o_18v8b3cj61mep1b3ve71c5t65ia.pdf

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000
MOVIES ARE
THANIVIR!
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COMPO: Its
Organization
Is Completed and Ready to
Serve the Film Industry
Page 8
COVER STORY: 'Cinderella'
Wins April Blue Ribbon Award
Page 38
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NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION
'"cludma the Sectional News Panes of All Editions
Entered as second-class matter at the Post Office wxv , men
at Kansas City, Mo., under the act of March 3. 1879. MAY 13, 1950

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Warner Bros, blast open
the cell-gates of a
Women's Prison to expose
a living Hades!
Here's the picture
that tells all the
hushed-up terrors
and torments
of today's
one-mistake girl
who comes out
worse than she
H e [ ^ji^ went in
baby
bOMi
in
MOST SENSATIONAL REVELATIONS SINCE
'FUGITIVE FROM A CHAIN GANG' BURNED
INTO AMERICA'S CONSCIENCE!
nrAkinn nADI/TD agres moorehead
ELEANUK PAKKtK HOPE EMERSON BETTY GARDE -JAN STHJUIIQ^'
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JERlfWALD
WR,nEN 8YV, RG 1N ,AJ

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SIX 20 x 60
PANELS FOR
LOBBY DOORS!

SKYLINE SOCK!
Above New York, Dana Andrews and Gary Merrill slug It out in a gripping moment
from 20th Century-Fox's action melodrama, "Where The Sidewalk Ends."
Gene Tlerney co-stars with Andrews in the thriller, which was produced and
directed by Otto Premtnger. July Is its release date.
(Advertisement)

'
: 163
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MAY 13,
Vol. 57
19 5
No. 2
DECADE OF OPPORTUNITY
«^^EN years of opportunity lie ahead for
the recreation and amusement industries, according
to Life magazine, which, in an advertisement
in this issue, sets forth some very
good reasons why. Among other things, it
points to the population growth expectancy,
the increase in average family income, spread
of shorter work weeks and vacations with pay,
allowing more leisure time and adding up to
more demand for entertainment and recreation
facilities.
In all of this. Life foresees a two billion dollar
a year expansion for the recreation business
by the end of 1960. And it shrewdly
makes this observation: "And the ones who
benefit most will be those who see the opportunity
most clearly and plan most wisely to
take advantage of it. These plans will include
things that have always been important: keeping
a step ahead of America's sudden shifts in
recreational fads and fancies, providing products
and services people want at prices they
can afford to pay, and, perhaps most important
of all, showing and telling the American
people what you have to sell." (The italics
are
ours. I
Keeping a step ahead is something the motion
picture industry has not been doing of
late. Rather, it appears to have fallen several
steps back, allowing other forms of amusement
to take the play away from it. It has the
products and, in the vast majority of instances,
it provides the services people want. But,
while it is slogan-selling the new and improved-quality
films, not enough have had sufficient
showings to make their impact thoroughly
felt. A disproportionate — number of last year's
—and even more ancient "models" still are being
exhibited. The poor impressions caused
thereby are made the worse where there is inadequate
attention to public service demands,
not the least of which are clean premises and
facilities. Some few are so bad they reflect unfavorably
against the whole industry; like the
rotten apple spoiling a barrel of good ones.
By and large, the motion picture industry
has not been prone to look so much as ten
years ahead ; rarely does it plan beyond a single
year. Production has to follow public
taste, where it may not be able to influence it;
but exhibition—the point of public contact
is in position and should be able to make longrange
plans. It can do so and still remain
flexible enough to swing with the tides, the
while holding constant that public interest in
the institution by making its facilities always
inviting and above reproach.
The mention in the Life advertisement of
"prices they can afford to pay" is pertinent.
There have been some indications of prices being
too high, particularly in the large cities.
And this deterrent to patronage has been enlarged
by the 20 per cent federal admissions
tax. A further veering away from the mass
reach comes at those times when "special conditions"
impose as much as a 100 per cent increase
of the regular admission price.
As a business that derives the greater portion
of its income from young people—the
teenagers and those up through their early
thirties—too high an admission scale forces this
low-income class to seek other—and cheaper
forms of diversion. The arguments against the 20
per cent ticket tax make this self-evident.
Empty
seats are a loss no matter what the price paid for
those occupied. More full houses at the "right'
price scale will spread the attraction value of the
exceptional picture and at the same time redound
to the benefit of the "just good" ones—all to the
greater profit of the industry.
When anyone in the industry indulges in opportunist
tendencies, he is thinking only of today
—not of tomorrow. "Getting while the getting
is good" does not represent the type of thinking
that instills public confidence. If we want mass
patronage, we have to operate on a basis that will
get it and sustain it. Giving the most of the best
for the least, would seem to be a good credo
to follow in this interest. It fits in with the industry's
drive for business, for public goodwill
and restored confidence in its product. This
effort is moving along. But it will move faster,
if the industry throws off the shackles of some
of its outmoded thinking, of outdated policies
and by just keeping pace with the times, let
alone being a step ahead.
There are many evidences that this is being
given recognition in all quarters of the industry.
It is encouraging to see the emergence from what
might be called the decadent decade of 1940-50
during which showmanship was allowed to stagnate.
The reason was, of course, the seeming
lack of necessity for aggressive promotion in a
period of lush business.
The upswing or the swing back to showmanship
took on new meaning about midway in
1949 and it was given its greatest impetus in the
crystallization of a definite program formulated
and instituted by 20th Century-Fox in March of
this year. This is being carried forward with
remarkable vigor, not simply on a national scale
but with the greater intensity of allout effort at
the local level. It is evident that industry leadership
has taken cognizance of the opportunities
that are latent in the 1950-60 decade. It is hoped
that each succeeding month will see an acceleration
of the effort that will gain for this industry
its full and proper share of the consumer's
amusement dollar.
CLJu^

COMPO IS
READY
TO BEGIN ITS JOB
Its Bylaws Drafted, Financing Okayed, Officers
Nominated in Atmosphere of Industry Harmony
By NATHAN COHEN
Full text of COMPO bylaws on Page 12
CHICAGO—On the spot where it was first fashioned, the Council of Motion
Picture Organizations came into final being this week.
In a two-day session (8, 9), marked by complete harmony and an evident determination
to establish a strong, workable formula for an industry public relations program,
representatives of 10 charter COMPO groups drafted a set of bylaws, nominated
a permanent slate of officers, approved a financing plan, ordered a continued
fight for total repeal of the federal amusement tax, and generally set the
scene for the industry's first overall, unified venture into the area of developing
improved relations with the public and within itself.
Ned E. Depinet, who has been the organizing committee's chairman since the
industry first agreed to join in a unified public relations program, had a special
reason for holding this week's meeting in the Drake hotel.
"I scheduled this meeting here so we can button up the first phase of COMPO
where we started," he said, in calling the session to order. "It seems appropriate
to conclude where we began and I earnestly hope the same fine feeling and high
ideals that guided our deliberations during that memorable meeting will prevail
again."
It was in this spirit that the deliberations were carried on.
It may now be expected that COMPO will
be a full-bloom organization by next fall
when its financing plan is scheduled to go
into effect. The board set September 1 as
the date when the voluntary contributions
plan becomes effective—a plan under which
exhibitors and distributors make annual payments
on the basis of 1/10 of 1 per cent of the
value of their film rentals.
A SEPTEMBER 1
GOAL
By September 1, it is highly probable that
an executive vice-president will have been
selected to serve as the organization's administrative
chief, and that top talent in
almost every segment of the industry will
have been recruited into the program of doing
a public relations job for the film business.
Depinet will be the first permanent president
of the Council. His name headed the
slate of officers nominated to serve after the
organization has been incorporated and legally
constituted. With the president, the
slate calls for nine vice-presidents, a secretary
and treasurer. Originally, the bylaws
provided for five vice-presidents but the additional
offices were ordered so that each of
the charter organizations will be represented
among the
officers.
Nominated for vice-presidencies were: Ellis
Arnall, Society of Independent Motion
Picture Producers; Harry Brandt, Independent
Theatre Owners Ass'n of New York; Leo
Brecher, Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatre
Owners; Roy Brewer, Motion Picture Industry
Council; Abel Green, tradepress; H.
V. "Rotus" Harvey, Pacific Coast Conference
of Independent Theatre Owners; Sam Pinanski,
Theatre Owners of America; Ronald
Reagan, Screen Actors Guild; Trueman Rembusch,
Allied States Ass'n—all presidents or
chairmen of their respective groups.
Robert J. O'Donnell, retiring chief barker
of Variety Clubs International, was nominated
for the treasurer's post and Francis
Harmon, vice-president of the Motion Picture
Ned E. Depinet (L) , who has been nominated
to become president of COMPO,
discusses a point with Leo Brecher, one
of the Council's vice-presidents.
Ass'n of America, was nominated for secretary.
It has been under Harmon's guidance
that all COMPO meetings have been held in
the last nine months.
An officer need not be a member of the
board of the organization, it was decided;
hence, the nominations of Pinanski and Reagan
for vice-presidents. However, the executive
body drafted a set of bylaws which will
allow for considerable flexibility in the operation
of the organization. For example, there
have been preliminary discussions of plans
for COMPO activity on a regional basis, but
no set plan of organizing these regional units
is being considered. In all probability each
region will be permitted to establish its organization
along the lines it feels is best suited
for the particular area. In the development
of regional committees for COMPO's tax
fight, it was apparent to A. F. Myers, tax
campaign chairman and his associates, that
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
The COMPO executive committee
made these decisions at its meeting
Monday and Tuesday:
1. Adopted a set of bylaws which
was satisfactory to all charter members
of the Council and nominated a
full slate of officers to be headed by
Ned E. Depinet as president.
2. Specifically prohibited trade practices
as within the realm of the organization's
interests.
3. Set September 1 as the date
when the financing plan goes into
effect, with voluntary contributions
by both distributors and exhibitors to
be based on 1/10 of 1 per cent of film
rental values.
4. Agreed to extend membership in
the Council to include theatre equipment
and supply firms, and such allied
industry firms as Eastman and National
Screen Service Corp.
5. Voted to carry on its fight for
complete repeal of the federal amusement
tax.
6. Agreed to draft top talent in the
industry for service on five committees
which will direct management and
personnel problems, membership, financing,
organizational matters and
program planning.
standardization of regional group organizations
is not essential.
The Council also is ready to draft top talent
to work on organization, membership,
finance, planning, program and other ventures
within the COMPO realm. Likewise
will the Council recruit membership from allied
industry groups and organizations. Indications
were that COMPO will welcome memberships
from theatre equipment groups, from
such firms as Eastman and National Screen
Service Corp.
Before the Council gets into this phase of
its work, however, there are some preliminary
steps which must be taken. First will be filing
of a certificate of incorporation in the
state of New York. Depinet then is expected
to select the personnel of five committees
through which the work of the organization
will be carried on, and a major task of the
committee on management and personnel will
be to screen applicants for the job of executive
vice-president, as well as other paid employes
of the Council.
At least 50 persons are said to have shown
interest in becoming the Council's top paid
official. While the deliberations of the executive
group here were closed sessions, it is
understood that between 30 and 40 names of
individuals who might be interested in the
post were "tossed" into the discussions. None
of these names, however, were revealed. One
thing is certain: there is no lack of candidates.
The five committees through which the
Council will function are the management
and personnel group; one on organization
which will draft the charter, handle details
of incorporation and other functional problems;
another on finance; a fourth to develop
membership; and a fifth on planning
and program.
These committees, particularly those on
8 BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13, 1950

—
>
DRAFTING COMPO'S ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN:
(Clockwise)
Jack Kirsch, Trueman Rembusch, Abram F. Myers and Nathan
Vamins, Allied States Ass'n; W. F. Rodgers, Motion Picture
Ass'n of America; Henderson Richey, aide to COMPO's tax committee;
Oscar Doob and Leo Brecher, Metropolitan Motion Picture
Ass'n; Ned E. Depinet, president of COMPO; Francis Harmon, secretary;
Leon Bamberger, aide to the committee; Jack Alicoate
and Abel Green, representing the tradepress; Gael Sullivan and
John Balaban, Theatre Owners of America; Art Arthur, Motion
Picture Industry Council; Marvin Faris, Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers; H. V. "Rotus" Harvey, Pacific Coast Conference
of Independent Theatre Owners; Harry Brandt and Max
Cohen, ITOA of New York, and (standing) R. J. O'Donnell and
Marc Wolf, Variety Clubs International.
membership and planning and program, will
ask for suggestions from the industry as soon
as they are set up to function.
Until the Council is incorporated, a special
slate of temporary officers has been elected
to serve until the legal organization comes
into existence. Depinet also is the temporary
president, but the other officers are Trueman
Rembusch, Gael Sullivan, R. J. O'Donnell,
Abel Green and Roy Brewer, vice-presidents:
Leo Brecher. secretary: and Harry
Brandt, treasurer.
Depinet is optimistic about the prospects
of the Council.
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating,"
he said. "So too the proof of what
COMPO can do when it swings into action
is evidenced by the magnificent accomplishment
of our special committee on taxation
and legislation so ably guided by Chairman
Abram F. Myers.
"That's the only time COMPO has gone to
bat and we hit the ball long and hard just
as we will hit it again and again when we
swing into action."
There was no question that the executive
group was both pleased and impressed with
the job Myers and his committee had done.
Myers was as deeply impressed with what
the industry was able to do when all its resources
are recruited to do a common job.
His comments to that effect are published
elsewhere on these pages.
As to the possibilities of winning the tax
fight, he said that "there is not the slightest
doubt that a bill for total repeal, if reported
out of the house ways and means and finance
committees, would pass both houses. So far
as the house is concerned, it is such a large
body that it necessarily has to parcel out its
work to the committees and a bill reported
out of the committee frequently is considered
under a rule which prevents amendments
from the floor."
(Continued on page 17
Report On Industry's Tax Fight:
"By far the greatest revelation to me has been the
vast reservoirs of talent and ability possessed by the motion picture industry which are not apparent
in everyday operations, and which seemingly are untapped in times of emergency . . .
The committee's archives stand as a glowing monument to the industry's great hidden resources—the
experience, expertness, resourcefulness and skill of the men and women who
compose it."
With these words, Abram F. Myers,
chairman of the Council of Motion Picture
Organizations' tax repeal committee,
opened his report to COMPO at the Chicago
meeting this week. Myers told the
Council that members of his committee
recommend that the industry "through
some agency" continue its legislative efforts
until every admission tax, federal
and state, has been eliminated. The recommendation
was approved and COMPO
will carry on the fight.
The Allied States general counsel and
board chairman presented a dramatic picture
of what the industry had done in its
tax fight to date. He reported that:
More than 15.000,000 individuals signed
petitions sent to congressmen asking for
tax
repeal.
Exhibitors purchased 11,000 one-sheeters
and 4,000 display cards prepared for the
campaign and chalked up 8.200 rentals of
the tax repeal trailer.
The "staggering sum" of 3,500 personal
acknowledgements were sent by congressmen
to their industry constituents during
the drive.
Myers also revealed the congressional
box score on accomplishments.
With a total membership of 531 in the
senate and house of representatives, the
committee was able to tabulate the stand
of 496 senators and congressmen. The
score at the moment stands:
For total repeal: 32 senators, 198 congressmen
For reduction: 34 senators, 151 congressmen
Noncommittal: 25 senators, 53 congressmen
Opposed to any relief: 1 congressman
"It is doubtful," Myers declared, "If so
much pledged support for any measure has
ever been amassed before by a nonpolitical
group of private citizens relying only
on the merits of their case and the force
of their arguments for success."
The report paid high compliment to
National Screen Service and Herman Robbins,
its president, for their important job
of getting out campaign material so quickly
and efficiently; to Henderson M. Richey
who was loaned to the committee by
Loew's, Inc., to serve as aide to the
group; to Gael Sullivan, executive director
of TOA, and Harry Buchanan of North
Carolina for special legislative help.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

ASK THE EXHIBITORS
PICTURES TALK! M-G-M's GOT 'EM!

T>„->» £>„!„»- IT^f.'l W.» A^o Tfi» M/,
THANK YOU, MR. EXHIBITOR
FOR SWELL PROMOTION
CAMPAIGNS ON M-G-M PICTURES!
Without your cooperation the terrific grosses could
not have been rolled up on "BATTLEGROUND,"
"ADAM'S RIB," "ON THE TOWN"^/^),
"MALAYA," "AMBUSH" and others!
Now we've got an opportunity for mutual showmanship
on these proven audience hits: "REFORMER
AND THE REDHEAD," "THE BIG HANGOVER,"
"YELLOW CAB MAN," "THE OUTRIDERS'W/w r),
"NANCY GOES TO RIO'W^Dand many more!
"DEVl
ilv S?*** 1 " e^ ***** #
LET'S ROLL UP
OUR SLEEVES
TOGETHER!
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—
Putee ScaU
By,aws A PP roved b Y compo
9 rvLnf & nr\ Tho fnllrmrinor Vwlowc were ortnntpri fnr r^OTVTPD hpre this week
New Suit Against Schines
Asks $690,000 Damages
Triple-damage antitrust action for $230,000
filed by Max and Belle Pogel of Rochester,
N. Y., over clearance affecting their Webster
Theatre; eight major distributors named as
"co-conspirators."
*
Eagle Lion-Film Classics
Merger Definitely Off
Talks end between William C. McMillen, EL
executive vice-president; Joseph Bernhard,
PC president; Serge Semenenko, Boston
banker, and Robert R. Young, chief stockholder
of Pathe Industries, EL parent company.
*
TOA Executive Board to See
How Phonevision Operates
Demonstration by means of film given Gael
Sullivan at headquarters by Eugene P. Mc-
Donald, Zenith president, and arrangement
made for showing before entire board.
Kansas-Missouri Allied Votes
O. F. Sullivan Another Year
Wichita theatre owner elected for third
term at meeting in Kansas City; Ben Adams,
El Dorado, Kas., chosen vice-president, W. C.
Silver, Cameron, Mo., secretary-treasurer.
*
North Central Allied Re-Elects
Bennie Berger as President
All other officers chosen again, but Ted
Mann becomes second vice-president instead
of treasurer and Martin Lebedoff takes over
as treasurer.
*
Two Allied Unit Meetings
Scheduled May 16 and 17
Rocky Mountain group will convene in
Denver and the Iowa and Nebraska organization
will hold sessions the same two days In
Omaha.
*
Los Angeles Giveaways
Face City Crackdown
Hearing scheduled May 18
for several theatres
to answer charges by city attorney's
office of whether or not in
violation of municipal
lottery laws.
+
Johnston and Cereijo Meet
On Argentine Situation
MPAA head and finance minister make new
effort in New York to reach agreement on
ending 14-month ban, amount of remittances
and release of $5,000,000 in frozen funds.
+
U.S. Film Heads Are Ready
To Begin London Talks
Discussions on a new Anglo-American film
pact will get under way Monday (15) with
Harold Wilson, president of the British Board
of Trade.
CHICAGO—The following bylaws were adopted for COMPO here this week:
ARTICLE I—Name and Object
Section 1. The name of this corporation (hereinalter
called the Council) shall be
COUNCIL OF MOTION PICTURE ORGANIZA-
TIONS, INC.
Section 2. The principal oiiice of the Council shall
be in the city and state of New York, or such other
place as the executive board may decide.
Section 3. The objects for which the Council is
created are: (a) to increase the prestige of the
motion picture industry; (b) to foster the common
interests of ail its branches and branch organizations,
and (c) to enlist all members of the industry in improving
the industry's public relations
1. By collecting and disseminating information
about the industry, its problems, its product, its
patrons and its employes;
2. by cultivating new patrons for theatrical
moiion pictures;
3. by developing the general usefulness of the
motion picture and publicizing its services to the
local community, the Nation and the United
Nations;
4. by furthering those matters in the public
relations field which pertain more particularly
to the relationship of the 238,000 people in the
industry with one another; and
5. by opposing discriminatory taxation, encroachments
upon the freedom of the screen and
other unfair and restrictive regulations.
Nothing in the foregoing shall be considered to
authorize the Council to represent the members in
matters pertaining to the licensing of motion picture
tilm or trade practices.
ARTICLE II—Membership
Section 1. There shall be two classes of members
of the Council, to wit: Charter members and Industry
members.
Charter members oi the Council are the following
organizations:
Allied States Ass'n of Motion Picture Exhibitors.
Independent Theatre Owners Ass'n.
Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n.
Motion Picture Ass'n of America.
Motion Picture Industry Council.
Pacific Coast Conference of Independent Theatre
Owners.
Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers.
Theatre Owners of America.
The Committee of Trade Press Publishers.
Variety Clubs International.
Upon the adoption of these bylaws the organizations
above-named shall be deemed to have been
elected charter members of the Council and the
incorporators, upon the adoption of these bylaws,
shall be automatically deemed to have resigned as
members of the corporation.
Industry members shall be those other organizations
or organized groups or individuals, firms or .corporations
invited to join the Council who are admitted
io membership by unanimous vote of the executive
board.
ARTICLE III—The Executive Board
Section 1. The property of the Council and its
business and affairs shall be managed and controlled
by a Board of Directors, hereinafter called the Executive
Board.
Section 2. The members of the executive board,
selected as hereinafter provided in Section 4, neea
not be members of the corporation.
Section 3. The executive board shall consist of the
number of directors equal to twice the number ot
the charter members of the Council.
Section 4. Each of the charter members shall be
entitled to select and nominate two directors to be
elected to the executive board at the annual meeting
of the members of the Council.
Section 5. The term of office of each director shall
be for one year and until his successor shall be
elected and shall qualify, provided, however, that
in the event any member of the corporation shall
cease to be such at any time for any reason, the
term of office of the two directors elected after
selection and nomination by such member pursuant
to these bylaws shall, ipso facto, cease forthwith
and the size of the executive board shall be reduced
accordingly.
Section 6. In the case of any vacancy in the executive
board arising by reason of death, resignation,
or any other cause during the interval between annual
meetings of the Council, the member who
originally selected and nominated such director shall
select and nominate a new director, for election to
fill such vacancy at any meeting of the executive
board which takes place after the occurrence of
any such vacancy.
ARTICLE IV—Meeting* oi the Executor* Board
Section 1. The executive board shall hold regular
meetings not less than semiannually at such time and
place as it shall designate by resolution.
Section 2. Special meetings may be held upon the
call of the president or upon written request addressed
to the president by at least three members
of the executive board representative of three separate
charter members.
Section 3. The executive board may hold special
meetings at the office of the corporation or at tny
other place it may from time to time by resolution
determine.
Section 4. Notices ol regular meetings shall be
dispatched by registered mail two weeks in advance
of the date of the regular meeting and shall designate
the nature of the business to be transacted at
such meeting.
Section 5. Notice of any special meeting may be
either by letter or telegraph, designating the nature
of the business to be transacted at such meeting.
One week's notice shall be given by letter and at
least four days' notice shall be given by telegraph.
Section 6. The members of the executive board
may waive in writing notice of any regular or special
meeting.
Section 7. At any regular or special meeting of
the executive board a quorum shall consist of at
least seven directors representative of seven charter
members, respectively.
Section 8. The unanimous vote of all of the members
of the board present shall be necessary to constitute
the action of the board. For the purpose of
voting, the votes of the two representative directors
ot any charter member shall be counted as one note.
Section 9. At each regular or special meeting ot
the executive board, if items of business are transacted
which are not included in the notice of the
meeting, then action taken with respect to such
items shall be valid for all purposes if approved
by the written assent of all of the members of The
executive board.
Section 10. Any acts of the executive board, it
approved by the written assent of all of the members
of the board, shall be valid for all purposes with
or without a meeting.
ARTICLE V—Annual Meeting oi Members
Section 1. The annual meeting of the Council following
the first annual meeting shall be held on the
third Monday of January in each year at the principal
office of the Council at 2 o'clock in the afternoon,
except that if the executive board determines
that any annual meeting be held at a place designated
by it, it shall be held at such place.
Section 2. Notice of any annual meeting following
the first annual meeting shall be given to the members
by mail not less than ten or more than 40 days
before the annual meeting. The notice shall specify
the time when and the place where the meeting
is to be held.
Section 3. The agendum for the annual meeting
shall be approved in advance by the executive board
and no action shall be taken on any matter at the
annual meeting unless it shall be specified in the
agendum approved by the executive board, except
that any member of the Council may submit to the
executive board not later than one week prior r6
the dale of any annual meeting any matter to be
taken up at the annual meeting and if at least
five members of the executive board representative
of five charter members so request in writing, the
matter shall be placed on the agendum.
Section 4. Special meetings of members ot the
Council may be called upon order of the executive
board or upon the written request of not less than
five members of the executive board representative
of five separate charter members.
Section 5. Special meetings shall take place at the
principal office of the Council or at such place as
the executive board designates.
Section 6. Notice of each special meeting shall
be given to each member of the Council by mail not
less than ten or more than 40 days before the meeting
and shall state the purpose or purposes lor
which the meeting is called, the time when and the
place where it is to be held. No business other
than that specified in the notice shall be transacted
at any special meeting.
Section 7. At each annual and special meeting
each charter member and each industry member
shall have one vote. Each charter or industry member
which is an organization shall have one representative
designated by it and may appoint alternates
and advisers to its representative. Such representative
shall have and may exercise all the
powers, rights and privileges of the member.
Section 8. Except as otherwise provided in the
bylaws, decisions at annual and special meetings
of members of the Council shall be taken by a
majority of the members present and entitled to vot*.
The presence of one-thfrd of the members entitled
to vote shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.
Every member entitled to vote at any meeting of
the Counil may so vote by proxy.
Section 9. At all meetings of the Council, the
usual parliamentary rule as laid down in Cushing's
Manual of Parliamentary Law shall be followed
unless in conflict with, these bylaws.
Section 10. Every motion or resolution which shall
be made or offered at any meeting of the Council
12
BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13. 1950

shall at the request of the secretary be reduced to
writing and furnished to the secretary before the
question shall be put. All action taken in such
meeting shall be recorded by the secretary as a
iart of the minutes of the meeting in a book to be
Eept for that purpose.
ARTICLE VI—Officers
Section I. The Council shall have a president, one
or more vice-presidents, an executive vice-president,
a secretary and a treasurer. The officers need not
be members of the Council or of the executive board.
Section 2. The powers and duties of the president
shall be to call and preside at meetings of the
members and of the executive board and in general
to act as official head of the Council.
In case of the absence or disability of the president,
the executive board will designate one of the vicepresidents
to take his place and perform his duties.
Section 3. The president and first vice-president
of the Council shall not come from the same branch
of the industry during any one year.
Section 4. The executive vice-president shall be
the chief administrative officer of the Council. He
shall be a member ex officio of all committees and
shall have such powers and duties as may be delegated
to him by these bylaws or by the executive
board, which shall fix the conditions and term oi
his office. He shall be subject to the general supervision
of the president and of the executive coard.
Section 5. The powers and duties of the secretary
shall be generally to do and perform such functions
and duties as are incident to the office of secretary
under the supervision of the president and the executive
board; to keep full and complete records of the
proceedings of the executive board and of meetings
of members of the Council; to keep the seal of the
Council and to affix the same as required; to cause
notice to be given of all meetings in accordance with
the provisions of these bylaws, and to perform such
other duties as the president or executive board
may from time to time determine.
Section 6. The powers and duties of the treasurer
shall be to have the care and custody of all the
funds and securities of the Council; to keep full and
accurale account of receipts and disbursements and
the books belonging to the Council; to deposit all
moneys and other valuable effects in the name ol
and to the credit of the Council in such depositories
as may be designated by the executive board. He
shall render to the president and to the executive
board whenever they may require it an account pi
all his transactions as treasurer and of the financial
condition of the Council. He shall make a financial
report at each annual meeting of the members.
Section 7. Each of the officers shall be elected
by the executive board for the term of one yeat and
until a successor shall be elected, except that the
executive vice-president may be elected for a term
of more than one year.
Section 8. The officers of the Council, with the
exception of the executive vice-president, shall
serve without compensation. The executive vicepresident
shall be entitled to receive such salary
as the executive board may authorize and the
Council, with the authority of the executive board,
may enter into an appropriate contract of employment
with the executive vice-president.
ARTICLE VII—Funds and Budget
Section 1. There shall be no entrance fees, dues
or assessments for charter members.
Section 2. The executive board may prescribe
entrance fees and annual dues for industry members.
Section 3. The funds of the Council shall be derived
from payments made by industry members and
from contributions from organizations or persons,
firms or corporations endorsing the aims of the
Council.
Section 4. The executive board shall devise an
equitable formula for providing necessary funds and
develop ways and means to secure the wide acceptance
of this formula throughout the industry.
Section 5. The expenditure budget of the Council
shall be prepared annually by the executive vicepresident
and submitted by him "to the executive
board which, after approval or revision, shall submit
the budget, with its recommendation, to the
annual meeting of members of the Council of adoption
or revision.
ARTICLE VIII—Committee
Section 1 . The executive board shall have the
power to appoint committees of the Council composed
of members of the executive board or of
members of the Council or expert advisers as the
board shall deem appropriate.
Section 2. The executive board shall have power
also to constitute and designate committees in regional
areas such as exchange territories or states
and* to prescribe the powers and duties of such
committees in carrying out the aims of the Council.
ARTICLE DC—Seal
Section 1. The seal of the Council shall be inscribed
of the following words: COUNCIL OF MO-
TION PICTURE ORGANIZATIONS, INC.
together with a design deemed appropriate by the
executive board.
ARTICLE X—Amendment of Bylaws
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended at any
regular or special meeting of the executive board
by unanimous vote of the board, provided writfen
notice of the proposed amendment shall be given
to each member of the executive board at least
twenty (20) days prior to the meeting.
Three Manitoba Houses Lost:
Raging Floods Darken
43 Winnipeg Houses
WINNIPEG—The great Red river flood
has disrupted the motion picture industry
in Manitoba, closed 43 theatres in the
greater Winnipeg area and countless others
elsewhere in this region and completely
wrecked at least three others. Losses will
run into the hundreds of thousands of
dollars, both in boxoffice receipts and
physical destruction of property.
Winnipeg's theatres closed Monday, as
women and children were being evacuated
from the city. Over the weekend, not a
single exhibitor took in enough at the boxoffice
to pay the power bill. By midweek,
as the dike protecting the northern outskirts
of the city broke, exhibitors were hipdeep
in boots in most instances, pumping
water from the basements of their theatres
and trying to protect as much of their
equipment as possible. Sewers were backing
up and creating great damage not only in
the basements but in the auditoriums as well.
Reports from outlying communities were
meager with communications virtually
paralyzed.
However, word came to Pilmrow that
the Princess Theatre in Morris, owned by
Mrs. Alexander Todd, and the Deluxe Theatre
in Emerson, owned by C. G. Hayson, have
been completely destroyed. Both towns have
been evacuated. A report also came to Filmrow
that the Dominion City Theatre, owned
by M. D. Boredenko, has been badly damaged.
Exchanges were making an attempt to meet
deliveries of films as long as the railroad
service held out. However, exchange people
had a flood problem of their own. The basement
of the exchange building was flooded,
there was no heat, and those who were not
out helping build dikes and otherwise doing
emergency work were pumping water.
Altogether there are 356 theatres serviced
out of the Winnipeg offices. Service to many
of them already has been halted and if the
entire city of Winnipeg is evacuated, exhibitors
throughout Manitoba will be without
product. Waters from Minnesota. North Dakota
and southern Manitoba have been feeding
the Red river which flows into Lake
Winnipeg. Dikes began crumbling a week
ago and the effect upon theatre patronage
was immediate. By Thursday, a dramatic
appeal was issued for women and children
to move out of the city—requiring an exodus
of almost 200,000 persons.
Floods and windstorms played havoc with
the film business over a widely scattered
area in the last week. Windstorms also
struck hard during the week. A screen tower
collapsed at the Fond du Lac, Wis., drive-in
and killed one man. Near Austin, Minn.,
the Highway 218 Drive-In, owned by Eddie
Ruben, Harold Field and Clem Janich, was
destroyed by a windstorm for the second time
in a year. The new screen tower had only
recently been completed.
Storms also damaged the Roxy Theatre in
Oslo, Minn., and forced Allen Paulson, the
owner, to close down.
In Rimouski, Que., the great fire which
wiped out a third of the city over the weekend,
also destroyed the recently reconstructed
Rikois Theatre. It was the second time
in recent years that the theatre, owned by
Tom Troy, had been wrecked by fire. The
Cartier, a second house owned by Troy, was
not damaged.
Nebraska's third worst disaster on record,
with 20 lives reported lost so far, is having
only minor effect on theatres.
The flash floods came and passed so
quickly that no theatres, almost all of which
were out of the low areas, had to be closed.
No serious theatre damage was reported and
few film deliveries missed out.
Tornadoes the same night in southeastern
Nebraska and western Iowa shut off power
at some points. Frank Good, owner of the
Iona Theatre at Red Oak, Iowa, issued passes
in the dark after the power went off, and
helped patrons find their way to the street.
TOA Meeting Will Decide Whether
To Call Arbitration Meeting or Not
NEW YORK—Whether or not the Theatre
Owners of America has obtained sufficient
support to go ahead with its plan of an allindustry
conference on arbitration should be
made known after the two-day meeting of its
executive committee which will open Monday
(15) at the Hotel Astor. The contents
of the letters from distribution company
presidents in response to President Sam
Pinanski's request they call a conference have
been a closely guarded secret. All that TOA
has had to say was that the earliest replies
were favorable.
Also prominent on the agenda will be another
report from Walter Reade jr., chairman
of the distributor-exhibitor relations committee,
on the progress he is making on the
difficult job of drawing up a trade practices
program to be presented to the distributors.
Arbitration is included in the program.
Other topics will be convention plans, the
membership drive which includes drive-ins,
television, national legislation, taxation and
public
relations.
The TOA executive committee consists of
J. J. O'Leary, chairman; S. H. Fabian. Ted
R. Gamble, Leonard H. Goldenson. R. J.
O'Donnell, Nat Williams, Robert W. Coyne,
Morris Loewenstein, Robert R. Livingston,
Robert B. Wilby, Max A. Connett, B. D. Cockrill
and William F. Ruffin, with the national
officers as ex officio members.
BOXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950 13

.
20 h s GOT
PLENTY
TO TALK
ABOUT!
. . . Cause the most
talked -about news in
the industry is how that
20th product keeps com
ing thru to prove that . .
MOVIES ABE BETTER THAN EVER
mMM?
mm

CLIFTON JEANNE MYRNA
WEBB • CRAIN • LOY
in
"CHEAPER
BY THE DOZEN"
ccor by TECHNICOLOR
with Betty Lynn • Edgar Buchanan
Barbara Bates -Mildred Natwick-Sara Allgood
Directed by
WALTER LANG
Produced by
• LAMAR TROTTI
Screen Play by Lamar Trotti • Based on the Novel by
FranK B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gitbreth Carey
GREGORY PECK
"THE GUNFIGHTER"
w,th HELEN WESTCOTT
MILLARD MITCHELL • JEAN PARKER
and Karl Maiden • Skip Homeier • Anthony Ross
Verna Felton • Ellen Corby • Richard Jaeckel
Directed by
Produced by
HENRY KING • NUNNALLY JOHNSON
Screen Play by William Bowers and William Sellers
From a Story by William Bowers and Andre de Toth
BETTY GRABLE
VICTOR
PHIL
MATURE • HARRIS
in
"WABASH AVENUE"
color by TECHNICOLOR
with
REGINALD GARDINER • JAMES BARTON
Barry Kelley • Margaret Hamilton
Jacqueline Dalya • Robin Raymond
Directed by
Produced by
HENRY ROSTER • WILLIAM PERLBERG
Screen Play by Harry Tugend and Charles Lederer
Lyrics and Music by Mack Gordon and Josef Myrow
Darryl F. Zanuck
Presents
"TWELVE
O'CLOCK HIGH"
Starring
GREGORY PECK
«th HUGH MARLOWE -GARY MERRILL • MILLARD
MITCHELL • DEAN JAGGER • ROBERT ARTHUR
>AUL STEWART • JOHN KELLOGG • BOB PATTEN
JOYCE MacKENZIE
Produced by
Directed bv
DARRYL F. ZANUCK • HENRY KING
Screen Play by Sy Bartlett and Beirne Lay, Jr.
3ased on the Novel by Beirne Lay, Jr. and Sy Bartlett
MONTGOMERY PAUL
CLIFT • DOUGLAS
tn
"THE BIG LIFT"
with
Cornell Borchers> Bruni Lbbel 'OE. Hasse
Danny Davenport
Written and Directed by GEORGE SEATON
Produced by
WILLIAM PERLBERG
ft
RICHARD
GENE
WIDMARK • TIERNEY
NIGHT AND THE
wi,h
in
GOOGIE WITHERS
HUGH MARLOWE
M
CITY
Francis L. Sullivan • Herbert Lorn
Stanislaus Zbyszko'Mike Mazurki • Charles Far re M
Directed by
Ada Reeve • Ken. Richmond
Produced by
JULES DASSIN • SAMUEL G. ENGEL
Screen Play by Jo Eisinger
Based on the Novel by Gerald Kersh
PAUL
JEAN
DOUGLAS • PETERS
10VE THAT BRUTE"
witn CESAR ROMERO
KEENAN WYNN • JOAN DAVIS
ur Treacher • Peter Price • Jay C. Flippen
Barry Kelley • Leon Belasco
Directed by ALEXANDER HALL
Produced by FRED KOHLMAR
Written by Karl Tunberg, Darrell Ware and
John Lee Mahin
DAN
ANNE
DAI LEY • BAXTER
in
"A TICKET
TO TOMAHAWK"
Color by TECHNICOLOR
RORY CALHOUN
with
• WALTER BRENNAN
Charles' Kemper • Connie Gilchrist • Arthur Hunnicutt
Will Wright • Chief Yowlachie • Victor Sen Yung
Directed by RICHARD SALE
Produced by ROBERT BASSLER
Written by Mary Loos and Richard Sale
DANA
ANDREWS
GENE
TIERNEY
"WHERE THE
SIDEWALK ENDS"
with GARY MERRILL
Bert Freed • Tom Tully • Karl Maiden
Ruth Donnelly • Craig Stevens
Produced and Directed by OTTO PREMINGER
Screen Play by Ben Hecht • Adaptation by Victor
Trivas. Frank P. Rosenberg and Robert E. Kent
From a Novel by William L. Stuart
(M*, 2q Kom«£4^:
CENTURY-FOX

Crescent Chain Charged Do' J Declares Delays
With Violating Decree
WASHINGTON—In what Antitrust Chief
Herbert Bergson pointed to as a precedentsetting
move the Justice department this
week asked the federal district court in
Nashville, Tenn., to assess severe penalties
on the Crescent Amusement Co. and its
top officers for contempt of court. Wilful
violation of the seven-year-old judgment
closing the government case against Crescent,
in May of 1943, was charged.
Both civil and criminal complaints were
filed against Crescent, its president and executive
vice-president R. E. Baulch and Kermit
Stengel, respectively; Louis Rosenbaum
of Muscle Shoals Theatres; Muscle Shoals
Theatres; Rockwood Amusements, Inc., and
Cherokee Amusements, Inc.
The complaints cite "numerous instances"
of moves to keep competition out of areas
where circuit theatres dominate, and ask
penalties also because the various interlocks
of the Crescent group have not been dissolved.
Penalties could include heavy fines
and jail sentences.
Among the offenses against the court's
decision spelled out in the complaint were
instances where court approval was obtained
for construction of new theatres when the
defendants allegedly did not plan to build but
wanted merely to discourage others. This was
the case, it was said, with projects for driveins
near Clarksville and Nashville, as well as
for conventional theatres in Cleveland, Alcoa,
Columbia, Lebanon, Morristown, Rockwood
and Union City, all in Tennessee.
Another charge was that Rosenbaum sought
to buy off competitors in the Muscle Shoals,
Ala., area in order that they would withdraw
their objections to the building of a new
drive-in in the area by Muscle Shoals Theatres.
Similarly, Baulch was charged with having
warned three individuals in Lewisburg
that Lewisburg Theatre Co. planned to build
a drive-in there, keeping interested trio from
proceeding with a drive-in they had planned.
Lewisburg Theatre Co. is building a drive-in
there, but Crescent owns a half-interest in
the company and does not have court approval
for this project.
It was charged that the 1943 decision is
flouted in that Crescent still has a 50 per
cent interest in Lyric Amusement Co.; Rockwood
still has a half interest in Lawrenceburg
Theatres, Inc., and Cherokee still owns
half of Newport Amusement. In addition,
Stengel remains an officer of both Crescent
and Lawrenceburg, it is charged, and retains
effective control and benefits from stock in
Rockwood even though that stock is now
in another name.
Huron of Pontiac, Mich., Files
Trust Action for $1,050,000
DETROIT—A new antitrust case, seeking
$1,050,000 damages, has been filed in federal
court here by the K&B Co., operator of the
Huron Theatre, newest house in Pontiac,
Mich., against the Butterfield Theatre circuit
and the eight major distributors.
The Huron, operated by Forest Ketzler and
Francis Buford, is the only theatre in Pontiac
not operated by Butterfield, which has five
houses In that city, including the recently
U. S. and WB Lawyers
Still Not in Accord
WASHINGTON—That there are still
areas of disagreement between government
and Warner Bros, lawyers as they
seek to conclude a consent decree removing
the company from the Paramount
case was admitted by a Justice department
spokesman this week. Another
meeting of the lawyers concerned was
held here Thursday.
While there are decisions to be made
by the Treasury on the legality of a plan
whereby debentures would be issued for
the WB circuit, in order to spread tax
payments over several years, this does not
mean that all other problems have been
smoothed out.
remodeled Strand. The Huron also is the
only house in town located in the suburbs.
All others are in the downtown area. The
Pontiac situation gains interest from the fact
that it is the largest upstate city located near
Detroit and is the closest approach—25 miles
—made to the metropolitan area by the Butterfield
circuit, which headquarters here.
The case is based on charges of monopoly
practices and the Huron claims that it cannot
get films until 18 days after they are
played by Butterfield.
F&M Seeks $300,000 Damages
In California Trust Suit
LOS ANGELES—Naming Fox West Coast
and the major distributors as co-defendants,
Fanchon & Marco, Inc., filed suit May 8 in
federal district court, seeking an injunction
and triple damages totaling $300,000. The action
contends the defendants have conspired
to withhold first run product from F&M's
Baldwin Theatre in the Baldwin Hills area of
Los Angeles since its opening last fall.
The complaint holds that the 1,800-seat
Baldwin, one of the largest theatres to be
constructed in this area within the past 20
years, was designed as a first run house but
that such product has been unobtainable.
The defendants are accused of conspiracy
and violation of the Sherman antitrust law.
Arthur Sachson to Handle
Robert Stillman Sales
NEW YORK—Arthur Sachson, former general
sales manager for Samuel Goldwyn Productions,
will represent the Robert Stillman
Productions on sales. Sachson will handle
the first three Stillman features, "Sound of
Fury," now in production, "Queen for a Day"
and one as yet untitled, all to be released
by United Artiste.
Dick Weaver, former legitimate theatre
press agent for Jed Harris, Hunt Stromberg
jr. and Paula Stone, has been named eastern
publicity representative.
On Splitups 'Unfair'
WASHINGTON—A strong pitch against
further delay of any kind in the carrying
out of the final New York judgment for the
breaking up of Warner Bros., Loew's and
20th Century-Fox was voiced Friday before
Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas
by the Justice department.
On the other hand, counsel for the three
defendant companies argued that it is costly
and difficult to prepare plans for divorcement
and divestiture, and that they should
not be required to do so until it is certain
such plans will be required.
They have appealed to the Supreme Court
for relief from the pertinent provisions of
the New York judgment.
The government held that there have been
constant warnings that a day of reckoning
was coming, and that the New York court
was overgenerous in granting a three-year
period for divorcement. Any delay means
simply a further "period of grace for the
gaining of additional profits" from integrated
theatre and distribution, said the government.
In a statement filed with the court Wednesday,
the Justice department held that "to
delay the carrying out of this remedy is
unfair to competitors who are distributors
and do not have the advantage of controlled
theater outlets. It is unfair to competitors
who are exhibitors and do not obtain the
privileges and preferences which a distributor-producer
accords to its theatre affiliates.
It is unfair to the formerly similarly situated
competitors, Paramount and RKO, who have
completed divorcement or are about to complete
it."
Howard Hughes Will Drop
His Theatre Holdings
NEW YORK—As required by the terms of
the RKO antitrust consent decree, Howard
Hughes, on Monday (8) filed formal notice
with the clerk of the U.S. District Court that
he will choose production and distribution
when the time comes to split these branches
from the RKO theatre circuit. Hughes owns
24 per cent of RKO.
The move was a formality. The court recently
set back the deadline for the company
splitup to the end of 1950. Whenever
the two new companies are formed Hughes
will be required to place his theatre stock
in the hands of a trustee named by the court.
The trustee will have voting powers and will
be authorized to dispose of the stock.
In the meantime Hughes, if he wishes, can
sell his holdings in RKO before the split-up.
He is expected to do this.
'Dinty' Moore Will Head
WB Central District
NEW YORK—F.
D. "Dinty" Moore, Pittsburgh
branch manager for Warner Bros., has
been promoted to central district manager
by Ben Kalmenson, vice-president in charge
of distribution. Moore, who succeeds Charles
Rich, resigned, will make his headquarters
in Pittsburgh.
Moore started with Warner Bros, as a
Pittsburgh salesman in 1938 and was promoted
to branch manager there in 1941. He
was promoted to eastern district manager
in March 1948,
16 BOXOFFICE ;: May 13, 1950

co^!£ ^S 19
Abram F. Myers (L) delivers his tax
campaign report. At right. Nathan Yamins.
National Allied representative at
meeting.
Myers recommended that the fight be con-
His entire committee,
tinued for total repeal.
in a telegraphic poll, concurred in this procedure.
The recommendation was backed up
with this resolution:
"WHEREAS the Federal 20 per cent admission
tax as applied to motion picture theatres
is unfair, discriminatory and an abridment
of the freedom of the press, of which
motion pictures are a part and comes out of
the pockets of those who can least afford it
and
"WHEREAS, the
Committee on Taxaation
and Legislation have waged a courageous and
aggressive campaign to totally repeal this unfair
20 per cent tax and are unanimous in
their opinion that it is imperative that an
aggressive campaign be made both in the
house and in the senate until this tax is
completely repealed.
"NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by
the Council of Motion Picture Organizations
that the committee has earned the deep appreciation
of the entire industry and COMPO
pledges to the committee through its individual
organizations as well as the parent organization
itself, full support in carrying out
any plans the committee may decide upon
to accomplish this end."
Richard Walsh to Europe
As Delegate to UNESCO
NEW YORK—Richard F. Walsh, president
of the IATSE and Motion Picture Machine
Operators of the U.S. and Canada, left on
the Queen Mary May 9 as a member of the
U.S. delegation to the conference of UNESCO
in Florence, Italy, this month.
Walsh has headed the IATSE since 1941.
In 1948 he served as fraternal delegate from
the AFL to the convention of the Trades
of Labor Congress in Canada, a year after
visits to Mexico and Europe, where he made
a first-hand study of union conditions.
Mexico's First Drive-in
MEXICO CITY—Auto Cinema Lomas, the
first drive-in theatre in Mexico, opened May
4 with MGM's "Till the Clouds Roll By."
The theatre is owned and operated by Raul
Castellanos and has a capacity of 650 cars.
President Aleman inaugurated the theatre
before an audience of invited guests.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950
Paramount Theatres Net
Far Exceeds Film Sales
NEW YORK—Paramount has issued its
last financial statement for Paramount
Pictures, Inc., which went out of existence
Dec. 31, 1949, and at the same time has
issued pro forma reports for the distribution
and exhibition branches of the old
company during the same period so that
stockholders will understand the setups of
the new Paramount Pictures Corp. and
United Paramount Theatres.
One of the striking facts disclosed in the
pro forma reports is the wide difference between
distribution and exhibition earnings.
The combined pro forma consolidated profit
and share of undistributed earnings for 1949
was $18,400,477. Of this, $12,443,852 came
from the theatre division.
The new distribution company, which took
over the foreign assets, has written all valuations
down to the Jan. 1, 1935 level.
Because of the foreign restrictions 85 per
cent of feature production costs are allocated
to the United States and Canada and
15 per cent to foreign countries.
Approximately 83 per cent of the domestic
and Canadian portion is written off within
three months and the remaining 17 per cent
within 12 months from the date of release
in the United States.
The reports are being sent to stockholders.
Total consolidated earnings during 1949 for
Paramount Pictures. Inc., were $20,836,414,
compared with $22,569,102 for 1948. To this
was added $1,420,000 from subsidiaries, making
the total consolidated and share of undistributed
earnings $22,256,414. This was
$2,100,686 below 1948.
The amount earned per share during 1949
was $3.41. compared with $3.63 for 1948.
Operating revenues of Paramount's partly
owned non-consolidated subsidiaries are not
included in the above figures. Paramount's
share of these was $54,000,000. compared with
$63,000,000 in 1948.
Dividends paid during the year amounted
to $13,111,010. or $2 per share.
The pro forma reports show how Paramount
Pictures Corp. and United Paramount
Theatres would have fared during 1949 if
they had been in existence.
Income for the pictures corporation is listed
at $88,801,146; expenses at $79,792,774, with
net before interest, depreciation, income
taxes and other items at $9,008,372. After
taxes and other deductions the combined
consolidated profit and share of undistributed
earnings was $5,956,625.
Estimated earnings for the third quarter
of 1949 included $926,000 dividends from
wholly owned foreign subsidiaries not consolidated
and were after deducting $500,000
for losses on devaluation of all foreign currencies.
The United Paramount Theatres pro forma
report showed total income of $95,344,995;
expenses and other deductions totaling $10,-
078,187: capital gains after income taxes of
$3,311,423. This left the consolidated profit
for the period, as adjusted, at $16,727,477.
The combined pro forma consolidated profit
and share of undistributed earnings was
$18,400,477. This total for the theatre division
was $12,443,852 above that of the distribution
branch.
In Los Angeles, 59% of Set Owners
Would Spend $1 for Phonevision
HOLLYWOOD—Industry executives who
maintain that competition from TV can be
offset through large-screen telecasts in theatres
were supplied with considerable food
for thought anent that belief when a person-to-person
poll of 3,000 TV owners in the
southland area revealed that only 24 per
cent of them would pay the average boxoffice
price to see a telecast at a theatre.
Proponents of Phonevision, the pay-as-yousee
device, scored a victory when statistics
revealed 59 per cent would be willing to pay
up to $1.00 to view a first run movie on their
home television sets.
These and other revealing figures were
compiled by Woodbury college in the third of
a series of continuous mass studies on the
progress of television in southern California.
The statistics are based on a random area
sample throughout Los Angeles and the
"fringe" areas of Riverside, San Diego and
San Bernardino, with actual interviews being
conducted by some 500 students at Woodbury
Valley college and Redlands university.
Other findings:
Among those who have owned TV sets for
12 months or longer, 34 per cent are attending
movies less, 39 per cent attend as much
as ever, 2 per cent attend oftener, 8 per
cent never go to a theatre.
Among set owners for the past year or
more, 19 per cent are viewing TV more, 28
per cent see it less, 50 per cent spend the
same amount of time as ever in front of their
receivers.
A significant 97 per cent declared they were
glad they purchased their sets. More time
is spent at home by 67 per cent of television
owners.
Asked which performer not now on video
whom they would like to see. 24 per cent voted
for Bob Hope, 23 per cent for Bing Crosby,
16 per cent for Jack Benny. 6 per cent for
Red Skelton.
As concerns the children, 55 per cent of
set owners claimed TV has created no disciplinary
or other problems, but 26 per cent
admitted the young fry was harder to get to
bed at the proper time and 6 per cent complained
of TV's effect on homework.
These and other findings were revealed by
Woodbury college pollsters at a press conference
(11).
17

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Based upon the Novel "A Yankee
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Associate Producer Paul Malvem
A REPUBLIC PRODUCTION
Republic Pictures Corporation
J. Yates, President
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Phonevision Week:
Phonevision was still in the limelight during
the week, with the following major developments
:
1. For the first time. Zenith Radio and
Television Corp., admitted that it was having
difficulty obtaining motion pictures for its
test scheduled to start September 15 in Chicago.
The admission came in a statement
issued in Hollywood by a Zenith spokesman
who said producers and distributors had refused
film although Phonevision "may well
point the way to a return of industrywide
prosperity."
2. In Chicago, Zenith took page advertisements
(such as the one reproduced above)
recruiting TV set owners to participate in the
90-day test.
3. Trueman Rembusch, president of National
Allied, told members of Allied of Kansas
and Missouri meeting in Kansas City that
Phonevision proved unsuccessful from a practical
standpoint last summer when engineers
of station WGN, Chicago, "easily supplied"
the missing signal without use of the Zenith
phone connection. Rembusch said that
Zenith then announced a new system which
it claimed could not be cracked, but when
the company demonstrated Phonevision to
him several months ago the old system was
still in use.
Chas. Einfeld to Return
From Europe May 22
NEW YORK—Charles Einfeld, vice-president
of 20th Century-Pox, will return from
Europe May 22 following an eight-week tour
of England and the Continent.
While abroad, Einfeld met with numerous
exhibitors and distributors with whom he
discussed showmanship practices patterned
after the campaign launched by 20th-Fox at
the March exhibitor meetings throughout the
U.S. Many of the European theatremen
have already launched campaigns of their
own designed to increase attendance at the
boxoffice.
Einfeld addressed meetings in Brussels
May 10 and 11, attended by representatives
of American distributors as well as Belgian
exhibitors and distributors.
Doorbell Survey Started
By Units in 3 States
NEW YORK—Ringing doorbells to find
out what the customers like, what they
don't like, and why they do or do not go
to film theatres is spreading. If the early
reports turn up the information the doorbell
ringers hope for, the practice may
become national.
Three regional Allied units are definitely
at work on the plan, an independent
operator in Winter Park, Fla., has begun
his own individual study, and segments of
the Pox theatre circuit are testing it.
There may be others, but the details have
not come in.
The three Allied units are Associated Theatre
Owners of Indiana, headed by Trueman
T. Rembusch, who also is president of Allied
States Ass'n; Allied Theatre Owners of Western
Pennsylvania, and Allied Theatre Owners
of New Jersey. The last named is just getting
under way.
UP FOR DISCUSSIONS
What the Allied members have learned will
be a topic of discussion at a meeting of the
national board to be held at Memphis May
22 and 23. Members of the Jersey unit will
discuss the matter at the summer convention
in Atlantic City June 15-17.
Leo F. Wolcott. chairman of the board of
Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Iowa
and Nebraska, has taken a different approach
to local research in order to jolt the
smugness out of those exhibitors who think
conditions are all right as they are. Wolcott
advises exhibitors to add up the grosses
of the four top pictures of recent months,
average them out, and compare them with
the population of the town where the theatre
is located. Then divide the average of
the four top grossers by the population.
Wolcott did this on his own theatre at FJ.-
dora, Iowa, and admits he was surprised. He
is not one of the exhibitors satisfied to coast
along. He has been painting, improving and
going in for all the showmanship ideas he
can dig up since the 20th Century-Fox merchandising
meet in Chicago and advises all
his fellow exhibitors in the Iowa-Nebraska
unit to do the same.
SEEKING THE 'LOST' AUDIENCE
Much of the current national curiosity
about why people are or are not going to
theatres, and what they prefer stems from
the "lost" audience talk and "doorbell ringing"
technique discussed at Chicago, although,
in all fairness, it must be stated that this
matter was taken up by some of the Allied
leaders early in the year.
Both the Allied polls and the independent
polls are being conducted by theatre managers
and their assistants and are supposed
to be confined to the areas from which each
theatre is believed to draw.
In the western Pennsylvania area the study
is being directed by Walter Allen, manager
for the unit, who drew up the original set
of questions. Several additional questions will
be used by the Jersey unit.
Wilbur Snaper, president of Jersey Allied,
says: "We're trying to find out what the
Doorbell Questionnaire:
Name
Address
Age group: Under 12 ; 12-19
;
19-30 ; Over 30
Do you attend movies regularly ?
Occasionally ? Seldom ?
What theatres do you attend ?. How
often ?
Do you prefer indoor or drive-in theatres
?
Reason for preference ?
If you seldom or never go to the movies,
what is your main objection?
Circle these recent pictures you have seen
"All the King's Men"
"The Third Man"
"Battleground"
"Yellow Cab Man"
"Riding High"
"The Heiress"
"Cinderella"
"Sands of Iwo Jima"
"Wabash Avenue"
"Cheaper by the Dozen"
"Francis"
"Chain Lightning"
Which did you like best ?
Which disappointed you ?
Which stars do you like best to see ?
Which stars will keep you away ?
Circle your favorite type story: Musical
Western Historical...., Religious
Mystery Sociological Comedy
Fantasy Melodrama Classic
What type story do you like least ?
In what ways could your favorite theatre
serve you better ?
What one suggestion would you make to
Hollywood ?
Do you own a TV set ? How long?
Has it affected your theatre attendance
?
What programs do you like on TV
Old movies Newsreels ? Vaudeville
?
How many people, including friends,
listen to your average TV program ?
General: How has TV affected your general
routine?
public wants to buy in the way of motion
picture entertainment. Most of the exhibitors
I have talked to feel that the professional
polls taken in the past have been inadequate.
They feel that the only sensible
method is a door-to-door canvass conducted
by men who know local conditions and local
people. If we can get the information we
want it will be useful both to exhibitors and
producers."
The polls in each instance will run over a
four-week period. It is figured that each
manager or his assistant can visit from 15
to 20 homes per day. If the plan works out,
as hoped, information will be pooled at the
Memphis meeting, and other regional units
may join.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 21

DESTINATION
^MMM jSpsKSSffi**
is
already the greates
pre-sol
picture in
histor
With August release still
three months away, George Pal's
technicolor epic, DESTINATION MOON, is already the best
pre-sold picture ever produced.
This timely topic of space travel
has completely captured
the interest of the public and press. The scope of the
publicity has already reached over 100,000,000 readers
of all ages and all walks of life.
Film industry executives who have seen the picture, predl
DESTINATION MOON to be one of the top grossers of 199
SMASHING AD CAMPAIGN TO FOLLOW UP PUBLICll
This is only the beginning. There will be more and mJ
publicity for DESTINATION MOON supported by
most penetrating national and local advertising drives]
motion picture history.
COLOR BY TECHNICOLO
An Faorlp linn Filmc RpIpacp

GREATEST VARIETY TOP PRESS
Score to
Date
u" Over 13,000,000 Readers
THIS WEEK
Over 22,000,000 Readers
PA RADE
Over 11,000,000 Readers
COMIC WEEKLY . . . Over 20,000,000 Readers
N.Y. TIMES MAGAZINE Over 2,000,000 Readers
SCIENCE MAGAZINES Over 20,000,000 Readers
SYNDICATED FEATURES Over 20,000,000 Readers
TOTAL . . . Over 100,000,000 Readers

TVcteAiaqtott
TF THE DENTON BILL ever
becomes law,
look for a flood of new triple damage cases
against the majors by independent exhibitors
or former exhibitors. The bill, by Rep.
Winfield Denton of Indiana, would rule out
all possibility of defense on antitrust violations
charged by the independents if a
final judgment holding the defendants guilty
has been entered in a suit brought by the
government covering the same offenses.
In other words, there would be no defense
against private suits brought in complete
conformity with the May 1948 judgment of
the Supreme Court. That decision would become
conclusive proof of guilt, rather than
mere prima facie evidence, as it now is.
The difference is that whereas it can be
disputed in court today, there would be absolutely
no argument under the Denton proposal.
Another important point is that a federal
statute of limitations would become controlling.
If an exhibitor wishes to bring a
triple damage suit now, he has to take into
account the limitation period in his state.
In some states he can sue for damages incurred
only over a one or two-year period,
while in other states the period goes as high
as ten years.
The Denton bill would set a six-year limitation
for all states, and in some cases the
result might be the filing of suits which
would otherwise never get to court.
As a matter of fact the Clayton bill originally
included a uniform six-year statute
of limitations, but before it became law this
provision had disappeared. And at the same
time, prior to passage of the act in 1914,
the house had voted that final judgments
in government suits be treated as
conclusive evidence, but the milder approach
won out in the senate.
* * *
WHEN "BICYCLE THIEF" was shown at
the National Press club here last week, it
was the first foreign language feature to be
shown by the club. The auditorium was
jammed and this correspondent was among
those turned away. Had to see the film
later when it opened at the Trans-Lux . . .
Despite all the reports that Warner Bros,
and the Justice department have settled,
don't look for anything definite for a couple
of weeks. There remain minor points to be
worked out^and antitrust chief Herb Bergson
won't be back in town for another ten
days.
* * •
WAYNE COY, FCC chairman has written
Senator Charles Tobey his agreement that
the commission should look into the refusal
of film companies to provide films for the
Phonevision test. He said he did not think
the recent argument on a uniform FCC
policy for dealing with antitrust violators
was the proper place for such inquiry, however.
Coy felt that the matter should be
put to company executives, not merely to,
lawyers speaking for them. He said he
thought the question should come up, for
instance, "in a hearing upon applications by
motion picture producers for radio station
facilities."
24
^efront
By ALAN HERBERT
Brylawski Points Out
Danger in Wage Bill
WASHINGTON—Danger that unions
might seek to force coverage of all theatre
employes under local and state minimum
wage regulations even though they
were excluded from the national minimum
wage law was seen here last week
by A. Julian Brylawski, head of the local
MPTO. The Warner executive was testifying
before the senate committee on
the District of Columbia.
A bill by Committee Chairman Matt
Neely of West Virginia would extend
coverage of the D.C. minimum wage regulation
to men. It now applies only to
women and youngsters under 18. Brylawski
related that the pay of some men
in theatres is as low as 55 cents per hour,
while the minimum if the Neely bill goes
through would be 86 cents. Not only would
the increase be too costly to exhibitors
at this time—but it would be certain to
encourage unions elsewhere to seek similar
benefits.
Brylawski objected also to a bill which
would raise unemployment benefits here
from a maximum of $20 to a maximum
of $30 weekly, with the maximum period
extended from 20 to 26 weeks.
Griffith Memorial Held
At Centerfield Grave
CENTERFIELD, KY. — Memorial services
for D. W. Griffith, co-founder of United
Artists Corp. and director of "The Birth of a
Nation," "Broken Blossoms" and other great
motion pictures, will be held Sunday (14) at
3 -o'clock in the Mount Tabor cemetery.
A monument that will be placed on the
grave has been provided by the Screen Actors
Guild and the memorial is a ledger panel
made of white marble. On it is engraved
the Griffith coat of arms and the date and
place of his death. A Screen Directors Guild
medallion will be placed on the monument
and a split rail fence will be put on the
20x20 plot.
Mrs. D. W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, Lillian
Gish, Richard Barthelmess and Neil Hamilton
are scheduled to fly down from New York
for the services. Al Rogell will come from
Hollywood to represent the Screen Actors
Guild.
Warner Bros. Dividend
NEW YORK—The Warner Bros,
board of
directors at a special meeting declared a
dividend of 25 cent sa share payable July 5
to common stockholders of record June 9.
Malmuth to Miami
MIAMI—Joe Malmuth, veteran in the theatre
equipment business, has been named sales
engineer for the Miami branch of Joe Hornstein,
Inc.
Supreme Court Rejects
Memphis Censor Case
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court re
fused this week to hear arguments on .thi
legality of Memphis censorship. The cour
turned down the appeal of United Artist;
and Hal Roach for a decision upsetting tht
right of the Memphis censors to ban Roach';
comedy "Curley." Roach and UA, joinec
by the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, hac
hoped to make this a test case whereb:
they might strike at state and local censor
ship, but the high court apparently foun<
that there were good grounds apart fron
the basic censorship issue on which to re
fuse the case.
Thus the test case may come on the At
lanta ban of Louis DeRochemont's "Los
Boundaries," or it may have to wait for som
other case where the censorship issue i
clearer than in the "Curley" case. Ther
were side issues involving the standing o
the appealing companies to bring the mat
ter to court at all, and the high court proba
bly decided to refuse the case on thos<
grounds.
An MPAA spokesman said that the atti
tude of the Supreme Court does not preven
the exhibition of "Curley" in Memphis. Thi
was indicated by the following extract fron
the brief filed in Supreme Court by the at
torney for Memphis in opposition to th
petition for a review:
"Petitioners . . . deliberately chose a nar
row flank attack by certiorari for review o
the alleged action of a purely local boarc
which is admittedly void and beyond th
scope of the local act and was so declare
both by the trial court and the suprem
court of the state.
". . . This is especially true when we con
sider that the supreme court of the stat
of Tennessee in its opinion stated that tha
court was not in disagreement with th
fundamental principle that there is no au
thority to use race or color as the sole leg!
basis for censorship of talking motion pic
tures."
Edward C Raftery, United Artists counse
said he agreed with the MPAA statemec
and had noMiing to add.
Charles Rich Leaves WB;
To Become an Exhibitor
NEW YORK—Charles Rich, Warner Bro
central district manager in Cleveland, hsj
resigned, effective Tuesday (9). He will entf
the theatre business for himself. He had bee
with the company for 27 years.
Rich joined Warners at Washington as
salesman and was made branch manager i
Pittsburgh in 1934; promoted to metropolita
district manager in 1936; branch manager i
Buffalo in 1938; to Cleveland as branc
manager in 1940. He became central distri<
manager in 1943.
RKO Picture Retitled
NEW YORK—"Walk Softly, Stranger" wi
be the final release title for "Weep No More
which RKO will distribute with Joseph Co
ten and Valli starred.
Keep up the fight for total ticket U
repeal!
BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13, 1»

A FACT THAT'S
RIGHT IN THE DICTIONARY
1

"
.
Real, Solid Showmanship
Needed, Declares Babb
NEW YORK—"Genuine, solid, corny, oldtime
showmanship is the industry's greatest
need today," says Kroger Babb, president of
Hallmark Productions, Inc., after an 88-day
air tour around the world during which he
covered 51,200 air miles and visited 55 key
distribution cities in 36 countries for the purpose
of setting up new release outlets.
After watching showmanship practices in
all his stopping places he says he thinks all
exhibitors should make world tours to get
new ideas.
"Exhibitors in Greece and Holland are the
world's best showmen," he says. "They're
really selling their product like merchandising
experts or airline publicity men. People
won't buy fish in the ocean; you've got to
display 'em, talk about 'em, and sell 'em to
the housewife."
Babb says there is too much talk about
below-average product.
"A bad fish, a bad piece of steak now
and then doesn't turn the shopper against
fish and meat forever," he comments. "Then
why so much hullabaloo over a below -average
film? There's a market for every film, if
there is a showman around to sell it."
Babb is no respecter of standard selling
techniques. In Australia, he says, he found
a showman named Vic Hobler who was "packing
'em in with a film called 'The Kelley
Boys' by advertising it truly as 'the worst
film that has ever been on the screen.'
He argues from this that "people want to
see the bad, the worst, the same as they
want to see the best."
Television doesn't disturb Babb. "It's
derful," he says, "but you
won-
can't make a theatre
out of a bar, an ice cream parlor or a
family living room. There will always be a
great field for the motion picture and the
unmatchable happiness, education and entertainment
it brings audiences at low cost, if
the three branches of the industry will get
together before they meet in the bankruptcy
courts."
On the subject of foreign distribution Babb
not so optimistic. In his opinion the Ameri-
is
can motion picture is "being legislated out of
productive foreign markets and the situation
is destined to become worse because many
countries are eager to muzzle Hollywood
pictures by law for the dual purpose of keep-
Public Is
Kroger Babb is seen here signing a
seven-year personal management contract
with Nelly Goletti, 27-year-old
French composer and pianist. The agreement
calls for her services in films, radio
and television, starting in June. Miss
Goletti is said to be widely known in
Europe. She is an honor graduate from
Milan, Paris and Algiers conservatories,
and has published more than 300 songs
ranging from boogie woogie to classics.
She also has written the music for two
Parisian stage hits and has scored nine
films. She has made many concert tours
since the close of the war.
ing their people ignorant of American ideals,
methods, styles and thinking in order to give
their native producing companies a better
chance." •
In many countries, he says, exhibitors are
forced by law to play a certain percentage of
locally made films. The native producer is
provided a boxoffice dole, or special profit,
by law. In Italy, he says, the exhibitor must
automatically turn over the first 7% cents of
each boxoffice dollar to the producer of an
Italian film before taxes are computed or
the terms of the exhibition contract settled.
In France, it is 10 per cent. Also in France,
he states, the producer with one-third of the
estimated cost of a film can borrow the next
one-third from any bank under a law designed
to aid the country's studios, and the
government loans the producer the final onethird
to assure completion of the film.
Oscar-Minded, Survey Reveals
HOLLYWOOD—Can you remember the
name of the picture that won the Academy
Oscar for 1949? The best actor? The best
actress?
The Academy claims, on the basis of a
nationwide survey by Audience Research,
Inc., that more than nine out of ten moviegoers
know about the annual Awards clambake
and that approximately half of those
interviewed identified Columbia's "All the
King's Men" as last year's award-winning
best picture.
ARI's report admitted, however, that there
"continues to be some confusion" between
the picture adjudged best and the feature in
which the award-winning actor or actress
appears. Some 10 per cent of interviewed
theatregoers, for example, thought Paramount's
"The Heiress" won the Oscar because
its star, Olivia DeHavilland, reaped the
best-actress kudos.
Further, ARI asserted, awards other than
those given for the best picture and best
acting performances "left relatively little
impression on moviegoers." The public in
general appears to approve of the Academy
selections, with almost two in three agreeing
that they are "fairly awarded."
Over 500 Theatres
Use 20th-Fox Ads
NEW YORK—More than 500 theatres have
used the 20th Century-Fox share-the-cost
ads as part of the Movies Are Better Than
Ever campaign.
Another 500 have adapted the ads to local
requirements and have been bearing the full
cost of the institutional campaign.
The 20th-Fox ads were first offered at the
Chicago merchandising conference called by
Spyros P. Skouras and Charles Einfeld on a
share-the-cost basis.
The showmanship drive is still in progress,
with large circuits in the van of the activity.
Some campaigns are already under
way and others are about to start. General
use of the Movies Are Better Than Ever
slogan is being made in newspaper ads, on
marquees and in publicity.
Since the start of the campaign Einfeld
has carried it to Europe. He discussed the
program at a luncheon for continental managers
at the Ritz in Paris Tuesday (9) sponsored
by the MPAA, with Gerald Meyer presiding.
Among those attending were Abe
Schneider, Joseph H. McConville of Columbia
and Phil Reisman of RKO, who endorsed
the program. On Wednesday (10) and Thursday
(11) he spoke at a meeting in Brussels
which was attended by representatives of
American distributors, as well as Belgian exhibitors
and distributors.
Einfeld returned to Paris Friday to meet
with French industry leaders.
Evergreen Continues Lead
In Skouras Campaign
LOS ANGELES—Positions remained unchanged
at the end of the third week of National
Theatres' eighth annual Charles P.
Skouras Showmanship campaign. With Evergreen
continuing to top the list, placements
of other NT divisions, from second through
sixth, were:
Fox Midwest; Fox West Coast, southern
California segment; Fox Wisconsin; FWC,.
northern California division; and Fox Intermountain.
NSS Has Three 'Prevues'
On 'Fireball' for Video
LOS ANGELES—National Screen Service,
embarking on a program of television as well
as theatre trailers, is turning out three TV
"prevues," running 20, 40 and 60 seconds
each, for "The Fireball," Mickey Rooney
starrer produced by Bert Friedlob and Tay
Garnett for 20th Century-Fox release.
Decision to plug "The Fireball" via television
was reached in conferences between
Friedlob, Garnett and 20th-Fox executives in
order to capitalize on the current TV popularity
of roller-skate racing, which is the picture's
background.
Disney Dividend Is 37 Vic
HOLLYWOOD—A regular quarterly dividend
of 37 Vi cents a share on outstanding 6
per cent cumulative convertible preferred
stock was declared by the board of directors
of Walt Disney Productions. The dividend
is payable July 1 to stockholders of record
June 17.
26 BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

Exhibitors Can Win
Bond Drive Awards
NEW YORK—The U.S. Treasury department
will present a special award to the 100
exhibitors and theatre managers submitting
the best campaigns supporting the U.S. savings
bond drive May 15 to July 4. according
to the motion picture industry committee for
the drive. Theatres in all classifications will
have an equal opportunity. Regional publicity
directors have been asked to urge theatremen
to send in their campaigns.
A special 20th Century-Fox trailer starring
Bill Lundigan will be included in the newsreels
of all companies, and is tentatively set
for May 12 release. Arrangements were made
by Edmund Reek, chief of Movietone News
and chairman of the drive newsreel committee.
Photographs of the replicas of the Liberty
Bell are being made available. National
Screen Service is shipping the regular onesheet
posters gotten out by the government.
Exhibitors can pick them up, free, for lobby
use. A second poster will be mailed direct
to 14,000 theatres later this month.
The committee is sending out an advance
proof from the pressbook showing the advertising
slugs which are available in mat
form for insertion in theatre ads during the
drive. Mats have been shipped to all branches
of National Screen Service. They are the
work of Harry Mandel and the art staff of
RKO.
Hollywood stars will help to launch the
drive May 15 by taking part in a four-network
radio salute and TV broadcast. Jimmy Stewart,
Bob Hope and Eddie Cantor will be
among them, speaking from Hollywood. Secretary
of the Treasury John W. Snyder will
open the program by striking the original
Liberty Bell at Independence Hall in Philadelphia
and introducing President Truman,
who will speak from Chicago.
Mrs. Harrity and Mamula
Resign Selznick Posts
NEW YORK—Aileen Brenon Harrity, director
of magazine publicity for David O.
Selznick enterprises, and Nick Mamula, who
has been handling newspaper, tradepaper and
syndicate publicity, have resigned after
launching "The Third Man," Carol Reed film,
in key cities.
Both joined Selznick three years ago. They
have handled campaigns on "The Fallen
Idol," "Portrait of Jennie," "The Paradine
Case," "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream
House" and "Duel in the Sun." Their resignations
became effective Friday (12).
Alcorn Takes Up Offices
HOLLYWOOD—Offices have been established
in the Paramount building, New York,
by R. W. Alcorn Productions, with Fred
Meyers, head of the sales department, and
Bill Home, his assistant, in charge. Alcorn's
first film, "Johnny Holiday," is now being
distributed by United Artists.
Loew's Sets Dividend
NEW YORK—The board of directors of
Loew's, Inc.. has declared a quarterly dividend
of 37 •- cents per share, payable June 30
to stockholders of record June 13.
Touring Stars Prove Boxoffice Lure
A special train brings stars and executives to Rock Island, Moline, East Moline,
and Davenport for "Rock Island Trail." Top, left to right: On the locomotive,
Forrest Tucker, Roy Rogers. Standing, Director Joseph Kane, John Wayne, Chill
Wills, Adrian Booth, J. D. Farrington, president of Rock Island Lines; Adele Mara,
Herbert J. Yates, Republic president; Dale Evans, Bruce Cabot, Producer Paul Malvern.
Bottom: by rows, A. H. Blank, Tri- States Theatres president; James R. Grainger,
Republic vice-president in charge of sales and distribution; Edward L. Walton, Republic
assistant general sales manager; Elmer Rhoden, president, Fox Midwest Theatres;
Robert F. Withers, Republic Kansas City branch manager; Harry Lefholtz,
Republic Omaha branch manager; Paul Webster, Republic Des Moines branch manager;
A. H. Fischer, Republic Chicago branch manager; John Curtin, Republic
special sales representative; Myron Blank (hidden), general manager of Central
States Theatres.
ROCK ISLAND, ILL.—Aided by star appearances,
local Chambers of Commerce, civic
officials and merchants went allout to
provide intensive support for the world premiere
of Republic's Trucolor railroading saga
•Rock Island Trail," in the Quad cities of
Rock Island, Moline and East Moline—in Illinois—and
Davenport, Iowa. The premiere
climaxed two days of celebration. The four
cities were swamped as an estimated 400,000
celebrants from surrounding areas added
their numbers to the Quad cities' 300,000
citizens to witness a spectacular roundup of
events.
Giant torchlight parades were held the
evening before the picture opened simultaneously
at the Fort Theatre in Rock Island,
the LeClaire Theatre in Moline and the
Capitol in Davenport. Elaborate floats were
bright spots of color in gay processions which
wound their way through each city along
routes packed with cheering bystanders. Uniformed
marchers, old-fashioned carriages,
bands with high-stepping drum majorettes
and men wearing old-time costumes were
part of the parades, with prizes awarded for
winners in each category. Square-dancing
contests were held in central downtown locations
in each town. Stores which had featured
elaborate "Rock Island Trail" tiein
displays unveiled windows, disclosing numbered
merchandise tickets which entitled
holders to prizes.
The following day the Hollywood stars,
dressed in period costumes, arrived at each
city in turn on a special period train provided
by the Rock Island railroad. After receiving
official greetings from the mayor of
each community they joined a caravan of
bunting-bedecked autos that swept them
through streets lined by cheering spectators.
The grand reception took place at Rock Island,
where a special platform had been
erected for radio broadcasts and civic greetings.
After these ceremonies the stars, Republic
officials, headed by President Herbert
J. Yates; Rock Island Lines and Tri- States
Theatre executives, plus mayors of the four
Quad cities formed the center of a mammoth
parade, which traveled through the downtown
streets of Rock Island, and over the centennial
bridge across the Mississippi river
to Davenport. There, at a bandstand set near
the water's edge. Rock Island Lines president
J. D. Farrington paid tribute to Yates for his
screen contribution to American railroading.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 27

It's 'Cinderella' (RKO-Disney)
For April Blue Ribbon Award
By VELMA WEST SYKES
MATIONAL Screen Council members voted overwhelmingly for "Cinderella," Walt Disney's
beautiful feature-length cartoon fantasy in Technicolor, as the April release to
receive the BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award for the outstanding film that is fine family
entertainment. This version of the standard old nursery tale, released by RKO Radio,
comes at a time when whole families are glad to escape, through entertainment, into a
land where you can be sure "the good, the true and the beautiful" will triumph over all
the evil forces of the world. Realities and threatened realities are so grim that this vision
of the fairyland of childhood provides an interlude of welcome relief from these threats
to happiness and peace of mind. This is true of adults as well as children, and Disney's
screen art was never more deft and sure than in telling this classic story of the poor little
princess whose sweetness of character as well as her beauty won her a worthy prince and
happiness ever after.
—
STEPMOTHER AND DAUGHTERS. OFF TO THE BALL—
THEY ARE SUPPOSED THE PRINCE TO ENTHRALLI
This is the first RKO Radio picture to win
the Blue Ribbon Award in 1950, but another
Disney film, "Ichabod and Mr. Toad," won
the November Award last year. The April
winner has been playing to enthusiastic audiences
of all age groups and barometer readings
from first run reports in key cities show
it is doing business at the 186 per cent level.
Not only that, there is scarcely one of the
cities where it has not been held over, and it
is in its seventh week now in several spots
such as New York and Philadelphia.
BOXOFFICE reviewed "Cinderella" in its
issue of December 24 of last year, with this
comment: "Here is Walt Disney at his alltime
best—and Charles Perrault's immortal,
fabled heroine is such a natural subject for
the cartoon-maker's artistry that showmen
and patrons alike probably will wonder why
he didn't do the story of Cinderella long
since. But the thousands of the former who
will profit from its exhibition and the millions
of the latter who will thrill to its limitless
charms will be unanimous in deciding
the film was well worth waiting for. The
Disney technique has progressed considerably
since he made cartoon history with
'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' and on
almost every count the new venture is superior
to its illustrious predecessor."
It was interesting to read comments on
the ballots of NSC members this month, since
there were so many of them and they were
so sincerely enthusiastic:
" 'Cinderella' is delightful entertainment
enjoyable alike to young and old. It is one
of Disney's best productions."—Virginia Lee
Ward, Nelson Theatre Circuit, Lexington, Ky.
. . . "How can you beat a picture that features
four-legged comedians?"—Jan Mathews,
WIBC, Indianapolis.
"There couldn't be a better picture for
the whole family than 'Cinderella.' " —Dorothy
Shermer, Atlantic City Press-Union . . .
" 'Cinderella,' hands down."—R. Bagai, Hollywood
correspondent for India Press.
Symphony of Exquisite Color
"This is an enchantingly lovely symphony
of exquisite color, music and characterization
interpretations created through the imagery,
artistry and skill of the master artist, Walt
Disney."—Mrs. William A. Burk, president
Southern California Motion Picture Council,
Los Angeles.
"I wish it was always this easy to select
the best family film. This one is wonderful."
—Mrs. J. W. Livingston, Grand Rapids and
Kent County Better Films Council . . . "The
best Disney in years—and that is high tribute
indeed!"—Nadine Sabotnik, Cedar Rapids
Gazette.
"Walt Disney at his best—parents will enjoy
it as much as children."—Phil Willcox,
Parents' Magazine . . . "Never has Disney
given us anything more irresistible. He has
brought the age-old story to life."—Dean
Burnett, Indianapolis Screen Council.
Producer
Walt Disney
Directors
Wilfred Jackson,
Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi
Story by Kenneth Anderson, Ted Sears,
Homer Brightman, Joe Rinaldi, William
Peed, Harry Reeves, Winston Hibler,
erdman penner.
(Prom the original classic by Charles
Perrault)
With the talents o/....Illene Woods, Helene
Stanley, Verna Felton, Luis Van
Rooten, Don Barclay, Rhoda Williams,
Claire DuBrey, Eleanor Audley, James
Macdonald.
Special Processes
Ub Iwerks
Sound Director
C. O. Slyfield
Sound Recording Harold J. Steck,
Robert O. Cook
Film Editor
Donald Halliday
Music Editor
Al Teeter
Musical Direction Oliver Wallace,
Paul Smith
Songs by
Mack David,
Jerry Livingston, Al Hoffman
Production Staii
Orchestration
Joseph Dubin
Directing Animators
Eric Larson,
Ward Kimball, Norm Ferguson, Marc
Davis, John Lounsbery, Milt Kahl,
Wolfgang Reitherman, Les Clark, Ollie
Johnston, Frank Thomas.
Effects Animators George Rowley,
Josh Meador, Jack Boyd
Layout
A. Kendall O'Connor,
Thor Putnam, Charles Philippi, Tom
Codrick, Don Griffith, Mack Stewart,
Lance Nolley, Hugh Hennesy.
Color and Styling
Claude Coats,
Mary Blair, Don DaGradi, John Hench
Backgrounds Dick Anthony, Merle
Cox, Ralph Hulett, Brice Mack, Ray
Huffine, Art Riley, Thelma Witmer.
Character Animators... Marvin Woodward,
Hal Ambro, George Nicholas, Hal King,
Judge Whitaker, Fred Moore, Hugh
Fraser, Phil Duncan, Cliff Nordberg,
Ken O'Brien, Harvey Toombs, Don Lusk
Production Supervision Ben Sharpsteen
(J This Award Is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstanding merit
and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio
film commentators, and representatives of better film councils, civic and educational organizations.

