Boxoffice-March.04.1950

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COVER PHOTO: Clipping montage of fovorabte
Mttttry't toi repeal campoign.
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icket Tax Repeal Battle Looms
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Managers Vrge Fans
To Join In Protest
By PEGGV ST \RR
Theater Writer
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Buffalo's Movie Houses Spur
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Federal Amvisement Tax
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FROM WARNER BROS.-f^ TH
RADIO CITY iMLUSlG HAL-L NOVIf
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'WITH
ALISTAll
ADAPTATIOt

BEST HITCHCOCK MANNER

FIGURE
OF THE
WEEK
!
MT IN AGAIN
It's Clifton Webb ready for a plunge into a sea of mirth in 20th Century-Fox's
Technicolor version of the riotous best-seller and Reader's Digest feature, "Cheaper
By the Dozen." With Jeanne Crain and Myrna Loy also starred, the picture
makes its bid for top comedy honors of the year when it hits the nation's theatres
in April.
(Advertisement)

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i:\TliE:
, SE
-i^
i Herbert,
"PuAe o/-t/ie "T/iofimi ruituM /nduSt'i^
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
Published in Nine Sectional Editions
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chiei and Publisher
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MHAN COHEN. ..Executive Editor
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Published Every Saturday by
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BOXOITflCE DAROMETER.
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Entered as Second Class matter at Post
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MARCH 4, 1950
Vol, 56 No. 18
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD!
i N SEEKING new methods whereby the industry
may regain what has been termed, "the
lost audience," it is pertinent that consideration
be given to self-examination that would reveal
the causes for the patronage drop. It would
seem desirable to plug up these "holes," lest
more patronage be drained away than the new
methods are able to attract. Thus the chances
for business improvement would be doubly assured
and the net gain be greater than if only
one course were to be followed.
For the past several years, there has been a
tendency, both on the part of the public and
the industry, to put all the blame on the product
which has come out of Hollywood. The truth
of the matter is that, since the surplus of pictures
made during the "anything goes" war
years has been used up, there has been a steady
rise in picture quality.
It is widely admitted that
films of current vintage are better than ever in
the history of the industry. But good—even
very good — pictures are not drawing the business
they deserve, for one reason or another. It
seems tbat only the very big pictures are succeeding.
But erroneous evaluation of what is
"big" is limiting the supply.
We have conducted a personal survey into
conditions which confirm the findings of professional
researchers that theatre business generally
is quite good on weekends, but heavy
losses are sustained in the forepart of the week.
Demands for "preferred" playing time—weekends—has
caused the belter attractions to be
played on these dates, with the lesser, but good,
pictures being shunted into "off-night" bookings
—and neglected. This has contributed to making
moviegoing largely a weekend habit, while
during the remainder of the week near-empty
houses serve to discourage patronage.
There are many factors contributing to the
drop in patronage at the nation's boxoffices, )et
they might all be tied into one package, which
CLin be labeled, "Outmoded Policies."
As in commercial fields, merchandising means
more than just advertising and selling, so does
showmanship encompass operational policies and
])ractices in the theatre. Moss-backed precedents
and habits—and following lines of least resistance—are
greatly responsible for the shrinking
motion picture auilience. It is a continuation of
habits born in the war era, few of which have
been changed, which have held back the rise in
patronage merited by the increasing improvement
in picture quality, causing the industry to
arrive at its present state of affairs, which now
is approaching the "alarming."
It is high time, indeed, for a cliange—for a
complete overhauling—that will put theatre operations,
jjroduction and distribution, in tune with
the demands of the times.
By way of self-appraisal, every theatre owner
needs to ask himself a few questions, the answers
to which lie within his own sphere. By surveying
his own situation, ringing doorbells, if
necessary, he will learn what has been keeping
former regular patrons away from his theatre.
He will also learn what needs to be done to bring
them back and what, in his particular situation,
should be done to attract new patronage.
He may find thai his theatre operation needs
a change of pace; most certainly, if he still is
operating under wartime schedules designed to
meet the demands of three-shift-a-day workers.
He may be starting evening shows too early
and finishing too late, running into unnecessary
and unprofitable overtime.
He may come to realize llial people over 3.5
are staying away, because they like to eat their
dinners leisurely, catch the main feature and a
short or tivo, and get to bed early. That school
kids also must gel to bed early.
The downtown operator may need to do something
about providing parking space— the high
fees of which are keeping many patrons away.
Neighborhood exhibitors in cities of from
100,000 to .500,000 will learn on investigation
that day-and-date bookings that "kill" a picture
after a two-days' run is a big cause of lost patrons.
Usually the better pictures are so played
and people ivho cant see them on those nights
lose out and so does the industry.
The three-changes-aweek situations will find
that there is something they can do to promote
pictures, especially to patrons who like the ^'unusuaF
types. That a switch in booking policy
will build up attendance on midweek nights.
That the "discriminating" patrons, as well as
new patrons, can be attracted by special attention
to their demands, among tvhich may be the
two-hour program of one feature and shorts.
Those who have been depending solely on the
buying of pictures for their profit may find they
have been short-changing themselves; that far
greater profits can be derived from judicious
evaluation and booking of pictures, properly and
aggressively SOLD in their communities.
These are but a few findings that introspective
research will reveal. There are others, to be
sure, many of which will be brought out in the
discussions at the conference of rej)resentative
exhibitors and other industry members which
is to be held in Chicago. March 8, 9. under the
sponsorship of 20th Century-Fox. The industry
is looking hopefully to that meeting. There is
great promise that it will provide not only new
methods for attracting new audiences but also
to regain and retain attendance of the "old."
N^Cov. /y^Utf^^-y^

TOA BOARD ENDORSES COMPO;
ASKS ARBITRATION MEETING
1950 Convention Will Be
Held in Houston, Tex„
Oct. 30 to Nov. 2
NEW YORK—The Theatre Owners of
America executive committee Wednesday
< 1 ) voted participation in the Council of
Motion Picture Organizations with reservations
and authorized President Samuel
Pinanski to write all distributors an urgent
request that they call an all-industry meeting
to set up some form of arbitration.
The Shamrock hotel in Houston, Tex.,
was chosen as the site for the national
convention to begin October 30 and run
four days. B. J. O'Donnell was named
general convention chairman. Gael Sullivan,
executive director, was selected as
TOA representative on COMPO and will
name his own alternate.
SAME AS ALLIED STAND
TOA took the same position regarding
COMPO participation that National Allied
had previously taken, that of limiting it to a
trial period of one year. In addition, TOA
went on record as:
Opposing any large budget at the start,
saying that a program must be set up first
and that, quoting Ned E. Depinet, it is
well to crawl before trying to run.
Urging that the local autonomy of exhibitor
organizations be preserved, with
COMPO acting only in an advisory capacity.
Suggesting that COMPO obtain as
much gratis talent as possible from the
industry.
E.\pressing pleasure that COMPO has
gone on record that no poUcy or program
will be adopted except by agreement
on the part of all constituent elements.
Regarding the COMPO budget. TOA re-
Trade Practice Code
Is
Delayed by Board
NEW YORK—Any final
agreement between
TOA and the distributors on a fair
trade practices code will have to wait on
a full vote of the TOA membership. That
was the decision of the executive committee
at its two-day session which closed
Thursday (2). The decision was considered
too important to be made only by
the group. It probably means that a
membership vote will not be taken until
the convention in the fall, though it is
possible members will be polled by mail.
The Walter Reade jr. committee on trade
practices is continuing its study of competitive
bidding, clearances, prints and arbitration.
The last named alone could
cause a long delay because of the necessity
for coordinating the ideas and desires
of the court. Department of Justice and
various sections of the industry.
Television a Big Job
On TOAs Horizon
NEW YORK—One of the biggest forthcoming
jobs of the TOA will deal with
television competition. An executive committee
consisting of S. H. Fabian, R. J.
O'Donnell and Gael Sullivan, executive director,
will meet with distributors and
producers, including independent producers,
for a "frank discussion of the relationship
of television to the whole industry."
The talk will center around the
withholding of films from television, the
use of TV trailers for advertising and
general unified thought and action. The
matter was broached to Eric Johnston,
MPAA president, the next day.
Nathan Halpern, television consultant,
and Robert H. O'Brien of the television
committee were instructed to coordinate
all 25 TOA member frequency petitions
filed with the Federal Trade Commission
for later argument before that body, and
to employ any engineering or local talent
necessary. They will study programming.
garded the figure of $600,000 tentatively proposed
as "unsatisfactory." The attitude was:
"Look what has been accomplished in the
excise tax campaign without large expenditures
and through real cooperation."
Unanimous agreement on the enlistment
of the aid of distributors in mapping out an
arbitration program came after thorough discussion,
with Sullivan and Herman M. Levy
reporting that TOA members throughout the
country want a system set up to insure fair
treatment on grievances and an end to the
flood of litigation and the accompanying
bad public relations for the industry.
Levy said arbitration is tops on the agenda
of exhibitors everywhere. He said the statutory
court antitrust decision permits a system
to be set up when approved by the court,
and takes a favorable view of the American
Arbitration Ass'n as mediator.
Pinanski's letter to the distributors, due
to be mailed over the weekend, will ask them
to take the lead in calling a conference of
all interested groups to determine:
1. If the industry wants an arbitration
system.
2. If an acceptable system can be
evolved.
Levy told the press after the meeting that
the only objection to arbitration in the past
has been one of mechanics. He said that
if distributors do not agree to renewed use
of AAA facilities in the near future, they
will be asked to voluntarily agree to submit
to arbitration outside of AAA. This could be
done, he said, without in any way going
against the wishes of the court. He felt that
engineering and economics as related to
television.
Halpern and O'Brien also were empowered
to set up a research department
which will provide material for an educational
program for members. It is hoped
that information received from members
will aid in implementing the TOA case
before the comjnission.
Mitchell Wolfson of Miami made a
strong plea for the use of TV trailers,
advocating specially-made reels running
not more than one minute. Sherrill Corwin
of Los Angeles described a trailer on
"Mrs. Mike" which brought him "terrific"
business. A commentary was dubbed in in
place of music, he said.
The objectives of the Chicago showmanship
meeting planned by 20th Century-
Fox were endorsed, and it was decided
that will offer a good opportunity for
Sam Pinanski, president, to talk on television.
National Allied favors arbitration and that
the stage is set for action. However, it seemed
evident that TOA favors AAA as mediator.
Commenting on the admission tax campaign,
Sullivan said Congress wants to be
sure that if it votes repeal, the industry will
not let any states take over. He also gave a
detailed report on the tax repeal drive.
To Undertake Strong
Membership Drive
NEW YORK—The TOA executive committee
has decided to open a strong membership
campaign. A planning committee
has been named, consisting of S. H.
Fabian, Leonard H. Goldenson, Robert W.
Coyne. R. J. O'Donnell, Sherrill Corwin,
Mitchell Wolfson and Gael Sullivan, executive
director, to blueprint the drive.
Plans call for drives during April, May
and June in areas where TOA has good
membership but no active units, such as
Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
The executive committee also decided
not to move in on local censorship problems
unless asked to do so by the local
unit, when TOA would supply legal advice
and possibly run a public relations campaign.
Sullivan said Nebraska expects a
censorship bill will be introduced in the
legislature next year, but that the local
unit is entirely able to conduct its own
campaign.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950

Western
United
DuMont
General
QUESTION OF THEATRE VIDEO
DRAWS A RECORD FCC ENTRY
Exhibitor Interests Head
46 Groups With cm Eye
On Big-Screen TV
By SUMNER SMITH
NEW YORK—Forty-six groups interested
In theatre television have filed requests
with the Federal Communications commission
to appear at forthcoming hearings on
the allocations of frequencies. Many different
interests are represented, with the
field of motion picture theatre exhibition
leading all others by a wide margin.
The final total, reached when the FCC
deadline expired Monday (27) , with a number
filing at the last moment, is considered
amazing. This industry will be more
fully represented at the hearings than it
has been represented at any similar previous
occasion.
COLUMBIA BROADCASTING FILES
To the surprise of many, Columbia Broadcasting
System filed the last day. CBS was
the only broadcaster to file. It had been
believed that no television broadcasters would
try to appear at the hearings. The feeling
was that they would wait to learn public
reaction and the attitude of the commission,
and enter the picture only when the matter
of actual allocations came up and then only
if it appeared there would be interference
with their services. Others took the less kindly
view that they would work behind the
scenes.
Western Union filed late and in doing so
replied to earlier statements by exhibitor
groups saying common carrier service could
not be effective. The company said it had
not been officially approached by the industry
for information, and that if the industry
would state its requirements. Western
Union would provide an estimated cost of
supplying service. It said it is in a position
to supply intercity radio relay circuits tliat
will provide the best of service. It added it
has become a member of a subcommittee of
SMPTE so that all information collected by
that scientific group will be available to it.
AT&T IN THE RACE
American Telephone & Telegraph Co. told
the commission that it will be serving more
than 40 cities before the end of the year,
and it. too, said it is receiving SMPTE aid
in determining the industry's service needs.
"The Bell System," the document said, "will
cooperate fully in the proposed hearings in
the determination of the issues which have
a bearing on the methods by which theatre
television transmission service can best be
furnished, including the determination of
the extent to which it is in the public interest
that such service be furnished by common
carriers."
Skiatron said it will have ready for demonstration
early in the summer a "most reasonably
priced" projector providing light comparable
in brightness to that in the movies,
and inviting the FCC to witness the demonstration.
It argued that its inclusion in the
BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950
British Problem Is Taking
Johnston, Arnall Abroad
NEW YORK—What the American film industry
has to expect or to hope for from
Great Britain during coming months was
shrouded in a fog of uncertainties all during
the week as a result of the British elections.
A few days after the election Eric Johnston,
Motion Picture Ass'n of America president;
Spyros P. Skouras, 20th Century-Fox
president; Barney Balaban, Paramount president,
Nicholas M. Schenck, Loew's, Inc.,
president; Joseph M. Schenck: Harry M. and
Albert Warner; Jack Cohn, executive vicepresident
of Columbia; Joseph H. Seidelman.
foreign head of Universal-International; Phil
Reisman, vice-president of RKO in charge
of foreign distribution, and Joyce O'Hara,
executive assistant to Johnston, conferred at
Miami Beach. They agreed that the situation
was "confused."
Johnston returned to Washington Wednesday
(1) and immediately telephoned to Ellis
Arnall, president of the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers, at his home
in Georgia and suggested that they go to
London for exploratory talks with British
officials.
Arnall replied that he would make the trip
hearings would dispel any appearance of
monopoly in the field.
Thomas E. Corbett of Cherry Tree, Pa.,
who has a plan for metered television apparently
similar to that of Phonevision, struck
another note. He said he would appear and
ask the commission to refuse channels to theatre
television interests. He urged three-way
competition between commercial television,
meaning free programs, motion picture theatres
and pay-as-you-see television. He said
the larger motion picture theatre and production
interests are interested only in "preserving
their highly profitable investments in
theatre real estate."
The date of the theatre television hearings
now becomes a matter of prime interest,
but because of the length of the hearings
on color television and other matters
due to be considered by the commission, the
probabilities are that it will be late summer
or fall before they can be held. Various industry
television experts, however, feel that
the delay may prove to be in their interest.
There is a mass of data to be assembled for
the hearings and much time is needed for its
assembly.
At the same time that the FCC deadline
was reached, interest in what had been believed
to be a television survey being made
by MPAA hit bottom. It was learned that
no new survey is planned but that only a
compilation of existing material Is being
and join the MPAA in exploring prospects
for a new agreement.
While the conferences were underway in
Florida the Labor leaders conferred in London
and decided to continue key figures in
the cabinet. Sir Stafford Cripps. chief champion
of austerity, was continued as chancellor
of the exchequer. Harold Wilson again was
given the post of president of the Board of
Trade, a position somewhat similar to the
secretary of commerce in this country. Wilson
is an expert on the film business and
has been one ef the key figures in all the
negotiations between the American film industry
and the British Labor government
during the past four years.
Several men connected with the British
film industry were re-elected as members of
the House of Commons. They were: Tom
O'Brien, general secretary of the National
Ass'n of Theatrical and Kine Employes, a
sharp critic of American films and American
distributors; Eric Fletcher, director of Associated
British Cinemas ; John Diamond, who
is a director of the news theatre. Several
others more or less interested in films were
defeated.
made. The lineup of applicants follows:
,
Exhibitors:
Theatre Owners of America, including the following
members:
Interstate Circuit (Texas), Theatre Owners of Oklahoma,
American Theatres Corp. (Mass.), Lockwood
f- Gordon Enterprises (Mass.), Gamble Enterprises
(Ind), Wometco Theatres (Fla), Neighborhood
Theatre (Va), Comeriord Publix Theatres
Corp, (Pa), Metropolitan Thecftre Corp. (Calif.),
New Mexico Theatre Ass'n, Jefferson Amusement
Co. (Tex), Theatre Owners of Arkansas, Mississippi
and Tennessee, Rex-Your Family Theatre (Ark),
United Theatre OwTiers of Illinois, Kentucky Ass'n
of Theatre Owners, Tri-States Theatre Corp. (Iowa),
Malco Theatres (Tenn.), M. A. Connett Theatres
(Miss).
Tho following TOA members hied individually:
Fabian Theatres (N. Y), United Paramount Theatres,
including the following subsidiary circuits:
Balaban & Katz (111), Paramount Pictures Theatres
(Calif), New England Theatres (Mdss.), Minnesota
Amusement Co , Detroit Theatres Corp.
Allied Stales Ass'n of Motion Picture Exhibitors.
Me'ropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n (N.Y. ).
Loews, Inc.
Producers: MPAA, 20lh-Century-Fox, Paramount
Television Prod.
RCA,
Theatre teleTision equipment manufaciurars:
Paramount Television Prod Laboratories,
Precision
S'

. . The
"PdjUc ^mt^ Wider Use of Technicolor
Treasury Dept. Is Receptive
To Tax Hardship Complaints
Secretary Snyder takes notice of suggestions
by Abram F. Myers that exhibitors
should empliasize financial situation in contracts
with their congressmen: American Federation
of Labor aslis repeal of all excises.
*
N. Y. State Urges Congress
To Delay Tax Revisions
Chamber of Commerce unanimously adopts
a resolution calling on Congress to defer
changes in the federal tax structure until the
1951 session in the fear that politics would
dominate changes made now.
Jack L. Warner Brands
Reports 'Ridiculous'
-X
Says slashing departmental personnel at the
studio by as much as 50 per cent not true,
but curtailment will amount to about 5 per
cent, "proportionate to the amount of actual
production."
Paramount Lays Off 15
As an Economy Move
studio drops employes from its production
and art departments due to unexpected delays,
explaining the cutbacks will be of short
duration and not widespread.
Justice Dept. Asks Repeal
Of the Webb-Pomerene Act
TeUs Congress alternative action on measure
under which Motion Picture Export Ass'n
operates may be drastic revision; State department
and Federal Trade Commission previously
had sought no major changes.
*
British Exchequer Remits
Third B Pool Payment
Sir Stafford Cripps, chancellor, authorizes
transfer to U.S. of $164,000 on earnings up
to March 31, 1949, making total to date $1,-
064,000; equals earnings of British films.
16mm Group Proposes Plan
For Rural Town Theatres
Pictorial Films, Inc.. working with seven
film libraries, to submit plan to bring films
Into theatreless towns to National Ass'n of
Rural Electric Cooperatives in Chicago this
week, to urge community investments.
X
Phonevision Test Delay
Announced by Zenith
Zenith Corp. to postpone experiment for
two or three months because additional technical
arrangements must be made; company
says it has promise of "recent films" but
won't name them.
¥
Selznick Temporary Stay
Against Korda Is Denied
Federal Judge Irving Kaufman refuses producer's
motion to restrain Korda from releasing
"Gone to Earth" in eastern hemisphere.
Seen as Decree Result
NEW YORK—A speedup in
Technicolor
print deliveries and more general use is
predicted as a result of the consent decree
agreement reached between Technicolor,
Inc., and the Department of Justice in
settlement of an antitrust suit which has
been hanging fire for some time.
It has been known for several weeks that
laboratories on both coasts have been installing
color film equipment. The first
impression was that this was for the purpose
of using the Ansco and other processes,
but now, it is believed. Technicolor prints
will be included. The impression is that
insiders had information on the probable
outlines of the consent decree, but nobody
will comment on this.
KALMUS EXPLAINS CONTRACTS
After the weekend announcement that an
agreement had been reached Dr. Herbert T.
Kalmus, president of Technicolor, issued an
explanatory statement saying that the decree
would not terminate any contracts between
Technicolor and its customers on
features which have been completed, or on
those on which work has been started. Customers
desiring to do so can cancel existing
contracts, but Dr. Kalmus said he did not
expect any of them to do so.
"The decree," said Dr. Kalmus, "purports
to terminate certain contracts between Technicolor
and Eastman Kodak Co. Actually,
we have not operated under any of these
contracts for several years.
"Under the decree. Technicolor will grant
licenses under its patents. The decree sets
forth a list of patents under which Technicolor
will grant to each applicant a nonexclusive
license without royalty and without
know-how. And it sets forth another list
of patents under which it will grant a nonexclusive
license on a reasonable royalty
with know-how. The applicant must apply
for the license in good faith and must accept
the ruling of the court as to the amount
of royalty in the event that Technicolor and
the applicant cannot agree as to what is a
reasonable royalty.
PROUD OF PIONEERING
"In the event that such a royalty-paying
license has been entered into. Technicolor
will give know-how to the licensee in the
form of a manual or equivalent statement
stating the methods and technical information
known to and used by Technicolor in
its commercial practice of manufacturing
motion picture prints in color at the date
of the entry of the consent decree which is
relevant to the practice of such licensed
patents. Technicolor has long been willing
to license its patents.
"Technicolor is extremely proud of its history
as a pioneer in the use of color in motion
pictures. The name 'Technicolor' has
always stood for highest quality and will
continue to do so. Nothing in the decree
permits the use of 'Technicolor' without the
permission of Technicolor. It is through
continuation of its policy of expenditure for
research, of constant further development of
its apparatus and procedure, of improvement
of its services, and fair prices that
Federal Action Termed
As 'Discouraging'
HOLLYWOOD—Action of the U.S. government
in entering into a consent decree
with Technicolor and thus withdrawing
its charges of antitrust violations
against the color firm was termed
"discouraging" and a "travesty in Hollywood
scientific progress" by a former
member of the Justice department's antitrust
division who was active in investigating
and preparing the government's
suit.
Expressing outspoken dissatisfaction
was Fred A. Weller, now executive secretary
and general counsel for the Independent
Theatre Owners of Southern
California and Arizona, who declared
Technicolor has established "a tragic
record in stymying motion picture production
in color during the past seven
to ten years ... I never encountered a
more vicious circuit of monopoly and restraint
of trade . major producers
have a long way to go before they are
able to obtain the practical benefits of
this decree."
Technicolor expects to maintain an outstanding
position in the field of color motion
pictures.
"Technicolor has agreed to the entry of
this decree because it believes it affords a
practical basis for a settlement of its difficulties
with the government and to avoid
the time and expense of long protracted
trial. As set forth in the decree, Technicolor
has not and does not admit that it has been
a party to any violation of the antitrust laws.
Under terms of the agreement, a total of
92 patents will be made available without
royalty payments to all Technicolor licensees.
For a "reasonable royalty" the color firm is
directed to license 12 other patents, 48 patent
applications and all patents which it
acquires or applies for through Nov. 28, 1953.
Other decree provisions;
Licensees are not required to employ Technicolor
cameras, services and facilities exclusively.
Technicolor is required to furnish, at a
nominal expense, plans and prints of its
three-strip camera to anyone who wishes to
manufacture it. Two of these cameras must
also be made available at a "reasonable"
rental.
Technicolor may not make any assignment,
sale or other disposition of any of the patents
which would deprive it of the power or authority
to grant licenses, unless it requires
as a condition of such action that the purchaser,
transferee or assignee shall observe
the requirements of the decree.
Technicolor is to provide that the licensee
may cancel the license at any time after
one year from the initial date thereof by
giving a 30-day written notice.
10
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

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HERE IT IS FOR YOU TO EXAMINE AND APPRAISE-
Paramount's Sensational
Spring Product From Now Thru May
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CECIL B. DeMILLE S
^^^ Paramount Masterpiece
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Color by
TECHNICOLOR
WILLIAM
With
RAYMOND JAMES
DEMAREST WALBURN GLEASON
• •
WARD CLARENCE PERCY HARRY
BOND-MUSE-KILBRIDE -DAVENPORT
Produced and Directed by FRANK CAPRA • Screenploy by
Robert RIskin- Additional Dialogue by Melville Shavelson and
Jack Rose -Based on o Story by Mark Hellinger
New Songs: Lyrics by Johnny Burke
Music by James Van Heusen
HEDY
starring
VICTOR
LAMARR MATURE
GEORGE
ANGELA
SANDERS LANSBURY
HENRY
WILCOXON
Produced and Directed by Cecil B. DeMille
Screenplay by Jesse L Lasky, Jr . Fredric M Frank
From original treatments by Harold Lamb and Vladimir Jabotinsky
Based upon the history at Samson and Delilah in the Holy Bible. Judges 13-lG
X^ w Invented
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ALAN LADD
WANDA HENDRIX
with
Francis Lederer • Joseph Calleia
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Robert Cummings
leii Tour (.ongreumon lo vote
To Repeal The Movie Tax
Lizabeth Scott
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Diana Lynn
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INFUIX
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Directed
EVE ARDEN
by WILLIAM DIETERLE
mitchelI leisen
Production
^froducad by RICHARD MAIBAUM
Dir«l«d by MITCHELL LEISEN
Screanplay by Robert Thoeren
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It's The Best Show In Town!"
BARBARA STANWYCK
. JOHN LUND
W.H JANE COWL
Phyllis Thaxter • Lyie Bettger • Henry O'Neill
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JOHN PAYNE
RHONDA FLEMING
DENNIS p'KEEFE
Thomas Gomez • Fred Clark
Frank Faylen Eduardo Noriega
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Directed by LEWfS R. FOSTER
Scroanploy by ^^^^^^ Produced by
Geoffrey Homes WILLIAM H. PINE
ind Lewii R. Foster
WILLIAM C. THOMAS
A MITCHELL LEISEN p,od„..,.„
Produced by
Dir«c(»d by
RICHARD MAIBAUM MITCHELL LEISEN
$

See Record Turnout
At Variety Conclave
DALLAS — Advance registrations for the
Variety Clubs International convention to be
held in New Orleans from April 26-29 indicate
that a new high in attendance will be reached
this year.
Three hundred registrations were received
at Dallas headquarters within three weeks
of the announcement in tradepapers and bulletins
to the 37 tents. A registration fee of
$35 for members and $15 for women was required
from all applications.
N. L. Carter, chairman of the New Orleans
executive committee, has been holding weekly
meetings to coordinate the various activities
and complete the entertainment program.
Maurice Barr heads the barkers planning a
special entertainment feature which is beint;
kept hush-hush, but is expected to surpass
any seen at past conventions.
The allocation of hotel accommodations
has been conducted on a first-come, firstserved
basis. Registrants are assigned to
hotels according to the number of rooms each
hotel has made available to the committee.
A dinner will be held by the Hey-Rube
Club, composed of all past chief barkers. This
group was approved at the convention in
San Francisco last May.
R. J. 0"Donnell, chief barker, and Charles
E. Lewis, convention director, have been
working with Dallas headquarters committee
members and will meet with them in the middle
of the month to finalize all convention
plans.
The business portion of the convention follows
:
April 26—Registration of barkers and delegates
at the Roosevelt hotel. This is the
headquarters where all business sessions will
be held.
April 27—A morning session and luncheon,
and an afternoon session for the election of
international officers. If necessary, another
business session will be scheduled for Saturday
morning.
Previous estimates that between 500 and
600 registrations would be received have now
been revised and it is thought that the number
will come closer to a thousand, with
many industry executives and film stars
swelling the total.
January '50 Grosses Off
4 Per Cent, Says ARI
NEW YORK—Audience Research, Inc., reports
that the weekly average attendance at
film theatres for January 1950 was 64,600,000,
compared with 67,100,000 for January 1949, a
drop of 4 per cent.
The researchers point out that December is
usually the low month of the year. A year
ago the January business was 13 per cent over
December. This year it was 23 per cent above
December.
There are not enough television sets in use
to prove that television is a factor in the
decline, the report states. Some surveys recently
have indicated that television set owners
have cut their theatre attendance an
average of 25 per cent. This means very little,
the research group points out, because there
are only 4,000.000 television sets.
The report predicts, however, that as television
sets increase and programs improve
the inroads in film attendance will increase.
Top Figures Will Speak
At 20th-Fox Forum
NEW YORK— Eric Johnston, Motion Picture
Ass'n of American president; Abram P.
Myers, board chairman and general counsel,
and Trueman Rembusch, president of Allied,
and Sam Pinanski, president of Theatre Owners
of America, will be among an imposing
list of speakers who will address the twoday
merchandising conference to be staged
by 20th Century-Fox at the Drake hotel.
Chicago. March 8, 9.
In addition, Pi-e.sident Spyros P. Skouras,
and Vice-Presidents Al Lichtman, Andy W.
Smith jr. and Charles Einfeld will discuss
various pha.ses of the problem of bringing
customers back into theatres.
EXTENSIVE REPRESENTATION
It will be one of the most inclusive gatherings
of exhibitors ever to assemble in the
history of the industry. Ideas of both distributors
and exhibitors will be exchanged.
Formal addresses will be brief and discussion
of the varied phases of exhibition pertinent
to the purposes of the conference will be invited
from the floor. It is expected that most
of the time during the two-day sessions will
be devoted to this form of opinion exchange.
Among the exhibitors will be every type of
exhibitor—circuit operators and owners of
mdividual houses in large towns and small
towns. Heads of a number of regional exhibitor
organizations will participate and all the
top sales executives of 20th-Fox and division
managers and exchange managers will be
present.
Leading representatives of other distribution
companies also have agreed to attend.
Skouras will deliver an address of welcome
at the opening session. Both Pinanski and
Rembusch also will talk at the first session.
Other talks outlining the purposes of the
Spyros Skouras Eric Johnston
Trueman Rembusch .s.-im i'iiuinski
gathering will be made by Lichtman, Smith
and Einfeld.
Myers, who has been leading the fight for
repeal of the admission tax as chairman of
the COMPO tax and legislation committee,
is expected to bring the gathering up to date
on details of the campaign and to outline
plans for its continuance. He also spoke at
the recent merchandising conference at the
20th-Fox home office.
In addition to Skouras and the company
vice-presidents, the 20th-Fox home office will
be represented by: W. C. Gehring, assistant
general sales manager; Peter Levathes. short
.subject sales manager; Clarence Hill, supervisor
of exchanges; Sam Shain, director of
exhibitor relations; Frank Carroll, assistant
to Smith; Morris Caplan. statistician of the
sales department; Lem Jones, executive assistant
to Smith, and Roger Ferri. editor of
the Dynamo, sales department publication.
OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS
The company's international department
will be represented by: Emanuel Silverstone,
vice-president and general sales manager;
Francis Harley, vice-president, and Leslie
Whelan, director of advertising and publicity.
H. Blackmer Johnson of the legal department
and Ulric Bell, director of information,
also will be present.
The home office and advertising department
delegation will include: Jonas Rosenfield,
advertising manager; Rodney Bush, exploitation
manager; David Golding, publicity
manager; Stirling Silliphant. in charge of
special promotions; Al Palca. radio manager;
Abe Goodman, assistant to Rosenfield; Vic
Sedlow. art director; Earl Wingart. pressbook
editor, and Ira Tulipan. tradepress contact.
'Bicycle Thief Refused
MPAA Code Seal
NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Ass'n of
America has refused a production code seal
to "The Bicycle Thief." prize-winning Italian
film, according to Joseph Burstyn. president
of Mayer-Burstyn. American distributors of
the picture. In a letter from Jo.seph E. Breen.
MPAA vice-president, denying certificate of
approval, the picture was termed "not acceptable
in its present form" and censorship
of two scenes was specified by the code administration.
Upon notification, Vittoria DeSica. producer-director
of "The Bicycle Thief." refused
by cable from Italy to permit elimination
of the designated scenes. In its present
form, the film has been approved by the
Catholic Legion of Decency and censors In
New York. Pennsylvania and Ohio and was
voted the best foreign picture of the year
by the New York Film Critics and the best
picture of 1949. domestic or foreign, by the
National Board of Review.
Burstyn .said he was discussing with his
lawyers the po.ssibility of appealing the
MPAA decision. Two previous Mayer-Burstyn
Italian relea.ses, "Paisan" and "Open
City." received MPAA seals after certain
eliminations were made.
COXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 15

:
How a Little Fellow Did
"For persons of average means the movies are a necessity
ing
and not
network
a luxury. Durmg
the past 50 years the motion picture has contributed more cable
programs by means of a coaxial
to broadening
running south
the mind
from New York via
and vision of hundreds of millions of people than all the
Philadelphia.
histories and Washington
phUosophies
and Richmond, according
or past ages, particularly to those overwhelming numbers of
to
people whose
current plans.
circumstances
bar them from the treasures of literature or the opportunities of travel " Phonevision Seeking
Pictures From Rank
NEW YORK—The search of Eugene F.
McDonald
His Share in Tax Drive
jr., president of Zenith Corp., for
films for his Phonevision experiment has
crossed the Atlantic. Having failed to date
Editorially last week. Boxoffice made the point that
to obtain them from
the "little fellows" he has written London
in
J.
leading
Arthur
U.S. companies,
Rank in
exhibition can carry great weight in the fight to repeal the amusement tax. that he is interested in renting
Here is an interesting letter from one small town theatre owner telling of his British product.
high class
March 20 on the Queen
To BOXOFFICE:
gressman and senators, requesting the Mary repeal
of the admissions effort
and McDonald will probably make an
We have gone all out for tax repeal
tax. Each to
pupil
see him personally then. The belief
here in Winlock, Wash. Winlock is a town wrote three
in
letters, all alike; these are
the trade is that, while Rank is interested
role in the battle:
Rank is due here
of 860 people having a 340-seat theatre. being judged and the prizes will be awarded.
in television income, he will check with
I tell you this because some people think
I will then place each letter in a Universal-International and Eagle Lion, his
a small town is too small to bring any separate envelope and mail them to our
distributors here, before committing himself,
pressure to bear on our lawmakers. congressman and senators. The and will
prizes are:
then reject McDonald's request. Exhibitors,
F^rst. we got our trailer and 2,000 petitions
first prizes, a month's pass to the thevision.
particularly, are wary of Phone-
from National Screen and startatre,
and second prizes, a two-week pass.
They see it as real competition since
ed working them both. I then immediately
contacted our newspaper and got ate because it gives the student good Rank is not likely to risk a loss of theatre
it
The school was tickled pink to cooper-
would keep people in their homes. It is felt
an immediate response in the form of an training and helps a cause that the
revenue by aiding Phonevision.
editorial, also a letter to each congressman
and senator from the newspaper. I 200 letters for each congressman and loan of films for his 90-day test, but that
school is in sympathy with. We have over McDonald insists he is not asking for any
then went to the school and got the senator.
he would rent them on the same basis as
superintendent and coach to writing letters
and sending wires. Then I got the ed in your pages, I hope it will stir some a percentage arrangement, with the distribu-
If the contents of this letter are print-
they are rented by theatres. That could mean
English teachers in the high school together
and offered a first and second
K. A. SPEARS charged set ov^ners per picture. The charge
brother exhibitor to work harder.
tor collecting a part of the dollar to be
prize to each grade (there are four Roxy Theatre,
goes on the telephone bill each month. Mcgrades)
for the best letters to our con-
Winlock, Wash.
Donald's difficulty is that in order to justify
a $1 charge, he must show really good films
or the experiment will flop.
No Time fo Relax in Tax Fight,
Network TV by Cable
Gael Sullivan Warns Industry
NEW YORK—Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, has issued a special appeal
Reaches Memphis
to members to continue to press for the repeal of the federal admissions tax. He said NEW YORK—Television
the campaign had
became available
reached the half-way mark, that it is for outright repeal and not to Memphis by coaxial cable
merely
Wednesday (1>.
for a reduction, that the House ways and means committee warmly received making the city the
COMPO
southernmost point
testimony but that the repeal bill is still to be written.
reached by network television at the present
Sullivan warned: "This is no time to relax. We must stay on the job and keep time. The caWe was a joint undertaking
in
of
close contact with our congressmen until the bill is passed. Every exhibitor who the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co..
has
Southern
Bell Telephone Co. and the American
not received a definite commitment from his congressman to vote for repeal of
federal admission taxes should contact him at once and make certain of his position. Telephone
Our
& Telegraph long lines department.
prospects are bright but we need your continued support. Keep plugging and call
on us if you think we can be helpful."
A summary The new link
of the
was made possible
highlights of TOA's
by
argument
adding
before the House committee special
followed
equipment to an existing section of
"The
cable which
20 per
runs
cent
south
excise tax on
from St. Louis.
motion
Programs
from
picture admis.sions was a wartime measure
imposed when employment New
was
York reach St. Louis via
at an alltime high level. That the tax has become
burdensome
Chicago.
and En route to
dangerous to the sound
Memphis the cable
economic health of the motion picture industry
crosses the
is apparent
Mississippi
to those
from east to west
of
at
us in close touch with the theatre owners all over the St.
country.
Louis
Continuance
and again, this time from
of
west
this
to
tax will snuff out hundreds of these little theatres. east,
Only at
outright
Memphis. It
repeal
has been
of this abnormal
handling
tax can
heavy
save them and the jobs they represent.
"Of
telephone traffic.
the 18,000 movie houses in continental U.S., at least 8,000 are marginal, a
fancy way of saying they are in the red. They
The addition,
need
the first in
relief from 1950,
this heavy
brings to
tax and
26
they need it quickly. To put
the
it more number graphically,
of cities
every
receiving
fifth seat in a movie
network telecasts
theatre
is occupied by the tax collector.
through Bell System facilities, which
"Fifteen thousand of the approximate
now extend
18,000 motion
about 9,000
picture houses
channel miles in
are in small
rural or suburban areas with length.
admission charges of from
By the end of the year, it is
25 cents to planned
40 cents. Certainly
this does not indicate any to
swollen wealth. The
have network service
tax
available
reduction
in we at least
are asking for and
the resultant saving to the families
40
in
cities—as far
these
north
sections
as
is vastly
Minneapolis,
important
as
to their modest
budget.
far south as Jacksonville and as far west as
"The small theatre operator is not
Omaha.
in the same
The network will
class with
then
the shoe
comprise
store, the dress
shop or the milliner. Their
about
stocks
15,000
and
channel miles.
goods are a visible, tangible thing not subject
to temperament, whim, prejudice or caprice. Showing movies
Norfolk will
isn't like buying
be linked
100
by a radio relay
compacts or 100 watches. A picture must be shown quickly and
hookup
its value
with
except
Richmond
in a
next month. In September,
secondary way ceases. It isn't something you can keep on the shelf and wait
Greensboro.
for a
Charlotte. Atlanta. Birmingham
and Jacksonville will begin better time or a better day.
receiv-
Order your taxation trailers today!
16
BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950

ANOTHER HIGH
HONOR FOR
-G-
I
FOLLOWING directly after its winning
* FIRST place in Photoplay Magazine Awards,
M-G-M now acknowledges with pride
LOOK Magazine Medals for
TOP producer of the year, Dore Schary, and
TOP director of the year, William Wellman,
IT is
fitting that while their production of
M-G-M's "BATTLEGROUND" is thus again
HONORED by the press, the public has made it
M-G-M's Biggest grosser in seven years!
"BATTLEGROUND" has that extra virtue of
HUMOR and lusty fellowship that
SETS it apart from all so-called war pictures.
THE warmth and laughter of packed theatres
IS the signal to those who have it
booked
TO hold extra time for all
to see it.
*Jn Photoplay Magazine's Popularity Poll
M'G-M won 2 out of 3 Top Awards!

fHcft ottcC Sf^^c*tt^
Peimanent Tax Fight
QOMPO's tax and legislation committee,
or its equivalent, will be needed as a
permanent fixture, if this industry is going
to carry on a diffused fight against local
ticket levies in all states.
There is nothing new or sporadic about
the plans of a group of organizations to
replace federal taxes with local taxes. The
plan has been under discussion for more
than a year and is thoroughly organized.
When these plans were revealed at the
house ways and means committee hearing,
some of the committeemen became
sarcastic and said they thought cuts, if
made, should be passed along to the taxpayers.
The advocates of local taxation
were neither dismayed nor surprised. They
were prepared for the criticism.
Six organizations are united in their determination
to get this source of revenue.
They are: Council of State Governments,
the Governors' Conference, National Ass'n
of County Officials, American Municipal
Ass'n and Federation of Tax Administrators
and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
This is a formidable group with a program.
It will have to be combated on a
national scale.
In the latest bulletin of the National
Ass'n of County Officials there is a resume
of the tax-seekers' arguments which concludes:
"The Council of State Governments
and the Governors' Conference were
among the groups proposing that admissions
be left largely to local taxation in
order to relieve local pressure for funds
from the states which would in turn relieve
state need for demanding funds from
the federal government. If this purpose is
achieved, valuable strengthening of local
government could be prevented only by
failure of the local units to take advantage
of the opportunity."
Color Television
•pELEVISION is at the crossroads. The
Federal Communications commission decisions
on the granting of new permits for
television stations, on wavelength assignments,
on permits for theatre television
and on color may come all
at once before
the end of the year.
There is no way of predicting when the
present series of hearings will end or when
the decisions will be made. When the new
rulings are formulated it could be that
television will start on a new basis.
If wavelengths are assigned for color
television, there will be a scramble for
them. The recent CBS questionnaire on
color which drew 9,423 detailed replies
shows that 84 per cent enjoyed color television
much more than black and white,
13 per cent enjoyed it somewhat more.
That total of 97 per cent is a warning.
The first color sets that get onto the
market will make many current sets obsolete
and will force conversion of others.
If theatres succeed in getting television
permits and they can start with color, they
will have an important advantage in the
race for audiences.
-By JAMES M. JERAULD
Rush for Oil Burners
JT IS a perfectly safe bet that there will
be few coal burning boilers in theatres
in the northern section of the country
next winter. Conversion has been steady
since the war. Now there is a rush on.
This may cause a temporary scarcity of
oil-burning apparatus for installation under
old coal boilers, but relief will be faster
than it was during the war when everything
was scarce.
Exhibitors feel that some of the pubhc
officials who laid down drastic fuel conserving
rules last week were over-dramatizing
the situation.
Brownouts were accepted without protest,
but, when the administrators started
talking about closing theatres, exhibitors
quickly pointed out that a vast number of
them were in buildings with stores and
offices.
The storekeepers and office tenants
joined in the protest.
A committee of New York exhibitors went
to Albany and induced Governor Dewey to
announce that he had no immediate intention
of ordering theatre closings.
Claiming Records
J^LL the major companies and some of
the lesser companies have claimed records
for openings of pictures in the past
three weeks. Some companies are giving
out figures running into millions.
There is nothing new about this: it is
standard practice of the publicity departments,
but at this time it is not good
public relations. Industry leaders have
been quoting figures before the house ways
and means committee to convince Congress
that a recession requires abolition of
the ticket tax.
Senators and congressmen read the papers.
Some of them might start asking:
"Who's kidding who?" Pi-oviding the answers
could be embarrassing.
Vaughan Is Inducted
MAJ. GEN. HARRY VAUGHAN was inducted,
lambasted and investigated by
the Circus Saints and Sinners last week.
He can take it. The Waldorf-Astoria ballroom
was jammed up to the third balcony.
There were deep freezers and other things
on the dais. A couple of hundred wellknown
film men are still repeating the
stories privately.
In introducing Vaughan, Tex O'Rourke
said that his mother, like all mothers, had
wanted him to get into the White House.
"Last Thursday was the first time," he
said. "It wasn't in good shape. I asked
them why they didn't get along with the
work, and the military aide to the military
aide said: 'Every time we get a stockpile
of materials somebody wants to build a
racetrack." "
With Harold Hoffman in a judge's robe,
the "jury" "acquitted" the general at the
finish.
Testimonial
For Ben Shiyen
Dinner
KANSAS CITY—A testimonial dinner
will be tendered Ben Shiyen, publisher of
BOXOFFICE, March 28 by the Motion
Pictiire Ass'n of Greater Kansas City in
recognition of his 30th anniversary as a
motion picture trade magazine publisher.
The affair will be the first public function
of the recently organized all-industry
group.
Industry leaders from throughout the
country are expected to attend the dinner,
which will be held in the ballroom
of the Hotel Muehlebach. The Kansas-
Missouri Theatre Ass'n has scheduled its
spring meeting for March 28 so that its
members may attend the testimonial.
E. C. Rhoden, president of Fox Midwest
Amusement Co., is chairman of the committee
in charge of the affair, with Arthur
Cole, Senn Lawler and M. D. Cohn as
co-chairmen. Others on the committee
are: Sam Abend, Al Adler, George Baker,
R. R. Biechele, Howard Burkhardt, James
Castle, Nathan Cohen. Stanley Durwood,
Dale Danielson, Bernie Evens, Glenn Hall!
Finton Jones, James Lewis, Jay Means,
Louis Patz, B. J. McKenna, Leon Robertson,
Robert Shelton, Jesse Shiyen, Felix
Snow, O. F. Sullivan, William Truog and
Robert Withers.
Patterson Is Arbitrator
In Selznick-Korda Suit
NEW YORK—Robert P.
Patterson, former
secretary of war, has been named arbitrator
of the David O. Selznick-Alexander Korda
dispute over distribution of the latter's "The
Third Man" and "Gone to Earth" by Federal
Judge Irving Kaufman in U.S. district court.
Joseph M. Schenck, 20th Century-Fox studio
executive, who agreed to act as arbitrator in
the dispute several weeks ago, later withdrew
because his current vacation in the south
made it inconvenient for him to set a date
for the hearing.
Schwartz & Frohlich, attorneys for Selzniok,
have also filed an application for a temporary
injunction to halt Korda from licensing
the eastern hemisphere version of
"Gone to Earth" because the completed film
departs from the original version and detracts
from the professional standing of Jennifer
Jones, the star.
Korda originally brought the action against
Selznick alleging breaches of their original
agreement for Selznick to release Korda's two
films in the western hemisphere in return
for eastern hemisphere distribution of "Portrait
of Jennie" and "The Paradine Case."
Korda had also received the services of three
Selznick stars, Joseph Gotten, Valli and Miss
Jones, but he stated he was willing to reimburse
Selznick for their services.
MPSC to Handle 'Rachel'
NEW YORK—Motion Picture Sales Corp.
has closed a deal for the distribution in the
U.S. of "Rachel," which will
be made abroad
by M. DeFontaine, French producer. William
Dieterle will direct the film in Technicolor
with Edana Romney in the title role of the
great French actress and Zachary Scott costarred.
18
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

In more than pj comparable engagements. fl
FfftSlCfS DONALD O'CONNOR
PATRICIA MEDINA . ZASU PITTS • RAY COLLINS • JOHN MclNTIRE
and FRANCIS The Old Army Mule who TALKS
Screenplay by DAVID STERN • Adapted from the Novel by DAVID STERN • Produced by ROBERT ARTHUR
Directed by ARTHUR LUBIN • A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE

—
Just ask the men who played it 1 I
There has been nothing
like ft in years...
record-breaking openings
...second days beating
top opening days...
weekends that really
turned the boxoffices
on their
ears!
SAN FRANCISCO
12 7o better than "EGG AND I" record-breaking
business at the Orpheum
Theatre! And from all around
San Francisco came comparisons
like: Oakland 144%; Stockton
115%; Sacramento (three theatres)
topped "EGG AND I" in a Saturday
opening; Berkeley, 40% better for
an all-time high.
LOS ANGELES
Playing five theatre combination
(U.A., Rit2, Vogue, Studio and Culver)
outgrossed "EGG AND I" and
"TAP ROOTS" right down the line.
BUFFALO
Crowded "EGG AND I"
business at
the Lafayette Theatre despite paralyzing
ice and sleet storm.
JAMESTOWN, N. Y.
27% better than "EGG AND I" at
the Warner Winter Garden despite
snow storm.
^f
"
DENVER
Playing the Denver, Alladin and
Webber, equalled "EGG AND I"
and beat "TAP ROOTS" by good
margin.
SALT LAKE CITY
Topped "EGG AND I" by 3% at
Publix Utah.
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA
Set new house record at Rainbow
Theatre.
PHILADELPHIA
Paralyzing ice and sleet storm
slowed down afternoon record
breaking business at Boyd Theatre,
but still came in with top house figure
for total day.
NORFOLK, VA.
168% of "EGG AND I" business at
the Newport and Colley in face of
all day hard rain.
OMAHA
At the Orpheum Theatre, Francis dici
better than a good week's business
in its first three days — and in
snowstorm, too!
MIAMI
Playing the Miami, Miracle and
Lincoln, picture is hitting for season
high. It's the talk of the town!
OKLAHOMA CITY
Out-grossing the
previously sensational
grosser, "TAP ROOTS" at the
Midwest.
rhot's the story wherever the picture
is playing. And, meanwhile,
the whole group of some 30 smaller
situations which played day-anddate
with the New Orleans premiere
opening, picture held over in practically
every spot to record business,
many recording a full week normal
run gross on opening day!
^Jh/
0hand
have \jou heard
The Film Daily editorial spotted this
one when it said: "There never has
been a comedy quite like it, and
the chances are there never would
be again."
lY. PARAMOUNT
^
March 15

United Artists Closes
Hollywood Offices
the responsibilities of obtaining and selecting
new product will be assumed by the
management." Lazarus, Sears and Kelly "will
spend more time in Hollywood for these purposes,"
the statement continued, and "an effort
will be made to have one of the company
officials in California at all times."
In line with that policy, it was expected
Sears would return here within the next week
or two to attend to routine business matters.
The move leaves UA without a west coast
public relations representative for the first
time in many years. Checking out of the
organization, which had headquartered at the
General Service studios, were Cecil Coan,
publicity-advertising liaison and aide to Bagnall
and Hugh Ratliff, controller.
During their stay on the coast. Sears,
Kelly and Lazarus found time to confer with
Producer Robert Stillman for his first three
films for UA release.
TESMA Joins the Industry
In Seeking Tax Repeal
LOS ANGELES—Members of the Theatre
Equipment and Supply Manufacturers' Ass'n
are joining with the film industry in seeking
repeal of the federal amusement tax,
president of the association,
Roy Boomer, secretary-treasurer of TESMA,
announced this week. In addition, Oscar Neu,
has written letters
to all members of Congress urging repeal.
This week. Boomer sent an urgent
appeal to the 121 members of the association
asking them to write to their congressmen.
Neu, in his letter, said the admissions tax
has become a "nuisance tax" since the end
of the war.
"I am afraid," he said, "that unless some
drastic action is taken against this tax abuse
the theatre business is going to feel ill repaid
for its notable service in the promotion
of government programs."
He said that members of TESMA "who are
taxpayers depending on the prosperity of the
motion picture industry, look forward to a
speedy and complete repeal of this nuisance
tax."
Big Promotional Drives
Being Readied by MGM
HOLLYWOOD—Another chapter in the
turbulent organizational history of United
Artists was written when, in a sudden decision
following the recent resignation of
George L. Bagnall as vice-president in charge HOLLYWOOD—Intensive exploitation campaigns
on a national scale to give individual
of production, headquartering here, the west
coast offices of the company were closed out. promotional value to new MGM product are
No successor to Bagnall will be selected, it being mapped in top-level huddles at the
was announced by President Gradwell L. company's Culver City studios, with William
Sears before he and other executives returned
F. Rodgers. vice-president and general sales
to New York. The decision to shutter manager; Howard Dietz. vice-president in
UA's Hollywood offices was made by Sears charge of advertising and publicity, and Dore
and his associates during a brief trip to Schary. Louis B. Mayer and E. J. Manix, production
the coast after Bagnall had resigned.
executives, participating.
Henceforth negotiations with independent Rodgers announced recently in New York
producers seeking UA release will be carried that MGM would release 16 features during
on at the top level with Sears. Vice-President the five months beginning April 1.
Arthur Kelly and Paul Lazarus jr.. Sears' Included in the plans are merchandising
executive assistant. Selmer Chalif will continue
and advertising tieups as well as exploitation
to function as a special production undertakings which, company officials aver,
liaison here.
are the most ambitious since "Gone With
In an official statement during his brief the Wind" and "Battleground."
stay here, Lazarus declared the company had For example, in launching the Technicolor
accepted Bagnall's resignation "with sincere musical, "Annie Get Your Gun," an entire line
regrets" and said that "for the present, at of feminine western apparel, accessories and
least, the duties of producer contact and novelties will be merchandised; Dot Lind.
"Modern Annie Oakley"—a femme sharpshooter—will
begin a nationwide tour early
this month, to be followed by a group of
Indian chieftains, and tentative plans call
for the picture to be given a gala Hollywood
premiere some time in April, followed by special
prerelease engagements in New York.
San Francisco. St. Louis and Atlanta.
An all-out promotion campaign on the new
Red Skelton comedy. "The Yellow Cab Man."
is being launched via a three-way tieup with
the National Safety Council, the Yellow Cab
Co. and De Soto automobile agencies throughout
the country. Safe driving contests and
awards for motorists with the best safety
records will feature local campaigns in each
of 60 cities. A highlight will be the "longest
taxi ride in history." a junket of more
than 12.000 miles, with Bridget Carr—a featured
player in the film—making a taxi tour
of the nation.
"Nancy Goes to Rio" will be exploited
through a mother-daughter contest, with
'ANNIE' TRIES HER GUN—Dan S.
Terrell, exploitation manager for MGM,
gets a few pointers on the handling of a
rifle from Dot Lind, to be called "The
Modern Annie Oakley," who will tour for
"Annie Get Your Gun."
cruises to Brazil as the prizes; similarly,
through arrangement with the Union Pacific
railroad. "The Duchess of Idaho" will
be plugged through contests in which winners
are awarded vacation in Sun Valley. The
Esther Williams starrer will be premiered in
Boise. Ida.
A wide merchandising campaign Is being
drafted for "The Father of the Bride," including
a cooperative promotion stunt with
Ralston-Purina products. Other upcoming releases
to be accorded special exploitation attention
include "The Reformer and the Redhead."
"Outriders." "Stars in My Crown."
"Please Believe Me." "Big Hangover," "Dink
Stover." "Skipper Surprised His Wife."
"Asphalt Jungle." "Summer Stock." "Mystery
Street." "Devil's Doorway." "The Miniver
Story." "Three Little Words." "King Solomon's
Mines." "Kim." "Toast of New Orleans."
"Visa." "Crisis." "Right Cross" and "A
Life of Her Own."
Does Religious Theme of 'Samson'
Merit an Extended Chicago Run?
CHICAGO—The question before the court
seemed to be; just how scriptural is the
beautiful Hedy Lamarr? Ths witness was
an expert, Cecil B. DeMille. the producer of
"Samson and Delilah."
The film is a work of art of great interest
to people of religious faith because it is a
Biblical story. DeMille said on the witness
stand in federal court here Thursday (2i.
And for that reason, he said it should not
meet the unreligious. cold, legal barrier
against long first run showings in the Loop.
"AH denominations commend the picture,"
he said. "It will draw 40,000,000 people who
don't usually go to movies. My father studied
for the ministry and read the Bible in our
home, and this picture is near my heart.
Furthermore, we have to take in $7,000,000
to break even."
Attorney Thomas C. McConnell, who broke
the first run monopoly of downtown theatres
for the Jackson Park Theatre, questioned
DeMille. McConnell was there before
Judse Michael L. Igoe to oppose the petition
of Paramount Pictures, Inc.
McConnell, son of a Methodist bishop,
knows the scriptures. The questioning went
like this: "Do you think children should see
this picture?" "Yes," answered DeMille. "Do
you think more children would see it downtown
at $1.20 than in a neighborhood theatre
at 40 cents?" "I don't know." "Who plays
Delilah?" "Hedy Lamarr. of course." "It's a
story of seduction, is it not?" "It's a Biblical
story." "Did Dehlah try to seduce Samson?"
DeMille pondered one moment. "She succeeded."
Judge Igoe took the petition under
advisement.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950 21

Big-Screen Video for $1,600
Homemade Theatre TV
Goes Into Iowa Quonset
By RUSS SCHOCH
MEDIAPOLIS, IOWA—A small, quonsethut
theatre in this southeastern Iowa town
of 900 is the first film house in the state—
and perhaps the midwest—to screen television
broadcasts. Through an elaborate receiving
and relay setup, owners of the 450-
seat Swan Theatre can throw a 6x8-foot
television image on the theatre screen.
Projection of television programs admittedly
is not yet perfect, but it does work.
"There are plenty of bugs in it," explains
I. R. Glesne, co-owner of the theatre. "But
it certainly is a start."
Glesne and his partner Mrs. Lillie Johnson
were determined to show the people of the
Des Moines county community "what television
is—whether it came in good or bad."
And they have attained that goal. The next
step, said Glesne, is to improve the image
and sound to the point where theatre patrons
can view broadcasts as easily as they do a
film. Glesne and Mrs. Johnson are the first
to admit it will take time and work.
"For some reason, about 50 per cent of the
image and sound signal are lost in relaying
the broadcast to the television projector and
putting it on the screen," Glesne said. Most
of the television broadcasts received here
come from station WOC-TV in Davenport,
55 airline miles away. Occasionally, said
Glesne, images are picked up from St.
about 200 air miles away.
Louis,
•HOME SET' RECEIVER
The theatre's basic receiving unit—similar
to the ordinary home set— is located in the
Swan hotel, also owned by Glesne and Mrs.
Johnson, about 50 feet away from the steelsided
quonset theatre building. Images and
sound are received on the 36-tube basic unit
just as they are on any set. But it's a long,
complicated path from the set's screen to
the big theatre screen. The original image is
relayed to a special television projector in the
theatre by about 150 feet of cables, which
carry image and sound through conduits.
The cables are piped in to the basement of
the theatre, through the length of the building
in under-the-floor tunnels, then up to
control boxes in the projection booth. From
the booth, the operator turns the television
unit on and off, and controls the sound. But
the television projector itself is not in the
regular projection booth. When being used,
it is placed on a stand 14 feet in front of
the screen, just ahead of the front row of
seats, and attached to cables.
Glesne focuses and regulates the size of
the image to be cast directly from the special
projector. That's done simply by adjusting
its five-inch television lens. Inside the
specially built projector is a maze of tubes
and wires—and one giant television tube
which costs about $500 commercially. "The
projector itself cannot receive the original
image direct from the television station,"
Glesne emphasized. "It doesn't even carry
the sound. It just picks up the image
through relays."
The complex setup is the idea and long,
painstaking work of a prisoner in the Iowa
state penitentiary at Fort Madison. Fred
Threikeld, a 28-year-old inmate, built the
outfit for the theatre as part of Warden
P. A. Lainson's rehabilitation program. Permission
for the special work was obtained last
May from the state board of control, Glesne
said, and the unit was installed recently.
It was Threikeld, described by Warden
Lainson as one of the best radio mechanics
in the state, who brought television to the
penitentiary's inmates long before it was
seen by other lowans.
"Our present goal is to provide our patrons
with plus entertainment through television,"
said Glesne, a naval veteran of World War
II and a relative newcomer to exhibition.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES
Since the Swan is a small town theatre
which presents only two shows a night, its
schedules are more flexible than those of
big theatres, Glesne said. 'Whenever there is
a good evening television program that
everyone wants to see, the schedules can be
adjusted to allow for broadcasts, Glesne explained.
Although it has not been definitely
shown that television has yet hurt theatre
business, theatre owners are thinking ahead
to the competition it will provide, Glesne
said. And he believes the setup he is developing
is an answer. It is, of course, an
expensive answer—especially for the small
theatre operator. Glesne's total cost so far
has been no more than $1,600—but would have
been at least twice that much if the equipment
had been purchased on the commercial
market, he said. Some radio companies have
built projection units which cost up to $25,-
000, but they still are in the experimental
stage and not on the general market, Glesne
said.
Because a clear, and at times near-perfect,
image is received on the basic set in the
hotel, Glesne believes most of the "bugs" are
in the relay setup. "There is nothing wrong
with the projector itself," he said. "Our trouble
apparently is
in wiring, or perhaps in installation.
It's also quite possible that the
steel sides of the theatre building are giving
us trouble."
Charles Skouros to Tour
LOS ANGELES—To launch National Theatres'
new 21 -week, eighth annual Charles
Skouras Showmanship campaign, Charles
P. Skouras, circuit president, Thornton Sargent,
public relations director, and other NT
executives, will plane out March 7. Skouras
will speak first before the Fox Wisconsin
division in Milwaukee March 10.
The itinerary includes Fox Midwest, Kansas
City, March 13; Fox Intermountain, Denver.
March 15; Evergreen, Portland, March
17; Fox West Coast's southern California division,
Los Angeles, March 21; and FWC's
northern California division, San Francisco,
March 22.
Blames Columnists
For Bad Publicity
MILWAUKEE—The press with its colunrmists
who place unnecessary emphasis on escapades
of errant film players was taken to
task editorially by the weekly Milwaukee
Times in its current issue. The editorial directly
accuses the gossip columnists and the
practices of the press and radio of making
these so-called escapades important.
"We do not condone nor condemn the activities
of persons, be they movie stars or
ditchdiggers, when they overstep the bounds
of propriety," the Times comments. No one
would care what a ditchdigger does and nobody
should care to much what a movie star
does. The folks of the stage are not especially
anointed."
THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE
"Just why, when people of the amusement
world, public office or the underworld commit
a moral offense, does the entire nation
stand agog? The answer is simple. The
very people who throw the rocks when they
overstep the limits of propriety are the ones
who made them important."
The editorial says there is "nothing more
obnoxious than the 'key hole peeper' of
which we have a bumper crop. Newspapers
and the radio chains have shoved into our
homes 'syndicate experts.' They comprise the
little army of mudslingers which has has
fastened itself onto Broadway, Hollywood and
bigtime centers."
The Times contends that the very newspapers
which now cry for the "chastisement"
of stars "who have sinned" are the ones
which, "day after day run these gossip colums
detailing the private lives of actors and
actresses. Usually the gossips aren't reporters
but hacks. Most generally their own
backgrounds aren't too sanctified. They
thrive on smut and pass it into the homes via
the newspaper column and the radio wave.
They themselves bicker, battle and fume to
get an 'exclusive' or a 'scoop' that doesn't
amount to a hill of beans."
ORIGIN.AL AND HALF-TRUTHS
The Times says further that the public
wouldn't be one whit the worse for it were
they spared "this drivel, for most of it is
conjecture, half-truth or out and out planted
publicity. It is digested, mainly, by adolescents
and morons or read for amusement by a
few others."
Were is not for these gossips, the Times
further says, the public would never be apprised
of "the moral decadence, if any" of
the actors and actresses and the newspapers
would ignore the "hot stuff " of the amusement
world.
"The columnists and commentators are not
one whit better than the bad actors. He who
writes dirt, revels in it," the Times said.
MPAA Safety Record
NEW YORK—None of the 400 film exchanges
of the Motion Picture Ass'n of
America member companies had any fire
loss in 1949 for the fourth successive year,
according to an MPAA conservation department
report to Eric Johnston, president.
It was the tenth in the 24 years since
the department was set up that there was
a fireless record. The average annual fire
loss from 1926 to the end of 1949 is $202,
a record probably not matched by any other
industry of similar scope.
22
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

OAlL^A'i^
I nflA j^'
uuuAR
M^1« RE0ORD HOUHIP

-
7iJ€i4Aui^t

presents
THE COMEDY O
YEAR
MIllAND-RUSSEll
0^
A

• . .
Osa
. . Producer
^
By
. . MGM
. . . Columbia
. . The
. . Added
^oiimwutd ^e/iont
More Achievement Awards
Added to Growing List
At this rate, it won't be long until every
craft, association and organization connected
with the business of manufacturing motion
pictures starts handing out achievement
awards.
Latest to jump aboard the kudos bandwagon
is the American Society of Cinematographers.
which has completed plans to name
the top picture of the month, which the
l^nsers' membership will select from among
three candidates. Photographic perfection
and "overall interest" will be the chief factors
determining the winners, the organization
declared.
The ASC thus joins two other crafts, the
Screen Writers and Screen Directors Guilds,
in handing out plaudits to celluloid product.
The scriveners stage an annual presentation
ceremony honoring film scripters, while the
megaphonists have a schedule of quarterly
awards, with the top director selected yearly
from among the four quarterly winners.
The SDG, parenthetically, has just given
its third quarterly award to Robert Rossen
Hardly had the dust settled following
the departure of Comic Danny Kaye from
the Warner Bros, stables—an amicable
termination of his contract with that
studio having been secured—when the
carrot-topped comedian was booked by
20th Century-Pox for a one-picture
starring shot.
He will have the topline in "On the
Riviera." a comedy musical to be produced
for the Westwood studio by William
Perlberg. The Technicolor tunefilm
is being scripted by Valentine Davies.
Going along as part of the package is
Sylvia Fine (Mrs. Kaye in private life),
who will wTite special material and some
songs for the opus.
IVAN SPEAR
personally produced: four Sol Siegel productions,
"A Letter to Three Wives," "House of
Strangers," "I Was a Male War Bride" and
"Prince of Foxes"; two from Producer Samuel
G. Engel, "Come to the Stable" and "Mr.
Belvedere Goes to College": "Three Came
Home," produced by Nunnally Johnson; "It
Happens Every Spring," William Perlberg:
Lamar Trotti. "You're My Everything": and
Robert Bassler, "Thieves' Highway."
The Hollywood foreign correspondents
passed out 14 "Golden Globes," of which five
went to Columbia's "All the King's Men."
Robert Rossen was cited for producing and
directing the opus, which grabbed the "best
picture" kudos, while its star, Broderick Crawford,
was named best actor, and Mercedes
McCambridge, also in the cast, snagged the
awards for best supporting actress and best
newcomer actress.
Olivia DeHavlUand was given the best
actress trophy for Paramount's "The Heiress."
Warners' "The Hasty Heart" was voted the
picture best promoting international understanding,
while its star, Richard Todd, was
cited as the best male newcomer. Another
award to Warners was for "Inspector General,"
rated as having the best musical score,
which was written by Johnny Green.
For his role in MGM's "Battleground,"
signed Mercedes McCambridge for the starring
role in "The Dungeon." which will be
his second entry for United Artists release.
Ralph Murphy has been signed by Scott-
Brown Productions (Producer Harry Joe
Brown and Actor Randolph Scott) to meg
"Lost Stage Valley," booked for an April
start for Columbia release. Scott will not
appear in the opus, which toplines Rod
Cameron and Wayne Morris .
set
Vincente
in
Minnelli to direct "An American
Bernard Gordon and Julian
Paris" . . .
Zimst are teamed at Warners on the script
of the Howard Hunt novel. "Bimini Run,"
which Anthony Veiller will produce.
Darryl F.
For Interracial
Zanuck Cited
Unity
Marking the first time in the organization's
ten-year history that a film figure
has been so
honored, Darryl F.
Zanuck, vice-president
in charge of
production at 20th
Century-Fox, has
been named by the
Ass'n of American
Jewish Writers as
the non-Jew in
motion pictures
who has "contributed
the most to
interracial unity
Darrji F. Zanuck between Christians
and Jews and human betterment among
all Americans."
Zanuck was the unanimous choice In
a poll of more than 2,500 screen writers,
novelists, playwrights, journalists, editors
and publishers. Winners in such
other fields as politics, medicine, law,
government, the stage, sports, religion,
literature, education, business, music
and radio, will be announced by the AJW
at a later date.
for his direction of "All the King's Men," on
which he also functioned as producer and
scenarist, for Columbia distribution. First
and second SDG quarterly awards went to James Whitmore was tabbed the best supporting
actor, while Robert PIrosh was hon-
Story Market Takes Drop
Mark Robson. for "Champion," and Alfred
Werker, for "Lost Boundaries."
ored for wTiting the
With Only
year's best
Four
original
Sales
Meantime the record books were swelled screenplay for the MGM film. Best photography:
Prank Planer, "Champion"; standpoint of story purchases, the film writ-
After several very lush weeks, from the
with the names of winners of two other film
achievement sweepstakes, of color, Walt ing colony encountered Redbook magazine's
Disney, "Ichabod
best
and
use
Mr.
a definitely bearish
annual Silver Awards and the Holly-
Toad": best foreign picture, "Bicycle Thief," market during the period, with only four
wood Foreign Correspondents Ass'n's yearly produced by Vittorio DeSica.
sales recorded. Santana Productions, the independent
unit in which Producer Robert
Golden Globes presentations.
To Darryl F. Zanuck and 20th Century-
Lord
Lawford
and Actor
Fox's
and
Humphrey Bogart are
production
Allyson
partners,
acquired "Everything will Be All Right."
staff went
Join
the Redbook
trophy for "the most outstanding films of 'Royal Wedding' Cast
a suspense melodrama by James Cavanagh
1949"—first time in the 11-year history of the MGM is teaming Peter Lawford
awards
and
and Marie
June
Baumer, and is preparing it as a
that this honor has been conferred Allyson with Fred Astaire
starring
in
on
"Royal
vehicle for Wedding"
John Derek. The subject
will
a total production program instead of on
. . . Latest among more than be for
a
50 actors
Columbia release ... To Columbia
itself
single picture. Zanuck. the studio's vicepresident
and production chief, was schedtier
peace officer, on the screen drama
w*o have portrayed Wyatt Earp, famous fron-
went "The Mother," a romantic
is
uled
Will
by Larry
Geer,
Marcus, with Buddy Adler
to accept the trophy March 2 on the signed for that role in assigned
Screen
Universal-International's
"Winchester 73" . .
the production chores .
to
Guild Players' radio program.
the slate
. Borrowed of
Cited from
Jack Schw-arz Productions, for
as "memorable classics" were "Twelve 20th Century-Fox, Betty Lynn release
will
O'clock High"
portrav
through Eagle Lion, was "Narcotic
and "Pinky," which Zanuck Bette Davis" daughter in RKO Radio's
Squad,"
"The
action drama by Nat Tanchuk and
Story of a Divorce," with Kent Taylor Sam Neuman
.
also
King Brothers acquired
"Crime Against People." an original
added to the cast of the Skirball-Manning
production
. . . Another loanout found
by
Grant Thomas J. Merrill, and are preparing it
Danny Kaye Is Signed Withers shifUng from Republic for
to Paramount
for the Pine-Thomas opus, distribution
an early production start for probable
"Tripoli"
through Monogram-Allied Artists.
For 20th-Fox Massen,
Comedy
Lloyd Bridges and Hugh
O'Brien have the leads in Lippert Productions'
"Rocket
Fletcher Markle
Trip
to
to the Moon"
MGM
. . . Columbia
booked Gale the Storm for femme lead
.
in "Prowl Car" I. G. Goldsmith
As Studio Executive
MGM turned to the radio-television field
to recruit a new production executive by
signing Fletcher Markle, who has written and
produced a number of ether and video shows,
to a term ticket. For the present he will
function as an aide to Producer Edwin Knopf
booked Director Eddie Buzzell
to a new five-picture commitment. For
many years at MGM, Buzzell shifted over
to Columbia some months ago and recently
completed the megging chore on the Rosalind
Russell comedy, "A Woman of Distinction"
. . . William
P. Broidy has been boosted
to full producer status at Monogram. His
first assignment will be "Sideshow," a circus
yarn.
26
BOXOFFICE March 4, 1950

DOROTHY MALONE FORREST TUCKER FRANK FAYLEN ^,ufC0L0l^
GEORGE MACREADY
Charles Kemper Jeff Corey Tom Powers Jock O'Mahoney
story and Screen Play by George W. George and George F. Slavin
A SCOTT- BROWN production
oirBMb, W«am DOUGLAS • Producedb,mKi lOE BROWN
Have YOU Ordered Your Tax Trailer Irom Notional Screen? Do it Today!
.^^^--^
i/yi^

opened
'
'
RCA Shows Increase
In 1949 Earnings
NEW YORK-Radio Corporation of America
showed net earnings of $25,144,279 for
1949, compared to earnings of $24,022,047 in
1948, according to Brig. Gen. David A. Sarnoff,
chairman of the board, in the 30th annual
report. The 1949 figure is equivalent to
$1.58 per share of common stock, compared
to 1948 when earnings after payment of preferred
dividends were equivalent to $1.50 per
share.
Net profit, after all deductions, was 6.3
per cent of the gross income in 1949, compared
with 6.7 per cent in 1948. Total gross
income from all sources amounted to $397,-
259,020, representing an increase of $39,641 !-
789 over the 1948 total. Dividends paid by
RCA for 1949 amounted to $3,152,800 on the
preferred stock, and $6,928,604 on the common
stock, a total of $10,081,404. During the past
ten years dividends paid to stockholders
amounted to $69,164,112.
Additions to plant and equipment during
1949 amounted to $16,340,282. compared with
$14,518,511 in 1948. The total earned surplus
at Dec. 31, 1949. amounted to $94,562,354, an
increase of $15,062,875 over earned surplus at
the end of 1948.
"Television's spectacular rise as a new service
of mass communication, in which RCA
has played a leading role, is without precedent
in the Industrial development of the
U.S.," Sarnoff and Prank M. Folsom, RCA
president, declared in a joint statement for
the RCA board. "Television achieved the
going rate of a billion-dollar-a-year industry,
to become the first American industrial
enterprise to move ahead so rapidly in so
short a time," the statement said.
"The number of television stations in
operation throughout the country increased
from 47 at the beginning of 1949 to 98 at
the opening of 1950. As many of the new
stations came on the air, additional markets
for television receivers were opened. In 12
months, television receivers in American
homes increased from 1,100,000 to approximately
4.000,000. Industry sales estimates indicate
that about 4,000,000 additional television
receivers will be manufactured in 1950,"
the statement said. However, sales of radio
receivers and Victrola phonographs were
lower than in 1948. Sarnoff and Folsom pointed
out.
WE Reports Good Dollar
Volume of Sales in '49
NEW YORK—Western Electric Co. sales
during 1949 were below those of the two preceding
years, the postwar peak years, but the
1949 dollar volume of sales was still about
twice as great as the company's biggest prewar
year, according to the annual report to
stockholders.
Sales in 1949 totaled $858,191,000 as compared
with $1,132,972,000 in 1948 and $995-
964,000 in 1947. Sales to Bell Telephone companies
in 1949 amounted to $761,362 000 or
about 89 per cent of the total. Sales to other
customers, chiefly the U.S. government totaled
$96,829,000.
Earnings in 1949 equaled 5 cents a dollar
of sales and amounted to $42,566,000 Of this
amount $37,500,000 was distributed as dividends
to stockholders at the rate of $1 a
share a quarter, leaving $5,066,000 of the
year's earnings invested in the business.
28
20th-Fox to Release Six
During April, May, June
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox will
release six top quality features, including
four in Technicolor, during April, May and
June, according to Andy W. Smith jr., vicepresident
and general sales manager. Smith
said that the company is "offering potent
boxoffice ammunition during a period when
theatres everywhere need it most."
The April releases will be: "Cheaper By
the Dozen," starring Clifton Webb, Myrna
Ley and Jeanne Crain, and "Wabash Avenue,"
starring Betty Grable, Victor Mature
and Phil Harris. Both are in Technicolor.
May releases will be: "-Rie Big Lift," starring
Montgomery Clift and Paul Douglas,
filmed in its entirety in Germany, and "A
Ticket to Tomahawk," starring Dan Dalley
and Anne Baxter, in Technicolor. The Juilfe
releases will be: "Night and the City,"
starring Gene Tierney and Richard Widmark,
filmed in its entirety in England, and
"Broken Arrow," in Technicolor, starring
James Stewart and Debra Paget.
The Darryl F. Zanuck production, "Three
Came Home," starring Claudette Colbert, will
be given special engagements in selected key
cities during this three-month period, Smith
said.
Nine Monogram Features
Are Awaiting Release
HOLLYWOOD— Monogram now has
nine
pictures completed and awaiting release, and
one currently before the cameras.
Heading the backlog is "Young Daniel
Boone," Cinecolor special, starring David
Bruce. Other films are "Over the Border,"
western starring Johnny Mack Brown; "KiUer
Shark," with Roddy McDowaU: "Square
Dance Katy," with Vera Vague, Virginia
Welles, Phil Brito and Jimmie Davis heading
the cast; "Guns Roar in Rockhill," Whip
Wilson starrer; "Mystery at the Burlesque,"
a British import; "Jiggs and Maggie Out
West," co-starring Joe Yule and Renie Riano;
"Henry Does It Again," with Raymond Walburn
in the title role; and "A Modern Marriage,"
toplining Reed Hadley. Margaret Field
and Nana Bryant.
"High Stakes," starring the "Bowery Boys,"
is now in work with William Beaudine directing
and Jan Grippo producing.
Protestants See New Films
NEW YORK—Three films supplementing
the work of Protestant church school teachers
were shown religious groups in New York
and 105 other cities Tuesday (28). They are
sponsored by the Protestant Film Commission
and the International Council of Religious
Education, and will be distributed by
the Religious Film Ass'n. Some 35mm prints
are available to exhibitors. The titles are
"Birthday Party," "A Job for Bob" and
"What Happened to Jojo?"
UA Gets Tlane Robbery'
NEW YORK—"The Great Plane Robbery,"
a Sam Baerwltz production directed by Edward
L. Cahn, has been acquired by United
Artists and will be nationally released in
March. Tom Conway has the leading role
and Margaret Hamilton, Steve Brodie and
Lynn Roberts are featured.
Theatre
Construction,
Openings and Sales
CONSTRUCTION:
Bryan, Ohio—Hubb
r Hagerman.
Drive-ln unde vay for John
Caio. Mich.— Construction started on 500-car Caro
lor Ashmun Theatres. To open about April 15.
C.-Magnolia
open
Theatre Corp. building
,r,^ mn° i*-
BOO-car dnve-in to in April.
Columb.m.. Ohio-Abe and Jack Cohen building
bUO-car Midway Dnve-In on Route 14. To be completed
by mid-March.
^^Dallos. Tex.—Homer Hodges constructing 300-car
Dolton, Ga.—Martin Theatres, Inc., purchased site
across Irom old airport for construction of drive-in
Denver, Colo.— Permit granted Paul Rothman, Lem
sffn nm.i'''
°''^?" '"^ construction of 750-car,
4150,000 drive-in on 40th avenue and Monaco baule-
Eljriia, Ohio—Tower Drive-In under construction.
drive-in
on Highway 54.
^uIlon. Mo.—W. Monroe Glenn building
Tex.—Galveston Theatres, Inc., building
*^°o'„''„®*'°°'
sop-car, $200,000 drive-in at 75th and Broadway
HatUesbuig. Miss.— Permit issued S. A. BraSsfield
lor construction of $18,000 theatre
Ketchum. Ida.-Philip and Hazel Guss, Intermountain
Theatres Supply Co., purchased two lots for
construction of drive-in.
Knoxville. Tenn.— Permit issued Grant L. and-
Howard L W
for construction of $75,000 drive-in on Clinton
highway tsnd Merchant road.
Lamont. Calil.—Edwin T. Kendrig and Orland Korr
plan to erect 440-car, $100,000 drive-in
Landis, Sosk.-Malet Veale building new theatre.
Los Angeles, Calil.—Herbert Roesner building 400-
seat Vagabond on Wilshire boulevard near Westlake
park
Mather. Man—New theatre under way for Walter
Muleshoe, Tex.-^OO-car drive-in under construction
lor Howard Cox. To open in April.
Port Allen, La.—New theatre under construction.
Hopesville, Tex.— E D. Burgamy to build 500-car
dnve-in U miles northwest of city.
Salem. Ind.—Hallie Blonkenbaker and Ralph Callam
building 500-car drive-in on Highway 56.
Salem, Ind.—Work begun on drive-in on Road 135
lor Harold Gilstrap.
Snyder. Tex.—Phil Isley Theatres and Rueben Wilhams
are building 750-car, $100,000 Canyon.
Springfield. Mo.— I3-acre site on Highway 66 at
Nichols junction purchased by George W. Fuller
and Frank Carswell for construction of $80,000
Ulysses. Kas.—250-car drive-in under way on Highway
160 for Crocker Theatres, Inc. To be completed
by May.
Virden, III.—W, T. Swift building 300-car drive-in
Whitewater, Wis.—Two buildings being razed to
make room for Lakeland Theatre to be built bv
Lakeland Theatre Corp.
OPENINGS:
Charleston, S. C—Albert Sottile, Pastime Amusement
Co
. 350-seat Ashley.
Charlotte. N. C—South 21 Drive-In opened by
Meiselman circuit on Pineville road.
DemopolU, Ala.—New 300-car drive-in to open immediately
for Henry Webb.
Detroit Mich.—400-secrt Center opened by Thomas
Campbell.
Laioyette. La.—550-car Hub opened by Fred T
McLendon Theatres.
Longview, Wash.—Your Drive-In, 500 cars $100 000
opened by Dr. G. H. Mathis.
Morlia, Tex.—Royal Drive-In opened by E. L. Williamson
(S Associates.
Osage, Iowa— Watts, 600 seats, opened by Mr
and Mrs. J, H. Watts.
Perrine. Fla.—Dixie, 450 cars, JIOO.OOO, opened by
Dixie Drive-In Theatres.
Prestonburg, Ky.—JISO.OOO, 725-seal Strand opened.
Sledge. Miss.—300-seat Alpha opened by J W
McCorkle.
Southgate. Calil.—Aladdin Drive-In, 850 cars
opened by Aladdin Theatre Corp.
SALES:
Baden. Pa.—Baden sold to Gust Hages by Martin
and Abraham Rothenstein.
Berryville. Ark.-Main purchased by Cecil Mayberry
from Paul Roberts.
Blair Station. Pa.—Park to Edward and Morv
Rastrelli by Leon Hadfield.
Hudson. S, D.—William Atkins sold Slate to Robert
L Iverson.
Oroville. Calil.—George B. Hickox sold Mesa
Drive-In to Frank S. Devinchenzi.
Paulding. Ohio—Jack O'Connell purchased interest
of partner, Arthur Weaver, in Paulding
Russells Point, Ohio-J. W. Christopher purchased
Indiana Lake Theatre from E. V. Fofrlch
Sorosota, Fla.—D. E. Fulford and R, R, Combs
purchased Interest of I. R. Gildersleeve in Brandenton
Drive-In.
Wall Lake, Iowa—Lee Henry purchased Rio from
Roy DeBow.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
)
Jdod ^6ieh
12 O'clock' Promotions
Given Top Military Aid
It frequently has been pointed out
that theatremen fail to capitalize on
any but the most obvious sales promotion
angles of their attractions
such as the title and stars, and occasionally
the director or producer.
sand heralds were dropped by CAP planes
publicity of national proportions.
hanging sign suspended from the ceiling represented
an airplane in diving position, let-
If the industry is to benefit from
Co-Op on Vaudeville
this experience, distributors and exhibitors
must learn to appraise each
the principal players.
the Capitol Theatre, Miami, Fla.. Manager
tered with the title, stars and star heads of To proclaim the return of vaudeville at
picture by its separate, and sometimes
unanticipated, merits. They
advertising channels and in the theatre pro-
in the Miami Daily News. Spradley worked
The picture was well played up in regular Gordon Spradley promoted a full-page Co-op
must also make the effort to bring
gram which has a wide readership in the with the advertising department of the newspaper
and closed the deal with 22 merchants
outstanding production values to the
territory.
attention of the public as effectively
Thomas Leonard, manager of the State. in seven hours. The theatre received a fivecolumn
by half-page announcement on the
as they now do the title and the
Rhinelander. Wis., worked with the Civil Air
stars.
patrol in his district and recommends the new theatre policy, including cuts of some
— promotion for exhibitors located in communities
where this service is active. Several thou-
show.
of the headline acts booked on the opening
Chester Friedman
Motion pictures long ago reached
a
Following
war
in the
background,
wake of
military
pictures having
cooperation is over Rhinelander at 12 o'clock noon. The
the grownup stage. So has the public
the strongest tieup factor in promoting cu'culars were also dropped over adjacent
so far as entertainment is con-
"Twelve O'clock High" for exhibitors.
towns. The entire cost of the stunt to the
cerned. The regular theatre patron
In Washington, a premiere with plush festivities
theatre was for the heralds, the CAP pro-
sitting through the credit titles on
and high ranking government and viding the planes and pilots gratis.
the picture leader is as much interested
army officials on hand heralded the opening For the picture opening at Hartford, Conn.,
in the costumer, the music di-
at the Palace. The local campaign was Fred Greenway, acting manager of the Loew
rector, scenic artist, set designer,
handled by Jack Foxe, publicity director for Poli, arranged to have a Congressional Medal
cameraman and other technical experts
as he is in the featured players,
ing night. A 50-piece band from the air
Loew's Theatres in the capital.
of Honor winner appear on the stage open-
the producer and the distributor. If ON RADIO PROGRAM
station at Westover Field and a 30-minute
any exhibitor doubts this, let him sit
Sy Bartlett, who collaborated in writing the broadcast from in front of the theatre were
among his audience with ear alert to
screen play, was in Washington and Foxe some of the premiere highlights. Newspapers
catch the comments of the regular
took advantage of this fact to have the treated the occasion with special splurges of
motion picture devotees.
visitor interviewed on the nationwide Department
publicity.
If a direct effort were made to
of Defense Time for Defense program The faces of five clocks in the city were
reach people with more than a cursory
interest in motion pictures, an What is believed to be a record amount of picture title and playdates. Army officials
over the ABC network and other programs. covered with new ones bearing copy on the
extra 50 or 100 patrons might come
promoted radio time for the capital was authorized the posting of recruiting boards
to the theatre to see an especially
garnered in connection with the picture. with posters advertising the picture booking,
brilliant bit of photography. Another
50 whose vocation or hobby WWDC. WEAM, WTNX and WTOP literally to plug the tieup.
Announcements over WMAL, WRC, WOL, and used a sound truck bannered with signs
runs to art might come just to see
saturated the air waves for days prior to In the lobby, an exhibit was arranged
some unusual sets.
opening. The premiere was covered by the showing a cutaway section of a jet engine
More and more, the merchandising
of motion pictures is becoming a
vision station, WTTG.
suits.
CBS outlet, WTOP. and by the Dumont tele-
and several manikins dressed in army flying
problem of establishing production
All Washington daily papers gave photos Windows were obtained for special displays:
values and selling all of them to the
and publicity stories.
a contest was promoted over WTIC, and
public. Everything which might attract
Duke Stalcup. manager of the Martin time was promoted on two other stations.
patronage must be exploited.
Theatre in Opelika. Ala., landed two excel-
Four weeks ago, "The Third Man"
lent newspaper breaks through personal interce.ssion
with the publishers. One story ap-
Country Store Nights
made its bow on Broadway. Today
the picture is one of the principal
peared in Town Topics, written by the publisher
of the Opelika Eagle; the other made Vic Wintle, manager of the Manring Tlie-
Started by Vic Wintle
topics of conversation in New York
because of the novelty and appeal of
the About Town column on the editorial page atre. Middlesboro, Ky.. is presenting a series
the background music consisting of
of the Opelika Daily News. This was in of Country Store nights under the sponsorship
one melody played on a zither
addition to the usual picture publicity on
of local merchants. In conjunction with
throughout the film.
the amusement pages.
the basket giveaways, Wintle sold the Cumberland
Barn Dancers on the idea of present-
It is to be noted that the distributor's
reaction to this was to make
DIVING PLANE DISPLAY
ing weekly exhibitions on the stage. The
capital of the situation. The zither
Two novel display pieces were created in double promotion is drawing increasingly
and the unique melody from the
the lobby. A setpiece was made from litho large crowds each week.
picture have already attained stellar
cutouts and more than 20 scene stills. A
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: March 4. 1950 — 81 — 29

February's Attractions
In
Are Sold
$20,000,000 Teaser Drive!
Arnold Gould, city manager for the Durwood
Theatres in Jefferson City, Mo., put on
a campaign to publicize his February attractions
as "something special" and had the entire
community conscious of his efforts by
injecting a teaser device.
Early in January, daily newspaper ads announcing
"$20,000,000 Is Coming Your Way"
began to appear. The ads also were run in
rural weeklies. Fifty window cards with the
same message were spotted in the best available
locations. Additional signs appeared in
unusual places and people started to wonder
when the windfall was and by what miracle
it would come their way.
Signs then began to show up around the
Capitol, in the lobby, under the marquee
canopy and on the entire east wall of the
theatre. Interest mounted.
Film News to Visitors
With Trade Club Help
A low cost gimmick which served a double
purpose has been developed by W. J. Souttar,
manager of the Lincoln Theatre, Springfield,
111., to give him an accurate check on all visitors
to the city and as a public relations
setup with the Chamber of Commerce.
At regular intervals, blotters are imprinted
with a cut of Abe Lincoln's silhouette and a
message of welcome from the local Chamber
of Commerce. Across the bottom, coming and
current attractions at the Lincoln appear in
a block. Because of the fact that Springfield
attracts many conventions throughout the
year, the low cost promotion has paid off,
and Souttar believes it might be useful to
other exhibitors located in cities which attract
conventions. Through the Chamber of Commerce,
each visitor to the city receives one
of the blotters as he checks into his hotel.
For "Sands of Iwo Jima," Souttar promoted
a quantity of Polite, a substance made locally
for use in sand urns. About an ounce of this
product was placed In glassine envelopes imprinted
with a rubber stamp announcing the
playdates. The envelopes were distributed by
ushers in marine uniforms, as people left the
theatre and to pedestrians on the street.
Essay Contest Exploits
'Red Shoes' in Hartford
An essay contest arranged by Frank Morin,
manager of the Regal Theatre, Hartford,
helped "The Red Shoes." The contest was
staged in conjunction with all music schools
in the city, and was sponsored by a shoe store,
local distributor of Capezio shoes. Ten thousand
bookmarks were distributed in libraries
and book stores.
Sets 'Battleground' Art
A "first" was achieved by Joe Boyle, manager
of Loew's Poll Theatre, Norwich, Conn.,
when he planted a double-column scene mat
on "Battleground" in the Norwich Bulletin.
According to Boyle, this is the first time the
paper has consented to run two-column art
on a motion picture. Theatre, playdate, picture
and star credits comprised the caption.
During the last week in January when interest
was at its peak, Gould revealed the
mystery as $20,000,000 worth of entertainment
scheduled during February. Picture
titles and stars who appear in the productions
were provided in the theatre and newspaper
advertisements.
Gould persuaded officials of the Central
Missouri Trust Co. to run a large newspaper
ad topped by the 20-million-dollar catchline
and an announcement that the bank could
not match the Capitol Theatre offer. This
was followed by a sales message to the effect
that the bank could help start the citizens
on the way to financial security via systematic
savings.
Circuit officials expressed delight with the
effect of the campaign and have commended
Gould for helping to increase grosses.
Stills With Quotes Stir
Interest in 'Forsythe'
A board containing 11 dramatic scenes from
"That Forsyte Woman" was arranged by
Leonard Tuttle, manager of the St. Albans
(N.Y.) Theatre. Beneath each photo, handlettered
captions contained dialog sequences.
Tuttle used another novel lobby display to
publicize "Roseanna McCoy." He obtained
reprints of the Louisville Courier-Journal
containing stories of the Hatfield-McCoy feud.
These were placed on a display sign with a
full-page rotogravure feature from the newspaper's
magazine section. The display stopped
many patrons entering and leaving the
theatre.
Film 18 Years Old Net
Brings in Extra Revenue
In the film vault of the Historic society of
Taunton, Mass., John Corbett, manager of
the local Park Theatre, discovered a film
which had been made showing scenes of the
city in 1932. He borrowed the film and used
it as a second feature, with excellent boxoffice
results. In screening the picture, Corbett
saw scenes taken in and about Taunton
business firms. He contacted these merchants
and ran a series of cooperative ads advertising
the feature.
Dallas Telenews Renamed
Following the installation of a new screen,
projection equipment and a marquee sign, the
Telenews Theatre in Dallas was renamed for
the city in which it is located and opened
with a new policy. "The Fallen Idol" as the
screen attraction on the chance. Manager
Jim Preddy planted abundant news stories
with the papers covering the new theatre
name and the installations.
Co-Op on The Town
A full-page cooperative ad was promoted
by Paul J. Montavon, manager of the Sherman
Theatre, Chillicothe, Ohio, as part of his
campaign on "On the Town." All merchant
ads on the page were headed, "On the Town
Sales" or "On the Town Bargains," and the
three-column display ad in the center of the
page called attention to the booking.
Search for Cinderella
Campaign High Spot
At Boston Debut
A search for Boston's Cinderella girl was
the highlight of the campaign executed on
Walt Disney's new feature at the Keith
Memorial Theatre by James "Red" King, publicity
director for FIKO in that city. The
search was conducted by radio and newspaper
ads, under the sponsorship of a specialty
shoe store named Cinderella of Boston.
In the city to greet the wiimer and
finalists of the contest was Ilene Woods, the
voice of Cinderella in the film.
MANY RADIO SPOTS
An extensive campaign of spot announcements,
editorial comment and programming
of music from the picture created additional
interest. A half-hour salute to Walt Disney
on the day before opening was promoted on
WHDH. Records were interspersed with comments
by newspaper critics and leading citizens.
The broadcast included a transcribed
phone conversation between Mayor John B.
Hynes and Walt Disney in which the mayor
thanked the producer for selecting Boston
as the site for the premiere. He also paid
tribute to the producer's genius for good
family entertainment.
The Louise Morgan daily television show
tied in on a Cinderella slipper promotion in
which the famous Delman slipper was offered
to the wirmer. Cinderellas were nominated
for the title by their fairy godmothers
who were required to state why their
respective candidates resemble the mythical
Cinderella.
SPONSORS BRIDAL SHOW
Filene's department store sponsored a Cinderella
bridal fashion show, based on the
theme of the picture, in the main ballroom
of the Copley Plaza hotel. For the occasion,
the ballroom was transformed into a replica
of the ballroom where Cinderella met Prince
Charming. Wide use of window and store
displays, invitations and programs heralded
the fashion show.
Daily puppet shows on the Christine Evans
television program starring characters from
the film production helped to reach television
audiences with news of the Keith
Memorial playdates.
Lace Panties in Lobby
Center Interest on 'Rib'
For "Adam's Rib" at the Granada Theatre,
Lawrence, Kas., J. D. King, city manager for
Commonwealth Theatres, had a huge display
buUt in the lobby consisting of cutouts
of the two stars, with a pair of lace panties
between them. "Who wears the pants in
your house?" was the catchline for the display
which proved to be very effective.
Plants Radio Contest
Norman Levinson, assistant manager of
Loew's Poll, Hartford, promoted a gratis
contest on Sid Byrens' disk jockey program
heard over station WCCC. Titled "Who Am
I?" the quiz revolved around leading film
players, suggested by advance publicity on
forthcoming attractions booked at the Poll.
The contest ran for six days, with guest tickets
awarded to winners.
30 — 82 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: March 4, 1950

20th IS FAIREST!
Allied Theatres of Michigan Poll
and the Fairest Company of Them All delivers not just words BUT...
PRINCE OF FOXES -TWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH -WHIRLPOOL
DANCING IN THE DARK, Techn.coJor - WHEN WILLIE COMES
MARCHING HOME -MOTHER DIDNTTELL ME -THREE CAME
HOME-OH,YOU BEAUTIFUL DOLL,Techn.co/or-l WAS A MALE
WARBRIDE-WABASH AVENUE^Technico/or- DAKOTA LIL,c.neco/or
UNDER MY SKIN -CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN/Techmco/or- PINKY
CENTURY-FOX

NOVELTY IN
LOBBY ABT
WlIL SCARE THEj^ OUTO.^
%
An inexpensively contrived display helped to piovoke humorous
comment for "Everybody Does It" at the College
Theatre, College Point, N. Y. Manager Leo Raelson rigged
a shower curtain over an old fashioned bathtub and had
a cutout head peering out. Eiiect was startling.
At left, a tricky display built
by Leonard Tuttle, manager of
the St. Albans (N.Y.) Theatre.
The ex-ray of a human chest
was borrowed from a neighborhood
doctor. Stunt created
considerable conjecture on the
location of "Adam's Rib."
lames Broeifle, manager of the El
Rey Theatre, Tulare, Calif., is able to
keep his display budget down because
he does all his own art work.
The project shown above was created
at a net outlay of $1 for a threesheet
and some cardboard. The curtain
was moved on a manually operated
cord.
Ted Wilson, manager of the Joy Theatre, Hayti, Mo., is another
showman who builds his own displays. This one centers attention
on coming attractions. It is located facing people as they
enter the lobby.
A Search for Cinderella highlighted the campaign for "Cinderella" at
the REO Keith Memorial in Boston. James King, publicity manager, arranged
for many outstanding displays in windows oi merchants who
contributed gifts for the winner.
32 — 84 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: March 4, 1950

:(
Here is acclaim with one Meaning—
ALL-TIME
RECORD
GROSSES!
"It is not likely that many more,
if any, motion pictures like 'Samson
and Delilah' will be produced
... of undeniably epic
proportion."
„^,^„ Bower
Detroit Free Press
"Undoubtedly will make boxoffice
history . . . the kind of a
movie that made Hollywood fa-

with
Choir, Quiz and Prizes
Plus Stage Program
Mark Anniversary
Sydney Sale, manager of the Granada
Cinema, Dover. England, promoted a series
of stage activities every night for a week to
celebrate the 20th anniversary of the theatre
opening, in conjunction with the screen booking
of "Little Women." Each of Sale's promotions
was designed to attract extra patronage
during the week instead of merely
creating talk and reminiscences of 20 years
ago.
Preliminary announcements were made with
slides five weeks in advance. Work on a
souvenir program with merchant advertisements
was started last October, and after
printing and distributing costs were taken
care of, a considerable surplus was donated
to the ABC staff benefit fund.
Thirty prizes valued at $150 were promoted
from national and local business firms and
awarded as door prizes during anniversary
week.
FULL-PAGE ARTICLE
A full-page writeup devoted to "lii.ttle
Women, " cuts of the stars and a huge
"Happy Birthday, Granada," was prompted
in the Kent Sports and Entertainment Reporter,
a monthly publication with a wide
circulation.
The Dover Express and East Kent News
is the only local paper which requires that
all space pertinent to motion picture publicity
be paid for. On this occasion. Sale
invited the staff reporter to his office, placed
the entire campaign in his hands and succeeded
in obtaining a full column sjtory devoted
to the anniversary.
The bakery department of the Dover Cooperative
society prepared a special cake for
the anniversary based on a scale model of
the Granada Cinema. Weighing a mere 30
pounds, intricate detail was worked in with
icing. In due course, the cake was presented
to the Dover hospital and a photograph of
the presentation later appeared in the newspapers.
The cake was displayed in the theatre
and next to it a three-tier birthday cake,
six feet high and with 20 electrically lighted
candles, was placed as a centerpiece in the
foyer. Surrounding the cake, the door prizes
promoted from merchants were exhibited.
MANY FLOWERS RECEIVED
The interior of the theatre and exterior
were banked with flowers supplied by a local
florist in return for a credit card. The exterior
was also decorated with flags, bunting
and colored lamps made available by the
electricity board at no charge.
The stage show activities included an oparning
night fanfare by the ceremonial band of
the Dover Sea Cadets plus an exhibition of
physical training and gymnastics, a popular
quiz between teams of the local fire brigade
and the Parker Pen social club, a recital by
the Dover Co-op Ladies Guild choir, an exhibition
by the Dover Young Ladies Gymnastic
club and organ renditions with audience
participation quizzes conducted by the
organist.
Sale's account of his activities is concluded
with the notation that the theatre
enjoyed the best business in several months.
General comments on the overall program
were excellent.
34
Television Campaign
Set for Newark
Believed to be the first television advertising
campaign set by an exhibitor
in the New York metropolitan area, a
series of ten three -minute spots have
been purchased on radio station WATV
to exploit "Dear Wife" at the Paramount
Theatre in Newark. The announcement
was made by Ben Griefer, general manager
of the A. A. Adams Theatres in
Newark.
The theatre became a participating
sponsor on five of the station's afternoon
shows, four daily telecasts, and a
late sports program. In addition to the
special video trailer on "Dear Wife," the
theatre will utilize filmed and live commercials
in an effort to interest TV set
owners in current and coming attractions
at the Paramount.
The campaign is being handled by Jay
Wren, advertising-publicity director for
the Paramount.
Youth Contest on Air
Stimulates 'Mike'
Abe Ludacer, manager of the Valentine
Theatre, Toledo, arranged newspaper and
radio contests on "Mrs. Mike." Passes were
offered through the columns of the Toledo
Blade for persons who had read the book,
"Mrs. Mike," and submitted the most interesting
letters on how much they enjoyed
reading it.
WTOD sponsored a contest for teen-agers
on "What is the proper age to marry?" Cash
prizes and passes were awarded to winners,
and all contestants received gifts of Chase &
Sanborn coffee. The national tieup with the
coffee distributors netted window streamers
in all grocery stores in the area. Chase &
Sanborn coffee was also offered free to all
couples getting married during the showing
of the picture.
Rubber-Masked Employe
Scores Chiller Interest
A recent horror show booked by W. J. Isenhower,
manager of the Ritz. Newcomerstown,
Ohio, was exploited with a street ballyhoo,
lobby display, and circulars distributed in
homes and parked cars. The Saturday midnight
program included "The Walking Monster"
and "Black Friday."
Isenhower secured a rubber mask of the
Frankenstein monster and had one of the
theatre employes wear it and walk across the
stage during the showing of the trailer. The
lobby display Included special posters playing
up the chills, thrills and horror angle,
and a coffin was placed in the lobby with a
sign reading, "Here lies "The Walking Monster,'
etc."
Plays Up Pa Kettle
Harold DeGraw. manager of the Milford
(Del.) Theatre, played up Percy Kilbride in
his newspaper campaign for "Free for All,"
referring to him as the star of "Ma and Pa
Kettle."
— 86 —
Baby Derby Tips Gross
By 37 Per Cent; Costs
Theatre $6.64 Net
A baby derby sponsored by neighborhood
merchants stimulated interest in "And Baby
Makes Three" for Bud Friedman, manager
of the Vogue, Cleveland. The derby was extensively
publicized by local newspapers,
gratis radio plugs and displays in the theatre
lobby and merchant windows. Each business
firm contributed a gift as a jackpot for the
parents of the first child born locally during
the engagement of the picture.
The gifts were displayed in the lobby with
signs, and for extra attention value. Friedman
borrowed a playpen and a doll, and set
up nearby. Across the lobby diapers were
strung on a line. Cutout letters spelled out
the picture title and the playdates were placed
at either end.
All diaper service trucks and milk delivery
vehicles owned by two of the sponsoring
firms carried banners announcing the picture
and Vogue playdates.
Theatre employes wore badges with picture
copy and these were topped with miniature
diapers affixed with large safety pins. The
newspaper came back with extra publicity
breaks following the announcement that the
derby winner was a ten pound boy, born to
Mr. and Mrs. Evert of Cleveland Heights,
The father of the -child is a graduate of Notre
Dame and served overseas during the recent
war for three years.
According to Friedman, the entire campaign
cost was reduced to $6.64 after the
sponsors underwrote expenses. Apparently
the extra effort paid off handsomely because
receipts were 37 per cent above average for
the previous eight weeks.
Supermarket Sponsors
Super Circus Matinee
A super circus show sponsored by a local
supermarket was promoted by Dana Bradford,
manager of the Rosetta Theatre, Miami, Fla.,
which attracted a capacity audience at a
matinee show for children. The stage show
included clowns, trained animals and western
acts. Each child who attended received hot
dogs, pink lemonade, peanuts and balloons.
The screen show included a western, serial,
three cartoons, plus the regular feature, "And
Baby Makes Three."
The sponsor paid for the circus show and
supplied all the free giveaway items in return
for theatre advertising. The show was
exploited through the usual theatre advertising
channels and special circulars, in addition
to signs in the sponsor's store.
Parade Marks Opening
Of 'Jinia' at Buffalo
^
A parade involving marine corps units,
^^
four drum corps and various patriotic organizations,
and ceremonies on the stage of
the theatre, were highlights of the campaign
for "Sands of Iwo Jima" put on by Robert
Murphy, manager of the 20th Century Theatre.
Buffalo. High ranking naval and marine
officers introduced heroes of the Iwo
Jima campaign on the stage, while outside a
military demonstration and arc lights attracted
thousands of people to the area.
BOXOFHCE Shovraiandiser :: March 4, 1950

Press breaks down » but $2.88
keeps editions rolling
Press broke down at 5 p.m., at end of evening edition's run. But this publisher
got replacement parts in a hurry the same way he gets electros, mats, news photos
—by Air Express. An 18-lb. carton traveled 500 mUes, was delivered by 11 pm.
Shipping charge S2.88. Morning edition published as usual.

