Boxoffice-September.09.1950

FALL BUSINESS ROUNDUP: 

Summer Slump Broken; 

Big Labor Bay Weekend 

Reported Across U. S. 

Page 8 

Monogram Announces 46 

On Its 1950-51 Schedule 

Page 13 

COVER PHOTO: Treasure Island Wins 

August Boxoffi

h 

M 

Business Upturn Noted on Wide-Scale; 

Feel Box-Omce Turning Point Reached^ 

\ substantial and Renera' upturn in business has beer 

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S

FALL BUSINESS REPORT 

BUSINESS KEEPS PICKING UP; 

BOXOFFICE RISES ACROSS U. S. 

Verdict Is That Television 

As Yet Is Not Competition 

Theatremen Had Feared 

The Labor day weekend brought new 

evidences that theatre business definitely 

is on the upgrade and that the slump of 

the spring and early summer weeks has 

been broken. ELxhibitors across the country 

reported further that grosses are higher 

and that prospects for substantially improved 

business this fall are bright. 

In New York, the Broadway sector looked 

like the boom days of 1945 and 1946 with 

some of the theatres reporting their biggest 

Labor day weekend business in years. In New 

England, the American Theatre Corp. reopened 

a number of houses which were closed 

down during the slump. Reports of improved 

business came from Memphis, Buffalo, 

Albany. Providence. Phoenix, San Francisco, 

Phoenix, Helena and Birmingham in addition 

to those published in last week's fall business 

roundup. 

From across the country, there seemed to 

be almost universal agreement among exhibitors 

that television had not as yet become 

a vital competitor for the summer entertainment 

dollar. Although most TV stations presented 

a steady diet of baseball games and 

other major sports events, the sports attractions 

did not seem to provide stiff competition. 

Actually, there were some communities 

where TV setowners protested through the 

press against the relentless diet of baseball 

games. 

The roundup of business reports from 

American communities, as reported by BOX- 

OFFICE representatives, follows: 

ALBANY: 

ALBANY—Since the summer lows, there 

has been a small but steadily maintained 

increase at the boxoffice in this exchange 

area—but the rise and fall on the general 

business chart is still based on the quality 

of the pictures shown. Good product has 

been the answer and exhibitors here are 

agreed that the Korean situation has had 

nothing to do with upped boxoffice receipts. 

Charles Smakwitz. Warner's zone manager, 

said his theatres noted an increase 

some time back and that the rise should 

continue through the autumn months. At the 

Schine circuit offices in Gloversville, Gus 

Lampe, general manager, called the outlook 

"quite good" if the current top grade product 

continues to roll from the studios. 

Julian Perlmutter, who operates two theatres 

in Watervliet, also felt that strong 

product was helping. The Korean situation 

has been a help to theatres in this area 

because the Watervliet ar.senal is now going 

strong, which means good business for 

everyone. Television, he commented, may 

hurt but if you get a good picture the business 

is there, television or no television. 

In Schenectady, defense work is a factor 

in the boxoffice Increase. This is the home 

ol .some important defense plants and em- 

Labor Day on Broadway: 

Just Like Boom Days 

NEW YORK — The ideal 

combination of 

strong new pictures, vacationing visitors and 

cooler or rainy weather, which kept crowds 

away from beach resorts, resulted in smash 

business at many of the Broadway first run 

houses over the Labor day weekend—starting 

the 1950-51 season with a bang. Reports from 

other key cities were similarly favorable and, 

in the New York subsequent runs, "Annie 

Get Your Gun" played to a 25 per cent increased 

attendance at 31 Loew's houses as 

compared with the same period in 1949. 

Although no records were broken, at least 

two of the Broadway stage-screen houses, the 

Strand and the Capitol, reported the strongest 

Labor day weekend business in years. 

The Strand, with "Tea for Two." supported by 

Gordon MacRae and Patricia Wymore, stars 

of the film, in person, did the "biggest weekend 

since 1941 and the biggest Sunday in 15 

years." while the Capitol, with "Summer 

Stock" and Hal LeRoy on the stage, attracted 

the loyal Judy Garland fans to give the theatre 

"the biggest Labor day weekend in four 

years and the biggest opening day in 10 

months." Both theatres scheduled extra holiday 

shows, the Strand giving five stage shows 

and seven feature showings and the Capitol 

giving five stage shows and six feature showings. 

The Roxy. with the dual engagement of 

•The Black Rose" and the New York Philharmonic-Symphony 

on the giant stage, gave 

the theatre the biggest non-holiday opening 

in the past two years. A long line, stretching 

from Seventh Avenue to Sixth, stood 

four abreast waiting for the doors to open 

September 1 and the theatre had standing 

room before the first show was one-quarter 

through, the Roxy reported. Because of the 

ployment is substantially up. Sid S. Dwore 

of the Cameo Theatre reports that neighborhood 

and subsequent theatres are chief 

beneficiaries of the rising employment. 

BOSTON: 

BOSTON — The upswing at 

the boxoffice 

was f»rst noted here about mid July. The 

swing has not been substantial but it has its 

hopeful signs. In the neighborhoods, business 

is 

up over the spring and summer figures but 

still below 1949. 

Edward S. Canter, treasurer of the American 

Theatre Corp.. which operates throughout 

New England, indicated that theatres in 

industrial areas are showing about a 10 per 

cent increase and that the circuit is reopening 

several smaller houses shuttered during the 

slump. 

length of the entire program, the theatre 

.shows only four stage performances and five 

features daily. 

While sensational business for "Sunset 

Boulevard" was no longer news at the Radio 

City Music Hall, the theatre reported the 

biggest Labor day business in its 14-year 

history and a fourth week's business which 

exceeded the opening and second week's 

gross, which was the best for a non-holiday 

period. "Sunset" started a fifth week Thursday 

(7) and the picture will go on at least 

six weeks and probably longer. During the 

holiday period, the Music Hall opened at 8:15 

instead of 10 a. m. daily. 

The fifth stage-screen house, the Paramount, 

reported strong business for the first 

week of Bob Hope's "Fancy Pants" and Carmen 

Cavallero on the stage. The Paramount 

opened at the usual time, but put on five 

stage shows and seven features, instead of 

the usual foiu- stage shows and six features. 

While the New York visitors favored the 

stage-screen houses, the straight-film theatres 

also benefited by the holiday crowds. 

The best were "No Way Out." in its third 

good week at the Rivoli; "Three Little 

Words." in its fourth strong week at Loew's 

State; "Treasure Island," in its third week at 

the Mayfair. where it was a mecca for the 

youngsters, and "Our Very Own." in its sixth 

week at the Victoria. The Globe attracted 

crowds with a sensational house front for 

two Warner Bros, reissues. "Alcatraz Island" 

and "San Quentin." and the Gotham reopened 

after a four-week layoff with two 

subsequent run films. Even the long-run 

British films. "The Red Shoes." "The Winslow 

Boy" and "Kind Hearts and Coronets." had a 

business upturn. 

Lawrence Laskey. partner in the E. M. Loew 

circuit, also reported business up about 10 

per cent over the average of the last eight 

weeks. Drive-ins. however, he said, have 

bought disappointing returns this year. 

BUFFALO: 

BUFFALO—This territory has joined the 

parade of large cities and adjoining areas 

reporting an upward trend in business. In 

the Queen city of the lakes this swing 

upward started toward the end of August 

and as the Labor day weekend was reached 

turnstiles were clicking right merrily and 

boxoffices were smiling. 

One of the main reasons for this improvement 

in business is the improvement in the 

entertaining qualities of screen fare currently 

being offered and another reason is the 

8 BOXOFFICE :: September 9. 1950

jumping up of advertising, publicity and promotion 

of product. At lot of oldtime showmanship 

is creeping back into the business 

and it is paying off at the boxoftice. 

Exhibitors hereabouts think that television 

undoubtedly has hurt a bit in the past in the 

Buffalo area what with an increase in the 

number of sets in western New York homes 

from 20,000 a year ago to above 100,000 now. 

However these same exhibitors think that the 

TV influence is leveling off—that the poor 

programs offered through this medium has 

hurt rather than helped telecasting and that 

better pictures are bound to bring a lot of 

these TV fans back into the theatres—starting 

at once. 

Vincent R. McFaul, general manager of the 

Shea circuit (Loew's) in Buffalo and western 

New York, expressed optimism in the future 

based on the manner in which the industry 

weathered the recent dip. on the general 

upswing in attendance during the past few 

weeks and upon the rosy picture being 

painted by Hollywood producers who have 

announced extensive production plans. 

SHIFT IN AVAILABILITIES 

Drive-in theatres this year have changed 

the subsequent run situation for the first 

time in many years, McFaul points out, 

bringing about a shift in availabilities 

whereby three of the outdoor houses play 

day-and-date with the three Shea community 

houses, the Elmwood, Kensington and 

Seneca. 

"We have every reason to believe that 

business generally will improve after September 

1," said James H. Eshelman, district 

manager, Buffalo Paramount Corp., operating 

the Paramount and Center in downtown 

Buffalo and the Seneca and Niagara in the 

Buffalo communities as well as the Kenmore 

in Kenmore, N. Y. 

"This improvement should also be greatly 

reflected at the theatre boxoffice." Eshelman 

said. "In our opinion 'consistently good product, 

more than anything else, will revive 

theatre attendance—and forthcoming product 

looks most encouraging. 

"Business in the early summer was very 

bad, at least it was with us," said Robert 

T. Murphy, managing director. Century Theatre, 

"so we believed that it was a good time 

to close and go in for an extensive remodeling 

program. When we reopened in the 

middle of August, business was really terrific 

and I attribute this to improvement in 

product. Our reopening attraction was 'Our 

Very Own.' The second attraction showed 

a slight letdown, but still it was much better 

than early summer and now on our 

third offering we seem to be on the upgrade, 

which I believe w'ill continue during the 

new season." 

BASILS ARE OPTIMISTIC 

"Theatre business, as far as the Basil circuit 

is concerned, is looking up," said Constantine 

J. Basil, president of Basil Bros. 

Theatres. "In the last few weeks our business 

has shown a decided upturn and we believe 

that with much better product now coming 

from Hollywood, we will enjoy a very successful 

year, starting with the current new 

season. 

"The summer sesison has worked a hardship 

on many Buffalo theatres, but this is 

a condition known to exist in all parts of 

the country. With a heavy increase in employment 

following the postwar labor slump 

we should live this down easily." 

William P. Rosenow, one of the officers of 

Among Those Reporting on Business Upswing 

Wallace Blankenship M. A. Lightman sr. Vincent McFaul 

Lubbock. Tex. Memphis, Tenn. Buffalo, N. Y. 

the Skyway Drive-In Theatres, Inc., declared 

that business in their outdoorers is 20 percent 

ahead of 1949. "Musicals and color 

action features are the top boxoffice attractions 

currently. Weekends still are top business 

days, but midweek business is moving 

upward." 

"Drive-in customers now are becoming accustomed 

to seeing more recent releases and 

are also becoming more choosey in their 

entertainment," Rosenow said. "Admission 

prices seem to be no object when good entertainment 

is on the docket," he added. 

CINCINNATI: 

CINCINNATI—This town, which was hard 

hit by the spring and summer slump, reports 

business has picked up. There has been a 

decided improvement in the last several 

weeks and Fred Huss jr.. president of the 

Greater Cincinnati Theatre Owners, believes 

that with the improved product scheduled for 

the fall months the boxoffice should benefit 

materially. 

Television has left its impact on exhibition 

here, and Huss reported exhibitors are concerned 

over the effects of the new fall 

TV programs on business. Indoor theatres 

also have faced terrific competition from the 

12 drive-ins in the Cincinnati territory. 

Frank Weitzel. booker and buyer for a 

chain of West Virginia theatres, indicated 

that things are looking up in the state. The 

full employment of coal miners has been the 

important factor. The miners now have some 

extra funds on hand for entertainment. 

Bud Libson of Midstates Theatres and 

Willis Vance, vice-president of Theatre 

Owners Corp.. both were optimistic about 

business prospects. Vance reported a rise in 

August over the levels of the last four 

months, but this increase was to be expected, 

he explained, as August business always has 

shown a boost over June and July totals in 

Cincinnati. 

HARTFORD: 

HARTFORD—Film business in this area 

is reported 15 to 20 per cent above the summer 

lows with indications that the upturn 

will stay. Increased work in factories has 

been a factor in the rise. George E. Landers, 

division manager for E. M. Loew's circuit, 

said that while business is not what it was 

in 1941 and 1942 and the war years, purchasing 

power is on the increase and therefore 

presents a bright spot in the general 

theatre 

picture. 

HELENA: 

Charles Smakwitz 

Albany, N. Y. 

HELENA, MONT. — Circuits in Montana 

report about a five per cent raise in business 

over the summer average, and exhibitors are 

much encouraged by the upturn. During the 

summer, theatres in many small situations, 

particularly those within good fishing range, 

suffered severely. 

A roundup of exhibitor comment, on a 

statewide basis, indicates that drive-in theatre 

business has been very good except in 

very small towns. Business has been particularly 

good in the resort areas, but w'ith 

competition stiffening in the outdoor field. 

However, a shortage of materials is reported 

to have halted several planned drive-in 

projects. 

A good western still is the big draw in the 

Montana country, with musicals second. One 

exhibitor with a drive-in near the Flathead 

Indian reservation says westerns are the No. 

1 attraction, but the Indians complain they 

are on the losing side too often in the pictures. 

In the small suburb-type towns such as 

East Helena. Meaderville. and Opportunity, 

exhibitors reported business on musicals and 

westerns. In such mining towns as Anaconda 

and Butte where business dep;..ds almost 

wholly on mining and smelting activities, 

there has been an upturn in theatre busine.^s 

although a noticeable break for the better 

is not expected for another month. 

Missoula, a university town, expects a pickup 

in business with the reopening of classes. So 

far there has been little improvement over 

the summer level of receipts. 

LUBBOCK: 

LUBBOCK—The prospects for a whale of 

a cotton crop has had everyone in this northwest 

Texas territory in an optimistic mood 

for months. It has been reflected in the take 

at the boxoffice. The cotton crop is expected 

to be the second largest in history. 

J. B. Rhea, manager of the Lindsey circuit, 

said business in these parts has generally 

been better than it has across the country. 

Lindsey theatres are running about even with 

1949. which was considered good. Preston E. 

Smith, who has five theatres, said his business 

has been above the 1949 figures and 

Wallace Blankenship. whose circuit operates 

23 houses throughout this region, reported the 

c.rcuit on the whole "was somewhat below" 

business at the 1942 level but the lag was not 

(Continued on page 10 

BOXOFFICE : 

: September 9. 1950

FALL BUSINESS REPORT 

— 

| 

C'onstantine Basil 

Buffalo, N. Y. 

James Eshelman 

Buffalo. N. Y. 

great. Grosses generally were close to the 

summer of 1949, up in some, down in others. 

Blankenship anticipates improvement this 

month. 

MEMPHIS: 

MEMPHIS — The summer slump is 

over 

and theatre business in Memphis and the 

midsouth trade territory is on the upgrade. 

Business is improving steadily in the circuit 

operated by Malco Theatres, Inc., in this 

section, M. A. Lightman sr., president, said. 

"Our business is on the upgrade," said 

Lightman, "and we believe it is generally 

in this section." 

So confident is Malco that the theatre business 

is going to get better the company is 

building three new theatres. One is Crosstown 

Theatre on Cleveland in Memphis, a 

1,400-seat house, due to be completed in about 

four months. Another is a new 1,000-seat 

house at McGee, Ark., to be named Malco, 

and a new 800-seat theatre at Helena, Ark. 

J'ilm salesmen returning to Memphis last 

weekend said they found exhibitors all over 

the territory reporting one of the best crops 

ever in this section and theatre attendance 

already picking up in spots. 

Ed Doherty, Exhibitors Services, whose 

company represents many exhibitors and who 

talks to them daily as they book on Pilmrow, 

summed it up this way: 

"Exhibitors report attendance picking up 

in most spots. This better business is still 

spotted but that's an indication of what is 

coming as a general condition. 

"All sections in the Memphis trade territory 

report the best cotton crop ever. There has 

been too much rain in the past few days but 

unless the rain continues there will be happy 

days this fall in the agricultural mid-south." 

First run Memphis theatre managers, to a 

man, report that the summer's low was 

passed a few weeks ago and that the increase 

in attendance has continued week by week 

since that time. 

Memphis is a hot television town with 

WMCT on the NBC network. 

Theatre men differ, however, on what effect 

television has had on theatre attendance. 

One exhibitor, who operates two shows, said 

he had checked and found that fewer men 

come to his theatre when big sports events 

such as boxing, wrestling and baseball games 

—are on TV. He has even charted the programs 

and claims as much as 20 per cent 

drop in attendance on "good TV nights." 

Another, after listening to his friends, said 

he too had made a personal study and found 

that the only time attendance dropped was 

when he booked poor pictures or failed to do 

A good job of promotion. 

Harry Lamont 

Albany, N. Y. 

TOLEDO: 

Jack Lykes 

Toledo, Ohio 

TOLEDO—Exhibitors here have felt an improvement 

in boxoffice returns from the low 

of the past summer, and are hopeful that the 

trend will continue. 

Since July 1, business at the Paramount, 

Toledo, 3,400-seater, has shown a considerabe 

improvement on weekdays, but the 

Saimday-Sunday trade is stU off, due to outdoor 

activities, Marvin Harris, manager, reported. 

He predicted that business would be 

close to normal throughout the week when 

tall weather sets in. 

The best films, he said, were the roughand-ready 

outdoor Technicolor movies, having 

a good male lead. He pointed out that 

the showgoer with a television set was likely 

10 stay home if there were no outstanding 

films offered, and that this affected business 

on small program pictures. He said 

about 10 per cent of the drop in receipts 

could be blamed on television. 

Howard Peigley, manager of the RivoU, 

second largest first run house in Toledo, 

said that business has picked up about 15 

per cent and he expects a good fall season, 

"almost back to normal." He said this was 

because the fams would be better product, 

and pointed out that good westerns and 

adventure-type films were popular. 

Jack Lykes, manager of the Colony, a de 

luxe neighborhood house, .said that business 

has been much better than the early months 

of 1950, and that when the drive-in theatres 

close down, business in neighborhood houses 

would show a corresponding improvement. 

None of the managers felt this was the 

right time to raise admission prices, even 

though costs have gone up, because business 

conditions in general did not justify such 

a raise. 

Giles Robb, manager of the Princess, said 

that business is still contingent on the quality 

of the product. He said that good action 

films were popular at the Princess, and that 

he thinks summer is the best season for such 

films. He said he expected better business 

this fall when the industrial plants in the 

area increase their output. As for television 

being a threat to theatres, Robb said it 

was not television, but time installment payments 

on the whole, which were affecting the 

amusement dollar. "People find themselves 

obligated to the point where they have spent 

all their money to make the payments on 

houses, refrigerators, cars and television 

sets, and are forced to stay home and watch 

television, whether they like it or not." 

Business is much better, Abe Ludacer, 

manager of Loew's Valentine, reported, with 

more employment and better economic conditions. 

Slight, 

Seen in 

Definite Upturn 

Birmingham 

BIRMINGHAM—Theatre business In 

Alabama is experiencing a slight but definite 

upturn. Consensus among exhibitors 

is that the spurt is above what normally 

might be expected at the end of the 

summer vacation period. 

This shot-in-the-arm is sorely needed 

at this time. According to H. H. Chapman, 

director of the University of Alabama's 

Bureau of Business Research, recepits 

are lagging behind those of 1949, 

but stUl ahead of 1948. 

Receipts for the first six months of this 

year, based on sales tax receipts, have 

amounted to $7,003,900, as compared with 

$7,050,100 for the same period in 1949 and 

$6,690,000 for the first six months of 1948. 

Total receipts for the whole years of 

1949 were $13,876,100, and 1948, $13,- 

656,800. 

Chapman pointed out that figures for 

the first half of the year were not conclusive, 

due to straggling returns, etc. 

TUCSON: 

TUCSON—Exhibitors have given conflicting 

reports on business in Arizona, but generally 

the reports are on the optimistic side. 

Fox theatres, for example, in both Tucson 

and Phoenix, have shown a gain for the 

third straight year. Good product this year 

has been the big answer, according to Dick 

Smith, district manager. He said that 

"Broken Arrow" sold 28,000 admissions in 

11 days in Tucson and 34,000 in eight days 

in Phoenix, both records. 

Harry L. Nace jr., whose circuit operates 

about 30 subsequent houses, said business was 

off about 20 per cent and that only top pictures 

are doing well, but at the Louis Long 

circuit headquarters it was reported that 

receipts at its two Phoenix theatres were over 

1949 totals, that business in most Long theatres 

was up and that one of its small town 

theatres had doubled its 1949 take. 

This general optimism is due principally to 

the improved status of workers in the smaller 

mining towns, the abundance of jobs for 

field workers and the fact that farmers really 

are in clover this year. 

WICHITA: 

WICHITA—This is a good town, as far as 

the exhibition business is concerned. Both 

first runs and subsequents reported a substantial 

increase in receipts—with Leonard 

Kane, general manager of the O. F. Sullivan 

circuit, indicating that in some instances 

subsequent houses have had their business 

boosted by as much as 25 per cent. Kane 

also said business at the first runs has picked 

up. 

Mrs. T. H. Slothower, co-owner of the 

Slothower circuit, indicated that business 

hadn't been in any serious slump as far as 

her group of theatres is concerned. It has 

been steady since the end of the war "because 

we give our patrons the kind of pictures they 

want," she commented. Business has been 

good in Wichita, Mulvane. Valley Center and 

Belle Plaine where the Slothowers operate 

theatres. Business at their Meadowlarlc 

drive-in has been "wonderful" despite a cold, 

wet summer, she said. 

10 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 

9, 1960

--.- 

. 

^-,- - 

7-'-T'r'7'y^"'7^ 

.""' ."'"'^'".'.;'"^'/C»' = 

f,? t.*r»7T''.'â 

-0[l\ DAILY 

LOOKS AT 

Xi 

No picture has coi 

from 20th Century-Fox this year 

with greater promise of being a 

box-office smash... a refreshing 

experience in movie-going 4 

that goes straight to the heart. 

It is pictures such as this 

that make the exhibitor 

overflow with optimism!^ 

I 

^';^v 

BOOK THE INDUSTRY SHORT FOR 

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 

— 'ON STAGE EVERYBODY" 

(Îd««

' 

^({jUeSeâU 

No State Legislatures Pass 

Anti-Film Bills in 1950 

All sessions liave adjourned with no action 

on several censor bills and others designed 

to impose ticket taxes, according to 

Jack Bryson. MPAA legislative representative. 

W. Va. Allied Changes Name; 

Elects Fred Helwig Head 

Memljers at annual convention in White 

Sulphur Springs last week decide to call 

their group West Virginia Allied Theatres 

Ass'Ji; former name was West Virginia Theatre 

Managers Ass'n. 

* 

To Hold Problem Seminars 

During Allied Convention 

'^tt 

Separate meetings are planned for the 

first run big-city houses, first run smalltown 

theatres, subsequent runs and drive-in 

theatres at national conclave in Pittsburgh 

October 2-4. 

* 

Gala Western Party Planned 

At TOA Houston Meeting 

Theatre Owners of America members and 

guests will be treated to barbecue and square 

dancing sponsored by the Coca-Cola Co. 

October 31: four-day convention runs from 

October 30 to November 2. 

Quarterly Dividends Voted 

By Paramount and Loew's 

Paramount to pay 50 cents per share of 

common stock September 29 to stockholders 

of record September 18; Loew's declares 37H' 

cents, payable September 30 to stockholders 

of record September 15. 

Film Leaders to Conduct 

UJA Appeal Over Phone 

One-day solicitation from Barney Balaban's 

offices to reach $1,000,000 goal is 

plarmed for September 19, with committee 

chairman participating. 

52 Texas-Oklahoma Drive-Ins 

Begun or Opened in 60 Days 

Period of July and August gains three over 

May and June; total cost of $2,058,000; car 

capacity of 21,891 or an average of 421; only 

new conventional theatres in same period. 

* 

20th Century-Fox to Honor 

Andy Smith October 8-14 

Divi.sion managers de.signate that week in 

honor of the company's general sales manager 

in conjunction with his 35th anniversary 

in motion picture distribution. 

* 

Mexican Exhibitors Fear 

Television Competition 

Hold emergency meetings with Manco 

oional Cinematografico, which finances 

aims; to plan action through new National 

Council of Cinematographic Art. 

British Pact Approved; 

But in Principle Only 

NEW YORK—Full approval of the Anglo- 

American remittance pact negotiated by Eric 

Johnston, president of the Motion Picture 

E.xport Ass'n, and Ellis Arnall, president of 

the Society of Independent Motion Picture 

Producers, was withheld by the MPEA board 

of directors at a meeting Thursday (7). 

Instead, the board ratified the terms of 

the pact in principle. The action followed 

by a day the same action taken by SIMPP 

on the coast. An MPEA spokesman said that 

there remain only a couple of minor technicalities 

to be ironed out before full acceptance. 

The agreement, to become effective October 

1, provides remittance from England of 

earnings up to $17,000,000 during the single 

year it will be in force. In addition, U.S. 

companies can convert into dollars a sum 

equivalent to 23 per cent of sterling expenditures 

for film production in Britain, 50 per 

cent of sterling expenditures for outright 

purchase of British films, and 50 per cent of 

sterling paid to British interests for distribution 

in the western hemisphere. 

Fayette Allport, Motion Picture Ass'n of 

America British representative, described 

how the formula had been drawn up by a 

team of U. S. technicians he headed in collaboration 

with representatives of the British 

government. He and his team received a 

vote of thanks. 

The MPEA board met with the luiowledge 

that the British had approved the pact. 

This was publicly confirmed by Allport on 

his arrival Tuesday (5) on the Queen Elizabeth 

to attend the meeting. He said there 

had been several meetings of the American 

and British technicians in London which 

had resulted in the determination of the 

bonus percentages to be allowed over the 

annual remittance figure of $17,000,000. The 

bonuses are for U.S. cash investments in 

British production, revenue from the distribution 

of British films here and cash spent 

for distribution rights to British films. 

The British unit meeting with Allport consisted 

of government and Bank of England 

officials. With him were representatives of 

U.S. companies stationed in Britain. 

Coyne Joins COMPO as Counsel 

NEW YORK—Robert W. Coyne, now associated 

with the Ted R. Gamble Enterprises, 

has been named special counsel for the Council 

of Motion Picture Organizations on a fulltime 

basis. Dick Pitts, motion picture critic 

of the Charlotte Observer, has been appointed 

editorial director, full time, and William T. 

Ainsworth, former president of National Allied, 

has been asked to become a special consultant, 

part time, according to Arthur L. 

Mayer, executive director. 

Mayer had said he would like Coyne 

as his chief aide, as reported in BOX- 

OFFICE of September 2. He is a graduate 

of the Georgetown law school and the 

National University law school. He was assistant 

district supervisor of the Bureau of 

Internal Revenue, Boston, from 1933 to 1941; 

national field director of the war finance division, 

U.S. Treasury, 1941-45. and became 

executive director of the Theatre Owners of 

America in 1946. He resigned in May 1948 to 

join Gamble. 

Ainsworth is president of Independent 

Theatres and La Belle Theatre Corp., Fond 

du Lac, Wise, and a National Allied stalwart. 

Pitts is known for his series of columns 

two years ago on "What's Right With Hollywood." 

A special committee for cooperation with 

the U.S. State department in connection with 

the "Voice of America" operation overseas 

was named. Its per.sonnel, drawn from the 

three COMPO member groups directly concerned 

with the international scene, consists 

of Cecil B. DeMille of the Motion Picture Industry 

Council, chairman; Gunther Lessing 

of the Society of Independent Motion Picture 

Producers, and Francis S. Harmon, vicepresident 

of the Motion Picture Ass'n of 

America and COMPO secretary. The committee 

will work with Edward W. Barrett, assistant 

secretary of state. 

Seeking Cooperation 

On Regional Level 

NEW YORK — The committee on organization 

of the Council of Motion Picture 

Organizations adopted a resolution 

Wednesday (6) calling for the creation 

of voluntary committees in every exchange 

area to cooperate with COMPO. 

The resolution read: 

"Resolved that each exchange area be 

urged to set up at the earliest possible 

date a COMPO committee to cooperate 

in the work of the organization. In calling 

these meetings, all 

the various charter 

members of COMPO represented in 

the area should be included. If more 

than one state is served by the area, such 

states should be represented on the committee. 

"The committee will select an area 

chairman, state chairman where de.sired, 

theatre, distribution, publicity and any 

other chairmen representing groups affiliated 

with the industry who may be invited 

to participate in COMPO activities. 

"There will be no effort to suggest that 

exactly the same procedure be followed in 

the formation or operation of COMPO 

exchange area committees throughout the 

country. Complete local autonomy will 

be preserved." 

12 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 

9, 1950

I 

' 

NBS 

MONOGRAM SCHEDULES TOTAL 

OF 46 RELEASES FOR 7950-5/ 

Six From Allied Artists; 

New Group to Be Under 

Label of Gold Banner 

HOLLYWOOD—Monogram will release 

40 pictures during 1950-51, ui addition to 

six higher-budgeted entries from its sistercompany, 

Allied Artists, Pi-esident Steve 

Broidy told delegates in attendance at the 

annual national sales convention staged 

here Tuesday (5) through Thursday (7). 

The lineup, Broidy predicted, represents 

"the greatest boxoffice potential offered to 

date" by the two companies. 

Emphasis will be on entertainment for the 

masses, the Monogram-AA topper declared, 

"devoid of medical treatises, psychoanalysis 

or excessive brutality . . . We are going to 

continue to put motion back into motion pictures." 

EXPECT SOME ADDITIONS 

The 46-picture total is the same as was 

announced at the beginning of the 1949-50 

season, but company spokesmen emphasized 

that a flexible program will be maintained 

and that by the end of the year that number 

possibly will have been increased by the 

addition of several other properties. 

A new Monogram category. Gold Banner 

Productions, has been instituted, Broidy declared. 

Under this label Rod Cameron will 

be starred in two Cinecolor films. Wayne 

Morris also will star in a pair of pictures on 

the Monogram slate. 

Color will be "extensively used" on the AA 

agenda, Broidy said, "wherever it is considered 

advantageous." 

Of the sLx projected AA films, two are already 

completed — "Southside 1-1000," produced 

by the King Brothers, toplining Don 

DeFore and Andrea King, and "Short Grass," 

a Scott R. Dunlap production, megged by 

Lesley Selander, starring Rod Cameron. 

Other vehicles on the AA docket: 

Three from the King Brothers — "The 

Fighting Rebel," a Civil war story being 

scripted by Philip Yordan; "The Syndicate," 

a melodrama; and "Treasure of Pancho 

Villa," historical action western. 

"The Police Story," to be produced by Paul 

Short, which will be filmed with the cooperation 

of the Los Angeles police department. 

THE ROD CAMERON TITLES 

The two Cameron starrers in Cinecolor for 

Monogram are "Cavalry Scout," to be produced 

by Walter Mirisch, and "Port Osage," 

which Scott R. Dunlap will produce. Dunlap 

also will hold the reins on three other Cinecolor 

subjects, "Sign of the Pirate," "Rodeo" 

and "The Big Top." Another color feature, 

"Flight to Mars," will be produced by Mirisch. 

Two vehicles starring Morris, both to be 

produced by Lindsley Parsons, are "Trail 

Dust" and "Submarine School," the latter to 

be released at New London, Conn., with U.S. 

navy cooperation. 

Additional Monogram titles include: 

"Elephant Stampede" and "The Lion Hunt- 

Broidy Says Sales Quota 

To Exceed Past Years 

HOLLYWOOD—Expressing 

confidence 

- 

that the 1950-51 season will be the greatest 

in the history of 

f 

'F'''''Sii^^9Si Monogram and its 

si*'^'' " company, Al- 

I ''^"^ 

yÊ Z 

Artists, Presi- 

K 

\ftf 

" '^^"'' Steve Broidy 

L ; iHI Z told delegates to the 

^ êS( firm's annual convention 

that the 

sales quota for the 

new season will be 

in excess of $12,500,- 

000—an advance of 

more than $2,000,000 

over any preceding 

Steve Broidy year. 

Broidy emphasized that the new high 

figure was predicated upon a "varied and 

balanced" production program. In line 

with the stepped-up sales quota anticipated 

for the season, the company topper 

declared there is "every indication" of at 

least a 30 per cent increase in billings 

over the 1949-50 fiscal year. 

"We honestly believe that our new program 

will merit increased rentals from 

exhibitors who already are playing our 

product," he informed the conventioneers. 

"This belief is based on our determination 

to make our lineup more productive 

of increased revenue to the exhibitor than 

ever before." 

ers," scheduled for the "Bomba, the Jungle 

Boy" series, starring Johnny Sheffield, with 

Mirisch producing. 

Four entries in Producer — Jan Grippe's 

"Bowery Boys" series "Bowery Battalion," 

"Ghost Chasers," "Jinx Jockey" and "Knights 

of the Square Table." All will co-star Leo 

Gorcey and Huntz Hall. 

Two "Joe Palookas" to be produced by Hal 

E. Chester, the first of which will be "The 

Squared Circle." Joe Kirkwood has the title 

role. 

Two musicals to be produced by Parsons 

with William F. Broidy as associate producer 

—"Rhythm Inn" and "Casa Manana." 

Two entries in Parson's action series 

adapted from stories by James Oliver Curwood 

"Northwest Patrol" and "Yukon Manhunt." 

They will star Kirby Grant and feature 

the canine actor, Chinook. Parsons also 

will produce "The Ottawa Story" in Canada 

with the cooperation of the Canadian government. 

Broidy will handle production reins on 

"The Sea Tiger" and "Navy Bound." 

"Outside the Law" is on Producer Barney 

Gerard's docket. 

"Father's Wild Game" and "Father's 

Blonde Trouble" will be produced as two 

more in the "Latham Family" series by Peter 

Scully, with Raymond Walburn starring in 

the comedies. 

Producer Walter Mirisch has scheduled two 

outdoor we;itern specials, ""The Cattle King'" 

and "The Maverick." 

Other sagebrushers on the program include 

six starring Johnny Mack Brown and six 

with Whip Wilson, all 12 to be produced by 

Vincent Fennelly. 

As concerns short subjects, 

Monogram will 

continue its re-release of the "Our Gang" 

comedies under the title of "The Little Rascals." 

Broidy said a group of 24 two-reelers 

and 12 one-reelers will be distributed under 

the Monogram banner during the new season. 

NEARLY 100 DISTRIBUTORS 

Monogram was host to nearly 100 members 

of the company's distribution personnel for 

a three-day session. Sessions were staged at 

both the studio and the Ambassador hotel 

and they were the first held here since 1944. 

Co-hosts with Broidy were W. Ray Johnston, 

chairman of the board; George D. Burrows, 

executive vice-president; Scott R. Dunlap, 

Broidy 's executive assistant; Harold Mirisch, 

vice-president; and Harold Wirthwein, western 

sales manager. 

The home office delegation was headed by 

Morey Goldstein, general sales manager; Edward 

Morey, vice-president; L. E. Goldhammer, 

eastern district chief; Lloyd Lind, supervisor 

of exchange operations; and Nat Furst, 

New York exchange manager. 

In addition to talks by the officers, Louis 

S. Lufton, director of advertising and publicity, 

outlined his department's plans for 

promotion and merchandising of forthcoming 

product. Dunlap spoke on studio operations 

and introduced various producers whose 

work is on the calendar for the next year. 

Franchise holders were represented by Arthur 

Bromberg, Atlanta; Charles Trampe, 

Milwaukee; Herman Rifkin. Boston; William 

Hurlbut, Detroit; Irving Mandel, Chicago; 

George West, Cincinnati; Nate Schultz, 

Cleveland; Harry Berkson, Buffalo; Ben Williams, 

Pittsburgh; Howard Stubbins, Los Angeles; 

and Mel Hulling. San Francisco. Also 

on hand were district managers Oscar Hanson, 

handling the Canadian territory, and 

James Prichard, southwestern representative. 

BRANCH MANAGERS ATTEND 

Attending from the various branches: 

Abe Weiner, Pittsburgh; Nate Dickman, 

Buffalo; J. E. Hobbs, Atlanta; Hal Jordan, 

Charlotte; Henry Glover, New Orleans: Henry 

Hammond, Memphis; Charles Duer, Denver; 

Don Tibbs, Salt Lake City; William Johnson, 

Des Moines; Harlan Starr, Detroit: William 

Embleton, Indianapolis: T. R. Thompson, 

Kansas City; Oliver Trampe, Milwaukee; 

Irving Marks, Minneapolis; John Pavone, 

New Haven; Ben Abrams, Boston: MUton 

Lipsner, Oklahoma City; Sol Francis, Omaha; 

Max Gillis, Philadelphia: Jack Safer, Washington, 

D. C: William Grant, Portland; Ed 

Cruea, Seattle; M. Schweitzer, St. Louis; 

James Myers, San Francisco; Frank Vaughan, 

Toronto; and M. J. E. McCarthy, Los Angeles. 

Bookers and exploiteers attended. 

BOXOFFICE September 9, 1950 13

' 

FHE HAPPY BOSSES ARE BA 

rr" 

J 

BRANCH MANAGERS' TESTIMONIAL SEPT^ 

'^Cs 

fm^S 

m 

wmm tm 

%.-*^^ 

Reading from L. to R.-seated- DANIEL R. HOULIHAN, /l/fcanj/; FRED R. DODSON, /l(/onâ,- JAMES M. CONNOLLY, Boston; CHARL 

Charlotte; TOM R. GILLIAM, C/iicofiro,- JOSEPH B. ROSiU, Cincinnati; IZZY J. SCHfAiRlZ, Cleveland; MARK SHERIDAN, Da//as,- V 

JOE J. LEE,De«rott; TOM O. McCLEASTER,/ndi(inapoH«,- JOE R. NEGER,ira7i»as Cifj/; CLYDE W. ECKHARDT.Los /Inj^f/fs; TOM W. 

lis; GERRY CHERNOFF,A/

)K...BY POPULAR DEMAND! 

IBER 3-DECEMBER 30 

NOW! From the 

men and the 

company ^ho 

always 

deliver 

for you... 

f * 

Wm 

.KOSCO, Buffalo; VERNON M. SKOREY, Calgary; JOHN E. HOLSTON, 

;EN1 J. DUGAN, Denver; 2nd row-RALPH PIELOW, JR., Des Mmnes; 

ING, A/empAw.JACK H.LORENTZ, Mi7i

— 

ELC Schedules 19 Films 

For 4 Months of '50-51 

NEW YORK—Eagle Lion Classics will release 

19 new features within the next four 

months, according to 

William J. Heineman. 

vice - president in 

charge of distribution, 

who presided at the 

three-day sales meeting 

at the Warwick 

hotel September 7-9. 

A discussion of these 

pictures was the highlight 

of the opening 

day's session. 

The September releases 

include: "Eye 

William Heineman Witness, " a David Rose 

production starring Robert Montgomery 

with Felix Aylmer and Patricia Wayne; 

"Paper Gallows," an Adelphi Films production 

starring Dermot Walsh, and "The Taming 

of Dorothy," an Orlux Film production 

starring Jean Kent with Robert Beatty and 

Margaret Rutherford. All are British-made. 

The releases for October will be: "So 

Long at the Fair," a J. Arthur Rank production 

starring Jean Simmons and Dirk Bogarde: 

"The Second Face," an Edward Leven 

film starring Ella Raines with Bruce Bennett 

and Rita Johnson; "The Kangaroo Kid," 

a Howard C. Brown western with Dorothy 

Malone and Veda Ann Borg, filmed in Australia: 

"One Minute to Twelve" and "Two 

Lost Worlds." 

The November releases will be: "Prehistoric 

Women," an Albert J. Cohen production in 

Cinecolor: "Sun Sets at Dawn," a Helen 

Rathvon and Paul Sloane production, introducing 

Sally Parr and Philip Shawn; "They 

Were Not Divided," a J. Arthur Rank film 

with Ralph Clanton and Edward Underdown; 

"Rogue River," a Frank Melford production 

starring Rory Calhoun and Guy Madison; 

"Mr. Universe," filmed in New York City 

and starring Jack Car.ôn, Janis Paige and 

Bert Lahr, and a Range Rider western not 

yet titled. 

For December there will be: "Golden Salamander," 

a British-made film starring Trevor 

How-ard and Anouk; "The Kid From Mexico," 

a Ben Bogeaus production starring Mickey 

Rooney, Wanda Hendrix and Robert Preston; 

"Wliite Heather." a David Rose Britishmade 

film starring Ray Milland and Patricia 

Roc; "Tinderbox," a cartoon feature in 

AnscoColor based on a Hans Christian Andersen 

fairy tale, and a second Range Rider 

western. 

Of the 19 features, "The Second Face" and 

"Mr. Universe" were originally set for Film 

Classics release. 

In addition to Heineman, the home office 

executives and personnel attending the threeday 

meeting included: William C. Mac- 

Millen, president of ELC, and B. G. Kranze, 

David Melamed, S. L. Seidelman, E. A. Arnstein, 

Joseph Sugar, Jules K. Chapman, R. 

J. Augenblick, Leon Brandt, Lige Brien, Stephen 

Strassberg, Jonas Arnold, Prank Heffernan, 

J. C. Foltz, W. Frost, William Markert, 

Ted Hodes, L. R. Brager and Robert 

Barnhard. 

Heineman read a congratulatory wire from 

Joseph Bernhard, former president of Film 

Classics, which said: "Confident of a successful 

convention on account of your forthcoming 

productions. All good wishes for a 

most successful year to all the boys. Sincere 

thanks." 

William E. MacMillen, president of ELC. 

told the sales force that in spite of the 

apparent failure of the merger of Eagle Lion 

and Film Classics, there still exists a warm 

feeling of friendship in Eagle Lion for Bernhard. 

He expressed conviction that the dispute 

which held up the merger will be successfully 

arbitrated, and predicted that the 

next six months would "put Eagle Lion over 

the top as the foremost distributor of independent 

product." 

FC Will Liquidate After Suit Ends 

NEW YORK—Irving Kaufman, creditor 

assignee for Film Classics, said Tuesday (5) 

that FC will begin to liquidate as a corporation 

after a $500,000 suit against Eagle Lion 

has run its course in Supreme Court. Kaufman 

said that proceedings were to begin 

Friday (8i for recovery of funds he maintains 

are due FC on film rentals collected by EL 

since June 12, the date a merger between the 

two firms was to have been established. 

Joseph Bernhard, who has relinquished his 

post as Film Classics president and has given 

control of the corporation to Kaufman, said 

Tuesday i5i that his .series of talks with 

William C. MacMillen, president of Eagle 

Lion Cla.ssics, have ended. The talks had 

been held since June to work out an agreement 

between EL and FC for distribution of 

FC relea.ses. MacMillen was EL executive 

vice-president prior to merger negotiations. 

Eagle Lion will continue as a corporation 

during and after the proposed suit to fulfill 

certain contracts it now holds. The main 

burden of distribution, however, will be fulfilled 

by Eagle Lion Classics. The company 

incorporated June 7 in New York state and 

will continue as a going concern. 

MacMillen said Wednesday (6) that EL 

will have to fight the suit brought by Kaufman 

in court unless an agreement can be 

reached with Film Classics. MacMillen said 

Kaufman claimed in the FC summons that 

Eagle Lion Classics should have distributed 

FC product without charge after June 12. 

He still held hopes for settlement with 

Bernhard on '.some agreeable amount." 

Sam Abrams Recuperating 

INDIANAPOLIS—Sam Abrams, Realart 

salesman, is resting comfortably at the Methodist 

hospital after a heart attack August 26. 

Asks a Strong Guard 

Against Communism 

Harry M. Warner delivering his "American 

way" talk at the studio. 

HOLLYWOOI>—An emphatic plea for employes 

of Warner Bros, to demonstrate unqualified 

loyalty to the United States and 

the American way of life highlighted a mass 

meeting of workers at the company's Burbank 

studio Friday (1), at which those attending 

were addressed by President Harry 

M. Warner. The company head urged more 

than 2,000 studio employes to be on their 

guard against the danger of organized Communist 

conspiratorial activity to the peace 

and the future of their country. 

The meeting was, it is believed, the first 

assembly of its kind called by any organization 

in the motion picture industry. 

Declared President Warner: 

"I would like to see a law passed that any 

and all members of un-American organizations, 

especially those sponsored and paid for 

by foreign powers, would have their citizenship 

revoked and be deported to their own 

native land, or the land in wliose hidden employ 

they are. 

"We don't want anybody employed in our 

company who belongs to any Communist, 

Fascist or any other un-American organization. 

"Don't allow these bullies to bully you 

get rid of them and any one of them who 

wants to go to Europe where they can teach 

that kind of stuff. As my brother once said, 

'Let them come here to us and we'll pay their 

expenses back to Russia any time they want.' 

Don't be .scared of anybody. You're good, 

honest Americans—why not stand up and 

fight?" 

As a climax to the meeting, and to give 

weight to his own statements, Warner showed 

the meeting the last few minutes of "Teddy, 

the Rough Rider," a patriotic short made by 

Warner Bros, in 1940, in which Roosevelt 

warned the nation against subversive activities 

and divided allegiance. 

"There can be no divided allegiance here," 

said Theodore Roo.sevelt. "Any man who says 

he's an American and then seeks to promote 

foreign isms within our borders is not a true 

American. We can have room for but one 

flag— the American flag. We have room for 

but one language—the language of the Declaration 

of Independence and the Bill of 

Rights. And we have room for but one loyalty—and 

that is loyalty to the American 

people." 

16 BOXOFFICE September 9, 1950

fTARlETT WeOnegJay, Au(tii»t 30, 1950 

'Sunset' Soars to Record LA 

'Sunset' Bright Cincy' 

'Sunset' Whams PhOly 

front Uiiv sl^n 

\\iule "In a/Lonfîy piat-f" ;ii i' 

p/u-ym art/ fital** S'tapt-,--' i»!i': 

ofher m.-;.tur Ikiu-;' 

ng aUbon^ti "bfok* < 

Mel ('>Oit

RKO Theatres Draft 

Countrywide Drive 

NEW YORK — Plans for a "Boost Your 

Business" campaign In RKO Theatres were 

discussed by division managers and home 

office executives at meetings held Wednesday 

(6) and Thursday (7) at the Waldorf- 

Astoria. Details of the activities of each 

division head and the overall program to be 

carried out during October, November and 

December were taken up. 

William K. Howard, assistant general manager 

of the circuit, called the sessions. Sol 

A. Schwartz, RKO Theatres vice-president 

and general manager emphasized the Importance 

and timeliness of the drive and declared 

that the campaign could make October, November 

and December "three months to be 

remembered." 

At a special luncheon Wednesday Ned E. 

Deplnet, president of RKO, was the principal 

speaker. Others who addressed the gathering 

were: Schwartz and Howard, from the 

home office; Robert Mochrie, vice-president 

and general sales manager; Tom O'Connor, 

Harry Mandel, Matty Polon, Robert Sherman, 

David Canavan, Maj. E. E. Thompson, 

Lee Koken. Harold Newcomb, John Redmond, 

Dave Bines, William Whitman. Dan Friendly 

and James Roth. 

Schwartz revealed that the idea for the 

"Boost Your Business" drive was originally 

suggested by the men in the field. He said 

that things had taken an upward trend and 

he urged his showmen to use every device 

at their command to bring "that extra dollar" 

into the RKO Theatres' boxoffices. 

B&K Named Defendant 

In Novel Antitrust Suit 

CHICAGO—Fifteen motion picture distributors 

and Chicago theatre operators were 

named defendants September 1 in a novel 

$1,500,000 damage suit growing out of the 

1948 Supreme Court ruling that outlawed a 

number of practices used in distributing new 

films to Chicago theatres. 

The suit was filed in federal district court 

by Att'y Thomas C. McConnell on behalf of 

the Congress Building Corp., owner of a 

building at 2135 Milwaukee Ave. that houses 

the Congress Theatre, one of the Balaban 

& Katz chain. 

The suit alleges that the lease of the 

theatre provided that Balaban & Katz pay 

the building corporation a percentage of 

gross admissions in the theatre rather than 

a fixed fee; and that, under the alleged 

monopolistic system then practiced, the theatre 

was given a rating of B or C and was 

not furnished new films until eight or nine 

weeks after they left the Loop. By that time, 

the suit charges, the films had little appeal 

and few cash customers came to see them, 

thus reducing the rent. 

The corporation claims a loss of $500,000 

and asks triple damages under the Sherman 

antitrust law. 

Balaban & Katz is named as one of the 

defendants. Many Balaban & Katz theatres 

occupied favored spots on the outlawed priority 

system and, the suit pointed out, It was 

sagacious of Balaban & Katz to give a low 

rating to a theatre with a rental arrangement 

such as that of the Congress. 

90 N. y. Theatres Join 

Test of Earlier Shows 

NEW YORK — Ninety theatres in the 

borough of Queens are cooperating in a 

non-competitive campaign to get public 

reactions to a new system of scheduling 

shows. All of the circuits, including Brandt 

Theatres, Century, Interboro, Loew's, 

Prudential, RKO and Skouras houses, and 

99 per cent of the independents, have 

joined in the effort. 

On September 13 quarter-page ads will 

appear in the Long Island Daily Press and 

the Long Island Star-Journal announcing: 

"Special Election for Queens." The "election" 

aims to have the filmgoers of the country 

vote on a proposed change in schedule. 

Several months ago Loew's Embassy in 

North Bergen, N. J., started an experiment 

by scheduling "early last shows." The idea 

was to get the patrons home earlier, to have 

them see a complete two-feature show from 

beginning to end. By starting the last complete 

show between 8 and 8:30 p. m. and 

closing not later than 11:30 p. m., both aims 

were achieved. After two months, the plan 

has been declared a success at the Embassy. 

Attendance has gained and general customer 

satisfaction has been expressed. 

Previously, when the show ended at midnight 

or later, only 100 to 150 people were 

left in the theatre. With the 11:30 closing 

there are from 1,000 to 1,200 as a rule. 

If the patrons in Queens vote in favor of 

the plan, it will be introduced throughout the 

country as soon as daylight saving time ends. 

In anticipation of approval, a complete 

campaign manual has been prepared. It 

outlines the way the campaign is to be conducted, 

with the steps to be followed in 

putting it into practice. 

If the plan proves successful in Queens, 

it is probable that it will spread to the other 

boroughs of the city. 

On the publicity committee are: Ernest 

Emerling, Loew's; Harry Mandel, RKO; Nick 

John Matsoukas, Skouras Theatres, and Mort 

Sunshine, ITOA. 

Radio and television and other media will 

be used in addition to newspapers. There 

will be ballots, lobby ballot boxes, trailers, 

lobby posters and heralds, and other stunts. 

If the plan works out as expected, complete 

details will be made available to the 

Council of Motion Picture Organizations for 

use by interested exhibitors throughout the 

country. 

Gulf States Allied Adopts 

Resolution on Bidding 

NEW ORLEANS—Directors of Allied Theatre 

Owners of the Gulf States in a meeting 

Wednesday (6) at the Lake Catahoula home 

of Don George, organization president, 

adopted a resolution demanding that film 

companies, in the case of competitive bidding, 

make available the successful bid to the losing 

bidders. 

The resolution will be placed before board 

members of National Allied at their meeting 

In Pittsburgh September 30, and the Gulf 

States group will ask that the national body 

place the resolution on Its agenda. 

Trade Joins 20th-Fox 

At 'Scheduled Show' 

NETW YORK—Some of the country's 

leading circuit and independent exhibitors 

attended a screening of "All About Eve," 

the 138-minute feature which the company 

will sell on a "scheduled show" 

single feature basis, at a 6 p. m. screening 

in the 20th Century-Fox home office 

projection room Wednesday (8). 

Invitations emphasized that the picture 

would go on promptly at 6 p. m. The 

idea being that this would prove how 

easy it is to get patrons to attend on a 

schedule. Under the "scheduled show" 

plan no patron will be admitted to theatres 

after the start of each show. As a 

matter of fact the show started at 6:08 

with all guests present and the feature 

was preceded by the latest Issue of Movietone 

News. 

All those who commented, agreed that 

the two and one-half hours passed rapidly. 

A buffet dinner was served after the 

showing. Comments were generally favorable. 

The company has received assurances 

from more than 400 exhibitors that 

they will test the plan. 

Those Drpsent included Harry Brandt, hedd 

of the ITOA and Brandt Theatres; Wilbur 

Snaper, president of New Tersey Allied; Sam 

T'i'-izler, heod of the Randforce circuit; Mot 

Fellerman, Edward L. Hymon and Robert M. 

Weitman, United Paramount Theatres executives; 

J, T- Fitzgibbons, president of Famous 

Plovers Crmadian Corp.; Robert B. Wilby, head 

of Wilbv-Kincey Theatres; Samuel Rosen, partner 

in Fabian Theatres, and George Trilling 

and Bernard Brooks, Fabian executives; Tames 

M, lerould, editor of BOXOFFICE; W. Frank 

Marshall and L'ûis T. Kaufman, film buying 

executives of Warner Bros, Theatres; Horrv 

Onldberg publicity and advertising director of 

Warner Theatres; Têo Brecher, head of Leo 

Rrecher Theatres; Oscar A, Doob and Tohn F 

Murphy, executives of Loew's, Inc.; Walter 

Higgins, executive of the Prudential circuit; 

Edmund C. Grainger, head of Shea's Theatres 

^nd Ray Smith, Carroll Lowler ond Gerald 

Shea, Shea executives; Edward Lachmon. New 

Tersev exhibitor gnd former head of New lersev 

Allied; Sam Switow, Indianapolis exhibitor; 

Snyrns P, Skouras, president of 20th-Fox; Andy 

W. Smith ir., vice-president and genergl sgles 

manager; Martin Moskowitz. Empire State division 

sales manager, and William C- Gehring. 

assistant genergl sales manager. 

Court Rules Pennsylvania 

Can't Censor Television 

PHILADELPHIA—Congress and not the Individual 

states has power to regulate the use 

of films for television, it has been decided 

by the U.S. circuit court of appeals. The 

decision was unanimous. It upheld a U.S. 

district court decision by Judge William H. 

Kirkpatrick in which he ruled invalid an 

order of the Pennsylvania Board of Censors 

requiring all television stations to submit 

films to it before use. 

The appeals court ruled that under the 

Federal Communications act Congress can 

control the content of all broadcast programs 

and can provide penalties for indecent 

or obscene matter. 

18 BOXOmCE :: September 9, 1950

Blumenthal Says TV 

Should Aid Films 

NEW YORK—"Television should be an 

adjunct to the movie business, not a competitor." 

according to 

A. Pam Blumenthal, 

chairman of the board 

of Fidelity Pictures, 

who believes that the 

new medium can be 

harnessed to help pictures. 

Discounting the 

lasting pull of television, 

Blumenthal 

pointed out that people 

are "gregarious by 

nature" and that the 

average housewife 

A. Pam Blumenthal wants to go out in the 

evening and show off her new clothes to 

all her neighbors not just to a few in her 

living room. 

HAS TWO FOB U-I 

Blumenthal, whose company has just completed 

two pictures for Universal-International 

distribution, is in New York to discuss 

promotion plans for the first, "Woman on 

the Run." starring Ann Sheridan and Dennis 

O'Keefe, which will be released in October. 

The second, which is now being edited, is 

"The Groom Wore Spurs," a comedy starring 

Ginger Rogers, Jack Carson and Joan Davis, 

which will be released in January. 

As cast names in these two pictures indicate, 

Blumenthal still believes in the value 

of star names and he plans on using one 

or two old favorites, as well as a few new 

faces, in each of his films. His next picture. 

"My Wife, the Celebrity," will star Paulette 

Goddard and will go into production in 

October and "Chuck-O-Luck," in Technicolor, 

and starring Marlene Dietrich, will 

go into work before the end of November. 

Releasing plans on the last two have not yet 

been set. 

FIVE FILMS A YEAR 

Blumenthal plans five Fidelity Pictures 

productions yearly, starting in 1951. Among 

his properties for future filming are: "Gentelman 

From Chicago," an original by Chester 

Erskine, and "The Life of Helen Morgan." 

He is also negotiating for the current 

Broadway stage hit, "Gentlemen Prefer 

Blondes." Fidelity Pictures, which wa-s 

formed in 1947, made two earlier pictures, 

"Montana Belle," in Ti-ucolor, starring Jane 

Russell, which Howard Hughes bought from 

Republic and which has not yet been released, 

and "Hou.se by the River," starring 

Louis Hayward and Jane Wyatt, which Republic 

released in March. 

Blumenthal boasts that Fidelity Pictures, 

which gets its first financing from the Bank 

of America, is "completely autonomous in 

every respect" and is the largest independent 

working off a major lot in the industry 

today. The company is thus able to control 

its own overhead and is able to make 

the best possible releasing deals after the 

pictures are completed, Blumenthal said. 

"Having the right distributor to sell a picture 

properly makes for half the success 

of a film," he pointed out. 

Blumenthal expects to return to the coast 

September 11. 

Sears Back at UA Desk 

Heading Distribution 

NEW YORK—Gradwell Sears returned to 

work at United Ai-tists Tuesday (5) as head 

of sales and distribution after an absence 

of several weeks 

due to illness, 

during which 

payment of his 

salary was 

stopped. As he 

arrived at 9:10 

a. m. he was 

greeted by Frank 

McNamee, president; 

Max Krav 

e t z, secretary, 

and C. J. Scollard, 

executive 

vice - president. 

He was assigned 

the office formerly 

occupied 

by Harry D. 

Gradwell Sears 

Buckley, secretary, who is now retired. 

Paul V. McNutt, chairman of the board, 

at his office downtown, denied reports he 

planned to leave UA. 

"There is no basis for any such rumor." 

he said. 

Sears, McNamee, Kravetz and ScoUard 

immediately went into a conference. Besides 

discussing the overall situation at UA 

and sales and distribution plans, they also 

talked over Sears' action looking toward 

enforcement of his original employment 

contract. This called for him to be vicepresident 

in charge of distribution. He was 

later elected president. 

Abraham Bienstock. attorney for Sears, 

who served UA with a summons and complaint 

August 25 demanding payments said 

to be due under the contract, said Tuesday 

that the complaint would remain in force 

until UA met Sears' demands. The complaint 

allowed UA 20 days in which to file 

an an.swer or settle before the formal filing 

of a suit. He had said earlier that Sears 

would insist on payment of salary during 

his illness. UA has until September 13 to 

make a move. 

The contract specified an annual salary 

of about $100,000. with clauses providing for 

annual payments over a number of years 

if his association with the company ended. 

A UA spokesman said he did not know 

of any impending company statements on 

policy. 

Late Monday. UA issued a press release 

which read: 

"Gradwell Sears has returned to his desk 

at United Artists to take charge of the 

company's domestic film distribution operations, 

it was announced today by Frank L. 

McNamee. president of UA." 

Sears told BOXOFFICE that in his position 

he would have nothing to do with 

company policies except as they related to 

distribution. He said he did not plan to 

call an early meeting of the field force. 

He did not comment on his action brought 

against UA through Bienstock. 

A number of independent producers came 

to New York during the week to meet with 

Sears. Irving Allen brought a print of "New 

Mexico" and Sam Spiegel a print of "The 

Prowler." Robert Stillman brought "Sound 

of Fury" and it was given a sneak showing 

Fi-iday evening in South Orange, N. J. Carl 

Leserman had visited UA the previous w'eek. 

Other producers were expected to arrive 

soon, leading to the belief that UA difficulties 

in obtaining pictures had at least 

been lessened. 

There will be a meeting of the executive 

board in New York September 20. Mary 

Pickford. vice-president, and Charles Chaplin, 

who though not an executive, has 400 

shares of stock in UA, will come from the 

coast to attend. At that time McNutt may 

announce the makeup of the board of directors 

and report on his fund-raising efforts. 

Pittsburgh Gets Variety's Midyear Meeting, Oct. 20-21 

NEW YORK—The 1950 midyear conference 

of Variety Clubs International will be 

held this year at the William Penn hotel. 

Pittsburgh. October 20, 21. It will be tied 

in with the annual Pittsburgh tent banquet, 

an event attended by many top executives 

of the industry, and all attending the conference 

will be invited to remain over for the 

banquet Sunday evening (22). 

A top attraction at the banquet will be the 

presentation of gold cards to the 11 original 

members of the clubs. Tlie original 11 has 

now grown to about 10,000 active members in 

35 cities of the U.S. and one-tenth each in 

Canada. Mexico City and Great Britain. 

It is expected that every tent in Variety 

International will have at least one representative 

at the conference, and all international 

officers are also expected to attend, including 

John H. Harris and Robert J. O'Donnell. 

past heads of Variety. 

The midyear conferences were started 

about three years ago to enable international 

canvasmen and officers to handle the many 

problems that arise between the annual conventions. 

Each tent sends its international 

canvasman who is empowered to vote on all 

matters brought before the conference. 

'Holy Year at Vatican' 

Distribution Is Set 

NEW YORK—Richard DeRochemont, producer 

of March of Time, has signed a contract 

with Robert M. Savini, president of 

Astor Pictures Corp., for the distribution of 

March of Time's 66-minute documentary, 

"The Holy Year at the Vatican." 

The picture explores the Papal State, including 

views of newly discovered tombs underneath 

St. Peter's Basilica where the saint 

is said to have been buried. Commentary is 

by the Rev. Fulton J. 

Sheen. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: September 

9, 1950 19

Play today's big-money 3 ^'i^h the 

"A Hal Wallis Production" has been Today, three with that "Wallis 

extra profit-insurance on many wallop" are making special news. 

Paramount hits for the past six years. Two are current performance lead- 

Paramount holder of this summer's holdover record 

is this big picture by the author of "Duel in the Sun" 

Starring 

BARBARA WENDELL WALTER 

•STANWYCK CDREY HUSTON 

. .^ ^. -'^-^. .^ —r^.^^» 

Gilbert Thomas Beulah '. 

JUDITH ANDERSONRolandGomezBondi 

^ 

Motion Picture Herald reports it a Boxoffice Champion 

as across the whole country it tops "My Friend Irma" 

JOHN CORINNE DIANA 

Directed by HAL WALKER • Screenplay by Cy Howai 

The producer who discovered Kirk Douglas, Humphrey Bogart, Burt Lancaster and Errol Flynn introduce

l/OClOlCy guarantee 

ers. The third is coming soon to 

introduce one of the most important 

new boxofFice stars in recent years. 

tODUCTlON starring 

JERRY 

wmi 

with MARIE 

^N'-'LEWIS- 

\ Parke Levy • Associate Producer Cy Howard 

and starring 

mmm 

Directed by WILLIAM DIETERLE 

Screenplay by John Meredyth Lucas and Larry Marcus 

Adaptation by Ketti Frings

fHcit and S(^'€h!U 

Music-Films Big Draw 

^HETHER it 

was the feature film, "The 

Black Rose." or the New York Philharmonic 

Symphony Orchestra, or both, that 

rolled up double quadruple lines nearly 

1.000 feet long from the Roxy Theatre 

entrance at Seventh Ave. and 50th street 

along 50th St. to Sixth Ave. and back to 

Seventh Ave. will not be clear until further 

study of audience comment. 

The combination, first of its kind in the 

history of the film business, had been 

heavily advertised in advance. Doors 

opened at 10:30 a. m. Fi-iday il) and the 

5,886 seats of the huge theatre were filled 

as fast as patrons could rush in. 

For an hour before opening police had 

helped form the quadruple lines and had 

refused to permit the line to continue 

around the block to the northward on 

Sixth Ave. across the street from the Radio 

City Music Hall which already had a line 

that ran east to Rockefeller Plaza. 

Opening of the theatre did not reduce 

the line. It continued to lengthen. It was 

still there in the afternoon and it lengthened 

again in the early evening. 

The film goes on five times each day 

and the symphony concerts four times. 

The patrons seem to be the usual mixture 

of youngsters and older persons up to 35 

or 40. Summer tourists are plentiful. 

Many questioned as to whether they wer-; 

music lovers replied they were both film 

enthusiasts and music fans. Some said 

they thought the program would be a 

"great show." 

And so, apparently, it is, for the lines 

continue and business is record-breaking, 

the Labor day weekend being the biggest 

in the 23-year history of the Roxy. 

As a theatre known to cater to the mass 

and family trade, the Roxy's highly successful 

experience with the Philharmonic 

has a significance that goes beyond this 

particular engagement, indicating, as it 

does, that the general public has a higher 

level of entertainment taste than has been 

accredited to it. Further, it augurs well 

for the series of concert films being produced 

by 20th-Fox starring such important 

artists as Jascha Heifetz, Arthur Rubinstein, 

Marian Anderson and others. If the 

response to these subjects is as great as 

that to the Philharmonic, a new and untapped 

audience is awaiting their showing 

in theatres. 

Spyros P. Skouras and his company have 

reason to take pride in the Philharmonic 

experience at the Roxy. which is a tribute 

to their foresight and courage in blazing a 

trail with new entertainment techniques. 

This is another mark of progress in 20th- 

Pox's efforts to break away from precedent 

in the interest of raising the standards of 

motion picture exhibition and showmanship. 

THE MOST POPULAR PICTURE 

IN AMERICA TODAY! 

Big City, Small lov/n,.. Everybody 

Loves "Our Very Own" 

Sweeping wider and deeper into 

heart of the nation 

following its 

the 

sensational performance in scores of 

key runs, "Our Very Own" is setting 

happier boxoffice standards for more 

and more theatres in every type of 

situation!... Big-city success is 

one thing. 

Small-town success another. Put them 

together and you've got "The Most 

Popular Picture In America Today"! 

SAMUEL GOLDWYN 

OUR 

Presents 

starring 

ANN BLYTH 

FARLEY GRANGER 

JOAN EVANS 

with 

JANE WYATT 

Directed by DAVID MILLER • Written by F. HUGH HERBERT 

Director of Photography LEE GARMES, A. S. C. 

Distributed by RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC.

Rank Reports Economies 

Helping Ease Problems 

LONDON—Practical elimination of production, 

the adoption of a new policy of financing 

independents and drastic economies 

have improved the financial condition of J 

Arthur Rank's principal film units, the English 

film magnate reported this week. 

Rank said the year ending June 24. 19o0 

has been "extremely difficult, since it covered 

the transitional period between the 

heavy production losses of 1948-49 and what 

I hope will prove a more stable and more 

satisfactory future." 

A nucleus production unit has been preserved, 

he reported; unfunded indebtedness 

has been reduced by sale of non-essential 

properties, and overhead has been cut. At 

the end of the fiscal year Odeon had one 

film in work and three completed and awaiting 

release. 

THREE COMPANIES INVOLVED 

The three principal corporate setups reviewed 

in the report are: Odeon Theatres, 

Ltd., and subsidiary comparies; Gaumont- 

British Picture Corp.. Ltd.. in which 20th 

Century-Fox Film Corp. has a substantial 

interest, and British and Dominions Film 

Corp., Ltd. 

Odeon's bank loans and overdrafts were 

reduced by £3,336,545 from £16,286,581 on 

June 25, 1949, to £12,950.036 June 24, 1950. 

Mortgages, debentures, loans and overdrafts 

have been reduced by £4,064,665. 

Film valuations < based on producer's 

mated share of revenue) were reduced 

from 

£10,713.579 to £7,050,233. 

A debit balance of £91,818 was carried forward. 

This compares with a credit balance of 

£33,010 on June 25, 1949. 

Gaumont - British Picture Corp., Ltd., 

showed an increase of theatre profits, but 

sustained losses on production financing. 

Capital reserves were practically unchanged 

at the end of the fiscal year, standing at 

£1,187,479. Revenue reserves increased by 

£410,100 to £4,062,274. Net profit carried forward 

was £506.648. compared with £378.064 

the previous year. 

British and Dominions Film Corp., Ltd., 

showed a profit of £506,648, compared with 

£378,064 the previous year. 

PRODUCTION STILL PROBLEM 

The basic problem of how to make pictures 

profitably has not been solved. Rank 

stated, although he admits that the government's 

National Film Finance Corp. has 

helped to keep production going. His companies 

must continue curtailment until "the 

basic problem has been solved and it is possible 

that a series of films, if made with 

reasonable competence, will recoup at least 

the cost," he commented. 

Ten films were wholly financed during the 

year and partial financing was extended to 

independent producers on five features. Independent 

financing is to be continued on a 

short term basis: 

Rank makes a strong attack on the British 

entertainment tax, pointing out that in the 

554 theatres controlled by the associated companies 

the public paid £26,615.205 in admis- 

J. ARTHUR RANK 

sion prices, and of this £10,278,391 was 

"drained off at once as entertainment tax." 

Continuance of overseas operations is intended. 

Rank said, both in exhibition and 

distribution. Relations with Eagle Lion and 

Universal Pictures Co., Inc., have been very 

satisfactory, he commented. 

Rank has large-screen television projection 

equipment for theatres, he reported, but has 

the same difficulties Americans are facing 

in putting it into general use. He has not 

been able to get an experimental license from 

the British Broadcasting Co. to show it before 

paying audiences. 

After referring to the disturbed international 

situation, Rank concludes with: "I am 

hopefull that, in the absence of circumstances 

over which we have no control, the progress 

which has been made in strengthening the 

financial position of the group and consolidating 

its trading activities, will be continued 

during the current year." 

British Want More Films 

For Their Youngsters 

LONDON—The Ass'n of Specialized Film 

Producers has proposed that the industry 

make provision for a steady supply of film 

entertainment for young people. Financing 

would come from the government's film production 

pool and other sources, such as 

charities. An advisory council on production 

and distribution would be set up. One of its 

functions would be to arrange for an international 

exchange of children's films. 

Kramer of RKO Names Good 

NEW YORK—Arthur M. Good has been 

named assistant to Sidney Kramer, RKO 

.short .subjects .sales manager, and will be in 

charge of 16mm educational and non-theatrical 

sales. 

He joined RKO in 1947 as assistant 

for publicity, promotion and development 

of 16mm films. 

Baseball Ban on TV 

Dales Back lo '49 

NEW YORK—The exact reason why the 

executive council of professional baseball 

banned theatre television of the 1950 world 

series remained a mystery, with individual 

memebrs of the council referring questions 

to Commissioner A. B. Chandler and Chandler 

refusing to comment when queried by 

BOXOFFICE. 

However, a ray of hope for the televisionminded 

exhibitor appeared when it was 

learned from a reliable .source that the ban 

was imposed immediately after the .series of 

1949 and automatically continued in force. 

Since it was not imposed at a recent meeting, 

exhibitors felt that a proper presentation of 

their case to the council will stand at least 

a fair chance of success, and they are going 

ahead on that basis. 

In the meantime, coverage will be through 

three networks—American Broadcasting Co., 

National Broadcasting Co. and Columbia 

Broadcasting System, with the Mutual Broadcasting 

System also carrying the games over 

WOR-TV, its New York outlet. 

The Gillette Safety Razor Co., sponsor, 

which signed up the rights for $800,000, will 

collect $50,000 from each of the three networks. 

Gillette had previously offered sole 

rights to NBC for $200,000. Affiliated stations 

of the networks won't be paid for carrying 

the games. 

New York exhibitors are watching the 

league races with considerable interest. "With 

Brooklyn faced with the difficult task of 

overhauling Philadelphia for the lead in the 

National League and with the Yankees recently 

trailing Detroit in the American 

League, it seemed unlikely that local teams 

will be contenders in the series. Now, as 

this is written, the Yankees are on top in 

their league and exhibitors apparently would 

like very much to show them in world series 

action. 

SMPTE to Highlight TV 

At Lake Placid Session 

NE'W YORK—Latest technical advances in 

equipment and techniques for the production, 

processing and presentation of motion picture 

and television material will be discussed 

in 52 technical papers and reports at the 

68th semiannual convention of the Society 

of Motion Picture and Television Engineers 

to be held at Lake Placid club October 16-20. 

There will be ten technical sessions, but 

no evening technical sessions, according to 

Earl I. Sponable, president. There will be 

morning and afternoon sessions, except on 

Monday (16 1. 

The society's Journal award, its Progress 

medal, the Samuel L. "Warner Memorial 

award and honorary memberships will be 

presented at a special session Monday evening. 

The president's address, the introduction 

of new officers 

and governors-elect also 

will take place that evening. There will be 

no opening day luncheon. A preview of a 

new motion picture will be put on Tuesday 

evening at the Agora Theatre. Lake Placid, 

with another Wednesday afternoon for guests 

who are not interested in the high .speed 

photography session. 

