Boxoffice-February.18.1950

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000
Industry's Tax Case Goes
Before House Committee
Page 8
Loew's to Appeal Decree;
TOA Is
Urging Arbitration
Page 9

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The boxoffice shakes when Betty Grable cuts loose with the famous "Shimmy"
in "Wabash Avenue," 20th Century-Fox's gala Technicolor musical contribution for
Easter. Co-stars Victor Mature and Phil Harris, a hit score by Mack Gordon and
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BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

—
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o^t^^?/lotionr^u^4^ /ftc^^
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FEBRUARY 18, 1950
Vol. 56 No. 16
LOOPHOLES FOR LITIGATION
w.HILE the statutory court has issued
what it terms a "final decree" in the case of
the government versus the three theatre-owning
major companies, the end of this industry's litigation,
which was launched in July 1938, is not
yet in sight. Rather, the way has been opened
for more litigation, on at least two counts: 1) by
the order outlawing buying and booking through
an agency; and 2) by the restraints placed on
clearances.
A third opening for legal conflict is present
in the court's action on arbitration in which
this means of settling intra-industry disputes is
left hanging in midair. True, the court authorizes
the setting up of a system of arbitration,
subject to its passing on provisions thereof.
But, without actual requirement of arbitration,
it is doubtful if any system will come into being
until after the industry has undergone considerable
litigation in the interim.
The court's ruling on buying and booking
agencies, known in the trade as "booking combines,"
foreshadows a multiplicity of actions
against such groups on a nationwide scale. Decision
on one such case is now pending in Detroit.
But it is expected that its outcome will
not be awaited for the filing of other such suits,
now that the federal court has put a seemingly
"illegal"' label on joint buying and booking arrangements.
Further, as in all court decisions, there are
many points that will need clarification, which,
unfortunately, may not be had without more
visits to the courts. Aside from this and the new
problems which will grow out of this case, there
are the pending suits involving exhibitors and
distributors, which total considerably more than
$100,000,000. Nor can there be any doubt that
competitive bidding, which arose from the 1948
decision of the statutory court, is the spawning
ground for supercharged and costly litigation.
In the light of its experience in matters of this
kind, it would seem that the court would have
considered it essential to provide some means
for almost immediate use—through which the
industry could settle some of these pending disputes
without recourse to the processes of law.
Again, we say. there was such intention in its
"approval" of a system of arbitration, but without
even setting a deadline, that left too much to
chance. The altitude expressed in some industry
quarters casts further doubt on the establishment
of an arbitration tribunal "in time"' to
be of the greatest possible value. But industry
leadership may assert itself and take the necessary
steps to bring a thoroughly sound arbitration
plan into early fruition.
As we go to press, the telety|)e brings a news
bulletin informing that Gael Sullivan ami Herman
Levy, executive director and general counsel,
respectively, of the Theatre Owners of America,
are taking steps looking toward the establishment
of "an efficient, attractive system" of
arbitration. They express confidence that the
bringing together of all the segments of the industry
for a conference on the subject will serve
to achieve the desired results. That is encouraging.
When Silence Is
^
^
Golden
To the observations and reports on "Stromboli"
appearing in this issue, we should like to
add our own comment.
The industry has not and should not seek to
condone the actions by its stars which go against
the accepted standards maintained by society for
its own protection. It must be realized, however,
that these deviations from the ideal have been
going on for several thousand years. When
King David dishonored Bath-Sheba, he even
caused her husband, I riah. to be put into the
front battle lines where he was killed, and David
married her. His punishment followed, for the
idea that a king (or a star I can do no wrong
has never been true, since all actions carry the
seeds of their own fruit.
However, it does not follow that the public
should, or will always, reject the work of artists
whose private lives have been held up to reproach.
Sarah Bernhardt freely acknowledged
an illegitimate son, but she was still "the divine
Sarah." There are other noteworthy cases in
which the public came to realize that the |)rivate
life of an artist is not the fairest basis for evaluating
his or her work.
Kxhibitors are under no obligation to showany
picture which they feel may be detrimental
to their own best interests. However, when exhibitors
or exhibitor groups, go out of their wav
to make public statements condemning a ])icture
because of a scandal surrounding its production,
and virtuously assert they will not |)Iay it
on that account, they do themselves and the industry
an injustice. No family, smarting under
the disgrace brought on by a wayward girl, ever
drew sympathy by casting her out. There is a
dignity of silence demanded here, while tongues
are wagging all around.
Sx^^v. /OyhUlC^i^^

:
INDUSTRY'S TAX CASE GOES
BEFORE HOUSE COMMITTEE
Johnston Says the Levy
Hurting All Segments
Of Film Business
WASPUNGTON—The entire structure
of the motion picture industry is affected
by the theatre admissions tax and the
taxes on raw film stock and photographic
apparatus, Eric Johnston, MPAA president,
told the House ways and means committee
Wednesday (15) when he appeared
before it as a vice-chairman of the National
Committee for Repeal of Wartime
Excise Taxes. This includes company heads
in 23 of 27 industries affected by the taxes.
WANTS PROMPT REPEAL
Johnston urged prompt repeal of all wartime
excise taxes and increases levied on all
Eric Johnston
industries. He said the
case of this industry
will be "handled later
in greater detail by
able representatives of
our industry when
they appear before the
committee" and that
they will explain how
the admissions tax
"hit unfairly where it
liurts the hardest—the
pocketbook of the
American family." He
was referring to the
appearance before the committee in a few
days of Abram F. Myers, National Allied general
counsel and chairman of the COMPO tax
committee, and Gael Sullivan, TOA executive
director, who will make a special plea
for the industry.
AS MPAA REPRESENTATIVE
Johnston said he was appearing as an official
of the national committee and as president
of MPAA. His prepared statement had
only passing reference to the industry's case
but in questioning he was called upon to
speak for the nation's exhibitors and the
studios.
A few hours after the Johnston appearance,
A. F. Myers, Allied's general counsel, remarked,
"I hope there is something left for
Gael Sullivan and myself to say. If there is.
Myers and Sullivan
Testify on Tuesday
WASHINGTON—The formal presentation
of the film industry's plea for reduction
of the 20 per cent federal admissions
tax is slated to be made Tuesday before
the House ways and means committee by
A. F. Myers, chairman of the COMPO
tax committee and of national Allied, and
TOA Director Gael Sullivan. Members of
the COMPO committee met here this
week to work out strategy for the presentation.
37 of 45 Congressmen
From N. Y. for Tax Cut
NEW YORK—A powerful group of 37 of
tire 45 New York State representatives to
Congress had pledged their votes to the repeal
of the 20 per cent federal admissions tax by
Wednesday (15) and more pledges were expected.
The entire Brooklyn contingent had
promised its support to the industry's campaign,
and only three of the 26 in the metropolitan
area had failed to put themselves on
record. In addition, Sen. Irving M. Ives said
he would back the campaign.
Six of the 14 New Jersey congressmen also
had pledged themselves, as had Sen. H. Alexander
Smith, and more pledges were expected
from the representatives of that state.
The support of the New York lawmakers
had been obtained by the Independent Theatre
Owners of America and the Metropolitan
Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n and that of
the New Jerseyites by Allied, TOA and ITOA
and the latter has enlisted the aid of the
Broadway Ass'n, New York Board of Trade,
we will say it." They appear next week.
Johnston pledged that the public will receive
full benefit from any congressional
action cutting or wiping out the admissions
levy. In response to questioning by Rep.
John Carroll of Colorado he said he could
"for the industry" promise that the saving
will be passed on the the consumer. He
agreed when Rep. John Dingell of Michigan
ventured that competition is strong enough
within the industry to insure that the tax
cut will be reflected in a drop of the ticket
price.
In response to questioning by Rep. Cecil
King of California, Johnston said the film
industry "is trying to supply family entertainment
at an average cost of 15 to 20 cents
an hour, but the excise tax hikes the cost
by 20 per cent." He also made a strong pitch
for reduction of the 25 per cent levy on photographic
apparatus and the 15 per cent tax
on raw stock. The latter amounts to about
$3,500,000 annually, he said, and is especially
discriminatory because there is no comparable
tax on newspapers, magazines or broadcasting.
He spoke of the importance of the Hollywood
product as an aid to American foreign
policy, and asked for "an even break and
equal treatment."
Among the overall points Johnston made
were:
"I believe the repeal of these taxes is in
the national public interest. There is unanimity
of opinion in this country for repeal
that is tantamount to an informal national
agreement."
"I believe the continuance of wartime excise
taxes in peacetime constitutes a drastic
23rd Street Ass'n, the chambers of commerce
of Coney Island, the Rockaways and Ridgewood,
N. J., and many supply manufacturers
and unions.
One highly satisfactory result of the campaign,
according to Morton Sunshine, ITOA
executive director, has been not only the great
public response in signing protest cards at
the theatres, but evidence of a feeling that
the theatremen have the interests of the
public at heart. Sunshine called it great pub-
relations.
lic
The unanimous support of the Brooklyn
congressmen is receiving special consideration.
D. John Phillips, MMPTA executive director,
and Sunshine have notified their members in
that area to continue to collect protest cards,
but not to forward them to the congressmen.
They are to be collected and kept in a central
place until their destination and time
of forwarding is settled. There would be no
point in flooding the congressmen's mail.
intrusion of government into the regulation
of business inconsistent with a free enterprise
system."
"What is new and, to me, serious, in the
continuation of these excises is the danger
of our being unconscious of the unintended
regulatory impact of these taxes. Whether it
is so intended or not, these taxes influence
very substantially the whole pattern of consumer
spending, the cost and price levels in
the industries affected, the entire structure
of these industries, the volume of their production,
the very size of the employment and
the level and distribution of the national
income. These taxes regulate my industry
and all other industries affected, because
they place us under handicaps the non-excise-tax
industries do not have to endure."
"Any commodity or service is essential to
our peacetime economy if it meets these tests
If it 'satisfies the healthy needs and desires
of consumers' and 'If its production provides
employment and income to individuals, to
businesses and to communities.' To accept any
other standards for public policy is to subject
certain sectors of our economy to discrimination,
to impose restrictions on the consumer's
freedom of choice and to jeopardize
the freedom, vitality and flexibility of our
economy."
The power behind the national tax-repeal
campaign, especially that supplied by the
public in support of the COMPO campaign,
has amazed Washington. Political dopesters
now see President Truman, Secretary of the
Treasury Snyder and other proponents of
continued taxation on the spot. Some believe
the administration may make a new
move to try to justify continued taxation.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

LOEWS WILL APPEAL DECREE;
FOX, WB STILL NEGOTIATING
But Strategy Conferences
Are Still in Order at All
Defendant Companies
NEW YORK—Strategy coufeieiices between
lawyers and executives of defendant
companies in the antitrust case began almost
immediately after the three-judge
court's latest decree Wednesday (8i and
were still in progress at the weekend.
THREE TOP DEVELOPMENTS
The three most important developments
were:
1. Warner Bros, announced that the
Lehman Brothers' option to find a purchaser
for the company's theatres when
organized into a new company had lapsed.
2. Twentieth Century-Fox, through
Spyros P. Skouras, president, announced
that it would continue talks looking
toward a consent decree.
3. Loew's, Inc., through J. Robert
Rubin, vice-president and general counsel,
made it clear it would appeal the
court's order to submit a divorcement
plan within six months. This appeal will
go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Loew appeal will be based on the contention
that the company stands entirely
apart from the other theatre-owning defendants.
During the trial John W. Davis, counsel,
pointed out that the company owned less
than 131 theatres and that, unlike the other
defendants, it had no closed towns.
Because the Little Three—Columbia, United
Artists and Universal-International—are affected
only by the application of trade practices
which are the same for all companies
no early action is expected from them. Policy
conferences are under way, but the general
response, in effect, was that it was "too
early to tell" what they would do. The
principal gripe was that they should have
been allowed to grant franchises to customers,
Edward C. Raftery has indicated that he
may apply to the court for a modification
of this part of the decree.
TO GET OUT ANALYSES
Both Abram F. Myers, general counsel for
Allied, and Herman Levy, TOA general counsel,
are expected to get out analytical bulletins
for members in a short time.
Arbitration was left hanging in midair.
The Allied board failed to act on the matter
in Wa.shington. The attitude of some of the
major companies is that they don't want to
support an arbitration system, and that if
one is set up it should be through the commercial
facihties of the American Arbitration
Ass'n with both exhibitors and distributors
sharing the expense of each case. Nothing
tangible is expected on this problem until
new theatre companies are set up for the
three remaining theatre-owning defendants.
The drastic court ruling that there can be
no pattern of clearances set up by agreement
between distributors, or between distributors
and exhibitors, or by arbitration,
caused general surprise. Clearances made up
BOXOFTICE :: February 18, 1950
TOA May Take Lead
To Spur Arbitration
New York—Gael Sullivan, executive
director of Theatre Owners of
America, and Herman Levy, general
counsel, will recommend to
the association's executive committee
that TOA invite defendants in
the antitrust case to initiate hearings
to learn if the industry can get
together and work out an arbitration
system. The committee meets
March 1 and 2.
The matter of sponsorship, either
by the companies or through industry
leadership, would also be
determined through these hearings,
it was explained.
The TOA executives reached
this decision because the final antitrust
decree authorized Loew's,
Inc., 20th Century-Fox and Warner
Bros, to set up an arbitration system
"upon terms to be settled by
the court." They called the authorization
"heartening news."
Sullivan and Levy were confident
that "an efficient, attractive
system" can come about. The main
obstacle to date, they commented,
has been the lack of an opportunity
for all segments of the industry
to confer on a system.
the bulk of the arbitration system set up
under the original consent decree Issued by
Judge Henry W. Goddard. They are still
arbitrable, but the decisions would apply
only to individual disputes with the distributors
required to prove the reasonableness
of the clearances.
The general impression in the industry is
that Warner Bros, and Loew's are stalling for
time. There will be no .surprise if 20th-Fo.x
is the next company to reach an agreement
with the Department of Justice.
The crux of the discus.sions between 20th-
Fox and the government is understood to be
whether Charles Skouras will be allowed to
continue as head of National Theatres, if that
wholly owned subsidiary is set up as an independent
company.
There is a widespread impression that this
permission will be granted. Lawyers base their
opinions on this point on the fact that
Joseph M. Schenck was told that he could
continue as head of United Artists Theatres
if he severed his connections with 20th-Fox.
The Warner Bros, discussions with the
Department of Justice are somewhat similar.
It is reported that the three brothers
are insisting that Major Albert Warner
should be permitted to head a new theatre
company. They may wait to see how the
20th-Fox negotiations come out.
No indication has been given by Loew's
on how fast the company may act on its announced
appeal.
General speculation has developed about
the future of buying and booking combines.
Defendant companies are barred from using
these in servicing currently owned or formerly
owned theatres. It is argued that this
would put a huge group of theatres outside
the buying combine field and might lead to
suits to test the legality of buying anywhere
except on a theatre-by-theatre basis.
SIMPP already has such a case pending in
Detroit.
RKO Given Extension
To End Partnerships
NEW YORK—RKO has been granted a
time extension until February 24 for compliance
with the partnership-dissolution demands
of its amended consent decree. The
extension was filed with the U.S. statutory
court February 16.
RKO expects to close a deal with Skouras
Theatres on breaking up their joint operation
of seven Bronx houses and one each in
Newark and Forest Hills by the February 24
date. The company also may close some deal
to dispose of its one-sixth ownership of Metropolitan
Playhouses here. The sale of its 25
per cent interest in the Huntington, W. Va.,
circuit of five theatres to the Hyman Bros.,
controlling stockholders in the chain, was
completed this week.
Outside Interests Purchase
Two Minnesota Units
MINNEAPOLIS—Interests new to motion
picture exhibition have acquired two of the
theatres being divested by the Minnesota
Amusement Co. under the Paramount consent
decree. Harry FYench, MAC president, announced
this week that the State Theatre, C
house in Austin, Minn., had been sold to
Donovan Bros., contractors, and the Eastman
Theatre, B hou.se in St. Cloud, Minn., had
been sold to Willard G. Burnett, oil man of
that city. The purchase prices were not announced.
United Para. Theatres
Declares First Dividend
NEW YORK—The board of directors of
United Paramount Theatres, Inc.. declared
a first dividend of 50 cents per share at a
meeting February 15, according to Leonard
Goldenson, president. The dividend is payable
April 20 to stockholders of record March
31.
In a letter to security holders, Goldenson
pointed out that, under the terms of tlie consent
judgment, only 50 per cent of the dividend
will be paid to holders of certificates
of interest and the remaining 50 per cent will
be deposited on special account and paid to
holders when the certificates are converted
into stock.
An estimated earnings statement for the
first quarter of 1950 will be available April 20.
It will be mailed to security holders with the
dividend check, Goldenson .said.

a
PcU4c Sc(nU
Wartime Power Restrictions
Return to New York State
Coal shortage forces limit on fuel supply
and modified brownout calling for ban on
electricity for outdoor advertising, 200-watt
limit for theatre entrances and marquees.
*
Labor and Eric Johnston
Talk on Unemployment
Long-standing complaints that foreign production
bv U.S. companies is causing decreasing
staffs in Hollywood presented by producers,
talent guilds and craft unions.
U-I Reduces Its Bank Debt
By $1,500,000 Payment
Total now owed to First National Bank of
Boston, Manhattan Co. Guaranty Trust under
May 1, 1947; agreement is $6,000,000 and includes
United World Financing.
*
National Screen Releases
Its Second Tax Trailer
The film, which urges theatre patrons to
support repeal of the admission tax, is titled
"Kill That Tax" and is 65 feet long; first
trailer is 50 feet.
AFL Executive Council
Votes Tax Fight Aid
*
Full support is approved in campaign for
repeal of the federal admissions levy, following
an appeal by Richard F. Walsh, lATSE
international president.
Civil Liberties Union Asks
To Intervene in Atlanta
Files brief with U.S. district court seeking
permission to act as "friend of the court" in
move to upset censors' ban on DeRochemont's
"Lost Boundaries."
Missouri High Court Rules
Aisle Law Is Invalid
state supreme court declares unconstitutional
73-year-old law requiring three-foot
aisles next to the walls in theatres and other
places of amusement.
March of Time Feature
To Be Handled by RKO
Will relea.se "The Golden Twenties—
Chronicle of America's Jazz Age," in April;
deal renews an association between the two
companies which began in 1935.
Films Council in London
Discusses 30% Quota
X
British Film Producers Ass'n and Cinematograph
Exhibitors Ass'n agree this 10 per
cent cut would be enforceable limit if change
is made October 1.
'Stromboli' Opens Strong
In Controversial Storm
NEW YORK — "Stromboli" opened strong
Wednesday (15) in 330 theatres throughout
the nation, with attendance ranging
from sensational to good.
Ned E. Depinet, RKO president, at a
press conference the following day, called
it "astounding." He quoted figures from
various cities to back up his statement.
He was especially enthusiastic about San
Antonio, Philadelphia. Washington and
New York. Here, he said, circuit officials
reported business as 50 per cent over normal
to "super-sensational."
93 DAY-AND-DATE BOOKINGS
In the New York exchange area, morning
attendance generally was weak, but it picked
up rapidly after noon and was big during
the evening after the stormy weather moderated.
Most patrons during the day were
women but many men came out in the evening.
Ninety-three theatres day-and-dated
it in this area. Twenty-six more opened it
later in the week.
No circuits reported any demonstrations or
adverse comments. Some daily newspapermen
interviewed patrons attending the Criterion,
Broadway showcase, and reported them as
liking the film. On the other hand, most
newspaper critics gave it a "so-so" reception
while a couple panned it as weak entertainment.
BOXOFTICE checked the various circuits.
Sol Schwartz, general manager of RKO
Theatres, said the picture's overall average
at his 34 local houses was more than 50 per
cent above business at the same time a year
ago, and that the same was true of houses
in 17 outside towns.
The Criterion reported "very big" evening
business after "almost capacity" during the
afternoon. The Randforce circuit with eight
houses showing the picture, said business was
"fair." Century, with three houses, called it
"above average but nothing sensational."
ADDITIONAL BOXOFFICE REPORTS
Loew's, with one house, said it was "50
per cent more than the same day last year,
though all other houses in our circuit ran
the same as last year." Brandt, with two
houses, said business was "better than an
average Wednesday." Skouras reported "good
business despite the weather" and "better
than an average Wednesday" in its 15 local
and five upstate houses showing the film.
Warners Bros., with two houses, reported
business "in line with top pictures." Fabian,
with three houses, said, "a little better than
normal." Walter Reade, with five houses,
said, "excellent and patrons satisfied."
In Chicago, 300 moviegoers, mostly women,
lined the sidewalks for the Bergman-Rossellini
opus. "Stromboli," when it opened
Wednesday (15). They braved the sleet, snow
and stood in line on the icy sidewalks 30
minutes before the doors opened at 8:45 a. m.
with shopping bags, umbrellas and slightly
sheepish grins. The line, three abreast.
stretched a half a block when the cashiers
furiously punched out the 98-cent tickets.
Chicagoans liked "Stromboli" and Ingrid
Bergman. Most persons questioned had nothing
but praise for the actress. They forgot
about her private troubles when they walked
in the RKO Grand Theatre, they said.
"We had a full house— 1,158 persons—for
the first show." said the manager, Matt
Plunkett. "It's doing better than "The Outlaw.'
"
Exhibitors remained divided on whether to
play the picture.
While six southwest circuits, comprising
351 theatres, announced they would not play
the picture, a number of other chains elsewhere
in the country said they would book
and let the public decide whether it desired
to see the film or not. Tri-States Theatres
and Central States Theatres which operate
throughout Iowa and Nebraska said they
would book the film. In this territory, however,
the Allied regional unit urged its members
not to play the picture and the question
is whether the extensive circuit bookings will
force independents to book it despite the
urging of the Allied office.
In Oklahoma and Texas, the Talbot Theatres
in Tulsa, the 130-theatre Video Independent
circuit, Eddie Joseph circuit and
East Texas Theatres joined the big Interstate
circuit in banning the picture. In addition,
several individual houses decided to follow
suit and keep the film off their screens,
but simultaneously a number of independent
exhibitors reported they had booked the picture.
It got a day-and-date opening in seven
San Antonio theatres and had dates penciled
in by exhibitors in Dallas, Tulsa and Oklahoma
City.
MARTIN CIRCUIT UNDECIDED
C. L. Patrick, general manager of the Martin
circuit which operates 75 theatres in
Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama,
said his company would be guided by public
sentiment but would not indicate whether
the circuit would ban the film. This was in
answer to a press query regarding an appeal
by the Marietta, Ga., city council that the
picture not be booked.
The Huntington, W. Va., Theatre Corp. also
announced it would play the film, as did the
Evergreen-Hamrick circuit in Portland, but
Western Massachusetts Theatres said it would
not.
Censors differed, but generally the wellorganized
censorship bodies okayed the picture.
Ohio's board gave its seal several weeks
ago though there has been some attempt to
withdraw it. In Pennsylvania, Mrs. Edna R.
Carroll, state censor board chairman, said
that "Stromboli" had met "legal requirements"
and has been approved. Any attempt
to ban a picture because of conduct by the
principals is outside jurisdiction of the board,
she said.
The Memphis board banned the film, and
expected a court fight because of it—but
Memphis residents will be able to see the
picture at the Crittenden Theatre in West
Memphis, Ark., just across the river. Bii--
mingham's city council, answering a protest
from the ministerial association, said it had
no law to ban the film but asked the Acme
Tlieatres circuit not to play it. The picture,
however, has been booked to open February
22, and will play in a number of other Ala-
10 BOXOFFICE
:: February 18, 1950

ama cities. While there has been no announcement
from the Malco circuit, the Malco
Theatre in Hot Springs, Ark., opened with the
picture this week—indicating the stand of
the circuit.
The film also posed a problem in Canada.
Famous Players Canadian, which has a contract
with RKO for exhibition of the company's
product, said it was undecided although
J. J. Pitzgibbons, president, said the circuit had
protested against the type of advertising
which was being used in the United States.
"We don't resort to that sort of thing; it
seems to be misleading advertising," he said.
Premier Leslie Frost of Ontario indicated that
he may simply refuse to grant a license for
the film instead of directly banning—a legal
step which would have the same effect as
censorship.
In the province of Alberta, however, the
film censorship board approved the picture.
In some sections of the country the pressures
to ban the pictures were strong. Ministerial
associations, generally, -were leading
the protest parade although in Chicago the
National Federation of Women's Clubs urged
Eric Johnston, president of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America, to invoke the behavior
clause in players' contracts. Ministerial protests
were voiced during the week in Harrisburg,
Pa., and Lowell. Mass. The South Carolina
state legislature received a resolution
calling for a ban, but no action was taken.
Mayors in Lawrence, Mass., and Holyoke,
Mass., banned the film.
Judge Michael Igoe Refuses
Extended Chicago Run
CHICAGO—Judge Michael Igoe of federal
court said "nothing doing" to an extended
Loop run for "Stromboli" this week. He
turned down a petition by RKO for permission
to book the film for a long run, under
Jackson Park decree provisions. The film will
be limited to two weeks at the RKO Grand.
Judge Igoe. however, did grant Disney's "Cinderella,"
also released by RKO, the right to
an extended run at the RKO Palace.
Hollywood in All-Out War
On Talent Racketeering
HOLLYWOOD—An all-out war on racketeers
in the motion picture and television
production and agency fields was declared
at a meeting of national, state, county and
city law enforcement officials and film and
video leaders, called by the Motion Picture
Industry Council and the Screen Actors Guild,
after hundreds of complaints had been received
from amateur thespians.
Almost simultaneously Don Redwine, assistant
city attorney for Los Angeles, began
a series of hearings out of which he predicted
would come 50 to 75 criminal actions
against the asserted bunco artists by week's
end.
At the MPIC-SAG session, the full facilities
of the post office department, the city council
and the county board of supervisors were
offered in the campaign to crack down on the
alleged racketeers, who, it is claimed, are
"stealing" from $5,000 to $20,000 a week by
charging fees of $50 to $200 to place their
"clients" in video and film "productions."
Chairman of the meeting was Ronald Reagan,
SAG president and MPIC chairman, who
pointed out that there are only four recognized
unions in the entertainment field—the
American Federation of Radio Artists, SAG,
Screen Extras Guild and Actors' Equity.
The Jim Mote Family and Bowery Boys at the Premiere
Jim Mote Opens Theatre
With a World Premiere
By LARRY GROVE
STERLING, OKLA. — Jim Mote's new
Friendship Theatre was opened formally Sunday
(12) with a world premiere, personal appearances
by the Bowery Boys, and an auditorium
filled to capacity by the hometown
folks who came to pay their respects not only
to a neighbor but to an industry which had
helped bring back their movie house.
It was a gay and festive affair despite the
fact that during the day and most of the
evening this little southwest Oklahoma town
was whipped and drenched by a two-inch rain.
The storm, nevertheless, did not keep Jim
Mote's neighbors from turning up en masse
for the biggest event in the town's history.
From the stage of the theatre he named
"Friendship" to express his gratitude to those
who helped replace the building destroyed by
fire 18 months ago. Mote said "thank you"
to the motion picture industry for the way it
responded to his simple announcement on
Aug. 13, 1948, that his theatre had burned
to the ground—with no covering insurance.
He said he was deeply grateful to the exhibitors
who first came forward with their $1
bills, to Ben Shlyen, publisher of BOXOF-
FTCE, for taking up the campaign, to Monogram
Pictures for staging a special sales drive
in his behalf and to those who contributed
equipment and films. With a genuine warmth
and affection, he also thanked his hometown
friends who formed a brigade of volunteers
to help dig the basement, hammer together
much of the building, and do an endless number
of chores involved in getting a theatre
built and opened.
"There's hardly one of you," he said, "who
hasn't helped me in one way or another." He
said that the voluntary help probably saved
$2,000 on construction costs. The Boy Scout
troop dug the foundation in a single day.
Local carpenters and bricklayers, seeing what
people from far away places were doing, contributed
much of their services. It became a
community project as well as an industry
project.
Monogram Pictures, which gave $5,000 toward
the building of Friendship Theatre by
contributing a share of the receipts in the
Steve Broidy 25th anniversary drive, helped
stage the formal opening. The picture chosen
for the premiere was "Blonde Dynamite,''
which stars the Bowery Boys—and from this
troupe Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall and Bill Benedict
were on hand for personal appearances.
Together with Brownie and Daisy Greene,
guitar and song team from Louisiana, they
clowned, sang and danced to the delight of
the audience. Sterling film fans, like those of
any other community, turned out to be autograph
collectors and the lobby was one big
autographing party after the performance.
Milt Lipsner, Monogram branch manager in
Oklahoma City, represented the distribution
department of the company at the opening.
The Jim Motes also entertained—at a dinner
at which the visitors were their guests.
The girls in the high school home economics
class served the dinner in the American Legion
hall. Mrs. Mote, her daughter. Arsann,
and son, Jimmy, decorated the hall in a Valentine
motif.
Friendship Theatre on Opening Night.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950

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—
NT PROBLEM: HOW TO WIN BACK
10 MILLION LOST ADMISSIONS
LOS ANGELES—Faced with the cold
facts—as outlined by Charles P. Skouras,
circuit president—that business in the
chain dropped by 10,000,000 admissions for
a 6.4 per cent boxoffice decrease during
1949—delegates to National Theatres' annual
district managers' conference here
placed high on their agenda for the fourday
meeting ways and means of combatting
the decline in attendance this year.
Skouras, presiding over the sessions, disclosed
in his opening speech that attendance
ui NT houses during the past year was 152,-
000.000, as compared to 162,000,000 in 1948,
and warned that grave problems are to be
faced as concerns rising operational costs,
decreasing business and television competition.
Video cannot be laughed off, he emphasized,
urging that means must be found
"to work with the new medium and make it
advantageous to our own industry in the
same manner we did with radio. Ignoring
television will not solve anything."
TICKET CUTS UNSUCCESSFUL
One means of stimulating the boxoffice
slashing admission prices—was disclaimed
when Stan Brown, a district manager for
Fox West Coast, reported that a survey of
independent houses in his area which had
slashed ticket prices showed that although
there was an upswing in patronage for a few
weeks, attendance subsequently tapered off
to the old level, but with a proportionately
lower gross.
Every NT division was represented at the
gathering, which opened February 14 and
was slated to wind up February 17. Delegates
were to be guests of Skouras at cocktails
and dinner at the Ambassador hotel February
18, following which they were scheduled to
check out for their respective headquarters.
Skouras, in his opening talk, touched only
lightly upon the divorcement question, asserting
that NT is cooperating to the utmost
with the government in solving the problems
arising out of that measure.
ZANUCK STRESSES DIVERSITY
From Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th-Fox vicepresident
and production chief, and a featured
speaker at the conclave, came the assertion
that while the merchandising of product
has improved on the national scale, aggressive
showmanship still is needed on local community
levels to stimulate varying audience
tastes and spark ticket sales. Outlining his
company's production program for the year,
Zanuck emphasized that diversity of subject
matter will be the keynote, combining standard
escapist fare with offbeat "adult" attractions.
A detailed picture of business trends
throughout the country was presented by H. C.
Cox, NT treasurer. E. F. Zabel, chief film
buyer, discu.ssed upcoming product. W. C.
Ricord and Hall Baetz turned the spotlight
on secondary features and means of booking
them to extract the utmost in revenue. Advantages
of personal appearances at premieres
and roadshow openings, and special
treatment for advanced-price bookings, were
detailed by Thornton Sargent, public relations
director.
20th-Fox Calls Exhibitors
To Merchandising Forum
Spyros P. Skouras at a press meeting In New York announces plans for the forthcoming
merchandising conference in Chicago, March 8, 9.
NEW YORK—How to stimulate theatre
attendance with the full cooperation of exhibitors
will be the topic of an open forum
discussion to be conducted by 20th Century-
Fox at the Drake hotel, Chicago, March 8, 9.
The gathering will be patterned after the
merchandising conferences held by Charles
Einfeld during July last year and on January
25-27 this year, but the scope of the
discussion will be broadened and exhibitors
will be invited, instead of confining the program
to advertising representatives.
Representatives of large and small circuits;
independent operators, both large and small;
trade leaders from the TOA, Allied and
PCCITO, and representatives of the tradepress
will be invited.
Sp3Tos P. Skouras, company president, will
preside. His aim will be to present all the
current problems of exhibition, excluding
trade practices, and to secure a free discussion
of what can be done not only to
halt the decline in attendance, but also to
put it back on the road upward.
The company representatives will present
a plan for encouraging and re-vitalizing
showmanship methods, based on the problems
and conclusions formed after the recent merchandising
meetings. A number of well-known
men will be asked to speak.
The agenda will include discussions of
showmanship; the merits of saturation bookings;
institutional merchandising for the
benefit of the individual exhibitor and of
the industry as a whole.
Methods for attracting new audiences will
be presented. Included in this category will
be practical methods for building a future
audience through children's matinees, student
admissions, and other activities aimed
at increasing youth attendance.
Skouras emphasizes that this will not be
a gathering "for the glorification of 20th
Century-Fox, but an effort conducted on a
high plane to benefit the business."
Three 20th-Fox vice-presidents—Andy W.
Smith jr., Al Lichtman and Charles Einfeld
—will be among the speakers.
Invitations wired by Skouras read:
"In the interest of closer relationship with
you and for greater patronage for all theatres,
I want to invite you most cordially to
be our guest at a two-day meeting to be
held March 8, 9 at the Drake hotel in Chicago.
A definite practical plan will be laid
before you at that time for increasing audience
attendance through showmanship and
merchandising ideas carefully compiled by
us, and we want your own ideas and help
in putting a program into effect for better
boxoffice results. I earnestly hope you will
join us in Chicago.
"This meeting is in line with the letter
and spirit of our clear statement of policy
of last May. We have attempted in every
way to give full effect to this policy by
striving to create greater public interest in
your theatres and in motion pictures. In line
with this, we inaugurated a series of showmanship
and merchandising meetings, the
first of which was held July 27, 1949, and
another January 24 of this year, attended
by theatre advertising men. These meetings
were an unparalleled success. It was made
clear to us at every stage that certain positive
efforts can be made by all of us to
widen public interest in motion pictures.
"We are taking another logical step by
asking more than 200 leading exhibitors to
join in a realistic discussion of showmanship
possibilities. We believe this will be
the greatest assemblage of representative
exhibitors of large and small circuits and
large and small independents from both the
United States and Canada that this company
has ever sponsored. We believe further that
the plans we will present will be of great
and lasting benefit since you constitute the
best showmanship minds in our business.
Also we want to offer something very tangible
to all our customers in appreciation of your
support and cooperation in the past."
14 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

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Academy Picks Nominees
For Annual Awards
HOLLYWOOD—Filmdom's annual glamorfest,
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences' Oscar sweepstakes, passed the
three-quarter mark in its 22nd yearly running
with the disclosure of nominations for
the 1949 "Awards of Merit." The nominations
were made by approximately 10,950 industry
members and will be voted upon from
February 28 through March 14 by some 1,900
members of the Academy, Winners will be
announced March 23 in presentation ceremonies
at the Pantages Theatre.
Here are the official candidates:
BEST PICTURE— "AH the King's Men," Columbia;
"Batlleg.-ound," MGM; "The Heiress," Paramount;
"A Letter to Three Wives" and "Twelve O'Clock
High," both 20th Century-Fox.
BEST PEHFORMANCE, ACTOR — Broderick Crawlord,
"All the King's Men," Columbia; Kirk Douglas,
"Champion," Screen Plays-United Artists; Gregory
Peck, "Twelve O'Clock High," 20th Century-Fox;
Richard Todd, "The Hasty Heart." 'Warners; John
Wayne, "Sands of Iwo Jima," Republic.
BEST PEHFORMANCE, ACTRESS — Jeanne Crain,
Pinky," 20th Century-Fox; Olivia DeHavilland, "The
Heiress," Paramount; Susan Hayward, "My Foolish
Heart," Samuel Goldwyn-RKO Radio; Deborah Kerr,
"Edward, My Son," MGM; Loretta Young, "Come to
the Stable," 20th Century-Fox.
BEST PERFORMANCE. SUPPORTING ACTOR—John
Ireland, "All the King's Men," Columbia; Dean Jogger,
"Twelve O'Clock High," 20th Century-Fox;
Arthur Kennedy, "Champion," Screen Plays-UA;
Ralph Richatdson, "The Heiress," Paramount; Jcnnes
Whilmore, "Battleground," MGM.
BEST PERFORMANCE. SUPPORTING ACTRESS—
Ethel Barrymore, "Pmky," 20th Century-Fox; Celeste
Holm, "Come to the Stable," 20th Century-Fox; Elsa
Lomchesler, "Come to the Stable," 20th Century
Fox; Mercedes McCambridge, King's Men,'
"All the
Columbia; Ethel Waters, "Pinky," 20th Century-Fox
BEST DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT—Robert Ros
sen, "All the King's Men," Columbia; William A
WellmOn, "Battleground," MGM; Carol Reed, "The
Fallen Idol," a London Films production, distributed
by Selznick Releasing Organizaticm; William Wyler,
"The Heiress," Pcnamount; Joseph L. Mankiewicz,
"A Letter to Three Wives," 20th Century-Fox.
BEST MOTION PICTURE STORY (as written lor the
screen, not previously published or produced in any
other medium)—Clare Boolhe Luce, "Come to the
Stable," 20th Century-Fox; Shirley W. Smith and
Valentine Davies, "It Happens Every Spring," 20th
Century-Fox; Harry Brown, "Sands of Iwo Jima,"
Republic; Douglas Morrow, "The Stratton Story"
MGM; Virginia Kellogg, "White Heat," Warners.
BEST SCREENPLAY—Robert Rossen, ""All the King's
Men,'' Columbia; Cesare Zcrvattini, "The Bicycle
Thief," De Sica Production Co., Mayer-Burstyn
(Italian); Carl Foreman, ""Chcrmpion.'" Screen Plays-
UA; Graham Greene, ""The Fallen Idol," London
Films-SRO; Joseph L. Mankiewicz, "A Letter to Three
Wives," 20th Century-Fox.
BEST STORY AND SCREENPLAY (honoring writers
who have developed their own motion picture stories
into screenplay form)—Robert Pirosh, ""Battleground,"
MGM; Sidney Buchman, ""Jolson Sings Again"" Co
lumbia; Alfred Hayes, Federico Fellini. Sergio Amidei
Marcello Pagliero, Roberto Rossellini, "Paisan,"" c
Roberto Rossellini production, Mayer-Burstyn (Ital
lan); T. E. B. Clarke, ""Passport to Pimlico," J.
Arthur Rank-Eagle Uon (British); Helen Levitt, Janice
Loeb, Sidney Meyers, ""The Quiet One,"" Film Documents-Mayer-Burstyn.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, black-cffld-white — Paul
C. Vogel, ""Battleground," MGM; Frank Planer,
"Champion,"" Screen Plays-UA; Joseph LaShelle,
"Come to the Stable," 20th Century-Fox; Leo Tover,
The Heiress," Paramount; Leon Shamroy ""Prince
of Foxes," 20th Century-Fox.
Little and Paul S. Fox. John Meehan and Harry
Horner, "'The Heiress,'" Paramount; set decoration,
Emile Kuri. Cedric Gibbons and Jack Martin Smith,
"Madame Bovary,"' MGM; set decoration, Edwin B.
Willis and Richard A. Pefferle.
BEST ART DIRECTION. COLOR—Edward Correre.
"Adventures of Don Juan," Warners; set decoration,
Lyle Reifsnider. Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse,
"Little Women,"' MGM; set decorcrtion, Edwin B.
Willis and Jack D. Moore. Jim Morahan and William
Kellner, ""Saraband,"" J. Arthur Rank-Eagle Lion
(British).
BEST COSTUME DESIGN, black-and-white—Edith
Head, ""The Heiress,"" Paramount; Vittorio Nino
Novarese, ""Prince of Foxes,"' 20th Century-Fox.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN, color — Leah Rhodes
""Adventures of Don Juan," Warners; Kay Nelson
"'Mother Is a Freshman,"" 20th Century-Fox.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT—"A Chance
to Live," March of Time, Richard DeRochemont producer,
20th Century-Fox; ""1848," A. F. Films, Inc.,
French Cinema General Cooperative; ""The Rising
Tide,"" National Film Board of Canada, St. Francis-
Xovier University. Antigonish, Nova Scotia, producer;
"So Much for So Little,"" Warner Bros. Cartoons, Inc
Ed-ward Selzer, producer.
Dmitri Tiomkin,
?fP\ "Champion," Screen Plays-
UA; Aaron Copland, "The Heiress,"' Paramount.
BEST SONG (written for and/or first used in a
motion picture)— "Baby, It"s Cold Outside "" from
"Neptune's Daughter," MGM, music and lyrics by
Frank Loesser; "lt"s a Great Feeling,'" from "It's
a Grecrt Feeling," Warners, music by Jule Styne
lyrics by Sammy Cahn; "Lavender Blue,"' from ""So
Dear "
to My Heart, Disney-RKO Radio, music
by Ehot Daniel, lyrics by Larry Morey; "My Foolish
Heart," from ""My Foolish Heart,"" Goldwyn-RKO
Radio, music by Victor Young, lyrics by Ned Washington;
""Through a Long and Sleepless Night,"" from
Come to the Stable,"" 20th Century-Fox, music by
Alfred Newman, lyrics by Mack Gordon.
BEST CARTOON-" "Canary Row,"" Warners; "Magic
I- hike. United Productions ol America-Columbia-
For Scent-Imental Reasons," Warners; "Hatch Up
Your Troubles,"" MGM; ""Toy Tinkers,"" Disney-RKO
BEST ONE-REEL SHORT-"Aquatic House Party"
Paramount; "Roller Derby Girt,"' Paramount- "So
^°' Guilty,"
X?'',J^.'",';,'^°"''® Warners; ""Spills and
Chills, Warners; "Water Trix,"' MGM-Pete Smith.
u^S^l
TWO-REEL SHORT—"Boy and the Eagle,""
HKO Radio; "Chase of Death," Irving Allen Productions;
"The Grass Is Always Greener," Warners-
Snow Carnival,"" Warners; '"Van Gogh," Cinema
Distributors.
BEST ACHIEVEMENT BY A STUDIO SOUND DE-
PARTMENT-"Once More, My Darling," Universal-
International; ""Sands of IVo Jijna Republic
"Twelve " O'Clock High," 20th Century-Fox.
special
jI^^^o
EFFECTS-" 'Mighty Joe Young,"
ARKO Productions-RKO Radio; "Tulsa " Walter Wanger
Pictures-Eagle Lion.
The presentation ceremonies March 23 will
be broadcast via the ABC network and shortwaved
by the Armed Forces Radio Service.
All nominated pictures will be screened at
the Academy Award Theatre beginning February
20.
Johnny Green, music department chief at
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, color—Harry Stradling
"The Barkleys of Broadway,"" MGM; William Snyder,
"Jolson Sings Again," Columbia; Robert Planck and
Charles Schoenbaum, ""Little Women," MGM; Charles
G. Clarke, "Sand," 20th Cenlury-Fox; Winton Hoch,
"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon."' Argosy Pictures-RKO MGM and general director of the Oscar ceremonies,
has
BEST
appointed
BLACK-AND-WHITE ART DIRECTION —
Robert Lyle
Emmet Dolan
Wheeler and Joseph music C. Wright, ""Come
director
to the
and Vincente Minnelli stage
Stable,"" 20th Century-Fox; set decoration, T'homas director.
'Stratton Story' Gets
1950 Photoplay Medal
HOLLYWOOD—With some 600 industry
luminaries in attendance and amid newsreel
and radio coverage, Photoplay JVIagazine
passed out its Gold Medals for film achievement
during 1949 at an elaborate banquet
staged February 13 at the Beverly Hills hotel.
The winners:
"Most enjoyed" picture—MGM's "The
Stratton Story." Its star, James Stewart, was
named the year's most popular actor, while
Jane Wyman, for her performance in Warners'
"Johnny Belinda." was acclaimed most
popular actress. Gold Medals went also to
Jack Cummings, who produced "The Stratton
Story," its co-authors, Douglas Morrow
and Guy Trosper, and, posthumously, to its
director, Sam Wood.
Runnerups for the "most enjoyed" picture
classification included "Champion," "Home
of the Brave" and "Red River," United Artists:
"House of Strangers," "I Was a Male
War Bride" and "Mr. Belvedere Goes to
College," 20th Century-Fox; "Little Women"
and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," MGM;
BEST FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY — "Daybreak
in Udi," British Information Services; Crown Medals went also to June AUyson, for "Lit-
and "Johnny Belinda." Warners.
Film Unit, producer. "Kenji Comes Home," Protestant
Film Commission, Paul F. Heard, producer.
tle Women," Olivia DeHavilland, for "The
BEST FILM EDITING—
Snake Pit," Ingrid Bergman (in absentia) for
Robert Parrish and Al Clark,
All the King's Men,"" Columbia; John Dunning, "Joan of Arc," and Loretta Young, for
"Battleground," MGM; Harry Gerstqd, "Champion "
"Mother Is a Freshman." Honored in the
Screen Plays-UA; Richard L. Van Enger, "Sands of
"
Iwo Jima, Frederic Knudtson, ""The Window,"
RKO Radio.
"Champion," Cary Grant, for "I Was a Male
masculine category were Kirk Douglas, for
OUTSTANDING MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENT — Morris War Bride," Bob Hope, for "Sorrowful Jones,"
Stoloft and George Duning, "Jolson Sings Again '"
and William
Columbia; Ray
Bendix, for "The Life of Riley."
Heindori, "Look for the Silver Uning!"
Warners; Roger Edens and Lennie Hayton, "On the Winners were selected on the basis of a
Town," MGM.
series of national polls among theatre audiences.
Pictures released after Nov. 1. 1949,
BEST MUSICAL SCORE OF A DRAMATIC OR COM-
EDY FILM—Max Steiner, "Beyond the Forest,"" War- were not eligible.
National Board of Review
Selects Seven Features
NEW YORK—Five American pictures and
two foreign-made were given selected features
rating by the National Board of Review
in the weekly guide to selected films.
The American pictures were: "The Blonde
Bandit" (Rep), "Chain Lightning" (WB),
"Cowboy and the Prizefighter" (EL), "Nancy
Goes to Rio" (MGM), and "Three Came
Home" (20th-Fox). The others were: "The
Glass Mountain," British film released by
Eagle Lion, and "Her Wonderful Lie," Italian
picture released by Columbia.
Short subjects given special mention were:
"The Big Drip," "The Husky Parade" and
"Snow Pooling" (Para).
United Artists to Handle
Michelangelo Feature
NEW YORK—United Artists has acquired
the distribution rights to "The Titan—the
Story of Michelangelo," from Robert Flaherty,
according to Paul N. Lazarus jr., executive
assistant to Gradwell L. Sears.
"The Titan," which is now in its fifth week
at the Little Carnegie Theatre, will be handled
by the UA "Henry "V" unit, headed by
Capt. Harold Auten and Howard Kohn. The
picture was filmed by Curtis Certel, Swiss
producer, and re-edited here by Robert Snyder,
Richard Lyford and Norman Borisoff
with an added musical score and narration
by Predric March.
16
BOXOFTICE :: February 18. 1950

50 WEST THE AA-G-M WAY!
rHE OUTRIDERS
It's
It's
It's
It's
It's
the Great Magazine Serial!
TECHNICOLOR!
Spectacular!
M-G-M's Mighty Romance!
a SUPER-WESTERN!
•NTA
TON
FALO
RLOTTE
:«G0
:iNNATI
VEIAND
LAS
VER
MOINES
ROIT
lANAPOUS
SASCITY
ANGEIES
(«fH
PLACE
20th- Fox Screen Room
20th-Fox Screen Room
M-G-M Screen Room
20th-Fox Screen Room
20th-Fox Screen Room
H. C. Igel's Screen Roonl
RKO Palace BIdg. Sc. Rm.
20th-Fox Screen Room
20th-Fox Screen Room
Paramount Screen Room
20th- Fox Screen Room
MaxBlumenthal's Sc. Rm
20th-Fox Screen Room
20th-Fox Screen Room
20th- Fox Screen Room
20th- Fox Screen Room
ADDRESS
1052 Broadway
197 Walton St., N. W.
46 Church Street
290 Franklin Street
308 S. Church Street
1301 S. Wabash Ave.
16 East Sixth Street
2219 Payne Ave.
1803 Wood Street
2100 Stout Street
1300 High Street
2310 Cass Avenue
326 No. Illinois St.
1720 Wyandotte St.
2019 S. Vermont Ave.
151 Vance Avenue
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
TIME
2 P.M.
2 P.M.
2 P.M.
2 P.M.
1 :30 P.M.
1 30 P.M.
8 P.M.
1 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
2 P.M.
1 P.M.
1 30 P.M.
1 P.M.
1 ;30 P.M.
10;30 A.M.
10 A.M.
CITV
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN
NEW ORLEANS
NEW YORK. N.J
OKLAHOMA CITY
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
PORTLAND
ST LOUIS
SALT LAKE CITY
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
WASHINGTON
PLACE
Warner Screen Room
20th-Fox Screen Room
20th- Fox Screen Room
20th- Fox Screen Room
M-G-M Screen Room
20th- Fox Screen Room
20th- Fox Screen Room
M-G-M Screen Room
M-G-M Screen Room
B. F. Shearer Screen Rn
S'Renco Art Theatre
20th- Fox Screen Room
20th. Fox Screen Room
Jewel Box Preview Thea,
20th- Fox Screen Room
ADDRESS
212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
1015 Currie Avenue
40 Whiting Street
200 S. Liberty St.
630 Ninth Avenue
10 North Lee Street
1502 Davenport St.
1233 Summer Street
1623 Blvd. of Allies
1947 N. W. Kearney St.
3143 Olive Street
216 E. First St., So.
245 Hyde Street
2318 Second Ave.
932 New Jersey, N. W.
1:30 P.M.
2 P.M.
2 P.M.
1:30 P.M.
3:30 P.M.
1 P.M.
1 P.M.
11 A.M.
2 P.M.
2 P.M.
1 P.M.
1 P.M.
1:30 P.M.
1 P.M.
2 P.M.
VI-G-M presents "THE OUTRIDERS' Starring JOEL McCREA • with ARLENE DAHL • BARRY SULLIVAN • CLAUDE JARMAN, JR.
'AMES WHITMORE • RAMON NOVARRO • Color by TECHNICOLOR • Story and Screen Play by Irving Ravetch • Directed by
Produced by RICHARD GOLDSTONE • A Metro-Goidwyn-Mayer Picture
ROY ROWLAND •
"Brotherhood—For Peace And Freedom"

UA Supporting COMPO;
Aid to Independents
NEW YORK—A decision by United Artists
to join the framework of COMPO and support
it financially, made during the week, will
have important bearing on the attitude of
independent producers who are to be polled
on the question of ratification by the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Producers
Ass'n because some of them release through
UA.
The company's decision, made public by
Paul N. Lazarus jr.. executive assistant to
President Gradwell Sears, in advance of
SIMPP voting, makes clear just what policy
the company will follow. It suggests a pattern
for other distributors not affiliated with
MPAA which also handle independent product
and serves to clarify the involved situation
in which independents have found
themselves.
Lazarus said UA cannot become a charter
member of COMPO because it is affiliated
with neither MPAA nor SIMPP. but as a
member of the National Distributor committee,
which has approved the COMPO financing
plan, it will become an industry
member.
UA's distributor contribution to COMPO
will be based on its distribution arrangement
with producers. If a contract calls for 30
per cent of a picture's revenue to go to UA
and 70 per cent to the producer. UA will back
COMPO with three per cent, leaving the
producer with the responsibility, if he accepts
it. for paying COMPO seven per cent. The
feeling around UA was that the producer will
not interpose any objection.
As the COMPO financing plan has been
considered by different organizations, a number
of unexpected problems have come to the
surface regarding allotment of contributions.
The statement by Lazarus, in behalf of Sears,
clears up one that has been commented on
by Ellis Arnall. head of SIMPP, and which
concerned producers and distributors not
under the aegis of MPAA. Arnall suggested
the same percentage of division now UA
policy.
UA has still another problem to iron out
regarding its COMPO-financing agreement
with independent producers. Lazarus said, but
he thought it will be far from insurmountable.
It has to do with contracts with banks
supplying "first money," which stipulate that
they be paid off first on their loans to producers.
Lazarus felt that the banks will be
willing to let the COMPO money be deducted
first so there will be no delay in financing
COMPO. He also felt that UA will be willing
to make its proportionate contribution even
though a producer objects to contributing.
Paramount Sets Up Zoning Plan
To Speed Reissue Distribution
NEW YORK—A.
W. Schwalberg. president cer" will be rereleased in the east zone during
of Paramount Distributing Corp.. has developed
what he calls a "bi-zonal " plan to "Wake Island' and "So Proudly We Hail"
March and in the west zone during June.
secure better distribution of reissues. The will be rereleased in the west zone during
country is divided into an east and a west March and the east zone during June.
zone, with separate release dates. This will
give each zone a full supply of prints.
The plan was developed during discussions 13 Lipped Productions
among department executives.
The east zone includes branches in the
In Early Release Dates
eastern and southern divisions headed by HOLLYWOOD — Lippert Productions will
Hugh Owen and the mideastern division release 13 features during the next four
headed by H. H. Goldstein. The branch months, more than double the number ever
cities in this zone are: New York. Albany, Atlanta,
Boston. Buffalo. Charlotte. Jackson-
Since June 1. 1949. marking the beginning
distributed previously in a similar period.
ville. New Haven. New Orleans. Cleveland. of the company's production year. 17 pictures
Cincinnati. Detroit. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh have already been released. The 1949-50
and Washington.
schedule calls for 33 features.
The west zone takes in the central division For the upcoming four-month period beginning
March 1 the films to go into distribu-
headed by J. j. Donohue. the south central
division headed by M. R. "Duke" Clark and tion include:
the western division in charge of George A. "The Baron of Arizona," to be world premiered
in Phoenix March 1, with national
Smith. The exchange cities are: Chicago.
Des Moines. Indianapolis. Milwaukee. Minneapolis.
Omaha. Dallas. Kansas City. Mem-
Agent," March 17; "Hostile Country," March
release set for March 4: "Western Pacific
phis. Oklahoma City. St. Louis, Los Angeles. 24; "Everybody's Dancin'." March 31; "Marshal
of Heldorado." April 7; "Colorado
Denver. Portland. Salt Lake City, San Francisco
and Seattle.
Ranger." April 21; "Operation Haylift." April
The first pictures to be rereleased under 28; "Crooked River." May 5; "Highway
the plan are: "Beau Geste," "Lives of a Bengal
Lancer," "Wake Island" and "So Proudly 19; "None Came Back," May 26; "West of the
Patrol." May 12; "Fast on the Draw," May
We Hail."
Brazos," June 2, and "Hollywood Holiday,"
"Beau Geste" and "Lives of a Bengal Lan-
June 16.
.ecececa > >
^^aa^ed
STROMBOLI (RKO)—Undoubtedly the business
that can be done with this is not so
much dependent upon the merits of the picture
but upon how ticket -buyers react to
the precedentially publicized Bergman-
Rossellini affair and how far the individual
exhibitor chooses to go in exploiting
it. That the screaming, sensational headlines
will spell capacity grosses in first runs
seems inescapable. From then on, the film's
fate probably will be a matter of geography.
As a picture, it's no great shakes. There
are four story and productional ingredients
—the primitive, the emotional, the artistic
and the documentary. None of them is
thoroughly or consistently enough developed
to carry the plot, which is as thin as a
four-bit steak. Bergman's performance is
characteristically excellent, just as good as
her material permits, and the film affords
some interesting sidelights of life on the
rugged island. Roberto Rossellini produced
and directed.
GUNMEN OF ABILENE (Rep)— Rugged
"Rocky" Lane rides, raids and 'restles his
way through another set of stereotyped situations
and adventures—this time for a
gold mine. Rates fair entertainment. Allan
Lane, Eddy Waller, Roy Barcroft, Donna
Hamilton. Directed by Fred C. Brannon.
These reviews will appear in full in
a forthcoming issue of Boxoffice.
Warners Quarterly Income
Rises From 1948 Figure
NEW YORK—Net profit of Warner Bros
Pictures, Inc.. for the three months ending
Nov. 26. 1949. was $3,189,000 after provision
of $2,200,000 for federal income taxes and
$250,000 for contingent liabilities.
For the same period in 1948 the net was
$3,093,000.
The three-month profit for the quarter in
1949 was equivalent to 43 cents per share on
the 7,298,000 shares of common outstanding.
For the same period the previous year it
was 42 cents.
Film rentals, theatre admissions, sales, etc..
after eliminating inter-company transactions,
for the three months ending Nov. 26 totaled
$32,712,000. compared with $33,734,000 for the
corresponding period the previous year.
At a meeting of the directors held Friday
(lOi a dividend of 25 cents per share was declared
on the common payable April 5 to
stockholders of record March 3, 1950.
Nat Holt Will Make Three
For Paramount Release
HOLLYWOOD—Nat Holt, former RKO circuit
executive and later a producer for that
company, has been inked to produce two outdoor
action pictures for Paramount during
the coming year. Holt recently completed a
three-picture commitment whereby his independent
unit — delivered three action dramas
to 20th-Fox "Canadian Pacific." "Fighting
Man of the Plains" and. to be released this
summer, "The Cariboo Trail." Titles of his
pair for Paramount are now being set.
18 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

3.184 THEATRES
HAVE BOUGHT
JOLSQN IN THE
LAST 30
lOLSON SINGS
OIN'still heading
he box-office parade
A COLUMBIA PICTURE

THctt a«td S^^i^Ht^
Antitrust Decision
gOILED right down to essentials, lawyers
agree, the latest decision of the threejudge
expediting court in the antitrust case
is an order to submit to divorcement and to
present plans which the three remaining
theatre-owning defendants think wiU carry
out the mandate of the Supreme Court.
Two decisions were handed down—one
for 20th-Fox, Warner Bros, and Loew's,
Inc., and the other for United Artists, Columbia
and Universal-International.
The Little Three are now virtually out
of the case with a strict code of trade practices
which does not include the product
franchises sought by this group.
The theatre-owning companies can take
six months to submit divorcement plans
and the Department of Justice can take
another three months to criticize them,
with three years allowed thereafter to carry
them out, but none are expected to do so.
A Warner consent decree arrangement
is far advanced and some progress has been
made on one for 20th-Fox. Loew's, Inc., is
the only company to indicate it will appeal,
although it was earlier believed that no
appeal would be taken because the court
has indicated a willingness to hold further
hearings and it has been cooperative with
RKO in granting extensions on certain
phases of its consent decree.
Minor phases of the case probably will
be in court for several years, but the general
principle that there will be divorcement
with no more closed towns probably
will stick indefinitely.
Parking Center on Way
JlJOW we are to have parking centers, in
addition to shopping centers, but not
out in the country, or in spots close to new
housing developments. This latest pursuit
of the automobile trade will be right in the
center of Mt. Vernon, N. Y., and may set a
pattern for others of a similar type along
railroads with heavy suburban commuting
traffic.
New railroad stations outside of large
cities are scarce in the United States. Most
of them were built in the horse and carriage
era and have considerable parking
space, because communities tended to develop
away from the smoky, noisy railroad
properties.
Then came electric commuting zones on
four raih-oads out of New York and one
each out of Chicago and Philadelphia, followed
by introduction of the quiet Diesel
engine on others. More significant still, in
commuting areas a large percentage of the
male population motored to the stations
and parked cars for the day on railroad
property.
In one-car families the wife had to drive
her husband to the station when she
wanted to use the car during the day, or go
down to the station in a bus or taxi. The
net result has been that hundreds of stations
are traffic focal centers in heavUy
populated areas.
The New Haven Railroad gets credit for
some fresh thinking on the subject. It approached
the city administration of Mt.
-By JAMES M. JERAULD
Vernon and received cooperation. Within
a few months there will be a new station, a
theatre, restaurant, a series of stores, indoor
parking for both cars and busesmany
of the facilities common to big terminals.
The interesting angle for exhibitors lies
in the fact that there are a couple of hundred
of these sites in the northeastern
section of the country.
Public Reactions
gEFORE the end of the week RKO and the
rest of the industry will know how the
moviegoing public is reacting to "Stromboli"
and Ingrid Bergman.
"It's all a matter of sympathy," is the
way one distribution executive explains his
belief that the picture will do a big business.
When a person is the target for public
criticism, he says, the reaction can snowball
into an overwhelming public indignation
or it can start a counter-reaction. He pointed
out that when Mitchum permitted himself
to be photographed on a prison farm
the almost universal reaction among both
men and women was:
"Well, he can take
it!"
In the case of Ingrid Bergman feminine
emotions are involved.
Many men in this business who have
talked with their wives or secretaries about
the case have been surprised by the comment.
Usually it is: "Perhaps she was unhappy."
This may be completely illogical to the
purists and those who feel the breath of
scandal is damaging to the industry, but
it is a factor to be reckoned with in assessing
the commercial value of "Stromboli"
and Miss Bergman's future as a star.
Invitation Accepted
^^^^HEN the representatives of women's organizations
who make the joint estimates
of motion pictures recently presented
a plaque to Samuel Goldwyn, he delivered
a graceful speech of acceptance in which
he invited those present to go to Hollywood
as his guests. He said he would pay all
expenses. Some of the women just chuckled;
others laughed audibly. Goldwyn repeated
his invitation and said it should
be taken literally.
Sigmund Spaeth, representing the National
Federation of Music Clubs, the only
man present, later wrote to Goldwyn accepting
the invitation and said he would
like to make the trip next month. GoldwjTi
replied that he would have to set the time
for the trip and that it would have to be
during some period when he was engaged in
active production.
Word spread among the women. There
may be more acceptances.
WB to Show 'Barricade'
NEW YORK—"Barricade," a Warner Bros,
feature in Technicolor starring Dane Clark,
Ruth Roman, Raymond Massey and Claude
Rains, will be tradeshown nationally March 6.
The picture is set for April 1 release.
Elect Rembusch Head
Trueman Rembusch
Of National Allied
WASHINGTON—The Allied board of directors
last week selected Trueman T. Rembusch,
head of Associated
Theatres of Indiana,
to lead the national
exhibitor association
for the next
year. Rembusch moved
up from a spot as
treasurer, with Charle.s
Niles of Iowa succeeding
him. Retiring president
is William Ainsworth.
Niles vacated the
secretary's office,
which went to Irving
DoUinger of the New Jersey Allied unit, and
Stanley D. Kane of North Central Allied
remains as recording secretary.
A. F. Myers continues as general counsel
and chairman of the board, with indications
that his tenure in these offices will be of
indefinite duration. He was given a creamcolored
Cadillac convertible, with red leather
upholstery—at a Thursday night banquet of
the board.
Rembusch also will double as alternate to
COMPO, now that Allied has formally ratified
its participation in that organization,
and Nathan Yamins of Boston will serve as
his alternate. Rembusch and Niles will serve
on the Caravan committee along with Col.
H. A. Cole and Sidney Samuelson of Allied
of Eastern Pennsylvania. Samuelson has resigned
as chairman of the outdoor theatres
committee, witli O. F. Sullivan of Wichita,
Kas., taking over.
The 1950 annual convention will be held
in Pittsburgh October 2-4, with the board
meeting for two days earlier. The board will
meet next in Memphis, in mid-May.
Allied Drive-In Confab
In Kansas City May 8
WASHINGTON — The first of a series of
Allied regional conventions and equipment
shows for drive-in operators is to be held in
Kansas City May 8 in conjunction with the
annual meeting of the Allied Theatres of
Kansas and Missouri. Drive-in operators from
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa. Nebraska, and the
Rocky Mountain states have been invited.
The drive-in confab in Kansas City precedes
the launching of a major drive by Allied
to sign up a large outdoor membership. Other
regional drive-in meetings will be announced
later.
Allied Chairman Abram F. Myers indicated
after the board meeting last week that the
association may offer some sort of award to
the E. M. Loew circuit for battling to Supreme
Court victory the attempt of the Hollingshead
interests to collect on ramp patents
for drive-ins. The high court refused to review
lower court rejection of the royalty
claims, and the patent-holder has promised
to file new suits against other drive-in operators.
Have you ordered your taxation trailer and
petition cards from National Screen Service?
Do it today.
20
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

ROLLING UP UNPRECEDENTED
BEST
PICTURE OF YEAR
SACRAMENTO
BALTIMORE
SPRINGFIELD (».ss,
NEW ORLEANS
OKLAHOMA CITY
NEW LONDON
CINCINNATI
PROVIDENCE
SPRINGFIELD (ill,
SAN FRANCISCO
DETROIT 3-A meks
SEATTLE
CHICAGO
OAKLANO
HOLYOKE
SYRACUSE
OMAHA
NORFOLK
FRESNO
NEW YORK 12
weeks
COLUMBIA PICTURES presents
ROBERT ROSSEN'S PRODUCTION
AllThe
Based upon the Pulitzer Prize Novel "All Ihe King's Men" by Robert Penn Warren
Btodenck loanne lohn lohn Meicedes
Wnllen Ihe Scfeen and by
lot Diiecled
WASHINGTON ,2 weeks
and dated in
more
than^OOO'^^^'
smrms

ROBABLY most persons in the motion
picture business—as well as those who
are not—are about fed up with the
endless discussions anent I'affaire Bergman.
Pew indeed the columnists and/or commentators,
the living-room orators and the
back-fence gossips who haven't either defended
or damned the star. One pays one's
money and takes one's choice as concerns
La Bergman's morals, her lack of judgment,
her bravery, her bad taste and other numerous
controversial facets of her over-publicized
romance and motherhood.
But whether she be considered heroine or
fool, sinner or sinned-against, there is no
escaping that the most hazardous repercussion
of the unsavory mess—as it affects the
entire industry—is the trend in censorship
which it has engendered.
Sufficiently acute has been the industry's
headaches over censorship by states and municipalities,
religious and other groups. In
virtually every instance, however, such
damning or banning of motion pictures resulted
from what was to be projected on the
screen, not because of the private conduct
of the person or persons who were active in
making the product.
There have been countless other scandals
involving Hollywood prominents of both sexes
and in various productional categories.
Whether they stemmed from situations more
or less heinous than the Bergman-Rossellini
affair is, again, a matter of personal opinion.
And some of them have generated some
slight unofficial action by scattered groups or
organizations which announced that their
members would not patronize pictures in
which the culprit appeared or upon which
the offender worked.
Never before has there been such widespread,
concerted and official action to bar
a picture—and, according to all reports
"Stromboli," as a motion picture. Is entirely
unobjectionable—because Its star has been
tarred by the headlines of scandal.
That, from an overall Industry perspective,
is the most alarming phase of the Bergman
predicament. If the mentors of films, official
or unofficial, get Into the habit of barring
motion pictures, no matter how wholesome,
because of the private lives of the stars or
other toilers in the celluloid vineyards, it
conceivably can open a wide new vista of
heckling, costly censorship and Intolerance.
Easily within imagination is the possibility
that the fanatical censorship fringe will start
damning product every time one of Cinemania's
pampered darlings gets out of line
morally or socially. And, if past performances
are in any way criterion, some one of
them will always be stepping out of line.
Natural enough would be the next step, the
banning of pictures because of the race, religion
or politics of their stars or producers.
Assuming that the long-pull, overall interests
of the motion picture industry can be
best served if every member and branch
thereof fights to limit censorship to what
goes on the screen, it is a bit difficult to
understand why certain theatre circuits and
their executives are Issuing long and loud
pronouncements that they will not permit
"Stromboli" to be shown in their houses.
Certainly it is their inaUenable right to buy
the picture or reject it. F^irthermore, it is
no one's business but their own whether their
decision to forego the feature branches from
sincere revulsion over La Bergman's private
life or an opinion that her starring vehicle
cannot possibly be a popular or profitable
booking venture.
But such decisions should be made and
executed with a minimum of publicity. Otherwise
it might develop that the holier-thanthou
drumbeating may backfire, may build
a Frankenstein of censorship from which
they, as well as all others in the film business,
will suffer.
Despite all the furor over the Bergman
affair, RKO Radio has bravely launched production
on a short subject called "Waiting
for Baby."
And, in passing, shed a tear for poor Perry
Lieber, praise chief of RKO Radio studio.
Praise Pundit Perry has had more than his
share of problem children during the past
year. First Mitchum and reefers, now Bergman
and baby.
'TIS AN ILL WIND DEPARTMENT
(Bob Lippert Division)
The Bostonian mastermind bandits had
hardly gotten out of their Halloween masks
when Lippert Productions announced the
purchase of an original story, "Boston Bank
Robbery," by Edward Curtis.
And the Brothers Warner girded their
loins to make sure that Boston would not
steal the limelight from Hollywood as the
capital of opulence and superlatives. Out at
Burbank. they announced that the current
production, heretofore known as "The Million
Dollar Bank Robbery," has been retitled
"The Two Million Dollar Bank Robbery."
Things-are-tough-all-over note from elegant
Al Vaughan, who at last feport was
still sitting on the studio publicity job at
Samuel Goldwyn's:
"Dana Andrews has his two yachts, an 85-
foot ketch and a 55-foot cutter, up for sale.
He doesn't want to part with both of them,
but whichever one is sold first, he will keep
the other."
Producer Hal Wallis, currently filming "My
Friend Irma Goes West" for Paramount release,
booked Palmer Lee, a radio announcer
from San Jose, Calif., for a role in the film
because, Wallis decided, he possessed a soothing
voice—the kind to calm a violent person
—and thus fulfilled one of the principal requirements
of the part, that of an asylum
attendant.
When his acting chore is done, Lee and
his violent-persons-calming abilities could be
useful in Norman Siegel's publicity department.
Actors Guild Refuses
Disciplinarian Role
HOLLYWOOD—Something of a speed record
in long-distance rebuttal was chalked
up by the Screen Actors Guild in replying
to a proposal by Gael Sullivan, executive
secretary of the Theatre Owners of America,
that the SAG should discipline its members
who become engaged in public scandals.
Sullivan
made the suggestion at the Illinois
UTO convention in Springfield.
In a matter of hours the SAG had prepared
and forwarded its reply, which was
presented to the conventioneers by Actor
Henry Wilcoxon, guest speaker at a banquet
which concluded the UTO conclave.
Contending that chastisement of erring
stars by individual producers is "ineffective,"
and that punishment by producers as a group
"may well be a violation of the law," Sullivan
had called upon the SAG to "work aggressively
to advance the welfare of its worthy,
conscientious members" by disciplining those
members "whom they find to be fugitives
from moral decency and offenders against
good taste."
The SAG, in a statement signed by President
Ronald Reagan, promptly charged that
SuUivan's proposal is "illegal," pointing out
that the courts "have ruled consistently that
a labor union has no authority to engage in
such extra-curricular activity." Emphasizing
that it does not "approve nor condone social
misconduct by any actors—just as it does not
approve nor condone social misconduct by
engineers, architects, lawyers, newspapermen,
theatre owners, carpenters or any other citizens
engaged in any work or profession," the
SAG submitted that actors as a group "are
no different from any other group of average
good citizens and workers."
Erring thespians receive "a great deal more
space in the press" than members of other
professions or trades, the SAG statement
added, because of the limelight and publicity
which surround the screen and stage.
However, the Guild asserted, the "very great
majority" of actors are good citizens and
are "much more interested in their eternal
struggle for a UveUhood than they are in
kicking over the traces of accepted social
practice."
The statement reiterated that the SAG,
as a member of the AFL, has as its "sole
purpose ... to advance the economic welfare
of its members and handle their union
affairs. The SAG cannot and will not establish
a private court and prosecutor system
nor any other witch-hunting plan to
police the social behavior of its members.
Mr. Gael Sullivan unfortunately overlooks
or is unaware of the fact that his proposal
is
illegal."
Cinecolor Re-Elects
HOLLYWOOD—Officers and directors of
the Cinecolor Corp. were re-elected at the
company's annual stockholders meeting. Beginning
new terms as officers are John D.
Kerr, president: Karl Herzog, vice-president
and treasurer; Alan M. Gundelfinger, vicepresident
and technical director, and Graham
L. Sterling jr., secretary.
The board of directors comprises Kerr.
Gundelfinger, Herzog, A. Pam Blumenthal, C.
Kenneth Baxter, Francis Hann, Maxwell C.
King, Joseph J. Rathert and Richard L.
Rosenthal.
22 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

1
.
stherhood— for Peoce and Freedorr
Across the country and in the Dominion
. . . in big city and in small city. . . Paramounf
s smashing sea saga is making
turnstiles spin with that happy profitrhythm
I That's the story in . .
Chicago
Providence
Memphis
Nashville
Jacksonville
Greensboro
Little
Rock
Wichita
Winston-Salem
Montreal
Norfolk
Louisville
Roanoke
1
With ^vith results as r^^ i
•
«''--c:;t\?::er
PARAAIOUNrs
Chwa
^'^n"g
JOHN •
mmssmm
WITH
THE MOST THRILLING
BAHLE AGAINST A RAGING
TYPHOON EVER FILMED!
'^

7i^a^Al«t^teDonato's best-selling novel, "Christ in
Concrete," was reviewed in BOXOFFICE
Dec. 17, 1949. The production was made
in England by Rod Geiger and N. A.
Bronsten. The cast is headed by Sam
Wanamaker and Lea Padovani, Italian
star.
24
BOXOFFICE
:: February 18, 1950

According to the columnists and the trades:
"Absorbing. An auspicious debut for producer. Hearttugging
entertainment!" — BOXOFFICE
"An unusual, Intelligent script. Superbly produced
and acted. Always entertaining. Medal of the
Month!"
- PARENTS' MAGAZINE
"Will have wide audience appeal. A sincere
and timely human drama!" — FILM DAILY
"Honest and sincere. A swell picture
-JIMMY STARR
"Memorable. Cosmopolitan Citation of
the Month!" - LOUELLA PARSONS
"Absorbing drama. Highly exploitable.
Should rack up good business everywhere!"
- SHOWMEN'S
"A heartwarming story!" - KATE SMITH
'Five Bell Picture! I wish I could take
everyone by the hand to see it!"
-JIMMIE FIDLER
"A boxoflRce natural!" - MP HERALD
"A tender, touching, charming
film!"
-TRUE STORY
According to a prevue exhibitor:
"Warmly human!" -VARIETY
"Appeal for the whole
family!" -HEDDA HOPPER
'Charming, beguiling.
Tears and laughs neatly
balanced!"
-HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Theatre Construction, Openings and Sales
CONSTRUCTION:
OPENINGS:
Brooksville, Fla.—41 Drive-In opened by Frank
Saxon,
Dover, Fla.—Mr, c(nd Mrs. Charles R. Hanson
opened Plant City Drive-In.
Fergus Falls, Minn.—$100,000 remodeling job completed
on Orpheum for Bennie Berger circuits.
lackson. Miss.—Ritz opened by A. L. Royal.
New Orleans, La.—900-car Airline Drive-In opened
by Woolner Theatres.
Presque Isle, Me,—930-seat Brctden opened by
Charles Brooks-
Son Antonio, Tex.—500-car, $85,000 Hi-Park Drive-In
opened
San Antonio, Tex.—800-seat, $150,000 Olmos Theatre
opened by John C, Carson and Louis Santikos,
Olmos Amusement Co
St. Augustine, Fla.—395-cc(r Beach Drive-In opened
hy Ray S Ettel and Edward Douglas
Tacoma Park, Md.—K&B Theatres opened Flower,
Voro Beach, Fla,—Vero Beach Drive-In opened by
Talgar T'hecrtres
West Palm Beach, Fla.—Florida Theatres opened
Florida,
SALES:
Akron, Ohio—M M Simms and Jesse Wiseman
purchased Circle from Paul Silknltter,
Beaver City, Neb.—Ben Thorn purchased Oriental
from Ben Miller,
Bentonville. Ark.—Mr and Mrs. Carl Johnson purchased
Cozy from Mr. and Mrs. Rulf Prophet.
Blossom, Tex.—E. A, Chewing purchased Blossom
from Royce Whitten and G. L. Skidmore.
Bradley, Ark.—Rob-Son to J. M. Downs by I. T
Roberts.
Braniord, Fla.—E. S. Winburn sold Capitol to Harlovr
Land.
Danbury, Iowa—Dana purchased by Lloyd J, Ein-
about should have occurred, but didn't. As
a matter of fact, "Major Barbara" played at
the DuPont Theatre in Washington for three
weeks to solid, topnotch business, after the
picture had been televised only four days
before its opening. This may be verified by
checking with the operators of the DuPont
Theatre.
Now if what Mr. Alldredge says were true,
apparently there are no sets in Washington
at all, or if there are a lot of sets, then the
attendance by the television set owners certainly
has not dropped 72 per cent or anything
like it, because then of course the attendance
at this theatre would have been affected.
These are the incontrovertible facts. Prior
to the exhibition of "Major Barbara," out of
seven pictures played at this theatre, only two
pictures outgrossed "Major Barbara," one of
wliich was "Lost Boundaries." After "Major
Barbara" was shown, only one picture out of
five grossed as much as "Major Barbara" did.
The point I am getting at is that "Major
Barbarp" was televised, and the pictures both
prior to and after the showing of "Major
Barbara" were not shown on television.
I know that this survey did not refer to
televised motion pictures, but in view of the
fact that exhibitors are concerned about the
effect of television especially in the case
where a picture has been televised, I thought
I would give you the facts. Of course in the
case of "Major Barbara," I have no control
over the televising of this picture, inasmuch
as the television rights were controlled by the
producer. I want you to know that having
been in distribution all my life, I do not favor
the selling of pictures on television, as I know
exactly how the exhibitor feels about it, but
I am simply giving you the story of what
feldt from William C, Chile,
Dania, Fla.—Edward McClosky purchased Dania happened in Washington, D. C, as I believe
Artosia. N. M.—Ray Bartlett building 350-oar, $70,000 Drive-In from E, E. Doefler,
Delphos, Ohio—Pfful Staup sold interest in Capitol
there is too much hysteria over the television
Circle B Drive-In.
Bainlree. Mass.—Ground broken by Rifkin circuit for brother Ells rth.
ogre.
construction of 900-car dnve-m.
Delphos, Ohio — Ellsworth Staup purchased his
If
Beaumont, Tex.—500-car, $150,000 Pyrdmid Drive-In brother Paul's interest in Star
the exhibitors were to take Mr. Alldredge
started by Millard Jones and Maurice Kleinmen, I&K Detroit, Mich.—Alex Schreiber disposed of Irving seriously, then they would all rush out and
in suburban Redford,
Theatre circuit.
sell
Caldwell, Ida.—Work begun on 3S0-car Caldwell Detroit, Mich.— Alex Schreiber sold Highland Park
their theatres as quickly as they could.
Motor-Vu Drive-In lor Frank ludd. Hrtrry Harris and in suburban Highland Park,
Perhaps Mr. Alldredge's survey is as accurate
Kansas City, Mo.—Ted Huntsmcin purchased 1.100-
Morris Eckert.
as the polls were on President Truman's
Conyers. Go.-Hub Drive-In Theatres, Inc., building
Hub Drive-In on Mansfield highway.
Orland, Calif.—William Stewart has taken over chances of election.
seat Belmont.
Dade City, Fla.—Work begun on $55,000. 250-car Orland from Mr. and Mrs M- W. Lathrop.
JACK ELLIS
drive-m for Floyd Theatres.
Philadelphia, Pa.—Alden to Dave Shapiro by
Ellis Films, Inc.,
Dallas, Tex.—Hampton Road Drive-In, 750 cars, Charles Goldlme.
under way for C. D. Leon Theatres.
Russell, Eas.—Walt Lambader disposed of his interest
in Sky-Vu Drive-In to J. O, Murray, W. A.
New York 20, N. Y.
Dallas, Tex.—Construction begun on 650-car Garland
Road Drive-In for C. D. Leon Theatres.
Michaelis cmd W. A. Michaelis jr.
Dallas, Tex.—C- D. Leon Theatres building 840-car Torrington, Wyo.—Charles D. Stewart purchased
Denton Road Drive-ln at Denton drive and loe Field fCcIr-Vu Drive-ln from Frank Sheffield, Bob C, Otwell DISLIKES 'STBOMBOLI' PUBLICITY
and Bill Chopping.
road,
TO BOXOFFICE:
Danville, 111.—Frank Stewcrrt started construction Yates Center. Kas.—Temple sold to Mr. and Mrs.
Earl B. Crawford by Mr. and Mrs. Glen Newbold. This
of drive-in.
morning's maU brought me a letter
El Campo, Tex.—Ten-acre site on Highway 71 purchased
for construction of 500-cc(r drive-in for Rubin
from RKO's Mr. Mochrie that convinces me
that the organizing of COMPO for a public
Frels,
Florence, Ala.—Marshall Drive-In Theatres, Inc
.
relations
LETTERS
promotion job is going to be a waste
building $100,000, 600-car drive-in.
of time.
Fulton, Mo.—Construction begun on 400-car, $75,000
drive-in for Don Fikes and nephew Kenny.
Hartford, Conn.—Alfons Bach plans to construct CONTENDS TV HELPS FILIWS
Can you tell me what good it is going to do
$150,000 theatre and office building,
for us to try to whitewash our industry while
To BOXOPFICE:
Lakelond, Fla.—Murrell Amusement Co, building a
distribution heads write us exhibitors letters
400-car. $100,000 drive-in on ten-acre tract.
I have read with great interest the story
telling us what great boxoffice winners they
Lancaster, S, C.—Motor-In Theatres. Inc., building
in the tradepress regarding the survey taken
dnve-in.
have in pictures like "Stromboli" and how
Mount Vernon, N. Y.—New 600-seat theatre to be in Washington. D. C, where in some tradepapers
the caption read "Capitol Survey Finds
much publicity they are throwing behind it?
built as part of a railroad shopping center.
North Vancouver, B. C.—Permit issued Clarence
Domsley for construction of 1,000-seat theatre. TV Cuts Attendance 72 Per Cent." On further Sure, we all know they have a lot of cash
Quanah, Tex. — Theatre Enterprises, Inc., purchased
ten-acre site for construction of drive-in.
examination of the story, it says that families tied up in the picture, and there's no doubt
Pottstown, Pa.—William Goldman
owning television sets go to motion picture about it that the thing will pack houses with
is constructing
theatres 72 per cent less than they did before the curious. I think it would do that without
Riverside, N. M.—Fidel Theatres, Inc., building they got their sets. I believe that many exhibitors
will be appalled upon the reading of up the release date until the furor dies down,
any page ads in the magazines. Why not hold
$50,000 drive-in.
Santa Paula, Calif.—Hickey Bros, Co, purchased
eight-acre site for construction of 500-car drive-in. this article if they take it seriously.
then ease it out to exhibition without a lot
Shamrock, Tex.—J. Seibert Worley began construction
oi $40,000, 300-car drive-in,
However, I would like to say, as the dis-
of fanfare? They'll get their money back
Thompson, Ga.—Work begun on 1.081-seat Martin
without insulting the people who support our
tributor of "Major Barbara," that I cannot
Theatre
industry but don't believe in such sensationalism.
Tullahoma, Tenn.—Plans annoi ed by R. T. Hil quite argee with Charles Alldredge's analysis.
ior construction of 500-cdt drive-:
If what Mr. Alldredge says is true, then on
West Covina, Calii,—Work to begin immediately
on l.SOO-coT, $400,000 theatre-recreation center. a recent engagement which was held at the I thought this was the kind of thing that
Westport, Mass.—Construction of drive-in begun DuPont Theatre in Washington, D. C, beginning
November 30, the dire results he talks any blood money to hold up my sagging box-
we were organizing to combat. I don't want
for Nathan Yamins of Flint Theatre, Inc,
Yreka, Calif.—Site being surveyed by Robert L.
Lippert Theatres
office. Why can't RKO spend the money for
for construction of 425-car, $65,000
dnve-in.
the "Stromboli" campaign on some of their
fine pictures that will build up future business?
If I know the AmericEin press, unless they've
changed a lot since I quit hammering a typewriter,
they're going to give us hell this time
and we deserve nothing better. After all our
news releases right down to the grassroots
country weeklies about how our industry was
organizing to clean up everything in oior industry,
then we slip a deal like this to the
public.
I'm not pitching my farmers any curves,
and there will be no "Strombolls" in Fruita.
Maybe I'U go broke in the business, but if
greed ever makes me have to cash in on this
type publicity, I'd rather quit.
Uintah Theatre,
Fruita, Colo.
BOB WALKER
'My First Love' Banned
NEW YORK—The Motion Pictiu-e Division
of the State Department of Education has
banned "My First Love," a French film, featuring
Gerard Nery. Jacqueline Delubac and
Aime Clariond. The picture was scheduled
to .open at the Ambassador Theatre. Leo
Cohen, the distributor, says an appeal will
be filed.
26 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