Last-Minute Booking
Of Iwo Jima' Is Given
Smart Campaign
A last-minute booking of "Sands of Iwo
Jima" gave Doug Smith, manager of the Casino
Theatre. Halifax. N. S.. only two days
to get his campaign into action. He nevertheless
accomplished a lot in that short time.
Spots were put on the air immediately. Envelopes
were ordered imprinted with copy.
"This is sand from Iwo Jima, etc." As these
came off the press, sand was inserted in each
one and they were distributed by theatre employes.
Lobby signs and displays were placed outside
the theatre, and a 15-foot banner was
placed next to a six-sheet in a prominent
window on one of the town's busiest streets.
On the first two days of the run, martial
music was piped through a speaker placed
on the theatre marquee. The second day of
the run, a parade of army cadets marched
to the theatre where they put on a demonstration
of military precision exercises.
Gets 'Lover Co-Op
William Harwell, manager of the Palace,
Lorain, Ohio, promoted a full-page newspaper
cooperative ad on "The Great Lover." Advertisers
on the page keyed their copy to
"Special Sales for 'The Great Lover' of Bargains."
Each ad included a reverse block with
the title of the picture, and Harwell used a
four-column display ad at the top of the page.
Brotherhood Bonus
Deadhne Extended
Announcement of the winner of
the special BOXOFFICE Bonus for
Brotherhood w^eek will be made
next month. Originally scheduled
for the March 11 issue of BOX-
OFFICE, an early press date for the
Showmandiser section and delay
in movement of mail caused by inclement
weather in some sections
of the country prompted this decision.
By postponing the announcement
until April, every exhibitor
will be afforded an opportunity
to submit his entry for the
Brotherhood Bonus.
Campaigns and a copy of the enrollment
form mailed to the regional
Brotherhood chairman should be
forwarded to the Showmandiser
section, BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller
Plaza, New York 20, N. Y.
Aids Scout Week
Julius Lamm, manager of the Uptown in
Cleveland, tied up with Boy Scout week in
behalf of "The Great Lover." Sixty-five Boy
Scouts paraded to the theatre on opening
day, with a banner reading, "We're on our
way to see Cleveland's own Bob Hope in 'The
Great Lover.' " etc.
'Sundowners' Stars
On Brief Stop Net
Publicity Splurge
By his alert showmanship, Don Klock, publicity
manager for the State, Lyceum and
Mesa theatres in Clovis, N. M., promoted an
unscheduled event and a generous quantity
of newspaper publicity in behalf of the regional
premiere of "The Sundowners" a.\, the
local State Theatre.
Although the picture was scheduled to open
with other theatres in Texas, New Mexico
and Oklahoma, special activities centering
around Hollywood star appearances were
slated for Amarillo, Tex. Learning that the
stars would be passing through Clovis, hub
of the Santa Fe lines, en route to Amarillo,
Klock wired Leon Brandt, Eagle Lion
publicity director who was on the train, asking
if there would be a short stopover in
Clovis and requesting permission to stage an
impromptu welcome for the visitors.
Brandt okayed the stunt and Klock moved
into action, contacting the newspapers and
radio station. Broadcasters immediately began
bombarding the air-waves with spot announcements
informing the citizens of Clovis
that the stars would be in town and urging
them to be at the depot. But Clovis newspapers
had photographers and reporters on
hand, and when the stars stepped from the
train they were presented promoted bouquets
of flowers by a group of more than
250 people who had gathered.
COLUMBIA PICTURES
ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS OF THE FOLLOWING PICTURES
ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING
BLONDIE'S
HERO
Based upon the comic strip
"Blondie" created by CHIC YOUNG
Penny SINGLETON
Arthur LAKE
Larry SIMMS
Marjorie Kent •William Frawley
and Daisy
Story and Screen Play by Jock Henley
Directed by EDWARD BERNDS
Produced by TED RICHMOND
THE PALOMINO
c6t6^^CHNIC0L0ll
with
Jerome COURTLAND
Beverly TYLER
Joseph CALLEIA
Roy ROBERTS
Written by Tom Kilpatrick
Directed by RAY NAZARRO
Produced by ROBERT COHN
BODYHOLD
with
Willard PARKER
Lola ALBRIGHT
Hillary BROOKE
Allen JENKINS
Written by George Bricker
Directed by
SEYMOUR FRIEDMAN
Produced by
RUDOLPH C FLOTHOW
BOXOFFICE Shovtrmandiser :: March 4. 1950 — 89 37

BOXOFFICE NUGGETS
Phil Masters, manager of the Town Theatre,
Miami, Pla.. dressed his sidewalk doorman
in a costume similar to the one worn
by Tyrone Power in "Prince of Foxes."
Equipped with a sword, the "barker" put on
a fencing demonstration in the downtown
section.
For "Tobacco Road" at the Strand in
Miami, Arthur Price, exploitation manager for
Wometco circuit's neighborhood theatres, promoted
a jalopy giveaway with a used car
dealer. The vehicle was given away by means
of a lucky drawing. In addition to distributing
tickets, the dealer displayed one car on
his lot with a sign announcing the giveaway.
and put a second car in front of the theatre.
Fred Greenway, manager of the Palace,
Hartford, Conn., promoted a contest in the
Hartford Times which helped "Ambush."
Greenway offered passes to readers sending
in the longest list of words composed from
the title.
Extra interest was stimulated for "Stromboli"
by a word-building contest promoted
by William Hastings, manager of the Orpheum
in Denver. The contest was conducted
by a local newspaper. Readers were required
to build words from letters in the
title of the picture.
Breakfasi Matinee
First Day Booster
For 'King's Men'
An early bird breakfast matinee set up by
Louise Cotter, publicist for the RKO Brandels
Theatre, Omaha, intrigued the local
newspaper representatives and attracted extra
business to the first-day showing of "All the
King's Men." Coffee and doughnuts were
served to the early arrivals, with all newspapers
carrying stories in advance and as a
followup.
Five thousand cards with teaser copy and
cuts of the stars of the picture were numbered
in sets of eight. They were distributed
throughout the city and persons collecting
a complete set were given a pass.
Lacking a music angle to tie in for radio
promotion, an ingenious device was introduced
in the campaign through the cooperation
of Decca record dealer and radio station
KOIL. Miss Cotter sold the station on
the idea of a Prize Song contest. "All the
King's Men" and other outstanding literary
works are eligible for Pulitzer prizes. The
radio contest enabled listeners to suggest
songs which were eligible for a comparative
award. Records featured on the program were
supplied by Decca and prizes of albums were
awarded to wiimers of the contest. The picture
and playdates were plugged in all announcements.
KOIL also followed up this tieup with a
Man on the Street broadcast. Window displays
played an important part of the campaign
with department stores, book shops and
magazine dealers cooperating.
A full-page newspaper co-op ad was promoted
with merchants on the Angle, " 'AH
the King's Men' Couldn't Find Better Bargains."
The Brandeis playdates were included
with the usual copy.
Lfiamour
lA/itk a Zrtench ..Accent
What have YOU done today to help secure
repeal of the unfair amusement tax?
Featured in many current Alexander movie-ads is petite Madeleine
Swenson, famous French cover girl. Madeleine, vsrar bride
of an American GI, is now charming movie audiences across the
nation with her captivating personality.
Top professional modeling talent plus the most modern production
techniques are combined in movie-ads by Alexander . . .
displayed in more than half of the nation's theatres.
Arrange now to earn regular added income for your theatre.
Simply reserve a few minutes of screening time daily for Alexander
movie-ads and start the added profits coming your way.
Write today for full information. We'll welcome the opportunity
to tell you more!
DRiuElnTHERTRES
WAHOO, world's mosi thrlHIng screen game, is a
four-star feature that tops everything else ever
known in Its field. Weeic after week, In Drive-in
Theatres all over the country, WAHOO keeps draw-
Ing record crowds. Week after week, without
letting up, WAHOO ranks 1st at the boxofflce.
No wonder then that Drive-in theatre men everywhere
acclaim WAHOO America's ace drawing
card.
Write us today for complete details. Be sure to
give your car capacity.
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO.
831 South Wabash Ave. Chicago, lUjnoif
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
BRANCH OmCES: NEW YORK * • CHICAGO * * DALLAS * * SAN FRANCISCO
38
— 90 —
DRIVE-IN EXHIBITORS with
CENTRAL SOUND or POST SPEAKERS!
CONVERT to IN-CAR SPEAKERS
Now at •conomical prices b*ior« th* seoaonol rtuh.
Order unm«diW«ly to ossur* prompt deliTary.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MANUFACTURING CO.
72S Ballimor* (Phon* HA. 8007) Kaniai City, Mo.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: March 4, 1950

.
HOW TO
BWy WE PROPER SOUND SYSTEM
FOR YOUR THEATRE
% Each installation is custom made to meet
the physical and financial requirements
of any theatre or drive-in.
# Each installation will fit your needs —
present and future.
# CENTURY equipment includes all modern
operating features plus the flexibility
to accommodate expansion.
# Available in single or dual channel from
1 5 to 1 000 v/atts or higher.
CENTURY W5 Amplification
System— 250 watts (Duo Main
Amplifiers) Rack Mounted
Get a sound system engineered for your theatre
THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST OF ALL . .
SYSTEMS YOU CAN SEE
AND HEAR THE DIFFERENCE!
CENTURY R5 Standard Reproduce
CENTURY SOUND REPRODUCERS
You can hear the difference—
The film drive filter mechanism that won the
Academy Award is Kjied in all CENTURY sound
reproducers.
Mechanical advantages:
Quick and simple threading operation.
Oil-less bearings— no oil to mess up film.
Maintenance reduced due to simple design.
Interchangeable unit construction simplifies
service.
CENTURY R6 Master Reproducer
And remember this —
THE AMAZING NEW WATER-COOLED CENTURY PROJECTOR:
with a 90 ampere arc it will put as much light on the screen as other projectors
using a 180 ampere ore and heat filters!!
Now available with 4" diam. lens mounts.
If you're looking for full brilliance and sharper pictures without loss of light or
wasted power— this is it.
kPROJECTION & SOUND SYSTEMS
Ask your CENTURY deoler to demonstrate this new improved equipment.
See him also for your needs in theatre equipment, parts and service.
SOLD BY
ALBANY THEATRE
SUPPLY CO.
1046 Broadway
Albany 4, New York
AMUSEMENT SUPPLY CO.
341 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y
J.F.DUSMAN COMPANY
12 East 25th St.
Baltimore 18, Maryland
CENTRAL NEW YORK
THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
215 Cravrford Ave.
Syracuse 3, New York

Midwestern and Southwestern
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
EQUIPMENT SHOW
and
DRIVE-IN
THEATRE OWNERS
CONVENTION
Phillips
Hotel
Kansas City, Mo. May 9-10, 1950
Exhibitors Nationwide Invited
Drive-In Operators from 15 states
expected to attend.
Exhibits - - - - Experienced Speakers
Open Forum
Write or Wire
for rates on display space, souvenir program
ads and ior hotel reserrations
ALLIED THEATRES
130 W. 18th St. Kansas City- Mo.
Novel 'Ambush' Ads
Help Detroit Adams
Conserve Space
Doris Moss Pearl, publicist for the Adams
and Downtown theatres in Detroit, lised a
unique format in connection with her newspaper
campaign for "Ambush" to effect sharp
economy of newspaper space. A series of
nine solid block strips in two banks leading
in from the left provided a sharp contrast in
black and white. The entire selling message
was incorporated in these blocks in 16 point
reverse type. A six-Inch figure of Robert
Taylor in action was superimposed over the
center lines.
The ad proved so effective that the same
format was used in holdover advertising.
The overall space of the layout was 16
inches, about half the space normally considered
essential to achieve a dominating position
in the Detroit papers.
The picture played at the Downtown Theatre.
Nautical Exhibit Builds
Interest in 'Captain China'
A search conducted for a scale model of a
seagoing freighter through the Detroit Historical
Ass'n aroused interest in the marine
theme of "Captain China" at the Palms Theatre
in Detroit. The search was promoted by
Beverly Dipple, publicist for the Palms, and
Rufus Shepherd, manager. A local columnist
furnished the details to newspaper readers.
Regulation seamen's caps, with "Captain
China" painted on the upturned brims, were
worn by all employes two weeks before opening.
In the lobby, a display of nautical equipment
Including an anchor, life jackets, ship's
bells, etc., was set up two weeks in advance.
Action stills stressing the adventure angle
of the picture were displayed in bookshop
windows.
Indianapolis Mrs. Mikes
Given Pound of Coffee
Capitalizing on the national tieup with
Chase & Sanborn on "Mrs. Mike," Howard
Rutherford, manager of Loew's Theatre in
Indianapolis, promoted spots gratis on radio
stations WISH, WIRE and WFBM three days
in advance. The firm distributed 300, 18x24
posters in grocery stores and windows
throughout the city. The first 50 women who
attended the picture and identified themselves
as "Mrs. Mike" by virtue of their husband's
name received one -pound cans of coffee
gratis.
CLEARING HOUSE
(Contlnaed from inside bacic cover)
THEATRE SEATING
Chair-tty begins at 8.0. S. We're practically citing
'em away. 800 Heywood veneer back, squab
seat, good condition, $3.25: 1,000 American panel
bacli metal lined spring cushion, excellent, $4.95:
271 sturdy veneer folding chairs, $2.95: 293 rebuilt
panel back spring cushion, only $4.95: 2,000
Late .\merican 7 ply veneers, like new, $5.25.
Send for Chair Bulletin containing complete list.
Dept. C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
52nd St.. New York 19.
Patch-0-Seat cement. Patching clotb, solvent,
etc. Penstn Seating Co.. Chicago 5.
Tidhten loose chairs with Permastone tochor
cement. Fensin Seating Co.. Chicago 6.
Chair supplies. Everything for theatre chairs.
Fensin Seating Co., Chicago 5.
Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity
wanted. Photographs mailed with quotation. Fensin
Seating Co., Chicago B.
No more torn seats: Itepalr with tlie original
Palch-A-Seat. Complete kit, $6. General Chair
Co.. Oiicago 22, 111.
Chair Parts: We furnish most any part you require.
Send sample for price, brackets, backs
and seats. General Chair Co., 1308 Elston Ave..
Clilcago 22. 111.
Several thousand used opera chairs now In
stock. Can furnish any amount you re

N. Y. Theatres Pledge
To Conserve Coal
NEW YORK—All theatre members of the
rationing.
Michigan became the tenth state to declare
a fuel emergency Monday (27). Governor
Williams issued the order after Donal S.
Leonard, fuel administrator, warned him that
more than 50 communities were running out
of coal.
C. Harry Thorns, Pioneer,
Dies on Staten Island
NEW YORK—C. Harry Thorns, 63, a pioneer
in the industry, died Wednesday (1) at
his home at Stapleton, Staten Island. He
was born in New York and went into the film
field at the age of 15 as an usher. He supervised
the building of the first motion picture
theatre in Far Rockaway. Queens, and for
15 years worked for Sol Brill, operator of a
chain of film houses in Staten Island. He
also supervised the building of the St. George
Theatre.
At the time of his death he owned the
Meurot night club at St. George. He is survived
by his wife Mary, sons Charles H. and
Earl, and a brother James.
Board of Review Favors
End of Admissions Tax
Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n.
Independent Theatre Owners Ass'n and the
(League of New York Theatres have pledged
to comply with the state order to maintain NEW YORK—The board of directors of the
temperature ceilings of 68-70 degrees in state National Board of Review voted February 27
and municipal buildings.
to advocate elimination of the admissions tax.
Although the order issued by Bertram D. The resolution read as follows:
Tallamy. state solid fuels administrator, does "The motion picture has educational as
legislation in favor of local admissions taxes,
not apply to theatres, the voluntary observance
is in line with the general policy of all anything that promotes the attendance at
well as entertainment value. The board favors upon the elimination of the federal admissions
tax."
New York theatres to extend every effort to better films. Lower prices promote attendance
and the removal of the tax should pro-
cooperate with governmental authorities,
MPIC Hears Marvin Faris
which concern the public interest, according mote the trend to lower prices. Our motion
On COMPO Tax Report
to Joseph R. Vogel, chairman of the joint picture councils throughout the country
HOLLYWOOD—Details of progress in the
theatre committee on coal conservation, representing
all film and legitimate theatres So do many public organizations interested
favor the elimination of this wartime tax.
all-industry fight to repeal the federal tax
on admissions were reported to the Motion
using coal.
in the cultural value to adults and juveniles
Picture Industry Council membership at a
In addition to Vogel, MMPTA, the joint alike."
midweek meeting by Marvin Faris. executive
theatre committee consists of Harry Brandt,
Signers of the resolution were Quincy
of the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers, following his return from
ITOA president: Brock Pemberton, president
Howe, president; Mrs. Curtice Hitchcock, secretary,
and Henry Hart, treasurer.
Washington, D.
of League of New York Theatres; Robert
Etowling, president of City Investment
C. where he attended a session
of the Committee of Motion Picture
Co.,
and Benjamin Fielding, Loew's Theatres
Organizations.
executive.
In Massachusetts all theatre, apartment
At the MPIC session Ronald Reagan, concluding
his six-month term as chairman,
and hotel owners were ordered to hold to a
65-degree maximum temperature. Boarden
turned the gavel over to Roy M. Brewer.
Covel, emergency fuel administrator, said the
Simultaneously, under the MPIC system of
situation was at the critical stage and that
rotating chairmanships, Paul Groesse was
It might be necessary to reinstate wartime
confirmed as co-chairman.
MMPTA Tells Members Tax
Ads Must Be Continued
NEW YORK—The Metropolitan Motion
Picture Theatres Ass'n tax committee has
instructed member theatres to continue to
carry "Repeal Movie Tax" copy in their newspaper
ads, programs, heralds and window
cards but to discontinue use of the tax trailer
and the mailing of protest post cards to local
congressmen because all have pledged themselves
to fight for repeal.
In a bulletin to members titled "Half-way
Mark in Tax Repeal Campaign," D. John
Phillips, executive director, said: "Remember
that the excise tax repeal bill is still to be
written and passed, and that our industry
is pressing for outright repeal and not merely
a reduction in federal admi.ssions taxes. Also,
everything we do now to lick the tax will
serve as a bulwark against any proposed local
Swanson on TV Panel'
NEW YORK—Gloria Swanson Joined in the
ticket tax campaign Sunday (5) by appearing
on Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt's NBC television
program. Two other speakers were
Vivien Kellems, Connecticut manufacturer,
and Roy Blough. professor of economics at
the University of Chicago.
Second Drive-In Measure
Into N.Y. Legislature
ALBANY— Senator Paul A. Pino of the
Bronx has introduced into the upper house
a companion mea.sure to a bill prepared by
Assemblyman Alfred A. Lama which would
prohibit future construction of drive-ins in
cities with more than 250.000 population. No
formal protests on the Lama bill have been
received by the assembly codes committee,
although several drive-in operators have expressed
opposition to it. Their contention is
that the measure is discriminatory.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
A CARD OF THANKS—Five hundred New York theatres are showing one-sheets
expressing gratitude for the pledges of all local congressmen to work for repeal of
the admissions tax. They were made up for display by borough, naming the congressmen
In a borough. This one Is being shown in Brooklyn. MMPTA and ITOA
paid for them and distributed them to member theatres.
BOXOFnCE March 4. 1950 41

. . . Carl
. . Mrs.
. . . Jack
BROADy\fAy
. . . Victor Hoare. managing
/^harles Levy and Leo Samuels of the Walt
Disney home office returned from Chicago
where they set up the campaign for
"Cinderella"
director of European distribution for SRO.
returned to London by plane following a
week of conferences with Selznick home office
executives . . . Ben Goetz, head of MGM
British production, arrived from London on
way to the coast for conferences on the
filming of "Ivanhoe" and other pictures at
the company's Boreham Woods studio . . .
B. G. Kranze, Film Classics vice-president
in charge of sales, left on a tour of southern
exchanges and then proceeded to the coast
York, MPAA representative for
Scandinavia and Finland, left for Stockholm
after spending several weeks in the U.S.
. . . Maurice
Greer Garson, MGM star, who completed
"The Miniver Story" in England; Joe Ruttenberg,
the cameraman on the production;
Herbert Marshall and wife; Joseph Calleia,
who completed two Italian features, and Sol
Hurok, ballet and concert impresario, were
among the 1,470 passengers who arrived from
London on the Queen Mary
Silverstein, Loew's International Latin American
director, returned to New York from
an eight-week tour of his territory, while
Arthur Pincus, Loew's Int'l assistant adpublicity
director, left for London by plane
March 1 . . Dr. Renato Gualino, Lux Films
.
president and head of the Italian Motion
Picture Producers Ass'n, arrived from Rome
for a four-week stay.
Syd Gross, Film Classics national director
of advertising and publicity, left for Hollywood
... A. J. Balaban, executive director
of the Roxy Theatre, was host to ten screen
unit members of the Gagwriters institute,
who studied the humor in "When Willie
Comes Marching Home" . Carolyn
Willyoung Stagg returned to her former post
as eastern editorial and talent representative
for Samuel Goldwyn. Lew Kerner, executive
talent director for Goldwyn, returned to the
coast after three weeks here interviewing
new talent . . Sigmund Gottlober, director
.
of the Foreign Language Press Film Critics
circle, has been named head of the 1950 Red
Cross campaign for the foreign press.
tJradwell L. Sears, UA president, left by
ne for a Florida vacation. Executive aslant
Paul Lazarus jr. will return from
Phoenix, Ariz., March 6 . . . George F. Dem-
J»ow of National Screen Service planed out
to the coast, and will return in time to
leave for Europe late in the month . . . Sam
JDembow, president of Producers Service
^orp., also flew out to the west coast . . .
Andy W. Smith jr., 20th Century-Fox sales
h^ad, left for a month's vacation in Jacksonville
but will interrupt it to fly to the showmanship
meeting in Chicago starting March 8.
. . .
"T Macdonald Carey, Paramount star, was
here to fill a Theatre Guild of the Air commitment
Sunday (5). Elizabeth Taylor, MGM
.sWirlet, will play on the same program the
fMlowing Sunday . . . 'Van Johnson passed
through en route ^y plane to London to attend
Hedy
the Battleground" opening Lamarr. whose i'Samson and Delilah" is at
the Rivoli, is staying at the Waldorf-Astoria
Towers . . . Robert Young, star of the Harry
Popkin production, "Ellen," was here to take
part in radio broadcasts and interviews for
the film . . . Janet Gaynor, silent days star,
and her husband, the MGM fashion designer
Adrian, were here to see the shows.
Charles Patrick, vice-president and account
executive with Bermingham, Castleman &
Pierce for the past 14 years, has joined the
executive staff of Donahue & Coe . . . J. E.
Schwartz, assistant to Herman R. Maier, chief
engineer for Warner Theatres, has resigned
to join E. C. Bullock, theatre architect . . .
Barbara Day. now with Motion Picture Sales
Corp., has also been named national sales
and promotion director for the Fred Astaire
dance studio chain by Charles L. Casanave
Kingsley, a member of the Warner
home office publicity department, became the
father of twins.
Fred Peters. Homell, N. Y„
Theatre Owner, Dies
HORNELL, N. Y.—Fred F. Peters, 81, owner
of the Majestic Theatre here, died February
19 at the Halifax District hospital in Daytona
Beach, Fla.
Peters was born in Montour Falls but
moved as a child with his parents to Binghamton.
During the early part of his life he
worked for the Erie railroad, serving at one
time as ticket agent at Corning. He left the
&ie after 26 years of service.
Peters opened his first theatre in a store
building opposite the Erie station in Corning.
Later he operated theatres in Waverly, Hornell
and Oswego. In 1911 Mrs. Peters took
charge of his theatres when her husband became
storekeeper and purchasing agent for
the Corning Glass Works. Shortly thereafter
Peters erected the Majestic Theatre
here.
Peters retired in 1925. Lela Theatre Corp.
now operates the Majestic.
Peters was a 32nd degree Mason and a
member of the Corning Kalurah Temple and
the Hornellsville Emmanus Shrine. Survivors
include his wife Grace, a son Arthur and a
daughter, Mrs. Robert E. O'Hern, of Holly
Hill, Fla. pineral and burial was in Hornell.
AT MUSIC HALL—Russell V. Downing,
left, executive vice-president of Radio
City Music Hall, chats with Alfred Hitchcock,
director of "Stage Fright" for Warner
Bros., and Mrs. Hitchcock on the
occasion of the opening of the picture at
the world's largest theatre.
Paul Moss, 70, Dies;
Was License Official
NEW YORK — Funeral services for Paul
Moss, 70, New York City license commissioner
from 1934 to 1946 and formerly associated
with the B. S. Moss circuit, were held at
Temple Israel. Moss, who died February 25,
had been ill for several months and had returned
February 1 from a six-week vacation
in Florida.
Moss, a native of New York City, was associated
with his brother B. S. Moss in building
a chain of 23 theatres in New York. The
theatres later were absorbed by RKO. He
and his brothers also produced a few features
in New York. Moss was a founder and member
of the board of managers of the Theatre
Guild and was connected in producing a
number of musical and dramatic plays, including
"Subway Express" and "Processional."
During his term as license commissioner.
Moss set in motion a general cleanup of conditions
in the film and legitimate theatres.
He campaigned against bingo, banko and
screeno in theatres, and in 1936 he had a
law passed which provided children with a
separate section in film houses, with a matron
in attendance. In 1937, Moss rang down
the curtain on burlesque in New York City
by denying the applications of 14 burlesque
theatres for renewal of their licenses. In
1942, he forced the closing of "Wine, Women
and Song," a revue, and, in 1945, he forced
the closing of "Trio," a dramatic play, on
the grounds of immorality. Since leaving his
city post. Moss had been managing director
of the New York City Center.
Moss was one of a family of seven, the
surviving members being three brothers, B. S.
and Moses J. Moss of New York City and
Louis Moss of California, and two sisters,
Mrs. Etta Flato and Mrs. Rae Trilling of New
York.
Brotherhood Observance
Is 'Most Successful'
NEW YORK—Robert W. Coyne, assistant
to Ted R. Gamble, national chairman of the
motion picture division of the National Conference
of Christians and Jews, which sponsored
Brotherhood week, presided at a meeting
of home office representatives February
27 to hear a progress report on the observance
which closed February 26.
The motion picture industry enlisted the
screens of thousands of theatres throughout
the U.S., and indications are that the week
will prove to have been the "most successful
in the history of the celebration," Coyne said.
A full report of the extent of industry participation
and support is expected to be completed
by March 15.
Other speakers at the luncheon meeting
were A. W. Schwalberg and Max E. Youngstein
of Paramount. Home office chairmen
present included Ulric Bell, 20th-Fox; Harry
Buckley, United Artists; William Brenner,
National Screen Service; Maury Goldstein,
Monogram; Monroe Goodman, Paramount;
Harry Marcus, Republic; Jack Mclnerny,
United Paramount; Robert Mochrie, RKO;
John O'Connor, Universal-International; Pat
Scollard, Paramount; L. 'V. Schlaifer, Eagle
Lion, and Itncus Sober, Loew's.
Peter Lawford and June Allyson will star
with Fred Astaire in MGM's "Royal Wedding."
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

—
. . . Harriet
. .
. . Harold
. . H.
. Bv
. .
. .
. .
. . Tony
. . Al
.
.
.
.
.
'Cinderella' Is Leader
Of Broadway Films
NEW YORK—The second week of New
York's brownout saw an increasing number
of theatregoers staying away from the darkened
Times Square sector with the result that
business was below expectations, even for the
new films. The winter's first freezing weather
and the start of Lent also had an ill effect
on grosses.
The only waiting lines were in evidence at
the Mayfair, where "Cinderella" attracted
youngsters during the daytime. "Three Came
Home" also had a good first week, at the
Astor although it, too. suffered because of
the darkening of its spectacular theatre sign.
Even the Radio City Music Hall, with the new
Hitchcock film, "Stage Fright," and the Capitol
with the multi-starred "Malaya," did
less than their usual opening week business.
Some of the straight film houses hit new
lows.
The Paramount hired extra doormen and
ushers in anticipation of record business for
the personal appearance of Bob Hope and
Jane Russell in conjunction with "Captain
China," which started March 1. "Mother
Didn't Tell Me," "Borderline" and "Dakota
Lil" also opened during the week.
{Average is lOQ)
Astor—Three Came Home (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 110
Bijou—The Red Shoes (EL), 71st wk ol two-a-day.... 90
Capitol—Malaya (MGM), plus stage show 110
Criterion—Woman in Hiding (U-1) 90
Globe—The Outlaw (RKO), 2nd wk ol return run....ll5
Gotham Beau Geste (Para); Lives of a Bengal
Lancer (Para), reissues 100
Loews Slate—Key to the City (MGM), 4th wk 70
Maylair— Cinderella (RKO) 125
Paramount—Paid in Full (Para), plus stage show,
2nd wk 85
Palace Father Is a Bachelor (Col), plus vaudeville
_ 95
Park Avenue—The Astonished Heart (U-1), 2nd wk .110
Radio City Music Hdll—Stage Fright (WB), plus
slage show - 105
Rivoli—Samson and Delilah (Para), 10th wk 95
Roxy—When Willie Comes Marching Home (2ath-
Fox), plus stage show, 2nd wk 90
Strand Chain Lightning (WB), plus stcTge show,
2nd wk 100
Sutton—The Fallen Idol (SRO), 15th wk _ 95
Trans-Lux Madison Ave—Tight Little Island (EL),
9th wk 98
Victoria—The Third Man (SRO), 4th wk 110
Drop in Mercury Boosts
Trade in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA—First run houses here
reported brisk trade as the weather dropped
to freezing temperatures for the first time
this year. "Outside the Wall," playing a
second week at the Aldine, continued to show
strength with a rating of 130 per cent. A
second stanza of "Key to the City" at the
Randolph, also was sturdy with 125 per cent.
Aldme—Outside the Wall (U-1). 2nd wk 130
Boyd— Francis (U-1) 98
Effrle—Samson and Delilah (Para), 4th wk 115
fox—When Willie Comes Marching Home (20th-
Fox) 120
Goldman—Stromboli iRKO), 2nd wk 45
(Carlton-The Bed Shoes (EL), 2nd run, 6th wk _ 75
Mastbaum—Chain Ughtning (WB), 2nd wk BO
Randolph—Key to the City (MGM), 2nd wk 125
Stanley—All the King's Men (Col), 3rd wk 65
Stanton—Dokola Lil (20lh-Fox) 70
Have you ordered your taxation trailer and
petition cards from National Screen Service?
Do it today.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE CENTER AISLE LIGHTS
With numbered Panels for Ramps with Opagut Panels
for Driveway Illumination
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. K^nL^cllyX
Along New York's Filmrow
r-MANUEL FRISCH, treasurer of the Randforce
Amusement Corp., Brooklyn, has
taken on another philanthropic assignment.
Manny's busy now as
amusements chairman
of the Brooklyn Red
Cross 1950 Fund drive
and is one of nearly M
leading Brooklyn executives
active in the
current campaign .
Harry Margolis says
that every staff member
at MGM branch
offices in Chicago, St.
Louis, New Haven,
Omaha, Detroit, Milwaukee
and New York
Emanuel Frisch
has written a letter to his congressman urging
. . . Lucille Popper,
repeal of the ticket tax
Universal contract clerk, is recovering from
an emergency appendectomy at French hospital
The Motion Picture Bookers club
. . will
.
hold its monthly meeting Monday
night (6).
Bonded Film Storage was host to many
visitors at a housewarming Friday (3) in its
new offices in the Film Center. The company
now has the entire 14th floor. Architect William
F. Jenter used photographic murals for
the corridors and some of the larger rooms.
The new projection room has been tastefully
done in gray and chartreuse. The open house
lasted from 3:30 to 7 p. m., and Morris J.
Kandel, president, was on hand to greet all
visitors. He shortened his stay in Florida to
attend. Several shorts were shown and Lucille
Goodman, receptionist, sang a few selections
for the guests.
Meyer Solomon, Monogram salesman, became
a grandfather Wednesday (1) for the
. . .
ninth time. The baby was a boy, the first
Tony
grandson Meyer has welcomed
Ricci, New Jersey salesman for Republic, was
back on the job after a trip to Florida .
Frances Steiglitz, manager's secretary at the
Columbia exchange, is in a local hospital for
an operation . . . Joan Fleury is the new
switchboard operator at Film Classics.
ROBERT O'NEILL .
Gloria Korn has been hired as a booker by
Favorite Pictures . Kimmel, UA
bookkeeper, is limping as the result of a bad
spill on a skiing trip in New Hampshire .
Julius Deschel, treasurer of the S&J Amusement
Co., has purchased the Nassau Theatre
in Brooklyn for his company . . . Joseph
Burke, 20th-Pox exchange office manager,
was to return from a one-week vacation
Monday (6).
chief, is on the present jury panel of the
New York supreme court.
. . .
Lillian
Rudy Berger and John Allen headed back
to their offices in the south after a visit
in Manhattan. They dropped in at the MGM
exchange to see some old friends . . .
Millie
Cossidente of Charlie Deesen's staff at MGM
announced her engagement to Anthony Mastronardi
Melvin Sherman, print booker
. . . for Universal, expects a new addition at his
Kaplan,
house any day now
secretary to William P. Murphy, Republic
branch manager, resigned to be married this
week. Harriet Lee, a biller, will replace her
and Sylvia Seiden will take over Harriet's job.
. . .
Harry Reiners, RKO field man, was on his
way
Jean
at home
to Florida
Slater,
after
because of
RKO booker,
a trip to the hospital
poor
is
health . .
convalescing
. . .
Rose
Procopio, Eagle Lion switchboard operator,
announced her engagement .
Suchman,
operator of a drive-in in Newburgh, visited
Filmrow last week . . . Lou Brown is a new
Irving
salesman for Favorite Pictures
Wernick, Favorite Pictures sales manager, will
celebrate his birthday Wednesday (8) . .
.
Janet Moses, UA biUer, is in Boston for a
visit
with relatives.
Manny Kandel, Bonded Film treasurer, left
Friday night (3) for Florida after a company
party in the new offices . . . Dan S. Terrell.
MGM exploitation chief, now is writing a
column called "For Your Information" for
the Distributor, company sale.s organ .
Kitty Bernstein, Columbia head booker, was
back on the job after a tour of the south .
Frances Atlas. RKO biller, was on the sick list
Stanley Wentes, UA booker, is leaving to
Ben Broskie
take a new job in television . . .
visited the exchanges Wednesday (1) from
Irvington Agoglia, UA booker, is
.
taking workouts in a Brooklyn gym with the
Bushwicks, a semipro baseball team . .
Mary
.
Maguire is a new ledger clerk in the Paramount
accounting department, as is Vincenza
Casuccio . . . Blanche Schiff, Columbia
bookkeeper, returned from the Adirondacks
. Harriet Costello, Paramount head inspector,
is back at work after a siege in the
.
hospital . . . Rita Klie of the same office
also is on the job after a brief illness . . .
Martin Moskowitz, 20th-Fox division sales
manager, returned from Florida over the
weekend . . . George Blendermann, 20th-Fox
booker, was ill several days with influenza.
Stars Draw Broadway Crowds
NEW YORK—Bob Hope and Jane Russell
set a first-day record for the Paramount Theatre
in an otherwise dull week on Broadway
Max Cohen of Monticello was a recent
by appearing six times daily, although admissions
are increased to $1.50 top. "Captain
visitor to the Warner exchange. He recently
completed a tour of the studios on the coast
China" is the picture.
Krasner will spend a few days
at Grossinger's before taking up her new
post as secretary to Arthur Greenblatt, Lippert
Productions general sales manager .
FOR CAPACITY BUSINESS
Frances Freund. Favorite Pictures bookkeeper,
is engaged to Milton Kupferman, a
HOSTESS
A L U M I N U M W A R E
textile executive . McGowan and I. "The year's most outstanding premium deal"
Shenker of the Berlo Vending Co. were here
METRO PREMIUM COMPANY
from Ohio to confer with Lee Kooken, RKO 334 W. 44th St. COIumbus 51-1952 New York
257 No. 13lh St. RITenhouse 6-7994 Philadelphia, Pa.
vending head . . . Al Crown, Goldwyn sales
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 43

. . Dorothy
. . Booker's
. . Manager
. . . Ben
. . . Grace
. . . Myrtle
. . Eagle
. . Thomas
. . Don
. . Bernice
WASH I
Qhief Barker Wade Pearson reported Variety
Tent 11 will present its first Great Heart
award to a local man chosen as an outstanding
civic and charitable leader at a banquet
at the Mayflower hotel May 13.
Women of Variety, headed by Mrs. Jerry
Adams' committee, will play a prominent part
in ticket sales for the forthcoming rodeo to
Mr. and Mrs.
be sponsored by Tent 11 . . .
Robert
Filmrow
Levine and Evelyn Butler visited
other Pilmrow visitors included
. . .
Dan Browning jr. and Ralph Pol-
lard of the Dixie Drive-In, Richmond, Va.
.
Lillian Lee has returned to the office after
a week's illness . . . John Tassos. Paramount
publicist, was married recently . . . Shipper
Jimmy Burns is recovering from a siege of
pneumonia
. Darr has resigned
to take up household duties . . Sympathy
.
to 20th-Fox shipper Cornehus Scott in the
death of his wife clerk Eilleen
Olivier has returned from a two-week vacation
in New Orleans , . . Inspector Margaret
Landgraf has returned to 20th-Fox.
Editor of the 20th-Pox Dynamo Roger
Ferri stopped off here en route from a Mexico
vacation to New York .
Glenn
Norris visited Baltimore ... At Columbia.
Messrs. Haupert and Greenberg are in for a
routine Hello girl Rosalie Satterwhite
audit . . .
has
resigned.
Cornelia Palumbo now is Mrs. Biti
Gene Autry, who was in town with his
rodeo, visited the local exchange and had
his picture taken with the staff . . . Manager
Ben Caplon was in Charlotte, N. C, and
YOU
DONT
KNOW
WHAT
YOURE
MISSING...
Til YOU TRY
^®i
N G T O N
'QUICKBR
ABETTER'
SPECIAL TRAILERS
Chicago - 1327 S. Wabash Avenue
New York - 619 West 54th Street
District Manager Sam Galanty was in Pittsburgh
. . . Alice Sauber was out ill.
District Theatres Clark Davis was out sick
for several days . Burling of Highway
Express Lines reports the death of his father
Siegel, Theatre Advertising Co., is
in George Washington hospital where he
underwent an operation on his knee . . . The
Gayety, which has been playing burlesque
for many years, has been renovated and will
open Monday (6) as a legitimate house with
a nonsegregation policy.
NO PERFORATIONS: 20 ..
More Light and Better Vision
CYCLORAMIC
Magic Screen
of the Future
. -NOW
Custom Screen
•Pofenf applied for
Opening attraction
will be Susan Peters in "The Barretts of
Wimpole Street."
Manager Jerry Adams of MGM visited the
Schine home office in Gloversville, N. Y. . . .
Booker Max Stepkin celebrated a birthday
Stein, a new member of the staff,
also celebrated a birthday .
Cook's
husband Jack recently received his master's
degree in accounting at Strayer's Business
Rhoda Zell, billing department,
college . . .
has been out fighting the flu.
.
Tommy Ryan of U-I celebrated a birthday
Priess underwent an operation
on her arm . Cusic is new student
manager at the
Md.
New Theatre, Leonardtown,
Jake Flax. Republic manager, spent
. . .
several days in New York . . . Office Manager
Al Landgraf reports the neuritis in hu
arm and shoulder is improving
. . . Inspector
Pauline Struck has been out with a sprained
ankle Lion Manager Fred Rohrs
spent several days in Richmond . . . The
father of salesman Fred Sapperstein is ill
in a hospital at Baltimore.
Stuart Aorons Is Wed
To Florence Josephson
NEW YORK—Stuart Aarons, Warner Bros,
attorney 18 years, was married Sunday (26)
to Florence Josephson at the Warwick hotel.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. I.
Josephson of this city and is a graduate of
Hunter college and Brooklyn Law school.
She is a member of the state bar. Stuart is
a graduate of City college of New York and
Harvard Law school, and a member of Phi
Beta Kappa. He was awarded the Bronze
Star, the army commendation ribbon and the
Philippine Medal of Merit for war service.
Have you ordered your taxation trailer and
petition cards from National Screen Service?
Do it today.
Installed
BILTMORE
at
THEATRE
Mt. Vernon, N. Y.
By JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave. Theat/e Equipment Specialists New York City
Goldsmith Gets Rights
To '3 Husbands' Title
NEW YORK—A board of arbitration of the
Motion Picture Ass'n of America has given
I. G. Goldsmith, producer for United Artists,
indisputable rights to the title, "Three
Husbands," which had been contested by
20th Century-Fox as infringing on their 1949
release, "A Letter to Three Wives." The
latter, which is a screen adaptation by Vera
Caspary of her novel, is now up for an
Academy Award while "Three Husbands"
was written for the screen by Miss Caspary.
Miss Caspary is also associated with her
husband. Goldsmith, in the production of
"Three Husbands," which is now being completed
in Hollywood under the direction of
Irving Reis.
Goldsmith, who flew east to press his
rights to the title, returned to Hollywood
February 28. He was represented at the
MPAA arbitration hearing by Robert J.
Rubin, Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers counsel, and Harry D. Buckley
of United Artists.
EL Scdesmen Will Shore
In 'Indiana' Profits
NEW YORK—Frank Melford and John
Rawlins, partners heading Ventura Pictures,
will share the profits from their first picture,
"Boy From Indiana," with 176 salesmen
for Eagle Lion, which is distributing
the film.
In each territory where the picture is distributed,
the salesmen employed by the EL
branch serving that area will receive 20 per
cent of the picture's profits above a nominal
quota agreed upon by the sales organization.
When any branch has exceeded its quota, it
will receive 20 per cent of all revenue derived
by that branch in excess of the quota. "By
making the Eagle Lion salesmen, in effect,
partners in our venture, we are giving them
a real incentive and a just reward for their
efforts," Melford said.
Paramount Corp. Declares
50-Cent Common Dividend
NEW YORK—The board of directors of the
Paramount Pictures Corp. has declared a
quarterly dividend of 50 cents a share on the
common stock, payable March 29 to stockholders
of record March 16. Barney Balaban,
president, told the board that "because
of the worldwide nature of our business,"
it is impossible at this time to estimate
the consolidated earnings for the first
quarter of 1950. The estimated earnings will
be published in May, he said. The corporation
has purchased 73,710 shares of its stock
for retirement. As of March 1, 1950, 86 per
cent of the outstanding stock of the old company
has already been exchanged for stock
of the two new companies, in accordance
with the plan of reorganization.
Thomas L. W. Evans Dies
NEW YORK—Thomas Lee Wells Evans, 65,
president and co-founder of Major F^lm Laboratories.
Inc.. film processers. died Wednesday
il) in New England Baptist hospital,
Boston. His home was in Bronxville, N. Y.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lotta M.
Evans: a daughter, Mrs. Thomas N. Doyle,
and a brother. William J. Evans.
44
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

. . . Beatrice
. . The
. . William
. . Herman
. . Stanley-Warner
. . Under
. . "Wings
. . Joseph
. . Gert
. . WB
Phila. Trust Company
Ponders Film Loans
PHILADELPHIA — Independent producers
may find a new source for financing if the
Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Co. finds that
its loan to Eagle Lion proves satisfactory,
according to Vice-President Wentworth
Johnson.
The bank has loaned coin for four EL
productions, and it wants to see how this
investment turns out before giving the green
light to any further film loans. However, if
things turn out as anticipated, the bank will
institute a policy of lending coin to Hollywood.
Fidelity-Philadelphia loaned over $1,000,000
for four films being produced by N. Peter
Rathvon for Eagle Lion release. This deal
had Fidelity-Philadelphia investing 60 per
cent, First National bank of Boston 10 per
cent, and Detroit National bank 30 per cent.
The Detroit bank has loaned about $10,-
000,000 to Eagle Lion. It came into the Rathvon
venture at the suggestion of Robert R.
Young, EL'S controlling stockholder, who gives
the bank some of his other business, too.
Paramount Denies Charge
It Would Censor Radio
NEW YORK—The Getschal & Richard advertising
agency has charged Paramount with
coercion through trying to "censor" radio
commercials it placed in behalf of a chain
of television stores, Budd Getschal, head of
the firm, addressed his complaint to Barney
Balaban, Paramount president. He said "a
Paramount official" wrote a threat to radio
stations that would stop all films advertising
on the air unless the television store copy
was altered.
The copy which was objected to, Getschal
said, stated that it is possible to buy a television
set on a credit plan at the rate of
"less than the cost of two movie tickets per
week" and get "much more entertainment."
Paramount said it had protested the copy
in a letter to Station WINS, calling it unfair,
but that the letter contained no threat
of stopping advertising and was not coercive.
Getschal is a former Paramount publicity
man.
Two WB, One RKO Feature
Picked by Nat'l Board
NEW YORK—Two Warner Bros, features,
"Perfect Strangers" and "Young Man With
a Horn," and an RKO film, "Woman on
Pier 13," have been given selected features
rating by the National Board of Review in
the weekly guide to selected pictures.
Short subjects given special mention are:
"The Blue Angel" and "The Great Showman"
(Coll.
Chevalier Film to Open
NEW YORK—Discina International Fnims
will open "A Royal Affair," a French language
picture starring Maurice Chevalier, at
the Normandie Theatre March 8. This is the
second first run film to play the Normandie
under the foreign film policy which started
January 31 with "Child of Man," a Swedish
picture.
PHILADELPHIA
"Phe opera film cycle at the Princess Theatre
was held for a second week . Manager
Bill Mansell returned to work following
a recent operation . the name
of the Lehigh Valley Theatre Corp., the
Towne and Franklin theatres of Allentown,
Pa., have joined the Allied booking and buying
organization . booker
Jerrie Greenberg was married to Sam Weintraub
at Beth El synagogue . Golden
was in town helping in the promotion of
"The Bicycle Thief," scheduled to open at
the Princess Thursday (9).
The Benn Theatre will start a beauty contest
Thursday . Studio Theatre was
showing "Sands of Iwo Jima" as a test. The
midcity theatre wants to determine whether
it should switch to a policy of showing films
immediately after their first runs . . . Parke
Levy, author of the "My Friend Irma" series,
was in town from Hollywood to visit his
ailing father . Goldman, independent
exhibitor, expects to have a drive-in
in operation this spring on the Ridge Pike
between Pottstown and Reading.
.
A. M. Ellis Theatres will use the new game
Quizo in its houses. The Crest, Admiral and
Regal, will be the first houses in the circuit
to feature the game of Glory"
will open at the Capitol Theatre March 15
Duffy, Monogram assistant
booker, was back at work after having been
out with a broken ankle . Conway
has been appointed salesman for Film Classics
Rose Shapiro, Eagle Lion biller,
. . . appeared in a- vaudeville show recently at
the Tower Theatre, Camden, N. J.
Milton Hale, Paramount exploiteer, was in
Wilmington lecturing to schools, churches,
civic groups and women's clubs on "Samson
and Delilah" . Rubin, Paramount
city salesman, has completely recovered from
a recent operation at the Jewish hospital . . .
Dorothy Park, National Screen Service telephone
operator, was on sick leave . . Abe
.
Altman's Mayfair is being completely renovated.
Paramount Decorating Co. is handling
the decoration.
J. J. Scully, U-I district manager, was in
town , . . Averell Lynch, district manager's
secretary at MGM, went to Florida on her
Dave Brodsky was handling
vacation . . .
decorating work for Nat Rosen's Delmar
Theatre, Delmar, Del. Bernard Haines' new
theatre in Sellersville, Pa.: Nat Rosen's new
house in Elkton, Md., and the Key Theatre
in Doylestown, Pa.
Philadelphia theatres reported a good public
response to the campaign to effect repeal
of the federal amusement tax.
Lopert Films Sues Pathe
On 'Shoe-Shine' Release
NEW YORK—Lopert Films has filed an
action in district court asking that Pathe
Industries be required to relinquish Latin
American distribution rights to "Shoe-Shine,"
Italian-made film.
The suit charges breach of the distribution
agreement and Lopert seeks $100,000 damages,
a permanent injunction, accounting of
profits and termination of the original contract.
Dramatic Academy Honors
Warners' 'Hasty Heart'
HOLLYWOOD—Accolades because of its
"promotion of international understanding
and brotherhood" have been accorded Warner
Bros.' "The Hasty Heart" by the American
National Theatre and Academy, in cooperation
with UNESCO's panel of dramatic
arts.
The academy is honoring the Ronald Reagan-Richard
Todd vehicle as part of International
Theatre month, with local ceremonies
to take place March 9 at the East
Los Angeles Junior college. Todd will make
a personal appearance at an all-college assembly
which will be dedicated to the theme
of "the relation of motion pictures and the
theatre in the promotion of international understanding
and brotherhood."
New Discrimination Bill
Into N. Y. Legislature
ALBANY—The owner, operator or manager
of a place of amusement or resort would be
held liable for discrimination against any
person because of race, color or creed under
the terms of a bill introduced by N. L. Hellman,
state senator. Violations would be
prosecuted by the attorney general, and the
amount which could be recovered in a civil
action would be $1,000.
Complete Sound Systems
COSTS Less
N'> efjuipfiu'iit otTer»; more in value for
such low cost. Complete sound systems
are available (or theatres of every
siie. shape and seatuiij capacity. They
consist of a twowa> horn system, pair
of soundheads, and either .sin^^le or
dual channel amplifiers
STAR CINEMA SUPPLY COMPANY
441 West 50lh Street,
New York 19, New York
Complete Theatre Equipment & Supplies
DRIVE-IN
THEATRE
Combination Ramp IdHitiflcation and Driveway
Floodlight
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. K»«.°c!ly"So'.
BOXOFFICE March 4, 1950 45

. . . Wilham
. . Helen
. . Benton's
. .
BUFFALO
IliTorris Slotnick, operator of the two theatres
in Rochester, has taken a lease on
the Midtown and he is expected to reopen
it as an "art" house soon. Closed since last
December, the theatre probably will be redecorated
and reseated before it is opened
Brett, president of the Skyway
Drive-In Theatre Corp., and William P.
Rosenow. secretary, are at work with plans
for operation of two additional open air
situations recently purchased by the firm,
the Niagara on Niagara Falls boulevard and
the Genesee near Batavia. AH three ozoners
will be operated as Skyway Drive-In theatres.
James Ely is vice-president of the
company, and Prank W. Tindle is treasurer.
Eddie Meade of Shea's, in exploiting "Twelve
O'clock High," arranged for members of
the Air Reserve Ass'n, Air Force Ass'n, Reserve
Officers Ass'n and the Volunteer
Air Reserve group to attend the theatre
in uniform following a parade along Main
street. Four Buffalo men who flew missions
over Germany and Prance were honored in
special stage ceremonies. After the theatre
celebration, members of the various groups
and their families enjoyed an informal gettogether
at the Boechat American Legion
clubrooms.
Buffalo is one of the first cities to be
chosen for the showing of a new series of
films produced by the Protestant Film commission.
The premiere showing was February
28 at the North Presbyterian church. Invitations
were extended to religious leaders,
educators, officials of civic clubs, industrial
firms and fraternal orders and other community
Joe E. Brown, in town
leaders . . .
recently to appear in a show staged in Kleinhans
Music Hall under the auspices 'of the
Buffalo Kiwanis club, recalled that the first
time he played here he was ten years old as
a 69-pound aerialist in a circus. After the
show. Brown obligingly autographed programs
for half a hundred persons who trooped
onto the stage.
Bill Lundigan, one of the stars of "Mother
Didn't Tell Me," is a Syracuse boy, Dick
Feldman. manager of the Paramount there,
is planning special promotion for the star
and the film, scheduled to open there soon
. E. J. Wall, Paramount, was at work
. .
here on a campaign for "Paid in Full," now
at the Paramount Theatre . Huber,
a member of the Paramount 25-Year club
and the Buffalo Pep club of the same company,
is planning to fly to California for
an Easter vacation visit with her sister.
. . . Eddie
Eddie Fitzgerald, new manager of the
Paramount branch, was welcomed with a
party at the exchange last Saturday evening
(25). Mike Simon also attended and left the
next day for his new post as manager of the
Paramount exchange in Detroit
Miller, manager of the Center Theatre, arranged
a tieup with the Bell Aircraft Corp.
when "Chain Lightning" opened at the
downtown house. He prepared posters stating
that Bell made the first jetplane.
Joseph B. Clements, Paramount Theatre
manager, used window streamers in a tieup
with local record distributors on the Bing
Crosby recording of "You're Wonderful" from
"Paid in Pull." now being shown at the
downtown house . . . Sally Bifarella, former
secretary to Manny Brown at Paramount,
now is employed in a government agricultural
office in Springfield, N. Y., her home
town and where her father operates a motion
picture theatre. Sally was visiting along
Street, Rochester
Rlmrow recently . . . Gene
city manager for Paramount, returned there
from New York.
. . . John Mc-
Elmer F. Lux, chief barker, reported a large
crowd attended the Old Time party at the
Variety Club last Saturday night (25). Members
are looking forward to the gin rummy
tournament to be held March 10 . . . Bill
Brereton of the Lafayette made a tieup with
Sattler's department store for "Francis," currently
at the Basil house
Mahon, city salesman at Paramount, received
word from Boston that John Good,
former city salesman, is progressing nicely
in his treatment for polio and that he will
be out of the hospital in about six weeks.
Peak Drive-In Trade
Seen by Lamont
ALBANY—A prediction that open air
theatre
patronage would reach a new peak during
the coming season was made by Harry
Lamont, drive-in operator in the Albany area,
following his return recently from a twomonth
vacation in Florida. While in the
south. Lamont visited outdoor theatres in
various sections of Florida and the Carolinas.
Admission prices at drive-ins in Florida
and other southern states are less than those
which prevail in New York and adjoining
states. Lamont said. Construction of open
air projects in all parts of the south is
progressing rapidly, according to the New
Yorker. He said he had seen various innovations
in drive-in construction and operation
which might be adapted for use in
this area.
ALBANY
Cam Davis, Phoenicia exhibitor, returned
from a vacation in Florida . . . George
Thornton. Saugerties theatreman. and Dave
Rosenbaum of Elizabethtown were among exhibitors
on Filmrow . . . "Sands of Iwo Jima"
was reported to have broken the house record
at the Olympic at Utica, operated by
Charles Gordon.
Vincent Trotta, head of National Screen
Service's art department, spent the weekend
as a guest of George Chelius jr., new manager
of the Ten Eyck hotel. They have been
friends for many years, Trotta having been
a judge at a Miss America beauty contest
in Atlantic City when Chelius was connected
with the Claridge and Ritz Carlton hotels
Joe Lerner, who produced and
there . . •
directed "Bystander," was interviewed by
George Michael over WROW Tuesday afternoon
(28) to promote the picture's opening
at the Ritz March 8.
. . Tex Beneke's
Bert Kulick of Bell Pictures called at Warner
Theatres offices . . . "Stromboli" opened
at the Utica, Utica, and the Lincoln, Troy,
to fairly good business
orchestra played a one-day engagement at
Schine's Oswego in Oswego, giving four performances
. Strand, Plattsburgh.
was one of the first in the territory to show
"When Willie Comes Marching Home" .
There was much speculation among exhibitors
regarding the trade which "Stromboli"
would draw to the Grand, where it opened
Friday (3). The film has been licensed for
commercial showings by the motion picture
division of the state education department,
and classified A-2 by the Legion of Decency.
DONATE S26.000 TO DIMES—George A. Crouch of the Warner Theatre is shown
turning over a check for S26.400, representing money obtained by Washington theatres
for the March of Dimes to polio fund Commissioner John Russell Young, right.
Looking on are Edgar Morris, left, chairman of the March of Dimes campaign, and
A. Julian Brylawski, president of Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Washington.
Crouch and Carter T. Barron were co-chairmen of the theatre committee for the
1950 March of Dimes.
Irene Rich Is Married
NEW YORK — Irene Rich, star of stage,
screen, radio and television, was married to
George H. Clifford, president of the Stone
& Webster Service Corp.. in their new apartment
at the Sherry-Netherland hotel February
28. Miss Rich, who recently closed a
long run on Broadway in "As the Girls Go,"
in which she played Madame President, said
she would retire from stage and screen work.
She acted in nearly 200 pictures during her
screen career, the last being "Port Apache"
in 1»48.
46 BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950

RCA to Demonstrate
Color Video Types
WASHINGTON—RCA is preparing to demonstrate
several types of three-color, directview
tubes for television and is preparing to
start experimental use of a portable color
television camera, according to Dr. E. W.
Engstrom, vice-president in charge of research.
Testimony to this effect was presented
to the Federal Communications commission
during the week.
Reports on recent results of e.xperiments
have been widely circulated in the industry.
Demonstrations are to be given in a few
weeks. Dr. Engstrom says he does not know
what system will be adopted, but says progress
has reached the point where the company
scientists are confident of the outcome.
The new field camera, Dr. Engstrom stateflr
will first be used at Princeton, N. J., in color
tests of co-channel and adjacent-channel
interference. Later it will be used in field
measurements of interference between New
York and Washington stations. Tubes required
in color receivers have been reduced
from 40 to 16. Fiu-ther reductions are expected.
Reception of color television on standard
black and white receivers also is being tested.
Claims Color Television
Is Possible Right Now
NEW YORK—Television receiver manufacturers
are blocking the development of
color television in the fear that color will
wreck current sales programs, according to
John H. Eckstein, director of Television Research
Institute. He said the "roadblocks"
are all that stand between the public and
immediate color television.
An institute report said that 73 per cent
of present set-owners are willing to spend
$50 to $100 to convert black-and-white receivers
for a minimum of one hour of daily
colorvision broadcasts. It predicted that if
the Federal Communications commission
approved the Columbia Broadcasting System
color method, color would become available
next year, that if the RCA method was approved,
it would take a number of years,
and in the case of Color Television, Inc., the
company's more limited resources would delay
color even longer.
Dundon, Nelson Promoted
By Eastman Kodak Co.
ROCHESTER—Dr. Merle L. Dundon, assistant
superintendent of the film emulsion
department of Eastman Kodak Co., has been
named assistant general superintendent of
the film and plate emulsion and the plate
coating departments, and Charles R. Nelson,
production supervisor in the film processing
department, has been made assistant superintendent
of the department. Charles K. Flint,
vice-president and general manager of Kodak
Park plant, made the promotions.
Music Publisher Sues
NEW YORK—The Edward H. Morris Music
Co. has filed suit for $1,080,000 against 20th
Century-Fox, Universal-International, Loew's,
Warner Bros, and Paramount, charging restraint
of trade.
Marc Spiegel Joins MPAA
As Manager in Germany
NEW YORK—Marc M. Spiegel.
Marc M. Spiegel
RKO foreign
department aide for the past four years,
has been named to succeed
Marian F. Jordan
as MPAA representative
in Germany by
John G. McCarthy,
vice - president in
charge of international
affairs.
The appointment will
become effective July
1, when Jordan will resign
to accept a managerial
post with a
MPAA member company.
Until then, Spiegel
will work with Jordan in Frankfurt. He
will sail for Germany March 11 following
conferences in Washington with State Department,
ECA and army officials.
Spiegel joined RKO in 1946 following five
years of service with the U.S. armed forces.
His most recent special assignment with the
RKO foreign department was a four-month
mission in' Germany where, as home office
representative, he set the stage for the company's
resumption of independent distribution
there.
RKO Executives in Huddle
On Plans Under Splitup
HOLLYWOOD—RKO Radio's status under
divorcementi which becomes effective in
May, was the chief topic for discussion when
members of the company's board of directors
and top executives converged here at
midweek for a series of huddles with Howard
Hughes, managing director of production,
and other studio brass.
Arriving for the conferences were President
Ned E. Depinet and board members including
Frederick L. Ehrman, J. Miller Walker
and L. Lawrence Green. Sessions were slated
to continue through the balance of the week.
Operational methods when RKO's production-distribution
setup is split from its theatre
holdings were to be thoroughly probed.
Sitting in on the conferences were Sid Rogell,
executive producer; Bicknell Lockhart, vicepresident
and general manager; and Gordon
Youngman, general counsel, and also vicepresident
in charge of commitments.
Two Retire From Eastman
ROCHESTER, N. Y.—Roland Metzger and
Ed Byrsdorfer, Eastman Kodak technical
representatives who have long records of
service, have retired. Metzger has been located
in Duluth and New York City, Byrsdorfer
in Celina, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Pittsburgh,
Milwaukee and Winona, Ind. Metzger
will make his home at Daytona Beach, Pla.
Olin H. Clark Promoted
NEW YORK—Olin H. Clark has become
active head of the MGM eastern story department,
succeeding Carol Brandt, resigned. His
new duties will supplement those he has
been performing in the department for eight
years. He will report to Kenneth MacKenna,
head of the studio scenario department at
Culver City.
Order your taxation trailers today!
U.S. Films Do Well
In Austria, Japan
NEW YORK—American films continued
to attract large audiences in Austria and
Japan early in February, according to a report
by the Motion Picture Export Ass'n. In
Vienna, "Unfaithfully Yours" (20th-Fox) ran
two weeks and "Constant Nymph" (WB)
looked good for two to three weeks. "Hangover
Square" (20th-Fox) ran for 15 days and
"Night Has a Thousand Eyes" (Para) held
over for a second week at two houses. "Honky
Tonk" (MGM) did capacity its opening week
and "Night and Day" (WB) continued to
draw heavily.
In Linz, "Arizona" (Coll ended its first
week, and "Tarzan and the Leopard Woman"
(RKO) and "Two Sisters ;FYom Boston"
(MGM) had strong openings. In Salzburg,
"Fighting O'Flynn" (U-I) completed eight
days. In Graz, "Sitting Pretty" (20th-Pox)
was released day-and-date at two houses and
"Destination Tokyo" (WB) ran a week. In
Innsbruck, "Snake Pit" (20th-Fox) ended an
11 -day engagement and "It Happened on
Fifth Avenue" (AA) had a successful first
week,
In Tokyo, for the opening weeks of the
year, "Tarzan's New York Adventure" (MGM)
was released in seven houses day-and-date,
"Song of India" (Col) in four houses, "Wake
of the Red Witch" (Rep) in six, "Station
West" (RKO) in six, "Jitterbugs" (20th-Fox)
in six and "Son of Dracula" (U-I) in five
houses.
Films elsewhere in Japan included "Abbott
and Costello in Hollywood" (MGM) in
eight houses, "Son of Dracula" in two, "Tarzan
and the Huntress" (RKO) in three.
"Seven Sinners" (U-I), "June Bride" (WB)
and "Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap" (U-I) in
two
houses.
Charles Mayer, managing director in
Tokyo, reported that for the week ending
January 14 MPEA's "United Newsreel" set
a new weekly record by releasing to 1,934
of the nation's 2,205 theatres.
Monogram to Distribute
Films in South Korea
HOLLYWOOD—In the second overseas
distribution commitment effected by the
company within the past month, Monogram-
AUied Artists has set a deal with the Unasia
Motion Picture Co. whereby the latter is
given exclusive distribution rights to Monogram
and AA pictures in South Korea for
the next six years.
Unasia was represented in the negotiations
by Key H. Chang, its president, and Byung
II Lee, in charge of the company's principal
office in Seoul, South Korea. The deal was
arranged by the Monogram International
Corp., Monogram subsidiary headed by Norton
'V. Ritchey. Serving as liaison between
the two firms was Fred W. Kane, veteran
producer-director.
Some weeks ago Monogram-AA arranged
for the release of its product in Japan
through Shochiku Film Enterprises.
WB Product in Puerto Rico
NEW YORK—Tlie Cobian circuit,
comprising
34 theatres in Puerto Rico, has signed for
the entire Warner Bros. 1949-50 product, according
to word from Geza Polaty, Warner
manager there.
BOXOFTICE :: March 4, 1950
47

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I

MEWS AND VIEVS^S OF THE PRODUCTION CEMTER
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear. Western Manager)
lA Conspiracy Trial
Set Back to May 31
HOLLYWOOD—Another in a long series of
delays and postponements has shoved back
until May 31 trial date in the $47,000,000 conspiracy
action brought against the lATSE
and the major studios by the Conference of
Studio Unions as an outgrowth of the 1946
studio jurisdictional strike. The suit originally
was filed in 1947 and was to have gone to
trial last February 23.
Now, however, postponement until May has
been agreed upon because Judge William C.
Mathes, who will hear the case, has been
called to sit on the district court of appeals
bench next week. He will return to his federal
court post early this spring.
In the suit the CSU contends the major
producers and the lA entered into a conspiracy
to violate the federal antitrust laws
by allegedly refusing to hire CSU members
for studio work. The CSU strike is still
technically in effect.
Man of the Year Banquet
Fetes Charles Skouras
LOS ANGELES—Government, business and
entertainment leaders were scheduled to be
on hand for the March 4 banquet given by the
Beverly Hills B'nai B'rith lodge to honor
Charles P. Skouras, president of National
Theatres and Fox West Coast, as Man of the
Year. Slated to direct the entertainment
portion of the ceremonies was Sid Rogell,
RKO executive producer, with appearances
by Kathryn Grayson, Al Jolson. Mario
Lanza, Danny Kaye, Lucille Ball, Kay Starr,
Phil Silvers, Danny Thomas, George Burns
and the Weir Brothers.
Scheduled to be held at the Ambassador
hotel, the testimonial banquet listed Arthur
W. Stebbins as chairman, with Harry Sherman,
Irving Elpsteen and Jay M. Sutton as
his as.sistants. The honor was paid Skouras
for his "outstanding contributions to interracial
understanding, community welfare and
philanthropic enterprises."
Burk Symon, 61, Stricken
LOS ANGELES—Burk Symon, 61, active
in the legitimate theatre and motion picture
fields died at the Motion Picture country
home here after an illness of one year. Symon
served as general stage manager for
David Belasco for years before leaving the
theatre for motion pictures. He worked with
the Eagle Lion studios and for many years
was test director at 20th-Fox studios.
Hal Roach Executives
Plan Reorganization
HOLLYWOOD—A proposed recapitalization
and general reorganization of Hal Roach
Studios, Inc., as a means of placing the
company in a sound operating condition and
ultimately repaying a'l of its indebtedness
in full was outlined by company officials at
a midweek meeting attended by general trade
creditors.
The firm is indebted to the Reconstruction
Finance Corp. in the amount of $1,386,-
527.54, consisting of principal and interest,
and is in default to the RFC in the repayment
of interest and principal in the amount
of $393,577.54. This indebtedness is secured,
in part, by a mortgage upon the land, buildings
and equipment at the Roach studios in
Culver City.
The plan for which trade creditor approval
is sought calls for the exchange of $250,000
or more in trade claims for capital preferred
stock at a par value of $5.00 a share. Nonconsenting
creditors, and creditors having
.\NOTHER TRIBUTE — Winner of
BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon awards on
four previous occasions, Producer Arthur
Freed of MGM added another one to his
collection when "On the Town," the musical
which he produced, was voted the
best picture of the month for January by
the National Screen Council. Freed currently
is producing "Crisis," starring Cary
Grant and Jose Ferrer.
claims of less than $100 each, would be paid
in cash "when, as and if funds are available
for such payment," a company statement declared.
Contingent upon approval of the plan, the
management has made application to the
RFC for a reduction in interest rates and
for a further advance to be used as additional
working capital. The RFC has approved the
reorganization schemes, as have Hal E. Roach,
the largest unsecured creditor, and all holders
of common stock. If okayed by general trade
creditors, the plan will be submitted to the
California commissioner of corporations for
approval.
The proposed agreement involved holders
of debts and claims which arose prior to
Nov. 26, 1949, and remained unpaid as of
Feb. 6, 1950. Repayments of installments on
the RFC indebtedness would be postponed for
one year from March 1.
Recapitalization would call for the retirement
of 36.000 shares of common stock, with
a par value of $25.00, in exchange for the
issuance of 36,000 shares of common without
par value, but with a stated value of $36,000.
Roach, holding a promissory note for $770,-
916.67, which was issued him after he turned
a number of completed films over to the
company, has agreed to cancel the note in
exchange for 204,000 shares of additional
common stock with a stated value of $204,000.
A sinking fund equal to 20 per cent of the
corporation's net income, after all charges,
would be set aside at the end of each quarterly
period, the fund to be used exclusively
to retire preferred stock. Holders of preferred
stock would be given the right to elect two
directors, while common stock shareholders
would elect the remaining three.
Roach, one of the indu.stry's production veterans,
has occupied his Culver City studios
since 1919 and has produced many featurelength
and hundreds of short films, predominantly
of the comedy variety. Tlie army air
corps occupied his studio from 1942 to 1946,
during which time the signal corps produced
many training films there.
After releasing variously through MGM and
United Artists, Roach in 1947 abandoned his
theatrical production activities and announced
that henceforth he would devote his
entire time to the making of films for television.
In the past two years he has turned
out several "pilot" films aimed at the video
field but at this point they have not been
marketed.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950
49

STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES
Barnstonners
Metro
J. CARROL NAISH will do personal appearances
with "Black Hand," in which he has an important
role, in San Francisco and Portland during the week
of March 6.
Monogram
Western star WHIP WILSON will headline the annual
49er Jamboree, to be staged by the San
Fernando Valley Horse Owners' Assn on Match 18
at Its Burbank, Calif., clubhouse. WHIP was slated
also to make appearances February 24, 25 crt the
Village Theatre, Coronado, Calif., in conjunction lArith
the showings of his new starrer, "Fence Riders."
Paramount
BOB HOPE, accompanied by Les Brown atid his
orchestra, was to leave Hollywood on February 24
a nationwide tour which includes a two-week engagement
for
at New York's Parcfmount Theatre with
actress Jane Russell, beginning March 1. Other cities
scheduled on the comedian's itinerary are Worcester
and Springfield, Mass.; Syracuse, New York;
Cincinncrti; Owensboro, Ky.; St. Louis; Kansas City
and Denver.
Blurbers
Independent
NED CRAWFORD, publicity director for R. W.
Alcorn Productions, returned after an extended tour
of key eastern and midwestern cities ballyhooing
Alcorn's "Johnny Holiday."
Briefies
Metro
"Fixin' Fool" and "Remember When?", two Pete
Smith specialties, are slated to start Mcfrch 1 and
April 1, respectively. Script for the former -was
written by David Barclay and James Gruen, while
Julian Harmon and Barclay scripted the latter.
Warners
RICHARD BARE had his option hoisted to direct
six more Joe McDoakes shorts for Producer Gordon
Hoilingshead.
Cleffers
Lippert
Inked to compose and conduct the score for
"Western Pacific Agent" was ALBERT GLASSER.
CHUY REYES and his orchestra have been signed
for specialty numbers in the Nunes-Cooley production,
"Everybody's Dancin'."
Monogram
Slated to score "Jiggs and Maggie Out West" was
musical director EDWARD J. KAY.
Warners
CHARLES TOBIAS and PETER DE ROSE were inked
to write a group of original tunes for "We're Working
Our Way Through College."
Loonouts
Paramount
GRANT WITHERS was loaned by Republic to play
a featured role in the Pine and Thomas production
"Tripoli."
Meggers
Columbia
"Indian Territory," forthcoming Gene Autry starring
western, will be directed for Autry Productions
by JOHN ENGLISH.
PETER GODFREY was signed to direct the Mickey
Rooney starrer, "Freddie the Great," for Producer
Rudy Flothow.
COLBERT CLARK and RAY NAZARRO are set as
producer and director, respectively, on "Streets of
Ghost Town," next in the Durango Kid sagebrush
series starring ChoYles Starrett and Smiley Burnette,
Signed to direct Scott-Brown's Technicolor production,
"Lost Stage Valley," was RALPH MURPHY.
Eagle Lion
Schwarz Productions
„J5

Second Action Filed
For WB Accounting
HOLLYWOOD—Second legal action to be
brought within recent weeks against Warner
Bros, and United States Pictures has been
filed by Mrs. Annie Fastenberg. Warner
stockholder, demanding an accounting of
profits allegedly made on six films produced
for Warner release by the U. S. Pictures unit.
The complaint charges that Milton Sperling,
head of the U.S. Pictures organization, and
his partner at that time—Joseph Bernhard,
now president of Film Classics—entered into
a conspiracy with Warners whereby U. S.
Pictures was provided "unfair" financial aid
by Warners, to the asserted detriment of the
Warner company.
Recently a federal district court action was
filed here by Irving W. Mencher, also a Warner
stockholder, charging nepotism and conspiracy
against the company's best interests
and demanding an accounting of profits and
a declaratory judgment. The defendants in
that suit include Harry M. and Jack L. Warner.
Sperling and Morris Wolf.
Personnelities
(Continued from preceding news page)
JOSEPH WALKER will photograph the Joan Crawford
starrer, "Lady of the House."
Lippert
BEITY SINCLAIR was set as produciion manager
lor "None Come Back."
United Artists
Assigned to producer I. G. Goldsmiths "The Dungeon"
were FRANK F. PLANER, cinematographer,
and RUDOLPH STERNAD, art director. Handed the
production manager chore was BEN HERSH.
Universal-International
BILL THOMAS was named as costume designer
on "Saddle Tramp."
Warners
Assigned as art director on "The All American"
was STANLEY FLEISCHER.
Assigned as art director on "Tea lor Two" was
DOUGLAS BACON.
Title Changes
Lippert
"Hollywood Holiday" to HOLLYWOOD RHYTHM.
"Daredevils of the Highway" to HIJACKED.
"None Came Back" to ROCKET SHIP TO THE
MOON,
20th Century-Fox
"Outbreak" to PANIC IN THE STREETS.
Warners
No, No, Nanette" to TEA FOR TWO.
ENTHUSIASM must start at the top."
Bromidic as such observation may
sound, it is nonetheless the convincing
theme of an interesting and intelligent report
prepared by the advertising committee
of National Theatres and presented at the
recent annual homeoffice huddles of that circuit's
top executives. Members of that committee
are Senn Lawler, Fox Midwest, Kansas
City; Vic Gauntlett, Evergreen circuit, Seattle;
Seymour Peiser, Fox West Coast, Los
Angeles, and Fay Reeder, of PWC's northern
California division, San Francisco.
It being strictly an inter-company affair,
the report, unfortunately, cannot be reproduced
in full. Since it concerns itself with
"some new approaches to the problem of selling
pictures in these changing times," it would
prove engrossing and beneficial for many a
showman outside of the NT family.
A few highlights may, however, be pilfered
for reproduction here and without too greatly
violating the document's confidential
facets.
Witness:
"First, we must believe in our picttires.
Enthusiasm, or the lack of it . . starts in
.
the screening room. Often . . . failure of
a picture to do the business to which it is
depends on the attitude of those
entitled . . .
who see it first . . .
"Time after time, it has been proven that
there is something salable in every picture.
Metro
MARVIN STUART was set as assistant to Director
ROY ROWLAND and HELEN ROSE as wardrobe designed
on "The Tender Hours." AL BILKS was assigned
the camera chore.
"Today is a day without precedent in the
Assigned as set decorator for "Kim" was HUGH
motion picture business. We have better pictures
than we have ever had, yet they are
HUNT.
Monogram
being patronized by fewer people.
GABRIEL DELL, dialog director; JOHN KEAN, mixer;
"Analyze every picture in order to uncover
VIRGIL SlvilTH, recorder; WILLIAM CALIHAN, assistant;
WILLIAM SICKNER, camera, and BERNARD its salable elements. Try, from the moment
W. BURTON, cutter, were added to the production a picture is screened, to develop enthusiasm
crew lor "Joe Palooka in Humphrey Takes a Chance,"
for it, and transmit that enthusiasm right
Poramoxint
down the line . . . Encourage development of
HOWARD PINE and HOWARD SMITH were set as new approaches to advertising and showmandizing
pictures among all managers.
assistant director and head lilm editor, respectively,
for "Tripoli." Producers Pine and Thomas
have borrowed YVONNE WOOD from Universal to
design Maureen OHaras
"Take a positive approach to all pictures
wardrobe for the picture.
from the moment they are screened and explore
every method by which they can be
RKO Radio
Fashion designer EDITH HEAD was borrowed from
Paramount to create Bette Davis' wardrobe lor "The sold before they are lost through hasty bookings.
Often a picture with a large boxof-
b'lory of a Divorce," Also set for the Skirball-Mannmg
production were LEO TOVER. cameraman, and
fice potential is played out before someone
EARL WOLCOTT, sound engineer.
discovers the right campaign.
"There is no substitute for enthusiasm."
All of which makes much sense from the
exhibitor's—any exhibitor's—viewpoint. But
it shouldn't end there. The preachment, most
especially that portion thereof which holds
that there is no substitute for enthusiasm,
could prove of great value to the producers
and distributors of motion pictures. They,
after all, are the starting point of films; and,
by the same logic, they should be the starting
point of enthusiasm.
And all too often they fail to manifest
the slightest bit of fervor for what they consider
their lesser offerings, those pictures
whose budgets did not attain stratospheric
proportions, or in the final entertainment
values of which they may be disappointed.
Let the average producer and/or distributor
have a feature on which the bankroll was
shot or one in which the hit qualities axe
inescapably apparent and they go all out in
advertising the offering to the trade. At the
same time, they permit to go into release
with little or no drum-beating scores of films
which possibly need a buildup to the nation's
showmen more than do the sure-fire grossers.
Even if it be true, as the NT advertising
committee maintains, that there is "something
salable in every picture." certainly the
producers and distributors cannot expect
rank-and-file showmen to uncover and merchandise
such salability unless they themselves
display some zeal thereover.
If "enthusiasm must start at the top," let
the men who produce and distribute motion
pictures—the men at the very top—start the
necessary chain reaction by selling every picture
to the showmen who in turn will sell it
to the pubUc via the procedure recommended
in the NT report.
There was once a time when film reviewers,
pursuing their nefarious trade, needed
little more knowledge of the King's English
than to be able to read "came the dawn."
Then appeared the talkies, and the education
of aforementioned appraisers required
expanding to include such passages as "they
went thataway."
But productional modus operandi has
changed so radically that unequipped indeed
is the critic who isn't a linguist. In one week
the members of Hollywood's hungry press
were accorded the edifying experience of gandering
two films—Paramount's "Captain
Carey, U.S.A. and RKO Radio's "Stromboli"
"
—in which there was so much Italian dialog
that a translator or Italian-English dictionary
was needed.
But what reviewer has the price of a dictionary?
It's man-bites-dog stuff when a motion picture
director spends his time—and moneysinging
the praises of a publicity man. Yet
that's what happened when Arthur Lubin
bought advertising space in a local tradepaper
to call attention to what an outstanding
job is being done by David Lipton, Universal-International
blurb chieftain, in advertising,
publicizing and exploiting the Lubin-directed
"Francis,"
Anyone who has followed the campaign will
agree that it is a bite to which Lipton and
staff are rightly entitled.
SCRAMBLED-GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
(Eagle Lion Division)
Producer Frank Melford's "The Boy From
Indiana," which is located and was filmed in
.Arizona, will be premiered in Alaska, according
to EL'S imaginative space-snatcher.
Bob Goodfried.
Arthur Eddy, catch-as-catch-can blurber,
broadcasts intelligence to the effect that Dick
Wesson and Joe Bigelow are forming a company
to produce a feature called "Peanuts."
No one is better qualified to handle the
subject than Artful Arthur.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 51

