists, RKO, Universal, Columbia, Loew's 

and Warner Bros. Actual and exemplary 

damages were sought in each case. The law 

firm of Van Cott, Bagley, Cornwall & Mc- 

Carthy of Salt Lake City are the attorneys 

for each distributor. Sargoy & Stein of New 

York are counsel. 

Old Temple at Lewiston 

To Become Office Site 

LEWISTON, IDA.—The historic Temple 

Theatre here, built in 1903 and scene of 

many famous productions in which stage 

notables participated, will have its face 

lifted. The interior of the 740-seat building 

will be rebuilt and rented for office space. 

Among items to be removed from the theatre 

is the chandelier in the theatre dome. 

It is covered with pictures of many of the 

artists who trod the Temple stage in the 

days before the motion pictures succeeded 

the legitimate theatre. 

Installs New Marquee 

ALAMOGORDO, N. M. — Manager Morris 

Robertson has installed a new porcelain V- 

type marquee at the White Sands Theatre 

here. Plastic Wagner letters will be used on 

the board, according to R. L. Tessier, manager 

of the Roswell branch of Te.sco Neon 

Sign Co., which is doing the work. In addition 

to the new marquee the White Sands 

sign has been repainted and raised. 

New Theatre Front Completed 

TULAROSA, N. M. — Owner Turner has 

completed a new front on the Muse-U 

Theatre. 

MARINES HONOR THEATREMEN—In recognition of their efforts in collecting 

playthings at Christmas for the Toys tor Tots drive to benefit underprivileged children, 

southland showmen were paid high tribute by the marine corps, which sponsored the 

campaign. Maj. Gen. Merwin H. Silverthorn, left, marine corps reserve, presents certificates 

of appreciation to Charles P. Skouras, Fox West Coast president; Gus A. 

Metzger, board chairman, Southern California Theatre Owners Ass'n; and E. L. De- 

Fatie, representing the Warner theatre chain. The onlooker is Eugene M. Biscailuz, 

tar right, sheriff of Los Angeles county. 

Minor Damage Suffered 

By Roswell, N. M.. Chavez 

ROSWELL, N. M.—The Chavez Theatre 

here suffered only minor smoke damage as 

the result of a fire which gutted a nearby 

business building recently. Only noticeable 

damage to the theatre was a smoke spot on 

the ceiling. 

RKO Offer to Golfer 

PHOENIX — Jimmy Demaret, pro golfer 

who won the Ben Hogan open meet here last 

week, revealed to sports writers that he had 

received an offer from RKO to act as technical 

director for a forthcoming picture about 

golf. The film, which will star Robert 

Mitchum, is not about a professional golfer, 

but will have sufficient footage of the game 

to call for supervision by a pro. The picture 

is scheduled for production this summer. 

Fox to Reopen Capitol 

POCATELLO, IDA. — Fox Intermountain 

Theatres will reopen the Capitol Theatre soon, 

after a six-week streamlining job is completed, 

P. H. Ricketson, president, said no 

new theatres are being contemplated by the 

Fox Intermountain circuit. 

New Seats at Boulder 

BOULDER, COLO — New Kroehler Push- 

Back seats have been installed in the Boulder 

Theatre. 

Karl Hajos, Composer, Dead 

HOLLYWOOD — Services were conducted 

Friday (3) for Karl Hajos, 61, composer and 

studio musical director, who had been active 

in the industry since 1927. He is survived by 

his wife and a daughter. His last musical 

chore was "Its a Small World," to be released 

by Eagle Lion. 

Firth, Ida., Civic Theatre 

Shows Small 1949 Loss 

FIRTH, IDA.—The Melba Theatre here, 

which for the last year has been operated 

as a community-sponsored project managed 

and maintained by local businessmen, has 

issued a financial report showing that it has 

been "holding its own." The total revenue 

from ticket sales for the year was $7,726.57. 

Cost of pictures was $3,729.85. while other expenses 

including fixed labor totaled $4,775.35, 

representing a loss of $778.63. Profit from the 

candy concession was $718.89, bringing the 

actual loss down to $59.74. 

Radio Show a Stage Event 

BOISE—The Ladies Be Seated radio show, 

toplining Johnny Olsen as master of ceremonies, 

was presented for one week recently 

from the stage of the Ada Theatre here under 

the sponsorship of the local Exchange club. 

New Screen at Prescott, Ariz. 

PRESCOTT, ARIZ. — Manager Ralph W. 

Crocker reports the new RCA Photophone 

screen installed recently at the Studio Theatre 

is 100 per cent more brilliant than the 

old screen it replaced. 

Get your audience signing petitions now! 

YOUR POPCORN WARMER 

IS LOSING YOU 50% 

Can You Afford It? 

* 

HERB TURPIE 

Monley Popcorn Machines and Supplip 

Los Angeles 7, Colif. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 62-G

Perfh Theatres Seek Legal Test 

Of Australian Amusement Tax 

By WILLIAM BEECHAM 

Australian Representative, Boxoffice 

PERTH, W. A.—It is officially reported that 

filni interests here are shortly to test the 

validity of the Australian entertainments tax 

in the high court. Officials in Canberra say 

that they regard the validity of the tax as 

beyond any challenge, being levied under the 

commonwealth's ordinary powers and being 

looked upon as being as clearly legal as the 

income tax itself. However, any such court 

fight will be watched with extreme interest 

by the whole of the amusement industry 

here. 

The annual report of the Victorian Cinematograph 

Exhibitors Ass'n recently released 

speaks of 1949 as "a year during 

which conditions generally have been difficult." 

It goes on to say: 

"In the latter part of the year we have 

been faced with circumstances which have 

resulted in a severe loss of revenue," and 

it singles out such unfortunate occurrences 

as the power blackouts and the "so-called 

polio epidemic which, we believe, was and 

still is grossly exaggerated." It adds that 

membership has been well maintained with 

the total now at 254—16 in the city, 69 in the 

suburbs, 127 in country districts and 42 in 

other states. The audited financial statement 

for the year ending on last September 

30 shows, in spite of a year of heavy expenditure, 

a surplus of receipts amounting to 

£449 18s Id. 

The McCreadie brothers were to begin work 

on the first of a series of quickies, "The Kangaroo 

Kid," early in February. For this 

Embassy Pictures will be joined by Howard 

C. Brown Productions of Hollywood, and 

American players, technicians and money 

will be used. Interiors will be shot at the 

new Turella studios in Sydney, and T. O. 

McCreadie says: "The film will definitely 

be shot in four weeks and the whole thing 

must be finished in three months." 

Films are for world release. The first is 

budgeted at about $200,000 and the series is 

expected to boost Australia's dollar income. 

• « « 

The prime minister of New Zealand says 

that representations have been made to him 

by film companies seeking short films of 

the forthcoming Empire games. "The moving 

picture rights belong to the Empire 

Games Co.," he adds, "and not to the New 

Zealand government. But I am informed 

that if any offers for film rights are made 

in the right quarter such proposals will receive 

consideration." 

Emanuel Silverstone, vice-president of 20th 

Century-Fox-International, who is at present 

visiting Australia, says that two of his executives 

have returned to the U.S. after investigating 

facilities in Australia for making 

a feature, "The Bushranger." He adds 

that he expects photography of this film to 

start in March, most of it being done in the 

outdoors near Sydney. 

Film exhibitors in Western Australia are 

now faced with competition in the shape of 

free beach film shows sponsored by a leading 

oil company. Recently there has been a 

heat wave, with shade temperatures well over 

100. As a result the beaches have befen 

crowded, particularly at night time, and such 

free shows have kept many folk from making 

the usual visit to nearby commercial 

picture gardens. One wonders just what is 

to be done regarding such competition. 

As previously outlined in these columns, 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Ltd., Sydney, recently 

sought an order for Pan-Australasian 

Theatres to vacate the Minerva Theatre, Sydney 

(which MGM owns), but the order has 

been refused. In giving reserved judgment 

in the central court, Sydney, chief stipen- 

B^^SB^^^H^^^Bp^^^K^'î^^tf

Wisconsin ITO Pledges 

To Pass on Tax Relief 

MADISON. WIS.—About 50 members of the 

Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin 

met recently at the Loraine hotel here 

and voted to inform members of Congress 

that theatremen will reduce admission prices 

in Allied-affiliated houses in this state commensurate 

with any reduction in federal admissions 

taxes. 

Members at the regional gathering also 

voted to present an 11-week series of matinees 

for children during the balance of the school 

year. Admissions will be nine cents per child. 

If the idea proves successful, matinees will be 

continued during the summer. It was also 

decided to encourage members in other sections 

to put on such children's programis in 

cooperation with PTA groups. 

Ben Marcus, president of the group, urged 

exhibitors to work for child patronage, reminding 

them that "today's childi-en are tomorrow's 

patrons." 

A. P>i-ovinzano. a member of Allied and operator 

of two theatres in Milwaukee, described 

the work of a motion picture screening committee 

of the association, which sends reports 

to exhibitors on the suitability of films for 

family attendance as a guide to future bookings. 

Among those present at the meeting were 

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Callaway, La Farge; 

P. J. Williams, Madison; Ralph Farrington, 

Montford; Mr. and Mi's. John O'Connor, 

Platteville; Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Morris, Muscoda; 

Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Albert. Mount 

Horeb; D. Deakin. Wisconsin Dells: Tliomas 

Lees, Lake Mills; Mr. and Mrs. Roland Williams, 

Brodhead; William Charbonneau, 

Prairie du Sac; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kelly. 

Reedsburg; Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Watson. 

Blanchardville, and G. B. Porter. Waupun. 

First Sunday Shows Held 

At Sparta, 111., Theatres 

SPARTA. ILL.—Sparta, which enjoyed motion 

pictures and other Sunday amusements 

for the first time recently, seemed to like the 

change from the straight-laced policy that 

prevailed here for some 122 years. Business 

at the 420-seat Grand, owned by the Sparta 

Theatres, Inc., C. H. Wells, manager, on both 

January 29 and February 5 was very good. 

Bowlers kept the town's four alleys in action 

from noon until late at night. The owners 

of the Grand contemplate the erection of a 

modern theatre here. The vote for the repeal 

of the blue law was 1.067 for and 641 

against repeal of the old ordinance. 

E. J. Atkinson Re-Elected 

Local 110 Business Agent 

CHICAGO—Eugene J. Atkinson, business 

manager of the projectionists Local 110 and 

originator of a pension and welfare plan, has 

been re-elected. Five hundred of 600 members 

attended the annual meeting. The others 

sent proxies to make the vote unanimous. 

The incumbent officers were renominated 

and re-elected without opposition for a twoyear 

term. They are James Gorman, president: 

Frank Galuzza, vice-president: Clarence 

Jalas. secretary-treasurer; Charles 

Funk, Sam Klugman, Charles B. McNeil and 

Arthur Tuchman, directors, George Karg, 

Claude Holmes and Edward Schulze, trustees, 

and Julius Dickstein, sergeant at arms. 

Atkinson, whose term continues for three 

years, was lauded for cleansing the union 

from "hoodlumism." Atkinson's welfare plan 

calls for $100 a month retirement, $100 a 

month disability. $30 a week for ten weeks 

sick benefit in one year, $2,000 death benefit 

and a two-week vacation with pay. 

Alliance Chain Remodels 

Lyric at Connersville 

CONNERSVILLE. IND.—The Alliance Theatre 

Corp. will begin immediate remodeling 

of the Lyric Theatre here, recently leased for 

ten years from Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Norris. 

Plans call for a $25,000 remodeling program 

to include a new front, complete redecoration, 

air conditioning, new seats and a new 

screen. 

Alliance hopes to have the work completed 

and the theatre reopened within 60 days. 

Donna Theatre Delayed 

STURGEON BAY, WIS.—Work has been 

delayed on the new Donna Theatre being 

built here for Mrs. Donna Borchert, owner 

of the Door Theatre, but it is hoped to have 

the house in operation sometime this spring. 

The theatre will have 450 seats. It was designed 

by Urban Peacock. Milwaukee architect, 

who makes a specialty of theatre design. 

25 Attend Meeting oi 

Drive-In Owners 

ST. LOUIS—The drive-in theatre conference 

at the Chase hotel here presided over 

by Andy Dietz. general manager for Cooperative 

Theatres, an independent theatre booking 

and buying organization, was attended 

by some 25 persons connected with drive-in 

theatres. 

Discussed were the pictures to be released 

this year and the sales policies of various 

distributors toward drive-ins. Such matters 

as runs, clearances, availability of product, 

individual buying as contrasted with cooperative 

and circuit buying, concessions and general 

operation were taken up. Dietz's organization 

last year booked for 16 drive-ins in the 

St. Louis trade territory. Recently he made 

a tiein with Sportservice, Inc., controlled by 

Jacobs Brothers of Albany, said to be the 

largest concessionaires in the country. 

Among those who attended the meeting 

were Tom Bloomer, Belleville, 111.: Paul Krueger. 

Wehrenberg circuit. St. Louis; Mr. and 

Mrs. Rollen R. Robinson, Sandoval, 111.; Mr. 

and Mrs. Herman Tanner, Pana, 111.; Wayne 

Smith, Herrin, 111.: Ranny Padrucci, feature 

booker, Frisina Amusement Co., Springfield; 

Charles Goldman, St. Louis, and Joe Goldfarb, 

Alton, owners of a drive-in being constructed 

near Alton, 111.; Dr. Eugene Brezany, 

St. Louis, head of the World Tlieatrical Enterprises, 

operators of the Quincy Drive-In, 

West QUincy, Mo.; Frank Glenn, Tamaroa, 

111.; Elmo and J. Donze, Ste. Genevieve, Mo., 

who operate the Hilltop Drive-In. Perryville; 

Clyde Hogg and Clyde Richardson, Poplar 

Bluff Drive-In, Poplar Bluff; Harry Blount, 

Potosi; S. R. Stanley, B. Williams and Herbert 

W. Newcomb, all interested in a proposed 

drive-in near Carmi. 111., and Louis 

Odorizzi, Staunton, 111., who is constructing 

a drive-in near Mount Olive, 111. A Mr. Dake. 

who said he is thinking about entering the 

drive-in field, also sat in. 

There is no time to lose! Act today on 

repeal of the amusement tax! 

R. J. O'Donnell a Visitor 

ST. LOUIS—R. J. O'Donnell of Dallas, 

national chief barker of the Variety Clubs 

International, was guest of honor at a luncheon 

(8) in the St. Louis 'Variety Club's new 

quarters. Joe Ansell is chief barker of Tent 

4 here. O'Donnell was here until 7 o'clock, 

when he left for the east. The St. Louis club's 

new quarters are In the Melbourne hotel. 

Harvey E. Hanson Dies 

ANTIGO, WIS.—Harvey E. Hanson, 66, who 

opened this city's first motion picture theatre 

in 1907. died recently. He retired in 1947 

after 40 years as a theatre operator. 

ATTENDING U-I MEETING—U-I sales personnel conferred at the Chase hotel in 

St. Louis recently. Those from Chicago, Minneapolis and Milwaukee branches, shown 

above, bottom row, left to right: Ted Meyers, Chicago, and M. P. Halloran, Minneapolis, 

salesmen; L. K. Herman, Chicago manager; Dave Goldman, Milwaukee manager; 

Robert Funk, Chicago salesman; M. M. Gottlieb, district manager; Max Brodsky, 

Chicago salesman; Walter Hyland, Chicago office manager; L. J. Miller, Minneapolis 

manager; Ted Reisch, Chicago salesman, and Leo Doty, Minneapolis office manager. 

Top row: J. Malits, Chicago salesman; D. A. McFadzen, Milwaukee salesman; Orval 

l-etcrson, Milwaukee head booker; Richard Graff, Chicago salesman, and Minneapolis 

salesmen H. L. Greenstein, K. C. Adams, W. W. Bunkelman and K. J. Hemerson. 

BOXOFFICE February 11, 1950 63

$8,427 ERECTS THIS 

NEW SCREEN TOWER 

* ->.

. . . Rube 

. . . Chicago 

. . Irving 

. . The 

. . Ted 

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MIDWEST THEATRE SERVICE 

& EQUIPMENT CO. 

1950 Belmont Ave. Chicago 13 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE CENTER AISLE LIGHTS 

with numbered Panels for Ramps with Opaque Panels 

for Driveway Illumination 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ^^jMy"!Zl 

Brandt, EL advertising chief, to handle the 

exploitation campaign here for "Not Wanted," 

which opens here February 10 at United 

Artists Theatre. Pi-oducer Ida Lupino and 

TXTabash Avenue," 20th-Fox's newest Technicolor 

musical, will be given its world Brasselle were here for the premiere . . . Sym- 

her two young stars Sally Forrest and Keefe 

premiere at B&K's Chicago Theatre April 6. pathy to Helen Glait of B&K publicity department 

whose father Philip died recently. 

The ten Chicago backers of "The Golden 

Gloves Story," which was made here recently 

by Carl Krueger, were treated to a special 

preview at the Esquire. Some of the scenes 

in the film were shot in the Esquire. Sports 

editor Arch Ward of the Chicago Tribune was 

on hand for the screening and gave the film 

a big okay. It will open soon at a Loop house. 

The RKO Grand Theatre will open 

"Stromboli," starting February 15 and a 

heavy newspaper, billboard and radio campaign 

is being used to spark the opening 

Levine, theatre builder, has returned 

from his winter vacation in Miami 

Laundry Owners' Ass'n is using 

Balaban & Katz Happiness books for awards 

in its radio contests . . . Ernie Young, wellknown 

vaudeville booker for film theatres, 

is a patient at St. Mary's hospital. 

. 

Lou Harris, maintenance director for the 

Alliance Theatre circuit, is in Florida for 

a winter vacation Dariotis of the 

Alliance maintenance department is in southern 

Indiana surveying the flood damage to 

the drive-in theatres of the circuit . . . Loop 

theatre busine.ss has been boosted by a large 

number of conventions in Chicago. The 

legitimate theatres are not doing .so well, 

but business is above average at all downtown 

theatres. 

Buddy DeSylva. producer, was a stopover 

Walt Disney's "Cin- 

on his way east . . . 

derella" will bow at the RKO Palace on 

Washington's birthday . 

Third Man" 

will open at the Selwyn February 15. 

INDIANAPOLIS 

IV/r K. Mitchell has been named Indiana representative 

for the Manley popcorn company 

. . . J. B. Sconce of the Sconce Theatres. 

Edinburg, has acquired the State here, formerly 

operated by S&S Theatres, from True- 

It is expected that the stars of the film will 

come here for the affair . . . MGM will bring 

Bob Hope to Chicago to sponsor a preview of Members of operators Local 110 were saddened 

by the death of Alex Garlick, projeclumbus, 

Sconce will start extensive improveman 

Rembu.sch of Syndicate Theatres, Co- 

"Battleground" for hospitalized veterans at 

Hines ... A troupe of Hollywood stars came tionist who died after a long illness . . . Herman 

Marks, Monogram salesman, is recoverments. 

in to take part in the festivities at Chicago's 

busiest corner, Madison and State, to exchange 

autographs for contributions to the Deaconess hospital. He had a leg amputation. Cardinal Mindszenty trial, opened at the Ining 

from a serious operation at Lutheran "Guilty of Treason," a film based on the 

current fund drive of the Chicago Heart 

diana Theatre Wednesday i8) . . . Mr. and 

Ass'n. Participating were Jack Carson, Janis Bob Gardner of the Gardner-Jennsen Theatre 

Supply Co. has returned from an ex- 

Haute, have gone to Florida for an extended 

Mrs. Stein, operators of the Garfield, Terre 

Paige, Robert Alda and Diana Garrett, who 

also are appearing in person on the stage 

tended business trip through Wisconsin. He vacation . . . William G. Wallace, operator of 

of the Chicago Theatre. 

reports some theatres are going in for remodeling 

in a big way . Filmack head- 

Colosseum of Motion Picture Sales- 

the V Theatre, Veedersburg, is at home ill 

Abe Teitel, World Playhouse owner, is a 

quarters on Filmrow is being remodeled with men loge here will give a dinner dance soon. 

grandpa again. His son Charles, public relations 

man, has another baby daughter named 

new individual offices for all department 

heads, a new customer's room and air conditioning 

. . . The World Playhouse has pulled the Weil, Greenfield, has taken over the man- 

Marjorle Weil, daughter of the operator of 

Diane . . . Cloie TTurrell, 48, wife of Harry 

Turrell, Warner Theatres district manager, 

"Don Quixote" in order to give "Paisan" and agement of the Weil Theatre . . . Guy Hancock, 

operator of the Prewitt, Plainfield, en- 

died in Tombstone, Ariz. Services were held 

"Open City," directed by Roberto Rossellini, 

at St. Laborious church, Steger, 111., with 

another showing. 

tertained exchange managers and film salesmen 

at a coon dinner recently at his home 

interment at St. Anne's cemetery . . . Chicago's 

historical theatre, the La Salle, which 

. . . Jack Dowd, Republic manager, reported 

has housed musical shows and motion 

McVickers is double-billing "Mrs. Mike" and 

pictures 

since the early '20s, will close March 

"Sands of Iwo Jima" did over 50 per cent 

"Ambush" direct from a fii-st run Loop showing. 

average at the Rialto, Louisville . . . Larry 

1. The building will be razed and the Franciscan 

Fathers will erect a new church and 

The same double bill also is listed for 

Jacobs resigned as manager of Screen Guild 

several neighborhood screens . . . Charles 

W. Bohn, manager at Realart, 

Percy, Bell 

monastery on the 

& Howell president, and Charles 

site. 

visited Lee Goldberg in Cincinnati to discuss 

Preston, public relations director, are on a 

spring sales plans . . . Carroll Puciato of the 

Charles Moses, who recently returned from business tirp in the southern territory . . . 

Realart home office was at the local branch. 

a tour of Europe, has been appointed by Leon Will Scranton, director of advertising for 

Ampro Corp., is back on the job after his long 

illness . Sussman of Interstate Popcorn 

Co. reports field men are in the Iowa New officers were installed Monday night 

The Variety Club directors met Friday (3). 

and Nebraska territory signing farmers for i6>. Claude McKean is chairman of the 

the 1950 popcorn crop. Their goal is 10,000 entertainment committee. The February cal- 

acres, according to Sussman. 

endar of the Variety Club; Valentine soiree, 

sponsored by barkers Hames. Halliday and 

Hayes: the 13th. first initiation party; 18th. 

Suprise night, sponsored by barkers Black. 

Morgan and Black; 27th, second initiation 

party. 

Star Claire Trevor and her husband Milton 

Bren were here for personal appearances at 

the Circle . . . Exhibitors seen on Filmrow: 

William Handley, Rembusch circuit, Franklin; 

Don Steinkamp, Dream, French Lick; 

William Studebaler. Logan, Logansport; Harry 

Van Noy. Van Noy, Middletown; Richard Norton. 

Key. Red Key: Kenneth Ball, Royal. 

Brownstown, and Robert Hudson jr,. Hudson 

circuit. Richmond. 

Kenneth L. Dotterer, salesman for 20th-Fox, 

won two prizes in the branch managers drive 

which ended December 31. He was top salesman 

in the liquidation of Movietone .shorts 

and March of Time. 

THEWTRE EQUIPMENT 

442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET 

INDIANAPOLIS 

INDIANA 


—— 

. . The 

Warm Days Crowd 

First Runs in Loop 

CHICAGO—Nice warm weather brought 

crowds to the Loop who. plus thousands of 

visitors in for conventions, sparked business 

at downtown houses. 'My Foolish Heart" had 

a smash opening week at the Woods as did 

"All the King's Men" at State-Lake. The 

Oriental with "Malaya" on the screen, plus 

all-star acts headed by Buster Shaver, and 

the Chicago with a great stage show headed 

by Hildegarde. Larry Adler and Al Bernie, 

plus "Tell It to the Judge," on screen, had 

big weeks. 

(Average Is 100) 

Chicago—Tell It lo the Judge (Col), plus stage 

show 125 

Garrick—Hed Hiver (UA), Unexpected Guest (UA), 

100 

reissues 

Grand—The Outlaw (RKO), 5th wk 115 

Oriental Malaya iMGM), plus stage show 125 

Palace—The Man on the EiBel Tower (RKO), Make 

Mine Laughs (RKO! HO 

Roosevelt—Thelma Jordon (Para) 110 

Selwyn—The Hed Shoes (EL), roadshow attraction, 

59th wk Fair 

Stale-Lake—All the King's Men (Col) 135 

Studio—Carnegie Hall (UA): The Great Waltz 

(MGM), reissues, 2nd wk — 95 

United Artists—Ambush (MGM), 2iid wk 105 

Woods—My Foolish Heart (RKO) - 130 

World Playhouse—Don Quixote (Azteca) 110 

"Battleground' Grosses 200 

At Indianapolis 

INDIANAPOLIS — "Battleground" headed 

the straight picture grosses here with 200 per 

cent at Loew's. "Undertow" grossed 210 per 

cent, aided by the Sammy Kaye orchestra on 

stage. 

Circle Undertow (U-1), plus stage show. 210 

Indiana—Pinky (2Cth-Fox) 130 

Keith's—The Hed Shoes (EL), 2nd wk .....100 

Loev/'s-Battleground ( MGM) 200 

Lyric—The Blue Lagoon (U-1); The Rugged 

O'Riordans (U-I) - 100 

Installs New Equipment 

NEW LONDON. MO.—The Lee Theatre, 

owned by Lillard Williams, is being provided 

with Simplex projection and sound equipment 

and a new Walker Plastic screen purchased 

through the National Theatre Supply, St. 

Louis. 

MILWAUKEE 

Jackie Cooper is playing the part of Ensign 

Pulver in "Mr. Roberts" at the Davidson, 

legitimate house here. Cooper, in an interview 

with a reporter of the Milwaukee Sentinel, 

said he was displeased with the film 

acting roles he obtained when he came back 

from three years of service in the navy and 

he now hopes to be hired as an actor on his 

merits instead of an adolescent . . . 

Wilma, 

secretary to Lou Elman. RKO manager, now 

is Mrs. Wilma Ponik. 

The third week of the "Big Parade of 

Vaudeville Shows" at the Riverside featured 

the Sammy Kaye orchestra and eight acts, 

the show being advertised with a big figure 8 

in newspaper ads and on large signs on the 

marquee . Alhambra offered "The 

I>irates of Capri," a Film Classics picture, plus 

"The Flying Saucer" . . . The Towne held 

"Ambush" for a second week. 

The new theatre project at Bonduel, Wis 

, 

has been abandoned, according to architects 

Poeller, Schober, Berners, Safford & Jahn of 

Green Bay . . . "The Fallen Idol" kept the Fox 

Downer filled for five straight weeks, and was 

replaced by "Major Barbara." 

At the Riverside, Muzak wired music is now 

being used to put incoming patrons in the 

right mood for the show, with five speakers 

at strategic points, but not in the auditorium. 

Only classics and other pleasing music is 

sent over the wire. 

Billy Connor Opens 

Luna-Lite a! Marion 

MARION, IND.—Billy Connor, active in the 

entertainment world since 1893 when he began 

as a stagehand traveling with legitimate 

theatre companies, has reopened the Luna- 

Lite Theatre after a thorough renovation 

Originally opened in 1916, the theatre has 

been closed for the last year for refurbishing 

New equipment installed includes projectors, 

sound equipment and screen. 

Connor originally came to Marion at the 

invitation of a prop man he had worked with, 

and the "visit" has been going on ever since. 

In 1913 he was employed at the Marion Theatre 

as projectionist, and it was three year;: 

later that he opened the doors of the Luna- 

Lite. One of four theatres in the town. ii. 

was considered the leading house of the time 

In 1923. Connor expanded his interests and 

took over operation of the Lyric. Royal Grand 

and Indiana theatres, which he operated until 

1947. He then went into the newly-expanding 

drive-in field, supervising construction 

of the Marionair Drive-In. 

Don Fikes Starts Building 

$75,000 Fulton Ozoner 

FULTON, MO.—Construction has been 

started on a 400-car drive-in to cost about 

S75.000 on Route 54 about a mile north of 

the city limits. Don Fikes and his nephew 

Kenny, both of Fulton, will own and operate 

the drive-in. A contract has been signed for 

RCA sound and projection equipment, in-car 

speakers and other de luxe drive-in equipment 

with the St. Louis Theatre Supply Co. 

Four-Way Theatre Co. 

Plans $60,0Q0 Airer 

GREENWOOD, IND.—Leander Browning, 

president of the Four-Way Theatre Co. here, 

will build a 500-car $60,000 drive-in on Highway 

135 two miles west of town and one mile 

south of the Marion-Johnson county line. 

Construction will begin as soon as weather 

permits, and Browning hopes to have the 

drive-in open by early spring. 

The Four-Way company was incorporated 

recently and papers listed in addition to 

Browning, John W. Browning of Greenwood, 

resident agent and treasurer: Edna Mae 

Browning: Mrs. Bayard Allen, vice-president: 

Mrs. Byrl Bosstick, secretary; Byrl Bosstick 

and Bayard Allen. 

Browning said negotiations now were under 

way to hire an experienced theatre manager 

to take charge of the drive-in and arrange 

bookings. 

Alliance to Build Second Ozoner 

KOKOMO. IND.—Alliance Theatre Corp., 

operator of five theatres and one drive-in 

about ten miles north of here, has ptorchased 

a 14.7-acre site on Highway 31 two miles 

south of town for construction of a second 

drive-in. 

Sam Neall, general manager for the circuit, 

says construction will begin as soon as 

the ground is surveyed and plans are drawn. 

Charles Scott Builds at Vevay 

'VE'VAY. IND.—Work is progressing rapidly 

on the new drive-in being built west of town 

by Charles Scott. The drive-in wiU accommodate 

440 cars with provision for addition 

of 115 more cars should business warrant expansion. 

In-car speakers will be used. 

Projectionists Team 6 

Holds Lead in League 

MILWAUKEE—Projectionists Team 6 held 

a two game lead over Team 1 in the lATSE 

Local 164 bowling league games here. Team 

6 won 40 and lost 23 games. S. Hoenig held 

both top high single game and top high three 

games honors, at 257 and 608 respectively. 

Team standings are: 

Won Lost 

Won Lost 

Team 6 40 23 Team 7 33 30 

Team 1 38 25 Team 2 27 36 

Team 4 35 28 Team 8 25 38 

Team 3 34 29 Team 5 20 43 

Q nil COMPLETE THEATRE 

nuH EQUIPMENT 

MID-W€ST TH€ATR€ 

SUPPLY COMPANY, Inc. 

Bienkert Projection Equipment — Ideally 

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Riley 

448 North Illinois St. 

- S65S. Indianapolis, Ind. 

Twenty-four hour service 

DRIVE-IN 

THEATRE 

Combination Ramp Idtntlflcation and Driveway 

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DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. i^^g,"",! 


' 

•'' 

. 

mmana 150 Score 

Paces Kansas City 

/^^^ Konsos City Assn 

r* • • 

L r\ ±* 

KANSAS CITY—Despite varying weather ^ff^f ClI^C 1 J f^f^HH f ÂTF f f^^H 

conditions from day to day, trade at local f ff I lUf f W*^ \^ f W Vlff f fÛf f V/f f 

first run houses generally continued at a 

"^ 

brisk pace. "Montana" registered a lusty 150 KANSAS CITY—The film industry's move 

per cent in its opening week at the Para- to consolidate its forces in the Kansas City 

mount to pace the newcomers and rate a area to carry on civic 

second stanza. "The Inspector General," projects, its own pubdualed 

with "Bomba on Panther Island" at ijc relations program, 

the Missouri, carded a lively 130 per cent. and legislative mat- 

"Henry V," brought back to the midtown ters stepped ahead this 

Kimo for a seven-day run, rung up a mam- ^veek. At a meeting of f*" JSk. 4^ 

moth 300 per cent. the board of the Mo- f. 

^ 

(Average is 100) tion Picture Ass'n of flW*^ 

Kansas 

^'''reissêf '''"'"".''...^'^....'':':-'.':...^.°'^."':'....'.":.'.': City 

lOO (7) in the ^ 

' 

Kimo—Henry V (UA), 4th run _ _ 300 Muehlebach hotel, of- 

Midland-Baitleground (MGM), 2nd wk 110 

fibers were elected, 

, 

w^ 

PoTOTOount—Montana (WB) ISO . I 

.^^ ,_ V 

_ 

RKO Missouri-The Inspector General (WB); committee chairmen \ H / 

Bomba on Panther Island (Mono) _ 130 were named and plans _ \ ! I 

held up well, and "South Sea Sinner" and 

"Arson, Inc." did better than average. ^^fc^ H S 

Omaha—The Inspector General (WB); One Lost 

^^^^^ 

Fling (WB), 2nd d. t. wk 100 

Orpheum—South Sea Sinner (U-I); Arson. Inc. 

(LP) 

no 

Paramount—The Hasty Heart (WB) 90 

RKO-Brandeis—All the King's Men (Co!) 125 

Stole-Battleground (MGM), 2nd wk 105 

Town—Leave It to Henry (Mono), 2nd run: Anna 

Lucasta (Col), 2nd run, split with Zanzibar mr' B'* \ 

(U-I), reissue: Drums ol the Congo (U-I), ». IB 

reissue: Coptive Wild Woman (U-I), reissue 100 

Dave Dallas Reappointed 

MANHATTAN, KAS. — Dave Dallas, city 

manager here for TEI, again was named by 

the board of directors of the Chamber of 

^^^__ 

Commerce to serve on the advertising and • 

^^H|E 

publicity committee for 1950. 

^^^^ft 

I 

^ 

i

Hometown of Duluth Showers Its 

Honors on Producer Buchman 

Greeting Sidney Buchman, extreme right, native Duluthian and Hollywood producer-writer, 

are, left to right: A. C. Armstrong, Duluth Chamber of Ommerce president; 

B. H. Kidder jr., general manager of the Duluth Herald and News-Tribune; 

Wellington J. Brown, U.S. court commissioner at Duluth, and Misyor George W. 

Johnson. 

DUIjUTH—America should at least acknowledge 

that its film industry is producing 

to the best of its ability and that its 

production is steadily improving, writer-producer 

Sidney Buchman declared here last 

week. Buchman. a native Duluthian who now 

heads his own concern in Hollywood, returned 

to the city with his latest success, 

"Jolson Sings Again." He was honored at 

events throughout Duluth on Sidney Buchman 

day, the day the picture opened at the 

Granada Theatre. Buchman is a former vicepresident 

of Columbia Pictures. 

During a press-radio conference and various 

talks on his Duluth itinerary, Buchman 

pointed out: "The industry is showing 

progress and no more than that can be said 

of the magazine field, from which so much 

of the criticism comes. It is limited in talent, 

no question. But look at what the industry 

offered when I was a boy in Duluth." 

He described himself as satisfied with 90 

per cent "trash" and 10 per cent "quality" 

if there was 11 or 12 per cent "quality" the 

following year. Compared to the Pearl White 

melodramas of his youth. New York schools 

now close so students can see "Hamlet," he 

reminded his Duluth audience. 

Buchman's views on television took this 

tack: "In perhaps a quarter-century, the 

finest films will be available for a dime or 

a quarter to persons in their own livine 

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rooms. They will need only to call the telephone 

operator and tell her to switch on a 

certain television channel carrying the film. 

Then I may no longer have my own business 

and the worries that go with it." 

He debunked the Hollywood of tile-lined 

swimming pools, glamorous women, handsome 

men "impeccably dressed" as less of the 

truth than the Heinz pickle is representative 

of Heinz products. Buchman labeled the film 

capital an "ulcer-maker and cardiaccreator," 

with "a hard life" in store for men 

who feel keenly their responsibility to the 

art. 

The producer thought popular conceptions 

of Hollywood would cliange if a happy home 

was publicized every time a broken marriage 

is .spread across front pages. But "some 

poor, tortured personalities" do result from 

the idolatry bestowed upon film stars, he 

admitted. Buchman expressed doubt that 

the Hollywood divorce rate is much higher 

than any other American city. 

He described the film industry as "the 

purest example of the tail wagging the dog." 

A half dozen men in New York dominate 

the $2,000,000,000 real estate holdings in theatre 

properties that are the major capital 

investment of the film industry. Hollywood 

film studios represent possibly $400,000,000. 

"Those men have no assurance what the 

coming year will bring. Precedents have no 

bearing. Things change constantly in Hollywood. 

The executives wait for the man with 

the pencil and an idea to make their business 

tick." 

Granada Manager Roy Pi-ytz said the press, 

radio, and word-of-mouth publicity of the 

Buchman visit boosted the "Jolson Sings 

Again" boxoffice far "above average." On 

the first night, when Buchman made a personal 

appearance between runs, people were 

lined up four abreast for more than half a 

city block in subzero weather waiting to get 

in. The normal picture run at the Granada 

is a week. 

Mayor George W. Johnson set off the "welcome 

home" festivities by proclaiming the 

opening .day of the picture as Sidney Buchman 

day. The Duluth Central High school 

band greeted its 1919 alumnus with a rousing 

reception in the lobby of Hotel Duluth. Following 

a press-radio breakfast conference, 

Buchman addressed the Duluth Chamber of 

Commerce open forum at noon. 

He was honor guest at a Central High 

school student assembly in the early afternoon, 

went on to a reunion reception in the 

Duluth Athletic club during the dinner hour, 

and received the title of "Ambassador Extraordinary 

of the EVuchy of Duluth" from 

the Duluth Ambassadors royal court at tho 

Granada ceremony in the late evening. 

Duluth Herald and News-Tribune copy on 

his visit ran into several columns in morning 

and evening editions. At least two radio stations 

made tape recordings of his variou" 

talks during the day and used the tape on 

their newscasts. 

STAR IN HIGH SCHOOL 

Buchman's high school accomplishments 

still rank among the most outstanding in thi; 

city's history. He was a star in basketball and 

football, a brilliant orator and debater, and 

topped his times in writings for various student 

publications. 

At the high school assembly, he kissed the 

cheek of the teacher who guided his budding 

writing talent. Miss Mira Southworth, his 

English instructor, is still teaching at Central 

after 31 years. At the evening reunion, 

he exchanged reminiscences with teammates 

of those old Central squads, found out much 

to his surprise that he had played against the 

great Ernie Nevers without even knowing it. 

Nevers was a member of a Superior High 

school football team at the time. 

Highlights of the various Buchman talks 

included these: 

"The extra laps I used to run around thi! 

Central track helped me stand up under the 

physical beating of Hollywood life. If I hadn't 

run an extra lap once in a while, I would 

have keeled over long ago . . 

. 

"Jolson approaches genius. There is a reason 

for this man. Even his keenest competitors 

for theatrical fame say there has been 

no other person like him." Buchman included 

in his picture a number of his own experiences 

as a boy when he saw Jolson during the 

entertainer's Duluth runs. 

STARTED PREMED COURSE 

Buchman's career after his Central High 

school days included premedical educatoin at 

the University of Minnesota, following which 

he moved with his family to New York. He 

took a degree at Columbia university three 

years later, spent a year at Oxford in England, 

and toured Europe by bicycle. 

He began writing in London and had two 

plays produced in New York before going to 

Hollywood in 1932, "This One Man" and 

"Storm Song." In Hollywood he was placed 

under contract with Paramount and was soon 

producing work with the unmistakable Buchman 

touch. He collaborated with Agnes 

Brand Leahy on "No One Man," "The Beloved 

Bachelor," "Daughter of the Dragon" 

and "If I Had a Million." 

Jules Gerelick Named 

OMAHA—Manager Iz Weiner of U-I said 

here that Jules Gerelick will succeed him as 

salesman in the Iowa territory. Weiner recently 

was promoted to manager. Gerelick 

was with Columbia here and in Minneapolis 

from 1940 to 1945, then with Paramount until 

1947. Most recently he has had his own 

business here. 

68 BOXOFFICE : 

: February 11, 1950

Allied Asks Exhibitors 

To Shun 'Stromboli' 

MINNEAPOLIS—In a bulletin to independent 

exhibitors in the territory. North Central 

Allied suggests that they take newspaper 

space and radio time to tell their patrons 

that "Stromboli" won't be shown on their 

screens. 

"The sordid Bergman-Rossellini affair has 

dealt the motion picture industry a very 

severe blow—and that means you," the bulletion 

declares. "The responsibility for that 

affair, of course, rest directly on the shoulders 

of those in the industry, and you know 

who they are, who have failed to discipline 

errant stars. 

"However, Mr. Exhibitor, the public places 

the blame not on those who are responsible, 

but on you. Many exhibitors will not care to 

shoulder that blame, but a do-nothing attitude 

puts it squarely on your shoulders. If 

you accept that blame lying down, you accept 

defeat—defeat in terms of lost patronage, defeat 

in terms of public ill will, and defeat in 

adverse legislation. Conscientious exhibitors 

will not take that defeat and that blame 

lying down. 

"We don't know what many exhibitors 

will want to do, but we know what some exhibitors 

are doing. They are taking newspaper 

space and radio time to tell their patrons 

that 'Stromboli' will not be shown on their 

screens. The suggestion is given to you for 

what it is worth. The eyes of your patrons 

are on you and your theatre. The future of 

this business and your own standing in your 

own community are at stake as the result of 

this thing that has been thoughtlessly referred 

to as a 'romance.' You take it from 

there." 

Judy Ccmova Asks Return 

Of $1,414 in Receipts 

OMAHA—The attorney for Judy Canova 

has filed an answer in district court hen; 

to Ak-Sar-Ben's suit against the actress. 

The attorney asks that Ak-Sar-Ben return 

$1,414 in receipts seized during Miss Canova's 

August 30 appearance here. The Ak-Sar-Ben 

suit charges on April 23, 1948. Ak-Sar-Ben entered 

into an agreement with Miss Canova's 

agent Lawrence Golden for her appearance 

before July 26 of that year. A down payment 

of $1,250 was given Golden. 

Miss Canova failed to appear. Ak-Sar-Ben 

brought suit during her appearance here last 

summer for a different sponsor. 

Bill Miskell Is Member 

Of Police School Board 

OMAHA—Tliey call Bill 

Miskell. Tri-State.s 

Theatres district manager, "professor" now. 

Bill was named a member of the advisory 

committee of the Omaha Police school which 

has been started at the University of Omaha 

under university supervision. 

Ticket Tax Repeal Drive Started 

At Kansas City Filmrow Meeting 

KANSAS CITY—Activities in the Kansas 

City exchange area in connection with the 

movement to repeal the existing federal admission 

tax were launched at a meeting of 

distribution and exhibition officials Friday 

(3i at the 20th-Fox .screening room here, with 

Jim Lewis, RKO branch manager and area 

distribution chairman, presiding. 

Following a discu.ssion of the existing tax 

situation and the movement to effect repeal 

of the admission tax, arrangements were completed 

for distribution of petitions to theatre 

patrons and collection of the signed forms 

for transmission to senators and congressmen. 

Distribution officials at the meeting included 

Al Adler, MGM; Russell Borg, Warner 

Bros.; Jack Langan, U-I; Les Durland, Film 

Classics; Bud Truog, UA; Gezie Snitz, Eagle 

Lion; Bob Withers, Republic; Harry Gaffney, 

Lippert; J. R. Neger, 20th-Fox; Walt Lambader. 

United: T. R. Thompson, Monogram; 

George Gabbert, Columbia, and Lou Patz, 

National Screen. 

Exhibition executives present included 

Elmer C. Rhoden jr.. Commonwealth Theatres; 

Senn Lawler, Pox Midwest Theatres; Ed 

Kidwell, TEI; Stan Durwood, Durwood Theatres; 

Arthur Cole, Paramount industry representative; 

M. D. Cohn, Paramount Theatre; 

Howard Burkhardt, Loew's Midland Theatre; 

Lawrence Lehman, RKO Missouri Theatre; 

Jay Means, Oak Park Theatre; Fred Meyn, 

Park Theatre; R. R. Biechele, Osage Theatre; 

Herman lUmer, Southtown, and V. R. Stamm, 

Strand. 

Minneapolis Area Film Folk 

Press Fight Against Tax 

MINNEAPOLIS — Affiliated circuits and 

independent exhibitors here and throughoui; 

the territory are taking an active part in the 

industry campaign to obtain elimination or 

reduction of the federal admission tax. 

Tlie Minnesota Amusement Co. and RKCi 

Theatres are carrying boxes above their newspaper 

theatre display ads asking the public 

to demand repeal of the 20 per cent tax. Petitions 

are being circulated in the theatres 

asking for the repeal. The trailers exhorting 

the public to action also have reached the 

territory's screens. 

In the box over their newspaper display 

theatre ads, the Minnesota Amusement Co. 

in large type urges the public to "kill the 

ticket tax." "Join the crusade against unfair 

excise taxes and save money," the boxes plead. 

RKO Theatres boxes also ask the public to 

"Help Repeal the 20 Per Cent Tax on Your 

Movie Ticket—Sign Protest Cards at All Theatres." 

Petitions are getting a large number of 

signers, indicating that public opinion is 

solidly behind the campaign, according to 

W. H. Workman, MGM manager, who is local 

chairman of the drive committee. 

North Central Allied this week sent out 

another bulletin stressing that exhibitors 

must get busy and circulate protest petitions 

among their patrons and townspeople generally 

and must use the trailers. 