UNNERSMINTERNMIONAL presents
SWW WINTERS
treenplay by ROBtwi l. n ^^^^^^^j

—
. . Robert
. .
. . Edmund
'^oU^fiMMd ^e^iOfU
United Artists to Finance
Six Independents Yearly
It took months of negotiation, but now
official is the arrangement whereby the
United Artists releasing
slate is swelled by
the amount of six
pictures annually—for
an unspecified number
of years—which
will be channeled
through a new financial
syndicate formulated
by Joseph Justman,
operator of the
Motion Picture Center
studios.
An interesting facet
David L. Loew
of the deal is the fact
that It marks the active return to the production
picture of David L. Loew, whose last
direct association with picture making was
as Charles Einfeld's partner in the now defunct
Enterprise.
Loew has been elected president of the
Eljay Corp., formed to finance packages for
ranking independent production units, with
Justman as treasurer, Carl Leserman as vicepresident
and Attorney Seymour Steinberg
as secretary.
Story Sales Total Seven;
Three Yarns to MGM
Scriveners and their agency representatives
enjoyed another fat period as seven story sales
were recorded, three of them to MGM. Acquired
by Leo were the film rights to Preston
Sturges' stage hit, "Strictly Dishonor-
Two More Biographies
About Silent
Stars
A few seasons back filmdom glorified
one of the silent screen's immortals when
Paramount starred Betty Hutton in "The
Perils of Pauline," tracing the career of
the serial queen. Pearl White. And currently
in preparation at the same studio,
with La Hutton again slated to topline,
is "Keystone Girl," biographing both
Mabel Normand and the custard-pie king,
Mack Sennett, with Joseph Sistrom in
the producer's spot and George Marshall
set to direct.
Comes now announcement of a third
project in this vein. Dorothy Lamour will
star in an independently produced opus
based on the life story of Theda Bara,
the screen's first vampire, film rights to
which were purchased from Miss Bara
Mrs. Charles Brabin in private life— by
Wynn Rocamora.
The rights reverted to Miss Bara when
B. G. DeSylva abandoned his plans to
produce the yarn. Rocamora is aiming
toward a production start next summer
when Miss Lamour returns from a twoweek
booking in May at the London
Palladium.
By
IVAN SPEAR
able"—filmed once previously, in 1931, by Universal—as
a starring vehicle for Ezio Pinza;
"The People vs. O'Hara," a novel by Eleazar
Lipsky, dealing with a criminal lawyer; and
"The Carnival Story," by George Wells and
Dorothy Kingsley, in which Esther Williams
and R«d Skelton will topline. Jack Cummings
is the producer . Mitchum
will portray a professional golfer in "Just
Like I Hate Money," a Collier's magazine
serial by James Atlee Phillips, purchased by
RKO Radio . . . The King Brothers bought
"Sinful City," an original by Harold Douglas,
for filming in semidocumentary technique.
U-I Signs Kurt Kruger
For 'Panther Moon'
Signed by trans-Atlantic telephone from
Paris, Kurt Kruger was booked by U-I for
a character lead in "Panther's Moon" .
Warners handed Edmond Ryan a long-term
contract and a featured spot in "The Two
Million Dollar Bank Robbery," for which
Virginia Grey was also set . . . On loan from
Paramount. Laura Elliot will star in "Phantom
of the Sea" for Independent Producer
Boris Petroff . . . Jeff Corey was signed by
MGM for one of the leads in "The Next
. . . Stage Actress Ruby
Voice You Hear"
Dee will appear opposite Jackie Robinson in
"The Jackie Robinson Story," being made
for Eagle Lion release . . . Borrowed from
MGM, Barry Sullivan replaces Robert Young
as Bette Davis' co-star in "The Story of a
Divorce." It's a Jack Skirball-Bruce Manning
project for RKO Radio distribution . . .
James Lydon, former child star, joined the
cast of Republic's "Dark Violence" . . . Bob
Crosby, orchestra leader and, of course, Der
Bingle's brother, will appear in Columbia's
tunefilm, "When You're Smiling," for which
Disk Jockey Al Jarvis also was set.
Crane Wilbur Preparing
His First Independent
Last at Universal-International, where he
megged "Outside the Wall" and "The Story
of Molly X," Writer-Director Crane Wilbur
has incorporated his own independent setup
and is blueprinting "Wild Honey," a gambling
expose, as his first project.
Wilbur is huddling with law enforcement
officials in San Bernardino, Victorville and
Barstow, southern California communities,
concerning the framework of his script, since
those localities have been headlined from
time to time in relation to illegal gambling
activities. No releasing arrangements are set.
Walter Reilly Joins MGM
To Assist Dore Schary
Succeeding Mary Rechner, who is leaving
the post to marry Bob Hawk, radio personality,
Walter Reilly has been named executive
assistant to Dore Schary. MGM production
chief. Prior to World War II Reilly
was associated with the legitimate stage in
New York; he served in the armed forces
and, in the postwar era, has been a screenwriter
at RKO Radio and U-I.
Two Top-Bracket Stars
Receive Assignments
Title-role castings of more than ordinary
interest and involving two of Filmdom's
top-bracket names were the order
of the day at Columbia and Universal-
International.
For the former studio, Joan Crawford
has been set to star in "The Lady of the
House," slated to roll early next month
and marked by two "firsts"—it is Miss
Crawford's initial appearance on the
Gower street lot and the first picture to
be produced for the studio by William
Dozier. A remake of "Craig's Wife,"
filmed by the same company in 1936,
"The Lady of the House" was scripted by
George Oppenheimer and will be megged
by Vincent Sherman.
Over at U-I, the topline in a newly
acquired western, "Saddle Tramp," goes
to Joel McCrea, whose lengthy screen
career has included many sagebrush
roles. An original by Harold Shumate
and formerly titled "Fiddle-Foot," the
opus is a Leonard Goldstein production,
to be directed by Hugo Fregonese. Mc-
Crea is cast as a carefree cowboy who
suddenly finds himself the bachelor
father of four children when their own
father is accidentally killed.
Danny Kaye Is Reported
Planning Own Unit
Prefaced by the customary disclosure that
the parting was "entirely amicable," Danny
Kaye and Warner Bros, tore up the balance
of the carrot-topped comic's contract
with the Burbank studio. Now in release is
the first—and only—Kaye starrer made under
his five-year ticket, "The Inspector General."
While no official reason was given for the
severance, there were reports that Kaye
sought his release in order to form an independent
production unit.
Concurrent with Kaye's departure, — Warners
shelved—at least temporarily "Stop,
You're Killing Me," a mystery-comedy, which
was to have been his next assigrunent.
Checking out with him was Sylvia Fine (Mrs.
Kaye, in private life), who functioned as
music-and-lyrics writer and associate producer
on his films.
John Farro'w to Direct
Second Film for RKO
Originally borrowed from Paramount to
direct "A White Rose for Julie," John Farrow
will remain at RKO Radio for a second
assignment, "Smiler With a Gun," to top-
line Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell . . .
"Trumpet to the Morn," historical western
starring Cornel Wilde, Jean Peters and Richard
Basehart, will be megged for 20th Century-Fox
by Robert Wise . . . Carl K. Hittleman
draws the production reins on "The
Return of the James Boys" for Lippert Productions
H. North is scripting
"The Sound of Fury" for Robert Stillman
Productions. It will be a United Artists release
Handed the megging chore on
. . . "Firefighters" at Columbia was Seymour
Friedman.
28 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
s, mrina frina Jonic
The calendar and a bulletin received
from the Gloversville, N. Y.,
headquarters of the Schine circuit
inform us that spring is not far off,
The Lenten season gets under
way next Wednesday and is sure to
bring the usual number of expressions
from exhibitors that business
is due to slacken. No doubt a percentage
of theatre patrons will abstain
from their favorite entertainment
pleasure. Business levels can
be maintained by working to get the
nonabstainers, and those who patronize
the theatres infrequently, to
attend more often during this period.
The Schine circuit has a standard
formula for this special promotion
effort. This year, benefit shows will
be thoroughly explored, following
successful experiments in this field
for the past year or more.
Added entertainment in the form
of talent shows, amateur shows and
performers drawn from radio and
professional ranks will augment the
screen attractions, and thus bolster
grosses.
Many of the successful giveaways
of former years are being revived
Country Store nights are proving increasingly
popular. The most successful
promotion of all in past
years has been the automobile giveaway.
In this field, businessmen
have cooperated annually, both during
the spring and pre-Christmas
periods, to the distinct advantage of
all concerned.
There are instances on record
where merchants have soured on
theatre tieups because of a careless
promise made by the theatre manager.
It speaks well for the Schine managers
that in most situations where
car giveaways are an annual or semiannual
promotion, they are frequently
at the insistence of the businessmen.
It speaks well for the theatre
and establishes the integrity of the
manager and his organization whenever
mutual enterprise proves mutually
profitable.
It emphasizes how closely good
public relations are tied in with
successful theatre operation and
points the way to top-level grosses
during every season of the year.
BOXOFFICE Shovraiandiser Feb. 18, 1950
High Jinks at Amarillo
For 'Sundowners' Bow
A barbecue, parade, square dancing in tlie John Barrymore jr., Lois Butler and producers
streets and the personal appearance of the
George Templeton and Alan LeMay, ar-
producers and stars of "The Sundowners" rived to participate in the premiere activities.
were some of the highlights of the manyfacet
The visitors were interviewed by radio com-
campaign which heralded the world mentators and press representatives from
premiere of the film at the Paramount and the entire state who attended the opening.
State theatres. Amarillo. Tex.
The parade was staged on opening day.
The premiere was dedicated to the Western Units of the Will Rogers Flange Riders in colorful
Cowpunchers Ass'n and elicited a proclamation
western regalia, a group of riders re-
for Pioneer Parade day from Gov. Allan nowned for precision riding and equestrian
Shivers of Texas. Mayor Gene Klein of Amarillo
formations, mounted units of the Western
urged the cooperation of the entire Pan-
Cowpunchers Ass'n and school bands from
handle citizenry in making the premiere a half a dozen nearby towns formed part of the
real celebration.
Merchants responded by decorating their
gigantic celebration.
Following the parade, 500 dancers took part
business establishments in true western fashion.
in a square dance exhibition viewed by the
All downtown stores featured displays visiting stars and press and several thousand
and stills in addition to "welcome" cards. onlookers.
Replicas of windmills, reminiscent of the cattle
on principal
A barbecue, sponsored by the Western Cow-
war era. were erected ten punchers for the visitors, was attended by
downtown thoroughfares.
over 700 persons who saw an exhibition of
Stars from Hollyw'ood. including Chill Wills, roping and lasso artists perform in true western
tradition.
Wills dedicated the new American Legion
Post building in Amarillo which released wire
breaks including mention of the premiere.
The premiere night attracted additional
crowds to the theatre area to witness a 30-
minute radio show originating in front of the
State which was carried throughout the
southwest by NBC. The stars participated in
the broadcast and made personal appearances
on the stage of the Paramount and State.
A crew of Eagle Lion exploiteers under the
personal direction of ad-publicity chief Leon
Brandt set the stage for the ballyhoo and
publicity with local assistance from Jack
King, city manager for Interstate circuit in
Amarillo.
Hollywood visitors arrive at Amarillo.
— 63 —
29

Hungry Horse Patrons Eat Turkey,
Kids Get Candy; It Builds Unity
It's rather late to be writing about
Christmas promotions but an exception is
in order because of the fact that Marvin
Dreyer, manager of the Gayan Theatre,
Hungry Horse, Mont., actually had to take
a vacation in order to find time to pass
his report on for the benefit of other
showmen. His Christmas promotions, incidentally,
furnish an insight into one of
the problems theatremen frequently run
into, and suggest a solution on how salesmanship
and diplomacy can overcome animosity
between various local factions.
Dreyer took over the theatre last November,
a 600-seat house in a community
of about 1.000 population. He discovered
that four different groups annually staged
individual children's Christmas parties.
The groups were the Chamber of Commerce,
Pioneers club. Bureau of Reclamation
and a contracting firm. A great deal
of friction had developed because children
invited by one group invariably were not
invited by the others. A fifth party was
therefore a decidedly ticklish proposition
unless unity could be achieved among the
various groups.
Dreyer undertook this task by contacting
officers and committees of the aforesaid
groups, and explaining the disappointment
of the children and the unfriendly
feelings of parents because of the
fact that the youngsters were slighted by
one group or another. He outlined a program
of cooperation in which one huge
party would be given for the kids at the
Grocers Distribute
Plugs for 'Jolson'
Lou Puhrmann, manager of the Arcade,
Cambridge, Md., tied up with 30 grocery stores
on the Kellogg promotion to exploit "Jolson
Sings Again." Fuhrmann obtained the large
mat from Kellogg's and had it imprinted
locally. These were distributed by the cooperating
shopkeepers.
A window display was arranged at a music
shop, consisting of a six-sheet cutout, stills
and record albums with a sign announcing
the Arcade dates.
A "whistle" contest was planted with the
radio station which obtained free publicity
for the picture a week in advance. Each day
the station publicized one of the Jolson songs.
At a specified location and time on the
following day, any persons in the area who
was found whistling the tune, was awarded
a pass. The picture was mentioned along
with plugs for the playdates each day.
'Jolson
Co-Op to Buick
When "Jolson Sings Again" played at the
Kent (Ohio) Theatre, Manager Ben Geary
sold an attractive herald to the local Buick
dealer on a co-op basis. Copy led off: "You
ain't heard nothin' yet—You ain't seen
nothin' yet—until you have heard and seen,
etc.,
etc."
Gayan Theatre. All the groups agreed,
and without any cost to the theatre, the
biggest party ever put on for the youngsters
was held a few days before Christmas.
All the trimmings and trappings,
gifts, Santa Claus, a stage presentation of
the story of Christmas, etc., attracted a
capacity audience including several hundred
children from adjacent communities.
The goodwill manifest as a result of
Dreyer's intercession on the part of everyone
concerned created a tremendous
amount of prestige, both for himself and
for the theatre.
Dreyer had another promotion on a cooperative
basis with local merchants which
also earned him their respect and cooperation.
He promoted five large turkeys and
a radio set as a giveaway. Twelve shopkeepers
sponsored the entire program, including
the cost of trailers, newspaper
advertising and tickets. Drawing coupons
were distributed by the merchants with
each purchase of a specified amount. A
huge campaign was staged over a 25 -day
period, and a checkup with merchants
revealed that more than 14.000 tickets were
given away. The merchants were particularly
grateful for the fact that people
from Martin City, Corum, Columbia Falls
and many other adjacent towns did their
shopping in Hungry Horse, in an effort to
win the poultry and the radio.
Dreyer, a firsttime contributor to the
Showmandiser section, promises to submit
more of his promotional efforts.
Miniature Stage Plugs
Attractions at Poli
A miniature reproduction of a stage on display
in the lobby of Loew's Poli Theatre,
Hartford, is proving very popular in attracting
the attention of patrons to forthcoming programs.
The set was devised by Lou Cohen,
manager of the Poli Theatre, and assistant
Norman Levinson. Five frames containing
colorful posters with title, star cuts and blurb
copy are placed against a backdrop. The
posters are changed as new releases are
booked. A revolving terrestrial globe, operated
by a motor, is in the center of the display
and the whole thing is topped by the
line, "You'll see the world from your seat at
Loew's Poli this winter."
Skeleton Cutouts Sell
Opelika, Ala., Chiller
Duke Stalcup, manager of the Martin Theatre,
Opelika, Ala., ballyhooed a recent midweek
horror program with a large sign
stretched across the ceiling of the theatre
entrance. Four large skeleton cutouts were
placed around the banner for added effect.
In presenting "Pinky" recently, a large sign
was placed outside the entrance v/ith a message
from the management explaining that
the presentation of "mnky" indicated no
crusade spirit but represented an extremely
fine picture with Academy award potentialities
which deserved to be seen.
Co-Op Coloring Deal
And Headless Rider
Exploit 'Ichabod'
A newspaper cooperative ad based on a
coloring contest, window promotions and
street ballyhoo were highlights of the campaign
for "Ichabod and Mr. Toad" put on
by Ted Davidson, manager of the State "Theatre,
Lima, Ohio. Feldman's department store
devoted a display tieing in the "Ichabod"
book with a large sign advertising the State
playdates. Inside the store, a full counter
of "Ichabod" books was used with another
theatre sign.
The Newberry store used its exterior window
to promote Bing Crosby records, "Ichabod"
albums, and stills and posters from the
picture. Interior displays followed out a similar
pattern.
Davidson obtained a large mat of a coloring
scene from the picture and sold Hart's
jewelry store on a very large newspaper ad
that included the coloring mat and a onecolumn
ad for the picture. Newspaper readers
were invited to fill in the scene with
colors and mail it to the store. The best
entries received were rewarded with passes.
For street ballyhoo, a frame was constructed
out of wire hangers to fit over the
shoulders of one of the ushers, giving him
the appearance of a headless man. An 18th
century costume large enough to fit over the
frame was rented. Thus equipped, the usher
covered the entire downtown section with a
sign reading, "I'm the Headless Horseman,
etc."
The campaign proved effective in attracting
above average business.
Library Films Booked
For 11-Week Series
To provide suitable film programs for children
in all grade schools, a series of special
Saturday matinee programs covering an 11-
week period has been instituted at the Neenah
(Wis.) Theatre. The program was designed
by Henry ToUett, district manager
for the S&M Theatres Corp. in cooperation
with Parent-Teacher associations in the twin
cities of Neenah and Menasha.
Pictures were selected by the PTA members
from a list of attractions furnished by the
Film Library council. The initial program
included a series of 11 Saturday shows, with
tickets for the entire series selling through
the schools at $1.
Parents were circularized by the PTA's, and
a special selection of short subjects was
booked to augment each program.
Free Watch Every Night
Features 6-Week Deal
Douglas Craft, manager of the Capitol.
Sidney. Ohio, set up a cooperative giveaway
with a local jeweler in which a wrist watch
was to be given away at the theatre one
night each week, over a six-week period.
The sponsor donated the watches and advertised
the tieup in regular newspaper ads
and an attractive window display. He also
distributed drawing coupons on request, carrying
full theatre information. Theatre advertising
squared the deal which got under
way February 18 and will run through March.
30 — 64 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Feb. 18, 1950

Iriumph
\\ rri .
7 //
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
''Real
boxoffice"
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
''One of the best"
HARRISON'S REPORTS
"Crackerjack"
'^^^t a few of those UNANIMOUS raves fo
"' VARIETY
"BlUE GISSS ol KENIUW" s,.,.,.,Bill ffiLIAMS-lm NIGH-Bil;* MOBGAN •?,.»„„„ .JEFFBElf BEfiNEBO.D,-,ci,db,lfilliam eea«(l«-sc„.npi.,», W.Scott Oirlmg
It's
One of MONOGRAM'S 4 Great C/neco/or Specials.'
Are you doing YOUR PART in the fight to kill the unfair TICKET TAXI

Cincinnati Campaign for 'Samson
Nets High Volume of News Space
Capitalizing on national publicity in the
tremendous campaign launched in behalf of
"Samson and Delilah" by Paramount and the
producer, Nate Wise, publicity director for
RKO Theatres in Cincinnati, followed up with
a local campagin which rolled up a recordbreaking
amount of newspaper space and free
radio time.
For the opening at the Palace, Wise planted
a six-day limerick contest with the Cincinnati
Post. The paper publicized the tieup
a week in advance with front-page art and
a story, followed by six 280-line display ads
incorporating contest details and mention of
the picture. The contest attracted more than
4.000 entries.
Cooperative newspaper advertising plugged
the playates. One ad, measuring 600 lines,
was used by Mabley & Carew tying in a
Delilah dress with art from the picture.
Another feature which resulted in extensive
art breaks in the three Cincinnati dailies
was a collection of DeMille photos, jewelry
and background for an exhibit five days before
opening. Radio commentators also picked
up the incident for comment.
Three days before opening, a wrestler billed
as Samson attracted publicity in the sports
columns of the local papers, thus providing
a natural tiein.
Another stunt which paid good dividends
was an arrangement made with Cincinnati's
zoo whereby the first animal born there during
1950 would be named either Samson or
Delilah. A week prior to opening, a bear
cub was born, coincidentally with long hair,
giving the Post inspiration for front-page
pictures on the local Samson.
Animated Lobby Piece
Boosts 'Battleground'
A huge lobby display arranged for "Battleground"
by Maurice Druker, manager of
the State Theatre, Providence, R. I., featured
two elongated upright pieces, with star
heads of the principal players joined across
eye-level height by a title sign and an illustration
of Denise Darcel, only female player
in the cast.
The title was transparent and was illuminated
with a flasher. Near the top of the
display, a plaque was set showing a head
portrait of Bradford Swan, local newspaper
columnist, with a quotation from his review
stating that the picture heads his personal
list of ten best films.
For "Sands of Iwo Jima," Druker obtained
the services of a marine truck and a
155mm howitzer for a street ballyhoo. The
vehicles covered Providence and the surrounding
area with signs calling attention
to the theatre booking.
Kiddy Circus Show
And 'Hot and Blue'
Win Store Help
Merchant tieups with a kiddy circus show
and the feature, "Red, Hot and Blue," provided
Ted Davidson, manager of the State
Theatre, Lima, Ohio, with increased patronage.
The J. J. Newberry Co. tied in on
the circus show, donating 1,000 goldfish as
a giveaway to all children who attended, a
full window display advertising the tieup, and
an advertisement in the local daily.
Davidson used a lobby display two weeks
in advance and made announcements from
the stage at regular kiddy shows on two
Saturdays prior to the event, used underlines
and newspaper advertisements, and ran
a trailer.
Newberry's also cooperated in the promotion
of "Red, Hot and Blue" by featuring
a soda fountain special tied in with the picture
title and playdates. One hundred store
clerks wore lapel cards advertising the fountain
special and the title of the picture.
Signs were placed on all fountain mirrors
and on front windows. The store reported a
complete sellout of goldfish, fishbowls, and
the sale of more than 200 "Red, Hot and Blue"
specials, as an indication that the promotion
also paid off from the sponsor's angle.
Davidson made another tieup with a jeweler
on a three-column, 15-inch display ad
incorporating a scrambled word contest on
the title of the picture.
Fine Local Cooperation Obtained for 'Samson' Promotion in
Salt Lake
Presold through one oi the most eiiective advertising and
publicity campaigns in motion picture annals, "Samson
and Delilah" received fine local exploitation prior to its
opening at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City. Manager
Nevin McCord took over the local assignment and
did on excellent job. Pictured here are some of the window
displays arranged with leading department stores,
book shops and the Utah Power & Light Co. Luminous
letters spelling out the title on the street arch in front of
the Capitol were visible four blocks away.
32 — 66 BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Feb. 18, 1950

have
t, J
Dramatic Front Plus
Outdoor Posting Put
The Outlaw' Over
strong exploitation prepared by Grant
Martin, city manager for RKO Theatres.
Champaign, 111., for "The Outlaw" at the
Virginia Theatre stimulated business which
required a moveover booking to the affiliated
Orpheum.
Martin used ten 24-sheet stands three weeks
in advance and supplemented this showing
with extensive use of six-sheets, three-sheets
and window cards. A sound truck with bannered
signs toured the city and environs
five days prior to opening and throughout
the run.
The newspaper campaign was launched
nine days prior to opening, publicity and
art were planted with all three local dailies,
and display advertising plus readers and
scene mats were planted in weekly publications
in out-of-town communities.
Cards were placed on waste cans in the
downtown area. Heralds were imprinted on
wallpaper stock, with copy, "We had to scrape
the paper off the walls to make room so
everyone can see 'The Outlaw.' " These were
distributed in homes, office buildings and
in shopping centers.
An unusual effect was obtained in a theatre
front designed for current ballyhoo. On
the side pieces, dramatic action scenes were
produced in full color. These were projected
out from the background at a distance of
about four inches, giving the entire display
a third-dimension effect.
Direct Mail Emphasizes
Playdates of 'Pinky'
The general ballyhoo and forward approach
used by many other exhibitors for "Pinky"
was avoided by Spencer Steinhurst, manager
of the Weis Theatre, Savannah, Ga.
Steinhurst used an extensive mailing list,
however, for a select list of persons in professional,
civic and educational fields.
All advertising carried illustration and a
simple announcement of the title and stars.
This same theme was carried out in ten
choice window displays arranged with merchants.
For this purpose, black oilcloth was
used as a background for still displays and
the theatre announcement. Front of the theatre
was designed on a black-on-white idea
for the color scheme. Service clubs were
circularized with endorsements, and announcement
cards were placed on street poles
and lampposts.
SEND US YOUR DATES'
A New English Version
Fix Distributing Corp
Kaiser 'Frazer Dealer Aids 'Heiress'
Jack Gibson, manager of the Milford (Del.)
Theatre, obtained full support of the Kaiser-
Frazer dealer on "The Heiress. ' The dealer
made his entire window available for an
elaborate display of stills and cards explaining
the national contest. In the background
was a car similar to the one offered to the
contest winner.
The dealer sponsored a full-page newspaper
ad, tying in the contest with the paper's review
of the picture. Another co-op ad wa-s
promoted from merchants based on a missing
word contest. Theatre passes offered as
prizes and the time and effort put forth
in working the deal out gave the picture
an excellent plug at no cost.
One week prior to opening, a Kraiser-Frazer
car was displayed in front of the theatre
with two signs calling attention to the
national contest. The car was also used for
street ballyhoo and was accompanied by the
theatre sound truck. Annoiuicements made
over the public address system and the signs
provided an audience for the plug everywhere
it appeared.
Gibson arranged with the junior class of the
local high for a benefit show of "Christopher
Columbus." The group sold tickets to friends
and students. Both the theatre and the class
benefited from proportionate shares of money.
Enthusiastic Exhibitors wrote this ad for
CYCL«RAMIC
CUSTOM SCREEN
The Magic Screen of the Future... NO IV.'
"...improvement in the screen at
Capital Theatre ... obvious and
outstanding .. .we intend to
install
these screens in all our theatres."
Frederick Mercy. Jr.
FIRST NATIONAL THEATRES, Inc.
Yakima, Washington
"...great improvement over screen
we have been using ... gives pictures
a richness we have never
before seen on any screen."
Hugo D. Jorgensen. MAIN THEATRE
Rigby, Idaho
". . . my front seats just filled space.
Now, with this new CYCLORAMIC
SCREEN I no trouble filling
these seats with customers."
Ed«
"...since you installed the new
Starke CYCLORAMIC Screen at
". . . there has not been a day since
the CYCLORAMIC Screen was put
in service that we hove failed to
have unsolicited comments from
patrons expressing their delight
with the improvement."
Hugh W. Bruen
BRUENS WHiniER THEATRES, Inc,
Wh.iiier. Coin.
". . . customer's reaction has made us
very happy with the CYCLORAMIC
installation ... it
not only increases
our screen light . . . but our sound
seems better."
Chos. H.
Code, DREAM THEATRE
Nome. Aloska
". . . we are tickled pink with the results...
can truthfully say it has
increased our light... given us more
light and has eliminated the objections
of patrons in sitting in the
our Criterion Theatre, we hove the
finest picture on Broadway."
side sections."
Charles B. Moss, B. S MOSS CORP
Leroy V Johns. 1. THEATRES, IInc.
allle, Washington
...can Y/E say morel
Manufoctured by
B. F. SHEARER
COMPANY
Oistfibuleij Ihfough
Sold Eidusively in Eiporl by
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mm t HANSEN Lid
in oil Film Centers
2318 Second Avenue, Seattle 1, Washington 301 Cloy Si, Son Fromis

Community
Activity
Public interest is served through theatremen's
participation in recent and current
activities supported by the industry.
BROTHERHOOD WEEK was launched at the Cove Theatre, Glen Cove, N. Y.,
when Manager Max Cooper invited Boy Scouts to present a skit on the theatre
stage. High school and grade schools will be dismissed for special performance
to be followed by a screening of "Prejudice" and addresses by clegrymen of all
denominations on the morning of February 25.
TAX REPEAL become chief objective of theatremen across the nation. Signs
similar to those above containing personal message from Sid Kleper, manager of
the College Theatre, New Haven, Conn., helped to enlist sympathy and support.
National campaign to raise funds for the Infantile
Paralysis Foundation enlisted the aid of theatremen
everywhere. Many, like Myron Talman at the Roxy,
Kansas City, recreated wishing wells which attracted
contributions from passersby as well as regular theatre
patrons.
George Balkin, manager of the Stanley Theatre in Philadelphia, promoted
an impressive exhibit of marine corps medals and battle flags
as advance lobby plug for "Sands of Iw^o lima."
Attractive models, carrying cases and signs advertising "Thelma
lordon," were employed by John Mclnemey, publicist for the New
York Paramount Theatre, as Times Square ballyhoo.
i
34 — 68 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Feb. 18. 1950

)
Joe Boyle, Norwich,
Sells 'Hopalong' as
A Merchant Co-Op
Two Hopalong Cassidy westerns booked
for a Saturday morning show the day before
Lincoln's birthday did capacity business
for Joe Boyle, manager of the Poli Theatre,
Norwich, Conn. Tickets were placed on
sale in advance, and autographed photos
of Bill Boyd were given away to the first
300 children who attended. Boyle promoted
many gifts from neighborhood merchants
which were awarded as door prizes. Pistol
caps were given to every child leaving the
theatre at the end of the show.
PRIZES ON EXHIBIT IN STORE
Boyle used a theatre sign calling attention
to the program and the giveaway, and
promoted a full window in the Tepper department
store for an exhibit of all prizes,
an announcement of the show and credits
for the cooperating merchants.
Gratis announcements were promoted for
the show on the Kiddy Klotsch program over
station waCH. Newspapers cooperated with
stories, and special heralds were distributed
at schools and in homes.
Boyle's campaign for "Guilty of Treason"
was keyed to the New England campaign set
up by the distributor of the picture. A screening
was held for representatives of the school
board, the clergy, women's groups and the
city council. Announcements were made in
all churches in Norwich three days prior to
opening, and leaflets on the picture were
distributed as churchgoers exited from the
services.
100 WINDOW CARDS USED
One hundred window cards were placed
throughout the area by drivers of the American
News Co. Additional cards were placed
in public libraries, on the bulletin boards
of veteran organizations, civic and service
clubs, the YMCA, and public and high schools.
The board of education sent an urgent
request to all teachers suggesting that announcements
of the playdates be made in
schools. Organizations connected with religious
groups in the city made chain telephone
calls to announce the playdates.
Strong local newspaper support was enlisted,
and display ads were mailed to weekly
publications in the rural areas.
Radio Teasers Cue
'12 O'clock' Booking
Thomas Leonard, manager of the State
Theatre, Rhinelander, Wis., contracted for
specially selected time on the local radio
station, for a teaser campaign on "Twelve
O'clock High." Three weeks in advance all
time was purchased at a half-minute before
12 noon and before 12 midnight. The spot
plugs broke in with copy: "It's coming.
•12 O'clock High.' In just 30 seconds, '12
O'clock High.' The high of the year. The
high of your lifetime, etc., etc." These continued
until 12 o'clock.
Leonard reports that from the number of
telephone calls received at the theatre asking
for information on when the picture
would play at the State, he is convinced that
the radio stunt will pay off amply in boxof flee
returns.
Personal
Pitch
Subs for Trailer
United Detroit Theatres introduced
something new by way of an advance preview
trailer on "The Hasty Heart" a week
prior to the opening at the United Artists
Theatre.
The regular trailer was dispensed with.
A local actor was engaged to address
audiences personally at each performance,
over the public address system. The actor
explained that because of the unusual
appeal of the picture, the management
was taking this unusual method of bringing
it to their attention.
The announcement also stressed the
fact that all mezzanine seats would be
reserved for men only during the run of
this picture, so that those who might feel
embarrassed shedding tears in the presence
of women could feel free to release
their emotions.
Stage Revue Varies
Midweek Program
James Wiggs jr., manager of the Wakelon
Theatre. Zebulon, N. C, varied his routine
of presenting hillbilly acts to support midweek
screen shows by booking "Hawaiian
Nights," a revue with a native cast of
dancers and musicians, and found a satisfactory
payoff at the boxoffice.
In addition to his usual advertising, trailer,
lobby signs and window cards, Wiggs tied up
with a grocer for an attractive display in
a prominent window location. Stills of the
performers and announcement cards were
placed on display with a cocoanut, cans of
pineapple and bunches of bananas.
Wiggs reports that although no records were
broken, the show returned a profit and was
well liked by the patrons.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
Leo Charlton recently installed new^ projection
machines at the Odeon Theatre, Halifax, N. S.
The old equipment and a full-length cutout
caricature of the Odeon manager made an
arresting lobby display. Stunt had everyone
in town talking, wth Charlton coming in for
some neighborly ribbing.
Local Couples Share
Anniversary Honors
With Fox, Alberta
D. C. Fox, manager of the Fox Theatre,
Pincher Creek, Alta., Canada, combined his
celebration of the first anniversary of the
Fox opening with MGM's 25th anniversary,
booking the company's new product and promoting
the dual event profitably.
In order to arouse curiosity, monthly calendars
mailed several weeks in advance were
imprinted with "Anniversary Week" instead
of listing the attractions. Window cards were
placed in local and rural stores with anniversary
copy, and 1,000 heralds were distributed.
A 30-pound cake was promoted from a baker
and displayed in the lobby with an appropriate
sign. During Anniversary week, the cake
was raffled off for the benefit of the Crippled
Children's hospital. One thousand phony
dollar bills were imprinted for distribution
in stores, carrying complete theatre copy on
Anniversary week.
Six couples in the area who observed anniversary
dates during the week were invited
to be guests of Fox at a Wednesday night
performance. The couples were introduced
on stage, each woman received a corsage and
each husband received a book of tickets good
for admission at the theatre. Gift certificates
from public-spirited merchants also were presented
to the couples.
A local choral group and a pianist of local
renown gave a concert which was climaxed
by a rendition of "The Anniversary Waltz."
In .spite of bad prevailing weather, a capacity
crowd attended.
Aide Promotes Page Ad
On Norwich, N. Y., 'Foxes'
Dick Hulse. assistant to Manager Bill
Straub at the Colonia Theatre, Norwich, N. Y.,
promoted a full-page newspaper co-op in conjunction
with the recent engagement of
"Prince of Foxes." Hulse tied in the merchants
on a page of "princely values," the
theatre coming in for a solid plug on the
picture via a display ad and a banner heading.
The theatreman mailed letters to all residents
of Italian extraction to exploit the picture:
tied up book stores, magazine stands and
the library for poster and still displays, and
created a false front resembling a castle for
current ballyhoo.
School promotion was covered through an
essay contest in history classes on the topic,
'The Italian Renaissance."
Model Ball Field Built
For 'The Ruth Story'
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Feb. 18, 1950 — 69 — 35
A small model baseball field, complete with
players and grandstand was built at a cost
of less than $2 to exploit "The Babe Ruth
Story" for James Broeffle, manager of the
El Rey Theatre, Tulare, Calif. The display
was placed in the lobby well in advance of
playdates with two three-sheets set at an
angle so as to be visible to incoming and
exiting patrons. Another novel feature of
the model field was a good fence around the
outside. Stills were placed within the enclosure.

ARMY AID, DENISES PERSONALS
BIG GUNS FOR BATTLEGROUND
First run situations playing "Battleground"
report 100 per cent cooperation of army officials
in the phase of the campaign tying in
with national advertising. Success has also
been achieved in concentrating on publicity
facets designed to stimulate women's interest.
The producer wisely made Denise Darcel, only
woman in the cast, available for personal
appearances which provided special newspaper
and radio publicity features of interest
to women.
In Indianapolis, Howard Rutherford, manager
of Loew's Theatre, obtained stories and
art on Miss Darcel's personal appearance on
the front pages of the three daily newspapers.
Rutherford launched his campaign by holdiiTg
a screening for members of the Indianapolis
Business and Professional Women's club, the
Indianapolis Hairdressers and Beauticians
Ass'n, members of the 101st airborne division,
and officials of three veterans organizations.
The screening was instrumental in producing
extensive word-of-mouth publicity and
direct cooperation in the promotion of the
playdates.
TRANSCRIPTIONS ON RADIO
Transcribed interviews and personal interviews
with Miss Darcel reached radio audiences
ovtr stations WFBM, WISH, WIBC,
WIRE and WXLW. Spots were promoted
gratis on air time purchased by the army recruiting
service. The picture was plugged
daily on the Man-on-the Street program over
WISH.
In addition to fashion features centered
around Denise Darcel in the women's pages
of the daily press, Rutherford built his lobby
and current front displays around layouts
and feature stories taken from national women's
magazines.
For outdoor ballyhoo, 5,000 heralds were
distributed house to house by a number of
stores in the downtown location, 400 bumper
strips were used on Red cabs at no expense
to the theatre beginning three days prior to
opening and throughout the run.
Twenty-five standee window cards were
spotted throughout the area, and in addition
to this, the army made available 40 A-boards
for posters and distributed 100 regular window
cards carrying the "Battleground" playdates.
Exhibits of equipment similar to that used
in the famous Battle of the Bulge were
placed in the theatre lobby and in windows
of four banking branches of the Union Trust
Co.
THE MEMPHIS CAMPAIGN
In Memphis, Arthur Groom, manager of
the State, focused his campaign on opening
night. The initial showing was developed
as a tribute to former members of the 101st
airborne division. who live in Memphis. Eleven
of these veterans were located. Between the
evening shows, a navy band and a marine
color guard marched down the aisles of the
theatre to the stage where a colorful ceremony
was staged, including an introduction
of the honor guests by Rear Admiral Harold
Martin. Fifteen minutes of the stage ceremonies
were broadcast over WHBQ. An additional
15 minutes following the first performance
were devoted to a lobby broadcast
This dramatic display in full animation was placed in the lobby oi the Arcadia Theatre,
Olney, 111., well in advance of the opening of "Battleground."
of interviews with patrons who had seen the
picture. Denise Darcel made a 20-minute stopover
which netted a three-column art break
on the front page of the second section of
the Commercial Appeal.
Army cooperation included posters on 30
A-boards. 50 window cards tying in the recruiting
drive with the picture booking at the
State, and an exhibit of war accoutrements
for lobby display.
Groom bannered the entire front of the
theatre with flags, bunting and pennants;
distributed window cards and special circulars
throughout the area, and provided Memphis
schools with 100 audio-visual guides for use
in classroom studies.
AT SAN FRANCISCO
At the Warfield in San Francisco, Manager
Boyd Sparrow planted a number of outstanding
window displays in the downtown
area, keyed to the catchline, "The story of
50 guys and a gal." Color blowups of the
principal players in the production were
spotted around exhibits of army equipment
provided by the recruiting service.
Opening night was designated 101st airborne
division night, with a 66-piece army
band providing an outside ballyhoo. Veterans
of Bastogne and the commanding general of
the area were among the guests.
Four separate screenings held for beauticians
and professional women started wordof-mouth
publicity and helped get across the
woman's angle. Three hundred streetcar cards
heralded the playdates, and an abundance
of radio promotions were topped by interviews
with veteran heroes.
Peter Nepote, manager of the Arcadie Theatre,
Olney, 111., created a 14x8-foot lobby display
depicting a battle scene from the film
in miniature, representing the labors of
Nepote. almost everyone on the theatre staff.
and the local recruiting sergeant. With an
outlay of 20 hours of work, and constructed
from scrap lumber and newsprint wrapping.
the setting was illuminated by a concealed
color wheel, providing bomb-burst effects in
animated fashion. Models of tanks and toy
soldiers in battle positions, plus cutout stills,
branches of a discarded Christmas tree, artificial
snow. 'cotton rocks, etc., were used in
making up the terrain for the display. The
unique exhibit attracted persons to the theatre
for several weeks prior to opening.
A full-page newspaper ad was promoted
from the various banks in the city, composed
of elements from two pressbook mats. The
picture received exceptional treatment, in
that it was reviewed in the local paper by
the publisher rather than the staff critic.
Letter by Wife Gives
'Battleground' Lift
Frank Steffy, manager of the Radio City
Theatre in Minneapolis, used a novel mailing
piece to sell the woman's angle of "Battleground."
which helped to attract holdover
business in spite of subzero weather.
Five thousand penny postal cards were sent
to the heads of women's clubs, school teachers
and auxiliaries of all veteran organizations.
The new slant was provided by having
a message imprinted on the card signed
by Steffy's wife. The copy led off: "When
your husband asks you to do something
."
. .
The information which followed explained
that Mrs. Steffy had been asked to see a
preview of "Battleground" with her husband.
She went on to say that the title and war
background did not appear to have much
appeal, and then proceeded to point out
some of the interesting highlights which had
brought her to the conclusion that "Battleground"
is a wonderful picture for everyone
in the family.
Widespread word-of-mouth advertising
followed.
36 — 70 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Feb. 18. 1950

Parade of New Cars
Directs Attention
To 'Great Lover'
Cooperation from storekeepers brought
"The Great Lover" to the attention of hundreds
of potential theatre patrons of the
Huntington Park (Calif.) Theatre. Manager
Jim Barnes arranged with a large grocery
store to permit the theatre imprint to be
placed on several thousand bags. Owl Sontag
drug stores distributed 5,000 paper napkins
imprinted with copy on "The Great
Lover." Hershey chocolate kisses were promoted
and distributed by the theatre staff,
with small cards bearing a message from
"The Great Lover."
The Chevrolet dealer staged a parade of
1950 models which were bannered with signs
reading, "You'll love Bob Hope, 'The Great
Lover,' and the new 1950 Chevrolet."
A street ballyhoo aroused considerable interest.
A number of berets were dropped at
busy locations in the downtown shopping
area. Inside each beret was a small card
with the information that the finder would
be entitled to free admission at the theatre
if the beret was returned.
The theatre staff provided another laughprovoking
ballyhoo when two ushers carried
a girl on a stretcher through the main
streets of town. The ushers were dressed in
white jackets, and signs on either side of
the stretcher announced: "I swooned right
out of this world when I saw 'The Great
Lover,' etc."
In January, Barnes ran a very successful
Friday the 13th midnight thrill show. "The
Mummy's Ghost" and "Son of Dracula" were
booked for the occasion, and the show was
well publicized through special lobby displays,
a Frankenstein type of ballyhoo, and
the distribution of envelopes containing salt,
imprinted with copy, "You'll need these
smelling salts when you attend, etc., etc."
Extra matinee business was stimulated recently
by Jay Clarke, a mentalist, who appeared
at matinee performances "for ladies
only." Signs in the lobby, including a blowup
of a column by the late Damon Runyon
in which he described Clarke's unique ability,
newspaper ads and local publicity in the
Huntington Park Daily Signal all helped to
spread word of the stage attraction.
Sharpshooters Win Pass
To See 'Roseanna McCoy'
In connection with his engagement of
"Roseanna McCoy," Murray Meinberg, manager
of the Ritz, Brooklyn, set up a target
on a 30x40 in the theatre lobby, and offered
passes to those who could hit the bull's eye.
Meinberg used an ordinary dart gun and
metal target. Small targets were worth one
pass: a large target in the center paid off
with two. The stunt created lots of fun in
the lobby, with most patrons trying their
hand at it.
kJ Sets 'Dancing' Windows
A number of attractive window displays
set by OUie Brooks helped "Dancing in the
Dark" at the Bijou Theatre, Battle Creek.
Mich. Merchandise was displayed with large
signs tieing in the picture title and music
score.
BOXOFFICE Showmandjser Feb. 18. 1950
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
pubUcist 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 winner will be made
in the March 11th issue of BOXOFFICE. The winning 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 eruollment of members which goes to the regional
exhibitor chairman of the Brotherhood week committee.
First Local War Draftee
Helps 'Willie' Ballyhoo
Local interest developed through a novel
approach exploited "When Willie Comes
Marching Home" for Lou Hart, district manager
for the Schine circuit. The picture
opened at the Avon Theatre in Watertown,
N. Y.
The first local draftee from Watertown in
the recent world war was invited to act as
host at a screening for officers of Watertown's
veteran organizations and army officers
from Pine camp. This stunt received
wide local publicity, with the newspaper
drawing on the draftee's experiences as a
comparison with those endured by the star
of the film production.
Hart also ran a screening of the picture in
advance for a number of selected families in
the community. Comment quotations and
small photographs of the guests at this
screening were published in newspaper adverti.sements,
up to and including current playdates.
Voice Competition Aids
'Whirlpool' at Allen
Patrons of the Allen Theatre in Cleveland
had an opportunity to test their voices on a
wire recording machine in a competition for
guest tickets to "Whirlpool" devised by Howard
Higley, manager of the Allen. The distributor
of the recording apparatus set up
equipment in the theatre lobby, and a sign
nearby a.sked: "Do you want to be a press
agent? Talk into the wire recording machine
and tell why you want to .see 'Whirlpool' and
win free, etc.. etc."
Promotes Navy Exhibit
Guy Hevia, manager of the Mayfair Tlieatre,
Asbury Park, N. J., obtained naval air
rescue equipment as a lobby exhibit on "Ta.sk
Force." The equipment was borrowed from
the Lakehurst naval air depot and included
parachutes, a rescue raft, survival implements,
an exposure suit and many other
items.
— 71 —
Contest Is Promoted
In Ad on 'Adam's Rib'
The local newspaper in Sunnyside, Wash.,
is not especially cooperative in giving free
space to theatre promotions, but A. E. Tribbett,
manager of the Liberty Theatre, decided
that if a stunt is worth using, it is
worth paying for. For "Adam's Rib," he ran
a letter-writing contest in his regular newspaper
ad space on the subject, "Who should
be the boss, the husband or the wife?" Tribbett
promoted dinners at the Planters hotel
for three couples, and offered an evening of
entertainment, including loge seats at the
Liberty Theatre, for the writers of the best
letters. A number of passes were also awarded
as consolation prizes.
As an inexpensive method of getting out
a special herald covering his full week's bookings,
Tribbett made a deal with the newspaper
and obtained a quantity of newspapier
tear sheets which were overprinted in red
ink with copy: "Extra! "That Forsyte Woman'
is making such fools of men, etc."
"WE SHOULD
have booked this picture for
at
least three more days!"
Writes Showman... / V- L. HILL
\ New Carolina Theatre
, I High Poinl. N. C. _
The PRINCE
OF PERCE"
. THE STORY OT JESUS
f
ENTIRELY IN COLOR
BOOK rr N0W1 wmri wi>i
HALLMARK PRODUCTIONS
\}'imnwmmw»im».\f>m
37

i
Voting Machine Used
At Playhouse for
'All King's Men'
Screenings, newspaper coverage and abundant
tieups and stunts exploited "All the
King's Men" for Gerald Wagner, manager
of the Playhouse Theatre, Washington. A
screening for drama critics resulted in favorable
advance reviews. Editors of district high
school papers also attended and each received
a copy of the novel autographed by
John Derek.
Jerry Strong, disk jockey for radio station
WINX. conducted a Songs of Our Times
contest which garnered excellent returns.
Listeners were required to identify the titles
of the songs, and record albums and theatre
passes were awarded to winners.
A voting machine was set up in front of
the theatre and passersby and patrons were
invited to vote for their candidate (stars of
the picture) for "governor."
Brentano book stores featured book displays
tied in with the opening at the Playhouse.
In addition, a counter was set up
in the theatre lobby where an usher offered
books on sale to the public. The Decca record
distributor arranged for displays in more than
30 music stores in the area, each carrying
full credits.
All local papers and approximately 20 weekly
publications carried publicity and art on
the picture.
START Tl[ YEAR WITH
the
"^
New DRIVE-IN version
for Mixed Audiences
HyOJENIC PRODUCTIONS M
A&mra^l>a.mG\iHi BLDG. WILMINGTDN.OHIO.au
'Kiss' Gross Good in Rifle
Due to Personal Cards
Fred and Mary Lind, operators of the Ute
Theatre in Rifle, Colo., had been told that
"That Midnight Kiss" distinctly was not a
"small town picture," but they long ago
learned not to pay too much attention to
what you hear. So they devised a bit of
personal exploitation and went ahead and
grossed more than double average on the
film.
Mr. and Mrs. Lind, who left recently on a
motor car trip to New York and Florida, related
that a conversation at the breakfast
table did the trick. They felt that the title
doesn't indicate the true entertainment merits
of the picture, so Mrs. Lind suggested that
patrons be informed of the fine music in the
film by means of a personally signed message
printed on 5-4 good-grade bristol. The
Linds obtained the membership lists of music
clubs and selected names from the society
columns of the local paper for a mailing list.
About 2,500 of the personal recommendations
were sent out in the farming and mining
area.
The Linds have been at Rifle 15 years.
Lind formerly was a film salesman in the
Denver- Salt Lake areas and at one time was
RKO manager at Denver. Two years ago
they opened their new Ute Theatre, a 600-
seater. Their daughter and son-in-law, Mr,
and Mrs. D. J. Munson, were left in charge
of the theatre when the Linds left on their
vacation trip.
Special 'Bambi' Show
For the recent booking of the reissue,
"Bambi," C. J. Brown, manager of the Port
Theatre, Port St. Joe, Fla., tied up with school
teachers who brought children from the first
to fourth grades to the theatre to see a special
morning showing of the picture. School
buses transported the young students to the
theatre, and Brown reports that many of
them returned in the late afternoon hours to
see the film a second time.
Iwo Jima Vets Are Guests
A. L. Clary, manager of the Killeen, Tex.,
Theatres, stimulated word-of-mouth publicity
and goodwill in the community by inviting
all local marines who served in the
Iwo Jima campaign to be his guests at the
opening of "Sands of Iwo Jima." Clary mailed
a personal letter of invitation to each veteran
and urged that they and their families
attend the Sadler Theatre so that they could
relive many of their war experiences.
CLEARING HOUSE
(Continued from inside back cover)
THEATRE SEATING
Chair-ity becjins at S.O.S. We're practically
giving 'em away. 271 sturdy veneer folding chairs.
$2.95; 2!)3 rebuilt panelback spring cushion, only
$4.05; 2,000 late American 7-ply veneers, like
new, $5.25. Send for Chair Bulletin for complete
list. Dfept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.,
602 VV. 52nd St., New York 19.
Patch-0-Seat cement. Patching cloih, solvent,
elc. Kensin Seating Co., Chicago 5.
Used chairs, t'Hiiointeed good. Advise quantity
watiU'd. IMmlotiraphs mailed with quotation. Feusiti
St.iting Co.. Chicago 5.
No more torn seats: ICepair with the original
Tatch-A-Seat. Complete kit. $6. General Chulr
Co.. Cliicugu 22. ill.
Chair Parts: We furnish most any part you retjiiire.
Send sam[ilB for price, brackets, backs
and seats. General Ch.iir Co., 1308 Elston Ave..

Tax Repeal Officials
Chosen at Albany
ALBANY—Coordinators for the various
cities in the Albany exchange area in the
campaign to effect repeal of the existing federal
amusement tax were appointed at a
meeting Tuesday (l-l) called by the local
TOA organization, with Leonard L. Rosenthal,
general counsel, presiding. Approximately
40 exhibitors attended the session.
Appointments include those of Alex Sayles,
Albany; Larry Cowen, Ti-oy and Watervliet;
Andy Roy, Utica: George Seed, Cohoes and
Waterford, and Bob Lamont, Greenville and
the neighboring Catskill area towns. A coordinator
for northern New York was to be
appointed later, with Lou Hart of Watertown
as the probable choice.
Rosenthal declared that special attention
should be given to efforts to induce newspapers
to publish editorials advocating repeal
of the tax. D. John Phillips, MMPTA secretary,
in a letter read at the mf;eting, reported
that all daily newspapers in New York City
have published such editorials, and that the
organization was contacting at least 50 other
publications for the same purpose.
Among exhibitors attending the meeting
were Charles F. Wilson, Joe Farnham, Vic
Bunze and Bill Wilson, all of Troy; John
Gardner, Bernie Bernstein, C. M. Cascio, John
Kddy. Dick Murphy, Phil Rapp and Lou Rapp,
all of Schenectady, and Joe Saperstein, Floyd
Fitzsimmons, Neil Hellman and Abe Sunberg.
all of Albany.
Hundreds of signatures were obtained on
petitions urging repeal of the tax in the lobby
of the Palace Theatre here during the initial
days of the drive. The Fabian organization
then began distribution of petition cards.
Saul J. UUman, upstate general manager for
Fabian, said the initial order was for 25,000
cards.
Each of the Fabian situations in the area
sent 12 telegrams urging repeal to Washington.
Guy Graves, Schenectady, city manager,
said that he had received a letter from
Bernard W. Kearney, representative from
Gloversville. pledging support to the repeal
effort.
Norfolk, Va., Afflicted
With Double Ticket Tax
NORFOLK—This city, which is afflicted
with a local ticket tax as well as the federal
admissions levy, is intensely interested in the
industry campaign for repeal of the federal
tax, according to Milton Kaufman, manager
of Loew's State. He called it "the greatest
thing that could happen to us in Norfolk."
"If the federal tax is lifted," he said, "public
sentiment will go a long way toward influencing
the city council to do something
about the local tax, and at least prevent the
local government from trying to grab the
federal tax bite."
The city has a ten per cent tax on top of
the federal 20 per cent tax. Special trailers
have been advertising that fact.
Fox Staff Aids Tax Fight
NEW YORK— All members of the 20th
Century-Fox staff in New York have received
letters from Spyros P. Skouras, president,
asking them to help in the campaign
for ticket tax repeal by writing letters to
their congressmen.
Raibourn Disputes Figures
In Washington Survey
NEW YORK—Paul Raibourn, Paramount
vice-president and head of its television
activities, has taken exception to a
survey of the effect of television on theatre
attendance made public in Washington
by Charles Alldredge, public relations
consultant. This estimated that
television has caused a drop up to 74 per
cent. Raibourn said it ranges between 20
and 30 per cent according to' a survey
conducted over a period of several years
by Paramount.
Raibourn said that the Alldredge finding
regarding rate of attendance after
ownership of a set isn't far off from his
own estimate, but that the Washington
survey errs in its estimate of rate of attendance
before ownership of a set. This
was set so high that the decrease is out
of proportion to the facts. He said the
survey depended on the recollections of
persons who were asked to remember how
often they attended two years before, and
that no efficient survey ever uses that
faulty technique.
The decision to reveal that Paramount
has been conducting a survey was made,
Raibourn said, because the Alldredge
figures sound sensational and may conceivably
affect the attitude of banks
toward the industry.
Seeks a Law Requiring
Theatre Owners Names
ALBANY—Senator William F. Condon of
Yonkers has introduced a bill which would
require all owners or operators of theatres
in this state to display their full names, including
registered tradenames, on the exteriors
of theatres. The measure was referred
to the codes committee. The bill will be
opposed by the MMPTA. A suit recently
started by a Yonkers attorney was dismissed
because the name of the theatre owner was
incorrect.
There is no time to lose! Act today on
repeal of the amusement tax!
Brownout^ Rationing
Of Coal in New York
ALBANY—Coal rationing for theatres, commercial
buildings and homes became effective
in New York state at midnight Thursday,
while power rationing, which includes a ban
on marquee lighting in excess of 200 watts and
air conditioning service begins Sunday. The
state emergency coal administrator, Bertram
D. Tallamy, acting under emergency powers
given Governor Dewey Tuesday by the legislature,
decreed the lowest preference and
priority status for theatres, bowling alleys,
taverns, dance halls, and other places of
amusement.
No more than seven days' supply of coal
may be delivered to places used for public
gathering, commercial buildings, etc.
Interpretations of the regulations as they
affect theatres were not available Friday
morning. One official said he did not think
fans and blowers, necessary for public assembly,
would be prohibited under the ban on
"air conditioning service."
The number of theatres affected by the coal
rationing is probably less than would be the
case had many not converted to oil during
the previous shortages. Four theatres here—
Palace, Grand, Ritz. Leland—burn coal but
it is understood they have fairly large supplies
on hand.
New K-B Flower Theatre
Opened in Washington
WASHINGTON—The new Flower Theatre
here, latest addition to the K-B circuit, was
opened Wednesday night (15K Designed by
John Zink, the house is equipped with Kroehler
seating, RCA projection and sound and
York air conditioning. An adjoining parking
lot provides space for 600 cars. Fred Kogod
and Frank Boucher, operators, greeted a
capacity crowd which attended the opening
night ceremonies. Howard Hutton is manager
of the new theatre.
Loew's Declares Dividend
NEW YORK—The board of directors of
Loew's, Inc., has declared the regular dividend
of 37'i cents per share, payable March
31 to stockholders of record March 10.
•KEY TO CITY' DEBUT—John J. Lynch, Brooklyn commissioner of borough
works, is pictured above presenting the key to the city to Brooklyn's community
mayors in honor of the world premiere of "Key to the City" at Loew's State. Z. Wayne
Griffin, producer of the film, looks on. Left to right: Oscar Ncuman, Louis Zeltner,
chief mayor; Robert F. Kaufman, Griffin, Abe Friedman and Lynch.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 39

. . Denise
. . Beverly
. . Peter
. . Stewart
. .
'
BROADWAY
IJarry "SI. Warner, Warner Bros, president,
left for a Florida vacation before returning
to the coast . . . Paul Lazarus jr. of United
Artists left for a two-week vacation at Phoenix.
Ariz. . . . Nathan E. Goldstein. New England
theatre operator, and wife are vacationing
in Sarasota, Pla.. until April . . . Ralph
Wheelwright, assistant to Howard Strickling
at the MGM studios, went home after two
weeks at the home office conferring on campaigns.
Leo F. Samuels and Charles Levy of the
Walt Disney New York office returned from
Chicago where they set up campaigns on
"Cinderella" . . . Steve Strassberg. Film Classics
assistant ad-publicity director, was in
Boston to set up the campaign on "Guilty
Bystander," which opens there soon . . . Farley
Granger. Goldwyn star here for a vacation,
accompanied Judy Holliday to the opening
of "Come Back. Little Sheba" February 15.
Margaret Sullavan. Paul Stewart. Wendy
Barrie. Nancy Coleman and Joan Blondell
also were on hand to applaud Sidney Blackmer
and Shirley Booth in the play.
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall returned
to Hollywood following ten days in
Manhattan . . . Sheldon Leonard, who portrays
gangsters in Hollywood, was here for
his first visit in some time . Lawford.
MGM star, arrived February 15 by private
plane
, Darcel returned from Miami
where she made personal appearances in
connection with "Battleground" openings.
SaUy Forrest and Keefe Brasselle. stars
of "Never Pear," arrived for a week of press
interviews and radio appearances in connection
with the Eagle Lion release . . . Kirk
Douglas will be guest of honor at the 56th
annual dinner here February 23 of his alma
mater. St. Lawrence university . . . Irving
Sochin. sales head for U-I's Prestige Pictures,
left for Chicago .
Scope, secretary
to Jack Bellman. Eagle Lion circuit sales
manager, was married Saturday (18) to Milton
Smith. Gem Moscowitz. secretary to
Eugene Arnstein, Film Classics treasurer, becomes
the bride of Sidney Salpeter February
19.
Murray Silverstone, head of 20th Century-
Fox International, and his wife; Henry
Henigson, MGM executive; Harry Bruchman.
assistant to Barney Balaban at Paramount,
and Noel Coward, British actor-playwright,
sailed for England on the Queen Mary .
Arriving from abroad were Deborah Kerr.
MGM star, and her husband Anthony Bartley
and daughter, Agnes Moorehead and Frederick
Lonsdale, British playwright . . . Gracie
Fields returned from Italy . . . Sam Seidelman.
Eagle Lion foreign manager, left for
Mexico. From there he will go to several
Latin-American countries . . . Joseph C. Goltz,
EL foreign sales manager, has returned from
Havana.
James R. Grainger, Republic executive vicepresident,
left on a two-week swing through
the southern territory. Walter L. Titus jr.,
division manager, accompanied him. Both will
be back at the home office February 27 . . .
Barney Balaban. Paramount president, left
February 16 for a Florida vacation . . . Alan
F. Cummings. head of MGM exchange operations
and maintenance, is on a three-week
swing of exchanges with Chicago his first
stop followed by Butte, Seattle. Portland. San
Francisco and Los Angeles.
Tom Rogers of the MGM publicity department
returned from a Miami vacation, while
Tony Martin and Cyd Charisse, his wife and
MGM star, left for Miami Beach for a night
club engagement . Granger, who
appeared in "King Solomon's Mines" for
MGM in Africa, returned by air and left the
next day for the coast.
Willie Priory, assistant in the drama and
motion picture department of the late New
York Sun, has been engaged by MGM to pro-
—
mote "Annie, Get Your Gun," the next attraction
at Loew's State . . . Arthur Lubin, director
of "Francis" for U-I, is in New York for
a brief holiday before beginning work on
"Queen for a Day" for United Artists . . . W.
Lee Wilder, who produced "Once a Thief" for
UA, and Ronald Alcorn, producer of "Johnny
Holiday," were here for conferences with UA
executives on promotion campaigns.
Snow Hurts B'way;
'Horn' Opens Big
NEW YORK—"Young Man With a Horn"
at the Radio City Music Hall was the best of
three new features on Broadway where the
majority of pictures were finishing their runs
and waiting for new product which opened
during the week. Snow and sleet on the
Lincoln's birthday holiday held down the expected
crowds at all theatres.
"Mrs. Mike" had a satisfactory first week
at the Capitol and the best of the many holdovers
were "The Third Man," in its second
week at the Victoria, and, to a lesser degree.
"Key to the City." in its second week at Loew's
State; "Samson and Delilah." in its eighth
week at the Rivoli. and "Sands of Iwo Jima,
in its seventh week at the Mayfair. "The
Astonished Heart" started off strong.
The seven new pictures which opened during
the week included "Stromboli." which
played the circuit houses in addition to the
Criterion on Broadway; "Chain Lightning,"
"Paid in Full," "When Willie Comes Marching
Home" and the return of "The Outlaw,"
three years after its first Broadway run.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—Battleground (MGM), 14th wk., _ 80
Bijou—The Red Shoes (EL), 69th wk. of two-a-doy 90
Capitol—Mrs. Mike (UA). plus stage show 105
Criterion—Mom on the Eiffel Tower (RKO), 3rd wk, 85
Globe—Port of New York (EL), 2nd wk 85
Gotham—Monkey Business (Para); Horsefeathers
(Para), reissues, 8th wk 85
Loew's Stat^Key to the City (MGM), 2nd wk 105
Mayfair—Sands of Iwo Jima (Rep), 7th wk 105
Palace The Tattooed Stranger (RKO), plus vaude-
„^'"^ - : 100
Paramount—Dear Wife (Para), plus staoe show
2nd wk
._
85
Park Avenue—The Astonished Heart (U-I), 5 days 110
Radio City Music Hall—Young Man With a Horn
(WB), plus stage show 115
Rivoli—Samson and Delilah (Para), 8th wk 105
Roxy—Twelve O'clock High (20th-Fox),
3rd
Strand—Montana (WB), plus stage 2nd
<
Sutton—The Fallen Idol (SRO), 13th
-Lux Madison Avenue — Tight Little Island
plus stage
'Samson' Second Week Grosses
180 in Philadelphia
UA FETES HARRY POPKIN—Harry M. Popkin, producer of "D.O.A.," "Champagne
for Caesar" and "Here Lies Love" for United Artists release, is about to blow
out the solitary candle on the cake at an impromptu birthday party staged for him
at the UA home office in the midst of conferences on releasing and exploitation plans.
Left to right: Francis Winikus, UA advertising manager; Leon Roth, promotion manager;
Alfred H. Tamarin, pubUcity director; Howard LeSieur, director of advertising
and pubUcity; Popkin; Fred Polangin, west coast vice-president, Buchanan & Co.;
Bernie Kamber, eastern publicity and advertising director, Popkin Productions; Tess
Michaels, UA magazine pubUcity; Hy Carnow, pressbook editor, and Samuel M. Stiefel,
UA producer.
PHILADELPHIA—Business at first run situations
was uneven. "Samson and Delilah"
went into its second week copping top honors
with 180. "All the King's Men" was second
with an opening week of 175.
Aldine—Woman in Hiding (U-I), 2nd wk 95
Boyd—Botlleground (MGM), 5th wk 75
Earle Samson and Deliloh (Para), 2nd wk 180
Fox—Twelve C'Clock High (20th-rox), 2nd wk 125
Goldman—Dear Wife (Para) ""95
K'arlton—The Red Shoes (EL), 2nd run, 4th wk 90
Mastbaum—Montana (WB), 2nd wk 80
Randolph—East Side. West Side (MGM), 4lh wk 85
Stanley—All the King's Men (Col) _ 175
Stanton-Ambush (MGM), 3rd wk 45
National Board of Review
Annual Meeting March 24
NEW YORK—The National Board of
Review
will hold its annual meeting in the 20th
Century-Fox Little Theatre March 24. The
board members will also see a special screening
of "Cheaper by the Dozen" the same day.
40
BOXOFTICE :: February 18. 1950

. . . Tony
. . Joseph
. . Returning
. . Mrs.
. . Elmer
. . The
. . . Ajiother
. . . Bob
. . Ruth
. . W.
. . Elaine
. . Same
. . Mrs.
. . The
. . Norman
. . Film
. .
Week of Brotherhood
Opens February 19
NEW YORK—Brotherhood week, which has
been observed every year since 1934, will be
celebrated anew this year beginning Sunday
(19) all over the nation, with this industry
making many contributions to its success.
Ted R. Gamble, national chairman of the
motion picture division of the National Conference
of Christians and Jews, which sponsors
it, reported that 22 more branches have
reached the goal of 100 per cent participation.
They are: the Paramount branches in Denver,
Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Omaha, Milwaukee
and Cleveland: Loew's in New Haven,
Kansas City and Albany: 20th Century-Pox
in Philadelphia: Monogram in Minneapolis;
Republic in Milwaukee and New York City;
Warner Bros, in Omaha; Universal-International
in Cincinnati and Memphis; RKO in
San Francisco and Albany; United Artists in
New Haven; Eagle Lion in Atlanta; Film
Classics in New York, and Bonded Film
Storage and Bonded Film Distributors in
New York.
This campaign against bigotry is made possible
by the generous cooperation of newspapers,
magazines, radio, television, motion
pictures, advertisers, book and pamphlet publishers,
theatres, speakers, recording companies,
civic and religious groups and countless
individuals. The honorary chairman is
the President and John L. Sullivan, former
secretary of the navy, is general chairman.
The slogan is; "Brotherhood—for peace and
freedom. Believe it! Live it! Support it!"
Celebrities Will Attend
'Three Came Home' Debut
NEW YORK—Stage, screen and radio stars,
as well as political and musical figures, are
scheduled to attend the invitation opening
of "Three Came Home," the 20th Century-
Fox picture, at the Astor February 20. The
theatre will remain closed during the day in
preparation for the festivites which will begin
at 8:30 p. m.
Among those expected are Mary Pickford
and Buddy Rogers, Dorothy McGuire, Elliott
Roosevelt, Myrna Loy, Conrad Nagel, Geraldine
Fitzgerald, Leo G. Carroll, Gladys
Swarthout, Pi-itz Kreisler, Ilka Chase, Walter
Huston, Maggie Teyte, Franklin Pangborn,
Wendy Barrie, Charles Laughton, Margaret
Whiting, Joe DiMaggio, Ethel Merman,
John Van Druten, Anita Loos, Helmut Dantine,
Rex Harrison. Burgess Meredith. Jack
Benny and Burt Lancaster.
Along New York's Filmrow
By KOBERT O'NEILL
f^HARLIE PENZER is starting his second the same state was Louis Fritzer of Film
term as president of Colo.sseum of Motion Classics.
Picture Salesmen of America. Others elected
with Charlie are Manny Myer, vice-president;
Philip Levine. formerly with Burke Theatres
in the Bronx, has been appointed sales
Lee Mayer, .secretary, for a third time, and
Howard Levy, treasurer. The club will stage
representative for Lux Distributing Corp. . . .
its second annual dinner and dance March
Visitors here this week were Jack Rochellc,
20 at the Tavern-on-the-Green . Motion
Picture Bookers club scheduled its open
Rockaway Park; Herb Nolan and Don Speirs,
St. Cloud circuit; Dave Dubin, North Tarrytown:
Ed Lachman and Vincent Trainor,
meeting for the Hotel Taft Monday (20), with
Harry Margolis presiding. An old fashioned
Boonton. and Louis Gold and Abe Levin,
square dance and party followed the meeting.
Newark.
Adolph Weiss, owner of the Plaza in South
Jamaica, was severely injured in an auto
crash two weeks ago in Columbia, S. C, while
returning from Florida. His jaw was broken.
His wife suffered several fractured ribs. Both
are recovering at their home . Harry
Goldstone, wife of the Famous Films chief,
and her son are back in the city after a sixweek
Florida vacation. Daughter Charlotte is
sojourning on the coast . . . Marty Cohen of
Famous Films is enjoying the sights of Miami.
Nat Nathanson, new division manager for
UA, soon will visit the exchange here to get
acquainted . . . Jules Resnick sold the Park
in Trenton to Frank Cruiani . Hollander
will contract and book for all St. Cloud
theatres, replacing Cliff Smith.
.
.
Jean Slade, Brooklyn booker for RKO, is
recovering from an operation at Beth -Israel
hospital Israel of Film Classics
accounting department also underwent surgery
and is now at New York hospital . . .
Zelda Rosenberg, sales secretary at Eagle Lion,
returns Monday (20) from a trip to Florida
Ricci of the Republic exchange
last week from
is in Florida
. . . Elsie Tappin
.
The 20th-Fox Family club will .set the date
soon for its annual party
was married this month to Peter Connaughton.
Elsie is in the Paramount film inspection
department Komansky. Warners
exchange biller, will wed Alfred Altmark June
Wedding bells will ring Tuesday i21i
11 . . .
for Al Robyn, manager of the Gracie Square
Theatre, and Ann Slawson. publicity director
for the same theatre . Norman (Ruth)
Schenker. former secretary to Calvin C.
Leeder. Warner exchange office manager, is
the mother of a seven-pound baby . . . Max
Cohen, owner of the Rivoli in Monticello. is
in Hollywood.
. . . Celia Rymland of the
Jerry Horowitz of Paramount is the father
of a son born Monday (13). The baby weighs
eight pounds
Warner exchange has been out of action with
Harriet Costello of Paramount
the flu . . .
is doing nicely at home after her recent illness
. Maizell has resigned as -switchboard
operator at the Universal exchange and
soon will leave for Los Angeles and another
job.
Birthday greetings to Tony Agoglia. Brooklyn
booker for UA. and Pat Marcone. UA office
manager . for Walter Martin,
night crew shipper at MGM . . . Leonard
Dorfman has been transferred from the Ea^le
Lion home office foreign department to the
exchange booking department . . . Harris
Dudelson. now with Lippert Films as midwestern
division manager, has been succeeded
by James Hendel as district manager for
Eagle Lion. Hendel was former manager for
the company in Pittsburgh . Classiccompleted
the move from 362 West 44th St. to
the Film Center, but painters still are on the
job.
Praises British Theatre
•Efforts Under Handicaps
NEW YORK—C. J. Latta. Associated British
Picture Corp. managing director in England,
returned Wednesday (15 1 and praised
British theatre operation for its success in the
face of many handicaps. Latta was a theatre
executive for Warner Bros, in Albany before
taking his post in England two years ago.
He said that shortages of building materials
and labor reduced new theatre construction
to a minimum, but that despite this, prudent
management had kept maintenance standards
high. He revealed that kiddy club matinee
programs are popular in the United Kingdom
and said that heavy admission taxes were
one of the big problems, just as in the U.S.
NATHANSON PROMOTED — Nat
Nathanson (above) has been appointed to
succeed the late Edward M. Schnitzer as
eastern and Canadian general sales manager
of United .Vrtists. He was promoted
from branch manager of the I'A Chicago
exchange. Nathanson has been with UA
since 1935 when he became a salesman
at the Denver exchange.
Grace Brinkerhoff has joined the Monogram
family in the contact department .
Evelyn Grauer is a new face at Film Classics
newcomer to Filmrow is Beatrice
Kay in the 20th-Fox accounting department
Woolf has been promoted from
student-booker to booker by Warner Bros, and
will leave soon for Charlotte. N. C. to take
over his new job. He will be replaced hei-e
by Sam Ferrara . RKO exchange
staff has been increased with Rose Katz,
clerk-typist, and Eddie Dudewicz. billing
clerk, filling new posts . H. Moray.
Warner Bros, short subject sales chief, is on
a two-week trip to the coast to discuss 1950
product . C. Gehring. 20th-Fox assistant
general sales manager, has returned from
Dallas.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950 41

SUBSEQUENT SINGLE FEATURES
DISAPPEARING IN MANHATTAN
Houses Switch to British
Or Foreign Features;
Some Play Revivals
By FRANK LEYENDECKER
NEW YORK—The past year saw a tremendous
increase in the number of downtown
or midtown theatres playing first
run British or foreign films and. when this
product was unavailable, turning to revivals
starring W. C. Fields, the Marx
Bros.. Will Rogers. Mae West. Marlene
Dietrich or other stars whose best pictures
were made in the 1930s. Many of these
houses formerly played single feature bills
of outstanding current product directly
after it had played the subsequent runs.
The number of single feature theatres, outside
of the Broadway first runs, still playing
current Hollywood product has decreased
to such an extent that discriminating
fUmgoers who prefer single bills
at neighborhood prices are having difficulty
seeing the new pictvires.
NEW POLICY SUCCESSFUL
Although two ESnbassy newsreel theatres,
on Broadway and 47th street and on east
42nd street, have reverted to newsreels after
a few months of first run British features,
the Trans-Lux newsreel houses, both in New
York and in Washington and Philadelphia,
have switched to first run British or clasi;
product and are "very successful" under tha;
policy, according to Trans-Lux executives.
Of the six New York Trans-Lux houses, only
the 49th street and Broadway house is still
playing straight newsreels and shorts.
The regular Broadway first runs now include
five playing films and stage show;;
(Radio City Music Hall, Roxy, Capitol, Paramount
and Strand), one playing films and
vaudeville (Palace), seven playing new Hollywood
films (Astor, Criterion, Globe, Loew's.
State, Mayfair. Rivoli and Victoria) and ont'
long-run, two-a-day house (Bijou). In addition,
the Gotham alternates revivals with an
occasional first run while the Rialto alsd
plays British or Hollywood first runs but l;
now playing the old Hedy Lamarr "Ecstacy,"
retitled "My Life." These 15 Broadway first
runs compare with 17 on Broadway a year
ago and 19 two years ago before the Broadway
and Winter Garden reverted to legitimate
shows.
SEVEN HOUSES SWITCH
During the past year, seven class neighborhood
houses switched from Hollywood
product to British or foreign first runs, although
the two Embassy houses went back
to newsreels and the Arcadia. 59th street
on Third avenue, went back to subsequent
Hollywood product after several months of
Swedish or French first runs.
The other changeovers are: the Normandie
(a small east side house also favored by
RKO and other companies for morning ex-
M'oitor screenings), which became a first
- n January 31 with "Child of Man," a
enin iilm: the Trans-Lux Madison Ave-
CIRCUIT HEAD SIGNS—The new Plaza Theatre nearing completion in Washington
will show British product distributed by Eagle Lion first run. Fred Rohrs. Eagle
Lion branch manager, is shown at the left in the accompanying picture signing a contract
with Sam Roth, head of Sam Roth Enterprises. Watching the signing, left to
right, are Al Sherman, public relations advisor; Morris Fradin, executive assistant;
John Broumas, general manager, and Harry Roth, executive vice-president.
nue, which has been doing well with such
British features as "Passport to Pimlico" and
"Tight Little Island." the latter in its seventh
week; the Beacon, which alternates subsequent
class films with first run British
product, and the Stoddard, which recently
became first run with "Red Meadow." a
Danish film. The Sutton, on east 57th street,
became first run several years ago and has
been the most successful of all with British
first runs. During the past ten months the
house has played only two films, "Quartet"
for 34 weeks and "The Pollen Idol," now in
its 13th week.
SHOW EUROPEAN FIRST RUNS
Other class houses which play more British
films and revivals than recent Hollywood
product include: the Park Avenue, which
played "Hamlet" for 66 weeks of two-a-day
and opened Noel Coward's "The Astonished
Heart" February 13; the Art. Eighth
street and Gramercy. Rugoff & Becker theatres;
the Riviera and Symphony on upper
Broadway, and the Plaza, a Leo Brecher
house, which has long been favored by Park
avenue residents for their picture-going.
Several other neighborhood houses which
played old foreign product have switched to
first runs from Europe. These include: the
City, on 14th street, which started first
runs with "Tombolo." Italian film. December
31; and the Little CineMet. which opened
"II Trovatore." Italian picturization of the
famous opera. February 9. The regular foreign
film houses include; the Avenue Playhouse,
the Fifth Avenue, the 55th Street, the
Little Carnegie, the World, which has played
some Italian films for six months or a year,
and the new Paris, the only postwar theatre
to be built, which has played only four
French films since it opened in September
1948.
On the fringe of the Times Square district
are: the Stanley, which has been New
York's only house playing first run Soviet
films but which also plays an occasional
Yiddish-language picture, and the Ambassador,
the Siritzky International house, which
has played French first runs but is also now
playing a Yiddish film. "CatskiU Honeymoon."
Also listed among the first runs, after 15
years of playing subsequents on a grind
policy, is the Selwyn Theatre on west 42nd
street, which is doing sensational business
with a double bill of the stage play, "The
Respectful Prostitute," and a minor first run
film, "Flame of Youth." This policy has been
so successful during the past seven weeks
that George Brandt is considering extending
it to a Bronx and a Brooklyn house.
He has several other sensational tjTJe of
Broadway plays, including "Ladies' Night in
a Turkish Bath." lined up to follow "Prostitute."
Meanwhile, the moviegoer in search of a
single bill with an average Hollywood film
such as "Always Leave Them Laughing" or
"Tokyo Joe." is out of luck in Manhattan.
'Battleground' in Havana
NEW YORK—"Battleground" has opened
strong in Havana. Cuba, in a seven-theatre
day-and-date release, according to a report
from Julian Berman. MGM manager there.
The theatres are the Astral. Santa Catalina.
Riviera. Plaza. Tosca. Miramar and Campomoar.
BOXOFFICE ;: February 18. 1950

Italian Films to Be Aimed at U.S,
Mass Audiences, Says Malenotti
NEW YORK—Italian producers will aim
at larger American audiences and try to get
away from limited art house appeal in their
future film releases, Maleno Malenotti. Italian
producer of "Mad About Opera" and "A
Night of Fame," declared here Thursday (16).
Malenotti is president of the A.ssociated Producers
of Italy. He said that he and other
Italian producers will attempt to win new
markets here by employing American stars,
writers and co-directors, and by using English
dialog instead of subtitles.
STRESSES STAR NAMES
"We know that our pictures will never
succeed at the American boxoffice unless we
have stars with big names to attract mass
audiences," he said. "We also realize that
American picture patrons are accustomed to
action on the screen and don't want to be
slowed up by reading subtitles."
The producer is here to sign an American
star for his next release, "Neapolitan Legend,"
a story about Caruso in which Ferruccio
Tagliavini's voice will be used in the singing
sequences. He will also confer with leading
screen executives about methods of improving
commercial appeal of Italian films in
this country.
He stated that English dialog would be
used throughout future Italian releases by
means of Syncrophone, a system originated
by Malenotti. This system requires the Italian
actors to use phonetic English. The
dialog is not recorded. When the picture
has been completed American voices, synchronized
with the movement of the Italian
actors' lips, are substituted.
DIFFERS FROM 'DUBBING'
The method differs from "dubbing" in that
the illusion of seeing and hearing the same
person is maintained. Malenotti claims this
illusion is destroyed when "dubbing" is used
because the audience hears words that the
actor is not framing with his lips.
The producer said there is a growing concern
in Italy over the impression some Italian
films had given of his country's way of life.
"Some of these pictures have stressed the
seamy side of our existence and have created
a false idea that dirt, poverty and immorality
abound in Italy," he said. "In the future wc
are going to prove to the world, and America
especially, that there is a brighter side to
Italy."
delegates will be asked to request theatre operators
in the state not to show "Stromboli,"
and to ask citizens of the state not to see it.
Mrs. Rose Marie Murphy (D), Baltimore, the
only woman in the Baltimore delegation, will
seek the assembly action.
"With all this scandal going on," Mrs. Murphy
.said, "I just don't think the movie should
come here at all.
It seemed probable, however, that the effect
of the resolution, if passed, would be no
more than an expression of disapproval. The
state board of censors has said that it has no
power to ban the film regardless of the personal
opinion of board members about the
actress's private life.
Jules Levey Will Handle
Italian-Made 'Fabiola'
NEW YORK—Jules Levey has closed a
deal to handle the Italian-made costume
spectacle, "Fabiola," for the United States,
United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
The picture stars Michele Morgan and
Michel Simon.
Levey has Italian, French, German and
Spanish versions for the territories and an
English-speaking version is now being prepared.
The picture recently completed a 16-
week run in Montreal.
Four major distributors have been negotiating
to acquire the distribution rights,
Levey said. He also plans to handle other
foreign-made pictures.
Hoffberg to Move Offices
NEW YORK — Hoffberg Productions.
Inc.,
distributor of foreign films, have taken over
the quarters formerly occupied by Film
Classics on west 44th street.
There is no time to lose! Act today on
repeal of the amusement tax!
Thfs /s tr:
THt PlACt:
STROMBOLI
THC STAKi
BERGMAN
UNDIR
THt IHSPIRIB OIKtCriOM OF
ROSSELLINI
DAY AND DATE COPY—One of the
New
impressive advertisements placed in
York newspapers to sell the world premiere
of "Stromboli" in approximately 100
theatres this week was the copy reproduced
above. This advertisement ran five
columns by 13 inches and listed all
of the
theatres in the day and date engagement.
Other copy used preceding the opening
were variations on the center panel which
is being used in all key advertising
throughout the country.
Schlaifer Co. Benefits
NEW YORK—Charles Schlaifer and Co.
has inaugurated a company-financed insurance
plan and hospitalization program for
all employes following payment of a Christmas
bonus. The new benefits were described
to the staff by Charles Schlaifer, president,
at a first anniversary party at the St. Moritz
hotel.
Harrisburg Theatre Refuses
To Cancel 'Stromboli' Run
HARRISBURG--The management of the
Senate Theatre here refused to cancel its
scheduled opening of "Stromboli" Wednesday
(151 following a request by the Rev.
Joseph Woods, executive secretary of the
United Churches of Greater Harrisburg. Glen
Lazar, manager, told church officials that
the contract for the picture had been signed
several weeks ago and that cancellation would
be impossible. A lobby sign exploited the
film, and Senate newspaper ads included copy
about "Stromboli" several days prior to the
opening.
Maryland Solon to Ask
'Stromboli' Disapproval
BALTIMORE—The Maryland house of
NOEL COW.4RD GOES ON AIR—Noel Coward, third from left, star and author
of "The Astonished Heart," and Rex Harrison, fourth from left, are interviewed by
Allen Prescott, WJZ radio commentator, as they arrive for the opening of the J. Arthur
Rank picture at the Park .Avenue Theatre in New York. Jeff Livingston, left, advertising
and publicity head for the Rank pictures released by U-I, and Robert Ungerfeld,
right, managing director of the Park Avenue, look on.
BOXOmCE ;; February 18, 1950 43