^(McCcM ^cfront
pOR THE FIRST TIME a government committee
has decided to exercise the power
vested in it to force the major circuits to
show an independent British production to
which they have already refused playing
time. In 1948 the Board of Trade set up a
selection committee which has the power to
force every circuit owning more than 200
cinemas (in practice this means only the
Gaumont, Odeon and ABC circuits) to show
up to a maximum of six independent productions—a
total of 18 a year if necessary.
So far no producer has approached the committee
as there is a feeling that such all
action might prejudice the circuits against
any future product from the same source.
A year ago United Artists submitted two
British films to the committee but withdrew
them when a tradepaper announced the fact.
They claimed at the time that the announcement
would lead independent exhibitors
to feel that the films were not good
if the circuits had to be forced to take
them.
In the present case the film in question
is "Chance of a Lifetime" which was made
by Pilgrim Pictures (formerly Pillipo Del-
Guidice's company) and which stars Basil
Radford and Bernard Miles. The picture is
distributed by British Lion. No comment can
be made on its quality since the film has
not yet been tradeshown but it is at least
permissible to comment that with only the
two artistes mentioned to carry the billing
it would really have to be another "Naked
City" to justify a circuit booking.
By JOHN SULLIVAN
ANOTHER FILM OPENING this time at
the Odeon. Leicester Square, is Noel Coward's
"The Astonished Heart." which Antony
Darnborough produced for Sydney Box. Darnborough
also co-directed with Terence Fisher.
Since the film has already opened in New
York and has had American reviews there
is no point in writing a detailed review for
American exhibitors. In any event, it is understood
here that the U.S. version differs
somewhat from the British as the Johnston
office is reported to have objected to the
sequences which show Celia Johnson as condoning
the adultery of her husband.
It is worth mention, however, that this
was the first of the Rank pictures to be pro-,
duced on a fifty-fifty basis with an American
company. In this case Universal put up
one-half of the budget in frozen sterling in
exchange for the western hemisphere rights.
The film is beheved to have cost around
$600,000 and at that price wiU not cause any
worry to either Rank or Universal since it
is a well-made and polished job that should
appeal to the carriage trade in any country
in which it Is shown.
'Baron' Premiere Held
March 1 at Phoenix
HOLLYWOOD—Stars, members of the
Hollywood press and executives of Lippert
Productions participated in a busy round of
social and civic activities when Lippert's "The
Baron of Arizona" was given its world premiere
March 1 at the Paramount Orpheum in
Phoenix. Gov. Dan E. Garvey proclaimed it
"Baron of Arizona" day and a chartered airliner
flew the guests in from Hollywood for
the day's festivities.
Film notables making the air junket included
Ellen Drew, who stars with "Vincent
Price in the film; Donald and Gwenn O'Connor.
Jackie Coogan and Hal Derwin, recording
artist and screen player, as well as company
executives including President Robert L.
Lippert. Murray Lerner. Jack Leewood and
Marty Weiser. Price left earlier by automobile
and visited exhibitors in Yuma. Prescott,
Flagstaff, Globe and Mesa before arriving in
Phoenix for the premiere.
PRESS CORPS JUNKET
The press corps was represented by columnists
George Fisher and Erskine Johnson;
Frank Neil, International News Service; Florabel
Muir, Los Angeles Mirror and New York
News; Fred Johnson, San Francisco Call-
Bulletin; Tom Brady. New York Times; Nat
Dallinger. King Features Syndicate; Howard
Heym. Associated Press; Grant McDonald,
Los Angeles Mirror; Frank Filan. World Wide
Photos; Ezra Goodman, Los Angeles Daily
News: Aline Mosby. United Press; Doris
Smith. Los Angeles Daily News; and Wood
Soanes. Oakland Tribune.
The trade press group included Ivan
Spear. BOXOFFICE; Aim Lewis. Showmen's
Trade Review; Paul Manning, the Exhibitor;
Bill Weaver. Motion Picture Herald; Larry
Urbach. Film Daily; Milton Luban, Independent
Film Journal; and Chuck Daggett. Va-
ALL THREE CIRCUITS have met their
quota obligations during the year ending Sept.
30, 1949, according to a release issued by the
Board of Trade this week. Associated British
Cinemas, Odeon and Gaumont all devoted
47.6 per cent of their playing time to British
pictures when the statutory requirement
was only 45 per cent. With a second feature
quota of 25 per cent the circuits actually
showed 31 per cent of British support fea-
IF THE FIRST TWO MONTHS are anythintures.
D. J. Goodlatte,
to judge by managing
1950
director
will be
of
a vintage
ABC, disclosed
year
in
for
a tradepaper
British pictures. With interview
"The
that
Blue
liis circuit will
Lamp" now be
on
two riety.
general
pictures short
release
of their
and chalking
legal
up
requirements
the
in
biggest
the six
gross for years months
another
ending
film
RODEO QUEEN
in March
SELECTED
of this
likely to do
year,
the
so it is
same huge business has
more than
The likely that
debut
opened his
its run
chain
was a three-show
will
at the
accept
Gaumont. the
Haymarket
showing
affair. At the
first, with
of
Price
and the Marble
"Chance as emcee,
of
Arch
a Lifetime,"
the
Pavilion. This
mentioned
queen of the
is a
annual
above.
Phoenix world championship rodeo
Jay Lewis production released by General
was selected,
Film
Of the
with Lippert
independent
Distributors
exhibitors,
and any
and Miss
of
is titled "Morning
whom
Drew
among the six
were judges.
given
Also
Departure." It was
exemption on the
or
directed
reduction
by Roy Baker
from
agenda
the
were a cocktail
45 per
party
and
cent
and dinner.
stars
quota,
John
there is
Mills. Richard
a total of 1,474
Attenborough
Television
defaults
coverage was
in accorded
first
and Nigel
feature
the
Patrick.
obligations
proceedings
via
and 1,331
in second
a tieup with the
feature.
"Morning Departure"
About
Phoenix TV
77 per cent of
tells the
the
story of a
station, KPHO.
defaulters
submarine
were
which
among
had a mobile video
taking
those
off
exhibitors
for a routine
with
exercise
camera on hand.
a The TV
full 45
lenses
per
in
cent
peacetime
quota.
were allowed
to pick up the main titles and opening
with the crew expecting to be
back in time for tea. Within a few hours it
scene of "The Baron" when it began unwinding
has struck a floating mine left over from THERE IS UNLIKELY to
at
be any the
radical
Orpheum, with an announcer then
the war and is lying on the bottom with change in legislation affecting
cutting in
the film
to suggest
industry
as a result of the
that viewers attend the
only 12 of its crew of 70 left alive. Eight
theatre to
general
see the
election.
entire picture.
escape suits are left from the wreck and With such a small majority
The
the
opus
Labor
has been
government
is not
booked into 37 Arizona
when the sub is sighted by rescue ships eight
situations
in a position
during the first
to introduce
week of this month,
men are sent through the hatch and the any of its extreme with socialist measures
18 other Arizona since
theatres booking it for
remaining four are left to await the lifting a defection by
dates
a handful
during the
of its members
next
would
two weeks.
of the .submarine by a salvage ship. After mean a defeat. It seems certain that another
general election will now be held with-
several days of alternate hope and despair
bad weather forces the ships to abandon
'Stromboli'
the in the next
Ban
few Is
weeks,
Lifted
although parliament
salvage, the crippled sub returns to the ocean will have to assemble now to pass the finance
bill and issue a budget.
By Court in Seattle
bed and all hope for the four survivors is
gone.
SEATTLE—After declaring that the ban
The Cinema Exhibitors Ass'n received assurance
during the campaign from more than the echo of
on the showing of
This
"Stromboli"
is strong and sombre
sounded "like
material and no
attempt
a police state
has
to
been
me."
made, except
Superior
in the Cockney
300 candidates that they would support any Judge James
humor
Hodson granted
of one
a temporary
of the last four, to lighten measure involving a reduction in the entertainment
tax and CEA officials are now of the film. The
injunction to
the
RKO permitting
narrative. the
In
showing
spite of this the film does
not
picture
leave opened the
the
following
observer with a sense of depression,
but Mouse Theatre.
busy preparing a list of those supporters who day at John Hamrick's Blue
rather with a great admiration
were elected.
Judge Hodson's decision
for
granted
the bravery
a temporary
injunction
of men who travel beneath
enjoining the police
the
chief
sea.
Order your taxation trailer today! from interfering with the showing.
5.2
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

—
—
—
,
with
1
Lamps
I
with
'Strombolf Chalks
In Los Angeles 2-
LOS ANGELES—As has been the case in
other situations where the film has opened,
"Stromboli" reaped a golden harvest from the
Bergman-Rossellini headlines in its initial
stanza at two theatres here. It was well out
in front of the pack at 200 per cent.
(Average is 100)
Chinese, Los Angeles, Loyola, Uptown, Wilshire—
Mother Didn't Tell Me (20lh-Fox); The Blonde
Bandit (Rep) 130
Downtown, Hollywood Paromounts Samson and
Delilah (Para), advanced prices, 4th wk 150
Egyptian, Loews Slate—Malaya (MGM); Blonde
Dynamite (Mono), 2nd wk;,_ ICO
Fine Arts—Spring
Four Star
in Park Lane (EL),
A Song to Remember
5th wk
(Col), reissue,
90
2nd wk 80
Music Halls, Forum—Never Fear (EL), 2nd wk 70
Orpheum
to (EL), eight acts
Passport Pimlico
ot vaudeville _ 85
Pontages, HiUstreet— Stromboli (RKO): The
Tattooed Stranger (RKO) ,._ 200
United Artists, Ritz, Culver, Studio City, Vogue-
Francis (U-I); There's a Girl in My Heart
(Mono) „ 175
Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern Chain
Lightning (WB), 2nd wk 90
Up strong 200
House Opening
Gate Theatre here and topped the honor
roll. "Woman in Hiding" and "The Rugged
O'Riordans" at the Esquire carded 125 per
cent. "Never Fear" at the United Artists was
strong with 115 per cent.
Cinema—Twelve O'Clock High (20th-Fox), 3rd
d. t wk 100
Esquire—Woman in Hiding (U-1); The Hugged
O'Riordans (U-1), ind d I wk 125
Fox—When Willie Comes Marching Home (20th-
Fox): Bomba on Panther Island (Mono) 90
Golden Gate—Stromboli (RKO) 175
Orpheum—Father Is a Bachelor (Col); The Traveling
Saleswoman (Col) 110
Paramount--Blue Grass of Kentucky (Mono);
Killer Shark (Mono) SO
United Artists—Never Feor (EL) _ 115
V/arheld—Ambush (MGM), 2nd wk 110
YOU
DONT
KNOW
WHAT
YOU'RE
MISSING...
'TIL YOU TRY
'QUICKER
ABETTER'
SPECIAL TRAILERS
Chicago - 1327 S. Wabash Avenue
New York - 619 West 54th Street
'On the To-wn' Grosses 165
In Portland Opening
PORTLAND—"On the Town" took the town
100
by storm, hitting the top of 165 per cent at
the United Artists. With the number of first
run houses cut down by the Hamrick-Evergreen
split, downtown business was below
what the weather would indicate.
Broadway Malaya (MGM); Challenge to Lassie
(MGM), 2nd d, t. wk _
Maylair—Davy Crockett, Indian Scout (UA);
Satan's Cradle (UA) „ 115
Oriental and Orpheum—Mother Didn't Tell Me
(20th-Fox); Blondie's Hero (Col) 130
Paramount The Nevadan (Col); Blonde Dynamite
(Mono) _ 95
United Artists—On the Town (MGM) 165
Holdovers Continue to Pace
Seattle First Run Trade
SEATTLE—Holdovers were racking up the
greater portion of first run trade here "Battleground,"
in a fourth round with "Change
of Heart" at the Music Hall, registered 200.
Blue Mouse—Backfire (WB); Unmasked (Rep),
2nd d. t, wk
Coliseum— Port of New York (EL); Boy From
60
Indiana (EL) 100
Filth Avenue—Dear Wife (Para); They Live by
Night (RKO), 3rd wk _....110
Liberty—On the Town (MGM); Tension (MGM),
3rd wk 125
Music Box—The Fallen Idol (SRO), 2nd wk 110
Music Hall—Battleground (MGM); Change of
Heart (20th-Fox). reissue, 4th wk 200
Orpheum
Woman in Hiding (U-I); Beyond the
Hio Grande (SR), reissues SO
Paramount—Twelve O'Clock High ((20lh-Fox);
There's a Girl in My Heart (Mono), 2nd wk 165
"Francis' Grosses 200 Per Cent
At Three Denver Houses
DENVER— "Francis" packed them in and,
for the first time, a film was moved across
the street from the Denver to the Paramount.
Aladdin. Denver, Webber—Francis (U-1); Chinatown
at Midnight (Col) 200
Broadway—Battleground (MGM), 4th wk 120
Denham—Thelma Jordon (Parcf) 100
Esquire, Parasiount—Tell It to the Judge (Col);
Mule Troin (Col) 90
Orpheum— East Side, West Side (MGM); Satan's
Cradle (UA) 140
Riallo—Twelve O'Clock High (20th-Fox); Girls'
School (Col), 6th d. I. wk 100
Vogue—The Genius and the Nightingale (SR);
Enchanted Lake (SR) _ 90
"Stromboli' Registers 175
In San Francisco Opening
SAN FRANCISCO—"Stromboli" registered
175 per cent in its opening at the Golden
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BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 53

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SEAllll
^liver Hartman, Coulee exhibitor, well
known in northwest industry circles, died
of a heart attack recently . . . Scott HoUoway.
Dallas, Tex., has joined the National Theatre
Jim Frangooles has
Supply sales staff . . .
been named booker for Sterling Theatres.
He comes from Albany. N. Y., where he was
RKO office manager . Maren, UA
exploiteer, was in Seattle for the first time
in five years.
. . .
William and Edna Elizabeth Thedford are
the parents of a baby boy William Purnell.
Bob Quinn was in
born February 23 . . .
town hitting the ball for "Samson and Delilah,"
which opened at the Paramount March
3 . . . Mr. and Mrs. Pete Higgins are back
from a five-week South American tour
James Gregory, head of field operations for
Alliance Theatres. Chicago, has been inspecting
operations of the Midstate Amusement
Co., Walla Walla.
D. H. Davidson has purchased the Unique
Theatre in Spokane from Mrs. A. P. Mitchell
. . . B. C. Johnson has closed the suburban
Atlas Theatre for overhauling and redecorating
. . . Emily Bennett, secretary to Fred
Danz, Sterling circuit general manager, has
resigned to be married . . . Visitors to Filmrow
included Ed Johnson and Joe Rosenfield,
Spokane; Pete Koppinger, Montesano; A. G.
Peechia, Eatonville, and Foster Blake of New
York.
"Family Skeleton' Changed
"Stella and the City Men" is the new title
for the 20th-Fox picture formerly called
"Family Skeleton."
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Campaign Is
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For New Oater Star
liXMUN
Rex Allen is seen above with a group of
children who competed in a Kiddies Kowboy
Kostume Kontest at the Balboa Theatre
in San Diego.
HOLLYWOOD—Rex Allen, cowboy player
whom Republic intends to build up to star
status, has left on a ten-city series of personal
appearances at openings of his first
picture. "The Arizona Cowboy." Studio officials
said a $5,000,000 program of film production,
advertising and publicity has been
set up to establish Rex as the top western
star.
His first stop was at the Balboa Theatre
in San Diego. From there he went to Tucson
where Gov. Dan E. Garvey commissioned
Allen as Arizona's No. 1 cowboy and gave
him a gold badge bearing the official designation.
He rode with Governor Garvey and
Gov. Ignacio Soto of Sonora, Mexico, Mayor
E. T. Houston and actress Janet Leigh in the
parade opening the annual Fiesta de los
Vaqueros at Tucson.
Other cities on his schedule are El Paso,
Santa Fe, Denver, Oklahoma City, New Orleans.
Fort Smith and Tulsa.
'Samson' Starts FWC Run
LOS ANGELES—Openmg March 3 in Seattle.
Paramount's "Samson and Delilah" has
begun a series of prerelease engagements in
all Fox West Coast circuit key situations.
PORTLAND
Oeorge Jackson, salesman for RKO, left for
the territory and Gene Engleman returned
Rose and Foster Blake, who have
been in visiting the U-I branch, returned to
San Francisco and New York, respectively.
Verne Lesby, former head shipper at U-I,
has been appointed booker, replacing Dick
Litchlag. Charlie White, former assistant is
now head shipper . and Mitt Pennington
purchased the Roxy Theatre Theatre in
Aberdeen from A. Silver and the Maslan
Brothers. Theatre Exchange Co. handled
the sale.
Mel Hulling from Los Angeles and Harold
Wirthwein from San Francisco were in the
Monogram branch . has been started
on a 600-car drive-in in Springfield. Tom
Blair, Western Amusement Co., says it will
be ready for operation by early summer.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

'
Door
DENVER
Phc courtesy plaques, awarded each six
months by Prank H. Ricketson jr., president
of Fox Intermountain Theatres, went
this time to the Fox at Aurora, Paramount
Idaho Palls, Ida.; Rialto and Grand, Rock
Springs, Wyo., and the Pox, Montrose. One
award is made in each district. Maintenance
awards of $25 to the janitor of one theatre
in each district went to Otto Baltes, Tabor,
Denver: Everett Evans, Fox, Caldwell, Ida.;
Reuben Kehn, Fox, Longmont, and Maria
Quintana and Clyde Baca, State, Las Cruces,
N. M. The theatre in each instance gets a
certificate.
A packed house attended the first of the
Carnival nights at Variety Tent 37 clubrooms.
The party started with hors d'oeuvres
at 7:30 and progressively went through free
champagne cocktails to all until 8 o'clock.
prizes were champagne. The memberheld
a meeting in the little theatre and attended
a screening of "Wabash Avenue,"
and at 11 p. m. a box lunch auction was
held in the dining room.
The home of Joe Clark, Lippert salesman,
burned at a time when all of the family was
away. All their clothes and most of the
furniture were destroyed, and what furniture
was not burned was damaged otherwise.
With the March 11 world premiere of
"Operation Haylift" set for Ely, Nev., where
the first planes took off in the inspiration
for the film, all of the cast will fly from
there to Denver and Salt Lake City to be
present when the film opens in those cities,
one and two days later. Along with another
Lippert film, "The Baron of Arizona,"
the complete allotment of 170 prints made
will be available for booking in the Denver
and Salt Lake City territories immediately
after the Ely premiere.
Two Hunt Theatres
To Fox West Coast
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Roy Hunt has sold
the Hunt Theatres partnership and interest
in the DeAnza and Golden State theatres
here to the Pox West Coast circuit. The
transaction reportedly involved more than
$250,000 and leaves Hunt Theatres owner
of the Rubidoux Drive-In only on West
Riverside. Partnership between Hunt and
Fox West Coast was dissolved partially in
June 1947 when FWC assumed ownership
of the Riverside and Lido theatres.
Hunt came to Riverside 29 years ago and
purchased the Grand Theatre on Main street.
He remodeled it and renamed it the Little
Rubidoux. In 1929 Hunt took over the Loring
Theatre, remodeled it and renamed it
the Golden State. He went into partnership
with FWC in 1933 and Himt became operating
manager of the combined interests which included
all theatres in Riverside.
Hunt and FWC built the De Anza in 1939
and the Lido in 1941. In 1948 Hunt built the
$350,000 Rubidoux Drive-In, which Harry
Creasey manages. Hunt said he would devote
a good portion of his time for the next
six months to the presidency of the Rubidoux
Baseball club. He assumed the presidency of
the club last year and is a major stockholder
in the club.
r
The wife of Moz Buries, Paramount salesman,
entered St. Anthony's hospital for a
checkup . . . Theatremen seen on Filmrow
included John Roberts, Fort Morgan; George
KeUoff, Aguilar; Bernard Newman, Walsh,
and Ross Gantt, Kremmling.
L. M. Kennedy Quits Vita,
In Colorado Springs Suit
MANITOU, COLO.— L. M. Kennedy has resigned
as manager of the 'Vita Theatre here,
the house which figured in an action brought
by the state industrial commission seeking
to enforce fire and safety regulations.
"I have canceled my working agreement
with the owner of the building," Kennedy
•said. "I will not assume responsibility for
the action brought against the Vita last January.
I believe it to my best interests to
sever my connection with the theatre."
The suit, brought to enforce compliance
with recommendations of inspections of the
theatre, ended with a minimum fine being
levied against the theatre. Charles Diller of
Ouray, owner of the building and the theatre,
paid the fine.
Kennedy, acting in his own defense,
pleaded not guilty in the first such case to
be brought by the commission against a theatre
in a move to "crack down on violators
of fire and safety rules." The court ruled
that Kennedy had labored under a hardship
in complying with the commision's rules since
he w^as not owner of the theatre.

. . . Beverly
. . Roy
LOS ANGELES
l^ue in from New York was George Dembow.
vice-president and sales chief of National
Screen Service. Dembow's hosts during
his stay will be B. R. Wolf, western district
manager. Branch Manager Ben Ashe
and Office Manager Ralph LaDuke . . . Joe
Rosenberg, film salesman formerly associated
with Eagle Lion. Film Classics and Warners,
has joined the Monogram staff in a selling
capacity . Dickson's new secretary at
Cooperative Theatres is Beverly Livingston.
former bookers' secretary at Monogram before
swinging over to Dickson's booking service.
Pinning the rap on poor business. Jack
Mandel has shuttered his Melvan Theatre,
neighborhood house in the Hollywood area,
indefinitely . . After managing them on lease
.
for more than a year. Sid Pink has returned
the Arlington and Maynard. subsequent run
community theatres, to the Harry Vinnicof
chain, which will continue to operate them
... A booking and buying visitor was Wade
Loudermilk. operator of the Buckeye in
Buckeye. Ariz.
Howard Goldenson and Ann Litrov have
set April 20 as their wedding date. The
groom-to-be is a partner of Jules Seder in
the Encino Theatre, which opened recently
out Eiicino way in the San Fernando valley
Parker, wife of Bill Parker, sales
manager at the Film Classics branch, is recuperating
at home after undergoing major
surgery at the Cedars of Lebanon hospital.
A spot of star-gazing was on the itinerary
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Available for immediate delivery.
for- Barry Cohen, executive of the Detroit
Theatre Enterprises in the automobile city,
during a vacation here. Accompanied by his
wife, he visited the Paramount studios In
Hollywood for an insight on the production
end of motion pictures . . . Ish White and
Ken Darby have moved their Security Theatre
offices into new quarters. Both men
were booker-salesmen at Paramount before
opening their booking service.
Absent from the Row for several years,
Mr. and Mrs. Vic Walker came in from Huntington
Beach to do some booking for their
newly acquired operation, the Surf Theatre.
The Walkers at one time owned the Walker
and State theatres in Santa Ana, but sold
out to the Southside circuit.
Another booking and buying visitor was
Fred Hershorn. operator of the Garden in
Long Beach. Commenting on the problems
of dwindling business and the discriminatory
amusement tax on tickets, Hershorn admitted
he was "seriously considering" dropping his
ticket price to nine cents for adults and children
alike—at least until the amusement levy
is
lifted.
Newly appointed western zone manager for
Hallmark Productions is Barnes Perdue, who
formerly was connected with Ted Jones'
Western Amusement Co. Huddling here with
Perdue was Hank Adams, Hallmark's national
sales manager, who checked in from Wilmington,
Ohio, for the conference, and Jean Gaston,
saleswoman, who has just returned from
covering her territory in Arizona.
Harry Popkin, United Artists producer and
partner in the Popkin-Ringer circuit here,
returned from a trip to New York with the
disclosure that, while stopping over in Chicago,
he was interviewed on the "20th Century
Limited
"
airshow.
Just prior to his departure for Portland
and Seattle to contact circuit accounts. Harold
Wirthwein, western sales manager for
Monogram-Allied Artists, disclosed the appointment
of Robert C. Ryan as salesman in
the Denver exchange. Last associated with
Warners in that city, Ryan replaces Frank
Childs. who resigned to enter private business.
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Central Illinois Exhibitors Attend Allied Rally
—Photo by E. D. Lar
SPRINGFIELD—More than 50 exhibitors
attended a regional meeting of Midcentral
Allied at the Leland hotel here last week (21).
Trueman T. Rembusch. Indianapolis, president
of national Allied; William Carroll, Indianapolis,
president of Associated Theatre
Owners of Indiana; William H. Hoffman,
Arthur, 111., national Allied director; A. B.
Jefferis, Piedmont, Mo., president of Midcentral
Allied, and Elwin Wiecks, Staunton, 111..
vice-president, spoke.
RESOLUTION ON 'STROMBOLI'
Resolutions were adopted: ill Suggesting
that all theatre owners not play "Stromboli";
(2) Urging members to telegraph their Illinois
congressional representatives on the
ways and means committee relative to the
abolition of the 20 per cent tax: (3> Extending
a vote of commendation to all film producers
tor the advancement and progress being
made in the use of fireproof film, and
urging that the work continue until film shipments
are 100 per cent of the acetate type.
Rembusch described the operations of
Zenith phonevision as it will be tested in Chicago
next month. It was his belief that this
type of television will be a real threat to the
in the midwest prairie lands, that the television
applications are currently "frozen." The
stations now interfere with each other in
many areas and the coverage obviously will
have to be changed.
"When the bands are changed to avoid
this interference, the present long-range
bands of two through six should be reserved
for theatre use." he said. "If the use of
phonevision becomes widespread it may become
the means whereby the television industry
can finance its further progress at
the expense of the theatreowner."
Hoffman explained the uses of the Caravan
reporting system and urged all present to become
members of the organization for their
own protection against "exorbitant film
costs." Carroll explained how the information
contained in Caravan was compiled.
Jefferis conducted the meeting and in the
drawing of the attendance prize, he was the
winner of a luggage piece contributed by the
United Film Service.
LIST OF REGISTRANTS
The photo includes all except a few of
those registered at the Springfield Allied
motion picture theatre inasmuch as the "boxoffice"
has been transferred to the telephone
company, and all that a patron has to do in
order to view a motion picture is to call the
telephone operator and have the charge put
on his bill.
He advocated that Allied request the use
of channels two to six be reverted to commercial
theatre use, thereby reducing the
radius of the big city stations. It is because
of the long range of these stations, especially meeting as follows (all from Illinois unless
otherwise designated) : Earl Williams, Knoxville:
R. H. Welsh and wife, Newman: A. B.
Jefferis and wife, Piedmont. Mo.: Dave Jones,
Springfield; E. H. Wiecks. Staunton: Charles
Dyas and wife, Earlville; Tom Brewer, Farmington;
Tom Keelen, Sheffield; Paul E. Stehman,
Winchester; Frank Stewart and wife,
Danville: William Carroll and Trueman Rembusch,
Indianapolis; E. D. Larsen, Chenoa;
Alfred Carius and wife, Morton: R. H. Deuterman
and L. E. Deuterman, Atlanta;
Charles Beninanti and wife. Carlyle: William
Hoffman and wife, Arthur: Russell Hall,
Waverly: P. Bissell Shaver, Henry: Art Diller,
Lovington; M. F. Bodwell. Wyoming; F. E.
Haskins, Viola; Vernal M. Elliott, Clay City;
Abe Werbner, Lewistown.
Commissioner Refuses
To Enforce Curfew Law
From Midwest Edition
OMAHA—This city's 10 p. m. to 5 a. m.
curfew has resulted in a major rumpus.
Mayor Glenn Cunningham called for strict
enforcement of the 1943 ordinance. That
drew a promise from Police Chief Fred
Franks.
But now Police Commissioner W. W. Carmichael
has said that if the mayor wants the
curfew enforced he will have to take over
the police department. The commissioner
contends the ordinance is impossible to enforce.
Youngsters under 16 would be arrested if
out of their homes at a theatre, basketball
game, other amusement places, or in a car
unless accompanied by a parent or legal
guardian. In event of violation fines of $1
to $100 would be assessed against the youngster,
or the parent if the latter said he had
control of his child.
Carmichael says the department lacks
manpower to enforce such an ordinance, that
it virtually would force youngsters to carry
birth certificates and their parents some
means of identification.
Carmichael insists the present policy of
nabbing delinquents only will be continued
until after a meeting of juvenile experts is
held.
Louis Livingston Named
To Filmack's TV Section
CHICAGO—Irving Mack, president of
Filmack Trailer Corp. here, has appointed
Louis Livingston to head Filmack's television
department. Livingston was former promotion
manager for the Chicago Herald-American,
Philadelphia Evening Bulletin and the New
York Journal-American. He was a major
during World War II assigned public relations
officer with the Sixth army in Japan.
At the outbreak of America's rearmament
program, he was a special consultant for
Henry Morgenthau, then secretary of the
treasury.
Standard Theatres Buys
Kenosha, Wis., Theatre
KENOSHA, WIS.—Standard Theatres, Inc.,
has bought the Kenosha Theatre here from
Warner Theatres. L. F. Gran, general manager
for Standard, said his firm had operated
the theatre for several years and bought the
property "so we wouldn't have to pay any
more rent."
Standard Theatres has an $800,000 mortgage
on the property, with the Marine National
Exchange bank of Milwaukee as trustee.
The firm was not considering buying
any other Warner property. Gran said.
Lanark Theatre Robbed
LANARK, ILL.—Burglars entered the La-
Nar Theatre here recently and escaped with
$70 in ca,sh. Manager Fred Good said the
burglars entered the rear door of the theatre,
then used a file to pry off locks on the money
drawers in the boxoffice.
BOXOFFICE March 4. 1950 61

. . Kenneth
. . Logansport,
. . Mrs.
INDIANAPOLIS
IVirax Cohen, division manager, Film Classics,
conferred with Manager Sam Abrams
... V. Hudson, operator of the Hilltop, Louisville,
has added a new air conditioned private
office to his house .
like all
other northern Indiana cities, was icebound.
Boxoffice grosses were extremely poor. There
were no Ughts and no telephone service for
several days.
Officials of the RCA company held a sales
conference here at the office of the Midwest
Theatre Supply Co., distributors for RCA
theatre equipment. Jack Piatt, district manager,
Cleveland: Fred Wentker, district manager,
Chicago, and Homer Snook, president
of the Midwest Theatre Supply Co., Cincinnati,
attended the meeting. J. Charles Clickner,
local representative for RCA, also was
present.
Jules Lapidus, Warner eastern and Canadian
sales manager, and Bernard Goodman,
supervisor of branch operations, visited the
local branch . Barnard, operator
of the Oxford, Oxford. Ind.. reports the birth
of a baby boy. his sixth child, at St. Elizabeth's
hospital. Lafayette . Isaac Sellers,
wife of the operator of the Lyric, Covington,
was confined at St. Francis hospital,
Bloomington.
Trueman Rembusch, president of the ATOI,
will attend the Chicago Showmanship meeting
March 8. 9, called by 20th-Fox President
Spyros P. Skouras. at the Drake hotel. There
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DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. Kansas City. Mo.
was an informal conference for exhibitors
in the northeastern part of the state at the
Van Orman hotel. Fort Wayne, February 28.
Al Borkenstein was chairman of the meeting.
Marvin Weinberg, brother of the late Sam
Weinberg, has succeeded his brother as manager
of theatres in Indiana and Kentucky
. . . Fred DoUe, president of the Fourth Avenue
Amusement Co., Louisville, and his wife
have gone to St. Petersburg, Fla.. for an extended
vacation . . . Rex Carr, general manager.
Theatre Owners Corp., Cincinnati, was
a visitor. He was associated with Marcus
Enterprises here for several years . . Ernest
.
Smith, operator of the Devon, Francisville,
has opened a $50,000 tavern.
Herman Black, salesman for RKO, is confined
at the Methodist hospital after an operation
Trueman Rembusch. president.
. . . ATO of Indiana, and William Carroll, executive
secretary, attended the meeting of the
Midcentral Allied group at Springfield, 111.,
Tuesday (21).
At the last meeting of the board of directors
of Variety Tent 10 seven regular members
and two associated members were added
. . . Exhibitors on Filmrow included J. B.
Sconce. Sconce circuit, Edinburg; R. L. Norton,
Key, Red Key; Mrs. Hilda Long, Hippodrome,
Sheridan; Matt Scheidler. Jefferson,
Hartford City; C. A. Marshall, Sunshine,
Darlington; William Handley, Rembusch circuit,
and Franklin and Nick Paikos, Diana,
Tipton.
Roy Rogers Club Prizes
Awarded at Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS—Roy Rogers spoke from
the stage of Fountain Square Theatre here
via long distance. By a special telephone
setup, Rogers spoke to Donna Carter, winner
of the Indianapolis Times-Fountain Square
Roy Rogers mystery tune contest. Donna received
tickets to Hollywood for herself and
her mother, the prizes provided by Borden's
Capitol Dairies and Borden's Furnace Ice
Cream Co. Also taking part in the program
was Evelyn D'Amico of the toy department
of William H. Boocl Co., a co-sponsor of the
contest, and Earl Cunningham, manager of
Fountain Square Theatre and "daddy" of the
Roy Rogers Riders club.
While in Hollywood Donna and her mother
will appear on two radio broadcasts and will
watch Roy Rogers on location in the filming
of a picture.
Chicago Court Opens Way
For Ozoner Within City
CHICAGO—A decision by Judge Harry M.
Fisher in circuit court here has cleared the
way for construction of a new outdoor theatre
within the city limits. In action brought
by the Liberty National bank as trustee for
owners of the property, Fisher ruled invalid
a city ordinance prohibiting erection of driveins
in the city limits.
He held that the city cannot legislate
against a lawful business, but can limit such
business to certain zones.
Mother of Paul Stehman Dies
WINCHESTER. ILL.—The mother of Paul
E. Stehman, owner of the Lyric, died recently.
—
Snow and Cold Hurl
Loop Theatre Trade
CHICAGO—The heaviest snow yet to fall
this winter, with thoroughfares covered with
sleet and ice. made rough going for amusement
seekers. Even with record crowds in
town for the auto show and conventions,
business was only fair at Loop theatres.
"Stromboli," with a record advance promotion
campaign, bowed in strong at the RKO
Grand, with a 98-cent admission all day and
SI.50 night price. Considering the weather,
business was good at the Grand all week.
Another newcomer, "Chain Lighting," had a
good first week at the Chicago along with
a stage bill headed by June Havoc. Joey
Adams and Mark Plant. "The Bicycle Thief,"
De Sica's Italian production, bowed in strongly
at the World Playhouse. The Oriental had
an average second week with "East Side,
West Side" on the screen and a stage show
headed by Wally Vernon. "Battleground" at
the State-Lake and "My Foolish Heart" at
the Woods were holding up well. "The Third
Man" was steady in a second stanza at the
Selwyn.
(Average Is 100)
Chicago -Chain Lighting (WB), plus stage show._UO
Garrick—Dakota Lil (20th-Fox); The Blonde Bandit
(Rep) _ _ _ 95
Grand—Stromboli (RKO) 140
Oriental—East Side, West Side (MGM), plus stage
show, 2nd wk 100
Palaci^Gilda (Col); The Heat's On (Col),
reissues. 2nd wk ^ .90
Roosevelt— Captain China (Para); Davy Crockett,
Indian Scout UA' 2.-.i v/k -
Selv/yn—The Third Man (SRO), 2nd wk
90
110
State-Lake—Battleground (MGM), 2nd wk 110
Studio The Isle of Love (Dezelj; Germany Year
Zero (Dezel), 2nd d. t. run 100
United Artists—Father Is a Bachelor (Ccl), Mark
of the Gorilla (Col) S5
Woods—My Foolish Heart (RKO), 4th wk 100
World Playhouse—The Bicycle Thief (De Sica) 110
Street Popcorn Vending
Restricted at Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — An ordinance passed by
the city council bans all street vending of
popcorn within 200 feet of parks and retail
stores, leaving vending of such products to
concessioners. It does not affect popcorn and
peanut sales in lobbies of theatres or other
places of amusement, except to remove
venders who have wagons or stands within
200 feet of the entrance of theatres.
An appeal has been made by independent
venders for a modification of the ordinance.
At a meeting of a common council committee
in February. Mary Herro told councilmen that
she and more than 20 others made a living
selling peanuts and popcorn near amusement
places. If the ordinance were strictly enforced,
she said, their livelihoods would be
taken away.
I
COMPLETE THEATRE
RCA EQUIPMENT
MID-W€ST TH€ATR€
SUPPLY COMPANY, Inc.
Ril<
448 North Dlinois St.
5655. Indianapc
Twenty-jour hour service
62
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 195(J

STEEL
SCREEN TOWER
ERECTED
COMPLETE
$ 8,427'
Compel attention and assure
biggest boxoffice returns
with this impressive tower.
HERE ARE A FEW OF ITS OUTSTAND-
ING FEATURES
if Overall size: 50 it. x 44 ft.
^ Screen size: 44 ft. x 33 it.
-^ All 4 sides covered and painted.
•j( Screen surface is oi asbestos board.
if Immediate construction
^ High tower wrings as shown. -^ free standing steel tower (no guy
wires).
if Greater resistance to wind: 30
pounds per square foot, equivalent ^ 2-line 24 ft. lighted Wagner attracto
83 M.P.H. turbulent flow or 95 tion board.
M.P.H. streamline flow.
if Ready for the picture . . . nothing else to buy!
Our THIRD YEAR Constructing Complete "PERSONALIZED" Drive-Ins
One of the Oldest and Best Established Builders of the "Packaged" Drive-ln
P o o
o O
• Frank Nolan, President
Drive-In Theatre Association of Ohio
• Chris Velas, Owner
Super 40 and Morristown Drive-ln,
Morristown, Ohio
• Jim Dempsey, Owner
Parkside and Telegraph Drive-ins,
Toledo, Ohio
• Paul Brake, General Manager
Battle Creek Auto Theatre,
SATISFIED OWNERS
• Ray Watts and George Kaler
Delaware, Ohio
• Tri-Cities Drive-ln
Bucyrus, Ohio.
• Walt Campbell
Albion Drive-ln , Albion, Michigan
• Tiffin Drive-ln
Tiffin. Ohio
• Kenton Drive-lr
Kenton, Ohio
Battle Creek, Michigan •And 20 others
8 JOBS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION
300 CAR DRIVE-IN $
COMPLETE .
. . less fence 36,261
20
Larger Drive-Ins Proportionally Priced.
Each drive-in is "personalized" to take best advantage of surrounding
terrain and locale. A wride selection of designs in any
desired size to suit the client.
Service backed by experience that saves you money.
We contract at a fixed price to completely design and build your
drive-in. Your theatre will be complete on dehvery . . . ready
for opening night.
Bond furnished if desired. First mortgage money to responsible
owners.
• Each job Is complete including plans; engineering; .^creen tower with built-in tilt
screen feature; ticket booth; grading oi romps; surfacing road; projection booth;
plumbing; cement block concession stand; moonlite pole; Century projeclors, speakers,
speaker posts; Strong lamps; Altec supervision ol installation; electrical wiring and
material.
• Foundation beams engineered for maximum stability which permits exceptionally
high wind ratings.
• Small project completed in 3-5 weeks; large projects in about 6 weeks.
• Complete insurance coverage is carried during construction.
• Hollywood design concession stand as shown costs slightly more.
Contract Now for Early Construction
THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
HI Michigan St. - ADams 8107 - Toledo 2. Ohio

^H^^^l

. . . "Hamlet"
. . Harry
. . Irving
. . . Emil
. . Carl
|
CHICAGO
•The Lakeside, B&K theatre on the north
side, is receiving a new sound and projector
system, new Dalite plastic screen, new
Whiteway canopy, new boxoffice and a modernized
lounge . Walders. former
manager for UA at Cleveland who has been
at Paramount here, has replaced Nat Nathanson
here, who recently was appointed eastern
and Canadian general sales manager for
Paramount.
Jack Barry, for the last several years country
salesman for PRC and Henri Elman Enterprises,
has joined the Film Classics here
as country salesman . Mack has
returned from a business trip in Detroit area
. . . Ralph Smitha, general manager, reports
Essaness theatres have secured 22.000 signatures,
and 12.000 letters from patrons protesting
the admission tax. James Gulano.
manager of the Bertha Theatre, supervised
the drive . . . The Crown and Buckingham
theatres are being renovated inside and out
by Essaness.
Walter A. Dietze of Local 110 died last week
was going good at the Carnegie
Theatre on the near north side. It began
its general neighborhood release March
1 . . . The Monroe was showing "The Outlaw"
with "TeU It to the Judge." James
Jovan said business was good despite the
snow ... Ed Seguin's Florida tan faded fast
when he faced the pile of vifork in his B&K
desk on returning from a Miami holiday.
There are big doings ahead for the Chicago
Theatre, including a world premiere of "Wabash
Avenue" March 31, a one-week appearance
for Carmen Miranda April 14, followed
by Frankie Laine.
. . . Al Simon's restaurant,
Columbia's next release for Chicago territory
is "No Sad Songs for Me" . . . Balaban
& Katz is trying out popcorn with real butter
at 20 cents a box
the meeting and eating rendezvous
on Filmrow, is holding open house (3-10) to
celebrate his 13th anniversary with a buffet
and entertainment from 6 p. m.
Morrie Salkin still is at Michael Reese recuperating
from his illness and wants to
thank all his pals on Filmrow, etc., for the
many get-well cards and phone calls . . . Due
to the coal shortage, public schools will only
operate four days a week giving the young-
sters an extra day to attend the amusement
spots . . . Birthday greetings to Nat Nathanson,
Dick Sachsel, Jack Kaplan, Gerald
Weiss, Milton Banovitz and Abe Teitel.
Bob Kaufman, former 20th-Fox exploiteer,
was in helping E. V. Fitzgibbon. Paramount's
publicist, on the "Samson and Delilah" opening
at the State-Lake . . . Cecil DeMille was
in town to help launch Red Cross drive. He
delivered the principal address at the dinner
in the Stevens hotel attended by Mayor Kennelly
and over 1.000 civic leaders and guests
from all industries . . . The American Popcorn
Co, has opened a nationwide newspaper advertising
campaign boosting popcorn sales
Stern, E.ssaness vice-president who
retired last month, is living in Palm Spring.,
for winter.
Kenneth Norberg, formerly with EBF films,
has joined Chicago university as director of
the audio-visual center . Krueger, producer
of "The Golden Gloves Story," due for
its world premiere at the Oriental March 23,
and Herb Elisburg, who is lending Jim Booth
a hand in establishing the Oriental's new
management, went to school together. They
attended Hyde Park High school the same
period during the early 1920s, though they
didn't know each other then.
Patrons Make Suggestions
RIPON, WIS.—Suggestions are being made
by local theatregoers to S&M Theatres as to
what patrons would like to see incorporated
into the new theatre the company plans to
build here soon. S&M now operates the
Campus and Ripon theatres here. Some of
the suggestions call for a section set aside
for smokers, another enclosed section of
candy crunchers and cry rooms for babies.
A site has been purchased by S&M for the
new house and construction is slated to start
in a few weeks.
Speakers at Limberlost
GENEVA, IND.—Clyde Nihiser, manager
of the Limberlost Drive-In here, has contracted
for new individual car speakers for
the ozoner. The theatre operated without
them last year due to the lateness of the
drive-in opening.
^^^
WWW «««««**"„
MMiemtMi""-""
COSTS USS^
^ ^_aHty . . . compare cost . .
J
no comparalile equipment gives you
more for the money. Royal Soundmaster
Soundheads arc world-famous
for superior performance and durability.
Chainlcss. beltless. all-gear projector
drive. Designed (or use with all
projector mechanisms.
Advance Theatre
Sound Service
1511 Starr St., Peoria, Illinois
Phone 3-2577 4-8283
Service and Paris on All Mokes oi Booth
Equipment
NOW — COMPLETE POSTER
RENTAL SERVICE.
NOW — STANDARD AND SPECIAL-
TIES — BEAUTIFUL GLO-ART
40xG0's, 30x40's AND BANNERS.
Midwest Poster Exchange
"OUR SERVICE ADVERTISES"
Tel. WEBsler 9-4466
1220 So. Michigan Ave., Chicago 5, Illinois
.
NO CONTRACT TO SIGN
Service for Your Booth Equipment
on Merits Only.
SOUND AND PROJECTION
A service any theatre can afford, and
assurance that your equipment is at its
Bestl
-:• Look to ADVANCE for Perfection -:-
Write for Particulars
Advance
Theatre Sound Service
1511 Starr St. Peoria, Dl.
Emergency Airplane Service
Phones 3-2577 — 48283
Remodel at Bushnell, 111.
BUSHNELL, ILL.—Extensive remodeling of
the 500-seat Rialto. a unit of the Pirtle circuit,
is scheduled for completion late in
March. The entire interior is being redecorated
and modernized.
Custom Mddc
to Your Order
^^^
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Largest coverage in U.S. No "Net" list- i
ings. Highest reputation for know-howl
and fair dealing. 30 years experience including
exhibition. Ask Better Business Bureau,
or our customers. Know your broker. I
ARTHUR LEAK Theatre Specialists
1109 Orchardlane, Des Moines, Iowa
4-9087
CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE INVITED
FOR CAPACITY BUSINESS

. . The
ST. LOUIS
John Rees, owner of the Regal in suburban
Wellsville. and wife will leave for Hot
Springs about March 20 to spend three weeks
. . , Alfred Eldridge, bandleader, pianist and
composer of the 1920s, was found dead in his
room at the MacArthur hotel. He as 64 and
recently had been playing the piano in the
Elite cafe, whose owner Eugene Dattilo. a longtime
friend, had assisted Eldridge after finding
him in straitened circumstances. In 1929.
he conducted the orchestra at the Missouri
COSTS IBSS
. . . cost less than anv comparable
ampliriers. Vet. theatres the world over
use ami acclaim these units as outstanding
for quality of perlormance
and trouhle-free service. Before you
buy. compare Royal Soundmaster with
any unit. VouMI agree it's your besl
buy . . . for less.
St. Louis Theatre
Supply Co.
3310 Olive Street,
St. Louis, Missouri
Complete Theatre Equipment & Supplies
Theatre here and made the big time circuits
with his own band at the height of his career.
Manager Schrader Hope of the Hope Theatre
in Sesser, 111., acted promptly and efficiently
when the film broke and caught fire
during a run of "Night Train to Memphis"
one night recently. The audience of 400 was
evacuated in an orderly manner, strictly as a
precautionary measure, and Hope then extinguished
the fire before the arrival of firemen.
The loss was confined to the film and
damage to the projector . . . Jim Moran, former
stunt man, was here promoting Selznick's
"The Third Man."
B. Temborius of Breese, 111., is vacationing
in Florida . . . Exhibitors on Filmrow: Tilden
Dickson, Crystal City; John Rees, Wellsville;
Herman Tanner, Vandalia; Tom Baker, Bunker
Hill; Bill Williams, Union; Howard Bates,
Cape Drive-In, Cape Girardeau, and Paul
Musser, Casey and Greenup, 111., who recently
returned from a vacation in Florida. Eagle
Lion has transferred Peter Hayes, exploiteer,
here to serve the Kansas City, Des Moines,
Omaha and Oklahoma City exchange areas.
He formerly worked this territory.
Joyce Finney, secretary to EL Manager F. J.
Lee, has announced her engagement to Dr.
Frank Flis, owner and supervisor of the
Health club at Hotel Chase . . . Loew's Orpheum
is going after the Saturday juvenile
business, starting with a double Hopalong
Cassidy show Saturday (4) at 9 a. m. at 25
cents. The Fox has been putting on a matinee
for children each Saturday with a western
feature and vaudeville acts, while a dozen
or so neighborhood and suburban houses have
their regular Youth Cinema club shows.
The two sons of Mrs. Harry Gladney. the
former Mrs. Cecil Cannon, owner of the Elsberry,
Mo., Orpheum have become young doctors.
The elder, 26, a graduate of Washington
university and Harvard university's medical
school, is now on a fellowship in an Atlanta
hospital studying to be a heart specialist.
His brother, 24, is a graduate of the
Washington university medical school in St.
Louis and has been interne in a Denver hospital
for the past four months.
Eagle Lion expects exceptional reception for
"Guilty of Treason" . . . The Fox Theatre will
be the scene of the next world's premiere
here, namely, "Singing Guns," starring
Vaughn Monroe, who will appear at the Fox
March 11 with a stage show headed by Vic
Damone . stage show that opened at
the Fox February 25 was headed by Jerry
Colonna, mustache and all, and surrounded
by some classy singing and dancing acts.
A 16mm motion picture projector was presented
to the Volunteer Film Ass'n of St.
Louis by the Cooperative Club of Clayton for
entertaining persons confined to institutions
or to their homes. Each member of the Cooperative
club will contribute one night a
month to form two-man teams to handle the
film shows.
Coal Shortage Brings
Illinois Power Slash
ST. LOUIS—Hundreds of motion picture
theatres in Illinois went on a partial brownout
Monday (27) as a result of state orders
to cut electricity consumption at least 25 per
cent.
Coal supplies had reached a critical stage,
especially in northern Illinois, as the miners
remained away from work.
Retail Sales About Same
ST. LOXns—Department store sales in St.
Louis during the week ended February 18
were 2 per cent higher in dollar volume than
the business done by the stores in the corresponding
week of 1949, the Federal Reserve
bank reported. The increase for the Federal
Reserve district as a whole was 1 per cent.
EVERYTHING FOR THE
THEATRE
St. Louis Theatre Supply Company
Arch Hosier
3310 Olive Street, St. Louis 3, Mo.
Telephone JEiierson 7974
'^OBOOOO-SOOOOOOOOOOeO'
NOISELESS
Popcorn Bags
No rustle, no crackle, no pop.
1/2 lb. size @ S2.7S per 1,000,
Short 3/4 lb. size @ $3.50 per 1,000,
1 lb. size @ $3.75 per 1,000,
—
IV2 lb. size @ $3.90 per 1,000,
NO PERFORATIONS: 20% More Light and Better Vision
CYCLeRAMIC
Magic Screen
of the Future
Custom Screen
*Potent applied for
Installed
PRINCESS
at
THEATRE
St. Louis, Mo.
By JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
3146 Olive LUcas 2710 St. Louis, Mo.
AJl for immediate shipment except short % lb.
size available about March 15. Prices in case
lots ol 4,000. Smaller lots 20c per 1,000 more.
AUTOMATIC POPCORN CARTONS
Bottom ilaps lock when box is opened.
No. 10 size @ $7.50 per 1,000
25,000 orders @ $7.25 per 1,000
No. 215 (small 10c size) @ $7.15 per 1,000
25,000 orders @ $G.90 per 1,000
All f.o.b. St. Louis subject to market change
without notice. Ask {or pricelist of Rush
Hour, Silver Hulless and Golden Hulless
Popcorns. Also 8 kinds cartons, 26 kinds popcorn
bags. Star Popcorn Machines A Food
Serving Equipment.
PRUNTY SEED & GRAIN CO.
620 North 2nd St. St. Louis 2, Mo.
—In our 7Gth year—Popcorn Processors
66 BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

. . . Ben
. . The
. . "The
. .
MILWAUKEE
•penny Benjamin, Screen Guild manager for
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, went to
Chicago for the screening of "The Baron of
Arizona," then returned here and arranged
for a special showing of the film at the Palace
. . . Jerry Weiss, former RKO booker
here and more recently with Eagle Lion in
Chicago, has been named office manager for
United Artists here, according to Manager
Casper Chouinard.
The Harry Olshans celebrated their 31st
wedding anniversary . . . Neil Duffy, operator
of the Elite at Appleton, died at the age of
75. The Elite was closed recently . . . Roy J.
Bernier, former projectionist at Warners
screening room and now ad and public relations
man for Miller Brewing Co., is at Columbia
hospital here. He suffered a heart
attack while in Chicago on his way home
from Miami.
Johnny Mednikow, National Screen manager
for Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, was
King for a Day at a Variety Club luncheon.
Guests of honor included I^ew Parker of the
"Inside U.S.A." cast, now at the Davidson
Theatre; Willie Shore, comedian at the Tic
Toe cafe, and Jerry Wayner, operator of the
Riverside Theatre, a Standard Theatres
house.
Dewey DeLorenzo of Milwaukee Film Service
is father of a baby boy, his sixth child
Poblocki, head of Ben Poblocki &
Sons, builders of marquees, boxoffices, etc.,
still is at home recuperating. He hopes to be
Two new
back at the office early in April . . .
theatre firms with similar names have be«n
incorporated. Tlie firms are Nuvic Corp. and
Nupera Corp. Capital stock for both is given
as 500 shares common at $50 par. Incorporators
are Stephen Sherba, G. Kuchler
and Catharine Ryan.
Filmrow visitors included Carl Neitzel, Juno,
Juneau, and Chick Baldwin, Gem, Gillett,
who also is mayor of that city. Both stopped
off at the Ray Smith Theatre Supply Co. .
Alpha Richardson, Ray Smith's secretary at
Theatre Supply Co., returned after a twoweek
vacation in Toronto.
Edra Corp. has been formed at Burke to
conduct a theatrical and amusement business.
Capital stock of 100 shares at no par was authorized.
Minimum capital is $500. Incorporators
are Edmond M. Michaelson, William
Stringfeller and Donald Yungsdahl.
The Fox Downer on the upper east side
gave the first local showing of "The Quiet
One," with a return engagement of "Tlie
Beachcomber" . Outlaw" opened at
the Riverside. It was banned here three
years ago . Towne offered "So Proudly
We Hail" and "Wake Island" . . . Held over
for a second week at the Alhambra were the
reissues "Blossoms in the Dust" and "Johnny
Eager."
"Die Heimat," a German film, opened at
the Pabst with admission prices of 75 cents for
adults and 35 cents for children. The following
day, "Hawaii," a color film, was shown
with Thayer Soule as narrator. Admission
for this film was $1.70 down to 80 cents, tax
included.
Ricardo Cortez will play a top supporting
role in RKO's "Bunco Squad."
'Cinderella' Draws
Crowds at Chicago
CHICAGO—A record theatre crowd hailed
Walt Disney's new full-length cartoon feature,
"Cinderella," which opened February 22
at the RKO Palace. Despite the season's
worst snow and ice storm playing havoc with
transportation, hundreds of theatregoers,
mostly teen-agers who were out of school
as a result of Washington's birthday, lined
the icy sidewalks in front of the Palace, .'^l
Winston, manager, said a total of near 20,0C0
persons broke every previous opening day attendance
record at the Palace at 98 cents
adults and 50 for the youngsters, all day and
night prices.
The exploitation included a gala Cinderella
ball the night before opening at the Blackstone
hotel, given for the finalists in the
Henry C. Lytton & Co.'s Quest for Cinderella,
which was attended by all of the 100 finalists.
Joan McLaughlin, 17-year-old Mercy High
school sophomore, was selected Miss Cinderella
and she appeared on the stage of the
Palace with 100 other girls following the first
showing of the picture.
The campaign included displays of Cinderella
jelly glasses, in all National Food
Stores units in the Chicago area, sparked by
full page ads in all newspapers. The Herald-
American and the Henry C. Lytton company
sponsored the Cinderella contest with advance
publicity and pictures the day preceding and
on opening day. All critics who reviewed the
picture gave it plenty of orchids.
Mrs. Marion Young Dies
CAMP POINT, ILL.—Mrs. Marion Young,
former manager of the DeLuxe Theatre here
and daughter of A. T. Blum, owner of the
Kozy Theatre in Kahoka, Mo., died in a hospital
at Quincy recently, following a long illness.
Funeral services and burial took place
in Kahoka. She is survived by three small
boys. The DeLuxe is being operated by Mrs.
Rosemary Phillips under a lease from Blum.
INTERNATIONAL
in SCOPE
but
LOCAL in SERVICE
See
FRANK MORRIS
for
MANLEY MACHINES
and
SUPPLIES
3138 Olive Street
Complete Sound Systems
COSTS less
,,-j equipment offers more in value for
such low cost. Complete sound systems
are ,-i variable for tlieatrcs of every
size, sliaijc an! f-atinj! capacity. They
co'.isist of a two-way horn system, pair
of :,oun('hi.a

RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE' PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTTTUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
to receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
n Acoustics n Lighting Fixtures
D Air Conditioning q Plumbing Fixtures
D Architectural
Service
^ projectors
D "Black" Lighting ^ _, . ,. ,
n Projection Lamps
n Building Material
Seating
n Carpets
1— 1 /-i • »» L- ni-i Signs and Marquees
n Coin Machines a
n Complete RemodelingD Sound Equipment
D Decorating
Television
D Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts
n Drive-In Equipment D Vending Equipment
D Other
Theatre
Seating
Address
City
State
Subjects
Capacity
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience
in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN
THEATRE Section, published with the first Issue of
each month.
Construction Projects in Illinois
Include Two Regular Theatres
MASCOUTAH, ILL.—Fred N. Young, operator
of the 300-seat Norton here, will start
construction soon of a new theatre. It will
be located on West Church street near the
heart of the downtown section but off the
main highway, so as to provide greater safety
for children and more parking space for automobiles.
Mr. and IVIrs. Young have been operating
the Norton Theatre on a lease for the last
eight years. During the two years that Young
served in the navy Mrs. Young carried on
the business. Prior to coming to Mascoutah,
Young managed two other theatres. Shows
will continue in the Norton while the new
house is under construction.
Circuit Postpones Plans
For Outdoor Theatre
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL. — Clarence
Miller of the Essaness Theatres, Chicago,
says his firm has decided to postpone indefinitely
plans for construction and operation
of a drive-in on Route 14 near here. The
property is zoned for industrial use, but disagreement
over the desirability of an outdoor
theatre as compared with a manufacturing
plant, among property owners, together with
the lack of available sewage and water facilities,
were the prime reasons for abandonment
of the project.
Kraus Brothers Planning
Theatre at Nauvoo, 111.
NAUVOO, ILL.—J. A. and E. J. Kraus are
considering the erection of a new theatre
here. They have visited theatres in several
cities to obtain ideas on construction costs,
etc.
Nauvoo has been without a theatre since
last July, when the Mormon, operated by
Mrs. Gail Butterfield. widow of Ken Butterfield,
was destroyed in a fire. Local merchants
and financial interests have promised
their support to the Kraus brothers.
Rochester Drive-In Planned
ROCHESTER, IND.—Roy E. Bechtelheimer
of Roann plans to build a new drive-in near
here this spring. The theatre will accommodate
400 cars and will be located three and
one-half miles north of town on Highway
31. It is slated for completion early this
summer.
Trolley Theatre Opened
GEORGETOWTJ, IND.—The new Trolley
Theatre has been opened here. It offers two
shows a night except on Tuesday and Sunday
nights. Matinees start at 2 and 4 p. m. on
Sundays.
To Build Drive-In Near Pittsfield
PITTSFTELD, ILL.—Russell Armentrout,
head of the Armentrout circuit of Louisiana.
Mo., which owns and operates the Clark Theatre
here, has announced plans for construction
of a 400-car drive-in to cost upwards of
$60,000 about two miles east of town. The
circuit also has plans for a new theatre here
to be called the Zoe Theatre.
Completing Drive-In Near Carmi
CARMI, ILL.—Final construction details
and installation of equipment at the 400-car
460 Drive-In on Route 460 east of here will
be pushed as rapidly as weather conditions
will permit by owners, Herbert Newcomb and
his associates. The grand opening is scheduled
for April 1.
Lee Norton to Build Drive-In
SULLIVAN, ILL.—Lee Norton, owner of
the 600-seat Grand Theatre, will build a 300
to 400-car drive-in on highways 32-121 just
west of Sullivan. Negotiations for the proposed
site are nearing conclusion.
New Theatre Is Opened
In Town of Salisbury
From Ivlideast Edition
SALISBURY, PA. — Practically the entire
population of this community turned out
recently 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.
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.
Salisbury approved Sunday shows last fall
and is offering 2 p. m. and 8:30 p. m. exhibitions.
The theatre opens week 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.
68 BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

Springfield Drive-In
To Commonwealth
SPRINGFIELD, MO.—Commonwealth Theatres
of Kansas City has purchased the
Springfield Drive-In located near the junction
of highways 65 and 166 here. The circuit
will begin work immediately to put the theatre
in first-class operating condition. It will
be modernized with landscaping, improvement
of buildings and a change in the entrance
area. Picture policy will be announced
soon and it is hoped that the drive-in can be
opened not later than April 15.
Commonwealth now has 15 drive-ins either
in operation or under construction. The circuit
owns or operates ozoners in Kansas City,
Columbia. Sedalia and Joplin, Mo., Lawrence
and Goodland, Kas,, and Fayetteville, Ark.
Additional drive-ins have been announced
for Clinton and Fulton, Mo., and Harrison,
Batesville and Searcy, Ark.
Purchase of the ozoner here will mean
that Springfield will have two drive-ins in
operation soon. George W. Fuller, Frank
Carswell and Associates have started a drivein
to be known as the Sunset on Highway 66
at Nichols junction four miles west of the
Gillioz Theatre.
Grading started last December but was
not completed because of frozen ground and
bad weather. It will be resumed as soon as
weather permits and precision grading and
compacting and work on buildings and screen
will be rushed so the drive-in may be opened
about May 1.
Fuller was manager and district manager
for 20th-Fox at Kansas City, Atlanta and
Washington before entering the drive-in business.
Carswell, who is associated with Fuller,
is president of Midwest Precote Co., Kansas
City. His firm has done much highway paving
and bridge construction work in Springfield
area and throughout Missouri and adjoining
states. This firm will complete grading,
compacting, surfacing and drainage.
Arnold J. Simmons to Open
Lamar Drive-In April 14
LAMAR, MO.—Arnold J. Simmons, local
showman who now is building a new drivein
on Highway 160, has offered the Lamar
Business and Professional Womens' club a
liberal commission for selling tickets to the
drive-in opening. The drive-in. which will
be known as the Barco Starvue, will open
April 14.
Small Fire at Bagdad
KANSAS CITY—Oil overflowing from a
furnace at the Bagdad Theatre here resulted
in a fire February 24 which caused damage
e.stimated at $25 by the district fire chief.
No patrons were in the house at the time.
The theatre is owned and operated by Lester
Silverman.
Post to Robert Fuller
ROCHESTER, MINN.—Robert Puller has
been named manager of the Empress Theatre
here and assistant manager of the Chateau,
according to Harry Salisbury, Chateau manager.
Fuller began his theatre work at Fargo,
N. D.. and after a year there, managed a
theatre at Sioux Falls, S. D.
Polio Plaque Will Be Presented
At Kansas City Ass'n Meeting
KANSAS CITY—A plaque awarded by the
National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis
to the recently organized Motion Picture
Ass'n of Kansas City for participation in the
March of Dimes drive, will be presented at
the initial luncheon of the association Monday
(6) at the President hotel here. John
J. May. treasurer of the Jackson county
chapter of the foundation, will make the
presentation.
The association, of which Elmer C. Rhoden
is president, is dedicated to public relations
and public service. Membership is open to
persons active in production, distribution and
exhibition of films, delivery services, theatre
supply companies, the lATSE and other
crafts connected with the industry and members
of the press and radio whose work may
relate to motion pictures. The annual membership
fee is $5.
Ralph Morgan Becomes
Lippert Staff Member
KANSAS CITY—Ralph Morgan, associated
nearly seven years with the local Monogram
branch, joined the Lippert Pictures sales staff
Monday (27>. Morgan began his film world
career in March 1943, when he became a salesman
for Monogram. The franchise at that
time was held by the late Lon T. Fidler.
Morgan was appointed branch manager in
October 1948. After Fidler died in March
1949, Monogram took over operation of the
branch and Morgan remained as salesman
until his change this week. Harry Gaffney is
Lippert branch manager here.
Wall Lake, Iowa, House
Bought by L. Z. Henry
WALL LAKE, IOWA—L. Z. Henry, operator
of the Lake at Lake View, Iowa, has acquired
the Rio here. He will change the name of the
house to the Lake. Henry formerly operated
the Lyric at Plattsburg, Mo.
Colby Airer to Open in May
COLBY, KAS.—The unnamed 350-car drivein
under way here for Don Phillips of Colby
is slated to open May 23. The ozoner was
designed by architect Truman Schlupp of
Kansas City, Kas. Grading work is being
done by M. W. Watson Construction Co..
Topeka. Sound equipment for the drive-in
will be RCA.
D. E. Fitton, 76, Dies
HARRISON. ARK.—D. E. Fitton, 76, for
many years an exhibitor and widely known
in film circles, died Wednesday (1). He had
been associated with the Commonwealth circuit
in operation of the Lyric and Plaza theatres
here.
New Sound for Lyric Theatre
TEKAMAH, NEB.—A new sound system
has been installed at the Lyric Theatre here.
The house is operated by Harold Qualsett.
One of the important subjects to be discu.ssed
following the luncheon Monday will
be methods by which a maximum of enrollments
may be obtained as rapidly as possible
.so that the association may launch its
program of activities. Lou Patz, National
Screen Service district manager, has been
appointed membership and finance chairman.
The yearly $5 membership fee fund will be
used only for actual operating expenses of
the new association. Patz said. Money which
may be needed for charitable projects or other
activities to be undertaken by the organization
will be raised by benefit performances
or other means approved by the officers and
members.
Members of the membership and finance
committee headed by Patz will be appointed
later.
Iron Range Legislator
Favors Repeal of Tax
DULUTH—The drive to repeal the admissions
tax appears to have gained another recruit
in Congressman John A. Blatnik, young
Democrat-Farmer-Laborite from Minnesota's
eighth district.
In his widely published Capitol Chats
weekly report to his constituents, Blatnik declared
last weekend: "I know from personal
observation that present excise rates are
detrimental to movie theatres and community
symphony orchestras, for example. Today,
when business conditions are tightening up
and consumer purchasing power is declining,
it seems logical that excise taxes should be
reduced to give a break to both business and
consumers."
The effect of such taxes is to hinder retail
trade, in Blatnik's opinion. He considers the
excise tax "nothing more than a hidden sales
tax ... It is no secret that any sales tax
falls most heavily upon the lower income
group, on the people least able to pay heavy
taxes."
Blatnik said he testified before the house
ways and means committee February 15 in
favor of cutting admissions and all other retail
excise taxes to prewar levels immediately.
Present rates, he declared, impose an "undue
hardship" on both consumers and businessmen.
At a recent meeting of all Minnesota Iron
Range theatremen (all located in Blatnik's
district), the congressman was urged to take
a similar stand.
Council Bluffs, Iowa, Site
Purchased for Drive-In
COUNCIL BLUFFS. IOWA—A site for the
new drive-in here has been purchased by Tri-
States Theatre Corp. A total of $23,970 was
paid for the land bordered by Highway 275
and South 11th street. Construction of the
theatre on the 633x1. 100-foot tract is expected
to begin by April, according to William Mlskell.
Tri-States district manager here.
Miskell .said the drive-in will accommodate
between 750 and 800 cars and will cost between
$75,000 and $100,000 to build.
BOXOFnCE March 4, 1950 MW 63

. . Marguerite
. . Missouri
. .
KANSAS CITY
T ouis O. Honig, Pox Midwest Theatres manager
of real estate and insurance, was
elected president of the Broadway Ass'n of
Kansas City at a luncheon meeting Monday
(27) . . . R. M. Copeland, former Paramount
branch manager here and more recently associated
with the Savereide Theatre Brokers,
is returning here for permanent residence
, . . Stan Durwood, vice-president and general
manager of the Durwood circuit, and his wife
left February 25 for a vacation in California.
Because of the initial luncheon of the recently
organized Motion Picture Ass'n of
Kansas City at the Muehlebach hotel the
same day, a meeting of Kansas City Loge 12,
Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen previously
scheduled for Monday (6) instead will
be held March 13 at 1112 Baltimore, according
to Eddie Golden, president . . . Tom
Edwards and PYank L. Plumlee, partners in
the Edwards & Plumlee circuit, which has
its headquarters in Farmington, Mo., were
visitors on Filmrow.
Robert Shelton, Commonwealth Theatres
vice-president and general manager, and Dick
Orear, purchasing agent, returned Wednesday
(1) from Fulton, Mo., where the circuit is
preparing to build a 300-car drive-in . .
.
Harry Blount, exhibitor in Potosi, Mo., was a
visitor on Filmrow ... J. Leo Hayob, mayor of
and exhibitor in Marshall, Mo., and KMTA
secretary, was convalescing after a recent illness
with influenza
mount exploiteer, was here from St.
Louis.
O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, Kansas-Missouri
Allied unit president, conferred with staff
— FOR CENTURY —
THEATRE and DRIVE-IN THEATRES
PROJECTION MACHINES, SOUND
SEE
EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES
STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
In Your Senice Since 1899
1804 Wyondoftc Kansas City 8, Mo.
C. H. Badger, Mgr.
.
members at offices of the organization here
Tuesday (28) . . . W. F. Sonneman, exhibitor
many years in Springdale, Ark., was a Filmrow
Warren Harris, National
visitor . . . Theatre Supply staff member, was married
Friday night (3) to Virginia Crocker
William Feld, Triangle Film Co. head, returned
Saturday (4) from St. Louis . . "Samson
.
and Delilah" went into its third week at
the Paramount Theatre.
Judy Canova, film and radio' comedienne
heading a unit now on tour, visited here
briefly following an appearance in St. Joseph,
Mo. . Smith, formerly at 20th-
Fox, was to become a member of the Monogram
branch staff Monday (6) . . . Irene
Hunsicker, Warner Bros, cashier, celebrated
her birthday Friday (3) ... Norma Shankland.
Republic contract clerk, returned from
. . . Betty Caruso,
a visit in New Orleans
Lippert Pictures cashier, was preparing to
celebrate her birthday Monday (6),
Kansas showmen booking and buying on
Filmrow included W. D. Cook, Doric, Elkhart;
Harry E. Newton, Turon, Turon; Fred R.
Davis, Cozy, Girard; E. D. Landau, Liberty,
Horton, and Ray Handley, Royal, Tonganoxie
. theatremen in town included
Bill Silver, Silver, Cameron; Harley
Fryer, Orpheum, Neosho; Paul D. Neal, G 1
Joe, Polo: Bill Chambers, Sheridan, Sheridan;
Charles Thomas, Uptown, Sweet Springs;
Howard Larsen, Civic, Webb City, and Elmer
Bills, Lyric, Salisbury.
Radclifie House Opens
RADCLIFFE, IOWA—The new Radcliffe
Theatre, operated by Harley Kuhfus, opened
here with "The Girl From Jones Beach."
The theatre is the first here in several years.
School Short at Two Harbors
TWO HARBORS, MINN. — Organized
teachers of this Minnesota north shore community
this week sponsored the appearance
of the March of Time documentary, "The
Fight for Better Schools," at the Harbor
Theatre. The 20th-Fox release ran two
nights under the auspices of the local AFL
Teachers Federation. The weekly newspaper,
the Chronicle, gave the film an eight-inch
top play on page one.
RCA Equips 14 Drive-Ins
In Kansas City District
KANSAS CITY—Sales of RCA projectors
and other equipment by the Missouri Theatre
Supply Co. here for 11 drive-ins now under
construction in Kansas and three being built
in Missouri were disclosed by L. J. Kimbriel,
manager. Don Davis is RCA-Victor district
manager in this territory.
Listed by locations, capacities and owners,
the drive-ins in Kansas include Wichita,
Route 81, 450 cars, Al McClure; Larned, 45,
300, Don Burnett; El Dorado, 350, Ben Adams;
Chanute, 169, 400, Ray Walsh, C. M. Parkhurst
and Dan Payton; Newton, 50, 350, Lee
Sproule; Abilene, 40, 300, Homer F. Strowig;
Harper, 14, 300, Carl Botkin; Clay Center, 24,
300, Ken Ehret; Fort Scott, 69, 400, Chet
Borg; Lyons, 96, 350, Luther Osborn and Don
Cuthbertson, and Russell, 350, W. A. Michaels.
Drive-ins now being erected in Missouri for
which RCA equipment has been ordered include
Lamar, 60, 300, A. J. Simmons; Chillicothe,
65, 300, Merle Jones and Angelo Saccaro,
and Maryville, 71, 300, C. E. Cook.
Charles Crawford Joins
Monogram Sales Staff
KANSAS CITY—Charles D. Crawford,
active in the film world more than 20 years
in the Kansas City exchange area except for
military service during the last war, became
a member of the Monogram sales staff here
Monday (27). Beginning his career as a
checker for Paramount in 1929, Crawford
entered the employ of the Ross-Federal
agency one year later. He became associated
with 20th-Fox in 1934 and remained until
he entered military service in 1942. His service
in World War II largely was in Italy and
Africa. Returning to 20th-Fox after the war,
he continued with the branch here until recently.
T. R. Tliompson is manager of the
local Monogram branch.
Dimes Total Is $442
OLATHE, KAS.—The four Dicitiiison
Operating Co. theatres in Johnson county
collected a total of $442 for the March of
Dimes. Collections from each theatre weie
Dickinson at Olathe, managed by Dick
Wynant, $137.30; Overland at Overland Park,
Willard Lowmaster, $135.96; Dickinson at
Mission, J. B. Stewart, $96.52, and the Aztec,
Shawnee, Jimmy Stepina, $72.22.
CARPETS
Alexander Smith-
Crestwood
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ENTRANCE MATS
U. S. Royalite
Colors - Lettering - Designs
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Hood Asphalt Tile
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70 BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

'Samson' Still Paces
Kansas City Trade
KANSAS CITY—Trade in general at first
runs here continued at a fairly steady pace.
"Samson and Delilah," in a second stanza
at the Paramount at roadshow prices, chalked
up a sturdy 225 per cent. An eight-act vaudeville
bill at the RKO Missouri, with "Tell It
to the Judge" on the screen, rated 190 per
cent. "Key to the City," dualed with "Challenge
to Lassie" at the Midland, carded 135
per cent. A third week of "My Foolish Heart"
at the midtown Kimo continued to draw well.
(Average is 100)
Esquire—Tunisian Victory (MGM); Desert Victory
(^Olh-Fo\), reissues 80
Kimc^My Foolish Heart (RKO), 3rd wk 175
Midland—Key to the City (MGM); Challenge to
Lassie (Col) 135
Orpheum-The Red Shoes (EL), 2nd run, 2nd
wk., 5 days 75
Pa^a:no^..^l—Sam-.on and Delilah (Para), 2nd wk 225
RKO Missouri—Tell It to the Judge (Col), plus
judeville
.190
Roxy—Intruder in th Dust (MGM), The Big
Wheel (UA), 2nd run
Tower, Uptown, Fairway—Borderline (U-I);
Brothers in the Saddle (RKO) (Tower only)..
Tree for All," Stage Bill
Pace Omaha First Runs
OMAHA—"Stromboli" chalked up 140 per
cent in its opening week at the RKO Brandeis
here and was headed for a second stanza.
The topper was "Free for AH" coupled with
Sammy Kaye and his orchestra on the stage
at the Orpheum. "Samson and Delilah," in
a second round at the Paramount, still was
drawing nicely.
Omaha—Red Light lUA); Siren ol Atlantis (UA) 110
Orpheum—Free lor All (U-1), plus stage show 300
Paramount—Samson and Delilah (Para), Znd wk.l20
RKO Brandeis—Stromboli (RKO) 140
State—Battleground (MGM), 5th wk.; The Roosevelt
Story (UA), reissue 105
Town—Susanna Pass (Col); East Side Kids
(Mono); 'Neath the Brooklyn Bridge (Mono),
reissues 105
"Sands' Grosses 200 Per Cent
In Minneapolis Opener
MINNEAPOLIS—"Sands of Iwo Jima" ran
away from the rest of the field, pulling 200
per cent to the State. A big exploitation
campaign helped. The second week of "Dear
Wife" and the reissue of "The Fuller Bru.*
Man" pulled good grosses also.
Aster—Parole (U-I); Framed (U-I), reissues 90
Century—Dear Wiie (Para). Znd wk 115
Gopher—Mule Train (Col): Blondie's Hero (Col)....120
Lyric—Pinky (20lh-Fox), 3rd wk 100
Pix—The Fuller Brush Man (Col), reissue 120
Radio Cilv— Key to the City (MGM) — 110
RKO Orpheum—Cham Lightning (WB) „ 100
RKO Pan—Father Is a Bachelor (Col) ._ 90
Slate-Sands ol Iwo lima (Rep) ....200
World—Facts of Love (Oxford) 90
STAGE
EQUIPMENT COMPANY
Sotisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
I. KIMBRIEL, Manager
Phone BAllimore 3070
Drive-Ins Barred by County Board
On Major Roads Near Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—Applications filed in the
future with the county board of zoning adjustment
for construction and operation of
drive-ins in the unincorporated areas near
here will not be approved if the proposed
sites are located on major highways, Judge
William J. Randall, presiding officer of the
group, said in a statement of policy requested
by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
"Because of traffic and safety difficulties
experienced and encountered by existing theatres
on Routes 40 and 71," Judge Randall
said, "this member stands opposed to further
location of such theatres abutting upon major
highways or situated so near our principal
United States routes as to attract additional
traffic and to increase abnormally the already
high traffic count on such highways.
"The policy of this member is hereby stated
to be that such drive-in theatres be approved
only where they are to be approximately
equidistant from two or more main highways
and be served by sufficient secondary arteries
that the theatre traffic may be partly diffused
before reaching a congested highway."
A statement of policy had been requested
by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
following the filing of an application for a
drive-in permit by Norman Davidson, who
proposed to erect a 750-car open air theatre
on a 40-acre tract at the intersection of
Route 24 and Sterling avenue in the intercity
district between Kansas City and Independence.
Several other applications for permits
to build outdoor theatres in other unincorporated
areas have been denied by the board
in recent months.
The county planning commission previously
had recommended that the board approve the
application filed by Davidson, although opposition
has been voiced by Chamber of Commerce
officials who declared that the intersection
at which the proposed drive-in would
be built has been troublesome from safety
standpoints. Sterling avenue is the highway
approach to Sugar Creek, and Route 24 is the
main traveled road between northeast Jackson
county to Independence and Kansas City.
A hearing which had been scheduled by the
board for Monday afternoon (27) was canceled
by Judge Randall when Davidson appeared
several hours previously and withdrew his
application. He did not say whether he was
considering another possible site which would
be likely to merit the approval of the board
of zoning adjustment.
Increases Film Showings
STRATFORD, IOWA—Film showings will
be provided here each Wednesday night in
Shaeffer hall by Erick and Gunner Glad.
The Wednesday showings will be in addition
to the regular Saturday program giving residents
two pictures a week.
— Ahead on Temple Theatre
iVicCOOK, NEB—Huge steel beams have
be^n put into place in the latest phase of
construction work on the new Temple Theatre
here. Special features of the new theatre
will be a large lobby and an automatically
controlled elevator.
Twin City Churches Aim
Campaign at Hollywood
MINNEAPOLIS—The Twin City Council of
Churches has appealed to pastors to start a
campaign in .sermons, announcements and
church publications to induce Hollywood to
raise its standards of "moral integrity."
The council points out that the Bergman-
Rossellini incident "spotlights attention upon
the industry" and that "the private lives of
the industry's leaders too often have set a
poor example in the field of moral standards
and spiritual ideals." Industry leaders are
asked to change its advertising emphasis
"which, in many cases," the appeal states,
"is based upon a sensual concept of sex,"
They're also asked to produce more pictures
"which foster the development of wholesome
family living and are more suitable for family
attendance,"
The Bergman-Rossellini affair "may serve
as a springboard by which the motion picture
industry and the American people will rethink
the sanctity of marriage and the home,
the rights of children, and the sacredness of
human personality," the council argues.
To Enforce 9:30 P. M. Curfew
SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.—Police Chief Marvin
Nelson announced he will enforce a 9:30
p. m. curfew for youngsters under 16 years
of age. Increased loitering by youths prompted
the announcement, he said.
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. . Sidney
. .
. . Minnesota
. . After
MINNEAPOLIS
lyjGM's "Intruder in the Dust" started its
Twin city first run at the World here.
Radio spot announcements were used to exploit
the film . . . Actors Henry Daniell and
Henry Stephenson appeared with Katherine
Cornell in "That Lady" at the Lyceum .
Ben Blotcky. Paramount manager, returned
from a vacation in Mexico. Accompanied by
his wife, he motored and found the going
strenuous but enjoyable.
Bennie Berger, North Central Allied president,
was written up again in the Sunday
Tribune, this time as one of the owners of
the famed Minneapolis Lakers, professional
basketball team. He and his wife left on
another vacation—this time to Florida. They'll
be back March 10. They went to California
Exhibitors visiting Filmrow included
before . . .
Pete Campbell. Val Halla, N. D.; Fred
Deuth. Heron Lake, and Ralph Swanson, Ely.
Don Buckley, Redwood Falls exhibitor, is
back from a strenuous 15-day hunting trip
in the wilds of Old Mexico. He and his party
were met by a 24-mule and horse pack train
on their arrival and conducted to the jungle.
They bagged mountain lions, wild boars, etc.,
and Don expects to have his lion mounted
and on display soon .
Volk, independent
circuit owner, returned from a Florida
vacation.
Local RKO exchange still is crawling upward
in the Ned Depinet sales contest. It's
now in fifth place nationally . . . "Sands of
Iwo Jima" broke the five-year opening day
house record at the State and finished its
first week with a tremendous gross. A big
. . . Bill
exploitation campaign by Don Alexander of
Minnesota Amusement Co. publicity staff
helped to swell the picture's take
Woods, Columbia office manager, has moved
into his new home.
Jimmy Nederlander, manager of the Lyceum,
legitimate roadshow house, is promoting
a plan to revive the road for legitimate
attractions. Pointing out that nearly
everybody wants to see "South Pacific," he
has proposed to its producers that they send it
on tour as one of a number of subscription
season attractions next season. The public
would subscribe to the entire season or package
of offerings and Nederlander is sure
"South Pacific" would be a sufficient bait to
lure a substantial number of subscribers.
AH the local 28-day houses grabbed "All
the King's Men" as soon as it broke ... A. A.
Schubert. RKO home office manager of exchange
operations, was a visitor . . . The
Golden Valley, independent suburban house,
is continuing its fight for 28-day availability
and its counsel L. B. Schwartz expects to
make a trip to Washington to confer with
Department of Justice officials regarding the
demand.
Malina, who had one of the leading roles
in the film "Mexican Hayride." with Abbott
and Costello, is there currently . . . John
Ried was an addition to the Monogram sales
staff. A June drive will be dedicated to individual
salesmen.
Zora Fini Month Set Up
To Fete Mono Booker
DES MOINES—Monogram has launched a
tribute to Zora Fini, booker, who will leave
the exchange in May to marry Bev Mahon,
Complete Sound Systems
HOHiGHenmuTy-yir
COSTS cess
No equipment offers more in value for
such low cost. Complete sound systems
are avaibhie for theatres of every
size, shape ami seating capacity. They
consist of a two-way horn system, pair
of soundheads, and either single or
dual channel amplifiers.
Norm
Maintenance Co.
1017 E. Franklin St.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Complete Theatre Equipment & Supplies
72
Kalph Cramblett. United Artists district
manager, was a visitor . . . MGM disregarded
ZORA FINI
the protest of North Central Allied against
owner of the theatre at Pella, Iowa. Zora
its percentage terms for "Battleground" in
even the smallest grossing situations and Fini month will be observed May 1-May 31,
subsequent run houses. The company points and is being heralded with banners, letters,
out that W. F. Rodgers, in various statements
etc.
and at the time when he promised to
sell flat to the small-town and other low grossing
Miss Fini came to the Monogram exchange
seven years ago as stenographer and, a year
accounts, qualified the promise by stat-
after her arrival, was named booker. At the
ing that infrequently there might be outstanding
time she was the youngest booker ever to hold
pictures for which percentage would that position on Filmrow here.
be asked. In a special bulletin North Central Well known to exhibitors all over the state
Alhed has asked the independents to reject and to the personnel of the exchanges in Des
the percentage deal.
Moines, Zora leaves with all the best wishes
of many friends.
Released in a few key spots of the territory
in advance of the Twin cities, "Mrs. Mike"
has been doing sensational business, equaling
or exceeding that of "Red River" in most
instances, according to Eddie Stoller, United
Artists manager .
Amusement
Co. has appointed Ray Niles. southern Minnesota
district manager, captain of its 1950
Fall Happiness drive May 7-June 17 . .
.
Eddie Aarons. 20th-Fox district manager, was
a visitor.
. . . H. M.
The 80-year-old uncle of John and Warren
Branton. Minnesota Amusement Co. buying
and booking manager and 20th-Fox salesman,
respectively, died at Clark's Grove, Minn.
They and another brother G. Ralph Branton
of Des Moines, Blank circuit general
manager, attended the funeral
Besse, Altec-Lansing vice-president, was a
visitor . . . Herb Greenblatt. RKO district
manager, was in town . a brief whirl
at 23 days, the Minnesota Amusement Co.
northeast neighborhood Arion went to 42 days
so that it could drop its admission back
from 60 to 50 cents.
Frances Langford is coming in person to
the Hotel Nicollet Minnesota terrace. Luba
Buys Madison, Neb., Theatre
MADISON. NEB.—Arthur Goodwater of
Madison will take over the Capitol Theatre
here from John Noffsinger April 1.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
YOU
DONT
KNOW
WHAT
YOURE
MISSING...
TIL YOU TRY
'
'QUICKBR
&BBTTBR'
SPECIAL TRAILERS
Chicago - 1327 S. Wabash Avenue
New York - 619 West 54th Street
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

:
. . . Shirley
. . . Harold
. .
. . Barbara
J
Bennie Berger Adds
Twin Ciiy Gopher
MINNEAPOLIS—Bennie Berger is expanding
his theatre interests. He has acquired a
half interest in the 1,000-seat Gopher, downtown
first run house, recently relinquished
by the Minnesota Amusement Co. in conformity
with the Paramount consent decree
terms. The house double features and uses
mostly B pictures.
When the Minnesota Amusement Co. put
the theatre on the market it first was purchased
by S. Heller and associates, circuit
owners, who sold it to Ted Karatz of Minneapolis.
The latter now has sold a half
interest to Berger. The theatre will be operated
by the Berger circuit.
The theatre's lease has about four years
to run. In the meanwhile it's expected that
Berger and Karatz will acquire ownership
of the property. All that they now own are
the lease and equipment.
In July the Berger circuit also will take
over operation of the 1,900-seat Palace, now
being operated by the Minnesota Amusement
Co. with a double feature subsequent run
policy, under a lease that expires at that
time. Berger and his associates and circuit
General Manager Ted Bolnick own the property.
Shreve, MGM Still Lead
Filmrow Pin League
KANSAS CITY—The Shreve Theatre Supply
squad and the MGM quintet continued
to occupy the first and second places respectively
following the 23rd round of weekly
games in the Filmrow Bowling league here,
while the Film Delivery, Michlo and Diablo
squads were tied for third position. The
standings
Teom Won Lost Team Won Lost
Shreve Supply 42 27 Finton Jones 35 34
MGM 38 31 Fox Terriers 34 35
Film Delivery ,36 33 Fox Trotters 30 33
Michlo 36 33 Sharpshooters 30 39
Diablos 36 33 Michaels 28 41
Individual high 10, Bob Conn, 244; individual
high 30, Warren Smith, 609. Team
high 10, MGM, 810; team high 30, Shreve
and Fox Terriers, 2,259.
The six teams in the Women's Filmrow
Bowling league here remained in the same
relative positions following the 23rd series
of games. Standings currently are as follows:
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
Fox Vixens 44 25 Hartman 34 35
Warner Starlets 41 28 Al's Wildcats 25 44
Central Ship 38 31 En Ess Essers 25 44
Grid Star Now Salesman
OMAHA— Several changes were announced
along Filmrow. Robert Daley, former star
halfback for Creighton university, joined
E^agle Lion as a salesman. Johnny Jones
switched from Monogram to MGM, succeeding
William Nedley as a booker. Bill Foley
is Jones' succe.ssor at Monogram.
'Outlaw' at Duluth
DtrHJTH—"The Outlaw." making its first
Duluth appearance at the Granada Theatre
last week, headed into at least a two-day and
possibly a week's holdover, according to Manager
Roy Prytz.
DES MOINES
Timmie Redmond, Tri-States publicity chief,
was in Davenport preparing for the premiere
of "Rock Island Trail" which will be
held in the Quad cities next spring . . . Tri-
States employes had a card from the Art
Stoltcs who are vacationing in Cuba . . . Ann
Hicks, 14-year-old daughter of Don Hicks,
Paramount manager. Is hospitalized with
glandular fever. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks hurried
back from California, where they had been
called by the illness of Mrs. Hicks' father, to
be with their daughter.
Jack Kelly, MGM reprint man from New
York, was a guest at the exchange here .
Marie Butcher, MGM contract clerk, is hospitalized
after surgery to reset a broken
elbow bone, a result of fall on the ice . . .
a
Newest diamond ring on the Row is on the
finger of Babsie Krause. Babsie is a new
MGM employe. Her fiance is Bernard Kessler.
Wilma Foster, MGM inspector, has returned
after an illness . . . Shirley 'Vernon.
Tri-States booking department employe, was
hospitalized . . . Pete Bayes, EL promotion
man, was here working on "Tlie Sundowners'
Shoafstall is a new biller at NSS.
She replaces Irene Robinson who has resigned
. . . NSS is busy issuing trailers and
petition cards to exhibitors on the tax repeal
movement.
Bill Toney, Tri-States purchasing agent,
was host at an office party February 27 celebrating
his birthday. The party is an annual
affair. It began in 1939 . . . Jean Post has
resigned as salesman for Columbia and returned
to Universal where he will hold the
same position . . . Dorothy 'Van Buren, manager's
secretary at Columbia, and her husband
have purchased a new home in northwest
Des Moines . . . Oscar Gallanter, Columbia
booker, suffered an eye injury when
an electric light plug flew out of its socket
and hit him in the eye.
Will Eddy, exhibitor at Indianola, is vacationing
with his wife at Fort Lauderdale. Fla.
Beecroft. EL district manager.
From SQUINT to
was here .
Brown is the new
stenographer at Monogram, replacing Berniece
Dougherty, who resigned and is vacationing in
California . . . W. J. Porter, auditor, is working
at Monogram.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY'S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaka
1202 High Si. Des Moines. Iowa
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
CALL DON WEST
FOR COMPLETE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Liie-Health-Accidenl-Hospilal-Thefl-Aulomobile-
Fire-Personal Liability-Floalers-Polio.
300 Walnut Bldg. Phone 2-4454
just ask anyone on film row'
Des Moines
SPARKLE
With "National" High Intensity Carbons
DES
Even the best "thriller" or "tear-jerker" will not be
completel-y enjo'yed b-y your audience if the image on the
screen is blurred or hazy. The brilliant white light from
the crater of a "National" high-intensity, positive projector
carbon is the brightest and most perfectly colorbalanced
man-made Ught in the world. Be sure your
patrons enjoy the full detail and color of the picture on
the screen. A "National" carbon can make the difference.
National
MOINES THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
Mohawk Carpels
Carbons
1121-23 High St. Phone 3-6520
Heywood-Wakefield Sealing
Projector Repair Service
Des Moines, Iowa
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950
73

OMAHA
T^rs. Jerry Drennan of the Pilger (Neb.)
Theatre got a big Sunday scare. Fire
severely damaged the grocery store next door,
but the flames were kept from the theatre
. . . Mrs. Mabel Millen, booker for the Sun
Theatre in Coin, Iowa, is spending a month
in Europe.
Among Filmrow visitors: Mrs. Fred Schuler.
Humboldt. Neb.; Frank Scott, Moville, low'a:
Frank Good. Red Oak; Fritz Largen, Creighton;
Mr. and Mrs. Omar Nelson, Soldier.
Iowa; Oliver Schneider, Osceola, Neb.; C. W.
Model 6
MOHieHeRmury-y^^
COSTS cess
Coirpare quality . . . compare cost . . .
no com para lile equipment gives you
more for the money. Royal Soundmaster
Soundheads are world-famous
for superior performance and durability.
Chainless. beltless. all-gear projector
drive. Designed for use with all
projector mechanisms.
American Theatre
Supply
316 South Main Avenue
Sioux Falls. South Dakota
Complete Theatre Equipment & Supplies
YOOLL LIKE

was
Simplex Equipment Goes
To 17 Drive-In Theatres
KANSAS CITY—Simplex projection equipment
lias been purchased from the National
Theatre Supply here by Commonwealth Theatres
for use in six drive-ins and eight conventional
houses to be operated by the cii'cuit
in Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas, by the
Fox Midwest circuit for one of its houses
here, and by the builders of two open air
projects now under construction in Kansas,
according to Arthur DeStefano, branch manager.
Commonwealth drive-ins in which Simplex
equipment will be used include projects at
Joplin, Clinton and Fulton, Mo., and Batesville,
Harrison and Searcy, Ark. Conventional
houses of the circuit in which Simplex equipment
will be placed include a yet-unnamed
theatre in Great Bend. Kas.: Uptown. Columbia,
and Lee. Clinton, Mo., and Melba. Batesville;
Lyric. Harrison, and Rialto. Searcy,
Ark. Two other undisclosed theatres also
will receive new projectors.
Other Simplex installations have been ordered
for the 300-car Starvue Drive-In being
erected by Barron-Droz Theatres, Inc., near
Anthony. Kas.. and the 500-car Trail Drive-In
now being built by Sol Frank near Wellington,
Kas. The Fox Midwest theatre here
which will receive new equipment has not
been disclosed.
EL to Handle Korda Film,
'Jackie Robinson Story'
NEW YORK—Eagle Lion has closed releasing
deals for two new features, one an
Alexander Korda production, the other to be
produced by Diamond Corp. in Hollywood,
according to William J. Heineman, EL vicepresident
in charge of distribution.
The Korda production is "The Winslow
Boy," the film version of the London and
Broadway stage success, starring Robert
Donat with Margaret Leighton, Francis L.
Sullivan and Sir Cedric Hardwicke and with
Neil North in the title role. The Hollywood
film is "The Jackie Robinson Story," based
on the life of the star of the Brooklyn
Dodgers, with Robinson in the leading role
and other stars of the Dodgers in support.
This will go into production in February
under Alfred Green's direction. It is scheduled
to be released in May at the beginning
of the baseball season.
Trails Will Open in May
ABILENE. KAS.—The new Trails End
Drive-In under construction here for H. F.
Strowig & Sons is slated for opening about
May 1. The drive-in will accommodate 310
cars and will cost more than $50,000. Brenkert
projectors and RCA sound have been purchased
for the open-airer.
Custom Mddc
to YourOr^er
ni«^
nSflYDE ST.
{AN FRANCISCO (2>
At 'Sundowners Debut in Wictiita
WICHITA—Boxoffice receipts at the Fox
Midwest Orpheum and Boulevard theatres
here were boosted for the "The Sundowners"
by the personal appearance of two of the
stars. Chill Wills and John Barrymore Jr.
The two stars made three appearances at
the Orpheum and the house was packed each
time with about 200 people standing. Wills,
who had appeared on the Orpheum stage
some 27 years ago in a little vaudeville act,
had the audience laughing its head off at
his wisecracks. Barrymore also pleased with
his interpretation of the third soliloquy of
Hamlet.
Arrival of the two stars was well publicized
by the local newspapers and radio stations.
The welcoming committee met Wills and
Barrymore in Newton with a fleet of new
Dodge cars and police escort.
Speed Martin, Orpheum manager; Paul
Amick, Boulevard manager, and City Manager
C. C. Murray were hosts at a luncheon
for the two stars. Among the guests were
state and local representatives of the Kansas
peace officers, the mayor, several film representatives
and members of the newspaper
Fire at Tama, Iowa, Mills
Brings Hazard Charges
TAMA. IOWA—A small fire at the Mills
Theatre here brought a series of visits from
firemen and fire marshals to determine
whether the Mills constitutes a fire hazard.
Inspectors said they found six five-gallon
cans of popcorn oil stored in the rear of the
stage. Local firemen said they thought this
constituted a fire hazard. Earlier in the week
townsfolk circulated a petition asking for
action concerning fire dangers at the theatre.
Wes Mansfield, who operates the house,
said he plans to build a new theatre in the
spring. The fire which brought matters to a
head was extinguished quickly. It started on
the roof. The theatre was nearly fuU at the
time but there were no casualties.
Bankruptcy Case Closed
MOBRIDGE, S. D.—The bankruptcy case
of Clarence Ernest John.son. former operator
of the Fox Drive-In here, has been closed
by district court at Sioux Falls by reason
of no assets. The theatre, located a mile
east of town on Highway 12, closed late last
summer after only a few months" operation.
Order your taxation trailers today!
and radio press. The guests of honor were
presented the key to the city, and were made
honorary citizens of Kansas and of the Kansas
peace officers.
In addition to their theatre appearances.
Wills and Barrymore visited the children's
hospitals. Veterans ho.spital, the Institute of
Logopedics and made several radio appearances.
The young "Profile" also was guest
editor for Teen Daze column on the Beacon.
"The Sundowners " held over for a
second week.
The photo shows Wills and Barrymore being
presented with police courtesy cards by
Wichita Chief of Police George Shepard.
Among those pictured are George Wallace,
Wills' manager; H. N. Addison, tour manager;
Lieutenant Clark of the city police; Giles
Crampton, secretary of Kan.sas Peace Officers
Ass'n: Wills, George Shepard, Barrymore and
Prank Daniels, Eagle Lion advance man; Mr.
and Mrs. Gene Snitz, EL manager at Kansas
City; Mr. and Mrs. Al Lies of Wichita, EL
salesman; C. C. Murray, Fox City manager;
Speed Martin, Orpheum manager, and Paul
Amick, Boulevard manager.
IS IT ACTION YOU WANT?
Possibly more theatres are sold through our
offices in the oreas in which we operate than
most other mediums combined. No listing
fee—Multiple service.
HAHRY BUCK FLOYD R. PUFFER
8D4-0S Pence Bldg.. 509 Securities Bldg.
Minneapolis 2, Minn, Des Moines 9, Iowa
R. M. COPELAND
415 Baltimore Bldg.
Kansas City 6. Mo.
V. E. GORHAM
SAVEREIDE THEATRE BROKERS
Largest Exclusive Theatre Brokers in America
Theatre Design, Construction and
Remodeling
F. A. McMICHAEL & SON
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Osborne, Kansas
NEO-SEAL BURIAL WIRE
Solid or Stranded
Thfalres 10-2 - 12-2 -
Delivery — From Stock
Fof Driveln 14-2
Immediate
DRIVEIN THEATRE MFG. CO. K^nL^clli^'Mo'.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 75