Use (he
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Studio Unions Seeking Federal Intervention in
London
HOLLYWOOD—Federal intervention in the
upcoming Anglo-American film conference,
which opens Monday (15) in London, was
sought by filmdom's labor front when the
Hollywood AFL Film council, consisting of
unions and talent guilds representing more
than 20,000 studio employes, appealed to Secretary
of State Dean Acheson to step into
those conferences to "protect the jobs and the
living standards of American motion picture
workers."
Simultaneously, the local AFL group requested
the executive council of the AFL,
which began a quarterly session Monday (8)
in Philadelphia, to support its request to Secretary
Acheson.
In a written appeal to the secretary of
state, signed by Roy M. Brewer, council chairman,
the group charged that last April Harold
Wilson, British cabinet minister, told a
convention of his country's film union members
that his government "plans to bring
all possible American film production to England
and that such action would provide
more jobs for English film workers in England."
Eric Johnston, Motion Picture Ass'n of
America president, and Ellis Arnall, president
of the Society of Independent Motion
Picture Producers, will meet formally with
British government representatives, including
Wilson, in London (15) to negotiate a new
agreement replacing the Anglo-American pact
which expires June 1. That pact, the AFL
Film council charges, has resulted in more
and more American pictures, designed for
the American market, being made in Britain
by U.S. companies, employing English workers
"at cut-rate wages far below American
standards."
Brewer's missive to Acheson warned of the
"very grave danger that still more jobs of
American motion picture workers will be lost
to them by pressure applied directly by the
British government against the American film
industry," and cited official figures of the
California state bureau of labor statistics
showing that employment of skilled and unskilled
manual labor in Hollywood studios
had plummeted from 21,000 in 1940 and 24,000
in 1946 to 13,000 in March, 1950.
A political note was interjected into the
communique when Acheson's attention was
drawn to the assertion that the same British
union meeting addressed by Wilson in
April voted to protest to the U.S. Supreme
Court regarding that body's action in refusing
to review the contempt of Congress convictions
of Hollywood's so-called "Unfriendly
Ten." That same British union group, the
AFL Film council charged, made no protest
regarding the trial and conviction of Cardinal
Mindszenty and added the "pertinent note"
that "one of the important objectives of the
worldwide Communist party is to move away
from Hollywood and the shores of the U.S. as
much motion picture production as possible."
The council declared that any situation
which allows "still more jobs of loyal American
workers ... to be transferred to British
workers should be viewed as being against
American public policy and one of grave
concern to our State department." It requested
that Acheson undertake to have the
American government represented at the
Anglo-American pact negotiation sessions
and "take "such steps as may be necessary
to protect the interests of the American public
and the American motion picture workers
in this particular situation."
Deal Completed to Make
First U.S. Film in Turkey
HOLLYWOOD—Packaging arrangements
have been completed for Gloria Swanson to
star in, and William Dieterle to produce and
direct, "The Besieged Heart," first American
film to be financed by Turkish interests and
to be produced in Turkey. The story is an
original by Robert Hill.
The picture will be produced at the AND
studios in Istanbul, which by government edict
is the only film plant in Turkey approved
for the production of American films. No
starting date or release have been set.
Walker Rejoins Warners
NEW YORK—Mort Blumenstock, Warner
Bros, vice-president in charge of advertising
and publicity, has returned Don Walker of
Kansas City to his field staff. Walker has
just completed an engagement with Selznick.
He will cover territory included in the five
exchange centers of Kansas City, St. Louis.
Des Moines, Omaha and Denver, and will have
headquarters in Kansas City.
PARAMOUNT
TRADE SHOWS
Wednesday, May 17 *
THE LAWLESS
starring
MACDONALD CAREY
GAIL RUSSELL
with
John Sands *
John Hoyt -
Lee Patrick
Lalo Rios
Directed by Joseph Losey ,
Written for the Screen by Geoffrey Homes
Produced by WILLIAM H. PINE and
WILLIAM C. THOMAS
I
J
CITY PLACE OF SCREENING TIME
ALBANY FOX SCREENING ROOM, 1052 Broadway 7.30 P.M.
ATLANTA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 154 Walton St., N. W 10,30 A.M.
BOSTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 58 Berkeley Street 2 P.M.
BUFFALO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 464 Franklin Street 2 P.M
CHARLOTTE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 305 S. Church Street 10 A.M.
CHICAGO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1306 S. Michigan Ave 1:30 P.M.
CINCINNATI PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1214 Central Parkway 2:30 P.M
CLEVELAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1735 E. 23rd Street 2 P.M
DALLAS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 412 S. Harwood St 2:30 P M
DENVER PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2100 Stout St. . .(May 18)*... 3.30 P.M
DES MOINES PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1125 High Street 1 P.M.
DETROIT PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 479 Ledyard Ave 2 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 116 West Michigan Street 1 P.M.
JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA THEATRE SCREENING ROOM, Florida Theatre Bldg..8 P.M.
KANSAS CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1800 Wyandotte Street 2 P.M.
LOS ANGELES PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1 61 3 West 20th Street 1:30 P.M.
MEMPHIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 362 South Second Street 2:30 P.M.
MILWAUKEE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1121 North 81h St 2 P.M.
MINNEAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1 201 Currie Avenue 2 P.M.
NEW HAVEN PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 82 State Street 2 P.M
NEW ORLEANS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 215 South liberty Street 10:30 A.M.
NEW YORK CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1501 B'way (9th Floor) 10:30 A.M.
OKLAHOMA CITY.... PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 701 W. Grand Avenue./ 1 PM
OMAHA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1704 Davenport St.. (May 18)*.. 1 P.M.
PHILADELPHIA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 248 North 12th Street 2 P.M.
PITTSBURGH PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1727 Boulevard of Allies 2 P.M.
PORTLAND, ORE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 909 N. W. 19th Avenue I 30 P.M.
ST. LOUIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2949 Olive Street I P M
SALT LAKE CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 270 E. 1st South Street 1:30 P M
SAN FRANCISCO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 205 Golden Gale Ave 2 P.M.
SEATTLE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2330 First Avenue 1.30 PM.
WASHINGTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 306 H. Street, N. W 2.30 P.M.
'NOTE Trade screening for Denver and Omaha it May 18
30 BOXOFFICE :: May 13. 1950

. . Set
— .—
^%

The Decade of Opportunity: 1950-1960
How it will affect the recreation and amusement industries
By the 1940 's, the average industrial
worker had more than twice as much free
time for recreation as the worker of the
1890's. Practically everyone had come to
accept recreation as one of the necessities
of life.
And recreation had become big business.
Consumer expenditures for recreation— for
entertainment and amusement; spectator
sports; reading, hobbies, pets, and toys;
organizations and clubs; radio, television,
and musical instruments; and
sports and sports equipment—were $3.9
billion in 1940. Since then they have
soared to a record-breaking $10.1 billion.
What will they be 10 years from now?
Conservative estimates point to a
potential growth of more than 20% by the
end of the decade. This means that by 1960
Americans should be spending some $12.1
billion a year for their recreation.
Here are some of the reasons why the
next 10 years should prove a Decade of
Opportunity for recreation industries.
1. By 1960 there should be 160 million
Americans—10 million more recreationminded
consumers than there are today.
2. People will have more money. Average
family income should reach $4029 a year
by 1960 compared to the present average
of $3646.
3. Records of past years show that during
periods of high employment and high
income people spend more for recreation.
So, during the Decade of Oppor-
•
tunity those who provide recreational
products and services may reap greaterthan-average
increases.
4. Further spread of the 5-day week, and
wider granting of vacations with pay,
should bring more demand—and more ,
dollars—to the recreation business.
5. More company-sponsored recreational
programs for employees, increasing
interest in hobbies, and building up of

.
—
community recreation areas should mean
more business for those who provide
needed products and facilities.
6. Continuing growth of television, and
the prospect of color-television within
the decade should bring major gains in
this branch of recreation.
There are other reasons, too, but they all
point in the same direction: a cool $2
billion a year expansion for the
recreation business by the end of the
Decade of Opportunity.
And the ones who benefit most will be
those who see the opportunity most clearly
and plan most wisely to take advantage
of it.
These plans will include things that
have always been important: keeping a step
ahead of America's sudden shifts in
recreational fads and fancies, providing
products and services people want at
prices they can afford to pay, and, perhaps
most important of all, showing and
telling the American people what you have
to sell.
This means advertising. And in a nation
where recreation is considered a necessity
rather than a luxury, it means advertising
that reaches great numbers of people.
Of all the magazines you can use to show
and tell people what you have to offer,
LIFE is by far the biggest.
LIFE is read by many million more
people than read any other weekly magazine.
It is read by more men than read
any men's magazine, by more women than
read any women's magazine. It reaches 1
out of every 3 families in the country
more families in any one week than are
reached by any of the 10 biggest radio
shows
For advertisers in recreational fields,
LIFE has other unique values. It is the
most significant of all magazines to
retailers. These merchants know that
advert ised-in-LIFE promotions are surefire
volume builders, so they tie in with
LIFE more
i
than with any other magazine.
In addition, LIFE'S unique picture-andword
reporting— its exciting weekly highlights
from the world of movies, theater
and entertainment—have attracted and held
the eager weekly attention of recreationminded
America. Because LIFE has itself
become so vital a part of our national
recreation, it is an ideal show-case for
entertainments and amusements.
Advertisers know these facts. They are
major reasons why during 1949 the recreation
industries and businesses invested
$3,567,887 to advertise in LIFE—over half
a million more dollars-for-selling than
they invested in their second-choice
magazine.
So, as you consider your selling plane
for the Decade of Opportunity, consider
the advantages of showing and telling one
fifth of the nation about your products or
services in the youngest big magazine, the
most vital and interesting big magazine,
the biggest big magazine in America—LIFE.
For most of the facts and figures on the future of America's economy quoted in this
message, LIFE is indebted to the study made by the Twentieth Century Fund, entitled
"America's Needs and Resources."
The Twentieth Century Fund is maintained by the philanthropies of the late Edward
A. Filene. Its activities consist solely of scientific and objective research into economic
problems, and in non-partisan public education.
* * *
If you wish reprints of this advertisement, write Clay Buckhout, LIFE, 9 Rockefeller
Plaza, New York 20, N. Y.
Copyright 1950, TIME, Inc.
DOE

Theatre Construction, Openings and Sales
CONSTRUCTION:
Aulander. N. C.—Drive-in under way lor Pete
Lassiter.
Butler, Pa.—Grading started on 350-car Chicora
being erected by Blatt Bros.
Chadboura. N. C—D. W. Smith to build drive-in.
Chicago, III.—Louis F. Jelinek to remodel Skyhi
in suburban Elmhurst into 2,000-car, twin-screen
dnve-in al a cost cf $500,000.
Ciio. S. C. —Construction begun on Marlboro Theatre
by Arthur Martin.
Columbia, S. C.—Hall's Drive-In under way tor
Harold Hall in West Columbia.
Coraopolis, Pa.—Joseph Marcus constructing Dependable
Drive-In.
Dobscn, N. C.—J. J. Booth erecting dnve-in.
Evans ville, Ind.—Work nearly completed- on 750-
car drive-in being erected by Sunset Drive-In Corp.
Greencastle, Ind.—Archie Allen building 375-car
drive-in five miles north of town.
Hearne, Tex.—Construction ot drive-in started near
junction of highways 6 and 180 by Frank Navels.
Live Oak, Fla.—Construction of drive-in on Lake
City highway started by R. E. Cannon of Cannon
Theatres.
Memphis, Tenn.—Construction begun on 1,400-seat
Crosstown for Malco, Inc.
Mobile, Ala.—Work progressing on drive-in being
erected by Do Drive-In Theatre Corp. #
Mobile, Ala.— 435-car, $75,000 drive-in under way
f or Do Drive-In Corp.
Monks Corner, S. C.—200-car Berkeley under cons
ruction for William Friddell.
Parnassus, Pa.—Serrao Bros, erecting drive-in to
open soon".
Philadelphia, Pa.—Work under way on Southside
Drive-In for Goldfine Bros.
Ruskin, B. C.—Henry Blanchard to erect 350-car
drive-in in the Fraser valley.
St. Louis, Mo.—Work progressing on 500-car drivei.i
for George H. Wittich and Flynn Parker.
Saugatuck, Conn.—Nicholas Restaino to erect 600-
seat theatre.
Stephenville, Tex.—300-car drive-in under way tor
N. C. and C. C. Brummett on Highway 66.
Vancouver Island, B. C.—Roy Matson and associates
to erect 500-car, $85,000 drive-in.
Wilkesboro, N. C.—Ray Harris erecting Rendezvous
Theatre.
Williamsport, Pa.—William Stabler and Paul Shater
to burld drive-in.
mm
wmmmmm
OPENINGS:
Albanv, Ga.—$75,000 Slappey Drive-In opened by
L. T. Sheffield.
Angola, N. Y.—Grandview Drive-In opened.
Atchison, Kas.—500-car, $100,000 drive-in opened
by Charles Mcrrtin, Harold Lux and Charles Potter.
Atlanta, Ga.—800-car Bankhead opened by William
K. Jenkins, president of West End Theatres.
Benson, N. C.—200-car Star-Vue opened by Alonzo
Parrish.
Caro, Mich.—500-car, $60,000 Caro opened by Ashmun
Theatres.
Carrizo Springs, Tex.—Winter Garden, 300 cars,
opened by Andrew Majek and H. W. Hartung.
Charleston, S. C—400-car, 300-seat, $50,000 Ebony
opened by Palmetto Theatres.
Cheboygan, Mich.—Gold Front opened by John C.
McClelldnd.
CMllicothe, Mo.—246-car 65 opened by Merle Jones
cm-- Angelo Saccaro.
Cleveland, Miss.—550-car, $75,000 Chief opened by
C. J. Collier, B. F. Jackson, Mrs. Clara Mae Collier
and Mrs. Valeria Gullett.
Columbia, S. C.—Skyway Annex, 200 cars, opened
by W T. Cameron.
Cross Keys, Pa.—Cross Keys Drive-In to open immediately
on Lirjcoln highway.
Derby, Vt.—300-car Derby-Port to open soon for
Green Mountain Drive-In Theatres, Inc.
Easley, S. C.—375-car Easley Drive-In opened by
D&R Theatres, Inc.
Frederick, Okla.—400-car drive-in opened by Video
Independent Theatres, Inc.
Greensburg, Pa.—400-car Odin opened by Bruno
Ferrari, John Ridilla and John Slate.
Hamilton, Ohio—George Turlukis opened drive-in.
Independence, Kas.—313-car Sunset opened by Theatre
Enterprises, Inc., and William H. Wagner.
Kinston, N. C.—C. A. Broadway opened 200-ccrr
Broadway.
Louisville, Ky.— Preston Drive-In opened.
Moberly, Mo.—300-car drive-in opened by Elmer
Bills.
Mount Holly, N. I.—New theatre opened by Melvin'
Fox.
Muleshoe, Tex.—Cox, 300 cars, opened by D. E.
and- A. H. Cox.
Nashville, Tenn.—Crescent Amusement Co. opened
Ingleu/ood Theatre.
Perry, Fla.—R. K. Porter opened 300-car drive-in.
Salida, Colo.—Ben and Louis Groy opened 700-car
dnve-in on Highway 50.
Torrington, Wyo.—Harry McDonald opened drive-in.
Vallejo, Calif.—850-car Vallejo Motor Movies opened
by Syuty Enterprises.
SALES:
Birch Tree. Mo.—Everett E. Maxiield purchased
Birch Tree Theatre from Shannon county.
Daytona Beach, Fla.—Warren R. Shaier has taken
over Ridgewood Theatre from Chester Humphrey.
Detroit. Mich.—John Crane has taken over Priscilla
Theatre from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Campis.
Eminence. Mo. — Everett E. Mcydield purchased
Eminence Theatre from Shannon county-
Jamestown. N. Y.—Herbert Ochs and associates
purchased interest of Stewart Sheldon and J. B.
Broadwell in Super 17 Drive-In.
Kingfisher. Okla.—Thomas Theatre purchased by
Don Abernathy.
Manchester. N. H.—Lyric sold by Mrs. Samuel Merchant
to Chris Koucolis.
New York, N. Y.—Ramon Atiles is the new owner
of the Tiffany in the Bronx.
Flckston, S. D.—Bill Weist has taken over the Pic
trom Pic Theatre Corp.
Rock Rapids, Iowa—Gerald J. Smith purchased
Rapids Theatre from Berger Amusement Corp.
San Leandro, Calif.—Dave Bolton has taken over
the drive-in from Guy Meek.
Velma. Okla.— Mrs. Kathryn Hendricks sold Velma
Theatre to Bill Copeland.
Winona. Mo.—Everett E. Mdxfield acquired Winona
from Shannon county.
Mid-Century to Release
Six Osa Johnson Films
NEW YORK—Mid-Century Pictures Corp.
has acquired worldwide distribution rights to
six new Osa Johnson pictures, "I Paced
Death," "Safari," "Head -Hunters," "Cannibal
Land," "Jungle Mysteries" and "Wild Jungle
Man." The first release is scheduled for June
1, according to Julius W. Levine, president.
Mrs. Johnson, widow of Martin Johnson,
has headed 12 safaris into the jungles of
Borneo, Africa and the South Seas.
She is planning another expedition into the
African jungle and will produce several new
pictures for Mid-Century release.
COLUMBIA
SBRIAL
BECAUSE . . . The deadly, powerful, vastly-exciting ATOM MAN is
decidedly an extra entertainment PLUS!
• Each and every chapter is
loaded with amazing SUPERMAN feats!
• The greatest exploitation campaign in serial history is backed by
National Comics Publications, American Broadcasting Co., McClure
Syndicate and SUPERMAN Merchants Coast -To -Coast!
• An even greater SUPERMAN-sold audience is
waiting to fill those extra serial seats in an y
theatre, anywhere — an audience 'way up
in the millions!
W
34 BOXOFFICE
:: May 13, 1950

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
BOXOFFICE PAYS ITS 360TH
BONUS FOR TOP PROMOTIONS
Fran Aiello
f ^
M. W. Mattecheck
Derald Hart
Herb Graefe, manager of the Door Theatre,
Sturgeon Bay, Wis., winner of a BOXOFFICE
Bonus during August 1949, came up with another
Bonus producing promotion in the 36th
consecutive monthly recognition made by
BOXOFFICE for exceptional theatre showmanship.
Graefe and nine other theatremen will receive
$10 and a Citation of Honor for meritorious
achievement during April in all
phases of theatre promotion. The manager
of the Door Theatre inaugurated Story Tellig
Time as an influential medium of attracting
kid patronage early on Saturday matinee
shows and for keeping the youngsters entertained
during a period when they are usually
restless and inclined to vandalism. A
music shop sponsors the idea which simply
provides for the audience to hear records of
popular juvenile stories over the public address
system.
For cooperative newspaper advertising promoted
in conjunction with a spring style
show, a Bonus was awarded to Jack Hastings,
manager of the Iola (Kas.) Theatre. Owner-
Manager M. W. Mattecheck of the Mack
Theatre, McMinnville,
Ore., earned a Bonus
for a colorful theatre
front he used in connection
with "Sands of
Iwo Jima."
For his outstanding
initiative in promoting
front page publicity
and all around showmanship,
a Bonus was
awarded to Derald
Hart, manager of the
Chief Theatre, Colorado
Springs, Colo. Herb Graefe
Gil
Schoeffler. manager of the Blue Mouse Theatre,
Tacoma, Wash., earned a Bonus for an
exceptionally good lobby display.
Maynard Gray of the Rex, Rivers, Man.,
Canada, earned a Bonus in the program classification
for heralds he has used recently.
Fran Aiello, who staged a cattle roundup in
the main streets to ballyhoo "Montana,"
earned a Bonus and Citation.
For institutional promotion in helping a
group of local youths raise needed funds, a
Bonus was awarded to S. E. Pascoe Williams,
manager of the Ritz Cinema, Woking. Surrey
in England.
The Bonus for a general tieup was given
to Roy Prytz. manager of the Granada, Duluth,
Minn. Prytz arranged a civic celebration
honoring the producer of "Jolson Sings
Again" after inviting the hometown boy to
the Granada opening. A $10 Bonus and
Citation was given to Leo A. Lajoie, manager,
Capitol, Worcester, Mass., for an unusual
advertisement he used in the classified ad
columns.
This brings to 360 the number of Bonuses
awarded by BOXOFFICE.
Roy Prvtz
iik
Maynard Gray Gil Schoeffler Jack Hastings
(l->oxof[ice ->Timtnunuion
lilt
Three years ago this month, BOXOFFICE presented a new
incentive to theatremen in the form of a Bonus plan. The Bonus
was intended to stimulate new thinking and new ideas In behalf
of the boxoffice, and to reward and encourage theatremen for
outstanding achievement in every phase of theatre promotion.
The winners for April 1950, who are listed on this page, represent
the 36th consecutive monthly Bonus of S100 which BOX-
OFFICE has paid since May 1947. They complete the present
Honor Roll for promotional achievement reflecting 360 individual
Citations plus the cash Bonus for service to their fellow theatremen
and to their industry.
The Bonus idea is a revolutionary departure from all previous
types of showmanship competition. It offers equal opportunity to
every manager, assistant manager and theatre publicity man without
favor, without distinction as to class or type of theatre. It
offers the individual with a limited budget an opportunity for
recognition, regardless of whether his operation enjoys a generous
budget and the advantages of distributor cooperation, or whether
his budget is confined to a house program or lobby advertising.
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 13, 1950 173 — 35

d-toxottice
-STimmunition
(Continued from preceding page)
The Bonus plan has served as an equalizer. This is best illustrated by the following
statistics compiled from the list of 360 showmen who have earned a Bonus since
1947. The figures have been reduced to percentage of the total Bonuses.
First Run Theatres in Metropolitan Areas 9.44%
Subsequent Bun Theatres in Large Cities 16.94%
Theatres in Towns 10,000-25,000 Population 43.89%
Theatres in Towns Under 10,000 Population 29.72%
Another breakdown showing the classification
a Bonus follows:
of theatremen who have earned
Owners who manage their own theatres 21.66%
Assistants and publicity men 6.39%
Manager of major circuit theatres 18.33%
Manager of independent circuits 53.61%
Since every Bonus is paid on the basis of outstanding ideas and promotions
received by the Showmandiser, and because these figures represent a true crosssection
of initiative among theatres of all types, the figures above provide interesting
data. For one thing, the managers of first run theatres represented by the 18.33
per cent of the total do not have a corner on practical showmanship methods.
The 21.66 per cent which represents the independent exhibitor who manages
his own theatre is higher. This is surprising because it is generally assumed that
pressure from the home office keeps circuit managers on the hop. Having no boss,
the independent exhibitor can either go in for exploitation or he can leave it alone.
The figures seem to prove that he elects to exploit instead of taking the easy road.
The largest proportion of Bonus winners appears to be in the group which
embraces independent circuits including theatres in metropolitan centers and small
towns alike. This is the group which has been pressing of late for distributor aid
in the selling of pictures. We offer it to the distributors' representatives for what
it is worth. If these theatres are operated by men who are exploitation conscious, a
little help with the budget might have a far-reaching effect on the current drive to
recapture a share of the "lost" attendance.
Meantime, BOXOFFICE will continue the Bonus plan, and the Showmandiser
section, will continue to make available to subscribers the vast wealth of boxoffice
ammunition provided by the hundreds of ideas and promotions submitted by showmen
through these pages.
— Chester Friedman
Cinderella Search
Draws 25 Finalists
Under the sponsorship of Thalhimer's department
store, a Search for Cinderella contest
was climaxed at the opening night of
"Cinderella" at the Byrd Theatre with a special
stage presentation and crowning of the
winner. The promotion was handled by Dan
R. Wilkinson, advertising and publicity director
for Neighborhood Theatres, Inc.
The contest ran ten days, during which
Thalhimer's ran two full pages of advertising.
This was split up in five advertisements.
The store provided a beautiful white evening
gown, a Cinderella record album, complete
wardrobe and a three-day excursion to New
York for the winner.
Twenty-five finalists appeared on the
stage opening night with Dan Cornell, RCA
recording star acting as Prince Charming.
Tickets for the opening performance were
sold In advance at regular admission prices.
The presentation ceremonies were broadcast
over radio station WRVA. A capacity audience
and a highly profitable run of
the picture
confirmed the success of the promotion.
'Great Rupert' Receives
Good Press at Buffalo
A citywide campaign under the direction
of Earl Hubbard, publicist for the 20th Century
Theatre, Buffalo, heralded the opening
of "The Great Rupert." Both daily papers,
the Courier and the News, cooperated with
liberal art and story breaks. The Polish
daily paper ran a three-day drawing contest
in addition to the regular press notices and
art.
The local Camel cigaret distributors supplied
1,000 cards plugging Jimmie Durante
and the picture. The cards were placed in
store windows throughout the city.
All Buffalo taxicabs displayed process
cards plugging the playdates, and attractive
window displays based on merchandise tieups
were arranged with downtown stores.
Vets See 'Battleground'
Sam Carr, manager of the Ritz, Greenville,
Ala., invited local veterans to the opening
night of "Battleground." The story made
the front page of the local papers. A false
front, heralds delivered house to house and
a personal endorsement in all advertising also
exploited the playdates.
Disk Jockey, Papers
Give Strong Play
To Third Man'
A screening of "The Third Man" arranged
by Lester Pollock, manager of Loew's Theatre,
Rochester, N. Y.. for radio disk jockeys,
feature writers, columnists and editors of
daily and weekly newspapers elicited exceptional
publicity breaks in conjunction with
the picture's booking.
The Democrat and Chronicle, and the
Times-Union, gave the picture a terrific play
through art and feature stories starting more
than two weeks prior to opening. Columnists
and film reviewers gave the picture rave reviews
and personal endorsements.
RECORDINGS ON AIR DAILY
Disk jockeys on radio stations WHAM,
WHEC, WEVT, WARD, WSAY and WRNY
used recordings by MGM, Decca and London
almost every day, with mention of the picture
booking at Loew's.
Mort Nusbaum devoted a
15-minute program on WHAM exclusively to
zither recordings, including "The Third Man
Theme." Bob Trebor, station WENT, ran a
three-day contest awarding theatre passes to
listeners responding to a quiz on "The Third
Man." Replies jammed the station telephone
board during the three days.
A joint tieup with the Abendpost, German
daily newspaper, and radio station WARC.
netted a wealth of publicity in connection
with a contest seeking the best zither player
in the area. Pollock promoted a silver loving
cup for the winner. Thirty-eight zither players
who responded were presented and judged
on radio station WARC.
To reach owners of 35,000 television sets in
the area, Pollock used a one-minute teaser
trailer followed by playdate and theatre slide
prior to the INS daily newscast over the
principal television station in Rochester.
CARDS IN HOTELS
Four-column Lux ads, part of the national
tieup, broke currently with the Loew booking
and carried announcements on the local
showing. Seven downtown hotels displayed
40x60s plugging the picture; 50 music streamers
tying in records were placed in music
shops throughout the city; 300 downtown
lampposts were placarded; a juke box display
was set up in the lobby featuring "The Third
Man Theme" and zither record variations
two weeks prior to opening.
Merchandising tieups produced excellent
window locations which helped to promote
the booking, and the personal appearance of
Anton Karas at the Sheraton hotel lounge
produced extra publicity by Way of interviews
and personal appearances on radio programs.
The Sheraton, in newspaper ads publicizing
Anton Karas, gave prominent mention to the
picture booking at Loew's.
Teaser Ad Gets Publicity
For 'Cab Man' Opening
A novel teaser ad aroused widespread
word of mouth publicity for "The Yellow Cab
Man" prior to its opening at the Madison
Theatre, Peoria, 111. The ad was placed by
Len Worley, manager, and sought to attract
house haunters, professional mourners,
grouches etc., to sit through a screening of
the picture. Those who were accepted and
failed to laugh were to be paid $5 in cash.
36 — 174 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 13, 1950

:
i
obvious
;>
Public Offered $100
For Balloon Return
On '12 O'Clock'
. . . .
H. S. Clough, manager of the Chimes Theatre,
Oakland, Calif., started out to promote
"Twelve O'clock High" without realizing what
an effective campaign lay in store for him.
Two weeks before opening he placed a sign
on top of his car announcing: "Big Balloon
Ascension 'Twelve O'clock High'
Chimes Theatre."
. .
He
Noon March 26 . . .
contacted all air corps installations in the
area and was surprised at the extent of the
cooperation he was offered on the picture.
Almost every conceivable type of equipment
which could be placed in the lobby was put
on exhibition. He was offered the services of
the Fourth air force band, a completely
equipped radio truck with balloons from the
naval air station and promised a personal appearance
of top army officers and Miss
Trans- America.
On opening day, he set up a temporary
stand in a nearby parking lot and let the
army take over with the band and plenty of
pomp and ceremony. Army heroes were introduced
to more than 1,000 persons who were
attracted to the scene. Three weather balloons
were inflated and released and publicspirited
merchants offered $100 in merchandise
to the person who located and returned
one of the balloons.
The local radio station sent one of its
crack men down and the events were related
to the listening audience. The Kaiser-Prazer
dealer in Oakland sponsored the broadcast.
J Two-Page 'Dozen' Co-Op
Includes Ticket Deal
Howard Pettingill. advertising manager for
Florida State Theatres in Jacksonville, promoted
a double truck newspaper ad on
"Cheaper by the Dozen" at the Florida Theatre.
Banner headline read, "The best things
in life are cheaper by the dozen." A large
ad on the picture, was placed in the center.
The merchant ads included scene cuts from
the picture and an announcement that each
dealer would give free theatre tickets to shoppers
buying merchandise in quantities of one
dozen. The merchants also paid for theatre
tickets distributed to customers.
Public Reaction
The PRINCE,
m PEACE
has been nothing
Short of Sensational! 1
...We wish to add our
Praises to those you
have already received."
|
Soys Showman
BURRIS SMITH
IMPERIAL THEATRE
Pocahontas, Ark.
,«?,
HALLMARK PRODUCTIONS,
HALLMARK BLDG
,
WILMINGTON, OHIO
«r
THE IKE STORY
r
JESDS CHRIST
Gcrqecui coio«
BOXOFFICE NUGGETS
Fred Cannata, district manager for the Uptown
and Texan theatres in Houston, made
up a combined weekly calendar for the downtown
second run theatres and had them distributed
over a radius of four miles. Cannata
went out with the handbill boys and did some
doorbell ringing on his own account. He interviewed
home owners on their opinions of
motion pictures and handed out a few passes
to surprised but happy housewives.
A party in honor of "Francis" was staged
in the swank Rose Lounge of the Ten Eyck
hotel in Albany as part of the promotion
arranged for "Francis" by George Chelius,
manager of the Ten Eyck Theatre. "Francis"
showed up and entertained the overflow
crowd, following which he was taken to the
desk and "registered." While in town, the
mule star was "interviewed" on several radio
programs.
A 3-column, 10-inch co-op ad was promoted
by Walt Powers, manager of the Oswego
(N.Y.) Theatre, as part of his campaign for
"Francis." The ad was sponsored by the
local daily, the Palladium-Times, in a classified
want-ad tieup.
Enthusiastic Exhibitors wrote this ad for
CYCLMMIC
CUSTOM SCREEN
The Magic Screen of the Future... NO W!
"...improvement in the screen at
Capital Theatre.. . and
outstanding ... we intend to install
these screens in all our theatres."
Frederick Mercy, Jr.
FIRST NATIONAL THEATRES, Inc.
Yakima, Washington
". . . great improvement over screen
we have been using . . . gives pictures
a richness we have never
before seen on any screen."
Hugo D. Jorgensen, MAIN THEATRE
Rigby, Idaho
"...my front seats just filled space.
Now, with this
SCREEN I
new CYCLORAMIC
have no trouble filling
these seats with customers."
Edward Lachman, STATE THEATRE
Boonton, N. J.
"...since you installed the new
Distributed
Starke CYCLORAMIC Screen at
our Criterion Theatre, we have the
finest picture on Broadway."
through
Theatre Supply Dealers
in all film Centers
Charles B. Moss, B. S. MOSS CORP.
New York, N. Y.
"...there has not been a day since
the CYCLORAMIC Screen was put
in service that we have failed to
have unsolicited comments from
patrons expressing their delight
with the improvement."
Hugh W. Bruen
BRUENS WHITTIER THEATRES. Inc.
Whiltier, Calif.
*. . . customer's reaction has made us
very happy with the CYCLORAMIC
installation ... it not only increases
our screen light . . . but our sound
seems better."
Chas. H. Code, DREAM THEATRE
Nome, Alaska
"... we are tickled pink with the results...
can truthfully say it has
increased our light. ..given us more
light and has eliminated the objections
of patrons in sitting in the
side sections."
...can WE say more!
Manufactured by
B. F. SHEARER
COMPANY
2318 Second Avenue, Seattle 1, Washington
leroy V Johnson, THEATRES, Inc.
Seattle, Washington
Sold Exclusively in Export by
FRAZAR I HANSEN Ltd.
301 Clay St., San Francisco, Calif.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 13, 195Q — 175 —
37

Toledo Gives Local Girl a Welcome
As Ballyhoo for 'Yellow Cab Man'
The mayor oi Toledo gives Bridget Carr the key to the city as Abe Ludacer. right, manager
of the Valentine Theatre, and the president oi the Chamber oi Commerce beam.
Bridget Carr, MGM screen starlet who is
making a cross-country tour in a taxicab to
promote "The Yellow Cab Man," received a
rousing reception when she reached her home
town of Toledo, Ohio. Her arrival coincided
with the opening of "The Yellow Cab Man"
at the Valentine Theatre. Abe Ludacer, the
manager, arranged a series of promotions
which received extensive publicity in local
news columns and on the air.
Upon her arrival at the city outskirts,
Ludacer arranged to have Miss Carr met and
escorted to the mayor's office by a fleet of
50 Yellow cabs. The mayor greeted the
actress and presented her the key to the city.
He issued a proclamation in behalf of her
title as Safety Queen, which brought the picture
to the attention of thousands in the city.
Miss Carr attended a press luncheon and
visited Woodward High school, her alma
mater, where she addressed the student body
on safety. During her visit to the school, she
was given her graduation diploma which had
been left behind when Hollywood beckoned.
Toledo news photographers had a field day
Lily Watt Is Transferred
To Home Town in England
Lily Watt, who has been manager of the
Florida Cinema at King Park in Glasgow,
Scotland, the last nine years, has been transferred
by Odeon of England to manager of
the Odeon Theatre in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire,
her home town. Descriptions of a number
of Miss Watt's showmanship efforts have
been published in Showmandiser. She is the
only woman manager in the J. Arthur Rank
circuit of 1,500 theatres in Britain.
Borrows Midget Racer
Bonnie Percy, assistant manager of the
Roxy Theatre, Tacoma, Wash., obtained the
loan of a midget auto racer for display
in the lobby for "The Big Wheel." The attraction
sign was animated with large cutouts
of the star of the picture and a racing
car. For "Ambush," Percy had the doorman
and usherettes don western type levi hats
and blouses, and arm bands plugging the
playdates.
38
following Miss Carr around the city to her
old haunts.
Radio station WTOL sponsored a contest
on what the amount of fare would be on a
taxi meter from Hollywood to Toledo. Miss
Carr, on the Record club program, announced
the actual amount and the winner of the
contest. Passes were prizes.
Miss Carr was interviewed on several women's
radio programs. Lamson's department
store featured a window display of stills
of Miss Carr and production scenes from
"The Yellow Cab Man." The Safety queen
cut the tape to open the store's new beauty
salon, and distributed 1,000 yellow roses to
store customers, tagged with greetings from
"The Yellow Cab Man" and an Imprint plugging
the theatre dates.
Lamson's and the local De Soto dealer used
co-op ads announcing Miss Carr's appearance
in the city in conjunction with the picture
opening at the Valentine. Additional
newspaper breaks were obtained when the
visitor was made an honorary recruiting
sergeant for the State guard.
Parking Lot Reserved
For Double of Francis
Charlie Konick, manager of the Manos
Theatre, Ellwood City, Pa., used a novel
teaser ballyhoo on "Francis." Konick roped
off a section of the parking lot adjacent to
the theatre and placed some bales of hay
in it for atmosphere. A large sign in the
enclosure read, "Reserved for Francis." A
few days later, a burro, trained to make weird
noises, was placed in the enclosure with a
new sign reading, "I'm no jackass. I'm going
to see Francis, the talking mule." During
busy shopping periods, the burro was
paraded through town and taken to nearby
communities where he attracted considerable
attention.
Teases 'Without Honor
Doug Smith, advertising manager for
Odeon Theatres in Halifax, N. S., used a
series of teaser ads on "Without Honor" at
the Garrick Theatre.
Copy contained a personal
message to provoke curiosity.
— 176 —
It's the Little Ideas,
Consistent Effort
That Aid Business
Gordon Spradley, manager of the Capitol
Theatre, Miami, had displays in three downtown
music stores, tying in with the recording
of the title tune of "Mule Train." Radio
station WGBS, local outlet for the Gene
Autry show, gave the picture 12 plugs in return
for a trailer calling attention to the
air show.
Borden's dairy distributed 10,000 milk bottle
hangers. These carried a two-column ad
cut, theatre imprint, and copy in which
Autry endorsed milk as "a real guy's drink.''
To sell a combination program of "Congorilla"
and "Borneo, Land of the Devil
Beast," a cutout of a gorilla was placed in
the lobby two weeks in advance. Spradley
had a ferocious head of a gorilla painted on
all mirrors in the theatre, and distributed
2,000 small envelopes containing Life Savers,
with proper copy. For current ballyhoo, a
flash front was constructed using cutout animals
against a background of palmetto leaves.
In the lobby, Spradley had two 40x60s made
up for one-sheets and stills to promote
"Rocket Ship" and the associate feature,
"Mars Attacks the World." To focus attention
on an ad he ran in the Miami Herald,
Spradley took a one-column box ad on the
front page, with copy: "Mars Attacks the
World . . . see page 19." Blowups were made
of headlines taken from the files of the
Miami Daily News on the flying saucer incidents,
and placed in strategic locations
around the theatre.
Spradley set up a booth in the lobby with
a sign over it reading, "Make reservations
here for the first scheduled Rocket Ship
flight to Mars." During the first two days,
Bill Baggs, columnist for the Daily News, sat
in the booth and interviewed people who
wanted to sign up. Baggs devoted his Sunday
column to these interviews, including a
timely plug for the program at the Capitol.
Child Star of 'Affair-
Center of Ad Campaign
Interboro circuit managers of the Long
Island, N. Y., theatres, under the direction of
Lew Preston, zone manager, attended a
screening of "Holiday Affair," following which
angles were selected on which to sell the
picture. In all the campaigns, the advertising
stressed the fact that Gordon Gebeit.
new child star playing an important role
in the film, has been recommended to the
Academy award committee for a 1950 Oscar.
This point was put over in circulars, lobby
displays, special trailers and house programs.
Sunrise Services Held
At Two Reade Drive-Ins
As a public service, Easter sunrise services
were conducted at two Walter Reade
drive-ins under the sponsorship of the Council
of Churches. Four Trenton churches endorsed
services at the Lawrence Drive-In.
The church council of Kingston, N. Y., approved
similar services at the 9-W Drive-In in
that city. Platforms were erected at the foot
of the screen for the clergy and choir. The
in-car sound system was used.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 13. 1950

.
Travel Agency Tieups
Help Bally 'Nancy'
In Oklahoma City
Glen Walker, ad manager for the Midwest
Theatre, Oklahoma City, tied up with travel
agencies to exploit "Nancy Goes to Rio." He
had a 40x60 displayed in the main window
of the Braniff Airlines office. The firm also
supplied the theatre with 2,000 air maps, with
the picture title stamped on each one, for
distribution at the theatre.
At the Santa Pe Trailways, a three-sheet
cutout and a 40x60 were displayed in the window
in advance of and during the current
showing. The Fidelity National bank displayed
a poster card with copy, "When you
travel to Rio, etc. . . . You get your travelers
checks here." Picture title, stills and theatre
playdates appeared on the card.
Walker tied up with the Jenkins music
store, and obtained a record player and the
album of song hits from the picture to entertain
patrons in the theatre lobby in advance
of playdate. The store also used a full
window display based on the album, with
posters plugging the picture. Several other
downtown windows were obtained for displays
of color blowups.
Affiliated theatres in the city used trailers
a week in advance, and a sneak previewattended
by a select list of prominent persons
and businessmen helped to stimulate advance
interest in the picture.
Girl Scout Patronage
Helps Boost 'Women'
To stimulate advance interest in his booking
of the short subject, "Women of Tomorrow,"
Manny Winston, manager of the Wicomico
Theatre, Salisbury, Md., contacted
55 Girl Scout troupes in his area and made
a personal pitch for patronage. A screening
was arranged for leaders of the various
troupes, and a leading department store featured
a full window display of Girl Scout
equipment and apparel with posters and stills
plus theatre announcement cards. The picture
also was publicized through stories in
the local press and plugs on news programs.
More than 25 Scout troups attend the
showing in groups.
Borrowed Ad Copy Idea
Beneficial to Theatre
Borrowing an idea which appeared to be
effective for local merchants who advertise.
Rufe Neas, manager of the Lyric Theatre,
Elkin, N. C, reports his matinee business has
improved steadily. Neas noticed that most
merchants were using "Save Money" in their
ads. He adopted the slogan as part of the
regular theatre signature, including a line
on his afternoon admission price. Stunt has
caught on with local patrons, with the result
that there has been improvement in matinee
attendance.
Neas regularly circularizes rural householders
in the area with a weekly program listing
the coming week's shows. These are imprinted
on postal cards and cost slightly more
than one cent delivered.
To exploit "Young Daniel Boone" a false
front was created using posters and stills
against a background of log peelings. An
overhead banner was lettered with star and
title
credits.
216 Title Aspirants
In 'Samson Contest
Washington newspapers gave excellent cooperation
to Jack Foxe, publicity director for
Loew Theatres in the nation's capital, in connection
with a "Samson and Delilah" search
to exploit Cecil B. DeMille's latest production
at the Capitol Theatre.
The search was set up in the form of a contest
which eventually attracted 216 title
aspirants to the stage of the Capitol. Foxe
contacted schools, colleges and pools to enlist
contest entrants. Newspapers published photographs
of many contestants, columnists ran
gag stories, and every daily in the district
used three and four column art spreads showing
the winner.
The contest itself attracted a capacity audience
to the theatre, providing excellent wordof-mouth
publicity prior to the picture's opening.
The Times-Herald published a half-page
pictorial layout of the story.
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BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 13. 1950 — 177 39

'•
May
lee Cream Contest
Flavors Kid Show
tREAM EATJN5
COMlE
George Page, manager of the Seco. Silver
Spring. Md.. tied up with the Sealtest dealer
for an ice cream-eating contest and a bicycle
giveaway on the Saturday before Easter.
The sponsor underwrote all expenses of
the show and awarded a bicycle to the winner
of a quiz test for the youngsters, merchandise
certificates to runnersup and gallons
of free ice cream to other contestants.
Dick Mansfield, director of the Washington
Evening Star's school safety program, conducted
the quiz. Page arranged for distribution
of heralds in all schools, promoted radio
plugs on station WNBW's Hopalong Cassidy
television show, used lobby displays and a
trailer to stimulate interest in the show. Program
met with such success that Sealtest
will sponsor similar shows in ten Warner
theatres in the Washington and District of
Columbia territory.
A big picture requires bigtime showmanship
and big displays. Here's a real eyecatching
lobby display created by Boyd
Sparrow, manager of the Warfield, San
Francisco, to let patrons know that "Annie
Get Your Gun" has been dated for a prerelease
booking.
At right, Sol Gordon,
manager of the Wisconsin,
Milwaukee, developed
this display for
"Challenge to Lassie."
Photos and pedigrees of
dogs available for
adoption from the Wisconsin
Humane society
formed the basis of the
display which attracted
an assortment of "ohs"
and "ahs" from grownups
and youngsters.
At left, parade inaugurated
Movies Are Better
campaign for S. DiGennaro,
manager of the
Fortway, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Below is a lobby stunt
he used for "When Willie
Comes Marching
Home."
Right, part of publicist
Paula Gould's ballyhoo
for "Reformer and the
Redhead" at the Capitol,
New York. Girl
models and stuifed animals
stopped crowds
along the Great White
Way.
40
— 178 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser
:
13. 1950

"
)
Wilcoxon Appearance
Rates Editorial at
Savannah, Ga.
Leslie Swaebe, manager of the Avon Theatre,
Savannah, Ga., reports record breaking
business during the run of "Samson and
Delilah" due to the appearance of Henry
Wilcoxon in town as an advance public relations
booster. Wilcoxon, who appears in the
film, aroused wide interest. He amazed local
exhibitors by walking into the offices of the
Savannah Morning News, introducing himself
to the publisher as an actor, and promptly
acquiring an editorial for the picture
which was a terrific boost for the entire
industry. Every previous editorial on movies
in the paper had been of a critical nature.
Swaebe invited 400 civic leaders, press and
radio representatives, clergymen and women's
club leaders to a lecture by Wilcoxon. He
set up five radio interviews for the star and
the visit was further publicized through news
broadcasts on all Savannah stations with full
mention of the theatre playdates.
Merchandising tieups with jewelry, clothing,
etc., accounted for several attractive
windows in the downtown area, with still
displays and signs calling attention to the
Avon booking.
Comments Used in Ads
Aid Lexington 'Willie'
John Hutchings, manager of the Ben Ali
Theatre, Lexington, Ky„ screened "When
Willie Comes Marching Home" for representatives
of the PTA, veteran groups, two "Willies"
from the University of Kentucky, and
two girls from each high school and the
manager of the radio station.
Quotes from the guests were used in newspaper
ads. and part of the ad campaign offered
a "money back guarantee" if the picture
failed to entertain. The radio station
also made a tape recording of the comment"
of those at the screening for airing on two
successive nights.
Women Receive Flowers
And Bake Sunshine Cakes
Roger Gagnon, manager of the Plainfield
(Conn.) Theatre arranged a tieup through a
florist to present free corsages to the first
50 women who attended "Dear Wife" on
opening day. For "Riding High." Gagnon
invited women of the community to bring
some cheer to youngsters to the County Home
for Children through a Bake a Sunshine Cake
contest. He offered passes to those who
baked the most cheerful looking cake, and
the kids had a party.
Guard Aids '12 O'Clock'
With the aid of the National guard, Jackson
Hurford. manager of the Liberty Theatre,
Elizabeth, N. J., set up an eye-catching window
display in a local men's and boys' clothing
store on "Twelve O'clock High." The
center of the display was a dummy wearing
a uniform used in high altitude flights. A
parachute bag formed the backdrop, on which
were posted aerial photographs, and production
stills and playdate credits completed the
display. The guard, in addition, set up a
recruiting booth in the theatre lobby.
Book Ballyhoo and Window Tieups
Spotlight 'All the King's Men
National ads which attracted attention
three days prior to opening helped to exploit
"All the King's Men" at Loew's in Rochester.
N. Y. These ads played up the Academy
awards won by the picture. Regular theatre
ads created by Manager Lester Pollock also
emphasized the Oscar awards.
The local press was very cooperative, the
Democrat-and-Chronicle and the Times-
Union using special feature stories on the
Academy awards. Local columnists gave the
picture special stories and mention of the
theatre booking.
Pollock promoted a two-column 145-line
fashion ad from the Standard Clothing Co.
and a one-column 85-line ad from trie
Clinton book shop and the Schultz book
store. Window displays of books were set
two weeks in advance at McCurdy's department
store, Scranton's and the Clinton and
Schultz book shops.
Special radio promotion helped to publicize
the playdates. Station WHEC used a fiveday
advance contest offering theatre tickets
for the best letters on "Why I want to see
the best picture of the year." WARC conducted
an opening day contest offering tickets
for the most interesting comments on
"Why I enjoyed 'All the King's Men.' " Mort
Nusbaum recommended the picture to his
listening audience on WHAM, and Joe Deane
popular disk jockey on WHEC, discussed the
prize-winning picture for three successive
days.
Music albums and theatre guest tickets were
offered as prizes to winners of a guessing
contest promoted at two music shops. Each
store displayed a jar of jelly beans and folks
were required to guess the number of beans
contained therein. Each store window included
full poster art plugging the picture
playdates.
Ghost Claims 'Ape Man'
Is Unfair to Goblins
To exploit a horror show, "The Ape Man"
and "Return of the Ape Man," Bailey Bennett
jr., manager of the Rivoli Theatre, Rome, Ga.,
borrowed a coffin and placed it in the theatre
lobby. A sign nearby was lettered, "Here lies
the latest victim of "The Ape Man.' We dare
you to see it." The top of the coffin was
covered with scene stills from the picture.
Bennett rigged up a store dummy as a
ghost and put a sign on it, "Rivoli Theatre
unfair to organized ghosts. Even we are
afraid to see "The Ape Man.' " For street
ballyhoo, a boy covered with a sheet paraded
the downtown section and was interviewed
on the Man-on-the-Street broadcast.
Bennett reports that these inexpensive
stunts paid off in excellent boxoffice returns.
'Woman Luggage Tiein
George Hudok, assistant manager of E. M.
Loew's Theatre. Hartford, promoted an attractive
window for "A Woman of Distinction
at a prominent downtown luggage shop. Be
a person of distinction with our luggage and
handbags. See 'A Woman of Distinction,'
etc.." was the tie-in catchline. The display
included scene stills from the picture and
theatre playdates.
Six hundred half-sheet cards with Academy
award copy were placed in downtown
windows and on lampposts throughout the
city. The 17 branches of the Rochester public
library distributed 5,000 bookmarks. Fourteen
Manson News Agency trucks were bannered
with signs: "Read about John Derek
in the April issue of Film World. See John
Derek at Loew's, etc., etc."
Pollock used an advance lobby display three
weeks prior to opening, featuring life-size
head blowups of the stars and critic quotas,
adding special copy on the Academy awards
after they were announced.
Still posters on easels were displayed in
seven downtown hotels. For street ballyhoo,
an eight-foot book was built on rollers and
pushed around the downtown area in advance
and during the current booking.
Lobby Display Sells
Movies Are Better
Keyed to the Movies Are Better Than
Ever campaign, John Mitckes, projectionist
and artist at the Apollo, Belvidere, 111., created
a lobby display which focused public
interest on several forthcoming hits. Colored
corrugated cardboard was used as the
background for the display which had four
plaques, one in each corner. Each plaque
bore the title, cast and two stills, advertising
coming hits. The center display was in
the form of a circle containing four arrows
pointing to the plaques, directing attention to
the variety and entertainment in the four
films.
Comments in Ads
Ben Tureman, manager of the Russell,
Maysville, Ky., screened "When Willie Comes
Marching Home" for 15 selected persons, following
which each one was asked to fill out
a comment card. The comments were used
in an ad campaign to emphasize the local
opinion concerning the picture's importance.
Tureman had an announcer and a radio engineer
recorded the audience comments.
These were used four days prior to opening.
Excellent newspaper breaks helped.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 13, 1950 — 179 — 41

Seattle's Bon Marche
Sponsors City Hunt
For Cinderella
Dan Redden, manager of the Music Hall
Theatre in Seattle, got the Bon Marche store,
largest in the city, to sponsor a Cinderella
and Prince Charming contest prior to the
opening of "Cinderella." The two top winners
were presented from the theatre stage
on opening night and each received a complete
wardrobe and dinner party.
The Carnation Co. distributed 20,000 bottle
hangers tieing the playdates in with "Cinderella"
glasses, a new type of container.
On closing day of the engagement, a fash-
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Fox,
Loew's, Warners
Granted Splitup
Delay
Washington — Justice W. O.
Douglas of the Supreme Court Friday
afternoon (12) granted 20th
Century-Fox, Loew's, Inc., and
Warner Bros, a stay in carrying out
divestiture provisions of the antitrust
decree.
The hearing lasted less than an
hour.
The Department of Justice had
opposed any further delay and the
distributors wanted postponement
until the appeals in the case are
decided.
To Build Art House;
Normandie to Close
NEW YORK—Joseph Green and Michael
Hyams, owners of the Little Cine Met and
three other local houses, will build a modern
art theatre on the site of the former Cafe
Society Uptown, 58th street near Park avenue,
this summer.
Green and Hyams plan to spend $150,000
in converting the present four-story building
on the site into a 500-seat theatre. Plans
have been drawn up by Simon B. Zelnick,
architect. A September opening is planned.
Green and Hyams now operate the City
and Irving Place theatres in Manhattan and
the Hopkinson Theatre, in Brooklyn, in addition
to the Little Cine Met.
Meanwhile, Manhattan will soon lose one
of its leading art houses, the Normandie, at
53rd street near Park, which has recently
been playing first run foreign films as well
as being used by RKO and other companies
for exhibitor showings. Lever Bros., which
will erect a large building on the site which
includes the small theatre, will permit the
theatre to remain open a few months longer
by tearing down the Park avenue buildings
first. A new British film, "Mrs. Fitzherbert,"
distributed in the U.S. by Stratford Pictures,
Monogram subsidiary, opened at the Normandie
May 10.
Siritzky Bros., which has been operating
the Ambassador Theatre, former legitimate
house, will let the lease expire this summer,
according to reports. The foreign picture
policy there has been successful only occasionally,
such as with the current French
film, "The Scandals of Clochemerle," which
was lambasted by the critics, but is attracting
patrons because of its bawdy quality.
The Paris Theatre, opened by Pathe
Cinema in 1948, is the only other new art
theatre built in New York for some years.
The Paris, which has been playing French
films for long runs, and the Sutton, which
has been averaging six-month runs with
pictures like "Quartet" and "The Fallen Idol,"
currently in its 25th week, are the most
successful of the first run art houses in
Manhattan.
Film Critics Ignore Public Taste,
Says Fred Schwartz of Ce ntury
NEW YORK—When the public reads criticism,
it is interested in whether or not it
will enjoy the picture
and not interested in
reading a surgical
analysis of the film,
in the opinion of Fred
Schwartz of Century
Theatres, which operates
35 theatres in
Brooklyn, Queens and
Long Island. Schwartz
discussed, "What the
Motion Picture Exhibitor
Is Doing to Make
Moviegoing More Fred Schwartz
Pleasurable" in a radio
interview by Estelle Sternberger, commentator,
over WLIB May 8.
"Most critics today review a picture as
they see it and neglect public taste. I am
concerned about the fact that most critics
are flying under false colors. I have no objection
to any manner in which they wish
to tackle the job as long as they make their
approach known to the public," Schwartz
said. He mentioned that a cursory reading
of the criticisms of "My Foolish Heart" would
kill off the desire to see the picture, despite
the fact that most of those who have seen
it "have taken the picture to their hearts and
enjoyed it immensely."
Schwartz told Miss Sternberger that the
theatre audience of today is "much more sophisticated,
much more discriminating than
the audience of the last generation." He
mentioned All the King's Men, Battleground,
Samson and Delilah, Cinderella, The Third
Man, The Hasty Heart, Adam's Rib, Francis,
Cheaper by the Dozen, Riding High, The Big
Lift, Hamlet, Twelve O'clock High, The
Heiress and No Sad Songs for Me as examples
of the finest pictures produced since
motion pictures became part of our lives.
In reply to Miss Sternberger's question as
to whether the theatre tax was keeping many
^fc
~
people away from the theatres, Schwartz said
that the tax is discriminatory and not in
keeping with the spirit of taxation or the
basic theory behind our tax program. "The
movie tax falls on the lower and middle income
bracket people and, with movies no
longer a luxury but a necessity, the elimination
of the tax would result in a 20 per
cent reduction for admission tickets and this
would enable more people to visit the movies."
Asked if television is a threat to theatres,
Schwartz replied that it is now having an
adverse effect but, in the long run, this will
either be neutralized entirely or even be
beneficial. "It is impossible to keep on
turning out good stories on an assembly line
basis. The motion picture industry turns out
approximately six or seven pictures a week,
at least half of which I contend are top entertainment,
but there is difficulty reaching
this level and that's after 40 years of experience.
There are seven nights a week on
television and there eventually will be about
ten channels in use. How can they possibly
turn out quality when they have to think
in terms of 70 shows a week." He said that,
as the novelty wears off, television will only
fill in the gaps but that for sustained entertainment,
they will have to go to their
motion picture theatre.
Schwartz also summarized what a corporation
like Century Theatres undertakes
in the course of a typical week. Included
was the buying of film, arranging bookings
and playdates and keeping the theatres'
premises spic and span. He said that courteous
treatment of the crowds that visit
Century theatres is a "must" for the circuit.
'Capture' Set for B'way
NEW YORK — "The Capture," produced by
Niven Busch for RKO release and starring
Lew Ayres and Teresa Wright, will open at
the Rivoli May 19 following a three-week
run of "The Big Lift."

. . Albert
25th
5th
BROADWAY
C Barret McCormick, RKO director of publicity
and advertising, left for Hollywood
to look over forthcoming product scheduled
for summer release . . . Louis B. Mayer has
returned to the coast after visiting New York,
Miami and Louisville. Silas F. Seadler, MGM
advertising manager, will return to the home
office May 15 after visiting the studio following
his California vacation . . . James R.
Grainger, Republic executive vice-president
in charge of sales and distribution, planed out
for Detroit, accompanied by Walter L. Titus
jr., division manager . . . Hugh Owen, Paramount
division manager, returned to the home
office after a trip to Oklahoma City and
Dallas ... P. J. A. McCarthy, U-I southern
and Canadian sales manager, left for Jacksonville,
Pla.
Maurice A. Bergman, U-I home office exec-
. . . Ellis Arnall,
utive, and Charles Simonelli, in charge of
national exploitation, have returned to the
home office from Chicago
SIMPP president, and wife; Richard P. Walsh,
IATSE president; Kay Harrison, vice-president
of Technicolor Corp., and wife; Vera-
Ellen, MGM star, who is scheduled to make
a film in London; George S. Kaufman,
Broadway playwright-director, and his wife
Leueen McGrath, stage and screen star, and
Tommy Trinder, British stage and screen
comedian, sailed for England on the Queen
Mary.
William B. Levy, worldwide sales supervisor
for Walt Disney, returned from Europe following
meetings with RKO distribution executives
in England on "Cinderella" and "Treasure
Island" . . . Gene Kelly, MGM star, got
back from Paris by plane after a short visit
there in connection with his new picture, "An
American in Paris." He will remain in town
for a week before heading back to Culver
City . . . Ralph Winters of MGM's technical
crew for "Quo Vadis," left by plane for Paris.
Miklos Rozsa, composer who will also work
on the picture, sailed the same day on the
Queen Mary.
Sam Siritzky, vice-president of Siritzky International,
left for the coast May 12 for a
survey on distribution of the firm's foreign
product. He will return before the end of
May . . . Lee Kamern, managing director of
MGM India, is in New York for home of-
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fice conferences and Nadia Marculescu, publicity
head of MGM France, is also here
for an extended visit . . . Jules Levey has
resigned from Warner Bros, real estate department
. . . Dave Dubin has been named
general manager of Arthur Davis Associates
and will work on publicizing "Caged Women,"
Swedish film which the organization will release
in the U.S.
Lewis Cotlow, co-producer of "Savage
Splendor" for RKO, flew to Hollywood for a
film he made in the upper Amazon .
.
two-week trip in the interests of the color
.
Walter
Bibo, Excelsior Pictures president, left
by plane for London.
Claudette Colbert is in New York for a
round of playgoing and visiting friends . . .
Gene Raymond and the Mrs. (Jeanette Mac-
Donald) flew back to the west coast Saturday
(13) . . Denise Darcel, that "Battleground"
.
lady, is making personal appear-
ances at the Strand Theatre while Martha
Stewart, whose latest picture, "In a Lonely
. .
Place," will open at the Paramount May 17,
Selena
is in the stage show at the Roxy .
Royle and her new actor-husband, George
Renavent, have arrived from the coast to discuss
Broadway production for their play,
"Especially Mother" . . . Barbara Bel Geddes
arrived from Hollywood May 13 to discuss
making a picture in England with Lilli Palmer
and Rex Harrison.
Joseph H. Nadel, associate producer for the
Harry M. Popkin productions for United Artists,
is here to attend the opening of "Champagne
for Caesar" at the Capitol and to discuss
releasing plans for "Ellen," next on the
Popkin schedule, with UA executives . . .
Arline Muriel Bezahler, daughter of the MGM
sales executive, has been elected to Phi
Beta Kappa and will graduate from Hunter
college in June . S. Howson, scenario
editor and director of censorship for Warner
Bros., will celebrate his 25th year with
the company May 26.
Norman Z. McLeod, director of "Let's
Dance" for Paramount, has arrived for a
visit of several weeks . . . Benjamin Fincke,
associated as tax counsel with Paramount, is
the author of a tax article in the current
issue of the Tax Law Review, published bimonthly
by the New York University School
of Law . . . John Payne, eastern MGM sales
manager, spent the week in the upstate New
York area.
'Glass Mountain' to Open
NEW YORK—"The Glass Mountain," a
British-made production starring Valentina
Cortese, which Eagle Lion is releasing in
the U.S., will open at the Trans-Lux Madison
Avenue Theatre May 17 after two postponements
to permit the run of "Tight Little
Island" to continue. The Universal-International
British-made film completed 20
weeks May 13.
Leases Ramsey Theatre
NEW YORK—Joseph Somers. long associated
with the Walter Reade circuit, has
leased the Ramsey (N.J.) Theatre for a long
term. He will rehabiliate the house and install
air conditioning.
Warm Weather Hurls
Mosl B'way Houses
NEW YORK — With many New Yorkers
staying outdoors during the season's first
stretch of warm, sunny weather over the
weekend, business was mild at the majority
of the Broadway first run spots. The exceptions
were the Strand, where "Colt .45" and
a strong stage show attracted the males while
"No Sad Songs for Me," in its second week
at the Radio City Music Hall, continued to
pull in the women—and their escorts.
Two other new films, "No Man of Her Own"
at the Paramount and "The Sundowners" at
the Palace, were slightly above average, as
was "D.O.A." in its second good week at
the Criterion. "Wabash Avenue" held up well
enough in its second week at the Roxy, but
most of the others were way down.
Two Hollywood films, "Champagne for
Caesar" and "One Way Street," and two
British-made offerings, "Adam and Evalyn"
and "Mrs. Fitzherbert," opened during the
week.
(Average is 100)
Astor-The Golden Twenties (RKO) wk ... .. 70
,
Biiou-The Red Shoes (EL), 81st wk. ot two-a-day.. 90
Capitol— Conspirator (MGM), plus stage show,
2nd wk --- -
yZ(
Criterion-D.O.A. (UA) , 2nd wk _. ... }0S
Globe-Citv Lights (UA), revival 5th wk. 100
Little Carnegie—Faust and the Devil (Col),
2 W
Lo ews State -Nancy Goes to Bio (MGM), 5th wk.. 70
Mayfair—House by the River (Rep) _. _ •»
Palace—Sundowners (EL), plus vaudeville.... lltt
Paramount—No Man ot Her Own (Para), plus
stage show ~ —
Ttiti
Park Avenue—A Bun for Your Money (U-l),
5th wk. «—;•'"« i »i'
Radio City Music Hall—No Sad Songs for Me
(Col), plus stage show, 2nd wk. "u
Rivoli—The Big Lift (20th-Fox) 2nd wk 33
Roxy—Wabash Avenue (20th-Fox). plus stage
show, 2nd wk - •--
iri
Strand-Colt .45 (WB), Postage show... 1")
Sutton-The Fallen Idol (SRO) wk _ 90
,
Trans-Lux Madison Avenue—Tight Little Island
Wcio'-a-Tne TOrd Man (SRO EL), 14th wk. .100
Grosses Down in Philadelphia;
'Cinderella' Leads with 125
PHILADELPHIA — Boxof fice receipts were
at one of the lowest ebbs since the end of the
war. Only "Cinderella" in a seventh week at
the Trans-Lux reported better than average
business with 125 per cent. "Captain Carey
U.S.A." at the Stanley broke even with 100.
Aldine-I Was a Shoplifter (U-I).^.. j>0
Boyd—The Damned Don't Cry (WB) °?
Earle—The Outriders (MGM) •«
Fox—Under My Skin (20th-Fox) _.__..--_.... •-
g
Goldman—Champagne for Caesar (UA), 2nd wk /U
.
Karlton—Back to Bataan (RKO); Marine Raiders
(RKO), reissues ......... — "
_ _,
,,,,wr
Mastbaum—The Daughter of Rosie O Grady (WB), ^
Randolph—The Reformer and.the Bedhead (MGM) 90
Stanley-Captain Carey. U.S.A. (Para) 100
Stanton—Quick: and (U A) - '?
Trans-Lux-Cinderella (RKO). 7th wk 125
'Federal Agent' and Stage Show
Big at Buffalo Paramount
BUFFALO—"Federal Agent at Large" on
the screen, with Lionel Hampton on stage
at the Paramount, was the only bright spot
in town with 115 per cent. "Cheaper by the
Dozen" at the Center held up well in a third
week and "No Sad Songs for Me" opened
nicely at the Lafayette.
Buffalo—The Outriders (MGM); Please Believe ^
Cen'er-^Cheape'r by the Dozen (20l'h-Fox) 3rd wk,..110
,
Century—The Capture (RKO) _._-. '•?
Lafayette—No Sad Songs for Me (Col). "»
Paramount—Federal Agent at Large (Hep),
plus stage show --
rc;ZZ\'i\
Teck—The Reformer and the Redhead (MGM),
2nd d. t. wk °a
44
BOXOFFICE :: May 13. 1950

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Along New York's Filmrow
By SUMNER SMITH
2"HERE will be the usual turnout of 1,000
persons at the nth annual dinner-dance
of the Motion Picture Bookers club, according
to the committee in charge. It will be
held Sunday evening (28) in the grand ballroom
of the Waldorf-Astoria. The club has
135 members.
The following Columbia exchange personnel
will attend the company's sales convention
to start Sunday (15) at the Ritz-
Carlton in Atlantic City: Nat Cohn, Saul
Trauner, John Wenisch, Jules Rieff, Seymour
Berkowitz, Louis Stiesel, Curt Parker
and Moe Fraum . . . Elmer Hollander of
the St. Cloud circuit was a visitor at the
Columbia exchange.
Eagle Lion Notes: Marilyn Brooks of the
booking department will marry Seymour Silverman
June 11 . . . Rose Procopio, telephone
operator, has married James Finelli
Mrs. Samuel Tannenbaum,
and is honeymooning . . .
formerly Ruth Starr, bookers sec-
retary, has returned from her honeymoon
. . . Edith Peibusch of the booking department
will leave May 19 for a blessed event
. . . Just by way of variety, Martha Awerbach
will depart for Paris May 18 on an
extended leave of absence. Her place will
be filled by Rick Edelstein of the home office
. . . Morris Weinstein of the New Haven
branch has joined the local office as city
salesman.
The exchange branch of the 20th-Fox
Family club had a party at a Greenwich
Village restaurant Wednesday evening (10).
It was preceded by cocktails at the exchange.
The officers: President, Michael Muzzola;
vice-president, George Blenderman; treas-
. .
urer, Hannah Zimmerman, and secretary,
Bess Goldstein . . . Jerry Goldstein of the
20th-Fox exchange film department will wed
Olga Batnick June 4. She formerly was with
20th-Pox, but is now with Warner Bros. .
Irving Dollinger of the Independent Theatre
Service of New Jersey was a 20th-Fox
exchange visitor.
The MGM loyalty emblem for 20 years
of service has been presented to Moe Rose,
booker, by Ralph Pielow, branch manager
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. . . Joanne Trager, MGM biller, was at Miami
Beach with her mother for a vacation . . .
Stella Gimoungenes, former MGM biller, became
the mother of George James April 29
at the Flushing hospital. Her husband's
name is James.
Nate Furst, Monogram manager, celebrated
a birthday Wednesday (10). The office
staff gave him a cake with 36 candles
on it . . . Etta V. Segall, head Monogram
booker, returned from a spring vacation at
Grossinger's. It rained every day. She is
wondering if that New York City rainmaker
was responsible . . . Maury Miller, president
of the New Jersey chapter of TOA, was a
Monogram visitor.
Malcolm Scott and bride of RKO are on
their honeymoon. She is the former Anne
Schneider. Some 150 RKO friends turned
out at the Hotel Bristol to give them a
sendoff. Among the entertainers were Garrett
Van Wagner, Sid Kramer, John Farmer,
Larry Gross, Pat San Pietro, John Simansky
and Pat Lee . . . Bob Marcus of the U-I
booking department left for a vacation Friday
(12) . . . Bob Payenson is the new office
boy at U-I . . . Friends are still felicitating
Harvey Epstein and Francis Patterson
of Paramount on their promotions, Epstein
to the booking department and Patterson
to general clerk in the accounting
department.
UOPWA President James Durkin has installed
the officers of the Screen Employes
Guild, now Local 20. President is Sig Maitles,
MGM; Miriam Stein, William Morris and
Harry Hochfeld, vice-presidents; recording
secretary, James Procaccini, RKO, and secretary-treasurer,
Sid Young . . . SEG
delegates
to the UOPWA convention include Bunny Dubin
and Howard Yellin, Columbia; Kurt
Goldberger and Al Bunols, Loew's; Lil Edell
and Jules Levy, 20th-Fox; Leon Roth, UA;
Ines Passerella, Alen Batzer and James
Procaccini, RKO; Lucy Berechid, Paramount;
Dave Rotaple, Sargoy & Stein; Sid Young
and Jack Ryan, SEG organizer.
MGM exchange employes celebrating birthdays
during the week were Johanna Pannese,
Valerie Castagliola and Rea Fischel.
Seine tun
Installed at
POfttBAIT Of KHNIf" IENNIFER JUNES • JOSEPH COTTEN
MUSIC HALL THEATRE
Tarrytown, N. Y.
By JOE HORNSTEIN. Inc.
630 Ninth Ave. Theatre Equipment Specialists New York City
Ten MGM N. Y. Heads
To Attend Meetings
NEW YORK — William F. Rodgers, MGM
vice-president and general sales manager,
will head a home office contingent of ten
which will attend all three "Say It With
Pictures" meetings. He will also preside at
them. The New York meeting will be held
May 15 and 16 at the Hotel Astor, the Chicago
meeting May 19 and 20 at the Ambassador
East hotel and the San Francisco
meeting May 24 and 25 at the St. Francis
hotel.
MANY OF STAFF TO ATTEND
With Rodgers from the home office will
be Edward M. Saunders, assistant sales manager;
Charles F. Reagan, sales executive;
Howard Dietz, vice-president and director of
advertising, publicity and exploitation; Silas
F. Seadler, advertising manager; John Joseph,
publicity manager; Dan S. Terrell, exploitation
manager; Henderson M. Richey,
exhibitor relations head; M. L. Simons, assistant
to Richey and editor of "The Distributor,"
company publication, and William
B. Zoellner, in charge of short subject sales
and reprints.
Home office assistants to field sales managers
will attend the meetings dealing with
their respective areas. At the New York
meeting, Paul J. Richrath, assistant to John
P. Byrne, eastern sales head, and Leonard
Hirsch, assistant to Rudolph Berger, southern
sales head, will sit in with the 56 men
from the field.
At Chicago, Sid Lefkowitz, aid to Burtus
Bishop jr., midwestern head, and Charles F.
Deesen, assistant to John J. Maloney, central
sales head, will bring attendance to 83.
Irving Helfont, New York contact for George
A. Hickey, western head, will attend the
San Francisco meeting.
TO SEE FILMS IN ADVANCE
Jay Eisenberg and Pincus Sober of the
legal department have been invited to attend
the New York meeting, and other members
of the home office staffs are expected to
meet with the eastern group at luncheon
during the two days.
Two of the pictures in "The Terrific Ten"
group, "Annie Get Your Gun" and "The Next
Voice You Hear," will be screened for the
eastern and southern sales force attending
the meetings May 15 and 16.
National tradeshowings of "Annie" will be
held May 23 but no tradeshowings have been
set on "The Next Voice You Hear." Rodgers
felt it would be to the advantage of the
sales force to see the pictures ahead of
time.
Book 6 20th-Fox Films
For Showing at Roxy
NEW YORK—Six 20th Century-Fox features
have been booked to play the Roxy Theatre
during the next few months, according to
A. J. Balaban, executive director. They are
"A Ticket to Tomahawk," "Night and the
City," "Love That Brute," "Panic in the
Streets," "The Gunfighter" and "Where the
Sidewalk Ends."
Stage personalities to be presented in the
accompaning stage shows will include Robert
Merrill, Metropolitan Opera star; Sid Caesar
and his TV Show of Shows, Faye Emerson,
Lucille
Ball, Desi Arnaz, the Andrews sisters.
46
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

mm
-J,nnouncin 9
SHOWMANSHIP YEAR
«»-
THE 31st ANNUAL CONVENTION
of the
ALLIED THEATRE OWNERS OF NEW JERSEY,
INC.
and
EXPOSITION OF MOTION PICTURE THEATRE EQUIPMENT
AND ACCESSORIES
TRAYMORE HOTEL, ATLANTIC CITY,
NEW JERSEY
JUNE 15-16-17, 1950
«»
New York Headquarters
ALLIED THEATRE OWNERS OF NEW JERSEY, INC.
234 West 44th Street, New York
LA ckawanna 4-2530-1
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 47

—
. . Joe
. . Audrey
. . Mrs.
. . Anne
WASHINGTON
/"•loria Swanson was here and her new Paramount
production, "Sunset Boulevard,''
was screened at the Circle Theatre. In the
evening she was hostess at a cocktail party
in the Variety clubrooms and met the press
and exhibitors . . . The Variety Club ladies
committee has adopted the Washington Receiving
home as its welfare project and is
asking for contributions of clothing, toys,
nursery furniture, etc. On June 6, Mrs. Aroline
Adams will preside at a luncheon at
which ladies are asked to bring their contributions.
Members of the committee assisting
Mrs. Adams are Mrs. Nathan Golden,
Mrs. Hugo Johnson, Mrs. Wade Pearson and
Mrs. Sigmund Segal.
Joe Oulahan is expanding his theatre holdings
in this territory. In addition to the
Edgehill Theatre, Gloucester, Va., he has
purchased the Wardley Theatre, Callao, Va
,
from E. Sandy . . . Herman and Walter
Samuelson, new owners of the Eden, Baltimore,
Md., were here to book the theatre . . .
Maj. Robert Saunders came in to book his
Greenacres Drive-In, Newport News, Va.
Beverly Goodman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Max Goodman, Ellicott City, won a scholarship
to Goucher college and will enter in the
Herb Moody is giving up the Wythe
fall . . .
and Milwald theatres, Wytheville, Va., because
of ill health. Mrs. Josephine Johnson
Slemp, who visited here recently, will continue
to book the Midwald.
Sidney Bowden, Wilder circuit
head, came
in from Norfolk and spent several days visiting
the exchanges . . . Variety Club Secre-
D. TURTURRO— Owner of the
Elms Theatre, Millbury, Massachusetts—declares:
"My 15 years under RCA
Service have proved the worth
of this service many times
over. It is invaluable."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Scrttn Coating and Masking Paint. Prompt Shipment
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
K.Mir».,
tary Dorothy Kolinsky dined with Mr. and
Mrs. Sammy Myers, Columbia, Sunday . . .
John Zufall, better known as "Happy
Johnny" who conducts a radio program on
Baltimore station WBMD, has taken over the
Roxy Theatre. He plans to present live talent
shows as part of the new policy.
Metro items: Margaret Clark of Glasgow,
Scotland, who has been in this country about
three weeks, is new secretary to Office Manager
Joe Kronman . . . Jeanette Caguette is
new file clerk . . . Bettye Carter spent the
weekend in Hillsville, Va., visiting her grandmother
. Kronman is
23rd year with MGM . . . Mickey
celebrating
Hodgens,
his
secretary to Rudolph Berger, went to Harrisburg,
Pa., for the wedding of a friend.
. .
Attending the Apple Blossom festival in
Winchester, Va., were Mr. and Mrs. Paul
Wall and Judy Jones . Booker Ida Barezofsky
spent the weekend with friends in
Philadelphia
. Poulos' desk was covered
with birthday cards and gifts on May 5
... At 20th-Pox, sympathy is extended to
Norman Fournier, whose mother died in Spokane,
Wash. Her body was taken to Fall
River, Mass., for burial Saturday.
Salesman Joe Cohan now is convalescing
at home after a very serious automobile accident
outside Charlottesville, Va.' Cohan suffered
three broken ribs and an injured shoulder
. . . Branch Manager Glenn Norris was
laid up with a bad cold for several days . . .
Charley Young of the home office legal department
The office is looking
was a visitor . . . forward to moving into its new building
on Third street some time next month .
Gladys Peck is
. .
Jack Kohler's new secretary,
replacing Barbara Wallace, who resigned to
be married May 27.
Jack Kohler's daughter Pauline celebrated
her second birthday Tuesday . Griffin,
booker, now connected with the Minneapolis
exchange, stopped off to visit en route
to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where she and
MGM's Hazel McCarthy will spend a twoweek
vacation.
Exhibitors seen on Filmrow were Marsh
Gollner, Calvin Ball, Dan Weinberg, Aaron
Seidler, Max Goodman, George Walker, Jack
Levine, Jack Whittle, W. Connellee . . . Mildred
Smith is new clerk at United Artists
. . . Angie Ratto of the Palace is visiting
Rome . Betty Richardson is back at National
Screen . Helen Robertson, RKO, celebrated
a birthday Frank Boucher entertained
Mrs. Clark Davis, Mrs. Marguerite
Connor, her daughter Pat and Mrs. Sara
Young at dinner while her husband Frank attended
the United Jewish appeal dinner.
Walt Disney Music Firm
Chartered in England
LONDON—Walt Disney Productions has incorporated
Walt Disney Music Co., Ltd., to
supervise and control the Disney music activities
throughout the United Kingdom. It
is similar to the Walt Disney Music Co.
in the U.S. Disney & Chappell, Ltd., music
publishers, will hold 50 per cent of the stock.
Directors for Disney are Tom Swan and Cyril
James. Representing Chappell will be Louis
Dreyfus and Matther Edwin Ricketts.
Palsy Campaign Tasks Set
For Exhibitors, Branches
NEW YORK—The exchanges
and exhibitors
have been notified of their specific tasks
in connection with industry support of the
$5,000,000 drive now under way by the United
Cerebral Palsy Ass'n.
Leonard Goldenson, head of UCPA and
president of United Paramount Theatres, has
sent letters to 200 theatremen requesting
their cooperation in arranging drive tie-ins
with local radio stations. The exhibitors will
provide the stations with special radio transcriptions
explaining the drive and urging
public support. Bob Hope, national campaign
chairman, has already mailed letters
to 800 radio stations requesting their cooperation
and providing them with copy for
live announcements. Hope has also gotten in
touch with network officials in New York
and with advertising agency executives.
DRIVE ON TWO LEVELS
The distribution end of the drive is operating
on two levels—home office and exchange
—under the overall supervision of A. W.
Schwalberg, national distributor chairman
and president of Paramount Pictures Distributing
Corp. The home office campaign
has been under way since May 1 and is being
handled on an individual company basis.
The exchange campaign will begin May 19
with meetings held by division, district and
branch managers.
Those in charge of home office solicitations
are: Monroe Goodman, Paramount Pictures;
Ulric Bell, 20th Century-Fox; John J. O'Connor,
Universal-International; Mike Dolid,
Warner Bros.; John Kane, Columbia; Pincus
Sober, Loew's, Inc.; Harry Marcus, Republic;
Harry Buckley, United Artists; Eugene
Arnstein, Film Classics; Pete Friedhoff,
Monogram; William Brenner, National Screen
Service, and Jack Schlaifer, Eagle Lion.
The first reports of theatre collections
show that Buffalo Paramount Corp. collec-
.
tions at the Center, Paramount, Seneca, Niagara
and Kenmore theatres totaled $15,000,
i
according to James H. Eshelman. Jerry Zigmond,
San Francisco Paramount Theatres,
estimates collections of $12,000 from three
theatres
there.
KATE SMITH ACTIVE
Kate Smith has accepted the national cochairmanship
of the United Cerebral Palsy
1950 campaign and will deliver pleas for its
support on all three of her network shows,
"Kate Smith Speaks" and "Kate Smith
Sings," each of which are presented 15 minutes,
five days a week, and the hour-long
"Kate Smith Hour," presented on Friday
nights.
Bob Hope, who is co-chairman of the campaign,
introduced Goldenson, who was guest
speaker on the Tex McCrary-Jinx Falkenburg
radio program Friday (12) on behalf of
the UCPA current $5,000,000 campaign.
RKO Showmanship Winner
NEW YORK—Morris Rochelle, manager of
the RKO Strand in Far Rockaway, and Ansel
Winston of the Palace, Chicago, won the
RKO showmanship awards for March. Each
received $25 and an RKO showmanship certificate.
Rochelle has now won twice and
Winston three times.
48 BOXOFFICE :: May 13. 1950