24 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 

9, 1950

aurence 

oes Into 

General Release 

Ihe most acclaimed him in all motion 

picture history, which, in 

roadshow and 

advanced price engagements has proved 

itself to be one of the industry's most 

powerful boxoffice attractions, now 

becomes available to you for a 

regularprice, 

continuous-run engagement. 

A J. 

ARTHUR RANK PRESENTATION 

«?>* 

& 

ZQHY. HAMLET 47 rOUil (/-/ fXCNANG

. 

^ci4^ctt^to«t 

you CAN GET pretty general agreement 

here that the FCC did not advance the 

cause of television last week when it brought 

out its long-awaited color "decision." Instead 

of propounding standards, the commission 

said it is not yet quite ready to give forth w-ith 

a final decision even though all seven members 

think the CBS color system meets all 

its requirements. 

General feeling here is that there is very 

little chance for an upset now—that the CBS 

system will probably win final adoption. But 

the chance that some dark horse system such 

as offered by General Electric, the new system 

offered by Color Television, Inc.. or even 

some new RCA development will put the CBS 

system in the .shade is sufficient to deter any 

prudent soul from rushing ahead with a sizable 

investment in new color equipment. Even 

were broadcasters willing to gamble, the detailed 

standards have not yet been announced. 

Apart from the proponents of the other 

systems, most observers criticize the FCC for 

either not making a definite decision now 

or not simply saying the whole matter will 

have to be left open for another year or so. 

In view of the increasingly serious military 

supply situation, it's felt, the industry should 

be permitted to proceed as rapidly as possible 

if It is to get any large quantity of equipment 

for colorcasting, or the commission 

should, in effect, decide to let things slide 

for the duration in the belief a new and superior 

color system will emerge. 

All of which, translated into effect on the 

buying public, .should discourage TV set .sales 

and will help to stall construction of new 

stations further because it means that the 

freeze on new stations will be kept in effect 

longer. 

* • * 

SPOKESMEN FOR IMPORTANT exhibitor 

interests active in theatre television met last 

week with the television committee of the 

National Ass'n of Broadcasters for a general 

discu.ssion of joint problems. Nothing of 

great significance came from the meeting, 

beyond the appointment of a subcommittee 

of the broadcast group to consult occasionally 

with theatre TV representatives. The theatre 

group was invited to seek membership in 

NAB, but is not likely to accept. 

On hand for the exhibitors were Nathan 

Halpern of Fabian Theatres; Robert O'Brien 

for United Paramount theatres and Marcus 

Cohn. TV counsel to TOA. There was general 

agreement that home TV operators are 

liablie to sell a good deal of time to exhibitors 

for advertisement of their features, with both 

groups pleased at the prospect. The theatre 

group also assured the broadcasters that theatre 

TV interests do not want the low frequencies 

now used by home TV—although 

National Allied President Trueman Rembusch 

has called for the lower channels and 

may do so again. 

« • « 

THE SENATE is now on record that it 

believes motion pictures and television to 

be competitive. The senate finance committee, 

in reporting the new tax bill last 

ê^tcnt 

By ALAN HERBERT 

week said it had voted the new 10 per cent 

tax on the manufacturers' price of television 

sets for that reason. 

At the .same time, it said it doubts that 

the new tax will affect the sales volume of 

TV receivers in any important way. 

TV, said the Senate group, is "already 

suffering serious competition to motion picture 

theatres and other types of entertainment 

subject to the tax on general admissions. 

Your committee believes it represents 

unfair competition to levy a tax on 

one and not on the other of these closely 

competitive forms of entertainment." 

Although it earlier refused to vote the tax 

on TV sets, the House is now expected to go 

along w'ith the senate. 

* 

THE CENSUS BUREAU reported this 

week that admissions and amusement tax 

collections by the states totaled $13,695,000 

in the fiscal year ended in 1950—$1,450,000 

below the total for the previous year. No 

breakdown was offered to indicate how much 

of these figures is accounted for by motion 

picture admissions. The 1948 total had been 

an all-time high of $17,159,000. 

The 1950 total does not include the Florida 

collection, which this year is lumped in with 

the pari mutuel tax yield. The 1949 figure for 

Florida was $582,000. 

Another important drop was reported by 

the state of Washington, where the admissions 

levy brought in $6,273,000 in 1949 but 

only $5,805,000 in 1950. 

In addition, the Census bureau reported 

that state collections from license and privilege 

taxes on theatres and other places of 

amusement rose from $3,772,000 in fiscal 1949 

to $4,646,000 in fiscal 1950. 

Industrial Safety Film 

Is Promoted by MPAA 

NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Ass'n of 

America has mailed promotional letters about 

"Wrong Way Butch," Pete Smith-MGM onereeler 

on industrial safety, to 20,000 community 

heads, civic leaders, schools and 

Better Films councils. The film had been 

selected by Eric Johnston, MPAA president, 

and the organization as seventh in the public 

affairs series they are sponsoring. 

The letter, written by Arthur H. DeBra, 

director of the MPAA community relations 

department, a.sked the recipients to urge local 

exhibitors to show the film. He pointed out 

that carelessness and indifference still cause 

accidents in factories despite an increase in 

safety measures. 

'Union Station' Date Set 

NEW YORK—October 10 has been chosen 

as the date of the opening of "Union Station" 

at the Paramount Theatre, according 

to Max E. Youngstein, Paramount vicepresident 

in charge of advertising, publicity 

and exploitation. The opening will be a 

benefit performance for the Sister Kenny 

Foundation. There will be the usual stage 

show. 

Korda Film Released 

To Selznick in U.S. 

NEW YORK—Sir Alexander Korda, producer 

of "Gone to Earth," has finally released 

a print of the picture to David O. 

Selznick for the latter's distribution in the 

western hemisphere after months of litigation 

and arbitration hearings conducted by 

Robert P. Patterson, former secretary of war. 

In return. Selznick has relea.sed to Korda 

approximately $300,000 in distribution receipts 

from the Selznick film, "The Paradine 

Case," which had been held in escrow in 

London since Korda released the picture in 

England. 

After the official release papers were received 

from London, Federal Judge Samuel 

Kaufman exchanged the necessary documents 

between the Korda and Selznick attorneys 

in New York September 1. 

Under the Patterson arbitration proceedings, 

Selznick previously won the right to 

have changes made by Korda in "Gone to 

Earth" which Selznick claimed would damage 

the professional standing of its star, Jennifer 

Jones (Mrs. Selznick), in the picture's present 

state. The changes will necessitate refilming 

certain scenes and the picture will 

not be available for release in the U. S. before 

1951, according to Schwartz and Frohlich, 

Korda's attorneys. Miss Jones is currently 

filming "Carrie," for Paramount in 

Hollywood. 

"Gone to Earth" and "The Third Man," 

also produced by Korda, and "The Paradine 

Case" and "Portrait of Jennie," both produced 

by Selznick, were part of an exchange 

of distribution rights between the two producers. 

Under the terms of the deal, Korda 

also received the services of Miss Jones, who 

is under contract to Selznick. 

LETTERS 

ANOTHER SLOGAN SUBMITTED 

TO BOXOFFICE: 

Please accept herewith my suggestion for 

a permanent slogan for the motion picture 

industry: 

RriAX . . 

LNJOY LIFE . 

Projectionist, 

Plaza Theatre, 

Trenton. Mo. 

See A MOVIE! 

ALBERT MAGNUSON 

Fox Locates at Denham 

LONDON—British production headquarters 

of 20th Century-Fox will be at J. Arthur 

Rank's Denham Studios, according to Darryl 

F. Zanuck, 20th-Fox production head. At 

least three films will be made there. The 

studio will be reopened soon for the first, 

"No Highway." 

26 BOXOFFICE : 

: September 9, 1850

STANLEY KRAMER'S 

is tops 

in 

SALT LAKE 

'' "^X^ TO VE,y 

'''^'< 

^^^s^^z^Ss:: 

""ôf^/vr^/^ 

THEATR^^S //Vcand 

in Boston, 

New York and 

72 other 

situations! 

""'«-C^?-C*-- 

PÔOO, 

T'OP 

Way 

OfA/W^/W 

THEATi^ 

£ //VCs, 

MARLON BRANDO TERESA WRIGHT-"*'"" KRAMER'S The Men 

^ tV(BCTI StOANl )AC« W(M tlCHA»0 (iDMAN VltOlNU FARMEt DOBOlHY TBf£ MQWABO ST jOMN 

STANLEY KRAMER 

• 

FREO ZINNEMANN CARL FOREMAN GEORGE GLASS DIMITRI TIOMKIN 

• 

thru UA

. . "A 

. . 

Disney's Treosure Island' (RKO) 

Wins August Blue Ribbon Award 

By VELMA WEST SYKES 

\X7ALT DISNEY'S "Treasure Island." a cinematic masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson's 

adventure classic, has been voted the August BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award by the 

National Screen Council. The RKO release Ls the second Disney picture to win this Award 

in 1950. "Cinderella" winning the April Plaque. That Disney has perfected the technique 

of family entertainment appeal Is evidenced by the number of his productions which have 

been voted this award which is aimed directly at stimulating appreciation of the family 

type picture. That this is a live character production rather than a feature cartoon Is a 

tribute to the versatility of the master of animated cartoons who.se hand has equal cunning 

in the live character field. Actually, his .sketches were useful here In bringing to the 

screen one of the great adventure .stories wh^ch has plea.sed two or more generations with 

its high drama and exciting intrigue, through which moves the central figure of a wideeyed 

boy. admiring yet fearful of that engaging villain. Long John Silver. 

The picture's boxoffice response has been 

heartening in view of the fact that where 

child audiences make up the bulk of the audiences, 

a proportionately greater number of 

tickets must be sold. However, in most spots 

the adults are providing a larger section of 

audiences than is usual for cartoon features. 

As a matter of fact, the production is one 

which has action appeal for adults as well 

as for children, and this makes it ideal family 

filmfare. On the basis of first run reports 

from 18 key cities, the picture is doing a 

gross percentage of 123. Since it is one of 

those films that carry their popularity into 

the neighborhood and small town houses, 

this means a continued boxoffice benefit 

spreading into those fields. Then of course 

any Disney picture is a prestige builder, and 

a goodwill ambassador for child attendance 

at theatres, which carries over into adult life. 

Cast Largely British 

Filmed in England largely with a British 

cast, it had the skilled planning from its 

Hollywood producer, while Bobby Driscoll as 

star gave the cast an American slant. However. 

British Robert Newton distinguished the 

role of Long John Silver and several other 

British members of the cast gave fine performances. 

Their appearance in this will 

.send a number of Blue Ribbon Plaques overseas 

as a tribute to their thespian skill. 

Bobby now has three of these Plaques to his 

credit, having appeared in two other Blue 

Ribbon pictures, both Disney's "Song of the 

South" and "So Dear to My Heart." 

In reviewing "Treasure Island." Issue of 

July 1, BOXOFICE had this to say: 'Tilmed 

in England—and in striking Technicolor 

the picture is done with the meticulous care 

and impressive production values that have 

Jim Hawkins 

Bobby Driscoll 

Long John Silver 

Ropert Newton 

Captain Smollett Basil Sydney 

Squire Trelawney Walter Fitzgerald 

Doctor Livesey 

Denis O'Dea 

George Merry 

Ralph Truman 

Executive Producer 

— 

become the Disney tradition. While Moppet 

Bobby Driscoll is the only American name 

for the marquee—and his delineation of Jim 

Hawkins is characteristically wide-eyed and 

convincing—all performances are impressive, 

most especially Robert Newton's Long John 

Any enterprising showman can mer- 

Silver. 

chandise the offering into a .sure winner." 

Members of the National Screen Council 

who commented on their ballots were enthusiastic 

about the winning picture in these 

various ways: 

"Stevenson Is brilliantly projected to the 

screen in the world's greatest pirate story. 

This will make the year's best ten. Bobby 

Driscoll's Jim Hawkins and Robert Newton's 

wily Long John Silver were superb!"—Russell 

Rhodes. New York Journal of Commerce . 

"Though Disney has tampered a little with 

the ending, he has produced for man. boy. 

and the whole family the most thrilling presentation 

to date of Stevenson's great pirate 

and hidden treasure story."—Marilla Walte 

Freeman, editor Current Feature Films department. 

Library Journal. New York. 

"None too young, none too old to enjoy 

this delightful film. For once the screen has 

faithfully produced a beloved classic."—Paul 

DeSanite Colombe. Hollywood correspondent. 

French and Canadian publications. 

"These classics eventually should go to the 

schools."—Mrs. Henry E. Smith. Wisconsin 

Better Films Council. Sheybogan . . . "This 

follows the great adventure story closely. A 

fine performance by Bobby Driscoll. Robert 

Newton and Basil Sydney." — Bill Haley. 

Schine Movie Guide. WWNY. Watertown. 

N. Y. . million pieces of eight couldn't 

buy better entertainment than this almost 

perfect picturing of Stevenson's classic." 

Henry Guerra. WOAI. San Antonio. 

The Cast 

First Mate David Davies 

Loyal Seamen Andrew Blackett. 

Paddy Brannigan. Ken Buckie 

Ben Gunn Geoffrey Wilkinson 

Pew. the Bli7id Man John Laurie 

Captain Bones 

Pinlay Currie 

Black Dog 

Francis DeWolff 

Silver's Pirate Creio and The Squire's Servants 

Production Staff 

Walt Disney 

Producer Perce Pearce 

Director 

Byron Haskin 

Screenplay by Lawrence E. Watkin 

From the Classic by 

Robert Louis Stevenson 

Music by 

Clifton Parker 

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 

conducted by Muir Mathieson 

Technicolor Consultant Joan Bridge 

Editor Alan L. Jaggs 

Sound Editor Kenneth Healey Ray 

Photographed hy F. A. Young. A.S.C. 

— 

(.i This Award is gitei each monlli b> the National Scrtm Council on the bails of oulstanding merit 

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

film commentators, and representatives of bettv film councils, civic ud ediicitional orgtnintions.

. 

ênsure Island 

and all 

AUGUST 

BLUE RIBBON AWARD WINNER 

other Box Office Blue Ribbon Award Winners! 

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By 

IVAN SPEAR 

Another 'First' 

Feature 

On Korea Claimed 

Hollywood and its many claim agents (publicists 

to you I 

being what they are, it was 

inevitable that the lil' brush in which our 

brave boys currently are engaging over there 

in Korea should bring forth the Inevitable 

avalanche of claimed "firsts." 

Most recent to advance the contention is 

one Walter Shenson. who has signed a deal 

with Jack Schwarz Productions to produce 

"Korean Patrol," averedly "first featurelength 

film dealing with the war in Korea," 

with a scheduled starting date of no later 

than September 15. Screenplay is an original 

by Shenson and Kenneth G. Brown. 

Shenson is a former Paramount and Columbia 

publicist. "Korean Patrol" will be released 

by Eagle Lion under Schwarz' 32-picture 

commitment with that company. 

Earlier, similar shouts of "first" in connection 

with the Asiatic conflict were made 

by RKO Radio and Republic, to name just a 

pair. 

Wald, Krasna Close Deal 

For NBC's *Big Story' 

Continuing to supplement their stockpile 

of story material, which will be utilized in 

fabricating product for RKO Radio release, 

Jerry Wald and Norman Krasna have concluded 

arrangement to tap radio and television 

for literary acquisitions. They have 

reached an agreement whereby they will 

have first call upon all yarns used on the 

NBC radio and TV newspaper documentary 

program, "The Big Story," produced by 

Bernard J. Prockter. Wald and Krasna will 

film one "Big Story" annually, the initialer 

to be "The PuU Guilt" . King Bros, 

acquired "Fort Defiance," a historical western 

by Harry Essex, for filming in Technicolor 

as part of their new independent program, 

for which releasing arrangements have 

Kroger Babb Planning 

More Hollywood Time 

There's one filmmaker, albeit comparatively 

a newcomer, who apparently 

has confidence in the motion picture industry's 

future and in Hollywood as a 

production center. He's Kroger Babb, 

head of Hallmark Productions, who went 

out and bought himself a ten-apartment 

building for the sole purpose of housing 

members of his organization who henceforth 

will spend more time in Cinemania 

because of Babb's enlarged production 

program. 

Currently, Babb is producing "One Too 

Many," exploitation special based on the 

work of Alcoholics Anonymous. Production 

ap.d distribution offices recently 

established here will continue in operation 

and Babb plans to put his next 

picture before the cameras late in October. 

Patriotic Story on Agenda 

Of Cagney Productions 

A patriotic and topical theme will prevail 

in one of three subjects listed on the agenda 

for Cagney F>roductions and Warner Bros, 

release. Titled "Two Soldiers," it is based 

upon a short story by William Faulkner 

about two Tennessee mountain brothers who 

are separa-ted by war. 

not yet been set . . . To Columbia went "The 

Adventures of Lochlnvar," an original by 

James Robert Raker and Wolf Reade, suggested 

by Walter Scott's poem. Pred M. 

Packard will produce, with the subject to 

go before Technicolor cameras in October. 

The swashbuckler is being scripted by Ralph 

Bettinson . . . Sol Lesser purchased screen 

rights to "Black Chiffon," a London stage 

success by Leslie Storm which will have its 

New York opening late this month. It goes 

on Lesser's schedule for RKO Radio distribution 

. . . Robert Thoeren sold his comedy, 

"Mabel and Me," to 20th Century-Fox, 

with Samuel G. Engel to produce. Julius 

and Philip Epstein are teamed on the screenplay. 

It goes on the Cagney schedule following 

"Bugles in the Afternoon," a historical western 

adapted from a novel by Ernest Haycox, 

currently being scripted by Harry 

Brown. 

And rounding out the trio is the perennial 

Cagney holding, "A Lion Is in the Streets," 

which Brothers William and James have 

had in their lineup for lo these many seasons. 

James is expected to star in the film 

version of Adria Locke Langley's novel, but 

will not don greasepaint for either "Two 

Soldiers" or "Bugles." 

20th-Fox Inks Gary Cooper 

For The Flying Teakettle' 

Twentieth Century-Fox ticketed Gary 

Cooper for the topline in "The Plying Teakettle," 

an off-beat navy story . . . MGM's 

casting department went on a spree by booking 

Barry Sullivan, Arlene Dahl and Paula 

Raymond for "Inside Straight," for which 

David Brian previously was set . . . Gail 

Russell will co-star with Stephen McNally 

in U-I's "Air Cadet" . . . Rhonda Fleming 

will co-star with Ronald Reagan in "The 

Last Outpost," which Pine-Thomas will lens 

for Paramount release . . . John Wayne's 

co-star in Warners' "Operation Pacific" is 

Patricia 

Neal. 

Ritz Bros, to Do Burlesque 

Oi Hamlet' for RKO 

Putting no small amount of accent on the 

first syllable of the immortal bard's "Hamlet," 

Producer Irving Allen reveals plans to 

topline the Ritz brothers, long absent from 

the screen, in "Hamlet and Three Eggs," 

which, obviously enough, is to be a burlesque 

of Shakespeare's classic. It is penciled for a 

mid-October start and, while no release has 

been set, probably will bear the RKO Radio 

.seal, inasmuch as that company has been 

peddling Allen's recent offerings. 

READY FOR ACTION — Hoppy and 

Hippy apparently are all hopped up 

you should pardon the expression—over 

the news that Paramount studio at long 

last is about to ride thataway on their 

widely touted co-starring vehicle, which, 

according to most recent plans, will be 

produced and directed by Leo McCarey. 

"Thataway" is the title, but just in case 

anyone doesn't know, Hippy is Blng Cros- 

but the Cassidy, 

by and Hoppy—who else 

Bill Boyd, that is. Scripter Frank Butler, 

last associated in the making of Paramount's 

"Going My Way" is teamed again 

with McCarey. 

Make 

Sol Lesser's Son to 

More Adventure Subjects 

Adventure—or at least adventure films 

seem to be in the blood of the tribe Lesser. 

Pappy—Sol, that is—in addition to being a 

successful exhibitor won production fame as 

the maker of the long line of "Tarzan" features, 

based on the mighty man of the 

jungles created by the late, great fictioneer, 

Edgar Rice Burroughs. 

Now comes junior—by name of JuUan—to 

trail his father's time-honored safari. Having 

"Headhunters" already in the can, the 

younger Lesser has scheduled two new exploration 

and adventure features which will 

bear the banner of Thalia Productions. They 

are "Grizzly Bear," to be filmed under the 

direction of Larry Lansburgh in California's 

high Sierra mountains and "The Hidden 

Land," an exploration of Nepal and Tibet 

under the leadership of Lewis Cotlow, who 

headed an expedition to the Amazon for 

"Headhunters." Both will be filmed In Technicolor. 

Don McGuire to Write 

'Story of Folsom' at WB 

Don McGuire, combining writing with an 

. . . 

acting career, has been signed to script "The 

Story of Folsom" at Warners "Two of 

a Kind," melodrama which William Dozier 

. . 

will produce for Columbia, will be directed 

by Henry Levin . Byron Haskin has been 

.signed to direct "Tarzan's Peril" when the 

Sol Lesser production for RKO Radio resumes 

production in Hollywood next month. 

Preliminary location filming has been completed 

in British East Africa . . . Sam Newfield 

is megging Independent Producer Wally 

Kline's "Adventures of Skipalong Rosenbloom." 

30 

BOXOrnCE : 

: September 

9. 1960

Send the Pallbearers Home: f, 

The film industry in Ohio was elated with 

the punch-filled column of praise for motion 

pictures which Norman Nadel, drama 

critic of the Columbus Citizen, published 

recently. Entitled "Send the Pallbearers 

Home, the Funeral's Been Called Off," the 

column takes to task those who have been 

super-critical of motion pictures and have 

been ready to sound taps for films. The 

ITO of Ohio has reprinted the column in 

its bulletin and is urging members to 

obtain publication in papers throughout 

the state. Nadel's column follows: 

"PHROW a rock in any direction and you 

will hit somebody who is ready to write 

"The Decline and Fall of the Motion Picture 

Industry." 

He may be a disgruntled theatre owner, 

upset by the reduced receipts during the past 

year. He is more apt to be the owner of a 

new television set, who probably won't see 

the inside of a movie house again until (a) 

he starts to tire of television entertainment, 

and (b) he makes the final payment on his 

set, so hell no longer feel obliged to stare 

at it every evening in order to convince himself 

his money wasn't wasted. 

But in all likelihood he will be a so-called 

average citizen who has been listening to 

people talk. He will be right in surmising 

that motion picture income has fallen off. 

It has. He also will be right in concluding 

that television is here to stay, that it is a 

marvelous medium of 

entertainment, despite 

its present shortcomings, and that it represents 

tough competition for the film industry. 

Most of his conclusions beyond these, however, 

probably will be wrong. He may be 

convinced that the movie house is a thing of 

the past. It isn't. He is sure that people 

would rather watch entertainment in their 

own homes than go out to see it. That isn't 

necessarily so and never has been. 

Right now the film industry is strong, 

despite the inroads on its audience as a 

result of television. It is making adult movies 

that are attracting perhaps the most discriminating 

audience in its history. 

Among the popular myths is the one about 

films being made by the U or 13-year-old 

mentality. This has always been taken to 

mean that educated people—the nominal upper 

crust in the social and economic scales as 

well—scorn the movies; that most audiences 

are made up of the simple, "peasant-type" 

patron, ready to clap his hands gleefully at 

any masquerade. 

Recently a book entitled "Hollywood Looks 

at Its Audience," was pubUshed by the University 

of Illinois Press. It is based on a 

statistical survey embracing 39 towns and 

2,200 moviegoers in all walks of life. Dr. Leo 

Handel directed the research and wrote the 

book. 

It is full of interesting findings, but only 

two are of concern here. They are: 

"Persons in higher social-economic brackets 

critic takes a healthy look at the industry; 

reports 'the funeral's been called off' 

attend (.moviesj more frequently than those 

in lower levels. 

"The more years a person has spent in 

school, the more frequently he sees motion 

pictures." 

So it appears that people who are more 

educated and in the higher social and economic 

brackets are movie fans, no matter 

how vehemently some of them deny it. They, 

along with everyone else, still are patronizing 

good movies at the theatres and will continue 

to do so, rather than wait 10 years to see 

the same thing at home on television. 

As for the movie business slump-there is 

no proof that it is more than a temporary 

thing. Last week the motion picture "Sunset 

Boulevard," set a new all-time record for a 

non-holiday week at New York's Radio City 

Music Hall. 

" 

Last week "Louisa set an all-time attendance 

record at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago. 

Maybe "The Decline and Fall of the Motion 

Picture Industry" had better be postponed. 

G-B to Pay Dividend 

NEW YORK—Gaumont-British Corp. will 

pay a six-month stock dividend. Directors of 

the J. Arthur Rank circuit voted on 5'2 per 

cent first preferred shares due September 30 

amounting to 3,250,000 pounds. A dividend is 

expected on the common stock. 

COLUMBIA PICTURES ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS OF THE FOLLOWING 

PICTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING 

Co\o^ \>^ 

THE PETTY GIRL 

starring 

Robert CUMMINGS- Joan 

CAULFIELD 

withElsa Lanchester • Melville Cooper and introducing THE 12 GLAMOROUS PETTY GIRLS 

Screen Play by Nat Perrin • Music by Harold Arlen • Lyrics by John Mercer • Produced by NAT PERRIN • Directed by HENRY LEVIN 

GENE AUTRY 

WHEN YOU'RE SMILING 

Produced by JONIE TAPS • Directed by JOSEPH SANTLEV with 

World's Greatest Cowlioy 

and CHAMPION 

JEROME FRANKIE 

World's Wonder Horse 

COURTLAND • LAINE 

in 

Lola Albright Jerome Cowan Margo Woode 

INDIAN 

BOB CROSBY MILLS BROTHERS 

• Witt) 

THE MODERNAIRES • KAY STARR 

and introducing BILLY DANIELS 

and PAT BUTTRAM 

Written by Norman S Hall 

Written by Karen DeWolf and John R Roberts 

TERRITORY 

Gail Davis Kirby Grant James Griffith 

Produced by ARMAND SCHAEFER • Directed by JOHN ENGLISH 

A GENE AUTRY PROOUCTION 

Charles Smiley 

STARRETT • BURNETTE 

ACROSS 

THE BADLANDS 

w>th Helen Mowery • Dick Elliot 

and 

Harmonica Bill 

Written by Barry Shipman 

Produced by COLBERT CLARK 

Directed by FRED F SEARS 

BOXOFFICE : 

: September 9, 1950 31

_^,nnouncin 9 

ANOTHER BOXOFFICE SERVICE 

A MONTHLY SECTION DEVOTED TO THE COMPLETE MERCHANDISING OF MOTION PICTURES 

PRESELLING PROMOTION will 

soon be introduced as 

another distinctive service of BOXOFFICE to the motion 

picture industry. 

PRESELLING PROMOTION will be edited to inform all 

segments of the industry on the national advertising, publicity, 

and product tie-ins initiated for the exploitation 

of individual pictures and their stars. 

With the cover shown on the opposite page, PRESELLING 

PROMOTION wiU be bound into BOXOFFICE once every 

month as a magazine-within-a-magazine. 

Production and Distribution Executives, and their 

exploitation organizations, will find in PRESELLING 

PROMOTION authoritative information on national 

advertising programs planned in specific media for each 

major picture. Here will be the news clearing house on 

publicity arrangements, support by various media, and 

commercial product tie-ups planned to back the picture 

and its stars from the highest national level right down to 

the local 

point-of-sale. 

Here, too, will be the market place where magazines, 

newspapers, radio networks, television, outdoor and other 

consumer advertising media will present their services to 

aid in 

the preselling programs. 

Exhibitors and Theatre Exploitation Men will enthusiastically 

receive this section as the answer to their need 

for a comprehensive, reliable source of advance information 

on all the national preselling efforts. Alert showmen 

will thus be empowered as never before to build bigger 

audiences, at no extra cost, by better coordination of 

their promotions with the preselling exploitations of the 

producers 

and distributors. 

So the exhibitor can now look forward to PRESELLING 

PROMOTION as a new and better working tool to help 

him: 

• Cash in 

on the producers' national advertising in 

the big magazines, on the radio and television 

networks, billboards, and other media. 

• UtUize the publicity and promotion materials provided 

by the publications, advertising media, film 

producers and distributors. 

• Make the most of the nationally advertised consumer 

product tie-ups, through planned promotions 

with cooperating local merchants. 

BOXOFFICE — first 

in service to the film industry — is 

proudly the first to offer a full specialized section devoted 

to the news and techniques of coordinated preselling 

effort. The same constructive zeal that has dominated 

BOXOFFICE in all its services of the past 30 years 

will direct the course of PRESELLING PROMOTION. 

NOW IN PREPARATION — WATCH FOR PUBLICATION DATE 

Preselling 

Promotion 

The Film Producers' Media Market Ptace The Exhibitors' Picture Merchandisirtg Guide 

BOXOFFICE 825 VAN BRUNT BLVD. KANSAS CITY, MO. 

New YORK: 9 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA CHICAGO: 35 EAST WACKER DRIVE HOLLYWOOD: 6404 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.

« Miitkly Sinrici of 

E 

i 

FAN MAGAZINE TIE-INS 

AT THE POINT-OF-SALE 

—By MONROE GREENTHAL 

President, Monroe Greentliol Co

' 

Theatre Construction, Openings and Sales 

CONSTRUCTION: 

Birminghom, Ala.- V/alers Theatre Co. plans to 

erect two 6C0-car d:ive-ins. 

. >. -i. v.. 

Blue Ulond. lll.-A. B. C Drive-In to be built by 

Ted Borek omd Leonard Cariere. 

j ii „. 

Brownwood, Tex.—L O Morgan purchased ll-acre 

'mmni^smi 

site lor construction c\ Blu:iview Drivc-In 

Columbia, Conn.—Will Rogers Corp. constructing 

'coronation. Alta.—300-seat theatre under way lor 

lall openina „ . , !_ „i 

Corpus Christi, Tex.— Permit lor construction ol 

J30,000 dnve-in issued Arnullo Gonzales. 

2f

CHESTER FRIEDMAN 

EDITOR 

HUGH E. FRAZE 

Associate Editor 

nmm 

SECTION 

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN 

SHOWMEN IN 

SMALL TOWNS 

HEAD AUGUST BONUS LIST 

Frank Ramsey 

Charles Lane 

Exceptional showmanship in behalf of the 

theatre boxoffice during August paid off for 

small-town exhibitors who shared the 

monthly BOXOFFICE Bonus of $100 with a 

few managers located in larger communities. 

Gordon Gotts. manager of the Majestic. 

Dundas, Ont.. received a Bonus of $10 plus a 

Citation of Honor for an original idea he 

used to promote "Cinderella." The Canadian 

showman had a masked woman drive about 

the town in a horse-drawn chariot type of 

vehicle. The public was asked to identify the 

masked Cinderella, and the picture received 

a tremendous amount of word-of-mouth publicity. 

Dwight Hanson, owner-manager of the 

Valley Theatre, Eddyville, Iowa, earned a 

Bonus for exceptional achievement in promoting 

a page newspaper co-op ad. The promotion 

was reported by a brother exhibitor 

from another town who recognized outstanding 

showmanship in a small community. 

In the public relations phase of showmandising. 

Charles Lane, manager of the New 

Haven (Conn.) Drive-In. topped all entries 

during the month. The drive-in is being used 

for Sunday church services. Clergymen from 

the area officiate each week. The project has 

won wide endorsement from ministers and 

motor-minded citizens who like to picnic with 

the family on Sundays and are thus offered 

an opportunity to worship while en route to 

their various destinations. 

Howell Kadrie. manager of the subsequent 

run Riviera Theatre. St. Paul, Minn., earned 

a bonus for ballyhoo on a short subject, 

"Where's the Fire?" 

E. R. Edwards, manager of the Dixie. Ruston. 

La., earned a Bonus in the program 

classificiation. A general tieup in connection 

with "The Big Lift" won a Bonus for Sid 

Holland of the Pairview Theatre. Cleveland. 

Frank Ram.sey, manager of the Filmarte 

Theatre, Hollywood, was honored for an outstanding 

lobby display he created to exploit 

"Annie Get Your Gun." A display ad prepared 

with mats obtained from the newspaper 

mat service earned a bonus for Frank 

Boyle, manager of the Saxon Theatre. Fitchburg. 

Mass. Other Bonus recipients were 

Austin Hostetler, State, Elkhart, Ind.. and 

Lester Fagg, Roxy, Tacoma, Wash. 

Lester Fagrg 

Dwight Hanson 

E. R. Edwards Frank Bovlf Sid Holland Howell Kadrie Gordon r.o«t

Pockets 

Screening Stimulates 

Patrons Who Find Gold in 

Redeem Them for 'Cariboo Passes 

fox 'My Crown' 

Frank Pratt, manager of Mount Baker Theatre, 

Bellingliam. Wash., recently earned the 

Showman of the Month award In the National 

Theatres drive, with an excellent campaign 

for "Cariboo Ti-ail." Pratt first enlisted 

the cooperation of his staff. At a meeting 

each employe contributed important suggestions 

and recommendations for the promotion. 

A teaser trailer was prepared and 

spliced into the newsreel. calling attention to 

the fact that Bellingham had been selected 

for the northwest premiere of the picture. 

Mirrors and all glass doors were covered 

with water color paintings drawn by an 

usherette who is an accomplished artist. The 

theatre was thus provided with an atmospheric 

outdoor touch through these scenes 

of pine trees, mountains and landscapes. 

Mounted animals were borrowed from a 

local sports store and spotted in conspicuous 

places around the theatre. All employes, including 

the manager, wore western jeans and 

shirts. Bannerettes pinned to the shirts 

were lettered, "We'll meet you along the 

'Cariboo Trail.' " 

From a local appliance store, an animated 

display was obtained showing a life-size cutout 

of an Indian girl. The figure would 

animate from a sitting position to a standing 

position, with the girl's hand pointing to 

stills and copy plugging the picture. 

All lobby and outdoor frames were bordered 

with pine boughs. A 20-foot hitching post 

was placed in the parking zone, with a card 

reading. "Reserved for riders from the 'Cariboo 

Trail.' " 

On Friday and Saturday evenings prior to 

opening. Pratt took up a position near the 

Middleweight Champ 

Honored on Stage 

Jack Reis, manager of the RKO Royal 

Theatre in the Bronx, provided himself with 

a strong added attraction by taking advantage 

of the local popularity of Jake LaMotta, 

world middleweight boxing champion. 

While LaMotta was training for his recent 

champion.ship fight, Reis organized a local 

committee with himself as chairman, and 

contacted the champ, suggesting a celebration 

for him on the Royal stage. LaMotta 

agreed, whereupon Reis obtained the cooperation 

of the New York regional group of 

the Blind Veterans Ass'n, and arranged for 

officers to present LaMotta with a scroll 

and plaque. 

Harry Ballough. famous sports announcer, 

acted as master of ceremonies for the show. 

Reis invited well-known fighters who were 

introduced to the audience. A local jeweler 

donated a watch which was presented to 

the champ. 

New York newspapers and the Associated 

Press carried advance stories and foUowup 

stories. Reis advertised the Victory celebration 

with lobby displays, a trailer and 

special heralds, and received strong support 

from sfxjrts editors of local papers. 

entrance and, whenever possible, unobtrusively 

dropped a "gold nugget" in the pockets 

of patrons entering. At all intermissions, 

Pratt appeared on the stage, made special 

announcements regarding the picture, and 

declared that anyone in the audience who 

found a gold nugget in his pockets could exchange 

it for a pass good during "Cariboo 

Trail." This stunt was very effective and 

created considerable word-of-mouth publicity. 

Empty store windows were posted with onesheets, 

three-.sheets and still displays. J. C. 

Penney, the Western Sport shop, Hindman's 

department store and Sears used full window 

displays tied in with western accessories. The 

newspapers pubUshed a story announcing 

that any person riding to the theatre on 

horseback opening night would be admitted 

free. 

Window cards were imprinted and distributed 

in merchant windows in four outlying 

towns. Twenty-five hundred gold nugget 

cards carrying full theatre imprint were 

distributed in the downtown business section 

by usherettes attired in their colorful western 

outfits. 

One hundred small cards were imprinted 

with copy, "Welcome to Bellingham, gateway 

to the 'Cariboo Trail,' " and merchants affiliated 

with the Chamber of Commerce displayed 

them prominently in windows and 

stores. One thousand heralds were imprinted, 

with merchant ads on the reverse side covering 

the complete cost. 

The results of coordinating the entire staff 

and publicizing the picture were responsible 

for a healthy increase in gross during the 

current playdates. 

Diecut Key Heralds Sell 

'Key to City' in London 

R. F. Andrews, manager of the Capitol 

Cinema in the Forest Hill section of London, 

England, distributed 1,000 diecut keys 

to exploit "Key to the City." The heralds 

were overimprinted with the theatre dates, 

title and star names. A number of the keys 

were stapled to special invitations, making 

the holder a guest of the theatre during 

the current booking. The local newspaper 

published a story explaining that some of 

the keys were acceptable for admission at 

the Capitol. Window promotions also heralded 

the playdates. 

Realistic Lobby Display 

Helps 'Father of Bride' 

An attractive lobby display helped "Father 

of the Bride" for Redick Hamer. manager of 

the Wyandotte (Mich.) Theatre. Tieing in 

with local merchants, the display featured a 

manikin in bridal attire and a .second dummy 

Both outfits were 

dressed as the bridegroom. 

borrowed from the cooperating merchants. 

The Western Baking Co. provided a large 

wedding cake which was set up in front of 

a six-sheet cutout. The general effect was 

one of realism, catching the eye of patrons 

as they entered the theatre. 

Word-of-Mouth Talk 

A screening of "Stars in My Crown" for 

members of the ministerial group. PTA and 

representatives of the church, civic organizations, 

press and radio was instrumental in 

achieving wide publicity prior to the opening 

of the picture at the Strand in Vancouver, 

B. C. 

Jack Randall, manager, sold the back page 

of a herald to a downtown restaurant in order 

to defray the cost of printing and distributing 

to 5,000 homes in the city. Jack Cullen, disk 

jockey on radio station CKNW, aired the 

Joel McCrea star interview record gratis on 

his daily Housewives program. 

Banners were displayed on both sides of 

the Stanley Park sightseeing tallyho which 

is seen daily by thousands of people. All 

regular media were utilized including hotel 

and office building displays. Scene cuts 

were planted with the Vancouver Province 

and the News-Herald. 

Highlights of Randall's campaign for "Perfect 

Strangers" included the distribution of 

8.000 special cards in hotels and restaurants, 

a window display at the Vancouver Tourist 

Ass'n building, and window displays in a 

number of key downtown locations. 

Columnist Writes Up 

Street Stunt for "73' 

Local interest in "Winchester '73" at the 

Town Theatre, Miami, was stimulated when 

Manager Gordon Spradley enlisted the aid 

of Bill Baggs, columist for the Miami Daily 

News, in a street stunt in which passersby 

were offered dollar bills for 73 cents. The 

dubious attitude of people who were approached 

and the subsequent arrival of a 

police squad car attracted by the crowds 

provided some interesting copy for a special 

feature article under Baggs' byline. The 

writeup gave prominent mention to "Winchester 

'73" and the playdates. 

Sign on Facade Exploits 

Owensboro, Ky„ 'Orient' 

When "Outrages of the Orient" played at 

the Strand in Owen.sboro. Ky.. Adolph Baker, 

city manager for Malco Tlieatres. erected a 

12xl6-foot display board on the facade of the 

building. The background was white and 

yellow, with a large star and red lettering. 

Dramatic copy called attention to the shocking 

theme of the film and. according to 

Baker, created interest which paid off with 

additional revenue. The display was built 

from old wallboard by the staff. 

Orphans See 'Cab Man 

Warren Butler, manager of the Lyric, Salt 

Lake City, contrived some extra publicity for 

"The Yellow Cab Man." promoted goodwill 

and made scores of kids from the St. Ann 

orphanage happy. Butler invited the orphans 

to a special showing of the picture. The 

Yellow Cab Co. furnished a fleet of taxis for 

transportation, and each car was bannered 

with signs calling attention to the LjTic booking. 

36 300 BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Sept. 9. 1950

DANCING IN THEATRE LOBBY 

DRAWS PATRONS DOWNTOWN 

Six months ago. an examination of the 

downtown area in Cleveland would have 

brought the surprising revelation that for a 

large city, the section was practically deserted. 

For a long time, downtown theatre 

manager.'i were aware that people were not 

coming to the vicinity because of the lack 

of parking facilities, high parking costs, and 

the time element involved in travehng. The 

situation had its effect on theatre grosses. 

About three months ago, Frank Murphy, 

division manager for Loew's Theatres in 

Cleveland, Akron. Canton and Toledo, decided 

to do something about it. Largely 

through his own efforts, aided by Vaughn 

O'Neill, manager of the State Theatre. Clevelanders 

are again coming downtown. 

Murphy came up with the idea of offering 

free dancing to State Theatre patrons on 

Tuesday nights, in the spacious lobby of 

that theatre. The stunt immediately caught 

the fancy of the public, and the dance sessions 

are currently attracting crowds of young 

and old persons who like to shed their inhibitions 

and enjoy some dancing before seeing 

the show. 

Every week, a disk jockey from one of 

Cleveland's eight radio stations is in charge 

of the dancing party. The disk jockey serves 

as master of ceremonies, and works against 

a specially prepared background setpiece. 

with publicity on coming attractions conspicuously 

displayed nearby. 

To make Tuesday dancing even more popular 

during the fall season. Murphy has arranged 

a tieup with the Fred Astaire studio. 

In this deal, dancers presenting $1.00 bills 

bearing specified and advertised serial num- 

Ders receive three free dancing lessons at 

the studio and a pair of passes for the State. 

In conjunction with this tieup. 3.000 dollar 

bills of a specified series were obtained 

from the bank and exchanged through department 

stores. The first 100 persons presenting 

one of these bills at the theatre each 

week receive a free dancing lesson and free 

theatre admission. The first week, 40 of the 

bills actually turned up as an indication that 

the public is interested. 

Instructions from the studio also provides 

dancers with a free analysis of rhythm, balance, 

style, posture and the various graces 

which combine for dancing talent. The dance 

studio uses newspaper advertising to promote 

the tieup, with the bulk of the publicity for 

the dancing parties coming by way of the 

disk jockey clubs each week. 

Sandbags Give Flash 

To Front for 'Quiet' 

The entire front of the Lyric in Indianapolis 

was converted to simulate a battlefield 

atmosphere as part of Manager Frank Paul's 

campaign for "All Quiet on the Western 

Front." Poster frames and the overhead banner 

depicted vivid battle scenes. Easel frames 

were filled with stills from the picture. In 

front of each display, sandbags were piled. 

Ushers were dressed in military and combat 

outfits. 

Paul engaged a sound truck posted with 

six-sheets which toured outlying districts, 

playing martial music. 

Front Exploits 'Caged' 

Fred Lentz, manager of the Athena Theatre, 

Athens, Ohio, converted his boxoffice 

into a prison when he played "Caged." Exciting 

catch copy helped to stop traffic. Onesheets 

on city 

tra^ cans also were used. 

BOXOFFICE NUGGETS 

The store used large poster displays advertising 

Lou Levine. manager of the Rivoli, Chicopee, 

ware store in the city on "Winchester '73." booked. 

Mass.. observed his 45th year in show 

the film in connection with a mer- 

business recently by giving a party for the chandising tieup plugging guns and sporting 

kids attending the Saturday matinee. The goods equipment. 

youngsters ate popcorn and candy at Levine's 

expense. 

For "Our Very Own" at the Strand Theatre 

in Hartford, Manager Jim 

Gil Scouten, manager of the Van Wert 

McCarthy had 

social service agency executive discuss 

(Ohio) Theatre, recently concluded a successful 

car giveaway. Fourteen neighborhood 

problems of adoption on a radio forum. The 

picture was mentioned several times during 

merchants underwrote the cost of a new Ford 

the broadcast. 

which was given away on the basis of a 

lucky drawing. Each merchant distributed 

coupons to store customers. The coupons Ben Tureman. manager of the Russell Theatre. 

Maysville. Ky., tied up with the Clover 

were collected at the theatre and the drawing 

held on the theatre stage September 1. 

Leaf dairy for a back-to-school show on September 

2. The dairy bought out the theatre 

Dick Lewis, manager of the Rialto. Amsterdam, 

at a flat rate, and every child bringing five 

N. Y.. promoted two full window dis- 

milk bottle caps to the boxoffice was admitted 

plays with the largest department and hard- 

free. "Black Beauty" and five cartoons were 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Sept. 9, 1950 — 301 — 37

Atmospheric Front Is 

Inexpensive 

And Can Be Used Many Times Over 

C. J. Brown, manager of the Port Theatre, 

Port St. Joe, Fla., built a low-cost attractive 

theatre front to exploit "Tarzan and the 

Slave Girl." Side pieces and the overhead 

were constructed from beaverboard which 

will see frequent use on special attractions 

for years to come, according to Brown. The 

display boards were covered with National 

Screen Service accessories, posters and stills. 

Foliage was placed around this to give it a 

natural jungle appearance. 

Brown made a clever tieup with Boyles' department 

store which did much to publicize 

57 Merchants Honor 

Family of 'Dozen' 

To exploit "Cheaper by the Dozen," Max 

Lofton, manager of the Idaho Theatre, Terre 

Haute, Ind., instituted a search for a counterpart 

of the Gilbreth family whose amusing 

story is depicted in the screen production. 

The Long family of Farmersburg, Ind., 

with 12 children, was brought to Terre Haute 

by the Yellow Cab Co. and a police escort, 

and appeared on the theatre stage on opening 

night. 

Lofton promoted gifts from 57 merchants 

in the community for the Long family. The 

gifts included savings bonds, wearing apparel 

for every member of the family, home 

equipment and appliances, and a full evening 

of entertainment beginning with dinner. 

The stunt was extensively publicized in the 

local press, and word-of-mouth advertising 

attracted a capacity audience opening day 

^nd stimulated business throughout the run 

of the picture. 

In order to contact the large number of 

merchants who were involved in the deal, 

Lofton borrowed a motor scooter, and at the 

end of a week's excursion into the countryside, 

found he had worked off ten pounds. 

He is presently thinking of patenting the reducing 

device. 

the picture. This store regularly mails 5,000 

oversized circulars advertising its weekly 

bargains. Brown contacted the advertising 

manager and offered to give him a number 

of passes for presentation to the first customers 

coming into the store on Bargain day. 

In return for this, the offer of free tickets 

was announced in the circular, with the picture 

and theatre playdates advertised in boldface 

type. The store used the same advertisement 

in the Port St. Joe Star, the theatre 

again coff.'ing in for a free plug. Brown reports 

the extra effort brought a good gross. 

Gum Sticks Add Flavor 

To 'My Crown' Circulars 

Any time an exhibitor wants to make sure 

people will hang on to circulars or heralds 

advertising theatre attractions, all he has 

to do is offer them something for free along 

with the selling message. Thomas Leonard, 

manager of the State, Rhinelander, Wis., 

proved this when he got out a small flyer 

on "Stars in My Crown." He contacted the 

distributor of Beeman's gum, obtained several 

thousand sample pieces and attached a stick 

of gum to each circular. He found that the 

device really helped to sell the show since 

people, concentrating on the free sample, 

stopped to read the copy all the way through 

to find out what it was about. 

Williams Is Kidnaped as 

Stunt for 'Duchess' 

Norman Levinson. assistant manager of 

the Poll Theatre, Hartford, launched a 

"manhunt" for Esther Williams, thereby receiving 

special publicity for "The Duchess of 

Idaho." A lifesize cutout figure of the star 

in full color was placed outside in front. 

Shortly thereafter, the display disappeared. 

Levinson phoned the newspapers and offered 

a ten-dollar reward for its return. The Hartford 

Times and the Hartford Courant both 

ran special stories on the kidnapping. 

Good Relations Gains 

Theatre Advantages 

And Special Co-Op 

Friendly relations with newspaper and city 

officials is beginning to pay dividends for 

Spencer Steinhurst. manager of the Weis 

Theatre, Savannah. Up until the time Steinhurst 

took over the managerial reins a year 

ago, the Savannah newspaper situation, for 

one, was not especially favorable for local 

theatres. 

In behalf of "Winchester 73," Steinhurst 

had a member of his theatre staff stand on 

a busy downtown corner selling silver dollars 

for 73 cents. He sold the editor of the 

Savannah Morning News the idea that the 

stunt had special news interest, and the 

paper dispatched a photographer to the 

scene. The result was that the paper used 

an eight-column picture and story layout at 

the top of the page, picturing many of the 

persons who were offered the silver dollars 

at the special discount and recording the 

comments of each when they were approached 

by the theatre representative. 

For another street ballyhoo, a wooden gun 

measuring 12 feet long and appropriately 

bannered with title and playdate copy was 

carried through the downtown streets by two 

ushers in western attire. 

A search was conducted throughout the 

area for the one-in-a-thousand variety of 

Winchester '73. Fifty people turned up with 

one-in-a-thousand types of gun, but none of 

the '73 variety was located. 

For "Caged," Steinhurst obtained permission 

from city officials to place a street banner 

across the main downtown shopping 

thoroughfare, proclaiming title and theatre 

playdates. Two thousand circulars were distributed 

advertising the picture. 

The theatre annually stages a local beauty 

pageant. This year, Steinhurst tied in the 

event with the statewide contest to be held 

in Columbus, Ga., in August. The winner 

selected after two nights of semifinal competition 

will represent Savannah in the state 

contest. The Morning News publicized the 

pageant after local merchants agreed to underwrite 

the expenses of sending the winner 

to Columbus for the state competition. 

Fashions and Wedding 

Are Summer Boosters 

Concentrating key events on Friday nights, 

Tom Ryan, manager of the Oxford Theatre, 

Plainfield, N. J., has been staging a series of 

weekly programs to increase summer grosses. 

A fashion show sponsored by a local merchant 

drew a large crowd and provoked favorable 

comment among the townspeople. 

Thirty models promoted from a modeling 

school were given an opportunity to obtain 

practical experience before a theatre audience 

by participating in the fashion show. 

The sponsor provided numerous summer and 

fall styles, and expressed satisfaction with 

the results. 

Ryan recently staged a theatre wedding, 

with Plainfield merchants presenting the 

bridal couple with a wide variety of gifts 

and a free honeymoon trip at a New York 

hotel. The local newspapers helped to publicize 

the promotion. 

.38 302 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Sept. 9, 1950

Posters Aim at Fans 

Who Like Wrestling 

In 'Night' Stunt 

Highlights of the campaign to exploit 

"Night and the City" at Loew's Poli Theatre. 

Hartford, covered various facets of promotion 

arranged by Manager Lou Cohen and assistant 

Norman Levinson. 

The theatremen took advantage of the 

enormous popularity of wrestling in Hartford 

to plug the wrestling scenes in the picture. 

Cards were made up headed. "Wrestling 

tonight," with the names of the wrestlers 

who appear in the film, plus picture title 

and theatre credits. These were spotted in 

choice downtown locations. Cohen also had 

the film and the wrestling scene announced 

before some 5.000 persons viewing a wrestling 

tout at the Hartford auditorium. 

Bumper strips were used on cars owned by 

theatre employes, and six posters were exhibited 

in the city's most prominent department 

store, tieing in the Pocket Book edition 

of "Night and the City" with the theatre 

playdates. 

The then-current baseball series between 

the New York Yankees and the Boston Red 

Sox provided another effective outlet for 

bringing the picture to the attention of sports 

fans. Some 30x40 boards were made up, 

providing a space for inning-by-inning scores 

of the Yankees-Red Sox games. Beneath 

this appeared the picture title, etc. 

Various stores in the downtown area displayed 

posters on windows. 

Men and machines cae busy digging up Broadway. New York, these days near the site 

of the United Nations building on First avenue to remove car tracks. That suggested an 

idea to Howard Dietz. MGM vice-president in charge of advertising, publicity and exploitation. 

Alert to a good stunt, Dietz dispatched a ballyhoo man to the scene with a 

provocative teaser sign. Sidewalk superintendents are trying to figure out the puzzling 

query. It's all part of the campaign to promote MGM's forthcoming superproduction, 

"King Solomon's Mines." 

Has Gorilla Ballyhoo 

John Brown, manager of the Queen Theatre, 

Wharton, Tex., took his cue from the 

jungle background of the "Forbidden Adventure." 

A man dressed in a gorilla suit was 

seated on the radiator of an automobile, 

driven around the town. 

Uses 'Pretty' Model 

For "Pretty Baby" at the Circle, Indianapolis, 

Manager Walter Wolverton engaged 

a Patricia Steves model to walk through the 

downtown section dressed as a nursemaid 

and wheehng a baby stroller posted with 

catch copy on the playdates. 

MOVIES ARE BETTER 

. . . them ever" — and so are Alexander ads; tops in photographic 

technique and audience appeal. 

For over 31 years, Alexander has set the pace in the 

movie-ad field. 

That's an important reason why more than half of the nation's 

theatres rely on Alexander for top quality screen ads. 

It's 

the smart, easy way to earn regular added profits! 

WRITE TODAY FOR 

FULL INFORMATION 

Colorado Springs 

BRANCH OFFICES: NEW YORK - CHICAGO - DALLAS - SAN FRANCISCO 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Sept. 9, 1950 — 303 — 39

. 

Monthly Carfoon Show Has Merit; 

Kids Never Seem to Tire of Them 

Arnold Gary, manager of the College Theatre, 

Birmingham. Ala., runs a cartoon show 

for kids about once every month. That may 

account for the fact there is no scarcity of 

patronage when he does book these popular 

shorts. 

Gary's program is billed as a Two-for-One 

show with a free hour of cartoons going on 

ahead of the regular attraction. The shows 

are usually sponsored by a merchant who 

supplies prizes, games and favors for the kids, 

another reason the device nearly always attracts 

a capacity house. 

Every youngster who attends receives favors 

in the form of candy, balloons, paper 

hats, rocket ships, etc. In addition there are 

A merchant picks up the tab for all 

special prizes for winners of stage games of 

the audience participation variety. Last 

month the big gimmick was a drawing for 

four puppies. The August show was topped 

by a drawing for cowboy gun sets, dolls, 

dishes and trinkets which kids love. 

advertising 

expenses of a lobby display, trailer, 

heralds, etc. He also provides the prizes and 

«S0^ 

SHoo 

soo^ 

in return has his business advertised at the 

theatre. Gary makes sure that he will fill 

the house each month. The advance sale of 

tickets in the theatre lobby helps, and employes 

do a bit of selling on the outside 

among friends and neighbors. It all helps. 

Childs Restaurant Tieup 

Promotes 'Fancy Pants' 

Paramount Pictures will promote "Fancy 

Pants." starring Bob Hope, through a 

tieup with 51 Childs restaurants here and 

in other cities, according to Max E. Youngstein, 

director of advertising, publicity and 

exploitation. Childs will display 75 two-color 

window cards and provide menu stickers 

plugging the film. 

Its three Broadway restaurants will carry 

posters with a picture of Jean Carroll, who 

will be mistress of ceremonies at the Paramount 

Theatre during the run of the film, 

and the posters will also give the name of 

the first winner of a "Home Cookin' " recipe 

contest sponsored by Paramount and Childs. 

ADDS UP 

———4#:^s 

MONEY) 

id ô' 

^v.^^.fôTHt^ 

SWoF 

S^ 

w 

mart Showmen 

have learned to their 

advantage that .... 

Hallmark's symbol of 

showmanship, also means 

MONEY 

IN THEIR BOX-OFFICES. 

HALLMARK PRODUCTIONS. 

HALLMARK BLDG.. WILMINGTON. OHIO 

ffr^^cA OtVfcs: LOS AHCCkES ' CNICACO ClIVELAND * NIW TOMIC CITY 

HALLMARK 

Typical News Carrier 

Contest in Toledo 

Exploits 'Voice' 

To build up interest in "The Next Voice 

." 

You Hear . Abe Ludacer. manager of 

the Valentine, Toledo, arranged a sneak preview 

which attracted a standing-room audience. 

Invitations were sent to a select group 

of clergymen, radio and newspaper personnel, 

and prominent busine.ssmen. 

Ludacer arranged a "typical newsboy" contest 

with the Toledo Blade and the Times. 

Newsboys competed for the title and a prize 

of a bicycle. The public was invited to submit 

a letter outlining why their particular 

newsboy is most typical of the American 

carrier. Tlie winning entry received a $25 

savings bond. Both newspapers gave the contest 

wide publicity, with the picture coming 

in for prominent mention. The bicycle was 

displayed in the theatre lobby with suitable 

posters two weeks in advance. 

Another stunt devised by Ludacer was also 

publicized by the press. Two newsboys were 

selected to talk to Gary Gray, who portrays 

the young son in the film, in a telephone 

conversation between Toledo and Hollywood. 

This stunt was staged at a special screening 

attended by over 2,000 children, at a special 

morning show prior to opening. 

Comment cards collected at the sneak preview 

were the basis of a special column reported 

in the Times by Ruth Elgutter. motion 

picture critic. A newspaper co-op ad was 

obtained from Basch Jewelers. 

Radio contributed an important role in 

publicizing the playdates by means of a tenday 

contest to locate Toledo's typical American 

family, on radio station WSPD. In addition 

to the advance announcements soliciting 

entries, the winning family was interviewed 

on "The Inside Story." one of the station's 

featured programs. Ludacer promoted a 

Philco console radio and phonograph combination 

for the winner. 

Two hundred window cards scattered 

throughout the downtown area and special 

advance lobby displays also were used. 

Navy Men Receive Signal 

For Halifax 'Departure' 

For "Morning Departure," Doug Smith, 

manager of the Casino Theatre, Halifax. N. S., 

and district supervisor for Odeon Theatres, 

invited the senior officer of the Atlantic 

naval command to attend the opening performance. 

The officer issued a signal to all 

navy personnel, some 20.000 men in the area. 

commending the picture. Newspapers publicized 

the stunt. For a current flash, signal 

pennants were suspended across the front 

of the theatre. Smiths newspaper compaign 

emphasized the fact that "Morning Departure 

We Serve." 

" 

is the exciting successor to "In Which 

Enlistees See Show 

Adam Goelz. manager of the Met Theatre. 

Baltimore, obtained free news plugs in 

the Baltimore Afro-American by offering free 

admission to enlistees in the coast guard. 

The newspaper ran art and stories on the 

offer. 

40 

— 304 

BOXOFTICE Showmandisor :: Sept. 9, 1950

Catholic 

Clergymen 

Support 'Holy Year' 

In English Parish 

S. E. Pascoe Williams, manager of the Ritz 

Theatre. Woking, Surrey. England, received 

excellent cooperation from the Catholic 

church in exploiting "Holy Year." Invitations 

were sent to members of the Woking council 

and clergy of the district, asking them to be 

guests of the theatre on opening day of the 

picture. 

All dealers merchandising Catholic symbols, 

books, etc.. displayed posters announcing the 

theatre booking. Notices were placed on 

church bulletin boards, and priests announced 

the showing of the film along with a recommendation 

that all members of the parish 

see the picture. 

The Woking Herald and the Woking News 

and Mail gave editorial comment to the pictur2. 

Special heralds were distributed 

through various church organizations. 

For "Always Leave Them Laughing." Williams 

capitalized on the national Kolynos 

tieup offering large cash prizes to persons 

who identified the smiles of various movie 

stars from their teeth. 

Gets Library Co-Op 

Ben Geary, manager of the Kent (Ohio* 

Theatre, mailed penny postcards to prominent 

citizens in the community, emphasizing 

the importance of ".All the King's Men" from 

an entertainment standpoint. He also obtained 

permission to display posters in the 

public library. 

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Miss America Aspirant 

Is Selected on Stage 

Through arrangements made by Gerald 

Westergren, assistant general manager of 

Basil Theatres, Buffalo, a competition to 

select a candidate for the Miss America contest 

was staged at the Genesee Theatre. The 

Buffalo winner was offered an opportunity to 

repre.sent her city in the state finals. 

Westergren tied up with radio station 

WKBW and the Junior Chamber of Commerce 

to support the promotion. The contest 

was plugged on the air for ten weelcs and 

the screens of all Basil theatres in Buffalo 

and Niagara Falls. 

The Buffalo Courier Express and the Evening 

News ran stories periodically, and used 

a current full spread. On the night of the 

finals at the Genesee, a parade was staged 

from city hall to the theatre. 

Author Gives Boost 

To 'Stars' Publicity 

The arrival of author Joe David Brown in 

Syracuse, coincident with the engagement of 

"Stars in My Crown" at the State Tlieatre. 

gave Manager Harold S. Mortin an opportunity 

to promote special stories in the local 

papers and important radio publicity. 

Brown, who was accompanied by his wife, 

was interviewed over four radio stations. The 

Post-Standard and the Herald-Journal published 

stories and art. The novelist made a 

personal appearance at the State and was 

introduced by Perry Brown, announcer for 

WNDR. 

Mortin enlisted the aid of the Syracuse 

Council of Social Agencies to exploit the 

playdates. The secretary of that organization 

sent an endorsement to 71 member organizations 

in the city and county. The communication 

urged that each group circularize 

its individual membership, recommending 

that they and their families see "Stars in My 

Crown." Playdate mention for the State 

Theatre was included. 

Park Department Runs 

'Broken Arrow' Search 

Harry Wiener, manager of the Eckel Theatre. 

Syracuse. N. Y.. tied up with the city 

recreation department and obtained generous 

publicity on "Brolcen Arrow." Officials 

hid broken arrows in 32 local playgrounds 

and youngsters were invited to search for 

them. Promoted prizes and theatre passes 

were awarded to the lucky finders. The 

Syracuse Post-Standard used several stories 

on the stunt, all of which mentioned the picture 

booking at the Eckel. Wiener also 

obtained a story in connection with a city 

wide archery contest in the city's playgrounds. 

Heralds Sell 'Korea' 

Francis Lattin, manager of the Avalon. 

Easton, Md., distributed several thousand 

special heralds on, "The Battle of Korea," 

carrying "sensational" copy on one side with 

scene mats. The back of the herald was 

sold 

cost. 

to a local adverti-er who paid the entire 

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INSIDE BACK COVER 

42 — 306 — BOXOFFICE Showmaiidiser :: Sept. 9. 1950

Sunday Church Service 

Welcomed in Niagara 

BUFFALO — Church services in local 

drive-ins Sunday mornings is in prospect for 

next summer; in fact, almost a certainty. 

The first was held last Sunday in the Skyway 

Niagara Drive-In on the Niagara Falls 

boulevard, owned and operated by the Skyway 

Drive-In Theatres. William Brett, manager, 

provided the theatre to the Rev. Martin 

J. Hoeppner. pastor of Evangelical Lutheran 

church of Buffalo, for the occasion. 

Hoeppner said, that on the basis of the 

success of his church in the venture, he is 

convinced that other churches will join St. 

John's in offering services each Sunday during 

the 1951 summer season in one drive-in 

or another. 

William P. Rosenow, an officer of the Skyway 

company, said that his organization had 

offered other houses in the circuit to other 

churches for these Sunday morning services, 

figuring that it was an excellent goodwill 

move. 

"The church service in the drive-in theatre 

is a coming thing," said Hoeppner. "The 

ministry it affords, especially to the shutins 

and crippled folk who are unable to attend 

regular church services, involves a challenge 

for use to perpetuate this type of 

service." 

A total of 234 autos carrying 789 persons 

attended the Sunday morning service in the 

Niagara theatre. The Niagara service also 

marked one of the first times a baptism 

was conducted in a drive-in. The pastor baptized 

Karen Renee Nagel. daughter of Mr. 

and Mi-s. Richard S. Nagel of 2462 Main 

street, Buffalo. 

Gratitude to the management of the Skyway 

Niagara for offering the use of the 

theatre was expressed at the service by the 

pastor. 

U-L lATSE Union Agree 

On Workers' Wage Scale 

NEW YORK—U-I and the lATSE Home 

Office Employes Local H-63, have reached 

an agreement on a new wage contract to replace 

the one that expired Sept. 1, 1949. Republic 

Pictures and its subsidiary. Consolidated 

Film Industries, and H-63 are continuing 

negotiations on terms for a new wage 

contract for home office workers. The Republic 

contract expired last June 1, while the 

Consolidated contract expired January 1. 

President Trumon Accepts 

COMPO Pledge of Aid 

WASHINGTON—The industry's pledge of COMPO group discussed the industry's role 

aid to the government in the present crisis in the current crisis with Federal Security 

Administrator Oscar Ewing, Secretary of 

Commerce Sawyer, Assistant Secretary of 

State Edward Barrett. Army Chief of Staff 

Gen. J. Lawton Collins, and Undersecretary 

of the Treasury Edward H. Foley. Luncheon 

was served at MPAA headquarters. 

Depinet also set up three new committees 

to handle requests and problems arising from 

the national emergency. They are a .screening 

committee, of which Russell V. Downing 

is chairman and Rotus Harvey. William 

COMPO Pi-esident Ned E. Depinet told Mr. Namenson, Wilbur Snaper and Robert B. 

Wilby are the other members. A theatre 

was gratefully accepted by President Truman 

at a White House meeting Friday. The meeting 

was a highlight of an all-day session in 

Washington of the Council of Motion Picture 

Organization's special committee for cooperation 

with the government. Twenty-two persons 

from all branches of the industry met 

with the I*resident and White House film expert 

Dallas C. Halverstadt. 

"The American motion picture industry 

grew up in an atmosphere of freedom," 

Ti-uman. "We accept the responsibilities that 

go with the privilege of freedom. We are here 

today to pledge you the aid of our cameras 

and our screens. We are at your service and 

the service of our country and the United 

Nations until peace and freedom are made 

secure." 

In reply, the President told the filni delegation 

that he appreciated the offer more 

than he could say. Declaring that he was 

familiar with the magnificent contribution of 

the industry in World War II. Mr. Truman 

said he was now calling for a repeat performance. 

The industry should submit specific suggestions 

on what it could do. the President 

declared. He added that he had one idea 

where the industry could help— it could make 

a tremendous contribution to the worldwide 

campaign of truth and facts. Pointing out 

that some of our neighbors go in for propaganda 

and fiction rather than facts, the 

President said that no organization in the 

whole world can make a better contribution 

to the campaign for truth than the film industry. 

The meeting took place in the rose garden 

outside President Truman's office. Newsreel 

cameras ground as he and Depinet spoke, 

but both were virtually completely ground 

out by riveting going on in another wing of 

the White House, w'hich is still being repaired. 

In addition to the White House session, the 

priorities committee consisting of S. H. Fabian, 

chairman, Emanuel Fi-isch, Ben Shearer, 

Abram F. Myers and David Weinstock, 

and a production and distribution priorities 

committee consisting of Marvin L. Faris, 

chairman, Francis S. Harmon and Lester W. 

Roth. 

The screening unit, composed entirely of 

exhibitors, will pass on all films submitted 

by government or private agencies for exhibition 

in connection with the war effort. 

The priorities units will handle problems 

arising from any government imposition of 

priorities on commodities such as ga.soline. 

Attending the session, in addition to Depinet. 

were the following: 

Myrna Loy, lilm delegate to Unesco; William 

Holden, vice-president of the Screen Actors Guild; 

Brenda Marshall (Mrs. Holden); Art Arthur, Screen 

Wri ers Guild and executive secretary ol the Hollywood 

Motion Picture Industry Council; Carter Barrori, 

Loew's eastern district manager; Harry Brandt, president 

of the Independent Theatre Owners Ass'n; Leo 

Brecher, president of the Metropolitan Motion Picture 

Theatre Ass'n; Roy Brewer, lATSE vice-president and 

head of the Hollywood AFL Film Council; Sherrill 

C Corwin, representing Theatre Owners of America 

President Sam Pinanski; Cecil B. DeMille, producer, 

Lauritz Gorman, representing AUie;* States 

Ass'n President Trueman Rembusch; Abel Green, 

chairman of the tradepress members of COMPO; 

Francis S. Harmon, Motion Picture Ass'n vice-president; 

Gunther Lessing, representing SIMPP President 

Elhs Arnall; Arthur L, Mayer, COMPO executive 

vice-president; Richard Walsh. lATSE president; 

Abram F Myers, Allied general counsel; loyce 

OHara, assistant to MPAA President Eric Johnston; 

Marc Wolff. Variety Clubs' chief barker; Edmund 

Reek. Fox-Movietone News, chairman of the newsreel 

committee; Tony Muto. Fox News Washington 

repreientative, and A lulian Brylawski, president 

of the Washington Theatre Owners Assn. 

Arthur Murphy to MOT 

NEW YORK — Arthur Murphy, general 

manager of Life magazine, has been transferred 

to March of Time as general manager. 

Appointment was made by Roy E. Larsen, 

president of Time, Inc. Arthur Tourtellot 

has been named MOT television director by 

Richard DeRochemont. 

Trans-Lux Sues Brandt 

NEW YORK—Trans-Lux stockholders have 

filed a suit against Harry Brandt for $500,- 

000. Jerome B. Ross and Walter Simers 

charge details of purchase of three houses 

were concealed from directors and ask 

annulment. 

-SHOWMEN iMKKT HOPE—Harry .\. Harris, nslil. ul lli. ll,iiris lircult in New 

York City, chats with Bob Hope on the set at the Paramount studio in Hollywood. 

Harris was aoconipaniod on his trek to the film capital by Philip B. Gale, left, an 

executive of his circuit, and Mrs, Harris. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 9, 1950 N 43

" 

Lost Audience Can Be Won, Declares 

Stanley Kramer, by Right Pictures 

BUTTALO—The "lost hordes" ol the nation's 

fihn houses can be attributed mostly 

to one cause: Boredom 

with the 

same old 

story patterns. That is 

the opinion of Stanley 

Kramer, independent 

Hollywood producer 

whose pictures have 

made him a recent 

sensation in the film 

world. It will take new, 

adult, vital picture 

picture ideas to bring 

these theatregoers 

Stanley Kramer back into the fold. 

Kramer declared here the other evening. The 

producer, who practiced what he preaches in 

"Champion" and "Home of the Brave," was 

in town with his wife, former Universal actress 

Ann Pearce, in connection with the 

forthcoming showing at Shea's Buffalo Theatre 

of "The Men," much-discussed production 

about paraplegic veterans. The trip 

through the east is also serving as a sort of 

belated honeymoon. The couple was married 

early last spring. 

They feel they shouldn't call it a honeymoon 

because they are expecting a baby in 

March. However, they followed the example 

of thou.sands of other honeymooners and visited 

Niagara Falls, spending a couple of days 

in the General Brock hotel in Canada. 

"The first thing in making a movie is to 

entertain." the producer said, "but only if 

you can do more than that, and, in addition, 

give something important, something moviegoers 

will think over after they have left 

the theatre, will you get great pictures." 

The Kramer productions have been famed 

not only for their unusual content and their 

boxoffice success, but for their modest budgets. 

"Champion." "Home of the Brave" and 

"The Men" were made for about $600,000 

each. "Cyrano de Bergerac," which will be 

released around the first of the year, cost 

about $1,000,000, but Kramer declared most 

studios would have had to pay $2,500,000. 

Kramer doesn't know just what he will do 

next. His film properties include rights to 

Buffalo's own Taylor Caldwell's "The Wide 

House." but he hasn't decided what to do 

about it. 

The producer, a New York university graduate 

who began his film career as an $18-aweek 

backlot laborer, has been offered executive 

jobs by various major studios. "But I 

intend to stay an independent," he said. 

Optimistic Outlook Noted in Newark 

By SARA CARLETON 

NEWARK, N. J.—While there is still a certain 

amount of skepticism on the part of 

several Newark exhibitors as to how much 

business will pick up this fall, there is every 

mdication that their fears are unjustified. 

According to Kenneth Carberry, secretary 

of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce: 

"Unemployment at the present time is at a 

lower ebb than it has been at any other 

period in the past few years. Newark and 

its environs boast widely diversified industries 

that should keep people busy and 

financially secure. With government contracts 

coming in the outlook is promising. 

While no airplanes are contracted for directly 

in this area, the various parts are 

manufactured in North Jersey. The current 

war situation is improving business conditions 

in general." 

Jules Krumgold. a partner in the firm of 

Berk Krumgold, theatre realtors handling 

meny sales in New Jersey, declares that the 

drop-off in theatre receipts was not only a 

theatre decline, but a decline in the shoe 

business, in the department store trade and 

other industries. 

"The masses of people," Krumgold said, 

"were deprived of their overtime money. 

The present rearmament situation will help 

correct business conditions. There is an optimistic 

trend. This is exemplified partially by 

the new interest which exhibitors have 

shown recently by acquiring theatres. A 

number of deals have been put through in 

the past two or three weeks and the market 

is 

very active." 

Krumgold goes on to say that "people have 

begun to get their radios and other items 

paid for and are better able to afford the 

movies. Moreover, the product, which is coming 

through from Hollywood, is much stronger 

than it has been in years." 