. . R.
RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTrrUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
to receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects lor Theatre Planning:
D Acoustics n Lighting Fixtures
D Air Conditioning
D Plumbing Fixtures
n Architectural Service
D Projectors
D "Black" Lighting
Projection
n
Lamps
Building Material
n Carpets
n Seating
D Coin Machines ^ ^'^ns and Marquees
D Complete Remodeling CI Sound Equipment
n Decorating
Television
D Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts
n Drive-In Equipment U Vending Equipment
Other Subjects
Theatre
Sealing Capacity..
Address
City
Stale
Signed
Omaha Police Head Asks
Relaxation of Curfew
OMAHA — Police Chief Fred Pranks has
recommended to the Mayor three ways of
softening the present 10 p. m. curfew for children
under 16. He would:
Extend the present deadline to 10:30 because
"many high school functions don't get
out until after 10."
Not detain children accompanied by any
adult. Present law requires a parent to be
along.
Take away police responsibility of determining
whether to hold violators or their
parents.
Franks has contended enforcement of the
present law puts too much of a load on the
police force. Mayor Cunningham insists on
enforcement.
Alpena. S. D., Pan Theatre
Sold to Edmund Tucker
ALPENA, S. D.—E. E. Brown, owner of the
Pam Theatre, has sold the house to Edmund
Tucker. Brown purchased the theatre about
a year ago. After remodeling and installation
of new equipment, he opened the theatre for
business Feb. 27, 1949. The Browns have not
announced future plans.
Forest Interest Sold
FOREST CITY, IOWA—Mrs. Nettie Brown,
part owner of the Forest Theatre which was
destroyed by fire recently, has sold her interest
in the house to her son Franklin of
San Diego, Calif. The shaky front wall
which remained standing after the fire is
being torn down and the site is being cleared
for construction of a new building this
spring.
Reseat Avalon Theatre
WEST UNION, IOWA—The Avalon here
has installed new seats and a new screen and
shows have been resumed again following a
brief closing for the repairs. The 391 new
seats are of green upholstery with a gray
standard and arms of limed oak. The theatre
also has been repainted and the floors
sanded and resurfaced.
Easter Opening Slated
NEV7TON. KAS.—Lee Sproul and Ray Robertson
plan an Easter Sunday opening for
the new drive -In under construction at the
junction of First street and route 50 here.
The first 20-foot section of the 50-foot allsteel
tower has been erected and the ticket
booth and concession stand have been completed.
Remodel Goodland House
GOODLAND, KAS.—Charles Rees, manager
of the Sherman Theatre, has completed
changes in the seating arrangement at the
house. The rows were placed two inches
farther apart throughout the auditorium.
The theatre also is getting a complete facelifting,
including a new paint job and new red
seat covers.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
'pHE BIJOU Theatre in Pierre, S. D., 22 years
old and the oldest theatre in the state, has
been equipped for sound . . . C. Billow announces
the opening of the new State in Central
City, Neb. . . . Fire destroyed the Drake
Avenue Tlieatre in Centerville, Iowa, recently
. . . J. E. Garrison is the new Universal manager
at Minneapolis, succeeding L. G. Ross.
Garrison came from Universal's Albany, N. Y.,
sales staff . . . A. H. Blank recently sold his
Omaha theatre holdings to Publix and is
building up an independent circuit in Iowa.
Al Haynle has succeeded C. Miller as manager
of the RKO Seventh Street Theatre in
Minneapolis. The theatre is now a de luxe
film house after a vaudeville-film policy.
Haynie has been operating the Terrace Theatre
in Danville, 111. . . . Harry Melcher, Pox
manager in Omaha, has been transferred to
the Milwaukee Pox office, as manager.
Leo J. Doty, UA office manager in Kansas
City, has been transferred to the New Orleans
branch and is succeeded by E. P. O'Neill,
erstwhile film salesman in the Kansas City
territory ...CD. Bell has resigned from
his position as general manager of the Glen
W. Dickinson Theatres of Kansas City. He
has another position in Los Angeles . . . For
the fourth time, the Uptown Theatre in Kansas
City was robbed recently. Between $3,000
and S4.000 was taken by four bandits ... At
the risk of his own life, Frank Young, Negro
doorman at Fox Midwest MUler Theatre in
Wichita, captured two bandits who sought to
rob the theatre recently. Both robbers were
armed. Young has been in the same post
for 17 years.
• •
Complete rebuilding of the Crystal Theatre
in Ottawa. Kas., Is planned by the Midland
Theatre and Realty Co.
Richard and Luther Day of Centerville,
Iowa, have filed suits totaling $20,250 against
the mayor of the city for arresting them on
two consecutive Sundays on charges of running
a show without a city license. The Days
were acquitted
. W. Steen, whose Atlantic
Theatre in Atlantic, Iowa, burned recently.
Is to rebuild. O. C. Johnson, manager
of the wrecked showhouse, and of the Strand
of Atlantic, made the announcement.
New Lesdan Opened
FOSSTON, MINN.—The new Lesdan Theatre
has been opened here by Sebco, Inc.,
designer and builder of the house. The interior
of the Lesdan is ornamented by blacklighted
murals of Walt Disney characters.
Delbert Rich created and painted the murals.
Seating capacity of the house is 401.
Theatreman Heads Club
EXTRA, IOWA—Raymond Jeanotte, Kozy
Theatre owner, has been named new president
of the Exira Commercial club.
Postage-paid reply cords for your further convenience
in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN
THEATRE RED KEY SECTION (Nov. 19, 1949).
New Seats for Beloit
BELOrr, KAS—Manager Chett Posey has
installed new seats at the Beloit Theatre
here. The Beloit seats 600 persons.
Collect $40 1 for Dimes Drive
OTTAWA, KAS.—The Plaza and Tauy theatres
here collected a total of $401.98 for the
March of Dimes.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950

William Walker Dies;
Exhibitor at Crafton
PITTSBURGH—William J. Walker, 51.
Crafton exhibitor for nearly a score of years,
died Sunday (26) in
Presbyterian hospital
as the result of a heart
attack. In poor health
in recent years, he suffered
a heart condition
and some months
ago was dangerously
prior to and following
ill.
two
operations.
Three Antitrust Suits
On Cleveland Docket
CLEVELAND—Two antitrust suits against
distributors are on file in federal court here
and a third soon will be filed. Two suits
filing, is by the Tuscarawas Amusement Co.,
headed by the Wintner Bros, of Cleveland
and involving the State Theatre, Uhrichsville.
Named as defendants are all distributors and
the Shea's Theatre of New Philadelphia.
Motorist Ruins Theatre Lawn
AKRON—An errant motorist tore up the
lawn of the Lyn Theatre. G. A. Spayne,
owner, said the motorist apparently lost his
way and drove around the lawn and landscaping,
making ruts six inches deep and
causing damage estimated at $200.
Independent Theatremen
Seek Voice in TV Heating
Nightingales Hold
25th Banquet-Ball
DETROIT—The Nightingales, pioneer bowling
organization of Filmrow, celebrated Its
25th anniversary at the Labor temple with
a banquet and ball. Scheduled at the traditional
midnight hour, after the Nightingales
finished work, it drew a good turnout of
members and friends.
Associated with the
for theatre television.
amusement industry
Morris F. Finkel, western Pennsylvania
for a quarter-of-acentury.
Walker was
chairman, made reports on the recent na-
Allied president, and Fred A. Beedle, board
William J. Walker ^ son of the late Harry
tional Allied directors meeting. Norman Mervis,
grievance committee chairman, discussed
C. Walker, who used the name Harry Williams Event was entirely informal, with no
on the stage and as operator of the old Academy
of Music here for many years. An Al-
National Screen prices, services and contracts
speeches. A number of guests were introduced
by President Welber Haartge
and reported that 70 local exhibitors have
in the only
lied MPTO director for a number of terms.
formal part of the evening. Guests included
allowed their trailer and accessory contracts
Bill was a stage entertainer in his youth. His
to Roy Ruben,
expire without renewal.
secretary of lATSE Local 199;
brother Harry, who had been his partner in
Mr. and First exhibition of the Zenith phonevision
Mrs. George McArthur; Clarence
business, was killed in an automobile accident
several years ago.
Williamson, manager of National Theatre 16mm reel was revealing to many of the
Supply; W. C. Kunzmann, National Carbon
theatre owners. The picture shows how television
In recent weeks Bill had made nearly daily
Co., and two guests from
cut into theatre receipts and how
Cleveland—Tom
visits to the film market. From all appearances,
his health had been greatly improved. of Local 160, and Michael television, Sawdo,
Fitzgerald, secretary of the bowling league
phonevision, a combination of telephone and
plans to bring unscrambled motion
vice-president
of the local.
Walker owned and operated two theatres at
pictures into the homes of telephone subscribers
who are equipped with television
(Safton and was a partner with Harry Rachlele
in operation of two theatres at Sharps-
Russell Johnson Theatrical post, and from receivers.
Wires of congratulation were read from
burg. Surviving are his wife Elizabeth and Mrs. Harry Brewer, widow of the first president
of the club. Dancing followed until
a son William H., associated in the theatres,
who is coftipletlng his senior year in the law nearly daylight, to the music of Fred Crissey's
orchestra.
school at the University of Pittsburgh. Services
were held March 1 In his home, 59 Bradford
Ave., Crafton, and burial was in Union at the first banquet a quarter century ago
There were ten members who had been
Dale cemetery.
and who are still active as members—Floyd
H. Akins, Elmer C. Biehl, Ray W. Gagnon,
Sherman J. Lambly. C. C. Moroney. Houston
S. Morton. James W. Padfield, Joseph A.
Sullivan, W. J. "Pop" Stolz and N. J. "Mike"
Oreel. Committee for the event included
Edgar Douville, chairman, Leo Brooks and
Jack Yelllch.
have been filed by drive-in owners and one
by the owner of an indoor theatre. All seek
"equitable clearance" and charge monopoly Court Orders Inspection
In Harlan Theatre
nials of clearance.
Case
The Castle National Theatres Corp., headed LEXINGTON, KY.—An order permitting
on the part of the distributors through de-
by Horace Abrams, filed suit several months
ago in Chicago naming eight distributor-defendants.
inspection of the defendant's theatre records
by attorneys for distributors has been signed
In the suit the Euclid Drive-In by U.S. Judge H. Church Ford in three per-
on Route 20 and the Fairview Drive-In in centage suits brought by Columbia, United
Pairview Park Village seek the availability Artists and U-I. The court dismissed a defendant
currently granted to neighborhood houses, 21
motion to dismiss the suit for lack
or 35 days downtown first run. The action of federal jurisdiction and to compel more
was transferred to the court here at the request
particulars on the claims.
of the distributors.
An order also was signed by Judge Ford
The second suit was filed by the Maumee
Drive-In, Maumee, Ohio, .seeking .second run
consolidating the three cases as having common
questions of law and fact.
availability 28 days after first runs in Toledo.
The defendant is P>rice Coomer, operator
The third action, in preparation for of the New Harlan Theatre,
Harlan.
Filmmen at Monroe
Answer Check Charge
MONROE, MICH.—Harold Erickson, director,
and Ray Pierson, producer of Miramar
Films, Inc.. returned from Los Angeles with
Prosecutor R. N. Sawyer and a deputy sheriff
to face a charge of is.suing a non-funds check
in connection with the filming here last year
of "The Spark," starring Harold Lloyd jr.
and Cathy Downs.
PITTSBURGH—More than 100 independent
theatre owners, attending a meeting at
Allied's Filmrow headquarters Tuesday afternoon,
authorized Abram F. Myers and John
P. Clagett to represent them as counsel in
applying to the Federal Communications
Commission for the purpose of being heard
in connection with allocations for channels
Operation of Theatres
Denied Kentucky Cities
FRANKFORT, KY.—Cities in Kentucky
lack the authority to operate motion picture
theatres, according to a ruling by Assistant
Attorney General H. D. Reed jr. He wrote
Mayor G. W. Wallace of Hartford that cities
have only the powers granted by the general
assembly. Kentucky's lawmaking body has
never given its cities authority to go into
the motion picture field, he said.
Mayor Wallace had written that the Hartford
lease of a first floor of the city hall to
a theatre operator was about to expire. He
added that municipal ownership was being
considered.
Jim Salmans Wins Award
In Warner Contests
CLEVELAND—Jim Salmans, manager of
the Sixth Street Theatre, Coshocton, won the
January award, a Gruen automatic wrist
watch, in the three-month exploitation and
promotion Warners Ohio zone contest. The
prizes are awarded on the basis of increased
gross over the corresponding month of the
previous year with manager's promotional effort
taken into consideration. Judges were
Nat Wolf, Ohio zone manager; J. Knox
Strachan, publicity director, and R. H. Knepton,
contact manager.
Film Firm to New Offices
DETROIT—Detroit film prodvicer Henning
& Cheadl-- , which specializes in television and
other commercial outlets, has moved to new
quarters at 1060 West Fort St. The new location
gives them 12,000 square feet of space,
including a 3,500 -square foot stage, located
so that cars may be driven on it for automotive
films.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 ME 77

. . . LaVerne
j'
CINCINNATI
Q,eorge Turlukis, who operates the RossvUle
Theatre in Hamilton, and his associates
are constructing a drive-in on Route 4 just
inside the city limits there for a spring
opening. Midwest Theatre Supply is furnishing
equipment . . Midwest Supply has
.
arranged a very attractive display showing
the location and photos of the nine driveins
around Cincinnati in the window of the
downtown Union Tnist Co. bank.
The Cozy Theatre in Cedarville has been
sold to Sidney Price of Daj^ton. effective
March 1. by Nelson Creswell . . Jerome
.
Jackson jr. is booking and buying for his
Happy Hour Theatre in Williamsburg as well
as for his drive-in . . . Lev Bugie. Film Classics
manager, was called to Parkersburg, W.
Va., by the death of Mrs. Bugle's father.
William Gamer is now West Virginia salesman
Rube Perlman,
for Eagle Lion . . .
EL. was in town . . . Patsy Martin replaced
Mary Ann Younger as secretary at Monogram.
. . . Fred Myers,
Northio Theatres Corp. is rebuilding its
Sorg Theatre. Mlddletown. which was damaged
by fire last year. It will be renamed
child.
the Colonial . . . Rita Holman has joined
Paramount as office manager's secretary,
replacing Katherine Taylor, transferred to
the contract department
Dayton salesman for Paramount, was confined
to his bed by pleurisy . . . David
Sturm. Paramount shipper, resigned and was
replaced by Ed Heck, a newcomer.
About 150 film and theatremen attended
the installation dinner of the Colosseum of
Motion Picture Salesmen loge at the 'Variety
Clubrooms. Maurice White was toastmaster
and speakers were John "Socko"
Wiethe and Carson Hoy. Installed were
Manuel J. Trautenberg. president: Ross WUliams.
first vice-president: Morton Perlman.
second vice-president: Frank Schrelber. secretary,
and Manny Naegel. treasurer.
F. J. A. McCarthy, southern and Canadian
sales manager for U-I, conferred with
eUTSTANOINC CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ENCINEEftINC
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Phon«: TYlsr 7-8015
District Manager Peter Roslan here . . . The
Robert Buchmans i
student salesman at U-Ii
announce the adoption of a baby daughter,
two weeks old.
Visitors on the Row Included Bud GUllam.
WB at Cleveland: Price Coomer. Harlan.
Ky.: Don Reda, London. Ky.: Fred Helwlg.
Charleston, W. 'Va.: Julian Sllberstein.
Huntington, W. 'Va.: G. C. Porter. Beckley.
W. 'Va.: George Turlukis. Hamilton: M. M.
Dorsey. Johnstown . . . Abe Hyman of
Huntington is in St. Mar>''s hospital there
after a heart attack.
J. R. Neth, exhibitor at Columbus, and
his wife passed through here on a tour
which will include South America . . . Malcolm
Scott, RKO home office 16mm department,
was at the local branch . . . Ruth
Huelsman, secretary to S. C. Jacques, was
home ill several days.
Lester Rosenfeld, owner of the Hi Lawn
Theatre, St. Albans, W. 'Va.. and Frank Litton,
Charleston municipal judge, who are
touring Mexico, were joined last week by
Harry McHaffie. operator of the Marmet
Theatre, Marmet, W. 'Va. The trio wiU visit
Guatemala before returning to Florida for
Frank Schrelber. city salesman
a rest . . .
for TJ-I, and wife are receiving congratulations
on the arrival of a son. their seventh
The RKO inspection department was
streamlined with the arrival of the new
electric inspection machines . . Heywood
.
Mltchisson. U-I booker, has a new baby
daughter, his second cluld . . . Ray Moon.
20th-Fox division manager, was at the local
exchange.
J. P. Ware, vice-president of Midwest Theatre
Supply, was expected home from Florida
Nueslein. bookkeeper at Midwest,
will wed Lloyd Zoellner April 29 at
the St. William's church. Price Hill . . Mike
.
Vance of the Linden Theatre. Hamilton, is
redecorating the house.
Altec Service has signed contracts with the
Roxy Theatre. Caldwell, Ohio, owned by Mrs.
Flelhman; Star. Delaware, which recently
was bought by Ray Watts from the Schine
circuit, and the Shubert. Cincinnati, owned
by Robert J. Llbson and Maurice White . . .
Because of the continued coal strike, the
Gallagher Theatre. Gallagher. W. Va.. and
the Bardo in Bardo. Ky.. are closed. L. T.
Kaho has advised the exchanges that he has
closed the Look Theatre. West Alexandria,
Ohio. Indefinitely.
Order your taxation trailers todav!
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LOUISVILLE
Recording to the Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre
Owners the following theatres have
been added to the membership roll: Center
and Blelch, Owensboro, and the Fulton, Fulton.
All three theatres are reported owned
and operated by the Tenarken Paramount
Corp. of Memphis . , . Bills introduced in the
general assembly included house bill 313 by
Henry C. Hale. Floyd, to repeal the statute
section fixing the hours of operation of places
of entertainment.
SI.20 top . . .
Robert Enoch, owner and manager of the
State and Grand and the Star-Lite Driveln
at Elizabethtown. has returned there following
an extensive Florida vacation . . .
Hamlet" returned to Louisville at the Crescent,
a suburban subsequent run theatre at
Although Louisville's population
has gained considerably in the last
few years, it has been noted that not a single
new indoor theatre has been built here in
approximately eight years. Several drive-ins.
however, have been constructed with more
in the planning stages.
Exhibitors on the Row recently included
R. L. Gaines. Riverview Drive-ln. Carrollton:
A. O. Perkins jr., Lynn, Woodbine;
A. N. Miles. Eminence, Eminence: Mr. and
Mrs. Harry Walsh, Pic, Scottsburg, Ind.: Mr.
and Mrs. Tex Richards. State. Crothersville.
Ind.: A. H. Robertson. Majestic. Springfield:
Eric Hammel, Shelby & Burley Theatres,
Shelbyville: Hugh Kessler, Pal, Palmyra,
Ind., and George Lindsay. Lindsay, Brownsville
. . . Walter Wood of the Kenwood
Drive-ln here retiu-ned from a brief vacation
in Florida.
Gene Lutes, Chakeres district manager,
Frankfort, attended the Ohio Valley Conference
Basketball tournament at the Jefferson
county armory here . . . Jack Behlke
of the Monograph Co.. Chicago, spent several
days here checking drive-in installations
. , , Also visiting was L. R. Smith, former
owner and manager of the Pekin Theatre,
Pekin, Ind.
The state revenue department has completed
a one and one-half-minute film in
color on the Kentucky Income tax. telling
taxpayers how their income tax money is
spent. The short is scheduled to be run in
the Kentucky theatres prior to the April 15
deadline for filing state income tax. The
film was produced for the department of
revenue and wUl be shown in cooperation
with the Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre Owners.
A special preview of the film was presented
in the Model Theatre of the Falls City Theatre
Equipment Co. According to commissioner
of revenue. H. Clyde Reeves, while the
picture is a reminder for income taxpayers,
it also assumes that government has the
responsibility of showing the taxpayer what
happens to his money after he pays it.
While the Kenwood Drive-ln here was the
first ozoner to stay open the year 'round,
running on weekends during the extreme
winter months, it seems that Lou Arru of
the Skynay Drive-In got a head start on
reopening, by opening his Skyway Friday
i24\ with the same policy prevailing of two
shows nightly, with adults 49 cents at all
times and children under 12 free.
78 BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950

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Variety of Detroit
Appoints Jack Zide
DETTROIT—Manager Jack Zide of Allied
Film Exchange has been named chief barker
of the Variety Club of Michigan filling the
vacancy left by the recent death of Charles
C. Perry. Harry Gilbert, theatrical concessioner,
has been named first assistant chief
barker. The post of second assistant will be
left vacant.
Two posts on the board of directors also
were filled. M. P. Gowthorpe, president of
Butterfield, and Adolph Goldberg of Community
Theatres, were named to the posts.
These vacancies were brought about by Perry's
death and Sam Carver's resignation.
DELUXE
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
* BRENKERT PROJECTORS
* RCA SOUND SYSTEMS
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DRIVE-IN THEATRES OUR
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ERNIE FORBES
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Film Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich.
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DETROIT
TJobert L. Rogers of the Dale, who now lives
in Farmington, wants to move closer into
town . and Mrs. Martin H. Popielarski
are renovating and rebuilding prestige at the
newly acquired Forest . Korman has
redecorated and refurbished the Greenwood.
Clarence Williamson of NTS put in Peerless
Magnarc lamps and Simplex projectors
Burdicker of the Madison has
bought a new home on Ferguson avenue,
while his partner Ira Rottell is busy redecorating
his place.
. . . Robert
John Goossen of the Madison has bought
a new Chevrolet Roy Ruben, wife
.
of the Fox operator, is visiting in New York
Larsen, a captain for Northwest
Airlines, was in town vacationing with
his dad Hans of the Madison
Moesta of the Stratford is the father of a
new baby girl Carol Ann . . . Freddie Tripp,
stepson of Welber Haartge of the Midtown,
also is a new father.
. . . Mike Simon,
Bernadette Schneider of the Stratford is
convalescing after an operation . . . Joseph
J. Lee, 20th-Fox manager, is vacationing for
three weeks in Florida
Paramount manager at Buffalo, will replace
H. Edward Stuckey, who now is with the
Butterfield circuit.
Arthur damage will reopen the Gayety
March 16, moving policy and personnel over
from the Avenue which will be torn down
Rubin of the Lake and City at
Benton Harbor was a local visitor, unhappy
to find Washington's birthday was a holiday
on the Row . C. McClelland's new
Gold Front at Cheboygan is slated to open
about May 1.
Murray Devaney of RKO will come here
from Montreal to take over as branch manager.
He is the son of Leo Devaney, former
Universal district manager. He succeeds Hatton
Taylor, who is going east to take over
the Boston exchange . . . Charles Moses and
Edward Dowden, promotion men for Eagle
Lion, were local visitors . . . George E. Marr,
who has managed the Marr and Royal at
Saginaw for some time, has taken over active
operation following the recent death of his
father.
G. E. Leveque, head of Cinema Service, is
in the hospital for a couple of weeks for an
operation, leaving Manager Al Boyer in
charge . McArthur of McArthur
Theatre Supply is installing complete projection
equipment in the Grosse Pointe High
school and the Cranbrook Boys school . . .
Wilfred Mevis, Republic head shipper, doubles
at the Dexter nights.
Seek Fund in Ascap Fight
COLUMBUS—p. J. Wood, secretary of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio, in his
most recent bulletin to ITOO members reminds
them that it was through the efforts
of national Allied that the Ascap tax was
ruled illegal and that, in order to fulfill a
commitment to attorneys who brought about
this relief, exhibitors are asked to contribute
one-half of the fees paid Ascap during 1947.
Send checks to P. J. Wood, Independent Theatre
Owners of Ohio, 55 East State St.. Columbus,
Ohio.
—
—
Detroit Trade Soft;
'Samson' in Front
DETROIT—Business continued downwards
here. "Samson and Delilah" continued to
lead the Rialto in its fifth week. The poor
showing of "Stromboli" was further evidence
of the general trend. Detail for week ending
February 23:
(Average Is 100)
Adcnns—Battleground (MGM), 5th wk.- 70
Cinema Symphoiue Pastorale (Films Int'l), 2nd
wk 70
Downtown—Arnbush (MGM); Cry Murder (FC),
2nd wk 70
Fox—Twelve O'Clodc High (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 110
Madison—Samson and Delilah (Para), 5th wk 120
Michigan—Chain Ughtning (WB) 90
Palms-State StromboU (RKO) - 95
Paradise—Deputy Marshal (LP), 2nd run, plus
stage show _ 105
United Artists— Mrs. Mik« (UA); Satan's Cradle
(UA) 100
Snow and Cold Cut Trade
At Houses in Cleveland
CLEVELAND—The first heavy snow of the
winter hit boxoffice trade over the weekend.
Continued cold kept many regular theatre patrons
at home. "My Foolish Heart" closed
a successful five-week run at the Esquire
still drawing heavily. The only other films
chalking up better than average business
were "Samson and Delilah," in its fourth
stanza at the Stillman, and "When Willie
Comes Marching Home" at the Allen.
Allen—When Willie Comes Marching Home
(2Gth-Fox) _ 105
Esquire—My FooUsh Heart (RKO), 5th wk 200
Hippodrome—Chain Lightning (WB) 95
Lower Mall—The Bicycle Thief (M-B) 100
Ohio—Sands of Iwo lima (Rep), 2nd d. t. wk 85
Palace—Twelve O'Clock High (20th-Fox), 2nd wk. 85
Slaie-Ambush (MGM) 90
Snilman Samson and Delilah (Para), advanced
prices, 4th wk 135
"Samson' Shows Strength
In Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — "Samson and DeUlah"
led the city with a 250 per cent gross at
Keith's. Tying in the first place spot was a
stage show, Jimmy Dickens, Country Boy. at
the Lyric with "Blonde Dynamite" on the
screen.
Circle—The Hasty Heail (WB), They Live by Night
(RKO) _ 95
Indiana-Sliomboli (RKO); The Tattooed Stronger
(RKO) _._ 75
_
Keith's^-Somson and Delilah (Para), advanced
- prices - 250
Loews Mrs. Mike (UA); The Daring Caballero
(UA) 100
Lyric—Blonde Dynamite (Mono), plus stage show. 250
'Malaya' and "Willie' Turn
In Top Cincinnati Figures
CINCINNATI—"Malaya" and "When Willie
Comes Marching Home" were top grossers
last week.
Albee—Montana (WB) 90
Capitol Wben Willie Comes Marching Home
(2Qth-Fox) 140
Grand-Battleground (MGM), 4th wk. 100,
Keith s—Malaya (MGM) 150
_
Lyric—Guilty of Treason (EL), 2nd d. t. wk 90
Palace—StromboU (RKO) 100
Shuberl—Stormy Weather (20th-Fox), reissue 100
"Willie' Rates High 130
At Pittsburgh Fulton
PITTSBURGH—With only two new fUm
attractions on view, the Fulton had the winner
in "When Willie Comes Marching Home.
Fullon—When Willie Comes Marching Home
(20lh-Fox) - 130
Hams—All the King's Men (Col), 2nd wk 80
Penn—Battleground (MGM), 3rd wk _ 85
Stanley—The Oullow (RKO), 2nd wk 85
Warner-Backfire (WB) 85
80 BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

Kentucky Pastor Asks
Repeal of State Tax
WARSAW, KY.—The Rev. T. H. Tinsley,
former speaker of the house and a native of
Warsaw, joined Kentucky theatre owners in
pleading for repeal of the state amusement
tax. He introduced a bill in the Kentucky
lower house declaring that an "admissions
tax is unfair to the people who find in the
movies an economical means of entertainment
and enlightenment."
"In other fields of taxation the authorities
have sought to place the burden on those
best able to pay. but this tax is a flat tax
that penalizes large families. The tax is
discriminatory, for every theatre owner in the
U.S. already is paying all the taxes levied
on business enterprises generally.
"The state tax was levied by the Chandler
administration for the express purpose of retiring
the state debt and it was promised
to be repealed as soon as the debt was
retired. We now have a surplus,
"Movies are not a luxury. In the American
way of life a moderate amount of relaxation
is recognized to be necessary and motion pictures
provide the maximum entertainment
at the lowest cost."
United Detroit Circuit
Sues on Chain Store Tax
DETROIT—Suit has been filed in Wayne
county cuTuit court by United Detroit Theatres
maintaining that the Michigan state
chain store tax should not apply to refreshment
concessions. The circuit contends that
the state chain store tax should not apply
to concessions operated by the theatre chain
itself in some sixteen theatres, mainly as a
service to customers, and not primarily for
a profit. The circuit has been subject to tax
for the last six years and under protest a
total of $5,220 was paid.
Temporary injunction has been granted by
Circuit Judge Chester P. Ohara restraining
the state from collecting the $970 for the
present fiscal year. Case will be heard March
3.
TOLEDO
The first vaudeville bill at the Paramount
was so well attended that the theatre
scheduled a second eight-act bill to open
March 23 for four days . . . Outlook for legitimate
attractions in Toledo is better, too, said
David Nederlander. Detroit, who manages the
Town Hall here as well as the Shubert
Lafayette in Detroit. "Private Lives," last
stage offering in Toledo, sold out every seat
in the 1,180-seat house for every performance,
establishing a new three-day record
gross for the house. The week's record is
still held by native son Joe E. Brown, who
played here in "Harvey."
When Bosley Crowther, film critic and motion
picture editor of the New York Times,
came to Toledo to talk on the Town Hall
lecture series Saturday recently. Mrs. Flora
Ware Hineline invited several local theatre
managers to have lunch with Crowther after
the lecture. These included Howard Feigley
of the Rivoli, Jack Armstrong of the Schwyn
circuit, Giles Robb of the Princess, Edward
Bush of the State, Abe Ludacer of Loew's
Valentine, and Jack Lykes, Colony.
Mrs. Magdalene Rihacek, 63, owner and
operator of the Tivoli since 1927, died recently.
She was known to friends and patrons
of the theatre as "Maggie," and was
one of the first women exhibitors in Toledo,
continuing operation of the house run
by her husband when she became a widow
with seven youngsters to support. She lived
in Toledo for 49 years, and was a native of
Czechoslovakia.
The Variety Club gave a testimonial dinner
for ex-Chief Barker Jack Lykes in the
Willard hotel on St. Valentine's day.
Somerset Permit Denied
SOMERSET. KY.—An application for a
drive-in theatre near here has been denied
by Circuit Judge R. C. Tartar. Opposition to
the proposed theatre was expressed by religious
groups and rural residents. It was
the third time in three years that such an
application was denied. H. E. Otto, Danville,
filed the application for the theatre
to be built just outside Somerset on Highway
80-E.
Now Is the Time to Order
usAIRco
Cooling Units
Giant Post Card Mailed
To Protest Ticket Tax
CLEVELAND—Harold "Bud" Friedman,
manager of Warners' Vogue, a de luxe neighborhood
house in the exclusive Shaker
Heights residential suburb, mailed a giant
30x40-inch card to Congressman Prances P.
Bolton containing signatures of patrons asking
for repeal of the 20 per cent amusement
tax. This is the largest piece of mail ever
stamped at the Shaker post office.
Forwards Petitions Daily
PORT HURON, MICH.—Cyral A. Dailey,
manager of the Desmond Theatre, reports he
has collected more than 1,000 petitions against
the federal amusement tax, all signed by patrons,
and sent them to Jesse P. Wolcott in
Washington, congressman from this district.
He forwards the signed cards daily.
2.500 Cords Signed
BATTLE CREEK. IVHCH.-More than 2,500
patrons of the Regent and Bijou have signed
cards petitioning for the repeal of the amusement
tax.
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BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950 81

: Heywood
Memo TO:
Smart Buyers
THE PRICELESS
INGREDIENT
In the city of Bagdad lived Hakeem
the wise one, and many people went to
him lor counsel, which he gave freely
to all asking nothing in return.
There came to him a young man who
had spent much but got little and said:
"Tell me. Wise One, what shall I do
Detroit 'Stromboli' Date
Gets a Week, Under Par
DETROIT—Theatre patrons in Detroit
were commended for "native good sense" for
failure to support "Stromboli" with heavy
patronage by the Michigan Catholic.
The picture, playing at the Palms-State
Theatre, lasted only a week, playing to belownormal
business.
Pointing out that "spectacular protests
more often have the effect of sending prurient-minded
persons to the theatre than of
keeping decent people away" the editor congratulated
Detroiters that "no large scale
demonstration was raised." Only incident
was on opening night when about a dozen
pickets appeared for some 10 minutes and
then disappeared without being identified.
CLEVELAND—"Stromboli" opened at the
Palace to 25 per cent better than average
business but attendance fell off chiefly because
of bad weather, with the heaviest snowstorm
of the winter and warnings of dangerous
driving by the Auto club. All three
local critics panned the pictiu-e. It was not
held over.
Team
National
BOWLING
to receive the most for that which I
spend?"
Hakeem answered: "A thing that is
bought or sold has no value unless it
contains that which cannot be bought
or sold. Look for The Priceless Ingredient."
"But what is the Priceless Ingredient?"
asked the young man.
Spoke then the Wise One: "My Son,
the Priceless Ingredient of every product
in the market place is the Honor and
Integrity of him who makes it. Consider
his name before you buy."
Those "In The Know"
Buy EMBRO
•
White & Yellow Hybrids
•
j
AKRON—The city council voted 8 to 5
against banning "Stromboli." arguing that a
ban would give additional publicity to the
film, which was booked at the Palace here.
Also, the majority said, the council should
not attempt to legislate private morals.
WILKINSBURG, PA.—The borough council
has prohibited the exhibition of "Stromboli"
under penalty of SlOO fine for each individual
showing of the picture, or 30 days
imprisonment. The Warner circuit operates
the borough's three theatres.
$13,873 to Dimes Drive
ji CLEVELAND—Ernest Schwartz, president,
general manager and secretary of the Cleve-
ji
11
land Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n, gave
ij the National Foundation for Infantile Pali
ralysis a check for S13.873.14, representing
i audience contributions in the 120 theatre
III
members of the CMPEA.
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Unaffected by Coal Strike
Cleveland—Theatres in the Cleveland
P. 0. Box 327 St. Louis 3 Mo. • ^^^^ have not been affected as yet by the
iii coal shortage. Mayor Thomas A. Burke says
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Phone: TYIer 3-S629

Louben Firm Will Build
Lansing, Mich., Theaire
LANSING, MICH.—The city council has
cleared a path for construction of a theatre
and nine store units on Michigan avenue
east of Charles street. The council voted to
relocate the west 94.1 feet of Grand River
alley between Charles and Denison streets to
permit construction of the theatre the full
depth of the block.
The 1,500-seat theatre and stores will be
erected by the Louben Building Co.. which
agreed to pay for relocating all utility lines
in the alley, pay total cost of relocating the
alley and guarantee cost of paving the relocated
portion of the alley. The building
company said construction on the theatre
and stores would start the first of March
with completion slated for September 1.
CLEVELAND
Remodel at Pontiac. Mich.
PONTIAC. MICH.—When workmen started
painting and redecoration of the auditoriup-i
of the Strand here last week (20), remodeling
operations had reached the half-way mark.
Most of the work now completed was on the
building front, lobby and foyer. Manager Paul
Grill said the program should be finished by
the end of March. It will include reseating.
Drive-In Construction
MIDLAND, PA.—A 350-to-400-car capacity
drive-in is planned on Tuscawarus road
in Brighton township by William J. Geibel,
well known film projectionist. Approximately
30 acres of land has been acquired for the
Beaver county project with the outdoor theatre
to occupy half of this property. Site of
the proposed ozoner is near the Westinghouse
plant. The investor's brother is James
Geibel, who has operated a 16mm drive-in
theatre with a 150-car capacity at Oakland
township in Butler county for several years.
PLAINWELL. MICH.—Charles Sears and
Harold Kortes, who own theatres here and
in Otsego, expect to complete their 400-car
drive-in south of town on U.S. 131 in time
for an early May opening.
BARBERTON, OHIO—The newest drivein
in the Akron area will be the Magic City,
now under construction near here, one and
one-half miles south of Route 5 on Route 21.
The theatre will begin operations about May
15, with Vincent Lauter as manager. Group
of Barberton and Cleveland business men are
behind the venture.
THOS.

• . . Sun
. .
. . Andy
. . The
PITTSBURGH
door theatres' concessions will be serviced
during the new season. Theatre Candy-Showe
Confections suffered a staggering loss when
the former Fifth avenue warehouse was destroyed
by fire several weeks ago . . . Warner
this in Daily Independent: burg is formerly at the Francis hospital here an hour after he was
Notice! by Ralph Pew, former
ment with L. Jannotta
recently to the Eagle Lion managerial post
here, on the death of his mother Anna operation which followed his auto accident
Zomnir.
last fall.
^^hile exhibiting "Dear Wife" at the Manos
ixrilliam A. Casteliini, 50, Cincinnati, former
in Monessen, Ken Woodward, manager, circuit's new manager at the State in Wilkins-
United Artists representative, died in St.
inserted
"Important
ad the Bob O'Malley, New
Through special
& Sons,
arrange-
merchant
Oakland,
assistant
now
at
managed
the Etna.
stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage while
lunching with Samuel T. Wilson, theatre editor
of the Dispatch, and other guests at
tailors near the theatre, any buttons lost because
of the hefty laughs in 'Dear Wife'
Blatt Bros' circuit's new Filmrow office
will
Marzetti's restaurant. At the time of his
be sewed on absolutely free of charge" girl is Sarah Louise Desmond of Oakmont.
. death Casteliini was vice-president of the
Bill Basle designated honor nights during She is assistant to Mrs. Isabella M. Hoskin. Dinerman Co., Cincinnati adverti-sing and
the week's engagement of "When Willie
bookkeeper . . . Harry E. Finley, Johnstown
public relations firm. He is survived by his
Comes Marching Home" at the Basle
theatre executive, is an active commercial
in
wife. Ruth McGregor Casteliini. a son, two
Washington. Pa. In addition to service
division leader in
organizations,
honor nights were designated Cross drive . . , Louis Prima and his orchestra
the Cambria county Red daughters, his mother and four brothers.
for air raid wardens. Red Cross workers, presented a radio show on stage at the Columbia
in Sharon February 24 and at the in advance of "Samson and Delilah," which
Douglas Taussig, Paramount, was in town
etc.
at Altoona presented Mercy Ray
and her Mountain Serenaders on the stage. Latonia in Oil City February 28 . . . Sympathy
to John Zorrmir, who was promoted Kessler. manager of Loew's Ohio, has had
opens at Loew's Broad March 8 . . . Walter
his cast removed and is recovering from the
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Beedle, Canonsburg,
are
weeks
vacationing near Orlando. Fla.. for six
Every first-day patron of "Dancing
. . .
in the Dark" at the Fulton here was handed
a $10 gift certificate acceptable at the Fred
Astaire dance Joe and Steve
studio . . .
Yantus of the Rex at Hollsopple and the
Co-Op at Schellsburg came into Filmrow on
anniversary, not
that February 22 is a labor holiday
and only the supply houses are open on
Washington's
knowing
birthday
that date, which
Wednesday.
happened also to be Ash
The Warner Theatre is running "Samson
and Delilah" continuously at 70 cents from
opening to 1 p. m.: 90 to 6, and $1.25 from
then to closing; children 35 cents at all times,
all prices including taxes . . . Theatre Candy
Co. and Showe Confections have moved their
headquarters from Filmrow to the nearby
street floor in the new warehouse at 400
Dinwiddle. Ray Showe said a number of out-
Good News for the Small Town Exhibitor
Protect Your Investmertt"
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of starting a PORT-
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m
ROOM THEATRES
your nearby communities.
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^m°
of building a
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30x40 foot screen for 56,000.00.
..We rent or sell all makes of 16mm "arc" oi
bulb projection eqpt. We have the world's
largest libraries from coast to coast. 100% availability
on 16mm sound all film product
on the
market, such as "Fox, Universal-International, Columbia
etc," Rental rates for full lenglh features
with three shorls ond serial, S7.50 S, SIO.OO etc.
of
For complete details and a copy our latest 30th
onni^versary catalogue, write to the following
IDEAL PICTURES CO.
A. I. St. Clair, Hep. Box 310 Berftley. W. Va.
SAM FINEBERG i
TOM McCLEARY |
1705 Blvd. of the Allies
I
PITTSBURGH 19, PA. |
Phone Express 0777 i
Refreshment Equipment, Supplies and Service
Complete Supply and Concession Service
For Theatres and Drive-ins
SHOWE CONFECTION CORP.
THEATRE CANDY CO., INC.
400 Dinwiddie St. ATlantic 1-8503
Pittsburgh 19. Pa.
The newsreel policy continues daily at the
Harris Newsreel downtown, except that a feature
picture is added daily after 6 p. m. and
all day on Sundays . Nixon's attraction
for the week of April 3 will be "Lend an Ear."
which was produced originally a decade ago
here at the Pittsburgh Playhouse . . . Bart
Dattola presented a WKPA broadcast and
displays of army vehicles in connection with
"Battleground" at the Dattola in New Kensington
. Battiston has booked
"Citizen Saint." life story of Mother Cabrini,
in every Warner circuit situation in the area.
The Juniata at Juniata presented a benefit
show for the Keystone school and canceled
an Ingrid Bergman film, substituting
"Tell It to the Judge" and "Blondie Hits
the Jackpot" . . Associated Drive-In Theatres,
.
the Norbert Stern organization, will
open
Filmrow headquarters at 68 'Van Braam St.,
former offices of Star Distributing Co. . . .
Butler men are breaking out in a rash of
whiskers for a facial fringe contest which
will climax the city's 150th birthday celebration
July 1.
New Advisory Board
Tn Aid Ohio Censors
COLUMBUS—Governor Lausche has appointed
a three-member advisory board to act
with Clyde Hissong, education director, and
the state censor board in regard to controversial
films. They are Mrs. Mildred Bickel,
president of the Ohio Congress of PTA; Lee
H. B. Malone, director of the Columbus Gallery
of Fine Arts, and Fred C. Slager. principal
of Central High school, all of Columbus.
Appointment of a board to act in an advisory
capacity with the state censor board is
the outcome of a recent ruling by Attorney
General Herbert S. Duffy in regard to recalling
for further censorship a picture which
has been passed.
Specifically, Chief Censor Hissong had
asked Duffy for a ruling as to whether he
could legally recall "Stromboli" because of
the publicity of the star and director. The
attorney general ruled that nothing had been
changed in its picture since its approval by
the censor board and hence there was no
legal basis for recalling it.
The duty of the new three-member board
is to reconsider pictures which have been
passed by the censor board and about which
a question of suitability is raised.
COLUMBUS
P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent
Theatres of Ohio, reports that four more Ohio
congressmen have indicated their support of
reduction of the federal admissions tax. They
are Frederick C. Smith, eighth district;
Thomas H. Burke, ninth district: Walter
Huber. 14th district, and Michael A, Feighan.
20th district. Wood said three congressmen
have not replied to his wire. They are James
G. Polk, sixth, district; Alvin F. Weichel,
13th district, and Michael J. Kirwin. 19th
district.
Gayety, Columbus' only burlesque house,
has reopened after a week's closing with a
policy of pictures only. Jay McGee is manager
. . . Mrs. Ethel Miles. Miles neighborhood
circuit, says the Miles theatres will not
show "StromboU" at this time. "We neither
condemn nor commend the circumstances
which have brought 'StromboU' to public attention.
We simply do not wish to use sensationalism
as a means of exploiting our programs.
We feel the family audiences which
make up a majority patronage of neighborhood
theatres will prefer us to market our
pictures on their own merits."
^^^j v//?G/A//4
^apitol at Wheeling offered Eddy Duchin
and his orchestra on stage February 21
. . . More than 300 Boy Scouts and leaders
were guests of the Eastland in Fairmont for
the annual Scout anniversary theatre party
. .'. The Sage Brush Roundup from radio
station WMMN was a one-day stage feature
at the Palace in Parkersburg .
. . Print of
"Twelve O'clock High" was flown to Wheeling
for a midnight showing at the Capitol and
was received by Comdr. Bob Upton of Wheeling
Squadron No. 1 Air Force Ass'n. while
a News-Register photographer recorded the
event for the amusement page.
Model plane entries in the Fairmont Theatre
contest were displayed in store windows
and in the theatre lobby. Fairmont Times
sponsored the contest . . Bluefield Ministerial
.
Ass'n opposed display of any pictures
starring Ingrid Bergman, so George Frehling,
theatre manager, is polling flicker addicts
through newspaper and theatre lobby vote on
whether they want to see "Stromboli" . . .
Eagle Lion's "Guilty of Treason" was previewed
at the Victoria in Wheeling last Saturday
morning by members of the clergy and
nuns of all local Catholic schools.
84 BOXOFFICE March 4, 1950

——
—
—
—
'Bicycle Thief Earns
Record at Boston
BOSTON — Despite a bad snowstorm on
up
Washington's birthday, business was well
in the higlier brackets for the week. "The
Bicycle Thief" at the Beacon Hill broke all
"
records in its first week, with "Cinderella
at the Keith Memorial also very strong. All
downtown theatres reported excellent weekend
business.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—My Foolish Heart (RKO), 3rd wk 140
Beacon HiU—The Bicycle Thiel (M-B) 220
Boston—Slromboli (RKO); The Tattooed Stranger
(RKO) 130
Esquire, Mayflower, Pilgrim Guilty of Treason
(EL). 2nd wk 115
Exeter Street—Germany Year Zero (Superlilm);
Spring in Park Lane (EL) 110
Memorial- Cinderella (RKO) _ 150
Metropolitan—Twelve O'Clock High (20th-rox);
Joe Palooko Meets Humphrey (Mono), 2nd wk.llS
Paramount and Fenway — Samson and Delilah
'(Pcn-a), 3rd wk 125
State Tohiuiy Eager (MGM); Blossoms in the Dust
(MGM), reissues 100
Orpheum-Battleground (MGM), 3rd wk 110
Dimes Turned in at Springfield
'Key to City' Leads Trade
At Houses in Hartford
HARTFOBr>—"Key to the City," dualed
with "Unmasked" at the Poli, set the pace
for newcomers at local first runs. A pairing
of "Twelve O'clock High" and "West of Wyoming"
in a second week at the Palace, was the
best of the holdovers. "Samson and Delilah,"
in a second stanza at the Allyn at advanced
prices, was about average.
Allyn—Samson and Delilah (Para), 2nd wk.,
advanced prices 90
M Loews—Father E. Is a Bachelor (Col), Mule
Train (Col), 2Tid wk 100
Palace—Twelve O'Clock High (20th-Fox); West of
Wyoming (Mono), 2nd wk 130
Poll—Key to the City (MGM), Unmasked (Rep) HO
Regal—Borderline (U-1), The Golden Stallion (Rep) B5
Strand Chain Lightning (WB), Blonde Dynamite
(Mono) 100
Cold Wave Hurts Business
At Houses in New Haven
NEW HAVEN—An unexpected cold wave
which followed a mild weekend crimped trade
at local first runs. "Samson and Delilah,"
showing at advanced prices at the Paramount,
paced business and was held for a second
week. "Twelve O'clock High" and "Alias the
champ." dualed at Loew's Poli, also was
strong and rated a moveover to the College.
Bijou—Hocket Ship (Embassy); Mais Attacks the
World (Embassy) 75
College—Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox); Temptation
Harbor (Mono) 92
Loew's Poll — Twelve O'Clock High (20th-Fox);
Alias the Champ (Rep) 130
Paramount—Samson and Delilah (Para) 136
Roger Sherman Bride for Sale (RKO); Backfire
(WB) 90
Fire Causes $25,000 Loss
In Boston Rialto Bldg.
BOSTON—Fire which started in the floor
above the Rialto Theatre on ScoUay Square
resulted in an estimated $25,000 damage,
about $8,000 of which was to the theatre.
About 2,000 persons left the Rialto and the
adjacent ScoUay Square Theatre without incident
after Glen Hannagan, Rialto projectionist,
had turned in the alarm and notified
the managers of the two theatres.
During the excitement scores of workers
in nearby offices, including 60 employes of
New England Theatres headquarters at 60
Scollay Square, were advised to leave the
buildings.
SHOWMEN AID DIME DRIVE—There was a total of $4,866.05 represented when
this picture was taken. Arthur Darley, left, of the Arcade, turned $504.30 over to Postmaster
Thomas J. Ashe, general chairman of the March of Dimes. To the right of
Ashe are Edward A. Smith of the Paramount and C. L. Patch of the Broadway, who
turned $4,361.75 into the campaign fund. The money represented audience collections
at the theatres in Springfield.
Mustached Bandit Robs
Theatreman of $60
WEST WARWICK, R. I.—Mustaches were
lifted out of the inconvenience class here
recently to become nuisances as police picked
up every man with a hairy upper lip for
questioning about the holdup of a local theatre
operator. More than 30 men whose only
apparent crime was keeping their upper lips
under cover were rounded up and grilled
shortly after William Dietch, operator of the
Palace Tlieatre, as held up and robbed of
$60.75.
Dietch was getting into his car when a
mustached man stuck a gun in his back and
demanded the theatre money bag. When the
theatre operator convinced the robber that
a theatre employe had already gone to the
bank, the hoodlum stripped Dietch of his
wallet.
Boofhman Bill Prozulski
Finds Car Painted Red
Chicopee, Mass. .\ Massachusetts projectionist,
proud owner of a shiny, creamcolored
1949 car, almost "blew his top"
the other night. William Prozulski, projectionist
at the Rivoli here, commutes
from his home in nearby Springfield in
his 1949 automobile.
The other day, Prozulski parked his
car on a Chicopee street and went to
work at the theatre. Leaving the Rivoli
at 10:30 p. m., the projectionist discovered
someone had decided to change the color
of his car to red. The entire rear end of
the cream-colored car was bedecked with
bright red paint.
Police were notified immediately and a
jar, believed to have contained the red
paint, was picked up nearby. .At last reports,
the case still was under investigation.
'Clown' Is Premiered
In Providence Avon
PROVIDENCE—The Italian film, "Love
of a Clown . . . Pagliacci," starring the renowned
Tito Gobbi, was premiered at the
Avon Cinema, Thursday (23).
Charles R. Darby, manager, conducted a
strong publicity campaign, scoring news
breaks in several Italian language newspapers
and over the air on Italian programs.
He arranged a preview for all the leading
women's and musical clubs in the state,
school teachers, state and city dignitaries.
Students were granted special discounts at
all matinee performances.
Darby has come in for much well-deserved
praise for his policy in presenting the finest
imported films, and especially for making it
possible for students to see these attractions
at prices they can afford to pay.
Top Girl Scout Officials
To See Warner Premiere
NEW YORK—Mrs. C. Vaughan Ferguson,
president of the Girl Scouts, and members
of the Girl Scout board of directors will attend
the premiere of Warners' Technicolor
short. "Women of Tomorrow." March 10 in
New Bedford. Ma.ss. The picture, a report on
Girl Scouting in the U.S.. will mark the 38th
anniversary of the organization.
New Bedford was chosen for the first
showing because many of the sequences were
photographed there. More than 600 Girl
Scouts appear in the short. The Girl Scout
officials will be given a civic reception and
buffet supper before the screening at the
State Theatre.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
BOXOFTICE :: March 4, 1950 NE 85

. . . Nick
. . Lloyd
. . . Figures
. . Margaret
: March
. . Ken
BOSTON
jpuring the subzero weather, a girl cashier
in the Keith Memorial Theatre booth
had to be taken to the hospital to have her
hands thawed out. The mercury tumbled to
the lowest registration in three years . . .
George Roberts and his wife trained for
Florida during the worst blizzard of the year
to visit Mrs. Roberts' father, Herman Rifkin,
at Miami Beach. They will return March 11
Russo. Selznick publicist, left for
New Haven to arrange screenings of "The
Third Man" for exhibitors and Yale professors
of drama, music and English.
f,oHtGMeRmun..yiJ
COSTS USS^
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Rugged, efficient, easy to operate.
Independent Theatre
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Complete Theatre Equipment & Supnlies
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
PORT HOLE BLOWER
Dust. Bubs and Rain From Comino in Pwl
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HOSTESS
A L U M I N U M W A R E
"The year's most outstanding premium deal"
METRO PREMIUM COMPANY
''^ ^'""'^^ S'- Liberty 408S Boston, Mass.
Sundowners" staged by Joe Mansfield of
Eagle Lion was an art contest held in the
inner lobby of the Pilgrim Theatre where the
film will receive its New England premiere.
Seventy-five students of local art schools
competed for awards for the best copy of a
huge six-foot blowup of the profile of John
Barrymore jr. who is making his screen debut
in the film. Prizes were a savings bond, cash
awards and guest tickets. The affair was
held on Friday from 1 to 5 p. m.
Visitors included Len Richter, Star, Pascoag,
The highlight of the campaign R. I.; Alec Davis, head of the Champ
for "The Amusement Co.; Speros Latchis, Latchis circuit;
Edward 'White, Mansfield; Francis
- Perry, Orpheum, Foxboro; Bill Savage, manager
of the Arcadia, Portsmouth; Dominic
Turturro, Elms, Millbury: Henry Annotti of
the Uptown, and Archie Silverman and Al
Siner, Strand, Providence.
Model 4570 Hi-Intensity Projection
When
ARC LAMPS
its New
Selznick's
England
"The
premiere
Third
April
Man"
9, Anton
has
Karas, the Hungarian zither player whose
music plays a prominent part in establishing
the mood of the film, will make a personal
appearance in the theatre. He will stay here
two weeks as the headliner in the Oval Room
of the Copley-Plaza. On April 26 he will go
to Providence where he is booked at the
Providence-Biltmore hotel and will appear at
the opening of the film in that city.
Newell Stepp, general manager for several
years of the B&Q circuit, has resigned to
go to New Jersey to join Donald Jacocks in
the Aldon Theatre circuit. No replacement
has been announced from the B&Q home
office at 100 Boylston St. . . . The funeral
of Marion Coles, 58. director and treasurer
of New England Theatres, was held at the
Waterman chapel with burial in Columbia,
S. C. A graduate of Clemson college in 1913,
he was a first lieutenant in World War I
before becoming associated with Paramount
Pictures in 1918 in Atlanta and New York.
He joined M&P Theatre in 1933, transferring
to New England Theatres in January 1949
at the time of the splitup of the M&P corporation.
He leaves his wife, a son Charles
and his mother.
The Variety Club is sponsoring a sixth
birthday party for Jimmie Ferragamo of
Pramingham, a lad stricken with incurable
cancer. Barkers Joe Cifre and Bill Koster
are providing a Roy Rogers feature film,
ice cream, popcorn and autographed pictures
of baseball stars for Jimmie and 200
of his friends and neighbors. The affair will
be held at the Nicoli club across the street
from Jimmie's home. The lad is unaware
that this may be his last birthday.
Projectionists Local 182 will give its ruby
jubilee celebration April 24 at the Copley-
Plaza. Joe Cifre. general chairman, says the
speaker will be a man of national reputation.
Entertainment and dancing will start
at 8 p. m. but the main part of the program
will not start till 12:30 to permit all projectionists
and theatremen to attend after
the theatres close for the night.
Graham Greene, well-known British novelist,
was here for the opening of "The Heart
of the Matter," the Rodgers and Hammerstein
production which has been made into a
play by him and Basil Dean, British director.
Nine novels by Greene have been made into
films, five of them in this country. "The
Power and the Glory," "Ministry of Fear"
and "This Gun for Hire" were made by Paramount,
"Orient Express" by 20th-Fox and
"Confidential Agent" by Warners. "The Fallen
Idol" was adapted from his short story.
"The Basement Room," made in England and
distributed by Selznick, while "The Third
Man," an original Greene story, was made in
Vienna under the Selznick banner.
H. S. CarUsle of the Bellevue, St. Albans,
Vt., and his wife were vacationing in Florida
. . . George Hackett of the Middlesex Amusement
Co. also was in Florida . Forkey,
owner of the Park and Greendale theatres in
Worcester, returned to the Laconia hospital
to undergo a second kidney operation.
Local exhibitors who have accepted the invitation
of Spyros Skouras to attend the
20th-Fox conference March 6-10 in Chicago
include Martin Mullin, Samuel Pinanski, Arthur
Lockwood, Ted Pleisher, Arthur Howard,
Daniel Murphy, Nathan Yamins of Fall
River and Edward Pay of Providence. They
will accompany E. X. Callahan and James M.
Connolly of the Boston office to the meeting
Embassy Pictures have appointed Saul
Levin as sales manager for Movie Quiz. The
audience contest has been booked in 54 New
England theatres to start April 1 . . . Roger
Berube of Madawaska, Me., who is building
a new drive-in in that area, writes he is
given out by theatres in Boston
planning to make a trip to Filmrow for on the drive for the repeal of the federal
bookings
. Coen now is handling amusement tax show that 248,000 patrons in
New Hampshire and Vermont for EL, being this area have signed cards. These signed
transferred from Maine when Carl Devisia
slips have been crated in packages of 10,000
joined the company. Al Fecke had been and in
sent to the proper authorities in Washington.
New Hampshire and Vermont for more
than 27 years. He has been given the Massachusetts
Came Home" will open
"Three
sector.
at the Paramount
and Fenway theatres here March 15,
when civic and social leaders, officials of local
schools and colleges. Parent -Teacher organizations
and women's clubs will be guests
of the managements. Governor Dever and
Mayor Hynes and their staffs will be among
guests. Both theatres will have special sections
roped off for the distinguished guests.
Phil Engel. 20th-Fox publicist, is working on
details of the opening .
Coyne,
contract clerk at 20th-Fox, was married" recently
to Jack Donahue of Dorchester. Following
a honeymoon trip to New York and
Philadelphia, she will return to her desk.
YOU
DON'T
KNOW
WHAT
YOURE
MISSING...
'TIL YOU TRY
o=
'QUlCKiR
_ , _ ' & BETTER'
SPECIAL TRAILERS
Chicago - 1327 S. Wabash Avenue
New-York - 619 West S4th Street
86
BOXOFFICE :
4, 1950

. Publicity—Lou
. . . Fred
. . The
. . New
. . MGM's
. . Johnnie
. . Gloria
. . Leonard
. . Jerome
Dinner for Carl J. Goe
Monday in New Haven
NEW HAVEN—Members of the film colony
throughout Connecticut and representatives
of the entertainment industry from New
York and Boston are expected at a dinner
HARTFORD
ter Mrs. Morris Tomkin gave birth to a baby
boy who has been named Stephen Charles
R. Greenway,
to be given
Palace,
in honor of Carl J. Goe,
was observing
his ninth anniversary as
retiring
Warner Bros, branch manager, manager of
at the
that
house
. E.
Taft hotel March 6. The
M. LoeWs
event
candy
will be sponsored
by Variety Club of Connecticut, Tent
stand
has reduced candy prices from 12 and 6 cents
to 10 and
31, with Ray 5 cents . . . Dan Debonee,
Wylie, chief barker, heading
AUyn
stagehand, went to New
the committee.
York for
Simultaneously with
a one-day
this
visit . . . Teresa Rinaldo is the
sendoff to a popular manager with Warners
new candy
girl at E. M. Loew's.
in the Boston and New Haven areas for
many years, the dinner will also serve to introduce
Goe's successor, Al R. Daytz, who Meriden, was named treasurer for the Purim
Mrs. Irving Katz, manager of the Palace,
is being transferred from the Boston Warner festival which the senior group of the Young
managership. Goe is retiring and will move Judea will present March 12 at Temple
to North Carolina after a southern vacation.
shown at the 3,300-seat Bushnell Memorial
hall there
. "Luxury Liner" was
Ray Wylie has set up the following committees:
here . service staff aides at E. M.
for the benefit of the Children's Museum
Tickets—Harry Rosenblatt, chairman; John Loew's are John Williams, Joseph Desharmes
P^vone, Hymie Levine.
and William O'Grady . Vergeggen,
wife of the E.
Entertainment—Harry F. Shaw and Sam
M. Loew's doorman, joined
the candy stand staff there.
Wasserman.
Reception—George Wilkinson, chairman; Roger Snyder, Allyn usher, was on the sick
Robert Elliano and Henry Germaine.
list . . . Lou Cohen, Loew's Poll manager,
Legal—Herman M. Levy, Maxwell Alderman
and Sherman Rosenberg.
to Central America .
and his wife returned from a 16-day cruise
Albee,
Brown, chairman, and
George Weber.
LYNN
Decorations—William
O'Connell.
C^ene Autry's visit to Lynn was one round
of receptions, parties and dinners. He
was officially greeted by Secretary Norman
Randall of the Chamber of Commerce, after
he judged a Good Deed contest, entertained
with songs and banjo numbers at the children's
ward at Lynn hospital, gave an offstage
interview to Dickie Dandry who lost
both legs in a train accident, presented his
matinee performance at the City Hall auditorium,
after which he dined with the local
theatre managers, and put on his evening
performance, entertaining in all 2,800 persons,
who braved the worse traffic conditions of
the winter to see his show.
Paramount put on a special Saturday show
with a Gene Autry picture and Warner another
special kiddy show' the next week with
Autry as the star.
Engineers of the Lynn marines to the number
of 250 and a 19-piece marine bagpipe
band from Boston ushered in the opening
of "Sands of Iwo Jima" at the Paramount
with a parade through the downtown streets
and exercises on the stage. The lobby of the
theatre featured a display of marine uniforms
from 1776 to the present day.
The Capitol put on its annual success program
for the newsboys with many contests
on the stage for substantial prizes . . . Manager
Ed Myerson went onto the air to advertise
"Malaya," both as a disk jockey and the
subject of an interview.
JJenry L. Needles, district manager for Warner
Theatres, and his wife became grandparents
for the third time when their daugh-
Center projectionist for the last four years,
resigned to start studies at the RCA television
school in New York .
Mandelbaum,
former projectionist at the Meriden
Theatre in Meriden, will be married soon to
Diane Braunschweiger, Brooklyn, N. Y. Formerly
associated with theatre interests in the
Connecticut area, Mandelbaum has been
working in New York in recent months.
Natlian E. Goldstein, owner of the Arcade
Theatre in Springfield, and his wife were
on vacation at Sarasota, Fla. . . . Julian
Rifkin, Rifkin circuit executive, and his wife
have returned to the New England area following
a vacation in Puerto Rico. Tlie Rifkin
circuit, which operates a number of film
theatres in western Massachusetts, has broken
ground for a 900-car drive-in at Braintree,
Mass., the circuit's first open air project.
Harry F. Shaw, division manager for Loew's
Poll New England Theatres, and Lou Brown,
division advertising and publicity director,
conferred with Lou Cohen, Poll, and Fred
Greenway, Palace . Perakos, assistant
district manager of the Perakos circuit,
was back at work after a recent illness
Henry L. Needles was in New
. . . Britain to confer with Joe Borenstein, Strand,
and Joe Miklos, Embassy.
'Welcome Willie' Cakes
Sold for Kids Charity
PRESQUE ISLE, ME—Arthur Dame, manager
of the State, came up with a Laughable
Ladies' contest in behalf of "When Willie
Comes Marching Home." Spot radio announcements
were used twice daily for a week
and daily newspaper ads helped put over the
contest.
Women were urged to bake cakes decorated
with frosting inscribed, "Welcome Home Willie."
The cakes were brought to the theatre
from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m., then sold to theatre
patrons. Money raised was given to the Community
Clothing center to buy children's
clothing. The last cake sold received one
month's free tickets to the State for the winner
and her family.
All the cakes were sold, the charity was
well pleased and theatre business was stimulated.
Furthermore, the patrons entered into
the spirit of the affair.
What have YOU done today to help secure
repeal of the unfair amusement tax?
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Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?

. . . Sam
. . . Ray
. . The
. . . Jim
NEW HAVEN
J^ll Loew's Poll daily theatre ads now carry
slugs asking the public to help ax the
tax and sign protest cards. Other downtowns
carry material periodically on the same subject.
The Poll here has turned in some 15,000
protest cards signed in lobby . first
spring opening will be the newly constructed
800-seat Niantic Theatre, scheduled for
March 5. Policy will be single feature, three
changes weekly, 14 days after first run New
London at 50 cents, except for 150 balcony
seats which have double-wide arm rests and
tip back, for which the price will be 65 cents
Cornish, booker-buyer-manager,
formerly of Harrison, New York, has been
busy as a bee along Filmrow.
The Princess, Rockville, in the process of
reconstruction after a fire some months ago.
Is moving along slowly. No opening date is
The Markoffs have submitted
yet in sight . . .
a brief in their arbitration hearing,
and decision should be forthcoming soon
Wylie recently conducted his first
meeting as new chief barker at Variety headquarters
with plenty of enthusiasm and forecast
of increased activity.
19, 20 . . .
Warner theatres will play "Stromboli"
with seven spots already booked for a March
opening "Samson and Delilah"
is a Warner booking at the Broadway in
Lawrence and State in Waterbury
. . .
"The
Outlaw" will show at regular prices starting
the end of March at Bridgeport,
wich and Waterbury Warner houses , .
Nor-
The
.
Itahan "Departure at Seven" and "Angelina"
are booked at the Alhambra, Waterbury,
for March 30, 31. The Italian "Professor.
My Son" and "Return of the Eagle"
will play April 11, 12. Other Italian bookings
over the state show attempt to attract
large Italian population.
The exchanges were closed on Washington's
birthday and bad weather kept most
exhibitors from over the state away from
Meadow street the rest of the week
Franklin Ferguson arranged Music Quiz for
Wednesday nights at the Whalley and Whitney,
with Martin Lubin and the Three Jacks
and some $100 in prizes promoted from local
merchants for both theatres each session.
Ferguson also is trying kiddy shows, tying
in with PTA and otherwise playing to neighborhood
solidarity.
Dave Kaufman, Loew Poll artist, was back
from a skiing vacation with a broken leg
Darby, Paramount Theatre manager,
was first hereabouts to try several
television spot announcements for "Thelma
Jordon." a March 1 opener, taking advantage
of spell of bad weather which may
be keeping people glued to their sets indoors.
Four Drive-ins Planned
In Hartford Trade Area
HARTFORD—Applications for permits to
operate drive-ins have been filed with Edward
J. Hickey, state police commissioner,
by Louis C. Consolini. North Canaan, and
Vincent Youmatz, Torrington. A hearing was
granted on a petition for construction of a
drive-in on Route 6-A near Cheshire, but
a decision was postponed. One of the witnesses
at the hearing was John Horan, owner
of the site chosen for the project.
Plans for drive-in projects at Chicopee,
Mass., were disclosed by John L. Sullivan
and the Walas brothers there. A public
hearing on Sullivan's application was held
last week by the Chicopee board of aldermen,
with the Walas brothers appearing to
protest granting of a zoning change to Sullivan.
The Walas brothers have received
Chicopee aldermanic approval to build an
open air theatre. Should Sullivan gain approval
from the board's zoning committee as
well as the board, it would mean Chicopee
would have adjoining drive-ins.
Completion of an 800-car drive-in at West
Springfield. Mass., under construction for
the E. M. Loew circuit, is expected by early
spring, according to George E. Landers, division
manager for E. M. Loew's Theatres.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • «
(Twenty Years Ago)
lyjUSICIANS in Boston threaten a general
strike to compel theatres to employ musicians
on a continuous basis. A court injunction
has been issued against the strike.
Theatres involved: Durfee, Capitol, Empire,
Strand and Park . . Leon P. Gorman, former
.
manager of the Maine and State theatres in
Portland, announces that Deering. Me., is to
have a new theatre.
Herman Claman, Chelsea, Mass., has been
transferred from managership of the Publix
Broadway Theatre to the same position at
the Olympia. Joseph J. Sullivan, who has
been in Salem, will succeed Claman at the
Broadway. Claman takes the place of W. E.
Sprague, recently promoted to district manager
with Publix.
Fire destroyed the Masonic block in North
Conway, N. H., recently, which included the
Masonic Theatre, on the second floor . . . The
Majestic, in Hartford, is being dismantled.
WILLIAM RISEMAN ASSOCIATES
162 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNERS
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Tust before the famous "mercy killing" trial
of Dr. Hermann Sander opened in Manchester,
a CBS Telenews camera was set up
in the heart of the Queen City's business
district, where the "man in the street" was
asked to comment on the case. Alexander A.
Brown of New York, associate editor of
Movietone News, Inc.. was also on hand, as
were other newsreel men and reporters from
all over the United States. Even the London
Telegram was represented.
Bradley Callahan of the lATSE local was
among the labor leaders who signed a statement
opposing the candidacy of Wesley
Powell for the Republican nomination for
U.S. senator . . . Ansel Sanborn, Carroll
county film circuit owner and representative
in the legislature from Wakefield, was
invited by his home town taxpayers association
to address the group recently on proposals
for reorganization of the state government.
He is a member of Gov. Sherman
Adams' reorganization commission.
Due to a holdover of "Cinderella" at the
Strand in Manchester, "When Willie Comes
Marching Home," which was scheduled to
have been shown there, was transferred to
the sister State Theatre . . . The coal shortage
caused indefinite postponement of the
play, "The Late Christopher Bean," which
was to have been staged February 27. 28 by
the Claremont Dramatic club for the benefit
of Claremont General hospital.
The Whitefield Theatre management
turned the house over for a big meeting of
Catholic young people from several communities
in the area February 21. A film
program was also provided, including "Guilty
of Treason."
The Ingrid Bergman film, "Stromboli,"
which had been scheduled to open at the
State Theatre on Sunday i26i, was banned
by the board of mayor and aldermen. The
picture was scheduled to open at the State
in Nashua on that date, however, but as far
as could be learned the Gate City booking
was the only one in New Hampshire. The
Nashua licensing committee reported that it
had received no protests. The film was to
be shown there for three days. Following
the Manchester ban, the Morning Union
ran a lengthy editorial declaring the board's
action was "good business."
Gene Autry Is Welcomed
At Springfield Party
SPRINGFIELD—Although local Columbia
record dealers hosted a cocktail party for
Gene Autry at the Hotel Kimball as part of
the cowboy star's whirlwind one-day stand
here, there were more theatremen than music
men in the gathering.
Local first and second run houses which
feature Autry pictures were well represented
at the affair, which was headed up by J. Don
Cohen of Sterns & Co., chief Columbia records
distributor in western Massachusetts.
Among those at the party were Eddie Harrison,
manager of the Bijou; Al Anders, formerly
active owner of the house; Charlie
Hurley, manager of the Phillips and Elihu
Glass, owner of the Majestic. West Springfield.
A good many visitors brought their
young sons to meet their favorite star in person.
All the youngsters went home happily
clutching autographed pictures.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

—
New Sugar Land Palms
Destroyed by Flames
SUGAR LAND. TEX. — The new Palms
Theatre, completed here last July for Cole
Theatres, was destroyed recently in a spectacular
fire that baffled firemen from three
cities. The blaze was discovered at 4:30 p. m.
and by 7:30 p. m. it still was burning. The
entire building had been gutted by flames and
just before 7 p. m. the roof caved in. Firemen
set up a guard around the building when
they expected one wall to collapse.
Mart Cole sr.. head of the circuit of 13
theatres, said from his sickbed in Rosenberg
that little could be salvaged from the building.
He estimated loss at more than $60,000.
Cole said some insurance was carried but he
did not know how much.
Sugar Land firemen sought first to bring
the blaze under control without aid. Later
apparatus from Richmond and Rosenberg
went to their assistance. Firemen said the
blaze started in the attic of the new building,
presumably from a faulty electric wire.
The theatre had no matinee and the only
persons in the building were a few employes.
No one was injured. Highway patrol officers
said many hundreds of cars were blocked on
the four-lane highway east and west of Sugar
Land before they succeeded in turning the
head of the two columns into the opposite
lanes to detour roads. Traffic was blocked
more than an hour and was detoured over
other roads between Richmond and Houston.
New Theatre Corporation
Is Founded in Amarillo
AMARILLO, TEX.—Coronado Theatres.
Inc., has been established here, with Carl
F. Benefiel as president. Other officers of
the new firm include John O. Pitts, H. C.
Wilson and Frank Culberson, all of Pampa,
Tex. The Victory Theatre here recently was
purchased by the company, and remodeling
of the house now is in progress. A former
resident of Pampa, Benefiel has been in show
business about 30 years. He was general manager
of radio station KLYN several months.
New Cashier Is Tricked
By Fake Roll of Quarters
Houston—Jo Ann Tabor, cashier at the
IVIetropolitan Theatre, is new at the job
and one night recently she learned she
couldn't trust anyone. A well-dressed
young man walked up to the window and
plunked down a wrapped roll of coins.
"Miss," he said, "will you give me two
rolls of dimes for this $10 roll of quarters?"
Miss Tabor did, handing him two
$5 rolls of dimes. When the roll of quarters
felt light. Miss Tabor unwrapped
them. They were washers—40 of them.
Mark Sheridan Jr. Named
Dallas 20th-Fox Chief
NEW YORK—Mark Sheridan jr.
has been
promoted to manager of the Dallas exchange
by 20th Century-Fox effective March 13. He
will be replaced as New Orleans manager by
Billie Bryant, former salesman.
The moves were made when Phil Longdon,
former manager in Dallas, requested a change
because of illness. He will be given a sales
position in one of the southern branches.
Autry and Dempsey Hit
Oil Well in Oklahoma
FREDERICK. OKLA.—Gene Autry and
Jack Dempsey have struck oil in Oklahoma.
They and S. D. Johnson of Wichita Falls
have a new partnership well southeast of here.
Estimates on its flow range up to 200 barrels
of oil a day.
The three men also have been operating
in north Texas fields.
"Oklahoma!' at Fort Worth
FORT WORTH—A small road company of
the musical. "Oklahoma!" will be presented
by the Interstate Circuit here March 11. Interstate
has already played it in theatres at
Amarillo. El Paso and Albuquerque. Other
dates are March 8. 9 at Wichita Falls and
March 14. 15 at Galveston.
Convention Program
Is Arranged by TOO
OKLAHOMA CITY—Program for the Theatre
Owners of Oklahoma convention here
March 27, 28 has been arranged. The convention
will open at the Skirvin hotel headquarters
Monday (27) with registration and
distributor representatives' talks. The afternoon
session will be in the form of a panel
led by an Oklahoma exhibitor.
Ladies will be entertained at the Oklahoma
club's Skyroom with a fashion .show
and luncheon. Models will be wives of Oklahoma
City theatremen, distributors and film
salesmen. Mrs. Virgil Brown, co-owner of the
Reno Theatre with Video, will play the piano
for the affair, and Mrs, Claude York, Eagle
Lion, will sing.
Variety Club will move up its State day
monthly meeting, usually held the first Monday
of each month, to the evening of March
27, at 7 p. m. All conventioners will be welcomed
to the bingo, buffet and open house at
the clubrooms in the Black hotel. Bill Mc-
Craw, Variety executive director, will be on
hand, and Bob O'Donnell, national chief
barker, is expected.
Tuesday (28) meetings will include discussions
of television, trade practices, excise tax
reduction, Ascap. divorcement, arbitration,
COMPO. etc.
Gael Sullivan. TOA executive, and Herman
Levy, general counsel, will speak on these
problems. The final session will close with a
banquet and dance Tuesday night. All business
sessions will be held in the Venetian
room on the 14th floor of the Skirvin. Luncheons
will be in the adjoining Continental
room and the dinner dance will be in the
Persian room.
Ticket books will be on a registration basis
$10 for the entire program, plus $5 for each
banquet ticket additional and $2 for the
fashion show. At least one prominent Hollywood
actress is expected at the convention.
Have you ordered your taxation trailer and
petition cards from National Screen Service?
Do it today.
Fire Destroys Amett
ARNETT. OKLA.—The Arnett Theatre
here was destroyed recently by a fire which
broke out after the house had been closed
following a night performance. Projection
and other equipment was damaged beyond repair.
Owned by Lee Wilson of Shattuck. the
theatre was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond
Enfield. Plans for rebuilding the theatre
have been started, according to Wilson.
Post to W. A. Lanagan
LONGVIEW. TEX.—W. A. Lanagan. former
East Texas Theatres city manager, has
been appointed manager of the River Road
Drive-In here, which is a year-around operation.
Lanagan, who retired two years ago,
succeeds H. T. Wales, who has returned to
Bumet, Tex., to operate several theatres.
J. L. True Named Manager
WAXAHACHIE. TEX.— J. L. True has been
named manager for the Robb & Rowley Theatres
here. Before coming here, he was manager
for Taylor Amusement Co., Taylor. Tex.
He was replaced in that position by H. C.
Dean of Corpus Christi.
GREET I)ALL.\S OFFICE M.4N.AGER—Jim Blevins, head of the Blevins Popcorn
Co. and "mayor" of Popcorn Village, the section where the Blevins offices and
warehouse are located in Nashville, Tenn.. was host recently to the governor of
Tennessee and the Nashville mayor. In the above photo the governor and mayor
greet Stormy Meadows, recently appointed manager of the Dallas office of the
Blevins company. Left to right: Evans Sprott, general manager of the Bijou Amusement
Co., Gov. Gordon Browning, >Iiss .Meadows, Blevins and Mayor Thomas L.
Cununlngs.
BOXOFTICE :: March 4, 1950 sw 89

. . Harold
. . TOO
OKLAHOMA CITY
TUrrs. .Mike Comer, wife of the Screen Guild
salesman here, went to Minneapolis for
the funeral of her father . . . Jess Bollman
sold his drive-in here to Waite Kerr of Sulphur,
who will move all equipment to that
city for a drive-in . . . The Cooper Foundation
Vogue has returned to a double-bill film
policy. The Piper Players company, which
has been presenting weekly stage shows at
the Vogue, moved into the Criterion for one
night performance daily through Sunday.
They presented "Dear Ruth." plus a screen
feature.
Bill O'DoneH spoke recently before the
county health association here. Morris
Loewenstein. TOO president, introduced
O'Donnell . Lloyd was here recently
to participate in the India Shrine Temple's
spring ceremonial session. Lloyd led a parade
and addressed the session, then he and
his wife were feted at a banquet and ball.
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
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. . Buddy
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DALLAS
uCIillCU Jjy \J UlUwK Duck Harris was in town beating publicity
T^ATT Ao ..rr. 1 ^'^i 1 TT' i," * 1 f cirums toT U'l's "KicI
.
From Texas" .
DALLAS— Twelve O Clock High took first ^, . , „., , ,j ,. r- , r
DaUas—Stromboli (RKO), 2nd wy.Z''""'Z"l""IZ'!. 80
*'''^- ^"'' Davis and her assistants had big
Maiesiic—Twelve Q-Clodt High (20th-Sx)'.''Z"ZIno plans for the Saturday (4) Variety Club
PatcriDaS^fng^rt'hi''Dt"\2mh^^^^^
P^rty.
'st
Which was handled completely by
Kialto—Cover Girl (Col); You Were Never Lovelier barker's Wives.
(Co!), reissues 90
Towe.—Backhre (
WB) 95
Filmrow employes made up a ca.sh purse
_
amounting to more than $100 last week for
Two R&R City Managers Albert Plores, who suffered leg cuts after he
attempted to put out a fire. Flores, who is
To lU Npw l^CW riE>&i«JXlXlIt:;illb At;«5icrnmpntt!
^^jtl^ ^^^^ gj^^l^ Amusement Enterprise office,
DALLAS—John Callahan, who has been saw the roof on fire of the Film Exchange
city manager for Robb & Rowley Theatres building at 308 South Harwood next to his
in Waxahachie, has been named city man- office, and leaped out the window with a
ager in Oak Cliff here. He replaces Lloyd fire extinguisher. The extinguisher caught in
PuUen, who was transferred to Little Rock some building parts, and Flores was pulled
as city manager there, through the skylight below the window. His
legs were cut in three places, and he was
''""'"'*
Fire at Pecos Cactus
^° * "°'p''^' ^"^ ^^'^ ^'''
PECOS. TEX.—The audience filed quickly Visitors on the Row: Frank 'Wilde of the
out of the Cactus Theatre here when a blaze Boulevard Theatre in Houston; Bill Arthur,
started in the projection room. No estimate Grand, Granger; Gordon Bigham, Best Theof
damage was made, A fireman was slight- atre, Holland; M, K, McDaniels, Lamar, Laly
hurt while fighting the blaze. Marque; Wallace Blandkenship, 'Wallace Theatres,
Lubbock; Dr, G, F, Swartz, Tower,
Gustave Field has completed the screen- 'Wichita Falls; 'W, O, Bearden, Ai'cadia. and
play for his original, "Call Me a Doctor," for P, E, Smith, Tech, Lubbock; Mrs, Don Mc-
'Warner release, Ginty, Mac, Plains; Don Campbell, Rio.
Clyde; Mr, and Mrs, H, H, Stroud, Strand,
Hamilton; R, L. Brestick, National Theatre
Supply, Memphis,
Harold Lloyd, the former film comedian,
was in Dallas and Fort "Worth during the
week in his position as imperial potentate of
the Shriners , Esquire and Wilshire,
suburban theatres, held a Donald Duck cartoon
festival as the highlight of the weekly
kid shows , Coronet was to show two
Mae "West reissues next week; "Go West,
Young Man" and "Klondike Annie" . , , Dallas
employes of Piocter & Gamble took over
the Majestic one morning for a theatre party.
John B. Thompson, theatre owner, reported
on the Row a 500-seat de luxe house is now
under construction at Archer City. It will
be named Inez after his wife. It is expected
to be completed around April 1. Thompson
owns the Texan in Throckmorton and the
Woodson at Woodson. He formerly owned
the Royal at Archer City . . . Buddy Harris
of the Buddy Harris Theatres returned from
a fishing trip at Port Aransas. Fishing luck:
a good catch of trout, sheephead and jackfish.
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BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950 91

. . . Edward
. . Red
. . Mrs.
. . Mart
. . The
. . "Always
SAN ANTONIO
Jewel Truex, Azteca Film exchange manager
was on a flying business trip which took
him to Albuquerque, El Paso, Dallas and Chicago
last week . Gordon B. Dunlap,
wife of the Clasa-Mohme exchange manager
here, leaving for California where she will
visit her son's family in Los Angeles. Her
son, Richard Hill Dunlap is connected with
the Clasa-Mohme general office.
Thomas Summers, owner and operator of
the Josephine Amusement Co. here, turned
over his boxoffice receipts to the San Antonio
council of the Knights of Columbus during
the recent showing of "Christopher Columbus"
at his Josephine Theatre here . . . Carmen
Cavallero and his orchestra played a
Washington birthday engagement at Club
Sevenoaks . River Dave broadcast by
remote control from the Bexar county Coliseum
during the live stock exposition . . .
James Rogers, son of the late Will Rogers,
was here taking in the exposition and rodeo
Terhune, RKO, and Bucky Harris,
U-I, were here recently.
Beulah Greene, Aztec Theatre cashier, is
Interstate's only pianist-cashier. During the
recent personal appearance of John Barrymore
jr., and Lois Butler and others at the
Majestic, she also doubled by playing the
piano for four shows on the opening day and
selling tickets at the Aztec in between time.
Lenten season is, as usual, hurting business
at all of the local theatres . . . San Antonio
will soon have another new foreign film distributor
when Martin Argentine Film Corp.
opens a local branch. Juan Martin, former
Argentine commercial agent, is president and
general manager of the new company which
will have offices also in New York City and
Los Angeles. The new company has signed
distribution rights for this country with ten
Argentine studios.
Vernon Geyer, the musician, and Richard
Arlen, the actor, look as much alike to be
brothers . . . The Aztec presented their first
Hollywood sneak preview of the year on
Washington's birthday . Cole sr.,
president of Cole Theatres, is recovering from
an illness at his Rosenberg home . . . Walter
Grubb of San Antonio who had suffered
a setback from injuries received in an auto
accident in Alice last year, is now out of
danger. He was a former treasurer at the
Majestic here.
personal appearance with the film next
month . San Antonio Community Film
Forum revived an oldtimer, "The Eagle" for
one of its regular Wednesday showings.
H. T. Brandon of New Braunfels has started
construction on a 400-car drive-in on the
Austin highway near New Braunfels, expected
to be in operation not later than April 1 . . .
The Woodlawn held a "Six to Sixty" matinee
Saturday with "Young Tom Edison" as the
Defective wiring in the
feature attraction . . .
booth of the Progreso caused a fire which
routed 300 children during a Saturday morning
matinee. It was quickly extinguished by
projectionists before firemen were on the
scene.
Forrest Nine, UA salesman, Dallas, was
seen on Theatrerow . . . Gustav and G. J.
Mohme, of Clasa-Mohme, Inc., Los Angeles,
were here enroute to Mexico City . . .
Other visitors along the Mexican film exchange
front were G. H. Hall, La Vista, Sonora
(Mrs. Hall was undergoing medical
treatment at a local hospital); Mike Garcia,
Hut and Garmon, Rio Grande City: Jesse
Fox, Palace, San Benito; Guillermo Mancha
and Cecilio Salinas, Manvell, Alice; Ramon
Ruenes, Brownsville, and Jose Carabaza, Laredo.
Judd Bernard, advance man for SRO, was John Flache, who manages the Alameda.
in town lining up a publicity campaign for Lamesa, was post carding to friends here telling
them of his trip to romantic old Mexico
the forthcoming showing of "The Third Man,"
. . .
with Joseph Cotten, who is slated to put in a Joseph Goldschlage, traveling representative
for Clasa-Mohme. is piloting a new Lincoln
and was in town last weekend. He left
for the Valley where he will spend a fortnight.
You have
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about that good IMPERIAL
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packed in 10 pound hermetically
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.
Joe E. Brown will present his new show,
"Ai:i Evening With Joe E. Brown" at the
Municipal auditorium March 15. The show
will benefit Sunshine Cottage, the school for
deaf children Leave Them
Laughing" played day and date here at five
theatres; namely, the Hi-Ho, Predricksburg
Road, Trail, San Pedro Outdoor and Varsity
. . . Enrique Diaz, formerly with Zaragoza
Amusement Co. here, now showing 16mm
films at Moore, Tex.
Robbers Take $1,331
ROBSTOWN. TEX.—The Palace Theatre
here recently was robbed of $1,331 by yeggs
who pried a window open to gain entrance
and then used explosives to open a safe in
the office. '
It's
BETTER than the BEST.
C/iar//e
^m:^--]
Sign Guadalajara Trio
Producer Hal Wallis has signed the Guadalajara
Trio, a vocal and instrumental unit,
for a musical sequence in Paramount's "My
Friend Irma Goes West."
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92 BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

—
800-Car Outdoor Deluxer to Occupy
20-Acre Site on Galveston Island
GALVESTON — Following a year-long
search for a suitable site, Galveston Theatres,
Inc., has acquired 20 acres on Galveston Island
across from John's Oyster resort and
will construct a de luxe 800-car theatre
there. Herman E. Kleinecke. vice-president,
said the cost will exceed $200,000. Plans have
been prepared by Jack Corgan, Dallas theatre
architect.
Equipment will include in-car speakers,
electric heaters, baby bottle warmers, a miniature
golf course, children's playground and
200 walk-in seats.
The project involves construction of entrance
and exit roadways, leaving the main
highway clear for normal traffic.
Grounds will be hardsurfaced and extensive
landscaping will be made.
Video Theatres to Open
Hobart Airer April 15
HOBABT, OKLA.—Hobart's new drive-in.
now under construction 2'i miles northeast
of here on Highway 183, will be ready for
opening about April 15. says Tom Kirkham,
Video Theatres manager.
It will be built at first to accommodate
370 cars, with additional space for enlargement
to 600 cars later if needed.
A Pcnils Valley Drive-In
PAULS VALLEY, OKLA.—Plans for construction
of a drive-in on Route 19 west of
here have been disclosed by L. E. Brewer,
operator of the Royal and Folly theatres
here. Six acres of a 20-acre tract recently
purchased by Brewer will be used for the
drive-in. which is expected to cost approximately
$50,000. A playground for children
will be one of features of the new open air
project. Construction will be started as soon
as the weather permits.
Drive-In for Mercedes
MERCEDES. TEX.—A ten-acre tract on
Mile Two road west of here has been purchased
by Jewel Archer, operator of the Sky-
Vue Drive-In near Elsa, as the site for an
open air theatre. Construction soon will be
started, and the project will be ready for
opening early in the summer.
Renovate San Jacinto Rex
SAN JACINTO, TEX.—The remodeled Rex
Theatre here has been reopened. Renovations
include installation of a Cycloramic
screen, a cry room, a new sound system, new
carpets and draperies and black Ughted murals.
Rex Theatre Reopened
AMARILLO, TEX.—The Rex Theatre here,
remodeling and redecorating of which has
been completed, recently was reopened. A
new Cycloramic screen has been installed,
and new seating and carpeting are among
other improvements. Technical improvements
include new projection and sound equipment.
R. A. McAmis is manager of the house, which
is operated by the Dollison circuit.
Walk-in Bldg. Opened
GUYMON, OKLA.—A new glass-front
building enabling walk-in patrons to watch
the show inside when the weather is cool was
opened at the 54 Drive-In here recently. Bill
Long, owner-manager of the airer, said the
building seats 252, with sufficient air circulation
to permit smoking.
Improve Gem Theatre
ROSEBUD, TEX.—Improvement of the
Gem Theatre here has been started under
the supervision of T. C. Kirkscey. owner and
operator. New lighting equipment has been
installed, and the seating is being upholstered
with new style materials. Air conditioning
equipment will be installed later.
Start Rogers Drive-In
CLAREMORE, OKLA.—Construction work
on the Rogers Drive-In being erected on
Route 20 near here by Video Theatres has
been started, and is expected to be completed
early in the spring. Howard Jaggers
will manage the drive-in.
Starts Bonham Drive-In
BONHAM. TEX.—Work is to begin March
15 on a drive-in here by H. S. Cole, owner of
the Bonham theatres, two and a half miles
west of town on Highway 82. It will accommodate
306 cars.
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BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950
93

Two Actors Offer Help
To Senate Candidates
OKLAHOMA CITY—Two stars have offered
to help in Oklahoma election campaigns.
Roy Rogers has said he will come
to Oklahoma to help the Rev. W. H. Alexander
in his campaign for the Democratic nomination
for U.S. senator. The pastor performed
the ceremonies when Rogers and Dale
Evans were married in Oklahoma in 1947.
Shortly after this announcement, Senator
Thomas disclosed Van Heflin had offered to
visit Oklahoma in his behalf to win back the
senate seat. Van's brother Marty is an old
friend and former employe of Senator
Thomas.
In the Democratic race, that leaves Mike
Monroney, now serving in Congress.
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Gaetano Lucchese Wins
Citizen of Week Honor
SAN ANTONIO—Gaetano Lucchese, owner
of the Alameda Theatre here which is one
year old March 9, was recently named "Citizen
of the Week" by the Council for Pan-
American Relations. The diploma is presented
weekly to the person selected by the
council as having done the most to better
relations between Latin-American and Anglo-
Saxon elements in the city. The presentation
was made by Mrs. Preston Dial, president
of the council, and the ceremony was
broadcast over radio station KIWW.
Roadblocks Fail as Trap
For Robber at Chickasha
CmCKASHA, OKLA.—The highway patrol
set up roadblocks surrounding this city to
stop a man who robbed two theatres within
a minute, but patrolmen failed to catch their
quarry.
Police said the rnan stuck up the Fix
Theatre downtown and a few seconds later
hijacked the Ritz Theatre a few doors away.
He then drove away in a two-door sedan.
Officers said the man was described as about
25, five feet, eight inches tall and weighed
about 165 pounds. The patrol reported the description
is similar to that of a man who
robbed the Mayflower in Oklahoma City of
$125 the week before.
It was not certain how much was taken
at the two local theatres, although officials
of the F>ix estimated their loss at only $22.
C. E. Cambell Builds Airer
NOCONA, TEX.—C. E. Cambell is building
a new drive-in on the city limits of Nocona.
The ozoner will cost $35,000 and is slated for
opening April 1. All new Century equipment
has been purchased from Harden Theatre
Supply. The drive-in will be equipped with
in-car speakers.
Drive-In

VISIT IN HOLLAND—W. J. Van Wyk,
owner of the Pic Theatre in Centerville,
Tex., and his family recently visited Holland
and various other European countries.
Shown left to right in the accompanying
picture, made in Volendam, are
Van Wyk, his wife, their son and Mrs.
O. W. Broersma, Amsterdam, a cousin of
Van Wyk.
Benefit at Don Theatre
Nets $450 for Charity
SHREVEPORT—More than 900
youngster.s
and their parents attended the benefit staged
at the Don Tlieatre here for the Caddo Foundation
for Exceptional Children. The program
netted about $4.50 for the foundation.
A feature of the program was the appearance
of the Masked Texan L. S. Ranger and
his Ai-abian stallion Silver Chief. The Texan
and his horse have been giving local exhibitions
at several theatres here and have been
well received. Also included on the program
were five cartoons and a number of KWKH
radio entertainers.
W. A. Wingo. manager of the Don, and
Doyle Maynard. district manager of Don Theatres,
arranged the show. Don George said
afterward that he intended to make the
roundup an annual affair for the foundation.
"Next year we'll stage it in the Municipal
auditorium." he said. "We didn't realize we'd
get such a heavy turnout."
The foundation, which operates educational
and therapeutic programs for physically
handicapped children, is conducting a drive
to raise $35,000 for financing of 1950-51 operations.
'Pinky' Ban at Talladega
On Advice of Committee
TALLADEGA. — ALA. "Knky" was banned
by the Ritz Theatre here after a special
showing for a representative group of citizens.
Manager Trammell Leverette of the Martin
house said the Ritz would not .show the picture
at the request of Police Chief Willis
Dean, who headed the committee of officers,
clergymen and the press. Dean said that the
majority with whom he talked considered it
inadvisable to show the racial film.
Leverette. in advertising the picture, said
that the theatre was not participating in a
crusade of any kind. The film had been
booked for March 1-3.
29 Cities Have Requested
Prints of Unmade Film
MIAMI—There's a rush on for prints of a
20-minute film showing Miami's attractions
for summer and winter vacationists, and as
a convention center even before the film has
been made.
Hoite Agey, city publicity director, said
that 47 television stations in 29 cities representing
25 states have requested prints. Production
of the film at a cost of $8,700 was
authorized by the city commission.
Among early television requests were inquiries
sent in by four California stations.
Three airlines and three railroads also have
asked for prints.
Cities requesting the film for television are
Newark. Jacksonville, Atlanta, New York,
Charlotte. Memphis, Omaha, Wilmington.
Baltimore, Hollywood, Syracuse, Johnstown,
Washington, Philadelphia, Greensboro, N. C,
San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis,
Grand Rapids, Rochester, Salt Lake
City, Toledo, St. Louis, Detroit, Buffalo, Cincinnati,
Indianapolis and Birmingham.
Martin Chain Official
C. L. Patrick Is Speaker
PIEDMONT. ALA.—C. L. Patrick, secretary-treasurer
of Martin Theatres, spoke at
a recent meeting of the Piedmont Lions club.
He asserted the motion picture industry has
long since passed the stage of a business to
become an institution of entertainment and
culture.
Patrick, standing .squarely behind the industry
as one of America's recognized and
established institutions, emphasized the industry's
economic potential as well as its entertainment
factor.
The speaker acknowledged the critical
trend of the public toward the private lives
of its stars. He pointed out, however, that
with all the emphasis which has been placed
on the divorce score of Hollywood stars, the
national average is far higher than that of
film actors.
MORE and MORE DRIVE-INS
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BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 95