Previously, in a bulletin, the organization 

urged exhibitors to try to enlist the support 

of their U. S. senators and representatives in 

Congress for the fight. The body itself contacted 

the senators and representatives in 

the territory and the response was highly 

gratifying, according to S. D. Kane, executive 

director. 

Parrott Films to Produce 

Longview, Tex., Picture 

DES MOINES—Parrot Films studio here 

has been retained to produce a 20-minute 

color film for the Chamber of Commerce in 

Longview. Tex. A production unit has been 

in Longview for two weeks getting interior 

shots for the 16mm production. These include 

takes of local businesses and churches, schools 

and hospitals and various industries of the 

community. The Parrot unit will return to 

Longview in the spring to complete the film 

with exterior scenes. 

To Convert Opera House 

SUMNER. IOWA—Plans were announced 

to convert the old Opera House here, a Sumner 

landmark for many years, into a chicken 

hatchery. The hatchery will be operated by 

J. E. Johnson of Waverly. 

AT MONOGRAM SALES MEETING—Monogram branch managers in central, 

midwestern and western exchange centers gathered February 4 in Kansas City for a 

regional sales meeting at which top officials of the company were present. Shown in 

tiie accompanying picture left to right, fron row, are Harold J. Mirisch, vice-president; 

Morey Goldstein, general sales manager, and Steve Broidy, president; back row, L. E. 

Goldhammer, eastern sales manager; James Pritchard, southern sales manager, and 

Harold Wirthwein, western sales manager. 


. . . Les 

. . Ned 

. . Earl 

. . Earl 

. . 

Walt Lambader Playdate Drive 

^^STALLION 

Starring Ken Curtis 

IN 

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CLASSIFIED ADS—EASY TO USE 

KANSAS CITY 

Dalph Adams, Leon Robertson, Ed Haas, 

Fred Souttar, John Meinardi. Lou Pope 

and Frank Bamford were among Fox Midwest 

Theatres officials who left Saturday (11) 

for the west coast to attend a National Theatres 

Corp. meeting . . . Duke Clark, Dallas, 

Paramount south central division manager, 

confer.red with Harry R. Hamburg, branch 

manager here . Jameson of Exhibitors 

Film Delivery was in Phoenix, Ariz., visiting 

briefly en route to the west coast. 

J. H. Lutze, Dallas. Film Classics district 

manager, visited the branch here 

Means, Oak Park Theatre owner and oper- 

ator, celebrated his birthday February 3 . . . 

Barney Joffee, Tower Theatre manager, was 

convalescing at the Menorah hospital following 

a recent operation Jameson jr. 

of the Central Shipping Bureau left for a 

business trip to Chicago . . Mrs. Eva Mae 

. 

Tinney has joined the office staff of the Ed 

Hartman booking agency. 

Don Davis, FiCA-Victor district manager, 

left for St. Louis and other points in Missouri 

Durland, Film Classics branch manager, 

and hJs wife were planning to leave 

February 17 to attend the Mardi Gras in New 

Orleans . Busher, formerly with the 

National Theatre Supply, joined the Missouri 

Thrtatre Supply Co. sales staff . . . New clients 

of the Ed Hartman booking agency include 

the Rky-Vu Drive-In, Russell, and the Hillcrest 

Drive-In, Ottawa, Kas., and the 66 

Drive-In, Carthage, Mo. 

A showing of the Columbia-produced 

"Mule Tlâin" was a feature at a birthday 

party which Lou Patz, National Screen branch 

manager, gave Saturday (4) for his small son 

Dan in the Paramount screening room . 

O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, Kansas-Missouri Allied 

unit president, was attending the national 

Allif d board meeting in Washington . . . "My 

Foolish Heart" was to open day-and-date 

Sunday (12) at the Klmo and Aladdin here, 

the Avenue, Kansas City, Kas., and the Dickinson. 

Mission, Kas. 

Kansas exhibitors in town booking and 

buying included F. L. Norton, Rltz, Caldwell; 

H. B. Doerlng, Peoples, Garnett; C. S. Laird, 

Meade, Meade: John J. Wehner, Royal, Rossville; 

M. B. Landau, Liberty, Horton, and 

Mrs. S. C. Andrews, Andrews, Olathe . . . 

Among Missouri theatremen in town were 

A. E. Jarboe, Rltz, Cameron; Shelby O. Armstrong, 

Karyl, Milan; Frank Meyers. Civic. 

Brookfleld; Bernie Shaner, Dixie, Odessa; 

Viigil Harbison, Tarkio, Tarkio, and C. E. 

Cook, Tlvoli, Maryville. 

Ben Adams Holds Contest 

To Name El Dorado Airer 

EL EKDRADO, KAS.—Ben Adams and associates, 

owners of the new drlve-in under 

way at the southwest edge of town, are 

sponsoring a contest to select a name for the 

alrer. 

A prize of $25 has been offered for the 

winning name. Adams, manager of the Roxy 

Theatre here, said the contest will continue 

through February. Name of the winner will 

be announced about March 1. 

The drive-in is scheduled to open about 

April 1. 

Shreve Team Takes Lead 

In Filmrow Pin League 

KANSAS CITY—The Shreve Theatre Supply 

team advanced from a tie with the 

Diablos quintet for first place to the lead in 

the Filmrow Bowling league here by winning 

three games In the 20th week of competition. 

The former Warner squad, now sponsored by 

Finton Jones, jumped from sixth position to 

a tie with the Diablos for the third spot by 

chalking up three wins. The current standings: 

Team Won Lost Team Won Irf>st 

Shreve Supply 35 25 MGM 31 29 

Film Delivery 33 27 Fox Terriers 30 30 

Finton Jones 32 28 Fox Trotters 29 31 

Diablos 32 28 Michaels 25 35 

Michlo 31 29 Sharpshooters 22 38 

Individual high 10, Vic Butrlcks, 231; individual 

high 30, Warren Smith, 609. Team 

high 10, MGM, 810; team high 30, Shreve and 

Fox Terriers, 2,259. 

The Fox Midwest Vixens tightened their 

hold on first place in the Women's Filmrow 

Bowling league here by chalking up three 

victories during the 20th round of games, 

while the Warner Starlets added only a single 

win. Current standings: 

Team Won Lost Team Won Lost 

Fox Vikens 39 21 Hartman 28 32 

Warner Starlets 36 24 En Ess Essers 22 38 

Central Ship 34 26 Al's Wildcats 21 39 

Triangle Finn Launched 

On Kansas City Filmrow 

KANSAS CITY—The Triangle Film Co. has 

been established by William Feld, formerly 

with Republic and Eagle Lion here and in 

Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and other exchange 

centers, and offices of the firm have 

been opened at 114 West 18th street. Independent 

product, both new and reissued, will 

be distributed by the new company in the St. 

Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines and Omaha 

areas. Film in each area will be handled by 

the Central Shipping Bureau. Norris B. 

Cresswell, former Realart branch manager 

here, is office manager of the firm. Feld returned 

Friday (10) from New York, where he 

completed arrangements for handling various 

features, shorts and other product. 

Robert L. Lippert Speaks 

To Kansas City Showmen 

KANSAS CITY—Here for a one-day visit. 

Robert L. Lippert. San Francisco, head of Lippert 

Productions, spoke at a luncheon at 

which exhibitors in the Kansas City exchange 

area were guests Friday (10) at the Muehlebach 

hotel. He was accompanied here by 

Arthur Greenblatt, Lippert general sales 

manager. "The Baron of Arizona," the latest 

Lippert release, was shown after the luncheon 

at the Paramount screening room. Details 

of the luncheon were supervised by Harry 

Gaffney, manager of the Lippert branch here. 

Award to Frank Lambader 

OLATHE, KAS.—Frank Lambader, Dickinson 

Theatres district manager and former 

manager of the Dickinson Theatre here, recently 

received notice that he had been chosen 

by 20th-Fox as the winner of a $25 bond for 

a publicity and exploitation campaign he devised 

for "Father Was a Fullback" when he 

ran the film last fall. 

BOXOFFICE :: Februai-y 11, 1950

. . George 

. . The 

. . 

Prolest by Theatres 

Sent to Archbishop 

MINNEAPOLIS 

the film salesmen's 

loge and sales manager, says the club's 

MINNEAPOLIS—Unable up to this time to 

annual show and dinner dance is scheduled 

arrange the meeting with Archbishop John 

for the Hotel Nicollet in April. The tentative 

Gregory Murray of the Twin City diocese regarding 

the latter's directive regarding thea- 

date is April 8. Pat Halloran is chairman of 

the committee in charge of arrangements 

tres showing pictures classified as "B" by the 

and already hard at work. All Minneapolis 

Legion of Dency—a meeting which he had 

film salesmen are now engaged in selling advertisements 

for the big and beautiful sou- 

requested—S. D. Kane, North Central Allied 

executive director, was to send a letter to the 

venir program. 

archbishop protesting against the directive. 

President The letter was 

Bennie 

to point out that Catholics 

Berger of North Central 

Allied 

are not called upon, for example, 

has called 

to boycott 

a meeting of the organization's 

book and department stores selling literature 

board of directors for February 20. At 

which the Legion of Decency classifies as 

that time they'll set a date for the annual 

objectionable. It also was 

convention here. It'll 

to explain that most 

be held either in late 

April or 

theatres would be unable to continue in uninterrupted 

operation without 

early May. according to Berger. The 

president also will 

showing occasional 

report on action taken at 

Legion "B" classified pictures. 

the national Allied directors meeting and 

In consequence 

seek approval for action taken by the board. 

of the archbishop's directive, 

theatres in the diocese are faced with a Douglas Taussig, Paramount exploiteer. 

serious loss of patronage. North Central Allied 

came in from New York to beat the drum 

declares. The directive calls upon all 

Catholics to desist from patronizing theatres 

for "Samson and Dehlah." now in its third 

week at the Century and scheduled to open 

that exhibit the "B" pictures. An investigation 

a St. Paul roadshow engagement soon 

by North Central Allied revealed that in Republic's "Sands of Iwo Jima" is set for the 

other dioceses the directives are against the State here February 23 and the Riviera. St. 

pictures, not the theatres, and that in no instance 

have Catholics, as far as can be ager . Turner. MGM salesman, and 

Paul, March 3, says Joe Loeffler. local man- 

learned, been called upon to boycott permanently 

Jack Heywood, New Richmond, Wis., start on 

theatres that book the occasional a motor trip vacation to points west February 

"B" pictures, the ban not being on when 

18. They'll visit Phoenix. Ariz., Los Angeles 

Legion of Decency recommended pictures are and San Francisco. 

playing. 

Byron Shapiro, Twin city salesman, and 

The committee appointed by North Central 

Allied to meet with the archbishop comprised 

Kane. George Granstrom and Don O'Reilly. 

Bill Woods, office manager, are pinch-hitting 

for Hy Chapman, Columbia manager, while 

he vacations for a month in Arizona . . . Joe 

All of them are Catholics. 

Rosen, Paramount booker, was visiting some 

of the accounts out in the territory . . . RKO 

has "Stromboli" set for day-and-date openings 

at the Minneapolis and St. Paul RKO 

Midwest Popcorn Appeals 

Orpheums February 15 . . . Beatrice Lillie, the 

Tax Appraisal Ruling 

comedienne who has appeared in a number 

LINCOLN. NEB.—Notice of appeal of the of films, was here in person at the Lyceum 

Midwest Popcorn Co. suit to test the constitutionality 

in "Inside U. S. A." 

of the act setting up the Doug- 

Sidney 

las County Tax 

Buchman. 

Appraisal 

a former Duluthite. 

board is on who 

file 

wrote 

here with the State supreme court. The 

and produced "Jolson Sings Again" 

Omaha and who is 

firm 

one of 

appealed from 

Columbia's ace writer-producer-directors, 

a district court 

decision. Many stopped over 

valuations have gone up 

here en route 

in 

Omaha back to 

due to the new 

Hollywood from Duluth where he attended 

the premiere there of "Jolson Sings 

board. 

Again." Despite 15 below zero weather the 

picture drew packed houses at the Granada 

there and contracts for it are starting to roll 

into the Columbia exchange 

Ideal Theatre Chairs 

Mantzke, general manager of 

. . . Frank 

Home Theatres, 

The most comfortable, substantial, troublefree 

is one of the red hottest University of 

Minnesota basketball rooters. He got out of a 

chair that gives you years of service. sick bed to attend the Minnesota -Illinois 

you want the best, now at reduced prices 

contest. 

If 

Otto Kobs. former Prior Lake. Minn., exhibitor, 

will start work in the spring on a 

Call — Write or Wire 

450-seat theatre in 

STEBBINS THEATRE Oxboro Heath, Minneapolis 

suburb . Bennie Berger circuit's 

EQUIPMENT CO. 

1804 Wyandotte St. Kansas City 8, Mo. 

completely remodeled Orpheum at Fergus 

Clyde H. Bodger. Manager 

Falls, Minn., will reopen February 15. Improvements 

cost nearly $100,000. 

SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY 

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ARTHUR LEAK Theatre SpecialiitsI; 

Eliminates Dust, Bugs and Rain From Cotnlni ia Pari 

Hole — Alto eliminates use of Optical Glass, Tbtrefort 

eivinu clearer and cleaner projection. 

3422 Kinmore 1109 Orchard Ijnel 

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CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE INVITED 

Theatre Employe Forum 

To Feature Stage Acts 

MANHATTAN. KAS.—Tlie success of his 

Employes Speakers forum, conducted by a 

member at weekly staff meetings, caused TEI 

City Manager Dave Dallas to give the idea 

a new twist this season. Last year staffers 

had to produce a speaker, usually a businessman, 

educator or newspaperman, for each 

meeting. At the end of the series a vote was 

taken and the staff member who produced 

the most interesting and entertaining speaker 

was awarded a prize. The same procedure will 

be followed for the next eight weeks, except 

that this time an entertainer, singer, dancer, 

comic or the like must be provided. 

Dallas believes that setting up such an 

idea not only stimulates attendance at staff 

meetings but trains employes in staging and 

conducting live entertainment. 

Have you written to your congressmen and 

senators about repeal of the unfair amusement 

tax? 

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Write to Frank W. Mosley 

MOSELEY & COMPANY 

1111 Insurance Exchange Bldg. 



. . Betty 

. . Wally 

. . John 

. . Local 

" 

OMAHA 

pegina Molsced. 20th-Fox office manager, 

. 

visited the Omaha Theatre on Roosevelt's 

birthday and following her long standing 

custom dropped in 120 Roosevelt dimes for 

the March of Dimes drive. She saves Roosevelt 

dimes all through the year, makes an 

annual contribution theatres are 

having problems with teen-agers sneakint; 

smokes inside the theatres . . . Exploiteer 

Walter Hoffman was here. 

Recent recommendations by the film screening 

committee of the Omaha Education Ass'ii 

include: For teen-agers and adults — "All thi; 

King's Men." "Edward, My Son," "Battleground," 

"Tl-ie Reckless Moment," "The Red 

Danube." Children — "The Secret Garden." All 

ages—"Oh, You Beautiful Doll," "The Lady 

Takes a Sailor," "Holiday Affafr." Adults 

"Tension," "Thieves' Highway." 

Bill Keith, UA district manager from Kansas 

City, was in the city . . . Donald Shane, 

Paramount Theatre manager, is expanding his 

chest over a new son, Timmoth Michael, not 

a daughter . McGovern, Paramount 

auditor, is in Omaha. 

Marjory MulCahy is new at RKO as a secretary 

. . . MGM employes toasted Katy 

Nodean, head inspector, on her birthday Monday 

. Linstrom, secretary to Manager 

Stan Blackburn of the Orpheum, ha 5 

resigned . Kemp and Jimmie Pickett, 

T:-i-States Theatres managers at Grand 

Island and Hastings, respectively, were in 

the city. They are bringing Duke Ellington 

to their outstate houses, a new attempt in 

YOU'LL LIKE THEM 

S & M "Smart" FILMADS 

Top HeTenue — Minimum showing time 

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S & M SERVICE 

624 Securilies BIdg. Omaha 2, Nebr., 

— 

Abe Sadoff, Sioux City 

this direction . . . 

exhibitor, was due in to see "Detective Story 

on the Omaha Theatre stage. 

Visitors on Filmrow included Mr. and Mrs;. 

Joseph Feldhans, Schaller, Iowa; Mens 

Thompson, St. Paul: Elmer Swensen, Alta. 

Iowa; C. J. Kramer. Stanton; Oliver Schneider, 

Osceola; Paul Tramp, Oxford; Frank 

Cook, David City; Sol Solminski, Loup City; 

Phil Lannon, West Point: Lou Heal, Fullerton; 

Mr. and Mrs. James Hill, Pilger; Donald 

Cambell, Central City; A. Burrus, Crete; 

Mr. and Mi-s. Bill Tammen, Yankton, S. D.; 

A. W. Mahoney, Ute, Iowa; Vernon Llndholm, 

Ainsworth; Ben Thorn, Beaver City, and Paul 

Tramp, Oxford. 

Sky-Vu Interest Is Sold 

KANSAS CITY—Walt Lambader, owner of 

the United Film Exchange here, has disposed 

of his interest in the Sky-Vu Drive-In at 

Russell, Kas., to J. O. Murray, Hutchinson, 

and W. A. Michaelis and W. A. Michaelis jr., 

both of Russell. 

Danbury Theatre Sold 

DANBURY, IOWA—Lloyd J. Einfeldt of 

Denver, former Omahan, has purchased the 

Dana Theatre here from William C. WThite, 

who is moving to Denver where he will try 

to purchase another theatre. 

Remodeling Uptown Theatre 

STRONG CITY, KAS.—The Uptown Theatre 

is being redecorated. The lobby and 

foyer have been completed and painters have 

begun work on the theatre auditorium. 

Install New Theatre Boiler 

WASHINGTON, IOWA—The Washington 

Amusement Co. here had a new boiler installed 

at its Fox Theatre here. 

Commissioner Refuses 

To Enforce Curfew Law 

OMAHA—This city's 10 p. m. to 5 a. m. 

curfew has resulted in a major rumpus. 

Mayor Glenn Cunningham called for strict 

enforcement of the 1943 ordinance. That 

drew a promise from Police Chief Fred 

Franks. 

But now Police Commissioner W. W. Carmichael 

has said that if the mayor wants the 

curfew enforced he will have to take over 

the police department. The commissioner 

contends the ordinance is impossible to enforce. 

Youngsters under 16 would be arrested if 

out of their homes at a theatre, basketball 

game, other amusement places, or in a car 

unless accompanied by a parent or legal 

guardian. In event of violation fines of $1 

to $100 would be assessed against the youngster, 

or the parent if the latter said he had 

control of his child. 

Carmichael says the department lacks 

manpower to enforce such an ordinance, that 

it virtually would force youngsters to carry 

birth certificates and their parents some 

means of identification. 

Carmichael insists the present policy of 

nabbing delinquents only will be continued 

until after a meeting of juvenile experts is 

held. 

Celebrate John Deere Day 

BELOIT, KAS.—The Mainstreet Theatre 

here was the center of attraction during part 

of the annual John Deere day celebration. 

This has always attracted large crowds to 

Beloit and the local theatre was chosen by 

the implement company to show several educational 

shorts and a feature film. 

Joseph V. Weaver Dies 

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA — Joseph V. 

Weaver, 69, owner and operator of the Rialto 

here until his retirement two years ago, died 

at his home following a lengthy illness. Born 

in Austria, Weaver had lived in Cedar Rapids 

45 years. 

Your Best Buy is Griggs' New 30-Line Chair! 

with the self' rising seat! 

A brand ne'w chair for liner theatres. 

Well constructed, comfortable, good 

looking, reasonably priced. This chair 

IS equipped with automatic self-rising 

seat. For complete information 

See E. J. Staton 

in our Oklahoma City office, 708 W. 

Grand, 7-1821, Oklahoma City, Okla. 

Or Call. Wire or Write: 

W 

Bclfon, 

Texas 

EQUIPMENT 

COMPANY 

Offices: Dallas, Memphis, Shreveport, Oklohoma 

City and New York City. 

Foundation Begun by Fox 

WnNFIELD, KAS.—Foundation work on 

the new theatre building being erected here 

by Fox Midwest is under way. Blueprints 

of the building have been drawn up for the 

structure, on the site of the old Zimm Theatre, 

and the Smith Construction Co. is 

handling foundation work. 


Walt Lambader Playdate Drive 

12 CHARLIE CHASE 

TWO-REELERS 

No\v Available 





f 

Pay Hikes to Policemen 

Who Shut Lake Theatre 

DU1.UTH—Pay raises have been given to 

the two Duluth pohce officers who shut down 

the Lake Theatre here and now are facing

. . Other 

. . Irma 

D E S M O I N E.S 

12 LAUREL-HARDY 

TWO-REELERS 

Now Available 




Urge Brotherhood Week Aid 

MINNEAPOLIS—North Central Allied in a 

bulletin urges members "to do their part in 

the Brotherhood week campaign, February 

19-26." Bennie Berger, Allied president, has 

been reappointed exhibitor co-chairman with 

Harry B. French, Minnesota Amusement Co. 

president. 

Bill Banning TV in Bars 

To Council in Duluth 

DULUTH—This community's city council 

"romniy Thompson, SRO district manager, as stenographer . . . Florence Paschall, RKO 

apparently is about ready to slip a mickey to 

was at the EL office ... EL was host at inspector, is on the sick list. 

television. Introduced last week was a major 

screenings of "Guilty of Treason" and "The 

Helen McGregor, MGM receptionist, has revision of the Duluth alcoholic beverage control 

code which, among other things, bans 

Third Man." Don Walker, publicity man, was 

announced her engagement to Howard Burman, 

Hampton, Iowa. The wedding will take television sets in all taverns or bars holding 

in town working on promotion for the latter 

film . . . J. M. McGrew has sold his theatre 

place June 18, 1950 . . . Babsie Krause is new on-sale liquor or beer licenses. Adoption of 

at Churdan to Lyle Graue. Both men were 

assistant contract clerk at Metro, replacing the new code is expected by the end of this 

here visiting the exchanges distributors 

on the Row were George Thacker, 

. 

Patricia Shaw, who resigned . 

White, month. Clubs holding on-sale licenses are 

MGM, had her husband Frank home from exempt from the proposed television ban. 

Reinbeck: Richard Moore, Davenport: Bob 

Ft. Riley. Kas. Irma made transcriptions recently 

in behalf of the March of Dimes, ganizations, country clubs and any bona fide 

They include fraternal groups, veterans or- 

Pridley, Strawberry. Point: Barbara Newbold, 

Keosauqua: Milo Moody. Marquette, and Sam speaking from experience, since both her sons group with its own clubrooms. 

Watson. Grettinger. 

were polio patients last summer. 

Opposition to the television ban is certain. 

When it was first discussed last year, tavern 

Joanne Hoffman, former Republic employe, Lucille Chicilli, Metro inspector, was ill . . . 

owners who already have installed expensive 

visited the exchange on her vacation from Eddie Rowland is working on publicity for 

sets protested for weeks. The council received 

studies at the University of low-a . . . Dee "Francis" . . . Bill Toney, Tri-States merchandising 

manager, is back at his desk 

pro-and-con petitions on the subject even 

Hymes, Republic, was ill . . . Corine Finnard 

longer. 

is a new billing clerk at Universal, replacing 

Mary Ellen Smith, who resigned . . . Tessie 

after undergoing surgery and a lengthy recovery 

period . . . Myron Blank, Central 

Generally, those supporting the ban represent 

church groups and fear television will 

Hyndman has joined the staff at Columbia States general manager, left with his wife 

attract more children into taverns. 

for a vacation trip to Florida. They will stop 

The debate finally subsided pending introduction 

of a formal ordinance which would 

off in Hollywood, Fla., for a visit with Mr. 

and Mrs. A. H. Blank . . . Leo McKechneay 

Walt Lambader Playdote Drive 

require a council vote. A council majority 

has returned from a business trip to New 

appears to favor the ban. The city safety 

York. 

commissioner introduced the ordinance containing 

the ban, but suddenly struck it out 

on his own motion. The utilities commissioner 

re-introduced it as an amendment, noting 

that he was doing so at the request of a 

certain group. 

COMPLETELY NEW

BlaltCircuil Marks 

30th Anniversary 

PITTSBURGH—Blatt Bros. Theatres, observing 

the 30th anniversary of its founding, 

has dated 30th anniversary weeks at all theatres 

in the circuit during February. Special 

trailers are being exhibited and lobbies are 

decorated with lettered banners and pennants. 

Exploitations include free admissions 

during anniversary week to persons celebrating 

their 30th birthday anniversary and to 

couples celebrating the 30th anniversary of 

their marriage. 

The Blatt Bros, circuit was founded at East 

Brady, Pa., when the Blatt family acquired 

the Star in February. 1920. Mrs. Catherine 

Blatt, mother of the family and lovingly 

called "The Governor." was the figurehead 

of the theatres as long as she lived and the 

Governor Theatre at Somerset was named in 

her honor. A son, William J. Blatt, who directed 

the circuit, died a year ago. His 

brothers Charles R. and John "Jake" Blatt 

are supervising operators of the theatre units 

numbering around two dozen in western 

Pennsylvania and New York, and sister Margaret 

Blatt is active at the Filmrow office 

headquarters here at 1701 Blvd. of the Allies. 

Sam Merson of Detroit. 

Former Exhibitor, Dies 

DETROIT—Samuel L. Merson, 44, well 

known on Filmrow for at least 15 years, 

died at Harper hospital February 1. He had 

been in poor health many years. Formerly 

with the Detroit Blue Pi-int and Supply Co.. 

he became secretary and president of the 

Film Bowling league, and a leader in the 

industry's social activities. More recently, he 

took over operation of the Amsterdam Theatre, 

but disposed of the house over a year 

ago. At the time of his death he was credit 

manager of the Famous Furniture Co. He 

is survived by his wife Ruby. 

Ashmun Circuit to Build 

Drive-In at Caro, Mich. 

CARD, MICH. — Ashmun Theatres will 

start construction of the Caro Drive-In in the 

next month with opening scheduled around 

April 15. The capacity will be 500 cars. 

Ashmun operates the Strand and Temple 

here, the Family in East Tawas. the Bay in 

Tawas City. Center in Mariette, Garden in 

Frankfort, Lincoln in Sebewaing. and buys 

and books for the Crystal in Chesaning and 

the Flo in Nashville. 

Infantrymen Honored 

WHEELING. W. VA.—Eight members oil 

the 101st infantry were introduced from the 

stage of the Capitol in conjunction with the 

opening of "Battleground." American Legion 

drum and bugle corps and soldiers who participated 

in the Battle of the Bulge paraded 

to the theatre for the special honors. Wheeling 

newspapers, radio stations and merchants 

cooperated in exploiting the premiere. 

7-^^ /^g//g/ Q^/^g Started 

By Cleveland Exhibitors 

KATO Urges Exhibitors 

To Plead for Tax Repeal 

LOUISVILLE—Tlie Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre 

Owners has asked each of its members 

to wire or write his senator or congressman, 

urging that admissions tax relief be included 

in the contemplated legislation eliminating oi 

reducing wartime excise taxes. KATO also 

is urging its members to keep in close contact 

with the state legislature for Kentucky 

admissions taxes repeal. 

To make it easier for exhibitors, names 

and addresses of general assembly and U.S. 

Congress members were mailed to members 

of KATO. 

The association also is concerned over two 

censorship bills introduced by Sen. Stanley 

Blake, which it feels will disrupt the industry 

if passed. 

Drive-In Theatres Seek 

More Favorable Runs 

PITTSBURGH — Several drive-ins may 

step up on clearance schedules during the 

coming outdoor season. Reports are that the 

Maple Drive-In on Route 30 between Mc- 

Keesport and Irwin will have an availability 

of 7 days after first run McKeesport. Last 

year this ozoner, a leading one in the mideast 

area, played 14 days after the "Tube 

City." Other outdoor theatres in the district 

are reported seeking better clearances or 

protection. 

T. J. Jagmin Dies 

DETROIT—T. J. Jagmin, who had been in 

the theatrical decorating business here 50 

years, and completed literally hundreds of 

theatre jobs in the Michigan area, died here 

recently. The T. Jagmin. Inc.. will continue 

operation under a son Alex. 

CLEVELAND—More than 250 theatre owners 

and managers a.s.sembled in the Cleveland 

Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n rooms Monday 

i6> at the invitation of President Ernest 

Schwartz to complete arrangements for an 

industrywide campaign for repeal of the 20 

per cent amusement tax. Nat Wolf, exhibitor 

chairman, and Oscar Ruby, distributor chairman, 

for the Ohio committee on taxation and 

legislation, presided. All present, representing 

practically every theatre in the Greater 

Cleveland area, pledged 100 per cent support 

to the campaign and backed up their pledges 

by immediately ordering from National Theatre 

Supply the promotion trailer, accessories 

and protest cards. 

Frank Murphy. Loew Theatres district manager, 

reported that the public response to 

the protest cards issued at all Loew theatres 

has been practically unanimous in favor of 

the tax repeal. Julius Lamm, manager of 

Warners' Uptown, reported that more than 12 

per cent of his weekend audiences signed protest 

cards. Theatre owners and managers 

who had not already started the campaign 

agreed to do so within 24 hours after the 

meeting. 

Radio station WERE recorded interviews 

with leading theatre owners including Bert 

Lefkowich of Community Theatres. Frank 

Cost of Associated circuit's Lake Theatre, 

Leonard Greenberger of the Fairmount Theatre 

and "Sly" Pierce of the Berea Theatre, 

Berea, which were broadcast at 6 p. m. Loew's 

newspaper advertising carries a slug, "Help 

Repeal the 20 Per Cent Tax on Your Tickets. 

Sign Protest Cards at All Ttieatres." 

Before signing the protest cards, exhibitors 

who have already distributed them say, patrons 

want to be assured that repeal of the 

tax will mean lower admission prices. 

Have you written to your congressmen and 

senators about repeal of the unfair amusement 

tax? 

Fairs Ask End of Tax 

CHARLESTON. W. VA.—Removal of the 

federal excise tax on admissions to agricultural 

fairs was asked by the West Virginia 

Fair Ass'n. 

A CLEVEL.VND CH.\T—When Wendell Corey stopped in Cleveland on his nationwide 

tour in behalf of "Thclma Jordon," he stopped in the Warner Theatres headquarters 

there to chat with Nat Wolf. Ohio zone manager, who brought Corey here 

last year to participate in the charity baseball game at the Municipal stadium. Left 

to right: Dick Wright, assistant; Corey. Wolf and Donnie Wolf, son of Nat. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 ME 

75

: 

BOWLING 

CLEVELAND—In a complete upset, thi? 

Garwin Equipment Co. team took the lead 

in the Cleveland Motion Picture Projectors 

Bowling league with a score of 47 points and 

also became the new leader in the high single 

team game with 1.072 pins in its favor. Oliver 

Theatre Supply moved up to second place 

with a three-game total of 2.931 pins. 

Current standings: 

Pis. 

Pts 

DETROIT—Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply 

went into first place in the Nightingale 

league by the very small margin over the 

National Carbon Co. in second place. Team 

standings are 

Won Lost 

Won Lo?l 

Forbes Supply 45 27 Local 199 33 39 

Nafl Carbon- 44 28 Natl Supply 32 40 

Altec Service 36 36 McArthur Equip. 32 40 

Lorenzen's 35 37 Brenkert 31 4! 

200 games were rolled by: Roy Thompson 

202. Ralph Haskin 200 and William Fouchey 

200. 

Carl Larsen's 561 and Jack Colwell's 550 led 

the field in the 500 class. 

$8,427 ERECTS THIS 

NEW SCREEN TOWER 

npel attention and assure biggest boxoffico 

ims with this impressive tower. 

A FEW OUTSTANDING FEATURES 

ttOveraii size: 50 ft. x 40 

(t. 

-c Screen size: 44 ft. x 33 

^ Great wind resistance 

* Reaiiy for the Picture- 

Nothing else to buy 

Thehtre EquipmEHT to. 

Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply took over the 

lead after winning three points from Altec 

Service Corp. National Carbon Co. dropped 

into second place after losing four points to 

McArthur Theatre Equipment who was in 

the cellar but are out of it now as Brenkert 

Projectors has taken over bottom place. 

Robert Andrews. John Lasko, Jack Lindenthai 

and William Gagnon are now members 

of the misseros club. 

There will be five teams entered in the 

Michigan Federation of Labor tournament, 

and about 12 doubles. Last year Welber 

Haartge and Maurice Beers were the doubles 

team that won first place with their 1254. 

Gardin Equipment 47 RCA Service 

38 

Union Insurance 46 National Supply 37 

DETROIT—Allied held first place in the 

Auto Voice .46 Mobiltone Speakers 35 

Anchor In 40 Oliver Supply 31 Film Bowling league, with Theatrical and 

Individual scores were all high, everybody Co-Op tied for second place and Republic 

straining to become eligible to participate in and Monogram for third. Team standings: 

the forthcoming contest with the Detroit 

Won Los' 

Won Los' 

Nightingales. High scores were rolled by: Allied 10 2 Monogram , 6 6 

Theatrical 8 4 

Bill Nobbe, Tom Smart, Tom Fitzgerald, Ralph 

SiG 5 7 

Co-Op 8 4 UA 4 8 

Gertz. Jack Barry, Gordon Bullock, Andy RepubUc 6 6 RKO 1 11 

Zill, John Noonan, Vincent McKeon, Jack High 3 team: Theatrical, 2738; Co-Op, 

Schaefer. 

2574 and S&G, 2545. High 1 team: Theatrical 

927: UA, 924; S&G 866 and Co-Op 886. High 

3 individual: L. Metzger 635, J. Pavella 614, 

and J. Crane 610. High 1 individual: D. Fill 

254, D. Kaplan 243 and A. Koskie 241. 200 

club: F. Harr 203, C. Sheran 201. H. Trobley 

200 and E. Clarry 200. 

Team Won Lost Team Won Lost 

Midwest Supply. 56 4 Westwood 32 28 

National Supply 50 10 Theatre Candy 23 37 

Bond 39 21 Associated 21 39 

Strand 37 23 Times. 20 40 

Mount Healthy 36 24 Keith 20 40 

Altec 35 25 Forest 15 45 

RCA 33 27 Idle Hour 6 54 

Louisville Twin Drive-In 

Will Get Under Way Soon 

LOUISVILLE — Work on the American 

Drive-In Theatre's new twin ozoner on Crittenden 

drive at Dakota avenue here is slated 

to begin immediately, according to Lou Arru. 

The double-screen theatre will accommodate 

about 1,800 cars, 1,000 on one side and 800 on 

the other. The site comprises 23 acres, and 

will have an extremely large holdover area. 

The base of the double-screen tower will 

be tunneled, with entering cars passing beneath 

the tower for position in either of 

the theatres. 

Lou Arru is senior partner in the drive-in 

with J. Hoffgesang. Estimated cost of the 

drive-in is more than $200,000. 

'Bandit' Cut by Censor 

DETROIT—"The Bandit." Italian film, is 

playing at the Cinema here after receiving 

official treatment by police censor Inspector 

Herbert W. Case. As summarized by the 

censor's office, the cuts, which were minor, 

admittedly resulted in some rough continuity 

in the picture as screened. They were based 

on immorality, principally a too realistic 

treatment of the prostitution theme. 

LOUISVILLE 

(êne Lutes, district manager for Chakeres 

Theatres, Frankfort, and Eric Hammel, 

executive director of the Burley and Shelby 

theatres, Shelbyville, visited the Row and attended 

the Olympians- Syracuse basketball 

game at the Jefferson County armory. Both 

are ardent basketball fans and rarely miss an 

opportunity to see their favorites in action. 

While the committee for Kentucky's "blueprint 

for a greater Kentucky" was being presented 

to the general assembly at Frankfort, 

lights and cameras were on hand to record 

the proceedings for the State Department's 

Voice of America. The Voice of America plans 

to send the films around the world to help 

show democratic processes in action. According 

to reports the film will go to 115 places in 

52 countries. More than 100.000.000 people 

will see the pictures. 

"Your Kentucky" began its first run showings 

in Louisville at the Rialto, Loew's, Strand, 

Mary Anderson and Brown theatres, and 

thereafter was made available for engagements 

through the Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre 

Owners offices. State police will help in the 

distribution of the films after bookings have 

been made. 

CINCINNATI—The Bond Theatre fell back 

into third place in the Cincinnati Theatrical 

A special screening of "Guilty of Treason" 

was presented at the Brown hotel before more 

Bowling league. George Krebs rolled high than 300 members of the Kentucky Press 

single game of 257 and made the honor roll Ass'n in the Crystal ballroom. Two additional 

with a 615 total. Fred Borgman also made screenings of the film were planned for the 

the honor roll with a 607 total. Walter Hall's Model Theatre of the Falls City Theatre 

245 single game tied for second place. The Equipment Co. 

week's 200s: G. Krebs 257, W. Hall 245. E. 

Hahn 226 and 213, F. Borgman 222 and A bill introduced in the general assembly, 

209, 

E. Wiethe 219, G. Leftwich 214, J. Frank house bill 

211, 

176, by M. G. Tliompson. Lincoln, 

G. Vlochas 210, C. Moorehous 208, C. Keith would impose a special 10 per cent tax on 

jr. 205. and R. Piccola 202. Team standings: 

admission tickets sold on Sunday to places 

of amusement. The proceeds would go to the 

common-school fund and would be in addition 

to the tax already imposed. 

Well known both in local and national 

theatre circles, Sam Weinberg, motion picture 

theatre owner here for 15 years, died suddenly 

here. He owned and operated the Crescent 

and Shelmar theatres here and a theatre at 

Muncie, Ind. A native of Louisville, he served 

in the army during World War II. He was a 

member of the St. George Lodge of Masons, 

the Scottish Rite Temple, B'rith Sholom and 

Adath Jeshurun temples. Surviving are his 

parents. Mr. and Mrs. N. I. Weinberg, a 

sister, Mrs. Joseph Belker. and brothers 

Herschel and Martin. Services were held at 

Meyer's chapel with interment at Adath 

Jeshurun cemetery. 

New programs dominated the first runs, 

with several holdovers in evidence. "Montana" 

stayed on for a second week at the 

Mary Anderson and "Pinky" was moved over 

to the Brown following a week at the Rialto. 

"Battleground" was scheduled to open in a 

single bill at Loew's. while the Scoop, also 

with one feature, offered "Symphonic Pastorale." 

In with double bills, the Rialto offered 

"Bagdad" and "Undertow." while the 

Strand had "Captain China" and "The Big 

Fight." 

For Roles in Kettle Film 

Meg Randall and Richard Long have been 

ticketed for roles in Universal's "Pa and Ma 

Kettle Back Home." 


: 

. . John 

— 

Loew's Penn Scores 

With Acts on Stage 

PITTSBURGH—Loew's Penn packed 'em 

in with its first stage show in more than 15 

years. Tlie film. "Ti-apped." was used with 

the footlights offering which featured 

Frankie Laine. "Jolson Sings Again" made 

a good showing in its second week at the 

Harris. 

(Average is 100) 

Fuhon—South Sea Sinner (U-I) 75 

Harris—Jolson Sings Again (Col), 2nd wk 130 

Penn—Trapped (EL), stage show, iirst in 15 yrs 250 

Stanley—Montana (WB) 90 

Warner—The Hasty Heart (WB), 3rd d. t. wk £0 

Long Queues Are Formed 

For Cleveland "Delilah' 

CLEVELAND— "Samson and Delilah" took 

the town by storm with long queues ever 

since its opening at the Stillman where the 

first week's boxoffice take at advanced prices 

will hit at least 365 per cent of the average 

at the regular scale. "All the King's Men" 

went over the top at the Hippodrome to a 

good 110 in a week when other takes were 

about average. "Ice Follies" was heavy competition. 

The weather turned cold and streets 

were slippery over the weekend, but cleared 

later in the week. 

Allen—Whirlpool (20th-Fox), 2nd run 95 

•Esquire—My Foolish Heart (RKO). 2nd wk 250 

Hippodrome— All the King's Men (Col) 110 

Lower Ma'U—Fame Is the Spur (Oxlord) 100 

Ohio— East Side. West Side (MGM), 3rd d. t. wk 100 

Pdlace-The Tattooed Stranger (RKO), plus 

stage show 95 

Slate—South Sea Sinner (U-1) 90 

Siillmon—Samson and Delilah (Para) 365 

'Samson' Grosses 300 

In Cincinnati Opener 

CINCINNATI — "Samson and Delilah" 

scored a big week at roadshow prices in the 

Palace, where it opened with 300 per cent. 

"Battleground" scored 210 in its opening 

stanza at the Grand, while eight acts of 

vaudeville boosted "The Traveling Saleswoman" 

at the Albee to a third place score 

of 150. 

Albee—The Traveling Saleswoman (Col), 8 acts 

vaudeville _ 150 

Grand—Battleground (MGM) ^ 210 

Keiths—Mrs. Mike (UA) 105 

Lyric— The Inspector General (WB), 2nd d. I. wk.-lOO 

Palace—Samson and Dehlah (Para) 300 

Shuberl—Sands of Iwo Jima (Rep), 2nd d. t. wk 100 

'Delilah' Does Top Business 

At Detroit Madison 

DETROIT—"Samson and Delilah" continued 

to do the business among downtown 

houses. Detail for week ending February 2 

Adarr.s—Battleground (MGM), 2nd wk 110 

Cinema—The Bandit (Times Film Corp.) : 80 

Downtown—Malaya (MGM); Riders in the Sky 

(Col), 2nd wk 5C 

Willie Comes Marching Home (20th- 

rox—When 

Fox) 

Madison—Samson and Delilah (Para), 2nd 

.100 

.200 

Michigan—The Heiress (Para), 2nd wk 

Palms-State—The Nevadan (Col), The Blonde 

Bandit (Rep.) 

Paradise Parole. Inc. (EL), 2nd run; plus stage 

show _ _ 

United Artists—Tell It to the ludge (Col) 

Medal to 'We Are Proud' 

DETROIT—The Freedom's Forum honox 

medal was presented Friday to the Kelvinator 

division of Nash-Kelvinator Corp. for its 

recent motion picture. "Of This 'We Arc 

Pi-oud." The presentation w-as made at th

. . . Ralph 

. . . Barry 

. . Ray 

. . Charles 

. . Clarence 

. . 

DETROIT 

Bernardi figures the move will help out his 

exploitation problems. 

Martial Mino, formerly with the Broder circuit, 

Dube Jackter, assistant sales manager for LaSalle, is bringing out a new Beef Trust 

has been named as the third manager 

Columbia, was a visitor ... Mr. and Mrs. line. 

for the Columbia by Korman. The house operates 

all night, requiring three shifts . . . 

Floyd Akins really enjoyed that visit to Local 

160's new union hall and 

Owen Blough of 

the 

the 

big banquet 

Telenews was 

at 

a fireguard 

at the Shrine circus. Harold Berg, counsel with major theatrical Utigation here 

Ralph E. Routier, prominently identified as 

Cleveland, and are still praising the whole 

Fitzgerald family and Tom master of 

Smart for the 

Daylight Theatrical lodge, was in for many years, has been elected dean, the 

great way the affair was 

charge of publicity 

handled for 

. . . Robert 

the event. Orville effective president, of the Detroit alumni 

Vaughan. who runs a hillbilly band and 

"Whitey" Harris, 

produces 

shows, is the new manager 

another Daylighter, was in senate of Delta Theta Phi, law fraternity. 

Clown alley. 

of the Art 

Harold Lloyd as imperial potentate 

John 

at Grand Rapids 

Tatu of the 

for 

led 

Adalbert 

off 

May. 

the 

the new 

grand 

Nortown 

opening 

and 

. . . Sidney 

Casino will 

leave soon for 

owner who will remain Golos. 

in Royal Oak to run 

who a 

operates 

vacation in 

the S&G Theatre 

Florida . . 

P>remium 

his supermarket. Thelma Welch 

Claude Mitchell. 

is the 

Service in 

cashier, 

the Film NTS salesman, left 

building, 

for 

is establishing 

an 

upstate trip 

with Walter 

to St. 

Pond and Art Jensen 

the 

sharing 

new firm 

Ignace . 

of Sid Golos Premiums. 

Williamson, 

NTS manager, returned 

the booth. 

as a new part of her hairdo . . . Irwin Pollard 

rio'ZSI PROGRAMS 

Weather 

of Republic was 

Grounds 

back 

Kaybee, 

for a visit to his old 

• ONE DAY SERVICE — On 

stamping ground here during the week. So Babb Takes Airliner 

THEATRICAL ADV. CO. Sol Edwards, SRO, was an WILMINGTON, 

Eagle Lion OHIO — 

visitor 

. . 

Kroger Babb, 

•SERVING EXHIBITORS FOR 33 YEARS'' 

2310 CASS 

. Lloyd 

president of 

Burrows has 

WO. 

moved 

Hallmark Productions, 

over from 

had to 

1-2158. DETROIT. 1, MCH the Downtown to the Fox, making 

abandon his trusty Kaybee 11 plane at 

the 

Dajlas 

first 

new appointment 

because of heavy 

in 

flying 

the booth 

weather and 

at the 

continue 

city's 

ace house on 

in 

to the west 

21 years. He coast 

replaces 

by a commercial airliner. 

the late 

Lee Crowell. 