,
of
[ the
! the
. . Dorothy
. . Gidney
. . Harold
I.
New City Fees Proposed
By Philadelphia Board
PHILADELPHIA—The budget research
board has submitted a recommendation to
the city council that certain city fees be
PHILADELPHIA
army. Kendall delivered the oration at
the ceremonies.
from Buffalo to become a booker at 20th-
Fox . . . Peggy Fusselman, 20th-Fox bookkeeper,
plans to get married soon . . Reta
.
Hankin, Monogram switchboard operator, is
.
Judge William I. Troutman,
engaged . . .
prominent industryite. is a candidate for the
state supreme court on the Republican
ticket in the May 16 primaries . . . Gerry
Suits, National Screen Service biller, is newly
married Talley, Texas exhibitor,
was here to see Dave Moliver of
Principal Films.
.
Ted Vannett, William Goldman publicity
man. has placed a bubble blowing gadget in
front of the Goldman in order to plug
"Champagne for Caesar" Lloyd
was here to address 800 members of the
Shrine. Lloyd said he planned to make a
film with his son Harold jr. when he winds
up as imperial potentate . . George Resnick
.
received 65 individual letters in one
week from parents who thanked him for the
fine kiddy shows being shown at matinee
performances at the Dell.
. . .
Miriam skolnick. Boxoffice Pictures bookkeeper,
is engaged . . . Ned and Dave
Yaffe of Y&Y Supply Co. went on a fishing
trip to Wachapreague, Va. . . . The
father of Harry A. LaVine died recently.
LaVine went to Pittsburgh for services . . .
Hugh Owen, Paramount eastern, southern
and mideastern division manager, accompanied
by A. M. Kane and Lou Averbach.
assistant division managers, was here
Wednesday (10) for a general business conference
Teresa Belz, former Paramount
cashier, has a new baby.
The Warner club is planning its annual
. . . Milton
office party. This year club members will
take to the outdoors, probably for a June
The Midvalley Drive-In in
16 picnic . . .
Carbondale, Pa., with a capacity of 725 cars,
expects to open late in May
Schosberg has announced that his Coatesville
Drive-In on the Lincoln highway will
open May 11 . . Sydney J. Poppay, manager
.
of the Majestic in Gettysburg, has been
elected president of the Adams county Shrine
club . . . Harry Chertcoff will open his new
ozoner on Route 30 on Lincoln highway late
in May.
Slain Union Organizer
Subject of New Film
NEW YORK—Norma Productions, headed
by Harold Hecht and Burt Lancaster, will
make a picture of the life of William Lurye,
International Ladies Garment Workers Union
organizer, who was stabbed to death a year
ago, according to David Dubinsky, ILGWU
president. Lurye's family and union officials
have signed contracts giving Norma their
cooperation. Most of the scenes will be shot
in New York. Production will start in September.
Lurye was killed in a phone booth in the
garment district May 9, 1949, after he had
offered to help ILGWU organize nonunion
shops in the trade. Two men indicted for
the murder several months later are still at
large. The union has offered a reward of
$25,000 for their capture.
OXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 49

ALBANY
gob Lennon is new assistant manager at
Warners Delaware, succeeding George
Coy, who is engaged in publicity and promotion
for an oil company and who worked
part time. Coy resigned. Lennon was promoted
from doorman to replace him. The
Delaware operates evenings only except Friday
and Saturday. John Brousseau is manager.
Jerry Hart has moved from the Griswold
to Proctor's Troy as assistant manager, replacing
Kay Mulholland, who resigned as
assistant to Larry Cowen. Hart was assistant
of the American before shifting with Manager
Vic Bunze from that house to the
Griswold, when Fabian resumed operation
of the latter . . . Mrs. Evelyn Hayden is
treasurer of Proctor's.
Leo Drexler, contact man in the Warner
Theatres upstate offices, served on the arrangements
committee for the annual state
convention of the Catholic War Veterans.
Drexler is a past commander of the Sullivan
post here . . . Frank J. Cunningham,
former assistant at the Grand, died Sunday
(7) at his home. He was with the Grand
for five years then managed the Family at
Utica for a time. He is survived by his wife,
two married daughters and three sons.
The Palace advertised Monday that 789
choice seats were left for the performance of
the Ballet Russe on Wednesday night . . .
Thruway Outdoor Theatre Corp. has been
formed to operate a drive-in at an undisclosed
location by attorney Lewis A. Sumberg. Sumberg
said those interested in the project
were "a group of people in the film industry."
Harry Lamont is not interested in the
venture.
Ground for a 600-car drive-in at Schuyler,
near Herkimer, was to be broken this
week for the Schuyler Drive-in Theatre
Corp., which was chartered last winter by
attorney Lewis A. Sumberg. Griffing Construction
Co., Abilene, Tex., is expected to
handle the job. Opening date probably will
be about June 15.
Gene Ganott, assistant manager at the
Palace, and his wife attended a performance
of "Born Yesterday" at the Playhouse. They
are friends of actress Dodie Bauer, who has
the principal feminine role. Malcolm Atterbury
said business for the show was so good
during the two-week scheduled engagement
that he would extend the season a week.
Harry Eisenstein, owner of the Colonial,
assisted WOKO's Paul Baron in interviewing
players here with "The Philadelphia
Story" company . . . Lawrence Lapidus, new
booker in the Warner Theatres upstate offices,
is the son of Jules Lapidus, northern
and Canadian division manager for Warner
Bros. Lapidus jr. served in the Warner Philadelphia
office for a year. He succeeded Joe
Weinstein who was promoted to chief bookerbuyer
in the Cleveland territory.
Dave Willis purchased time on newscasts
over station WROW to advertise his Auto-
Vision at East Greenbush. The commercials
stress refurbishing of the drive-in, improved
parking facilities and a new snack bar . . .
Max Friedman, chief buyer and booker for
Warner Theatres upstate, made a business
trip to Buffalo.
The lobbies of the Ritz and Delaware have
been repainted, the Ritz in a two-tone Swedish
red and cream and the Delaware in two
shades of green and cream . . . Henry Lessick
of Kingston is new assistant manager
of the Ritz under Manager Oscar Perrin.
Lessick attended Rider college at Trenton,
N. J., and had classes with Louis Godlove,
one-time usher at the Madison and an assistant
manager of a Trenton theatre, in
addition to his duties on the faculty at Rider.
Godlove now is teaching at another college.
Donald Schine, president of Darnell Theatre
Corp., and Elmer Lux, vice-president
and former RKO manager here, stopped by.
One of the theatres they operate is located
in Massena. Lux also is chief barker of the
Buffalo Variety Tent and has served as
councilman-at-large in Buffalo.
Jeannette MacDonald gave a concert before
3,500 persons in Fabian's Palace under
the sponsorship of the Albany diocesan
branch of the Laymen's Retreat league and
the Jesuit Retreat house in Glenmont. Top
admission price was $3.60 . . . Susan Peters
was here for a week's engagement in "The
Glass Menagerie" at the Colonial.
Warners houses are installing illuminated
electric clocks in the auditoriums. Each
clock has a different firm advertised . . .
Fabian's State, Schenectady, advertised
"Samson and Delilah," as "Movies Are Better
Than Ever and here is one of the greatest."
Darnell Theatre Corp. of Buffalo, operated
by Donald Schine and Elmer Lux, would
like to acquire additional houses in the Albany
exchange area, according to reports in
local circles. They have a theatre in Massena
now and situations in Kentucky. Schine,
son of Louis W. Schine, vice-president of
the Schine circuit, and Lux, former Buffalo
manager for RKO, were here last week . . .
The city building department issued permits
Tuesday for the installation of air conditioning
in Warners' Ritz, at an estimated
cost of $27,000, and of an additional cooling
unit in the company's Strand, at an
estimated expense of $22,000. The present
equipment in the Strand will also be refurbished.
J. B. Smith Associates are the
engineers; Carl J. Gottlieb is the contractor.
When the Ritz is equipped, Albany will have
four a. c. houses. The Strand, Palace and
Madison are the others.
Johnny Capano played the French picture,
"Dedee," Sunday through Tuesday, at the
State, Troy. It was the first engagement of
the film in that city. Performances were
continuous from 1 to 11 p. m.; children
under 16 were not admitted.
Sarah Churchill announced, while appearing
at the Colonial in "The Philadelphia
Story," that she had signed a contract with
Metro to appear in "The Royal Family,"
with Fred Astaire, June Allyson and Peter
Lawford. Winston Churchill's daughter, who
has danced on the stage in England, may do
some terping in her first American film.
Her part is reported to be a romantic lead.
She made several British pictures.
Tri-State Automatic Candy Corp. has installed
ice cream, sandwiches or fudgecicles
in Fabian's Palace and Grand, Albany;
Proctor's, Troy; Proctor's, Schenectady, and
Johnny Gardner's Colony, Schenectady. The
latter is a reinstallation. One or two other
Fabian situations in Schenectady are reported
to have been similarly equipped.
"The Bicycle Thief" was reported on Filmrow
to have pleased patrons who saw it at
the Ritz here and the Lincoln in Troy, but
the number attending was not as large as
expected . . . Harry Haner, assistant manager
of the Strand, received condolences on
the death of his mother . . . Cold weather
put drive-ins in this area four weeks back
of last year.
Betty Cameron, who spent two weeks here
exploiting "I Was a Shoplifter" and "Francis,"
left for Philadelphia. It was reported she
had been loaned by U-I for a ten-day assignment
with Gloria Swanson on "Sunset
Boulevard" . . . Phil Laufer, Selznick exploiteer
here to ballyhoo "The Third Man," has
been in film business since 1918.
Reade Theatres Launch
'Better' Ad Campaign
NEW YORK—The Walter Reade theatres
in New Jersey have launched an intensive
advertising and promotional campaign featuring
the slogan, "Movies Are Better Than
Ever—Let's Go Tonight." This is the first
time that any theatre circuit located outside
of New York City has undertaken a sustained
campaign in metropolitan newspapers.
The ads containing the slogan are appearing
in the New York Daily News on a 13-
week basis in order to catch the attention
of commuters from New Jersey to New York
City, according to a Reade executive. On a I
local level, each of the Walter Reade theatres
!
is emphasizing the advertising program
through lobby displays, trailers, contests and
special promotions.
Monroe Greenthal Co. is the agency for the
advertising campaign.
'Comanche' Title Award
To Buffalo Film Man
BUFFALO—The title of the U-I production
in Technicolor, "Comanche Territory," was
suggested by Dave Miller, manager of the
company branch here. Miller recently received
a check from the U-I studios in Hollywood
for the title, which was chosen from
scores submitted by U-I personnel in all sections
of the country. As a boy, Miller lived
in Comanche territory. He has been active
in the motion picture industry about 30 years.
Recently he was appointed area distribution
chairman for the approaching Independence
bond drive.
David Squire Leaves Fox
NEW YORK—David F. Squire, 20th-Fox;
salesman in Connecticut, has resigned to
become a partner in TV Films, Inc., a firm
here which makes motion picture commercials
for television. Squire will organize and
direct a sales organization.
50 BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13, 19

—
New York Film Unit
To Produce Films
NEW YORK—On the first anniversary of
the city's television and motion picture unit,
Clifford Evans, director, said that six more
films would be produced by the unit in the
coming year.
Five pictures were released during the first
year of operation. All five were 16mm prints
and Evans said the new pictures would also
be 16mm. They are distributed to civic
groups, schools, colleges, libraries and
churches in this country and abroad.
The pictures are documentaries and show
the work of the various city departments.
"To the Living," a 30-minute film on public
housing, is the group's most pretentious production
to date. Over 100,000 city residents
have viewed it. and it is now being shown in
Sweden, Canada, England and Japan. It is
also used in classrooms here and at Yale,
Dartmouth and Sarah Lawrence. The narration
is by Fredric March.
Because of the present water shortage,
Evans has scheduled two films covering the
situation. One will be a five-minute film and
will be released in June. The other will cover
the four seasons of the year and will be a fulllength
feature. Camera crews are now in
the Catskills taking shots of the operations in
the watersheds during springtime.
"A Home for Baby," a picture about the
foster parent program of the Welfare department,
will also be released in June.
The other films planned for this year are:
"All Aboard, New York," "City Newsreel No.
2" and "New York Having Its Face Lifted."
"All Aboard, New York" will show the operation
of the city's trainyards and railroad
terminals. "City Newsreel No. 2" will be
about traffic in the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel,
and "New York Having Its Face Lifted"
will show the building program for schools,
hospitals and roads.
The group has also produced 15 television
programs and made 35 spot announcements
on film.
BUFFALO
Tack Mundstuk, MGM manager, and mem-
' bers of his sales staff, including Eddie
Susse, Abe Harris and Monroe Semel and exploiteer
Floyd Fitzsimmons, will journey to
New York Monday (15) for a sales conference
in the home office . . . There will be
an exhibitor-distributor conference on Buffalo
area industry plans for promotion of
the coming Independence bond campaign,
on Monday (15) in the 20th-Fox screening
room. It will be presided over by Dave Miller,
distributor chairman; James H. Eshelman
and George H. MacKenna, exhibitor chairmen,
and William Brereton, publicity chairman.
The 26-year-old Maxine Theatre in South
Buffalo, which closed recently, will be converted
into a commercial building, Richard
Morris, realtor, says. Morris says negotiations
are under way for a tenant to occupy
the building. It will be remodeled to suit
the tenant's specifications. The Maxine was
leased on a long-term basis by Webb &
Knapp, New York real estate concern, from
owners George F. Hanny and the Shea
Amusement Co. The lease to the New York
interests was negotiated by Morris.
Bill Carlisle, onetime outlaw, was here for
a one-day visit in connection with "The Capture,"
at the 20th Century Theatre, where
Bill made three personal appearances, telling
something of his exciting career . . Mae
.
West is writing a new book entitled "Joe
Casanova," she confided to Evening News
critic Mary Nash in an interview, while appearing
in "Diamond Lil" at the Erlanger.
Following her stage tour. Miss West said she
was going to the coast to appear in a picture.
She said she was very much interested in
doing "Diamond Lil" again on the screen.
Joseph B. Clements, Paramount theatre
manager, promoted a big parade of air reserve
men and a flight over the city at noon
on opening day of "The Big Lift," currently
at the ace Paramount circuit house.
manager for Paramount, has returned to
New York after a brief vacation in Buffalo,
his home for many years . . Forest
.
J. Robins, Joseph F. Trott and Joseph Iamon
have purchased a 17-acre tract on Ling road
near Lake Ontario in the vicinity of Rochester
on which they will construct a drive-in
to accommodate 500 cars. The site was purchased
for $17,000.
David H. Bisgeier, former head of the Shea
circuit sign shop and in recent years proprietor
of a retail liquor store in Buffalo,
who died December 27, left an estate of
$54,697.02, according to a state tax appraisal
on file in Buffalo surrogate's court. The
chief beneficiary is Bisgeier's brother Harry,
also a former Shea sign shop employe.
James H. Eshelman, district manager,
Paramount Theatres, and Charles B. Taylor,
director of advertising and publicity,
were in New York for conferences with Mort
Blumenstock. William W. Brumberg and
other Warner Bros, executives on a premiere
campaign for "Caged" at the Center,
starting Wednesday (24). Art Moger, field
representative, arrived here to aid in the
promotion campaign.
At the recent installation party of film
exchange employes Local B-9, Ruddy Inderbitzen,
head of the MGM exchange shipping
department, was named winner of the
waltz contest . . . Florence McNeil is the
new clerk on the office force at MGM. She
succeeds Pat Glasser, who resigned to get
married.
William Phlipsak, manager of the Temple
in Fairport, N. Y., recently became the father
of a son who has been named Joseph . . .
Beatrice Feldman has joined the staff at the
Screen Guild branch.
Have you written to your congressman urging
him to support full repeal of the federal
amusement tax?
MMPTA, ITO Send Pleas
For Total Tax Repeal
NEW YORK—Emanuel Frisch, chairman of
the tax committee of the Metropolitan Motion
Picture Theatres Ass'n, has sent telegrams
to Rep. Walter A. Lyich of the house
ways and means committee and the 25 other
congressmen from the metropolitan area urging
complete repeal of the federal admission
tax.
The wires expressed appreciation for the
efforts of the congressmen to date but added:
"Our patrons have already begun to express
displeasure with the proposed partial cut,
stating that they cannot understand their
dimes being taxed when their representatives
in Congress favor complete repeal."
Harry Brandt, president of the ITOA, has
pledged redoubled efforts to effect the elimination
of the tax through COMPO, and has
sent telegrams urging New York congressmen
to apprise the house ways and means
committee of "public adverse reaction to a
mere tentative roll-back to the old admission
tax." Brandt also urged patrons to once
again make their feelings known to congressional
representatives.
Keep up the fight for total ticket tax
repeal!
Ceremonies in connection with receiving
new members into the Batavia Shrine club
were held in Dipson's Family Theatre there.
. . . Harold
Class was dedicated to Harold Lloyd, imperial
potentate of the Shriners
Lloyd will be here Monday (22) to be the
honor guest at a big spring ceremonial of
Ismailia Temple in Memorial auditorium.
Among those who will cross the hot sands
that evening will be William P. Rosenow,
general manager of Buffalo Screen Guild
exchange and secretary of Skyway Drive-In
Theatres.
Inc.
B. N. Pearlman has taken over the Vestal
Theatre in Vestal, N. Y. The house formerly
was operated by Eugene Minier. Pearlman
also has changed the policy of the
Grand Theatre, Binghamton, N. Y., to an art
policy . . . Charles Finnerty and Linwood
Haviland are new owners of the Cattaraugus
Theatre in Cattaraugus, N. Y. Malcolm
Pittman was the former owner.
Edward J. Wall, Paramount field representative,
was here conferring with Paramount
Theatres district manager James H.
Eshelman and ad publicity chief Charles B.
Taylor on campaigns for several forthcoming
films at the Paramount and Center.
E.*K. "Ted" O'Shea, assistant general sales
N. H. WATERS, JR.— Vice-President,
Waters Theatre Company,
Birmingham, Ala.— verifies:
"We are entering our eighteenth
year with RCA Service. Experience
has taught us we can always
rely on RCA to give us
the best service obtainable."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 N 51

French Exhibitors Lose
Patrons, Gain Revenue
NEW YORK — Since raising admission
prices six months ago, French exhibitors have
lost about 10 per cent of their patronage but
have gained about 15 per cent in revenue.
The loss in 1949 of the overall investment in
films of the French industry was 20 per cent.
Production there faces a loss for at least two
years. French production in 1950 will total
100 features as against 104 in 1949 and 120
before the war. French producers will concentrate
on films showing the French way
of life rather than try to adhere to the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America production
code; in other words, though seeking an
American market, they won't try to conform
to Hollywood specifications.
ADMISSIONS AVERAGE 18
CENTS
These statements were made by Georges
Lourau, president of Uni-France, an organization
of producers and distributors promoting
the export of French films; J. P. Frogerais,
president of the French Film Producers
Syndicate, and Robert Cravenne, Uni-
France executive manager, after their arrival
here as MPAA guests. Their responses
to questions were frank.
French admissions now average 18 cents,
with a first run top of 60 to 70 cents. The
average cost of 20 top features planned for
They expect to get
this year will be $175,000.
back from the French market about $120,000
on each picture. The French industry has
been hard hit by the economic situation and
the loss of its central European markets.
French films must be shown by exhibitors
five out of every 13 weeks. American films
have two-thirds of the foreign market, with
121 dubbing permits issued to U.S. companies
in 1949 and 50 to all other foreign companies,
of which 20 were British, 20 Italian and none
Russian. Only three features have been produced
there within 18 months by Americans
or by joint endeavor with the French. Such
production is opposed by technicians and actors
but unopposed by producers so long as
certain conditions are met. The French
quota will remain in effect until the foreign
market is stabilized.
GOVERNMENT COLLECTIONS
A number of questions were asked about
the government subsidy. Two cents are
taken from the sale of each ticket for a special
fund; then a boxoffice tax of 30 per
cent is levied on the remainder. This goes
into a general pool which in 1949 totaled $4,-
500,000. It was divided about equally between
exhibitors, to help them modernize their
houses or replace war losses, and to producers
to encourage the making of better pictures.
Lourau said that the Marshall Plan has
had no direct influence on the French industry
but that when it is terminated next
year it will have a general effect on the country.
To meet the need for foreign revenue,
Uni-France is studying the American market
at the invitation of the MPAA foreign film
advisory unit, publicizing French films
throughout the world and promoting French
film festivals. A festival is planned here late
in the year which will show a combination of
new and old films and will be financed by
Uni-France. One was held successfully in
52
Here as MPAA guests for a survey of
the market are (left to right) Georges
Lourau, Uni-France president; J. P. Frogerais,
president of the French Film Producers
Syndicate, and Robert Cravenne,
Uni-France executive manager. They
will meet with representatives of all segments
of the industry.
Zurich last month and others are scheduled
for Belgium and Scandinavian countries.
The trio will meet in a few days with an
organization of independent importers now
being formed as well as with presidents of
MPAA member companies. Asked if they
are satisfied to date with distribution deals
made here, they said they could not make a
general comment because the deals vary picture
by picture but that they hope for an
improvement in playing time.
French Delegates Feted
By MPAA, Independents
NEW YORK—Here as guests of the MPAA
advisory unit for foreign films, three delegates
of the French industry have been offered
the additional aid of independent importers
in their study of the American market.
This action was taken during the week
when the newly formed International Motion
Picture Organization said it will set up
a special coordinating committee of five members
to work closely with them.
IMPO gave a luncheon Wednesday (10) at
the 21 club for Georges Lourau, president of
Uni-France Film; Pierre Frogerais, president
of the French Producers syndicate, and Robert
Cravenne, executive director of Uni-
France, with 12 members of the IMPO policyplanning
committee present. They will meet
again with the committee Monday (15) before
going to Hollywood as MPAA guests.
Late Wednesday, MPAA entertained them
at a reception at the Harvard club. Foreign
department executives of many companies
attended. The French delegates then went to
Washington to meet with Eric Johnston.
MPAA president, before his departure for
the London film pact talks.
WB Sets Tradescreening
NEW YORK—The national
tradescreening
of Warner Bros.' "This Side of the Law" will
be held June 5. National distribution of the
film starts July 8.
Petition Supreme Court
To Re-Hear Film 'Ten'
NEW YORK—Prof. Albert Einstein, Gilbert
Gabriel, Pierre Van Passen, Garson Kanin,
J. Edward Bromberg, Victor Jory, Clifford
Odets and Richard Watts jr. are among the
80 prominent names who have petitioned the
Supreme Court for a re-hearing of the prison
sentences imposed on John Howard Lawson,
Dalton Trumbo and the eight other Hollywood
writers and producers for contempt of
the Un-American Activities Committee.
Asking for "reconsideration" of the court's
refusal to hear the appeal of the ten men,
the petition urged the court to "present to
the entire country a definition of constitutional
guarantees."
The United Nations was asked, through its
Commission on Human Rights, to investigate
the contempt of Congress convictions against
the Hollywood "Ten" May 10. A special delegation,
consisting of six of the convicted
persons, came to the world organization
headquarters to deposit a formal complaint
accusing the U.S. government agencies of
violating the International Declaration on
Human Rights.
Colosseum Files Charges
Against UA with NLRB
NEW YORK—The Colosseum of Motion
Picture Salesmen filed unfair labor charges
against United Artists with the National
Labor Relations board May 10, according to
David Beznor, attorney for Colosseum.
Colosseum had previously notified Mary
Pickford and Charles Chaplin, co-owners of
United Artists, of its intention to reopen
negotiations for a new contract for some 70
UA salesmen. Earlier in 1950, Gradwell L.
Sears, UA president, requested that negotiations
for increased salaries and expenses be
discontinued for a period of 60 days. After
the 60 days had elapsed, Colosseum notified
UA that it was ready to meet and engage
in collective bargaining but the company
failed and refused to comply with the letter,
Beznor said.
Majors Sue Insley Estate
In Percentage Disputes
BALTIMORE—Percentage suits have been
filed in U.S. district court by Universal,
Loew's, United Artists, 20th Century-Fox, Columbia,
RKO and Warner Bros, against the
executives of the estate of Lee W. Insley and
the Diamond Globe Corp., a theatre operating
concern.
The theatres involved in each action are:
the Globe, Berlin, Md.; Diamond, Selbyville,
Del.; Auditorium, Lewes, Del.; Blue
Hen, Rehoboth Beach, Del., and the Avenue.
Delmar, Del.
Tydings, Sauerwein, Benson & Boyd of
Baltimore represent Loew's, and Piper, Watkins,
Avirett & Egerton represent the other
plaintiffs. Sargoy & Stein of New York appear
as of counsel in each case.
MPSC Takes French Film
NEW YORK—Motion Picture Sales Corp.
has closed a deal with Sam Nathanson, sales
representative of Bellon-Ffoulke International
Productions for the U.S. distribution of the
French-made "Caught in the Foreign Legion,"
starring Fernandel.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

—
N. Y. Theatres Have
21,692 Employes
NEW YORK—There are 21.692 employes in
1,282 motion picture theatres in New York
state, according to a survey by the Department
of Labor division of research and statistics.
Forty per cent are women and male
minors. Median hourly pay is 75 cents, with
65 per cent receiving less than $1 an hour
and 10 per cent less than 50 cents an hour.
The survey was made for a minimum wage
board which is studying the need for a minimum
wage order. It found that all state
amusement and recreation units total 4,152,
employing 67,799, that the median hourly
wage is $1.09, median hours worked weekly
36.2 and median weekly earnings $40.06.
Circuit theatres pay 45.8 cents an hour
while independent theatres pay 50.3 cents.
Average weekly working hours are 34.5. Projectionists
and stagehands receive $77.60.
cleaners and porters $41.54 and ushers $15.49.
The median weekly wage is $26.59.
The state has 300 motion picture production,
distribution and service units employing
11.054. Forty-four per cent are women
and 400 male minors. Their hourly wage
averaged $1.42, with 4 per cent making under
75 cents an hour. Average weekly working
hours are 37 '^ and the median weekly wage
$55.98. The women got $47.24 and the male
minors $31.71.
Large Home Office Group
To Attend Columbia Meet
NEW YORK—The second Columbia convention,
to open Monday (15) at the Ritz-
Carlton hotel, Atlantic City, will run four
days. A. Montague, general sales manager,
will preside at all meetings.
Besides Montague, those attending from
the home office will be: Jack Cohn, executive
vice-president: Rube Jackter, Louis
Astor, Louis Weinberg, Irving Wormser, Maurice
Grad, George Josephs, Morris Goodman,
H. C. Kaufman, Joseph Freiberg, Seth Raisler,
Irving Moross, Arnold Picker, Sigwart
Kusiel, Harvey Harnick, William Brennan,
Vincent Borelli, Irving Sherman, Sidney
Singerman, Sam Reice and H. K. McWilliams.
Also present will be the five division managers
who supervise the branches attending,
as well as the branch managers, salesmen
and office managers of the following exchanges:
Boston, New Haven, Cincinnati,
Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, Detroit,
Indianapolis, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Philadelphia.
Albany, Buffalo and New York.
New Dynamo Film Special
Issued by 20th-Fox
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox has
started distribution of the semiannual product
edition of Dynamo, which is called the
"1950-51 Showmanship Production Special."
The 37 branches of 20th-Fox in the U.S. and
Canada are making the distribution to exhibitors,
film buyers and others. It is estimated
that over 20,000 copies will have been
sent out by the end of May.
Keep up the fight for total ticket tax
repeal!
Rudolph M. Gram, 79, Dies;
Owner of Buffalo Sylvia
BUFFALO—Rudolph M. Gram, 79, owner
of the Sylvia here for the last 29 years, died
recently of a heart attack while visiting
friends after closing the theatre for the day.
Born in Buffalo, Gram attended school 16
and the old German Trinity Lutheran school.
At an early age he was apprenticed to the
architectural firm of Green & Wicks. After
about 15 years' work as an architect, he became
an estimator for Metz Bros., general
contractors.
He and his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Albert
C. Behling opened the Sylvia in 1921. The
Grams celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
Nov. 1, 1947. He was a member of
the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of western
New York.
Surviving besides his wife are a son Herbert
R. of Boston and a daughter, Mrs. Norman
E. Scott, Wilmington, Del. Burial was
in Forest Lawn cemetery.
Mrs. Edith Foster Dies;
Education Film Pioneer
RIDGEWOOD. N. J.—Mrs. Edith Dunham
Foster, 86, one of the pioneers in the field
of educational films, died May 9 in Hackensack
hospital.
During the first world war, Mrs. Foster
became connected with the Community Motion
Picture Service in Boston, which furnished
nearly all the educational films shown
to American armed forces during the war
and about half of those shown to the Allies.
Her son. Warren Dunham Foster, was president
of the service beginning in 1917 and
it was estimated that, at the height of the
organization's activity, about 10 per cent of
all such films shown throughout the world
originated with it.
At her retirement from business at the
age of 80, she was probably the oldest ' of
the educational film pioneers. Besides her
son, Mrs. Foster is survived by two grandchildren,
William Foster and Mrs. DeWitt
Clinton II, both of Washington. Her husband
died in 1946.
He was a theatre manager before World
Charles Wagner Dead
WEST ENGLEWOOD, N. J.—Funeral services
were held here Tuesday (9) for Charles
E. Wagner, 58, publicity and advertising representative
for RKO. He is survived by his
wife, Mildred. He served RKO since 1940
and was at one time associated with the Motion
Picture Trade Review and United Artists.
War I and was a veteran of that war.
'Annie' Prerelease Runs
Held or Moved Over
NEW YORK—MGM's "Annie Get Your
Gun" has either been held over or moved
over in all of its prerelease engagements in
Loew's theatres. In some situations, "Annie"
grossed more than 10 per cent better than
"On the Town," the company's most recent
record-holder in the musical field, according
to MGM sales executives. In other situations,
it has grossed 15 to 25 per cent better than
any MGM musical in the last decade.
The moveover situations are Hartford and
Evansville, Ind. The picture is not scheduled
to be tradeshown until May 23.
Para. Pictures Reports
First Quarter Net
NEW YORK—Estimated net earnings of
$1,441,000 for the first quarter of the year
have been reported by Paramount Pictures
Corp. The figure includes earnings of its
domestic and Canadian subsidiaries, but does
not include a $597,000 net interest in the
combined undistributed earnings of holdings
in nonconsolidated companies, among them
Allen B. DuMont laboratories.
The amount of foreign rental income included
is limited to the sum actually received
at the home office. The net represents
45 cents a share on 3,172,870 shares
outstanding April 1. Recent Paramount purchases
have reduced the number of outstanding
shares to 2,648,597.
Name Monroe R. Goodman
Aide to A. W. Schwalberg
NEW YORK — Monroe R. Goodman, who
has been assistant manager of the short subjects
and newsreel sales department of Paramount,
has been named by A. W. Schwalberg.
president of Paramount Film Distributing
Corp., to be his assistant.
Goodman has been with Paramount for 20
years. He started in the accounting department
in 1930. Later he was assistant to the
head of branch accounting, assistant to the
eastern divisional sales manager and assistant
to the southern division manager. In 1941
he became assistant to Oscar A. Morgan, general
sales manager for short subjects and
newsreelsİII
DOCTOR-DOCTOR!
Mr. Exhibitor . . .
I am
IS
YOUR THEATRE SICK?
curing others
WHY NOT YOURS?
I CURE TELEVISION ITIS
It
Write, Phone. Wire.
Will Cost Your Nothing
for a consultation.
I will coll on you if you are Maryland, Washington,
D. C, Virginia, North or South Carolina
or West Virginia.
PICTURES ARE BETTER
Competition Is Tougher!
I can help you with your problems.
BOB BERTSCHY
Mathews,
Virginia
representing
PRICE THEATRE PREMIUM CO.
352 W. 44th St New York, N. Y.
!!53
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

-
U.S. Film Heads, Wilson
Begin London Pact Talks
NEW YORK—In one short week the
geographical
center of interest of the industry
has shifted from Chicago to London, from
domestic problems to international issues.
The Council of Motion Picture Organizations
has come into being, representative of the
entire industry; now a new Anglo-American
film pact must be arrived at. While the
latter is chiefly a producer-distributor problem,
the decisions to be reached will be felt
by all segments of the industry, including
exhibition and labor. Just what will be the
outcome of the talks with Harold Wilson,
president of the British Board of Trade, not
even the participants know.
SESSIONS START MAY 15
Ellis Arnall, Society of Independent Motion
Picture Producers president, left Monday
(8) on the Queen Mary for London.
Eric Johnston, MPAA president, accompanied
by Joyce O'Hara, his assistant, and James
A. Mulvey, president of Samuel Goldwyn
Productions, and the second SIMPP representative,
left by air Friday (12). Johnston
and Mulvey negotiated the present pact two
years ago. It was for a four-year term, with
provision for renegotiation after two years
if desired. The two-year period is up June
14.
Before leaving, Arnall said he hoped that
decisions will result in a "fair deal." He
said he hadn't talked terms of any deal with
Johnston. The MPAA head made no statement.
On arrival in London, Arnall and Mulvey
expected to meet with Goldwyn, Walt Disney
and Sol Lesser, SIMPP members, who
are there. Johnston and O'Hara were met
by John G. McCarthy, head of the MPAA
international division, and Fayette Allport,
European manager.
Discussions with Wilson will get under way
Monday (15). They will be suspended the
following day so that Wilson can address a
conference of the National Ass'n of Theatrical
and Kine Employes at Brighton. He
recently spoke at a meeting of the Ass'n
of Cine and Allied Technicians and hinted
that the Socialist government might reorganize
the industry.
CONVERTIBILITY CHIEF TOPIC
Chief problem at the talks will be agreement
on the amount of convertibility of
American earnings. At present, the annual
amount is $17,000,000 plus the dollar equivalent
of British film earnings in the U.S.
Since the agreement was made two years
ago, the pound has been devalued, so that
the British now have to pay more in pounds
than formerly to meet the dollar figure.
Wilson would like to cut the total. He is
expected to suggest convertibility at the current
figure less the 30 per cent represented
by devaluation, or $11,900,000. The
U.S. delegation won't want the figure reduced,
and will push for relaxation of restrictions
on investment of frozen funds.
Wilson has made speeches about encouraging
U.S. production in Britain to aid unemployment
in the acting and technical
ranks of the industry there. Some observers
have felt he may make this a bargaining
point in the negotiations, and the Hollywood
AFL Film Council, with its 20,000
studio employe members, is worried about
the effect on Hollywood employment. Johnston
recently addressed the council, pointing
out the tight financial plight of Britain and
the need for helping employment over there,
but only in a reasonable degree. Arnall then
told the council he was fully aware of its
problems.
Now the council wants representation at
the negotiations. It has asked Dean Acheson,
secretary of state, to have a government representative
sit in to protect its interests.
Shortly before sailing, Arnall said he hadn't
heard that there will be any such representation.
TVA Applies to NLRB for
Actors' Jurisdiction
NEW YORK — The Television
Authority,
newly formed organization for performers in
national TV programs, has formally applied
to the National Labor Relations Board f6r
certification as the bargaining agent for all
television performers, including those appearing
in films made for television. The application,
if granted, would cover performers in
New York, Chicago and Hollywood, the three
principal production centers.
It is assumed that the application will be
contested by Screen Actors Guild, which has
disputed the TV Authority's claim to performers
making television films. SAG filed
a similar petition with NLRB on the coast
last week. Both TVA and SAG are affiliated
with Associated Actors and Artistes of America,
AFL parent body of actor unions.
Youth United to Benefit
From 'Robinson Story'
NEW YORK—The proceeds from the
first
showing of "The Jackie Robinson Story" at
the Astor Theatre here May 16 will be turned
over to Youth United, child welfare organization,
by Eagle Lion, distributor of the picture.
Seats in a special section of the theatre
will be scaled from $25 to $100.
Jackie Robinson, Nicky Kenny, chairman
of the Youth United benefit, Supreme Court
Justice George J. Beldock. president of Youth
United, and executives from Eagle Lion will
attend. The latter include William J. Heine
man, vice-president in charge of distribution,
L. Jack Schlaifer, general sales manager,
and Leon Brandt, director of publicity and
advertising.
Columbia Prints Destroyed
In Fire in Havana Office
HAVANA—Columbia Pictures prints were
destroyed in a fire at the local exchange.
Eleven employes were burned or injured,
three of them critically. The company was
forced to fly in extra prints from other
Latin American branches to supply theatres
in the area.
Paramouni's DuMont
Stock Up Sharply
NEW YORK—Paramount Pictures Corp.
values its investment in Allen B. DuMont
Laboratories, Inc., on the books at $164,000,
the price paid by Paramount Pictures, Inc.,
before separation of production and distribution
from exhibition to fit the terms of the
consent decree.
There is wide interest in this stock because
of reports it might be sold.
'The holdings consist of 43,200 shares of
Class A common and 560.000 shares of Class
B common. On Dec. 31, 1949, the over-thecounter
bid price on the Class A was 15.5
per share, a total of $669,600. A little over
four months later, on May 3, the bid price was
24.5, a total of $1,058,400, and at that time
Paramount was asking 25.5, a total of $1,101,-
600.
No price can be quoted on the 560,000 shares
of B stock, as the DuMont corporation holds
all of it. There is no difference in the shares,
except that the holders of Class A common
are entitled to elect five members of the
board of directors and the president and
vice-president, and the holders of Class B
common are entitled to elect three members
of the board and the secretary and treasurer
and assistant treasurer. No action requiring
stockholders' approval may be taken without
a majority vote of both classes of stock.
TBA Advisory Committee
To Review '48 TV Code
NEW YORK—The Television Broadcasters
Ass'n has established an advisory committee
on television programming to review the
"principles and policies" established by TBA
in 1948 with respect to the growth of TV
broadcasting during the past two years. Lawrence
W. Lowman, vice-president of Columbia
Broadcasting System, and a member of
the TBA board, has been named chairman
of the new committee.
The association's statement on programming
principles, issued in November 1948,
recommended that, until such time as a code
or guide for the industry was drawn, all TV
broadcasters "use for their guidance the
general principles of service in the public
interest which the older media of radio
broadcasting and motion pictures have developed,
so far as they are applicable."
D. H. Halpern Nominated
For Presidency of ATS
NEW YORK—David Hale Halpern was
named as candidate for president of the
American Television Society in the list of
nominees submitted by the nominating committee
early in the week. The election will
be held June 22.
In the meantime any group of ten members
wishing to submit other nominees can
do so 30 days prior to the election date,
with a postmark not later than May 20.
The remaining list of nominees submitted
by a committee headed by Charles Alicoate
follows: Vice-president, Warren Caro; secretary,
Barbara Jones; treasurer. Arch U.
Braunfeld; directors, Raymond Nelson, Richard
B. Rawls, Albert Deane, Halsey Barrett,
Paul Alley, Henry White and John Fox.
54
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

; dio
1
:
requested
NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager J
Warner Studio Warns
All Talent Agents
HOLLYWOOD—On the
grounds that studio
visiting privileges have been abused, Warner
Bros, has served notice on all talent
agency representatives that such practices
"will not be tolerated" and in a stern letter
to agency organizations requested that they
limit their business calls to matters immediately
at hand under penalty of "denial of
the privilege of having access to any part
of our studio."
The blast came on the heels of a recent
Warner edict banning representatives of the
Music Corp. of America, largest of the talent
agencies, from the lot, allegedly because of a
situation involving an MCA client in whom
Warners had expressed interest but who subsequently
was signed to a term ticket elsewhere.
In its communique to the agencies, the stucharged
that many of the percenteers have
been making a practice of wandering indiscriminately
around the lot chatting with personnel
without appointments and "in general
abusing the privilege of having access to
the studio." At the same time the company
its contract talent to approve a
change of policy calling for pay checks to be
mailed out rather than picked up on the lot
by the agent or representative.
!
SAG Notifies TV Chains
TVA Controls Live Shows
HOLLYWOOD—Now engaged in a running
battle with Television Authority concerning
jurisdiction over actors employed in the making
of video films, the Screen Actors Guild
waxed somewhat sardonic when it notified
TV networks and stations in New York that
it hopes TVA's contract negotiations for performers
in live video shows "will move to a
speedy and successful conclusion."
Pointing out that it does not claim jurisdiction
over live shows or simultaneous kinescoping
thereof, SAG reminded, however, that
a Guild petition has been filed with the
NLRB for a representative election covering
actors employed by all companies making motion
pictures, either theatrical or for television,
in the southern California area, and
said similar petitions will be filed in other
sections of the country.
Award to Cecil DeMille
HOLLYWOOD—Producer-Director Cecil B.
DeMille was the recipient of an award in
ceremonies at the Beverly Hills chapter of
Hadassah Friday (12) for his "outstanding
presentation" of Paramount's "Samson and
Delilah."
Start Uncle Remus Series
At Fairbanks for Video
HOLLYWOOD—A new daily 15-minute
video film series, "Uncle Remus' Little-Folk
Tales," has been added to the filming and
distribution schedule of Jerry Fairbanks Productions.
Human actors wearing rubber animal-masks
and costumes will be employed
in the series, and scripts for an initial batch
of 26 releases have been completed by Bill
Redlin.
* * *
Marking the third local video station to
come into the Screen Directors Guild jurisdictional
fold, TV directors and assistants
at KECA-TV have voted to affiliate with the
SDG rather than the AFL's Radio and Television
Directors Guild. SDG affiliation previously
was voted by directors and assistants
employed at KTLA and KTTV.
Stillman Hosts Press
HOLLYWOOD—Members of the lay and
trade press were guests of Robert Stillman
Productions on an overnight junket to Phoenix
at midweek to watch the shooting of a mob
scene in the Arizona city for Stillman's "The
Sound of Fury," first of six pictures he will
produce for United Artists release. The newshawks
were flown to Phoenix and return
with Irving Rubine, Stillman vice-president
and publicity director, hosting the jaunt.
NEW DISCOVERY—Charlton
Heston,
left, actor who first gained fame in video,
was the guest at a reception at which he
was introduced to the Hollywood press by
Producer Hal Wallis, center, who recently
placed Heston under term contract. The
reception followed a screening of his test
films and scenes from Wallis' "Dark
City," in which Heston stars with Lizabeth
Scott, Viveca Lindfors, right and
Don DeFore. The opus is for Paramount
release.
Extras Sign Contract
For $15,56 Minimum
HOLLYWOOD—Elimination of the $9.45
daily rate for crowd extras and establishment
of the general extra rate of S15.56 a day as
the minimum scale highlighted terms of a
new collective bargaining contract agreed
upon by major producers and the Screen
Extras Guild. The contract runs to October
1953, with either party given the right to
reopen negotiations in October 1951.
It also was agreed that no unregistered
persons will be hired for crowd scenes except
under "specified limitations" and not
until after a minimum of 100 registered
extras have been called. Additionally, the
new contract codifies some prevailing wage
rates and clarifies provisions for wardrobe
removal allowances.
Negotiations were carried out by SEG representatives
including Edd X. Russell, Bess
Flowers, Larry Steers, Franklin Farnum.
Jeffrey Sayre, Beulah Parkington, H. O'Neil
Shanks, Robert Gilbert and President Richard
Gordon. Representing the producers were
Charles Boren, labor liaison executive of the
Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers; William
Hopkins, Emmett Ward, Fred Datig, William
Mayberry, William Cowit, H. R. Philbrick and
Arthur Freston.
* • *
A new collective bargaining agreement between
the Screen Publicists Guild and major
studios, running until October 1953, has been
inked. The ticket freezes a 11.17 per cent
cost-of-living bonus into the wage scale and
calls for establishment of a labor-management
cooperation committee. Three educators—Dean
Sheldon Elliott of the University
of Southern California; William Mcintosh,
Loyola, and a representative from the University
of California at Los Angeles—will
function as impartial arbitrators in handling
disputes as they may arise. A replacement
will be selected for Clarence Dykstra of
UCLA, who died soon after his appointment
to the arbitration board.
* * *
A general membership meeting of the
Screen Writers Guild was scheduled for
Wednesday (10) at the Hollywood Roosevelt
hotel, at which a negotiating committee
was expected to present a progress report on
efforts to reach a new bargaining agreement
with the major producers.
* * *
Meantime the NLRB set Tuesday (23) as
the date for a hearing on charges of unfair
labor practices brought against SEG by Mike
Jeffers, onetime head of the now defunct
Screen Players Union.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950
55

Blurbers
STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES
Paramount
JOHN DEL VALLE has rejoined Nat Holt Productions
to beat the drums for the two sagebrush
ventures which Holt will turn out for release by
this company. Del Valle recently completed a special
exploitation assignment for Lippert Productions
United Artists
RICHARD WEAVER has joined Robert Stillman
Productions, releasing through UA, as eastern publicity
director headquartering in New York.
Briefies
Metro
Producer Fred Quimby has slated "Lighthouse
Mouse" as a new Tom and Jerry cartoon.
RKO Radio
George Bilson produces and Richard Irving directs
"Fugitive Dog," a short now before the cameras,
featuring Gary Gray, Gordon Gebert and the mcvie
dog, Flame. Included in the supporting cast are
Frank Cady, Anne Nagel, Harry Strang, Harry
Harvey, Steve Roberts, Helen Brown and Richard
Reeves.
Cleffers
Metro
Due to conflicting commitments, DAVE RASK'N
replaced Bronislaus Kaper as scorer on "A Lady
Without a Passport."
Monogram
Signed to do the musical score for "County Fair"
was OZZIE CASWELL.
Republic
STANLEY WILSON and DALE BUTTS were assigned
to conduct and score "Hit Parade of 1950," while
AL RINKER and FLOYD HUDDLESTON were inked
seven oriainal songs for the film, in which the FIRE
HOUSE FIVE PLUS TWO, Dixieland jazz outfit, makes
its screen debut.
Loanouts
Independent
Cahn borrowed JEAN DIXON
Producer Edward- L.
from RKO to play the femme
Howard in "Delayed Action."
lead opposite lohn
Meggers
Columbia
LEW LANDER was signed to meg
for Producer Sam Katzman.
'Chain
Gang"
Eaglele Lion
JOHN HOFFMAN was sianed by Jack Schwarz
Productions to direct "I Killed Geronimo," which
is to be produced by Jack Rabin.
Metro
JOHN STURGES was set to direct "The Magnificent
Yankee" for Armand Deutsch.
HAROLD KRESS was uoped from a film-editina
post to direct "Shep of the Painted Hills" for Producer
Chester Franklin.
Slated for production by JOE PASTERNAK is "Los
Angeles, 5 p. m.," authored by the producer.
Monogram
Forthcoming stint for Producer BARNEY GRnARn
is "What the Public Wants," an oriainal bv Gerard
based on a series of revues he staged on Broadway.
Paramount
Studio took ud its option on the services of Director
RUDY MATE for one film during the next year.
Studio picked uo its yearly option on the services
of Producer IRVING ASHER.
RKO Radio
H. C. POTTER was inked to meg "High Frontier,"
aviation drama to be produced by Robert Sparks.
Republic
Assigned to meg the Allan "Rocky" Lane western,
"Frisco Tornado," was R. G. SPRINGSTEEN Gordon
Kay produces.
William Lackev has been assigned to orodnce
"Millions for Rackets," original screenplay by Gertrude
Walker, dealing with an expose of a crooked
insurance racket.
Options
Columbia
TOM LONDON was set for "Blazing Sun."
Because of conflicting commitments, IOHN
56
PIDGELY will replace William Bishop in the cast
of "Al Jennings of Oklahoma." Cast in a principal
role was GLORIA - HENRY.
WAYNE MORRIS and- PRESTON FOSTER will be cofeatured
in two pictures, "The Tougher They Come,"
to be produced by Wallace MacDonald, and "The
Big Gusher," to be produced by Milton Feldman.
Independent
IOHN BAPRYMORE JR. will be toplined in the
third film projected by Alan LeMay and Director
George Templeton, "Quebec," which will be filmed
in Technicolor on location in that Canadian city.
The first two LeMcfy-Templeton ventures, "The Sundowners"
and- "High Lonesome," were for Eagle
Lion release.
Metro
Inked for the femme lead oooosite Fred Astaire
in "Royal Wedding" was SARAH CHURCHILL,
daughter of Winston Churchill. Charles Walters
megs and Arthur Freed produces the film.
FREDRIC MARCH is slated for the role originally
intended for Edward G. Robinson in the Four Eves
Sequence of the Robert Sisk production, "It's a Big
Country."
DON TAYLOR, leading man, asked for and received
a" release from the balance of his term
ticket in order to freelance. His last chore at the
studio was in "Father of the Bride."
RRUCE COWLING replaces John Hodiak. who was
suspended for refusing the assianment, in the cast
of the Tom Lewis t>roduction, "Cause for Alarm."
Radio announcer ART BAKER was assigned to The
Loretta Young starrer. Tay Gcrrnett directs.
Inked for "Watch the Birdie" was CHARLES LANE.
Jack Donohue megs the Red Skelton comedy for
Producer Harry Ruskin.
Paramount
Inked for the Hal Wallis oroduction, "Dark City,"
was DEWEY ROBINSON. William Dieterle directs.
Sianed for the rjicture were FRANVT.YN FARNUM,
I.STIOA FT.I.TOTT and FRANZ ROEHM. MocDet
lANlN^ PERREAU was inked for "Bevond the Sunset."
A!so sianed for Producer Irvina Asher's Glenn
Ford, Edmnn- 1 O'Rrien and Rhonda Fleming starrer
was RAY TEAL. Leslie Fenton directs.
Cast for crn important role in Producer-Director
Rill" Wilder's "Ace in the Hole" was "S^BAPA
RUSH. Set for a top role was JAN STERLING.
RKO Radio
ELEANOR TENNANT, tennis coach, was inked to
Dlav herself in Filmaker's "Mother of a Champion,"
t^ be directed by Ida Lupino and produced by
Collier Young.
GIG YOUNG and MARY ANDERSON were signed
for the toD roles in "Seven Witnesses," to be directed
by George Archainbaud for Producer Lewis J.
Rachmil. Character actor HARPY SHANNON was
sianed. JOHN KELLOGG and WILLARD PARKER
also were inked for the picture.
Republic
Assianed the second femme lead in the John
Crtrrnll-Marie McDonald vehicle, "Hit Parade of
19^0 " was ESTELITA FODRIGUEZ. John Auer serves
a Droducer-di rector. Assigned a featured role was
G n ANT WITHERS.
20th Century-Fox
ROBERT BARRAT was sianed to oortr^v Gen.
Douglas MacAr'hnr in the Tvron*> Power-Mirholine
Prelle starrer, "American Guerrilla in the Philippines."
Fritz Lang directs for Producer Lamar
Trotti.
AGNES MOOREHEAD draws a featured snot with
p ichard Basehart and Paul Doualas in "Fourteen
HoiirS ." Henry Hathaway directs and Sol Siegel
produces.
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.
: May
Pers onnelifies
(Continued from preceding news page)
On loan from Samuel Goldwyn, HARRY STRAD-
LING will handle the Technicolor photography and
DANNY MANDEL the film editing stint for Producer
Edward Small's "Valentino as I Knew Him.
Producer Sam Wiesenthal has signed RICHARD
DAY as art director for his Olympic production,
"Cry
Danger."
Monogram
Set as first and second assistant directors, respectively,
for "Bomba and the Hidden City were
MELVILLE SHYER and ED MOREY JR.
Paramount
ARTIE SCHMIDT and DANIEL FAPP were set as
film editor and director of photography, respectively,
on "Beyond the Sunset."
Assigned as director of photography on "Mr. and
Miss Anonymous" was GEORGE BARNtb.
RKO Radio
Production Manager NORMAN COOK has been
upped to associate producer on Filmaker s Mother
of a Champion."
20th Century-Fox
Studio lifted its option on the services of cameraman
JAMES GORDON.
LUCIEN BALLARD and HENRY WEINBERGER were
set as cameraman and assistant director, respectively,
for "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain.
Universal-International
DAN CAVANAGH, milk company executive, was
set as technical adviser for "The Milkman.
TACK GERTSMAN, unit production manager; RON-
NIE RONDELL and GORDON McLEAN, assistant directors,
and RUSS METTY, cameraman, were assigned
to "Wyoming Mail."
Crew assignments for "Under the Gun" iridude
LEW LEARY, unit production manager; JOHN fahUK-
WOOD and GEORGE LOLLIER, assistant directors;
HENRY FREULICH, cameraman, and EDWARD LLOW,
art director.
Warners
CHUCK HANSEN was set as first assistant director
on "Dallas." Slated as film editor was CLAK-
ENCE KOLSTER. Assigned as director of photography
was ERNEST HALLER.
Assigned as art director for "Breakthrough" was
STANLEY FLEISCHER.
Title Changes
RKO Radio
"Public Defender" to SEVEN WITNESSES.
"Code 3" to ARMORED CAR ROBBERY.
'The Romberg Story' Slated
For Production by MGM
HOLLYWOOD—Added to MGM's upcoming
schedule of tunefilms, with Arthur Freed assigned
to produce, was "The Romberg Story,"
musical biography of Sigmund Romberg,
noted contemporary composer. The film will
contain excerpts from such Romberg operettas
as "New Moon," "The Desert Song" and
"The Student Prince."
The studio recently completed "Three Little
Words," based on the careers of songwriters
Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, and will launch
production this summer on "The Caruso
Story," starring Mario Lanza as the great
Italian tenor.
Sid Rogell Appointed
Chairman of UJW Fund
HOLLYWOOD—Succeeding Henry Ginsberg,
Paramount production chief, Sid Rogell,
RKO executive producer, has been appointed
chairman of the motion picture industry
section of the Los Angeles United
Jewish Welfare fund. His appointment was
announced by Oscar S. Patitz, campaign
chairman.
The upcoming UJW drive will attempt to
better the 1949 mark of 3,431 industry contributions
for a total of $1,609,000, more than
one-fifth of the Los Angeles aggregate.
58
Gloria Swanson Tour
To Include 25 Cities
HOLLYWOOD—Resuming her promotional
activities on behalf of Paramount's "Sunset
Boulevard," in which she appears, Gloria
Swanson left (8) on a tour of 25 U.S. and
Canadian cities, serving as hostess at exhibitor
and press screenings. She will also appear
before exhibitor groups at six forthcoming
regional conventions.
A high point of the tour will be her participation
in the Kansas City Centennial celebration
June 2, 3, at which President Harry
S. Truman, his cabinet members and senators
and congressmen from Missouri and adjoining
states will lead and review a parade.
Showmen's conventions on Miss Swanson's
itinerary include Allied ITO of Iowa-Nebraska,
May 16; Allied Rocky Mountain Independent
Theatres (17); Motion Picture
Theatre Owners and Operators of Georgia
(21); Allied ITO of Midsouth (24); Associated
Theatre Owners of Indiana, June 14,
and Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey,
June 16.
'Lawless' Shown at Studio
For Community Agency
HOLLYWOOD—A private screening of the
Pine-Thomas production, "The Lawless," was
staged Friday (12) at the Paramount studios
for 200 members representing more than 50
agencies in Los Angeles city and county, unified
as the Los Anegles County Conference
on Community Relations. The conference is
aimed at building stronger democratic human
relations through churches, schools,
minority groups, labor unions and other
channels. Its executive committee has voted
to support "The Lawless," which treats of
Mexican-American interrelations in California
agricultural areas.
* * *
Following stage appearances Tuesday (9)
at the world premiere of U-I's "Sierra" at
the Orpheum in Seattle, a troupe of U-I contractees
headed for Portland, San Francisco
and Sacramento to make public appearances
in conjunction with openings of the picture
in those cities. Making the trek are Audie
Murphy, Scott Brady, Lois Andrews, Anthony
Curtis, Peggie Castle and Tommy Chambers.
* * *
A heavy turnout of thespian luminaries was
noted at the Warner screening of "The Glass
Menagerie," staged Wednesday (9) at Warners'
Hollywood Theatre for representatives
of the fan and national magazines. Studio
nose-counters tallied more than 120 stars who
attended the first private press screening of
the film version of Tennessee Williams' play,
which was produced by Jerry Wald and
Charles K. Feldman and directed by Irving
Rapper.
To Help Masguers Party
HOLLYWOOD—Top show business luminaries
and civic dignitaries will participate
when the Masquers celebrates its 25th anniversary
with a birthday party Thursday (25)
With Alan Mowbray in charge of arrangements,
invitations have been extended Gov.
Earl Warren, Mayor Fletcher Bowron, Sheriff
Eugene Biscailuz, Police Chief Worton,
top studio executives and representatives of
the various talent guilds.
West: S. Barret McCormick, RKO advertising
director, arrived from New York for two
weeks of huddles with studio executives and
a look at new company product.
* * *
East: Pat Duggan, vice-president of Samuel
Goldwyn Productions, trained for Manhattan
for a series of meetings with the
company's eastern executives. He was accompanied
by his wife Libbie Block, novelist.
* * *
East: Gradwell Sears, president of United
Artists, was expected to return to his eastern
headquarters over the weekend after attending
a meeting of the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers here and huddling
with Producr Stanley Kramer concerning prerelease
sales campaigns for Kramer's "The
Men," which UA will release.
* * *
East: Producer-Director John Ford of Argosy
Pictures, accompanied by John Bourke,
Republic location manager, planed out for
Kanab, Utah, to scout shooting sites for "Rio
Bravo," Argosy's first for Republic release.
* * *
West: Dick Harmel, in charge of motion
picture interests for the Schlesinger Enterprises
of South Africa, was hosted at Paramount
by Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president.
* * *
North! Robert L. Lippert, president of Lippert
Productions, and Marty Weiser, advertising-publicity
director, planed to Seattle to
attend a meeting of the Independent Theatre
Owners Ass'n, at which the new Lippert
release, "Rocketship XM," was screened.
Meantime a visitor at Lippert headquarters,
coming down from San Francisco, was Al
•Grubstick, assistant sales manager.
* ' *
East: Producer George Pal headed for New
York for huddles with Eagle Lion sales executies
concerning exploitation and sales campaigns
to be set up for Pal's "Destination
Moon."
* * *
East: Harold Hecht, partner of Actor Burt
Lancaster in Norma Productions, planed for
Gotham for meetings with Warner sales and
advertising executives on "The Flame and the
Arrow," which Norma turned out as a Lancaster
starrer for Warner release.
* • •
West: James A. FitzPatrick, producer of
travel films for MGM, returned from a fourmonth
picture-making swing around 14 foreign
countries. The footage will be used in a
new series, "The World's a Stage."
* * *
East: Mel Epstein, Paramount producer,
and Scenarist N. Richard Nash headed for
New York for conferences with Gertrude
Berg, "Mrs. Molly Goldberg" of the radio and
TV show, who will star in a film version to
be turned out for Paramount by Epstein.
West: Dr. Leo Handel, director of the Motion
Picture Research Bureau, checked in to
transfer the organization's headquarters here
from New York. The bureau's exclusive contract
with Loew's, Inc., expires this month
and the unit, while continuing to handle
MGM on special assignments, will also do
consultant work and research for other clients.
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1950

—
Academy Screening
1941 Award Winners
HOLLYWOOD—A new series of Sunday
evening screenings of Academy Award winning
films for the year 1941 got under way
(7) at the Academy Award Theatre. The pictures
:
"Here Comes Mr. Jordan," Columbia, best
written screenplay and best original motion
picture story, which was shown (7).
"Dumbo," Walt Disney-RKO, best
scoring
of a musical picture, (14).
"Blossoms in the Dust," MGM, best art
direction and best interior decoration, (21).
"I Wanted Wings," Paramount, best special
effects, (28).
"All That Money Can Buy," RKO, best
music score of a dramatic picture, June 4.
"How Green Was My Valley," 20th Century-Fox,
best picture, best supporting actor,
best direction, best art direction, best interior
decoration and best cinematography,
(11).
"That Hamilton Woman," Korda -United
Artists, best sound recording, (18).
"The Great Lie," Warner Bros., best supporting
actress, (25).
"Lady, Be Good," MGM, best song, July 2.
"Citizen Kane," Mercury-RKO, best original
screenplay, (9).
"Fantasia," Walt Disney-RKO, two special
Academy awards, (16).
"Sergeant York," Warner Bros., best actor
and best film editing, (23).
"Suspicion," RKO-Radio, best actress, (30).
Charities Group Meets
To Plan Appeal Drive
HOLLYWOOD — Shaping up plans for
launching the sixth annual United Appeal,
scheduled to get under way late this year,
the first of four scheduled meetings of the
industry's Permanent Charities committee
was held Wednesday (10) at the Samuel
Goldwyn studios. With Marvin Ezzell as
chairman, committee members include Harry
Thomas, Cecil Bardwell, L. C. Helm, Arthur
Sheekman, Cecil B. DeMille, Dan Winkler,
Edward Muhl, W. K. Craig, William Lundigan
and Marvin Faris. with Steve Broidy,
Sidney Solow, Roy M. Brewer, Olive Cooper,
George Marshall, Paul Wilkins, William K.
Hopkins and Macdonald Carey as alternates.
John Larkin is the PCC president. Edward
Arnold is vice-president and treasurer, and
Regis Toomey is secretary.
* * *
Bob Hope, national chairman of the United
Cerebral Palsy Ass'ns' $5,000,000 fund-raising
campaign, now under way, will headline an
all-star benefit performance at the Chicago
civic opera house Sunday (28) on behalf of
the drive. The performance, to be broadcast
nationally, is expected to gross $90,000.
AMPP to Host Ali Khan
HOLLYWOOD—Major studio executives
and a lengthy list of stars will be hosts to
representatives of one of the world's new nations
when the Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers
stages a dinner (18) for the prime
minister and the Begum Liaquat Ali Khan
of Pakistan and the official party accompanying
them on a state tour of the U.S.
George Murphy will be the toastmaster.
F CURRENT productional procedure continues,
1950 will go down in motion picture
history as the year of the alltime
bumper sagebrush and oat crops. Never before
in the annals of filmmaking have gallopers
accounted for so large a percentage of total
product as during the first five months of
this year. Item: Of an overall total of 43
features scheduled to debut before Hollywood
cameras during May, 13 are westerns.
Hollywood railbirds are advancing many
theories in attempted explanation of this
precedential swing toward spurs-and-saddles
film fare. In this opinion it is traceable
in addition to Cinemania's chronic propensity
toward cycles—to slightly panicky reasoning
on two counts, both of which stem
from current conditions and competition.
In the first place, studio brass, confronted
with declining grosses and eager to try anything
or everything to bolster the public's
acceptance of pictures, are reviving and being
influenced by that ancient industry
bromide which holds that there never was a
western that lost money.
Secondly, there is the bugaboo of competition
from television for public time and
attention. Inasmuch as a dominant part of
the entertainment being offered by video is
of the western pictures variety—be it ever
so ancient—and since TV is thought to be
keeping the ticket-buyers away from theatres,
many producers feel that the best way
to meet the threat is to have theatres offer
comparably dominant doses of celluloid oats.
Such thinking and procedure might be effective
if they were top-quality oats—which
they definitely are not. Quite to the contrary,
many of the westerns currently in
circulation or about to be released are woefully
weak. Accenting their appallingly obvious
shortcomings is the fact that they are
the high-budget oaters, the offerings that
were aimed at the so-called super-western
category and which should have attained
that king-size estate because of their lush
production accoutrements, such as Technicolor
photography, name-heavy casts, beautiful,
rugged scenic backgrounds, top-bracket
producers and directors. Despite which opulent
trappings, at least a trio of the features
—which shall remain nameless to save wear
and tear on the squawk department—have
less to offer the boots-and-six-gun devotees
than the average series westerns which cost
considerably less than half as much to
manufacture.
Why these frailties in high-cost westerns?
Probably they branch from producers' understandable
and commendable desire to do
something different, to avoid the comparatively
few basic plot structures upon which,
down through the decades, literally thousands
of gallopers have been based. But such
avidity for departure from time-honored
formulae too often brings forth a hybrid
which is not sufficiently freighted with established
western ingredients to satisfy the
rabid horse opera fans; and at the same time
misses the dramatic and/or emotional quotient
to make them prime entertainment for
ticket-buyers of more general film appetites.
There are contemporary instances in which
the divorcement from standard procedure
has been accomplished with shining success,
resulting in motion pictures with wide appeal
to all celluloid tastes. Items: MGM's "Annie
Get Your Gun" and a pair from 20th Century-Fox,
"A Ticket to Tomahawk" and "The
Gunfighter."
They prove that it can be done. Furthermore,
they establish—especially in comparison
with those that missed—that departurefrom-formula
success or failure lies almost
entirely in the literary source and scripting
treatment.
The conclusion—and possibly the cure—is
patent. Producers of westerns, regardless of
the size of their budgets, are better off if
they stick to the tried-and-true plots unless
they are unquestionably certain that they
have uncovered a literary genesis or a writer
that can give them something better. That
holds under any circumstance and it is infinitely
more necessary at this time, when
the screen is offering theatregoers the largest
dosage of sagebrush in history.
Unless such care is exercised, the public
is almost sure to become so over-sated with
oats that it will turn against all westerns,
thereby causing the industry to lose one of
its most reliable classifications and kicking
into a cocked sombrero—if it hasn't already
been done—the moss-covered theory about
there never having been a western that lost
money.
Intelligence from Praise Pundit Perry Lieber
that "because someone's going to make
a monkey of himself in the RKO Radio Studio
Club's annual golf tournament at Montebello
links May 21, a ringtailed monkey will
be the booby prize."
Even with his chiseler's handicap, Lieber
is a cinch to wind up with another monkey
on his staff.
And from the Burbankian blurb bailiwick
of Alex Evelove a press-stopping morsel that
"Steve Cochran returned to his Beverly Hills
home over the weekend following a ten-day
vacation spent on an old-fashioned farm near
Escondido, Calif."
Interesting. Most people were under the
impression that old-fashioneds were mixed
by bartenders, not grown on farms.
And from the same anxious Alex a thingsare-tough-all-over
note that "Cagney Productions,
Inc., which is making 'Kiss Tomorrow
Goodbye' for Warner Bros, distribution,
is having difficulty finding leather
money bags, which were used before the days
of armored cars."
Lo! poor Cagney. Most people's difficulties
are limited only to finding the money.
BOXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950
59

^wcUw, defiant
T ARTHUR RANK returned to England last
week and told the pressmen awaiting him
at Southampton that his production would
be drastically curtailed if there were no reduction
in entertainment tax allowed during
the current debates on the finance bill.
He had already announced this last year
and the current statement might be taken
as a measure to bring home the seriousness
of the tax situation to a chancellor of the
exchequer who seems to be more concerned
with extortion than with tax reduction. Now
that the terms of Sir Stafford Cripps' budget
have been given in parliament it seems unlikely
that they will be varied, although there
is an outside chance that remission might
be granted during the debates on the bill
and with their majority so small it may be
that the government would be prepared to
make the comparatively small sacrifice if the
Conservatives pressed hard for it. As it is,
Cripps has thrown a small sop to exhibitors
by giving a small remission of tax to those
halls playing cine-variety. Cinemas including
a proportion of live acts in their bill will
be entitled to a tax reduction based on the
playing time of the variety acts. In a small
hall the remission will amount to about $45
weekly, so there is not likely to be any great
rush to take advantage of the concession
since the variety wages bill must be met out
of it.
Rank already has cut his production schedule
to a point where it has almost vanished.
The last film made with his own funds at
Denham studio, "The Reluctant Widow," is
currently in release and, incidentally, doing
60
FRONT AND CENTER—Lined up here
is the first group of four regular U.S. army
officers to be graduated from a special
"on-the- job" motion picture course sponsored
by the Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers
as a contribution to the army's
training film program. The officers, left
to right: Capt. James N. Beaumont, Capt.
Victor Bloecker, Capt. Ralph N. Tudor,
Capt. Richard I. Taylor. All are veterans
of combat photographic service in World
War II and will take over production jobs
at the army's filmmaking center in Astoria,
L. I.
With them in this graduation photo,
By JOHN SULLIVAN
very good business. Since Denham ceased
production only two other films have been
made at his Pinewood studios the rest being
independent pictures going out through General
Film Distributors. One other film is
announced for this year—a Margaret Lockwood
picture. This is titled "Highly Dangerous"
and is similar in theme to "The Lady
Vanishes," in which Miss Lockwood first
made her name. Film columnists already
have decided that the title is an apt one for,
although she is still Rank's biggest star
property, Margaret Lockwood has had a succession
of poor parts and her popularity is
less than it was. It was the loyalty of her
following plus the good boxoffice record of
Charles Bennett's "Madness of the Heart"
which kept her in second place in the Daily
Mail poll this year.
* * •
IT SEEMS THAT BENEATH the shirt of
every film critic in Britain there beats the
heart of a frustrated leader writer. That is
the only conclusion that one can draw from
their reviews which consistently ignore the
merits of the films which they see and dwell
only on their political implications.
These thoughts arise from the reception
given by the press to the last of Filipo
DelGuidice's pictures, "The Chance of a Lifetime,"
which was recently reviewed in this
column. This is the film that the Odeon
circuit has been forced to book by the government
committee set up to help independent
producers and at the mere mention that
the circuits did not want it the national
press combined to praise it to the skies. In
standing: A. W. DeWeese, 20th Century-
Fox studio coordinator, military affairs
committee; Gordon Youngman of RKO,
a member of the AMPP's military affairs
group; John Aalberg, RKO industry coordinator
for the Motion Picture Producers
Ass'n; Fred S. Meyer, chairman of the
AMPP's military affairs committee; ¥.
Frank Freeman, AMPP board chairman,
and Sol Halprin, past commander of 20th-
Fox's American Legion post.
The graduating officers spent 90 days
studying production methods at the major
studios following completion of two-year
courses at UCLA.
spite of the lavish amount of space given
to it the public has quickly discovered that
it is a bad film, poor in entertainment value
and poor in technique. The Odeon organization
has honored the requirements of the
committee and treated it as a top feature of
its own, but in spite of this it is doing business
at the Leicester Square Theatre that
is way below average and to any trade observer
it is obvious that it will repeat this
poor record on general release.
* * *
OPENING ITS RUN at the Gaumont, Haymarket
and the Marble Arch Pavilion this
week is the new Two Cities offering, "Prelude
to Fame," which was produced by Donald
Wilson and directed by Fergus MacDonel.
It stars Guy Rolfe, Kathleen Byron, Kathleen
Ryan and a new child star, Jeremy
Spenser.
Based on Julian Huxley's book, "Young
Archimedes," this film is the tale of an infant
prodigy with an astonishing flair for
music. He is taken up by an unscrupulous
woman who keeps the child away from his
family and friends and forces him to tour the
European capitals as conductor of a symphony
orchestra. It is only when the child
is on the verge of a nervous breakdown and
attempts to commit suicide that his friends
rescue him and return him to his family.
Although handicapped by a poor script the
film succeeds because of the tremendous appeal
and vitality of young Spenser. At both
the trade and press shows the boy's handling
of a large orchestra in one sequence brought
spontaneous applause from the audiences and
the favorable publicity which his work received
after the film's premiere has established
him immediately as a top-rank child
star. The boy's acting, combined with the
beautiful music in the film, will have a tremendous
emotional appeal to women audiences
both here and in the United States.
* * *
JOHN WOOLF has decided that he will
not, after all, set up his own distribution
company, but will put out his product through
British Lion. It is emphasized in the report
announcing this move that Woolf's company
will have complete control over its own films
and will merely use the organization and
sales force of British Lion to sell their product.
British Lion finds their releases mainly
on the Associated British circuit and it is
more than likely that Woolf's product will
play Odeon and Gaumont so the arrangement
should be a sound one for both parties since
they are not likely to be selling in competition
and the use of British Lion will save
the new company the heavy expenses of setting
up a sales organization.
The new deal means that Independent
Film Distributors and British Lion between
them will have more than 20 big British
films to sell during the coming year. So far
Woolf is interested in six films, two of which
are ambitious Anglo-American productions.
British Lion has 13 ready for release or
scheduled for early production. Stars appearing
in the films made for Woolf make
an impressive list since they include James
Mason, Ava Gardner, George Raft, Richard
Greene, Valentina Cortese and David Farrar.
* * *
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS Jr. returned to
England last week to work in another British
feature quite different from his recent role
in Sidney Gilliat's "State Secret." This time
the film is a comedy and he is co-starred
with Yolande Donlan, an American girl who
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

—
is building a big following here for her particular
brand of daffy comedy. The film is
titled "Mrs. Drake's Duck" and deals with
the adventures of an American couple honeymooning
in England who buy 50 ducks at a
sale and discover that one of them lays
uranium eggs. When their secret is discovered
their cottage is surrounded by the British
and American armies and the soldiers
start a hunt for the duck.
ONLY ON VERY RARE OCCASIONS do
the King and Queen honor a film with their
presence at a premiere except in the case of
the annual royal command performance. Herbert
Wilcox and Anna Neagle, therefore, were
rightly proud to announce last week that their
majesties will be present at the premiere of
their latest film, "Odette," which completed
its French locations and is now being edited.
The Royal opening will be held on June 6 at
the Plaza Theatre and will be in aid of King
George's Pension fund for actors and
actresses. It is customary to give special
stage performances in aid of this fund but
only once before, when "Hamlet" was shown
in 1948, has a film been chosen for this honor.
"Odette" is the true story of Mrs. Odette
Churchill, the British agent who was dropped
into France during the war to work with the
underground movement and who refused to
give away her associates even when tortured
by the Gestapo. Her finger-nails were torn
out in an effort to extract information
from her, but she lived to hand over the
commandant of her prison to American soldiers
just before the armistice. For her bravery
she was awarded the George Cross, the
highest honor that England can give to a
civilian.
• * *
THE STAGE SHOW of "Annie Get Your
Gun," which has been running for nearly
three years at the Coliseum in London, goes
out on tour next month and will play several
of the largest Gaumont and Granada houses.
This move appears to confirm the feeling
that cinema patrons enjoy a change at their
local house.
Starting at the Davis, Croydon, on May 8,
the show moves into the Gaumont State at
Kilburn on the 29th and from there will complete
a round of some of the biggest cinemas
in the home counties. Most of the houses
at which it will play have a capacity of
around 2,000 seats.
APART FROM HIS concentration of interests
in his production organization, J. Arthur
Rank appears to be anxious to dispose of
some of his own personal assets in the film
industry. A well-known firm of real estate
agents is handling the sale of the Gate
studio at Elstree which is the personal property
of Rank and has no connection with the
organization.
For some years the Gate has been occupied
by G.H.W. Productions, Ltd., which is the
company producing the religious films which
caused Rank to become interested in the
film industry. Although it has served primarily
as a studio for these short films, the
Gate has occasionally been used for feature
production, notably by Sydney Box who produced
two Gainsborough films there.
The plant has two stages, one very small,
and a compact block of offices, dressing rooms
and work shops. It is fully equipped with
modern production gear since nothing was
stinted to the company making religious films.
'Comanche and 'Third Man Gross 130
To Pace Los Angeles First Runs
LOS ANGELES—First run takes continued
on the moderate side in most situations.
Carding the most trade were "Comanche Territory"
in its first stanza at five theatres
and "The Third Man," still holding up
strongly in its fourth week. Both accounted
for 130 per cent. The only other attractions
doing better than normal were "The Damned
Don't Cry" at 120 and "Wabash Avenue,"
which finished its second week with 115.
(Average is 100)
Chinese, Los Angeles, Uptown, Loyola, Wilshire-
Wabash Avenue (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 115
Egyptian, Loew's State—Please Believe Me
(MGM); Shadow on the Wall (MGM) 5
Fine Arts—The Third Man (SRO-EL), 4th wk 130
Four Star—Rigoletto (Cinema Distrib.), 4th wk 50
Four Music Halls, Forum—Champagne for Caesar
(UA), 2nd wk _ 85
Downtown, Hollywood Paramounts—Paid in Full
(Para) 80
Pontages, Hillstreet—Wagonmaster (RKO); Her
Wonderful Lie (Co!)
95
U.ii'ed Artists, Ritz, Culver, Studio City, Vogi
Comanche Territory (U-I); The Great Plane
Robbery (UA) - 130
Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wiitern—The
Damned Don't Cry (WB)
12U
'Three' and 'Damned' Split
Frisco Honors at 150
SAN FRANCISCO—Top honors were split
between the fourth week of "Three Came
Home" at the Cinema and the opening week
of "The Damned Don't Cry," both houses
rating a loud 150 per cent. Second spot honors
went to "One Way Street" at the
Orpheum.
Cinema—Three Came Home (20th-Fox), 4th wk 150
Fox—The Damned Don't Cry (WB), Federal Agent^
at Large (Rep) "50
Golden Gate—The Capture (RKO); Everybody's
Dancin' (LP) 85
Orpheum—One Way Street (U-I); I Was a Shoplifter
(U-I) 140
Paramount—Stage Fright (Para), 2nd wk y0
State—Riding High (Para), 2nd d. t. wk 110
St. Francis—The Third Man (SRO-EL), 4th wk -100
United Artists—A Woman of Distinction (UA),
2nd wk 100
United Nations—A Ticket to Tomahawk (20th-Fox);
Saraband (EL), 2nd wk 125
Warlield—Nancy Goes to Rio (MGM), 2nd wk 110
'Cheaper by the Dozen' Still
Strong at Denver
DENVER—"Cheaper by the Dozen" was
still strong in a rxoveover week at the Paramount.
"Reformer and the Redhead" was
held a third week at the Broadway, and "The
Third Man" likewise got a third at the
Denham. "Nancy Goes to Rio" turned in a
nice week at the Orpheum.
Broadway—The Reformer and the Redhead (MGM),
2nd wk 150
Denham—The Third Man (SRO-EL), 2nd wk 130
Denver, Esquire, Webber—The Daughter of Rosie
O'Grady (WB); Joe Palooka Meets Humphrey
(Mono) 100
Orpheum—Nancy Goes to Rio (MGM); Appointment
OPlcORi!
with Crime (SR) 115
Paramount—Cheaper by the Dozen (20th-Fox);
Port of New York (EL), 5th d. t. wk 150
Rialto—A Ticket to Tomahawk (20th-Fox); Kid
From Cleveland (Rep), 6th d. t. wk 85
Vogue—Fame Is the Spur (Oxford Films) 100
Keep up the fight for total ticket tax
repeal!
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BOXOFTICE :
: May
13, 1950 61