Tell . . and Sell
Scores of busy little messages
go out every week to over 23,000
subscribers —and they get a tremendous
response!
Every exhibitor is
busy— buying,
selling, renting, hiring. All this is
made easier
and more profitable
with the classified ads in Clearing
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96 BOXOFTICE :: March 4, 1950

Florida State Sells
Two of Its Houses
ST. PETERSBURG—Florida State Theatres
has disposed of two of its local holdings,
according to Lamar Sarra of Jacksonville,
attorney for FST. Tlie Ninth Street Theatre
property, 1112-1116 Ninth St. north, has been
sold to the Florida Commercial Ti-ailer Corp..
headed by Robert A. James and Robert W.
Evans.
FST also canceled a ten-year lease, effective
March 1 on the Beach, owned by Stephen S.
Girard of Gulf Beaches. The lease has been
in effect since 1941. James, head of the
James Construction Co.. said the purchase
price was about $27,000. "We plan no immediate
change in the building or property.
However, we do plan to renovate the 330-seat
theatre in the near future," he said.
The Ninth Street Theatre, constructed in
1929. opened for business in September that
year. Florida Coastal Theatres, predecessor
to FST. purchased the building in 1946 at a
cost of approximately $20,000. from Harry C.
Parker, Vermont. The corporation held the
theatre property under lease several years
prior to 1946. The theatre has been closed
several months.
The Beach, first sound-equipped theatre to
be built on the Gulf Beaches, was constructed
in 1939 by Girard at a cost of over $35,000.
The theatre opened in 1940 under the management
of F. H. Alig jr., president of the
Beach Amusement. Inc.. theatre operator.
Girard will continue operation of the beach.
His son-in-law Edward Moran, Redington
Beach, will be the manager.
FST, headed by President Leon D. Netter.
Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville, is a subsidiary
of United Paramount Theatres, divorced
corporation from Paramoimt Pictures.
After March 1. FST will control the Plaza, raising.
Florida Theatre building, Roxy Theatre
building. Fourth Street North Drive-In, Capitol,
Pheil, Harlem and Cameo.
Jenkins Theatres Get
$28,200 in Dimes Drive
ATLANTA—William K. Jenkins, president
of the Georgia Theatre Co.. has turned over
to the Georgia chapter of the National
Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, $28,220.80
collected by his company's theatres in the
March of Dimes campaign.
Jenkins has served as chairman of the
state chapter for two years and has been one
of the Foundation's stanchest workers.
R. M. Ware Is Transferred
To Jacksonville, Fla.
BIRMINGHAM—After three years in
Alabama
and Tennessee as salesman for Southeastern
Theatre Equipment Co.. R. M. Ware
has been transferred. He is now manager
of the company's Florida office at 625 West
Bay St. in Jacksonville. Ware's .succe.s.sor in
Alabama and Tennessee will be announced
later.
Good Key West Total
KEY WEST. FLA.—The total funds derived
from the March of Dimes drive here is
expected to exceed $10,000. Managers of the
major theatres of the city are Ignatio Carbonell.
Strand; Gonzalo Bezanillo, Palace, and
John Carbonell, Monroe.
Georgia Industry Again
Backs Boys Home Drive
E. D. Martin, chairman of the exhibitors committee for the Boys Estate fund
drive; J. H. "Tommy" Thompson, general chairman; Roy Martin jr. and C. L. Patrick
of Martin Theatres.
ATLANTA—Tlie motion picture industry
of Georgia again stepped behind the campaign
to raise $150,000 for support of Boys
Estate, philanthropic institution for youth
at Boys Estate, Ga.
Following adoption by directors of the
Variety Club of the project, a group of about
40 exhibitors, distributor repre.sentatives and
radio men met at the Variety clubrooms to
organize activities in behalf of the fund
General chairman for the industry is J. H.
Thompson, head of Martin & Thompson
Theatres, with William K. Jenkins, head of
the Georgia Theatre Co.. and Willis Davis
as co-chairmen.
E. D. Martin of Martin Theatres and
O. C. Lam of Rome were appointed chairmen
of the exhibitors committee with the
following as members: John Thompson, John
Hackney. Nat Hancock, Bill Bo.swell. Pete
Brice. Harold Spears. Cecil Crummy and
W. M. Snelson. Paul Wilson was named
chairman of the distributor committee with
A. B. Padgett. Jimmy Hobbs. co-chairmen.
Joy Houck Granted Permit
For Shreveport Drive-In
SHREVEPORT—A drive-in to be located
at one of the busiest intersections away from
downtown Shreveport will be constructed
near the intersection of Texas avenue and
Mansfield road. A permit for $10,000 for preliminary
work only has been issued to Joy
Houck, president of Joy Theatres.
The theatre will be built on land east of
Alamo Plaza tourist courts. Houck. who is
moving to Shreveport soon, is expected to
make an announcement concerning the new
theatre in the near future.
Organizes Riders Club
VERO BEACH. FLA.—Manager Archie
Adams jr. has organized a Roy Rogers Riders
club at the Florida Theatre.
Ardele Nation, administrator and founder
of Boys Estate, gave a brief history of the
institution at the meeting. Guy Brown, chief
barker of the Variety Club, assured that
organization's cooperation. Lee Rogers, managing
editor of the Atlanta Constitution,
pledged -support, and Ed Mullinax. president
of the Georgia Broadcasters Ass'n, asserted
the radio men would go along 100 per cent.
Lauren Norvel. motion picture editor of
the Journal, said the Boys Estate campaign
is one of the finest efforts the industry could
sponsor, and pledged the cooperation of the
Journal, as did Ernest Rogers, also of the
Journal.
Jenkins, a member of the board of trustees
of Boys Estate, offered the entire receipts
from any motion picture premiere in
Atlanta for one day to the fund.
Modeled on the late Father Flanagan's
Boys Town near Omaha. Neb., Boys Estate
was founded in 1945 and was approved by
the state legislature the following year. Last
year it accommodated 36 boys and had 500
applications for entrance.
Essex and Paper Sponsor
Miami Springs Youth Club
MIAMI SPRINGS—The Home News and
the E.ssex Theatre are cooperating in sponsoring
a Successful Youth club for youngsters
here. Members of the Home News-Essex
Theatre club are given numbered membership
cards. Each week "Uncle Oakie," theatre
manager, posts 25 numbers on a blackboard
in front of the theatre. Holders of
cards with these numbers will be admitted
free to the next Saturday's matinee.
The theatre also offers free tickets as rewards
for certain activities. Monitors are
selected from among the members to maintain
order during the performances. Free
admission is given the monitors, both boys
and girls, who wear a special arm band as a
distinguishing mark.
BOXOFHCE March 4, 1950
97

manager
in
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'TIL YOU TRY
By HARRY HART
HART BEATS
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beautification. The old tower will be retained.
Mrs. Britton does the booking while her
husband acts as general manager. They expect
to build another outdoor theatre on the
Dale Mabry drive.
JJtR AND MRS. S. E. BRITTON were completely
remodeling their 700-car Auto
Park Drive-In near Tampa from the front
to the back, including
a new screen tower.
The tower stands H. E. Laird, manager at Tampa of the
across an arm of the Republic office there, was in Jacksonville
bay from the parking for a few days when I called. Thomas J.
grounds, making it
Gerard, the office manager, spoke pridefully
possible for people to of Tom jr., born recently.
come by boat, fish or
swim before the show
P.
starts, then hook up
H. Patrick of the Patrick Neon Displays,
Inc., escorted me around his sign
a speaker and watch
and metal fabricating shop in Tampa, one
the picture.
of the
Improvements were
most modern in the southeast and
staffed with skilled workmen. Patrick makes
to include a new 60-
Harry Hart a prefab boxoffice, complete with telephone
jqqj concession stand.
and electric wiring and ready to set on a
Gulf Coast Candy Co. handles the concessions.
In-car speakers are replacing the old-
concrete base. Any style or shape can be
rnade.
type blast system. Cyclone fencing is being
The spic-and-span neon shop was amazing
erected around the grounds except along
for its efficient look. Patrick emphasized the
the 1,000-foot frontage on the bay, where
sturdiness of his product. Patrick, long in sign
oldtime wood rails, neon-lighted, are being
work in the southwest, established the Tampa
used. The latter is part of the extensive
shop in 1945.
Ray Busier, owner of United Theatre Supply
Corp. at Tampa, furnished equipment
for the 41 Drive-In at Brooksville and the
Murrell Amusement Co. drive-in at Lakeland.
The latter theatre was expected to be opened
March 1.
He also installed new equipment in the
remodeling of the Lacoochee Theatre.
20% MORE LIGHT
and BETTER VISION from
EVERY SEAT!
CYCLWAMIC
Ray Coleman passed through Tampa en
route to Sarasota.
Dick Thorstad, manager, supervised installation
of in-car speakers at the Hillsboro
Drive-In, replacing the old underground
speaker system. Florida States also planned
to erect a new attraction board at the Hillsboro,
the oldest outdoor theatre in the Tampa
area. It is beautiful with flowers and also
lias a barbecue pit.
J. G. McPherson, who operates the Roxy
with his wife and son, said federal taxes are
dangerously close to forcing some theatres
to fold.
The mother of J. M. McKinney jr. of the
Princess Theatre at Cross City was at the
boxoffice when I called. She said J. M. was
at a local basketball game. He will marry
Beverly Watson June 8. The Princess recently
was reseated, recarpeted and redecorated
inside and out. The elder Mrs. Mc-
Kinney has been selling tickets 25 years.
The son also is vice-president of the Dixie
County State bank.
Rosalie Condon, manager of the M&M
circuit's Valeria Theatre in Inverness, was
working on a fashion show which the American
Legion auxiliary and a local department
store will sponsor on the Valeria stage.
Manager Condon awards passes monthly
to the local high .school student making the
highest grades. She arranged a special matinee
for "Christopher Columbus," with the
schools using their buses to bring the children.
L. C. Yeomans, representative in the state
legislature, owns and operates the Regent
Theatre in Crystal River. He will reseat and
redecorate in the near future. He led a fight
against theatre tax in the last session of the
assembly.
Manager R. M. Gait of the Clearwater
Drive-In was planning an early run of "Joan
of Arc" at the Raulerson situation.
G. M. Bennett, manager of the Palm Theatre
at Dunedin, had just returned from Middleville,
Mich., where he had gone to bring
back his wife and baby, there since Christmas
on a visit. The 650-seat Palm has beautiful
carpeting and murals and a pipe organ.
Stephen S. Girard, who built the Beach at
St. Petersburg nine years ago, arranged to
terminate the Florida State Theatres lease
on the house March 1 and will operate it in
association with his son-in-law.
He is renovating the house with new seats,
new marquee and front, new neon sign and
redecoration inside and out.
J. J. Donnelly of the Gulf Wind Drive-In
has a tieup with St. Petersburg merchants
for a giveaway every Tuesday night. In return
for merchandise he gives them plugs on
the public address system. He said results
are better if the winner is required to go to
the donor to get the prize. The Gulf Wind
accommodates 106 cars and 49 walk-ins.
Sam Stratos of the Jefferson at Monticello,
Fla., was getting ready to go to
Starke, where he owns the Park Theatre. The
Jefferson front recently was repainted and
the screen cleaned. At the Park the front
and lobby were repainted just before a five-
^-•~.^;x:::x-:i
^^'-^'-^^
day run of "The Red Shoes."
Perfect sound
Long Unes of patrons were standmg three
of Visisii Eliraination TransraissiOD •
Backstage Reierteration Perfect m Front deep before the Florida Theatre m Talla-
• Rows Better Side Visioa hassee to see "Cinderella." W. Perry Neal,
of the Talgar circuit house,
i
-nj-
THE MAblC ukACtr' 5(.RebN crDEEKI rtB Or
jg ^.gn known in the industry. He's been
j
THE FUTURE .... NOW! show business since he was 12 years
]
old, and he first ran a projector that
the film off into a sack. Neal does the
Iran art work for theatres in Tallahassee and
builds shadow boxes. He also does the art
work on newspaper ads and says he uses
lots of material from BOXOFFICE.
Neal has applied for a patent on the Christ-
98
BOXOFFICE March 4, 1950

. . . Young
. . Vernon
. . Vandals
. . Harlow
. . . Warner
. . . "Sergeant
. . Oscar
. . "The
. .
mas tree he originated for the theatre lobby.
He says he has had many requests from theatremen
for trees like it. Neal was born in
Amory, Miss. He says the Florida has done
fine business on "Battleground."
Neal has contacted many of his old friends
since an article about him appeared in BOX-
OFFICE . Carter has been transferred
from the drive-in at Winter Haven,
Fla.. to the State Theatre in Tallahassee.
He's trying out the idea of a midniglit show
on Saturday night. It's a horror show and
Carter says his patrons already are starting
to call him "Spook."
A. P. Talley, city manager in Tallahassee
for Talgar ciicuit, has been in show business
since 1919, but has been in ill health
for some time. Nevertheless, he's still never
too busy or too tired to talk about show
business. Buddy Green manages the Ritz.
He's a newcomer with the circuit, and Talley
says he's doing a fine job.
E. S. Winburn of Mayo, Fla., is building
a new drive-in at Gainesville, but he wasn't
around when I stopped by . Land,
who owns the Mayo at Mayo and the Branford
at Branford, the Capital at Ti'enton and
the Chiefland at Chiefland. says he is putting
in concession stand and equipment as
soon as possible. Some remodeling will be
done at the Chiefland.
Ellen Mullett, manager of the Chiefland,
packed them in with "Wizard of Oz." She
tied in with local schools, which furnished
buses to transport the children to the show.
Ellen soon will be competing for the Showmandiser
awards . . . R. E. Cannon of Live
Oak, Fla., was in Atlanta booking, but his
wife told me of plans to build a new drivein
there . have broken into the
concession stand at the Lake City, Fla., drivein
twice. Both times a quantity of food,
cigarets and money was taken.
Manager Winston Willis was pleased with
the results he was getting for his Park in
Pelham, Ga., from the use of a sound truck
Nat Williams rolled out the welcome
met at Interstate Enterprises Hi-Way
Drive-In in Thomasville, Ga., bringing coffee
out to serve. The elder Nat has a beautiful
set of offices in the screen tower. He was
out doing some work among the poor of the
community, but came in later and told us
that the 373-car airer is replacing present
speakers with RCA in-car speakers. The
ozoner recently was paved and the company
will let a contract soon to rebuild the house
at Meigs that burned last year.
L. W. McClung, vice-president of Dixie
Theatre Service and Supply Co. of Albany.
Ga., reported present office and warehouse
facihties will be more than doubled by an addition
now under construction. Dixie is furnishing
Autocrat speakers and Snaplite lens
for the drive-in being built at Alanby by the
Gortawosky brothers and new Autocrats for
the Adel, Ga., drive-in.
AMERICAN DESK
MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Mr. W. A. PrewiM, Jr., 223 South Liberty St.
New Orleans. La. Ph: TULane 1101
JACKSONVILLE
'LJugh Owen, division manager for Paramount,
is expected to check in next week
and Paramount employes were
given a holiday on Washington's birthday .
Fred Mathis was in town . . . Howard Pettengill
is on a business trip through the
circuit of Florida State Theatres to promote
"Samson and Delilah."
. . Walter of Paramount
Jackson Barret, Monogram representative,
conferred with O. G. Griner of Talgar theatrical
agency Morgan, head of
.
Paramount short subjects in New York, was
a recent visitor . . . Bill HoUday, Paramount
head man here, returned after
Mack
a business
trip to Tampa .
tells of plans to be married in the
near future.
Vaughn Monroe and the Camel Caravan
made a one-day appearance on the stage
of the Florida . . . "Francis," much publicized
around Jacksonville, opened for a
.
week's run at the St. John's Great
Lover" was being shown simultaneously at
the Capitol and Fairfax, suburban theatres
York" is being billed at the
Atlantic Drive-In.
Harry Ballance was in to visit Leon Netter,
acting vice-president of Florida State Theatres
. . B. R. Goodman and W. L. Williamson
.
recently visited the Warner exchange
. Letta Glascock has resigned from Warner
. .
Bros, to play baseball on the Jackson-
ville Ball club. Joyce Minton has replaced
Glascock ... Sid Mesibov was in for "Samson
and Delilah" publicity. Mesibov is exploitation
manager for Paramount.
. . Herb
Ernest Sands has returned to Warner Bros,
office from New York, where he attended the
Pickman
funeral of his brother
has completed a
.
promotion campaign for
Warners on "Tlie Hasty Heart," which will
open next month . . . Russ Morgan, RKO
representative, was in to complete promotion
on "The Outlaw." The film was given
the "green light" to be shown here after
three years controversy.
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UNITED THEATRE SUPPLY CORP.
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Phone 2-3045
'Dear Wife' Is Best
Grosser in Atlanta
ATLANTA—Despite rainy weather, trade at
first runs in general here showed improvement.
"Dear Wife" at the Fox rang up a
lively 115 per cent to pace the newcomers.
"Key to the City" at the Grand registered
112 per cent.
(Average Is 100)
Fox—Deoi Wife (Para) 115
Grand—Key to the City (MGM) - 112
Paramounl—The Sundowners (EL) 110
Roxy—Twelve O'Clock High (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t.
wk 102
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
LAUGHING IN
THE FACE OF
DEATH!
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CHARLOTTE—300 West 3rd St.
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MEMPHIS—410 South 2nd St.
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NEW ORLEANS—218 S. Liberty St.
MAgnolia 6187
BOXOFTICE :: March 4, 1950 99

. .
MEMPHIS
TJfrs. \V. F. Ruffin sr., associated with her rectors in Memphis so that the Midsouth Allied
convention can be called for the same
husband and son in the Ruffin Amusements
Co. circuit, Covington, is recovering at time. The meetings will be in May.
Methodist hospital here after an operation.
Strand went into a third week of "Samson
Her husband and son have been at her bedside
. . . Mrs. Webber Hall, wife of the 20th-
and Delilah," rare for Memphis. Warner held
over "Montana" for a second week. Malco
Fox newsreel cameraman, has been taken
had Henry Busse's stage show. All first runs
home from Methodist hospital following an reported improved business . . . Joe Simon,
operation.
manager of the Ritz, entertained an old
friend. Merle Evans, maestro of Ringling circus.
Simon spent 15 years with the circus.
A. Burch, owner, has reopened Burch Theatre,
Rives, Mo., which was closed because of
Arkansas flood conditions. Burch reports
that the high water situation is much improved
in his section . . . H. G. Alvarez,
Greenwood, Miss., has purchased the Palace
there from Charles Nelson. Alvarez has
closed his New Theatre at Greenwood .
E. O. CuUins, president of Allied Independent
Theatre Owners of the Midsouth, is up and
about after a severe attack of influenza. Cullins
is trying to get dates fixed for the spring
meeting of the national Allied board of di-
Now Distributing
In
Memphis Film Area
Write for Details
TRI-STATE THEATRE SUPPLY
320 So. Second, Memphis, Tenn.
Winfield Snelson, manager for Republic
several years ago and now operator of a theatre
in Taccoa, Ga., was a visitor . . . Paul T.
Myers has bought Center, Lexington, Miss.,
from Leon Roundtree and has arranged to
book and buy in Memphis . . . J. F. Singleton.
Tyro, Tyronza, Ark., was in town with his son
Jimmie, who is learning the theatre business
from his father. They booked together and
purchased some new supplies . . . Henley and
Burris Smith, brothers. Imperial, Pocahontas,
Ark., were in town on business.
W. E. Ringgcr, Gem at Leachville and Gem
at Lake City; Dovie Lee, Dycss. Dyess; Roy
Cochran, Ju-Roy, North Little Rock; Moses
Sliman, Lux at Luxora and Murr at Osceola;
Wake Newsum, Dixie, Marmaduke, and Truman
Pratt, who recently bought the Royal at
Light, Ark., from S. D. Thorn were other
Arkansas exhibitors seen on Filmrow.
From Tennessee came Louise Mask. Luez,
Bolivar; W. O. Taylor, Uptown. Dresden;
M. E. Rice jr.. Rice, Brownsville; Amelia Ellis,
Mason, Mason: Hobart Goff, Rustic, Parsons,
and N. B. Fair. Fair, Somerville . . .
Paul Myers. Strand and Center, Lexington,
and M. Jourdan, Majestic, luka, were here
from Mississippi. James Seay. Grand. Cardwell,
Mo., was in town.
Hillis Holmes, office manager for MGM,
has been promoted to company salesman.
Carl Skaggs, booker, has been moved up to
office manager and Laura Butler has been
promoted to booker.
Your Best Buy is Griggs' New 30-Line Chair!
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Well constructed, comfortable, good
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See Tom Robertson
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See Alon Boyd
Louisiana and Southern Mississippi Exhibitors:
Alon Boyd, Box 213 Cedar Grove Station,
Ph. 6101, Shreveport, La.
'Francis' Opening Gets
Rash of Publicity
MIAMI—The opening of "Francis" at Wometco's
Miami, Lincoln and Miracle theatres,
brought out such a rash of publicity
that it seemed impossible to read any newspaper
story that didn't have the army mule
in it somewhere. The circuit's publicity department
plus Sonny Shepherd's fertile imagination
produced feature stories, front-page
stories, a reception in Francis' honor and a
personal appearance of the famous mule at
the Miami.
Persuading the four-legged star to enter
the theatre was one of the lesser difficulties
of launching the highly heralded film. Local
nonreaders didn't even escape the flood of
mule stories, with spot announcements on
all
the radio stations.
The first 100 women ticket holders at the
Miami, Lincoln and Miracle on opening day
received copper Moscow Mule mugs. In each
mug was a coupon entitling them to a free
Moscow Mule at a Miami or a Miami Beach
cocktail lounge.
A reception was held for Francis at an
ocean-front hotel, attended by press agents,
reporters, photographers, bathing beauties
and a singer of "Mule Ti-ain." A large picture
of Francis and a three-column "interview"
appeared in the evening paper.
A beef
was registered in the interview by the mule
who says the studio is trying to type her.
With the help of the makeup department she
thinks she should play the part of the horse
in a forthcoming Lassie picture.
Malco to Start Construction
McGHEE. ARK.—M. F. Malco Tlieatres
will start construction of the new $100,000
Malco Theatre on North First street March
15. It will be operated by McGehee Enterprises,
subsidiary of Malco.
C. B. King, manager of the Ritz here for
the last nine years, will manage the new
theatre. The company will continue to operate
the Ritz.
Jubilee Nominees on Stage
COCOA. FLA.—Eight young couples nominated
by civic organizations for king and
queen of the Orange Jubilee appeared on the
stage of the State Theatre on a recent Sunday
night. Ralph Ellinor. manager, is a member
of the subcommittee of the Orange Jubilee
which reached its climax this week. February
24 to March 1.
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Memphif
100 BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

. . Cameron
. . Mrs.
. .
BIRMINGHAM
lyranager J. W. McDanal has introduced
television at the lounges in the Melba,
the first installation of its kind in Birmingham.
Tlie Empire, another Acme house, is
slated to get television later . . . Mrs. Irene
Lavett, former cashier at the Galax, is the
mother of a baby girl.
Film stars have been popping in and out
of Birmingham with regularity. First was
Franchot Tone, here plugging "The Man on
the Eiffel Tower." Then came Henry Wilcoxon
for one stop on his tour of 12 southern
cities in behalf of "Samson and Delilah."
The film failed to arrive from Atlanta for a
special showing, so Manager Bill Coury rescheduled
the film for the next day at the
Ritz.
Cornel Wilde and his wife Patricia Knight
were here to appear in the cotton style show
sponsored by the Birmingham News. Russ
Morgan. RKO publicist, handled their appearance
and also did some plugging for
"Cinderella" and "Tarzan" . . Prank V.
.
Merritt, general manager for Acme Theatres,
was ill at his home . Price, RKO
salesman, also was doing the town.
It's
New!
It's
Beautiful!
It's
Comfortable!
It's Economical!
J. W. Powers of the Star. Cedar Bluff;
James Cagle, Higgs Theatres, Pell City; J. S.
Yerby. Calera and Joy, Siluria; V. C. Oden,
Ti-afford, Ti-afford, and G. H. Rollins, Varsity
Drive-In. Tuscaloosa, were among Alabama
exhibitors in town . . . J. R. Hoff, factory
representative of the Ballantyne Co., also
was calling on the trade here.
William J. Hampton, manager of the Galax,
arranged three screenings to promote "Pi-ince
of Peace." He gave the showings at Birmingham-Southern
college. Highlands Methodist
church and Woodlawn Methodist church .
Confirming rumors, the Birmingham Theatre,
a Negro house in the downtown district, one
of the city's oldest, is being torn down to
make room for a parking lot. The property
was sold by the Panta Corp. to an unnamed
purchaser for an undisclosed price.
T. W. Williams, Waters Theatre Co., left
on an extended trip to Florida . Ella
L. Forrester is new receptionist in the Waters
circuit offices. She replaces Inez Barnett who
will be married soon.
Rob Dermott, Ark., Theatre
DERMOTT, ARK.—Mrs. C. D. Bates, ticket
.seller at the Allied Theatre here, was forced
to hand over $112 to a man armed with a
pistol at the theatre about 9 p. m. recently.
Donald Wren, manager of the theatre, wrote
down the tag number on the car in which
the holdup man made his getaway and a suspect
was arrested the next day.
Ralph L. Puckhaber Weds
WEST PALM BEACH—Ralph L. Puckhaber,
manager of the Florida State Palace
here, will marry Mrs. Doris Douglas of Toledo
at the Memorial Presbyterian church
here Sunday (5i. "Puck" has been with the
Florida State since 1938 and has spent much
of his time in Orlando. Mrs. Douglas is associated
with the Walgreen Drug Co. in Toledo.
Fire at Ocala Drive-In
OCALA, FLA.—Fire damaged the concession
stand and projection booth recently at
the South 441 Drive-In. An expressman delivering
films discovered the blaze, which apparently
started in the hot dog warmer.
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Complete Theatre Equipment & Supplies
DRIVE-IN THEATRE COMBINATION ENTRANCE
and ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY FLOODLIGHT
Also available with Exit Panels
Arrows may be either rioht or left.
Spring Edge Seats .. Face Padded Backs
Cast Iron Standards .. Ball Bearing Hinges
for complete information write:
SOUTHERN DESK COMPANY
Theatre Seating Division
P. 0. Box 630 HICKORY, N. C.
DeVry Drive-In Equipment
Free Passes for Names
GREENVILLE. ALA.—C. G. Carden. manager
of the Lake here, is awarding passes to
persons whose names appear scrambled in
the classified columns of the Delta Democrat-
Times. Carden said that persons whose names
appear in the paper will receive pas.ses to
any attraction appearing at the Lake within
one week after the names are published.
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TAMPA 3, FLA.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 101

. . Florence
TARZAN AT ATLANTA—Seymour Poe of Sol Lesser Productions and Lex "Tarzan"
Barker, star of the Tarzan series being released by RKO, are shown at the Atlanta
exchange, initial stop on their nationwide tour of RKO branches. Left to right: Poe,
Russ Morgan, field man. Barker, David Prince, RKO southeastern district manager,
and Ira P. Stone, Atlanta manager.
ATLANTA
Tke and Harry Katz of the Kay Film Exchanges
returned from a business trip to
New York . . . John Golder of Jam Handy,
Detroit, visited the Monogram branch here
Sam Rosen, owner of the Rosen Film
. . .
Delivery in New Haven. Conn., visited here
briefly en route home from a Florida vacation
. . . W. B. Work has assumed new duties
as Paramount sales manager. He succeeds
Ed Fitzgerald, who has been transferred to
Buffalo, N. Y., as manager of the branch
there.
"StromboU" will open at the Rialto Theatre
here March 16 following approval by the
local board of censors . . , John Klrby, Warner
Bros, home office executive, left after a visit
at the branch here . Chamble of
the Film Classics staff resumed her duties
after a recent illness . . . J. G. Snellgrove
has sold the drive-in at Moultrie, Ga., to the
Moody Theatre Co., which has its headquarters
at Omega, Ga.
Among Georgia theatremen on Filmrow
booking and buying were Nat Williams, Interstate
Enterprises, Thomasville; J. L. Duncan,
Al-Dun Amusement Co., West Point; Herman
Abrams, Lumpkin, Lumpkin: O. C. Lam, Lam
Amusement Co.. Rome; J. J. Thompson, Martin
& Tliompson Theatres. Hawkinsville; Roy
Mitchell, Stone. Stone Mountain, and John
Thompson. Drive-In, Gainesville.
John A. Roberts Appointed
Poche Theatre President
NEW ORLEANS—John A. Roberts, former
business manager for the Poche Theatre, will
replace Irwin Poche, who resigned recently as
president and general manager of the theatre.
Roberts, 44-year-old native of New Orleans,
joined the Poche staff shortly after its
opening three years ago. He previously was
associated with a local steamship company.
Frank Trojack, night manager, has been
promoted to house manager. The new management
says the theatre will continue to
present legitimate stage shows, and selected
art films. It also will be available to local
organizations and groups for stage productions.
Spring presentations will include
"Ballet Theatre." "Oklahoma!" "Harvey,"
Katharine Cornell in "That Lady" and the
motion picture, "Song of My Heart."
Max Leventhal, 67, Dead
SAFETY HARBOR, FLA.—Max Leventhal,
67, died here recently. He came to Safety
Harbor four years ago and owned the Harbor
Theatre here. He was a member of the
Variety Club and Workmen's Circle, both
of New York City, where interment took
place.
Have you written to your congressmen and
senators about repeal of the unfair amusement
tax?
'Outlaw' Runs in Atlanta
Following Ad Dispute
ATLANTA—Following settlement of a dispute
over advertising for "The Outlaw" between
RKO and Georgia Theatres officials,
a canceled booking for the Jane Russell film
was reinstated and the picture opened at the
Fox Theatre here Thursday (2) for a sevenday
run.
A catchline reading "FINALLY, at last,
after a 3-year delay, you can see ..." started
the dispute. Georgia Theatres officials refused
to run advertising containing the line
because they said it implied that the Fox
playdate was to be the first Atlanta showing.
Actually, they said, the film was shown at
the Grand here when it fu-st was released,
and thereafter was shown at 21 suburban
houses in this area.
Charles Boasberg, RKO division manager,
and the Howard Hughes organization refused
to deliver the print for the scheduled March
2-8 playdate unless advertising was run exactly
as issued by the producers. The position
of the Fox management was that the
advertising is misleading to the public.
Georgia Theatres' President William K.
Jenkins approved the decision of his Atlanta
operating personnel not to run the advertising.
When RKO refused to make any change in
the advertising. Georgia Theatres executives
canceled the booking. After considerable discussion,
Hughes finally agreed to deletion of
the "Finally, at last" line from all outdoor
advertising signs displayed in the Atlanta
area, and the seven-day booking was reinstated.
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Complete Theatre Equipment & Supplies
102 BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

. . Anabel
. . Warm
. . Southern
NEW ORLEANS
r^ J. Briant, MGM manager, has been named
chairman of the local Community Chest
campaign . Chesnut, who has been
a stenographer at Metro for five years, joined
J. G. Broggi Booking Agency, now representing
36 accounts, as Broggi's assistant
. . .
G. P. Meyers is the new film booker for the
naval air station at Pensacola and outlying
fields.
Repairs on the Meyers Theatre in Biloxi
were completed and the theatre resuhied
operation . weather permitted the
early opening of the Trail Drive-In at Crowley,
La., and the Park Drive-In, Crestview.
Pla. . . . The Uriah Theatre, Uriah, Ala., has
been closed . . . Hugh Owen, division sales
manager for Paramount, was here . . . John
Jenkins was at the Dixie Films office.
The Strand presented "Prince of Peace,"
Hallmark film . . . The Poche advertised the
Broadway stage play. "Murder Without
Crime." Currently the theatre was featuring
a vaudeville show starring Del Casino. Buster
West and Lucille Page. Val Setz. Rollie
and Bonnie Pickert and the Three Royal
Rockets.
Exhibitors on the Row: Frank Olah. Star
Theatre, Albany, La.: Charles Lamantia,
-Bogalusa: Max Connett, Connett circuit, Newton,
Miss.; Lou Langlois. Alamo. New Roads.
La.; Al Morgan and Fred McLendon, McLendon
circuit. Union Springs. Ala.; Louis
Michot. Lafayette; Mrs. Collier. Greenwood,
Miss.; Bill Lighter, Lighter circuit; B. V.
Sheffield. Sheff Theatre, Poplarville, Miss.;
Sam Pasqua. Gonzales; A. Damores; Usy
Pelegrin. Rex. Chauvin; Ernest Delahaye,
Gwen, Maringouin; Frank Glick, Glick circuit,
Morton, Miss.; E. Carolla. Arcade Theatre.
Slidell; Herbert Hargroder, Beverly
Drive-In, Hattiesburg, Miss., and Henry Gossen,
Gossen Theatre, Rayne.
L. W. Watts, owner of Watts circuit, operating
out of Oil City, is visiting with his
father in South Carolina . Amusement
Co. temporarily has closed the Liberty
at Lafayette for remodeling and repairs . . .
Joy Theatres has named Martha T. Losavio
new manager of the Joy at Simmesport.
Martin at Florala, Ala.,
Robbed by Safecrackers
FLORALA. ALA.—Weekend receipts of approximately
$625 were taken by safecrackers
who blasted the safe at the Martin Theatre
here. Police said the job apparently was
pulled by professionals using nitroglycerin.
J. B. Shuman. manager of the theatre, had
been ill at his home for more than a week
prior to the burglary. The crime was discovered
by his relief manager.
Hike Kid Admissions
CHIPLEY. FLA. — Advance of children's
admission price from 10 cents to 15 cents was
announced by the Vance Theatre.
"We can no longer absorb the ever-increasing
cost of operation," the theatre said in a
statement. "It is with the greatest reluctance
we find it necessary to change our present
prices in order to offset partially these
increased costs."
Liltle Rock Thealre
Must Remove Sign
LITTLE ROCK—The 41 -foot-high
electric
sign of the Center Theatre in downtown Little
Rock must be removed under provision.s
of an opinion by Federal Judge Thomas C.
Trimble.
The Worthen Bank and Trust Co. suit to
compel removal of the sign was heard two
weeks ago. The judge stated that the 11-footwide
sign at the north end of the theatre
marquee "obscures the bank building from
the lintel of the Main street door upward
and the bank building cannot be seen by
northbound pedestrians on the east side of
Main street until the theatre entrance is
reached.
"The width, appearance and construction
of the sign and marquee give the illusion
that the theatre is on the end of the block
and the bank building is totally ohscured.
The sign obstructs the view of the building,
interferes with its right to air and ventilation,
and has caused and will cau.se the bank
substantial damages."
The judge also ruled that the Singer Sewing
Machine Co. quarters next door to the
theatre also suffered damage becau.se the
Singer sign and show window are overshadowed
and obscured by the theatre marquee
and sign and value of the property is correspondingly
diminished for retail business
purposes.
Ticket Tax Yields $17,800
AUBURN, ALA.—Receipts from the city's
amusement tax have been earmarked for park
purposes. In its first 11 months the tax
yielded more than $17,800.
Program by Malcolm Estes
LAKE WORTH. FLA.—Malcolm Estes.
manager of the Lake Theatre here and local
Rotary leader, headed a program given at the
South Ocean club luncheon recently.
MORE and MORE DRIVE-INS
ARE INSTALLING THE
MANLEY SUPER-STADIUM MODEL
Specially designed for Drive-ins and outdoor
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COSTS USS
Unequalled in performance at such
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BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 ia3

. . Paramount's
. . Nate
. . Mrs.
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• Century Projection and Sound
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&- SUPPLY CO.
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Phone 3431 — Night Phone 2015
MIAMI
Qonstruction of Wometco's new Carib Theatre
in Miami Beach is scheduled to begin
March 7. The circuit plans to make the
house one of the area's showplaces. It will
seat about 2,500 . . Eddie Linda, manager
.
of Brandt's new Roosevelt, says no complaints
were brought back to the boxoffice
and that no refunds were made upon the
debut of "Stromboh." The first four day.s'
business was terrific, says Linda, due to the
immense amount of publicity about the picture.
But, after word-of-mouth publicity,
business dropped off. The widely heralded
"Bicycle Thief" is the feature scheduled to
replace "Stromboli" at the Roosevelt. Proceeds
from the first night's performance will
go to the Runyon Cancer fund.
Sam Katzman, Columbia producer, his wife
and daughter Ruth are vacationing in Miami
Beach
. Piatt, talent buying executive
for Balaban & Katz, arrived here from
Chicago to look over the impressive array
of talent taking part in the Variety Children's
hospital benefit show at Paramount's
Olympia.
The Paramount in Palm Beach awaited the
arrival of the resort's diamond-studded clientele
for the February 27 annual Kiwanis
show, proceeds of which are earmarked for
medical and dental clinics for underprivileged
children in the county. Arthur Hammerstein
is producer, assisted by his nephew Oscar.
John Golden is in New York to line up talent.
Leon Leonidorff puts together the show.
Among artists donating their services are
Bert Lahr, Bert Wheeler, Victor Borge, John
Edwards, Sophie Tucker, Hal LeRoy, Grace
and Nicco, Scheller Bros, and the Populaires.
Nettie Rosenstein presents a style
show.
Al Grimaldi, promotion manager of the
independent Normandy, Miami Beach, left
here March 3 to take a position as managing
director of the Star Drive-In in Wliite Plains,
N. Y. . . . Henry Karlin, developer of the
wartime process of transmitting color photographs
via radio, has arrived with his wife
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Novins
for a visit . . .
are recent arrivals. Novins was active in New
Jersey theatricals prior to becoming a lawyec
Wometco's Capitol, after a successful week
of vaudeville in addition to its regular screen
fare, has postponed its second stage presentation
until operational flaws can be ironed
out
. Florida had the first
Miami showing of "Battleground." Opening
run was in Miami Beach.
Pauline Corley, former BOXOFFICE representative
in the greater Miami area, and
well-known among operators of local circuits,
visited here from her home in Marietta,
Ga.
Sunday's News Magazine used a page feature
showing pictures of Danny Kaye, who
filled a club engagement here, as a shampoo
artist in a local beauty salon. "The
Inspector General" is making the rounds of
local circuits.
Paramount's Olympia celebrated its 24th
year in the entertainment field. It presented
a Giant Anniversary show. Screen
attraction was "The Heiress." On stage was
a show, planned by Al Weiss, headed by
Lanny Ross who had to beg off from encores
at every performance in order not to
throw the schedule completely off balance.
Les Rohde, band master at the Olympia for
many years, arranged music for the occasion.
Special art, showing a birthday cake
with blazing candles, was the motif for the
week's advertising.
Sam Pinanski, Boston theatre magnate, is
at the Roney Plaza Cabana club for a vacation
. . . Tropicaire Drive-In is showing
"Birth of a Nation" . . Spyros Skouras
.
and his wife left here by plane for Havana
... A giant easel "Roster of Stars" was set
up in the street lobby of the Olympia prior
to Variety's benefit there. As entertainers
were recruited for the show they signed
their names on the placard, the constantly
growing list attracting the attention of
passersby.
Wometco's Rosetta planned a big children's
show for the Little River neighborhood, which
included a circus carnival, free balloons,
lemonade, peanuts, hot dogs, animals, clowns
and cowboys.
CHARLOTTE
IJugh Owen, eastern and southern sales manager
for Paramount, conducted a sales
seminar for members of the Charlotte
branch. Al Duren, local manager, presided.
All salesmen and brokers attended. Discussions
concerned new product . Pauline
Griffith, secretary of the Theatre Owners
Ass'n of North and South Carolina, is in the
hospital recovering after an operation.
Bernie Maxwell is here to aid in exploitation
for "Samson and Delilah." He spent
the week in the field with Everett Olsen,
Paramount Carolinas exploiteer . . . Republic
has installed a new adding machine with
one key recording $1,000,000, and Cy Dillon,
manager, says that's "for all the cash we'll
Theatrical Producer Lee Shubert is visiting
haul in with 'Sands of Iwo Jima'."
here. He says he and his brother Jacob
have "every confidence" The
that
Charlotte
they
Variety
will be
Club crew held a
able to disprove monopoly
meeting in
charges
Thacker's restaurant February 27.
leveled
against their theatrical
Chief
enterprises. The
Barker Worth Stewart presided
government
has
and
said
filed a
a report on the meeting civil antitrust would
suit
be issued
against the Shuberts, accusing them of having
later.
a stranglehold on the nation's legitimate
stage . . . Harry Levine, Paramount booker, Passes to Marine Club
who flew into town to catch Variety's highly
ORLANDO, FLA,—Forty passes to
successful Olympia
"Sands
stage benefit, says that
of Iwo Jima" were
Rudy
presented to members of
Vallee is set for an Olympia stage date
the Marine Corps league
in March.
by Bill Spooner. publicist
for Florida State Theatres. The film
played the Grand here.
"The Barefoot Mailman," a novel by Theodore
P>ratt, has been purchased and will be
produced by Robert Cohn for Columbia.
104
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

. . The
. . The
. . . Theatre
J. A. Rank Is Expected
In Toronto March 15
TORONTO—J. Arthur Rank and his chief
aide John Davis, managing director of British
Odeon, are expected to come here about
March 15 for conferences with Canadian associates.
Since the resignation of George Peters,
vice-president, last December, no successor
on the executive board has been named. J.
Earl Lawson, Canadian Odeon president, is
showing considerable improvement from his
lengthy illness and is expected to talie part
in the parleys with Rank.
This may be the first of two visits by Rank
this year. He is scheduled to attend the Midcentury
world convention on Christian education
here August 10-16. He is the chairman
of the British administrative committee
of the world organization, of which Lord
Halifax is president.
on AW A
T ouis Wolfe, owner of the Strand in tlie
south side, went to jail for three months
in lieu of paying $2,280 fine in police covu-t,
plus arrears of tax and interest amounting
to $1,399. Wolfe pleaded guilty to charges
of failing to remit the tax on admissions to
the Ontario government from the time the
theatre opened May 19, 1949 . . David
.
Griesdorf, general manager of Canadian
Odeon, Toronto, conferred with Manager
Gordon Beavis of the new Odeon here before
leaving for western Canada , Odeon
was the scene of a concert engagement, which
drew a packed house to hear the Ottawa
Choral Union. Guest artist was Jean Casadesu.s,
pianist.
With the Famous Players' Regent showing
its new and striking structural dress, the
long-deferred Ottawa engagement of "Samson
and Delilah" was scheduled to open March
6 at $1.20 top. Manager Henry Marshall also
is looking forward to the early presentation
of "The Heiress" near the end of the month.
In advance of the DeMille production came
James Cameron, head office exploitation director
of Famous Players, Toronto.
After a record eight weeks with "Tight
Little Island," Manager Jack Gibson of the
Glebe found a run of one week was sufficient
for the Prencli picture, "Aux Yeux
du Souvenir." Next big one for the Glebe
is "The Chiltern Hundreds" . Montcalm,
operated by Famous Players across the
Ottawa river in Hull, has put in cliinaware
premiums to bolster patronage. Tlie Montcalm
is one of two postwar theatres in Hull.
The other is the Cinema de Paris which plays
FYench fihns. Two older houses are Donat
Paquin's Laurier and the Famous Players'
Cartier.
For "Twelve O'clock High" at the Elgin.
Manager Ernie Warren staged a display of
the latest flying equipment in the foyer in
cooperation with the Royal Canadian air
force, which headquarters practically across
the street from the theatre . . . Mrs. T. Fera
of Levack, Ont., plans construction of a drivein
on the Ottawa-North Bay highway, a .short
distance east of North Bay. She is the owner
of three regular film theatres in the Nickel
belt country.
MONTREAL
. .
June Gordon, former ca.shier at RKO here,
now is with General Theatres and Gaumont-Kalee
as stenographer
. WilHam
Ti-ow, president of Quebec Cinema Booking,
Ltd., and of Montreal Poster Exchange, and
his brother Tom, owner of the Imperial in
Three Rivers, and Mort Prevost, manager of
Quebec Cinema Booking, journeyed to Rimouski
to inspect their theatres, the Cartier
and the Rikois.
Jason Cohen, office manager at Empire-
Univer.sal who has been with that company
12 years, resigned to join the Wilham Trow
circuit as assistant to Ti-ow at Quebec Cinema
Booking, effective March 4 . . . Mickey Isman.
manager at Empire-Universal, and Joe Dorfman.
salesman, attended the four-day sales
meeting in Toronto. Isman remained several
days to confer with head office officials.
Irving Sourkes of Confidential Reports was
back at his desk after two weeks on the sick
hst . . . Additions at 20th-Fox are Madeleine
Braly. stenographer to the bookers, and Margaret
Burroughs, billing clerk.
Exhibitors in town included Yvonne Blouin.
proprietor of the Opera House. Coaticook; J.
Martin of the Royal. East Angus, and Georges
Champagne of the Roxy. Auditorium and
Cartier. Shawinigan Falls ... A one-reel
documentary entitled "For All the World's
Children." depicting the humanitarian work
carried on by the United Nations international
children's emergency fund, was shown
The film
at local neighborhood theatres . . .
version of Verdi's famed opera "Rigoletto"
was premiered at the Seville Art Theatre . . .
"Film and Reality." a documentary, was
shown at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
construction, alterations and
renovations in Canada last year cost $5,832.-
300.
The Montreal Gazette reports: "As soon as
.specially built equipment arrives from the
United States, the Imperial Theatre of Famous
Players Canadian Corp. in Toronto will
start full screen television shows on a closed
circuit—that is. cable-transmitted under a
special CBC permit. The corporation has
twice been refused a permit for a .special
TV station, but gets the jump on the Canadian
Broadcasting Corp. diehards by clo.sed
circuit operation. Tlius it will acquire 'knowhow'
against the day when TV comes to
Canada. The Famous Players Victoria Theatre
is being converted into a playhou.se and
studios. At last we have a television pioneer."
Wage Agreement Reached
By Local 348 and Odeon
VANCOUVER—A wage and working agreement
has been reached between Local 348
and Odeon Tlieatres affecting 55 booth workers
in the employ of the circuit in British
Columbia. A new two-year contract gives
projectionists a 25-cent hourly increase across
the board. The union members did not accept
a 19-cent increase given by the conciliation
board recently. The new contract works out
at about $2.10 an hour. The agreement is the
same as that arrived at with Famous Players
several weeks ago. The Independents likely
will settle at the same figure.
Betty Lynn will portray Bette Davis' daughter
in RKO's "The Story of a Divorce."
Comedian Pratt Starred
In New Cameo Short
MONTREAL — Canada's foremost funnyman,
John Pratt, is featured in the latest
Associated Screen News Canadian Cameo release,
"All Joking Astride." The film deals
with the perils awaiting the neophyte equestrian
from the moment he is lured to the
stables by a honey-voiced telephone .solicitor,
until the moment when he finds himself flat
on his back staring into the sneering eyes of
his recent mount!
An expert horseman in actuality, Pratt portrays
a rather Caspar Milquetoastish sort of
character whose amateur antics astride Dobbin
are side-splitting. His entry into a crosscountry
ride provides him with plenty of situations
that prove alarming -to him. but extremely
hilarious to the audience.
"All Joking Astride" is Pratt's second performance
before ASN cameras, the first being
"Sitz Marks the Spot," a film whicli covered
the gentle art of .skiing a la Pi'att.
The latest Cameo film was directed by
Gordon Sparling, with the camera work being
handled by Jack Hynes.
Eight Play 'Adam's Rib'
TORONTO^Eight important neighborhood
houses of Famous Players Canadian chain
played simultaneous second run engagements
of "Adam's Rib." Tlie theatres were the
Beach, College, Alhambra, Runnymede, Palace.
Oakwood. Village and Parkdale.
Model 4570 Hi-Intensify
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Complete Theatre Equipme7it

. . Some
ST.
JOHN
lyjotiun picture and music coin machines and
pinball and slot machines are involved
in a Kentville court case. Charles D. Venolt,
44, of Yarmouth is charged with altering invoices
and importing 30 machines from Boston.
New Haven, Baltimore and New York as
clothing, industrial equipment, etc., to avoid
paying customs. The machines were seized
in the Annapolis valley.
Day and date with the three-day appearance
of "The Skating Vanities of 1950," starring
Barbara Ann Scott, on the St. John
Forum ice arena, the Mayfair Theatre offered
a one-reel short on Miss Scott. "Sensations"
went from here to St. Andrews on the U.S.
border and stayed three days in that town
of 1,400.
Salem Richard and his Lone Star Playboys
troupe of Minto, N. B., are playing theatres
and halls in this area .
observers
credit while others disclaim any basis
m a rumor that Ben Garson, who opened
a new theatre in Montreal recently, is associated
with his brother Abe in the Strand
Theatre deal here. Ben was a partner in the
Garson & Laine Co. which sold out its theatres
in Montreal several years ago.
The maritime premiere of "Tight Little
Island" was held at the Oxford in Halifax
. . . "Jolson Sings Again" ran for 12 days at
the Halifax Paramount, which is likely to be
tops for length for this picture in the maritimes
"The Iron Crown" ran at the
. . . Vogue in Halifax for three days at 50 cents
nights and 35 afternoons, one of the rare instances
when the Vogue regular rate has
been raised since it was opened in 1948. The
same tariff prevailed for this Italian picture
at the Mayfair, Dartmouth, on the heels of
the Vogue booking.
IVIrs. Kathy Flannigan of Vancouver,
the original Mrs. Mike, was interviewed on
the stage of the Casino, Halifax, one afternoon
and one night between showings of
"Mrs. Mike," the film. Manager Doug Smith
was host. The first 20 women producing
copies of the book were admitted free. Mrs.
Flannigan autographed copies in the lobby
one afternoon. The local daily publicized her
visit in stories and photos.
An option on a centrally located property
in Bathurst is reported to have been taken
by outside interests with a view to building
a 600-seat theatre there . . . Herman Kerwin,
manager of the Regent, took down with a
severe cold which developed into pneumonia,
but he denies it was attributable to the bagpipe
practicing at home of his sons John 16,
and Billy 4.
Declare Loew's Dividend
TORONTO — Marcus LoeWs Theatres is
maintaining its customary rate of dividend
on common shares in a payment of $1 on
March 31 for the first quarter of 1950 to
stockholders of record March 9.
Short Nominee First
For Canada in 9 Years
ST. JOHN—"The Rising Tide," which has
been nominated for an Oscar in the documentary
short subjects class, is a story of the
cooperative movement in the maritime provinces
and is the first Canadian picture to get
a nomination for the annual Hollywood
awards in nine years.
Produced by the National Film Board, 'The
Rising Tide" was directed and scripted by
Jean Palardy. James Beveridge was producer.
John Foster was at the camera. Robert
Fleming arranged the music. The five
songs are Nova Scotia originated, chiefly
about the sea, and furnished by Helen Creighton
of Dartmouth, N. S. Four of the songs
came from Ben Henneberry, an old fisherman
of Southeast Passage, N. S., and veteran
warbler of Nova Scotian marine ditties, who
knows about 100 of the folk songs. Frank
Faulkner, also of Southeast Passage, supplied
the fifth song.
The short was screened recently in Scotland
at an Edinburgh music festival and
drew commendatory attention, according to
Frank Murphy. Halifax, regional representative
of the NFB. Cooperating in the short
was St. Francis Xavier university. Antiogonish,
N. S.. chief promoter of cooperatives
and credit unions through an extension department
working among fishermen and
farmers.
Robert Clarke has been signed for the romantic
lead opposite Mala Powers in RKO's
"Nobody's Safe."
I
mm
THE NEW
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SOUND EQUIPMENT
MONTREAL
New owners . . . New Equipment . . .
and that equipment the best that money
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Dominion Sound Equipments Limited
HEAD OFFICE: 4040 St. Cotherine St West, Montreal.
Bronches: Halifax - Saint John Toronto - Winnipeg-
Regina - Calgary - Vancouver
106 BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

. . . The
. . . The
. . Earl
. . The
. . Here
'Heiress' Grosses 140
In Toronto Opening
TORONTO—A realignment of Famous
Players theatres found "The Heiress" opening
at the Victoria and the Eglinton, which
formerly was teamed with the University.
Shea's went its course alone, continuing the
fourth week of "All the King's Men." The
Nortown joined the University, where "Jolson
Sings Again" was offered for a sixth week.
"The Chiltern Hundreds" was in its ninth
week at the Odeon Hyland.
(Average Is 100)
Biltmore—Guilty Bystander (FC); The Flying
Soucer (FC) 100
Hyland—The Chiltern Hundreds (EL), 9th wk 'JO
Imperial—Twelve O'ClocOt High (20th-Fox), 2nd
wk 100
Loews—East Side, West Side (MGM) 120
Odeon and Fairlawn—Hamlet (EL) 115
S'heqs-All the King's Men (Col), 4lh wk 85
Tivoh and Capilol-She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
(RKO), 2nc:- d. t. v/k,. The Pirates ol Capri (FC)....100
University and Nortown—Jolson Sings Again (Col),
6th wk. at University 85
Uptown—Intruder in the Dust (MGM) 120
Victoria and Eglinton—The Heiress (Para) 140
War Films Draw Mildly
At Vancouver Theatres
VANCOUVER—Local first run trade in general
was mild following a strong weekend.
Theatregoers apparently have had their fill
of war films, "Battleground" having registered
only fair at the Capitol. "Lost Boundaries"
was in its ninth week at the Studio.
"Samson and Delilah" opened strong at the
Strand at advanced prices.
Capitol—Battleground (MGM) Fair
Cinema—The Story ol Seabiscuit (WB), 2nd
t. d. wk Fair
-
Dominion—Prince oi Foxes (20th-Fox); Follow
Me Quietly (RKO) Moderate
Orpheum—Always Leave Them Laughing
( WB) Fair
Paradise—The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO) .Fair
Park—Quartet (EL) Good
Plaza—The Hidden Room (EL); The Beast
With Five Fingers (WB) Fair
State—Silver River (WB), plus stage show Poor
Strand—Twelve O'Clock High (20th-Fox),
3rd v/k
Fair
Studio—Lost Boundaries (IFD), 9th wk Good
Vogue—Tell It to the Judge (Col) Fair
'Samson' Second Week Tops
At Edmonton Empress
EDMONTON, ALTA.—"Samson and Delilah,"
at the Empress here at roadshow
prices, played to capacity audiences throughout
a two-week stand, reports Manager E. C.
Ethridge. The theatre opened early and held
open beyond regular closing time for the
show.
Empress—Samson and DeUIah (Pal-a),
2nd wk Capacity
Capitol—The Heiress (Para) Very good
Rialto—Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer
(U-!)
Excellent
NFB Employes Approved
On Loyalty by Police
OTTA'WA—Completion by the Mounted Police
of security screening of National Film
Board employes has cleared the staff of any
suspicion of espionage, and it is stated that
Robert H. 'Winters, chairman of the board,
has informed Defense Minister Claxton that
the board can safely be used by the defense
department and all other government departments
for film work of a confidential nature.
An early appropriation is expected for a new
film storage building to be built in Ottawa
as the first unit of a $2,000,000 building to
house all the National Film Board activities.
VANCOUVER
Calmon Arm. B. C.. will have an outdoor
theatre this summer. William Foster of
Vernon is building a drive-in two miles east
of town, and it is expected to be operating
by May 24. This will be the fifth drive-in
to be erected in the Okanagan fruit belt of
the province. Others are located at Kelowna.
Penticton. Kamloops and Vernon, and the
operators are said to be planning cooperative
booking and buying, which would result in
a great saving in express charges, now a
large item.
Cecil Black, JARO western Canada supervisor,
has resigned and returned east. The
position has been abolished . on inspection
trips were Oscar Hanson. Canadian
head of Monogram, and David Griesdorf,
Odeon Theatres general manager . . . Howard
Boothe, Odeon British Columbia district head,
returned from a three-week vacation in Arizona
... It was said that Lloyd Muir. former
RKO publicity man, will manage the
new Ridge Theatre here . Dalgleish.
WB manager, and Harry Woolfe, UA manager,
were away on selling trips.
Conditions in the Okanagan fruit belt this
summer apparently will not be as favorable
as those in other years. Apricot and peach
crops were hit by the severe winter which
killed the buds, and the cherry supply will
be far below normal. Not only the growers
and shippers will be affected, but also the
canners, box manufacturers and all types of
labor. Business in general in the area will
be affected.
The new Skyway Drive-In being built by
Industries Inland Co. near Kamloops will
open in April with a capacity of 500 cars
new Capitol at Ponoka, on the
Calgary-Edmonton line, was opened last week
new outdoor theatre being built by
Tisman & Mcintosh near Chilliwack in the
FYaser Valley is well under way and will be
ready for opening in May . Soo Theatre
at Weyburn, Saskatchewan, was opened
recently . . . Les Toffey has completely renovated
his Ladner Theatre at Ladner. B. C,
a farming community 24 miles from Vancouver.
Ernest Lay, local hotel operator who runs
the Roxy here, has leased the Rio Theatre
at Victoria from Hymie Singer. Now closed,
the house will be opened in March. Pat
Patanaur of the Roxy here will be in charge
of the Rio, a 500-seater.
The alltime record for a film in Vancouver
is held by "Lost Boundaries," currently in
tenth week at the downtown Studio Theatre
its
and still going strong. Another sur-
prise is "Quartet" in its second run at the
Park Theatre, where it is doing big business.
The Arthur Rank film drew poorly in
its first run downtown. Gordon Monro, Odeon
publicity chief, gave "Quartet' an excellent
publicity buildup which is paying off at the
Park Theatre boxoffice.
Perry Ferguson has been signed as art director
on the United Artists film. "The Sound
of Fury."
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Screen Coating and Masking Paint. Prompt Shipment
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. K^nL^Cit't^Mo.
Kid Matinees Offered
At 15 Toronto Houses
TORONTO—The Children's Film Library
committee is cooperating with the Junior
League in the presentation of approved features
as matinee attractions at 15 Toronto
theatres. The Motion Picture Di-stributors
Ass'n of Canada, headed by Gordon Lightstone,
general manager of Canadian Paramount,
has supported the movement which
will provide Saturday afternoon programs
suitable for juveniles at regular intervals. A
group of features from the J. Arthur Rank
Organization is being added to the approved
list of the Children's Film Library committee
Quebec City to Appeal
QUEBEC — City authorities will appeal
to the supreme court of Canada against a
Quebec appeal court judgment invalidating
the appointment of a manager for Palais
Montcalm, municipal civic center. The Quebec
court ruled that the appointment of Theo
Genest as Palais Montcalm manager was
invalid because city authorities failed to consult
a municipal promotions committee
operating under a collective agreement between
the city and its employes. City officials
said that pending outcome of the supreme
court hearing. Genest will remain at
his Palais Montcalm post.
Screen rights to "Bonaventure," a play
running in London, have been acquired for
Universal-International release.
costs less
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Theatre Equipment Supply
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Complete Theatre Equipment & Supplies
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 107

. , The
. . Congratulations
. . Mr.
. . . Following
. . The
. . Manager
.
WINNIPEG
Daging storms and impassable snowdrifts
stranded many film men in Regina. among
them Frank Davis, Myer Nackimson, Ralph
Zalackson, and Bob Lightstone. Davis and
Nackirason followed the snow plows all the
way into Winnipeg, dubbing their grueling
experience, "Operation Silver Nitrate."
Manitoba Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n
officials are laying the groundwork and
formulating preparations for the annual general
meeting, and are making a concerted
drive to have every exhibitor in the province
of Manitoba attend this year . De
Luxe, beautiful neighborhood Main street
house for many years operated by Rudy Besler,
who also operates the Osborne street
Park Theatre, has been taken over by Leon
Asper, who operates houses in Carman,
Minnedosa and Neepawa.
The recent CBC Citizens Forum featured
a spirited discussion with diversified opinions
on the following two subjects: (1) Some
people have advocated the banning of the
film "Stromboli" because they disapprove of
the conduct of the director and Miss Bergman
. . . Should the banning of the film be
based solely on its content or should the
conduct or beliefs of those making the film
be a consideration? (2) All films shown in
Canada are subject to the censorship of provincial
government boards. This is not true
ggg^^a
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No equipment offers more in value for
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size, shape and seatnig capacity. They
consist of a two-way horn system, pair
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dual channel amplifiers.
"Also Quonsel Theatre Buildings, Luxurious Theatre
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227 Victoria St., Toronto
Complete Theatre Equipment & Supplies
of newspapers and other printed matter. Do
you think such government censorship of
films is desirable or necessary?
Inauguration of a vaudeville policy by
Mesho Triller, Dominion Theatre, has proven
quite successful, fitting in nicely with the
Dominion's reissue format, recent pictures
being "The Informer," "Irene" and "Diamond
Jim." Current stage attractions were
Maxine Ware, vocalist; Arch McDonald,
emcee; the Flying Wheels, roller skating
turn; Teddy Komar, accordionist, and Vernon
Rattray, novelty act. A very competent
house orchestra is maestroed by Paul Grosney.
The El Dorado Drive-In, which is nearing
completion on Henderson highway in East
Kildonan. will be opened approximately May
24 by Tallman's, Ltd., who described it as
the most ultramodern in Canada . . . Mr. and
Mrs. Henry A. Morton (Odeon) and son
Paul are spending a pleasant vacation in
Miami Beach . and Mrs. Jake Miles
of Western Theatre also are vacationing in
Florida . are in order for
Harry Saifer of the Screen Room, recently
married to Judy Serebrin and just returned
from a Minneapolis honeymoon.
Paul Johnson, Windsor Theatre, St. Vital,
is installing Chrysler air conditioning units
to combat summer heat and low receipts
. . . Valour Theatre was doing remarkable
business with "Waterloo Bridge," currently
in its fifth week.
20 Employes of FPC
To Join 25-Year Club
TORONTO—The 1950 class of initiates for
the 25-Year club of Famous Players Canadian
Corp. consists of some 20 employes who have
given a quarter of a century of service to the
circuit, bringing the roster to approximately
150 members. The new list, checked from
records by L. G. Geering at the head office,
includes one district manager, T. R. Tubman,
also manager of the Capitol at Ottawa, and
three managers, George J. Porhan. Belle,
Belleville; Al Hartshorn, Regent, Oshawa, and
William Winterton, Capitol, Saskatoon, Sask.
Only two employes of the head office will
enter the circle. They are Howard Roach
and Clifford Spooner. both accountants.
Projectionists are represented by Sydney J.
Bradford, Capitol, London; Milton Bretts,
Strand. Brandon; Walter Clarke, Capitol,
Moose Jaw; Earle Harrington, Royal, Woodstock,
and Walter Taylor, Palace, Windsor.
Other union men are Frank H. Killian, Capitol,
Vancouver, and Percy Timmons, Tivoli,
Hamilton.
A man-and-wife combination to be initiated
is Mr. and Mrs. William Tucker of the Capitol,
Chatham, where he is doorman and Mrs.
Tucker is matron. Doormen also include Ted
Smith, Toronto Shea's; W. F. Cain, Capitol,
St. Catharines; William L. Dawley, Imperial,
Toronto, and Fred Richardson, Tivoli, Hamilton.
Also on the list are two other women,
Madeline Curtis, assistant manager of the
Royal, Woodstock, and Irene Moorhead, cashier
at the Tivoli, Toronto. The newcomers
will receive a gold badge, club certificate and
an award, usually a watch.
Marcus Loew was named assistant to Producer
Mort Briskin on Eagle Lion's "The
Jackie Robinson Story."
TORONTO
Tlie Niagara Peninsula Theatre Managers
Ass'n held its annual meeting at St.
Catharines and chose Sid Burton, manager
of the Strand, Port Colborne, president for
the current year. The secretary is Mannie
Swadron, Park, Welland, and treasurer is
Harry Rosenberg, Centre, St. Catharines. Reports
showed the extensive support which
had been accorded by the association to the
Toronto Variety Club's vocational school for
handicapped boys.
Howard Elliott, manager of the Fairlawn,
also is president of the Bedford Park Businessmen's
Ass'n in the north end. He had
Arch H. JoUey of the Motion Kcture Theatres
Ass'n of Ontario as the guest speaker
at a luncheon attended by 60 members .
Win Barron, Canadian publicity chief for
Paramount, made a quick trip to British Columbia
for the first western Canadian run
of "Samson and Delilah" at the Vancouver
Strand,
Jay L. Smith, president of Selznick-Alliance,
and his family are leaving Toronto for
Phoenix, Ariz., where he will take a complete
rest. He has resigned as manager of the
Avenue in the north end . Harry
Yudin of the Centre, Petersboro, played a
special Saturday morning showing of "Our
Vines Have Tender Grapes" without admission
charge as a boost for Brotherhood week.
A one-night stage revue was organized by
Manager Campbell for the Mountain at Hamilton
in addition to a double bill on the
screen and television in the foyer lounge
an operation two months ago
in a local hospital, Dewey Bloom is resting
in Arizona before returning to his desk as
promotion manager for MGM . . . Famous
Players Canadian has purchased the drive-in
at Brantford . Aliens are constructing
a drive-in at Kitchener and have taken over
operation of the one near Preston which is
owned by Pressford Theatres.
Toronto Marquee Battle
Reaches Civic Impasse
TORONTO—The civic works committee has
been unable to reach a decision on banning
protruding signs and marquees from a considerable
portion of Yonge street.
Joseph Singer and Executive Secretary
Arch H. JoUey of the Motion Picture Theatres
Ass'n of Ontario opposed permanent
removal of theatre marquees and were supported
by several other groups. The Bloor-
Yonge Businessmen's Ass'n asked, however,
that all signs be prohibited. Another meeting
will be called to hear other representations.
Meanwhile, Manager Clarke of Loew's had
a large temporary sign erected on the theatre
front without the blessing of the civic
government. Loew's took down its marquee
and sign last September to make room for
construction of the subway. Since then the
theatre has had to do without facial adornment.
A.t the Downtown, a 20th Century unit
farther up the street, the marquee also has
been restored—at least the half of it that
had to be taken down for the subway project.
Eddie Kay has been ticketed for musical director
for "A Modern Marriage," a Monogram
film.
108 BOXOPFICE :: March 4, 1950

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MARCH 4, 1950
Construction - Equipment * Yiamtenance

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Leading theatre managers
agree that only Kroehler
Push-Back— with its 12-
year history of proof-inuse—gives
the four success
qualities a theatre
needs:
PROVED ADVERTISING FEATURES
Outstanding advantages of Push-Back
Seats create valuable word-of-mouth
advertising.
PROVED COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Thousands of comfort-conscious patrons
heartily approve Kroehler Push-Back.
PROVED BOX OFFICE APPEAL
Push-Backs are real shovi/manship — permanent
salesmen that pay off at your box
office.
PROVED QUALITY AND DURABILITY
Day in, day out, in hundreds of theatres,
Push-Backs have proved sturdy, efficient,
durable.
Write or Wire Today
Chicago 11, III.
666 Loka Shor* Dri
New York IS, N. Y.
206 Lsxinglon Ave.
Lot Angele

Mii
nI i
R.K.O. Missouri Theatre, Kansas City, Mo.
Jauel Theatre, Mt. Clemens, Mich.
For a bigger box-office in 1950,
consider the looks of jour lobby today.
Business is on the carpet and carpet is our business
No theatre-owner today can afford a shabby, noisy
lobby. And nothing does more to make a lobby
handsome and soundless than the right carpet on the
floor. See your local Alexander Smith-AIasIand
theatre carpet contractor and ask him to show you
the new carpet weaves, colors, patterns, and
qualities. Ask him to suggest the carpet that will do
most for your lobby, at the price you can afford to
pay. Let him estimate the cost of re-carpeting
your aisles and powder rooms, too. His knowledge
and experience can save you time and money.
Manos Theatre, Urn
Phone the Alexander Smith-Masland contractor in
your city, today. Or write Alexander Smith-AIasland
Contract Department, 295 Fifth Avenue,
\ew York 16, New York.
Alexander Smith
and
C. H.Masland
CONTRACT CARPETS
29S Fifth Ai'enue, Nnv York 16, Neiu York
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
J

DGCQUSG • • • • Curtis equipment has an earnec/ reputation for performance
that is second to none in the industry
• Curtis units are built by a company with over 96 Years of
Successful Manufacturing Experience
• Competitively priced, Curtis units operate economically —
ore easily serviced
• Engineering help is provided (if needed) by Curtis Engineers
• New additions to the Curtis line provide the correct size
CENTRAL TYPE —
10 AND 15 TON
EVAPORATIVE CONDENSING UNITS, COOL-
ING TOWERS AND AIR HANDLING UNITS
and type for any installation,
assuring economy . . .
and Your clients will be pleased
with the quiet reliable performance
of Curtis Equipment.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950

USE COUPON NOW!
^THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
1 1 City Park Avenue TOLEDO 2, OHIO
I would like a demonstration of the Strong Mighty "90" in my theatre,
without cost or obligation.
Please send free literature on the | ] Mighty "90"; [ |
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Strong Arc Spotlamps;
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The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

MARCH 4, 1950
^TM
Vol. XVII No. 3
o n t n t
Design for Defeating Drafts F. Honerkamp 8
Diffuser Designs for Every Duty David A. Uiley 10
The Latest Display in Comfort Conditioning 12
Controlling Comfort at Little Cost Henry J. Wingate 14
Don't Be a Halfway Host W. W. Brooks 16
Brandt Opens Miami Beach Showhouse 19
Reconciling the Pharaohs to '50 20
A Ten-Strike in Conversion Hanns R. Teicbcrt 24
Putting the Parsley on Screen Presentation Groy Barker 32
A Promotional Program Pointed at Profits 39
A Courteous Staff Is the Best Public Relations
Agency Hugh J. Campbell 43
Promoting Profits with Playgrounds H. F. Reves 54
A Children's Fairyland Come True 59
DEPARTMENTS
Refreshment Service 39 New Equipment and
Developments 66
Reader's Bureau 51
^_;^^^^^^^^ 73
Drive-Ins 54 About People and Product 75
Advertising Index 52
ON THE COVER
Once in a great while a theatre will be built which embodies
the finest in technical and mechanical design plus the charm
of architectural beauty and the tasteful decoration of gracious
hospitality. The theatre whose auditorium is illustrated on
the cover of this month's issue is such a project. Shea's Theatre
in Ashtabula, Ohio, is shown here for the mechanical excellence
of its air circulation system. Air diffusers in the ceiling
provide patrons with draftless comfort, while the sweeping
lines of its interior design evoke esthetic appreciation.
KENNETH HUDNALL. Managing Editor HERBERT ROUSH. Sales Manager
Published the iirsl Saturday of each month by Associated Pubhcations and included as a
all section in editions of BOXOFFICE Editorial or general business correspondence relating
to The MODEHN THEATRE section should be addressed to the Pubhsher. 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. Eastern Representatives: A. J. Stocker and Ralph F.
Scholbe 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, N, Y. Central Representatives: Ewing Hutchison
and E E. Yeck, Room 1478 Pure Oil BIdg , 35 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago, 111. Western
Representative: Bob Wettstein, 672 So Lafayette Park Place, Los Angeles. Calil.
A

,
Figure Your Own
DESIGN FOR
DEFEATING
DRAFTS
by F. HONERKAMP*
As on example of scientificolly designed oir diUusers which blend into the smart decor of a
modern theatre, the above illustration is of the auditorium of the Elm Theatre at Elmwood, Conn.
Two large Anemostat diffusers serve the area in front of the balcony.
M

.
—
and sides of this rectangle are less than
four times the ceiling height. Therefore,
one large diffuser will satisfactorily handle
the section from balcony to stage and will
be placed at the center of the 57x45-foot
ceiling area.
We have one more theatre section to
consider; the projection booth. Here is a
volume of 2,940 cubic feet. Using the two
rules, we see that one diffuser placed in
the center of the 14x21 projection room
ceiling will be adequate.
SELECT TYPE AS WELL AS NUMBER
Having determined the location and
number of diffusers needed for the 600-
seat theatre, it is now necessary to select
the proper types and sizes. The total air
volume of all areas to be conditioned is
100,140 cubic feet. Since the air conditioning
equipment handles 18,000 cubic feet
of air every minute, the air will be changed
every 5.56 minutes or about 10.8 times every
hour.
Turning to a manufacturer's table, we
can quickly select the proper unit recommended
for high rates of air change, and
good for large cooling temperature differentials.
It is now necessary to determine maximum
neck velocity for use with this diffuser
under the four types of locations
In our case-history theatre. By checking
the table which shows the type of diffuser
chosen we find that Curve C covers
areas under theatre balconies and calls for
a maximum neck velocity of 1,075 feet per
minute (fpm) for the diffusers here when
placed 10 feet above the floor. Curve D,
for areas over balconies, indicates 1,375
fpm maximum neck velocity for ceiling
units at 14-foot height over the balcony,
1,500 fpm maximum neck velocity for the
ceiling unit that is 24 feet above the floor,
and 1,280 fpm maximum neck velocity for
the unit in the projection room.
DETERMINE REQUIREMENTS
Before selecting the required size of the
type of the diffuser chosen, it is necessary
to find how many cubic feet of aii- each
diffuser must handle every minute ( cfm
i
Under the balcony the volume of the enclosure
is 33x45x10 feet or 14,850 cubic
feet. Since the system changes the air
10.8 times every hour, the two diffusers
under the balcony must pass 1,335 cfm
apiece.
For the section over the balcony the
volume is 20,790 cubic feet. Since the system
changes air 10.8 times every hour, the
two diffusers over the balcony must pass
3,740 cfm, or 1,870 cfm apiece.
In the area from balcony to stage the
volume is 61,560 cubic feet. The single
diffuser for this section must pass 11,100
cfm. Finally, in the projection room the
single diffuser must pass 530 cfm.
Fi-om tables prepared by the Anemostat
Corp., it is now possible to determine the
necessary size of diffuser to deliver 1,400
cfm 11,335 cfm calculated requirement)
with a neck velocity of 1,000 fpm (maximum
allowable 1,075 fpm). The table also
shows this size unit can take care of a
radius of diffusion from 8 to 17 feet at
1,000 fpm neck velocity. Each diffuser
under the balcony serves an area 22V2X33
feet, thus the radius from the diffuser to
the nearest side wall is 11 "A feet and to
the farthest wall is 16 y2 feet—this is within
the specified limitations.
Again using this table for the diffusei's
over the balcony, the same size diffuser
will deliver 1,870 cfm (calculated requirement)
at 1,343 fpm neck velocity (interpolated)
which is under the maximum allowable
neck velocity calculated (1,375
fpm). The table also shows this size unit
can take care of a radius of diffusion from
9 to 20 feet at 1,300 fpm neck velocity.
Each diffuser over the balcony serves an
area 22'/2x33 feet, thus the radius from
the diffuser to the nearest side wall is llVi
feet and to the farthest wall is 16% feet
again within the specified limitations.
EMPLOY LARGER UNIT
Applying the table to selection of the
diffuser over the theatre section from balcony
to stage, a larger unit will deliver
11,810 cfm at 1,500 fpm neck velocity.
Calculated requirement was 11,100 cfm at
PIAN VIEW AT AUOITOSIUM CEIUNG
a neck velocity not to exceed 1,500 fpm.
Allowable radius of diffusion is from 26 to
53 feet at 1,500 fpm neck velocity. Actual
measurements between walls is 22 '/a feet
which is within the requirements.
In the projection room we find that the
proper diffuser will deliver 545 cfm (530
cfm calculated requirement) with a neck
velocity of 1,000 fpm. The table shows that
this unit can take care of a radius of
diffusion from 5 to 11 feet at 1,000 fpm
neck velocity. This diffuser actually
serves an area of 14x21 feet, thus the
radius from the diffuser to the nearest side
wall is 7 feet and to the farthest wall is
10 ('2 feet—this is within the specified requirements.
BASE SYSTEM ON DIFFUSER NEEDS
From the very simple steps outlined, it
should be quite obvious to theatremen
that they can take pencil in hand and can
do a bit of figuring themselves before
calling in the air conditioning experts.
True, many other problems must be solved
before final plans can be drawn, but once
the diffusers are selected and placed, then
the rest of the system is designed to fit
this picture.
Many attractive decorative effects can
be worked out by accommodating lighting
and air diffusion needs through use of
combination units. Other stimulating* architectural
motifs can be developed by
surrounding the diffuser unit with cove
lighting construction.
Choice of proper air diffusers is a vital
step in laying out a new system or in
eliminating troubles in old installations.
With this basic know-how, theatre owners
and operators can approach the problem
with increased understanding of proper
equipment requirements.
=15
2 T,pt AH 1 Aremoito ,
diHuicri 16" n«l dcom.,
40" outer cone d>om Copoolr
1400 UNOEI lAlCONT
BOXOFFICE March 4, 1950

as
Increased
Efficiency
With Added Beauty
A Feature of Modern
Air
Distribution
DIFFUSER DESIGNS FOR EVERY DUTY
by DAVID A. UTLEY*
iXECENT DEVELOPMENTS in air conditioning
have been accompanied by improvements
in air distribution equipment
to meet the requirements of every theatre
installation.
Some of the first theatre air distribution
outlets were cast iron ornamental plaster
grilles. Uncomfortable drafts and stratification
of the air in the theatre resulted
from the inefficient and uncontrolled air
flow from those grilles. Locating outlets
for decoration instead of efficient air distribution
resulted in dead air spaces.
A wide variety of air distribution outlets
are required for a modern theatre installation.
Units in entrances and lobbies must
harmonize with decoration. Return air
grilles located near the floor should be
constructed to withstand abuse. For maximum
occupancy comfort, ceiling outlets
should be adjustable to assure the most
satisfactory distribution. Supply air volume
and direction adjusters should be
tamper-proof.
Noise of supply air outlets is of major
consequence in theatre installations. In
hallways, auditoriums and lobbies the
maximum recommended noise level is 35
decibels. In offices and maintenance areas,
a level of 40 to 50 is satisfactory.
Wall mounted supply grilles are frequently
used for lobby or entrance air distribution
where appearance and performance
should both be considered when selecting
a grille. A large number of small
openings are preferred to a small number
of large openings, for large holes are dark
and detract from the unit appearance.
Levers or knobs protruding from the out-
'Electrical Division, Barber-Colmcm Co.
let which collect dust and break the smooth
surface can be eliminated by outlets with
hidden volume and deflection adjusters.
Removable cores are desirable for easy
cleaning of core and duct and for ease of
redecoration without marring the surrounding
wall.
Adjustable air deflection is desirable for
grilles in theatre lobbies where room decorations
may not permit a fixed deflection
supply grille in a location for most efficient
air distribution. Adjustable grilles
can also be set for even distribution
throughout an irregularly shaped space.
Where outside doors leading into these
areas are open a large part of the time,
comfortable temperatures can be maintained
by installing a grille which mixes
incoming fresh air quickly with room air.
Grilles with curved surfaces for installation
in round corners or columns are available
shown.
'
Circular or linear ceiling outlets may
also be installed in theatre lobbies as shown
Ways in which air diffusers can be fitted to the architectural requirements of the modern theatre
are shown above by the curving wall grilles used in this lobby in combination with the flat cold air
return grilles
near the floor.
10 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

March
For
Your
Cooling
Checklist
System
Now IS the time to clean and lubricate
all equipment.
In this auditorium the large air diftusers down the center of the ceiling have been used so they
become a part of the decorative scheme. In an otherwise angular room they add softening curves.
in the installation of a circular combination
supply and exhaust ceiling outlet
Supply air is distributed
( above left i . through the outside opening of the unit.
Return air flows through the center opening.
This outlet is equipped with baffles
which direct supply air to the remote hallway
and staii-well areas. Vertical directional
adjustment of the supply air within
certain limits is made with the screw in
the center of the unit. Equalization of
temperature is obtained by a design which
rapidly mixes room and supply air. These
units are well suited for existing buildings
where the structure does not permit
returns in the walls, or where side wall
returns are subjected to abuse.
In small theatre auditoriums, grilles
mounted in the front wall will produce
satisfactory air distribution. These units
deflect supply air toward the back wall.
Return air flows to the front of the space
along the floor to returns under the supply
outlets. This outlet location produces continuous
circulation throughout the theatre
auditorium.
Supply grilles in the rear walls are not
recommended as the resulting air motion
on patrons' backs may prove uncomfortable.
Where auditorium length is greater
than width, air circulation from outlets in
front walls may produce objectionable floor
drafts. Furthermore, grille face velocities
required to throw supply air to the rear
of the area often produce an objectionable
noise.
Satisfactory air distribution in these
areas can be obtained with ceiling supply
outlets. These units distribute air in a
circular pattern to produce circulation
from one wall to the other. This cross
circulation permits air return through side
wall outlets, which reduce the air volume
flowing to the front of the area and minimize
floor drafts. Small returns under the
seats may also be used to reduce floor
drafts.
Regardless of the type of supply outlets
used, exhaust grilles should be installed in
balconies to minimize air flow from the
balcony front which otherwise proves uncomfortable
to main floor patrons.
Balconies often interfere with the air
circulation and produce a dead air space
underneath which can be eliminated by
the installation of ceiling supply outlets
under the balcony.
The supply units shown in the theatre
auditorium, above, are similar in appearance
to the combination outlets which cannot
be used in high ceiling installations
since the warm supply air will not reach
the floor level before reaching the return.
Early air circulation grilles of this style were
dust catchers and often inefficient. They were
eyesores in decoration because of the black
areas they injected into wall treatment, also.
For harmony with the interior decoration,
outlets for theatres are available in
a wide selection of finishes. Metalescent
or electroplated metal coating harmonize
with almost all types of decoration. Where
these finishes are not satisfactory, outlets
with a prime coat can be painted to blend
with any interior. Care should be taken
to choose a fini.sh which will not chip
easily. This is particularly important in
floor level return grilles which may be
damaged by occupants.
In conclusion, air distribution outlets
are available for any theatre installation.
These outlets are designed for long life
and adjustability for satisfactory performance
in any area. The wide selection of
finishes makes possible complete harmony
with outlet and surrounding decoration.
Check your dampers to see if they
are properly adjusted.
If you have acquired new employes,
show them the location of
switches, dampers and valves involved
in the operation. Instruct them in
the proper use of the control equipment.
If you have a refrigeration unit,
the best advice is to get a competent
refrigeration service man out to do
the checking for you.
If your system includes a cooling
tower or evaporative condenser for
saving water, follow the manufacturer's
instructions for starting operation
after shutdown. All manufactm'ers
furnish such instructions and
if yours have been lost, write for replacement.
If your refrigeration system
does not include water-saving
equipment, investigate its benefits in
lower operating cost for your system
as well as greater efficiency for your
machinery.
If your equipment is limited to a
fan or blower, chances are the inlets
or outlets were blocked for the winter.
Make sure all blockades are open for
tlie
season.
Clean air passages of dust and debris
for best results.
If your system also is used for
heating, look for additional dampers
in air passages between blower and
heating unit, or heater and auditorium
and see that they are closed.
If your cooling unit is an air washer,
see that all nozzles are clean and
discharging a fine spray in uniform
pattern. Test the pump and motor,
see that packing glands are adjusted
to prevent binding and leakage, that
motor is protected from water and
dampness. Make sure the overflow
is open.
If your system is the evaporative
tjTJe, using pads or mats, start out
the season with new ones.
Where well water is used for cooling,
see that the pumping equipment
is in condition. Clean the coils of
dirt and lint.
Wherever there are dust filters,
replace or clean.
BOXOFTICE March 4, 1950 11

The Latest Display in
Comfort Conditioning
Ew DEVELOPMENTS IN vai'ious kinds
NI
of air conditioning displayed at the recent
Southwest Air Conditioning Exposition
in Dallas, Tex., covered numerous innovations
to increase theatre customer
comfort in both winter and summer.
Attendance at the exposition, which was
sponsored by the American Society of
Heating and Ventilating Engineers as part
of their 56th annual meeting, approached
alltime records with more than 8,000 registrations
during the week.
According to the comments of veterans
in the business, most promising advances
were displayed in the development of selfcontained
or free-standing heating and
cooling units for theatres.
On display was the heater claimed to
be "the world's largest fully automatic rotary
oil burner" with a capacity of 210
gallons of No. 6 oil an hour, said to be
sufficient to heat a 2,000-room building
in zero weather.
To increase indoor comfort, one manufacturer
showed a portable electric dehumidifier
capable of extracting as much
as 12 quarts of water from the atmosphere
within 24 hours. The same manufacturer
now offers cooling units for rooms
in ceiling, wall and floor models and a
window cooler with directional grilles for
creating whatever air distribution pattern
is desired.
Also on preview were models of a compact,
self-contained air conditioner for
medium-sized commercial applications
with a sealed tamper-proof cooling system,
as service-free as any domestic refrigerator
can be expected to be. It has
a newly developed V-shaped coil designed
to act as an "airwringer" to give greater
cooling and dehumidifying capacity
through more efficient air passage. This
unit is also equipped with a so-called "Atmostat"
which functions as a humidity
balancer and enables the condenser to
wring additional moisture from the air on
excessively damp days, without reducing
the temperature below the comfort level.
New developments in filtration seen for
the first time at the show included an
electrostatic precipitator in packaged
form, compact and completely self-contained.
Adapters, suitably baffled for
correct air distribution, facilitate its introduction
into any warm air furnace or
air conditioning system.
As was expected, gas heaters were numerous
at the exposition. Because of the
steadily increasing demand for steel boilers,
a de luxe model shown at Dallas is completely
jacketed, quiet, economical and is
rated at 100,000 b.t.u. per hour. Yet it
stands only 45 inches high and its cylindrical
shell is but 20 inches in diameter.
A twin-fuel burner which operates selectively
on gas or oil, permits the use of
gas under normal conditions but furnishes
the higher heating capacity of oil during
cold snaps. Twin thermostats are used
with this system. The usual indoor thermostat
normally controls the heat supply
in the usual way, while a second outdoor
thermostat automatically shuts off the gas
and cuts in the oil when a predetermined
low temperature is reached.
Baseboard heating, which continues to
attract a great deal of attention, was demonstrated
in several ways at the exposition.
One manufacturer showed a newstyle
cover for securing a balanced flow
of radiation and convection. This provides
constant radiation, but controllable
convection by means of adjustable louvers
behind slotted openings in the cover.
Air distribution for the more elaborate
heating and ventilating systems continues
to produce improvements. One of the better
known specialists in this field has come
forward this year with a new universal
diffuser, easy to install and simple to
adjust, which provides three distinct methods
of distribution by a twist of the wrist.
In one setting a draftless horizontal pattern
is produced, such as is used primarily
in cooling. A second adjustment
provides an intermediate downward pattern
used in heating and ventilating, while
the third setting affords a direct downward
discharge used in projection heating.
Many exhibits of materials, supplies and
equipment that are required for the installation
of air conditioning equipment
constituted an important segment of the
exposition. New this year is an aluminum
faced fiberglas insulating blanket for
gravity and forced warm air furnaces and
packaged unit space heaters. It comes in
one-half and one-inch thickness, 36 and 54
inches wide and is readily cut to pattern
and easily applied in shop or field work.
These two scenes from the Southwest Air Conditioning Exposition held in late January in Dallas,
Tex.,
indicate scope of the show where equipment for both cooling and heating were demonstrated.
12
Tho MODERN THEATRE SECTION

n
wMe
%(Mmikm(mvM
IN
Lobby, State Theatre,
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
C. Howard Crane & Associates,
Architects.
MORE WAYS THAN ONE!
A ceramic mosaic floor in
Sotithtown Theatre, Chicago, Illinois,
Rapp & Rapp;
Architects & Engineers.
Theatre owners know there is no substitute for walls and
floors of genuine Mosaic Ceramic Tile ... no other
material takes wear so well, costs so little to maintain.
New application methods reduce the cost of Mosaic Tile to a
point where theatre owners say they just can't afford to use
othermaterials—while thenow famous Harmonitone Line provides
a delightful color choice to fit every architectural plan.
Whether you plan theatre building or remodeling, be sure
to see Mosaic Wall and Floor Tile before you buy. Ask
your architect, builder, tile contractor, or write Dept. 4-12,
The Mosaic Tile Company, Zanesville, Ohio, for complete
information.
THE MOSAIC TILE COMPANY
(Member— Tile Council of America)
OFFICES IN
PRINCIPAL CITIES
OVER 3000 DEALERS TO SERVE YOU
MOSAIC
BOXOFTICE :: March 4, 1950 13

Proper
Insulation
Is the Basis of
CONTROLLING
COMFORT AT
LITTLE COST
by HENRY J. WINGATE
In addition to Adier display letters and frames, the new Odeon
Hyland Theatre in Toronto, Canada, incorporates thorough insulation
OS the basis of highly efficient weather-conditioning.
A.• LTHouGH THE MOTION PICTURE theatre
industry pioneered the use of aircooling
more than a quarter of a century
ago, many theatres, even in metropolitan
centers, still drive patronage away during
the summer months because of their hot
interiors. Admission price reductions recently
put into effect have failed to bolster
attendance in many uncomfortable houses.
On the other hand, managers of comfortably
cool theatres find that even when
a poor picture is billed, attendance holds
up because many patrons come in "just to
cool off."
Air-cooling was once an expensive undertaking
and out of reach of most 200
and 300-seat houses, but self-contained
cooling units now available have largely
overcome this drawback. Newly-introduced
ten-ton equipment has been especially
designed for theatre installation at
relatively low cost. One cooler of this size
has been developed for use with evaporative-type
condensers in localities where
water supply or drainage is limited, where
water rates are prohibitive, or where ordinances
restrict water usage.
The $400 or $500 cost of installing each
ton of refrigeration may still be beyond
the means of many small theatres, but
owners can go a long way toward solving
their summer comfort problem if they will
properly insulate the roofs of their buildings,
according to studies made by the
U.S. Bureau of Standards.
Since there is an enormous penetration
of heat through roofs, which often reach
temperatures of 140-150 degrees, the Bureau
of Standards conducted tests to determine
how this could be corrected. "The
results show that a lath-and-plaster or
equivalent ceiling exposed directly to heat
of the attic will be so hot on warm summer
days as to add materially to the discomfort
of persons in the room below," the
Bureau stated after completing the tests.
As a part of its investigation ceiling temperatures
were lowered as much as 16
degrees after installing full-thick insulation
above the ceiling thus cooling the
interior of the room to a temperature
cooler than outside air.
On an August afternoon when outside
air temperature was 93 degrees, the underside
of the roof tested by the Bureau was
138 degrees and air in the attic was
130. Almost half of this superheated air
passed on through the uninsulated ceiling
into the room below in which thermometers
showed a temperature of 106, 13
degrees hotter than outside air.
In order to seek a solution to the problem,
one part of the ceiling was insulated
with full-thick batts of mineral wool and
one portion of the ceiling was left uninsulated.
Ceiling temperature where there
was no insulation was 106.2 degrees, while
the ceiling beneath the incombustible mineral
wool was only 90.8 degrees, more than
2 degrees cooler than the air in the street.
In other experiments, the government
scientists tried various types and thickness
of insulating materials and found that
there was only two-tenths of one degree
of difference between the coolest insulation
and full-thick batts of mineral wool.
After these exhaustive tests which covered
several weeks in the hottest period
of summer, the Bureau of Standards experts
reached these conclusions:
"A room with only a plastered ceUing
between the occupants and the roof will
not be comfortable on hot summer days.
Blanket or loose fill insulation put on top
of the ceiling will greatly improve conditions."
Mineral wool is the type of blanket and
loose fill insulation most widely used, approximately
two-thirds of all building insulating
material sold today being rock
wool, slag wool or glass wool, according to
the U.S. Department of Commerce. Since
it is of mineral origin, the substance cannot
burn; hence needs no chemical treatment
to resist fire.
Application is simple and inexpensive in
most theatres, for if the space between
theatre roof and auditorium ceiling is large
enough to admit a workman, batts or
blankets of mineral wool are quickly fitted
between the ceiling joists. If the space
is too small for a man to w^ork, openings
are made in the roof and loose, nodulated
mineral wool is blown pneumatically to a
depth of four inches over the ceUing. From
a truck parked beside the building, the
blowing hose is carried up to the roof and
all work is done quietly from outside with
no interruption of theatre business.
Because all buildings vary in design, size
and construction, it is impossible to lay
down an exact yardstick on insulating cost.
Usually, it comes to about ten cents per
square foot of insulated area. Most theatre
owners report that the job pays for
itself within three or four years because
full-thick insulation saves upwards of 30
per cent of their fuel bills each heating
season. It likewise reduces cost of operating
a mechanical cooling system since excessive
heat is kept out of the theatre and
the cooling machinery need not be operated
continuously.
The theatre owner who insulates his
building also will find that when the time
comes to install a cooling system, the
cost of this equipment will be reduced since
the insulation allows a plant of smaller
capacity.
14
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