L Thomas 

Babb 

J. 

& L 

Kirby 

and the Hallmark Secretary, 

of the 

THEATRE 

Pox has 

Charles 

CONCESSION completed 

R. Kirk, were 

his housebuilding 

on the first leg of a trip 

in Florida and 

around 

INCREASED PROFITS - DECREASED returned 

the 

WORRIES 

here 

world to visit 25 nations 

. Schreiber has 

and arrange for 

lined up 

PERSONALIZED SUPERVISED SERVICE 

large colored 

distribution of "Mom 

portraits and 

of four 

Dad," "Devil's 

generations 

DRIVE-IN 

of his 

AND family 

Weed," "G. I. 

in his 

INDOOR new 

Love" and 

office, 

THEATRES 

from 

"One Too Many." 

his 

2937 SI. Aubin 

grandfather 

Leaving 

down San Francisco 

to his son 

on January 30 their 

Rusty. Detroit George 

7. Mich. 

first 

Phone Te. 13352 

Turner, manager stop was Honolulu. 

te. of 

13884 

the Garden, From there their 

assisted in 

getting 

itinerary 

the new includes Canton Island, Fiji 

offices 

Islands, 

ready, while Boris 

Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, New 

Guinea, Singapore, Siam, Calcutta, New Delhi 

and Bombay, India. Tlien on to Jerusalem, 

Cairo, Athens and Italy where they will visit 

For the Utmost in Screen Rome, Florence, 

Brilliance 

Venice 

Without 

and Naples. In 

France they will stop in Cannes and Paris, 

Extra Current Consumption 

then proceed to Geneva, Munich, Brussels, 

Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, 

Edinburgh, London and Dublin. 

Su^xefi - BnapiUe 

Edward Stuckey is making his transfer 

from the 

Harry N. Smith of the Hollywood 

has been ill with bronchial asthma . 

H. west coast . . . 

Edward Schnitzer, UA, was 

from 

here . . . Cass 

Paramount to Butterfield February 10 

Newell of the Cinderella left for two months 

Cohen, circuiteer, went to California 

for 

Edward J. Weisfeldt has become supervisor 

in St. Petersburg, with Harry Owens subbing 

a quick vacation . . . Helen Madak of for the Saul Korman circuit. 

Haskins of the Del-The 

the 

weekend Korman circuit office is worrying about Mrs. Gladys B. Pike, president of 

crew is handling the service department 

making 

Film 

the income 

for 

tax balance with the outgo Truck, will go to Washington to attend the 

. . . 

Communicating Systems Co.. which was 

Alex Jagmin of T. J. Jagmin & Co. is national Republican rally. Her sister Jane 

founded by his father . . . Joseph 

doing the 

LaRose, 

decorative work on the new theatre Robinson returned from her recent trip to 

manager of the Eastown, 

being 

is back on 

completed 

the job 

for C. R. Beechler circuit carry on with Film Truck operations . . . 

after a serious at 

illness. He won't have 

Eaton Rapids. 

to go to 

Bonnie Boyia is back from St. Louis to spend 

Arizona as anticipated. 

Ed Long is passing out an 

a few 

ingenious 

weeks with her 

illustrated 

husband Pearce Bradley 

Joseph J. Lee, Fox manager, was host 

brochure 

to 

on "The of 

Sign 

the 

in Distress— 

Avenue . Hunt of the Avenue 

the trade Thursday for a screening 

Tale of 

of "Mother 

Didn't Tell Me" . . . Bee Vester (Mrs. Edgar 

Four Horsemen" to his friends 

underwent an operation at Lincoln hospital 

. . . 

Lynn A. Fill, father of Don Fill, owner of the 

. . . Roger M. Valiquette. former manager 

of 

Douville), whose husband Alvin, 

is at the Linwood- 

has been elected president of the 

the 

American 

Society of Body Engineers . . . Margaret 

Fine Arts, expects to be back in 

show business again soon. 

Studebaker is wearing her horn rim glasses 

a 

Dominnick Castelli, 80. 

Found Dead at Library, Pa. 

LIBRARY, PA. — Dominnick Castelli, 80, 

whose three sons operate the Park Theatre 

here, was found dead in the basement of 

the theatre building Tuesday (7). The aged 

man had been despondent for more than 3 

year following a plane crash in Canada i 

which his son Jerry and the latter's wif* 

were killed. The three sons also have drive-in 

theatre interests. 

FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS 

The Showman's Drug Store 

Drugs * Cosmetics * Prescriptions 

Personal Service Irom Two Showmen 

MAX BERNBAUM JACK GALLAGHER 

Pharmacist 

Manager 

Phone CLifiord 1527. CLiiiord 3694 

— 

78 


Schreibers Dispose 

Of Two More Houses 

DETROIT—The gradual withdrawal of 

Alex Schreiber and the Schreiber family interests 

from theatre operation, in progress for 

the past two years, was marked this week by 

the transfer of operation of two local theatres, 

the Highland Park in the suburb of 

Highland Park and the Irving in the Redford 

district, from Associated Theatres to 

Affiliated Theatres. About a year ago Affiliated 

took over several of Associated's 

houses as part of the same process. 

Ownership of the two houses has been disposed 

of by the Schreiber group to undisclosed 

associates. Schreiber also has a deal 

pending for the disposition of three houses 

located in the suburb of Wyandotte to other 

interests, the Majestic. Rialto and Wyandotte. 

'Samson' Exhibit Intrigues 

CLEVELAND—The "Samson and Delilah" 

art exhibit, held recently in the Carter 

hotel under the direction of Dick Condon, 

excited considerable interest among 

fashion designers, fashion editors and members 

of the press, radio and TV. One side 

of the exhibition room was devoted to photos 

of gowns and hairdos and jewelry worn by 

the ladies of Biblical times. The other side 

of the room displayed modern adaptations 

of these styles. Condon, who knows his 

"Samson and Delilah" history, was plied with 

questions on the habits of the times in 

which these characters lived and he had 

all the answers at his finger tips. 

Have you ordered your taxation trailer and 

petition cards from National Screen Service? 

Do it today. 

YOU 

DON'T 

KNOW

. . . John 

. . 

. . . Harry 

. . Bud 

. . Clyde 

. . Andy 

CLEVELAND 

Oigmund "Red" Clayman, head shipper for 

Warners, is seeking election as state senator 

on the Repubhcan ticket. This is his second 

effort to gain a seat in the state legislature 

... I. J. Schmertz, 20th-Fox manager, 

and wife left for a Florida vacation of several 

weeks . . . Bill Twigg has joined the 

Associated circuit as buyer and booker for 

the Newport and Belmont theatres in Youngstown. 

These are the houses recently acquired 

by Associated from Peter Wellman for whom 

Twigg had been booking manager. 

Andy W. Smith, 20th-Fox general sales 

manager, spent two days in Cleveland for a 

regional sales discussion ... J. J. Maloney, 

MGM eastern division sales manager, conferred 

with local Manager Jack Sogg . 

Ohio Theatre Service Corp. has added Paul 

Staup's Delphos Drive-In to its list of clients 

Newkirk, manager of the Beach 

Cliff Theatre, is giving his camera a good 

workout on his trip to Florida. 

Nate Schultz, Monogram franchise owner, 

. . . 

his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Nat Marcus left 

Max 

for a spell of Florida sunshine 

Shagrin, Hollywood agent, is in the east visiting 

his twin brother, theatre owner Joe of 

Youngstown. It was like old times to see 

them together on Filmrow reminiscing with 

their many industry friends . . . Carroll Puciato, 

in charge of Realart branch operations, 

was a local exchange visitor . . . Realart Bob 

Snyder's wife is a patient at Doctors hospital 

suffering with an eye ailment. 

Saturday (4) was a great day for Herb and 

Liz Ochs when all five of the Ochs offspring 

assembled for the wedding of their youngest 

daughter Sue to army air force Lieut. Harry 

Welch of Port Huron, Mich., at St. Malachi 

church. In the wedding party attending the 

bride were Pat Ochs Hill, Marilyn Ochs 

Scherffius and Grace Ochs, wife of son Jack. 

Another son Jimmy was one of the ushers. 

The sister of the groom, Margaret Welch, 

was maid of honor. A reception at the HoUenden 

hotel followed the wedding ceremony. 

Hal Marshall, Paramount exploiteer, is 

waiting to hear whether Cleveland will be on 

the personal appearance route that Lizabeth 

Scott starts the middle of February . . . Word 

has been received here of the death last 

Thursday of Edwin Merritt, Alliance projectionist 

Bob Martin, manager of the 

. . . Shaker Theatre, reports that the neighborhood 

PTA cooperated with him on "Red 

f 

STANDARD and SPECIAL 

ACCESSORIES ON ALL BOOKINGS1 

INDEPENDENT POSTER RENTAL CO. 

ROOM 430 • 2300 PAYNE AVENUE 

CLEVELAND 14, OHIO • SU. 1-0S38 

GLO-ART (Black-Light) 

POSTERS - of NO EXTRA COST. 

! 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE STANDEE SPEAKERS 

For Front Section and Rear Ramps 

For Trucks and Overflow 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ^^^J^^.To. 

Danube" with a special ticket selling campaign. 

Not only did it fill the house, but it 

emphasized the theatre as the center of neighborhood 

activities. 

Louis Gross of Central Terminal has bought 

a building at 1794 East 23rd street between 

Chester and Payne avenue and will move 

from his present location on East 22nd as soon 

as necessary alterations are completed . . . 

The Circle Theatre, Akron, has changed hands 

for the second time within a month. Paul 

Silknitter, who bought the house the first 

January, has sold it 

to M. M. Simms of Akron 

and Jesse Wiseman of Hudson. 

"Hamlet" makes its first bow in this area 

since its initial ten-week roadshow engagement 

at the Ohio Theatre a year ago, at the 

Berea Theatre, Berea, February 13. Manager 

"Sly" Pierce will present it at a top of $1.20 

. . . Visitors: D. B. Follett, Del-Lu Theatre, 

Gibsonburg; Jerry Steel, Apollo, Oberlin; Leo 

Jones, Star, Upper Sandusky: George Delis, 

A. G. Constant circuit. 

All industry branches were represented at 

a gathering in the Cleveland Motion Picture 

Ass'n rooms Monday (6) to discuss a campaign 

for elimination of the federal admission 

tax. Nat Wolf, Warner Ohio zone manager, 

is exhibitor chairman of the committee on 

taxation and legislation, and Oscar Ruby, 

Columbia manager, is distributor chairman. 

Ray Wild, RKO salesman who last week 

was in an automobile accident, is around 

again after being confined to his home for a 

week. Wild's injuries were of a minor nature 

but his automobile was completely wrecked 

Goldstein, Paramount division 

manager, visited the Cincinnati branch. 

. . Irving 

Did you know that in 1949 "Prince of 

Peace," a Hallmark Production release, enjoyed 

2,004 playing dates in 576 villages, towns 

and small cities and played to a grand total 

of 1,438.562 paying customers? 

Schmitz, auditor, was at RKO . 

. . . Jack 

Zussman of Metro Premium paid his Cleveland 

representative, Hilbert Horwitz, a short 

visit recently. 

Joe Brueggeman has resigned from the 

MGM booking desk to become a student 

at Case Institute of Technology. His place 

is taken by Richard Hedglen, transferred 

here from the MGM Detroit office . . . Another 

change in the MGM exchange is promotion 

of Doris Kachman from switchboard 

operator to bookers' secretary. 

Chris Velas, according to report, is redecorating 

his offices in Bellaire in real 

film style ... Ed Rabb, Akron theatre owner, 

says that "E>avid Harem" did very well at 

his Liberty, Akron. Same report comes from 

the Guild, Toledo . Barach and Oliver 

Pike, Theatre Advertising, newly organized 

company handling merchant-theatre promotions, 

recently were in the territory acquainting 

the trade with product and plans. 

Ellsworth Staup has bought out his brother 

Paul's interest in the Star and Capitol theatres, 

Delphos, and now will handle the 

houses himself. Paul is concentrating on 

his Delphos Drive-In . Gregg is 

new owner of the Grand, West Mansfield, 

which he purchased from Emery Thomas. 

Gregg is extending the policy to playing on 

of 

Wednesdays as well as weekend. Ohio Theatre 

Service Corp. is doing the bookingbuying. 

Manager Kranz of the Hanna Theatre is 

swamped with requests for tickets for "South 

Pacific," booked for a two-week engagement 

at the Music hall in April. Latest reports 

are that he has received no less than 

30,000 letters with checks enclosed. The Music 

hall has a 3,200-seat capacity. 

Dave Sandler, president of Theatrecraft 

Mfg. Corp., sold his standard and combination 

heater-speakers for the new 1,000-car 

Westmore Drive-In now under construction 

in Johnstown, Pa. The drive-in is part of 

a large project which includes the building 

of 500 homes and a complete shopping 

center . Anderson of Hallmark Productions 

did a good selling job that made 

everybody happy when he had a "Fînce of 

Peace" booking switched from the smaller 

Strand, Youngstown, to the 2,000-seat State. 

The Jack Shulmans are in the forefront. 

First, it was the engagement of their older 

son James. Now their younger son Ronald 

has walked off with top honors in the 

Shaker Heights High school graduating 

class. He was voted top citizen of the class. 

His achievements Include possession of the 

coveted scholarship key, letters in track, 

wrestling and football. In addition, he is 

president of the Senior Varsity club and 

student council representative. 

Legal Dispute Results 

Over Sunday Fines 

COCHRANTON, PA.—W. L. 

Dunn, owneroperator 

of the Iris, has been fined four times 

for illegal operation of the theatre on Sundays, 

a policy he inaugurated last month. 

Cochranton never had a Sunday motion 

picture referendum and the police chief here 

has brought the charges before a justice of 

the peace. Dunn pleaded guilty, but the justice 

declined to say what fine he assessed 

against him. 

When asked if it was the $50 required by 

state law. Justice M. E. Sheehan said : "That's 

the regular fine, that's state law." Meadville 

and Erie newspapers then claimed that 

the justice admitted in reply to questioning 

that he had levied fines of $5 on each of the 

three previous charges on his interpretation 

of the law in the justice of the peace manual 

which says the fine shall be "up to $50." The 

statute, however, fixes a flat fine of $50 for 

each violation, and District Attorney Raymond 

P. Shafer said he had instructed the 

justice to assess the full fine as required by 

the statute and to remit to the county. 

Dunn stated that his Iris has been operating 

at a loss and that Sunday shows are 

necessary if he is to keep out of the red. "If 

I can't operate on Sunday, I'll have to take 

the theatre out and put in something else," 

he declared. Dunn is a leading contractor in 

Crawford county and has a number of business 

investments at Cochranton. 

To Stage Dinty Moore Week 

PITTSBURGH—Dinty Moore week is the 

Warner exchange designation for the period 

from July 16 through July 22. Sales representatives 

and bookers under F. D. Moore, 

branch manager, are urging exhibitors to book 

Warner short subjects 100 per cent during 

the week. 

•>o BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950

. . "Adam's 

. . Georgia 

Theodore Mikolowsky, Masontown, Pa. 

Observes 40 Years in Exhibition 

Itala's "Fall of Ti'oy." For this feature, it 

was necessary to book it in advance of playdate, 

revolutionary in the business then. 

Mike's opposition, a half-block away was 

Abe Minsky's Star, which offered vaudeville 

and moving pictures at ten cents. 

Mikolowsky sold the Fulton in 1911 to 

Fi-ed Smith, who in later yeafs had a theatre 

on Penn avenue, between 26th and 27th 

streets. 

In 1911 Mikolowsky entered exhibition at 

Masontown and he has continued in operation 

here. He is a father and grandfather. 

Mrs. Mikolowsky died some years ago. Mike's 

SIGNS 

MARQUEES 

ÂTTRACTION 

BOARDS 

wff/re Off wiR€ 

lADV^S£RVIC€ 

"Sign and Lighting Specialists 

ior Over a 

Quartar Century.' 

REASONABLE 

PRICES 

hobby is gun collecting and he has an entire 

room full of gun cases and excellent 

weapons. He has many war souvenirs and 

MASONTOWN, PA. — Theodore Mikolowsky. 

local theatre owner, is observing his 

40th anniversary in exhibition. Tlie owneroperator 

of the Liberty anci Rex here en- 

relics. No one in the Masontown area is 

tered the motion picture industry on Wylie better known than Theodore Mikolowsky. 

avenue, near the downtown area of the city 

of Pittsburgh. 

His first theatre was the Fulton, which 

he opened in January 1910. It was a nickelodeon, 

SPRINGFIELD 

considered unusual in its day since 

its 225 seats were "installed." Most motion 

Oeorge Bauer has returned as manager of 

picture houses at that time did not have 

the 

chairs which were attached 

Fairbanks Theatre. For the last several 

to the flooring, 

but used portable folding chairs. Along with 

years he has been theatre construction 

his "installed" veneer chairs, Mikolowsky's 

consultant for Chakeres Theatres. Prior to 

Fulton had one Edison projector. Admission 

was five cents and the program was a move was made in connection with a recent 

that he managed the Fairbanks. The new 

policy 

daily change of two single reels. Sometimes 

whereby the Fairbanks wil book a number 

of stage shows. This decision was made 

split reels were featured. The latter was 

after citizens enthusiastically received "Harvey." 

a term applied to a single reel of film which 

contained two or more subjects. The exhibitor 

of 1910 never knew from day-to-day what 

The Fairbanks is the only house in the 

city equipped for large stage productions. 

his program would be. although he had two Don Flanders, former manager, was transferred 

to Xenia, Ohio, where he will manage 

sources of supply, from General Film and 

the 

Pittsburgh Photoplay Co., the latter being 

Orpheum. 

operated by Harry Lande and the Warner Michael H. Chakeres. city manager for 

brothers, Abe and Harry. Film service for 

Regent-State Corp., spent several days in 

a week cost $20. 

New York City conferring with 'Warner officials. 

He also visited Mikolowsky recalls that the first two-reel 

with Irving Sochin, 

feature which played at the Fulton was now with Prestige Pictures . Pendleton, 

secretary to Frank Collins, general 

manager of Chakeres Theatres, was absent 

several days because of illness ... A private 

screening of "Guilty of Treason" was given 

at Hotel Shawnee for civic leaders. Catholic 

organizations and the press. 

Banging of hammers and moving of equipment 

could be heard throughout the Chakeres 

building. Several offices were redecorated. 

Michael H. Chakeres, city manager for 

Regent-State, moved his office to the one 

held by David D. Sawyer, publicity director 

for the company. Ted Rose, Chakeres sound 

service engineer, moved into Mike's old office 

and Dave moved into Ted's former abode. 

Woodrow Owens, manager of the Majestic, 

has a new assistant. He is David Nibert, former 

assistant manager of the State in London, 

Ohio. Nick Condello, manager of the 

John Huffman, manager of the Regent, 

helped promote "The Red Shoes" by placing 

a new pair of women's red shoes in his lobby. 

Then, on opening night, the shoes were given 

to the first woman they fit. Donated by a 

local shoe store, Huffman said "they didn't 

Promoting the double bill, 

last long" . . . 

"Trapped" and "The Traveling Saleswoman." 

Woodrow Owens, manager of the Majestic, 

made a tiein with an automobile dealer. The 

dealer placed an old jalopy in front of the 

theatre. A large sign on it read: "Don't be 

trapped' in a car Uke this when you can get 

a new one at (dealer's namei and then you 

can be sure to catch 'the traveling saleswoman.' 

" 

Censor Cuts Little 

Despite More Film 

DETROIT—Marked increase in the amount 

of new product coming through for local release 

is shown by the record figures of 664,000 

feet of film reviewed by the local censors 

during January. This is believed to be ar. 

alltime high for a single month, according 

to Lieut. Howard Stewart, who has been in 

charge of film censorship for many years. 

Major increases in the total, which is about 

40 per cent higher than the 1949 average, were 

accounted for by an exceptional number of 

foreign films, 194,000 feet, and heavy releases 

by two companies. Eagle Lion leading with 

108,000 and Columbia following with 103,000. 

The censor's shears got little exerci.se despite 

the increase in total footage, cutting 

only two films for a total of 800 feet. 

The foreign footage was distributed amontj 

a large number of languages, eight namely, 

including three that have not been on the 

local lists in over a year—Greek, with 20,000 

feet: Slovakian with 10,000 and Hungarian, 

6,000. As usual Mexican films led the list 

with 86,000 feet, Arabian 26,000, French 20,000, 

Italian 18,000 and German 8,000. 

New Drive-In Planned 

At Connellsville, Pa. 

CONNELLS'VILLE, PA.—Two area exhibitors 

and other investors will construct and 

open a modern drive-in at Morrell, one mile 

out of Connellsville off Route 119. Louis 

Cupiraggi, Fairchance theatre owner, and 

Anthony DeMichahs, Dunbar theatre owner, 

and the latter's son Albert are investors with 

Catherine D. Lizza of Dunbar and Armond 

Farrari of Charleroi, Pa. 

The new Fayette County Theatre Co. 

has purchased 14 acres of land. Highway 

identification and advertising spots have 

been secured on Route 119 and in the area. 

Large-screen tower will be constructed of 

steel and concrete and a modern refreshment 

stand-projection booth will be erected 

when grading and ramping is started. 

Louis Cuph-aggi has operated the Louis 

Theatre at Fairchance for 14 years and, 

prior to acquiring this house, he operated 

the Lincoln at Export for more than ten 

State, has not yet announced his new assistant 

. Rib" at the State beat out 

years. Anthony DeMichalis has operated the 

Strand at Dunbar for nearly a quarter of a 

"The Red Shoes" at the Regent for best gro.ss 

century. His son Albert, who has assisted 

honors ... A Roy Rogers Great 'Western 

him in exhibition, will be associated with 

roundup has been booked for the Regent, 

the new drive-in. 

State and Majestic on George 'Washington's 

birthday, a school holiday. One Roy Rogers 

feature and six cartoons will be .shown at Somerset, Ky., Drive-In Permit 

each theatre. 

SOMERSET, KY.—H. E. Otto of Danville, 

Ky., has been granted a pennit to construct 

a drive-in at the edge of town on Highway 

80. County Judge C. I. Ross, who issued the 

permit, said there were three other applicants: 

Ellis Edwards, Mis. Anna Belle Ol.son 

and the other being sought by Harold Hardwick 

and Ira Dyer. Edwards withdrew his 

application. Judge Ross said he granted the 

permit because of the need of entertainment 

here and the high character of Otto, 

Ten-Year-Old in 'Musketeers' 

Ten-year-old Gregory Marshall will portray 

Maureen O'Hara's small brother in 

RKO's "Sons of the Musketeers." 


. . Jim 

. . Pleasant 

. . "The 

. . Jimmy 

. . Ken 

. . "Samson 

. . Jack 

. . Peter 

. . The 

. . 

PITTSBURGH 

puneral services for Alden W. McCormick 

were conducted at Beaver and interment 

was in Homewood cemetery on the Pittsburgh-Wilkinsburg 

line. The Beaver exhibitor 

was killed in an automobile crash at 

Melbourne. Fla., January 23. His wife and 

three other persons were injured in the accident. 

McCormick, a veteran in the motion 

picture industry as an exhibitor and 

formerly as office manager-salesman for Fox 

Film Corp. at Pittsburgh, is survived by his 

wife. Mrs. Marian Seldon McCormick. who 

is recuperating from injuries sustained in 

the crash and who will operate the Beaver 

Theatre at Beaver for the present: his father. 

John C. McCormick jr.. Wilkinsburg: brother 

Donald W. McCormick of Ingram, and sister 

Mrs. Lois I. Davis of Pomona. Calif. The 

theatre owner and his wife were passengers 

in a car driven by Nelson Korb of Camp 

Hill. Pa., and were en route home following 

a vacation at Fort Lauderdale when 

their automobile collided with another car. 

The Beaver theatre was closed two days. 

Improper ventilation of a furnace in the 

Prince Theatre building. Ambridge, filled the 

basement and first floor with smoke. Fire 

department w-as summoned, but there was 

no damage, other than smoke . Roberts, 

RKO building superintendent, was back 

on the job about 40 pounds under his former 

weight. He was at the Veterans hospital 

in Aspinwall for several weeks. His 

son Jim jr. graduates at Pitt at midyear 

and will major in education . . The Lou 

. 

Hannas forwarded a post card from Miami 

Another message was from A. P. 

Beach . . . 

Way, who is spending the winter in St. 

Petersburg. 

Following three weeks of darkness, the 

Nixon will reopen February 20 with "Mad 

Woman of Chaillot." Thereafter, through 

March and April, the footlights will be 

bright with "Lend an Ear," "Detective Story," 

"Les Ballets de Paris," "Death of a Salesman," 

"Diamond Lil," "Street Car Named 

Desire" and "Brigadoon." Then the lights 

will go out forever. The Nixon will be at 

the disposal of wreckers May 1 and the 

"World's Perfect Playhouse" will be gone 

with the wind. 

"Lucky Bucks" is being introduced here 

in a Sun-Telegraph subscription contest. 

Theatres in various sections of the country 

have used "Lucky Bucks" promotions very 

Colleen Townsend, who is 

successfully . . . 

making personal appearances with the opening 

of "When Willie Comes Marching 

Home" at Pittsburgh, Wheeling and Punxsutawney. 

will occupy the Presbyterian pulpit 

at Punxsutawney the morning of February 

. . . Annual Community Follies will 

5 

be presented in matinee and evening performances 

at the State in Uniontown on 

February 14. 

\^^?!^. 

SAM FINEBERG i 

TOM McCLEARY I 

1705 Blvd. of the Allies || 

PITTSBURGH 19. PA. |i 

Phone EXpreas 0777 i 

Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Navari of the Eastwood 

in Penn township have named their 

newly born daughter Eleanora Cecilia . . . 

B. F. "Dinty" Moore, main line district manager 

for the Warner circuit, was congratulated 

upon becoming a grandfather, and 

F. D. "Dinty" Moore, Warner Bros, manager, 

received some of the good wishes. These 

two usually get mixed up in film industry 

circles . . . Filmrow distributors held a meeting 

Monday in forwarding the campaign to 

eliminate the federal amusement tax. 

Harry Bronson, formerly Harry Ment of 

Aliquippa who was seen in "The Crooked 

Way." currently is working in "Johnny One- 

Eye" . . . Filmrow reports had George 

Corcoran joining Co-Op at the booking desk 

. . . Sportservice. concessionaires, will operate 

the refreshment stands at the six local 

area drive-ins owned by the Norbert Stern 

family. 

A community concert was presented at 

the Drake in Oil City . Woodward, 

manager of the Manos at Monessen, staged 

a WESA broadcast of reaction of educators 

of the valley after seeing a special screening 

of "Hamlet," exploited for a one-day 

showing as the year's outstanding artistic 

achievement . Hills borough, 

where Norbert Stern is expected to open a 

drive-in. proposes to enact a 10 per cent 

amusement tax. 

Harris Senator sneak previewed a "Pulitzer 

prize" picture while the J. P. Harris advertised 

the early showing of a film version 

of Pulitzer prize-winning novel. "All the 

King's Men" . Idiot." French film, 

was exhibited for two days at the Nittany 

in State college . . . The Freedom at Freedom 

offered "Doc" Williams and the Border 

Riders as a stage attraction . . . Curfew 

ordinance at Ambridge went into effect February 

1. This action prohibits boys and girls 

16 years of age or under to be on the streets 

after 10 p. m. 

Bradford council amended its amusement 

tax rate to read that, effective April 1. the 

admission fee to any amusement would be 

based on one cent levy for each ten cents 

admission. The city also raised the tax rate 

on all real property to 19.25 mills and added 

a $5 per capita levy . . . John Walsh. Fulton 

manager, was in New York attending the 

Shea circuit managers' convention . . . Latonia 

at Oil City is staging a model plane 

contest for boys and girls, age 12 to 18, 

with a merchant and the Seneca airport 

co-sponsoring. 

Fred Rachiele, former major with a medical 

detachment in Europe and a distinguished 

surgeon for several years at Fort 

Logan, Colo., has returned to this area as a 

member of the surgery staff at the Deshon 

VA hospital near Butler. He is one of three 

sons of the Harry Rachieles. local exhibitors 

. . . Dr. Harry C. Winslow, Meadville theatre 

owner, is president of the board of 

directors of the Crawford county unit of the 

American Cancer Society which plans an 

April cancer fund campaign. 

A cooking school was held in the Harris 

at Tarentum . Hendel, Eagle Lion 

manager. Is a coin collector. For a long 

time he has been assembling new and used 

coins, from 20-dollar gold pieces down the 

line. Last week he exhibited part of his collection 

at a meeting of coin collecting hobbyists 

here. 

Jack Belman, formerly with Screen Guild 

here, is UA's new main line and northern 

area salesman . . . Allied exhibitors will meet 

at Filmrow headquarters February 21 . . . 

Theatre Candy Co. has new warehouse space 

at 400 Dinwittie street. Its former warehouse 

was destroyed by fire two weeks ago . 

Johnstown area exhibitors and film representatives 

held a protest meeting against the 

federal amusement tax at the Hendler hotel. 

James Hendel was promoted Thursday last 

week by Eagle Lion from local manager to 

Metropolitan district manager in New York. 

Johnny Zomnir. EL city salesman, was named 

as Hendel's successor here . Maple 

Drive-In will be represented by Co-op for 

licensing and booking during the coming outdoor 

season . . . Warners' "Chain Lightning" 

was premiered last Saturday midnight at the 

Warner in Erie. 

Fayette county exhibitors met in the State 

at Uniontown protesting continuation of the 

20 per cent wartime excise tax on theatre 

Grand at Port Allegany is 

admissions . . . 

staging a bicycle giveaway in connection with 

Saturday matinees . Dinan, 20th-Fox, 

is no longer with the company. He took over 

the northern area last August when George 

E. Moore, a 27-year veteran, was released . . . 

Marcia Cohen resigned at Eagle Lion and has 

joined the Republic staff. Marian Fogel 

Slesinski resigned at Republic. 

Don Trepicone, who operated the Heights 

at Crafton Heights the last year, has leased 

the Sky on East Ohio street here, formerly 

managed by Harry Kafen. Nate Tepper of 

the New Herron (the old Pastime) on Herron 

avenue in the thickly populated Negro district 

has acquired a lease and is operating 

Among Centre county theatres 

the Heights . . . 

which took audience collections for the 

March of Dimes, reports have been made by 

Vivian Hall. Clarence: Austin Interrante, 

Phillipsburg. and Drew Dolb, Mlllheim . . . 

Carlos Sherman, baritone, will appear in a 

concert March 10 at the Arcadia in Windber. 

Reports were received on Filmrow late last 

week of the death of Nelson Korb of Camp 

Hill. Pa., driver of the automobile in which 

A. W. McCormick, Beaver, Pa., exhibitor, was 

killed in an accident near Melbourne, Fla., 

January 23. Mrs. McCormick and Mr. and 

Mrs. Korb suffered severe injuries in the accident 

which resulted in Mr. Korb's death. 

William and Joseph Zeny, Erie exhibitors, 

expect to open their new Lake Theatre there 

early in March . and Delilah" is 

scheduled to open February 23 at the Warner, 

instead of Loew's Penn . Dana has 

moved his Universal district manager's office 

from Cleveland to this city where he has resided 

for a number of years. 

Louisville Okays Drive-In Permit 

LOUISVILLE—The planning and zoning 

commission here has approved plans for a 

drive-in on Crittenden Drive near Dakota 

to be erected by the American Drive-In Theatre 

Co. The 21 -acre site adjoins the new 

state fairgrounds area. The drive-in will 

have two screens facing opposite directions. 

Get your audience signing petitions now I 

82 BOXOFTICE :: February 11. 1950

Boston Women's Club 

Fetes Sam Goldwyn 

BOSTON—Although Samuel Goldwyn was 

in New York with a slight attack of laryngitis, 

Mrs. Goldwyn arrived at the Women's 

City club to receive a scroll given her hus- 

Shown receiving the Boston Women's 

City club scroll for her husband is Mrs. 

Samuel Goldwyn. Dan Finn, general 

manager of the B&Q Associates and Lois 

Wheeler, who has a supporting role in 

Goldwyn's film, "My Foolish Heart," are 

pictured with her. 

band. The hand-illuminated scroll read, "We, 

the members of the Women's City club, take 

pleasure in honoring Samuel Goldwyn in recognition 

of his pre-eminence in the motion 

picture industry for rare achievements in 

bringing to the screen the warmth, humor, 

triumph and tears of real life in sincere and 

sensitive portrayals of all that is best in our 

American traditions." 

The scroll was given to Mis. Goldwyn by 

Mrs. Alice Dixon Bond, Boston Herald book 

editor who was introduced by Mrs. Gladys 

Beckett Jones, president of the club. The 

affair, in the form of a luncheon, brought out 

a full membership of over 250 women who 

had a chance to chat with Mrs. Goldwyn 

later. 

The Women's City club took over the entire 

Astor Theatre on the evening before 

the public opening of Goldwyn's "My Foolish 

Heart" for a benefit performance aiding the 

Bay State Society for Crippled and Handicapped 

Children. 

John Scanlan Wins Drive 

HARTFORD—John Scanlan sr.. manager 

of the Warner Theatre in Torrington, was 

named winner of a refreshment stand competition 

based on merchandising and promotion 

efforts sponsored by Warner Theatres 

in the Hartford district. The second place 

winner was Andy A. Sette, Capitol. Springfield, 

Mass., and the third, Dennis J. Rich, 

Cameo Theatre. Bristol, Conn. 

A Brotherhood Plea 

NEW HAVEN—Ben Simon, chairman of 

Brotherhood week activities for the film colony 

in Connecticut, urges exchanges and exhibitors 

to follow through by enrolling members 

at $1 each. Exchanges are reporting 100 

per cent membership well on the w-ay, while 

exhibitors are asked to enroll at least ten 

members each. 

ATC's Leased Drive-Ins 

New Branch for Chain 

BOSTON—The American Theatres Corp. 

acquisition of four drive-ins on a long-term 

lease from Drive-In Theatres Corp. constitutes 

the first time that this circuit of about 

50 theatres has operated drive-ins. Even when 

ATC was part of the M&P Theatres Corp., 

there were no drive-ins within the circuit. 

The New Ei^gland Theatres, also operating 

50 or more theatres and the other half of 

the old M&P chain, has not yet entered 

the drive-in field. 

Samuel Pinanski, president of ATC, in taking 

over the four drive-ins, said, "Tlie openair 

theatre is part of the American scene 

and an important part of the amusement 

industry." 

The Weymouth Drive-In, erected in 1936 

with a 650-car capacity, was the first ozoner 

to be built in New England and the third 

to be built in the country. 

Four years later the Saugus Drive-In on 

the Newburyport turnpike, for 580 cars, was 

put up as well as the Shrewsbury Drive-In 

for 750 cars. In 1949 the West Springfield 

Drive-In was finished, housing 900 cars. 

Tliomas DeMarra and James Guarino, president 

and treasurer of Drive-In Theatres 

Corp., gave title to the ATC circuit at the 

signing of the lease. It is rumored that the 

lease is for a 20-year period, although no 

confirmation was forthcoming. 

American Theatre Supply Co. already is 

at work on plans and designs for extensive 

alterations and remodeling of the four 

ozoners. When the theatres are ready to 

open early in April they will be re-equipped 

and will have new landscaping effects for 

beautifying purposes. 

UA Will Not Shutter 

New Haven Branch 

NEW HAVEN—After several weeks of negotiations 

for a print shipment depot and an 

announcement early in January that the local 

United Artists exchange would close its doors, 

notice came February 2 that the exchange 

which has served Connecticut for the last 

26 years would remain active and in its present 

quarters. Ray Wylie, manager, will take 

over the area covered by Joseph Callahan, 

salesman, when Callahan goes to the Philadelphia 

exchange. Henry Bruning remains 

as office manager, and Virginia Smith was 

promoted to cashier. 

Alfons Bach Plans Center 

HARTFORD—The bureau of building at 

Stamford has announced authorization for a 

$150,000 store and office building to be erected 

at the Ridgeway Shopping center in that city 

by developer Alfons Bach. Bach already has 

revealed plans for construction of an 1,100- 

seat theatre on Sixth street, Stamford. 

Joe Faith Buys Theatre 

SIMSBURY. CONN.—Joe Faith, operator 

of the Collinsville, Unionville, Terryville and 

Carberry theatres, has acquired Ray Joyce's 

460-seat Eno Memorial Theatre here. Joyce 

will devote full time to various other business 

interests. 

Three Theatre Bills 

To Bay State Solons 

BOSTON—On petition of Walter E. Diehl, 

business manager of projectionists Local 182, 

and Rep. James F. Condon, a bill has been 

filed to prohibit theatres from requiring any 

employe wiio works on Sunday to work more 

than six days a week. At the hearing before 

the committee on labor and industry, opponents 

were Ray Feeley of Independent Exliibitors 

and Prank Lydon of Allied Theatres, 

both of whom addressed the group. They 

maintain that inasmuch as contracts with the 

union for booth .service cover seven days, the 

matter of days off for individual projectionists 

should be one for union jurisdiction and not 

a problem for state legislation. 

It was established in the early minutes of 

the hearing that projectionists are the only 

theatre employes that work seven days. It 

was further established that projectionists 

who do work seven days do so of their own 

volition. No employe is required to work 

more than six days. Proponents of the bill 

were Diehl, the petitioner; Bill Scanlan, International 

representative for the union; 

Joseph Nuzzolo, president of Local 182, and 

several representatives from other unions. 

The bill was taken under advLsement. 

In further house action, the present law 

concerning building permits was termed ambiguous 

in Boston and an amendment was 

petitioned to the legislature to clear up the 

present interpretation. The bill, petitioned 

by Rep. Edmund J. Donlan, would give the 

commissioner of public safety the right to 

issue permits to erect theatres, with the 

mayor maintaining the right to issue the 

license for entertainment. Now, the mayor 

also is given the right to issue a building 

permit. 

The old law, enacted in 1907, was amended 

in 1943 but the legislature overlooked the 

part in the bill which allowed the mayor to 

issue building permits. This 1943 amendment 

was rushed through the legislature after the 

tragedy of the Cocoanut Grove fire which 

cost nearly 500 hves. Should the latest become 

law, it would put Boston in the same 

category as other cities in the commonwealth 

concerning building Ucenses. 

The house rules committee has before it 

an unnumbered bill which provides for a referendum 

that would put the issuing of licenses 

for open-air theatres on the voting ballot, to 

be brought up every two years. 

Hartford Judge Upholds 

Zoning Drive-In Permit 

HARTFORI>—Judge Sidney A. Johnson of 

Hartford common pleas court recently upheld 

the action of the zoning board of appeals 

of suburban Bloomfield in granting a fiveyear 

temporary permit for construction of a 

drive-in theatre there by Philip W. Maher. 

In rendering his decision. Judge Johnson 

said that the board's action was in harmony 

with tiie general intent and purpose of the 

zoning regulations. He dismissed an appeal 

by a group of Bloomfield residents from the 

board's decision. 

Eastman Executive Dies 

BOSTON—John P. Newbury, 58, president 

and general manager of the Eastman Gelatine 

Corp., died February 2 at his home at 

Swampscott. Surviving are his wife Mary 

and a brother Warren C. of Boston. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 NE 83

. . The 

. . "Hopalong 

SPRINGFIELD 

'This city rolled out the red carpet for the 

Hungarian countess. Klara de Corba. 

Drought here by Eagle Lion as part of the 

promotion for "Guilty of Treason." The countess, 

personal friend of Cardinal Mindszenty. 

was interviewed by press and radio 

representatives, and was hosted at a society 

tea at the Hotel Sheraton in her one-day 

stand in this city. Handling the affair were 

Andy Sette. manager of the Capitol, which 

will play the Mindszenty picture, and Sid 

Newman, of the Boston Eagle Lion office. 

The theatre industry's fight for the repeal 

of the wartime amusement tax was given a 

boost here when W. Harley Rudkin. theatre 

editor of The Daily News, devoted his entire 

Saturday column. Off Stage, to a comprehensive 

account of the situation as outlined in 

the brochure prepared by Ernie Emerling, 

Loew's top ad and promotion executive. 

"Jolson Sings Again." making its first return 

appearance at popular prices, failed to 

jell at the Bijou boxoffice and was yanked in 

favor of a Cinecolor western after only four 

days . Art Theatre has a new operator, 

Ernie Bengle. who replaces the late John 

McDermott. 

Meriden Drive-In Hearing 

Slated for February 13 

HARTFORD—A hearing on an application 

by James A. Holmes of Soutliington for permission 

to build a drive-in on the Meriden- 

Waterbury road, will be held February 13 at 

state police headquarters here. 

In an earlier hearing on the Holmes application 

last week. Holmes was ordered to 

amend his application to include a 1929 federal 

court conviction on a charge of transporting 

liquor \vithout a permit. The order 

was issued after Holmes had admitted under 

cross-examination that he had neglected 

to include in the application his arrest at 

Darien. and fine of $100 in U.S. district court 

here on a charge of transporting liquor during 

the prohibition era. 

'Sands' Draws 43,626 

PROVIDENCE — Some 43.626 persons 

jammed Loews' State during the first week 

of "Sands of Iwo Jima." It was held over a 

second week. It is expected that "All the 

King's Men" coming in to the local Loew's 

house will draw near-record audiences. 

There is no time to lose I Act today on 

repeal of the amusement taxi 

YOU 

DON'T 

KNOW 

WHAT 

YOURE 

MISSING... 

'TIL YOU TRY 

'QUICKER 

'abetter' 




REVISITS HOMETOWN AREA—When 

Wendell Corey visited Springfield, Mass., 

his hometown, one of the persons he 

called on was Mrs. Margaret Ellis, assistant 

principal of Trade School there, 

who 14 years ago urged Corey to take 

part in his first school play. In top 

photo Corey autographs a picture for 

Mrs. Ellis. Bottom photo: Robert Sternberg, 

left. New England Theatres district 

manager, and Hy Fine, also a NET district 

chief, chat with Corey at a Boston 

cocktail party given for the star of "Thelma 

Jordon." 

State Department May 

Make Hampshire Film 

CONCORD, N. H.—The possibility that 

New Hampshire may become "location" for 

an educational film to be produced by the 

international motion picture division of the 

State Department was revealed here January 

18 following a conference between Gov. 

Sherman Adams: Louis DeRochemont of 

Newington. the film producer; a representative 

from the State Department, and several 

prominent Granite state residents. 

DeRochemont agreed to associate himself 

with the endeavor. Originally, it has been 

planned to produce a film for New Hampshire 

alone, but DeRochemont and Dr. Arthur 

S. Adams, president of the University 

of New Hampshire, called the officials' attention 

to the federal film venture. Then 

Governor Adams and Edward J. Ellingwood, 

director of the state planning and development 

commission, were shown one of the 

State Department's films depicting the Westchester 

county government's operations in 

New York. As a result, steps were taken to 

have the New Hampshire state government's 

operations filmed under the same program. 

Cy Howard has been signed by Producer 

Hal Wallis to screenplay "That's My Boy" 

for Paramount release. 

NEW HAVEN 

/ârl Goe. Warner manager, will be officially 

out of the film business February 25. after 

which he says he will travel awhile in southern 

climes before settling down. All efforts 

to plan sendoff dinner and celebration for the 

resigning manager were halted by his insistence 

on "slipping out quietly." Best wishes 

of the district go with Goe. whose successor 

should be announced shortly . . . The surprise 

of the week was the announcement that 

United Artists exchange would stay on in 

Nev,- Haven after the abrupt announcement 

early in January that it would close its doors 

and Connecticut would be served out of the 

Boston exchange. 

The Strand, Seymour, recently was redecorated 

in modernistic fashion—covered with 

stainless steel on the outside, adorned with a 

new marquee, reseated by American Seating, 

recarpeted by National Theatre Supply and 

equipped with Voice of the Theatre sound. 

The reopening was played up with co-op ads 

of leading merchants, topped by picture of 

the renovated theatre. 

Tom Duane, SRO. was in town . . . Bernie 

Maxwell. Eagle Lion exploiteer. was here for 

the screening for clergymen and other key 

citizens of "Guilty of Treason" at the Cameo. 

West Haven, and will work on the world premiere 

in various spots here . . . Billy Pilot of 

the Colonial, Southington. won a $25 government 

bond given by 20th-Fox for his exploitation 

of "Father Was a Fullback." 

Drive-ins are starting their buying activities 

on the street in anticipation of April 1 

opening . Cassidy" shows are 

planned for February 18 a. m. in Bridgeport, 

Worcester. Waterbury and Norwich with 

giveaway autographed Cassidy folders and 

prizes promoted from local merchants. The 

Poll. New Haven, will offer Circus Days show 

on the same date, with over $100 in gift certificates 

promoted with the cooperation of Eli 

Moore, children's shop here, by Manager Morris 

Rosenthal and assistant Tony MasseUa. 

Bob Elliano of the Colonial, Walnut Beach, 

went to Tampa ... A wild west act is set for 

the Rivoli. Dixwell. and Community. Fairfield. 