Westland Theatres Plans Drive-In
At Pueblo: Other Construction
PUEBLO, COLO.—Westland Theatres plan
to begin construction of a 1,200-car, $100,000
drive-in at Blende next fall. The firm purchased
26 acres located three-quarters of a
mile east of Blende from Madge McMillan
and Prank Gugliemo. The site is on Highway
50.
Westland Theatres now operates the Chief,
Colorado and Victory theatres here, and has
completed a drive-in at Colorado Springs.
Plan 1,000-Car Drive-In
For North Denver Area
DENVER — Plans for construction of a
1,000-car drive-in on a site at West 17th avenue
and Sheridan boulevard here, across
from Sloan's lake, have been disclosed by
A. P. Archer and Joe H. Dekher, co-owners
of North Denver Civic Theatres. The new
open air theatre, to be known as the Lake
Shore Drive-In, also will have several hundred
seats for walk-in patrons. Plans for
the project have been completed, and construction
is to be started immediately. The
drive-in is expected to be completed early this
summer.
Blumenield Starts $150,000
North Sacramento Drive-In
SAN FRANCISCO—Construction has started
on the 800-car, $150,000 drive-in being
erected by Blumenfeld Theatres at Arden
Way and Auburn boulevard in North Sacramento.
Opening is tentatively scheduled
for August 15.
A. J. Martinez has applied to the Salinas
county planning commission for a permit to
erect a $112,000 drive-in near 47th avenue
in Sacramento.
The 375-car drive-in under way for M. E.
Hammond south of Mount Shasta is expected
to be completed by early May.
The county planning commission denied
an application for construction of a $40,000
drive-in on Lake House acres on Stockton
boulevard in Sacramento. The request, filed
by Thomas A. Spalding, was denied because
the commissioners felt it would create a traffic
hazard.
Work has been started on an $80,000 drivein
in Daly City by the Mission Amusement
Co. of San Francisco. It is expected to be
completed by the early part of the summer.
The owners of the Belmont Theatre posted
$300 to start the North Road-Malcolm avenue
paving project in Belmont, according to
Earl C. Brown, theatre manager.
Work Begun on Mesa Drive-In
FARMINGTON, N. M. — Work has begun
on $60,000 Mesa Drive-In four miles east of
town on the Bloomfield highway. The airer
is being constructed by Murphy & Sons, general
contractors, on land recently purchased
from Arthur Coy. The airer will accommodate
400 cars and will be managed by Frank
Budai.
Second Aladdin Airer Opened
LOS ANGELES—Second unit in the new
Aladdin Drive-In chain, the Centinela in
the Westchester district, opened Thursday
(27), with a third, the Floral, due to open
late in May. The Centinela is being managed
by Cliff Getter and has an 820-car
capacity.
The Aladdin circuit is operated by Harry
M. Popkin, Jack and Izzy Berman and Arthur
Ringer, who also are partners in the
Eastland circuit of conventional indoor
houses. Its first ozoner, the South Gate in
South Gate, began operations about a month
ago.
Theatre-Store to Be Erected
BEAVERTON, ORE.—Plans for a $150,000
theatre-store project to be erected by Robert
E. Lawton are being drawn by United Builders,
Inc.
To be erected on a site at S. W. Canyon
and Lake roads, the two-story 90xl30-foot
concrete building will have a 448-foot frontage
on Canyon road and 280 feet on Lake
road. The site was acquired by Lawton from
Mrs. Catherine Albino for approximately
$35,000.
The theatre will accommodate 792 people
and will be operated by Haarold Fix, manager
of the Beaver Theatre. The theatre will
include a smoking room, cry room and stage
wide and deep enough to accommodate community
performances.
The building will include a snack bar lunch,
several store spaces for rental and office
space and two appartments on the second
floor. B. C. Linde, Portland, handled the
property sale transaction.
Work Progressing on Kar-Vu
DENVER—Construction of the Kar-Vu
Drive-In, first to be built inside the Denver
city limits, is being supervised by Lem Lee.
All work on the 726-car ozoner is being done
by subcontract.
The RCA and Brenkert equipment was
bought through Western Service & Supply.
Opening is expected to be June 1. One hundred
fifty walk-in seats have been installed.
An important feature of the airer will be
the 60-foot horseshoe-type refreshment counter,
to be operated cafeteria style. Fried
chicken will be featured at the concession
stand. Projection will be to a tilted tower 353
feet from the projection booth, located in the
building which houses the refreshment stand,
walk-in seats and restrooms. Cost of the
ozoner is to be about $145,000.
The Northside Drive-In, Colorado Springs,
will open May 19 for Cy Lee and Paul Rothman.
It accommodates 400 cars and will
cost $50,000.
Leo Ronco sr. and jr. opened the 350-car,
$40,000 Leo's Drive-In at Thermopolis, Wyo.
(12).
The Bauer Drive-In, Fort Morgan, will be
opened by Jack Bauer May 19. The $40,000
drive-in accommodates 350-cars.
Terry Carpenter, who established Terrytown,
Neb., some years ago, is building an
850-car drive-in to open in July. Cost of the
project will be $90,000.
Harber Drive-In Is
LOS ANGELES— Still
Opened
another drive-in has
been added to the mushrooming list of ozoners
in the southland area with the opening of the
Harbor Drive-In in the southeastern section
of the city, near the harbor area of San
Pedro and Wilmington.
The 600-car installation was designed by
its owners John and Edwin Feyes and is
being managed by the latter. Features include
a de luxe snack bar, individual car
speakers and RCA sound. It was erected on
a ten-acre tract at a cost of $150,000. Booking
and buying is being handled by Judy
Poynter.
Fred Hall Builds at Akron
AKRON, COLO.—Fred Hall, owner of the
Variety, is building a 400-seat, $50,000 theatre
across the street from that house and expects
to have it ready for an early fall open-
'Over-Built' Area Opens Dozen Airers
SALT LAKE CITY—About a year ago, the
Wall Street Journal looked over the drive-in
situation throughout the nation and pointed
to the Salt Lake area as one tending to be
"over-built."
If the Wall Street Journal were to appraise
the situation today—noting the new driveins,
those soon to open and those just in
rumor stages—the newspaper of finance
probably would be aghast at its discovery,
according to information on Filmrow.
If the Salt Lake exchange area was "overbuilt"
then, consider that about two dozen
ozoners have been opened here since the
Wall Street Journal's comments, these sources
point out. In Salt Lake City alone, four driveins
have opened since that article, and latest
reports and rumors look for the opening
of two more. Salt Lake has seven outdoor
theatres, including one operating on weekends
and one temporarily closed. Including
Ogden and Provo in the Salt Lake count, the
number is doubled.
According to several sources on Filmrow,
a drive-in is contemplated on Salt Lake's
ing.
west side near the ball park, and another on
the foothills near the zoo. The latter is just
in the talking stage, but it's understood that
the person who is to build it will construct
one of the largest in the area. The former
is expected to open this summer.
Meanwhile, looking over the whole territory—an
area that incdludes Montana, Utah
and Idaho—Filmrow sources say that at least
five or six ozoners are contemplated in areas
where established theatre operators want to
protect investments, while some are being put
up in competition to already established
In the concrete category, Associated Amusements
Co. is preparing to open the Old Car-
Ral, a drive-in at Twin Falls, which will have
a western motif in name and decorations.
who also heads Associated and
Sam Gillette,
has the Tooele operations, is preparing to
open the Tooele Motor-Vu about two or three
weeks. The Twin Falls operation will open
about June.
Other ozoners are contemplated in Idaho
and Montana, but details have not progressed
to any publishable stage.
62 BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

Cliff at Wray ,
Colo.
To Open on May 15
WRAY, COLO.—The 500-seat, $100,000 Cliff
Theatre will open May 15 for J. K. Powell
and J. A. Hughes. Five hundred Kroehler
Push-Back seats have been installed and
RCA sound equipment is ready for installation.
The front of the Cliff is to be finished
immediately. The first story of the building,
to the marquee, is to be finished in Roman
brick Permastone. The upper part will be
white stucco flanked with a darker shade of
stucco.
Walls of the foyer are finished in ivory
stucco and the floor is carpeted in a leaf
design of maroon, browns and tans. A cry
room is provided in the balcony.
Seats in the auditorium are staggered and
are of dark green leather. Backs of the seats
are of a dark green corded material. The
auditorium walls are rose and are draped
with gold brocade material. A hospital benefit
is being planned as part of the opening
ceremonies.
Alvie Peterson Opens New Richie
SALT LAKE CITY—First theatre to be
built on Salt Lake City's west side in two
decades, the subsequent run Richie was
opened recently by Alvie Peterson.
Located on a state highway in the midst
of an old west side residential district, the
showhouse is drawing from the immediate
area and from newer residential areas a fewblocks
north and west.
A 550-seater, the Richie features a cry
room and a utility observation room built at
the side of the projection booth. It was built
of brick, cement and structural steel, with a
large boxoffice at the side of the entrance.
The marquee, in the shape of a right triangle,
can be seen from three sides. A vertical sign
at the side has the name of the theatre,
which was named after Peterson's nine-yearold
son, thus carrying on a tradition he
started when he named the Carrol Theatre
in southern Utah after his daughter.
The rust-colored motif in the interior is
carried into the carpeting and color of the
pushback seats. Rust and green also dominate
the floral-patterned carpet in the foyer.
An elaborate popcorn and candy bar, backed
by a plate glass mirror and floral wall decoration
is on one wall of the foyer.
Opened by Glenn Bast
BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIF.—Now a twotheatre
community is this mountain resort
with the opening of the 284-seat Bruin by
Glenn Bast. For many years Earl Streebe
has been operating the Big Bear here through
the spring and summer months.
Bast's showcase was converted from a building
formerly used as a pool hall. He is using
RCA sound and projection, and is operating
on a policy of two changes a week, with a
children's matinee on Saturday. Bast at
various times has operated theatres in Avalon,
on Catalina Island, and in San Juan
Capistrano, Carlsbad and Carpinteria, Calif.
Streebe, also operates houses in Palm
Springs, Crestline and Las Vegas.
Atlas Opens Drive-In May G
LAMAR, COLO.—C. U. Yeager, president
of Atlas Theatre Corp., opened the 400-car,
$60,000 drive-in under way here about May 6.
It is located east of the city.
SALT LAKE CITY
^XTeather still was the big topic of conversation
in the Salt Lake area. Unusual
cold has destroyed the entire fruit crop and
many vegetables and is expected to cause
much loss in some rural areas, resulting in
less money for films.
Bidwell McCormick, field representative for
RKO, and Bill Prass, ditto for Metro, were
in the area setting up picture campaigns
. . . Al Steen, here to work on the campaign
for "Macbeth," entertained Richard Wilson,
associate producer with Orson Welles on the
Shakespeare film, which opened at the Studio.
Personal appearances paid off handsomely
as the Irish Cowboys visited the city on the
last stop on their Gallop Poll to find out
what kids think about kissing in westerns,
and the Sons of the Pioneers appeared on
the stage of the Utah for the western premiere
of "Wagonmaster."
Tragedy hit Salt Lake Variety Tent 38 with
the death in an air crash of Michael "Mickey"
Martin, associate barker in the organization.
Martin was in the insurance business. The
crash occurred near the Salt Lake airport.
"Wagonmaster," the Utah-made film about
Mormon pioneers, is set for its western premiere
here next week, with saturation booking
in more than 100 theatres in the area.
Sons of the Pioneers will appear on the stage
of the Utah Theatre in Salt Lake and in
Provo for the openings in those two theatres.
The film rated a full-page picture
spread on the front of the Deseret News
family section April 30.
Placards in several downtown windows heralded
more summer competition for theatres.
A giant sports show, a western show and a
drama already are being announced for the
State fairgrounds, in addition to the usual
July 24 and other summer attractions.
John Ford and a company are expected at
Moab late in May to start production on
s.
A
socces
sful
ORIVE-IM
THEMRt
m ost have:
"Rio Bravo." Meanwhile, Whit Parry, owner
of Parry's Lodge at Kanab, Utah, reports that
several film companies have made inquiries
about accommodations there for casts and
crew of forthcoming pictures. He said Metro's
"Vengeance Valley" is expected to be the
starter.
Arizona Rules Theatres
Must Pay Tax on Candy
PHOENIX—The Arizona tax commission
has ruled that theatres in the state must continue
to pay a 2 per cent sales tax on popcorn
and candy sold in lobbies. The commission's
decision was in answer to a protest
filed by Fox West Coast Theatres, which
contended that its refreshment sales were
subject only to the X per cent tax paid by
restaurants on their food sales.
In rejecting the protest, the commission
held theatre sales were not of the same
nature as those made by restaurants, where
food is both prepared and sold.
Artesia, N. M., Circle B Opens
ARTESIA, N. M—The Circle
B Drive-In,
one mile west of Artesia on the Hope highway,
opened recently. "The Trail of the Lonesome
Pine" was the opening feature.
Have you written to your congressman urging
him to support full repeal of the federal
amusement tax?
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BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 w 63

SAN FRANCISCO
T\on Brown is new manager of the Centerville
Theatre in Centerville. He formerly
managed the Los Gatos Theatre . . The Sunset
.
in Lodi has darkened on five week nights.
The theatre recently feted Mr. and Mrs.
Gottlieb Mauch, winners of a contest to find
the longest-married couple in Lodi. The
Mauches have been wed 63 years.
The Santa Clara county Motion Picture
council has recommended removal of the federal
amusement tax from motion picture admissions.
President of the group says the
council feels money taken through the
amusement tax should be returned and directed
into production of better films.
Hanns Kolmar has been named advertising
and publicity director for Fox West Coast
Theatres here, replacing William "Mickey"
McDonnell, who resigned. McDonnell has
been in the entertainment field for the last
23 years. Kolmar has been ad-publicity head
for the chain's East Bay Theatres for the
last two years. Bob Palmer takes over Oakland
publicity chores.
The remodeled theatre, which was practically
rebuilt, in the Presidio of Monterey,
opened May 5 with "Cheaper by the Dozen."
New seats, drapes and furnishings also have
been completed. Col. Barnwell, commanding
officer at the post, held a military opening
for the theatre with honor guards and all
the trimmings.
Terry Cox, formerly with Pox West Coast
on special work, will take over duties as publicity
gal for Paramount Theatres here May
22. Miss Cox replaces Jerry Juroe, who has
been promoted to a Paramount Studio publicity
job in Los Angeles.
The Shamrock Drive-In in San Jose, 700-
car capacity, built at a cost of $25,000 and
located at South First and Alma streets,
opened May 12. Operated by the Shamrock
Amusement Corp., James Stockman, Ray
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Wilson and L. C. Hallonquist, the drive-in
will be booked by Bowles & Hurley.
Lionel Hampton and his band are scheduled
to appear the week of July 4 at the
Golden Gate Theatre . . . Phil Spitalny and
his Hour of Charm orchestra appeared on the
stage of the Fox Theatre, starting May 11.
"Under My Skin" was the screen attraction.
Regular admission prices prevailed . . . Oakland
drama editors are doing their best to
keep flesh shows alive at the Orpheum there.
They are devoting entire columns of appeals
to readers to patronize the eight-act shows.
The Orpheum now has a straight three performances
daily policy with a first run picture.
Mary Hennessey, Warfield theatre publicity
gal, is heading for New York for a few days
Mary did a bang-up job on promotion for
"Annie Get Your Gun," with a midget riding
a hobby horse, trick horseback riders
with banners and dressed as principals in the
film and windows with original costumes.
The Orpheum in San Francisco hosted an
opening day gang from Hollywood on stage
May 12. Among personalities appearing in
conjunction with "Sierra" were Audie Murphy,
Scott Brady, Louise Andrews, Anthony
Curtis, Peggy Castle and Tom Chambers and
his
Cavalier orchestra.
Mac Cooley, formerly of the Gateway in
Oakland, has been moved to the Diamond
in Oakland . . . Don Nichols has been transferred
from the Sunset, Lodi, to the Gateway,
Oakland . . . Walter E. Tooley, manager of
the Oroville's State for the last 15 years, was
elected president of the Oroville Rotary club.
M. C. Carney, manager of the Army Motion
Picture Service, reports the reactivating
of the Victorville air base theatre on Sunday
(7). The theatre had been closed for some
time . . . Herman Kersken, Fox West Coast,
returned from a trip to Los Angeles. Also
here from Los Angeles were Sherrill Corwin,
president of North Coast Theatres; Harold
Citron, general manager of the theatre chain,
and Ed Fisher, publicity man.
Earl L. Longan Appointed
GREAT FALLS, MONT.—Earl W. Longan
of Spokane has been appointed manager of
the Civic Center Theatre here by Clarence
Golder, head of the establishment. Longan
was associated with the Fox chain in Missoula,
Lewistown and Great Falls for several
years and in 1945 served as assistant to
Bill Steege and managed the Town and
Rainbow theatres.
To Install Two Marquees
HOT SPRINGS, N. M—Bernie Chancellor,
manager of the El Cortez and El Rio theatres,
is installing new marquees at the two houses.
H. H. Wheeldon Opens Family
RATHDRUM, IDA.—The Family Theatre,
closed since last December when the house
was damaged by fire, has been reopened after
repairs. H. H. Wheeldon is the operator.
Keep up the fight for total ticket tax
repeal!
Dismissal of Lawsuit
Denied Cabart Chain
LOS ANGELES—In a ruling which may
have a widespread effect upon similar litigation
involving asserted violation of antitrust
laws, the defendants' motion for dismissal
of a $1,711,000 damage suit filed by Ivan C.
Hanson of the Atlantic Theatre in North
Long Beach, Calif., against Cabart Theatres
and Milton B. Arthur was denied in federal
district court and the defendants were ordered
to answer within ten days. At the same
time the court denied the plaintiff's motion
for a judgment in that amount on the
allegation that Cabart failed to answer within
the specified time.
In denying the motion for dismissal, the
court ruled that the Sherman antitrust act,
as passed by Congress, is in variegation of
common law and in effect repeals that point
in common law which holds that where a
plaintiff sues several defendants jointly, if
one or more defendants are released or dismissed,
the other defendants also are entitled
to release or dismissal.
Attorneys for Cabart had contended the
case against the circuit should be dismissed
because, while the action originally named
the major distributors as codefendants, outof-court
settlements were reached by Hanson
with the distributors, leaving Cabart the only
remaining defendant.
The court also held that Cabart had technically
complied in the suit when a motion
to dismiss was filed, and therefore denied
the plaintiff's motion for a default judgment.
The case will be set for trial after Cabart
has filed an answer. Hanson charges Cabart
with conspiring to withhold product from his
Atlantic Theatre.
Wolfberg Seeks Speakers
For Denver Allied Confab
DENVER—John Wolfberg, president of the
Allied Rocky Mountain Independent Theatres,
attended the drive-in and theatre owners convention
in Kansas City this week in the
hope of getting an additional speaker or
two for the Rocky Mountain Allied convention
here Tuesday and Wednesday (16, 17) at
the Cosmopolitan hotel.
Already slated to speak are Gloria Swanson,
who will talk on "Movies As I Know
Them"; Trueman Rembusch, national Allied
president, who will discuss television, and H.
A. Cole, national Allied director, who will
talk on "Must Percentages." Joe Ashby. local
general manager, will discuss caravan.
One of the morning sessions will be given
over to drive-in problems and time not taken
up by speakers will be used for open forums
during all sessions.
Social activities will begin with an open
house at Variety Tent 37 and a screening of
"Annie Get Your Gun." A luncheon is scheduled
for delegates and their wives at the
hotel the second day and the meeting will
close with a dinner-dance at Lazy Valley
ranch, a resort 27 miles west of Denver in
the mountains.
Charles Allen Fox Manager
WALSENBURG. COLO. — Charles
Allen
has been with the Fox organization for seven
years, and replaces Donald Campbell, who
has been transferred to Lewiston, Mont.
64 BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13, 1950

. . Cy
DENVER
f-*eorge A. Smith, western division manager
for Paramount, called on major accounts
here and conferred with Ward Pennington,
local manager, on recent visit . . . Fred
a
Matthews, vice-president and general manager
of Motiograph, stopped here on his way
from the Variety convention in New Orleans
to the drive-in convention at Kansas City.
He made the trip through Denver to confer
with Ted Knox, company representative.
Clarence Olson, United Artists manager,
attended a regional sales meeting in Chicago
. . . Mayer Monske, Universal manager, spent
the weekend in Omaha visiting relatives.
Norma Leemaster, Paramount biller, went
to Kansas to visit her mother, on her vacation
. . . Emma Harris, picture report girl.
Paramount, also is vacationing . . . Mrs.
Bernard Newman, wife of the owner of the
Gem. Walsh, Colo., has returned home after
an operation at the General Rose Memorial
hospital here.
Exhibitors seen on Filmrow included Robert
Adams, Rawlins, Wyo.; R. L. Stanger.
Windsor: Dave Warnock, Johnstown; Elden
Menagh, Fort Lupton: Bernard Newman,
Walsh; Joe Fidel. Espanola, N. M.; Jake
Bauer, Fort Morgan; Howard Johnson,
Espanola, N. M., and Mitchell Kelloff, La
Veta.
Charles Adler has taken over the Alpine
from Larry Sandler. Adler also is managing
the Grand for Sandler . Lee, Poppers
Supply Co. owner and bridge expert from
Colorado Springs, teamed up to win the
trophy in the Tristate open paid bridge
tournament here . . . The local Paramount
exchange has received notice of the national
Paramount sales convention at Los
Angeles June 12-14. Getting ready to go are
Ward Pennington, branch manager; Tillie
Chalk, office manager; Albert Anderson, head
booker; John Vos, Moz Buries and Paul AUmeyer,
salesmen.
Frank H. Kicketson jr., president of Fox
Intermountain, who has been urged to run
for either U.S. senator or governor, has taken
himself out of the races because of lack of
time to give to the campaign and offices
John Wolfberg has
if he were elected . . .
racked up another first for his four Denver
drive-ins. He has booked the serial, "Wild
Bill Cody of the Pony Express" for the
four ozoners for Friday nights. This is said
to be the first time a serial has been used
anywhere in a drive-in.
Showman's Daughter Dies
HELENA, MONT.—Susan Jean, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Driscoll, died recently
at the Shodair hospital after a brief illness.
Driscoll is manager of the Marlow Theatre
here. Susan Jean, 4 years old, died of spinal
meningitis.
Los Angeles Giveaways
Face City Crackdown
LOS ANGELES — Threatened litigation
which can have a far-reaching effect on exhibition
in the southland through possible
elimination of keno and other audience participation
games is in prospect as the result
of charges by the city attorney's office that
several Los Angeles theatres are violating
municipal lottery laws by presenting keno
games and variations thereof as part of their
programs.
Whether or not the issue will come up for
court action will not be determined until
May 18, when a hearing will be held. Specifically
named in the city attorney's charges
are the Downtown Paramount, a first run
Fanchon & Marco operation; the Mason,
operated by Frank Fouce; the Holly, owned
by Arnold Schaak and Bob Whittson; the
Carmen, operated by Harold Thudium, and
the Hippodrome, unit in the Popkin-Ringer
circuit. Representatives of those operations
were invited to attend the hearing, at which
it will be decided whether or not complaints
will be issued.
To protect the interests of its members,
the Southern California Theatre Owners
Ass'n is stepping into the picture, with its
legal counsel Ezra Stern set to attend the
May 18 session.
Stern indicated he was hopeful that a
compromise settlement of some satisfactory
nature could be worked out with the city attorney
which would permit continuance of
such games. He was reluctant to comment
on whether, should the attorney's office remain
adamant, court action would be planned.
Meantime representatives of the Downtown
Paramount contended that inclusion of that
theatre in the charges "must be a mistake,"
since the showcase has not employed such
giveaways for several years. However, in recent
months the F&M unit, in association
with the Hollywood Paramount and other
houses, undertook a seven-week giveaway of
television sets, which may have come under
the city attorney's scrutiny. Additionally
Southside Theatres, an F&M affiliate, has
been staging a Super- Pay-Me cash award
game in its houses.
The crackdown, if implemented, could conceivably
affect not only keno and its variations,
but giveaways of all types where numbers
are drawn, since the municipal lottery
ordinance prescribes that admission cannot
be charged for such drawings and the gen-
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Percy James Opens House
SHELTON, WASH.—The Community Hall
Theatre, under the management of owner
,
Percy James, has been opened on Skokomish
'reservation. The theatre accommodates over
200 persons and shows are held on Monday
ind Friday evenings.

. . . Bob
—
. . . Charles
. . Jack
LOS ANGELES
A fter signing deals with two circuits in the
Denver territory for the company's product,
George A. Smith, Paramount western
division sales manager, returned to his headquarters
here. The deals were set with
Gibraltar Enterprises and the John Wolfberg
drive-in chain . . . Sherrill Corwin, head of
Metropolitan Theatres and first vice-president
of Theatre Owners of America, flew to New
York over the weekend to attend a two-day
meeting of TOA's executive board May 15, 16.
Resigning his sales berth with the Monogram
branch, Joe Rosenberg is heading for
Kansas City to take over a selling position
with the Warner branch there, covering the
western Kansas territory ... En route back
to his Wilmington, Ohio, headquarters, after
a world tour during which he checked over
business conditions, Kroger Babb, head man of
Hallmark Productions, paused here for conferences
with local Hallmark representatives
Whittson and Arnold Schaak, partners
in operating the Holly and Ramona
theatres, are talking with architect J. Arthur
Drielsma on a proposed $10,000 remodeling
job on the Holly.
Hap Simpson has resigned as manager of
the Strand in Long Beach, unit in the Harry
Vinnicof circuit, to devote full time to operating
the Rainbow, also in Long Beach, which
he recently acquired from Ike Victor . . .
Harry Nace jr., piloting his own plane, and
booker Vince Murphy of the Nace chain in
PETEE CHANDIS— Manager and
partner, Log Cabin Theatre, Oklahoma
City, Okla.—affirms:
"I like RCA Service because
my sound worries are over."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
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Adv.
Arizona flew in to do some booking and buying.
Murray Gerson, booker at Monogram, left
for Cleveland on vacation, planning to catch
as many of the Tribes' games as possible
while in his home town . Osserman,
RKO sales manager, returned from a threeweek
business and pleasure trip to Chicago.
Vacationing at Gilman Hot Springs are
Izzy Berman, Eastland circuit executive, and
his family . . . Lloyd Ownby, National Theatre
Supply manager, left for New York on
a business trip ... In from San Francisco
was Pat Patterson, manager of the Astor exchange
there . . . Also glimpsed on the Row
were Leo "Curly" Hamacher, operator of the
Hillcrest; Joe Markowitz, in from Encinitas
and Solano Beach, near San Diego, and
Frank Fouce, operator of the Mayan, California
and other Spanish-language houses.
Favorite Films, handling distribution on
the Movie Quiz audience-participation business
stimulant here, has booked the game
into several local houses including the Picfair,
Marcal and Los Feliz . . . Manley popcorn
will stage a regional huddle at the
Ambassador hotel June 2, 3, with sales and
service personnel from Seattle, Salt Lake City
and San Francisco in attendance. Also on
hand will be Charles Manley and B. J. Mc-
Kenna, company executives, and Herb Turpie,
western district manager, now conferring at
the company's headquarters in Kansas City.
Dark for several months, the Belasco Theatre,
downtown house which formerly featured
legitimate attractions, has been leased
by Paul Sperling from M. L. Schreibman and
is being reopened on an exploitation-film
policy . . . Robert Kronenberg, executive vicepresident
of Films International, distributors
of foreign features, left for New York after
parleys here regarding handling of the company's
product in the southern California
territory.
Along the Fox West Coast sector: Managerial
switches found Campebell Meiklejohn
shifting from the Criterion in Santa Monica
to the Westwood Village, with Earl Barry
moving over from the Village to the Criterion
. . . Mothers 60 or older were invited to be
the circuit's guests in all of its theatres on
Mother's day Sunday (14), with the chain
even paying the 20 per cent amusement tax
P. Skouras, FWC president and
honorary colonel in Allied Post 302, American
Legion, will present medals and citations to
winners of the manual of arms drill at the
post's annual Americanism meeting Friday
(19).
Reopen Modernized Rio
IDAHO FALLS, IDA.—The Rio Theatre has
opened following a complete remodeling program
which cost approximately $20,000. Eugene
Pratt is manager of the remodeled Rio.
Modernization included laying of new floors,
complete redecoration, installation of new
seats and building a new roof and reinforcing
the present walls.
Harold Sievert to Manage Art
LONG BEACH, CALIF.—Harold Sievert of
Glendale has been named manager of the
Art Theatre, Fourth and Cherry.
Film Bidding Started
By Salt Lake Firms
]
SALT LAKE CITY—Bidding now is the
policy of all major companies in Salt Lake
City, according to information here.
U-I and Warners became the latest exchanges
to open pictures to bid selling. Heretofore,
their product, with only one or two
exceptions, had gone to Intermountain Theatres,
which operates the Centre, Capitol and
Utah as first run houses and the Studio as
a moveover house downtown. A Warners
picture went to the Lyric on a "deal" a few
months ago, but with this exception product
of these two majors had been going to Intermountain.
Few persons in the industry here would
hazard a guess on the result of the new policy,
which was relayed by an executive in one
of the large theatre companies. Some expected
product to pile up and also for prices
to come down on some rejected pictures.
The new policy is expected to make Salt
Lake City an even more competitive town
than it has been since the Lyric went first
run by grabbing "The Three Musketeers"
more than a year ago and turned the area's
theatre business into a three-sided scrap between
itself, Intermountain and the Joseph
L. Lawrence Theatres, which operate the
Villa, Uptown and Rialto as first run houses
and the latter also as a moveover.
Coincidental with announcement of the
change in first run policy one branch manager
said that bidding also was to be opened
on second run pictures and that drive-ins
would be given faster clearance than they
have been receiving.
The new first run policy leaves only Eagle
Lion, Republic and Monogram-Allied Artists
not operating on a bidding policy. Nearly all
towns in the area are now operating on a i
bidding arrangement.
PHOENIX
. . .
•The Times Theatre, Mesa, has been sold
by Wayne Phelps to the Harry L. Nace
Theatres, which took over the house last
week Gene Bandelier, manager of the
Azteca, foreign language house, returned
from Mexico City, where he was the guest
of the Mexican government. Before leaving
he was given a medal for his work in aiding
flood victims last winter in Sonora, Mexico.
Bandelier's special benefit show realized 2.000
pounds of clothing, quantities of food and
cash. The Mexican government also gave the
manager a scroll for his humanitarian activities.
John Nolan, 59-year-old theatre executive
from Scranton, Pa., died here after a nineday
illness. Nolan was affiliated with the
Comford Theatre Corp. of Pennsylvania. His
only known survivor is a sister Edna.
Shooting began here on "The Sound of
Fury," Robert Stillman Productions film to
be released by United Artists. Irving Rubine,
vice-president of the company, estimates that
filming will continue here until May 24. The
company and the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
are sponsoring a photograph contest
for camera enthusiasts, with prizes for the
best still pictures of expressive faces photographed
during the shooting of local mob
scenes. First prize is $50.
66 BOXOFTICE :: May 13, 1950

——
—
—
St. Louis MPTO Board
Meets in Illinois
EAST ST. LOUIS, ILL.—The board of directors
of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners
of St. Louis, Eastern Missouri and Southern
Illinois met at the Broadview hotel here recently,
marking the first time the directors
had gathered in this city.
Tom Edwards of the Edwards & Plumlee
circuit. Parmington. Mo., president of the regional
organization, presided. The gathering
here was in recognition of the work which the
Illinois members have done through the
MPTO organization. Tom Bloomer of Belleville,
111., is the Illinois regional vice-president
of the group and several other Illinois exhibitors
are members of the directorate.
Feature of the meeting was a screening of
Frank Plumlee's theatre staff training film, a
45-minute special production in color, titled
"As Others See Us." The film was prepared
for the Edwards and Plumlee circuit so that
theatre staff could be trained in the correct
methods of handling their tasks and customers.
Luncheon was served at the hotel's Marine
room. Agenda for the afternoon session included
appointment of committees for the
annual meeting to be held in St. Louis next
fall, reports from the health education committee
for both Missouri and Illinois, discussions
of television and Phonevision, details
of the 1950 annual meeting and plans for
regional meetings.
Out-of-Court Settlement
Reached in Ridge Suit
CHICAGO—Plaintiff and defendants in the
Ridge Theatre suit have reached an out-ofcourt
settlement, and it is expected that the
suit will be dismissed within the next two
weeks. The suit, set for trial on May 24, had
been brought by the Benal Theatre Corp.
Plaintiff attorney Seymour Simon said:
"The settlement was effected by the payment
of an undisclosed amount which covers not
only the claim on behalf of the Ridge Theatre,
but also claims of other theatres operated
by the Bartelstein group, being the
Elmo, Newberry, Standard, Oakley, Anetta
and the 152."
The Ridge now has the opportunity to
compete with first run with substantially all
of the distributors.
Alliance Opens Riviera
ANDERSON, IND.—The Riviera Theatre
has been reopened by the Alliance Theatre
Corp. after a lengthy closure for remodeling.
A new marquee has been installed and the
theatre front has been improved. The lobby,
concession stand, restrooms and auditorium
have been modernized, and new curtains and
mirrors were hung in the foyer and auditorium.
Two Theatres in St. Louis
Shuttered for Summer
ST. LOUIS—The Fanchon & Marco interests
again closed one of their big Grand
boulevard theatres for the summer. This year
the Missouri Theatre was selected for closing
and ceased operations Thursday (4). Last
year the Fox Theatre was closed for several
weeks during the summer.
Another Grand boulevard house was closed
after the final show Friday (5). The Shubert
was shuttered because its cooling system is
not adequate to combat hot summer days.
About the time that the announcements
were made that the Missouri and Shubert
were being closed for the summer, it became
known that the World Theatre, which has
been dark for about a year, would be reopened
Friday (12) as the World Playhouse
under the management of Harry Wald.
Wald said that the World Playhouse will
operate under a first run foreign film policy.
Its first attraction will be the French film
"Gigi."
Fire Halts 'Outlaw' Show
MINOCQUA, WIS.—Fire broke out at the
Aqua Theatre here recently, cutting short
a showing of "The Outlaw," with seven reels
of film going up in smoke. The fire was
caused by igniting film, according to Manager
Ray Quady. Equipment was damaged
somewhat, but no serious fire resulted. Serious
loss was prevented by projectionist Harold
Martin, Quady said. The projection room
is fireproof, but the audience filed out in orderly
fashion at four exits. Another film of
the same picture was received in time to put
on the show that night.
Tin Can Matinee Held
STEVENS POINT, WIS.—To help the
cleanup week in progress here, youngsters
were asked to bring one bag of tin cans or
junk to the theatre as admission. A western
film and several cartoons were put on for
a Tin Can matinee and kids stormed the theatre
with their easily acquired admission offerings.
The affair was sponsored by the
theatre management and the fire prevention
committee of the Chamber of Commerce.
'Samson' Grosses 130
In 3rd Chicago Week
CHICAGO—Cold damp weather kept patrons
off the streets. A couple of new entries
and holdovers did only fair. Business is
still below average at drive-ins. "Riding
High," plus stage shpw headed by Frankie
Laine, had a good second week at the Chicago.
"Samson and Delilah" had a good gross
in a third week at State-Lake.
(Average is 100)
Chicago Riding High (Para), plus stage show,
2nd wk 115
Garnclc—The Red Pony (Rep), Home of the
Barbarv Coast (Rep), reissues 90
Grand—The Kid From Texas (U-I) 100
Oriental Captain Carey. U.S.A. (Para), plus
stage show, 2nd wk 95
Palace One Way Street (U-I); Beauty on
Parade (Col) 90
Roosevelt—Barricade (WB); Side Street (MGM),
2nd wk 90
Un'ted Artists—Three Came Home (20th-Fox),
2nd wk 90
S'ate-Lck- Samson and Delilah (Para), 3rd wk 130
Woods—Cheaper bv the Dozen (?0th-Fox), 4th wk.100
World Playhouse Saints and Sinners (London),
3rd wk 120
Loop The Red Shoes (EL), 4th wk Very good
Gold Union Cord Is Given
To W. C. Earle by Local 143
ST. LOUIS—W. C. Earle sr., local manager
for National Theatre Supply, recently was
honored by IATSE projectionists Local 143
through presentation of a gold lifetime honorary
membership card in the union. He is
the only man in St. Louis holding such a card.
The presentation was made at an aftermidnight
dinner at the York hotel by President
Tony Blust, projectionist at the Victory
Theatre. It was given in recognition of Earle's
contributions to proper projection of motion
pictures and other advances to the Industry.
Improve East Troy Theatre
EAST TROY, WIS.—At the Troy Theatre
here Manager Husten reports extensive improvements
completed, including a new ceiling
of acoustic board, removal of the candy
counter and popcorn stand from the lobby
to a side room near by, added fixtures for
displaying coming shows and remodeled
front.
Evergreen, Inc., Formed
MARINETTE, WIS.—Evergreen Enterprises,
Inc.. has been formed in Pembine, Marinette
county, to "construct, maintain and operate
place of amusement, including outdoor theatres."
A capital stock of 800 shares common
at $50 par has been authorized. Incorporators
are Carl Dixon, August Jenkins, Emory
Wheelock, Jeremiah C. Sweeney and Arnold
J. Keskitalo.
AT GREEN BAY RALLY—Snapped at the recent regional session of Independent
Theatre Owners of Wisconsin at Green Bay recently were, left to right: Ben Marcus,
S&M Theatres, Oshkosh, president; Russell Leddy, Orpheum, Green Bay; F. J. Mc-
Williams, Portage Theatre; Charles W. Trampe, Climax and Rainbow theatres, Milwaukee.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 67

—
. . The
ST.
LOUIS
E. Chadwick, pioneer independent
J
motion
picture producer, will be here May 19-22 to
speak at a luncheon meeting at the Hotel
Chase on the value of the independent pro-
NOISELESS
Popcorn Bags
No rustle, no crackle, no pop.
Vz lb. size @ $2.75 per 1,000,
Short % lb. size @ $3.50 per 1.000,
1 lb. size @ $3.75 per 1,000,
iy 2 lb. size @ $3.90 per 1,000,
Prices in case lots of 4.000. Smaller lots 20c
per 1,000 more.
AUTOMATIC
popcorn cartons
Bottom flaps 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 @ $6.90 per 1,000
Ask for pricelist oi Hush Hour, Silver Hulless
and Golden Hulless Popcorns. Also 8 lands
cartons, 26 kinds popcorn bags. Star Popcorn
Machines 4 Food Serving Equipment.
PRUNTY SEED & GRAIN CO.
620 North 2nd St. St. Louis 2, Mo.
—In our 76th year—Popcorn Processors
ducer and his position in the motion picture
industry . Starlight Drive-In, Alton,
111., has opened for its initial season. This
750-car project is owned by the Alton Starlight
Corp., headed by Joe Goldfarb and
Harry Beck of Alton and Charley Goldman,
St. Louis.
A permit has been issued by the building
department for alterations to the second floor
offices of the Baden Theatre at 8201 North
Broadway. Clarence H. Kaiman, the owner,
has awarded the contract to H. Kissel's Sons.
The work will cost more than 1,000 and will
include new partitions, plastering, plumbing,
etc.
Herb Bennin, MGM manager, and salesmen
George Riley, Bob Jones and Banks
Hudson will attend a regional sales conference
of MGM at the Ambassador East hotel,
Chicago, May 19, 20 . . . John Allen of Dallas,
southwest division manager for MGM, was
scheduled to spend most of the week here . . .
Don Davis of Kansas City, theatre equipment
sales, RCA, was here.
Dollar volume of department store sales in
St. Louis the week ending April 29 was 5 per
cent greater than for the corresponding week
of 1949, the Federal Reserve bank reported.
For the year, sales were down 4 per cent, but
in the last two weeks the trend has been
upward ... A special citation for outstanding
public service was awarded to State Senator
Milton F. Napier at the annual meeting of
the Lawyers Ass'n of St. Louis at the DeSoto
hotel. Napier, who has represented St. Louis
THEATRE OWNERS!
HELP YOURSELVES TO SOME BIG PROFITS WITH THE NEW
DRIVE-IN
"Consesh-a-teria"
The Last Word
in Concession Equipment.
in the general assembly since 1943, is a vicepresident
and counsel for the Better Films
council and has been a friend of the industry
when adverse legislation threatened.
Armed forces units participated in the
Armed Forces day program at Loew's State
here. Two bands took part, the Scott Field
Air Force band, Scott Field, 111., and the St.
Louis Marine Corps Reserve band. Color
guards of four men each were furnished by
the army, marine corps, navy, air force and
coast guard. Services in the theatre, in conjunction
with the advance presentation of
"Annie Get Your Gun," were brief.
Word came from Murray, Ky., that a new
drive-in will be opened there late in May
or early in June by Enido Nucci, who is connected
with the Swann Grocery Co. The
drive-in will be located on Hazel road about
four miles from the Murray city limits . . .
Special prices were set for "Annie Get Your
Gun" at Loew's State. They were 60 cents
to 1 p. m., 75 cents from 1 p. m. to 5 p. m.
and $1 from 5 p. m. Children at all times
35 cents.
Bill to exempt existing theatres from certain
provisions of the new building code
have been introduced in the board of aldermen
by Alderman Louis G. Berra, Democrat,
24th ward. Under the bills all new theatres
and remodeling of existing houses would be
subject to all of the fire safety measures in
the new code. The effective date of the code,
originally set for March 1947, has been extended
from time to time because of construction
conditions and labor shortages. The
present deadline is Jan. 1, 1951.
Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Shelton won $3,285 in
prizes on the Beat Your Wife radio quiz aired
from the stage of Loew's State by radio station
KMOX . . . The Normandy High school
square dance team and the Grasso Bros. Coal
Yard cowboys combined talent to bring a
square dance exhibition to the stage of
Fanchon & Marco's 5,000-seat Fox Theatre
Wednesday -(10).
Seen along Filmrow were Everett E. Maxfield,
Summersville; Frank X. Reeler, Wentzville;
Joe Goldfarb, North Alton; Tom
Bloomer, Belleville; Mrs. Regina Steinberg,
Madison; Frank Plumlee, Farmington; George
Barker, Tuscola, and Justus Girard, Carthage,
W. R. Elliott, owner, Melba,
111. . . . Houston, Mo., still is confined to a hospital
in Kansas City, where he recently underwent
an operation.
Hall Walsh, prairie district manager, Warner
Bros., was in Des Moines . . .'Leon Mendleson,
salesman for Warner Bros, from
Omaha, has been made manager for the com-
Let us tell you all about it and other "Con
sesh-a-teria" units for Brick and Mortar Theatres.
Exclusive Dealer for This Territory
St. Louis Theatre Supply Company
"Everything For The Theatre"
(Continued on next news page)
OnL Hu,*Be*t]
IN
TRAILERS]
SATISFY
SMART SHOWMEN
3310 Olive St.
St. Louis 3, Mo.
ARCH HOSIER
Telephones
JE 7974
JE 7975
ran PICTURE SERUICE Co
125 HYDE ST. SAN FRANCISCO (2), CALIF.
Gerald L. Karski .... Pres ident
68 BOXOFFICE :: May 13. 1950

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The RCA Supertensity performs so
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e new 1 80 amp., 1 3.6mm Hitex carbons.
Moreover, its operation at high amperage has
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Buy the RCA Supertensity for exceptional
light output for your large drive-ins. It's the
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More Light for Medium Size Drive -Ins
hre's a lamp that gets maximum performance out
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Is e, the water-cooled Hi-Enarc is completely efl:tive—it's
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Buy the Hi-Enarc for a dependable, economic
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More RCA Projectors, RCA Arc Lamps, RCA Sound Systems and
RCA In-Car Speakers are used in Drive-ins than any other makes.
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. . . Rube
. . Vic
. . Dick
1
. . The
CHICAGO
T\rive-ins got a break over the weekend
when the mercury shot up to 82 degrees.
"Riding High," direct from a two-week run
at the Chicago Theatre, did capacity business
at outdoor theatres . . . John Semedalus,
Nilda Theatre owner, returned from a fourweek
vacation in Florida . Sachsel
came in from Miami for a visit on the Row
Levine, theatre architect and promoter,
has sold his interest in the Joliet
ozoner to Arthur Boegus, who now is sole
owner. Frank Young, 20th-Fox office manager,
went to New York over the weekend to
attend the wedding of his son Robert.
Trudy Gross, formerly of Republic, is the
new receptionist at Henri Elman Enterprises
exchange . Bernstein, athletic director
of Cinema Lodge B'nai B'rith, reports
the baseball teams will get under way for
the season May 23. The first games will be
played in Grant Park on the lake front . . .
The Esquire Theatre offers a Youth Film
Eer.es every Saturday morning, starting with
"Alee in Wonderland." Others in the matinees
include "Black Beauty," "Penrod and
Earn" and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm."
Aaron Cushman, Oriental theatre publicity
man, is doing a swell job promoting amateur
shows every Monday at 8:30 p. m. on the
stage of the Oriental. Cushman auditions
the acts every Thursday night and ten are
selected to appear with the regular stage
show . . . Martin King, Essaness circuit accountant,
had a heart attack and is bedded
at Michael Reese hospital.
It was a homecoming for Rex Allen, Republic
western star, who was introduced by
Manager Abe Wischer to exhibitors, radio
FASTER
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YOU'LL LIKE OUR
QUICK SERVICE &
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FILMACK
SPECIAL TRAILERS
and TV heads and the press at a luncheon
in the Blackstone hotel. Allen, who used to
be featured here in the Barn Dance program
on WLS, entertained some 150 guests who
attended the luncheon with songs and gags.
He will make a tour of downstate theatres
with his mangaer, Mickey Gross and then
return to Hollywood to make two new pictures.
Louis F. Jelinek, the drive-in tycoon, confides
there are now 2,326 drive-ins in the
nation, 56 in Illinois, enough to put a serious
dent in the baby sitter market
E. Corey, member of Local 110
. . . Francis
and a member
of the board of the stagehands union
died. Burial was at St. Mary's cemetery,
Evergreen Park, 111. . . . Jules Draznin, a
member of B&K publicity department during
war days, has joined the Harry J. Lazarus
advertising agency as assistant to President
Lazarus.
Eric Johnston, president of the MPAA, was
gueot speaker at a luncheon meeting of the
Rotary club of Chicago. His topic was Power
Behind the Nation . WLS Barn Dance
is being presented on the stage of the B&K
Belmont. Headliners include Lulu Belle and
Scotty and the Buccaneers. The stunt is going
over big and will be repeated at other
B&K houses . . . John M. Murray, 65, for 20
years with Warners Theatre circuit here in
the maintenance department, died. Burial
was in Holy Sepulchre cemetery.
Ideal Pictures Corp. moved to larger quarters
at 58 East South Water St. The company
was located for many years on East
8th street near Filmrow ... J. Harold Knudson,
district manager for Alliance circuit, was
in Ottawa, 111., supervising the premiere of
"Rock Island Trail" at the Orpheum. A fifty
voice chorus from Chicago Rock Island offices
was there to help spark the ceremonies
. . . Milton Officer, manager of the B&K
Lakeside, moves to the Central Park as manager.
He is replaced by Jack Higgins, former
assistant at the Uptown.
Bill Anderson, formerly of the managerial
. . . Joe Berenson, National Theatres
staff at the Senate, retired from B&K after
21 years with the organization . . . Dick Shinbauer,
has joined the sales department at
RKO . . . Bill Collins joins Warners as country
Harold Kariger will reopen
salesman . . . the Harvard Theatre, which has been closed
for many months. The house will be modernized
Advertising Co., has left on a tour of Oklahoma
to spark television giveaways.
ST. LOUIS
(Continued from preceding news page)
pany in Des Moines to
succeed Robert Dunbar,
who was transferred to Jacksonville, Fla.,
to fill the vacancy caused by the recent death
of the company's manager in that city.
Jimmy Frisina, buyer for the Frisina Amusement
Co., Springfield, and one of the company's
best amateur golfers, is participating
in tournament play in Texas . . . Gene Beckham,
former manager of the Ritz in East
Alton, 111., has joined the sales staff ol
National Screen Service, covering portions
of eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
Loew's Orpheum dropped a teaser ad in the
personal column of the classified pages under
the heading warning and addressed to Jane
and Bill and signed Mother and Dad . . .
The last Family night film program at the
Brandt Memorial Presbyterian church was
presented Friday (5), because of the congregation's
plans to move to a new location.
While the regular stage shows have been
dropped for the summer at Fanchon &
Marco's Fox Theatre, the management plans
to spot special stage presentations from time
to time until regular shows are resumed in
the late summer. The square dance festival
May 10 is the first of the flesh-and-blood specials
of local talent.
Remodeling of Madison
To Begin Immediately
MADISON, ILL.—Construction is expected
to get under way soon on the proposed expansion
and remodeling of the Madison Theatre
building, owned by the Madison Volunteer
Fire Co. and operated under a lease to Mrs.
Regina Steinberg. Mrs. Steinberg also contemplates
major improvements to the interior,
including installation of restrooms on the
second floor and installation of a television
lounge. It also is planned to increase seating
capacity from 550 to about 700. The 80x40-foot
first floor of the building, occupied by the
theatre, will be extended 62 feet to the alley.
The Steinberg family has been operating
the Madison for the last 21 years.
Joe Morgan Appointed
RACINE, WIS.—Joe Morgan has been appointed
manager for the Racine Outdoor
Theatre near here, opened recently. Morgan
has been active for years in advertising, promotion
and theatrical enterprises in the midwest.
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70 BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

Drive-in at Muncie
Is Started by Y&W
MUNCIE, IND —With the purchase of a
site from the Spurgeon estate, the Y&W
Management Corp. is preparing to start construction
of a 600-car drive-in on the tract.
The airer is located at the junction of State
Roads 3 and 28.
The drive-in should open in seven or eight
weeks, according to Vic Sicilia, manager of
the firm. The Y&W Corp. operates the Rivoli,
Strand, Wysor. Hoosier and Uptown theatres
here. Construction work will be under the
supervision of Hugh McLaughlan, superintendent
for the Y&W company.
Sheboygan Airer Opens
SHEBOYGAN, WIS.—The Stardusk Drivein
south of town has been opened by Manager
T. M. Ellis after several major improvements,
including a new RCA sound system.
Improvements also were made in the concession
stand. Attractions will be changed three
times each week, features running from Sunday
through Tuesday: Wednesday through
Friday, and Saturday only. The drive-in has
700 car spaces and there is no admission
charge for kids under 12 when accompanied
by their parents.
Janesville Outdoor Opens
JANESVILLE, WIS.—The new Lakes Outdoor
Theatre for which ground was broken
last October will be opened May 19. Opening
had been set for April 14, but due to bad
weather it was postponed. There will be room
for 850 cars on the 15-acre site. The concession
building is 67 feet long, and a playground
has been installed for the children.
The theatre will employ 17 persons.
Land Being Cleared for Airer
LAPORTE, IND.—Land is being cleared for
a 500-car drive-in to be erected by local businessmen.
The site is located on State Road
2 adjacent to Bob's barbecue.
SIGNS
MARQUEES
ATTRACTION
BOARDS
WfPIT€
Off WIR£
PROMOTE 'YELLOW CAB'—Yellow cab tourist Bridget Carr stopped to meet
MGMers in Indianapolis. Seated, left to right: Dorothy (Han ton. booker's clerk;
Foster Gauker, branch manager; Miss Carr; Jerry McGowan, booker; O. L. Prescott,
office manager; Pauline Scharfe, booker's clerk; Bud Farrell, cashier's clerk. Standing:
Pearl Kelley, PBX operator; Barbara Harpool, biller; Marjorie Shawver, branch
manager's secretary; Irene O'Brien, head inspector; Jane Harris, bookkeeper; Hazel
Gorman, inspector; Robert Owens, shipper; Pauline Search, inspector; Marjorie Richter,
head booker; Betty Trusty, office manager's secretary; Jean Jarrett, assistant
contract clerk; Nora Vawter, Mary Stevens, Grace Beaver. Esther Krueger, inspectors,
and Douglas Karst, assistant shipper.
Censors Reject None
CHICAGO—The police motion picture censor
board reviewed 100 pictures (479,000 feet
of film) last month, rejected none and classified
for adults seven foreign films, including
two Swedish, four Mexican and one
French film.
Jefferson Adopts New Policy
FORT WAYNE. IND. — Robert
Coleman,
manager of the Jefferson, has instituted a
first run policy. The Jefferson is owned by
the Alliance circuit.
COMPLETE THEATRE
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—
INDIANAPOLIS
. . .
Oamuel Oshry is the new U-I manager here,
replacing T. L. Mendelssohn. Oshry joined
Universal in 1946 as a
salesman and was
transferred %o Atlanta
in 1948 as sales supervisor.
He remained in
that post until his
present appointment
Bruce Kixmiller,
Bicknell exhibitor, returned
from an extended
trip in Africa
. . . Abe Baker is now
buying and booking
Samuel Oshry for Strand Theatre at
Dawson Springs, Ky.
Sam R. Maple has resigned as manager
there . . Robert Shrader and Gayle Black,
.
salesmen for Warners, are driving new cars
furnished by the company.
. . .
A. Edward Campbell is doing the buying
and booking for the Westlake Drive-In here
. . . John Roach, former manager, has leased
the Howard Theatre here from Settos Theatres
. . . Robert Dyer, well known in theatrical
circles, will act in an advisory capacity
for the Kenwood Drive-In in Louisville
The Brook Drive-In at Centerton, Ind.,
THEWRE EQUIPMENT
442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANA
has opened for the season under the management
of Clyde E. Weddell jr.
The mother of Oscar, Isador and Jesse Fine,
died at her home May 2. The Fine brothers
own and operate Premiere Theatres in Evansville
. . . Roy Harold, operator of the Castle
and Princess in Rushville and the drive-in at
Connersville, and wife returned from an extended
vacation in Florida . . . The Melody
Drive-In, Bass Lake, Ind., opened last week
for the season, but was compelled to close because
of swollen streams that backed up.
The summer meeting of the Associated
Theatre Owners of Indiana will be held June
13, 14 at the French Lick hotel . . . Attending
the convention and equipment show for
drive-in theatre operators in Kansas City this
week were Pete Peterson, National Theatre
Supply; Trueman Rembusch, ATOI; Richard
Pell, Connersville, and Earl Herndon, Affiliated
Theatres.
. .
Directors of the Variety Club conferred
Monday in the 20th-Fox screening room .
Mrs. Ann Craft, secretary at ATOI, was confined
at her home by an infected foot . . .
Theatre attendance in this exchange area is
reported down from 20 to 30 per cent.
Claude McKean jr., and Jodie Burke of the
Warner staff were married May 6 in the St.
Peter and Paul cathedral here . . John W.
.
Daugherty sold his Rio Theatre in Oolitic to
Arden Haynes of Seymour. Haynes will use
16mm film only in this situation.
Seen on Filmrow: W. R. Norton, Key, Redkey;
William Handley, Rembusch circuit,
Franklin; Fred Waggoner, Rees, Plymouth;
E. L. Ornstein, Marengo; Guy Hancock,
Prewitt, Plainfield; George Heliotes, Rialto,
Fort Wayne.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE COMBINATION ENTRANCE
and ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY FLOODLIGHT
Also available with Exit Panels
Arrows may be either right or left.
DRIVE.IH THEATRE MFC. CO. ,S'-fi"S.
ANNIE MEETS EXHIBITORS — Indiana
exhibitors posed with Dot Lind,
modern Annie Oakley, upon her recent
visit to Indianapolis in behalf of MGM's
"Annie Get Your Gun." Shown above,
left to right: E. L. Ornstein, Ornstein
circuit; William Studebaker, Logan Theatre,
Logansport; Miss Lind and Artlm
Clark, Vanderschmitt circuit.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
* • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
"THE BELMONT, one of the largest and most
elaborate theatres in Chicago, was acquired
last week by Publix. It has a seating capacity
of 3,500 and was built three years ago . . .
Race discrimination is still in practice in at
least 20 per cent of Chicago's motion picture
theatres, says Herbert A. Turner, local president
of the National Ass'n for the Advancement
of Colored People.
West Plains Butler Closed
WEST PLAINS, MO.—The Butler Theatre,
operated by H. Gillaway under a sublease
from R. E. Butler, has been closed indefinitely.
It is reported some details for a new
lease still are to be worked out. In the meantime,
the house will remain dark.
UJWttyl?
WW
«%: /Veiv LOW Police

: May
—
MILWAUKEE
Ceveral members of the Allied Independent
Theatre Owners of Wisconsin attended the
annual meeting of North Central Allied at
Minneapolis last week. They included Ben
Marcus, president of Wisconsin Allied and
head of S&M Theatres, Oshkosh; Harold
Pearson, secretary; P. J. Goldberg of the
Hollywood. Wausau; John P. Adler, Marshfield,
and others. Marcus addressed the
meeting on outdoor theatres.
Harry Melcher, M&F Management, has
returned from a vacation in Florida . . Ike
.
Levy of the Prairie Theatre, Sun Prairie,
was a visitor on Filmrow ... At a meeting
of the common council utilities committee,
Gerald Luedtke, manager of the Northside
Theatre, said his theatre was the only one
in the city that did not have public transportation
pass its door. This came up during
a hearing on new bus routes. Many of his
customers, Luedtke declared, had requested
bus service past the theatre. The matter was
taken under advisement.
Filmrow hears that Lowell Kyle, former
salesman for Republic here, now is connected
with Paramount in Minneapolis . . .
Sheldon Grengs of Eau Claire intends to
*7UU Modem, Mew.
STEEL SCREEN TOWER
ERECTED COMPLETE
f
for only $ 6,857.'
LESS
ATTRACTION BOARD & WINGS
build an outdoor theatre at Superior, but it
is reported that he is having difficulty in
securing a permit, since the screen tower
would be near the air post. The zoning
board has not given permission for the construction.
The Bob Hope show came to the new
Arena Sunday (7). It featured Frances Langford.
Les Brown and his orchestra, Irene
Ryan, Jack Kirkwood and others. Prices
ranged from $4.80 to $1.50, including tax.
There was only one performance.
Charles and Ray Trampe of Allied-Monogram,
Gene Kilburg of Merchandising Corp.;
Howard Gleason, Saxe Enterprises, and Lester
Fischer, all of Milwaukee, returned from
the New Orleans convention of Variety Club
. . . Milton Ellis, former owner of theatres
in Beloit, Wis., now living in Arizona, visited
Milwaukee.
Leonard Grossman, former manager of the
Modjeska of the Fox Wisconsin circuit and
more recently located in Chicago, is reported
to have purchased the Rena Theatre in
Chicago.
A King for a Day luncheon was held by
Variety Tent 14 at the Circus room of the
Hotel Wisconsin. Guest was Harry Zaidens
and some of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball
team personnel, including President Jake
Flowers, Manager Bob Coleman, Coach Dell
Bissonette, traveling secretary Ralph Shinners,
sports writers Red Thisted and Sam
Levy. Also present were Park Carroll, business
manager of the Kansas City ball team
and sports writer Ernie Mehl of the Kansas
City Star. The luncheon was well attended.
Tickets are being sold for the Variety Club
Great Heart ball to be held at the Wisconsin
roof garden June 16. Arnold Brumm is chairman
of the affair. His office is at 20th-Fox.
All members are plugging for the sale of
tickets.
RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
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The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 1, Mo.
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Gentlemen:
/
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to receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
Acoustics
Air Conditioning
Architectural Service
"Black" Lighting
Building
Material
Carpets
n Coin Machines
D Complete Remodeling ^ Sound Equipment
Decorating
Drink Dispensers
Lighting Fixtures
n Plumbing Fixtures
n Projectors
Projection Lamps
Searing
D Signs and Marquees
Television
Theatre Fronts
Drive-In Equipment Vending Equipment
Other Subjects
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caused from tlielt or vandalism
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.
729 Bnltimt
Kansas City.
RUTH I.
SMITH— Manager,
Dayton,
Miami Drive-in Theatre,
Ohio—says:
"My patrons tell me that we
have the finest sound in the
Dayton area and that is why
they like to come to the Miami
Drive-in Theatre. Of course,
RCA Service keeps the system
at peak efficiency."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
Theatre
Seating
Address
City
State
Capacity..
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience
in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN
THEATRE RED KEY SECTION (Nov. 19, 1949).
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1950
73

S-^W^MkT- J LPV U—vEWH^^^ WJ»M ^d VV ^>« y WvVV V ^ V V
SUPER SALESMAN !
The Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment. Theatres, Service
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GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
1. Hertner horizontal generator, 80-160 sops.
volis rheostats Suprex (or operation, including
85
meter and loltage regulator Guaranteed
panel.
condition. Ideal for drive-in or large theatre. A
buy present day $70o. Western
at prices for 2.
Electric sound equipment, sen-iced and guaranteed
condition. Wide range apertures, motor generator.
"i a Brockmeyer motors, 75 watts of audio,
41. 42 and two 43 amplifiers modified. Ideal
lor Dme-in or large theatre, 1900 3. Clnclnnaii
Time recorder sound equipment, overhauled
and guaranteed condition. Two Scotl Ballentyne
amplifiers Excellent lor small theatre. $350
Public Chair Installation Co. 318 Film Bide
2308 Payne Ave , Cleveland. OWo.
THEATRE SEATING
Sceral thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand Wt are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
desirt-d to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience In the seating business Is your
guarantee Write for exact photo and price. Wt
ha^e parts for all makes of choirs. Also, leatherette
25x25 in all colon, 55c ea. Good quality
Chicago Used Chair Mart. 829 So. State St ,
Chicago 5, 111.
CLEflfSIHG HOUSE
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatre; Oregon county seat town Owner sa>s
Cleared (500 last month alter paying manager's
salary and all expenses. Nice ne» plate to live
included in deal. {16.000 cash will handle. Theatre:
About one hour's drhe from metropolitan
Portland. An easy living can be made by mo^t
anyone here. Situated In the heart of one of ilk
in most scenic spots America. $15,000 includes
modern building Theatre: County seat, loan ol
ol
2.500 population. Owner selling on account
other interests Easy terms with only $5,000
down. Theatre: Portland suburban New booth
equipment, good district. $32,500 full price
Might consider some terms. Write for Information
us
on these and mnny other good theatre buy
. Theatre Exchange Co, 217 Governor Bldg Poi
land 4. Ore
THEATRES FOR SALE
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THEATRE* WANTED
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Heferencts. Arthur Leak.
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74 BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 195

'
SULLIVAN AGAIN CHOSEN HEAD
OF KANSAS-MISSOURI ALLIED
Myers and Rembusch Ask
Renewed Zeal in Fight
For 20% Tax Repeal
KANSAS CITY—O. F. Sullivan, Wichita,
was elected for his third term as president
«
of the Kansas-Mis-
— ~ souri Allied Theatre
Owners at the final
business session of its
two-day drive-in con-
A
ference and equipment
h.. exposition Tuesday
and Wednesday (9, 10)
at the Phillips hotel
here. Ben Adams, El
Dorado, Kas., was
chosen vice-president,
and W. C. Silver, Cameron,
Mo., was named
O. F. Sullivan secretary and treasurer.
F. L. Norton, Caldwell; Cle Bratton, Council
Grove, and Jay Wooten, Hutchinson, were
elected for three-year terms, and A. W. Pugh,
Columbus, for one-year term as directors from
Kansas, while Ray Cook, Maryville; Howard
Larsen, Webb City, and Virgil Harbison, Tarkio,
were chosen for three-year terms, and
Joe T. Ghosen. Sedalia, and Silver for oneyear
terms as directors from Missouri.
Approximately 225 theatremen. film distributor
and supply manufacturer representatives
and others were registered during the
two-day conclave. The attendance was the
largest yet registered for a Kansas-Missouri
Allied conclave here, according to Sullivan,
who said that efforts would be made to attract
an even larger registration for the 1951 convention.
The event was the first of its kind to
be sponsored by any Allied unit, and the national
organization lent its support to the
project.
Determination of National Allied and its
regional unit's to continue its participation
with all other motion picture industry groups
in efforts to effect repeal of the existing 20
per cent amusement tax was emphasized by
Abram F. Myers, National Allied general
counsel, in an address at the banquet which
brought the meeting to an end Wednesday
night.
LEGES PRECISION ON TERMS
"The fight to end the discriminatory
amusement tax which threatens to disrupt
the motion picture industry must be waged
with more intensity than ever before," Myers
declared. "And there must not be any confusion
about our aims. We have heard references
to 'repeal of the excise tax,' but it is
the 20 per cent amusement tax which we want
repealed."
Myers was extremely optimistic about the
new COMPO setup now being effected. Stressing
that its purpose should be the promotion
of goodwill on the national level, he urged
that the various organizations represented in
the organization never lose sight of its cardinal
aims.
Trueman T. Rembusch, National Allied
president, emphasized Allied's policy of serv-
Registered at the
KANSAS CITY—A partial list of theatremen,
film and equipment distributor representatives
and others registered for the Kansas-Missouri
Allied convention includes:
E. W. Aaron
Wallace Agey
Philip Blakey
William Bradfield
Jack D. Braunagel
E. A. Briggs
Ned Busher
Don Davis
Arthur DeStefano
T. E. Dods
Ed Van Duyne
George W. Fuller
George Gooch
Fred Harpst
L. D. Hasty
George P. Heller
W. J. Heilman
Earl Horton
Ken Hudnall
C. Keth
James B. Killian jr.
KANSAS
CITY
Woodie Latimer
Hans Lorsch
Mai M. McCammon
Ralph E. McCammon
Paul R. McCarty
Lawrence McGrath
R. D. Mann
Jay Means
Rube Melcher
Beverly Miller
Joseph Neger
Paul Ottenstein
C. M. Parkhurst
Louis Patz
Bill Pennington
Cal Porter
John Quinn
Herb Rogers
Herbert Roush
Harry Sager
Roscoe Thompson
Jack Wirmingnam
CALIFORNIA
GLENDALE—Murray Lafayette.
LOS ANGELES—Jim Schiller, William C. Stahl and
Lewis Wilson.
COLORADO
DENVER—L. J. Albertini, Fred Faulkner, M. M.
Swank and John M. Woltberg.
RIFLE—H. S. Coulter and Fred Land.
ILLINOIS
CHICAGO—D. H. Finke, C. E. Heppberger, Fred C.
Matthews, William M. Parrish, Charles W. Schaier
and William R. Welch.
QUINCY—Eugene E. Brezany and Wayne Hockworth.
INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS—Earl Herndon and Burdette N.
Peterson.
RUSHVILLE—I. R. Pell.
IOWA
GRINNELL—C. W. Aherns and L. V. Phelps.
KANSAS
ATCHISON—Arthur A. Burke and C. H. Stinson.
COLDWATER—Sol Frank.
COLBY—Don Phillips and Arliss Phillips.
ice to exhibitor members and listed the legislative
achievements of Allied.
"The motion picture industry is at the tax
crossroads," Rembusch declared. "One road
leads to eventual destruction of the industry
through imposition of discriminatory taxes.
The other road leads to freedom from unjust
taxes in the operation of our businesses. If
we are to travel along the latter road, every
man in the industry must do his part. Washington
is aware, for the first time, of the
power of the screen and the importance of
the motion picture industry as a means of
communication.
"Continuing and reinforcing the fight is
important, because subsequently the industry
will face a tax fight in every state in the
union," Rembusch said. "Only by demonstrating
to the politicians the tremendous impact
of the screen upon the public can the
industry ward off taxation attacks by local
and regional governing bodies."
Approximately 150 theatremen, film and
supply distributor representatives and others
had registered when the initial convention
session was opened Tuesday at 10:30 a. m.
"The phenomenal growth of the modern
Conference
COLUMBUS—A. W. Pugh.
COUNCIL GROVE—Mrs. Cle Bratton and Mrs. John
F. Powell.
DODGE CITY—Glen A. Cooper.
EL DORADO—W. B. Adams.
GOCDLAND—William Baker.
HOLYROOD—Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ricketts.
HUTCHINSON — Charles W. Embick, George F.
Hooper jr. and Jay Wooten.
JUNCTION CITY—V. N. Harris and Warren L.
Weber.
KIOWA—C. C. Alexander.
LARNED—D. E. Burnett.
MARYSVILLE—Eddie Henderson.
OTTAWA—Don J. Shade and Glenn J. Underwood.
PHILLIPSBURG—Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Winship.
SMITH CENTER—Mr. and Mrs. Dam M. Blair.
TOPEKA—John Basham jr. and J. E. Pennington.
WETMORE—L. A. McDaniel.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry S.
R. O. McKee, Mr. and Mrs.
WICHITA—R.
Inger. Al C.
C. Graham,
McClure,
W. Stark, R. B. Sullivan, Harry Williams and O.
J.
W. Wortman.
LOUISIANA
ABBEVILLE—Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. De Graauw and
Robert J. De Graauw.
NSW ORLEANS—L. C. Montgomery.
VACHERIE—Mr. and Mrs. Frank G." Prat jr.
MICHIGAN
DECATUR—Fred E. Pennell.
DETROIT—Louis M. Parine and Charles W. Snyder.
MISSOURI
CAMDENTON—John P. White.
CAMERON—A. E. Jarboe and Mr. and Mrs. W. C.
Silver.
JErFERSON CITY—H. F. Miller.
LAMAR—B. J. Felts, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Simmons
and R. R. Simmons.
MARYVILLE—Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Cook.
ST. LOUIS—Ray G. Colvin, William C. Earle jr.,
Roy Haas, Samuel W. Hanson and Albert Stetson.
SEDALIA—J. F. Ghosen and A. Gardner.
OTHER STATES
HARTFORD, KY.—Andy Anderson.
MINNEAPOLIS—Stanley D. Cave and R. H. Karatz.
McCOMB, MISS.—T. G. Solomon.
OMAHA—J. R. Hoff and Glenn K. Slipper.
NEW HAVEN, CONN.—E. L. Love.
COLUMBUS, OHIO—Mrs. Walter Miles.
GUYMON, OKLA—Louis Long.
PHILADELPHIA—Paul J. Greenhalgh, Nan Littlejohn
and David E. Milgram.
DALLAS—E. L. Harris and Robert M. Miller.
SEATTLE—Ben F. Shearer jr.
MILWAUKEE—Ben Marcus, J. B. Schuyler and Joe
Woodward. Also Sig Goldberg of Wausau.
outdoor theatre is almost staggering," Sullivan
declared. "The drive-in has mushroomed
almost overnight into one of the most arresting
developments in theatre history. Its potential
is unpredictable. Each day brings the
introduction of new ideas in design and construction.
Every indication points to a future
that is almost limitless."
John Wolfberg, Rocky Mountain Allied
president and head of a circuit which operates
four drive-ins in the Denver area, spoke
briefly of his experiences in showing first
run product in the outdoor theatres. Admission
prices were increased from 60 to 74 cents
to make them coincide with the scale at
downtown theatres, he said. So far the experiment
has not been too successful.
WISCONSIN LEADER SPEAKS
Ben Marcus, Wisconsin Allied unit president,
said that the most successful drive-in
operations in his area were in towns of 140,000
or more.
A recess was taken before noon Tuesday
to permit the conventioneers to inspect 16
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 MW 75

Sullivan Is Renamed
President of Allied
(Continued from preceding page)
exhibits of the following drive-in equipment
and supply manufacturers and distributors:
Missouri Theatre Supply Co., National Theatre
Supply, Shreve Theatre Supply, L&L
Popcorn Co., Poppers Supply Co., Drive-in
Theatre Manufacturing Co., R. D. Mann Carpet
Co., Pennington Poster Service and Manley,
Inc., all of Kansas City; National Heaters,
Inc., Los Angeles; Hollywood Stars, Inc.,
Chicago; the Ballantyne Co., Omaha; Walky
Service Co., Wichita, Kas.; Ahrens Equipment
Co., Grinnell, Iowa; Koiled Kords, New
Haven, Conn.; J. W. Stark Enterprises, Chicago,
and the Welch Equipment Co., Inc.
George M. Peterson, Cleveland, who has
built more than 150 drive-ins in all parts
of the United States and in Hawaii, described
what he termed the ideal drive-in, one in
which good projection and sound were combined
with visibility and patron convenience
to make a profitable operation. His advice
to potential drive-in operators was to build
solidly, to watch costs and to plan for the
future.
Terming the modern drive-in a long-term
investment, he advised operators to make
improvements gradually and to pay their
RUTH I.
Ideal Theatre Chairs
The most comfortable, substantial
Adv.
SMITH— Manager,
Miami Drive-In Theatre, Dayton,
Ohio—says:
"My patrons tell me that we
have the finest sound in the
Dayton area and that is why
they like to come to the Miami
Drive-in Theatre. Of course,
RCA Service keeps the system
at peak efficiency."
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
troublefree
chair that gives you years of service.
If
you want the best, now at reduced prices
Call — Write or Wire
STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
1804 Wyandotte St. Kansas City 8, Mo.
Clyde H. Badger, Manager
costs from profits. He declared that many
drive-ins could be made much more attractive
by improved landscaping. The planting
of various types of shrubbery in front of a
drive-in, along with neon lighting, adds
greatly to the drawing power of an open air
theatre, he said.
Lewis E. Wilson, Los Angeles, theatre architect,
used small cardboard models to explain
developments in both conventional and
drive-in design. He described the layout and
operation of the four-screen drive-in now in
operation near Chicago and a similar project
planned in St. Louis. The eventual development
will be a drive-in center, around which
many other forms of businesses will be operated,
he predicted.
One of the methods recently devised to
lower construction costs of a conventional
theatre is to change the relative proportions
of walls and roof, Wilson said. By using
lower walls and a rounded roof, the cost of
a theatre designed by him and built last
year in California was reduced approximately
25 per cent. Reduced wall surfaces also
enable a reduction in decorating costs, he
pointed out. New ideas in proportion, to improve
projection and air conditioning, also
are being made the subjects of experimentation.
Ways in which drive-in builders may conform
with various state regulations affecting
design and operation were described by Capt.
Kenneth Roberts of the Kansas highway patrol
and Lieut. J. A. Berglund of the Missouri
highway patrol. Both advised theatremen to
consult highway department engineers before
plans are completed.
TUESDAY SESSION SPEAKERS
Other speakers during the Tuesday afternoon
session included Paul Ottenstein, Kansas
City, Socony-Vacuum Oil Co., who talked
on dust control in drive-ins; William De
L'Horbe, Dayton, Ohio, who spoke on play
equipment for children; William R. Welch,
Chicago, who talked on insect control, and
Paul J. Greenhalgh, Philadelphia, Jay Emanuel
Publications. A question-and-answer period
closed the session.
Following separate informal sessions
Wednesday morning for drive-in, first run
and small town and subsequent run exhibitors
on film buying and booking, features of an
all-industry luncheon included showings of
two films, "The Story of the Carbon Arc"
produced for the National Carbon Co., Inc.,
and "Phonevision," made for the Zenith Radio
Corp. Following the showing of the
Phonevision film, Rembusch pointed out what
he termed fallacies of its setup.
In addition to a question-and-answer period
on theatre operation, the Wednesday
afternoon session included talks by three distributor
public relations officials, Leon Bamberger
of RKO, Sam Shain of 20th-Fox and
Henderson M. Richey of MGM.
Bamberger stoutly defended the modern
drive-in against what he termed the "unjust
attacks" against the outdoor theatre. Instead
of being "dens of iniquity," he said
drive-ins were "family projects." He urged
drive-in operators to cooperate in every possible
way with conventional house operators
in matters of common interest.
The problems
of the one are those of the other, he said.
The terms "public relations" and "human
relations" are interchangeable, Shain declared.
Closer attention by exhibitors in all
situations to effect Improved human relations
with patrons easily may prove to be one of
the best forms of public relations, he said.
The same spirit applied to relations between
Iowa-Nebraska Allied
To Convene at Omaha
OMAHA—All is set for one of the largest
Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Iowa
and Nebraska conventions here Tuesday and
Wednesday at the Fontenelle hotel.
Among the special guests and speakers will
be Gloria Swanson, Trueman Rembusch, president
of national Allied; A. W. Schwalberg,
Paramount distribution president; Andy
Smith, 20th-Fox vice-president and general
sales manager; Lem Jones, Smith's assistant,
and Col. William McCraw of Variety International,
Dallas.
One of the features of the first day will be
a film on Phonevision. Scott-Ballantyne Co.
will sponsor the Tuesday evening dinner at
which Miss Swanson will appear.
A visit to Boys Town will be one of the
Wednesday highlights. More than $2,000 in
prizes will be given at the Wednesday night
banquet. F. A. Van Husan of Western Theatre
Supply Co., Carl White of Quality Theatre
Supply, Glenn Slipper of National Theatre
Supply and Sam Rosenblum of Nebraska
Candy Concessions will provide the prizes.
Elmer Hunke of the Minne Lusa Theatre
is chairman of the arrangements committee.
distributors and exhibitors, in the final analysis,
will solve many problems, Shain said.
Richey characterized the initial campaign
launched by the motion picture industry to
effect repeal of the 20 per cent amusement
tax as "the greatest public relations job it
has ever undertaken."
"The power of the screen as a means of
communication and of influencing public
opinion has been demonstrated." Richey said.
"Now that we must renew our efforts, all elements
of the motion picture industry must
cooperate as never before. Our aim should
be defined more accurately. It is not an excise
tax which we are seeking to have repealed,
it is the 20 per cent amusement tax."
As it had Tuesday afternoon, the United
Film Service, Inc., was host at a cocktail
party before the all-industry banquet Wednesday
night. Entertainment was provided by
the Bob Jones trio, instrumentalists; Lois
Swaney, soprano, and a humorous monolog
by Cecil Hunter, San Antonio.
New 350-Car Drive-in
Opened at Lyons, Kas.
LYONS, KAS.—The new 350-car Lyons
Drive-In on Route 50-N west of here, the
initial open air theatre in Rice county, recently
was opened by Luther Osborne and
Don Cuthbertson. Both men are new to show
business. Osborne formerly was associated
with the Central Drilling Co., Great Bend,
while Cuthbertson formerly operated a grocery
store and locker plant. Features of the
new ozoner include a concession stand and a
playground for children. The drive-in is being
managed by Cuthbertson.
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. J. KIMBRIEL. Manager
Phon. BAltimoro 3070
22 115 W. 18th Kan.a. City 8. Mo. —
76 BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