. . The
. .
. . . The
. . . Ray
. . Claude
PHILADELPHIA
•The Runnemede Theatre on Black Horse
Pike. Runnemede, N. J., burned down .
"Stromboli" opened at the Goldman. There
were no advance showings for the trade.
The picture had the approval of the state
board of censors. Chairman Edna Carroll
declared, "The censor board is concerned
only with the picture, not with the outside
actions of its participants." Boxoffice returns
for the opening days were encouraging.
. . . Raymond
"Outside the Wall" was world-premiered
at Stanley-Warner's Aldine. The film, which
was partly produced in Philadelphia, was
backed by an intensive promotional campaign
handled by Abe Bernstein
Polnaiaszek, Glen Lyon undertaker, has asked
dismissal of his suit charging that he was
slandered in "The Miracle of the Bells" with
prejudice. This may indicate an out of court
settlement . Princess was to show a
different opera film each day for a week.
A reunion of veterans from the China-
Burma-India wartime area took place at
private screenings of the "Francis." E. Perry
Campbell, Ambler lawyer, invited a number
of veterans to a screening at the WB projection
room in the Earle Theatre building
with the added purpose of forming a local
branch of the CBI Veterans Ass'n. Dr. Philip
J. Hodes served as host at another screening
for members of the University hospital
staff, which comprised the nucleus of the
army's 20th general hospital unit in the CBI
areas.
Al Zimbalist, producer and onetime Stanley-Warner
exploiteer, was in town . . . R. M.
Katz, Monogram salesman, is back at work
after being out sick . . . There was a rumor
current that Abe Altman had reacquired the
Mayfair from Lewen Pizor . . . Paramount
Decorating Co. is installing a new stage set
and damask panels for Dave Shapiro's recently
purchased Alden.
Max Miller was still in Cleveland work-
MANAGER AVAILABLE
22 Years in Theatre Bus'mess.
Will go anywhere in territory. Reason for leaving—want
position vrith more Scope for Initiative.
Salary according to Conditions. Am married.
Illy.
Box 3771, Boxoiiice. 825 Van Brunf Blvd.. Zansat
City. Mo.
ing on promotion for "Guilty of Treason"
New Egypt Theatre, formerly the
in New Egypt, N. J,, acquired its new
Isis,
name and a new operator. S. Kaplan . .
.
"Joison Sings Again" opened key run engagements
at the Anthony Wayne. Auditorium,
Broadway, Carman, Circle, Glenside,
Logan, Midway, Rivoli, Roxy, Suburban,
Yorktown and City Line Center.
John Bergin has taken over the Scranton
territory for former UA salesman John Montgomery
. Schlanger, son of Stanley-Warner's
Ted Schlanger, is learning the
ropes of exchange operations at 20th-Fox
... A series of 10 o'clock Saturday films
for children is being presented by the Main
Line Children's Film Library under the sponsorship
of the Junior league, the Radnor
Parents Ass'n, the Lower Merion Interschool
exchange. Episcopal academy and local
schools. Performances are divided between
the Anthony Wayne and the suburban theatres.
Eagle Lion manager's secretary, Jean Coyle,
received an engagement ring on Valentine
day . . Jack Reimel, EL booker, will have
his
.
song, "My Heart's Aflame," published
and recorded by Westinghouse on Top Tune
records. It soon will be released . . . Broderick
Crawford, who was born in Philadel-
. . . Irving Coopersmith,
phia, was here helping on promotion of "All
the King's Men"
new Allied Motion Picture Booking Service
EL manager
booker, was on sick leave . . .
Harry Berman also was home ill . . . Ditto
Paramount salesman Herman Rubin.
Lex Barker filmland's Tarzan, was in town
Arre, from Stanley-Warner New
York office, is filling in for Ellis Shipman
while Shipman is on vacation . . . Trenton,
N. J., gave a favorable reception to "Battleground"
after Lincoln Manager Conklin
helped publicize the film with a photograph
contest of World War II combat pictures in
a tiein with the Trentonian.
Allied Independent Theatre Owners of
Eastern Pennsylvania voiced its unanimous
opposition to the showing of commercial films
on television as well as to percentage pictures.
The exhibitors also came out against competitive
bidding.
Order your taxation trailers today!
Dave Supowitz Installed
Chief Barker of Tent 13
PHILADELPHIA — Approximately 250 attended
the annual installation banquet of
Variety Club 13 here Monday (6) night, with
George W. Eaby, Variety International doughguy,
as installation officer. David Supowitz
is the new chief barker.
Both Gael SuUivan, executive director of
Theatre Owners of America, and William Mc-
Craw, executive director of Variety, spoke
briefly. The dinner signaled the end of the
club's charity drive in which $50,000 was
raised, which added to $25,000 realized from
its County Fair night, makes a total of
$75,000 raised by the club.
Earl W. Sweigert, past chief barker, was
toastmaster. Israel was awarded the Cadillac
sedan, chief prize in the charity drive. Frank
Arch was awarded a $3,000 mink coat. Other
recipients were Walter Shoemaker, Leo Burrison
and Robert Adelman.
Colleen Townsend Visits
Five Quaker City Houses
PHILADELPHIA — Colleen Townsend, the
20-year-old star of "When Willie Comes
Marching Home," made personal appearances
at the Carmen, Band Box, Roosevelt, State
and Tower theatres here Tuesday.
The actress has renounced her Hollywood
career for church work. She came here from
Punxsutawney, Pa. Her local visit tied in with
a series of regional conferences for high
school and college youth sponsored by the
Council of Churches in observance of
National Christian Youth week. She met
Christian youth leaders at the YMCA
Wednesday.
Goldwyn Receives Plaque
From Parents' Magazine
NEW YORK — Parents' Magazine has
awarded a plaque to Samuel Goldwyn for his
"portrayal of the American Way of Life." It
was the first such award given by the magazine;
previously they have been for specific
films.
E. Phihp Willcox, public relations director
of the magazine, made the award. The inscription
states: "In appreciation of his years
of devotion to superior filmmaking, especially
for his care in depicting the American
scene with honest sentiment and for his clear
understanding and portrayal of the American
Way of Life."
NO PERFORATIONS: 20% More Light and Better Vision
CYCLWAMIC
Custom Screen
INCORPORATIONS
— ALBANY —
Distinctive Theatres Corp.: To furnish
amusement to the public; 100 shares, no par.
Motion Picture Properties: Film productions
in New York; 1,000 shares, 500 preferred
at $100 par, and 500 common at no
par; David Fisher, Edward R. Peckerman jr..
Jessie O. Strang, 113 W. 57th St.
Magic Screen
of the Future
'Pofent applied for
ST.
Installed
GEORGES PLAYHOUSE
100 Pineapple St. Brooklyn, N. Y.
By JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave. Theatre Equipment Specialists New York City
at
Benny Productions: Motion pictures,
dramas in New York; 200 shares, no par;
Edward J. Danziger, Harry Lee Danziger, Lenore
F. Traub, 550 Fifth Ave.
Tele-Test Exchange: Produce radio and
television programs in New York; 200 shares,
no par; William Costin jr., 1000 Park Ave.;
Thomas Elwell, 1619 Broadway; Evertt B.
Birch, 152 W. 42nd St.
44
BOXOmCE :: February 18, 1950

. . Mary
. .
. .
—
Stale Building Code
Plan Is Criticized
NEW YORK—A statewide building code
now being drawn up by the United States
Building commission, established last year
by the legislature, came in for criticism
February 6 at the annual meeting of the
Ass'n of Towns of the State of New York
at the Commodore hotel. H. Ward Ackerson,
secretary of the planning board of Islip,
L. I., said it promised benefits for "the speculative
builder and his customers but not
for the interests of the community as a
whole." Walter Fasbender, supervisor of
Huntington, L. I., questioned whether it
would reduce construction costs.
The net result to the layman was some
confusion as to which code was being discussed.
There is one state building code in
effect, the standard building code for places
of public assembly, including all theatres.
which became operative in May 1949, but
did not affect New York and other large
cities because they had their own codes. The
proposed state code now being drawn up
would, it is planned, cover all kinds of construction
but would not conflict with the
public assembly code. All municipalities
would have the right to refuse it by filing
notice of intent within 30 days after it is
promulgated, and it would not apply to any
municipalities lacking building codes or
regulations. Where New York City is concerned,
there still is a third code involved.
This would liberalize theatre construction
and now is being drawn up. In addition,
there are 250 local codes now in effect in
the state.
The proposed code which aroused criticism
is intended to meet the specifications of all
local codes which, varying in details, are
costing builders large sums of money. The
theory is that a single code would mean
savings also to the consumer. Following the
example of the public assembly code, it
probably will not specify what materials must
be used but only their physical properties.
In other words, any material meeting certain
safety standards may be used. Col. E. J.
McGrew jr., chairman of the commission,
defended its aims.
WASHINGTON
T^espite unfavorable weather, the Valentine
day party and tea given by Variety Club
women drew a large crowd. Several door
prizes were awarded, and proceeds will be
used for the welfare program of the group.
Mrs. Caroline Adams and Mrs. George Nathan
headed the committee on arrangements .
John Barrymore jr. and Chill Wills, both of
whom are featured in "The Sundowners,"
were visitors at the Eagle Lion exchange.
.
.
. . . Lou Lichtenstein,
The Sam and George Wheelers spent several
days in Pittsburgh visiting their mother
who is seriously ill . . . Joe Oulihan and his
family were here from Gloucester, Va., to
attend the wedding of their niece Sherry
Slierwood February 11 . . Twentieth-Fox
.
items: The Dynamos held a monthly meeting
Tuesday afternoon il4) ... Thelma
Eltinge, former inspector, was ill in Johns
Hopkins hospital with an eye ailment
Shipper Stanley Summers was vacationing
in Miami Lou Bean is the new
Marion Bowen, secretary
booker's clerk . . .
to head booker, Sara Young, has been promoted
to student booker
home office auditor, completed his
report.
Don Kelsey was in town to book for his
Lyric and Little theatres in Blacksburg, Va.
. . . Mrs. Harley Davidson returned to her
home in Rural Retreat, Va., from Johns
Hopkins hospital . . . Mr. and Mrs. Mervell
M. Dean of the Lexington Park Tlieatre left
for Hollywood with MJr. and Mrs. Fulton
Sam Roth, head of Sam Roth
Lewis jr. . . .
Enterprises, has appointed AI Sherman,
Washington public relations counsel, adviser
on advertising and publicity for the new
Plaza Theatre soon to be opened here.
National Groups Attend
Course on Reviewing
NEW YORK — Eleven national organizations
were repr^sented February 7 at the first
of six weekly lectures on the techniques of
reviewing films which will be held at the 55th
Street Playhouse. Marjorie G. Dawson, coordinator
of MPAA preview services, opened
the series, which will tell how to assess a picture's
appeal for the regular audience as well
as for those who are not habitual patrons,
and will conduct the next two.
Among the organizations were the American
Ass'n of University Women. American Library
Ass'n. Children's Film Library Committee.
National Society, D.A.R.; General Federation
of Women's Clubs. National Council of Jewish
Women, Protestant Motion Picture Council,
American Legion Auxiliary, National Federation
of Music Clubs and Parent-Teachers
Ass'n of New York State.
Allentown Drive-In Sues
For First Run Clearance
ALLENTOWN, PA.—The Boulevard Drivein.
a 932-car situation on Union boulevard
here, has brought action in district court
seeking first run product on a day-and-date
basis with central Allentown theatres.
The petition charges tlie eight major film
companies with violation of antitrust laws
in refusing to give the drive-in films until
28 days after they were shown in first run
houses here. The action was brought by
David E., Samuel and Nathan Milgram,
Frances Kret and Bessie Hoberman, owners
of the ozoner. The defendants are Loew's,
Paramount, RKO, 20th-Fox, United Artists,
Universal, Columbia and Warners.
The plaintiffs alleged that they opened
the ozoner on Oct. 19, 1949, and wrote to the
major film companies on November 29 asking
for a lease agreement to get product on
a day-and-date basis with first run Allentown
houses. However, the action charges,
defendants allegedly refused to license product
to the drive-in without imposing clearances
in favor of center city theatres.
The plaintiffs charge that unless they get
product on a first run basis they will suffer
immediate and irreparable injury inasmuch
as they intend to reopen the drive-in on
March 15 for the 1950 season.
Unger Shows Movie Quiz
To New England Buyers
NEW YORK—J. J. Unger of Rogers and
Unger Associates, distributor of "Movie Quiz,"
is holding screenings of the short for exhibitors
in eastern cities, according to Budd
Rogers. Unger and Joseph E. Levine. who is
distributing "Movie Quiz" in the New England
territory, held three screenings for New England
circuit owners and operators in Boston
last week. Representatives of the Lockwood
& Gordon, Affiliated, E. M. Loew, American
and other circuits attended. Unger went to
New Haven January 30 to hold screenings for
Warner Theatres and other independent
operators.
ON NATIONAVIDE TOUR — Seymour
Poe (left) of Sol Lesser Productions, discusses
with Robert Mochrie (center),
RKO vice-president and general sales
manager, the nationwide tour of Lex
"Tarzan" Barker (right) prior to their
departure for RKO exchanges thronghont
the country.
Emerson Radio Buys Plant
From Continental Corp.
NEW YORK—The Emerson Radio & Phonograph
Corp. has purchased the Continental
Can plant. Cole and 14th streets, Jersey City,
and will use the buildings for the manufacture
of radio and television receivers, according
to B. Abrams, president. The new
buildings are on a four-acre tract, covering
two blocks, and are constructed of brick,
steel and concrete.
HARRY L. WAX M.\.\.\- I 'n sident,
Hacco Theatres ("ompany,
Atlantic City, N. J. —says:
"RCA Service is a must—it
has meant 10 years' continuous
customer satisfaction."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950 45

. . . Owner
. . . Karl
. .
ALBANY
. . . Schine's
JUtM Kravitz, Colonial manager, and Lou
Hart, assistant, attended the opening program
given by Walter Scheff, baritone, at
the Ten Eyck hotel . . Clarence Bell, here
.
in advance of "Private Lives" at the Strand
February 21, renewed acquaintances with
Oscar Perrin. Ritz manager
Rialto in Glens Falls and Benton's Congress
in Saratoga have dropped vaudeville,
.411 people who cherish freedom should see
Guilty of Treason.' " the Evangelist stated
in a plea for Catholic support of the picture
Sam Slotnick plans to add a new
front to the Lyric in Waterford. He has
completely refurbished the interior,
A party marking the first wedding anniversary
of Donald G. Schine. president of
Darnell Theatres Corp., and his wife Gelda
was held at the Ten Eyck hotel Sunday night
(12), when 80 guests dined and danced in the
Empire room. Among those attending from
the Schine organization were John May,
Douglas Leishman, George Lynch, Bernard
Diamond, J. Dewey Lederer. Seymour L. Morris.
Howard M. Antevil. Bill Kraemer. Maurice
Glockner and Charles Horwitz . . .
Charles Horwitz has been promoted to director
of personnel for the Schine circuit, and
Bernard Diamond has been made assistant
to Louis W. Schine. vice-president. Diamond,
originally a booker, was appointed personnel
director when E. Douglas Leishman was
WALTER READE, JR.— Walter
Reade Theatres, New York, N. Y.
—says:
"An investment in RCA Service
is the best insurance we
know of for top quality sound."
—,
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
I NC Rad io Corporation of America
. ,
Camden, N. J.
FOR SALE
Simplex Mechanisms S750 per pair: Guaranloed
iactory rebuilt. Prices i.o.b. Chicago or
New York Iactory.
Now installing new machines throughout large
circuit. Contact us today. Terms 11 desired.
ALBANY THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1046 Broadway S-S05S Albany, N. Y.
named controller of Schine hotels . . . Warners'
Madison was to be the scene of the second
annual social and fashion promenade of
the Vincentian Institute PTA council Thursday
afternoon (16). Herb Jennings is manager.
The $10,000 bronze concession stand being
built at Fabian's Palace here probably will be
unveiled March 1. While workmen are busy
within a temporary enclosure, the old stand
has been shifted to the left side of the lobby
Harte. office manager and head
booker at Warners, was one of those questioned
by the Times-Union inquiring reporter
on the verdict acquitting the Connecticut
girl who killed her sick father.
Warners Strand, Madison and Delaware
presented kiddy shows Monday morning, children
being absent from school because of
Lincoln's birthday. The Strand screened a
Hopalong Cassidy feature and cartoons .
The Colonial ran vaudeville Monday (13).
Freddie Bartholomew, former child screen
actor, divided top honors with Hermine's
Midgets.
Bausch & Lomb Develops
New TV Color Filter
ROCHESTER—After two years of research
the Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. has developed
a color filter that will produce four
colors—red, blue, green and yellow—on television
screens. It has been labeled the Interference
Color Filter.
When ordinary white light passes through
the coated filter one of the four component
colors emerges. Three thin films, two of silver
and one of magnesium fluoride, are applied
under high vacuum to one side of the glass
and a cover glass is then cemented on to
protect the triple coating.
The thickness of the fluoride film determines
which color will pass through the
filter. Up to now the filter will permit only
one pure color to pass through at a time,
but Dr. Arthur F. Turner, head of the firm's
evaporation laboratory, predicts that it will
eventually receive wide application in commercial
television, photography, vision testing
and astronomy.
Schine Circuit Sponsors
Merchandising Forums
ALBANY—A series of regional meetings on
theatre promotion is being sponsored by the
Schine circuit in the wake of the annual merchandising
sessions held by 20th-Fox in New
York. Seymour L. Morris, Schine director of
publicity and exploitation, has been conducting
the meetings for Schine house managers.
Meetings already have been held in Syracuse,
Rochester, Buffalo and Amsterdam, and
others were to be given this week in Marion.
Ohio, and Lexington, Ky. Another in the
Maryland territory will be scheduled later.
In addition to Morris, speakers at the
meetings have included Cy Friedman, his assistant;
Bernard Diamond, assistant to Louis
W. Schine. and Bill Kraemer. zone manager
and booking official. Specific campaigns have
been worked out for various films, and such
subjects as federal amusement tax repeal and
public relations have been discussed.
Chairmen Are Named
For Variety Dinner
ALBANY — Leo Rosen and Charles A.
Smakwitz have been appointed general chairmen
for the eighth anniversary dinner of the
Albany Variety Club, to be given March 3 at
the DeWitt Clinton hotel here. Si H. Fabian.
Sam Rosen, J. Myer Schine, Louis W. Schine,
Gerald Salisbury and George O. Williams
have been named honorary chairmen. Ed
Maloney was chosen treasurer for the event.
Committee members include Joe Saperstein,
tickets: Harry Alexander, Jack Goldberg and
Nate Dickman, seating: Gerry Atkin and
Larry Cowen, publicity, and Bernie Brooks,
Lou Golding, Nat Lapkin, Herman L. Ripps,
Gene Lowe, Gene Vogel, Alex Sayles and
Nate Winig, entertainment.
Among those expected to attend the eighth
anniversary fete are J. Myer Schine and Louis
W. Schine, Schine circuit, Gloversville; Spyros
Skouras, 20th-Fox; Oscar Doob, Loew's; Sid
Deneau, SRO; Sol Schwartz, RKO Theatres;
William McCraw, 'Variety International; Ted
Gamble, Bob Coyne, and other prominent
theatremen. Gael Sullivan. TOA executive
director, will be toastmaster, and Eric Johnston,
MPAA president, will be among the
speakers. Francis Murphy and his orchestra
will provide the music.
Choice as Premiere Site
Sought by Dunkirk, N. Y.
DUNKIRK, N. Y.—A bid for selection of
this city of approximately 18,000 population
as the site for the world premiere of a proposed
motion picture based on the World War
II evacuation of Dunkerque has been made
in a letter to Darryl F. Zanuck. 20th-Pox
production executive. Roman W. Waite, secretary
of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce,
wrote to Zanuck to state that "you wiU have
the complete cooperation of all our people in
the development of any plans which might
include Dunkirk."
The letter described the strong ties existing
between this city and its French counterpart
developed following a donation of food and
other gifts valued at thousands of dollars and
formally presented to official representatives
of France. The subject of articles by Quentin
Reynolds in two nationally circulated magazines,
this gesture brought widespread fame
to this city.
Video for Fabian Houses
Is Seen as Probability
ALBANY—That the larger Fabian theatres
in the Albany area may be equipped with
television equipment was believed to be probable
following a visit here by Nathan Halpern,
consultant on video for Si H. Fabian.
Halpern, who supervised installation of television
in the Fabian-operated Fox in Brooklyn,
was accompanied by several TV technical
experts.
Saul J. UUman. upstate general manager
for the Fabian circuit, said the 2.700-seat
Palace here and the 2,500-seat Proctor's in
Schenectady were virtually certain to be
equipped for video. He said that the 2,500-
seat Proctor's in Troy and the 1,000-seat Cohoes
in Cohoes also would be recommended
for television. Ullman did not make any
estimate of the time which would be required
for installation of video equipment in the
various houses.
4S BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

. . George
. . Louis
. . The
"
. . . now
NEW ARK
Ceveral campaigns either are running
throughout Warner's circuit or are about
to start. George Kelly is in charge of exploitation.
The Boiler Beverage campaign,
used successfully in four theatres, has gone
into six more houses. The grocery carnival,
which was started in November, will be continued
in March in 20 theatres. Porky Pig
wrist watch matinees are another innovation,
and they will be started in March at
Jacob Lehutsky is new assistant
25 houses . . .
at the Hawthorne, replacing Ernest Man-
ganello, who has been shifted to the Hollywood
in East Orange.
The Variety has slashed its prices until
. . . Frederick
1 p. m. to 25 cents, tax included
B. Dressel, manager of the Capitol The-
atre, is doing exploitation on such films as
"Rocket Ship" and "Mars Attacks the World"
with special lobby displays . . . "San Francisco"
brought good results at the Pix Newsreel
Theatre in Orange . . . George AUsopp
is new assistant at the Cameo in South
Orange, replacing Aaron Green . . . Edward
Lindemann, assistant at the Newark Newsreel,
has resigned. There will be no replacement.
Margaret Prescott, cashier, has been
out due to illness.
. . . Selda
.
Because of the increased patronage at the
Newsreel Theatre since morning and early
afternoon prices were slashed, the house has
reduced its evening admissions Monday
through Friday to 25 cents, tax included. On
Saturdays and Sundays the Newsreel prices
remain at 30 cents until 2 p. m.. and 40 cents
from 2 p. m. until closing. The Newsreel has
helped business with the Dempsey-Pirpo.
Louis-Baer and Dempsey-Willard fight pictures
released by Ringside Films
Tomczyk is the new cashier at the Ritz, replacing
Alva Webber Gillergan,
former assistant at the Hollywood in East
Orange, has contacted the Marine Corps
league business on "Sands of Iwo Jima," due
in March. He has arranged for a display of
military equipment. A band composed of Iwo
Jima veterans will participate in the program
. . . Jack Conhaim. manager of the
Hollywood, played up the educational possibilities
in "Savage Splendor" by sending
letters to the principals of seven schools.
Ray Williams, manager of the Sanford in
Irvington, will run an Easter revue, featuring
dancers from a local school in a stage
show. Harry Hadfield, electrician, is still out
due to illness Rhodes, projectionist
at the Sanford, finds time for com-
.
mercial photography and camera repair work
outside theatre hours.
.
Sophie Taraskewicz is new relief cashier
at the Branford, replacing June Naylor who
resigned . . . The Branford's extensive campaign
on "The Hasty Heart," arranged by
Bernie Silverman, manager, and Carl Kester
and Lee Kelly, his assistants, proved an effective
business booster Globe was
the only downtown Warner house catering
to children by running hohday matinees on
Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays . . .
Morey Schayer. manager of the Rialto, reported
good business on "Girls of the Harem"
and will follow with "Girls of the Big House."
What have YOU done today to help secure
repeal of the unfair amusement tax?
Wm, Goldman Says Divorcement
Means More and Better Films
PHILADELPHIA~The Supreme Court divorcement
decree breaking up the system by
which the men who
make motion pictures
also control their
showing may create a
boon for better pictures,
said William
Goldman, independent
circuit owner, in an interview
with Al Hinc
published in the March
issue of the magazine
Holiday.
Goldman left his job
as local manager for
Warner Bros. Theatres
and went into business
for himself, building
a circuit of 17
houses. His antitrust William Goldman
suit against eight distributors, started in 1942
and climaxed in 1946 with a victorious judgment
of $375,000, made industry history.
"I don't say the public is going to start a
revolution," Goldman said, "or go highbrow,
but I do think that the companies will have
to make better pictures because nobody will
have to buy movies they don't want. Bad
pictures just won't sell, and producers won't
be able to throw around money as carelessly
as they have been. Distributors will no longer
have their own theatres to underwrite their
pictures against failure.
"Exhibitors will get more pictures, too, because
films won't run as long at all first run
houses."
Goldman doubted that forcing filmmakers
to make films that would sell on their own
merits will stifle incentive. "As if there has
been enough incentive to stifle." he asserted.
"Most of those people sit around and if one
of them is making a certain kind of picture,
the other one makes one too. That's originality.
I suppose.
He declared that the divorcement ruling is
MOM FILM HONORED—Howard Dietz
(at right), MOM vice-president and director
of advertising, publicity and exploitation,
receives a plaque from Dr.
Clarence Hall, managing editor for the
Christian Herald. The award was made
in recognition of "Stars in My Crown" as
the outstanding picture of the month of
February by the Christian Herald, in association
with the Protestant Motion Picture
Council.
a shot in the arm for independent producers,
explaining. "Before they'd have been frozen
out of finding any exhibitors by the big boys
the open market independents can
get a square break trying to find an outlet.
I don't see how this can mean anything but
better pictures and a healthier outlook."
Goldman doesn't believe that the decree will
affect the star system, pointing out that the
public created that system itself, and improvement
will have to come within its framework.
Will better pictures bring back some of the
older people back to the theatre? Goldman
believes they not only will attract more older
persons but they'll pull a larger audience all
around.
March Issue Also Features
Old Palace Vaudeville
NEW YORK—The thrills and the heartaches
that took place behind the footlights at
the old Palace every Monday, when the new
vaudeville acts tried out, are nostalgically recalled
by an article in the March issue of
Holiday.
"Out front sat the most critical and most
promising audience an act could face," it says,
recreating the scene. Flo Ziegfeld, Charles
Dillingham, the Shubert brothers, David Belasco,
and Winthrop Ames, all Broadway producers
looking for new talent, were regular
Monday attendants. Their appraisals decided
an act's career.
Photographs of some of the headliners. as
they appeared in that day. illustrate the account,
which was written by Donald Wayne,
Broadway stage manager and screen writer.
TV Trailer Idea Adopted
By Paramount and SRO
NEW YORK—Paramount and the Selznick
Releasing Organization are going ahead with
their plans for television trailers, and 20th
Century-Fox still is doing research work on
the idea of using video to advertise its films.
Starting Tuesday (14 1 Paramount's first
video trailer, for "Dear Wife." was given a
five-day tryout over WAT'V in Newark, N. J.
Ben Griefer, general manager of the Adams
downtown theatres there, .scheduled the advertising
campaign in conjunction with the
"Dear Wife" engagement at the Newark Paramount.
SOPEG and Publicists
Talk Over Combining
NEW YORK—The combined
membership
of Screen Publicists Guild and Screen Office
& F>rofessional Employes Guild attended a
meeting at the New.spaper Guild quarters
February 9 to di.scu.ss merging the two organizations.
Under tentative plans, Big Maitles,
SPG president, would become president of the
combined units and Sid Young, SOPEG head,
would become vice-president. No immediate
action will be taken as the entire membership
would have to vote on the move.
Have you ordered your taxation trailer and
petition cards from National Screen Service?
Do it today.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 N 46-A

20th-Fox Bonus Plan
Pushes Older Films
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox has
started a new type of bonus drive for branch
managers and salesmen throughout the country
in an effort to get further rentals on
a group of pictures, mostly British-made
product. Under the plan, the managers and
salesmen will get a 10 per cent commission
on rentals for the pictures, according to Andy
W. Smith jr.. vice-president in charge of distribution.
Among the pictures, most of which have
played only a small part of available dates,
are: two Alexander Korda features. "An Ideal
Husband," in Technicolor, and "Anna Karenina":
"Forbidden Street." filmed in England
but with American stars. Dana Andrews
and Maureen O'Hara. and "The Fan." filmed
in Hollywood but featuring several British
plas'ers. George Sanders. Martita Hunt and
Richard Greene.
Smith is aiming at an additional $2,000,000
in domestic rentals on the pictures. "An Ideal
Husband" and "Anna Karenina" were 1948
releases while the other two were released
early in 1949.
Bausch & Lomb Name Day
Head of Manufacturing
ROCHESTER—Carl A. Day has been
named head of manufacturing of the Bausch
& Lomb Optical Co.. according to Theodore
B. Drescher. vice-president in charge of
manufacturing since 1932. Day will give fulltime
to development of methods, processes
and modernization of manufactiu-ing facilities.
Divisional plant superintendents working
under Day are Harry O. Flodin. Edward J.
Reh. Otto E. Trautman. Vincent M. Young.
Joseph J. Graffley and Harry N. Bedford.
lATSE to Fete Walsh
NEW YORK—Tlie lATSE unions in New
York state will hold a biennial dinner at
the Hotel St. George. Brooklyn. February 20.
the date of the 50th birthday of Richard
F. Walsh. lATSE president, who also is
president of Local 4, Brooklyn.
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VFW AWARD TO EL — William J.
Heineman (left). Eagle Lion vice-president
in charge of distribution, accepts
a scroll from Charles Ralls, senior vicecommander
in chief of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, in commendation for the
release of "Guilty of Treason." story of
the "trial behind the trial" of Cardinal
Mindszenty of Hungary. The presentation
was made in New York City.
Al Crown Worldwide Head
Of Sales for Goldwyn
NEW YORK—Alfred Crown, vice-president
of Samuel Goldwyn Productions, has been
placed in charge of worldwide sales by James
A. Mulvey. president. Crown now takes over
the responsibility for domestic sales in addition
to continuing his duties as head of
foreign sales.
Robert B. Pell will be Crown's assistant in
the foreign sales field. Other Goldwyn appointments
are: Gordon Craddock jr.. formerly
with Universal and Eagle Lion, who
will be Crown's assistant in domestic sales,
and William Toumey, formerly with Eagle
Lion, who will be assistant to Jock Lawrence,
pewly appointed vice-president of advertising
and publicity. Lawrence recently
succeeded Lynn Farnol.
Boy's Wish Is Granted;
Talks With Roy Rogers
NEW YORK—Recently Tyrone Diggin, a
youngster from Indianapolis, who was flown
to New York by the Variety Club tent of that
city for treatment with the new leukemia
drug ACTH at University hospital, said he
wanted most in the world to talk with Roy
Rogers.
A brief wire was sent to Rogers at Houston.
Texas. Within a short time young Tyrone
received a long distance call from Houston.
Roy wished him happiness on his ninth birthday,
which was Monday (13). They talked
for a long time and Rogers promised to send
the boy a souvenir.
Another Drive-In to Open
In Jersey During April
IXCVER. N. J.—The 550-car Garden Auto-
Torium has been started at Ledgewood Circle,
five miles west of here at the junction of
routes 6 and 10. The opening is slated for
April 15. Wilfred P. Smith will be the operator.
The new theatre will occupy 15 acres,
and offer a shopping center along the highway
frontage, a restaurant and children's
playground. Smith formerly was general
manager for Eastern Drive-In Corp., operating
six New Jersey drive-ins.
Directors for Ascap
Elected by Mail
NEW YORK—The annual election for
Ascap directors is now being conducted by
mail with the results to be announced at the
annual meeting to be held within the next
few weeks. Eight of the 24 board members
are elected for three-year terms each year.
The eight nominated for re-election for
1950 are four songwriters. Otto A. Harbach,
Edgar Leslie, Stanley Adams and Deems Taylor,
and four publishers, Irving Caesar, Frank
H. Connor. Abe Olman and Lester Santly.
In addition, two other writers are nominated
for each writer up for re-election. They are
WiUie Bishop. L. Wolfe Gilbert. John Latouche.
John D. Marks. Maurice Sigler. Mabel
Wayne. Walter Golde and Irwin Rawan. One
other publisher is nominated for each publisher
up for re-election. They are Abner
Silver, Tommy Valando, Bob Miller and
Willard Sniffen.
Maurice N. Wolf Speaking
Schedule Again Extended
NEW YORK—Maurice N. Wolf, assistant
to H. M. Richey. MGM exhibitor relations
head, has completed 300 speaking engagements
and is continuing the fast pace. He
has two dates in February, five in March
and four in April.
He appeared before the Rotary Club at
Macon. Ga.. February 15. and the following
day addressed Rotary at Thomasville. Ga.
His March dates are: Rotary. Waco. Tex.,
March 20: Rotary, Austin, Tex., March 28;
Kiwanis, Corpus Christi, Tex.. March 29:
Motion Picture Advisory Reviewing Board.
San Antonio. March 30. and Rotary. San
Antonio. March 31.
The April dates are: Rotary. Lubbock. Tex.,
April 12: Rotary, Amarillo, April 13; Rotary,
Fort Worth, April 14: Young People's League,
Roxbury, Mass.. April 23.
Walker, Schaefer Named
To Catholic Committee
NEW YORK—Frank C. Walker, former
postmaster general, has been named treasurer
of the special gifts laity committee for
the 31st annual drive for Catholic charities,
and George J. Schaefer. eastern representative
for Stanley Kramer Productions, has
been named assistant treasurer by Cardinal
Spellman.
John S. Burke, president of B. Altman
& Co.. and John A. Coleman of the New
York stock exchange firm of Adler. Coleman
& Co., were named chairman and executive
chairhian, respectively, of the committee.
The 1950 appeal officially opened with a
meeting of the special gifts committee at
the Empire State club February 15. A houseto-house
canvass of all Catholic families will
begin April 23.
"Cinderella' to Mayfair Feb. 22
NEW YORK—"Cinderella." the Walt Disney
feature in Technicolor released by RKO,
will open at the Mayfair Theatre February
22, three days earlier than originally scheduled.
46-B BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

fr
Six New Promotions
In MGM Sales Force
NEW YORK—Six promotions in the MGM
sales forces were made over the weekend.
They became effective Tuesday (14).
Pitt H. Holmes, office manager and head
booker at Memphis, has become salesman in
that territory. In Atlanta John H. Allen,
booker, has been made a salesman. In Cincinnati.
Jack Rider, booker, has been given
a sales post.
Clark Skaggs, booker at Memphis, has been
named as head booker and office manager.
He succeeds Holmes. Laura Butler, a booker's
clerk, has moved into the booker's post vacated
by Skaggs.
Richard Hedglen, student booker at Cleveland,
has been promoted to booker.
Oklahoma City Keeps Lead
In Ned Depinet Drive
NEW YORK — The RKO Oklahoma City
branch held its lead at the end of the sixth
week of the 1950 Ned Depinet Drive, which
got under way December 23. Memphis, with
R. V. Reagin, manager, advanced to second
place from third position, while Charlotte,
R. F. Branon, manager, dropped to third.
Denver. J. C. Emerson, manager, finished in
fourth position.
The southeastern district, David Prince,
manager, jumped from third position to take
over the lead in the nine districts with Canadian,
Leo M. Devaney, manager, dropping
from leader last week to second position. The
north-south division, headed by Charles Boasberg,
held on to first place with western second
and eastern third. Walter E. Branson
heads western and Nat Levy heads the eastern
division.
March of Time Feature
To Be Handled by RKO
NEW YORK—RKO will release the March
of Time's first postwar feature. "Tlie Golden
Twenties—a Chronicle of America's Jazz Age,"
in April, according to Ned E. Depinet, RKO
president, and Richard DeRochemont. producer
of March of Time. This deal renews
an association between the two companies
which began in 1935, when March of Time
was founded.
The story of "The Golden Twenties" was
written by Frederick Lewis Allen, author of
"Only Yesterday" and "I Remember Distinctly,"
and Samuel N. Bryant of the March
of Time staff. The picture features over 100
personalities of the '20s, including Al Jolson,
Valentino. Chaplin, Garbo and Douglas Fairbanks
and the hit tunes of the period were
arranged by Jack Shaindlin.
Marc Spiegel to Resign
From RKO Foreign Dept.
NEW YORK—Marc Spiegel will resign from
the RKO foreign department home office
staff March 1. Spiegel, who joined RKO upon
termination of his services with the U.S.
army, has been with the company for four
years, handling special assignments. He recently
returned from Germany, where he
represented the home office in helping to organize
RKO offices there.
Biblical Passages Halt
Demand for Free Passes
Miami—Jack Fink came up with a few
suggestions for a new angle to get rid
of persons who don't deserve, but constantly
ask for, theatre passes. In Contact,
Wometco's house organ. Fink suggests
the pass-demanders read the Bible,
a little each day, and pay attention to
these passages:
Monday—Numbers 20:18: "Thou shalt
not pass."
Tuesday—Judges 3:28: "Suffer not a
man to pass."
Wednesda.v—Nahum 1:15: "The wicked
shall not pass."
Thursday—Mark 13:30: "This generation
shall not pass."
Friday—Isaiah 34:10: "None shall pass."
Saturday—Jonah 1:3: "So he paid the
fare thereof and went."
Sunday: (We all know passes aren't
good on Sunday.)
Slate of Officers Picked
By Television Authority
NEW YORK—The national board of the
Television Authority, which aims to represent
performers in the live television field, has
elected a temporary slate of officers. The
permanent officers will be elected by TVA
groups in the east, midwest and west within
the next few months.
The temporary officers are John Kennedy
of Actors Equity, chairman: Virginia Payne
of American Federation of Radio Artists, first
vice-chairman; Margaret Speaks, American
Guild of Musical Artists, second vice-chairman,
and Paul Purnell of Chorus Equity,
treasurer. These are the four organizations
which make up TVA.
Meanwhile, the Screen Actors Guild, which
wants to represent actors in filmed television
shows, still is split with TVA over jurisdictional
control.
'Key to the City' Booked
Into 100 Key Theatres
NEW YORK—"Key to the City" has been
booked into more than 100 theatres for
Washington's birthday, according to Howard
Dietz, vice-president of advertising, publicity
and exploitation for MGM. The same
type of advertising campaign used for
"Adam's Rib" will be employed.
The film is now playing Loew's State here.
Special Sunday advertisements for four
weeks up to the opening dates will be placed
in each city where the film is to open.
Boston, Cleveland. Chicago, St. Louis. Syracuse,
Rochester, Hartford, Houston, Albany,
Memphis and New Haven are among the cities
scheduled.
Petrillo Asks Tax Repeal
NEW YORK—Pi-esident James C. Petrillo
of the American Federation of Musicians
called for repeal of the 20 per cent federal
entertainment tax in the current issue of
International Musician. He made the charge
it is not actually a revenue-producing levy
because it "shows very rapidly diminishing
returns, dries up the source on which it is
levied and adversely affects employment.
Loew's Stockholders
To Meet March 23
NEW YORK—Loew's .stockholders will meet
March 23 to vote on extensions of contracts
of Louis B. Mayer and J. Robert Rubin, vicepresidents,
and to elect 11 directors. Those
nominated for re-election are: Leopold Friedman,
F. Joseph Holleran, Eugene W. Leake,
Charles C. Moskowitz, William A. Parker,
William F. Rodgers, Nicholas M. Schenck,
David Warfield, Henry Rogers, Winthrop and
Rubin.
The stockholders also will vote on two resolutions
whcili have been submitted by a minority
stockholder, James Fuller. One calls for
a ceiling of $10,000 per year on payments under
the company's retirement fund and the
other recommends reducing salaries of officers
and executives and directors who receive
more than $25,000 per year when company
earnings have been reduced.
Manny Reiner to Handle
Foreign Films for SRO
NEW YORK—Manny Reiner, former Selznick
Releasing Organization sales manager
for Latin America and Australasia, has been
put in charge of a new SRO department for
distribution in the U.S. of quality pictures
which are produced in other countries. The
new unit will be under the supervision of
Sidney G. Deneau, vice-president, who will
put on special exploitation men to handle
the publicizing of the pictures.
Deneau -said that foreign pictures which
formerly were considered problem features
by exhibitors now are capable of attaining
grosses comparable to American films, and
that the term "art pictures" can be dropped.
He feels that a great proportion of "lost
audiences" will be brought back into the
theatres by these films.
Reiner will leave February 15 for Cuba
and will make a two-month tour of Latin
America to set up sales arrangements in
that territory for "The Fallen Idol" and "The
Third Man" before taking over his new post
in New York.
'Willie Comes Marching'
Set for 24 Key Cities
NEW YORK — "When Willie Comes Marching
Home." which played saturation dates
in Pennsylvania last week, has been set for
openings in 24 key cities during the next few
weeks. The picture opened at the Roxy, New
York, February 17.
The new dates set are Fulton, Pittsburgh:
Stuart. Lincoln: Strand. Portland, Me.; Allen.
Cleveland; Fox. San Franci-sco: three theatres,
Kansas City: Grand, Topeka; Strand.
Cumberland; Capitol, Cincinnati; Fox, Philadelphia;
four tlieatres, Oklahoma City:
Apollo, Atlantic City: Paramount, Portland.
Ore.; Radio City, Minneapolis: Paramount,
Youngstown: Palace, Dallas; Aztec. San Antonio;
Grandin-Lee. Roanoke: Denver-Esquire,
Denver: Lincoln. Springfield, 111.;
Strand, Wichita; Strand, Vancouver; Orpheum,
Tulsa, and Carolina, Charlotte.
Navy Adopts Mighty Mouse
NEW YORK—Paul Terry's well-known
Mighty Mouse has been honored by the U.S.
Navy. The name has been adopted for the
new rockets shot from planes.
BOXOFTICE :: February 18. 1950 46-C

First Japanese Permit
Is Granted Monogram
HOLLYWOOD—In what is reportedly the
first postwar deal encompassing the distribution
of American pictures in Japan, the
Nipponese government has granted an import
permit providing for the exhibition of
Monogram-Allied Ai-tists product in the territories
of Honshu and Kyushu.
The five-year agreement becomes effective
upon approval by the Supreme Commander
Allied Powers, and the necessary applications
are now being prepared for submission to
that body.
Principals in the commitment are Shochiku
Film Enterprises. Ltd., a California corporation
of which Kenneth K. Hirose is president,
and the Monogram International Corp.,
Monogram subsidiary. Actual distribution in
Japan will be carried on by the Shochiku Co.,
Ltd., which owns 850 theatres and leases 500
others in that country. It also produces and
distributes film fare.
Both completed and forthcoming films are
included under terms of the agreement, including
such product as "Bad Boy," "The
Babe Ruth Story," "Black Gold," "Blue Grass
of Kentucky," "There's a Girl in My Heart,"
and such "series" pictures as "Bomba," "Joe
Palooka," "Jiggs and Maggie," "Tlie Latham
Family." "Bowery Boys," the Roddy Mc-
Oowall starrers, and westerns toplining
Johnny Mack Brown and Whip Wilson.
UA Sets Releasing Deal
For Films in Indonesia
NEW YORK—United Artists has concluded
a deal with N. V. Mij Intraport of Jakarta,
whereby the latter will distribute UA product
in Indonesia for a term of years, according
to Arthur w. Kelly, executive vice-president.
The agreement is similar in character to
the licensee arrangement UA has had with
distributors in various territories for many
years.
The details were finalized by Alfred Katz,
UA manager in Singapore, and Dr. R. G. C.
Dezentje, managing director of Intraport.
During the past three and one-half years,
distribution of UA pictures, as well as those
of all other American companies, in Indonesia
was handled through the combined facilities
of the Motion Picture Export Ass'n.
This agreement expired Dec. 31, 1949.
Bjorkholm Now Manager
For UA in Sweden
NEW YORK—Folke Bjorkholm has been
named as United Artists manager in Sweden
by Arthur W. Kelly, executive vice-president.
Bjorkholm succeeds Harald Astrom, who retired
after 28 years service with the company.
Bjorkholm was born and educated in Stockholm.
He began his career in the film business
with Paramount in 1929. Before joining
UA, he was sales manager and production
adviser for Kungsfilm AB, Swedish producing
and distributing company,
Kelly also has promoted Louis Reeves, formerly
salesman in the UA office at Leeds,
England, to become manager of the Manchester
office.
Steve Broidy (left) ,
president of Monogram-Allied
Artists, and Kenneth K.
Hirose, president of Chochiku Film Enterprises,
exchange mutual congratulations
upon consummation of a five-year agreement
whereby the Shochiku company will
distribute Monogram-AA product in Japan.
The deal becomes effective upon
approval by the Supreme Commander
Allied Powers—Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
Labor and Johnston
Talk Unemployment
NEW YORK — Long-standing
complaints
that foreign production by U.S. companies is
causing serious unemployment in Hollywood
were presented here Tuesday (13) to Eric
Johnston, president of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America, by producers, talent guilds
and craft unions, most of them members of
the Hollywood AFL Film council.
The western delegation emerged from the
meeting feeling that progress had been made,
since they had been able to personally present
their problems to Johnston, representing
management, and since Johnston promised
to go to Hollywood and check into the situation.
The Hollywood labor leaders emphasized
tbat this was the first time they had gotten
directly to top management. A second meeting
will follow, to be held in Hollywood before
the opening of the Anglo-American film pact
negotiations in London and with Johnston
attending.
All at the meeting agreed as to the need
for cooperative effort to advance the general
welfare of the industry. The Hollywood meeting
will discuss specific methods of cooperation.
See Expansion of TV
As Slower in 1950
NEW YORK—The National Industriral
Conference Board has found that the television
industry "seems to be over the hump
of its growth." having produced receivers at
a faster rate in 1949 than the expected average
for 1950.
Estimated 1949 output totaled over 2,600,000
units, against a little under 1.000,000 in 1948,
200,000 in 1947 and 6,500 in 1946. During
the last quarter of 1949 the output was more
than 1,000,000 sets, or an annual rate of
4,600,000. The board quoted the Radio Mfg.
Ass'n as estimating a production of about
3,700,000 in 1950. This would mean an expansion
of only 10 to 20 per cent.
The NICB study showed television coverage
as now limited to a little more than 50
metropolitan areas with about 22,000,000 families,
and also that present stations cannot
send consistently good images more than 50
to 75 miles, depending on operational interference
and local conditions. When the federal
freeze on new stations is ended, additional
transmitters will be constructed and
new markets opened, the study said.
The study found that prices of sets decreased
substantially after 1946, and that
the potential market of television at present
prices is about 30,000,000 sets, compared
with 63.000,000 radio sets in 42,000,000 homes.
MPAA Committee Prepares
Findings on Television
NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Ass'n of
America television committee expects to release
its television survey before the end of
the month. The committee has been collecting
data for several months dealing with
the present and future effect of the new
medium on the industry. Large-screen theatre
television and Phonevision, which a
number of exhibitors have termed a real
threat to boxoffices, will be reported on, as
well as the competition of home sets and
the probability of a new market for Hollywood
production.
The committee consists of Jack Cohn,
chairman; Theodore R. Black, Leopold Friedman,
Edward Morey, Paul Raibourn, Samuel
Schneider, Earl I. Sponable and Lewis Blumberg.
Edward L. Cheyfitz, assistant to Eric
Johnston, MPAA president, is taking a personal
interest in the survey.
DuMont Estimates Profit
Of $3,200,000 for 1949
NEW YORK — Earnings of the Allen B.
DuMont Laboratories, Inc., in 1949 were between
$3,200,000 and $3,300,000 after taxes,
according to Dr. Allen B. DuMont, president,
speaking at a luncheon of the New York
Security Analysts recently.
Sales in 1949 were about $45,000,000 and he
predicted that they would reach $80,000,000
Taking part in the talks were; Ellis Arnall,
president of the Society of Independent Motion
Picture Producers; James A. Mulvey,
president of Samuel Goldwyn Productions; in 1950.
Richard F. Walsh, lATSE president; Kenneth The company has been operating at an annual
rate of $70,000,000 for the last four or
Thomson, assistant executive secretary. Screen
Actors Guild; Ray Lehaney, public relations five months and profits this year might reach
director. Teamsters Joint Council, AFL, of $5,000,000 or $6,000,000 after taxes, DuMont
Los Angeles; Y. Frank Freeman, chairman said. At the end of 1949. DuMont Laboratories
of the board, Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers;
Joyce O'Hara, executive assistant to $4,800,000 at the beginning of the year. He
had cash totaling $7,200,000, compared with
Johnston, and Robert W. Chambers, MPAA saw prices of television receivers dropping 5
director of research.
to 10 per cent for the next five years.
46-D BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

,
OLLXWPOD
NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager)
NLRB Election Slated
For Carpenters Union
HOLLYWOOD—As an outcropping of the
1946 studio strike, jurisdiction over studio
carpenters will be decided via a National
Labor Relations Board election within the
next 30 days, according to word from the
parent NLRB in Washington. Those active in
that trade in the studios will choose between
the lATSE. the carpenters' brotherhood or no
union at all. Slated to vote are carpenters at
Columbia, Goldwyn, MGM. Paramount, Republic,
RKO, Hal Roach, 20th Century-Fox,
U-I and Warners, all studio-members of the
Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers: Cathedral
Films, Monogram. Nassour. Sutherland and
Falcon Productions, members of the Independent
Motion Picture Producers Ass'n. and
Walt Disney. Pine-Thomas. Jerry Fairbanks,
Eagle Lion, California studios. General Service
studios and Motion Picture Center.
Still another postponement, this time until
February 23. was encountered in the $47,000.-
000 damage action brought by the Conference
of Studio Unions against the major producers
and the lATSE as another echo of the
1946 studio walkout. The delay was caused
by the crowded calendar in U.S. district court
and by the enforced absence of some of the
attorneys involved.
The action, filed in 1947. charges the major
producers and lA entered into a conspiracy
to violate antitrust laws by refusing
to hire CSU members for studio work.
Employment in the studios showed a slight
increase during December, it was reported by
the California state labor statistics department,
which revealed wages climbed to $99.13
weekly, average, from $97.16 in November,
while the payroll index climbed to 173.2 from
November's 169.6.
Masquers Dinner Slated
HOLLYWOOD—President George Marshall
and the board of directors of the Screen
Directors Guild will be guests of honor at a
Masquers dinner party to be staged February
28. Harry Joe Brown is the arrangements
chairman, heading a committee which includes
John Ford. Robert Armstrong. Pat
O'Brien. Mitchell I^ewis. Charles Kemper,
Lloyd Bacon. Clarence Kolb, Rhys Williams,
Henry O'Neill and David Butler.
Rites for Henry B. Bell
LOS ANGELES—Funeral services were held
at the Pierce Bros. Hollywood chapel for
Henry B. Bell. 58. cowboy actor, who died at
his home here recently.
West: Robert L. Lippert, president of Lippert
Productions, planed in after a two-week
eastern tour during which he showed "The
Baron of Arizona" to exhibition executives.
West: William Thomas, partner in Pine-
Thomas Productions, returned from New
York after huddling with eastern executives
of Paramount on release plans for the recently
completed "The Lawless."
East: Producer Stanley Kramer and George
Glass, vice-president of the Kramer production
unit, were slated to leave for New York
over the weekend to deliver the print of 'The
Men," Kramer's latest opus, to United Artists
homeoffice executives.
East: Joseph Bernhard. president of Film
Classics, returned to his Manhattan headquarters
after a week in the film colony.
West: James E. Vaughan. former studio
manager for Eagle Lion, returned from a
three-month survey of European production.
He reported that although filmmaking activity
is on the upswing, particularly in Italy,
Spain and France, the picture industries on
the continent are suffering from a lack of
trained technicians.
Square Dance Revue Tour
To Raise Relief Funds
HOLLYWOOD—To raise funds for multiple-sclerosis
relief, 11 thespians are rehearsing
in a square-dance revue, titled
"Stars on
the Cob." which will tour California and key
cities in other parts of the U. S. The troupe
includes Roddy McDowall. Henry Wilcoxon.
Joan Woodbury, Rhonda Fleming. Janet
Leigh. Sally Forrest. Douglas Dick. Leo Penn.
Jane Powell and Ann Triola. First appearance
will be at the Crown Theatre in Pasadena
March 18.
Terminate Jarmon Ticket
HOLLYWOOD—By mutual consent Claude
Jarman jr.s acting ticket at MGM has been
terminated, the youth having signified a
desire to return to his home in Tennessee
to resume his schooling there. Young Jarman
had been with the studio since 1945
and appeared, among other films. In "The
Yearling."
Blame Unemployment
On Foreign Filming
HOLLYWOOD—That present high unemployment
among studio workers is attributable
in large measure to so-called "runaway"
foreign production by American film companies
was reiterated at a meeting of industry
leaders in New York by two film colony labor
leaders who were delegates to an eastern session,
called to discuss the upcoming renewal
of the Anglo-American film agreement.
Attending the meeting from Hollywood
were Roy M. Brewer, chairman of the Hollywood
AFL Film council, an international executive
of the lATSE, and active in the
Motion Picture Industry council, and Kenneth
Thomson of the Screen Actors Guild, which
craft is a member of both the MPIC and the
AFTL council.
The New York huddles, over which Eric
Johnston, MPAA president, presided, came
only shortly after the MPIC, at a general
membership meeting here, launched a study
to determine how problems generated by the
entire foreign situation, including frozen
funds and "runaway" production, can be
solved.
It was reported from New York at midweek
that an agreement had been reached between
labor and management to present a "united
front" in solving those problems and to protect
Hollywood workers. Brewer told Johnston
and others attending the meeting that more
than 50 per cent of the film colony's studio
employes are out of work because of the trend
by producers toward using frozen foreign
money to make pictures abroad, employing
foreign labor in such projects.
Others attending included Ellis Arnall and
James Mulvey of the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers. Joyce O'Hara,
Johnston's executive a.ssistant. and Richard
Walsh, president of the lATSE. Another session
reportedly has been scheduled befoi'e
American delegates journey to Britain to renegotiate
the Anglo-American pact.
That agreement expires in June. One of
its principal provisions allows the U. S. film
industry to take out of England $17,000,000 in
cash annually from the distribution of American
films in that country.
Start Frolic Rehearsals
HOLLYWOOD — Rehearsals have been
started for the Friars Frolic of 1950. which
will be presented April 8 at the Shrine auditorium,
with a portion of the proceeds to be
earmarked for the Motion Picture Relief fund
and other charities. Set to supply the music
was Morris Stoloff. motion picture musical
conductor, and a 55-piece orchestra.
BOXOFTICE :: February 18, 1950 47

STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES
Barnstormers
Paramount
HENRY WILCOXON, who appears in "Samson and
Delilah," discussed that picture cfnd motion picture
public relations in general at the convention of the
United Theatre Owners of Illinois, which started in
Springfield February 9.
Republic
Cowboy star ROY ROGERS, DALE EVANS and
FOY WILLING and the RIDERS OF THE PURPLE
SAGE were due in February 12 following their appearances
at the Houston stock show.
Blurbers
20th Century-Fox
A heart attack claimed Robert S. Doman, 61, veteran
publicist who had been with the company since
its organization in 1935. He is survived by his wile
and a daughter.
Briefies
Columbia
Outstanding figures in the film industry for the
past 30 years are to appear in a special short
which Producer Ralph StcTub has assembled for the
30th anniversary of his one-reel Screen Snap Shots
Metro
Producer Pete Smith is selecting material for the
13th in his annual series of Football Thnlls, which
will contain the high spots of the 1949 grid season
and is to be relea'sed just prior to the 1950 football
Cleffers
Columbia
Assigned to score "Beyond the Purple Hills" was
MISCHA BAKALEINIKOFF.
Monogram
Inked as musical director for
was EDDIE KAY.
"A Ivlodern Marriage"
Paramount
Engaged for musical sequences in "My Friend
Irma Goes West" was DICK STABILE'S ORCHESTRA.
REO Radio
EMIL NEWMAN is scoring Producer Samuel Goldwyn's
"The Edge of Doom."
Warners
The team of SAMMY CAHN and RAY HEINDORF
has written two songs to be sung by Adele jergens
in "Sugarfoot."
Loanouts
th.
Columbia
MEL FERRER was borrowed from
leads in Producer Robert Rossen'
jIIs.'
RKO fo:
The
Independent
Producer Boris Petrolf borrowed LAURA ELLIOT
from Paramount for the top femme role in "Phantom
of the Sea," to be directed by Norman Dawn.
Meggers
Columbia
Assigned to direct the upcoming Durango Kid
film, "Texas Dynamo," was RAY NAZARRO. Colbert
Clark produces.
Set to meg "The Firefighters" for Producer Milton
Feldman was SEYMOUR FRIEDMAN.
Metro
Signed to a new three-picture
and producing contract
writing, directing
MELVIN FRANK.
were NORMAN PANAMA and
Paramount
Studio lifted its option on the services of Producer
ROBERT FELLOWS,
RKO Radio
Slated to direct Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell
in "Smiler With a Gun" was JOHN FARROW.
Assigned to produce the Robert Mitchum topliner,
"Just Like I Hate Money," was ROBERT SPARKS.
20th Century-Fox
LEWIS MILESTONE was handed the directing
chore on the next Robert Bassler production, "The
Halls of Montezuma."
LAMAR TROTTI was set to script and produce
"American Guerilla : Philippines," which will
star Tyrone Power.
Studio renewed its contract th Director JULES
DASSIN for another yedr.
Inked to direct "Trumpet to the Morn" f
ducer Casey Robinson was ROBERT WISE.
Options
Columbia
BOB CROSBY was signed to appear with other
radio and recording artists in Producer Jonie Taps'
"When You're Smiling." Also set was AL JARVIS,
radio disk jockey.
Actress VIVECA LINDFORS wds inked to a straight
one-picture-a-year contract.
JEFF DONNELL was handed a -top featured spot
with Lucille Ball in "The Fuller Brush Girl." Lloyd
Bacon megs for Producer S. Sylvan Simon.
Eagle Lion
RUBY DEE will star with Jackie Robinson in "The
Jctckie Robinson Story," to be directed by Alfred
Green for Producer Mort Briskin.
Independent
Signed for Pr^
Boris Petrofl's "Phantom of
FRED KOHLER JR., PIERRE WATKIN,
BOB CARSON and HERMAN CANTOR. Norman Dawn
megs the Laura Elliot and Jim Arness topliner. Inked
for featured roles were JOIE RAY, BILL KENNEDY,
GLORIA PETROFF, JANE HARLAN and TOM HUB-
BARD.
Producer Carl Krueger set KE'VIN O'MORRISON in
the featured lead for "The All-Star Gatme."
in
lor
Lippert
HUGH O'BRIEN draws a top role with Don Castle
"Highway Patrol," to be directed by Sam Newfield
Producer Barney Sarecky.
Metro
FERNANDO DEL VALLE was
Latin-American actor
signed to make his Hollywood debut in Producer
Arl^^iur Freed's "Crisis." Richard Brooks directs.
JEFF COREY was signed for a key lead in "The
William
Next Voice You Hectr .. .," to be directed by
A. Wellman for Producer Dore Schory. Inked
for a key role was GEORGE CHANDLER.
Monogram
GEORGE McMANUS, creator of the Bringing Up
Father comic strip, will portray a film producer
in the next of the series, "Jiggs and Maggie in
Hollywood."
Cast additions for "Henry Does It Again" include
OLIN HOWLIN, ROBERT EMMETT KEANE, BRETT
KING, GEORGE NOKES, MARY STUART, BARBARA
BROWN, GARY GRAY, PAT COLLINS, MARY FIELD,
WILLIAM HUDSON. MARGARET BRAYTON and LOIS
HUDSON. Jean Yarbrough directs for Producer Peter
Scully.
Paramount
Actor RAY MILLAND was inked to a new nonexclusive
contract which calls for six pictures over
a period of years.
LEN HENDRY, stand-in for comedian Bob Hope,
was given an acting role in Producer Jules Schermer's
"Union Station." Rudy Mate directs.
CHARLES EVANS was set for "My Friend Irma
Goes West." W. ANTHONY MERRILL joins the cast
of the Hal Wallis production, starring Marie Wilson.
RKO Radio
role in "A Whiti
Julie"
Set for a heavy
was PHILIP VAN ZANDT. Jol
for
Forrow directs the
Robert Mitchum and Faith I lergue vehicle for
Producers Irving Cummings jr.
Signed for a supporting spot
was GLORIA WINTERS.
nd Irwin Allen.
"Alias Mike Fury"
JOAN DIXON was inked for the femme lead opposite
Robert Sterling in "Bunco Squad." Slated for a
featured role was MARGUERITE CHURCHILL, RI-
CARDO CORTEZ was signed for a top supporting
role. Herbert I. Leeds directs for Producer Lewis
Rachmil. Handed a role was JOHN KELLOGG.
Producers Jack Skirball and Bruce Manning signed
KENT TAYLOR for an important role in the Bette
Davis-Barry Sullivan vehicle, "The Story of a Divorce,"
to be directed by Curtis Bernhardt. BARRY
SULLIVAN was signed to replace Robert Young, who
withdrew from the port, in the male lead opposite
Bette Dcfvis.
Inked for the Cornel Wilde-Maureen O'Hara vehicle,
"Sons of the Musketeers," was MORONI
OLSEN. Lewis Allen megs and Jerrold T. Brandt
produces
20th Century-Fox
Dana Andrews-Gene Tierney Set for the starrer,
"Where the Sidewalks End," were ROBERT PATTEN,
BAREY BROOKS and NEVILLE BRAND. Otto Preminger
produces and directs. Inked to play a heavy
was LOU NOVA, former boxer.
JEAN PETERS, CORNEL WILDE and RICHARD
BASEHART were slated for the stellar roles in Casey
Robinson's production, "Trumpet to the Morn."
Universal-International
Character actor JOHN MclNTIRE was signed for
Producer Aaron Rosenberg's James Stewart-Shelley
Winters-Stephen McNally topliner, "Winchester 73."
Anthony Mann directs. JAMES BEST, GREGG MAR-
TELL and ABNER BIBERMAN draw featured roles.
Handed roles were ROCK HUDSON and J. C. FUP-
PEN.
EMERY PARNELL, REX LEASE, IDA MOORE and
ESTHER DALE were set for "Ma and Pa Kettle Back
Home."
Signed for featured roles in "Panther's Moon" were
07T0 WALDIS and ARAM KATCHER. KURT
KRUGER also was signed.
Warners
Set for "The Two Million Dollar Bank Robbery"
were VIRGINIA GREY, AILEEN TOWNE, EDDIE NOR-
RIS and JACK STERLING.
Cast addition for "Lighting Strikes Twice" is
DARRYL HICKMAN.
GENE EVANS joins the cast of the Randolph Scott
topliner, "Sugarfoot."
Scripters
Republic
United Artists
EDMUND H. NORTH was assigned to screenplay
The Sound of Fury" for Producer Robert Stillman.
Story Buys
Independent
J. Carrol Naish and David Niven have acquired
screen rights to the Arsene Lupin novels from the
estate of the author, the late Maurice Leblanc. They
will produce and stat in a series of films based on the
Metro
Acquired and placed on Jack Cummings' production
slate was "The Carnival Story," authored by
George Wells and Dorothy Kingsley. Esther Williams
and Red Skelton will star.
Acquired and slated as cm Ezio Pinza vehicle was
"Strictly Dishonorable," Broadway stage play by
Preston Sturges.
Acquired was the Eleazar Lipsky novel, "The People
versus O'Hara," which has a courtroom background.
Republic
Purchased and assigned to Sidney Picker for production
was "Secrets of the Mounted Police," an
original screenplay by Jerry Sackheim.
Universal-International
Screen rights to "Bonaventure," a play authored
by Charlotte Hastings, and which is currently running
in London, were acquired.
Purchased was "The White Sheep," an original
story by Whitfield Cook.
Technically
Columbia
ROBERT PETERSON is unit art director on "The
Fuller Brush Girl." Set as assistant to Director
Lloyd Bacon was EARL BELLAMY.
JACK CORRICK was named first assistant to Director
Seymour Friedman on the Milton Feldman
production, "Firefighters." Set as art director was
VICTOR GREENE.
GEORGE BROOKS was assigned as unit art director
on 'Prowl Car."
Monogram
Eagle Lion
MARCUS LOW wEas named assistant to Producer
Mort Briskin on "The Jackie Robinson Story."
Independent
Production crew for Producer Boris Petroff's "Phantom
of the Sea" includes HARRY NEWMAN, camera;
DANNY HALL, art director; CLARENCE JURIST, production
supervisor, and AL WESTON, assistant director.
Production crew assigned to "Henry Does It
Again" includes WILLIAM CALIHAN, assistant; WIL-
LIAM A. SICKNER, camera, and TOM LAMBERT,
RKO Radio
Signed as photographer on Filn
Safe" was ARCHIE STOUT.
Set to handle the camera and id chores, respectively,
for "Waiting for Baby"
J. ROY HUNT
(Continued on next page)
48 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

"
Para. TV Outlet Buys
Rights to 25 Films
HOLLYWOOD—First and second run telecasting
rights in this area to 25 pictures produced
between 1938 and 1943 have been acquired
by station KTLA. Paramount's video
outlet, the group including such features as
"Stage Coach," "Blockade," "I Married a
Witch" and "House Across the Bay." Toplined
are such stars as John Wayne, Joan Bennett.
Charles Boyer, William Holden, Joel McCrea
and Ann Sheridan.
KTLA also has inked Tim McCoy, veteran
sagebrush hero, to a term ticket calling for
video appearances and the production of 30-
minute westerns tor telecasting. Along with
the package the Paramount television outlet
also corraled the rights to more than 50 Mc-
Coy starring westerns made originally for
theatrical consumption.
Added to the Jerry Fairbanks Productions
schedule were 65 more five-minute entries in
the Crusader Rabbit video series. 13 spot
commercials for Dodge motor cars and ten
spot commercials for Oldsmobile. The Dodge
commercials, utilizing Fairbanks' Speaking of
Animals Duoplane process, will be earmarked
for both video and theatrical showings.
Son to Jack M. Warner
HOLLYWOOD—Jack M. Warner, son of the
Warner Bros, vice-president, became the
father of a baby girl, born to Mrs. Warner,
the former Barbara Ann Richman. It is
their first child. Warner recently organized
his own independent unit, Roxbury Productions.
Personnelities
(Continued from preceding page)
and JAMES SPEAK. DORAN COX was named as assistant
to Director Hal Yates on the short.
United Artists
PERRY FERGUSON, who has just joined Robert
Stillman Productions, was assigned as art director
on "The Sound oi Fury."
Universal-International
Stalf assignments for "Winchester 73" include;
DEWEY STAfiKEY, unit production manager; WIL-
LIAM DANIELS, cameraman; YVONNE WOOD, costume
designer; NATHAN PURAN, ctrt director; ED-
WARD CURTIS, him editor, and PAUL DAVIDSON,
technical adviser.
Warners
Assigned as film editor on "Sugorfoot was CLAR-
'
ENCE KOLSTER.
Slated to handle the film editor chore on "The
Two Million Dollar Bank Robbery" was OWEN
MARKS.
Comermoti KARL FREUND terminated his contract
with the studio and plans to freelance.
Title Changes
Columbia
"Sweet Lorraine" to WHEN YOU'RE SMILING.
Monogram
"Border Renegades" io OVER THE BORDER.
RKO Radio
"I Married a Communist" to THE GIRL ON PIER 13.
Universal-International
"Death on a Side Street' 'to ONE WAY STREET.
"Confidetitial Squad" to THE SLEEPING CITY.
"Fiddle-Foot" to SADDLE TRAMP.
Warners
"The Hawk and the Arrow" to THE FLAME AND
THE ARROW.
GRE.\T HEART AWARD — Variety
Club Chief Barker Ellis Levy (left) is
shown above giving the first Great Heart
award from Tent 32 to J. W. Erhlich before
some 500 San Francisco notables. The
award was given to Erhlich for his outstanding
efforts in spearheading the raising
of some $70,000 for a permanent Milk
fund for needy school children.
Perc Westmore Contract
Terminated at Warners
HOLLYWOOD—A quarter-century association
was terminated when, by mutual agreement,
Perc Westmore's contract as head of
the Warner studio makeup department was
terminated. No reason for Westmore's departure
was forthcoming and he did not immediately
announce his future plans. Westmore
in 1923 organized the first makeup department
for the old First National company,
which later was merged with Warners.
Eleanor Parker Leaves
WB on Friendly Terms
HOLLYWOOD—Actress Eleanor Parker and
Warners have agreed to an amicable release
and Miss Parker has checked off the lot
after eight and a half years under contract.
She will make no career plans until after the
birth of her baby, expected in April. Mi.ss
Parker has toplines in three completed but
unreleased Warner films, "Chain Lightning,
"Rock Bottom" and "Caged."
Ronald Reagan Honored
HOLLYWOOD—Ronald Reagan, president
of the Screen Actors Guild and chairman of
the Motion Picture Industry council, was
guest of honor at a testimonial dinner given
by the Fi'iars club applauding him for his
contributions to the industry. With George
Jessel as master of ceremonies, the speakers
included Cecil B. DeMille, Harry Cohn, Al
Jolson, Pat O'Brien. George Burns. EM Wynn
and other luminaries of films, radio and television.
SPEARHEADS
appears on
Page 22
Dore Schary Speaker
Before Rotary Club
HOLLYWOOD — Emphasizing that it is
difficult for "any industry to be all things to
all people" and contending that some groups
think of Hollywood as a place, others as an
idea, some as an institution, others as an art,
."ome as a business and others as a "propaganda
agency," Dore Schary, MOM vice-president
in charge of production, spoke at a
meeting of the Los Angeles Rotary club.
Schary pictured the film capital as a
stable community in which more than 70 per
cent of the personnel has been in the picture
business for ten years or more, said that 70
per cent of these married have never been
divorced and contended that 87 per cent "do
not believe the rest of the world actually
knows the Hollywood community." Although
it comprises only about 25,000 workers, or
roughly 1 per cent of the Los Angeles population.
Hollywood contributes some 12 per cent
of the funds raised in the city's Community
Chest drive, Schary pointed out.
LeRoy Prinz and Owen Crump have been
set to produce and direct, respectively, a musical
revue being underwritten by the national
American Legion and scheduled to open here
in October. In addition to big-name guest
stars, the show's cast will comprise former
G.I.s, WACs and WA'VEs. Following the local
presentation, the revue will tour the nation
and foreign cities.
The new Irving Thalberg lodge, entertainment-industry
affiliate of B'nai B'rith, will
conduct its installation and first meeting February
26. Its first president is Al Rogell, with
a directorate including Steve Broidy, Henry
Ginsberg, Barney Balaban, Henry Herzbrun
and actor Alan Reed.
35mm Recording Problems
Discussed by Engineers
HOLLYWOOD — Problems and techniques
in 35mm magnetic recording were discussed
by Dr. Robert Herr. research scientist associated
with the Minnesota Mining & Mfg.
Co., at a meeting of the Pacific coast section
of the Society of Motion Picture and Television
Engineers,
Speakers also included winners of technical
awards in the recent Academy of Television
Arts and Sciences achievements presentation.
Carl York Visits Hollywood
HOLLYWOOI>— After a few days here conferring
with local executives of the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America. Carl York, MPAA
representative for Scandinavia, headed for
New York en route back to his headquarters
in Stockholm. During his visit York was
guest of honor at a luncheon given at Paramount
by Luigi Lura.schi, head of the studio's
censorship department and chairman of the
MPAA international committee here.
Benefit for Boys Home
HOLLYWOOD—The LeRoy Boys home was
the beneficiary when Janet Leigh. MGM
actress, staged a benefit show at the Reseda
Theatre in Reseda. Participating were Gloria
DeHaven, Jane Powell, Keenan Wynn, Lassie,
Andre Previn and Miss Leigh,
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950 49

»d(McCoK ^efi

. . Angeline
. . Showmen
. . Richard
DENVER
Tirillard Ausmus, recently with Fox Midwest,
has been named city manager at
Salida by C. U. Yaeger, Atlas Theatres president,
where he succeeded Oran Dowler. resigned.
Yaeger also has raised Jolin Krause.
assistant at the Golden in Golden, to manager.
Krause succeeds Dick Dekker. who went
to Lamar to substitute for B. A. Dixon, who
has been seriously ill and who is now slowly
recuperating at home.
.
Robert "Rocky" Evans, assistant at the
State, has been named manager by owner
Norman Pi'obstein. Evans succeeds Tom Arrants,
manager since Probstein bouglit the
house, who has resigned Mc-
Gee has been hired as booker secretary at
RKO. succeeding Georgie Minock. who left
the company.
Irving Neuwirth, publicity man for Universal,
was here putting on a campaign for
"Francis," which will open at the Denver,
Webber and Aladdin February 21 . . . Mayer
Monsky. U-I manager, was on a sales trip
to New Mexico with Don Gillin. salesman
. . . Jerry Safron. Columbia district manager,
was here for conferences with Robert
Hill, manager.
Filmrow visitors included Lloyd Greve.
Eagle; Dr. F. E. Rider. Wauneta. Neb.;
Dorrance Schmidt. Bridgeport, Neb.; Tom
Love. Hanna. Wyo.; Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Bennett. Sheridan. Wyo.: Frank Audelotte,
Fort Collins; Leon Coulter. Loveland; Elden
Menagh. Fort Lupton; Russ Dauterman, Casper,
Wyo; Emmett Warner. Albuquerque;
Garner Mason. Hagerman. N. M.; Larry
Starsmore, Colorado Springs; Bernard Newman.
Walsh, and Merle Gwinn, Benkelman,
Neb.
Baptist Church May Make
Own Sound, Silent Films
DALLAS—A committee of Baptist executives
meeting here recommended that the
Southern Baptist convention set up studios
to produce its own religious films. Tlae recommendation
will go to tlie convention's
executive board and will be presented in May
at an annual meeting of laymen and preachers
in Chicago.
Under the plan. Baptists would make both
sound and silent films for religious education.
The films would be sold or rented to
member churches. The committee .suggested
that the Sunday School board in Nashville.
Tenn., handle the program. Dr. Ellis A.
Fuller, president of the Southern Baptist
Theological .seminary at Louisville. Ky., and
one of the members of the committee, said
that films now available do not stress Baptist
views.
Improve Long Beach House
LONG BEACH. WASH.—Manager J. G.
Williams says carpenters have completed
added improvements to the local theatre by
adding a new ceiling and better braces to
the upper structure of the building.
Free Show Initiates Equipment
WEST HOPE. N. D.—A free show spon.sored
by the Antler Community Club was held at
the Roxy Theatre here recently to initiate
new equipment which was installed.
Tax Repeal Campaign
Launched in Seattle
SEATTLE—The Pacific Northwest motion
picture industry has thrown its entire weight
into the campaign to repeal the 20 per cent
federal admissions tax.
Under the leadership of A. J. Sullivan, local
UA manager, the campaign is gaining momentum
as additional ammunition arrives
and more theatres are thrown into the battle.
The drive was opened witli art breaks and
stories in the newspapers. The big Evergreen
circuit put its weight into the battle with instructions
to all managers on how to handle
the drive in their cities. John Hamrick Theatres
and Sterling circuit also went to work
vigorously.
All theatres are running prepared trailers.
Petition cards are being handed out to patrons
with staff members given detailed instructions
on how to handle them. Tables have been set
up in foyers and receptacles prominently
spotted for holding them. Badges are being
worn by the staffs, one-sheets are up, window
cards placed and other details worked out.
City Officials in Seattle
Impose 'Stromboli' Ban
SEATTLE — Previously approved by the
local censors. "Stromboli" was banned by
city officials last Tuesday (14) on the eve of
its scheduled opening at John Hamrick's Orpheum
Theatre here. The action was based
on the grounds that "peace and order are
menaced by the proposed showing of the film,
and the advertising and background connected
with it." The film was withdrawn voluntarily
by Hamrick in Tacoma. The censor
board in Spokane has asked theatres not to
play the film.
West Theatres Starter
ROCK SPRINGS. WYO.—The West Theatre
Co. here has filed a certificate of agent
and place of business with the secretary of
state. The document names Owen W. West
as resident agent and designated 618 Broadway
as location of the firm's principal office.
Dog Team Exploits 'Mrs. Mike'
GREAT FALLS. MONT.—Fred Cooley and
his Malemute dog team, winners of the recent
dog races at Ashton. Idaho, were used to exploit
"Mrs. Mike" during its run at the Civic
Center Theatre here.
MR. THEATRE OWNER!
Wo can sell your theatre. We have buyers
wcDting. List your theatre with ua and we
will show you fast action.
THEATRE SALES CO.
4229 N. E. Broadwcry Portland 13. Oregon
Phone Murdock 4300
RCA-Brenkert Theatre Equipment Dealer
U.S.
Airco Distributor
WE$TERN SERVICE & SUPPLY. INC.
KE S041
2120 Broadway Denver 2. Colo.
PORTLAND
Dalph Amacher, Eagle Lion branch manager,
and Barbara Brunson. secretary to E. C.
Holland at the B. F. Shearer office, were married
Tuesday (14) ... Fern Shaw. U-I cashier,
was to become a bride this week, and Gail
Sawyer. MGM assistant cashier, is to be
married March 2 . . . Joe Longo, RKO exploiteer
from Seattle, was in town at work on
publicity for "Stromboli."
Archie Holt and Ed Bramwell, U-I sale.smen,
left on sales trips . . . A. M. Dunlop, J. J.
Parker circuit buyer and booker, was a visitor
here . seen on Filmrow included
Eino Hemmilia. Ro.seburg; Cleo Morelock.
Cottage Grove; Don Condon, navy booker.
Seattle; Ken Spear. Woodlark; Ed Randall.
Sutherlin; Al Adams, Silverton. and Ken
Peary. Esterkater . Dirkes, U-I
liome office representative, visited the local
branch.
Improve Sumas Theatre
SUMAS. WASH.—Mr. and Mrs. Edward A.
Lytle. who recently purchased the Rose Theatre
through the Theatre Sales Co. of Portland,
will install all new equipment and a
new front on the theatre before their opening
early in March.
What have YOU done today to help secure
repeal of the unfair amusement tax?
/'jk^^M*^ SHOWMANSHIP
* 5/'f//))' SERVICE TOP QUALITY *
monon PICTURE SERYICECB.
12S HYDE ST.
-San Iranciicod) Calif.
']'. I'. HUNTINCrrON—Owner and
operator, Seville and Vogue Theatres,
President of Harbor Drive-In
Theatre, Chula Vista, Calif.— says:
"RCA Service has been my
best insurance policy on my
RCA equipment .since 1936."
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 51

—
—
—
——
'Samson , 'Outlaw' Gross 190 Per Cent
To Tie for Los Angeles Honors
LOS ANGELES—Well out in front of the
field, each snagging a mighty 190 per cent,
were "Samson and Delilah" in its second
week, and "The Outlaw." making its first
local appearance in nearly three years. Also
above average in initial stanzas were "Borderline,"
with 135 per cent, and "Dancing in the
Dark." which finished its first week with 130.
(Average is 100)
Chinese, Los Angeles, Loyola. Uptown, Wilshire—
Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox); Blue Grass of
Kentucky (Mono) - 130
Culver, Ritz, Globe. Sludio City, Vogue—Borderline
(U-I); West of Wyoming (Mono) 135
Downtown, Hollywood Pare mounts Samson and
Delilah (Para), advanced prices, 2nd wk 190
Egvptian. loew's Slate Thai Forsyte Woman
(MGM); Trail of the Yukon (Mono) 100
Rey, Iris, Bruin—The Fallen Idol El (SRO),
2nd d. t. wk 110
fine Arts—Spring in Park Lane (EL), 3rd wk 90
four Star—My Foolish Heart (RKO), 8th wk 55
Music Halls, Forum—Mrs. Mike (UA), 2nd wk 90
Orpheum—Riders of the Range (RKO), 2nd run;
eight acts vaudeville 80
Pantages, Hillstreet—The Outlaw (RKO) 190
Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern—Backfire
(WB) 90
'High' Opens at 190
Per Cent in Portland
PORTLAND—"12 O'Clock High" was 190
YOU
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KNOW
WHAT
YOU'RE
MISSING...
TIL YOU TRY
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Chicago - 1327 S. Wabash Avenue
New York - 619 West 54fh Streer
SPRING HAS SPRUNG,
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Things are booming
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The most advanced and newest
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C. W. Morris. Pres. : Wayne
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per cent high on a day-and-date engagement
with "Prison Warden" at the Orpheum and
Oriental. In a good second spot was "Battle-
third week at the United Art-
ground" in its
ists with 150 per cent.
Broadway-^The Hasty Heart (WB); The Blonde
Bandit (Rep)
Mayiair^Mrs. Mike (UA): Crooked Way (UA),
Znd d, t wk
Music Box—All the King's Men (Col); And Baby
Makes Three (Col), 4th d t. wk
Oriental and Orpheum— 12 O'Clock High (20th-
Fox); Prison Warden (Col)
Paramount—Dear Wife (Para); Spring in Park
Lane (EL), 2nd d. t. wk
United Artists—Battleground (MGM), 3rd
'Battleground' Again Scores
275 at Seattle
SEATTLE—Exhibitors wore smiles again
as patrons returned to normalcy and came
in to see the shows after the coldest January
in history. Best report of the week was at
the Music Hall which had its best second week
on record with "Battleground" again hitting
275.
Blue Mouse The Hasty Heart (WB); Bells of
Coronado (Rep), 2nd d. t. wk 85
Coliseum—The Big Wheel (UA); Silent Conflict
(UA) _ 140
Fifth Avenue—Dear Live Wife (PcTra); They by
Night (RKO) 120
130
Music
Liberty—On the Town
Box—Mrs. Mike
(MGM);
(UA);
Tension (MGM)....
Apache Chief
(Lippert), 4th d wk 135
t,
Music Hall—Battleground (MGM); Change of
Heart (SR), reissue, 2nd wk
Orpheum—South Sea Sinner (U-I); The Rugged
275
O'Riordans (U-1) 95
Paramount When Willie Comes Marching Home
(20th-Fox); Blondie's Hero (Col) 100
Jane Russell and "Outlaw'
hi Wild 200 at Frisco
SAN FRANCISCO—What with Jane Russell
on the stage opening day, a big buildup
via radio, newspapers, traveling billboard and
air blimp, "The Outlaw" ran up a wild 200
per cent at the Golden Gate Theatre. Tlie
rest of the first run houses did an average
business with the opening of "My Foolish
Heart" at the United Artists peaking up to
140.
Esquire Challenge to Lassie (MGM); Borrowed
Trouble (UA) 100
Fox—Twelve O'Clock High (20th-Fox) 100
Golden Gate—The Outlaw (RKO), plus Jane Russell
on stage opening day 200
Orpheum—The Nevadan (Col); Mark of the
Gorilla (Col), 2nd wk 135
Paramount—Dear Wife (Para) 120
St, Francis—Samson and Delilah (Para), 3rd wk...l40
United Artists-My Foolish Heart (UA) 140
United Nations—Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox);
Spring in Park Lane (EL), 2nd d. t. wk 75
Warlield—Battleground (MGM), 3rd wk 75
'Delilah' 170 at Denver;
210 for 'Battleground'
DEN'VTER-"Samson and Delilah" was still
running strong in its third week at the Denham,
and was to stay at least a fourth.
"Battleground" was big at the Broadway in
its second week, and stayed. "Twelve O'clock
High" was strong at four theatres.
Aladdin, Denver, Esquire, Webber—Twelve
O'clock High (20th-Fox); GirU' School (Col) 150
Broadway—Battleground (MGM), 2nd wk 210
Denham—Samson and Delilah (Para), 3rd wk 170
Orpheum—On the Town (MGM); Golden Madonna
(Mono), 2nd wk 70
Paramount—Dakota UI (20th-Fox); Change of
Heart (Rep) 110
Rialtc^Tho Big Wheel (UA); Rusty's Birthday
(Col), 3rd d wk 100
t
Tabor—Tropped (EL); Down Memory Lane (ED... 90
"Vogue Germany Year Zero (German) 85
lUO
Kroger Babb Leaves U.S.
On World-Circling Trip
SAN FTIANCISCO—Hallmark Productions
President Kroger Babb, accompanied by Secretary
Charles R. Kirk, left here on overseas
airlines for an air trip around the world,
scheduled to include business stops in 26
nations during the next eight weeks.
Babb and Kirk will complete 1949 business
records of "Mom and Dad" distribution in
foreign lands, pay taxes and make application
for a withdrawal to the U. S. of Hallmark
and Hygienic funds. Babb also expects to
negotiate many foreign distribution deals for
"The Prince of Peace," as well as Hallmark's
forthcoming new twin-bill release, which combines
Lila Leeds in "The Devil's 'Weed" and
a color featurette, "G. I. Love." produced at
Cannes, Prance. The new roadshow combination
is slated for U. S. release February 26
and will world premiere at Charlotte, N. C.
During his present jaunt, Babb will visit
the Hawaiian islands. Canton islands, Fiji
islands. New Zealand. Tasmania. Australia,
New Guinea, the Philippines, Scotland, England,
Ireland, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia,
Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
The entire trip of over 40.000 miles will
be made entirely by air. Babb expects to be
back by Easter.
Seeley Allen Buys House
His Grandfather Built
POMEROY. WASH.—Mrs. Abbie Thompson
has sold the Seeley Theatre, which she or
her husband have operated since 1913, to
Seeley Allen, grandson of the builders.
Mrs. Thompson and her husband Claude A.
were active in the entertainment business
here from 1907, when they started a silent
picture show. They later operated in the old
Opera House, then opened their Dime Theatre
in the building now occupied by the Sommerville
clubhouse, later moving back to the
Opera House, where they remained until the
Seeley Theatre was constructed by C. H.
Seeley in November 1913. The Thompsons
operated the Seeley until Mr. Thompson died
in 1925, when Mrs. Thompson took over alone.
The new owner is the son of Mrs. Kate
Allen, a daughter of the C. H. Seeleys.
Orpheum at Havre, Mont.,
Renovated and Reopened
HA'VRE, MONT.—The redecorated and remodeled
Orpheum Theatre here was reopened
recently with entirely new seating, a pinepaneled
lobby, new equipment and new restrooms.
The renovation took six weeks and
included installation of new American Seating
Co. seats, new zourite front and remodeled
marquee with rose and white neon tubing.
New equipment included a screen, booth
equipment and stage drapes.
Dairy Farm and Theatre
Swapped at Marcola, Ore.
MARCOLA, ORE —The Victory
Theatre
here has been sold to Mr. and Mrs. Maurice
McGinitie, formerly of Creswell, in a deal
in which their dairy farm at Creswell was
taken over by the former theatre owners, Mr.
and Mrs. Carrol Kuhl.
Get your audience sig^ning petitions now!
52 BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950