Herbert Heintz, manager of RKO Proctor's, 

is in agreement with Krumgold as to 

the quality of the product which Hollywood 

is supplying. He cites as examples "Treasure 

Island," "The Black Rose" and several 

other films, which have boosted the boxoffice 

lately, or are scheduled to appear. 

"Quality in product is the prime requisite," 

Heintz a.sserted, but added that he thinks 

the war situation is reacting favorably .so 

far as business returns are concerned. 

One Newark exhibitor declared: "There 

was never anything wrong with the show 

business, people got panicky in '31 and '32," 

when we hit the depression. Certainly television 

is here to stay. So is the radio here 

to stay. At its inception everyone declared 

it would put the new.spapers out of business. 

Has it?" 

Sam Bro.skie, manager of the Rivoli, one 

of the city's largest independent houses, 

said: "People are already getting tired of 

television. They can take just so much of it. 

"Every time we have a good picture, we've 

done business. People shop around for pictures 

today just as they would in buying a 

fur coat. Of course there isn't a theatre in 

the country in which business hasn't been 

off during the past few months, but good 

product with more musical productions and 

more color films and more pictures on the 

light side will remedy the situation." 

Myer Schines Mark 

25th Anniversary 

ALBANY—Mr. and Mrs. J. Myer Schine 

celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary 

with a reception in the Rose lounge and a 

dinner dance in the Ten Eyck hotel's Empire 

room, temporarily converted into a reproduction 

of the front porch and patio of Myhil, 

their summer home at Caroga lake. The celebration 

was attended by executives of the 

Schine Theatres and hotel companies, several 

film executives from New York City and a 

group of longtime friends from the Gloversville 

area. 

Highlights included a brief, humorous talk 

by Mrs. Schine, during which she pinned 

a suitable in.scribed medal on the lapel of 

her husband's coat; his short, good-natured 

reply as he returned the medal compliment; 

an announcement by David Schine, who acted 

as master of ceremonies, that he, his sisters 

Doris and Renee and brother Richard were 

paying for a three-week trip by their parents 

to Hawaii, and a toast by Gates Aufsesser, 

speaking for the guests, to Myer Schine 

for outstanding achievements in the theatre 

and hotel fields, and to Mrs. Schine as a 

mother, helpmate and hostess. Aufsesser 

stressed that the Schines "had not lost the 

common touch" in their climb to success. 

Mrs. Schine also paid tribute to her 

brother-in-law, Louis G. Schine, and wife 

who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary 

in July. 

Schine Holding Rallies 

In New Season Drive 

WATERTOWN, N. Y.—Gus Lampe. Schine 

circuit general manager, and Seymour L. 

Morris, exploitation and publicity director, 

addressed the second in a series of regional 

meetings which the organization is holding 

on behalf of its New Show Season drive. 

The latter is a followup to the campaign 

which Schine launched last April in all its 

houses to supplement the 20th Century-Fox 

Movies Are Better Than Ever promotion. 

Winners in the Schine spring-summer drive 

are expected to be announced soon. 

The first meeting to sell New Show Season 

was held in Syracuse. Others have been 

called for Glens Falls, Buffalo, Bellefonte, 

Ohio, Lexington, Ky., and Washington. 

"We never had such a flow of arresting 

ideas from managers as came across the 

desk in recent weeks," commented Morris. 

"The boys are really enthusiastic, and with 

a fine group of picture releases set for the 

next two months, the campaign should be 

highly successful. The slogan is, 'On Your 

Mark. We're Set. You Go.' 

Negro Theatre to Present 

Award to Darryl Zanuck 

NEW YORK—The American Negro Theatre 

will present an award to Darryl F. Zanuck, 

20th Century-Fox production head, on 

Wednesday (13i for his production of anti-discrimination 

films, including "No Way Out," 

"Pinky" and "Gentleman's Agreement." The 

presentation will be made on the stage of 

the Rivoli Theatre by Austin Briggs-Hall, 

executive director of the ANT. 


One-Day Phone Appeal 

For UJA September 19 

NEW YORK—A mass one-day solicitation 

of gifts to the United Jewish Appeal from 

persons in the amusement industry who have 

not made their 1950 donations will be staged 

September 19. The special occasion will be 

known as "telephone solicitation day" and its 

headquarters will be the office of Barney 

Balaban, Paramount president, a veteran 

leader in the drive and co-chairman of the 

executive committee this year. 

Invitations to take part in the drive and 

to have lunch with Balaban in his office have 

been issued by Samuel Rosen and Fred J. 

Schwartz, co-chairmen of the 1950 campaign 

of the amusement division. Leaders in the 

amusement division of UJA will alternate 

from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. in telephoning prospects 

about the UJA program, which includes 

relief and resettlement overseas, refugee aid 

and the safeguarding of human rights at 

home and abroad. 

The goal has been set at $1,000,000. Section 

heads in the drive are: 

Balaban. Jack Cohn. Spyros P. Skouras and 

Albert Warner, co-chairmen of the executive 

committee: Spyros P. Skouras, corporate 

gifts: Harry Brandt, independent theatres; 

Emanuel Frisch, Julius Joelson and Sol M. 

Strausberg, independent exhibitors: Charles 

B. Moss, purchasing agents; Richard Rodgers 

with Emil Friedlander as co-chairman, legitimate 

theatres: Len Gruenberg and Budd 

Rogers, independent producers; William F. 

German, laboratories; Abe Olman. Mannie 

Sachs and Robert M. Weitman, talent 

agencies; Maurice F. Kann. publications; 

Louis A. Lotito, ticket agencies, and for the 

major film companies. Sam Schneider. Jack 

Lang. Arthur Israel jr.. Edward L. Hyman. 

Max Seligman. Irving H. Greenfield. Sol A. 

Schwartz, Charles Boasberg, Adolph Schimel 

and William B. Brenner. 

Normandie Theatre Gets 

New Site on West 57th 

NEW YORK—A new Normandie Theatre 

will be housed in the reconstructed Lotus 

Club building at 110 West 57th St. The first 

Normandie, at 51 East 53rd near the corner 

of Park avenue, was torn down recently to 

make way for a large office building. It is 

expected that the new theatre will be finished 

about February 1. 

The building in which the theatre will be 

located was sold by the Lotus Club in 1945 

and since 1947 has been vacant. It is seven 

stories high. The first floor has a very high 

ceiling, a fact which caused the board of 

standards and appeals to grant permission 

for conversion into a 598-seat house. David 

Weinstock. who operated the first Normandie, 

has leased the new house. The upper 

stories will be used for offices. 

Trotta to Act as Judge 

NEW YORK— Vincent Trotta of Trotta 

and Gablik, advertising artists, will help 

select Miss America for the 16th consecutive 

year Saturday at the Atlantic City beauty 

pageant. Trotta formerly headed the New 

York art department of Paramount and of 

National Screen Service, 

INCORPORATIONS 

ALBANY 

Riverdale Theatre Realty, Inc.: Capital stock, $20 - 

OpO, $100 par; Leo C. Leone, 220 West 42nd, New 

"rork; Dominick Trevisano, 200 Willow St. and Nora 

C. Daiton. 40 Locust Hill Ave., Yonkers. 

Film Locations: 200 shares, no par. 

Cinerama, Inc.: Capital stock, $12,500; Hazard E. 

Reeves. 304 East 44th; Louis A. Bonn, 1501 Broadway; 

Francis W. Coker jr., 61 Broadway. 

Overseas Cinematone: Theatrical business and import 

and export of motion picture production equipment 

in New York; 200 shares, no par; Nicholas 

Lefkowitz, 121 East 28th; Stephen H. Nyman, 68 

West 58th, New York; Luis Asencio, £851 74th Ave., 

Glendale. 

The Cobleskill Drive-In Theatre: To conduct business 

in Richmondville, Schoharie county; 2,000 

shares, 1,000 preferred at $100 par, and 1,000 common 

at no par; Cylon W. Hotaling and Erwin A. 

Wohr, 148 River St., Oneonta; Hector B. Giacobbe, 

Worcester, The corporation operates the 300-car 

Cobleskill Drive-In 

Timac Theatre, Inc.: 200 shares, no par. 

Goodwill Amusement Co.: Mount Vernon; 200 

shares, no par. 

Buffalo, Albany Offices 

To Lippert Pictures 

BUFFALO—Lippert Pictures of 

San Francisco 

has taken over the Lippert Pictures 

Distributing Co. offices here and in Albany 

from Screen Guild of Buffalo, Inc., effective 

at once. Screen Guild ceases to exist. Don 

Passen has been appointed manager of the 

new Lippert exchanges in both cities. 

He will 

headquarter at 505 Pearl St. in the old Screen 

Guild offices. Passen has been city salesman 

here for Warner Bros. 

William P. Rosenow, who had been head of 

Screen Guild, will continue to operate the 

Theatre Service Organization at 505 Pearl, 

and devote more time to Skyway Drive-In 

Theatres, of which he is an officer. 

Eagle Lion Given 20 Days 

To File Answer to FC 

NEW YORK — Robert L. Augenblick, attorney 

for Eagle Lion Classics, has secured 

a 20-day extension in which to file Eagle 

Lion's answer to a complaint brought by 

Irving Kaufman, Film Classics creditor 

assignee, against EL for $500,000. Augenblick 

said Friday (8) that the extension was 

a routine move. It gives EL until September 

26 to answer. 

Radio Campaign Set Up 

For 'Fancy Pants' Debut 

NEW YORK—Paramount has made an arrangement 

with WNBC for a two-week metropolitan 

radio campaign on Bob Hope's 

"Fancy Pants." The plan was worked out by 

Max E. Youngstein, vice-president in charge 

of national advertising, publicity and exploitation. 

It started Wednesday (6). 

Westinghouse to Build 

NEW YORK—Westinghouse Electric Corp. 

will build a new television plant at Metuchen, 

N. J., tripling its TV manufacturing 

capacity. A 50-acre site has been purchased 

from the Pennsylvania railroad. A ten-acre 

plant with 400,000 .square feet of floor space 

will be erected, and it will be u.sed as headquarters 

for the television-radio division of 

the company. Construction is .scheduled to 

start in 30 days, and it is expected that 

about 3,000 employes, most of them women, 

will be taken on. 

Mayville Theatre 

Closed by Blatl 

MAYVILLE, N. Y.—The May Theatre, this 

Chautauqua district town's first and only 

theatre, has closed its doors. John A. Blatt, 

president of Blatt Bros, circuit declares the 

closure was forced by "uneconomic alterations" 

demanded by state fire inspectors. 

The changes required to comply with state 

laws would cost .some $8,000 to $10,000, according 

to Blatt, who said that these changes 

would "afford no guarantee that we w-ould 

not have to make more basic structural 

changes in a year or two." 

The theatre, originally the historic Swetland 

Opera House, is on the second floor of 

a large business building. Known as the May 

Theatre since its purchase by the Blatt company 

in 1946, the house has been operated 

as a motion picture theatre for nearly 40 

years. 

Built on the .site of the disastrous fire 

wliich swept the east side of the village's 

main street in 1901, the house was opened in 

1904 with a show starring Al Jolson. The 

building, at that time, had but two stories 

with the main hall above first-floor stores 

and offices. Some five years later a third 

floor was added to the structure by the 

owner, A. B. Swetland, publisher of one of 

the earliest magazines devoted to the newfangled 

sport of "motoring." 

The building was sold about 1929 to A. A. 

Carlson, long Mayville's mayor, from whom 

the Blatt organization purchased it four 

years ago. 

JOSEPH STEVENS— President, 

Stevens Theatres, Inc., Fishkill, 

New York—says: 

"For dependability in service 

I choose RCA." 

To pet the benefits of RCA Servicewrite: 

RCA SERVICE COMPANY, 

INC, Radio Corporation of America, 

Camden, N. J. 

IRWIN CHAIRS 

Represcnr 

COMFORT and DURABILITY 

• 

JOHN P. MORGAN CO., INC. 

317 N. 13th SI. Phila. - tO 1-0226 

Adv. 


. . . Anthony 

. . Edward 

. . Alfred 

. . Fred 

. . Ai-thur 

. . 

. . Leonard 

BROADWAY 

lJ;il WalUs, producer for Paramount, his wife, 

. . . 

the former Louise Pazenda, their son 

Brent and Sol Lesser and his wife returned 

to America aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam 

. . . William B. Levy, Walt Disney sales executive, 

returned to New York aboard the 

Ancon from a six-w'eek vacation in Panama 

The America arrived from Southampton 

with Miguel Salkind, who produced 55 pictures 

in Prance. Italy and Germany before 

the war. Salkind will produce films in Portugal 

with American actors. Martha Lipton 

and Eduard de Decker. Metropolitan Opera 

singers, were on the same ship. 

Dr. C. E. Kenneth Mees, head of the research 

department of the Eastman Kodak 

Co.. sailed for England on the Mauretania 

Mann. MGM director, planed 

out to Rome to join the unit working there 

on "Quo Vadis" . Guarini. Italian 

producer, and his wife. Isa Miranda, who is 

starring here in "My Widow and I," arrived 

from Italy by plane . Ahern. production 

unit manager for Sol Lesser's "Tarzan 

in Peril," has returned from the Kenya 

Colony in Africa for conferences with the 

producter here before continuing on to Hollywood 

to complete filming. 

. 

Walter L. Titus jr.. Republic division manager, 

left for Charlotte, first stopover on a 

two-week trip which will take him to Atlanta, 

New Orleans and Dallas ... F. J. A. Mc- 

Carthy. U-I southern and Canadian sales 

manager, left for Jacksonville. Fla. . . . Louis 

Phillips. Paramount attorney, has returned 

to New York from a combined business and 

vacation trip to the coast . . . William B. 

Zoellner. in charge of MGM shorts sales and 

reprints, returned to the home office after 

his vacation C. Dowden. assistant 

advertising and publicity director of 

Loew''s Theatres, is back at his post after an 

eight-week illness. 

Howard Dietz, MGM vice-president and 

director of advertising and pubhcity, returned 

from a European vacation . Hornblow 

jr., MGM producer, returned to the 

coast after three weeks in Pennsylvania 

working with Moss Hart on a screenplay . 

Herb Crooker of MGM's publicity department, 

got back from a vacation crui.sing 

around New York in his sloop . . Jules 

. 

Lapidus. Warner Bros, division sales manager, 

and I. F. Dolid. Warner home office, 

were in Washington September 7. 

Judy Garland arrived from the coast for 

a vacation and made an unexpected visit to 

THEY KNOW HOW ! 

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^NEXT TIME ORDER FROM^ 

CHICAGO 

1327 Woboih 

FILMACK 

NEW YORK 

ei9WS4lhSt 

. 

the Capitol Theatre Labor day to .see her 

picture. "Summer Stock." When she left the 

theatre at 1 a. m. the lobby was crowded 

with patrons who gave her an ovation . . . 

Spencer Tracy, another MGM star, is vacationing 

in New York prior to starting work 

on "Father's Little Dividend," as is Eddie 

Bracken, while Red Skelton, another MGM 

name, has returned to the coast after a visit 

here. Kathryn Grayson also left for Hollywood 

after a visit in Manhattan . 

Roberts, who has been signed 

. 

for 

Tracey 

Robert 

Stillman's "Queen for a Day," left 

for Hollywood 

September 5 after a week of press and 

radio interviews on behalf of the picture. 

Joseph Hazen of Hal Wallis Productions 

arrived for a series of home office conferences 

at Paramount ... Ed Fitzgerald, 

Buffalo manager for Paramount, conferred 

with Hugh Owen, eastern and southern division 

manager . Goldstein, producer 

of U-I's "The Sleeping City," arrived 

to publicize the picture prior to its opening 

at the Paramount September 20 . . R. O. 

. 

Strock, recording manager of Westrex Corp., 

subsidiary of Western Electric, left September 

6 for California where he will visit the 

Hollywood division . . Jerry Tierney. American 

. 

Airlines public relations executive, is 

back after working on the coast with the 

MGM producer of "Three Guys Named 

Mike," a picture about airline hostesses. 

. . . Raymond 

Mary T. Oliva, secretary to Stanley Prenosil. 

assistant executive director of Theatre 

Owners of America, will be married October 

14 to Robert C. Mazza, New York jewelry 

Fi-ank Soule. president of Pictorial 

importer . . . 

Films, subsidiary of Pathe, became a 

grandfather August 31 when a daughter. Mrs. 

Andrew Uhri, gave birth to a daughter at 

Mercy hospital, Rockville Center 

Sheerin. assistant manager of Loew's 

46th Street. Brooklyn, has resigned to enter 

Two Loew's assistant 

the armed services . . . 

managers, Sylvio Blais jr. of the Strand, 

Waterbury, Conn., and Ray Flynn of the 

College, New Haven, went into the armed 

services as members of the national guard 

September 1. 

Jersey Allied to Meet 

September 26 in Newark 

NEW YORK—Allied Theatre Owners of 

New Jer.sey will meet September 26 at the 

Douglas hotel in Newark to hear reports on 

a suggestion made August 29 by Wilbur 

Snaper. president, that admission prices at 

member houses be raised. Members will instruct 

Snaper and Irving DoUinger, Jersey 

Allied board chairman, regarding their participation 

as delegates to the Allied States 

convention October 2-4 in Pittsburgh. 

Edward Dorney Stricken 

NEW YORK—Funeral .services were held 

Saturday i2> for Edward Dorney, day film 

shipper at 20th Century-Fox exchange. Dorney 

died at the age of 55. He was with 20th- 

Fox for 19 years. Surviving are his widow 

Peggy and a sister. 

Gene Autry carries loyalty to Texas to the 

extent or selecting most of his actresses from 

that state. 

Sol Lesser Forming 

Two Corporations 

NEW YORK — After five months abroad 

Sol Le.s.ser has returned with plans for organizing 

two new companies: Principal Pictures 

International Corp.. of which he is to be 

president, and Cinema Merchandise Corp., of 

which Julian Les.ser is to be president. 

Le.sser plans to import 15 foreign-language 

pictures a year and to distribute them on a 

franchi.se basis in about 300 "art" theatres. 

Cinema Merchandise Corp. will have offices 

in New York and Hollywood and abroad. 

The new firm will create and supervise novelties, 

tieins and unusual exploitation of films. 

The first campaign will be on the Tarzan 

series and the forthcoming "Lanny Budd, 

American." Negotiations are in progress to 

handle the Hopalong Ca.ssidy and other series 

in Europe and other foreign countries. 

"Lanny Budd. American" will be produced 

in Germany next year. Eric Pommer and 

Aithur Brauner of CCC Studios, Berlin, will 

produce the first of what is expected to be 

a series. Upton Sinclair will write the story. 

Lesser spent four months in Africa where 

"Tarzan's Peril" was filmed at Nairobi. Lesser 

has leased permanent facilities there lor 

Tarzan productions, with Tony Dean as resident 

manager. The deal is for seven years, 

and other independent productions may be 

made there. 

Lex Barker, the tenth Tarzan. will go on 

a lecture tour to talk about his experiences in 

Africa and will use scenes filmed in Africa 

for illustration purposes. This will be a 60- 

minute film. Some of it may be used in 

television later, but Lesser says that none of 

his regular films or any reissues will be used 

on television. RKO controls all the Tarzan 

distribution. 

The two first films to be imported under 

the international corporation arrangement 

will be "II Figlodi d'Artagnan" (The Son of 

D'Artagnani, a lavish period adventure 

romance by Rafaela Colamonici, and starring 

Gianna Maria Canale and Franca Marzi, 

and "Twin Trouble," a comedy produced by 

Lesser and Marquis Theodoli in Italy, starring 

Marilyn Buferd. the Miss America of 

1946. 

Two Personnel Groups 

Are Set up by RKO 

NEW YORK — RKO has divided its personnel 

department into two units in anticipation 

of the separation of its theatre business 

from its picture business. There is one unit 

for the RKO Service Corp. and another for 

RKO Radio Pictures. 

Mary E. Tuttle. who has been personnel 

manager for both, will continue in that capacity 

for RKO Service Corp. and will be 

given additional administrative duties. Robert 

Goldfarb. who resigned recently from a 

similar post at United Artists, has joined 

RKO Radio Pictures as personnel manager. 

He takes the spot left vacant by the resignation 

of John Farmer. 

Walter Anderson Rites 

NEW YORK—Funeral services were held 

Friday (8) for Walter Andersen, father of 

Robert Andersen, film shipper at 20th-Fox 

exchange. Andersen died Tuesday. 


: September 

9. 1950

. . . Sam 

. . Harriet 

. . Milton 

. . The 

. . Joe 

. . 

. . Terry 

. . Leo 

. . Manny 

. . John 

. . Sadie 

. . Murray 

. . Florence 

. . John 

'Boulevard's' 205 Tops 

Big Holiday Weekend 

NEW YORK—The Labor day weekend 

brought terrific business to New York's first 

runs. "Sunset Boulevard," in its fourth week 

at the Music Hall, recorded 205 per cent and 

"The Black Rose" with the New York Philharmonic 

Symphony orchestra as the unusual 

stage attraction did 175 per cent at 

the Roxy Theatre. 

"Summer Stock" opened strong at the 

Capitol and "Tea for Two" at the Strand 

likewise reported unusually heavy patronage. 

Both houses had stage presentations to go 

along with the pictures. 

Straight picture houses also did exceptionally 

well during the week. 

The only new film to open during the week 

was "Spy Hunt." the weekly change for the 

Palace. 

(Average Is 100) 

Aslor—Edge ol Doom (HKO), 5th wk 100 

Bijou—The Bed Shoes (EL), 98th wk. oi two-a-day 98 

Capitol—Summer Stock (MGM), plus stage show.. 185 

Criterion—Shakedown (U-I) 110 

Globe—Alcatraz Island (WB), San Quentin (WB), 

reissues 125 

Little Carnegie—Eye Witness (EL), 2nd wk 110 

Loew's State—Three Little Words (MGM), 4th wk...!30 

Mayfair—Treasure Island (RKO). 3rd wk 115 

Palace—The Carihoo Trail (20th-Fox), plus vaudeville 

- 120 

Paramount—Fancy Pants (Para), plus stage show.. 125 

Pcrrk Avenue—Madeleine (U-I) 105 

Radio City Music Hall—Sunset Boulevard (Para), 

plus stage show, 4th wk 205 

Rivoli—No Way Out (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 115 

Roxy—The Black Rose (20th-Fox), plus Philharmonic 

orchestra on stage 175 

Strand-Tea for Two (WB), plus stage show 190 

Sutton—The Winslow Boy (EL), 13th wk 100 

Trans-Lux Madison Avenue—Kind Heorts and 

Coronets (EL), 12th wk 100 

Victoria—Our Very Own (RKO), 6th wk 120 

of Her O'wn' Accounts 

'Life 

For Top Philadelphia Gross 

PHILADELPHIA—The return of vacationers 

from resorts and a Labor day weekend 

helped make first run business the best in 

many a moon. The biggest grosser was "A 

Life of Her Own," which scored 200 as 

the opener at the Aldine, which was closed 

all summer. "The Black Rose" at the Fox 

was strong with 180 while "Summer Stock" 

at the Mastbaum did a healthy 175. 

Aldine—A Lite oi Her Own (MGM) 200 

Boyd—Tea ior Two (WB) 97 

Earle—Bunco Squad (RKO), plus stage show 140 

Fox-The Black Rose (20th-Fox) 180 

Goldman—Sunset Boulevard (Para), 2nd wk 120 

Karlton—A Lady Without Passport (MGM) 105 

Mastbaum—Summer Stock (MGM) 175 

Randolph—Three little Words (MGM), 2nd wk 130 

Stanley—Fancy Pants (Pora) 85 

Stanton—Shakedown (U-I) 115 

Trans-Lux—Destination Moon (ELC), 3rd wk 135 

Pickup Starts New Season 

At Buffalo; "Pants' Strong 

BUFFALO—The new season got under way 

here with a decided pickup in boxoffice figures 

all around. The holiday weekend was 

especially strong all around—many out-oftowners 

being in the city. Business also was 

helped by uniformly good product on downtown 

screens. The Paramount and the Buffalo 

took top honors with "Fancy Pants" 

and "The Black Rose," respectively. "The 

Petty Girl" at the Lafayette did well above 

average and so did "White Tower" at the 

Century. 

Buffalo—The Black Rose (20th-Fox) 110 

Center—Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (WB), 2nd wk. 90 

Century-The White Tower (HKO) 105 

Cinema—Kind Hearts and Coronets (ELC), 2nd 

wk „ 90 

Lafayette— The PeHy Girl (Col) „ 105 

Paramount—Fancy Pants (Para) 110 

Teck—Broken Arrow (20th-Fox), 2nd d. I. wk 90 

Along New York's Filmrow 

By AARON SLOAN 

fJENRY UNGER. shorts booker at the 20th- 

Century-Fox exchange, returned to his 

desk Tuesday after a long illness . . . Edythe 

Togmeri has begun work at the Paramount 

exchange as a ledger clerk . . . RKO exchange 

employes held a luncheon at the 

Hotel Edison for Bob Schmalzbach. sales 

statistician, who enters the armed forces 

September 11. Bob was given a Parker fountain 

pen . Krasner, secretary 

to George Waldman, Eagle Lion Classics district 

manager in New York, became engaged 

to Jack Ki-oU. They will be married in the 

Bronx December 16. 

Filmrow- visitors: Chris Stavrou of the 

Park Lane, Palisades, N. J., saw Gene Newman, 

booker, at the Paramount exchange . 

Wilbur Snaper. Allied Theatre Owners of 

New Jersey president, was at RKO . . . 

George Larri.son, New Jersey district manager 

for Skouras Theatres, visited Harold 

Bennett, National Screen Service branch 

manager in New York . . Milton Coleman 

. 

of the State and Windsor, West Orange, 

N. J., was in town to see Ben Levine, UA 

Arthur Steel of the Elmsford 

booker . . . 

Drive-In, Elmsford and Al Suchman of the 

Brookside Drive-In, Newburgh were along 

filmrow. 

. 

Liggett-Florin is doing the booking for 

A. H. Schukot's Ti'iboro Theatre. Manhattan. 

The Triboro reopened September 1 . . . Louis 

Pischler is booking for the Avon, Manhattan, 

formerly the Avenue Variety, 

Newark, has been renamed the Golden West 

Rifkin, New Jersey salesman for 

UA. has received a postcard from an exhibitor 

friend in Rome . and Mrs. 

Sommers of the Ramsey. Ramsey, N. J., were 

visitors at the Paramount and UA exchanges 

Wednesday (6i. 

Nat Furst, manager at Monogram, was 

winding up a visit on the coast . . . Mrs. 

Seymour Berkowitz, wife of the New Jersey 

booker at the Columbia exchange, was in 

Rose 

. 

to see her husband with their son Barry to 

celebrate the child's fifth birthday 

Ascoli, 

. . . 

Columbia booking department, won a 

beauty contest at a Pocono resort over the 

Labor day weekend Arnswalder. 

Loew's, Inc., home office, was recovering 

Dave Jacobs, Columbia 

from an operation . . . 

booker, has returned from a 

vacation. 

. . . Agnes 

Loew's items: Charlotte Cowan, inspector, 

entered the Manhattan Eye and Ear hospital 

Wednesday . . . Julius Friedman was at Ft. 

Hamilton Veterans hospital in Brooklyn . . . 

Fay Rei.ss. inspector, will return from her 

vacation after the Jewish New Year . . . John 

Freeman, night shipper, was away . . . Tony 

Tringo, day shipper, is entertaining weekends 

at the Hotel Commodore, Belle Harbor. 

L. I., with his three-piece band 

Blaisuis. cashier's department, celebrated her 

third wedding anniversary Wednesday (6). 

U-I jottings: Rose Cassouteau. billing department 

typist, was out Wednesday due to 

illness in the family . . . Goldie Ostrofsky, 

typist, was back from her vacation . . . Fred 

. . . 

. . . Howard 

Mayer, head booker, attended the funeral 

of an in-law Wednesday . Knight, 

film inspector, has returned . Cronin, 

film shipper, wound up his vacation 

Harriet Miller, accounting department of the 

Columbia exchange, was due back Monday 

(11) from the Virgin Islands 

YelUn, Columbia accounting department, 

has returned. 

. . 

Frances Papperello has been promoted at 

the Loew's exchange from contract to billing 

department . Toscano, booking department, 

celebrated her birthday September 

8 upon returning from Asbury Park . 

. . Louise 

. . . Bill 

Cliff Pierce, assistant cashier at the Columbia 

exchange, was back in town . 

Colosi, Paramount accounting department. 

left September 8 for a vacation 

Steiner jr. was in town on a junket from 

Virginia where he was selling "Because of 

Eve" for Berkson & Mills of Washington. 

. 

Jules J. Nayfack has booked "Strange Mr. 

Gregory" and "Mystery of Mr. Wong" into 

the Rialto for Associated Artists ... Ed 

Mullins, UA assistant manager, had lunch 

with Harold Bennett. NSS manager; Abe 

Dickstein, UA manager, and Phil Dow. UA 

Warner Bros. Theatres 

home office . . . 

will reopen the Central, Passaic, September 

Jack Fields of the Forum, Metuchen. 

18 . . . 

N. J., was in town Abrams, New 

York district manager for NSS, was back 

from Vermont and the Adirondacks. 

. . . 

Rosalie Yanantan has resigned as stenographer 

with the Favorite Pictures exchange 

Sam and Harry Goldstone of the Famous 

Pictures exchange have booked all nine 

prints of "Catskill Honeymoon" for citywide 

situations over the Jewish New Year. The 

Famous exchange will be closed September 

12 . . . Harold Carlton, service manager for 

NSS, will leave the city September 11 . . . 

Dan Bizocco of the NSS home office was 

back from upstate Stutz of the 

Cleveland Realart Pictures exchange was at 

Bell Pictures Corp. to see Lou Solkoff. booker. 

Twentieth Century-Fox news: Exchange 

employes held a party Thursday night after 

surpassing their goal in the company's summer 

Harriet Coen, booking 

sales drive . . . department, was given a chow puppy by Mae 

Stabile, same department . . . Maureen 

Schwartz has replaced Frances Shevira in 

the cashier's department. FYances is now 

operating a bookkeeping machine . . Alice 

. 

Norvella has moved from the New York 

exchange cashier's department to the Philadelphia 

exchange where she is working as a 

biller. 

Ann Buchdahl. 20th-Pox booking department, 

had a birthday Thursday . . . Ann 

Jones, secretary at 20th-Fox. has returned 

from the Poconos . Hogan. shipper 

at UA. was back . Castanza. RKO 

payroll department: Frances Atlas. RKO 

biller. and Evelyn Vitoulis. bookkeeping department, 

were back , Blutrelch. 

RKO booker, is winding up the summer at 

his Long Island home . . . Jack Giles, RKO 

billing 

department, has returned. 

BOXOFFICE September 9. 1950 47

. . . ELC 

. . Clark 

. . Hattie 

— 

. . . 20th-Pox's 

. . . Vacationers 

. . Louis 

. . Mayor 

. . Four 

. . Lew 

. . . Sam 

. . Joe 

. . Herman 

. . United 

. . Al 

PHILADELPHIA 

. 

Tlic .'Men" was .screened on Thursday Oi at 

a meeting of the Poor Richard club. The 

producer. Stanley Kramer, was guest at the 

luncheon 

. . . David Yaffe of the Y&Y 

Supply Co. was in Washington on business 

tub-thumper Max Miller was in 

Buffalo helping to promote "Destination 

Moon" Film inspector Adele 

Levitt has announced her engagement . . . 

John Turner. UA manager, was on vacation 

. . . Shirley Mollinger. 20th-Fox district 

manager's secretary, spent the Jewish holidays 

in Camp Tamiment . Fox, 

20th-Fox bookers clerk, vacationed with her 

family in Niagara Falls. 

U-I salesman Pat O'Donald will take his 

nuptial vows September 12 . . Bill Doyle, 

. 

U-I salesman, has resigned after 26 years 

with the company . . . Legitimate and motion 

picture theatre operators in Atlantic 

City are fighting the city's plans to rebuild 

Garden pier with a playhouse available for 

pre-Broadway productions. The showmen believe 

that the city would enter unfair competition 

with private enterpri.se if the plan 

became a reality. 

The sig:n on the Trans-Lux on "Destination 

Moon" was made by the Sun Display 

Lee J. Kline, manager of the Adelphia 

Co. . . . 

Theatre, who has been associated with 

the Felt chain for 14 years, left for Dallas, 

Tex. 

Eddie Gabriel of Capital Films reports 

"Cat.skill Honeymoon" will open at the Princess 

September 23 for an indefinite run . . . 

Helene Noll. Jean Rupert and Mickey Mosko 

GEORGE VALLEY—of the Strand 

Theatre in Winooski, Vt., says: 

"My theatre has been .serviced 

by the RCA Service Company 

for the past eight years—and 

I have always found it to be 

the finest." 

To get the benefits of RCA Service 

write: RCA SfilRVICK COMPANY, 

INC., Radio Corporation of America, 

Camden, N. J. 

DRiVE-IN THEATRE 

Sci our NEW Junior In-A-Car Speaker. Uiiiuriiasstil in 

lailliful reproduction. Can be tuned to suit llie tar. 

Priced so that lli« smallest Ori>e-ln can use them 

Junction Box can be mounted on V/2" o' 2" pipe. 

Kansas Oily. Mo 

Adv. 

. 

. . . Bill Brooker, who 

were in Atlantic City publicizing "Three Secrets" 

for WB . Bernard Samuel 

has appointed William Goldman to the stage 

censor board Paws Theatre has 

reopened with the lowest film prices in town, 

offering double-feature westerns for one 

thin dime, plus tax 

is now a freelance publicist, was in Syracuse, 

N. Y.. doing some exploitation work 

for Columbia . Tendler and partner 

Harry Carliss have teamed up with S. B. 

Ramagosa of Milford to finance a new ocean 

pier in Wildwood. The last one at the shore 

resort, Hunt's, was destroyed by fire several 

The Community Chest, American 

years ago . . . 

Red Cross, Salvation Army, Philadel- 

phia Heart Ass'n, and Emergency Services 

for the Armed Forces have combined to 

sponsor a united charity drive starting October 

2 ... Sid Heldon of Allied Theatre 

Owners of Eastern Pennsylvania has become 

the father of a baby girl, his second child. 

Twentieth-Fox has "withdrawn" "No Way 

Out" for re-editing and additional scenes 

after censor Edna Carroll and her associates 

said it could not run in Philadelphia unless 

objectionable dialog and a riot scene were 

removed. Mrs. Carroll was all set to have 

religious leaders see a special screening when 

20th-Fox took its action . . . Patricia Smith, 

who plays the part of a model in "A Life 

of Her Own," was in town as part of the 

eastern premiere campaign for the picture 

playing at the Aldine. 

The decision by Stiefel & Blumberg to 

change the name of the Ideal to the Academy 

shifted the name of the theatre to 

the head of the theatre listings in the news- 

. papers Ti-ainman, actioneer, will 

sell the Upsal Theatre September 28 . . . The 

winner and runnerup of the Miss Philadelphia 

contest at the Merben will receive an air 

trip to Nassau and a week's stay at a swank 

Ruth Hussey was in town in 

hotel there . . . 

behalf of "Louisa." 

Stanley-Warner's publicity department 

played up the tea angle in "Tea For Two" 

which is playing at the Boyd. Advertisements 

said that the picture was "Tea-licious . . . 

Tea-lightful and Tea-rrific." Two models, a 

Miss Iced Tea and a Miss Hot Tea. made 

the rounds of radio and television programs 

to give their message from the Tea Institute 

of America that "Tea for Two" was a good 

musical. 

Starlet Ann BIyth came in by plane from 

the west coast to weekend with Dr. Tom 

Carney, an interne at the Osteopathic hospital 

Nate Milgram, Deluxe Theatre 

. . . Premiums, claims a member of theatres which 

have never distributed premiums have started 

Max Miller, ELC tubthumper, 

dish giveaways . . . 

was in upstate Pennsylvania 

and 

Buffalo helping promote "Destination Moon" 

air conditioning .system broke 

down Monday afternoon . . . Industryites expressed 

condolences to George Fishman, WB 

publicist, on the death of his father. 

Dave Brodsky is remodeling the 720-seat 

Auditorium Theatre in Kennett Square. Pa. 

included Shirley Berkowitz, 

Dot McMennamin, John Daley, Ed O'Donnell, 

all of WB . . . "Baker" Morry Schwartz, 

former head of Variety Films, will marry 

Republic secretary 

Ruth Lehman October 8 . . . 

Regina Moskowitz resigned . . . The 

Tower Theatre is .selling buttered popcorn 

Phillips, assistant manager of the 

Roo.sevelt, has resigned to take a defense 

job. 

Lou Wakshul, Frankford Theatre manager 

who did relief this summer for Paramount 

Theatres, was on vacation . Paramount 

Theatres' President Leonard Goldenson 

will preside over a three-day session of 

the circuit Pocono Manor in the Pocono 

mountains September 25-28. 

Monogram secretary Toby Goldstein was 

on vacation . . . Former MGM salesman 

Harry Fendrick died suddenly . Seidman 

is pinch-hitting for Van Genotti, Stanton 

assistant manager, while Val recuperates 

from an appendectomy . Comer, 

SW manager, has returned from his Cape 

Cod, Mass.. vacation . McTague. assistant 

manager at the Keystone, will manage 

the Imperial on Second street while William 

Ryden. manager, is on vacation. 

. . Business at resort centers 

Earl Winfree, who was assistant at the 

Stanley in Chester, has replaced Lawrence 

Jones, who has resigned as manager of the 

Washington in Chester, Pa. . . . UA exploiteer 

Jules Field was in town helping to promote 

"The Men" . 

has been extremely good this year. This is 

especially surprising inasmuch as other businesses 

did not share in this increased patronage. 

Tickets are available for the Variety Club's 

annual golf tournament and dinner dance 

September 22 at Green Valley Country club. 

Availability Complaints 

Sent by Wilbur Snaper 

NEW YORK—Wilbur Snaper, president of 

Jersey Allied, has sent written complaints to 

exchanges about short advance notices of 

availabilities. He recently told members that 

notices often arrived only three days ahead 

of playdates. He also says salesmen are not 

calling on exhibitors often enough. 

If the situation is not improved by exchange 

managers, he intends to take up the 

problem with general .sales managers. The 

subject may come up for discussion at the 

National Allied convention in Pittsburgh October 

2-4. 

Remodeled Aurora Open 

With Increased Capacity 

AURORA, N. 

Y.—The Aurora Theatre reopened 

following a $65,000 renovation with a 

gala program arranged by Merritt A. Kyser, 

manager, and executives of the Blatt Bros. 

circuit of Pittsburgh, which bought the theatre 

last January. Kyser has been manager 

of the Aurora since it was constructed in 

1925. The seating capacity was enlarged by 

the 

Blatts. 

WAHOO If 

BOOK IT NOW I 

! I 

the world'l moit Ihrlllins ier«*n samt. 

Now bcinf u

. . Mr. 

. . Paramount 

WASHINGTON 

TJeverly Rohrs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 

Fred Rohrs, was married to William 

Harloff in Bethesda. Md., followed by a family 

dinner party at Hotel 2400. Harloff is 

sales manager for Perry Boswell Real Estate 

& Insurance Co. in Hyattsville. Robert 

Rohrs, son of the Fred Rohrs, has joined 

the Bethlehem Steel Co., taking a training 

course for the sales department . . . MGM 

Manager Jerry Adams, who is a reserve officer, 

was called to active service but secured 

a six-month deferrment. 

. . . 

A. Schubart, head of exchange operations, 

inspected the new RKO quarters at 932 New 

Jersey Ave., N. W., space formerly occupied 

by 20th-Fox. The building has been entirely 

remodeled, and the shipping and inspection 

departments greatly enlarged to conform to 

District of Columbia fire regulations 

Head booker Jesse Smith and shipper Ralph 

Collett spent their vacations fishing. They 

did not mention the number of fish (if anyi 

they caught. 

. . Florence 

Max Cohen and his sales staff and booker 

Bob Grace attended the Eagle Lion Classics 

sales convention in New York . 

Carden spent the holiday weekend at Gailesville, 

Md. She was accompanied by Lippert 

booker Emlyn Benfe. 

The quonset Park Theatre, Lexington Park, 

Md., recently celebrated its second anniversary. 

Managed by Jack Fruchtman, the 

. 

. . . 

750-seater serves residents and personnel of 

Patuxent river naval air station and 

Mrs. Robert Levine. Levine circuit in Norfolk 

and Portsmouth, celebrated a wedding 

anniversary by going to Cincinnati to attend 

Mrs. Levine's sister's wedding Mr. and 

Mi-s. Ridley Green, Mecca Theatre, Chase 

City, Va.. have named their baby daughter 

Patricia Everhart. Green's uncle, Harry 

Everhart, was an exhibitor pioneer with theatres 

in Suffolk and Chase City, Va. 

. . 

Manager Glenn Norris of 20th-Fox and his 

sales crew are preparing for Andy Smith 

week, October 8-14 of the Branch Manager's 

Head booker Sara S. Young returned 

drive . . . 

from a week's vacation in Miami 

Beach . Bookkeeper Ruth Crane has resigned 

and was replaced by Jeanine Collinson, 

moved up from the billing department 

. . . Shipper Cornelius Scott was married 

to Margie Hutchins, in.?pector at Metro. 

The Variety Club will hold its annual 

golf tournament and dinner dance October 

13 at the new Woodmont Country club in 

Rockville, one of the most beautiful clubs in 

the county. The committee in charge: Carter 

T. Barron and Sam Galanty, co-chairmen: 

George Crouch. Frank Boucher and 

Harry Coonin. tickets and reservations: Herbert 

Sauber, dinner: Jake Flax. George 

Nathan and Arthur Jacobson, reception: 

Harry Bachman and Jerry Price, handicaps, 

and Harry Lohmeyer. prizes ... A new 

member is Nathan Morris Shor. booker for 

Equity Films. 

The Variety Club dedicated a $5,000 piece 

of X-ray equipment to be used in Children's 

hospital's cardiac clinic. This equipment was 

dedicated by Fred S. Kogod, chairman of 

the welfare committee, in memory of deceased 

members: Archie Engel. Maj. Howard 

Livmgston. Tom O'Donnell and Harry D. 

Stearn. Present at the ceremony was Dr. 

Montgomery Blair and Dr. Bernard J. Walsh 

of the hospital: Wade Pearson, chief barker, 

and members of the deceased men's families. 

The club has already donated $31,000 

to the hospital's new building fund, has installed 

a dental clinic, donated a polio washing 

machine and refrigerator, and has furnished 

15 memorial rooms in the hospital 

in memory of deceased members. 

Sam Roth, president of Valley Enterprises, 

has awarded a contract for extensive remodeling 

of the circuit's State in Harrisonburg, 

Va. Including a glass front and a large new 

marquee, everything but the walls will be 

practically new. The seating capacity will be 

considerably increased, new seats installed, 

new carpets laid, 

and a complete rearrangement 

made of the restrooms. Roth expects 

the completed theatre will be one of the 

most beautiful in the Shenandoah valley. 

The general contractor is the Newman Construction 

Co., with the Paramount Decorating 

Co. of Philadelphia in charge of decorating. 

Renovated Warner 

Open in Lynchburg 

LYNCHBURG, VA. — Warner Theatres 

opened the new Warner Theatre, formerly 

the Trenton, following a complete renovation. 

"Pretty Baby" was the premiere attraction 

in the 1,000-seater. Thousands 

streamed through the new house prior to 

the opening. Adding to the interest was the 

fact that Harry M., Major Albert and Jack 

L. Warner once were residents of Lynchburg. 

Opening night ceremonies were attended 

by an invited audience which included Jerome 

Morrison, mayor; members of the city 

council: Robert D. Morrison, city manager; 

Major J. H. Boyce, director of public safety; 

Carter Glass, publisher, and civic, business 

and cultural leaders. The address of welcome 

was made by Laurence H. McWane. executive 

secretary of the Lynchburg Chamber of 

Commerce. 

Harry A. Kalmine. vice-president and general 

manager of Warner Theatres, attended 

the inaugural program, as did George A. 

Crouch, zone manager, and the following 

from Washington: A. Julian Brylawski, 

Charles V. Grimes. Frank LaFalce. Charles 

E. McGowan, E. N. Read, Roy Knight and 

Alton Pratt. 

The house will be operated by Henry Clark, 

transferred from the Virginia, the Warner 

house in Harrisonburg. 

Jean Harlow's 1931 Film 

Will Open on Broadway 

NEW YORK—"Platinum Blonde," Columbia 

feature starring the late Jean Harlow, 

will be coupled with "Gilda," starring Rita 

Hayworth. as a rerelease double bill which 

will open at the Criterion Theatre September 

12. 

"Platinum Blonde," in which Loretta Young 

also is starred under Frank Capi'a's direction, 

is one of the oldest pictures to be rei.ssued 

by a major company for Broadway showing. 

BUFFALO 

lyjitchell Fitzer, former owner of -several motion 

picture theatres in Syracuse, and 

who moved to New York City ten years ago, 

is dead at his New York home. Surviving are 

his wife Rea, a son. Norman, of Weii.^ville. 

a daughter. Mrs. Morris Selznick of New York 

City, two grandchildren, two brothers and 

four sisters . . . The black-face minstrel show 

is disappearing from the Buffalo scene. The 

board of community relations in its fifth 

annual report to Mayor Jo.seph Mruk .said 

such shows are in "bad taste." adding "there 

is something basically offensive about a theatrical 

performance that depends for its 

rumor on the burlesquing of a group m the 

American community." 

Howard Carroll opened his Capitol Theatre 

in Rochester after a three-month closure for 

redecoration and renovation. Almost $5,000 

was expended on the building. Carroll was a 

Filmrow visitor and. while here, dropped in 

for a visit with James H. Eshelman. district 

manager for Buffalo Paramount Corp. 

Murray VVhitenian, assistant chief barker 

. . . 

for Buffalo Variety Club, was chairman of 

the farewell dinner given for Lou Klayman 

Wednesday (6) in MacDoels restaurant. Lou 

has been promoted to management of the 

New York office of Decca records, after holding 

a similar post here for many years 

Clayton Eastman, district manager for Eagle 

Lion Classics, was in Buffalo with M. A. 

Brown. Buffalo and Albany manager . 

western New York premiere of 

. . The 

"Destination 

Moon" was at the Century here September 7. 

Lou Leiser of the ELC staff celebrated a 

birthday . community theatres 

soon will show "The Red Shoes" . . . James 

H. Eshelman. district manager for Buffalo 

Paramount Corp.. and Charles B. Taylor, director 

of advertising and publicity, will motor 

to Pocono Manor for the big fall meeting 

of United Paramount Theatres this month. 

Robert T. Murphy, managing director at 

the Century. Buffalo, flew to New York for 

a brief vacation after a recent operation in 

St. Francis hospital from which he is recovering 

swiftly . . . The personal appearance 

of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis will be the 

next big stage show in the Buffalo Paramount 

Theatre, according to James H. Eshelman. 

The comedy team will be in Buffalo 

for an entire week late this month. 

.Art Moger of the Warner Bros, exploitation 

staff, with headquarters in Boston, was here 

arranging for the appearance of Camille Williams 

and Ann Zika of the "Tea for Two" 

cast, who are coming to town Tuesday (12) 

to aid in promoting the picture. 

. . . 

H. E. Weiner, Columbia division manager, 

hereafter will supervise the Buffalo branch 

in addition to the Philadelphia office. Jim 

Fater is the new local manager for Columbia 

Jack Saunders, talent scout for 20th-Fox, 

was so impressed with the work of Susan 

Dolan of Syracuse when he saw her in a 

play in Boothbay playhouse in Maine that 

he invited her to take a screen test. 

George Sussman, booker at Eagle Lion 

Cla.ssics. is in the hospital for a checkup. At 

last reports he was getting along okay. George 

is one of the veterans of Filmi-ow. 

BOXOFFICE September 9. 1950 

49

Return of LoY/er- Budgeted Features 

Emphasized by Producer Chadwick 

HOLLYWOOD— Restoration of the lowerbudgeted 

independent production field to its 

once prosperous condition is as essential to 

exhibitor welfare as to the benefit of the producers 

themselves, I, E. Chadwick, veteran of 

that productional field and president of the 

Independent Motion Picture Producers Ass'n, 

told the organization's membership at a general 

meeting. 

Continuing his crusade on behalf of IMPPA 

members, Chadwick reported fully on his 

findings during a recent three-month "grass 

roots" tour during which he called upon exhibitor 

groups, large and small circuit operators 

and independent theatremen. 

Chadwick reemphasized the startling drop 

in independent filming activity from an average 

of 200 features annually to around 70. 

He suggested, as one solution to effect savings 

and build profits, that independent distributors 

pool their physical resources in the 

handling of prints, posters and accessories in 

key cities. The IMPPA president also called 

for a revival of showmanship on the part of 

independent producers and asserted that out 

of a potential of 12.000 accounts throughout 

the U.S., the smaller-budgeted film-makers 

have only some 3,000 playdates. 

Only through cost-cutting in distribution, 

intensified showmanship and an effort to 

secure more playdates at upped rentals can 

additional capital, now hesitant to invest, be 

interested in the field, Chadwick declared. 

During his recent tour the IMPPA topper 

visited 28 key cities. 

Paramount Not Rushing 

3rd Dimension Project 

NEW YORK—Paramount is continuing experimentation 

with methods of producing 

and exhibiting third-dimensional films, 

Richard Hodgson, technical expert, said 

recently. He added, however, that experimentation 

recently had not progressed 

very far because of priority given black-andwhite 

and color television problems. 

Hodgson said the experiments are within 

the limitations of two broad categories—the 

use of special eyegleisses and the use of a 

special screen, but did not describe which 

will probably be featured. 

If and when Paramount comes out with 

its own method, it would be in competition 

with two other groups. They are Cinema 

Productions, formed by theatre circuit heads 

with Sam Pinanski as president and Lester 

Cowan as producer, and Cinerama Corp., of 

which Fred Waller, inventor, is chairman of 

the board; Hazard E. Reeves, head of Reeves 

Sound studios, is president, and W. French 

Githens is executive vice-president. The 

Cinema process involves the use of polaroid 

glasses. The Cinerama process calls for a 

huge curved screen and six projection machines. 

Cmerama plans a tryout in a Broadway 

theatre in November of films now being produced. 

Cowan hopes to have his first film 

ready in January. Paramount, apparently, 

isn't in any hurry. 

June Havoc will take a top spot in "Follow 

the Sun," a 20th-Fox picture. 

Joe Newman Calls Europe 

Fertile for Production 

NEW YORK—Joseph Newman, director 

of 

"711 Ocean Drive," said recently, upon 

his return from eight months in Europe, that 

the continent possesses "unlimited possibilities" 

for indepyendent film production, provided 

there is no war. "A producer can make 

a picture in Europe as fast as In the U.S.," 

Newman said. 

Newman directed "I'll Get You for This." 

a melodrama about gambling, in less than 

40 shooting days in France. Italy and London. 

He made the film for Joe Kaufman. American 

producer, and John Woolf. British producer, 

both of whom .shared expenses. Newman 

said the film, which stars George Raft, 

will probably be released here early in 1951. 

production 

Newman said that the trend in 

seems to be swinging towards characterization 

in story material. "We w-eathered the 

documentary, or pseudo-documentary, and 

action fads," he said. "Now, it looks as if 

we're getting back to the Emil Jannings type 

of characterization in films," Newman added. 

Newman said that he has had several offers 

for future productions, but has as yet 

made no definite plans. One of the offers, 

he said, is from Frank Seltzer to direct "The 

Kansas City Story" with Edmund O'Brien 

starring. The trio previously made "711 

Ocean Drive." 

Newman also said that he is looking for 

a suitable story in which to feature Enzio 

Stailoa, the child actor who appeared in the 

Italian "Bicycle Thief." 

Newman used Stailoa 

for a part in "I'll Get You for Tliis." He said 

that with a proper story he would bring 

the child here. 

Newman left for the coast Monday (28). 

N. Y.-Chicago Microwave 

Setup in Operation 

NEW YORK—The new New York-Chicago 

microwave "electronic superhighway" began 

operations September 1 as scheduled by the 

American Telephone & Telegraph Co. The 

$12,000,000 system, longest in the country, is 

carrying telephone and television impulses 

the 838 miles through 33 relay towers spaced 

about 25 miles apart. 

Before the new service started, AT&T had 

three westbound circuits and one eastbound 

circuit via coaxial cable. The microwave system 

increases the total service to four westbound 

and two eastbound circuits. While 

only one television program can be carried 

at a time on a circuit, hundreds of two-way 

telephone conversations can be carried 

simultaneously. 

ABC Now in the Black 

NEW YORK—The American Broadcasting 

Co. reports a net income of $180,000, equal 

to 11 cents a common share, for the six 

months to June 30. The amount contrasts 

with a loss of $46,141 during the first six 

months of 1949. There are 1,689,017 shares 

of $1 per common stock outstanding. 

Says Italy Opens Door 

To U.S. Filmmakers 

NEW YORK — "The Italian government 

has opened the door to American film producers 

and the authorities there are being 

most cooperative in an effort to cement 

Italo-American relations," according to Mike 

Frankovich. who recently completed two productions 

in Italy and is planning a third 

tor the fall. 

Frankovich makes his pictures on the 

Italian quota for which the government supplies 

up to 18 per cent of the financing. 

"The Dark Road," which was produced in 

both Italian and English versions, stars 

Janis Paige. Binnie Barnes (Mrs. Frankovich) 

and Eduardo Ciannelli. supported by 

an Italian cast. This will be released in 

November by Republic, but the title will 

probably be changed before its American release, 

he said. 

Following this. Frankovich made "I'll Get 

You for This." on a three-cornered deal for 

which Joseph Kaufman, former Allied Artists 

producer, supplied George Raft and 

Coleen Gray to head the cast and Joseph 

Newman to direct, while the Woolfe Bros, of 

Great Britain arranged for interiors and 

laboratory work in London and the exteriors 

were made in Italy. 

Frankovich will next made "Smuggler's 

Song." from an Italian best-seller, starting 

November 15. Peppino Amato will be producer-director 

and Frankovich is currently 

negotiating with Samuel Goldwyn for the 

acting services of Farley Granger and with 

David O. Selznick for Valli to head the cast. 

For 1951, Frankovich plans three pictures, 

one to be made in Switzerland with Tay 

Garnett as producer-director and another, 

"The Flanagan Boy." with Andre de Toth as 

director and the latter's wife. Veronica Lake, 

as star. 

Icaly thinks more in terms of artistic triumphs 

than of boxoffice. according to Frankovich. 

who pointed out that "Spectre of the 

Rose," which was relegated to art house 

showings in America, was a great success 

there. He also mentioned that any Gary 

Cooper picture can gross $500,000 in Italy 

while "For Whom the Bell Tolls" made 

$1,000,000 in that country. 

Frankovich and Miss Barnes now make 

their home in Italy with their children. He 

left September 8 for London where he will 

confer with Herbert J. Yates, Republic president, 

on the new title for "The Dark Road." 

Westrex Signs up Four 

NEW YORK — The Westrex Corp. has 

signed new -sound picture license agreements 

with Hughes Sound Films, Denver; John E. 

Tribby, Hollywood; Rarig Motion Picture Co., 

Seattle, and Elemsee Overseas Pi-oductions, 

New York. They call for studio systems 

that include photographic and magnetic film 

recording and re-recording equipment and 

accessories. 

Make Joint 

Spanish Deal 

NEW YORK — Azteca Films, Inc., and 

Class-Mohme, Inc., have opened offices at 

1775 Broadway with a joint special features 

division to distribute specially selected 

Spanish-language films in the U.S. Harry 

Stern, sales and publicity head of the special 

features division, is in charge. 

50 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 

9, 1950

NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER 

iHollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.. Ivan Spear. Western Manager) 

Film Industry Cited 

By Three GAR Groups 

HOLLYWOOD — "Outstanding 

contributions 

to Americanism" brought an award to 

the motion picture industry at the concluding 

session of the joint annual convention 

here of three GAR groups. On behalf of the 

Motion Picture Industry Council, Y. Prank 

Freeman, Paramount studio executive, accepted 

an American flag presented by the 

women's relief corps of the GAR, Ladies of 

the GAR and Daughters of Union Veterans. 

Ronald Reagan acknowledged the tribute 

on behalf of the Screen Actors Guild and the 

Hollywood Coordinating Committee, and 

Henry Wilcoxon read the Gettysburg address. 

* * * 

After months of preliminary preparation, 

the American Legion revue, "Red, White and 

Blue," has gone into rehearsal under the 

supervision of LeRoy Prinz and Owen Crump. 

The revue is slated to open early in October 

at the Downtown Paramount Theatre for a 

three-week booking before going out on the 

road. 

Huge Radio-TV Coverage 

Planned for Premiere 

HOLLYWOOD—Saturation radio and television 

coverage has been set as a preopening 

ballyhoo for the New York premiere of Paramount's 

"Union Station." The premiere will 

be sponsored by the Sister Kenny foundation 

and will be held at the Paramount Theatre 

Tuesday, October 10. 

Total proceeds will go the foundation to 

further its work in the fight against infantile 

paralysis. 

Seven television and 15 radio stations will 

carry the announcements throughout the 

Manhattan area. 

Two More Travel Films 

Set by Julian Lesser 

HOLLYWOOD — Following preview audience 

reaction to his recently completed 

Technicolor offering, "Headhunters," two 

new exploration and adventure pictures have 

been scheduled for production by Julian 

Lesser, president of Thalia Pi-oductions. They 

are "Grizzly Bear," to be filmed under the 

direction of Larry Lansburgh in California's 

high Sierra mountains, and "The Hidden 

Land," an exploration of Nepal and Tibet 

under the leadership of Lewis Cotlow, who 

headed an expedition to the Amazon for 

"Headhunters." Both will be filmed in Technicolor. 

United Appeal Campaign 

Will Start October 9 

HOLLYWOOD—Employe mass meetings at 

all major studios on October 9 will tee off 

the upcoming annual industry-conducted 

United Appeal, for which a $1,345,000 goal 

has been set under the campaign chairmanship 

of Dore Schary, MGM vice-president 

and production chief. 

Final plans for inaugurating the drive were 

mapped at a luncheon meeting Tuesday (5) 

with Schary presiding. A highlight of the 

launching of the campaign will be a 30- 

minute all-star broadcast to emanate from 

station KFWB, which will be piped into all 

studios where mass meetings will be held, 

* * « 

Under auspices of the valley cancer organizations, 

several screen and TV personalities 

were scheduled to make appearances 

Saturday (9) at a carnival in Studio City, 

with proceeds from the event to be utilized 

Slated to be on hand 

to aid cancer sufferers. 

were Chill Wills, composer David Rose. TV 

cowboy Dusty Walker and others. 

* * * 

For his work as chairman of the industry's 

United Jewish Welfare fund campaign, Sid 

Rogell was given an award of honor at a 

recent luncheon meeting. Rogell's committee 

raised more than $1,000,000 for the fund's 

coffers. 

Mitchell Leisen Signed 

HOLLYWOOD—Mitchell Leisen. who has 

megged some 35 pictures since assuming 

directorial status 17 years ago, was signed to 

a new contract at Paramount which calls for 

him to direct five pictures during the next 

five years and is nonexclusive. Leisen's 

latest assignment for the studio was the recently-completed 

"The Mating Season." 

Honor to 'Broken Arrow' 

HOLLYWOOD — "Broken Arrow," a 

20th 

Century-Fox release top-lining James Stewart 

and produced by Julian Blaustein. was 

named the "best picture of the month" for 

September by the Protestant Motion Picture 

council and Protestant Film commission. 

Danny Dare Back to NBC 

HOLL'YWOOD — Danny Dare has relinquished 

the production reins on RKO's "Two 

Tickets to Broadway" because of a prior commitment 

with the National Broadcasting Co. 

On leave from NBC, the producer was refused 

a time extension becau.se of that company's 

upcoming video shows which he is to produce 

and direct. 

SAG Files in New York 

For TV Jurisdiction 

HOLLYWOOD — Via a 3,000-mile jump 

across country the Screen Actors Guild is 

carrying its jurisdictional battle against Television 

Authority right into TA's home camp. 

New York. The names of more than 8,000 

motion picture players have been filed with 

the regional office of the NLRB in Gotham 

by SAG, constituting formal intervention in 

eastern NLRB proceedings instituted by TA. 

The latter organization seeks certification 

as collective bargaining representative for 

thespians employed by TV networks, stations, 

advertising agencies and producers. 

SAG and TA also are opponents in another 

NLRB action, SAG some months ago having 

requested the labor body's Los Angeles branch 

to certify the guild as bargaining repre.sentative 

for actors employed by film producers. 

TA recently intervened in that action. The 

likelihood is that formal hearings will be held 

here within the next month or two. 

Meantime, nominating committees have 

been appointed by the board of directors of 

SAG in preparation for the annual election 

November 12. Leon Ames is chairman of 

the class A committee, while Larry Steers 

chairmans the class A-J committee. Guild 

bylaws provide also that additional nominations 

may be made via petitions signed by 

50 members in good standing. 

The SAG directorate in an "Intelligence 

report" to the membership, urged all actors 

to help promote the current crop of 

pictures, and the industry in general, "whenever 

the opportunity arises." It pointed 

out that occasionally some players "thoughtlessly 

and needlessly belittle and ridicule 

the industry that supports them." 

The directorate emphasized: "Actors object 

when slurs are cast at the profession of acting 

and when motion picture actors as a 

group are smeared. We object just as strongly 

when slurs are cast at our own industry, 

even though such slurs are cast in the form 

of ill-advised wisecracks . . . Let's all help to 

sell pictures and the picture industry." 

• * • 

Paul Groesse, president of the Society of 

Motion Picture Ai-t Directors, has been nominated 

unanimously to succeed him.self in the 

post. Other candidates for offices, to be voted 

upon at the annual membership meeting 

Wednesday (13) include George Davis, sole 

nominee to succeed Ralph Berger as vicepresident; 

Preston Ames, Carl Anderson, 

Emrich Nicholson, secretary-treasurer: Alexander 

Golitzen. George L. Patrick, Robert 

Peterson, warden. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: September 9, 1950 51

STUDIO PERSONNELITIES 

Barnstormers 

Columbia 

GENE AUTRY and his worlds championship 

rodeo are lo open in New York's Madison Square 

Gar:'en (27) for a 30-day run 

SMILEY BURNETTE. comedian oi the Durango 

Kid westerns, returned lo Hollywood (6) Irom a 

personal appearance tour which covered the northern 

United Slates and Canada. 

Paramount 

Slated to headline the stage show at the Capitol 

Theatre in New York lor two weeks, beginning 

October 16. was MARILYN MAXWELL. 

"The Movie Industry's Role in 'World Altairs" was 

the siibiect o! an address by actress GLORIA 

SWANSON at the monthly luncheon of the Los 

Angeles junior chamber of commerce. 

Republic 

Western star REX ALLEN was set to appear at 

the annual Nebraska state fair at Lincoln (3). 

Warners 

Musical director RAY HEINDORF kicked- off the 

first of (3 series of radio appearances August 30 

by guesting on KLAC's Don Otis show. Other spots 

set up to plug "Tea for Two," Technicolor musical 

which he conducted, include the Peter Potter show, 

Maurice Hart's disk program and Bill Anson's show. 

Blurbers 

RKO Radio 

CLIFF LEWIS has been engaged to head the publicity 

staff for the Edmund Grainger independent 

unit. Lewis, who was previously publicity director 

for Argosy Pictures, was to join the Grainger orgari::at;on 

at Pathe studios (5). 

United Artists 

CLEARY-STRAUS AND ASSOCIATES has been retcane:"- 

by Robert StiUman Productions to handle 

special exploitation for "The Sound " of Fury." 

Briefies 

Columbia 

Richard Quine, actor-director and dialog coach, 

was slated to direct a tv/o-reel comedy, as yet 

untitled, for Producer Hugh McCollum. 

Warners 

Radio announcer Marvin Miller was signed to do 

the narration for "The Wanderers Return," a Iworeeler 

which was filmed in Israel. 

Cleffers 

Columbia 

FREDERICK HOLLANDER v/as assigned to compose 

the score for "Born Yesterday." 

Assigned to write the score for "Lorna Doone" 

was GEORGE DUNNING. 

RKO Radio 

Inked to appear in ihe film revue. "Footlight 

Varieties." were THE SPORTSMAN, radio singers 

and pianist LIBERACE 

Republic 

Inked to score "Rio Grande Command" was VIC- 

TOR YOUNG, 

Warners 

CY MILLER and lERRY SEELEN have written 

'ihree songs lor "Lullaby of Broadway." They 

are "We'd Like to Go on a Trip." "You're Dependable" 

and "The World's a Wonderful Place." 

Loanouts 

Universal-International 

GAIL RUSSELL was borrowed irora Paramount to 

star with Stephen McNally m "Air Cadet," to be 

directed by Joseph Pexney for Producer Aaron 

Rosenberg. 

Meggers 

Columbia 

Assigned to direct "Two of a Kind" for Producer 

William Dozier was HENRY LEVIN. 

Independent 

SAM NEWFIELD has been signed by Wally Kline 

Enterprises to meg "T'he Adventures of Skipalong 

Rosenbloom." 

Monogram 

Inked io direct "Blue Blood" was LEW LANDERS. 

RKO Radio 

BYRON HASKIN was inked to meg "Tarzon's 

Peril" for Producer Sol Lesser. 

Options 

Columbia 

JOCK O'MAHONEY draws the stellar role for 

Producer Sam Katzmcm's serial, "Roar of the Iron 

Horse," to be directed by Spencer Rennet. 

Set for "Texas Rangers" were JOCK O'MAHONEY 

and NOAH BEERY IR. Slated for a heavy role was 

WILLIAM BISHOP. 

SUJATE. Hindu dancer, was signed for a specialty 

in "Flame of Stamboul." 

Slate:) for the role of John Derek's brother in 

"The Hero" was MICKEY KNOX. David Miller 

directs and Buddy Adler produces for Sidney Buchman 

Enterprises. Also set for "The Hero" were 

SUNNY VICKERS and PETER THOMPSON, who was 

simultaneously cast in "The Romantic Age." Other 

cast additions for "The Romantic Age" are ANN 

DORAN, ARTHUR SPACE, MARISSA O'BRIEN, RUTH 

WARREN and MAUDIE PRICKETT. 

Lippert 

BARBARA BRITTON will play the title role for 

Producer-Director William Berke's "The Bandit 

Queen," replacing Martha Vickers, who was forced 

to relinquish the part because of ill health. 

Metro 

DAVID BRIAN signed- lor a starring role in the 

Richard Goldstone production. "Inside Straight." to 

be megged by Gerald Mayer. 

MONICA LEWIS, singer, will make her screen 

LOOK OVER 'TRIPOLI' PRINT— Gen. C. B. Cates, commandant of the marine 

corpr. (center); Brig. Gen. E. A. Pollock (extreme left), and Maj. Gen. M. E. Silverthorn, 

assistant commandant of the corps (second from riRhtl. looli over a print 

of the new William Pine-William Thomas Technicolor film, "Tripoli," prior to a 

spccia' screening over the weekend in ^^'ashington for top marine brass. Second 

from left is Producer Bill Pine, and at the far right is Will Price, who directed the 

epic of early marine corps exploits. 

debut with Red Skelton in "Excuse My Dust." 

JOHN HODIAK and NANCY DAVIS will play top 

roles lor Ihe Edwin H Knopf production. "People 

in Love." 

DANNY KAYE was signed lo a one-picturo starring 

deal, with the vehicle as yet not selected. 

ROBERT SHERWOOD and CARL BENTON were 

cast additions for the Mario Lanza vehicle. "The 

Great Caruso." 

Signed lor a dancing role in the Fred Astairefano 

Powell co-starrer. "Royal Wedding." was 

DEE TURNELL Stanley Donen megs the Arthur 

Freed production. 

Slated for the Gene Kelly vehicle. "An American 

in Pans," were RALPH bLuM JR. and ANNA Q. 

NILSSON. former-day film star. Vincente Minnelli 

directs for Producer Arthur Freed. 

Inked to a long-term pact was KURT AZNER. 

GLORIA. EATON, former child star, was set for the 

only lemme role in the Audie Murphy starrer. "The 

Red Badge of Courage." John Huston directs for 

Producer Gottfried Remhardt. 

Monogram 

Handed the femme lead in Producer Hal E. Chester's 

"The Witness" was LOIS HALL. Reginald 

LeBorg directs the Joe Kirkwood and James Gleason 

starrer. 

Set as the femme lead for the new Whip Wilson 

sagebrusher. "Abilene Trail." was NOEL NEILL. 

Studio lifted its option on the acting services of 

ROD CAMERON. Renewal colls lor a minimum ol 

two pictures a year with an option for a third. 

Paramount 

Signed to portray Laurence Olivier's wife in 

"Carrie" was RUTH WARRICK. William Wyler 

produces and directs. 

RHONDA FLEMING was inked to a term pact 

calling for four pictures during the next two years. 

JAMES MILLICAN was signed for the Nat Holt 

production. "Warpath." 

Cast addition lor "The Goldbergs" is FRANCES 

DRIVER. 

RKO Radio 

Slated for the Jane Russell-Robert Mitchum topliner, 

"Macao," were GLORIA GRAHAME, VLAD- 

IMER SOKOLOFF and PHILIP AHN. Josef von Sternberg 

megs for Producer Alex Gottlieb. 

MORGAN FARLEY was signed for the Warren 

Dull production, ""The Gaunt Woman," co-starring 

Dana Andrews, Claude Rains and Carlo Balenda. 

Alfrec- Werker directs. 

Assigned a stellar role in the Lewis J. Rachmil 

production, "Roadblock," was CHARLES McGRAW. 

Harold Daniels will direct. 

20th Century-Fox 

CONSTANCE SMITH, Irish actress, was inked to 

a long-term pact and assigned the femme lead 

opposite Peter Lawford for ""Kangaroo." Lewis 

Milestone directs the Robert Bassler production in 

Australia. 

VICTOR MATURE and JOHN LUND are set to 

star in ""Wildfire," a Samuel G. Engel production. 

Louis King directs the Technicolor film in which 

lean Peters has the femme lead. 

GENE TIERNEY draws the femme lead opposite 

Danny Kaye for "On the Riviera." Walter Lang 

megs for Producer Sol S. Siegel. 

Handed a starring 

MICHAEL RENNIE. 

role in "The Scarlet Pen" was 


Signed for a top role with Mark Stevens and 

Robert Douglas in "Prisoner of War" was DON 

TAYLOR. George Sherman directs for Producer 

Aubrey Schenck. Assigned to the picture was JAMES 

BEST. 

LUCILLE BARKLEY and HERBERT HEYES draw 

featured roles in "Bedtime for Bonzo." 

PHILIP FAVERSHAM, son of the late actor. William 

Flaversham. was set for a featured role in 

""Lights Out.'" 

Inked for a major role with Anthony Curtis and 

Piper Laurie in ""The Prince Who Was a Thief" was 

JEFF COREY. Rudy Mote will direct and Leonard 

Goldstein produce the oicture in which MIDGE 

WARE and CAROL VARGA were also cast. DONALD 

RANDOLPH was signed lor a top featured role. 

Warners 

PATRICIA NEAL was handed the starring stint 

with John Wayne for "Operation Pacific." Slated 

for the picture was WARD BOND. George Waggner 

directs for Producer Louis Edelman. 

GIG YOUNG was set for a top featured role in 

Cagney Productions' "Only the Valiant," starring 

Gregory Peck. Gordon Douglas directs. Slated for 

the picture were HERBERT HEYES, WILLIAM 

NEWELL, DAVID CLARKE and HUGH SANDERS. 

Slcted for a featured role in the Charles K. Feldman 

production. "A Streetcar Named Desire " was 

MARIETTA CANTY. Elia Kazan directs the Vivien 

Leigh and Marlon Brando co-starrer. Two more 

members ol the original Broadway cast. RICHARD 

GARRICK and ANN DERE. were set for the film 

version. EDNA THOMAS. WBIGHT KING, STEVE 

CONTI and CHARLES WAGGENHEIM are cast additions. 

EVE ARDEN was assigned a top role in Ihe Toon 

Crawford starrer, "Goodbye My Fancy." to be 

52 BOXOFFICE :: September 9, 1950

a 

— 

directed by Vincent Sherman (or Producer Henry 

Blanke. 

Scripters 

Warners 

Signed to screenplay the musical, "Hot on the 

Campus," was ROLAND KIBBEE. William Jacobs 

will produce. 