February 18 . . . The Harry Fishmans left on 

an annual vacation in Miami Beach, preceded 

by a visit from son Elihu. who is studying 

dentistry at Temple university . . Sick list 

. 

includes Mrs. Joe Reed (Washington), who 

recently was taken to New Haven hospital for 

observation, and Lou Phillips, still recuperating 

at home after a lingering pneumonia 

attack. 

Gloria Moalli, 20th-Fox. was off with a cold 

. . . Zelig Fishman. elder member of the circuit, 

is recuperating from heart attack at 

New Haven hospital, where his brother Jack 

is recuperating from surgery . . . Visitors on 

Filmrow included Vincent and Edward Lord 

of Norwich. Leon Ricci of Meriden and Jack 

Schwartz, Bridgeport. 

Ed Ruff Buys Franchise 

BOSTON—Edward Ruff, local district manager 

of the Motion Picture Sales Corp.. has 

acquired the New England franchise rights 

to its 

product from Neil Agnew and Charles 

L. Casanave. president and vice-president respectively. 


Sutton Firm Denied 

Operation Permit 

EAST PROVIDENCE—The Sutton 

Realty 

Co. has been authorized to build a drive-in 

here but has been denied rights to operate it. 

The permit for construction okayed building 

of a projection booth, screen and concession 

stand off Newport avenue adjacent to Narragansett 

Park, but a petition to operate was 

denied unanimously by the town council. 

The theatre, costing over $20,500, will be 

built on land owned by Sutton Realty, Joseph 

Taylor, president. Taylor is owner of a construction 

equipment firm, located near the 

drive-in site. 

While Galen E. Pierce, town building inspector, 

has been criticized for granting the 

construction permit, he contends he had no 

alternative since the area is zoned for business. 

It is believed that if the case is carried to 

the state supreme court, the operating permit 

will be granted. 

Taylor said the contemplated drive-in 

would accommodate 611 cars. A proposed 48- 

foot-wide road would provide entrance and 

exit to the house. 

Taylor said he planned to erect a rustic 

fence along the sides of the theatre to prevent 

cars from getting to the location by any highway 

other than the proposed road. This, he 

believed, would obviate many of the objections 

raised by those seeking to prevent the permit. 

RKO Wins Two. Clinches 

First Place at Boston 

BOSTON—RKO won in the .second week's 

play of the last half of the Theatrical Bowling 

league season. The Independents won 

three out of four against UA and New England 

Theatres. The standings: 

RKO 

Independent; 

Affiliated 

UA and NE 

Avg. 

.875 

.625 

J75 

.125 

Individual averages; Levin 94.2, Dobbyn 

92.8, Rathgeb 91.0, Smith 90.8, Jennings 98.3, 

Hill 89.0. Plunkett 88.7, Farrington 88.2, Hochberg 

88.0. Saver 85.8, Sacknoff 85.7. Burlone 

85.5. Arsenault 84.7, ColaruUo 84, Field 83.5, 

Fra.ser 82. Fahlbush 81.5, O'Hara 80.3, Goldman 

78.8, Romanoff 78.7, Downing 77. 

The council's refusal of an operatixig permit 

ended a barrage of protests from residents of High second half scores: Single—Rathgeb 

nearby sections. First they protested because 126: 3-strings—Rathgeb. 302; Team singleof 

increased traffic, but this argument was Independents, 475:3-1 strings—RKO, 1,309. 

beat down by the theatre's legal counsel who 

pointed out that the number of cars headed 

for the drive-in could not compare with the 

thousands of cars that pass over the same 

LYNN 

roads headed for the race track at Narragansett 

Park, dm'ing the season. 

gurglars broke into the 

The objectors then changed home of William J. 

their line of 

O'Brien, 

attack and protested the theatre on "moral 

who is financing the motion picture 

theatre 

grounds." A council subcommittee 

being erected at 

then urged 

Swampscott 

Beach, 

the Sutton Realty Co. to withdraw 

and ransacked all the rooms. 

its petition. 

The firm refused 

Tliey 

succeeded in getting into a 

and warned 

small 

that 

cafe and 

if 

stole 

the petition was denied it would "proceed and 

money and jewelry, the loss totaling 

$5,000. The 

pursue" 

O'Briens were in Florida at the 

its legal remedies. 

time, and a caretaker discovered the burglary. 

Flint Theatre Buys Site 

For Westport Drive-In 

WESTPORT. MASS.—Construction will get 

luider way here soon on a new drive-in to be 

built by the Flint Theatre. Inc., of which 

Nathan Yamins is treasurer. A 12-acre site 

has been purchased for the drive-in. 

Yamins operates an open-air situation in 

Dartmouth, town adjoining this city. He also 

has secured a permit to build a conventional 

house in Somerset and has acquired land for 

the purported construction of another theatre 

in the extreme northern section of this city 

in an area where erection of a steel mill is 

anticipated. 

Iwo Jima' Remains 

Leader at Boston 

BOSTON—A spotty week was reported, 

with "Sands of Iwo Jima" still leading the 

field in its .second week. "My Foolish Heart" 

opened strong at the Astor. despite a snowstorm 

on its opening day. "Tight Little 

Island" held a seventh week and looked like 

an eighth at the Exeter Street. "G.I. Joe," 

with its special campaign through veterans 

organizations, had a strong first week and 

held. 


Asloi— Prince of Foxes (20th-Fox), 6th wk., split 

.vilh My Foolish Heart (RKO), 4 days 115 

Buacon Hill— Devil in the Flesh (AFE), 10th wk 9C 

Boslon—South Sea Sinner (U-I); Hiders of the 

Range (RKO) 90 

Exeter Street— Tight Little Island (U-I); The Golden 

Madonna (Mnn.) 6lh wk i2C 

Mfmori::! Man on the Eiffel Tower (RKO) 100 

Mr-iro; ri.Mri—The Haity Heart (WB); Square 

Dance Jubilee (LP) ICO 

Pilgrim— G.I. Joe (EL) 135 

Parcrniount and Fenway—Sands of Iwro Jima (Rep); 

Belle of Old Mexico (Rep), 2nd wk 140 

Slale and Orpheum—Mrs. Mike (UA); Satan's 

Cradle (UA) 95 

'Battleground' Registers 240 

To Set Pace in Hartford 

HARTFORD—The big news here was "Battleground." 

which opened to terrific business 

at Loew's Poll. Holdovers included "The 

Nevadan," "Sands of Iwo Jima" and "Montana." 

Allyn—Sands of Iwo Jima (Rep); Belle of Old Mexico 

(Rep), 2nd wk 90 

E. M. Loew—The Nevadan (Col); Blondie's Hero 

(Col), 2nd v/k 80 

Palace—Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox): Black 

Shadow (EL) 100 

Poll—Battleground ( MGM) 240 

Regal—Montana (WB), Project X (FC), 2nd wk 85 

Sliand—The Big Wheel (UA); The Flying Saucer 

(FC) 

no 

Two Jima' Paces Trade 

At New Haven Houses 

NEW HAVEN — Trade at first runs here 

ranged from fair to average as rain crimped 

grosses generally. "Sands of Iwo Jima" and 

"Belle of Old Mexico," dualed at the Paramount, 

paced downtown houses with a rating 

of 110 per cent. 

Bijou—All the King's Men (Col); Girls' School 

(Col), 2nd -.rk, 4 days 100 

College—Battleground (MGM), 3rd wk 80 

Loews Poll—Ambush (MGM); Unmasked (Rep), 

4 days 100 

Paramount—Sands o< Iwo lima (Rep); Belle of Old 

Mexico (Rep) 110 

Manager at Worcester 

Plagued by Robberies 

WORCESTER— Bill Brown, manager of the 

Park, is being plagued by robberies. First, 

he received notification to cancel payment 

of a check he had sent to the Blue Cro.ss 

on behalf of himself and his employes. The 

check had been taken in the Brink holdup 

in Boston. 

Next, he was told to cancel a check he 

had issued in payment of his automobile. 

That check was stolen in a safe robbery 

at the Bland Motor Co. Also, the safe in 

the Park was stolen. 

NEW VARIETY OFFICERS—At a recent dinner in New Haven, new offiters of 

Variety Tent 13 were installed. Shown left to right in the accompanying picture are, 

front row. Barney Pitkin, a former cliirf barker; Samuel Wasserman, second assistant 

chief barker; Raymond J. Wylie, new chief barker; Robert Elliano. first assistant 

chief barker, and Lou Brown, retiring chief barker; back row, George Wilkinson, Hy 

Levine and John Pavone, directors; Harry Rosenblatt, doughguy, and Ben Simon and 

Harry F. Shaw, directors. 

DRIVE-INS AND THEATRES 

FOR SALE OR LEASE! 

If Yoj Want to Buy or Sell See Me first! 

LEW BREYER 

246 Stuart St.. Boston HANcock 6-6424 

BOXOFFICE February 11. 1950 85

. . Ted 

BOSTON 

TLJembers of Independent Exhibitors of New 

England who attended the Allied national 

board meeting in Washington at the Hotel 

Statler February 9, 10 were Ray Feeley, business 

manager: Daniel Murphy, president: 

Leslie Bendslev. treasurer: Nathan Yamins, 

delegate, and Melvin Safner, Walter Mitchell, 

Arthur Howard and James Guarino . . . Milton 

Cohen, division sales manager for EL, 

conferred with Manager Harry Segal and 

salesmen of the Boston office. 

After Langdon Barhydt, manager of the 

Strand, Gloucester, a Levinson circuit theatre, 

told police that a young gunman had locked 

him in a closet and robbed him of $1,400, 

police arrested Barhydt himself for the robbery. 

He was freed in $3,000 bond for a hearing 

in Gloucester district court. His trial will 

come up shortly. While he is awaiting trial, 

his position as manager at the theatre has 

been taken by John Farrar, former manager 

at B&Q's Strand, Quincy. Heads of the Levinson 

circuit were reluctant to talk of the 

Gloucester affair but expressed their concern 

over it. 

John Paxton and Al O'Camp, representatives 

for Eagle Lion on "G.I. Joe," are touring 

upper New England after getting the Boston 

opening off to a good start. 

This city has been selected for the premiere 

of "Cinderella" at the Keith Memorial 

Theatre February 15. Publicist James "Red" 

King of RKO Theatres and Ralph Banghart 

of RKO are at work on a campaign encompassing 

newspapers, radio, billing and several 

cooperative promotions including a CindereUa 

contest on station WHDH and a Cinderella 

Bridal Fashion show by Filene's to be held 

in the grand ballroom of the Copley-Plaza 

hotel. A large scale music store promotion 

is being worked out with RCA Victor distributors. 

Eileen Woods, the voice of Cinderella, 

and Clarence "Ducky" Nash, the voice 

of Donald Duck, will make personal appearances 

here. 

Sonia Zarsky, secretary to E. Harold Stoneman 

of Interstate Theatres, spent a week of 

her winter vacation in New York City for a 

round of the theatres . . . Ken Prickett, MGM 

publicist, was a victim of a virus infection 

which kept him at home for several days . . . 

Also on the sick list was Phil Berler, E. M. 

Loew's head booker, who has returned to his 

desk after a bronchial infection . . . Nate 

Halperin, TV consultant for Fabian Theatres, 

was here for a few days . . . E. M. Loew is back 

^^Special 

^ FOR FASTER SERVICE 

HAncock 6-3592 

mnsTi mHSTER moTion pictures 

[ TRAILERS 

I 

so PIEDM PIEOMOnT ST. 

BOSTOn IE MRSS. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE OIT-MCO DRAG BROOM 

Used for leveling and filling holes in gravel covered 

Drive-Ins 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. KanL^^MS. 

from a business trip to Miami and New 

Orleans. 

A sudden spurt of engagements and weddings 

found Mary Lahti, bookkeeper at. Lockwood 

& Gordon Enterprises, scheduled to be 

married February 12 to Donald Hayward of 

South Boston. Following a wedding trip to 

Montreal she will return to her desk. Another 

Lockwood & Gordon wedding is that of Jack 

Karman jr., assistant manager at the Playhouse, 

Scituate. who will be married February 

17 at the First Church of Squantum to 

Janet Maria Perry of Squantum. At the E. 

M. Loew office, Mary Hayes, secretary in the 

booking department, is engaged to Howard 

Williams of Winchendon, who is in the army. 

Her sister Frances Barbera, a typist, has received 

a diamond from James Parks of Boston, 

who now is visiting relatives in Honolulu. 

An October wedding is planned. 

Joe Hochberg:, head booker at Affiliated 

Theatres, was stricken while at the office 

and was rushed to the Bay State hospital, 

where doctors found that he was suffering 

with an acute attack of virus. On Thursday 

his fever had subsided enough to allow him 

to return to his home in Weymouth to recuperate. 

The Cinema club of Boston, made of bookers 

from the exchanges and circuits, has reelected 

Charles Wilson, Monogram, president, 

and Melvin Davis, Republic, treasurer. 

Others elected were John Glazier, Western 

Massachusetts, first vice-president; Joe Rahilly, 

MGM, second vice-president, and Wendell 

Clement, Paramount, secretary. The 

executive committee is Charles Wilson, Melvin 

Davis, Tom Fermoyle, ATC; Matt Donahue, 

MGM: Nate Oberman, MGM: George 

Roberts, Rifkin circuit, and Harold Young, 

independent booker. The annual dinner 

dance of the Cinema club will be held at the 

Latin Quarter March 19. 

Joe Chattis of Reliable Arts, well-known 

poster and sign artist, has sold out his business 

to Consolidated, Inc., of Roxbury and 

has taken his family to Los Angeles, where 

he will enter another line of business. 

The Massachusetts senate has killed a bill 

to repeal the "true name" law which requires 

entertainers who appear under assumed 

names to file their true appellation with a 

state official . . . Ground has been broken for 

a drive-in at Braintree, Mass., near the 

Quincy line. The Rifkin circuit has leased 

from Reuben Grossman, the lumber king, a 

site large enough to house 900 cars. Rifkin 

will manage and operate the open-airer which 

should be ready for occupancy by the first 

of May. This is the circuit's first drive-in, 

although Herman Rifkin, president, is negotiating 

for a second ozoner to be announced as 

soon as the deal is signed. 

. . . Inez Weinstein, 

Francis DriscoU, MGM booker, is doing 

publicity for a dance sponsored by the Columban 

Mission league in the Symphony 

ballroom Monday February 20 . . . Matt Donahue, 

MGM salesman, has been transferred 

to Chicago Monogram 

cashier, sailed for Havana on the Veendam 

for two weeks . . . Julian Rifkin and his wife 

flew to Puerto Rico for two weeks . 

. . Doris 

Rose, assistant cashier at Monogram, plans a 

June wedding . . . Stanley Rothenberg of the 

Morse & Rothenberg circuit was m the hospital 

for an operation on his knee, which 

has been bothering him for some time. 

Contractor bids have been asked on remodeling 

and redecoration of the Warner exchange. 

Dui-ing the remodeling period of 

about two months the office will move to the 

second and third floors of Metro Premium 

Co. at 47 Church. The first floor of the WB 

building will be remodeled for the shipping 

room while all offices and booking booths 

will be changed to the second floor. Air conditioning 

will be installed. Warners will continue 

to use the RKO screening room for 

tradeshowings. 

The Variety Club held its first social party 

of the year on the evening of February 4. 

Following a screening, there was special entertainment 

and refreshments in the clubrooms 

at the Hotel Statler. Benn Rosenwald 

was in charge of the affair, which brought 

out a total of 85 members, their wives and 

The lease on the 

families and guests . . . 

Bowdoin Square Theatre, operated for the 

last seven years by William Lavery, has been 

taken back by Ben Williams, the owner . . . 

Irving Shapiro of Concession Enterprises was 

dressed as a clown and served as doorman at 

the birthday party of his daughter Judy, 

which caused the tiny guests, who know their 

television, to call him Claribel. 

NEWHAMPSHIRE 

\ll7alter E. Young, owner of the Strand in 

Farmington, and his wife have gone to 

St. Petersburg, Fla., where they will vacation 

The gift of historic 

for several weeks . . . 

property located between Lancaster and 

Groveton by John Fames, Littleton exhibitor, 

has been accepted by Gov. Sherman Adams 

and the executive council. It was the site of 

the famous muster of Rogers' Rangers and is 

expected to become a state park. 

During an evening showing of "Sands of 

Iwo Jima" at the State in Manchester, Rene 

Gagnon, local veteran and one of the three 

survivors of the flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi, 

made a personal appearance at the theatre. 

He also is in the film. A special program was 

conducted by the Marine Corps league of 

Manchester. 

Mrs. Ansel Sanborn of Wakefield, wife of 

the Carroll county circuit owner, has been 

visiting in Florida . White, billed as 

"Hollywood's Favorite Cartoonist" and friend 

of cowboy star Smiley Burnette, was featured 

in a hillbilly show, "Strafford County Jamboree," 

at the City auditorium in Rochester. 

The Rev. Robert H. Dunn of Portsmouth, 

who played the role of minister in "Lost 

Boundaries." told of his experiences in helping 

to make the film in a talk before the 

Hampton Kiwanis club . . . Walter E. Young, 

owner of the Strand in Farmington, has been 

elected president of the Farmington Business 

Men's Ass'n. 

'Boundaries' Cleric Elected 

CONCORD, N. H.—Rev. Robert H. Dunn, 

rector of St. John's church in Portsmouth 

who played the clergyman in "Lost Boundaries," 

was named president of the New 

Hampshire Council of Churches and Religious 

Education at the annual conference here. 

Since his appearance in "Lost Boundaries," 

the clergyman has been in great demand as 

a speaker. 

86 


. . Norman 

. . . Manager 

. . Sidney 

. . Bob 

. . Bill 

. . . Frank 

Art Greenfield Heads 

Nutmeg Tax Drive 

NEW HAVEN—Arthur Greenfield, U-I 

manager, heads the district committee directing 

"ax-the-tax" activities against the 20 

per cent excise tax on entertainment tickets. 

Lou Brown is state chairman of publicity 

and on the committee are all New Haven 

branch managers and Al Pickus of the Stratford 

Theatre. Connecticut houses will cooperate 

in the distribution of the 300,000 protest 

cards which are being sent directly to 

exhibitors from Washington, and other literature 

designed to help the public oppose 

the continuation of the tax. 

FALL RIVER 

Tn a large ad appearing in the Fall River 

press, financially responsible theatremen 

are seeking immediate lease or sale of minimum 

12-acre business-zoned locations on important 

highways anywhere in New England. 

The ad says that the reply should contain all 

important facts, including location and price. 

Identity of the interested theatremen is not 

revealed, 

Sgt. Wilbur M. Burgess, and Sgt. Walter 

LaBarreare, both veterans of Iwo Jima and 

other military campaigns in the Pacific, were 

interviewed by Manager Paul Slayer when the 

film "Sands of Iwo Jima" opened recently at 

the Durfee Theatre. Among guests on the 

opening night also were numerous members 

of the marine corps reserve here and civic 

officials. The veterans' appearance culminated 

an extensive radio, newspaper and window 

display promotion drive. 

Eileen Toole has resigned as Center Theatre 

cashier . . . Timothy McCarthy, retired 

police officer, is head doorman at the Academy 

. Zalkind, Strand director, 

is chairman of the Naval Reserve ball to be 

held at Lincoln park in Dartmouth . . . John 

McAvoy, Empire manager, launched his areawide 

promotion campaign for "Guilty of 

Treason" with a preview at which members 

of the press, clergy and influential citizens 

were guests. 

The Movie Schedule, appearing daily in the 

local press, placed 28th among the 117 features 

appearing in newspapers and surveyed 

W O R C E S T E R 

A son, Jack Donald, was born in Hahnemann 

hospital to Murray Howard, manager 

of the Warner. Pop got out an amusing 

card announcing his first-born . . . The 

city and suburbs have been flooded with 

strip-tease and female-impersonator shows 

in the night clubs, which have drawn big 

and obviously cut into theatre receipts, but 

the Worcester license commission last week 

announced a ban on these types of shows. 

Leo A. Lajoie, manager of the Capitol, was 

elected and installed president of the Harmony 

club . Sawyer of this city will 

operate the summer stock theatre in Bar Harbor, 

Additions to the 

Me., next season . . . Poll's staff include Bill Youngren and Kenneth 

Boquist. 

The police censor board has warned all 

theatres that "South Sea Sinner" must not 

be shown until it has been previewed and 

Arthur Gerold of Stillwater. 

okayed . . . 

Tex., will operate the Westboro Red Barn 

next summer. He succeeds Robert T. Daggett, 

currently managing a stock company 

at the State in Lowell . . . Bob Robison. 

Worcester showman and former theatre manager, 

is off to Florida to handle some circus 

dates. 

Manager Murray Howard of the Warner 

conducted a preview of "Guilty of Treason" 

for clergy of the city . . . Charity circus drew 

65.000 persons during its week's run at the 

Sam Hamid, manager of 

Auditorium . . . 

White City Park, has returned from Syria 

Bill Yager of the Plymouth 

in Leominster reports $247.61 collected in 

his house for the March of Dimes. 

Manager Harold Maloney of Loew's Poll 

conducted a morning preview of "Battleground" 

. Stringer, who operated 

the Lakeside near Putnam last summer, has 

returned from Paris, where he wrote the 

score for the film, "Escape If You Can." He 

also conducted the Paris Symphony orchestra 

for the picture. 

Joe yule, appearing on the Poll screen in a 

Jiggs and Maggie film, led Stage Manager 

Jack Hauser to recall when Yule was a stagehand 

with a burlesque show . Regan, 

doorman at the Loew-Poli Elm Street, has 

been on the sick list for several weeks ... In 

Athol. the March of Dimes reported $474.15 

collected at the York and $45.70 at the Capitol. 

John Thompson of Eagle Lion was in town 

to help promote "Tlie Red Shoes" at the 

Warner. Prizes were awarded to pedestrians 

who recognized the theatre's Mystery Girl on 

Main street . . . Spike Jones' orchestra will 

play a date at the Auditorium April 29 and 

30 . . . Joseph Quinn is the new student assistant 

manager at Loew's Poll. 

Leo Lajoie, manager of the Capitol, swears 

it actually happened. A woman invited by 

a friend to see the revival of "Holiday Inn" 

didn't eat at home because she thought she 

had been invited to dine out—at Holiday Inn 

Denehy. manager of the Orange 

in that town, was chosen to emcee the Civic 

Youth dances there. 

Metropolitan Exhibitors 

Pledge to Pass on Tax 

From Ecrslern Edition 

NEW YORK—Owners of both Broadway 

downtown theatres and neighborhood theatres 

said recently that if the federal admissions 

tax is repealed they will pass on the 

saving to their patrons. They went on record 

at a meeting of the Metropolitan Motion Picture 

Theatres Ass'n, which completed plans 

to use trailers calling attention to the unfairness 

of the tax and asking patrons to write 

their representatives in Congress pleas for 

repeal, which, it was estimated, would save 

New York patrons $37,200,000 annually. 

Emanual Frisch, owner of theatres in 

Brooklyn and Queens and chairman of the 

MMPTA federal tax committee, said the entertainment 

dollar of patrons is limited and 

that the tax is "slowly pricing the necessity 

of relaxation and entertainment out of the 

lives of people of low income groups, the 

majority of whom have always looked to 

motion pictures as their main source of entertainment." 

Signed as Producer-Director 

Handed the producer-dii'ector assignment 

for Republic's "My Sister's Destiny" was Alan 

Dwan. 

from a point of view of reader interest . . . 

Joan Maddaleno, Empire candy girl and 

Sacred Hearts academy student, is prominent 

in various academy activities and is 

president of the newly formed Orchestral club. 

Miss Maddaleno is pianist with the group 

and appears as soloist at concerts. 

The Zeitz circuit maintenance crew spent 

several days at the Academy, replacing auditorium 

seats and making other repairs . . . 

Repairs in progress at the Empire Theatre 

include painting in the boiler room and 

back stage. Murals in the lobby will be 

painted a dark blue to match the walls and 

ceilings. 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

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THEATRE 

Zachary Scott Set for Role 

Ticketed for a leading role in the Warner 

film. "Lightning Strikes Twice," was Zachary 

Scott.

Snidet Circuit Opens New Elmwood, 

hOOO-Seat Theatre in Providence 

^«L_ 

.îMt OF THE BARBARY COAST^ 

EVES 

I COHT FROM 630 PM SUN I PM 

III 

111 

pictures, changing twice weekly, at popular 

CO. KlnL'gi't""^.' 

PROVIDENCE — The Elmwood Theatre, 

DRiVE-IN THEATRE MFG. mounted flask for the occasion. 

new 1.000-seater located in the fast-growing 

Elmwood neighborhood, was opened Wednesday 

prices. 

Alfred Tierney, former manager of the 

afternoon last week (1) by the Ralph E. Park in Cranston, will manage the Elmwood. 

Snider Enterprises, which will operate it on a He started about five years ago with the 

long-term lease. The opening, originally Snider circuit as an usher. 

scheduled for last Thanksgiving, was held up 

by shortages of material, mostly steel. 

William Nelson Jacobs Associates of Boston 

were the architects. 

The theatre boasts one of the largest marquees 

in Rhode Island, 46'i:x4 feet and projecting 

over the sidewalk eight feet from the 

building. It was constructed by the University 

Sign Co., Cambridge, Mass. 

The secret of Jane Wyman's success as an 

actress is that she does not act her parts but 

lives them. 

The red brick building has a mottled red 

marble front, with three 4x3-foot display 

cases, each chrome-trimmed like the interior 

boxoffice. Four glass doors, also chrometrimmed, 

open into the outer lobby which 

features red Vermont marble walls and tile 

floors, the latter covered with non-skid rubber 

matting. Alexander Smith Crestwood 

brown and gray carpeting covers the inner 

lobby floor, and Weldwood sepia panels line 

the walls. 

Extending from the door to the manager's 

office is the refreshment stand, equipped with 

a Pronto popcorn warmer. Hire's root beer 

fountain and a Kelvinator freezer for stocking 

ice cream. 

A stainless steel partition, corrugated on 

one side and lined with blue plush draperies 

on the inner side, separates the main auditorium 

from the inner lobby. The theatre has 

1.000 Heywood-Wakefield Encore seats, all on 

one floor, there being no balcony or mezzanine. 

Drapes are of blue and red plush, which 

part to lay open a vinyl plastic screen. The 

SAND 

sound 

FROM IVVO JIMA—"Sands of 

is Westinghouse and air conditioning 

Iwo Jima," which attracted long 

is York. 

sidewalk 

Strong projectors and lenses are 

lines right through its second 

used. Varicolored 

week at 

indirect lighting is offered. 

the 

The 

Paramount in Springfield, 

large restrooms 

was given 

offer lounge chairs. 

Maloney 

a royal sendoff 

& Rubien 

by campaign sparked 

Co. of Providence was 

by 

the general contractor. Tile and 

Manager Ed Smith. One popular stunt 

terrazo are 

used in the 

that got big 

outer lobby and 

newspaper play 

for trimmings. 

was the 

The Elmwood presentation of 

will feature 30-day sequence 

a flask of Iwo Jima sand 

to the Springfield marine reserve. In 

the above picture are, left to right, chief 

warrant officers Alphonese W. Gallo and 


Richard A. Ruppert, Manager Smith and 

New 40" Double Face Entrance or Exit Lioht 

Capt. Herbert E. Ing. The sand was 

placed in a specially designed and 

Also available in single face 

Home-Made Color Set 

No News to Film Men 

NEW YORK—A 27-year-old New Jersey 

electrician has created a 

furor by succeeding 

in building a color adapter to his black-andwhite 

telev;sion set out of spare parts and 

at a cash outlay of only 30 cents. The news, 

which got a lot of newspaper attention, verified 

a prediction made to BOXOFFICE over 

three months ago by Boyce Nemec, executive 

secretary of the Society of Motion Pictiu'e 

and Television Engineers, that smart amateur 

technicians would be able to duplicate 

the mechanical color equipment of the Columbia 

Broadcasting System. It also recalled 

an experiment by Nate Fleischer, cartoonist, 

years ago. 

TRUMAN HAS ONE, TOO 

The electrician is Forrest Killy of Roselle, 

N. J., who now possibly becomes the only person 

in the country besides President Truman 

to receive color television programs in the 

home for private entertainment. Other color 

receivers, so far as known, are only m the 

homes of the seven mem.bers of the Federal 

Communications commission, who are testing 

the CBS method of transmission and reception, 

and at some experimental stations. 

But while most of the country was impressed 

with Killy's ingenuity, veterans in the motion 

picture industry recalled a demonstration put 

on in the 20s by Fleischer, then a maker of 

many popular cartoons. He called the tradepress 

in to see experiments he was making 

with cartoon sets having depth, perspective 

and color. His color process involved a color 

wheel. The CBS method employs a color 

wheel. 

Killy, who has done a lot of radio and 

television tinkering, read a description of the 

CBS process and went to work. He spent 30 

cents on red, blue and green cellophane, cut 

into pie-shaped strips and glued them with 

it 

colors alternating on a wrheel. This he operated 

with an old phonograph motor which 

he had rewired for greater speed, and he 

connected the motor to the oscillator in his 

black-and-white set. He then mastered the 

difficult problem of getting the proper number 

of revolutions so that the colors would be 

mixed into a true pictm-e. He may have to 

master a further problem of lubrication so 

that the number of revolutions won't be 

affected by wear. His black-and-white set 

has a ten-inch tube. His color picture is 

about six inches square. 

SAYS IT'S PRACTICAL 

CBS says Killy has proved that its system 

is simple and practical. The RCA method, 

which is competing with CBS for FCC approval, 

is electronic and the company has 

claimed that the pubUc will not accept anything 

with moving parts. 

Probably neither CBS, RCA nor Killy know 

that Nate Fleischer got the idea of a color 

wheel years ago. And maybe others before 

him. But the story of Killy's success is sure 

to inspire other amateurs to experiment with 

color television. 

Richard Maibaum Signed 

Richard Maibaum has been signed to take 

over the production chores for Paramount's 

"Dear Mom." 


':3 

BOXOFFICE February 11, 1950

. . . Charles 

. . Cesar 

. . Due 

. . The 

. . The 

Plan Testimonial Dinner 

Honoring Bart Grady 

BOSTON—A dinner will be given for Bart 

Grady, musician and former B. F. Keith manager 

here for 35 years, on his 75th birthd-iv 

Thursday (16) at the Hotel Somerset. 

Louis B. Mayer, MGM; John F. Royal, 

National Broadcasting Co. vice-president, and 

Arthur Willi, RKO talent scout, have volunteered 

to serve on the committee. 

All three are friends of the former theatre 

manager who helped many stars such as 

Fred Allen. Jack Benny, Kate Smith. Sophio 

Tucker, Fanny Brice, George Jessel, Pat 

Rooney and countless others while directing 

the theatre during the peak of vaudeville 

popularity. 

Grady, who also served as musical director 

of Somerville public schools and just marked 

his 50th year as organist at St. Joseph's 

church, started at the Keith as a pianist. 

The Rev. James H. Phalan is serving a;; 

honorary chairman of the testimonial committee 

and John F. Casey is general chairman. 

Tickets may be obtained from Joseph 

F. Mulqueen, treasurer, at 50 Bow St., Somerville, 

or at Hotel Somerset. 

'Flying Saucer' Producer 

Formerly of Westerly, R. I. 

WESTERLY, R. I.—Morris M. Wein, formerly 

of Westerly and now of Beverly Hills, 

Calif., is the producer of "The Flying Saucer." 

Having an initial showing recently in New- 

York, the film, made by Colonial Productions, 

owned by Wein, is being released by 

Film Classics. The release of the picture 

coincides with a treatise in the current issue 

of True magazine. 

Filming of the picture has taken six 

months, with cameramen spending over four 

months in Alaska for outdoor shots. Wein, 

at one time associated with his father in the 

artificial ice business in Westerly, was an 

attorney before leaving for the west coast in 

1943. He served for two years as clerk of 

the superior court in Washington county. 

For Lead in 

"Tripoli' 

Maureen O'Hara will play the feminine 

lead in the Paramount picture, "Tripoli." 

At the MGM luncheon given in Boston 

for Denise Darcel, French star featured in 

"Battleground." were, left to right: Ralph 

Tally, manager of the State Theatre, 

Portland; Mile. Darcel and Harold Call 

of the Portland Evening Express. 

BOXOFFICE February 11. 1950 

HARTFORD 

. . . 

T ou Cohen, Loew's Poli manager, and his 

wife were on a 16-day cruise to South 

America . . . Joyce Bengston, ca.shier at the 

Newington in Newington, will be married 

Sam 

in the spring to Herbert Seagren 

McGill. former chief of the Strand service 

staff and now a junior at Trinity college, 

has been made an ensign in the naval reserve. 

Phil Cahill. operator of the East Haven 

Drive-In and an applicant for state approval 

for a similar project at Stratford, Conn., has 

been informed that his application cannot 

be heard until the March meeting of the 

planning board . . . Geraldine Doucette was 

filling in as Crown cashier during hospitalization 

of Sarah Nelson . city council at 

Portsmouth, N. H., has granted authority to 

Harry E. and Clarice B. Yoken to build a 

drive-in on Lafayette highway about two 

miles from downtown Portsmouth . . . Russ 

Ordway. manager of the Plaza in Windsor, 

was a recent New York visitor. 

Ray Snyder is the new usher and Lavernc 

Dwarkins is the new candy girl at the AUyn 

Laughton, Hollywood film star, 

will participate in the scholarship benefit 

performance of the Southern Connecticut 

Wellesley club at Stamford High school February 

George E. Landers, division 

24 . . . 

manager for E. M. Loew's circuit, scheduled a 

screening of "Guilty of Ti-eason" for clergymen 

and representatives of various organizations 

Ernie Grecula, a.ssistant general 

. . . manager for the Hartford Theatre circuit, 

was a Bridgeport visitor. 

Paul Purdy of Kounaris-Tolis-Ulyssis Theatres, 

Meriden and Newington, sustained arm 

injuries in an accident on the Meriden Theatre 

parking lot recently . . . Bernie Menschell 

. . . Mike 

of the Community Amusement Corp. was in 

Plainfield to visit Roger Gagnon, manager of 

the circuit's Plainfield Theatre 

Piccirillo. manager of the Center Theatre, and 

his wife observed their first wedding anniversary 

. Romero, Hollywood player, 

appeared at the Astor Theatre in "Strictly 

Dishonorable." 

Mrs. Peter Perakos, wife of the Perakos 

circuit head, still was ill . . . The Eastwood 

in East Hartford has opened a new parking 

lot with facilities for 300 cars . . . George 

Precourt and Charles Reese. Eastwood ushers, 

resigned . at the Astor. East Hartford, 

in forthcoming plays are Tom Drake, 

Jane Cowl and Larry Parks. 

Sam Rosen, partner in Lockwood-Gordon- 

Rosen Theatres in the Connecticut area, was 

in the south on a trip . . . Ben Rosenberg, 

district manager for New England Theatres, 

was here from Boston . Star Community 

Amusement Corp. house here recently 

featured three action pictures on one 

bill . . . Mindy Carson, recording star, was a 

Hartford visitor . . . Gene Autry will be hero 

February 16 for two performances at the 

4.000-seat State Theatre. 

Harry Hoff, Strand house electrician, now 

observing his 32nd year in show business, 

was guest at a party given by his associates. 

Jim McCarthy. Strand manager, and Rube 

Lewi. Loew's Poli Palace stage manager, were 

in charge of arrangements. 

There is no time to lose! Act today on 

repeal of the amusement tax! 

RESEARCH BUREAU 

for 

MODERN THEATRE' PLANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City 1, Mo. 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU 

Id receive information regularly, as released, on 

ihe lollowing subjects lor Theatre Planning: 

n Acoustics n Lighting Fixtures 

D Air Conditioning Q Plumbing Fixtures 

D Architectural Service |-j projectors 

"Black" Lighting 

n Projection Lamps 

n Building Material 

Seating 

n Carpets 

_ „ . ,, ,. n Signs and Marquees 

i-i 

D Com Machines ^ 

D Complete Remodelingn Sound Equipment 

n Decorating 

Television 

n Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts 

n Drive-In Equipment D Vending Equipment 

n Other 

Theatre 

Seating 

Address 

City 

Stale 

Subjects 

Capacity 

Signed . 

Postage-paid reply cords tor your further convenience 

in obtaining informotion are provided in The MODERN 

THEATRE Section, pubhshed with the first issue of 

each month. 

89

Cancer's Danger Signals 

1. Any sore throat that does not heal 

2. A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere 

3. Unusual bleeding or discharge 

4. Any change in a wart or mole 

5. Persistent indigestion or diHiculty in swallowing 

6. Persistent hoarseness or cough 

7. Any change in normal bowel habits 

can be your safety signals 

Cancer is curable if discovered early and treated properly 

li 

any of these symptoms appear, see you doctor at once 

Write for the booklet about cancer. Just address your request to "CANCER" 

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, INC 

47 Beaver St., New York 4, N. Y. 


" 

New Lubbock Theatre 

Will Be UOO Seater 

LUBBOCK, TEX.—Plans already have been 

revised to double the capacity of the newest 

of the Preston E. Smith Theatres here. 

Original plans called for a 550-seat house. 

Before ground was broken, Smith announced 

an 1,100-seater will be built, and construction 

is proceeding according to these specifications. 

He estimated the investment will exceed 

$100,000. 

Smith approved the alteration, he said, 

when expert studies of building trends convinced 

him the larger theatre will be needed 

to serve the rapidly developing northwest 

Lubbock area w'here it is located. It will be 

called the Arnett-Benson for a nearby residence 

addition of that name. 

The theatre, scheduled for completion in the 

late summer, will be the fifth of the Smith 

enterprises here. He also operates the State. 

Tech. Plains and Five-Points Drive-In. 

Tige Formby is supervising the operations 

of the circuit while Smith, representative 

from the Lubbock district, is attending a 

special session of the Texas legislature in 

Austin. Sinith is the only showman among 

the 181 members of the legislative bodies. 

Robert Clemmons Named 

Manager at Fort Worth 

FORT WORTH—Robert H. Clemmons, 

well-known Texas theatreman, has been 

named manager of the six Community Theatres 

here, owned by L. N. Crim of Kilgore. 

Clemmons, former part owner of the Arcadia 

in Dallas, is the brother of the late 

Joe E. Clemmons and Tom Clemmons, early 

organizers of the Jefferson Amusement Co. 

Clemmons sold his interest in the Arcadia 

several years ago and retired temporarily. 

He formerly operated theatres in Shreveport 

for Crim, and other theatres in the 

Dallas area. 

Robert Wilkes, former booker for Warners 

and Republic in Dallas, has been employed 

by Clemmons to book for the theatres. 

Products of these houses were formerly 

bought and booked by the Phil Isley Theatres 

in Dallas. 

Mart Cole Constructing 

New Yoakum, Tex., House 

YOAKTJM. TEX.—Construction has begun 

on a new Mart Cole theatre here which will 

cost $100,000. It will seat approximately 

1.000. Cole, who owns theatres and driveins 

throughout south Texas, also purchased 

a ten-acre site on Highway 77 for a newozoner. 

Akdar Theatre at Tulsa 

To Become Ballroom 

TULSA. OKLA.—The Akdar Theatre, one 

of Tulsa's oldest, will be remodeled into a 

large ballroom this spring. The changeover 

is expected to cost $15,000. The Akdar 

was opened Feb. 2, 1925, as a legitimate 

theatre, then switched to pictures. 

Alba to Elmer Bisbee 

ALBA, TEX.—Elmer, Bisbee, who formerly 

operated theatres in Illinois, has purchased 

the Alba Theatre here. 

Interstate niiiuic s :> Chief v,f/iei Bars Dur:» 

Ingrid Bergman Picture 

DALLAS—The Ingrid Bergman-Roberto 

Rossellini film, "Stromboli," will not be shown 

in Interstate Theatres, President Karl Hoblitzelle 

has announced, becau.se of the "circumstances 

surrounding the picture." 

Hoblitzelle's statement said, "For nearly 

half a century Interstate Theatres has been, 

proud of its slogan, 'dedicated to community 

service.' 

"We regret exceedingly the unfortunate 

circumstances and the publicity which surround 

the picture, 'Stromboli.' Without having 

any desire to act as self-appointed censors, 

we feel that we would be rendering our 

communities a disservice to exhibit this picture. 

Under these circumstances, we do not 

intend to exhibit 'Stromboli.' 

Interstate Theatres comprises approximately 

175 theatres throughout Texas and in 

Albuquerque, N. M., with main offices in 

Dallas. 

Texas Representative Seeks 

Statewide Film Ban 

AUSTIN—The house of representatives has 

referred to a committee a resolution seeking 

to ban the "Stromboli" from being shown 

in Texas. The house, by a vote of 67 to 43, 

refused to give the resolution immediate attention. 

It went automatically to the house 

state affairs committee. 

The resolution was introduced by R. E. 

Blount, Big Spring representative and former 

University of Texas football star. Under the 

resolution, the picture would be "banned 

and unequivocally prevented from being exhibited 

in the state of Texas, not because 

of what will be shown in the picture but 

because of the immoral incident it attempts 

to glorify, condone and glamorize at the expense 

of detriment to and degeneration of 

our younger, impressionable society." 

No mention of the names Ingrid Bergman 

GOLD CARD AWARDED — William 

O'Donnell of Dallas, representative of 

Variety International, presents gold card 

life membership in the Variety Club of 

Houston to John Paul Goodwin. 

or Roberto Rossellini was made in the resolution. 

Texas Circuit Ofiicials 

Vary on 'Stromboli' Runs 

DALLAS—Following the Hoblitzelle action, 

spokesmen in Austin .said that "Stromboli" 

would not be shown in five houses 

operated by the Eddie Joseph circuit. Horace 

Falls, film buyer for the Phil I.sley circuit, 

said the film would not be run in any 

of its 15 theatres in Texas and Los Angeles. 

Officials of the Jefferson Amusement 

Co. were to make a decision this week 

whether "Stromboli" would be shown in any 

of its 75 houses in Texas. 

Robb & Rowley circuit officials said they 

would make a decision later on the film. 

R. I. Payne, executive vice-president of Theatre 

Enterprises. Inc., operators of 125 houses, 

said that company officials had not discussed 

the picture. Theodore Routt, booker 

for the Long circuit, said that he did not 

know of any decision which might have been 

made on running the film. The Dallas Federation 

of Women's Clubs will ask the state 

legislature to enact a law providing for a 

fine of not less than $5,000 to be imposed 

on any theatre in the state which exhibits 

"Stromboli." 

Oppose Ingrid Bergman Films 

ROGERS, ARK.—The Rogers Ministerial 

Alliance has urged theatres in this city 

not to book any Ingrid Bergman pictures 

on the ground that the actress has 

demonstrated "moral turpitude." The ministers 

also criticized RKO in handling distribution 

of the film for its "apparent willingness 

to capitalize financially on such a 

sordid 

affair." 

Opens 

General Electric 

New Office in Houston 

HOUSTON—The electronics department of 

General Electric has opened a sales office 

in the Electric building here. C. G. Allen 

will be in charge of radio and television receivers, 

Louis Peine of radio communications 

equipment and D. F. Booth of replacement 

tubes and parts. 

The new office will be under the supervision 

of the Dallas office, district headquarters 

for the southwestern operations. This brings 

the department's total to nine main district 

offices and ten branches. 

Mrs. W. T. Howze and Son 

Take Back Operation 

BROWNFIELD, TEX.—Mrs. W. T. Howze 

and son Sam Jones have re.sumed the operation 

of the Brownfield theatres. For the 

past five years the Rialto, Ritz and Rio have 

been operated by the le.ssee. Hiram Parks. 

Parks has returned to Lubbock where ho 

owns theatre interests. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 sw 91

. . . The 

. , Al 

. . Joseph 

. . Anne 

. . 

DALLAS 

T> 1. Payne reports Theatre Enterprises has 

completed a deal for ten acres of land two 

miles west of Quanah for construction of a 

drive-in . . . Visitors on Row: H. A. Daniels, 

Palace, Seguin; Jake Webb, Sunset Drive-In 

Temple: W. O. Bearden, Arcadia and Chief. 

Lubbock; Hightower, Grand, Fort Worth; Mrs. 

Ruth Likens. Broadway and Elmwood Drive- 

In. Abilene. 

R. V. Scott, former booker for Phil Isley 

Theatres, has taken over management of the 

Major Theatre, Dallas, an Isley house, and 

Ted Lewis is now doing the booking. Lewis is 

well known in this section, having worked in 

Texarkana and here with the Gene Autry Enterprises 

until the latter sold its theatres to 

R&R. 

.rjv /,>, 

CHAS. E. 

—— 

— 

"Devil in the Flesh" opened at the Coronet 

Thursday (9) for its second showing here. 

Paul Graetz. producer of the French film, 

conferred with Alfred Sack, operator of the 

Coronet, earlier in the week. At the request 

of Mrs. Clarence Echols, president of the 

Motion Picture Reviewing board, the Coronet 

did not admit children under 15 unless 

accompanied by a parent. 