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Moreover, its operation at high amperage has
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Buy the RCA Supertensity for exceptional
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Says Percentage Kills
Showmanship Incentive
MINNEAPOLIS—If distributors will provide
exhibitors with incentive to use showmanship
by eliminating compulsory percentage
in the smaller situations and foregoing
exorbitant film rentals, theatre owners need
have no fear of television, night baseball and
other opposition—they'll overcome them just
as they've overcome all competition previously.
That's the opinion President Bennie
Berger expressed in his annual report at the
North Central Allied convention last week.
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Berger called upon distributors to cease
their "double talk" about harmony within
the industry at the same time they are demanding
percentage in smaller situations,
and he urged the adoption of a national arbitration
plan so that disputes within the
industry can be settled without litigation. He
believes the Supreme Court decision makes
such action all the more necessary.
Berger gave 20th-Fox a pat on the back for
its Showmanship campaign. He also asserted
that the major share of the credit
for the Supreme Court decision with its gains
for independent exhibitors belongs to Allied
States generally, and to North Central Allied
particularly.
ALLIED FAVORS MOVE
"As a result of the court decision and also
in part at least as a result of recent adverse
publicity given to the industry, the film
companies finally have seen the necessity of
cooperation with exhibitors and have taken
the lead in the organization of COMPO," said
Berger. "Its purpose is to bring all industry
branches together in a united front in order
to improve our public relations.
"Allied is wholeheartedly in favor of such
an organization, but we feel that it will not
work unless and until the industry has peace
within its own ranks. To bring about peace
the distributors must stop their double talk.
They know, as well as you and I, that as long
as they insist upon percentage terms on some
of their pictures, especially in the smaller
situations, many exhibitors will not buy or
play these good pictures which should be
shown on every screen. Even when an exhibitor
gives in and buys such a picture, he
resents the compulsion under which he buys.
"The selling of pictures at 40 and 50 per
cent in a small situation hurts both the exhibitor
and the entire industry. Once again
we urge upon the distributors the necessity
for a conference of top-level people from the
ranks of both exhibition and distribution, the
purpose of which will be the elimination of
such obnoxious trade practices as compulsory
percentage. This would be so that peace
can be established within our own ranks, so
that we may go to the public unitedly and
in order that COMPO may survive and really
do the job that it was set up to do. As long
as exhibitor and distributor continue at loggerheads,
COMPO will remain a meaningless
paper organization.
RECEIPTS HAVE DECLINED
"During the past year the producer-distributors
have enjoyed great prosperity. They
have made economies by cutting production
costs and their distribution receipts have
greatly increased. At the same time, the distributors
know from the financial statements
of their own companies, and from other
information sources, that theatre receipts
have declined. This situation is what we are
talking about when we say the distributors
are indulging in double talk. They know the
facts and still they continue to insist on
blood money in the form of compulsory percentage.
"The Supreme Court decision has given us
the ways and means to achieve free competition
in this industry, but it also has
created many new problems. If a quick and
speedy way of solving these problems and
disposing of disputes as they arise is not devised,
the industry's future, like its past, will
be one of litigation and bad feeling and,
consequently, bad business. Exhibitor today
is suing distributor over old grievances, and
distributor is suing exhibitor on trumped up
fraud charges. These lawsuits consume time,
cost money, and keep all of us from doing a
real job in our real business, which is show
business.
"In addition, when these lawsuits are frontpaged
in newspapers they create tremendous
ill will toward the industry. To eliminate
this, we feel that an intelligent system of
arbitration is essential, and I do not mean
the kangaroo-court type of arbitration with
which this industry once was afflicted.
"Twentieth Century-Fox did a good job
when it called its historical showmanship
meeting in Chicago, at which industry leaders
discussed several new competitive forces,
and ways and means of meeting them by a
return to the showmanship on which this
industry's greatness was founded. The meeting
was a healthy step forward, as were
the regional meetings which followed it.
Twentieth Century-Fox and its management
are entitled to the industry's everlasting
gratitude for taking the lead in the matter
and attempting to get exhibitors back into
the showmanship frame of mind.
MUCH MONEY IN CIRCULATION
"Remember that there is more money in
circulation in this country than at any time
in its history. Business generally has been
excellent, but our own business has slipped
because our industry has fallen down on the
job. The main reason for this is our failure
as exhibitors to get out and sell pictures. Of
course, a lot of this is due to distributor prac-
such as compulsory percentages which
tices,
rob the exhibitor of the incentive to sell pictures.
But be this as it may, the fact remains
that there are some 95 million prospective
showgoers in this country and that
only about 15 million people see any of the
best pictures which are released. This means
that we theatremen have not even scraped
the surface, but if we are to survive we must
get out and do a job.
"There is no need for pessimism about our
business. We need have no fear of television,
night baseball or any other form of entertainment.
We have met such competition
before and have always come out on top. If
the distributors will stop taking advice from
their mathematicians and statisticians and
use a little common sense they will give the
exhibitor the incentive to become a showman
again."
Berger said NCA membership now numbers
over 400.
Berger Will Ask Action
By National' Allied
MINNEAPOLIS—At the national Allied
States directors' meeting May 23-24, Bennie
Berger, North Central Allied, will urge that
action be taken by the national body to halt
the release of old and new feature pictures
television, and to enlist IATSE and affili-
to
ated union crafts in a fight to accomplish
that goal.
Berger said he's not disturbed by the failure
of the NCA convention here last week to
act on his resolution covering the matter.
After the convention committee turned
78
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

:
amount
,
sleet
Much
thunbs down on it, Berger himself submitted
the proposal from the rostrum in an effort
to nave the committee's decision overriden.
But he failed.
In reply to questions from the floor as to
why the committee had rejected Berger's
proposed resolution and failed to bring it
in. Henry Greene jr., resolution committee
chairman, said that he and other members
had felt that the matter demanded more
study and time. The points had been
brought out during the committee discussions,
he explained, that such a resolution
might arouse considerable public resentment
and hurt public relations. Also, he and other
members believed that "it really would accomplish
nothing."
After discussion from the floor, a motion
was carried to refer the Berger proposal to
the board of directors for further study and
consideration.
Cold Still Plagues
Twin City Section
MINNEAPOLIS—The brutally bad weather
that has been plaguing this territory not only
has dented grosses, but also has hampered
operations in a number of instances. The
cold weather has continued almost unabated
into May and there have been many blizzards,
near-blizzards, a record amount of
precipitation, icy and frequently impassable
roads and heavy winds and windstorms.
For the second time within a year Highway
218 Drive-In, owned by Eddie Ruben, Harold
Field and Clem Janich, was almost completely
destroyed during a windstorm. The
ozoner is located outside of Austin, Minn.
Damage was estimated at $15,000. The rebuilding
was just about completed when the
second windstorm hit it. Another effort will
be made to rebuild it, Ruben says.
When wind destroyed the drive-in a year
ago the attraction was "Gone With the Wind."
This time the ozoner was advertising as its
forthcoming attraction. "Return of October."
Flood conditions kept the Roxy, Oslo, Minn.,
closed for 14 days. Townspeople were forced
to use row boats to get around. The theatre
is owned by Allen Paulson.
Despite the bad weather, the four Twin
City drive-ins, owned by the Minnesota Entertainment
Enterprises and for which Bill
Sears is general manager, opened last week
for the season, a week late. The grand opening,
with fireworks, had been announced for
the week before, but, even though a large
had been spent on newspaper and
other advertising, temperatures in the neighborhood
of 35. and snow and rain intervened.
Nebraska Grosses Dented
By Freakish Weather
OMAHA—Weather dealt the Omaha territory
everything in the deck last week, with
snow up to eight inches, wind up to 75 miles
an hour, hail, cloudbursts up to eight inches,
and even some sunshine.
A few towns were cut off by floods.
Theatre Design, Construction and
Remodeling
F. A. McMICHAEL & SON
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Osborne, Kansas
MINNEAPOLIS
/"•harlie jVI. Wiener, former Selznick Canadian
general manager and now a member
of the United Artists sales staff, and wife
announce the engagement of their daughter
Joan to Alvin Gleekel of Minneapolis, who
is not connected with the film industry. The
wedding has been set for October . . . LeRoy
J. Miller, U-I manager, is aiming for saturation
bookings for "Ma and Pa Kettle Go to
Town," which will be released in the territory
June 9. He hopes for 46 day-and-date
bookings and it looks as though that goal
will be achieved.
With Lorin Solon as host, Alexander Films
gave a much appreciated cocktail party at
the North Central Allied annual convention.
Continuous streams of guests were at the
two-day party. It was hospitality at its finest
.. . appreciated, too, was the invitation
screening of MGM of "Annie Get
Your Gun" at the World Theatre for cctavention
visitors.
Members of the Navajo tribe
here for the occasion put on a ceremony,
making chiefs out of Trueman Rembusch and
Bennie Berger along with the mayors of the
two cities and prominent newspaper folk.
An "interrupter" during an Allied convention
session got an unexpected reply from
Ben Marcus, president of the Wisconsin Allied
unit and a prominent circuit owner in
his state. Talking on drive-in theatres, Marcus
decried the entry into the ozoner field of
newcomers who were paying "outlandish"
prices for films and who are "easy marks"
for the film salesmen. Marcus told how these
novices were talked into high percentage
terms. "Like 40 per cent for 'Battleground?' "
cried out one of his listeners. "Well, that
one's worth it," answered Marcus. Inasmuch
as much time was devoted to attacking MGM
for its high percentage terms for "Battleground,"
the Marcus comment wasn't very
welcome.
The continued cold weather and the snow
and rain have forced a delay in the opening
of drive-ins throughout the entire territory.
They'll be reopening much later than last
year . . . Herb Greenblatt, RKO district
manager, was in town . . . LeRoy J. Miller,
U-I, will attend the Chicago regional sales
meeting next week . . . E. L. Walton, Republic
assistant general sales manager, conferred
with Joe Loeffler, local manager. Walton
was en route to the west coast.
"Hy" Chapman and Eddie Stoller, Columbia
and UA managers, attended sales meetings
in Chicago . . . Danny Kaye will make
his Minneapolis appearance at Radio City
Theatre July 14. Another stage show headed
by Frankie Laine has been set for the same
theatre August 25 . . . Casper Choinard, UA
Milwaukee manager, formerly of Minneapolis,
was a visitor.
Several hundred, including exhibitors at
the Allied convention, turned out for the
Northwest Variety Club's annual barkers' testimonial
dinner, in honor this year of Ted
Bolnick. Col. Bill McCraw, International Variety
Clubs executive secretary, spoke, as did
Col. E. B. Miller, one of the heroes of the
march on Bataan and now Minnesota civil
defense head.
Reel Fellows club members are selling tickets
for their annual combination show and
dinner dance at the Hotel Nicollet May 27
. . . Martin Lebedoff is doing a fine thing
at his Homewood, neighborhood theatre, by
having as his guests once a week European
dispossessed refugees who can't afford the
luxury of theatregoing With the police
clamping down on sex pictures after threee
local Loop theatres entered that field, the
Alvin, which had gone in for such films after
shuttering its burlesque for the summer,
closed until next fall.
. . . Jules Serkovich, Columbia
Burtus Bishop, MGM division manager, was
in from Chicago
exploiteer, was here to beat the drum
for "No Sad Songs for Me" at the State
. . . Al Bloom, publicist who just finished
handling the publicity for the Northwest
Variety Club's slogan contest, has been appointed
manager of the new 7-Hi suburban
drive-in. S. P. Jones is the owner . . . Glenn
Roberts, 20th-Fox, has been promoted to
succeed Jerry Weisfeldt, who resigned as
office manager. .
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30XOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 79

: May
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DES MOINES
yora. Fini, Monogram booker, and Bev
Mahon, owner of the theatre at Pella,
Iowa, were married (13). Many Filmrowers
attended the ceremony which was performed
at 2 p. m. at St. Joseph's Catholic church.
Zora was attended by Helen Clarke, Republic,
maid of honor; Enos Manfredini, Eagle Lion,
and Phyllis Lepovitz, former Monogram stenographer,
bridesmaids. A reception followed
the ceremony. Monogram employes presented
Zora and Bev with an electric mixer. An
after-office party was held for Zora at the exchange.
The Mahons are honeymooning in
the south and will be at home in Pella.
. . .
. .
Two new employes have joined the staff at
EL. Patricia Moore is assistant cashier and
Joanne Bodenberger is the new stenographer
Evelyn Tellis, Universal, fell at her home
last Sunday evening and was sent to the
hospital on Monday for X-rays . . . Mrs.
Ralph Olson, wife of the Universal salesman,
and her baby daughter, Leslie, have been removed
from Iowa Methodist hospital to their
home . John Murano, Paramount cashier,
and Larry Hensler, Warner salesman, are on
vacation . . . Warner employes heard from
Robert Dunbar, who has arrived at his new
post in Florida.
The severe windstorm (5) caught many
salesmen on the road as they were return-
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Open Daily at 5 p. m
ing to Des Moines. Ken Bishard, Paramount
salesman, said his car was badly dented when
a tree fell on it. Drive-in theatres all over
the state suffered much damage, mostly to
fences, with almost 100 per cent reporting
some repair work necessary after the storm.
Among exhibitors on the Row last week
were: Jack Bauma, Pocahontas; Bill Richardson,
Winthrop; Dick Moore, Davenport;
Paul Light, Deep River; Richard Fritz, What
Cheer; Burdette Ross, Lamont, and Paul
Goode, Arlington . . A. H. and Myron Blank
.
were in New York on business last week . . .
Art Stolte, former Tri-States district manager,
is visiting in the city en route from
Florida, where he spent the winter, to his
cabin in Canada where he will live this
summer.
Virginia Jones, Tri-States accounting department,
is back at work after a lengthy,
serious illness. Virginia worked for a few
hours a day at first, but is now back full
time . . . Russ Fraser has been named publicity
chairman for the Iowa theatres' part
in the cerebral palsy drive which will be
held the last week in May and the first week
in June.
,
i
.
G. Ralph Branton, Tri-States Theatres
general manager, recently found the two
tickets to last year's Rose Bowl game which
he had lost two days prior to the game.
Branton had been visiting with relatives last
year before the game and lost his billfold
containing the tickets. He was unable to per-
,
suade bowl officials to issue duplicate tickets
for the same seats and consequently missed
the game. On a recent visit to the same relatives,
Branton sat down on the sofa and felt
something lodged in the crack between two
cushions. He reached down and pulled out a
wallet. Inside were the two tickets.
Manager Bill Schleiger of the King Theatre,
Albia, has offered $5 to the first person
Who can sit through the film "Francis" without
laughing. Should there be no winner,
>
and Schleiger doesn't think there will be,
the money will go to the cancer fund.
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Damage at Ames Drive-in
AMES, IOWA—The Ranch Drive-In. on
the outskirts of Ames, was damaged by winds
which swept through central Iowa last week.
During the performance, the winds ripped off i
the west wing connected to the screen tower
J
and pieces of it were scattered through the
parking area. One section of the rustic post
fence around the theatre was lifted into the
air and dropped on the top of an auto with,
three persons inside. No one was injured,
but the car was damaged. While all this;
was going on the projector continued to
grind away. The picture was, appropriately,
"Northwest Stampede."
Ray Kennedy to Manage
SHELDON, IOWA—Ray Kennedy, present
theatre manager at Lake View, has been
named to manage the Iowa Theatre here for
Iowa United Theatres which recently pur- •
chased the house.
Rockwell, Iowa, Rio to Open
ROCKWELL, IOWA—The new Rio Theatre
will open here soon, according to Ken Sinnard,
owner. The management and operation
of the theatre will be in the hands of
Melvin Maki of Minnesota.
30
BOXOFFICE
:
13. 1950

: Trv
films division, arrived here, then was ac-
on to Des Moines by Manager
I. M. Weiner . . Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Thompson,
.
who have the Rose and Isis theatres at
Audubon, Iowa, will leave June 1 on a vain
the northwest and to Canada.
i
companied
'
. cation
1
Stratford,
,
changing
I
Alnsworth
j
> funeral
• drews,
:
'"
i attend
—
—
—
—
OMAHA
Sochim. U-I sales manager of special
Gene Fleming, Lynch exhibitor, visited
. .
. . .
Iowa, with an eye toward possibly
theatre locations . . . Helen Newman
replaces Mildred Kroger as biller at
the Paramount exchange . Rodney Bailey,
(Neb.) exhibitor, owns a new Ford
Elmer McKechneay. Tri-States Theatres
treasurer, came from Des Moines to attend
services for Harry A. Wolf, prominent
The auto of Jack An-
local realtor . . . Paramount salesman, was struck by
[another car at Randolph, Neb. Jack's car
smashed, but there were no injuries.
Howard Clark, RKO office manager who
unflerwent an emergency operation, is back
at work . . . U-I Manager Weiner was to
leave for a manager's meeting in Chicago
... Manager Don V. McLucas returned from
a company meeting in Chicago, then called in
his sales staff which includes Ted Mendelson
of Des Moines for a meeting.
. . .
Harold Dunn, Valentine, Neb., exhibitor,
has been down with flu and sinus . . . Phoebe
Mumford Driggs, RKO contract clerk, will
quit work May 26 to await a visit from the
'stork. Liz Falco, booker's secretary, has been
promoted to succeed her Mrs. Hans
Bohnker, Charter Oak. Iowa, exhibitor, has
been ill with a blood infection, but is showing
improvement.
Herb Loeffler, Tri-States Theatres maintenance
department, was in town and looked
over the Council Bluffs Drive-In. It now
ooks like a mid-June opening. Bad weather
lad slowed chances for an earlier start . . .
r^loyd Kerwood, projectionist at the Grand
island Drive-In, is a member of Select 300
Bowling club, a club composed of bowlers
vho have rolled perfect games.
Most of the exhibitors were holding off
'heir Filmrow visits for the Allied meeting
-text week. Among those counted were D. C.
Campbell. Central City, Neb.; Eddie Kugel,
lolstein, Iowa; Ralph Martin, Moorehead,
owa; Marvin Jones, Red Cloud, Neb.; Frank
'ook. David City, Neb.; Jim Burrus, Crete,
• eb.: Phil Lannon, West Point, Neb.; Waldo
Vaybill, North Bend. Neb.; Charles Lathrop,
reola, Iowa: Arnold Meierdierks, Pender,
Oliver Schneider, Osceola, Neb., and
rank Baker, David City, Neb.
Bill Weist, new owner of the Pic Theatre
t Pickstown, S. D., closed the theatre for
ew equipment before reopening
? of Carl E. Benson of Anita for the
)wa legislature makes him the third member
the film business to be in the running for
Ferd Reuter, MGM booker,
state seat . . .
ill go back to the University of Nebraska
the annual formal dance of his
aternity. Theta Xi.
ew Seats for Davis Theatre
HIGGINSVILLE, MO.—New seats are be-
% installed in the Davis Theatre here.
Tomahawk' 130
At Omaha Orpheum
OMAHA — "A Ticket to Tomahawk" and
"Unmasked" did excellent business at the
Orpheum, grossing 130 per cent. Other theatres
were over average also. Cold, snow and
rain added up to quite a week weatherwise.
(Average Is 100)
Omaha—Hiding High (Para), 2nd d. t. wk; West ol
Wyoming ( Mono) _ - 120
Orpheum—A Ticket to Tomahawk (20th-Fox);
Unmasked (Rec) _ 130
Paramount—The Third Man (SRO-EL) 110
RKO Brandeis—Back to Bataan (RKO); Marine
Raiders (RKO), reissues 95
State—East Side, West Side (MGM) 120
Town Brand of Fear (Mono), plus three jungle
films _ - 90
'Dozen' Scores Good 120
In Final Twin City Week
MINNEAPOLIS—The weather again hit
Newcom-
Loop theatres hard the past week.
ers like "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady,"
"The Capture," "South Sea Sinner" and
"Stage Fright" suffered. It was the fifth and
final week for "Cheaper by the Dozen" and
the second for "The Third Man."
Aster—Conflict (U-I); Adventure's End (U-I),
reissues — - 90
Century Cheaper by the Dozen (20th-Fox), 5th
d. t. wk ,. 120
Lyric—South Sea Sinner (U-I) - 90
Orpheum—The Capture (RKO) 90
Palace Storm Over Wyoming (RKO); Behind
the Mask (Mono) _ 90
Pan—Customs Agent (Col); Cargo to Capetown
(Col) 100
Pix—Wake of the Red Witch (Rep), reissue- ..85
Radio City The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady
(WB) 90
State—The Third Man (SRO-EL), 2nd wk 115
World—Stage Fright (WB) 100
'Pirates' and Stage Show
Pace Kansas City Trade
KANSAS CITY—Despite strong competition
from the record-breaking "South Pacific"
at the Orpheum and the American
Royal rodeo, grosses at first runs here were
fairly steady. "The Pirates of Capri" at the
RKO Missouri, bolstered by an eight-act stage
bill, rang up 175 per cent to pace downtown
houses. A second week of "The Daughter of
Rosie O'Grady" at the Paramount continued
to draw well. "Devil in the Flesh" opened
strongly at the midtown Kimo.
Esquire Ma and Pa Kettle Go to Town (U-I), 2nd
d. t. wk.; Blue Grass of Kentucky (Mono) 105
Kimo—Devil in the Flesh (AFE) 190
Midland Conspirator (MGM), Omoo Omoo (LP). .1C0
Paramount The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady (WB),
2nd wk 100
RKO Missouri—The Pirates of Capri (FC), plus
stage show .— 175
Roxy—All the King's Men (Col); Dakota Lil
(20th-Fox), 2nd run 80
Tower, Uptown, Fairway Buccaneer's Girl (U-I);
Everybody's Dancin' (LP) (Tower only) 115
Storm Lake Airer Nearly Ready
STORM LAKE, IOWA—The new drive-in
theatre here is nearing completion, according
to Bill Hill, manager.
HAROLD CALLAWAY—
MRS.
Owner and projectionist, Mars
Theatre, La Farge, Wise.—says:
"RCA Service brings to our
theatre a remarkable amount of
continuous admiration from our
patrons for our excellent sound
and clear projection. A gratifying
insurance!"
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
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iXOFFICE : : May
13, 1950
81

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Abington at Detroit
Seeks Earlier Film
DETROIT—Completion of remodeling of
the Abington Theatre, formerly the Littman
People's, at a cost of $30,000 by Howard Investments,
Inc., the new owners, marks a
major attempt to step the house up into a
new run category, with an upsetting effect
on the existing west side run pattern here.
The new owners are R. Robert Lynn, an east
side lawyer, and Milton and Carl Moskovitz.
The house has embarked on a strong promotional
program since it was reopened last
month, with dish nights on Wednesdays and
Thursdays, amateur shows on Tuesday
nights, and an all-around campaign continuing
on the Movies Are Better Than Ever
theme. "In fact, we're trying to prove it,"
Lynn commented.
PLAYING FIFTH RUN
The remodeling included a new front by
Martin Hoffman Co., decorating by Antonio
Eugenio, frames by Black Light, Inc., painted
posters by Glo-Art Posters, curtains by Mork-
Green, air conditioning by Cauhorn Co. and
outside frames and miscellaneous equipment
by National Theatre Supply Co.
The house is now playing fifth run on a
three-change-a-week policy at 40 cents admission,
running seven days after the Linwood-LaSalle,
Oriole and Century theatres.
The owners have asked for an advance to
subkey or fourth run position, and, according
to the owners, would Tike to secure key
or third run because of the caliber of the
house.
The house has a seating capacity of 1,000,
and the operators plan to increase it to 1,300
if they can get the subkey run. They contend
that there are 10,000 customers within a
three-block radius, because of the presence
of numerous apartment houses, but that these
potential patrons go right by their doors to
the three opposition houses named because
they have prior run. The house is now running
matinees Saturdays and Sundays, and
opens at 3 p. m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
COMPLETED IN 30 DAYS
According to Lynn, major reasons why
the Abington is entitled to a subkey run are:
It is in a first class condition; the potential
patronage to do business for the film companies
is present in the neighborhood; as an
attorney, Lynn referred to precedents concerning
runs set in the Chicago suit (Cathay
Circle) and the Midtown case of Grand Rapids
currently in federal court here; the complete
remodeling job has been completed
within 30 days, instead of being spread over
several years as is commonly done.
According to the owners, they have secured
the right to bid on a subkey basis from all
except one major company, and the refusal
in that case was not absolute. They expect
to bid on forthcoming features, and a considerable
scrambling of the run situation here
may result.
Howard M. McCroiye Dies;
DETROIT—Howard Marvin McCroiye, who
was business agent of IATSE Local 422 at
Ashtabula, Ohio, for 20 years, died recently.
He was co-owner of the Shane Drive-In at
Andover, an active organization and civic
leader and was a past president of the Ashtabula
Federation of Labor and a member of
the City Recreation commission. He is survived
by his wife Vera and one daughter.
Patronage Shift Blamed
On Television in Detroit
Four Cleveland Houses
Close in Patron Slump
CLEVELAND—Continued poor boxoffice
returns is beginning to be reflected in theatre
closings and in reduced theatre operations.
Closed are the Ace, Abby, Hough-79th,
New Broadway and Lincoln theatres. The
Jennings is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday
only for the time being. Also closed is
the Star in Delphos.
It is reported that Schine B theatres are
considering a weekend operation during the
summer. This has not been confirmed by
local Schine representatives.
Hallmark Zone Managers
To Meeting May 19-21
WILMINGTON, OHIO—The 22 zone managers
of Hallmark Productions will meet with
Jack Thomas, general manager, and Hank
Adams, national sales manager, May 19-21
here. Following business sessions the first
two days, the zone managers will be guests
of Kroger Babb, president, at his Buckeye
lake home.
Editor in Hollywood
TOLEDO—Mitchell Woodbury, theatre editor
of the Toledo Blade, currently is in Hollywood
for a first-hand view of studio production.
DETROIT—Reversal of the 20 per cent lead
of Tuesday night over Wednesday grosses
demonstrates the effect of television on
neighborhood theatres, according to Stan
Max Sussman, manager of the Joy Theatre.
He attributes the shift of business in the
past six months to the Berle show on Tuesdays.
New TV owners normally do not attend a
show for six months, Sussman stressed, but
added that a check of actual patronage in
his neighborhood during the three years of TV
operation here revealed a general pattern.
After the first six months, viewers return
occasionally during the next six-month period
and are back to normal theatre attendance
in the majority of cases after the first year.
Six homes directly back of the theatre,
five with new video sets, were cited by Sussman
as an example of the TV impact. These
customers have dropped out for several
months, while the sixth neighbor's attendance
has declined because the family frequently
visits their neighbors' sets. Decreases
in attendance apply to the children as well
as the adult members of a television family
group, he stressed.
Special pictures attract the most ardent
television fan, Sussman added, using the attendance
for "All the King's Men" by patrons
who had been missed for months as an
example.
Are you following through on your tax
repeal drive, by keeping your patrons informed
of progress in the campaign?
KENTUCKY PROMOTION—Mrs. Clyde Marshall, co-owner and manager of the
Columbian Theatre in Columbia, Ky.. played "The Red Menace" two days to good
grosses. Responsible for the large attendance in a large part was the local VFW, who
sponsored the showing and shared in the boxoffice receipts. The veterans handled
the advertising, and from all indications did a marvelous job. They received excellent
writeups in the newspapers, they gave talks in front of the theatre, appeared on radio
broadcasts and equipped an old model automobile with appropriate advertising and
made the customary rounds of the town as well as the outlying rural districts. Shown
in above photo, taken in front of the Columbian, is some of the advertising buildup.
Mrs. Marshall is seen third from left.
BOXOFTICE : : May 13, 1950
ME 83

—
WEST VIRGINIA
The Fedo at Wheeling observes its first anniversary
Monday (15) and will distribute
souvenir pencils with the theatre name embossed.
A talent show will be staged May
17, 18 and there will be awards and door
prizes . . . Kiddies attending the Saturday
morning film club at the Fairmont in Fairmont
receive free ice cream . . . The Pierce
at Bridgeport conducted a census contest in
which contestants estimated the city's population.
Prizes are passes . . . The Star-Light
Drive-In at Laurel Point near Morgantown
has reopened, with admissions of $1 per car.
Fairmont is on daylight savings time, while
most of the rest of Marion county remains on
standard time. Fairmont followed Morgantown
in adopting fast time.
The Outdoor Theatres, Inc., of Morgantown
has received a West Virginia charter. Officers
are George H. Sallows, Morgantown showman;
Carl R. Mapel, Point Marion, Pa., exhibitor
and businessman, and Milo K. Ruse,
president of the First National bank at Point
Marion. The corporation will construct a
drive-in on Cheat Lake in the Union district,
Monongalia county . . . Grand opening
of the new Friendly Drive-In on Route 219
between Elkins and Parsons was held May 4.
DeVry equipment is featured.
Jack Marks, exhibitor who underwent an
operation at Indianapolis, has recuperated
and is back on the job at Clarksburg where
he operates the Orpheum. Except for being
underweight, he looks about the same and
says he feels better than he has felt in a
long time . . . Jerry Geinzer, former film
salesman, now represents Tom's Peanuts in
central West Virginia.
Harry Peters, a son of S. A. Peters, Sistersville
exhibitor, is managing the Skyway
Drive-In at Steelton, which was transferred
recently from George Petroplus, Elm Grove
HAROLD CALLAWAY—
MRS.
Owner and projectionist, Mars
Theatre, La Farge, Wise.—says:
"RCA Service brings to our
theatre a remarkable amount of
continuous admiration from our
patrons for our excellent sound
and clear projection. A gratifying
insurance!"
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
exhibitor, to S. A. Peters, and William Muhlman
and George Delish, New Martinsville
exhibitors . . . Barnyard Movies, a new drivein
setup on Bridgeport pike near Clarksburg,
was inaugurated recently. Clarksburg radio
interests and Joe Feeney, Bridgeport theatre
manager, are operating the Barnyard Movies
every evening at Turner's Hayloft. A screen
is attached to one side of a large barn where
square dances are held Wednesday and Saturday
evenings.
Morgantown High school band's benefit
show at the Metropolitan netted $700 ... In
exploiting "Cheaper by the Dozen," the
Parker at Parkersburg held a contest to discover
the largest family in Wood county . . .
A gas cooking school was featured at the
Robinson Grand in Clarksburg. Six baskets
of food were awarded along with a gas range.
Every woman in attendance received a
kitchen utensil.
. . . Mary
Nick and Bessie Giovan of the Manos theatres
at Elkins went to Chicago to attend the
marriage of Nick's brother Theodore. Mr.
and Mrs. Michael Manos, Greensburg, parents
of Mrs. Giovan, also will attend
Berger dancers, numbering 70, were featured
on stage at the Saturday kiddy carnival in
the Robinson Grand at Clarksburg . . . May
26 will be a big day at Fairmont when John
Forrest "Fuzzy" Knight, native son, will make
five appearances at the Lee, coming from
Lewistown, Pa. Fuzzy goes from Fairmont
to Charleston. Early next month he will
return to Fairmont and will make appearances
at the Metropolitan in Morgantown
and at the Robinson Grand in Clarksburg.
George H. Sallows, Harry L. Hall, Carl R.
Mapel and Milo K. Ruse started grading for
their drive-in on the Oaks property overlooking
Cheat lake. RCA equipment and services
have been purchased in a package deal . . .
Celebrating its third anniversary, the Elkins
Drive-in presented baby diamond head
Hawaiian orchids to 300 ladies May 8.
Upstate Showmen Urged
To Join Variety Club
DETROIT—A move to extend the membership
of the Variety Club of Michigan more
widely to upstate exhibitors has been made
by the board of directors through Allied
Theatres of Michigan. Exhibitors who live
upstate have been invited to come into the
club as nonresidents, giving them a substantial
reduction in fees over the full membership
classification, in view of their abscence
from the city. Eligibility and acceptance
are subject to the usual club rules.
"Variety Club will always be a vital part
of the motion picture industry," said Charles
W. Snyder, executive secretary of Allied Theatres.
Fire at Bellcore Theatre
BELLAIRE, OHIO—Quick work on the part
of local firemen, plus concrete and brick
walls in the structure housing the Ohio
Theatre, prevented a disastrous blaze recently.
The fire started in a small office room
and burned through the ceiling. Frank Circosta
of Shadyside owns the Ohio as well
as the Shadyside. His son Frank manages
the theatre here. The Ohio is located in the
old brick structure which formerly housed
the First Christian church until the congregation
built a new edifice farther north on
Belmont street.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
JAY MILLS, red-headed emcee, has closed
his Enright engagement in Pittsburgh and
is now playing the Earle in Philadelphia . . .
A $1,000 reward is offered by William Lando
for arrest and conviction of persons who broke
into his Lando Theatre on Center avenue in
Pittsburgh and caused $6,000 damage to projection,
sound and other equipment.
* * *
The surest forerunner of summer in the
motion picture business is the double feature
policy, says Elsie Loeb, editor and manager
of the Ohio Showman in Cleveland. "Double
features in summer are as inevitable as April
showers," she says. "So far, it is a policy
confined mostly to
neighborhood houses, but
several downtown houses also have followed
this tendency as added inducement for patronage."
M. B. Horwitz, general manager
of the Washington circuit, says double features
do a house more harm than good.
New Carlisle Theatre
To Miami Valley Co.
NEW CARLISLE, OHIO—The Carlisle The.
atre here has been purchased by Miami
Valley Enterprises, of which Pierce Wood of
Dayton is president, from Tom Powell, who
opened the theatre 13 years ago. Melvin
Weaver, operator under Powell, will be manager.
The theatre will be renovated and air
conditioned before reopening.
Warren Airer Near Completion
WARREN, OHIO—A new $70,000
drive-in,
the Super 45 Drive-In, is set for opening
within six weeks. It is just south of the
city limits. The firm was incorporated in
Columbus recently to issue 500 shares of no
par common stock. Incorporators were listed
as Catherine A. Ryder, Donald J. DelBene
and Gilbert J. Ryder. Construction started
last year and is 80 per cent complete.
Zay Bass to
Family Drive-In
NEW KENSINGTON, PA. — The Family
Drive-In near here now is managed by Zay
Bass, successor to Henry Rolnick, who has
resigned and returned to duties with the
Berlo Vending Co. as supervisor of drive-in
installations in the Cincinnati area. Zay
Bass had been assistant manager at the
Family ozoner for two seasons.
Good News for the Small Town Exhibitor
"Protect Your Investment"
Investigate the possibilities of starting a PORT-
ABLE 16mm ROUTE OF STORE ROOM THEATRES
in your nearby communities.
ALSO INVESTIGATE the possibilities of building a
300 car lGmm DRIVE-IN THEATRE, complete with
30x40 foot screen for $6,000.00.
We rent or sell all makes of 16mm "arc" or
"bulb" projection eqpt. We have the world's
largest libraries from coast to coast. 100% availability
on all 16mm sound film product on the
market, such as "Fox, Universal-International. Columbia,
etc." Rental rates for full-length features
with three shorts and serial, $7.50 & $10.00 etc.
For complete details and a copy of our latest 30th
anniversary catalogue, write to the following
addresB:
IDEAL PICTURES CO.
A. I. St. Clair, Rep. Box 310 Beckley, W. Va.
84 BOXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950

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Buy the RCA Supertensity for exceptional
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perfect lamp too for indoor theatres with wider-

CINCINNATI
Exhibitors seen on the Bow: Dr. J. C. Newbold,
Goode Homes, Don Keesling, Bramwell,
W. Va.; Guy Greathouse, Aurora, Ind.:
M. K. Murphy, Cumberland, Ky.; W. T. Cain,
Louisa, Ky.; Vito Perriello, Wood, Dunbar.
W. Va.; C. F. Pfister, Troy, Ohio; Bud Gilliam,
Warners, Cleveland, Ohio . Ted Minsky,
. .
former manager of Warner Theatre office
in Cleveland, has been transferred to the
Philadelphia office. Joe Weinstein is taking
Minsky's place in Cleveland.
Milton Yassenoff, Columbus exhibitor, and
his wife recently enjoyed a weekend trip to
Niagara Palls upon their wedding anniversary
. . . Dave Litto, Kentucky salesman for
RKO, escaped injury but his car suffered
damages when it turned over several times
on the highway between Grayson and Olive
Hill, Ky. ... J. Gall, who owns the Ames
Theatre, Dayton, has acquired a drive-in in
Wapakoneta, Ohio, and one in Lima.
The South Drive-in, Columbus, owned by
Milton Yassenoff, will be ready for opening
soon. It is a new operation and accommodates
approximately 500 cars . . . Another new
drive-in is contemplated in Columbus by Mrs.
MacDonald and William Queen, on the 3C
highway . . . William Settos, Liberty, Springfield,
was on the Row. He recently returned
from a vacation in Florida and is now kept
busy on his popcorn field in addition to his
theatre.
Harris Dudelson, district manager for Lippert,
was here assisting Milton Gurrian, new
branch manager, getting installed in his new
post. Dudelson now is located in Detroit,
Mich., having charge of the mideastern and
central offices of Lippert
. . . Ray Smith,
head of the Shea circuit in New York, made
the rounds of the exchanges accompanied
by one of the Sheas.
Alamo Theatre, Salyersville, Ky., owned by
Cully Harvey of New Boston, will open in
about six weeks and will seat approximately
440 ... A new drive-in near Madison, W. Va.,
will open sometime in June for owner M. E.
Rose.
A new drive-in is under construction outside
of Man, W. Va., by M. E. Rose. It will
accommodate approximately 400 cars . .
National Theatre Supply is installing pro-
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jection and interior equipment in the Kentucky
Theatre, Liberty, Ky., for owner E.
Cundiff, who also owns the Allen Theatre
here. It is expected to open May 18.
. . .
New Drive-In, Richmond, Ky., will open
about May 18 for exhibitor Arthur C. Craig
The Harlan Drive-In, Harlan, Ky., will
be ready for operation the middle of June
for owner George W. Combs. It will accommodate
about 500 cars . . . The new drive-in
outside of Welch, W. Va., for Cook & Russell
Theatre Corp. is expected to open about
June 1.
Oscar Kantor Is Shifted
To WB Baltimore Office
CLEVELAND—Oscar Kantor, Warner city
salesman here for the last six years, has
been transferred to Baltimore office in a
personnel shift that brings Pete DeFazio
here from Baltimore. DeFazio will be assigned
to the river territory and Dave Kaufman,
whom he succeeds, moves up as city
salesman.
A testimonial farewell to Kantor, sponsored
by the Salesmen's club of Cleveland,
will be held May 12 in the Variety Club.
Sam Lichter, 20th-Fox salesman, is in charge
of tickets and arrangements.
3 Vi -Year-Old Showman
Suggests 'Better' Slogan
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO—Show business
is a 24-hour job and it catches its victims
young. Recently when M. B. Horwitz,
owner of the Falls Theatre, suggested to
Manager Ray Brown jr. that an appropriate
slogan would help sell a certain picture, up
spoke 3% -year-old Ray Brown III.
"I know a slogan," said the third generatiqn
showman. "Name it," said Horwitz.
The youngster replied, "Movies Are Better
Than Ever." Ray Brown sr., the granddaddy,
is southern Ohio district manager for Warner
Bros.
State College Ozoner Opened
STATE COLLEGE, PA. — Centre county's
first drive-in, the $75,000 Starlite, located on
the Bellefonte-State College road, has been
opened by F&S Drive-In Theatre Co., headed
by Philip Schleit. The 600-car project was
started in December.
It is surfaced with crushed stone. Screen
measures 44x50 feet and is on a steel-supported
tower 65 feet high. Joe Volpe, who
operates the Rainbow Gardens Drive-In near
McKeesport, was contractor. Alexander Theatre
Supply furnished RCA equipment and
the concession is operated by Showe Confections
Corp.
Movie Quiz in Cleveland Area
CLEVELAND — Movie Quiz, distributed
through Realart Pictures, opened its first
local engagement May 8 at the Circle Theatre,
Cleveland, and the Uptown Theatre,
Youngstown. Other theatres opening with
Movie Quiz in the territory next week are the
State, Toledo; Carma, Bluffton; Majestic,
Lima; Ohio, Bellaire; Grand, West LaFayette:
Midcity Drive-In, Harrisburg, and Skyline
Drive-In, Portage.
Early Drive-In Clearance
Criticized at Cleveland
CLEVELAND—Some theatre owners in this
area claim that early drive-in clearance, not
television, is their greatest worry. It has been
pointed out that several drive-ins are playing
pictures on the 21st day, a policy reserved
for only a few selected indoor theatres,
or on the 28th day, when pictures generally
become available to first run neighborhood
houses. Specifically, it was noted
that the Euclid and Fairview drive-ins played
"Barricade" on the 21st day.
On the other hand, it is contended by
other exhibitors that drive-in patrons generally
are those who do not patronize indoor
theatres and for this reason, advanced clearance
is not essentially harmful. Herbert
Ochs, owner of a circuit of drive-ins, says
that last season he bought 60 first runs for
his two Fort Wayne drive-ins and also for his
Portsmouth drive-in.
Vern Trembley Appointed
Publicist for Gene Autry
LANSING, MICH.—Vern Trembley, former
theatre manager for the Butterfield circuit
here, now is publicist for Gene Autry, cowboy
star. His job calls for him to travel ahead
of Autry's touring show to arrange for the
cowboy and his troupe to be greeted appropriately
and to ballyhoo the appearances.
He arranges for Autry to meet the mayor,
promotes Autry record sales in all communities
visited, takes care of interviews and
sets up additional schedules for the cowboy.
Vern calls on the city editor of each paper
in every town visited.
Vern once managed the Capitol Theatre
here and handled promotional assignments
for the Butterfield chain. He left Lansing
about three years ago and moved to Bay
City, Tex.
Air Base Girls Compete
In Year's Annie Oakleys
DAYTON—Twenty-five good-looking young
women employed at Wright-Patterson air
force base chosen as finalists in a contest
to pick Miss Armed Forces were invited to
act as hostesses at Loew's Theatre here for
opening of "Annie Get Your Gun." Each of
the 25 was presented an "Annie Oakley" good
for one year of attractions at Loew's.
The winner and her runnersup, "Miss
Army," "Miss Navy," "Miss Air Force" and
"Miss Marines" will be crowned at a military
ball May 20 at the Baltimore hotel and will
preside over the Armed Forces day open
house at Wright-Patterson base the next day.
There were 60 entries in the contest.
Re-Elect Mrs. R. R. Riddle
DETROIT—Mrs. Roy R. Riddle has been
re-elected president of the Greater Detroit
Motion Picture council, the key group of local
organizations concerned with the various
phases of motion pictures. Other new officers
include Mrs. C. P. Lunde and Mrs. D. W.
Hembel, vice-presidents; Mrs. H. L. Keith,
recording secretary; Mrs. W. L. Forrester,
corresponding secretary, and Mrs. George P.
Gaag, treasurer. The council includes representatives
from approximately 70 clubs and
other organizations.
86 BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

•
tures,
Earlier the Plain Dealer urged editorially
thai the place to start reform of the "scrambled
tax structure" is in the field of amuse-
taxation.
"Congress," the editorial said, "should repeal
the 20 per cent federal tax and vacate
that field exclusively to local government.
Strong support for this proposition, of which
the Plain Dealer has been a pioneer advocate,
has been offered by five leading organizations
of state, county and municipal officers—the
Council of State Governments, the U.S. Conference
of Mayors, the Governors' Confer-
i ment
!
—
M. B. Horwitz Opposes
Local Level Taxes
CLEVELAND—M. B. Horwitz of the local
film tax committee has gone on record opposing
any possibility of cities picking up the
20 per cent federal amusement tax when the
government reduces or eliminates it. Horwitz'
stand was taken in a letter to the publisher
of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, strong
supporter of the local amusement tax proposition.
In a letter to Sterling Graham of the newspaper
publishing firm, Horwitz suggested that
if a local tax was to be put on motion picwhy
not also put the tax on newspapers?
NEWSPAPER STRONG FOR REPEAL
ence, the National Ass'n of County Officials
and the National Ass'n of Tax Administrators.
"These organizations point out that the
federal tax on admissions to places of amusement
does not comprise a significant portion
of federal revenue (only about 1.07 per
cent i. And they are eminently correct in
asserting that the admissions tax 'is essentially
local in character.' It will . . . enable
localities to tax their own resources. It will
cover most of the citizenry. It Is easily administered,
enforced and collected, with a
minimum of inconvenience and red tape to
the taxpayer. And it cannot be seriously attacked
on grounds of being regressive because
the tax is not imposed on a commodity
essential to basic living ..."
NOT TO FAVOR CITIES
Horwitz' letter to the newspaper publishers
read:
"During the hearing of the committee (on
taxesj someone from Ohio proposed that Congress
eliminate the amusement tax so that
the cities could pick it up. Congressmen at
the meeting all expressed themselves that
they certainly were not going to eliminate
the tax for the purpose of letting the cities
pick it up.
"The reason I mention this is so that if
FASTER
THAN
EVER
YOU'LL LIKE OUR
QUICK SERVICE &
QUALITY WORK!
FILMACK
SPECIAL TRAILERS
and when the tax is eliminated, you cannot
come out and say that Congress took the tax
off to enable the cities to put it on. I am
pretty certain that any agitation of the state
or city to put an admission tax on the workingman's
entertainment will arouse the community
such as it has never been aroused by
any contemplated tax.
"Of course the theatreman wants to see
this tax repealed because if the public saves
that much money they will come to the theatre
oftener. I think you will agree with this
theory and it probably would apply with you
—if the price of your paper were reduced
your circulation would become greater.
"The neighborhood theatremen have held
their admission prices down and you might be
surprised to know that the average neighborhood
theatre right now and during the
lush years of 1945, 1946 and 1947 is and was
about 5 cents more than during the depression
days of 1930. Why not compare the
cost of the morning Plain Dealer between 1930
and today?
"True, your expenses have gone up and I
am sure ours have gone up in proportion
just as much. If it is your thought to urge
the authorities to put a tax on the working
man, why not put a tax on newspapers as
well? There probably would be less complaint
coming from the public if newspapers
were taxed than if the city or state ever
attempts to put an amusement tax on the
public, if and when Congress takes off the
present tax." »
Third Dimension Readied
For Film Use, Says DeBra
CLEVELAND—Arthur DeBra of the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America told members
of the Cleveland Cinema club recently that
third dimension in motion pictures has been
perfected and is ready for commercial use.
Exhibitors, all looking for something new to
meet television competition, are asking,
"What are we waiting for?"
DeBra spent two days in Cleveland addressing
club women. At all meetings he emphasized
the need for their help in preselling
unusual pictures.
"Pictures in this classification are hard to
sell through the regular channels," he said.
"How to let the people know about them is
our greatest difficulty. If you, as cultural
leaders, want producers to make pictures like
'No Sad Songs for Me,' 'The Titan' and
operas, you must lend word-of-mouth help
to spread the good word around."
Oliver Installs In-Car Speakers
CLEVELAND—M. H. Pritchle of Oliver
Theatre Supply reports he has replaced bi-car
or centralized speakers with RCA In-car
speakers in the following drive-ins: Starlite,
Wadsworth; Lorain, Lorain; Old Trail, Zanesville,
and Riverside, Rayland.
Operation for Mrs. Harris
PITTSBURGH—Ice skating star Donna Atwood,
wife of John H. Harris, local theatre
magnate, underwent an appendectomy in
Hollywood last Saturday. Mrs. Harris became
mother of twin sons on Good Friday.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE COMBINATION cXIT
and EXIT DRIVEWAY FLOODLIGHT
Also available with Entrance Panels
Arrows may be either right or left.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. kKScST
Belter-Type Picture
Given Club Preview
CLEVELAND—The first preselling job, as
suggested by Arthur DeBra of the Motion
Picture Ass'n before groups of local club
women interested in greater patronage of
"better pictures," was arranged here this
week when representatives of the Cleveland
Cinema club, Motion Picture Council of
Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Federation of
Women's Clubs and Cleveland Council of
Church Women, attended a private screening
of "No Sad Songs for Me," Columbia picture
starring Margaret Sullavan. This is one of the
"hard-to-sell" pictures that DeBra mentioned
as needing the influence of discriminating
groups. The picture, screened by Harold
Greenberger, manager of the Esquire Theatre
where it opened, received unanimous
praise as entertainment with great moral
significance. This report to their organizations
will result in widespread word-of-mouth
publicity.
Sandusky Theatre Sold
SANDUSKY, OHIO—The 73 -year-old Sandusky
Theatre has been purchased from
John and Bertha Himmelein by the Seitz
Amusement Co. of Sandusky for an undisclosed
amount. The Seitz firm has operated
the Sandusky as a film house by leasehold
and also operates the State, Plaza and Sandusky
Drive-In here.
Lee Conrad to C of C Post
MEADVILLE, PA.—Lee Conrad, manager
of the Meadville Park Theatre Corp., operating
the Park and Meade here and a director
of Allied MPTO of Western Pennsylvania, has
been named second vice-president of the
Meadville Chamber of Commerce.
Have you written to your congressman urging
him to support full repeal of the federal
amusement tax?
RUTH I. SMITH— Manager,
Miami Drive-In Theatre, Dayton,
Ohio—says:
"My patrons tell me that we
have the finest sound in the
Dayton area and that is why
they like to come to the Miami
Drive-In Theatre. Of course,
RCA Service keeps the system
at peak efficiency."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv
OXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 87

—
. . Jack
. . Harry
DETROIT
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AND
EQUIP A
DRIVE-IN
THEATRE"
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DRIVE-IN
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EQUIPMENT including
• MotSograph double shutter
projectors
• High intensity are lamps
• Anti-reflection coated lenses
• Motor generator sets
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reproducing systems
•" ln-car speakers
^
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• Projection room accessories
8 B fl P i\)
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
106 Michigan St. N. W.
GRAND RAPIDS 2. MICH.
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. colored
. . Carl
versity of Detroit tennis team through a
busy season, his third in the post . . . Mel
E. Donlon, formerly of the Westown, who
raises cocker spaniels, presented a partipup
to his granddaughter.
John Campbell, who recently replaced Gerald
Spence as assistant at the Cinema, is
making a careful study of exploitation procedure
. . . Grant Hawkins, manager of the
Irving, who suffered a heart attack a year
ago, is getting along fine with his assignment
in Detroit's most remote northwestern house
. . . J. R. Davison of the Irving had 13
additions to his family last week—Great
Dane puppies . . . Tom Preseau is now assistant
at the Redford.
Wilfred Durnell, manager of the Redford,
is doing a nice job of greeting his customers,
as well as keeping tab on maintenance
problems . . . Walter Janes, 20 years a projectionist
at the Redford, likes to take his
Sunday nights off, and Curtis E. Weiser, who
usually is at the Calvin in Dearborn, comes
in to sub . C. Ransdell of the Redford,
recently back from Florida, decided
he can freeze just as well right at home . . .
Late report says the Arcade has been taken
over by the Oppenheim interests from Jack
Susami . . . Sol Krim, who owns the Lasky,
now operated by Florian Manteuffel, is
dickering to lease the house to Saul Korman.
Lee Goldsmith of Universal arranged with
his barber for a hairdo to tie in with the
promotion of "Comanche Territory" . . . Irene
Nolan, Universal cashier, has a new car . . .
Walt Goryl of RKO reported the big bowling
banquet will be May 15 . . . Mr. and Mrs.
Arthur Koskie of Butterfield headed toward
New York for a week's vacation.
John Martin has been moved from the
Oakman to manage the Warren, replacing
Arthur F. Brock, who resigned. Richard
Wren moved from the Fenkell to the Oakman
and Leonard Wisper manages the Fenkell
temporarily until John Crissman. former
assistant manager, is able to take over.
Paul Morphew is the new chief at the Tower,
replacing Clarence Harrison and completing
W&W shifts.
Mitchell Victor of the little Astor has the
fanciest canopy in town for a candy booth.
It used to be over the boxoffice . . . LeRoy
"Van Petten of the Abington likes to stay in
town, but manages to get home to Lincoln
Park about once a week . . . Chuck Stanley
has the weekly amateur show at the Abington
.. . Harry Braiker, who has been in poor
health at the Booker T, has left for a sojourn
in Florida to convalesce.
Ben Singer, manager of the Alvin, is the
•leading spirit of a science-fiction club . . .
Harry Berns of the National is back from
a Chicago trip . . . W. J. "Pop" Stolz is the
man to see about Poppy day for Theatrical
Post friends. The Post had its regular meet-
Jig Tuesday midnight . . . Jack Ferentz,
3uddy Fields and George Clancy of the Post
•vere all elected to offices in the musicians
mion.
Roger Valiquette has returned to the Fine
Arts as manager, replacing Mr. and Mrs.
Tony Wajdziak. Mrs. Wajdziak is the forner
Vera Allen, sister of Wade Allen, owner
toyal A.
to
Oppenheim has closed
Arizona
the
. . .
Arcade
or redecorating . . . Michael De Martino
•f Movicon has a new picture on the mail
ervice just about ready for release.
Crazy Auction Giveaway
Started by Al Broder
DETROIT—A new giveaway idea is being
packaged for theatres by Al Broder, manager
of the Seville, after several weeks' tryout in
his own house. Billed as Crazy Auction, the
plan uses a 45-minute giveaway period for
one scheduled night each week, with ten
prizes, ranging by dollar intervals from $1 to
$10, for assorted specified oddities, such as
a shoehorn, or a pair of white sox. If two or
more come up with the same item, they play
darts on the stage and the winner gets the
cash, while the others get passes as consolation
prizes.
Grand jackpot prize of $100 is provided,
increasing by $10 each week until awarded
for the picture of a specified star. Idea encourages
patrons to read the fan papers and
preserve the stars' pictures.
Result has been to increase sates of fan
papers and dart games in stores throughout
the area. The Seville, although a small subsequent
run, has been drawing from up to
ten miles away. Customers come back with
a whole suitcase full of junk in the hope
of winning a prize.
Al Broder is packaging the idea for theatre
use. complete with trailer, handbills, lobby
posters, dart games, and selection of prizewinning
objects and the star for the grand
jackpot prize each week.
He also is dickering with radio interests
to put the show on the air, originating on
a theatre stage here, but with increased
prizes and the entire event sponsored by a
commercial firm, which would furnish the
prizes. Result would increase the boxoffice
power of the Crazy Auction without added
cost to the exhibitor.
New Drive-In Opened
WELLSTON, OHIO — The new 400-car
Town and Country Drive-In, only one in
Jackson and Vinton counties, opened May 4
at
Coalton near here.
Are you following through on your tax
repeal drive, by keeping your patrons informed
of progress in the campaign?
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Your Heywood - Wakefield
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Phone: TYIer 3-5629
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OXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950
89

;
j
l
COLUMBUS
Hs of June 1, Columbus will be without a
Variety Club for the first time in 22 years.
Tent 2, second in the country to be organized,
had its charter revoked at the recent
convention of Variety Clubs Internati'onal at
New Orleans. Plans may be made to apply
for a new charter after the club is reorganized
if sufficient interest is shown by
local theatremen, according to Ralph Shiflet,
treasurer. Frank Ferneau is chief barker.
The club now has about 82 members, about
half its highest membership.
The 22 zone managers of Hallmark Productions,
Wilmington, will meet with Jack
Thomas, general manager, and Hank Adams,
national sales manager, at Wilmington May
19-21. They will be guests of Kroger Babb,
co-owner of Hallmark, on closing day at
Babb's summer home at Buckeye Lake.
Neighborhood merchants are sponsoring a
series of weekly amateur nights on Tuesdays
at Fred Rowland's Main . . . North Side PTA
groups have agreed to act as hostesses at
Saturday matinees at the Indianola, H&S
Theatres unit. The plan will be in effect
throughout the summer.
Six major productions to be given by the
speech department of Ohio State university
in the new temporary summer theatre to be
erected at Ohio stadium have been announced.
The season will start July 5 with
"The Male Animal," continue with "At War
With the Army," "The Winslow Boy," "Born
Yesterday," "Life With Mother" and "The
Silver Whistle." Season tickets will be $4.50
with single admissions at 90 cents.
Norman Nadel, theatre editor of the Columbus
Citizen, is on a two-week trip to
Hollywood. He will write a series of articles
and interviews after his visit to film studios.
Ten finalists were selected at University
Theatre in the contest for Ohio State university
May queen . . Harry Wheeler, owner
of two Gallipolis, Ohio, theatres, has purchased
a 17-acre site near Gallipolis for a
400-car drive-in to be opened by July 1.
New Simplex Projectors
Into 6 Michigan Houses
DETROIT—Clarence Williamson, manager
of National Theatre Supply, reports installations
of new Simplex X-L projectors at the
Rapids, Eaton Rapids; Sun, Williamston;
Civic, Romulus; Gayety, Detroit; Fort Drivein,
Wyandotte, and Burton, Flint.
Gets Ohio Favorite Franchise
Imperial
CLEVELAND—Bernard Rubin of
a deal with Moe Kerman in
Pictures closed
New York for the northern Ohio franchise
of Favorite Pictures.
An Outstanding Building Service Agency
For Indoor and Drive-In Theatres.
VOGEL BUILDING COMPANY
Liberty Theatre Building
WeUivilU. Ohio Phone: 74
CELEBRATE S
ANNIVERSARY — Inspector
Clara Wright of the Cincinnati
office is shown receiving an MGM loyalty
emblem, marking completion of 20 years
with the organization. The presentation
was made by Manager Eddie Booth.
Sex Educational Film
Rejected at Detroit
DETROIT—Cutting of 8,350 feet of film
by police censors, directed by Inspector Herbert
W. Case and Lieut. Howard Stewart,
during April marked the highest record since
last summer. Four miscellaneous cuts were
made and one complete feature, classified
as the sex educational type, was rejected.
Censors here have rejected a total of seven
films during the past 12 months, including,
besides the present sex feature, three by independent
producers, one by a major company,
and two by foreign producers.
During April, the censors reviewed an even
500,000 feet of film, including 122,000 of foreign
product. French, 35,000, was the highest
in years for the language. Mexican, 73,-
000, and Italian, 14,000, were the other two
languages represented.
Leroy Conroy Is Elected
President of Local 737
DETROIT—Leroy Conroy of the Jam
Handy Organization has been re-elected president
of IATSE Local 737, composed of motion
picture laboratory technicians. Other
new officers, all from Jam Handy, include
Aldrich Skudrna, vice-president; Mildred
Califano, treasurer; Emily Fullinger, financial
secretary; Lottie Bazeli, recording and
corresponding secretary; Richard Bock, cutting
steward; William Thulin, laboratory
steward; Robert Doppke, sergeant-at-arms,
and Dominic Pepe, Richard Smith and James
Turner, trustees. Under a revision of the
bylaws, all officers will serve two years instead
of one as in the past.
Harry Soltz Leases Park
BLAIR STATION, PA.—Harry Soltz, who
had been a Pittsburgh exhibitor many years
ago, has returned to exhibition with the
leasing of the Park Theatre here from Edward
Rostrelli. In the early days of the
industry he operated a neighborhood theatre
on Penn avenue in Pittsburgh. He is a
cousin of Jake Soltz, veteran operator of
the Rhumba on Fullerton street in Pittsburgh.
BOWLING
PITTSBURGH — The Filmrow Bowling
j
league season closed officially at the annual
j
banquet Saturday (13) in the Roosevelt hotel,
George Curtz served as league president and
|
I
other officers were Helen E. Garlitz, secre-
tary: Eddie Reith, vice-president, and Rita
Perri, treasurer. Winning teams for the first
j
half were the Nesbitts and McCloskey, and
the second half Scarry and Quiter. Final
rolloff winners were Nesbitt and Quiter.
High for the season was Pete Quiter, 142.2;
Ann Zinsmeister, 117.3. High for one game
was Paul Reith, 197; Wahneta Gardner, 188.
High for three games, Joe Stack, 487, Mayme
Bauers, 441. The season of 30 weeks was
bowled at the New Club alleys. The team
with the best sense of humor was the one
captained by Paul Reith. Bowlers and averages:
Hilda Alvin 95.9 Grace Loughran 93.5
lay Angel 104.2 Walt McCloskey 104.4
nil b„i 19/1 I°e Miller 9Z-9
B A PP^'
-
„lU
}fa Hose Marie Murray 99.6
Mayme Bauers 109.1
G race Neiderberger 97.3
Grace Benitz 105.6 William Nesbitt 110.4
Bob Bittner 115.6 Peg O'Connell — 88.2
Bill Brooks 131.6 Jane Patterson 101.2
Katherine Connelly.. 98.9 Rita Perri 92.3
Victoria Cooke 97.8 Millie Plesh 95.8
Peg Cronin 104.9 Ann Quinn 96.
George Curtz 120.3 Gertrude Quiter 101.9
Roy Davis 107.5 Pete Quiter 142.2
Grace Donatelli 102.8 Eddie Reith 110.4
LaVerne Einloth 110.9 Paul Reith 128.8
Dot Elpern 89. Ann Russo 77.5
Roseanne Feinberg .. '96. Jack Scarry 111.3
Eileen Foley 98. Rose Semplice 95.7
Wahneta Gardner. .115.5 Marion F. Slesinski 96.1
Helen Garlitz 95. Joe Stack 112.3
loe Hanna 114.6 Marjorie Vater 109.4
Phoebe Homer 93.2 Rose Ventrone 105.5
Martha Horlick. 97.8 Betty Wallace 90.
Marie Isler 105.9 Lenore Whetstine 107.
Betty lenkins 88.5 Lucille Wirth 90.1
Mathilda Kiel 100.6 Harry Witmer 100.
Bob Eimbel 107.3 Ann Zinsmeister 117.3
CLEVELAND—With only
two more weeks
of playing time, members of the Cleveland
Motion Picture Operators Bowling league are
down to an eight-point spread. The present
lineup: Auto Voice, 81 points; Garwin Equipment,
74; Union Federated Insurance, 73;
National Theatre Supply, 71 ; Anchor Inn, 64;
RCA Service, 62; Oliver Theatre Supply. 55;
Mobiltone In-Car Speakers, 47.
Andy Zill of Union Federated Insurance
team rolled the biggest score of the week and
one of the highest series of the season with
213-222-201 for a 636 total.
Other top scores were rolled by Tom Smart,
204; Fred Lane, 203 single game with 586
total for three games, and Paul Collins. 202.
CINCINNATI — The Theatrical Bowling
league witnessed an oddity when seven of
the 14 teams tripled. Midwest Supply and
National Supply were certain of coming out
first and second, respectively, by their victories.
Henry Wieman's first honor roll of
the season, a 219, 173, 211—603. aided Bond
Theatre to hold third place as Westwood
was swamped by Midwest. 200s: H. Wieman
219, 211; H. Burgoyne 217, F. Borgman 210,
P. Jansing 209, G Jones 204 and H. Tull 202.
Team standings are:
Team Won Lo»» Team Won Lo«l
Midwest 91 8 Altec 52 47
National 83 16 Theatre Candy 38
Bond 62 37 Times
Strand 61 38 Forest
Mount Healthy 61 38 Associated
Westwood 59 40 Keith
RCA 55 44 Idle Hour
35 64
32 67
20 79
11 88
Have you written to your congressman urglug
him to support full repeal of the federal i
amusement tax?
30
BOXOFFICE
:: May 13, 1950

. . Joe
Third Man' Remains
Cleveland Leader
CLEVELAND—Trade at local first runs
declined because of a cold and rainy weekend
and the competition of a sellout engagement
of "South Pacific" at the Music Hall.
The top film grosses were carded by a third
stanza of "The Third Man" at the Ohio,
which chalked up 125 per cent, and "Passport
to Pimlico," which registered the same figure
in its opening at the Coronet. "Daughter
of Rosie O'Grady" at the Hippodrome was the
only other film better than average.
(Average Is 100)
Allen—The Baron of Arizona (LP) 90
Coronet—Pas. port to Pimlico (EL) 125
Esquire—Love Happy (UA), 2nd wk 100
Hippodrome—Daughter oi Rosie O'Grady (WB) .11)5
Lower Mall—The Titan (UA) 100
Ohio—The Third Man (SRO-EL), 3rd d. t. wk 125
Palace—Wabash Avenue (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 70
State—Hiding High (Para) yS
Stillman—Side Street (MGM), 4 days 50
Baseball and Spring Fever
Hit Detroit Business
DETROIT—Early baseball fever plus spring
fever hit local business last week, with general
level of grosses holding about even. Detail
for week ending May 4:
Adams—Cinderella (RKO), 3rd wk 120
Cinema—Saints and Sinners (London Films) y0
Downtown—The Reformer and the Redhead
(MGM); Side Street (MGM), 2nd wk 50
Fox—Wabash Avenue (20th-Fox); State Penitentiary
(Col), 2nd wk 90
Madison—The Third Man (SRO-EL), 3rd wk 95
Michigan—Daughter of Rosie O'Grady (WB); The
Vicious Years (FC) 110
Palms-State—The Kid From Texas (U-I); I Was a
Shoplifter (U-I) 115
United Artists—Mo and Pa Kettle Go to Town
(U-I); Mule Train (Col) 85
'Riding High' Scores 115
As Leader in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH—"Riding High" rang up 115
per cent in its opening at the Perm and
rated a moveover to the Ritz. A third week
of "Cheaper by the Dozen" at the Harris
registered 80 per cent.
Fulton—Buccaneer's Girl (U-I) 50
Harris—Cheaper by the Dozen (20th-Fox), 3rd wk... SO
Penn—Riding High (Para) 115
Stanley—Captain Carey, U.S.A. (Para).. 80
Warner—Destination Tokyo (WB); God Is My
Co-Pilot (V/B), reissues 80
'Wabash Avenue' Leads
Cincinnati Grosses
CINCINNATI—Grosses were slightly under
the previous week, with top honors going to
"Wabash Avenue" at the Capitol.
Albee—The Outriders (MGM) 90
Capitol—Wabash Avenue (20th-Fox) 115
Grand—The Reformer and the Redhead (MGM)....100
Keith's—Francis (U-I), 4th wk 100
Lyric—The Third Man (SRO-EL), 2nd- d. t. wk 100
(Palace—Conspirator (MGM) _ 80
Shubert—Cheaper by the Dozen (20th-Fox), 4th
d. t. wk 100
ATTENTION!
Make a
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WARNER BLDG.
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Cleveland 14. Ohio
CLEVELAND
TJrban Anderson has resigned as Ohio representative
for Hallmark Productions to
join the Independent Theatre Owners of
Ohio as field representative assisting Secretary
P. S. Wood . . . "Hamlet," which played
a ten-week engagement at the Ohio Theatre
the latter part of 1948, has been booked at the
Coronet Theatre by Manager Jack Silverthorne
Ivan Fuldauer has been promoted
. . .
from assistant to Loew Theatres publicity director
Ted Barker to train for an MGM field
exploitation job under "Watty" Watson in
Cincinnati.
Ted Minsky, who succeeded Tony Stern as
Warner Theatres booking manager two years
ago, has been transferred to his home ground,
Philadelphia. His successor here is Joe Weinstein,
who comes from the Albany office . . .
May 12 is the date of the Salesmen's club
farewell party for Oscar Kantor, Warner city
salesman transferred to the Baltimore branch.
Sam Lichter of 20th-Fox is ticket committee
chairman.
Irving Field, no longer with Oliver Theatre
Supply Co., is reportedly managing the
Mumac Theatre in Middlefield for R. Mazzochi
. . . Johnny Rich of Argus, Inc., is back
from a visit in Washington .
of Argus,
. . Walter Olds
due back home from an extended
visit in Arizona, failed to return as reported
. . . Jim Mullins of RCA Service, retired, still
makes an occasional visit on Filmrow to visit
friends . . . The present opening date of the
new Mercury Theatre, built by Howard Reif,
James Kalafat, Ted and Albert Vermes is
May 18 . . . Manny Stutz, Realart franchise
owner, bought a new Shaker Heights home.
Ben Ogron has moved his Ohio Theatre
Supply office to 202 Film building . . . Meyer
Fine, Associated circuit president, was still
laid up with a sprained back . . . The Ohio
Theatre, Van Wert, will close shortly for remodeling
. Robbins, Warren, paid his
first visit to the film exchanges since his
return from the winter in Florida . . . Bob
Bixler, Warner Toledo salesman, is already
wearing his golf tan . . . Variety Club had
a good turnout for its Friday night entertainment.
Sam Galanty, Columbia division manager,
conferred with Manager Oscar Ruby . . .
Kroger Babb, president of Hallmark Productions,
held a meeting of top HP executives
last Saturday immediately upon his return
from a round-the-world business trip arranging
for distribution of "Mom and Dad,"
"Prince of Peace," "The Devil's Weed" and
other HP releases, at which he presented each
one with a problem ring. The problem is to
arrange the link to form a circle. With practice
it can be accomplished in an hour, they
report.
Gloria Swanson, who is making a tour of
the Paramount exchange cities in behalf of
"Sunset Boulevard," will be in Cincinnati
June 8, 9; Cleveland June 13, 14, and Detroit
July 6, 7 . . That was some welcome home
.
Kroger Babb got when his round-the-world
business trip came to an end in Wilmington,
Ohio. To greet him when he stepped out of
his plane from New York was the biggest elephant
in the Shrine circus, all dressed up in
signs reading, "Welcome Home Krog."
Are you following through on your tax
repeal drive, by keeping your patrons informed
of progress in the campaign?
One Wayne Theatre Dark
2 Nights as Airer Opens
DETROIT—The advantage of sole ownership
of all theatres in Wayne is providing
the opportunity for the Shafer family to experiment
with balanced operation of indoor
and outdoor theatres. The older and smaller
of the two conventional houses, the Wayne,
will be closed for Monday and Tuesday each
week, although open for operation the other
five nights, when the Wayne Drive-In is reopened
for its second season.
Restricting operations of the Wayne and
keeping the other house, the State, open,
may solve the problem of a limited audience
for the Shafer operations which can be expected
to shift its patronage from the drivein
to the conventional type house. The
situation also allows for experimentation with
the exhibitor's dream—to close down, at least
partially, for the summer months.
Detroit Variety Is Host
To 'Miss Liberty' Stars
DETROIT—The Variety Club of Michigan,
with the big Spring Millionaires party under
its belt last Saturday (6), was host this
Tuesday (9) to a group of show world stars
on Ladies day. Guests of honor were headed
by Victor Borge, stage and screen star, and
the members of the cast of "Miss Liberty,"
currently playing at the Cass. The event was
a combination bingo and canasta luncheon
for the women of the club, with arrangements
in the hands of Mesdames Jack Zide,
Eddie Stuckey, Arnold Wisper and Lou
Mitchell.
The next major Variety event is slated
for May 26, when the guests will be a group
of top stars familiar to Detroiters, Jack
Benny, Mary Livingston, Phil Harris and
Rochester.
Tri-State Ass'n to Meet
At Erie, Pa., on June 25
ERIE, PA.—The 26th annual meeting of
the Tristate Ass'n, IATSE and MPMO, comprising
locals of western Pennsylvania, eastern
Ohio and West Virginia, will convene here
Sunday, June 25, at 1 p. m., in the Sunset
inn on West Lake road. Erie Locals 113, 621
and B-187 will be hosts. The committee is
planning an old-fashioned, down-to-earth gettogether.
F. P. McCoy of Local 444, New Kensington,
is secretary of the Tristate. Members of the
official IA family have indicated that they
will be in attendance, according to McCoy.
Last year's meeting was held in Fairmont,
W. Va.
TO- 1-6934-5
TO-6934-5
OLIVER THEATRE SUPPLY CO., INC.
"EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE"
DRIVE-rN THEATRES OUR
SPECIALTY
East 23rd St. & Payne Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
30XOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950
ME 91

PITTSBURGH
Deter George Coussoule, manager of the
Manos and Casino in Vandergrift, and his
bride, the former Frieda Harriet Kavouras,
have been honeymooning in New York, New
England and Canada. The bridegroom, an
AAF overseas veteran, is a son of Mrs. Irene
and the late George Coussoule of Indiana.
Pa. Among ushers at the wedding at St.
Spridon church in Monessen were John and
James Coussoule, brothers of the groom. John
is a Manos circuit manager at Indiana and

. Blatt
. . John
ager, for July 16-22 . O'Flaherty of
the Hornets hockey team has been named
Tax More Pennsylvania Theatres
:hief purchasing agent for the Harris Amusement
Co., succeeding the late A. A. Kerkhan PITTSBURGH — District school boards, ship has imposed a 10 per cent amusement
. . Betty Cameron, U-I press agent, and township commissioners and city councils in tax, a three-quarters of 1 per cent wage tax
Jeanne Carmen, Comanche beauty, were here this area again are having a field day with and a $10 per capita tax. The legal notice
sxploiting "Comanche Territory."
Pennsylvania's tax-anything law. Some of reads "a tax of 1 cent for each 10 cents or
the tax programs introduced last week were; fraction thereof on amusements," and it is
Burlesque season at the Casino ends May
A 10 per cent admissions tax to be
20 and the theatre will be dark for the summer
. . . Loew's Penn recently sneak previewed
imposed
May 23
believed to be illegal since Pennsylvania
by the school board of Union
courts have ruled out "or fraction thereof"
township taxation.
in Lawrence county.
"The Reformer and the Redhead" . . . Filmrow
F-ll union's executive committee has Chippewa township, Beaver county, school
The Titusville school board removed the
19-cent bottom on amusement tax tickets, but
taken a small meeting room on the second district renewed its 10 per cent amusement
kept the present 18 mills property and the
floor of a building at 1705 Blvd. of the Allies tax.
$5 personal tax. The amusement tax ordidance
now will exempt all children under 12,
Bros, circuit has changed the name Jefferson township commissioners, according
to word from Large, imposed a 10 per but adults must pay a 10 per cent tax. Titus-
of the Carlson at Mayville, N. Y., to the May
. . Alex Manant of the Dixie and Grand cent amusement tax effective June 5 for 1950 ville borough has taxed utility poles.
at Carnegie was a Filmrow visitor for the "and annually thereafter."
Corry board of education retained its 1-
first time in 15 years. He says both theatres Legal notices published in Monessen show year-old tax on retail and wholesale businesses,
amusements and club memberships.
are available for rental in November . . .
that the school district of Rostraver town-
The Twin Hi-Way Drive-In on Routes 22 and
30 west of Pittsburgh in Robinson township
is expected to open May 25. The concession Los Angeles, is visiting in Altoona with brothers
Jake and Ike Silverman, Hollidaysburg port in the world.
county and will be the second largest air-
will be operated by the Tri- State Automatic
Candy Co.
theatre owners.
The administration building is three city
blocks long and 90 feet wide, is seven floors
Sam Fineberg, RCA products distributor Mrs. Oliver A. Kihchel closed the Princess high, including the control tower. In addition
to a theatre, which will seat 225, the
who was seriously injured in a highway accident
several months ago, was expected to built on the site. When opened the new thea-
building will contain a 65-room hotel, res-
at Jeannette May 8. A new structure will be
report at his office May 15. He was scheduled
to leave Phoenix, Ariz., this weekend her late husband, a pioneer exhibitor . . .
tre will be named the Kihchel, in memory of
taurants, shops, post office and bank, plus
operating facilities for five major airlines.
. . Charles F. Truran, former Meadville Ben Kalmenson, Warners' top sales chief who
At a later date, swimming pool, picnic grove
theatre manager, has been elected sovereign entered the industry here as a saleman for
and park are planned. Concessions, plus
prince of the Erie council, Princes of Jerusalem,
Scottish Rite. He is the first Crawford B. F. Moore, Warner circuit's main line dis-
the company, was in the city on business . . .
parking fees from an expected 1,800,000 visitors
a year, will defray 70 per cent of the
county man to be elevated to the high trict manager, again is a grandpop. A daughter
was born to his daughter Mrs. Nancy
$790,000 needed annually to operate the airport.
Masonic post . . . The Rochester, Pa., Ministerial
Ass'n had pledged support to the Kennedy. Now using the field is the 375th troop
F. D. Moore, Warner exchange
carrier
Four-Mile United Presbyterian church in manager,
wing of the air force reserve and the
took the bows as grandpop two
Ohio township in its effort to prevent Sunday
films at two drive-ins being constructed son and daughter-in-law, the F. D. Moores
weeks ago when 112th fighter
a daughter was born
group of the air national guard,
to his
one of the country's largest units with a
jr.
near the church.
strength of 1,000 men.
Sam Abrams, former exhibitor vacationing
Trout flies made by Albert Way were featured
at the Hobby Theatre window of the bers of the industry here now residing in and *JkU Mode^ut, New.
here from Burbank, reports that former mem-
Farmers National bank downtown. The flies around Los Angeles are doing well. Among
were made by young Way, who has been hospitalized
here for a number of months. He Lurie, his partner in exhibition here for
those he sees from time to time are Sam STEEL SCREEN TOWER
is a son of the A. P. Ways, DuBois indoor eight years; Morris Tauber and Mark
ERECTED COMPLETE 1
and outdoor exhibitors . . . Kids at Ambridge Browar, retired; Abe Schnitzer, Henry Herbel.
register name and birthdate and those celebrating
birthday anniversaries are honored Dave Barnholtz, who has been vacationing
Joe Moritz, Sidney Pink, Sam Fleishman,
for only
•6,857/
on the stage of the Prince at the Saturday here, and "Uncle" Lou Krieger. Abrams has
LESS ATTRACTION BOARD & WINGS
Fun-O-Club sessions. Joe Outly, manager, sold his cafeteria at Burbank and expects to
has tieups whereby a birthday cake and a return to exhibition in California.
pint of ice cream are on hand for those celebrating.
Fun-O-Club is planning new activities
including stage contests, amateur talent, ters which published the Pirate baseball
Alexander Theatre Supply distributed blot-
etc.
schedule for the season ... A dozen merchants
cooperated with the Latonia in Oil
Returning to Altoona after a four-month City exploiting "The Daughter of Rosie
vacation in Florida, Jake Silverman, pioneer O'Grady" with newspaper advertising and
[exhibitor, stopped in Washington to visit with hidden theatre passes in window displays
. . . The 40-foot chimney extending
Douglas W. Mellott, manager of the Naylor,
'who formerly had been employed by Silveriman
at Altoona for 18 years. Just prior to building was struck by a bolt of lightning
from the roof of the Paramount exchange
^fjfryiifr. n b^H
Silverman's visit, two holdup men wearing during a thunderstorm. A section peeled down Compel attention and assure biggest boxoffice returns
with this impressive tower.
sunglasses shoved two Altoona visitors into most of one corner. A front section of the
Mellott's office and forced him to hand over building's cornice and tip of its roof was struck
A FEW OUTSTANDING FEATURES
approximately $1,000, which was on a table by lightning last summer . . . The flash * Overall size: 50 ft.
-* Free standing steel tower
'ready for counting, while unsuspecting pajtrons
•K Screen size: 44 ft. x -fc Screen surface is of as-
floods
44 ft.
(no guy wires)
of May 5 damaged the Grant at Millvale
. . . The 20th-Fox family club staged a 33 ft. bestos board
watched the film program. Mellott,
{seeing his two friends, at first had believed party at the exchange.
M All 4 sides covered -^Immediate delivery
She stick up order was a joke, but the pistols
and painted
+ Reaiy for the picture
lisplayed by the bandits told another story
-fc Great wind resistance . . . nothing else to buy!
jffld they took the money and escaped. Mrs.
.itiellott was present in the office as was an
New Airport to Have Theatre
|jsher. Fred S. Kogod, president of the Kogod- PITTSBURGH—When the greater Pittsburgh
airport in Moon township, 14 miles
Theatre Equip-tiem [o.
;3urka circuit which includes the Naylor,
ater said that Mellott had reported that the west of downtown, is opened next year, the
micHicnn
toldup men made no effort to get into the $26,000,000 project will have a modern but
1 afe
1 . . . Meyer Silverman, another pioneer in small-capacity theatre. This is the largest
ADAMS
I he industry who 8107
'
is retired and lives in single project ever financed by Allegheny
OXOFTICE :
: May 13, 1950 93