Story Buys 

Independent 

Purchased by King Bros, and set lor early production 

was "Fort Defiance." an original by Harry 

Essex which deals with the establishment oi the 

Santa Fe route \o the western territory. 

Mono grcan 

Purchased and assigned to Scott R. Dunlap for 

production was "The Big Top," an original circus 

story by John L, Stevenson. 

Century-Fox 

20th 

"Mabsl and Me," an original by Robert Thoeren, 

was purchased cfnd handed to Samuel G. Engel for 

production. Jules and Philip Epstein will screenplay 

the property. 


' 

Purchased was "Fifth Estate, yarn by Lou 

Breslow and Arnold Belgard which deals with a 

film producer who stumbles onto a racket and sells 

his studio the idea of making an expose picture 

about it. 

Technically 

Metro 

Assigned (Js first assistant to Director Gera!:J 

Mayer lor "Inside Straight" was DOLPH ZIMMER. 

Monogram 

Slated for "The Witness" were WILLIAlvI CALI- 

HAN, assistant director; MARCEL LE PICARD, cameraman, 

and GARY HARRIS, sound technician. 

Paramount 

COL. BRICE C. CUSTER, grandnephew of the 

famed general, was set as technical adviser for 

the Nat Holt production, "Warpath." 

RKO Radio 

Assigned as film editor for "Macao" was SAM- 

UEL E. BEETLEY. 

Ir.ked as film editor for "Flying Leathernecks" 

was SHERMAN TODD. 

Warners 

Set as film editor for "Goodbye My Fancy" was 

RUDI FEHR. 

WILFRED CLINE is slated as cinematographer for 

the Technicolor musical, "Lullaby of Broadway." 

Ncfmed as cameremon for 

BERT GLENNON 

"Operation Pacific" was 

Title Changes 

Metro 

The Burning Bush" to PEOPLE IN LOVE. 

Paramount 

"Beyond the Sunset" to THE REDHEAD AND THE 

COWBOY. 

RKO Radio 

"Hubby's Hobby" 

WEDS' BOARDER. 

(two-reeler) to THE NEWLY- 

Republic 

"Rio Bravo" to RIO GRANDE COMMAND. 

"The Golden Tide" to OH! SUSANNAH. 

"Wings Over the 

THE PACIFIC. 

South Pacific" to WINGS OVER 

Warners 

"Land of 

REIURN. 

Hope" (two-reeler) to THE WANDERERS 

Who's Who Wants Names 

Of More Film Toppers 

HOLLY-ft'OOD—The film colony was in 

the throes of family tree pruning and brass 

plate polishing. Aid of the studio publicity 

directors committee of the Ass'n of Motion 

Picture Producers has been .sought by the 

publishers of 'Who'.s Who in America to improve 

Hollywood's representation in the famous 

reference volume. 

It was pointed out by Wheeler Sammons 

.ir., assistant publisher, that a considerable 

number of actors and actresses are included 

in Who's Who, but that the listing of executives, 

producers and directors is below normal 

expectancy 

WHILE 

it can be considered little 

more than a typical Hollywood teacup 

tempest, a bit on the ridiculous 

side is the current and widely publicized controversy 

within the Screen Directors Guild 

over whether or not its members .should be 

required to take loyalty oaths testifying that 

they are not members of the Communist 

party and 'or fellow traveler organizations. 

No one quarrels with the overall idea— it 

is the popular and topical thing to do. But 

in Cinemania—and most especially among 

the members of other guilds and crafts 

there is considerable resentment over the 

loud tubthumping which has been made an 

adjunct of the SDG's proposed purge plan, 

which its critics hold to be a press agentinspired 

gesture of opportunism. Such resenters 

take the position that all of the 

shouting can work only to the detriment 

of Hollywood's battered public relations because 

it again throws up for grabs the 

already overplayed, entirely unjustified, 

vicious propaganda regarding the abundance 

of Reds or Red sympathizers in the ranks of 

the film capital's creative crafts. 

It is being pointed out by members of other 

guilds and unions that what the SDG now 

proposes has long since been done by many 

other organizations and without making the 

move a cause celebre through the seeking of 

headlines. 

Item: The teamsters union, Local 399, has 

since 1935 required through its constitution 

that its members certify under oath that 

they are not members of the Communist 

party. 

Item: The International Alliance of Theatrical 

Stage Employes, which asserts jurisdiction 

over a dominant number of motion 

picture unions, has since 1942 barred from 

membership any person who shall be a member 

of an organization or political party 

having as its aim or purpose the overthrow 

by force of the Constitution and government 

of the United States. 

Item: In 1946, the Screen Actors Guild, 

largest and unquestionably most efficiently 

operated of all film capital unions, declared 

as a policy that it would in the future as 

it had in the past oppo.se all communist 

and fascist movements within the industry. 

In which connection, it is a matter of record 

that at that time SAG invited the SDG and 

the Screen Writers Guild to join with it in 

a solid front stand against assertedly subversive 

groups. Both the SDG and SWG at 

that time declined SAG's invitation. 

So. the general—and entirely logical— feel- 

that the interests of Hollywood and its 

mg is 

public relations could better be .served if the 

SDG resolved it.« issue regarding loyalty 

oaths— belated as such resolution may bewithout 

benefit of overzealous press agentry. 

IRONY DEPARTMENT 

Norman Siegel Division 

Top prize at the Paramount Studio club's 

15tli annual summer picnic was a television 

set, won by Gertrude McConville of the 

transportation 

department. 

Oh, well, if and when Gertrude went to 

the movies, it was probably on a pass. 

Warners' Burbank blurbery makes a pass 

at space with a "what's-in-a-name" item 

about the Indian bit players who were hired 

to appear in "Jim Thorpe, All American," 

locationing at Muskogee, Okla, Included were 

Jack Bighead, Jack Bearhead and Hiner 

Doublehead. 

Alex (Dale Carnegie) Evelove. who core?- 

mands above-mentioned Burbank battalion, 

won the undying love of film reviewers with 

the intelligence that "the first screening of 

'The Glass Menagerie' (of a college journalism 

group will take place tonight at Warner 

Bros, studios when the graduating class of 

the UCLA journalism school will attend a 

special 

preview." 

At that point—and up until this writing, 

in tact—the picture had not been shown to 

the tradepress. Just another reason why 

tradepaper celluloid appraisers would do with 

a morsel of higher education. 

Marly Weiser. who undertakes to make 

the welkin tingle on behalf of Lippert Productions 

calls attention to the alleged demand 

for "Hollywood actors who can perform under 

what with Lippert's '20.000 Leagues 

water . . . 

Under the Sea.' U-I's 'Mystery Sub' and 

pro- 

Monogram's 'Submarine School' now in 

duction." 

Right big of Marty to give the lil' fellows 

like U-I and Monogram a break in his com- 

Now, who's going to 

pendium of confidences. 

firnish the ball-point pens? 

•PRESTON FOSTER SAYS ACTOR'S 

LIFE TOUGHER THAN FARMER'S' 

—Lou Smith Colum-bia Headline. 

That ain't what the farmer's daughter says. 

. . . entire 

From Rome—via Metro's publicity department—comes 

word that "the Italian Historical 

Ass'n is going to have one of the most 

unusual collections of antique musical instruments 

in all of Europe—thanks to 'Quo 

'Vadis.' Upon completion of filming 

collection of rare instruments assembled 

for use of Nero's military band will be turned 

over to the a.ssociation." 

Now if Leo's praise chief. Howard Strickling. 

will include one of those off-tone drums 

his rover boys beat, the rare instruments collection 

will indeed be complete. 

BOXOFFICE September 9. 1950 

S3

^(MctcM ^cfrcnt 

•TOERE IS A POSSIBILITY, at last, that 

the employment of child actors in British 

studios may be legalized. It may be remembered 

that when young Bobby DriscoU came 

to this country to make "Ti-easure Island" he 

was the subject of a court action over the 

question of his employment in the film. It 

was during that hearing that the fact was 

more or less admitted that the authorities 

would have made no fuss had the child not 

been an American. As it was. no labor permit 

had been issued in his name and no 

permit applied for since that would have 

drawn official attention to his age. It has 

always been illegal to employ children in 

British films, but the law is openly flouted 

by common consent unless some person outside 

the industry brings it to the notice of 

the home office when a prosecution usually 

follows. 

In May 1948 the home office set up a committee 

to examine this question and its 

report has just been published. It recommends 

that children should be permitted to 

work in films subject to certain safeguards, 

all designed to protect the child's health and 

education. Tlie protection mentioned in the 

report is that given normally to child actors 

in Holly^vood studios—the provision of a 

matron, for example, allowance for lesson 

time and a regulation that the child's total 

work period should not exceed 80 days a 

Z^xjecidlue. 

East: Sam Weisenthal, partner with W. R. 

Frank in the independent Olympic Productions, 

went to New York with a print of the 

outfit's initial opus, "Cry Danger," to screen 

it for distribution executives of RKO. which 

will release the Dick Powell starrer. 

« • * 

East: After a stay of several weeks, Mike 

Frankovitch, who recently finished producing 

an independent opus in Italy, left for 

Gotham to negotiate American releasing arrangements. 

He will continue on to Rome to 

launch another film. 

« * * 

West: Jock Lawrence, Samuel Goldwyn's 

publicity and advertising head, in from New 

York (1; for huddles with Goldwyn on 

advertising and exploitation. 

West; Julian Lesser, president of Thalia 

Productions, back in Hollywood after a tenweek 

business tour to England, Europe and 

Pale.stine. He was accompanied by his wife. 

* • « 

West: John Bourke, head of the Republic 

studio location department, returned from 

Washington after conferences with air force 

officials regarding the upcoming filming of a 

military aviation .subject. 

» • • 

West; Robert Newman, Republic studio 

executive, returned from New York following 

a week of conferences with President Herbert 

54 

By JOHN SULLIVAN 

year. If these recommendations are accepted, 

and this seems certain, it will clear up 

the present ridiculous situation whereby children 

have to be smuggled into a studio. Strict 

adherence to the law would have meant that 

films like "Hue and Cry," "Oliver Twist" and 

"Rocking Hor.se Winner" would never have 

been made. 

The irritating point about the present law 

is that there is nothing to stop a child appearing 

in stage shows, and a touring company 

may well have a much more harmful 

effect on a child's health than a film studio. 

The regulation against films was presumably 

made because a studio is considered in law 

to be a factory and it is illegal to employ 

children in factories. 

* * * 

THERE IS A FEELING growing among 

whereby 

producers here that the Eady plan, 

producers get a bonus direct from takings, 

is not quite the blessing that it appeared at 

first sight but that it is, in fact, merely 

a way of continuing the work of the National 

Film Finance Corp. without recourse to 

further funds from parliament. 

When the present allotment of finance to 

the NFPC is exhausted it is unlikely that 

the government will ask the house of commons 

to spend more since that would make 

the film industry appear to be in constant 

need of fresh finance. The allocation of a 

bonus to producers, however, will mean that 

the films bank will be able to keep functioning 

since it will always have a first 

charge on the producers assets if he has been 

financed by NFFC. 

At present on a film costing, say 100,000 

^fUuueU/ui 

J. Yates on studio matters. Meanwhile Yates 

has left Gotham for a five-week tour of England 

and Europe. 

* * * 

East: Harry Sherman was in New York for 

talks with his financial backers on his upcoming 

program of independents for United 

Artists release. While in the east, the producer 

also huddled with UA toppers on his 

deal with the company. 

* * 

East; PoUowing a week of conferences 

with Kroger Babb, president of Hallmark 

Pi-oductions, Jack Thomas, general manager, 

planed out for home offices at Wilmington, 

Ohio, and Hank Adams, national sales 

manager, flew to Salt Lake City on a .swing 

around the organization's offices. Babb wa.s 

to remain in Hollywood another fortnight. 

• • • 

West: James R. Grainger, Republic's executive 

vice-president in charge of sales, was 

in from New York. Grainger conferred with 

Charles P. Skouras, National Theatres' prexy. 

• • * 

East: 

Harry Brandt, eastern circuit operator, 

and his associate, Sam Dembow, returned 

to their Gotham headquarters, following 

further huddles with the Howard 

Hughes organization regarding possible acquisition 

of the Hughes RKO theatre holdings. 

Negotiations were to be resumed in 

the east. 

pounds, the distributor will normally guarantee 

70 per cent of the budget to be paid 

to the producer 12 months after delivery ol 

the print. That guarantee is usually discountable 

with a bank and provides the 

major finance for the film. The balance is 

found by way of salary deferments of the 

producer, director and stars, by a small private 

investment in .some cases, and by a 

larger investment from the NFFC. If the 

producer is sufficiently well known or if he 

has a share of a previous film which he can 

put up as security the NFFC will usually 

waive the private investment but will still 

insist on his salary deferment. The films 

bank then takes a first charge on the assets 

of the company and in this way it insures 

that the bonus due to the film under 

the Eady plan will come to NFFC. 

It is true that the corporation has been 

of great service to producers, but since this 

bonus scheme has been calculated to bring 

in $4,500,000 to the man who makes the films 

rather than those who sell them it would 

seem that it should be possible to work out 

a method whereby the British Film Producers 

Ass'n financed films themselves out of the 

bonus pool. As it is, producers will be paying 

NFFC interest on their loans and in some 

cases a share in the profits of a picture 

for advances which will be on a much shorter 

term since the bonus becomes payable now 

as soon as a film begins to earn profits. 

* * * 

ART HOUSES IN THE U.S. which played 

Somerset Maugham's "Quartet" to a profit 

can look forward to repeating it on the second 

film. "Trio," if precedents in this country 

are anything to go by. The film was 

reviewed in this column a few weeks back 

and this week your correspondent looked in 

to a large neighborhood house to check on 

the business which the picture was doing 

on release. 

Unlike its predecessor which did not do 

very great business here, "Trio" was playing 

to a packed house and one which was highly 

appreciative of the humor in the first two 

sequences. Both of these short stories were 

greeted with applause at the end—an event 

that rarely happens. The final story, "Sanatorium," 

was also well received and appreciative 

comments were heard in the foyer as 

the audience came out. 

Paramount, who put in an investment in 

the film during production in exchange for 

the U.S. rights, has a fine proposition in 

this picture for the American market. 

• • • 

ALREADY PLAYING to huge business Walt 

Disney's "Treasure Island" will have an even 

bigger audience now that RKOs exploitation 

department has fixed up a series of broadcasts 

of the film with BBC. Throughout this 

week the film will be serialized at a peak 

listening hour. 12-12:30 p. m., and Bobby 

Di-iscoll has recorded a special narration for 

the broadcast in Hollywood. Since this week 

is part of the school holidays the film will 

have enormous publicity among children who 

will 

it. 

undoubtedly drag their parents in to see 

Judging by the business which "Treasure 

Island" IS already doing, this serialization, 

presented at a time when the film is in the 

middle of a general release, will insure that 

it becomes one of the very big moneymakers 

of 

the year. 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 9. 1950

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Tom Philibin Steps 

Up as Chief Barker 

SALT LAKE CITY—Tom Philibin, 

salesman 

for Republic, took over as chief barker 

-"^^'f^T^m 

— 

. 

-;r Un g 8 r le i d e r was 

j 

- given a farewell party 

at the clubhouse of 

I 

Variety, which he 

helped organize. H e 

came to Salt Lake in 

Mb—^jAiJ/K 1937 as statistician for 

for Variety Tent 38, 

succeeding Henry S. 

Ungerleider, who left 

Salt Lake to take over 

^ iiew position in Kan- 

Intermountain Thea- 

Henry Ungerleider tres. Previously he had 

served in the offices of Paramount Theatre 

Service Co. in New York, and prior to that 

had been employed by the New York Telephone 

Co. and Eastern Airlines. At the time 

of leaving Salt Lake, he was treasurer for 

Intermountain Theatres. He accepted a 

similar post with the Durwood Theatres in 

Kansas City. 

Ungerleider has gained nationwide attention 

through several inventions having to do 

with the industry, and has received several 

patents, including those for Snooproof, a 

handy ticket that eliminates snooping on 

grosses through noting serial numbers, and 

Speed-e-Chex, a reserved seat check in two 

parts which makes cheating on tickets virtually 

impossible. His latest invention was 

Bingo quiz, which is being used in several 

showhouses. 

Through Ungerleider's work. Variety Tent 

38 was established in Salt Lake in April and 

the charter officially presented in June during 

Roundup ceremonies at which he was installed 

as first chief barker. Previously, members 

of Tent 38 had been members of the 

Salt Lake Motion Picture club, which Ungerleider 

helped organize and which he served 

as president and treasurer. 

Under Ungerleider's direction, a Gold Star 

scholarship fund was set up sponsored by the 

Motion Picture club, and this year, an award 

called Showmanship of the Heart, was created 

to recognize charitable work of members of 

the industry. 

Mrs. Ungerleider has been active in lodges 

and motion picture club auxiliary affairs. 

Charles lacona of New York has replaced 

Ungerleider as treasurer of Intermountain 

Theatres. 

Floyd Bailey Purchases 

Hamilton, Mont., Liberty 

HAMILTON. MONT.—Mr. and Mrs. 

Floyd 

Bailey, who have operated the Roxy Theatre 

here several years, have purchased the 

Liberty from L. H. Sutton. The Liberty was 

opened in 1918 by Sutton's parents, who 

moved to Seattle in 1932 and turned the 

house over to the son. 

J. E. Miller Buys Supply Co. 

LOS ANGELES—J. Edward Miller, for the 

past 18 years associated with RCA, recently 

purchased the controlling interest in John 

P. Filbert Theatre Supply Co. 

'Black Rose and 'Our Very Own' Tie 

For Top Honors at Los Angeles 

LOS ANGELES—A wealth of new bills 

brought forth a stream of customers and an 

abundance of folding money into the tills 

of most first run situations—a pleasing state 

of affairs which all concerned hoped would 

continue indefinitely. Neck-and-neck for top 

honors, at 180 per cent each, were "The 

Black Rose" and "Our Very Own," while 

"Sunset Boulevard" in its second .stanza continued 

strong at 160, the same mark established 

by "Tea for Two." 


Chine-e, Los Angeles, Loyola, Wilshire. Uptown 

The Black Rose (20lh-rox) 180 

Egyptian, Loew's Stale The Petty Girl (Col) 100 

Fine Arts, Guild Beware ol Pity (Cinema Dist.), 

2nd wk 70 

Hawaii, Orpheura Convicted (Col); The Fighting 

Redhead (EL) 80 

Hillstreet, Pontages—Our Very Own (RKO- 

Goldwyn) - ISO 

Hollywood, Downtown Paramounts Sunset Boulevard 

(Para), plus 2nd feature at Downtown, 

Lonely Heart Bandits (Rep), 2nd wk 160 

United Artists, Ritz, Vogue. Culver, Studio City 

Louisa (U-I) 120 

Warners Hollywood, Downtovm, Willern Tea lor 

Two (WB) 160 

'Saddle Tramp' Scores 250, 

Held in Three at Denver 

DENVER—"Saddle Tramp." sparked by a 

world premiere, packed the Tabor to capacity, 

and did big business at the Aladdin and 

Webber, and became the first film to stay 

runs a second week. 

at three first 

Aladdin, Tabor, Webber—Saddle Tramp (U-I); 

Trial Without lury (Rep) 250 

Broadway—The Happy Years (MGM) ,...100 

Denh am- -Fancy Pants (Para) 145 

Denver, Esquire—Broken Arrow (20th-Fox); Gun 

Crazy (UA), 2nd d, t, wk 100 

Orpheum—Bom to Be Bad (RKO); Rider From 

Tucson (RKO) 90 

Paramount—Love That Brute (20th-Fox); Under 

My Skin (20th-Fox) 75 

Vogue Pagliaoci (Italian), 2nd wk 150 

'Sunset Boulevard' Opens With 185 

In San Francisco 

SAN FRANCISCO—"Sunset Boulevard," receiving 

rave notices and acclaimed by one 

BOOK IT NOW ! 

! ! 

WAHOO ii tk* world's most Ihrillina screen so 

Now bein9 used successfully by hundreds ol indoor 

outdoor thcotr.s all over America. Send for complete 

dctoils. Be lure ond give statins or c ar capacity, 

Hollywood Amusement Co., Dept. B 

• 31 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicaso 5, Illinois 

THEATRE 

DRAPERIES 

AND 

STAGE 

CURTAINS 

critic as "a film classic," rated 185 per cent 

at the St. Francis. Second spot honors went 

to the second week of "Broken Arrow" at the 

Fox with 170. 

Cinema — De:tinatioD Moon (EL); The Savage 

Horde (Rep), 3rd wk 160 

Esquire—The Underworld Story (UA), 2nd wk 100 

Fox—Broken Arrow (2Gth-Fox); Trial Without Jury 

(Rep), 2nd wk 170 

Golden Gate— Our Very Own (RKO) 110 

Orpheum—711 Ocean Drive (Col): When You're 

Sailing (Col), 2r;a wk 160 

Paramount— Pretty Baby (WB); Open Secret (EL), 

2nd wk 100 

St. Francis—Sunset Boulevard (Para) 185 

United Artists— H This Be Sin (UA) 115 

Warlield—Duchess ol Idaho (MGM), 2nd wk 100 

Sterling Sunset Opens 

SEATTLE—The Sterling Sunset Drive-In, 

located on the Sunset highway at the Kirkland-Renton 

road intersection, opened here 

recently. The new theatre offers a bottlewarming 

service and a supervised playground 

for children. 

R. L. KELLY— Manager, Badger 

Theatre, Reedsburg, Wisconsin 

says: 

"RCA Service assures the constant, 

reliable equipment performance 

demanded by my 

patrons and assures us against 

equipment failures." 


write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY, 


Camden, N. J. 

Adv 

• whether it's a mammoth draw curlain 

for a large projcenium arch or a dainty 

drape for the "powder room', the 

B. F. SHEARER COMPANY gives you the 

complete SATISFACTION GUARANTEED 

SERVICE in planning, producing and 

nstalling individually designed stage 

curtains and theofre draperies in 

flame-proofed materials or speciol 

woven glass cloth, brilliant colors to 

match your own interior decoration. 

B. F. SHEARER COMPANY 

THIATRE IQUIPMINT SPiCIAllSTS 

(OS ANGCICS • POATLANO • SAN f R A N C I S C O • SfArTK 

BOXOFFICE :: September 9, 1950 55

. . 

LOS ANGELES 

Dasking in southern California's late summer 

sunshine were a couple of exhibitors 

from Chicago, Ben Eisenberg and Irving 

Mandel. partners in operating a Windy city 

circuit. During their sojourn here tliey toured 

the Paramount lot . . . Bernie Wolf, western 

district manager for National Screen Service, 

returned to his local headquarters after 

a lengthy stay in Chicago, wliere he assisted 

a new branch manaegr. 

Spliced some time ago, Jack Goldman, 

operator of the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, 

is preparing to take his bride on a be- 

lated honeymoon to France and Italy . . . 

Covering the Row while vacationing in the 

southland was Ralph Goldberg, operator of 

a circuit in Omaha . Private funeral rites 

were held for Sgt. John Lavery jr., an air 

force tail gunner who was lulled in Burma 

in 1943. The body was brought here for 

burial in Holy Cross cemetery. Young Lavery 

was the son of John Lavery. executive aide 

to Charles P. Skouras, president of National 

Theatres and Fox West Coast. 

. . . 

. . 

Pat Patterson, head of the Astor exchange 

in San Francisco, checked in for huddles 

Ray 

with Roy Reed, local manager 

Heagle, manager of the Big Sky Drive-In 

near Monrovia, had his boss Lou Berman 

in tow while on the Row loading up on 

Back on deck as 

product and supplies . . . 

a U-I salesman after holidaying at Lake 

Arrowhead with his wife, was Al Bowan . 

Bill Parker of Cinema Distributors went to 

Portland and Seattle on business. 

The Del Rio Theatre, subsequent run 

house in Riverside, has been shuttered by 

Sidney Cahen after several months of experimental 

operation. Cahen has not disclosed 

future plans for the showcase . 

Roy Dickson added Burton Jones' Helix Theatre 

in La Mesa to his list of booking service 

Beautiful, responsive and durable 

seats bring many dollars to your 

boxoffice window. The gentle, caressing 

action in use inspires the 

most indifferent and sluggish individual 

to come again and again. 

Don't sit back with that helpless 

feeling — woo new customers with 

International Seats by RCA. We 

have a beautiful seating service 

Low 

priced. 

WESTERN 

337C0LDEN()ATEAVE.*HE 1-8302. 

SAN FRANCISCO 2.CALIF. 

— 

clients, then took off with his wife for 

Warner Hot Springs for their first vacation 

in eight years. 

Irving Aronson, operator of the San Carlos 

in San Carlos, came in on a booking and 

buying expedition . . . Roy Richmond, for 

several years co-owner with his brother Harold 

of the Pico Theatre here, has severed 

that connection and moved to San Francisco, 

where he has been added to the 

National Screen Service staff. 

Harry Denny, Pox West Coast's city manager 

for San Bernardino, was a local visitor, 

checking in for huddles with the FVJC home 

Byron Cunningham, owner of 

office . . . 

the Victoria Theatre here, came from his 

northern California ranch for conferences 

with Carl Walker, who manages the house 

for him. 

Les Kaufman, who recently joined Fanchon 

& Marco as public relations director, checked 

out for New York on a business trip. 

Peter Grey began new duties as head 

booker at the Monogram exchange, replacing 

Murray Gerson, who has been promoted to 

salesman. Grey, who was for six years head 

booker at the local Paramount office, will 

work under M.J.E. McCarthy, manager. 

Purple Heart department: He rates himself 

a lucky guy, does Manny Feldstein of the 

Dietrich-Feldstein circuit. From a spectacular 

accident in which his new Cadillac turned 

over and was virtually demolished, Feldstein 

suffered nothing worse than a few minor 

bruises . . . Johnny DeCosta, RKO manager, 

was limping around on crutches. He injured 

his gam while diving into a swimming 

pool during his vacation . . . Another RKO 

casualty was Herb Maclntyre who was recuperating 

at home following loss of his 

appendix. 

Tommy Hawkins of Lucky Letter night was 

a knight in shining armour for Grover Smith 

and his York Theatre. When the York's 

sound track went haywire one recent night, 

Hawkins came up with Doye O'Dell, cowpoke 

singer, who entertained the audience for two 

hours with the result that only three customers 

asked for their money back. 

Meanwhile 

Harold Wilson is the new manager of the 

Belmont in Long Beach, where he replaced 

Fred Friedman, transferred to Fox West 

Coast headquarters as a booker Bill Kupper named 

. . . 

Gene O'Keefe 

manager of the Imperial, while Dick Kupper 

ankled his spot as manager of the La Tijera 

to become city manager of the outfit's three 

hou.ses in Burbank. Dick McClay replaced 

him at the La Tijera. 

Harry Stern, head of the special features 

division of Azteca Films and Clasa-Mohme, 

announces that three more Spanish-language 

films, "Little Dark Angels," "Rio Escondido" 

(Hidden Riven and "Rancho Grande" have 

been processed for the American market and 

are now ready for nationwide distribution. 

Stella Theatre to Reopen 

STELLA. NEB.—The Commercial club is 

reopening the Stella Theatre for winter operations 

this month. 

Monogram-AA Men 

In Three-Day Rally 

LOS ANGELES—Monogram home office 

bra.ss, which headquarters at the Hollywood 

studio, refurbi.shed its best red carpet to 

welcome here more than 100 members of the 

company's distribution personnel to the annual 

three-day .sales convention of Monogram 

and Allied Artists, which started Tuesday 

at the Amba.s.sador. 

Welcoming the group were Steve Broidy, 

president of both companies, and other executives 

including W. Ray John.ston. chairman 

of the board: George D. Burrows, executive 

vice-president and treasurer; Scott 

R. Dunlap. executive assistant to the president 

at the studio; Harold Mirisch, vicepresident, 

and Harold Wirthwein, western 

sales manager. 

FROM NEW YORK OFFICE 

Heading the contingent from the companies' 

New York office and exchange were 

Morey "Razz" Goldstein, general sales manager; 

Edward Morey. vice-president; L. E. 

Goldhammer, eastern district manager; Lloyd 

Lind. supervisor of exchange operations, and 

Nat Furst. exchange manager. 

Franchise holders expected were Arthur 

Bromberg. Atlanta; Charles Trampe. Milwaukee; 

Herman Rifkin. Boston; William 

Hurlbut. Detroit; Irving Mandel. Chicago; 

George West. Cincinnati; Nate Schultz. 

Cleveland; Harry Berkson. Buffalo; Ben 

Williams, Pittsburgh; Howard Stubbins, Los 

Angeles, and Mel Hulling, San Francisco. 

District managers Oscar Hanson, who handles 

the Canadian territory, and James 

Prichard, southw'estern representative, also 

were on hand. 

BRANCH MANAGERS PRESENT 

The following branch executives attended: 

Abe Weiner, Pittsburgh; Nate Dickman. Buffalo; 

J. E. Hobbs, Atlanta; Hal Jordan, 

Charlotte; Henry Glover, New Orleans; 

Henry Hammond, Memphis: Charles Duer, 

Denver; Don Tibbs, Salt Lake City; William 

Johnson, Des Moines; Harlan Starr, Detroit; 

Willam Embleton, Indianapolis; T. R. 

Thompson, Kansas City: Oliver Trampe, 

Milwaukee; Irving Marks. Minneapolis: John 

Pavone. New Haven; Ben Abrams. Boston; 

Milton Lipsner. Oklahoma City: Sol Francis, 

Omaha: Max Gillis. Philadelphia: Jack Safer. 

Washington. D. C: William Grant. Portland; 

Ed Cruea. Seattle; M. Schweitzer. St. Louis; 

James Myers. San Francisco, and Frank 

Vaughan. Toronto. 

President Broidy was to discuss Monogram 

in 1950. review efforts of the past 

year and outline plans for the future and 

Goldstein was to discuss .selling problems. 

The production program for the 1950-51 season 

will then be revealed by Broidy. 

Members of the franchise holders committee 

which includes Trampe. Hurlbut, 

Bromberg, Rifkin and Stubbins. w'ere to 

speak Wednesday regarding franchise holders 

cooperation. 

Dunlap's topic was "Studio Cooperation." 

New Front at Corvallis 

CORVALLIS. ORE. — Charles Whiteside 

constructed a new front on the Whiteside 

Theatre here, including new lighting and 

display frames. 


: September 9, 1950

. . Barney 

. . W. 

. . 

. . K. 

. . Angela 

Team 

SAN FRANCISCO 

. . The 

JJal Honore. district manager for the Menlo 

Mayfield circuit of Westside Theatres, 

and Al Laurice of Mountain View, with John 

Lazzarini of San Francisco, brought forth for 

special preview the first of their Worldwide 

film properties, the French-made "Royal 

Affair," starring Maurice Chevalier . 

Telenews in San Francisco celebrated its 

11th anniversary recently. From its beginning 

in 1939, Telenews expanded from coastto-coast. 

Free gardenias were given to every 

woman during the theatre's anniversary week. 

Rowland Lloyd, booker and film buyer for 

the Goldberg Theati-e circuit, is vacationing 

at Lake Louise in Canada . . , Jerome Safron, 

western division supervisor for Columbia, has 

made his headquarters at 25 Taylor St., the 

Golden Gate Theatre building. Mildred Hansen 

has been appointed as Safron's secretary. 

Inez Brodie, Columbia manager's secretary, 

is vacationing . . . James Beale, manager of 

the Columbia Portland exchange, stopped on 

his way home from a business meeting in 

Los Angeles to say hello to friends on Filmrow. 

Columbia's Carl Scott, city salesman, is 

greatly improved and is anticipating his return 

to work shortly . . . Henry Stark, booker 

at Columbia, was in an auto accident but 

was not injured. His mother was hurt but 

now is on the mend. 

Ray Robbins, Los Angeles theatre owner, 

was here for a few days . . . Ezra Stern, theatrical 

attorney, al.so was here saying hello 

to friends at Variety Club ... Ed Levin 

was up from Los Angeles ... All Filmrow 

sweltered in the heat of 81 degrees on the 

first day of September. Many took off early 

for the long Labor day weekend. 

John Zomnir has been named assistant 

manager at EL. Zomnir formerly was sales 

manager of the Pittsburgh exchange . . . Sid 

Martenstein, formerly salesman with EL, is 

now associated with Favorite Films here . 

Joe Smith, RKO manager, resigned to assume 

an executive position with Robert L. Lippert. 

Taking over the post of manager of the RKO 

exchange is Joe Emerson, RKO manager in 

Denver. 

. 

A back-to-school fashion show was sponsored 

by the Madera Citizen and local merchants 

on the stage of the Madera Theatre, 

managed by Karl Krueger . . 500 business 

. 

girls enjoyed a breakfast and show at the 

Paramount. On the menu was "Pretty Baby" 

and doughnuts and coffee Stewart 

of the San Carlos Theatre is helping in 

a fund campaign that will be spearheaded 

by a benefit performance September 25 at 

the San Carlos for seven-year-old Brent 

LaFazlo, who was critically injured in an 

auto accident. 

. . . L. S. theatre 

. 

Roy Cooper, Golden State circuit, 

Hamm. 

returned 

from vacation 

lawyer, is touring Europe I. Garren 

of the Albany Theatre installed a new front 

and made other improvements . . . Max 

Ratner.iBayshore Theatre, ordered new Ideal 

chairs for his house from Walter Preddey 

Theatre Supply and intends to make other 

improvements. 

Anita Martinez, for the last five years 

secretary to the WB manager, is leaving 

. . . Casper Kannel, head 

her job for a blessed event . Johnson 

of the WB Portland office will replace 

Mrs. Martinez 

shipper at WB, was on vacation . . . Max 

Bercutt. studio publicity man, was here on 

promotion of "Three Secrets" at St. Francis 

and "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" at the Paramount 

Theatre . . . Gladys PauU of WB 

went on a trip to Detroit, where she will 

buy a new car. 

Ralph Davis, president of Royal Amusements, 

flew in for a brief visit with old acquaintances 

. K. Chang, chief auditoraccountant 

for Royal Amusements, also 

came in on a combination business and vacation 

trip. 

Three Veterans Dead 

In Salt Lake Section 

SALT LAKE CITY—Death cut down the 

ranks of veteran theatre operators in the 

Salt Lake City exchange area, with the 

passing last week of Walt Hull, Ray Webb 

and George Thatcher. 

Representing 100 years of service in the 

theatre industry, they had operated showhouses 

and been active in the business in 

this area almost since motion pictures were 

introduced here. 

Hull, who lived in Ely, Nev., had been one 

of that state's first motion picture theatre 

operators. He died following a long illness. 

For the past few months, his business has 

been operated by his son. 

Thatcher, who operated a theatre in Logan 

prior to his partial retirement a couple 

of years ago, was one of the first exhibitors 

in the northern part of Utah. 

Webb operated a showhouse at Price and 

was one of the veteran showmen of eastcentral 

Utah. 

Many showmen from Utah, Idaho and 

Nevada attended their funerals. 

Western Co. Takes Over 

Two Baker, Ore., Houses 

BAKER, ORE.—The Baker Theatres Co. 

turned over the Eltrym and Elmpire theatres 

at the close of business last Saturday night 

(26) to the Western Amusement Co., consumating 

a purchase completed early in 

August. 

Western Amusement is headed by Ted 

Jones of Los Angeles, who also maintains an 

office in Portland. The deal gives Western 

the three centrally located theatres here, having 

operated the Baker Theatre, the old 

Orpheum, since it was rebuilt about two years 

ago following a fire in 1943. 

Frank Buckmiller, vice-president and general 

manager of Baker Theatres Co.; Freeman 

Geddes. president, and Leona Rand, 

stockholder, will continue to live here. Buckmiller 

has been in the show business here 

since 1928, and has owned and operated the 

Eltrym. Empire. Orpheum and Clarick theatres. 

The Clarick was destroyed by fire in 

1937, and Western acquired the Orpheum 

after it was swept by fire. 

Western Amusement also operates theatres 

in La Grande. Portland. Coos Bay and Eugene 

in Oregon. 

Utah County Schools Get 

Student Card Refunds 

OGDEN. UTAH—Schools of Weber county 

divided $1,479.50 as their share of the money 

received from the sale of student courtesy 

cards during the period beginning Oct. 1. 

1949. Ted Kirkmeyer and R. C. Glassmann. 

Odgen theatre operators, reported. The 

schools get one-half of the money received 

from the sale of the 50-cent cards, which 

enable students to obtain a lower admission 

price at the theatres. 

A total of 5.918 student cards were issued 

during the last school year. Weber college 

topped the list, getting back $260.75 as its 

share of the 1,043 cards bought by Weber 

students. The money is paid direct to the 

individual schools. In most cases, it has 

been used toward purchase of school and 

athletic equipment. 

Theatre Auto Lot Riles 

San Carlos Residents 

SAN CARLOS—Some 74 householders living 

in the White Oaks area here have filed a 

$296,000 complaint in Redwood City superior 

court against the White Oaks Theatre Co., 

operator of the Laurel Theatre on the grounds 

that the theatre's auto park is a nuisance. 

Co-defendants are the Harvey Construction 

Co., Harvey Amusement Co. and several John 

Doe individuals and corporations. The complainants 

also seek an injunction for abatement 

of a nuisance. The householders allege 

that the lot is operated in violation of zoning 

ordinances and a local law requiring that 

parking lots be paved. 

Ball Players Visit Theatre 

GREAT FALLS, MONT.—Members of the 

Great Falls Selectrics baseball team appeared 

on stage at the Civic Theatre here recently 

in connection with the showing of "Kill the 

Umpire. " members were introduced 

to the audience at the matinee performance, 

and signed autographs for patrons. Ten baseballs, 

autographed by the players, were also 

given away. 


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BOXOFFICE : 

: September 9, 1950 

57

. . Realart 

DENVER 

YXrilliam Robinson, assistant booker at 

Universal, 

became the first on Filmrow to 

enlist during the present emergency. He 

joined the army . Pictures has 

added Snow Cone machines. The reissue of 

"All Quiet on the Western Front" is doing 

big business, and is the first reissue to play 

two Denver first runs day and date. 

. . . 

Duke Dunbar, secretary of the old film 

board of trade, now on the city attorney's 

staff, is running in the Republican primary 

for the nomination for Colorado attorney 

general. He formerly was comiected with 

that office as first assistant attorney general 

Ann LeGendre. on leave of absence as 

secretary to the manager for 20th-Fox, underwent 

surgery at a Boonville, Mo., hospital. 

Reports are that she is recuperating 

nicely, but that it will be at least two months 

before she is recovered enough to be back 

at work. 

Betty Long, Columbia booker, is on vacation 

. . . Jean M. Dubois, free-lance newsreel 

cameraman, climbed to more than ten feet 

above the highest workman putting gold leaf 

on the Colorado state capitol dome to get a 

newsreel shot. The clip is being released 

nationally. 

Filmrow visitors included Marlin Butler, 

Albuquerque; Mrs. L. N. Scheidegger, Seibert: 

Kenneth Powell, Wray; John Roberts, Fort 

Morgan: Jack Brandenberg and Floyd Beutler, 

Taos, N. M., and Mr. and Mrs. Fred 

Hall, Akron. 

Sam Langfwith of Western Service & Supply 

went to Billings to attend the opening 

of the 350-car drive-in built by Allen Kindt. 

The Brenkert projectors, RCA sound and car 

. . . 

. . . 

. . William 

speakers were furnished by Western 

Al Lies, salesman for ELC, Kansas City, and 

family were through here on vacation 

V/ard Pennington, manager for Paramount, 

returned from a sales trip north . 

J. Albright, manager of the Victory, has 

received notice from the navy that he may 

expect orders any day. Bill had an acting 

chief's rating in the previous war. 

Vince Footman of the Victory spent some 

time on the west coast on vacation . . . Visitors 

on Filmrow included Frank Aydelotte. 

Fort Collins; George Besse. Gunnison; T. R. 

VOUR ORDER 

mOTIOn PICTURE SERVICE C< 

115 HYDE ST. San Fp(jnc*sco(2)Calip. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE 

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Prc-Expandcd Tcmered Presdwood Facing 

ORIVE-IH THEATRE MFG. CO. INC. Kln»fc'';,":°ii'. 

Pickard, Newell, S. D.; Richard Klein, Rapid 

City, S. D., and Clarence Martin, Hugo . . . 

Gene Sharpe, proprietor of a magazine store 

liere, formerly manager of a theatre in Cincinnati, 

and brother-in-law of William Hastings, 

manager of the Orpheum here, died 

recently. Mr. and Mrs. Hastings accompanied 

the body to Cincinnati for burial. 

Frank Ricketson Sees 

'Fortunate Film Cycle' 

GREAT FALLS, MONT.—The film industry 

is emphasizing entertainment in its productions 

this year and "we are in a fortunate 

cycle of fine movies." This was the opinion 

expressed by Frank H. Ricketson jr., Denver, 

president of the Fox Intermountain Theatres 

when he visited here recently on an inspection 

of company territory. He conferred with 

John Denman, manager of the Liberty Theatre 

here. 

Theatres are enjoying good patronage, 

Ricketson said, because producers are concentrating 

on films for entertaining the public. 

He said there are three types of pictures 

—business, art and entertainment. The latter, 

coupled with color, is attracting the public. 

More than 50 per cent of the films which will 

be seen this year will be in color he said, 

Ricketson, president of the Central City 

Opera Ass'n, said television has made an 

indentation on film theatres. He predicted, 

however, it is only temporary. Eventually, 

he said, television will be an asset to the 

movies. 

Big Story Film Rights Go 

To Wald-Krasna Setup 

HOLLYWOOD—Adding further to their 

new but rapidly growing roster of story 

material, Jerry Wald and Norman Krasna 

concluded a deal by which they will receive 

first call on all yarns used on the NBC radio 

and TV newspaper Big Story documentary 

program. 

Agreement with Bernard J. 

Prockter, producer 

of the series, makes available to the 

RKO producers more than 400 true-life 

stories. First of the Wald-Krasna Big Story 

films, which are planned as annual RKO 

productions, will be "The Full Guilt," based 

upon the story of a refugee artist settled in 

the south, who is unjustly accused of murder. 

Town Poses for 'Warpath' 

BROADVIEW. MONT. — New false 

store 

fronts and dirt over Main street helped 

Broadview pose as a brawling western town 

of the 1870's for a scene in Nat Holt's production, 

"Warpath," now being filmed at 

Montana locales. The activity drew hundreds 

onlookers daily. 

of 

Open Prescott, Ariz., Airer 

PRESCOTT. ARIZ.—A 350-car drive-in was 

to open here the first week of September for 

J. W. Barton. The theatre is on South Mount 

Vernon off the Senator highway. Barton is 

from La Junta, Colo, where he operatea a 

drive-in. 

'Robinson' Blankets 

Salt Lake Valley 

SALT LAKE CITY—In an unprecedented 

action in this area, "The Jackie Robinson 

Story" opened at four theatres and two 

drive-ins in Salt Lake simultaneously last 

week. This move was all the more unprecedented, 

since the theatres heretofore have 

been showing second run pictures, as have 

the drive-ins. The theatres were the Gem, 

Crest, Arcade and Apollo, and Park Vu and 

Ute drive-ins. 

In widely scattered areas of the city, the 

showhouses and drive-ins are expected to give 

"blanket coverage" for the film in the entire 

valley, with only one theatre being located 

downtown. This is the Gem. 

The move was undertaken to test the drawing 

power of blanket neighborhood coverage 

of a picture as compared to one downtown 

situation, according to Arthur M. JoUey, 

Eagle Lion manager, who indicated the sale 

of future product of his company in the city 

may be determined by what happens in this 

experimental move. Jolley said the action 

gave the picture a showing in theatres and 

drive-ins with a total capacity of more than 

5.000 persons, whereas a single theatre downtown 

would have been only 2,000 capacity. 

The theatres and drive-ins participating in 

the mass booking shared expenses with Eagle 

Lion on the advertising campaign, which included 

174':; inches of advertising in Salt 

Lake papers beginning a week before the picture 

opened. Each theatre and drive-in supplemented 

this advertising with handbills and 

window cards put out in its immediate area. 

16mm Project Develops 

Into New Tieton Hiland 

TIETON. WASH.—The new Hiland. a 

368-seat house costing about $35,000 and 

opened recently by Lyle A. Knott, is the 

outgrowth of a 16mm show started in a store 

building by Harold Hackett in July 1945, giving 

this small community its first theatre. 

Knott purchased the business in December 

of the same year, and in the following year 

installed 35mm equipment. Local businessmen 

encouraged and supported Knott in 

construction of the Hiland. a 110x37-foot twostory 

structure which is modern in every 

respect. 

Knott closed the old theatre which he has 

been operating as the Esquire. 

Mrs. George Eldridge Dies 

HOLLYWOOD—George Eldridge, character 

actor, was 20 minutes late for his most important 

scene on the set of "One Too Many," 

Hallmark Productions film on alcoholism 

now being shot at the Motion Picture Center 

studio. He apologized for being late, and 

worked through to 8 p. m. Then Eldridge 

strolled up to Kroger Babb, president of 

Hallmark, and said, "I didn't want to tell 

you this afternoon, Mr. Babb; I went home 

during lunch hour and discovered my wife 

had died." 

Terry, Mont., Rialto Improved 

TERRY. MONT—Bert Lee has stuccoed 

the entire front of the Rialto with scorio 

mortar and installed two new display frames. 

58 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 9, 1950

. . Howard 

. . 

. . Del 

. . Virginia 

'Dark City' Screened 

For Coast Showmen 

LOS ANGELES—Representative southland 

exhibitors were among the guests when the 

local Paramount exchange staged a screening 

of the Hal Wallis production, "Dark City," 

followed by a luncheon at the Ambassador 

hotel. Guest of honor was Charlton Heston, 

newcomer from television who makes his film 

debut in the picture. 

A. R. Taylor. Paramount branch manager, 

presided at the- luncheon and introduced 

Heston, hailing the actor as an answer to 

showmen's demands for new screen faces 

and pointing up the fact that video is becoming 

a fertile source for new motion picture 

talent. The event climaxed a 15-city 

tour during which Heston attended screenings 

of "Dark City," was introduced to theatremen 

and the press and made radio and TV 

appearances. 

Guests at the affair included George A. 

Smith, Paramount western division manager, 

and branch representatives: Norman Siegel, 

studio advertising-publicity director, and 

Paul Nathan and Walter Seltzer of Hal Wallis 

Productions. 

Among the exhibitors present were Marco 

and Roy Wolf, Fanchon & Marco: Everett 

Sharp and Frank Pi-ince, Fox West Coast: 

Hugh Bruen, Alex Schreiber. Fred Stein, Gorman 

Heimuller, Max and Kurt Laemmle, William 

Srere, Dave Bershon, Harry Rackin, Syd 

Lehman, Ken Derby, George Ingam. Albert 

Melinkoff, Norman Newman, Al Olander, Sam 

Ozonoff, Jack Chazen, Evert Cummings and 

others. 

Colville, Wash., Morgans 

Sell Two Theatres 

COLVILLE, WASH. — M. A. Hadfield of 

Seattle and Gus Bergstrom of Republic, 

Wash., have purchased the Alpine Theatre 

here and the Avalon in Chewelah from 

George and D. A. Morgan, who have operated 

theatres in Colville since 1925. 

Hadfield. former partner-manager of the 

Cordova in Pullman, will manage the Alpine, 

and Bergstrom. who owns the Selma in Republic, 

will operate the Avalon. 

Lou Higdon Is Elected 

Member of TEI Board 

ROSWELL, N. M. — Lou Higdon, New 

Mexico state manager for TEI, has been 

named a member of the board of directors 

of the far-flung theatre circuit. The election 

took place at Dallas. Higdon came to 

Roswell three and one-half years ago and 

has been active in civic affairs. 

Edward J. Feder Resigns 

LOS ANGELES—Edward J. Feder, for the 

last 18 years real estate manager of the RKO 

Theatre realty holdings on the west coast, 

has resigned. He will devote his entire time 

to the operation of his own real estate 

brokerage and management business. No replacement 

has been announced. 

Livingston, Mont., Airer 

LIVINGSTON. MONT. — The Twilight 

Drive-In, under construction since early last 

spring, was opened recently by Ed Boehm, 

SEATTLE 

'The Liberty Theatre conducted a teenage 

movie reviewers contest in behalf of the 

"Louisa" opening August 30. A $25 .savings 

bond went to the winner. Judges of the contest 

were Pi-of. Glenn Hughes, director of 

department of drama at the University of 

Washington; L. George DeWaide, U-I manager, 

and Clint Wineholt, manager of the 

Liberty. 

Truman Nelson, assistant at John Hamrick's 

Music Hall, has been named manager 

of the Newsreel Theatre in Portland. Nelson 

joined the Hamrick organization in 1943. The 

job he leaves will be filled by Bill Breeze, 

who will move over from the Music Box . 

Dwight and Lillian Spracher vacationed in 

California. 

. . . Bill Parker of 

Sam Siegel, exploiteer for Columbia, returned 

from a three-week trip to Salt Lake 

City and San Francisco 

Cinema Distributors was in from Los Angeles 

promoting "International Burlesque." The 

company also will handle the distribution 

of 27 J. Arthur Rank British films and 

is reissuing "Paisan" and "Open City" as a 

Buck Seal, eastern Washington 

double bill . . . 

salesman for Columbia, was in from 

Spokane. 

. . . 

Charles and Mrs. Grieme were here from 

Wenatchee to attend the races at Longacres 

. . . Fred Gamble, Tacoma, returned from 

a three-month vacation in the New England 

states . . . John O'Connor, manager of the 

Roxy in Enumclaw, was on the Row 

Topping the opening day record set by "The 

Hucksters" in 1947, was the MGM musical, 

"Three Little Words," at the Music Hall, according 

to Manager Dan Redden. 

Eddie Walton, vice-president and assistant 

general sales manager for Republic, was here 

from New York. Mrs. Walton and daughter 

Anne, who have been spending the summer 

here, will remain and Anne will enter Holy 

Name academy . Strickling, director 

of publicity for MGM, stopped here recently 

on his way back to Hollyv.ood from 

a vacation in the San Juan area to visit 

Sam Davis. Seattle manager. Other MGM 

men in town were Jack Kelly, in charge of 

short subjects, from the home office, and 

Ted Galanter, coast exploiteer. 

Mrs. John Hamrick went deep-sea fishing 

off Astoria with her sister and nephew . . . 

Barbara Gove has joined the Hamrick staff 

l»OPCORl!, 

. . . Cris Casper, manager of 

as secretary to Will J. Conner, executive 

vice-president 

the Blue Mouse, returned from a vacation 

. . . Herb and Marion Sobottka and daughter 

Marion spent the Labor day vacation at 

Lake Chelan . . . Grover Hendricks, manager 

of the Venetian Theatre, returned from 

a vacation. 

. . . Clint Wineholt. 

Bill Sholl, exploiteer for United Artists, 

was in on promotion for "The Men" soon to 

play at the Music Hall 

manager of the Liberty, left on a fishing 

trip to Canada ... Ed Cruea. manager: 

Gordon Wallinger, office manager and 

booker, and Hal Boehme, .salesman, went to 

. . . 

Los Angeles to attend a Monogram sales 

meeting The Music Box boasts a distinctive 

new refreshment bar, one of the 

finest in the city. 

BLOCKBUSTER 

. . . 

Don Beckwith, son of Keith Beckwith, 

northwest exhibitor, and associated with hi.^ 

father in the latter's theatres, has re-entered 

the merchant marine in which he served as 

an engineer for several years during and 

after the last war . Clark, secretary 

to John Hamrick, was on vacation in 

Denver . Larison. manager of the 5th 

Avenue, won fourth place and a S150 bond 

in the 20th-Fox exploitation campaign on 

"Mother Didn't Tell Me" Bud Brodie, 

Sarah Eldredge, cashier for U-I, entertained 

with a dinner party at her home in 

honor of newlyweds Harry and Celia Blatt. 

recently returned from their honeymoon 

. . . Eddie LaMontague, veteran .showman 

. . . Passing through Seattle 

operating Eddie's Advershows, was on the 

Row recently greeting old friends . . Chilton 

. 

and Lola Robinett were vacationing in 

Also on vacation 

the San Juan islands . . . 

is Dorothy Larmore, biller for 20th-Fox, who 

is in California 

recently for a fishing trip in British Columbia 

was a Hollywood party including Joan 

Fontaine, Ann Miller. RKO Producer Collier 

Young, and hotel magnate Conrad Hilton. 

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BOXOFFICE : 

: September 9, 1950 W 59

. . The 

. . Harold 

' 

. . Currently 

SALT LAKE CITY 

pollowing a custom of three years' standing, 

a birthday party was held this weekend 

for Michele Siouris, daughter of the operators 

of the Apollo Theatre. All the children in the 

neighborhood attended. Michele. who is 6 

years old, treated them to cake as well as 

the show. 

Tom Bailey. Lippert franchise holder in 

this area, was a Filmrow visitor . . . Don 

Poster, booker at Para., has been called into 

the marines . . . Heat, which has been 

breaking all records in Utah these past tw'o 

w'eeks, hasn't helped grosses too much. Theatres 

here aren't sharing in that talked-about 

increase in business. 

U-I has several new employes, including 

Tom Fursee, formerly of Des Moines, now a 

salesman in Montana: Howard Godfrey, 

formerly with Fox Intermountain, now a 

salesman in Montana; Fred Polasky, formerly 

with EL and later with Lippert. now in the 

booking department, and Vic Walker, formerly 

with Fox Intermountain, now in the 

booking department. Don McMurdie of the 

booking department has been transferred to 

Des Moines. 

Vacation menu: Helen Garrity, Intermountain 

publicist, vacationed in Long Beach; 

Charles M. Pincus. manager of the Centre, 

returned from a vacation in San Francisco; 

U-I salesmen Shirl Thayne. left on a vacation, 

and Jack Zamsky returned; Ken Friedman, 

NSS manager, returned from a combined 

business and pleasure trip in New York, 

and Irving Gillman of United Intermountain 

Theatres and his family returned from 

Minneapolis, where they have been vacationing. 

John Ramey, manager of the Southeast 

Theatre, resigned to accept a position with 

a bank in Sugar House . Chesler of 

Bingham and Sam Gillette, Tooele operator 

and executive with Associated Amusements, 

were among local industryites planning to 

attend the PCCITO convention at the Gal- 

Neva lodge at Tahoe . . . Jack McCuUough of 

the Motion Picture Ass'n was in to make a 

thorough check of all shipping and inspection 

departments at the exchanges in the interest 

of protection against fire. One of the local 

fire inspectors accompanied him. 

. 

. . . The 

Mrs. Eleanor Odell, secretary to Frank H. 

Smith. Paramount manager, vacationed in 

Idaho Paramount staff was all 

enthused about "Sunset Boulevard," which 

opened at the Uptown this week because of 

the unusual success the picture was having 

in New York and because they met Gloria 

Swanson when she visited here 

fathfer of Marvin Reber, St. George exhibitor, 

was killed in a freak accident. 

Roy Firmage of Milford, who has been in 

WE HAVE THE BUYEHS . . . 

LIST WITH 

FRED B. LUDWIG. Bkr. 

lUeatie Salei. Div. 

IRV BOWRON, Sales Mgr. 

4229 N. E. Broadway Mt;-430a 

Portland 13, Ore. 

the national guard, was one of the first 

operators affected by the callup in Utah . . . 

Gronway Parry of Cedar City who, with his 

brother Whit, handles motion picture locations 

in Southern Utah, was a visitor. 

Leonard Tidwell, salesman for 20th-Fox, 

reports that Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Moody of 

the Crest Theatre at Delta took 11 of their 

12 children to see "Cheaper by the Dozen. 

Their 12th child is in the armed forces and was 

unable to attend. Besides operating the showhouse. 

Moody has a ranch, and in her "spare" 

time, Mrs. Moody has raised between 6,000 

and 20,000 turkeys a year for the past 20 

years. 

Big Photo-Mural Marks 

New Bingham Princess 

BINGHAM, UTAH—With the city overflowing 

with visitors for the Galena days celebration, 

including many of the nearly 2,500 

mining men and women attending the western 

division convention of the American Mining 

Congress in nearby Salt Lake City, Harold 

Chesler reopened his virtually new Princess 

Theatre. The mining folk were here 

mainly to inspect the giant open-pit copper 

mines. 

A feature of the remodeled showhouse 

is a large photo-mural of Bingham in the 

foyer. Sixteen feet long by four feet wide, 

the mural is one of the largest ever made in 

the west, being taken from one of the levels 

of the open-pit mine, and then blown up 

from an 8x2-inch negative. It was printed on 

one piece of photographic paper by Hal 

Rumel, Salt Lake photographer-artist, who 

then tinted it. Installed in the foyer, in a 

place accessible to tourists, the photo-mural 

provides a better view of the operations at 

Bingham than may be obtained by taking a 

sightseeing tour. It will be used by sight- 

Bing- 

seeing bus drivers who take parties to 

ham to give tourists a closeup of the mine 

workings, and in this way will attract scores 

to the theatre. Chesler believes. 

The theatre has been repainted and redecorated 

and 455 new seats have been installed. 

New restrooms have been put in and 

new equipment purchased. The Princess has 

been in the Chesler family for 31 years, the 

only showhouse in the mining town which 

has only one street. 

$1,381 Stolen From Palm 

PALM SPRINGS, CALIF.—Burglars stole 

a safe containing $1,381 in checks and 

currency from the Palm Springs Theatre here 

recently. The robbers entered the rear door 

of the ticket booth by springing a lock. The 

safe was lifted and carried to a car in a 

nearby parking lot. Warren Strebe, manager 

of the theatre, reported there was $1,200 in 

currency and silver. 

Tucson Rodeo Is Robbed 

TUCSON, ARIZ. — Tlie Rodeo Drive-In 

here was robbed of $540 last week by yeggs 

who rifled a steel safe and .several cash 

boxes in the snack bar. 

Freeman 'Evidence' 

In Arizona Dispute 

PHOENIX—In an editorial titled "We're 

Losing Millions." the Arizona Republic recently 

cited what it described as "additional 

evidence of how prohibitive Arizona workmen's 

compensation in.surance rates are keeping 

motion picture companies from operating 

in this state." The "evidence" was a statement 

to an official of the Phoenix Chamber 

of Commerce by Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount 

executive producer and chairman of 

the board of the Ass'n of Motion Picture 

Pi-oducers of America. 

"While I would in many ca.ses prefer to 

work in Arizona." said Freeman, "we found 

that the laws of other states regarding workmen's 

compensation make it easier for us to 

operate. I have just sent a crew to Billings, 

Mont., where a million dollars will be spent 

on one picture. I would rather have sent 

that crew to Arizona . we are 

finding that we can operate in Montana. 

Utah and New Mexico, and that's what we 

are doing." 

The Republic editorial went on to describe 

the material gains realized by Gallup, N. M., 

by money spent in the city for location 

shooting. 

"The Gallup vicinity," said the Republic, 

"has been the scene of many a picture in the 

past, including two versions of Billy the Kid, 

Ambush, Colorado Territory, Massacre River, 

The Sea of Grass, Four Faces West, Sudan, 

Desert Song, Streets of Laredo, The Texas 

Rangers, The Redskin, and Modern Musketeers. 

Gallup admits that Sedona and the 

Oak Creek country in Arizona have given 

Gallup keenest competition, but Arizona's 

high industrial insurance rates have cut that 

competition to a whisper." 

Brady and EL Lawyers 

Disagree on Contract 

HOLLYWOOD—Is he or is 

he ain't—under 

contract to Eagle Lion, that is. 

Actor Scott Brady .says he ain't, but EL's 

legal staff takes the opposite viewpoint and, 

according to one studio spokesman, will 

take "whatever steps are necessary," including 

legal proceedings for declaratory and 

other relief. 

Brady, contending that his EL contract, 

signed early in 1946, is null and void because 

the company, he asserted, did not exercise its 

option, failed to report to Producer Jack 

Schwarz for a loanout assignment as the 

star of "The Hoodlum," which Schwarz plans 

for EL release. 

However, EL alleges its option on Brady's 

services was hoisted, and the company regards 

its contract as a "binding commitment." 

Probable next step: Court action. 

Boyd Stops in Great Falls 

GREAT FALLS, MONT.—William Boyd, of 

Hopalong Cassidy fame, was here overnight 

en route to Glacier park. The actor was accompanied 

by his wife. Boyd had just completed 

a personal appearance tour with the 

Cole Bros, circus. After vacationing for a 

couple of weeks, he is to return to Hollywood. 

60 

BOXOFFICE :: September 9. 1950

— 

LETTERS 

KELPS MAINTAIN CITY HOSPITAL 

To BOXOFFICE: 

First I want to say that I have had so much 

publicity in BOXOFFICE the past year that 

I am sure people get tired of seeing Bob 

Walker in print—and there are so many 

others I would like to read about. However, 

other exhibitors might help me with a 

problem. 

For years Fruita has had a small hospital. 

There's nothing modern about it. but it has 

saved a lot of lives and most of the children 

and younger folks have let out their- first 

squawk in its nursery. A couple of years ago 

they started building a big. new million dollar 

hospital in Grand Junction. 11 miles away. 

Up until that time no one worried about 

whether our hospital was of modern vintage 

or not, but with the G. J. institution taking 

shape, the state authorities suddenly decided 

that our hospital was a menace to life 

and limb. Regardless of the number of lives 

it has saved each year, they say we don't 

need a hospital. Our country doctor and his 

son, who was an army doctor in the war. 

are in danger of having no place to work. If 

the state closes our hospital, they are going 

to be forced to move away. 

When it became apparent that the state 

was going to force us to close the hospital, 

we started trying to rai.se money for a new 

building. Right away we found the state 

authorities were bucking us. We found we 

were not eligible for government money as 

they claim we can use the Grand Junction 

hospital. If such thinking is continued, who 

is to say that the day may not come when 

they decide that we don't need a theatre in 

Fruita? 

We've had dances, raffles, socials, etc. I 

gave a benefit show once a month for a year, 

turning over all the proceeds to the fund 

until business got so bad I could not afford 

to give them that often ... I know that 

hospitals in small communities are a problem 

all over the country, but I know that 

they are being built in many places no smaller 

than this. Since I am publicity chairman 

for the hospital board. I am constantly looking 

for new ideas. 

Uintah Theatre, 

Fruita. Colo. 

BOB WALKER 

Two Wyoming Theatres 

Rebuild 

DENVER — Pox Intermountain Theatres 

has clo.sed two of its theatres in Wyomin? 

for complete remodeling. About $100,000 will 

be spent on the Princess to make practically 

a new theatre out of it. The old walls will 

be used. Some $50,000 is being used in a 

similar manner on the Strand at Rawlins, 

Wyo. Both houses will reopen in October. 

Glen Theatres, Inc., has opened its new 

drive-in at Glenwood Springs. Colo., with a 

400-car capacity, costing about $60,000. 

and outfitted with Simplex XL projection 

and sound and National Theatre Supply car 

speakers. 

Merchants Sponsor Kid Show 

RON AN. MONT.—Local merchants here 

sponsored a free kiddie show at the Gaiety 

Theatre recently. The show was in honor of 

Good Fellowship day. 

Topnotch Films Are Business Boon 

To Optimistic 

PHOENIX—Business in Arizona is blowing 

hot and cold. For the most part, the 

current boxoffice returns are brisk in such 

relatively large cities as Phoenix and Tucson, 

while the pace is off in many of the smaller 

towns. The number of notable exceptions, 

however, points to the time-honored theatre 

axiom that the play is still the thing, as 

far as the payees are concerned. 

Given a good product, almost any house, 

big or small, can earn its salt. Invariably, 

they all die with bad or mediocre fil.ms. In 

the latter instance, word-of-mouth puts the 

quietus on the picture and no amount of 

smart exploitation can obviate the damage. 

In Phoenix and Tucson, both Fox West 

Coast first runs have been enjoying a banner 

season and have shown a gain for the third 

consecutive year. 

RECORDS SET BY 'ARROW 

District Manager Dick Smith is especially 

elated over the record of "Broken Arrow" in 

its Augu.st run in both cities. The film 

broke the house record of the 19-year-old 

Fox in Tucson by accounting for 28.000 admissions 

in 11 days. The draw was equally 

amazing in Phoenix, where 34.000 tickets 

were sold in eight days, also a record, the 

film then being shifted to the Vista, the Fox 

subsequent run house. 

Smith reports best results with films like 

"The Gunfighter." "Ticket to Tomahawk." 

"Cheaper by the Dozen." "Mother Didn't Tell 

Me," "When Willie Comes Marching Home." 

"Winchester '73" and "Border Fighter." 

Smith's recap on business in Globe. 'Y'uma. 

and similar small situations, is the familiar 

story of lagging business. However, he's 

optimistic about the .shape of things to come. 

"I've had a look-in at the coast on what's 

coming up," he said, "and I can say that the 

pictures look tremendous for the fall and 

winter seasons." 

GEORGE AURELIUS HOPEFUL 

George Aurelius, district manager of Ihe 

Ai'izona Paramount theatres, is less sanguine, 

but believes that "the outlook is hopeful" 

"Good pictures," said Aurelius, "regardless of 

type, do business." 

The Paramount houses haven't done as 

well this year as last, but such films as 

"Father of the Bride." "Annie Get 'Vour 

Gun." "Rocketship XM." "The Furies" and 

"My Friend Irma" made their impact felt 

at the boxoffice. 

Speaking for the Harry L. Nace theatres, 

which take in about 30 sub.sequent run houses 

in Arizona, Harry L. Nace jr. reported that 

business is off about 20 per cent. 

"Business is fluctuating," said Nace. "with 

the nervous A product being strictly murder. 

Triple A films are drawing in all situations, 

but everything else is slow." 

The Phoenix Rex and Azteca theatres, two 

of the 23 Louis F. Long houses in the state, 

have increased their business over 1949. according 

to Gene Bandelier, who runs both 

houses. 

Arizona Showmen 

"Busine.ss is up in most Long theatres," 

said Bandelier. "and grosses in at least one 

small town. Tiger, have almost doubled." 

Bandelier attributes the rise to the improved 

employment situation in the small 

mining towns and the fact that the field 

workers are once again finding jobs plentiful. 

The farmers are al.so in clover. 

Straws in the wind would seem to indicate 

that Arizona theatres are going to do 

all right for themselves during the remainder 

of 1950. 

While drive-in building throughout the 

state has been in the ascendancy the last 

several years, only one conventional house, 

the Arizonan, in Tucson, has been erected 

in 1950. All of which adds up to the fact 

that operators recognize the fact that Arizonans 

are increasingly showing their preference 

for theatregoing under the stars. 

Million Dollar Reopens 

LOS ANGELES—The Million Dollar Thea- 

downtown showca.se recently acquired by 

tre, 

Frank Fouce from the Sherrill Corwin interests, 

was given a gala reopening recently 

with Latin American consuls and civic officials 

participating. Fouce, who operates 

several Spanish-language houses throughout 

the territory, has instituted a combined stageand-screen 

policy featuring Spanish-language 

films and Latin stage entertainers. 

Renovates MuUan, Ida., Theatre 

MULLAN. IDA. — The Liberty Theatre, 

managed by Guy Shelhamer. is undergoing a 

complefe renovation, which will include a 

new boxoffice. new lighting, repainting inside 

and out and general repair. 

Harold McCormick Speaks 

HOT SPRINGS. N. M.—Harold McCormick. 

executive of the McCormick Theatres in New 

Mexico and Colorado, discussed the motion 

picture industry in a Rotary club speech here. 

DICK LEMUCCHI— Owner, Tejon 

and Granada Theatres, Bakersfield, 

Calif.—says: 

"For eighteen years RCA has 

handled my service problems. 

I'm still satisfied." 




Camden, N. J. 

Adv. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: September 

9, 1950 61

. . Harold 

. . John 

20th-Fox Company to 

Of 'The Australian Story 

By WILLIAM BEECHAM 

BoxoFFiCE Australian Bureau 

PERTH, W. A.—Robert Snody and Mark 

Lee Kirk of 20th-Fox were expected in Australia 

this month with others of the company's 

advance party to work on production 

of Australia's first feature-length film in 

color, "The Australian Story." This film it 

is hoped, may develop into one of the greatest 

natural public relations ambassadors Australia 

has ever had. Equipment being brought 

from the United States, it is reported, wall 

occupy at least half the usual cargo space 

of one of the vessels on the regular Australian 

service, and the local 20th-Fox organization 

already has taken delivery of ten new motor 

vehicles for use on the production. 

• « « 

Ernest Turnbull, managing director of 

Hoyts Theatres, recently was elected an 

honorary life member of Legacy, leading Australian 

philanthropic body. Turnbull is a 

foundation member of Melbourne Legacy and 

his organization has done a great deal of excellent 

work on that body's behalf. As a 

mark of appreciation of this work Legacy 

has given 64 special certificates to Hoyts 

suburban and other theatres in New South 

Wales which have adopted a Legacy ward. 

Recently these certificates were put on display 

in the theatre vestibules. 

• * « 

Michael Forlong, director of the National 

Film Unit of New Zealand who recently returned 

from Britain where he had been 

studying film production, said in a press interview 

that in his opinion outdoor story 

films with amateur local actors could be 

made in New Zealand "for sale to Britain as 

second features." He added: "I think that 

special films for children also could be made 

in New Zealand, for our scenery and our 

light are two important features. Any decision 

about my proposal, of course, would 

depend entirely upon government policy, but 

a first class documentary could be made for 

less than £10,000." 

• * « 

Film executives in Australia are complaining 

that since the recent air disaster in which 

it is thought (so far without any factual 

foundation) that a fire breaking out among 

films in the cargo might have been responsible, 

several commercial pilots have refused 

to fly any film whatever. Official 

regulations say that up to 3,000 ft. film may 

be flown in any one plane if the film is 

packed in sealed metal containers. Aircraft 

officials, however, say that the reason 

for refusals has been that "films have been 

packed in a very careless manner." One 

leading executive in Western Australia complains 

that such refusals by pilots mean that 

his newsreels are a week old when screened. 

Other executives say that the refusals are 

"inconvenient, but not vital." The main persons 

hit, by pilots' refusals and the regulations 

themselves, are exhibitors in wayback 

areas, who previously have had all their 

programs delivered by air. 

• • « 

Although the majority of 

independent exhibitors 

in Australia let the selling of sweets. 

Start Filming PORT LAND 

Feature 

ice cream, etc., to the lessee of a nearby confectionery 

store (sometimes a tenant of the 

theatre owner) Greater Union Theatres, 

while not operating its own concession, exercises 

control over the types of confections, 

sold. This company, together with a few 

other leading exhibitors, is aware that the 

handling of such merchandise is an excellent 

asset. Although in the past there has been 

little or nothing made public regarding this 

avenue of business. Greater Union Theatres, 

while not operating its own concession, exercises 

control over the types of confections, 

sold. This company, together with a few 

other leading exhibitors, is aware that the 

handling of such merchandise is an excellent 

asset. Although in the past there has been 

little or nothing made public regarding this 

avenue of business. Greater Union now admits 

that the sale of such lines to patrons 

brings in revenue equal to from 20 to 25 per 

cent of the boxoffice take. 

Most popular lines in the great majority of 

theatres are boxes of chocolates selUng at 

around 35 cents, packets of block chocolate 

at about 12 cents and ice creams at six cents. 

All figures are based on current exchange 

rates. A quite decent business in the leading 

city houses is done in higher-priced boxes 

of chocolates at around the dollar mark. In 

addition, the return from advertising on theatre 

screens is equal to that from confectionery. 

* • * 

The latest figures on commercial 16mm 

film exhibition in New Zealand show 

that exhibitors offering 16mm fare in that 

country now number 59. Fifty are individual 

houses and nine have touring shows playing 

in 38 centers. In addition, 16mm films are 

being screened noncommercially in 41 schools 

and colleges, 38 hospitals and sanatoriums, 

16 homes and institutions, 11 convents, seven 

orphanages and seven fire stations. Screenings 

in these noncommercial spots range from 

two a week to one a month. 

Clyde Waterman, chairman of Ozone Theatres, 

South Australia, plans to build four 

drive-ins in that state. He said that land 

has been purchased and technical equipment 

has been made. 

"Each site will be from 14 to 16 acres, with 

room for from 800 to 1,200 vehicles." There 

also is interest in drive-ins in both Brisbane 

and Perth. Although one leading suburban 

exhibitor in the Perth area has expressed 

his intention to build one soon, plans in 

Brisbane have not brought any concrete 

results. 

« * * 

Elisabeth Bergner, now appearing on the 

Australian stage, may after her return to 

London for further stage contracts, again 

visit Australia, this time for work in an 

Australian film. 