Chill Wills, Lois Butler, Dave Kashner and 

John Barrymore jr. appeared at the Frida.v 

i3i opening of "The Sundowners" at the 

Majestic. Young Barrymore emceed the fouj 

stage skits the four put on at four shows 

Also with the troupe were Alan LeMay and 

George Templeton, producers of the film. 

Their schedule included several radio appearances. 

The Coronet has commissioned a portrait 

of Arthur A. Harris & Co., for its lobby gallery. 

Owner Sack has commissioned Rene 

Mazza to paint pictures of civic leaders who 

have contributed significantly to the cultural, 

and entertainment arts. Kramer was president 

of the Dallas Symphony society for 1? 

years, longtime president of the Dallas Art 

Ass'n and is now president of the Dallas 

Grand Opera Ass'n. 

Walter Wanger, the producer, spent one 

day here last week visiting Mr. and Mrs. 

We have 

the ideal popper 

for DRIVE-INS, the 

CRETORS stadium type 

popper. 

High in Performance 

Low in Price 

Gas or Electric 

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Charlie 

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308 SOUTH HARWOOD • DALLAS, TEXAS 

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WAREHOUSES 

HOUSTDN BEAUMONT 

1315 Palmtr Street 550 Main Strttl 

LUBBOCK 

702 Texas Street 

T. E. Braniff and Mr. and Mrs. R. J. O'Donnell 

whom he met in Paris, France, several 

months ago. Wanger was en route from 

Hollywood to New York . 

Gotten, 

the actor, will be here in March in connection 

with the later showing of •Third Man," 

in which he is starred . . . Carolina Cotton, 

western star and national yodeling champion, 

will appear at the Encore Theatre February 

19, 20. 

Stephen Darden, 7-year-old son of Charles 

Darden. is in Baylor hospital for a tonsilectomy 

. . . Herschel Stuart. Dallas showman, 

was in the hospital and was expected to be 

out in a couple of weeks . Bannan, 

niece of George Bannan, Warner Bros, special 

events publicist, will wed Irl Gregg of St 

Louis February 11 . . . Bob Warner of Manley. 

Inc., returned from a trip to Washington, 

Atlanta and Memphis , Mortenson, theatre 

equipment man of Houston, visited Dallas. 

Seen at the Variety Club: Douglas Fairbanks 

jr., guest of Monogram Division Manager 

Harold L. Beecroft and Office Manager 

Ernie Gribble: Mr. and Mrs. Phil Isley. Islej 

Theatre circuit, entertaining Chil Wills: Mr, 

and Mrs. Claude C. Ezell, Margaret Stone 

and Horace Falls and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Finch. 

Margaret Stone, for the last three year;, 

secretary to Bob Warner, has been elevated to 

the position of office manager at Manley , 

Louis Fullenwider. ten years with Paramount, 

has joined Republic . . . Lloyd Rust, who recently 

sold his interest in the Gene Autry 

Oakcliff Theatre, celebrated moving into his 

new home with a house warming. Guests 

were Buddy Harris. Ruby Barley. Harry Epting. 

Lewis Johnston. Stormy Meadows. Mrs. 

J. I. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Harris. Mr. 

and Mrs. Fred Hansen. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wilson, 

Colonel and Mrs. Frank Merrill and Mr. 

and Mrs. Toad Leon. 

Seen on Filmrow: Charles Boasberg. division 

manager and his assistant . . . Castle 

Campbell. RKO booker, is home with a case 

of food poisoning . . . Rosalie Ponce, stenographer 

with RKO for four years, leaves to 

join husband at University of Texas. Austin 

. . . Visitors to Dallas were C. C. Ham of Vernon, 

Leon Glasscock of the Glasscock circuit 

in southwest Texas, H. A. "Windy" Daniels 

of Saguine and L. D. Brown of Brownwood 

Variety Club of Texas will open the 

new gymnasium building at Bedford Boys' 

ranch this week. 

H. A. Daniels, part owner and operator of 

the Palace in Sequin, was showing friends 

on the Row photographs of a gasoline engine-powered 

small train which he will install 

around the edge of the arena of a new 

drive-in. The theatre will be under construction 

soon. Daniels says he has beeri 

in the amusements business for 30 years and 

plans to remain an active part of it. He 

says he will go all out to fit into changinj; 

The Encore 

patterns of the business . . . 

showing a group of pictures selected from 

is 

(Continued on next news page) 


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DALLAS 

(Continued from preceding news page) 

among the ten named recently by exhibitors 

of America as the Ten Best of 1949 ... A 

third vaudeville unit is expected in Dallas 

around the first of June. The first two 

played to fair houses. 

Ice storms in Texas affected Bonham, 

Greenville and McKinney areas with power 

lines down and theatres darkened for a few 

hours. Emergency generators were rushed 

in from Austin to Celeste and other small 

towns. Theatres opened within a short time. 

Ted Lewis, former manager of the four 

Gene Autry theatres recently sold to Robb 

& Rowley, has been named booker in the 

Dallas office of Phil Isley Theatres. Ted 

is a former theatreman in Texarkana and 

is a projectionist . . . Johnny Blevins, owner 

of the Majestic and Crest in Dublin, was 

TICKETS 

MACHINE 

FOLDED 

on Fllmrow booking three months ahead 

for his theatres. Drive-ins will be built near 

his theatre, but he says he will not builcl 

them himself ... An orchestra of teenagers, 

the Stardusters, will play every Saturday 

afternoon from now on at the Esquiro 

Theatre, Interstate suburban. 

Roy Saclis, office manager at United Artists, 

suffered a heart attack Tuesday. He is; 

the brother of Sol Sachs, manager for RKO, 

and Harry Sachs, partner in the Delman 

Theatre . . . "Texas Tom," an MGM Tomi 

and Jerry cartoon, will have its world premiere 

in Dallas at the Majestic on February 

16, says Bill Coleman, MGM publicity director 

here. 

-A-GGUR-AeY- 

SPEED 

Celebrates Third Anniversary 

GEORGE WEST, TEX.—The West Theatre 

here celebrated its third birthday with a 

special presentation in addition to the screen 

fare. Popcorn was "on the house" at the 

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Three New Drive-ins 

Will Open in Dallas 

DALLAS—Suburban Dallas will have three 

new drive-in theatres, according to C. D. 

Leon, owner of the Leon Theatres. 

Construction has already begun on the 

Garland Road Drive-In, located at Garland 

and Shiloh roads; the Denton Road Drive-In, 

at Denton drive and Joe Field road, and the 

Hampton Road Drive-In, at Hampton road 

across from Kiest Park. Formal openings will 

be held about April 1. 

In announcing the three additions to his 

chain, Leon said: "The theatres will feature 

the latest innovations and best equipment 

available for drive-in theatres. All-steel 

screens will be used." 

The Denton road theatre will have a capacity 

of 840 automobiles: the Garland Road 

theatre will accommodate 650 cars, and the 

Hampton road theatre 750 automobiles. 

T. Seibert Worley Starts 

Shamrock, Tex., Drive-In 

SHAMROCK, TEX.—J. Seibert Worley has 

started construction of a 300-car drive-in 

here, which will be operated in connection 

with the two downtown houses, the Liberty 

and Texas. A. O. LeBlanc is general contractor 

and specifications call for a steel 

tower, concrete block concession building with 

spacious patio and a large children's playground. 

The drive-in, to be equipped with in-car 

speakers, will open about April 1, weather 

permitting. Estimated cost of the entire plant 

will be between $35,000 and $40,000. 

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; 

Barrymore Jr. Wins 

Texans at Premiere 

AMARILLO—John Barrymore jr., who appeared 

with a group of other Hollywood stars 

here last week (30) at the premiere of "The 

Sundowners," quickly won the hearts of the 

teen-ager?, critics agreed. 

An estimated 6.000 persons saw the premiere 

of the film at four different showings 

in two Amarillo theatres. 

Thousands of persons braved a 25-degree 

windy day to witness a mile-long parade of 

horses and writers and guest stars marking 

the world premiere of the picture. 

The consensus of visiting newspaper columnists 

who saw the picture was that it 

would bring other producers to west Texas 

and Amarillo on location. The review of Bob 

Coble. Amarillo radio news reporter, perhaps 

best summed up the views of all: 

" 'The Sundowners' was definitely a new 

and refreshing approach to the time-worn 

western. It achieves distinction by superb 

acting of Robert Preston backed by real Palo 

Duro canyon scenery." 

Besides Preston and Barrymore. the film 

stars Chill Wills and Robert Sterling. Barrymore, 

of course, is the son of the great 

"profile" and this picture introduces him to 

the public. 

The teen-agers went for young Barrymore 

in a big way even though his is a supporting 

role in the picture. Other than a local New 

York television appearance, it was his first 

public appearance here. Although showing 

.some signs of nervousness, it was his night. 

On stage, he did the soliloquy from Hamlet, 

for which his father is so well remembered. 

It was the "Now I am alone" soliloquy from 

the third scene of the second act of Hamlet. 

Critics said that although John tried very 

hard, it didn't seem to come off just right, 

that he lacked a mature approach. (He is 

only 16.1 

The troupe of stars including Chill Wills 

and Lois Butler, the producers Alan LeMay 

and George Templeton and press representatives 

Dick Owens and H. A. Addison left 

here for Dallas. 

Theatre Robber Indicted 

HOUSTON—Newton Hunter, 29, who wa 

caught by a Metropolitan Theatre ushe,- 

when he attempted to hold up the theatre, 

has been indicted for the $55 robbery o;: 

the Navaway Theatre and the $49 stickuji 

of the Sunset. 

Sex Film at Navasota, Tex. 

NAVASOTA, TEX.—Civic leaders were 

given a special screening of "The Story 

of Bob and Sally" at the Miller Theatre 

before the sex hygiene film was exhibited 

here for the general public. 

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Annual TOO Conclave 

To Be March 27, 28 

OKLAHOMA CITY—The 1950 conventior> 

of the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma, Inc., 

will be held March 27, 28 at the Skirvin hotel: 

here, according to Morris Loewenstein, president. 

The tentative program for the two-day 

meeting provides for four business sessions; 

and two luncheons. Variety Club Tent 22; 

will be host to the visiting exhibitors theopening 

night. 

Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, and 

Herman Levy, TOA general counsel, have accepted 

invitations to speak during the convention. 

Bob O'Donnell, Dallas, is expected 

to attend the conclave. A representative of 

COMPO will be among speakers to be heard. 

Subjects to be introduced for discussion will 

include television, tax repeal and bidding. 

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BOXOFFICE ;: February 11, 1950 95

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HARVEY A. 

LUBBOCK. TEX.—Two examples of why 

too many people in the motion picture bu.siness 

get ulcers in trying to estimate and 

supply patronage entertainment preferences 

occurred in Lubbock recently. 

The Tech Theatre of the Preston E. Smith 

enterprises was the scene of one and the 

New Lindsey and the Clifton, of the Lindsey 

circuit, of the other. 

E>eparting from usual policies, "Tobacco 

Road" and "The Grapes of Wrath" were 

booked as a double feature at the Tech, located 

in the most prosperous area of Lubbock 

at the edge of the "silk stocking" district 

and across the street from the Texas 

Technological college campus. 

Tige Pormby, Smith manager, said some of 

the theatre's most regular patrons warned 

that the venture would be a monumental flop. 

So what happened? The boxoffice grossed 

more than 200 per cent of the average receipts 

during the three-day showing. Allnight 

showings were SRO. 

At about the same time, the New Lindsey 

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THEATRE BUILDERS • DRIVE-INS A SPECIALTY 

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was showing "Jolson Sings Again." The attraction 

at the Clifton, directly across the 

street from the New Lindsey, was the reissue 

of "Trail of the Lonesome Pine." 

The management frankly expected "Jolson" 

to be a terrific draw, but wasn't too optimistic 

for "Trail." 

"JoLson" did play to good business. But the 

gross was disappointing. Not once during the 

full-week run were the customers lined up at 

the boxoffice waiting to get in. Meanwhile, 

"Trail" was playing to capacity business across 

the street. Several times, waiting lines 

stretched two abreast more than a half block 

from the entrance. 

The management didn't pretend to know 

the answer to the why of these happenings. 

A conjecture was that a hike of five cents in 

the afternoon and ten cents at night in adult 

admissions may have cut the "Jolson" gross. 

Even so, the top for Jolson was only 60 

cents. "Trail" packed them in at 55 cents. 

The experience, however, seemed to have 

left most operators of the Lobbock area with 

one conviction. They are going to be cautious 

in booking added-price attractions. 

HOUSTON 

Jâ Riviera, the French restaurant on Montrose 

boulevard, is rapidly becoming the 

favorite spot for show folk. Bill Livingston 

and Frank Parker of Hollywood visited the 

place em-oute to New York. Impresario Edna 

Saunders and pianist Samson Francois were 

recent diners. Art Finger, radio man and 

Variety clubber, was there recently. Others 

include Carol Bennet, woman's editor of 

KPRC: Paul Peters, 16mm film producer; 

Bill Roberts, F>ress columnist; Walter Waldhauser, 

magazine editor, etc. 

Two masked men robbed Jim Dezendorf, 

manager of the Lindale Theatre, of $100 when 

they surprised him in his office. One of the 

hoods held a gun on Dezendorf while the 

other tied him hand and foot, then cleaned 

out the safe. The loot included $40 in March 

of Dimes money . Lutey, Variety 

Club manager, and wife Helen have a newbaby 

girl named Lemoine . . . Frank Sinatra, 

a favorite at the Shamrock hotel, will be followed 

by Harpo and Chico Marx. 

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DALLAS, TEXAS 

. . . "Pinky" 

"Sands of Iwo Jima" was in its third week 

at the Kirby . went into a 

second week at Loevv's State 

chalked up five extra days of playing time 

at the Majestic . new plays had their 

world premieres here Tuesday (7) : "Oh, 

Genevieve" at the University of Houston 

Theatre and "Season With Ginger" at the 

Alley Theatre. 

The River Oaks revived "Rebecca" . . . Dave 

Westheimer, former assistant amusements 

editor of the Houston Post, has just had a 

novel. "The Great Fallacy," published. 

'Pinky' Starts 2nd Week 

DALLAS— "Pinky" went into its second 

week here with big grosses. "Home of the 

Brave" played two weeks here last year, and 

"Lost Boundaries" had one good week last 

fall. 

Theatre Bowlers Win 

FREDERICKSBURG, TEX.—For the fifth 

consecutive time the Palace Theatre bowling 

team has won the Turner club's regular 

bowling tournament. 

98 


Texans Organizing 

Drive Against Tax 

DALLAS—Exhibitors are organizing for a 

statewide campaign to marshal public and 

congressional support for repeal of the 20 

per cent federal amusement tax. 

Activities are being conducted through a 

subcommittee of the Council of Motion Picture 

Organizations headed by H. A. Cole, 

president of Texas Allied. Don C. Douglas 

of the Robb and Rowley circuit is secretary 

and directors are Rubin Frels, Victoria: Preston 

Smith. Lubbock; Barton McLendon. Dallas; 

Henry Reeve, Menard; C. H. Cox. Gilmer; 

Wallace Blankenship. Lubbock; R. N. Smith. 

Mission; Mart Cole. Rosenberg, and R. I. 

Payne. Dallas. 

The group, termed the committee on taxation 

and legislation for Texas, has sent two 

letters to all exhibitors of the state. The 

first asked the theatremen to forward their 

formal declarations that they would pass on 

to their patrons any relief they obtained on 

the federal levy. The letter pointed out the 

importance of these declarations since members 

of the house ways and means committee, 

which will be powerful in dr.-Jting the congressional 

tax reduction bill, have expressed 

themselves as being unwilling to approve any 

relief on the excise tax unless they are assured 

that the public will benefit. 

The second letter included the campaign 

bulletin and asked exhibitors to stand by for 

the campaign in Texas, which will be carried 

direct to the public with patrons being 

asked to sign petitions to their congressmen 

asking remission of the nuisance tax. 

Exhibitors will be supplied with a trailer 

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on the excise tax, one-sheets and a supply 

of petitions. Participating theatres will be 

asked to pay the cost of the trailer, which 

amounts to $2.60 a theatre. 

Circuit Signs Roadshows 

For Texas Theatre Tour 

DALLAS—Interstate Theatres has booked 

two roadshows to play in the Melba here and 

other Texas houses. 

"Harvey" will play Dallas April 1, 2, and 

"Born Yesterday" will be brought here May 

1, 2. "Born Yesterday" will be played in 

Houston April 25, San Antonio April 26, Austin 

April 27, and Foit Worth April 29, 30, 

"Harvey" will follow a similar schedule, not 

yet complete. 

The Chicago company of "Light Up the 

Sky" also sought Interstate dating in Texas, 

but Charles Freeman, booker, will not play 

it since a Dallas amateur unit, the Edward 

Rubin Studio Players, will present the production 

February 22-25. 

Robb & Rowley to Build 

In Wynnewood Section 

DALLAS—Robb & Rowley Theatres will 

construct a new theatre here in early spring 

in the Wynnewood shopping village on Zang 

boulevard. The house will be named the 

Wynnewood. 

The theatre, designed by Dallas architects 

Pettigrew & Worley, will seat 1,400. An adjoining 

parking space will accommodate -400 

cars. 

Robb & Rowley operates 12 theatres here. 

Sapulpa. Okla., Robbery 

SAPULPA, OKLA.—Thieves armed with a 

saw cut their way into the Yale Theatre 

here and stole $455, consisting of $390 in 

VFW funds and $165 belonging to James 

Zartaludes, proprietor. Zartaludes, quartermaster 

for the Sapulpa VFW, had put the 

service organization funds with his own 

proceeds in three cash boxe.s which were 

locked in a steel filing cabinet. 

Has Dual Projection 

HARPER, TEX.—The Hartex Theatre has 

a complete dual projection setup for 35mm 

and 16mm films. C. W. Granville and son 

Ellis operate the house. 

Offers Cash Giveaways 

ALTO, TEX.- O. L. Smith, operator of 

the Alto Theatre, is giving cash to customens—and 

it's legal! Just recently a $10 

bill went to the oldest couple in the house. 

The following week he gave the same amount 

to the couple with the largest family of 

unmarried children. 

Gets Thanks for Food Show 

SHERMAN. TEX.—Following a special 

canned-goods matinee. Manager Harry Hardgrave 

of the Texas Theatre has received a 

flood of letters of appreciation. 

Theatre at Blossom, Tex., 

Sold to E. A. Chewning 

BLOSSOM, TEX.—E. A. Chewning of Detroit 

has purchased the Blossom Theatre here 

from Royce Whitten, now of Tyler, and G. L. 

Skidmore of Paris. Chewning also owns and 

operates the theatre at Detroit. He has 

started installation of indirect lighting and 

has added a new drinking fountain and 

corn popper. Other improvements are 

planned. 

Just so you'll know 

WHERE 

to get the stage shows 

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Consult us about your entertainment needs 

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about our Drive-ln Stage Show Productions. 

HERALD GOODMAN 

Ertisrtainmcnt 

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Room 202 201 3' 2 Young Street 

Dallas, Texas Ph- R-'974 

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BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 

97

. . Texas 

SAN ANTONIO 

T\iane Hart, picture, radio and television 

. 

player, was the victim of car prowlers 

who took two coats valued at $1,300 . . • 

Jon Ford now is conducting a new column 

in the San Antonio Evening News called "The 

Bystander" Consolidated Theatres 

is planning to build a 500-car drivein 

on Route 271 five miles east of Paris, Tex. 

It is expected to be completed early this 

spring ... Ed Davis and his Chicago Follies 

were featured on the stage of the Zaragoza 

Theatre the week of February 4 . . . 

Burroughs & Hendricks gave a midnight 

showing of their Spooks Jamboree at the 

Guadalupe Theatre Saturday (11). 

MacKinley Kantor, author of "The Best 

Years of Our Lives," was here visiting the 

Lackland air force base to collect material 

for a forthcoming story. Prom here he went 

to his winter home in Sarasota. Fla. . . . 

Holding over for a second downtown week 

was "Sands of Two Jima" at the Texas . . . 

Manager Rudy Davila brought back "Illegal 

Wives" and "Virgin Jungle" for showings 

at the Zaragoza Theatre last week . . H. W. 

. 

Kartung of Carrizo Springs disclosed that 

he will build a drive-in on Route 83 between 

Carrizo Springs and Crystal City, Tex. 

Manager Henry Bergman of the Empire 

showed two new Lippert films as a double 

bill recently. They were "Deputy Marshal" 

and "The Dalton Gang" . . . B. J. F^tzpatrick. 

former exhibitor at Manor, Tex., was 

in town recently and said that he now is 

looking for a new Rio Grande valley location 

Others here to contract for 

. . . Latin-American pictures were Eduardo Gomez. 

Raymondville; Manuel Pena, Fremont; 

James E. Green, Poth; Gustavo Lavenane, 

Haydee, Dilley, and Don Miguel Galvan, 

Pena, New Braunfels, and Regis, San Antonio. 

Alan LeMay, producer for Eagle Lion of 

"The Sundowners," was the subject of several 

newspaper stories during his recent appearance 

here at the Majestic in conjunction 

with the southwestern premiere of the 

film. Both the Obrero and Zaragoza played 

roadshow pictures last week. 

Lone Bandit Obtains $100 

At Oklahoma City House 

OKLAHOMA CITY—The recently 

opened 

Lakeside Theatre here was robbed of approximately 

$100 by a lone bandit who ordered 

Mrs. M. W. Osborne, cashier and wife of the 

assistant manager, to "hand over the money." 

Mrs. L. A. Newcomb, owner and manager of 

the house, said later that she heard two shots 

apparently fired at the rear of the theatre. 

Since the house is being picketed by the local 

projectionists union, Mrs. Newcomb thought 

the disturbance was caused by labor sympathizers. 

Police believed that the shots were 

fired to divert attention away from the boxoffice. 

OKLAHOMA CITV 

TWIr. and Mrs. Morris Loewenstein of the 

Majestic Theatre will leave for New York 

February 26 on a combined business and 

pleasure trip. They will attend the TOA 

executive committee meeting March 1, 2 at 

the Astor hotel. Loewenstein is secretary of 

the group. They will return home by March 

10 . . . Ralph Talbot. Tulsa theatreman, and 

J. C. Hunter, president of Ralph Talbot Theatres, 

Inc., were made honorary members of 

the Tulsa Press club at a dinner Saturday 

night (4). 

Judy CanoTa, film and radio star, will appear 

in a single performance February 18 at 

the Municipal auditorium . . . Grover Livingston, 

Warner Bros, branch manager, and his 

wife became the parents of a son . . . George 

McKean, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom McKean, 

was married February 3 to Miss Adelaide 

Flynn. The father of the groom is a Paramount 

salesman. 

J&K Theatres Plans 

Beaumont Drive-In 

BEAUMONT, TEX.—A new drive-in, 

costing 

$150,000 and with accommodations for 

600 cars, was slated to go under construction 

immediately for showmen Millard Jones of 

San Angelo and Maurice Kleinman of Lake 

Charles, operators of the J&K Theatre circuit. 

The new ozoner will be named the 

Pyramid and is expected to begin operations 

about 90 days after the start of construction. 

Two hundred walk-in seats will be provided 

and a new type mosquito control unit 

will be used about 30 minutes before each 

show is scheduled to start. A pla^grround 

for children and bottle warming facilities 

also will be provided. 

Rubin Frels to Start Construction 

EL CAMPO. TEX.—Rubin Frels, owner of 

the Normana Theatre and exhibitor in nearby 

Victoria, will begin construction immediately 

on the new drive-in to be built on Highway 

71. Opening is slated for late spring or early 

summer. The drive-in will have a capacity 

of 500 or more cars and will be situated on a 

ten-acre tract which Prels recently purchased. 

Fi-els' first drive-in was the Tejas 

at Victoria, opened two years ago. 

Cuero Drive-In Opening Delayed 

CUERO. TEX.—The formal opening of the 

Cuero Drive-In was delayed until Friday (3' 

because of delays in the shipment of sound 

equipment. The opening had been scheduled 

originally for January 27, according to John 

Monroe, local theatre manager. The drive-in 

is located two miles north of town on the 

Yoakum highway. 

In-Car Speakers Installed 

STEPHENVILLE. TEX.—Individual speakers 

have been installed at the Tower Drive- 

In, according to Manager R. L. Roberts. 

Next spring he plans to hard -surface th

Memphis Board Okays 

'Life' and 'Outlaw' 

MEMPHIS—"Imitation of Life" and "Tlie 

Outlaw." previously banned from local 

screens, have been approved by the Memphis 

board of censors, according to Lloyd T. Binfori. 

chairman. Binford said that the board 

required minor changes in both films, but 

"nothing which would spoil continuity." 

With the threat of court action impending 

if it continued to ban "Imitation of Life." the 

board met to screen it again. Budd Roger.=;, 

New York. Realart vice-president, had been 

quoted as saying that if the censors would not 

permit showings of the film, legal action 

would be undertaken. The film first was released 

in 1933 and was shown at the Strand 

here. It was banned here then. 

"The Outlaw." produced by Howard Hughes, 

was shown in various towns near here after 

it was banned locally. After it had been 

revised, it was approved by the National 

Board of Review and the Legion of Decency. 

Binford said that advertising material for the 

film had been revised recently. 

Binford said that both films now may be 

shown at all local theatres. Emphasizing 

a change of policy, he said that the board 

no longer approves films for first run showings 

only and that any picture approved in 

the future may be shown at both downtown 

and neighborhood houses. 

Slate 500-Car Drive-In 

Near Tullahoma, Tenn. 

TULLAHOMA. TENN.—Plans for construction 

of a 500-car drive-in on a ten-acre tract 

between TuUahoma and Manchester have 

been disclosed by R. T. Hill, manager of the 

Marshall Theatre here. The site of the proposed 

drive-in is located on the new Manchester 

highway. No estimate of the cost was 

given by officials of the Mid -Tennessee 

Amusement Co., which will erect the drive-in. 

The corporation later will start construction 

of a 400-car drive-in near Estill Springs, 

about six miles from Tullahoma. Two other 

drive-ins are being planned by the firm, ono 

between Cookeville and Sparta and the other 

between Manchester and Minnville. John W. 

Lawrence will be general manager of the fouidrive-ins. 

Officers of the firm are C. D. 

Walling, Manchester, and James Cardwell 

Sparta. 

Earl H. Barrett Stricken 

At Murfreesboro, Ark. 

MXTRFREESBORO, ARK. — Services for 

Earl H. Barrett, 60, who died February 2 were 

held here with burial in Hot Springs. Barrett 

left Oklahoma in 1938 after living at 

Coalgate. Atoka, Antlers and Maud where he 

operated a chain of motion picture theatres. 

He operated a theatre at Murfreesboro at the 

time of his death. 

Edward J. Mahoney Dies 

MONTGOMERY—Edward J. Mahoney. 74, 

former Montgomery theatre manager, died of 

a heart attack at a local hospital. Mahoney 

at one time managed the Grand, the old 

Montgomery and McDonald's Opera House. 

Before World War I he was proprietor of the 

Montgomery Theatrical club. Funeral services 

were held from St. Peter's Catholic church. 

Two Drive-ins to Be Built 

In Muscle Shoals Area 

Birmingham Clerics Ask 

Ban on Bergman Films 

BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Protestant 

Ministers Ass'n has a.sked all Jefferson 

county theatre owners and managers to 

ban all Ingrid Bergman pictures and those 

directed by Roberto Rossellini. Local exhibitors 

did not have any immediate comment 

on the request, made Monday C6). Members 

of the association said that the recent Bergman-Rossellini 

publicity tended "to glorify 

adultery." 

U.S. Dist. Att'y. John D. Hill, who spoke 

at the meeting, voiced his approval of the 

request for the Bergman-Rossellini ban. He 

said that he felt a similar ban should be 

applied to pictures made by Rita Hayworth 

Knoxville, Tenn., Board 

Intimates 'Stromboli' Ban 

KNOXVILLE, TENN.—A cold shoulder is 

seen here for "Stromboli." Mrs. E. M. Godfrey, 

chairman of the city board of review, 

intimated that the board would "take some 

kind of action" in event the Bergman-Rossellini 

film is booked here. Mrs. Godfrey emphasized 

that she was not speaking for the 

entire board. 

Walter Lee Morris, manager of the Pike 

and Tower theatres, said he would await reports 

from the Atlanta screening this week 

before thinking about a local schedule. 

Aubrey Couch, city manager for Paramount, 

said that it was too early to decide whether 

he will attempt to book the picture. 

Flower Event on Stage 

PLANT CITY. FLA.—The Capitol Theatre 

will feature a demonstration of flower arrangements 

by Mrs. John R. Bear of New 

York City under the sponsorship of thfi Garden 

club. 

THEATRE IN ORANGE GROVE—The 

Movie Garden Drive-In near Leesburg, 

Fla., shown in the accompanying picture, 

will be surrounded by orange trees when 

five acres of land near the open air theatre 

are planted this spring. Owned by the 

Golden Triangle interests, the drive-in 

accommodates 440 cars. J. R. Dickson, 

formerly a Warner Bros, salesman, is 

manager. Extensive landscaping of the 

grounds recently was completed. 

FLORENCE. ALA.—Two drive-in theatres 

are in the offing for the Muscle Shoals area. 

Total outlay will be between $180,000 and 

$200,000. 

Marshall Drive-In Theatres, Inc., will build 

a $100,000 drive-in on the outskirts of Florence 

on the Lee highway toward Wilson dam. 

Capacity will be 600 cars. Owners of the 

theatre will be C. B. Go.ss. A, W. Hammonds 

and W. W. Hammonds jr. of Albertville. They 

operate a conventional house, the Joy, at 

Fyffe. Ala., and the Marshall Drive-In between 

Albertville and Gunter-sville. 

The drive-in will feature in-car speakers 

and in-car heaters for winter operation. A 

snack bar, children's playground and outdoor 

seats will be included. All driveways will be 

paved. 

The area's second drive-in will be located 

in the Highland park area of Muscle Shoals 

City and will cost between $80,000 and $100,- 

000. Ownership has not been disclosed. A 

ten-acre site has been purchased from the 

Burns estate, plans have been completed and 

construction is scheduled to start some time 

this month. 

Newsreels Show Award 

To Writer of Tax Letter 

MEMPHIS — Memphis first run theatres 

showed newsreels which included scenes of 

Mrs. Burham Mitchell. Collins, Miss., receiving 

a $1,000 check for writing the best 

letter on "why the 10 per cent amusements 

tax in Mississippi should be repealed." 

Gov. Fielding Wright of Mississippi made 

the award with Mississippi theatre owners 

sponsoring the contest. Governor Wright said 

he hoped both the Mississippi state tax and 

the 20 per cent federal theatre admission 

tax soon would be removed. 

Portions of a speech made during the 

award ceremony by M. A. Lightman sr., Memphis, 

president of Malco Theatres, was included 

in the newsreel which was covered by 

all five major newsreel companies. 

Martin Theatres Buys 

Dalton, Ga.. Ozoner Site 

DALTON. GA.—Jack Neely of Martin Theatres, 

Inc., has revealed that his firm has purchased 

property directly across from the old 

airport for construction of a drive-in. Work 

will start when spring weather arrives, Neely 

said. The airer will be located on Cleveland 

highway. 

Martin circuit now operates the Dalton 

Theatre, where John Lawrence is manager; 

the Crescent Theatre, managed by Cecil 

Hardin and the Wink, managed by Neely. 

County Meeting at Lake 

TAVARES. FLA.—Through the courtesy of 

Manager Austin Palmer, the facilities of the 

Lake Theatre were made available to the 

county agent for a meeting of local farmers 

and citrus growers on a new insecticide 

Parathion. Slides were shown demonstrating 

the proper method of handling the material. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11, 1950 SE 99

. . The 

. . Arthur 

I 

. . . Jimmy 

. . Paul 

ATLANTA 

. 

. . R. M. Savini. York. 

Doris Karioff, film star, was appearing in 

"On Borrowed Time" at the Penthouse 

Theatre C. Bromberg. president 

of Monogram Southern Exchanges, 

New 

was ill 

at his home . 

Astor Pictures president, was here to visit his 

brother N. E. Savini. Astor southern representative 

The Film Classics branch moved 

. . . into new quarters in the building formerly 

occupied by the Strickland Film Co. 

.John Payne, film star, left with Leonard 

. 

. . . H. P. 

Allen. Paramount exploiteer. following a visit 

here Sack Amusement Enterprises 

office here has been purchased by Howard 

Wallace, its manager since 1938 . . . Henry 

Glover. New Orleans branch manager for 

Monogram, was a visitor here 

Rhodes. Dixie Drive-In Theatres general manager, 

returned from Savannah after attending 

the opening of a new drive-in. 

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104S Broadway 5-5055 Albany, N. Y. 

Edwin Prewitt of the American Desk Co.. 

Dallas, visited his brother Roy Prewitt here 

Hobbs. Monogram branch manager, 

returned from a company sales meeting 

in New York . . . William Richardson. Astor 

Pictures president, left for Jacksonville. Fla. 

. . . E. E. Whitaker and Tommy Read of 

Georgia Theatres returned from New York 

.... Isadore M. Rappaport, Baltimore theatreman, 

was here briefly en route to Florida. 

St. Louis . . . 

Smiley Burnette, film comedian, was a visitor 

on Filmrow . Jones. Atlanta Constitution 

amusements editor, returned from 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Weis, 

owners of theatres in Savannah and Macon, 

Ga.. returned home after visiting here . . . 

Charles E. Nolte. partner in the Frank Durkee 

Enterprises in Maryland, was a patient in a 

hospital following a heart attack at Hialeah 

Park. Fla. 

Among theatremen on Filmrow booking and 

buying were R. M. Kennedy. Birmingham, and 

John Radney. Bama. Alexander City, Ala.: 

P. L. Taylor, Bishop, Columbus; Sidney Laird. 

West Point. West Point; Ebb Duncan, Duncan 

& Sampler Theatres, Carrollton. and 

J. H. Thompson. Martin & Thompson Theatres. 

Hawkinsville, Ga. . . . O. S. Barnett. 

Monogram office manager, was host to employes 

at a luncheon at the Henry Grady 

hotel. 

Increase Capital Stock 

DARLINGTON. S. C—Stockholders of the 

Darlington Theatres, Inc., met here recently 

to increase the common capital stock of the 

corporation to 2.000 shares at $50 par. Stockholders 

also were to provide for issuance of 

1.000 shares of preferred stock at $50 par and 

to provide for the dividend rate and voting 

privileges of preferred stockholders. 

Terry Moore will play the feminine starring 

role opposite Victor Mature and William Bendix 

in the RKO film. "Alias Mike Fury." 

— 

'Samson' Still Leads 

Trade in Atlanta 

ATLANTA—Trade at first runs here in 

general continued at a steady pace. "Samson 

and Delilah." in a third stanza at advanced 

prices at the Paramount, still paced downtown 

houses. "Beyond the Forest" at the 

Fox chalked up 125 per cent as the best ot 

the newcomers. 


Fox—Beyond the Forest (WB) 125 

Loew's Mrs. Mike (UA) 

Paramount—Samson and Delilah (Para), 

Wi 

advoTlced prices, 3rd wk 140 

_ 

Rhodes— lolson Sings Again (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 115 

Roxy—Sands of Iwo lima (Rep), 3rd d. t, wk 110 

Tom Dorsey Packs House 

At Florida in Sarasota 

SARASOTA, FLA. — The Florida Theatre 

had Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra on 

stage for four shows. The house was packed 

for all shows. At the beginning of the third 

show Tommy looked over the crowd and 

recognized several rows of junior jive addicts 

who had been present for the first two shows. 

"Say you kids," said he. "you've been down 

there for seven hours. You must be hungry." 

With this he ordered a tray of sandwiches 

and cookies for the youngsters. The kids kept 

the cookies and later had the band leader 

autograph them. 

Airline Drive-In Opened 

On Old Race Track Site 

NEW ORLEANS—The new Airline 

Drivein. 

built on the site of the old Sportsman's 

park race track, opened recently with "Fighting 

Man of the Plains." The drive-in has a 

capacity of 900 cars, has a screen measuring 

70x70 feet, and features in-car speakers. Tiled 

restrooms and a refreshment stand done in 

knotty pine also are features. A 20-year lease 

was made on the 25-acre tract for the new 

theatre. The Airline is operated by the owners 

of the Drive-In Movies at 4000 Jefferson 

highway. 

Yo-Yo Contests Are Staged 

ORLANDO—The first of three weekly yoyo 

contests was staged at 9 a. m. on Saturday 

morning at the Beacham Theatre here. 

The regular kids matinee was held immediately 

afterward. Winners of tournaments 

which are held in several neighborhoods during 

the week appear at the Saturday show 

and finalists in the Saturday contests will reappear 

the final Saturday to compete for a 

new streamlined bicycle. 

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Fire Destroys Theatre 

ARDEN. N. C.—Fire of undetermined origin 

recently destroyed the Princess Theatre building 

in the heart of the local business district. 

There was no estimate of damage. The theatre 

had not been operated for the last three 

years. 

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. . . John 

. . 

Slrand Is Remodeled JACKSONVILLE Flexer Will Promote 

At Hot Springs, Ark. 

HOT SPRINGS, ARK.—A $23,000 remodeling 

job has been completed on the Strand 

Theatre. Joe Howe, Strand manager, said the 

final improvement in the year-long renovation 

job was the redesigning of the lobby. 

Entrance to the theatre was redone in pink 

mirrors, with cold-cathode lighting under the 

marquee. The theatre front is faced in porcelain 

enamel, and a 22-foot triangular neon 

marquee, representing a large part of the total 

expenditure, has been installed. Other new 

features are the candy and popcorn counter, 

natural birchwood soda fountain and revamped 

restrooms. 

Ai-chitects for the project were Glnoechio 

& Cromwell, Little Rock, and Gilford Harrison 

was contractor. 

Wife of Eric Johnston 

Leader in AAUW Group 

MIAMI—Mrs. Eric Johnston accompanied 

her husband here recently for a brief visit 

in Miami Beach. Renewing acquaintances 

with two former Smith college classmates 

resulted in an interview written by one of 

them, Connie Gee, of the News. 

Mi's. Johnston is an officer of the American 

Ass'n of University Women and heads the 

four northwestern states—Washington, Oregon, 

Montana and Idaho, as well as Alaska. 

She goes in April to each of the state meetings. 

Mrs. Johnston was wearing a silver charm 

bracelet, recently presented to her in Honolulu, 

each charm representing an island in 

the Hawaiian chain. The Johnstons flew to 

Honolulu not long ago to attend the inauguration 

of the first stratocruisers of United Airlines. 

Johnston is a member of the board. 

She accompanies her husband on many long 

trips, and spent two months last fall with 

him and their daughter Harriett in Europe. 

The Temple Theatre stage was the setting 

of "Holiday Escapades," a stage show made 

up of local talent. The show was sponsored 

by the Elks club and all proceeds went for 

benefit of crippled children . . . "Pinky" wa.-; 

billed for the Arcade and has been booked 

for the Ritz, a Negro house. 

"Holiday Inn" has been making the rounds. 

It is currently billed at the Five Points. On 

the same bill is "Ichabod and Mr. Toad" . 

"Battleground" was held over at the Florida 

Payne made a one-day appearance 

on the stage of the Palace with Dutch Adler. 

accordionist and a former resident of Jacksonville. 

The Motion Picture council met here and 

reported on the ten outstanding motion pictures 

of the year. 

British-U.S. Concern 

MEMPHIS—David Flexer, head of Flexer 

Theatres, Inc., flew from New York to London 

last week to confer with English fiini 

executives on a proposal to form a company 

to produce films in both London and 

Hollywood. He also was to explore the possi- 

Flexer Theatres owns and operates the 

Ritz and Peabody in Memphis and a chain 

of theatres in Mississippi and Tennessee. 

Flexer expects to be gone about a month. 

Benefit for Sight Saving 

ONEONTA, ALA.—The Oneonta Lions club 

and Alabama Sight Conservation shared in 

the proceeds from two benefit -shows given 

pred H. Kent, owner of the Beach Theatre 

and prominent civic leader, has been appointed 

chairman of the 1950 fund campaign 

of Duval county chapter, American Red 

Cross. Kent was commended for his "wide 

acquaintance, both personal and professional, 

his splendid record of achievement in matters 

of community and civic responsibility." 

bilities of building open-air theatres in 

Prance, England and Palestine. Flexer thinks 

Palestine would be especially suitable for outdoor 

exhibition. 

by the Neely Theatre here recently. Cooperating 

in the benefit were Neely managers 

Charlie Copeland and Halley Palmore. William 

Kitay, staff writer for the Birmingham 

News, appeared on the program, along with 

Otto Horst, Birmingham florist, whose sight 

was restored with the assistance of Alabama 

Sight Conservation. 

NEW POPCORN PRICES 

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Hermetically sealed 10-lb. cans, 

5 CANS PER CASE 

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Cisco Kid Show Offered 

DOTHAN, ALA.—A free theatre party, 

tying in with the Cisco Kid radio program 

and films was held at the Ritz here. Tickets 

were distributed by Supreme ice cream dealers. 

The kids were given free pencils and 

other souvenirs. 

MANLEY BUYS THE CREAM OF THE CROP. The U. S. Department 

of Agriculture reports the average yearly production of popcorn is 

171,000,000 pounds. Manley buys only the best — with N onley corn, 

salt and seasoning your customers are bound to be pleosei . 

OhJLY MANLEY GIVES YOU THE COMPLETE PACKAGE. 

Memphis Players Marry 

MEMPHIS—Two former Memphians. who 

met when they played the roles of husband 

and wife in Memphis Little Theatre in 1936, 

have been married. Boris Alexander, college 

professor, and Virginia Moreno Sledge were 

married in Gering, Neb. 

Now at Bentonvill'e, Ark. 

BENTONVILLE, ARK.—Mr. and Mrs. Carl 

Johnson of Pine Bluff, Ark., have purchased 

the Cozy Theatre here from Mr. and Mrs. 

Ruff Prophet. 

Bonk Names John Staples 

MEMPHIS—John Staples, Carolyn and 

Franklin, Piggott, Ark., has been named a 

director of Piggott State bank. 

Smiley Bumette on Stage 

LEESBURG, FLA.—Smiley Burnette appeared 

in person at the Fain Theatre recently. 

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T ucien Champagne, formerly an aviation 

HART BEATS 

instructor, has assumed new duties as assistant 

manager of the Polk Theatre in 

Lakeland. Fla. He says 

he believes that theatre 

work offers more 

opportunity for advancement 

than any 

other field of endeavor. 

R. S. Anderson, 

manager of the 

1,900-seat Polk, was 

busy with exploitation 

for Ted Weems and 

his orchestra, slated 

to play at the house 

February 19. Anderson 

Harry Hart 

says personal appearances 

and stage shows are coming back 

strong, as proved by boxoffice receipts. 

The Murrell Amusement Co., Lakeland, is 

building a $100,000 drive-in near there. It is 

located on a ten-acre tract and it will accommodate 

400 cars. Construction is expected 

It's 

New! 

It's 

Beautiful! 

It's 

Comfortable! 

It's 

Economical' 

to be completed about March 1. Clyde W. 

Murrell and his wife, who will own and 

operate the drive-in, are planning extensive 

landscaping. A steel and concrete block screen 

tower will support a 39x53-foot screen. The 

front will be of neon-lighted glass blocks. 

Fried chicken and shrimp dinners will be 

served at the concession stand. 

Mrs. J. L. Raulerson of Lakeland was telling 

me about the new Harlem Theatre opened 

last November at Bartow, Fla. 

in the future. 

B. B. Garner, president of Talgar, says thifl 

the third drive-in opened by his company 

is 

and that the Vero Beach Drive-In will bP 

opened about Valentine's day, making fouidrive-ins 

operated by Talgar. He says he and 

his associates also plan several more ozoners: 

and will have some in operation by summer. 

Bolivar Hyde is general manager for thd 

circuit. 

J. R. Vickers, formerly of Clearwater, ha.'i 

been transferred to manage the drive-in at 

Fort Pierce for Talgar Theatres circuit. A 

new attraction board has been added at the 

ozoner and the concession stand has been 

remodeled and painted. 

Jack Fitzwater, city manager for Florida 

Theatres at West Palm Beach, said the Paramount 

in Palm Beach was the first of thR 

theatres in the state to show "Samson and 

Delilah." 

Stephen Barber, former manager of th(! 

At Plant City, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Charles 

R. Hanson, who opened the Plant City Drive- 

In between Plant City and Dover, Fla., January 

24. It is a 500-car situation and it has Colony in Fort Lauderdale has been named 

a 44x44-foot screen. They said many patrons manager of the Florida in Palm Beach. 

had complimented them on the clarity of Florida Theatres did a fine job at the opening 

pictures shown at the new drive-in. The concession 

of the new Florida Theatre in West Palm 

stand affords protection from rain Beach, proceeds from which were turned over 

and yet it permits full view of the screen to the Empty Stocking fund. 

from any point. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson live Stopped at the Floridale Co., Inc., operator 

in a trailer on the grounds. 