. . . Bob
. . Max
. . Bob
. . About
. . John
. . Orpheum
. . Melba
. . Lawrence
. . The
DriveJn Patronage
Is Good All Winter
BAKEKSFIELD, CALIF. — Attendance at
drive-ins during the winter months here has
been remarkably good, according to a survey.
The winter here is relatively short and rainstorms
and fog are experienced only for about
a month, generally between Christmas and
early February. Otherwise, nights are clear.
Even in rainy season, there are more clear
nights than not.
Rain is not such a bad situation, but fog is.
When the fog falls, it is just a matter of issuing
rain checks to departing customers. However,
since rain checks are redeemed at scattered
intervals, the cut into boxoffice receipts
is inconvenient, but not necessarily fatal.
Big shows like the 99, the South Chester
Drive-In and the Terrace do a good business
all winter, and the losses from fog or blinding
rain are not frequent enough to cause concern.
Westbrook Food Co. Starts
To Handle Popped Corn
SANTA MONICA, CALIF. — R. M. Westbrook,
president of Popcorn Equipment Co.,
has announced the formation of a subsidiary,
Westbrook Food Co., which will take over the
prepopped corn business formerly handled by
the parent company.
Westbrook said his firm had designed a new
carton for theatre use only to simplify handling
and delivery so that the company could
offer a uniform low price from San Luis
Obispo to San Diego. Westbrook has named
John Mershon, formerly with the western
advertising office of BOXOFFICE, to head
sales and advertising for the new company.
The product, trademarked Westbrook's
Homestyle Popcorn, also will be marketed
through retail outlets in a special container.
Promotional plans for the new company
include use of television outdoor posters, newspaper
ads and extensive samplying. Tieins
and trailers are being designed for theatres
who want to use consumer ads.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
CEEN on San Francisco Filmrow: Ben Levin,
Strand, Gilroy; Lee Naify, State, Martinez;
L. H. Killingsworth, Rialto, Willows;
Mr. and Mrs. Ware, Dixon; Walter Jacobs,
Auburn; Barney Gumette, Lodi; W. W. Tarn,
Jackson.
SAN FRANCISCO
^he Santa Clara county planning commission
is delaying its decision on the application
of J. M. Reiter to establish a commercial zone
near Campbell to erect a drive-in . . . Berkeley
city council is considering a proposal to levy
an amusement tax of 1 cent on each 20 cents
admission price. February 28 is the date of
the hearing.
Scaffolds and stages have been erected in
the Fox Theatre in Watsonville. initiating a
$40,000 renovation program, according to Manager
Lloyd Howell. Work will be carried on
without interruption of daily programs . . .
Sacramento county board of supervisors has
postponed until March 15 a hearing on an
appeal by T&D Jr Enterprises from a county
planning commission decision denying a permit
to construct a drive-in opposite Municipal
airport. The commission held the screen
would create a hazard for planes. T&D is
awaiting an opinion from the Civil
Aeronautics
division.
Rumors are that Fi-ank DiNapoli plans to
erect a drive-in in Campbell. Decision depends
on commission's approval of rezoning
of land ... A new drive-in is being considered
for Marysville. Plan is to lease about ten
acres of Yuba county airport holdings south
of Marysville as the site on a profit sharing
basis. The plan has been referred to the
aviation committee for action. The promoters
would pay for all construction and operational
costs. The drive-in would hold 400 cars. Plan
was presented to the Yuba board of supervisors
by Dick Brandt, airport manager. There
is
no drive-in now in Yuba county.
Locally, the West of Twin Peaks central
council and the Forest Hills Ass'n are opposing
a plea to rezone the south slope of Mount
Sutro adjoining the Laguna Honda home to
permit building of a drive-in by the Blumenfeld
Theatre circuit. Action has been delayed.
It is the Blumenfeld intention to erect a
$200,000 theatre to accommodate 536 cars.
The Northern California Motion Picture
Workshop met February 17 at the Fenner
Fuller Dining room in Oakland. The meeting
was to provide an opportunity for community
leaders actively interested in motion
pictures to coordinate constructive thinking
and action on motion picture problems of the
community. Chairman of the meeting was
Mrs. J. G. Maasdam with Myrtle Gustafson,
assistant in Instruction Oakland public
.schools, di.scussion leader ... On March 1, the
Alameda Motion Picture council will hold its
meeting at the 'Vogue Theatre in Alameda.
The Grand Theatre in Tracy had a small
fire. Amount of damage was $50. The blaze
was extinguished without disturbing the audience
. Baer, onetime world heavyweight
champion, told friends in Livermore
that he was confident of getting a role in a
forthcoming picture to be made soon by MGM
in Rome.
The Santa Clara Theatre turned in for a
three-day collection, $232.25 to the March of
Dimes campaign . 15 speakers were
stolen from the Encina Drive-In on the Santa
Cruz-Watsonville highway
. publicity
committee of COMPO met in San Francisco
February 13 to outline plans . . . Golden Gate
Theatre telephone operator answered all
phone calls: "Good morning, 'Stromboli' opens
Wednesday."
Helen Wabbe, publicist for the Golden Gate,
celebrated her birthday with a party at the
Mark Hopkins . Leo celebrated his
birthday by flying to Seattle . . . Harry Price.
Embassy Theatre, and Lloyd Katz, branch
manager of Eagle Lion, also had birthdays.
.
A valentine party was held at 'Variety Club
Goodfried, Eagle Lion publicist, was
in town for a few days Crafton,
secretary at the Lawrence Borg Theatres
office, flew to San Diego . Borg
is vacationing in Florida for several months.
AI Dunn, manager of the Orpheum, bought
a new Oldsmobile . treasurer
Herb Lustig is out of the hospital following
an operation . Broadbent, new manager
at the Esquire, has initiated a matinee
special price of 50 cents.
Lou Singer, manager of the Fox here, is
recuperating in Arizona. Mr. Hanson of the
El Capitan has taken over Lou's duties . . .
Thirty-seven from Filmrow took a trek down
to Lodi to witness the Celeri-LeBaron football
game. Among them were Jack Goodwin,
Motion Picture Service, his wife and father
Charles Goodwin. The elder Goodwin, age 74,
now retired, was the owner of the Larkin in
1916 and a Market street theatre which
showed the flickers. Al.so attending the football
game were Lloyd Lamb of Affiliated Theatres,
Morris Rosenberg and his son from
T&D.
D. T. McNerney, manager of United Artists
in Salt Lake, has been transferred to manage
Harry O.
the San Francisco office . . . Hoyt, one of the best production managers
on the west coast, has been named production
manager for the new-ly formed Equitable
Pictures.
It is said that Seattle's eight first run
houses have set a record for first run seating.
The checkup showed the following seating
capacities in that city: Publix Seattle.
3,150; Fox, 2,450; Fox Fifth Avenue. 2.750:
New Orpheum, 2,650; Liberty, 1.850; Metropolitan
(Publix I, 1.100; Hamrick's Music Box,
950; Hamrick's Blue Mouse, 950. Admission
prices are reduced, the Liberty charging
15-25-35 cents.
c^locm^^^
IN THE SMART STYLING OF THE NEW
HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD THEATRE CHAIRS
Pacific Coast Dislribvlors
B. F. SHEARER COMPANY
SEATTLE PORTLAND SAN FRANCISCO LOS ANGELES
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BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950
53

. . Walter
. . After
. . The
LOS ANGELES
Ounstruction will be launched shortly on the
new Starlite Drive-In, an 800-car operation
in Rosemead, by B. E. Congdon and Ford
and Carl Bratcher. They also operate the
Mount Vernon Drive-In in San Bernardino
and the Del Rio in Riverside. The architect
is J. Arthur Drielsma . . . Next general membership
meeting of the Southern California
Theatre Owners Ass'n will be held March 28.
Dody Smith has joined the Columbia exchange
as a contract clerk , . . Max Factor,
RKO salesman, and Irene Horowitz will be
married March 5 . . . James
Quinn has discontinued
his operation of the Garden Theatre
in East Los Angeles and the showcase has
reverted to Owner Fred Hershorn.
After eight years as western exploiteer for
RKO, Dave Cantor is transferring to New
York and takes his wife and family with him
in anticipation of a long stay in the east.
Fred Calvin, his former assistant, replaces
Cantor here . Branson, RKO western
division manager, checked in from New
York for huddles with local exchange personnel.
Undergoing a complete remodeling job is
^^,er^
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Los Angeles 7, California
THEATRE /ALE/
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DRIVE-IN THEATRE IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS
and Junction Boxes. For new jobs or replacements
caused from theft or vandalism
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ^'Z^^^To.
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BLOCKBUSTER
the Grande Theatre in Arroyo Grande. The
showcase is due for a new marquee, new seats
and new projection equipment . famed
Goodyear blimp (but just one of them) was
part of the circus-type exploitation employed
for the booking of RKO's "The Outlaw" at
the Hillstreet and Pantages.
Rambling on the Row: Frank Valuskis,
Valuskis in Buena Park; Charles and Herman
Minor, Burbank; Ray Lindsey and Jack
Lowenbein, El Monte; Fred Siegel, Palomar
in Oceanside; Paul Glick, Canoga Park; Steve
Chorack, Puente; Mrs. Jenne Dodge, Mission
and Mayfair, Ventura; Hugh Bruen, who owns
three theatres in Whittier, and Jack Kolbo,
Downey.
Scott Brown, formerly on the staff of the
Filmarte Theatre, has succeeded Gorman
Heimueller in the home office booking department
at Fox West Coast. Heimueller resigned
recently to join the United Artists
circuit as assistant to Fred Stein, head
booker.
A southland visitor was Harry Alexander,
believed to be the oldest exhibitor in Canada
in point of service. One of the owners
of the B&F circuit, affiliated with Famous
Players Canadian, Alexander became a theatre
owner 41 years ago . two weeks
and two days in Fox West Coast's Chinese,
Los Angeles, Wilshire, Uptown and Loyola
first run unit, Republic's "Sands of Iwo Jima"
moved over to the Belmont, Iris, Globe, El
Rey and Guild.
ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.—Scenes from the
forthcoming film, "My Friend Irma Goes
West '
were filmed here with Director Richard
McWhiter of Hal Wallis productions in charge.
According to the scenario Irma misses the
Super Chief and typically goes helter-skelter
trying to make connections here.
Have you ordered your taxation trailer and
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TALKING
OVER PROBLEMS—Barney
Rose, front right, made his first visit
to Salt Lake in his new capacity as district
manager for Universal-International.
During his visit he conferred with C. R.
"Buck" Wade, front left, branch manager,
and Ray M. Hendry, rear left, and
Sidney L. Cohen, rear center, associate
general managers of Intermountain Theatres.
Foster Blake, rear right, TJ-I western
division manager, visited the city
with Rose.
Smiling Store Clerks See
'Francis' Showing Free
DENVER—A stunt that rated a news story
in the tough-to-crack Denver Post was worked
up by Irving Neuwirth, Universal publicity
man, for "Francis," which opens at the Den-
Through a tieup with the Pacific Electric
Co., which operates streetcar and bus service
to neighboring communities, commuters wishing
to catch "Samson and Delilah" at the Wilbur Loeffler, personnel director at the
ver, Aladdin and Webber February 21.
Downtown and Hollywood Paramounts are Denver Dry Goods Co.. large department store,
being offered Special reduced fares. Trains
picked 35 of the store's clerks, with the most
to surrounding towns are carrying large banners
publicizing the playdate.
cheerful and spontaneous smiles. Their reward
was to see a screening of "FYancis" at
a Denver screening room. Also invited were
several newspaper columnists, reporters and
Shoot New 'Irma' Scenes radio commentators.
Bill Mauck Transferred
To Calexico Capitol
CALEXICO, CALIF.—Bill Mauck, former
manager of the Roxy at Pacific Beach, has
moved here to manage the Capitol Theatre.
He was replaced as manager of the Roxy
by Dean B. Davis.
Renovate Parma Theatre
PARMA, IDA.—L. w. Dobbs, manager, has
started remodeling of the Parma Theatre
here. Renovations will include extension of
the theatre some 35 feet, addition of new
seats and redecoration of the interior. A new
roof was put on the house shortly after the
New Year.
Install New Seating
CAMBRIDGE, IDA.—Joe Hancock, owner
of the Cambridge Theatre, has installed new
seats. The seats came from the Granada
Theatre in Boise. Those removed from the
Cambridge were transferred to the Midvale
Theatre.
54 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

Rex Allen Will Tour
Southwest Stages
NEW YORK—Rex Allen, new Republic
cowboy star whose first western, "Arizona
Cowboy," will be released in March, will make
a series of personal appearances during February
and March.
Allen will play the Balboa Theatre, San
Diego, February 17, 18: Fox, Tucson, Ariz.,
22, 23; Palace, El Paso, Tex., 25, 26, and El
Paso, Sante Fe, 28. He will play the Victory,
Denver, March 2-4; Liberty, Oklahoma City,
6, 7; Strand, New Orleans. 9-11: Capitol, Little
Rock, 13, 14: Temple, Fort Smith, 15, 16, and
Tulsa, 17, 18. Newspaper spread and radio
tieins will help introduce the star in each
city.
Aviation Writers Guests
At 'Lightning' Screening
HOLLYWOOD—Top aviation writers were
guests at a special screening of Warners'
"Chain Lightning," starring Humphrey Bogart
and Eleanor Parker, at the Burbank
studio. Viewing the opus were representatives
of the Los Angeles Times, News and Examiner,
Western Flying. Aerial Digest, Aviation
Week, American Aviation, Aviation News
Beacon, Western Pilot and the Aviation Writers'
Ass'n. "Chain Lightning," a drama of
jet pilots, was produced for Warners by
Anthony Veiller.
First foreign premiere of Paramount's
"Samson and Dehlah" was staged February
16 at the Avenue Theatre in Manila, Philippine
Islands. Props and costumes from the
Cecil B. DeMille production were flown to
Manila for exhibition at the showcase.
Gov. Dan E. Garvey and other officials of
Arizona were guests at a screening of Lippert
Productions' "The Baron of Arizona" in
Phoenix February 14. The showing was arranged
as part of the state's celebration of
the 38th anniversary of its admission into
the union. The opus, starring Vincent Price,
will be given its world premiere March 1 at
the Orpheum in Phoenix.
• • •
Fairbanks, Alaska, will be the locale for
the world premiere on March 10 of "The Boy
From Indiana," produced for Eagle Lion release
by Ventura Pictures, headed by Frank
Melford and Director John Rawlins. The
film's stars Lon McCallister and Lois Butler
will make personal appearances.
Columbia Ad Building
To House 82 Offices
HOLLYWOOD—Slated for completion in
June, the new four-story administration
building being constructed by I. E. Chadwick
for rental by Columbia will provide 82 offices
and 50,000 square feet of floor space to
the studio's facilities. Producers, writers and
independent filmmakers releasing through
Columbia will be housed in the new unit. The
present administration building on Gower
street will continue to house major executive
offices.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
^ Newspaper Salute to Film Industry
SPOKANE, WASH.— It is all too seldom
that drama critics and motion picture editors
go out of their way to point out the many
good things in our industry. When it does
happen it's news. Just such a case happened
in this city—and it is the talk of tlie industry
throughout the Pacific northwest. The article
appeared in the Spokane Spokesman-Review
bylined by Margaret Bean, veteran fihn critic.
Here are some of the things written by Miss
Bean that gladdened the hearts of industry
leaders in the area:
"Usually this corner is concerned with the
impersonal side of Hollywood— an appraisal
of the entertainment value of its product
which sometimes achieves the artistic. However,
today, it is concerned with the heart of
the show world. That means the sympathetic
understanding, the self-sacrifice and inexhaustible
generosity of entertainment troupers.
No industry in the world does as much
for civic, charitable and patriotic projects as
the men and women who entertain us on the
screen and behind the footlights.
"Nor is there any other industry that does
as mucli for its own. Consequently here is a
salute to the show world and its people who
not only entertain us all year but who spread
goodwill throughout the land, with their innumerable
benefits on behalf of the unfortunate.
"This salute doesn't hang on mere generalization
but on the recent demonstration of
the generosity of the show world in Spokane.
If you went to the Spokesman-Review fund
benefit at the Fox you witnessed it.
"It was one of the best shows of its kind
ever presented in the city, yet theatre, performers,
musicians, stage hands and all the
services that go with presentation of such a
stage piece were donated to the benefit
fund being raised on behalf of 13 young
widows and their infant children of the late
B-29 crash victims. That is one instance in
our midst but consider the entertainment
world as a whole.
"Hollywood has made an outstanding record
in charity. In a single annual campaign for
many national and local causes, such as the
American Cancer society, the Sister Kenny
Two 20th-Fox Features
In Color for Easter
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox will
release two Technicolor productions. "Cheaper
By the Dozen" and "Wabash Avenue," for
Easter (April 9), according to Andy W. Smith
jr., vice-president and general sales manager.
Clifton Webb, Jeanne Crain and Myrna Loy
are starred in the first named and Betty
Grable and Victor Mature are starred in the
musical. The company is preparing a series
of national tieups for "Cheaper By the Dozen."
The 20th-Fox March relea.ses will be "Mother
Didn't Tell Me" and "Under My Skin."
Trinidad Uptown Sold
TRINIDAD, COLO. — Mr. and Mrs. Joe
Amato sold the Uptown Theatre building to
Nathan and Helen Snyder. The new owners
have tentative plans for remodeling of the
building.
Foundation and the Community Chest, Hollywood
gives more money per capita and more
closely approaches 100 per cent participation
than any comparable group or community in
the nation.
"And through a separate organization, the
Motion Picture Relief Fund, Hollywood takes
care of its own. More than 82,000 workers,
from producers to backlot laborers, pledge
one-half of 1 per cent of their salaries or
wages to the fund. What other industry taxes
itself for the benefit of its fellow -workers?
"During the war no industry made such a
sacrificial effort to help the nation. Its stars
bolstered soldier morale in every theatre of
war, from New Guinea to Greenland . . . And
Hollywood, which has never demobilized, continues
on its good works. With the war over,
Hollywood doesn't keep records.
"Such top stars as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby,
Red Skelton, Danny Kaye, especially comedians
and singers, are continuously playing
benefits. The demand never ends. It is true
in a lesser way with the other stars.
"In our concern to find a good .show every
time we pay our money and enter a theatre,
we become impatient and criticize Hollywood.
But we forget to recall that Hollywood's batting
average is even better than that of the
book world and stage. Of a recent year, according
to the Johnston office, using audience
reception in numbers who see a play or
movie and the number of books sold, out of
487 movies there were 150 hits, making a
batting average of .308: but of 69 Broadway
productions, there were 16 hits, or a batting
average of .231, and out of 1,307 books ('fiction)
published, 120 hits or a batting average
of .091.
"We are apt to forget such relative figures
when we talk of Hollywood's indifferent pictures.
"And invariably we forget its generous response
to the world's unfortunate in its many
benefits, which are often self-sacrificial, as
the other night at the benefit fund show
when its troupers worked their regular shows
at their clubs and then entertained into the
wee small hours of the morning on behalf of
the Spokane Air Force base bereaved."
Joan Harrison Signed
As Columbia Producer
HOLLYWOOD—One of the industry's few
feminine producers, Joan Harrison, has been
signed to a term ticket in that capacity by
Columbia. She has just completed the making
in England of "Your Witness," which she
produced in association with David Rose as
a starring vehicle for Robert Montgomery.
Miss Harrison was at one time an associate
of Director Alfred Hitchcock and later was
under term contract at U-I.
'Living' to General Service
HOLLYWOOD—Horizon Pictures has arranged
for shooting space at General Servicn
studios for its next independent entry, "Cost
of Llviiig," which will be for United Artisti
release. The outfit is headed by Sam Spiegel
and John Huston.
BOXOFnCE :: February 18, 1950 55

—
Site for $500,000 Theatre Bought
At Venice, Calif.,
VENICE, CALIF.—Fox West Coast Theatres
has purchased a 12-acre site at Lincoln
boulevard and Vernon avenue on which the
circuit will build a 1.300-seat, $500,000 theatre.
Development of the L-shaped property,
which was acquired by Fox from the Southern
California Water Co., will include a unit
of six new stores, a parking lot and a 30-
home residential section in addition to the
theatre.
The front six acres of the tract will be
devoted to the theatre, to be located on the
corner of Vernon, and one hundred feet of
stores which will be erected on the Sunset
avenue corner. Construction of the stores will
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Arrows may be either right or left.
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J. A. CHRISTENSEN—Owner and
Manager, Arcade Theatre, Salt Lake
City, Utah—says:
"Sound service is essential for
patron satisfaction.
For many
years RCA Service has done an
excellent job for us."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
by Fox Circuit
began at a later date, but work on the 138x
160-theatre will start immediately, according
to officials of the bay chain.
A new street will be cut through between
the theatre and the stores to accommodate
patrons of the theatre and business firms.
It will have space for 800 cars.
The remainder of the acreage, extending
from Sunset avenue to Lake street, will be
devoted to a residential tract. Land will be
Sold to developers.
P. P. Hughes, realtor for the transaction,
said that the negotiations between the Fox
chain and water company had been under
way for about six weeks previous to the sale.
Sale price was $75,000, said Hughes.
Lippert Starts Fresno Airer
FRESNO — A new drive-in is under construction
on Hughes avenue just north of
Kearney boulevard for the Robert L. Lippert
Theatres of San Fi-ancisco. The location is
about two miles from the downtown district
and it will be the third airer for the Lippert
chain in the Fresno district.
The new show will occupy about eight acres
of a 12-acre site. Plans call for tiered ramps
and an artificial moon over the 500-car lot.
There will be two boxoffices, and all exits and
entrances will be on Hughes avenue. Individual
speakers will be installed.
A name for the new theatre will be chosen
in a contest. The Fresno district's first drivein.
the Fresno Motor-Inn. was opened in 1946
by Lippert and, last year, the Starlite Drivein
was opened. The third one will be opened
in April.
L. H. Hansen & Sons is the general contractor
for the project.
Intermountain to Build
SALT LAKE CITY—The surge of theatre
building in the Salt Lake area continued with
the disclosure that Intermountain Theatres.
Inc., will build a 1,000-seat house in an east
side residential area. Intended to replace the
circuit's Victory Theatre which was destroyed
in 1942. the new showhouse was given
by fire
official approval more than a month ago.
Work will start this spring, and the theatre
is expected to be completed next fall.
Details of the proposed building were revealed
by Ray M. Hendry and Sidney L.
Cohen, associate general managers for Intermountain.
before they left for an extended
eastern trip to study new theatre installations.
The showhouse will be built in the rapidly
expanding southeastern residential area of
Salt Lake. It will be the hub of a new shopping
project. Parking for more than 750 cars
will be available through a supervised multiple
parking lot system.
Drive-In Proposed at Marysville
MARYSVILLE. CALIF.—A proposal to lease
about ten acres of the Yuba county airport
holdings south of Marysville as the site for
a drive-in on a profit-sharing basis has been
presented to the county board of supervisors.
Under the plan the county would
lease an unused parcel of the airport north
of the access road to A. P. Ifland and Fred
E. Cappo of Vallejo for ten years and receive
as payment 5 per cent of the gross revenue
from admission and concessions after amusement
and sales taxes were deducted.
The promoters would pay for construction
and operation. The theatre would accommodate
about 400 cars. The lease would be subject
to Civil Aeronautics Administration approval
on the safety factor, but the site is
believed out of the functional scope of the
airport.
Palm Springs El Rancho Opens
PALM SPRINGS. CALIF.—The El Rancho
Di-ive-In has been reopened by lessee Reg
C. Jones after completion of a five-week remodeling
program. Jones, a Palm Springs
contractor, has rehabilitated the airer. erecting
a new snack bar building, paving the
ramps, painting the screen and numerous
other improvements.
The drive-in, located on Highway 111 on
the corner of Highway 80, will be managed
by Frank Millan. with Reba Perry assisting
him,
L. C. Smith Seeks Permit
SAN MATEO. CALIF.—The application of
L. C. Smith for a use permit to construct
and operate a drive-in near 19th avenue was
approved here recently by city planning commission.
An 804-car airer will be erected on
the site which lies between the Southern Pacific
railroad tract and Bayshore highway,
north of 19th avenue, and Ben Levin, San
Francisco theatre man, will operate it.
Ridgway Theatre Opened
RIDGWAY, COLO.—Edward Tuhey, formerly
of Fort Worth, Tex., who bought a
ranch near Ridgway last fall, has converted
the old Circle Hall building into a motion
picture theatre, the first regular fuUtime
theatre to be installed here. Heretofore, films
have been shown here for only short periods
of time at irregular intervals. Tuhey constructed
and wired a projection booth at
the Circle hall to provide fuUtime shows.
Edvrards Bviilds at Sunland
SUNLAND. CALIF.—Construction has been
launched by the James Edwards circuit on a
new 700-car drive-in here. The ozoner will
occupy a 10-acre site on Foothill boulevard.
New Oxnard Theatre Opened
OXNARD. CALIF.—Manny Feldstein and
Paul Dietrich have opened their new Oxnard
Theatre, a de luxe showcase constructed at
an estimated cost of $150,000. The Feldstein-
Dietrich company also operates the Vogue in
Los Angeles.
Bob Hoese Biiilds at Pasadena
PASADENA, CALIF.—Playground facilities
for children are among features of a new
$350,000 drive-in being built in Hastings
Ranch village here. Robert H. Hoese heads
a group that negotiated a longterm lease on
the 11-acre area on which the drive-in is
being constructed. The ozoner is located on
Foothill boulevard and Rosemead.
Sunset Opened by T&D at Lodi
LODI, CALIF.—Two thousand persons attended
the opening of the new $150,000 Sunset
Theatre here recently. Manager Don
motion picture film cut
Nichols had a strip of
to officially open the house. The 1,000-seater
is the latest in the T&D Theatres circuit.
56 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

. . Walter
SALT LAKE CITY
TJus Campbell has resigned as salesman for
Columbia to join Service Theatre Supply
as a salesman. His territory will be taken
over by Harold Green, and John Dahl. head
booker, will move up to Utah salesman for
Columbia. Dahl's job will be taken by Dave
Adamson, his assistant . . . George A. Smith,
Paramount division manager, conducted a
two-day meeting with the local staff . . .
B. R. Wolf, NSS district manager, made a
routine visit here from Los Angeles . . . Jerome
J. Saffron, Columbia division manager,
was at the local branch.
.
. . . John Rowberry,
Mel Smart has leased the Airport Drive-In
here from Ray Wilmert, and will book for
the Autorium, Hyland and Redwood in addition
to the Airport R. Hillis
has taken over the Airport Village Theatre,
which he opened this week on a two-changea-week
policy, operating on Friday, Saturday,
Sunday and Monday
operator of Cedar City theatres, paid one of
his infrequent visits to Filmrow.
The Motion Picture club roundup will be
held here June 20-22, according to announcement
from the committee. The celebration
will be tied in with presentation of a charter
for Variety International to the club . . .
Joy Lansing, native Utahn who is now freelancing
in Hollywood, was a visitor . . . The
grandfather of actress Marie Windsor died
at his home in Marysvale, Utah. He was
Joseph D. Bertelsen, 92.
Harold Lloyd will visit Utah March 8 as
potentate of the Shrine. He will be at the
El Kalah temple with members of El Korah,
Boise, Ida., participating in the rites . . . The
Vernal and Vogue theatres at Vernal, Utah,
participated in the drive of the Fossil fund
committee there to help raise money to return
the fossils from the Carnegie Museum
at Pittsburgh to the Utah Field House of
Natural History at Vernal. Facilities of the
showhouses were used for showing pictures
in the drive.
Drive-In to Open in May
PORT ANGELES. WASH.—A new drive-in
being erected on the Olympic highway east
of Morse creek by the Port Angeles Theatres
will be in operation by May 1. Willard J.
Moss, engineer and architect for Sterling
Theatre Co.. Seattle, said construction work
would get under way as soon as the site has
been cleared.
THEATREMEN AID POLIO DRIVE—Salt Lake City theatremen give checks for
their organizations' collections on March of Dimes to Alvin G. Pack, right. Salt Lake
county drive chairman. A total of Sa.550.70 was collected by showhouses of Intermountain
Theatres and Joseph L. Lawrence Theatres in Salt Lake and Murray. In
addition. Intermountain collected $1,288.32 in Provo; $55.99 in Brigham City; $404.65
in Logan; $129 in Preston; $232.08 in Twin Falls; $819.42 in Ogden. and $413.53 in
Boise. Lawrence Theatres obtained $255 in Provo and $289 in Weiser, Ida. The money
was obtained during one day of appeal during the show and from wishing wells in
the theatres. In the picture with Pack are James Needham. manager of the Villa;
Vern Austin. Uptown; Charles M. Pincus, Utah; Nevin McCord. Capitol.
Simmons Circuit Bar
MISSOULA. MONT.—"Stromboli" will not
be shown at any of the houses operated by
the W. A. Simmons Amusement Co.. according
to E. K. Taylor, general manager. The
circuit runs 17 theatres in Montana and
Idaho.
Okay Drive-In at Long Beach
LONG BEACH. CALIF.—Proposed construction
of a drive-in on an 11 -acre site
north of Del Amo boulevard and east of the
flood control channel, has been approved by
the city planning commission.
[We
have the
Count on ui
for Quick Action)
(or
YOUR
THEATRE
THEi THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
^201 > Fim Pint Arts BIda. Portland S. Oregon d
Cathedral City Airer to Start
CATHEDRAL CITY. CALIF.—Construction
of a $200,000 drive-in will be started immediately
on Highway 111 west of town by
Benjamin Bronstein of Palm Springs. Architectural
design is by Roy M. Watkins.
What have TOU done today to help secure
repeal of the unfair amusement tax?
YOUR POPCORN WARMER
IS LOSING YOU 50%
Can You Afford It?
*
HERB TURPIE
Manley Popcorn Machines and Supplit
Los Angeles 7, Colif.
Denver Cactus Sold
HUGO, COLO.—Clarence Martin, operator
of the Gem Theatre here, has purchased the
Cactus Theatre at 17th and Larimer streets
in Denver. He now is dividing his time between
the two show houses.
Idaho Drive-In Is Sold
BLACKFOOT, IDA. — Albert Barrott, coowner
of the Roxy Theatre here, and Oscar
Paisley, exhibitor at Couer d'Alene, have purchased
the Motor Vu Drive-In, a 500-car situation,
from the estate of the late Merrill C.
Boyle. The price was $55,000.
There is no time to lose! Act today on
repeal of the amusement tax!
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 57

. . . Ralph
. . . On
. . John
. . Filmrow
. . Glenn
. .
Australia Sends Marketing Expert
To America to
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Representative. Boxoffice
PERTH, W. A.—The federal government
has sent the commonwealth statistician. Dr.
Roland Wilson, to the United States to investigate
all possible dollar sources and to try
to expand the market for Australian dollar
goods in North America. Tliis may lead to
some easing of the present dollar position.
It has been disclosed here that Spyros
Skouras. president of 20th-Fox. is to visit
Australia and New Zealand in the near future.
Meanwhile, Robert Snody, associate producer
for that company and at present in Sydney,
says that the forthcoming Australian production
"The Bushranger" will be photographed
in Technicolor. Monopack stock will be used,
enabling the company's own cameras to be
used instead of Technicolor cameras, which
are too heavy for location work.
Because of strict temperature control requirements
for processing, all exposed film
will be flown to Hollywood in special refrigerated
containers which will have the ice replenished
en route. Work on the picture originally
was scheduled to begin in March, but it
has been postponed until July in order that
any unsatisfactory weather conditions for location
work can be cut to a minimum. It is
said that the feature will be at least 70 per
cent outdoor action, and it is probable that
at least three name players will be brought
from Hollywood to Australia for the venture.
Producer Charles Chauvel recently complained
that "Sons of Matthew" was not being
properly presented by distributors in Britain,
as the shortened American version was being
offered to the public instead of the full-length
Australian version. So Gordon Ellis is going
from Sydney to London to investigate matters
and to confer with General Film Distributors
with a view to having some change
made in the present method of distribution
and screening. Despite some lukewarm criticisms
at its Australian premiere, this feature
has drawn some outstanding business in the
capital cities here.
The board of directors of Hoyts Theatres
has declared a dividend of 3^2 per cent on
the company's A-preference shares and one
of 3 per cent on its B-preference shares for
the period from July 1 to Dec. 31, 1949. The
dividends will be payable March 7.
The freehold of the Majestic Theatre.
Adelaide, will be offered for sale at a public
auction March 31. The theatre is now used as
a cinema, offering two showings daily of reissues,
but in the past it has offered some of
the best long run attractions. It is one of
the most centrally situated theatres in the
city, with a frontage of 72 feet and a depth of
195 feet. The total rentals now amount to
£9,952 a year, and the lessee is Sir Benjamin
Fnaller.
Norman B. Rydge disclosed that on January
31 National Theatre Supply took over Harrington
Raycophone Bio and Theatre Supplies Co.
He said, "This far-reaching deal represents
a fusion of Australia's two oldest theatre service
organizations and foremost pioneering
Eye Export Plans
cinemachinery establishments. It has been
brought about for the sole purpose of giving
better service and a wider range of facilities
to all exhibitors throughout the seven states
of Australia. Harrington's has a 60-year history,
while National Theatre Supply dates its
origin back to 1912. and I am very proud that
two such famous and highly regarded trade
marks are united to ensure greater service to
the motion picture industry." National Theatre
Supply Co. now will market Raycophone.
Minerva and G. B. Kalee sound projectors.
An application (No. 135.626) has been filed
in Canberra for an Australian patent for
sound on film by A. Lee of New South Wales.
Details of the application are: "To produce,
on a commercial type of film tape, a sound
record in the form of a modulated track having
a sufficiently wide frequency range and a
high signal to noise ratio to enable medium
quality musical programs to be recorded. Apparatus
is provided to form a plurality of
sound tracks, the material of the film tape
being displaced laterally and upwardly to a
stylus while simultaneously the film tape material
forming the root of each of the said
tracks is depressed downwardly by the stylus
when forming the sound tracks. The portion
of the film tape beneath the stylus is adapted
to be moved simultaneously with the peripheral
surface of a drum upon which is disposed
a bed of felt."
'Iwo Jima' Star to Be Feted
At Marine Ceremonies
HOLLYWOOD—Adele Mara, femme lead
in Republic's "Sands of Iwo Jima." will be a
guest of honor February 23 when the Marine
Newsmen Ass'n stages ceremonies commemorating
the fifth anniversary of the raising
of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi in
Iwo Jima by the marines. The ceremonies
will take place in the chambers of the Los
Angeles city council.
Timed for release this month, in conjunction
with the organization's annual campaign
for funds, a short subject starring Gary
Cooper and Patricia Neal was filmed at Warners
for use by the American Heart Ass'n.
The briefie was directed by Richard Bare.
'Challenge' to Fox
HOLLYWOOD—Release through 20th Century-Fox
has been secured by Thor Productions
for "Dark Challenge," its kickoff independent
film, which Bert Friedlob produces
and Tay Garnett directs. Mickey Rooney.
Beverly Tyler and Pat O'Brien have the toplines.
Seek Permit at Campbell
CAMPBELL. CALIF.—Plans to construct
a drive-in on north McGlincey Lane at Casey
road here ran into opposition and a second
hearing on a rezoning application was slated.
J. M. Reiter sought the rezoning application
on a 15'j-acre tract.
There is no time to lose! Act today on
repeal of the amusement tax!
SEATTLE
pddie Yarbrough, west coast exploiteer for
20th-Fox, is here aiding in plans for the
world premiere of "Mother Didn't Tell Me"
February 21 at the Fifth Avenue. William
Lundigan, its co-star, was to hit the town
the Friday and Saturday before for a round
Mrs. Oscar
of personal appearances . . .
Chiniquy. wife of the National Screen Service,
underwent an operation at Doctors hospital.
Maurice Sadick, who 15 years ago managed
a group of theatres here for John Danz, was
here from Salisbury, Md.. greeting old friends
and to attend the wedding of his nephew
. . Milton Watt and Larry Doyle of SRO
have been in town for work on "The Fallen
Idol." which opened at the Music Box .
Floyd Henninger, Rep salesman, is back at
work following healing of his broken ankle
Abbett, Monogram manager, attended
a company meeting in Kansas City.
.
.
Dan Larson has left the B. P. Shearer Co.
and joined the Murray Marsh Co. in Los
Angeles Hamrick was in Palm
Springs for a few days Haviland
was elected president of the film salesmen's
Colosseum at a recent dinner and meeting.
Arnie Eichenlaub was elected vice-president.
Leonard Raatz. treasurer, and Harry Blatt.
Chilton Robinett, 20th-Fox
secretary . . .
manager, attended a meeting in San Francisco.
William H. Thedford, vice-president; Vic
Gauntlett, ad manager; Prank Christie, film
buyer; Carl Mahne, Washington district manager;
Lowell Parmentier, merchandising manager,
and Bob Haase. purchasing agent, all
of Evergreen, attended National Theatres'
convention in Los Angeles. They were joined
there by Prank L. Newman sr.. president
Filmrow were Malcolm McLeod,
Lopez Island; Fred Estelman, Cle Elum;
George Blair, 'Vashon; Fred Gamble, Tacoma,
and Ernie Thompson, Port Townsend.
Friends here mourned the death of W. A.
Cochrane, 80-year-old pioneer northwest exhibitor,
who died at his North Bend.. Wash.,
home. For years he operated a theatre in
nearby Snoqualmie .
showed 100
per cent contributions from executives and
employes during the March of Dimes drive.
To Produce Live Units
HOLLYWOOE>—Roger Rogers, theatrical
producer, has formed a new producing company
in partnership with Fred Seelig, former
newspaperman and publicist. Under the
name of Rogers-Seelig Productions, they will
produce complete vaudeville units geared for
television and theatre bookings, musicals and
roadshow dramas. "Beyond Tomorrow," a
stage drama, will be the first play to go into
rehearsal.
Gloria Films Slates Two
HOLLYWOOD — A two-picture
releasing
deal with United Artists was set by Gloria
Films, headed by I. G. Goldsmith, which will
produce "Three Husbands" and "The Dungeon."
The former, being geared to start
next month, will topline Emlyn Williams,
British star.
58 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

Oriental in Chicago
To Booth Company
CHICAGO—A court order authorizing owners
of the Oriental Theatre building to evict
the Essaness Theatre Corp.. lessee ot the
theatre, was entered Friday (10) by Circuit
Judge Judge Cornelius J. Harrington. The
order culminated a long legal battle in which
owners of the building accused their tenant
of favoring the nearby Woods Theatre, also
operated by Essaness, by showing better pictures
and stage shows than those displayed
at the Oriental.
The Booth Theatre Management Co.,
headed by James Booth, an affiliate of the
company that owns the theatre building, will
succeed the Essaness Corp., headed by Edwin
Silverman, as operator of the theatre.
Sparta Manager Resigns
After Blue Law Defeat
SPARTA. ILL.—Charles W. Wells, who resigned
as manager of the Grand Theatre here
following the election in which this city threw
off the blue law that had prevented Sunday
shows, is considering going to Florida to spend
several weeks.
Wells has been succeeded as manager of
the Grand, which is owned and operated by
the Sparta Theatre. Inc.. by Frank McLean,
son of a former Coulterville, 111., minister and
a veteran of World War II. who had been the
motion picture projectionist at the theatre for
the past nine years.
The former manager started with the
Grand Theatre in 1914 and later took time
out to serve with the armed forces during
World War I. He resumed his duties at the
theatre in 1920. He left the Grand in 1927
to become manager of a theatre in Fairfield,
111., but returned to Sparta in 1933 and had
been on the job as manager of the Grand
until he resigned following the successful
campaign against the blue law late in January.
The Grand Theatre had its first Sunday
show on January 29. ending the 122-year ban
against commercial Sunday entertainment in
the city.
Talent Contest Under Way
MARSHFIELD. WIS.—A six-week Talent
on Parade is under way at the Palace Theatre
here, which will culminate in a grand final
contest at the Adler with a two-week vacation,
worth $550. at the Northernaire summer
resort as the grand prize. Weekly prizes are
$25. $10 and $5.
Ex-Theatre Manager Arraigned
MILWAUKEE—Eugene R. Michalek, former
manager of the neighborhood American
Theatre here, was arraigned here on a charge
of embezzling $1,190.45 in popcorn receipts
between April 1, 1949. and January 6. Miss
Demetra Kritselis owns the American. Bond
of $1,000 was set for Michalek.
Illinois UTO Again Picks
Edward Zorn President
SPRINGFIELD. ILL. — Edward G. Zovn,
Pontiac. was renamed president of the United
Theatre Owners of Illinois at the closing session
of its recent annual convention here.
George Kerasotes. local theatreman, was
named vice-president.
New directors include E. E. Alger, LaSalle;
George Barber, Villa Grove; Steven Bennis.
Lincoln; Charles Dyas. Earlville; John Giachetto,
Springfield; R. L. Cutler, Macomb;
William Griffin, Cairo; John Koletis, Rock
Island; Ralph Lawler, Peoria; August
Marchesi, Amboy; Marion Bodwell, Wyoming;
Lee Norton, Sullivan; S. E. Pirtle, Jerseyville;
Gene Russell, Champaign; Sam Traynor,
Princeton; E. H. Wieck, Staunton;
Charles Duncan, Decatur; Henry Sticklemeyer,
Chicago; P. Bissell Shaver, Henry;
William Souttar, Springfield, and Fred Anderson,
Morris.
Federal excise taxes on motion picture theatre
tickets are discriminatory and in violation
of fundamental rights of freedom of the
screen, Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director,
said in one of the principal addresses to the
217 persons registered for the two-day convention.
"We have never been a luxury, and even
during the war it was thought by many national
leaders that taxes on motion pictures
were unwise because of the many millions of
people the theatre served as a necessity," Sullivan
said. "We want to share in every equitable
tax with all other businesses, but we feel
the future of our entire industry depends
upon the relief from these burdensome
taxes."
Commenting on television, Sullivan said he
considered it an asset to the trade. He said
he had been notified that the Federal Communications
commission soon will accord a
hearing on the granting of special channels
for facilities to be operated by theatre owners.
Television further is enhancing film appeal
through the use of trailers which aid tremendously
in stimulating public interest, he
declared.
T\\e convention endorsed the safety trailers
originated by the Skouras circuit, and a plan
to use them in theatres throughout Illinois
will be worked out. Details of the organization
of amusement tax reduction campaign
committees in all cities and towns were discussed.
Arrangements were completed for the
shipping of the official tax repeal exploitation
packet to all exhibitors in the state by the
National Screen Service.
Tom Burke, director of programs for the
National Safety Council, spoke of the work
of the organization which now has more than
7,000 members in the United States and other
countries. He said that its work is solely accident
prevention, by which accidental deaths
may be lessened. Its progi'am is carried on by
application of education, engineering and enforcement,
he said. Progress is being made
annually in all fields, including industrial
safety, home safety and traffic safety.
George Kerasotes, convention chairman
who supervised preparation for the meeting,
sustained a gastric hemorrhage recently and
he was unable to attend any of the convention
sessions. Dave Jones and other officials of the
Springfield Theatre Ass'n took over details of
the conclave. The special emergency committee
included William Souttar, Fox Lincoln
Theatre; Mortimer Berman, Orpheum Theatre;
William Giachetto, Fi-isina Amusement
Co., and Edmond Metzger, Kerasotes Theatres.
Seek to Vacate Alley
RIPON, WIS.—The new theatre planned
here by M&S Theatres, headed by Ben Marcus
of Milwaukee, will be enlarged from its
present planned size of 68x132 if the city approves
vacation of an alley behind the site.
Signed as Film Editor
Clarence Kolster has been signed as film
editor for Warners' "Sugarfoot."
Order your taxation trailers today!
Capital Stock Increased
MILWAUKEE—Standard Kenosha Theatre
Co. has filed amendments to original corporation
papers filed in 1948, calling for an increase
from 100 to 2,500 .shares at no par
value. The incorporators are Charles A. Puis,
G. H. Marx and Marshall A. Rice.
WISCONSIN .ALLIED BO.VRD—Shown above is the board of directors of Allied
Independent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan at a recent meeting
held in Madison. Standing, left to right: Arnold Brumm, secretary. Milwaukee; Ben
Marcus, president, Oshkosh. Seated: Edward Johnson, Milwaukee, treasurer; S. J.
Goldberg. Wausau; Harry Melchcr, Eskin Theatres. Milwaukee; Floyd Albert, Mount
Horeb; Russell Leddy, Green Bay; F. J. AVilliams, Madison; C. Baldwin, Gillett; Eric
Brown, Plymouth; A. Spheeris, Milwaukee.
BOXOFFICE :: February IB, 1950 59

St. Ann, Suburb of Sf.
Construction of Jy^o Theatres
ST. LOUIS—The board of aldermen of the
Ann in St. Louis county last week
City of St.
approved permits for the construction of a
1.000-car four-screen drive-in and also for
a 800-seat brick-and-mortar theatre to
Charles P. Vatterott & Co., St. Ann.
Each of these projects, which will cost approximately
$200,000 including equipment, will
be lea.sed to the St. Louis Amusement Co.,
which is controlled by Harry C. Arthur and
other members of the Arthur family.
The drive-in will be constructed on a tract
of land at 10400 St. Charles Rock road now
used for the Kuper's driving tee, while the
indoor theatre is to be built at 10259 Rock
road. Both are in the same general neighborhood
as the Airway Drive-In and the Gem
Theatre, which are owned by Henry Halloway
of Overland, Mo., and under lease to Phillip
Smith of Boston and his Midwest Drive-In
Theatres.
Officials of the St. Louis Amusement Co.
sought a permit for the construction of a
1,000-car four-screen drive-in on ground the
company owns on Page avenue near Woodson
road in Overland, but a bloc of aldermen
refused to approve the project, which apparently
was favored by the residents of Overland
on the basis of signatures to petitions
for and against the proposed drive-in.
Later, when their efforts to build in Overland
were frustrated by the opposition interests,
it was decided to negotiate for a site in
St. Ann. The result was the closing of the
Louis, Okays
$8,427 ERECTS THIS
NEW SCREEN TOWER

—
—
. . Peter
. . Exhibitors
. . Herman
—
'Monlana' Grosses 120
Despite Bad Weather
CHICAGO—Messy weather with a downpour
of rain most of the week kept folks out
State-Lake—All the King's Men (Col), 2nd wk 115
Studio Sin oi Nora Moran (Dezel); Virgins of
Bali (Dezel). reissues 90
United Artists Tension (MGM) 110
V/oods—My Foolish Heart (RKO), 2nd wk 115
World Playhouse—Open City (M-B); Faisan (M-B),
2nd run 110
Trade Sho'ws Improvement
At Indianapolis Houses
INDIANAPOUS — Business at local first
runs was good. Despite unfavorable weather,
grosses showed improvement over the weekend.
A dualing of "Borderline" and Unmasked"
at the Circle paced the newcomers.
"Battleground," in a second week at Loew's,
still drew heavily and racked up better than
average trade.
Circle—Borderline (U-I). Unmasked (Rep) 110
Indiana—Bagdad (U-I). The Blonde Bandit (Rep).. 90
Keiths—Pinky (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk lOQ
Loew's—Battleground (MGM), 2nd wk _ 110
Lyric—The Krates of Capri (FC); The Flying
Saucer (FC) 100
Seek Writ Against Airer
INDIANAPOLIS—Property owners living
near the intersection of the U.S. highway and
Georgetown road renewed their fight against
construction of a drive-in in the area Tuesday
i7) by filing an injunction. The action,
filed in superior court, names Joseph Cantor.
Indianapolis theatre operator, as defendant.
The theatre now is under construction on a
30-acre tract. Thirteen property owners demanded
the injunction, claiming they were
misled into believing the tract was to be
used for a shopping center.
New Outdoor Theatre Corporation
JANESVILLE. WIS.—L. F. Gran, H. M.
Rosenband and A. C. Stolga have organized
the Janesville-Beloit Outdoor Theatre, Inc.,
with 100 shares at no par value. Gran is
manager of Standard Theatres, Inc.. Milwaukee.
5^?2iaClRAIlERS
5/»^/Z)K SERVICE
TOP QUALITY •
iiiiiiiiiiiiji^iiiiH.-Hii'im{i
INDIANAPOLIS
. . L. J. McGinley.
Uarold M. Schoo of the Midwest Theatre
Supply Co., Cincinnati, was at the local
branch a day . . Walter Wolverton, manager
.
of the Circle, reported that stage en-
gagements for February and March will include
five name bands .
of the Loop and business sagged. The Chicago
did fine with "Montana," sparked by a
stage revue with Hollywood stars Jack Carson.
for Film Classics, was a caller . . . Mike and
Janis Paige and Robert Alda. "Tension" had
Steven Make, operators of the Airline Drivein
at Winchester, were making the rounds
a fair week at the United Artists and the
Palace did around average with "Borderline"
getting information on product for the approaching
season.
^nd "The Rugged O'Riordans." Oriental had
a fair second week with "Malaya." plus a
stage revue headed by Buster Shaver.
Mel Harwood, Warner auditor, left for Milwaukee
. Rosian. U-I district man-
(Average Is 100)
ChictJqo—Montana (WB), plus stage show 120 ager, was in . . . Ted Mendelssohn. U-I manager,
and wife have gone to Florida on a va-
Garrick Wing and a Prayer (20th-Fox): Submarine
Patrol (20th-Fox), reissues 90
Grand—The Outlaw (RKO), 6lh wk 100 cation ... A. A. Schubart. RKO manager of
Oriental—Malaya (MGM). plus stage show. 2nd
exchange operations, was in , . . June Hassinger
is a new typist at RKO . . . Jack
wk. 110
Palace Borderline (UA); The Rugged O'Riordans
(UA)
lUO
Dowd, Republic manager, was home with a
Roosevelt—Thelma Jordon (Para), 2nd wk 95
Selwyn—The Red Shoes (EL), 60 wks., roadshow severe cold several days.
atlrdction
Fair
lis HYDE IT. '•SaiifrflKTt

. . . Lester
ST. LOUIS
IJarry Kahan of the Harry and Meyer Kahan
Film Delivery Service was in Chicago
for the national meeting of National Film
Carriers . . . Buck Lewis, former general manager
of the Carney Theatres, RoUa, recently
sold his residence in that city and moved to
Brownsville, Tex.
A very large attendance is anticipated for
the Mldcentral Allied Theatre Owners regional
meeting to be held at the Leland hotel at
Springfield February 21. A. B. Jefferis of
Piedmont, president will preside . . . W. H.
Hoffman of Arthur, 111., chairman of the
board for Mldcentral Allied, was in Washington
for the gathering of the board of national
Allied.
Exhibitors on Filmrow included Tom Edwards
and Frank Plumlee, Farmington, Mo.;
Harry Miller, Festus; Jimmy Frisina, Ranny
—
MRS. HAROLD CALLAWAY—
Owner and projectionist. Mars
Theatre, La Farge, Wise.—says:
"RCA Service brings to our
theatre a remarkable amount of
continuous admiration from our
patrons for our excellent sound
and clear projection. A gratifying
insurance!"
To get thf- benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
NO PERFORATIONS: 20";. More Light and Better Vision
CYCl«RAMIC
Custom Screen
Padrucci and Johnny Giachetto, Frisina circuit,
Springfield; Howard Bates, Cape Drivein,
Cape Girardeau; Thomas Baldwin, Mount
Vernon (Ind.) Drive-In; Joe N. Sites, Springfield
(HI. I Drive-In; Herman Tanner, Vandalia;
Frank X. Reller, Wentzville; Forrest
Pirtle, Jerseyville; Dick Fisher, Willow
Springs; Stewart Cluster, Johnston City;
A. H. Boemler, Alton; Joe Goldfarb, Upper
Alton; Ed Clarke, Mattoon, and Elvin H.
Wiecks, Staunton, 111.
Paul E. Stehmann, Winchester, 111., is reported
to be negotiating for the purchase of
a theatre in another southern Illinois town
Bona, Warner manager, and Bud
Edele, manager for Film Classics, were in
Rolla last week to confer with Caesar Berutt
of Rolla and Bill Williams of Union . . . Dean
Davis of West Plains is visiting in Florida
and later plans to go to the west coast to
visit his daughter in March.
St. Louisians are awaiting with considerable
interest the outcome of the experiment
by the Illinois Bell Telephone Co. and the
Zenith Radio Corp. with phonevision in the
Chicago area. The trial, approved by the FCC,
will affect 300 homes for a 90-day period. The
charge is to be $1 for each of 90 films to be
fed out to the television sets in the trial
period. There are a lot of angles to this experiment.
Will Uncle Sam collect amusement
taxes, especially if the user passes the cost
along to those viewing the show. If not, why
not?
Local newspaper reports of the television
survey taken in Washington, D. C, recently
also was received here with mixed emotions.
Some theatre owners were greatly worried by
the reported falling off in attendance at picture
shows by the television set owners.
Others were inclined to take the Washington
figures with a couple of grains of salt. Perhaps
they didn't know that the Washington
offices of Warner Bros, and Loew's, Inc., and
the Washington Motion Picture Theatre Owners
Ass'n were among the sponsors of the survey.
Others interested were the Columbia
Broadcasting System, National Broadcasting
Co., the Dumont network and the Washington
Evening Star.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
Phone-TV Film Tilles
Requested by MPTO
ST, LOXnS — Directors of the MPTO of
Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois here
Tuesday (14) instructed President Tom Edwards
to ascertain through Gael Sullivan,
executive director of the Theatre Owners of
America, what film companies are to provide
the 90 motion pictures to be used in the
90-day test of Phonevision by the Zenith
Radio Corp. in cooperation with the Illinois
Bell Telephone Co. in the Chicago, 111., area.
Sullivan also will be requested to find out
the names of the pictures to be used, so that
"theatre owners everywhere will know
whether the market value of the films they
have booked have been seriously damaged
by prior use on television."
The directors also heard a protest that
Paramount, apparently in direct violation to
pledge made some weeks ago to the MPTO
organization, had permitted the use of "Red
Hot and Blue" on the Lux Hour radio broadcast
the night of February 6, with the same
stars as the motion picture. This radio use
of the current picture's plot, it was contended,
depreciated the value of the film for the theatres
still to play it. It was recalled that
some film companies while permitting the
use of their screen stories on the air restrict
such use to films two years of age or older.
President Edwards and four other showmen
visited U.S. Senator James P. Kem of Missouri
to conmmend him for his strong opposition
to the federal amusement tax and to
provide him with information concerning its
effect on theatre attendance, especially in
the smaller towns and outlying parts of the
larger cities. Kem was at a local hotel. Russ
Bovin, B. Lueker, Tommy James and Tom
Bloomer accompanied Edwards.
Word was received from Washington that
the House ways and means commiteee had
postponed until February 21 a hearing on the
proposed repeal of the amusement tax.
Steinberg Brothers Buy
East Alton Ritz Theatre
EAST ALTON—The 640-seat Ritz Theatre
has been sold by Sol Goldfarb to Marc Jay
Steinberg, formerly on the Eagle Lion sales
staff, and his brother Eugene, assistant buyer
for the Famous Barr department store of St.
Louis.
The sale is effective March 1. The price
was not disclosed.
Marc Steinberg will move to East Alton and
operate the theatre. His brother will retain
his position with Famous Barr.
Marc Steinberg has been assistant booker
and later salesman for Eagle Lion the last
2^i years. The Steinberg brothers are sons
of Nat Steinberg, St. Louis manager for Republic.
The father will have no connection
with the Ritz Theatre.
Get your audience signing petitions now!
Magic Screen
of the Future
'Potent applied for
3146 Olive
Installed
at
AMERICAN THEATRE
Mt. Carmel, III.
By JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
LUcas 2710 St. Louis, Mo.
EVERYTHING FOR THE
Personalized Se
THEATRE
St. Louis Theatre Supply Company
Arch Hosier
331D Olive Street. St. Louis 3. Mo.
Telephone lEfierson 7974
'*^>OOOOOOOOOOO^^OOB-SOO^
62 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

. . . MGM's
. . The
. . Rosa
. . The
. . Ray
Chicago Tent to Open
New Quarters Apr. 1
CHICAGO—New quarters at 540 South
Michigan avenue here will be dedicated by
the Variety Club of Illinois about April 1
following remodeling and redecorating soon to
be started. The quarters will include a large
room for social events, a fireproof room with
a projection booth for screenings, and facilities
for serving food and refreshments.
Details of the new quarters were discussed
at the first 1950 meeting of the club February,
when Jack Kirsch. recently installed as
chief barker, was the presiding officer. Plans
for a membership campaign were among
subjects discussed, and details of proposed
social events were outlined by Kirscli and
other officers.
Neil Duffy Is Stricken;
Appleton, Wis., Exhibitor
APPLETON, WIS.—Neil Duffy, who has operated
theatres in this city for 41 years, died
recently at his home here at the age of 75.
He was born in St. Joseph, Mo., but moved
here many years ago. Duffy operated the
Elite Theatre here from 1908 to 1913. In
1913 he built a new Elite, but in 1948 he sold
that building to the Lutheran Aid Ass'n. At
the Elite he showed stage presentations, and
he claimed to be the first to show films here.
It was in 1929 that he started to show motion
pictures here.
TWO IMPORTANT
THEATRES
FOR SALE
ELGIN, ILL. Grove Theatre, 1,100
Seats. Fully Equipped; Long Term
Lease.
•
KANKAKEE, ILL. Luna Theatre,
900 Seats. Fully Equipped; Long
Term Lease.
NO BROKERS
For Further Details, Contact
M. G. LEONARD
17S N. State Street
Chicago, 111. Tel. Ra 6-5300
ri^lll PROGRAMS
ONE DftY SERVICE — On Reque
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and fair dealing. 30 years experience iticluding
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CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE INVITED
CHICAGO
TTrnest L. Byfield, president of the Sherman
and Ambassador hotels, died from a heart
attack last weekend. Many present day motion
picture stars got their start in show
business in his College Inn . Variety
Club has secured temporary clubrooms (Saturdays
only) in the Congress hotel for social
gatherings and card games, etc.; its new home
at 540 South Michigan Ave. is being fitted up.
It will be ready for occupancy in about six
weeks . Esquire Tlieatre, operated by
H.&E. Balaban, celebrated its 12th birthday.
David Bradley, Winnetka, who produced the
motion picture, "Julius Caesar," in the Chicago
area, has been invited to Hollywood by
Dore Schary of MGM . Raisa, the
Manager Joe Odendahl of the Telenews
Theatre, who had his appendix subtracted, is
out of the hospital and ready for work again
"On the Town" was showing at
some 50 houses in the neighborhoods, speaked
by big ads in all newspapers . . . The Astor
Theatre is featuring a free pass coupon, good
for one admission when accompanied by a
paid admission. The house presents two new
pictures every day and is opened all night.
A fire broke out in the basement of the
Fannie May candy shop on the first floor of
the three-story Marbro Theatre building and
spread between the walls to the top floor.
The theatre itself was not damaged because
of a protecting firewall . . . Joseph Burstyn,
the film importer who has booked "Bicycle
Thief" into the World Playhouse, is the chap
who gambled on the first two Rossellini films
to hit pay dirt, "Open City" and "Paisan,"
which have played a return engagement at
the Playhouse. "Paisan" is the picture that
inspired Ingrid to write her first letter to
Roberto.
Harry Lessman, Filmrow cigar merchant,
was back at his old stand after an absence
of many months due to illness . . . Moe
Cooper recently underwent surgery at Michael
Reese ho.spital . . . Birthday greetings
to Nat Nathanson, Lawrence Schienberg.
Bernard Mack and Irwin Jo.seph . . Orchids
.
to Sam Levinsohn, head of Chicago Used
Chair Mart and Heart chairman of the Cinema
B'nai B'rith lodge, and members who
have been placing coin containers in business
establishments throughout the city in an effort
to exceed last year's collections for the
Chicago Heart Ass'n fund.
Charles Baron, exploiteer for Eagle Lion,
was here working with B&K's Dave Arlen on
a campaign for "Guilty of Treason," which
will bow at the UA Tlieatre February 22.
.\ttorney Thomas McConnell says that since
films are received by subsequent theatres
much earlier under the edict of the Jackson
Park antitrust case, they are doing much better
business and the film companies take has
increased from 20 to 25 per cent. He quoted
exchange managers and said he was able to
examine books of a couple of exchanges.
The B&K Northshore Theatre on Howard
street has advanced to an A-booking schedule
and admission prices have been advanced
from 62 to 74 cents evenings. This
gives the circuit three A-houses on the
The Astor Theatre at
north side area . . .
Clark and Madison streets has gone into
all-night policy at popular prices. This
makes three all-night film houses in the
Loop, the E.s.saness Woods Lubliner's Clark
being the others. The RKO Grand plays
midnight shows, but has no all-night policy.
former prima donna, is spearheading a drive
to raise funds for an Italian Boys Town. A Manager Jim Fields, Warners' Stratford,
high point was the benefit premiere of "Bicycle
Thief" at Abe Teitel's World Playhouse, Saturday shows and the kiddies are flock-
has added a Hopalong Cassidy matinee for
Friday (17) ... A new English film opened ing in droves, he says. Chicago Tribune
at the B&K Pantheon Theatre on the north recently started the Hopalong film strips
side. "Hungry Hill," the story concerned with and this is helping Cassidy films, both new
40 feuding years, is laid in Ireland during and old, the managers report . Dunn,
Queen Victoria's reign and tells of the fight manager of Warners' Partheon in Hammond,
is ill at home, and Bob Kennedy,
of Cornish miners brought to Ireland to sink
a copper mine. Starred in the film are Dennis
Price, Margaret Lockwood and Jean Sim-
in charge. Jim Fennell is at the Highland
Highland Theatre, Chicago, is temporarily
mons.
as assistant.
Sheboygan County Council
Holds Dinner, Preview
KIEL, WIS.—Some 90 persons attended a
recent dinner given by the Better Films
Council of Sheboygan county here, and approximately
20 others attended a preview of
the film "On the Town," which was sent here
from MGM in Milwaukee especially for the
event.
Six cities were represented at the dinner
and discussions were held about the selection
and patronage of better screen fare. It was
revealed that the Kiel Chamber of Commerce
has voted $200 this year for children's films.
SIGNS
MARQUEES
^ATTRACTION
BOARDS
w/P/r£ Off wm€
iADV^S£RVIC€
"Sign and Lighting Specialists
for Over (
Quarter Century."
REASONABLE
PRICES
BOXOFFICE :; February 18. 1950 63

Those Who Boycott Bergman Films,
Theatremen Included, Are Blamed
ST. IX>UIS—The St. Louis Register, the
official pubhcation of the St. Louis archdiocese
of the Catholic church, makes a sharp
distinction between Ingrid Bergman the motion
picture artist and Ingrid Bergman the
woman who apparently forgot at least one of
the Ten Commandments as given to Moses.
In its February 10 issue the Register carries
the ratings of the National Council of the
Legion of Decency and "Stromboli," the latest
Bergman picture, carried the A-2 classification,
unobjectionable for adults, and "Joan
of Arc," another Bergman starring vehicle,
is rated as A-1, unobjectionable for general
patronage.
Then, in a separate story, the same issue
of the Register deals with Ingrid Bergman,
the woman, and Roberto RosseUini, the man,
and also their child. It is an unusual treatment
of their situation, different from any
other press comment on the picture.
Motion picture theatre owners who are inclined
to blacklist all Bergman motion pictures
and the clergymen of various faiths.
Catholic as well as Protestant, and the thousands
of others who are so excited because a
woman and a male violated the Commandment
"Thou shall not commit adultery" apparently
have failed to remember that at the
same time God gave to Moses another Com-
FROM BOXOFFICE DATE OF THE 4th FEB.
For
Greater Popping Profits
Today, due to good supply throughout
the corn producing area, top grade popcorn
will expand 32 to 34 times after
popping. If a merchant wishes to save
50 cents or $1 on 100 pounds of raw popcorn
with an expansion of 28 times, he
may have a loss in finished product of
12 to 15 per cent compared to the use of
top grade corn. A 12 or 15 per cent loss
in popped product may mean an actual
loss of $15 to $2i5 per 100-pound bag of
popcorn.
Therefore, when the popcorn merchant
buys raw popcorn, quality and
expansion volume should be paramount
and price, secondary. Any large popcorn
dealer will certainly stand back of his
product and a good source of top quality
popcorn is a great help to any popcorn
merchant.
Amen.
mandment, "Thou shall not steal," the Register
argued.
"So when a clergjnnan or another person
advises that a motion picture theatre should
be boycotted and its business destroyed if it
dares to show a Bergman picture, that is a
clear violation of that other Commandment
of God." it read. "For it not only steals from
the motion picture theatre owner the business
that he is entitled to on the merits of
the picture but also steals from the producer
and distributor the money they invested in
fine pictures. Class A productions morally and
artistically, months and years before a weak
woman fell in grace before God and man.
"Pictures starring Ingrid Bergman or any
other person should be judged and evaluated
strictly on their merits as film productions
God's law on that is clear and clean cut."
The RKO tradeshowing of "Stromboli,"
originally scheduled for February 7 at the
RKO screening room, was postponed to
Wednesday (15). The date for the first run
showing of the picture in St. Louis has not
been announced.
Green Bay Council Votes
Bon on "Stromboli"
GREEN BAY, WIS.—The Green Bay common
coimcil voted on February 8 to ban the
film "Stromboli" from showing in this city
of about 49,000, a Catholic stronghold of the
state. A resolution presented by an alderman
prohibited the showing of the film because
of adverse publicity, and the vote was reported
to have been unanimous. Citizens interviewed
were of the opinion that the more
you ban a picture, the better the boxoffice
receipts.
Cartoon Ad for Preview
Pays Off at Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE—A novel form of newspaper
ad was used in the Milwaukee Journal by Fox
Wisconsin for a sneak preview at the Wisconsin
Theatre downtown. A cartoon was
used at the head of the ads showing patrons
hurrying to the Wisconsin for the show, a
daughter, hurriedly putting on her coat, saying
as she rushed down the home porch:
"Mother, why didn't you tell me there will
be a sneak preview tonight at 9 p.m. at the
Fox Wisconsin Theatre?" Her companions
are remarking: "Dorothy McGuire sure is my
favorite!" and "William Lundigan is terrific!"
The ad brought in the crowds.
Citywide Search for Girl
Who Likes Cowboy Films
FRANK P. MORRIS GREEN BAY, WIS.—Seven-year-old
MANLEY, INC.
3138 Olive Street
St. Louis 3, Missouri
by those handsome gents from the plains
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Screen Coating and Masking Paint. Prompt Shipment
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. K?nL^1{y"'Mo.
Rita
Lee Taylor adores cowboys, it seems. She
spent ten hours watching Roy Rogers and
Hopalong Cassidy in a local theatre, while
her parents and police conducted a frantic
citywide search for her. Rita's father even
had her name called over the loud speaker
in the theatre, but she was too enthralled
to
hear it. When she finally did get home,
Rita confided that she would have stayed
at the theatre even longer, only the theatre
closed.
Checks Area Opinions
On Building Theatre
MOUNT PROSPECT, ILL. — Walter A.
Wischstadt has sent out a questionnaire to
find out if people in this area want a motion
picture theatre and. if so, what kind.
By checking the preferred answers on an
addressed return post card, persons throughout
the area can report whether they really
want a theatre, to what extent television is
changing their theatregoing habits, whether
they want a drive-in or the "year-round comfort
and hospitality of a well-managed indoor
family theatre," whether they prefer
single or double features and the type to
play, and if they want carefully selected matinees
for children on Saturday.
"The many difficulties encountered since
the theatre was planned in 1947," Wischstadt
commented, "we tackled one by one as
they came up, and finally have been overcome.
However, the very recent threat of
television's rapid growth and the possibility
of nearby outdoor drive-in theatre competition
make it advisable to sound out the people's
viewpoint on these two mediums of entertainment
before proceeding with construction."
Walter Vollinger Leases
Former Pap's Theatres
EMINENCE, MO. — The county court of
Shannon county has closed a deal with Walter
Vollinger, manager of tha Ritz Theatre
in Van Buren, under which he has leased the
three theatres recently turned over to the
county by W. S. Brawley in settlement of a
civil suit brought by the county to collect
$48,000 said to be due from Brawley as Shannon
county treasurer.
The theatres, all formerly known as Pap's
Theatre, are located in Eminence, Birch Tree
and Winona, Mo. Vollinger has changed the
name in each instance to conform to the
name of the town. His lease is for a 90-day
period, at the end of which a new and larger
contract probably will be entered into.
Films With School Lunches
MILWAUKEE—A full lunch program, including
motion pictures, is finding increasing
acceptance among local high schools.
Some schools show films from one to three
days a week to fill in the free time between
the end of lunch and the opening of classes,
and at least one school has daily shows with
attendance as high as 75 per cent of the
pupils. Sports, dancing, dramatics and
games are used by the schools when motion
pictures are not shown.
G4 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

. . . Alvin
. . The
. .
$30,000 Heart Fund
Is Urged for Tent 4
ST. LOTJIS—Robert J. O'Donnell of Dallas,
chief barker of the Variety Clubs International,
will retire from that position at
the next international gathering of the Variety
Clubs to be held in New Orleans. He
announced this at a joint meeting of the
members of Tent 4 here and the MPTO nf
St. Louis. Eastern Missouri and Southern
Illinois, at Hotel Melbourne on Wednesday
(8).
EN ROUTE TO UTI CONVENTION
O'Donnell stopped off here en route to the
convention of the United Theatre Owners of
Illinois at Springfield February 9 and 10,
and prior to his talk attended a Dutch luncheon
in the new quarters of the St. Louis
Variety Club on the second floor of the
Melbourne hotel. His talk was rather informal,
dealing both with the affairs of
Variety and the TOA and including a brief
discussion of the objectives of COMPO and
the present campaign to obtain the repeal
or reduction of the federal 20 per cent tax
of motion picture theatre admissions.
He urged the members of Tent 4 to get behind
their new officers, headed by Joe
Ansell, chief barker, to expand not only the
membership but also the objectives of the
local club. He expressed the belief that Tent
4 should be able to raise from $30,000 to
$40,000 annually above its own expenses for
the furtherance of its heart fund work.
Touching on COMPO he expressed gratification
that Variety Clubs International had
been invited to join in its work, and also disappointment
that TOA had delayed its ratification
of the COMPO program. He expressed
the opinion that the $600,000 annual fund
contemplated by COMPO was not too much
to do a proper personal relations job for
the motion picture industry, pointing out
that it probably will take $75,000 a year to
get the right type of man to head up that
organization.
He stressed the importance of individual
theatre owners, as well as other facets in the
business, to get behind the campaign for the
repeal of the unfair federal admission taxes.
UNWORRIED BY DRIVE-INS
Apparently, he is not too concerned either
about drive-in theatres or television competition
with the motion picture houses. With
respect to drive-ins, he said that eventually
.such amusement places .should create new
patrons for the brick-and-mortar houses on
a longhaul basis. Television, he contended,
would have no way of competing with the
combined buying power of exhibitors when
theatre television becomes practical through
the allocation of exclusive television channels
for theatres. He also expressed doubt that
phonevision would be an answer to the revenue
problems of the television stations, especially
if they try to give shows warranting
the charging of a pay-as-you-see fee of $1,
or even less, per show.
Following the Melbourne hotel gathering,
some of those in attendance went to the
S'Renco screening room to view the COMPO
trailer on the repeal of the amusement tax.
There also was a meeting of the exchange
managers who are members of the tax regulation
committee. Various phases of the repeal
program were di.scussed. If the 20 per
cent amusement tax is reduced or eliminated
many theatres will be able to reduce
their admission prices. Joseph C. Ansell was
quoted as saying by the St. Louis newspapers
following the Melbourne meeting.
All of the first run theatres and many of
the neighborhood and suburban houses have
been soliciting signatures to petitions seeking
the repeal of the amusement tax. Some
of the larger theatres have been obtaining
signatures at the rate of 1,000 per day.
Many of the smaller theatres have never
advanced their admission prices, ab.sorbing
the federal tax. So in all fairness tax repeal
should not affect the prices of such houses,
it has been pointed out.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty
Years Ago)
pox will build a $3,000,000 theatre in Chicago,
says Sidney Meyer, general manager
of Fox Chicago Theatre, at 92nd and
Commercial avenue. The house will seat 3.000
and will be completed by fall . . . Roy Boomer,
manager of the Stratford Theatre, a Coston
house, suffered an infected finger, apparently
from a tinsel sign he was working on. Amputation
of one finger may be necessary.
Mrs. H. C. Bertrand, chairman of the neighborhood
theatre organization, reports that
18 neighborhoods in Indianapolis gave potato
and apple matinees during the holidays,
which were attended by 2.500 youngsters.
Sam Katz has been elected president ol
Balaban & Katz in Chicago, succeeding Herbert
L. Stern, who has been president of the
organization since its inception. John Balaban
was re-elected vice-president. Earnings
for the organization for 1929 were $2,601,000
compared to $1,559,000 for 1928.
Films in the Prospect Theatre, Indianapolis
exploded recently with $2,500 damage from
the blaze. Spontaneous combustion was reported
as the cause . . . A. W. Sobler, Jack
Rose and William McCarthy of the J. E.
Costen office in Chicago have taken over the
Parkside Theatre, a 1,000-seat house at 1550
North Clark St.
Lipton Astrakin, for years city sales manager
in Chicago for Universal, has left to takeup
duties as Universal representative in th(i
Orient. Ben Eisen .suceeds Astrakin and
Bill Baker was appointed short subjects sales
manager.
MILWAUKEE
nffiliated Management Corp. has been
formed here with capital stock of 500
shares at no par value by Richard R. Teschner,
Paul Noelke and Lorraine O. Thorn .
Harvey Hanson, owner of the Palace Theatre
at Antigo. Wis., for more than 25 years, died
of heart disease recently. For the last few
years the Palace has been operated by Mrs.
Lucille Forbes Fowler under a lease . . . Mi.ss
Lee Peffer. booker and office manager of
Screen Guild P:-oductions and Lippert Productions
here, returned from a two-week
vacation at Daytona Beach and Miami, Fla.
Thurman Schroder, former manager of the
Neenah, operated by S&M Theatres at Neenah.
Wis., is now booker at the S&M office
here, succeeding Art Miresse, who resigned
Goodwin, general sales manager
for Quality Premium Distributors, visited
Vincent DeLorenzo, Wisconsin representative
and called on local exhibitors. He was on
the way to Kan.sas City and Dallas.
Teddy Hayes, formerly Teddy Weinstein,
a projectionist at the Orpheum Theatre here
many years, has landed an important job as
congressional liaison man for Oscar R. Ewing,
a federal administrator. Hayes has been in
government work since 1937 . . . Ben Marcus,
president of Allied Independent Theatre Owners
of Wisconsin, and Harold Pearson, executive
secretary, attended the national Allied
board meeting in Washington.
The Riverside featured the Lawrence Welk
orchestra plus "Star-Studded Revue" with
Jerry Colonna on the stage and "The Tattooed
Stranger" on the screen ... A Valentine
party was given for the kids Saturday
I 111, consisting of two features and six cartoons,
at five of the Warner theatres, the
Egyptian, Milwaukee, National, Juneau and
Granada .
Fox Downer, on the upper
east side, presented "Rigoletto," the opera
film.
One TV set was given away free each Monday
durmg January to the holder of the most
admission ticket stubs to the Avalon Theatre
in the south side. Beginning with the .second
week of February, a TV .set is given away
free every Monday at the Fi-anklin. north
side theatre, to holders of the most ticket
stubs. It is reported that other theatres In
this area expect to give similar prizes.
Get your audience signing petitions now!
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
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The MODERN THEATRE Section).
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BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950
65

12-Year-Old Sentenced
For Setting Odeon Fires
BEAVER DAM. WIS. — A 12-year-old
boy
who confessed starting a series of fires here
recently, including three at the Odeon Theatre,
has been ordered committed to the Wisconsin
Industrial School for Boys at Waukesha
until he is 21.
Judge W. C. O'Connell. presiding in juvenile
court, however, tempered the sentence by directing
that the boy be placed at some home
for younger boys, providing such a place
could be found which would accept him. The
county sheriff's office said tentative arrangements
had been made to place the boy at a
Catholic home.
Donald Melton Resigns
MOUNT CARROLL. ILL.—Donald Melton,
manager of the Carroll Theatre here for the
last three years, has resigned.
pp
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Twenty-four hour service
Live Acts to Circle
INDIANAPOLIS—Walter Wolverton. manager
of the Circle Theatre, has booked stage
engagements for February and March, including
Prankie Carle. February 9 with a
stage show: Eddy Duchin. February 23. and
March dates will include Tommy Dorsey,
Lawrence Welk and Vaughn Monroe. The
finals of the Sammy Kaye disk jockey series
Jockeys Jim Lowe. Ozzie Osborn.
were held.
Easy Gwynn. Milt Lewis. Bill Faulkner. Wally
Nehrling and Mike Dunn, paraded their daily
winners during the final show (2). Johnny
Newmister. 14-year-old North Vernon boy.
walked off with top honors.
Grossman Outbids Chain
CHICAGO—Grossman's Mode Theatre in
Joliet and the Isle Theatre. Aurora, and the
independent Avon Theatre in South Bend,
Ind.. outbid the Great States circuit for
MGM's "Battleground" first run for these
towns. Great States secured "Battleground"
for Peoria. Rockford, Springfield and Bloomington
theatres.
Blue Mounds Pix Reopens
BLUE MOUNDS, ILL.—The Pix
Theatre,
recently reopened by its new owner Byers
Jordan, has been provided with new sound
equipment. New lenses also have been installed.
A new popcorn machine is another
improvement provided by Jordan after he
bought the house from St. Louis interests.
The theatre also is using stage shows to supplement
the picture program.
Dickinson Chain Remodeh
Quincy Star Theatre
QUINCY. ILL — Extensive remodeling
work has been started on the Star Theatre
here by the Dickinson Operating Co.. owner
of the theatre. Art Perry of the Dickinson
circuit is supervising the work. He alsc
headed work done on the Belasco Theatre
which was remodeled last spring.
Plans call for a new front of glass blocks
a new lobby floor with a ramp effect, a new
style boxoffice. new concession stand and new
restrooms. Mark Leslie, manager of the Belasco
and Star, says extensive remodeling will
he done within the theatre.
Dickinson also is remodeling the Macor
Theatre, in Macon, Mo.
Chadwick Theatre Elects
Two to Board Members
CHADWICK, ILL.—The Chadwick Theatre
Corp. held its annual stockholders meeting
here recently and elected Erm Barnhart and
Walter Queckboerner to three year terms on
the board of directors succeeding K, W.
Senneff and Lloyd Handel.
Home Directors Meet
ANTIGO. WIS.—At the annual meeting of
the Home Theatre Co. about 1,400 shares of
stock were represented. Miles Jansen and
Norbert Schleis were re-elected to the directorate.
The following officers for 1950 were
chosen: President. Mose Jansen, re-elected;
vice-president. Dr. C. E. Zellmer, and secretary-treasurer-manager,
John Hanus.
Join the Widening Circle
Send in your reports to BOXOFFICE
on response of patrons to pictures
you show. Be one of the many who
report to —
THE EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
Address your letters to Editor,
"Exhibitor Has His Say," 825
Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City,
Mo.
A Widely Read Weekly Feature of Special Interest
BOXOFFICE
Always in the Forefront With the News
B6 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