. . Robert
SPRINGFIELD
John Huffman, manager of the Regent,
swears it was a coincidence, but when he
ran "The Yellow Cab Man" the largest taxicab
company in the city changed the color
of its cabs from black to yellow. Knowing
everyone was taking a second glance at the
newly painted cabs, he arranged a tiein with
the company for a banner on each vehicle
reading, "See the Yellow Cab Man at the
Regent."
Oliver Nicklas, manager of the State, has
installed a new candy stand in the lobby . . .
Woody Owens, manager of the Majestic,
changed most of the lights in the marquee
to red for the showing of "Red Light." He
also had a red flasher light blinking out the
name of the show . . . Mrs. Ray Frisz, wife
of the Chakeres booker, received minor injuries
in an automobile accident near Springfield.
Frisz also is the owner of two
theatres in Tipp City, Ohio . . . Good results
were obtained for the showing of "Intruder
in the Dust" at the Majestic by the mailing
of 5,000 heralds to citizens
in the Negro section
of the city.
Every member of the Moose lodge received
a post card telling that the short, "City of
Children," was showing at the Regent.
Manager
John Huffman, who arranged the stunt,
said it "paid off" at the boxoffice ... A
Masonic women's organization helped State
manager Oliver Nicklas put over "The
Heiress." The women sold tickets for the
film and received a percentage for their
treasury.
. . .
James Castile, assistant at the Fairbanks,
has made a tiein with a local record shop
whereby the shop carries regular weekly ads
in the newspapers plugging the records played
daily at the theatre Ray Frisz, manager
of the Tipp Theatre at Tipp City, reported
that the senior class at the local high
school sponsored the showing of "Dear Wife"
and did a good job selling tickets for the
show ... A walking "book" helped plug "Mrs.
Mike" at the State. Manager Nicklas had
constructed out of wood and cardboard a
"book" approximately six feet in height and
two feet in width. An employe inside carried
the book on successive days through
the downtown area.
George Bauer, manager of the Fairbanks,
distributed attractive cocktail place-cards in
. . Citizens thought
all the Negro bars and restaurants in this
city and Yellow Springs, exploiting "Stormy
Weather" at his theatre .
a circus was in the city when they saw a
donkey led by a clown parading through
downtown Springfield. However, it was a
stunt for "Francis."
650 in 'Cinderella' Contest
BATTLE CREEK, MICH.—Photos of nearly
650 children were entered in the local Cinderella
and Prince Charming contest, arranged
in behalf of the film "Cinderella" at
the Bijou Theatre and sponsored by the Retail
Merchants Ass'n and the Chamber of
Commerce. The winners were presented
prizes at a Saturday morning matinee at
Mie Bijou. The names of the Judges were not
made public.
Film Questionnaire Urged
As Business Stimulator
COLUMBUS—P. J. Wood, secretary of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio, agrees
with Wally Allen of Western Pennsylvania
Allied that the best way to find out what's
wrong with the film business is to ask the
customer.
First, get out a questionnaire to distribute
in the neighborhood. Then ring doorbells
and get the answers direct from those who
are customers, who used to be customers and
who should be customers. In appreciation,
leave a couple of ducats for the show. Only
make sure it's a good picture. Wood suggests
that groups such as the PTA, women's
and civic clubs would assist.
"Not only will the answers enable you to
decide what is wrong with business," Wood
points out in his latest bulletin to ITOO
members,, "but equally important, you will be
doing a swell job of public relations and institutional
advertising."
Wood asks that the filled-in questionnaires
be sent to his office, 55 E. State St., Columbus,
after they have served their purpose to
the exhibitor.
YOUNGSTOWN
'The Esquire Theatre, art house which recently
was closed indefinitely, was reopened
May 5 for a run of "Pagliacci" . .
.
Mary Ellen Keaggy, a native of Hubbard,
Ohio, appears in "Tarzan and the Slave Girl."
Billed as Mary Ellen Kay, she is cast as
the slave girl . . . Ted Hooper, who managed
the Park Theatre here during its last two
years as a legitimate house, has returned
here following an extended illness at the
Will Rogers Memorial hospital, Saranac Lake,
N. Y.
MGM Reported Offering
Cleveland Clearance Cut
CLEVELAND—It is reliably reported that
MGM is
following the policy established last
year by 20th Century-Fox of negotiating with
a selected few de luxe first run neighborhood
houses for 21-day availabilities. This cuts
the present 28-day downtown first run clearance
by seven days. Theatres said to be
negotiating for this reduced clearance are
the Fairmount, Shaker, Richmond, Lake,
Fairview and Yorktown.
MGM is the third distributor to entertain
21-day clearance in Cleveland, Warners having
offered product on this plan ever since
it was introduced by 20th-Fox Sales Manager
Andy W. Smith jr.
Close Pittsburgh Senator
PITTSBURGH—The Senator has closed
for repairs and redecoration and will be
opened as this city's legitimate theatre under
the name of the new Nixon. The old Nixon
passed into history April 29 after 48 seasons
and is being demolished. Gabe Rubin of the
Art Cinema and the Silver Lake Drive-In
here will serve as general manager for the
new Astor Theatre Corp., operators of the
new Nixon.
Have you written to your congressman urging
him to support full repeal of the federal
amusement tax?
LOUISVILLE
The 1950 convention of the Kentucky Ass'n
of Theatre Owners will be held October 18,
19 at the Brown hotel here . Young,
Lon McCallister and Wanda Hendrix, film
stars, will come here May 16 for a network
broadcast based on the life of George Rogers
Clark . . . The Lost River Drive-In near
Bowling Green, and the Riverside Drive-In
at Carrollton, Ky., are expected to be opened
about May 18 . . . Derrell Collins, a charter
member of IATSE Local 701 at New Albany,
Ind., died recently. He was projectionist at
the Elks Theatre there, and he had been an
enploye of the Switow Amusement Co. about
27 years.
Frank Riffle, formerly with the Falls City
Theatre Equipment Co. here as chief sound
engineer and currently employed by the
Altec Service Corp., Columbia, S. C, returned
recently to renew old acquaintances
and to handle installation of equipment in
the new Lost River Drive-in, Bowling Green,
Ky. . . . Sam Maple has resigned as manager
of the Strand Theatre, Dawson Springs, Ky.
. . . The Shawnee Theatre here, formerly
operated by the Switow Amusement Co., has
been closed and is being remodeled. The
theatre is expected to be reopened soon under
new management.
Eldon Carvin, president of IATSE Local 701
of New Albany, Ind., has resigned as president
of the local and as projectionist at the
Elks Theatre to become part owner and manager
of the new drive-in at Scottsburg, Ind.
Tom Highfill, vice-president, will succeed
Carvin as president until the next regular
Out-of-town exhibitors seen on
election . . .
Filmrow recently included J. C. Smith,
Bloom, Bloomfield; George Lindsay, Lindsay,
Brownsville; Joe Marshall, Star-Lite Drivein,
Danville; C. H. Behlen, Park, Nicholasville;
Morris Smith, Valley, Taylorsville ; A.
O. Perkins, Lynn, Woodbine; Russell Phillips,
Franklin, Greensburg, and J. T. Kennedy jr.,
Stanton, Stanton, Ky.
Moody-Dickinson Theatre
Partnership Dissolved
BROWNSVILLE, PA.—The Moody-Dickinson
theatre management has disclosed dissolution
of the partnership which has been
operating the Plaza and Bison here and
the Ficks Drive-In on the National Pike.
Under the dissolution, the Plaza will be
operated by L. L. Baker and the Ficks Drivein
by I. J. Ficks and L. L. Baker. Dickinson
Enterprises, headed by C. W. Dickinson,
will operate the Menlo, Charleroi; Grand,
Fredericktown; American, Vestaburg; Bison,
Brownsville, and Nemacolin, Nemacolin.
Donald Dickinson, son of the operating head,
is assistant in management of the enterprises.
Offices of the firm now are located
in the National Deposit Bank building here.
C. W. Dickinson also revealed the purchase
of a 220-acre tract on Route 40 on
which an amusement center will be established.
He was a partner of the late George
Moody for many years. L. L. Baker was associated
with the former Moody-Dickinson
theatres many years.
Bing Crosby's Stand-in Inked
Bing Crosby's stand-in, Alan Calm, has
been inked for the Paramount film, "Dark
City."
94
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

, NEW
;
oor
Theatre Construction:
Don Holbrook Begins
$150,000 Program
BOSTON—William Riseman Associates has
drawn plans for a remodeling of the Five
Star Theatre at Palmer,- owned by Donald
Holbrook. The theatre will be closed for at
least three months while work is done. The
$150,000 program will include widening and
extending the structure to double the seating
capacity from 500 to 1,000. Air conditioning
will be added.
The Riseman office also has designed a
new candy and concessions stand at the
Avon Drive-in, owned by Interstate Theatres.
It will be one of the first serve-yourself
stands in New England. It is patterned
after the super markets. Comprising four
separate sections, the stand is set up so that
patrons may take individual trays toward
the sections serving hot dogs, popcorn, ice
cream and hot or cold drinks, pick out-
'
their selections and, keeping in individual
i
lanes, check out with one of four cashiers.
The new system has worked with great success,
expediting peak-hour business and allowing
four times as many patrons to be
served during the rush hours, it was said.
E. M. Loew-Lawrence Laskey are building
a 625-car drive-in in Kingston on the Plymouth
highway to be ready for a July 1 open-
The Walas brothers will open their new
Airlines Drive-In at Chicopee Falls May 22.
The theatre will accommodate 1,000 cars with
18 ramps, but this will be enlarged for another
year. Newcomers to the theatre business,
the Walas brothers installed all new
Century equipment, supplied by Massachusetts
Theatre Equipment Co.
Construction of the 500-car Wareham
Drive-In, Wareham, will start May 15 for a
July opening. The Rifkin circuit will operate.
Among other features, the Wareham will
nave a serve -yourself concession stand. The
Jefferson, Springfield, another Rifkin theatre,
will be recarpeted with Alexander Smith
carpeting . . . Maurice Wolf, MGM public
•elations, is filling speaking engagements in
..he Albany area.
Showmen in Maine Rally
Ask Better Short Reels
LEWISTON, ME.—Twenty-seven managers
of the Maine & New Hampshire circuit gathered
at the Empire Theatre here recently to
confer on operations problems and exchange
ideas on how to improve the motion picture
business. Clifford Shaw, assistant general
manager, and William A. Sullivan, head
booker, headed the discussions.
Several managers suggested that stars,
directors
and writers should visit the hinterland
situations and speak to school groups
and newspaper representatives in a campaign
to increase interest in motion pictures.
Shorts subjects programs were criticized
by most of those present. The managers
asked for better cartoons, serials and sports
reels. One manager suggested that the sports
reels should have a competent athletic commentator
explain the fine points of the different
sports as they were unfurled on the
screen. Other managers pointed out the
need for better educational shorts exploiting
subjects of interest to high schools, such
as chemistry, which could be tied in with
local Parent-Teachers Ass'ns.
The managers almost in a body asked for
an improvement in serials, suggesting more
historical films as a basis. "Let's get away
from the usual superman serials and the
scary pictures which frighten our young
clientele," said one manager. "More historic
subjects could be written by our able
script writers in Hollywood which would entail
all the drama and excitement of the
traditional serial, but would be educational
as well."
An interview with Sullivan appeared in the
local press. "Lewiston is a great movie
town," he said. "It has always been a big
entertainment center even back in the days
of the so-called legitimate stage shows. It is
what we call an 'out-of-the-can' town. Often
we rush a film to Lewiston to play it here
first to see how the patrons take to it. We
have found that any town with a Franco-
American population is a good show town."
Sullivan has been in the theatre business
for 38 years and in the booking end for 27
years. When asked what kind of picture
the public wants, he smiled and said, "If I
knew the answer to that I'd be the big boss
of Hollywood."
One thing Sullivan is certain of and he's
backed up by Shaw in this opinion. No person
is competent to pass final judgment on
a film or a show.
"What you like I may not be able to sit
through," he explained. "We've sent out
surefire films only to have the public refuse
them. We've seen films that nobody rated as
anything special turn out to be hits. To work
with the public is to be part clairvoyant, part
psychoanalyst and part putting your trust
in a four leaf clover. Western films, for an
example, have always been big moneymakers.
Why? Nobody is quite sure unless we are all
at heart part cowboy."
"People go to the show to be entertained,"
he said. "Usually Monday night I can pretty
well tell what film is to be a hit and what
isn't. When our first day receipts are in,
one glance at the sheet tells the story. One
thing that amazes us is how word travels concerning
a picture. We may play a film not
too widely advertised and suddenly it booms
into a hit. During the war the public wanted
(Continued on next page)
A permit has been granted E. M. Loewry
Laskey to build a 725-car drive-in in
Canton, Mass., on Route 128 between Milton
.nd Stoughton. Construction will start May
\'0 for a mid-July opening.
Lockwood & Gordon Enterprises has startd
construction of the Concord Drive-In,
Joncord, N. H. Accommodating 500 cars, the
eatre is expected to be ready for a July 1
ming.
I West Haven Drive-In
HAVEN—A six-acre tract on the
puth side of Orange avenue in West Haven
as been purchased as the site for a 600-
ir drive-in to be erected by the Bowl Out-
Theatre Corp., of which Seymour Le-
'
tne of Stratford is president.
LOBBY EYE -STOPPER—With the use of clever captions and appealing baby
photos, Manager Fred Hanneman of the Palace Newsreel Theatre in downtown Los
Angeles is attracting patrons to his showcase and at the same time dramatizing the
current industry slogan that Movies Are Better Than Ever. Lines under the photos
include such ones as "Look fella, take her out to the movies at least once a week."
OXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950
NE 95

—
—
—
—
—
—
NEW HAMPSHIRE
. . .
. .
The Rotary club in Portsmouth has completed
arrangements for motion picture
programs and amateur shows Monday and
Tuesday nights at the Civic Theatre there
Two films demonstrating modern dances
were screened recently at the Currier gallery
of Art in Manchester . The State in Rochester
drew good business with reissues of
"The Big Clock."
An extra half-hour of cartoons Friday and
Saturday nights is being offered to patrons
Louis De-
of the Manchester Drive-in . . .
Rochemont, producer of "Lost Boundaries"
and other films, spoke at a dinner opening
the 148th annual convention of the Episcopal
diocese of New Hampshire May 2 at Keene
. . . The Rev. Robert Dunn, Portsmouth, who
portrayed the clergyman in "Lost Boundaries,"
was a speaker at the same dinner.
. . .
The initial New England showing of "The
Baron of Arizona" was at the State Theatre
in Manchester ... A drive-in being
erected on Main street in Alton, on property
owned by Mrs. Ethel Fine, is to be opened
early this summer Walter E. Young,
operator of the Strand in Farmington, and
his wife returned from a vacation in Florida
and Cuba.
"Human Growth," a film produced by the
New Hampshire board of health, was shown
at a recent meeting of the Strafford Parent-Teacher
Ass'n . . . Spike Jones and his
revue played a one-night engagement May 3
in the Practical Arts auditorium in Manchester
. . . "Cinderella" drew exceptionally
good business when it was shown recently
at the Strand in Dover.
Ansel Sanborn of Sanbornville, film exhibitor,
state legislator and town moderator,
has appointed a committee which will attempt
to bring new business into the area
. . . Charles A. Crocco, head of the Dover
96
STANLEY KOZANOWSKI— President
of the Rivoli Theatre, Buffalo,
N. Y.—says:
"RCA Service is a profitable
investment—from which we
have received box-office dividends
for 18 years."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J,
Adv.
Film Corp. in Dover, will be a candidate for
the school board in that city. He is prominent
in civic, youth and recreational organizations
and is a past district lieutenant
governor of Kiwanis International.
Exhibitors in Manchester and Nashua
shared in the good news that the J. F. Mc-
Elwain Co., shoe manufacturers and biggest
industry in the area, had been awarded a
navy contract to manufacture 120,000 pairs
. . .
of enlisted men's shoes at a cost of $600,514
Jimmy Burrell, singing star of the Pic
and Pat television show, headlined a six-act
vaudeville bill at the Palace in Manchester.
Melvin Morrison, former manager of the
Strand in Dover and now serving in a supervisory
capacity for the chain which includes
that theatre, has resigned as chairman of
the Strafford County Infantile Paralysis chapter.
When new officers were elected, Charles
Crocco, head of the Dover Film Corp., was
named vice-chairman.
Showmen in Maine Rally
Ask Better Short Reels
(Continued from preceding page)
more and more pictures. They went to the
theatre regardless. Now they are a shopping
public again. Hollywood realizes this and I
can truthfully state that the schedule ahead
for this year is the best I've seen. This is
music to a manager's ears. A good show and
satisfied customers are all we ask. We aim
to please our patrons in their choice of entertainment."
Television, he feels, is no serious threat.
It has cut into attendance, but the novelty
is wearing off. "There will be a period of
readjustment," he said. "People still like to
go to the theatres and be part of an audience."
Sullivan, whose job is to see films before
he books them for his 27 houses, has seen
more than 10,000 pictures in his lifetime.
But on his day off he takes his family to the
show.
50-Year Cards to IATSE
Members in New Haven
NEW HAVEN—Gold cards signifying 50
years of membership in IATSE Local 74
were given to Edward O'Connell of the Commodore
Hull, Derby, and Joe Farrell of the
Loew-Poli here at its golden anniversary
dinner May 2 at the Taft hotel here. John
S. O'Connell, former secretary, was given a
citation for loyal service. A plaque commemorating
the jubilee was given by Projectionists
Local 273 to Local 74.
Guests at the dinner included Richard
Walsh, IATSE president; Tom Shea, vicepresident;
Bill Scanlon, New England representative,
and delegations from other locals
in the state. William Barry presided. Exhibitors
present included Hy Fine and Ben
Rosenberg, Boston, and Lou Brown, Sid
Klepper, Bill Brown, Edgar Lynch, Morris
Rosenthal, Maurice Bailey, Ben Segal, Jim
Darby, Tony Masella, Jack O'Connell, Ray
Flynn and A. Perlroth. Robert Hoffman represented
exchange employes, while Fred Frazier
was the representative for Local 273.
'Stage Fright' Ahead
In Boston Returns
BOSTON—Matinee grosses at first runs declined
substantially. Of the newcomers,
"Stage Fright" led the field but was not
strong enough to hold. Of the holdovers,
"The Third Man" at the Astor and "II Trovatore"
at the Beacon Hill continued.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—The Third Man (SRO-EL), 4th wk HU
Beacon Hill— II Trovatore (Globe), 2nd wk 120
Exeter Street—The Woman of Dolwyn (Lopert);
Four Days Leave (FC) 105
Metropolitan—Stage Fright (WB); Square Dance
Katy (Mono) 125
Paramount and Fenway Barricade (WB); Women
From Headquarters (Rep) 90
Pilgrim—Black Hand (MGM); Side Street (MGM),
2nd wk 100
State and Orpheum Conspirator (MGM); The
Palomino (Col) 100
First Run Trade Is Spotty
At Houses in New Haven
NEW HAVEN—Trade was spotty at first
runs here. A better homes show in the Arena,
with $5,000 worth of prizes, crimped theatre
grosses. After a better than average week at
the Loew Poli, a dualing of "Cheaper by the
the
Dozen" and "Silent Dust" was moved to
College for a second stanza. "Daughter of
Rosie O'Grady" and "Kill or Be Killed,"
paired at the Roger Sherman, also was above
average.
Bijou—Climax (U-I); Night in Paradi'e (U-I) 75 1
College—Conspirator
(MGM); Black Hand (MGM),
2nd d. t. wk 70 I
Loew's Poli Cheaper by the Dozen (20th-Fox);
Silent Dust (Mono) ICO 1
Paramount Riding High (Para); Western Pacific
Agent (LP), 2nd wk 70 I
Roger Sherman Daughter of Rosie O'Grady
(WB); Kill or Be Killed (EL) 105 I
Holdovers Continue Strong
At First Runs in Hartford
HARTFORD—Holdovers outgrossed new- I
comers at local first runs. A second stanza I
of "Comanche Territory," dualed with I
"Rusty's Birthday" at E. M. Loew's, rang up I
175 per cent. "Annie Get Your Gun" opened I
strong at the Poli with 160 per cent. "Colt I
.45," showing with "It's a Small World" at I
the Strand, also showed strength with a rat- I
ing of 150 per cent.
Allyn Buccaneer's Girl (U-I); Saints and Sinners
(London)
E. M. Loew Comanche Territory (U-l); Rusty's
Birthday (Col), 2nd wk 17b 1
Palace—Onder My Skin (20th-Fox); Vanishing
Westerner (Rep)
Poli—Annie Get Your Gun (MGM) 188
Regal— Cinderella (RKO), 2nd wk 140
Strand—Colt .45 (WB); It's a Small World (EL) ISC
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BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

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Buy the RCA Supertensity for exceptional
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. . The
AT FAREWELL PARTY—Some 150 theatre folk attended a farewell party at
Marques House restaurant, Hartford, recently, for Robert W. Gentner, who was promoted
from assistant at the Palace, Hartford, to assistant at the Poli, Waterbury.
Photo shows part of the crowd in attendance. In charge of the event were Lou
Cohen, Norman Levinson, Fred Greenway and Lee Feigin of Loew's Poli Hartford
theatres.
HARTFORD
Oeorge E. Landers, division manager for
E. M. Loew's Theatres, and his wife announced
the engagement of their daughter
Marilyn to Dr. Benedict S. Vicas, Washington
. . . Nick Kounaris, partner in the Kounaris-Tolis-Ulyssis
circuit, was expected
home from an extended vacation in Florida
. . . Ann LaFarge is the new candy girl at
the Eastwood, replacing Alice Murphy, who
resigned . . . Willard B. Rogers of Manchester
has filed an application for a permit
to build a drive-in on Route 6 near
Columbia. Rogers is president of the Bond
Hotel Corp. here and has been active in various
civic campaigns.
Harry White, Loew's Poli chief porter, is
observing his tenth year at the theatre . . .
George Landers of E. M. Loew's Theatres inspected
circuit installations in Holyoke,
North Adams, West Springfield and Springfield
. . . John McGrail and Jerry Evans,
U-I field exploitation men, were in this territory
on "Comanche Territory."
John Hesse, zone advertising manager for
the Warner Theatres, was in New York to
confer with Harry Goldberg, circuit director
§*£!£
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COMPLETE CONCESSION SUPPLIES
of advertising and publicity . . . The Alhambra
in Waterbury has a new dinnerware giveaway
. . . Neckties autographed by celebrities were
auctioned here for the Hartford cancer drive.
The ties bore signatures of Gene Autry, Roy
Rogers, Cary Grant, Dick Powell, J. Carroll
Naish and others were sold . . . Joe Spivack
of the Connecticut Theatre Candy Co. visited
Joe Giobbia, Crown, and Martin H. Kelleher,
Princess.
.
Ray MacNamara, manager of the Allyn,
and his wife arranged a birthday party for
their 2-year-old son Paul case of
Sal Adorno sr., owner of the Palace Theatre
in Middletown, against the Middletown Enterprises,
Inc., came up in superior court
there but was settled out of court . . The
.
marquees of the Poli and Palace have been
redecorated.
Harvey King, Hartford's oldest active
stagehand, observed his 81st birthday. He
is on the staff at the Bushnell Memorial . . .
Henry L. Needles visited Warner houses in
Manchester, Bristol, New Britain and Torrington
. . . Norman Levinson, Loew's Poli
assistant manager, was in New York and New
Haven on a recent day off . . . Jack Haney
has been named chief of the Strand's service
staff to replace John Mancini, promoted
to assistant manager of the State in Manchester.
Both houses are Warner operations.
Joe Dolgin, general manager of the Pike
Drive-In near Newington, was out of the
hospital following recovery from an eye infection
. . . Wilhemina Jenks is the new
candy girl at the Warner Regal . . . Herbert
Kneeter, New York theatrical producer, has
gained a ten-year lease for use of the Masonic
Temple auditorium in Norwich as a
summer theatre. He plans to install an air
conditioning unit in the building . . Ben
.
Rosenberg, district manager for New England
Theatres, was a local visitor.
Write your congressman and let him know
how the federal amusement tax specifically
affects your hometown business. Ask for
100 per cent repeal.
'Colt .45' Premieres
In Hartford Strand
HARTFORD—"Colt .45" became the first
western film to world-premiere in an eastern
city. With arrangements under the personal
supervision of Mort Blumenstock, Warner
vice-president, the film made its bow in the
Strand Theatre following a stage ceremony,
parade of bands and the flashing of kleig
lights.
The picture, depicting the role of the Colt
.45 revolver in the pioneer west, salutes Hartford
and the Colt Mfg. Co. which makes the
gun.
The Cerebral Palsy Ass'n of Connecticut
sponsored the ceremony in connection with
the opening of its fund drive. Serving as cochairmen
in the campaign are Harry F.
Shaw, division manager, Loew's Poli Theatres;
I. J. Hoffman, zone manager, Warner
Bros, circuit and Albert M. Pickus, regional
vice-president of Theatre Owners of America,
and owner of the Stratford Theatre. Mrs.
Chester Bowles, wife of the governor, was
named honorary chairman of the month's
campaign.
Within ten days of the "Colt .45" premiere,
the picture was to open in over 200 situations
in New England.
Arthur Moger, New England exploitation
manager for Warners, and Bernie Serlin of
the Warner New York exploitation staff
worked with Manager Jim McCarthy of the
Strand on campaign promotion.
Show for Bond Drive
BOSTON—A noontime rally and a fourhour
show on Boston Common featuring
screen, stage and radio stars will launch the
Independence savings bond drive here May
15, according to Sam Pinanski, national
chairman. E. Harold Stoneman and W. Leslie
Bendslev are New England exhibitor cochairmen
for the kickoff events.
George Archainbaud has been inked to meg
"The Public Defender" for RKO.
Quincy Girl Scout Leader
Honored by B&Q Circuit
QUINCY, MASS.—Miss Maude A. Briggs,
Girl Scout leader, was the honor guest at
a reception and stage ceremony arranged
for her at the Strand Theatre during the
showing of "Women of Tomorrow," the Warner
short on Girl Scouts which was presented
with "Cinderella."
The ceremony was an achievement in public
relations and also resulted in a packed
audience. Manager Manuel Lima and Arnold
Eisen, general manager at Boston for B&Q
Theatres, put over the promotion.
Girl Scouts in uniform paraded through
downtown streets to the theatre. There, a
:
silver loving cup from B&Q Theatres was
presented to her. It was inscribed: "Presented
by the B&Q Theatres for the citizens
of Quincy in recognition of Miss Maude A.
Briggs as the leader of Girl Scout Troop 1,
December 1916 to April 1950."
Lima and Eisen were made honorary members
of the Quincy Girl Scout council.
I
38 BOXOFF1CE :
: May
13, 1950

Boston Mayor Checks
Drive-In Ban Legality
BOSTON—Mayor Hynes has asked the city
law department for a ruling on the legality
of two ordinances recently passed by the
city council to restrict construction of driveins
within the city limits. He said that if
the law department finds the ordinances are
legal he will sign them. The ordinances were
pointed at the two drive-ins now under construction
by Michael Redstone in Dorchester
and West Roxbury. The permits were issued
by former Mayor Curley during the last days
of his administration.
The ordinances, which prevent construction
of drive-ins within 2,000 feet of a school,
hospital or church, and forbid the granting
of amusement licenses at the same location,
would prevent the opening of the two theatres
now under construction.
Meanwhile, officials from the Redstone office
stated that construction on both theatres
is continuing as planned. Permits to build
and operate the theatres were granted shortly
before the first of the year and were issued
in strict accordance with the laws of
the state.
"We have consulted our attorneys and they
have advised us that should these ordinances
be approved by the mayor they will affect
the issuing of licenses for future drive-ins
and not those already granted," said Edward
Redstone, vice-president of Redstone
Theatres.
FALL RIVER
JJorman Zalkind, director of the Strand, has
been appointed to the Mardi .Gras committee
which is planning a citywide program
August 28. William S. Canning of Yamins
Enterprises, chairman of the park board,
heads the committee which includes men and
women prominent in the civic, fraternal and
government life of the area.
Shirley May France of nearby Somerset,
known to theatregroers in this area through
publicity given her unsuccessful attempt to
swim the English channel and her subsequent
appearances in theatres, has been given a
screen test and offered a Hollywood contract.
The offer was revealed by her father J.
Walter France, who said a $40,000 picture
offer made to Shirley had not been accepted
yet. Shirley will attempt swimming the channel
again this year.
The New Yorkers, summer stock group appearing
in Whitridge hall, Tiverton, for many
years, will move into the new Nathan Yamins
Community Theatre in Somerset this summer,
says Alan Lee, producer-manager of the
group. The new theatre, now under construction,
will seat 600, will be air conditioned
and will have pushback seats.
Free admission for children under 12, pro-
'iding they are accompanied by adults, is
atured by the Dartmouth Auto Theatre
nich the Yamins Enterprises operates in
irtmouth, half way between Fall River and
'lew Bedford. In its advertising, stress is
eing placed by the management on the
uality of the programs and entertainment
the entire family.
BROADWAY BIRTHDAY—As part
of
its 37th anniversary celebration, the
Broadway at Springfield, part of the
western Massachusetts chain, has been
staging special kiddy shows, awarding
free ice cream and pictures of stars to
early comers. Above, Charles E. Patch,
manager, is shown with a huge birthday
cake, given to the person whose guess
most closely approximated its weight. At
the right is Charles Maggio, Hathaway
bakeries manager, whose company baked
the cake.
LYNN
. . Tieups
Tyjaxwell Melincoff, Warner Bros, district
manager, was here to confer with Royce
Beckman, manager of the Warner .
with food and department stores, music
shops and automobile agencies were used by
James Davis. Paramount manager, to exploit
"Cheaper by the Dozen." Davis will
be a judge of a beauty contest during which
Miss Lynn will be chosen as queen of a centennial
exposition.
Mrs. John J. Kain of Swampscott, Mass.,
recently visited her sister, Mrs. Ollie L.
Castlebury in Hollywood. Mrs. Castlebury
.
is the mother of Dorothy Lamour, film star
... Ed Meyerson, Capitol manager, conferred
with officials of the local retail merchants
organization on plans for the approaching
centennial
Muriel Emmons
.
have
. George
joined the
Fall and
Capitol
staff . . . Francis Comeau is resigning from
the Capitol staff to join that of the new
Lynnway ozoner.
HANDY
SPRINGFIELD
Dig interest was centered on nearby Chicopee,
home of the Westover air base and
setting for some of the shots for "The Big
Lift," which had its New England premiere
at the Rivoli there May 9. Top brass from
Washington was on hand for the event and
to participate in dress parades at Westover
and receptions for visiting dignitaries. Essays
and store contests, spotlights, lobby interviews
and all the paraphernalia of showmanship
that 20th-Fox's Irving Kahn could
muster went into the event. Kahn came up
from New York to supervise last minute arrangements.
Assisting him was Phil Engel,
20th-Fox Boston publicist.
Two local houses wound up contests this
week—the Loew's Poli with the Most Charming
Mother and Daughter stunt, and the
Paramount with the essay contest, Why I
Like "Wabash Avenue." Latter paid $50 savings
bond for first and $25 bond for second
prize.
Charles Patch, Broadway manager, ran into
something unusual in the awarding of a
huge cake as part of the western Massachesetts
house's 37th anniversary party. The
stunt was to guess the weight of the cake,
and the winner got it. But Patch was saved
with a tie. A woman guessed 19 pounds. A
man estimated 19 pounds, eight ounces. The
cake weighed 19 pounds four ounces, leaving
the two top guessers exactly four ounces away.
Impasse was broken when winners voted to
donate the cake to the Shriners hospital for
crippled children. Bakery that provided the
cake promised them one each in return.
Douglas Amos Transfers
Office to New Haven
HARTFORD—Douglas Amos, Connecticut
district manager for Lockwood-Gordon-Rosen
Theatres, has moved his office from the
Webb Playhouse, Wethersfield, to 39 Prout
St., New Haven. Amos at one time had the
dual position of manager of the Webb Playhouse
and supervisor of LGR theatres
throughout the state. Ben Lamo, former assistant
manager at the Strand here, has been
named manager of the Webb Playhouse, thus
relieving Amos of those managerial duties.

. . Harry
NEW HAVEN
Cam Germaine has been elected dough guy
of Variety Tent 31 to complete the unexpired
term of the late Harry Rosenblatt
. . . Phil Gravitz of MGM will attend the
company sales meeting May 15 at the Astor
hotel in New York . . . Harry P. Shaw, Loew
Poli division manager, and his wife were
vacationing at Miami Beach . . . Walter Silverman,
Columbia manager, and Earl Wright,
salesman, will attend the company sales
meeting May 14 at Atlantic City.
. . . Mrs. Philip
The Frank Wojnarowski polka band has
been booked for appearances May 19 at- the
Poli and College here, and subsequent dates
at the Poli theatres in Waterbury and Worcester,
the Globe in Bridgeport and the
Poli in Meriden . . . Ken Prickett, MGM
exploiteer, was vacationing in Florida . . .
George Carroll, Warner Bros, auditor, was
checking the branch here
Saslau of the Fishman circuit was co-chairman
of the women's division during the
Jewish Welfare fund campaign.
. . . George
Leonard Sampson of the Crown returned
from a visit in Washington
DRIVE-IN THEATRE CENTER AISLE LIGHTS
With numbered Panels for Ramps with Opaque Panels
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Haupert and Herbert Greenberg, Columbia
auditors, were checking the local branch . . .
Paul Purdy of Newington was a visitor on
Filmrow . . . E. X. Callahan, 20th-Fox district
manager, conferred with branch officials
here . . . The Lawrence Theatre, operated
by the Fishman circuit, has launched
The mother
a new chinaware giveaway . . .
of Morris Mendelsohn, Poli attorney, died
recently.
Sam Germaine, booker at 20th-Fox about
25 years, has been appointed salesman in
the Connecticnut territory to replace David
Squire, who resigned to enter television trailer
production . Shaw, Loew's Poli division
manager, was made an honorary life
Ass'n
member of the New Haven Secretaries
at a dinner recently at the New Haven Country
club ... A program sponsored by the
New Haven Junior Police organization will
be given May 20 at the Loew's Poli Theatre.
Marine Uniform Exhibit
The St. George Theatre, Staten Island,
N. Y., obtained a "Sands of Iwo Jima" exhibit
that included every type of marine uniform
from the War of 1812 up to the present. Jap
war trophies and weapons were also part of
the display. Opening night activities at the
St. George included the presentation of local
Iwo Jima veterans from the theatre stage.
A RESEARCH BUREAU
for MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
5-13-50
Gentlemen:
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive information regularly, as
released, on the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
Acoustics
D Air Conditioning
Architectural Service
n "Black" Lighting
Building Material
Carpets
Coin Machines
Other
Subjects
Complete Remodeling
Decorating
Drink Dispensers
n Drive-In Equipment
Lighting Fixtures
n Plumbing Fixtures
Projectors
Projection Lamps
Seating
Signs and Marquees
Sound Equipment
Television
Theatre Fronts
Vending Equipment
Theatre Seating Capacity..
Address
City
Signed..
State..
(Owner-Manag«r)
Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience in obtaining information
are provided in The MODERN THEATRE RED KEY Section (Nov. 19, 1949).
FINDS 'CHEAPER' TEACHER—George
E. Freeman, Loew's Poli manager, Springfield,
came up with a winner for "Cheaper
by the Dozen," when he found Nellie
Cody, who taught eight of the Gilbreth
children, visiting friends locally. Miss
Cody, whose home is in Montclair, N. J.,
where she taught the Gilbreths, and
where she still teaches at the Nishuane
Grammar school, was Freeman's guest
for the local showing. Attendant ballyhoo
was responsible for the holding of
"Cheaper" for two full weeks.
Preview al New Haven
For 'Winchester 73'
NEW
HAVEN — Universal-International
will hold a. preview of "Winchester '73" at the
Shubert Theatre June 1 with scores of correspondents,
representing the press, magazine
and radio fields attending. New Haven is
the home of Winchester Repeating Arms Co.,
a division of Olin Industries, Inc., and 5,000
employes of the Winchester factory will draw
lots for the privilege of attending the opening.
The correspondents, who will be drawn from
New York, Boston and cities surrounding
New Haven, will participate in a full-day program,
culminating in a screening of the film
at night. The New York group will leave
for New Haven aboard a specially chartered
"Winchester '73 Special" from Grand Central.
Warner Theatre Managers
To Hartford Meeting
HARTFORD—I. J. Hoffman, New England
zone manager, and Henry L. Needles, Hartford
district manager for Warner Bros. Theatres,
presided at a meeting of house managers,
at the Bond hotel here. Managers attending
included Larry Germaine, Bert Jacocks,
zone office bookers; J. A. Bracken, contact
manager; Jim McCarthy, Strand, and
Frank Morin, Regal. Hartford: Joe Borenstein,
Strand and Joe Miklos, Embassy, New
Britain; Dennis Rich, Cameo and Victor
Morrelli, Bristol, Bristol; Jack Sanson, State
and Fred Raimo, Circle, Manchester; Jack
Scanlan, Warner and George Harvey, Palace,
Torrington; Andy Sette, Capitol and Jim
Cotoia, Art, Springfield.
100 BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

Showmen Will Assist
Legion Talent Hunt
BOSTON — When the American Legion
nationwide show, "Red, White and Blue," gets
under way later this summer in Los Angeles
it may include some New England talent in
its cast. Auditions for the extravaganza will
be held in the local posts throughout this
area up until May 27, after which the finals
for New England will be held here under the
direction of the Lieut. Vernon Macaulay Post
270. The winners of the local finals will be
selected by Hollywood representatives.
Both professionals and top amateur talent
are eligible to enter one of the following four
classes: Veterans of World Wars I and II,
members of American Legion auxiliaries, legionaires
too young for war service but at
least 18, and USO entertainers during the
The completed cast will rehearse in Los
Angeles where the show will have its opening
performance. It will then start on a
nationwide tour, arriving in Boston amid
much fanfare later in the fall.
Post 270 Commander Douglas MacLeod, a
former salesman for Selznick, is the general
chairman, whose committee consists of Al
Kenney, auditions; Jim Tibbetts, Loew's Orpheum,
tickets sales and distribution; Dick
Sullivan, publicity.
LETTERS
To BOXOFFICE:
As a newcomer to the business, perhaps I
haven't enough knowhow to speak my piece.
The only authority I take is that the few
have spent in this business made me
years I
love it enough to worry and think of the
future of our great industry.
I feel that if the great minds, producers
on our west coast, and the great financial
wizards in New York stopped running around
like chickens with their heads cut off and
saved some of the money they spend for
meetings, to supposedly save our great industry,
and really did some constructive
thinking something might be accomplished.
The industry must have a real bombshell
to upset the TV specter, which, no doubt,
if left to its present status unmolested, will,
I think, destroy distribution as we know it.
The movies are still the average man's
best and cheapest form of entertainment.
But now, in order to draw the customers out
of the homes, we must give them something
completely different. I feel the solution to
our problem is a complete study and perfection
of third dimensional movies, for there
again we will be giving them something
different to see.
History as we know it always repeats itself.
The sound picture was the answer to
radio, the then great threat to the movies.
Even though sound development and reequipping
the theatres was very expensive, it
paid back dividends a hundredfold, and the
movies rose to even greater heights than
before radio. So here's hoping that history
repeats itself again and this third dimensional
industry rises to even greater heights
than ever before attained.
Embassy Pictures Corp.,
Boston, Mass.
LOUIS GONICK
GREETS MISS COMANCHE—George
E. Landers, Hartford division manager,
E. M. Loew's Theatres, greets Miss Jeanne
Carmen, descendant of the Comanche
tribe, currently touring in the interests
of U-I's "Comanche Territory," at the
Hartford airport. Miss Carmen visited
newspapers, radio stations and participated
in a number of stunts for film.
John McGrail, U-I promotion man, accompanied
her.
Kroger Babb of HP Signs
Nelly Goletti of France
From Mideast Edition
WILMINGTON, OHIO—Hallmark Productions
President Kroger Babb, upon his recent
return home from a round-the-world trip,
revealed that he had signed a seven-year
personal management contract with Nelly
Goletti, 28-year-old French pianist, singer
and composer. The contract, negotiated in
London, has provisions for three options for
seven-year renewals, giving it a potential
span of 28 years.
Miss Goletti was found by Babb drawing
record crowds into London's Bagatel restaurant
night club. A continental sensation
since she was 16, Miss Goletti holds the
highest grades ever attained in the field of
piano music by any pupil at three different
conservatories, Algiers, Paris and Milan.
Her range covers the entire scope of music
from boogie to Bach. She has composed more
than 350 songs, of which more than 300 have
been published, and including more than 20
tremendous French hits.
She has written the entire musical score
for six French films and three English productions.
She wrote the music for two
French musical stage productions, one of
which was as big a hit and enjoyed as long
a run in Paris as "Oklahoma!" has on Broadway.
Miss Goletti's London engagement was to
end immediately and she planned to return
to France where she will be married to Frank
Fusco, American newspaperman and former
pilot. She will dispose of her Paris home,
cut 12 more records of French songs to fulfill
a' 48-side recording contract, dispose of
her personal properties and complete her
business affairs. She plans to arrive in the
States between May 15 and June 1 and
probably will spend most of the summer at
Babb's home at Buckeye Lake.
BOSTON
Tyrichael Redstone, well-known drive-in
operator, and Larry Laskey, partner of
E. M. Loew in several drive-ins in New England,
went to Kansas City for the national
convention of drive-in owners and operators
May 9, 10 . . . Eddie Ruff of Motion Picture
Sales Corp. has signed a deal for the New
England franchise for "The Lost Chord,"
starring Maria Montez, Pierre Aumont and
Lilli Palmer. Available June 15, the film was
made in France but is entirely in English.
Lloyd Bridgham, Dover, N. H., exhibitor,
has gone to Florida to bring back his father
who spent the winter months there . . . Arthur
Dailey has closed the Forge Village
Theatre, Pepperill, for the summer . . .
John
Savinia, service manager at National Theatre
Supply, is convalescing at home from
a coronary ailment . . . While Charles Brooks
was in town on a short visit he reported
that retractor American seats installed at
his new Braden Theatre, Presque Isle, Me.,
have caused much favorable comment among
patrons. Installed by National Theatre Supply,
they are the first pushback seats to be
placed in any theatre in Maine.
To celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary,
Lew Breyer, Madison Pictures Corp.,
and his wife spent a week in New York
taking in the shows, with "South Pacific"
leading the list.
Files Drive-In Request
HARTFORD—An application for authority
to build a 600-car drive-in on Orange avenue
in West Haven was filed with the state police
commissioner by Nathan A. Resnik of New
Haven, representing the Bowl Theatre Corp.,
of which Seymour B. Levine, Stratford, is
president.
Are you following through on your tax
repeal drive, by keeping your patrons informed
of progress in the campaign?
HENRY PRECIADO—Owner
of
the New Rex Theatre and El Rio
Drive-In Theatre, Madera, California—affirms:
"There is no substitute for proved
ability. RCA Service Engineers
have always maintained our
equipment at peak performance."
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Adv.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950 101

.
c>c>i>i>t>t>ooc> £#6&z.
uoa. czdvzk&te ut iAe
BoXOFf ICE
CLEARING HOUSE
Pick up your pencil!
Jot down details of your offer—in
your own words. Send it to BOXOFFICE for insertion
in the Clearing House.
Everybody reads the Want Ads.
By wire, phone calls
and air mail, the replies swarm in.
You really reach
the market . . . over 23,800 subscribers—when you advertise
in the . .
OXOfflCE S l l A 5'?1
4 insertions for the price of 3
102 BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13, 1950

; A
• He
Henry Reeve Speaks
^ij^K S f S C t
° nfa
LITTLE ROCK—A west Texas l theatre , ^
owner, speaking at the recent convention of
the Arkansas Independent Theatre Owners
Ass'n here, called the federal excise tax on
motion pictures a "cancerous growth and an
unjust burden which is a matter of politics
alone."
In one of the most pointed speeches of the
convention, Henry Reeve of Menard, Tex.,
jpresident of the Texas Independent Theatre
Owners, charged that the fact that thelatre
exhibitors won't protect their own welfare
and "play the game for keeps" accounted
for the lukewarm reaction of Congress to the
jremoval of the tax.
strong unified organization could do
something about the tax, he added.
cited the "proud record" of theatremen
during the war when they gave full support
to all government appeals, but said that they
had received very little consideration for this
'since.
R. J. "Bob" O'Donnell, Interstate executive,
;discussed the excise tax reduction at the
convention banquet and said, "half a loaf is
better than none," but urged continued fight
for full removal of the tax.
Producer - Star Troupe Premieres
'The Eagle and Hawk' in Texas
Beaumont Liberty Larger
BEAUMONT, TEX.—The Liberty Theatre,
closed for several months for remodeling, has
been reopened by the Jefferson Amusement
Co. The theatre was rebuilt with a 400-seat
oalcony added, bringing the seating capacity
to 1,300. The auditorium also was enlarged
and repainted and new seats installed. Carl
Burrows is manager.
C. C. Noecher Buys 64 Airer
MUSKOGEE, OKLA.—C. C. Noecker and
lis daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs.
Robert A. Miller, have purchased the 64
Drive-In from O. E. Sullivan, Wichita, Kas.
Opening Display Causes
Fireworks in Houston
Houston, Tex.—The fireworks display
marking the grand opening of the Trail
Drive-In recently caused more of a stir
among residents than owner Jack A. Fananticipated.
Many people, apparently
jittery over talk of flying saucers,
swamped •
switchboards at the Houston
Post and police station with frantic calls
about explosions.
The fireworks display lasted from 9:14
to 9:47. Farr also had put up an artificial
moon on a 100-foot pole. The green and
amber lights that normally blend into
artificial moonlight gave spectators a
thrill.
Farr said the display was completely
legal as he had obtained permission from
the fire marshal. He was surprised that
the display startled anybody because he
had run newspaper ads announcing the
opening of the Trail and the fireworks
display. The Trail is located at 3201 Old
Spanish Trail and accommodates 1,004
cars.
Seen at the Houston premiere of "The Eagle and Hawk" were, left to right, top
photo: John Payne, Frank Faylen, Ray Evans, Arleen Whelan, Jay Livingston, Aileen
Stanley jr., William C. Thomas, William Bendix, Kay Bryan, Bob Buttenuth, William
H. Pine and Paul Hochuli. Bottom photo: A. C. Lyles, Pine-Thomas publicist; Al
Lever, Conrad Brady and Frank O. Starz, Interstate Theatres, and George Henger,
Paramount publicist.
HOUSTON—"The Eagle and the Hawk"
had its world premiere in Houston Wednesday
(3) at the Metropolitan Theatre.
The Hollywood contingent present for the
premiere included: William Bendix, master
of ceremonies; John Payne, Arleen Whelan,
Frank Faylen, Aileen Stanley jr., Dutch
Adler, Kay Bryan, Evans and Livingston and
Bob Buttenuth. Besides the opening performances,
the guests appeared at four performances
the following day.
The entertainers arrived in Houston
Wednesday morning, were given a cocktail
party in the afternoon, and were driven
downtown to the Metropolitan for brief introductions
in front of the theatre at 7:30
p. m.
Master of ceremonies Bendix introduced
film producer Glenn McCarthy, civic leader
Bernard Sakowitz and Paul Hochuli, amusements
editor of the Houston Press, who also
appeared briefly in the film, to the audience.
Hochuli had on the costume he wore in the
film and was given a special "Oscar" by members
of the cast.
In Houston for the premiere were Jack
Gordon, Fort Worth Press; Raymond Willie,
assistant general manager. Interstate Theatres,
Dallas; Frank Starz, Interstate advertising
director; George Henger, Paramount
press agent. Dallas; Duke Clark, Paramount
division manager; Heywood Simmons, Paramount
branch manager; Jerry Pickman
Paramount assistant director of publicity and
exploitation, New York; A. C. Lyles, publicity
director, Pine-Thomas Productions, Hollywood,
and William Thomas, producer, Hollywood.
Conrad Brady, publicity director, Interstate,
Houston, introduced Bendix.
DALLAS—Paramount's "The Eagle and
the Hawk," produced by William Pine and
William Thomas, began its premiere engagement
Friday (5) at the Majestic with
a troupe of stars there on the first day. The
troupe had premiered the film in Houston
two days before, and appeared in Fort Worth
Saturday (6) and in New Orleans Tuesday
(9) . The
group included two stars of the film,
Frank Faylen and John Payne, and actor
William Bendix, actress Arleen Whelan,
comedienne Kay Bryan, singer Aileen Stanley
jr., the song-writing team of Jay Livingstone
and Ray Evans, accompanists Bob
Buttenuth and Dutch Adler, Producer Bob
Thomas, and columnist Paul Hochuli of the
Houston Press, who appears briefly in the
picture.
Also on the train carrying the entourage
to the openings were A. C. Lyles, Hollywood
publicist, and Jerry Pickman of Paramount.
OXOFFICE :
: May 13, 1950
SW 103

Lloyd Pullen Named
To Little Rock Post
LITTLE ROCK—Lloyd Pullen of Dallas has
taken over duties as manager of local theatres
for the Arkansas Amusement Co., succeeding
D. P. Callahan, who has served in that capacity
for four and one-half years.
Callahan has been transferred to the Dallas
home office of Robb & Rowley Theatres, parent
firm of the Arkansas company. Pullen
has been with Robb & Rowley for 20 years,
15 of them as manager of 12 theatres in
the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.
Pullen said the firm expects to open its
second drive-in, the Pines, on Highway 10
about July 1.
'ANNIE' VISITS OKLAHOMA—Dot Lind, modern Annie Oakley, is shown with
the staff of the Oklahoma City MGM exchange upon her recent visit there in behalf
of "Annie Get Your Gun." Shown in the photo, front row, left to right: Myrl Hutchinson,
Jim Byrd, Bess Wilkie (exhibitor from Harrah, Okla.), Barbara Bauers, Miss
Lind, Oma Lee Rainbow, Emma Stockton, Polly Cusenberry, Ward Royalty, Julia
Colbert and Ruby \\'hidden.
Second row: Lloyd Martin, exhibitor from Coweta, Okla.;
Marjorie McGreagor, Ruth Elms, Bill Raymond, Russ Gaus, Bates Farley, Grade
Reddick, Jackie Bledsoe, Vera Strickland, Eulalia Sample, Marion Richardson and
Cleora Hampton. Back row: Beaty Chronister, exhibitor from Hammon, Okla.; Bob
Egbert, Connie Carpou, Jerrel Malone. In the insert Miss Lind shows Manager Gaus
the rifle she carries on the tour and with which she performs sharpshooting feats.
TELL AND SELL WITH BOXOFFICE ADS
'Wagonmaster' Starts
Texas Premiere Tour
DALLAS—The local opening May 19 of
"Wagonmaster" as part of a world premiere
tour will feature an appearance of the Sons
of the Pioneers on the Majestic Theatre
stage. The western musical aggregation
played all the background music for the RKO
film. The premiere tour of Southwestern
cities includes Amarillo May 13; Albuquerque,
14; El Paso, 15; Austin, 16; San Antonio, 17;
Houston, 18; Dallas, 19; Fort Worth, 20;
Wichita Falls, 21, and Abilene, 22.
Beacon Drive-in Reopens
GUTHRIE, OKLA.—The Beacon
Drive-In
held its grand opening recently with a fireworks
display. Al Powell is manager and
owner.
PXIVE-/M
CONSESH A TERIA!
f^"DRIVE-IN HIT OF 1950
Drive-in theatre folks are amazed at the utter adaptability of
Southwestern Theatre Equipment Company's Consesh-a-teria!
Whatever they want to vend, there's a section of this cafeteria-style
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104 BOXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950

Fan.ou.UA lamps
meet all Drive-In requirements
Brightest Light for
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livers white light so bright and in such abundce
that pictures projected on even the widest
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The RCA Supertensity performs so
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Moreover, its operation at high amperage has
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Buy the RCA Supertensity for exceptional
light output for your large drive-ins. It's the
perfect lamp too for indoor theatres with wider-

. . . Joe
. . Weldon
HOUSTON
Hobliizelle Farms
l^fan on the Eiffel Tower" was given a special
screening for members of L'AHiance
Francaise of Houston, a French cultural club,
at the Kirby Theatre Tuesday (9), two days
in advance of the opening. Club members
first met at La Riviera French restaurant
for a dinner-meeting, then proceeded to the
Kirby at 11:30 p. m. for the preview. The
stunt was set up by Ray Hay, manager of the
Kirby; Conrad Brady, publicity chief of the
Houston Interstate office, and a representative
of the Houston French colony.
The Delman Theatre brought in a Marx
Bros, double feature, "Horse Feathers" and
"Monkey Business," for a week's run . . .
"The Bicycle Thief" played to good business
at the River Oaks. Lee Vickers, assistant
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manager, is subbing at the Oaks while Manager
Art Meyer is on vacation . . . "Cheaper
by the Dozen" was moved from the Majestic
to the Kirby for an additional week . . .
The Fred Cannatas, sr. and jr., were in Dallas
on a buying trip.
Ethel Barrymore Colt has been booked for
a summer appearance with the Houston light
opera production of Noel Coward's "Bitter
Sweet" . . . Wiley Grantham, former assistant
skipper at the Village Theatre, has joined
the Interstate advertising staff as aide to
Jimmy Menutes . . . The Sons of the Pioneers
will be at the Metropolitan on May 18 to help
launch "Wagonmaster."
Ralph Dodge, manager of the Uptown, will
soon make his 20th year in show business
Valenti is the new manager of the
Texan . Backcom replaced Harry
Noe as headman at the Iris. Harry left show
business to join the Houston police department
. . . Hubert Roussel, drama critic of the
Houston Post, wrote two columns in praise of
"The Bicycle Thief."
Clown Entertains at Opening
ADA, OKLA.—To To, famous clown, was
a special attraction at the reopening of the
Tower Drive-In reecntly. To To, who was
formerly with the Russell Bros, circus for
seven years, greeted children and presented
kiddies with gifts. The Tower is located on
north Broadway 99 and is managed by Finis
McSwain.
Develop New Corn
DALLAS—Karl Hoblitzelle, head of Interstate
Theatres, recently was praised editorially
by the Dallas Morning News for his contribution
to agricultural research in Texas.
"It is unusual," the editorial said, "that a
man whose profits come from shapely figures
and whodunits on the screen should interest
himself in farming. Hoblitzelle of Dallas is
almost a trademark in the theatre business.
It now is becoming conspicious for its forevision
in agriculture.
"Sixty north Texas farms, as well as plots
in Kansas and Missouri, will plant experimentally
a new corn hybrid produced by the
Texas Research foundation's Karl Hoblitzelle
Agricultural Research laboratory at Renner,
This follows a four-year breeding program.
The significance lies in the fact that corn,
even in the heavy-producing midwest, might
now be a second-rate commodity had not hybrid
seed increased yields enormously.
"Texas has never been a corn state of
prominence. By the time corn matures the
summer sun burns it up. Cotton, too, has
held it to secondary importance. But the
great increase in meat animals and stock
farming creates a demand for this crop. If
tests at Renner can produce a better hybrid
variety suitable for north Texas, Hoblitzelle
and the scientists will have contributed immeasurably
to the economy surrounding—and
supporting—Dallas. It is well to remember
that movies, symphonies, department stores
and newspapers prosper as agriculture prospers."
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106 BOXOFFICE :: May 13, W

i
Tom Ireland Is Named
To Smith Circuit Job
LUBBOCK, TEX.—Preston E. Smith has
reorganized personnel of his motion picture
interests here to permit
him to concentrate
upon his campaign for
the Democratic nomination
for lieutenant
governor.
Tom Ireland
Campaign
preparations involved
assignment o f increased
responsibilities
to B. T. "Tige" Formby,
assistant manager
of the Smith circuit,
and the appointment
of Tom Ireland as
personnel director.
The circuit includes four operating theatres
and a new 1,000-seat house now about
half finished and scheduled for opening early
this fall.
Smith will
continue active management of
his theatre interests, but his absence from
Lubbock will be frequent and prolonged during
the next few months. Pormby will act
for Smith on those occasions.
The first Democratic primary will be held
in July. If no candidate receives a majority,
the two highest will engage in a runoff a
month later. A runoff for the lieutenant
governor's race seems probable with Smith a
favorite for the race.
He is getting pledges of support from many
quarters, including both operators and patrons
of theatres and other segments of show
business. As the only man in show business
among 181 members of the legislature, he
has led the fight against attempts to saddle
entertainment with a state amusement tax.
As personnel director, Ireland will assume
duties which will allow Formby more time
for other responsibilities. Ireland was' reared
in Fort Worth and majored in business administration
at the University of Texas. He
has specialized in personnel work for more
than ten years, with Reese air force base
here, the Veterans Administration in Shreveport
and the prewar National Youth Administration.
He was with the air force ground
personnel for three years during the war.
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DALLAS
•The Variety Club added quite a number of
names to its membership rolls during April
and the first week of May. The new members
are Harvey Jordon, building contractor;
Charlie Cooper, Queen Theatre at Mart; Gil
Beckham with Columbia; Joe Love, operator
of several theatres in Snyder; A. E. Tuning,
of the Detroit Theatre in Detroit, Tex.; H. M.
Wickman, vice-president and general manager
of Rogers-Leche-Weckman; Louis H.
Novin, partner in the Grand and Roosevelt
theatres; Ed Yarbrough, H&B Theatres in
Temple; Jerry L. Brewster, Columbia; Reuben
Williams, partner in the Phil Isley Theatres;
Herbert Lehman and Phil McHugh,
both with the Tracy-Locke Co., and Joe E.
Bailey, T. J. Perry, A. O. Armstrong and
W. C. Jones, all with Southwestern Co.
. .
Johnny Long of the Long circuit in Bay
City was visiting in Dallas ... A preview
was held at the Majestic of "Hold That
Brute" along with a regular showing of its
current feature. Patrons were asked to give
opinions on the film starring Paul Douglas
The Dallas Theatre was showing a collection
.
of art works by the Federation of
Dallas artists in its second floor lounge.
Don Douglas of
Robb & Rowley reported
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Fairly Priced — Confidential
H. D. McCLOUGHAN
WARREN. ARIZONA
on the New Orleans convention at a meeting
of the Variety Club Monday (8). Discussion
was held on the official dedication
of Boys Ranch, to be held in June after
the completion of the swimming pool. Chief
Barker John Rowley presided . . . Bettye
Johnson, 19-year-old Dallas beauty, was the
winner of the Miss Zither contest, held at
the Palace in connection with the showing
of "The Third Man."
Exhibitors on the Row included John
Blocker, Palls Drive-in, Wichita Falls; William
Morrow, Colonial Drive-In, Longview;
Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Wilder, Wilder Theatre,
Franklin; Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Stroud, Strand,
Hamilton; Tom Puddy, Guion Hall Theatre,
A&M college, College Station; C. H. Cox jr.,
Crystal, Gilmer; Harry Hardgrave, Texas,
Sherman; Melvin Mitchell, Spann, Forney;
Wallace Scott, Rio, Odessa; Mrs. Hazel Forsythe,
Don Gordon Theatre, Houston; Mrs.
M. C. W. Matson, Dixie, Rockdale; E. W.
Capps, Navarro Drive-In, Corsicana; C. C.
Caldwell, Rex, O'Donnell.
Forrest Thompson, manager of the Melba,
said that the attendance of children has been
above average more than for any other group
during his playing of "Samson and Delilah."
Teen-agers, too, made up quite a bit of
the attendance . . . Yvette, the current
Mural Room chanteuse, was the Mystery
Guest star of the Texas Theatre's Tot 'N'
Teen show. Producer Hal Perkins is completing
negotiations to put the show on television
. . . Dorothy Malone, the Dallas film
actress, is due in the next weekend. She
completed a starring role in Hollywood with
Glenn Ford in "One Way Out."
Lynn Smith, Gonzales exhibitor, was in
town . . . The Civic Federation held its first
opera film festival, given on two nights. Excerpts
from "Don Pasquale," "Marriage of
Figaro," "Carmen" and "William Tell" were
shown . . "The Male Look," the new March
.
of Time issue, was getting a buildup as a
companion featurette for the Palace's forthcoming
"My Foolish Heart" engagement . . .
Catherine McLeod, the stage and screen
actress who once sold candy at the Melba,
was married in New York to Broadway actor
Don Keefer.
Ellis W. Levy, western district manager for
Telenews Theatres, will arrive Sunday (14)
with his wife and daughter from Mexico City.
He will be here several days on business
and pleasure . . . Monte Hale in his personal
appearances at the Corpus and Boulevard
drive-ins at Corpus Christi went over
in a big way. This was Hale's first personal
appearance at a drive-in. The Corpus and
Boulevard are operated by Southwest Theatres,
Inc. Hale is also to appear at Edinburg
and Harlingen in theatres operated by
Southwest.
Harlan H. Dunlap will open a new drivein
about June 1 at Mount Pleasant. Accommodating
432 cars, it will be named the
Pleasant. Bill Boren and Dick Zachary jr.
are partners . . . Jack Underwood, Columbia
manager, expressed enthusiasm for the studio's
1950 plans announced in its Chicago
meeting last week. The studio announced it
would release 32 top productions during the
year.
Dave and Jake Lutzer will open a 350-
car drive-in, to be called the Bowie, at Bowie,
'Samson' Still Big
In Average Dallas
DALLAS—"Samson and Delilah" held to
its first place position in its second week at
the Melba, but its percentage mark dropped
from 225 to 140. "Cheaper by the Dozen" in a
moveover week at the Tower, and "The Eagle
and the Hawk" in a premiere engagement at
the Majestic, scored 100 per cent.
(Average is 100)
Capitol—Boys of the City (LP); Apache Chief
(LP)
°^
Coronet—Horse Feathers (Para); Monkey Business
(Para), reissues, 2nd run -.- SO
Dallas—Getting Gertie's Garter (EL); Twin Beds
(EL), reissues j
Majestic—The Eagle and the Hawk (Para).... 100
Melba—Samson and Delilah (Para), 2nd wk 140
Palace—The Third Man (SRO-EL) 90
Rialto—They Live By Night (RKO); Mark oi the
Gorilla (Col) -~..~- -•- •-. /0
Tower—Cheaper by the Dozen (20th-Fox), 2nd
d. t. wk
10°
Tex., about the last of June. The Lutzers
own six Texas theatres . . . Herman Biersdorf
was showing enthusiasm on the Row
for a new Lippert production, "Rocketship
XM." Trade reviews have been highly favorable.
The picture opens at New York's Criterion
May 26, and at San Francisco's Paramount
the same day. He hopes to play it in
Dallas soon after.
The new six-lane superhighway cuts off
two acres of P. A. Warner's 20-acre country
home just outside the city limits, and it has
become a potential business property. Warner
already is looking at plans for a drive-in
theatre and a community business section
there . . . The Variety Club has changed its
bingo party to Thursday night each week,
and in the future the Saturday night party
will feature entertainment from various night
clubs . . . The Variety Club annual golf tournament
will be held May 29 at the Dallas
Country club . . . Jack Groves, who is building
a new drive-in at Post Oak and Westheimer
in Houston, was in town.
PETEE CHANDIS— Manager and
partner, Log Cabin Theatre, Oklahoma
City, Okla.—affirms:
"I like RCA Service because
my sound worries are over."
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

:
—
SAN ANTONIO
Several persons were burned here Sunday
night (30) in the rear section of the
Guadalupe Theatre when a jar with chemical
elements placed there by vandals, burst into
flames and smoke. It was believed by police
that the person or persons responsible for
this arson attempt are to blame for the fire
at the Alameda a week previous. Labor trouble
at these west side theatres is believed
responsible for these outbreaks in recent
months.
Henry Hall of Beeville has closed his Rex
in Kingsville, where his new Texas was opened
Raymond B. Willie, Interstate
recently . . .
assistant general manager, Dallas, was ex-
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Offices: Dallas, Memphis, Shreveport, Oklahoma
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pected in town on one of his periodic trips
. . . Ramiro Cortes now is manager of Cactus
Films here which has announced the following
pictures for release: "No Te Enganes
Corozon," starring Cantinflas; "La Sombra
de Pancho Villa," with Sophie Alvarez; "Mi
Hermano es un Gangester," and "Pito Perez,"
featuring Medel.
Interstate has postponed the premiere
showing of "Pancho Villa Returns," which
was scheduled for the Aztec May 11, until
an indefinite date soon . . . Raymond Munoz,
Tamaulipas, Mexico, and Wilfred Moreno of
Alarcon Theatres, Mexico City, were recent
visitors . . . Statewide Drive-In Theatres is
scheduled to open its new 500 -car South Loop
13 Drive-In in June.
WOAI-TVarieties: The station has started
series of local baseball telecasts . . . Red
a
River Dave's "Hoffman Hayride" features a
different guest artist every Thursday night
. . . "Lone Rider Fights Back" was televised
Monday night . . . Holdover department
"The Perfect Woman" had an extended run
at the Josie; "Samson and Delilah" was in
its second downtown week at the Texas .
Jacque Mercer, the Miss America of last
year, was to be here May 19 to take part in
the Fashion regatta sponsored by Joske's of
Texas for the benefit of the Sunshine Cottage,
a school for deaf children. The theme of this
regatta is the "Panorama of Texas." Miss
Mercer will occupy the decorated barge entered
by Catalina in the unique style show
on the San Antonio river. Floats will depict
some phase of the Lone Star state's life, history
and industry.
John Reed of George West is the new manager
of the Mathis Drive-In, Mathis. This
ozoner, owned and operated by Glasscock
Theatres, has a 550-car capacity, and cost
$80,000 . . . The new Atascosa Drive-In opened
May 4. It is located one-half mile west of
Pleasanton on the Jourdanton highway. On
the screen was "El Paso." The drive-in has
a capacity for 300 cars.
Fermin Sada, manager of the Guadalupe,
was the hero of the week. When a young
woman's dress caught fire from a phosphorus
bomb left in the theatre by firebugs, Sada
quickly doffed his coat and smothered out
the flaming dress as the woman ran out
of the house, saving her life. She is in the
hospital suffering from severe burns on her
body and limbs . . . Mickey Cabello, Palace
cashier, and Sergt. Walter W. LeBiedz of
Lackland AFB here will be married in June.
Ann McCarver, Empire ticket seller, and Slg
Shaffer, Interstate artist, will be married here
May 18 . . . M. R. Parsley of Hollywood recently
was appointed manager of the Fredricksburg
Road Drive-In here . . Interstate
.
screened the new Hispano Continental film,
"Pancho Villa Returns," at the Aztec Tuesday
morning (2) for a group of businessmen,
critics, etc. Hubert Voight, public relations
director for the M. C. Torres production, arranged
the private showing. The picture,
made in Mexico, stars Leo Carrillo, and has
English dialog and titles. Miguel Contrares
Torres, the producer, also was in town.
HENRY PRECIADO—Owner
of
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Drive-In Theatre, Madera, California—affirms:
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BOXOFTICE :: May 13, 1950
109

{
OKLAHOMA CITY
John Payne spent a few days here with
' friends en route to Houston for the world
premiere of his new Paramount picture, "The
Eagle and the Hawk," May 3. He planned to
visit friends in Dallas a few days after his
Houston appearance . . . Forrest Tucker and
Adele Mara, Republic stars in "Rock Island
Trail," drove to Ardmore Tuesday evening
from here with Governor Turner to participate
in the big dedication program for Lake
Murray. The program drew state and outof-state
dignitaries, including Glen Mc-
Carthy of Houston who selected and crowned
the queen of the day. Tucker and Miss Mara
were here to appear at the Liberty in connection
with the opening of their new picture.
They made four personal appearances
at the Liberty on Wednesday, then went to
Tulsa to appear at the Majestic in conjunction
with the film's opening there on Thursday.
The Metropolitan Opera Co., Rise Stevens
et al, gave Oklahoma City its first glimpse
of grand opera in many a year when the
company presented "Carmen" at the Municipal
auditorium Wednesday evening. It was
the Met's first time here and the city's first
local contact with a grand opera company
in so long that many had forgotten just when
it was that the city had such a treat. The
more than 6,000-seat auditorium was sold
out months ago before the ink was right dry
on the papers contracting for the opera company's
appearance here. The opera company
had a receptive and warm audience which
called and recalled the stars for more curtain
appearances. Not in this writer's observance
here has there been a warmer audience,
nor a more prompt one. People were
asked to be on time or miss the first act.
The Paul Rices have bought a new home
and plan to move into it on July 1. Paul is a
Paramount employe . . . L. D. Burns of the
Majestic in Temple has been elected mayor
there Sigmund Romberg's concert in the
. . .
Municipal auditorium Sunday drew about
2,000.
"Twilight Time," the local summer musical
series that proved so popular in 1949, is to
be offered again, starting June 23, in the
Edgemere Under the Stars amphitheatre. The
shows will run eight consecutive Friday nights
until August 11. There will be only one performance
weekly. Last year, two shows were
given each week. Tickets for the season went
on sale this week at $5 for the eight shows.
Roy Heffner, former Paramount manager
here, now of Boston, visited John Terry of
Perry . . . The Glen Thompsons returned
from New Orleans where they attended the
Variety convention ... Ed Crew, Waurika
exhibitor, has gone into the real estate business.
He has opened a new subdivision on
his ranch and is building houses for sale.
H. M. Butler, exhibitor in Webbers Falls,
Porum and Warner, has gone into the bait
business in a big way. We understand he has
quite an establishment and is doing a whale
of a business . . . The Paramount office here
Monday (8) was host to Hugh Owen, division
manager. New York, and Tom Bridge, Dallas.
C. H. "Buck" Weaver, local manager who is
recuperating from injuries received in a recent
car crash, spent some time at the meeting.
It was his first office visit since the
wreck.
The Starlite Drive-in at Sulphur is now in
operation, having opened Thursday night inetall any Chair lor anyone at any place.
For Information, write
Box 325 or Call 5327, Temple, Texas
110
BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13. 1950

"
"
Lloyd Binford Declines
Comment on Article
MEMPHIS—Lloyd T. Binford, chairman of
the Memphis Board of Censors, had no comment
on the recent Collier's magazine article
on censorship which called his local censorship
"unpredictable."
"Memphis has attracted nationwide attention
for movie and stage censorship so
severe and so unpredictable that pictures
shown without a ripple elsewhere have often
been barred there," wrote Lester Velie in
the Collier's article entitled, "You Can't See
That Movie—Censorship in Action."
"An energetic old man, the 83-year-old
Memphis censor, lays about him so vigorously
that his name has become synonymous
with censorship," Velie wrote.
Binford's censorship standards, says the
article, "have proved so elastic that no one
ever knows how a picture will be judged.
And some westerns are barred for 'too
much
shootin' while others pass. A comedy is
banned because the star has had too many
divorces. A Negro singing star is cut from a
picture 'because there are plenty of good
white singers.'
The article recalled an incident last fall
when a group of ministers, invited to a private
showing of the banned "Lost Boundaries,"
found themselves locked out in the
rain because of a Binford-sponsored city
ruling. "When the Memphis clergymen
walked away from that padlocked theatre
humiliated," wrote Velie, "they were defeated
in a local skirmish of a nationwide battle.
This is the 'Battle of the Censors.'
Showing Off TV Set Can
Be Expensive Custom
MINNEAPOLIS—Louis Orlove, MGM exploiteer,
told a newspaper interviewer that
when the novelty of television wears off it's
a cinch people will be back at the boxoffice.
"Right now," Orlove said, "people like to
call in their friends and show off their sets.
But there'll come a time, and it's not far off,
when Mrs. Housewife will realize that she not
only has to cook, sew and raise a family,
but also provide the entertainment for the
neighborhood as well. Even the maid gets a
night off.
"And when the master of the house totals
up the cost of the refreshments he's going
to discover that perhaps it's cheaper to take
the little woman to the movies occasionally."
Pay for Boy Patrol Trip
MILTON, FLA.—Eleven boys of the Santa
Rosa School boy patrol have W. J. McCurdy,
owner of the Santa Rosa Theatre, to thank
for his part in making it possible for them
to go to Washington May 9. He gave the boys
the entire proceeds of the boxoffice on certain
days.
Remodel Springs Theatre
SULPHUR SPRINGS, FLA.—The Springs
Theatre, a unit of the Florida State Theatres,
is undergoing a complete renovating program
on the interior from the lobby to the
screen. The exterior is also being freshened
by having the marquee and other markings
painted. More than $30,000 worth of Worthington
air conditioning equipment is being
installed. Joe H. Taylor is manager.
Georgia Assn to Hear
Judge Camille Kelley
ATLANTA—Judge Camille Kelley of the
Memphis domestic relations court, nationally
known authority on child delinquency and
JUDGE CAMILLE KELLEY
author of several books, will highlight the
closing program of the annual convention
of Theatre Owners and Operators of Georgia
to be held here May 21-23.
Judge Kelley has titled her address "Romance
Without Inconvenience," and will
speak at the banquet closing the convention
(23). Her speech will be the last in the final
day's program, which is being staged by
Hallmark Productions of Wilmington, Ohio.
J. H. "Tommy" Thompson, third-term
president of the organization, said he expected
almost 1,000 theatremen to attend the
convention from Georgia, Alabama and
Florida. This would be one of the largest
gatherings of showpeople to ever be held in
this area.
Thompson promised that the sessions would
provide business information for delegates
and at the same time give the general public
several "insides" into show business.
One of the convention speakers will be
Gloria Swanson, queen of the silent film era
who now is making a screen comeback in
Paramount's "Sunset Boulevard." Miss
Swanson will speak to exhibitors on public
relations and will act as hostess at a special
screening of her new film.
Other speakers will include Gov. Herman
Talmadge and Mayor William B. Hartsfield.
The convention will open Sunday (21) with
registration at the Biltmore followed by a reception
at the Variety Club and the screening
of "Sunset Boulevard." Formal business
sessions will get under way Monday with
Miss Swanson speaking at the luncheon program.
Tuesday, the final day of the convention,
will be featured with entertainment and
speeches provided by Hallmark Productions
of Wilmington, Ohio. The program for the
final day will start at 9:30 a. m. with opening
remarks by Bill Arnold, Hallmark southern
agent. Speakers for the morning sessions
will include Hank Adams, Hallmark national
sales manager, speaking on "The $64 Question";
Bill Tinkler, visitor from Sydney, Australia,
speaking on "An Australian's Observation,"
and Jack Thomas, Hallmark general
manager, speaking on "The Best Is Yet to
Come."
A luncheon will be given at noon and in
the afternoon visiting dignitaries and association
officers will be introduced. Hallmark
will offer entertainment featuring the Harmonaires
and additional speakers, including
Cleo Dawson, author and humorist, speaking
on "I Love Showmen."
A business meeting will be held in midafternoon,
followed by speeches by Jack Jossey,
Hallmark treasurer, on "Why Don't We
Quit?"; Kroger Babb, Hallmark president,
on "Bucks, Blonds and Bombs to Bombay";
John Evans, Australian showman, on "Australia
Awakens," and Kroger Babb on "What
Makes the Boxoffice Tick?"
An exploitation clinic and a question and
answer forum also will be held. A banquet
will wind up activities. Banquet speakers will
be John Evans of Sydney, Australia, speaking
on "Thanks America," and Judge Kelley.
Harry Brandt to Build
Coral Gables Deluxer
CORAL GABLES, FLA.—Coral Gables soon
will have another super theatre to be operated
as the University Theatre. It will be
an 1,100-seat house and the building will
include 18 stores. It will be built on Miracle
Mile and Douglas road, running back to the
next street, where ample parking space will
be provided.
The University Building Corp. purchased
the site from Mr. and Mrs. Roy Page and
entered into a 50-year lease with the Brandt
theatre chain. Harry Brandt, owner and
operator of the Roosevelt and Flamingo theatres,
Miami Beach, and 163 other theatres
throughout the country, says it will be a first
run house.
Principals in the University Corp. are Sam
Luby, head of Luby Chevrolet Co.; David
M. Siff, Cleveland, Ohio, financier; J. A.
Cantor, Miami Beach hotel owner, and Louis
Jacks, realty dealer and investor. It was he
who developed the site for the Wometco
Miracle Mile Theatre here.
The theatre will occupy the corner of the
big building, with stores extending along
Miracle Mile and Douglas road. It is estimated
that the building will represent an
investment of approximately $500,000.
Plans for the theatre have been drawn
by John and Drew Eberson, New York architects,
who designed the Olympia in Miami
and a number of showplaces in Havana and
Mexico City. Consulting architect is Edward
T. Rempe of Coral Gables.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950
SE 111

St. Petersburg State Theatre Opens
After Six-Month Building Program
ST. PETERSBURG—The new State Theatre
was opened here recently by Charles
Richelieu and Rocker Salzer after a sixmonth
building program in which the former
Guarantee Abstract Co. building was converted
into a theatre.
The partners hold a 40-year lease with an
option to buy from W. L. Baynard, owner of
the building. The house will show first run
films and admissions will be 52 cents for
matinees and 62 cents evenings, with children
admitted at all times for 14 cents.
The theatre facade follows classical lines
with six Ionic pillars and artistic embellishments.
It has been decorated with a blueceilinged
neon-lighted overhanging sign. The
foyer has terrazzo tile flooring and blue walls.
Tiled restrooms are to the right and left and
a carpeted staircase rises to the left, past a
flower box set inside a rough, yellow-brick
low wall.
Throughout is a color scheme of coral,
varying shades of blue harmonizing with the
deep red, gold and black carpeting. Coraltinted
walls are fluted from the screen halfway
back in the auditorium. The rear walls
N. H. WATERS, JR.— Vice-President,
Waters Theatre Company,
Birmingham, Ala.—verifies:
"We are entering our eighteenth
year with RCA Service. Experience
has taught us we can always
rely on RCA to give us
the best service obtainable."
To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite:
RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
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Camden, N. J.
Adv.
are a delphinium blue, blending into a lighter
shade of blue in the balcony. On either side,
large murals, designed and painted by Peter
Eikeland, are lighted with black light. The
murals feature waterfront scenes, with flamingoes,
white cranes, cypress, palm trees
and other tropical landmarks.
The theatre is fireproof and air conditioned.
Smoking is permitted in the balcony which
is equipped with four ducts drawing the
smoke and warm air. The theatre seats 1,000
persons and has a floating screen.
Richelieu came to Florida ten years ago
from Pennsylvania. He has owned and operated
theatres in Tarpon Springs, New Port
Richey and Venice. He has sold all except
the Vogue Theatre in New Port Richey. His
partner, who also is son-in-law, has been
manager Of the Tarpon Theatre, Tarpon
Springs, which Richelieu recently sold. Salzer
will manager the new State.
In Pennsylvania, Richelieu owned and managed
theatres in Fairchance, Bedford, Blairsville,
Bellefonte, Clearfield and other communities.
Converting the abstract firm building into
a theatre was handled by Robert M. Snyder
of the Clearwater Construction Co., with
Clem Wertz supervising the job.
Newsboy Is Guest of Star
On All-Day Atlanta Visit
ATLANTA—An Atlanta Journal paper carrier
spent a day with Rex Allen, new Republic
cowboy star, on his recent visit here.
Allen asked the Journal to select one of its
newsboys as his guest to show him the town.
Twelve boys were named by the circulation
department to greet Allen and one of them
was chosen for the all-day visit.
Allen visited Aidmore hospital and entertained
children there, was a guest at a Variety
Club luncheon and appeared on a WSB-
TV show. The newsboy selected attended all
of the events with the cowboy actor.
Griffins Acquire Encore
DALLAS—G. L. Griffin and J. W. Griffin
have acquired the Encore Theatre at Maple
avenue and Lucas drive, formerly owned by
Alfred N. Sack, and will operate it as a regular
neighborhood house. Under Sack's ownership,
it was operated as a revival house.
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Lloyd Pullen Named
To Little Rock Post
LITTLE ROCK—Lloyd Pullen of Dallas has
taken over duties as manager of local theatres
for the Arkansas Amusement Co., succeeding
D. P. Callahan, who has served in
that capacity for four and one-half years.
Callahan has been transferred to the Dallas
home office of Robb & Rowley Theatres, parent
firm of the Arkansas company. Pullen
has been with Robb & Rowley for 20 years.
15 of them as manager of 12 theatres in
the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.
Pullen said the firm expects to open its
second drive-in, the Pines, on Highway 10
about July 1.
Censor at Atlanta Bans
Showinq of 'Shoplifter'
ATLANTA—Charging that the film, "I Was
a Shoplifter," offers "a course in shoplifting,"
Christine Smith, Atlanta film censor,
banned the picture from local screens. Officials
of U-I said they would appeal the
decision to the board of review of the library
here.
Miss Smith suggested the appeal be made
in a letter to J. V. Frew, U-I manager here,
notifying him of the ban. U-I and Miss
Smith were principals in a sensational case
four years ago when the censor banned
"Scarlet Street," a Walter Wanger-U-I production
starring Wanger's wife, Joan Bennett.
Miss Smith said the picture "seems to me
to give too much information which might
influence amateur shoplifters and it also
reveals the tricks detectives employ to catch
them."
Frew described the film as a semidocumentary
expose of how shoplifters work and
how the Merchants Protective Ass'n goes
about trapping them.
Ozoner Petition Deferred
For Study of Locations
ATLANTA—The DeKalb planning commission
has postponed action on petitions for a
drive-in in suburban Atlanta. Action was
deferred three months so that possible sites
could be studied, according to commission
member Dan Shadburn. He said the commission
is not in opposition to theatres, that
"drive-ins are coming" and "we just want to
be sure they are located in the proper place."
The commission had heard protests of
'
citizens of an area near the intersection of
Columbus drive, Memorial drive and Midway
drive here on proposed construction of
a drive-in. The petition for the ozoner was
filed by R. T. Hill who said he planned to
sell the property to an Indiana firm for
development into a theatre.
Page One Story for 'Prince'
NEW ALBANY, MISS. — Billing of "The
Prince of Peace" at the Magnolia Theatre,
rated a front page story in the local newspaper.
Albert Hamilton is manager of the
Magnolia.
Build Graceville, Fla., House
GRACEVILLE, FLA.—Graceville will have
a new and modern theatre. Excavation has
been started and work will progress as rapidy
as possible.
112 BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13, 1950