-d3B
15
jSECnOsI BOXOFFICE
••. March 4. 1950

DON'T BE A
HALFWAY HOST
Attention to
Good Design
In Restrooms
Pays a Profit
by
W. W. BROOKS*
J. HERE IS MORE TO Operating successful
theatres than showing first-rate
films.
Managers of many new theatres are
quick to point out that an efficient, sanitary
and thoroughly modern set of restrooms
has a definite effect on patron goodwill.
They also recommend up-to-date
restrooms for theatre employes.
In the past little if any serious attention
was given to patron lounges and toilet
rooms. They were often small and inadequate
for the theatre's size, located wherever
space was available and rarely for
convenience. Above all, the appearance
and sanitary conditions were seldom in
keeping with the rest of the house.
The new viewpoint toward lounges and
toilet rooms is clearly illustrated by the
Carnegie Theatre, the first completely new
theatre to be built in Chicago in nine years.
Erected in the heart of the famed Gold
Coast, the Carnegie received the benefit
of plumbing foresight not only in two
patron restrooms but in three smaller toilet
rooms for employes.
As can be seen in the pictures, the Carnegie
restrooms combine the ultimate in
utility with the last word in glamor. Color
—bright and cheerful—appears in both
restrooms. with emphasis, of course, on
the women's lounge.
Highlighting both restrooms are the
latest types of necessary plumbing fixtures
—lavatories, water closets, and urinals. All
are wall-hung except the water closets for
easy, quick floor-cleaning and to reduce
the amount of visible plumbing. Modernization
of an existing theatre can be
carried on with this in mind with amazing
improvement in appearance.
The two urinals in the Carnegie men's
room flush automatically every 90 seconds.
This will save an impressive total of water
in a year and also guarantees that they
are regularly drained.
Two wall-hung lavatories in this toilet
room sparkle with their smooth white surfaces
and chromium-plated brass fittings.
A flat back ledge, similar to that on lavatories
in the home, provides a handy resting
place for glasses, combs, etc., and other
personal belongings while the lavatory user
is washing his hands.
The fittings consist of two valve handles
for the hot and cold water, plus a single
mixing faucet, and a drain knob—all closely
grouped for quick use. The faucet is
'Plumbing and Heating Industries Bureau
16 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

well above the lavatory rim to prevent
back-siphonage. Back-siphonage, capable
of contaminating the theatre's entire pure
water supply, occurs when a faucet partially
submerged in a filled lavatory basin,
sucks the basin water back into the piping.
Placing the faucet well above the highest
level of basin water prevents this condition
from happening and insures a clean
drinking water supply. The licensed master
plumber adheres to this and many other
essential plumbing rules when he installs
fixtures, fittings and piping.
Soap dispensers between the lavatories
and a long, well-lighted mirror complete
this part of the men's restroom. Instead
of cloth or paper towels, the Carnegie
men's room features a pedal-operated
hand-dryer with an ample hot air flow.
Water closets for this restroom are
floor-based and show the newest design
lines. Seats are hard rubber, have open
fronts, and may be swiftly cleaned with
soap and hot water. Mounted on the rear
of the bowls are chromium-plated brass
automatic flush valves, especially designed
for public use.
The color scheme for the men's room
is a dubonnet tile with the upper part of
the walls a lighter shade of this wine color.
The eye-appealing women's restroom at
the Carnegie boasts of a spacious "primping
lounge." Modernistic, backless chairs
of orange-red in front of a ceiling-high
mirror afford comfortable seats. Two
beige walls and ceiling, one brightly printed
wall, and a green rug offer the ladies
an interesting color scheme.
Three floor-based water closets with
sturdy flush valves, two wall-hung lavatories,
and a cloth towel rack are the
principal women's room fixtures. Like the
men's room, the water closets here are
placed in individual enclosures for complete
privacy. The partitions are raised
above the floor to facilitate cleaning.
On the second floor are three separate
restrooms for exclusive use of the theatre
employes, each heated with a small free
standing convector. Each restroom contains
a small, wall-hung lavatory and a
floor-based water closet.
M. B. Lang, Carnegie manager, says of
the theatre, "It's nothing fancy—merely
functional, comfortable, beautiful, with
every convenience for patrons which wc
thought a theatre should have.
"Since we have such a fine plumbing
arrangement with two large restrooms for
patrons and three employe washrooms on
the second floor, I know now that to skimp
on sanitary facilities is poor economy."
Theatre managers thinking in terms of
more business in 1950 can take a tip from
the Carnegie: don't neglect the plumbing.
It is reasonably safe to assume that more
than half the patrons at each showing of
a feature will use the restrooms. From
patron reactions to theatre plumbing will
come an unconscious public relations program.
They will spread the word—good or
bad—about individual theatres.
Considering the Customer's Comfort
The Carnegie includes a radio-television salon where conversational
groupings of lounge-type furniture invite relaxation. A teletype printer
provides the latest press association news flashes, augmented by two television
sets and several radios. Of further interest to patrons are two
broadcasting studios where interviews and other programs are broadcast.
The salon, below, is decorated in sage green. Clocks, giving the time
in various world capitals, adorn the wall above the teletype printer.
Soft shades of green, highlighted by bleached wood trim, carry out
the color scheme in the lobby. Recessed against one wall is the Sweets
Bar, which is equipped to provide soft drinks, candy, popcorn and ice
cream. The lobby. Sweets Bar and salon entrance are shown above.
Nucleus of the $400,000 project is the compact auditorium. A maximum
of comfort and quietness has been achieved with perfect screenvisibility
from any of the 500 Kroehler Push-Back seats. Also designed
with employe convenience in mind, the spacious projection room contains
modern equipment and ample room for subsequent addition of largescreen
television.
Efficiency is increased by locating the boxoffice next to the manager's
office, eliminating the necessity of locking doors and running back
and forth with change and safe deposits.
BOXOFnCE March 4, 1950

My Best Supporting Feature is
CHRYSLER AIRTEMP
"^.1^5
®
4
ed Radial Compressor
essure lubricated and
for silent operation.
AIRTEMP

BRANDT OPENS
MIAMI BEACH
SHOWHOUSE
MEZZANINE LOUNGE WITH WINDOW WALL
FOYER, DIVANS AND REFRESHMENT COUNTER
NOVEL PROSCENIUM FRAMES SCREEN
BOXOFTICE :: March 4, 1950
VV iTH ITS MARQUEE projecting over the sidewalk atop a gradual
rise of several blocks and its glassed-in mezzanine overlooking
a scenic waterway, Brandt's new Roosevelt Theatre in
Miami Beach is a dominant force In the shopping center it
serves.
Decoration of the luxury house has been kept in harmony
with the tropical beauty of the locale. Lush plantings in white
containers carry out the theme of the specially-designed carpeting
which also features the night blooming Cereus for which
the city is famous.
The lobby, candy and popcorn bar is at the right of the entrance
and fits smoothly into the general decoration. Walls are
pale gray. Plastic-covered divans with curved backs have white
framed mirrors above them which follow in curved lines the
divan backs.
Indirect lighting fixtures between the mirrors diffuse pastel
wall coloring. Office of Eddie Linda, manager, is at the front
of the lobby to the left. Doors leading to the auditorium are
tufted with red leather.
The auditorium, with mezzanine above, employs an unusual
cut-out effect to frame the curtain. Ceiling spots, as well as
indirect lighting in walls and ceiling, furnish low-level illumination
over the entire auditorium.
The mezzanine is reached by a winding, carpeted stairway
at the front of the house. A deep-green wall, with modernistic
mural, faces the stair well. Other walls are covered with a
waterproof, scratchproof wall paper in deep green, accented
with small modernistic figures in reds and greens and yellows,
similar to those of the mural. The entire front is illumined
by spots on top of the marquee outside.
Located on the mezzanine lounge are telephone booths, deep
lounging chairs and sofas and the ladies' and gentlemen's
lounges.
CREDITS
Air Conditioning: Chrysler Airfemp
Architect: Albert Anis
Projector:
Screen:
Seating:
Century
Cycloramic
Ideal
19

Few Touches
Necessary
In Brightening The
F
Famous Egyptian Theatre
RECONCILING
THE
PHARAOHS TO '50
Inside the lobby of the remodeled Egyptian
Theatre is the world's largest theatre mural,
measuring 20x24. Done in primary colors it
depicts the glory of ancient Igypt.
BEFORE
AFTER
X HE ENDURING QUALITY of true beauty is proved by the
alterations recently made on the famous Egyptian Theatre in
Hollywood designed almost three decades ago for Sid Grauman,
and now a key house in the United Artists Theatre Circuit on
the west coast.
The changing concept of theatre accommodations is reflected
in vastly enlarged refreshment service facilities. The modern
trend to simplicity is accented by the exchange of ornate decoration
around the theatre entrance and outdoor lobby for a
modem vertical concrete and steel sign tower carrying the theatre's
name in gold neon script.
A practice of "opening up" the front of an indoor theatre by
the use of large expanses of plate glass doors and partitions was
followed in remodeling the Egyptian by moving the boxoffice
from the center of the entrance to the left side of the lobby,
giving a clear sweep down the promenade area to the Herculite
doors which give access to the foyer.
Outstanding among the additions of decorator John Vassos
are two murals. One, measuring 20x24 feet, is said to be the
largest theatre mural in the world. Placed just within the entrance
doors, this mural depicts the glory of ancient Egypt in
symbols of modem art.
Refreshment faciUties have been enlarged from a simple candy
display case in the foyer to an exotic area containing a 24-foot
curved counter set in an alcove with walls decorated in a gay
circus panorama of trained animals, clowns, trapeze artists and
other specialty acts.
As in the outdoor lobby, seating in the refreshment area is
provided by free form chairs and settees resembling seated
human figures.
Designed by one of California's outstanding landscape artists, the preentry
court of the Egyptian is vivid with the beauty of California's flowers.
Interest in the area is highlighted at night by dramatic spotlighting
thrown on colorful backgrounds.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

m'^n^fki
ii'f'ff'i
F-.-^-'^iil
^Kt
I't'

THERE IS MO
SUBSTITUTE FOR.-
DRAFTLESS AIR DISTRIBUTION
Install
Three New
Simplex Projectors
. . insist on Anemostat
Even though you've installcJ the hncst temperature
controls, compressor, blower, ducts
and other air conditioning equipment in your
theatre, your entire system will be a "dud"
iftheairdiffuskn isfaulty. Don't take a chance
with "substitutes" .
Draftless Air Diffusers.
For Anemostat Air Diffusers distribute air
at 'any required velocity in predetermined
patterns. Anemostats instantly equalize temperature
and humidity — completely eliminate
drajfs, thus bringing maximum comfort
to every seat in the house.
There is a type of Anemostat,
pleasing in appearance,
for the solution of
ei'ery air distribution problem.
Illustrated is the new
Type C-1 ceiling Anemostat
which is adjustable to
meet changing conditions
of occupancy or seasonal
weather variations.
Remember. ..there is no stihstitttte for Anemostat
Draftless Air Distribution. For the complete
satisfaction of your patrons and for
long-range economy, install Anemostats in
both new and existing heating, ventilating
and air conditioning systems.
Within a short space of time following
national announcement of the new Simplex
XL projector mechanism, the installation
of three new projectors employing the new
mechanism was made in the Mercury Theatre
at Elmwood Park, 111. The theatre's
projection booth is shown above.
Additional equipment included Peerless
Magnarc lamps. Simplex C-60 dual channel
sound system with A-2 Voice of the
Theatre loud speaker system, Bausch &
Lomb Super Cinephor f:2.0 projection
lenses and 2 Hertner transverters.
The front wall of the booth is entirely
free of conduit. The floor is of insulating
cork and the booth is fluorescent lighted.
The Mercury is owned and operated by
Howard J. Beck & Associates.
That's because Anemostats provide an exclusive
aspiration effect which siphons room
air into the device where it is mixed, within
the unit, with supply air before it is discharged
in a multiplicity of planes.
ANEMOSTAT
DRAFTLESS Aspirating air diffusers
ANEMOSTAT CORPORATION OF AMERICA
10 E.4ST 39th STREET, NEW YORK 16, N. Y.
REPRESENTATIVES I>' PRINClPAl, CITIES
GOLDE AUTOMATIC ENCLOSED
......MWIND ALWAYS
\ ' WORKS!
ond jatel U. I. approved. Ellminolej fire ha
Poiitivo friction ... con'l clinch film, Till-bock case...
reeli can't fly off. Microswilch lofely cut off ... when
®*
door openj or film breal(s. motor stops.
At better theatre supply dealers.
GOLDE MANUFACTURING CO.
1220-A W. Madison St., Chicajo 7, U.S.A.
To respond to this advertisemetit, use postagepaid
card at page 51. using this ad's Key Number
- 22B.
The sectional view shows how the Anemostat air diffuser
provides draftless comfort by means of the aspiration
principle ... an exclusive Anemostat feature.
"No air conditioning system
ed
is better than its
air distribution"
DISPLAY FRAMES
Sealuxe purchasers invest
Others spend
Increase Exhibit Space
At 1950 TESMA Show
The 1950 trade show and convention
of the Theatre Equipment & Supply Manufacturers
Ass'n will be held October 8
through October 11 at the Stevens Hotel in
Chicago, according to a recent announcement.
Preliminary plans for the meeting were
discussed during a recent visit of TESMA
President Oscar P. Neu to the organization's
new national offices in Hollywood. Exhibits
will officially open at noon, Sunday, October
8 and close on Wednesday, October 11.
Due to the fact that many manufacturers
of theatre equipment requested exhibit
space last year too late to be accommodated,
it was decided to increase the exhibit
area to accommodate 125 booths.
The general TESMA business meeting
will be held on Tuesday morning and will
be preceded by a breakfast for TESMA
members. A meeting of the TESMA board
of directors and officers will be held on
Sunday. TESMA Secretary Roy Boomer
stated that already many manufacturers
have requested space, but that no space
will be allotted until the floor plans have
been completed and the prospectus mailed
to TESMA members, about May 1.
22 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

^^MORE PATRONS
aC LESS COST mm' Lj
TYPHOON
PACKAGED
AIR CONDITIONERS
give you all the benefits of a
costly central plant system with
none of the disadvantages
Furthermore, by distributing cool
air at the audience level only,
Typhoon eliminates the big v/aste
factor of cooling the air near the
ceiling. For practical, eflficient,
thrifty air conditioning, plan on
Typhoon! —
yF
TYPHOONS
POINTS TO BETTER
AIR CONDITIONING
\^ CHEAPER TO BUY: Up to 25%
lower initial cost than central plant
2,
3^
system.
CHEAPER TO OPERATE: No waste
cooling of upper area, no loss in
ducts. Thermostats turn off individual
units when not needed.
FASTER TO INSTALL: No walls to
tear down, no ducts to build. Con
be in operation in 5 days.
4, ZONE CONTROL: Individual thermostats
maintain even temperatures
5^
in every port of the hoose.
SUPPLEMENTS YOUR PRESENT
SYSTEM: Where present system is
inadequate, unit may be added
for auxiliary cooling.
^^
7^
8.
9.
WRINGS OUT MOISTURE: Designed
especially to do the big dehumidifying
job required for theatre
air
conditioning.
YEAR ROUND AIR CONDITION-
ING: With the addition of heating
coils, the unit may be used for
perfect winter conditioning.
RUGGEDLY ENGINEERED: Oversize
parts insure full-rated capacity.
Factory-tested features add up to
trouble-free performance.
QUIET OPERATION: Sound baffled
cabinet, low speed compressor and
floating spring base eliminate noise,
vibration.
AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEM
All the elements of a costly central
plont in a compact unit!
Units: 1 ' 2 to 20-ton—a size for every
type of theatre.
VJrWe for a suggested plan for your theofre.
TYPHOON AIR CONDITIONING CO., INC.
794 UNION STREET BROOKLYN 15, N. Y.
BOXOFFICE
:: March 4, 1950

A
TEN-STRIKE
IN
CONVERSION
Soufh-Side Chicago Bowling Alley
Is Transformed Info De Luxe Theafre
Xt is a long way, functionally
speaking, from a bowling alley to a theatre
offering the best of modern comfort and
decor to its patrons, but the 875-seat Stony
Theatre on Chicago's south side has just
made that remarkable transition. Pi-om its
richly attractive exterior of striated marble,
modern marquee and lobby-wide expanse
of heavy glass doors to its back wall,
the design proves what imagination and
discernment can accomplish for the small
theatre.
But to start at the beginning, the Stony
Theatre, owned by the Stony Theatre
Corp. of which Mr. George GoUos is president,
was opened 30 years ago. It was
changed to a bowling alley until being
reopened as a theatra on Fi'iday the 13th
of January of this year. Not only does
the Stony seem above and beyond superstition
but very well set for a third period
of public service. Its interior is as practical
as it is smart and compelling.
As evidence of the perfection of detail
in the Stony, we start with a quiet but
effective scroll motif in the carpeting of
the area shown above. The shades of deep
red prove this selection a practical one as
its gentle curves fit in with the flowing
motifs of the overall decorations in highly
dynamic treatment of bold blue-green,
chartreuse, coral and gray against a deeply
corrugated background of neutral sand.
These wall abstractions serve to balance
the otherwise severely straight architectural
lines of the lobby. Further graceful
modulations are to be found in the "gard:n
setting" with its lannon-stone base,
well-scaled white tree, and brilliant planting
of plastic greenery. This area, between
one wall section of chartreuse and a contrasting
wall of deep blue-green, is dramatically
lighted by a well-placed downlight
and forms an arresting focal point
for patrons' eyes.
Another softening feature is the trim
hedge of greenery in its bleached oak boxing
under the well-proportioned expanse
of mirror, which appears to double the
size of the lobby. The ceiling, vibrant bluegreen,
provides a needed complementary
color for the solid expanse of red carpeting.
As can be seen in the mirror reflection,
the opposite side of the lobby is fitted
*Hann3 R Teicherl Decorating Co,
by HANNS R. TEICHERT*
with a refreshment bar conveniently placed
at the patron's right hand as he enters.
The concession stand is incorporated into
the decorations of the room through the
emphasis of a bright chartreuse background
wall and a ceiling which is cut rhythmically
with a white free-form outline. The wood
of the counter is bleached oak which adds
a great deal to the dignity of the whole
area. This, together with brilliant lighting,
makes the refreshment bar an attraction
of real impact.
Between the bar and the front doors is
the coming-attraction board treated with
the same custom-made effect. Here, within
a beveled bleached oak frame indirectly
lighted from the top, coming attraction
advertising is placed against a background
of crushed plush in the red tones of the
carpet. When seen from the outside
24 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

through the expanse of full-width heavy
glass doors, this colorful, dynamic and compelling
interior seems to almost draw the
patron right into the theatre.
The lobby immediately outside the auditorium
which might have been a rather
monotonous area as far as wall proportions
and space are concerned actually
offers visual variety and interest to spare,
as shown at the right. The length of the
ceiling is camouflaged by the use of dark
blue-green paint and the spacing of the
plastic lighting fixtures which are brilliant
decorative additions without being at all
glaring.
To open up the somewhat confined
space, wall decorations are executed in
clear chartreuse, with small interspersed
panels of deep blue-green over doors and
on the end wall for the necessary "change
of pace." The walls between the auditorium
doors support hand-painted panels
of a nonobjective conception, each one different,
yet all related in color and imaginative
strength. They are worked out in
solid blocks of color with clean superimposed
lines of the same hues as those
flanking the front mirror, although the
effect against this Ught chartreuse background
is refreshingly different.
By now perhaps a small reservation has
come to mind as to these same light backgrounds.
Public space walls such as these
are called upon to take a lot of abuse, and
these can take it, for a new plastic material,
requiring only the touch of a damp
cloth to remove marks, has been applied.
Thus science has come to the aid of art
in practically eliminating a most troublesome
theatre maintenance problem.
Directly opposite the second auditorium
door is an areaway to the mezzanine stairs.
An unexpected lift is given this niche by
completely reversing the previous color
scheme. The floor covering is a lively green
and the walls a vibrant red taken from
one of the tones of the carpet. On the
wall facing the auditorium doors is a
dscorative composition similar to those just
described, and in the same colors, but being
painted loosely on the red wall it gives the
theme an entirely new quality of color.
A NARROW HALL IS BROKEN UP WITH GAY ABSTRACTIONS
The color scheme established here follows
up through the mezzanine where the
red walls are toned down by interspersing
sections of relieving blue-green and neutral
gray. Against this background are placed
comfortable sectional chairs upholstered in
smart gray and lighter red textured wool.
This furniture is flanked by tables of limed
oak. Lighting is provided by a central
many-armed brushed-brass fixture of
graceful and smart design. This whole area
forms a most pleasant and convenient
lounge serving the adjoining restrooms.
In the smartly-decorated auditorium of
the Stony the ceiling and dado of midnight
blue counterbalance the red seats,
forming solid blocks of powerful color
against which the over-scaled sidewall
murals are doubly effective. Here, against
chartreuse walls, is a panoramic composition
of tree and plant forms suggesting
a landscape abstraction.
executed in fluorescent blues, greens, reds,
grays and off-white so that when the general
illumination is turned off, the "black
Its free forms are
1-ght ' composition glows brilliantly. In fact,
it is rich and vibrant in color to a degree
not usually encountered, for it is activated
by a new type of tube that can be seen
extending out from either side of the round
lights.
The officers of the Stony Theatre Corp.
are to be congratulated in meeting and
overcoming the architectural handicaps in
converting this bowling alley into the gracious,
forceful theatre it has become. Areas
and proportions were such that it could
easily have been just another "shoe box"
house with a long "alley" for a lobby. But
that's when they really started to plan,
and work and create. Even the money and
effort they put into it would have been
handicapped without the further qualities
of good taste and imagination which were
liberally included.
It is properties such as this that are the
real leaders in the entertainment field,
regardless of size and location. When a
30-year-old house can look like tomorrow
. . . that's leadership in any class.
THE
SAME MOTIF ADORNS THE AUDITORIUM

New Equipment,
New Appearance
For Manitowoc's Strand Theatre
FILM
Film exhibitors want the simplest, lowest
cost air conditioning possible.
usAIRco's famous Refrigerated Kooleraire
is almost as easy to run and install
as a refrigerator. It's a complete air
conditioning plant with capacity from
3 to 40 tons. It's delivered ready to run.
Saves up to 95% on water.
CRITICS
Critics of air conditioning cost should
see usAIRco's Upright Conditioner. It
eliminates ductwork cost . . . stands
right in your auditorium or behind
foyer and proscenium grilles. Easy to install
in "gangs" for larger houses. Heating
coil can be added for winter use.
AWARD
Award your air conditioning job to the
dealer who sells usAIRco Unit Air
Conditioners. You'll get the finest in
year 'round comfort. These pre-engineered
units cool in summer, heat in
winter, with or without ductwork.
Write today for more information.
Remember usAIRco's expert engineering
counsel is available without charge.
UNITED STATES
AIR CONDITIONING CORPORATION
Como Avenue S. E. at 33rd, Minneapolis 14, Minn.
NLY TWO OF THE OLD WALLS Of the
Strand Theatre, Manitowoc, 'Wis., remained
when most of the building was
torn down for remodeling recently. The
second floor was torn out, the stage removed
and the old lobby and entrance
were replaced to make it one of the most
modern theatres in that part of the state,
complete with glass doors and new ramps
leading from the lobby to the auditorium.
The newest in Trane aii- conditioning
has been installed, the air being filtered
before it enters the building and then
changed about every two minutes. Germicidal
lamps are being used throughout the
auditorium, lobby and washrooms to kill
virus, bacteria and other germs.
The rebuilding program included the
installation of Ballantyne sound. Simplex
projectors, American Seating Co. seats,
Mohawk carpets, plumbing by Koehler Co.
and Zonolite acoustical material. The
marquee and main signs were supplied by
Poblocki & Sons, the latter consisting of
aluminum poster cases and non-illimiinated
attraction board. A chaser in the
nose and front of the marquee producer
a waterfall effect. Two Strand name signs
are in silhouette with letters in gold neon.
The theatre has a seating capacity of
900 and covers an area of 50x115 feet in
the downtown business section of a city of
40,000. The cost of rebuilding the theatre
is reported at $150,000 and the cost of
equipment about $50,000.
Nick Johnson, owner of the Strand, came
to Manitowoc in 1935 to manage the theatra
for Fox 'Wisconsin Amusement Corp.,
but took the house over as an independent
operator five years ago. The theatre's
picture policy changes as required to suit
current films or public demand.
Theatre Party Room Builds Extra Business
One of the most popular features of
the New Fail-field Theatre in suburban
Fairfield, Ala., is a separate room designed
for the use of theatre line parties.
Seating 17 persons, this room is located
in the rear of the theatre and is separated
from the main auditorium by a plate glass
window through which spectators view the
picture. It is equipped with an air conditioning
outlet and speaker.
J. H. 'Waters, manager of the house,
said that the party room has been used
on an average of more than once a week
since the theatre opened last March.
No extra charge is made for the use of
the room by clubs or organizations, but
reservations must be made in advance. A
minimum of ten admissions is necessary
to reserve the room, and children and
unmarried patrons must be chaperoned.
The party room was remodeled from
space originally intended for storage which
Waters decided to make produce revenue.
Directly below the party room on the
first floor is a separate cry room where
parents may take their children.
Another feature of the new house is
its "saucer" main floor. Dipping downward
from the entrance at the rear, the floor
begins rising upward about half way down.
This, 'Waters said, affords patrons on nearfront
rows the same eye-level for viewing
the picture as those in the rear. Waters
is also proud of his 50-ton Carrier
year-round air conditioning system. "You'U
find few like it in this vicinity," he says.
26 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

"THEATRE OF TOMORROW." This attractive
theatre in DeKalb, Illinois, has real eyeappeal.
The front is of beige, ivory and wine
Carrara Glass, PC Glass Blocks, Pittco De
Luxe Metal, and Herculite Doors. A sparkling
front like this will win more patrons for
your theatre, too. Designer: Axel J. Claesson,
Morris, Illinois.
theatre of tomorrow
aIll6KW«« GRAND OPENING »|
M4^'*''f MARCH 16 y
;r;;;nFTowMO*
S 1 d ! . . . to the lady who was "just looking"
ANEAT, inviting front helps "sell"
a theatre to the passer-by.
Owners and operators have found
that boxoffice receipts have increased
when the appearance of their
theatres was improved. That's why
so manj' of them employ extensive
Store fronts
applications of sparkling, eye-catching
glass when they remodel.
Give your boxoffice receipts a
boost—and get the edge on your
competitors — by modernizing your
theatre with an attractive, inviting
front of Pittsburgh Glass and Pittco
Store Front Metal. Modernization
not just an expense, but rather an
is
investment in the future of your
business. And be sure to do a thorough
job when you remodel—inside
and out. It's the complete modernization
that pays the biggest dividends
in increased patronage. If
you desire terms, they can be arranged
through the Pittsburgh Time
Payment Plan.
Ask your architect about Pittsburgh
Products. He is familiar with
these recognized leaders and will setthat
you get a well-planned, economical
design. In the meantime, write
for one of our free descriptive booklets
on modernization. Just mail the
convenient coupon below.
and Interiors
by Pittsburgh
I'ltt-ilnirgli Plate Glass Company
2083-0 Crant BuildinK. Pitt-fbiirsh 10, l':i.
Without obligation on my part, plca.se senJ ine a kkkk copy of your hook on store
iiuiilernization. "Modern Ways for Modern Days."
\;irnc- --- -
Address -
City
State
PAINTS
GLASS CHEMICALS BRUSHES
•
PLASTICS
PLATE GLASS COMPANY
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 27

increasem
Boxoffice Receipts^
WITH BLACK LIGHT
INTERIOR DECORATION
The novel decorating effects
^ obtainable with GLO-CRAFT
Black Light Units and GLO-CRAFT
fluorescent products are endless.
Murals and other types of Black Light
decoration have become recognized
as a potent drawing card in many
theaters throughout the world. Theater
owners have reported intense
interest in the captivating beauty of
GLO-CRAFT Black Light Decorating.
Switzer Brothers have the technical
knowledge to aid you in drawing
more patrons to your theater
through the use of well-planned
GLO-CRAFT Black Light effects.
suiindi Byn[iis.ioc.
4732 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland 3, Ohio
"The First Name in Fluorescence'
Zone Air Conditioning for A Small Theatre
One of the newest theatres completed
in southern Wisconsin is at Lodi
where two separate heating and cooling
systems have been installed. One system
heats the 500-seat auditoriimi whUe the
second one accommodates the foyer, lobby
and theatre office at the front end of the
building. Both systems are oil fired, using
No. 3 fuel oil.
In the auditorium a horizontal heater,
of the return-tube type, possesses a fire
travel four times the length of the heater.
The blower circulates 13,000 cubic feet of
air a minute. Heater surfaces are finned
for maximum efficiency. All air circulated
is drawn from outdoors through air filters,
and cooling coils are provided for summer
conditioning.
The front end of the building is also
warmed by an oil heater. Although, in
the interest of economy, no cooling coUs
were provided for this system, they can
be added in future if desired.
This theatre has a very simple system
of duct work with air supplied to the
auditorium through one large directional
grille located near the ceiling above the
proscenium. This arrangement provides
uniform distribution of both warm and
cool air throughout the auditorium. The
return air is taken through two grilles
in the face of the stage. Two vent ducts
are provided at the rear of the auditorium
with grUles at the floor connected to ventilators
in the roof of the building.
The fresh air intake is of sufficient capacity
to supply the fuU output of the
blower, but the arrangement permits the
use of any percentage of fresh air desired.
The heating ventilating and air conditioning
system at the Lodi was installed
by the American Foundry & Furnace Co.'s
Milwaukee branch. The theatre was designed
by architect Myles Belongia of
Milwaukee.
A Veteran Makes a Sale
In Dallas for the Southwest Aii- Conditioning
Exposition late in January, Edward
Beck, Typhoon Air Conditioning engineer
found four old friends in the form of four
huge Typhoon ventilating fans he had installed
in the former Queen Theatre 40
years ago.
In 1915, when the fans were installed, the
Queen Theatre was brand new and something
of a sensation in that it was built
expressly for showing motion pictures. Its
up-to-the-minute completeness included
what cooling could be afforded by the fans
from Typhoon, then a six-year-old company.
AIR-RITE
INCREASES YOUR
THEATRE TRAFFIC AND PROFITS
Bdward Beck, right, renews acquaintance with
four ventilating fans which he installed for
Typhoon 40 years ago in a Dallas Theatre.
Elton Houck, left, represents the Joy circuit
which now operates the house.
For NEW Construction
and Remodeling .
AIR-RITE is the result of 12 years
of rich experience in manufacturing,
engineering, and the installation of Theatre
Air Conditioning Equipment.
Write today for literature on our Blowers 10,000 to 60,000
CFM., Washers, Hydraulic Variable Speed Drives, Motors,
Double Deflection Grills.
We Furnish FREE Ertg'meer'mg Service. Write for name of nearest dealer.
NATIONAL ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING COMPANY
523 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
On checking up. Beck located Elton
Houck, local head of the Joy theatre chain
which now operates the former Queen as
the Leo. An invitation to attend the Exposition
brought Houck in touch with the
newest in Typhoon equipment and before
the meeting was over he had asked engineers
to check the circuit's Strand Theatre.
The result was an order for a new 10-
ton Typhoon unit.
Said Houck, "Those fans at the Leo were
in perfect working order and were used up
until two years ago when we air conditioned
the Leo. I'll bet they'd start turning
right now if I threw the switch. That is
certainly a good recommendation for any
product."
28 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

'
Clli
TtlEAll.1;
Josf a few excerpts of the
many enthusiastic letters we've received:
Since you inslolled the new Slorke Cycloramic Screen ot our Criterion Theatre, we
hove the finest picture on Broadway. We gel a softer picture with considerably increosed
light ond wonderful definition and clarity. Our patron reaction hos been most
gratifying especially when the extreme sides and front seols ore used. The sound
quality loo has improved - so Ihanlis for ollowing us to be one of the first theatres
in New York to install this marvelous screen.
CHARLES B. MOSS
B. S. Moss Corporation, New York, N. Y.
". . . excellent results from the Cycloromic Screen hos mode us very hoppy ... it not
ily increases our screen light, but our sound seems belter."
CHAS. H. CODE
Dream Theatre, Nome, Alaska
". . . our theoire hod a crying need for correction ... we hove even considered
remodelling ... the CYCLORAMIC SCREEN hos reduced picture distortion to o procticol
Nil. Results of the CYCLORAMIC so omoiing I quote from Mr. Chester Morgan,
proiectionisi in our Iheolres for the post 16 years. The New Cycloramic Screen is the
finest 1 hove ever projected o picture on . . . the screen should be given serious consideration
ond strongly promoted by every operator ... it will moke his work much
easier ond for better.
^^^^ ^ ^^^^^^
Bruen's Whittier Theatres, Whittier, Calif.
. . to tell you how satisfied we ore with its performonce in comporison with screens
we hove used in the post. Not only do we gel o brighter picture, but there is o definite
third dimension illusion ond the non-distortion provided the side and front sects
mokes the Storke Cycloromic screen o decided ossel to the theoire."
H. V. HARVEY
Westland Theatres, San Francisco
". . . we ore tickled pink with the results. I con truthfully soy it has increosed our
light . . . given us more depth ... and eliminated objection of patrons in sitting in
side sections. You ore to be complimented on hoving such o fine screen to sell."
LEROY V. JOHNSON
Theatres, Inc., Seattle, Wash.
•
.
the CYCLORAMIC Screen hos everything ony exhibitor con look lor in a screen
sound is much better becouse it is evenly distributed . . but. best of oil, there is
Imost no distortion from ony ongle ... on importont feature for the Rivoli with o
dth of 85 feet."
GEORGE GOLD
Newark Amusement Company, Newark, N. J.
thrilled with the results of this fine screen . . . picture so much brighter the public
believes we hove installed new powerful lomps . . .
depth ond clarity I have never
seen on o screen . . . certainly hos relieved oil distortion from both front and side
-'^^CONNER
Hamrick's Tacoma Theatres, Tacoma, Washington
,eo.s. .n other words ... it does exoctly who. the ods said it
The FIRST Major Screen Improvement in
30 Yeai^
CYCL«RAMIC
Magic Screen
of the Future
NOW!
Custom Screen
Distributed through
Theotre Supply Dealers in All Film Centers
Manufocrured by
B. F. SHEARER COMPANY
2318 Second Avenue, Seattle 1, Washington
Sold Exclusively in Export by FRAZAR & HANSEN, Ltd. 301 (lay St., San Frontisto 11, Colif

CIVIC ACTIVITY THE BASIS FOR
GOOD THEATRE PUBLIC RELATIONS
CINCINNATI GARDENS
SAVED $979.72 A MONTH
ON THEIR WATER BILL
Actual figures over a 6 months period ... 3
months BEFORE and 3 months AFTER installation
of a Morley Voirflo Cooling Tower ot the
Cincinnati Gardens, beautiful Sports Palace in
Cincinnati, Ohio . . . show WATER SAVINGS
ALONE OF 92%.
"The difference," says one of the Garden's
directors, "is unbelievable!"
"We should put a fence around our Marley
Vairflo and guard it like a mint," says Alex
Sinclair, superintendent.
Certainly in these days of higher operating
costs and lower profits, any piece of equipment
that pays for itself in 6 months . . . and reduces
operating costs as this Marley Cooling
Tower did, deserve management's most careful
consideration.
This outstanding saving, accomplished with a
435 gpm tower for a comparatively small water
user, COULD BE EVEN GREATER FOR YOU!
Depending, naturally, upon your water consumption
and your water costs.
Why worry about high water bills, water
shortages or low water pressure during the
criticol summer months? Marley can help you
solve your water cooling problem. Write, wire
or call
today.
To respond to this advertisement, use postagepaid
card at page 51. using this ad's Key Number
- 30-A.
THE MARLEY CO.,
INC.
KANSAS CITY IS, KANSAS
'^T^pS^^ PRECISION MADE
W^- PROJECTOR PARTS
Once you've used them, you'll agree that the built-in precision
and trouble free performance of La Vezzi parts do much to
hasten repair jobs and help you to the better projection that
dehghts patrons.
Specify U Vezzi SUPER-SERVICE Parts for
all your replacements! Your Theatre Supply Dealer has them.
theatre should screen the organizations to
determine which can be of the greatest
benefit to him. Which clubs can do the
theatre and the industry the most good
should be determined by the individual
theatre manager, rather than top circuit
executives.
In the first place, the value of joining
the local Chamber of Commerce cannot
be overemphasized.
An example of the importance of the
Chamber of Commerce can be noted in the
town of West Hartford, Conn., a suburban
development of some 50,000 population
adjoining Hartford. Over a long period of
time the organization was attempting to
• The Super Hi-up Tube
adds 10 ieet to the reach oi
the operator making overhead
and under floor areas
easy to keep clean.
• The Super Floor tool
slips under anything 31/2
fro the llo and
goes right up to the wrall
leaving no strip oi carpet for
moths to destroy.
• The Super Spotlight attached
to the handle throws
a strong beam before the
floor tool illuminating dark
areas, saves houselights.
• The Super Screen brush
made of special, long bristles-
dislodges dirt — keeps
pictures bright and sound effects
clear.
• The Super Blower Elbow
provides the Super with a
powerful air force which
boosts all kinds of debris
and refuse out from imder
seat areas and down front
for easy disposal.
lOoME THREE DECADES AGO When the solve the problem of downtown West
motion picture industry was still in its Hartford parking. When parking meters
adolescent stages, theories and ideas on were install ?d, without solving the problem,
getting along with your neighbor, the public,
were heard in practically every branch the Chamber of Commerce suggested
creating a municipal parking lot on property
of show business.
owned by several West Hartford mer-
For example, a weU-meaning ciixuit chants.
executive, eager to get a favorable public With the hearty cooperation of the city's
response to a proposed expansion of his theatremen, the plan was put into operation.
theatre operations, would tell a theatre
Specifically, Central Theatre man-
managc:r to become a "joiner" in his community.
ager. Hugh J. Campbell went one step
He meant, of course, that the furtiier and ran a screen trailer, made at
enterprising theatre manager should make
a special effort to join practically all clubs
the theatre's expense, each day, announcing
the new parking service.
and civic organizations in the community. By joining the Kiwanis club, Rotary
Bemg a "joiner" is excellent for both club or other service organization, the
the small town theatre manager and downtown
theatre manager can come in contact with
de luxe operation, but there should important men of the community. In solv-
ba limitations on indiscriminate joining. ing community problems he is then in a
In other words, the manager who wishes position to offer his services or theatre
to participate in community activity to facilities for community use in many ways
create favorable public opinion for his which mean improved public relations.
Some theatre managers have helped
combat juvenile delinquency by offering
their theatres at no cost for special Saturday
morning "Kiddy Shows." The Kiwanis
or similar clubs act as adult supervisors.
Such cooperation between clubs
and the theatre creates a definite place
in the community affairs for the theatre.
It is necessary for the theatre manager
to do more than just join. Successful public
relations require the continuous efforts
of several years and to achieve this
goal the theatreman must realize that in
the modern sense "joining" is a successful
technique only when accompanied by a
willingness to serve the community.
tool-equipped and enired
for the particular and involved job
cleaning the modern theatre, the Super
of
Specialized Theatre Cleaner easily meets your most
difficult cleaning ,-equirements.
One SUPER
Cleans
LaVezzi
Machine
These are only a few of the
special tools designed for
theatre cleaner. Ask your
supply dealer for a demonstration.
Sprinj weather increases the cleaning task— mud and street
is in filth tracked constantly. Only thorough, frequent cleaning will save costly
floor furnishings and coverings from damage.
Keep the house bright and pleasing to patrons. The Super with its amazing tools.
easy portability and powerful pick-up enables you to keep your theatre really
all clean under conditions with a minimum of labor and expense.
National Super Serv ce Compony, Inc.
1941 N. 12th Street Toledo 2, Ohio
I'
National Super Service Company of Canada
Toronto, Ont. Vancouver, B. C.
30 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

IN AIR CONDITIONING
it's the
COMPRESSOR THAT COUNTS
AND ONLY
WESTINGHOUSE
i^
CAN GIVE YOU
HERMETICALLY-SEALED
COMPRESSORS UP TO 100 hp.
...17 YEARS EXPERIENCE
In 1933, Westinghouse pioneered the hermeticallysealed
compressor design for air conditioning. In one
step, it eliminated belts, pulleys and shaft seal refrigerant
leaks — and reduced size, weight and vibration.
17 years of successful installations have proved
the soundness of this principle.
When you consider air conditioning — any application
from a self-contained unit to a complete
system—choose Westinghouse because its heart is a
compressor hermetically sealed in steel. This is your
greatest single guarantee—above any written guarantee—that
Westinghouse Air Conditioning will give
you the longest, most dependable, trouble-free service.
you CAN BE SUt^E ..JP it's
TVfestinghouse
FIRST To
Introduce
HERMETICALLY-SEALED
COMPRESSORS »N
AIR CONDITIONING
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950
31

Putting the Parsley on
Screen
Presentation
One Minute
PLEASE
ACBusr
.by GRAY BARKER.
X HE OLD STEREOPTICON, USed SlllCe
the birth of the movies to remind the ladies
to remove their mountainous mOlinery, can
still be used today in several ways to help
dress up your screen presentation.
Of course, there are many houses where
it is still used to present coming attractions,
but the use to which an enterprising projectionist
can put one of the 3'/4x4-inch
slide sizes can add life and sparkle to many
screen features which have become commonplace
and dull.
Like the parsley on the prime rib of beef,
carefully planned extra touches of color
here and there convey to the patron a definite
idea that the magnificent spectacle
they're about to see is really a Super Colossal
Extravaganza, which anyone knows is
more impressive.
Most feature credit lists are pleasing to
the eye without special effects, but if some
ceremony is made in conjunction with Fox's
flashing searchlights or Metro's garrulous
Leo, the fans downstairs may get the idea
that the two million bucks worth of film
coming up is worth a bit more concentrated
looking than the newsreel and the talking
animals they have just witnessed.
A plain colored slide, thrown over the
credits list at this time, affords the psychological
advantage of color. By this method
the shadows in the picture are tinted while
the highlights remain relatively undisturbed.
The slide image should be slightly
out of focus, so that no texture of the
color medium, dirt particles on the glass,
or sharp border outlines are visible. Borders
of the slide image should end somewhere
on the screen masking, or in the
draperies, if the image is not too brilliant.
Better still, a slide with two colors, the
dividing line slightly off center toward the
top, works in fine with feature titles containing
scenic backgrounds with earth and
sky shown in their proper color.
You can use gelatin as a coloring agent,
or paint plain glass with whatever coloring
you have on hand to obtain a satisfactory
effect. It calls for some experimenting that
should appeal to the "Rube Goldberg" impulse
in most projectionists.
If you have a fluff and your coloring
medium dries unevenly, the odd texture
thus obtained may create an interesting
screen effect when focused sharply.
If you have a more powerful light source
behind your slide, a colorful border around
the entire screen, projected on the drapes,
/^^^^^ Super Cinephor Lens
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as it
• GREATER AUDIENCE SATISFACTION . . . they'll appreciate
seeing pictures that bring them closer to the actual living scene
was filmed by the studio.
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FOR TOP IMAGE QUALITY ON YOUR SCREEN ... THE W TRADEMARK ON YOUR LENS
BAUSCH & LOMB
PROJECTION LENSES
32 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

sets off a title with a touch of the spectacular.
Unless your projector is capable of dissolving
from one slide to another, don't try
changing colors in the middle of a title,
since this would let it relapse into black and
white, spoiling the effect.
A superimposed color is most effective
on darker titles, because the lighter titles
wash out the effect of the less intense
illumination from the slide projector. In
the latter case we have another old trick
up our sleeves—the color wheel.
A search of any theatre supply house
should reveal color wheels adaptable to
mounting in front of the projector lenses,
but the boss may be saving his money to
buy "Samson and Delilah" and close the
purse to such "foolishness."
MAKE YOUR OWN COLOR WHEELS
The image projected through this arrangement
does not lose much sharpness
and is quite satisfactory, at least where
we have seen this done.
The wheel is set in operation with a
colored section in front of the lens and the
trade mark is projected through it. At the
fadeout to the main credits, the wheel is
rotated to the next color. The colors should
be changed during title dissolves, adding,
instead of detracting, from those effects.
You'll find the image is not objectionably
disturbed while the opaque dividers in the
wheel are rotating across the projection
beam.
To avoid frantic ripping of a gelatin
section when the credits end, better leave
one blank space in the wheel, advancing
this during the final credits fadeout. With
a little practice you can time your colors
quite expertly, since most credits follow a
standard pattern.
We are absolutely not responsible for
credits which appear in the middle of the
picture, or at the end. Better take a look
at the top of the reel before trying anything
fancy.
FOOTLIGHTS FOR SPECIAL EFFECTS
If you have colored footlights with selective
switching from the booth, you can
also do an impressive job with this medium.
We like this at the beginning of the show,
for newsreels and other subjects accompanied
by spirited music.
If the boss spends a great deal of money
on coming attraction trailers they can
become monotonous to a customer ^and
projectionist) , especially in a three or fourchange
house. They are still one of the
most efficient show-sellers around, however,
as results prove.
BOXOFHCE :: March 4, 1950
Although it is an accepted practice in
some houses, many don't like to see trailers
pop on the screen "cold." That is, without
some introductory strip, even one of
the moth-eaten "prevues of Coming Attractions"
animated monstrosities still in
circulation in some localities.
Use of a silent date strip is a matter of
opinion. We're for them to avoid cutting
into the music, and because a moment of
silence, in itself, can be impressive.
Some theatres prefer to use a stereopticon
to superimpose the date of the coming
attraction over the "prevue" itself, since
this practice more closely associates the
date with the trailer. Factory-made daters
are available, or you can make your own
with a radio mat and the proper masking.
Although mentioned before, here's a little
note worth repeating. Take a blank slide
and cover it with a thin layer of white shoe
polish, which is opaque after drying. Writing
with a sharp pointed instrument on the
If this is the case, you can make an even
better one yourself with a little inventive
genius and that bent reel you're hiding
from the fire marshal. The sides are detached
from the hub and mounted flush
legibility
with pieces of colored gelatin cemented
and artistry.
into
If you want to handle your prevues in
the openings. A reel with large openings,
a truly flamboyant manner, pick up a lens
of course, is preferred. The color wheel
of longer focal length than those you are
thus evolved is mounted at the port hole,
using. In other words, one that makes the
so it can be turned manually. Do not use
colored cellophane since it is inflammable!
shoe white appears as white lettering on
the screen. The advisability of this stunt,
of course, is directly proportional with your
picture smaller than the customary image.
Run your trailers on separate reels, behind
the longer lens, projecting a colored border,
preferably of artistic design, around it.
This also leaves room for a jump In picture
size when you hit the changeover, adding
a wallop to the subject following.
USE TRUE SHOWMANSHIP
To hold the movie fan from the lure of
TV, however, you must capitalize on the
superiority of the motion picture image
size and quality—along with the showmanship
miracles a true projection artist can
perform. The often unheralded little
touches in the booth count more than ever.
To have seen perfect projection is to have
seen imagined reality, with mechanics so
unobtrusive, they are unnoticed. So if the
public seldom notices your moments of
genius, that alone is a great compliment,
for to see life itself, breathed into magic
being from 35 millimeters of celluloid, is
an experience patrons will continue to pay
their money to see.
For
YOUR
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blows dust and dirt from amplifiers, projectors,
lights, decorations . . vacuums carpets,
draperies, ledges, grills . . . sprays deodorants,
moth preventives, insecticides. Keeps entire
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NAME
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STATE
NEW RCA PROJECTOR HAS
FOUR-INCH LENS MOUNT
A new 35mm projector of radically
advanced design was announced recently
by the theatre equipment section of the
RCA engineering products department.
Innovations in the new "RCA 100" projector
offer marked time savings and new
standards of operating safety and convenience,
RCA asserted.
Describing the new projector as the
finest ever turned out by the Brenkert
Light Projection Co., Karl Brenkert, president
of the RCA subsidiary, stated that
it retains the established Brenkert features
of rock-steady projection, highly efficient
delivery of light to the screen, and
low cost of maintenance.
Nylon rollers, large, full-view glass windows
in both the film and gear compartments,
shielded interior lighting, and a new
lens mount are among the new features
of the "RCA 100."
The use of nylon rollers eliminates the
need for lubricants in the film compartment,
removing any possibility of oil damage
to the film.
A glass door on the film side enables
the operator to observe the entire film
path continually while the projector is in
operation.
Soft interior lighting, shielded from the
operator's eyes, increases the ease of
threading film and cleaning the mechanism.
An illuminated gear compartment and
an unusually large glass-covered aperture
in the housing of the compartment make
it easy to check at any time the operation
of the gear train and the lubricating
system.
The lens mount of the new projector is
designed to accommodate the new fourinch
high-speed projection lenses, which
provide edge-to-edge sharpness over the
entire screen surface, thus eliminating socalled
"hot spot." The mount holds the
lens firmly at both front and rear, so that
perfect optical alignment is assured for a
lens of any focal length.
The automatic lubrication system which
has been a standard feature of Brenkert
projectors for more than ten years is retained
in the new model. All rotating
shafts running through the main case
casting are equipped with oil baffles, so
that shaft bearings are continually lubricated
throughout their length, but no
oil can leak into the operating compartment.
The sturdy intermittent mechanism and
heavy-duty gearing of the Brenkert BX 80
projectors are also retained in the new
projector.
Industrial Photography
Of Growing Importance
Photography in industry accounts for
more than two-thirds of the photographic
materials used today, William P. Swann, a
member of Eastman Kodak Co.'s industrial
sales division, reported recently. The other
third is used by amateur photographers.
The ability of an ordinary camera and
camera technique to estimate the volume
of pulpwood in stock piles is an unusual
industrial use cited by Swann.
By using a high contrast photographic
material, a flatcar full of wood is photographed.
Spaces between the logs are produced
as black areas. The faces of the
logs become white areas. A special photoelectric
scanning machine is then used to
evaluate the amount of light areas to the
dark areas and, assuming the length of the
logs to be standard, an accurate estimate
of the total volume of wood can be obtained.
A relatively new instrument, the electron
microscope, is capable of magnifications up
to about 20,000 times. Used in conjunction
with photography, it has important uses In
connection with studies of abrasive materials,
chemicals, plastics and structures of
metals.
34 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

isii
ftiire
COMFORT • BEAUTY • SERVICEABILITY • VALUE
Custom-Built Slide-Back, Conventional and Drive-In Chairs
for Every Condition, Taste and Budget. Write for free
literature. Ideal Seating Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan.
IDEAL
BOXOFHCE :: March 4, 1950 35

NEW APPROACHES IN
SALT LAKE CITY
THEATRE
An unusual touch in the design of the Villa is the double attraction board
arrangement. A two-faced, free-standing unit at the curbing gives added
impetus to the program announcement on the theatre marquee itself.
X HE NEW Villa Theatre, Salt Lake City suburban showhouse
of the Lawrence and Edwards group, brought gasps of
delight from first nighters recently from the time they glimpsed
its double marquee arrangement shown above until they
reached their seats in the auditorium.
Outstanding features of the house include a sunken wait-
ing room off the main foyer, wall murals made of materials
used in the construction of the house and an observation room
flanking the projection booth.
Wagner letters are used in both the free-standing attraction
board and in the curved theatre marquee. Modern air conditioning
typifies the latest in customer comforts afforded Villa
patrons. A coral and rust color scheme is employed in decoration.
__^^^
This lounge view of the Villa mural shows a pioneer woman, native Joshua
trees, the Great Salt Lake and other state attractions. The mural is made of

ee the cro^vds
W
Gulistun Carpet installed by Joe Hornslein, Id
They'll be there ail right! For this smart theatre owner has seen to it
that patrons wll enjoy a happy sense of expectancy the moment
they set foot in the lobby. Seeing an enjoyable show in enjoyable
.sj/rrounrfings is what keeps patrons coming back!
BOXOFnCE
That's why the Meadows Theatre in Jamaica, Long Island, selected
Giilistan carpet in Rosebrook Frieze quality, the Caladitun Leaf pattern
of crimson red on a backgroimd of warm gray textured frieze. For (ridistan.
the carpet of famous decorators, can be styled to provide precisely the
atmosphere required. Whether you're carpeting a theatre, store, hotel,
restaurant, or your own home, see your Gulistan dealer. lie has the Gulistan
carpet, exquisitely styled, that is just right for jour very particular needs.
WOVEN ON POWER LOOMS IN THE U. S. A.
A. & M. KARAGHEUSIAN, INC., 295 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 16, N.
March 4. 1950
CirUlilSX^M
CARPET
37

ONLY Mmh^ BUILDS THE ARISTOCRAT
OF POPCORN MACHINES
It's the Aristocrat because it's the leader!
"Watch its big-popping kettle — you can't
match it anywhere for profit production. See
its
automatic seasoning system which eliminates
guess work. It meters seasoning to the
kettle —r exactly the right amount for best
taste — no waste, maximum profits.
MANLEY HAS THE
LOOKS
Look at its sleek, modern beauty, its creamcolored
panels and red trim, so easily cleaned
with a swipe of the cloth — no other machine
approaches Ix. for flashy good looks. This
eye-appeal means buy-appeal. It's an unbeatable
combination — beauty, ease of operation,
great profit potential.
MANLEY HELPS YOU
Because Manley surveys the market, finds out
- _ what theaters need and then builds a machine
ONLY Jlfl/0/yiJ(x4/ GIVES YOU that tops them all, fills every requirement for
THE COMPLETE POPCORN PROFIT PACKAGE
theater operation. No wonder its called the
You're wise three ways to buy Manley's complete popcorn line. First AfistOCrat of pOpCOm machinCS.
—more money from the profit-popping kettles in Manley Machines.
Second—more volume from Manley supplies: pedigreed corn, superrefined
seasoning, quick-dissolving salt, special bags and boxes. Third
—more customers from Manley's national advertising in the Saturday
Evening Post, Life, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, Collier's,
and Ladies' Home Journal. You'll need all three—get all three
from Manley.
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nd me your free 64 pape book which
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.geMM

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SOUNDPROOF POPCORN BAG
SILENCES THE COUNTRY!
Rex Soundproof Popcorn
Bogs ore quieting the clomor
of theatre managers everywhere
for less theatre noise
and substantial economies in
inset
Popcorn packaging. Share in
these advantages yourself.
WON'T CRACKLE . . .
WON'T EXPLODE
LESS THAN V2
COST OF BOXES
Write for Free Samples Now!
Mex Paper Products eompanif
95-109 Onderdonk Avenue, Brooklyn 6, N. Y.
onufacturers of: Classlne, porchmenr, lomlnafed, waxed ond foil boas ond a/I ofher paper
lectoltles. Ploin and mulfi-colored printing.
PECIALISTS TO THE POP-CORN TRADE
DRIVE-INS!
sturdy
IV/ffi
Walky-Servke Equipment YOU
MAKE MORE MONEY From Refreshments!
showi
rubber-tired
dolly;
makes
it easy to
wheel to any
location.
The HOT BOX Warmer
Attractive, well-Insulated cabinet keeps boxed popcorn,
peanuts, hot sandwiches, etc., warm indefinitely.
Quickly pre-heated by built-in electrical unit. Foods
held in 3 removable chrome plated dispensing baskets.
S side display signs, large illuminated sign at top.
Easily placed at point of greatest traffic flow for
maximum sales.
NOW IS
THE TIME
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before the Spring
Rush!
WALKY-TERIA
Electrically pre-heated within a
matter of minutes. Developed
to
vend:
• HOT DOGS
• CHIU
• HOT TAMALES
• HOT SOUPS
• BEANS
• HOT PEANUTS
• BEER AND POP
• FRUIT JUICES
• DAHtY PRODUCTS
• HAMBURGERS
Phone Wichita 4-S169
WALKY-KOFFEE
Plug in to electric current
to pre-hcal. Keeps SO cups
of coffee piping hot, and
keeps co'd drinks icy cold.
Automatic cup dispenser.
few Kl^"^' '«* of
. - __ Ask tor
I
A Promotional Program
(Continued from preceding page)
Lobby displays. "It's vital to plug, plug,
plug," says Spivack, "to keep your audiences
aware that you provide refreshment
facilities."
Newspaper advertising. Spivack recommends
this only in the case of drive-in
theatres. "There you sell food as weU as
light refreshments," he explains, "and under
favorable circumstances can make your
concession stand produce as much as 50
per cent of a day's gross receipts."
Other factors which can be merchandised
include:
Insistence on Cleanliness. Regardless of
the size of the theatre, a vigorous effort
should be made to see that the theatre's
refreshment service stand is kept clean at
aU times. The stand should have a few
clean cloths on hand continually, with
the stand attendant to clean off the front
glass, for example, more repeatedly than
normal during a kiddy matinee show on
Saturdays.
Uniforms. They should be clean, not too
flashing. The stand is in business to sell
refreshment service and not the good looks
of the attendants. Too much attention on
the uniform may call attention from the
attractiveness of the refreshment items
available for purchase.
Courtesy. "Thank you" and "You're welcome"
are small phrases in the courtesy
line, but should never be overlooked in any
theatre.
Proper change facilities. Enough reserve
change should be kept on hand at
aU times. During a rush period, for
example, sales can very well empty the
change rack and a reserve change fund
would save sales where the attendant might
be forced to say "I'm sorry, but I have no
change."
Lighting. It's a good idea for the theatreman
to change the lighting effect on
his stand from time to time. This draws
renewed interest to its location.
Candy and Popcorn
Pay the Rent
Commenting on the value of refreshment
service in a recent Omaha newspaper
column, veteran theatre supply executive
Frank A. Van Husan is quoted as
recalling an instance where one theatre's
monthly $1,500 rental was paid by receipts
from popcorn and candy sales.
Projecting some of his theories into future
trends. Van Husan added that he felt
the era of building large and ornate theatres
had passed and that more new theatres
would be built to accommodate the
return of vaudeville.
The BUFFETERIA*— >^
Easy to Push! Amazingly Low Priced! Lighted Signs! Coleman Heater!
People hesitate to leave cars. The short recess does not solve the
patrons' need. Take the snacks to tliem! Hot and cold compartments
for large stock of ice cream, cold drinks, hot dogs, hot popcorn, chili,
nuts, etc. When a Walky Fountain is mounted on top of it you
boost sales of alt items.
WALKY-SERVICE COMPANY "''l.^l^r.r^^^t^^-
MOBE PEP HUNOBEO
IN PBOf ITS • wfire <
TOPAY roP iAUPLS
\m^^'^^
[INDIANA POP CORN CO.'
9762 « MUNCIE » INPIANA •
40 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

ive-ai
—
FOR MAKI^/0•
THIS OFFER
m 9

WHAT MAKES
NAMA Makes Awards
And Appointments
Three appointments and the awarding
of a plaque to National Vendors, Inc., St.
Louis, were made recently by the National
Automatic Merchandising Ass'n.
As the firm whose sales representatives
brought in the greatest number of new
members to the NAMA during 1949, the
vending firm was awarded the commendatory
plaque by the association. The membership
drive was conducted by the sales
representatives' division of the association
and the machinery manufacturer's branch
of the division, which includes 30 firms.
in
winte r weather -it POURS!
'^
^^SS'HO MESS
^^
Presentation of the plaque was made in
St. Louis by Laurie L. Cavanaugh. pictured
right, Chicago, director of member and
public relations for the NAMA. A. P. Diederich,
vice-president and general manager
of National Vendors, received the award
for his firm.
President George M. Seedman of the
NAMA appointed Ernest H. Fox, president
of the Austin Packing Co., Baltimore, Md.,
as chairman of the 1950 convention, which
is to be held November 12-15 in Chicago.
Aaron Goldman, president of the G. B.
Macke Corp., Washington, D. C, was named
chairman of public relations.
Tom Donahue, secretary and controller
of National Vendors, was reappointed
chairman of the membership building and
maintenance committee.
POPSIT PLUS is always liquid at
Indoor temperatures ... no
pre-heating, no scooping, no
splattering . . . just pQur into
the measuring cup and pop
the sellin'est corn you've
ever tasted!
To the line of theatre fronts, changeable copy
Simonin of Fhiladelphia
POPPING OIL SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
panel boards and other advertising activities
of Poblocki & Sons Co. has now been added
the Snack Kar shown above.
Designed for the drive-in theatre market, the
car carries a pay load of approximately $150
worth of merchandise. Popcorn, hot dogs, ice
cream bars, peanuts, cracker jacks and soft
drinks can be accommodated and kept either
hot or cold as desired.
42 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

Central
A Courfeous Staff Is the Best
Public Relations Agency
by HUGH J. CAMPBELL*
Cos told to Allen M. Widem)
X T's COMMON SENSE that courtesy
is the concern of all theatre staff personnel.
Re-evaluation of an individual theatre's
courtesy policy, however, is a good
item for regular periods of time, A consistent
policy of theatre courtesy, of course,
is difficult to follow in a large group of theatres,
for each theatre has its own problems,
its own peculiarities, its own pros-
. . . and watch
your profits grow !
Nuw is Ilu' time to c;isli in on Ilic n.atioruvide popularity
of delicious long-i>rofit specialties liiie soft
Ice cream and frozen custards. Install a SWEDEN
Speed Fountain Freezer in your refreshment are:i
in time for summer volume!
More than 17 years of experience and leadership
in the soft ice cream freezing and dispensing field
('nal)Ic SWBDB.N' to offer unmatched engineering
:in(i style advantages:
Versatility — There's
.Mfidel to Meet Every
.Need, each designed to
accommodate any type
if frozen specialty. Botli
air and water - cooled
models available.
a
Simplicity of Operation
—Sturdy, self-contained
freezers,
automatic consistency
controls, accessibility
of all parts for
quick servicing and
eleallint;.
Speed of Service — Direct
dispensing for volume
service. Doublehead
models for flexibility
in meeting demands
of both slack
busy periods.
and
Attractiveness—Siream-
Uned, handsome styling
distulgulsh the entire
SWEDEN line, add decorative
appeal to your
refreshment
area.
SWEDEN FREEZER MFG. CO.
Dept. N-1 Seattle 99. Wash.
pects for correcting obvious deficiencies in
theatre courtesy operating techniques.
"Please" and "Thank You" are key
words. The theatre staff should be continually
reminded, during all seasons of
the year, that the customer is in the theatre
to be entertained.
Don't overdo this idea of courtesy, for if
you treat a theatre patron with too much
courtesy, the customer will, paradoxically,
become irritated and wonder if he's being
overpampered because of poor motion pictures,
poor seats, or anything else.
An example of overdoing courtesy is the
case of a prominent circuit in the east
which was kidded years ago by numerous
customers for its excessive politeness. The
customer was bowed to and given a hundred
"thank you, sirs." The result of this
handling was that too many customers became
irritated; some to such an extent they
mentioned the "kid gloves" routine to
managers, who, in turn, reported instances
back to the division office.
The division manager at the top office
instructed his theatre managers to strike
a happy medium and make the patron feel
at home, but not over-patronized. Complaints
have ceased.
The Central Theatre recently installed
an air conditioning plant and early in the
process the theatre boxoffice began to receive
telephone requests concerning the
date of completion. The result was a temporary
policy at the theatre where cashiers
were instructed to answer the phone
temporarily by saying. "Good evening (or
afternoon) ,
Theatre. We're installing
air conditioning." Two out of
three telephoners would readily admit that
was what they had called about.
Courtesy toward children comes in a special
class. They should be treated with the
same respect as adults. After all, youngsters
are your future customers and satisfactory
treatment of a patron when he's
young will establish good customer-relations
for a long period of time. It's advisable
to have chaperones from a local Parent-Teachers
Ass'n or other organization
during special kiddy shows and cartoon
matinees.
Don't let the theatre staff be in such a
hurry to get out of the hou:e. Instruct
them to take their time with changing the
marquee, being sure to station an employe
beneath any ladders to warn passersby
of work going on overhead.
Keep your staff on its toes and remind
them of courtesy faults, but remember also
to keep that courtesy on a friendly level:
a middle-of-the-i-oad attitude that achieves
natural friendliness coupled with respect.
It will pay off in the long run.
•Manager, Central Theatre. West Harllord. Conn
DOWN
Balance $10 Monthly
PENNY
FORTUNE
SCALE
No Springs
WRITE FOR PRICES
LARGE CASH BOX HOLDS
$85.00 IN PENNIES
Invented and Mode Only by
WATLING
Manufacturing
Company
4650 W. Fulton St. Chicago 44, III.
Est. 1889 — Telephone COIumbus 1-2772
Cable Address: WATLINGITE, Chicago
BOXOFFICE March 4, 1950 43

National Theatres ''Munchindisers" Meet
POPPING
Merchandising problems are discussed by National Theatres' refreshment service department heads
Andy Krappman and Victor Adams, FWC, Los Angeles; Lowell Parmentier, Evergreen, Seattle;
Press Woods, Fox Intermountain, Denver; Frank Bamford, Fox Midwest, Kansas City; Mel Glatz.
Fox Intermountain, Denver; and Clarence Poos, FWC, San Francisco. The meeting took place in
Los Angeles at the annual meeting of executives of National Theatres and affiliated circuits.
50-lb. pails and drums
IIOUIO
'^
Packed in
38-lb. pails and drums
MADE BY ONE OF
AMERICA'S LARGEST
REFINERS
Drincolator Offers a
An unusual sales plan by which exhibitors
may acquire the new Drincolator
through profits from beverage sales at theatre
refreshment counters was announced
this week. The company's new dispenser
is now rolling off the assembly line at the
rate of one every 20 minutes.
Under the sales plan, the theatre actually
is given the unit. And here is the
proposal which the company makes:
The unit sells for $1,100 and is delivered
to the theatre with sufficient supply of
syrup and cups to net the exhibitor $1,500
in sales. Prom beverage receipts, he then
pays the company the $1,100 cost of the
unit and the machine becomes his property.
The exhibitor, to participate in this plan,
however, must use the same brand syrups
for a three-year period. Should he decide
to substitute any of the syrups, it would
cost him $75 for the first year, $50 for the
second year and $25 in the third year.
Unique Sales Plan
Assembly line at Drincolator Plant.
But, if the purchaser selected three
syrups and continues to feature the same
brands at his theatre during the threeyear
period, or until all of the supply is
used, there is no penalty and his sales pay
for the unit.
44
The BEST FOODS, mc.
1 East 43rd Street
New York 17, New York
Designed for speedy, big volume ulo. Fill bags
three times faster with half the effort with the
Onlj $258
patented
SPEED-SCOOP
at your Theatre Supply, or Popcorn Supply DtiJcr.
Dealers write.
^^ Thornton A>e.
CDECn
jrEED-JVUUr
CrAAD
sui FraultM 24, Calif.
HENRY
HEIDE
INCORPORATED
NEW YORK N. Y.
The MODEBN THEATRE SECTION

Jet
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With whole, toasted
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BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 45

RCA Dealers to Market
Typhoon Air Coolers
Typhoon Zone Control air conditioning
equipment has been added to the line of
products distributed by the RCA theatre
equipment section, according to J. P.
O'Brien, sales manager.
Typhoon employs an air conditioning
principle which eliminates the need for
installation of ducts and eliminates cooling
of upper areas of an auditorium. It
provides for removal of excessive moisture,
filtering, cooling and noiseless, draft-free
circulation. Heating coils may be installed
for use with either steam or hot water, so
that the same unit may be used for heating,
filtering and circulating warm air,
according to Typhoon executives.
Garrick Theatre Building,
Chicago, Sold to B&K
Balaban & Katz corporation this week
purchased the 18-story Garrick Theatre
building and leasehold estate at 58-64 West
Randolph St., in Chicago's Loop, from the
Northern Trust Co., trustee for the heirs
of Charles W. Pardridge. The ground lease
which runs to 1989, with an annual rental
of $17,500, is renewable for 99 years. The
building was purchased for about $3*0,000.
The land is owned by the Sears estate of
Boston.
A spokesman for Balaban & Katz said
the 900-seat playhouse is to be extensively
remodeled and its seating capacity enlarged.
Balaban & Katz has opsrated the
theatre since 1935.
[^||^[^^l^l\l^f
uhe Continuous
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fot Continuous
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Edmondson
Village
Builds Patronage
with
Heywood-Wakefield Comfort
The exterior is designed in pleasant
harmony with its suburban
Baltimore surroundings.
There's
good reason for the enthusiastic and profitable response of
patrons to the comfort of Heywood-Wakefield chairs. They're designed
for comfort—with correctly proportioned, luxurious coU springs in both
seat and back. And operators take real comfort in the time-tested sturdiness
of Heywood-Wakefield Construction. All-steel standards, seat— and back-pans
and trouble-proof design keep maintenance costs at a minimum.
See for yourself the distinguished good looks of Heywood-Wakefield chairs,
and learn all the use-tested advantages of the line that puts comfort first.
CaU your nearest Heywood-Wakefield distributor or one of our sales offices
in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago or New York.
I. K. Makover, Manager, Edmondson Village
Theatre, Inc., is genuinely enthusiastic
about Heywood-Wakefield comfort. He
says, "The 'repeat' business that we have
enjoyed in this short period of operation, is
mainly due to comfort. Your chairs contributed
immeasurably to that comfort."
Heywood- Wakefield "Encore" Model
TC 701 accents the unusual beauty
of the recently opened Edmondson
Village Theatre.
Theatre Seating Division
MENOMINEE, MICHIGAN
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950 47

DO BUSINESS ALL SUMMER!
New Detroit Theatre Helps
Stabilize Property Values
REYNOLDS
BLOWERS
bring in and distribute iresb, cool air tbiougbout
the tbeatre. Also ideal with washed a^
refrigeration and cold water coil systems and
ior exhaust or circulating warm air in winter.
Blades are seH-oxidizing aluminum. Never rust.
(Blowers with steel blades also available at
lower prices.) Fafnir ball bearings set in solid
rubber pillow blocks. No lubrication necessary.
Quiet running. Rugged construction
throughout.
5,000 to 30,000 c.f.m. capacities.
As low as
$82.50
Write for free folder.
REYNOLDS MFG. COMPANY
412 Prospect Ave., N. E.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
THIS COIN OPERATED
SHOE SHINER . . EARNS
TREMENDOUS PROHTS ON
SMALL INVESTMENT.
For iniormoKon WHITE TODAYl
FALCON COMPANY
67E— 12lh Detroit 8, Mich.
ini rn "third dimension"
AU Ll n SILHOUETTE LETTERS
— PLASTIC AND CAST ALUMINUM —
"REMOVA-PANEL" Glats-in-Frame Units
ADLER SILHOUETTE LETTER CO.
302IW.36thSt,. Chicago 1451 Bway.N.Y.C.
X HE NEW 1,000-SEAT Booker T The-
recently opened by the Saul Korman
atre,
circuit in Detroit, is its first modern
midtown construction for Negro patronage
in a dozen years. The house is centrally
located with fairly good transportation,
in a mixed residential and industrial
business area with a predominance of Negro
population for the past 15 or 20 years.
Situated in an older neighborhood, the
house itself occupies a position of leadership
in setting a standard of taste and
modernity in a somewhat rundown neighborhood.
Designed by architect Ted Flogvoy, the
house was constructed at an estimated
cost of $150,000. Actually, this was a remodeling
job which transformed a large
garage into a theatre. Major operations
included lowering the floor to provide slope
and raising the roof about six feet.
The theatre occupies the entire building
without providing any store space. At the
right of the entrance are display panels,
with a separate entrance for the office and
refreshment service concession. The office
is located back of these displays, with the
concession booth back of this, and so placed
that it can serve both the lobby and the
foyer of the theatre from a single stand.
A modern porcelain enamel front was
installed in dark red base tones with cream
above and a Plex-glas band trim. This
facing backs a triangular marquee with
Wagner changeable copy. All exterior displays
have stationary frames, and are
serviced from the interior.
The doors are set back from the ticket
booth to provide an exterior lobby surfaced
in Metalon. A terrazzo design flooring
in eight colors provides marked contrast
in coloring. The walls and flooring
motifs are carried over into the interior
lobby.
This lobby has a circular dome ceiling,
with indirect lighting. Deep blue plaster
is used on the ceiling.
Interior of the auditorium and foyer are
of decorative cinder block construction,
treated in brilliantly colored shades. The
ceiling is of acoustical plaster. A stage
has been added at the rear, and a basement
dug under the stage to service the
boiler room and heating imit.
The theatre is completely air-conditioned.
Restrooms are tiled from floor to
ceiling in tan and gray mosaic tile. The
projection room is located in a mezzanine
installed at the rear of the auditorium,
which also provides space for locker and
storage rooms.
An unusual mechanical feature of the
Booker T is the use of a gas-fired heating
plant, making it one of the few, if not
the only, theatre in this area to have such
an installation. Reluctance of safety officials
to permit the use of gas heat in
a theatre structure because of the conceivable
hazard to a large number of persons
was overcome through the installation
of safety valves designed for the purpose.
This control equipment is located
in the utility room at the front beside the
lobby, while the heating unit itself is located
in the basement under the stage.
in Theatre
Seating '
48 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

For Motion Picture Projection,
National
Carbon announces:
drcin ihe mr/(/^
70/ecior Carbons!
FOR CONDENSER TYPE LAMPS
"NATIONAL" "HITEX" Super High Intensity projector
carbons are brand new, another milestone in the development
of projection light sources. They are considerably
brighter than any other High Intensity projector carbon
you can buy. They are much better in color balance. They
last longer. They cost less to operate.
If your theatre operates with condenser t)'pe High Intensity
lamps, investigate the new "National" "Hitex" projector
carbons. We believe you will w^ant to use them to
get the ultimate in screen lighting.
The terms "Hitex" and "Sationat"
are trade-marki of
NATIONAL CARBON DIVISION
UNION CARBIDE AND CARBON CORPORATION
30 East 42nd Street. New York, 17. N. Y.
Diitrict Sales Offices :
Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Sew Yot
Pittsburgh. San Fr
FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION, VVft/TC TO NATIONAL CAKtON DIVISION,
UNION CARS/DC AND CARBON CORPORArfON. OEPr.MT.
BOXOmCE :: March 4. 1950 49

Iklmrncatii Girpiti lial OJi-!IMlEI!
Let Bigelow's Carpet Counsel help you plan a
new, feature-attraction carpet installation!
_ ^
I^ your theatre carpet worn, faded,
Qi. |||J I out of step with the times?
^ " -^ Now, when so many theatre owners
are modernizing, offering the
BIGELOW
Rugs - Carpets public the latest in smartness and
comfort , is the moment to plan your
remodeling— including handsome new Bigelow
Carpeting that sets the tone of your theatre the
minute customers set foot in the lobby!
Bigelow's 26 Carpet Counsel offices are in touch
with the latest ideas in theatre design . . . will help
you plan just the right carpet installation to fit
your needs and finances.
No charge for this service—just write Bigelow
Carpet Counsel, 140 Madison Ave., N. Y. C. Your
inquiry will be handled promptly.
BIGELOW Rugs and Carpets
140 Madison Ave., N. Y. C.
Beauty you can see . . . quality you can trust . . . since 1825
50 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

YOU GET THE MOST
;.-N.
•»':^'fe,V''?:;';
bM!^
WHEN YOU BUY THE BEST*
*anc/ SIMPLEX
proves it!
ScC its new Amber-Glo Plexiglass
dome light ... its new post
light ... its new tapered built-in
1950's No. 1
Value ... and it
takes Simplex Know-how to do
it! . . . the first economy-priced
speaker that is Simplex qualitydesigned
and Simplex qualitybuilt
from top to bottom, inside
and out!
SfSK its
new weather-defiant design
— so waterproof it will play
with full efficiency in a cloudburst.
Skk its
new high gloss baked-on
finish—so wearproof it will outlast
others by many seasons.
window hook ... its new built-in
speaker hanger ... its new easymounting
coupling unit.
AND HEAR /7 its new
type volume control with wide range
from full-off to full-on . . . and the
finest, clearest tone—bar nonel
wCC and hear the
In-A-Car Speaker.
new Simplex
Skk its
new super-cushioned
spring loaded, speaker unit mounting—
it's built to take abuse.
wESf see and hear the new
Simplex In-A-Car Speaker . . .
1950's No. 1 Value!
^HANCH
"Everything for the Drive-In Theatre"
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950
53

Promoting
Profits
With Playgrounds
Part
II
MOTORIZED "RIDES"
by H. F. REVES
1. HE USE OF MOTORIZED "rides" has
become more widespread in recent seasons
following earlier installation of playgroundtype
equipment in many drive-ins. Merrygo-rounds,
miniature railways and assorted
"whirligigs." as one local ordinance defines
them, have been put into drive-in
theatres as added attractions.
The continuing rapid growth in the field
is indicated by the report from one mideastern
manufacturer that he had, by early
Kiddy merry-go-rounds may take many forms
and come in a variety of sizes but are an extremely
popular item and accommodate a good
volume of customers at a time.
snj

;
Often used as a free attraction in company with paid rides, this Noah's Ark is actually a children's
zoo. It has parent appeal as well as child interest because of its Biblical background.
A large version of this attraction will become the entrance to the extensile Kiddyland described
on page 59.
I
Continued from preceding page'
should cover scenic attractions along the
route, as well as stioictural features of interest
such as trestles, bridges, tunnels,
perhaps small hills or a dip under the roadway.
Special in.stallations along the route
such as a small zoo or stuffed animals provide
added interest and child appeal.
In selecting rides it should be remembered
that young patrons are restless, inquisitive
and experimental persons. They should
be given something to do while they are
enjoying the ride for just 'round and 'round
may not be enough to occupy their alert
minds. On small rides, such as auto or
boat rides, a common device is the use of
a wheel which the children can turn with
the feeling that they are steering the vehicle.
Actually, it may not turn anything,
since the car is probably fixed in a track.
Safely engineered rides do not give youngsters
the chance to control the device to
such an extent that they can hurt themselves
or others through carelessness, misjudgment,
or devilishness.
Other useful devices that appeal to the
very young are such harmless features as
bells to ring or horns to toot.
Most ride manufacturers have not gone
very seriously into the market-potential
represented by drive-in theatres, partly because
Xhe field is so new that they have
not had the time to plan a promotional
campaign. A substantial iX)rtion of major
rides have been made for many years by a
relatively few old-line firms. The more recent
development of kiddylands in amusement
and miniature parks has brought
many new and entirely sound finns into
the field which means the market is likely
to become increasingly competitive. One
result should be a wider range of rides from
which the drive-in operator may make his
choice.
A caution against the purchase of Inferior
equipment is in order for occasionally
an inadequately tested device may be
placed upon the market. It is always wise
to be certain of the reliability of the manufacturer
of each and to be sure that each
Screen Towers As You Want Them
Low Cos f...Sfur(lY... Durable
The A-frame screen tower, illustrated here, is made in three sizes: 30-ft. x 40-ft.
curved to assure freedom from keystoning.
SIMPLE ERECTION
PIca.e send informohon on. U s„„n Tower nearest Timber Structures office, or fill in and mail the coupon.
„MBER STRUCTURES -NC^ 8. Oregon
p 0. Box 3782G, f ^ A-lrome Screen Tower
Build your drive-in theatre around a Timber Structures screen tower, and
you get a low cost installation that will give you long time service with a
minimum of maintenance.
PRICED AT $2,067 UPWARD
37'/2"ft- ^ 50-ft.; and 45-ft. x 60-ft. Prices include all necessary hardware.
Made of structural quality Douglas fir timbers, the A-frame screen tower is
designed to withstand wind velocities up to 100 miles per hour. To save erection
time and labor, face of the tower is made of %-in. exterior grade waterproof plywood,
with all sides and edges primed and sealed against moisture. Surface is
The A-frame screen tower may be completed on the ground and swung into
position, or it may be erected in place. Glare curtains, ladder and walkway optional.
For further information on the A-frame or Swing-Up screen towers, see your
Timber Structures, Inc.
p. O. BOX 3782G, PORTLAND 8, OREGON
Offices in Boise, Idaho; Eugene, Oregon; Lawrenceville, N.J.;
Chicago; Dollos; Kansas City; New York; Seattle; Spokone
TIMBER STRUCTURES, INC. OF CALIFORNIA. Oakland and Sacramento
Locol representatives coast to coast
56 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

V
I
item has been adequately tested. Theatres
within corporate limits of a city can probably
rely on city inspectors who set definite
safety standards, those preceded by
sandbag tests. A buyer is also anxious to
have some assurance that the firm from
whom he buys will be in business a few
years hence when he may want to buy replacement
parts.
Again many ride manufacturers bring
out means of modernizing an existing ride
after it has been on the market a few seasons
so that the original device can be
brought up to date without the expense oT
complete replacement. The exhibitor does
not want to risk finding, in either case,
that he has "orphan" equipment on his
hands because the manufacturer has
dropped out of the field.
In planning ride installations, the exhibitor
should see that any device likely to
be noisy—either in operation or because of
screaming, excited youngsters—is so placed
or controlled that it will not interfere with
the patrons' enjoyment of the screenfare.
Daily inspection of all equipment is
urged, for under heavy daily use the devices
undergo stresses caused by vibration and
motion. Even the nuts and bolts in a car
should be tightened at certain intervals
since they tend to work loose in operation.
It certainly does not pay to take any
chances with these devices when the lives
and happiness of children are involved.
Regular, periodic inspection by public
authorities and insurance companies is to
y^
YOU
Ue expected and invited since these inspectors
are expert in detecting unexpected
sources of danger.
Ample insurance coverage is definitely
advisable through policies specially written
to cover the hazards presented by these
rides. Since this is a specialized form of
operation, a company which concentrates
on amusement ride insurance is best qualitied
to write such policies and to most ably
represent the policy holder in tiie event oi
an accident claim.
Experience in handling such claims across
the country, places such a firm in a good
position to present the best possible case
where the exhibitor might face substantial
damage claims resulting from a very incidental
part of his own operation.
Ride operation must necessarily be supervised.
The presence of many youngsters
demands someone to watch over them and
experience indicates that each ride or each
pair of two small rides will require an attendant
to see that eveiything is functioning
smoothly. The exhibitor must not just
offer something free to his customers and
let it go at that. He is inviting them to
place their youngsters upon a moving object
which offers the possibility of injury if
not properly operated. Even the most
thorough safeguards that engineers can devise
are no match for the ingenuity of some
children.
Someone who not only understands the
rides but understands and likes children
should be chosen to supervise these lides.
GOOD NEWS FOR DRIVE-IN EXHIBITORS
CAN BUY THE NEW
IMPROVED 1950 MODEL
DeVry In-Car
Speaker for only ^8^^
•
It has been found that women can be em
ployed vei-y satisiactorily in this capacity,
providing they are carefully selected, bivea
proper authority and n^t assigned duties
oeyond their strength.
There are advantages and disadvantages
to ride operation, either free or i.aid, which
merit serious consideration in planning an
installation. Local conditions and habits
may be controlling factors in making a
choice. The costs of rides will of course
run substantially more than that of recreation
equipment alone, often from about
$800 to $3,000 per unit for the smaller rides.
The price of more elaborate rides runs to
several thousand dollars apiece. The costs
of operation, insurance, maintenance, and
supervision are naturally higher with rides
than with ordinary playground equipment.
Some operators feel the average child is
not satisfied with just one ride; that ha
will want variety. Experience indicates the
truth of this position. At the same time
there is business logic in the view that
parents may be unwilling to spend money
on several paid rides for children and still
pay the cost of the show. A combinationprice
ticket offering six or ten rides for a
quarter might be the answer, for if "junior"
knows he can have a limited number of
rides and no more, he may be satisfied when
the tickets are gone.
Occasionally parents are unwilling to let
small children ride alone on the power de-
I Continued on following page)
This noteworthy new in car speaker 's not just onother unit
built to a price, but an improved model of the time and fieldtested,
top quality DeVry in-car speaker that is providing
many hundreds of drive-in exhib tors with trouble free performance
night after night, year after year. Rugged aluminum
construction with preferred wear-resistant alumilite finish.
Light we ght and compact for sure easy handling. Water
proof speaker and speaker housing engineered for high fidelity
sound reproduction. In every respect it's the thrift buy
for 1950.
DEVRY IN-CAR SPEAKERS each $8.75 JUNCTION BOX each J6.00
Dependable DeVry
"12000 Series" Projectors
eeied, better quality
wilbm the budget oi
The projector with
picture mechanism in
. Perlormonce proved
finer theatres as "a
lor a lull house."
They Come Back Again and Again to See Hollywood Finest
Productions at Their Projected Best With Dependable DeVry's.
NOW!
Famed DeVry
"12000 Series"
AMPLIFIERS
At New Low Prices
Model For Every Size And
Type oi D ive-In Theatre
DeVRY
CORPORATION
1111 Armitage Ave.
Chicago Illinois
Please rush iniormation on u DeVry In-Car Speakers
I 11 "12000 Series Projectors Q "12000 Series Amplifiers.
For the Perfect Show ^om o^ ^ ncl#D
/ndoorsorOof ^ Sm^^ l/tYKT
BOXOFTICE March 4. 1950 57

. .
.
NATIONAL AMUSEMENT DEVICE CO. - Dayton 7, Ohio
ing in before Marr has even had the chance
to get into production.
Playground Profits
(Continued from preceding page)
vices and tliis must be faced in selecting
rides. However, adequate safety factors
and supervision will often allay these fears.
To offset the possibility that young patrons
will tire of a ride after the novelty
wears off, one western chain is rotating
its rides. About once a month a new ride
will appear at each of their drive-ins. This
is, of course, possible with a chain operation,
but not with the single drive-in.
Another possibility, yet unexplored, is the
rental of portable-type equipment. There
are hundreds of small carnival organizations
across the country who might l>e interested
in placing their equipment, properly
supervised by their own experienced
staff, in the drive-in for a limited engagement.
This type of rental, incidentally,
would give the drive-in operator a chance
to test the value of such equipment for his
own situation before selecting the rides he
wishes to buy.
New Rectiiier Bulbs
For Theatre Field
A line of 15 ampere rectifier bulbs especially
designed for the motion picture
the only amplification system
field have been announced by the Strickland
Electric Co. These bulbs have a high
inverse peak voltage characteristic
designed exclusively for
and
drive-in theatres
are said to withstand certain types of
abuses often encountered in theatre applications.
Ballantyne's Royal Soundmasler ampliiication system for drive-ins is not converted
indoor equipment. It is especially designed to meet the particular
Many thousands of these new type bulbs
requirements of drive-in theatres. Available for either single or dual channel
have been given field tests on various
operation, it can be adapted to handle any
types of rectifier installations, according
size drive-in from 200 to 1000 car
to Strickland, who says many reports have
capacity, simply by the addition of one or two units. The entire system is
been received stating that the bulbs have
unit-matched assuring smooth, trouble-free performance. Tested and proved
cleared up certain troubles experienced in
in drive-in theatres the country over. It is the accepted quality leader in the
particularly troublesome installations.
amplification field, yet the cost is unbelieveably low.
Field tests turned up a few complaints
of mismatched operation where these high
inverse peak bulbs were installed in the
The Soundmaster line includes everything
same rectifier with other bulbs having a
lor Indoor and Outdoor Theatres THE BALLANTYNE CO.
complete much lower voltage characteristic. Strickland
is now supplying so-caUed standard
amplification systems, speaker
systems, soundheads, projectors, arc lamps,
1707 Davenport Slrfel
rectifiers, generators, bases, magazines,
type bulbs having only a slightly higher
and complete booth accesories.
Omaha. Nebraska
than usual voltage characteristic to be
used in the usual run of low voltage rectifiers,
with or without those of other
The next
types and a special high voltage type.
issue of The MODERN THEATRE, April 1st,
features "DESIGN and CONSTRUCTION." Watch for it!
Projectionist Develops
Carbon Saver
William Marr, projectionist at a Salem.
World's Largest Designer, Builder and Manufacturer
Ore., drive-in theatre, has recently completed
Of Roller Coasters, Old Mills, Mill Chutes, Fun Houses, Kiddie
exhaustive tests of a carbon saver
Ferris Wheels, Kiddie Roller Coasters and the Famous
which he invented about a year and a half
ago.
After saving
CENTURY FLYER MINIATURE TRAIN
aU carl)on butts lor a period
of three months, he put his carbon
Operating now in more than 100 leading porks in the United States
with gratifying
saver into use and didn't buy any new
results.
Roller Coaster Chain, Rails and Equipment on Hand.
carbons for another three months.
A Portland organization has already been
Inquire direct or use FREE postcard, page 60, stating this ad's Key number, 58-B
signed up to handle sales, with orders com-
58 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

A CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND COME TRUE
This rough layout shows positioning of various rides, entrances and parking
areas, and serves to help locate wiring circuits and power requirements.
, LTHOUGH PLAY AND CONCESSION AREAS
can be added profitably to drive-in theatres
of any size, the operation shown in
the basic layout diagram above so epitomizes
the last word in completeness as to
be worthy of study by all drive-in operators.
To be constructed for a drive-in theatre
of the Harry Lamont & Associates circuit
in New York by National Amusement Device
Co., the Kiddyland will cost in the
vicinity of $150,000 when completed. It has
been so planned, however, that it may
be built over a period of two or three years
in sections.
PLACED NEXT TO HIGHWAY
Among the first of several new ideas incorporated
in the design of this area is
its location outside the screen tower in
a strip 200 feet deep running along 700
feet of highway frontage.
The project has been placed toward the
highway, instead of inside the ramp area
as usual, for definite purposes. In the first
place this location makes it possible to
take full advantage of the promotional
value of the unit as a theatre advertising
medium. No car wiU pass the Noah's Ark
entrance without delighted exclamations
from any child who may be a passenger.
Such attention cannot help but produce
theatre patrons who would otherwise either
attend another drive-in, or might not be
drive-in patrons at all.
A second reason for the location of the
area is that it will operate both day and
night and has been designed to be a
separate and profitable entertainment attraction
in its own right.
A careful study of the layout reveals
several entrances to the area from the
drive-in theatre. A main entrance will be
through the Noah's Ark, a free attraction
similar to the one illustrated on page 56.
One of the main items of landscaping
interest is the boat lagoon which runs
along the front and one side. At a corner,
the lagoon is bridged from highway
to concession area across an island on
which the Noah's Ai'k feature is built as a
free attraction. Within the ark are pairs
of many small animals.
At specified hours
during the day children are actually allowed
to hold the animals and pet them.
ONE RIDE CALLS FOR ANOTHER
Within the grounds, rides are laid out
so that while enjoying one attraction the
child's attention is called to another one.
This is noticeable in the boat ride, the roller
coaster, streetcar, train and fire engine
rides which are made somewhat longer
than usual in order to pass other attractions
along their routes.
Throughout the area are free attractions
which serve to draw attendance. Notable
are the four islands in the lagoon, each
containing animals. Of course, although
the monkey island, Bambi and the three
bears may be seen from both highway
and lagoon shore, they can be best observed
either from boats on the lagoon
or from the miniature train which circles
the three bears' island on trestles built in
the water.
TO BUILD SEPARATE REFRESHMENT BOOTH
At the center of the area is a refreshment
stand built to serve children's wants
particularly. Around the edges of the unit
are parking spaces for more than 325 cars
which can be used by patrons of the kiddyland
or walk-in theatre patrons. During
the daytime, overflow parking accommodations
are to be afforded by the theatre
ramp area.
In commenting on particular phases of
the Lamont design, engineer William de
L'horbe jr., of National Amusement Device
Co., called attention to the care used
in designing an entranceway. "Experience
has proved," he says, "the importance of
patron attraction here. Both the child
and the parents must be drawn through
the gates," he added. "This influences
the type of art and illustration used."
In line with parent participation in the
Kiddyland. de L'horbe cites the fact that
sometimes as many as half of the tickets
sold on various rides will be to adults who
seem to find as much pleasure in them as
the children they go along to watch over.
BOXOFTICE :: March 4, 1950 59

MORE DRIVE-INS INSTALL
WAG N E R
LETTERS AM FRAMES
because they permit more
effective sitow-seiiing
'.if^^
Wagner irames make possible larger, stronger SINGLE panels.
This is vitally important with drive-ins because of the setback from
the road and speed of passing traffic. The attraction board must
be large to be effective. Wagner single panel frames can be built
in any size! Then, too, Wagner frames are more economical to
service. Lamps, neon and glass can be replaced in any section
without disturbing other portions and WITHOUT REMOVING
FRAMES. This feature is exclusive with Wagner.
Wagner translucent plastic letters permit a more colorful, more
attractive display because of the wider range of sizes and colors.
They are available in red, blue, green, amber and black in 4", 6",
8", 10" and 17" sizes. Only Wagner letters ore pressure-adjustable
from easy slide to hurricane-proof. By a simple adjustment of the
bars, they can be locked in place so that they will not slide nor
blow off the board. These strong, shock-proof letters are furthermore
the only ones that can be stacked without warping. The
patented slotted method of mounting prevents freezing to the sign.
Wagner also offers the world's largest range of sizes, styles
and colors in aluminum letters.
Wagner Letters and Frames are the Show-Sellingest Medium
Ever Devised. They really bring in the shekels.
USE COUPON TO
REQUEST
Please send BIG FREE CALALOG on Wagner show-selling equlp-
CATA-
LOG ON EFFEC-
i^iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
I WAGNER SIGN SERVICE, INC.
S 218 S. HOYNE AVE., CHICAGO 12, ILL.
E
E ment, the largest line in the world.
E
E
Name
Theatre
ING EQUIPMENT. = Street
= City & State
Outdoor
;N ST HER William^
RED S K E L T N
TIVE SHOW-SELL-
"NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER-
III OLOBIOUS TECHHICOLOR
2