Fred Harpst Is Named
Manager of Allied
KANSAS CITY—Fred Harpst. booker and
buyer for the Kansas-Missouri Allied unit
since June 1948, was appointed general manager
of the organization at a meeting of its
board of directors here Tuesday (14). He
succeeds C. M. Parkhurst. who resigned recently
to devote his entire time and attention
to his theatre interests in Kansas and
Missouri. Harpst will continue to handle
booking and buying in addition to his new
duties as general manager.
A special committee appointed during the
meeting by O. F. Sullivan. Wichita, president,
to assist Harpst in matters relating
to personnel includes Jay Means. Oak Park,
Kansas City, chairman; E. M. Block, Civic,
Sabetha, Kas., and V. R. Stamm, Kansas
City, unit secretary and treasurer.
Following a detailed report by Sullivan
of proceedings at the recent national Allied
board meeting in Washington, the directors
approved resolutions supporting the new Motion
Picture Ass'n of Kansas City, condemning
forced competitive bidding and percentage
pictures, and supplementing a national
board resolution disapproving "Stromboli."
Plans were started during the session for
a regional equipment display and drive-in
meeting which the Kansas-Missouri unit will
sponsor May 8 preceding its annual spring
convention May 9. 10 at the Phillips hotel
here. Following recommendations of the national
Allied board, the region to be covered
will include Indiana. Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska,
Texas and the Rocky Mountain states.
Further details of the equipment display
and drive-in meeting, along with those for
the two-day spring convention, will be among
subjects to be di.scussed at the next Kansas-
Missouri Allied board meeting, to be held
about March 15. Special committees which
will supervise details of the projects are to
be appointed by Sullivan during the next
several weeks.
James Bey Is Assistant
At Atlantic, Iowa
ATLANTIC. IOWA — James Bey,
assistant
manager for Pioneer Theatres at Storm Lake
for the last year, has been named assistant
at the Atlantic and Grand theatres here, according
to Manager Art Farrell. Bey also
will manage the Corral Drive-In this summer.
He was in theatre business in Washington
prior to going to Storm Lake.
C. J. Wheeler Joins EL
OMAHA—Manager Ed Cohen of Eagle Lion
has added C. J. Wheeler as a salesman.
Wheeler was an RKO salesman out of Dallas
for a number of years.
Big Iowa Circuit Sees Bar
On 'Stromboli' as Unfair
DES MOINES—Tlie battle of "Stromboli"
came to Iowa last week and after the smoke
had cleared away it appeared the first skirmish
was a draw. The Allied Independent
Theatre Owners of Iowa and Nebraska advised
its member theatres not to show the
Ingrid Bergman picture. The Tin-States Theatre
Corp.. on the other hand, said the picture
"offends no moral code" and announced it
does not consider it has the right to prohibit
showing the picture in its theatres. Most of
the theatres in the state come imder the
jurisdiction of either Ti-i-States (and its
affiliate. Central States) or the independent
group.
Tlie Allied recommendation was made in
the group's current general bulletin distributed
to members and to the motion picture
industry in general. The bulletin likewise
suggested that the public be advi.sed of this
attitude toward the film.
Leo F. Wolcott, Eldora, chairman of the
Allied board, pointed out the circumstances
which have made "Stromboli" a controversial
film, that the picture is "now being rushed
into release in the United States by RKO-
Radio pictures." The public, he continued,
can and will blame theatre owners for showing
the film, even though American theatres
are not responsible for its production or for
the moral conduct of the star and the director,
Roberto Rossellini.
Tri-States. meanwhile, pointed out that
such action "would penalize the producer because
of an unfortunate circumstance to a
player" and be "undemocratic" for theatregoers.
The film is scheduled to show in Des Moines
at the RKO Orpheum Theatre next week.
"We believe the Legion of Decency (Catholic
censor gi-oup) has clarified the position
of the theatre owners in statements that they
judge only the picture." Tri-State's statement
continued. "We believe from there on, it is
up to the patrons as to whether they do or
do not want to see Miss Bergman in this or
any other picture in which she may play."
Pointing out that Mi.ss Bergman is playing
in "other fine and excellent productions," the
statement added that boycott by the theatres
of "Stromboli" because of the star's personal
life would mean, "unfortunately," barring of
all her pictures. The public, therefore, would
be "denied the right to .see these productions,
which we would consider most undemocratic,"
Tri-States concluded.
Central States Theatre Corp.. without explanation,
has canceled the .showings of "Under
Capricorn" at two of its theatres—the
Majestic at Centerville and the Charles at
Charles City. The showings had been scheduled
for the latter part of February.
'Stromboli'
Playdates
Set in Omaha Area
OMAHA—First playdates for "Stromboli"
in this area have been »et at the RKO-
Brandeis here and in the Tri-States houses
at Hastings and Grand Island. Nonetheless,
pressure continues strong for bans on the film.
While most of the spanking of star Ingrid
Bergman and Roberto Rossellini has come
from the public and church groups, at least
one exhibitor also is on the giving side.
Hal Burright, manager of the Orleans. Orleans,
Neb., refused to show Bergman's "Under
Capricorn," declaring: "If Hollywood can't
make its stars behave then it is up to the
film exhibitor to administer the spanking by
refusing to show pictures made by stars who
bring disgrace on the industry."
Larry Caplane, manager of the RKO-
Brandeis, said he had received few calls condemning
the run. He .said the Legion of
Decency clas.sed the film A-2, morally unobjectionable
for adults.
The Council Bluffs, Iowa. Ministerial Ass'n
and the United Protestant brotherhood of
that town took action to oppose showing of
the film there. It is booked into the Strand,
said Darrell Shelton, manager.
Tom Boyle, Doorman, Dies
CLINTON. IOWA—Thomas V. Boyle, doorman
at the Capitol Theatre for several years,
died recently after a lingering illness.
New Screen at Princess
HUMESTON, IOWA—A new screen has
been installed at the Princess Theatre here.
Owners are Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Rood.
.\T LIPPERT LUNCHEON — tiiiuil uliuijl^ .aid independent exhibitors were
guests at a luncheon February 10 at the Muehlebach hotel in Kansas City at which
Kobert L. Lippert, head of Lippert Productions, was the speaker. Lippcrt was accompanied
by .Arthur Greenblatt. Lippert general sales manager. Shown left to right in
the accompanying picture are Robert Shelton, Commonwealth Theatres; Homer F.
Strowig, Lyric, .Abilene, Kas.; Lippert; Glen Dickinson sr., Dickinson Theatres, and
K. R. Biechele. Osage, Kansas City, Has., and legislative chairman for the Kansas-
Missouri Theatre .Ass'n.
BOXOFTICE :: February 18, 1950 MW 67

APPEAR IN KANSAS CITY—John Barrymore jr. and Chill Wills, both of whom
are featured in the Eagle Lion production "The Sundowners," made personal appearances
recently at the Tower and Uptown theatres in Kansas City in connection with
the opening of the film day and date at the two houses and also at the Fairway, all
operated by Fox Midwest. Shown left to right in the accompanying picture are Joe
Redmond, Fox Midwest advertising and publicity assistant; Barrymore, Wills and Bob
Collier, Tower assistant manager.
No Wrong in Publishing
Film Scandals, Editors Say
MINNEAPOLIS — Northwest Daily
Press
Ass'n members favor publication of stories
"such as those recently involving Rita Hayworth
and Ingrid Bergman." according to a
survey taken by the Minneapolis Morning
Tribune during the association's convention
here.
One of the editors interviewed said his
newspaper had received only a few complaints
about running of the stories.
"Ingrid and Rita became wealthy in Hollywood
because of publicity," another editor
commented. "They became celebrities because
they wanted to be celebrities. In exchange for
becoming celebrities, they owe the public good
conduct or must suffer the con.sequences."
Still another comment was that "if handled
properly in the home, such stories can be used
to point out a moral lesson to children who
might otherwise be influenced wrongly by the
antics of their movie idols."
Entertainment Forum
Is Held for Employes
MANHATTAN, KAS. — An entertainment
forum which trains the employes in conducting
and presenting different types of entertainment
programs is being held for employes
of the Sosna. State. Carlton and Skyvue theatres
here. The forums will be held each Saturday
for the next eight weeks, Dave Dallas,
TEI city manager, said. A cash prize will be
awarded at the end of that time for the best
program presented.
C. J. Higgins Buys Theatre
ANSLEY, NEB.—Clifton J. Higgins, starting
March 1, will get a chance to put into practice
some of the things he learned in the army's
motion picture section in Japan. He has
bought the Paramount at Ansley from Ben
Thorn. Thorn now will operate in Beaver
City, having bought the Sun there from Ben
Miller.
Your Best Buy is

: February
"
. . . Evelyn
. . Nate
. . Mary
. . Irene
. . John
. . . Exhibitors
. . Ken
!
. . John
—
'Pinky' Is Champion
Of Twin City Week
MINNEAPOLIS—"Pinky" was last week's
boxoffice champion here. Another major
newcomer that made a good showing was
"On the Town." Trailers were "They Live
by Night" and "Borderline." It was the fourth
week for "Samson and Delilah" and "All the-
King's Men" and the second for "Hamlet.
(Average Is 100)
Aster Prison Mutiny (Mono); Last Crooked Mile
(Repp), reissues 90
Century—Samson and Delilah (Para), 4lh wlc 120
Gopher—Tension (MGM); Tough Assignment (LP) 90
Lyric Renegades (Col), Desperado (Col),
Pix—a'iI the King's Men (Col), 4th d. t. wk 110
Radio City-On the Town (MGM) 115
RKO-Pan—They Live by Night (RKO) 100
RKO-Orpheum—Borderline (U-I) 90
State—Pinky (20th-Fox) 130
World—Hamlet (U-1), 2nd run, Znd wk 110
D E S
MOINES
Police (U-I); Armored Car (U-l),
Esquire—Stale Marie Butcher, Metro, celebrated her birthday
on Lincoln's anniversary . . . Russ
reissues
- 50
Kimo, Aladdin—My Foolish Heart (RKO) 225
Midland—East Side, West Side (MGM); Tension Eraser and Jimmy Redmond. Tri-State publicity
men. spent last week in Omaha on
(MGM) 120
Pen-amount-Montana (WB), 2nd wk
SO
RKO Missouri—The Hasty Heart (WB); Masked business .
Sandler is vacationing in
California .
(MGM); Prince o( Foxes
(20th-Fox), 2nd run 90 spent the weekend with her fiarents in
Haiders
Roxy—On
(RKO)
the Tovra
65
Hoffmann. Warners,
Walnut.
Iowa . Lind is new billing
Tower, Uptown, Fairway—The Sundownerj (EL),
Project X (FC) (Tower only) 90
clerk at Universal, replacing Corrine Sinnard
who left the staff after a week's time
Tellis, contract clerk for Universal,
Mannie Gottlieb, district
was sick . . . manager, will be a guest in the Universal
exchange this week.
'Danube' and 'Tension' Pace
Trade at Omaha Theatres
OMAHA — "Battleground" stayed at the
State Theatre for a third week, while "All the
King's Men" and "Girls' School" remained at
the RKO Brandeis Theatre for a second
round. The best comparative gross was that
of the Orpheum Theatre wuth a pairing of
"The Red Danube" and "Tension."
Omaha—Abandoned (U-I), One Woman's Story
(U-I), 6 days 95
Orpheum—The Red Danube (MGM); Tension
(MGM) 110
Paramount-Montana (WB) - ...105
RKO Brandeis— All the King's Men (Col); Girls'
School (Col), 2nd wk 95
State—Battleground (MGM), 3rd wk 95
Town—C-Man (FC), 2nd run; Bomba, the lungle
Boy (Mono), 2nd run; Homcsteoders oi Paradise
Valley (Rep), split wilh Great Guy (GN), Forty
Thieves (UA) 110
"rhe 12 inches of snow which covered Des
Moines and surrounding territory was the
biggest topic of conversation here last week.
Salesmen remained in town until roads were
cleared, or took trains where possible. George
Baumeister, Metro salesman, couldn't even town .
Wagner, exhibitor at Wilton
make it to the exchange, being snowbound Junction, is drawing the heaviest fan mail
at his home in Waukee . . . Secretaries were of any program on WOC-TV for his cartoon
busy getting out letters to Iowa congressmen
in the drive to urge removal of the sponsored
show. Rumor has it that he will soon be
federal tax on theatre admissions. A meeting
of branch managers, salesmen and book-
Bob Williams of the Sunset Theatre in
Davenport returned from a trip to Chicago,
ers was held in the Paramount screening
New York and Boston Koletis of
.
room last Monday morning and everyone was
the Riveria in Rock Island represented his
urged to get behind the movement and make
area at the TOA meeting in Springfield, 111.
his opinions known.
who braved the weather last
Don Hicks left Iowa by auto in the midst
. . . Claudean
of the blizzard for CaUfornia where his
Dee Hymes.
father-in-law is very ill . . .
Republic, has been away from the office for
two weeks with pneumonia
Freuh. Republic, spent the weekend at her
home in Afton . Thomas has taken
over the bookings and office managership for
'Foolish Heart' Scores
225 in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—First run trade in general
here was spotty. A dualing of "East
Side, West Side" and "Tension" at the Midland
racked up 120 per cent to pace the Realart Pictures . . . Wilma Foster. MGM
downtown theatres. "My Foolish Heart," day inspector, was ill last week . . . Lucille Avery,
and date at the midtown Kimo and the outlying
Aladdin as well as two other houses main at home because of the illness of her
also a Metro inspector, was forced to re-
in the area, registered 225 per cent. young daughter.
Several managers and salesmen drove to
Osage. Iowa. February 14 for the opening
HEYWOOD-,
WAKEFIELD'
of the Watts Theatre there. Owner Jim
Watts held a special preview at 1:30 p. m.
for distributors and exhibitors and opened
the theatre to the public in the evening.
Watts also owns the Osage Theatre in that
week for a trip to Filmrow were few, but
among those who did were W. J. Whaley,
Deep River; V. J. Shipright, Osceola; Don
Gran. Sioux Rapids, and Jack Bauma. Pocahontas.
Fred Weimar has joined the staff at NSS
as salesman. Weimar comes from Salt Lake
City. Utah, where he was manager for NSS
before taking a leave six months ago . . . Jim
Ricketts. Monogram salesman, is happily "at
home" in his new apartment in Franklin
Court.
Install New Equipment
STANTON, NEB.—C. J. Kremer has installed
new equipment in the Rialto Theatre
here. A vocalite beaded screen, coated projection
lenses and a new high intensity arc
lamp replaced those formerly used.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY'S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines, Iowa
•Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m
Put Comfort First...
To Rebuild at Forest City
FOREST CITY. IOWA—Workmen began
tearing down the old Forest Theatre here
last week. First to go was the marquee and
the neon sign, which were torn down by the
Iowa Neon Sign Co. of Des Moines. The theatre
is being razed so that a new structure
can be built on the site.
CALL DON WEST
FOR COMPLETE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Ule-Health-Accident-Hospilal-Thelt
Automobile-Fire-Personal Liability-
Floaters-Polio.
300 Walnut Bldg. Phone 2-44S4
'just ask anyone on film row"
And -with the new He-ywood-Wakefield theatre
chairs, you are sure of appearance and
long service as well. Sturdy, steel construction assures you
of long, trouble-free service. Come in and see for yourself
the wide selection of colors and fabrics.
DES MOINES THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
Mohawk Carpets
Heywood-Wakelield Seating
National Carbons
Projector Repair Service
1121-23 High St.
Phone 3-6520
Des Moines, Iowa
BOXOFFICE
:
18, 1950
69

. . . The
. . The
. . The
OMAHA
Tust when Omaha area exhibitors thought
they were rid of winter, the old man came
back and belted them with the heaviest snowstorm
of the season. Snowfall ranged from
5 to 15 inches. Exhibitors warily watched
dwindling coal piles. No towns in Nebraska
were reported in distress, but there were some
in Iowa where coal supplies were short.
Howard A. Jackson was re-elected business
manager and Alvin Kostlan of the RKO-
Brandeis president in the annual election of
Local 343 of the Omaha operators union.
R. L. Mclntyre was named first vice-president:
Art Krake, second vice-president; R, V.
Mortenson, financial secretary; R. L. Harrington,
Mace Brown, Paul Pollard, trustees, and
Al Frazier, sergeant at arms. Ros Hatton
was chosen treasurer, replacing Bayard
Loomis who resigned because of poor health.
.
F. A. Van Husan, manager of Western Theatre
Supply Co., is back on the job, fully recovered
from an illness . . . Mrs. Daniel
O'Connor of St. Louis, the former Lenka
Isacson of Omaha, has a part in the film,
"Outbreak." She also was in "Answer for
Ann" . Omaha Symphony orchestra
and the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben will put on
Sigmund Romberg's "New Moon" here May
24, 25 . . . Joe Scott, 20th Century-Pox manager,
attended a district meeting in Kansas
City Oliver building, which houses
the Varsity in Lincoln, will be remodeled into
a modern two-story structure. The theatre
will not be touched.
of Parkston, S. D., and Merrill Fie of George,
Iowa . . . Three Omaha houses held Saturday
morning shows. The RKO-Brandeis featured
a 25-cent battle of the cowboys, a Hopalong
Cassidy and a Gene Autry film. The State
had "Circus Days." A cartoon show was given
at the Omaha . . . Etoianuel Sinner, 60, Culberston,
new president of the Nebraska Fair
board, died in Lincoln.
Improve Lyric Theatre
MADISON, S. D.—G. L. Berquist, who recently
purchased the Lyric Theatre here, said
an improvement program has been completed
on the theatre. A Cycloramic screen, high intensity
lamps, projection heads and a new
generator have been installed. The auditorium
has been redecorated, and new popcorn
and candy dispensing equipment have been
added in the lobby.
Fairfield, Neb., Modem Reopens
FAIRFIELD, NEB.—The Modern has been
reopened here by Bob Van Houten.
—
The visit of the exhibiting March brothers,
Phil of Wayne, Neb., and George of Vermillion,
S. D., stirred speculation as to their
drive-in plans. They tested the field with an
open-airer last year at Spirit Lake, Iowa . . .
K-O-R-N, a popcorn business, has been incorporated
for $100,000 at North Bend, Neb.
Incorporators are Alex E. Legge and Conrad
M. Bloomquist of North Bend and Alex Legge
jr. of Fremont, Neb.
Exhibitor C. J. Kramer at Stanton is proud
of his new screen and high intensity lamps
White Horse farm of Naper, Neb.,
often featured in films, has been held by
Nebraska Attorney General James N. Anderson
to be a profit-making corporation and
therefore subject to tax assessment. The farm
had filed articles of corporation saying it
intends to devote a part or all of its property
to charitable purposes.
Ed Cohen, Eagle Lion manager, toured
western Nebraska without incident and then
returned home to Omaha to become snowbound.
He found Howard Kennedy, Broken
Bow exhibitor, still suffering from an eye infection
Nancy Williams has joined the
. . . 20th Century-Fox contract department, replacing
Marian Sokey ... A snowstorm didn't
keep Warren Hall, Burwell. from a visit to
Filmrow. He claimed he "mushed in."
Serena McKinney, white collar girl and Miss
Omaha of 1948 who was chosen as Cinderella
on a radio network show, had a big time in
Hollywood. She visited MGM, meeting Ricardo
Montalban, Lana Turner, Mario Lanza,
Kathryn Grayson, June AUyson, Elizabeth
Taylor and Esther Williams. Hedda Hopper
devoted a column to the Omaha girl.
HUGH FLANNERY— City Manager,
Ashley Theatres, Madison, Wisconsin—says:
"Our Orpheum, Parkway, Strand,
and Madison Theatres have been
regularly serviced by RCA for
the past fifteen years. Complete
satisfaction has been enjoyed by
both the management and our
patrons."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
Theatre Design, Construction and
Remodeling
F. A. McMICHAEL & SON
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Osborne, Kansas
YOU'LL LIKE
Among Filmrow visitors were Al Wuebben

,
Omaha Showmen Meet
To Boost Repeal Drive
OMAHA—Exhibitors report most patrons
are signing industry cards demanding repeal
of the admissions tax. An industry meeting
to push the drive in this area was held in
the 20th Century-Fox screening room and was
attended by most managers and salesmen.
Iz Weiner. U-I's new manager, represented
the distributors. Walter Creale, whose new
Center is under way in Omaha, was the exhibitor
representative. Bob Livingston, Cooper
Foundation, Lincoln, was the exhibitor chairman.
Also there were David D. Weinberg,
Omaha attorney, and Robert Dolgoff, his assistant.
Okay 750-Car Drive-In
Near Independence, Mo.
KANSAS CITY—The Jackson county planning
commission has recommended the
granting of a permit to construct and operate
a drive-in to Norman Davidson, Independence,
who has purchased a 40-acre tract on
Route 24 in the intercity district as the site
for a 750-car open air theatre. At a hearing
on the application, Floyd R. Gibson, commission
attorney, said that city officials of
Sugar Creek and other localities did not object
to the proposed drive-in. Several other
applications for permits to construct open air
theatres in the area recently were denied by
the commission.
Show Spending Rises
MINNEAPOLIS — U. S. Internal Revenue
collector's figures for January reveal an uptrend
in Minnesota amusement spending.
Both amusement admission and cabaret tax
payments showed gains over the corresponding
1949 month.
The admission tax receipts were up to $523,-
000 from $408,000 in the same month a year
ago—a substantial increase. Cabaret tax collections
were $55,000, compared to $47,000 in
the same 1949 period.
A Fulton, Mo., Drive-In
FULTON. MO.—A ten-acre tract on Route
54 one mile north of here has been purchased
as the site for a 400-car drive-in to
be erected by Don and Kenneth Fike. Construction
will be started soon and is expected
to be completed by June 1. A name for the
drive-in has not yet been selected.
lames Hill Sells Pilger
PILGER, NEB. — It's back to his former
stamping grounds at Peoria, 111., for James
Hill. He has sold his Pilger to Jerry Drennan,
a traveling salesman of Norfolk, Neb. Mrs.
Drennan wiU operate the house while her
husband continues to travel. Hill plans to
re-enter the exhibition field in Peoria.
Claude A. Six Is Re-Elected
ADRIAN," MO.—Claude A. Six was reelected
president of the Adrian Theatre Corp
community- owned and operated house, at a
recent meeting of stockholders. Other officers,
both of whom were re-elected, include
J. O. Phillips, vice-president, and Lewis M.
Davis, secretary and treasurer. Directors of
the firm include Leo H. Freund, Emery B.
Dowell, Earl J. Haas, Charles Timmons, Melvin
Ingram and Hadley H. Hess.
Drive-In Theatremen to Speak
February 22 at KMTA Meeting
KANSAS CITY—More than 75 operators of
open air theatres in various parts of the Kansas
City exchange area are expected to attend
the special drive-in meeting which the
Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n will sponsor
Wednesday 122) at the Phillips hotel here,
according to Dale Danielson. Russell, Kas.,
president. The session will begin at 10 a.m.,
and after a noon recess will continue throughout
the afternoon.
All phases of drive-in construction and
operation will be discussed by theatremen
who have been active in the open air field in
Kansas and Missouri during the last several
years. Among those who have accepted invitations
to speak during the meeting, and
their subjects, are:
Jack Braunagel, Kansas City, "Drive-In
Staff Organization and Operating Problems."
Glen Cooper, Dodge City and Garden City,
Kas., "What We Do to Preserve Surfacing."
William Flynn, Great Bend and Emporia,
Kas., "Lighting P>roblems I Have Experienced."
Airline Aides Save Life
Of S. N. Yaeger's Son
DES MOINES—Sol N. Yaeger. RKO salesman,
credits the alert efficiency of an airline
for saving the life of his 2-year-old son
Billy. Mrs. Yaeger noticed alarming red
streaks on Billy's arms half an hour before
she and the youngster were to board a plane
from Chicago to New York several days ago.
She inquired at the United Air Lines deck
if a doctor were available and in about two
minutes mother and child were being whisked
in a station wagon to United's hospital.
The doctor looked at the arm. "Acute
blood poisoning." he said. "A few years ago
this would have been fatal." Then he administered
a strong dose of penicillin. Meantime.
Mrs. Yaeger had missed her plane.
United booked passage for her and Billy on
a rival line and sent telegrams to her relatives
in New York explaining the .schedule
change. Tlien they put mother and child on
the plane.
In New York, she consulted another doctor
about Billy. "That doctor in Chicago
saved your boy's life." he said. "Ten dollars,
please."
Robbery Attempt at Roxy
JEFFERSON CITY. MO —An unknown person
who remained in the Roxy Tlieatre after
it was locked up recently attempted to rob
the house. Police said the west door of the
theatre was opened from the inside, but
according to a theatre employe nothing was
taken.
Burglary Attempt Fails
ALLIANCE. NEB. — Local police doubled
patrons near the Starlite Drive-In recently
after an attempted break-in in which burglars
pried boards off the door to the theatre office
and refreshment stand. They did not get
inside the office, however, according to
Charles Brittan, one of the theatre owners.
Jay Wooten, Hutchinson and Liberal, Kas.,
"Indoor Theatre Advertising Stunts I Can
Use Outdoors."
Finton Jones. Kansas City, "Insurance Necessary
for Drive-Ins and Means of Obtaining
Lower Rates."
Claude Parrish, Topeka, Kas., "Traffic Control
Hints."
Beverly Miller, Leavenworth, Kas., and Jefferson
City, Mo., "Concession Tips and Management."
Carl Burton, Fort Smith, Ark., "Winter
Drive-In Operation."
A representative of the Socony-Vacuum Oil
Co.. Kansas City. "Dust Control and Rockless
Surfacing."
Details of the meeting are being supervised
by Danielson. members of the KMTA drive-in
committee which includes C. E. Cook. Maryville.
Mo., chairman; Elmer Bills, Salisbury,
and Frank G. Weary, Richmond, Mo.; Homer
F. Strowig, Abilene, and Don Burnett, Larned,
Kas.. Gladyce Penrod. KMTA office manager.
Downtowner at St. Paul
Starts Triple-Featuring
MINNEAPOLIS—A second St.
Paul downtown
subsequent run theatre, the Garrick, has
started a policy of triple features at 35 cents.
It follows the lead of the Lyceum, also a
downtown subsequent run. The Garrick management
claims that the policy is necessitated
by declining grosses. It's advertising the new
policy on one of the lesser radio stations with
a jingle contest.
This territory has been a single feature
stronghold, but during the past year twin
billing has been on the increase.
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BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950
71

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NICKEBSON, KAS.—Mr. and Mrs. W. A.
Bolinger, owners of the Reno Theatre, held
a free show recently as part of an anniversary
celebration.
Satisfaction — Always
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We have a responsible circuit
of 46 years' standing
eager to expand in Midwest.
LToward E. Jameyson, Commonwealth Theatres
president, and his wife returned
Monday avis, Dallas,
TEI chief film buyer, visited the local office
of the circuit . . M. D. Cohn, Paramount
.
Theatre manager, was preparing to
leave February 24 with his wife for San
Francisco, where he will attend a meeting
of United Paramount Theatres officials.
Smiley Burnette, western film comedian,
stopped here briefly while en route by plane
to the west coast . . . Mona Freeman, featured
in the Paramount production "Dear
Wife," was a visitor here Thursday (16) ...
Les Durland, Film Classics branch manager,
and his wife were to leave Sunday (19) for
a two-week vacation in New Orleans and
other southern cities . Niclc Sonday, Uptown
. .
Theatre manager, was convalescing
after an operation at St. Mary's hospital.
Rube Melcher, Poppers Supply Co., and his
wife returned Tuesday (14i from Los Angeles
Bowen of United Films Service,
Inc., was recovering satisfactorily at his
home following a recent operation at St.
Chuck Decker, Monogram
Luke's hospital . . .
booker, celebrated his birthday Tuesday .
"The Red Shoes" was to open Sunday (19)
at the Orpheum at regular prices . . . William
Feld of the new Ti-iangle Film Co. returned
from a buying trip to New York.
"Samson and Delilah" opened Wednesday
(15 1 at the Paramount at advanced prices
Caruso, former Monogram cashier,
joined the Lippert branch staff. She has
been succeeded at Monogram by Ruth Hannon
. Fisk was to assume new duties
Monday (20> as secretary to Ben Marcus.
Columbia district manager . an
opening week day and date at four houses
in the Kansas City area, "My Foolish Heart"
was held for a second stanza at the midtown
Kimo.
MGM Quintet Advances
In Filmrow Pin League
KANSAS CITY—The MGM quintet chalked
up three additional victories and advanced
from sixth to third place, while the Shreve
Theatre Supply squad continued to lead the
Filmrow Bowling league here. The current
standings:
Teom Won Lost Team Won Lost
Shreve Supply 37 26 Fox Terriers 32 31
Film Delivery 35 28 Michlo "32 31
MGM 34 39 Fox Trotters 29 34
Finton Jones 33 30 Michaels 26 37
Diablos 33 30 Sharpshooters 24 39
Individual high 10. Vic Butricks, 231; individual
high 30, Warren Smith 609. Team
high 10, Fox Terriers 847; team high 30, Fox
Terriers 2382.
The Pox Midwest Vixens racked up two
additional victories and continued to lead
the Women's Filmrow Bowling league. Al's
Wildcats advanced from sixth to fifth place
by chalking up two wins, while the En Ess
Essers dropped to last place. Standings currently
are:
Team Won Lost
Fox Vixens 41 22
Warner Starlets. .37 26
Central Ship 35 28
Write to
MOSELEY & COMPANY
1111 Insurance Exchange Bldg.
Kansas City, Mo.
Reopen Princess Theatre
ST. MARY'S, KAS.—The Pi-incess Theatre
here, damaged by a fire last December 6, has
been reopened following extensive remodeling
and redecorating. H. F. Higgins, owner of the
300-seat house, is recovering at his home from
burns sustained during the fire.

—
Kansas City Colosseum
Plans Meeting March 6
KANSAS CITY~The next business meeting
of Kansas City Loge No. 12. Colosseum of
Motion Picture Salesmen, is being planned
for Monday, March 6. at the Frank Wachter
restaurant, 1112 Baltimore, according to Eddie
Golden, president.
Start Colby Drive-In
COLBY, KAS.—Construction of the 350-car
drive-in to be erected near the west city limits
here by Don Phillips, local theatreman,
has been started and is expected to be completed
early in the spring. RCA projection
and sound equipment and in-car speakers
have been purchased for the drive-in.
MRS. HAROLD CALLAWAY—
Owner and projectionist, Mars
Theatre, La Farge, Wise.— says:
"RCA Service brings to our
theatre a remarkable amount of
continuous admiration from our
patrons for our excellent sound
and clear projection. A gratifying
insurance!"
To get the benefits of RCA Service
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More Quality and Sincerity Going
Into Filmmaking, Critic Concedes
DULUTH—Big stars and heavy glamor no
longer will assure boxof fice successes in American
theatres, Bosley Crowther. New York
Times film critic, told a University of Minne-
.sota group at a Duluth convocation last week.
Motion picture tastes among American fans
are changing, according to Crowther. He
claims they ai-e now demanding more substance
from Hollywood. "Hamlet" and "Tlie
Red Shoes" demonstrate, in his opinion, the
drawing power of high-grade films for the
"over-30" audience.
"A few years ago theatre operators wouldn't
have dared put films of this kind before the
public, except possibly in New York or Chicago,"
he observed.
Crowther said an alarmed film industry has
finally accepted the advice of film critics and
is beginning to replace glamor with more
quality and sincerity. The 1949 decline in
theatre attendance caused the alarm and its
result, he told the university audience, Hollywood
has catered for years to fans under 30
years of age by combining stars and glamor
in films not requiring "too much intellectual
I'esponse," added the critic. Now, according
to Crowther, the industry is thinking about
films appealing to the "vast potential audience
beyond 30 who would be happy to go to
the theatre more often if they were assured
quality and sincerity,"
Crowther admitted it is difficult to solve
the technical problems involved in maintaining
exacting standards throughout a 400-picture
annual producing schedule. The industry
must turn out that many films to supply
18,000 U.S. theatres.
He listed these as the best five films currently
available: "All the King's Men." "Intruder
in the Dust," "Fallen Idol," "Twelve
O'clock High," and "Three Came Home,"
Public Relations Group
Will Start Drive Soon
MINNEAPOLIS — North Central Allied's
special committee appointed to prepare a plan
for a big advertising-publicity campaign to
improve public relations for the film industry
in the territory and, by so doing, help the
boxoffice, expects to be able to report back
to the board of directors ,soon, according to
Martin G. Lebedoff, chairman of the committee,
which also includes Joe Powers, Joe
Podoloff, Sol Fi.sher. George Granstrom,
Charles Rubenstein, exhibitors, and S, D.
Kane, executive director.
The campaign will be modeled along the
lines of the Baltimore plan now in operation,
Lebedoff says. Affiliated circuits Minnesota
Amusement Co. and RKO Theatres will be
invited to participate as well as non-members
among the independents.
The feeling here is that the industry's public
relations have been deteriorating. The
local campaign will utilize cooperative advertising
of all sorts, probably run four months
and involve a substantial expenditure.
To Open at Freedom. Okla.
FREEDOM. OKLA.—Phil Prigmore, deputy
sheriff for Woods county, has leased the
motion picture theatre here and will reopen
it under a new name.
Duluth Lakeside Books
Bergiman's 'Intermezzo'
DULUTH—Lakeside Theatre, a suburban
house here, booked in the first Bergman picture
to show in Duluth since the birth of her
son Roberto in Italy, Owner William Toback
brought in for a six-day rerun the
Leslie Howard-Ingrid Bergman "Intermezzo,"
plugged it hard in Duluth newspapers as
"Bergman's Best." Last weekend he said it
was drawing as well as "The Fallen Idol,"
which preceded it.
Only two complaints came in during the
first three days, said Toback, He thinks a
large segment of the audience showed up simply
to demonstrate that it would not let something
like the Bergman-Ros.sellini affair keep
it away from a good film,
Tlie city government, which recently shut
down another theatre because of its picture
selection policy, remained silent about the
appearance of a Bergman picture.
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BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 73

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RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brimt Blvd.
Kansas Cify 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
to receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
n Acoustics
D Air Conditioning
Lighting Fixtures
q Plumbing Fixtures
n Architectural Service „ _ . .
Projectors
D "Black" Lighting
,_,_,,
D Projection Lamps
D Building Material
n Carpets
D Seating
D Coin Machines ^ Signs and Marquees
D Complete Remodeling Sound Equipment
n Decorating D Television
n Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts
n Drive-In Equipment Vending Equipment
D Other Subjects
Theatre
Seating Capacity
Address
City
Stale
,
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience
in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN
THEATRE RED KEY SECTION (Nov. 19, 1949).
Minneapolis Archbishop
Refuses Allied Request
MINNEAPOLIS—Archbishop J.
G. Murray
has refused to accede to North Central AUied's
petition to modify his directive in a recent
pastoral letter condemning theatres showing
other than Legion of Decency approved pictures.
The archbishop, in a reply to a letter from
S. D. Kane, Allied executive director, asking
that the condemnation apply only to "B"
pictures, and not to apply to the theatres at
times when they're showing approved films,
explained that the recent directive represents
no change from the rule that prevailed prior
to its i-ssuance. He wrote that a pastoral letter
mailed to pastors and people in the archdiocese
as long ago as Sept. 1, 1934, and since
then unaltered, set down the rule.
"The text of the first clause of the pledge
of the Legion of Decency taken annually by
all the people of all the parishes of the archdiocese
since Sept. 9, 1934, is: 'I will not attend
any theatre which presents any immoral
or indecent program nor will I permit any
person under my jurisdiction to attend such
theatres,' " the archbishop wrote.
Orpheum at Des Moines
To Undergo Remodeling
DES MOINES—A city building permit for
alterations at the RKO Orpheum here was
issued last week to Kurcharo & Associates
which will do the work. Jerry Bloedow, Orpheum
manager, said plans call for "complete
remodeling," including entrance, foyer,
restrooms and stage, as well as redecorating.
Covering alterations only, the permit was
for $27,500. Bloedow said work has been
started on the stage and dressing rooms in
preparation for vaudeville.
Previews of 'Riding High'
In Wichita and Topeka
KANSAS CITY—Special previews of the
Paramount production "Riding High," starring
Bing Crosby and directed by Prank
Capra, will be staged by Paramount at houses
in two cities in Kansas. The film will be
shown Friday (24) at 8:50 p.m. at the Tower
Theatre in Wichita, and Tuesday, March 7,
at 8:30 p.m., at the Dickinson Theatre in
Topeka. Paramount representatives will be
at each showing to greet exhibitors.
To Raze Oliver Theatre
LINCOLN, NEB.—Last of the early landmarks
from the downtown 13 th street area
will be razed here shortly, when the Oliver
Theatre building will be demolished to make
way for the construction of a new building.
The Oliver, built prior to 1890, was once this
city's greatest show house. The Varsity Theatre,
which was modernized and rebuilt inside
the shell of the old Oliver, will not be affected
by the demolition. Cost of the new building
will be in excess of $80,000.
C. E. Hendrickson Dies
BANCROFT, IOWA—C. E. Hendrickson, 38,
died of a heart attack last week at his home
over the Croft Theatre here, which he has
owned and operated the last ten years. Hendrickson
was playing with one of his children
on the floor, stood up and fell over dead.
He is survived by his wife and three children,
Roger 11, Rita 6 and Dean 4 months.
MINNEAPOLIS
The Silent One," which drew rave notices
from the New York critics and had a long
New York run, but which was yanked after
only two days at the Plx here, despite a big
advertising campaign, drew packed houses at
the University of Minnesota Northrop auditorium
for a single day under the auspices
of the University Film society . . . Henry A.
Morton of Winnipeg, Canadian theatre magnate,
and his wife, en route to a Florida vacation,
stopped over for a visit with Mr. and
Mrs. Charlie Wiener. Charlie is the United
Artists salesman.
The local RKO office is moving up in the
standings of the Ned Depinet sales contest.
It's in sixth place now, says Fay Dressell,
manager Halloran, U-I salesman,
celebrated 42nd birthday . . The loop
.
sure-seater
his
Hx ran the biggest newspaper
display ads in its history for "All the King's
Men" after additional "best picture" awards.
As a result, the picture turned in a bigger
gross its second week than it did its first. The
second week at the Plx was its fourth downtown.
Ev Seibel, Minnesota Amusement Co. publicity
and advertising head, is back on the
job after a hospital siege . . . James Dunn,
who has appeared in many pictures, was here
in person at the Lyceum in "Harvey" ,
Petitions being circulated in theatres throughout
the territory asking for repeal of the wartime
admission tax are getting thousands of
signers.
Don Alexander of the Minnesota Amusement
Co. publicity and advertising staff Is
engineering a terrific campaign for "Sands of
Iwo Jima," which comes to the State here
February 23, the anniversary of the flag raising
at Mount Suribachi. Alexander has arranged
for a downtown parade by the marine
corps and a duplication of the flag raising
in front of the State that evening.
Speaking at the University of Minnesota
convocation on "What Do You Know About
the Movies?" Bosley Crowther, New York
Times film critic, said, "pictures are getting
better and better. There are more first-class
pictures today than ever before. The most
hopeful sign is that producers are coming to
realize there's a considerable audience for the
rnore mature, higher-class pictures." Crowther
advised his hearers to "discriminate" in
their film going. "Look for and patronize the
better films and stay away from the poor
ones, and, by so doing, contribute substantially
to the screen's betterment," he said.
Charlie Perry, veteran theatre man who
died in Detroit recently, was for many years
a F&R circuit house manager here . . . L. D.
Schwartz, local attorney, is planning a trip
to Washington to urge the Department of
Justice to take more speedy action against
distributors who are refusing to accede to his
demand for 28-day clearance for his client,
the suburban Golden Valley Theatre.
Subscribe Funds for Theatre
STRATFORD, IOWA—More than $4,000 of
a goal of $10,000 has been subscribed toward
Stratford's motion picture theatre. Deadline
for the subscriptions is April 1. The community
project will be Stratford's first theatre.
74 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

Grand Rapids Savoy
Remodeling Finished
GRAND RAPIDS — A $38,000 remodeling
job, started last August, has been completed
on the Savoy Theatre here. The renovation
included complete remodeling of the front
and installation of new two-toned pink architectural
porcelain and a new marquee.
Second Drive-In at Morrell
CONNELLSVILLE, PA.—A second drive-in
will be constructed at Mon-ell, near here
on Route 119. Laskey Brothers Enterprises,
operators of indoor and outdoor theatres in
western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, acquired
15 acres as the site for the new
ozoner. Ted Laskey, who directs the enterprises,
says the site is near the Buick
agency, faces Route 119 and will be similar
in construction to the Laskey Starlite near
Fairmont. Steel tower will measure 55x60
feet. Whipkey Construction Co. of Connellsville
will have charge of preparing the project
and RCA equipments will be furnished from
Alexander Theatre Supply.
The Laskey drive-in at Morrell will be
located one-half mile from the new drive-in
to be built by Louis Cupiraggi, Anthony De-
Michalis and associates.
M. Kissiner to Build Drive-In
CLEARFIELD. PA.—A drive-in is planned
by M. Kissiner of Bigler on Route 322 midway
between here and Philipsburg. Newoutdoor
theatre will be operated by the Midway
Theatre Corp.
Have you ordered .vour taxation trailer and
petition cards from National Screen Service?
Do it today.
Governor of Ohio Urges
Boycott of 'Strombolf
COLUMBUS—Public boycott of "Stromboli"
was urged by Gov. Prank J. Lausche of Ohio
in a speech at the Central Presbyterian
church in Zanesville following the opinion
of Attorney General Herbert Duffy that the
state had no authority to recall the picture
because of the private actions of an actress
The lower part of the building is of macotta
and the upper portion of glasiron, both porcelain
enamel with cement back. New doors
and new poster cases were installed and the
boxoffice was moved to the outside of the
in the film.
building.
Lau.sche had supported Dr. Clyde Hissong,
Architect for the job was Theodore Rogvoy
director of the state department of education
of Detroit. The Savoy, an independent theatre,
is owned by Emmett Goodrich and the
and chief film censor, in asking Duffy
whether he had authority to recall the picture,
which received censor board approval
William U. Murray estate.
January 30. HLssong thought he had a legal
right to recall the film, although he said
there was nothing objectionable about the
picture. He based his stand on the following
provision of state law:
"The department of education .shall be
authorized to recall any film for recensoring
or to revoke any certificate permitting the
exhibition of any film in the state of Ohio
when in the judgment of the department
the public welfare requires it."
Duffy pointed out that the law provides
for disapproval of motion pictures on the
basis of the films themselves and not because
of the private lives or activities of
actors. A film, once approved, cannot be
recalled unless changes have been made in
the film.
The Columbus Citizen commented editorially
:
"That may be good law, and we are not
going to argue the question—particularly since
we always have a great deal of doubt about
To Build Near Limestone, N. Y.
the merit of any kind of government censorship.
But we do feel there are two closely
BRADFORD. PA.—A company is being organized
by Wayne Holmes of the Holmes Outdoor
Advertising Co. to construct a Turn-Key
related
is that
points
producers
that
and
deserve
exhibitors,
emphasis.
if they
One
insist
drive-in on Route 219 about six miles from
on showing the picture, bear a heavy
here on the outskirts of Limestone, N. Y. responsibility to refrain from using the current
Capacity will be between 400 and 500. Ballantyne
mess as their basis of exploiting it. The
Turn-Key equipment and fixtures other is that those thousands of citizens
will be featured, according to Andrew F. Battiston,
whose reaction is one of distaste and disgust
distributor, of Pittsburgh. The outdoor have a perfect right to stay away from the
theatre area will be black-topped. Holmes picture if they choose."
said, and plans are for opening the unit on
Decoration day. Battiston reported that three
other Turn-Key drive-ins will be constructed Circuit and Censor Say
in the western Pennsylvania area, with work
'No' to Bergman Ban
to be started as soon as weather permits.
Huntington, \V. Va. — Tlie Huntington
Theatre Corp. is "not concerned with the
1-000-Car Drive-In Near Pittsburgh
personal morals of actors and actresses"
PITTSBURGH — Tlie 1.000-car Twin Hi- and will exhibit "Stromboli." J. S. Silverstein
made this reply to a resolution by
Way Drive-In which will be constructed on
Routes 22 and 30 in Robinson township, will the local Ministerial association that no
feature Motiograph equipment, furnished by Huntington theatres show motion pictures
Atlas Theatre Supply. Local exhibitors identified
featuring Ingrid Bergman. Silverstein said
with this outdoor theatre include George that the picture will be exhibited in
Saittis, William Papas and Steve Rodnok. March.
Pittsburgh — "We censor pictures, not
people," stated Mrs. Edna R. Carroll,
chairman of the Pennsylvania censors, in
disclosing that "Stromboli" had "met legal
requirements" and has been given an approval
seal of the commonwealth. Any
attempts to ban the presentation of
"Stromboli" due to the principals would be
outside the jurisdiction of the board, she
stated.
Lausche, in his Zanesville speech, .said: "I
recognize the fact that the private lives of
individuals are their own pos.se.ssion. But
there is no industry in American life, with
the po.ssible exception of baseball, that .surrounds
its people with as much glamor as
does the movie industry."
By vote of 6-1. the city council asked the
Palace not to show the film. "Ingrid Bergman's
private life is lier own affair." councilmen
declared, "but the way .she leads her life
should not be jammed down the throats of
the people of Columbus." Lone dis.senter was
Councilman Walter Snider, who said council's
action sets that body up as a censor board.
Harry Schreiber, RKO city manager, refused
to comment.
Dr. B. F. Lamb, head of the Ohio Council
of Churches, said that any picture made by
Miss Bergman should be banned.
"I denounce
the woman's actions." he said.
Officials of the J. Real Neth neighborhood
circuit withdrew "Intermezzo" after 75 persons
walked out of the Markham when the
picture started. It was scheduled to show two
days later at Neth's Eastern and State.
Grand Haven Councilman
Seeks Ban on 'Stromboli'
DETROIT—A minor wave of opposition to
.showing of "Stromboli" was indicated in this
area when Alderman Claude Ver Duin of
Grand Haven called for a ban on all films
featuring either Ingrid Bergman or Rita
Hayworth. The council pas.sed the buck to
take a "survey of public opinion."
Detroit police censors made it clear that
the law authorizing local censorship does not
extend to a ban because of the private life
of film principals.
Showing of the picture locally is slated
to go ahead as scheduled, opening February
15 at the Palms-State. Earl J. Hud.son. president
of United Detroit circuit, pointed out
that the film contract was made long before
the "current controversy" and was binding
upon the firm.
Hayworth-Bergman Ban
Asked in Springfield
SPRINGFIELI>—A ban on all Rita Hayworth
and Ingrid Bergman films has been
demanded here by pastors of the Clark County
Ministerial A.ss'n. The group is opposed to
the showing of motion pictures in this area
featuring actors and actresses who have been
involved in publicized scandals.
The Hayworth, Bergman films were mentioned
specifically. Members of the ministerial
group sent letters to theatre owners
in this vicinity urging them not to show the
films.
Prior to this group's action, the Clark
County Council of Churches also denounced
Hayworth and Bergman films and sent a
letter to the State Board of Censors stating
their opposition to such pictures.
TV in Toledo Ace House
TOLEDO—The Paramount, Toledo's largest
theatre, has installed a television set with a
3x5-foot screen in the downstairs lounge.
BOXOFFICE ;: February 18, 1950 ME 75

. . . Loew's
. . . Princess
. . Reports
. . Induction
. . "Stromboli"
. . Joe
. . M.
. . John
. . Kenyon
. . Mr.
. . . Yhfra
. . . Incorporation
. . Uniontown
. . The
. . The
. . The
. . M.
. . Frank
. . Altoona
. . William
, , Carrier
. .
ITTSBURGH
XZineent Choate, Shea's manager at Bradford,
conducted a kill-the-amusement-tax meeting
at Bradford with 18 theatres represented
. . . Altoona Mirror featured an editorial February
6 which urged that the federal amusement
tax be abolished . Glaus, manager
of the Prince at Ambridge, contacted
John Wayne to pose for a picture showing
him reading the Daily Citizen, and the Ambridge
newspaper published the photo in connection
with the opening of "Fighting Kentuckian."
Joe Volpe's Rainbow Gardens Drive-In near
McKeesport was reopened last weekend and
if weather permits will continue in operation
on weekends ,
of new Boy Scouts
was featured on the stage of Dipson's Bradford
at Bradford the evening of February 10
Penn cashiers this week wore
novelty hats which identified them as "tax
collectors" . . . Sammy Kaye and his orchestra
will be featured March 3 at the State in
Uniontown . opened in Warner
situations February 17.
Frank Yankovic and his orchestra appeared
in person February 16 at Dipson's Bradford
in Bradford . and Molly Mulone's Cheswick
at Cheswick will stage a March 2 benefit
show for the Boy Scouts . in the
north side is presenting amateur talent contests
Wednesday evenings for eight weeks
with Joseph Windstein. traffic patrolman at
Federal and Ohio streets, serving as master
of ceremonies . A. Rosenberg forwarded
a post card from Miami Beach, Also vacationing
there are William Coleman and Joseph
Gold, Erie outdoor exhibitors; Henry Rolnick,
New Kensington outdoor exhibitor; Israel
Roth, retired Pittsburgh exhibitor.
Harry Fry's theatre at Wampum presented
Slim Young and his gang from radio station
WOHI Tuesday last week . and Mrs.
Tom J. Hickes. who recently celebrated their
30th anniversary in exhibition at Saxton, departed
this week for a vacation in Florida
at Republic was closed for several
days due to a death in the Cappuzzi
family . were circulated that the
theatres at New Castle operated by the Ted
Gamble enterprises have been or will be transferred.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
PORT HOLE BLOWER
Eliminates Dust, Bugs and Rain From Cenini ia Pwl
Hole — Also eliminates use of Optical Therefon
Glass,
giving clearer and cleaner projection.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. >SL'^^To.
SAM FINEBERG
TOM McCLEARY
1705 Blvd. oi the Allies j
PITTSBURGH 19, PA.
Phone Express 0777
Joseph Troese . Community
Follies, to be presented at two 2 '2 -hour performances
February 14 at the State, is designed
to raise funds for the March of Dimes
Neaman. violinist, and Norman
Voelcker, pianist, presented the second community
concert recently at Joe and Molly
Mulone's Cheswick Theatre.
George Saittis and his father-in-law William
Papas of the Temple on Chartiers avenue
hurried to Chicago to witness Jim Londos
in his "wrestUng comeback" . A.
Silver. Warner circuit zone manager, was
back at his desk after enjoying a vacation
in Florida . . . Herman Lorence. Erie exhibitor,
confined to Mercy hospital here for some
weeks following a heart attack, is reported
making progressive recovery . Interservice
club concert at Meadville's Park was
held February 15.
Pirate baseball schedule shows that 25 night
games will be played here at Forbes Field
and that there are 12 Sunday afternoon games
booked for the 1950 season . . . Beaver
county's 150th anniversary will be observed
this summer . National guard cooperated
with Joe Bugala, Manos manager
at Uniontown. by displaying a medium tank
near the theatre during the engagement of
"Battleground" and the VFW band paraded
with massed colors of all veterans' organizations
... A welcome Pilmrow visitor was
Al Weiland. pioneer film distributor and exhibitor
now residing at Conneaut Lake, who
continues operation of the Fifth Avenue theatre
in Coraopolis which son Al jr. manages.
Al sr. is enjoying good health and he reports
that the entire family is well and happy
"up on the lake," his property adjoining the
Elmer Hasley-Sam Yakish Lake Drive-In
theatre.
The Olympic at Altoona is erecting a new
triangular-shaped marquee designed by Poblocki
& Sons, Milwaukee. The house is one
of the Altoona-Publix circuit, Notopoulos
operated, theatres . J. B. H. Corp.
(Jimmy Nash, Bert Stearn, Harry Hendel)
and Joe Volpe, which will open the new 1,000-
car drive-in on Route 19 at Wexford, has
acquired the Convict Inn, a tavern directly
at the approach entrance to the outdoor
theatre. The tavern-restaurant will be renovated.
Jimmy Nash jr., Rockwood exhibitor,
George Tice and his Columbia Pictures
gang were hosts at the February 10 family will manage the drive-in.
night party in the Variety Club . . . Liberty
at Sligo. recently transferred
Tallulah
to Mrs. Mary
Bankhead and Donald Cook appeared
in "Private
McNeill, has reverted to former operator
Lives" last Saturday evening
at Shea's in Erie . . . Sun at Altoona
double featured two Italian films, "Guaglio"
and "Woman Trouble" with Anna Magnani,
for three days this week.
Irwin school board approved a 10 per cent
amusement tax and four special levies on a
four-month "experimentation" basis, effective
March 7. From that date until July 3 the
board will collect the theatre tax, plus levies
on jukeboxes, pinball machines, mechanical
amusements, billiard tables and bowling alleys.
Bob Ruskin, Columbia salesman and a
lawyer, addressed exhibitors in the Regent
at New Castle one day last week in the
drive to abolish the federal amusement tax
papers show that Milton
A. Samuels, former local exhibitor, and Mose
Medick are owners of the Oakwood Tavern,
7906 Frankstown Ave. . . . The home of the
Abraham Rothensteins, West Aliquippa exhibitors,
was looted the other night, probably
by children who entered by way of a
cellar window. Money and food were missing
and drawers were rifled and the contents
strewn all over the floors.
Mrs. Angela Notorlanni presented benefit
shows February 13 and 14 at the Knox in
Knox for the high school janitor class . . .
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Alexander recently
observed their 40th wedding anniversary.
Alexander, the theatre equipment man. after
more than a quarter of a century's interest
in soliciting membership in the YMCA. again
is busy in a new drive for the Community Y
at Brentwood.
.
Harold Tinker, RKO's veteran shipper, for
the second season will coach the Terrace
Village community baseball team in the city
league Formoso of McKees Rocks
is the new student booker at Eagle Lion .
Lee Conrad, managing director of the Meadville
Park Theatre Corp., conducted the
Crawford county amusement tax fight meeting
at the Chamber of Commerce rooms in
Meadville. He urged not only repeal of the
federal levy but of community admission
taxes.
.
The city clerk's office at Monessen now
is issuing amusement permits in conjunction
with the new amusement tax . boys
of the Evening Standard at Uniontown were
guests of the Manos for a special exhibition
of "Battleground" L. Brown,
former Tarentum exhibitor and now an employe
of the Pennsylvania department of
revenue and chairman of the state employes
division of the Allegheny county Red Cross
campaign, was commended by Gov. James
Duff for his part in the 1950 drive.
Warner circuit has sold its half interest
in the Mount Oliver and Shadyside theatres
to Morris M. Finkel and O. F. Habegger,
operators of these houses for the past year
or so. Finkel. Habegger and the late Alex
Moore were the original stockholders. Finkel,
Allied MPTO president, also owns and operates
the Capitol and Hill Top in the old
Allentown district. A brother-in-law Bill
Habegger is the Warwood district exhibitor
at Wheeling, W. Va.
Nearly ten million persons visited the 32
Pennsylvania state parks in 1949, according
.
to a report issued by the department of forests
and waters council is the
first under the wire to vote favorably on
daylight saving time for 1950. The public
has never been given a vote on this issue in
Altoona or in any political subdivision of the
commonwealth.
Incorporation Papers Filed
HAKRISBURG — Filed here February 10
was an incorporation petition of the Blue Dell
Drive-In Theatre, Inc., listing owners as Norbert
Stern, Ernest Stern, Arthur Stern and
David Barkan. The outdoor theatre was
opened and was operated on Route 30 near
McKeesport last year by Joseph Warren and
Tony Morocco.
Wilcoxon at Convention
Henry Wilcoxon. who appears in Paramount's
"Samson and Delilah," discussed the
picture at the convention of the United Theatre
Owners of Illinois in Springfield recently.
BOXOFFICE ;: February 18, 1950

. . Parkersburg's
. . West
. . The
. . West
'Battleground' Gross
High at Cincinnati
(Average Is 100)
Albee—The Hasty Heart (WB) 90
Capitol—Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox) 120
Grand—Battleground (MGM), 2nd wk 130
Keiths—Mrs. Mike (UA) 95
Lyric—Trapped (EL); Red Stallion in the Rockies
I (EL), split with Stole a Million (Reo-lart); Paris
Bombshell (Realart). reissues 80
Palace—Samson and Delilah (Para), 2nd wk 120
Shubert—Woman in Hiding (U-I) 105
'Battleground' Bulges
Pittsburgh Gross to 190
PITTSBURGH—"Battleground," picture of
the Battle of the Bulge, bulged the boxoffice
barometer to 190 and continued for a run in
Loew's Penn. Three other theatres hit the
average mark.
Fulton—My Foolish Heart (RKO) 100
Hatris—Whirlpool {20th-Fox) 70
Penn—Battleground (MGM) 190
Ritz—Homlet (U-I), return engagement 70
Stanley—Montana (WB), 2nd d. t. wk 70
"Samson' Continues to Lead
Trade at Detroit Houses
DETROIT—Ti-ade in general at local first
runs sank to a lower level as the Chrysler
strike began to show a definite effect on
theatre business. "Samson and Delilah," in a
third week at the Madison, continued to pace
the city with a rating of 150 per cent. A
dualing of "The Hasty Heart" and "Unmasked"
at the United Ai-tists, leading newcomers,
registered 120 per cent.
Adams—Battleground (MGM), 3rd wit 80
Cinema—Shanghai Express (Para); Desire (Para),
reissues 85
Downtown—Port ol New York (EL); Stallion
Canyon (Astor) 70
Fox—Woman in Hiding (U-I); The Rugged
O-Riordians (U-I) 100
Madison—Samson and Delilah (Para), 3rd wk 150
Michigan—Montona (WB); Blondie's Hero (Col).... 90
Paims-State—The Nevadan (Col); The Blonde
Bandit (Rep). 2nd wk 90
Paradise—Master Minds (Mono), 2nd run, plus
stage show 100
United Artists-The Hasty Heart (WB); Unmasked
(Rep) 120
- Esquirs^-My FooUsh Heart (RKO), 3rd wk 265
Hippodrome—Montana (WB) 100
Lower Ma!l—The Girl in the Painting (U-I) 100
Ohio—Thief of Bagdad (Realort); The Climax (U-I) 70
Palac

. . . Hal
. . . H.
. . George
. . Harry
. . Max
. . Mrs.
RUTH I. SMITH— Manager,
Miami Drive-In Theatre, Dayton,
Ohio—says:
"My patrons tell me that we
have the finest sound in the
Dayton area and that is why
they like to come to the Miami
Drive-In Theatre. Of course,
RCA Service keeps the system
at peak efficiency."
—
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Vi^lll PROGRAMS
ONE DAY SERVICE On Request »
THEATRICAL ADV.
CO.
"SERVING EXHIBITORS FOR 33 YEARS"
2310 CASS WO. 1-2158. DETROIT, 1, MICH
NOW
THEATRE SEATS
Upholstered, Repaired, Anywhere. Better Materials.
Workmanship Guaranteed. Prompt Service,
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JOHN HEIDT
1507 W. Kirb; Detroit 8. Mich.
Phone: TYler 7-8015
SERVICE-QUALITY -PRICE
COLD CHIPS
Potato Chips Exclusively lor the Thealie Trade.
VETERAN FOOD PRODUCTS, INC.
Mt. Elliott Ave. Detroit 11, 6439 Mich.
Phone WAlnut 1-5516
L G- L THEATRE CONCESSION
INCREASED PROFITS - DECREASED WORRIES
PERSONAUZED SUPERVISED SERVICE
DRIVE-IN AND INDOOR THEATRES
2937 SI. Aubin
Phone Te. 13352
Detroit 7, Mich.
Te. 13884
Afed OfUihf
>ur Heywood - Wakelield
lating Representative.
Century Theatre Bldg.
6519 14th St.,
Detroit 8. Mich.
Phone: TYler 8-6629
DETROIT
rjon Garey, who operates a drive-in near
Hastings, has sold his IGA store to Howard
K. Bentley of Detroit Kolin
.
left for Florida for a midwinter vacation
Burris has rechristened the Norwood
the "House of Love" under its new art film
policy. Bill Pasman, formerly with the General
Motors photo department, is joining the
writing staff at Jam Handy ... Mr. and Mrs.
James R. Powers of the Harper were office
visitors . . . Pay Erskine of the Woods will
hold an annual birthday party at his home
in Grosse Pointe for his son Dean Erslcine
of the Esquire.
Al Levy, Jack Sturm, Eddie Westcott and
Jay Prankel of 20th-Fox went to Chicago
to a sales meeting . . . Harris Dudelson, formerly
with Eagle Lion in New York and now
new district manager for Lippert Productions,
will make his headquarters in Detroit.
He is a brother of Moe Dudelson, long a UA
district manager here .
Kobel, projectionist
at the Motor City, is planning to
vacation at Lake St. Clair this summer . . .
Jack Zide's Movie Quiz got off to a good
start with a sneak preview at the Lincoln.
Milton Zimmerman, Universal salesman,
became the father of baby girl . . . Jim
a
Mooney, United Artists auditor, was in town
for a periodic visit . . . Charles Garner still
was convalescing . . . Leon Brooks and Jack
Yellich complete the committee headed by
Edgar Douville for the Nightingale silver
anniversary. Mrs. Douville and other club
members held a Saturday evening reunion
downtown . . . Robert J. Green, formerly of
Pontiac, is starting his second year as manager
of the Saginaw Auto Theatre at Saginaw
for A. W. Ochs.
and Mrs. Walter
Leonard Salerno, owner of the Kena, has
promoted Arthur Cavill from head usher to
house manager
Shafer, Wayne
. . . Mr.
circuit operators, have returned
from a trip to Mexico. Martin Shafer,
who has been managing the State in Wayne,
left for a two-week vacation in Miami, and
his brother Charles Shafer wiU go to Las
Vegas when Martin returns . . Ira Hunt,
.
doorman at the State in Wayne, was back at
work after an absence caused by recurrence
of complications from an army service injury
... Ed Sullivan, formerly of the Senate,
now is manager of the Rex, replacing Steve
Kowalczyk.
Mac McMillen and Sam Stone represented
the lATSE at the Monday night conclave of
the Michigan Showmen's Ass'n . . . Don
Kennedy of the Town Drive-In was back
from a trip to Ohio . Carson, past
commander of Theatrical Post, has been combining
business with pleasure in Los Angeles
Owen Blough was busy two weeks
ushering at the Shrine circus . . Roy R.
.
Ruben of the Pox will head southward for
a vacation.
Frank J. Downey, MGM manager, re-
Theatrp Sign and Marquee Maintenance
/^^^
Our Specialty
%dWorstnmn^iCa
WOodard 5-4050
2821 Brooklyn
pontine 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
turned from a quick trip to California . . .
David Korman, independent circuit owner,
is taking over the Greenwood from the
Schulte circuit . . . Sidney E. Golos is reorganizing
the former S&G Premiums as Sid
Golos Premiums. He will move to new offices
in the Film building and take over the business
formerly handled by William Scharun.
who has moved to Milwaukee . Gladys
B. Pike returned from Washington. She
was the only feminine trucker present at the
American Trucking Ass'n conclave.
There is no time to lose! Act today on
repeal of the amusement tax!
DELUXE
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
*BRENKERT PROJECTORS
* RCA SOUND SYSTEMS
*<
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*ADLER LETTERS
* CENTURY GENERATORS
*KOLDRINK BARS
*STAR POPCORN MACHINES
*NEUMADE PRODUCTS
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* STAGE EQUIPMENT
DRIVE-IN THEATRES OUR
SPECIALTY
ERNIE FORBES
THEATRE SUPPLY
Film Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich,
Days
Nights
WO 1-1122 VE 7-1227
WO 1-1123
78 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

;
BOWLING
CLEVELAND—The Motion Picture Operators
Bowling league scores last week were
close with the Garwin Equipment Co. and
Auto Voice teams tied for first place with
48 points each. Union Federated Insurance
was a close third with 46 points. Other scores
Anchor Inn 43. RCA Service 42. National
Theatre Supply 40, Mobiltone Speakers 37 and
Oliver Theatre Supply 32.
Although last on the scoring sheet, Oliver
Supply went into second place for the high
three-team game with 2.931 pins.
High game rollers of the week included:
Fred Lane, 224-223 for a 621 total; Earl
Gehringer jr., 227; Paul Gibbons, 204-572;
Tom Smart, 214-541.
Other outstanding notes of last week's pin
contest was Paul Collin's consistent score
of 181-181-182 for a 544 total and Larry
Shafer's 542 series.
On the basis of last week's score, the following
members were selected to represent
the Cleveland league in the March 7 battle
with the Detroit Nightingales in Detroit : Tom
Smart, Joe Sabota. Joe Nobbe, Paul Gibbons.
Andy Zill, Gordon Bullock, Jack Barry, Earl
Gehringer sr., Paul Collins and Fred Lane.
Alternates are Ralph Gertz and Clarence
Kramer. And not to be left behind is Tom
Fitzgerald, league secretary.
DETROIT—Allied continued to lead the
Film Bowling league here, with Co-Op in
second place. Team standings are:
Won Lost
Won Lost
Allied , .13 3 Monogram 7 9
Co-Op 11 5 Republic 7 9
Theatrical 9 7 RKO 5 11
S4G 8 8 UA 4 12
High 3 team; Theatrical 2738, Co-Op 2574
and S&G 2545. High 1 team: Theatrical 927.
UA 924 and RKO 899. High 3 individual: L.
Metzger 635, J Pavella 614 and J. Crane 610.
High 1 individual: D. Pill 254. D. Kaplan 243
and K. Koskie 241.
200 club: J. Haybes 223. J. Zide 200, F.
Sturgess 219, J. Crane 211, J. Sturm 200-218
and E. Beck 205.
DETROIT—National Carbon Co. leads in
the Nightingale Club Bowling league with
Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply in second place.
Team standings are:
Won Lost
Won Lost
Nafl Carbon. 48 28 Local 199 35 41
Ernie Forbes 46 30 Nafl Supply 35 41
Lorenzens 38 38 McArthur Equip. 34 42
Altec Service 37 39 Brenkert 31 45
200 games were rolled by Richard Connell,
227; Gilbert Light, 225; Fi'ancis Light, 223
and Roy Thompson, 200.
Gilbert Light's 614 sent his team. National
Carbon, back into first place, while Ernie
Forbes was losing 3 points to Lorenzen's Shop
to drop back into second place, while Lorenzen's
remained in third place.
Richard Connell, 227 for 547. was good
enough to give him high single and high
three in his division, helping National Theatre
Supply to win three points.
CINCINNATI-Midwest Theatre Supply got
hot and scored a new single game high of 830,
which gives them a chance for a prize in the
ABC national standings for four-men teams.
Harold Tull's 607 total and Fred Borgman's
232 single game paced Midwest to a 2,269
three-game total which also is a three-game
NEW DETROIT HOME—New qiiiirlcrs
at 6209 Hamilton avenue have been purchased
by the Long Sign Co., neon electrical
sign contractors in Detroit. Edward
A. Long, founder and manager of the
firm, said tliat the increased space of
66,800 square feet of floor area would
allow for expansion and the handling of
increased sales. The company services
theatres, department stores, industrial
and retail establishments.
high for the league. Scores of 200: F. Bergman
232, G. Vlochas 229, H. Wieman 224, H.
Tull 222 and 202, W. Strowe 209.
Teom Won Lost Team Won Lost
Midwest 59 4 Westwood 35 28
National 53 10 Theatre Candy 25 38
Bond Theatre 39 24 Times Theatre 21 42
Mount Healthy 38 25 Associated 21 42
Altec - 38 25 Keith Theatre 20 43
Strand 37 2G Forest Theatre IB 47
RCA Sound 36 27 Idle Hour 6 57
Okay Drive-In in Detroit
DETROIT—At the request of Ned Mellen,
attorney, for an undisclosed principal who
plans to build a new drive-in, the city council
here revamped zoning plans for one of the
few undeveloped 80-acre plots within the city
limits. The council had designed the area for
a future housing project but changed to an
industrial classification to allow erection of
the theatre. The city planning commission
also approved the change.
Quality Foreign Films
Booked at Fox Theatre
DETROIT—Policy of using quality imported
pictures, possibly to include some foreign language
films as the .second feature, is being
tried out by Fox Theatre Managing Director
David M. Idzal. with "The Rugged O'Riordans,"
following "A Place of One's Own." No
decision has been made on a foreign-language
film. Idzal is taking the view that the feature
must be up to A standards, regardless of
origin, before it will be booked for the big
liouse.
Idzal frankly gave credit for the innovation
to the columns written by Free Press film
critic Helen Bower and correspondence from
her readers, which indicates the dissatisfaction
with the quality of the usual second
choice film. The current policy experiment
will not affect the bookings of the principal
feature.
FOR POPCORN PROFITS
Sale of Three UDT Houses
Is Rumored in Detroit
DETROIT—It is understood that the projected
sale of three major neighborhood hou.ses
by United Detroit Theatres to Jack Goldhar
is in the making here. Goldhar, formerly
eastern division manager for United Artists,
has been in the auto business the last three
years as partner in Goldhar-Zimner, Inc.,
Chrysler dealers.
Houses said to be involved in the deal are
the Regent, Alger and Annex. No official
confirmation could be had from either party.
The deal, however, would be in line with the
Paramount divorce decree affecting UDT
holdings here.
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showman's Drug Store
)rugs • Cosmetics * Preicriptions
Personal Service irom Two Showmen
MAX BEHNBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist
Manager
> Phone CLillord 1527, CUllord 3694
. . . Hitch Your Future to a Star!
STJiB POPCORN MACHINES
* Trouble-free performonce
* Produce lorge quantities of high quality
popcorn.
* Attractive appearance.
* Eye-catching interest produces soles.
* Durobly constructed of monel metal and
solid stainless steel.
* S.mplicity of operation.
* 6 Models to choose from.
24-Houf Projection and Sound
Service
""> STi
'OS 9 ..
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950 79
""d Su
^Le
^4 1
3
—

Jess Cramblett Opens Village^
New Deluxer in Salisbury,, Pa.
By R. P. KLINGENSMITH
SALISBURY, PA. — Practically the entire
population of this community turned out
Saturday evening (11) for the opening of Jess
Cramblett's Village Theatre. Population is
1,200 and the theatre seats about 650.
The Village is one of the finest amusement
centers ever opened in a small community
anywhere. The Cramblett building's hoteldining
room will be ready for opening around
May 1, the theatre section being constructed
and opened in a period of ten months. Cost
of the project is upwards of a quarter of a
million dollars.
TO OFFER VAUDEVILLE
Exploited as Somerset county's "newest,
finest and most modern theatre," the Village
will offer first run pictures and vaudeville.
The theatre materials, equipments and fixtures
are quality all the way, the workmanship
superb and beautiful. Sponge carpeting,
wall materials and lighting equipments are
de luxe. A feature is a complete stage with
17 sets of lines and with dressing rooms
underneath. Paneling is in blond mahogany,
front doors are herculite framed in stainless
steel.
The Village, entirely fireproof, also has a
large and comfortable cry room-nursery and
a children's playroom on the second floor.
The manager's office, opposite the cry room,
separated by the projection rooms, may seat
a dozen friends or guests who may view stage
or screen from behind a large plate glass window.
RCA equipment, furnished by Alexander
Theatre Supply, and Heywood-Wakefield
seating are among major installations,
in addition to complete Trane heating-air
conditioning equipments. Theatre Candy Co
installed the candy-popcorn bar in the lobby.
Knoxville (Tenn.) Scenic Studios furnished
wall fabrics, stage draperies, etc.
A house feature is the latest Hammond
concert organ with chimes, placed upon a
hydraulic lift which raises it from the
orchestra pit to stage level. Joe Lawther presides
daily at the console, and he is a talented
musician and personable young man.
Backstage there is a grand piano and in the
orchestra pit is an upright piano.
SUNDAY SHOWS OKAY
Salisbury approved Sunday shows last fall
and is offering 2 p. m. and 8:30 p. m. exhibitions.
The theatre opens w.eek nights at 7
p. m., exhibiting two performances. Salisbury
is in the heart of the Maple grove belt
where there is much activity in sugar camps.
There is an Amish community here and 5
per cent of the population are Mennonites.
The Village is on Route 219 and is 26 miles
from Cumberland, Md. Mount Davis, the
highest point in the state of Pennsylvania, is
visible from Salisbury.
The Village Theatre is the work of local
craftsmen, except stage rigging and con-
OUTSTANOINC CRAFTSMANSHIP AND~EN&INeERIN6
struction and installation of the excellent
Poblocki & Sons marquee. Even the special
cement blocks which make the structure appear
to be built of cut and finished stone,
were made locally. The cement blocks were
manufactured in the plant across the street,
which was purchased by Cramblett to experiment
for the greatest strength in the
blocks, and later to make them. Robert F.
Heal sr. was in charge of construction.
Cramblett owns and operates the Salisbury
Construction Co., which built the Village: the
20th Century garage at Boynton, dealers for
Diamond T trucks, etc.; the Cramblett Feed
Supply, various coal mines and operations.
He is a farmer and owns and operates his
private four-seat airplane and has under
construction a new private air field.
Mrs. Leora Ann Cramblett and daughter
Jessie Ann enjoyed the first night from the
manager's office.
Present from the motion picture industry
were these guests:
Lou and Roberta Hanna, Bud and Helen
Thomas, Toni Armenti, Mary Lou Taylor, all
of Hanna Theatre Service; Sam Fineberg,
Alexander Theatre Supply: Harry Morrow,'
RCA Service: Mr. and Mrs. Ray Showe, Theatre
Candy Co.; Lawrence Lowstetter, Meyersdale;
George and Pearl Graham, Columbia;
Bob Klingensmith, BOXOFFICE.
The dedication program was a splendid
event. Opened by a prayer delivered by a
local minister, leaders of the county's religious,
civic, legal and patriotic organizations
participated, paying tribute to Cramblett. He
received plaques from the community's industrial
association, photos and a desk set
for his office.
OWNER HAS HAD A VARIED CAREER
Cramblett, designer, owner and builder of
the new Village Theatre, who also manufactured
all concrete materials used in the building,
has had an interesting and varied career.
He was born in Cadiz, Ohio, in the same
town and at the same time as Clark Gable.
He spent his boyhood on his father's farm.
Jess, as he is more familiarly known to everyone
in Somerset county, started retail hardware
business after a few preliminary jobs.
His biggest customers were five coal stripping
firms, which led eventually to his present
large operations in the same field. He was
a salesman, then a dealer, special representative
and sales manager for General Motors.
Later he advanced to special representative
for the Carven Steel Co. of Canton, Ohio.
Jess has had the urge all his life to get
into show business. For eight years he was
with the circuses, carnivals, stage shows and
a film company. He worked for Hagenback
& Wallace, Clyde Beatty's shows, Barnum &
Bailey and 101 Ranch at various times. He
was with various carnivals and owned his
own company. During 1930-33 he was on the
stage in vaudeville and with stock companies
in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. He was
a field representative for Warner Bros, for
a year.
Eventually, about ten years ago, Cramblett
came to Somerset county, and was in the coal
business shortly thereafter, first with a partner
and later on his own. His first operation
was about a mile out of Salisbury, so his
firm became the Salisbury Construction Co.
Ryan Theatre Opened
By Schulte Circuit
DETROIT—The Ryan Theatre, located on
Ryan road north of Detroit, was opened
without fanfare recently by the Schulte circuit
in the absence of circuit chief William
A. Schulte, who is convalescing in the west
following an auto crash.
The new house will be managed by Frank
Doyle, who has been at the Oakdale. Garnett
Dewitt, formerly at the Liberty, is operator
at the new house.
Other shifts have been made by the Schulte
organization to reassign personnel. Thomas
Picha, onetime manager of the Virginia, has
been named manager of the Oakdale. Prank
Forest has taken over the manager's desk
at the Liberty, replacing William Crowden,
who moved to the Motor City, John Tabor,
formerly with the Oliver, has moved into the
Liberty as operator.
Second TV Column Starts
In the Detroit Times
DETROIT—Detroit's second local column
devoted to radio and television is making its
bow in the Detroit Times under the byline
of Andy Wilson, who formerly handled the
motion picture beat. The new feature, running
around 20 column inches under the title
"Looking and Listening" tentatively will appear
daily. General comment along with
specific show news and criticism are used
with Wilson's theatrical and vaudeville background
forming a springboard for some of
his comments.
Jack Theisen will take over Wilson's old
post and will divide the motion picture assignment
with Harvey Taylor, dramatic editor,
as well as assisting Taylor on dramatic and
musical coverage as necessary.
Paradise Theatre to Close
In Detroit on March 16
DETROIT—The Paradise Theatre probably
•-vill close March 16 for the season. The
theatre, operated by the Cohen circuit, opened
about four weeks ago with a stage show policy
but bookings have been sparse. Ella Fitzgerald
and Illinois Jacquet opened February
10, followed by the Charles Ventura band
and the Shadows. The following week's booking
is tentatively Larry Darnell with the Paul
Williams orchestra.
Major reason for the short season is the
scarcity of available attractions, according to
Harry Cohen. Present public demand insists
upon two star attractions on the bill each
week and there aren't enough available to
keep the house open.
Precision Experts Confer
CLEVELAND — Executives of coordinating
companies of all General Precision Equipment
Corp.'s subsidiaries gathered in the
Statler hotel last Monday for an interchange
of ideas in the interest of future engineerini;
improvements. Herbert Griffin of Los Angeles
was chairman of the meeting which was attended
by W. J. Turnbull, New York; J. W.
Servies, New York; Arthur Hatch, Toledo;
H. P. Sherer, Cleveland: Arthur Meyer, New
York, and R. H. Richardson, New York.
80
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

. . Mrs.
. . William
. . Robert
. . Harry
College at Cleveland
Offers Film Courses
CLEVEHjAND—The Motion Picture Ass'n
of America, through its educational and
public relations departments, has supplied
schools and clubs with material aimed to
teach the youth of the land the value of
visual education. Extending this field of
education to adults, Cleveland college of
Western Reserve university last week opened
to the public two courses on various aspects
of the motion picture. W. Ward Marsh,
photoplay editor of the Plain Dealer, started
the second year of his course on the "History
of Motion Pictures." Dr. Joseph Remenyi,
professor of comparative literature at Cleveland
college, began a new course on "Literature
and the Cinema." Both courses are
held one evening a week, and both are open
to the public upon payment of a nominal
$6 registration fee. Tlie Marsh course runs
16 weeks. The Remenyi course runs 12 weeks.
Neither is accepted for college credits.
HAD 1,500
APPLICANTS
When Marsh inaugurated his motion picture
course one year ago, he had so many
applicants— 1.500—that he was obliged to
schedule a second session. While he now
holds only one session a week, the general
interest remains great among all types of
adults, all ages from young to old, and as
many men as women.
Reviewing the first college course given in
Cleveland, Marsh says he opened his lectures
with the first short films ever made, the
early Edison and Lumiere novelties. Then
followed the showing and discussion on the
Griffith films, Fi-ench films, the Mack Sennett
and Chaplin shorts, development of the
western from "The Great Train Robbery"
to "The Covered Wagon," with examples
of Fairbanks and Von Stroheim's work on
the screen.
^
"The silents continued to hold the lecture
course during the first half of this college
year," March says. They include "Birth of
a Nation," "Greed," George Bancroft in "The
Pony Express," Buster Keaton's "Tlie General,"
Lon Chaney's "The Unholy Three"
and other such representative silents as
"Underworld," "Way Down East," "Chang,"
"What Price Glory," "Dancing Mothers" and
concluding with Will Rogers in "The Headless
Horseman" and Betty Bronson in "Peter
Pan."
•HALLELUJAH' NEW OPENER
The new Marsh course opened with the
showing of King Vidor's "Hallelujah." This
will be followed by top early talkies and some
of the best foreign films.
Approaching the subject from a different
angle. Dr. Remenyi will confine his discussions
to the literary aspects of films made
from great novels.
Ticket Tax Cut to Legal Limit
ROCHESTER, PA.—In accordance with
new state legislation. Rochester borough
council last week amended its amusement tax
ordinance. Two years ago the borough enacted
a levy of two cents on each 25 cents or
fraction thereof of amusement prices. Under
the amendment the Rochester amusement
tax will be only what the Pennsylvania
law allows, a total of 10 per cent of the established
price.
CLEVELAND
. . .
IJill Twigg, former buyer-booker for the Peter
Wellman circuit of theatres, has been appointed
UA city salesman. He succeeds the
late Matt Goodman . Buxbaum jr.,
Paramount manager, moved his family from
Norman
Philadelphia to Cleveland
Wlieaton, onetime manager of the Hippodrome
and Telenews theatres here and now
in charge of two Telenews theatres in Detroit,
here in the interim between the resignation
of Frank Koza and the arrival of Jack
Silverthorn as local Telenews manager, is
enthusiastic about his three daughters and
one son.
A prerelease performance of "The Bicycle
Thief" at the Lower Mall was sponsored by
the Cleveland Emergency Relief for Italy,
Inc., with the proceeds going to the Boys'
Republic of Italy. Picture was to open February
18 . Mena Fliehman, owner of
the Noble Theatre, Caldwell, is branching out
into the drive-in field. It will be located on
Route 21 just outside Caldwell and will have
all Simplex projection and sound equipment,
and is scheduled to open May 1.
Another new drive-in to be Simplex
equipped is being constructed on Route 5
near Warren by Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Eno of
Niles, Ohio. Earl King of National Theatre
Supply sold the equipment for both of the
drive-ins . . . Grand Opera Movie Week, which
had a sensational start last week in Erie, Pa.,
is booked into the Strand, Akron, for the
week of March 8. Grand Opera Movie Week
is sold as a package show by E. J. Stutz and
Bob Snyder of Realart.
Bob Stone of the Idol Theatre, Lodi, made
one of his infrequent Filmrow visits . . .
Harry Goldstein, Paramount division manager,
was in Detroit to attend the farewell
party for resigning Detroit Manager Ed
Stuckey.
Romanre blossomed in the MGM exchange
with the announcement last week of the engagement
of Eleanor Forman, bookkeeper, to
The previous week
Albert Skladany . . .
booker Native Roberts was hostess at a dinner
at her home in honor of Anne Vicker"
whose marriage to Alfred J. Pickett was recently
announced . Tallman. owner
of the Ceramic Theatre, East Liverpool,
bought new Simplex sound equipment from
NTS's Earl King . Snyder, Realart
franchi.se owner, was jubilant upon learning
that his wife, suffering with glaucoma, would
not have to undergo an eye operation.
Arthur d" Amidaba is building a drive-in
in the East Liverpool area on Route 30 . . .
Mrs. Doba Clayman, mother of "Red" Clayman,
Warner head shipper, died . . . Also
Charles A. Ames, 61. projectionist and charter
member of lATSE Local 160. His wife,
two sons and daughter survive . Max
a . .
Mink, manager of the Palace Theatre, was
a passenger with the National guard bomb
squadron that flew over the theatre ia a
simulated bombing attack at 12 o'clock noon
on the day of the opening of "Twelve O'clock
High."
Mrs. Clair Brewer, president of the Motion
Picture council who is responsible for the
success of the Children's Saturday shows,
now broadcasts a 15-minute program every
Saturday noon over WERE on "Movies for
Children." Mrs. Brewer's activities in this
field started in Lakewood where she got full
cooperation from the board of education in
publicizing the children's programs and with
the Hilliard Square Theatre in Lakewood,
Ni.'W the results of her efforts are known
citywide.
.lack Watts, formerly with National Theatre
Supply and Ohio Theatre Supply, was
around visiting the equipment offices just
as a matter of sentiment.
George Wolowiec Dies;
Toledo Loop Manager
TOLEDO—George Wolowiec, 58, manager
of the Loop Theatre, and for many years active
in Polish circles, died recently in Riverside
hospital following a two-week illness.
Prior to managing the downtown theatre,
Wolowiec held a similar post at the Ohio
Theatre in the Polish section. Both houses
are operated by Jack O'Connell.
154,000 TV Sets Now
CLEVELAND — Approximately 18,000 television
sets were sold here in December and
17,000 in January, bringing the total in operation
in this metropolitan area to 154,000,
the Bureau of Business Research of Western
Reserve university reported.
\
STANDARD
E. C. JOHNSON — Manager, Washington
Theatre, Bay City, Michigan
—says:
"Our perfect .sound is our
greatest asset. RCA has kept
it to that high standard."
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
''
and SPECIAL
ACCESSORIES ON ALL BOOKINGS!
INDEPENDENT POSTER RENTAL CO.
2300 PAYNE AVENUE
CLEVEIAND 14, OHIO
GLO-ART (Black-Light)
POSTERS -at NO iXTRA COSV.I
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 81