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MEMPHIS
John S. Trest has bought the Melba Theatre,
' Mound Bayou, Miss. . . . Henry Pickens,
new owner of Skyline Drive-In, Blytheville,
was in town . . . E. A. Nichelson has sold
his interest in the Leslie at Leslie, Ark. . . .
J. W. Lyles has reopened his Kentucky Lake
Drive-In for the summer . Crabtree
reopened his Merlu at Clarendon, Ark., May
5 after extensive remodeling.
The Savoy at El Dorado, Ark., closed for
repairs, has been reopened . . . W. C. Kroeger,
SAM PASQUA— Owner of the
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says:
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Nmil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphii. T«nn.
who has been operating the Joy at Osceola,
Ark., has closed it indefinitely . . . Mrs. Celia
G. Wells, office manager of the Kay Film
Exchange here, returned from Atlanta where
she attended the funeral of her father
Nathan Goldstein.
Cecil Vogel, manager of Loew's Palace,
revealed that Memphis has been chosen as
one of three cities for the simultaneous premiere
of the MGM film, "The Asphalt Jungle."
Norfolk and Richmond are the other
two cities. A date has not been set . . .
Taylor Jetton, owner of the Carver in Sheffield,
Ala., has transferred his booking to
Memphis from Atlanta.
Gene Higginbotham, Melody, Leachville;
Mrs. H. L. Love, Bono, Bono; J. J. Sharum,
Chandell and Sharum, Walnut Ridge; John
Staples, Carolyn and Franklin, Piggott; J. R.
Keller, Joiner, Joiner, and Pinky Tipton,
New, Manila, were among visiting exhibitors
from Arkansas . . . From Mississippi came
J. C. Bonds, Von, Hernando; Harry Shaw,
Webb, Ripley; J. C. Pratt, Dixie, Fulton; Jack
Watson, Palace, Tunica, and Ethel Lobdell,
Talisman, Rosedale . . . G. H. Goff, Rustic,
Parsons; Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar; R. B.
Gooch, Ritz, Selmer, and M. E. Rice, Rice,
Brownsville, were here from Tennessee . . .
From Missouri came Lyle Richmond, Richmond,
Senath; H. E. Boyd, Tommie's Drive-
In, Kennett, and W. C. Kroeger, Shannon
and Maxon, Portageville.
A. J. Delcambre, SRO district manager,
Dallas, was a Memphis visitor . . Thomas
.
Ferris has bought the Shelby Theatre in
Shelby, Miss., from R. W. Johnson . . . Sol
Kravitz, Warner home office representative,
was a visitor at the exchange here . . . After
three years during which the film remained
under ban of Memphis censors, Memphians
crowded Loew's State Theatre following the
opening of "The Outlaw" there.
Memphis branch managers, salesmen and
other officials Who attended the Arkansas
Theatre Owners convention in Little Rock
included Nelson Towler, Bob Rimer and Fred
Laurence, Eagle Lion; Ed Williamson and
Tony Carruth, Warner Bros.; R. L. Bostick,
C. E. Summer, C. E. Matthews and C. C.
Bach, National Theatre Supply; R. V. Reagin,
T. O. Baldridge and Glen Calvert, RKO; Nat
Wyse and Walter L. Titus, Republic; E. O.
Cullins and Arthur Rush, Mid-South Allied;
F. J. Kaiser, Monogram; N. B. Blount and
. . . Arthur
L. A. Mitchell, Monarch Theatre Supply Co.,
and Bob Kilgore, Paramount
Groom, manager of Loew's State, and his
wife and their children returned from Evansville.
Edward J. Smith, 63, Dies
ALTHEIMER, ARK.—Edward J. Smith, 63-
year-old owner and operator of the V Theatre
here, died en route to a Pine Bluff hospital
recently. He was a veteran of World
War I.
Jonosboro Skyvue Opened
JONESBORO, ARK.—The Skyvue Theatre,
owned and managed by Robert Lowery and
located on Highway 39, opened for the season
recently.
Actress Will Speak
At Midsouth Confab
MEMPHIS—Gloria Swanson, silent film
star who is making a screen comeback in
Paramount's "Sunset Boulevard" will be here
May 24 for the annual Allied Independent
Theatre Owners of the Midsouth convention.
E. O. Cullins, president of the regional
group, said Miss Swanson would speak before
the exhibitor group and also at a luncheon
for the wives of exhibitors. There will be a
preview of her new film.
The convention will be held May 24, 25 and
the national Allied States board will meet
here May 22, 24. Trueman Rembusch, national
Allied president, and Abram F. Myers,
chairman of the board and general counsel
of Allied, will attend the board meeting and
speak at the convention, Cullins said.
Two Injured in Shooting
At Dewitt, Ark., Theatre
DEWITT, ARK.—Two brothers were injured
and a theatre audience was virtually
thrown into panic at the New Theatre here
when 28-year-old Buddy Butcher pulled a
pistol and shot two men who were chasing
him down the aisle of the theatre.
Deputy City Marshal Bert Burbank said
that Butcher shot James Young, 27, in the
arm and leg, and his brother Moses Young,
23, in the left leg when the pair chased him
into the theatre and cornered him near the
screen at the front of the building.
According to Burbank, the brothers were
waiting in front of the New for Butcher to
leave. Butcher came out of the show, saw
the brothers and ran back inside with the
Youngs in pursuit. When Butcher saw that
he could not leave the building without being
intercepted by the brothers, he pulled a
pistol and fired three times, Burbank said.
The Youngs piled on Butcher and held
him until the deputy marshal was summoned.
Meantime, the audience in the show started
to riot and it was several minutes before
order could be restored by the theatre manager.
Charges of assault with a deadly weapon
and assault with attempt to kill were filed
against Butcher. The Young brothers were
treated at a clinic and released. Wounds
were not serious, attendants said.
Richard I. Haley, 75, Dies
ATHENS, TENN—Richard Ivins "Uncle
Dick" Haley, 75, one of Athens' best known
residents, died of a heart attack. He operated
the first motion picture theatre in Athens
years before the advent of sound films.
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BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950

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tOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950

Memphis Welcomes You
to the
7950 Annual Convention
of
ALLIED
INDEPENDENT THEATRE OWNERS
OF THE MID-SOUTH, INC.
May 24-25
Gayoso Hotel
ALLIED CONVENTION OFFICE
410 SOUTH SECOND
ALLIED STATES ASSOCIATION OF MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITORS
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING
GAYOSO HOTEL
MAY 22-23-24
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
lie BOXOFTICE :: May 13, 195»

'
will
ATLANTA
Visitors on Filmrow included Nat Hancock,
Jefferson Theatre, Jefferson; P. L. Taylor,
Dixie, Columbus; Hap Barnes, Montgomery
Drive-In, Montgomery; Walter Morris,
Pike, Knoxville; Jay Soloman, Skyway,
Chattanooga; Mose Lebowitz, Grand Amusement
Co., Chattanooga; Mrs. V. M. Edwards,
Dixie, Wrens; W. R. Boswell, Union Point,
Union Point; Roy Mitchell, Stone, Stone
Mountain; Marshall Maddox, Senoia, Senoia;
Nat Williams, Interstate Enterprises, and
R. H. Brannon, Roswell, Roswell.
United Artists will premiere "Johnny One-
Eye" here June 7, with Pat O'Brien, Wayne
Morris and Dolores Morgan, stars of the film,
on hand for the opening . . . John Payne and
Frank Faylen headlined stars appearing for
the premiere of "The Eagle and the Hawk"
at the Paramount. They were accompanied
by Bill Pine and Bill Thomas, co-producers
of the film; Arleen Whalen; Jay Livingston
and Ray Evans, song writing team, and
starlets Aileen Stanley jr. and Kay Bryan.
They were guests of Gov. Herman Talmadge
and Mayor Hartsfield at a press breakfast and
made four personal appearances at the theatre.
Roy Prewitt, sales manager, American
Desk Co., Temple, Tex., has moved into new
quarters at 187 Walton St. . . . President
Bob Savini, Astor Pictures, New York, was
here visiting his brother N. E. . . . E. W.
Pitman has taken over the Skyway Theatre,
Hapeville, Ga. Bill Eidson, formerly with
Lam Amusement Co., Rome, Ga„ is manager
at the Skyway.
The Valley in Falkville, Ala., owned by
N. G. Johnson, and the Grand Theatre in
Elizabethton, Tenn., have closed because of
poor
business.
James Ryan, casting director for 20th-Fox,
was here recently to search for Georgians
to play parts in "I'd Climb the Highest
Mountains," which 20th-Fox will begin filming
at Cleveland May 15. Henry King will
direct the epic. Ryan is auditioning members
of the Theatre Guild and other amateur
theatre groups here. King, stars Susan Hayward
and William Lundigan and a company
of technicians, cameramen and costumers
arrive here May 13 before proceeding to
Cleveland.
BUILDING A DRIVE-IN, INDOOR
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UNITED THEATRE SUPPLY CORP.
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Henry Reeve Declares
Ticket Tax Cancerous
LITTLE ROCK—A west Texas theatre
owner, speaking at the recent convention of
the Arkansas Independent Theatre Owners
Ass'n here, called the federal excise tax on
motion pictures a "cancerous growth and an
unjust burden which is a matter of politics
alone."
In one of the most pointed speeches of the
convention, Henry Reeve of Menard, Tex,
president of the Texas Independent Theatre
Owners, charged that the fact that theatre
exhibitors won't protect their own welfare
and "play the game for keeps" accounted for
the lukewarm reaction of Congress to . the
removal of the tax.
A strong unified organization could do
something about the tax, he added. He cited
the "proud record" of theatremen during
the war when they gave full support to all
government appeals, but said they had received
very little consideration for this since.
Reeve's talk followed the line of those of
Gael Sullivan, executive director of TOA, and
R. J. "Bob" O'Donnell, vice-president and
general manager of Interstate Theatres, who
also discussed the tax situation.
Sullivan predicted that the reduction of the
admissions tax to 10 per cent as recommended
by the House ways and means committee
probably would pass both the House and
Senate.
He called films a "poor man's entertainment"
and said that the 20 per cent tax is
responsible for many patrons staying away
from the theatres. He said films are the
sole source of amusement in many small
communities and that the taxes are costing
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the average theatregoer $30 to $35 per year.
O'Donnell urged continued pressure for full
removal of the tax, but added that "half a
loaf is better than none."
Other convention speakers included B. F.
Busby, Little Rock, chairman of the legislative
committee, and Mike Simons, Loew'.;,
Inc., New York.
Gov. Sid McMath welcomed the exhibitorrand
commended them for their help in fighting
juvenile delinquency. He was given a
16mm March of Time film on "The Fight for
Better Schools," one-third of which is about
the Arkansas education program.
Board members named by the organization
included O. G. Abernathy, Morrilton; M. S.
McCord, North Little Rock; Cecil Cupp, Arkadelphia;
L. G. Renfro jr., Holly Grove; W.
C. Sumpter, Lepanto; Herod Jimerson, Little
Rock, and Terry Axley, England. M. J.
Pruniski, North Little Rock, was named chairman
of the resolutions committee.
The showmen were guests of Film Transit
at a barbecue, which was followed with a
showmanship clinic. Speaking at the clinic
were Jack Jacson of New Orleans; Sam Kirby,
president of the Arkansas ITO, and Jack
Bomar, Little Rock, secretary-treasurer of the
group. Topics included the need for winning
new patrons, bringing advertising up to date
and need for reformed national advertising.
Exhibitors saw a preview of "The Broken
Arrow" at the Center Theatre and the wives
of convention delegates were treated to a
preview of "The Damned Don't Cry" at the
Nabor. Dick Powell, who was here for the
Rose festival, was guest of honor at the
closing banquet.
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BOXOFFICE ;: May 13, 1950 117

NAVAJO S VISIT SOUTHLAND—Navajo Chief Natay and his
wife Pop Chalee visited New Orleans recently in behalf of "Annie
Get Your Gun." Insert at right shows the Indians, with Loew's
Theatre Manager Rodney Toups looking on, while Head Shipper
Joe Springier is made a big chief. At left the Indians discuss their
tour with Manager Jimmy Brint. In the large photo are, left to
BIRMINGHAM
right, seated: Josie Debelo, Fay Glover, Louise Harper, Frances
Mustacchia, Pop Chalee, Mary Schumaker, Lena Turpin. Standing:
Georgia Pfeiffer, Gladys Villars, Inez Tauzin, Ruth Buchm-ann, Lois
Bermudez, Dottie Gadpaille, Chief Natay, Joan Navo, Noemi Riedl,
Gloria Gonzales, Gertrude Davis, Corinne Bouche, Mary Becker,
Celie Picone and Marie Saucier.
Falkenburg, manager of the Alabama, is back
at work after an illness.
K H. Baker, manager of Waters' Roxy at
Leeds, is seriously ill after suffering a
heart attack. W. C. "Bill" Watts is acting
as relief manager during Baker's absence . . .
Arnold Gary, manager of Waters' College,
recently served on the federal grand jury at
Anniston.
C. H. Copeland, Neely, Oneonta; James
Radney, Bama, Alexander City; B. W. Wright,
Wright's Theatres, Alabama City; J. A. Jackson,
Clanton Drive-in, Clanton; C. W. Mc-
Ewen, Rockford, Rockford, and G. W. Allen,
Gala, Butler, were among exhibitors in town
. . . J. D. Woodard, newly assigned to this
district by WB, was in town working on
"The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" and "The
Damned Don't Cry."
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Mack Lewis, manager, said the Franklin
in Ensley would close for the summer. The
house, recently purchased by R. M. Kennedy
from Wilby-Kincey, has been operating
on Saturday and Sunday, mostly with stage
shows, for about two years . . . Walton K.
Couch sr., 73, who for a number of years
owned and operated theatres in several Alabama
towns, died here recently. For six
years he was employed at Rickwood field.
William H. McKenzie has been added to
the staff at Queen Feature Service, succeedinf
Russell Tyler who left to join the staff
of a drive-in at Muscle Shoals City . . . Ruby
Gorham is new cashier at Community's East
Lake Theatre . . . The father of Louella
Warren, concession attendant at the Woodlawn,
died recently.
Harry M. Curl, general manager for Community
Theatres, has returned from a visit
. . .
to Nashville and McMinnville, Tenn., his
home town. He visited with Cowan Oldham,
manager of the Center, Dixie and Park in
McMinnville, and Floyd Rice, Knickerbocker,
and Lee Castleberry, Fifth Avenue, Nashville
Paul A. Engler, manager of Jefferson
Amusement Co., was in Atlanta on a booking
trip.
Emil Bernstecker, district manager for
Wilby-Kincey, was here on an inspection
. . .
trip. Two of his managers also paid visits.
They were R. W. "Tubby" Neal, Tuscaloosa
city manager, and Ollie Haynes, former manager
of the Lyric here who now is manager
of the Ritz in Tuscaloosa Francis S.
. . . Also Charles Lester,
W. H. Rudisel, branch manager of Kay
Films, was here
district manager for National Screen, and
his Alabama salesman Bob Langer . . . Another
visitor was Ken Laird, U-I . . . Fred
Pinckard, Lyric, is the first local projectionist
to take his vacation. As in former
years, Pinckard will take in the Speedway
races at Indianapolis May 30.
N. A. Kriel, veteran local projectionist, died
recently after a long illness due to heart
trouble. He has been replaced at the Ritz
by W. H. Neal sr Ted Saizis, MPMO
'
member and a newsreel cameraman, has
been away about a month, shooting film for ;
the State department in Nashville, Detroit
'
and in Ohio . . . Ralph A. Root jr., son of
•
the MPMO business agent, now is an electronics
field engineer for RCA at El Paso,
Tex.
Night Watchman Robbed
ATLANTA—John W. Mullins,
nightwatchman
at the Piedmont Drive-In, recently WM
held up by two men who robbed him of his
pistol and $8.14 worth of cigarets. He said
the men tried to open the theatre safe.
Special Showing at Avon
GENEVA, ALA.—Marvin Brewton, manager
of the Avon Theatre here, held a special
showing in cooperation with the city
cleanup drive in Geneva. Children were admitted
to the show by bringing rusty cans
or other refuse, showing that they had participated
in the clean-up drive.
113 BOXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950

;
country
. . Roy
Drive-In at Leesburg
Opened by Martin
LEESBURG, FLA.—The new Crest
Drivein
has been opened on Highway 441 north
of the city limits. It is the newest addition
to the Martin Theatre chain. Capacity is
350 cars, with room for three additional
ramps of 50 cars each.
One building in the center of the parking
area houses restrooms, concession stand and
projection booth. The concession room has
large windows so that customers may keep
the picture in view while making their purchases.
The building was designed from an
idea of Hugh B. Martin, one of the owners.
Individual speaker posts are topped with
amber light domes. Speakers and projection
equipment are from Simplex.
The boxoffice is located more than 300 feet
from the highway. A modern popcorn dispenser
is located in the boxoffice for patrons
who do not care to leave their cars. Bill
Cumbaa, manager, says first run pictures
will be offered, with second runs of outstanding
recent productions.
Harlow Land Starts Drive-In
BRANFORD, FLA.—The Branford Theatre,
owned by Harlow Land, is undergoing a
thorough cleaning and renovation. Both interior
and exterior are being painted, and
a new window will be added to the cashier's
cage. In the gallery new seats will be
installed.
Land is preparing to build a drive-in on
Highway 19 south of Fanning Springs. This
will be operated as the Family Theatre. The
ground is being cleared.
Start Greenville, Ala., Ozoner
GREENVILLE, ALA.—Martin-Ray Theatres
has begun construction of a new drivein
on part of a lot used a half century ago
as the Butler county fairgrounds. Sam Carr,
local manager for the company, which owns
the Ritz, said the drive-in would take care
of about 300 cars and cost approximately
$50,000.
Martin Builds at Atmore, Ala.
ATMORE, ALA.—Martin Theatres is building
a new drive-in three miles south of here.
Dick Broom, manager of the Strand, will
manage both theatres. Completion of the
drive-in is expected in mid-June. The Strand
now is sponsoring a contest to select a name
for the drive-in.
C. T. Rook Buys Theatre
BUSHNELL, FLA.—Charles T. Rook, theatreman
with 30 years' experience, has purchased
the Bushnell Theatre from the Martin
circuit. Rook, assisted by his wife, will
operate the theatre. He has operated houses
in Montgomery, Ala., and in Oklahoma.
Drive-In Starts Film Quiz
GADSDEN, ALA.—The Tower Drive-In
'
here is participating in a national film quiz,
which will award $160,000 in prizes over the
every 13 weeks. A cash jackpot of
$20 is awarded by the Tower each week. It
is a Wednesday night feature.
CHARLOTTE
.
n new drive-in is being opened in Archdale,
N. C, by Paul Jones. It will be
named the Tar Heel, and has a 140-car
capacity P. Rosser, Temple, Sanford,
has returned from Hot Springs, Ark.
. . . J. H. Webster of Carolina Amusements,
Elizabeth City, was to host a fishing party
on Sunday (14) for film industry folk . . .
Reports have been received that two driveins
are to be built in Greensboro and two
more at Charlotte.
Cy Dillon, manager at Republic, now is
visiting accounts by plane . . . R. T. Belcher
is the new booker for Republic. He replaces
Bill Craver, resigned . . . Bill Lewis,
salesman for Film Classics, has been transferred
to Memphis as manager . . . We have
been told by an eastern North Carolina salesman
that John Kime, owner of theatres in
Roseboro and Morehead City, wants any of
the boys getting into Morehead to refrain
from going to the hotel as he has plenty of
room for them in his trailer.
. . .
John Thomason has changed his Ebony
Drive-In, Charleston, which has been for
Negroes, into one for white patrons and renamed
it the Bonny Republic offices
are being redecorated . . . The Monogram
offices also are to be completely redecorated.
Rooms of the Variety Club, closed a week
for redecoration, were reopened. Hi Holston,
chairman of the house committee, supervised
the work. Paul Cockrill and Mrs. William
McClure won the fishbowl prizes at the
bingo party marking the reopening.
George Carpenter, general manager of
Colonial Theatres, hosted a luncheon at
NEW DIVISION MANAGER—Henry G.
Plitt has been appointed division manager
of Paramount Gulf Theatres, operating
theatres in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana,
Mississippi and Texas, according to
Norman L. Carter, president of the corporation.
Plitt has been in New Orleans
working with Carter and his associates
since last July. He has been with Paramount
since the end of the war. Prior to
his transfer to New Orleans he was in
the territory covering Ohio, West Virginia
and Kentucky.
Valdese for managers. Present were Britt
Carpenter, Charles Burgin and R. L. Bakervof
jr. of the home office; T. A. Mashburn,
Madison and Mayodan; Robert Wakefield,
Granite Falls; Ed Crouch, Taylorsville; Dan
Holland, Conover; Dick Eason, Kenneth Benfield
and Bill Schrum, Hickory; W. F. Shelton,
Louisburg, and Hall Houpe, Shelby.
Carpenter appointed Johnny Johnson to
manage the Astor in Charlotte, replacing
Mack Herman, resigned.
O. K. Hogan jr. of St. Pauls Theatre in
St. Pauls has sold his Red Springs Drive-In
to H. C. McSwain, owner of the Red Springs
Theatre . . . R. D. Drum, operator of driveins
in Drexel and Hudson, opened the Sun-
Down Drive-In in Newton . . . Mrs. Louise
Little, wife of Republic office manager
Mitchell Little, spent last weekend visiting
her family in Shelby . . . Republic Manager
Cy Dillon attended the sales meeting in
Memphis.
H. S. Timm-ons jr., former manager of the
Plaza Theatre here, is a new booker at the
Warner exchange . . . T. A. Little of Consolidated
Theatres here has been elected
treasurer of the Mecklenburg Democratic
committee.
Morganton Alva Lowers
Adult Price Seven Cents
MORGANTON, N. C—The Alva Theatre,
Morganton's oldest motion picture house, has
set a price-cutting precedent for the two
other local theatres and the two drive-ins.
Plug Anderson, manager, reduced admissions
for adults from 42 cents to 35 cents
and for children from 10 to 9 cents. Rates
are for both matinee and evening.
Prices at the Mimosa and at the Davis Theatre,
Morganton's new ultramodern house,
remain unchanged at 48 cents for adults and
10 cents for children under 12.
Offer Free Sunday Shows
To Get Around Blue Law
JACKSON, MISS. — The Met-N-No-V
Drive-In here, one of two theatres forbidden
to offer Sunday motion pictures through enforcement
of a 1923 law, has found a way
around the Sunday ban. It offers the shows
free.
Met-N-No-V ran a free show last Sunday
and drew a good crowd. Sheriff E. O. Bruce
said he had received complaints about the
show operating but an investigation revealed
that no admission was charged.
"As long as the law remains in force,"
the sheriff said, "I intend to enforce it, of
course. There is no violation as long as the
movies are shown without cost to the patrons."
Two Suburbans Leased
BIRMINGHAM—Two suburban theatres
They are
have changed hands here recently.
the Princess at Irondale and the Trussville
at Trussville. Charles Marcrum has leased
the Irondale house, formerly operated by
Hoyett Scott.
Harry Willoughby has leased the Trussville
from J. A. Wilson, owner. It formerly
was operated by J. W. Simmons.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950
SE 118-A

HART BEATS
By HARRY HART
William Friddell, operator of the Berkley
Theatre at Moncks Corner, S. C, is preparing
to open his
new 200-car Berkley
Drive-In near there.
Occupying a two-acre
tract, the new ozoner
will feature a restaurant
in the screen
tower structure.
Harry Wayne of the
Lake City Drive-in
near Lake City, S. C
has installed new projection
equipment to
replace that recently
Harry Hart
destroyed in a fire. He
also will use new in-car speakers. His drivein
has a 30-foot stage, and he declares that
stage bills have increased his profits. The
public always is eager to see live talent,
Wayne declares.
» * •
C. H. Kelly, Burrel Truesdale and associates
conducted me on a tour of the new
Skyway Drive-in annex on the fairgrounds
at Columbia, S. C. Equipment includes projection
and sound furnished by the National
Theatre Supply.
The new Hall Drive-In west of Columbia,
S. C, will accommodate 300 cars and also
will have seats for walk-in patrons. RCA
equipment is being installed in the ozoner,
which will be opened about June 1. The
screen tower is being installed by the Kline
Iron & Metal Co., Columbia, S. C.
* * *
Mr. and Mrs. Kirby Tarleton operate the
Orangeburg Drive-In near Orangeburg, S. C.
They were in Charlotte on a buying and
booking trip when I called at their theatre.
The Carolina Theatre in Orangeburg, S. O,
was turned over to the local high school
two days while the manager took a brief
vacation.
* * *
J. T. Green jr., a showman many years,
soon will open his new drive-in near St.
New Four Mile Drive-In
Occupies Historic Site
Charleston, S. C—Built on the site
said to have been occupied many years
ago by the historic Four Mile house, the
new Four Mile Drive-In recently was
opened by Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Ayers, who
also operate the St. Andrews Drive-In
near here and other ozoners at Summerville
and Mount Holly, S. C.
The early Four Mile house is said to
have been operated by a woman who lured
wealthy travelers to the inn and then
murdered them to obtain their money. A
skeleton thought to be that of the woman
innkeeper now is on display in a local
museum.
Equipment in the booth of the new
drive-in include Wenzel projectors and
Strong lamps. M. W. Leaphart, who has
been active in theatre work many years,
is projectionist.
George, S. C. It will be known as the Sky
Vue Drive-In, and it will accommodate about
150 cars. Equipment includes Wenzel projectors,
Strong lamps, and Co-Op speakers.
Green also operates the Edisto Theatre at
Branchville, S. C. and a drive-in near Ehrhardt,
S. C.
H. H. Blume, operator of the St. George
Theatre in St. George, S. C, said that he
played "The Prince of Peace" two days and
that it drew full houses at each show. He
recently installed a new drink dispenser.
* * *
Kenneth Richardson showed me around
the de luxe Oconee Theatre at Seneca, S. C,
which has many features unusual to a house
in a town of 3,500 persons. The Oconee
features a cry room, a party room, a lounge
and a sun deck. It has a mural on the stairway
depicting a view from a nearby mountain.
There is a 25x75-foot parking lot. The
Oconee is expected to open May 12.
* » *
W. T. Phillips was out feeding the peacocks
and other birds when I stopped at
the Central Theatre in Central, S. C. He
has quite a large bird collection. He also
operates a restaurant business along with
the theatre and says restaurant sales have
picked up considerably in recent weeks.
* * *
J. E. Albikson of the Liberty, Liberty, S. C,
has installed a new fountain and ice cream
bar, from which he will serve homemade ice
cream. He says taxes are about to get him
down and that any more would force him to
close. Theatres in his section, he said, already
are paying too many taxes.
* * *
Harold Armistead of the Colony and Lyric
Theatres in Easley, S. C, told me about the
campaign he just put on to find out customer
preference on shows. He is repainting
the inside of the Lyric.
* * *
Manager Wade McManus was putting up
new screens at the concession stand at the
Scenic Drive-In, Spartanburg, S. C. The
Scenic was the second drive-in to be built
in the state. The McManuses live in the
screen tower since, as Wade says, drive-in
operation requires 18 hours work a day and
nine hours worrying at night for fear he forgot
something. They have a small son.
* * *
N. E. Belmont of Belmont Drive-In at
Taylors, S. C just outside Greenville, was
on the site of his new drive-in on the super
highway just out of Greer, S. C. He says
the situation will be equipped with DeVry
projectors, RCA sound and DeVry speakers.
The concessions stand will be a replica of
the one he has just remodeled at the Belmont
Drive-In. Work was under way on the
screen tower. The airer has not been named,
since a $25 prize is being offered in a naming
contest now under way. It Is slated to
open about June 1.
« • •
H. P. McManus was getting ready to pave
the new 320-car drive-in near Greer, S. C.
It is slated for a May 17 opening. It will feature
Motiograph projectors, Kollmorgen special
lens for the 405-foot throw from pro-
Above is a view of the screen tower of
the Magnolia Drive-In at Charleston,
S. C. It is constructed entirely of steel,
even the face.
Manager Luther Smith said Vulcraft
Corp. of Florence, S. C, supplied the
tower for the 568-car airer, which has a
hammered aluminum sheeting fence,
graveled ramps and a cement block concession
and projector building. Jack
Gentry, projectionist, said the booth is
the best he ever worked in.
jection booth to the screen, and Jensen
speakers.
* * *
S. J. Workman of Woodruff, S. O, was in
Greenville trying to get his de luxe 518-car
airer finished in time for a May 15 opening.
It is Brenkert and RCA-equipped throughout.
It has paved ramps and entrances and
exits covered with white limestone. It has
a Vulcraft steel screen tower and an apartment
in the tower. The drive-in has been
two years in the building and planning.
* * *
Odell Seymour of the Easley Drive-In at
the edge of Easley, S. C, says business is
very good at the ozoner, which opened April
17. The Easley has a capacity of 400 cars
and is equipped with Simplex projectors, RCA
sound and Co-Op speakers. It was built by
Dr. W. B. Reeves of Elkin, N. C. Seymour
formerly was with the Sams circuit at Elkin,
N. C.
« » *
General Manager S. D. Mitchell at the
Star Theatres office in Greenville said the
firm would remodel the State Theatre at
Hendersonville, N. C, soon. A new marquee
and seats will be added, he said. He said
that he has a Saturday morning kiddy show
at the Plaza in Greenville, which is proving
quite popular with the youngsters.
* * *
Mrs. J. F. Dodson of Batesburg and Williston,
S. O, was in Wheeling, W. Va., on
business when I called. Her husband, a doctor,
was there but said he didn't have anything
to do with the theatres.
* • *
At the Saluda Theatre, Saluda, S. C, James
R. Herlong and his wife were just getting
ready to open. Mrs. Herlong brought flowers
for the boxoffice, a daily habit which makes
the ticket booth very attractive. Herlong
had Just returned from a booking jaunt to
Charlotte.
* * *
Went out on Highway 43 about six miles to
see J. H. Ridgell, who is building the Saluda
Drive-In at Saluda. It is being equipped
by Bryant Theatre Supply with Wenzel projectors,
RCA sound and Co-Op speakers.
lid B
BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13, 1950

Ridgell hopes to have the 250-car situation
opened by May 22. The screen is up and
foundations are in for the projection booth.
* * *
Assistant Manager Bobbie Jones greeted
me at the State Theatre in Greenwood and
told me about the campaigns they put on for
"Francis" and "Cheaper by the Dozen."
* * *
Considerable work will be done soon at the
Highway 25 Drive-in at Greenwood, S. C.
Manager M. W. Ackerman was putting up a
new shadow-box type attraction board when
I drove up. He said he soon would install
new playground equipment and remodel the
concession stand. He said additional ramps
probably would be added soon.
* * *
Olin Turner was at the Auto Theatre and
said business wasn't what it should be. He
said he thought ordinary theatre patrons
were too far in debt to spend money on
shows. He said that payments for many
patrons on new cars and appliances were
getting hard to meet.
* • *
G. Mandis, manager and co-owner of the
Village Theatre in Greenwood was in his
office when I called. He has a pretty neighborhood
house, which was completed about
a year ago. He plans to enlarge the cry room
soon.
* * *
R. E. and H. M. Bryan were in the office
at the Ritz Theatre in Greenwood. They
purchased the house from Echo Theatres,
Inc., and took possession May 1. They plan
intensive community cooperation to fill the
440-seat house. Both men are experienced
theatre operators.
* * *
Ulmer Eaddy, manager of the Skyland
Drive-in at Greenville, S. C, introduced me
to Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass boys and
the Shenandoah Trio, Radio Dot and Smoky,
who were making a personal appearance on
the Skyland stage. They were called back
for encore after encore by the blasting car
horns of the drive-in patrons. The Skyland
playground was full of youngsters and every
slide, swing and sand box was in use. District
Manager Warren Irwin was at the drivein
and said additional stage features were
planned. Eaddy was kept hopping greeting
patrons and handling the crowds. The drivein
was full to overflowing for the show.
D. L. Buzbee in Runoff Vote
For State Legislature
DADEVILLE, ALA.—D. Lawrence Buzbee,
owner of the Ritz here, will engage in a
runoff May 30 for second place in the state
legislature from Tallapoosa county. In the
first primary May 2, Buzbee finished second,
with 1,670 votes, to J. T. "Tom" Johnson,
who had 2,307. In Alabama the Democratic
nomination is tantamount to election.
Program Schedules Shifted
HAINES CITY, FLA.—A change in program
schedules at the Florida will provide
four program changes a week, with a daily
matinee at 3:30. Each program will be shown
for two days except on Saturday, which will
be a single day's show.
Write your congressman, urging 100 per
cent repeal of the federal amusenvent tax,
not just repeal of the 10 per cent wartime
ticket
levy.
Executive Committee Is Credited
For Smooth Wometco Operation
MIAMI—An executive committee of nine
men, appointed by Mitchell Wolfson and
Sidney Meyer, heads of the Wometco circuit,
is credited for the smooth operation of
the chain, since each member of the committee
has shown his knowledge of some
particular phase of the theatre business.
The group is empowered to make decisions
on policy when the owners are out of the
city. It acts as an advisory board when
owners are present at meetings and the
opinions of the committee members are
weighed carefully before final decisions are
made.
Some of the men have been affiliated with
the company for nearly all of the 25 years,
the anniversary which Wometco now is celebrating.
H. A. Kopplin represents the advertising
and publicity departments. Harvey Fleischman
is district manager of downtown and
neighborhood theatres. Herman Silverman
does the buying and booking of films. Mark
Chartrand is director of public relations.
Elmer Radloff is controller and internal
auditing department head.
Frank Rubel has charge of construction and
maintenance. J. M. "Sonny" Shepherd is
managing director of the Miami and Lincoln
theatres. Sylvan E. Myers is in charge
THEATRE SUPPLIES ^"j
DRIVE-IN EQUIPMENT *
Prompt, Courteous Service
DIXIE THEATRE SERVICE & SUPPLY CO.
. 1014 North Slappey Drive Albany, Ga. a
I Phone 3431 — Night Phone 2015
|
NO
" I ' i "P"
- -
PERFORATIONS
20% MORE LIGHT
and BETTER VISION from
EVERY SEAT!
CYMAMIC
Custom Screen
'Patent applied for
of confections and Elmer Hecht is district
manager of the Negro theatres.
All have cooperated and aided in the 25th
anniversary celebration for the circuit. At
all of the 16 subsequent run and neighborhood
houses a Thank You for Making Our
25th Anniversary a Success night was held
May 5. Harvey Fleischman arranged for patrons
attending any of the houses to be given
gifts, including 25 baskets of groceries, nylon
hosiery, shoes, trip to Butlins Island, Nassau
and Havana, Mai Marshall shirts, radio and
other gifts.
In addition other anniversary events included
gifts of coupons to women for dancing
lessons at Arthur Murray studios and coupons
to youngsters for 5x10 photographs.
Free Cookies to Patrons
ARCADIA, FLA.—Dan Sangaree, manager
of the Star, served refreshments to all patrons
of the theatre between 7 and 9 p. m.
in connection with the showing of "Riding
High." In the picture Bing sings the new
hit, "Sunshine Cake," and about the time
the song came on Dan distributed Sunshine
cookies to the patrons.
NEW LOW PRICES
ON POPCORN BAGS
Write for Quotation
on Size Required.
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE INC.
1912' 2 Morris Ave. Phone 3-8665
Birmingham, Alabama
DeVry Drive-In Equipment
USED SEATS - STRONG LAMPS
DRIVE-IN PLANS
CONSTRUCTION DATA
THEATRE EQUIPMENT CD.
220 S. POPLAR ST. CHARLOTTE. N. C.
The Magic Screen of
The Future ... NOW
Perfect
sound transmission
Elimination of backstage
Reverberation
Perfect vision in
Rows
Better Side Vision
Front
WIL-KIN THEATRE SUPPLY, INC.
Atlanta, Georgia Charlotte, North Carolina
"Everything tor the theatre except film"
30XOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950
118-C

MIAMI
Tl^ometco's Silver Anniversary celebration
ended Monday (8) with presentation of
two new cars to patrons . . . Sixteen Wometco
houses had a Friday night gift feature. Given
away were 25 baskets of foods, one 52-piece
set of silver, three pairs of women's shoes,
one $49 round-trip to Butlin's island, Nassau
and Havana, one dozen pairs of nylon
stockings, a Mai Marshall $15 Aztec shirt and
many other items. The air trip was given
away at seven houses.
The Miami, Miracle and Lincoln went allout
for the anniversary celebration with a
gift night and such prizes as a silver blue
mink scarf and an Emerson television set
. . . Martin Wucher scheduled a giveaway
night at the new Dixie Drive-in. Free groceries
and concessions coupons were given
to holders of lucky license numbers. A Get-
It's
New!
It's Beautiful!
It's
Comfortable!
It's
Economical!
Spring Edge Seats .. Face Padded Backs
Cast Iron Standards .. Ball Bearing Hinges
For complete information write:
SOUTHERN DESK COMPANY
Theatre Seating
Division
P. O. Box 630 HICKORY, N. C.
Acquainted night also was a feature of the
Dixie and admission was $1 per car if occupants
had copies of the newspaper ad announcing
the event.
A $10 Arthur Murray dance certificate was
given to each woman attending a Wometco
Arthur Murray
theatre on a recent evening . . .
dancers and a jitterbug contest were
stage attractions at the Miracle . . The
.
Lincoln has a new evening 88-cent admission.
Cameo's new evening price is 76 cents.
A 10-year-old boy died in Jackson Memorial
hospital about four hours after he walked
into the side of a moving car in the Miami
Drive-In. Deputy Sheriff Ernest E. Sistrunk
said Frederick Gabriel, 10, son of the
Herman Gabriels, was heading for the popcorn
stand when he walked into a car driven
by Constance H. Smoak, 20. An inquest will
be held.
A testimonial dinner is planned for Jack
Bell, Herald columnist, for his work in behalf
of Variety Children's hospital. The local
tent also will receive the 1949 Heart award
from Variety International. It will be given
by Marc J. Wolf, newly elected international
chief barker. Miami and Toronto, Canada,
shared honors for outstanding children's
charity work in 1949.
The Hallandale Drive-In gave away five
baskets of groceries as a weekly special . . .
Phil Benjamin, U-I casting director, was here
in connection with the filming of "Under
the Gun."
Departing from the usual policy of dayand-date
bookings at the Embassy and Variety,
Claughton booked "The Reformer and
the Redhead" at the Embassy and "The
Outriders" at the Variety ... A recent Sunday
Herald used a half-page feature with
five stills about "Destination Moon."
. . .
Howard Strickling, who has been with
MGM for 31 years, is vacationing here from
Here
his publicity stint in Hollywood
also is Harry Brand, who denies he will join
Joseph Schenck's 350-odd theatre empire . . .
Wometco has a free package checking service
at its theatres.
Theatre people here are making a habit of
repeating the slogan that came out of the
recent movie conclave in Chicago. Gordon
Spradley, in concluding a telephone conversation
with a friend remarked, "So long.
Movies Are Better Than Ever." Spradley,
formerly at the Capitol, will shortly take over
managership of Wometco's Town.
COMPLETE STAGE EQUIPMENT
4fo* Ouel 20 l/eatA . . .
Leaders in
STAGE CURTAINS
WINDOW DRAPES
SCREEN CURTAINS
High Quality
Stage Equipment
STAGE LIGHTING
STEEL TRACKS
STAGE PROPERTIES
Specialized
Prompt
Service
Deliveries
HUBERT MITCHELL
INDUSTRIES, INC.
Hurtscllc
Alabama
Coral Gables Theatre
About as Old as City
CORAL GABLES, FLA.—This city is celebrating
its 25th anniversary and the Coral
Gables Theatre, only theatre in the city
during its first 14 years, will celebrate its
24th birthday. The Coral Gables was
launched June 3, 1926, with a gala premiere
where patrons came in formal attire to the
tune of $5 a seat. "That's My Baby," with
Douglas McLean, was the first feature attraction.
The theatre originally was set up as a
legitimate stage house, but it never was used
for that purpose. For a brief three days in
1926 the house went highbrow with four
performances of popular opera by the San
Carlos Opera Co.
This special engagement was sponsored by
the Miami Opera Ass'n, the University of
Miami and the Miami Conservatory. Films
were recalled, however, and the Gables has
remained a film house ever since. The late
Richmond Dorman was its first manager and
John Mason, now associated with the Paramount
Theatres art department, was first
assistant manager.
Today, Paramount's Coral Gables Theatre
front has a new face. But it still has the
familiar face of Manager LeRoy Boon,
known to practically all of the city as Uncle
Dan. He has been with the Gables for 18
years.
With the increasing growth of the city
came the need for more theatres. The Coral
was built in 1940, just before building was
restricted during the war years. This house,
also a Paramount unit, is managed by William
Hall.
In 1948 the Miracle Theatre, managed by
Franklin Maury, opened with a bangup celebration
as one of Wometco's show places.
Terry Moore, Columbia actress and star of
the Miracle's first attraction, came more than
3,000 miles for the occasion. Nearly that many
citizens jammed Miracle mile in front of the
theatre to welcome her. The Miracle was
dedicated officially by B. F. Ashe, president
of the University of Miami.
Video Station at Miami
Celebrates Birthday
MIAMI—A 14-page section of the Miami
Daily News, devoted entirely to television,
was part of a birthday celebration for WTVJ,
which recently completed one year in operation.
Fred Clampitt's front-page feature
said the trial period for the TV station now
is over.
Miami Mayor William Wolforth proclaimed
the week as Television week, the occasion be-
Gulf-
ing hailed by many network TV stars.
stream Park ran the Television Handicap in
honor of the event and the station's remote
crew televised the area from the Goodyear
blimp, a world's first in video. Studio
Showcase Time reviewed WTVJ's first hectic
year.
Dealers report that the swing to television
increases rapidly each week because of thespecial
sports, news .and spot programs now
available. Owners of WTVJ are Mitchell
Wolfson and Sidney Meyer.
Have you written to your congressman urging
him to support full repeal of the federal
amusement tax?
H8-D
BOXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950

FPC Boasts Seven
30-Year Officials
TORONTO — Famous Players Canadian
Corp.. in a recent report, revealed that 30
of its officials have been with the circuit
from 12 to 30 years.
Seven executives have been with the chain
since it was established 30 years ago. They
are Noel G. Barrow, secretary; Jack Arthur,
Central and Northern Ontario district manager:
Roland G. Darby, insurance department
manager; Charles Dentelbeck, supervisor of
projection; Lawrence G. Geering, general auditor
and assistant secretary: William E.
Kerr, chief accountant and assistant treasurer,
and Frank H. Gow of Vancouver, supervisor
for British Columbia.
Those who have been with Famous Players
for 28 years include Harold A. Bishop, district
manager at Winnipeg; Angus Mac-
Cunn, manager of the real estate department
at the head office, and J. A. Troyer, manager
of the statistical department. Close behind
with 27 years is Ben Geldsaler, chief
film booker.
With more than 20 years service are Peter
D. Brown, president of the affiliated General
Theatre Supply Co.; Robert Eves, Toronto
suburban district manager; James Goode,
ticket department manager; Maynard Joiner,
Vancouver district manager; Dan Krendel,'
Western Ontario district manager; Robert
S. Roddick, district manager at Halifax; T. R.
Tubman, district manager for Eastern Ontario,
and Jules Wolfe, construction supervisor.
Coming to the company 20 years ago were
President J. J. Fitzgibbons; Vice-President
R. W. Bolstad; Lawrence I. Bearg, western
division manager; Morris Stein, eastern division
manager; James R. Nairn, director of
advertising, and Frank Justin of the head
office legal department.
Other veterans listed include Jack Barker,
art director; James Cameron, merchandising
manager; George Cuthbert, television and
sound supervisor; John J. Fitzgibbons jr
general manager of Theatre Confections, and
Edward A. Zorn, supervisor for the prairie
provinces, all of whom have served from 12
to 19 years.
Drys in Alberta Object
To Drinking in Films
EDMONTON, ALTA.—A recent convention
of the Associated Temperance forces of Alberta
here has asked the provincial censorship
board to eliminate drinking scenes from
films shown in this province. Delegates at
the meeting agreed the censors were doing a
good job in cutting crime scenes to a minimum,
but felt that "drinking scenes are far
too common." The convention was attended
by members from Picture Butte, Claresholm
Calgary, Didsbury, Olds, Forestburg, Drayton
valley, Namao, Grande Prairie and other
cities and towns.
The censor board recently defended the
film. "City Across the River," after police at
Medicine Hat had complained that it showed
now to make a weapon from easily obtained
toy guns. P. J. a. Fleming, chief censor, said
there is no description of the method to
make a weapon from toys in the film. The
complaints arose when Medicine Hat police
confiscated guns made from toys. Youngsters
tound in possession of the weapons said they
got the idea from "City Across the River."
Newly Rebuilt Theatre
Lost in Rimouski Fire
Independents Protest
Film Sales Policies
ST. JOHN—Some Canadian independent
exhibitors reportedly are launching a broadside
of letters to representatives in the House
of Commons at Ottawa. The letters claim
that monopolistic practices prevail in the
selling of pictures and that independents are
being discriminated against in favor of the
two big chains. Members of the dominion
government and. specifically, the justice department,
also have been written in the campaign
by independents for the right to buy
films in the open market, theatre by theatre.
Contacts have been made with the justice
department on complaints that a combine
prevails and that film selling comes under
the heading of restraint of trade.
Thomas McConnell, Chicago attorney who
won an award of $1,295,878 for the Towne
Theatre of Milwaukee recently, has been contacted
in behalf of Canadian independent
operators. One small theatre chain has spent
$500 in telephone calls in rounding up other
independents.
A singular phase of the drive is that some
of the individuals and firms most active are
hefty stockholders in the two big chains
which they contend have been getting the
cream of the pictures, while they have been
forced to take subsequent runs.
Free 'Shoe-Shine' Offered
At Showing in St. John
ST. JOHN—For the three days "Shoe-
Shine" was exhibited at the Mayfair, Manager
Sam Babb tied up with an operator
of a nearby tobacco store on a shoe-shine
deal. For the three days, anybody turning
over a Mayfair ticket stub to the tobacconist
was entitled to a free shine. A goodsized
shine stand is located in the store.
Advertising for the free shoe-shine and
the one for which admission was charged
was carried at the centrally located store,
as well as at the theatre, and was added to
the theatre's regular newspaper advertising
space. One-sheet and half-sheet lithos and
signcards were shown in the window frontage
of a large store recently closed for building
demolition. This location was one of the best
in the city.
Joseph Archambault Dead
MONTREAL—Joseph S. Archambault, 78,
known in Canadian theatrical circles under
his sobriquet of Palmieri, who made his debut
many years ago at the Verieties and later
interpreted many roles at the National
around the beginning of the century, died
here. He retired from the stage in 1915 but
the present generation of French-speaking
Canadians knew him in his film roles, particularly
in "La Forteresse" and "Le Cure de
Village," recently produced in Quebec province.
RIMOUSKI, QUE. — The recently reconstructed
Rikois Theatre was destroyed in the
$25,000,000 wind-whipped fire which burned
one-third of this city over the weekend. AU
films were saved, but the theatre structure
was destroyed in the blaze, marking the second
time that the Rikois had burned in recent
years.
The 500-seat house was owned and operated
by Tom Trow, owner of the Imperial
Theatre at Three Rivers and of the Cartier
Theatre here. The Cartier had not been
damaged in the raging fire early in the
week, but flames still were not under complete
control.
After the theatre burned a few years ago,
it was rebuilt by its first owner, P. Madore!
who sold the house to Trow. Trow reopened
it last January as a completely new theatre.
The fire, which destroyed the Rikois and
many other business houses, started early
Saturday evening (6) as high winds, at times
reaching hurricane velocity of 80 miles an
hour, blew down a high-tension power line
in the west section of the city. Authorities
believed the power line started the fire.
The western section of the city was deluged
with fire when 15,000,000 board feet of drying
lumber was ignited. Flying embers
showered the east side of the city and
flames jumped the Rimouski river, running
through the center of town, and ate into
buildings on the east bank.
Water and electrical service were disrupted
and for a time the town's only means of
communication was by radio. Other structures
known destroyed in the fire, besides the
theatre, were two hotels, an orphanage, a
technical school and a seminary. Rimouski
is a city of about 15,000 persons.
Complaint on Patronage
Brings Added Business
TORONTO — Mrs. Yvonne Taylor, proprietor
of the International Cinema, local
art theatre, had a highly satisfactory reaction
to her public complaint that "The Last
Days of Dolwyn" was playing to empty
houses despite her enthusiasm for the picture.
Her pointed protest was contained in
a two-column advertisement which appeared
in the two local evening newspapers when the
engagement was half-way through its second
week.
There was an immediate response on the
part of "the discriminating clientele" of the
International Cinema with the result that
the British feature was held for a third week.
Sid Moskaluk Heads Firm
VANCOUVER—Sid Maskaluk, former partner
at the Cameo Theatre at Whaleys near
New Westminster, is president of Gayland
Amusements Co., which is building the Surrey
Drive-in on King George highway here. The
ozoner will have a 400-car capacity. General
Theatre Supply is installing the equipment,
including Simplex projectors, in-car speakers
and Magnarc lamp houses. The theatre
will open May 24.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950
K
119

. . Rapid
•
WINNIPEG
Construction of a 450-car drive-in near
Brandon, Man., will be started soon, according
to Harold Bishop, district manager
for Famous Players. It is expected the theatre
will be ready to open early in July.
The drive-in will be built at the junction of
Routes 1 and 10 three miles north of Brandon.
Construction will be supervised by John
Ferguson. A 50x50-foot screen will be built
on a 75-foot tower, and in-car speakers will
be installed.
The Cecil Black-Max Shnier ozoner will
accommodate 450 cars and will be known as
the Northmain Drive-In . . . A. B. Graham
has purchased the Gaiety at Glenboro, Man.,
from W. Mowat .
book and buy
.
were
. Visiting
Jim
Winnipeg to
King, Town Hall,
Millstone; Roleau, Roleau, and Strand, Yellowgrass
. . . Cyril Wynant has closed several
of his situations because of flood waters . . .
Prairie exhibitors visiting here commented
on the abnormal precipitation during
the last two months in the farming areas.
Fields still are wet, and the seeding season
will be late.
The town council of Canora, Sask., after
debating the matter three months, passed a
law imposing a 10 per cent tax on theatre
admissions, effective immediately. Most of
the revenue from the tax will go toward
completion of the new municipal skating
rink, creating a situation whereby the theatre
will be instrumental in helping finance
its strongest competitor. I. Reinhorn, Regina,
representing the town's only theatre,
appeared before the council and spoke against
the discriminatory tax. He contended that
Canora would lose business to nearby Yorkton,
and suggested several other methods of
raising money for the rink.
. . .
J. and M. Dobnie have completed their
$45,000 350-seat Capitol in Kindersley, Sask.
Famous Players soon will start construction
on a $150,000 drive-in near Saskatoon,
M. Phillet and M. Ruptash are
Sask. . . .
going ahead with their $60,000 500-seat house
in Edmonton, Alta. ... A proposed 500-car
DRIVE-IN
THEATRE
Combination Ramp Identification and Onxway
Floodlight
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. kSLS'^JTS.
drive-in for Saskatoon has left the blueprint
stage and will be built by Harold
Howard and Harry Lyone . . . The Regina
city council has refused a Famous Players
request for 2,000 gallons of water daily for
its drive-in being built on the highway between
Regina and Moose Jaw. Famous Players
will sink test wells or find some other
solution to the water supply problem.
Censors Won't Check All
Publications in Quebec
MONTREAL—Only those publications and
illustrations submitted to it by the attorneygeneral
are examined by the provincial board
of cinema censors for approval or rejection
under the new Quebec act concerning obscene
and immoral publications, a spokesman
for the board said. Adopted at the recent
session of the Quebec legislature, the act
went into effect May 1. Newspapers and religious
periodicals are the only publications
exempt.
"The censorship board does not exercise
discretionary powers as to what the Quebec
people will read or see," the board spokesman
"The publications and illustrations will
said.
be submitted to us by the attorney-general
for examination and if we find anything immoral
with them within the meaning of the
act, we shall issue an order banning such publication
or illustration."
Under a banning order issued by the censorship
board, any peace officer shall, with
or without warrant, seize any publication
concerned and bring it before a magistrate
who, upon production of a certificate showing
that the publication is under a censure
order, will order its confiscation and destruction.
One of the main provisions of the act is
the one making it mandatory for publisher,
printer or distributor of any publication to
register with the provincial secretary.
To deal with the additional work involved
at the censorship board by the examination
of publications, Premiere Maurice Duplessis
recently appointed Jacques Sauriol and Leopold
Pouliot.
'Trespass' Holds 5th Week
TORONTO—"For Them That Trespass"
has surprised the Toronto film colony with
its first local run at the Astor, art theatre
identified with 20th Century Theatres and a
former neighborhood house. The British picture
has been held for a fifth week. The presentation
of "Rigoletto" at the Towne Cinema
also has turned into a long run engagement
with the completion of its third week.
Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs
J. M. RICE & CO.
202 Canada Bldg. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone 25371
Everything For Your Theatre
COMPLETE SOUND
SYSTEMS
An Expert Repair Department
VANCOUVER
T\rive-ins in this area are catering to juvenile
trade with merry-go-rounds, games
and swimming pools before and after performances
. growth of the drive-in
business in British Columbia is indicated by
the fact that 12 outdoor situations will be in
operation this summer, with all except one
of them run by independent operators.
Jack Reid, former Monogram salesman
here, has been appointed manager of Eagle
Lion branch to succeed Max Sheine, who
resigned to return to Toronto . . . Al Goodwin,
Olympia manager, has resigned . . .
Sam McClimon, owner of the Capitol Theatre
at Whitehorse, Y. T., was here booking
and buying for the coming year. He said
in an interview that his nearest competitor
was 350 miles away at Dawson City, which
has one theatre The recently formed
British
. . .
Columbia Theatre Ass'n now represents
174 theatres, of which 112 are independent
and 62 are chain owned. Its president
is Len Johnson of the Cascades Drive-In
Theatre near Vancouver, and its vice-president
is Earl Hayter, Odeon Theatres district
supervisor.
The Odeon Theatre in Victoria has launched
double feature policy . . . Marjorie Carruthers
a
is the permanent cashier at the
Ridge Theatre . . Jack Randall has resumed
.
his duties as manager of the Strand
following a vacation which he and his wife
and daughter spent in Hollywood. While
there, he visited Cec Cameron, former Famous
Players house manager and now managing
the Studio Theatre in North Hollywood.
Alfred Shackleford, 76, father of Alf
Shackleford, manager of the Capitol and
Roxy theatres at Lethbridge, Alta, died there
George Brewerton, Rex The-
recently . . .
atre owner here who bought several acres
of land on the highway near Vancouver and
planned an outdoor theatre, has changed his
mind and will build a golf course on the
property. It will be the first one here.
Bob Sutherland has retired as owner of
the Hi-Art Theatre at Weyburn, Sask., selling
out his interests to Phil Bodnoff of Regina,
who also operates the Soo Theatre in
Weyburn. Sutherland has been in show business
since 1911 .. . Hymie Singer of the
State Theatre was in California.
UA Shifts Canada Force;
Heiber Goes to Toronto
office, has been moved up to Heiber's former
NEW YORK—United Artists has realigned
its Canadian branch manager personnel, under
the supervision of Charles Chaplin, Canadian
division sales manager, according to Nat
Nathanson, eastern and Canadian general
sales manager.
George Heiber has been moved up from
Montreal to manager of the Toronto exchange,
replacing Douglas Rosen, who resigned
to join International Film Distributors.
Sam Kunitzky of the UA St. John, N. B.,
post in Montreal.
Lou Mtchaelson, who left Universal-International
to join UA, has been named manager
of the St. John exchange.
120
BOXOFFICE
:
: May
13, 1950

Fifth Week Holdovers
At 5 Toronto Houses
TORONTO—"Under My Skin" opened at
Shea's to lead the town with 110 per cent.
Holdovers were predominant along the local
rialto with five houses holding films for the
fifth week. "Tight Little Island" remained
at the Hyland. "Cheaper by the Dozen" at
the University and Capitol and "The Third
Man" at the Victoria and Eglinton, all in fifth
stanzas.
(Average Is IOC)
Biltmore—Baron of Arizona (LP); Square Dance
Jubilee (LP) 1U5
Fairlawn—The Sundowners (EL) 95
Hyland—Tight Little Island (EL), 5th wk 1U0
Imperial—Wabash Avenue (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 9b
Loew's—Champagne for Caesar (UA) 105
Odean—Three Came Home (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 95
Shea's—Under My Skin (20th-Fox) - 110
Tivoli and Capitol—Chain Lightning (WB), 2nd
d.t . wk.; Perfect Strangers (WB) 105
University and Capitol—Cheaper by the Dozen
(20th-Fox), 5th wk 90
Uptown—Buccaneer's Girl (U-I), 2nd wk..- 95
Victoria and Eglinton—The Third Man (SARO),
5th wk 85
Flood Waters Crimp Trade
At Houses in Winnipeg
WINNIPEG—Severe flood conditions in the
Red river valley have caused the partial
evacuation of Emerson and the complete
evacuation of Morris, Man. All theatres in
the valley are closed. Most of the theatres
here have several feet of water in their basements.
Hit badly are the Vogue and the
Windsor in St. Vital, both of which may be
closed when the crest of the flood reaches
that area. Receipts generally in greater Winnipeg
declined moderately.
Capitol—My Foolish Heart (RKO)
Very good
Gaiety—The Third Man (SARO), 4th wk..-Very good
Garrick—Since You Went Away (SARO) Good
Lyceum—Cargo to Capetown (Col) Good
Met—The Yellow Cab Man (MGM) Very good
Odeon—Three Came Home (20th-Fox),
2nd wk
Very good
Valour—Waterloo Bridge (MGM), 15th wk Good
Trade Spotty at First Run
Theatres in Vancouver
VANCOUVER—Grosses at first run houses
here were spotty. "Tight Little Island" went
into its sixth week at the Studio. "Wabash
Avenue" opened strong at the Strand. "The
Third Man" drew only fair patronage to the
Capitol despite an extensive advance exploitation
campaign.
Cap:tol—The Third Man (SARO) Fair
Cinema—Dangerous Profession (RKO); Bride for
Sale (RKO) Fair
Dominion—Ambush (MGM); Mother Didn't Tell
Me (20th-Fox) | .Fair
Orpheum—Young Man With a Horn (WB).. Average
Plaza and Frasor-The Big Wheel (UA); Pirates
of Capri (FC) Fair
State—Broadway Limited (IFD), plus stage
show
Fair
Strand—Wabash Avenue (20th-Fox)
Good
Studio—Tight Little Island (EL), 5th wk Excellent
Vogue, Dunbar arid Rio—Three Came Home
(20th-Fox)
Fair
Admiral Starts Factory
MONTREAL—Canadian Admiral Corp. has
purchased a 12-acre site on the Lake Shore
road at Lakeview, Ont., and started construction
of a one-story factory building containing
55,000 square feet of floor space. The
new plant is expected to be completed in November,
so that production of the firm's radio
and television re servers and automatic-record
player combinations may be expanded.
The parent firm, Admiral Corp., Chicago, is
one of the leaders in the television industry
in the U.S. and produces an average of 3,500
sets a day.
MONTREAL
John Levitt, popular salesman for Columbia,
had an amusing and interesting experience
lately. Returning from a trip to the
Quebec gold mining districts, he stopped off
in Ottawa, and while in the business section
noticed a distinguished looking man whose
face was familiar, and whom he thought he
ought to know. He greeted the man and
then, looking at him attentively, was startled
to find he was addressing Prime Minister
Louis St. Laurent. Levitt told him he had
worked for his election. "You will have another
opportunity soon to do something for
the party," remarked the Premier, alluding
to the coming by-election in Cartier division
of Montreal. They then shook hands and
Levitt promised to give a hand in Cartier.
Dick Howarth, manager of the Monkland,
United Amusement theatre in Notre Dame
de Grace, announced the closing of the
Canadian Broadcasting Corp. program. Opportunity
Knocks, April 24, after a successful
run of 13 weeks at the theatre. Last year
the first series lasted 13 weeks from April
to July, and the second and third series just
concluded continued 26 weeks from November
last until April. The program has now
opened at Shea's Hippodrome, Toronto.
Monkland Theatre is installing a candy
bar in the lobby which will be one of the
finest of the circuit . . . Jack Roher of Toronto,
president of Peerless Films, was in
New York recently discussing with R. M.
Savini of Astor Pictures in that city the
RKO Hollywood film, Messenger of Peace,
which will be released in Canada shortly.
It was extolled by New York critics. He
also negotiated for Canadian release of a
number of other films whose titles will be
announced later. En route to Toronto on his
return from New York, Roher spent several
days in Montreal conferring with Arthur
Larente, Peerless Films manager here.
Ed English, retired Montreal manager of
20th-Fox, fell at his summer home at Lancaster,
Ont., and broke an ankle and part
of his foot in a fall. He was taken to Western
hospital here . . . Tom Dowbiggin, manager
at Paramount, who has been a patient
in Ross Memorial pavilion of the Royal Victoria
hospital, is expected home shortly . . .
Sympathy to George Koppelman, salesman
for Eagle Lion of Hollywood, on the death
illness.
Carman D. Hood, former Haligonian, has
returned to Halifax from New York to be
newsreel representative for the maritime
provinces for Paramount News, Warner Pathe
News, and NBC Television Newsreel . . .
Clyde Collins, Halifax film evangelist, has
returned there after a three-month tour of
Ontario.
of his mother in a New York hospital . . .
John Parker of the statistics department of
United Amusement Corp. is substituting as
head of the advertising department at Confederation
Amusements during Allen Spencer's
The Champlain Theatre, Cap de la Madeleine,
premiered for church and government
dignitaries "Guilty of Treason," which depicts
the trial of Cardinal Mindszenty . . .
"Outcry," the film introducing Lea Padovani,
Italian star, drew crowds to the System,
and George Panos, manager, decided to
hold it two weeks . . . Robert Baird is now
working in cooperation with his brother
James at the James Baird Company, which
delivers films and theatre advertising by
trucks in the western townships . . . Stella
Laroque, stenographer at Empire-Universal,
has returned to her desk following an absence
due to illness.
Exhibitors in town include Noel Leclerc,
owner of the Brandon, St. Gabriel de Brandon,
and M. Simard, owner of the Central,
Ste. Julienne . . . Betty Cohen, secretary to
H. Cass, MGM manager in Montreal, is
spending two weeks' holiday in New York
City .
. . Joe Oupscher, UA salesman, is on a
trip in Beauce county, and Joe Doffman,
salesman for E-U, has returned from a sales
trip to the Amqui district.
Additions at Filmrow offices: Grant Hunt,
replacing Lewis Gunstone, office clerk at
Confederation Amusement Corp., who has
been promoted to bookkeeper; Paul Addison,
who has joined the credit department of
Montreal Poster exchange, and Lucille La-
. . .
vallee, typist, now with Sovereign Film . . .
Bernard Vincellette, salesman, is replacing
Andre Paradis, who has left Sovereign Films
Some 300 guests attended a reception
marking the opening of Cineshop, retail outlet
for amateur and professional motion picture
cameras, films and supplies. George De-
Lanauze is proprietor and Edgar Tessier,
manager.
Half-Dozen Charities Ask
Theatre Trailer Help
TORONTO—The Motion Picture
Theatres
Ass'n of Ontario has been almost swamped
with applications from charity organizations
for placing campaign trailers on screens of
Ontario. The current series runs to a halfdozen
different trailers, with from 50 to 80
prints each for distribution among 400 theatres.
The exhibitors' association has the trailers
examined by a screening committee headed
by Morris Stein of Famous Players Canadian,
before bookings are arranged by Arch H. Jolley,
executive secretary of the MPTA of Ontario.
Despite the number of charity trailers,
Jolley commented, "Our association is only
too glad to cooperate, providing our committee
approves a trailer. Letters of appreciation
are received from the various organizations
after the campaigns."
Cooperation is being accorded to the Ontario
Society for Crippled Children, the Milk
for Britain fund sponsored by the Canadian
Progress club which provided 80 prints, Salvation
Army Red Shield campaign, the Kinsmen
Club appeal for the Toronto Hospital
for Sick Children, and the Canadian National
Institute for the Blind.
The art director for the Paramount picture,
"Beyond the Sunset," will be Henry
Bumstead.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Screen Coating and Masking Paint. Prompt Shipment
DRIVE-IH THEATRE MFG. CO.
ggStfL
BOXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950
121

on AW A
T Carl Lanson, president of Odeon Theatres
and other Canadian J. Arthur Rank enterprises,
paid a surprise visit to Ottawa.
He is on the road to recovery after a long
illness . . . Larry Ritza of the Ottawa valley
town of Renfrew made a booking trip to
Toronto film exchanges for the O'Brien theatres
at Arnprior. Almonte, Perth and Renfrew,
of which he is the supervisor. He is a
former director of the Motion Picture Theatres
Ass'n of Ontario.
A local visitor was Ray Vandenberg, onetime
manager of the Odeon unit at Gait,
Ont., now in another line of business at
Peterborough . . . The famous cat of the
Famous Players Capitol shared the limelight
with Thomas L. Thomas during his concert.
The cat made a personal appearance on the
stage to the delight of the audience and
the distraction of the artist. When she
catches a mouse, the feline persists in parading
the foyer and, on occasion, proudly
exhibits her kittens.
William Farah, who has reopened the
Strand in the south side after buying the
theatre, formerly was the operator of the
Alexander at Wallaceburg, Ont., which is now
leased to Canadian Odeon. He was also in
theatre business at Rouyn, Que. . . . Ernie
Warren, manager of the Elgin and supervisor
of local units of 20th Century, is busy in
off-periods with improvements to his summer
home in the Gatineau country 16 miles
from here.
Manager Gord Beavis of the Odeon traveled
to Montreal Sunday (7) to meet his wife
who was on her way home from Florida
where she spent a month for a complete rest.
The town of Maniwaki, some distance north
of Ottawa, will have its first theatre soon.
Contracts have been awarded by M. Therien
for its
construction.
The Canadian short subjects of 1949, for
which awards were presented under the
auspices of the Canadian Ass'n on Adult
Education at the Elgin, will be screened as
a group before an invitational audience May
21 at the International Cinema, Toronto.
Honors were handed out by Louis St. Laurent,
prime minister of Canada.
Outdoor Theatre Plans
Dropped in Edmonton
EDMONTON—The city recreation commission
here recently disapproved a proposal to
build a temporary outdoor theatre in the
Mill Creek subdivision. The proposal came
from A. C. Patterson, park superintendent,
but the commission decided that because the
proposition was for a temporary layout, it
should be rejected. It was agreed there was
a need for an outdoor theatre in the district.
The Mill Creek area, one of the city's older
districts, recently has been the site of much
construction, with new housing developments
filling in almost all vacant sections.
To Build at Vegreville
VEGREVILLE, ALTA.—Construction of a
600-seat theatre will be started here soon by
Roy Lisogar, who for several years has toured
Canada with his circus. The new house will
own as the Lisogar Theatre.
Canadian TV Needs Cited
By Marconi Executive
MONTREALi—To cover Canada with television
would require 50 transmitting stations
and 7,000 miles of wiring for relays, S. M.
Finlayson, general manager of the Canadian
Marconi Co., told the Canadian Railway club
here. He contrasted this with Britain, where
the one BBC station in London had a potential
audience of 12 million people, and a
second station being built in Birmingham
would add an additional audience of six million.
Finlayson said Canadian government policy
had not jelled sufficiently yet to decide on
applications for television stations filed by
private companies in 1938, and that thought
was being given to a proposal that applicants
merge on a regional basis to prevent
overlapping. To equip a station in Montreal,
he said, would cost one-half million dollars
in addition to the cost of the building, and
programming also would cost one-half million
dollars annually.
The government should establish programproducing
centers in Montreal and Toronto,
allow private stations to operate in the two
cities and subsidize others in Halifax, Winnipeg,
Ottawa and Vancouver, Finlayson said.
He emphasized that a private operation would
serve the nation as a whole most effectively.
ST.
JOHN
.
Phe craze for city amusement taxes has
spread to Newfoundland province and a
number of the towns and villages have recently
imposed levies on theatre admissions
and other entertainments. The town and
village councils have claimed they are in
need of much more revenue and all have
consistently rejected pleas for reduced expenditures
. . During the recent school holiday
period, a number of maritime exhibitors
held morning matinees, not only on Saturdays
but also on other days. In some instances,
the films were picked from the Children's
Film Library. At the Paramount,
Halifax, a committee from local women's organizations
was called in to make the choices.
Gwen Gordon, Halifax, winner of the "Cinderella"
contest held in conjunction with the
film showing at the Casino, was one of four
runnersup in the all-Canadian "Cinderella"
contest held at Toronto. Miss Gordon Is 18
... A recent entry into the 16mm sound film
field is C. E. McCormack of St. John. He reports
prices are from $6 a night, with a
weekly charge as low as $10. He also rents
and repairs projection and sound equipment
and furnishes projectionists.
As a reaction from several consecutive
nights of sleepless vigil over his little son
Neil, Mitchell Franklin was hit with the flu
and was in bed for about a week. Neil had
been ailing with throat trouble and the flu
for about two weeks.
Foreign language films have fallen short
of boxoffice estimates in the maritimes. In
this category are "St. Francis of Assisi,"
"Shoe-Shine," "The Iron Crown" and
"Paisan." Business was considerably better
in Halifax than here.
In behalf of "Three Came Home" at the
Strand, Manager Gerry Tipper reproduced a
letter strongly commending the film.
TORONTO
Hrch H. Jolley, executive secretary of the
Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario,
has been invited by Matt Park of Calgary
to the annual meeting of the Alberta
Theatres Ass'n, June 11, 12, at Banff Springs
in the heart of the Canadian Rockies . . .
Rumors persist that Charlie Mavety was
married recently. He is president of the
Mavety Film Delivery Service and is famed
as the owner of the Circle M. dude ranch
at Kleinburg.
H. C. D. Main, proprietor of a group of
independent rural theatres in Ontario, has
arranged for extensive improvements to his
Roxy at Grimsby, which has a capacity of
352. An air conditioning system will be installed.
Main is the past president of the
Ontario Theatres Ass'n . . . LeRoy Chown,
Calgary theatre veteran who is well known
here, has written that he has returned to
duties after breaking a leg a couple of months
ago. He is secretary-treasurer of the Alberta
Theatres Ass'n.
Jack Chisholm, first assistant chief barker
of the Toronto Variety Tent, and William
Summerville jr. were in high spirits when
they returned from the International Variety
convention at New Orleans after sharing
the Great Heart award with Miami for
accomplishments during the past year. In
the Toronto case it was the opening of the
Variety Village school for crippled boys, a
$300,000 project.
The latest member for the Motion Picture
Theatres Ass'n of Ontario is Nick Linkwich,
owner of the Broadway at Schreiber in
north Ontario. It seats 303 . . . Clare Appel,
eastern division manager of Canadian Odeon,
has completed a tour of inspection of theatres
in a number of western Ontario cities.
Manager Fred Trebilcock of Shea's, big
downtown unit of Famous Players, is enthused
over the booking of Opportunity
Knocks, a Canadian radio network program,
for each Monday night on the theatre stage.
For months this show was presented in a
Montreal theatre . . . Albert Iscove, veteran
filmite, has been appointed special representative
at the Canadian Paramount head
office in Toronto by Gordon Lightstone,
general manager.
General Manager Haskell Masters of Warner
Bros, and L. M. Devaney of RKO have
returned from business trips to British Columbia.
Ben Okun, head of Biltmore Theatres, Toronto,
neither confirms nor denies the rumor
that he plans to erect a theatre at Hamilton.
He recently opened the new Biltmore at
Kitchener and another at Sault Ste. Marie.
Other Biltmores are in Toronto, New Toronto,
Oshawa and Kingston ... A Toronto trade
visitor was Wilfred LaRose, manager of the
Hollywood at Niagara Falls, Ont., which is
to undergo substantial improvements following
its purchase by K. Bohajski from 20th
Century Theatres. It has a capacity of 771.
R. A. Gaskin, formerly of St. Thomas, Ont..
has been appointed censor of theatre advertising
for the Ontario censor board following
the death of Lockie Elliott, who had been
on the staff 12 years.
:n BOXOFFICE :
: May
13, 1950

. . ,
1 BOXOFFIGE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
1 SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
ABOUT
PICTURES
Just os the Barometer page shows first run reports on current pictures, this
department is devoted for the most part to reports on subsequent runs, made
by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new, two stars means the
exhibitor has been writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor
is a regular of one year or more. All exhibitors welcome. Blue Ribbon
pictures are marked thus V.
COLUMBIA
Blondie Hits the Jackpot (Col)—Penny Singleton,
Arthur Lake, Larry Simms. I showed
this with several shorts for a 4-H club benefit.
The kids and many adults thought it
was swell. The club cleared $25 and so did
I. That's plenty for one day. Played Thursday.—Frank
Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka,
Mont. Small town patronage. • * •
Knock on Any Door (Col)—Humphrey Bogart,
John Derek, Susan Perry. Personally,
I liked this very much, and Bogart's performance
was outstanding, but business was
below average and it was not too well liked
by those who saw it. Played Mon., Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Pine.—H. J. McPall, Russell
and Roblin Theatres, Russell, Man. Small
town and rural patronage. • • •
Mr. Soft Touch (Col)—Glenn Ford, Evelyn
Keyes, John Ireland. This is too old and
too much rough stuff kept the patrons away
from this one, and we lost our playdate and
money besides. It is just another mistake
a hired film buyer made. Played Tues.,
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Mayme P.
Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas.
Small town patronage.
• • •
Six- Gun Law (Col)—Charles Starrett,
Smiley Burnette, Nancy Saunders. Lots of
schooling and lots of customers, so give us
lots more of these. Played Saturday. Weather:
Rain.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ont. Small town patronage.
Sons of New Mexico (Col)—Gene Autry,
Gail Davis, Dickie Jones. People were not
pleased after seeing this one. I will have to
say that I personally thought that this was
the worst Gene Autry picture to come out
of Autry Productions. Played Thurs., Fri.
Weather: Excellent.—Howard C. Bayer, Iowa
Theatre, Schleswig, Iowa. Farming patronage.
• •
Traveling Saleswoman, The (Col) — Joan
Davis, Andy Devine, Adele Jergens. This is a
very good comedy which wound up out west
with Indians and everything, to the delight of
the kids. Business was above average and it
showed a profit. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Dewey
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
* * •
You Can't Take It With You (Col)—Jean
Arthur, James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore.
This is just as entertaining as when released
in 1938, but the sound was a bit ragged. It
pleased a nice crowd. The power failed in
the middle of the show, with the house filled.
My own power plant saved the day.—Frank
Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small
town patronage.
• * •
EAGLE LION
Adventures of Gallant Bess (EL)—Cameron
Mitchell, Audrey Long, Fuzzy Knight. We
played this "hoss" epic midweek and did a
little above average midweek business. Our
folks seemed to like ft and we had good
comments. It might have done better on
Sunday. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.
—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn,
Mo. Small town and rural patronage. * * *
Paradine Case, The (EL)—Gregory Peck,
Valli, Ann Todd. It is certainly what our
patrons don't want. They would call up to
find when it went off so they could see the
other picture. I doubled it with "The Fighting
Seabees," which has surely played out
in this town, though as you know, a splendid
picture. I liked "The Paradine Case," personally,
but certainly would not recommend
A Tip on How to Use the Review Digest
FATHER IS A BACHELOR (Col)—
William Holden, Coleen Gray—and five
wonderful kids. What a natural family
picture this sleeper turned out to be! We
had better comments on this one than
on any picture in the past six months.
Exhibitors who can sell their patrons on
coming to see this one will get a wonderful
feeling when standing at the door
and hearing the many good comments
as the patrons leave. The reviewers must
have had holes in their heads when they
gave this one the" four-plus, five-minus
rating. By selling this one as good wholesome
family entertainment one can't go
wrong. Our only trouble was by playing
the picture too early. Word-of-mouth
will surely help this one. Played Sun.
through Wed.—Bob Shirley, Mesa Theatre,
Costa Mesa, Calif. Small town and
subsequent run patronage. *
EDITOR'S NOTE:—Mr. Shirley's comment
about the four-plus, five-minus
rating for "Father Is a Bachelor" indicates
the REVIEW DIGEST is not always
utilized to the best advantage by
some exhibitors. The seven publications
whose reports are used see pictures from
different angles. Some are thinking of
mass metropolitan tastes first, and Parents'
Magazine of the family first. It Is
obvious they will not give the same values
to all pictures. The total plus-and-minus
result is Important only after studying
reviews and making comparisons. BOX-
OFFICE reviews are intended to help
exhibitors know what type of patronage
the films will please, as well as give an
estimate of the productional values of
various types of films. See how close we
came to Shirley's own appraisal:
The review of this picture in BOX-
OFFICE for March 4 had this to say:
"Seldom do you find so many elements
of wholesome entertainment blended into
a low-budget picture with this degree of
charm . . . for family fare it is a natural,
while it has special interest for the
small town and neighborhood houses . . .
This should be a word-of-mouth sleeper
that will build even higher boxofflce
scores after it gets out of the first run
houses."
'Father Is a Bachelor'
Gets More High Praise
H LEX PERKINS, manager of the Lyric
Theatre, LeCenter, Minn., writes his
indignation and we call his attention to
the answer to Bob Shirley on this same
page:
"This is my first attempt at writing
to BOXOFICE. I can't help saying that
'Father Is a Bachelor' should be rated 14-
plus. This is the first time in months
that my theatre really had people that
were happy—and they told me so on
leaving. One after another said on leaving,
That was a very good show.' Also,
the boxoffice proved it. It was the be
Sunday I had had in months. If that
the kind of show Review Digest rates
4-plus, 5-minus, then I am crazy. It's
what the small town is crying for. William
Holden really showed good acting.
Keep it up, Bill—that's what the poor exhibitor
wants. We don't have to wor
about the wolf if you keep on giving
acting like this."
it since my boxoffice was the lowest in a
year for the Wed.-Thurs. change. Weather:
Clear and cold.—Melvin M. Edel, State Theatre,
Centralia, 111. Grindhouse patronage. •
Sundowners, The (EL) — Robert Preston,
Robert Sterling, Chill Wills. This is
savage and exciting, with Robert Preston
supplying the comedy relief. A wonderful Job
of acting by both boys—and Barrymore jr.,
too. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair and
warm.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre,
Holliday, Tex. Oil field patronage.
FILM CLASSICS
Stormy (FO—Reissue, Noah Beery jr.
This
is an oldie from Film Classics that failed to
do any business even though it was a horse
show. The advertising and trailer are excellent,
but the show is quite old. The kids will
eat it up, for it is "horse" all the way. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Rain.—Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small town
patronage.
LIPPERT PRODUCTIONS
Dalton Gang, The (LP)—Don Barry, Robert
Lowery, James Millican. What other
company can compare with this one when it
comes to the number of features released
that are playable at a small town theatre?
This is a good western and a strong cofeature
brought in good attendance. Played
Fri., Eat. Weather: Good.—Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Ambush (MGM)—Robert Taylor, John
Hodiak, Arlene Dahl. Many of my patrons
said, "This is better than 'Red River'"—
and, brother, that's a comment hard to beatl
"Ambush" is good but very few of my patrons
knew it, because our American Legion
was putting on a show at the school. They
used local talent and had one outside person
to put on the farce. It wound up by our
American Legion Post getting 10 per cent of
the take. I was sucker enough to give a fivedollar
ad, and contribute in various other
ways. I think exhibitors would be smart if
things of this nature were investigated before
we chip in.—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre, St.
Stephen, S. C.
age.
Small town and farm patron-
• • •
(MGM)—Van Johnson, John
Battleground
Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban. We thought it
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 13, 1950

was the second best war picture to come
out of World War n, but with the heavy film
rental, the extra advertising, and all of the
extra effort we went to with this picture, we
should have left it right in MGM's vault,
as we really worked for MGM on this picture.
Played Thurs., Pri., Sat. Weather: Excellent.
—Howard C. Bayer, Iowa Theatre, Schleswig,,
Iowa. Farming patronage. * *
(MGM)—Van Johnson, John
Battleground
Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban. After this one
there are hew stars twinkling brightly in
the Metro celestial field. For my money,
James Whitmore turns in one of the finest
performances I've seen in many a moon and
should be well on his way to stardom. He
steals the show from a cast that shines with
greatness. I didn't set any house record. In
fact, I did much less than with "Gone With
the Wind" on its second round—yet it's great.
Only one woman said she liked it, but the
men ate it up. It comes the closest to being
the real McCoy of any war picture I've played.
Be careful how you buy this one, though, for
a small situation. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Windy.—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre,
Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. •*•
Doctor and the Girl, The (MGM)—Glenn
Ford, Janet Leigh, Charles Coburn. This is
a good show that ran into bad weather. Had
a poor crowd Saturday night but drew capacity
on Sunday and did a nice business
on Monday night, with a blizzard raging outside!
When a show will do this, it must be
okay. Word-of-mouth advertising gets around
fast in these small towns, and that's what
counts. Don't be afraid of this one. It's a
fine show with some elever comedy situations.—H.
M. Swam, Maynard Theatre, Maynard,
Minn. Small town
•
patronage.
Key to the City (MGM)—Clark Gable,
Loretta Young, Marilyn Maxwell. What's
Gable got that I haven't got? Nothing—only
he can still sell what he used to have to
MGM. MGM can force me to buy that nothing,
but I can't sell it to my customers. Hell
be ready for social security about the same
time I am, only the government thinks I'm
working for myself when I'm working strictly
for MGM when I play a Gable. This is a
cut above the usual run of his recent product.
They still will have to put him out to pasture
or give him grandfather parts instead of
Romeo. He was born 12 miles from here, over
at Hopedale, but those that remember him
have failing eyesight. You guessed it—this
was a flop here.—S. W. Rawson, Best Theatre,
Scio, Ohio. Pottery workers, coal miners
and rural patronage. • • •
OOn the Town (MGM)—Frank Sinatra,
Gene Kelly, Betty Garrett. This is a musical
but a countywide revival hurt the attendance.—J.
C. Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray,
Ga. Small town patronage.
.
* • •
MONOGRAM
Bomba, the Jungle Boy (Mono)—Johnny
Sheffield, Peggy Ann Garner, Onslow Stevens.
This is a very entertaining picture and
its well worth your running time. I doubled
it with "Code of the Prairie," just the usual
western, to average business. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Clear and warm.—Melvin M. Edel,
State Theatre, Centralia, 111. Grindhouse patronage.
•
Stampede (Mono)—Rod Cameron, Gale
Storm, Don Castle. If you like 'em rough,
this is it. We played to an average Fri., Sat.
crowd but they were more than pleased and
voiced their approval. That's reward enough
for us. Weather: Fine.—Joe and Mildred
Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo. Small town
and rural patronage. • • *
PARAMOUNT
Captain China (Para)—John Wayne, Gail
Russell, Lon Chaney. Once in two years
some fine sea action comes out of Hollywood
and this one is such. This has a capable
cast with some fine sea shots and a sprinkle
of comedy, so this celluloid should find welcome
patronage anywhere. We didn't have
one complaint on this picture or its partner,
"Montana" (WB). One swell pair! Played
Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather.
Damp and cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre,
Wichita, Kas. Downtown subsequent run patronage.
• • •
El Paso (Para) — Gabby Hayes, John
Wayne, Gail Russell. This is a nice western
from Paramount and it did a nice business.
In fact, business was about double our normal
take. The kids and the farmers love a big
outdoor picture like this, and who doesn't?
I was late in playing this but it didn't seem
to make any difference.—H. M. Swam, Maynard
Theatre, Maynard, Minn. Small town
patronage. *
Is Putting on Overalls
To Help Remodeling
JJ
J. McFALL of the Lyric Theatre,
Russell, Man., and a frequent contributor
to these pages sends the following
news about his activities:
"These will be the last reports I win
be sending in for a few months, as I
have taken over the operation of the
theatre at Roblin as well as the one here
at Russell, and in my recently acquired
house I have a large scale remodeling
job to be done with a minimum of finances.
Therefore I will have to put on
the overalls and go to work myself, and
along with the management of two
houses, I will have no further time to
contribute to this column.
"t wish to say that this is by far the
best guide for any small town exhibitor,
for I have found that when you average
the reports in this column and book accordingly,
you are never very far wrong.
Any exhibitor who does not do bis part
in reporting to this department, I would
venture to say does not take his business
very sincerely or is not too interested in
it.
"I wish to thank BOXOFFICE and all
contributors for their help through this
column. You can be assured as soon as
I am able to take out time later in the
year I will be back with recent reports
on pictures."
Great Lover, The (Para)—Bob Hope, Rhonda
Fleming, Roland Young. This is just a
fair picture and business was below average.
Played Sat., Sun., Mon. Weather: Clear and
cool.—O. Fomby, Paula Theatre, Homer, La.
Small town patronage. • *
Sorry, Wrong Number (Para) — Barbara
Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Ann Richards.
This is a picture of much merit and is very
entertaining of its type. Comments were alt
good. Of course it is a little too gruesome
for some of the trade. Doubled with "The
Girl From Manhattan" (UA) to barely average
business. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather.
Clear and warm.—Melvin M. Edel, State Theatre,
Centralia, 111. Grindhouse patronage. •
Special Agent (Para)—William Eythe, Laura
Elliot, George Reeves. This is a documentary
told by Pine and Thomas. It is a belowaverage
programmer that can be used on a
double bill. We lost money on the deal as
there is no star power or word-of-mouth
Saw Picture Elsewhere,
Advertised for Him
XJERE'S a little different twist to the
usual complaint from exhibitors that
the picture had been seen elsewhere before
showing in their theatres:
PALEFACE, THE (Para)—Bob Hope,
Jane Russell, Robert Armstrong. A few
of our people had seen this picture elsewhere
and advertised it for us. The result
—big business, and some came to see it
twice. Let's have more like it. It has
beautiful Technicolor, which helps a lot,
as a lot' of people always go just for the
color part.—H. M. Swam, Maynard Theatre,
Maynard, Minn. Small town patronage.
advertising, so we don't recommend it. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Spring blow and
wet.—Ken Christianson, Roxy Theatre, Washburn,
N. D. Small town patronage. • *
RKO RADIO
Arizona Ranger (RKO)—Tim Holt, Jack
Holt, Nan Leslie. Tim and Jack Holt make
a good team and deserve bigger pictures.
This one is good and a little above the average
shoot-em-up. Heavy rain caused business
to slump but for your western crowd, this
is okay. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Rain
falling, next day fair.—Joe and Mildred Faith,
Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo. Small town and
rural patronage. • • •
Qlchabod and Mr. Toad (RKO)—Disney
feature cartoon with narration by Bing Crosby
and Basil Rathbone. This is not up to
par in respect to Disney's usual standard. I
had very few present and many walkouts,
especially with the Mr. Toad parts. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Fine, but they just
stayed away.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre,
Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. • • •
Mighty Joe Young (RKO)—Terry Moore,
Ben Johnson, Robert Armstrong. After this
flicker's terrific first run success here in
Wichita, I decided to hold it four months
later than my availability, and hoped that
there would be a few who would see it the
second time—since I think everyone in town
saw it first run. Yep, a few came—only they
were seeing it for the sixth or seventh time.
It wasn't a bad flicker—different, I must
say. Doubled with "Stagecoach Kid" (RKO).
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Clear, windy and
hot.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita,
Kas. Downtown subsequent run patronage.
* • •
Roughshod (RKO)—Robert Sterling, Gloria
Grahame, Claude Jarmah jr. The general
comment on this was good. In my own
opinion, with anybody but Gloria Grahame,
it would have been great. The story was
good—so were Sterling and young Jarman.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Windy.—Mrs. Pat
Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil
field patronage.
• • •
(RKO)—John
She Wore a YeUow Ribbon
Wayne, Joanne Dru, John Agar. I liked it,
but that doesn't pay the grocery bill. The
attendance was off and the second night it
was practically nil. Who knows? Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Sand.—Mrs. Pat Murphy,
Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil field
patronage. * * *
REPUBLIC
Marshal of Laredo (Rep)—"Wild Bill" Elliott.
This is a good action picture, as usual
but I couldn't get any crowd inside. I had
(Continued on page 4)
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 13, 1950