For MORE INFORMATION on any Product Advertised
in this issue or mentioned in the New Equipment and
news pages or for -.opies of Monufacturers' Literature
listed herein — Use Postcards Below.
mnw
ium
NEW EQUIPMENT and
DEVELOPMENTS
Briefed from the full descriptions starting on page 66 Key
Number
ADJUSTABLE PATTERNS FROM AIR DIFFUSERS P-376 MATTING FOR COUNTER INSTALLATION P-388
Barber-Culmun's two new [nutld dilhiscis produce either Trafflc-Tred, a new rubber mattlnn produced American
by
vertical or iioiizontal patterns of air distribution and are ^''' Corp., Is partlculariy well designed for recess work since
deslgutd in a vildc range uf sizes for various applications. it is easily cut and fitted.
FIREPROOF MATERIALS IN NEW DRAPERY P-377 FOUNTAIN UNIT PREMIXES DRINKS P.389
A flanieprooted material wliicii is s;iid to be soft and to A new unit which fits into the space occupied by one soda
drape fold nicely has been released by the Johns Man- fountain well contains the raeehanism mixing and .ind for deliverhig
ville Co. In ten solid colors and three different weaves. a uniform carbonated drink at one pull of the control lever.
COOLING TOWER FOR UNIT AIR CONDITIONERS. .P-378 BRILLIANT IMAGE FROM SLIDE PROJECTOR P-390
A compact cooling tower fur use with free standing units Many high-priced features have been added to a new 2x2-
producing from to fifteen tons of refrigeration has been inch colorslide projector made by the American Optical Co.
five
designed by the Carrier Coip. for theatre use.
DIESEL PLANT GENERATES LOW-COST ELECTRICITY. P-379 COMPACT FREEZER FOR PLUG-IN USE P-391
All-weather gasoline starting, with a one-minute of soft lee the the new
warmup Two quarts cream Is capacity of
before switching to diesel operation, featured in two Challenger freezer added to the Sweden Extremely comnew
is lull Ihie.
Onan model electric generators. pact, the new unit employs but one motor.
REFRIGERATION COMPRESSORS AVOID VIBRATION. P-380 DE LUXE DISPENSER KEEPS DRINKS IN MOTION .. P-392
The arrangement A bowl mounted dome
of cylinders in a line of compressors of- clear Plexigias within a Plexigias
fered by the York Corp. is s^iid to eliminate vibration. Parts provides an excellent display case for the drhik contained ta
the various sizes are largely Interchangeable. the new Majestic dispensers.
for
HIGH SPEED FOR 16MI« PROJECTOR LENS P-381 DEVRY ADDS NEW 16MM PROJECTORS P-393
Is High speed and amateur A choice three different models new
results to satisfy the serious or of afforded the
professional .u-e claimed for the new f:1.6, 6-elcment Bauscb lino of DeVry 16mm projectors. One model is self-contained
& Lomb 16mm projector lens. in a single case, while two have separate speakers.
LARGE-SCREEN TELEVISION SET FOR LOUNGES. . .P-3S2 LIGHTING UNITS FOR DRIVE-IN USE P-394
A 27x36-inch screen is incorporated in a television set de- A combination entrance-pointer light and driveway floodsigoed
particularly for theatre lounges. ITie Image said to light and a ramp identification light are offered by the
is
be equally clear up close or as much as 75 feet away. Drive-ln Tlieatre Mfg. Co. in its 1950 line.
POPCORN STAND EASY TO WHEEL P-383 INCREASE EASE OF BUFFETERIA HANDLING P-395
A new stainless steel and aluminum popcorn stand with a The swivel wheel of tlie new model Buffeterla hits been
12-quart alumhium kettle popper available for drive-in increased is In size for easier operation, and a Coleman kerooperators
through Concession Supply Co.. the manufacturer. scne-gas burner has unit
ULTRA-WIDE SOUND RANGE MICROPHONE P-384
been added as a healing
IMPROVED COVE BASE OF VINYL PLASTIC P-396
A new microphone witii ultra-wide range tone quality and A higher gloss, wider ba.s6 and greater pliability arc three
high fidelity sound reproduction is offered by Electro-Voice, qualillcs claimed for the new vinyl plastic cove base re-
Inc. in a model which can be either hand-held or used on leased by the Fremont Rubber Co.
a boom without obstructing the user's face. SNACK KAR CARRIES $150 PAY LOAD (See paoe 42) N-397
SINGLE UNIT REGULATES VARIABLE DC VOLTAGE.. P-3S5 Poblocki i Sons have recently taken
.
over production and
of drive-in unit.
The Varicell, which will regulate variable DC voltage from sale the Snack Kar, a mobile refreshment
AC lines Is available in the Superior Electric line. NEW RCA PROJECTOR DESIGN (See page 34) N-398
NEW BOBTAIL FOUNTAIN FOR SMALL SPACES P-386 The latest RCA projector design Is incorporated In the
A bobtail fountain designed for operators with small new RCA "100" model which has full view glass doors, and
amounts of floor space Is offered by the B.istian-Blessing Co. an Illuminated gear compartment.
POST LIGHTS AID DRIVE-IN OPERATORS P-387 MANUAL FOR DIFFUSER NEEDS (see page 8) N-399
released Extremely rigid construction afforded in adjustable The Anemostat Corp. of America has just a
is the
drive-in post lights offered by W. H. Long Co. manual covering air distribution dlffuser needs.
LITERATURE
Briefed from the descriptions on page 73
Nmnbet
MANUAL GIVES BURNER CHARACTERISTICS L-1022
A four-page lolder uf the Konh Ameiiean Mfg. Co. illustrates
gas burners for commercial-sized boilers.
CATALOG OF FLUORESCENT LIGHTING FIXTURES. .L-1023
A scmitechnical manual released by Bylvanla Electric contains
data helptui wlien piiuining a fluorescent installation.
DESCRIBES THEATRE WASTE RECEPTACLES L-1024
A lour-page folder uf the Atlas Products Co. contains
full descriptive data on its line ul metal sajid urns.
NEW FEATURES OF BEVELITE LETTERS L-1025
Beveilto niarijuee letters. Alumliiex display frames and
Aluminex pusilbars arc described by Tlieatre Specialties, Inc.
CATALOG DESCRIBES INTERCOM EI3UIPMENT L-1026
Wiring diagrams and speciticatiuns of the Intercommunicatiun
telephones of Edwards H Co. are in a 24-page catalog.
UNIFORM CATALOG WITH SIZE CHART L-1027
Tlie oU-page catalog of tlic Angelica Jacket Co. illustrates
uniforms suitable for many tjpes of theatre employes.
GERMICIDAL LAMP IN THREE SIZES L-1028
Said to produce ozone, the Pur-Ar-Llte germicidal lamp
Is described In an illustrated lolder of the Ciicllte Corp.
CREATE ATMOSPHERE THROUGH LIGHTING L-1029
Xlie Cleat, on of tlieatre atmospliere through lighting Is discussed
in tile catalog of the Superior Electric Co.
EQUIPMENT FOR THE ORIVE-IN L-1030
A three-color folder of the Baii^uitjne Co. describes the
firm's line of drive-in equipment.
NEW FEATURES IN CLEANING EQUIPMENT L-1031
ilio floor ,uid carpet cleaners of the Llncohi-SclUueter Floor
Machinery Co. are described Ui various folders.
METHODS OF LAWN MAINTENANCE L-1032
Various equipment for maintaining drive-ln grounds and lawns
is in literature of James Cunningliam, Son & Co.
COATING CONTROLS WATER SEEPAGE L-1033
Literature describing the appiicalion of arresting
Pruftite tor
water seeiiago available from is I'rufcoat Laboratories, Inc.
FOR EQUIPPING THE CONCESSION STAND L-1034
Equipment and supplies the drive-hi concession stand
for
are described in literature of National Theatre Supply.
LITERATURE DESCRIBES COIL PERFORMANCE L-1035
Design and performance d.ita on heating and cooling coils
are described by Stilrtev,int division of Westinghouse.
MIGHTY MIDGET WITH FOUR HEADS L-1036
A fountain and dispenser described in color folder.
WOOD AND MARBLE WALL FINISH PANELS L-1037
Marsh Wall Products, Inc., Uluslrales wood marble
and
panel
finishes.
tow to Use These
tEADERS'
BUREAU COUPONS
Write here the key number^ I "H
of the item that interests you ^ I
I
la Fill out completely o leparote coupon
for each New Equipment item,
News article or Literature reference
(above) whicli interests you. Likewise
for each Advertised Product (reverse
lide of this sheet) about which yau
wont more information. Put only one
key number in each square.
here the key number
l[7£
JOHN Q.DO£
-;,„;, QUEEN
SU and MAIN
NEWBERN S.O-C
ALA.
i
V MODERN THEATRE Section ot BOXOFFICE •
:2* Use the outer card to request one
to four items, both cords if requesting
five to eight.
3, When you have filled out the coupons
for each request, detach the
postcards and mail. No postage
needed in the U.S. (Affix stamp in
Canada.)
9

READERS' BUREAU
A
C
For literature on products advertised or mentioned in this issue, see other
side oi this sheet and read how to use the postcard coupons below.
PRODUCTS ADVERTISED IN THIS ISSUE
ACOUSTICS and INSULATION
Dant and Russell Saies Co 15-A
ADMISSION SIGNS
Sweden Freezer Mfg. Co 43.
Lamolite Products (Edgar Bowman) ... .33*A KIDDIE RIDES FOR DRIVE-INS
AIR CONDITIONING
King Amusement Co 62-D
Ctirysler Corp., Airtemp Division IS-A Miniature Train Co 63-A
CurtiS MIg. Co 5-A National Amusement Device Co 5S-B
National Engineering & Mfg. Co 2S-B
LIGHTS,
Marley Co., Inc., The
DIRECTIONAL, Etc., tor 30-A
DRIVE-INS
Revere Electric
Typhoon Air Conditioning
Mfg.
Co., Inc 23-A
Co 65-B
U. S. Air Conditioning Corp 26-A MATS
Westingnouse Electric Corp 31-A American Mat Corp 76.a
AIR OIFFUSERS
PUYGROUND EQUIPMENT for DRIVE-INS
Anemostat Corp. of America 22-A See Kiddie Rides
ATTftACriON BOARDS AND LETTERS
POPCORN BAGS and CARTONS
Adier Silhouette Letter Co 48-C Manley, Inc. 35.4
Vvagner bign bervice, Inc 60-A Rex faper Products Co 40.A
Pobiocki it Sons 70-B & 71-A POr-CORN MACHINES
BLACK LIGHT
Manley, Inc 2S-A
:>wiizer brothers, Inc 2S-A POkCURN MACHINES, Portable, for DRIVE-INi
BLOivcRS
Concession but.ply Co 65.A
.'. Heyiiolas Blower Co. 48-A POr-CUKN SCuOrS
CANuY
Speeu-dcoop 44-B
henry Heide, Inc 44-C POrCOHN POPPING LIQUID
Laniont, Corliss & Co 4S-A Best Foods, Inc 44-A
CARBONS
Manley, inc. 3g.A
^ee r-rojector Carbons
Simoiiin 01 Philadelphia 42.A
CARi'ETS
POcCORN & SUPcLltS
Alexander Smith & Masiand 4-A Inoiana r-op Corn Co 40.
B^gelow'Saiiiord Carpet Co 50-A Manley, Inc 38-A
Karagneusian, A&M, Inc 37-A POSIER CASES
CARfEr CUSHION
See Display Cases, Poster
Stonge Rubber Products 68-A PROJECIION LAMPS
CONCESSION CONTRACTORS
Strong E.ectric Corp 6-A
Si.oriser.ice, Inc 62-C PROJECTION SCREENS
CONCESSION EQUIPMENT, DRIVE-IN
B. F. Shearer Co 29-A
Concession Supply Co 65-A Williams Screen Co 69-A
Poblocki & Sons 71-A PROJECTOR CARBONS
Walky Service Co 40-B
National Carbon Co
COOLING TOWERS for AIR CONDITIONING
49.A
PROJECTOR
Marley Co., Inc., The 30-A
CARBON SAVERS
Call Carbon Couplers
DISPLAY CASES, POSTER
74. B
Poblocki & Sons 70-B PROJECTOR LENSES
Universal Corporation 22-C
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co 32-A
DRINK DISPENSERS, MANUAL
Kollmorgen Optical Corp 74.A
Drincolator Corp 41-A Par Products Corp 62-
DRIVE-IN FENCING
Projection Optics Corp 72-C
Arnold-Dain 63-C PROJECTORS
EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS
Ballantyne Co sg.A
D. W. Onan & Sons, Inc 75-C DeVry Corporation 57.A
FILM REWIND
International Projector Cofp...53-A and 1-BC
GoldE MIg. Co 22-B Motiograph, Inc 63-B
FRONTS, THEATRE
RCA Theatre Equipment Division 2-A
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co 27-A Wenzel Projector Co 68-B
HAND DRYERS, ELECTRIC
PROJECTOR PARTS
Electric-Aire Engineering Corp 69-B LaVezzi Machine Works 30-8
ICE CREAM MERCHANDISER"
Freez-King Corp 45.^
RECTIFIER BULBS
Strickland Electric Co 36-A
RECTIFIERS
Forest- Harrison, 34-A
Inc
SCALES. PENNY FORTUNE
Watling Manufacturing Co 43-B
SCREENS, INDOOR THEATRE
See Projection Screens
SCREEN TOWERS, DRIVE-IN
Drive-ln Theatre Mfg. Co. 72-B
Timber Structures, Inc 56-A
SEATING, DRIVE-INS
American Seating Co 62-E
Griggs Equipment Co 75-B
SEATING, CONVENTIONAL THEATRES
Gnggs Equipment Co 75.B
Heywood-Wakefield Co 47-A
Ideal Seating Co 35.A
Irwm Seating Co 4fi-D
SHOE-SHINE VENDING MACHINE
Falcon Mfg. Co 48-B
SOUND SERVICE, PROJECTION
RCA Service Co 72.A
SPEAKERS. IN-CAR DRIVE-IN
Bailantyne Co 58-A
DeVry Cor(.oration 57-A
Drive-ln Ihealre Mfg. Co 72-8
Dnve-ln Theatre Equipment Co 64-B
Diecast Aluminum Speakers, Inc 72-B
International Projector Corp...53-A and 1-BC
Mot.oQrat.h, Inc 63-B
RCA Ihealre Equipment Division 2-A
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Co 64-A
SPEAKER CORDS, COILED
Koiled-Kords, Inc 64-A
SPEAKER POSTS, DRIVE-IN
Sohken St Galamba Corporation 61-A
SPOTLIGHTS
Strong Electric Co 67-A
STAGE EQUIPMENT
Automatic Devices Co 69-C
Vallen, Inc 33-C
SWEEPERS, VACUUM & BLOWER
General Electric Co 73-A
Ideal Industries, Inc 34-B
National Super Service Co 30-C
THEATRE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
National Theatre Supply Co 75-A
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Co 61-B
TICKET REGISTERS
General Register Corp 70-A
TILE, WALL & FLOOR
Mosaic Tile Co 13-A
UNDERGROUND CABLE, DRIVE-IN
Drive-In Theatre Mfg. Co 72-B
Whitney-Blake Co 64-A
UNIFORMS
Reversible Collar Co 33-B

—
. .
skilled Hands That Work in the Dark
Riverview at 2nd Street Kansas City 18, Kansas • C 602 West 52nd St, N Y 19
Speaking of Speakers...
EVERYONE
BLOWS HIS
OWN HORN!
It's easy to say "greatest speaker
value", "lowest cost quality speaker",
"most spectacular value", or
moke other superlative claims .
BUT a tiny, tinny, toy speaker is
no bargain even if you got it for
nothing.
Buy a Pair of S. 0. S. "CO OP"
speakers and compare with any
speaker at^ny price — BE
During the national program for "employing handicapped persons." Frank tetany, blind veteran of
World War II who is employed at the Ballantyne Co. plant, demonstrated his skill from a Toledo
CONVINCED!
department store window.
Thousands of onlookers watched this blind expert skillfully assemble the numerous tiny parts that
go (0 make up Ballantyne's Sound Master in-car speakers.
Big Sombrero Covers New Technique
F^-om Sulphur Springs, Ai-k., J. Bye Coverston
ers back to us in much better condition
comes forth with the answers to a than formerly."
good many drive-in problems, outstanding
An added advantage is that, although
among which is in-car speaker loss. picking up speakers from departing cars
As owner and operator of the Big Sombrero
may slow up the break by five minutes, it
Drive-In Theatre, Coverston has makes it possible for him to regulate the
worked out a snap-on arrangement for flow of theatre traffic into the highway.
his speaker connections which makes it In a somewhat lighter vein, Coverston
possible for him to issue an in-car speaker admitted that although taxes are going
BUYS 2 speakers
to each car as it passes through the boxoffice.
Speakers are collected as cars depart. he at least had the opportunity to do a
to be with us for some little time to come,
and a junction
According to Coverston, patron reaction little "picking and choosing" as to where »16 box complete
has been favorable to the plan. When a he paid them. "The Arkansas-Missouri
NO OTHER SPEAKER
patron fails to turn in his speaker he is state line runs right through my
CAN MAKE
drive-in,"
asked to return to the ramp and get it. he said with a broad grin, "and if taxation
ALL THESE STATEMENTS:—
"Prom the standpoint of the management."
becomes unfavorable in Arkansas. I
(1) Large 6" cone for greater volume and tone
Coverston says, "the program has not only just move my boxoffice into Missouri and
quality.
Die (2) cast Aluminum Alloy housing with 3
stopped speaker loss but has gotten speak-
operate from there."
different handles.
bulls-eye

.
Rollaway Drive-In Screen for Hurricane Climes
Theatres are no longer
limited b\ the "throw" of the projection lens.
The new Super Luxars give greatly increased
screen brilliance at distances never before possible.
They provide the theatre designer increased
flexibility in theatre layouts.
For outdoor theatres, the projection booth may
now be located for maximum attendance and
convenience.
Super Luxar Lenses all have an aperture ratio
of f :2.0 with range of focal lengths from 6 to
2 1 ',2 and fit most standard projection equipment.
For maximum screen illumination for extra
long "throws", in both outdoor and indoor
theatres, get the complete information and
prices of Super Luxar Lenses by writing..
PRODUCTS CORP.
Optical Engineers for 15 years
ENUE HOLLYWOOD 38, CALIF.
The native ingenuity that has made American enterprise known the world around is typified in
the drive-in theatre of Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Hall of West Palm Beach, Fla. Destroyed by a hurricane
in September of 1947, the theatre was rebuilt with the strong winds in mind.
Instead of striving for greater rigidity and heavier construction, the Halls adopted a semitropical
motif for the construction of the new screen tower, trimming the framework in locally
grown bamboo and backing it with bamboo matting. The screen of steel and plywood is so contrived
that it can be quickly raised into position or lowered by a system of steel cables powered
with a five-horsepower motor.
With the screen lowered, wind can whip through the tower framework without causing damage.
The ability to raise and lower the screen has also proved a great help in maintenance of the
surface. Hall points out.
With a variation of the outdoor playground idea, the Hall's drive-in boasts an indoor playroom
equipped with several games and a music box and dance floor for patrons who wish to
dance. Playroom and office are included in housing provided at the base of the screen tower.
FINEST QUALITY SPEAKER SET
BUY DIRECT KROM US
OR YOUR DEALER ^SV
oLJiecail —Aluminum .Jipeaken, J7nc.
NOW SPeCIAUZINGV
IN REFRCSHMBNT
SERVICE FOR
fPRIVE-IN THEATRES/
J
SPORTSERVICE Corp. Jacobs bros.
703 MAIN ST. •.BUFFftLO, W. Y. .• WA. 2506
The entire area is attractively landscaped.
Advertising to Hold Patrons
During Remodeling
In Florida where drive-in theatre business
operates around the calendar, the
Miami Drive-In keeps a weather eye open
for advertising appeals even when the theatre
is closed for remodeling.
A recent series of two-inch newspaper
advertisements kept the theatre's name
before the public during the closed period
by informing them of the progress being
made toward providing them better
DRIVE-IN
THEATRES
Increase Your Family Patronage!
Entertain the children ~ with the latest kiddie
riding devices. Complete line oi miniature trains,
auto rides, pony rides, and airplane rides. Immediate
deliverv. t»rmii arranged.
KING AMUSEMENT CO-
Mt. Clemens, Mich.
service. The series was very effective.
Each message was included In a heading
and signature style which established
recognition for the campaign, with separate
pieces of copy telling patrons of new
ramp grading, new in-car speakers and
other modernization features.
As the work was completed, exact reopening
date was announced and who were
former patrons were kept informed. On reopening
night it was plain to see that people
had not forgotten the theatre or the excellence
of its programs or equipment.
DRIVE-INS!
Seat pedestrian-patrons in
Q^mmcim
Outdoor
Theatre Chairs
Cradleform seats and deepcurved
bocks insure comfort.
Back end seot slots ore solid
wood. All ports durobly finished
for outdoors— hardware
tree ed to
lAls,
iching
AMERICAN SEATING COMPANY
Grond Rapids 2, Michigan
Branch Offices and Distributors in
Principal Cities
62 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

DRIVE-IN
PREFAB
OWNER MAY NOW BUY
MARQUEE PACKAGE
IT'S TIME TO CHECK
UP ON THOSE
DRIVE-IN NEEDS
& BARRICADE a
Pictured above ore three of the attraction board styles offered drive-in owners by Poblocki &
Sons. A choice of various "packages" may be obtained to fit each specific case.
With practically all the major suppliers
offering various types of "package" plans
for drive-in theatre construction, Poblocki
Si Sons Co. joins the parade with a plan to
supply the outdoor exhibitor with his choice
of some twenty styles of name and attraction
board marquees for the drive-in.
The signs themselves will be manufactured
by Poblocki in Milwaukee. At the
exhibitor's option he will receive complete
blueprints for concrete or metal bases to be
made by local labor, or he may buy the
completed sign erected by Poblocki crews.
The signs are either single or doublefaced
or of V construction and are made
of galvanized sheet metal, aluminum or
porcelain.
For the low-budget installation a new
sign has been designed which avoids the
use of opal glass or Plexiglas, substituting
a new type of reflector. This removes much
of the danger from vandalism in locations
which are not policed by day and also cuts
down on maintenance expense.
A PROVEN TRAFFIC BUILDER
AUTHENTIC MINIATURE TRAINJ
THEN BUY
PROVEN
SATISFACTION BY BUYING
S/MOTIOGRAPH Model AA' Double
Shutter Projectors (or beautiful, rocksteady
pictures.
v/MOTIOGRAPH SOUND
reproduction.
for liieiii.
si MOTIOGRAPH ARC LAMPS lor
abundance ol
y MOTIOGRAPH
screen illumination,
an
MOTOR-GENER-
ATORS lor a dependable source ol
^/ MOTIOGRAPH IN-CAR SPEAK-
ERS *or exceplionalty line sound and
ability to take abuse.
Order them now from your Motiograpb
dealer or write
MOTIOGRAPH, INC.
4431 W. Loke St. Chicago 24, III.
Export Division (Except Canada)
Frazar & Hansen. Ltd., 301 Clay St.
San Francisco 11. California
free ...
Write for free literature containing
full information on
Miniature Trains and how
they can make money for you.
^r. Irving Goldberg
COMMUNITY THEATRES
Detroit,
Michigan
says this about their
AUTHENTIC MINIATURE TRAIN
installed in one of their Drive-ln Theatres
The reaclioc. from children, and adults, too, was absolute.* terrific. It
encouraged early business and was the •fill of our playground equipment. V.e
fortunate from a standpoint of maintenance and repairs. Uur
experience was oice.lent in that regard because the cost was practically ml ."
were also very
This is just one of the many unsolicited testimonials from owners of Authentic
Miniature Trains. Excitingly popurar with youngsters and adults . . . easy ig
operate . . . highly portable ... low overhead and operating costs ... an
Authentic Miniature Train will increase your Box-Office!
^MINIATURE TRAIN CO.
RENSSELAER, INDIANA i>'i» "
Outdoor
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Rustic beauly licainbmed
with slfong. sate, durable
CYPRESS
protection as screen (ence
(or drivein theatres. Enclosure
prevents car lights
PICKET
shining in and slops non-
FENCE
paying customers (rom seeing
dim. Cypress available
m heights up to 10 (eel.
ARNOLD-DAIN CORP.
BOX 66 MAHOPAC, NEW YORK
BOXOFFICE ;: March 4, 1950 63

, the
CUT
SPEAKER LOSSES
with this new
SAFETY
CABLE
Sturdy, stranded steel cable
jacketed with neoprene and
including necessary conductors
reduces in-car speaker
or in-car heater losses.
Cable will withstand approximately
400-pound pull
and cannot be cut except
with heavy tools.
Available
either
koiled or straight
Specify these new safety
cables on your next in-car
speakers or in-car heaters
and keep a stock on hand
for replacement purposes.
Koiled Kords replacements
are made for all standard
speakers. Order them
through your theatre
supply dealer.
KoileJMs
NEW HAVEN 14,
CONNECTICUT
WINTER OPERATION PROVES
POPULARITY OF DRIVE-IN
V^APACiTY OF THE Skyvue Drive-In
on Park Avenue in Memphis, Tenn., is 742
cars. On a recent Sunday, with the thermometer
hovering eight degrees above
freezing, 704 cars filled the Skyvue almost
to capacity for the first showing of "Sands
of Iwo Jima."
This little incident meant for Manager
Bob Gilgore the happy climax of a big
commercial gamble. He and the Skyvue
board had bet drive-in appeal against the
weather and won.
"We believe," said Kilgore, "that we
have completed the first successful year
around nightly operation of a drive-in theatre
in this part of the country." He recalled
the drive-in at Forrest City, Ark.,
stayed open all last winter but only on
weekends. Memphis' other two drive-ins
closed this winter as usual, one in December,
the other just after the January ice
storm.
"We were closed for two days after the
ice storm," said Kilgore, "but not because
of the weather. It was because the power
lines were down and we had no electricity.
Even then, 42 cars tried to come in the
darkened theatre and many times that
many people called to see if we were open."
Throughout the rain and cold this winter,
Skyvue's attendance has averaged 50
per cent of peak summer business. "The
other night during a steady rain, we had
500 cars," he recalled. "It often amazes
us. Most of these cars had their heaters
going periodcally and their windshield
wipers constantly."
APPROXIMATELY 10% OF DRIVE-IN THEATRES IN THE U.S.A.
ARE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOVOICE.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO., Inc.
2110 Superior Avenue Cleveland 14, Ohio
The walk-in section of the Skyvue \vas
officially closed in November but customers
in the neighborhood insisted on buying
tickets and walking in and so it wasn't
actually ever closed.
"People with children have sat there,
wrapped in blankets and holding umbrellas.
Beats anything I ever saw. Our faith in
the public liking drive-ins has more than
been justified.
"Concession sales have dropped off only
in proportion to boxoffice receipts. We
added hot coffee and hot dogs, popcorn
and cold drinks and dropped ice cream.
Sales have stayed right at 35 per cent of
the ticket receipts."
So happy has all this made the operators
of Skyvue, that plans are already being
made now to install in-car heaters to
make winter operation even more satisfactory
before next winter.
The decision to keep Skyvue open as
long as possible this winter was made by
the board of directors in December—even
if the operation broke even or lost a little.
"We wanted to keep the organization
together," Kilgore said. "And we did. We
had a staff of 16 employes busy all winter.
We have as many as 40 employes
during the summer peak."
Now, with spring in the air, additional
equipment is being installed in the children's
playground within the theatre's
fences. "We are adding new swings and
slides and will have a miniature railroad
and ponies to ride before warm weather
gets here."
Auto -Voice
1950
RCOUSTI-mflTIC
in-car
SPEAKERS
theatr mpnnted on
each speaker cabin et puts the
final perfect touch oi beautigleaming
new 1950 Auto-
iul.
Voice Acousti-Matic.
get your Auto-Voic
When you
with the
e
Talk-Back system concession
sales increase beyond expectations.
Every speaker becomes
a salesman lor you. Write !or
details.
64 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

—
Cleaners Who Work 'for
Peanuts'
f~^\
S.
spilled
T. Wilson, manager of the Dale Mabry Drive-In at Tampa, fla., doesn't bother to sweep up
popcorn and other edible material— he merely stands by and waits tor a flock of sea gulls
to swoop in regularly every morning and do the job for him. Wilson reports the gulls fly in at the
same time every day and remain about an hour gleaning the corn. Extensive landscaping is
planned at the Mabry in the next few months.
PYLON-LITES
ADD TO
THE
M
FAMILY
DRAW
Hundreds of Drive-In Tlieatres
have learned ttiat entrances
must tie made inviting
to pull in the crowds. The
Greatest Draw is Lioht. RE-
VERE PYLON-LITES are Just
the thing. Their Luminaire
houses the latest in fluorescent
lamps which oive off a
rich glow of light, seen from
Standards
available for dispensing air
and water. Luminaires can be
had with opaque letters fired
into the glass, such as
'L A I S". '-G E N TS"
D E
•G AS". "0 I L". "EN-
TRANCE", etc.
fidy for next season . . .
Light Up with REVEI
Write for free circular.
Projectionist Critics Present New Angles
"How Good Is a Movie?—Ask the Man
in the Projection Booth" was the title of
a half-page feature recently run in the
Providence, R. I., Evening Bulletin.
"Oscars and lemons come and go, but
'Gone With the Wind' was the best of
them all," according to a couple of hardto-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.
It was 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 women 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 noise 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, who says, however,
it's all a part of the business.
PATENTED
St. dard is Built
Strong and Sturdy
will last for years.
Underwriters'
approved.
G
E
;
S
No. 3017
20" AREA UGHTEH
minum or Porcelaic
No. 3033
16" AREA LIGHTED
Ideal ior Parkways.
for the
DRIVE-IN!
CONCESSION PORTABLE POPCORN STAND
Wilh Ihe new Concession mobile popco
vend popcorn right from the "aisle" in
tlieatre. Has ample storage space ior box<
popped and unpopped com and is avoilab
eitbc
ilh
Coleman gasoline or electric hooting unit.
pletely porioJble on nibber-tired wheels, Includes 12
quart capacity all aluminum Saratoga t popper,
ittle
Stainless steel and aluminum construction. 36xl8x3S.
ize:
Complete $169.50; without legs and w eels SIS4.S0.
Write today for lull informoHon.
Complete Line of Concession Equipment and Supplies
CONCESSION SUPPLY COMPANY
Depf. D. 3916 SECOR ROAD TOLEDO 13, OHIO
LUMINAIRES MOUNTED ON 2" PIPE
§END THE COUPON
REVERE ELECTRIC MFG. CO.
6020 Broadway. Chicago 40. lU.
SEND ME PYLON-LITE INFORMATION.
NAME
COMPANY
ADDRESS
CITY .
STATE
_.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950 65

EQUIPMENT Sr
DEVELOPMENTS
Adjustable Ceiling Diffusers P-376
Available in Two Models
The Barber-Colman Co. has introduced
new ceiling outlets, adaptable to any air
conditioning systems, which can be adjusted
to deflect air streams in either
vertical or horizontal patterns.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION
USE Readers'
Bureau Coupons^ P^SC 60
Onan Generating Plants P-379
Are Diesel
Powered
D. W. Onan & Sons. Inc., have added
five new models of Diesel-driven electric
generating plants, equipped with automatic
voltage regulators which range from
12 '72 to 55 KW to their line of Diesel generating
equipment.
Available in wide size ranges for any
installation requirements, the Venturi-Flo
outlets come in two separate models. Model
J supply outlet is equipped for rapid temperature
equalization as well as being air
flow adjustment.
Similar in appearance to Model J is the
JC unit which is a combination supply
and exhaust model finished in a prime
coat or baked metalescent aluminum finish.
Flameproof Drapery Doubles P-377
As Wall Covering
A flameproof drapery material called
Colorbestos, which may also be used as a
decorative wall covering and can be applied
to wall structures of plaster, steel
or asbestos board, is announced by Johns-
Manville.
Much lighter in weight than ordinary
asbestos cloth, Colorbestos is said to drape
and fold nicely, has a good appearance
and feels and handles easily, as well as
being flameproof.
Colorbestos combines asbestos yarn with
a warp of cotton. The result is a ma-
terial which is reported to meet the need
for a drapery that will not support combustion
and is also attractive.
Colorbestos is being produced in ten
plain colors and three different weaves and
can be washed or dry cleaned without
damage to fire protection qualities. The
material comes in 50 or 100-yard bolts of
standard 48-inch width. Its average weight
per square yard varies from 0.92 pounds for
the plain weave' to 1.1 pounds for a ratine
weave.
Cooling Tower Adaptable
To Self-Contained Units
A new cooling tower
especially adaptable
to self-contained air
conditioning units is
announced by Carrier
Corp.
Available in four
models, ranging from
5 to 15 tons of refrigeration
capacity,
P-378
the Carrier unit permits
the recirculation
of water with a minimum
of loss due to
normal evaporation.
The unit features a
water turbine drive with electrical connections
needed only for a pump, apart
from the tower itself. It requires floor
space of only 36 inches wide by 36 inches
deep and stands seven feet high. The fill
material is of waterproof asphalt impregnated
board.
The four lightweight models are for 5,
TVs, 10 and 13 h.p. air conditioning systems.
Installation requires a minimum of
piping connections. Casing is of durable,
water-resistant construction, hot dipped
after assembly to permit outdoor installation.
The unit may also be installed inside
in a room apart from the conditioned
area.
Powered by International Harvester lowspeed
engines, the new units combine aUweather
gasoline engine starting with full
Diesel operation. The engine is started by
cranking a 12-volt starting system, and
less than a minute of warm-up is needed
before changing over to full Diesel operation
by means of a control lever. A battery
recharging generator is provided to
maintain starting batteries at full charge.
Available in all standard voltages, frequencies
and phases, the new Diesel models
are said to assure low-cost electric
power. The units are equipped with Onan
voltage-regulated generators, which are designed
and constructed for operation under
all climatic conditions.
V/W Compressors Provide
P-380
Freedom From Vibration
A new line of high speed refrigeration
compressors for ammonia application has
been developed by the York Corp., according
to John R. Hertzler, vice-president and
general sales manager.
Termed V/W compressors because of the
arrangement of cylinders, the new design
is said to provide freedom from vibration.
Cylinder liners and all other parts subjected
to wear can be readily removed for
replacement with a minimum of effort and
at low cost.
Most of the parts on the various size
compressors are interchangeable, eliminating
the necessity of keeping a large assortment
of spare parts in inventory, where
a number of compressors have been installed.
66 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

High-Speed 16mm Lens P-381
In Production
A new high-speed lens for 16mm motion
picture projectors has recently been put in
production by Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.
The six-element, anastigmat f:1.6 lens
is designed both for serious amateurs
and for professional users. Developed
over the past two years, it is said to rival
the firm's professional Super Cinephor
model used in many theatres throughout
the country. The sealed, one-piece mount
fits all sound projectors with the standard
one and 3/16-inch barrel.
Television Set Adaptable P-382
For Theatre Lounges
A television set, distributed by National
Theatre Supply, particularly adaptable to
television lounges in theatres has been designed
by General Precision Equipment
Corp.
The Precision set has a 27x36-inch screen
and provides a picture which is said to be
equally satisfactory whether seen up close
or 75 feet away. According to the manufacturer,
the Precision picture is sharp
right to the edge of the screen without
ripples, waves or fuzzy distortion.
Portable Popcorn Stand
For Drive-ln Use
P-383
Concession Supply Co. has introduced a
new stainless steel and aluminum portable
popcorn stand for drive-ins which contains
a 12-quart capacity aluminum kettle popper,
and ample storage space for popped
corn, boxes and seasoning.
The mobile popcorn outfit measures
36x18x36 and is available with either gasoline
or electric heating unit. The cart
has rubber-tired wheels and is easily
maneuvered in the ramp area.
Ultra-Wide Range Microphone P-384
Adaptable to Drive-Ins
Electro-Voice. Inc., armounces a new
versatile microphone with ultra-wide range
and high fidelity which requires no auxiliary
equipment.
Engineered and built to meet studio, remote
telecasting and broadcasting needs,
the new microphone is suitable for special
announcing, drive-in theatres and other
high quality sound amplification. It can be
used on a stand, hand-held or on a boom
without hiding the performer's face.
STRONGS
trouper/
Portable High Intensity
A. C. CARBON ARC SPOTLIGHT
Produ
steady, sharp, uniformly illuminated
Silvered glass reflector and two-element variable
Draws only 10 amperes from any llO-volt A.C
lating transformer, on integral p of the
unnecessary.
v-white
Easily operated. Automatic arc
A trim ol carbons burns one h<
Horizontal masking control. Can be angled at 45 degrees
contains six slides and ultraviolet filter holder.
Mounted on casters. Easily disassembled ior shipping.
Albany Theatre Supply
ATLANTA
Natl Theatre Sup. Co.
ATLANTIC CITY
Boardwalk Film Enterprises
BALTIMORE
J. F. Dusman Co.
Nat'l Theatre Sup. Co.
BOSTON
J. Cifre, Inc.
Nal'l Theatre Sup. Co.
BUFFALO
Dion Products
Nat'l Theatre Sup. Co.
CHARLOTTE
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
CHICAGO
Abbott Theatre Equip. Co.
Gardner Jansen Inc.
Hollywood Staoe Liohtinfl Co.
Midwest Stage Liahting Co.
Midwest Theatre Service & Equip.
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
CINCINNATI
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
CLEVELAND
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
DALLAS
Hardin Theatre Sup. Co.
Modern Theatre Equip. Co,
Natl. Theatre Sup. Co.
DENVER
Nat'L Theatre Sup. Co.
Graham Brothers
DES MOINES
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co,
THE
STRONG
ELECTRIC CORP.
spol.
1 length lens system,
convenience outlet. Adju
makes the ol heavy rotating
ch direction. Colo
self-reguequipment
SEE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DEALERS OR USE COUPON FOR OBTAINING LITERATURE
ALBANY
Nat'l Theatre Sup. Co.
DETROIT
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
OKLAHOMA
Nat'l. Theatre
CITY
Sup. Co.
FORTY FORT
V. M. Tate Theatre Supplies
GREENSBORO
Standard Theatre Sup. Co.
HOUSTON
Southwestern Theatre Equip. Co.
INDIANAPOLIS
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
KANSAS CITY
Shreve Theatre Supply
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
LOS ANGELES
J. M. Boyd
C. J. Holzmueller
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
Projection Equip. & Main. Co.
LOUISVILLE
Falls City Theatre Equip. Co.
MEMPHIS
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
MILWAUKEE
Nat'l Theatre Sup, Co,
R. Smith Co.
MINNEAPOLIS
Minneapolis Theatre Supply
Nat'l, Theatre Sup. Co,
NEW HAVEN
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
NEW ORLEANS
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
NEW YORK CITY
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
NORFOLK
Please
Nat'l. Theatre Sup. Co.
s
Oklahoma Theatre Sup. Co.
PHILADELPHIA
Blumberg Bros.
Nat'l, Theatre Sup. Co.
PITTSBURGH
Atlas Theatre Supply
Nal'l Theatre Sup. Co.
SALT LAKE CITY
Inter-Mountain Theatre Sup. Co.
SAN FRANCISCO
C. J. HoUmueller
Nat'l Theatre Sup. Co.
W. G. Preddey Theatre Sup.
SEATTLE
B. F. Shearer Co.
Nat'l Theatre Sup. Co.
SIOUX FALLS
American Theatre Sup. Co.
ST. LOUIS
City Electric Co.
Nat'l Theatre Sup. Co.
TOLEDO
Theatre Equip. Co.
WESTERLY
G, H, Payne Motion Picture Service
CANADA
Dominion Sound Equip. Ltd.
Montreal.
Quebec
General Theatre Sup. Co.
Montreal. Quebec
Perkins Elec. Co. Lid.
Montreal,
Quebec
Perkins Electric Co. Ltd.
Toronto,
Ontario
General Theatre Sup. Co.
Winnipeg

Cut Carpeting Costs
®
Varicell Unit Regulates P-385
Variable DC Voltage
The Superior Electric Co. has introduced
a new Varicell unit which provides
a stabilized and regulated source of variable
DC voltage from AC power lines, and
operates from 95 to 135 volt, 60 cycle, single
phase alternating cuiTent line.
Sponge Rubber
Rug Cushion for
The Modern ^1 X''^V^^f:y^
Theater
The unit delivers a direct current output
that is variable up to 30 volts, while allowable
output current available at any
voltage setting is 15 amperes.
Spongex rug cushion
V adds years of extra life to all carpets
According to J. s. Louden, sales manager,
the unit was developed to meet the
demand for a single piece of equipment
that would serve this fimction.
V will last for carpets to come
V
makes all carpets luxury carpets
Compactness a Feature
Of Bobtail Fountain
P-386
Doesn't create dust or lint — moth proof, vermin proof— gets no
musty smell — always springy, no matting down— no crevices or
cups to harbor dirt— can be vacuumed or dampwiped!
Ask your carpeting contractor about SPONGEX today,
us for samples and information.
or write
Designed to meet the requirements of
operators whose concession space is limited,
a new bobtail fountain equipped with
all the patented featm-es of the manufacturer's
de luxe line has been announced
by the Bastian-Blessing Co.
THE SPONGE RUBBER PRODUCTS COMPANY
316 DERBY PLACE •
SHELTON, CONN.
Wenzel's New 1950
COMPLETE PROJECTOR ASSEMBLY
MANUFACTURERS OF:
Projectors,
Sound Heods, Boses,
Send for complete descriptive
circulars, giving full de-
68
Mogozines, Sound Systems, Replacement
Parts, Accessories
etc.
tails of the many advantages
of this new WENZEL
product.
WENZEL PROJECTOR CO.
2505-19 S. State St., Chicago 16, III.
^
The all-steel, all-dry soda unit measures
5 feet 6V2 inches in length and the one
piece stamped out steel top has a rolled
front edge. Patented features included in
the product are super-soda draft arms,
Johnson flash water cooler and hermetically
sealed stainless steel lids.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

—
Adjustable Post Lights P-387
For Drive-ln Use
Post lights, adjustable in length up to 12
feet for desired light spread, are announced
by W. H. Long Co. The ornamental base
enclosing a center two-inch pipe is filled
with concrete up to the unit housing for
extremely rigid construction. Installation
can easily be made by any electrician.
The unit operates on 110 volts and is reported
to give double the usable light as a
mercury fixture and four times the usable
light of incandescent illumination. Like all
other Long Post-Lites, the new de luxe
model bears the approval of the Underwriters"
Laboratories.
Premixed Drink Feature
Of Dispenser
P-389
"what a Fine, Modern Theatre
You Have!"
Upon hearing this, do your Ihoughia (ly to
your washrooms? Do the washrooms really
coniirm the statement—or do they resemble
Traffic-Tred Matting
Ideal for Runners
P-388
Solution:
Electric-Aire Hand Dryers
A new development in counter-tred matting,
known as Ti'affic-Tred, has been announced
by D. W. Moor, president of the
American Mat Corp.
Designed for use as a runner mat, Traffic-Ti'ed
is said to permit perfect recess
work due to ease in cutting to accurate fit,
and has excellent dirt scraping qualities.
The mat is % inches thick and provides
ample aeration and drainage.
Canada Dry announces the introduction
of a new dispenser which premixes carbonated
drinks, and according to the
manufacturer gives greater profits by
avoiding syrup waste. Since the drink may
be drawn at one pull of the lever, the dispenser
promises to save time. It comes
ready for installation directly in soda
fountain wells.
The new dispenser requires no ice, and
is installed in the space of a single syrup
well, with its syrup pre-cooling chamber
submerged in the fountain refrigeration
compartment. The Canada Dry unit measures
only 4^8 inches wide by 12 inches
deep and it holds more than a gallon of
syrup.
By means of adjustable mounting brackets,
the dispenser can be speedily installed
with no drilling of holes. All metal parts
are made of stainless steel, while the tank
and cover are white plastic. The cover is
molded with a holder for straws.
THESE LITTLE FELLOWS
Are the most loyal employes you can have.
They work automatically—staying on duty 24
hours a day. yet never complain. They make
friends of users and— they pay for the
Your Patrons Will
Appreciate
Clean washrooms and
automatic Chap-free drying
service, always available
24 hours a day.
This Modern Way means for you
• Fire Prevention, by removing a dangerous
hazard.
• Elimination of unnecessary plumbing bills,
resulting from towel-clogged toilets.
• Savings of 85% to 907o on towels plus handling
costs.
ELECTRIC-AIRE are approved by Underwriters'
Lcboratories and guaranteed for two years.
Send for al! the facts Write today!
Electric-Aire
Engineering Corp.
Phone WEbster 9-4564
CHICAGO 6,
209 W. Jackson Blvd.
ILL.
When Purchasing
WILLIAMS SCREEN CO.
1679 Summit Lake Blvd. Akron 7, Ohio

You Boost
Net Profit
when you
STOP
THESE LOSSES
AT
THE DOOR!
STUB ROD
BOX
now in
over
3000
theatres!
Popular-Priced Color Slide P-390
Projector for Theatres
A new 2x2 -inch colorslide projector is
announced by American Optical Co.'s instrument
division.
The projector offers a number of the
important features found on the company's
higher priced delineascope. The new projector
is said to place an exceptionally high
light output on the screen from the 150-
watt lamp, yet remains cool enough for
comfortable handling.
Features are a heat-absorbing filter, twoelement
aspheric condensing system, double
lamp house, hard coated first surface reflector,
5-inch focus f:3.75 Americoted objective
and a silent Autofocus slide carrier.
Compact Ice Cream Freezer P-391
Has Two-Quart Capacity
Sweden Fi-eezer Manufacturing Co. has
announced the addition of a two-quart soft
ice cream freezer, the Challenger, to its
line of equipment for 1950. The Challenger
is unusually compact to permit installation
in locations previously considered impractical
for an item of equipment as large as
the usual ice cream freezer.
The new Challenger differs from the
standard Sweden models in that the front
is of porcelain covered cast iron with the
projection ring and drip tray as integral
parts, and that a new drive using only one
motor for both compressor and dasher
makes operation on a 110 volt line possible.
Completely self-contained, the freezer is
20' 2 inches wide, 19 inches deep and 20'^
inches high and requires no water connections
or special wiring. It comes ready to
install for immediate operation.
70 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

Improved Features on P-392
Majestic Dispenser
Majestic Enterprises, Inc., announces the
introduction of a new de luxe refrigerated
beverage dispenser which features a transparent
Plexiglas bowl, mounted with a removable
Plexiglas dome. A 20 rpm stainless
steel shaft and paddle keeps the beverage
flavor in constant suspension, assuring
drinks of consistently uniform body
and flavor.
The highly polished transparent bowl,
with a capacity of more than 5% gallons,
keeps the contents in full view of the customer
to create impulse sales. The dispenser
is thermostatically controlled to
maintain a constant temperature as low
as 34 degrees F., has a top of highly polished
stainless steel with baked enamel
sides of durable 18 gauge metal and a
non-drip faucet and coupling of nickelsilver
alloy.
DeVry Adds Three 16mm P-393
Projector Models
Devrylite, new 16mm sound motion picture
projector, has been announced by the
DeVry Corp. in three models.
A single-case unit with built-in amplifier,
detachable 6-inch Alnico V permanent
magnet speaker and a preview screen;
a dual case projector which includes an
8-inch loudspeaker in separate case: and a
combination model containing both the
built-in loudspeaker and the 8-inch separate
speaker comprise the line.
With the Devrylite it is possible to show
both 16mm sound and silent films on AC
or DC, without the need of converters. Two
input jacks are provided in the amplifier
to accept the connector plugs of microphone
and phonograph pickup.
New Drive-In Fixture Combines
Directional Sign and Floodlight
P-394
Now y o u can choose a
name and attraction sign
that fits your theatre, your
location, anil your pocketbook.
Offered for your
consideration is not one,
but livenly-one plans, originated
by Poblocki and
Sons, specialists in theatre
front construction for over twentyfive
years.
Here are signs designed to fit any
size drive-in, and all offer the utmost
in attraction and visibility.
IVIaximum use and minimum upkeep
are built into every sign,
from the tamper-proof "no-glass"
economy models for small layouts
to the most striking towers.
L0\^^
ERECTION COST
All signs can be erected by local
labor. Structure and engineering
blueprints are furnished.
Send today for new lavish catalogue
and see for yourself the exclusive
patron-pulling selection of
21 drive-in signs — designetl to do
vour best advertising.
LARGE
MEDIUM
• SMALL
DRIVE-INS
ly^
^:^
Lfe
D A n n .""TH ROMAM
':•- *M»USH H
ENTRANCE
TAKE IN
REFRESHMENTS
TAKE OUT PROFITS!
A combination entrance-pointer light
and driveway floodlight is offered in a new
fixture 40 inches long produced by Drive-In
Theatre Mfg. Co. It may be had either as
a single-face model, as pictured with center
support, or double-face with lighted
sign on both sides and supports on both
ends. The same sign may be had with
"Exit" panel. Similar signs, single-face
only, are offered in 20-inch length.
Also announced is a ramp identification
light, especially for center aisles, to make
it easy for patrons to get to the refreshment
stand and back to cars. Numerals are
offered as well as panels reading Exit,
Entrance, Ladies, Men or blank to serve
simply as floodlights.
PoWorkl and Son,«
;i.-)9 .=:. Kimilrklnnlc Avp.
MIlw.Tukee 7, Wl.stonsin
Please send me the new "De.HiEned for
Drive-In.s" calaloif < ) Further mrormatlon
on the "Snack-Kar" ( ) Llterature
on other products ( )

Perfect start
for Spring--
ciuwwil
—under RCA's In-Car Speaker Repair Plan
Think of it—every In-Car Speaker and
Junction box in your Drive-In operating
at top efficiency when your season starts.
No anxiety over your equipment at curtain
time. No unexpected expense to face
on last-minute maintenance.
Under the RCA Sound Parts Plan,
RCA Service Engineers give every RCA
In-Car unit in your theatre a thorough
Spring check-up— well in advance of the
scheduled opening. Any speaker or junction
box not up to RCA standards is
restored to its original performance.
Faulty speaker mechanisms and components
are replaced with brand-new
RCA parts. Spare speakers are maintained
at no extra qjiarge. Regular checkups
continue throughout your season.
For as little as a penny a week per car
station, this plan is available to every
RCA equipped Drive-In theatre on RCA
Contract Service. Rates are arranged on
either a weekly or monthly "seasonal"
plan—whichever meets your needs.
For complete information, wire or write—

—
—
—
Ttie following concerns have recently
filed copies of interesting descriptive literature
with the Modern Theatre Information
Bureau. Readers who wish copies may
obtain them promptly by using the Readers'
Bureau post card in this issue of The Modern
Theatre.
L-1022
Gas burner units for commercial-sized
boilers in either high pressure or
low pressure service are shown in detail in
a four-page folder issued by the North
American Manufacturing Co. This folder
gives capacities, characteristics as to modulating
control, safety features, oil standby
equipment, etc., and other data of value
in planning a heating system.
L-1023 Sylvania Electric presents a
comprehensive catalog and semitechnical
manual covering its line of fluorescent
fixtures. It includes information on planning
for fluorescent lighting installation,
lumen method of calculation, lighting estimator
and other valuable data. Available
also are special bulletins on Sylvania
fluorescent troffers. installation methods,
etc.
gelica sales personnel in principal cities is
included.
L-1028
An ozone-producinc, ultra-violet
germicidal lamp known as The Pur-Ai--
Lite is de.scribed in an illustrated folder
issued by the Circlite Corp. The lamp is
available in 4-watt. 15-watt and 30-watt
units and operates on AC current. It is
offered as an air purifier, combating both
airborne bacteria and disagreeable odors.
L-1029 The Superior Electric Co. announces
its 1950 line of Powerstat light
dimming equipment in a colorful, file-size
12-page bulletin. The creation of "atmosphere"
through the dimming, brightening
and blending of light is discussed in an
interesting manner. Photographs, circuit
diagrams, electrical ratings and other descriptive
material cover the entire line of
Powerstat dimmers from the small, 1,000-
watt manually-operated unit up to the
heavy duty motor-driven "ganged" 30.000-
watt unit.
L-1030
In a three-color, eight-page
folder The Ballantyne Co. presents its line
of Sound Master in-a-car speakers, amplification
systems, Hydro-Arc projection lamps
and other pro.iection booth equipment.
Its line of ramp and directional signs is
likewise illustrated in color.
L-1031 Three types of power cleaning
equipment are fully described in folders
MAKES
'HEAVY-DUTY
CLEANING ^s/StM)mef^/
L-1024 Metal sand urns, all metal lobby
dustpans and waste receptacles are featured
in a four-page color folder issued by
the Atlas Products Co. These products are
illustrated and described in detail and full
specifications are given.
L-1025 An elaborate three-color brochure
issued by Tlieatre Specialties, Inc.,
with supplemental folders, describes its
line of Bevelite marquee letters in detail,
giving installation instructions, etc. In addition,
separate folders present specifications
and details on its line of Aluminex
poster cases. Aluminex pushbars are also
shown.
L-1026 The complete line of intercommunicating
telephones made by Edwards &
Co.. Inc.. is shown in its 24-page catalog
now available. Wiring diagrams and detailed
specifications covering its various
models are included in this fully illustrated
catalog.
L- 1027 — The Angelica
Jacket Co. has
recently issued an attractive
56-page 1950
catalog, the "Blue
Book of Uniform
Fashions." Fully illustrated
in full colors
are many uniforms
for theatre personnel
including ushers,
usherettes and
concession stand
operators. A valuable feature is the revised
and simplified measurement chart
for men and women. A listing of all An-
This newest General Electric Heavy-duty Vacuum Cleaner
weighs only 23V2 lbs. It's so light that thorough, "heavyduty"
cleaning is easy now for the woman operator.
Sturdy, powerful, compact, the unit comes complete
with tools for abovc-the-tioor cleaning, as well as for
rugs and carpets.
AND ,
. . for a few dollars more than its modest
price, you may purchase accessories for net pickup!
SOME SPECIFICATIONS: I5'/2 in. hi^ijh, IJl/j in. diameter;
\vel>;lit 2i' J lbs; General filectric universal-type motor. 110
volt a-c/J-c; dirt capacity 5 qt; cord— 2()-ft rubber-covered
with plastic plug; finish— two-tone gray, chrome fittings.
NEW CATALOGUE
just off the press, gives complete
information about Model AVI
189WP, OS well as all other cleaners
in General Electric's heavy-duty line.
Use the convenient coupon to get
your copy.
I
I
j
I
I
I
FOR WET PICKUP ,hese ac
ce.isorics (wet pickup lias, rubber
squeejjee for b.ire floors, metal squeegee
for rugs) are oflereil at small
extra cost.
Commerical Cleaners
GENERAL^ELECTRIC
C.INFRAL KLECTRIC COMPANY'. Dcpi 22-3019
128S Boston Avenue, Bridgeport 2, Connecticut
Our most serious cleaning problem is
Without obligation, please send new catalogue and full details
new Model AVI 189WP.
NAME
FIRM
BOXOFFICE :: March 4. 1950
73

—
from the Lincoln-Schlueter Floor Machinery
Co. One features its all-purpose
portable vacuum cleaner, designed for both
wet or dry pickup operations. It includes
a new type flexible nozzle. Its single
disc floor polishers and rug scrubbers are
described in a second folder. A three-color,
four-page brochure fully describes the
streamlined Auto-Scrubber which is designed
for large scale cleaning operations.
. . . you're getting the fastest lens money can bu/.
. . . you're getting the utmost in sharpness and definition
achieved by any lens today.
. . . you're getting more uniform screen illumination,
even though the lamp might be slower than f/1.9.
Only the Super-Snaplite gives you a true speed of f/1.9— in
every focal length up to 5 in. And in addition, all Super-
Snaplites are
HARD COATED
TRUE ANASTIGMATS
SEALED CONSTRUCTION
Get iuU details of this supeib lens from your theatre
equipment dealer. Ask for Bulletin 206.
L-1032 James Cunningham, Son & Co.
has issued a well-illustrated brochure
covering its line of tractors, etc. Included
are the power mowers, both sickle
bar and reel types, which can be used for
maintaining drive-in lawns. Also it shows
weed killing and insect control spray
equipment which can be used in connection
with these mowers.
L-1033—A FOUR-PAGE FOLDER in color describes
the use of Pruftite in controlling
water seepage and dampness through concrete,
tile and brick masom-y walls. The
makers, Pi'ufcoat Laboratories, Inc., state
that it can be used both on exterior and
interior walls, and floors, both above and
below grade. Being applied like paint to
any clean and dry masom-y surface, it is
said to act as a prime coat for any other
finish desired.
2 Franklin Avenue
Brooklyn 11, New York
SAVE MORE ON CARBONS
Patents Pending
CALI CARBON COUPLERS
Let You Burn All the Carbon
"They're Expendible"
So inexpensive you can run them right through the
arc ond burn them up with the corbon. Order Now!
Mention size: 6, 7 or 8MM. At your Independent
supply house or send $2 for o year's supply of 100
couplers of any one size (add sales tax for your state)
74
rer you ever used!
CALI Products Company
3719 Morjorie Way Sacramento 17, Calif.
"You Get the Most
Uniioim Light with
Super-Snaplite"
®
OKPOKATIOK
Full Refund
If not 100%
Satisfied
For full information use the postagepaid
card at page 60. Write in this
ad's key number—74-B.
L-1034 In an attractive two-color 8-
page catalog, National Theatre Supply
shows the various types of drive-in concession
equipment and supplies they have
to offer. Included are such items as popcorn
warmers, seasoning, candy cases, beverage
dispensers, ice cream venders, portable
concession stands, frankfurter grills,
hot dog steamers and peanut roasters.
L-1035 The Sturtevant Division of
Westinghouse has recently issued a series
of descriptive bulletins and application
data covering its line of standardized
heating and cooling coils. F\ill data as to
design and performance are included.
L-1036 The Mighty Midget soda fountain
and drink dispenser is fully described
in a four-page color folder recently issued
by the Mighty Midget Mfg. Corp. A feature
of this new large-volume, multiple
drink dispenser is the Hudson four-way
head which, from a single head, serves
both high and low pressure soda and two
different mixed syrup drinks.
L-1037—Now available is a new fullcolor,
file-size, illustrated folder showing
the new line of Marlite wood and marble
pattern plastic-finished wall and ceiling
panels manufactured by Marsh Wall Products,
Inc. The folder is said to be of especial
interest to anyone faced with the
problem of modernizing or installing new
walls and ceilings in lobbies, wash rooms,
corridors and similar interiors. Typical
Marlite installation pictures are included
in the folder.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

about PEOPLE /
A NEW PATENTED POPCORN BOX, knOWn aS
the Push 'N" Fill, has been announced by
Droll Theatre Supply Co. in Chicago. The
box pops open when the sides are pressed
and the bottom is automatically formed
and locked.
According to the manufacturer, one person
can now prepare more boxes than 2fl
persons working with the conventional
hand lock box.
R. M. Westbrook, president of Popcorn
Equipment Co.. Santa Monica, Calif., recently
announced the formation of a subsidiary,
Westbrook Food Co., to take over
the prepopped corn business formerly handled
by the parent company.
John Mershon was appointed head sales
and advertising man for the new firm. The
product, trademarked Westbrook 's Homestyle
Popcorn, will also be marketed
through retail outlets.
Typhoon Zone Control air conditioning
equipment has been added to the line of
products distributed by the RCA theatre
equipment section through independent
RCA theatre supply dealers, it was announced
recently by J. F. O'Brien, sales
manager of the section. The units range
from 1 1 2 to 20 tons.
«""' PRODUCT
Edward R. Blanchard, employed with
Ideal Seating Co. since 1941, except for the
f. R. Blanchard
lapse of four years in
the armed services
during the war, was
recently appointed
sales manager for the
firm.
Edwards was connected
with the
American Seating Co.
for 16 years before
coming to Ideal. He
lives in Grand Rapids,
Mich., where he resides
with his wife and two children.
The appointment of Harry E. Lewis to
the position of assistant controller was announced
by Worthington Pump and Machinery
Corp. recently. Lewis succeeds
J. A. Schallenberg who died in December.
Lewis joined the firm in 1924 and served
in various capacities in the controller's
office until 1942 when he was appointed
works controller of the Wellsville works.
In 1948 he was promoted to works controller
at Holyoke, a position he held until
his recent transfer to assist Schallenberg
during the latter's illness.
(Continued on following pagei
n>©;0jher projector
gives the years-ahead
improvementS'-'of „th.e
You Have the FINEST
in a GRIGGS Chair I
Skilled workmen using the
finest materials produce
Griggs' new 30-line theatre
chair. It has the selt-rising
secrt Makes GRIGGS seats
your best buy!
Before you buy see the new 30-line choir first!
Call. Wire or Write for Sample.
Belton,
Texas
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
Offices: Dollas, Memphis, Shreveport, Okia
homo City and New York City.
^ua/i^^/?^acKd^
Ttl-
.sirAPLtxXU
_^^^^^^..
'•
SEE ITS MANY
,^ • S\WP^i_us FEATURES
1 • SJMP^' NOW AT
'.sifMATIONAL
, , • siwfl'HEAIRE y^.^ - -^
!f»-f-wi^
^-i
ti/tit/i
cut
ONAN EMERGENCY
ELECTRIC PLANT
You are proiected against power interruption or
restrictions on your use of electricity witli an
Onan Standby Plant. In case of power failure the
O'nan Plant takes over the entire power load
within seconds automatically, and the show goes
on. >X'hcn power use is curtailed, just switch to
your Onan Plant for all the current you need.
Low in cost, simple to install. Rupgedly built
and dependable. 1,000 to 35,000 watts A.C.
D. W. ONAN & SONS INC.
OMPUXX-^-- .^ v.t . 5»rAP»^t^ - "IP ^., • :..r
X-W • S****^ .
„ . . s«WP«* ^^ .,.„. en X-U • SlWPW'^ ^ wMPttX )
^«i&^ 'PoIcUa.
BOXOFFICE :: March 4, 1950
75

Richard Landsman, former manager oi
the Alamo Drive-In, has been named city
manager for the five Landsman-Richter
drive-ins in San Antonio. John Burkhart
succeeds him as manager of the Alamo.
Barney Poblocki, Poblocki & Sons, announces
the recent birth of a baby daughter,
Mary Christine. The Poblockis have
another child, David, who is now a year old.
The Carrier Corp. announced its anticipation
of a period of growth in the industry
this year by introducing 47 new products
in its 1950 dealer line, including 27
units in size and types not heretofore offered
by the firm.
1}^
EMPLOYER'S
BEST FRIEND-
The mat that cuts breakage costs, prevents
accidents, promotes sanitation, saves
money ....
New products range from room air conditioners
to system weathermakers in capacities
up to 75 tons, and other models in
the line have been completely redesigned.
John P. Newbury, president and general
manager of the Eastman Gelatine Corp.,
died February 2 at his home in Swampscott,
Mass. He was 58 years old.
Newbury was born in Boston and spent
his entire business career in New England,
associated with the manufacture of gelatine
during most of his lifetime.
Plans for increasing sales activity in
theatre and industrial service during 1950
were developed in Camden, N. J., during the
AMERICAN
IDEAL FOR USE
behind candy counters and popcorn machines
and in lavatories.
Non-slip surface. Resiliency reduces fatigue. Exceptionally tough and long
wearing under heaviest traffic. Made of cotton cord bound together with rubber
compounds. Ridged bottom affords aeration and drainage. Rolls up for mopping
of floor, fs" thick. 2 feet wide; any length in one-foot sections vulcanized
together.
-AMERICAN MAT CORPORATION-
1719 Adams Street Toledo 2, Ohio
Theatre
Street
D Pleose send free folder, "A Mat for Every Purpose."
D Please send pr ces on American Counter-Tred Matting.
n Please send information and prices on Ezy-Rug Matting; Troffic-Tred Matting;
n Do All All-Purpose Rubber and Cord Matting; Q Ever-Tred Vinyl Plastic
Link Matting.
annual district managers' meeting of the
technical service division of the RCA Service
Co. recently. The five-day meeting was
presided over by E. C. Cahill, president of
the RCA Service Co. and C. M. Odorizzi,
vice-president of RCA in charge of sei-vice.
The appointment of George L. McKenna
as assistant to W. W. Watts, vice-president
in charge of the RCA Engineering Products
department, was announced recently.
Prior to his new appointment, McKenna
was manager of the industrial products section
of the engineering products department.
Since joining RCA in 1945, he has
served as manager of organization planning
and assistant director of personnel in
the general office, as well as merchandise
planning manager in the engineering products
department sales staff.
McKenna also holds a part-time post as
a lecturer on industry at the Wharton
school of the University of Pennsylvania.
Stuart G. Lyon has joined with Worthington
Pump and Machinery Corp. in organizing
a new company, Lyon Industries,
Inc., to distribute manual and coin-operated
beverage vending machines. This company
has acquired the rights, designs and
patents formerly held on beverage vending
machines by Lymo Industries, Inc., and
Lion Manufacturing Corp., both of Chicago.
Lyon Industries, Inc., will set up headquarters
at 342 Madison avenue. New York
City. Service headquarters and warehousing
facilities have also been set up at Long
Island City, N. Y.
Officers of the firm include: Stuart G.
Lyon, president; Frank J. Whelan, vicepresident;
and Don S. Reynolds, chief
engineer.
The Alton Mfg. Co. is proud of a 1949
production record that details the installation
of air conditioning in an even 50
theatres. Among them the Capitan and
Granada, of the Isley circuit, are but two
of the outstanding Texas houses,
V. W. Sheplin has been appointed sales
manager for the drive-in department of
the Theatre Equipment Co., Toledo, announced
Al Boudouris, president. Boudouris
said the appointment was in line
with expansion of the company's operations
necessitated by increased business.
Sheplin nas been associated with the
drive-in industry for a number of years.
The appointment of Carl A. Day as head
of manufacturing at Bausch & Lomb Optical
Co. was announced in mid-February
by Theodore B. Drescher, vice-president in
charge of manufacturing. Drescher will
now devote full time to development of the
company's methods, processes, and modernization
of manufacturing facilities.
City and State..
IN CANADA
OFFICES: American Mat Corporation,
Building, Windsor, Ontario.
FACTORY: West Lome. Ontario.
Ltd., Canada Trust
A NEW SLIDE FILM, "F^'emont Opens the
Door," depicting the history and growth
of the F^-emont Rubber Co.. has been
created for showing at dealer-distributor
meetings.
76 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

fXOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
.TURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHOpTS CHART
•S REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
BookinCruide
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart ahovrs the records made by
pictures in five or more oi the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported^ ratings
cae added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HITS OF THE WEEK
(Not an avarog*)
* Samson and Delilah —
Kansas City 300
Ambush—
San Francisco 170
Computed in terms of percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
ABOUT
PICTURES
Just as the Barometer vage 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 O.
COLUMBIA
Big Sombrero, The (Col)—Gene Autry,
Elena Verdu?ro, Stephen Dunne. This is a
nice, lively little western that pleased. Business
wasn't up to normal, but I'm convinced
that if Gene made them all in color, he'd
be back in the running for the crown. I'd
buy it. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Perfect.—
Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo.
Rural patronage.
• • •
Destroyer (Col)—Reissue. Edward G. Robinson,
Glenn Ford, Marguerite Chapman.
This is a fine reissue that will do business
in almost any situation. The NSS trailers
and paper on these reissues are certainly a
disgrace to a fine organization like that. I
doubled with "Gallant Blade" to average
business.—Melvin M. Edel, State Theatre,
Centralia, 111. Small town patronage. •
Knock on Any Door (Col)—Humphrey Bogart,
John Derek, Susan Perry. Anything with
cops in it scares my patrons off, so this
didn't do much for me. Personally, I thoroughly
enjoyed it. Bogart is a very convincing
attorney and John Eterek was perfectly
cast. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Warm.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre,
Holliday, Tex. Oil field patronage. • • *
Lust for Gold (Col) —Ida Lupino, Glenn
Ford, Gig Young. This one is really good.
My gross was average for midweek and all
my patrons seemed satisfied. The scenery
shots of Arizona are exceptionally good in
.sepictone. It's not a western but a historical
drama about the Lost Dutchman gold mine.
It has action aplenty and will easily do well
on the weekend. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fair and cold.—Fred G. Weppler,
Colonial Theatre, Colfax, 111. Small town and
rural patronage. • •
Miss Grant Takes Richmond (Col)—Lucille
Ball, William Holden, Janis Carter. This Is
a terrific comedy that really draws the laughs.
A good and made-to-order cast plus an excellent
story make this one of those flickers
that the patrons have been asking to
see. Doubled with "It's a Great Feeling"
(WB) and likewise this is a different type
of comedy. Those two laugh epics drew business
to slightly above average business.
Played Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon. Weather:
Clear and warm.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre.
Wichita, Kas. Subsequent downtown
run patronage.
• • •
Reckless Moment, The (Col)—James
Mason, Joan Bennett, Geraldine Brooks. This
is not a pleasant story. It concerns murder
and blackmail and has many tense spots.
It holds the interest all through but there
was no enthusiasm from the crowd on the
way out.—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre,
Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage. * • •
Return of October, The (Col)—Glenn Ford,
Terry Moore, Albert Shayne. It is seldom
we get finer comedy features than this, but
it was hard to sell. Those who came loved
it, but kept it to themselves, for it went from
nothing to worse each succeeding night.
Glenn Ford and Terry Moore make a wonderful
team. Terry is one of the nicest things
to happen to this business since I got In It.
By all means play it, but be sure you get
them sold. The trailer is good. I did lots
of promotion but had a lot of competition
during the run. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Perfect.—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre,
Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. • • •
EAGLE LION
Big Cat, The (EL)—Lon McCallister, Peggy
Ann Garner, Preston Poster. This has all
the angles. It has lots of action, scenery,
good color and a fair story—and the most
realistic fight I've ever seen in any picture.
Some came both nights to see that fight.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Good.—Jim
Mote, Friendship Theatre, Sterling, Okla.
Small town and rural patronage.
• •
Hold That Ghost (EL)—Reissue. Bud Abbott,
Lou Costello. There comes a time when
the elements will be stronger than the virge
to see Abbott and Costello. Eight Inches of
loose snow on the ground in North Dakota
and everybody stays home. Business was still
85 per cent. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather:
Stormy.—Ken Christianson, Roxy Theatre,
Washburn, N. D. Small town patronage. • •
Paradine Case, The (EL)—Gregory Peck,
VaUi, Ann Todd. The stars are not worth
mention, the story is worse, and the film
rental sickening. I'd rather have Eddie
Dean—and who wants him? Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Wonderful.—J. F. Hall, Anthony
Theatre, Anthony, N. M.-Tex. Rural
and small town patronage. *
Portrait of Jennie (EL)—Jennifer Jones,
Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore. Here's a
flop If there ever was one. One-third of my
patrons slept through it. If played at all, it
should be double billed. Played Sun., Mon.
Jim Mote Contributes
To EHHS Again
THIS department can take pride in this
communication from former contributors
who have reason to feel friendly to
the spirit engendered by this exchange
of opinion. The Jim Motes of the Friendship
Theatre at Sterling, Okla., write:
"Although it has been some time since
our last reports, we ha>e been reading
those sent in by other exhibitors and feel
that your EHHS department is rendering
a very valuable service to the exhibitors.
"Furthermore, if it had not been for It,
we wouldn't be reporting on anyone's pictures!"
Ed. Note : It was in this department that
the news of the burning of the Mote Theatre
in 1948 started contributions coming
in from fellow exhibitors to help him rebuild.
Is Good Entertainment
For Any Type Town
PINKY (20th-Fox) —Jeanne Grain,
Ethel Barrymore, Ethel Waters. Here Is
a picture that was very well received. We
did good business and for my money It it
very good entertainment for any town,
small or large. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Rain.—E. W. Clark, Molalla
Theatre, Molalla, Ore. Small town patronage.
• • *
Weather: Fair.—K. A. Spears, Roxy Theatre,
Winlock, •
Wash. Rural patronage.
Prairie Outlaws (EL)—Eddie Dean, Roscoe
Ates, Al LaRue. This is Just another powderand-noise,
run-of-the-mill western. Same
plot, same ending, even the kids didn't like
it. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—J. P.
Hall, Anthony Theatre, Anthony, N. M.-Tex.
Rural and small town patronage.
•
METRO-GOLDWYN-rvIAYER
Any Number Can Play (MGM)—Clark
Gable, Alexis Smith, Wendell Corey. This
is adult entertainment and that kills it for
us so far as profits are concerned. Played
Thurs., Fri. Weather: Cold and rain.—Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
Small town patronage. • • •
Any Number Can Play (MGM)—Clark
Gable, Alexis Smith, Wendell Corey. The
"glamor boy" is fast becoming our number
one problem boy. Our small crowd (due to
the blizzard) agreed this was one of his best
pictures in some time. Business was 50 per
cent of normal and top rental, so no good
for us here. Played Sun., Mon.—Ken Christianson.
Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D.
Small town patronage. • *
Doctor and the Girl, The (MGM)—Glenn
Ford, Charles Coburn, Gloria DeHaven. By
golly, a few did come! Frankly, I didn't expect
too much, but my main competition
failed to play this one, so I fared better than
I would have normally. Doubled with "House
Across the Street" (WB) and all in all, I
believe the patrons who came enjoyed the
latter more than "The Doctor." Personally,
I was bored watching the doctor perform far
too many operations. Normally, this just
isn't the type of entertainment my patrons
desire—hence the reason for the 82 per cent
business figure. Played Sat. (preview), Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Rainy and cool.—Jim Dunbar,
Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Subsequent
downtown run patronage. • • *
Doctor and the Girl, The (MGM)—Glenn
Ford, Charles Coburn, Gloria DeHaven. This
is a good show. It Is a swell story and swell
entertainment for anyone. An exhibitor can
be proud to play this type of picture. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Snow.—K. A. Spears,
Roxy Theatre, Winlock. Wash. Rural patronage.
•
Homecoming (MGM) — Clark Gable, Lana
Turner, Anne Baxter. A small town exhibitor
like me who goes back and picks up this oldie
must have holes in his head. It's a good story
with fine acting, but it is strictly big town
'fare. Why can't they give Gable the old heman
roles? This didn't make expenses. Played
Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Fair. — Bob
Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural
patronage. • • •
Some of the Best (MGM)—Product documentary
short. This is a nice production of
MGM product for the past 25 years, and future
product for 1949-50. Played Tues., Wed.
BOXOFFICE BookinGulde March 4, 1950

Weather: Okay.—D. w. Trisko, Rltz Theatre,
Jerome, Ariz. Mining patronage. • • •
OStratton Story, The (MGM)—James
Stewart, June Allyson, Prank Morgan. We
are late reporting on this one but If you
failed to show this when it was new, get it.
We ran this during the Christmas week when
business is usually dull, and it gave us our
best week yet. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Pine.—Jim Mote, Friendship Tlieatre, Sterling,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
• •
PARAMOUNT
Great Lover, The (Para)—Bob Hope,
Rhonda Fleming, Roland Young. This is not
as good as "Paleface," but it will please Hope
fans. We doubled this with "Song of Surrender"
to above average business. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.—E. W. Clark,
Molalla Theatre, Molalla, Ore. Small town
patronage. • • *
Miss Tatlock's Millions (Para)—Wanda
Hendrix, John Lund, Monty Woolley. John
Lund had a tough part but he put it over
well. It's a funny picture and should register
with your patrons. We'd okay it. Played
Fri., Sat., Sun.—Frank Sabin. Majestic Theatre,
Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage.
• * *
RKO RADIO
Design for Death (RKO) ^Documentary
featurette revealing Japan's centuries-old
plan of conquest by its ruling classes. This
Is one of the finest films of its kind. Many
made favorable comments. The title and
weather kept them away. This was doubled
with "Hold That Ghost," an A&C reissue.
That way I knew more people than usual
would see it. It was very good. Played Thurs.,
Fri., Sat. Weather: Stormy.-Ken Christianson,
Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D. Small
town patronage.
* •
Enchantment (RKO)—David Niven, Teresa
Wright, Farley Granger. This, I'd say.
Is just another roll of film. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Fair.—J. F. Hall, Anthony
Theatre, Anthony, N. M.-Tex. Rural and
small town patronage.
•
WIchabod and Mr. Toad (RKO) — Feature
cartoon with narration by Bing Crosby
and Basil Rathbone. Walt Disney features
are always well received here with a family
program, and this one drew very nicely
with "And Baby Makes Three" (Col). Bing
Crosby drew many, just to hear him sing
a few numbers. The story contents were
sometimes a little too gruesome for the little
folks, but very comical for the adults. For
locations that can play Disney, don't pass
'this one up. Played Sat. (preview). Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Clear and cool.—Jim Dun-
H Moose Club in Town
Play This Short
CITY OF CHILDREN (MOM)—Short
(Passing Parades). Here is a short that
will get you lots of goodwill from any loyal
Moose member—also prestige from the
club as a whole. Play it, by all means,
if you have a Moose club in your town.
—Melvln M. Edel, State Theatre, Centralia.
III. Small town patronage. *
bar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Downtown
subsequent run patronage.
• • •
OPride of the Yankees, The (RKO)—Reissue.
Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Babe
Ruth. This is a good reissue and we have
no regrets as it was well received. Played
Thurs,, Fri. Weather: Cool.—Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilburn, Ont. General patronage.
• • •
Roseanna McCoy (RKO)—Farley Granger,
Joan Evans, Charles Bickford. Let's see more
of this Joan Evans. This is a picture like
they used to make. It will please the whole
family—play it. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Cold.-^. P. Hall, Anthony Theatre,
Anthony, N. M.-Tex. Rural and small
town patronage.
•
Rustlers (RKO)—Tim Holt, Richard Martin,
Steve Brodie. This Is the first Tim Holt
that didn't do extra business for me. I don't
know why, but receipts on this were below
the average for his pictures. Played Prl.,
Sat. Weather: Fair and warm.—Mrs. Pat
Murphy, Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex.
Oil
field patronage. • • •
Stagecoach Kid (RKO)—Tim Holt, Richard
Martin, Jeff Donnell. Sorry, BOXOFFICE,
but I thought this was up to the Tim Holt
Near-Riot Comedies
The Family Choice
AND BABY MAKES THREE
(Col)—
Robert Young, Barbara Hale, Robert Hutton.
This has a good title, cast and plot
and the co-feature made me very happy
on this one. The laughs and comments
were good. The near-riot comedies for
the whole family drew very nicely and
seem to be the most desired entertainment
for my patrons. Doubled with "Ichabod
and Mr. Toad" (RKO) for a figure of H7
per cent. I was glad to have something
for a change to do average business, or
better. Played Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon.
Weather: Clear and cool.—Jim Dunbar,
Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Downtown
subsequent run patronage.
• • •
standard. It has plenty of comedy and action
to pass away the hour. Business was poor.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cool.—Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesvllle, W. Va.
Rural patronage.
• * •
Window, The (RKO)—Barbara Hale, Bobby
DriscoU, Arthur Kennedy. This is one of
the mysteries to end all suspense shows.
The second night our crowd was better than
for the first. Played Tues., Wed. Weather:
Okay.—D. w. Trisko. Ritz Theatre, Jerome,
Ariz. Mining patronage. • • •
Window, The (RKO)—Barbara Hale, Bobby
Driscoll, Arthur Kennedy. This is a very
good picture, if you can drag them in to see
it. Those that came enjoyed it very much.
Doubled with "Trouble Preferred" (20th-Fox),
which is very weak. Played Tues., Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Rain.—E. W. Clark, Molalla
Theatre, Molalla, Ore. Small town patronage.
• • •
REALART
All Baba and the Forty Thieves (Realart)
—Reissue. Maria Montez, Turhan Bey, Andy
Devine. Here is a small town natural. It
has action and a fascinating story plus the
North Pole to Africa
In One Thrill Show
TARZAN TRIUMPHS (RKO)—Johnny
Weissrauller, Frances Gifford, Johnny
Sheffield. This feature, plus "Arctic
Fury," took my patrons from the North
Pole to South Africa in one show of thrills.
The program did average business, despite
the strike here. These make a swell show;
we need more like them. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Good.—Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural
patronage.
• • •
best of Technicolor. Our people praised the
picture and business was very good. It Is
good enough for Sunday or weekend In small
towns. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather:
Fair.—E. A. London, State Theatre, Olivet,
Mich. Small town, rural and college patronage.
• • •
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (Realart)—Reissue.
Richard Arlen, Andy Devine, Constance
Moore. Ah! What business these babies did
("Timber" was the co-hit)! The opening day
on these first runs did 225 per cent of normal,
and in runnmg the total four days, did 148
per cent. For action houses, this pair is a
natural. The prints were good and their
photographic age didn't show. All comments
were good and there were many patrons who
stated they hadn't been to a show in over a
year that cetme out to see these good, old
epics. I am just realizing Realart has many
advantages and I intend to use its product.
Played Wed. through Sat. Weather: Cloudy
and cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita,
Kas. Etowntown subsequent run patronage.
• • •
Pardon My Sarong (Realart)—Reissue. Bud
Abbott, Lou Costello, Virginia Bruce. In my
opinion, this was one of the best of this
series. It has an excellent supporting cast
and lots of sure-fire comedy. In fact, hilarity
of the patrons was clearly audible in the concession.
We did the best Saturday business
we had done in several months. This team
is always a natural in our situation. If your
patrons like Abbott and Costello, don't miss
this one. Weather: Fair.—B. W. Wright and
W. E. McClelland, Wayne Theatre. Whitesburg,
Ky. General patronage. •
REPUBUC
Down Dakota Way (Rep)—Roy Rogers,
Dale Evans, Pat Brady. Roy and Trigger In
a color western, with too few nice songs. This
combination is .si're-fire boxoffice. Played
Tues., Wed.—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre,
E^ireka, Mont. Small town patronage. • • •
Down Dakota Way (Rep)—Roy Rogers,
Dale Evans, Pat Brady. This picture is one
of the usual western fanfare attractions.
Played Saturday. Weather: Snow.—Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilburn, Ont. Small
town patronage. • • •
O, My Darling Clementine (Rep)—Reis-
.sue. Roy Acuff, Isabel Randolph, Harry
"Pappy" Cheshire. This is a reissue, but
new or old, Roy Acuff is still tops here.
My folks like corn, comedy and hillbilly
music—and this fills the bill. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Good.—Jim Mote, Friendship
(Continued on page 4)
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide March 4, 1950
/

Exhibitor Has His Say
(Continued from page 3)
Theatre, Sterling, Okla. Small town and
rural patronage.
• •
20th CENTURY-FOX
Canadian Pacific (20th-Fox) — Randolph
Scott, Jane Wyatt, Victor Jory. This is a good
pictiu-e that went over very well here in this
small Canadian town. Played Mon., Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Stormy.—Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage.
• • •
Deep Waters (20th-Pox)—Dana Andrews,
Jean Peters, Cesar Romero. The undertow
nearly got me. I just managed to keep my
head above water on this run—no profit.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair and
warm.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre,
Holliday, Tex. Oil field patronage. • •
Grapes of Wrath (20th-Fox) — Reissue.
Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine.
Everyone here had heard about this reissue
and wanted to see it. Being an "Okie," I'll
have to admit the writer was a bit confused
in his geography and he overexaggerated, but
we did good midweek business. Played Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Good.—Jim Mote, Friendship
Theatre, Sterling, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage.
• •
Mother Is a Freshman K20th-Fox)—Loretta
Young, Van Johnson, Rudy Vallee. This is a
most entertaining picture packed with genuine
chuckles. Loretta Young is appealing.
Van Johnson does very well indeed, but why
Fox insisted on percentage is beyond me.
It's not percentage caUber.—Frank Sabin,
Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small town
patronage. • • »
Africa Screams (UA) — Bud Abbott, Lou
Costello, Clyde Beatty. Good old Abbott and
Costello. We love them—and you know why!
Played Hon., Tues., Wed. Weather: Cold.—
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ont. General patronage. • • *
Baby Bears Steal Show
In This 'Sleeper'
ARCTIC FURY (RKO)—Del
Cambre,
Eve Miller, Gloria Petroff. This can
easily prove to be a sleeper. It's an unusual
show filled with more thrills than
a serial. Doubled this to average business,
but the llxl4s are poor. The baby bears
steal the show. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good.—Ralph Raspa, State
Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage.
• » •
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Abbott and CosteUo Meet the KUler (U-p
Boris Karloff, Bud Abbott, Lou CosteUo. This
is not as good as "Frankenstein." Even U-I
knew it as there were no percentage terms
on this one. Business was normal, so we
can't complain. When you do normal business
in Dakota in February, that is something!
It was not quite silly enough, were the comments.
Played Thvu-s., Pri., Sat. Weather:
Below zero.—Ken Christiansen, Roxy Theatre
Washburn, N. D. Small town patronage. * •
Blue Lagoon, The (U-I) —Jean Simmons,
Susan Stranks, Donald Houston. Played the
middle of the week to a puzzled, small audience.
In my estimation, this is a jerky English
production, and while the color is good,
the direction was lousy.
When time passes so
fast in the story that a newly bom child is
shown in one scene, and in the next, the child
appears to be two years old, we get old fast.
No wonder the teen-agers laughed, which
could have been boos! Weather: Mild.—Paul
D. RatUff, Daytona Theatre, Dayton, Ore.
Small town and rural patronage.
•
Gal Who Took the West, The (U-D—
Yvonne DeCarlo, Scott Brady, Charles Coburn.
You can assure your patrons that
they've never seen a western like this one—
whether or not they'll like it is another question.
The trailer was good, the color beau-
Business Above Average
In Zero Weather
LOST BOUNDARIES (FC) —Beatrice
Pearson, Mel Ferrer, Richard Hylton. This
one deserved better playing time than it
had. An exhibitor need not hesitate to
run this. Business was above average
here, with zero weather. Played Tnes.,
Wed. Weather: Cold and snow.—K. A.
Spears, Roxy Theatre, Winlock, Wash.
Rural patronage. *
Pinky (20th-Pox)—Jeanne Crain, Ethel
Barrymore, Ethel Waters. Being In the topallocation
class, we played this Sunday
through Tuesday to an average gross. One
hundred one minutes is quite a spell to sit
and wonder what is coming next, and not be
tiful,
given a chance
business
to chuckle.
below average,
Tense,
and comments
yes, but
drama divided.
could give way
Played Sun.,
to a few
Mon. Weather:
touches
Good.—
of
comedy. "This
Ralph
is not
Raspa,
as
State
good
Theatre, Rivesville,
as 'Lost Boundaries,'
" was the
W.
Va.
comment.
Rural patronage. • • •
Having played
two of these racial films, it is enough for Yes, Sir, That's My Baby (U-D—Donald
this house. Weather: Mild.—Paul D. Ratliff, O'Connor, Charles Cobum, Gloria DeHaven.
Daytona Theatre, Dayton, Ore. Small town Let's have another one with Donald O'Connor
in it. This is a film that should please
and rural patronage.
•
the whole caboodle. Play it, fellows. It is
UNITED ARTISTS
good. The direction was beautifully handled.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Snow and
rain.—James P. Hall, Anthony Theatre, An-
WARNER BROS.
Always Leave Them Laughing (WB)—Milton
Berle, Ruth Roman, Virginia Mayo. Hollywood
has been needing a shot of adrenaline
for a long time and I think this is it. It is
one swell picture—not a dull moment, and
plenty of laughs. The Berle boy is really
clever. Our competitor was plashing "Guilty
of Treason," so we didn't do so well at the
boxoffice, but it was certainly no fault of
the picture. I hope Warners will give us some
more of these. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Cold.—Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, Mc-
Arthur, Ohio. Small town patronage. * • *
Girl From Jones Beach, The (WB)—Ronald
Reagan, Virginia Mayo, Eddie Bracken. Tliis
picture has a very weak story and much of
The Men Liked This One
And Brought the Women
TUNA CLIPPER (Mono)—Roddy Mc-
Dowall, Roland Winters, Elena Verdugo.
This is an entertaining little picture that
did good business for us and drew lots of
good comments. The men especially liked
this—and they brought the women along.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Good.—
Jim Mote, Friendship Theatre, Sterling,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage. *
the comedy is also weak. We lost heavily and
cannot recommend the picture for the average
small town. Played Tues., Wed. Weather:
Fair.—E. A. London, State Theatre, Olivet,
Mich. Small town, rural and college patronage.
• • •
House Across the Street (WB) — Wayne
Morris, Janis Paige, Bruce Bennett. They
made a sweet little mystery here, employing
above average stars. They liked the show, but
there just weren't enough "theys" to make an
average gross. Played Pri., Sat. Weather:
Cool.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,
W. Va. Rural patronage. • • •
It's a Great Feeling (WB)—^Dennis Morgan,
Jack Carson, Doris Daly. We were disappointed
in this picture and so were many
of our customers. The story is weak and business
was not good. We should have played
the picture midweek at very low film rental.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.—E. A.
London, State Theatre, Olivet, Mich. Small
town, rural and college patronage. • • •
Lady Takes a Sailor, The (WB)—Jane Wyman,
Dennis Morgan, Eve Arden. This is
not a BIG picture, but it contains a lot of
good, wholesome entertainment—and that is
what the customers hke and that is why they
attend shows. Played Sun. through Tues.
Weather: Pair.—M. W. Mattecheck, Mack
Theatre, McMinnville, Ore. City and rural
patronage. * • •
QLook for the Silver Lining (WB)—June
Haver, Ray Bolger, Gordon MacRae. For
musical lovers, this one will definitely please.
Even before I ran this one I heard very favorable
comments and again during the engagement
I only heard the best comments.
It has a fine and wonderful story. Technicolor,
and a terrific cast. One of the best
musicals I have seen for ages. Very few have
a good story interwoven with the music for
an excellent piece of entertainment. Doubled
with a nice little mystery, "Skyliner" (LP\
thony, N. M.-Tex. Small town and rural patronage.
•
Business was 90 per cent. Played Tues., Wed.
Weather: Cloudy and cool.-^im Dunbar,
Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Subsequent
downtown run patronage.
• • •
MISCELLANEOUS
My Man Godfrey (Realart) — Reissue.
Carole Lombard, WilUam Powell. I received
very nice comments on this one with "Magnificent
Brute," and personally I enjoyed
every minute of it. It is grand comedy with
a fine cast. This entertainment hasn't been
dupUcated by Hollywood for years. Maybe
this brand of comedy is shghtly slapstick but
it still sells tickets and brings terrific lauglis.
First runs like this would sure help get people
back into the place. Played Sat. (preview).
Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Cloudy and cold.
—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas.
Downtown subsequent run patronage. * • •
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide March 4, 1950