. . . Virginia
. . Vic
. . The
Joe Rodriguez, Veteran of two Jima,
Aids 'Sands
ANN ARBOR. MICH.—Joe Rodriguez, 24-
year-old member of the Michigan Theatre
staff here, helped out the playing of "Sands
of Iwo Jima" at that theatre recently when
it was revealed that he was a member of the
36-man marine patrol that first took Mt.
Suribachi on the Pacific island.
The Ann Arbor News ran a three-column
photo of the theatre staffer, pointing out his
picture in a photo taken on Mt. Suribachi
and comparing it with the famous flagraising
picture. The paper also ran a twocolumn
feature telling of Rodriguez' part in
combat on Iwo Jima.
Rodriguez revealed in the story that the
famed flag-raising photo was posed after the
flag had been erected over Suribachi. He was
not in the posed picture, but he was in a
number of other photos taken at the same
time.
Two weeks after the flag-raising Rodriguez
was struck in the knees by shrapnel from a
Jap mortar shell. It was this same blast that
CINCINNATI
13 ex A. Carr, general manager of Theatre
Owners Corp., buying and booking service
here, says TOC now is servicing the following
theatres: Marvel, Mount Orab, operated by
F. N. Swope; Music Hall, Newport, Ky., Mrs.
Leo Stephany; National. Cincinnati, Mrs. E.
L. Shakespeare; McCook, Dayton, and Uptown,
Columbus, by Herman H. Hunt, who
also operates a number of other theatres in
the midwest: Valley, Cincinnati, by Louis
Wiethe, who has various other theatres in the
area, and the Wayne, Greenville, by Sante
Macci.
Quick action on the part of ticket seller
Marcella Wendelken. Empire, Cincinnati, resulted
in capture of an Owensboro, Ky., man
who held up the boxoffice with a toy pistol
and fled with a bag containing $65. Miss
Wendelken reported the holdup to Fred Clay
and his wife, who followed the man, hailed
two patrolmen in a passing cruising car and
arrested the thief within a short time after
the holdup.
U-I booker Heywood Mitchisson is the father
of a baby boy, their first child . . . Rube
Shor, local exhibitor and secretary-treasurer
of the West Virginia Theatre Managers Ass'n,
has returned from a Florida vacation. Ditto
Ben Cohen, manager of Shor's Twins Drive-
In. Other Florida vacationers were Mr. and
Mrs. Mark Cummins, Cincinnati: Albert
Aaron. Charleston. W. Va., and J. B. Walters
Huntington. W. Va.
Pete Niland is coming out of retirement
to join the sales staff of Eagle Lion in the
FOR SALE
Simplex Mechanisms S750 per pair; Guaianteed
factory rebuilt. Prices f.o.b. Chicago or
New York iactory.
Now installing new machines throughout large
circuit. Contact us today. Terms ii desired.
ALBANY THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1046 Broadway S-S055 Albany. N. Y.
at Michigan Theatre
killed the platoon leader, Sgt. Mike Strang,
whose role in the historic campaign was
played in the film by John Wayne.
In the photo here Rodriguez is shown comparing
the posed flag-raising scene and pointing
out his picture in the unposed Mt. Suribachi
photo.
West Virginia territory. Niland was former
city salesman for Columbia prior to his retirement
from active work. Niland has had
a long film career and has many friends
in the West Virginia area as well as in other
sections of the territory. He replaces Dick
Breslin. former booker, then salesman for
EL, who resigned.
A. A. Schubart, manager of exchange operations
for RKO, was here for a conference
with Manager Stanley Jacques . Warner
Theatre circuit has sold its interests in
theatres in Springfield to Phil Chakeres' Regent-State
Corp. Mike Chakeres is vice-president
and general manager of Regent-State
and is handling the buying for first run
houses in Springfield.
Exhibitors on the Row were C. E. Harvey,
New Boston: M. K. Murphy, Cumberland, Ky.;
Joe Abbott, Midway, Ky.: Gene Lutes, Frankfort:
W. T. Cain, Louisa, Ky.; Ted Peki-as.
Columbus: Ducky Myers. Chillicothe: Louis
Shor, Williamson, W. Va.; Gene and Jack
Custer. Charleston. W. Va.: A. W. Ingle,
Seaman: Ray Stout, Springfield; Mr. and
Mrs. R. E. Wyrick. Carlisle. Ky., and Robert
Epps, Dayton.
Ralph Morley, former Columbus salesman
for Columbia, has joined Lippert Production?
and will travel in the Ohio territory . . .
The annual installation dinner of the Colosseum
of Motion Picture Salesmen was to be
held Monday (20> in the Variety clubrooms
Robbins. booker for Cooperative
Theatre Service, is resigning as of February
20 to take a position with Columbia Oldsmobile
Co.
salesmen attended a division meeting in Chicago
The local 20th-Fox office ended
. . . second in the country in the annual drive
National Theatre Supply
recently finished . . .
is furnishing complete equipment for the
new drive-in being constructed near Richmond,
Ky., by the Cumberland View Amusement
Co. of which Arthur Cleraig is vicepresident
and manager. The drive-in will
accommodate 525 cars and will open about
March 15. In a previous announcement it
was stated Midwest Theatre Supply would
furnish equipment, which was erroneous. New
Simplex projectors are being furnished.
Jean Harrington, National Screen booker,
received an engagement ring but has not
set a definite date for her wedding . . .
The brother of Jeanne Freeman. NSS biller.
was in the hospital suffering from pneumonia
. . . The Colonial. Dayton, and Lyric. Cincinnati,
ran the Realart combination "I Stole
a Million" and "Paris Bombshell."
When Lee L. Goldberg, Realart, was in
New York recently, plans were discussed for
distribution of the Movie Quiz, for which his
company took the franchise through Realart.
Distributon of the subject has been approved
by the attorney general of the U.S. . . . Joyce
Wilmer, U-I clerk, who was to be married
February 18, was given a dinner and miscellaneous
shower by the girls of U-I at the
Patio.
Jack Silverthorn Shifts
To Cleveland Telenews
CLEVELAND — Jack Silverthorn arrived
here over the weekend from Cincinnati to
take over the managerial reins of the Telenews
Theatre from Frank Koza who resigned
to free-lance in newsreel camera work. Silverthorn,
who was manager of the Strand in
Cincinnati, comes to Cleveland via Detroit,
San Antonio and the U.S. infantry.
Born in Detroit. Silverthorn received his
education in San Antonio where he also i-eceived
his baptism in the picture business as
an employe of the Interstate circuit for seven
years. After three years war service mostly
in Italy, he returned to Detroit in 1946 to
work with Norman Wheaton in the Norwood
and Telenews theatres, going to Cincinnati
two years ago to manage the Strand Theatre.
In Italy, one of his assignments was to
round up the U.S. soldiers who took part in,
Rossellini's "Paisan." He is quoted as saying
of Rossellini that "he can't talk or direct
a picture without screaming, and if you tied
his hands behind his back he'd be mute."
Two Theatres in Detroit
To Install New Fronts
DETROIT—The Ramona Theatre of United
Detroit Theatres is adding a new porcelain
enamel front by Maul Macotta. The boxoffice
is being located in a prominent position at the
center with a new facing and shelf. The new
marquee will be circular and will have Wagner
interchangeable letters to replace the
old style letters.
The Aloma Theatre has secured a permit
Howard Spaun is new student booker at
MGM . Coffel, general manager for
the Manny Marcus circuit in Cincinnati and
Dayton who recently suffered an injured arm
to remodel its present marquee which will be
in an automobile collision, is fully recovered
removed and a new V-shape marquee with
and again behind the wheel. Coffel has been
Wagner interchangeable letters will be installed.
There will be decorative effects con-
busy recently with the decoration of the
Esquire and says the house is really something
to behold.
sisting of flashing traveling borders. The entire
sign and marquee will be porcelain
Joe Rosen, manager for 20th-Fox, and his enamel.
82 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

:
Pittsburgh Loge 31
Holds Dinner Dance
PITTSBURGH—Approximately 100 members
of the motion picture industry and
guests attended the Colosseum dinner-dance
in the Pittsburgh room of the William Penn
hotel Sunday evening (12). Loge 31 officers
in charge of the party were Jack Judd, president:
Frank Dana, vice-president; Floyd
Klingensmith, secretary; William Scott,
treasurer; Milton Broudy, sergeant at arms:
Carl Reardon, retiring president, and Irvinn
Prankel. advertising chairman. Bob Unrath
and his orchestra was featured for the dancing
and entertainment program with several
night club acts.
Pittsburgh Colosseum film salesmen roster
includes
George Ball Pele Quitter
lack Belman Milton Ripp
Milton Broudy William Mack
Dave Brown Charles Mergen
Lawrence Ccrrettie Sam Milberg
Robert Caskey Robert Munn
Donald Chabon Saul Perilman
George Corcoran Catl Reardon
Howard Crombie Harry Rees
Frank Dana Frank Reller
Robert Ferber James Retter
Irving Frankel Robert Runkin
Stewcfrt Jacobson William Scott
Robert Lynch Maurice Silverberg
Floyd Klingensmith Frank Silverman
Jack Judd Irving Stein
Honorary members are Paul Krumenacker,
David C. Silverman, Ike Sweeney, George
Tice and John Zomnir.
The evening's program "In Memoriam" remembered
the late Manny Steinberg, Leo
Isaacs and Eddie Wheeler.
President Judd explained that the Colo.";-
seum of Motion Picture Salesmen was "devoted
to the purpose of improving conditions
in the motion picture industry as a whole,
pledging itself through accepted and recognized
principles to motivate mutual confidence
and cordial relations between all people
in the industry and members of the
Colosseum."
Youngstown Exhibitors
In Better Films Council
YOUNGSTOWN—The Better Films Council
of Greater Youngstown was organized recently
by church, school, labor and civic
leaders, theatre managers and the PTA council.
The group will sponsor children's matinees
and promote use of films approved for
children. Mrs. Philip Ley and Mrs. William
Miller, co-chairmen of the PTA motion picture
committee, and Mrs. Fred Gerthing, PTA
president, took the lead in the Better Films
group. The group plans to include representatives
of virtually all phases of community
life in its membership.
Boxing Show at Theatre
ALTOONA, PA.—The kids who get little
more than a pat on the back for their efforts
put on a w'hale of an amateur boxing
show one night last week in the Mishler
Theatre. They slugged their way from corner
to corner, gave the ropes a rugged test,
and provided the 5(X) enthused fans with an
evening of topflight entertainment as the
amateur gladiators brought the sport back
to the local entertainment palace for the
first time in two decades. A ring-shaking
knockout, a TKO, and six decisions were
flashed before the audience which came to
inspect promoter Dick Conlon's newest venture
in the field of slug.
STUDIO VISITOKS— Mr. and Mrs.
Chris Lampros chatted with actor John
Lund, rig:ht, during a visit to the Paramount
studios in Hollywood while they
were vacationing in southern California.
Lampros operates the Capitol and Colonial
theatres in Farrell, Pa.
Variety Club at Cleveland
Returns Kings for Night
CLEVELAND—The Cleveland Variety Club
under the direction of a younger group has
taken a new lease on social life. Chief Barker
Irwin Shenker and his rotating entertainment
committee are keeping the entertainment
ball rolling by inaugurating a series
of events. Every alternate Monday is Stage
night, with return to the old Kings for a
Night program. Outstanding speakers will
be provided. Irwin Pollard, Republic manager,
and Leonard Greenberger, manager of
the Fairmount Theatre, are the first "kings."
In addition, alternate Friday nights are for
the whole family with entertainers from current
stage shows and dancing. The Monday
luncheons were discontinued because of the
time involved.
Cincinnati Firm Leases
Two Covington Houses
COVINGTON, KY.—Operation of the Capitol
and Shubert theatres was taken over
February 1 by Cincinnati Theatres, Inc., under
terms of a contract recently signed with
the RKO Midwest Corp. Tlie Capitol has
been leased for nine and the Shubert for five
years, according to Robert J. Libson, president
of the Cincinnati firm. New managers
for the two hou.ses soon will be appointed, but
no per.sonnel changes are expected to be
made.
Remodel Port Huron House
PORT HURON, IvnCH.—Remodeling and
redecoration of the Strand Theatre is under
way here. Estimated cost of the improvements
is $36,500. A new porcelain V-type
marquee will be installed. The entranceway
and lobby will be rebuilt and painted and
new lighting fixtures will be installed. Structural
glass will be used in rearranging the
foyer and lobby. Work is expected to be completed
in 60 days.
Order your taxation trailers today!
Hunts of Cincinnati
Buy Two Theatres
CINCINNATI — Hunt Theatres here has
acquired the interests of the Jackson & Murphy
in the Uptown at 217 North High St.,
Columbus, and the McCook Theatre, 1267
Keowee St., Dayton. New owners as.sumed
operation of the houses February 12.
Jackson & Murphy Theatres, a partnership
coiTiposed of Virgil A. Jackson, John A. Murphy,
Marguarite D. Jackson and Mary E.
Murphy, has operated the Uptown for 15
years and the McCook in Dayton for nine
years. The new operating firm also is a partnership,
composed of Herman H. Hunt and
Pearl Hunt, who have holdings in a groui^
of five subsequent run houses in Cincinnati
and a first run house in Ripley, Ohio, and
in Wichita, Kas.
$8,427 ERECTS THIS
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Overall size: 50 ft.
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M Screen size: 44 ft
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BOXOFFICE February 18, 1950 ME 83
CHerry
772S

. . Bob
. . For
Charles C, Perry Dies;
Variety Chief Barker
DETROIT—Charles C. Perry, 60. chief
barker of the Variety Club of Michigan, died
from a heart attack at his home in Belle
River, Ont., across the river from Detroit.
Seventeen years ago he came here to open
long-closed Adams Theatre as a first run
tlie
house for Harry and Elmer Balaban.
Perry started witli the Orpheum in Minne-
CHARLES C. PERRY
days after Perry's death, but gave no indication
of appointment of his successor. The
Adams will remain temporarily, at least,
under direction of Manager Norman Meyers
and the Downtown under Aj-thur MacCoU.
Publicity and advertising for both houses remains
with Mrs. Doris Moss Pearl.
184 Pennsylvania Units
Use Tax-Anything Levy
HARRISBtTRG—The bureau of municipal
affairs of the Pennsylvania internal affairs
department says the 1947 local tax-anything
law is "workable and practicable" and predicts
that it is here to stay. The announcement
says that the law, amended by the
1949 legislature, is "actually not unpopular"
with taxpayers and seems satisfactory to
muiiicipal units of government. Also, says
the announcement, the law "probably has not
led to extravagances, except in isolated instances."
Latest checkup on amusement taxes, usually
totaling 10 per cent, shows that 184 Pennsylvania
political subdivisions are collecting
the levy; 106 of the municipalities being
cities and boroughs, the others being townships
and school districts. Mechanical
amusement devices taxes are imposed in 93
municipalities, 22 of which are cities and
boroughs. Other "tax-anything" imposts include
income and wage taxes, used in 184
local units: per capita tax, used by 288 units;
mercantile tax, used by 39 units; deed transfer
tax. used by 29 local taxing bodies, and
severance taxes, used by 181 units.
apolis as treasurer, a post he held for several
years. He was also an actor in a repertory
Order your taxation trailers today!
company at one time. Subsequently, he went
with Fox West Coast circuit as district manager
and later was with the theatre division
of Paramount in charge of houses in Toledo,
Ohio, Rochester, N. Y., and elsewhere. Tohn Huffman, manager of the Regent, has
He developed the Adams into a recognized won the grand award in the year-long
major house after it had lost public support Manager of the Month contest sponsored by
through being dark. He had a reputation for Regent-State. Huffman nosed out the managers
of the other four theatres in the cir-
showmanship—marked in his record of 15
weeks in 1947 for "The Jolson Story," which cuit. He will receive, along with cash prizes,
ran two weeks day-and-date at the Downtown
Theatre with his Adams booking, and ners in the contest were announced monthly
an extra two-week vacation with pay. Win-
set one of the three alltime top records for throughout the year. Points were given for
Detroit in length of run.
the best increase in gross business over the
About four years ago, when the Balabans same period the previous year, the best exploitation
and the best theatre in regards
took over the Downtown, Perry became managing
director of this first run house as well. to cleanliness and personnel. Woodrow
For part of this period, the Downtown offered
the only consistent vaudeville policy in ond, while Oliver Nicklas, manager of the
Owens, manager of the Majestic, came in sec-
Detroit.
State, was third.
During the first World War, Perry was in
charge Arthur "Art" Longbralie,
of theatres in various army camps
famed showman
in
this country.
formerly with the
About
Gus Sun Shows,
ten years ago he
back in
served
the days of vaudeville,
as chief barker
has resigned as
of Variety Club, and
manager
of
in this
capacity
the
was
Prances Theatre in Mechanicsburg,
a Chakeres
host to the national convention
house. Taking
in
over is Billy
Detroit in 1939. In returning to the
Clifford, former manager of the
office last month,
Chakeres
he became the first man
Ti-ail in Morehead. Ky. Longbrake
in the
was forced
history of Variety here to be recalled
to quit because of ill health . Baker,
to this post after completing a full term of
assistant manager of Chakeres Murphy at
office, a proof of the respect accorded him
Wilmington, is serving temporarily as manager
of the Markay at Jackson, Ohio, during
by his fellow-showmen.
He is survived by his wife Ethel and his
the absence of Harry Wilson
mother, now
who is ill. Wil-
97, who is well known on Filmrow
from her many visits here. The elder
.son recently underwent major surgery in a
Columbus hospital.
Mrs. Perry flew here for the funeral, although
recovering from severe injuries received
in an auto crash only two weeks earlier. on the stage of the Fairbanks during a special
Boy Scout council ceremonies were held
Burial was in Joplin. Mo.
program for children in connection w-ith
Harry and Elmer Balaban, owners of the National Boy Scout week. Besides the scout
Adams and Downtown, were here for a few ceremonies, Manager George Bauer showed
Bingo Tax Net at Akron
Passes Theatre Take
AKRON—Bingo is making large inroads into
theatre attendance in this area, with the
city's 3 per cent tax on the gross of bingo
operators in 1949 amounting to $72,702. This
raised the total city amusement tax collection
to an alltime high of $169,176. Since the
bingo tax went into effect in September 1948,
the city has collected $100,312.
The figures mean that bingo players have
poured nearly $3,400,000 into the tills of bingo
operators, and the game qualifies easily as
the city's outstanding paid recreation.
The 1949 tax paid by the theatres was
$72,541, a decrease of $8,434 from 1948. The
sports tax also decreased, totaling $10,416, a
drop of $2,130 from the preceding year.
Several applications are on file with the
city from persons and groups wanting to
open bingo parlors, but Mayor Charles SIusser
ordered no more permits issued, because
the city is already saturated with bingo
parlors.
SPRINGFIELD
Former Exhibitor Feted
WTLLOUGHBY. OHIO—Cecil B. Todd, a
former mayor and former owner of the
Hiawatha Theatre in that city, was honored
by his friends and neighbors at a dinner
recently. He ended his 16-year tenure as
mayor by declining to run for the office at
the last election.
Kevin O'Morrison will play the featured
lead in "The All-Star Game."
the double bill "Wolf Hunters" and "The Hidden
Room" . the showing of "Silver
River" Manager Harry Elliott at the Ohio
held a coloring contest. Patrons colored an
ad running in the local newspaper and the
ten best entries received tickets to the show.
The entries were displayed on a large board
in the theatre lobby.
3Iichael H. Chakeres, manager of the Regent-State,
has returned from a week's visit
in New York City where he conferred with
Warner officials , , , Al Glaubinger of Cincinnati,
manager for Eagle Lion films, was
in to see Chakeres officials.
Helping to promote the Roy Rogers Great
Western Roundup, to be held at the Regent.
State and Majestic on George Washington's
birthday, a school holiday, the two children
in each theatre judged wearing the best cowboy
outfit will receive as a gift a complete
Roy Rogers cowboy suit. Later, the two winners
from each theatre will compete for the
grand prize, a bicycle plus a trophy cup bearing
the winner's name. Each child attending
the show at the three theatres will receive
a lucky Roy Rogers pocketpiece, a photo
of the film cowboy and membership in the
Roy Rogers club.
Ted Rose, sound service technician for
Chakeres, spent a few days visiting theatres
in Frankfort, Winchester and Morehead. Ky,
. . . For the showing of "Slattery's Hurricane,"
Harry Elliott, manager of the Ohio, decorated
his lobby with regular hurricane pennants
used by the coast guard.
84 BOXOFFICE ;: February 18, 1950

. . The
Chakeres Obtains
Warner Interest
SPRINGFIELD. OHIO—Warner Bros. Theatre.s
has sold its interests here to the Springfield
Theatre Co. The transaction was de-
.scribed as the largest of its kind ever carried
out in this city.
By terms of the transaction, the Springfield
Theatre Co., a locally owned corporation,
acquired long-term leasehold intere.st
m five theatres and obtained sole ownership
of a piece of local real estate and some
acreage in the county.
PHIL CHAKERES PRESIDENT
Theatres involved are the Regent, State,
Ma,iestic, Fairbanks and Ohio. The Regent
and Ohio Theatre sites are leased from Gus
Sun of Springfield, a leader in the theatrical
business and operator of the Gus Sun Booking
Co.
The real estate involved includes a parking
lot near the Fairbanks Theatre and a tract
of land west of Springfield where it was
originally planned to build a super drive-in.
Phil Chakeres. president of the Springfield
Theatre Co. since its initial organization 22
years ago, will continue in that capacity, and
Michael H. Chakeres. a corporation director,
has been named vice-president and general
manager.
The sale has been under active negotiation
for many months. Phil Chakeres said in
speaking of the transaction:
"Naturally, we all regret the end of an
agreement that has always been a pleasurable
relationship. The leaders of Warners are a
fine group with whom to do business.
"We have enjoyed a true partnership in
the finest sense of the term. We here in
Springfield feel as though we are losing part
of our family and we are certain that Warners
in cooperation with us has always endeavored
to bring to Springfield theatre patrons
the very finest available in motion picture
entertainment. At the same time, we feel
that this is a step ahead and our policy shall
continue to bring the outstanding Hollywood
productions to this community."
STARTED WITH RESTAURANT
The history of the business career of the
Chakeres brothers in Springfield began when
the three brothers. Louis. Harry and Phil,
settled here early in the century and opened
a restaurant. The brothers later acquired the
Princess Theatre, enlarged it and opened it
as one of the first modern theatres in Springfield.
Louis Chakeres died in 1928 but the
two remaining brothers have maintained their
association to become eminently succe.ssful
leaders in the motion picture industry.
New Sites Proposed
PITTSBURGH — Seven new possible
sites
for the proposed million-dollar Civic .Light
Opera amphitheatre were presented to the
city planning commission. The commission
also has 20 other proposed sites. Among the
active and alternate choices are the eastern
end of Panther Hollow in Schenley Park,
along the Allegheny river between Anderson
and Goodrich streets. Fern Hollow in Frick
Park, tip of the Triangle in Point Park.
Schenley Oval, the north end of Fern Hollow,
and Monument Hill on the north side.
Get your audience signing petitions now!
LOUISVILLE
f^larcnce Taylor, lobbyist for the Kentucky
Ass'n of Theatre Owners during the current
general assembly, has been on hand constantly
with a watchful eye for theatre legislation
being introduced ... In preparation
for its opening for the current season, the
Skyway Drive-In at Buechel, owned by the
American Drive-In Theatres, headed by Lou
Arru, has been remodeled. A new concession
stand has been built, which includes a 40-foot
sheltered serving counter. The new projection
room is located just in back of the concession
stand and is one and one-half stories high,
with the projected picture .shooting over the
top of the concession roof. In addition,
numerous other improvements have been
made. The Skyway is managed by Tony Kern.
Exhibitors seen on the Row recently included
Edwin St. Claii-, St. Clair, Lebanon
Junction; A. H. Robertson, Majestic, Springfield;
A. R. Milby, Adair, Adairville; J. E
Elliott jr.. Cardinal. Hodgenville; Jim Howe,
Richland. Carrollton; Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Walsh. Pic, Scottsburg, Ind.; Mr. and Mr>.
Fred May. Royal, Carrollton; H. M. Ferris,
Bonn. Bonnieville; Oscar Hopper. Arista, Lebanon:
Gene Lutes, Chakeres district manager.
Frankfort; J. C. Smith, Bloom, Bloomfield;
E. L. Ornstein, Rialto, Marengo, Ind.;
Louis Baker, Star, West Point, and Tex Richards,
State, Crothersville, Ind.
According: to Ira Allen, manager of the
Vogue, St. Matthews, he has tied in with a
local radio station for presentation from his
stage of a broadcast featuring a combination
radio show and amateur contest. The program
is presented over a local radio station
which affords excellent publicity for the theatre.
The program is aired on Satiu-day prior
to the opening of the matinee. According to
C'.ANDID.VTE—Wendell 11. Holt, Richwood.
W. Va., exhibitor for many years,
a candidate for the Democratic nomination
is
to the state senate from the 12th
district. The scat is now held by Henry
J. INIcKinley of Elkins, who is a candidate
for renomination. Holt formerly served
in the legislature and he is active in the
West Virginia Theatre Managers .Ass'n,
an .Allied unit of which he served as an
organizer and as a former president.
Allen, the program is a huge success and the
attendance has exceeded all expectations. The
program has been scheduled for an indefinite
run.
A. Edward Campbell, buyer and booker for
drive-in theatres here, has returned from
Miami, Fla., where he handled bookings for
the Tropic Aire Drive-In. Ed is combining
business with pleasure in working in Florida
during the closed drive-in season here, then
returning in time to handle the affairs of the
local ozoners during their regular .season. Ed
is making elaborate preparations for the theatres
he is handling in this area for the coming
season. Next winter he expects to return
to Florida and possibly the Tropic Aire.
Barney Carr of Cascade Film Pi'oductions,
Culver City, Calif., was in briefly Edwin
. . .
St. Clair, who managed the Gypsy Drive-In,
Bardstown. the last season, has returned to
Lebanon Junction to handle the operation nf
his St. Clair Theatre there Bard
.
Theatre here, owned by Premier Theatres.
Evansville, and managed by Richard PiccoUa.
has a first run picture in the offering. The
Bard, normally a suburban, subsequent run
house, has booked "The Fallen Idol" at higher
admissions for a week's run with daily matinees.
The regularity of the first run .showings
will probably depend on the gross of the
initial offering.
The first run Scoop has a new policy of
selling ticket books to its patrons. The books,
available for either matinee or night, conlain
eight ducats. They are an excellent gift
item and help to eliminate bottlenecks at
busy times . . . Creating a little competition
for the motion picture theatres, the Shrine
circus was in town for a seven-day run at
the Jefferson county armory.
A French sound film, "Le Million," produced
by Rene Clair, was scheduled for noon
and evening showings in the Playhouse at the
University of Loui.sville . . . Bills introduced
in the general assembly at Frankfort included
one proposed by Representative Hayes to require
licensing of open-air theatres and levy
a tax of 40 cents a year on each parking
space.
Senators Leon J. Shaikun and Edward C.
Gallagher, Loui.sville Democrats, say they
will again seek legislation permitting Louisville
to enact daylight .savings time. Efforts
to get such legislation in 1948 failed, but the
senators are hopeful a way can be fomid to
get authorization for fast time during the
jjresent session.
Single and double bills were evenly divided
at the first run theatres. "Pinky" was held
over for a third Louisville week at the Brown,
while "Battleground" was offered at Locw's.
and the Mary Ander-son brought in "Guilty
of Treason." The Scoop returned "Shanghai
Express" and "Desire." while new programs
opened at the Rialto in "Thelma Jordon" and
"Belle of Old Mexico." The Strand had
"Whirlpool"' and "Unmasked."
To Direct Mitchum and Russell
John Farrow will direct Robert Mitchum
and Jane RusseU In the RKO picture. "Smiler
With a Gun."
What have YOU done today to help secure
repeal of the unfair amusement tax'?
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950
85

.
Central Ohio Theatremen Pledge COLUMBUS
Cooperation in Tax Relief Drive
COLUMBUS—Columbus and central Ohio
theatremen and labor representatives pledged
cooperation in the antifederal tax campaign
at the first meeting of the 12th congressional
dLstrict theatre committee held at the Variety
Club. Harry Schreiber, committee chairman,
presided.
A telegram from Congressman John M.
Vorys of the 12th congressional district was
received by P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio, after the
meeting. Said Vorys:
"I believe we should cut government spending
so that we can afford to repeal the admissions
tax and most of the other excise
taxes that were put through as wartime
measures."
TELEGRAMS FAVOR REPEAL
Wood also has received telegrams, most of
them favorable to tax reduction, from 15
other Ohio congressmen, including Stephen
M. Young, Edward Breen, Clarance J. Brown.
Walter E. Brehm, John McSweeney, Wayne
L. Hays. Robert Grosser. Charles H. Elston
Earl T. Wagner, William M. McCulloch. Cliff
Clevenger, Thomas A. Jenkins, Robert T. Secrest.
J. Harry McGregor and Frances P.
Bolton.
Wood urged Ohio exhibitors to send letters
of congratulation to Stephen M. Young,
congi-essman-at-large and member of the
house ways and means committee, now holding
hearings on excise taxes, thanking him
for his stand in favor of complete removal of
the 20 per cent tax. Young characterized the
tax as "restrictive, regressive, obnoxious and
atrocious" and was, in his opinion, responsible
for "huge losses in a heretofore profitable
business and represents an indefensible tax
on the poor man's entertainment and the
pleasure of his children."
Schreiber, on behalf of the theatremen attending
the meeting, sent a congratulatory
telegram to Young.
LABOR PLEDGES SUPPORT
Robert W. Greer, newly elected president
of the Columbus Federation of Labor and
business agent of the projectionist Local 386,
pledged labor support in the drive. Members
of the antitax committee of the film operators'
union also attended the meeting. Chester
Warner is chairman, with Roy Hoelcher
and Ed Smart as members.
Others attending the meeting were Arthur
Miller, Miles circuit; John Hardgrove, Academy
Theatres; Martin C. Burnett, Loew's
central division manager; Harry Simons,
RKO Grand; Fred Bruner and W. W. Rowlands,
Rowlands circuit; John DiBenedetto,
Loew's Broad; Fred Oestreicher, Loew's Ohio
and Broad; Bernard Ginley, Southern;
Charles G. Taylor and D. R. Taylor, Dixie,
and Mr. and Mrs. Ray O. Miller, Fifth Avenue
Cincinnati Industry United
In Repeal Campaign
CINCINNATI—The industry campaign for
repeal of the 20 per cent federal admission
tax is in full swing here under the chairmanship
of Jim Ambrose, manager of the Warner
exchange; F. W. Hu.ss jr.. Associated Theatres,
exhibitor chairman, and Nate Wise, local
publicity director for RKO Theatres, publicity
chairman. All branches of the industry are
working together. Folders have been mailed
to each and every theatre in the territory;
exhibitors are ordering trailers and petitions
and using them, and the projectionist union
and other labor organizations have pledged
cooperation. The downtown theatres are
using special ads in the newspapers, appealing
to the public to help repeal the tax and the
suburban theatres are all using the line,
"Help Kill the Unfair 20 Per Cent Tax," in
their ads.
The local newspapers have cooperated with
Wise in a very splendid manner, giving front
page stories and editorial page notice, including
pictures. Several organizations not affiliated
with the industry have pledged their
support. Ambrose has secured 100 per cent
enrollment in all exchanges but two, and
expected to have them by the end of this
week.
Local theatre owners also pledged cooperation
to the National Conference of Christians
and Jews Brotherhood week. Exchange managers
and exhibitors at a recent meeting
guaranteed wide distribution of the short on
Brotherhood week and use of lobby displays
and other publicity materials. Wise represents
the Cincinnati Advertisers club on the
Brotherhood publicity committee.
Detroit Filmites Meet
With Robert Lippert
DETROIT—William Flemion, manager for
Lippert, was host to a gathering of leading
filmites at the Variety Club, with Robert L.
Lippert, president of the organization, and
Arthur Greenblatt, general sales manager, as
special guests.
Luncheon was served in the clubrooms,
with those present having an opportunity to
meet with home office visitors. Following
luncheon, "The Baron of Arizona," new Lippert
release, was screened in the 20th-Fox
projection room.
Sol Krolh Detroit
/"hester Warner has been named chairman
of the antifederal tax committee of Local
386, Motion Picture Operators, according to
an announcement by Robert W. Greer, business
agent. Greer also appointed Roy Hoelcher
and Ed Smart as members of the committee,
which is working with the general
theatre antitax committee in the 12th congressional
district. Harry Schreiber, RKO
city manager, is chairman of the theatre
committee.
Psychology department of Ohio State university
is conducting a series of tests of patron
reactions to different types of films with
the cooperation of Roger Garrett, manager
of the University, Academy house opposite
the Ohio State campus. "On the Town" was
the first
test film.
Charles P. Alcorn, assistant manager of the
Gallon and State, Gallon, went to Bayonne.
N. J., for a temporary assignment as consultant
with the navy on amphibious landing
equipment. Alcorn was with the marine corps
during the war as officer in charge of food
service . . . Columbus has gained more population
since 1940 than any other Ohio city,
according to a survey by Rand McNally &
Co. Population now is 354,500, a gain of about
50,000 since 1940.
. . . Mr. and Mrs.
WLWC, Crosley video outlet here, is celebrating
its first anniversary . . . Local Queen
of Hearts, selected in citywide balloting, was
presented on the stage of Loew's Ohio
through cooperation of Manager Carl Rogers.
Stunt plugged local heart fund drive in a
tieup with "Mrs. Mike"
Walter Miles, Miles circuit, attended the
Ray Haughn, former RKO Palace assistant,
national Allied meeting in Washington . . .
has a leading role in the Players club production
of "Miranda."
Former Exhibitor in Kent
KENT, OHIO — Harry F. Lallement. 63,
died recently in Ravenna. At one time he
operated a theatre here.
MGM Shipper,
Is Authority on Minor Actors
DETROIT—Back in the shipping room of
the MGM exchange in the Film building is a
man who has become perhaps the city's foremost
authority upon character and bit actors.
Sol Kroll. who is head shipper for the company,
has made this specialized phase of
the film business his hobby for many years,
and can recognize and recall the work of
players who are merely faces without names
to 99 out of 100 theatregoers and even industry
workers. He comments pointedly upon
the important contribution to the total industry
product made by these men and women,
who have, in many instances, worked In
the business for a quarter century but have
not reached feature status.
When Kroll was in the service during the
war. he spent part of the time on the west
coast. One day on the street he stopped
and called by name the veteran actor Chester
Clute, who was surprised that any stranger
knew his name despite his long list of screen
appearances in minor roles.
Calls from people in the film business here
come to Kroll for information or a checkup
on some actor in this class, and he can usually
provide the answer. In this way, he has developed
a quiet reputation in the field as an
authority on his subject.
PCroll has contributed occasionally to various
newspaper columns on motion picture
topics, and has an ambition to get into film
publicity work.
Besides his work, Kroll is an avid fan of
the screen and stage. He ushers Saturday
afternoons at the Cass Theatre, legitimate
house, in order to have the privilege of seeing
the shows on the stage. He has kept a
record of every motion picture he has seen
for years back. During the three years he
was in service, he saw 1.055 feature films,
and noted the work of all minor actors.
86 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

10,000 Patrons Sign
Tax Protest Cards
PROVIDENCE—Over 10.000
persons signed
letters urging repeal of the 20 per cent federal
tax on theatre tickets in local houses
during the first two days of the campaign.
All downtown theatres have set up booths
and tables in the inner lobbies, and attractive
girls are assisting patrons in filling in the
blank-form letters of protest.
Before the conclusion of each performance,
a special trailer is flashed on the screen, explaining
the situation. Long lines of patrons
patiently awaited their turn to file protests.
Loew's State and the RKO Albee garnered
more than 5.000 signed protests, between
them, over the weekend. Another 5,000 were
collected through the Strand. Majestic and
Fay's.
In most theatres, letters of protest can be
placed in slots marked with the name of the
Congressman to whom they should be addressed,
then the tlieatre bundles up the
letters and ships them to Wasliington.
Maurice Druker. manager of Loew's State.
said the audience in his theatre responded
quickly to the trailer when it was flashed on
the screen and "murmiu's ran tlirough the
house." Shortly afterward, the booth in the
lobby was besieged witli enthusiastic patrons.
David Levin, RKO-Albee manager, reported
an equal showing of enthusiasm.
It is expected that more than 50,000 protests
will be gathered in the next few days.
Ads Carry Tax Repeal Lines
HARTFORD—The Hartford campaign for
federal admission tax reduction or repeal
found circuit and independent theatres participating
in aggressive activities, including;
lobby displays, special publicity and film
trailers.
Outstandingly active In the campaign is the
Loew's Poli circuit, where advertising in the
daily papers carries the line "Help repeal tlie
unfair 20 per cent tax on movie tickets—Ask
now at Loew's Poli." Ads are supervised by
Lou Brown, circuit ad and publicity director,
and Harry F. Shaw, division manager.
The Loew's Poli also carried an effective
lobby display headed: "Let's ax that tax on
behalf of our patrons."
Board in South Windsor
Rejects Drive-In Bids
SOUTH 'WINDSOR. CONN.—Two applications
for a change from residential to business
zoning on Route 5 near here to permit
erection of drive-in theatres were rejected by
the planning and zoning commi.ssion. Philip
C. Cahill. Portland. Conn., and Richard C.
Edwall. Agawam, Mass., proposed to build
drive-in theatres. Chairman A. C. Holland
said the commission felt the theatres would
not be in the best interests of the town and
probably would have a tendency to decrease
property values and revenue to the town.
New TV Research Firm
HARTFORD—Tl:ie Audicon Television Research
Corp. has been established here. S.
Andre Petrelle is president of the new^ firm.
Charles Arthur Bu-chfield is vice-president.
Alice Petrelle is secretary, and Carl Ardito
is treasurer. Offices are at 7 Whitney Ave.
Leslie Bendslev Heads
Independent Exhibitors
BOWLING
BOSTON—At the end of the third week of
tlie Theatrical Bowling league the standings
of the four teams are as follows:
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
RKO 9 3 Affiliated 5 '/
Independents 7 5 UA-N E 3 9
The high single scores of the evening were
captured by Goldman w'ith 115 and Plunkett
with 115, Farrington with 106 and Dobbyn
with 104.
Individual averages: Plunket (UA-NE). 94;
Rand (Aff), 92; Dobbyn (RKO), 92: Levin
(RKO), 92; Jennings (Ind), 91; Rathgeb
(Indi, 89; Smith (RKO\ 89; Farrington
I Aff), 88; Hill (Ind), 88; Hochberg (Aff), 88;
Burlone (UA-NE), 86; Saver (Ind), 85; Arsenault
(UA-NE), 85; Romanoff (UA-NE), 85;
O'Hara (RKO), 85; Goldman (Aff), 84;
Sacknoff (Ind), 84; Fraser (Ind), 83; Field
(Aff), 83; Colarullo (Aff), 83; Fahlbusch
(UA-NE), 81; Downing (RKO), 75.
Jack Edwards Quits Post
At Holyoke, Mass., House
HARTFORD—George E. Landers, division
manager for E. M. Loew's Theatres, reports
the resignation of Jack Edwards as manager
of the State at Holyoke, Ma.ss. Jack Cummings.
relief manager, has been assigned temporarily
as manager at Holyoke. Donald King
will fill in as manager of the Taconic in Williamstown.
Mass.. of which Cummings formerly
was manager.
Karen Hale to Make Debut
Karen Hale, daughter of the late screen
actor Alan Hale, will make her film debut
in "Rhubarb," an Arthur Rubin production.
BOSTON—W. Leslie Bendslev was elected
president of Independent Exhibitors, Inc. of
New England at an annual
meeting Tuesday
(14) at the Town
House here. Others
elected: James Guarino.
first vice-president;
Norman Glassman,
second vice-president;
Al Lourie, secretary,
and Melvin
Safner, treasurer. New
directors include Daniel
Murphy, the retiring
president; Nathan
W. Leslie Bendslev
Yamins. Walter Mitchell,
Leonard Goldberg, Francis Perry, David
Hodgdon, Fred Markey. Morris Pouzner, Sam
Resnick, Ted Rosenblatt, Julian Rifkin, Meyer
Stanzler, Charles Tobey, Andrew Tegu and
Mrs. Katherine Avery.
Long interested in the Allied organization.
Bendslev has been vice-president of the New
England group the last two years. Previously
he served as treasurer three years and
as a board member ten years. Tlie late Adolph
Bendslev. his father, was one of the founders
of Independent Exhibitors, Inc. He
operated the Community Playhouse at
Wellesley Hills, now operated by his son.
who took over the house in 1939. W. Leslie
Bendslev is a graduate of the Babson institute.
He is a past president of the Wellesley
Kiwanis club and a former treasurer of
the Community council.
Gordon MacRae at Hartford
HARTFORD—Gordon MacRae. Warner
actor, recently appeared on the State Theatre
stage in belialf of "Backfire."
There is no time to lose'. Act today on
repeal of the amusement tax!
Booth Veterans Rate Wind as Best
PROVIDENCE—"How Good Is a Movie?—
Ask the Man in the Projection Booth" was the
title of a half -page feature recently run in the
Evening Bulletin.
"Oscars and lemons come and go, but
'Gone With the Wind' was the best of them
all," according to a couple of hard-to-please
critics who, together, have spent 58 years
flashing motion pictures from projection
booths in Pi-ovidence theatres. The article,
illustrated with eight pictures, .summed up
the experiences of Arthur P. Slater and Sydney
Clarke, projectionists at Loew's State.
Maurice Druker. manager, assisted the
Providence newspaper considerably in planning
this spread which contained many interesting
and highly amusing sidelights.
Sydney Clarke, a 30-year veteran, pointed
out that he had viewed "Gone With the Wind"
for 40 days and could still see it many, many
more times.
Ifwas emphasized that when a great many
of the juvenile theatre patrons are munching
on popcorn during a western it is necessary
to increase the volume control several
times more than for a "drawing-room picture"
audience, which usually draws more
sedate patronage who are not such big popcorn
devotees.
During "Mutiny on the Bounty." a lot of
w'omen complained to the ushers about cursing
in the audience. When the management
checked up, it was found that many men were
swearing audibly, probably without their own
knowledge, during the whipping .scene. "That
was real acting." said Slater, who "has been
in the booth" for 28 years.
During the first showing of "Hell's Angels,"
featuring the late platinum-haired Jean Harlow,
the noi.se of screaming airplane engines
burned out four loudspeakers before the sound
panel board was adjusted. "We had to scurry
around town and borrow a couple of extras,
before the next show," related Clarke.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950 NE 87

. . . George
. . Roger
. . Sam
. . Leonard
. . Fred
. . The
HARTFORD
pjoug Amos, district manager for Lockwood-
Gordon-Rosen Tlieatres. plans to install
children's playground equipment at the Danbury
Drive-In this spring . Gagnon,
manager, Plainfield, Plainfield, was a visitor
E. Sawyer, assistant at the Victory,
New London, for 22 months, has been
appointed manager . . . Charlie Lowe, district
sound engineer for Warner Theatres, is planning
a southern trip, starting about March 1.
Ernie Grecula
Charlie has a new car . . .
of the Hartford Theatre circuit reports a
new silverware deal at the Rialto here.
Sal Adorno jr., manager of the Palace, Middletown,
has changed feature films now to
first at matinees. "Only one theatre can be
first—the Palace—Others follow!" was the
way Adorno announced the time change in
newspaper advertising.
Ruth Brooks Flippen, daughter of Johanna
Brooks of Hartford and wife of comedian
J. C. Flippen, has sold another script entitled
"Darling, I'm Stuck" to MGM . . . The
.senior class of John Fitch High school.
Windsor, sponsored "Great Expectations" at
the Plaza, Windsor, one day last week,
Bernie Maxwell, Eagle Lion exploiteer who
was in this area on "Guilty of Treason," will
be married in May to Olga Lipson of Monroe,
WALTER READE, JR.— Walter
Reade Theatres, New York, N. Y.
—says:
"An investment in RCA Service
is the best insurance we
know of for top quality sound."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
—
La. . . . The Capitol, Waterbury, has a new
chinaware deal ... As a Saturday matinee
stunt, the Win, Waterbury, gave away free
Roy Rogers cameras.
Edward Arnold was here the first time, he
said, since 1928. He was guest at a luncheon
at Hotel Bond of a number of Hartford
businessmen and friends . . . Michael Masselli,
projectionist, Webb, Wethersfield, is
engaged to Lee Totedo, vocalist.
Another Hollywood personality in town was
Cesar Romero, who told reporters that his
next motion picture is "Once a Thief," with
June Havoc . Rosen, partner in Lockwood-Gordon-Rosen
Theatres, was due back
from a southern trip about February 15 . . .
Doug Amos, district manager for LGR, has
promoted George Keegan, usher, to the newly
created position of chief of service, Webb,
Wethersfield. Robert Hammead joined the
ushers' crew at that suburban theatre.
An 84-year-old Columbia. Conn., man,
Horace W. Porter, saw his first motion picture
last week. He told newsmen that he
had no definite reason for his long holdout.
He just never got around to seeing a motion
picture. "I was too busy in my store,"
he explained . Young, former assistant
manager at E. M. Loew's and now a
New York night club singer, visited Norman
LeVinson, Bob Gentner and Lee Feigin of
Loew's Poll.
Harry F. Shaw, Loew's Poll division manager,
and Ruth Bolton, relief manager for
the circuit's New Haven theatres, were here.
Shaw reported that Sheldon Rose, son of
Harry Rose, Loew's Poll Majestic, Bridgeport,
manager, recently graduated from Syracuse
university.
Also downstate: Louis Jacobson, manager.
Park City, Bridgeport, is father of a baby
boy named David Allen. Paternal grandfather
is Morris D. Jacobson, general manager,
Strand Amusement circuit . . Phil
.
Humphrey, field RCA theatre service manager,
is father of a baby boy . Waring
and his Pennsylvanians will play the State
Theatre March 6 at $3.60 top . Broadway
comedy, "Born Yesterday," is booked
into the Court Square Theatre, Springfield,
for March 6-8 at $4.20 top.
A protest against the filming of "Yankees
in Texas," a motion picture dramatizing the
movement of the Chance Vought aircraft
plant from Stratford, Conn., to Dallas, Tex.,
has been made to executives of MGM by the
Connecticut Development commission. Commission
Chairman Francis S. Murphy said:
"The commission deeply regrets the decision
of MGM to make the picture and feels that
it may well be unpopular in Connecticut."
Albert W. Coote Resigns
From Hartford Bushnell
HARTFORD—Albert W. Coote. assistant
manager of the Bushnell Memorial Theatre
since 1931, has resigned, effective May 1.
His future plans were not disclosed.
Managing Director William H. Mortensen
said he and Charles F. T. Seaverns. chairman
of the theatre's board of trustees, tried to
persuade Coote to postpone his retirement.
—
Three Top Pictures
In Boston Openings
BOSTON—Openings of three unusual pictures
last Wednesday (8) brought out theatre
patrons in crowds. "Guilty of Ti-ea.son" premiered
at the Pilgrim, while "Samson and
Delilah" opened at the Paramount and Fenway
and "Twelve O'clock High" at the Metropolitan.
All reported terrific business, and all
three films were exploited to the hilt. "Samson"
and "Treason" each had half-page ads
in the local papers with extensive radio campaigns.
In its first week at Loew's State and
Orpheum, "Battleground" was very strong, as
was "My Foolish Heart" at the Astor. "When
Willie Comes Marching Home" at the Memorial
was good enough for a holdover.
(Average Is lOQ)
Aslor—My FoolUh Heart (RKO) 175
Beacon Hill—Devil in Ihe Flesh (AFE), Uth wk 90
Boslcn—The Nevadan (Col); Mark of the Gorilla
(Col) __ 90
Exeter Street—Tight Little Island (U-I); The Golden
Madonna (Mono), 7th wk
Memorial—When Willie Comes Marching Home
110
(20th-Fox) _ 120
Metropolitan Montana (WB), 5 days; Twelve
O'clock High (20lh-Fox), 2 days 120
Pilgrim—G.I. Joe (EL), reissue, 5 days, 2nd wk.;
Guilty o) Treason (EL), 2 days 120
Paramount and Fenway—Sands of Iwo Jima (Rep),
5 days, 3rd wk.; Samson and Delilah (Para),
2 days _ 135
State and Orpheum—Battleground (MGM) 160
Trade Drops Below Average
At New Haven First Runs
NEW HAVEN—Ti-ade at downtown houses
in general was below par. Several theatres
had short runs to change openings from
Saturday to Wednesday or Thursday. A dualing
of "High Seas" and "Spoilers of the
South Seas" at the College set the pace with
100 per cent. "Mrs. Mike" and "Blondie'a
Hero," paired at Loew's Poll, proved next best
with 85 per cent.
Bijou—Ambush (MGM); Unmasked (Rep) 80
College—High Seas (SR); Spoilers of the South
Seas (SR) 100
Paramount—Sands of Iwo Jima (Rep); Belle of Old
Mexico (Rep), 2nd wk 75
Loew's Poll—Mrs. Mike (UA); Blondie's Hero
(Col) 85
Roger Sherman—Bagdad (U-1); Undertow (U-I).... 80
'Battleground' Grosses 210
In 2nd Hartford Week
HARTFORD—"Battleground" did the biggest
business in moiiths at Loew's Poll Palace.
Elsewhere in the downtown first runs
trade was only fair.
AUyn—Captain China (Para); Radar Secret Service
(LP) 70
E, M. Loew—Guilty of Treason (EL); Girls' School
(Col) _ 100
Poll—South Sea Sinner (U-I); Free for All (U-1) 85
Palace—Battleground (MGM), 2nd wk _ 210
Regal—The Red Shoes (EL) 75
Strand—Backfire (WB); Davy Crockett. Indian
Scout (UA) _ _ 80
Spencer Brothers Visit
Newport, N. H., Coniston
NEWPORT, N. H. — Ralph and Gerald
Spencer, owners of a chain of 27 theatres in
New Brunswick, visited here recently with
Ersley A. Blanchard. manager of Interstate
Theatres' Coniston here. The Spencers chose
the Coniston as their idea of a perfect theatre
and spent the day with Blanchard inspecting
the building. The Spencers plan to rebuild
a theatre in New Brunswick, recently
destroyed by fire.
They will visit William Riseman of Boston,
architect of the Coniston, before starting
their own theatre.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

. . . Yvonne
. . . Ushers
Private Showings Set
For Boston Critics
BOSTON—The local Selznick office, headed
by Tom Duane. manager, and Nick Russo.
publicist, thought up a novel method of publicising
"The Tliird Man." In place of the
usual press screening where all critics review
the film in a body, the SRO office arranged
a series of special showings, making each
critic hostess for her own editorial, reportorial.
musical and pictorial staffs. The system
worked out satisfactorily. Peggy Doyle and
Mary X. Sullivan, critics for the Hearst papers,
took over the RKO screening room
February 3 entertaining their respective staffs,
while on February 8 Marjorie Adams of the
Boston Globe invited a group from her newspaper
to see the film.
On the evening of February 9. Elinor
Hughes of the Boston Herald and Helen
Eager of the Boston Traveler, sister newspapers,
held their staff screenings, with Prunella
Hall of the Boston Post holding hers
on February 10. Each critic made a point of
inviting music critics from her paper to attend
the screening, due to the interest in the
special zither music played by Viennese zither
artist Anton Karas, whose music plays such
a prominent part in the film.
His talents are so well known that Arkie
Yavensonne. booker of topnotch vaudeville
talent at the Oval room of the Copley-Plaza
hotel, is negotiating for a personal appearance
at the famous supper room. Should this booking
become an eventuality it would mark the
first American appearance of Karas. Boston
disk jockeys were invited to view the film at
a special screening arranged by publicist
Russo. More than 40 disk jockeys turned out
for the event.
LYNN
Engineers have been making way for a new
air conditioning system at the Warner
Michalski. former Warner cashier
and widow of Alfred Michalski. has resigned
as candy girl to enter the employ of
the Kennedy stores . . . Leo Barber, projectionist,
has recovered from an illness of several
weeks.
.Admission to a special show at a Capitol
Saturday morning show was a contribution
for the March of Dimes. The Lynn Item
furnished free publicity and patrons paid
from 10 cents for children to $2 for adults
are filling in for Howard Quill.
Waldorf doorman, while he is under treatment
at the Brighton Marine hospital. He is
a World War I veteran.
After being idle for months because of a
rental fee of S400. the new City Hall memorial
auditorium was engaged twice this
month, once for a motion picture and again
for a Gene Autry stage show at $1.50 a ticket.
The seating capacity is 2,000.
NEW HAVEN
T loyd H. Bridgham, Dover exhibitor, has been
re-elected president of the Cocheco County
club . . . The French-Canadian population in
Manchester recently saw a screening of "Un
Homme et Son Peche." film with French
dialog and English subtitles, at the Palace
Theatre there . . . "M," a German film, was
shown at a recent meeting of the film society
of the Manchester Historical Ass'n.
A new curtain will be purchased for the
city auditorium in Concord with proceeds
from a production by the Community Players
there of "Our Town" . . . Eileen Woods, former
Portsmouth girl who appears in the Walt
Disney production "Cinderella." recently was
given a reception following the opening of
the film in Boston. She was known as Jackie
Woods when she sang over WHEB in Portsmouth
several years ago.
Interstate Managers
Hold Boston Conclave
BOSTON—A round-table discussion of theatre
problems was held by Interstate Theatres
at a district managers' meeting called by
President E. Harold Stoneman. Present were
James Mahoney. general manager; Chris
Joyce. Brockton and Cape Cod areas; Erwin
Neumann. Connecticut; Ernest Fitzgerald,
New Hampshire; Raymond Kiniry. Vermont;
Joseph Bean. Revere, and Ted Fleisher. head
booker.
The two-day discussions were on product,
future bookings, exploitation and ways and
means of luring customers into the theatres.
Several speakers were brought into the meetings
from various industry departments to
offer suggestions on salient points relative to
theatre entertainment. Later the district
managers will call meetings with their managers.
The first will take place at the Hotel
Bryant. Brockton, under Chris Joyce. Others
will be held at the Hotel Bond. Hartford,
under Erwin Neumann for the Connecticut
and western Massachu.setts managers; at the
Hotel Coolidge. White River Junction. Vt..
under Ray Kiniry and Ernest Fitzgerald for
managers in Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Suit of Hartford Rivoli
Before Board of AAA
HARTFORD—A new date. Friday (17). was
set for the AAA arbitration complaint of
the Rivoli Theatre here over availability, with
the complaint, filed by Shulman interests of
Hartford, operators of the Rivoli and Webster
theatres, contending that film product
is available to the Rivoli seven days after
the Hartford Theatre circuit's Colonial, with
the latter theatre playing product 30 days
after Hartford first run. The Shulmans requested
that the Rivoli get product at the
same time as the Colonial.
Order your taxation trailers today!
Get your audience signing petitions now!
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Public Reaction Split
On 'Stromboli' Bar
SPRINGFIELD—A lively public discussion
developed here this week as the result of an
announcement by Samuel Goldstein, president
of Western Ma.ssachusetts Theatres, Inc.,
that the circuit would not play the Bergman-
Rosselli picture. "Stromboli." WMT's Paramount
is one of Springfield's four first runs.
After a conference with Harry Smith, general
manager, Goldstein announced, "We
have had a number of calls a.sking if we were
going to show the picture (Stromboli). but we
actually did not get a reaction from the public
as to their feelings. Our personal thought on
the matter is that no one will miss the picture,
and in view of the wave of resentment,
we do not feel it would be right to screen
it here."
However, not all public reaction seemed
to agree with the Goldstein dictum, and rumblings
of dissent were heard almost as soon as
the story hit the streets. Dissidents to the
WMT policy seemed to feel that the public
would rather be its own judge of what it
should see and should not see, and, as one
individual put it. "Here is one case where we
would prefer to do our own censoring, if any
is to be done."
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TIL YOU TRY
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HOWARD R. JOHNSON-Manager.
Strand Theatre, Hamden,
Conn.— says:
"The Showman's Number One
consideration is his booth's operation.
RCA Service is 100 f>er
cent insurance against breakdown
and a top boost to highest
efficiency of light and sound
quality."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
BOXOFTICE :: February 18, 1950
89

, , . Harry
. . . Dr.
. . "Tight
. . Joe
. . The
. . "Samson
SPRINGFIELD
BOSTON
the Bulge, and had them as his guests for
the opening. Resultant story and pictures
made the local newspapers.
^he personal appearance of Gene Autry here Herman Rifkin and George Roberts toured lyjaurice Green of Audrey Pictures has obtained
the New England rights for George
the 17th gave a strong hypo to all westerns,
and particularly to the double Hopalong recently returned from a vacation trip to
the circuit in this city and Holyoke. Rifkin
Jeffrey's production, "Cavalcade of Faith,"
Cassidy show which George E. Freeman, South America . Strand now has a
a documentary feature on Catholicism. The
manager of the Loew's Poli, hosted as a special
Saturday morning feature for youngsters.
newly decorated lobby, and new popcorn and
film will be available to theatres, churches
soda machines and a new candy stand have
and parochial schools in both 35 and 16mm
Part of the Hopalong promotion featured the
been installed. Al Sharby is in charge of the
widths . . . Harry Zeitz of the Zeitz circuit
sending of circulars to all local schools, containing
pictures which were to be colored. Frank Linehan, now at the Liberty, recently records at the Civic in Portland, Me., and
house.
said "Sands of Iwo Jima" broke all house
Kach youngster submitted his colored entry returned from Hollywood to this city, after the State in New Bedford, Mass. The film
and the winners received watches, "westerntype"
six-shooters, fancy kerchiefs, and other Charlie Hurley, manager of the Phillips, went moved for a second stanza to the New Bed-
having spent a year in the film capital , . . played a second week at the Civic and was
popular cowboy appurtenances. The prizes to Boston to discuss booking problems with ford, New Bedford.
were awarded by local merchants.
George Roberts, chief booker for the chain
With the
Splaine is the
3,500-seat Municipal
new doorman at the Mickey Andelman of the Devonshire Film
auditorium
sold Phillips.
out for both
Co. left to visit its
matinee and
midwest exchanges,
evening
working
performances
of the Gene Autry
on the nine Cisco
show,
Kid reissues which
the city
property committee expressed
the company is distributing . , . With the
its dissatisfaction
upon learning that
resignation of
Gene's two
Saul Levin, salesman at
horses
Eagle
Treason' Premiere
would be quartered in the
Lion, Carl Devizia,
hall from
former RKO Maine
early
afternoon until nearly midnight, and
salesman, has
ordered
been given the Maine territory
Promoter Duke Landen to provide some protection
for the anteroom floor and
Telecast a! Boston
formerly held by Lloyd Coen, who has been
transferred to
the
the
ramp.
Vermont and New Hampshire
came areas.
BOSTON—For the first time in local motion
picture history, an opening of
After considerable searching, Duke up
Al Fecke, former Vermont and
with
a feature
sections of heavy canvas, which proved
New Hampshire salesman, has been assigned
was televi-sed here 'Wednesday (8).
acceptable 'WNAC-TV
to the city fathers, and about
the Massachusetts
5,000
area formerly held by
viewers saw the opening night festivities
local
of
youngsters breathed more easily,
Levin.
Eagle Lion's world premiere of "Guilty of
George E. Freeman, Loew's Poli manager,
Treason" at the Esquire Theatre. The telecast
can always be depended upon to get the best marked the climax of an intensive radio
possible local promotion for any picture his and TV promotion for the simultaneous opening
of the film in three of ATC's Boston
Censorship by Advice
hou.se is showing. For "Battleground," he
Worse Than by Ukase
rounded up half a dozen local residents who houses, the Pilgrim, Mayflower and Esquire.
had actually participated in the Battle of Lester Smith was on hand to welcome PROVIDENCE—Bradford F.
the
Swan, widely
guests, who included city and
known film critic on the staff of the Providence
Journal-Bulletin,
state officials,
EL officials, prominent
recently pointed out
socialites, visiting
that
celebrities and Hupgarian
Rhode Island censorship
and
has a parallel
Polish groups
in Memphis.
in native costumes.
In a special article
Several days
published in
before
the
the opening, Archbishop
Sunday
Journal,
FILMACK .
Gushing recommended
Swan said that a recent court
that all faith and
case argued in the southern city
creeds should
was of vast
see "Guilty of Treason." Citing
does only ONE thing
importance to the entire movie industry.
the case of Cardinal Mindszenty, whose life
story forms the basis of the plot of the picture.
His Excellency asked titled
The Memphis case concerned a film en-
and does it well
prayers in behalf
"Curley," produced by the Hal Roach
SPECIAL TRAILERS
of the imprisoned churchman and urged
studios and released through all
United Artists.
to see the film.
It
"I have never before gone
was nothing more than a composite of several
before the public to recommend old
a picture, but
Our Gang comedies made a decade
I gladly
ago. It
do so in this case," he declared. He
was released in 1947, and was banned
like our QUICK service and
also asked priests
by the
in his diocese to recommend
the film
Memphis censors, of whom Lloyd T.
Binford is
to their
the kingpin,
parishioners at Sunday
services.
shows a Negro child playing with white chil-
presumably because it
CHICAGO
1 327 S. Wabash Av OHESlNEW YORK
dren.
y n i lU I
^619 West S4th Si.
Counsel for Binford denied
NEWHAMPSHIRE
it was banned
but merely theatres were "advised" against
showing it.
Swan pointed out in his article that if censorship
bodies with licensing power are to be
Expert Projector Repairing The Variety Club will meet February 27 in
Prompt Service — Reasonable Prices
its clubrooms, with Ray Wylie, new allowed
chief
to escape the responsibility of their
barker, presiding acts
. and Delilah"
by "advising" against the showing of a
PROJECTION EQUIPMENT SERVICE CO. opened Wednesday film,
(15i at the Paramount a situation will arise which is far more
II Winchester St. Boston Theatre here
vicious
. Dolgin of the Pike Theatre,
Newton, will buy and book for the new He likened the southern case to one which
than outright banning.
drive-in to be opened on the 'Waterbury- occurred here in 1939 when the Providence
Bristol highway this spring . . . Bernie Maxwell
and Sid Newman, Eagle Lion exploiteers licensor of public performances, "advised"
bureau of police and fire, in its capacity as a
from New York, were here working on a against the showing of "Professor Mamlock,"
SERVICINO THEATRES JRIKE INS campaign for "Guilty of Treason,"
a Russian film.
CANDY POP CORN -DRINKS
Despite a bitter court battle the picture
COMPLETE CONCESSION SUPPLIES
Truman Ferguson, "Whitney Theatre manager,
was vacationing at Charleston, S. C, not actually ban it. But, the "advice" against
was never shown, even though the bureau did
HtKup tMe/HmiaSuwt-
J. B. Fishman, general manager of its presentation was so worded that the prospective
exhibitor decided not to go ahead
the Fishman houses, returned home from a
local hospital , . . Lou Cohen, manager of the without the "blessing" of the local censorship
board. Swan is hopeful that if the
Poli in Hartford, left for South America . . .
Dave Kaufman, Loew Poli artist, was in Vermont
.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Memphis case is carried to the Supreme
Combination Ramp
Little Island" broke all
Identification and Driveway
Court, as indicated at one stage, a clear
Floodlioht
records at the Lincoln Theatre here . . . Columbia
Pictures gave a reception for Kansas ^r'l'"'?:'
City, IMo
statement of principle will result making the
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ^^ J" Gene screen as free as any medium of transmission
of Autry at the Taft hotel February 11.
ideas.
90 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

D. C. Caraway Retires;
Sells Meridian Circle
MERIDIAN. TEX.—After nearly half a century
in the theatre business. D. C. Caraway
prepared to retire upon the sale of the Circle
Theatre here to Bill Curtis of Meridian, Tex.
Caraway is retiring because of ill health.
He came to Clifton. Tex., in 1916 and
bought a theatre, which at that time was in
the building now occupied by an auto supply
dealer. After about two years. Caraway established
the Queen in the building now
housing the Gem. In the late 20s he put in
the Cliftex, which he operated until selling
it to E. W. Capps a few years ago.
Within 18 months he re-entered the industry
with the Circle near this city. Caraway
started in the theatre business in Hico in
about 1904, and was in Corpus Christi, Los
Angeles, Amarillo and Canyon before coming
here.
Curtis is owner and operator of the Capitol
Theatre at Meridian.
J. H. Rowley Installed
As Texas Variety Head
DALLAS—John H. Rowley, recently elected
chief barker of the Variety Club of Texas,
and other new officers were installed at a
meeting in its clubrooms. Other new officers
include F. W. Allen, first assistant;
C. A. Dolsen. second assistant; Myer Rachofsky,
dough guy; Don C. Douglas, property
master, and Charles E. Darden. R. E. Davis.
Clyde Rembert, A. H. Reynolds. L. M. Rice
and F. L. Stocker, directors.
Tony Lanagan to Manage
Longview, Tex., Drive-In
LONGVIEW. TEX.—W. A. "Tony" Lanagan,
former city manager for East Texas
Theatres, has been named manager of the
River Road Drive-In here, according to Fred
Minton, director of the organization. Lanagan,
who retired two years ago, accepted
the position effective immediately. He succeeds
H. T. Wales, who returned to Burnet.
Tex., to operate a string of privately owned
theatres.
Van Chamberlain Buys
Fremont, Tex., Drive-In
FREMONT, TEX.—Van Chamberlain of
Palfurrias recently purchased the Star Drive-
In south of here from George Western. Albert
Dale jr., and A. M. Littlefield. Chamberlain,
who owns the theatres in Freer and
Benavides, retained Western as business manager
and other personnel in their jobs.
Resigns to Manage Royal
ABILENE. TEX.—Bruce Royal, for seven
years manager of the Majestic Theatre here,
has resigned to become manager and part
owner of the Royal Drive-In at Marlin, Tex.
The drive-in is scheduled to open for E. L.
Williamson and Associates about March 3.
No successor to Royal has been named, according
to Wally Akin, Interstate city manager
at Abilene.
To Tower at Bastrop
BASTROP. TEX.—T. L. Duke, former
Sweeney, Tex., showman, has assumed managership
of the Tower Theatre hero.
351 Houses in Southwest
Impose 'Stromboli' Ban
OKLAHOMA CITY — Five more circuits
joined Interstate Theatres this week in refusing
to book "Stromboli" to bring the total
number of southwest theatres banning the
picture to 351. Ralph Drewry, vice-president
of the Talbot Tlieatres circuit in Tulsa, said
the film would not be shown in his four
Tulsa houses.
UP TO LOCAL PARTNERS
BAR BY EAST TEXAS CIRCUIT
In Texas, the Eddie Joseph circuit of theatres,
controlling five Austin houses, announced
it would not show the film. Earlier.
Karl Hoblitzelle, president of Interstate Theatres,
ruled that the film would not be shown
in any of that chain's 153 houses, including
nine in Albuquerque, N. M.
For his stand on the showing of "Stromboli."
Hoblitzelle received high praise from
Texas officials, including Homer Garrison jr..
state department of public safety; Price
Daniel, attorney general: John Winters, youth
development council, and O. B. Ellis, general
manager of the Texas prison system.
S. L. Oakley, vice-president and general
manager of East Texas Theatres, Inc.. at
Beaumont, revealed that his circuit of 50
theatres would not book "Stromboli," and
Leon Glasscock, circuit owner at San Antonio,
said the film would not be shown in any of
his theatres at San Antonio. Stockdale.
Blanco. Boerne. Pleasanton, George West or
Luling.
Two independent theatres, the &nie Pyle
and Sandia at Albuquerque, joined in the
protest by refusing to book the picture. Marlin
Butler, operator, and president of the New
Mexico Theatres Ass'n, "I think the vast majority
of theatre operators looks unfavorably
on this picture and the bad publicity it is
creating."
Likelihood of a statewide Texas ban on the
film grew remote as a legislative resolution
on the subject rested in an unfriendly committee.
The re.solution. introduced in the
house by Rep. Peppy Blount, Big Springs,
was shoved by the state affairs committee,
to which It was referred last week, into a
three-man subcommittee "for further study."
On the other hand, "Stromboli" was
slated to open Tliursday in seven San Antonio,
Tex., theatres, the Palace, Josephine,
Prince. Highland, Uptown, Hi-Ho and Harlandale.
It also will open Tuesday (21), carrying
the same advertising used nationally by
RKO, at the Center Theatre in Oklahoma
City. Ads met little opposition here prior to
the opening.
R. V. McGinnis of the Cozy Theatre in
Tulsa has booked the film for one week,
starting March 1 at advanced prices. The
Cozy is a subsequent run house, located in
downtown Tulsa. Prices for the run will be
.scaled at 35, 50 and 65 cents. The general
He said: "Ingrid Bergman, star of the film,
has deliberately offended public good taste.
Since we do not want to be a party to offending
the public it is our decision at this
time not to play the picture."
Meanwhile, locally the Video Independent
Theatres expressed doubt about booking the admission price normally is 50 cents for both
film in the cii-cuit's 130 theatres. A company matinee and evening shows.
spokesman said partners and managers in 50
cities in Oklahoma and Texas have shown
'Stromboli' Opens Run
opposition to exhibiting the film. He said he
doubted that the film would be booked in At Dallas in Dallas
any of the Video theatres.
DALLAS—"Stromboli," the film which Karl
"Local managers and partners determine Hoblitzelle declared will not be shown in
what pictures will be shown in the houses Interstate theatres here and throughout
they manage." he said. "They could obtain Texas, opened at the Dallas Theatre Thursday
(161. The Dallas, a downtown house, is
the film if they want it, but my impression
is that none of them will want the picture. owned by the Telenews Corp. Until last
Executives here are of the opinion that it Christmas, Interstate theatres had had an
lacks entertainment value."
Executives of the chain said no attempt to
book it on a companywide basis will be made
interest in the house, then called
news.
the Tele-
because of the scandal over the Bergman-
Rossellini romance.
Long Circuit Presenting
Civic Club Featurette
Singer Charlie Walker and Shad Graham,
Houston film producer.
BAY CITY. TEX.—The J.
G. Long circuit
has been playing "Cowgirl Sweethearts on
Parade," a 22-minute motion picture illustrating
the theme of international relationship
as practiced by the Lions. Rotary, Kiwanis
and other civic and service clubs.
The film features Etoris Parkan of Victoria
and other .sweethearts from this area at the
annual Bay City Rice festival, and was filmed
by Shad E. Graham, former Hollywood and
New York cameraman, who now lives in
Houston.
An 18-minute stage show starring Charlie
Walker, cowboy ballad singer, was presented
along with the film at the El Rancho Theatre
in Victoria.
There is no time to lose! Act today on
repeal of the amusement tax!
BOXOFFICE ;: February 18, 1950 sw 91

. . The
. .
!
OKLAHOMA CITY
'The 33rd annual membership meeting of the
Oklahoma County Health Ass'n February
23 will draw William O'Donnell. Dallas, as
keynoter. O'Donnell, international Variety
representative, will speak on the heart of
health and welfare, and possibly on Variety
Club Health center.
John Payne was in Oklahoma City beating
the drums in advance of the opening
of "Captain China," which started at the
Criterion Tuesday U4». Payne appeared on
two radio programs, stations KOMA and
KTOW, while in town, and also met the
press and radio at a party given by Cooper
Foundations at the Skirvin hotel. Payne and
A. C. Lyles jr., press agent, stopped at the
Biltmore hotel.
Pat McGee, general manager for Cooper
Foundation, Denver, was here for the party
honoring John Payne . Criterion will
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. . . Rose
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SAN ANTONIO
n live horse was featured on "TV Dude
Ranch" over WOAI-TV Friday evening.
Not just an ordinary cow pony, either. He i.s
Star Baby, billed as "the world's smartest
horse." With his owner and trainer, Miss
Jonnie Douthitt. he enacted a love story in
pantomime. Star Baby also rings bells, answers
questions, unties knots, and even knows
his arithmetic. The cast included comedian
Lou Emerson, singers Curly Williams and
Tommy Jean Whitley, Pancho Gonzales and
emcee Bill Shomette.
Vernon Geyer, theatre organist, has returned
to the Alamo city following a three
year sojourn in Chicago . . . Jessie Jackson's
"High Steppers of 1950." an all-Negro musical
revue, played a one -night stand at the
Cameo Theatre . Burkhart recently
was named manager of the Alamo Drive-In
Yvonne Stein and John Currie are
coming out with a new love ballad titled
"Without My Darling." It will be recorded
for Everstate release.
Agapito Presa reports he is reopening the
old Azteca Theatre in Beeville under the
name of Alta Vista . . . Several other theatremen
were here to contract for Mexican-made
pictures. They were Frank Fletcher, Ritz,
Houston; Mr. and Mrs. Philip Brady, Rex,
Rio Hondo; Pedro Carrasco, Big Wells, and
Senora Esther R. Ruenes, Ruenes Teatro. San
Benito.
Frank Flores, assistant booker at Clasa-
Mohme. was home three days nursing a slight
case of the flu . . . Clasa-Mohme screened
"Ladronzuela," starring the late Blanca
Estella Pavon . Gene Garcia, president
of the lATSE Local 407 and chief projectionist
at the Empire, attended the recent
CTM union meeting in Mexico City . . . "The
"Bombshell," an oldie, was showed at the
community center by the San Antonio Film
Forum . Bergman's "Under Capricorn"
went into the Hi-Ho and Laurel, sub-
March 9. This is to correct a recent news item
Kid From Texas" will play the Majestic here
urban houses . Negrete. the Mexican which had the date a month too soon.
film star who recently appeared at the Alameda
here, left for Havana
A camera crew was here from New York
to fill stage engagements
in the island republic . . . George
shooting local scenes for the television film,
"The Big Story," of the late Walthall Littlepage,
onetime San Antonio Light police re-
Templeton. EL producer, was in town.
Plans are under way to bring
porter . . .
Hopalong Cassidy Boyd here from Hollywood
for the Fiesta de San Jacinto in April.
Burglar Damages House
WACO. TEX.—A burglary attempt at the
Melrose Theatre here caused considerable
damage to the front doors of the house, although
the burglar to gain entrance
-
to the theatre. He made a second attempt
to force his way through an air conditioning
duct causing damage there also. The theatre
management estimated that it would cost
more than $100 to repair the damages.
MEL DANNER— Owner of the
Circle Theatre, Waynoka, Okla.—
declares:
"I let RCA Sound Service worry
about ray sound problems.They
do a good job and their service
is excellent."
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
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D. J. YOUNG — Owner of the
Mexico Theatre, Brownsville, Texas
— affirms:
"During the 17 years we
have used RCA equipment
we have been more than
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but praise for RCA Service."
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
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.
GRAND
John Payne, film actor, and A. C. Lyles, publicist,
stopped here briefly last week en route
to Hollywood from southeastern "Captain
China" appearances.
Herman Beiersdorf, Lippert branch manager,
flew Tuesday (14) to Hot Springs to
arrange a screening of "The Baron of Arizona"
for R. J. O'Donnell, who is taking baths
there . . . The Dallas Theatre is continuing
an art display sponsored by the Federation of
Dallas Artists. Twelve oil paintings by Adele
Brunei are on display during February.
Mrs. J. Howard Hodge of Midland, president
of the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs,
was here seeking cooperation of theatremen
on a statewide program to raise funds for
.
its educational program Great
Rupert" and "Mother Didn't Tell Me" were
sneak previewed at downtown houses last
week, in addition to regular bills.
De Luxe House Opened
By E. J. Jobe in Dallas
DALLAS — The first de luxe theatre for
Negro patrons, the Wlieatley Theatre, was
opened here recently by E. J. Jobe, owner and
operator. The theatre is located at Oakland
and Southland in the new shopping center.
Jobe, a resident of Dallas for 25 years, is
former owner and operator of the Harlem,
Terrell, Tex. The Wheatley seats 550 persons
and was erected at a cost of about $85,000.
The decorative scheme is in blue and gold.
The theatre is air conditioned and has a soft
drink and candy stand in the foyer.
It will show double features except on
Thursdays, changing bills five times a week.
Three Robberies Staged
At Oklahoma Theatres
OKLAHOMA CITY—Theatre robberies hit
a new high this week as gunmen held up
cashiers at the local Mayflower, and at the
Pix and Fitz in Chickasha. A robber threatened
Mayflower cashier Connie Mae Tibey
with a bronze plated pistol to obtain $125
from that house.
An armed bandit held up the Pix at Chickasha
for $24.30. then went down the street
a few doors to the Ritz where he flashed
a gun to obtain $30. He ran around the
corner and drove away.
Glen Stovall. Chickasha policeman, said
none of the witnesses could give a good description
of the man or his car. However,
one report was that the gunman flashed a
bronze plated pistol. Tlie week before Oklahoma
City's nevi' suburban Lakeside Theatre
was robbed.
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BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

ABOARD OCEAN LINER—A. P. Brashear. president of the American Desk Mfg.
Co. of Temple, Tex., and Joy Houck, head of the Joy circuit. New Orleans, and their
wives returned recently from a voyage to England. Brashear completed a deal with
J. Arthur Rank, British film industry leader, and Gaumont-Kalee, equipment company
which he controls, to manufacture Gaumont's Ambassador theatre chair in the U.S.
Seen in the photo taken aboard the Queen Mary are, left to right: Brashear, Mrs.
Houck, Houck and Mrs. Brashear.
Lancaster Theatre
Destroyed by Fire
LANCASTER, TEX.—The Lancaster Theatre,
opened only two months ago here by
V. H. Post, was destroyed in a fire believed
to have been caused by defective wiring.
The theatre, which adjoined the downtown
business district, was gutted, with only portions
of the walls left standing. A hook and
ladder unit and two pumper trucks from
Dallas joined the local fire crew in answering
the alarm.
All equipment and fixtures were destroyed.
Post said the building was insured, but did
not declare the value of the property.
Vandals Slash Five Seats
At San Antonio Alameda
SAN ANTONIO. TEX.—Vandals slashed
five seats in the balcony of the Alameda
Theatre here, says Ignacio Torres, manager.
Torres said he did not believe the damage
was caused by strikers. The theatre is involved
in a long-standing labor dispute.
One recent labor dispute found Jorge
Negrete. visiting film star, being pelted with
eggs, fruit and vegetables upon his appearance
at the theatre.
DRIVE-IN K^anL^Ci'ly^'M"
Theatres 10-2 - 12-2 -
— From Stock
firm alleged the theatre owes all but $12,000
OrivE-ln 14-2
Immediate Delivery
THEATRE MFG. CO.
previously paid on $18,359 worth of seats
Tulsa Theatre Is Sued
TULSA—A suit for $6,359 allegedly due the
Ideal Seating Co., Grand Rapids. Mich., for
.seats installed in the Delman Theatre here
was filed last week in district court. The suit
named the Tivoli Realty Co. as owner and
operator of the theatre,
NEO-SEAL BURIAL WIRE
and I. B. Adelman.
Solid or Stranded
Dallas, president, defendants. The seating
For
SOUTHWESTERN nejio^:
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because Southwestern handles only the items that they know
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Look at the lines they handle . . . RCA, Wagner! All the quality
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So remember, talk it over, work it over and make your buy with
$101000 Grants Made
By Karl Hoblitzelle
DALLAS—Karl Hoblitzelle, president of
Interstate Theatre chain in Texas and well
known as a philanthropist, has made a gift
and a grant totaling $101,000 to two Dallas
institutions. Both were made through the
Hoblitzelle Foundation. A gift of $50,000 was
given to Southern Methodist university and
a $51jOOO grant went to the Texas Research
foundation.
About $50,000 of the $51,000 grant will go
for construction of a field house at the foundation's
main plant at Renner, north of the
Dallas city limits. The research foundation
committee passed a resolution saying, in part:
"Mr. Hoblitzelle has made monetary gifts
totaling $465,000 commencing in 1946 and
continuing down to the present, making possible
the building of the institution to its
present stage."
Dr. Umphrey Lee. SMU president, said the
$50,000 gift would bs used to name a professional
chair in real estate in the SMU
School of Business Administration. The gift
was made in honor of the late Frank L.
McNeny and the professorship will bear that
name.
Texas Solon Proposes
Film on State Assembly
AUSTIN, TEX.—Harris county representative
Bob Casey has introduced a resolution
proposing that a motion picture be
made to enlighten the people of Texas on
the way their state legislature operates. The
preamble of the resolution states that the
majority of the people "do not know when
the regular sessions of the state legislature
meet; how often it convenes; the duration
and other matters related
of each session . . .
to operation of their state legislature."
The resolution proposed that the state
board of education and the University of
Texas use their facilities to make a documentary
film to sell or rent to schools, colleges
and other interested groups.
Casey's proposal was referred to the house
appropriations committee.
Sam Hanna of Dallas recommended Mack
Sennett as the director.
"You're too old," shot back Casey. "Most
of these young members don't know who
Mack Sennett is."
"What would people pay to see this legislature
operate?" said Hanna.
"They're paying now," said Casey.
Get your audience signing petitions now!
Southwestern Theatre Equipment Company
IN DALLAS
2010 Jackson Street
Telephone Prospect 7-3571
IN
HOUSTON
1416 Main Street
Telephone Capitol 9906
96 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

—
Marshall, Tex., Forms
Censorship Board
MARSHALL, TEX.—A film and vaudeville
censorship board provided for under a 28-
year-old ordinance has been reactivated by
the city commission. The action followed
resolutions adopted by the Kiwanis and
Rotary clubs requesting that the management
of East Texas Theatres, a chain of 50 showhouses,
withdraw a scheduled showing of
"Pinky" here. Protests were made against a
film concerning "interracial marriage."
Meanwhile, W. L. Gelling, manager of East
Texas Theatre, said the local houses would
not book "Stromboli," a decision he said was
made by S. L. Oakley of Beaumont, vice-president
and general manager of the chain. City
officials said that "Stromboli" had no connection
with reactivation of censorship.
The new board has five members: Charles
Pry, chairman, A. C. Johnson, Tom Abney,
Frank Yakel and Newman Wells. Under local
law, it has the power to demand screenings
or advance performances of a film or vaudeville
show before it is played here. Violation
of the ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable
by a fine of $25 to $200 for each offense.
An offense is constituted by presentation of
an objectionable film of "immoral character"
or "prejudicial to the best interests of the
people of Marshall." The board must notify
the management of a theatre in writing in
case a presentation is found objectionable.
The ordinance was enacted in 1921 during a
controversy over "The Birth of a Nation."
$353 to Dimes Drive
TEXAS CITY, TEX.—Joe Brown, J. G. Long
circuit manager here, reported local theatres
collected $353 for the March of Dimes with
Boy Scouts passing the basket and wishing
wells in each lobby.
Oak Drive-In Is Closed
COLEMAN, TEX.—The Oak Drive-In here
has been closed by owners, Mr. and Mrs.
Roland Duus, for installation of 350 RCA incar
speakers and a new concession stand.
The drive-in will be reopened March 1.
Benefit Show for Fund
FREDERICKSBURG, TEX.—A benefit
showing of "Penrod and Sam" was held at
the 87 Drive-In here recently, with 100 per
cent of the proceeds going to the polio fund.
Remodels Texas at Cisco
CISCO, TEX—C. L. Guinn, new owner
of the Texas Theatre, has remodeled the
building.
Ne^v Wideman Company Offices
DALLAS—Offices of the Wideman Brokerage
Co. have been moved to rooms 201 and
201A in the Alford building, located at 318
Cadiz street here.
Youth Attempts to Grab
Oak Theatre Coin Box
l-ONE OAK. TEX.- A youth who attempted
to snatch a coin box from the ticket window
of the Oak Theatre here and came up with
only two $5 bills, is in Hunt county jail
facing charges of petty theft. Mr. and Mrs.
Howard Crump, operators of the theatre, had
closed the ticket office, placed the money
in the cash box and leaned the box against
a board which closed the window. They
had stepped outside the booth for a minute
when the youth tried to move the board to
get the box. The box fell to the floor attracting
the attention of the Crumps.
Strand Safe in Creek
"HOUSTON, TEX.—Wliat W. E. Marshall
hooked while fishing in Cypress Creek recently
turned out not to be a giant fish as
he hoped, but instead the safe that had
previously been stolen from the Strand Theatre.
The $969 which the safe contained at
the time of the robbery, January 30, was gone.
Proceeds Donated to Scouts
PRANKSTON, TEX.—Proceeds of a special
show held at the Strand Theatre recently
were donated to the local Boy Scout organizations
by the theatre management.
Money will be used to send two local scouts
to the National Jamboree of Boy Scouts, to
be held at Valley Forge next July.
Passes to Honor Students
DEVINE, TEX.—The local drive-in has
furnished passes to each school principal and
superintendent in this area. The passes are
to be given to each of the children making
the school honor roll this term.
Fire in Juarez Theatre
EL PASO—Fire caused an estimated $600
worth of damage to the Victoria Theatre in
Juarez recently.
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Xight' Grosses 105
To Lead in Dallas
DALLAS—An uneventful week was recorded
with "Red Light" at the Melba leading the
list at 105, and "Bo.ss of Boomtown" and
,
"Tarzan Triumphs," showing as a double feature
at the Capitol, also chalking up 105.
Despite excellent reviews and big support
from newspapers, "The Heiress" garnered only
90 per cent.
(Average Is 100)
Capitol Boss ol Boomlown (SG); Tarzan Triumphs
(RKO), reissues 105
Majestic—Prince of Foxes (Para) 100
Melba:—Red Ught (UA) 105
Palace—The Heiress (Para) .
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Rialto—The Sundowners (EL), 2nd wk 100
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BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 97