C. L. King of the Capitol Theatre in Plant 

of the Fort Lauderdale Drive-In, and found 

W. W. Schmidt and P. C. Matthews from Dayton, 

City says he is looking forward to the strawberry 

Ohio, will manage the 500-car theatre. 

festival, since the crop is fine and The drive-in has a concession wagon which 

the berries are bringing good prices. 

serves patrons by means of a light on the 

The Fun Land Drive-In was opened January 

speaker post. Extensive landscaping has been 

10 at Tampa, Fla., by P. J. Sones and done at the drive-in with 150 Melaleuca trees 

S. T. Wilson, who also operate the Dale planted. 

Mabry there. The 650-car open air theatre This drive-in boasts the first installation 

has a large concession stand. I found Sones of Autocrat speakers, made in Dayton. The 

at Haines City where he makes his home. screen tower is constructed of steel and wood. 

When he is ready to go to Tampa, he flies The wood was selected heart wood, picked 

his own plane. The Dale Mabry Theatre out by the contractor before cutting, then 

has its own landing field, built so that a cut and treated for fire resistance. The tower 

patron may land his plane and taxi up to the 

ramps for connection of a speaker. Sones 

said that he expected much fly-in business 

After having reopened for the orange season, 

the Scenic Theatre at Lake Wales, Fla., 

has been closed. Most of the oranges grown 

are being processed into frozen concentrate. 

Employment has dropped to the point that 

operation of the theatre could not be continued, 

according to Bolivar Hyde of Talgar 

Theatres. 

J. S. Adams, manager of the Florida Theatre 

at Haines City, was playing "The Great 

Lover" when I called on him. He said that 

business was off because of unemployment 

in the citrus industry. 

Spring Edge Seats .. Face Padded Backs 

Cast Iron Standards .. Ball Bearing Hinges 

for complete inlormation write: 

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Theatre Seating Division 

P. 0. Box 630 HICKORY, N. C. 

DeVry Drive-In Equipment 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT CD. 

22D 5. POPLAR GT. CHARLOTTE. N. C. 

Edward McClosky, who bought the Dania 

Drive-In, Dania, Fla., from the late E. E. 

Doefler, is remodeling the drive-in. Free 

suckers and chewing gum is given to children 

every night and two bicycles are given every 

month with a grand prize of a refrigerator 

once a month. Since completion of a new 

concession stand, chicken and shrimp are on 

the menu. 

The new Outdoor Theatre which opened 

recently at Winter Haven, Fla., will be available 

to boat patrons as well as auto patrons 

Talgar Theatres, owner of the Outdoor, is 

installing speakers on the edge of a lake al. 

the drive-in for boat owners from the 

chain of lakes that connect Lake Hartridgo 

on which the theatre is located with ten. 

other lakes. Vernon Carter will manage thf 

Outdoor under supervision of Frank Sparrow, 

city manager for Talgar. 

VARIETY CLUB COMMITTEE — A 

committee from Memphis Variety Tent 

20, which will promote the School Days 

revue at Ellis auditorium April 13, 13, Is 

shown above. Left to right In front row 

are Ed Williamson, chief barker; Mrs. 

Jack Goldsmith, wife of a department 

store executive; Ben Bluesteln, chairman 

of Variety's entertainment committee and 

producer of the show. In the back row: 

R. L. Bostlck, National Theatre Supply 

manager and general ticket chairman; 

George Overton and BUI Sawyer, cochairman 

of ticket sales. The review, 

featuring talented students, will be the 

second one staged by the Press-Sclmitar 

and Variety Club to raise funds for the 

milk fund and the mothers milk bank. 

102 

BOXOFFICE 


. -NOWi 

will stand up before 150-mile-an-hour winds 

and went through last fall's hurricanes undamaged. 

The screen is of Transite. 

At the Hallandale Drive-In, Hallandale, 

Fla., Manager Walter Colby gives away six 

$25 prizes every four weeks and a grand prize 

of a washing machine— five baskets of food 

are given away every Fi'iday night. E. E. 

Branscome of the North Miami Theatre and 

the Coral Way Auto Theatre, was complaining 

about theatre admissions taxes when I 

called upon him. He also said that the Coral 

Way has room for 360 cars besides walk-in 

seats. 

get cards printed and addressed to legislators, 

already stamped, pleading for elimination of 

the tax, and have patrons sign them and the 

theatre mail them. 

Grimaldi will leave the Normandy late this 

month to go to White Plains, N. Y., where he 

will manage the Star De Luxe Drive-In. 

Teddy Godtree will replace him at the Normandy. 

Found George Wilby on the site of the new 

27th Avenue DriVe-In, which he and Harry 

Densten are building at Miami Beach. The 

screen tower is about half finished and contains 

23 tons of steel. The airer will be paved 

and have a two-lane entrance measuring 

40x400 feet to get traffic off the street. Wilby 

was associated with DLxie Drive-ins for some 

time. The screen tower at the 27th Avenue 

will be 61x60 feet and the tower foundation 

has 90 yards of concrete in it. 

Manager Stan Neivert at the Little River 

Drive-In on N.E. 79th street has installed a 

new Cycloramic screen. Bernstein circuit 

owns the drive-in. Neivert told me about the 

exploitation stunts he and the Dixie Theatre 

put on for the simultaneous showing of "Not 

Wanted" and "Lost Boundaries." 

N. N. Bernstein, former attorney for Warner 

Bros., was in his office at the Dixie and 

told me the new Le Jeune Auto Park Theatre 

which the circuit is building on Le Jeune road 

at 42nd avenue and 12th street in Miami. 

This is the first drive-in in the city Umits 

and the city is using its construction as basis 

for a future construction code for drive-ins. 

The ozoner has a screen tower of steel and 

concrete built to withstand winds of 300 

miles an hour. It will have a stage lift above 

the ground and measuring 35 feet acro.ss the 

screen. 

The airer is being built in one of the busiest 

Tuxedo-Clad Newsboy 

Is Manager Ed May 

Miami—A lady, justly proud of Miami 

Beach, was conducting: a group of out-oftown 

friends around seeing the sights. 

As they passed the front of Wometco's 

Lincoln Theatre, the lady stopped and 

pointed to the box from which the bulldog 

edition of the Miami Herald was being 

sold. 

"This," she pointed out to her friends, 

"is the only city and the only location In 

the world where the newshawk wears a 

tuxedo." 

Jack Hegarty of the Normandy. Miami The group of out-of-towners viewed the 

Beach, was getting ready to celebrate the elcgantl.v clad newshawk in respectful 

second anniversary of that theatre's opening attention, the "newsboy" never giving 

February 24. Among features of the Normandy 

away the fact that he was Ed May, man- 

which Hegarty and Manager Alfred ager of the Lincoln, who was relaxing 

Grimaldi showed me was a smoking room with a cigaret and tending papers for the 

which accommodates 140 patrons who can newsie who was absent on a. brief errand. 

watch the show and smoke. There also is a 

television lounge where free coffee is served 

every night. 

and most thickly populated areas of Miami 

They also have a unique plan to bring in and will handle 1,000 cars. It is expected to 

students over 12 years old, with a special price open about March 15. Concessions have been 

plan for high school children. Upon gi-aduation 

from high school students who continue ing will be used at the drive-in since Aus- 

leased to the Gulf Coast Candy Co. No fenc- 

to college can get the special price extended tralian Pine will enclose and landscape the 

for the duration of their schooling. This plan drive-in. The company also is negotiating 

has increased teen-age attendance at the with a washing machine concern to install 

theatre. 

Hegarty also was urging other theatremen 

automatic washers so that the family washing 

may be done while patrons attend the show. 

to do something constructive about getting The airer will be paved and will feature 

admissions taxes reduced or abolished. He road shows, stage and band entertainment as 

says many patrons are asking when the tax well as films. It will be under the direct 

will be removed. He suggests that theatremen management of Bob Bernstein, who commutes 

between his home in Miami and his main 

office in Hammond, Ind. 

Irving Mandell, who holds the Monogram 

franchise for Indiana and Wisconsin, married 

recently and is honeymooning at his winter 

home in Miami Beach. 

Bob Clymans celebrated a birthday. He 

manages the Dixie Theatre in Miami. 

Manager James W. Taylor reported a cry 

room accommodating 12 mothers and their 

babies and a new Walker plastic screen has 

been added to the Euclid Theatre at Little 

Five Points. Taylor related he picked up 

enough scarfs, caps and miscellaneous items 

following his big holiday kiddy show to start 

a clothing store. Even,' child was given candy, 

etc., to the value of 60 cents. 

Charles Lang has been set to script "Tall 

Timber" for Monogram. 

Magic 

John Caffey Elected 

Drive-In Ass'n Head 

CHARLOTTE—John W. Caffey of Greensboro 

was elected president of the Carolinas 

Drive-In Ass'n at a meeting held here Sunday 

(5), succeeding Robert O. Jeffress of 

Charlotte, who has held the position since 

the founding of the organization. 

Erwin Rourk of Wrightsville Beach was reelected 

vice-president for North Carolina and 

A. J. Biggart of Lancaster, vice-president for 

South Carolina. Mrs. Hazel Graves of Charlotte 

was named secretary-treasurer. 

Directors chosen at the meeting were Jeffress, 

Hugh Sykes, C. B. Hayworth, Biggart, 

Rourk and Harold McNally. 

The meeting, held in the Ship Ahoy restaurant, 

opened at 2 p. m. and was called to 

order by Rourk in the absence of Jeffress, 

whose mother died the preceding Friday. John 

Newitt, attorney for the association, presided. 

Bates Harvey, president of the Theatre 

Owners of North and South Carolina, attended 

and invited members of the drive-in group 

to join his organization. Newitt spoke on cooperation 

and unity, and Robert E. Bryant of 

TOA discus.sed taxation and legislation. After 

adjournment those in attendance were given 

a cocktail party by Bob Pinson at Astor Pictures. 

Irving Berlin Vacations; 

Prepares New Stage Show 

BOCA RATON—Irving Berlin is vacationing 

at Boca Raton while preparing songs for 

a new Howard Lindsey and Ru.ssel Crouse 

production for Ethel Merman, to be named 

"Call Me Madam." He says that the show 

should be ready for rehearsal by summer and 

should open in the fall. 

Berlin has not only been a frequent visitor 

to Florida but was one of its earliest boosters 

and developers. He was a heavy investor in 

property in Boca Raton and in nearby Palm 

Beach. One of his earlier ventures was the 

development of a 100-room hotel, the Cloisters, 

which has expanded into an 800-room Boca 

Raton club. 

NO PERFORATIONS: 20% More Light and Better Vision 

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Custom Screen 

'Potent opplied for 

Mary Zimmerman Rites 

CHARLOTTE—Funeral services were held 

this week for Mrs. Mary Brame Zimmerman, 

70, mother of Robert O. Jeffress, operator of 

the Fort Rock Theatre near Rock Hill and 

a former president of the Drive-In Theatre 

Owners Ass'n. 

Installed 

PRINCE THEATRE 

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714 N. E, First Avenue Miami, Florido 

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103

. . Bailey 

. . The 

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MEMPHIS 

pioods in Arkansas caused temporary closings 

of two theatres. Mr. and Mi-s. Clyde 

Rice, owners, were in town with the news 

that high waters had forced the closing of 

Success Theatre at Success, Ark. Mrs. H..L. 

Love. Jonesboro, reported that she had closed 

the Egypt Theatre at Egypt, Ai-k., because of 

the high water. Film Ti-ansit, Inc., reported 

that all of its trucks were getting through 

to the towns they serve on Arkansas routes. 

but some were making detours where highways 

were flooded. 

Nelson Towler, Eagle Lion manager, was in 

Little Rock on business . . . Forrest Dunlap. 

well-known theatreman in Dallas, and his 

son Harlan Dunlap. formerly of Memphis, 

were on Filmrow on business for the Griggs 

Equipment Co. . . . Bobby Hunter. 7-year-old 

grandson of P. M. Glisson, 20th-Fox office 

manager, underwent an operation after an 

accident in which he sustained an eye injury 

. . . N. B. Blount, manager at Monarch Theatre 

Supply Co.. returned from Nashville and 

left on a business trip to Tulsa for his company. 

. 

Harry N. Paul, RCA, Atlanta, was a visitor 

at Monarch Prichard, Columbia 

branch manager, returned from a company 

sales meeting in New York . C. Kaufman, 

New York Columbia home office, was a 

Edward O. 

visitor at the branch here . . . 

Cullins, Memphis, president of Allied's Midsouth 

unit; John Mohrstadt, Hayti, Mo., national 

director, and Arthur Rush, Houston, 

Miss., manager of the Midsouth group, attended 

the national Allied board meeting 

February 9, 10 in Washington. 

Robert H. Justice, office manager for the 

Rent-a-Movie Corp., Memphis, was re-elected 

national vice-president of the 75th Division 

Veterans Ass'n . Cozy Theatre, Ben- 

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TRI-STATE THEATRE SUPPLY 

320 So. Second. Memphis, Tenn. 

MONARCH 

THEATRE SUPPLY. Inc. 

492 So. Se 

Memphis. 

tonville. Ark., has been sold by Mrs. Rufe 

Prophet to Carl Johnson. The new owner will 

book and buy in Memphis . from 

Mississippi included Jeff Adams, Tate, Coldwater; 

J. W. Wofford, Eupora, Eupora; Leon 

Roundtree, Grand, Water Valley; Mrs. Allen 

H. Gibbs, Dixie. Itta Bena. and A. N. Rossi, 

Roxy, Clarksdale. 

. . . January in 

The Malco Theatre, presenting its third try 

at vaudeville here, led first run trade with 

six acts and "Abandoned" 

Memphis had more rainy days than any other 

month in the city's history—27. February 

started off with several rainy days. Theatre 

attendance generally fell off. First runs and 

neighborhoods reported that effects of the 

weather were felt at the boxoffice every day. 

Some improvement was reported later and 

first run managers were optimistic. The 

Strand was packing its house with "Thelma 

Jordon." Loew's Palace showed "Malaya" to 

larger audiences. Loew's State ran "Bagdad" 

and improved business. Warner had "Backfire" 

and a little better business. 

Earl L. Hawkins jr., former field representative 

for Columbia Artists Management, New 

York, has taken over his new duties here as 

manager of Young Artists Concerts . . . 

Whyte Bedford of the Marion, Hamilton, Ala., 

was in town . . . Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar, 

Tenn., and Harry Shaw, Webb, Ripley. Tenn., 

were booking on Filmrow. 

Exhibitors from Arkansas included K. H. 

Kinney, Hays, Hughes; J. T. James, James, 

Cotton Plant; Gordon Hutohins, State, Corning; 

L. F. Haven jr.. Imperial, Forrest City; 

G. W. Jones. Busby-Jones circuit. Little Rock; 

Mrs. Raymond Cleveland. New, Peach 

Orchard; Gene Higginbotham, Melody, Leachville; 

R. J. Litchy, Rex, Fort Smith, and 

Moses Sliman, Lux at Luxora and Murr at 

Osceola. 

CHARLOTTE 

f^harlotte Filmrow turned in $1,510.32 in its 

collection for the March of Dimes, according 

to Mi-s. Walter S. Stellings, campaign 

chairman. She said that Scott Lett, Screen 

Guild manager, and Bill Harward of Theatre 

Booking Service were especially active in the 

campaign. Harward raised $130 in his drive 

at Theatre Booking where he is employed. 

Everett Olsen, Paramount ad man, returned 

after accompanying John Payne and Wendell 

Corey on tours through the south . . . Scott 

Lett returned to his SG office after a trip 

to Memphis . Imperial Theatre here 

ended a two-week show'ing of "Battleground." 

then opened the following day with a twoweek 

run of "Samson and Delilah." The Imperial 

is the first Carolina theatre to play 

the DeMille epic. 

Gil Warren will do the narration for the 

Technicolor cartoon, "You Auto Be in Pictures," 

a Metro film. 


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— 

Wolfson Cites Peril 

In High Miami Tax 

MIAMI—Mitchell Wolfson, co-owner of 

Wometco Theatres, called for a tax cut and 

off-street parking in downtown Miami to 

correct what he termed a "very serious situation." 

He expressed "serious alarm" in a letter 

which he addressed to city and county 

tax assessors "with the hope that the gravity 

of the situation will bring about prompt action 

and relief." 

Official reaction was mixed. Nobody offered 

to initiate the requested "prompt action" 

but some officials did agree the overall downtown 

problems require scrutiny. 

In his two-play complaint the theatre chain 

owner and former mayor of Miami Beagh 

wrote; "Taxes have increased in this section 

(downtown) to a degree which approaches 

definite danger of destroying reasonable appraisal 

in order to prevent this realty from 

eventually having a serious economic slide." 

Wolfson said Wometco's downtown business 

dropped 27 per cent in 1949 and that 1948 

was "considerably below" 1947. He added that 

a "similar condition very probably exists in 

other downtown businesses." 

"Please understand," he stressed, "that I 

am not asking for tax relief for theatres 

only, nor for the greater number of our theatres 

which lie outside the downtown district." 

Besides a "substantial reduction in assessments," 

Wolfson called for an improvement 

in traffic. He said this means, "in essence," 

provision of "reasonably priced, convenient 

off-street parking." 

"Unless this is accomplished promptly, the 

deterioration of Miami's central business district 

will be even more serious, and rapid," 

Wolfson wrote. 

County Tax Assessor J. N. Lummus jr., 

conceded that "there's no doubt about taxes 

being high . ought to do something 

about it because if they get too high, it will 

injure property values." He then cited reasons 

why taxes were at their present rate. Lummus 

contended it is not his assessments which 

control tax bills but county expenses which 

regulate the millage rate that is applied on 

the assessments. 

Louie Bandel was the only commissioner 

who commented on the situation. He said he 

had received Wolfson's letter and had replied, 

inviting Wolfson to a personal conference to 

discuss the downtown state of affairs. "This 

is a problem that is most pressing for the 

city." said Bandel. "It should be gone into 

thoroughly and we should seek any expert 

advice we can get on how to meet it." 

Another invitation for personal discussion 

went out from County Commissioner Je.sse 

Yarborough, chairman of the county commission's 

planning, zoning and building committee. 

He promised Wolfson that the county 

commission will do "everything possible to 

keep the tax situation in Dade county on an 

even keel . . . We can't, however, solve the 

problems of the municipality." 

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MIAMI 

grandt's Roosevelt cashed in on the recent 

visit of Denise Darcel, who made three 

personal appearances there. Denise has the 

only feminine role in "Battleground," now in 

its seventh week at the Roo.sevelt . . . Paramount's 

Florida and Sheridan offered a second 

week of "Samson and Delilah." in a special 

extended engagement at slightly advanced 

prices . . . "La Traviata" was playing 

a return engagement at Wometco's Mayfair 

Art Theatre . Plaza is publicizing the 

all-Yiddish stage prpsentation of "God, Man 

and the Devil," on a reserved seat basis at 

a top of $3. 

The Variety Club went on a two-show 

schedule Saturday nights—first at 10, second 

Amid all the peak-of-the-season 

at 12 . . . 

fanfare of personal appearances and topflight 

pictures, including premieres, the circuits' and 

tlie independents' children's Saturday shows 

are not neglected. In fact, more importance 

than ever seems to be concentrated on them. 

Joseph Schenck and Irving Berlin were 

among guests of theatre owner Myer Schine 

at a recent dinner party . Ralph Talbots 

(he's director of the Last Frontier Corp. 

theatre chain) have been vacationing at Boca 

Raton. 

"Sands of Iwo Jima," after playing to more 

than 40,000 at the Paramount and Beach, has 

moved to the Colony for an extended run. 

J. H. Smith Named Manager 

LAFAYETTE, ALA.—New manager of the 

Martin Theatre here is J. H. Smith. He succeeds 

Charlie Griffin, who is on leave of 

absence. Smith, who is married and has two 

children, comes here from the Martin Theatre 

at Bremen, Ga. 

St. Augustine Beach Opens 

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA.—The new 350-car 

Beach Drive-In opened here Friday (10) for 

Ray S. Ettel and Edward Douglas. The ozoner 

has room for expansion to 550 cars at a later 

date. 

Albert E. Kemp Dead 

ATLANTA—Albert E. Kemp, president of 

projectionists Local 225, and brother of William 

Kemp, business agent, died recently after 

a long illness. 

Conyers Ozoner Started 

CONYERS. GA.—Hub Drive-In Theatres, 

Inc.. is building the new Hub Drive-In on the 

Mansfield highway here. It is scheduled for 

completion by early spring. 

Hearing on Drive-In Plan 

MEMPHIS—Application of Kenrmons Wilson 

for a permit to build a $100,000 drive-in 

on Highway 51 South near here was heard 

by tlie city board of adjustment. 

Prescotf Theatres to Build 

PRESCOTT. ARK —Pi-escott Theatres Co.. 

owner of the Gem and Nevada theatres, plans 

to erect a theatre building here. No date has 

been set for the beginning of construction. 

Joe Gotten Receives 

Big Miami Welcome 

MIAMI — Sonny Shepherd's arrangements 

for meeting Joseph Cotten's train and welcoming 

him back to his old hometown included 

even a band. Cotten made a personal 

appearance at the Miami. Miracle and Lincoln 

theatres when his picture. "The Third 

Man." premiered here Thur.sday (9). Cotten. 

formerly with the Miami Herald as classified 

ad man. received the key to the city from 

Mayor Wolfarth. There was a parade down 

Flagler street. Signs along the way said 

"Hello. Joe" and "Welcome Home." Flowers 

were presented to Mrs. Cotten by former 

friends who worked with her in the civic 

theatre. Police had to hold back the station 

crowd. An estimated 2,000 persons lined the 

streets. 

A press conference was held at Cotten's 

hotel soon after his arrival. Many parties 

haê been planned in honor of this popular 

couple. Mr. and Mrs. Cotten's many friends 

here have really ganged up to give them the 

greatest welcome possible. 

Open Brookville Airer 

BROOKVILLE, FLA.—Frank Saxon, operator 

of the new 41 Drive-In south of town, 

held a grand opening at the ozoner recently 

featuring the film, "Mickey." As an added 

attraction, Saxon gave free ice cream to all 

children at the Saturday night show. 

Newcomer in 

Principal Role 

Newcomer Glenn Corbett has been signed 

for a principal role in the Thor production, 

"The Challenge." 

NOISELESS 

POPCORN BAGS 

No rustle, no crackle, no pop. 

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

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

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

now available. Prices are in case lots 

ol 4.000. Smaller lots 20c per 1.000 more. 

KERNEL PRUNTY SAYS: 

Ask for my latest pricelist of Rush Hour. 

Silver HuUess and Golden Hulless Popcorn. 

Also list of 7 kinds popcorn cartons 

and 26 kinds of popcorn bags. Star 

Popcorn Machines—Peanut Roasters 

Food Serving Equipment. 

PRUNTY SEED & GRAIN 

CO. 

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

—In our 7Gth year - Popcorn Processors 

AMERICAN DESK 

MANUFACTURING COMPANY 

Manuiaclurers oi Theatre Sealing 

Mr. W. A. Prewitt. Jr., 223 South Liberty St. 

La. Ph: TULone 1101 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11. 1950 105

Big Variety Benefit 

To Miami Olympia 

MIAMI—To meet the demand for seats, 

which always has exceeded the capacity of 

Paramount's Beach Theatre in previous years, 

the Variety Club will stage its all-star show 

for the benefit of the children's hospital at 

the Olympia, February 21. Mitchell Wolfson, 

chairman of the Variety project, pointed out 

that 600 more seats will be made available 

by this change. 

By agreement between Variety and AGVA, 

aU stars of stage, screen, radio and television 

who will appear at this benefit will 

donate their services, as will the musicians, 

technicians and Variety members who will 

produce and manage the show. The entire 

prcoeeds will be earmarked for the deficit 

operation costs of the new hospital which the 

club will maintain w-hen it opens in March. 

Tickets are sold by donation only, and the 

Olympia will be scaled to offer a wide price 

range. An innovation will be the change in 

time from midnight to 8:15. 

Miami Mayor William M. Wolfarth purchased 

the first tickets from Vivian Blaine, 

one of a score of stars who has appeared in 

previous club presentations. 

Madison, Tenn., Theatre 

Loses $300 to Thieves 

MADISON, TENN.—The Madison Theatre 

lost $300 or more to burglars who took a 

total of $1,450 cash from four business firms 

here. 

L. S. Lawrence, manager of the Crescent 

Amusement Co. theatre, was puzzled as to 

how the thieves entered the house. He said 

that none of the windows or doors was damaged 

and all had been locked at closing time. 

The 1,000-pound safe was moved from the 

manager's inner office to the stairway leading 

into the theatre lobby, a distance of 

about 30 feet. 

Start Midweek Matinees 

AMORY, MISS. — Tuesday and Thursday 

matinees have been started on a trial basis 

here by the Varsity Theatre. The management 

has announced that matinees will be 

continued as long as patronage warrants. 

Matinees were held here for several years, 

but were discontinued because of lack of 

patronage. 

Newsreel Made at Mihon 

MILTON, FLA.—Herman Thermond, ace 

new,sreel artist of Royal Productions, Inc., 

was here recently producing a motion picture 

of various civic, fraternal and business 

organizations. News shots also were taken 

of many business establishments. The film 

will be processed and returned for showing 

at the Milton Theatre. 

Build Lancaster Airer 

LANCASTER, S. C—Jack Biggart of Motor- 

In Theatres, Inc., is building a new drive -in 

here on Great Falls Highway 93 about 2'j 

miles from town. The ozoner will have a 

capacity of 250 cars. Biggart also operatts 

another drive-in here and one at Concord. 

N. C. 

FREE TICKETS FOR STRIKERS— 

With an eye to future business, Manager 

Charlie Walker of the Gary Theatre in 

Fairfield, Ala., offered free admission to 

steel workers during the recent six-week 

strike. The tickets were distributed 

through local unions and the stunt won 

wide goodwill as well as national recognition 

from CIO headquarters. Miss 

Jacqueline Mize is shown with Walker in 

the above picture. 

New Thomson, Ga., House 

Will Seat 1,081 Persons 

THOMSON, GA.—Standard Construction 

Co. of Columbus has started erection of the 

new Martin Theatre builcjing here with E. E. 

Sims supervising the work. The new theatre 

will front on Main street, with the 

lobby extending through the old Chamber of 

Commerce building. 

Total seating capacity will be 1,081, with 

812 seats in the auditorium and 269 in the 

balcony. Three offices will be built upstairs 

as well as four restrooms. Front of the 

theatre will be finished in Tennessee crab 

orchard stone. Sims estimates work will be 

completed some time in May. 

Muscle Shoals Patrons 

Give $2,553 for Drive 

FLORENCE, ALA.—Muscle Shoals Theatres 

patrons contributed $2,553.41 to the March 

of Dimes. The collection by theatres: 

Shoals, $865.52; Pi-incess, $337.57; Majestic, 

$128.26; Colbert, $444.05; Strand, $257.44; Ritz, 

$157.53; Ritz, Athens, $259.81, and Plaza, 

Athens, $97.23. 

Donate Theatres to Drive 

MANILA, ARK.—C. W. Tipton and E. C. 

Fleeman, owners of the two local theatres, 

donated their houses and services for benefit 

shows from which proceeds were donated to 

the March of Dimes. Admissions were $1 per 

person and tickets w-ere sold in advance by 

Lions club members and school children. 

Ralph Simons Plans Drive-In 

THOMSON, GA.—Ralph J. Simons of 114 

White Oak street here plans to build a drivein 

near this city. 

Antitax Committee 

Formed at Charlotte 

CHARLOTTE — The first Carolina allindustry 

committee for taxation was organized 

here at a meeting in the 20th-Fox screening 

room. Al Duren, distributor chairman of 

the committee and manager of Paramount, 

called the meeting to order. 

H. E. Buchanan of Hendersonville was 

elected general area chairman and Duren 

was elected vice-chairman from North Carolina 

with J. B. Harvey of Clover as vicechairman 

from South Carolina. Mrs. Pauline 

Griffith, secretary of Theatre Owners Ass'n 

of North and South Carolina, was elected 

secretary. T. A. Little was named chairman 

of the finance committee, others being Jack 

Reville, MGM manager, and Robert E. Bryant. 

The committee voted to name Everett Olsen 

of Paramount as exploiteer member of the 

group and Ken Clontz, 20th-Fox projectionist, 

as labor representative. 

Those attending were Duren, Little, Bryant. 

Reville, Hal Keeter, Hal Jordan, Mrs. Griffith, 

Ben L. Strozier, Jeffress, Hugh Sykes jr., 

J. E. Holsten, Robert M. Simril, Harvey, 

Buchanan and Warren Irvin. 

Floyd Theatres Builds 

Dade City, Fla., Ozoner 

DADE CITY, FLA. — Floyd Theatres has 

started construction of a $55,000 drive-in here, 

according to Carl Floyd of Haines City, manager 

of the theatre chain. The drive-in will 

be located about two miles north of town on 

Highway 301 and will have accommodations 

for 250 cars. It is expected to be completed 

in about five weeks. It will duplicate the two 

Tampa drive-ins, the Dale Mabry and the 

new Funland. 

Ed Jenner, contractor, built both Tampa 

drive-ins and will build the local ozoner. 

Floyd Theatres, which also owns the Pasco, 

transacted a long-term lease with RosweU 

Mathis for the land on which the drive-in 

will be built. 

Special Dimes Program 

MACON, GA. — A special program at the 

Grand Theatre here formally opened the 

March of Dimes drive for local theatres. The 

program included a floor show in which instructors 

and students from the Fred Astaire 

Dance Studio participated, and an introduction 

of Sam Pierce of Macon, marine veteran 

wounded on Iwo Jima and also a victim of 

infantile paralysis. 

Second House Dark Again 

LAKE WALES, FLA. — Leslie Pendleton, 

manager of the State, has closed the Scenic 

because of "lack of business." Pendleton said 

the Scehic was reopened several weeks ago 

because it was thought the town had grown 

to the point where it could suport two theatres. 

"When and if conditions justify it, we 

will reopen it again," he said. 

Benefit Show for Dimes 

TAMPA—Owners of the Auto Park Theatre 

here donated proceeds from a benefit performance 

to the March of Dimes, paying the 

federal tax, film rental and other costs of 

the performance out of their own pockets. 

The proceeds were $106. 

106 


Odeon Plans to Build 

Theatre at Edmonton 

EDMONTON, ALTA.—Plans for construction 

of a second new downtown theatve here 

have been announced by Odeon Midwestern, 

Ltd. Famous Players Canadian already has 

begun work on a $1,000,000 downtown unit to 

seat about 1,800 patrons. 

The new Odeon, on which work will start 

this spring, will seat 1.100 patrons. It will 

be about a half-block from the Rialto, present 

Odeon downtowner, and only a few doors 

from the 1,500-seat Capitol, FPC's present 

major city outlet. 

Manager J. J. Lieberman of the Rialto said 

the new theatre would incorporate all advancements 

in theatre design. Unofficial estimates 

of building costs place the project 

in the upwards-of-$300,000 class. 

Meanwhile, Odeon is almost ready to open 

a $100,000 suburban here. This house, on 

Alberta avenue, will seat 600 and is to be 

ready by April 1. The chain also operates 

the Varscona and Roxy, suburbans here. 

Property for the new downtown project is 

owned by H. A. Friedman, managing director 

of Odeon Midwestern. The site now is occupied 

by two shoe stores and a drug store. 

Roadshow of 'Samson' Set 

At Edmonton Empress 

EDMONTON, ALTA.—Plans are well under 

way here for an advance run at roadshow 

prices of "Samson and Delilah." Manager 

E. C. Ethridge of the downtown Empress, 

where the run will be staged, says a big exploitation 

campaign has been mapped for the 

opening February 16. Prices will be 35 cents 

afternoons and $1.10 evenings for adults. 

"Samson" will be introduced at Calgary, 

and probably at Vancouver, on the same date. 

The Empress, FPC stringer here, is smaller 

than the Capitol, major Famous Players 

downtown outlet, but lately has been taking 

topflight productions after a preliminary run 

at the Capitol. Last roadshow run at the 

Empress was "Duel in the Sun" a few years 

ago. 

Holdovers Are Plentiful 

At Houses in Winnipeg 

WINNIPEG—Holdovers currently are the 

rule instead of the exception at local motion 

picture houses, with both new product and 

reissues sharing in the extended playing time. 

"Jolson Sings Again" was held by Eddie 

Newman at the Metropolitan for a second 

week. "On the Town" appears to be slated 

for a second stanza at the Capitol, according 

to Bill Novak. After two big ses.sions at 

the Garrick, "Sands of Iwo Jima" was held 

by Dave Rosemond for a third round. Tom 

Pacey held "Mrs. Mike" for a second week 

at the Odeon. "Waterloo Road" rated a 

third week at the Valour, according to 

Graham Beatty. 

Show for 200 Boys 

WINNIPEG—Bob Hurwitz threw open th(i 

doors of the Starland to about 200 youni; 

members of the Central Boys club, spon.sored 

by the local Police Athletic Ass'n recently. 

The entire gallery was turned over to the club, 

and each boy was given a bag of popcorn by 

the management. 

Score of Showmen See 

Premier on Tax Relief 

Child's Cry of Fire Causes 

Near Panic at Dartmouth 

DARTMOUTH, N. S.—It was 2:30 p. m. 

Saturday at the Dundas here and the Franklin 

& Herschorn house was well filled with 

children. Somebody lit a match in the darkened 

auditorium and yelled "Fire." 

Some of the kids near side exits opened 

them and nearly all the youngsters headed 

for them. Three usherettes, the doorman and 

Assistant Manager Langille had the lights 

turned on and prevailed on the youngsters 

to return to their seats, assuring them nothing 

was wrong in the building. 

The show was resumed and Manager Ivan 

Haley, of both the Dundas and adjoining 

Mayfair who was in the May fair at the time, 

was told of the disturbance. At the end of a 

pictvu-e,. he had the house lights turned on 

and went into the auditorium and explained 

the seriousness of shouting fire. 

Haley asked from the aisle if someone 

would tell who was responsible. Before anyone 

could reply, up stepped a boy of 11, who 

said he did it. Haley explained what could 

have happened and took the boy on the stage. 

There the child made a public apology and 

promised he would never repeat the error. 

Haley then led all the boys in the house in 

a solemn promise that they would never perform 

any such trick. 

Manitoba Board to Censor 

Pictures for Ontario 

WINNIPEG— starting March 1, pictures 

shown in the 36 theatres in northwest Ontario 

will be officially censored by the Manitoba 

censor board here. An agreement has 

been worked out by the Manitoba and Ontario 

governments which will facilitate distribution 

in western Ontario theatres from 

Winnipeg. Under the agreement, J. S. Anderson, 

chairman of the Manitoba censor board, 

kecomes a member of the Ontario board. 

The actual censoring of the pictures will be 

done by the Manitoba censor board on the 

same basis as pictures censored to meet Manitoba 

standards. If the Manitoba board rejects 

a complete picture, and the same picture 

is passed by the Ontario board in Toronto, 

the picture will be released for distribution 

in western Ontario houses. In addition 

to Anderson, members of the Manitoba 

censor board are M. B. Newton, alternate 

chairman, Mrs. D. L. McLeod and Mrs. Norman 

Young. 

Ontario Censors Grade 

Seven Adult Only Films 

TORONTO—Seven productions were classified 

as adult entertainment in January, according 

to the monthly report of the Ontario 

Board of Censors. The list was a little 

longer than in previous months. 

One of the graded films was "Farewell to 

Arms." a reissue. The others were "Forbidden," 

"Give Us This Day." "Night Beat," 

"Undertow." "East Side. West Side" and 

"Facts of Love." 

TORONTO—A delegation of 20 members of 

the motion picture industry in Ontario, including 

ten independent exhibitors, called on 

Premier Leslie M. Frost of the provincial 

government Monday (6) with a formal request 

for amusement tax reductions or repeal. 

The recommendations were submitted in 

connection with proposed amendments to the 

hospital tax act at the .se.s.sion of the legislature 

scheduled to open February 16. The 

deputation urged a cut of 50 per cent in the 

tax on tickets of 25 cents and higher and the 

abolishment of the levy on low-priced admissions. 

Prior to the interview, delegates, coming 

from all parts of Ontario, met at the King 

Edward hotel here for a luncheon at which 

details of the demand were concluded. 

The deputation consisted of A. B. Adams. 

Lyceum. Wingham; Gurston Allen, chairman, 

motion picture section, Toronto Board 

of Trade; R. W. Bolstad, vice-president. 

Famous Players Canadian Corp., and chairman 

of the Board of Trade tax committee; 

Lou Consky, Molou Theatre, Haliburton; J. J. 

Fitzgibbons, FPC president; Ben Freedman, 

general manager, Odeon; Ken Garbig, Academy, 

Lindsay, and Gary Hogarth. Roxy, 

Kingsville. 

Others were Angus Jewell, Jewel Theatre. 

Cannington; Gordon Lightstone. president. 

Motion Picture Distributors Ass'n of Canada 

and general manager of Canadian Paramount; 

H. C. D. Main, chairman of the tax 

committee. Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of 

Ontario; W. J. McLaughlin, Espanola, Espanola; 

Roy Miller, president. Motion Picture 

Theatres Ass'n of Ontario and manager of 

the Lincoln, St. Catharines; Floyd Rumford, 

Kineto, Forest; D. B. Stapleton, Centre. Ottawa; 

Cecil Smith, Regent, Chapleau; William 

Summerville sr.. Bloom & Fine Theatres, 

and N. A. Taylor. 20th Century Theatres. 

Canadian Film Industry 

Aids Brotherhood Week 

TORONTO—The Canadian film industry 

has renewed its support of Brotherhood week, 

for which it contributed S3.500 a year ago. 

Gordon Lightstone of Canadian Paramount 

said at a film committee meeting here. 

Among those taking part in preparations 

for the 1950 program are J. J. Fitzgibbons, 

president of Famous Players; H. M. Masters, 

general manager for Warner Bros.; Arthur 

Silverstone, district manager for 20th-Fox; 

Jule Allen of Premier Theatres; Henry L. 

Nathanson. MGM managing director; Manager 

Tom Daly of the Toronto Imperial and 

E. H Wells. 

Standardize Daylight Time 

TORONTO—Municipal authorities an; 

reaching a general agreement for standardized 

observance of daylight saving time in 

Ontario cities this year from April 30 to 

October 28. The extended fall date is intended 

as a measure to conserve electric power 

which still is causing concern in the province. 

BOXOmCE February 11, 1950 E 107

ST. 

JOHN 

Ounday midnight shows have been started 

at the Garrick, Hahfax. owned by Abe 

Garson. and in the Odeon chain. Plans call 

for offering the weekly midnight program 

for several months. Tickets are being sold 

throughout the week. The screening begins at 

12:01. Duals prevail and the first hookup was 

of 'Slightly French' and "The Devil's Henchmen." 

"Shoe- Shine" is going the rounds of the 

Franklin & Herschorn theatres, while 

Mitchell Franklin, vice-president, was negotiating 

for installation of shoe shine dimeoperated 

machines in the lobbies of the theatres. 

Reg Babcock. Halifax, a former golf pro 

and restaurateur there, has sold his hardware 

store, to distribute the footwear manicuring 

venders. 

The Henry Deveau who was handed $360 

on Fotonite at the Capitol, Yarmouth, is not 

the Henry Deveau who has been a Famous 

Players and later an Odeon manager in Nova 

Scotia centers, chiefly Halifax. Manager 

Ernie Hatfield reports having handed out 

$2,330 for photos at the Capitol in about a 

year. 

In behalf of the Casino. Hahfax, and "Tho 

Perfect Woman," Doug Smith reproduced in 

advertising a letter he wrote to Norm Riley, 

a Halifax radio commentator. Riley had been 

asking on the air. What is the Perfect 

Woman? Smith, in the reproduced letter, invited 

him to the Casino for a clearly defined 

answer diu-ing presence on the screen of "The 

Perfect Woman." 

At the Empire, Demerson & Vassis added 

a stage show for four nights. Three Scottish 

acts were featured: Horn Murray, magician; 

Bill Murray, accordionist, and George Paris, 

emcee. They were coupled with two local 

acts and a four-piece local orchestra led by 

Frank Gay. One feature and a short were 

included at a raised rate of 50 cents. The 

Scotch performers are from one of the steamers 

that ply regularly during the winter between 

Glasgow and St. John. The Empire 

has been using vaudeville from two to four 

nights weekly. 

Bathurst and Edmundston, N. B., are being 

considered in expansion plans by a maritime 

theatre operating firm. The Bathurst project 

HANDY 

is reported nearing definite form. One theatre', 

the Capitol, is functioning there, with 

Pete Leger owner for about 40 years. 

The highest top in the history of the two 

Mayfairs in the F&H chain at St. John and 

Dartmouth is that fixed for "Joan of Arc" 

$1.20. The booking is for one day at each 

house . . . "The Iron Crown," Italian film, 

was given first run rating through the F&H 

string for three-day stands. Top was raised 

to 55 cents at the Vogue, Hahfax, and the 

Mayfair. Dartmouth, the two bookings following 

each other without interruption and 

with advertising and exploitation linked. For 

"Joan of Arc." tieups with local schools and 

home and school associations prevailed. Fare 

was 50 cents for students in the mornings and 

afternoons. 

Young Winnipeg Cashier 

Balks Theatre Holdup 

WINNIPEG — Pretty 17-year-old Rose 

Aimee Allard, Corona cashier, has sold many 

a ticket to gangster dramas at the house, bu; 

recently she became the heroine of a reallife 

attempt to hold up the boxoffice. 

Defying a young thug who shoved a revolver 

through the wicket and demanded the 

cash receipts, she frightened off the gunman 

when she opened the door of the cage and 

.shouted for help. 

The attempted holdup occurred as the girl 

was counting money. The thug came to the 

wicket and asked when the show was over. 

Then he asked how much of the bill he could 

still see if he went in. Miss Allard told him 

he could see the main picture on the double 

bill. That was when the man pulled out a 

gun and in a low voice said, "Hand over the 

cash." 

When the girl reached for the phone, he 

snapped, "I wouldn't do that if I were you." 

So the cashier put the phone back in its 

cradle, quickly pushed open the door of the 

cage and cried for help as loud as she could. 

Manager Bill Minuk, upstairs in his office, 

did not hear the cry. but several patrons 

rushed out. They frightened the gunman 

away. It was Miss Allard's first experience 

with a holdup. She has been at the Corona 

since May. She said she did not have time t» 

get frightened, but thinking it over later she 

managed to work up a good case of the jitters. 

—

. . . Because 

Calgary's Spotlight 

For 30 Years Retires 

CALGARY—William Campbell. better 

known as Spotlight, tlie dramatic critic for 

the Albeit. Ill hoii- h.i- retired after more 

W. "BILL" CAMPBELL 

than 30 years and moved to Vancouver with 

his wife and daughter Lindsay. 

Bill, as he is known, has served as BOX- 

OFFICE correspondent many years. Miss 

Helen M. Anderson, who replaces him on the 

Albertan, also succeeds him as BOXOFFICE 

correspondent in the Calgary area. 

Campbell started covering the shows back 

in 1919 when there were few motion pictures 

and his reviews consisted of the weekly vaudeville 

at the Pantages and Orpheum and stage 

shows at the Grand. Now 72. he has seen 

stage entertainment decline almost to a vanishing 

point with a coincident rise in the 

motion picture art. but he has no favorite. 

"Today drama on the stage and screen 

carries equally entertaining quality, depending 

wholly on the writer, director and cast," 

Campbell commented. "A good show can be 

enjoyed on either the stage or screen. 

Campbell recalled being the first reporter 

outside New York City that the famous Helen 

Keller would talk to. 

Bill had been told ahead of time it was 

his Scotch accent that got him in. At first, 

he addressed his questions to Miss Thompson, 

the teacher, but after the first sentence. Miss 

Keller was able to follow the conversation, 

and the astounding thing about that interview, 

according to Bill, was that it was Miss 

Keller who ended up interviewing him. 

Others Bill met in course of duty were Sir 

John Martin Harvey, great dramatic actor 

of the London stage. Sir Henry Lauder. Elsie 

Janis, and more recently Madeleine Carroll 

and Harold Lloyd. 

"I was snubbed by Ethel Barrymore," Spotlight 

said with a grin. "Miss Barrymore 

would not be bothered with small town reporters," 

was her reply to a request by Calgary 

newspapers for an interview. 

Before starting with the Albertan, Mr. 

Campbell was credit manager, and finally 

secretary-treasurer with the old News-Telegram 

in Calgary, one of several journals 

which ended publication during World War I. 

During his six years with the News-Telegram 

he began the first theatre page in Calgary 

and this led to his post with the Albertan. 

TORONTO 

T Earl Lawson, president of J. Arthur Rani: 

companies in Canada, has returned home 

after a prolonged stay in a hospital here and 

is reported to be able to be up and around 

occasionally . . . Toronto film folk extended 

greetings to Harry Wilson, head of the 

Chatham Theatre Managers Ass'n. Wilson is 

manager of the Capitol in the western Ontario 

city. Among other visitors was Menzo 

Craig of the Palace at Ridgetown. 

Charles Jones, 69, well-known member o!' 

Toronto stage employes Local 50. died recently. 