• • • 

Registered recently: Global Enterprises 

Pty. Ltd.. Capital £5,000; motion picture 

film manufacturers. Subscribers. W. M. 

Barrett and J. S. Aird. Office, 64 Bayswater 

Road, Darlinghur.st, New South Wales. 

jUTark McDougald of the Adamson circuit 

spent his vacation at the Pendleton 

Roundup . Pragastis, owner of the 

State Theatre in Oregon City, and his fam- 

. . Manager 

ily are leaving for a four-month trip in 

Europe and a visit to friends and relatives in 

Greece . Lake, controller for J. J. 

Parker Theatres, will attend the American 

Legion convention on his vacation . 

William Grant and salesman Dale Wilily 

kins will attend the Monogram meeting in 

Tom Moyer and his family 

Hollywood . . . 

returned from a trip to Chicago. 

Dave Reese to Remain 

LODI, CALIF.—The Lodi and the State 

theatres here will retain Dave Reese as manager 

upon their transfer from T&D Enterprises 

to the Fox West Coast chain. No new 

manager for the Sunset, which T&D will 

maintain, has been named. Reese said the 

State, which had been operating on weekends 

only, probably will begin full scale, 

seven-day-per-week operation soon. 

Westside Sets Sept. 15 Opening 

PLEASANTON, CALIF.—Opening of the 

new drive-in near this city has been set for 

September 15, according to Matthew Trotter, 

manager of the State in Livermore. The 

drive-in, operated by Westside Theatres, Inc., 

is located on Santa Rita road about one mile 

north of town. The theatre will accommodate 

350 cars. The snack bar at the theatre is 

finished in redwood. 

Fay Honey and Son Open Drive-In 

SUNNYSIDE, WASH.—Fay Honey, who 

has been in the theatre equipment business 

many years, and his son Lloyd have 

opened the 500-car Starlite Drive-In. 

which was designed by the elder Honey. 

Lloyd, w-ho has been operating the 1.200-seat 

Star Theatre in north Richland, has moved 

here with his wife Yvonne and two children 

to operate the Starlite. 

Many 'First' Claims 

On War Scenes 

HoHy«'ood—Probably it's the nature 

of the business—but the fact remains 

that the Korean conflict is bringing 

forth from the makers of motion pictures 

more claims of "firsts" than are to 

be found in the book of Genesis. Most 

recent: 

RKO reports that "Flying Leathernecks" 

will be the first Hollywood feature 

to incorporate actual scenes of the present 

Korean conflict. Producer Edmund 

Grainger dispatched film editor Robert 

Belcher to Washington to review several 

thousand feet of film shot by cameramen 

with the U.S. marine corps air wing 

during the current fighting. Although 

the RKO film deals with World War 

II, 

Grainger has added a sequence which 

brings the action up to the present. 

62 

BOXOFFICE 

:: September 9, 1950

Allied of Minnesota 

Backs Price Upturn 

MINNEAPOLIS—North Central Allied directors 

urged all exhibitors, "large and 

small," to re-examine admission price policies 

in light of increasing costs, with view 

to raising scales "all along line." 

The directors at a meeting Wednesday 

also adopted a resolution condemning distributors 

for boosting film rentals on Twin 

City subsequent run exhibitors as clearances 

were moved up. The resolution demanded 

"relief" for such exhibitors "whose receipts 

are declining while costs rise." 

Another resolution put NCA on record as 

withholding approval of the recently organized 

Northwest Motion Picture Committee 

for National Defense, to guide territory's 

industry in war activities and headed by 

Harry B. French, Minnesota Amusement Co. 

president. The resolution claimed the committee 

was not set up in accordance with 

COMPO procedure. President Bennie Berger 

said COMPO will be asked to straighten out 

the situation. 

Directors also agreed to urge all exhibitors 

to pay COMPO dues, and will try to get 

enough members to attend the Allied States 

convention in Pittsburgh October 2-4 so a 

private car can be chartered. 

Hearing Sept. 1 1 

on Plea 

Of Wm. Grouse vs. MAC 

MINNEAPOLIS — The federal court here 

has scheduled a hearing for September 11 

on a motion of William Grouse, Eveleth, 

Minn., exhibitor, for an order to inspect the 

books, records, files and accounts of the 

Minnesota Amusement Co. and major film 

distributors. He is suing the latter for 

$1,500,000 damages for alleged losses sustained 

by his showhouse because, he charges, 

the MAC theatres in the adjoining town of 

Virginia, Minn., enjoyed discrimatory runs 

over his own theatre. 

John Ludwig Drops Suit 

Agcrinst MAC Dissolution 

MINNEAPOLIS — Instead of fighting a 

partnership dissolution in the courts, as he 

originally had planned. John Ludwig, former 

Publix circuit official, is taking over the 

State and Star conventional theatres and the 

Lakewood Drive-In at Jamestown, N. D., himself, 

and the Minnesota Amu.sement Co. will 

have the Grand there. All four theatres were 

included in the former Ludwig-MAC partner- 

.ship which had to be dissolved in accordance 

with the Paramount consent decree. 

Ludwig had brought a friendly court suit 

against MAC to halt dissolution of the partnership 

on the grounds that he was made an 

"unwilling victim of the consent decree." He 

now has dropped the action. 

Give Anniversary Prizes 

OTTAWA, KAS. — The first 

anniversary 

celebration arranged by owner Glenn Underwood 

for his Hillcrest Theatre included distribution 

of $50 in prizes. 

Minneapolis Alvin Reopens 

MINNEAPOLIS — The Alvin Theatre has 

reopened here with burlesque-musical revue 

stage shows. 

Business Future Looks Brighter, 

Exhibitors in 

WICHITA—Local exhibitors indicated this 

week that while there has been no remarkable 

boost in business it has been "holding 

its own" and the overall outlook is good. 

In some cases there has been a slight increase. 

In instances where there has been 

an increase the exhibitor has felt it was 

a result of better pictures. Good westerns 

have been drawing particularly well. 

Woody Barrett, publicity director for Fox 

Midwest Theatres, said that while there had 

been no noticeable increase in business, certain 

pictures have drawn over normal crowds. 

Free downtown parking for customers is 

a new idea which is paying off for the 

chain. Arrangements with 12 parking lots 

afford space for 3.000 cars after 6 p. m. The 

patron turns his parking ticket in at the 

boxoffice and the price is deducted from the 

admission ticket. 

Barrett says that satisfaction 

has been expressed, not only by the 

customers but by city officials since the plan 

has helped to relieve a serious parking situation. 

STEADY. SAYS SLOTHOWER 

Mrs. T. H. Slothower, co-owner of the 

Slothower Theatres, said business has remained 

fairly steady since World War II. 

She said she believes this is due to giving 

patrons the kind of pictures they want to see. 

"People come to the theatre to relax," said 

Mrs. Slothower. "They like good comedy, 

good drama with natural, normal plots. They 

like happy endings to their pictures. And 

I believe the good western is really coming 

into its own." The Slothowers own a chain 

of theatres in Wichita, including a new 

drive-in, and houses in Mulvane, Valley 

Center and Belle Plaine. 

Leonard Kane, general manager of the 

O. F. Sullivan Theatres, said "Business has 

picked up. We have been doing good business 

on our first run pictures and our receipts 

on subsequent runs have picked up 

on an average of 25 per cent." 

At the Crest, which Sullivan opened in 

January with a Hollywood premiere showing 

of "The Heiress," Kane said. "Business at 

the Crest has been just the reverse of what 

is expected at new suburban houses. It was 

slow in building up but has been increasing 

steadily until August 28 when the house had 

capacity business during the entire run of 

"Our Very Own.' We repeated the attraction 

for another w'eek at both the Crest and 

the downtown Crawford to phenomenal business. 

That proves that suburban houses 

can do as well, or better, as downtown theatres 

if pictures are comparable." 

NAME CHANGE HELPS 

George A. Sprouie. owner and manager of 

the Corral, said that he feels the redecorating 

of the theatre and changing the name 

from the Novelty to the Corral has been 

responsible for keeping business steady. The 

western theme Is carried out in both the Interior 

and exterior and includes an attractive 

marquee lighted by a neon sign of a 

cowboy on a galloping horse swinging a 

lariat. 

Sprouie changes attractions three times 

a week and features westerns except on 

Wednesdays when he runs Mexican films. 

While this type of film has not pulled the 

Wichita Believe 

business he anticipated. Sprouie says it is 

good enough that he plans to continue the 

policy. He says that he has noticed some 

increase in business and attributes it to the 

increase in population as more and more 

people move in to take jobs in war plants. 

Looking to the future, most of the exhibitors 

expressed the idea that business will 

get better. Many are expanding or redecorating. 

The Fox-Miller is undergoing extensive 

redecorating. 

In addition to the building of the Cre.st, 

O. F. Sullivan has acquired another suburban 

house, the Tower. He also recently 

remodeled his two houses in Winfield, the 

Regent and Winfield. 

In the Slothower chain, the Southern was 

redecorated and Mrs. Slothower reported 

that the house in Belle Plaine was redone. 

A new theatre and shopping center is being 

built by Mr. and Mrs. Slothower now and 

they expect to have it ready for opening 

some time in December. 

At the Slothower's new Meadowlark 

Drive-In which opened in July, Mrs. Slothower 

said. "Business has been wonderful considering 

we have had one of the wettest, 

coldest summers on record. Many a night 

I sat in the boxoffice and just couldn't believe 

that so many people would come out 

to see a movie in such weather." 

Others in the drive-in business reported 

that business "has been good, considering." 

Leonard Kane said that the Sullivan driveins 

had done fairly well. He expressed the 

feeling that the war situation might affect 

drive-in business considerably if restrictions 

are put on. 

Pew exhibitors felt that TV is an immediate 

problem here. 

Sales of Three Theatres 

Handled by Savereide 

ONAMIA, MINN.—The Arrowhead Theatre 

here has been sold to Dwight U. Traver 

and Emil Weiss of Detroit Lakes, Minn., by 

L. W. Seeley, who is retiring because of poor 

health. The deal was handled by the Minneapolis 

office of Savereide Theatre Brokers. 

Traver and Weiss are new to theatre business. 

Other sales handled recently by the Savereide 

agency included the sale of the Hollywood 

Theatre at Spencer. S. D., to Louis 

Moro by the Jensen Bros, and the sale of 

the Ritz, Veblen. S. D.. by Don McCright to 

Henry Humann. 

'Double Feature' Babies 

To Sedalia Managers 

SEDALIA. MO.— It was a double feature 

in the families of theatremen G. L. Nichols 

and Joe Ruddick. A daughter was born to 

Nichols, manager of the Liberty, at 11:27 

Thursday night (24). At 10:30 the next 

morning a son was born to Ruddick, manager 

of the Fox Theatre. 

Acquires 'Black Chiffon' 

Producer Sol Lesser has acquired .screen 

rights to "Black Chiffon," a stage play now 

running In London, to be produced for RKO. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: September 9, 1950 MW 63

. . Jack 

D E S 

MOINES 

TITeddings of two Filmrowers took place last 

week. Joanne Herdwin, Universal, was 

married in Knoxville, Iowa, to Marion Witzenberg. 

Attending from the exchange were 

Mable Magnusson. Kay Quinn, Barbara 

Bumgarner and Mildred Holden. The Witzenbergs 

will live in Ames where he is a senior 

at Iowa State college . . . Kathryn Richards, 

Monogram stenographer, was married to 

James Hohl. Kathryn will continue to work 

at the exchange. 

Paul McMastcrs, Columbia assistant booker, 

is on vacation . Gibson, EL 

booker and office manager, has returned 

from his vacation, the last part of which he 

spent ill and in bed . . . Warner late summer 

vacationers include Myrtle Bechtel, 

cashier; Beatrice Porter, inspector, and Lake 

Tllton. porter . . . Lois Butcher is new clerk 

at Universal . Bernice Dykstra, Universal 

. . 

cashier, spent the Labor day weekend in 

Pella . . . Helen Clarke and Joanne Hoffman, 

Republic, drove to Lake Ahquabi over 

the weekend to swim and sun. 

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. 

Bob Perkins, Monogram stenographer, has 

received orders to report for army duty. 

Mary Ann Schweiker will replace him 

Jim Ricketts and Dick Shields, 

. . 

Monogram 

salesman, will attend a sales meeting in 

Kansas City September 9, 10 . . Marjorie 

. 

Winburn, Paramount manager's .secretary 

who has been away from the office for a 

couple of weeks with hay fever, is ill again 

Norma Tilden and Lucille Wesp of Tri- 

. . 

States are spending their vacations on a 

motor trip. They started south, with no particular 

destination in mind. 

Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Blank were hosts at a 

dinner at the Des Moines club honoring 

Joel McCrea. Ann Blythe, Joaquin Garay. 

Carol Varga and Rock Hudson, stars who 

were here on a personal appearance tour. 

Perry Drive-In Robbed 

PERRY, IOWA—The Corral Drive-In was 

broken into one morning last week after the 

theatre had closed. The concession stand was 

robbed of cigarets, ice cream, crackerjack 

and four cases of .soft drinks. The robbery 

was the second at the theatre this summer. 

At that time, about a week after the opening 

in the spring, cigarets and cigars were taken. 

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KANSAS 

'T R. Thompson, manager at Monogram, left 

Monday (4) for Los Angeles to attend 

the national meeting for branch managers 

September 5-7. Tho.se attending will represent 

both Monogram and Allied Arti.st^ . . . 

R. R. Biechele. who operates the Osage in 

Kansas City, Kas., and has other theatre 

holdings, has been taken to Bethany hospital 

for observation . condition of "Peck" 

Baker, veteran of the indu.stry in this locality, 

was reported unchanged at this writing. 

He has been critically ill for several weeks 

and is m St. Margaret's hospital. 

Betty Caruso, cashier at Lippert Productions, 

took a Labor day weekend vacation in 

Beulah Levy, assistant cashier 

Chicago . . . 

at United Artists, is on vacation . . . Word 

has been received here that Ken Levy, formerly 

a booker at Universal and now office 

manager at Salt Lake City, has added a 

second girl to his family. 

. . 

"Duke" Clark, south central division manager 

for Paramount out of Dallas, was on 

the Row Wednesday (30) and Thursday of 

last week. He conferred with H. R. Hamburg, 

branch manager, about Paramount week 

(Starting September 1) and other matters. 

Hamburg reports that Paramount week this 

year has been the biggest for a number of 

years in this territory, with the greatest 

number of shipments by 25 per cent, and 

going up to 300 per cent of the quota in 

money. Both "Sunset Boulevard" and "Fancy 

Pants" were opening to outstanding business 

in this territory, he said . . . Don Davis, 

theatre equipment sales head at RCA Victor, 

left Wednesday (30) for a business trip which 

The 

included lola, Kas., and Joplin, Mo. . 

Shreve Theatre Supply Co. has furnished 

the screen and curtains for the new post 

preview room at Ft. Leavenworth. This will 

be used for instructional screenings in the 

War college, under the supervision of Major 

Barrett. 

Bill Kubitzki, Kansas salesman for Universal, 

suffered a heart attack on Monday 

and is in Wadsworth Veterans hospital at 

Leavenworth for treatment . . . Jim 

Lewis, 

RKO division manager. Is out of town on 

vacation . . . Margaret Mathews, secretary 

to RKO office manager, Robert Krause. was 

married August 31 in Clarksville, Tenn., to 

Alex Pontes, corporal in an air borne unit. 

He already has left for overseas duty. Mrs. 

Fontes is back at her desk . . . Harriet 

Medov, another secretary in the RKO offices, 

has announced her engagement to Morton 

Mann, co-owner of the Carl-Mann Cloak Co. 

. . . 

The marriage will take place after the first 

of the year Earl Jameson sr., president 

of Exhibitors' Film Delivery, has returned 

from a trip to Oklahoma City and Dallas 

where he was completing plans to start shipping 

from those points for United Artists on 

September 17. 

Dean Snitz, branch manager for Eagle 

Lion. Frank Norriss, head booker, Al Lies 

and Larry Biechele, salesmen, will go to Chicago 

for the regional sales meeting to be 

held there September 14-16. Eagle Lion is 

holding two regional meetings instead of one 

national one, the other one held in New 

York September 7-8-9 . . Betty Valdcz, 

. 

biller at Warner Bros., leaves September 15 

CITY 

with the marine corp reserves . . . "Rube" 

Melcher, Poppers Supply Co.. is back from a 

business trip in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

. . . 

Anthony L. Sinclair, .sales representative 

for the Fleming wholesale grocery firm, died 

Thursday (30) at St. Joseph hospital. He 

leaves his wife Amy. office manager at MGM 

during the war and now secretary to Bob 

Withers, manager at Republic. The Sinclair 

Back 

home is at 7729 Ward Parkway 

to the 20th-Fox exchange from vacations 

which included the Labor day weekend were 

Bob Montgomery, booker, Georgia Svettick, 

switchboard operator, and Evelyn Enrich, 

stenographer. 

Warner Bros, will hold a special week, 

October 15-21. honoring Roy Haines, eastern 

division sales manager. Don Walker, publicity 

director, has returned from a week in 

Denver where he was setting up campaigns 

on the new Warner pictures. 

Missouri exhibitors seen recently on Filmrow 

included Elmer Bills of the Lyric at 

Salisbury, who had been in Oklahoma about 

ten days looking after some of his holdings 

there. Leo Hayob from the Mary Lou and 

North at Marshall, and T. F. Chenoweth, 

manager for the Noll and Roxy at Bethany 

... Ed Branch. RCA Service Company's 

chief clerk, has left for a two-week vacation 

. . . Charlie Gardner, RCA Victor sales 

representative, is the father of a fourth child 

born at Menorah hospital, this time a girl. 

That makes his family two and two . . . 

Charles Shereve, Shreve Theatre Supply Co., 

has retiu-ned from a two-week naval tour 

which started from Seattle . . . L. J. Klmbriel, 

manager at the Missouri Theatre Supply 

Co.. is spending his vacation in Canada. 

Air Conditioning Installed 

PERRY, IOWA—A new air conditioning 

plant has been installed at the Perry Theatre 

here. 

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Judge Studies Ruling 

In New Durwood Suit 

KANSAS CITY—Judge Joe W. McQueen 

of the circuit court here was expected to make 

a decision in about ten days on the application 

of Edward D. Durwood, president of the 

Durwood circuit, for an injunction to restrain 

two brothers from engaging in the theatre 

business in St. Joseph, Mo. 

Durwood alleged that his brothers, Irwin 

Dubinsky of St. Joseph, and H. W. Dubinsky 

of Rockford, 111., are violating a contract by 

operating a theatre business from St. Joseph. 

He alleged that the use of the name Dubinsky 

Bros. Theatres, Inc., is a further violation. 

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Durwood's name formerly was Dubinsky. 

The hearing before Judge McQueen is a 

new phase of the legal controversies among 

the Dubinsky theatre family. In 1946 Durwood 

was declared owner of the Durwood- 

Dubinsky chain in Kansas and Missouri following 

litigation in the Cole county circuit 

court at Jefferson City. A settlement was 

made after a three-week trial in which Durwood's 

younger brothers sought an equal 

share. Lawyers in the case said the settlement 

involved approximately $350,000. 

Under the contract the Dubinskys agreed 

not to operate theatres in St. Joseph, Kansas 

City, Jefferson City or St. Joseph, where 

Durwood operates. 

Counsel for the Dubinskys said they do not 

operate any theatres in St. Joseph and that 

the tradename patent on Dubinsky Bros. Theatres 

extends only to script type. The Dubinskys 

use block type. 

Mrs. Ruth Dubinsky, widow of Barney, a 

brother who died in Tucson, Ariz., in 1938, 

and the Dubinsky Bros. Theatres, Inc., of 

St. Joseph are co-defendants in the suit. 

Stars of 'Saddle Tramp' 

Appear in Des Moines 

DES MOINES—Joel McCrea. who has been 

making films for 20 years. Ann Blyth. 

Joaquin Goray, Carol Varga and Rock Hudson 

were here recently on a personal appearance 

tour in connection with "Saddle 

Tramp" at the Paramount Theatre. 

McCrea told reporters the reason for his 

long career. "With me." he said, "it was a 

busine.ss proposition from the start. I did 

some acting in college and made up my mind 

I liked it well enough to go after a film 

career. I worked as an extra for two years. 

I watched the stars—saw some of them let 

fame and popularity go to their heads, saw 

some of them dissipate their lives. Having 

seen their mistakes, I decided to avoid such 

pitfalls, if possible. I enjoy my work and 

intend to keep on making pictures." 

Before the arrival of McCrea and the 

other Hollywood celebrities, R. E. Leonard, 

Paramount manager, was denied permission 

by the city council to hold parades to promote 

the picture. Leonard had asked permission 

for two noon parades and wanted to 

have loudspeaker music. 

Stars Appear on Stage 

At Omaha Opening 

OMAHA — "Saddle Tramp" opened at the 

Orpheum Theatre with Joel McCrea. Ann 

Blyth. Carol Varga. Rock Hudson. Joaquin 

Goray and Pi-oducer Leonard Goldstein on 

hand for personal appearances. 

They rated good local press. Another story 

and picture told and showed of Joel's reunion 

with an Omaha girl. Frances Jeanne 

Peter.son. pretty daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 

F. S. Peterson of Omaha. 

McCrea played the male lead in a 1937 

film, "An Interne Can't Take Money." Frances, 

then 3, played a tot i;ole. It was her 

first 

and last. 

However. Frances, now 17, is enrolled in 

dramatics at Tech High school and may be 

back in Hollywood some day. 

New Electric Sign Installed ' 

LINTON. N. D.—A new electric sign has 

been installed in front of the Linton Theatre 

by George Chapman. 

Ungerleider Named 

Durwood Controller 

KANSAS CITY — Henry S. Ungerleider, 

former treasurer for Intermountain Theatres 

in Salt Lake City, has 

been appointed controller 

of Durwood 

Theatres here. 

-,»^ «*v'T!^ 

Ungerleider is the 

I

. . 

MINNEAPOLIS 

^îlliam Eythe will appear in the musical 

revue, "Lend an Ear," at the Lyce\im 

Art Beam, 

the week of September 18 . . . 

Riverdale. N. D., exhibitor, was a visitor . . . 

Republic reissue combination, "Marines Have 

Landed" and "Join the Marines," cleaned up 

at (he downtown Tower in St. Paul. The 

fnst-named has been combined with the new 

Vaughn Monroe picture, "Singing Guns," for 

the Minneapolis Gopher. Another Republic 

picture, "Savage Voice," has been spotted 

into the Minnesota Amusement Go's, downtown 

Lyric as part of a twin bill. 

. . . Attendance 

The 7-Hi Drive-In has been granted 35- 

day availability by several of the major 

companies, and this week showed "Winchester 

'73" to big business 

records were broken by the Minnesota state 

fair which attracted 903,820 paid admissions 

in ten days. 

Three film notables were in Minneapolis 

the past wêek. Pat O'Brien appeared at the 

Hotel Nicollet Minnesota Terrace, one of the 

town's leading supper clubs. Prank Sinatra 

and Milton Berle were the stars of the National 

Fashion .show at the Auditorium . 

The Charlie Fox burlesque season at the 

Alvin chalked up the biggest opening week's 

business in Fox's entire tenancy of the theatre. 

Organ music, an added new Radio City 

Theatre feature, was off to a good start . . . 

Swedish pictures again are going into the 

Lyceum, legitimate road-show house, on weekends. 

The theatre also is playing other pictures 

between road attractions. Among other 

things, it has scheduled a festival of Italian 

film grand operas the week of September 10, 

including "Madame Butterfly." "Lucia de 

Lammermoor," etc. . . . The local COMPO 

unit organized to support the government's 

war effort will be known as Northwest Motion 

Picture Committee for National Defense. 

Seen on Film Row: Leo Ross and Cal Nygaard. 

president and general manager of the 

Home Theatres circuit in northern Minnesota 

Joe Johnson has purchased the 

. . . De Luxe. St. Paul neighborhood house, from 

Louis Milgrom. 

Improved showmanship is in evidence all 

over the territory, according to M. A. Levy. 

20th-Pox manager, and other distributors. 

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and releases are getting a better boxoffice 

break all around. Levy believes the manner 

in which his own company started the ball 

rolling with its exhibitor meeting here, 

stressing the need of more and better showmanship, 

.should be credited in part for the 

revival of oldtime showmanship. He to.s.ses 

bouquets to independent exhibitors throughout 

the territory as well as to the Minne- 

."ota Amusement Co. and other circuit theaires 

for their increased efforts to sell their 

picture attractions. He especially commends 

the ingenuity being shown and the "hard 

work." 

Uptown at Creston, Iowa. 

Remodeled and Reopened 

CRESTON, lO-WA—The Uptown Theatre 

here has reopened after being dark for 16 

months. First day was known as Preview 

day. From 10 a. m. until 4 p. m.. Technicolor 

shorts were shown every hour on the hour. 

During the rest of the day the house was 

open for inspection. The Uptown is managed 

by Robert Spencer who has been in charge 

of theatres here for Commonwealth Creston 

Theatre Corp. 

Peach and maroon terra cotta has been 

put on the front of the theatre and an 

aluminum pylon with the name of the house 

stretches up on the west side. Both th.3 

canopy and the island ticket office have 

been repainted. Display boxes are along the 

sidewalls of the open front. Sidewalls of the 

circular lobby are brown, the ceiling dome is 

a light green, the dome band is dark green 

and the ceiling apron is gold. 

The Uptown seats 470. Manager Spencer 

has been in the theatre business for 18 years. 

He ha« been in Creston since 1941. Four 

years ago the Uptown was reopened after 

being closed four years during the war. The 

house was closed in 1949 when the Creston 

hotel building started to collapse. 

Filmrow Bowling Teams 

At Kansas City Rolling 

KANSAS CITY — The Filmrow Bowling 

league season started Thursday evening (7) 

at the Tierney-Wheat alleys. Ray St. James, 

biller and rate clerk at Film Delivery, is 

president of 

the men's league. Other officers 

elected at a meeting held August 25 at the 

Republic offices: Warren Smith, secretary: 

George Crandall, treasurer, both of National 

Screen Service. 

The women's league has elected the.se officers 

for the season: Betty Oehlschlager, Pox 

Midwest, president; Gladys Melson. Hartman 

Booking Agency, vice-president: Mary Heueisen, 

Warner booker, secretary: Geraldine 

Sommers, Columbia, treasurer; Mary Beirne, 

Fox Midwest, sergeant at arms. 

Aurora, Neb., Houses Open 

AURORA. NEB. — Harold Schoonover is 

opening his theatres again here tliis week. 

Harold normally shuts down during part of 

July and August, gets a breather while the 

townsfolk center interest on baseball, vacations 

and the like. 

— 

— 

'Fancy Pants' Leads 

Twin Ciiy Business 

"Fancy 

MINNEAPOLIS—As was expected, 

Pants" outdistanced all opposition last week. 

The Labor day weekend helped takings, but 

the Minnesota state fair and the Minneapolis-St. 

Paul baseball series were tough 

competition. "The Black Ro.se" clicked at the 

State and "Born to Be Bad" did okay for 

the RKO Orpheum. 


Century—Sunset Boulevard (Para), 3d d. t. wk 100 

Lyric—The Furies (Para), 2d d 1. wk 85 

Pix—Corvette K-25 (U-I). Wings Over Honolulu 

(U-I), reissues - 90 

Radio City—Fancy Pants (Para) 125 

RKO-Orphcum—Bom to Be Bad (RKO) 100 

RKO-Pan—711 Ocean Drive (Col), 2d d. t. wk 95 

State—The Black Rose (20th-Fox) 100 

World-Our Very Own (RKO), 3d d. t. wk d5 

'Summer Stock' Opens at 190 

To Pace Kansas City Trade 

KANSAS CITY—"Summer Stock" at the 

Midland scored 190 per cent to pace downtown 

houses to an average week. "The Golden 

Twenties" at the outlying Kimo wound up a 

two-week run by grossing 130 in its final 

frame. "Sunset Boulevard" drew average in 

a second round at the Paramount and "Born 

to Be Bad" opened slightly over average at 

the Missouri. 

Kimo The Golden Twenties (RKO); Man About 

Town (RKO), 2nd wlc 130 

Midland—Summer Slock (MGM); I Was a Shopliiter 

(U-I) 190 

Mis50Un—Bora to Be Bad (RKO); Federal Man 

(EL) 105 

Paramount—Sunset Boulevard (Para), 2nd wk 100 

"Black Rose' and 'Duchess' 

Gross 135 at 

Omaha 

OMAHA— "The Black Rose" at the Paramount 

and "Duchess of Idaho" at the State 

were outstanding films of the week, grossing 

135 per cent. Weather was good. 

Omaha—Quicksand (UA); The Great Plane Robbery 

(UA) 85 

Orpheum The Skipper Surprised His Wile 

(MGM); Chuck Foster Orchestra on stage S5 

Paramoun!—The Black Hose (20lh-Fox) 135 

RKO-Brandles- Our Very Own (RKO), 2nd wk 95 

State—Duche:s of Idaho (MGM) 135 

Town—The Arizona Cowboy (Rep); The Invisible 

Man (U-I), reissue; The Invisible Man Returns 

(U-I), reissue 120 

Harold Portas Back 

HUMANSVILLE. MO.—Mr. and Mrs. Har- 

Porta, owners of the Community Theatre 

old 

here, have returned home after a five-week 

vacation and business trip west. They were 

accompanied by their son Ronny and visited 

Mrs. Porta's sister and family on a large 

ranch close to St. Joseph, Ore., Uie city 

where Walter Brennan makes his home when 

not in Hollywood. He has several holdings in 

the valley. They were guests of Brennan, 

owner, and Frank McCuUough, manager, of 

the New Rainbow Theatre, on opening night. 

Chill Wills was master of ceremonies. 

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. . Exhibitors 

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False Arrest Verdict 

Reversed at Duluth 

DULUTH—The case of the now-defunct 

Lake Theatre, a postwar cause celebre in 

Duluth's show business, appears to be at 

an end. District Judge E. J. Kenny last 

week set aside last spring's jury verdict 

awarding Bert Langley, former employe of 

the Lake, $1,050 damages for false arrest 

by two Duluth police officers. Langley was 

brought into municipal court for operating 

a theatre without a license but the charge 

was soon dropped. 

The judge, in granting a city motion to set 

aside the jury verdict, termed the evidence 

overwhelming if not conclusive that Langley's 

position made him liable for the theatre's 

operation. Kenny noted, however, that 

he was not criticizing the jury because the 

appearance and testimony of the police officers 

were not such as to impress a jury 

favorably. 

Langley's attorney, Alfred J. Weinberg, 

said that, while Langley himself could not 

afford the expense of an appeal to the 

Minnesota supreme court, there was an 

outside possibility others might take a financial 

interest in the case. In any event, added 

Weinberg, the suit for false arrest damages 

served a "healthy purpose" by pointing out 

the limitations of police powers. 

The World Theatre has now replaced the 

Lake. Langley is now manager of the Skyline 

Drive-In here. 

Service Call Produces 

Changes at Davenport 

DAVENPORT, IOWA—Managerial changes 

at the Capitol and Garden theatres here have 

been made by H. D. Greve, district manager 

for Tri-States Theatres. Byron Waltz. Davenport, 

replaces David Kerr as manager of the 

Garden. Kerr has left for Camp Pendleton, 

Calif., in the marine reserves. Waltz, who 

came to Davenport from the Schine circuit 

in Ohio a year ago, has been assistant manager 

at the Capitol. Replacing Waltz at the 

Capitol is Fred Talley, Rock Island, transferred 

from the Fort there where he was 

assistant. Talley joined Tri-States a year 

ago after being with the Claughton Theatre 

Co. in Florida. 

New Lake Theatre Opened 

KANSAS CITY—John White, who has been 

operating the Jons Theatre at Camdenton. 

Mo., opened his new Lake Theatre on Friday 

(25) and closed the Jons. Walter Shreve 

and Paul McCarty of the Shreve Theatre 

Supply Co. attended the opening. Their company 

had supplied the 425 seats, Century 

sound, projectors. Monarch lamp, KoUmorgen 

lenses, Cycloramic screen, stage curtains 

and the draperies for the new Lake. 

KMTA Cocldail Committee Named 

KANSAS CITY—Earl Jameson sr. is chairman 

of the committee on arrangements for 

the cocktail party to be held in connection 

with the KMTA convention at 

the President 

hotel here September 26, 27. Other members 

are FYed Meyn. Jack Shriner, George Baker 

and Jim Lewis. There was a -scheduled meeting 

on Friday (8i, with specific arrangements 

resulting from it to be announced later. 

BOXOFFICE September 9, 1950 

OMAHA 

Jim Shubert's report by letter from Korea 

covered a column on the front page and 

more inside in the Falls City, Neb., Journal. 

Jim was employed by Ti-i-States Theatres at 

Palls City, then moved on to Omaha as 

assistant manager of the circuit's drive-in. 

Jim then decided to join the marines and 

ended up in the thick of the Korea fighting. 

. . . 

Hildegarde will be brought here November 

3 by the women's division of the Omaha 

Chamber of Commerce Jim Castle, 

was in Paramount exploiteer, the city . . . 

Manager Larry Caplane has switched his 

RKO-Brandeis menu from one to two pictures 

the last two months with excellent 

results. The second feature probably will be 

used only occasionally in the future. 

. . . 

Exhibitors here had to buck the Little 

World Series. Last year's American Legion 

tournament here was the largest in history 

Fewer film personnel were on hand at 

exchanges this Labor day than any in the 

last decade held off their 

. 

visit a day or week . . . Louise Cotter, RKO- 

Brandeis exploiteer, is vacationing. 

Cowboy singer Rex Allen, here for an appearance 

at the Town, was guest on the 

final community sing program of the year. 

He married a former Newhawka, Neb., girl 

. . . Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey 

circus will play Playland Park, Council 

Bluffs, September 10 . . . John Blythe Barrymore 

was in town. 

Frank HoIUngsworth, owner of the Holly 

at Beatrice, has finished building his new 

home and has moved in . . . Mr. and Mrs. 

Carl Bailey, Pawnee City exhibitors, went 

to Kansas City to get their granddaughters 

who will stay with them while their mother 

recovers from a broken arm . . . Joe Scott, 

20th-Fox manager, went to Des Moines Tuesday 

and Wednesday. 

Visitors along Pilmrow included Warren 

Hall and his son, Jimmy, Burwell; Don 

Howard, Lofjan, Iowa; Glen Partlow, Stuart, 

Iowa; Adolph Rozanek, Crete and David 

City: Jim Burrus, Crete; Burly Chamberlain, 

Winnebago; Harold Schoonover, Aurora; 

Frank Good, Red Oak, Iowa; Herman Gould, 

Starview Drive-In, Lincoln; Harold Dunn, 

Valentine; H. O. Qualsett, Tekameh; Wood 

Simek, Ashland, and Max Shoemaker, Tabor, 

Iowa. 

Jane Reasor, 20th-Fox contract clerk, and 

Frances Kosuit, stenographer, went to Lincoln 

for the weekend . . . Prank Good, Red 

Oak, Iowa, exhibitor, took his first plane trip 

to the west coast and said he would travel 

that way from now on . . . Irma DeLand, 

RKO booker, flew to Kansas City over the 

VOUROnDER 

IMIMMH 

115 HYDE ST. Sdn Francisco (2) Calif:. 

Labor day weekend . 

. . Bill Miskell, Tri- 

. . . 

States Theatres district manager, said fireworks 

at circuit drive-ins boosted business 

Richard Hildreath, 20th-Fox home 

Mae Whitthauer, 

office representative, arrived . . . 

20th-Fox biller, is vacationing at 

home. 

Howard Colon, owner of the Colonial at 

Hamburg, Iowa, went to St. Louis and took 

in a couple of ball games . Mac- 

Mueller, 20th-Fox booker, is vacationing in 

Minnesota . . . C. E. Wiar, manager of the 

Sun at Coin, Iowa, took a trip to Oklahoma 

for a family wedding. 

Filmrow B'uilding Robbed 

KANSAS CITY—Offices in the Melcher 

building on Filmrow were robbed late Thursday 

night. The thief or thieves broke a 

window in the office of T. R. Thompson, 

Monogram manager. At the KMTA desk, 

$11.83 was stolen from a personal bank belonging 

to Gladyce Penrod. plus $4 in stamps 

belonging to the company. In the offices of 

George Baker and Clarence Schultz $25 

worth of stamps was taken and Poppers 

Supply lost petty cash. The police are investigating. 

DEWARD H. SHINER— Partner, 

Deward & Alson Shiner, Vernal Theatre, 

Vernal, Utah— writes: 

"RCA Service is essential to 

our policy of providing our patrons 

with the finest in sound 

and projection." 

To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite: 

RCA SKRVICE COMPANY, 


Camden, N. J. 

"Pop-Mor" 

COSTS LESS TO POP THE BEST 

?reQ DeliverY Service to Theatres 

Complete Line of Popcorn and 

Supplies 

Whitley Popcorn Co. 

Trenton, 

Mo. 

Adv. 

69

KANSAS ITEMS 

TOPEKA — News of Kansas exhibitors 

gleaned from local newspapers: 

The Hillcrest Drive-In, Ottawa, celebrated 

its first anniversary recently. Fifty dollars 

in cash prizes were given to patronize the 

night of the celebration. 

During the vacation of Harold Foster, 

manager of the Plaza Theatre. Ottawa, employes 

will operate the house. 

A new speaker was installed at the Pix 

Theatre here recently, replacing one which 

burned out. 

The Rothrock Theatre, Macksville, clo.sed 

for two days recently for a minor remodeling. 

Repainting of the hallway and a section of 

the auditorium and the installation of a 

new- aisle rug was included. 

Donald Nutter is new manager of tlie 

Crown Theatre, Dodge City, replacing G. W. 

"Nick" Carter, who was transferred to Clay 

Center as Fox manager. Nutter was formerly 

assistant manager of the Orpheum in Wichita. 

New playground equipment has been added 

to the Frontier Drive-In, Atchison. An airplane 

swing, sliding board and a teeter-totter 

were included. Norris Cresswell is manager. 

Robert Hill has purchased a share in the 

Iris Theatre at Clifton. Hill is high school 

industrial arts instructor and former basketball 

coach there. 

Dick Fryer, manager of the Peoples Theatre 

at Chanute for the last three years, has 

been transferred to lola as manager of the 

Uptown and Ida theatres. He succeeds Jack 

Hastings. 

The Kensington Theatre, Kensington, 

closed for five weeks while the owners Mr. 

and Mrs. Miles Velharticky were on vacation, 

reopened recently. 

A remodeling program has been completed 

on the Blair Theatre in Belleville by Commonwealth 

Theatres. The lobby and foyer 

were rearranged and the back two rows of 

seats were removed for a concession bar. Ed 

Weaver is manager of the Blair. 

William Peterson, for several years man- 

^m 

..-^^^^-.

Miami Exhibitors Look to Better Pictures 

General Trade Picture Is Cheerful as Top Films in Summertime Equal Winter Takes 

MIAMI—Although the summer and fall in 

this winter restort area normally are regarded 

as off seasons, with theatre grosses and other 

business hitting the peaks during the winter 

tourists months, the feeling among exhibitors 

was one of general satisfaction and quiet, if 

tempered, optimism. 

"The general industry picture is very much 

more cheerful now than it has been for some 

time," said Mrs. Edward (Lillian) Claughton 

of the Claughton circuit. 

Both she and Mitchell Wolfson. co-owner 

with Sidney Meyer of Wometco Theatres, attribute 

an upswing in business to better pictures. 

Paramount circut executives are expected 

to report later on autumn business in 

this area. 

The future outlook for business, Mrs. 

Claughton said, "definitely depends on good 

pictures more than ever." The Claughton 

houses here find that if they can play really 

topflight films they can do winter business 

in the summertime. Considering the seasonal 

aspect of this area, this condition is particularly 

encouraging. 

TECHNICOLOR MUSICALS BEST 

In the experience of this chain, the pictures 

that have done the best at the boxoffice are 

the big Technicolor musicals and the pictures 

with both star and story value. "Whether it 

is comedy or drama makes no difference," 

Mrs. Claughton remarked, "If the story is 

strong and the play is ably cast, the theatres 

are filled." On the other hand, murder mysteries, 

even those with top casts, are zero in 

popularity here. 

Bidding for product, she asserted, "has been 

our salvation." Formerly unable to book 

first runs with any degree of success, Claughton 

theatres are now showing "the cream of 

the crop." "We are very happy with the system," 

said this exhibitor. "Bidding sensibly 

and paying the maximum price that still 

leaves a safe margin of profit is good sound 

business for all concerned." 

"Parking is still one of the prime headaches 

to be solved," Mrs. Claughton thinks. Television, 

she feels, has not so far shown up as 

a threat to theatre business here. She feels 

it may constitute a threat to small pictures, 

however, reducing their boxoffice appeal. But 

she does not foresee at this time any lessening 

of the public's interest in the big screen 

productions. 

DRIVE-INS THEATRE SUBSEQUENTS 

As to subsequent-run houses, Mrs. Claughton 

sees the drive-in as a threat in one 

respect: that they are able to .show, as doublefeatures, 

the same pictures which are often 

still making the rounds of the neighborhood 

single feature houses. This is a bad situation 

which should be regulated by the industry, 

she believes. Clearance for drive-ins 

should be set back until the subsequent runs 

have had their showings, otherwise the latter 

may be forced into a double-feature policy or 

else out of business altogether. 

"Our circuit is still expanding," Mrs. 

Claughton said. "We are at present negotiating 

for another theatre which we hope to 

LILLIAN CLAUGHTON 

add to the chain in the near future." This 

program of expansion, speaking louder than 

words, denotes the optimism and confidence 

of this exhibitor. 

Wolfson said unhesitatingly that an improved 

product from Hollywood has shown 

up in improved business at the boxoffice at 

the present time. Looking to the immediate 

future he said: "If producers maintain a 

flow of pictures to, exhibitors that are top 

quality and acceptable to the public, the 

business swing is certain to continue upwards." 

BARRAGE OF CAMPAIGNS 

Good pictures plus good promotion from 

the exhibitor seems, from Wometco's viewpoint, 

to be a pretty sound insurance for 

successful operation. This circuit, as public 

relations director Mark diartrand points 

out, is actively showmanwise in promoting a 

steady barrage of campaigns on coming 

screen features, and this includes all sorts 

of devices such as tieins, radio and TV advertising, 

contests and displays. A good promotion 

is effective, usually assuring an excellent 

opening but from then on the quality 

of the picture is responsible for its successful 

run. 

Top-quality films, rather than any one 

particular type, is the best draw in this 

locality, the circuit finds. The costume 

drama, said by many to be a poor risk, will 

do well if it is on such a scale as "Tlie Black 

Rose." which currently is an immense boxoffice 

draw at Wometco first runs. Westerns, 

which are usually looked at askance, ring the 

cash register when a film like "Broken 

Arrow" comes along. A well-done family 

type picture or a really excellent suspense 

drama will do a satisfactory job at the boxoffice, 

where their inferior counterparts will 

fail. 

As for television's impact on the motion 

picture business Wometco is more firmly than 

MITCHELL WOLFSON 

ever of the conviction that these two mediums 

can. and do. complement one another to the 

benefit of both. TV may at first, the circuit 

thinks, keep people at home, but it will 

soon find its level as is the case with all 

new forms of entertainment. 

As owners and operators of WTVJ. 

Wometco now has substantiation for its belief 

that motion pictures and TV can live 

together profitably. They have been told by 

patrons at their theatres "We saw the movie 

show advertised on television and thought it 

looked good, so we came to see it." Others 

have stated, "If we hadn't seen the preview 

of this picture on our television set we would 

never have known about it." 

Results of TV promotion for motion pictures 

has shown very clear effectiveness. A 

recent example of this was the TV program 

which publicized "Destination Moon." A live 

show in front of the downtown Miami Tlieatre 

showed men in space suits discussing a 

trip to the moon. Though the program was 

on the lighter side, the comments of the actors 

were factual concerning space conditions 

such as the film demonstrates. The program 

drew a great deal of comment from onlookers, 

creating interest in the feature screen attraction 

which opened to capacity houses. 

Patrons said they "got interested because of 

the 'preview' " on their TV screens. 

Television, Wometco has said right along, 

will create its own stars just as radio did. 

Performers will begin on television and be 

recruited by Hollywood, as happened on radio 

in such outstanding cases as Bob Hope, Bing 

Cro.sby and Jack Benny. 

Wometco Theatres is demonstrating its 

confidence in theatre business here by continuing 

with its plans for expansion, two 

luxury houses being currently in the building 

stage. 

Dan Cudone, one of the partners in 

(.Continued on next page) 


SE 71

MIAMI 

T\ K. McComas, who manages the Tropicaire 

Drive-In. says he is doing fine raising 

a first-rate baseball team. 

A baby son named 

Alan Dix is the third boy to put in his 

appearance. The new arrival will probably 

be called by his middle name, a family name 

which is a habit with the McComas family 

... A fireworks display was Burt Clark's 

plan for the Boulevard Drive-In for Labor 

day, but the nearness of a tropical hurricane 

brought storm precautionary preparations instead. 

His plans called for other special events, 

including a stage show and round and square 

dancing. 

The Dixie inaugurated its stage show policy. 

By an odd coincidence one of the open- 

. . . 

ing acts was billed 

ricane." It opened the day a hurricane from 

Cuba, the real article, skirted Miami 

"The Black Rose" was doing terrific business 

as "Fina, the Cuban Hur- 

at the Miami, Lincoln and Miracle. The 

opening day at the Miami was the biggest 

in the past 20 years. 

Ed May must have some very good housekeepers 

at the Lincoln. A patron lost a small 

pin at an evening performance, reported it 

that same evening, and it was returned to 

her the following morning. It had lodged in 

a corner of a seat, proving that the theatre's 

cleaning crew really cleans in all the corners 

everif day. The pin was an heirloom. 

Spot announcements on the radio informed 

the public that Wometco would keep its theatre 

open for their convenience during the 

recent hurricane scare. Most theatres in the 

area keep their houses open during storms so 

that people may use them as safe places to 

remain in, or as a means to forget the winds 

Easel posters in lobbies of Paramount 

outside . . . 

theatres here publicize the contests 

which they sponsor along with an air line, 

prizes being three-day trips to Butlin's, Na.s- 

R. L. KELLY— Manager, Badger 

Theatre, Reedsburg, Wisconsinsays: 

"RCA Service assures the constant, 

reliable equipment performance 

demanded by my 

patrons and assures us against 

equipment failures." 

— 




Camden, N. J, 

Adv. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. GO. „:j,;,';V.'i;rkf„ 

CHICAGO 

Business at Miami 

sau and Cuba. Screen trailers further call Is on Sound Level 

attention to the contest. 

(Continued from preceding page) 

Jones, owner of a Cocoanut Grove restaurant, 

recently 

Brandt's Roosevelt Theatre in Miami Beach, 

polled 40 of his customers regarding 

feels that, as a newcomer, 

the nearby 

he 

Grove 

can not comment 

on business conditions in the theatre 

Theatre's doublefeature 

policy. All 40, according to Jones, said 

world here with any authority. 

that the twin-picture policy keeps them 

He is, however, 

definitely on the confident side about 

out 

of the theatre . . . Curry Andrews arranged 

motion picture business in general. 

for the selection of Miss Miami Shores to 

The reason he is "bullish" about picture 

take place on the stage of the Shores 

business is because he believes it is the No. 1 

Theatre. 

entertainment of the American family. "Can 

A lot of Hollywood mail will have to be rerouted 

you imagine any small town, for instance, 

to Florida if all location plans for without a movie theatre?" He Ls therefore 

Florida jell. Betty Hutton will spend some confident that business will improve because 

time in Sarasota as soon as Cecil B. DeMille movies are an integral part of American Ufe. 

starts production on "Greatest Show on D. K. McComas of the Tropicaire Drive-In, 

Earth," while Paramount's Bill Thomas and located in a far southwest section of Miami 

Bill Pine are interested in Florida locales for area, feels that the attendance problem of 

"Crosswinds." Weekiwachie Springs area is an outdoor theatre may not reflect the same 

also due for some attention from an independent 

producer. 

He found business off slightly during the past 

conditions as would the first runs in town. 

month. Miami, it must be remembered, has 

The Sonny Shepherds are home from a a seasonal problem and this is normally a 

Keys fishing vacation. Asked about his luck, dull time of year. Another factor was an 

Sonny replied: "Oh, nothing much to lie unusual mosquito invasion. The drive-in is 

about" . . . The Olympia's stage show was equipped to contend with such a situation 

temporarily discontinued with the current but people are nevertheless leary of parking 

offering. It will be resumed again about outdoors at night under such circumstances. 

Thanksgiving time. Meanwhile, the theatre Though the Tropicaire has only a twoyear 

operation to base opinions on, McComas 

will pursue a first run policy, showing films 

normally playing the Paramount which is says the autumn usually has proved dull for 

undergoing extensive renovation. 

the drive-in. Geared to serve families mostly, 

the theatre found that with the 

The Miami Beach 

commencement 

of school, parents were not so apt to 

Variety Theatre was the 

victim of youthful vandalism recently. Thirteen 

theatre seats were slashed and the 

bring children to a double-feature which 

would keep them up on school nights. 

stuffing removed. An 

On 

apartment adjacent to 

weekend nights, however, attendance 

and owned 

went up 

by the theatre also was entered, 

again. 

a fire set on the floor, kitchen cabinets 

"Frankly," 

broken and 

McComas said, "lately we have 

sugar strewn through the rooms. 

not been able to get any outstanding pictures 

such as we got earlier—the kind that 

Police have rounded up five youthful suspects. 

William C. Chalk, motorcycle policeman, draw people in. People come from long distance 

was on television without knowing it, and 

to see 'Twelve O'clock High' for 

the program's audience saw and heard an instance, or 'Cinderella', or other such films. 

unscheduled ten-minute drama in which a We have some good ones coming up again 

disk jockey got a traffic ticket. Chalk went shortly, though, and that will be the best 

into the WTVJ studio to look for two drivers stimulant to business." 

of illegally parked cars. He walked up to McComas said that the concession stand 

Alex Gibson, not realizing Gibson was on at the Tropicaire will have to be enlarged 

the air. Gibson at first tried to convey by and plans are being drawn. "We thought 

signals to Chalk that he was being broadcast, we had it big enough," he said, "but we found 

then realized that he had a very good unrehearsed 

we could not serve fast enough during interaged 

show. For ten minutes he encourmission." 

If patrons think they are going to 

Chalk to advise him about traffic regulations 

miss the start of the picture they won't wait 

and then accepted the traffic ticket. for food. "One of the best ways to judge how 

Chalk didn't get stage fright until he was good a film is, is to notice if people hang 

leaving and found that he had been performing 

for the station's entire TV audience. ture is on." 

around the concession stand when the pic- 

Spies report that there is a regular Wednesday 

afternoon coffee klatch sans coffee in 

the Olympia Theatre's balcony, consisting of 

a quiet gathering of Paramount officials and 

any stray amusement critics who happen to 

be around. 

THEY KNOW HOW 

To Star With Mark 

! 

Stevens 

Joyce Holden will star with Mark Stevens BEST BY TEST 

in the U-I film, "Prisoner of 'War." 

QukkoA, 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE DIT-MCO DRAG BROOM THAN THE REST 

NEXT TIME ORDER FROM 

For Icvclino nnd rillirio holes in oravrl-covrieil Drivt'lns 

1327 Wobaih 

FILMACK 


. . Archie 

. . Robin 

. . Mr. 

. . John 

. . 

. . Georgia 

Dixie in Miami Adds 

Variety Program 

MIAMI — N. N. Bernstein, owner of the 

Bernstein circuit, is changing the policy of 

the Dixie Theatre in downtown Miami. A 

demand for live talent shows has prompted 

this move, and beginning August 31 and to 

continue "until further notice." the former 

double-feature policy was replaced by an 

"all-star variety program." 

Robert Clyman. Dixie manager, has been 

working with Bernstein in this changeover 

of the theatre's format. Each .stage show 

will be booked to run one week, a new show 

starting every Thursday. Four acts of vaudeville 

will be featured. Talent will be drawn 

in large part from feature attractions and 

celebrities appearing in local night clubs and 

hotels, a wide choice being available. 

In charge of music will be Charlie Masters, 

director of his own band. Masters is the 

well-known drummer clown who attained 

popularity as Charlie Masters and his Music 

Masters, and who has appeared with such 

top entertainers as Benny Fields and Gypsy 

Rose Lee. He was a featured USO entertainer 

during the past war. 

The Dixie's screen offering will change 

twice weekly, Thursdays and Sundays. A 

feature picture and selected shorts will be 

shown. Change of policy has been heralded 

for the past week in the Bernstein theatre 

advertising. 

Panama City Increases 

Occupational Taxes 

PANAMA CITY, FLA.—In order to 

replace 

the revenue lost when the city tax on theatres 

was declared invalid by the circuit court 

in a suit carried out by Martin-Davis Theatres, 

the city commissioners have boosted the 

occupational licenses. Effective October 1, 

drive-in theatres must pay $14.25 for each 

auto listening post, and regular theatres must 

pay $6.50 for each seat. City officials said 

the city lost over $15,000 annually when the 

tax was ruled invalid. 

Admissions Tax Adopted 

FORT WALTON, FLA.—An ordinance setting 

license fees and admission taxes on 

tickets sold in theatres has been adopted 

here. The occupational license has been 

placed at $25 plus two-cent amusement tax 

on each adult ticket sold. All operators are 

required to keep complete records. This additional 

amusement tax must be paid by the 

10th day of the month following each month 

of operation. 

Install Air Conditioner 

PLANT CITY, FLA. — Air conditioning 

equipment is being installed in the State 

Theatre. A unit of the Florida State Theatres, 

it is managed by Wayne Spiering. 

FLORIDA'S ONLY BOOKING AND BUYING 

SERVICE FOR INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS 

28 Yoars Experience 

HELP FOR THE UTTLE EXHIBITOR 

FLOYD 

2828 East Lake Shore Blvd. 

Jacksonville. 

STOWE 

Fla. 

Phono: 8-09G3 

ATLANTA 

jyjr. and Mrs. Frank Tinnon of the Star, 

Goodlettsville, Tenn., visited the Exhibitors 

Service office on their return from a 

Florida vacation . Mull, MGM 

booker, reported to his draft board for his 

physical examination , Thompson, 

Brookhaven, Atlanta, has instituted a special 

low price for servicemen, 

Rhodes Theatre will show- "Devil in the 

Flesh" for the first time in Atlanta . . . The 

Bankhead Drive-In held a special Labor day 

program for the kiddies with a big fireworks 

display and free comic books. The Gordon, 

Euclid, Cascade and Tenth Street theatre.-; 

held special kiddy matinees Saturday morning 

and gave away free comic books. 

Exhibitors on the Row were K, T. Barfield, 

Drive-In, Gainesville, Fla.; Branson James, 

Royce, Royston; Jimmie Biddle, Fay, Jasper, 

Fla.; Rufus Getzen, Spalding Drive-In, Griffin; 

L. J. Duncan and Sidney Laird, Al-Dun 

Amusement Co., West Point, and Louis 

Rosenbaum, Muscle Shoals. Florence, Ala. 

. . . Aunt 

C. H. Robuck, United Artists' Florida representative, 

was in the Atlanta exchange . 

Grover Parsons, manager at Eagle Lion, and 

all of his salesmen will attend a sales meeting 

in New York September 9. 10. Joyce Manning, 

Eagle Lion, is on vacation 

Fanny's Cabin was the scene of a big party 

Friday (8), given by Warner bookers and 

salesmen for exhibitors in appreciation of 

cooperation given in their drive. 

The Fox sneak previewed "The Black Rose" 

recently . . . Roy Prewitt was in Camilla, Ga. 

. . . Sue Bailey, Exhibitors Service Co.. returned 

from vacation Charlie King, 

booker, spent a week fishing at Orange Lake, 

The Peachtree Art held over "All 

Fla. . . , 

Quiet on the Western Front" for a second 

week. "Broken Arrow," after a week at the 

Fox, moved over to the Roxy. "The Good 

Humor Man," after two weeks at the Rialto, 

was replaced with "No Sad Songs for Me." 

Sylvia Schnierling, office manager's secre- 

. 

. 

tary at Universal, has resigned to move to 

New York. She has been replaced by Mary 

Sam Sherman, U-I 

Elizabeth Ruloph . . . 

Alabama and Tennessee salesman, is on a 

two-week vacation Hood, booker 

at 20th-Fox, is vacationing in Panama City, 

Eddie Moore, switchboard operator, 

Fla. . . . 

also is on vacation and Mi-s. John 

Ezell w-ill leave soon for Dallas, where they 

will remain until after the Georgia Tech- 

SMU football game. 

Other exhibitors in town included Harrv 

«bTAG^ 

AL^SAM.A 

Willoughby. Avondalc. Birmingham; Stanley 

Rosenbaum. Muscle Shoals Theatre. Florence, 

Ala.; To.n Miller, Park-Vue Drive-In. 

Florence. Ala.; John Thompson, Drive-In. 

Gainesville; Bill Boswell, Greensboro, Greensboro; 

C. C. Sutton, Skyview Drive-In, St. 

Petersburg; Hap Barnes, Drive-In, Montgomery; 

Hugh Martin. M&M Theatres. Leesburg, 

Fla.; Spurgeon Dunn, Dunn Theatres, Chattahoochee. 

Fla.; "Mitch" Mitchell. Stone 

Mountain, Stone Mountain; Cecil Grimes. 

Druid, Tu.scaloosa, Ala.; J. S. Silverstein, Oak 

Ridge, Tenn., and H. Y. Livesey, Lincoln Memorial 

school, Harrigate. Tenn. 

. . . Bob 

A new theatre will be built in Pelham by 

Interstate Theatres of Thomasville 

Moscow and Bob Mion have taken over operation 

of the Rialto and Mo.scow will have 

general supervision of all three M&M theatres, 

the Rialto, Cameo, now' the Rodeo, and 

Central here. 

Pearl Moos, booker at Columbia, is visiting 

her mother in Lincoln. 111. . . Lucille 

. 

Orr, accounting department, and John Orr. 

. Julia 

. . . 

. . 

shipper, have returned from a vacation in 

Virginia . . . Jean Tinsley. accounting department, 

also is vacationing . 

stead is a new employe in the 

. Olm- 

contract department 

. Crowder, bookkeeping 

department, has resigned to accept a position 

with Eagle Lion New inspector js 

Cordie Whitfield, contract 

Mary Clealand . . . 

clerk, and Madeline Edge, inspector, 

have returned from vacation . Mrs. Catherine 

Starnes is recuperating at home after 

an operation. 

Henry Krumm, formerly with Selznick here, 

has acquired half interest in the Realart exchange, 

New Orleans. 

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BOXOFTICE September 9, 1950 

73

! 

New Palace Theatre at Aliceville, Ala. Renovated Majestic 

Open in Shreveport 

SHREVEPORT, LA.—The Majestic Theatre, 

one of the most popular cinema houses here, 

which as been closed since July 9 due to a 

fire which caused damage estimated at over 

$25,000, was reopened Saturday i2) by Paramount 

Gulf Theatres. The lobby has been 

remodeled and the theatre proper redecorated 

and renovated. A mural has been painted 

by Mike Adkins, a Shreveport artist who has 

painted murals for night clubs here and a 

number of the churches in New Orleans. The 

opening attraction was UA's "The Iroquois 

Trail." Myrtle Parker is manager. 

ALICEVILLE, ALA.—Roth Hook, founder 

of Hook Theatres, and operator of houses 

in Tuscaloosa. Gordo. Reform. Northport and 

Eutaw, Ala., has opened the Palace Theatre 

here. 

With a capacity of 750 seats, the Palace 

was built for $80,000. Hook operates another 

theatre, also the Palace, in this town of 20,- 

000, but plans to keep the old Palace open 

only on weekends. 

NO 

PERFORATIONS 

20% MORE LIGHT 

and BETTER VISION from 

EVERY SEAT! 

Hook got his start in the theatre field 

when he opened his first theatre in Eutaw, 

Ala., in 1932. He later opened the Palace 

here. He served twenty months overseas in 

the last war, and returned a captain. He 

built a new theatre in Eutaw soon after the 

close of the war, and now has a chain of 

seven theatres in Alabama. 

The auditorium of the new Palace is 50x80 

feet and has a gallery which measures 50x30. 

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Eight Percentage Suits 

Filed in North Carolina 

STATESVILLE, N. C—Eight percentage 

suits have been filed here in district court 

for the western district of North Carolina 

against the State, Carolina and Center theatres, 

Mooresville, N. C, Dale Groom and 

Mooresville Theatres, Inc. 

Separate actions have been brought by 

RKO, 20th-Fox, Loew's, Inc., United Artists, 

Warner Bros., Columbia, Paramount and 

U-I. 

William T. Joyner and Howard E. Powers 

of Raleigh are the attorneys for each plaintiff, 

with Sargoy & Stein of New York as 

counsel. 

Chamoun Chain Reopens 

Two Theatres at Tampa 

TAMPA—Chamoun Theatres, Inc., has reopened 

two local theatres. The Casino on 

East Broadway has been remodeled by an 

architect from Spain and air conditioning has 

been installed. The Casino is the only theatre 

in the southeast which shows Spanishlanguage 

pictures exclusively. The Royal in 

West Tampa also has been remodeled. It 

will show English-language films. 

Projectionist Cloyce Brawner Dead 

PARAGOULD, ARK. — Cloyce Brawner, 

49-year-old moving picture operator who 

operated in the Paragould area, died at the 

home of his mother in Tuckerman recently. 

CYCLfflAMIC 

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Perfect vision in Front 

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Better Side Vision 

Air Conditioner Installed 

WINNFIELD, LA. — An air conditioning 

unit was installed in the Winn Theatre this 

summer. P. K. Smith is manager. 

Improvement in 

30 Years! 

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MEMPHIS 

nn office romance at 20th-Fox resulted in 

the marriage of Francis Sterling Cockrill, 

booker, and Martha Marie Taylor, contract 

clerk. The couple left for a honeymoon 

trip in the Ozarks . S. McCord, 

vice-president of Malco Theatres, Little Rock, 

was here with W. B. Sockwell. division manager, 

for conferences with local Malco officials. 

. . Exhibitors 

Bailey Prichard, manager for Monogram, 

was in Los Angeles for a company sales meeting 

. . . Ray Carter, booker at Paramount, 

has been promoted to salesman . 

Services has become booker and rep- 

resentative for the Whitehaven Theatre, 

Grenada. Miss . Herzog. New York, 

. 

Universal, was here to promote "Louisa," 

which is expected to open the last of this 

week at Malco . . Lois Andrews, actress, 

was here to see a friend, Fred Goldsmith jr. 

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a member of Variety and a department store 

executive. 

Lippert Productions is expected to open a 

Memphis exchange soon, with Red Myers, 

formerly with Eagle Lion Classics, as rep- 

Harry M. Paul, RCA Service 

resentative . . . 

Co., Atlanta, was here for conferences with 

N. B. Blount, manager. Monarch Theatre 

Supply Co. . . . S. C. BuUington, RCA engineer, 

is vacationing in Hot Springs and 

Charles Moore. Dallas, is in Memphis working 

in Bullington's place. 

. . . 

Charles Jones, Columbia booker, has been 

promoted to office manager . Clem 

Montgomery. Eagle Lion Classics, who was 

injured seriously several weeks ago in an 

auto accident, has returned to work 

Rosewood Theatre, built recently in a Memphis 

residential section by Bass Construction 

Co., opened September 3 for B. W. Bass, 

owner and operator. The Rosewood is of 

brick construction . Garber has 

been promoted from clerk to booker at MGM 

and Mrs. 

Joy Thrasher has resigned. 

. . John 

. . Clayton Tunstill. 

Jimmie Gillespie, Dallas, 20th-Fox publicity 

and advertising man, was in Memphis . . . 

John Davidson, office manager at Warner 

Bros., was vacationing in Brooklyn . 

Osborne, salesman at Warner, was in Ashville, 

N. C, on vacation . 

division manager. Malco Theatres, has returned 

from an official inspection tour of 

Malco houses in Kentucky . Sawyer, 

assistant controller for Malco, is vacationing 

Moss and Mildred Ann Didlake, 

accounting department, Malco, returned from 

a Florida vacation. 

E.\hibitors from five states were here booKing 

and shopping. From Mississippi came C. 

N. Eudy, Ackerman at Ackerman and Houston 

at Houston; J. H. Moore, Ritz. Crenshaw; 

H. C. Langford. Folly. Marks; Mart Mounger. 

City, Calhoun City, and T. E. Shaw, Dixie. 

From Kentucky was J. W. Lyles. 

Fulton . . . 

Kentucky Lake Drive-In. Benton. 

From Missouri: Roy Dillard. Dillard. Wardell; 

J. C. Mohrstadt. Joy, Hayti, and A. D. 

Fielder. Steele. Steele . . . From Tennessee: 

Louise Mask. Luez. Bolivar; Tony Carruth. 

Ritz booker. Dyersburg; Aubrey Webb, Webb, 

Ripley; Onie and Amelia Ellis, Ma.son, Mason; 

W. H. Gray, Rutherford, Rutherford, and G. 

H. Goff. Rustic. Parsons. 

From Arkansas came Oscar Jones, Jones 

circuit, Tupelo; William Elias, Murr, 0.sceola; 

Moses Shman, Lux, Luxora; Mrs. Bernice 

Fowler, Victory, Weiner; Don Landers, Radio, 

Harrisburg; Cecil Culp, Royal, Arkadelphia, 

and John Parham. Harlem. Forrest City . . . 

Kay Starr, native Memphis songbird, will be 

here September 21, 22 to sing at the Mid- 

South Fair and Livestock show. 

Film Transit, Inc., started providing direct 

transportation and pickup of films to Hartford. 

Ark., where E. A. Patton operates the 

Emerson Theatre . Katz. general 

manager of Tenarken Paramount orp., which 

operates a chain of theatres from its Memphis 

headquarters, has closed the State at 

Jackson, Termi., for extensive remodeling. 

A. Burch, owner, has closed the Burch Theatre, 

Rives, Mo., for repairs . . . First run 

managers report business is much better 

and look to the fall months with hope for 

even better business . showing "The 

Petty Girl." was leading the attendance parade 

after an all-out campaign in which two 

television trailers containing scenes from the 

picture were used many times on WMCT and 

newspaper space and radio spot announcements 

were stepped up. Loew's State showed 

"A Life of Her Own" and Loew's Palace "The 

Black Rose" to better than average attendance. 

Warner had "Tea for Two" and Strand 

"Union Station." Both reported pleasing 

business. 

CHARLOTTE 

p S. Rogers has sold the Variety Drive-In 

at Cheraw. S. C, the Cheraw at Cheraw 

and the Chesterfield at Chesterfield. S. C, to 

M. L. Workman, a brother of S. J. Workman 

of the Hollywood at Woodruff, S. C. . . . R. I. 

Belcher, booker at Republic, expects to be 

inducted in the army this month. 

Buck Hardin, Republic assistant shipper, 

. . . 

has resigned to re-enlist in the army 

Charles Abercrombie of Danville, Va.. has 

bought the Carolina in Durham from Wilby- 

Kincey . . . Mitchell Little. Republic office 

manager, vacationed in Georgia . . . Walter 

Griffith suffered a second heart attack and 

is a patient at Memorial hospital. 

. 

Elizabeth Thompson is new booker's secretary 

at Republic here services 

were held for the father of Paul Young, accountant 

for Consolidated Theatres . . . H. B. 

Meiselman has sold his interest in the North 

21 Drive-In here to Byron Adams, who was 

his partner in the enterprise. 

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The Statesville Drive-In, Statesville, N. C. 

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Sams also has purchased the Goldsboro. N. C, 

drive-in from C. D. Holder. 

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BOXOFFICE : 

: September 

9. 1950 75

Drive In at Daytona 

To Handle 750 Cars 

DAYTONA BEACH—Working plans are 

being made by MacDonough, Craig and 

Snead. architects, for a new drive-in to be 

located near the Club 400 .site on South 

Ridgewood. The 750-car theatre was projected 

a month ago when Nat Bernstein of 

Miami and Chicago signed a lease with 

Charles Geiser, president of Florida Land 

Estates, who owns the six and a half acres 

involved. 

Geiser said that he understood the entire 

acreage would be paved. Entrance and exit 

of the new theatre will be on Ridgewood. 

Drawings are being made for conce.'^sion, 

projection and ticket buildings and for the 

screen and front sign. 

Owners of the lease operate the Lejeune 

Auto Park Theatre in Miami. Bernstein 

planned to spend between $150,000 and $200,- 

000 on the Daytona drive-in. He and his 

associates also operate theatres in the north. 

Geiser said that the operators intend to 

present a combined movie and vaudeville 

bill here, bringing talent from New York 

for the local house en route to Miami. He 

also said the front of the drive-in would be 

land.scaped attractively. 

Bernstein, who has been here arranging 

details for the drive-in, was called back to 

Chicago recently because of an accident to 

his 

wife. 

Bossier City, La., Drive-In 

To Open About November 1 

SHREVEPORT. LA.—The Barksdale Drive- 

In under construction in Bossier City, across 

Red river from here, is expected to be completed 

by November 1, according to Shipman 

Bullard of Dallas, owner and operator. The 

theatre will have a 60-foot screen and a 

serve-yourself concession stand. The grounds 

will be completely asphalt blacktop as will 

also the drives and ramps. Bullard will have 

as his partner Mrs. Lilliam Lutzer of Dallas, 

and a local man will be employed as manager. 

Bullard owns a number of drive-ins 

in Oklahoma and Texas. 

Jacksonville, N. C Airer Started 

JACKSONVILLE. N. C—John M. Kime is 

building a 500-car drive-in here and plans 

to open the theatre about November 1. His 

step.son Clyde Carr will be manager. Carr 

now manages the Ocean Park Drive-In at 

Morehead City. 

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HART BEATS 

B\i 

HARRY HART 

TOE BURNS is managing the R. E. Hook 

WJRD Theatre in Aliceville. Burns attends 

a law .school in Tuscaloosa. 

John, Richard and Gerald Little own the 

509-seat Alberta in a fine Tuscaloosa neighborhood. 

John lamented that city, county, 

state apd federal taxes take 28 per cent of 

his 

gross. 

H. J. Cleveland presented a stage show at 

4:30 on Sunday afternoon at his Skyline 

Drive-In in Tuscaloosa, consisting of Bill 

Monroe and Bluegrass Boys, at an admission 

of $1.50 a car and did good business. Cleveland 

pointed out the concession business also 

was excellent, and he is planning on presenting 

similar attractions. He claims his two 

exists can empty the drive-in in five minutes. 

» * * 

Ronnie Otwell, manager of the Breman, 

Ga., won the Martin circuit showmanship 

award last month. 

John Payne of the Joy in Dawson, Ga., 

promoted three spots a day on the local station 

for two weeks in his promotion of 

"Pi-ince of Peace." 

« * « 

Lewis J. Cook had a repair job at his Millport 

(Ala.) Theatre recently when a truck 

with a log boom backed into one end of the 

marquee. He plays stage shows occasionally 

but said they are hard to get. 

Robert "Stubby" Neal, city manager for 

Paramount Theatres in Tuscaloosa, took pictures 

of crowds lined up to see "Stars in My 

Crown" for use in his ads. He obtained eight 

pulpit recommendations on the film at the 

Bama. Paramount operates the Bama, Ritz 

and Diamond there, the latter for Negro patronage, 

managed by Buddy Gaddis. 

Manager Ollie Haynes of the Ritz vacationed 

in Albany, Ga., and Anniston and 

Guntersville, 

Ala. 

The Druid, managed by C. B. Grimes, is 

receiving a pressure-type heating plant in 

addition to other improvements made this 

year; namely, new front and marquee, concession 

stand and new air conditioning. 

Winner to Hollywood 

ATLANTA — John W. Mangham of the 

Movie Quiz Co. reported this territory produced 

one of the three top-scoring contestants 

in Movie quiz during the first 13-week 

series. Eulas Johnson of Praco. Ala., who 

played Movie quiz at the Quintown Theatre, 

in Quintown. and two other top-scorers from 

other sections of the country, flew to Hollywood 

August 29, w-here the elimination contest 

was conducted. The three finalists were 

interviewed on the Welcome to Hollywood 

program broadcast on a nationwide radio 

hookup. 

Actor's Son in Role 

Philip Faversham. .son of the late actor. 

William Faversham. has been signed for a 

featured role in "Lights Out." a Universal 

film. 