—
Snyder, Tex., Theatres
Sold to Joe L. Love
SNYDER TEX.—For the first time in 25
years, except for a short and unsuccessful
attempt in 1937, all of theatres in this rich
oil-booming west Texas town will not be
owned by a Lollar.
Joe L. Love, 43-year-old Seminole, Okla..
theatre operator, has purchased the equipment
in Snyder's five theatres and has obtained
leases on the buildings and property.
The shows were purchased from Mrs. T. L.
Lollar, whose husband bought his first theatre
there in 1925. He died in 1927, after having
added one new theatre. From that time
on active management of the theatres has
been in the hands of N. R. Clements, sonin-law
of Mrs. Lollar. His wife has been
manager.
The purchase includes four downtown theatres
and one drive-in. The Starlite Drive-In
was built in the spring of 1949, and the Aztec
Theatre was opened here last fall. The Ritz,
now nearing completion, will be Snyder's newest.
It is on the south side of the square
facing the Scurry county courthouse.
All of the theatres, except the original two,
have been built since a rich oil pool was discovered
under Scurry county, of which Snyder
is county seat and sole city of note. The
oil boom has developed Snyder from a sleepy
town of 5,000 to a thriving city of 25,000.
Although Love, who is married and has
three children, has made no definite plans
as to moving his family here, he has plans
for progression of the theatres. They include
remodeling of the Texas and a new drive-in
and completion of the Ritz. Love has been in
the theatre business for the last ten years.
L. D. Glasscock to Build
MATHIS, TEX.—Construction will start
immediately on a new 600-car drive-in for
Leon D. Glasscock here. The ozoner also will
have 600 seats for walk-in patrons.
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'Francis' Balks at Video;
Refuses to Enter Studio
OKLAHOMA CITY—"Francis," talking
mule of the army and star of the U-I picture
bearing her name, balked at television here,
when Paul Townsend, manager of the Midwest,
trainer Bob Fetters and U-I press
agent Lou Gerard tried to get her on a ramp
leading to the WKY-TV studio here. The mule
refused to walk and information is that
Gerard and Townsend have rope burns on
their hands. Their efforts didn't work, however,
since Francis didn't appear on television.
The mule came to Oklahoma City, after
world premiere of "Francis" in New Orleans,
to plug the opening of the picture at the
Midwest here Friday (17). From here, Francis
and other members of the troupe went on to
Tulsa to beat the drums for the picture at
the Talbot theatres.
Picher Theatre Dark;
Mine CaveJn Feared
PICHER, OKLA.—The Plaza, the only local
theatre, was the first of this town's
business to close last week in the face of a
warning of a possible mine cave-in underneath
a four-block downtown area. The
theatre, however, was the only business interrupted
by word from the Eagle-Picher
Mining & Smelting Co. that supporting pillars
in the long abandoned mine tunnels under
the town are showing definite signs of
strain.
Lawrence Wells, manager of the 25-year-old
house, said his decision to close was made
because he felt "morally obligated to do so
until the hazardous area was declared safe,
or until something was done to insure safe
operation of the theatre."
The Plaza has a seating capacity of 1.000.
Wells also said he had no intention of reopening
the smaller Roxy Theatre, one-half
block from the Plaza, which was closed last
July.
A later announcement from Kenneth Blackledge,
Video official in Oklahoma City, said
the theatre would be moved to safe ground
as soon as possible. Other businesses in the
area were slated to begin evacuations to
safer ground later this week.
Houston Drive-In Started
HOUSTON—Ground is
being cleared for a
new drive-in on the Airline expressway here
to be built by the Lone Star Theatre Co.
The ozoner will accommodate 750 cars on the
14-acre site. E. L. Pack is president of the
Lone Star Co., which headquarters in Dallas.
The firm has no theatres here at present, but
operates drive-ins in Waco, El Paso and
Shreveport, La.
Freer, Tex., Drive-In Opens
FREER, TEX.—H. T. Sain and Jack Telford
have opened the Freer Drive-In. Telford,
who will manage the airer, reports that
RCA Brenkert sound and projection equipment
has been installed, and although only
300 speakers were in operation opening night,
others will be installed upon arrival. Opening
attraction was "Portrait of Jennie."
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Scenic Fiesta Drive-In
Is Opened at El Paso
EL PASO—The new Fiesta Drive-In. about
two miles west of town on the Mesa highway,
was opened last week (7) by J. B.
Season and W. O. Beardon with "Paleface"
on the screen. The Fiesta is in a picturesque
setting with the Franklin mountain as the
background and offering a superb view of the
Upper Valley and the New Mexico plains in
other directions.
Over $100,000 was spent on construction
and equipment. The tower displays one of
the largest animated neon signs in this part
of the country, featuring an 18-foot dancing
girl in typical Mexican costume.
"We studied over hundreds of drive-ins all
over the country before starting construction,"
the owners said, "and have incorporated
every new and modern feature we could find."
One of them is a cafeteria style snack bar
and lovely patio in the center of the lot.
The picture may be viewed from the patio,
which also will be available for square
dancing and individual party groups.
The theatre has a capacity of 500 cars with
a four-lane entrance and two boxoffices.
Interstate Opens the New
Arlington, Tex., House
ARLINGTON, TEX.—The new 1,200-seat
Arlington Theatre here was opened February
11 by Interstate Theatres. Harold Eppes, who
has been been with the Interstate circuit 15
years, is manager of the house. Howard
Hildreth is assistant manager. Completely
air conditioned, the theatre has a cry room
and a 20-foot snack bar.
Opening features included a stage bill
which included the Plying X Ranch Boys,
a concert by a 50-piece band, fireworks and
addresses by civic and theatre officials. A
special opening program for children the next
day included a feature, a serial and six cartoons.
The initial screen bill was "The Story
of Seabiscuit."
Two Drive-ins Slated
For Ennis, Tex., Area
ENNIS, TEX.—One drive-in now is under
construction here and plans are being drawn
up for a second such installation. Robert M.
Rogers, film operator formerly of Marshall,
Mo., plans an early spring opening for a
drive-in now being built a mile and one-half
south of the city limits on Highway 7.
The ten-acre tract has been surveyed and
work has started on the screen tower.
Lloyd Rust of Gene Autry Enterprises and
John Stiles, local theatre owner, will build
the second drive-in to be located north of
the city. Property already has been purchased
for the ozoner, which wUl feature
playgrounds for children.
Lex Barker Visits Dallas
DALLAS—Lex Barker, the
new Tarzan of
the film series, was here Tuesday and
Wednesday, 7, 8, visiting press and radio.
While here, RKO gave a luncheon, preceded
by a special screening of his latest film,
"Tarzan and the Slave Girl."
What have YOU done today to help secure
repeal of the unfair amusement tax?
98 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

have
Meiselman Appeal
To Supreme Court
CHARLOTTE—The appeal of the H. B.
Meiselman Theatres against a ruling of U.S.
District Judge Wilson Warlick denying an
injunction against .seven distributors, two circuits
and an individual will be carried to the
Supreme Court.
The circuit court of appeals at Richmond.
Va.. last week upheld the decision of Judge
Warlick. Meiselman .said his attorneys already
were working on an appeal.
Meiselman filed the injunction suit at the
same time he started an antitrust damage
suit against the same defendants a year ago.
The damage suit has not yet been scheduled
for trial. Meiselman asked that Warnei-s.
20th-Fox, U-I, Columbia. RKO, Paramount
and United Artists be restrained from licensing
films to the Carolina. Imperial and
Broadway theatres here unless an equivalent
number of first runs was made available for
the Meiselman's Center.
E. D. Martin Addresses
Rotary Club on Taxes
ATMORE, ALA.—Amount of taxes paid by
the theatre industry was stressed by E. D.
Martin, president of Martin Theatres, in a
talk before the Atmore Rotary club. Martin
pointed out that the industry paid $500,000,-
000 in taxes in America last year, as compared
with $74,000,000 paid to stockholders.
He cited the fact 101 small town theatres will
soon have video on their screens as proof that
it is not deemed a great threat to their pictures.
Uphold Stand on 'Pinky'
ANDALUSIA, ALA.—Officials of the Martin
Theatre, in connection with the showing
of '"Pinky," February 8-10, said that they
were of the belief that Academy award winners
deserve a place on their screen, and
that they believed that the south will be
sympathetic towards the characters portrayed
in "Pinky." The officials also stated that
they are not taking part in any kind of a
crusade.
Orris Collinses in Mexico
MEMPHIS—Mr. and Mrs. Orris Collins, who
operate the Majestic and Capitol at Paragould,
Ark., where they will open a new
drive-in in the spring, are on a three-week
trip to Mexico City as guests of J. H. Farrell,
Arkansas racing commissioner. They will attend
the national convention of racing commissioners
in Mexico City.
$261 to Dimes Campaign
AUGUSTA, ARK.—Mrs. W. E. Malin. operator
of the Lura Theatre here, has tm-ned
over to the March of Dimes campaign $261.69
which patrons of the theatre donated. The
amount also includes Mrs. Malin's contribution.
$1,000 Given for Drives
JONESBORO. ARK.—A total of about $1,-
000 has been collected at three theatres here
in campaigns for infantile paraly.sis and
other drives, according to Earl Young, manager
for Malco Theatres.
Memphis Joins 'No
In Fight on 'Stromboli'
MEMPHIS — While Memphis censors are
prepared for and expect a court fight over their
action in banning "Stromboli," Ingrid Bergman's
latest picture, the film has been booked
at a West Memphis theatre across tht Mississippi
river from Memphis in Arkansas.
RKO studio's spokesmen in Hollywood were
quoted in news dispatches to Memphis newspapers
as saying the studio "will certainly
fight" the action of censor chairman Lloyd T.
Binford and his board in Memphis. The
spokesman added, "Tliat will have to wait,
because we are busy arranging showings in
other parts of the country."
STUDIOS WILL FIGHT BAN
This announcement had frankly been expected
by the Memphis censors. Before agreeing
to see the picture at all, Binford conferred
with James J. Pleasants, Memphis city
attorney and former mayor, and obtained his
pledge of legal backing for any decision the
board might make.
Then, Binford and his fellow censors, Avery
Blakeney, lawyer, and Mrs. Sid A. Law. clubwoman,
saw the picture and issued a formal
statement banning the picture which said, in
part: "After seeing 'Stromboli,' it is the opinion
of the board that it would be inimical to the
public welfare to see a picture starring a
woman living in open adultery." This formal
decision was made, attorneys said, to prepare
for a court fight, for Binford had already announced
the picture would be banned before
the censors saw it. Then he withdrew this
statement and said they would see it before
making a formal announcement. After the
screening, Binford said the questions of other
Bergman pictures being shown in Memphis
would be settled one by one as theatres attempted
to book them.
Meanwhile, the Crittenden Theatre in West
Memphis, Ark.—just across the Mississippi
from Memphis — announced that it had
booked "Stromboli" opening Wednesday of
this week, date for the national release of the
film.
MEMPHIANS WILL CROSS BRIDGE
Bruce Young. Crittenden manager, said the
early showing in West Memphis was made
possible when it was banned in Memphis. He
said matinee showings, which are not ordinarily
held at Crittenden, would be held and
that the picture wound run as long as attendance
justified.
A new free four-lane concrete bridge across
the river connecting Memphis and West
Memphis was opened only a few weeks ago
and it is only an ll-minute drive between the
two cities. Many Memphians, in the past,
have seen films banned in Memphis at West
Memphis theatres.
Memphis ministers have urged their congregations
not to see the picture "anytime,
anywhere."
Okayed in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM—"Stromboli" will be shown
here and in Montgomery, but another Ingrid
Bergman picture has been canceled in Gadsden.
Police Chief Eddins, who also is city
censor, okayed the local showing after an
Side
interchange between city officials.
When city attorneys could not find any
provision in the city ordinances for banning
the picture, city commissioners asked General
Manager Frank V. Merritt of Acme Theatres
not to show the film. Commissioner
Connor wrote Merritt:
"Your industry should voluntarily accept
the re.sponsibility of refusing to show this
picture and thereby convincing the public
that you are determined that immorality
shall not be condoned or glorified and that
the misconduct of individuals shall not be
exploited and used as a means of advertising
a movie."
Merritt arranged a private screening for
the police officials and wrote Connor:
"Our position in the matter is simply this:
we are exhibitors and, as such, we feel that
the final decision as to whether the motion
picture 'Stromboli' can or cannot be shown
should not rest with us, but with the proper
appointed authorities.
"As the situation now stands, we have a
contract to show 'Stromboli' and unless the
proper authority bans this picture we have
no other alternative but to show the picture
as per contract."
The picture, opposed by the Birmingham
Pi-otestant Ministers Ass'n and the Birmingham
Council of Church Women, is booked
for the Empire February 22.
In Gadsden, the Pitman Theatre withdrew
Bergman's "Capricorn." scheduled to open
Saturday (11). John Teague, Pitman manager,
said the film would not be shown because
of the publicity about the Bergman-
Rossellini affair.
Seek Legislative Action
COLUMBIA, S. C. — Representative Eubanks
of Spartanburg introduced a resolution
in the general assembly here recently
asking that body to stamp disapproval upon
the showing in South Carolina of "Stromboli."
Carolina Groups Protest
CHARLOTTE—Strong protests against the
showing of "Stromboli " been voiced by
religious and other organizations in Carolina
communities. The ministerial association in
Gastonia, N. C, was one of the first to protest,
and ministers in several other towns also
have taken action. The Raleigh Women's
club approved a resolution asking that theatres
refrain from showing the film. State
officials will be asked to take action if theatres
advertise the picture.
'Stromboli' Opens at Malco
HOT SPRINGS. ARK.—"Stromboli" began
a run at the Malco Tlieatre here February
15 and W. Clyde Smith, local manager, declared
it would be shown despite opposition.
In an advertisement over his signature in
the Hot Springs Sentinel Record. Smith said:
"Malco carires no brief either for or against
the director or star. In traditional American
fairnes.s. we will offer the picture on its own
merits."
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 SE 99

. . The
. . Leonard
. . The
. . Talgar
'
|
VISIT WITH CONGRESSMAN—John H. Stembler, Georgia Theatre Co. executive,
is shown at right dining with Rep. George Smathers of Miami, who has challenged
U.S. Senator Claude Pepper in the forthcoming Florida primary. Congressman
Smathers visited Atlanta recently for a brief respite from his campaign schedule
in Florida. Stembler and Smathers were roommates at the University of Florida.
They also served together as assistant U.S. district attorneys in Florida before Stembler
joined Georgia Theatre Co. Also pictured above are Mrs. Stembler (left) and
Mrs. Smathers.
JACKSONVILLE
Oteve Edwards, advertising director for Republic,
was In to confer with Howard PettenglU.
advertising manager of Florida State
Theatres . 5 Points Theatre is showing
"The Red Shoes" at popular prices following
up a successful run at advance prices several
weeks ago.
A new feature of the Lake Shore Theatre
is family night—all adults are admitted for
25 cents. The free parking lot at the Lake
Shore is proving popular . St. Johns
has reduced admission fees to 40 cents until
2 p.m.
.
Jesse Clark, general manager for Florida
State Theatres, returned to the home office,
following a Miami business trip . , . District
managers Frank Bell, Jack Fitzwater, James
Cartwright and Walter Lyod, attended a
booking meeting Allen was in
town last week.
Jimmy Goldberg, auditor, completed his
Paramount chore and left for New Orleans
. . . Ollie Williamson. Warner district manager,
Atlanta, was in town . Theatres
of Lakeland has leased space for a drivein
in Lakewood subdivision, one of Jackson-
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.La. PhiTULonellOl
ville's finer suburban areas. Bolivar Hyde,
general manager of the Lakeland chain, said
the new theatre will be known as the Lakewood
Drive-In. It will have a capacity of
about 500 automobiles. The land and theatre
will cost about $75,000 Hyde said. William
Helm of Avon Park will be the architect.
Talgar Theatres also announced that it
will open a drive-in theatre in the Main
street area of Jacksonville, between 45th and
48th streets about June 1. The company,
headed by B. B. Garner of Lakeland, operates
about 25 theatres in Florida.
Osceola, Ark., Joy Theatre
Closed for Renovation
MEMPHIS—The Joy Theatre in Osceola.
Ark., has been closed until March 15 for extensive
repairs and decorations. Bill Kroeger
said. Kroeger, who is operating the Gem and
Joy at Osceola on a lease for the estate of
the late Miss Emma Cox. owner, who died
recently, was on Pilmrow booking for his
theatres.
Kroeger also operates Shannon and Maxon
at Portage ville. Mo.
To Air Condition Victoria
NEW SMYRNA, FLA.—D. Keer, air conditioning
field engineer for Florida State Theatres:
Lamar Sarra, and B. C. Marshall of New-
York were here in regard to installing of a
modern air conditioning unit in the Victoria
Theatre. Kerr said installation work could
start within 30 days.
Guests at Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH — Former members of
the 101st airborne division were guests of the
Empire Theatre at the opening of "Battleground."
Mark DuPree is manager.
Ice Closed Theatre Two Days
MEMPHIS—A sectional ice storm last week
resulted in the closing of Missouri Theatre,
Hornersville, for two days by W. B. McFarland,
owner.
Martin-Thompson Leases
Cochran, Ga., Auditorium
COCHRAN, GA. — The city council and
board of education here has agreed to lease
the city auditorium to Martin-Thompson
Theatres here to be used as a theatre until a
new house can be constructed on the site of
the old Martin-Thompson situation here.
Actual work on the new theatre has started.
Terms of the auditorium lease include provisions
that no lights shall be turned on until
church is out, the auditorium will be reserved
every Thursday night with ten days notice,
the auditorium will be reserved for one week
during commencement, it will be put back in
the same condition as at present with the
exception of natural wear and tear, it will
be painted by the theatre circuit at expiration
of the lease, and M&T will pay any increase
in the current light bill over the same
month in 1949.
Other provisions are: permission granted
to Martin & Thompson to install a temporary
heating system and to remove it at the
expiration of the lease and to make necessary
alterations. The auditorium must be cleaned
by M&T before 8 a.m. daily. Shows will start
on school days at 4 p.m. Rent will be $87.50
per month and will start when the show
starts operating. The lease will cover the time
it takes to complete the new theatre.
New Bill Would Set Up
Georgia Censor Board
ATLANTA—A bill to establish a threemember
state board of film censors has been
approved by the senate state of the republic
committee. Under terms of the proposed law.
every feature film or short would have to be
reviewed by the committee before being shown
in Georgia. The bill was introduced by Gus
Stark, senator from Walton county, as a substitute
for a similar bill which was introduced
but not acted upon in 1949.
Beauty Contest for Dimes
DEMOPOLIS, ALA,—The March of Dimes
benefited from a beauty contest on the stage,
of the Marengo Theatre here. Sixty girls
competed in the contest, won by Miss Jean
Carpenter. The beauty show is staged annually
by Mrs. Cox Webb, wife of one of the
owners of the theatre.
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iOO BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950

. . . George
. . F.
. . Myer
. . Ned
Parrish, Ala., Exhibitor
Arrested Over Letter
BIRMINGHAM—An Alabama motion
picture
theatre operator is under $1,000 bond
here on a charge of writing a letter threatening
another exhibitor. Arrested was Raymond
John Horn, 35, of Guin, Ala. He operates the
Parrish Theatre at Parrish, Ala.
Horn was arrested after an investigation of
several months of a letter written July 23,
1949, to Mrs. W. S. Thornton, who operates
the Pastime Theatre at Carbon Hill.
George D. King, special agent in charge of
the P^I here, said the letter to Mrs. Thornton
did not demand any money. King quoted
Horn as saying he wrote Mi-s. Tliornton to
"worry" her because she had interfered with
an attempt to obtain certain motion picture
rights.
King said that Horn and a business associate
had been negotiating for film rights at
Winfield, Ala.
Tom Robertson Appointed
Memphis Representative
MEMPHIS — Tom Robertson has been
named to represent the Griggs Equipment
Co., of Belton, Tex., manufacturers of theatre
seating, in this territory. Forrest Dunlap,
head of Griggs theatre seating division,
Dallas, says Robertson will occupy the Griggs
office at 410 S. Second St. here.
Harlan Dunlap. who formerly served out of
this office, will continue to represent the
Memphis and Dallas office together with
Forrest Dunlap. Robertson is a native of
Memphis.
Milton Dorriety Named
GEORGIANA. ALA.—Milton Dorriety, manager
of the Ga-Ana Tlieatre here, has been
named as 1950 fund co-cliaii-man of the Butler
county chapter of the American Red Cross.
Dorriety said he had no connection with the
March of Dimes campaign other than to take
up a nice collection in his theatre.
School Kids See 'Hamlet'
WINTER PARK, FLA. — A tiein
between
management of the Colony Theatre and high
school authorities at Clermont made it possible
for students wishing to see "Hamlet" to
be released from classes in time to drive to
Winter Park for the performance.
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MEMPHIS
^T A. Lightman sr„ president of Maico Theatres,
was in New York on business . . .
A post card from Tom Young, 20th-Fox manager,
and wife from Fort Myers, Fla., where
they are spending a winter vacation, empha-
.
sized they are enjoying wonderful weather
F. Cooper, 20th-Fox auditor,
moved in from Oklahoma City
Blount, manager at
. .
Monarch Theatre
N. B.
Supply,
and Neil A. Murphy, salesman, were in
Nashville on basiness . Ackerman,
New York home office, was at Columbia,
Clayton Tunstill, Malco division manager,
was on a business trip to Owensboro, Henderson
and Fulton, Ky. . Green, Legion
and Princess, Mayfield, Ky., was in town on
business . R. Matter, Riverside, Clifton,
and Aubrey Webb, Webb, Ripley, were visiting
from Tennessee . . . Mi-s. Winnie Elrod,
manager of the Linden Circle, was called to
the bedside of an ill aunt in Alabama. Bob
Avery is relief manager.
"Capacity business" resulted from a week
of vaudeville at the Malco, and Elliott Johnson,
manager, said he was so well pleased
that he announced the Henry Busse orchestra
and revue would open February 22. Warner
took the attendance lead with a vaudeville
show, starring Dick Contino and his revue,
and Manager J. H. McCarthy was delighted
with the opening crowds. The Strand proudly
announced that "Samson and Delilah"
opened there Wednesday. "Dear Wife," the
300.
first Paramount product not to receive its
first run at Strand since the Malco-Paramount
divorcement settlement, opened at the
Malco. The Strand is one of the theatres
taken over exclusively by Paramount in the
settlement and Malco was retained by Malco
Theatres.
Two theatremen have opened the first California-type
drive-in grocery in Memphis. It
is the Ham-Kirk. Buster Hammond and Tom
Kirk, well-known theatremen, are partners.
Mississippi exhibitors on Pilmrow included
S. D. McRae, Coffeeville, Coffeeville: Mr. and
Mrs. Grady Green, Union, Grenada; R. B.
Cox, Eureka, Batesville, and Jack Watson,
Palace, Tunica.
From Arkansas came Lawrence Landers,
Landers, Batesville; Everett Malcolm, Ackerman.
Mammoth Spring; Moses Sliman, Murr
at Osceola and Lux at Luxora; Fred and Zell
Jaynes, Joy, West Memphis; Mr. and Mrs.
C. F. Bonner, Community. Pine Bluff; Henry
Haven, Imperial, Forrest City, and Mr. and
Mrs. J. R. Keller, Joiner, Joiner.
Others from Arkansas: E. J. Smith, Victory.
Altheimer; Burris Smith, Imperial, Pocahontas;
Tom Ford, Ford. Rector; L. J. Renfro.
Groves, Holly Groves; J. E. Singleton, Tyro,
Tyronza; John Staples, Carolyn, Piggott, who
was accompanied by his daughter, Carolyn
Staples, for whom the show is named; and
. . Pat Fleming,
S. D. Thorn, Royal, Light .
owner, canceled a week's exhibitions at his
Gail Theatre, Round Pond, Ark., because of
the high water situation in that .section . . .
Gordon Hutchins, owner, has closed Dixie
Theatre. Corning, Ark., for the winter.
—
Harlow Land Purchases
E. S. Winburn Interests
MAYO, FLA.—Harlow Land has purchased
the interest of E. S. Winburn in a chain of
four
theatres and has assumed management
of the group.
The houses involved are at Mayo, Branford,
Ti-enton and Chiefland. Land has changed
the name of three from Capitol to the name
of the town in which operated. The theatres
of Mayo, Branford and Chiefland will be
known at the Mayo Theatre, Branford Theatre
and Chiefland Theatre. The one at Trenton
will continue to operate as the Capitol.
MEMPHIS—Paul Myers of McCrory has
bought the Strand and Center theatres at
Lexington, Miss., from Leon Roundtree.
H. G. Alvarez has purchased the Palace
Theatre, Greenwood, Ark., from Charles
Nelson.
Owners Swap Theatres
MEMPHIS—Two theatres in the midsouth
territory have been "swapped" in a two-way
deal. S. D. Thorn bought the Royal at Light,
Ark., from Wake Newsum, who in turn bought
the Dixie at Marmaduke, Ark., from Thorn.
58 Seats Installed
GENTRY, ARK.—Fifty-eight new seats
have been installed at the Gentry Theatre
here, bringing the seating capacity to over
MEL DANNER— Owner of the
Circle Theatre, Waynoka, Okla.
declares:
"I let RCA Sound Service worry
about my sound problems.They
do a good job and their service
is excellent."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
MONARCH
THEATRE SUPPLY. Inc.
In
Memphis Film Area
Write lor Details
TRI-STATE THEATRE SUPPLY
320 So. Second. Memphis, Tenn.
TB Post to R. C. Butler Jr.
SELMA, ALA.—Roger C. Butler jr., civic
leader and manager of the Wilby Theatre,
has been named chairman of the Dallas
County Tuberculosis Ass'n for 1950.
432 So. Second St.
Memphis. Tenn.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1950 101

. . John
—
Drive-In and Theatre
Open at New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS—The new Patio
Theatre,
designed in traditional old New Orleans architecture
complete with iron-laced balcony,
was opened recently by W. M. Sendy, owner
and operator. The theatre, located at 3939
Airline highway, has 1,000 seats. Among appointments
of the house is a play room and
nursery for small children and a smoker's
room where patrons can smoke while seeing
the film. A large free parking area adjoins
the theatre.
equipment will be used. A playground, picnic
tables, comfortable outdoor seats, a snack
bar and an outdoor stage will be built, Davis
said. Construction will start immediately,
with tentative opening in early May.
Two other drive-ins were announced within
the last several weeks. Marshall Drive-In
Theatres, Inc., will build a $100,000 drivein
near Florence and an unidentified owner
will build an $80,000 to $100,000 drive-in in
the Highland Park area of Muscle Shoals
City.
McLendon io Open Hub Soon
LAFAYETTE, LA.—Formal opening of the
new Hub Drive-In, being built
on Scott road
here by the Fred T. McLendon Theatres of
Union Springs, Ala., is scheduled for late
this month. The drive-in will accommodate
550 cars and will have a snack bar and incar
speakers. Colored fountains will augment
the decorative theme of the front of the
drive-in. The screen will show a picture 40x50
feet. The McLendon chain operates 40 driveins
in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and
Louisiana.
Savannah Drive-In Opens
SAVANNAH, GA.—The new Hi-Way 80
Drive-In, 1,000 yards west of the Traffic
Circle, held its formal opening recently.
Owned and operated by the Dixie Drive-In
Theatres, the Hi-Way 80 has accommodations
for 700 cars. Harry C. Herr, jr., former manager
of the Victory Drive-In here, is manager
of the new ozoner.
Dover, Ark., New Opened
DOVER, ABK.—E. F. Coffman opened his
New Theatre here Friday (17).
DeVry Drive-In Equipment
THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
ZZO S. POPLAR ST. CHARLOTTE. N. C.
ATLANTA
TTnable to open a safe at the Grove Theatre
here recently, burglars took a March of
Dimes collection box containing $15 . . . Jack
Barrett, Monogram salesman in Florida, and
his wife left after visiting here . . . John Kirby,
Warner southern sales manager, visited the
branch here . . . Bob Tarwater, Eagle Lion
branch manager, returned from a trip to
Birmingham.
Jimmy Hobbs, Monogram branch manager,
conducted a sales meeting which was attended
by Jim Campbell, Jack Barrett and Ben Jordan,
salesmen . . . Juanita Burdette of the
New Drive-In for Florence Area
Eagle Lion office staff was ill . . . Ruth Roberts
of the Monogram force celebrated her
FLORENCE, ALA.—A thu'd drive-in, costing
birthday . Harwell of Martin Theatres,
an estimated $125,000, has been an-
Joyce Hig-
Columbus, Ga., was a visitor . . .
nounced for the Tri-cities area. It is the gins of the Columbia staff will be married in
Joy-Lan, which will be built within two miles April to Jim Gisi.
of Florence by Norwood Theatre Co. It will
William Richardson, Astor Pictures head,
have a capacity of 700 automobiles.
returned from Florida . . . T. D. McCoy, 89,
Dan W. Davis, Norwood president, said
father of Ralph McCoy of Film Classics, died
that the general contractor will be E. L. Ames,
recently at his home in Springfield, Mo. . . .
Ames Construction Co., Clearwater, Fla. He
The Palmetto Theatre at Palmetto, Fla., has
has built numerous other drive-ins throughout
the southeast. In-car speakers and RCA
been leased by G. W. Floyd from W. Howard
Smith . . . Meyer Fine, president of Associated
Theatres in Cleveland, and his wife were enjoying
a vacation in Miami . . . R. M. Savini,
New York, Astor Pictures president, was here
briefly en route to Charlotte and other points.
Theatremen booking and buying on Filmrow
included J. R. Kindrell, Dixie, Unadllla;
O. C. Lam, Lam circuit, Rome; Sidney Laird,
West Point Amusement Co., West Point; Fred
G. Weis, Weis Theatres, Savannah, and Nat
Williams, Interstate Theatres, Thomasville,
Ga. . . . Harry Willard, Detroit, Jan Handy
salesman, was in town.
Two Theatres Will Help
Hungry Coal Miners
BIRMINGHAM — Hungry mining families
in Alabama coal fields are receiving aid from
at least two theatres in this district. They
are the Quinton Theatre at Quinton, Ala., and
the Parrish Theatre at Parrish.
Manager Preston Thomason of the Parrish
Theatre and Wayman Martin of the
Quinton Theatre, worked out the idea. One
can of food is required as admission at the
Parrish Theatre on Saturdays and at the
Quinton Theatre on Mondays. The scheme
will remain in effect as long as there is any
need, according to the two managers.
Tlie food collected in lieu of admissions
will be delivered to United Mine Workers
union locals in the areas.
Bonifay Theatre Loses $500
BONIFAY, FLA. — Burglars entered the
Bonifay Theatre and carried away the office
safe which contained approximately $500
and valuable papers.
Ray City Theatre Opened
RAY CITY, GA.—The new Ray City $20,000
theatre was opened here recently by L. O.
West, owner of Luke's Theatre in Hilliard,
Fla. The opening was preceded by a co-op
merchant ad in the nearby Nashville paper.
'Mom and Dad' at Drive-In
OKEECHOBEE, FLA. — Manager Raymon
Mackee featured "Mom and Dad" in a onenight
engagement at the drive-in here.
Georgia Chain Aids
Tax Repeal Drive
ATLANTA—Georgia Theatre Co. theatres
are giving full support to the industry's nationwide
campaign to kill the 20 per cent
federal excise tax on theatre tickets, according
to William K. Jenkins, president. Theatres
under Jenkins' direction are following
closely the campaign outlined by the Council
of Motion Picture Organizations to bring
public opinion to bear upon congress to include
film tickets among those items being
considered for removal from the wartime
levy list.
Jenkins points out that his company has
sent outlines of the complete campaign to
every theatre under its direction. The theatres
are running the prepared trailer, encouraging
patrons to sign protest cards in
the lobbies, are displaying specially printed
cards in boxoffices and display frames and
are hard at work enlisting the aid of newspaper
and radio news editors.
Georgia Theatre's work in the drive should
be most effective, since both Senator Walter
F. George, chairman of the senate finance
committee, and Congressman A. Sidney Camp,
key man on the ways and means committee
of the house, are Georgians.
Benefit Given for Dimes
MOORE HAVEN, FLA.—The Glades Theatre
devoted a special program one night as a
benefit for the March of Dimes. The high
school band opened a concert at 8, which was
followed by a brief talk by a minister, then
"Christopher Columbus."
N. H. W^ATERS, JR.—Vice-President,
Waters Theatre Company,
Birmingham, Ala.— verifies:
"We are entering our eighteenth
year with RCA Service. Experience
has taught us we can always
rely on RCA to give us
the best service obtainable."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
BOOKING
BUYING AND PAYING
JIMMY WILSON
"A Friendly Service"
WILSON-MOORE ENT., INC.
P. O. Box 2034 Atlanta
102 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

. . Carey
. . "Sands
BIRMINGHAM
. . . Charlie
John L. Lewis' coal strike has cut local theatre
business sharply, especially in the
neighborhoods and suburbs
Walker, manager of Acme's Gary Theatre
in Fairfield, arranged a special matinee for
"Huckleberry Hnn." Admission was some
article of food, which was given to mine
William Whidden, Lyric usher,
families . . .
has been named to represent Paul Hayne
High school on the annual citizenship tour
to Washington sponsored by Congressman
Laurie Battle.
Bill Coury, Ritz manager, was host to John
I>ayne on his recent visit here plugging
"Captain China." Accompanying Payne were
A. C. Lyles and Leonard Allen, Paramount
publicists. Now Coury is arranging for the
visit February 27 of Henry Wilcoxon for
"Samson and Delilah." He has arranged a
screen for the clergy, school leaders, and
press and radio.
It's a boy for J. R. Waters, booker for
Waters Theatres. The child has been named
Due to the unseasonably warm
J. R. jr.
weather,
. .
landscaping is under way in full
swing at the three Waters' drive-ins here,
the Fair Park, Roebuck and Shades Mountain
Twenty-four air force and National
. . . guard planes roared over the city in a welcome
to "Twelve O'clock High" at the Alabama.
Assistant Manager Bert Smith's campaign
for the film also brought a 12,000-
pound bomb here from Eglin Field, Fla., for
display in front of the theatre. Part of the
picture was filmed at Eglin . . Mrs. Siddie
.
It's
New!
It's
Beautiful!
It's
Comfortable!
It's
Economical!
Underwood is now doorwoman at the Lyric
and Mrs. Velma Lynn is new cashier.
Bill Tatum. assistant manager at the Lyric,
has returned from a visit in Tuscaloosa, Ala.,
with Ollie Haynes, former manager of the
Lyric. Haynes is now manager of the Ritz
and Diamond there . of Iwo Jima"
went into a third week at the Melba here.
The first week was a day and date run with
the Empire . Gore, Acme artist,
is now experimenting with a new TV set.
Visitors here included Ben Butler, MGM
salesman: Ken Laird, U-I salesman; George
Roscoe, Columbia manager, and Walter
Walker, Alabama .salesman; Frank Folger,
Paramount salesman, and Harry Spann. Film
Classics . . . Maurice Mitchell, 20th-Fox .salesman,
is up and around after an illness . . .
The Birmingham Theatre, one of the city's
oldest and largest houses, is shuttered. Reports
are that the house, which has been
an all-Negro theatre in recent years, will
be torn down to make way for a parking
The house was operated many years by
lot.
the Wilby-Kincey circuit on a vaudevillefilm
policy during the winter season.
J. C. Harper sr., Strand projectionist, is
new president of MPMO local 236. Other
officers are: Fred Pinkard, Lyric, vice-president;
Ralph A. Root sr., Alabama, re-elected
business manager; J. W. Tate. Galax, secretary;
W. H. Harper, Galax, treasurer; J. N.
Cason, East Lake, sergeant at arms, and J. C.
Harper jr.. Fair Park, chairman of the
board of directors . . . MPMO members on
the sick hst are S. W. Whatley, Ensley; N. A.
Kriel, Ritz, and J. T. Amberson, Empire.
Fritz May, Acme relief manager, has returned
from a bird hunting trip to Mississippi
. . . Harry Willoughby, operator of the
Avondale Theatre, was in Atlanta on a booking
trip. He is still handling the booking
for the Princess Theatre in Hueytown, which
he sold recently.
Coming Dixie Closed
CORNING, ARK.—Dixie Theatre, owned
by Gordon Hutchins. closed for winter.
'Montana' Scores 122
To Lead in Atlanta
ATLANTA — Grosses were steady at first
run theatres here as milder weather bolstered
trade in general. "Montana" at the Fox registered
122 per cent as the best of the newcomers
to local screens. A moveover week of
"Beyond the Forest" at the Roxy continued
to draw nicely and scored 103 per cent.
(Average is 100)
Fox—Monlona (WB) 122
Loew's Grand—Malaya (MGM) 112
Paramount—Captain China (Para) 115
Roxy—Beyond the Forest (WB), 2nd d. t. wk 103
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1
BOXOFTICE :: February 18. 1950 103

. . . The
. .
By HARRY HART
JjAKELANT*. FTjA.—Many patrons of the
Silver Moon Drive-In near here having asked
why the 350-car open air theatre was given
the name it bears, I. Q. Mize. president of
the Highway Amusement Co., recently told of
HART BEATS
At Vero Beach, Clifford Ball, who operate;,
the Rex, was working at his desk in the express
office.
At the Flamingo Theatre in Miami Beach
Manager Al Brandt related that he expected
^^i^m
Entrance view of the Silver Moon Drive-In, Lakeland, Fla.
an incident which resulted in the choice.
After having attended a drive-in at Jacksonville.
Mize was attracted by what appeared
to be prospects for the success of a similar
venture. Although he had no previous experience
in the theatre field and his capital
was limited, he began a search for a possible
site. When he first saw the tract on which
the Silver Moon is located, he was impressed
with its natural beauty.
Following conferences with the owner of
the tract, Mize and the latter enlisted the
aid of a third man and formed a corporation
to build the drive-in. A name for the project
had not been chosen when construction was
nearing completion and an opening date
should be disclosed.
One morning before daylight as he and
his wife were arising earlier than usual, Mize
glanced through a bedroom window and was
entranced with the silvery appearance of the
moon which shone through his bedroom
window.
"I have it!" he exclaimed as he called his
wife to look at the moon. "We will name our
new drive-in the Silver Moon!"
To emphasize the name of the open air
theatre, a six-foot moon circled with a neon
tubing adorns the tower of the drive-in, and
casts a moonlight effect on the tropical lake
scene after dark.
C. M. Biggers, owner of the Starlite Drive-
In and the Winter Theatre at Winter Garden,
Fla., was busy with booking, but stopped tc
talk about the screen tower at the 250-ca!
situation, which opened last August 31. The
screen tower is shaped like a half-circle tc
protect the audience from winds and blowing
sand. It is constructed of steel and concrett
tied together every 18 inches, and the tower
has a two-story apartment for the caretaker
The airer is equipped with RCA projector.'
and speakers. Biggers is an old showman witb
years of experience in the industry, but like.'-
to take time out to fish, especially when he
can persuade a film salesman to accompanjhim.
"The Red Shoes" to run the rest of the season
there as the regular prices were stacking the
people in and the SRO sign was being hung
out every day.
Loui Gold and brother Jerry, who operate
the Princess in Pahoke, Fla.. were in Miami
February 7 on business and were tickled pink
with the new Cycloramic screen they recently
installed there.
At the Joe Hornstein. Inc., office in Miami
Hal Hornstein was enthused about the installation
the firm is putting in at the Le-
Jeune Drive-In. It is being equipped with the
latest Century projectors and dual sound,
high intensity arc lamps and the General
Register drive-in control system. The latest
F-1.9 super lenses are being used. Hornstein
just equipped the reopened Miami
Drive-In with new new sound and projection.
The firm also equipped the new Roosevelt at
Miami Beach which opened December 27 with
a Cycloramic screen, Gulistan carpeting,
festoon-designed stage setting and drapes and
projection and sound.
Out at the Miami Drive-In North Carolinian
E. Y. Stafford, manager, showed me
around on his reopening night, February 8.
Tower of Starlite Drive-In is semicircular.
The theatre has a new circle bar that measures
114 feet. The ramps are all new. The
capacity is about 650 cars. The concession
stand with the round bar is cold-cathode
lighted, and will serve fried food such as
chicken and shrimp in a box in addition to
regular sweets and drinks. A new women's
restroom also was added. Everything was
being done with one thought in mind—the
patron's comfort and entertainment. Stafford
formerly was at Goldsboro, N. C.
Talgar Theatres of Lakeland. Fla.. has
leased space for a drive-in on San Jose
boulevard near the Lakewood subdivision.
Bolivar Hyde, general manager for the Lakeland
theatre chain, says the drive-in will be
known as the Lakewood and will have a capacity
of about 500 cars. The land and theatre
will cost about $75,000. William Helm of
Avon Park will be the architect.
Talgar previously revealed that it would
open a drive-in in the Jacksonville Main
Street area between 45th and 48th streets
about June 1. The company, headed by B. B.
Garner of Lakeland, operates about 25 theatres
in Florida.
NEW ORLEANS
T ouisiana," 30-minute color flim produced by
the state department of commerce and
industry was premiered in the high school auditorium
at Oakdale, La. Narrator of the
film John Carroll is a native of New Orleans
23 theatres comprising Southern
Amusement Co., operating in Bunkie, Crowley,
DeRidder, Jennings, Lafayette, Lake
Charles, Leesville, Mansfield, Many, Maplewood,
Marksville, Natchitoches, Opelousas,
Tallulah, Ville Platte, West Lake and Winnfield,
will not present "Stromboli" in view of
the widespread opposition from educational
and religious groups.
Irwin F. Poche, former manager of the
Poche here, has been elected new vice-president
of the Midwinter Sports Ass'n . . . H. G.
Parker has a new front under construction
for his Rose Theatre in Bastrop . . . Claude
Keller, operating the K&M, Liberty and
Queen theatres in Eunice, is in a New Orleans
hospital for a checkup. Also on the
E. Ewing, manager of Fay, Fayette,
sick list is
Miss.
The drive-ins at Shreveport and Texarkana.
Tex., have been purchased by Bouads &
Houck from Paramount Gulf Theatres .
Dixie Theatres has closed the Rex at Abbeville
. . . Due to high waters in Alabama, the
Mobile Bay bridge has been closed and
Transway, Inc.. film carrier for the territory,
has had difficulty servicing towns in Alabama
and Florida. They also have been delayed
on routes to Winnsboro, Marksville,
Ruston, Logansport, Shreveport. Texarkana
and Leesville.
Melvin Savoy of Savoy's Joy, Vinton, visited
here. He was accompanied by his sister
Wilda and Mrs. Thelma Carrier of Eunice.
La. . . . Also in New Orleans were Mr. Orkin,
Jackson. Miss.. Eddie Jones and Alex Gounares.
Gounares circuit. Mobile; Henry Jackson
and A. L. Royal. Royal circuit. Meridian,
Miss.: Ernest Delahaye. Gwen. Maringouin;
O. Gaude. Magic. Port Allen; F. G. Prat jr.,
Prat circuit, Vacherie; C. C. Meyers, Meyers
circuit, Biloxi; Milton Guidry. Guidry circuit,
Abbeville and Roy Pfeiffer, Pfeiffer circuit.
Baton Rogue.
104 BOXOFFICE :; February 18. 1950

Judge Kelley Weighs
Film Story Offers
Judge Caraille Kelley of Memphis and
Kroger Babb of Hallmark Productions
confer on a program outlined by Babb
for Mrs. Kelley.
MIAMI
Drandt's Roosevelt opened "Stromboli" February
15. "Battleground," which opened
there Christmas week and had a successful
run ever since, moved out to open at other
local houses. As elsewhere, discussion has
raged as to the probable reaction of local picture
patrons to "Stromboli."
Sir Alexander Korda arrived in Miami
Beach to confer with David O. Selznick concerning
financial details of the American
release of "The Third Man" which opened at
Wometco's Miami, Lincoln and Miracle. Korda
produced the picture and the Selznick Releasing
Organization, according to Herb Rau of
the News, is distributing prints in the U. S.
through Eagle Lion. Nicholas Schenck is
acting as arbiter. Jennifer Jones (Mrs. Selznick)
accompanied her husband here. They
will mix vacation with business.
. .
"Pygmalion"
"Henry V" was to open for its first return
engagement at popular prices at Paramount's
Coral, Shores and Colony .
currently was at the Colony . . . "Samson and
Delilah" was in its third week at the Florida
and Sheridan and had .so far chalked up a
10,000 attendance mark . . . "Malaya" opened
at the Paramount and Beach.
The Miami Drive-ln, oldest outdoor operation
in the area, has reopened after complete
renovation. Daily advertising continued while
the theatre was closed, stating progress of the
work and new equipment being installed. Ad
format has remained the same as has been in
use for a number of years.
Wometco was playing "When Willie Comes
Marching Home" at the Town and Rosetta.
The Miami Herald devoted a full front page
of its Sunday magazine section to pictures of
Colleen Townsend's recent visit here for the
world premiere of the film. One picture
showed the front of the Miami where welcoming
crowds massed. Story accompanying
the page-spread was of the star's decision to
(Continued on next page)
MEMPHIS—Judge Camilla Kelley, nationally
known head of the juvenile court here,
will decide within the next 60 days on a reply
to offers made to her by Hollywood producers
to make a film of her life. Mrs. Kelley,
who will retire soon after 30 years on the
juveziile bench, informed Kroger Babb, president
of Hallmark Productions of Wilmington,
Ohio, and Hollywood, who had outlined to her
a program which would involve a cost of
$5,000,000. that she would confer with her
executives and son before making a decision.
Other companies which have made offers
to Mrs. Kelley are 20th Century-Fox, United
Artists, Mary Pickford Productions. Paramount
and Warner Bros. John Considinn,
script writer for 20th-Fox, was here for a
week's study of the life of Judge Camille
"Mr. Babb's offer is so wonderful I'm
dreaming with my eyes open," she told a local
newspaper reporter. "I've put a lot on the
altar in service for children all my life. If
the producers will carry out the spiritual
underpinnings of all that service I will be
satisfied."
Judge Kelley has handled over 50,000 cases
in her years as judge.
Babb said he had presented Judge Kelley
with a program which would include publication
of a book on her life and career; a
popular-priced book on her psychology, thinking
and experiences in juvenile delinquency
work: a $1,000,000 picture based on her court,
career tentatively entitled "Delinquent
Angels" after Judge Kelley 's book: Hallmark
handling of her speaking and public appearances,
and a weekly radio program to be
sponsored by Hallmark and later turned into
a television .show.
Babb estimated it would take 18 months to
set the program in motion. He set September
1 as the tentative date for starting the motion
picture if Judge Kelley agrees to his offer.
Babb said he started negotiations with Judge
Kelley about two years ago after visiting her
court after a Memphis stopover.
Judge Kelley has been elected seven time.-:
without opposition. Her famous court has
been dubbed "The Human Arena," "The
Heart Center of America" and "The Bullpen
of Human Emotions."
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BOXOFTICE :: February 18. 1950 105

. . Joseph
. . Miami's
'Francis' Premieres in New Orleans MIAMI
With Famed Army Mule as Star
(Continued from preceding page)
"renounce flesh pots for the gospel." It referred
to Sonny Shepherd, who arranged her
schedule here, saying that he recalled Colleen's
pleased reaction because he had Included
time for her to attend church services
on Sunday. "While here," said Shepherd,
"she autographed 1,500 pictures for fans and
on each of them she wrote, 'May God bless
you.' "
Left to right: Charles Simonelli, U-I executive in charge of national exploitation;
David Stern, author of the book "Francis" and publisher of the New Orleans Item;
J. J. Schinbach, district manager for RKO Theatres; Arthur Lubin, director of the
film, and George Nelson of the Item.
NEW ORLEANS — "Francis," the talking
mule who stars in U-I's latest vehicle by the
same name, visited Shreveport several days
after the world premiere of the picture in New
Orleans, and attracted much attention. The
film opened at the Don Wednesday (15).
"Francis." Donald O'Connor, Jackie Coogan
and other members of their party returned to
the States from Germany where they spent
15 days entertaining occupation troops. In
New Orleans on the day of the premiere.
Francis was on exhibition on Canal street part
of the day. She was featured at the races at
the fair grounds, where a special handicap
was run in her name.
A parade in which she was featured before
the premiere at the Orpheum was staged and
Mayor deLesseps S. Morrison proclaimed the
day as Francis day. The famous army mule
insured for $50,000 and has a service record.
is
She is a top sergeant, a rank given her at
Fort MacArthur, Calif.
Attending the premiere performance here,
in addition to the members of the cast, were
Arthur Lubin, director, and David Stern,
author of the film story and publisher of the
New Orleans Item.
Green Light to 'Outlaw'
BIRMINGHAM — "The Outlaw," once
banned here by Floyd Eddins, censor-police
chief, has now been given the green light.
It will show at the Empire Theatre in the
near future, according to John W. Douglas,
assistant general manager of Acme Theatres.
"The Outlaw," Chief Eddins said after a preview,
"has been cleaned up considerably, and
with the exeeption of one brief scene, I can
find nothing objectionable to the picture."
Theatre officials said the scene in question
would be clipped.
Booth Fire at Shelbyville
SHELBYVILLE. TENN. — A booth fire
caused considerable damage at the Bedford
Theatre here. The house is a Crescent
Amusement Co. affiliate.
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Big news on the show business front here
is the return of vaudeville to Wometco's downtown
Capitol. The new policy went Into effect
February 16, with a five-act stage presentation,
starring Judy Lynn, who recently completed
an engagement at a Miami Beach club.
Bob Regent and orchestra will play for the
show, which includes Donald Mann, marimba
player; Dixie Roberts, dancer in top-flight
night clubs, and Charlie Carlisle, master of
ceremonies here this season. Price scale for
the vaudeville-screen combination ranges
from 42 cents to 76 cents. Gordon Spradley,
Capitol manager, is supervising the endeavor.
His one regret is that he was unable to book
a zither player for his first bill.
Many big names in show business in the
greater Miami area participated in the First
Annual World's Show^ Business Swimming and
Diving championship meet at a Miami Beach
hotel on a recent Sunday afternoon.
Brandt's Flamingo continues to play "The
Red Shoes" for the second entire winter In a
row. This season's performance is at popular
prices. Sunday's audience, beginning early in
the afternoon, had late-comers searching for
vacant seats . . . Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lloyd
were front-paged on a recent Sunday. Lloyd
was here as imperial potentate of more than
600,000 Shriners. "Today's kids don't know
me." the comedian said sadly.
Due to the big business "All the King's Men"
has been doing at the Miami, Lincoln and
Miracle, the opening of "The Third Man" was
postponed a day .
Paramount was
the first place Howard Ross, Music Circus
tenor, ever made a professional appearance.
Occasion was his winning of a Major Bowes
amateur contest. Ross also won 1948 Hollywood
bowl auditions and was soloist there with
Eugene Ormandy. Producer Laurence Schwab
heard him sing at a drama studio.
Actor Bill Gargan was a visitor . . . the
Myer Schines were hosts to Mr. and Mrs.
Lauritz Melchior, Irving Berlin and the Joseph
Schencks . Cotten, who made
personal appearances here, has left for Palm
Beach.
Local residents, interested in the forthcoming
"The Miami Story," learn that budget
considerations will determine whether or not
the film will be shot in part here. Jay Dratler,
who writes, directs and produces the picture,
is a brother of Mrs. J. J. Sheppard of this
city. Dratler's best-known works are "Northside
777" and "Laura." Action in the film
moves from Miami to Las Vegas and back
again. Warners had the film scheduled for
Burt Lancaster, but RKO took it over for
Robert Mitchum.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
106 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

Showcase in St. John
Acquired by Odeon
ST. JOHN—After six months of negotiations,
which at times appeared at a stalemate,
Odeon Theatres of Canada acquired
the 769-seat Strand, giving tlie circuit its
first showcase in St. John where Odeon
maintains its maritime headquarters.
The Strand, situated in the center of retail
business and tlieatre section, was sold
by the F. G. Spencer Co. and Famous Players
Canadian, who have owned the house
on a 50-50 basis along with about a dozen
other theatres in the maritime provinces.
The price was unofficially reported to be
$200,000.
The Strand was opened 41 years ago by
Pi-ed G. Spencer, head of the F. G. Spencer
Co.. and he headed the sale negotiations
along with Abe Garson. owner of the Garrick
and Oxford in Halifax, and maritime manager
for Odeon. Conferences were spread out
among St. John, Montreal and Toronto.
Odeon will take possession April 1. The
Spencer company will continue its offices on
the second floor of the Strand building. Rank
pictures are expected to receive a major part
of the playing time at the Strand. Tlie absence
of a local showcase for British films
has been of much concern to Odeon and
Garson for the last six years.
It is expected that plans reported for
Odeon to build a new theatre on a site
bought near the Strand eight years ago will
be abandoned. They had been postponed
because of high construction costs.
Buildings adjoining the theatre owned by
Spencer were not affected by the sale. Gerry
Tipper has been manager of the Strand and
probably will continue.
The Strand operated under the name of
Unique during its first 20 years.
French Island Theatre
Reports Fair Business
ST. PIERRE—The new Rink Renaissance
Theatre in this city on St. Pierre and Miquelon
islands (French possession i off Newfoundland
has been opened and business has been
fair, according to Kenri Moraze, acting manager.
He is a partner of Emmanuel Ruault-
Cazier. Cazier now is hospitalized in Halifax
and has undergone a second operation. He
expects to be able to return to active direction
of the theatre .soon. Tlie new theatre is
of concrete and is adjoining a building whicli
had been used for films and will now be used
for ice and roller skating, dancing and sports
events.
Orpheum at Dawson City
Is Destroyed by Fire
EDMONTON, ALTA.—About $9,500 damage
resulted from a fire which recently destroyed
the Orpheum Tlieatre in Dawson City. The
only film house in the town, the Orpheum
had been opened recently. The fire broke out
in the afternoon when the building was unoccupied.
Harry S. Greaves, owner of the
building, said plans for remodeling have not
been completed.
Dawson City, an outpost of the Klondike
days, has experienced a new boom in recent
years as the search for oil and minerals has
expanded with development of air transport
in the far north.
CBC Conducts Hearing
On Bingo by Radio
OTTAWA—The fate of bingo broadcasting
HI Canada rests in the hands of CBC's board
of governors after a heated two-hour debate.
No indication was given as to when a ruling
will be announced, but Chairman A. D. Dunton
made it clear that the board was not concerned
about the legality of bingo in reaching
a decision.
The question of whether the game should
be banned arose from complaints received by
CBC, which controls radio in Canada, from
church groups and theatremen of Ontario.
J. Singer, who presented the theatre group's
nine-page submi.ssion, said that radio bingo
caused a 50 per cent reduction in attendance
at theatres in several western Ontario centers.
The Ontario Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n.
in urging a ban on airborne bingo, argued that
people who normally would have been attending
their neighborhood theatres are staying
at home to play the game.
Written statements for and against a ban
have been piling up at the CBC offices since
it was announced in December that the board
would hear representations at its next meeting
on whether or not it should clamp down
on bingo.
There are several variations of the radio
game, but basically it is the same as the ordinary
bingo game. In some cases tickets are
sold in advance of the program and the listener
marks his card as numbers are called
and broadcast from a radio station. Those
filling one row of figures on their card in a
straight or diagonal line telephone the radio
station to claim the money. In cases of ties
the money is split.
Some of the radio games are based on
telephone numbers and others on musical
pieces.
Tlie radio game, although not in widespread
use, has become popular in some centers.
ON MILIT.VRY FRONT—Ross Becsley.
Associated Screen News cameraman, now
is in the .Arctic regions filming the joint
United States-t'anadian military operation
known as "Sweetbriar." He is the
only civilian Canadian cameraman authorized
to film the activities.
Warner to Release
Picture on Canada
MONTREAL—A motion picture on Canada
produced by Canadian film companies and
edited by the Warner Bros. Studios in Hollywood
is scheduled for American release next
fall, according to Owen Crump, Warner producer
who was in Montreal and Toronto last
week to .select the best film material available
covering every aspect of Canadian life. He
spent three days at screenings in this city and
saw some 60 films. Crump flew to Hollywood
Fi-iday.
"Every foot of the film will be the work of
Canadian filmmakers, but we will do the
editing and commentary," Crump said. "As
a matter of fact this picture will be put together
with American tastes in mind. Our
job is to translate Canada to the American
people in a way they appreciate. Canadians
may not be enthused with the finished product,
which will describe your country as seen
through American eyes, but it will be an effective
part of the current Canadian cooperation
project."
Crump said Warner Bros, would have had
to spend at least $2,000,000 to produce the
picture themselves. He added that the quality
of Canadian filmmaking matched and. in
some cases, outstripped the work of some
American companies.
Scenes of the Calgary Stampede, the Rockies,
large smelters at Ti-ail, B. C, parliament
buildings at Ottawa, Montreal's Chateau de
Ramezay, Toronto university, the East-West
hockey final and a generous picture of Canadian
tourist attractions will be incorporated
in the picture.
Canadian companies which will contribute
films to the production include As.sociated
Screen News of Montreal, Crawley Films of
Ottawa, Audio Pictures and Shelly Films.
Theatre Manager Accused
Of Withholding Taxes
MONTREAL—The owner of
a motion picture
theatre formerly operated but now closed
in Ottawa has been charged with failure to
remit $1,399 in admi.ssion taxes to the Ontario
government. Louis Wolfe, who is accused
of withholding money received as admission
taxes at the Strand Tlieatre during
the six-month period ending last December
31, was remanded to jail for seven
days without having entered a plea.
In addition to payment of the tax, Wolfe
faces a fine of from $10 to $1,000 a day for
the six-month period for which tax was
withheld. S. Rupert Broadfoot, special prosecutor,
said it was the first charge to be filed
under the provincial hospital tax act, Tlie
20 per cent tax on amusements in Ontario
goes to hospital grants under the terms of
an act passed two years ago.
Toronto TV Bldg. Soon
TORONTO—CBC expects to start construction
of television buildings here within a few
months. Donald Ma.son, acting general manager,
said soil tests are bei(ig made at the
downtown transmitter site to determine its
weight-bearing qualities. Studio and fivekilowatt
transmitter buildings, topped by a
500-foot tower and antenna, will be built on
CBC property on Jarvis street. A second transmitter
has been ordered for a Montreal studio
but the Montreal site has not been settled.
BOXOFTICE :: February 18, 1950 107

. .
. . The
VANCOUVER
TXrin Barron, Paramount publicity director,
was here several days working with Bob
Murphy, local branch manager, and Jack
Randall, Strand Theatre manager, on exploitation
for "Samson and Delilah," which
will open February 20 at the house . . . Hank
Leslie resigned as secretary of Local 348 and
was succeeded by Prank Smith jr. . . . The
local Sovereign Films office reported the loss
of a 16mm print of "You Gotta Stay Happy"
to a swindler whose methods were not disclosed.
.
The recent power shortage brought out the
inventiveness of Harry Black, Capitol Theatre
manager at Pi-ince Rupert in Northern British
Columbia. Black took the chassis and
motor from an old bus, borrowed transformers
from Port Edward and a dynamo from
Penticton, Hooked together, the makeshift
plant produced current for projectors, neon
sign and theatre lights. Shows were given
on schedule although other business establishments
were without power and light
. . . Fred Stone, Sovereign Film manager,
left for a sales conference at Toronto
Perry Wright, Empire-Universal manager,
and Jack Reid, Monogram salesman, were
on selling trip in the British Columbia interior.
Local B-71 held a meeting at which members
voted unanimously to strike. A 12'i per
cent wage increase granted film exchange
workers by a conciliation board was not ac-
Warren. Capitol, Port Alberni. The Community
Theatre at Hedley, a mining town in
the interior operated by W. J. Brotherton, has
been closed because of poor business.
Richibucto, N. B., Victory
Is Destroyed by Blaze
RICHIBUCTO, N. B. — An early morning
fire caused by an oil furnace explosion destroyed
the Victory ,Theatre here. Two
brothers who occupied an apartment in the
brick building escaped. One of them saved
some films. Ice covering the harbor handicapped
use of a pumper.
Harry Atkins, owner of the Victory, was in
Montreal on a business trip, and planed back
home in response to a telegram. He plans
to start rebuilding the theatre by early spring,
and said he may shift to the quonset design.
The Victory seated about 325, but the successor
may have about 400 seats.
Atkins also operates the Roxy at Buctouche,
which he rebuilt as a quonset after the original
building was flattened by fire late in 1948.
Both Richibucto and Buctouche are in Kent
county.
Romeo and Rene Nowland were occupants
of the apartment in the Victory.
The loss was reported at about $45,000.
FORT WILLIAM
cepted by employers, and the result was the
vote to strike . . . Will Harper, manager of
the Paramount Theatre at Kelowna, was the
winner
TITith the
of an award offered by Famous
Orpheum and Colonial here giving
Players
for sale of theatre gift tickets. He won
away dishes, business has picked up
a similar award considerably .
last year. He Capitol did fairly well
is a member
of the Canadian Picture Pioneers.
on "Malaya" due to the break in weather.
It had reached a low of 41 below zero, the
Harry Woolte, United Artists manager, is coldest in years.
happy over the showing of "Mrs. Mike." Despite
the worst snowfall Gordon in Carson still is doing
local
a good job
history, the
picture established two house
with his
records, and
School of the Air every Saturday
in
three other engagements doubled average
morning. The kids love it . . . Fred Tickell is
grosses . . . Coming out after being snowbound,
exhibitors are back visiting Filmrow.
doing very well with his Wednesday night
stage shows. One week Fred has CoUosimo's
Visitors included C. Gough, Community, Keremeos;
Bill Boyd, Boyd Drive-In, Kelowna; Horn presentation, "Tot-Teen Revue."
Accordion band. The next he has the Sylvia
C. Bastedo, Port, Port Coquitlan, and Harold The month's big question: "Will the provincial
government reduce the 20 per cent
hospital tax or lift it altogether?" If the
DRIVE-IN THEATRE DIT-MCO DRAG BROOM government reduces it or takes it out altogether
the theatres have promised that there
Used for levaljng and filling holes in gravel covered
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. J^^^^^^Z.
will be no hike in admission prices for at
least a year.
Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chaii
J. M. RICE & CO.
202 Canada BIdg. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone 25371
Everything For Your Theatre
COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
An Expert Repair Department
Alberta Will Not Ban
Ingrid Bergman Film
EDMONTON, ALTA.—The province of
Alberta
will not impose a blanket ban on Ingrid
Bergman films, according to P. J. A.
Fleming, chairman of the provincial film censorship
board. Fleming was asked for his
views on the situation which arose in the
United States following the recent birth in
Italy of a son to the actress. Fleming indicated
the board would review Bergman
films as they were received, and each would
be judged according to standards of the
board.
The censorship board in Alberta, located
here, is a branch of the provincial secretary's
department.
Bruce McLeod Launches
Ontario Booking Service
TORONTO—Independent Theatres Services,
a buying and booking organization, has
been formed by Bruce McLeod, independent
theatre operator in Kitchener, Strathroy,
Elmira, Glencoe. Watford, Parkhill and
Oshawa, with offices in the McKnight building
at 609 Bay St.
McLeod worked for film exchanges till
1933, when he went into business for himself
and constructed theatres in all the above
named Ontario towns except Oshawa, where
recently he purchased a partnership in the
Marks Theatre with Harold Pfaff. He also
built the Elmwood Theatre in London, which
he owned and operated for two years.
Kaff has been named manager of Independent
Services and Eddie Goldsmith as
chief booker. Pfaff started his film industry
career with the Garrick Theatre in Toronto,
then joined Regal Films on Adelaide
street back in the days when that company
distributed World-Brady. Metro and
Triangle product. Since leaving Regal, he
has been associated with Canadian Educational
Films as salesman and branch manager,
with Tiffany Productions as general
manager and then with Paramount.
Goldsmith started in the early days with
Universal and was U-I booker many years.
Later he was with Associated Theatres booking
independent theatres.
Claude Neon Co. Reports
Small Profit for 1949
MONTREAL — Claude Neon General Advertising.
Ltd.. reports net profit of $22,685
for 1949 against $5,090 in 1948. The improvement,
said President W. T. Sutton, is accounted
for principally by a reduction in the provision
for depreciation in addition to savings
effected in bond interest charges due to redemption
of outstanding bonds during the
year. During 1949, the report notes, the company
put into effect a plan of reorganization
approved by security holders. Balance sheet
shows current assets of $181,336, current liabilities
of $121,728, and indicating net working
capital of $59,608. A surplus of $7,286 is
carried forward. This contrasts with a deficit
of $1,695,084 at the beginning of the year.
Tlie change reflects various adjustments, including
receipt of a special dividend from
E. L. Ruddy Co., and adjustments arising from
the capital reorganization.
108 BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

. . "Sands
.
.
OT7 AW A
Eugene Kasli, music director of the National
Film Board, has been appointed conductor
of the Ottawa Philharmonic society. His
music has been an attractive feature of many
Barney Simmons,
government pictures . . .
manager of the Century in the west end, has
been appointed secretary of the Ottawa Theatre
Managers Ass'n. He succeeds Jack Gibson
who found he was too busy as manager
of the Odeon Glebe, where "Tight Little
Island" has set an engagement record by
rounding out a run of eight weeks.
Larry Ritza, supervisor of the O'Brien circuit,
was in Toronto to arrange a lengthy list
of bookings for the company's units in the
Ottawa valley. Ritza has his office at Renfrew
Manager Don Watts staged a
. . . 30-minute cartoon show as an added attraction
for the Saturday matinee February 11,
the main picture for the whole week being
"Davy Crockett, Indian Scout."
A typical British film show for juveniles
was presented at the Glebe Saturday morning.
The program included "Uncle Bill at
the Zoo," "Little Ballerina" and '"Who Robbed
the Robins?" . of Iwo Jima" had
a two-week run at the Centre, where Manager
Frank Gallop had covered the theatre
front with bunting and flags for atmospheric
effect . . . The Canadian Repertory Theatre,
a successful stock company at the LaSalle
Playhouse, has announced the first Canadian
production of "The Heiress"—before the Paramount
picture hits the screen in the capital
city.
Public Opinion Guides
FPC on Bergman Film
TORONTO—The Bergman-Rossellini picture,
"Stromboli," may not be shown in Ontario,
and consequently in Canada, because
of the protests of various organizations, and
the attitude of Famous Players Canadian
Corp. which holds a contract agreement with
•The Centre Monday opened a week's engagement
of "No Greater Sin" under the auspices
of the Health League of Canada. Owner
D. B. Stapleton of tlie Centre was back after
several days on Toronto's Fihnrow . . . Manager
Henry Marshall has uticovered the handsome
new marquee on the Regent, and one of
the features is a striking electric sign for
RKO Pictures. In the face of mounting objections,
Ontario Premier Leslie M. Frost ar-
"Samson and Delilah" which will be shown
as soon as the theatre's transformation job
ranged a conference with his censor chief, O.
is completed. The work has been in progress
J. Silverthorne, on the question of withholding
of an exhibition license for the
for many weeks without the disruption of
performances.
Italian film. This announcement, made public
February 12, indicated that the censor
board would not ban or condemn the picture
but would decline to issue a license for
its showing.
Projecting Signs Head
For Poll at Toronto
TORONTO—The battle over marquees and
protruding signs on buildings facing Yonge
street took a new turn with the move to take
a poll of the property owners along the
business thoroughfare on the necessity of
projections over the sidewalk. The civic authorities
have tentatively decided against the
restoration of the canopies and signs which
were removed last September for the construction
of the subway. A comparison has
been made to the clear-cut appearance oi
structures on Fifth Avenue in New York.
The Bloor-Yonge Business Men's Ass'n
has come out in favor of the ban on projecting
signs but the Motion lecture Theatres
Ass'n of Ontario is opposed to the proposal,
holding to the belief that the move
in one locality would lead to a prohibition of
the traditional marquee for theatres in other
Ontario cities.
Gloria Winters for Role
Gloria Winters was signed for a supporting
spot in RKO's "Alias Mike Fury."
—
The distinction In procedure is important
because apparently no fault can be found
in the picture itself from the censorship
viewpoint but there could be grounds otherwise
for refusal of a license.
Pi-esident J. J. Fitzgibbons of Famous
Players took the stand that the big Canadian
circuit would not ignore public opinion.
"We're not even penciling in any tentative
date for its release," he said, pending further
study of the situation. FPC did object to
the advance advertising campaign for "Stromboli"
in the United States. "We don't resort
to that sort of thing: it seems to be misleading
advertising," it was stated.
A print of the feature has been submitted
to the Ontario censor board, but no decision
was immediately forthcoming.
Meanwhile there was a mounting tide of
protests from women's groups and other associations
in Ontario. The Woman's Canadian
club took the lead in protesting against
the showing of the picture because of the
Bergman-Rossellini affair.
Considerable attention was aroused in film
trade circles when "Stromboli" was given a
routine private screening in the Film building
here at the time that the print was
being sent to the censors' office on Millwood
road. One comment was that Bergman was
radiantly beautiful.
—
Ten First Runs Are Held
On Screens at Toronto
TORONTO—Business is thriving for Toronto
first run theatres, no less than ten
(Average is 100)
Biltmore—Abandoned (U-I); Blonde Bandit (Rep). 125
Hyland—The Chiltem Hundreds (EL), 7th wk 95
Imperial Chicago Deadline (Para), 2nd wk 105
Loews—Bottleground (MGM), 2nd wk 105
Odeon and Faulawn—Give Us This Doy (EL),
2nd wk 90
Sheas and Nortown—All the King's Men (Col),
2nd wk 110
JOROHTO
Tndcpendfnt exhibitors continue to join the
^ Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario
without solicitation. The latest member, on
top of the seven unaffiliated theatre owners
of the previous week, is Alex Solomon of the
Palace, Blind River ... Two theatre men
who joined the deputation which called on
Premier L. M. Frost at the parliament buildings
included H. W. Braden sr., president
of United Amusement Co., Hamilton, and
Douglas Wark, Bluebird, Burk's Falls. The
more than 20 delegates asked for a substantial
cut in the amusement tax.
Toronto theatre executives have congratulated
A. J. Ma.son on his re-election by
acclamation as mayor of Springhill, N. S., for
another two-year term. Ma.son, also a member
of the Nova Scotia legislature, is a frequent
visitor here as chairman of the national committee
of Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'ns of
Canada, and secretary of the Motion Picture
Industry Council of Canada Nine-year-old
. . .
CoUette Corriveau, who had been mi.ssing
from her Welland home for more than a
day, was found by Manager Manny Swadron
in the Park. Swadron called the police who
found she had been given money and food
by strangers.
Members of Variety Tent 28 held a luncheon
at the organization's Occupational Guidance
School for Crippled Boys. On Sunday the
pupils were treated to a program by vaudeville
entertainers from the Toronto Casino .
Al Bollington, former British organist at the
Famous Players' Victoria, is being heard in
15-minute programs at 10 o'clock on Thursday
nights over the Dominion network of the
Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
Charlie Mavety, head of the Mavety Film
Delivery Service, presented a palomino horse
to Mayor H. E. McCallum to go with the
ten-gallon hat which had been given to the
mayor by the citizens of Calgary. The horse
ceremony took place on the steps of the city
hall . . From 20th Century Theatres comes
word that a start has been made on the new
unit of the circuit at Lindsay, the home town
of Premier L. M. Fi-ost . . . The death has
occurred at nearby Pickering after a long
illness of William Ro.ssborough, projectionist
of Famous Players Canadian Corp. He was
a member of the company's 25-Year club and
of the Canadian Picture Pioneers. One
brother survives.
engagements having been extended for the
week. "Samson and Delilah" continued strong
at the Victoria for a seventh week while
the British comedy. "Tlie Chiltern Hundreds,"
continued for a seventh week at the TORONTO—Roy Miller, a director and
New Roy Miller Office
Odeon Hyland. Prominent among other manager of the Lincoln at St. Catharines,
holdovers was "Jolson Sings Again," which being congratulated on his appointment as
is
was good for a fourth week at the Eglinton a member of the executive board of the
and University. The second week of "All St. Catharines District Hotels Ass'n. Miller.
the King's Men" brought good crowds to who is president of the Motion Picture Theatrs
Ass'n of Ontario, is also managing direc-
Shea's and the Nortown.
tor of the Lincoln hotel in the Garden City.
Miller has been elected chairman of the tourist
development committee of the St. Catharines
Chamber of Commerce as well. One
of his committee members is Vern Hudson,
manager of the Famous Players' Capitol at
St.
Kitts.
Tivoli and Capitol-The Great Lover (Para);
Holiday Inn (Para) HO Changed to 'Saddle Tramp'
University and Eglinton Jolson Sings Again
The title of the Universal-International
(Col), 4th wk 90
film, "Fiddle-Foot," has been changed to
Uptown—The Kid From Texas (U-I) 100
Victoria—Samson and Delilah (Para), 7th wk 95 "Saddle Tramp."
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950
109

. . . The
. . Mary
"
. . . "Seraphin,"
. . . Associated
. . Orval
. . "Corbeau"
. . The
ST.
JOHN
past-chairman of the Nova Scotia censor
board, James D. O'Connor. Halifax, died
recently after a long illness. He was a pastpresident
of the Halifax school board and
Charitable Irish society . . . Two theatres
in the same district of Nova Scotia use the
same slogan. It is, "Always a Good Show,
Often a Great One." The theatres are the
Rialto at Tatamagouche and the Roxy at
Shubenacadie.
In addressing the Yarmouth Academy
Home and School Ass'n, Manager Syd Wyman
of the Community. Yarmouth, answered a
question as to why there are not more films
for children on the screens of theatres in
Yarmouth. He stated the chief demand is
for pictures appealing to adults and that producers
cater to this demand for the most part
Gaiety. Halifax, has been offering
midnight shows on Sundays, presenting double
film bills and also local vaudeville acts.
Machines vending hot tea. cocoa and coffee
will be installed in the lobbies of some maritime
theatres this month. One machine under
consideration for a chain is for tea only.
Paper cups are used. Machines vending
carbonated beverages have been installed
during the last two months in many theatres
of the Atlantic provinces. A demand for hot
drinks is visualized until mid-May. The full
extent of the appeal of the soft drinks then
will start. Thus far, these have been vended
only in bottles in the theatres.
The absence of Sam Babb, manager of the
Mayfair, at Miami Beach, will be for four
or five weeks. He is a guest at the home of
the J. M. Franklins where his wife and young
son Franklin have been since early in December.
Mrs. Babb and child will not return to
St. John until April and the Franklins about
May 1 . . . Tlie Peter Herschorns have returned
to Halifax after several weeks in Manhattan.
Pat Dwyer has been supervising
Franklin & Herschorn theatres in Halifax
and Dartmouth in the absence of P. Herschorn.
Irene Malloy, for many years in charge of
booking for F. G. Spencer Co. here, was
named a member of the district board of
health for another term . Hogan,
hospitalized for over a year because of tuberculosis,
underwent an operation recently at
the East St. John Tuberculosis hospital. She
was a cashier at the Mayfair here a dozen
years.
Austin Willis, Halifax, sailed for England
to play a part in a new film for British
National Films. After this assignment, he
will work in a stage production in London.
—
—
wmmmmm.
He started as an announcer at CHNS, Halifax,
and lately had been in the cast of a
radio serial out of Toronto. He has been in
•Bush Pilot" and "Sins of the Fathers." both
produced in Canada. "Maria Chapdelaine."
English-produced but about Canada and in
which he has a part, has not yet been released.
Austin will have as cast companions
in the English picture two other Canadians,
Bernard Braden and Barbara White.
Three members of a new directorate of the
Young Men's Hebrew Ass'n are Sammy Kunitzky,
district manager for United Artists;
Mort Bernstein and Stan Lieberman of B&L
Theatres and sons of Mitchell Bernstein and
Joshua Lieberman, heads of the firm.
'High' and 'Rib' Lead Trade
At Vancouver Theatres
VANCOUVER—A week of moderate temperatures
combined with good product bolstered
trade at both downtown and neighborhood
houses. "Twelve O'clock High" at
the Strand and "Adam's Rib" at the Capitol
paced the newcomers, while a seventh week
of "Lost Boundaries" at the Studio continued
to draw well.
Capitol—Adam's Rib (MGM) Good
Dominion— Pinky (20lh-Fox): Affairs of a Rogue
Fair
(Col)
Orpheum lolson Sings Again (Col),
4th wk.
Average
Paradise—Without Honor (UA), Alios the
Champ (Rep)
Average
Plaza, Hastings—Fighting Man of the Plains
{20th-Fox); The Spider (20th-Fox) Fair
Strand—Twelve O'Clock High (20lh-Fox) Excellent
State I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now
(20th-Fox), plus stage shovf Average
Sludio—Lost Boundaries (IFD), 7th wk Excellent
Vogue—Sands of Iwo Jima (Rep) Fair
'Mrs. Mike' Leads Trade
At Houses in Edmonton
EDMONTON, ALTA.—"Mrs, Mike" drew so
well at the Rialto here that it was held for
a second week. Interest in the film was
heightened by newspaper and radio coverage
of the search for the U.S. transport recently
reported missing with 44 persons abroad.
Capitol—That Midnight KUs (MGM) Ve
Rialto—Mrs. Mike (UA). I ellent
Solons Consider Measure
To Outlaw Drive-Ins
From Edstern Edition
ALBANY—A bill to prohibit future erection
of drive-ins in cities of 250,000 population
or more was introduced in the New York
legislature recently by Assemblyman Alfred
A. Lama, Brooklyn. The measure would affect
New York. Buffalo and Rochester.
Haskell Masters came in on his way to Lama was quoted as saying that drive-ins
huddle with toppers of the Spencer and B&L cause traffic hazards, citing conditions before
and after performances in Long Island.
chains on Warners' contracts. Mickey Komar,
district manager, had lined up Franklin & He also charged that drive-ins contribute to
Herschorn. The latter also have signed with juvenile delinquency.
RKO and 20th-Fox ... A new ornamental Introduction of the measure brought an
front will be installed at the Community. immediate reply from Lewis A. Sumberg, attorney
Yarmouth, within the next few months. Improvements
associated with Harry Lamont in sev-
include new restroom fixtures, eral drive-ins, who said he believed that "it
Doug Smith made pay envelopes pay for behooves all drive-in operators to see to it
the Casino, Halifax, and "Sands of Iwo Jima. that this bill is not passed."
Thousands of the little envelopes containing "They should use their influence and persuasive
sand were distributed from the Casino.
powers to prevent enactment," Sum-
Printed in red on the front were the picture berg said. "The bill sets a bad precedent."
title, theatre name, opening day and John
Wayne's name.
DRIVE-IN
THEATRE
New 40" Double Face Entrance or Exit Lioht
Also available in single face
77Q PAltimnrp
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. Kansas City Mo.
MONTREAL
/^ne of the largest audiences ever attracted
to a local theatre clamored for admission
to the Champlain, palatial Odeon house,
to see Bourvil, famed French comedian and
star of "Burlesques of Paris." Also on the
program were the French-language picture.
"Aux Yeux du Souvenir" and "Radio Carabin."
weekly broadcast specialty. Several hundred
persons waited in the lounge all afternoon
after the house filled soon after opening.
Bourvil received an ovation. Even after
his performance ended the crowd fought for
admission. Manager Art Bahen was more
than delighted with the success of the special
engagement.
Tom Dowbiggin, Paramount manager, and
his wife left for a two-week Caribbean cruise
Canadian film, was worldpremiered
at the St. Denis Friday (17).
Made by Quebec Productions, it is a film
version of the celebrated French-Canadian
novel, "Un Homme et Son Peche," by Clau4e
Henri Grignon.
H. Harnick, Canadian general sales manager
for Columbia, Toronto, conferred with
William Elman, Montreal manager . . .
Mickey Isman, Empire-Universal manager
here, has been in the eastern townships on
Guy Cadieux. salesman
a selling trip . . .
for Arrow Films, motored to Florida and
Cuba for a four-week holiday.
"Passport to Pimlico," J. Arthur Rank comedy,
drew crowds to the Avenue for a third
week . Fruitman, head booker at
.
Columbia, was back at his desk after a
three-week illness . . . Gilles Morin. representative
of J. Arthur Rank 16mm. returned
from a selling trip Renaissance Productions
film. "Docteur Louise," starring
Madeleine Robinson and Jean Davy, was
shown at the Cinema de Paris, along with
"L'Annee Sainte a Rome" (Holy Year at
Rome).
A German film, "Les Assassins Sont Parmi
Nous" (The Assassins Are Amongst Us), was
shown in the concert hall of the University
of Montreal .
(The Crow), was
the first French-language film shown at the
System . . . Roland Petit and his "Les
Ballets de Paris" drew crowds to His Majesty's
Screen News filmed the story
of the Quebec hat designer Claire Robert.
Tlno Rossi, Parisian singer and film star,
received a warm welcome during his personal
appearance at the St. Denis under the
sponsorship of France Film. During his first
week he was seen by 56.130 persons, a record
here. He sang such favorite songs as "Midinette
de Paris," "Envoi de Fleurs," "Marlene,"
"Petit Papa Noel" and "Ave Maria."
The program also included Isa Miranda's
Parisian film. "L'Aventure Commence Demain."
Exhibitors in town included Mrs. L. Bertrand,
Princess. Riviere du Loup; Dick Allaire
and Paul Gendron, Victoria, Victoriaville;
G. Martineau. Royal. Valleyfield; D.
St. Jacques. Capitol. Thurso; Armand Champagne
and Emile Elias, Capitol, Sherbrooke;
W. Mainville, Rose, Ste. Therese; J. L. Chartier,
Royal, Malartic, and G. Gauthier, Laurentian,
Mont Laurier.
110
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950