He is survived by a brother Norman 

. . . Charlie Mavety gave a palomino horse 

to Mayor H. E. McCallum to go with the 

latter's gift from Calgary of a ten-gallon hat 

of the construction of Toronto's 

first subway, the Downtown Theatre is sporting 

only half a marquee, a portion having 

been laid aside to facilitate the project. 

J. J. Fitzgibbons occupied the chair during 

the installation of 1950 officials at the 

meeting of Variety Tent 28 as his final act 

as chief barker. Morris Stein took over as 

his successor 

of the Theatre Under the Stars in Vancouver, 

was in Toronto, reportedly to look 

into the possibility of a drama theatre here. 

The Humber had a large birthday cake in 

the lobby for the theatre's first anniversary 

and Manager Holmes placed a collection box 

beside the cake for donations to a needy family 

in the district . . . Manager Fred Trebilcock 

of Shea's entertained delegates to a 

provincial meeting of the Canadian Legien 

to a morning performance on "All the King's 

Men." 

The Capitol Theatre building in North Toronto, 

which includes the theatre, 31 offices 

and 11 stores, owned by the late Ron McClelland 

who was a partner of Famous Players, 

has been sold for $378,000 to Ronald Buildings, 

Ltd. 

Charlie Mavety's Ranch 

Struck by $50,000 Fire 

TORONTO— Charlie Mavety, veteran film 

figure, and his Circle M ranch at Kleinburg, 

18 miles from here, were in the news when 

a building housing the picturesque dining 

hall, kitchen and nine bedrooms was destroyed 

by fire with a loss estimated at 

$50,000. 

The main lodge, stables and other quarters 

of the camp were saved by fire-fighters from 

nearby villages and a 50-man bucket brigade. 

A large number of Palomino and other horses 

were not in danger but Mavety mourned the 

loss of a valuable collection of frontier guns, 

including a revolver once used by John Ringo, 

western outlaw. This weapon had been given 

to the ranch owner by the .sheriff of Tombstone, 

Ariz., only last .summer. 

Among equipment saved from the flames 

was a considerable number of saddles of 

ornate design. The Mavety ranch has been 

the scene of outings and meetings of circuit 

and distributing companies as well as industry 

organizations. Mavety has served as 

an officer of the Canadian Picture Pioneers 

for a number of years and is head of the 

Mavety Film Delivery Service at 277 Victoria 

St., 

Toronto's film-trade center. 

Theatres in Winnipeg 

Checked for Safety 

WINNIPEG—All local theatres have been 

checked for structural defects during the last 

three months by city in.spectors following the 

partial collapse of the Garrick's ceiling last 

September, according to W. D. Hurst, city 

engineer. Hurst said that following the accident 

at the Garrick. in which a few person:: 

were slightly hurt, the city inspection division 

immediately was ordered to make a careful 

check of the 38 theatres here. 

Structural changes were ordered in several 

cases to assure adequate protection for the 

public. Hurst said. In others, owners were 

told to hire registered architects and engineers 

to complete more thorough inspection.s. 

All the structural changes have been made 

and in most cases certificates from engineers 

declare that the theatres now are structurally 

sound and constitute no danger to patrons. 

Hurst said. 

Hurst praised theatre owners for the full 

cooperation given his department. He said 

there was only one case of a building hazardous 

to the public, and that situation was 

remedied immediately. There had been 

closer inspection of all places of public assembly 

during 1949, E. G. Simp.son. engineer 

of inspections, said in his annual report to 

the city safety committee. 

Simpson said two inspectors had been 

added to his department. One of them was 

specifically appointed to check theatres, 

dance halls, auditoriums, churches, rinks, 

hotels and welfare institutions while performances 

were in progress. He said there 

were 2.595 inspections of public buildings 

made in 1949. and 266 defective or hazardous 

conditions were corrected or removed. The 

inspections branch prepared information for 

63 prosecutions, and 48 convictions were registered. 

Most of these were for failure to 

comply with electrical regulations. 

Seven More Exhibitors 

Join MPTA of Ontario 

TORONTO—Seven more exhibitors have 

joined the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of 

Ontario, bringing the membership total to 

340. The new members are Mrs. R. D'Hondt, 

Imperial, Delhi: Ned Hill. Richmond, Richmond 

Hill: A. E. McLean. Gaiety. Rainy 

River: Dave Korman, Palace, Englehart: A. E. 

Madsen. Cameo, Morrisburg: T. R. Porter, 

Community. Gore Bay: Rothvtein Theatres, 

Roxy, Beardmore, and the Bay at North Bay. 

The last is a newly constructed unit of 20th 

Century Theatres and is not listed as an 

independent. 

While Rothstein Theatres has its headquarters 

in Winnipeg, one of its units is thi! 

Roxy at Beardmore, Ont. Other Rothstein 

theatres are in Manitoba where the company 

supports the Manitoba Motion Picture 

Theatres Ass'n. 

The directors of the MPTA of Ontario, 

headed by Roy Miller, president, of St. Catharines, 

held a meeting at the King Edward 

hotel here on February 7 to deal with matters 

arising from a conference on the previous 

day with Premier FYost on propo.sed 

amusement tax reductions. 

Joseph Singer, solicitor for the Ontario 

association, was to appear February 10 before 

the board of governors of the Canadian 

Broadcasting Corp. to ask for a ban on radio 

bingo. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 11. 1950 109

. . Ross 

- 

. . 

. . 

. . "Red 

. . Paramount 

. . 

VANCOUVER 

. 

p-71 front office film employes have elected 

Doug White as president: business agent, 

Bill Grant, RKO, and secretary-treasm-er, 

Vi Yates, Empire-Universal Beesley, 

ASN newsreeler, has taken off for the 

Yukon and Alaska to cover Exercise Sweetbriar, 

the big Canada-U.S. joint winter warfare 

exercise taking place north of White 

horse. En route he will shoot the International 

Intercollegiate ski meet at Banff, Alta. 

British Columbia has been well represented 

in the international newsreels recently. 

Latest was a Beesley effort on the Grouse 

Mountain ski lift showing the scenic beauty 

of a winter playground at Vancouver's front 

door. 

British Columbia showmen still are collecting 

prize money for publicity campaigns, 

Martin Cave, manager of the Dominican, Victoria, 

won $66 first prize in the Pacific National 

Exhibition beauty contest for his promotional 

booklet. Norm Duncan was a winner 

in the Cardinal Pictures "Paisan" contest 

for his campaign at the International- 

Cinema, and Ivan Ackery topped managers 

for his campaign on "Father Was a Fullback," 

winning $500. All are Famous Players 

managers. 

On the sick list were Dave Borland. Dominion 

manager, with flu; George Mansel 

of the Vogue staff, confined to a military 

hospital, and Bob Martin, the Odeon, West 

Vancouver, heart trouble . . . Clarence Dowsley 

of the Regent is back from a six-week 

honeymoon in California and Mexico . 

Clyde Gilmore. film critic for the CBC and 

newspaper columnist, will marry Barbara 

Donald of Vancouver this spring. 

Demands of projectionists employed by 

Odeon on the lower mainland will go to a 

conciliation board. The Labor Relations board 

announced appointment of A. J. Cowan as 

chairman, J. P. Mackenzie for the company 

and R. K. Gervin for the union. The dispute 

involves 55 Odeon projectionists in Vancouver. 

Besides wage boosts, the operators 

are seeking concessions in working conditions. 

Lloyd Mnir, former RKO exploiteer who 

was reported in partnership in his publicity 

service in Vancouver, advises that he is in 

business alone and not in partnership . 

Film Exchange backshop employes Local B-71 

elected, president. Luke Ducette, Empire-Universal; 

business agent, Douglas Isman, International 

Distributors; secretary-treasurer, 

George Hislop. The local now is working on 

a new contract with distributors. 

North Vancouver, across the inlet, will have 

a new 1,000-seat theatre soon. A permit was 

issued to Clarence Domsley and it is reported 

that Jack Barron of the Grand at 

Calgary is interested in the venture. At 

present North Vancouver has two Odeon 

houses, the Odeon and Lonsdale. The latter 

has been closed since December. Another 

house is planned in the Capilano district of 

North Vancouver by Howard Fletcher, veteran 

theatre operator. House will seat 450. 

. . . Producer Griffin 

Len B. Johnson, president of British Columbia 

Exhibitors Ass'n and owner of the 

Cascades Drive-In here, is spending the winter 

Wayne 

in Toronto and Robert Riley Crutcher have been 

huddling with Blake Owensmith, Hollywood 

representative from the Canadian Film 

project, on shooting "The Big Moose" in 

Canada. 

Local theatremen are amazed at the business 

being done at the Studio Theatre in 

. . . Tlie old Empress 

spite of the worst winter in Vancouver's history. 

"Lost Boundaries," now in its seventh 

record breaking week, is playing to standout 

business. Mickey Goldin, Studio manager, 

would trade his bright sport coat for another 

500 seats, he said 

Theatre has been replaced by a chain 

grocery, on the Avenue Theatre site has 

risen an electric power station, and the first 

Orpheum has given way to a new office 

building. 

Bill Campbell, drama critic for the Calgary 

Albertan for over 30 years who was 

well known by his pen-name Spotlight, has 

retired and will move to Vancouver. Campbell 

was the Calgary correspondent for BOX- 

OFFICE and other tradepapers. 

No Action in Montreal 

Seen on Bergman Films 

MONTREAL—When asked whether any 

policy had been established regarding pictures 

in which Ingrid Bergman appears, 

Alexis Gagnon, chairman of the Quebec 

board of censors, said that he did not have 

any immediate comment. It was said that 

no action generally had been planned concerning 

films in which the actress has a part. 

No picture featuring Miss Bergman currently 

is being shown in the Montreal area. 

Arthur Lubin has been signed to meg 

"Queen for a Day" for United Artists. 

Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs 

J. M. RICE & CO. 

202 Canada BIdg. Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Phone 25371 

COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS 

MONTREAL 

/^pportunity Knocks, CBC radio program 

broadcast every Monday night from the 

stage of the Monkland by John Adaskin and 

his orchestra of 20 musicians, is described by 

Dick Howarth, manager of the theatre, as "a 

tremendous success." The show gives local 

amateurs a chance to demonstrate their talents. 

To inspire them the stage has been 

decorated in red, white and blue. 

. . . Sovereign 

Alexander Metcalfe, general manager of 

Sovereign Films in Toronto, visited the local 

branch. On his return to the Queen city he 

will take his wife with him 

has a new salesman, Andre Paradis, replacing 

Jean Ouimet. Ouimet has returned to Empire 

Universal, another of whose salesmen, Joe 

Dorfman, is on a sales trip to Beauce county 

. . . Heru-i Falk, proprietor of the Bijou, has 

returned from a three-week visit to New York 

City. 

Exhibitors in town included Yvette Blouin, 

the Opera House, Coaticook; C. Charbonneau, 

the Madelon, Cap-de-la-Madeleine, and Armand 

Champagne and Emile Elias, proprietors 

of the Capitol, Sherbrooke . . . Pierrette 

Brisebois, assistant cashier, is a new addition 

Riding 

Hood" was presented Saturday morning at 

the Outremont by the Children's Theatre. An 

added attraction was "The Singing Lady." 

Child entrants were given an opportunity to 

enter a singing contest. 

to the office staff of RKO . 

Seville Art Theatre switched to comedy 

with the presentation of "The Bank Dick" 

and "You Can't Cheat an Honest Man" . 

Art Bahen, manager of the Champlain, has 

conducted a contest using photographs of 

Michele Morgan's eyes. Every girl who participated 

had her eyes photographed and 

compared with Miss Morgan's. Francoise 

Lacroix was the winner. The contest was conducted 

at the opening of the film "Aux Yeux 

du Souvenir." Miss Lacroix was given a $450 

muskrat coat donated by Dupuis Freres, Montreal. 

During the show the Dupuis Freres had 

various kinds of fur coats in the Champlain's 

lobby and enlarged photos of Miss Morgan 

and Miss Lacroix. 

. 

Bourvil, the French artist who appeared at 

His Majesty's in "Les Burlesques de Paris," 

was guest-artist at "Les Carabins" from the 

stage of the Champlain is 

conducting a contest in connection with 

"Samson and Delilah" . . Granby Junior 

. 

Chamber of Commerce will ask officials of 

local motion picture theatres to have an entirely 

French-language program at the Ritz 

Theatre. With the reopening of the Cartier, 

where special films will be offered and with 

wholly English-speaking films at the Palace, 

the members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce 

believe it would be wise if one house 

offered wholly French-language films. The 

city of Granby has a French-speaking population 

of 20,000 out of a total of 23,000. 

DRIVE-IN 

THEATRE 

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)XOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

MATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHAHT 

SHOBTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS 

— 

Bookinlfuide 

— 

BOXOFFICE 

FIRST RUN REPORTS 

This chart shows the records made by 

pictures in five or more oi the 21 key cities 

checked. As new runs are reported, ratings 

are added and averages revised. 

BAROMETER 

TOP HITS OF THE WEEK 

(Not cm orvrago} 

*Sctmson and Delilah 

Cleveland 365 

Denver 300 

Battleground 

Seattle 275 

Kansas City 200 

Computed in terms ol 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, this 

department is devoted for the most part to reports on subsequent runs, made 

by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new, two stars means the 

exhibitor has been writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor 

is a regular of one year or more, who receives a token of our appreciation. 

All exhibitors welcome. Blue Ribbon pictures are marked thus ^. 

COLUIvlBIA 

FILM CLASSICS 

Fuller Brush Man, The (Co! i—Red Skelton, Four Feathers (FC)—Reissue. June Duprez, 

Janet Blair, Don McGuire. What a comedy! Ralph Richardson. Don't be afraid of this 

It was played very late but did better than reissue. It did 'way above average weekend 

average business for our best change. Don't business for us and pleased young and old. 

pass it up if you haven't used it. It should do Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Mild.—Arthur E. 

well as a repeat show. Played Sun., Mon. Phifield, Park Theatre, South Berwick, Me. 

Weather: Rain and mild.—Arthur E. Phifield, Small town patronage. » • • 

Park Theatre, South Berwick, Me. Small town Long Voyage Home, The (FC) — Reissue. 

gan, Minn. Small town and rural patronage. * 

patronage. * • » John Wayne, Thomas Mitchell. Opinion was 

divided on this feature. It has several good 

Home in San Antone (Col) — Roy Acuff, 

star names, comedy and several fights. It's 

Jacqueline Thomas, Bill Edwards. Here's giltedged 

corn with a comedy cast and Roy Acuff. 

a man's show that did poorly here. Ideal 

business, but 

What more could you want in a country town? 

weather 

miners 

and a feature 

have no 

for top 

money now. Played Tues., 

It's his best, but you'll have to tighten seats 

Wed. Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, 

W. Va. Rural patronage. • » • 

after this laugh jamboree. Business was the 

best in weeks, but 25 per cent under last year. 

Played Fri., Sat. 

LIPPERT PRODUCTIONS 

Uintah Theatre, Pruita, Colo. Rural patronage. 

• * * Mark of the Lash (LP)—Al "Lash" LaRue, 

Al "Fuzzy" St. John. I received plenty of 

Kim of the Canyon (Col)—Gene Autry, Nan good comments on this western and the companion 

Weather: Fair.—Bob Walker, 

Leslie, Thurston Hall. The story is a little 

feature, "Zamba" (EL). Business was 

imusual with a setting in a ghost town. There average but it could have been terrific, if 

is very little singing and sepiatone photography 

(which my patrons don't like) , but it is Weather: Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, 

times had been normal. Played FYi., Sat. 

otherwise good. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: RivesviUe, W. Va. Rural patronage. * • 

Fair.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, 

Tex. Oil field patronage. » » « METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

UBarkleys of Broadway, The (MGM) — 

We Were Strangers (Col)—Jennifer Jones, 

John Garfield, Gilbert Roland. This 

Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Oscar Levant. 

is 

This is a nice picture. The action failed to 

nothing to write home about. I've played 

hold up throughout the picture. Business was 

worse and played better. Played Mon., Tues. 

only average, 

Weather: Rain.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, 

Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage. * * • Sun., Mon. Weather: Okay.—D. W. Trisko, 

due to playing it late. Played 

Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining town patronage. 

• » • 

EAGLE LION 

Bride Goes Wild, The (MGM)—Van Johnson, 

June Allyson, Butch Jenkins. We played 

Big Cat, The (EL)—Lon McCallister, Peggy 

Ann Garner, Preston Foster. This is a Technicolor 

beauty, filmed in Utah's mountainous 

this before Christmas, when the boxoffice did 

not have a chance, but the few who did venture 

out were just as wild as the bride. They 

region, that we played in the middle of the 

week. In my estimation, it is a small town 

rolled In the aisles. One lady told me later 

natural. However, the running time is too 

that she woke up in the middle of the night 

short. It would have been grand for the top 

laughing at some of the lines. Others said 

of a weekend biU and we would have done 

just that had it been a fair rental price. The 

cougar-dog fight was worth the admission 

price alone. Patronage was good. Weather: 

He Has His Own System 

Snow and ice.—Paul D. Ratliff, Daytona Theatre, 

Oi Averaging Reports 

Dayton, Ore. Small town and rural pa- 

* T BYE COVERSTON of the Cherokee 

tronage. 

Theatre, Southwest City, Mo., sends 

Paradine Case, The (KL)—Gregory Peck, along this note with some reports: 

Valli, Ann Todd. I'm glad I bought this on 'TEvery once in a while I get the urge 

flat percentage with no guarantee, to show to do my duty to my fellow exhibitors and 

what that really means in a small town. It is do some reporting myself. I usually fall 

well done but has no draw here. Played Tues., off to sleep before I get it done and when 

Wed. Weather: Good. — Terry Axley, New I awake, the urge Is gone. But frankly, 

Theatre, England, Ark, Rural and small town I think this reviewing service is the finest 

patronage. » • • that has ever been offered by any trade 

paper. (Hear, hear!). To get an idea of 

WSince You Went Away (EL)—Claudette 

what a picture is like and will do for me, 

Colbert, Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten. Here 

here is the way I do it: 

Is a grand picture. I bought this at a fair 

"I take all of the reports on a picture 

price, played it midweek and did over 200 from all of the theatres that are like mine, 

percentage business, thanks to these smaller average them up, award my own pluses 

companies—they give a small town exhibitor and minuses, and in the end I have a 

a break.—C. A. Morris, Morgan Theatre, Mor- 

result that fits my situation perfectly." 

Used as School Special 

With Appropriate Short 

KTDNAPPED (Mono)—Roddy McDowall, 

Sue England, Dan O'Herlihy. British 

dialog pictures do not take here, but I advertised 

this as a special school show (a 

classical work by Stevenson and required 

reading in most high schools), set the 

March of Time's "Fight for Better 

Schools" to go with it, and managed to do 

pretty well—enough to get by. There is 

action a-plenty in it, on sailing ships and 

on land, so it might do pretty well if you 

can tie it in with your local school as I 

did. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. 

—I. Roche, Vernon Theatre, Vernon, Fla. 

Small town and rural patronage. * * * 

they would come the second time if I played 

it again.—J. Bye Coverston, Cherokee Theatre, 

Southwest City, Mo. Small town and 

rural patronage. * * 

Date With Judy, A (MGM)—Wallace Beery, 

Selena Royle, Carmen Miranda. I bought 

this late, but even so, everyone should want 

a date with Judy. With Christmas five days 

away, however, darned few did. It's one of 

the finest small town features I ever hope to 

exhibit. How could they assemble k finer 

cast? It's crammed with comedy, the color 

is good, the story is perfect, and the music 

hot. You owe it to the industry public relations 

program to give your townfolk this 

double-A entertainment, if you haven't before. 

I barely got back rental, but those few 

loyal fans loved it! Played Sun., Mon., Tues. 

Weather: Fair.—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, 

Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. * * * 

yLittle Women (MGM) — June Allyson, 

Peter Lawford, Margaret O'Brien. This is a 

swell picture that did almost 100 per cent over 

average business. Who got most of the gross? 

Metro did. Figuring off our overhead and an 

extra $20 for additional advertising, we actually 

took a loss on the deal. Plus the fact 

a picture like this simply kills the picture 

following it on midweek. Just why the friendly 

company can't give a little town a chance 

to make a Uttle profit is a $64 question. 

Played Sun., Mon., Tues.—C. A. Morris, Morgan 

Theatre, Morgan, Mirm. Small town and 

rural patronage. 

Scene of the Crime (MGM)—Van Johnson, 

Arlene Dahl, Gloria DeHaven. We think the 

title killed this film. If it had even been 

called "Detective Story," it would have done 

some business. People are sick and tired of 

crime stories—they even look at the lobby 

paper and walk away. And no mother would 

let her kids come to see it. Yet it isn't a bad 

detective story at all. In fact, we liked it. It 

is good for midweek or Fri., Sat. We played 

it Sun. through Tues.—Von Gulker, Wilshlre 

Theatre, Fullerton, Calif. General patronage. 

yThree Musketeers, The (MGM) — Lana 

Tm-ner, Gene KeUy, June Allyson. Here is a 

terrific Technicolor epic. If MGM had kept 

up the near-slapstick tempo which dominates 

the first half of the picture instead of trying 

to end It more or less as a tear-jerker, I think 

it might have been a big grosser. I paid too 

much for it. Farmers don't Uke fancy pants 

and sword-fighting, so I stick my neck out 

every time just because I like this sort of 

: 

BOXOFFICE BooldnGuide : February 11, 1950

— 

—— 

thing. Kelly is wonderful as Dumas' chief 

character. The rest of the cast is tops. Those 

that do see it are bound to like most of it. 

Certainly it is the fine kind of feature we've 

all clamored for. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. 

Weather: Perfect.—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, 

Fruita, Colo. Rm-al patronage. « » • 

OWizard of Oz, The (MGM) — Reissue. 

Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger. 

Our loss on this pictm-e was unquestionably 

due to the pre-Christmas playdate. The color 

was excellent and oiu' print was in good condition. 

The picture is a masterpiece and 

merits preferred playing time. Played Tues., 

Wed.—E. A. London, State Theatre, Olivet, 

Mich. Small town and rural patronage. • 

• 

MONOGRAM 

Bomba, the Jungle Boy (Mono)—Johnny 

Sheffield, Peggy Ann Garner, Onslow Stevens. 

This is a good jungle picture in sepiatone 

which gave us an average weekend business. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Rain.—Jack Hammond, 

Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta, 

Calif. Small lumber town patronage. • • » 

PARAMOUNT 

Alias Nick Beal (Para) — Ray Milland, 

Audrey Totter, George Macready. We expected 

this to go over but we were not right. Our 

second night was the next poorest we have 

had in some time. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Cold.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, 

Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage. 

• * • 

Paleface, The (Para)—Bob Hope, Jane 

Russell, Robert Armstrong. This show was 

swell for our New Year's crowd. It drew 

well for these times and pleased everyone, 

I would say. Hope's best film in years! 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.—Arthur 

E. Phifield, Park Theatre, South Berwick, 

Me. Small town patronage. * * * 

Searching Wind, The (Para)—Robert 

Young, Sylvia Sidney, Ann Richards. Does 

your audience go for international foreign 

diplomatic manipulations and intrigue? If 

they do, then play this by all means. Then 

you can say you have played the worst 

everything from then on will be better. We 

don't know what the "searching wind" was 

looking for—but we know what you will. Yep, 

that's right—customers.—J. Bye Coverston, 

Cherokee Theatre, Southwest City, Mo. Small 

* 

town and rural patronage. 

Sorrowful Jones (Para)—Bob Hope, Lucille 

Ball, William Demarest. Tiiis is the first 

Hope pictiu'e that has played here to a profit 

for a long time. Business was good and our 

patrons were well pleased. The picture rates 

preferred playing time at reasonable flat 

rental. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair. 

E. A. London, State Theatre, Olivet, Mich. 

Small town and rural patronage. * * 

Sorry, Wrong Number (Para) — Barbara 

For Italian Patronage 

Suggests This One 

FISHERMAN'S WHARF (SR)—Reissue. 

Bobby Breen, Henry Armetta. Here 

is a swell family show that could easily 

prove to be a sleeper if you have a large 

Italian patronage. The music, the homespun 

comedy, and the Italian accent went 

over swell. It's an old RKO picture. Played 

Tues., Wed. Weather: Ideal. — Ralph 

Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. 

Rural patronage. » • » 

Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Ann Richards. 

Nuts—we starved for a week after paying for 

this one. You have to have people in the seats 

to take in money, and they were not there for 

this one. In our opinion, tliis was our biggest 

flop of '49. Played Sat., Mon. Weather: Good. 

— S. N. Holmberg, Regal Theatre, Sturgis, 

Sask. Small town patronage. • • 

Thelma Jordon (Para)—Barbara Stanwyck, 

Wendell Corey, Joan Tetzell. This is another 

love triangle affair that grossed only 

fair at the boxoffice. Stanwyck is good in the 

part but there was a lot of unfavorable comment. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Okay.— 

D. W. Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. 

Mining town patronage. • • • 

RKO RADIO 

Every Girl Should Be Married (RKO) — 

A 

Cary Grant, Franchot Tone, Betsy Drake. 

timely twosome and a good comedy but I had 

a lot of soft seats and nobody to put in them. 

I'd have been better off to have closed up and 

gone to a show some place myself. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.—Bob Walker, 

Uintaii Theatre, Pruita, Colo. Rural patronage. 

• • • 

Follow Me Quietly (RKO)—Ray Bolger, 

Anne Shirley, Dennis Day. This is a good 

program picture at a double-feature price. 

Hails Industry Short 

As Best Ever Shown 

MOVIES ARE ADVENTURE (U-D — 

Industry series short. In my estimation, 

this industry short is one of the best I 

have ever shown on the screen. It is 

chock-full of scenes from exciting pictures, 

old and new. The atomic bomb 

explodes, a giant zeppelin burns, a huge 

gorilla attacks a modem city, Indians 

attack and TJ. S. Cavalry come to the 

rescue, a giant herd of elephants stampede 

a native village, and other equally 

breath-taking scenes. This short should 

be shown in every theatre in the country, 

as it sure is powerful stuff and potent advertising. 

Try it and you will agree with 

me 100 per cent. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Good. — I. Roche, Vernon Theatre, 

Vernon, Fla. Small town and rural patronage. 

* « » 

Enough said. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Good.—Terry Axley, New Theatre, 

England, Ark. Rural and small town patronage. 

• * * 

Ulchabod and Mr. Toad (RKO)—Disney 

cartoon with talents of Bing Crosby and Basil 

Rathbone. This is a master production by 

Walt Disney. The kids went wUd over it. 

Adult patronage was a bit below average so 

the total gross was about average. Played 

Sat., Sun., Mon.—O. Fomby, Paula Theatre, 

Homer, La. Small town patronage. • • • 

Make Mine Laughs (RKO)—Ray Bolger, 

Anne Shirley, Dennis Day. The few who 

came to see this feature and "Last Days of 

Pompeii" were really entertained. The monkey 

act and duck act stole the show. Give us 

more like this one and "Variety Time." Play 

up the names. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: 

Ideal.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, 

W. Va. Rural patronage. • • • 

Savage Splendor (RKO)—African travel 

picture. Our gross was 'way off on this but 

it was not the picture's fault. One of winter's 

first blows kept them away. Doubled 

with "Seal Island," it made a mighty fine 

Changed From Musicals 

To a Super-Western 

FIGHTING MAN OF THE PLAINS 

(20th-Fox) — Randolph Scott, BiU Williams, 

Victor Jory. Our patrons seem to 

be shjring at musicals, which we have been 

giving our best spots. The receipts consistently 

have proven this, so we set in 

this Technicolor, infamous Jim Dancer 

(Randolph Scott), reformed-guerilla, 

film for a change. Business was above 

average and comments were good. Dale 

Robertson, who came to Scott's rescue in 

the final scene, should go places if given 

a chance. His personality and acting were 

outstanding. Weather: Stormy and icy. 

Paul D. Ratliff, Daytona Theatre, Dayton, 

Ore. Small town and rural patronage. * 

show in beautiful color. Book it. If you can 

buy it reasonably, exploit it, and play it in 

nice weather and you should have lots of 

satisfied customers. Played Tues., Wed., 

Thurs. Very cold.—William J. Harris, Ciovm 

Theatre, Lincoln, Ark. Rural and small town 

patronage. ' * * 

Song Is Born, A (RKO)—Danny Kaye, Virginia 

Mayo, Hugh Herbert. This one did not 

go over as well or please like the past two 

Danny Kaye shows. We did just average 

business and paid top rental. Played Tues., 

Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair and mild. 

Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre, South Berwick, 

Me. Small town patronage. * • * 

Stagecoach Kid (RKO)—Tim Holt, Richard 

Martin, Jeff Donnell. A Tim Holt western 

which did average Fri., Sat. business. No better 

or no worse than others in this series. We 

made a profit.—E. M. Freiburger, Dewey, Okla. 

Small town patronage. • » • 

Tarzan's Magic Fountain (RKO)—Lex 

Barker, Brenda Joyce, Albert Dekker. Good 

old Tarzan—they love him and his treeclimbing 

antics. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Cool.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, 

Ont. Small town patronage. • • • 

REPUBLIC 

Angel on the Amazon (Rep)—George Brent, 

Vera Ralston, Brian Aherne. I had quite a 

few favorable comments on this one—just 

why, I don't know, as it did not appeal to 

me at all. The first reel has an airplane 

io it, which is forced down in the jungle. 

Then follows a shift of scenery to various 

sections of the world in the flashback style. 

There are, however, some interesting scenes 

from the jungle, especially the one where 

the black panther attacks a sleeping man. 

Maybe this is what sold it to my patrons. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.—I. Roche, 

Vernon Theatre, Vernon, Fla. Small town 

and rural patronage. * • * 

Plunderers, The (Rep) — Rod Cameron. 

Ilona Massey, Adrian Booth. This picture is 

rough and rugged and GOOD. Played Thurs., 

Fri., Sat.—W. O. Woody, Stockton Theatre, 

Stockton, Mo. Small town patronage. • • • 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

Chicken Every Sunday (20th-Fox) — Dan 

Dailey, Celeste Holm, Alan Young. Sunday 

was good but Monday was a waste of time, so 

I guess nobody told his neighbor to "be sure 

and see it." I enjoyed it, but agree that Dan 

Dailey should dance. Weather: Fair and 

(Continued on page 4) 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: February 11, 1950

Exhibitor Has His Say 

(Continued from page 3) 

warmer.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre, 

HoUiday, Tex. Oil field patronage. * * ' 

Father Was a FuUback (20th-Fox)—Fred 

MacMurray, Maureen O'Hara, Betty Lynn. 

This is an excellent comedy and is grand 

family entertainment. However, the families 

apparently didn't know it because business 

was not good. It appears that the picture is 

weak at the boxoffice. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Pair.—E. A. London, State Theatre, 

Olivet, Mich. Small town and rural patronage. 

• • 

Father Was a Fullback (20th-Fox)—Fred 

MacMurray, Maureen O'Hara, Betty Lynn. I 

thought this was a pretty good picture. But 

it did a lousy business—one of the lowest 

grosses we ever had. It seems Fox pictures 

are all milked dry before they reach us. 

This is another company that is 'way out 

of line on prices for a small town. Played 

Mon., Tues.—C. A. Morris, Morgan Theatre, 

Morgan, Minn. Small town and rural patronage. 

• 

House of Strangers (20th-Fox)—Edward G. 

Robinson, Susan Hayward, Richard Conte. 

Business was poor for this BOXOFFICE 14- 

plus rating feature of drama. The weather 

didn't help, being stormy and the highways 

slippery. However, considering all, we gave 

it a midweek run, and that was the plac^ 

for it in this spot. Heavy drama, a fighting 

family and money-mad financiers, 

wrapped up in a high rental package, will 

not do here. It's dynamite. Sometimes we 

wonder why the distributor doesn't pay us 

for running this type instead of the opposite! 

—Paul D. Ratliff, Daytona Theatre, Dayton, 

Ore. Small town and rural patronage. • 

Letter to Three Wives, A (20th-Fox) — 

Linda Darnell, Jeanne Grain,' Ann Sothem. 

This is mighty nice drama but tell the kids 

to stay home. It's adult entertainment, but 

good.—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, 

Mont. Small town patronage. • • • 

Road House (20th-Fox)—Ida Lupino, Cornel 

Wilde, Richard Widmark. From the very 

few who saw it, I had nothing but praise, but 

even with my Jackpot at a tidy sum on 

lucky seat night and a hillbilly band on the 

stage, I still couldn't get back film rental. 

The trailer scared 'em away. The title was 

never made for a small town. I'm glad I 

don't have to look forward to running it 

again. Played Wed,, Thurs. Weather: The 

most perfect in the United States. — Bob 

Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural 

patronage. • • • 

Street With No Name, The (20th-Fox) — 

Mark Stevens, Richard Widmark, Lloyd Nolan. 

I had been a little afraid of this one—thought 

it might be too draggy and dull in spots. I was 

badly mistaken. The picture is fast moving, 

Action-Packed Sleeper 

Overcomes Handicaps 

ZAMBA (EL)—Jon Hall, June Vincent, 

George Cooper. A basketball game, no 

work, and a measles epidemic didn't keep 

this from doing average business. It's an 

action-packed sleeper that can be singled 

if necessary. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, 

W. Va. Rural patronage. * • • 

easy to understand, interesting, and had 

plenty of cash customers sitting watching it. 

A nice way to start the week. Played Mon., 

Tues. Weather: Cold. — L. D. Montgomery, 

Melba Theatre, Oakwood, Tex. Small town 

and rural patronage. * * 

UNITED ARTISTS 

Crooked Way, The (UA) — John Wayne, 

Ellen Drew, Sormy Tufts. Good-natured 

Sonny Tufts made a poor gangster for our 

money and seemed lost in the role. The story 

is good but not the type really for a small 

town. The weather didn't help any, either, 

making it a low gross. Played Tues., Wed. 

Weather: Snow and rain.—Jack Hammond, 

Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif. Small 

lumber town patronage. • « » 

Home of the Brave (UA)—James Edwards, 

Douglas Dick, Lloyd Bridges. This is a very 

good picture and was well liked by all who 

could get here. Rain, sleet, and snow kept 

them away. We had most of our business on 

a Monday night.—C. A. Morris, Morgan Theatre, 

Morgan, Minn. Small town and rural 

patronage. 

* 

Montana Mike (UA) — Robert Cummings, 

Brian Donlevy, Jorja Curtwright. This cannot 

properly be called a true western. Robert 

Police Officers Came 

To See This Picture 

ILLEGAL ENTRY (U-I) — Howard 

Duff, Marta Toren, George Brent. We 

doubled this on the lower part of a weekend 

bill with "Bide-'Em-Cowboy," an 

A&C oldie. Publicity was given the latter, 

which was a mistake. The interest centered 

on "Illegal Entry," which was supported 

by government data, pertaining to 

a certain incident on the southern border. 

Business was good, and for the first time, 

police officers and other law enforcement 

personalities attended. Weather: Stormy. 

—Paul D. Ratliff, Daytona Theatre, Dayton, 

Ore. Small town and rural patronage. 

* 

Cummings had a sort of "Mr. Jordan" part. 

Sent from heaven to earth to do a deed in a 

rough western town, he returns as the picture 

ends, taking with him a little boy who had 

been ill. 

a few sniffles from the ladies. No complaints, 

and some liked it because it was different. 

I am not sure but thought I detected 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Rain.—L. D. Montgomery, 

Melba Theatre, Oakwood, Tex. Small 

town and rural patronage. * * 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

Abbott and CosteUo Meet the lUUer (U-D— 

Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Boris Karloff. This 

series seems to be slipping badly around here. 

This was worse for business than their previous 

ones. It is impossible to show on the 

kiddie matinee, where once they were the 

favorites—too many corpses for famUy entertainment. 

Closed Friday night, due to a 

raging blizzard, yet Saturday was poorer than 

average. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Snow.— 

Jack Hammond, Shastona Theatre, Mount 

Shasta, Calif. Small lumber town patronage. 

* * * 

Blue Lagoon, The (U-D—Jean Simmons, 

Susan Stranks, Donald Houston. This is the 

first thing in two weeks to make me feel good. 

I advertised it big and had wonderful business. 

The first good English picture I ever 

Local Setup Prevented 

Doing SRO Business 

CHAMPION (UA) — Kirk Douglas, 

Marilyn Maxwell, Paul Stewart. This is 

an excellent picture from every angle but 

didn't set any boxoffice records. All comments 

were good and conditions locally 

only kept it from doing SRO business. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. — 

Terry Axley, New Theatre, England, Ark. 

Rural and small town patronage. * * * 

saw, and without the English accent, it would 

have been much better. However, the Technicolor 

photography was beautiful and the girl 

is lovely. She looks a little like Elizabeth 

Taylor at times. Comments were good. This 

should do all right in all situations, but it 

needs pushing because of the unknown English 

actors. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Very 

cold.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, 

Tex. Oil field patronage. » • • 

Christopher Columbus (U-I) — Fredric 

March, Florence Eldridge, Francis L. Sullivan. 

I had the misfortune of exhibiting the mighty 

J. Arthur Rank's super-duper mess of gaudy 

color, disguised as a motion picture and sold 

to us under this title. I will agree that Columbus 

was a great man, but that still doesn't 

give me an excuse for being stupid enough to 

book English-made pictures. English films 

really carry the skull-and-crossbones for 

small town exhibitors. The schools here didn't 

even give this a tumble. We had customers 

look at our lobby and turn and walk away 

muttering about J. Arthur Rank. If you just 

must play it, wait until you are mad at your 

wife—then make her sit through it! I think 

the exhibitors in this country, especially in 

small towns, should let England keep its pictures. 

We have to suffer enough with some 

of the ones made under our own flag. Played 

this on Fri., Sat. Weather: Wonderful.—J. F. 

Hall, Anthony Theatre, Anthony, N. M. and 

Tex. Small town and rural patronage. * * * 

WARNER BROS. 

My Dream Is Yours (WB)—Jack Carson, 

Doris Day, Lee Bowman. I played this one 

late and did over average business. It is very 

good and was liked by all. Some came to see 

it twice. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. — C. A. 

Morris, Morgan Theatre, Morgan, Minn. Small 

* 

town and rural patronage. 

Life With Father (WB)—William Powell, 

Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor. "Soft Touch" 

Walker should be my name, the way I go 

back and pick up stuff that I should have 

left alone. If Warner doesn't give me a rebate 

on this, Uncle Sam won't get much from me 

this year. It's a good feature but in no sense 

of the word is it the super-colossal attraction 

some sources would have you believe. Played 

Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Balmy January 

weather — 'tis a privilege to winter in 

western Colorado (most years!).—Bob Walker, 

Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Tanks a MiUion (SR)—Reissue. WUUam 

Tracy, Elyse Knox. This is an ideal feature 

for a double bill, since it rims 50 minutes 

and is fiUed with laughs. Business was average, 

comments were good, and I have no complaints. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.— 

Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. 

Va. Rural patronage. * * * 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : February 11, 1950 

1

. 

Alphabetical Picture Guide ladex and 

REVIEW DIGEST 

l> 

1i 

fi 

080 Abandoned (79) U-1 

Oa Abbott & Costello Mwt Uie Killer 

(84) U-l 8-13-49 

997 Act of Violence (82) MGM 12-25-48 

093 Adam and Evalyn (93) U-l 11-26-49 

088 Adam's Rib (102) MGM 11-5-49 

022 Adventure in Baltimore (89) RKO. . 3-26-49 

998 Adventures of Don Juan (110) WB. .12-25-48 

.012 Affairs of a Rooue, The (95) Col. 2-19-49 

. . . 

.033 Africa Screams (75) UA 5-7-49 

042Aoainst the Wind (95) EL 6- 4-49 

.055 Air Hostess (61) Col 7-23-49 

0O6 Alias Nicl( Beal (93) Para 1-22-49 

.085 Alias the Champ (60) Rep 10-29-49 

,049 Alimony (72) EL 7- 2-49 

044 All Over the Town (88) U-l 6-11-49 

.087 All the King's Men (110) Col 11-5-49 

:094 Always Leave Them Laughing 

(116) WB 11-26-49 

aoa Amazing Mr. Beecham, The (85) EL 1-14-50 

t040 Amazon Quest (70) FC 5-28-49 

1101 Ambush (90) MGM 12-24-49 

965 An Act of Murder (90) U-l 9- 4-48 

1090 And Baby Makes Three (84) Col. .. 11-12-49 

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 5-21-49 

B 

1110 Backfire (92) WB 

1-21-50 

1006 Bad Boy (87) Mono. 

1-22-49 

995 Bad Men of Tombstone (74) Mono... 12-18-48 

1095 Bagdad (90) U-l 

1078 Bandit King of Texas (60) Rep 

1082 Bandits of El Dorado (56) Col 

1072 Barbary Pirate (65) Col 

1028 Barkleys of Broadway, The (110) 

MGM 

1078 Battlejround (118) MGM 

1040 Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend, 

The (77) 20-Fcix 

1109 Bells of Coronado (67) Rep 

1113 Bella of Old Mexico (70) Rep 

1082 Beyond the Forest (96) WB 

1033 Big Cat, The (75) EL 

1025 Big Jack (85) MGM 

1027 Big Sombrero. The (87) Col 

1045 Big Steal, The (71) RKO 

1089 Big Wheel, The (92) UA 

1038 Black Book, The (formerly Reign 

of Terror) (89) EL 

1110 Black Hand (92) MGM 

1066 Black Magic (105) UA 

Black Midnight (66) Mono 

1077 Black Shadows (62) EL 

969 Blanche Fury (93) EL 

1061 Blazing Trail, The (56) Col 

1052 Blind Goddess, The (88) U-l 

1112 Blonde Bandit (60) Rep 

Blondie's Hero (. .) Col 

1111 Blue Grass of Kentucky (70) Mono.. 

(59) Col 

1010 Bribe, The (98) MGM 

1083 Bride for Sale (87) RKO 

1023A Bride of Vengeance (92) Para. 

1064 Brimstone (90) Rep 

1044 Broken Journey (89) EL 

1015 Brothers in the Saddle (60) RKO 

10-15-49 -f + 

-)- ± 

12- 3-49 

10- 8-49 

10-22-49 

9-17-49 

4-16-49 

10- B-49 

5-28-49 

1-21-50 

2- 4-50 

10-22-49 

5- 7-49 

4- 9-49 

4-16-49 

6-18-49 

11-12-49 

5-21-49 

1-21-50 

8-27-49 

10- 8-49 

9-18-48 

g-13-49 

7- 9-49 

. 1-28-50 

1080 Blondie Hits the Jackpot (66) Col... 10-15-49 

1021 Blondie's Big Deal (66) Col 

3-26-49 

1-28-50 

1060 Blue Lagoon, The (105) U-l 

8- 6-49 

1115 Bodyhold (65) Col 

2-11-50 

1107 Bomba on Panther Island (76) Mono. 1-14-50 

1016 Bomba, the Jungle Boy (71) Mono... 3- 5-49 

1065 Border Incident (95) MGM 

8-27-49 

1109 Borderline (88) U-l 

1-21-50 

1021 Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture 

3-26-49 

2-12-49 

10-29-49 

4- 2-49 

8-20-49 

6-11-49 

3- 5-49 

i: — 

+ -f 

+ + 

+ + 

± + 

+ 

-f -H ++ 

tt fl- +f 

+ + 

-I- ± 

+ - 

+ + 

++ -H- 

+ ± 

+ + 

+ - 

-f 

H 

++ 

± 

+ -f 

- + 

± ± 

+f + 

+ - 

— ± 

•f 

H + 

± + 

+ + 

— It ± 

± 6+3- 

± &f4- 

± 7+2- 

4+3- 

+t 10+ 

+ &+2- 

++ ^1- 

5+4- 

- fr+l- 

4+3- 

± 6+6— 

± 10+2— 

± 5+3- 

± 5+7- 

± 6+5— 

H 13+ 

± 10+1- 

+ 4+2- 

± 4+5— 

± 8+2- 

+ 8+ 

± 6+5- 

± 2+3- 

+ 9+3- 

+ 8+1- 

± 3+3- 

6+3- 

± 5+6— 

± 5+3— 

++ -H- 13+ 

H- -H- 14+ 

± 8+3- 

+ 9+1- 

± 7+2- 

± 7+6- 

± 5+2- 

2+1- 

4+6- 

5+4- 

5+1- 

3+3- 

7+4- 

7+3- 

6+6- 

5+2- 

7+2- 

^2- 

6+3- 

9+ 

>+3- 

5+5- 

3+3- 

5+3- 

5+4- 

6+5- 

6+6- 

4+5- 

5+4- 

3+1- 

7+ 

6+ 

1+ 

4+1- 

7+3- 

8+1- 

6+2- 

An interpretative analysis of opinions deducted from the language of lay 

and tradepress reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree 

of fervor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an 

AIJHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is 

Picture Guide Review page ntunber. In parentheses after title is running 

1044 Calamity Jane and Sam Bass 

(85) U-l 6-U-49 + 

013 Canadian Pacific (97) 20-Fox 2-26-49 

010 Canterbury Tale, A (93) EL 2-12-49 

+ 

+ 

Captain China (97) Para. 11-5-49 + 

Caravan (..) U-l 

012 Caught (88) MGM 2-19-49 

113 Chain Lightning (94) WB 2-4-50 

+ 

+ 

Challenge of the Range (56) Col 

,084 Challenge to Lassie (76) MGM 10-29-49 ± 

116 Ch.imp.igne for Caesar (99) UA 2-11-50 +f 

019 Champion (99) UA 3-19-49 ++ 

,067 Chicago Deadline (87) Para. 9-3-49 + 

996 Chicken Every Sunday (94) 20-Fox. .12-18-48 ff 

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 -ff 

015 City Across the River (91) 0-1 3- 5-49 +f 

012 Clay Pigeon, The (63) RKO 2-19-49 + 

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 H 

997 Command Decision (111) MGM 12-25-48 ++ 

013 Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's 

Court, A (107) Para 2-26-49 + 

116 Conspirator (87) MGM 2-11-50 +t 

943 Corridor of Mirrors (96) U-l 6-19-49 — 

,014Cover-Up UA 2-26-49 (83) 

099 Cowboy and the Indians (70) Col.. .12-17-49 

4+ 

± 

109 Cowboy and the Prizefighter (59) EL 1-21-50 

,043 Crime Doctor's Diary (61) Col 6-11-49 

+ 

± 

005Criss Cross (87) U-l 1-22-49 + 

035 Crooked Way, The (90) UA 5-14-49 ± 

111 Dakota Lil (84) 20-Fox 1-28-50 ± 

Dalton Gang, The (58) LP 

089 Dancing in the Dark (92) 20-Fox. .11-12-49 + 

081 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 Daughter of the Jungle 3-19-49 

(69) Rep. . . 