Exhibitor Has His Say
(Continued from page 3)
a poor co-feature, and besides, miners are
only working two or three days a week and
the farmers are planting. Played Fri., Sat.
Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W.
Va. Rural patronage. * * *
Scatterbrain (Rep)—Reissue. Judy Canova,
Alan Mowbray, Ruth Donnelly. They came,
they saw, they thought it was lots of fun.
Judy always entertains. Some folks call it
corny. Well, let 'em, and let 'em stay home.
I didn't miss them at all. Played Tues., Wed.
—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka,
Mont. Small town patronage. * • *
20th CENTURY-FOX
Fury at Furnace Creek (20th-Fox)—Victor
Mature, Coleen Gray, Glenn Langan. Have
you got a Fox problem picture? (Yes, they
make them). Well, trade for "Fury" and you
can satisfy your action fans, western fans,
and please the majority. Many said it was
better than "Fort Apache." It outgrossed
"When My Baby Smiles at Me" here. Business
was normal. Played Tues., Wed. Weather:
Warm, with spring mud.—Ken Christianson,
Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D. Small town
patronage. * *
WI Was a Male War Bride (20th-Fox)—
Cary Grant, Ann Sheridan, Marion Marshall.
Here is a comedy that will please everyone
men, women and children. People were still
laughing ten minutes after the film was
through. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.
—Howard C. Bayer, Iowa Theatre, Schleswig,
Iowa. Farming patronage. • •
01 Was a Male War Bride (20th-Fox)—
Cary Grant, Ann Sheridan, Marion Marshall.
This was the best comedy we have played for
two years. Although we played it late, it
grossed better than the newer pictures. Played
Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Fair and cool.
Bert J. Lewis & Sons, Peerless Theatre, Holyoke,
Colo. Small town patronage. * *
Stormy Weather (20th-Fox)—Reissue. Bill
Robinson, Lena Home. This is a fine picture.
It is the best, by far, all-Negro film
I have ever played for theatres with a good
Negro trade. Play it up big—you won't be
sorry. Played Tuesday. Weather: Good.
W. S. Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephen, S. C.
Small town' and farm patronage. * * *
When Willie Comes Marching Home (20th-
Fox)—Dan Dailey, Corinne Calvet, Colleen
Townsend. We didn't have a chance on this
excellent picture because dust blew for two
days and we could hardly get to town to
open up for Sunday matinee and night. We
could have done business—a lot of business
—with a decent break in the weather. Buy
it, some way, and give your patrons a treat.
Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather. Awful.
Mayne P. Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln,
Kas. Small town patronage. * * *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
South Sea Sinner (U-I)—Macdonald Carey,
Shelley Winters, Helena Carter. This seemed
to satisfy all who came to see Shelley. The
story was pretty good although not too many
thought it ended right. The only reason I
did average business on this was probably
because it was first run downtown, but had
played all around me in three drive-ins, which
cut on my boxoffice take considerably. Doubled
with an okay programmer, "Streets of
San Francisco" (Rep). Played Sat., Sun., Mon.
Weather : Windy and hot.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy
Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Downtown subsequent
run patronage.
• • •
WARNER BROS.
Chain Lightning (WB)—Humphrey Bogart,
Eleanor Parker, Raymond Massey. Bogart
is not the screen figure that he was in former
years. This feature did a fair business and
was well liked by the Dick Tracy followers.
Played Wed. through Sat. Weather: Good.
—M. W. Mattecheck, Mack Theatre, McMinnville,
Ore. City and country patronage. * * *
Girl From Jones Beach, The (WB)—Ronald
Reagan, Virginia Mayo, Eddie Bracken.
We enjoyed this picture after being to New
York last year with Rotary and hearing all
about the famous Jones Beach. The story
was a search for a perfect model and romance.
All this happened at Jones Beach. Well,
everybody liked it that saw it, in spite of
the mud (and, believe me, we have never
had mud like it). They just don't get in
from the country—it is the worst in years.
Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Cool.—Harland
Rankin, Rankin Enterprises, Chatham, Ont.
General patronage. * * *
Hasty Heart, The (WB)—Ronald Reagan,
Patricia Neal, Richard Todd. This is a fine
picture, well done. Richard Todd was perfect—in
fact, the whole cast was good. I
don't know why business was off, but it was
down at least a third.—O. Fomby, Paula
Theatre, Homer, La. Small town patronage.
• * *
It's a Great Feeling (WB)—Dennis Morgan,
Jack Carson, Doris Day. Wonders will
never cease—we finally, after six months,
made a profit on a Warner Bros, picture!
These are usually held back as long as possible
and this one was no exception. Sometimes
if it was the best picture to come out
of Hollywood, we would still lose on it. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Sun., fog, Mon., rain.
—Howard C. Bayer, Iowa Theatre, Schleswig,
Iowa. Farming patronage. * *
John Loves Mary (WB)—Ronald Reagan,
Jack Carson, Wayne Morris. Laughs come
'Cinderella' First Show
For Many— All Pleased
^CINDERELLA (RKO)—Disney feature
cartoon. This is magnificent, far and
above Disney's best and a great tribute
to his artist-technicians. Individual
opinion will decide whether or not it is
better than "Snow White," but for almost-human
animation, "Cinderella" is
years ahead. The magic of Disney's pen
has progressed to a point where the
characters' lips form the words and they
even impart "acting" and "theatre" to
the motions of their stars. I consider the
voice of Cinderella one of the best I have
ever heard on any screen. She brought
all of mankind's virtues to a very believable
portrayal, and every syllable was
good "medicine" for the hundreds of
children who attended. Many dozens of
them were brought for their very first
picture shbw. I used the Disney cartoon,
"All in a Nutshell" and "Dog of the
Wild" (from the RKO Pal series) for a
perfect program for all ages.
Hollywood will "give us this day our
daily bread" if only they will make up
their minds that their interests—and
ours—are in theatres, not television, and
produce a continuous line of productions
as good as this. All we need to fear is
fear of the big guns—who cannot make
up their minds whom to sell short.
Arnold Skelly, Ohio Theatre, Xenia, Ohio.
Small town patronage. *
A Real Super-Western
Not One 'So-Called'
MONTANA (WB)—Errol Flynn, Alexis
Smith, S. Z. Sakall. After stuffing the
public to the ears with so-called superwesterns,
we were surprised to
find one
deserving of the title. Fine performances
by excellent stars and this is tailored to
measure for the boots-and-saddle fans,
with plenty of fast action in color. We
mixed the sophisticates and plowboys
into a satisfactory-sized audience that
gave forth verbal praise for the picture
and held strong for the second day.
They have to be good to take the sag out
of midweek nowadays. Played Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Clear and fair.—S. W.
Rawson, Best Theatre, Scio, Ohio. Pottery
workers, coal miners and rural patronage.
• * *
thick and fast. Reagan, Carson and Arnold
—and that slick new gal, Patricia Neal, gave
us a pleasant evening.—Frank Sabin, Majestic
Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage.
* * *
June Bride (WB)—Bette Davis, Robert
Montgomery, Fay Bainter. This is a good
comedy by Bette Davis and I have stayed
away from her pictures, because she doesn't
seem to go over so well here. But the exhibitors
have been calling it good. I found
it was recommended by EHHS. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Good.—Fred L. Murray,
Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. Small town
and rural patronage.
* * •
Lady Takes a Sailor, The (WB)—Jane Wyman,
Dennis Morgan, Eve Arden. This is a
very good comedy that was enjoyed by everyone.
Business was below average. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Okay.—D. W. Trisko,
Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining town
patronage. • * *
Lady Takes a Sailor, The (WB)—Jane Wyman,
Dennis Morgan, Eve Arden. This is
another real good, down-to-earth comedy.
Wyman is especially good in this role. I
was surprised. I couldn't imagine her being
funny. Played Mori., Tues. Weather: Good.
—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephen,
S. C. Small town and farm patronage. * * •
One Last Fling (WB)—Alexis Smith,
Douglas Kennedy. BOXOFFICE said this was
way below par, so I gave WB quite a time
canceling this from time to time. WB gave
me some good breaks so I played this and
pleased my small audience very much. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Good.—Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W- Va. Rural patronage.
* * *
One Sunday Afternoon (WB)—Dennis Morgan,
Janis Paige, Don DeFore. This is a
good Technicolor musical which did about
average business. There were some good
comments and no complaints. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Cold.—Fred L. Murray, Strand
Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. Small town and
rural patronage. * * *
MISCELLANEOUS
East Side Kids (SG)—Reissue. Dennis
Moore, Vince Barnett. Beware! This is too
old! The print Is very dark, brothers. Let
us warn each other when reissues of this
type are released. Business was below average.
The picture is good but you can't see
it plainly. Played Tues., Wed. Weather:
Good.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,
W. Va. Rural patronage. ' • •
BOXOFFICE BoolunGuido May 13, 1950

Alphabetical Picture Guide Index and REVIEW DIGES
1080 Abandoned (79) U-l .-.10-15-49
1061 Abbott 6 Costello Meet the Killer
tt
(84) U-l 8-13-49
1093 Adam and Evalyn (93) U-l 11-26-49
1088 Adam's Rib (102) MGM 11-5-49 + H
1143 Admiral Was a Lady, The (85) UA.. 5-13-50 ±
1033 Africa Screams (75) UA 5-7-49 + +
1042 Against the Wind (95) EL 6- 4-49
1055 Air Hostess (61) Col 7-23-49
1085 Alias the Champ (60) Rep 10-29-49 + ±
;i049 Alimony (72) EL 7- 2-49
1044 All Over the Town (88) U-l 6-11-49
1087 All the King's Men (109) Col 11- 5-49 44
44 tt
1042 Any Number Can Play (102) MGM.. 6- 4-49 + ft
1134 Annie Get Your Gun (107) MGM.. 4-15-50
1094 Always Leave Them Laughing
(116) WB 11-26-49 4+ tt
1108 Amazing Mr. Beecham, The (85) EL 1-14-50
Angels in Disguise (63) Mono
1101 Ambush (89) MGM 12-24-49
!l090 And
1054 Anna
Baby
Lucasta
Makes
(86)
Three
Col
(84)
7-16-49
Col. .. 11-12-49
+
+
+
+
1082 Apache
1046 Arctic
Chief
Fury
(60)
(61)
LP
RKO
10-22-49
6-18-49
1071 Arctic
1142 Arizona
Manhunt
Cowboy,
(69)
The
U-l
(67) Rep
9-17-49
5- 6-50
1037 Arson, Inc. (60) LP 5-21-49
1142 Asphalt Jungle, The (112) MGM 5- 6-50 ft- 44
1120 Astonished Heart, The (92) U-l.... 2-25-50
B
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
44
+
44
tt
+
+
+
I* Is
+
+ +
+
+
+
4+
+ tt
++
44
tt
+
iE I
5
± 6+3-
± 6+4-
4+3^
44 44 44 10+
++ 2+1-
+ - 6+1-
+ 4+3-
± 6+6-
+ - ± 5+3—
± 5+7-
+ ± 6+5-
44 13+
+
++
tt 44
± +
+
4+ +
+ ±
44
tt tt +
± 10+1-
+ 5+2-
± 8+2-
± 6+5-
± 2+3-
+ 9+3-
12+
+ 8+1-
± 3+3-
6+3-
± 5+6-
4+4—
± 5+3-
6+
± 9+3-
1110 Backfire (91) WB 1-21-50 + ± ± 44 + + ± 8+3-
1095 Bagdad (88) U-l 12-3-49 ± ± ± ± + ± ± 7+6-
1078 Bandit King of Texas (60) Rep 10-8-49 + ±l + ± ± 5+2—
1082 Bandits of El Dorado (56) Col 10-22-49 ± + 2+1-
1072 Barbary Pirate (65) Col 9-17-49 ± — ± — ± ± 4+6—
1028 Barkleys of Broadway, The (110)
MGM 4-16-49 4444 + 4444444413+
1117 Baron of Arizona, The (97) LP.... 2-18-50 + ± 44 - 4+2-
1123 Barricade (75) WB 3-11-50 + ± ± + - ± - 5+5-
1078 Battleground (118) MGM 10-8-49 44444444444444 14+
1040 Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend,
The (77) 20-Fox 5-28-49 + = *- + + + 5+4-
1133 Beauty on Parade (66) Col 4-15-50 + + + + 4+
1113 Belle of Old Mexico (70) Rep 2- 4-50 ± ± — ± ± — 4+6—
1109 Bells of Coronado (67) Rep 1-21-50 ± + + + + ± 6+2-
1131 Beware of Blondie (66) Col 4-8-50 it = + + + 4+3—
1082 Beyond the Forest (96) WB 10-22-49 + ±. + ± + ± ± 7+4—
1033 Big Cat, The (75) EL 5- 7-49 ± ± + + + + ± 7+3—
1126 Big Hangover, The (82) MGM 3-18-50 + ± + ± 44 ± 7+4-
1138 Big Lift, The (120) 20-Fox 4-22-50 44 + 44 + 4444+ 12+
1045 Big Steal, The (71) RKO 6-18-49 + ± + + + + ± 7+2-
1089 Big Wheel, The (92) UA 11-12-49 + ± + 44 + + ± 9+2-
1038 Black Book, The (formerly Reign
of Terror) (89) EL 5-21-49 + ± ± + + ± 6+3-
1110 Black Hand (92) MGM 1-21-50 + + + + + + +10+
1066 Black Magic (105) UA 8-27-49 +4 ± + + + ± ± 9+3-
Black Midnight (66) Mono ± ± ± ± ± 5+5—
1077 Black Shadows (62) EL 10- 8-49 ± — ± + 3+3—
1061 Blazing Trail, The (56) Col 8-13-49 ± + ± ± ± 5+4—
1052 Blind Goddess, The (88) U-l 7- 9-49 ± ± + ± * * 6+5-
U12 Blonde Bandit (60) Rep 1-28-50 + ± ± ± ± — ± 6+6—
Blonde Dynamite (66) Mono. ± — + — 2+3—
1080 Blondie Hits the Jackpot (66) Col... 10-15-49 ± ± — + ± — 4+5—
1125 Blondie's Hero (67) Col 3-18-50 ± ± + + 4+2-
11U Blue Grass of Kentucky (72) Mono... 1-28-50 + + + + + + *+
1060 Blue Laioon, The (105) U-l 8-6-49 + + + + + 6+
1115 Bodyhold (63) Col 2-11-50 + ± 2+1-
U07 Bomba on Panther Island (77) Mono. 1-14-50 + + + ± ± — 5+3-
1065 Border Incident (94) MGM 8-27-49 + + + + + + ± •+!—
1109 Borderline (88) U-l 1-21-50 44 ± ± + + ± 7+3—
1137 Boy From Indiana (66) EL 4-22-50 + ± ± ± ± 5+4-
1083 Bride for Sale (87) RKO 10-29-49 + ± + + + ± ± 7+3-
1064 Brimstone (90) Rep 8-20-49 + ± ±- + ± * ± 7+5—
1121 Buccaneer's Girl (77) U-l 3-4-50 + ± ± + + ± — 7+4—
c
1141 Caged (97) WB 5- 6-50 + + zt +
•
5+1-
1044 Calamity Jane and Sam Bass
(85) U-l 6-11-49 + ± ± + + + ± 7+3-
1010 Canterbury Tale, A (93) EL 2-12-49 + ± + + + ± 6+2-
1120 Captain Carey, U.S.A. (83) Para... 2-25-50
1088 Captain China (98) Para 11- 5-49
1139 Captive Girl (74) Col 4-29-50
1132 Capture (91) RKO 4- 8-50
1131 Cargo to Capetown (80) Col 4- 8-50
1113 Chain Lightning (94) WB 2- 4-50
1084 Challenge to Lassie (76) MGM 10-29-49
1116 Champagne for Caesar (99) UA 2-11-50
1019 Champion (99) U 3-19-49
1130 Cheaper by the Dozen (86) 20-Fox.. 4- 1-50
1067 Chicago Deadline (87) Para. 9- 3-49
1099 Chinatown at Midnight (67) Col.. .12-17-49
1079 Christopher Columbus (104) U-l. . ..10-15-49
1102 Cinderella (75) RKO 12-24-49
1015 City Across the River (91) U-l 3- 5-49
1130 City Lights (85) UA 4- 1-50
1032C-Man (75) FC 4-30-49
1146 Code of the Silver Sage (60) Rep... 5-13-50
1038 Colorado Territory (94) WB 5-21-49
1141 Colt .45 (76) WB 5- 6-50
1134 Comanche Territory (76) U-l 4-15-50
1047 Come to the Stable (94) 20-Fox.... 6-25-49
1146 Congolaise (68) FC 5-13-50
1116 Conspirator (87) MGM 2-11-50
943 Corridor of Mirrors (96) U-l 6-19-49
3,099 Cowboy and the Indians (70) Col. .. 12-17-49
1109 Cowboy and the Prizefighter (59) EL 1-21-50
1143 Cow Town (70) Col 5-13-50
1043 Crime Doctor's Diary (61) Col 6-11-49
1118 Cry Murder (63) FC 2-18-50
1139 Customs Agent (72) Col 4-29-50
1111 Dakota Lil (88) 20-Fox 1-28-50
Dalton Gang, The (58) LP
1133 Damned Don't Cry, The (103) WB.. 4-15-50
1089 Dancing in the Dark (92) 20-Fox. .11-12-49
1081 Dangerous Profession, A (79) RKO. .10-22-49
1059 Daring Caballero, The (61) UA.... 8- 6-49
1000 Dark Past (75) Col 1- 1-49
1130 Daughter of Rosie O'Grady (104) WB 4- 1-50
1108 Davy Crockett. Indian Scout (71) UA 1-14-50
1057 Daybreak (81) U-l 7-30-49
1090 Dear Wife (98) Para 11-12-49
1079 Deputy Marshal (72) LP 10-15-49
1144 Devil's Doorway (85) MGM 5-13-50
1069 Devil's Henchmen. The (69) Col 9-10-49
1104 D.O.A. (83) UA 12-31-49
1070 Doctor and the Girl, The (98) MGM 9-10-49
1007 Don't Take It to Heart (90) EL. . 1-29-49
1043 Doolins of Oklahoma, The (90) Col. 6-11-49
1074 Down Dakota Way (67) Rep 9-24-49
1073 Down Memory Lane (72) EL 9-24-49
1127 Dynamite Pass (60) RKO 3-25-50
E
1115 Eagle and the Hawk, The (103) Para. 2-11-50
1101 East Side, West Side (108) MGM .
.12-24-49
1062 Easy Living (77) RKO 8-13-49
1017 Easy Money (94) EL 3-12-49
1031 Edward, My Son (112) MGM 4-30-49
1068 Everybody Dots It (98) 20-Fox.... 9- 3-49
1138 Everybody's Dancin' (65) LP 4-22-50
F
1080 Fallen Idol. The (94) SRO 10-15-49 +4
1026 Fan, The (79) 20-Fox 4- 9-49 +
1122 Father Is a Bachelor (84) Col 3- 4-50 +
1144 Father of the Bride (92) MGM 5-13-50 44
1064 FaUar Was a Fullback (84) 20-Fox 8-20-49 +
1128F«dval Agent at Large (60) Rep... 3-25-50 +
Feudin' Rhythm (66) Col
1071 Fighting Kmtuckian, The (100) Rep. 9-17-49 ±
1079 Fighting Man tf the Plains (94)
20-Fox 10-15-49 +
1077 Fighting Radkaad, The (60) EL.... 10- 8-49 +
Fighting Stallion (62) EL
107S Flame *f Youth (60) Rap 10-8-49 —
1053Flamim Fury (60) Rap 7-16-49 +
1109 Flying Saucer, The (65) FC 1-21-50 -
1051 Follow Me Quietly (59) RKO 7- 9-49 +
1145 Forbidden Jungle (66) EL 5-13-50 =fc
1034 Forbidden Street, The (91) 20-Fox.. 5- 7-49 +
o
X
3
H
An interpretative analysis oi opinions deducted from the language of lay
and tradepress reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an
ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : May 13, 1950

44 Very Good' + Good; — Fair; — Poor? = Vary Poor. In the summary If is rated as 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses.
JD
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1

44 Very Good- + Good; =*= Fodn — Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary 44 is rated as 2 pluses. = as 2 minuses.
r Pinky (102) 20-Fox 19- 8-49
r Pioneer M arshal (60) Rep 1-14-50
I Pirates of Capri, The (94) FC. .. .12-10-49
I Place of One's Own, A (94) EL 2-26-49
I Please Believe Me (87) MGM 3-11-50
( Port of New York (79) EL 12- 3-49
(Portrait of Jennie (90) EL 1-1-49
L Post Office Investigator (60) Rep... 9-17-49
[Prairie. The (65) LP 10-29-49
I Prejudice (58) MPSC 3-12-49
! Prince of Foxes (107) 20-Fox 8-27-49
! Prince of Peace (formerly The Lawton Story)
(111) Hallmark 4- 9-49
r Prison Warden (62) Col 12-10-49
I Project X (60) FC 11-19-49
q
ltl Quicksand (79) UA.
in
1
i
LP.
if
+
+ ±
Range Justice (57) Mono. at
Range Land (56) Mono
Ranger of Cherokee Strip (60) Rep. .. 11-12-49 +
135 Rapture (79) FC 4-15-50 at at
< 914 Reckless Moment, The (82) Col 10-29-49 + at
973
LU
9*
983
941
106 Riding High (112) Para 1-7-50 44 4+
)55 Rim of the Canyon (70) Col 7-23-49 at
956 Ringside (62) LP 7-23-49 4- at
142
L42 Rock Island Trail (90) Rep 5-6-50 -f- +
;so Rope of Sand (105) Para. 7- 2-49 + at
'57 Roughshod (88) RKO 5-21-49 + at
in Rugged O'Riordans. The (76) U-l. .12-17-49 at at
135 Run for Your Money. A (83) U-l... 4-15-50 at at
'22
194
Radar Secret Service (59)
Red Danube, The (119) MGM 9-24-49 + at
Red Desert (60) LP 12-31-49 ±
Rid, Hot and Blue (84) Para.. .. 6-25-49 at +
Red Light (84) UA 8-20-49 + at
Red Menace. The (87) Rep 6- 4-49 + +
Red Shoes, The (134) EL 10-23-48 + ++
Reformer and the Redhead, The
(90) MGM 3-11-50 + at
Renegades of the Sage (56) Col 1-21.50 at
Riders in the Sky (70) Col 12-3-49 at
Riders of the Dusk (57) Mono
Riders of the Range (60) RKO 10-29-49 +
Rlders of the Whistling Pines
(70) Col 6- 4-49 +
Rocketship XM (78) LP 5-6-50 + ±
Roseanna McCoy (89) RKO 8-20-49
-f- at
Rustlers (61) RKO 3-26-49 +
Rusty's Birthday (60) Col 11-26-49 at +
00 Salt to the Devil (Reviewed as
S
Give Us This Day) (120) EL .... 12-17-49 at
«4 Samson and Delilah (130) Para. 10-29-49 44
79 San Antone Ambush (60) Rep 10-15-49 +
+
31 Sand (77) 20-Fox 4-30-49
02 Sands of Iwo Jima (109) Rep 12-24-49
29 Saraband (95) EL 4-23-49
'29Sa/umba (64) EL 4- 1-50
91 Satan's Cradle (60) UA 11-19-49 +
57 Savage Splendor (60) RKO 7-30-49
48 Scene of the Crime (94) MGM.... 6-25-49 40 Secret Fury, The (85) RKO 4-29-50 +
32 Secret Garden, The (92) MGM...
4-30-49 +
7- 2-49 +
.49 Secret of St. Ives. The (76) Col..
27 Shadow on the Wall (84) MGM... 3-25-50 at
35 Shamrock Hill (71) EL 5-14-49 at
57 She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (103) RKO 7-30-49 +
)3 Side Street (83) MGM 12-31-49 at
;41 Sierra (83) U-l 5- 6-50
M Silent Dust (82) Mono 11-26-49
;Z6 Singing Guns (91) Rep 3-18-50 +
W Skipper Surprised His Wife, The (86)
MGM 5-13-50 -
99 Sky Liner (60) LP 8-6-49 +
59 Battery's Hurricane (83) 20-Fox 8- 6-49 +
»-A Sleeping Car to Trieste (95) EL. 4- 2-49 +
»4 Snowbound (85) U-l 3-26-49
f| Song of Surrender (93) Para. 9-17-49
10 Sons of New Mexico
; (71) Col 1-21-50
'17 Sorrowful Jones (88) Para. 4-16-49
a South of Death Valley (54) Col 8-13-49
2 South of Rio (60) Reo 8-13-49
T? Sooth Sea Sirner (88) U-l 1-14-50
12 Special Agent (70) Para 4-30-49
'6 Spring in Park Lane (91) 10- 1-49
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K Stagecoach Kid. The (60) RKO 6-18-49 — at
2 Stage Fright (110) WB 3-4-50 + ± +
14 Stallion Canyon (72) Astor 6-11-49 + at at
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1117 Storm Over Wyoming (60) RKO 2-18-50 at
1092 Story of Molly X, The (82) U-l 11-19-49 + ±
1083 Story of Seahlscuit, The (93) WB.. 10-29-49 + at
1075 Strange Bargain (68) RKO 10-1-49 + at
1034Stratton Story, The (106) MGM 5- 7-49 ++ +f
1010 Streets of Laredo (92) Para. 2-12-49 + at
1119 Stromboli (81) RKO ...2-25-50 at —
1108 Sundowners, The (83) EL 1-14-50 +f at
1137 Sunset Boulevard (115) Col 4-22-50 +f +
1068 Sword in the Desert (100) U-l 9- 3-49 ff +
1041 Take One False Step (94) U-l 6- 4^9 + at
1019 Tale of the Navajo. (53) MGM.... 3-19-49 at at
1126 Tarnished (60) Rep 3-13-50 + ±
1127 Tarzan and the Slave Girl (74) RKO 3-25-50 at at
1068 Task Force (116) WB 9- 3-49 4+ +
1116 Tattooed Stranger, The (64) RKO.. 2-11-50 + at
1092 Tell It to the Judge (87) Col 11-19-49 + +
1091 Tension (95) MGM 11-19-49 + +
1084 That Forsyte Woman (114) M G M .. 10-29-49 + ±
1063 That Midnight Kiss (96) MGM 8-27-49 44 +
lOSSTeelma Jordon (100) Para, 11- 5-49 + at
1094 Toere'i a Girl tn My Heart
(82) Mono. 11-26-49 at at
945 They Lire By Nlgbt (Reviewed
at Your Red Wagon) (95) RKO.. 6-26-48 + +
1070 Thieves' Highway (94) 20-Fox 9-10-49 + +4
1115 Third Man, The (104) SRO-EL 2-11-50 +4 44
1083 Threat, The (66) RKO 10-29-49 + at
1118 Three Came Hone (106) 20-Fox 2-18-50 + 4t
1138 Ticket to Tomahawk, A (90) 20-Fox 4-22-50 44 4+
1093 Tight Little Island (84) U-l 11-26-49 — at
1087 Tokyo Joe (88) Col 11-5-49 + ±
1028 Too Late for Tears (99) UA 4-16-49 + at
1060 Top 0' the Mornlno (98) Para 8- 6-49 + +
1092 Tough Assignment (64) LP 11-19-49 at at
1059 Trail of the Yukon (67) Mono S- 6-49 at —
1076Trapped (78) EL 10-1-49 + +
1104 Traveling Saleswoman, The (75) Col.. 12-31^9
1073 Treasure of Monte Crlsto (76) LP.. 9-24-49
1041 Tucson (64) 20-Fox 6- 4-49
1101 Twelve O'clock High (133) 20-Fox .. 12-24-49 44 44
1132 Twilight in the Sierras (67) Rep. . . 4- 8-50 -
1125 Tyrant of the Sea (70) Col 3-18-50 +
I
I
!
1
1071 Under Caericorn (117) WB 9-17-49
1125 Under My Skin (86) 20-Fox 3-18-50
1087 Under the San of Rome (100) UA..11- 5-49
1097 Undertow (71) U-l 12-10-49
1125 Underworld Story, The (Reviewed as
The Whipped) (90) UA 3-18-50
989 Unknown Island (75) FC 11-27-49
1117 Urwasred (60) Rtp I-UV50
1146 Vanishing Westerner, The (60) Rep. 5-13-50
lUSVIciw Years. Tire (81) rt !-:
w
1132 Wabash Avenue (91) 20-Fox 4-8-50
1134 Wagonmaster (86) RKO 4-15-50
1011 Waterloo Road (77) EL 2-19-49
1053 Weaker Sex, The (85) EL. .' 7-16-49
West of El Dorado (58) Mono. ,
West of the Brazos (..) LP
West of Wyoming (57) Mono.
1128 Western Pacific Agent (65) LP 3-25-50
Western Renegades (56) Mom.
1105 When Willie Coma Marching Hone
(82) 20-Fox 1- 7-5t
1095 Whirlpool (97) 20-Fox 12- 3-49
1065 White Heat (114) WB B-27-49
1035 Window, The (73) RKO 5-14-49
1123 Winslow Boy, The (97) EL 3-11-50
1089 Without Honor (69) UA 11-12-49
Worf Hunters (70) Mono.
1067 Woman Hater (69) U-l 9- 3-49
1100 Woman in Hiding (92) U-l 12-17-49
1023 Woman in the Hall, The (93) EL... 3-26-49
1122 Woman of Distinction (85) Col 3- 4-50
1073 Woman on Pier 13, The (Reviewed as
I Married a Communist) (73) RKO 9-24-49
1145 Women From Headquarters (60) Rep. 5-13-50
1058 Wyoming Bandit, The (60) Rep..... 7-30-49
T
1119 Yellow Cab Man, The (85) MGM 2-25-50
1064 Yes, Sir, That's My Baby (81) U-l.. 9-20-49
1033 Younger Brothers. The (77) WB 5- 7-49
1124 Young Daniel Boone (71) Mono 3-11-50
1115 Young Man With a Horn (112) WB.. 2-11-50
1052 You're My Ererything (94) 20-Fox.. 7- 9-49
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FEATURE CHART
SS,\
COLUMBIA
reaiure productions, listed Dy company, in order ot release. Number in square is n(
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running til
lumished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchange is recomnu
R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol O indicates BOXO
Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol © indicates color photography.

RKO RADIO
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FEATURE CHART

FEATURE CHART

T?OYOFFT(7F Knnliinr.nida Mav 13. 195
FUTURE RELEASES
Listed herein are features on which national release dates have not been
COLUMBIA
set or which go beyond the dates covered by the Feature Chart.
Brave Bulls, The (Drama) Mel Ferrer-Eugene Igleslas
Convicted (Drama) Glenn Ford
Freddie the Great (Comedy-Dr) . .Mickey Rooney-Terry Moore
Fuller Brush Girl, The (Comedy) • .Lucille Ball-Eddie Albert'
Good Humor Man, The (Comedy) . .Jack Carson-Lola Albright
Harriet Craig (Drama) Joan Crawford-Wendell Corey
In a Lonely Place (Drama) Humphrey Bogart-O. Grahame
©Petty Girl, The (Drama). .Joan Caulfleld-Robert Cummlngs
©Rogues of Sherwood Forest (Drama) . .John Derek-TV Lynn
Rookie Firemen (Comedy-Dr) . .Bill Williams-Marjorie Reynolds
That Bedside Manner (Comedy) Larry Parks-Barbara Hale
When You're Smiling (Comedy) . .Jerome Courtland-L. Albright
EAGLE LION
Boys in Brown (Drama) ...R. Attenborough-J. Warner
Calendar, The (Comedy) Greta Gynt-John McCallum
©Destination Moon (Drama-Adv) W. Anderson-J. Archer
Diamond City (Drama) D. Farrar-D. Dors
Doll's House, The (Drama) Paul Lukas-Charles Korvln
Esther Waters (Drama) Kathleen Ryan-Dirk Bogarde
Federal Man (Drama) Bill Henry-Pamela Blake
Floodtide (Drama) Robert Anderson-G. Jackson
Reluctant Widow, The (Drama) Jean Kent-G. Rolfe
Timber Fury (Drama) David Bruce-Laura Lynne
FILM
CLASSICS
Blackjack (Drama) George Sanders-Herbert Marshall
St Benny the Dip (Comedy) .. Dick Haymes-Beatrice Pearson
LIPPERT
Border Ranger (Western) Robert Lowery-Ken Curtis
Dead Ringer (Western) Dan Barry
Hijacked (Drama) Don Castle
I Shot Billy the Kid (Western) .. .Don Barry-Robert Lowery
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
©Annie Get Your Gun (Musical) Betty Button
Crisis (Drama) Cary Grant-Jose Ferrer
Devil'i Doorway (Drama) Robert Taylor
©Duchess of Idaho (Comedy) Esther Wllllams-Van Johnson
©Happy Years, The (Comedy-Drama) Dean Stockwell
©Kim (Adventure-Drama) Errol Flynn-Dean Stockwell
©King Solomon's Mines (Adv-Drama) D. Kerr-8. Granger
Lady Without a Passport (Melodrama) . .Hedy Lamarr-J. Hodiak
Life of Her Own, A (Drama) Lana Turner-Ann Dvorak
Miniver Story, The (Drama) Greer Garson-Walter Pidgeon
Next Voice You Hear, The ( Drama) .. James Whitmore-N. Davis
©Pagan Love Song (Musical) .Esther Williams-Howard Keel
Right Cross (Comedy-Dr) Dick Powell-June Allyson
Stars in My Crown (Drama) Joel McCrea-Dean Stockwell
©Summer Stock (Musical) Judy Garland-Gene Kelly
Tender Hours, The (Drama) . .Jane Powell-Rlcardo Montalban
©Three Little Words (Musical-Comedy) . .F. Astalre-R. Skelton
©Toast of New Orleans (Musical) M. Lanza-K. Grayson
Come Share My Love (Comedy) . .Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray
Edge of Doom (Drama) Dana Andrews-Farley Granger
It's Only Money (Comedy) Frank Sinatra-Jane Russell
©Jet Pilot (Adventure-Drama) John Wayne-Janet Leigh
Mad With Much Heart (Drama) Robert Ryan
©Montana Belle (Drama) Jane Russell-George Brent
Our Very Own (Drama) Farley Granger-Joan Evans
©Sons of the Musketeers (Adv-Drama) .Cornel Wilde-M. O'Hara
Story of a Divorce (Drama) Bette Davis
©Treasure Island (Drama) Robert Ncwton-B. Drlscoll
Walk Softly, Stranger (Drama) . .Victor Mature-William Bendix
Wall Outside, The (Drama) Jane Greer-Dennis O'Keefe
Weep No More (Drama) Joseph Cotten-Valtl-Jack Paar
Where Danger Lives (Drama) . .Robert Mitchum-F. Domergue
©White Tower, The (Drama) . . Claude Ralns-Valli-Glenn Ford
REPUBLIC
Avengers, The (Drama) John Carroll-Adele Mara
Destination Big House (Drama) . .Dorothy Patrick-R. Rockwell
Jungle Stampede (Documentary) African natives
Showdown, The (Drama) Walter Brennan-WiUIam Elliott
©Sunset in the West (Western). .Roy Rogers-Penny Edwards
Surrender (Drama) Vera Ralston-John Carroll
Trial Without Jury (Drama) ... .Dorothy Patrick-R. Rockwell
©Trigger Jr. (Western) Roy Rogers-Dale Evans
SELZNICK
©Gone to Eartk (Drama) Jennifer Jones
20TH-FOX
All About Eve (Drama) Bette Davis-George Sanders
©Black Rose, The (Drama) Tyrone Power-C. Aubry
©Broken Arrow (Drama) James Stewart-Debra Paget
©Cariboo Trail (West-Dr) Randolph Scott
Fireball, The (Drama) Mickey Rooney-Pat O'Brien
©I'll Get By (Musical) Bill Lundlgan-June Haver
©My Blue Heaven (Musical-Drama) .. Betty Grable-Dan Dalley
No Way Out (Drama) Linda Darnell-Richard Widmark
Mister 880 (Drama) Dorothy McGuire-Burt Lam-aster
Panic in the Streets (Drama). .Richard WIdmark-P. Douglas
Rawhide (Western-Drama) Tyrone Power-Susan Hayward
Stella (Comedy-Drama) Ann Sheridan-Victor Mature
Trumpet to the Morn (Drama) Linda Darnell-Joseph Cotten
Where the Sidewalk Ends (Drama) . .Dana Andrews-Gene Tiemey
UNITED ARTISTS
Admiral Was a Lady, The (Rom-Com) . .W. Hendrlx-E. O'Brien
Cost of Living (Comedy-Drama) Van Heflin-Evelyn Kejes
Dungeon, The (Drama) Emlyn Williams-Ruth Warrick
Ellen (Drama) Robert Young-Betsy Drake
Iroquois Trail, The (West-Dr) George Montgomery
Men, The (Drama) Marlon Brando-Teresa Wright
Once a Thief (Drama) Cesar Romero-June Havoc
Three Husbands (Comedy) Eve Arden-Emlyn Williams
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 36: Antiviolence cult:
in Canada burns its own homes; American'
mother of 1950; Apple Blossom festival; loy-'f
alty parade; Kansas salutes the American =
way of life in Topeka and Lawrence; fur
fashions from Canada; sports—Penn relays, ii
college rodeo.
News of the Day, No. 270: Loyal citizens
on the march; Doukhobors on rampage; Veet
and Van star blossom fete; college stars iiv
Pehn relays; Britain's cup final; bullfight-,
thrills; cerebral palsy appeal.
Paramount News, No. 73: Navy flying boat;
May day parades; fingertips on the ballet;
Canada acts to halt weird Douk rites; Penn
relays; English soccer.
Universal News, No. 348: Canadian cult; J.
Arthur Rank gives "Hamlet" print to New
York university; Iranian princess on honeymoon;
20 injured in apartment blast in Seattle;
loyalty parade; yacht regatta; trotting
races; bullfight.
Warner Pathe News, No. 75: Navy flying
boat; Secretary Johnson—Negro pact; Red
parade; Earl Browder; Bermuda fashions;
sports—London cup finals; Penn relays; Winchester
festival; Chicago loyalty parade.
Movietone News, No. 37: Communist coup
in Wisconsin; May day demonstrations held
in Berlin; Japanese beauty parade for title
of Miss Nippon; navy task force has rough
going in Arctic seas; sports—kayak slalom
race; motorcycle hill climb.
News of the Day, No. 271: Reds seize U.S.
towns; Reds' May day threat fizzles in Germany;
Truman welcomes Pakistan's leader;
reunion overseas for GI brides; navy ships
defy frozen seas; VE day 1945-50.
Paramount News, No. 74:
May day in Berlin;
Smathers beats Pepper in Florida; Paris
:
says "hats on to spring"; newest in wonder I
drugs makes debut; spectacle of rough and I
frozen seas.
Universal News, No. 349: U.S. aid spurs
French oil field; Red menace real and simulated—May
day in Berlin, Paris and Wisconsin;
wrestling in Cleveland; roller skating in
Paris.
Warner Pathe News, No. 76: Berlin May
day; Czechs break another link with U.S.;
Trygve Lie on peace mission to Moscow; Truman
welcomes Pakistan premier; Smathers
beats Pepper in Florida; navy battles giant
seas; Paris fashions; skating vanities.
MONOGRAM
Bomba and the Lost Volcano (Adventure) Johnny Sheffield
©County Fair (Drama) Rory Calhoun-Jane Nigh
Joe Palooka in Humphrey Takes a Chance
(Comedy-Dr)
Joe Klrkwood-Leon Errol
Modern Marriage, A (Drama) . .Robert Clarke-Margaret Field
Snow Dog (Adventure) Klrby Grant-Elena Verdugo
©Sideshow (Drama)
Eddie Quillan-Tracey Roberts
Smoke Jumpers (Drama) K. Grant-Jone Bona
Triple Trouble (Comedy) Leo Gorcey-Huntz Hall
Typee (Adv-Drama) Roddy McDowall
PARAMOUNT
©Branded (Western) Alan Ladd-Mona Freeman
©Copper Canyon (Melodrama) Ray Milland-Hedy Lamarr
©Fancy Pants (Comedy) Bob Hope-Lucille Ball
Furies, The (Melodrama) . .Barbara Stanwyck-Walter Huston
Lawless, The (Drama) Macdonald Carey-Gall Russell
©Let's Dance (Musical-Comedy) Betty Hutton-Fred Astaire
Mr. Music (Musical) Bing Crosby-Ruth Husscy
My Friend Irma Goes West (Comedy). .Marie Wilson-J. Lund
Place in the Sun, A (Drama) Elizabeth Taylor-M. Cllft
©Samson and Delilah (Drama) . .Victor Mature-Hedy Lamarr
September Affair (Drama) Joan Fontaine-Joseph Cotten
Sunset Boulevard (Drama) William Holden-Glorla Bwanson
©Tripoli (Adventure-Dr) Maureen O'Hara-John Payne
Union Station ( Drama) William Holden
United States Mail (Drama) Alan Ladd
RKO RADIO
Bed of Roses (Drama) . .Joan Fontaine-Robert Ryan-Z. Scott
Carriage Entrance (Drama) Robert Mltcbum-Aia Gardner
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Deported (Drama) Marta Toren-Jeff Chandler
©Double Crossbones (Comedy)... Donald O'Connor
©Frenchie (Western) Joel McCrea-Shclley Winters
Harvey (Comedy) James Stewart-Josephine Hull
Louisa (Comedy-Drama) Ronald Reagan-Ruth Hussey
Ma and Pa Kettle Back Home (Comedy). M. Main-P. Kilbride
Milkman, The (Comedy) Donald O'Connor-Jimmy Durante
©Peggy (Comedy-Drama) . .Charles Coburn-Charlotte Greenwood
Saddle Tramp (Western) Joel McCrea-John Mclntire
Sleeping City, The (Drama) Richard Conte-C. Gray
Winchester '73 (Western-Dr) . .James Stewart-Shelley Winters
WARNER BROS.
Breaking Point, The (Drama) John Garfield-Patricla Neal
Bright Leaf (Drama) . .Gary Cooper-Lauren Bacall-Jack Carson
Caged (Drama) Agnes Moorebead-E. Parker
©Captain Horatio Hornblower (Drama) Gregory Peck
©Flame and the Arrow, The (Drama). .Burt Lancaster-V. Mayo
Glass Menagerie, The (Drama) Jane Wyman-Klrk Douglas
Great Jewel Robber, The (Drama) David Brlan-M. Reynolds
©Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (Drama) ... .James Cagney-B. Peyton
Lightning Strikes Twice (Drama). .Richard Todd-Rutb Roman
Night Beat (Drama) William Douglas-Alan Hale
Pretty Baby (Rom-Comedy) Dennis Morgan-Betsy Drale
©Return of the Frontiersman (West-Dr) .G. MacRae-R. Calhoun
Storm Warning (Drama) Ginger Rogers-Ronald Reagan
©Sugarfoot (Western) Randolph Bcott-Adele Jergens
©Tea for Two (Musical-Comedy) • •Hurls Day-Gordon KMBtl
This Side of the Law (Drama) Vlvcca Llndfors-A. Smith
Three Secrets (Drama) Eleanor Parker,- Patricia Nenl
AM American News, No. 394 : Barkley crowns
his stepdaughter as queen of Apple Blossom
festival in Winchester, Va.; Joe Adams, dis.k
jockey, talks traffic safety with records;
Secretary of Defense Johnson opens armed
forces exhibit; Negroes star in Penn relays.
Telenews Digest, No. 18 A: Admiral Thomas
C. Kinkaid retires; Lattimore hearing; London
dock strike; Trygve Lie tour; Iran's princess
weds Yank; American^ teaches Japanese
princess; navy greets royalty; inside a volcano;
stock car classic.
Telenews Digest, No. 18B: Visitor from
Pakistan; climax in "spy" probe; emperor's
Mrthday; Berlin May day; Reds take over;
election upset; the bicycle man.
SHORTS REVIEWS
Will Appear Next Week
On This Page

'
toinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
(FOR STORY SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE REVERSE SIDE)
Father of the Bride
F
c""dy
Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor, Don Taylor,
Billie
Burke, Leo G. Carroll, Moroni Olsen.
MGM (30) 92 Minutes Rel. June 16. 50
As blithe and breezy as spring itself is this comedy which
goes with the season of weddings like orange blossoms and
tulle. Its topicalness, its high-powered name cast, its productional
lushness and its overall excellence offer a loud
challenge to exploitation-minded showmen who crave capacity
business and at the same time are eager to impress their
patrons that movies are, indeed, better than ever. Specializ-
ing in situations and dialog rather than story, the film
is hilariously humorous. Customers will have but one complaint—and
it should happen to more fun films—the laughter
will be so loud and continuous that they'll miss many of
the lines. While limitless credit is the due of the writers.
Producer Pandro Berman and Director Vincente Minnelli,
it is a finely shaded, ingratiating performance by Spencer
Tracy that sparkplugs the hilarious and refreshingly wholesome
mirth marathon.
i^flN
l " )

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
THE STORY:
"Love That Brute"
During the roaring '20s Paul Douglas is the bootleg king
of Chicago's South Side, much feared by rival gangs. Actually
Douglas is a soft-hearted fellow who has never killed
anyone, but only abducts his victims and keeps them prisoners
in the cellar of his home. He falls in love with Jean
Peters, a young singer waiting for her breaU, but Jean—disillusioned
when she learns of his gangdom contacts—will
have no part of him, although she returns, his love. Through
a series *" '
of accidents coupled with chicanery, Douglas is believed
dead and a rival mobster is booked for his murder. "
Appearing at his own funeral, Paul tells Jean he is broke
and going straight, and Jean, having learned the truth about
his "victims," falls into his arms.
CATCHUNES:
It's the Laugh-Laden Story of a Chicago Bootlegging Racketeer
. . . Who Just Couldn't Bring Himself to Bump Anybody
Off ... . And the Girl Who Called His Bluff.

Opinions on Current Productions; Exptoitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
(FOR STORY SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE REVERSE SIDE)
Faust and the Devil
Columbia ( ) 88 Minutes Rel.
Operatic
Drama
One of the best class films to cross the Atlantic in many a
year is this Italian import, an interpretation of Goethe's
drama and Gounod's opera, "Faust." Lavishly mounted, the
production includes sets which, by an artful intermingling of
realism and fantasy, serve to keynote the drama as well as
provide an excellent background against which the exceptional
thespian and singing talents of the cast are displayed.
Though the dialog and lyrics are in Italian, the language
barrier is surmounted by an English prologue and a few, wellplaced
subtitles. Such attributes, combined with the beautifully
staged production numbers, masterful direction and
photography should turn this into an art house bonanza,
where exploitation based on the fame of the opera will bring
in the initial audiences, whose favorable word-of-mouth comments
will set the tills ringing for the rest of the run.
Italo Tajo, Nelly Corradi, Gino Mattera, Therese Dorny, Gilles
Queant, Cesare Barbetti.
VCtv
i.S SOJ
'ting/
Kind Hearts and Coronets F
Eagle Lion ( ) 100 Minutes
Comedy
Mystery
Rel. Apr. '50
This import from the J. Arthur Rank film foundry is hardly
geared for the tastes of the average American filmgoer ana,
in fact, may find the sledding a bit tough even in those
situations where audiences have indicated their appreciation
of British-made product. It is hampered by a lengthy
and meandering script, a malady common to much English
celluloid, and dialog that is more suited to a 19th century
comedy of manners than a murder mystery, which this purports
to be. The film's principal assets are its ironic comedy
touches and the creditable performances of its cast, with
especial commendation for Alec Guinness, who very successfully
undertakes to portray all eight members of a British
family. As concerns exploitation, the showman must also
look to the cast, the names of Guinness—currently starring
on Broadway—and Valerie Hobson being fairly well known
to U.S. audiences. Robert Hamer directed.
Alec Guinness, Valerie Hobson. Joan Greenwood, Dennis
Price, Audrey Fildes, Miles Malleson, John Pemrose.
Congolaise
A
*"*
African
Travelog
Forbidden Jungle
p" Jungle
" Drama
Film Classics 67 Minutes Rel. May 15, 'SO
Authenticity is the keynote of this travelog, filmed by a
French expedition which traveled up the Ogowe river to
take some rare shots of the natives, their customs and environment
in an almost-unknown region of Equatorial Africa.
Made suitable by its running time for supporting niches, it
should fare reasonably well in action and/or art houses
which cater to male fans and regularly book such jungle
documentaries. Elsewhere its somewhat painfully realistic
scenes—i. e., shots of wild beasts closing in and digesting
their kill—in one case a native—and pictures of underclothed
pygmies delightedly munching on caterpillars—may prove
a bit too strong for squeamish patrons, especially the kids.
However, hardier audiences will find interest-holding the
primitive methods of hunting elephants, lions and other jungle
beasts, as well as the climactic—and somewhat gory—struggle
with a giant gorilla who makes King Kong look undernourished.
Exploitationwise, the sensational angles of the
travelog will provide sufficient hook for ballyhoo. Directed
by Jacques Dupont.
The Vanishing Westerner F
Western
\r
le
to)
Eagle Lion (070) 67 Minutes Rel. July '50
The latest of the series of 30 low-budget pictures Jack
Schwartz is producing for Eagle Lion is a standard Hollywood
story about a search for a missing white boy who lives with
wild animals in the jungle. It is slanted at the juvenile
trade, action houses and for. the lower half of a double bill
in the neighborhoods. There are no names in the cast and
the main selling point will be the scenes of the fights
between wild animals. The production, sets and insertions
from past films show evidences of the low budget used.
Some of the stills of the native girls might help in the ads
and lobby displays. There is a good musical background
and some competent acting performances. Frances Kavanaugh
wrote the original story and screenplay. Robert
Tansey directed.
Don Harvey, Forrest Taylor, Alyce Louis, Robert Cabal,
Tamba the Chimp.
The Perfect Woman
F
Comedy
Republic (4972)
60 Minutes
«
Rel. Mar. 31, '50
The villainy, without which it apparently is impossible
to make a western worthy of the name, herein becomes
somewhat labyrinthal and, resultantly, this is almost as
much a whodunit as it is an orthodox sagebrusher. Whether
or not such swapping of literary elements will be considered
an entertainment asset by the ticket buyers undoubtedly will
depend upon individual tastes. Regardless, there is enough
of six-gun and fisticuff whoopla to satisfy the lads who
buy matinee tickets principally for galloper fare; and the
offering may be considered as an average entry in the
series starring Monte Hale. As concerns production values,
supporting cast and other details, the film is peas-in-pod
comparable to its countless predecessors, which means that
exhibitors who play the Hale pictures will know what to do
and what to expect. Directed by Philip Ford.
Eagle Lion (015) 87 Minutes Rel. Apr. '50
The latest J. Arthur Rank presentation is an attempt at
farce comedy, but it is difficult to see where the film will
fit into American programming, even in the art houses. The
all-British cast struggles with an implausible story and the
comedy is on the slapstick side. The idea of a robot woman
being conducted about London may have been potentially
humorous, but the treatment and direction fail to take advantage
of the story possibilities. The three stars, Patricia Roc,
Stanley Holloway and Nigel Patrick, have been seen in
many films brought over here, but they are not at their
best in this one. The heavy accents and lack of basic comedy
dialog seem to discount the picture for dual bills, and
art house audiences will probably find it a trifle silly.
Monte Hale, Paul Hurst, Aline Towne, Roy Barcroft, Arthur
Space, Richard Anderson, William Phipps.
Patricia Roc, Stanley Holloway, Nigel Patrick, Miles Malleson,
Irene Handl, Pamela Devis, Fred Berger.
Code of the Silver Sage
F
Women From Headguarters F modmmn
Republic (4963) 60 Minutes Rel. Mar. 25, '50
Republic (4916) 60 Minutes Rel. Apr. 22, '50
Rocky Lane's legion of fans ain't a-goin' to like this, probably
the weakest in a long time in that series of gallopers
which stars the rugged, right-must-triumph cowpoke. That's
because there was little success in the producer's obvious
efforts to substitute an away-from-formula story and an overdose
of stock footage for the production values and the
standard-equipment action usually found in Lane pictures.
The plot—and its relationship to the title is as remote as the
Congressional Record—is involved and entirely unbelievable,
even for the most rabid and tolerant of sagebrush enthusi-
In view of which, Rocky's performance—as well a3
those contributed by his support—isn't up to. previous standards.
But because of the actor's popularity, showmen who
regularly play the Lane features can safely give it the
usual treatment as concerns playing time and merchandising.
Directed by Fred C. Brannon.
»«])
.tre
itv
tt£0
It's an entirely safe prediction that movie audiences who
can find even the minutest morsel of diversion in this feeble
melodrama will be few and far between. Even in the lowest
exhibition niche, as filler for the underside of unimportant
dual bills, the film will find the going rough, although it
may find a few takers among juveniles who are ardent
fans of the cops-and-robbers theme. Its principal assets are
an exploitable title and subject matter—it deals with the
heroic deeds of lady cops—and a mercifully short running
time, while the most glaring weakness is the inept screenplay,
a hodge-podge of contrived dramatics and chases, replete
with a brand of heavy-handed dialog that is downright
amateurish. George Blair's direction was unable to
cope with such problems, which also were a bit too much
for a hard-working but ineffective cast.
Allan Lane, Eddy Waller, Roy Barcroft Kay Christopher,
Lane Bradford, William Ruhl, Richard Emory.
1UC -—,
Virginia Huston, Robert Rockwell, Barbra Fuller, Norman
Budd, Frances Charles, K. Elmo Lowe, Otto Waldis.

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
THE STORY:
"Kind Hearts and Coronets"
Dennis Price, whose mother was the daughter of the seventh
Duke of Chalfont, is made conscious of the theoretical
possibility of his inheriting the dukedom. When the duke,
because she had married an Italian singer, refuses to grant
his daughter's dying wish to be buried in the family vault,
Dennis swears vengeance on the family and determines to
gain the title for himself. Of the eight people in the way
of his ambition, one dies accidentally and six are picked (
^„
off by Dennis in a series of cleverly conceived mishaps.
Then Dennis lures the old duke into a mantrap while out
shooting. But Dennis' first appearance in the house of lords
as the tenth Duke of Chalfont is at his own murder triaL
CATCHLINES:
The Strange, Suspenseful, Spectacular Story ... Of a
Man Who Was Crazy—But Clever ... He Killed for Revenge
and a Dukedom . . . And Was Trapped by His Own Ambition.

I
, your
RTES: 10c per word, minimum $1.00, cash witn copy. Foui insertions ior price of three.
LOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to
Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd.. Kansas City 1. Mo. •
- CLfflfilOG HOUSE
HELP WANTED
Need extra cash? Manager, operators—daytime,
11 your neighborhood merchants advertising gifts,
leaders, pencils, matches, etc. Average order
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Operator wanted, seven days, six nights. Small
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Wanted: Useful young man for small chain theae;
cleaning, doorman, advertising, etc. Must be
iergetic. honest and reliable. Address: Foxjyons
Theatre, Lyons, Kas.
POSITIONS WANTED
A-l projectionist, maintain, repair, reference,
ober. reliable. Available now. Boxofflce, 3857.
House manager with corporation experience. Not
Jlergic to soiled hands. References. Boxofflce,
;874.
Projectionist: World War II veteran being disharged
from army May 26, 1950. Single, sober,
citable. Will go anywhere. Available immedi-
Hr upon discharge. Livable wage. Cpl. George
Tabor. Box No. 4, Fort Hancock, N. J. Telcibone.
Highlands 3-1300, Extension 17.
Manager—15 years experience circuit and indelendent
operations desires change. Prefers Caro-
Jnas or Tennessee. Married, will furnish best
eferences. Boxoffice. 3880.
Manager, 30. married, experience booking and
puling. Qualified to take full responsibility of
Muse. Prefer small town theatre in California
or Arizona. Good reference. Joe Massey, 530 D
St. Wasco, Calif.
Negro projectionist: Graduated from Moving Picture
Theatre Managers Institute at Elmira. N. Y.
pen years experience, sober, dependable. $40 per
week. Benjamin Dixon, 736 Central Ave., Sarasota.
Fla.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Bingo with more action. $2.75 thousand cards.
Also other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bedford
Ave.. Brooklyn, N. Y.
Bingo die-cut cards, two colors, 75 or 100. numbers.
$3 per M. Premium Products, 354 W. 44th
St.. New York 18.
Giveaway everything now, dinnerware to cars!
Merchant advertising tie-up. No cost to theatre.
Interstate Theatre Service, 1115 East Armour,
K. C. Mo.
Dartaway: Two sensational new theatre games
of skill. Fill those empty seats. Don't wait
start now. Over 200 theatres now using our games.
itre too big or too small. Write or wire
| Dartaway Enterprises, Inc., Shawnee, Kas.
Comic Books proven the most successful method
of attracting the "small fry" to their Saturday
matinees. Always large variety and latest popular
titles. Sold on all newsstands at 10c; $22.50
per 1.000. F.O.B. New York City. Dumont 8ales,
IS Park Row, New York City.
Comic books available as premiums, giveaways
kiddy shows. Large variety, latest newsand
editions. Comics Premium Co., 412B, Green-
Ich St.. N. Y. C. Publications for premiums
Belusively) since 1939.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Die letter patterns
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experience
needed for expert work. Write for free samples.
John Rahn, B-1329, Central Ave., Chicago
51. m.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT
S.O.S. saves drive-ins thousands on top quality
|
equipment. Standard and Super Simplex, Motioraph,
DeVry, Superior, Weber available for 200
• 1.000 cars from $1,595. Easy payment plan.
LO.S. Co-Op speakers, $16 pair including junclon
box. Buy sample pair and compare. Teleseal
.4-2 underground cable, $47.13M, Masonite Mar-
Bee Letters. 35c tip. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema
lupply Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St.. New York 19.
Speaker stands fabricated to specification in
nr own plant. Immediate delivery, any quan-
Ity. Wire, write or phone, Long Distance 1024
r THatcher 9243. Sonken-Galamba Corp., Secnd
and Riverview. Kansas City 18, Kas.
Drive-in theatre tickets. Send for samples of
Mir special printed stub rod tickets for drive-ins.
Safe, distinctive, easv to check. Kansas City
Ticket, Co.. Dent 10. 1819 Central St., "Film
Bow." Kansas City 8. Mo,
Popcorn machines, half price. Wiener. Hamburger.
Sno-Cone. Peanut Roasters. Bun Warmers.
Pnnners Sunnlv. 179 Lurkle. Atlanta. Oa
Your money buys more! In-car speakers. $13.50
set: enmplete equipments from $1,375: single unit
electric ticket machines, rebuilt, $99.50: screen
coating. $7.50 gallon. Star Cinema Supply. 441
W. 50th St.. New York 19.
BOXOFFICE :: May 13, 1950
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW
Don't overlook S.O.S. new booth equipments for
theatres, $2,950: for drive-ins, $3,950, actually
*4 off market price! Special: New latest Morelite
Monarc 70 ampere lamps with 14" reflectors, $695
pair. Time deals and trades, too! Send for details.
Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
52nd St., New York 19.
Save on supplies at S.O.S. Screens, plastic
fungus-proofed and flameproofed, 42 %c sq. ft.:
beaded, 48%c; black flameproof masking, 36"
wide, 69c yd. Rectifier bulbs, 15 amp., $4.95;
B&H 35mm splicers, $3.95: coin changers,
$149.50; intercom telephones, $9.95 pair; crystal
pickups, $1.75; marquee letters, 35c up; beautiful
stage settings, $277.50; wall and ceiling lighting
fixtures, 45% off. (Send for brochure).
Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
52nd St., New York 19.
Rectifier bulbs, first quality, $4.95; wire welded
reels, $2.25; aluminum, $2.69; film cabinets,
$2.95 section; Universal splicers, $4.69. Star
Cinema Supply, 441 West 50th St.. New York 19.
Spray nozzles, 14"
', %", %", Rainbow mist
spray nozzles, capacity % to 2% gallons per minute.
65c each. Shipment at once. G. A. Peterson,
Clinton, Mo.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
Your money buys more! Strong 1 KW lamphouses,
excellent, $350 pair; Griswold splicers,
$13.50: 2 unit electric ticket registers, rebuilt,
$139.50; 3 unit, $165; Simplex rear shutter
mechanisms, rebuilt, $249.50; E-7 mechanisms,
rebuilt, $1,100 pair; DeVry XD projectors, rebuilt,
complete, $550 pair. What do you need? Star
Cinema Supply, 441 West 50th St., New York 19
Anyone can say "Rebuilt like new" but ours Is!
Holmes Educators, $550; Simplex Acme, $795;
Simplex 8P or Standard, $995—all dual equipments
with 2,000' magazines, lenses, amplifier,
speaker, etc. 2 RCA Brenkert Econarc L.I. arclamps
with Benwood-Llnze 30A rectifiers, like
new, $395; Super Simplex Heads, $895 pair. All
available on time payments. Dept. C. S.O.S.
Cinema Supply Corp, 602 W. 52nd St, New York
is.
For the preview room, rebuilt navy DeVry projectors,
$550 pair. Reconditioned navy DeVry
amplifiers, $65. Holmes Educators, pair, complete,
like new, $600. Midstate Theatre Supply,
1906 Thomas Ave., Fresno, Calif.
New and used blowers, air deflectors, variable
speed pulleys. Bargains. Southernair, 179 Luckie,
Atlanta. Ga.
Pair Holmes Educator projectors, complete, like
new. $395. Boxofflce, 3858.
Ice cream freezer, Taylor Twin 10, used two
months, discount. Dairy Queen, Inc. Phone
ATwater 6426, Kansas City, or write Buxoffice,
3864.
Equal to new Holmes or DeVry 35mm projector
with 2,000' magazine, sound. Single pro;ectot.
$300, pair, $500. Ideal Film & Supply Co., Inc.,
630 9th Ave., New York 19, N. Y.
Complete booth equipment consisting of late
type RCA sound equipment—2 Simplex machines
with lenses. Low intensity lamps and rectifiers,
rewind table and film cabinet—all in first class
running condition for $1.250. Boxoffice, 3881.
For export—Large quantity of Simplex mechanisms,
power mechanisms or complete projectors.
Also lenses. Boxoffice, 3882.
Powers 6-B. Pair complete except lamps. Syncrofilm
soundheads. Good. Cheap. Dillsburg Theatre,
Dillsburg, Pa.
Two used 35mm DeVry portable projectors complete
sound. Recent overhaul. Perfect condition.
Joe Hornstein, Inc., 3330 Olive St., St. Louis
3, Mo.
Moving to new quarters. Must clear out used
equipment. Good values. Joe Hornstein. Inc.,
3330 Olive St., St. Louis 3, Mo.
STUDIO AND PRODUCTION
EQUIPMENT
Wall 35mm single system camera, Maurer galvanometer,
shiftover, Baltar lenses. Movietone amplifier.
1,000' magazines, etc., worth $10,000,
special, $4,995. Auricon single system camera,
$495: Fearless blimp friction head. $495; 35mm
perforator, $495: Artreeves Sensitester, $335:
Houston processors, from $1,795: Eyemo 71K
cameras, less lens, $135; film phonographs, 1200
RPM, $395; Synchronous 35mm dubbing projectors,
$795: 35mm recorders, from $495. Send
for catalog. Sturelab. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St., New York 19.
We're liquidating entire filmcraft studio—MR
Twinarcs. worth $250. now $89.50: spotlamps Including
bulb, barndoors, dlffusers. rolling stand
2KW Juniors, $104.50: Juniors, less stands,
$87.50; hundreds of good bulbs. 75% off. Background
Process projector, 4 Selsyn motors, sound
playback, lenses, screen, etc., worth $15,000, rebuilt,
$4,995: MR Microphone Boom with dolly,
$395 Send for Bulletin Fn,MLI. Dept. C. SOS.
Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St., New
York 19.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell your theatre privately. Confidential correspondence
invited. Leak Theatre Sales, 3422
Kinmore, Dallas. 1109 Orcbardlane, Des Moines,
Iowa.
Theatres, Nebraska, western Iowa, northern
Kansas. No brokers. Over 400 seats. Town 1,800
population or over. Confidential. Experienced. L.
J. liurkitt. Sparta. Wis.
Cash for small town theatre in South Texas.
Confidential. Boxoffice, 3818.
Is your theatre for sale? Every theatre handled
by me between January 1, 1950, and March 25,
1950, was sold by me. Oklahoma and Texas
theatre listings especially solicited. Claude Crockett,
Theatre Sales, 1505 First National Bank
Bldg., I 'alias, Texas.
Want theatre, buy or lease Oklahoma, Texas,
Arkansas. Walt Quade, 1805 N. W. 15th, Oklahoma
City, Okla,
Theatre wanted by private party in Illinois or
Indiana. Please give all particulars. Confidential.
Boxoffice. 3819.
Theatres Wanted: We have live clients for theatres
in radius 500 miles of Memphis. Let us sell
your theatre for you. Haase-Shea Theatre Brokers,
M&M Bldg., Memphis. Tenn.
Theatre, Nebraska, western Iowa, northern Kansas.
No brokers. Over 400 seats. Town 1,800
population or over. Confidential. Experienced.
L. J. Burkitt, Sparta, Wis.
Illinois or Indiana theatre (conventional or
drive-in) wanted from owner by private party.
Price must be reasonable. Send complete details.
Boxoffice, 3872.
Southeastern Theatre Owners: Do you desire to
lease or sell your theatre or drive-in? List wilh
National Theatre Sales Co., 4914 Rossville Blvd..
Chattanooga, Tenrh
Theatre wanted, small town. 1,200 to 1.500 population.
Lease or buy. Prefer Oklahoma. Harry
Hampton. Box 1314, Coweta, Okla.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatres For Sale: Selected listings In Oregon
and Washington now available. Write for list.
Theatre Exchange Co.. Fine Arts Bldg., Portland,
Ore
Build double parsing drive-ln theatres under
franchise Patent No. 2.102,718, reissue No.
22,756 and improvements, patent pending. Up
to 30 per cent more seating capacity with little
additional cost. Louis Josserand, architect, 3908
S. Main St., Houston, Tex.
Pacific northwest theatres for sale. Write Theatre
Sales Co., 4229 NE Broadway, Portland, Ore.
Describe to Walter Jackson, Realtor, Chillicothe.
Mo., theatre you want to buy or sell.
Central Ohio, rich farming community. 2.000
population. $20,000 cash will handle. Boxoffice.
3814.
For sale by owner: Only theatre in growing
northern Indiana town of 3,500. Newly built 1942.
440 Bodiform seats, Super Simplex Projection,
RCA Sound. Air Conditioned, Oil Heat, Parking
Area. Average annual gross $32,000. Store, apartment,
garage in building. $115,000. Boxoffice.
3852.
Two theatres. Texas county seat town 7,500
population. First and second run product. Little
competition with one small theatre. Long, attractive
leases on buildings. Over 1,000 seats.
Slightly over three-year payout at $125,000. with
only $50,000 cash down. Exclusive with Claude
Crockett, 1505 First National Bank Bldg., Dallas.
Texas.
For Sale: Theatre equipmeni and building, or
either. Both in top condition. Mate offer. Patsy
Theatre. Osyka. Miss.
Small theatre near Kentucky lake and dam.
Several large industrial developments. Solomon
McCallum. Benton. Ky.
Theatre, downtown Dayton, Ohio. Population
350.000. Fully equipped for movies and stage
shows: 1.000 seats; $15,000. P. L. Bradford,
16 East Fifth St.. Dayton, Ohio.
New theatre, growing Hlinois town 1,400 population.
Personal check welcome: $25,000 down
Arthur Leak. Specialist, 1109 Orchardlane, Des
Moine*. Towa.
Only theatre central Towa town near 2.000 population.
New Century projector* last year: $25,000
down. Visit Leak. Specialist, 1109 Orchardlane,
Pes Moines. Iowa.
Theatres for sale in mid-south area. Write m
your needs. Haase-Shea Theatre Brokers. M&M
Bide Memnhis. Tenn.
North Miami theatre. North Miami. Fla. Air
conditioned. 616 seats, two stores, two apartments.
Only theatre in city of over 10,000: $45,000 cash.
balance SS45.O00 mortgage. Boxofflce. 3860.
Only theatre—500 pushback seats. In 10.000
nnpulatlon city near Chicago. Newly modernized
Bargain $45,000 cash. Will pay for itself in four
years or less. Boxoffice, 3861.
THEATRES FOR SALE (Cont'd)
Small town theatre, new in 1949; 252 seats; oil
heat; air conditioning; rest rooms. Good show
territory. Also modern restaurant next to theatre.
Both doing good business. Reason for selling,
owner wishes to devote full time to other business
interests. Excellent bargain. Write or contact
0. W. Burns, Gold Theatre, Golden, 111.
For Sale: Completely equipped theatre, California
town of 4,000, 30 miles from Los Angeles.
Equipment and lease, $45,000, one-half cash, balance
easy. Ten-year lease, $400 per month. Address
Boxoffice, 3869.
For Sale: Attractive 750-seat theatre, Rangely,
Colo., trade area 3,500; 50' building, good equipment.
Lease and equipment $40,000. $20,000 in
cash, balance easy terms. Also option to buy
building. Good town for family operation. Living
quarters in building. Town well isolated, oil fields,
ranching, farming, hunting and fishing. Address
Manager, Rig Theatre, Rangely, Colo.
For sale in Ohio, 480-seater, neighborhood theatre,
good condition, good equipment, good business,
small confectionery adjoining the theatre, including
real estate. If you mean business, write
George A. Manos, Toronto, Ohio.
500-car drive-in theatre. Sickness requires quick
sale. $65,000—make offer. $45,000 cash will
handle. 4 miles to world's largest subdivision
Long Beach. 6612 Lincoln, Anaheim, Calif.
Cozy Theatre, South Bend, Ind. A good business
opportunity for some individual. 18-year
lease—low rental. If interested, address R. Lubliner,
11 N. Clark St., Chicago, 111.
Palace Theatre, Eufaula. Okla. 3.000 population.
Cleanest, progressive town in eastern Oklahoma.
Sale includes fine brick and steel building,
33x115 ft., rebuilt in 1944. Simplex E-7s, Simplex
Hi Lamps, RCA Sound. 450 seats, double
foyer, two column V marquee. First run product.
One other small theatre in town. Very reasonably
priced at only $65,000, with $50,000 casb
down. This agency has the exclusive handling of
'his sale, so write or call immediately. Claude
Crockett. Theatre Sales, 1505 First National Bank
Bldg.. Dallas, Texas.
THEATRES FOR RENT
Fully equipped theatre, E-7 projection, 4 Star
Simplex Dual channel sound system, 350 seats, air
conditioned. Resort area in town of about 3,500.
Same owner 10 years. Rental on long lease, $700
monthly, two years rent in advance required.
L & N Theatre Corp., Lakes Theatre. Antioch. 111.
Dixie and Grand, Carnegie, Pa.: total capacity
1,100, available November. Alex Manant. 411
E. Main St., Carnegie, Pa.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Attractively printed popcorn cartons for sale.
10c size, $6.25 M; 25c size, $16 00 M. Fabian
Kontney. 609 N. Ashland. Green Bay, Wis.
Blevins' Pops-Rite Box with Wm. A. Rogerj
"Box-Top" Silverware Premium offer is booming
popcorn sales! Blevins Popcorn Co., Pot
Village, Nashville, Tenn.
Michigan's finest pre-popped popcorn. Bulk
sales by the can or moisture-proof bushel bag.
Nu-Way Popcorn Sales. Inc., 14128 Puritan. Detroit,
Mich.
POPCORN MACHINES
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guaranteed.
Price from $100. Consolidated Confections.
1314 S. Wabash. Chicago 5. 111.
Burch, Manley, Cretors. Advance, all electric
trench fry types. 50 Hollywood type, theatre
special electric poppers from $250. Karmelkorn
Equipment. 120 S. Halsted, Chicago 6, HI.
1946 Manley: Looks and works perfectly. $325.
L. E. Gilbert, 3217 Greene. Fort Worth, Texas.
Am CONDITIONING
Beat the heat. Order air cooling equipment now!
Exhaust fans: 10"— $10 78: 12"— $13.75: 16"—
$18.15. Special! Complete 11000 cfm Evaporative
Cooler. $595. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply
fnrp., 602 W. 52nd St., New York 19.
Heavy duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped,
15,000 cfm to 50.000 cfm. Air washers, all
sizes. Hydraulic drives, two and four speed
motor controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers
wanted. National Engineering and Mfg. Co., 519
Wyandotte St., Kansas City, Mo.
MORE CLASSIFIED
ADS ON PAGE 42

ONLY ONCE IN A GREAT, GREAT WHILE
The unanimous, somewhat tumultuous acclaim
given by New York newspaper critics to Margaret
Sullavan on the occasion of the world premiere of
"No Sad Songs For Me" at Radio City Music Hall was
a "once in a lifetime " ovation.
Rarely in the history of our industry has there been
such a downpour of enthusiastic critical comment. To
attempt the usual routine of selecting "quotes" for trade
paper advertising would only create a repetitious
embarrassment of riches.
It's
enough that the thousands and thousands who
crowded the biggest theatre in the world
on that memorable opening, and succeeding
days, emerged with a sense of being richly
rewarded and of having participated in a
great emotional experience.
COLUMBIA PICTURES PROUDLY PRESENTS
NO SAD SONGS FOR ME, starring MARGARET SULLAVAN, WENDELL COREY, VIVECA LINDFORS, with
John Mclntire. Screen play by Howard Koch. Produced by Buddy Adler. Directed by Rudolph Mate.