New Complaint Filed 

By Meiselman Chain 

CHARLOTTE—After simmering quietly for 

several months the H. B. Meiselman Theatres 

suit against seven distributors, two theatre 

chains and one individual boiled into the 

open here last week. Meiselman and his wife 

Claire filed an amended lawsuit in federal 

district court here charging the defendants 

with violations of the antitrust laws and 

charging Wilby-Kincey Theatres, owned by 

United Paramount, with violations of the 

decree ordering divorcement of Paramount 

Theatres from the Paramount Pictures Corp. 

The complaint amends the original suit 

filed in December 1948. The original suit 

has never been heard, although a request for 

an injunction against the distributors was 

denied by Judge Wilson Warlick after a 

lengthy hearing. This decision was upheld 

by the circuit court of appeals. Meiselman 

had asked the court to bar distributors from 

licensing films for exhibition to three theatres 

here unless a like number was made 

available to his Center Theatre. 

The amended complaint said that Meiselman 

Theatres had suffered a loss of earnings 

amounting to $75,000 in the Center Theatre 

and $125,000 in the Manor Theatre at 

Wilmington. 

The theatre chains named in the complaint 

are the Strand Amusement Co., operator 

of the Imperial, and the Charlotte Amusement 

Co., operators of the Carolina and the 

Broadway. The individual named is H. K. 

Kincey, operating head of United Paramount 

in the Carolinas. The distributors are those 

which release Warner. Paramount. Columbia, 

Universal, 20th-Fox, RKO and United Artists 

product. The complaint requests a jury 

trial. The date the case will be called to 

trial has not been set. 

Renovated Sun Theatre 

Open in St. Petersburg 

ST. PETERSBURG — The remodeled and 

redecorated old Ninth Street Theatre, now 

operating as the Sun, was opened with a free 

.show. The building has been air conditioned, 

a larger screen and new projection equipment 

installed and a candy and soft drink bar 

added in the lobby. Plans are to show 

double features Sundays through Wednesdays 

and w-estern and action bills with serials 

on other days. 

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— 

Carolina TOA Revives 

War Activities Group 

CHARLOTTE—The Theatre Owners Ass'n 

of North and South CaroUna has reactivated 

its war activities committee, according to 

Mrs. Walter Griffith, executive secretary of 

the association. Members of the committee 

were informed of the group's reactivation by 

association Pre.sident J. B. Harvey of Clover. 

The committee, during World War II, 

promoted 

the sale of war bonds and assisted in 

other patriotic efforts, particularly in urging 

all theatres to show films dealing with the 

war effort. 

Committee members are H. D. Hearn of 

Charlotte, chairman; H. F. Kincey, T. A. 

Little, P. H. Beddingfield, Sam Trincher, 

H. H, Everett, Sam W. Craver and J. P. 

White jr., all of Charlotte: A. F. Sams jr.. 

Statesville; George Carpenter Valdese; Ben 

Strozier, Rock Hill: Roy Rowe: Burgaw: 

W. H. Hendrix, Greensboro: Carl R. Bamford, 

Asheville: Albert Sotille, Charleston: H. E. 

Buchanan, Hendersonville: O. T. Kirby, Roxboro; 

Lyle Wilson, Roanoke Rapids: Warren 

Irvin, Columbia, and J. B. Harvey. 

Fourteen North and South Carolina exhibitors, 

meanwhile, revealed plans for attending 

the convention of Theatre Owners 

of America in Houston, Tex. Planning to 

attend are George D. Carpenter, Verne Benfield, 

Albert Garrou and J. D. Brinkley of 

Valdese: Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Stevenson of 

Henderson, N. C: Mr. and Mrs. Ben L. 

Strozier of Rock Hill, S. C: Mr. and Mrs. 

Hank Hearn, Worth Stewart, Frank Beddingfield 

and H. H. Everett and H. F. Kincey of 

Charlotte. 

Raise Admission Prices 

CITRONELLE, ALA. — John T. Waterall, 

manager of the Citronelle Tlieatre, has increased 

prices for adults to 35 cents and for 

children to 10 cents. 

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." 


write: RCA SKRVICK COMPANY, 

INC., liadio Corporation of America, 

Camden, N. J.. 

Adv. 

Charlotte Film Business 

Doubled in Ten Years 

CHARLOTTE — Film exchange business 

here more than doubled in the nine-year 

period ending in 1948. according to a report 

just issued by the census bureau of the 

Department of Commerce. 

The figures show that the 1948 volume 

w-as $9,653,000, more than double the $4,450,- 

000 in 1939. The figures also revealed that 

the 1939 business was nearly twice as great 

as the $2,718,000 in 1929. 

The report showed that the percentage of 

increase was greater here than in any other 

exchange city with the exception of New 

York City. 

Charlotte is the smallest of the 32 cities 

which serve as exchange centers, but only 

13 reported a greater volume of business. 

Charlotte outranked such cities as New Orleans, 

Buffalo, Milwaukee, Denver and Minneapolis. 

State in Bradenton, Fla., 

Sold by Floyd Smiths 

BRADENTON, FLA. — John S. 

Millsap Of 

St. Petersburg and W. L. Cone, Bradenton, 

have purchased the State Theatre from Mr. 

and Mrs. Floyd F. Smith, who had bought it 

from Central Theatres, Inc., less than a year 

ago. Included in the transaction were all 

furnishings and equipment. The price was 

approximately $42,500. The Smiths have other 

theatre interests in Kentucky and Decatur, 

Ala., and will return to Alabama. Millsap 

has assumed active charge of the State. Cone, 

a prominent cattleman and grower, will take 

no active part. 

To Remodel at Naples, Fla. 

NAPLES, FLA. — Poblocki & Sons. Milwaukee, 

have completed plans for remodeling 

the front of the Naples Theatre. A new 

marquee will replace the old one. and the 

lobby will be increased to 95 feet in length 

and contain a ticket booth, restrooms and 

office space. Arnold Hayes, owner, expects 

the work to 

be completed by October. 

Teachers See 'My Crown' 

ARCADIA. FLA. — Delegates to the Tricounty 

Workshop of teachers from Charlotte. 

Hardee and DeSoto counties, were invited by 

Dan Sangaree. manager of the Star Theatre, 

to attend a special showing of "Stars in My 

Crown." 

Start Sunday Night Shows 

CANTON, GA.—The Howell Drive-In, operated 

south of town by Levi Howell, has 

started Sunday night shows, which start at 

9:15 so as not to interfere with Sunday evening 

church attendance. 

Circuit Manager Speaks 

FORT LAUDERDALE — A speaker at a 

recent meeting of the Lions club was George 

C. Hoover of West Palm Beach, general 

manager of the southern division of Florida 

State Theatres. He was introduced by Bill 

Russell, manager of the local theatre. 

Marquee to Be Remodeled 

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA, — The Florida 

Theatre on Main street took out a permit 

to remodel its marquee at a cost of $1,000. 

Plaza, 1,400-Sealer, 

Started in Memphis 

MEMPHIS—Construction of the 1,400-seat 

Plaza Theatre at Poplar and Highland streets 

will start next week. The contract was let 

Wednesday by the Plaza Corp. to S&W Construction 

Co. 

The theatre entrance will lead to a large 

foyer, which is designed with several entrances 

into the auditorium. There will be a 

small balcony, with a cry room on one .side 

and a private showing room in the other. 

Lounges for men and women will be spacious 

and have upholstered w'alls. The theatre also 

will contain a stage and two dressing rooms. 

Film Starlet Pat Smith 

Visits in Charlotte 

CHARLOTTE—Pat Smith. MGM starlet, 

came here to promote "A Life of Her Own" 

and do a little modeling on the side. Miss 

Smith, who was a model before entering pictures, 

has a role in the film, which stars 

Lana Turner. She also is a fa.shion expert. 

While here. Mi.ss Smith appeared on a 

radio broadcast, modeled clothes in department 

stores and went on several trips about 

the city. She was accompanied by Tom 

Baldridge, MGM publicity man. 

Miss Smith went on to Washington and 

Atlanta. She expects to return to the coast 

about the third W'eek of this month. 

Ruskin Theatre Completed 

RUSKIN. FLA.—The 500-seat theatre built 

by local capital at a cost of $63,000 is ready 

for operating. 

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Trade Up After Slump 

In New Orleans Area 

NEW ORLEANS—After the slump which 

began in this area in the late spring, business 

conditions are reported generally improved. 

The swing upward is reflected in the 

boxoffice of local theatres as well as department 

stores and other lines of business. 

Back-to-school buying was credited for 

stepped up sales in merchandise. At this 

season of the year, people generally "get set 

for the winter" by purchasing the more substantial 

articles of merchandise. 

In theatres, improvement was attributed to 

a better product on the film market by John 

Dostal. manager of the RKO Orpheum. "Our 

current lineup of pictures is stronger," he 

said. "This has reflected in the amount of 

business during the past month." Dostal remarked 

the record for the year was set on 

"Cinderella." 

A circuit spokesman with a reputation for 

shrewd business management declared that 

business is from 17 to 25 per cent off now. 

He believes, however, that business is due 

for a change. "As soon as people become adjusted 

to the defense program, they will return 

to movies as a main source of entertainment," 

he commented. 

In this particular area. too. there is no 

great television threat. To date, the coaxial 

cable has not reached this vicinity and television 

is limited to one local station. It was 

pointed out by several managers that as long 

as good pictures are turned out. the general 

public will go to the shows. 

In the general line, "community bargain 

days" were reported to have stabilized the 

local market, and sales in all lines have settled 

down to an even, dependable volume 

that merchants prefer. There are good supplies 

of all types of goods, including mechanical 

and electrical appliances which are being 

advertised. Grocery sales were reaching a 

stable level until upset by the rush buying 

for the hurricane expected here last week. 

These, of course, have returned to nor.nal 

and the market is reported even in all consumer 

goods. 

BUILDING A DRIVE-IN. INDOOR 

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Phone 3431 — Night Phone 201S 

LORRAINE CARBONS

52 TEXAS-OKLAHOMA DRIVE-INS 

BEGUN OR OPENED IN 2 MONTHS 

Total Cost of $2,958,000; 

Car Capacity of 21.891 

Or an Average of 421 

DALLAS—A bumper crop of drive-ins was 

produced in Texas and Oklahoma during 

July and August. Fifty-two airers were 

either opened or placed under construction. 

In this same period there were only ten 

theatres in the works. 

This is an increase of three drive-ins over 

the May-June period when 49 airers were 

opened or placed under construction. An 

upswing in theatre construction over the 

previous two months also was evident. 

The 52 drive-ins represent a combined 

expenditure of $2,958,000, while the total 

amount spent on theatre construction approximated 

$1,153,000. The airers have a 

total capacity of 21.891 cars, and an average 

capacity of 421 cars. 

Largest of the new drive-ins is the 1,000- 

car Texas at Corpus Christi, being built by 

C. A. Richter and Leon Newman, and the 

1,000-car unnamed drive-in Charles K. Keith 

is erecting at Forest Park. 

Lubbock is rapidly becoming a big theatre 

town with the addition of the Arnett-Benson, 

1,000 seats, recently opened by the Preston 

E. Smith circuit, and the 900-seat Rose 

Theatre opened by the Wallace Blankenship 

circuit. Another large theatre is the 1,000- 

seat umiamed house started by the Glasscock 

circuit at Floresville. 

Of the Oklahoma drive-ins, the Airline at 

Oklahoma City is the largest, having a capacity 

of 700 cars. R. Lewis Barton owns 

the airer. 

Drive-ins and theatres under construction 

are: 

OKLAHOMA 

Checotah: 66, 400, J. P. Jones. Jack LeMasters, Dick 

Grumpier and Harvy Griffin. 

Idabel: Drive-in, 400, R. B. McLendon, Tri-Stale 

Theatres. 

Perryton: Drive-in, Virby Conley. 

Shawnee: Starlite, 420, Adam Hornbeck Theatres. 

Tulsa; Airview, 600, Video Independent Tlieotres. 

Tulsa; Theatre, 500. Greenwood Theatres, Inc. 

TEXAS 

Bridge City; Theatre, 600, Walter Billeaud. 

Brownwood; Drive-in, 400, Mr. «nd Mrs. Jack 

Needham. 

Brownwood; Bluifview, 400, L. O. Morgan. 

Corpus Christi: Oasis, 600, Miller Industries. 

Corpus Christi- Texas, 1,000, C. A. Richter, Leon 

Nevnnan. 

Corpus Christi: Drive-in. 450, Arnulfo Gonzales. 

Deming; Dri/e-in, 400, Theatre Enterprises, Inc., 

George Dowdle. 

Floresville: Theatre. 1,000, Glasscock circuit. 

Foiest Park; Drive-in, 1.000. Charles K. Keith. 

Gatesville: Drive-in, 350, Skelton Bros. Theatres. 

Hillsboro: Dnve-in, Robb & Rowley. 

Lancaster; Drive-in, V. H- Post- 

Odessa; Ector Theatre, H&H circuit. 

Rotan: Drive-in, 350, Rotan Theatre Co. 

Son Angelo; Bellvue. 500, Bob Hendrick, Lee Williams 

and W. L. Anderson. 

Seagraves: Drive-in. V/allace Blankenship, Jimmy 

ThornhiU. 

Drive-ins and theatres opened: 

OKLAHOMA 

Ardmore. Dnve-in, 500. Elbin B. Anderson and 

James D. Gaskins. 

Claremore: Will Rogers, 300, Video Independent 

Theatres, 

Duncan; North Fifth Street, 240, Jack Guest. 

Holdenville Buckskin, 300, Video. 

Lawlon: Drive-in, Ned and Jack Hankins. 

Theatre Trade in Northwest Texas 

Rated 'Pretty Good' This Summer 

LUBBOCK, TEX.—Business generally has 

been good, although spotted, in the Lubbock 

area of northwest Texas during the summer 

now drawing to a close, and operators are 

looking forward to the future—both in the 

immediate and long-range sense—with cautious 

optimism. This summarizes the opinions 

expressed here by representative exhibitors of 

Lubbock and the 20,000-square-mile surrounding 

terrritory. 

The gist of the reports indicated that 

business in rapidly growing Lubbock, which 

jumped from 31,000 population in 1940 to 

more than 71,000 this year, has held up 

better, in comparison with that of the summer 

of 1949, than in the smaller communities. 

Largest of the Lubbock operators is the 

Lindsey circuit, which has eight theatres in 

the city and suburbs. J. B. Rhea, Lindsey 

manager, said that business of the circuit 

has been better than in the nation as a 

whole during the summer, although spotted 

at times. The volume has been about the 

same as during the summer of 1949, when it 

was "pretty good." Action and western pictures 

continue as top draws. 

A somewhat similar report came from the 

Preston E. Smith Enterprises, consisting of 

five Lubbock theatres. Grosses were reported 

somewhat above those of last summer. The 

recently opened Arnett-Benson. newest addition 

to the circuit, has not had time to reflect 

itself more than slightly in the comparative 

grosses. 

The most comprehensive report for the 

area as a whole came from the Wallace 

Blankenship home offices in Lubbock for a 

23-theatre northwest Texas circuit, all outside 

this city. Business for the circuit as a 

whole was reported somewhat below that of 

last summer. Even so, the lag has not been 

as much as for the nation as a whole, nor, 

for 

that matter, as much as was anticipated. 

McAlester; Skyvu, J, D. Dankister 

MadiU: Madill, 202, Edgar Peak and J. D. Hawkins. 

Manaum: Capitol, unknown owner. 

Oklahoma City: Northeast 66, 500, Mrs. L. H. 

Thomas. 

Oklahoma City: Airline. 700, R. Lewis Barton. 

Pauls Valley: Brewer, 450, L. E. Brewer. 

TEXAS 

Andrews; Mustang. Wallace Blankenship circuit. 

Anson: Twilight, 300, unknown owner. 

Beaumont: Spindletop, 516, Tower Theatres, Inc. 

Bonham: Boiiham, 302, H. S. Cole. 

Brady: Brady. R A. Erickson and O. M. Kirkeby. 

Bridgeport; Lake, Steve Curley. 

Eastland; Dixie, 300, J. C. Capps. 

Elsa: Tropics Theatre. 734, R. C. Harris, G. C. 

Harris jr. and Edwin Harris. 

Georgetown: Georgetown, 250, Paul Klatt, Fred 

Klatt R. Creagh. 

Grapevine: Drive-in, 300, W. E. Guest. 

Heame; Hearne, 425, Frank Navels and Ben S. 

and 

Ferguson. 

Houston: Airline, Guy Price, manager. 

Johnson City: Joy. 42. Mr and Mrs. M. B. Barrow. 

Lubbock Arnett-Benson Theatre, 1,000, Preston E. 

Smith circuit. 

Lubbock: Rose Theatre. 900, Wallace BlartVenship 

circuit. 

Merkel; Pioneer, 300, N. T, Hodge. 

There were no complaints over business in 

the Blankenship offices. 

The situation for the independents was 

about the same as for the circuits. Grosses 

have been clo,se to those of last summer— up 

in some instances, down in others. But the 

difference has not been great in any case 

reported. Probably, if totals were available, 

they would show independent grosses slightly 

under those of a year ago. But the sag was 

not as great as most operators anticipated. 

All the exhibitors are expecting receipts to 

begin climbing during September. The rise, 

however, hasn't started yet. 

But, in Lubbock, the start of the new sessions 

of Texas Technological college, with an 

expected enrollment of more than 7,000 students, 

is sure to be a boxoffice booster. The 

start of school and the return of thousands 

of persons from August vacations will bolster 

receipts in all portions of the area. 

However, the biggest prospective stimulant 

is a cotton crop which promises to total close 

to 1,000,000 bales, the second largest in history. 

This harvest is just beginning. It won't 

reflect itself at boxoffices until the latter 

part of the month and probably will not 

reach peak until late October or early November. 

Business probably will 

not be as good during 

the fall and winter as last year, when the 

area produced an alltime record crop of 

more than 1.600,000 bales. But grosses can 

fall short of those of last fall and winter 

and still be satisfactory. 

New building has n o t been extensive. 

Smith's new Arnett-Benson, representing an 

investment of close to S150.000. has been the 

largest of the past year. 

The recent Blankenship expansions have 

been the most numerous, including new Indoor 

theatres at Morton and Andrews, and 

new drive-ins at Tahoka and Andrews. 

Mexia Parkway, 300. Cliff Turner jr. and B. L. 

Hagle. 

Mount Calm: Theatre, Truman Holder. 

Nacogdoches; SFA Theatre, 658, Marshall Mattson 

and fames Reeves. 

Pampa: Top O' Texas, Video Theatres. 

Paris Airport, Interstate circuit. 

Seymore: Drive-In. 300. T. J. Hooser and Elmo and 

T. I. Hooser jr. 

Sinton: Drivo-in, 40O, A. M. Gaines and R. W. 

Hailey. 

Sweetwater: Rocket, 400. Robb & Rowley. 

Tahoka: T-Bar. 350, Wallace Blankenship circuit. 

Taylor. Texas. 400, Taylor Amusement Co. 

Wellington: Drive-in, Video Theatres. 

Wharton Rio Theatre, 680, Rubin Frels circuit. 

Wichita Falls: Seymour Road. 650, Charles W. 

Weisenburg. 

Drive-ins ready for opening are: 

OKLAHOMA 

Oklahoma City; Twilight Gardens, 700, Video 

circuit. 

TEXAS 

Amarillo; Skyway, Lester DoUison. 

Dallas: Hines Boulevard, 750, Maj. L. N. Childress. 

Fort Worth Porkaire. L. C. Tidball. 

Gonzales; Twilight, 500, Lynn Smith. 

San Antonio: Scenic, 300, Kirkeby & Erickson. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 9, 1950 sw 79

Exchange '48 Gross Double That of 3 9 

WASHINGTON—The gross receipts of the 

nation's film exchanges totaled $534,000,000 

for 1948 and included $407,000,000 from domestic 

film rentals and $127,000,000 from export 

of commercial films. While the cost of 

exchange operations rose proportionately 

faster, the gross receipts in 1948 were more 

than double the $240,000,000 total reported 

for 1939. 

These figures, released this week by the 

Bureau of the Census, showed 651 separate 

establishments in 1948, compared with 530 in 

1939 and 33 in 1929, when the overall gross 

was $220,000,000. Of the 651 there were 42 

exporters and 215 independent distributors. 

The exchanges covered included those of 

28 organizations operating in more than one 

city, while 161 exchanges operated only at a 

single office. Distributors of educational, advertising, 

industrial or 16mm films were not 

included in the study. 

While the gross was more than twice the 

1939 total, the operation cost for exchanges 

in 1948 amounted to $109,000,000, or 20.4 per 

cent of the total receipts. Of this total, payroll 

accounted for 60 per cent. In 1939 operating 

expenses took only 13.9 per cent of the 

gross, and ten years earlier 15.7 per cent. 

The 1948 payroll of the exchanges totaled 

$64,000,000, and in the week ended November 

15 of that year there were 17,146 paid employes 

in the the exchanges, drawing $1,243.- 

000—an average of $72 per week. 

Among the various exchange areas. New 

York City accounted for 35.9 per cent of the 

total revenue. It is credited with the foreign 

income of $127,000,000, for a total of $192,- 

000,000. Los Angeles came next with $32,000,- 

OOo' and Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago 

all reported more than $2,000,000 in receipts. 

All 31 exchange centers reported grosses in 

1948 higher than their 1939 and 1929 totals. 

The study provided no breakdown to show 

how much of the gross income was accounted 

for by rentals on foreign films imported to 

this country. 

Due to Open Soon at Lawton 

LAWTON. OKLA. — The 600-car Hankins 

Drive-In being built on the airport grounds 

at the south edge of town, will be opened 

about September 20 by Jake and Ned Hankins, 

cousins. It's their first venture. National 

Theatre Supply is equipping the ozoner 

which will have as its competition the Mount 

Scott and Austin drive-ins, plus the Lawton 

conventional houses. 

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Interstate Denies Report 

Of Hoblitzelle Sale 

DALLAS—Interstate Theatres officials 

have denied a report that Karl Hoblitzelle 

would .sell his 50 per cent interest in Intcr.state 

and Texas Consolidated Theatres 

to United Paramount. The denial came 

after a tradepaper reported that the deal 

for sale of the Hoblitzelle interests was 

under consideration. 

Circuit officials said there had been several 

conferences but that no decision had 

been reached. They said that the government 

decree under which the original 

partnership was to be split up provided 

for a three-year period at the end of 

which a decision had to be reached as 

to dissolution of the partnership. Only 

one year of this period has elapsed. 

R. R. Willoughby Appointed 

New Mayor at Runge, Tex. 

RUNGE. TEX.—Ross R. Willoughby, owner 

the Runge Theatre, was ap- 

and operator of 

pointed mayor of Runge to fUl out the unexpired 

term of C. L. Tips, who resigned. 

Mayor Willoughby is the former owner of 

the Frost at Frost. Tex. He moved here in 

September 1949. He is also the president of 

the Runge Chamber of Commerce and secretary 

of the Runge Rotary club. 

Back to Foreign Films 

AUSTIN. TEX.—Louis Novy. city manager 

for Interstate circuit here, placed the Texas 

Theatre back on its foreign film policy starting 

Tuesday (5). The first picture to play 

the theatre under the resumed policy was 

"Stranger in the House." which stars Raimu, 

who was last seen here in "The Baker's Wife." 

This will be followed by "Mr. Orchid." 

"Beauty and the Beast," and "II Trovatore," 

adapted from the opera by the same name. 

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BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 9. 1950

Three Openings Soon 

In Oklahoma Towns 

OKLAHOMA CITY — New outdoor 

situations 

opening in Oklahoma in the next fewweeks 

include the Derrick Drive-In at Healdton, 

built by Glen Thompson of Oklahoma 

City. It will be a 250-car situation four miles 

south of town on the Y. The opening is 

planned for October 15. John Thompson, son 

of Glen, who has been managing the Thompson 

Theatre in Wilson, will be transferred to 

Healdton to manage the Derrick. 

Ed Crew of Waurika plans to open his new 

250-car drive-in, as yet unnamed, by November 

1. 

Henry Walje is building a theatre in Minco 

to seat 400 persons. This is Walje's first ven- 

The operation, named the 

ture in exhibition. 

New, will open about November 15. 

Video's new de luxe drive-in, the Twilight 

Gardens, will open late in the week of September 

11, weather permitting, according to 

Claude Pulgham. He reported work had been 

bogged down, but that it looked like the theatre 

might open on schedule. 

DALLAS 

"Cddie Grady, formerly with Robb & Rowley 

and with Lippert Productions, recently 

opened a cafe. It is Eddie's cafe at 3906 

Ray Jennings of Hondo. 

Cedar Springs . . . 

Tex., says he will finish a new Hondo drive-in 

within 30 days. He is being furnished with 

latest RCA equipment by National Theatre 

Supply Co. . . . Pat Managan. vending machine 

and popped popcorn distributor, has 

moved his offices to 2624 Elm St. 

Jack Weisenburg, manager of the Weisenburg 

Drive-In Theatres in Texas, held over 

the first and only drive-in showing this year 

of "Prince of Peace" at the Kaufman Pike 

here. The film was held over for three days 

in addition to its scheduled three-day run. 

Capacity crowds attended every showing. Bill 

Harth. representative of Hallmark, helped 

with the publicity campaign. 

Better Dialog Needed 

In Films, Critic Says 

From Nev/ England Edition 

PROVIDENCE—Present day motion pictures 

need less motion and better dialog 

in the opinion of Paul B. Rowland, film 

critic on the staff of the Pi-ovidence Journal 

here. Howland wrote in a recent article that 

playwrights such as Bernard Shaw and Eugene 

O'Neill had proven that good talk could "electrify 

from a held sitting or standing position 

as much as a knife in the back or a railroad 

train approaching something more important 

on the track than a nail." 

"If a playwright has anything important 

to say he prefers to have it said by actors 

unencumbered by action. But such a thing 

could hardly be countenanced for the movies 

in their present state. Action comes first 

and the movie actors, next to paperhangers. 

are the un-sittingest people in the world. 

Putting it the other way, they are the walkingest 

or the ridingest. The habit extends 

even to the corpses which as often as not 

are moved about, not of their own volition." 

BCXOFFICE September 9, 1950 

Ben Marcus Proposes 

New Arbitration Plan 

From Central Edition 

MIL-WAUKEE — Establishment of local 

arbitration boards in each film distribution 

center under the overall 

guidance of a national 

arbitration 

chairman has been 

suggested by President 

Ben Marcus to 

the board members of 

AUied ITO of Wisconsin 

as a method for 

solving differences 

within the industry. 

Marcus pointed out 

that present arbitration 

methods 

Ben were 

Marcus 

costly and timeconsuming 

and expressed his belief that differences 

should be handled on a local level. 

He said that only as a last resort should these 

difficulties be submitted to a national arbitration 

board. 

He recommended that each distribution 

center scour the field to find a man who has 

the confidence of both branches of the industry 

to head the local arbitration board. 

Marcus pointed out that weaknesses in other 

arbitration systems were due to the lack of 

experienced men with a thorough knowledge 

of the exhibition-distribution system. 

He suggested one overall chairman at the 

head of the arbitration system and added 

that this man should have a thorough knowledge 

of all fields of the industry. He named 

William Rodgers, vice-president and sales 

manager for MGM, as a possible candidate 

for such a post. 

Marcus said Rodgers had spent the greater 

part of his life in distribution, but had always 

taken an interest in exhibition problems 

as well as distribution. 

"It is only with this type of leadership 

heading an arbitration setup that it could 

be successfully executed," Marcus said. 

Series of Shifts Made 

By Video Independent 

OKLAHOMA CITY — Video Independent 

Theatres announced a string of promotions 

and transfers. They are: 

Ed Lee, manager at Cushing. moved to 

Borger, Tex., to replace Tom Davidson, who 

resigned to enter the sign and display business 

with a son, Tom jr.. in Borger. 

Woody Sylvester. Chandler manager, transferred 

to Cushing. Gilbert Rounsaville, assistant 

manager at Norman, was promoted 

to manager of the Holdenville situations, replacing 

Pete Kemp who went to Miami on 

loan to the Coleman theatre interests. Kemp 

will remain in Miami as manager until Coleman 

names a permanent manager. 

Meantime, the Wink, in Wink, Tex., was 

placed under the same management as the 

Kermit operations, nine miles from Wink. 

Ben.son Dean of Kermit will oversee both 

situations. Claude Hanley of Wink moved to 

Drumright as manager to succeed Cecil Hud- 

.son. who was promoted to the Henryetta 

management. Dick Klein of Henryetta went 

on an extended sick leave. 

Marvin Miller, radio announcer, will do the 

narration for "The Wanderers Return," a tworeeler 

film in Israel for Warners. 

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81

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OKLAHOMA CITY 

•The Criterion Theatre ol Sapulpa. owned by 

Speedy Moulder, has new equipment installed 

by W. R. Howell Tlieatre & Equipment 

Co. Howell reports Audra M. Black's 

new drive-in opening at Idabel was a big 

success. The .supplier, in Idabel for the opening, 

said the ozoner is located at the Y between 

Idabel and Broken Bow. 

C. R. Guthrie, Video Independent Theatres 

executive, returned from an extended trip. 

He flew to Los Angeles where he joined some 

fishermen on a trip by car into northern 

California and Oreson. After a two-week out- 

>

. . . Eddie 

. . Frank 

A Pickup at San Antonio 

ceeded him . . . Doris Drennan, secretary to 

R. B. Williams. RKO Horror 

manager, returned September 

5 from a holiday . . . Barbara Cum- 

SAN ANTONIO—Tlie theatre business has SAN ANTONIO—Gidney Talley billed the 

Show Is Staged 

mings is the new receptionist at RKO been up about 10 per cent in this area, with 

. . • 

The new RKO quarters at 710 West Grand drive-ins getting a good .share of the business. 

TV is hurting theatre business to a 

are practically finished, but the RKO gang 

DRivE-iH THEATRE MFG. CO. K:;;:;.,':V:iirM. 

does not plan to September 23 slight extent, said theatre 

or the 30th. 

man here. 

move until one independent 

Max Smith, office manager at Republic, 

resigned to go into business with his father 

at Ruidoso. N. M., operating a tourist court 

Holt of Colgate and the Wigwam 

Theatre was on the Row, a holdover from 

RCA DRIVE-IN EQUIPMENT 

the Legion convention which closed here the 

previous day. He was still wearing his Legion 

tie as identification. 

RCA's line of Drive-in Speakers and Junction Boxes 

is so complete there is no need for "shopping 

The Film Coffee Shop has moved into its 

around." In addition to extra durable, long lasting 

attractive new home in the new building at 

finishes, there are plastic covered junction boxes 

712 West Grand, which also will house RKO 

that glow in different colors to add glamour. 

when the exchange's part of the structure is 

You'll find other outstanding features such as: 

completed. Rita and Ray Knoepfel operate 

ROADWAY LIGHT . . . enables patrons to see 

the shop. Video is moving the shipping department 

into the space formerly used by the 

where they are driving on ramp areas. 

coffee shop. The POST LIGHT . . . 

theatre chain's concession 

makes it easy for patrons to 

guide cars to correct locations. 

warehouse will move into shipping's old quarters. 

Favors were given to the women and 

CONCESSION SIGNALS . . . two types available. 

men and coffee was on the house. Fresh 

REALISTIC SOUND REPRODUCTION... 

flowers sent by well-wishers enhanced the 

with the rich tone for which RCA is famous. 

opening of the new Row dining spot. 

Come in and let us help you select the proper equipment 

for your drive-in, based on our wide experi- 

Roger Rice, advertising and publicity man 

-> ence in this particular field. 

for Video Theatres, is confined to his home 

with a long-drawn-out convalescing period 

ahead of him. Rice, hurt recently in a car Southwestern Theatre Equipment Co. 

. . . 

crash, has two fractured pelvic bones 

Kenneth Blackledge. division manager for 

IN DALLAS 

IN HOUSTON 

Video, and his family returned from a Colorado 

vacation . McCabe, assistant Telephone Prospect 7-3571 Telephone Capitol 9906 

201 p Jackson Street 

1416 Main Street 

buyer for Video, has a new Cadillac sedan. 

Nonpolitical Policy 

Of TOO Emphasized 

OKLAHOMA CITY — Morris Loewenstein, 

president, has mailed a bulletin to members 

emphasizing that the TOO policy is to back 

ALL-STEEL 

no political party or candidate for office. 

TOO. he reminded, requests its members to 

use the power of their screens in only two 

ways—in opposition to any candidate who 

has by his actions or statements proved himself 

to be opposed to the organization's interests, 

and to promote any cause, nonpolitical 

in nature, which exhibitors consider to be 

for the good of their city, state or nation. 

"Despite pressure that has been exerted 

from high quarters at various times, this has 

been the TOO policy for years and its wisdom 

has been proved." he wrote. "Our members, 

as individuals, are. of course, free agents. 

We cannot bind you, nor will we ever ask 

you to use your screens politically in any 

other than the above manner. Obviously, the 

policy w'ill be strong if all exhibitors operate 

on a similax basis." 


PORT HOLE BLOWER 

Elimin.itei Dust. Buos iind Rîiii From Coming in Poil 

Holt — Also tlimin,il(s tise ol Oplic.ll Ghsj, 7li»tlori 

giving clearer and cleaner iiroiection. 

only midnight Horror show in town Saturday 

(2) at his Hi-Ho Theatre. The Buck Brothers 

Magic show and spook party were on stage, 

while the screen chiller was "Frankenstein 

Meets the Wolfman." Tickets sold at 60 cents.

', 

1 

auditorium 

' 

'. 

RESEARCH BUREAU: 

for 

\ 

MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS; 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

9-9-50 

825 Van Brunl Blvd. I 

• 

Kansas City 1, Mo. 

, 

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, 

THEATRE RED KEY SECTION {No«. 19, 1949). 

84 

; 

; 

I 

SAN 

ANTONIO 

pharlie Wolfe, auditor-bookkeeper and otfice 

manager for Southern Thcatre.s here, 

had recovered from a recent illness and was 

back on the job . . . Manager Maurice Gleaves 

of the Texas billed two terrific Pacific war 

thrillers for a Wednesday opening. They were 

"Back to Bataan" and "Marine Raiders," 

which were in tune with the current Korean 

crisis . . . Other films shown at downtown 

Interstate houses were "Summer Stock" at 

the Aztec, while the Majestic offered "The 

Black Rose." . . . The Jo.sephine had a French 

film, and the Alameda ran a Spanish picture. 

Finalists in the Mission Drive-In talent 

night contest competed for prizes Monday 

evening at the Roosevelt avenue ozoner. 

Judges were chosen from the audience in the 

contest which was directed by the Heron B. 

Smith of Music here in cooperation with 

Statewide Drive-In theatres of Texas. Richard 

Landsman is city manager for the chain 

of five airers here. 

Samuel Ward Woolford, erstwhile amusements 

editor of the San Antonio Light, was 

spending a vacation in Sun Valley, Ida., 

where he did some fishing. When he returns 

home, he will autograph his new book. "The 

San Antonio Story." which comes off the 

press around the middle of September .... 

According to a recent survey, there are now 

over 24.000 television sets in operation in San 

Antonio and Bexar county. Video has only 

been available in this area since November 

1949. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Goodrich of Hollywood 

(he is the former local writer and she is 

Olivia DeHaviland of the films) were expected 

in town on a two-day stopover September 

16. n. They will be with their young daughter 

and have reservations at the Saint Anthony 

hotel . . . Rickey Holden, square dance caller 

on WOAI-TV programs, returned from New 

York where he appeared as guest star at the 

Roxy Theatre. 

Leo Carrillo, the film actor, will be the 

emcee for the Cavalcade of Mexico show to 

be held in the new coliseum here September 

23, 24. The Pan-American Friendship week 

observance is being sponsored by the Texas 

Good Neighborhood commission. Topnotch 

entertainment will include the appearance of 

several Mexican radio, stage and film stars. 

Special invitations have been sent to President 

Ti-uman; Pres. Miguel Aleman of 

Mexico; Mayor O'Dwyer of New York; Nelson 

Rockefeller, and the governors of Mexican 

states to attend the ten-day long fete. 

Little Film Moppet Lora Lee Michel of 

Hollywood, arrived via air to attend a girls 

school in Texas. Her foster parents reside in 

Schulenburg, and her sister Barbara Ann 

lives in San Antonio with her blood parents 

... Air conditioning of the Municipal 

has again been delayed. The new 

cooling system now being installed is expected 

> 

to be in full operation not later than Sep- 

! tember 20. 

Gene Autry's championship rodeo and wild 

west show will be seen at the New Coliseum 

here in February 1951 Lurene Tuttle. who 

. . . 

was with the Palace Players here over two 

decades ago, will soon be seen in RKOs new 

drama "The Man He Pound," in which she 

. . . 

co-stars with Elliott Reid 

Eagle Lion Classics Productions, 

Jack 

was 

Gold. 

a recent 

visitor. 

Leroy Bickel, MGM manager, Dallas, was 

here to stage a midweek .screening of "Stars 

in My Crown" at the Aztec Theatre for mem- 

. . 

bers of the local clergy who turned out 

Showing 

enmasse 

to put their okay on same . 

at the Josephine Theatre for a two- 

day engagement was the British made picture 

"The Rocking Horse Winner." 

Carolina Cotton, who was recently seen in 

the musical western, "Hoedown" which 

played the Empire here, arrived here from 

Hollywood via plane on an invitation by the 

San Antonio Chamber of Commerce to visit 

the Alamo city in the interest of producing 

26 television films which will be filmed in 

and around Bexar county, Texas, this fall 

and winter. 

Boyd Rhea has been appointed manager 

of the Aquarena Submarine Theatre, San 

Marcos, which is planned to be opened sometime 

during September, according to John 

W. Dillin. who is acting director of the public 

relations department for Marine Thea- 

tre, Inc. there 

and mystic 

. 

wonder, was the heading feature 

attraction at the Alameda Teatro last 

week. He and his company of 20 persons had 

just completed a tour of the Rio Grande 

valley and are en route to New York. 

Azteca Film items: J. J. Ornelas. office 

cashier, has returned from a trip to the 

valley . . . Blanca Morales, statistical clerk, 

was away on vacation . . . "Dolor De Los 

Hijos," Azteca's new screen drama will soon, 

be released ... A recent railroad mishap at 

Three Rivers caused a baggage car containing 

motion picture films from several Texas 

exchanges to go up in flames. Nothing was 

saved from the contents of the burned express 

car. Exhibitors in town recently to 

book at the local exchanges were Hiram 

Parks. Lubbock; Alvaro Gonzales, Rio. Encinal; 

J. G. Trevino. and Joe Salazar, Alta 

Vista Teatro. Beeville. Tex. 

Joe Chamoun reopened his Casino, Ybor 

City, Fla., September 3. Chamoun, who is 

well known in Texas film circles, resides in 

Tampa. This house depends entirely on 

Spanish-language film served from the two 

San Antonio film exchanges. The Casino 

was recently remodeled and new air conditioning 

has been installed. 

lEY 

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: September 

NEW YORK 

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9. 1950

— 

KUDOED — Robert Young has again 

been cited for "distinguished service" by 

a branch of the industry. Presenting the 

actor with a scroll in appreciation of his 

professional services to the motion picture 

theatres of America and the moviegoing 

public was R. J. O'Donnell, executive 

vice-president of the Interstate circuit. 

He presented Young with the 

kudos "in recognition and appreciation 

of his consistently fine screen portrayals 

and his untiring efforts, personally and 

professionally, in maintaining the high 

standards of show business." 

Mankiewicz Criticizes 

Use of 'Message' Label 

NEW YORK — Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 

writer, producer and director, objects to 

calling films "message" pictures. "Comment" 

pictures would be a more suitable description, 

he says, and would remove the propaganda 

connotations of "message." 

His comments came about during a general 

discussion of films at a luncheon given 

by 20th Century-Fox at the Stork club. They 

were an indirect answer to Harry Arthur's 

recent letter demanding more straight 

escapist, entertainment pictures, although he 

admitted he had not seen Arthur's letter 

since his return from abroad. 

"If you go back over the records for the 

past five years," he said, "you will find that 

the top-grossing pictures have been good 

pictures—I mean by that they received 

critical acclaim. A writer, a director or a 

producer who tries to write down, or direct 

down or produce down to what he considers 

the masses is certain to fail. He has to do 

the best he can, and he has to get off the 

beaten path and try new things to keep out 

of a rut. Twentieth Century-Fox has proved 

it works." 

The conversation veered to "All About 

Eve," which 20th-Fox intends to sell exclusively 

for single feature programs and 

is trying to induce exhibitors to show on 

scheduled performances with nobody admitted 

after the start of the picture. Mankiewicz 

was the writer and director. He said 

he favored the plan, because it extends new 

privilege.s to patrons. It gives them the 

same advantages that legitimate theatres enjoy, 

he said. 

Three Piciure Unils 

To San Antonio Area 

SAN ANTONIO—The Alamo city is again 

taking on all the earmarks of becoming a 

little Hollywood, since three major units will 

be "on location" here for the next few 

months. 

Pine-Thomas Productions soon will start 

the cameras rolling on "The Last Outpost," 

a drama of Civil war days, with Ronald Reagan 

and Rhonda Fleming starring, for Paramount 

release with L. V. "Doc" Merman producing 

the epic which is slated to cost 

$2,000,000 and will include some 500 players. 

U-I has designs on the Randolph air force 

base as the locale for its "Air Cadet" thriller 

with Gail Russell and Steven McNally in the 

topflight roles. Joe Pevney will direct this 

vehicle with Aaron Rosenberg producing. 

Carolina Cotton, 22-year-old Hollywood 

star, has arrived to take the singing role in 

a series of 26 musical television westerns that 

will be produced in and around here dur- 

SAM PASQUA — Owner of 


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NEW ORLEANS: 218 S. Liberty St. 

the 

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says: 

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years. I don't know how I could 

have gotten by without it." 

ing the 


fall and winter. 


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Drive-In, which is owned by the circuit which 

also operates the Apache at Port Davis and 

the Ritz at Balmorhea. Renovations will include 

in-car speakers, a new snack bar, new 

paintings of the old Spanish Trail on the 

screen tower. The drive-in is located on the 

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: September 9, 1950

Hollywood's 

At Milwaukee Variety Club's First Annual Outing 

Snapped at the first annual golf tournament 

and outing held by the Milwaukee 

Variety Club at Merrill Hills Country club 

were the above. Top photo, left to right: 

Arnold Krumm, Ritz Theatre; John Mc- 

Kay, Standard circuit; Harold Pearson, 

Wisconsin ITO executive secretary; N. 

Provencher, Eagle Lion; Elmer Schwanke, 

Tony Laporte and J. C. Linder of the Avalon 

Theatre; Angelo Provinzano, Mozart, 

Alamo and Pix theatres, all of Milwaukee, 

and Ray Wincher, Sparta Theatre. 

Top right: John Kemptgen, MGM; Herb 

Greenblatt, RKO of Chicago; Ben Marcus, 

S&M circuit, and Lou Elman, Milwaukee 

RKO. 

Bottom left photo: Hank Toilette, S&M, 

Ripon, winner of the top golf prize, and 

Ben Marcus, president of Wisconsin ITO. 

Center photo, bottom: Gene Kliburg, 

chief barker; Harry Melcher, M&F circuit, 

and Joe Imhoff, ELC. Right bottom: Benny 

Benjamin, Screen Guild. Bob Baker. RKO, 

and Morris Anderson. RKO, shown in the 

clubhouse where the 150 prizes were displayed. 

The club is 20 miles from Milwaukee. 

Fox Wisconsin Hikes 

Some Ticket Prices 

MILWAUKEE—Three downtown Fox Wiscon.sin 

theatres and at least ten neighborhood 

houses have increased admission prices in 

recent weeks. The downtown houses have 

abolished the special 44-cent price for adults 

entering the theatre before 1 p. m. 

Harold J. Fitzgerald, president of Fox Wisconsin, 

said the admission hike was brought 

about by higher operational costs and described 

it as a part of a national trend to 

cover costs with higher admissions. 

The Strand was the last of the downtown 

theatres to make the price change. Admissions 

of 65 cents for adults and 25 cents for 

children in the afternoon and 95 cents for 

adults and 35 cents for children at night 

became effective at that house. The Palace 

and the Wisconsin already operated under 

the new price. Previously downtown theatres 

had a flat 25-cent rate for children. 

The price hike does not affect all neighborhood 

Fox Theatres, nor is it effective according 

to any uniform scale. 

"Where theatres are meeting costs there is 

no need for upping." Fitzgerald said. "In 

some ca.'es only slight revision is necessary. 

Some admi.ssion fees may even be reduced." 

So far about ten neighborhood theatres 

have raised their rates, he .said. There are 

some 30 members of the Fox chain here. 

Fitzgerald said that film attendance had risen 

in the last six weeks because there was a 

greater desire for patrons to participate in 

indoor entertainment and because films are 

better. 

He said poor summer weather may have 

been a factor, but he did not think war conditions 

contributed. ' buildup of 

some of its best films has paid off. Fitzgerald 

said. 

"The extensive information which producers 

are releasing about new pictures is 

reaching the public; attendance figures 

prove it." he said. 

David Gedinski Named 

FOND DU LAC. WIS. — David 

Gedinski 

has been promoted to assistant manager at 

the Alliance Theatre here. Gedinski had 

been usher at the house for three years. The 

Alliance is managed by A. J. Meininger. 

Site Purchased at Hannibal 

HANNIBAL. MO.—The Frisina Amusement 

Co. has purchased ground needed for a 750- 

car drive-in in the Hannibal area. It was announced 

some time ago that Harry R. Jones 

of Lawrenceville. III., would design and supervise 

the construction of this drive-in. It will 

cost upwards of $100,G00. 

Lew Landers has been inked to direct 

Blood" for Monogram. 

"Blue 

Fort Wayne Drive-In 

Sued by Caterers 

FORT WAYNE—W. J. 

Erie, owner, and the 

Anthony Wayne Auto Theatres. Inc.. and the 

Fort Wayne Drive-In Co. were charged with 

breach of contract in a petition filed here in 

superior court by Indiana Caterers. Inc.. asking 

company was notified that W. J. Frie had 

premises of the Fort Wayne Drive-In and for 

an injunction against a breach of contract. 

The petition alleged that Indiana Caterers 

and the Anthony Wayne Auto Theatres 

reached an agreement in May 1948 granting 

the catering company exclusive privileges at 

the drive-in. Later, it is charged, the catering 

company was notified that W. J. Frie has 

purchased Anthony Wayne Auto Theatres. 

Still later the petition alleges that Ray Mc- 

Adams, attorney for the Frie interests here, 

wrote a letter to Indiana Caterers, saying 

that their privileges at the theatre would 

end Aug. 28, 1950. 

According to the petition, the original 

agreement called for Indiana Caterers to 

have exclusive privileges at the theatre until 

Dec. 31. 1952. 

New Seats Are Installed 

SOLDIERS GROVE. WIS. — Manager 

Arthur Larson of the Electric Theatre here 

has installed 118 new seats. 


— 

No Drive-Ins or Television in Japan; 

Baseball Is 

ST. LOUIS—Japan is a paradise for regular 

tlicatre owners—there are no drive-ins 

and no television. But there is plenty of 

tough competition in Tokyo from night baseball 

games. For, next to the United States 

the Japanese go for baseball more than any 

other people in the world. 

These were some of the facts that were 

brought to the board meeting last week of 

the local area MPTO at the Melbourne hotel 

by five Japane.se motion picture men who 

were picked by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to 

tour the U.S. to study American production 

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concerning the film industry. Essentially 

they are interested in educational values of 

motion pictures, since they recognize in the 

American films the finest way of learning 

all about our democratic institutions, our 

people and the advantages of the American 

way of life—as contrasted, especially, with 

the menace of communLsm. 

The delegation was entertained at tea by 

Mrs. A. F. Burt, founder and president emeritus 

of the Better Films Council of Greater 

St. Louis. She escorted the Japanese to the 

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MPTO meeting, which was presided over by 

Tom Edwards. Farmington. Mo., MPTO president. 

Heading the delegation was Gishin Ikeda, 

executive officer of the administrative section 

of the Motion Picture Code of Ethics 

and secretary-general of the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of Japan. Others in the party were 

Soichi Hirokawa, member of the planning 

department of Shin Tcho Co.; Toyoji Kuroda, 

chief liaison .section, MPA of Japan 

and export film inspector for Boeki Kodan; 

Shinju Satch, World Motion Picture Co.. and 

Kaichi Sato, audio-visual officer of the Niigata 

Film Co. 

It was brought out that .shortly after the 

close of World War II, 80 per cent of the 

films shown in the Japanese theatres were 

made in Japan and 20 per cent came from 

the United States. Now 40 per cent of the 

films come from this country. A few British 

films are played in Japan and a small number 

are Russian. 

The U.S. army, which formerly censored 

all of the pictures shown in Japan, now confines 

its supervision to the Ru.ssian films to 

protect against communistic propaganda. 

It was brought out that theatres in Tokyo, 

play 

Yokohama, Toyama and other big cities 

single features plus selected shorts, but the 

smaller towns and villages are steadfast in 

their use of double feature bills. The largest 

motion picture theatre in Tokyo has 3,000 

seats. That city also has large dramatic and 

musical stage show theatres. It also is 

cheaper to attend a motion picture in Japan 

than to buy coffee, while the theatre prices 

are lower than those charged for baseball 

and the flesh-and-blood theatres. 

Sally Rand and her fans probably would 

go over big in Japan, since the strip tease is 

a big favorite in their burlesque houses. 

Japan has some 4,000-seat dramatic and 

musical theatres, the delegation revealed, 

while there is a total of 2,600 motion picture 

theatres in the Japanese islands. 

The Japanese also follow the American 

pattern in their motion picture likes to a 

great degree. Cartoons, westerns, newsreels 

and educational films are big favorites W'ith 

them. 

The Japanese delegation plans to remain in 

the States from 60 to 80 days. Prior to coming 

to St. Louis they had visited the 20th- 

Fox and Paramount studios in Hollywood. 

From here they went to Chicago, Cleveland, 

New York City and Washington. 

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. . Benny 

Residents Stymie 

Drive-In Projects 

ST. LOUIS—Two proposed new drive-ins 

for St. Louis county have been blocked, at 

least temporarily, by the forceful opposition 

of residents in the affected area. In University 

City the city council has scheduled a 

public hearing for September 11 on a petition 

for reopening of the old Garden Theatre 

site on Olive at Midland boulevard. 

A recommendation that the petition be denied 

was voted by the University City plan 

commission after residents voiced opposition 

on the grounds that the drive-in would create 

a serious traffic hazard. Some also contended 

property values would be affected. 

The Ansell Amusement Co. of St. Louis, 

operator of the Empress, Ritz and Varsity, 

and University City Councilman John A. Rohan 

jointly hold an option to purchase the 

site provided that a drive-in is permitted. 

The site now is owned by a syndicate headed 

by Michael Levy, publisher of the Retail Market 

News. 

In Jennings, Mo., in the northern part of 

the county, the board of adjustment declined 

to issue a "nonconforming use permit" for 

construction of a drive-in on a 65-acre tract 

at Lucas & Hunt road and West Florissant 

avenue. It had been requested by Louis C. 

Lochmoeller Realty Co., reportedly acting for 

Clarence Kaimann, local theatre owner. 

Citizens Help Finance Theatre 

ILLIOPOLIS. ILL.—Many local residents 

have rallied to the support of Edward Griesheim 

in his efforts to finance construction 

of a theatre to replace his Illiopolis Theatre, 

a 250-seater, which was destroyed in a fire 

July 4. It is hoped that sufficient capital will 

be raised for an early start on construction of 

the new theatre. Newspapers have given editorial 

support to the drive. 

Frisina Drive-In Premiered 

MEXICO, MO. — Frisina's Little Dixie 

Drive-In on Highway 54 east of the city and 

adjacent to the Mexico Municipal airport, 

had its grand opening recently with "Mickey" 

as the feature. The Frisina Amusement Co. 

also operates the Liberty and Rex theatres 

in Mexico. Joe Nepote is manager of the 

drive-in which will accommodate from 750 to 

1,000 cars. 


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MILWAUKEE 

"The Fox Parkway on the west side, reopened 

recently playing "The Glass Mountain." 

which also was shown at the Downer, about 

five miles away. Officials of Fox Wisconsin 

said that first runs in the neighborhood 

houses have been drawing good crowds. 

The Parkway will continue to show such 

films, presumably in conjunction with the 

Downer. 

Eddie Cantor will appear in a single show 

at the Auditorium September 21 at $3.60-$1.20. 

including tax . . . Erv Clumb, manager at the 

Towne, reported good business on the opening 

of "Fancy Pants" ... At the Hollywood 

and Bay, Standard Theatres houses, back-toschool 

matinees crowded the theatres with 

children. Free pencils were given away. Admission 

was 12 cents. 

The remodeled Kino reopened recently with 

an all-German language film policy. The 

Kino, formerly the American, had been closed 

for several months. The opening bill was 

"Meineidbauer" and "Blinde Passagiere." Admission 

is 65. Doors open at 6 p. m., except 

for a Sunday matinee. The Kino is operated 

by a new corporation, Germania Films, headed 

by Mrs. Elizabeth Hofmann, president: 

Bernard A. Hofmann, vice-president, and Elmer 

A. Hall, secretary-treasurer. Hofmann 

formerly was president of the Steuben Society. 

Hall is his son-in-law. 

Frankie Laine and Patti Page headed a 

stage bill at the Riverside . Benjamin, 

Screen Guild manager, rested over the 

holidays after his strenuous activity as chairman 

of the golf club outing held by Variety 

Tent 14 at Merrill Hills Country club near 

Waukesha. Benny also was emcee for the occasion 

and awarded the many prizes after 

the dinner. He was so anxious to see that 

everyone got his prize that he forgot he had 

a winning number in his own pocket. 

The main offices of Delft Theatres & Affiliates 

moved from Marquette, Mich., to the 

Victory Outdoor Theatre at Butler. Most of 

the employes also were shifted to the screen 

tower office. The booking office at 12th and 

State streets here also made the move. Joe 

Woodward is booker for Delft. 

Angelo Provlnzano and Mike Chesnick, operators 

of the Alamo and Mozart, have purchased 

the Aragon Theatre on the south side 

from Howell Theatre Co. The Aragon has 

been remodeled and renamed the Pix. The 

showmen organized a new company for operation 

of the house. Firm name is the Pix 

Theatre Corp The Avalon on the south 

side has been redecorated. 

Among showmen visiting Filmrow were Mr. 

Lee of the Main Street, Racine; Leonard 

Donee, Crown, Racine, and Pete Stothis and 

Ray Winscher of the Classic and Sparta, 

Sparta. 

Ahead on Convention 

ST. LOUIS—Officers and directors of the 

local MPTO met Tue.sday to consider plans 

for the annual meeting November 13, 14. 

Richard Carlyle. Broadway actor, will make 

his first screen appearance in the U-I film. 

"Prisoner of War." 

TIMELY-TRUE-TERRIFIC 

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1501 Broadway, New York City 

BOXOFFICE :: September 9, 1950 

89

. . Tom 

INDIANAPOLIS 

Cam Abrums, salesman for Realart, is seriously 

ill in Methodist hospital . . . 

Isaac 

Sellers, operator of the Lyric at Covington, 

will turn the theatre over to his operator 

September 15. The operator has been working 

for Sellers for more than one-quarter of 

a century . . . Al Borlcenstein will entertain 

film salesmen and exchange managers at his 

annual stag outing to be at his summer cottage 

at Lake Wawasee September 12. 

Mrs. Kathryn Miller, secretary to Sam 

Oshry, U-I manager, was struck by an auto 

at Michigan and Illinois streets. She suf- 

. 

fered a sprained ankle and minor injuries 

Matt Scheidler spent the weekend at his 

. . . 

Lakeland Drive-In. Angola Mc- 

Kean, son of Claude, manager at Warner 

Bros., and Marjorie Weil, daughter of Walter 

Weil, who operates the Weil. Greenfield, 

were married September 1. 

. . . 

Dorothy Robison has been named office 

manager and head booker at Republic, succeeding 

William Wallace, who resigned 

Jack Dowd. Republic manager, visited the 

Gregory circuit in Chicago . . . C. South has

— 

. . . Mrs. 

. . . Paul 

Showmen Attend Fete ST . 

For Party Treasurer 

ST. LOUIS—George P. Skouras, head of 

Skouras Theatres Corp., and Gael Sullivan, 

executive director of the Theatre Owners of 

America, New York, planed to St. Louis recently 

to join leaders in the Democratic party, 

local bar and business and labor leaders in 

a reception for Sidney Salomon jr., insurance 

man and realty operator recently named 

treasurer of the Democratic National committee. 

Sullivan is a former executive director of 

the Democratic National committee, serving 

in that capacity when the late Robert E. 

Hannegan of St. Louis was committee chairman 

and postmaster general. Salomon was 

executive assistant to Hannegan in Washington. 

Skouras and Sullivan were met at the airport 

by Clarence Turley, associated with 

Charles P. and George P. Skouras in the 

ownership and management of the Ambassador 

and Missouri theatres and office buildings: 

Mrs. Bess Schulter, owner of the Columbia 

and Roxy theatres; Mr. and Mrs. John 

Caporal, who are interested in the Wellston 

Theatre, and Myra Stroud, secretary manager 

of the local Motion Picture Theatre 

Owners group. 

In addition to attending the reception, Sullivan 

discussed plans for the coming TOA 

meeting in Houston, Tex., and called on 

Edgar M. Queeny, local industrialist who returned 

recently from an African trip where 

he obtained some very interesting and unusual 

motion pictures of wild life. 

On the same day Harry C. Arthur jr.. president 

of Fanchon & Marco, flew to the west 

coast after spending about two weeks here. 

He was accompanied by his brother James 

H. and Russell B. Hardy, former special 

assistant to the attorney general who now 

handles legal matters for F&M. 

GEORGE VALLEY— of the Strand 

Theatre in Winooski, Vt., says: 

"My theatre has been serviced 

by the RCA Service Company 

for the past eight years—and 

I have always found it to be 

the finest." 


write: RCA SERVICK COMPANY, 


Camden, N. J. 


Adv. 

LOUIS 

Joseph Ansell of the Ansell Amusement Co. 

and chief barker of the St. Louis Variety 

Club was chairman at the three days of ceremonies 

marking the opening of the Congregation-B'nai 

Ajnoona's new $750,000 synagogue 

at University City . . The St. Louis 

. 

loge of the Colosseum of Motion Picture 

Salesmen will meet at 1 :30 p. m. September 

16 in the clubroom at the Screenland cafeteria 

to elect delegates to the national convention 

to be held in Cincinnati in December. 

Bob Lightfoot of Monogram heads the local 

loge. 

Maurice Schweitzer, manager for Monogram-Allied 

Artists, left for Los Angeles and 

the company's big sales meeting at the Ambassador 

hotel. It is a four-day affair. He 

was to return Saturday (9). Other members 

of the local Monogram-Allied Artists sales 

and booking staff attended a regional sales 

meeting at the Muehlebach hotel in Kansas 

City Friday and Saturday. They included 

Bob Lightfoot, Sol Hankin and Joe Howard, 

salesmen, and Bill Emas, booker. 

Leo McCarthy, brother of Bernard Mc- 

Carthy, ELC salesman, was here for several 

days. He and his associates contemplate 

early erection of a large first run theatre at 

Las Vegas, N. M. . . . Cliff Mantle of Triangle 

Film Co. said someone stole his new 

Oldsmobile from in front of his home here 

several days ago. The car had been purchased 

as a replacement for the automobile 

which was wrecked at Mattoon, 111., recently 

when a freight train backed into it. 

Paul Krueger, co-general manager of the 

Fred Wehrenberg circuit, was to attend the 

big central states meeting of the Shriners in 

New Orleans this week. He planned to leave 

with the St. Louis delegation. He shipped 

to the Crescent city the fire chief jeep used 

at Ronnie's Drive-In to pull the fire truck 

around the playground. The jeep is equipped 

with a fire siren, fire bell, blinking red lights 

and other special lighting effects for the big 

parades to be staged by the Shriners. In New 

Orleans the jeep will carry an apartmenttype 

piano and a pianist in addition to the 

driver, Krueger, and perhaps other Shriners. 

Krueger plans to return to St. Louis September 

10. 

The Sales-O-Matic Co. is moving into the 

former Film Classics quarters at 3334 Olive 

The September meeting of officers 

St. . . . 

and directors of the MPTO scheduled for 

Tuesday (12i was moved up to Thursday il4) 

M. W. Jessup, who with her husband 

owned and operated the 200-seat Joy 

Theatre in Kansas, 111., died recently. Mr. 

and Mrs. Jessup had just returned from the 

theatre after the closing show when she was 

stricken. 

Exhibitors seen along Filmrow included 

Rani Padrucci, feature booker, Frisina 

Amusement Co.. Springfield, just back from 

a week's vacation; Sam and Forrest Pirtle, 

Pirtle Amusement Co., Jersey ville; Charley 

Beninati, Carlyle; Harry Blount, Potosi; Dean 

Davis, West Plains: D. B. Stout, who operates 

theatres in Karnak, 111., Arlington and Wickliffe, 

Ky.; Bill Williams, Union; Pete Medley. 

McCutcheon circuit, Sikeston; Ru.s.sell Armentrout 

and Roger Moyer. Armentrout circuit, 

Louisiana: Ed Clarke. Mattoon: Harry 

Miller, Festus; Lee Norton, Sullivan; Tom 

Edwards and Frank Plumlee, Edwards & 

Plumlee Theatres, Farmington; Robert 

Marchbank, Commonwealth circuit, Washington; 

Izzy Wienschienk, district manager Publix 

Great States, Alton; Tom Bloomer, Belleville, 

and Mrs. Regina Steinberg, Madison 

L. Krueger, co-general manager, 

Fred Wehrenberg circuit, will go to Bemidji. 

Minn., to hunt bear. Krueger and his wife 

are building a cottage on Rose Lake in the 

Detroit lakes district of Minnesota. 

The Lyn Theatre, a 1,500-seater, has opened 

in the former 400 Club building at 3631 Grandel 

Square. The initial program was "Adam 

Had Four Sons" and "Commandos Strike at 

Dawn." The price scale is 60 cents for adults 

and 20 cents for children. Children under 12 

are admitted free when accompanied by parents 

and are admitted for 10 cents at a special 

Saturday matinee. Sam Nieberg is manager. 

Nieberg said the house will book 

pictures that have proven popular in their 

original runs here. 

Jim Hill, Warner salesman, hit a constable's 

automobile in Freeburg, 111., while returning 

to St. Louis from a sales trip. It appears that 

the constable suddenly made up his mind to 

make a left turn into a side street and cut 

right across the highway in front of Hill's 

car without giving any signal. The constable 

took Hill to Belleville, 111., where he booked 

the salesman on a charge of careless driving. 

Hill's car was badly damaged. 

Lou Ansell of the Ansell Amusement Co. 

and chairman of the MPTO executive committee 

has gone to Los Angeles to join his 

The Hotel Ass'n of St. Louis has 

wife . . . 

announced an increase in hotel rates in the 

The local U-I branch is running 

area . . . 

in second place in the Bill Scully drive, July 

30-October 28. 

Dimitrios James and his bride, the former 

Georgia Boudoures of Belleville, will return 

to St. Louis September 10. They were in 

Geneva September 3. On their honeymoon 

trip to the Near East the couple visited in 

Istanbul, Turkey, with Patriarch Athenagoras. 

head of the Greek Orthodox church. Prior 

to his elevation to head the chui-ch. Athenagoras 

was archbishop of North and South 

(Continued on next page) 

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91

. . William 

. . 

. . Bernie 

i 

ST. LOUIS 

(Continued from preceding page) 

America and was a frequent visitor to St. 

Louis. 

Lester Bona, Warner manager, went with 

salesman Jim Hill on a sales trip through 

Illinois to Paducah, Ky. They called on Bernie 

Palmer, booker for the Columbia Amusement 

Co., Paducah: Mrs. I. W. Rodgers, 

Rodgers Theatres, Cairo; Earl Stout, Stout 

circuit, Cairo; W. H. Eichhorn, Mounds; Oscar 

L. Turner, Harrisburg, and John Marlowe, 

Herrin, 111. 

Rodgers Theatres has moved its headquarters 

into new offices on the ground floor 

of the building two doors north of the Rodger 

Theatre. Offices are air conditioned . 

Mrs. I. W. Rodgers will leave for New York 

City soon to take in some of the latest shows 

on Broadway. She then will fly to Florida to 

rejoin her husband, who will go direct from 

Cairo to Florida. Rodgers spends most of 

his time in Florida, making occasional trips 

to Cairo. Their son Carson is president and 

general manager of the circuit of 14 theatres. 

John Marlowe, who in addition to 

his theatres 

and drive-in also owns the Limar hotel 

in Herrin. 111., has leased space for a night 

club . . . Word comes from Sparta, 111., that 

fine progress is being made in construction 

of the 600-seat New Grand Theatre for the 

Turner-Farrar circuit of Harrisburg. Work 

started early in July , Cain, formerly 

of Lockport, 111., is manager of the 

Elmo Theatre. St. Elmo. 111., recently purchased 

by Charles Beninati of Carlyle, 111., 

from Mayor John Dickson of St. Elmo. 

Frank Glenn, who operates the Mount Vernon 

and Tamaroa drive-ins in southern Illinois, 

was in St. Louis to confer with Andy 

Dietz, general manager. Cooperative Theatres, 

about booking for the 1951 season . . . Wayne 

Smith of Herrin, 111., has purchased the interests 

of his partner, Harold Grear, in the 

Egyptian Theatre Corp., which operates the 

Egyptian Drive-In near Herrin. 

Betty Behr, formerly with F&M and Joe 

Hornstein, Inc., has joined Cooperative Thea- 


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tres, local booking and buying agency. Mary 

O'Brien and Andy Dietz, general manager, 

also handle office details for the organization 

which buys and books for 14 drive-ins and 11 

brick-and-mortar theatres. Dietz left for 

Buffalo, N. v., this week to confer with officials 

of Sports Service, a concessions operating 

organization which he represents in this 

district. 

National Theatre Supply Co. has been appointed 

distributor of PM to the theatre industry. 

Manufactured by the Barbour Co., 

Inc., for its affiliate, Gleem Products Co., PM 

is a plastic compound that protects walls and 

saves redecorating . Evens, MGM 

publicity man, was here from Kansas City 

. . . Herb Bennin, MGM manager, was in 

Springfield. 

C. D. Hill, Columbia manager, was in the 

Dean Davis, West Plains, Mo., 

territory . . . 

exhibitor and a leader in wild life conservation 

work, attended the public hearing in 

Poplar Bluff, Mo., on the plans of the U.S. 

engineers for building a series of dams on 

the Current river . . Joel McCrea, star of 

. 

"Saddle Tramp," headed the stage show at 

the Fox September 5 in conjunction with the 

local premiere of the picture. 

FORT WAYNE 

Tom McCIeaster of Indianapolis, 20th-Fox 

manager, stopped here on his way to Detroit 

for a drive meeting with Ray Moon, 

division manager, and Joe Lee of 20th-Fox's 

Detroit office . . . Tom Gilliam, manager of 

the Chicago branch of 20th-Fox, also was in 

town on the tail end of a vacation trip 

through the Smoky mountains and Washington. 

He visited his son, Tom jr., and family 

while here. 

Harvey Cocks jr., son of the general manager 

of the Quimby Theatres, who has been 

appearing on the eastern legitimate stage 

and in television on the east coast, has been 

ordered to duty by selective service. 

Name A. F. Stieman Mgr. 

Airer 

Of Streator, 111.. 

STREATOR, ILL.—A. F. "Tony" Stieman 

has been named manager of the Streator 

Drive-In, two and one-half miles north of 

the city along Route 23. The theatre is 

owned by Stewart & Butler of Danville, and 

has undergone extensive changes during the 

past year, when a modernization program 

was carried out. Stieman formerly operated 

several businesses here. 

From the BOXOFFICE Files 

... 

(Twenty Years Ago) 

A PPROXIMATELY 500 theatres reopened 

in the U.S. during the first week in 

September, according to a recent survey. The 

passing of summer and the beginning of the 

fall season has caused the awakening of 

considerable optimism. Executives are of the 

opinion that the depression has passed for 

all industries and that good times are ahead. 

New boxoffice records are being made in New 

York following a serious decline, attributed 

to hot weather. 

Big Studio Delegation 

Due at Convention 

ST. LOUIS— Top stars from several major 

studios in Hollywood will be routed to St. 

Louis November 13, 14 to attend the annual 

convention of the Motion Picture Theatre 

Owners of St. Louis, Eastern Mi.s.souri and 

Southern Illinois. Board members meeting 

here last week said the Hollywood delegation 

this year may be the largest yet. 

Requests for di.splay .space have begun to 

arrive from equipment and supply companies. 

Convention committees have been 

appointed and they will make reports at a 

September 12 meeting of the board. 

President Tom Edwards will head a delegation 

of some 18 members to the annual 

TOA sessions in Houston prior to the local 

gathering. 

The board sent a letter to Harry C. Arthur 

jr., Fanchon & Marco president, congratulating 

him on his recent letter to Joseph 

Mankiewicz, president of the Screen Directors 

Guild of America, and to the production 

heads of the various film companies. 

To Complete New Theatre 

WEST BEND. WIS.—The Berkholtz Theatre, 

which was started some time ago and 

which has remained uncompleted, will be 

finished soon, according to August Berkholtz, 

president of the Berkholtz Theatre Co. 

Berkholtz. questioned by City Manager John 

Hoffman as to what his plans were for disposing 

of the unfinished building which has 

been standing idle for nearly two years, said 

that plans were afoot to complete the theatre. 

The company also owns the Rivoli here. 

Wally Nordquist Named 

SHULLSBURG. WIS. — Jerome 

O'Leary, 

manager of the Burg Theatre, will return to 

school this fall and will be replaced at that 

house by Wally Nordquist of Evansville, 

former manager of the Darlington Theatre in 

nearby Darlington. 

Tampico Theatre Reopened 

TAMPICO, ILL.—The Tampico Theatre, 

closed for a month, has been reopened by the 

Tampico Theatre Corp. Asael Tonkinson v.'ill 

manage the theatre. 

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Wobath Avanua, Chicago S, lllinelt 

Calls for Drive-In Bids 

'Quiet' Put on Bids 

PERRYVILLE, MO.— F. Val Mercier, owner 

31 S. 

of the 650-seat Mercier Theatre in Perryville, 

will take bids for building and equip- 

For Chicago Dates 

CHICAGO — Success 

ping a 500-car drive-in on Highway 25 about 

of its reissued "All three miles north of here. 

Quiet on the Western Front," currently playing 

the Grand, first run Loop theatre, has by members of the Mercier family L. A. 

This is the second drive-in to be announced 

prompted Realart to place the film on a competitive 

Mercier, operator of the Mercier at Frederick- 

bidding basis for top run showings town, Mo., has started construction of a 350- 

in Chicago area. Max Roth of Henri Elman car drive-in on Route 67 near that city. 

Enterprises, who distributes the film in Chicago 

area, says this marks the first time 

that any reissue has played Chicago under 

bidding terms. Realart asks 30 per cent of 

gross with guarantees. The war picture sold 

along with "Bayonet Charge," established a 

four-month boxoffice record for the Grand. 

Roth said the double bill has been booked 

in 22 houses in this area to play day and 

date, starting September 1. 

Drive-ins Building Trade 

For Future, Says Owners 

From New England Edition 

HARTFORD—Drive-in theatre operators in 

this area have become increasingly firm in 

the belief that by catering to the family trade 

they are building a long-range program which 

will bring added dividends to the drive-in 

business. 

I ^^1^^ Should Build and Equip 

George E. Landers, Hartford division manager 

for E. M. Loew's Theatres, said recently 

that in admitting children under 12 free 

of charge, "we're practically guaranteeing 

the film industry future patrons in the years 

to come. And by offering these same youngsters 

of the "Packaged" drive-in. 

free playground facilities, we're re- 

minding these kids that the motion picture 

industry still is tops in the entertainment 

world." 

ins. 

Pony rides for youngsters under 12 have 

4. A better theatre . . . 

been especially advertised at many situations, 

built for less money. 

along with special cartoon carnivals 

for kids and other features such as bicycle 

giveaways, free admission for children under 

12, free comic books and photographs of filTi 

stars. 

The showmen are continuing to devote ef- 

G. Set up to do a good job . . . big or small. 

to suit the client. 

11. Lowest possible cost is always quoted. 

12. Only the finest theatre equipment used. 

IG. Immediate construction. 