023-A Daughter of the West (77) FC. 4- 2-49 

108-Davy Crockett, Indian Scout (71) UA 1-14-50 

+ 

± 

057 Daybreak (81) U-l 7-30-49 ± 

087 Deadly Is the Female (37) UA U- 5-49 + 

090 Dear Wife (88) Para 11-12-49 ff 

030 Death Valley Gunfighter (60) Rep... 4-23-49 + 

079 Deputy Marshal (72) LP 10-15-49 + 

029 Desert Vigilante (56) Col 4-23-49 ± 

069 Devil's Henchmen, The (69) Col 9-10-49 ± 

104 D.O.A. (S3) 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 

+ 

± 

043 Doolins of Oklahoma, The (90) Col. 6-11-49 + 

074 Down Dakota Way (67) Rep 9-24-49 +f 

073 Down Memory Lane (72) EL 9-24-49 + 

012 Down to the Sea in Shios (120) 

20-Fox 2-19-49 ++ 

024-A Duke of Chicago (59) Rep 4- 2-49 31: 

988 Dynamite (68) Para. 11-20-48 ± 

E 

lis Eagle and the Hawk, The (103) Para. 2-U-50 + 

101 East Side, West Side (108) MGM . .12-24-49 H 

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) Para. 3-12-49 + 

993 Enchantment (102) RKO 12-11-48 + 

068 Everybody Does It (9S) 20-Fax. . . . 9-3-49 H 

080 Fallen Idol, The (94) SRO 10-15-49 ^ 

995 Family Honeymoon (90) U-l 12-18-48 + 

026 Fan, The (79) 20-Fox 4-9-49 + 

064 Father Was a Fullback (84) 20-F(ix 8-20-49 + 

056 Fighting Fools (69) Mono 7-23-49 ± 

071 Fighting Kentuckian, The (100) Rep. 9-17-40 ± 

079 Fighting Man of the Plains (94) 

20-Fox 10-15-49 + 

004 Fighting OFIynn, The (94) U-l 1-15-49 ++ 

077 Fighting Redhead, The (60) EL 10-8-49 + 

± * ± 

+ + 

+ ++ 

+ + 

•H + 

tt 4+ 

+ + 

+ + 

H- 4+ 

± ± ± ± — — 

+ ± ± ± + 

± ± ± + + 

4+ « -H 

± ± * 

± ± ± 

+ =t 

+ ± 

4+ +4 

+ A 

44 + 

4+ 

± ± 5+5- 

± * 7+6- 

±i ± 7+3- 

:t + 7+5- 

:t ± 7+5- 

* ± 7+3- 

+ 5+-4- 

7+J- 

»f2- 

6+2- 

7+3- 

3+1^ 

8+4- 

5+ 

4+4- 

7+2- 

2+ 

13+ 

7+1- 

U+1- 

»+4- 

>+2- 

n-f- 

10+1- 

6+S- 

5+4- 

7+3- 

12+1^ 

IM- 

# l»f 

4+1- 

+ 6+4- 

+ »+3- 

±: 4+5- 

H- 

±. 6+S- 

+ 8+1- 

+ 7+5- 

6+5- 

- 2-4*- 

+ 7+ 

Ik 7-f*- 

S+3- 

+ 7+1- 

± S+7— 

± 64-4- 

5+3- 

*: 4+5— 

6+5- 

7+1- 

5+2- 

± 4-+4- 

± 5+5- 

± 6+5- 

7+1- 

* 7+1- 

+4 8+3- 

± 7+4- 

± 7+1- 

4+2- 

+4 14+ 

± ft+7- 

± 6+6- 

1+ 

± tn- 

* 7+5- 

4+ 7+2- 

44 U+ 

+ 7+»- 

4+ 8+J-» 

+ 12+ 

H 12+ 

+ 8+1- 

+ 8+2- 

U 8+ 

± 6+6- 

± 6+4- 

± 7+4- 

+ 10+1- 

± 4+2- 

time. Date follovring distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings 

cover current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning 

of the various signs and their combinations is as follows: 

++ Very Good; + Good; — Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. 

In the sununory H is rated aa 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses. 

BOXOFnCE BooldnGuide :: February 11, 1950

++ Very Good: + GooA- — Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. la the summary 4t is rated as 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses. 

•1

++ Very Good; + Good; — Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary If is rated as 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses. 

U6 0ut

FEATURE chart]

• 

) 

SHORTS CHART 

Short subjects, listed by company, in order of release. Running tima follows 

title. First date is national release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE. 

Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: 44- Very Good. 

+ Good. — Fair. — Poor. = Very Poor. O Indicates color photography. 

Columbia 

Prod. No. Title R6l. Date Rating Rev'd 

ASSORTED COMEDIES 

1435 Flunj by a Flinj (16) 5-12 + 10-1 

1426 Micfosoooli (16) 6-9 . 

1436 ClimkK) in the Clink (16) 7-13 + U-IS 

1949-50 SEASON 

2411 Waitino in the Lurch 

+ 11-lS 

(151/2) 9-8 

2421Suiier Wolf (16) 10-13 # 1-21 

2422 Wha' Happen? (16'/2) 

• -H-IO + 2- i 

2412 Let Down Your Aerial 

(17) U-17 

2423 French Fried Frolic 

ae/z) 12-8 .-.. 

2413 His Baiting Beauty (18) 1-12 ± 2-11 

2424 Hold That Monkey (..).. 2-16 

CAVALCADE OF BROADWAY 

2651 Cafe Society (11) 11-17 i: 1-a 

2652 Blue Angel ( • • 

1-26 

COLOR FAVORITES 

(Technicolor Reissues) 

1608 Two Lazy Crows (7) 7-13 


2601 T1l« Foxy Pup (7) 9-1 

2602 Window Shopping (7V2).10-6 

2803 Happy Tots (7) U- 3 -f 1-n 

2604 Hollywood Sweepstakes 

12-1 

(8) 

2605 Poor Elmer (8) 12-29 ± 2-11 

2606 Ye Olde Swap Shoppe (S) 1-19 + 2-U 

2607 Kangaroo Kid (TVi) 2-2 

COLOR RHAPSODIES 

1504 Grape Nutty (6) 4-14 8-13 

1505 Cat-Tastrophy (6) 6-30 + 9-3 

COMEDY FAVORITES 

(Reissues) 

144S A Rookie's Cookie (17) 5-19 

. . 

1446Craiy Like a Fox (ISVi) 6-16 ± H 

1S49-50 SEASON 

2431 Three Blonde Mice (16).. 9-29 + I 

2432 The Spook Speaks (IS). 10-20 -H- 

2433 Lwe in Gloom (19) ... .12-15 

2436 Calling All Curtains (16) 2- 9 

COMMUNITY SINGS 

1636 No. 6 My Blue Heaven 

(9i/a> 7-7 

FILM NOVELTIES 

190Z America's Heritage of Hospitality 

(lO'/a) 8-25 + i: 

2901 Yukon Canada (10) 12-22 

JOLLY FROLICS 

Bear (7) 9-29 2501 Ragtime : 

2502 Punchy De Leon iff/z) 1-12 -I- I 

. . 

ONE-REEL SPECIAL 

1553 No. 3 Candid MicrophorK 

(10) 8-19 


2551 No. 1 Candid Microphone 

(9) 10-27 

2552 No. 2 Candid Microphone 

(U> 12-29 

2750 The Sound Man (10) 1-19 4+ 11 

2553 Candid Microphone (..).. 2-23 

SCREEN SNAPSHOTS 

1859 Hollywoad's Happy Homes 

OVb) 6-16 -H- < 

1860 Howdy Podner (9'/2) 7-20 


2851 Spin That Platter (U).. 9-15 ± 1 

2852 Motion Picture Mothers, Inc. 

(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 

1408Feulln' Around (16) 7-7 -I- 9 

1407 Hokus Pokus (16) 8-13 rt S 


2401 Malice In the Palace (16) 9- 1 ± 12 

2402 Vagabond Loatars (16).. 10- 6 -f- 1 

2403 Dunked in the Deep (17) 11- 3 

2404 Punchy Cowpunchers (17) 1- 5 -f 2 

2403 Hugs and Mugs (16) 2-2 

THRILLS OF MUSIC 

2952 Miguel Ito Valdes & Orch. 

(10) 9-22 

WORLD OF SPORTS 

+ 18a9Rasslin' Riot (8

, 

,„ 


Pr«d. No. Title R«l. D»te "aîna "ct'iI 

DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE 

9901 Salislitd Sauriant (9) Ma». + 3-12 

FE^mÎNE world 

9601 TalBnled BcJUties (Vyvyan 

Donner) (11) June + 7-23 

9602rashioiu o( Yesteryear 

(Ilka Cliase) (8) 10- 

» 8 

Nov. + 

MARCH OF TIME 

Vol. 15, No. 2 Asia'! New voice 

(18) Feb. tt 3-5 

Vol. 15, No. 3 Wish You Were Here 

(18) Mar. + 3-26 

Vol. 15, No. 4 Report on the Atom 

(20) Apr. + 4-30 

Vol 15, No. 5 Sweden Looks Ahead 

(18) May -tt 5-21 

Vol. 15, No. 6 It's in the Groove 

(19) June + S-ia 

Vol. 15, No. 7 Stop— Heavy TraHiel 

(18) ••'''ly 

Vol. 15, No. 8 Farminj Pays Oft 

(18) A"0- 

Vol 15, No. 9 Policeman's Holiday 

(18) Sept. ++ 9-17 

Vol. Fiiiht for Better 

15, No. 10 The 

Schools (20) Oct + 

15, No. 11 MacArthur's Japan 

Vol 

NO'- + 

(18) 

Vol 15, No. 12 to A Chance Uve 

(IS) Dec. -H- 

MOVIETONE ADVENTURES 

9252 ©Quaint Quebec (8) April + 

9253 ©Golden Traiis»aal (8) May + 

9254 ©Maine Sail (8) Auo. + 1 

9255 ©Realm of the Redwoods 

(8) 

Sept. 1 

9201 Ahoy, Davy Jones (11) Oct. + 1 

9202 Aboard the Flattop Mldvmy 

(8) 

»""• 

9256 ©Jewel of the Baltic (8) • Dec. 

9203 Midviest Metropolis (..).. Dec 

MOVIETONE SPECIALTY 

9801 Struggle for Survival (9)..Feh.-H- 

9802 The Hunter (8) Auo- + 

9803 Shadows on the Snow (9). .Sept. -H 

MOVIETONE 

MELODIES 

8101 Charlie Bamet and His Band 

(11) July ± 

1950 SERIES 

7001 Lawrence Welk and His 

Champagne Music (9).. Jan. ±. 

7002 Red Ingle and His Gang 

(9) 

Mar. 

MOVIETONE NEWS 

(Released Twice Weekly) 

SPORTS 

9302 Neptune's Playgro«nd 

(8) 

H 

Aofil + 

9303 Beauty and the Blade (9) May . . -f 

9304 Future Champs (9) Juty ± 

1950 SERIES 

3001 Skiing Is Believing (9)... Jan. H 

3002 From Jib to Topsail (8) Feb. + 

3051 Frolic in Sports (..) Mar. 

TERRYTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

9504 Sourpuss In Dingbat Land 

(7) "• 

9505 The Talking Magpiee In the 

Lion Hunt (7) Mar. ± 

9506 The Talking Magpies In the 

Stowaways (7) Ajir. + 

9507 Mighty Mou» In a Cold 

Romance (7) Apr. ± 

9508 The Kitten Sitter (7) May * 

9521 Hook, Line and Sinker 

(7) (reissue) May 

9509 The Talking Magpies In 

Happy Landing (7) Jun ± 

9522 Catnip Capers (7) (reiteue) June 

9510 Mighty Mouse In the Catnip 

Gang (7) June 

9511 The Talking Magpies In Hula 

Hula (7) July 

9512 The Lyin' Lion (7) July 

9513 Mrs. Jones' Rest Farm 

(7) Aug. 

9514 Sourpuss In the Covered 

Pushcart (7) ««pt. 

9515 A Truckload of Trouble 

10- a 

U-19 


Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd 

+

: 

; 

. 

SHORTS REVIIWS 

Kix A\it'i\^ 

*>ia>cj2.' 

J?«^vt II tr 

î\e 

Opinions on tht Currat Short Subjects 

rh^ CountcTieit Cat 

Mv>M 

^»>«i-es io 

fiaMKSt. deAlin? as it does " 

«hMd for tJ>e world in the Is: 

iscn^rs Mth C*ntwry. The fUm telli 

BUkajr ot 

w 

0» perplejong problems coiUrc-Uii 

aw average AmencAn. Einste^, Gearai 

Bndl^. W*lter Resatber. ChurchiU. Jajues 

- 

are 

-.&^ a i>--.:s^. »--th 'mt 

n.-«es. »rxi th ^3bs. 

tKassiaa Cater Carta a ^ 

Gaod. Chiefly interesSsag because a to

Opinions on Current Productions; Exptcitis for Selling to the Public 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

— 

(FOR STOT SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE REAHBRSE SIDE) 

Champagne for Caesar 

United Artists ( ) 99 Minutes =tel. 

Producer Harry M. Popkin shot the banloU on this and 

hit the jackpot for as refreshingly differe:, dehghtful a 

comedy as has rolled off of Hollywood's .•.mor assembly 

line in many a month. It's one of those rai scripting job;?, 

a picture that specializes in satire and =-jl!ety but still 

manages to keep its fun on a level where -.vill appeal to 

every taste. The master theme—and it is .-ell-laced with 

two threads of romance—subjects to a thorcgh ribbing the 

current craze for radio shows with fantastic iveaway prizes. 

The topicality of such subject plus the m;nty magnetism 

of the star-studded cast makes the film a naral for exploitation 

worthy of its merits. And in performcres, production 

values and on all other counts the offerin 3 equipped to 

justify the best booking and salesmanship t.ieatreman can 

give it. Directed by Richard B. Whorf. 

Ronald Colman, Celeste Holm, Vincent Price, iarbara Britton, 

Art Linkletter, Byron Foulger, Ellye larshall. 

Outside the Wall 

I 

' """" 

Univ.-Int'l ( ) 80 Minutes Rel. Mar. '50 

Devotees of hard-boiled, action-cramme.. :rooks-and-cops 

drama will have a field day when they hv tickets to this 

one—and contemporary business being enu'ed by pictures 

of similar theme indicates that is sufficie; to assure the 

offering a profitable reception in all situatics. Furthermore, 

the film should have considerable appec to the general 

patronage customers—those who are not o choosy about 

subject matter but are appreciative of so:i scripting, substantial 

production, convincing performance and intelligent 

direction, assets which the feature offer: ;n large doses. 

Richard Basehart's delineation of a man sudenly freed after 

spending all of his adult years in the penita:iary establishes 

him well to the forefront of the current cro of screen tough 

guys and he is given sterling support by ccarefully chosen 

cast, sufficiently name-heavy to common the top spot on 

the marquee and in exploitation. Directed v Crone Wilbur. 

Richard Basehart, Marilyn Maxwell, Sign Hasso, Dorothy 

Hart, Joseph Pevney, John Hoyl, Hen/ Morgan. 

Conspirator 

^ """" 

MGM (21) 87 Minutes Rel. Mar. 24. '50 

To make this one—and, parenthetical! to utilize frozen 

credits in Britain—Leo sent a top team 1 England, to wit. 

Producer Arthur Hornblow, Director Vict^ Saville and the 

starring Taylors—Robert and Elizabeth, n related. That he 

availed himself of a goodly chunk of i~h iced bankroll 

manifests itself in the lush manner in v;.ch the picture is 

mounted. Resultantly it is a blend of Horwood talent and 

know-how and characteristic English reseiv and authenticity 

as concerns backgrounds, character-castin and atmosphere. 

Nonetheless, it will be the Taylor name upon which the 

offering must pin its hopes for success and pon which should 

be hung its merchandising approach. Tc story is a combination 

of romance and intrigue and iraht be considered 

too meager and too meandering suspenseiUy and excitingly 

to support those dual subjects. Performnces are all that 

could be expected considering the literar material. 

Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Floiing, Harold Warrender, 

Honor Blackman, Marjorie Fielmg, Thora Hird. 

The Third Man 

SRO (108) 105 Minutes Rel. Feb. '50 

When two picturemaking perfectionists—one British and 

one American—get together it projects the entirely reasonable 

expectancy that the results should approach perfection. As 

concerns suspenseful, exciting, hair-raising gendarme-andgangster 

pictures, this dual elfort by England's Carol Reed 

and Hollywood's David O. Selznick easily fulfills such expectancy. 

Filmed in its entirety in postwar Vienna, the feature 

is not only a top-bracket thriller and a thoroughly praiseworthy 

venture for its excellence in acting and every other 

productional detail, but it has the additional asset—and an 

obviously exploitable one—of giving the spectator a highly 

interesting, authentic picture of lives, loves, crime and crime 

detection in the rubble-strewn capitals of Europe. The picture 

should score solidly in critical acclaim and general patronage. 

Reed directed—and masterfully—as well as produced. 

Joseph Gotten, Valli, Orson Welles. Trevor Howard, Bernard 

Lee, Ernst Deutsch, Erich Ponto, Paul Hoerbiger. 

Young Man With a Horn 

Warner Bros. (916) 112 Minutes 

F 

F 

Drama 

Willi Music 

Rel. Mar. 11, '50 

Because toplined Kirk Douglas, fresh from his triumph in 

"The Champion," still is hotter than Fourth of July in Kansas, 

this one should do top business in its initial bookings, which 

commercial aspect should be enhanced by the co-starring 

duo of femmes. Whether the early buyers will like the story 

will depend upon individual tastes, thus making it regrettable 

that a vehicle of more general appeal was not chosen to 

capitalize on Douglas' popularity. It's a character study 

and not a too clearly defined one—of a trumpet player, a 

man whose first love is his horn. The disciples of hot licks 

in the realm of music will find much in the film to their 

liking, but it is doubtful that there are enough of such 

hepsters to guarantee capacity subsequent runs. Others will 

be critical of the formula aspects of the story and its slow 

pace. Directed by Michael Curtiz. 

Kirk Douglas. Lauren Bacall, Doris Day, Hoagy Carmichael, 

Juano Hernandez, Jerome Cowan, Mary Beth Hughes. 

!^ The Eagle and the Hawk F ";;::" 

Paramount (4916) 103 Minutes ReL May '50 

Herein are a couple of firsts for those widely publicized 

Bills-^Pine and Thomas, that is—who started their productional 

career some years ago by making supporting features 

for Paramount's program. It is their first experience with 

Technicolor and it is easily their most ambitious and expensive 

venture to date. The upped bankroll manifests itself 

in several of the picture's many assets—cast and production 

values being the most obvious. Filmed against the rugged 

and natural beauties of New Mexico, the tint photography 

alone is worth the price of admission. What matter it that, in 

search of scope, spectacle, action and suspense, it apparently 

was expedient to jettison story consistency? Those who seek 

de luxe sagebrush fare—and it is that for all its historical 

framework—will overlook such shortcomings and vote it 

good he-man entertainment. Lewis R. Foster directed. 

John Payne, Rhonda Fleming, Dennis O'Eeeie, Thomas Gomex, 

Fred Clark, Frank Faylen, Eduardo Noriega. 

The Tattooed Stranger 

REG Radio (018) 64 Minutes Rel. 

More evidence that good pictures can fc made away from 

Hollywood is this engrossing, lightning-peed mystery which 

was filmed in its entirety in New York an utilizes the streets 

of that teeming metropolis for backgrounc and atmosphere. 

Because of its length and the absence opstablished names 

in its cast, the picture obviously is ear.arked as a companion 

piece. And it will serve so susfactorily in that 

niche that no one will mind the pauci' of familiar faces. 

On the contrary, the discriminating ticket uyer will welcome 

and laud the offering for its meticulous oDntion to type casting 

and natural characterizations. The Hl gives an exciting 

and apparently authentic insight into crini detection methods 

of a modern police force, in which phasa f its many praiseworthy 

assets lies possibilities of merchodising which can 

make the picture an additional drawincard on any dual 

program. Directed by Edward J. Montagr, 

John Miles. Patricia White, Walter Einseo, Frank Tweddell, 

Rod McLennan, Herb Holcomb, JDory Lasko. 

F 

S MIK 

Itr) 

1116 BOXOFnCE 

-) 

Bodyhold 

Columbia (216) 

65 Minutes Rel. 

Many pictures are described as featuring the woman's 

angle, but this one goes after the men. However, there is 

romantic interest, and the brutality of the wrestling ring is 

held to a minimum, so wives can accompany their husbands 

or boy friends and find entertainment. Willard Parker does 

a capable job of playing the husky plumber who gets into 

the wrestling racket by tossing an interfering wrestler on 

his ear, and both Hillary Brooke and Lola Albright are 

easy on the eyes. Exploitation possibilities aie many though 

of a limited nature. There are no guns and the violence is 

confined to the padded mat for the most part. This makes it 

an action picture that can be seen by family audiences without 

criticism, since much is made of the necessity for keeping 

sports clean. Rather better than average for the lower 

half. Seymour Friedman directed. 

F 

Action 

Drama 

Willard Parker, Lola Albright, Hillary Brooks, Allen Jenldns, 

Roy Roberta, Gordon Jones, Sammy Menacker. 

February 11, 1980 1115

'. 

Because 

. . The 

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; AdUaes for Newspaper and Programs 

THE STORY: 

"The Third Man" 

Joseph Gotten, an American writer of cheap novels, broke 

but enthusiastic, comes to Vienna where he has been offered 

a job by a life-long friend, Orson Welles. He arrives just 

in time to attend the funeral of the latter, who is alleged 

to have been killed in an automobile accident. When the 

are insistent that Gotten return immediately to America, he 

becomes suspicious and determines to probe into Welles' 

death. He is plunged into a maze of intrigue, mystery, adven- 

^ igsi 

ture and ultimately a romance with Welles' sweetheart, 

Valli, which activities uncover a surprise twist which should 

be kept a secret until the picture is seen. 

CATCHLINES: 

Hold Your Breath . . 

This Is the One . . . The 

Most Exciting Motion Picture Ever Made ... A Masterpiece 

of Intrigue and Suspense . Film Sensation You'll 

Never Forget.

serious 

llATES: 10c per word. Tninimum $1.00, cash \with copy. Four insertions lor price of three. 

(IÔSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to 

>> Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. • 

HELP WANTED GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW THEATRES WANTED 

S-t-r-e-t-c-h your dollars at S.O.S. Here's value 

Thcatrt manajers. assistant managers and drivemann^crs 

vianlod. In rcrmanent positions New extraordinary: llectlfler bulbs. 15 amp., $4.95: 

6 amp., $2.93: carbon savers. 77c: Snapllle II 

area: salary open. Slate esperlme, 

KC references and amllabUity- I'ork-.New Jersey 

Write Box coated lenses. $75 (liberal tradclns) coin chang- 

ers. $U!),50: Intercom telephones, $9.95 pair: 

Bcxoffice, 9 Rociefeller Plaza, New York 

crystal pickups. $1.75: mamnee letters. 35c up: 

;ity. 

beautiful stage settings. $277.50; wall and ceiling 

position for ouLstjinding Uiesire exiciillve 

Excellent 

lighting fixlures. 45ô off. (Send for brochure), 

top Jlidwest circuit. Boxofflte, 

Mllli fUelit 

nept. C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp-.. 602 52nd 

irrii. 

York 19. 

Wanted: Manager for neighborhood theatre. Top 

Nen. too? Veslriel With cooperation of manufacturers 

and bonus. Ideal working conditions. Write 

ilary 

S.O.S. has assembled latest booth equlp- 

lercnccs. details, etc., care 0. Broiman, Avalo« 

menis for theatres, $2,950; drive-lns, $3,950: 

(Ileal re, 2S0T \V. DIversey Ave., 

Need extra cash? Manager, projectionists—dayne, 

Ollc.igo. 

actually aO% of market price! Time deals and 

trades, too! Pept. C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 

St.. 19. 

Bn2 W, 52nd New York sell your neighborhood merchants 

advertls- 

calendars, pencils, matches, etc. Aierilie 

ng gifts, $79.50: 

order earns $25. Free samples. Kincole, 8916 Curtain controls, $74.50: coin changers, 

CO ampere reclifiers, $235 pair: 1 KW rectifiers. 

Mich. 

.Inwood. netroll, 

, $225: film cabinets, $2,95 section: splicers. $3.95. 

Wanted: Ksporlenced ager for new Di-ive-In 

s,„r cinema Supply. 441 West 50th St.. New 

necess, sary. Apply Palace 

rheatre. References york 19. 

Sogiiin, Texas 

re. 

complete etiiiipment for ouidoor and indoor 

s. Feature Queen Blrming- 

salary. Indcpcndl 

Experienced Managers: Good Service, Inc.. 

circiiit. State (iiiallflcallons and references. 

iViW Tlieatres. (ilO Fox BIdg., Petroit. Mich. 

Theatrc and drh'o-ln ampUfiei 

to 8 1.000 watts, 

salesman wanted for New Orleans territory, 

All sites. 

wperu ice in film lilies or booking required. Mtist 

Rarlwv, Ky, 

Good salary with opporttmity for conadvancement. 

Answer Kay Film Exchange, 

Iniied 

18 Smith Liberty Street. New Orleans, La. 

POSITIONS WANTED 

Wanted to manage or would lease theatre In 

iny loc.illon 1.500 population or over. ELxperl- 

!. cnnfidenliiil. Boxofflce. 3720. 

all 

repairs. 

Projectionist: 10 years experience on Simples 

ind other makes of eqtiipment. Married, age 25. 

So children. Wish city In middlewest with furd 

apartment or house. Salary $45 to $50 

leeklv. No drunkard: able to go to work Feb. 

in.iO. BoNofficc. 3737. 

Manaoer, now employed, desires change. A-1 

referettces. Prefer the Carollnas or Virginia. Adjress 

Box 414, Hamlet, N. C. 

Independent buyer and booker for Stale of Iowa, 

lorrcct film rental guaranteed. Boxoffice. 3754. 

Manauer. experienced in all phases of operations, 

nromotlon. expioliatlon. Married, family, age 31. 

Present position Inadequate for future. Stage as 

ell ,is screen. Best references. Go anjivhere. 

Boxoffice. 

375fi. 

Manajer or assistant manager, 5 years exporice, 

32 years old. Can give best references. Desire 

change because have advanced far as possible 

with present employer. Available within three 

weeks. Can go anywhere. Boxoffice, 3761. 

Experienced projectionist, sober. Prefer South. 

Living wage to begin with. Onis Allen, Hartselle, 

Projectionist: 7 years experience. Honest, de 

pendable. Go anywhere. Available two weeks 

notice Salary $50. Boxoffice, 3702. 

THEATRICAL PRINTING 

aids, 

Photo-Offset 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USTO 

Looks new, operates new. But It's rebulltl 

That's the SOS, way. Holmes Educators, $550: 

Simpler Acme, $795: Simplex SP or Standard, 

dii.il $995. All equipments with 2,000' magazines, 

s, amplifier, speaker, etc. Available on time 

payments Dept C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.. 

602 \V. 52nd St., New York 19. 

Competitors wonder how we do it! Peerless 

Magnarcs. rebuilt. $550: E7 mechanisms, rebuilt, 

$1,100; Simplex 5-point pedestals, $90 pair: Simplex 

mechanisms, rear shutters, latest features, 

excellent. $125: Powers mechanisms, rebuilt, 

$114.50. Wliat do you need? Star Onema Sup- 

441 West 50th St., New York 19. 

For the preview room, rebuilt navy DeVry proiecinrs. 

$550 pair. Reconditioned navy DeVry 

amplifiers. $65, Holmes Educators, pair, complete, 

like ne«. $600. MldsUte Theatre Supply, 

inofi Thomas Ave., Fresno. Calif, 

Simplex rear shutter projectors. Snaplite lens. 

Peerless lamps with rectifiers, RCA sound system, 

rewind, film cabinet, table, complete booth equipment. 

$1,775. Installed In your theatre for expenses, 

Boxoffice. 3763. 

Powers projectors, complete. Peerless low Intensity 

lamps with rectifiers. Mellaphone sound, 

Mellaphnne amplifier and two-way speaker used 

only 7 months. Extra amplifier. Make me an 

offer. Bnxnfflee, 3764. 

Two Peerless lamps, automatic feed control, 33 

amps. Also Hcrtner Generator, 6 H,P, motor, two 

phase 440, all In excellent shape. Four 18 Inch 

Simplex magazines. Low price of $225.00 for all. 

State Theatre, Davenport, low*. 


DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Drive-ins, order now, open early. Comiilele 

Dual 35mm oiltrlls from $1,505; Pual 10mm 

Amproarcs, $1,795: No. 14 underground cable. 

$55.45 M (quantity discounts) : marquee letters. 

up. 35c Time deals Invited. Write for details 

and drive-In catalog (now In prepar.ation) Pept. 

SOS. Cinema Supply Corp.. 602 

. 

W. 52nd 

Ne« York 19. 

Speaker stands fabricated to specification In 

our own plant. Immediate delivery, any quantity. 

Wire, write or phone. Long Distance 1024 

or THatcber 9243. Sonken-Galamba Corp., Second 

and Rlver\levv. Kansas City 18. Kas. 

Drive-in owners, builders, showmen; Inst.all kiddle 

rides. Profit making business. We build 

Kiddie trains, airplane rides, car rides, ferris 

wheels, etc. All solid and strong, at surprisingly 

reasonable prices. All work guaranteed. For details, 

drop a line to KIddleland Kontractors, P. 0. 

Box 1S2, Lafayette, La. 

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

Sell your theatre privately. Confidential correspondence 

Invited. Leak Theatre Sales, 3422 

Kinmore, Dallas. 1109 Orchardlane, I>«8 Moines. 

$10,000 down for small town Idaho, Oreeon, 

northern California. Phelps, 429 East Carter. 

Poi-attllo. 

Idaho. 

Want to lease theatres In Washington. Oregon, 

Id.ihn, Montana. Rush full particulars to Boxoffice, 

3750. 

Individual wants theatre Texas town. 1.500 oi 

more. No broker, no publicity. Cash. Replle: 

confidential. Boxoffice. 3752. 

If $5,000 down will buy good living and payments, 

will come and thoroughly Inspect, Boxiffie 

3700. 

Movie Theatres. Representing "Buyers" who desire 

motion picture theatres and "Showmen" who 

de.sirc to sell their theatres. I)e Blaslo & Saunders, 

Hotel Oleott. 27 West 72nd St., New York 

City. TR 7-4200. 

Want theatre In good one-show town of 1,000 

to 2,UIM) population. Eastern Oklahoma or adjoining 

states, If priced right, Lester Miller, Coweta, 

Okla. 

Let us sell your theatre, buyers waiting, Frei 

.appraisals. Harold Eastham Co.. 313 Ripley St. 

Davenport, 

Iowa. 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

Theatres For Sale; Selected listings In Oregon 

and W.ishinston now available. Write for list. 

Theatre E.xehange Co.. Fine Arts BIdg., Portland. 

(Ire. 

Build double parking drive-in theatres under 

franchise Patent No. 2,102.718. rels.sue No. 

22.756 and Improvements, patent pending, lip 

to 30 per cent more seating capacity with Utile 

addltion.il cost. Louis Josser:md, architect, 390J 

S, Main St.. nouston, Tex. 

Pacific northwest theatres for sale. Write Theaire 

Sales Co.. 4229 NE Broadway, Portland, Ore. 

Describe to Walter Jackson, Broker. ChlUicolhe. 

Mo., theatre you want to buy «r sell. 

Suckers are scarce. Buy or sell theatres right. 

Belter business. Contact Walter Jackson. Broker, 

Cllillicnlhc. 

$10,500 down. Only tlicatre adjobllng towns 

totaling 2,800. Good brick building Uicluded. 

New Bridoamatic Automatic Processors. $1,595: Owner showed $345 weekly profit bst month. 

illness. Artliur Leak. Theatre Sales, 3422 

fl 3 lenses, $199; S^n- Cine Balnwslar \V~" 

Dalla: chronmis 35mm Dubbing Projectors. $695 

>Liny others. 

buHdino, 3 with apartments, System Sound Camera. 

Clnevolce lOmm Single 

Theatre for sale. 

Good Located Iowa. $20,000 down. 

lenses, motor, 

$695: Twin turret Eyemo. 6 fast 

investment. 

385 equipment, building good condition. 

35mm recorders, from $495: new 

etc., $1,095: seats; 

Aurlcon 33-Miniite Camera, $1,665, Send for 

New marquee. Boxoffice. 3727. 

cat.llog SInrelab. Dept. C, SOS. Cinema Supply 

602 W. 52nd New York 

Tulsa (Strand). 

320-scat grind house, downtown 

Will sell for half price due to other business: 

with roadshous, 

Corp.. St., 19. 

5-year option. Ideal for liquidation sale—Mole Dlchardson 

Filmcraft studio 3-year lease 

Don't waste time with unnecessary 

my 

Solarspots, Wonderful shape. Including 

etc. 

barndoors, dlffiisers, rolling stand, 5KW 

bulb, correspondence. If Interested, look It over and 

contact me. V. F. Hosier. 1600 S. May Ave . 

Juniors, $!04.50: Juniors, 

Seniors. $189.50: 2KW 

Oklahoma Day phone 6-1597. nights 9-8354. 

lights, dimmers, 

less stands. $87.50: hundreds other 

City. 

cables, plugs, etc Complete background 

For Sale: CJilcaeo neighborhood modern theatre, 

process projection outfit. Including 4 SelssTi motors, 

fully equipped. 750 seats. Must liquidate interest. 

sound playback, lenses, screen, etc.. worth 

Will take half cash and terms for balance. 

$15,000, rebuilt, $4,995: MR Microphone Boom, 

Write for particulars, Boxoffice. 624 S. Michigan 

with dolly. $395. Send for Bulletin Filmcraft, 

SOS. 602 W. 

Ave.. Chicago 5, Hi 

Derit. C, Cinema Supply Corp,. 

Two theatres. Tow Wa 

Both 

Texas. 

52nd St.. New York 19. 

brick buildings Included. Present owner shows 

Late 

300 weekly profits. All cushloi seats. 

EQUIPMENT WANTED 

Two sets good Strong utility. Junior or Baby 

lamps, rectifiers: set 35 Holmes. A i T, WIckes. 

Will swap 1946 Ford Pickup and pair Holmes 

on booth equipment. Want hl-l.amp. Arkansas 

Equipment Co,, Sulphur Springs. Ark, 

Complete drive-in booth, used (prefer Strong 

Mogul lamps). No aink. Write, wire, call Montana 

Theatre Equipment, Inc.. Box 1000. phone 

33. Sunburst. Mont. 

AIR CONDITIONING 

Heavy duty blowers, ballbearing equipped. 

15 000 cfm to 50.000 cfm. Air washers, all 

slies. Ilvdraullc drives, two and four speed 

motnr controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers 

wanted. National .and Enghleerkig Mfg. Co.. 519 

St.. Wi-nndotte Kansas Oty. Mo 

Refrigerated type air conditioning. Cnmpb-'e 

15-tnn York system, slightly used. $1,000. Will 

Install and guarantee. $2,000. Also 30-ton svstem, 

$1,800; Installeil and guaranteed, $3,600, 

\! St.. Armstrong, Bergen Brnokhn, N, Y, 

SIGNS 

Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns. 

Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experience 

needed for expert work. Write for free samples 

John Rahn. B-1329. Central Are.. Chicago 

.il. 111. 

Mn. 

model equipment. $38,500. half dawn. "Joe' 

Joseph, sen Beauregard Drive, phone E6-6289 

imllas. Tex 

CLtflRldG HOUSf 

Notice, mailing list cii.stomers of "Joe" Joseph: 

I'ollo'.ving theatres sold since Jan. 1, 1950. Ple.ase 

destroy all Information. QiilnLin, Texas: Seagovllle. 

Texas, and Alton, Texas. Must hate more 

listings for Immediate disposition. "Joe" Joseph. 

SOU Beauregard. Dallas. Tex. 

For sale, at Victoria. Kas.. 414-seat house, 

In hullt Sell 1946, eventhlng. building and 

equipment, for $22,000 cash, no terms. Write 

(or narlleiilars: W. J. Braun. Victoria. Kas. 

Ten-year lease. All-day grind Iheatre In Illinois. 

50.000 population. $200 monthly rental Includes 

anartment. $15,400 for lease and equipment. 

Air conditioned. Owner retiring, Boxoffice. 3741. 

700-car drive-in theatre, hy owner, with III 

health. Midwest city of .300.000 population, surrounded 

by good pav rolls. Priced reasonable 

Shown hy app.dntment. State's choice location 

Boxoffice. 3742 

Movie Theatres, nepresenllng "Biivcrs" who desire 


desire 

Saunders. 

to sell 

Hotel 

their 

Oleott. 

theatres. 

27 W. 

De 

72nd 

BLislo 

St.. NYT— 

Ic 

TR 7-4200 

Theatre. South Jersey, 436 seats; solid brick, 

latest Simplex sound. Brenkert projectors: oil 

burner, new seats, new fronts, new carpets. Population 

7.500: $10,000 for 10-year lease. Solid 

proposition. Boxoffice. 3751. 

THEATRES FOR SALE (Cont'd) 

Texas, 319 seats, town 1,200. Simplex, first 

iss setup: $7,500 down. Coxoffice, 3757. 

For Sale; 300-seat house with hotel rooms 

above. In Western Kentucky Industrial town of 

1.600. No competition. Owner must sell on account 

of health. 

Everything goes for $10,000. 

Half down. 2. Preston Southard, Route Murray. Ky. 

Movie Theatres. Representing "Buyers" who desire 


desire lo sell their theatres. De Blaslo & Saunders, 

Hotel Oleott. 27 West 72ml St., New York 

City. TR 7-4200. 

Theatre to Lease. Heart Main street, growing 

county seat town. 10.000 population. Extensive 

remodeling now In progress. Theatre to have modern 

stainless steel and tile front, attractive lobby, 

well located candy bar. new rest rooms. Cclotex 

panel auditorium approximately 400 scats. Available 

In 30-45 days. Write Manos Salevurakis, 

P. 0. Box 660. Price. Utah, or phone 109. 

Steel (or theatre or garage. Complete set steel 

for sale for 500-scat house, stadium type—designed 

for 50x120, Including red glasslne blocks 

for beautiful front. If you arc planning on building 

a theatre or garage this size. It will pay you 

to contact .Ine Smith, Laurens. Iowa, 

^ 

Central Texas controlled town, near 3.000. Rich 

diversified income. Everything Included. High 

steady profit. $49,000, 60% down. Prolonged 

inspection Invited. Arthur Leak. 3422 Kinmore, 

Dallas, Texas. Others, 

$10,000 down. North Texas town 1,500. Two 

large indiistiial projects should double population. 

Finest equipment. Absent owner. Artjiur Leak, 

3422 Kinmiire, Dallas. 

$36,000 

3,000. N 

quarters, 

Ing showmi] 

r 

handles beautiful New Mexico town 

ir large government project. Living 

al estate Included. Remarkable open- 

1. Boxoffice, 3758. 

Theatre for sale, Argonia, Kas. 285 seats, new 

Simplex sound, Altec speakers. new 105 new 

cushion seats. Priced to sell, by owner. Dwight 

Miller. Argonia. Kas. 

^___ 

For Sale: fiOO-car drlve-ln theatre In vicinity 

of Terre Haute, Ind. New RCA equipment: constructed 

for 750 cars. Best location. Contact 

owners. Wisher Myers. Ralph Brame. Donald Dunn, 

Veedersbiirg, 

" Theatre in Northern Loulsianii. Population 3,500; 

nnncompetitlvc situation. Theatre In Southeast 

Missouri, 2,500 population! new attractive theatre 

anil equipment. Three theatres In East Tennessee, 

excellent suburban locations. One of the best 

propositions we h.ive ever been able to submit. 

Excellent theatre on Misslsslpl Gulf coast; a real 

proposition. Ilaase-Shea, Theatre Brokers. McCall 

BIdg., Memphis. Tenn. 

Movie Theatres, Represent Ing "liiiyers" who desire 


desire to sell their theatres. De Blaslo t 

Saunders. Hotel Oleott. 27 W. 72nd St., NYC— 

TR 7-4200. 

THEATRES FOR RENT 

For Rent: 800-seat theatre In city near Boston, 

Mass, Ready for Immediate occup.ancy. Closed because 

of Illness and death of owner. Best location. 

Contact Atfy J. Morton Rosenblum. 1008 

Elm St.. M.inchester. N. H, 

POPCORN SUPPLIES 

Attractively printed popcorn cartons for sale. 

size, lOc $6,25 M; 25c size. $16.00 M. Fabian 

Kontne)-. 609 N. Ashland. Green Bay. Wis. 

Pop-Mor. the popcorn that Is tested for taste. 

Costs less to pop the best. Complete line of popcorn 

supplies. Write for our free delivery service 

to theatres. Whitley Popcorn Co. Trenton, Mo. 

Blevins' Pops-Kile Box with Wm. A. Roge.-f 

"Box-Top" Silverware Premium offer Is booming 

popcorn sales! Blevins Popcorn Co.. Popcorn 

Village. Nashville. Tenn. 

(Popped Corn. Jax-Pop. the nutrtUaus po»- 

425 E;ist Bay St.. JacksonilUe. Fla. 

POPCORN MACHINES 

Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guaranteed. 

Price from $100, Consolidated Confeetloiis, 

S, 5. 1314 Wabash, Chicago HL 

Burch. .Manley, Cretors. Advance, all electric 

french fry types. 50 Hollpvood type, theatre 

special electric poppers from $250. Karmdkom 

Equipment. 120 8. Ilalsted. Chicago 6. III. 

Free 56-page 1949 catalog of Award-Winning 

Popcorn and Concession Equipment and Supplied. 

Blevins Popcorn Co., Popcorn Village, Nashville, 

Tenn. 

MORE CLASSIFIED 

ADS ON PAGE 46

"Play it big. One of 

the best to come from 

Hollywood in many a 

day. Guarantees HAPPY 

DAYSATTHEBOXOFFICE 

for 

any exhibitor!" 

-MP Herald 

"Guaranteed to leave 

audiences breathless 

with its action, suspense 

and mystery. A 

MASTERFUL JOB!" 

"Superb. Should give 

exhibitors' product 

line-up A SHOT IN THE 

THE SHORnST TITLE 

OF 1950 

FOR THE LONGEST 

LINES OF THE YEARl 

(^RW -Independent 

"Very unusual, highly 

exploitable,top melodrama. 

VERY GOOD FOR 

MOST SITUATIONS!" 

OKAY AT B.O.!' 

"Entirely 

engrossing 

and convincing!" 

-:' 

"Completely different. 

A FIRST-RATE EXPLOI- 

TATION ENTRY!" 

"First-class. Continuous 

excitement. SHOULD 

HARRY M. POPKIN 

^.O.^. 

presents 

RECEIVE DESERVED POP- 

ULARITY!" 

I 

-MP Do./y 

starring 

EDMONDOVN.JIlMEyiBI!IITON 

^\^ 

^' Wilful;' .^^ 

.tK • Beverly Campbell •Neville Brand • Lynn 

Baggett • William Ching • Henry Hart • Laurette Luez 

Produced by LEO C. POPKIN • Directed by RUDY MATE 

Story and Screenplay by RUSSELL ROUSE and CLARENCE GREENE 

Music Written and Directed by Dimitri Tiomkin 

A Harry IVI. Popl(in Production

Boxoffice-February.11.1950

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