Alphabetieal Picture Guids ladex aad
REVIEW DIGEST
Hey
B Aliandonei) (79) U-l 10
a Abbott & Costello Meet the Kilfer
(84) U-l 8 13-49
(7 Act of Violence (82) MGM 12 25-Att
26-49
IJAdam and Evalyn (93) U-l 11
18 Adam's Rib O02) MGM 11
B Adventure in Baltimore (S9) RKO.. 3- 26-49
12 Affairs of a Rooue, Tlie (95) Col.... 2- 19-49
» Africa Screams (75) UA 5- 7-49
12 Against the Wind (95) EL 6 4-49
S5 Air Hostess (61) Col 7 23-49
K Alias Nick Seal (93) Para 1. 22-49
JS Alias the Chamo (60) Rep 10- 29-49
2-49
Alimony (72) EL 7-
MAII Over the Town (88) U-l 6 11-49
!7AII the King's Men (110) Col 11- 5-49
M Always Leave Them Lauglnng
26-49
(116) WB II'
n Amazing Mr. Beecham, The (85) EL 1' 14-50
28-49
40 Amazon Quest (70) FC 5
24-49
01 Ambush (90) MGM 12
12-49
90 And Baby Mal(es Three (84) C0I...U'
Angels in Disguise (63) Mono
54 Anna Lucasta (86) Col 7- 16-49
42 Any Number Can Play (102) MGM.. 6- 4-49
B Apache Chief (60) LP 10- 22-49
46 Arctic Fury (61) RKO 6- 18-49
71 Arctic Manhunt (69) U-l 9- 17-49
97 Arson, Inc. (60) LP 5- 21-49
20 Astonished Heart. The (92) U-l 2- 25-50
Backfire (92) WB..; 1-21-50
Bad Boy (87) Mono 1-22-49
Baudad (90) U-l 12-3-49
of Bandit King Texas (60) Rep 10- 8-49
of El Bandits Dorado (56) Col 10-22-49
Barbary Pirate 1:65) Col 9-17-49
Barkleys of Broadway, The (110)
MGM 4-16-49
Baron of Arizona, Tli« (97) LP 2-1S-50
Battleground (118) MGM 10- 8-49
Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend,
The (77) 20-Fox 5-28-49
Bells of Coronado (67) Rep 1-21-50
Belle of Old Mexico (70) Rep 2- 4-50
Beyond the Forest (96) WB 10-22-49
Big Cat, The (75) EL 5- 7-49
Big Jacli (85) MGM 4- 9-49
Big Sombrero. The (87) Col 4-16-49
Big Steal, The (71) RKO 6-18-49
Big Wheel, The (92) UA 11-12-49
Black Book. The (formerly Reign
of Terror) (89) EL 5-21-49
Black Hand (92) MGM 1-21-50
Black Magic (105) UA 8-27-49
Black Midnight (66) Mono
Black Shadows (62) EL 10-8-49
Blanche Fury (93) EL 9-18-48
Blazing Trail, The (56) Col 8-13-49
Blind Goddess. The (88) U-l 7- 9-49
Blonde Bandit (60) Rep 1-28-50
Blondie Hits the Jackpot (66) Col.. .10-15-49
Blondie's Big Deal (66) Col 3-26-49
Blondie's Hero (67) Col
Blue Grass of Kentucky (70) Meno... 1-28-50
Blue Laooon. The (105) U-l 8-6-49
Bodyhold (65) Col 2-11-50
Bomba on Panther Island (76) Mono. 1-14-50
Bomba, the Jungle Boy (71) Mono... 3- 5-49
Border Incident (95) MGM g-27-49
Borderline (88) U-l 1-21-50
Boston Blackie's Chinese Vinturt
(59) Col 3-25-49
Bribe, The (98) MGM 2-12-49
Bride for Sale (87) RKO 10-29-49
A Bride of Vengeance (92) Para... 4- 2-49
Brimstone (90) Rep 8-20-49
Broken Journey (89) EL 6-11-49
Brothers in the Saddle (60) RKO.. 3- 5-49
Buccaneer's Girl (77) U-l 3-4-50
03 ZK > iZ
15-49 + + + ±
+ + -t-
+ + ±
+ ±
+ H
:t -I- -f
-f
±
-f
+
-(-
-
-I- ff ++
-I-
-I-
W + H
+
-(- -H
±
+
± —
H + ±
-(- ± ±
•H- H ±
+ -f ±
+ -I-
+ -H-
H H
-
H-
++ H
- +
+ +
± ± ± ±
-f
+
±
-f
±
+
-t-
±
±
+
±
+
±
+
±
± 6+3-
± &f4-
± 7-1-2—
4+3-
H 10+
+ 8+2-
3+4-
- 6+1-
4+3-
± 6+6—
± 10+2-
± 5+3-
± 5+7-
±. 6+5—
14 13+
10+1-
4+2-
4+5-
8+2-
6+5-
2+3-
9+3-
8+1-
3+3-
6+3-
5+6-
5+3-
8+3-
+ ± 8+3-
H + 9+1-
± ± 7+6-
+ It 5+2-
+ 2+1-
± ± 4+€-
++ ++ 13+
4+2-
H H 14+
5+4-
6+2-
4f5-
Tt*-
7+3-
S+«-
5i-2-
7+2-
»+2-
frl J-
9+
9+3-
5+5-
3+3-
5+3-
5+4-
6+5-
6+6-
4+5-
5+4-
3+1-
7+
6+
1+
4+1-
7+3-
8+1-
6+2-
rt. ± W-5-
± ± 7+6-
± ± 7+3-
± + 7+5-
i: 7+^
* ± 7+S-
+ 5+4-
± 2+1-
c
1044 Calamity Jane and Sam Bass
(85) U-l 6-11-49
013 Canadian Pacific (97) 20-Fox 2-26-49
010 Canterbury Tale. A (93) Et 2-12-49
120C,iptain Carey, U.S.A. (83) Para... 2-25-50
088 Captain China (97) Para 11-5-49
Caravan (..) U-l
012 Caught (88) MGM 2-19-49
113 Chain Lighlnino (94) WB 2-4-50
084 Challenge to Lassie (76) MGM. .. .10-29-49
116 Champagne for Caesar (99) UA 2-11-50
019 Champion (99) UA 3-19-49
067 Chicago Deadline (87) Para. 9-3-49
996 Chicken Every Sunday (94) 20Fox. .12-18-48
095 Chinatown at Midnight (67) Col.. .12-17-49
079 Christopher Columbus (104) U-|... 10-15-49
102 Cinderella (75) RKO 12-24-49
015 City Across the River (91) U-l 3- 5-49
012 Clay Pigeon. The (63) RKO 2-19-49
032 C-Man (75) FC 4-30-49
038 Colorado Territory (94) WB 5-21-49
047 Come to the Stable (94) 20-Fox. . . 6-25-49
997 Command Decision (HI)' MGM 12-25-48
.013 Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's
Court, A (107) Para 2-26-49
116 Conspirator (87) MGM 2-11-50
943 Corridor of Mirrors (96) U-l 6-19-49
,
014 CoverUo (83) UA 2-26-49
099 Cowboy and the Indians (70) Col. .12-17-49
109 Cowboy and tlie Prizefighter (59) EL 1-21-50
043 Crime Doctor's Diary (61) Col 6-U-49
OOSCriss Cross (87) U-l 1-22-49
0i5 Crooked Way. The (90) UA 5-14-49
118 Cry Murder (63) FC 2-18-50
D
111 Dakota Lit (84) 20-Fo> 1-28-50
Oalton Gang, The (58) LP
089 Dancing in the Dark (92) 20-Fox. .U-12-49
081 Dangerous Profession. A (79) RKO .10-22-49
059 D.iring Caballcro, The (61) UA 8- 6-49
000 Dark Past (75) Col 1- 1-49
020 Daughter of the Jungle (69) Rep... 3-19-49
023-A Daughter of the West (77) FC. 4- 2-49
U08-0avy Crockett, Indian Scout (71) UA 1-14-50
057 Daybreak (81) U-l 7-30-49
087 Deadly Is the Female (37) UA 11- 5-49
090 Dear Wife (88) Para. 11-12-49
030 Death Valley Gunflghter (60) Rep... 4-23-49
079 Deputy Marshal (72) LP 10-15-49
029 Desert Vigilante (56) Col 4-23-49
069 Devil's Henchmen. The (69) Col 9-10-49
104 D.O.A. (83) UA 12-31-49
070 Doctor and the GirL The (98) MGM 9-10-49
007 Don't Take It to Heart (90) EL.. 1-29-49
043 Ooollni of Oklahoma, The (90) Col. 6-U-49
074 Down Dakota Way (67) Rep 9-24-49
073 Down Memory Lane (72) EL 9-24-49
012 Down to the Sea in Shin (120)
20-Fox 2-19-49
024-A Duke of Chicago (59) Rep 4- 2-49
E
115 Eagle and the Hawk. The (103) 2-11-50
Para.
101 East Side, West Side (108) MGM .
.12-24-49
062 Easy Living (77) RKO 8-13-49
017 Easy Money (94) EL 3-12-49
031 Edwwd. My Son (112) MGM 4-30-49
018 El Paso (103) Para 3-12-49
993 Enchantment (192) RKO 12-11-48
068Ev«rybody Does It (98) 20-F« 9-3-49
r
080 Fallen Idd, The (94) SRO 10-15-49
995 Family Hon«ymoon (90) U-l 12-18-48
026 Fan. Tin (79) 20-Fox 4- 9-49
122 Father Is a Bachelor (85) Col 3- 4-50
064 Father Was a Fullback (84) 20-Fox 8-20-49
121 Kid From Tex.ns. The (78) Ul 3- 4-50
056 Fighting Fools (69) Mono 7-23-49
071 Fighting Kentuckian, Tlie (100) Rep. 9-17-48
079 Fighting Man of the Plains (94)
2OF0X
lB-lS-49
1077 Fighting Redhead, Tlie (60) EL 10- 8-49
1

A
H Very Good; + Good; - Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary if is rated as 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses.
I
I
1078 Frame of Yoirth (60) Rep. 10- 8-49 —
1053 Flaminj Fury (60) Rep 7-16-49 +
4-9-49 +
—
1025 Flaminoo
1006 Flaxy
Road
Martin
(94)
(86)
WB
WB 1-22-49
1109Flyiru Saucer, The (69) 1-21-50 FC —
1051 Follow Me Quietly (60) RKO 7- 9-49 +
1034 Forbidden Street, The (91) 20-Fox.. 5- 7-49 +
ol 999 Force Evil (79) MGM 1-1-49 ±
1052 Forjotten Women (64) Mono 7- 9-49 ±
1048 Fountainhead. The (113) WB 6-25-49 +
1097 Francis (91) Ul 12-10-49 +
1090 Free for All (83) U-l 11-12-49 +
1038 Frontier Investigator (60) Rtp 5-21-49 +
G
1074 Gal Who Took the West, The (84) U-l 9-24-49 +
1040 Gay Amino (62) U
5-28-49 ±
1112 Gay Lady. The (96) EL 1-28-50 ±
1047 Girl From Jones Beach (78) WB 6-25-49 +
1060 Girl in the Painting. The (90) U-l.. 8- 6-49 ±
Girls' 1106 School (62) Col 1- 7-50 ±
1105 Glass Mountain, The (97) EL 1- 7-50
1081 Co!den Madonna, The (88) Mono. . .10-22-49
+
±
1088 Golden Stallion. The (67) Rep 11-5-49 +
1068 Grand Canyon (78) LP 9- 3-49 +
1056 Great Oan Patch. The (94) UA 7-23-49 ++
1032 Great Catsby. The (91) Para 4-30-49
1072 Great Lover, The (80) Para. 9-17-49
+
±
1105 Great Rupert, The (88) EL 1- 7-50 +
1050 Great Sinner. The (110) MGM 7-2-49 +t
RKO 1017 Green
1118 Guilty
Promise,
Bystander
The (94)
(92) FC
3-12-49
2-18-50
-f
+
1105 Guilty of Treason (85) EL 1-7-50 +
1119 Gunmen of Abilene (60) Rep 2-25-50 ±
H
950 Hamlet (155) U-l 7-10-48 ++
1096 H«ty Heart, The (99) WB 12-3-49 -f
1072 Heiress, The (115) Para. 9-17-49 ++
1043 HelHire (90) Rep 6-11-49 -ft
1007 Henry, the Rainmaker (64) Mono... 1-29-49 —
(77) U-l 1045 Her Man Gilbcy 619-49 ±
1112 Hidden Room, The (98) EL 1-28-50
1025 Hideout (61) Rep 4-9-49
+
±
Hold That Baby (64) Mono
1091 Holiday Affair (87) RKO
1074 Holiday in Havana (73) Col
U-19-49
9-24-49
-f
±
U03 Hollywood Varieties (60) LP 12-31-49
1034 Home in San Antone (62) Col 5- 7-49
+
±
1031 Home of the Brave (86) UA 4-30-49 +
1018 Homicide (77) WB 3-12-49 ±
1069 Horsemen of the Sierras (56) Col... 9-10-49 ±.
1063 Hou>e Across the Street, The (69) WB 8-20-49 ±
1046 House of Stranoers (101) 20-Fox 6-19-49 +f
I
1067 Ichabod and Mr. Toad (68) RKO... 9- 3-49 #
1004 I Cheated the Uw (71) 20-Fox 1-15-49 ±
1009 1 Shot Jesie James (81) LP 2-12-49 +
1061 I Was a Mala War Bride (105) 20-Fox 8-13-49 -|-
1016 Illegal Entry (84) U-l 6-18-49 ±
1021 Imgacl (111) UA 3-26-49 +
1043 In the Good Old Summtrtime
(102) MGM 6-25-49 -f-
1092 Inspector General. The (102) WB.. 11-19-49 +
1080 Intruder in the Dust (57) MGM 10-15-49 ±
1017 It Always Rains on Sunday (88) EL 3-12-49 ±
1036 II Hanoens Every Spring (89) 20-Fox 5-14-49 -|-
1058 Its a Great Feeling (85) WB 7-30-49 +f
J
1067Jiggs and Maggie In Jukpot Jitters
(67) Mono 9- 3-49 -|-
1019 Jigsaw (72) UA 3-19-49 ±
982 Joan of Arc (145) RKO 10-30-48 +f
1014 Jm Palooka in the Big Fight
(6«) Mono 2-26-49 +
Jot Ptiookj In tilt CauntcriHinck (71)
(Mono)
1114 Jot Palocki Meets Humihrty
(65) Mono 2- 4-50 ±
XOOeJohn Loves Mary (96) WB 1-29-49 4+
1047 Johnny Allegro (81) Col 6-25-49 -f
1093 Johnny Holiday (92) UA 11-26-49 -|-
105S Johnny Stool Pigeon (75) U-l 7-23-49 +
1064Jolsan Sings Again (95)
1035 Judge Steps Out. The (91)
Col
RKO
8-20-49
5-14-49
ff
i
Just a Big Simple Girl (..) UA
K
1049 Kazan (65) Col 7- 2-49 -|-
1114 Key to the City (101) MGM 2- 4-50
1070 Kid From Cleveland. The 9-10-49 (89) Rep.
ff
—
1121 Kid From Texas ,The (78) U-l 3- 4-50 ±
1082 Kiss for Corliss, A (88) UA 10-22-49 -|-
1016 Kiss in the Dark, A (87) WB 3- 5-49 ±
Is hs
zoc I >
+ ±
+ +
± ±
H +
+ ++
± -H-
++ #
H ++
+ +
=t +
4+ ±
-f- +
+ +
+ -f
± +
lilti
+
H- tt
++ +
± #
-I- +
± H
± ++
4+
H ++
H
ff
+ -f
ti
++ -H-
6H-t-
7-f
5+7-
1+4-
7+4-
7+4-
6+4-
6+5-
6+3-
9+
7+3-
6+3-
«+2-
5+5-
2+2-
8+2-
7+2-
3+7-
4+3-
4+3-
7+1-
3+3-
U+3-
»+2-
8+2-
6+1-
fr+4-
8+3-
6+1-
4+3-
4+3-
H 14+
10+
tt 12+1-
± 9+3-
5+3-
± 7+6-
+
+ +t 6+1-
± ± 7+6-
± 4+3-
tt tt 7+
± -f
± 4+4—
3+2-
± 2+2-
ft ++ H +f # H- 13+
±
4+ + ±
± + -
+
H + ±
+ + +
± — —
± + 7+7-
± 3+2-
± ±. 6+7-
H -H- 14+
« H 14+
± 5+6-
+ 7+
+ + 19+1-
+ ± 7-M-
+ 10+2-
± 6+2-
+ 10+1-
± 5+5-
+4 10+
± 8+1-
- 5f2-
+ 6+4-
++ 14+

: 1084
1009
1073
f
tt
Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. In the siimmarY H is rated as 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses.
U07 Pioneer Harsliar (60) Rep 1-14.50 —
1098 Pirates of Capri. The (94) FC lZ-10-49 +
1013 Place of One's Own. A (94) EL 2-26-49 ±
1095 Port of New Yori( (79) EL 12- 3-49 -f
999 Portrait of Jennie (90) EL 1- 1-49 +
1071 Post Office Invastiijator (60) Rep... 9-17-49 +
1085 Prairie, The (65) LP 10-29-49 -
I.|
K 1018 Priludice (5S) IVIPSC 3-12-49 +
ii)
1066 Prince of Foxes (107) 20-Fox 8-27-49 H
1026 Prince of Peace (formerly Tlw Lawton Story)
(111) Hallmarli 4- 9-49 ±
1).^ 1030 Prince of the Plain! (60) Rep 4-23-49 ±
1097 Prison Warden (62) Col 12-10-49
iM 1091 Project X (60) FC U-19-49
+
-
U-1
Q
It* 1023-A Quartet (120) EL 4-2-49 «
Itl , 1121
n
,
Quicl

j
Jennifer
I R—Jan.
1 (90)
H
1
m
I
a
! t
H]
I
1
j
FEATURE CHART
-WET"
Ending
Jun
4
Jun
11
Jun
18
Jun
25
Jul
2
Jul
9
Jul
16
Jul
23
Jul
30
Aug
6
Aug
13
Aug
20
Aug
27
Sep
3
Sep
10
Sep
17
Sep
24
Oct
1
Oct
8
Oct
15
Oct
22
Oct
29
Nov
5
g
COLUMBIA
{-!») Musieal 1
Make Believe Ballroom
Jerome Courtland
Riilh Warrlck-F. Lalne
R—May 21—PG-1037
EAGLE LION
(131) Drama 990
DUEL IN THE SUN
(95) Mys-M'drama 922
Sleeping Car to Trieste
Je.'in
Kent-Albert Lleven
[g (61) Mystery 109 (117) Dr 991
CRIME DOCTOR'S DIARY THE PARADINE CASE
W.irni'r Baiter
(72) Drama 931
ALIMONY
lUinne-Lols Maxwell
S.
R—June 11—PG-1043 Martha Vlckers-Jotin Beal
(90) Hist-Dr 149
LUST FOR GOLD
Ida Luiilno-Glenn Ford
Cig YiHing-W. Prince
R—Miy 2S—PG-1039
(81) Drama 148
JOHNNY ALLEGRO
George Raft-.Nlna Foch
George Macready-W. Geer
U—June 25— PG-I047
SB (76) Melodr
The Secret ot St. Ives
Richard Ney-V. Broira
Henrv Danllell
It-July 2—PO-1049
103 1
rg (56) Western 162
THE BLAZING TRAIL
niiirles Starrett-Fred Sears
Smiley Burnette-M. Stapp
R—Aug. 13— PG-1061
"yl (65) Drama 102
KAZAN
Stephen Dunne-Joe Sawyer
LoL"; Maxwell-Zoro
R—.luly 2—PG-1049
S (65) Drama 11
Law of the Barbary Coast
Gloria Henry-S. Dunne
Adele Jergens
R—July 16—PG-1054
(96) Comedy 992
MR. BLANOINGS BUILDS
HIS DREAM HOUSE
(93) Ck)iil-Dr 959
A CANTERBURY TALE
(90) Com-Fantasy 939 H (91) Drama
Don't Take It to Heart NOT WANTED
Richrird Greene-A. Drayton Sally Forrest-K. Brasselle
Patricia Medlna-R. Bird Leo Penn-Dorothy Adams
R—Jan. 29— PG-1007 R—June 25—PG-1048
(91) Drama 924
Perrin and Mr. Traill
Mr.
David Farrar-Greta Gynt
Marjus Gorlng-R. Huntley
R— Dec. 25—PG-997
(96) Melodrama 904
MY BROTHER'S KEEPER
.lack Warner-Jane Hylton
George Cole-Bill Owen
R—Mar. 5—PG-1018
Drama 9i
PORTRAIT OF JENNIE
Jones-J. Cotten
Ethel Barrymore
1—PG-989
RIM OF THE CANYON 186 Congo Jungles
R—Oct. 8—PG-1077
(90) Wesli 147 (62) Documentary 944
BLACK SHADOWS
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Randolph Scott-J. Ireland Filmed in African
(70) We.

'
WARNER
i
RKO RADIO
ai (91) Com-dr 914
THE JUDGE STEPS OUT
Alifi Sotbem-A. Knux
George TxAttta
ft—May 14—POISSS
IB** 'n (88) West-Dr 828
ROUGHSHOD
R. SterUng-0. OrakuiK
B—M>7 il—PQ-ie37
Jeff Donnell-Joe Sawyer
B—June 18—PO-1046
K—July 30—PG-1058
O (94) AdT-Fintus Kl a (60) Western
MIGHTY JOE YOUNG SOUTH OF RIO
Terr; Moore-Ben Jotmson
B. Arnutroug-F. UcHugk
B—Ma; 28—PO-1039
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
REPUBLIC
Si (60) Western 883
Outcasts the Trail
of
MoDte Hale
Jeff DooDell
Paul Hurst
S (90) Outd'r-Dr 811
OHELLFIRE
William EUlott-Jlm Dart;
Marie Windsor
B^Iune 11—PO-1043
(80) Western 002 (60) Western 866
THE STAGECOACH KID
nil Bolt-Blcbud M&rtln
51!
THE WYOMING pANDIT
Allan "RiMTti;" Lane
Eddy Waller
Monte Bale-Paul Hurst
B—Aug. 13—PG-10«2
20TH-FOX
(91) Driima 904
THE FORBIDDEN STREET
D. Andreas- M. O'Hara
D. S. Thurndlke-I). Flart
B—May 7—PO-1034
(6«) Drama 008 ai (60) Semldonim 812
FOLLOW mz QUIETLY FLAMING FURY
WUUam Lundlgic-J. Core; Koy Boberts-Darid Wolfe
DvroUiy
»—Jul;
Patrlck-N. Palia
9—PO-1051
Oi'orgc Cooper
R—July 16—PO-1083
O (71) Drama Ml S (87) Drama 830 (94) Muslcal-Com 921
THE BIG STEAL
Robert MltcbuiQ-Jane Ortvr
THE RED MENACE
Itobert Bockwell
©You're My Everythinj
Dan Dalley-Anne Baxter
Wimam Bendli
Hanne Axmao
Anne Revere-8. Robinson
B-WuDe 18—PO-104B R—June 4—PG-1042 It—July 9—PO-1052
00 (64) Comedy 1)05
MAKE MINE LAUGHS
Bay Bnlger-Denols Da;
AniM Shlrley-Joau Dtrta
B—Aug. 13—Pa-1062
BIchard Martin
B— .\ug. 27—Pai«86
a (89) Drama *51
ROSEANNA McCOY
Bannond Mass«;
Cbarles Blckford-F. Oranger
»—Aug. 20—po-ioes
B) (77) Drama MS
EASY LIVING
Victor Mature-Ludlle Ball
Llzabetb Scott-Bonn; Tufta
R— .\u^. 13—PG-1061
8IS4
91 (61) Western 90T (90) Outd-r-Dr 814
MYSTERIOUS DESPERADO
Tim Holt-Marjorle Lord
ffl
©BRIMSTONE
Ruii Csmeron-Adrlan Boot*
Walter Brennan
R— .\u,;, 20—PG-1064
«? (60) Western 887
BANDIT KING OF TEXAS
Allan "Bockj" Lane
Eddy Waller-Jim Nolan
R—Ort. 8—PG-1078
(D (89) Drama 4901
The Kid From Cleveland
G*^irt;e Brenl-Lyiui Bar!
Cleveland
R—Sept.
Indians
in—P(;-l«70
P; (60) Travelog 0*4 5a ie«) Mi-lodrama 815
CJSAVAGE SPLENDOR Post Office Investigator
(67) Outd'r-Mus 843
African
B—July
Traitlog
3t—PQ-IOBT
fS
©DOWN DAKOTA WAV
Roy Rogers- Dale Evans
H (60) Western 012
MASKED RAIDERS
Tim Uolt-Blcbard MartlB
Marjorle Lord-Gary (*a;
I!—Oct. 1— PO-1076
HI (68) Drama •!* i S (60) Drama
STRANGE BARGAIN FLAME OF YOUTH
8)
.Msriha Scott-Jetlrey Lynn B^irbra FuUer-D. Nolan
@ (61) Drama 01 liay McDonald-M. Carr
ARCTIC FURY R—aralne
Betty Lynn-Rudy Vallee Franchot Tone
R— .\iig 2«»—P0-l»e4 R_\ov. 12—PG-1089
(99) Drama 69
THE LADY GAMBLES
B. Stan-K. Smith
II—June 25— PG-1048
!T^ (78) Drama 838
Girl From Jones Beach
Vlrgltda Mayo-E. Bracken
Ronald Beagan-Dora Drake
R—June 25—PG-1047
@ (106)
Musical
OOLOOK FOR THE
SILVER LINING
June Barer- Ray Bolger
B—July 2— PO-1049
'7 1641 Comedy Sit
ONE LAST FLING
Alnrts 8mlth-Z. Scott
R—July 9—PQ-lOBl
a (86) Comedy 831
©It's a Great Feeling
Dennis Morgan-DorLo Day
Jack CarsoD-BUI Goodwin
B-July 30—PO-1068
m (114) Com-My> 901
WHITE HEAT
James Cagney-V. Uayo
Edmond O'Brien
R—Aug. 27—PO-1066
(811 Musical T05 Q (69) Drama 903
©Yes, Sir. That's My Baby House Across the Street
Donald fr'CoQoor
Wayne Morris
Cobum-G. DeHavn
(Jiarles
B—Aug. 20—PG-1064
Janls Paige-Bruce
R— .Vig
Bennett
20— PO-1063
(84) West-Drama ^^ (84) Drama 816
706
RED LIGHT
©Gal Who Took the West
Vforme DeCarlo-Myrna Dell
Grofge Baft-Vlrglnia May*
Gene Loekbart-B. MaeLane Hiarla Cobum-Scotl Brad;
R -Aug. 20—PO-lWS R—Sept. 24— PO-10T4
74 (116) War Drama 908
©TASK FORCE
G;iry Cooper-Jane Wyatt
Wayne Morrls-W. Breiuian
R—Sept. 3—PO-loeS
(100) Actlon-Dr 709
SWORD IN THE DESERT
Dana Andrcws-Marta Toreo
Stephen McNally-H. Fmdi
B—Sept. 8—PO-1068
(94) Drama 934 W (80) Western 631 (79) Drama 707 m (117) Drama 9*4
THIEVES* HIGHWAY SATAN'S CRADLE ABANDONED
©UNDER CAPRICORN
Bichard Conle-Jaek Oakle Duncan Renaldo-Ann Ravage Dennis O'Ke^e-M Kambeau Ingrld Bergman-J. Gotten
V Cortese-LM J. Cobb
Fowley Gale Storm-Jeff Ctiandlet Michael WUdlng-C.
R—Sept. lO^PG-1078
Leo CarrUlo-D.
R—Nor. 19—PG-1091 B—Oct. 15—PO-1080
Parker
R—Sept. 17—PG-1071
(98) Comedy 918
EVERYBODY DOES IT
Paul Doutlas-L. Darnell
Celeste Holm-C Cotam
R—grot .3—PO-1068
3) (93) Drama 811
THE BIG WHEEL
Mickey Roooey-M O'Dbea
rbooas MltcfaeU-M. Hatetw
B— Nov 12—P0-1M8
(104) Drama 708 SI (081 Drama 908
©Christopher Columbus
F March-F. L SulUvan
BEYOND THE FOREST
Bette DarlfJn^eph Cotten
David Brian-Ruth Boman
Horence EldrldgeD. Bond
R—Oft 15—PO- 1079 B—Oct. 22—P0-108f
(83) Comedy
FREE FOR ALL
Ann Blyth-Perc; Kilbride
801
M. Basumny-B. CUmmloct
R—Nov 12—PO-lOe*
u
Oi't. Q] (05) Western
BAD MAN OF BIG BEND
Carl 4 W. Shrum
Oct. 0) (48) Drama
JEEP HERDERS
J. DayJ. CarLioo
Jan. 511 (551 Western
BATTLING MARSHAL
Sunset Carson
(HI) Bellg-Dr
©PRINCE OF PEACE
Olngcr Prince-Forest Taylor
R—Apr. 9— PG-1026
(58) Documentary
PREJUDICE
R— ^tar. 12—P(H018
Nov. (94) Drama
THE FALLEN IDOL
Ralph RIchardion-B. Henrey
MIchelo Morgan-Sonla Dresden
R—Oct. 15—Pa-1080
(105) Drama 108
THE THIRD MAN
Joseph Cotten-Valll
Orson Welles-T. Howard
R—Feb. 11—PG-1115
REISSUES
July (66) Melodrama
BLACK DRAGONS
Bela Lugosl
July (66) Melodrama
KID DYNAMITE
Ea.st Side Kldi
July IB (60) Western
Pioneers of the Frontier
Wild BUI Elliott
Aug. (B (61) Western
Hands Across the Rockies
Wild Bill BUIott
Sep. a (66) Thriller
INVISIBLE GHOSTS
Bela Lugosl
Sep. S3 (62) Western
KING OF DODGE CITY
Wild Bill Elliott
Sep. H (84) Comedy
SPOTLIGHT SCANDALS
B. Gllbert-F. Fay
Nov. [D (69) Weitera
Beyond the Sacramento
WUd BUI EUlott
De«. 8S (61) Western
The Son of Davy Crockett
Wild Biu muott
Feb. fis! (CO) Western
PRAIRIE SCHOONERS
Wild Bill Elliott
M:.r. @ (61) Western
THE WILDCAT OF TUCSON
Wild Bill Elllntt
May (T) (CO) Western
ACROSS THE SIERRAS
WUd Bill Elliott
June (13* I Comedy
MR. SMITH GOES TO
WASHINGTON
Jimmy Stewart-Jean Arthur
June (69) Drama
LET US LIVE
Maureen O'Bara-Benry Fooda
June (72) Comedy
KANSAS CITY KITTY
Joan Darlj
July (79) Drama
PENITENTIARY
Walter ConnollyJc.in Parker
July (69) Drama
WOMEN IN PRISON
W. Ciboon-8. Coltoo
July (120) Drama
PENNY SERENADE
Irene Dunne- Cary Grant
July (92) Comedy
HIS GIRL FRIDAY
C^ry Grant- Rosalind Russell
Aug. (110) Musical
©COVER GIRL
RIU Hayworth
Aug. (97) Musical
You Wire Never Lorall*
Rita Hayworth
Nov. (85) Wi»t»m
THE DESPERADOES
Randolph ScotiO. Ford
Nov. (88) Western
RENEGADES
Evelyn Keyes-W. Parker
June (78) Drama Mf
INTERMEZZO
Bergman-Leslie Howard
Inttrld
July (133) Drama »8<
REBECCA
Joan FontalDO-L. OUrkf
Sept. (118) Drama OM
THE STORY OF G.I. JOE
Robert Mllcbum-Emie Pyle
•et. (95) Drama 938
Letts of Introduction
Adolphe Henjou-O. Mnrpky
T

I
I
I
55
;
5S
I
MULE
I Charles
1
IB
I
Jiine
1 R—
!
iMn
I
'
I
\Me
I
1 7 ft I Comedy lit I
'
Tom
I
I
•
K.iy Westfall-Dewey Martin i
I
]
I
'
a
|
I
11
,
j
FEATURE CHART
Nov
12
No*
19
Nov
26
Dec
3
Dec
10
Dec
17
Dec
24
Dec
31
COLUMBIA
O (65) Melodrama 212 191) Comedy 008
BARBARY PIRATE SPRING IN PARK LANE
Anni Vi-asle-Tonj Walls
li.in^ili) Woods-I. Minhall
Western 260 Michael WUdlng-M. Fielding
(ill)
RIDERS IN THE SKY R—(let 1—ro-iore
(07) Drama (88) Drami 124
012
TOKYO JOE
THE GLASS MOUNTAIN
lIumphreT BoK&rt-A. Knox Dulde Gray-M. Denlsoo
F .Marl;J. Courtlud
II— Not. 6—PO-108T
Valentlna
R—Jan
Cortese
7—Pa-1185
gS (S6) Western 261
ReneoadH o( the Sage
Charles Starrett-T. Bardette
Smllev Burneite-L. Banalnj
U—Jan 21— PO-1110
(Si) fumedy 2
And Baby Makei Tllree
Holiert Toung-B. Hale
liobert Hullnn-J. Carter
R— Noy. 12— PO-1090
\. (il2) Mjstery 160
PRISON WARDEN
VVsnier Baiter-Anna Lee
JanKS Flatlo-Barlao Warde
II— Not. 10—PO-168T
(87) Comedy 226
TELL IT TO THE JUDGE
Rosalind Russell-Qlg Touni
It, rummlngs-M. McDonald
ll_N„t. 19— Pn-1092
((56) MriB-West 262
FEUDIN' RHYTHM
Eddy Arrwlit-niorla Henry
Kirby Grant-T. Ito
If* (SSi Western 883
FRONTIER OUTPOST
Starretl-L. Hall
Smiley Burnette-H. Penny
EAGLE LION
(79) Docum-Drama §08
PORT OF NEW YORK
K. T. Stetens-Seott Brady
Yul Brynner
R—Dec. ?.—Pa-ie9S
(691 Wpsl 966
QCowboy & the Prizeflghtei
.llm Bannon-Marln Sale
Little Brown Jug
R—Jan. 21—PO-1109
(72) Com-Dr 010
PASSPORT TO PIMLICO
B. Warren-8. Halloway
P DupuLs-B. Murray
R— Oct 8— rO-107I
(96) Mus-Com 013
I5THE GAY LADY
tean Kent-Jamee Donald
BUI Owen-Lana Morris
R—Jan. 28—Pa-1112
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FILM CLASSICS LIPPERT M-G-M MONOGRAM
[T) (94) Drama
THE PIRATES OF CAPRI
Louis Hayward-B. Barnes
Alan Curtl8-M. Rasumny
R—Dec. 10—PO- 1098
(88) Olme Drama 214
Jan MARY RYAN, DETECTIVE
Marsha Hunt-John Ulel
7
Vlncent-H.
Dec.
Shannon
17—PG-1099
(ill Keslern 185 (81) Drama MO (65) Drama
Jan SONS OF NEW MEXICO NEVER FEAR
THE FLYING SAUCER
Gene Aniry-Gall Davis Sally Forresl-K. Oarrtsoo
BrasseUe Mlkel Conrad-Pat
14 R. Arrastmng-C!bamplon Hugh O'Brlen-Ete Miller
R—Jan. 21—PG-IUO R— Jan. H—PO-n08
Lester Sharpe-D. Pyle
R—Jan, 21—PO-1109
IK (67) .Murder-Mys 216
ig (92) Drama
(120) Driima 017
Jan
SALT TO THE DEVIL GUILTY BYSTANDER
Chinatown at Midnloht
(Reviewed as "Give Us
Hiird Hatfield- Ray Walker
Zacbary Scott-Faye Emerson
21
Wlllos-Tom Powers
This Day")
Mary Boland-J. E Bromberg
It— nee 17—PO-1099 R— Dec 17— PO-llCO R—Feb. 18—PG-1118
Jan
28
Feb
4
The Travelino
Saleswoman
J.isn Davis- Andy Detlne
Jcrgeoe-Joe Bawjer
R— tire ji_Pii.ll04
(11191 Drsma 227
ALL THE RING'S MEN
Rroderlfk Crawford-J. Dm
n!l (55) Western 267
TRAIL OF THE RUSTLERS
[e| (62) Drama 213
Feb GIRLS' SCHOOL
Jnyre Reynolds-Roes Ford
11 (63) Melodrama 231
MARK OF THE GORILLA
Feb
18
Feb
25
(81) Adv-Dr 22i
©THE NEVADAN
Randolph Bcott-D. Malone
Forre.1t Tucker-F. Faylen
R—Jan 14— PO-IIOT
(64) Musical
SARUMBA
II nowllne-M. Whaler
Tommy Wonder
014
I
(851 Drama 022
GUILTY OF TREASON
Charles BIckford-P. Kelly
Bonila Grantllle-R. Derr
R—Jan 7— PO-1105
(83) Western-Dr 018
OTHE SUNDOWNERS
Ilohert Preslon-R, gUrllng
J Barrymore Jr.
R—Jan. 14—PO-1108
(84) Comedy 232 (85) Comedy 021 I
FATHER IS A BACHELOR The Amazing Mr. Beecham
Wllllnm Holdnn-C. Gray A. E. Matthews-Cecil Parker
Marjorle Fleldlnn-J Carey (70) Wesitem 248
TRAIN R—Jan. 14— PO-1108
(87) Comedy 0191
THE GREAT RUPERT
Jimmy Purante-Terry Moore
Drake-Fran): Ortb
|
R— Jan 7— pn-lins
ra (K) Melodrama 21«i IS2) Drama 069
BbDYHOLD
Wlllard Parker-L.
THE FIGHTING STALLION
Bill Edwards-Doris Merrick
Hilary Brooke-Allen Jenkins Forrest Taylor-Don Harvey
{..) Drams "2381
I j
(66) Drama ^070
NO SAD SONGS FOR ME FORBIDDEN JUNGLE
Margaret SuUavan
Don Hartey-Alyce Louie
Wendell Corey-V. Llndfors Forrest Taylor
3] (63) Mystery-Drama
CRY MURDER
Carole Mathews-H. Smith
Jack Lord-Hope Miller
R—Feb. 18—PG-1118
53 ( ) Melodrama
I
FOUR DAYS' LEAVE
Cornel Wilde
I
Josette Day
[51 (67) Comedy 206 (77) Drama 0231 H (81) Drama
BLONDIE'S HERO
The Golden Gloves Story THE VICIOUS YEARS
Penny 61ngleInn-L. SImms J, Dimn-K. O'Morrlsnn Oar Monre-Sybll Merrlt
Arthur Lake—M. Kent
Tommy Cook-A. Ross
R—Feb. 25— PO-1120
'!i«l'(73) West-Dr " 230 (66) Drama 024
iJlTHE PALOMINO
BOY FROM INDIANA
Jerome Courtland-B. Tyler Lnn l\lerjmsler-Lol9 Rutin
Joseph Callela-R. Roberts Binie Bilrke-Geo. Cleveland
R—Jan, 28—PO-1 111
S Drama
( , , )
The Wind Is My Lever
Vlveca Llndfors
Christopher Kent
(79) Muslul 4903 (114) lirama
ini
SQUARE DANCE JUBILEE
Don Barry-Spade Coole;
as
OTHAT FORSYTE WOMAN
(jreer Qarson-firrol Flynn
Mary Betb Hugbea
R— Not. 12—PO-1089
Walter Pldgeon-B. Young
R—Oct. 29—Pa-10«4
B) (74) Drama 4821
CALL OF THE FOREST
Robert Lowery-Ken Curtli
M. SherrlU
as (102) Comedy T
UADAM'S RIB
Spencer TraeyK. flepbnrn
Holllday-D. Judy
R—Not.
Wayne
6—P(M088
gl (95) Mye-Drmi 8
TENSION
.Audrey Totter-R. Basekart
Cyd OiarUse-B. SnlHtan
R—Not, 19—PQ-1091
33 (60) Drama 4
1
RED DESERT
5S (76) Com-Dr
OChallenge to Lusli
Don Barry-Toffl Netl Donald Crisp-Lassie
Margia Oeao
Edmund Gwetm-Q. Brooka
R—Dee. 31—PQ-1103 R—Oct. 29—PO-1084
^ (64) Drama 4018
TOUGH ASSIGNMENT
Don Barry-Stete Brodle
Marjorte 8teele-M. Wbaleo
R—Not. 19—PG-1692
^ (60) Musical 4916
HOLLYWOOD VARIETIES
Booster Botshots
Robert Alda
H—Dec. 81—PO-llOS
S (98) Mns-Con U
OON THE TOWN
Prank 8tnatrs-(]ene Kelly
Betty Garrett-Ann
R—Dee.
Miller
19—PG-1998
dj (05) Druu U
MALAYA
Spencer Tracy-J. Stewart
Valentlna Cortesa-J, Hodltt
R—Dec. 10—PG-1698
B (88) Super-Western 13
AMBUSH
Robert Taylor-J. Hodlak
Arlene Dahl-D. Taylor
R— Dec. 24—PO-1101
13 (118) Drama 1
BATTLEGROUND
Van Jotmson-John Hodlak
R. Montaiban-0. Murphy
R—Oct. 8—PO-1078
(69) Drama 491T
RADAR SECRET SERVICE
John Howard-Myma Dell
Adele Jergens-Tom Neal
R^Ian. 28—PO-1112
(97) Western 490
BARON OF ARIZONA
IB)
Vincent Price-Ellen Drew
Beulab Bondl-V. SokolofT
R—Feb. 18—PG-1117
B (
Western Pacific Agent
Kent Taylor-SbeUa Byan
R, bowery
,
, ) Western 4919
gi (87) Drama 9
INTRUDER IN THE DUST
r Jarman Jr.-K. Patterson
Juano Bemandes
H—Oct., 16—PQ-1080
B (107) Drama 14
EAST SIDE. WEST SIDE
Barbara Stanwyck-J. Mason
Van Heflln-Ata Gardner
1--nw 21—Pfi-llOl
m (101) Comedy 18
KEY TO THE CITY
Clark Gable-Loretta Tmum
Marilyn MaTwpIl
R—Feb 4—PO-llH
R—Jan 21—PO-1110
P (.s:) Drama 21
(. ,) Western 4927 1
HOSTILE COUNTRY
James Elllson-R, Hayden
CONSPIRATOR
Robert Taylor-E, Taylor
Puzjj Knlght-R, Hatton R, Flemins-H,
R— Feb
Warrender
11—PG-111B
Mus-Com ( , ) , 1
EVERYBODY'S DANCING
Spade Coeley-Rlcbard Lane
Ginny Jackson
53 (57) Western 4844
RIDERS OF THE DUSK
Wbip Wlkon-Aod; Clyde
§S (64) Comedy 481
MASTERMINDS
Leo Garcey
Huntz Hall-Bowery Boys
m (68) Weetoni 4868
UWLESS CODE
Jimmy Wakel;
an (77) Drama 4807
Bomba on Panther Island
Johnny Sheffleld-L. Baron
Allcne Roberts-II. Lewis
R—Jan. 14—Pa-1107
O (66) Weatem 4846
RANGE LAND
Whip Wilson-Andy Cljde
Reno
Browne
m (82) Mus-Com AA16
There's a Girl in My Hearl
I.ee Bowman-Elyse Rnox
R_Not. 26—PO-1094
B (57) Western 4925
WEST OF VITYOMING
Johnny Mack Brown
Max Terhune
1
3 (70) Drama 4901 I
OStue Grass of Kentucrv
Bill WilUams-R. Morgan I
Jane Nlgh-R. Blcks I
R—Jan. 28—PG-1111
I
gS (57) Western 4046
FENCE RIDERS
Whip Wllson-Andy CTyde
Reno Browne-niley Hill
(S (65) Drama 4911
JOE PALOOKA MEETS
HUMPHREY
Joe Klrkwood-Leon Krrol
R—Feb^4—PO-1114
B (66) Comedy 4913
BLONDE DYNAMITE
Leo Oorcey-Bowerv Roys
Adele Jergens-G. Dell
H (71) Hlst-West 4902
©Younii Daniel Boone
David Bruce-D. O'FIynn
Kristliie
Miller
B (99) Mus,-Com, 19 H (58) Western 4951
©NANCY GOES TO RIO OVER THE BORDER
Jane Powell-Ann Sothem Johrnv Mack Brown
Barry Sulllvan-C, Miranda Gail Davis
R—Feb, 4— PQ-1114
63 (92) Drama 20 H (61) Drama 490T
BLACK HAND
KILLER SHARK
Oene Kelly-J, Carrol Nalsb Roddy McDowall-D, Fowler
Teresa Celll-M, Lawrence
PARAMO U Nil tfi
[lU (87) Drama

I
Arthur
UNIV.-INT'L
WARNER
RKO RADIO
I (87) Comedy «
RIDE FOR SALE
Uudette Colbert
odert Tooni-O. Breot
—Oct. 29—PQ-1083
',-J| (T8) Dr.oii (14
. Dangerous Protistim
n,,
(""leorie Bart-Eli Rslnn
PB.IW •t O'Brlen-Bm fflUlUM
-'" M)ct. 22—PQ-1081
(87) CoBedj
lOLIDAY AFFAIR
uet Leiih-R. MItefeun
TndeU Corey
t—Nor. 19—PQ-l»fl
B (ItS) Drama I6<
THE OUTLAW
laoe Bussell-Jack Beutel
ffilter HustoD-T. UltekeU
g (88) Dram* 181
«Y FOOLISH HEART
luaaa Haynard-D. Andrews
(est Smlth-LoU Whueler
1—Oct 22—P(i-l(i81
5 P
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
REPUBLIC
El (67) Out(rr-Miu 844
OThi Golden SUIIIon
Ro; ItoteraUale liuu
Pat Bradj-ifoy Willing
B—Not. 8— Pa-1088
a (80) Western 4961
Powder River Rustlers
Allao "Rocky" Lane
Eddy Waller
Robert Bockapll-D.
a (60) Weetem
Patrick
4971
PIONEER INARSHAL
[3 (70) Mus-Com 4906
©BELLE OF OLD MEXICO
E. Rodrlgucz-Ii. Rockwell
D. Patrlck-T. Oall
R—Feb . 4— C-1113
"SJ (67) Outd'r-Mui 4941
(j>Belli o1 Coronado
Ruy Kocers-Dale Irani
Unmt RItkers-Foy WUIlot
an. 21—P0-1H9
R—
J
(109) War Drama 4'90a
SANDS OF IWO JIMA
John Wayne-John Agar
Adele Mara-Forreat Tucker
B— Dee. 24—PQ-1101
9] (97) MysUry 069 B (60) Helodram* 4907
STHE MAN OR THE UNMASKED
EIFFEL TOWER
R. Rockwpll-B. roller
Ckarlea Laughton-P. Tone Raymond Burr-H. Brooke
8—Da«. 24—ro- 1163 R—Feb. 18—PG-1117
H] (60) Western 019
STORM OVER WYOMING
Tim Holt-Richard Martin
.Noreen Nash-B. Underwood
Feb. 18— O-1117
(8lT Drama 070
STROMBOLI
Ingrld Bergman-R. Ce^ana
Mario Vltale-M. Sponio
B—Feb. 25—Pa-1119
P
(B (60) Weatero 4962
GUNMEN OF ABILENE
Allan "Rocky*" Lana
Eddy WaUer-D Hamilton
R—Feb. 2 —Pg-l ll
511 ( . . ) Western
THE ARIZONA COWBOY
Rei Allen-Gordon Jones
@ (91) Outd'r-Mus 4909
OSINGING GUNS
Vaughn Monroe-EHIa Raines
Walter Brennan-Ward Bond
R—Feb.
9
25—P0-U19
g3 (60) Drama 4910
I
T«RNISHEO
Fran2-D. Patrick
Barbra Fuller-J. Lydoo
85(75) Cartoon 094 152 (.) Melodrama
CINDERELLA Federal Agent at Large
Dknpv feature cartoon K. Taslor-Dorolhy Patrick
R— Dec. 24—PG-1102
(72) Drama 017
THE WOMAN ON PIER 13
Laralne Day-Robert Ryan
Jnhn Aaar-Thomas Gomel
R—Sept. 24—PG-1073
@ Western
( .
. )
©Twilight in the Slerrai
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans
g ( . . ) Drama
HOUSE BY THE RIVER
a (60) Western
Code of the Silver Sage
Allen Lane-Eddy Waller
5| (..) Drama
Harbor of Missing Mm
SB Western
( . ) .
The Vanishing Westerner
Monte Hale-Paul Hant
20TH-FOX [UNITED ARTISTS
I
(93) Musical 927
OOh, Vou Beautiful Doll
June UaierMark Stnuu
S. Z. Bakall-C. UrKOXoad
R—Bept. 24—PQ-1074
(102) Drama »S1
PINKY
Jeanne Craln-W. LundUao
B. Barrymore-Etbel Watera
R—Oct. 8—PG-1077
(107) Draaa 919
PRINCE OF FOXES
Tyrone Powar-Or.'oD WaUei
Wanda Beodrlx-M. Bertl
R— Auj. 27—PO-1066
(94) Western- Dr 936
QFightlng Man •( Plaloi
Randolph Bcott-Jaae NUk
BlU Williams-Victor Jory
R—Oct. IS—PO-1679
(92) Mus-Com

'
.
SHORTS CHART
Short subjecte, lisfod by company, in order of release. Running time iollowa
title. First date is national release, second the dale of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFTICE review: ttVery Good.
+ Good. ± Fair. - Poor. = Very Poor, ® Indicates color photography.
Prod.
No.
Columbia
Rel.
Date Rating Rev'd
Title
ASSORTED COMEDIES
2411 Waiting in the Lurch
11-19
(151/2) 9-8 +
1-21
2421 Super Wolf (16) 10-13 H
2422 Wha' Happen! (Iff/j) U-IO +
2412 Let Down Your Aerial
(17) U-17
2423 French Fried Frolic
(I6I/2) 12-8
2413 His Baiting Beauty (18) 1-12
2424 Hold That Monkey ( . ) . • 2-16
.
2414 Dizzy Yardbird (Iff/j).. 3- 9
2415 Marinated Mariner (..).. 3-30
± 2-11
CAVALCADE OF BROADWAY
2651 Cafe Society (11) 11-17
2G52Blue Angel (.) 1-26
COLOR FAVORITES
(Technicolor Reissues)
1608 Two Lazy Crovis (7) 7-13
1949-50 SEASON
Foxy Pup 2601 The (7) 9-1
2602 Window Shopping (7'/2).10-6
2603 Happy Tots (7) 11-3 +
2604 Hollywood Sweepstakes
12-1
(g)
2605 Poor Elmer (S) 12-29 ±
2606 Ye Oldc Swap Shoppe (S) 1-19 -f
2607 Kangaroo Kid (71/2) 2-2
2608 Tom Thumb's Brother (7) 3-23
COMEDY FAVORITES
(Reissues)
2431 Three Blonde Mice (16).. 9-29 -f
2432 The Spoolc Speaks (18). 10-20 ff
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
aO'/i) 8-25 -f
2901 Yukon Canada (10) 12-22
JOLLY FROLICS
2501 Ragtime Bear (7) 9-29 4-
2502 Punchy De Leon (eVi)-- 1-12 ±
2503 Spellbound Hound (..).. 3-16
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
2999 The Sound Man (10) 1-19 ++
2553 Candid Microphone (..).. 2-23
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
1860 Howdy Podner Ot/j) 7-20
1949-50 SEASON
2851 Spin That Platter (11).. 9-15 ±
2852 Motion Picture Mothers, Inc.
(9) 10-13 -f
2853 Hollywood Rodeo (9'/2)..U-17
2854 D(sc Jockeys U.S.A. (10). 12-15
2855 The Great Showman (10) 1-26
2856 It Was Only Yesterday
(10) 3- 9
STOOGE COMEDIES
1408 Feulin' Around (16) 7-7
1407 Hokus Pokus (16) 8-13
-f
±
1949-50 SEASON
2401 Malice in the Palace (16) 9- 1 :t :
2402 Vagabond Loafers (16).. ID- 6 -f
2403 Dunked in the Deep (17) 11- 3
2-J04 Punchy Cowpunchers
2405 Huos and Mugs (16)
1- 5
2-2
-f-
±
(17)
2406 Dopey Dicks (IS'/b) 3-20
THRILLS OF MUSIC
2952 Miguelito Valdes 4 Orch.
(10) 9-22 ±
2953 Ina Ray Hutton and Her
Orch. (9) 1-5 -I-
WORLD OF SPORTS
1810 West Point Track Champions
(9) 8-12 -I- 1
1949-50 SEASON
(9) . .
2801 Horseshoe Wizardry 9-22 2802 Winter Capers (9) 10-27 +
2803 H'll Drivers (91/2) 11-24
2804 Racing Headliners
(8|/a) 1- 5
•
2805 Kino Archer (..) 2-23
2806 The Rasslin' Match of the
Century (. .) 3.30
SERIALS
1160 Great Adventures of Wild Bill
H kkok 9. 8 ^
15 Chapters (Reissue)
1949-50 SEASON
2120 The Adventures of
Sir Galahad 12-22
15 Chapters
1-21
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
W-34 The Cat That Hated People
(7) U-20 H 12-18
W-36 Google Fishing Bear (7). 1-15 -|- 2-5
W-37 Bad Luck Blackie (7) . . 1-22 -H 2-5
W-39 Senor Droopy (8) 4-9 + 5-28
W.41 Meet King Joe (9).... 5-28 ++ 7-9
W-43 The House of Tomorrow
(8) 6-11 -I-
7-9
W-45 Doggone Tired (8) 7-30 + 10-15
W-46 Wags to Riches (7) 8-13 -1-11-5
1949-50 SEASON
W-132 Little Rural Riding Hood
(6) 9-17 -I- 10- 1
W-135 Out-Foxed (8) U- 5 + 10-29
W-136 Tennis Chumps (7) 12-10 + 12-24
W-137 Counterfeit Cat (7) 12-24 -f 2-11
W-140 Why Play Leap Frog? (7) 2- 4
FITZPATHICK THAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-12 Night Life in Chicago (9). 11-27 +
T-13 Scholastic England (8).. 12-18 -f
T-14 Ontario, Land of Lakes
(10) 2-12 -|-
T-15 Calling on Michigan (10) 3- 5 -}-
T-16Playland of Michigan (9) 3-26 +
T-17 Quebec in Summertime (10) 4- 9 -f-
T-18 Roaming Throujh Northern
Ireland (8) 7-9 +|
1349-50 SEASON
T-111 From Liverpool to Stratford
(9) 9-10 -f m
of Old T-112 Glimpses England
(9) 10- 8 10
T-113 In Old Amsterdam (9).. 11-12
T-H4 A Wee Bit of Scotland
-I-
-f 12
2
(10) 12-17 -I-
Land oT Tradition (9) . . . 1-21
T-115
GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS
(Technicolor)
W-21The Little Goldfish (8). 11-20 -1-
W-22 Fine Feathered Friends
(8) 1-1
W-23 The Blue Danube (7) . . 4- 2 +
W-24 Sufferin' Cats (8) 6-4 ff
1949-50 SEASON
W-161 Lonesome Mouse (7)... 11-28
MARTIN BLOCK'S MUSICAL
MERRY-GO-ROUND
M-984Les Brown-Virginia O'Brien
(10) 7-17 ±
M -986 Art Lund, Les Brown,
Tex Beneke (10) 8-3 -f ]
M-985 Frankie Carle & Oreh.
(10). 8-28 + 10-9
NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
PASSING PARADE
K-72 Annie Was a Wonder (11) 1-29 +f 2-5
K-73 Stuff for Stuff (11) 3-26 -f 4-2
K-74 Mr. Whitney Had a Notion
(11) 5-7 -I- 5-28
K-75 Clues to Adventure (10) 6-11 -I- 7- B
K-76Clty of Children (10)... 8-27
PETE SMTTH SPECIALTIES
S-54 Let's Cogitate (8) 12-25 12-18
5-55 Super Cue Men (9) 1-29 + 2-5
S-56 What Want Next (8) 2-12 U 2-5
I . .
S-57 Scieiitifiquiz (10) 4-2
S-58 Those Good Old 4-lS Days (9)
S-59 Fishing (or Fun (9) 4-23
+
-f-
+
S-60 Football Thrills No. 12
(9) 8-27
1949-50 SEASON
S-151 Water Trix (9) U- 5
S-152 How Come? (10) 11-19
S-153 We Can Dream, Wef
Can't
(9) 12-3 12-24
Sports Oddities (9) 12-31 + 12-24
S-154
S-155 Pest Control (8) 1-14 4. Z-U
S-156 Crashing the Movies (8) 1-28 -f- 2-4
Prod.
No.
Paramount
Title Rel. Date Rating Re'
CHAMPION
fReissues)
Bears (10).. Z9-1 Busy Little 10- 7 + 12-
29-2 Suddenly Spring (10) 12- 2 1-1
It's ff
Z9-3 Breezy Little Bears (11) 2-3
Z9-4 Cilly Goose (10) 3-10
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
9-16
(Technicolor)
RS-5 Best of Bread (10) 4- 8 -f
6 5- R8-6 Fairway Champions (10)
-f
6-10 R8-7 Top Figure Champs (10)
-I-
7- 8 RS-8 Sporting Spheres (10)..
-f
8- 5 R8-9 Official Business (10)
.
-H
R8-10 Running the Keys (10).
-i-
.1949-50 SEASON
Speed (10) 10-21 R9-1 Water -|-
R9-2The Husky Parade (10).. 12- 9
R9-3 Farther Down East (10). 1-20 -H-
R9-5Wild Goose Chase (10).. 2-24
NOVELTOONS
(Color)
P8-7 Little Red School Mouse
+
(7) 4-15
P3-BA Haunting We Will Go
C9) 5-13 PS-9A Mutt in a Rut (8)... 5-27
P8-10 Campus Capers (7) 7-1
+
-f-
1949-50 SEASON
Leprechaun's Gold (10).. 10-14 P9-1
+
P9-2Song of the Birds (8).. 11-18
P9-3 Und of the Lost Jewels
(10) 1-6 ++
Quack-a-doodle-do 3-3
P9-5 Teacher's Pest (7) 3-31
PACEMAKERS
K8-6 My Silent Love (11).... 4-22 +
KS-7 The Lambertville Story
(10) 5-28 -I-
Prod.
No.
RKO Radio
Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
CLARK

20th Century-Fox
PfOif. No^ Title Rel. Date Ratmo Rev'd
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
9901 Satisfied Saurians (9) Mar. + 3-12
FEMININE WORLD
9601 Talented Beauties (Vyvyan
Donner) (U) June + 7-23
9602 Fashions of Yesteryear
(Ilka Chase) (8) Nov. + 10-
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 15, No. 3 Wish You Were Here
(18) Mar. + 3-26
Vol. 15, No. 4 Report on the Atom
(20) Apr. + 4-30
Vol. 15, No. 5 Sweden Looks Ahead
(18) May ++ 5-21
Vol. 15, No. 6 It's in the Groove
-I- (19) June 6-18
Vol. 15, No. 7 Stop— Heavy Traffic!
(18) July
Vol. 15, No. 8 Farming Pays Off
(18) Am.
Vol. 15, No. 9 Policeman's Holiday
(18) SepL H 9-17
Vol. 15, No. 10 The Fight for Bettir
Schools (20) Oct. + 10-8
Vol. 15, No. U MacArthur's Japan
(18) Nov. + 11-19
Vol. 15, No. 12 A Chance to Live
(18) Dec. -H-
1-7
Vol. 16, No. 1 Mid-Century; Half
Way to Where? (17) Feb. + 2-11
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
9252 ©Quaint Quebec (S) April + 7-2
9253 ©Golden Transvaal (8) May -j- 7-30
9254 ©Maine Sail (8) Aug. + 10-29
9255 ©Realm of the Redwoods
(8) Sept. 10- 8
9201 Ahoy, Davy Jones (11).... Oct + 10- 8
9202 Aboard the Flattop Midway
Nov
(8)
©Jewel Dec 9256 of the Baltic (8) . . -)- 2-4
9203 Midwest Metropolis (U)..Dec.
1950 SERIES
2051 Pattern of Progress (..).. Apr.
MOVIETONE
9802 The Hunter (8)
SPECIALTY
Aug. + U-19
9803 Shadows on the Snow Sept. +| 10-8
(9) . •
MOVIETONE
8101 Charlie Bamet and His Band
MELODIES
(11) July ±10-8
1950 SERIES
7001 Lawrence Welk and His
Champagne Music (9)... Jan. ± 1-14
7002 Red Ingle and His Gang
(9) M». tt 1-7
MOVIETONE NEWS
Twice Weekly)
(Released
SPORTS
9302 Neptune's Playground
(8) April
9303 Beauty and the Blade (9). .May
9304 Future Champs (9) July
1950 SERIES
3001 Skiing Is Believing (9)... Jan. ++ 1-14
3002 From Jib to Topsail (9).. Feb. -f 1-14
3051 ©Frolic in SporU (9) Mar.
TEBRYTOONS
(Technicolor)
9504 Sourpuss in Dingbat Land
(7) Mar.
9505 The Talking Magpies in the
Lion Hunt (7) Mar. + 7-23
9506 The Talking Magpies in the
Stowaways (7) Apr. -(- 7-2
9507 Mighty Mouse in a Cold
Romance (7) Apr. ± 7-30
9508 The Kitten Sitter (7) May i 7-30
9521 Hook, Line and Sinker
(7) (reissue) May
9509 The Talking Magpies in
Happy Unding (7) Jun ± 11-19
9522 Catnip Capers (7) (reissue) June
9510 Mighty Mouse in the Catnip
Gang (7) June -f 10- 8
9511 The Talking Magpies in Hula
Hula (7) July -1- 10- 8
9512 The Lyin' Lion (7) July -f 10-29
9513 Mrs. Jones' Rest Farm
(7) Aug. -I- 11-19
9514 Sourpuss In the Covered
Pushcart (7) SepL -)- 10- 8
9515 A Truckload of Trouble
+ (7) Oct 10-15
9516 Mighty Mouse in the Perils
of Pearl Pureheart (7) ... Oct
9517 The Talking Magpies in
Dancing Shoes (7) Nov. + 10-15
9518 Flying Cups and Saucers
(7) Nov. 2-4
-I-
Paint Dee. 4+ Pot Symphony (7) . .
2-4
9519
9520 Mighty Mouse in Stop, Look
and Listen (7) Dec.
1950 SERIES
5001 Comic Book Land (7) Jm. -f- 1-7
5021 Mississippi Swing (7)
(reissue)
Jan.
5002 The Talking Magpies In
H the Fox Hunt (7) Feb. 1-7
5022 What Happens at Night
(7) (reissue) Feb.
5003 Victor the Volunteer In Better
Late Than Never (7) . Mar. + 1-7
5004 Mighty Mouse In Anti-Cats
(7) Mar
B
Universal-Internationcd
Prod. No. Title Bel. Dale Ratnig Rev'd
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor. Reissues)
4323 Mouse Trappers (7) 1-24
4324 Hams Th.it Couldn't Be
Cured (7) 2-21
4325 The Sciew Driver (7) 3-14
4326 Ace in the Hole (7) 4-4 + 5-28
4327 Goodbye. Mr. Moth (7) . . 5- 2 + 6-18
4328 Jukebox Jamboree (7)... 5-30 -|- 6-18
4329 The Loan Stranger (7).. 6-27 -f- 10-15
4330 Dizzy Acrobat (7) 7-25 + 9-3
4331 Dizzy Kilty (7) 8-22 H 11- 5
4332 Cow Cow Boogie (7) 9-19 -j 11-5
4333 Tlie Screwball (7) 10-17 + 1-14
1949-50 SEASON
5321 A- Haunting We Will Go
(7) 11-7
5322 Kittens-Mittens (7) 12-5
5323 Jolly Little Elves (7) ... 1- 2
5324 Under the Spreading Blacksmith's
Shop (7) 1-30
5325 Barber of Seville (7)... 2-13
5326 Mather Goose on the Loose
3-6 3-4
(7) +1-
MUSICAL WESTERNS
4351 Six Gun Music (25) 1- 6 -f
4352 Cheyenne Cowboy (25) . . 2-10 -\-
4353 West of Uramie (26)... 3-24 +
4354 Prairie Pirates (26) 5- 5 +
4355 Nevada Trail (27) 6-16 -f
4356 Silver Butte (27) 7-28 +
4357 The Girl From Gunsight
(25) 9-15 :t
4358 The Pecos Pistol (26).. 10-27 -f
1949-50 SEASON
5351 Coyote Canyon (26) 11-17 ff
5352 South of Santa Fe (29) . .12-22 ++
5353 The Fargo Phantom (24) 2. 9 -i-
5354 Gold Strike (25) 3-30
NAME BAND MUSICALS
4303 Ted V/eems and Orch. (15) 2- 2 -(- 5-7
4304 Les Brown Band of
Renown (15) 3-2 5-21
4305 Symphony in Swing (15) 3-30 5-28
4306 Ted Fiorito & Orch. (15) 4-27 + 6-18
4307 Del Courtney & Orch.
(15) 6-1
4308 Gene Krupa & Orch. (15) 6-29
-f
+
9-3
9-3
4309 Spade Cooley & Orch. (15) 7-27
4310 Jack Fina & Orch. (15) 8-10
4311 Russ Moroan & Orch. (15) 9-7
-f-
+
10-15
11-5
4312 Skinnay Ennis & Orch.
(15) 9-28 12-24
4313 Rhythm of the Mambo
(15) 10-26
-I-
-f 1-14
1949-50 SEASON
7- 2
5301 Herman's Herd (IS) 11-2
7-23
10-29
5302 Lionel Hampton & Orch.
(15) 12-7
5303 Freddie Slack & Orch.
(15) 1-4 -f 2-4
5304 Ethel Smith and the Henry
King Orchestra (15) ... 2- 1 3-4
-f
5305 Sweet Serenade (15) 3-1
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
43S3 Songs of Romance (9)
• . . 1-24 + 2-12
4384 Clap Your Hands (8) 3-7 + 6-11
4385 Moonlight Melodies (8).. 4-25 + 5 21
4386 Minstrel Mania (9) 6-13 -|- 6-18
4387 Singing Along (8) 8-8 + 9-3
1388 Sailing With a Song (9). 10- 3
1949-50 SEASON
5381 My Favorite Girl (9) 11-7
5382 Songs of the Range (10) . 12-26 ± 2-4
5383 Dream Dust (10) 2-20 + 3-4
SPECIALS
4201 Cheating in Gambling (18) 2- 2 -h 2-12
4205 The Spirit of '49 ( . . )
4202 Four Bears Before the Mast
(18) 8-31 + 12-24
4204 Movies Are Adventure (10) 8-22
1949-50 SERIES
5202 The Tiny Terrors Make Trouble
(17) 1-18 + 2-11
UNIVERSAL NEV/S
(Released Twice Weekly)
VARIETY VIEWS
4342 They Went That-Away
(10) 1-10
4343 Just a Little North (10) 2-28
4344 Dynxty of Wonders (10) 4- 4 ± 6-11
4345 Inch by Inch (9) 5-30 -f- 5-21
4346 Singing Is Fun (11) 8-22
4347 Beauty and the Beach
(10) 9-5 H 10-29
4348 You Don't Say! (10) 10- 3 -f 12-24
1949-50 SEASON
5341 Bourrfaries Unlimited
(10) U- 7
, . .
5342 Breaking the Tape (10). 12- 12 -f-
1-30
I-H
5343 Future Skippers (10)
5344 Progress Island (10) 3-13
Prod.
No.
Warner Bros.
Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor)
5311 The Egg Collector (7).. 7-16
5312 The Mice Will Play (7).. 8- 6
5313 InkI and the Mina Bird
(7) 8-20
1949-50 SEASON
6301 Tom Thumb in Trouble (7) 9-24
6302 Farm Frolics (7) 10-15
6303 The Hep Cats (7) U-12
6304 Toy Trouble (7) 12-31
6305 My Favorite Duck (7).. 1-28
6306 The Sheepish Wolf (7) . . 3- 4
6307 Double Chaser (7) 3-25
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
5719 Long- Haired Hare (7)... 6-25 ++
5720 Knights Must Fall (7) . . 7-16 +
5721 The Grey-Hounded Hare
(7) 8-6 +
5722 The Windblown Hare (7) 8-27 ++ 1
5723 Frigid-Hare (7) 10- S
1949-50 SEASON
5724 Which Is Witch (7).... 12- 3
5725 Rabbit Hood (7) 12-24
5726 Hurdy-Gurdy Hare (7).. 1-21
6719 Mutiny on the Bunny (7) 2-11
6720 Homeless Hare (7) 3-11
FEATURETTE
5106 Over the Wall (20) 6-25 -|-
1949-50 SEASON
6101 Pigskin Passes (20) 9-10
ol02 Calling All Girls (20)... 11 -26
6103 1 he Grass Is Always Greener
(20) 1- 7
6104 Vaudeville Days (20) 2-25
JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES
5405 So You Want to Be a Muscle
Man (10) 7-2 +
5406 So You're Having In-Law
Trouble (10) 8-27 -|-
1949-50 SEASON
6401 So You Want to Get Rich
Quick (10) 10-29
6402 So You Want to Be an
Actor (10) 12- 3
6403 So You Want to Throw a
Party (10) 2- 4
MELODY MASTERS
1949-50 SEASON
6801 U. S. Calif. Band and Glee
Club (10) 9-17
6802 Eniil Coleman & Orch.
+
(10) 10-29
6803 40 Boys and a Song (10) 1-14
6804 Bob Wills and His Texas
Playboys (10) 2-11
MERRIE MELODIES
(Color)
5709 Hen House Henery (7).. 7- 2
5710 Bad 01' Putty Tat (7).. 7-23
5711 Often the Orphan (7) 8-13
5712 Dough lor the Do-Do (7) 9- 3
5713 Fast and Furry-ous (7) 9-17
. .
5714 Each Dawn I Crow (7) . . 9-24
5715 Swallow the Leader (7).. 10-15
5716 Bye, Bye Blue Beard (7). 10-22
1949-50 SEASON
5717 For Scent-lmental Reasons
(7) 11-12
5718 Hippety-Hopper (7) 11-19
6701 Bear Feat (7) 12-10
6702 A Ham in a Role (7).. 12- 31
6703 Home, Tweet Home (7).. 1-14
6704 Boobs in the Woods (7) 1-28
. .
6705 The Lion's Busy (7) 2-18
6706 The Scarlet Pumpernickel
(7) 3- 4
6707 Strife With Father (7) . . 4- 1
SPORTS NEWS REVIEW
5606 Spills and Chills (10).. 10- 1 ff
SPORTS PARADE
(Technicolor)
5509 Highland Games (10)... 7-2
5510 Daredevils on Wheels (10) 7-23
5511 Water Wizards (10) 8- 6
5512 Snorts New and Old (10) 8-20
5513 Hunting ihe Fo« (10) ... 9-3
1949-50 SEASON
#
6501 The Little Archer (10).. 10- 8 -f-
6502 K.nis of the RKkies
(10) 11-19
6503 Happy Holidays (10) 12-10
6504 Let's Go Boating (10) 1-21
. .
6505 That's Bully (10) 2-18
6506 This Sporting World (10) 3-25
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
5007 The Sintimj Dude (20).. 7- 9 -f
5008 Down the Nile (20) 7-30 -|-
1949-50 SEASOR
6001Trailin' West (20) 10- 1
6002 Jungle Terror (20) 11- S
6003 Snow Carnival (20) 12-17 +f
6004 Women of Tomorrow (20) 3-18
VITAPHONE NOVELTIES
6601 Horse and Buggy Days
(10) 10-22
6602 A-Sreed on the Deep
(10) 12-24 -H
6604 Hands Tell the Story (10) 2- 4
6605 Sitzmarks the Spot (10) . . 3-11
WAJRNER-PATHE NEWS
Twfn WMkly)
SHORTS CHART

SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinhas on the Current Short Subjeets-
Hugs and Mugs
Columbia (Stooges Comedy) 17 Mins.
Fair. Those mayhem experts, the Three
Stooges, again practically murder each other
to get laughs. This time a trio of shoplifters
use their wiles on the boys to get possession
of a package containing a pearl necklace. The
Stooges gouge out each other's eyes, sit on hot
irons and are bopped on the head by Iron
weights during the course of the rough-andscramble
action.
Miguelito Valdez
Columbia (Thrills of Music) 10 Mins.
Fair. Loud, fast and exciting music is the
motif of an average short. Miguelito Valdez,
who specializes in Latin rhythms, and the
De Castro Sisters, three torrid little ladies,
contribute their specialties while Barry Gray,
disk jockey, comments on their work. The
sisters are best in "Sicote de Cato," which
is roughly translated as "The Cat's Whiskers."
The younger fans wUl enjoy this more than
their elders.
Motion Picture Mothers,
Inc.
Columbia (Screen Snapshots) 9 Mins.
Good. The real movie fans will get a kick
out of seeing their favorites' mothers cavorting
at a dance with their children. Among
those glimpsed are Pat O'Brien, who handles
the Introductions, and Fred MacMurray, Donald
O'Connor, Cesar Romero, John Howard,
Gary Cooper, Robert Sterling, Tom Brown
and Bud Abbott, aU with their mothers. Jane
Powell is about the only feminine star who
came with her mother, the latter looking
almost as young as Jane.
Barnyard Skiing
BKO (Sportscope) 8 Mins.
Fair. How to ski when there isn't any
snow around is shown in this sports film
and Erling O. Wilig, ski-joring expert, demonstrates
the technique. He is hauled over
water, grass, gravel, sand and a macadam
highway in the various sequences by horses,
boats and cars. He is assisted by an attractive
girl throughout the film. A few thrills
are provided by his dexterity in avoiding
obstacles and ski fans will marvel at some
of his tricks despite the absence of snow.
Pluto's Hearthrob
RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Fair. Pluto meets Dinah, a pert little dog.
and decides he is in love with her. Butch, the
ugly bulldog, has the inside track with the
young lady and resents Pluto's attentions.
The two rivals carry on a battle royal which
results in a near drowning for Pluto. When
he recovers, he finds out that Butch has
replaced him in the affections of Dinah. He
manages to reverse this when he rescues her
from a fate worse than death at Butch's
hands.
Dream Dust
(Sing and Be Happy Series)
Univ.-Int'l
g Mins.
Good. In a dreamy mood the King's Men
offer some of the favorite song hits of yesteryear.
Tliis short has been specially arranged
for community singing and should be popular
dt theatres where folks like to exercise their
vocals. "Girl of My Dreams," "Goodnight,
Sweetheart" and "Put on Your Old Grey
Bonnet" are the songs. Clever cartoons form
the baclcgrounds.
Fargo Phantom
Unlv.-Int'l (Musical Western) 24 Mins.
Good. Tex Williams and his pard, Smokey
Rodgers, round up the bandits in a short
that has loads of action, three new songs,
love interest and some beautiful shots of
western scenery. It should appeal to all types
of audiences. The bandits have been holding
up the stagecoaches of a line owned by
Shirley Allard until Tex steps in to remedy
the situation. The story is plausible and the
picture moves swiftly.
Mother Goose on the Loose
Univ.-Int'l (Lantz Cartune) 7 Mins.
Very good. A cartoon containing some fresh
gags, excellent animation and two very furmy
characters. Simple Simon and Bo Peep. It is
aimed at the Easter audience, but should fill
in nicely on any program. The story is a
switch on Mother Goose rhymes with the
various jingles given a new twist and humorous
treatment. Practically all the Mother
Goose characters are in it and it should be
enjoyed by young and old alike.
Ethel Smith & The Henry
King Orchestra
Univ.-Int'l (Name Band Musical) 15 Mins.
Good. Ethel Smith at the electric organ
and the Henry King band provide the music
on a background of handsome sets. Others
in the film are; the Mayo brothers, precision
tap dancers; Betty Black, singer, and Jon
and Edna Torrence, dance satirists. The
songs featured are : "Chinatown," "Paran Pan
Pin," "El Cumbancheo," "Give Out" and "Dos
Grillitos." It's a musical that should be a
crowd pleaser.
A'Speed on the Deep
Warner Bros. (Vitaphone Novelty) 10 Mins.
Very good. A fast-moving and exciting
novelty short dealing with the different varieties
of water sports. Some magnificent and
breath-taking shots of daredevils who ride
the rapids and go water-skiing at break-neck
speed are included. Other men anxious to
risk their necks go riding the breakers In
the roughest surf in the world—off Australia.
A cute sidelight is a grandmothers' shell race
in which 20 ladies, whose ages total over
1,000 years, race down the river with the
strength of coUegiates.
At the Source of Truth
(Russian Production)
World Documentary Films 3 Mins.
Fair. This shows the laboratory experiments
which led Pavlov to discover the conditioned
reflex in animals, and how the phenomenon
operates under natural conditions
in the forest. Its appeal will be limited to
budding scientists and naturalists. The experiments
with dogs, though clearly painless,
could raise the objections of antivivisectionists.
The best scenes are those of forest animals.
The distributor's address Is 18 West
55th St., New York City.
Birth of the Ballet
Oxford Films (Featurette) 30 Mins.
Very good. The rapidly increasing interest
in ballet in all the larger cities of the U.S.
should make this a strong added feature in
the art houses and in many downtown spots.
Robert Helpmann of Sadler Wells Ballet (now
touring the U.S.) and one of the stars of
"The Red Shoes" is shown as he describes
the various steps and formations used in the
ballet form. The dancers are shown rehearsing
an dthen a complete short ballet is given.
Muir Matheson directed. Oxford Films is at
1819 Broadway, N. Y. C.
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 16: Exposition hails
Haiti's 200 years; Long Island railroad crash
kills 29; carnival parade in New Orleans;
Cardinal Spellman sails on pilgrimage; Truman
talks about taxes; atomic energy sold
(over the counter) at U.S. apothecary; national
AAU track meet; world downhill skiing
champions.
News of the Day, No. 250: Doctor on trial
in mercy killing; railroad crash; $100-plate
dinner for 5,300 Democrats; atomic drugstore;
cardinal sails on Holy Year pilgrimage;
downhill ski title won by Italian ace; diving
capers.
Paramount News, No. 53: World's fair in
Haiti; Long Island railroad wreck; atomic
energy for scientific uses; Democratic dinner;
AAU track meet.
Universal News, No. 328: Long Island railroad
crash; Jackson Day dinner; cardinal
leads pilgrimage; Haiti bicentennial; Times
Square brownout; Santa Anita derby; downhill
ski thrills.
Warner Pathe News, No. 55: Train wreck;
Jackson Day dinner; New York City brownout;
atomic energy; Dr. Sander; air crash
survivors; Cardinal Spellman; glove fashions;
ski race.
•
Movietone News, No. 17: Masons honor
George V/ashington; mercy killer goes on
trial; Korean president sees MacArthur;
Boston "T" party over excise taxes; New
Orleans Mardi Gras; V-2 rocket films millions
of square miles of earth; sports—golden
gloves slugfest; motorcycle thriller; Red
Cross trailer.
News of the Day, No. 251: Rocket camera
films earth; Windsors join in Mardi Gras
revel; Truman dedicates Washington memorial;
Boston "T" party; jet plane crash
fires oil tanlcs; golden gloves finals; dogsled
derby; Red Cross appeal trailer.
Paramount News, No. 54: Canadian cyclist
wins 200-mile beach classic; "T" party; rocket
camera; Windsors win crowds at Mardi Gras;
when two glovers meet; Red Cross trailer.
Universal News, No. 329: Ghandi honored;
Boston "T" party; rocket camera; icy
weather; motorcycle race; soaring skiers;
golden gloves; Red Cross trailer.
Warner Pathe News, No. 56: Jap Diet; Mac-
Arthur welcomes Korean president; Boston
tax party; rocket camera; Truman urges
atomic energy control; sports^—motorcycle
race, motor ski race, golden gloves ; Red Cross
trailer.
•
Telenews Digest, No. 8A: Mercy killing trial
opens in New Hampshire; Long Island train
disaster; Pennsylvania miner speaks; Czechoslovakia—new
ski thrill.
Telenews Digest, No. 8B: Sander's trial;
England's election; coal rationing in New
York; U.S. aid welcomed in Korea; carnival
time in New Orleans, Nice, France and
Viaroggio, Italy.
14
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide March 4, 1950

I
Opinions on Current Productions; Expioitips for Selling to the Public
—
FEATURE REVIEWS
(FOE 8TOBY SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE REVERSE SIDE)
Perfect Strangers
F
'"""''
Warner Bros. (917) 88 Minutes Rel. Mar 25, '50
Based on the MacArthur-Hecht stage hit, "Ladies and Gentlemen,"
this screen version has three distinct story threads,
each one of which is sufficiently strong in entertainment
values alone to justify the picture. Woven together they
make for a feature which should be a solid scorer in any theatre.
For the devotees of the tender passion, there is romance;
for the advocates of sturdier stuff, there is a suspenseful
murder trial; and for one and all there is comedy
bright and subtle—which stems from dialog and situations
and admirably avoids contrived devices. Such comedy content
is the most prominent facet and it was entrusted to a
thoroughly excellent cast, each member of which took full
advantage of his or her portion of a shining script. Producer
Jerry Wald mounted the film with careful consideration of
details and atmosphere, and direction by Bretaigne Windust
is excellent.
Ginger Rogers. Dennis Morgan, Thelma Hitter, Margalo Gillmore,
Anthony Ross, Howard Freeman, Alan Reed.
Stage Fright
Warner Bros, ( ) 113 Minutes
y
Comedy
Drama
Rel. Apr. 15. '50
It may have been the change in climate— this having bee.n
filmed in its entirety in England—that made the celebrated
Alfred Hitchcock flare for suspense and chills wax a bit
whimsical. But herein, the scripters and Director Hitchcock
mixed the spine-tingling in about equal portions with ribtickling.
And a smooth blend of entertainment come out of
the mixer, one which should assert a powerful tug on every
taste in film fare. Such diversified appeal, accented by the
obvious potency of the quartet of topliners, certainly should
take good care of the offering in the profiis column of theatre
ledgers. While every performance—even to the bit players
is definitely top drawer, the thespian contribution of Marlene
Dietrich, apparently ageless and more sexy than ever, steals
the show. In production details the film shows lavish spending
of the frozen dollars that went into its budget.
Jane Wyman, Marlene Dietrich, Michael Wilding, Richard
Todd, Kay Walsh, Dame Sybil Thorndike, Miles Malleson.
Father Is a Bachelor
Columbia (232) 85 Minutes Rel. Feb. '50
Seldom do you find so many elements of wholesome entertainment
blended into a lov;--budget picture with this
degree of charm. While it is farcical in spots, the engaging
character played by William Holden, plus a most natural
family of heart-warming children, creates true screen diversion.
Only the art houses will resist its homespun appeal and for
family fare it is a natural, while if has special interest for
small town and neighborhood houses. Not only will women
patrons fall in love with the proud little waifs in the picture
but William Holden v.'ill cause feminine hearts to flutter with
romantic yearnings. This should be a word-of-moulh sleeper
that will build even higher boxoffice scores after it gets
out of the first run houses. The title is provocative and the
romantic interest is interspersed with humor. Norman Foster'
and Abby Berlin directed this S. Sylvan Simon production.
William Holden, Coleen Gray. Mary lane Saunders, Charles
Winninger, Stuart Erwin. Clinton Sundberg, Gary Gray.
ins}
Da'
Quicksand
United Artists (631) 79 Minutes Rel. Mar. 24, '50
While its rag, bone and hank o' hair motif is far from new,
herein it is so logically and suspensefuUy developed that the
picture earns rating as one of the best approaches to that
theme in many seasons; an offering that should garner plenty
of praise and profits in all bookings. Credit for the film's
excellence is cut three v/ays; solid, logical scripting; sincere,
a well-chosen
convincing performances by every member of
cast; and the incisive, understanding direction of Irvirig
Pichel. Executive Producer Sam H. Stiefel mounted the vehicle
substantially—without too big a productional budget—by
having it filmed largely out of doors and against established
backgrounds in and around Los Angeles. In addition to the
cast, there are exploitation possibilities in the subtle, yet
persuading, expose of the dangers of adolescent delinquency.
Rooney s performance and that by Barbara Bates sland out
in the face of keen comp>etition.
Mickey Rooney, Joanne Cagney, Barbara Botes, Peter Lorre,
Taylor Holmes, Art Smith, Wally Cassol.
Stars in My Crown
MGM (- 89 Minutes Rel.
A moving and heart-warming small town film which will
draw chuckles and a few tears from family audiences everywhere.
This is not a big picture, although it has been splendidly
directed by Jacques Tourneur and well acted by a first
rate cast. Its strongest appeal will be in the hinterlands,
Joel McCrea will draw the youngsters and action fans and
favorable word-of-mouth will do the rest. However, its homey
quality may result in mild grosses in metropolitan centers.
The story, which takes place shortly after the Civil War, has
one scene of Negro persecution, but this leads to a stirring
climax which is the film's highlight. Dean Stockv/ell contributes
another completely natural portrayal of a country
youngster and Juano Hernandez is outstanding as a kindly
Negro farmer. The late Alan Hale's final screen role is one
of his most lovable ones and Lewis Stone has a fine bit.
Joel McCrea, Ellen Drew, Dean Slockwell, Alan Hale, James
MitchelL Lewis Stone, Juano Hernandez, Amanda Blake.
Buccaneer's Girl
Univ.-Int'l (912) 77 Minutes
F
F
Musical Melodrama
(Technicolor)
ReL Mar. '50
Yvonne DeCarlo is displayed at her best in this swashbuckling
Technicolor story of New Orleans and piracy in
the 18th century. The film has battles at sea and ashore
lor the youngsters, enough romance to please the women,
and for the men—there's Yvonne. The picture reveals an
expensive mounting and the Technicolor shows to good
advantage in its vivid shots of the period costumes, sailing
ships and New Orleans scenes. The action is fast, the story
good, and it should please general audiences who do not
expect too radical a departure from the tested formula lor
piracy yarns. Stills of Yvonne in some of her eye-filling
gowns should help sell the film, which is favored by good
performances from Philip Friend, Elsa Lanchesler and Jay
C. Flippen. Frederick DeCordova directed.
Yvonne DeCarlo, Philip Friend, Robert Douglas. Elsa Lanchestor,
Andrea King, Norman Lloyd, Joy C. Flippen.
A Woman of Distinction
i
I
Columbia ( ) 85 Minutes Rel. Apr. '50
Rosalind Russell again descends to low comedy and slapstick
antics to keep average audiences howling throughout a
fast and furious farce. With Ray Milland joining in the nonsensical
doings, the name value is strong and business
should be good in almost any type of house. Portraying a
college dean who has no time for romance. Miss Russell looks
ravishing in a series of gowns and tailored outfits but she
also permits herself to be smeared with mud, drenched by
a garden hose and dunked into a street puddle—all in the
interest of laughs. As a British lecturer, Milland acts slightly
more dignified, except when he dons a tight-fitting riding
outfit to go bicycling. Edmund Gwenn scores as the dean's
understanding father and Jerome Courlland is amusing as a
teen-age student but Francis Lederer is wasted in a bit. Lucille
Ball makes a surprise guest appearance. Edward Buzzell
directed.
Rosalind Russell, Roy Milland, Edmund Gwenn, lanis Carter,
F
'^^^
„a'
Francis Lederer, Mary Jane Saunders. Jerome Courlland.
1122 Boxomc
The Kid From Texas
Univ.-Int'l (911) 78 Minutes
F
Hlitorical Weitem
(Technicolor)
ReL March '50
'
Herewith is presented still another approach to the saga
of the fabulous Billy the Kid, the frontier's most famous gunman,
whose sanguinary career has been explored in countless
screen stories since the industry's early days. And in a
majority of instances, past records will reveal, they have been
financially successful. As to the revenue potentialities of
this one, however, they probably will have to depend largely
upon the manner in which showmen capitalize upon such
exploitation facets as the Technicolor photography, the beauteous
backgrounds and the solid, if not big-name cast; since,
'
""> " despite the subject matter, the plot unioldment is slow-paced.
Considerable trouble obviously v/as taken with the story's
'''
historical facets, which paint Billy as a victim ol circumstance,
and as a result sacrificing some of the chase, gunplay
and fisticuff elements. Kurt Neumann directed.
Audio Murphy, Gale Storm, Albert Dekker, Shepperd Sfrudwiclc
Will Geer, William Talman, Martin Garrolago.
Mareh 4, 1950 1121

. . Trapped
. . The
. . . And
. . . With
. .
. .
FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
THE STOHY:
"Quicksand"
THE STORY:
"Perfect Strangers"
Mickey Rooney's short but crowded career in crime begins
when he pilfers $20 from his employer's cash drawer to date
gold-digging Jeanne Cagney. The unexpected arrival of the
company's auditor forces him into further larceny to pay it
back. Between Jeanne's demands for money and the blackmailing'
tactics of Peter Lorre, who had discovered his previous
robberies, Mickey is drawn into stealing a car and yet
another major theft. Finally, in a showdovm with his employer,
there is a fight and Mickey flees, wrongly presuming
that he has killed the boss. Caught by the police, Mickey
is championed by his real girl friend, Barbara Bates, and an
understanding lavryer, who thinks he can get him off with
a reasonable sentence. Barbara promises to wait.
i
Of
m, t
Members of a jury in a murder trial, in vrhich the defendant
is accused of killing his wife so he can marry his secretary,
are Ginger Rogers, a young married woman separated from
her husband, and -Dennis Morgan, also unhappily married.
They fall in love, but Dennis promises he'll make one more
try at his marriage. The defense builds a strong case, proving
the accused's love for his secretary was wholesome and
honest, but three jurors hold out for conviction. When the
jury learns that Ginger and Dennis, both married, hove
fallen in love. Ginger argues that the same thing could
easily have happened to the defendant. She wins over the
three recalcitrant jurors, an acquittal verdict is reached and
Ginger and Dennis part—forever.
CATCHLINES:
CATCHLINES:
Caught in the Quicksands of Crime . . . 'With Each Desperate
Effort to Escape Plunging Him Deeper into the Mire
The Story of a "Little Guy" . by
of Despair . . .
Circumstance.
Innocent or Guilty? ... A Man's Life Hung in the Balance
One Woman Sacrificed Her Chance for Happiness
the Man She Loved ... To Make Certain Justice
Was Done.
THE STORY:
"Stars in My Crown"
THE STORY:
"Stage Fright"
Shortly after the Civil 'War, Joel McCrea becomes the
preacher of a small southern town, whose inhabitants soon
grow to love him and help him build his church. Living with
the parson and his wife, Ellen Drew, is their young nephew.
Dean Stockwell, who comes down with typhoid. Later, the
disease spreads and the young doctor, James Mitchell, resents
McCrea's visits to the sick and accuses him of spreading the
epidemic. However, McCrea's prayers aid Amanda Blaks
Mitchell's sweetheart, and she recovers from the illness.
'When Juano Hernandez, an old Negro farmer, refuses to sell
his valuable land to Ed Begley, hooded nightriders plan
to lynch him, but McCrea reads them the old man's will
and makes them all ashamed of themselves.
CATCHLINES:
A Small Town Tale With a Great Big Heart . 'Will
of God, as Read by a Country Preacher, Made Them Love
Instead of Hate Their Fellow Man ... A Heart-'Warming
Story of Real People . . Joel McCrea's Greatest Performance
.
in a Film oi Laughter and Tears.
Richard Todd, infatuated with an actress, Marlene Dietrich,
is suspected of murdering her husband. He enlists the aid
of Jane Wyman to clear himself, and through a ruse Jane
secures a job as Marlene's maid, hoping to establish that
Marlene was the slayer. Jane meets and falls in love with
Michael Wilding, a police inspector, and works with him on
the case. But when the police take Todd to the theatre for
a showdown with Marlene, he escapes, taking Jane with
him and hiding in the basement. There he confesses he is
the killer, and intimates that another murder would support
his intended insanity plea. Jane is rescued and Todd, in the
ensuing chase, is killed by a falling stage curtain.
CATCHLINES:
Suspenseful . . . Startling . . . Enthralling ... A Nightmare
of Fear That Became a Torment of Living Terror . . . Like
Nothing in This World You've Ever Thrilled to Before.
THE STOHY:
"Buccaneer's Girl"
Yvonne DeCarlo is a singer from Boston who stows away
on a ship to Boston. The ship is scuttled by pirates and she
is taken prisoner by their leader, Philip Friend. She escapes
to New Orleans and meets Robert Douglas, the pirate leader's
nemesis. 'While appearing as an entertainer at one of the
city soirees Yvonne learns that Philip is actually a Robin
Hood of the seas trying to ruin the unscrupulous Douglas.
The latter plans to lure the pirates to defeat at sea, but they
instead smash the Douglas fleet when Yvonne happens to
overhear the plot. The couple return to New Orleans where
Philip exposes Douglas, is granted amnesty and sails away
'With his bride.
CATCHLINES:
(&re:
THE STORY:
"Fother Is a Bachelor"
William Holden travels through a rural river community
in the old steamboat days with a medicine show as its
minstrel. Charles Winninger, who operates the show on somewhat
dubious lines, is jailed so Holden decides to catch up
on his fishing, his chief occupation since a partner absconded
with funds from a small business. He meets a pathetic little
iamily waiting for the return of parents by steamboat. Only
the two older boys know the parents were lost on a boat
that burned several months before. His belligerent adoption
of the children to protect them wins him a lovely young
schoolteacher—^but not without some comic interludes.
CATCHLINES:
Lady of Mystery Snares the Boldest Pirate Chief on the
Spanish Main ... In a Technicolor Adventure Yarn That
Provides the Smoke of Battle and the Fire of Love . . . 'With
Lovely Yvonne DeCarlo Singing and Charming Her 'Way
Into Your Heart ... As Brave Men Struggle to Save New
Orleans.
A Wonderful, Heart-Warming Picture! . . . Before He Could
"
Yell "Uncle They Were Calling Him "Daddy"—and She Was
Calling Him "Darlingl" . . . Wanted: A Mother for Five Kids.
Any Girl Who Accepts Is Crazy, but So Am I.—Johrmy .
Such Wonderful Things Couldn't Happen to Nicer People .
They Sneaked in When His Heart 'Wasn't Looking.
THE STORY:
"The Kid From Texas '
THE STORY:
"A Woman of Distinction"
William "Billy the Kid" Bonney, portrayed by Audie Murphy,
is befriended by Shepperd Strudwick, a rancher, and
given a range-riding i.ob. Strudwick is a business partner of
Albert Dekker, whose young wife. Gale Storm, fills Billy with
hopeless yearning. When gunfighters hired by a rival
rancher kill Strudwick, Billy goes beserk, swearing to avenge
the first true friend he has ever known. He disposes of several
of the gunmen, escapes from Dekker's burning home
after it has been surrounded by a posse, and realizes eventually
the futility of his love for Gale. The most hunted outlaw
m western history, Billy is trapped by Sheriff Pat Garrett
(Frank Wilcox); failing to draw his gun, he drops under
Garret's bullet.
CATCHLINES:
The True and Savage Story of Billy the Kid ... The West's
Most Notorious Outlaw . . . 'Who Smiled Like an Angel
And Killed Like the Devil Incarnate.
..criL
YorV
Rosalind Russell, the young dean of a college for women,
is quoted as having "no room for romance" in her life. When
Ray Milland, British astronomer, arrives in the U.S. to lecture,
Janis Carter, who handles the press, builds up his mild
curiosity about Miss Russell into a torrid romance. She accidentally
meets Milland and her efforts to stop the publicity
only result in more news headlines. Even her father, Edmund
Gwenn, tries to foster the love affair and eventually
the school factulty demands an investigation into Miss Russel's
morals. When Milland chivalrously insists he is the
lather of Miss Russell's adopted child, she resigns as dean.
The matter is cleared up but she decides to marry Milland.
CATCHLINES:
When a Woman of Distinction Meets a Man in the Public
Eye—Sparks Fly . . . Watch the Dignified College Dean Go
Rosalind Russell at Her
Man-Hunting for a Professor . . .
Most Ravishing and Her Funniest . . . The Newspaper Romance
That Turned Into a Real Life Love Affcrir.

—
Fine
—
ATES: 10c per worcL minimim $1.00. cash with copy. Four insertions for price of three.
XOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to
Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Von Brunt Blvd. Kansas City 1, Mo. •
Experienced theatre equipment salesman—prorJibly
living northern Oliio. Large Independent
ipply house. S;ilnry and travel. Boxofflce, 3770.
Experienced manager for new drive- in theatre,
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Opportunity: Operating interest
modern suburban,
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Wanted: House manager or experienced assistant
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Experienced ilie;ilrc equipment salesman with
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epiy In
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Projectionist, 26 years experience, all repairs,
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Projectionist, 20 years experience. Single, sober,
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.m, Kas. Phone 53R11.
Projectionist, 8 years experience. Can give good
Terence. Go ;inj-\vhere. available two weeks notice,
ilary $45 Uoxoffice. 3785.
Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets.
OO.OOO. $23.95; 10.000, $6.85; 2.000. $4.45.
ach change in admission price, including change
;oIor, $3.00 extra. Double numbering extra.
POD. Kansas City, Mo.) Cash fflih order. Kan-
(S City Ticket Co.. Dept. 9, 1819 Central, Kan-
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HELP WANTED
Wanteci; Operator, one who has had some theatre
Good opportunity for right man.
iperlenco.
rand Tiit-atre. McGregor, Iowa.
POSITIONS WANTED
THEATRE TICKETS
Am CONDITIONING
Heavy duty blowers, baH-bearlng equipped,
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ittor controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers
anted. National EBgineering and Mfg. Co., 519
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STUDIO AND PRODUCTION
EQUIPMENT
icon CT-70 single and double system used
atdt, complete, $1,750: new Brldgamatlc aut
utit processors, $1,595; Cine Balowster fl.S
mses. $199; S>'nchronous 35mra dubbing pro-
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lotor, etc., $1,095; 35ram recorders from $495;
ew Aurlcon 33-mlnute camera, $l.(i65. Dept
!. 8.0-S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. S2nd St.

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