SEE US AT BOOTH 109 TESMA CONVENTION 

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RESEARCH BUREAU 

for 

MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION 


PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kcinsas City 1, Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

9-9-50 

Please enroll us m your RESEARCH BUREAU 

to receive information regularly, as released, on 

the following subjects lor Theatre Planning: 

n Acoustics 

n Air Conditioning 

n Architectural Service 

n "Black" Lighting 

n Building 

Material 

n Carpets 

n Coin Machines 

n Signs and Marquees 

D Complete Remodeling Sound Equipment 

D Decorating 

Television 

n Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts 

n Drive-In Equipment Q Vending Equipment 

D Other Subjects 

Theatre ., 

Sealing 

Address 

City 

State 

Capacity.. 

Signed 

n Lighting Fixtures 

n Plumbing Fixtures 

Projectors 

n Projection Lamps 

n Seating 

Postage-paid reply cords for your further convenience 

in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN 

THEATRE RED KEY SECTION (Nov. 19, 1949). 

Six Foreign Locale Films 

To Be Made by 20th-Fox 

LONDON—Twentieth-Fox will produce six 

pictures in foreipn locales during the ne.'it 

12 months with two or three of these to be 

made in England, according to Darryl P. 

Zanuck, production head. The company will 

make 24 features in Hollywood during the 

.same period, he pointed out. 

In addition to the features to be made 

in England, one will be made in Australia, 

one in Canada and one in Germany, Zanuck 

said. He denied that the British production 

was merely a device for using up otherwise 

unremittable pounds sterling and stressed 

the fact that 20th-Fox had made pictures 

here long before the dollar shortage developed. 

Zanuck. who spoke before a gathering of 

100 British and American newspaper representatives 

August 17, said he came to England 

to supervise editing of "The Mudlark," 

starring Irene Dunne, and to discuss the 

filming of Nevil Shute's "No Highway" with 

Louis Lighton, producer, and Henry Koster, 

director. The picture is scheduled to start 

at the Denham studio September 11 with 

James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich starred. 

He has left London for a visit to Germany 

to iron out difficulties that have arisen 

in the planned production there of "Call It 

Treason." 

Rogers, Unger to Secure 

Foreign Films' Release 

NEW YORK—Budd Rogers and J. J. Unger 

Associates have been named to act as producers' 

representative for the international 

producing firm. Five Ocean Film Co., Ltd., to 

secure an American release for the firm's 

first two features. The firm is composed of 

Cusick International Films, which supplies 

pounds sterling and Sagitta Films of Paris, 

which supplies francs for joint production. 

The two features which will be completed 

for fall release are "Pardon My French," 

which was made in France, starring Merle 

Oberon and Paul Henreid, and "The Long 

Dark Hall," now being produced by Peter 

Cusick at the Nettlefold Studios, Walton-on- 

Thames, London, starring Rex Harrison and 

his wife, Lilli Palmer, with Denis O'Dea and 

Raymond Huntley. Harrison has been combining 

his film work with his London stage 

appearance as the star of "The Cocktail 

Party." 

Moscow Sees Soviet Film 

Charging U.S. Perfidy 

MOSCOW—A crowd estimated at 10,000 

jammed Gorki Park's open-air theatre August 

19 to see and applaud the opening of the 

semi-documentary film, "Secret Mission," the 

story of an alleged United States and British 

wartime conspiracy to betray their Russian 

ally to the Germans. Aram Khatchaturian, 

one of Russia's greatest composers, wrote the 

music and Mikhail Romm produced the feature. 

The picture opened in most Moscow theatres 

August 21 and, eventually, it will be 

shown in every theatre in the Soviet Union. 

Reviews, said the picture was "based on 

documentary evidence." 

New Manager at UA 

In St, Louis Named 

KANSAS CITY—R. R. "Tommy" Thompson 

resigned as manager here for SRO and 

went to St. Louis to take over Tue.sday (5' 

R. R. 'TOMMY" THOMPSON 

as manager for United Artists. In addition 

to his SRO connection, Thompson had been 

a salesman here for Universal. He replaces 

Bernard Mariner who died August 12. W. T. 

Keith, district manager, who has been commuting 

between Kansas City and St. Louis 

pending Thompson's appointment, spent the 

first few days with the new branch manager. 

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94 BOXOFTICE 

: 

: September 

9, 1950

WEST VIRGINIA ASS'N CHANGES 

ITS NAME, ELECTS FRED HELWIG 

Counsel R. W. Lawson Says 

Tax Threat Requires 

Greater Unity 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. VA. — 

A threat of new taxes on the motion picture 

industry, or increases in existing ones by the 

forthcoming session of the West Virginia 

legislature demands that exhibitors of the 

state create a closer-lcnit organization. Robert 

W. Lawson, counsel, warned the annual convention 

here last week of the West Virginia 

Allied Theatres Ass'n. 

The fight that all groups of the industry 

put up against the federal admission tax 

proves what concerted action will accomplish, 

Lawson said. 

At the suggestion of Lawson. the convention 

adopted a resolution incorporating the 

organization as a nonprofit group, and changing 

the name from the West Virginia Theatre 

Managers Ass'n. 

MAX MATZ, \aCE -PRESIDENT 

Fred Helwig. was elected president to succeed 

L. E. Rogers. Others elected: Max 

Matz. vice-president: Rube Shor. secretary 

and treasurer, and Rogers as chairman of the 

board, members of which follow: E. R. Custer, 

Ross N. Filson. Donald Kessling. G. B. Lively, 

G. C. Porter, Louis Shor. Don Schultz, Woodrow 

Thomas and Hallie Gilbert jr. 

Rube Shor was chosen director on the 

Allied States board. 

* • * 

The Alexander Film Co. Oasis of Good 

Cheer was open from the closing of the first 

day's business session till the afternoon 

session of the second day. Frank Wolf jr.. 

district manager, and Bill Goodnight and 

F. J. Stanton were hosts. 

Joan Shor, daughter of Rube Shor. was 

seen around the banquet hall. Mrs. Trueman 

Rembusch, w'ife of the Allied national president, 

was popular with both the women and 

men exhibitors. Mrs. H. M. Richey accompanied 

the MOM public relations director. 

MRS. H. K. McGOWAN THERE 

Among those at the banquet were Mrs. 

H. K. McGowan and Arthur Adams of Cincinnati 

and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley demons. 

Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Buffa of the Mountainair 

Drive-In chatted with their old friends, 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Clemons of the Beckley 

Drive-In. 

* • * 

Motion Picture Advertising service featured 

a bottle of Hadacol at a cocktail party. 

It was said that A. E. Chadwick intended to 

imbibe it after the convention, but this was 

denied by Bill Sheffield, who pas.sed out the 

engraved invitations. Both J. A. Gill and 

Sheffield insisted they needed no elixir. Paige 

D. Scott said he would rather have cheese. 

* • • 

Ray Walsh and wife of Welch were seen 

renewing acquaintances: likewise G. B. Lively 

of Huntington. 

J. R. Powell of the Skyhne at Waynesboro 

Several officers of the West Virginia Theatre Managers Ass'n are shown in the 

top photo, left to right: L. E. Rogers, retiring president; Fred Helwig. new president; 

Max Matz, vice-president, and Rube Shor, secretary and treasurer. Bottom photo: 

H. H. Robey, Spencer; J. S. Grogan, Kimball; Bill Powell. White Sulphur Springs, 

and J. R. Powell, Waynesboro. 

started explaining the differences between 

outdoor and regular theatre operation, and 

was soon beseiged by questions from regular 

theatre operators. Among the questioners 

were Stafford Grogan from Kimball. Max 

Matz argued that drive-ins did not hurt 

regular theatre patronage, only built it for 

Michigan Allied Backs 

State Safety Short 

Detroit—Theatres throughout Michigan 

are cooperating in the showing of 

a special 30-second trailer produced by 

the state safety commission to promote 

traffic safety. Distribution is being sponsored 

by Allied Theatres of Michigan 

through Charles W. Snyder, executive 

secretary, who has urged the cooperation 

of every exhibitor in showing the film, 

pointing out that it is "just a message 

to our patrons asking them to take 

greater care in protecting the children 

who, incidentally, are our future patrons." 

Snyder pointed out that traffic and 

safety authorities have come to the belief 

that motion pictures are the "outstanding 

medium" to accomplish the 

objective in prevention. 

them, since the drive-in customers are not 

normal theatre patrons. 

• • • 

H. J. Gilbert. Princeton: H. H. Robey, 

Spencer, and Wendell H. Holt were busy 

greeting acquaintances. 

Dorothy Schuster was at the registration 

desk. 

Dr. J. C. Newbold of Bramwell was the 

center of a lively discussion. 

Lloyd Rogers' term as mayor of Welch expried 

this year and his son was elected to 

succeed him. 

It was the first convestion for C. P. Church, 

his wife and daughter of Mannington. 

Mr. and Mrs. Loe Bearison and Mr. and 

Mrs. H. K. McGowan greeted delegates in 

behalf of Berlo Vending Co. 

Other exhibitors registered: H. Banks, 

W. C. McCoy, and Mrs. Gertrude Levine 

William.son: M. G. Homes. Don KeesUng, 

Bramwell: George B. Lively, Huntington: Hal 

Gilbert, Princeton: N. P. Govan. Elkins: C. D. 

Crawford jr. and G. C. Porter. Beckley: 

Thomas Anas. Weirton: Lester Rosenfeld. St. 

Albans: H. M. McHaffie. Marmet: L. D. Holstein, 

Dunbar: J. W. Thomas. Oak Hill; E. J. 

Buffa. Glen Jean; W. H. Royers, Keystone; 

Albert Aaron, Charleston; Charles PasslneUi, 

MuUins. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 9. 1950 

ME 95

. . Variety 

. . 

. . 

CLEVELAND 

fârl Scheuch, Sol Gordon and Nate Gerson 

of Monogram are asking exhibitors to 

circle the week of October 22-28. set aside to 

honor Monogram salesmen and bookers in a 

booking drive. Franchise-owner Nate Schultz 

established the date to coincide with Carl 

Scheuch's 20th anniversary as his sales associate 

. . . Frank Murphy. Loew's Theatres 

division manager, has been the speaker before 

two Kiwanis groups. 

A report, based on substantial fact, is that 

the Variety Club is about to sell its spacious 

Euclid avenue clubhouse to the Loyal Order 

of Moose. In the event the deal goes through, 

the club will take up residence in one of the 

local hotels . . . Bert Robbins. son of National 

Screen President Herman Robbins, 

and NSS Treasurer Joe Wolf stopped for a 

visit with Manager Nat Barach ... It is 

said that the Knickerboker Theatre, once 

Cleveland's classiest film house, will not be 

dismantled, as recently announced. Jack Fine 

of the Main Theatre may resume operation 

of the house, formerly operated by the Associated 

circuit. 

. . 

Fresh paint at the RKO exchange is part 

RKO 

of the fall house cleaning program . 

Manager Jack Bernstein and his wife spent 

the holiday weekend in Canada, their home 

prior to being transferred to Cleveland . . . 

Jerry Wechsler, Warner manager, spent Labor 

day in Pittsburgh where his wife had 

been visiting their son. 

Mary Lou Weaver, former secretary to 

Warner Manager Jerry Wechsler, was home 

last week on her first visit from the Will 

Rogers Memorial hospital where she has 

been a patient the last two years. She returned 

to the hospital for another six-month 

treatment after which she will be discharged 

as cured. 

Two film men in the Cleveland territory 

have joined up with Uncle Sam. Gilbert 

Davis, assistant manager at the Vogue, resigned 

to join the navy. Thurman Hetzler, 

luanager of the Capitol. Sidney, enlisted in 

the army . Club Boys' camp at 

Northfield has closed for the season. 

Acquired late in the summer, the camp was 

in operation four weeks and entertained 40 

boys from underprivileged homes each week. 

A 12-week sea.son is planned for next summer 

. . . Robert Giles, Warners' head sound 

engineer, is vacationing in Canada. 

S. P. Gorrel of General Theatres circuit 

thinks there are too many westerns in current 

release and believes the present film 

trend is wanting in light entertainment . 

The Cloverleaf Auto Theatre, built by Al 

Ochs and his associates at the intersection 

of Granger, Warner and Canal roads, opened 

Saturday (2). The ozoner has accommodations 

for 1,200 cars and features a playground 

for children and an enclosed section 

for walk-in patrons. Opening day patrons 

received a four-leaf clover souvenir free. 

Kroger Babb, president of Hallmark Productions, 

was here to confer with associate 

J. S. Jossey on policies concerning the recently 

started "One Too Many," starring 

Ruth Warrick, Ginger Prince, Oslow Stevens 

and Richard Travis. Charles Meade, who has 

been representing HP in England, is back in 

the states as unit supervisor in the west . 

Louis Thome, Palace Theatre, Holgate, is 

father of a son named Vincente. The 

Thomes also have a daughter Dianna. 

Consider Amusement Tax 

ANN ARBOR, MICH. — The city 

council 

has been asked to consider enactment of a 

city amusement excise tax to help finance 

capital improvements. Alderman John Dobson 

said that Columbus, home of Ohio State 

university, has had "success" with such an 

amusement levy. 

Film Debut in 'Hero' 

New York actor Sandro Giglio will make 

his film debut in Columbia's "The Hero." 

New Nixon to Present 

Films on Off Weeks 

PITTSBURGH—The new Nixon, formerly 

the Senator, will feature not only available 

legitimate stage attractions but also films 

for weeks when the theatre would be dead 

for lack of stage bookings. More than $200,- 

000 has been expended in modernizing the 

hou.se on Liberty avenue. 

Gabe Rubin, managing director, stated that 

stage bookings always will be the principal 

aim, but when legitimate attractions are 

unobtainable, the theatre will be kept alight 

with films. The Nixon, completely remodeled, 

modernized and air conditioned, opened 

its legitimate season on Labor day with 

"Oklahoma!" 

Architect-designer John Schurko, in charge 

of the modernization, points to the comfortable 

and harmonious auditorium and balcony, 

nine dressing rooms which make a 

total of 30, men's and women's lounges downstairs 

completely renovated and decorated 

in luxurious manner, spacious glass-enclo.sed 

lobby and the canopy over Ogle Way, which 

will be a one-way passage. 

The former Nixon, now demolished and 

never air conditioned, adhered to a legitimate 

season, approximately from Labor day 

to the end of May, many weeks being without 

an attraction and thus dark. The Nixon 

will operate year-in and year-out with stage 

offerings or motion pictures. 

Telecast of Stage Revue 

To Start at Cleveland 

CLEVELAND — The Circle Theatre and 

local TV station WEWS are cooperating on 

a series of Saturday midnight revues which 

will be held on the Palace stage and telecast 

by WEWS. The tieup, according to Manager 

E. J, Stutz of the Circle, is to promote interest 

in flesh shows and cash in on public 

interest in television. This is said to be the 

first time that a Cleveland house and a 

television station have worked out a satisfactory 

plan of televising a stage show under 

a long term schedule. 

Each of the first four Saturday night revues 

will start at 11:30 p. m. and last two 

hours. Theatregoers will get a closeup view 

of a crew of WEWS engineers and technicians 

in action. 

Starting as a sustaining feature, several 

advertising agencies already have expressed 

interest in commercial sponsorship, Stutz 

said. 

Bob Ledyard of TV station WEWS will 

act 

as master of ceremonies. Included in the 

first revue will be Ernie Benedict's Range 

Riders, the Kendall Sisters, TV stars; Smiley 

and Sue, comedy team, a troupe of square 

dancers and a guest star to be announced. 

LEAD WARNER SESSION—M. A. Silver, right, Warner Theatres zone manager 

at Pittsburgh, is shown with Harry Goldberg, director of advertising for Warner 

Pictures, and Jules Lapidus, eastern sales manager, at a session in Pittsburgh which 

began the annual fall showmanship drive. August 27 to October 28. Managers of 

Warner circuit theatres in the tristatc area attended the meeting. .Îso present were 

Joseph Feldman, assistant zone manager; B. F. Moore, F. D. Moore. Harry Feinstein, 

Harry Burger, B. W. Steerman, Sidney Jacobs and James Totman. 

Opens With 'Henry' 

DETROIT—The Cinema Theatre, first 

run 

house, is planning to begin the fall season 

with a program of strong attractions, opening 

September 1 with a return showing of 

"Henry V." "Gigi," the French release, and 

Columbia's "Faust and the Devil," one of the 

few pictures by a major distributor ever obtained 

for this house, will follow. The management 

expects a holdover on each release. 

96 BOXOrnCE : 

: September 9, 1950

— 

— — 

Detroit Houses Show 

Allen—Broken Arrow (20th-Fox), 2nd d.t. wk on 

a holdover „ 135 

Esquire—li This Be Sin (UA) 100 

Hippodrome Underworld Story (UA) 90 

Lower Mall Story ol Tosca (Superiilm) and 

Traviota (Col) 2nd d.t. wk 100 

Palace Panic in the Street (20th-Fox) 115 

Ohio Return oi Jesse James (LP) _ 115 

Stale Abbott and Coslello in the Foreign 

Legion (U-I) 80 

Stillman—So Young, So Bad (UA) 90 

NoD^rû censor cuts 

the first time in over a 

year, motion pictures escaped un.scathed by 

Belter Gross Trend 

censorship last month. Police censors Herbert 

W. Case and Howard Stewart reviewed 

DETROIT — Local first runs showed a 

454,000 feet and for the first time since July 

marked trend toward better business. The 

1949 made no cuts. A total of 88,000 feet of 

Fox broke its year's record with 200 per cent 

foreign film was reviewed including 45,000 

on the opening week of "Broken Arrow." 

Mexican and 33,000 Italian, booked principally 

for the Aztec and Cinema theatres. 

Its gross was tied by "Sunset Boulevard" at 

the Michigan, also with 200. 

No changes in theatre fronts were ordered 


despite 29 visits. 

Adams—Three Little Words (MGM), 2nd wk 100 

Cinema Lost Youth (Lux); Merchant oi Slaves 

(Lux) 100 

New Outdoor Theatre 

Downtown—The Cariboo Trail (20th-Fox); Lucky 

Announced 

Losers (Mono), 2nd wk &0 HUNTINGTON, W. VA.—The Hyman- 

Fox—Broken Arrow (20th-Fox); Hi-Jacked (LP)....200 

Madison—Where the Sidewalk Ends (20th-Fox), Keith interests here have completed plans 

2nd d. t. wk 105 for construction of a 1,000-car capacity 

Michigan Sunset Boulevard (Para) 200 

Palms-State—711 Ocean Drive (Col), 2nd wk 90 

drive-in. 

United Artists— Return oi Jesse James (LP); I Shot 

Billy the Ed (LP) 30 

Cleveland on Heavy Side; 

'Arrow' Is Strongest 

CLEVELAND—Considering that every picture 

with only one exception was on the 

heavy side during a week of hot weather, 

business wasn't too bad. "Broken Arrow" 

for the second week headed the list, hitting 

a good 135 per cent. 

'Boulevard' Held Second Week 

At Pittsburgh Perm 

PITTSBURGH—"Sunset Boulevard" held 

Loew's Penn audiences spellbound. In holding 

the very unusual and wild Hollywood 

ins. 

story of No. 10086 Sunset Blvd., the theatre 

advertised that 51,273 people witnessed the 

production during its first week. 

Fulton—Our Very Own (RKO), 2nd wk 105 

Harris—Stella (20lh-Fox) 65 

Penn Sunset Boulevard (Para) 155 

Stanley—Pretty Baby (WB) 80 

Warner-So Proudly We Hail (Para); Wake 

Island (Para), reissues 90 

'Black Rose' Grosses 175 

In Cincinnati Bow 

CINCUSTNATI—"The Black Rose" opened 

at Keiths here with 175 per cent to take top 

honors of the week. All first runs showed 

increased take with second place going to 

"Duchess of Idaho" at the RKO Grand 

with 140. 

Albee Destination Moon (EL) 120 

Capitol— Louisa (U-I), 2nd wk 100 

Grand—Duchess of Idaho (MGM) 140 

Keiths—The Blad: Rose (20th-Fox) 175 

Lyric—Sunset Boulevard (Para). 2nd d. t. wk. 110 

Palace—Three Little Words (MGM), 2nd wk 110 

«to«MS[>X«%d stcitca 

AVI. 

:tt2.'^»

CINCINNATI 

•The Strand Theatre building at 531 Walnut 

is to be torn down and the site used for 

a parking lot, according to Thomas Emery's 

Sons, Inc. Tenants of the building have been 

asked to move by the end of November. The 

Strand had been operated by Telenews 

Theatres of Chicago but recently was closed 

because of poor business. 

William Borack of Co-operative Theatre 

Service was in Pittsburgh last week conferring 

with President Bert Stearn. Lev Bugie 

was in Logan. W. Va.. at the home office of 

the Thalheimer circuit, for whom Bugie is 

booking and buying representative here . . . 

1

. . American 

. . Formal 

. . . Clarence 

1 

Tom Kessler Upped 

To UDT's Madison 

DETROIT—Tliomas Kessler, former manager 

of the Norwest. has been named manager 

of the first run Madison by the United Detroit 

circuit, succeeding August Sermo, who moved 

to West Virginia. A series of managerial shifts 

in the circuit followed. Sale of three houses, 

the Annex, Alger and Regent, to the new Goldhar-Zimner 

circuit, and disposal of a partnership 

in the Royal to the Wisper & Westman 

circuit marked further shifts in the 

UDT staff. 

Richard Sklucki moved from the Rosedale 

to the Norwest as manager, and Ted 

Maiberger, assistant at the Michigan, is 

doubling as manager of the Rosedale, with 

William Collins filling in as his assistant for 

part of the week. 

Among assistant managers, Gary Lacy and 

Ben Johnson have left the Michigan; Thomas 

Salawage has replaced Daniel Candea at the 

United Artists; Bruno Sinkus, formerly of 

the Riviera, has replaced Herschel Herman 

at the Madison; Anthony Pnakovich, a newcomer, 

has replaced Arnold Stone at the 

Fisher, and Wayne Dahl took Sinkus' post 

at 

the Riviera. 

Among subsequent run houses, August 

Hampe has replaced Ervvin Schoenherr as 

assistant at the Varsity; John Bies took Peter 

Streicher's post at the Vogue; two new men 

are being given training—Rina Piazza at the 

Fisher and James Burke at the Palms. Appointments 

were announced by Frank Upton, 

supervisor. 

Petty Girls in Youngstown 

YOUNGSTOWN—Janis Carter, Columbia 

star, and four models who posed for George 

Petty's calendar girls appeared in a stage 

show at the Palace, and were guests at the 

Canfield fair, where they .saw the exhibits 

and posed for pictures with Mayor Charles 

P. Henderson and other officials. The girls 

were also heard over WFMJ discussing their 

experiences in making "The Petty Girl," 

which will open at the Palace September 11. 

LOUISVILLE 

. . . 

T E. Elliott jr., owner and manager of the 

Cardinal Theatre, Hodgenville, Ky., will 

marry Freda Thompson. No date has been 

set for the wedding Les Grewell, local 

Altec service engineer, has been on vacation. 

His duties were taken over by Ken 

Kaiser . Drive-In Theatres' 

Twin Drive-In here again went for first run 

product with the showing of "Sierra" on 

both screens. The Twin is headed by Lou 

Arru. 

Exhibitors seen on the Row recently included 

Tom Speer, Monroe, Monroe City, 

Ind.; Don Steinkamp, Dream, French Lick; 

R. H. Robertson, Majestic, Springfield; Luther 

Knifley, Art, Knifley; A. N. Miles, Eminence, 

Eminence; Bob Enoch. State and 

Grand, Elizabethtown; A. O. Perkins, Lynn. 

Woodbine; Gene Lutes, Capitol, Frankfort, 

and E. L. Ornstein, Rialto, Marengo, Ind. 

Mrs. Robert T. Enoch, wife of Bob Enoch 

of the Elizabethtown Amusement Co., Elizabethtown, 

was confined to St. Joseph's infirmary 

here for checkup . opening 

of the new Bel Vista Drive-In. Springfield, 

Ky., was held by Tom Wheatley and 

his associates, owners of the project. Other 

owners are J. A. Ball and Kathleen Nalley 

Wheatley. The opening of the Bel Vista will 

give Springfield its second theatre. The other 

is the indoor Majestic. 

Neil Borden, secretary and assistant treassurer 

of KATO, has returned to her desk 

following an extended vacation, which included 

visits to Massachusetts and Nova 

Scotia . . . Frank Riffle, formerly with the 

Falls City Theatre Equipment Co. sound engineering 

staff and currently vifith the Altec 

Service Corp. working out of Columbia, S. C, 

was here on vacation. 

Mr. and Mrs. George Lindsay of the Lindsay 

Theatre, Brownsville, Ky., are parents of 

George Lindsay II, born at the City hospital, 

The Marian Theatre, 

Bowlmg Green . . . 

Auburn, Ky., is undergoing a complete remodeling, 

according to the new owners of 

Earl W. Penrod, with Lucky 

the project . . . 

Name out of Indianapolis, was a visitor 

while making his rounds in the territory. 

Mrs. Clyde Marshall, co-owner of the Columbian 

in Columbia, attended a meeting of 

the governor's committee of the Kentucky 

Society for Crippled Children. She has been 

an active member of the society several years 

Taylor, a.ssistant to the president 

of KATO, has returned to his desk following 

two weeks of active camp duty with 

the army re.serves. 

Manos Remodels Elkins 

ELKINS, W. VA.—Extensive remodeling 

will be started soon on the Manos circuit's 

Hippodrome here. The exterior and interior 

will be modernized and new restrooms and 

lounges will be installed. When completed, 

the theatre's name will be changed to the 

Elkins. The circuit also operates the Manos 

here. Both units are managed by Nick 

Giovan. 

Da-Wo Co. Head Vacations 

TOLEDO, OHIO—David Wolf, head of the 

Da-Wo Co., makers of drive-in equipment, 

and his wife and two children vacationed at 

Cheboygan, Mich. 


BEST BY TEST 

THAN THE REST 

NEXT TIME ORDER FROM^ 

FILMACK 

,.-=*** . 

NEW YORK 

619 vy"54lh St 

FILMITES CONFER—Jacob Schreiber, 

left, former circuit owner now a Miami 

resident, is shown above greeting; Leonard 

Soskin, theatrical insurance man and 

owner of the Amsterdam Theatre, Detroit, 

upon Soskin's recent arrival at 

Miami. 

W. E. Carrell sr., head of the Falls City 

Theatre Equipment Co. here, is making 

preparations for attending the joint TESMA- 

TEDA convention to be held at the Hotel 

Stevens, Chicago. October 8-11. Carrell is a 

member of the board of directors of the 

TEDA organization and takes an active part 

in the organization and convention affairs. 

Also planning to take in the convention is 

E. L. Ornstein, head of Ornstein Theatres, 

controlling indoor theatres in Indiana and 

Kentucky. 

Owners of Kentucky's nearly 300 theatres 

have been asked to use theatre lobbies to 

obtain signatures on Crusade for Freedom 

.scrolls. Letters were mailed to exhibitors by 

Fred J. DoUe. president of the Fourth Ave. 

Amusement Co. here, at the request of the 

state chairman of the Crusade for Freedom 

campaign, Guthrie F. Crowe. Crowe also is 

president of the Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre 

Owners. 

WILLIAM P. YAGER, Partner & 

Manager, Plymouth Theatre, Leominster. 

Mass.—says: 

"We have enjoyed 15 years of 

RCA Service. Enjoyed it because 

it has been so prompt, 

efficient and friendly." 

To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite: 

RCA SERVICE COMPANY. 

INC., 

Radio Corporation of America. 

Camden, N. J. 

Adv. 

BOXOFFICE ;: September 9, 1950 99

. . Eleanor 

. 

. . George 

. . 

. . Bob 

. . Ben 

. . Lee 

— 

DETROIT 

\XTclber Haartge, adjutant ol Theatrical 

post, is planniiii,' for the big annual installation 

party to be held at midnight September 

Roy Thompson, new bowling 

13 . . . secretary of the Nightingales, is getting his 

teams lined up. Team captains met this 

week . . . Shirley Scholtz of the U.S. Immigration 

Offices is engaged to William A. 

Rennie jr., son of the owner of the Amo. 

Helen Madak of the Korman office is 

leaving 

for a week's vacation back home at 

Frank BoUacker, manager 

Uniontown, Pa. . . . 

of the Times Square, is recovering from 

hand injuries received during a debate with 

a difficult customer . . . Ted R. Wichman 

EXPERT 

Upholstering. Repairing. 

Rearranging

. . The 

! 

. 

I 

Sale of Schulte Trio 

Remains Uncertain 

COLUMBUS 

Jêmbers of the Ass'n of Columbus Owned 

Theatres, 

DETROIT—Further 

comprising 

dispersal of the 

a majority of local 

Schulte 

circuit was 

neighborhoods, expect 

tentatively set for September 

an answer soon from 

10, 

with 

the city 

the confirmation 

council 

by David Korman, 

on a request for lifting of 

circuit 

the city's 3 

operator, that he is taking 

per cent admissions tax. 

over 

Members 

of 

Schulte's 

three new suburban 

the association 

houses, the Liberty, Motor 

City and 

have petitioned city 

council for lifting of 

Ryan, 

the tax 

on that date. Korman, 

on the grounds 

of 

who had 

hardship. 

only 

City council 

a couple of houses 

has 

a 

been on vacation 

year ago, 

has been building one 

during August. 

of the fastest-growing 

circuits in this area in recent months. 

Mrs. Ethel Miles announced that the three 

William Schulte, founder of what was the Miles Auto Theatres, the Scioto Drive, East 

largest unaffiliated circuit in the state, was Main and West Broad, are playing first run 

seriously injured in an auto accident on attractions for the week starting September 

Christmas day, and has not yet been able to 

7. The attractions are Monogram's "County 

return to work. Korman earlier took over the Fair" and "Bomba in the Lost Volcano." 

Greenwood and Virginia from him. Schulte 

continues to operate a number of upstate and Downtown theatre owners are hopeful that 

city houses, and, several months ago, indicated 

traffic conditions will be eased following an- 

plans for expansion in the drive-in nouncement by Lieut. George Scholer, head 

field. 

of the police traffic division, that double and 

However, a spokesman for the Schulte interests 

illegal parking would be eliminated 

said FYiday that the deal was not 

ports are current that both the Curtiss- 

closed, and it was understood that an unidentified 

Wright airplane plant and the former Lus- 

eastern group was dickering for tron building adjacent to the Curtiss-Wright 

the houses, leaving their ultimate fate up in building, will be taken over for war production. 

the air. 

This followed an earlier announcement 

TOLEDO 

by Curtiss officials that the plant would be 

closed next March because of lack of orders. 

New fall film season for Loew's Ohio and 

Loew's Broad was inaugurated with full 

Hbe Ludacer, manager of Loew's Valentine, 

pages of coming attractions in all local papers 

... All first runs reported 

was host recently to members 

hiked grosses 

of the 

Ohio High school 

during the last week, first week of the fall 

allstar football teams, 

which played a charity game in Toledo 

season. 

. 

Janis Carter and four starlets were here F, Beverly Kelley, Delaware. Ohio, furniture 

store owner and former member of the 

recently publicizing "The Petty Girl" . . . 

The Paramount, 3.400-seat house which rarely 

holds over a film, kept "Broken Arrow" num & Bailey circus, has been engaged by 

press department of Ringling Brothers Bar- 

for three extra days . Sports Ai-ena the Playwrights' Co. as advance representative 

for "Lost in the Stars," which will tour 

has booked "Holiday on Ice" for its sixth 

annual appearance in Toledo, starting November 

17, for ten days. 

of the Southern, and his wife returned re- 

the midwest . . . Bernard Ginley, manager 

All automobile owners with the numerals 

711 in their license numbers, and all O'Briens 

who spelled their names with an E were 

admitted to the Rivoli Theatre here free 

recently, the day on which the house began 

showing the film, "711 Ocean Drive." 

D. W. Moor Jr. to Lithox 

TOLEDO—D. W. Moor jr., president of the 

American Mat Corp. and the D. W. Moor Co., 

has been elected vice-president in charge of 

sales of the Lithox Corp.. Wapakoneta, Ohio. 

He will also continue in his other posts. 

Arcadia in Marianna Reopened 

MARIANNA, PA.—The Arcadia, formerly 

operated under lease by John and Werner 

Lund, has been redecorated and renovated 

and opened under the management of John 

The Informer" and, in 

Docktor, son of Frank Docktor, district attorney 

of Washington county, owner. 

of service. 


WAHOO )s the world'l moil ihriilins screen fo 

Now bein« ul

. . Andy 

. . Monday 

. . . Rudy 

. . . Sympathy 

. . The 

. . 

. . Ann 

. . 

PITTSBURGH 

. . . 

The Harris Amusement Co. film pickup 

truck has gone out of service and John 

Nacey, veteran driver, will be mi.ssed on the 

Pilmrow rounds. Tlie circuit's theatres will 

be serviced by trucks of the Kally and Shearer 

agencies The Johnstown Little Theatre 

has acquired a studio in the Roudabush building 

there . . . Abe Weiner. Monogram manager, 

and Ben Williams of Boston, holder 

of the local franchi.se. will go to Los Angeles 

to attend the September 5-7 Monogram- 

Allied Artists convention. 

Joseph T. Birocco, Clarion exhibitor, who 

has resided for five years in Miami where he 

operates motels and trailer courts, was a 

Pilmrow visitor with his son Joe jr., who 

operates the Garby at Clarion. This was the 

elder Birocco's first visit on the film curb in 

several years . . . Ma.\ Arnold. Pitcairn and 

Verona e.xhibitor who has an interest in the 

Mapel Drive-In. enjoyed a fishing vacation 

Al Amen. Filmrow 

on Chesapeake bay . . . 

sign painter, was in Shadyside hospital for 

observation. 

Jimmy Ritter. who was off the ELC payroll 

for some weeks, has resumed sales duties 

for this company in the West Virginia area 

. . . George Wheeler. District Theatres booker 

at Washington, vacationed here and visited 

Pilmrow. 

. 

Moe Dudelson, UA division manager, conferred 

with Mannie Trautenberg, local manager 

Battiston is back at his 

Pilmrow office after vacationing at Deep 

Creek. Md. . is merchants' giveaway 

night in the concession stand at 

White Way Drive-In near Warren . 

the 

. . 

Frank A. Orban jr.. 

Somerset county exhibi- 

Refrestiment Equipment, Supplies 

and 

Service 

CompleFe Supply and Concession Service 

for Tlieatres and Drive-Ins 

We Feature SEALTEST Ice 

Cream 

Ask About Our Profitable Deal For You. 

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THEATRE CANDY CO., INC. 

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NEW LAKE THEATRE AT ERIE, 

Fialur

Montgomery Drive-In 

Suffers $20,000 Blaze 

MONTGOMERY—The Montgomery Drive- 

In suffered between $20,000 and $30,000 damages 

in a fire early last Tuesday (29i which 

practically demolished the screen tower. 

Jack Hauer, manager for Phil Smith Enterprises, 

Boston, could not account for the 

cause of the fire, and requested the fire 

marshal's office to make an investigation. 

Hauer said "it sounded like a bunch of firecrackers 

going off" as the flames ate through 

the wooden studding in the steel superstructure, 

and the heat "blew out" the asbestos 

board covering. 

Indications are that the fire started in 

the locker room, one of five rooms on the 

tower's ground floor. Repair work was 

started immediately, and temporary remodeling 

enabled the theatre to resume operation 

on Thursday night, two days following the 

fii-e. 

Screen Flooded Out 

DETROIT — The miraculous subject of 

"The Next Voice You Hear ..." was licked 

by a flood at a combination of tradescreening 

and invitational preview for some 600 civic 

and religious leaders at the Globe Theatre. 

Twenty minutes before show time, a water 

main burst nearby and the water came up as 

much as four feet over street level. A few 

early birds saw the picture, but most were 

unable to reach the theatre, and MOM Manager 

Frank J. Downey scheduled a repeat 

engagement for August 29 for the same 

audience. 

THE TIMELY SMASH HIT/ 

Prizes to 1st Girl Baby 

Promote 'Pretty Baby' 

LOUISVILLE—With the opening of "Pretty 

Baby" at the first run Mary Anderson here, 

the management and several local merchants 

offered token awards to the first baby girl 

born in a Louisville hospital on opening day. 

A local baby photographer offered a certificate 

good for six months for photographs 

to the infant, a Louisville drug chain was to 

supply a complete baby kit, a go-cart was to 

be given by a shop specializing in baby clothes 

and furniture. Also included was a month's 

supply of free diaper service and a month's 

supply of milk from a local dairy. The theatre 

gave a $25 savings bond. 

Fathers of baby girls born on Thursday 

(10) were invited to call Clifford Buechel, 

manager of the theatre, and announce the 

birth. The hospital record of the time of 

birth was to determine the winner. 

Equip Michigan Airers 

DETROIT—Walt Horstman & Co., equipment 

dealer, has completed sign installations 

and fronts for the Sunset Drive-In, 

Lapeer, for Harold Schuckert & Sons; Blue 

Sky Drive-In at Caseville for Schuckert & 

Sons, and the new Starlite Drive-In, Saginaw, 

for Ashmun Bros. The two Schuckert 

theatres have an illuminated plastic surface 

combined with both neon and mazda lighting. 

Horstman is also working on four other 

drive-ins under construction; Belair, Detroit, 

for Community Theatres; Crest, East Lansing, 

for Annin Theatre Co.; Mount Clemens. 

Mount Clemens, for James Ross and associates, 

and U.S. 23, Fenton. 

Burlesque Show at Gayety 

TOLEDO—Traveling burlesque returned to 

Toledo here recently by opening at the 

Gayety Theatre, a 400-seat house previously 

operated as an art film theatre. Owned and 

operated by Ed Rubin, his father Jack H. 

Rubin and Warren B. Irons, the theatre was 

remodeled at a cost of $21,500, for new stage 

and dressing rooms, and a TV lounge. The 

house is a member of the western burlesque 

wheel, and has a stock chorus. 

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Some See Patron Disservice, Ofhers 

See Boxoffice Aid in Fox Plan 

CLEVELAN D—Tie recently announced 

20th Century-Fox plan to sell certain pictures 

on a policy involving admittance of patrons 

only at the opening time of the show 

has evoked surprisingly little comment among 

Cleveland exhibitors. Asked what they think 

of the plan, some think it excellent and decidedly 

a forward step. Others think that it 

Is a distinct disservice to the film patron. 

Among the boosters of the plan are Abe 

Kramer, official of the Associated circuit, and 

Joe Rembrandt, owner of the Center Mayfield 

Theatre in Cleveland and the EUet in 

Akron. 

"If the pictures are good enough to warrant 

the extra publicity needed to sell the 

idea of being at the theatre for the opening 

of the picture, then, in my opinion, the 20th- 

Fox plan can be worked out in the better 

theatres." said Kramer. "In fact, this might 

prove to be a policy that will attract to the 

theatre that vast number of people who never 

go to the movies and about whom so much 

has been said of late. In the legitimate theatre, 

latecomers are not seated until the end 

of the first act. A similar policy in class film 

houses, if properly exploited, can enhance the 

entertainment value of a picture at least 50 

per cent. And this word-of-mouth advertising 

can. in turn, favorably affect subsequent 

run engagements, which will undoubtedly 

profit from the added publicity." 

Joe Rembrandt, another booster of the proposed 

policy, is of the opinion that, given 

proper publicity, it should stimulate public 

interest in good pictures. "It's a constructive 

idea." Rembrandt said, "and exhibitors 

should meet it with an open mind." 

Opposed to the plan in principle is Joe 

Lissauer of the Skirball Brothers' circuit. He 

said: "Our industry Is built on the policy of 

catering to the masses. Anything that causes 

the masses to be inconvenienced is impractical. 

It is just because movie patrons can 

pick up and go to the movies at any time 

that our industry has appealed to the masses. 

Our business is to cater to the public and 

any plan that inconveniences the public, such 

as the proposed plan to buy tickets in advance 

and be at the theatre at a scheduled 

time, is impracticable." 

Another viewpoint expressed by a circuit 

owner stresses the fact that in his experience, 

about 85 per cent of the patrons come 

to the theatre at the time of the first show 

or at the break time. Fifteen per cent drift 

in during the middle of the performance. 

The 20th-Fox plan, in his opinion, has no 

boxoffice value. He thinks it doubtful whether 

the advanced admission sale would attract 

enough additional patronage to compensate 

for the lost 15 per cent who straggle in at 

any time. 

So far as could be learned, the local 20th- 

Fox exchange has not closed any deals as 

yet under this policy which is to start with 

"All About Eve." 

F&M Drops Advertising 

In St. Louis Democrat 

From Central Edition 

ST. LOUIS—Fanchon & Marco, operator of 

the largest circuit here, has dropped all advertising 

in the Globe-Democrat, this city's 

only morning newspaper. Edward B. Arthur, 

F&M general manager, dechned to comment. 

RKO continued to carry fair space in the 

Globe-Democrat on the, current run of 

"Treasure Island" and "Beaver Valley" at 

F&M's Shubert and suburban Shady Oak 

theatres. 

The great majority of the neighborhood 

and suburban theatres dropped their ads 

from the Globe-Democrat a couple of years 

ago following an increase in rates. 

New U-I Film Building 

Started at Pittsburgh 

PITTSBURG H—Excavation has been 

started on the Boulevard of the Allies for 

the new and modern U-I exchange building. 

The site is next to the Frank & Seder warehouse, 

beyond the Warner and RKO film 

buildings in the 1800-block of the boulevard. 

U-I will occupy the new building next spring. 

Rabid TV Fan Blanks 

Out After 7 Hours 

Columbus, Ohio— "Television conjunctivitis" 

is the latest ailment hereabouts. 

Ben Payne sr., 45, a rabid TV fan, 

watched his set from 6 p. m. until 10. His 

eyes began to smart, so he went to bed. 

About 1 a. m. he awoke. He couldn't open 

his eyes. His head felt like an eightcylinder 

motor hitting on all eight. His 

wife called emergency police squadmcn. 

They took him to Grant hospital where 

doctors said Payne was suffering from 

television conjunctivitis. Payne is a 

maintenance man at White Cross hospital. 

Partial to TV wrestling shows, Payne 

said he would not give up watching his 

set despite the attack. 

Grainger Makes Changes 

In Jamestown Staff 

NEW YORK—E. C. Grainegr has made a 

number of managerial changes in the Jamestown 

Amusement Co. Prank V. King is field 

representative. Managers are currently assigned 

as follows: 

Shea's and Park, Jamestown, N. Y., Dan 

Gilhula; Shea's and McKean, Bradford, Pa.. 

Vincent Choate; Shea's, Erie, Pa., Vance 

Minton; Orpheum, McKees Rocks, Pa., Ray 

MacNealy: Fulton, Pittsburgh, John D. 

Walsh; Shea's Penn, Pittsburgh. Eddie Mason; 

State. Strand. Palace and Crown, Manchester, 

N. H., E. J. Fahey; State, Daniel 

Webster and Colonial, Nashua. N. H., F. D. 

Scribner; Amherst and Town Hall. Amherst, 

Mass., Dale McCoy; Lawler. Greenfield. 

Mass.. B. L. Hickey; Park. Westfield, Mass., 

Jack Baumgardt. 

Also, in Ohio, Colonial, Akron, R. W. 

Rhodes: Shea's, Palace, Bula and State, Ashtabula, 

Dale Tysinger; State and Strand, Cambridge, 

R. Cannon: State and Ohio, Conneaut. 

Armand Pepin: Bexley and State, 

Dover, Tom Turley; Shea's, Geneva, Bob 

Limbaugh: Lyric and Liberty, Lancaster, 

Fred Lahrmer; Colony, Ohio and Putnam, 

Marietta, Durward Duty; Midland and Auditorium. 

Newark. William Gillam; Quaker 

and Union. New Philadelphia. Harold E. Snyder; 

Paramount. Youngstown, Jack W. 

Hynes; Liberty, Grand and Quimby, Zanesville, 

J. W. Scanlon: Weller, Zanesville, E. 

J. Hiehle. 

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THEATRE 

STREET ADDRESS 

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NAME 

STATE 

POSITION 

KATO Confab Committee 

Meets in Louisville 

LOUISVILLE—The convention committee 

of the Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre Owners 

met at the offices at 427 S. Third St. here 

recently. In attendance were Cilff Buechel, 

chairman; Katie Overstreet. Nell Bordon, 

Clarence Taylor. W. E. Carrell and visitor 

Dale Fullenwider. zone manager for Hallmark 

Productions. 

After the meeting, it was revealed that 

George Murphy of MGM would attend convention 

festivities in October and that an 

elaborate program would be staged by Hallmark. 

Guthrie Crowe, president of KATO. is one 

of the busiest men in the state preparing for 

the convention and maintaining his office as 

commissioner of state police in Frankfort. 

104 

BOXOFFICE 

:: September 9, 1950

. 

— 

Auto Horn 'Applause' 

Too Loud at 

Drive-In 

DETROIT—Special events at a drivein 

can prove embarrassingly popular, it 

was learned at the opening of the new 

Bel-Air. operated by Community Theatres. 

Mayor Albert Cobo greeted the new 

open-airer on behalf of the city of Detroit. 

Somebody got the idea of applauding 

by means of blowing auto horns 

and the whole packed field took it up 

with a deafening result. The blast was 

sufficient to prove somewhat disturbing 

to patients at a hospital nearly half a 

mile away, and it is expected that patrons 

will be urged to restrain their "applause" 

on future personal appearances 

via the p.a. system. 

Letter-Writing Contest 

Conducted for 'Voice' 

TOLEDO—Loew's Valentine, of which Abe 

Ludacer is manager, recently conducted a 

letter-writing contest to determine which 

Toledo newsboy deserved to be called the 

typical American newspaper boy. The contest 

was held in connection with the film, 

"The Next Voice You Hear 

." 

. 

Letters were to nominate Toledo's most 

typical American newsboy, with the reasons 

given in 50 words or less. First prize will be 

a new bicycle for the boy and a $25 U.S. 

savings bond for the letter-writer. A $25 

bond for the boy and a month's supply of 

guest tickets for the writer is second prize. 

Next 10 best answers are to receive a pair 

of guest tickets. 

WEST VIRGINIA 

. . John 

•Pony T. Ghiardi, manager of the Virginia at 

Fairmont, featured personal endorsements 

Lhe exhibition of recent features . . . Joe 

on 

Mercer, retired pioneer exhibitor of the Warwood 

district at Wheeling, vacationed recently 

at the seashore. His health is much 

improved, according to Bill Habegger, proprietor 

of the Lincoln at Warwood . 

Urse and associates in ownership of the 

Eastland Theatre at Fairmont reopened their 

Eastland bowling lanes September 1. 

Recruits at Cleveland 

Free to Loew Shows 

Cleveland—Frank Murphy, Loew Theatres 

division manager and a veteran of 

World War II, is the first in this area to 

come up with free admissions to members 

of the armed forces. Through an 

arrangement with Capt. Leon M. De- 

Mers, head of the Cleveland recruiting 

station, Loew's State, Ohio and Stillman 

theatres will be hosts to one group of 

recruits each night to help them pass the 

trying time between induction and departure 

to encampment. Admittance is 

free with a leader delegated to a group 

over 20 recruits. 

Detroit 

With Distinct, 

Town of 'One Too Mcmy' 

Is Lancaster in Ohio 

WILMINGTON. OHIO—The town 

Showmen View New Season 

New Optimism 

"somewhere 

in Indiana" which is the setting for 

Hallmark Productions' "One Too Many," 

antialcoholism feature now in production in 

Hollywood, is really Lancaster, Ohio. Kroger 

Babb. producer, had the Fairfield county 

seat town in mind when he envisioned the 

production. It's a tribute to his good friend, 

R. Kenneth Kerr, publisher of the Lancaster 

Eagle-Gazette. A station wagon used in the 

picture has a sign reading "Eagle-Gazette." 

In the story a man named R. Kenneth Simes 

is the publisher. 

The cast of "One Too Many" is headed by 

Richard Travers, Ruth Warrick and Ginger 

Prince. Others in the list of 35 principals 

are Onslow Stevens, Rhys Williams, William 

Tracy. Thurston Hall and Lyle Talbot. Louis 

DaPron, the Harmonaires sextet and Carlos 

Molina and his orchestra are in the picture. 

Third Citation Awarded 

'Stars in My Crown' 

NEW YORK—The National Conference of 

Christians and Jews has awarded a citation 

of merit to "Stars in My Crown," which 

William H. Wright produced for MGM. The 

film IS recognized as furthering better human 

relations. Presentation was made to 

Wright by Dr. Wilham Lindsay Young, vicepresident 

of the national council. The film 

has been previously cited by Parents' Magazine 

and the California Federation of Women's 

Clubs. 

Acquire 22 Korda Films 

'Black Rose' Promotion 

NEW YORK—"The Black Rose" (20th-Pox) 

is getting some special promotion through 

the mailing to customers by Burlington Mills 

NEW YORK—American distribution rights 

to 22 Sir Alexander Korda films have been 

obtained by Max J. Rosenberg and Albert 

Margolies from the Hecuba Corp. Rosenberg 

and Margolies will handle the films through 

Cla.ssic Pictures, Inc. Among them are: "The 

Private Life of Henry VIII." "Four Feathers," 

"The Ghost Goes West," "Elephant 

Boy," "That Hamilton Woman," "Rembrandt," 

"Jungle Book" and "Thief of Bagdad." 

of a handsome six-page brochure carrying 

swatches of cloth dyed "black rose." BurUngton, 

one of the largest textile organizations, 

is offering the color in materials suitable for 

dress, 

blouse, suiting and sportswear. 

20th-Fox Look in Tieup 

NEW YORK — Look magazine and 20th 

Century-Fox have arranged a cooperative 

sales effort for "The Black Rose." Look is 

sending letters to 1.000 exhibitors pointing 

out the impact of the full color double-page 

spread in the August 29 issue. 

DETROIT—The tide 

has turned distinctly 

upward, according to a careful survey of the 

Motor city theatre area. The actual increase 

in business during the past four weeks has 

not been great: perhaps 5 to 15 per cent represents 

the range, as shown by individual 

reports, but the mood of exhibitors here has 

altered radically, and is approaching an unfamiliar 

optimism as a result of their satisfaction 

with the new trend. 

The seasonal factor is one answer to the 

upturn, but the confidence of showmen in 

a continuation of the trend goes beyond this 

usual pickup. 

First indications were reported in mid-July 

in frank, but confidential, information by 

individual neighborhood exhibitors. Then, as 

now, the Korean situation gets much of the 

credit: despite the temporary countereffect 

of strikes, more people are going back to 

work, and there is a sizable increase in the 

local population as southerners and others 

come here looking for jobs. Single men and 

women are good prospects for theatres, as 

evidenced by Mrs. Remi Van Houdt at the 

east side Time. 

PAYROLLS ARE HEAVY 

Heavy overtime and good earnings by 

youngsters in their late teens, naturally entertainment-minded, 

is a by-product of this 

situation, as pointed out by Saul Korman, 

circuit owner. 

Television here is having a much-debated 

effect. "Actually, video has not hurt us significantly 

during the summer," Korman summarized. 

"Television programming has been 

weak, and we will have to wait until fall to 

tell the result on our own business. But during 

the summer, if people wanted some 

amusement, they would not sit in a hot house 

looking at television: they would get out and 

visit a cool theatre instead." 

Individual exhibitors and circuits operating 

a majority of Detroit theatres were contacted 

in this survey, and the optimistic mood, even 

though slight in some instances, was unanimous. 

One major circuit executive pointed 

out that significantly the increase is coming 

almost entirely on good boxoffice pictures, 

indicating a need for selective buying. 

IN FIRST RUNS. TOO 

The upturn has occurred in the first runs, 

as confirmed by such managers as David 

M. Idzal of the Fox and Norman Meyers of 

the Adams, as well as in the Uttle neighborhoods, 

such as Sam Ackerman's east side. 

Theatre construction is continuing at a 

heavy pace upstate, but the Detroit area 

proper is concentrating upon drive-ins. with 

four opening around town this season. Little 

immediate construction of standard theatres 

inside the city is anticipated, aside from the 

new Arc, which is being rushed to completion 

currently as the first downtown house 

in a decade. 

Confidence of exhibitors is reflected, however, 

in the activities of several experienced 

showmen to take over existing houses, resulting 

from the partial retirement of four circuit 

operators from part of their situations. 

Good hou.ses, known to have rea.sonable 

money-making possibilities, appear to be finding 

a ready market. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 9, 1950 105

NY TIME is a GOOD TIME 

to read and use the busy 

BOXOFFICE 

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Paul Longo Mourned 

By Many in Industry 

BOSTON—The news of the tragic death 

of Paul Longo, 39, of Winchester cast a pall 

over the film district. He died of third degree 

burns at the Peter Bent Brigham hospital 

following an explosion at his Meadow 

Glen Drive-In, Medford. He had entered the 

concessions building alone on the afternoon 

of August 20 to hght a hot water heater 

which apparently had a gas leakage. His wife 

rushed him to the Lawrence Memorial hospital 

but later he was moved to the Brigham. 

He died seven days later. 

Longo had been active in the community 

affairs in his area. A past president of the 

Medford Chamber of Commerce, he had been 

in the real estate and restaurant business. 

Although a member of the theatre industry 

for less than a year, he had made many 

friends among theatre people by his cordial 

manner and his natural enthusiasm. 

He was a member of Independent Exhibitors, 

Inc., Affiliated Theatres Corp., and he 

was a director of the Drive-In Theatres Ass'n 

of New England. 

The funeral at St. Mary's church, Winchester, 

was attended by a large number of 

industryites and by friends in all walks of 

hfe. Burial was in the family lot in the 

Wakefield cemetery. He is survived by his 

wife Doris, a son Paul jr. 3, a daughter Judy, 

his father and mother, a sister Frances and 

a brother Prank, who was his partner in the 

drive-in. 

Torrington lA Local 

Still Pickets Drive-In 

HARTFORD—lATSE Local 402 continued 

to picket the newly opened Lockwood. Gordon 

& Rosen Theatres' Torrington Drive-In 

here. A union official said the Conncetcut 

State Federation of Labor had been requested 

to assist the Torrington local. He asserted 

the union had not been afforded an opportunity 

to negotiate with the theatre management, 

because "management insisted as 

a prerequisite for bargaining that the union 

return to conditions as they existed 20 years 

ago." 

The circuit opened the 600-car drive-in 

August 15. William Dougherty is manager. 

Ozoner Permit Okayed 

By Superior Court Judge 

HARTFORD — Judge John H. King of 

superior court has dismissed the appeal of 

ten residents of Torrington objecting to the 

granting of a certificate of approval for a 

drive-in to Vincent Youmatz. The appellants 

alleged that the granting of a drive-in license 

would depreciate the value of property. 

DAV Short Is Screened 

NEW HAVEN — Arthur Greenfield, U-I 

manager, called all exchange managers and 

key exhibitors to a screening at 20th-Fox 

Thur.sday (31) of the Bob Hope short, "On 

Stage, Everybody," launching industry aid in 

this territory to the Disabled American Veterans 

drive. 

AT JIMMY MEETINGS—Industry 

leaders and civic leaders attended a 

Western Massachusetts Jimmy fund meeting 

at Springfield. Standing, left to right: 

Albert M. Kane, Paramount division 

manager; Harry Smith, general manager 

of Western Massachusetts Theatres and 

drive chairman in the western part of 

the state; Edward X. Callahan, 20th-Fox 

division manager. Seated: Martin J. Mullin, 

president of the Children's Cancer 

Research Foundation; Mayor Daniel B. 

Brunton, and Sam Goldstein, WMT president. 

Stanley Redmond Named 

As Assistant Manager 

HARTFORD — Stanley 

Redmond, former 

manager of the Strand, Southbridge, Mass., 

has been named assistant at the Warner Art, 

Springfield, replacing Robert P. Evans, who 

resigned. His appointment was announced by 

Henry L. Needles, Warner district manager 

here. 

John Silverwatch Named 

Manager at North Adams 

HARTFORD—George E. Landers, division 

manager here for E. M. Loew's Theatres, has 

named John Silverwatch as manager of the 

Mohawk Theatre at North Adams, Mass. Albert 

Donovan, Mohawk manager, will succeed 

Silverwatch at the Court Square, 

Springfield. 

Begin European Tour 

HARTFORD—Joseph W. Faith, owner of 

theatres in several Hartford suburbs, including 

the Cinema, Unionville: Mayfair, Terryville, 

and others, left with his wife aboard 

the S. S. Liberie for a motor tour of France, 

Switzerland, Italy and the British Isles. They 

will return on the He de France in about two 

months. 

George Card Appointed 

HARTFORD—Al Schuman, general manager 

of the Hartford circuit, and Lou Rogow 

of the Pike Drive-In, Newington. who are 

partners in the newly opened Pike Drive-In 

at Johnston, R. I., have appointed George 

Card as manager of the new ozoner. 

Gloria Swanson Gives Address 

the Los Angeles 

Gloria Swanson addre.ssed 

Junior Chamber of Commerce on "The Movie 

Industry's Role in World Affairs." 

Drive-In Owner to Give 

Take to Jimmy Fund 

BO.STON—Entire receipts on the opening 

night of Michael Redstone's Neponset 

Drive-In will be turned over to the Jimmy 

fund and audience collections will be taken. 

The Neponset, Bo.ston's first completed 

drive-in, is situated in Dorchester and will 

accommodate 1.300 cars. The opening date 

is ret for September 14. Harvey Elliot, recalled 

from Redstone's New York drive-ins, 

is handling the opening festivities and will 

remain here until the close of the season. 

Michael Redstone, drive-in owner, told the 

Variety Club, sponsor of the Jimmy fund for 

the Children's Cancer Research Foundation, 

that if everyone "had the opportunity to visit 

the cancer clinic at the Children's hospital, 

he would realize why I am so anxious to help 

this worthy cause." 

"It is almost in the nature of a miracle that 

£0 much has been accomplished for children 

with cancer with such limited facilities. But, 

as you leave the clinic, you walk around the 

corner where the construction of the new 

Jimmy building for cancer research has 

begun and then you realize the true significance 

and importance of the 1950 Jimmy 

fund drive." 

Plans under way for the drive-in opening 

call for celebrities from screen and stage to 

be present with representatives from the 

Boston Braves baseball club and motion picture 

committee members. The Roy Rogers 

models have been called upon to take collections 

during intermission. 

Albert M. Pickus Heads 

Connecticut JimmY Fund 

HARTFORD—Albert M. Pickus. owner of 

the Stratford and regional vice-president of 

Theatre Owners of America, has been renamed 

Connecticut chairman of the Jimmy 

fund drive for the Children's Cancer Research 

Foundation. 

Raymond MacNamara, manager of the 

Allyn, Hartford, will serve as northern Connecticut 

chairman and James Darby, manager. 

Paramount, New Haven, will be southern 

Connecticut chairman. 

Al Schuman, general manager of the Hartford 

Theatre circuit, will be Hartford city 

chairman, with Jim McCarthy, manager of 

the Warner Strand, as city publicity director, 

and Gus Scheafer, Hartford Theatre circuit 

treasurer, as city chairman in charge of local 

arrangements. 

Theatre Firm Complains 

About Car Lot Lighting 

HARTFORD—The American Amusement 

Centers. Inc., operator of the Memorial Drive- 

In. route 20. has requested the Hampton 

county superior court to restrain the Leader 

Chevrolet Co. from using powerful lights on 

its nearby lot. 

The drive-in firm -said the automobile company 

has erected nine light towers, each 25 

feet high, bearing eight 1,000- watt floodlights 

"far in excess" of the illumination 

needed for the car lot. The company added 

that as a result, many patrons cannot see 

the screen through the glare. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: September 9, 1950 NE 107

. . . Mr. 

. . . Mike 

. . . Lou 

. . The 

. . Joe 

. . Ray 

. . Joe 

. . Wedding 

TIMELY-TRUE-TERRIFIC 

NOW PLAYING -FOR TOP GROSSES 

COAST TO COAST 

^^^tî

— 

— 

— 

— 

— — 

. . The 

. . . The 

. . The 

. . Edward 

— 

'Our Very Own' Opens 

With 140 in Boston 

BOSTON—Spotty business was chalked 

up 

with "Our Very Own" at the Astor, grossing 

140 per cent. The film got off to a terrific 

first week with good matinees. "Louisa" 

made 125 at the Keith Memorial in its first 

stanza. 


Aslor—Our Very Owm (RKO) KO 

Boston Destination Moon (EL); Beware oi Blondie 

(Col), 2nd wk 95 

Exeter Street Beware of Pity (Pentagon); Clouds 

Over Europe (Col), 2nd wk., reissues 65 

Memorial Louisa (U-I) 125 

Metropolitan Broken Arrow (20lh-Fox); Triple 

Trouble (Mono), 2nd wk 90 

Paramount and Fenway Kiis Tomorrow Goodbye 

(WB); Snow Dog (Mono). 2nd wk 90 

Slate and Orpheum In a Lonely Place (Col); 

The Skipper Surprised His Wife (MGM) 90 

"Summer Stock' Grosses 220 

To Pace Hartford 

HARTFORD—Only holdover in the downtown 

area was "The Petty Girl," doing a 

nice 120 in a second week at E. M. Loew's. 

Top newcomers included "Summer Stock," 

"Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" and "Fancy 

Pants." 

AUyn Fancy Pants (Para); Lonely Heart Bandits 

(Rep) 175 

Center—Mad About Opera (MPSC); Anything ior 

a Song (Superfilm) 85 

E. M Loew—The Petty Girl (Col); Rookie Fireman 

(Col), 2nd wk _ 120 

Poll—Summer Stock (MGM); Snow Dog (Mono). ,220 

Palace All Quiet on the Western Front (Realart); 

Bayonet Charge (Realart), reissue 75 

Regal—Stella (20th-Fox); Death oi a Dream (EL).. 65 

Strand Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (WB); Lost 

Volcano (Mono) 190 

'Summer Stock' and 'Very Own' 

Best Average at New Haven 

NEW HAVEN—Both the Poll and the 

Roger Sherman had oldtime good business 

last week. "Summer Stock" and "Snow Dog" 

moved from the Poll to the College, reopening 

after a dark summer, for their second week. 

The second week of "Sunset Boulevard" at 

the Paramount fell below expectations. Detail 

for the week ended August 31: 

Bijou Brewster's Millions (Conn. Films); Bedside 

Manner (Conn. Films), 

Loew's Poll Summer Stock 

reissues 

(MGM); Snow Dog 

50 

(Mono) 110 

Paramount Sunset Boulevard (Para); The 

(Rep), v/k 75 

Roger Sherman—Our Very Own (RKO); The Gay 

Lady (EL) 110 

Avengers 2nd 

Boston Common Garage 

Granted Loan by RFC 

BOSTON—Governor Dever said this week 

that the way has been cleared for a $12,000,- 

000 loan by the Reconstruction Finance Corp. 

for construction of a bomb-proof 4,500-car 

garage under Boston Common. 

The loan will be granted to Motor Parks, 

Inc., a private concern, to build and maintain 

the garage under a 40-year lease. It 

will have three levels, all underground and 

all air conditioned. From Charles street 

there will be two entrances to the upper level 

and a vehicular tunnel to the middle level. 

This tunnel, about 1,000 feet long will go 

under Charles street, under the Public Garden, 

under Arlington street and come out on 

Commonwealth avenue between Arlington 

and Berkeley. The fourth entrance will be 

a pedestrian tunnel running from Tremont 

street opposite Park street. It will course to 

a length of about 800 feet with a shuttle 

service or moving sidewalk provided. 

WORCESTER 

'paul Lyden, assistant manager of the Capitol, 

has returned from a vacation spent 

at Stinson Lake, N. H.. and Hyannis on 

Cape Cod . Star Theatre building in 

Gilbertville has been sold by Albert and 

Anthony Brazauskas to Miss Frances Briatico 

of East Boston. The block contains a cafe, 

restaurant and store on the first floor and 

the theatre on the second story. 

Hildegârde has been booked for a onenighter 

at the Sheraton October 1, her first 

"Best Foot Forward" 

appearance in the city . . . 

clicked at the Theatre-in-the-Round 

and was held over a second week 

and Pat Geiringer of 

. . . Bob 

the Monson Town Hall 

There is 

Theatre have left for Scotland . . . 

talk that Worcester will have a musical circus 

(in a tent) next summer. 

Musician Angy CarigIJa is the first of the 

show business men to be called back into 

the service . . Johnny Mason and Jerri 

. 

Nargi will be married in Our Lady of the 

Angels church October 21 . . . Otis Bigelow 

of the Robert Daggett Playhouse, Westboro, 

. . . Natalie 

left for Mountainhome, Pa., to appear in 

Mrs. Basil Rathbone's new play 

Thebodeau, cashier at the Capitol, spent her 

vacation at Falmouth on Cape Cod. 

Bob Bergin, assistant manager, is back at 

the Poll after his vacation . Arnold, 

making a week's guest appearance at the 

Whalom in Fitchburg, did a sellout business 

in the large park playhouse, hitting the highest 

gross of the summer in "Apple of His 

Eye" . . . "Ice Vogues" has been booked for 

the Auditorium for a week late in November, 

Manager Murray Howard of the Warner 

picked up newspaper space when he noticed 

a reference to Worcester in "Pi-etty Baby" 

when Betsy Drake said she used to be a 

secretary in Worcester. He suspects the reference 

was Director Bretaigne Windust's 

idea as he used to visit here when he was 

courting actress Irene Corlett. who became 

his wife . . Employes of the Heywood-Wakefield 

. 

Co. in Gardner, manufacturers of thea- 

tre seats, voted in favor of a union shop, 

804-100. 

A play written by George Foxhall, critic of 

the Evening Gazette, was to be presented by 

the Westboro Red Barn, but it was postponed 

to the 1951 season because of casting problems 

"Mrs. Massachusetts" was selected 

. . . 

at the finals of the contest at the White City 

park . Worcester group that has been 

operating the Casino in Bar Harbor, Me., 

has closed its season. 

The Warner conducted a preview of "Tea 

" 

for Two playhouse closed . . Edgar 

. 

White, 42, of Turners Falls was severely injured 

when he fell 40 feet while painting the 

screen of the new drive-in on the Quaker 

highway in Uxbridge. He was brought to 

Lynne Carver, former film 

City hospital . . . 

actress, was a guest on Johnny Dowell's 

"Show Time" program over WTAG. She is 

now leading woman of the Lakeside Theatre 

in Putnam, Conn. 

Lorna Landis of the Playhouse has gone 

Pasadena, Calif. . . Employes of the 

to . 

Warner have formed a basketball team and 

challenge other theatres. The lineup includes 

Bud Buskay, Jerry Oliver, Red Hipson, 

Ralph Trotto and Tony Caramello, with 

Murray Howard and Herb Rothschild as 

managers. 

Usher Called to Service 

HARTFORD — Donald Willey, usher at 

Loew's Poll, has been ordered to active duty 

with the Connecticut national guard. He is 

first local theatre employe to be called into 

active service since the Korean war started. 

David A. Mathewson Dies 

NEW BRITAIN—David A. Mathew.son, 74. 

pianist at the old Capitol here, died August 

28. He was a member of the New Britain 

Musicians union for many years. 

Will Edit 'Operation Pacific' 

Alan Crosland has been set as film editor 

for "Operation Pacific," a Warner release. 


BEST BY TEST 

Qukkiik, 

THAN THE REST 


CHICAGO 

1327 Woboih 

FILMACKI 

RUSS WEHRLE— General 

NEW YORK 

619 w'54thSi 

Manager 

of the Capitol and Times 

Theatres, Braddock, Pa., says: 

"After 23 years of continuous 

service with RCA, our 

hats are off to them. And to 

the men who furnish this 

service—an orchid." 


write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY. 

INC.. Radio Corporation of America, 

Camden, N. J. 


Small Exit Light lor Fane* MounHag 

oa Inaid* Exil Drivsway 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFC. CO. INC 

729 tall lawt 

Kkiui Cilr. K>. 

Adv. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: September 

9, 1950 

109

. . Rachel 

. . Sam 

. . Sports 

. . Ray 

" 

. . 

. . . Michael 

. . Harold 

. . David 

. . Pauline 

. . 

BOSTON 

ôrey Richmond, who owns the Keith, Campello, 

which has been closed for the last 

two years, was here. He said that a recent 

fire niside the theatre did very little damage. 

The Theatre now is up for sale or lease . . 

Another visitor was Al Vonck of the York 

Beach Theatre in Maine . . . The E. M. Loew 

circuit soon will reopen the Strand, Peabody, 

and the Court Square. Springfield, both closed 

for the summer. 

Irving Conn of the Art. New Bedford, along 

with playings of foregin or English films, 

also has arranged for lobby exhibits of sculpture, 

oils and watercolors. Many of the works 

of art are done by local residents while others 

are canvasses of students of the Swain School 

of Art. One patron loaned a fine English 

handmade tablecloth, valued at $5,000. which 

was on view for a month. 

Two American Theatre houses are reopening 

after being dark for the summer. The 

Regent. Norfolk Downs, and the Hyde Park, 

Hyde Park, will offer matinees on Saturdays, 

Sundays and holidays but both theatres will 

open for an early bird show at 6:30 Monday 

through Friday, playing one and one-half 

programs . Lee Canter, daughter 

of the Edward S. Canters of Newton, is 

engaged to Arthur O. Friedman of Newton 

Center. Canter is treasurer of ATC, is a 

junior at Wellesley college. Her fiance is a 

ienior at Kent State university. Kent, Ohio. 

There are no immediate wedding plans. 

Rachel has a younger brother Robert, 16, a 

student at Newton High school. 

Phil Engel, publicist at 20th-Fox, is trying 

to corral a captured Confederate flag to tiein 

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." 

— 




Camden, N. J. 

ORIVE-IN 

THEATRE 

Co.-nbination Ramp Idcniirrcition and Ori«n>a> 

Floodlrght 

DRIVE.IH THEATRE MFG. CO. ^^'!:^-^„, 

Adv. 

"Two Flags West." In Atlanta, a 

with 20th's 

captured Union flag has been discovered. 

When the Confederate flag is produced the 

two will be shown in both cities with Linda 

Darnell acting as hostess. Phil has been 

contacting museums, the Boston library and 

historical clubs in efforts to secure the Confederate 

flag. 

David Breyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lew 

Breyer of Madison Pictures Corp., has confirmed 

at the Tremont Reform temple. New 

York City, with a reception following at the 

Hotel Astor . Feldman and his son, 

who operate the Capitol, Winchendon, have 

taken over the lease of the Wilmington, 

Wilmington, as of September 1. This house 

was directed for many years by Fred Hu.sson 

and, after his death, it was operated by his 

two sisters . . . Frank Boschetti has reopened 

the Premier. Lawrence, which has been closed 

since the first of July. 

Edwin Donovan, shipper at Warner Bros, 

has joined the army after three years of 

training with the national guard. He will 

leave September 18 for training at Ft. Dix, 

The Van Buren Drive-In. Van 

N. J. . . . 

Buren. Me., has opened. The theatre is 

operated by Mrs. Lillian Keegan and is 

booked by Affiliated Theatres Corp. . . . Anita 

Temple Weiner, receptionist at Lockwood & 

Gordon Enterprises, has returned from her 

honeymoon. She was married to Melvin 

Weiner of Mattapan. 

Ray Feeley, business manager of Independent 

Exhibitors, Inc., has been named exhibitor 

chairman in the 1950 Salvation Army drive. 

Mickey Daytz, Warner's sales manager, is 

chairman for the distributors. 

NEW HAVEN 

The renovated White Way here is 

. . . 

scheduled 

for an October 1 opening, as is the new 

Plainfield Theatre The experts say 

Arthur Greenfield's new gray-blue and red 

office (With air conditioning) should, prove 

the most restful on the street with the special 

Alvin Goodwin, Quality 

esthetic effects . . . 

Premium sales manager, was here from 

Philadelphia. 

. . . Latest is a Good- 

Seymour Levine has signed the Star in 

Hartford, the Plainfield, the Park Playhouse. 

Thomaston and Webster for dinnerware . 

The Post Drive-In is making a big bid for 

business by sizable ads in the papers, and 

various inducements 

will Jubilee contest with six weeks of six 

prizes each on Tuesday nights . Cairns. 

MGM salesman started a vacation on Cape 

Cod . . . The MGM Pep club presented Mike 

Langello. who was among the first New 

Haveners to depart for army .service, a gold 

chain and a little .sendoff September 1 . . . 

Charlotte Sitzer. secretary to Harry Shaw, 

vacationed in Saratoga. 

. . . Bernie 

Henry E. Cleveland, superintendent of the 

Poll New Haven building, rated a half-page 

interview and art for his hobbies of fine 

violin making and painting 

Menschel of Hartford. Arthur Smith of Newtown 

were on the Row . page breaks 

were obtained by Morris Rosenthal and Tony 

Masella, Poll manager and assistant, on an 

archery contest tieup for "Black Rose. 