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 U.
COLUMBIA
Jungle Jim (Col) — Johnny Weissmuller,
Virginia Grey, George Reeves. It is kind of
strange to hear Weissmuller talk but he does
okay on the screen and at the boxoffice. Our
folks just like him. This has lots of wild
animals and action and is sure to please.
We have only one complaint. The elephants
In the stampede scene looked like they had
been attending Arthur Murray's dancing
school. Also, the film was a little too long.—
Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn,
Mo. Rural and small town patronage. • * •
Leather Gloves (Col)—Cameron Mitchell,
Virginia Grey, Jane Nigh. I doubled this one
with " 'Neath Canadian Skies" (LP) to 60
per cent of normal gross. What I saw of
the picture seemed to be well acted, well
directed and well plarmed. The local school
played its first game of the county tournament
this night, which may account for the
low gross. Played Saturday only. Weather:
Fair.—Fred G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre,
Colfax, 111. Small town and rural patronage,
t .
Make BeUeve BaUroom (Col)—Ruth Warrick,
Virginia WeUes, Jerome Courtland.
Strictly no business, but the picture isn't bad
for a double biU. The kids are cute and the
story Is different, and it got a few laughs.
Doubled with "Laramie" for Fri., Sat. Weather:
Cold. — Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre,
Fruita, Colo. Riu-al patronage. • • •
Sahara (Col) — Humphrey Bogart, Bruce
Bennett. This picture is packed with action
and suspense. It was well liked here and
business was good. We believe it is suitable
for midweek and will do well in the average
small town. Played Tues., Wed. Weather:
Ice storm.— E. A. London, State Theatre,
Ohvet, Mich. Small town, rural and college
patronage. • * *
Tokyo Joe (Col)—Humphrey Bogart, Alexander
Knox, Florence Marly. This is a good
action picture and business was above average.
We had favorable comment on it.—O.
Fomby, Paula Theatre, Homer, La. Small
town patronage. • • >
EAGLE LION
October Man, The (EL)—John MiUs, Joan
Greenwood, Edward Chapman. J. Arthur
Rank may be solid in England, but they stay
away in droves from the Roxy here in Wichita
when one of his pictures shows. No matter
what English variety I play, they won't accept
the accent. I guess the foreign methods of
story, production and casting just won't satisfy
these midwesterns. Business was lousy.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cloudy and
cold.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita,
Kas. Downtown subsequent run patronage.
. . .
Portrait of Jennie (ED—Jennifer Jones,
Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore. Here is the
^
poorest piece of film I have ever put on my
screen. Should I caU it film tripe, it fits
much better. Beware, fellow exhibitors in
small towns. Leave it alone. It is first class
rotgut for you. Played Mon., Tues., Wed.
Weather: Cold.—H. J. McFall, Lyric Theatre,
Russell, Man. Small town and rural patronage.
• » •
FILM CLASSICS
Ride 'Em Cowboy (FO—Reissue.
Bud Abbott,
Lou Costello. This is one of A&C's best
and it is ideal for weekend dates in small
towns. It is a western with plenty of action,
plus good comedy. Business was good. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—E. A. London,
State Theatre, Olivet, Mich. Small town,
rural and college patronage.
• » •
LIPPERT PRODUCTIONS
Harpoon (LP) — John Bromfield, Alyce
Louis, James Cardwell. Doubled this with
"S.O.S. Submarine" for a first run at the
Roxy for well over average business. For
action houses, these should do well, even
though they are produced on a small budget.
We had favorable comments on both and a
well pleased boxoffice. Played Thurs., Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Cloudy and warm.—Jim Dunbar,
Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Subsequent
run patronage. • • •
'Neath Canadian Skies (LP)—Russell Hayden.
This was doubled with "Leather Gloves"
(Col) to 60 per cent of normal gross for
Saturday. The trailer on this one was the
biggest atrocity I've ever seen. James Oliver
Western Clothes Contest:
47 Kids Dressed Up
DOWN DAKOTA WAY (Rep)—Roy
Rogers, Dale Evans, Pat Brady. Had a
matinee party on this one, in conjunction
with our Roy Rogers' Riders' club. The
matinee party didn't pay me but I had
as much fun or more than the kids. I
had a western clothes contest and had
47 kids dressed up for it. The local
jeweler gave a wrist watch to the best
dressed girl and the same to the best
dressed boy. In addition I gave theatre
tickets for the second, third and fourth
prizes, plus one ticket for each kid who
dressed for the contest. A local grocer
gave away cookies and suckers, and I
gave one of the 8x10 colored photographs
of Roy and Trigger. Out-of-towners
judged the contest and they had a rough
time of it, but the kids were all happy
and that is what counts! The evening
performance was below average but then
the local school was playing its last game
in the county tournament and everyone,
including Aunt Tessie and Uncle Hiram,
goes to the games. This picture is the
average Roy Rogers —good, clean entertainment—but
Roy doesn't do for me what
he used to do. Played Saturday only.
Weather: Fair and chilly.—Fred G. Weppler,
Colonial Theatre, Colfax, 111. Small
town and rural patronage. » *
Never a Dull Moment
In 'Male War Bride'
VI WAS A MALE WAR BRIDE (20th-
Fox)—Cary Grant, Ann Sheridan, Marion
Marshall This picture is more solidly
packed with wonderful comedy than any
we have shown in years. It also has an
interesting story and there is never a dull
moment. We think it is a natural for any
situation and merits preferred plajring
time. Business was good. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Fair.—E. A. London, State
Theatre, Olivet, Mich. Small town, rural
and college patronage. * * *
Curwood's stories are usually weU received
here. The local school played its first basketball
game of the county tournament on this
night, which accounts partly for the low
gross. Played Saturday only. Weather: Fair.
—Fred G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax,
111. Small town and rural patronage. • •
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Doctor and the Girl, The (MGM)—Glerm
Ford, Charles Coburn, Gloria DeHaven. This
picture is weak on star value, title and story.
Our loss was heavy and we cannot recommend
the picture for the average small town.
Played Tues.. Wed. Weather: Fair.—E. A.
London, State Theatre, OUvet, Mich. Small
town, rural and college patronage. * * •
Great Sinner, The (MGM)—Gregory Peck,
Ava Gardner, Walter Huston. Here is a perfect
example of what is wrong with the movie
business. A lot of star power and a lot of
money completely wasted. This picture is
about as far from entertainment as it can
be. Business was 60 per cent of normal.
K. A. Spears, Roxy Theatre, Winlock, Wash.
Small town patronage.
•
Luxury Liner (MGM)—Jane Powell, George
Brent, Lauritz Melchior. Here's a fine little
Technicolor comedy that pleased everyone
and surprised me at the boxoffice. It was no
sellout but for a change I broke even on midweek.
Don't let this go, even if It is old.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Snow and below
zero. — Bob Walker, Unitah Theatre,
Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. • • •
Madame Bovary (MGM)—Jennifer Jones,
Van Heflin, James Mason. How low can my
grosses go on this type of picture? This one
took the booby prize on grosses. However, I
feel that I must play some of this type since
there are some of my patrons who like to
see only this heavy type of production. I
feel I can't please them all, all of the time,
but I can appease some of them, some of the
time. The picture is perfect as far as acting
and stars—but it's not for my situation.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold.—Fred
G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax, 111.
Small town and rural patronage. • •
Night at the Opera, A (MGM)—Reissue.
Marx Bros., Kitty Carlisle, Allen Jones. Business
was only fair but the print was in good
shape—which isn't true of all reissues. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Okay.—D. W. Trisko,
Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining town patronage.
• • •
Southern Yankee, A (MGM)—Red Skelton,
Brian Donlevy, Arlene Dahl. Yippee! For
three days the "recession" was over and it
BOXOFHCE BookinGuide :: Fob. 18, 1950

—
—
ture is I seemed mighty good. For once I made money
town and rural patronage. • •
on Skelton. Boy, he's terrific in this one. Be the
good
people
and
in
I'm
town
sorry
whose
couldn't get
"occupation"
all
is
sure you don't pass this one up. Played Sun., go.ssiping to see it. Shirley redeemed her.self
Mon., Tues. Weather: Rain, fog and zero partly after her part in 'Mr. Belvedere Goes
temperatuies.—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, to College." Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. » • • Fair and chilly.—Fred G. Weppler, Colonial
Theatre, Colfax, 111. Small town and rural
PARAMOUNT
patronage.
• •
Connecticut Yankee in King Artliur's Court,
Good Sam (RKO) — Gary Cooper, Ann
A (Para)—Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Sir
Sheridan, Edmund Lowe. This is a grand
Cedric Hardwicke. Costume pictures mean
comedy with a swell cast and I'm glad I
my lowest grosses, usually. This one was no
played it, even late. RKO got its 50 per cent
exception, but who are we to judge a picture?
We, as exhibitors, have our likes and
even though it was a flat deal. I couldn't see
anything wrong with it, but I got a lot of
dislikes as far as pictures are concerned.
criticism about the last scenes. Played Sun.,
Generally, if we do not like a picture ourselves,
it is because our gross is so low. Per-
Mon. Weather: Cold.—Bob Walker, Uintah
Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. • •>•
sonally, I liked this one, but I didn't like my
low gross. Bing will stay on top for some Good Sam (RKO)—Gary Cooper, Ann
time, in spite of all the yells from us exhibitors
Sheridan, Edmund Lowe. This is a good pic-
that Paramount is casting him in ture that played to 'way below average busi-
lousy pictures. Here's to you, Bing. You are ness. It pleased those who came but few
still tops. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair showed up to see it. Played Sun., Mon.
and cold.—Fred G. Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Weather: Good.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park
Colfax, 111. Small town and rural patronage.
* •
Magazine Reviews Used
El Paso (Para)—John Payne, Gail Russell,
George "Gabby" Hayes. This was okay and To Exploit His Films
did very well on a weekend. I would say to ^^NE of our most regular contributors,
you boys that it is worth playing. Played Ralph Raspa of the State Theatre
Fri., Sat. Weather: Mild.—Harland Rankin, at Rivesville, W. Va., who is also editor
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small town of The Columns at Fairmont State college,
Fairmont, writes:
patronage.
• • •
Lady Eve, The (Para)—Reissue. Barbara 'In your reference to the Protestant
Stanwyck, Hem-y Fonda, Eugene Pallette. church choosing the better films, thereby
This is a good picture brought back.
aiding
It is full
Hollywood, I wish to call your attention
to another movie aid. The Ameri-
of spice. All my patrons thoroughly enjoyed
it. Barbara Stanwyck couldn't have been
can Legion magazine has a movie review
better. My patrons seem to enjoy Barbara
section that must be written by a Hollywood
man.
Stanwyck better in comedy roles than they
"
do in some of the big mystery
'Report
drama From Hollywood,'
roles.
as it is
called,
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cloudy and
always brings out the good pictures
cool.—O. Fomby, of
Paula Theatre, Homer,
the month,
La.
and it points out any stars
Small town patronage. • • • that are veterans. This type of column
should be encouragement for our benefit.
Top O' the Morning (Para)—Bing Crosby, Whenever any of my features are reviewed
Ann Blyth, Bai'ry Fitzgerald. This is top family
in Life, Look, Good Housekeeping or the
entertainment and we are proud to play American Legion (ones I subscribe to),
pictures of this caliber. It has a charming I cut them out and tack them up in the
stoi-y and some beautiful Irish songs. Our lobby for my patrons to see."
film cost was high and the gross was below
average. We believe that the picture rates
Theatre, South Berwick, Me. Small town
preferred playing time at reasonable flat
patronage. • • •
rental. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.
E. A. London, State Theatre, Olivet, Mich. Judge Steps Out, The (RKO)—Ann Sothern,
Small town and riu:al patronage. • *
Alexander Knox, George Tobias. This
is a fair picture with some good comedy bits
RKO RADIO
but business was bad—the lowest Fri., Sat.
Adventure in Baltimore (RKO) — Robert in a long time. Weather: Okay.—D. W.
Young, Shirley Temple, John Agar. I took Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining
a beating on this one and even the Chamber town patronage. • • •
of Commerce gift night in the theatre did
Mighty Joe Young (RKO)—Terry Moore,
not help the gross. This was my lowest midweek
gross in months and months. The pic-
Ben Johnson, Robert Armstrong. This picture
has all the usual hokiim, but not nearly
the draw that "King Kong" had. It only
did fair business here
Reissues Compared
and 'way below average
for pictures of this type. Played Sun.,
to
Warmed-Over Coffee
Mon. Weather: Good.—Terry Axley, New
O SERGEANT YORK (WB)—Reissue. Theatre, England, Ark. Rural and small town
Gary Cooper, Joan Leslie, Walter Brennan.
patronage. * • •
I asked the man who runs the res-
Window, The (RKO)—Bobby DriscoU. Bar-
taurant around the corner how he liked bara Hale, Arthur Kennedy. This is one of
this reissue. He asked me, "How do you the best program pictures in circulation. It
like your coffee warmed over?" He had to is not big but will satisfy.—K. A. Spears,
admit it was swell entertainment, however.
This picture had everything but
attendance, and I don't know why. I guess
they don't want any more war. I still
recommend it.—J. Bye Coverston, Cherokee
Theatre, Southwest City, Mo. Small
Roxy Theatre. Winlock, Wash. Small town
patronage.
•
REPUBUC
Nighttime In Nevada (Rep)—Roy Rogers,
.Andy Devine, Adele Mara. A good western
in color that failed to make rental. Rogers
has lost all his popularity here for some
He Liked This Picture
And It Went Over
LUCK OF THE IRISH, THE (20th-Fox)
Tyrone Power, Anne Baxter, Cecil Kellaway.
Here is a feature that I have read
several adverse reports on. As a result,
I booked It twice and canceled it out
each time and then went to battle with
Mr. Cringan, our salesman from Winnipeg,
over it to try and get out of playing it.
However, he convinced me that it was
not that bad, and now I am very disappointed
in the writeups from fellow
exhibitors on this, as it went over well
here and personally I liked it very much.
Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Very
cold.—H. J. McFall, Lyric Theatre, Russell,
Man. Small town and rural patronage.
• • •
reason or other. Many think the Trucolor
is wrong and others miss Dale Evans.—Jack
Hammond, Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta,
Calif. Small lumber town patronage. * • •
Sundown in Santa ¥e (Rep)—Allan "Rocky"
Lane, "Black Jack," Eddy Waller. This is
our type, much corn and everything. They
turned out for it, too. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cool.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage. • • •
tinder California Stars (Rep)—Roy Rogers,
Jane Prazee, Andy Devine. Our first Rogers
show in many months. This one is fine and
business was above average for Saturday.
Roy is our best western draw. Played Saturday.
Weather: Fair and cold—.Arthur E.
Phifield, Park Theatre, South Berwick, Me.
Small town patronage.
• • •
Village Barn Dance (Rep)—Reissue. Richard
Cromwell, Doris Day. If your customers
like corny pictures, they'll love tWs reissue.
NSS served me the original trailer — we
couldn't run It. Doubled with "The Marauders."
Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather:
Bad. — W. O. Woody, Stockton, Mo. Small
town patronage. • • •
SRO
Fallen Idol, The (SRO)—Ralph Richardson,
Michele Morgan, Bobby Henery. Limey
pictures are no go here. Comments were very
poor. I would like to nominate this and
"Portrait of Jennie" as the poorest pictures
of the year. I won't let David burn me. twice,
you can be sure! Played Mon., Tues., Wed.
Weather: Fair.—H. J. McFall, Lyric Theatre,
Russell, Man. Small town and rural patronage.
• • •
20th CENTURY-FOX
CCome to the Stable (20th-Fox)—Loretta
Young, Celeste Holm, Hugh Marlowe. This is
a swell show for everyone and did average
business at the boxoffice for us.—K. A. Spears,
Roxy Theatre, Winlock, Wash. Small town
patronage.
•
Frontier Marshal (20th-Fox) — Reissue.
Randolph Scott, Nancy Kelly, Cesar Romero.
Doubled with "Belle Starr" and this gave my
Randy Scott fans a more than satisfactory
fare. Both are good action oldies, and though
the price for the combination was high for
me, returns made up the difference. I think
they would do well wherever Scott Is popular.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Perfect. — Bob
Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural
patronage. • • •
OGreen Grass of Wyoming (20th-Pox)
(Continued on page 4)
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Feb. 18. 1950

—
—
—
—
Exhibitor Has His Say
(Continued from page 3)
Peggy Cummins. Charles Coburn, Robert
Arthur. This is a good outdoor show with
wide open spaces, horses and everything. It
did just average for us for some unknown
reason. We expected much more at the boxoffice.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair
and cold.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre,
South Berwick, Me. Small town patronage.
• • *
Mark of Zorro (20th-Fox)—Reissue. Tyrone
Power. Linda Darnell, Basil Rathbone.
This we didn't expect too much from—and
didn't get it. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Warm.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ont. Small town patronage. * • •
OMiracle on 34th Street (20th-Fox)—
John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, Edmund
Gwenn. This is one of those pictures that
make you "just feel good all over." You stand
in the lobby, proud you are an exhibitor, and
more proud that they saw this picture in your
theatre. As long as there is a Christmas, this
picture can be played. It just seems to put
the Christmas spirit over with a bang. Write
in and ask for it for next Christmsis. You
can't make money before Christmas, but you
won't hate losing it so much with this one.
J. Bye Coverston, Cherokee Theatre, Southwest
City, Mo. SmaU town and rural patronage.
• '
Oh, You Beautiful DoU (20th-Fox)—June
Haver, Mark Stevens, S. Z. Sakall. These
musicals from Fox are nothing but pure entertainment.
It was very much enjoyed by a
small audience, due to the deep snow and
wind. The ones that braved the storm were
well pleased. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Deep snow.—Jack Hammond, Shastona Theatre,
Mount Shasta, Calif. Small lumber town
patronage. • » »
Kose of Washington Square (20th-Fox) —
Reissue. Tyrone Power, Alice Faye, Al Jolson.
This is one of the good old reissues. A
musical, yes—but I am well satisfied with it
and comments were good, and Fox sold it to
me right. Believe it or not, with my business
at a new low this winter, I made wages for
myself out of this, which is new here this
winter. Thanks, Fox. Played Thurs., Fri.,
Sat. Weather: 40 below.—H. J. McFall, Lyric
Theatre, RusseU, Man. Small town and rural
patronage.
* • •
Sand (20th-Fox) — Mark Stevens, Coleen
Gray, Rory Calhoun. Tliis was a good one
from Fox and did a little above average January
business. The color is nice, although the
story misses the book a mile. We swallowed a
little at the stiff rental but were molUfied a
very little bit by the draw. Fox will need several
like this, however, as far as we're con-
Laughed, Too, at This
Till Checker Came
TWO GUTS FROM TEXAS
(WB)—
Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, Dorothy
Malone. All the world loves to laugh, and
they will at this pair in this picture. The
men laughed, the ladies laughed, the kids
laughed, the operators laughed, I laughed
—until the checker showed up! Why did
they pick this picture to check, just as I
was getting out of the red? Book it, by
all means.—J. Bye Coverston, Cherokee
Theatre, Southwest City, Mo. Small town
and rural patronage. * *
cerned to make up for "Prince of Foxes."
Played Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good. — WiUiam J. Harris. Crown Theatre,
Lincoln. Ark. Rural and small town paronage.
* * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Great Dan Patch, The (UA)—Dennis
O'Keefe, Gail Russell, Ruth Warrick. This is
a very good horse picture which enjoyed
slightly above average business. Had it been
in color with a top star, it would have been a
knockout. So don't pay top money for it or you
will be disappointed. There was a sUght profit
en this one. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good.—E. M. Freibiu-ger, Dewey Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * '
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Frontier Gal (U-D—Yvonne DeCarlo, Rod
Cameron. I traded this picture, hoping to
break even. This is one of the best westerns
ever made. This type of entertainment
is what the American public wants. There
wasn't one single bad comment from my
patrons—it pleased everyone. I was truly
pleased with the picture and with the business
it did. I sure wish they would make
more pictures with this combination of
Basketball, Epidemic,
But Picture Pulled
JOH>r\Y STOOL PIGEON (U-I) —
Howard Duff, Shelley Winters, Dan
Duryea. Basketball games and a measles
epidemic didn't keep this picture from
doing average business. I believe it had
a good title, and no doubt the Rod Cameron
western with it helped a little. The
feature was good, though—semi-documentary.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Ideal. — Ralph Raspa, State Theatre,
Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. * * *
spice, love, action and color in them. Played
Sunday in Town Creek. Ala.. Wednesday in
Rogersville and Sunday in Loretto, Term.
Mrs. James W. Robinson, Dale, State and
Bama Theatres, Town Creek, Ala. Small town
patronage. * • *
Give Out Sisters (U-I)—Reissue. Andrews
Sisters, Richard Davies. This is an oldie that
proved to be entertaining to an average audience.
Plenty of star value in this one and the
advertisement and trailer have been remade.
(Thank Heavens!). Recommended. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Rain. — Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage.
• • •
Hamlet (U-I) — Laurence Olivier, Eileen
Herlie, Basil Sydney. Much to our disappointment,
this wonderful picture did absolutely
nothing for us. The weather was bad, of
course, but the advanced price didn't help
business. This sort of high class entertainment
is really lost on a small town audience.
The school teachers, however, were loud in
their praise; but in this day and age, praise
fails to pay off. Played Thursday only. Weather:
Snow and cold.—Jack Hammond, Shastona
Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif. Small
lumber town patronage. • • •
Pecos Pistol, The (U-I>—Musical western
short, Tex Williams and Orchestra. Universal
has at last hit something in the short
field that will fit on any program. These
short, musical westerns are top—play them,
by all means. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
f
A Date-Crowd Natural,
And With Doris Day
MY DREAM IS TOURS (WB)—Jack
Carson, Doris Day, Lee Bowman. This is
a Sunday night date-crowd natural. This
Doris Day is tops when it comes to putting
over a song. W'arners can use her
again and again for oxir money. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Warm and fair.
Joe and 3Iildred Faith, Linn Theatre,
Linn, Mo. Rural and small town patronage.
* * *
Wonderful.—James F. HaU, Anthony Theatre,
Anthony, N. M.-Tex. Small town and rural
•
patronage.
Red Canyon (U-I)—Ann Blyth, Howard
Duff, George Brent. We can take a lot like
this one. A grand picture with good color
brought the Sunday crowd out on Fri., Sat.
—and that is no small feat in a small town.
Weather: Rain.—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn
Theatre, Linn. Mo. Rural and small town
patronage. ' * *
Sword in the Desert (U-I)—Dana Andrews,
Marta Toren, Stephen McNally. Who ever
thought this one up? It smells to the highest
mountain—and the rental on it makes it
smell worse. Andrews should be plowing and
Marta Toren should be waiting tables. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—James F. Hall,
Anthony Theatre, Anthony, N. M.-Tex. SmaU
town and rural patronage.
*
Take One False Step (U-I) — William
Powell, Shelley Winters, Marsha Hunt. William
Powell does his usual faultless job in a
gripping mystery, ably abetted by luscious
Shelley Winters and Marsha Hunt. The take
was considerably off, however. The weather
was frigid, but despite this, serious mysteries
or cops-and-robbers movies never have drawn
for us. So please read this, salesmen—lay off,
and believe me the next time I protest. Played
Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.
William J. Harris, Crown Theatre, Lincoln,
Ark. Rural and small town patronage. • * *
WARNER BROS.
Romance on the High Seas (WB) — Jack
Carson, Janis Paige, Don DePore. This was
strictly below average at the boxoffice. It
should have done better for us as it is the
type that used to go over well—comedy, gals,
gags — and of course. Jack Carson. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.—Arthur E. Phifield,
Park Theatre, South Berwick, Me. Small
town patronage. • » •
Smart Girls Don't Talk (WB) — Virginia
Mayo, Bruce Bennett, Robert Hutton. In
spite of a murder or two. this one seemed to
please our patrons. It is well presented and
has a good cast. Business was average, which
is good for the weather conditions here.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Rain and snow.
Jack Hammond. Shastona Theatre, Mount
Shasta, Calif. Small lumber town patronage.
• • •
Story of Seabiscuit, The (WB) — Shirley
Temple, Barry Fitzgerald, Lon McCallister.
This is fair entertainment, but it could have
been much better, with the stars and investment
present. Business was about average but
I made no profit or loss. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre,
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Feb. 18, 1950

Alphabetical Picture Gaide Index aad REVIEW DICES
o^ i- ac a cc
A
1080 Abandoned (79) U-l 10-15-49
1061 Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer
(84) U-l 8-13-49
997 Act of Violence (82) IVIGM 12-25-4a
1093 Adam and Evalyn (93) U-l 11-26-49
lOSSAdam's Rib (102) MGM 11-5-49
1022 Adventure in Baltimore (89) RKO.. 3-26-49
998 Adventures of Don Juan (110) WB.. 12-25-48
1012 Affairs o< a Rooue, The (95) Col.... 2-19-49
1033 Africa Screams (75) UA 5- 7-49
1042 Against the Wind (95) EL 6- 4-49
1055 Air Hostess (61) Col 7-23-49
1006 Alias Nick Beal (93) Para 1-22-49
1085 Alias the Champ (60) Rep 10-29-49
1049 Alimony (72) EL 7-2-49
1044 All Over the Town (SS) U-l 6-11-49
1087 All the Kino's Men (110) Col 11- 5-49
1094 Always Leave Them Laughing
(116) WB 11-26-49
1108 Amazing Mr. Beecham, The (85) EL 1-14-50
1040 Amazon Quest (70) FC 5-28-49
1101 Ambush (90) MGM 12-24-49
965An 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 +
1095 Bagdad (90) U-l 12-3-49 d:
1078 Bandit King of Texas (60) Rep 10- 8-49 +
1082 Bandits of El Dorado (56) Col 10-22-49 ±
1072Barbary Pirate (65) Col 9-17-49 ±
1028Barkleys of Broadway. The (110)
MGM 4-16-49 -H
1078 Battleoround (118) MGM 10-8-49 -H-
1040 Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend,
The (77) 20-Fox 5-28-49 -f
1109 Bells of Coronado (67) Rep 1-21-50 ±
1113 Belle of Old Mexico (70) Rep 2- 4-50 ±
1082 Beyond the Forest (96) WB 10-22-49 -f
1033 Big Cat. The (75) EL 5- 7-49 i:
1025 Big Jack (85) MGM 4- 9-49 ±
1027 Big Sombrero. The (87) Col 4-16-49 +
1045 Big Steal, The (71) RKO 6-18-49 +
1089 Big Wheel, The (92) UA 11-12-49 +
1038 Black Book. The (formerly Reign
of Terror) (89) EL 5-21-49 +
1110 Black Hand (92) MGM 1-21-50 ++
1066 Black Magic (105) UA 8-27-49 ff
1
Black Midnight (66) Mono
1077 Black Shadows (62) EL 10-8-49
969 Blanche Fury (93) EL 9-18-48
±
—
1061 Blazing Trail. The (56) Col 8-13-49
1052 Blind Goddess, The (88) U-l 7- 9-49
±
±
1112 Blonde Bandit (60) Rep 1-28-50 +
1080 Blondie Hits the Jackpot (66) Col.. .10-15-49 ±
1021 Blondie's Big Deal (66) Col 3-26-49 ±
Blondie's Hero (..) Col
Ull Blue Grass of Kentucky (70) Mono... 1-28-50 -f
1060 Blue Lagoon. The (105) U-l 8- 6-49 +
1115 Bodyhold (65) Col 2-11-50 +
U07 Bomba on Panther Island (76) Mono. 1-14-50 +
1016 Bomba. the Jungle Boy (71) Mono... 3- 5-49 -f
1065 Border Incident (95) MGM 8-27-49 +
1109 Borderline (88) U-l 1-21-50 -H
1021 Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture
(59) Col 3-26-49 ±
1010 Bribe. The (98) MGM 2-12-49 +
1083 Bride for Sale (87) RKO 10-29-49 -f
1023-A Bride of Vengeance (92) Para... 4- 2-49 ±
1064 Brimstone (90) Rep 8-20-49 +
1044 Broken Journey (89) EL 6-11-49 +
1015 Brothers in the Saddle (60) RKO.. 3- 5-49 *

ff Very Good; + Good; — Fair; - Poor; = V

++ Very Good; + Good; — Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary H is rated as 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses.
1
IIU Palomino, The (75) Col 1-28-50
1101 Paid in Full (104) Para 12-24-49
SSSParadine Case, The (117) EL 1- 3-48
1077 Passport to Pimlico (72) EL 10-8-49
I;1077 Pinky (102) 20-Fox 10- S-49
1107 Pioneer Marshal (60) Rep 1-14-50
1098 Pirates of Capri, The (94) FC 12-10-49
1013 Place of One's Own, A (94) El 2-26-49
1095 Port of New York (79) EL 12- 3-49
999 Portrait of Jennie (90) EL 1- 1-49
1071 Post Office Investioator (60) Rep... 9-17-49
1085 Prairie, The (65) LP 10-29-49
1018 Prejudice (5S) MPSC 3-12-49
1
1066 Prince of Foxes (107) 20-Fox 8-27-49
1026 Prince of Peace (formerly The Lawton Story)
(111) Hallmark 4- 9-49
1030 Prince of the Plains (60) Rep 4-23-49
1097 Prison Warden (62) Col 12-10-49
1091 Project X (60) FC 11-19-49
Q
1023-A Quartet (120) EL 4- 2-49
R
1112 Radar Secret Service (59) LP 1-28-50
Range Justice (57) Mono
1090 Ranoer of Cherokee Strip (60) Rep.. .11-12-49
1084 Rmkless Moment, The (82) Col 10-29-49
1009 Red Canyon (82) U-l 2-12-49
1073 Red Danube, The (119) MGM 9-24-49
1103 Red Desert (60) LP 12-31-49
1047 Red, Hot and Blue (84) Para 6-25-49
1063 Red Light (84) UA 8-20-49
1042 Red Menace, The (87) Rep 6-4-49
1110 Reneoades of the Sane (56) Col 1-21-50
1011 Red Pony, The (89) Rep 2-19-49
980 Red Shoes, The (134) EL 10-23-48
1019 Red Stallion in the Rockies (85) EL 3-19-49
In 1096 Riders the Sky (70) Col 12-3-49
Riders of the Dusk (57) Mono
1083 Riders of the Range (60) RKO 10-29-49
1041 Riders of the Whistling Pines
(70) Col 6- 4-49
1106 Riding High (112) Para 1- 7-50
1024-A Rimlirc (67) LP 4- 2-49
1055 Rim of the Canyon (70) Col 7-23-49
1056 Ringside (62) LP 7-23-49
10S3ROII Thunder Roll! (58) EL 7-16-49
1050 Rooe of Sand (105) Para 7- 2-49
1063 Roscanna McCoy (89) RKO 8-20-49
1037 Roughshod (88) RKO 5-21-49
1100 Rugged O'Riordans, The (76) U-l . .12-17-49
1022 Rustlers (61) RKO 3-26-49
1029 Rusty Saves a Life (68) Col 4-23-49
1094 Rust/s Birthday (60) Col 11-26-49
S
1100 Salt to the Devil (Former title
Give Us This Day) (120) EL 1217-49
1084 Samson and Delilah (130) Para 10-29-49
1079 San Antone Ambush (60) Rep 10-15-49
1031 Sand (77) 20-Fox 4-30-49
1102 Sands of Iwo Jima (109) Rep 12-24-49
1029 Saraband (95) EL 4-23-49
1091 Satan's Cradle (60) UA 11-19-49
1057 Savage Splendor (60) RKO 7-30-49
1048 Scene of the Crime (94) MGM 6-25-49
1028 Scott of the Antarctic (111) EL 4-16-49
1032 Secret Garden, The (92) MGM 4-30-49
1049 Secret of St. Ives, The (76) Col... 7- 2-49
1022 Setup. The (72) RKO 3-26-49
1035 Shamrock Hill (71) EL 5-14-49
1015 Sheriff of Wichita (60) Rep 3- 5-49
1057 She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (103) RKO 7-30-49
1103 Side Street (84) MGM 12-31-49
1094 Silent Dust (82) Mono 11-26-49
1056 Sky Dragon (64) Mono 7-23-49
1056 Sky Liner (60) LP B- 6-49
1050 Slattery's Hurricane (83) 20-Fox 8- 6-49
1023-A Sleeping Car to Trieste (95) EL.. 4- 2-49
1010 Slightly French (81) Col 2-12-49
1024 Snowbound (85) U-l 3-26-49
1014 Song of India (77) Col 2-26-49
1072 Song of Surrender (93) Para. 9-17-49
Son of Billy the Kid (65) LP
1110 Sons of New Mexico (71) Col 1-21-50
1027 Sorrowful Jones (88) Para 4-16-49
1061 South of Death Valley (54) Col 8-13-49
1062 South of Rio (60) Rep 8-13-49
1011 South of St. Louis (88) WB 2-19-49
1107 South Sea Sinner (88) U-l 1-14-50
1032 Special Agent (70) Para 4-30-49
1076 Spring in Park Lane (91) EL 10- 1-49

FEATURE chart]

FEATURE CHART

; I—June
)
WARNER
RKO RADIO
H (66) Drtma O:
THE THREAT
illch«cl •'Shoa-V. Orey
lulle l!lsbop-U. Stiiyne
J—Oct. 29—PG-1083
I![j] (95) llr«m« 009
HrHEY LIVE BY NIGHT
llfarlfj tIrar.ger-C. O'DonneU
llBward I)eSllta-H. Craig
26— l'Q-948
j,:S _ (87) Comfdy *eS
JRIOE FOR SALE
:iau(iclte Colliert
lobert Young-G. Brent
I—Oct. 89—PG-ie83
l\S ('«) Drama 01
i'\ Dangerous Profession
Jeorge Hatl-Ella Balnea
'at OBrlen-BlU WlUlams
[i— Ocl. 22—PG-1081
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
REPUBLIC 20TH-FOX UNITED ARTISTS
g] (80) Western 866
Ranuer of Cherokee Strip
Monte Hale-Paul Hurst
Monte Blue-D. Kennedy
R—Nof. 12—PQ-1090
m (67) Outd-r-Mua 844
©The Golden Stallion
Roy Rogera-Dale Bvaos
Pat Bradj-Koy Willing
R— Not. (i—Pa-1088
a (60) Western 4961
Powder River Rustlers
Allan "Rucky" Lane
Eddy Waller
(98) Comedy 91
EVERYBODY DOES IT
Paul Dougtas-L. Darnell
Celeste Holm-C Coburn
R—Sept. 3—PQ-1068
(93) Musical 927
soil, You Beautiful Doll
June Haver-Mark Steveni
S. Z. Sakall-C. Greenwood
R—Sept. 24-PG-10T4
(102) Drama 931
PINKY
Jeanne Cralu-W. Lundlgan
B. Barrymore-Etbel Waters
R—ect. 8—PO-1077
(S (92) Drama 618
THE BIG WHEEL
Mickey Rooney-M. O'Shea
rhomaa Mltcbell-M. Hatcher
R—No». 12—PQ-1089
g (88) Comedy 619
A KISS FOR CORLISS
Shirley Temple-D. Hickman
David Nlven-T. Tally
R—Oct. 22—PG-1681
UNIV.-INT'L
I
(83) Comedy 901
FREE FOR ALL
Ann Blylh-Percy Kilbride
M. lU-sumny-R. Cummiogs
R—Nov. 12-PG-1090
(83) Drama 902
THE STORY OF MOLLY X
June Havoc-John Russell
Dorothy Hart
R— Nov. 19—PG-1092
(83) Drama
©BAGDAD
Maureen O'Hara-V. Price
Paul Christian
B—Dec. 3—Pa-1095
903
BROS.
5? (93) Drama 967
©The Story of Seabiscuit
Shirley Tcmple-B. Kltigerald
Lon McCalllster
R—Oct. 29— PQ-1083
g§ (116) Comedy
Always Leave Them Laughing
Mlltim Bcrle-Ruth Roman
Virginia
R—Nov.
Mayo-Bert Lahr
26—PG-1094
FEATURE CHART
REISSUES (Cont'd)
Sept. (110) Drama 006
THE STORY OF G.I. JOE
Robert Mltchum-Ernle Fyle
•ct. (95) Drama 938
Letter of Introduction
Adolpbe Menjou-G. Murphy
Dec. (135) Drama
LL BE SEEING YOU
Ginger Rogers-Joseph Cotten
Dec. (82) Comedy
HIT THE ICE
Bud Abbott-Lou Costello
July O (76) Drama
WHITE SAVAGE
July a (70) Drama
COBRA WOMAN
Oct. H (89) Drama
BACK STREET
Charles Boyer-M. BullMin
Oct. S3 (102) Drama
SCARLET STREET
Bennett-E. G. BoblnsoD
n (87) Comedy 013 O (61) Drama 49(4
HOLIDAY AFFAIR BLONDE BANDIT
Itnet Leigh- R. Mltckon Robert Rockwell-D. Patrick
ffeodell Corey S (60) Western 4871
I—Not. 19—P0-H91 PIONEER MARSHAL
B (»9) Drama «5a
«Y FOOLISH HEART
kau Hayvard-D. Andrews
(cDt Smllb-Lols Wheeler
»-Ott. 22—PO-1081
(107) Drama 929
PRINCE OF FOXES
Tyrone Power-OrsoD Welles
Wanda Hendrta-M. Bert!
R—Aug. 27—PG-1066
(94) Westem-Dr 930
©Fighting Man of Plilni
Randolph Scott-Jane Nigh
Bill WlUlams-Vlctor Jory
R—Oct, IIS—PG-1179
n (I«3) Drami 666 (109) War Drama 4906 (92) Mus-Com 601
THE OUTLAW
fun Bussell-Jack Bentel
SANDS OF IWO JIMA
John Wayne-John Agar
©Dancing In the Dark
William Powell-Betsy Drake
Kilter Huston-T. Ultchell .\dele Mara-Forrest Tucker Mark Stevena-A. Menjoo
R— Dec. 24—PG-llOl R—Nov. 12—PO-1089
m (67) Outd'r-MuB 4941
©Bells Coronado
of
Roy RogiTS-Dala Bvam
Grant Wlthers-Foy Wlllinf
g (97) Mystery 069
aTHE MAN ON THE
EIFFEL TOWER
Ckarlea Laughton-F. Tone
Dec. 24—PO- 11 02
1 (.'n Drama
TROMBOLI
ngrld Bergman
klarlo
Vltale
D 17.1) Cartoon
:iNOERELLA
>teney feature cartoon
I—Dec. 24— PG-1102
R—Jan.
21—PG-11«9
m (60) Melodrama 4807
UNMASKED
R. Rockwell-B. Fuller
Raymond Burr
\S (00) Western 4962
GUNMEN OF ABILENE
.Ml.in Rocky" Lane
Eddy WaUer-D. Hamilton
S (
.
TARNISHED
Drama
) .
Arthur FraiB
Dorothy Patrick
I (97) Drama tM
WHIRLPOOL
Gene Tlcrney-Blchard Coote
Jo?e Ferrer-C. Blckford
I!— Dec. 3—PO-1096
18(1) Musical 003
WHEN WILLIE COMES
MARCHING HOME
Dan Dalley-Corlnne CWvet
R—Jan. 7— PG-1105
SS (89) Drama 63
MRS. MIKE
Dick Powell-Evelyn Keyes
Angela aark-J. HlUan
R— Dee. 24—Pa-ll»2
(71) Drtma 9*
UNDERTOW
Scott Brady-Jolin Russell
Dorothy Hart-Peggy Dow
B— Dec. 10—PO-1097
(M) Drama 90R
Q] (71) Drama 662
Davy Crockett,
WOMAN IN HIDING
Indian Scout
George Montgomery-E. Drew Luplno-Howard Duff
Ida
jr.
Philip Reed-Noah
R—Jan.
Beery
14—PG-1108
Stephen McNally
R— Dec. 17— PO-1106
gr (84) Drama 623
Deadly Is the Female
Peggy Cummlns-John Dakl
Berry Kroeger-A. Shaw
R—Nov. 5—PG-1087
a Comedy
( . . )
IF THIS BE SIN
Myma Loy-Rlchard
Peggy C^immlns
Greene
(133) War Drama 004 :ia] (92) Drama
TWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH JOHNNY HOLIDAY
Gregory Peck-Hugh Marlowe W. Bendli-A. Martin Jr.
Dean Jagger-Paul Stewart Sianley Clements-J. Hagen
R— Dee. 24—PG-1101 B—Nov. 26—PO-1093
(84) Western 006
©DAKOTA LIL
Rod Cameron-M. Wlnctsor
George Montgomery
R—Jan. 28—PO-1111
m (83) Melodrama
(88) Drama 006
Mothef Didn't Tell Me
0.0. A.
Edmond •'Brien-P. Brltton
Luther Adler-B. Campbell
R— Dec. 31—PO-1104
n.irnlhy MrGulre-J, Havoe
W. Lundlgan-O. Merrill
n—Feb. 4—PQ-1113
( . .
Drama 008 ^ { . . ) Drama
UNDER MY SKIN QUICKSAND
John Garfield
Mickey Rooney-J. Cagney
Mlchellne PreUe
Barbara Bates-P. Lorre
(88) Drama 908
SOUTH SEA SINNER
Macdonald Carey-H. Carter
Shelley Wlnters-L. Adler
R—Jan. 14—PG-1107
(76) Drama I
The Rugged O'Riordani
John O'MaUey-T. Scott
Australian cast
R— Dec. 17—PO-llM
\s\ (88) Drama 808
BORDERLINE
Fred MacMurray-R. Burr
Claire Trevor-J. TorVay
R—Jan. 21—PO-1109
(91) Drama 8
FRANCIS
D. O'Connnr-P. Medina
7,iLtu Pltls-Ray Collins
R—Dec. 10—PG-1097
(78) 8uper-We.«tem 811
©KID FROM TEXAS
Audle Murphy-Gale Storm
Albert
Dekker
(77) Drama 912
©BUCCANEER'S GIRL
Yvonne DeCarlo
Philip Friend
TSO) Drama 913
OUTSJDE THE WALL
Marilyn Maiwell-S. Rtsso
Richard
Basehart
13 (99) Comedy 911
The Lady Takes a Sailor
Jane Wyman-Dennls Morgan
Eve Arden-Allyn Joslyn
R—Dec. 3—PG-ie96
m (102) Comedy 811
©The Inspector Generil
Danny Kaye-E. Lancheeter
Walter Slezak-B. Batee
B—Nov. 19—PO-1002
IS (99) Drama 913
THE HASTY HEART
Ronald Reagan-P. Netl
Richard Todd
R—Dec. 3—PO-169e
m (76) Super-West 814
©MONTANA
Errol Flynn-Alexls Smith
S. Z. Sakall-D. Kennedy
R—Jan. 7—Pa-1108
m (91) Drama 816
BACKFIRE
Virginia Mayo-G. MacRae
Edmond O'Brien-Dane Clark
R—Jan.
21— PG-1110
gl (94) Drama 806
CHAIN LIGHTNING
Humphrey Bogart-E. Parker
Raymond Massey-B. Whorf
R—Feb. 4—PG-1113
m (112) Drama 9
Young Man With a Horn
Kirk Douglas-Lauren Bacalt
Doris Day-H. Carmlchael
R—Feb. 11—P0-in6
June 3 (85) Comedy
MOVIE CRAZY
Harold Lloyd
Oct. (H (83) Drama
TABU
July (H (102) Musical 818
©THE WIZARD OF OZ
Judy Garland-Frank HorgiD
Dec. a (167) Drama
JOHNNY EAGER
Robert Taylor-Lana Turner
Feb. B3 (99) Drama
BLOSSOMS IN THE DUST
Greer Oarson-Walter PIdgeon
June m (89) Drama 4822
Trail of the Lonesome Pine
F. Mac.Murray-8. Sidney
Dec. H (97) Comedy 4808
THE LADY EVE
B. 8tanwyck-H. Fonda
Dec. [S (90) Musical 4807
HOLIDAY INN
B. Crosby-F. Astalre
Aug. (61) Drama
SPY RING
Jane Wyman-WIIllam Hall
Aug. (61) Drama
DOUBLE ALIBI
Wayne Morrls-M. Llndur
Aug. (72) Comedy
THE BANK DICK
W. C. Fields- Dna Uerkel
Aug. (70) Comedy
NEVER GIVE A SUCKEN
AN EVEN BREAK
W. C. Fields
Sept. (82) DriBi
FURY AT SEA
Francbot Tone-John Carroll
Sept. (96) Drama
THE SUN NEVER SETS
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Sept. (94) Dram*
FRISCO SAL
Turban Bey-Alan Outit
Sept. (63) Drtma
LEGION OF LOST FLYERS
William Lundlgan-J. Ctnaa
Oct. (79) Comedy
YOU CAN'T CHEAT
AN HONEST MAI
W. C. Fields
Aug. (76) Fantasy 064
TARZAN TRIUMPHS
J. Welssmuller-B. Joyce
Aug. (70) Fantasy 065
Tarzan't Desert Mystery
J. WelssmuUer-B. Joyce
June (88) Drtmt 8M
HOUSE ON 92nd STREET
SIgne Hasso
June (103) Unsled (56
MY GAL SAL
Rita Haywortb-Vlctor Mttnre
Dec. (77) Drama (48
STORMY WEATHER
Bill Boblnson-Lent Horn*
June a (102) Drama Ul
CASABLANCA
H. Bogart-I. Bergman
June SI (86) U'drami 816
G-MEN
James C&gney-Ann Dvorak
Dec ig (78) Drama 8(9
A FAREWELL TO ARMS
Helen Hayes-Gary Cooper
Dec. E3 (74) Drama (1(
THE HATCHET MAI
B. a. Boblnioo-L. Tomf

9-29
SHORTS CHART
Short subjects. listed by company, in order of release. Running time ioUovra
title. First date is national release, second the date oi review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: -HVery Good.
+ Good. — Fair. — Poor. = Very Poor. O Indicates color photography.
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rcl. Date Rating ReVd Prod. No
ASSORTED COMEDIES
1435 Flung by a Fling (16).. 5-12 + 10-1
1426 Microspook (16) 6-9
1436 Clunked in the Clink (16) 7-13 + 11-19
1949-50 SEASON
2411 Waiting in the Lurch
(IS'/j) 9- S
2421 Super VM1 (16) 10-13
2422 Wha' Happen? (I6I/2) .
.11-10
2412 Let Down Your Aerial
(17) 11-17
2423 French Fried Frolic
12-8
(161/2)
2413 His Baiting Beauty (18) 1-12 ± 2-11
2424 Hold That Monkey (..).. 2-16
CAVALCADE OF BROADWAY
2651 Cafe Society (11) 11-17 ±. 1-21
2652 Blue Angel ( . . ) 1-26
COLOR FAVORITES
(Technicolor
Reissues)
1608 Two Lazy Crows (7) 7-13
1949-50 SEASON
Foxy Pup (7) 2601 The 91
2602Window Shopping (7'/2).10-6
2603 Happy Tots (7) 11-3 + 1-21
2604 Ho^)^/ood Sweepstakes
12-1
(8)
2605 Poor Elmer (8) 12-29 ± 2-11
2606 Ye Olde Swap Shoppe (8) 1-19 + 2-U
2607 Kangaroo Kid (71/2) 2-2
COLOR RHAPSODIES
1504 Grape Nutty (6) 414 8-13
1505 Cat-Tastrophy (6) 6-30 + 9-3
COMEDY FAVORITES
(Reissues)
1445 A Rookie's Cookie (17) 5-19
. .
1446 Crazy Like a Fox (IS1/2) 6-16 ± 10- 1
1949-50 SEASON
2431 Three Blonde Mice (IS).
.
+ 11-19
2432 The Spook Speaks (IS). 10-20 4+
2433 Love in Gloom (19) 12-15
2436 Calling All Curtains (16) 2- 9
COMMUNITY SINGS
1656 No. 6 My Blue Heaven
(91/2) 7-7
FILM NOVELTIES
1902 America's Heritage of Hospitality
+ (IOI/2) 8-25 12-3
:
2901 Yukon Canada (10) 12-22
JOLLY FROLICS
2501 Ragtime Bear (7) 9-29
2502 Punchy De Leon (61/2) 1-12 . .
ONE-REEL SPECIAL
1553 No. 3 Candid Microphone
(10) 8-19
1949-50 SEASON
2551 No 1 Candid Microphone
(9) 10-27
2552 No. 2 Candid Microphone
(11) 12-29
2750 The Sound Man (10) 1-19
2553 Candid Microphone (..).. 2-23
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
1859 Hollywood's Happy Homes
(91/2) 6-16
1860 Howdy Podner (9

20th Century-Fox Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Ratiin Rev'd Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Revd
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
9901 Satiifieil Saurians (9) Mar. +
WORLD
tEMIl'jn'lE
9601 Talented Beauties (Vyvyan
Donner) (11) June +
9602 Fasliiocis o( Yesteryear
(Mica Cnase) (8) Nov. +
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 15, No. 2 Asia's New Voice
(13) Feb. H
Vol. 15, No. 3 Wish You Were Here
(18) Mar. +
Vol. 15, No. 4 Report on the Atom
(20) Apr. +
Vol. 15, No. 5 Sweden Looks Ahead
(18) May ++
Vol. 15, No. 6 It's in the Groove
(19) June +
15, No. 7 Stop— Heaiy Traffic!
Vol.
(18) July
Vol. IS, No. 8 Farming Pays Off
(18) Aug.
Vol. 15. No. 9 Policeman's Holiday
(18) Sept. H
Vol. 15. No. ID The Fight (or Better
Schools (20) Oct. +
Vol. 15, No. 11 MacArthur's Japan
(18) Nov. +
Vol. 15, No. 12 A Chance to Live
(18) Dec. 4+
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
9252CQii3i"' Quebec (S) April +
9253 OGoltlen Transvaal (8) May 4-
9254 OMaine Sail (8) Aug. +
9255 O Realm of the Redwoods
(S)
Sept.
9201 Ahoy, Davy Jones (11) Oct.
9202 Aboard the Flattop Midway
(8) Nov.
'9256 OJewel of the Baltic (8) . . Dec.
9203 Midwest Metropolis (..).. Dec.
MOVIETONE SPECIALTY
9801 Struggle (or Survival (9)..Feb.++
9802 The Hunter (8) Aug. +
9803 Shadows on the Snow (9) . .Sept. tt
MOVIETONE MELODIES
(11) July ±
1950 SERIES
1101 Charlie Barnet and His Band
7001 Lawrence Welk and His
Champagne Music (9) ...Jan. ±:
Red Ingle and His Gang
002
(9) Mar.
MOVIETONE NEWS
+f
(Released Twice Weekly)
SPORTS
9302 Neptune's Playgromd
(8) April 9303 Beauty and the Blad« May . +
(9) .
9304 Future Champs (9) July
SHORTS CHAKT

SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on the Current Short Sub/ects-
FoT All the World's
Children
RKO (United Nations Short) 16 Mins.
Good. Although this subject, the feeding
and clothing of the world's helpless youngsters
through UNICEF, has been fully covered
in shorts made by the United Nations
film imit, it still makes an interesting and
informative film for regular theatre audiences.
Many of the exact shots, such as that
of a crying baby whose diaper is being
stamped with the UNICEF letters, are employed
in this but there are also many new
shots of the youngsters who are benefiting
by U.S. aid.
Iron Ponies
RKO (Screen Liner) 8 Mins.
Good. An entertaining study of the toy
train industry, which has developed since
the spring-winding engines of father's day.
The trains made by Lionel are now exact
miniatures of the real thing and run by electronic
control which permits the coupling and
uncoupling of cars and switching while the
trains are in motion. Oft times, father is so
interested in running the toys that his youitgsters
must wait their turn to play.
Lion Around
RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Fair. Donald Duck's two nephews dress up
in a lion's skin and try to steal a pie Donald
has just baked. He takes to the woods with
the fake lion in pursuit and discovers the
deception when the lion skin is snagged on
a branch, exposing one of the nephews. He
gives the lion a spanking and returns home
where a real lion awaits him. A chase starts
and Donald is saved only when he finds he
can appease the lion by feeding him pies.
Sheep Dog
RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Good. One of the best of the recent Disney
cartoons dealing with Pluto, now a fullfledged
sheep dog. While Pluto is asleep after
herding the lambs into the corral, a pesky
coyote tries to teach his young son how to
catch a lamb for himself. He dresses thp
youngster in some wool and puts him in with
the lambs. Of course, Pluto discovers the
trick and foils the coyote's skullduggery.
Stars of Yesterday
RKO (Screen Liner) 9 Mins.
Good. Stars of the silent screen appear in
this one and oldtimers can recognize Francis
X. Bushman, Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres,
Harold Lloyd, Lon Chaney, Ben Turpln, Douglas
Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Lionel Barrymore.
Theda Bara and Marie Dressier. The
kids wUl get a chuckle out of some of the oldschool
acting. There are a series of shots
from some of the classic sUents and three
early shorts, "The Switch Tower," "Mother's
Portrait" and "The Bouquet."
You Can Make a Million
RKO (This Is America) 15 Mins.
Good. American inventiveness is the theme
of this Interesting short. It shows how millions
were made from simple inventions like
the safety pin, the paper clip and various canopeners.
The narrator describes how some
of the inventions were the result of accidents
in the home and stresses the fact that anyone
with a practical idea can realize a profit
by patenting his invention. The subject should
appeal to all types of audiences.
Melodic Spirituals
United Artists (Songs of America) 9 Mins.
Good. Against simple backgrounds of cotton
fields or log cabins, several fine Negro
singers lift their rich voices in early American
spirituals that average patrons know
and love. The two heard are "Roll, Jordan,
Roll" and the moving "Walk Together, Children."
Treasured Ballads
United Artists (Songs of America) 10 Mins.
Good. Three well-loved Negro spirituals are
splendidly sung against a background suggestive
of the southern cotton fields. Tlie
three familiar songs heard are: "De Ol' Ark's
a Movin, Climbin' Up the Mountain" and
the inspiring "Joshua Pight de Battle of
Jericho."
Visions and Voices
United Artists (Songs of America) 9 Mins.
Good. Produced by W. Lee Wilder, these
musical song-shorts will neatly fill out any
neighborhood program. The spirituals heard
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 12: Historic ceremony
of India proclaiming itself a republic;
Milford-Haven wedding; U.S. ski troops Arctic
training; wind tunnel; hi jinx; $100,000
rookie; ski jumping in Germany; Palm
Springs rodeo.
News of the Day, No. 246: Battling huge
snow slides; coal tieup brings action by Truman;
international wedding bells; ski jumping
world series; $100,000 rookie; sizzling
boxing bout; rodeo thriller; film world honors
lefiders in Brotherhood.
Paramount News, No. 49: Rodeo at Palm
Springs; showdown on coal; Phillip Jessup
in Indo-China; Milford-Haven wedding;
Olivia DeHavilland receives award; U.S. chiefs
of staff in Tokyo; $100,000 rookie; ski jumping
at Lake Placid.
Universal News, No. 324: Operation Frostbite;
snow slide; Holland winner; Milford-
Haven wedding; wind tunnel; sports—$100,000
baseball marvel; ski jumping; Brotherhood.
Warner Pathe News, No. 51: Brotherhood
week; ski troops; Milford-Haven wedding; Dr.
Jessup; fashion, sports—rodeo, Petit signs,
Lake Placid, skiing in Germany; St. Patrick's
church.
•
are: "Poor Ol' Lazarus" and "Dis Train."
They are superbly rendered by aii all-Negro
chorus and soloists.
Emil Coleman and
Orchestra
(Melody Masters Bands)
Warner Bros.
10 Mins.
Good. A re-release which is just as good
musically as when it was first shown. Emil
Coleman is still a name band and plays some
unusual arrangements of classic Strauss
waltzes while a dance couple do an appropriate
routine. Three girl vocalists furnish interludes
of song accompaniment.
Snow Carnival
Warner Bros. (Technicolor Special) 20 Mins.
Very good. Gary Cooper, who appears now
and then and narrates this excellent winter
short, gives it name value for the marquee
or front of the theatre. Cooper and his wife
are enjoying a vacation at Aspen, Colo., and
watch the several varieties of skiing at the
mountain resort. Highlight of the film is a
ski-mare, a dream sequence done on skis by
Fred Iselin, head instructor at Aspen. The
picture is well photographed in Technicolor
and includes a procession of skiers, carrying
colored flares and singmg the song of frostskimming.
Universal News, No. 325: Lincoln day box
supper GOP affair; Philippines president
visits Truman; chiefs of staff tour Japan;
congressional amateur show; Jap skiing and
bobsledding.
Warner Pathe News, No. 52: Republican
box supper party; mine strike hearing; chiefs
of staff in Japan; air force decorates Bob
Hope and wife; Florida fashions; sports—U.S.
team trains at Sun Valley, ski joring by helicopter;
world bobsled champions, Japs go
skiing.
•
All American News, No. 382: Todd Duncan,
actor-singer, sponsors aborigine; YMCA membership
drive goes western in Kansas City;
student from Nigeria, West Africa, enrolls at
Notre Dame university; Chicago sheriff deputizes
boys; Campanella signs new contract
with the Dodgers; Boy Scouts place wreath
on Lincoln statue in Topeka, Kas.
Telenews Digest, No. 6A: Coal crisis; British
campaign starts; China—Red victory parade;
Washington—king's cousin weds U.S.
girl; Leslie Groves, wartime atomic bomb
chief, testifies; Berlin "Little Blockade" renewed
by Soviet; France—arrival of Ameri-
Movietone News, No. 13: Mercy killer is can destroyer Power brings Communist protest;
Japan—U.S. consul-general recalled
acquitted; Republican party holds rally; Congress
stages Heart Fund show; Holy Year from Communist China post; Washingtonhigh
school students from mideast and
pilgrims received by Pope at Vatican City;
winter sports—bob sledding. Sun Valley ski southeast visit capital; New York—antique
meet, helicopter ski joring; ski jumping in necklace gift of Napoleon to Josephine is examined
by Bowery connoisseurs; Bergman
Japan.
News of the Day, No. 247: U.S. staff chiefs baby.
confer in Japan with MacArthur; vice-president
•
and Hope star in show; Pope Pius wel-
Telenews Digest, No. 6B: Mercy KiUer not
comes Holy Year pilgrims; GOP goes on the guilty; GOP political picnic; Germany—doctor's
test forecast sex; Jessup in Viet Nan;
warpath; ski joring de luxe; international
bobsled races.
Paramount News, No. 50: Republicans set
Lord Woolton watches British posters being
put up for general election; FBI Chief Hoover
policy for 1950; not guilty verdict in mercy testifies before congressional atomic energy
case; Bob Hope in Washington; U.S. retains committee; fact-finding board tackles coal
title in Italy; Brotherhood week.
dispute; sports—^Hialeah, Bahamas handicap.
14 BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Feb. 18, 1950

,
Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips tor Selling to the Public
"
FEATURE REVIEWS
(FOR STORY SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE REVERSE SIDE)
Three Came Home
20th-Fox ( ) 106 Minutes Rel.
Any attempt to evaluate the revenue potentialities of, and
audience reaction to. this grimly realistic story oi the Pacific
war should take into consideration one dominant factor:
Patrons will enjoy it more if they come equipped with casehardened
intestinal tracts. Its subject matter (Japanese
sadism and brutality in their treatment of allied prisoners in
Borneo) requires relentless emphasis upon misery and suffering,
which forthright approach is virtually certain to
engender both critical acclaim and the plaudits of those
customers who relish unmitigated realism in their film
fore. From the merchandising standpoint, probably lis strongest
assets are Claudette Colbert's magnificently projected
performance in the starring role and the absolute authenticity
of locale. Nunnally Johnson, the producer, wrote the hardhitting
script, which was convincingly directed by Jean
Negulesco.
Claudette Colbert, Florence Desmond, Patric Knowles, Sessue
Hoyakawa, Sylvia Andrew, Phyllis Morris, Mark Keuning.
Guilty Bystander A
Oraii
Film Classics 92 Minutes Rel. Jan. 20, '50
The producers and Joseph Lerner, director, have taken last
year's best-selling whodunit by Wade Miller and fashioned
it into a gripping and absorbing mystery film. It starts off
on a note of action and maintains its pace right down to
the exciting finale. Zachory Scott, in a welcome departure
from his usual pretty-boy roles, turns in his best performance
since "Mildred Pierce." His co-star, Faye Emerson, now back
in the headlines as a result of her comeback on radio and
television, plays the part of the harassed wife with realism
and sincerity. A newcomer, Kay Medford, will be getting a
lot of work in films after audiences see her excellent portrayal
of a gangster's girl friend. The fact the book is selling better
than ever in a new pocket edition may make it a natural
for one of those "Read the book—see the picture!" tie-ins.
F
°"
The Baron of Arizona F "^IT
Lippert Productions (4902) 97 Minutes ReL Mar. 4, '50
Exhibitor-Producer Robert Lippert—whose bread-and-butter
product has carved a substantial niche for itself in the exhibition
world— herein makes a strong bid for larger and lusher
markets. It is far and away his most ambitious and expensive
effort and the more important bookings the film is sure to
command can prove profitable and popular ventures, most
especially if showmen take full advantage of the wide merchandising
possibilities inherent in the impressive cast, the
film's obviously opulent mountings and its historical genesis.
Then to add further to its flexibility and appeal is the fact
that the picture has sufficient of the spectacle, aura and
locale of the always-reliable western, one which productionwise
transcends the average sagebrusher. Periormances,
most especially that of toplining Vincent Price in the title
role, are generally good. Carl K. Hittleman produced, while
Samuel Fuller scripted and directed.
Vincent Price, Ellen Drew, Beulah Bondi, Vladimir SokoloH,
Heed Hadley, Robin Short, Tina Rome.
Storm Over Wyoming
RKO Radio (019) 60 Minutes ReL Feb. 1, 'SO
Here is a routine western that has loads of gunplay, several
exciting chases and an abundance of beautiful scenery.
Tim Holt rides again in a story of war between Wyoming
sheep and cattle herders. As usual, he is assis;ed by his
Mexican friend, Chito Rafferty. The picture is good, clean
fun and Director Lesley Selander never lets dialog nor
atmosphere get in the way of the hard-riding, fast-shooting
action. Adult audiences can call the shots (no pun intended)
before they happen, but '.he kids will love the way Tim and
his partner take care of the bad guys. It's an hour of melodramatic
action and in double feature areas should fit in
nicely as support films. Tim Holt has developed a following
with the small fry and in "Storm Over Wyoming" he does
what the youngsters expect him to do.
F
Zachary Scott, Fayo Emerson, Mary Boland, Sam Levene,
J. Edward Bromberg, Kay Mediord, Jed Prouty.
Cry Murder
Film Classics 63 Minutes Rel. Feb. 3, '50
This picture can be sold by stressing the blackmail and
murder angles of the story and playing down the somewhat
weak cast which lacks a single boxoffice name. The plot is
adequate, although there is a tendency toward wordiness
in the early stages of the film. There is an authentic Manhattan
locale and the finale where the murderer is shot
on the steps of the main post office in New York might make
for interesting cops-and-robbers exploitation. Carole Mathews
is about the only one in the cast audiences might
recognize and her co-star. Jack Lord, is a comparative unknown.
There is some humor to the story, but heavy stress
is placed on the murder angle. In this respect the picture
should supplement a musical or straight comedy as the lower
half of the bill. Edward Leven produced and Jack Glenn
directed.
Carole Mathews, Jack Lord, Hov/ard Smith, Hope Miller. Tom
Pedi, Eugene Smith, Harry Clark.
The Rules of the Game
A
Cine-Classics 75 Minutes ReL
"B
!
This is strictly for art theatre audiences with a good understanding
of the French language, because it contains much
rapid-fire dialog and because the English titles do not succeed
in making the development of the plot known. It tells
a sophisticated, satirical story about extra-marital affairs
written and directed by Jean Renoir in 1938 for Discina Films,
and Renoir also plays a prominent role in it. Largely conversational
and slow-moving at the start, it speeds up to
good comedy scenes of a ball given at a fashionable chateau,
with husbands and lovers trying to locate their v/ives and
women and a jealous servant running amok wi:h a pistol. '"T
The end is melodramatic, with the suitor for the love of one -
wife shot through a clever ruse. Renoir's name has some
prestige in this country. Some of the dialog is probably a
little risque for youthful students of French.
Jean Renoir, Dalio, Nora Gregor, Paulette Dubost, Mila Parely,
Corrette, Roland Toutain, Gaston Modot.
1118 BOXOFFICE February 18, 1950 1117
o
Tim Holt, Richard Martin, Noreen Nash, Richard Powers, Betty
Underwood, Bill Kennedy, Kenneth MacDonald.
"^ Unmasked F
RepubHc (4907)
Gigi
Spalter Int. Pictures
60 Minutes ReL Ian. 30, 'SO
Most promising is the story premise and the motivation
thereof projected during the early footage of this murder
yarn. But, unfortunately, just about the time when the spectator
begins to believe that he is enjoying something refreshingly
different in crime pictures, the film bogs dov/n and
star's collecting cliches. From that point on it suffers through
the introduction of too many and too hackneyed plot developments,
many of which detract from, rather than enhance,
the picture's believability. To make such literary superfluities
the more regrettable is the fact that the cast is competent
and hard-working, squeezing from the script every
possible bit of suspense and action. In toto, then, what might
have been an exceptional picture winds up as little more
than a satisfactory companion piece for the dual programs.
Directed by George Blair.
Robert Rockwell, Barbra Fuller, Raymond Burr. Hillary
Brooke, Paul Harvey, Norman Budd, John Eldredge.
85 Minutes
A
Rel. Feb. '50
A psychological drama measuring up to the requirements
of art house audiences understanding French, but of doubtful
value to others. This film of a story by Colette, famous
writer, tells in sophisticated fashion about French demi-monde
society just afier the turn of the century. It revolves around
a girl born of a bachelor mother whom the mother and
another woman train to be a cocotte. The three main roles
are well played by Daniele Delorme, Yvonne de Bray and
Gaby Morlay, and Frank Villard is good as the man, but
they are strangers in the U.S. There is much conversation
which would be lost to an American audience, and some of
the English titles are risque enough to invite small-town
criticism. For a moment at the start, the photography is hard
on the eyes. Jacqueline Audry directed. Distributor's address
is 729 Seventh Ave., New York City.
Daniele Delorme, Frank Villard, Yvonne de Bray, Gaby
Morlay, Jean Tissier, Madeline Rousset, Paul Demange.

. . And
FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Adliaes for Newspaper and Programs
THE STOHY: "The Baron of Arizona"
Vincent Price portrays James Addison Reovis, fabulous
swindler who laid claim to the entire territory of Arizona in
1872 on the basis of a spurious Spanish land grant. His
claim is based on his marriage to the Baroness Peralta
(Ellen Drew), supposedly the only living heir to the Peralta
educated, marries her and claims the territory, setting himself
up as the master of his own barony, and convinces r^ '
everyone—except one man in the U. S. attorney general's °''
office—that he owns Arizona. The far-reaching effects of
Reavis' claim are felt throughout the nation until the G-man
trips him up and sends him to prison.
CATCHLINES:
Fabulous Adventure ... Unforgettable Romance . . . The
Compelling Story of a Man Whose Lust for Power Led Him to
Defy the World . Every Vivid Word Is True — Torn
From History's Pages.

—
RATES: 10c per word. '"'"'"""" $1.00, cash with copy. Four insertions lor price of three.
CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to
• Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1. Mo. •
HELP WANTED
Wanted: M.iniigcr tor nelcliborhood theatre. Top
snl.iry iinil bonus. Ideal working conditions. Write
reltrencM, details, etc., care 0. Brolman. Avaioe
Tliealre. 2S07 W. Diversey Ave.. Clileago.
Need extra casii? Manager, operators—daytime,
sell your neiKhborhood merchants advertising gifts,
cilcnd:irs. pencils, matches, etc. Average order
ciins $25 Tree samples. Kincole, 8916 Linivood,
Hclroit,
Jlicll.
W,inted: hlxperienccd roan.iger for new Drive-In
Theatre. Itefcrences necessary. Apply I'alace
Tliealre. Segiiin, Tex.is.
Experienced theatre equipment salesman—prcrilily
living northern Ohio. Large independent
ii.|.|v house. travel. Salary and Bo.wfrice. 3770.
Wanted: Partner, manager, new small town theatre
flxpericnce preferred. Bosoffice, 3773.
POSITIONS WANTED
Projectionist, 2(5 ycirs e.viierlence, all repairs,
larrirJ. fioljer. Boxofflce, 3734.
ProiectionisI: 10 years experience on Simplex
and oilier makes of equipment. Married, age 25.
No ehlhlren. Wish city in middlewest with fiirnislu'd
aparlment or lionse. Salary $45 to $50
weekly. No drunkard; able to go to work Feb.
1. 1050. Boxoffice, 3737.
Manaoer, now emplnjTd. desires rhnnge. A-1
references. Prefer the Carollnas or VlrglnU. Addross
Box 414. Ilamlct, N. C.
Exnerienced projectionist, sober. Prefer South.
Liiing wage to begin with. Onis Allen, llartselle,
Projectionist, 11 years experience, maintenance
cist repairs. Age 20, single, reliable, no alcohol
liibaccn. Prefer west coast but will go anyliiri>
Boxoffice. 37GS.
Reliable manager, ambitious, not afraid of work
dt'Mres Midwest house. Circuit or independent
A;;o 26. Single, experienced, excellent references
lionald P. Perry, Jancsville, Wis.
Experienced theatre and concession man wants
osiiion as Assistant Manager. Sober, capable.
aKiirii slates. Boxoffice, 3709.
Projectionist, three years experience. Married,
ilii r, ri'liable. anywhere. Age 21. Edward Thomas,
A :;. Ciipperhiil, Tenn.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Comic books again available as premiums, giveavLiys
at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest
4.S page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co.,
Interstate llieatre Service. 1115 East .\rmour,
K. C, Mo
Comic books proven the most successful method
of attracting the "small fry" to their Saturday
matinees. Always large variety and latest popular
all titles. Sold on newsstands at 10c; $22.50
per 1.000. F.O.B. New Y'ork City. Diimont Sales,
15 Park Kow, New York City.
Dartaway: 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 loo big or too small. Write or wire
Dartaway Enterprises, Inc.. Shawnee. Kas.
Do it with dishes; 10 cents average cost. .Arkansas
Equipment Co,. Sulphur Springs, Ark.
DRIVE-m THEATRE EQUIPMENT
Drive-ins, order now. open early. Complete
Dual 35mm outfits from $1,595; Dual 16mm
Amproarcs, $1,795; No. 14 underground cable,
$55.45 M (quantity discounts) : marquee letters,
35c up. Time deals Invited. Write for details
and drive-ln catalog (now In preparation). Dept.
C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd
St.. New York 19.
Speaker stands fabricated to specification In
our ovrn plant. Immediate deUvery, any quantity.
or Wire, write phone. Long Distance 1024
or THatcher 9243. Sonken-Oalamba Corp., Second
and Rivervtew, Kansas City 18, Kas.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1950
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW
S-t-r-e-t-c-h your dollars at S.O.S. Here's value
extraordinary: [iectlfier bulbs. 15 amp., $4.95:
6 amp.. $2.95: carbon savers, 77c; Snapllte II
coated lenses, $75 (liberal tradcins) ; coin chang-
Theatre and dr|p»-ln amplifier units complete.
All siies, 8 to 1,000 vjatts. DAR Electronics,
Bartow,
Ky.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
Looks new, operates new. But it's rebiilltl
Thafs the S.O.S. May. Holmes Educators, $550;
Simplex Acme. $795; Simplex SP or Standard,
$995. All dual equipments with 2,000' magazines,
lenses, amplifier, speaker, etc. Available on time
payments. Dept C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.,
602 W. 52nd St., New York 19.
Competitors wonder how we do it! Peerless
M.ignarcs, rebuilt, $550; E7 mechanisms, rebuilt,
$1,100: Simples 5-point pedestals, $90 pair; Simplex
mechanisms, rear shutters, latest features,
excellent. $125: Powers mechanisms, rebuilt,
$114.50. What do vou need? Star anema Supply.
441 West 50th St., New York 19.
For the preview room, rebuilt navy DeVry projectors,
$550 pair. Reconditioned navy DeVry
amplifiers, $65. Holmes Educators, pair, complete,
like new, $600. MIdstate Theatre Supply.
1906 Thomas Ave, Fresno. Calif.
Two Peerless lamps, automatic feed control, 32
amps. Also Hertner Generator, 6 II. P. motor, two
phase 440, all In excellent shape. Four 10 inch
Sirapltt magazines. Low price of $225.00 for all
Slate Theatre, Davenport, Iowa.
11x14 Plastic Screen, used 3 months, reasonably
priced Comet Theatre. Coggon, Iowa.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell your theatre privately. Confidential correspondence
Invited. Leak Theatre Sales, 3422
KInmore, Dallas. 1109 Orchardlane. Des Moines,
Iowa.
Movie Theatres. Representing "Buyers" who desire
motion picture theatres and "Showmen" who
desire to sell their theatres. He Blaslo & Saunders,
Hotel Olcott, 27 West 72nd St., New York
City. TR 7-4200.
Let us sell your theatre, buyers waiting. Free
appraisals. Harold Eastham Co., 313 Ripley
Davenport,
Iowa.
Theatres. Nebraska, western Iowa, northern
Kansas. No brokers. Over 400 scats. Town 1,800
luipulatlon or over. Confidential. Experienced. L.
.1 Burkitt, Sparta, Wis.
Want small town theatre In Midwest. Small
own payment essential. Boxoffice, 3765.
Wanted: Good paying theatres to sell in Texa;
only. "Joe" Joseph, Texas' Theatre Broker, 86U
Beauregard Drive. Dallas, Tex. Phone E6-6289.
CLtflfildG HOUSf
THEATRES FOR SALE (Cont'd)
$36,000 handles beautiful New Mexico town
3,000. Near large government project. Living
quarters, real estate included. Remarkable opening
showman. Boxoffice, 3753.
ers, $149.50: Intercom telepliones, $9.95 pair:
marquee 35c Oregon,
$10,000 down for small town Idaho, crystal pickups, $1.75; letters, up;
Sold both theatres in Valley Mills. Tex. Scratch
Thanks. "Joe" Joseph,
northern California. Phelps, 429 East Carter, off previous m.iiling lists. beautiful stage settings, $277.60; wall and celling
Pocattllo.
sell Beauregard Drive, Dallas, Tex. Phone
lighting fixtures, 45% off. (Send for brochure).
Id.iho.
Dept. C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 52nd
Want to lease theatres In Washington, Oregon, E6.0280.
St., New York 19.
Idaho, Montana. Rush full particulars to Boxoffice,
Two small theatres south central Michigan, 14
miles apart; 225 and 208 seats. Prosperous communities;
New, too? Yesiree! With cooperation of manu-
$13,50(1 each. The Briegs Company,
facturers S.O.S. has assembled latest booth eqiilp-
Individual wants theatre Texas town, 1,500 or
No
menls for theatres, $2,950: drive-ins, $3,950:
Locker BIdg., SI. Johns, Mich.
more. broker, no publicity. Cash. Replies
actually 50Tr of market price! Time deals and
confidential. Boxoffice, 3752.
trades, too! Iiept. C, S.O S. Supply Corp.,
Cinema Dallas, Texas, Suburban Theatre; 000 seats;
West Texan wants to return home. Ample means needs Individual operation; $70,000 Includes property
602 W. 52nd St., New York 19.
worth much more. Take about $20,000 down.
handle anything worthwhile. Boxoffice, 3759.
Any informal Ion regarding this theatre given in
Curtain controls, $74.50; coin changers, $79.50.
ampere rectifiers, $285 pair; 1 K\V rectifiers.
person at my office In Dallas only. Please don't
60
If $5,000 down will buy good living and payments,
win and thoroughly inspect. Bo.xofficc,
come wriie or call on this one. Thanks. "Joe" Joseph,
film cabinets. section: splicers. $3.95.
$225: $2.95
Star Cinima Supply, 441 West 50th St., New
Texas' Theatre Broker, 8011 Beauregard Drive,
3760.
Dallas, Tex. Phone E6-G289.
York 10,
STUDIO AND PRODUCTION
EQUIPMENT
New Bridgamatic Automatic Processors. $1,505;
1%"
4 121; Greenwich St., New York City.
new Cine Balowstar flS lenses, $199: Synehronmis
35mm Diihblng Projectors, $695: new
Bingo with more action. $2,75 thousand cards.
.Mo other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bedford
Beauregard Drive, phone E6-6289,
Joseph. 8611 Cinevoice 16mm Single System Sound Camera,
Ave.. Brnoklj-n. N. Y.
$695; Twin turret Eyemo, 6 fast lenses, motor,
Tex.
etc., $1,095: 35mm recorders, from $495: new
33-Minute Camera, $1,665. Send Bingo die-cut cards, two colors, 75 or 100 numbers.
Joseph:
Notice, mailing list customers of "Joe"
Auricon for
SOS. Cinema |ier .\l.
$3 Premium Products, 354 W. 44th
Following theatres sold since Jan. 1, 1950. Please
catalog Sturelab. Dept. C, Supply
602 W. 52nd York New destroy Information. Qiilnlan, Texas; Seagoville.
all St., New York 18.
Corp., St.. 19.
Tex.is, and Olton, Texas. Must have more
Giveaway everything now, dinnerware to cars!
listings for immediate disposition. "Joe" Joseph,
Filmcraft studio Ilniildailon s.ile—Mole Rich-
Merchant advertising tie-up. No cost to theatre.
soil Beauregard. Dallas, Tex.
ardson Solarspots. Wonderful shape. Including
bulb, barndoors, diffusers, rolling stand. 5KW
Seniors. $189.50: 2KW Juniors, $104.50; Juniors,
less stands, $87.50; hundreds other lights, dimmers,
cables, plugs, etc. Complete haekgronnd
process projection outfit. Including 4 Selsyn motors,
sound playback, lenses, screen, etc., worth
$15,000. rebuilt. $4,995: MR Sllcrophone Boom,
dolly. with $395. Send for Bulfetln Filmcraft,
Dent. C. sn.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
52nd St., New York 19.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Complete drive-in booth, used (prefer Strong
Mogul lamps). No junk. Write, wire, call Montana
Theatre Equipment. Inc.. Box 1000. phone
33. Sunburst, Mont.
AIR CONDITIONING
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatres For Sale; Selected listings In Oregon
and Washington now available. Write for list.
Theatre Exch.ange Co., Fine Arts BIdg., Portl»nd.
Ore.
Build double parking drive-in theatres under
franchise Patent No. 2.102.718, reissue No.
22,756 and ImprovemenLs, patent pending. I'p
to 30 per cent more seating capacity with H'lle
cost. additional Louis Josscrand, architect, 3908
S. Main St.. Houston, Tex.
Pacific northwest theatres for sale. Write Theatre
Sales Co.. 4229 NE Broadway. Portland. Ore.
Describe to Walter Jackson, Broker. ChlUlcolhe.
Mo., theatre you want to buy tr sell.
Two theatres. Town near Waco, Texas. Both
brick buildings Included. Present owner shows
$200 weekly profits. All cushion seats. Late
model equipment. $38,500, half down. "Joe"
Heavy duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped,
15.000 cfm to 66.000 cfm. Air washers, all
sties. Hydraulic drives, two and four speed
motor controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers
wanted. National Eijineerllig and Mfg. Co., 619
Wmiidotte Sl, Kansas City. Mo
THEATRICAL PRINTING
Window Cards. Programs, Heralds. Photo-Offset
Printing. Cato Show Printing Co.. Cato. N. Y.
For sale, at Victoria, Kas., 414-seat house,
built in 1946. Sell everything, building and
equipment, for $22,000 cash, no terms. Write
for particnlars: W. J. Braun, Victoria, Kas.
Ten-year lease. All-day grind theatre In Illinois
50.000 population. $200 monthly rental Includes
.apartment. $15,400 for lease and equipment
Air conditioned. retiring. Owner Boxoffice. 3741
700-car drive-in theatre, by owner, with 111
heallh. Midwest city of 300.000 population, surrounded
by good pay rolls. Priced reasonable.
Shown by appiilntment. State's choice location.
Boxoffice, 3742.
Theatre, South Jersey, 436 scats: solid brick
latest Simplex sound, Brcnkert projectors: oil
burner, new seats, new fronts, new carpets. Population
7,500; $10,000 for 10-year lease. Solid
proposition. Boxoffice, 3751.
Texas. 319 seats, town 1.200. Simplex, first
class setup: $7,500 down. Boxoffice. 3767.
Central Texas controlled town, near 3.000. Rich
diversified Income. Everything Included. Hlidi
profit. OO'",. steadv $49,000. down Prolonged
Inspecllnn Invited. Arthur Leak, 3422 KInmore.
Dallas. Texas. Others.
SIO.OOO down. North Texas town 1,500. T««
large Industrial projects should double population.
Finest equipment. Absent owner. Arthur Leak.
3422 KInmore. Dallas.
Only theatre. Near Dallas. In town 3,500
population; 400 seats: A-1 equipment. Best and
neatest ever small town theatre offered. Long
lease on building and parking lot, or will sell
property, too; $20,000 wllliout iiruperty; take
$12,000 down, or $50,000 Includes property, wlih
$18,000 down. "Joe" Joseph, Texas' Theatre
Broker, 8611 Beauregard Drive, Dallas, Tex.
Phone E6-6289.
Theatre for sale In southern Minnesota town of
1.800. Concrete building, concrete lloors, 390
seats. Price $52,000. Boxoffice, 3706.
Theatre— 284 seats. Population approximately
llt'A l.oOO; boolh equipment: double unit washed
air cooling system. All equipment in A-1 condition.
Thirty of minutes out Kans:is City. $27,500
ash deal, shoppers. no Building optional. Boxoffice,
3767,
We have two drive-ins that can be bought for
less tlian conslrucllon price. Both are in substantial
locations. Inexperience of operators reason
for selling. Il.uise-Shea, Tlieatrc Brokers, McCall
,, Memiihis, Tenn,
Tent Theatre with complete 35 and lOmra.
etiuipment. Now in operation—good location.
Clearing one hundred dollars per week. Bargain
price fourteen hundred for everything. Call or
write owner, Leon Broughton, Jr., Box 116, Bessmay,
Texas,
350 Seat Grind House, downtown mid-eastern
city, 400,000 poiiulatlon. Newly remodeled. Idealsuited
for "Art" or "Grind" poliry. Absentee
nership necessitates sale for i)rice that can be
earned in less than two years. Boxoffice, 3772.
THEATRES FOR RENT
For Rent; 800-seal theatre in eity near Boston,
Mass. Ready for Immediate occupancy. Closed because
of Illness and death of owner. Best location.
Contact Atl'y J. .Morton Rosenblum, 1008
Elm St., Manchester, N. H,
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Attractively printed popcorn cartons for sale.
10c size. $6,25 M; 25c size, $16,00 M. Fabian
Kontney. 609 N. Ashhind, Green Bay, Wis.
Blcvins' Pops-Rile Box with Wm. A. Rogers
"Box-Top" Silverware Premium offer Is booming
sales! popcorn Blevlns Popcorn Co., Popcorn
Village, Nashville, Tenn.
POPCORN MACHINES
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully piarleed.
Price from $100. Consolidated Confecins.
1314 S. Wabash, Chicago 6, 111.
Burch. Manley, Cretors. Advance, all electric
french fry types. 50 Hollywood type, theatre
special electric poppers from $250. KarraHkom
Equipment. 120 S. Il.ilsted. Chicago 6, III.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets.
100,000, $2395: 10,000, $6.85; 2.000, $4.45.
Each change In admission price. Including change
in color, $3.00 extra. Double numbering extra.
(FOB. Kansas City, Mo.) Cash with order. Kansas
City Ticket Co.. Dept. 9, 1819 Central. Kansas
City, Mo.
MORE CLASSIFIED
ON PAGE 38

mm-m
Jjecause RCA manufactures the most complete and flexible line
of drive-in equipment in the industry, both de luxe and economypriced,
you can select combinations of equipment that will best
fit the needs of your drive-in. And, best of all, you need not forego
any of RCA's quality construction features. RCA Drive-In Equipment
costs less than you think!
No matter what size or type of drive-in you are building, RCA
can supply you with a Sound System and a Projection System that
will save you money on initial equipment costs. And save you
money, too, on annual operating and maintenance costs.
Call on your nearest Independent RCA Theatre Supply Dealer
for complete information. You'll find RCA Drive-In Equipment
is priced within your budget. Be sure to ask about RCA's complete
"Packaged" Drive-In Plan.
More Brenkert Projectors, Brenlcert Arc Lamps, RCA Sound Systems and
RCA In-Car Speakers are used in Drive-Ins than any other make.
THEATRE EQUIRMEMT
RADIO CORPORATtOM of AMERICA
ENGINEERING PRODUCTS DEPARTMENT. CAMDEN. N.J.