BRIDGEPORT 

. . . 

prnest A. Gilbert, projectionist at Loew's 

Majestic, is a year older . . . Summer 

theatres in this area folding over the Labor 

day weekend included Melody Fair. Danbury; 

Playhouse, Southbury: White Barn, Westport; 

Nutmeg Playhouse. Brookfield Center, and 

Chapel Playhouse. Guilford . . . Lui.se Rainer 

has purchsed a large plot of land on Chestnut 

Hill road in Stamford . Medak. 

relief casher at the American, was back 

from a vacation Manager James Tobin 

of the Warner passed his vacation fishing for 

tuna off the Massachu.setts coast. 

. . . Areste 

. . Jack Sidney, former assistant 

Mrs. Shirley Viguard, sister of Joseph H. 

Hazen, president of Hal Wallis Productions, 

will spend the fall in Westport 

Tomassetti. projectionist at Loew's Poll, celebrated 

a birthday . . . The auditorium floor 

and marquee at the Warner have new coats 

of paint . . . Alice Fox, secretary to Manager 

Matt L. Saunders at the Poll, is back from 

a trip to the Thousand Islands and the province 

of Quebec . 

at the Poll Theatre, was in from Bal- 

timore for a visit. 

. . . Composer 

. . . 

Congratulations to Paul Estrada, doorman 

at the Astor, on a birthday 

Richard Rodgers has added 18 acres to his 

estate in Southport . Lee, assistant 

at Loew's Globe, is back from his vacation 

Manager Harry A. Rose of the Majestic 

vacationed in his hometown, Atlantic City 

. . . Projectionist Joseph Cink sr. has sold 

his Liberty Theatre to his son, Joseph jr., 

the present manager, and Larry Pastore, a 

projectionist. 

Managers of the eight local Strand Amusement 

Co. theatres were guests of George 

Cohen and Harry Green of the Alexander 

Film Co. aboard the yacht Two Smiles for 

luncheon and a sail on Long Island sound 

Jacobson. manager of the Mayfair, 

is back from a trip to Dallas, Tex. . 

Edna Sugarman will leave Westport late in the 

fall to join her husband Harold in Paris. He 

has been appointed a sales executive on U-I's 

continental staff . Ryckman. projectionist 

at the Poll, observed a birthday. 

Boston Bans 'No Way Out' 

For Sunday Screenings 

BOSTON—Daniel I. Murphy, commissioner 

of public safety, has banned the Sunday 

showing of "No Way Out" in Boston because 

"it contains language and situations" which 

in his opinion, "are not in keeping with the 

proper observance of the Lord's day." 

At an initial screening of the film Murphy 

expressed his disapproval of Sunday showing. 

He called for a second screening for a group 

of representatives from various social 

agencies, among them Freedom House, the 

Urban league. American Council on Human 

Rights, the Jewish Community council, two 

ministers and other local groups. 

BOOK IT NOW ! 

i 1 

WAHOO If Ihc world'l most ihrilllnj icrecn jonK 

Now bcinj used succcst

. . John 

Drive-In Route Center 

Of Edmonton Fight 

EDMONTON—The opening of 

Edmonton's 

second drive-in, the South Side, has brought 

a "battle of the barricade" into the open. The 

new drive-in is just beyond the south city 

limits and access is through a veterans housing 

development. Spokesmen for the veterans 

protested the theatre traffic so bitterly 

that the city council decided to barricade 

the street concerned and open a new 

route into the theatre. Objections were based 

on grounds of noise, dust and danger to 

children. 

Opposition to theatre traffic through the 

suburb fanned into open flame soon after 

the airer opened its doors two weeks ago. 

Area residents claimed the city had broken 

faith by allowing drive-in traffic to use their 

thoroughfares. They wanted the opening 

date set back until a bypass road could be 

built and the promised barricade put up. 

As a result a temporary road was arranged 

for and city authorities ordered the barricade. 

Then the drive-in stepped in and 

obtained a court order preventing the closing 

of the road. Grounds for the interim 

injunction were that the necessary bylaw had 

not been passed. 

Into this confusion stepped the Strathcona 

municipal district in which the new 

theatre is located. Counsel for the district 

told a special meeting of Edmonton city 

council that some 7,000 of the municipality's 

residents used the embattled street as a main 

route to and from the city. 

The municipality suggested that the road 

be left open but that drive-in traffic be rerouted. 

It was claimed permanent closing 

of the through road would harm city business 

as well as municipal residents. 

The Edmonton council took no action and 

held the whole question over to a regular 

session in mid-September. 

Lonsdale in Vancouver 

Open After Renovation 

VANCOUVER—The Lonsdale Theatre in 

the north end, closed the last eight months 

during which it was reseated and remodeled 

considerably both inside and out. is being 

reopened by the Odeon circuit. 

Howard Boothe, Odeon district manager, 

also reported a new foyer will be constructed 

at the Odeon in Haney and the front renovated. 

Two local projectionists will construct a 

drive-in theatre at suburban Burnaby. The 

500-car theatre will be just outside the Vancouver 

city limits. 

Bright in its new redecoration is the Studio 

Theatre. 

PNE Attendance Off 

VANCOUVER — The railroad strike, a 

stretch of rainy days and a sitdown strike 

by midway show operators have reduced the 

attendance at the Pacific National exposition. 

The midway operators charged the 

PNE was trying "to make a Sunday school" 

out of the sideshows. They also complained 

that the ban against cash payoffs at carnival 

games hurt their business. 

New All-Industry Parley 

Is Considered in Canada 

'Fancy Pants' Strong 

In Toronto Imperial 

TORONTO—First run theatres had the 

benefit of Labor day with its additional midnight 

shows, but there was the competition 

of the Canadian National exhibition with 

its 1,000.000-plus attendance for the first six 

days. The outstanding attraction proved to 

be "Fancy Pants" at the Imperial, and there 

was a happy gross for "Duchess of Idaho." 

There were two holdovers, "Sunset Boulevard" 

in a third week at the University and Nortown, 

and "A Run for Your Money." 


Eiltmoie—Bomba of the Jungle (Mono) 90 

Fairlawn—The Good Humor Man (Col) 100 

Hylond—A Hun for Your Money (EL), 3rd wk 85 

Imperial—Fancy Pants (Para) 140 

Loew's—Duchess of Idaho (MGM) 135 

Odeon—Louisa (U-I) 120 

Shea's—The Flame and the Arrow (WB) 125 

Tivoli and Capitol—My Friend Irma Goes West 

(Para): The Lawless (Para) 105 

University and Nortown—Sunset Boulevard 

(Para), 3rd v/k. .- 110 

Uptown—The Deser* Hawk (U-I) 110 

Victoria and Eglinton—lamaica Inn (Para); 

Rebecca (SRO), reissues 110 

'Black Rose' 

and 'Chiltem' 

Do Best in Vancouver 

VANCOUVER—Activity around town last 

week can be summed up in "The Black Rose" 

at the Strand and "The Chiltern Hundreds." 

a British picture at the Studio. Other newcomers 

were not so good. "The Furies" at 

Orpheum was dull; "Annie Get Your Gun," 

in a third week at the Capitol, skidding a 

bit and was replaced by "Fancy Pants." 

which had a good opening. 

Capitol—Annie Get Your Gun (MGM), 3rd wk , Good 

Cinema—Please Believe Me (MGM); Asphalt 

Jungle (MGM) Fair 

Dominion—Night in the City (20th-Fox); The 

Skipper Surprised His Wife (MGM), 2nd 

d- t wk Fair 

Orpheum—The Furies (Para) Fair 

Paradise—Tailspin (UA), Call of the Wild 

(20th-Fox), reissues Moderate 

Plaza and Fraser—Abbott and Costello in 

the Foreign Legion (U-I) Fair 

Strand-The Black Rose (20th-Fox) Excellent 

Studio—The Chiltem Hundreds (EL) Very good 

Vogue—Louisa (U-I) Fair 

Adult Films in B. C. 

VANCOUVER—The following pictures have 

been classified as adult entertainment only 

by the British Columbia censor board: "Kiss 

Tomorrow Goodbye" CWB); "Convicted" 

(Col), "Destination Murder" (RKO). "Destination 

Big House" (U-I) "Panic in the 

Streets" (20th-Fox) and "Union Station" 

(Para). 

Grant McLean to Korea 

MONTREAL — Grant McLean, 

National 

Film Board cameraman, has been granted 

a leave to take a documentary film of the 

Korean war. He is a nephew of former 

NFB Commissioner Ro.ss McLean, now with 

the UN in Paris. T\vo years ago Grant 

McLean produced a documentary on relief 

work in China for the UN. 

OTTA-WA-Following a semiofficial trade 

recommendation that the exhibitors of Canada 

shoi Id study the admission price situat.on 

in preparation for the prospective return 

of government controls in view of international 

developments, plans are being considered 

for a film industry conference here. 

An all-industry convention was held in Ottawa 

last October to deal with broad principles 

which W'ere widely adopted by regional 

theatre organizations at subsequent meetings. 

One recommendation already put forward 

is that theatre admissions .should be revised 

to eliminate the odd-cent prices which, in 

turn, would serve to provide slightly better 

revenue for the theatres in the event that 

admission scales are pegged. Prime Minister 

Louis St. Laurent admitted on September 2 

that the government was studying the regulating 

of trade. 

OTTAWA 

The Britannia Drive-In, operated by 20th 

Century Theatres, offered an all-cartoon 

show. The juveniles were invited to bring 

their parents . . . George Formby, British 

comedian, has started his second annual 

Canadian tour. To capitalize on his engagement 

at the Auditorium here September 11. 

Manager Frank Gallop of the Centre booked 

one of the comic's reissued films. 

There was some excitement but no panic 

at the Cartier in Hull, across the Ottawa 

river, when lightning threw the theatre into 

darkness. Manager Louis Gauthier quickly 

put the emergency battery-lighting system 

into commission ... A national trade union 

committee has been formed under the guidance 

of the National Film Board for the 

handling of film shows with special appeal 

for organized workers. 

The government has set aside October 9 

as the annual Thanksgiving holiday, a holiday 

which invariably provides a harvest at 

the boxoffice for exhibitors ... A reference 

to the organization of a bingo at the Auto- 

Sky Dnve-In at Ottawa as probably being 

the first of its kind in Canada has brought 

word that Jerry Campbell of the Guelph 

Drive-In had introduced the corn game several 

weeks previously. 

The FPC Capitol offered a roadshow engagement 

of "The Devil Also Dreams." which 

drew well because of the presence in the 

cast of Bela Lugosi, Francis Sullivan and 

Richard Waring . Hausler. former 

partner-owner of the Westboro in the west 

end, has disposed of his interest in the theatre 

but is continuing as house manager. 

Ivan Ackery Wins Again 

VANCOUVER—Ivan Ackery, manager of 

the Orpheum here, won the S75 prize in the 

Famous Players Canadian "Are you a stunt 

man" contest. Fifteen other British Columbia 

managers of the circuit also won prizes 

in the event. 

BOXOFFICE September 9, 1950 K 111

. . Arthur 

TORONTO 

jyj imager Mel Jolle.v of the Famous Players 

Century at Hamilton is happy once more 

with the reopening of the theatre after the 

settlement of the differences with the projectionists 

which kept the house dark for 

approximately two weeks . . Officials of 

. 

the FPC head office mourned the death of 

Howard P. Robinson, a director, in his 77th 

year at his summer home in St. Andrew's, 

N. B. He was a leading industrialist and 

publisher of the maritime provinces. 

W. C. Tyers, manager of the Toronto 

Odeon. organized a laughing contest for the 

engagement of "Louisa" by offering ice cream 

to the boy or girl who produced the loudest 

guffaw during each performance. The result 

Percy Tobey, 40, 

was infectious . . . watchman of the Northwest Drive-In, was 

the hero of an attempted safecracking by 

three bandits. Hiding in a room adjoining 

the office. Tobey managed to telephone police 

who arrived in time to catch two of the 

crooks after a cunfire chase. There was 

SI,500 in the unopened safe. 

The Palace at Hamilton had a horse act 

on the stage during the engagement of "The 

Outriders" when Silver Chief, a palomino 

Irom a ranch at nearby Dundas, went 

through his repertoire of tricks . . The 

. 

Biltmore in downtown Toronto is still suffering 

some inconvenience as a result of 

the construction of the rapid transit subway, 

which was started a year ago. Patrons 

must use a catwalk to reach the theatre entrance. 

Dave Rosen, who recently became general 

manager of International Film Distributors, 

has been named chairman of the film division 

of the Community Chest campaign 

which opens October 16. R. W. Bolstad of 

Famous Players is the vice-chairman of the 

section, and the members include Raoul 

Auerbach, Bill Redpath, Murray Sweigman 

and Ralph Dale. 

. . . 

Something different for an auto theatre 

was the presentation of an opera film, "The 

Barber of Seville," which went over nicely. 

The second feature was "Flying With Music" 

Twila Seyler, 19-year-old Toronto girl. 

won the popularity contest which ran several 

weeks at the Dufferin Drive-In. The 

decision was made by patron ballots. Manager 

Tyers of the Odeon staged the Canadian 

amateur dancing championship at the 

big theatre in cooperation with the Arthur 

Murray studio. 

. . . 

Toronto police made two quick arrests 

when Peter Kropinski. an employe of the 

Variety at Queen street and Spadina avenue, 

was held up and robbed of $16 as he was 

locking up the theatre for the night 

Dave Griesdorf, general manager of Canadian 

Odeon. has appointed Thomas F. Moran 

as manager at Toronto of the circuit's candy 

department. Moran was formerly with Thea- 

Avoilable for Immediate Delivery, Used theatre 

chairs, A-1 condition, at reasonable prices. 

Wire. Write or Phone 

J. M. Rice & Company 

WI^fN^'EG 

tre Confections. Ltd. . Silvcrstone 

has appointed Gerry Chernoff, Montreal 

manager, as captain of the 20th-Fox Branch 

Managers' drive which opened September 1. 

. . . 

Larry Druxerman, formerly with Empire- 

Universal and Astral Films, has been appointed 

local manager of SRO-AUiance 

Herbert McLuhan. a projectionist, has been 

named manager of the new 450-car Skylark 

Drive-In at Tillsonburg. The theatre was 

built by four businessmen there . . . Kaplan 

& Sprachman. Toronto, designed the 325-car 

drive-in at Owen Sound, of which Kenneth 

Waite is the manager. 

The FPC Skyway Drive-In at Windsor conducted 

a cowboy contest on September 1. for 

juvenile patrons in cooperation with Smith's 

department store, which donated prizes for 

the best-dressed junior cowboys and cowgirls, 

Danny Kaye Is Popular 

At Canadian National 

TORONTO—Danny Kaye made a 

tremendous 

hit each night of the 14-day Canadian 

National exhibition and crowds overflowed 

the new 22.500-seat grandstand. Some audiences 

exceeded 25.000 persons. The screen 

comedian was supported by a huge revue 

staged by Leon Leonidoff of Radio City Music 

Hall and one-time ballet master of the old 

Regent in Toronto in the days of N. L. 

Nathanson. 

Kaye became popular with Toronto fans 

with his chatter about England and Scotland, 

and drew a big hand when he produced 

a unique walking stick which had been presented 

to him by the late Sir Harry Lauder. 

He also referred to Will Fyffe. 

Back to SRO Foreign Film 

TORONTO—The King on College street 

returned to its foreign-language policy at 

the beginning of September with the presentation 

of "Broken Love." The International 

Cinema wound up its two-month Summer 

Film festival with a holdover of three 

days of its final revival program consisting 

of "The Red Shoes" and "The Blue Lagoon." 

The Towne Cinema brought back "A Song 

to Remember" for its first offering to art 

fans in September, 

Chinese Group Leases 

State at Vancouver 

VANCOUVER—The State Theatre, formerly 

the Pantages Royal, has been leased 

to a syndicate of Chinese merchants, who 

will rename it the Queens and operate it on 

a straight film policy, two changes a week. 

Chao Chow will be manager. The 900-.seater 

on the east side has been a film-vaudeville 

showplace. 

Buys Mobile TV Units 

OTTAWA — The Canadian Broadcasting 

Corp. has purchased two TV mobile units 

from the United Kingdom at a cost of $190.- 

000. Only one television unit of the mobile 

type is available in Canada, this being the 

equipment of Famous Players Canadian 

Corp. 

Kanlor TV Forecasl 

Stirs Toronto Row 

TORONTO—Considerable and varied comment 

swept through Toronto's Filmrow following 

the statement that a marriage between 

Hollywood and television was valuable 

and inevitable, with the proprietors of neighborhood 

theatres feeling the brunt of developments 

when they came. 

The declaration was made by David Kantor, 

advance representative for "Treasure 

Island" which is scheduled to open in a few 

weeks. Kantor predicted that TV cannot go 

on indefinitely without the technique, talent 

and finances of Hollywood, while the film 

industry could not afford to ignore visual 

broadcasting. 

Fewer and costlier film productions would 

be made, he believed. The large downtown 

palaces would continue to do big business 

but the small theatre owners would have to 

get out and hustle. The neighborhood proprietor 

would have to sell his product and 

think up ways to get the people away from 

their TV sets. "Free sets of dishes won't be 

enough." argued Kantor. 

Kantor's prediction had the exhibitors 

aroused to the consideration of a new cour.se 

of action. The belief was expressed that if 

the agitation had lasting effect, his words 

would benefit the theatre business generally. 

Canada is yet to have TV broadcasting of 

its own and the opening of required stations 

may be delayed still another year because 

of the threat of war. 

Toronto Odeon Restaurant to Reopen 

TORONTO—Closed several weeks because 

of the hot weather, the restaurant on the 

spacious mezzanine of the Toronto Odeon 

will be reopened under new management. 

Blaze 

To Chiller 

on Stage Adds 

Program 

EDMONTON—Tlie midnight "Asylum of 

Horrors" arranged by Manager Walter P. 

Wilson of the FPC Capitol here gave a 

packed house more thrills than called for. 

A crowd of 1.500 was being adequately 

"chilled" by Dr. Silkini's "Frankenstein 

troupe" when a sliding drop caught fire. A 

short circiut or some backstage noisemakers 

was thought responsible. 

Dr. Silkini, on stage at the time, began 

pulling the flaming curtain down but the 

fire spread into overdrapes near the ceiling 

where they were quelled by extinguishers 

manned by theatre employes and spectators. 

Manager Wilson, a special policeman and 

cool-headed patrons averted a panic by 

keeping front-section patrons calm while 

the blaze was being fought. So well was 

the potentially dangerous situation handled 

that many in the house thought the fire 

was part of the chamber of horrors act. 

The blaze broke out about 2:15 a. m. and 

ten minutes later the show went on. although 

smoke hung around the ceiling for some time 

after. 

No injuries were reported although Dr. 

eilkini was .slightly burned on the hands and 

finished his act limping from a bad leg 

bruise. 

112 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 

9, 1950

Special Plans Kepi ST. JOHN 

Mosl Houses Open 

OTTAWA—The railway crisis across Canada 

was dissolved at the conclusion of its 

ninth day by an act ot parliament, hastily 

approved at an emergency session, which 

ordered the 125,000 workers, members of 17 

different unions, to return to their jobs at 

once. 

The end restored a sense of calmness to 

the Ontario film and theatre business which 

had put into effect a comprehensive auxiliary 

service by Mavety delivery trucks and an 

exhibitors' pickup system in their own cars. 

The nine-day organization emphasized theatre 

owners and managers are capable of 

meeting a serious emergency, and theatres 

continued to function during the entire nine 

days of the strike. 

Chief credit for the creation of the emergency 

plan went to the Toronto Film Board 

of Trade, Arch H. JoUey of the Motion Picture 

Theatres Ass'n of Ontario and George 

Altman, new president of Mavety Film Delivery, 

Ltd. The organization is being held 

in reserve for possible revival because, although 

the transportation and telegraph 

workers obeyed the parliamentary edict, 

actual settlement df all differences has yet 

to be worked out by negotiations at the top 

level. 

Some Small-Town Theatres 

Dark Few Days in Alberta 

EDMONTON—The end of the nine-day 

railway strike eased the film supply for 

northern Alberta theatres. Major centers encountered 

no trouble in film shipm.ents with 

bus and air schedules to fall back on, but 

district points were hard hit when the strike 

was called. Film houses in small towns in 

some cases were forced to close doors until 

substitute transport was arranged. 

Trucks, buses and taxis were pressed into 

service to haul film but this arrangement 

wasn't much help beyond regular routes 

where railways supplied service on a bi- or 

triweekly basis. 

Transport regulations covering film .shipment 

made substitute transport the more 

difficult to arrange. 

Upcoast and Island Towns 

Use Planes From Vancouver 

VANCOUVER—Film delivery was restored 

to normal in British Columbia following the 

end of the rail strike, except in upcoast and 

Vancouver island locations. The coastal 

shipping tieup continued, forcing isolated 

theatres to resort to expensive air express 

for 

film. 

Dispute Over Fourth Man 

HAMILTON, ONT.—Because of a dispute 

Involving a fourth man in the booth, the 

Century at Hamilton, a first run circuit house, 

was closed for well over a week when the 

projectionist went on strike. 

Negotiations between the operators and 

Famous Players Canadian Corp. were held 

up because of the attendance at the lATSE 

convention in Detroit of officials of the 

Hamilton local. The Century has 850 seats. 

No other theatres were affected by the walkout. 

n rotary route of one-nighters in Cumberland 

county, N. S., is based at Parrsboro, 

N. S., and operated by J. Hugh Cameron. 

The jumps are all short ... At Nawigewauk, 

15 miles east of here, an outdoor bazaar was 

held by the community and on land owned 

by J. M. Franklin, president of Franklin & 

Herschorn . . . Mitchell PYanklin, vice-president 

of F&H, was sidelined for about a week 

with stomach flu. 

. . Not all the driving 

. . 

Sidewalk lines, long absent, were restored 

for "Annie Get Your Gun" at the Paramount. 

The film was held two days beyond the original 

three-day booking . 

of Jimmy Mitchell, manager of the Capi- 

tol, is on the roads and streets. He's been 

doing some of it on the golf course at East 

Riverside The MacDonald brothers, 

operators 

. 

of the theatre at Mount Stewart, 

P. E. I., use their name as the title of this 

house. There is one show nightly at 8:45 and 

single 

bill. 

Sandy's Theatre Under the Stars at Marshfield, 

P. E. I., offers shows three nights weekly 

at 8:45 and 11:45. Prince Edward Island lobster 

in the shell is featured at the restaurant 

that is operated in connection with this new 

drive-in. Action films, including special westerns 

in color, are stressed . . . The opening 

of the Community Theatre between Rothesay 

and Quispamsis on the road from St. John 

to Moncton. has been followed by opening of 

a number of business places adjacent to the 

theatre which is operated by Gerry Hoyt. It 

is the only stationary theatre in the maritimes 

not in the heart of a community. 

For the second year in succession, the Fort 

Cumberland hotel at Amherst will be the 

scene of the annual convention of the Maritime 

Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n. It will 

be for one day as per usual, September 26. 

Amherst is a central location of the maritimes, 

being practically on the New Brunswick 

line, and not far from Prince Edward Island, 

but some exhibitors feel St. John only is entitled 

to be the convention choice because 

of all the film distribution being concentrated 

here. 

Charlie Staples, owner, and his son Bill, 

assistant manager of the Queen, St. Stephen, 

were active in the promotion of the St. 

Stephen fair, which, because of being directly 

on the border, always draws heavily from 

eastern Maine. The father and son were 

particularly intere.sted in the harness racing 

at the border exhibition ... If a plan to sell 

the Imperial, Moncton, to a variety chain 

goes through. Famous Players still will have 

only one theatre in Moncton when their new 

Paramount is completed. The Imperial, 

founded by the late Mrs. Emma Davidson, 

a pioneer female exhibitor of Canada, is 

under lease to Jack Butler, a former exchange 

manager, and with FPC affiliation. Ex-affiliates 

of FPC at Moncton are the Capitol 

and Empress, once owned by Fred Winter 

but now owned by Odeon. 

Arthur Pond, who died here recently 

where he had been operating a candy, tobacco 

and magazine store for some years, 

once was a doorman for local theatres, including 

the Opera House . . . Don Warner, 

a son of the Halifax postmaster, is heading 

a quintet at the Village Barn, New York 

City, and doing some of the vocals. He formerly 

had an orchestra in Halifax, for which 

he was the warbler ... A fancy clock in a 

window of the Regent was won in a jewelry 

store raffle by Herman Kerwin, manager. 

Injuries have been added to the series of 

illnesses which have dogged Kerman Kerwin 

of the Regent for the past 14 months. While 

on an auto trip to Ontario, Quebec and 

upper New York state, he fell down a flight 

of stairs, which left him with a bruised elbow. 

He expects it to affect him for several 

weeks. He was accompanied on the trip, lasting 

about two weeks, by his wife, sons Jack 

and Billy and two friends. Besides points 

in Ontario and Quebec, they visited Syracuse 

and Utica, N. Y. Young Billy fell on the 

concrete doorstep of his home .soon after the 

return home. A nasty cut was inflicted on 

his forehead that required about 15 stitches. 

Billy is only 5. 

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Finishes—Chrome or Wrinkle 

Colors—Red, Green. Silver 

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Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs 

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Phone 25371 

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COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS 

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. . . Marge 

. . . Jerry 

Merger Assures Hoyts of Australia 

Clear Path for 

By WILLIAM BEECHAM 

Australian Bureau. BOXOFFICE 

PERTH. W. A.—Ernest TurnbuU. managing 

director of Hoyts Theatres, announced 

the motion picture interests of Fullers Theatres 

Pty. have been merged with those of 

Hoyts. This means that the latter company 

has definitely secured its tenancy of the Mayfair 

Theatre. Sydney, and when permits are 

obtainable and materials and labor become 

available, a new company will be formed 

to erect a ten-story office and shopping 

block on this site. 

* * • 

Bernard Freeman, managing director in 

Australia and New Zealand for MGM. is touring 

Great Britain and the continent prior to 

a six-week trip in the United States with 

his wife and daughter. We understand that 

Freeman is keen to study production conditions 

in Rome. 

« * * 

W. Tinkler of Greater Union Theatres, 

who recently visited the United States on a 

"look-see" tour, has returned to Australia. 

He says he traveled about 50.000 miles, visiting 

cinemas in all parts of the states and 

even over the border in Canada. He took 

hundreds of pages of notes, and remarked 

that his report to his company w'ill have the 

appearance of a book-length manuscript. 

» « * 

Nick Pery, managing director for Columbia 

in Australia and New Zealand, recently returned 

to Sydney from a visit to the Far 

East. He says that, following a slack period, 

trade is now booming, and cinemas in Indonesia 

are screening to splendid business. 

« * * 

Stanley Haws, well known as a British 

documentary director and now chief producer 

for the Australian National Film 

Board, believes that in Australia there is 

great opportunity for the growth of the 

documentary movement. Looking ahead to 

the 1956 Olympic games in Melbourne, the 

board is to produce a number of films designed 

to acquaint other countries and other 

peoples with Australia's sporting achievements. 

The early establishment of an animation 

unit is planned to simplify certain 

sequences in education with short cartoons. 

« • * 

Nicky Yardley. the 11-year-old film star 

who was featured in Ealing's "Bitter Springs, 

recently underwent an operation to restore 

the profile of his nose, smashed when he 

was struck by a boomerang. 

Directors of 

• • • 

Hoyts Theatres have declared 

a dividend of 3'i per cent on A preference 

shares and 3 per cent on B preference 

shares for the half-year to June 30. 

• « • 

Melbourne cinema managements recently 

decided to increase admission prices and, 

following a procedure now common in other 

Australian centers at day sessions, there will 

be a policy of one price for all stall seats 

and one price for the whole of the circle. 

• • • 

The Australasian Exhibitor, in a recent 

feature, points out to exhibitors that as, in 

" 

Sydney Project 

the near future, all film will be safety film, 

it will eliminate many of the government 

restrictions on the present method of screening 

films. The periodical reported: "But the 

safety film will cost an extra Is a 100 feet 

irawi and that is a matter of some concern 

to an industry which is, at the moment, having 

a hard trot. This is a matter on which 

distributors and exhibitors should immediately 

confer. A combined approach could 

be niade to the tariff board for a reduction 

in the duty on safety film." 

MONTREAL 

pilmrow was shocked by the death of two 

well-known exhibitors, Roger Lalonde of 

the Colonial. Plessisville, and Wilfrid Picard, 

owner of the Lyric Supply. Lalonde's sympathetic 

personality won him friendship 

everywhere. Picard had been an exhibitor in 

church halls and in parks for several years, 

and was highly thought of . . Filmrow 

. 

sent its sympathy to the families of both 

these exhibitors and also to Alfred Payeur. 

assistant shipper of RKO. who mourned the 

death of his father. 

Fishing stories are being told by several 

Filmrow anglers. Ted Atkinson, manager of 

Cardinal Films who with his wife was holidaying 

north of Mont Laurier. caught a 20- 

pound pike and numerous dore and trout. 

Eloi Cormier, salesman for Peerless Films, 

had a notable catch of salmon while fishing 

in the maritime provinces . . . "So Young, 

So Bad" was in its fifth week at the Orpheum 

. . . Due to the railway strike, the 

St. Denis theatre, which is being renovated, 

was not completely finished when it reopened 

Ben Langford. Columbia 

recently . . . booker, prepared to entertain in different 

Montreal clubs a group of his friends from 

Welland, Ont.. who planned a weekend visit. 

. . . 

Agathe Marchand, stenographer at RKO. 

was a visitor at Toronto's Canadian National 

exhibition . . . Alice Pointras. also of RKO. 

spent her vacation in the Laurentians. and 

Catherine Schratz, bookers' secretary at 

United Artists, holidayed in Toronto 

"Eureka Stockade," an Australian film which 

was given a private showing in Victoria hall 

by the Australian club, is being shown at the 

Avon and the Strand. 

"Pheasant Island," a 16mm color film dealing 

with pheasant hunting on Pelee island. 

was produced by Crawley Films. Ottawa, 

and will be distributed by Carling Conservative 

club . . . "Food for Thought." a documentry 

designed to induce Canadians to eat 

more fish, and showing a scene at Gatehouses, 

one of the Canada's leading seafood 

markets, has been produced by Associated 

Screen News for the Quebec department of 

fisheries . . . Tommy Dorsey gave a concert 

at the Forum August 31. 

To Score 'Rio Grande Command' 

Victor Young has been signed to score "Rio 

" 

Grande Command for Republic release. 

mum 

VANCOUVER 

. . . Bill Myers jr. of the Circle staff 

paul MacEwan, a.ssistant manager at the 

Strand, went to Hollywood on a vacation 

Brewer is relieving at the Odeon 

Vogue while Manager Roy McLeod is on vacation 

is the father of a baby boy, the Myers" second 

Sydney Waude, former Vic- 

child . . . 

toria girl, is a new member of the local 

Dave Soutar, Eagle Lion 

Plaza staff . . . 

booker, went fishing upcoast in his outboard 

boat. 

Elliott Brown, manager of the Odeon in 

West Vaucouver. is engaged to marry Doreen 

Fletcher, daughter of Howard Fletcher, owner 

of the Kingcrest Theatre here . . . Bob Kelly, 

Movie clubs supervisor for Odeon, got the 

local juvenile shows off to a hangup season 

here and left for Duncan on Vancouver 

island to relieve for Maud Smyth, on vacation 

Norman Duncan. International 

. . . Cinema manager, helped out with a column 

in the Vancouver News Herald while the 

sporting editor was on vacation . . Johnny 

. 

Kooshek is managing the Hastings while 

Carmen Gentile is vacationing. 

Doug Catladine and Lloyd Pantage of the 

projectionists union attended the lATSE convention 

held in Detroit . . . Nat Levant, Columbia 

manager, vacationed . . . Joe 

RKO publicist, was here from Seattle 

Longo, 

working 

on an exploitation with Ivan Ackery of 

the Orpheum on "Treasure Island." Plenty 

of excellent tieups were made with local 

merchants for a full -page spread. 

Victoria Wright of the Plaza staff resigned 

to return to her hometown of Winnipeg. She 

will join the Garrick staff there . . . Bill 

Wallace of Odeon Theatres is seriously ill 

in the Sheaughessy military hospital here 

Sutherland, newly appointed Odeon 

supervisor, was visiting Fraser valley theatres 

Kevin Fitzgibbons. former manager 

. . . of Theatre Confections here, who has been 

appointed general manager of drive-in theatres 

for Famous Players, was here for the 

opening of the new Starlite at Nanaimo on 

Vancouver island. 

J. J. Fitzgibbons, president of Famous 

Players, was here on an inspection visit . . . 

Micky Goldin, Studio manager, returned 

from a vacation in California . . . Jack Reid, 

Eagle Lion manager, back from a Cariboo 

. . . 

selling trip, reports business at theatre in 

that area is slow Bob Foster of the 

Orpheum was on a vacation . . . Jack Aceman 

has leased his State Theatre and retired 

from the show business, at least for the 

present . . . The Polack Bros, circus was playing 

to capacity business at the Canadian 

National exhibition. 

William Covert Still 111 

TORONTO—William P. Covert, second' 

lATSE vice-president, is gradually recovering 

from long illness at his Toronto home. 

He is expected to be back at work in a 

couple of months. Covert, an international 

officer of the union 32 years, was re-elected 

to the vice-presidency at the recent convention 

in Detroit. 

Jack Gertsman has been signed as unit production 

manager for "Prisoner of War," a 

U-I film. 

114 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: September 9, 1950

BOXOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

BookinGuidc 

FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART 

SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS 

BOXOFFICE 

FIRST RUN REPORTS 

This chart shows the records made by 

pictures in five or more of the 21 

checked. 

are 

key cities 

As new runs ore reported, ratings 

added and averages revised. 

BAROMETER 

TOP HIT OF THE WEEK 

(Not on Average! 

Broken Arrow— 

Denver 250 

San Frcmcisco 200 

Computed in terms oi 

percentage in 

relation to normal grosses. With 100 

per cent as "normal," the iigures 

show the percentage above or below 

that mark.

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

ABOUT 

PICTURES 

Just as the Barometer page shojvs first run reports on current pictures, this 

department is devoted for the most part to reports on subseauent runs. Tnade 

by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new, two stars means the 

exhibitor has been writing in for six vioiiths or longer, and a three-star contributor 

is a regular of ojie year or more. All exhibitors welcome. Blue Ribbon 

pictures are marked thus O. 

COLUMBIA 

Âll the King's Men iCol) — Broderick 

Crawford. Joanne Dru, John Ireland. Yes, 

we too lost money on this picture and of 

course wish we hadn't played it. Our town 

is just too small for this type. The rural 

people will not turn out to see them. Played 

Sun., Men. Weather: Fair and warm.—Roy 

P. Morgan, Colbert Theatre, Colbert, Okla. 

Small town and rural patronage. 

* 

Green Archer (Col)—Serial, reissue. This is 

the best drawing serial we have shown in 

our five years of summer outdoor entertainment 

here. On Chapter 13 we had 4.300 people 

packed in everywhere, and expect the 

same or more until the serial ends. To serial 

exhibitors, you are missing out if you do not 

show this serial, as it opens with a bang and 

each chapter is more exciting. We had a 

new print and the price Is right. Played each 

Thursday night.—Thos. Balsley, East Park 

Walk-In, Connellsville, Pa. Small town and 

rural patronage. 

• 

Hoedown (Col)—Eddy Arnold, Jeff Donnell, 

Jock O'Mahoney. Here's a very corny musical 

show which is just what the small town 

showman wants. I played it three nights and 

it held up well. This would be no good in 

the city, but it is swell fare for the cowpokes 

and hillbillies. Business was good.—E. M. 

Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. 

Small town patronage. * * 

Jolson Sings Again (Col) —Larry Parks, 

Barbara Hale, WiUiam Demarest. Our patrons 

were disappointed on this one. Most of them 

thought it was much inferior to "The Jolson 

Story." The weather played us for suckersrain 

and more rain, and the rental was too 

high. Played Thurs., Frl., Sat.—C. E. Mc- 

Murchy, Memorial Theatre, Reston. Man. 

Rural and small town patronage. * 

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (Col)—Reissue. 

Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Edward 

Arnold. I pushed my luck too far and guessed 

wrong on this one. I thought it would get in 

the younger generation and all those who 

had seen it long ago would want to come 

again. Nobody wanted to see it, so the famine 

is on again. This had the lowest threeday 

weekend gross in history. Played Sun.. 

Mon.. Tues. Weather: Warm.—Bob Walker, 

Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Small town and 

rural patronage. 

• • • 

Palomino, The (Col) — Jerome Courtland, 

Beverly Tyler, Joseph Calleia. Boys, you gave 

me the energy to buck local fairs with your 

comments in this section. I used plenty of 

advertising and above average shows, but I 

just couldn't stop them from seeking a new 

source of entertainment. Played Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Warm.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, 

Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. • • • 

EAGLE UON 

story of G.I. Joe (EL)—Reissue. Burgess 

Meredith, Robert Mitchum. I guess I can't 

complain about what I took in with this one. 

I bucked the local fair with this excellent 

— 

tt'ar show by using tons of handbills and advertising 

matter and a reduction in admis- 

.sions. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Warm. 

—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivgsville, W. 

Va. Rural patronage. * • * 

Tulsa (EL) —Susan Hayward, Robert Preston, 

Pedro Armendariz. What beautiful color 

this has—and a very exciting story! We 

played it because of the oil fever in our trade 

area, but only average business for us. We 

were disappointed in our gross on it. Played 

Fri., Sat. Weather: Cool.—Ken Christianson, 

Koxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D. Small town 

patronage. 

* * • 

FILM CLASSICS 

Tenting Tonight on the Old Campground 

(FC) —Reissue. Johnny Mack Brown, Tex 

Ritter. This is just about as good as any runof-the-mill 

western we have ever played. You 

can't beat Johnny Mack and old Tex together 

in a picture. Business was above average, in 

spite of the bad weather. Played Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Bad.—C. O. Taylor, A&T Theatres, 

Cove. Ark. Rural and small town patronage. 

LIPPERT PRODUCTIONS 

Hollywood Varieties (LP) — Robert Alda, 

Hoosier Hotshots, Shaw & Lee. This is a good 

vaudeville show with no boxoffice draw. 

Doubled with "The Dalton Gang" to below 

average gross. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: 

Okay.—D. W. Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, 

Ar.z. Mining town patronage. • * * 

Western Pacific Agent (LP)—Kent Taylor, 

Sheila Ryan, Mickey Knox. This is a pretty 

fair murder picture that failed to meet expenses 

because of the local fair. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Warm.—Ralph Raspa, State 

Theatre. Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. 

* • 

* • ' 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Black Hand (MOM)—Gene Kelly, J. Carrol 

Naish, Tersa Celli. There is nothing here 

to rave about. It is just a program melo- 

Just Had to Write In 

About This Musical 

DAUGHTER OF ROSIE O'GRADY 

(WB) — June Haver, Gordon MacRae, 

James Barton. I have never written EX- 

HIBITOR HAS HIS SAY before, but this 

musical of Warner Bros, was so very good 

that I just had to say, "Congratulations, 

Warner Bros., for this wonderful picture." 

We did above average business on our 

best playdatc, with a larger attendance 

each night. We played it Sun., Mon., Tues. 

—J. R. Burns, Kozy Theatre, Granite, 

Okla. Small town and rural patronage. * 

ED. NOTE: Welcome to these pages, 

Mr. Burns. We hope you will contribute 

regu'.arly and help your fellow exhibitors 

by telling them when you find a good 

picture like this for them to play. 

More Like Old 'Lassies' 

And Been Misjudged 

CHALLENGE TO LASSIE (MGM)— 

Edmund Gwcnn, Donald Crisp, Geraldine 

Brooks. If my experience is any criterion, 

this picture has been misjudged. I felt 

that it was more like the old bread-andbutter 

Lassies than anything we've had 

in a long time. Of course it didn't do the 

old Lassie business, but nothing else 

reaches the tops of a couple of years ago, 

either. All in all, my patrons seemed 

pleased with it and I did a nice business 

considering the price I paid for it. It's 

ail Lassie, so what more could you ask? 

Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Hot. 

—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, 

Colo. Small town and rural patronage. 

* • * 

— 

drama which will not stand alone. The Italian 

talk was hard to understand and I had 

complaints and walkouts. If you must play 

this, just play it on bank night. You know 

hit and run! Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Dewey Theater, 

Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. • • • 

Border Incident (MGM)—Ricardo Montalban. 

George Murphy, Howard DaSilva. This 

picture was a disappointment at the boxoffice 

for us. Played Wed., Thurs.—Harland 

Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small 

town patronage. * * * 

The (MGM)—Glenn 

Doctor and the Girl, 

Ford, Charles Coburn, Gloria DeHaven. Even 

though business was below average on this 

picture, I had many favorable comments on 

it. It's a good picture and you won't be sorry 

you played it. However, it's a midweek picture. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. 

C. O. Taylor, A&T Theatres, Cove, Ark. Rural 

and small town patronage. * • 

Secret Garden, The (MGM) — Margaret 

O'Brien, Herbert Marshall, Dean Stockwell. 

This was well received. The story was good. 

The trailer was poor, though, and did more 

harm than good. It is a better picture than 

we were led to believe from the trailer. Played 

Fri., Sat. Weather: Stormy.—C. E. McMurchy, 

Memorial Theatre, Reston, Man. Rural and 

small town patronage. * * 

Side Street (MGM)— Parley Granger, 

Cathy O'Donnell, James Craig. If you don't 

play this, you haven't missed anything. It 

is just a program melodrama which should 

be played on the lower half of a dual or with 

a vaudeville show, as it will not stand alone. 

The first night's business was fair—the next 

two nights, it was awful. Played Tues., Wed., 

Thurs. Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, 

Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town 

patronage. * * * 

Yellow Cab Man, The (MGM)—Red Skelton, 

Gloria DeHaven, Walter Slezak. This 

picture did extra business and they liked it, 

so who are we to argue about it? That's what 

we want. Played Mon., Tues.—Harland Rankin. 

Plaza Theatre. Tilbury, Ont. Small town 

patronage. 

• * • 

MONOGRAM 

Bad Men of Tombstone (Mono) — Barry 

Sullivan, Marjorie Reynolds, Broderick Crawford. 

This is a rousing western that had our 

patrons sitting up in their seats. If your patrons 

like westerns raw, play it by all means. 

Bad roads are keeping our patrons away. 

Played Wednesday. Weather: Good.—C. E. 

BOXOFFICE BooldnGuide Sept. 9, 1950

I 

McMurchy, Memorial Theatre, Reston, Man. 

Rural and small town patronage. » • 

Dude Goes West, The (Mono)—Eddie Albert, 

Gale Storm, James Gleason. This picture 

has a few new angles that make it a 

'•etter than average offering of its type. It 

is okay for almost any playtime for small 

towns. Played Sat. (late show). Sun. Weather: 

Fair.—L. D. Montgomery, Don Theatre, Lovelady, 

Tex. Small town patronage. • » * 

I Wouldn't Be in Your Shoes (Mono) — 

Don Castle, Elyse Knox, Regis Toomey. This 

is an oldie that Monogram's booker wouldn't 

let me forget I had bought. Actually it is an 

absorbing story of an innocent man who 

nearly pays with his life for a crime he had 

nothing to do with. Though the trailer kept 

the crowds thinned out, those that saw it 

were well pleased. Certainly it is good propaganda 

against capital punishment for a criminal 

conviction on circumstantial evidence 

alone. Why Elyse Knox never gets a real 

starring role will always be a mystery to me. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Hot.—Bob Walker, 

Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Small town 

and rural patronage. * » . 

Jiggs and Maggie in Jackpot Jitters (Mono) 

—Joe Yule, Renie Riano, George McManus. 

This pleased the kids but the adults all 

panned it and it really was dumb.—Frank E. 

Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small 

town patronage. » • • 

Range Land (Mono)—Whip Wilson, Andy 

Clyde. Reno Browne. It seems that Whip 

Wilson is liked a little better now than he 

was at first. This was a fair oater and business 

was above average. The fact is, these 

small, run-of-the-mill westerns don't draw 

like they once did. My patrons prefer an 

action picture or comedy. Played Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Rain.—C. O. Taylor, A&T Theatres, 

Cove, Ark. Rural and small town patronage. 

. . 

Stampede (Mono)— Rod Cameron, Gale 

Storm, Johnny Mack Brown. Rod Cameron 

and Johnny Mack Brown are both well liked 

here, so we gave this picture top playing and 

did top business. Played Sat. (late show), 

Sun. Weather: Fair.—L. D. Montgomery, 

Don Theatre, Lovelady, Tex. Small town patronage. 

» » * 

Temptation Harbor (Mono)—Robert Newton, 

Simone Simon, William Hartnell. This 

is one of the outstanding flops in my memory. 

I ran it one night and shipped it back 

to the exchange, preferring a dark house on 

the second night.—Frank E. Sabin, 

- 

Majestic 

Theatre, Eureka, Mont. 

• 

Ed. Note: If this is the same Robert Newton 

who played Long John Silver in "Treasure 

Island," people will want to see him in 

other pictures, so this might have greater 

value now from that angle. 

Raspa Says Business 

Picked Up iorHim 

BIG WHEEL, THE (UA)—Mickey Rooney, 

Thomas Mitchell, Michael O'Shea. 

BOXOFFICE and other tradepapers have 

been mentioning about the amazing pickup 

in business. I don't know if this pickup 

occurred throughout the U.S.A.. but 

I too had good business this midweek. 

This picture is a top actioner. Played 

Tues., Wed. Weather: Cool. — Ralph 

Raspa. State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. 

Rural Patronage. 

* • • 

PARAMOUNT 

Great Lover, The (Para) — Bob Hope, 

Rhonda Fleming, Roland Young. We did 

only average business, which was about 25 

per cent under our expectations. It's a fair 

show but not as good as "The Paleface" and 

"Sorrowful Jones." If you haven't played 

"Sorrowful Jones," you have missed a moneymaker. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.— 

C. O. Taylor, A&T Theatres, Cove. Ark. Rural 

and small town patronage. • • 

My Friend Irma (Para)—Diana Lynn, John 

Lund, Don DeFore. This pleased a nice turnout. 

They left smiling and sent their friends 

the next night. Business was good. Played 

Fri., Sat., Sun.—Frank E. Sabin. Majestic 

Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage. 

, , , 

My Friend Irma Goes West (Para)—Marie 

Wilson, Diana Lynn, John Lund. Everybody 

that came liked it but I lost on this one. 

There aren't enough people around here to 

get the volume to support the terms asked 

by Paramount. Playing it only 14 days behind 

two towns of over 12,000 each, within 

More Idle 

Thoughts 

Oi An Exhibitor 

ÔO many salesmen act like they think 

they are doing me a favor to sell me 

their pictures, but I don't feel that way 

about it. I feel that I am doing them a 

favor to buy them . . . Pictures are getting 

better and better and business is 

getting worse 

man says, 

and worse . . . One sales- 

"We must have more for our 

pictures because of the increased cost of 

production." And the next salesman says, 

"All we want is what our pictures earn." 

So what? . . . Find a good location for 

a popcorn stand and surround it with a 

theatre . . . The cost of production on a 

film comes from the large towns, but the 

profit comes from the small town 

A small town exhibitor can't Uve on sandwiches 

and leftovers. He must have a 

meal once in a while—meaning a new 

picture ... A quick way to go broke: 

Play EngUsh-made pictures . . . Some 

pictures I play should never have been 

made . . . Any exhibitor who is paying 

more than one-third of his weekly gross 

for fihn rental is headed for the poorhouse.— 

E. M. Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, 

Dewey, Okla. 

nine miles, leaves me only shavings to work 

with. It was the same with "Riding High." 

One more go on these percentage terms and 

then I'm through. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. 

—Don Donohue, Novato Theatre, Novato, 

Calif. Small town and rural patronage. • 

Special Agent (Para) —William Eythe, 

Laura Elliott, George Reeves. This is one of 

the few documentary types of pictures that 

we have played which did not bore our audience. 

Also, it is one of the few that did good 

business the second night, it is good for 

small towns. Played Wed.. Thurs. Weather: 

Rain.—L. D. Montgomery. Don Theatres, 

Lovelady, Tex. Small town patronage. • • • 

RKO RADIO 

Back to Bataan (RKO)—Reissue. John 

Wayne, Philip Ahn. This reissue gave us 

average business. It is a good print and the 

sound is good. It was sold right, too. so we 

made some money on it. If John Wayne 

Brought Out of Red: 

He Stood in Lobby 

FEUDIN- RHYTHM (Col)—Eddy .Arnold, 

Gloria Henry, Kirby Grant. This 

did more than average business for us 

and it really brought us out of the red 

for at least one week. Everyone enjoyed 

it and I even stood in the lobby and asked 

the patrons to come again. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Fair and warm.—Roy P. 

Morgan, Colbert Theatre, Colbert, Okla. 

Small town and rural patronage. » 

can't get them in, no one can. We are satisfied. 

Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Rain.— 

Ken Christianson, Roxy Theatre, Washburn, 

N. D. Small town patronage. • » « 

©Cinderella (RKO)—Disney feature cartoon. 

I got as big a kick out of this as did the 

children. My patrons will take to a cartoon 

or two, but not a full length one. Too bad, 

for this is just about tops. Played Sun., Mon! 


Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. • • » 

©CindereUa (RKO)—Disney feature cartoon. 

The kids came to this but the adults stayed 

home. However, it is a nice little fable with 

good color and good music. I only broke even 

on it, but I think I built up some prestige by 

showing it. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: 

Good.— E. M. Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, 

Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. • * » 

Roseanna McCoy (RKO)—Joan Evans, Farley 

Granger. Charles Bickford. This is the 

story of 

the Hatfield-McCoy feud with a romance 

thrown in. We played it on Sports 

day and made out very well. It sure is a 

pleasant change to make a little money once 

in a while. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Fair and cool.—C. E. McMurchy, Memorial 

Theatre, Reston, Man. Rural and small town 

patronage. « 

Tycoon (RKO)—John Wayne. Laraine Day. 

Sir Cedric Hardwicke. Beautiful color and 

John Wayne made an ideal combination, 

needed to pull the small town trade in on a 

midweek playdate. This is worth bringing 

back. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. 

— L. D. Montgomery, Don Theatre, Lovelady, 

Tex. Small town patronage. » • • 

REPUBLIC 

Rock Island Trail (Rep I—Forrest Tucker, 

Adele Mara, Adrian Booth. ThLs is an excellent 

western. Our patrons were well pleased 

with it. for they, too, like plenty of action. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair and warm. 

—Roy P. Morgan. Colbert Theatre. Colbert, 

Okla. Small town and rural patronage. • 

Wyoming Wildcat (Rep) —Reissue. Don 

" 

"Red 

Barry, Juhe Duncan. Business was excellent 

because of the co-feature, but Republic 

should live up to its advertisement. This 

is 1950 not 1930. This is a very good western 

picture. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm.— 

Ralph Raspa. State Theatre. Rivesville. W. 

Va. Rural patronage. • • • 

20fh 

CENTURY-FOX 

Mother Didn't Tell Me (20th-Fox)—Dorothy 

McGuire, William Lundigan. June Havoc. 

This is a pleasing comedy that played to 

average business. It was received favorably 

here and had several compliments. Played 

Sun.. Mon. Weather: Fair and hot.— E. B. 

(Continued on page 4) 

« 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : 

: Sept. 9. 1950

Exhibitor Has His Say 

Murchy, Memorial Theatre, Reston, Man. 

Rural and small town patronage. * * Damned Don't Cry, The (WB)—Joan Crawford, 

feet Is a darned crime. Business was just average, 

even with tlie annual Prulta day celebration 

(Continued from page 3) 

in progress both days. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Hot.—Bob Walker, Uintah 

Wacaster, Ozaik Theatre, Ozark, Ark. Small Tlieatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural and small town 

town and rural patronage. • • * 

patronage. • • • 

Skitch Henderson & Orchestra (20th-Fox) City Across the River (U-I)—Stephen Mc- 

—Short. Buying this masterpiece is a waste Nally, Sue England, Barbara Whiting. This is 

of good money. It might pass on the radio, a fair drama but there have been too many 

but seeing it didn't help it any.—Prank E. of this type of late. Business was near normal, 

but there were no comments, pro or con. 

Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small 

town patronage. • * * 

Played Thursday. Weather: Hot.—Ken Christianson, 

Roxy Tlieatre, Washburn, N. D. 

Wabash Avenue (20th-Pox)—Betty Grable, 

Small town patronage. 

• • 

Victor Mature, Phil Harris. This is a good 

musical show in Technicolor which pleased Four Faces West (U-I)—Joel McCrea, Prances 

Dee, Charles Bickford. Joel McCrea is 

above average business and should do well in 

any size town. Betty Grable is still popular very popular now. We brought this oldie out, 

here. I say play it. Played Sun., Mon. and it in turn brought many new faces out. 

Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Dewey It is a really entertaining western. Played 

Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. 

Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—L. D. Montgom- 

* * • 

ery, Don Theatre, Lovelady, Tex. Small town 

patronage. • • 

Whirlpool (20th-Pox)—Gene Tierney, Richard 

Conte, Jose Perrer. This is entertainment 

Madness of the Heart (U-I) — Margaret 

that seemed to please our patrons. Re- 

Lockwood, Paul Dupuis, Kathleen Byron. This 

ceipts were slightly above average. Played 

Tues. Weather: Hot and fair.—E. B. Wacaster, 

is one of the best -Rank has produced for a 

Ozark Tlieatre, Ozark, Ark. Small town 

and rural patronage. • • • 

Letter From Alan Ladd 

On EHHS Report Here 

Home of the Brave (UA)—James Edwards, 

Douglas Dick, Lloyd Bridges. This is an CAPTAIN CAREY, U. S. A. (Para) — 

above average picture but the theme was not Alan Ladd, Wanda Hendrix, Francis Lederer. 

This is a picture that did way above 

too popular here and it was played to death 

in our territory. It is a good picture that average at the boxoffice. The title, plus 

failed to do business for us but comments on the magic power of Alan Ladd, gave us a 

it were pleasing. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: nice weekend. Thank you, Mr. Ladd, for 

Cool and Dry.—Ken Christianson, Roxy Theatre, 

Washburn, N. D. Small town patron- 

Great Gatsby." Even though you did not 

your nice letter about our report on "The 

UNITED ARTISTS 

age. • • * agree with us on the merits of the picture, 

your letter was appreciated and we 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

used it to good advantage proving that 

Movies Are Better Than Ever, as Hollywood 

Buccaneer's Girl (U-D—Yvonne DeCarlo, 

stars take an interest in the small 

Philip Friend, Robert Douglas. The pirate towns in the U.S.A. War pictures seem 

story in this really brought out the crowd. to be very popular at present and this 

They loved the fighting. It really fooled us one is no exception. Sell Ladd and you'll 

for we didn't think it was so good, but as do olcay. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. 

long as pictures bring out the people, they're Weather: Fair.—Ken Christianson, Roxy 

okay.—Roy P. Morgan. Colbert Theatre. Colbert, 

Theatre, Washburn, N. D. Small town 

Okla. Small town and rural patron- 

patronage. * * * 

age. 

* 

Calamity Jane and Sam Bass (U-I)—Yvonne 

DeCarlo, Howard Duff, Dorothy Hart. The long time. However, it doesn't matter how 

title probably helped get them in but I'm good they are, our customers stay away in 

certain nothing resembling this ever happened 

to the real life characters. The story 

large numbers every time we play an English 

picture. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. 

takes them off on a wonderful "plane" and —C. E. McMurchy, Memorial Theatre, Reston, 

until it is nearly half through, keeps soaring Man. Rural and small town patronage. • • 

high. Then some darned fool had to go wild 

and let the thing sink to the depths of despair. 

If the hero had gone on and eventually 

WARNER BROS. 

Chain Lightning (WB)—Humphrey Bogart, 

been cleared instead of becoming a ruthless 

Eleanor Parker, Raymond Massey. This is 

badman, this could have been a great and 

Bogart at his usual best. It was liked by the 

beautiful horse story. To build up an audience 

like this and then throw away the ef- 

few that saw it. Weather and the roads have 

been playing hob with our business this summer. 

Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Horrible. 

—C. E. McMurchy, Memorial Theatre, Reston, 

Man. Rural and small town patronage. • 

McMuTchy Says, Play This 

Colt .45 

On a Weekend Date 

(WB)—Randolph Scott, Ruth Roman, 

Zachary Scott. This is a real small 

STORY OF SEABISCUIT, THE (WB) town western that grossed okay but the film 

—Shirley Temple, Barry Fitzgerald, Lon rental was too high. As yet I can't say we 

McCaUister. This is a sure-fire winner have too many westerns in release, because 

in any rural community. Sure we made they are the only A pictures that I can play 

some money—and so will you if you play and break even with them. Played Sun., Mon. 

it on a weekend date. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Okay.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, 


Weather: Fair and warm.—C. E. Mca 

David Brian, Steve Cochran. This is 

Harland Rankin Returns 

From Alaskan Vacation 

TROUBLE MAKERS (Mono)— Leo 

Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell. They 

seemed to like this. We doubled with 

"Mark of the Gorilla (Col) and had the 

best two nights that we have liad this 

summer. We cannot praise our booker. 

Herb Schuman, too much for such a fine 

combination—along with the companies 

who made these pictures. It just goes to 

show what small pictures can do.—Harland 

Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. 

Small town patronage. 

ED. NOTE: It had been quite a while 

since we had heard from Mr. Rankin 

and we had been wondering. How come? 

Now we know, for he scribbled (he has 

the handwriting of a genius) a note 

which read: "Back from Alaska—traveled 

9,000 miles." What a vacation! 

well acted show that wasn't made to please 

the masses. We had just a little below average 

weekend business with it. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Okay.—D. W. Trisko, Ritz 

Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining town patronage. 

• • • 

Montana (WB)—Errol Flynn, Alexis Smith, 

S. Z. "Cuddles" Sakall. This is another good 

outdoor, big western type of picture in color. 

I am glad to see them making more big pictures 

of this type. Comments were good. 

Played Sun,, Mon. Weather: Warm.—L. Brazil 

jr., New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. Small 

town patronage. 

* • • 

My Dream Is Yours (WB)—Jack Carson, 

Doris Day, Lee Bowman. This is one of the 

best darned pictures I ever hope to put on 

my screen. The stars are wonderful, color 

good, story grand—yet it did the most disappointing 

business I've ever had. I didn't begin 

to get back expenses. Nobody came and 

I don't understand why. I put enough work 

and advertising into it so that I thought, boy, 

I'm going to make a killing on it. I would 

have been been $25 ahead if I had remained 

dark the three days. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. 

Weather: Warm.—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, 

Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. • • 

Wallflower (WB) — Robert Hutton, Joyce 

Reynolds, Janis Paige. Here is a cute httle 

picture that did good business for us. It is 

suggestive comedy and old but if you can 

spot it right it will do well. It has a good 

cast and a fast-moving story that everyone 

will love. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Hot. 

—Ken Christianson, Roxy Theatre, Washburn, 

N. D. Small town patronage. • * ' 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Renegade Trail (SG)—Reissue. William 

Boyd, George "Gabby" Hayes. As long as 

they have a woman photographed on the 

llxl4s, people will guess how old the picture 

is. This one is plenty old. It had plenty of 

action, though—but business was bad. Played 

Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm.—Ralph Raspa, 

State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. 

• * • 

Tough as They Come (SG)—Reissue. Billy 

Halop, Bernard Punsley. First of all, business 

was excellent. Of course that's all I'm interested 

in, but I might as well add that this 

is one of the "Kid's" best. Played Fri., Sat. 



BOXOFFICE BookinGuido :: Sept. 9, 1950

Alphabetkal Picture Guide Index and 

REVIEW DICES 

lOSO Abandoned (79) U-l 10' •15-49 

116S Abbott and Costello in the 

Foreign Legion (82) U-l 7- 22-50 

1093 Adam and Evalyn (93) U-l 11- 26-49 

1088 Adam's Rib (102) MGM 11- 5-49 

1143 Admiral Was a Udy, The (85) DA.. 5-U-50 

1042 Against the Wind (95) EL 6- 4-49 

1085 Alias the Champ (60) Rep 10-29-49 

1044 All Over the Town (88) U-l 6-U-49 

1087 All the King's Men (109) Col 11- 5-49 

1094 Always Leave Them Laughing 

(116) WB 11- 26-49 

U08 Amazing 

1101 Ambush 

Mr. 

(89) 

Beecham, 

MGM 

The (85) EL 1- 14-50 

12- 24-49 

1090 And Baby Mal

i+ Very Good; -i Good; - Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. 

1097 Francis (91) Ul 

1090 Free tor All (83) U-l 

1172 Friohleiied City (77) Col.. 

1133 Frontier Outpost (55) Col. 

1163 Furies, The (107) Para... 

£ 

£ 

flC 

10-49 

12-49 

29-50 

15-50 

8-50 

1074 Gal Wlio Took the West, The (84) U-l 924-49 

1112 Gay Lady. The (96) EL 1 •28-50 

1123 Girl From San Lorenio. The (59) UA 3- 25-50 

1060 Girl in the Painting. The (90) U-l 8' 6-49 

1106 Girls' School (62) Col 

• 7-50 

1105 Glass Mountain. The (97) EL 

• 7-50 

1139 Golden Gloves Story. The (77) EL. •29-50 

1081 Golden Madonna, The (88) Mono.. 

1083 Golden Stallion, The (671 Reo..^. 

1129 Golden Twenties. The (68) RKO... 

1152 Good Humor Man. The (82) Col.. 

1149 Good Time Girl (81) FC 

1072 Great Lover, The (80) Para 

1159 Great Jewel Robber, The (91) WB. 

1123 Great Plane Robbery (61) UA 

1113 Guilty Bystander (92) FC 

1105 Guilty o< Treason (85) EL 

1087 Gun Crazy (Reviewed as Deadly 

Is the Female (87) UA 

1171 Gunfire (59) LP 

1140 Gunfijhter, The (84) 20-Fox.. 

. 

1119 Gunmen of Abilene (60) Ren... 

Gunslinger s ( . ) Mono 

-22-49 

• 5-49 

- 1-50 

- 3-50 

•27.50 

-17-49 

24-50 

-11-50 

• 7-50 

18-50 

7-50 

5-49 

29-50 

29-50 

25-50 

950 Hamlet (155) U-l 7-10-48 

1150 Happy Years. The (110) MGM 5-27-50 

1138 Harbor of Missing Men (60) Rep... 4-22-50 

1096 Hasty Heart, The (102) WB 12-3-49 

1072 Heiress. The (115) Para 9-17-49 

1045 Her Man Gilbey (77) U-l 6-19-49 

1166 Her Wonderful Lie (86) Col 7-15-50 

1112 Hidden Room, The (98) EL 1-28-50 

1177 High Lonesome (80) EL 8-19-50 

1163 Hi-Jacked (66) LP 7-8-50 

1165 Hills of Oklahoma (60) Rep 7-15-50 

1164 Hoedown (64) Col 7- 8-50 

1091 Holiday Affair (87) RKO 11-19-49 

1074 Holiday in Havana (73) Col 9-24-49 

1103 Hollywood Varieties (60) LP 12-31-49 

1069 Horsemen of the Sierras (56) Col... 9-10-49 

1149 Hostile Country (60) LP 5-27-50 

1063 House Across the Street, The (69) WB 8-20-49 

1129 House bv the River (88) Rep 4- 1-50 

+ 

+ 

+ 

-f 

1067 I c ha bod and Mr. Toad (68) RKO.. 9- 

1177 1 Killed Geronimo (63) EL 8- 

1173 1 Shot Billy the Kid (59) LP 8- 

1061 I Was a Male War Bride (105) 20-Fox 8- 

1134 1 Was a Shoplifter (74) U-l 4- 

1167 If This Be Sin (72) UA 7-: 

1143 In a Lonely Place (94) Col 5- 

1092 Inspector General, The (102) WB..11- 

1080 Intruder in the Dust (87) MGM.. 10- 

1154 Iroquois Trail, The (85) UA 6- 

1155 It's a Small World (74) EL 6- 

3-49

++ Very Good; + Good: - Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary ++ is rated as 2 pluses, = as 2 minuses. 

i

FEATURE CHART 

feature producuona. liaied by company. In order oi release. Number m square is nahonal 

release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, as 

furnished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchange is recommended. 

R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol W indicates BOXOFTICE 

Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol O indicates color photography. 

Week 

Ending

RKO RADIO 

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

FEATURE CHART

• 

EATURE 

CHART CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

1 Week 

"Endim

RKO RADIO 

(86) Drama 075 

THE SECRET FURY 

Claudette Colbert-R. Ryan 

Jane Cowl-Paul Kelly 

R—Apr. 29—PC-IHO 

(60) Western 027 

RIDER FROM TUCSON 

Tim Hcill-Elaine KIley 

n. Fowley-V. A. Borg 

R—June 17—PQ-1157 

^ 

[6l (72) Drama 020 

DESTINATION MURDER 

H. Hatfleld-J, Mai-kcnlle 

S. Clements-A. Deliker 

R—June 10—PO-1163 

(68) Drama 025 

ARMORED CAR ROBBERY 

dia^. McGraw-A. Jergens 

\V. Talman-D. Fowley 

R—June 17—PG-1157 

15 (SS) Drama 023 

©THE WHITE TOWER 

Claude Ralns-Valll 

Glenn Ford-0. Homolka 

R—June 17—PG-1157 

[5] (73) Drama 017 

the Woman on Pier 13 

Laralne Day-Robert Ryan 

John Agar-Thomas Gomez 

R—Sept. 24—rG-1073 

3 (06) Drama 191 

(^TREASURE ISLAND 

Bobby Drlscoll-R. Newton 

Basil 8ydney-W. Fitzgerald 

R—July 1—PG-1161 

rS] (93) Drama 151 

OUR VERY OWN 

Jnan E\'ans-Far!ey Granger 

Ann Blyth-Jane Wyatt 

II— Apr. 1— PG-1129 

(94) Drama 101 

BORN TO BE BAD 

Joan Fontaine 

Zachary Scntt 

I!— Aug 26— PG-1179 

(05) Drama 024 

WHERE DANGER LIVES 

Robert Ryan-C. Rains 

Faith Domergue 

RÎune 24—PO-1160 

^ (115) Drama 963 

©JOAN OF ARC 

Ingrld Bergman-J. Ferrer 

F. L Sulllvan-J. C. Nalsh 

R— flrt. 30— PG-982 

(81) Drama 102 

Walk Softly. Stranger 

Insenh Cotten-Valll 

S. Bylngton-T. Paar 

R—Sept. 2—PO-1181 

(90) Drama 

EDGE OF DOOM 

(>:inn Andrews-F. Granger 

loan Evans-Rohcrt Keith 

R— Aug. 5—PG-1174 

(75) Drama 103 

OUTRAGE 

M ill I'oMfrs-I! Clarke 

T..(l Anilre«s-B. 

It—Sept. 

Lillian 

2—PR-nSl 

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

REPUBLIC 

Si (HO) (liitil'r-Dr 4914 

©ROCK ISLAND TRAIL 

Forrest Tiirkcr-Adele Mara 

Adrian Booth-Bruce Cabot 

H—May C— PO-1142 

@ (00) Outd'r-Dr 4917 

THE SAVAGE HORDE 

William Elliott-.V Booth 

Grant Withers-N. Beery 


m (00) M'drama 4918 

Destination Big House 

D. I'.iiriok.ll Itorkwcll 

James Lydon-R. Armstrong 

li—July 1-PO-1162 

S (90) Drama 

THE AVENGERS 

John Carroll-M. Maris 

Adele .M:ira-V. Itay 

R—June 24—PO-1160 

4920 

gg (60) Western 4965 

COVERED WAGON RAID 

Allan Lane-Eddy Waller 

.\iex Gerry-Lynn Thomas 

R—July 22— PG-116J 

"ii^(68) Outd'r-Mus 4945' 

©TRIGGER JR. 

Roy Rogers-Pat Brady 

Pale Evans-Oordon Jones 


(B (60) Melodrama 4921 

TRIAL WITHOUT JURY 

Robert Rockwell-A. Long 

Kent Taylor-Barbra Fuller 

R—July 22— PG-1170 

If (60) Western 4973 

THE OLD FRONTIER 

Monip Hale-W. Henry 

Paul Hursir. Barrett 

K— Aug. 12—PG-1176 

H (60) Docum'tary 4922 

JUNGLE STAMPEDE 

G. Breakstone-Y Coplen 

African native cast 

R—Aug. 5—PO-1174 

(D (60) Western 4966 

VIGILANTE HIDEOUT 

Allan "Rocky" Lane 

Eddy Waller 

K—Aug 12—PC-1176 

El (86) Drama 4924 

THE SHOWDOWN 

W Klliott-M. Windsor 

Walter Brennan-TI. Morgan 

R—Sept. 2—PG-1182 

fS (60) Dr.ima 4025 

LONELY HEART BANDITS 

Dnrntliy Patrlrk-B. Fuller 

John Eldredge-R, Rockwell 

R—Selit. 

2—PG-1181 

(oni Wrstern 400- 

FRISCO TORNADO 

Allan "Rocky" Lane 

Eddy W.iller 

W (67) Wnstcrn 4053 

Redwood Forest Trail 

(00) Drama 5001 

SURRENDER 

V. Ralston-J. Carroll 

(67) Ould'r-Mus 4043 

©SUNSET IN THE WEST 

Roy Rogrrs-Pennv Edwards 

(60) Melodrama 4929 

Prisoners in Petticoats 

20TH-FOX UNITED ARTISTS UNIV.-INT'L WARNER BROS 

(1201 Drama 013 

THE BIG LIFT 

Montgomery Cll(t-B. Lobel 

Paul Douglas-C. Borchers 

R—\pr. 22—PG-1138 

(05) Drama 013 

NIGHT AND THE CITY 

It. Widmark-Gene Tierney 

0. Withers- H. Marlowe 

R—May 27—PO-1149 

(S5) Drama 016 

LOVE THAT BRUTE 

Paul Douglas-C. Romero 

Jean Peters-Keenan Wynn 

R—May 13—PG-1143 


THE GUNFIGHTER 

Gregory Peek-M. Mitchell 

H. Westcott-J. Parker 

R—Apr. 29—PO-1140 

(95) Drama 017 

Wlicre the Sidewalk Ends 

Dana Andrews-Gene Tierney 

Gary Merrtll-Bert Freed 


(81) West-Drama 020 

©CARIBOO TRAIL. THE 

Randolph Swtt-J. Davis 

Karln Booth-Gabby Hayes 

R—July 15—PO-1166 

(S3) Comedy 018 

STELLA 

Ann Sherldan-D. Wa^^ê 

Victor Mature-R. Stuart 

R-Îuly 22—PO-1168 

(93) West-Drama 014 

©BROKEN ARROW 

James Stewart-J. Chandler 

Delira Paget -B. Ruv=dael 

R—June 17—PC-1158 

(1201 Drama 019 

(?iTHE BLACK ROSE 

Tyrone Power-Ceclle Aubry 

Orson Welles-J. Hawkins 

R— Aug. 19—PG- 11 78 

(9«) Musical 021 

©MY BLUE HEAVEN 

Betty Qrahle-D.an Dalley 

David Wayne-Jane Wyatt 

R— AUL-. 26—PG-1179 

(96) Drama 022 

PANIC IN THE STREETS 

R. WIdmark-P. DougLas 

B. B. Oeddes-W. Palance 

R-ûne 24—PG-n60 

(SS) Doctimontary 028 

FarewcH to Yesterday 

(106) Drama 025 

NO WAY OUT 

l.lnda Parnell-R. WIdmark 

S'cnhcn McNallv-S. Poltler 

R—Aug. 5—PO-1173 

(84) Drams 023 

THE FIREBALL 

M. RnoneyP O'Brien 

B. Tvler-J Brown 

R—Aug. 26— PO-I1R0 

(90) Comedy 024 

MISTER 880 

B l.incaster-P. Miûlre 

R flwenn-M. Mitchell 

R— Aug 26— PO-1170 

H (91) Drama 632 

SO YOUNG, SO BAD 

Catherine McLeod 

Paul Henreid 

R—June 3—PO-1162 

SD (85) Drama 634 

THE IROQUOIS TRAIL 

George Montgomery 

Brenda Marshall 

R—June 10—PO-1-154 

[g (88) Drama 638 

ONCE A THIEF 

Cesar Ro'mero-L. Chaney 

June Havoc-M. McDonald 

Rûly 15—PO- 1165 

(90) Drama 633 

the Underworld Story 

Dan Duryea-H Marsh.ill 

Cale Storm-H. DaSilva 

R—Mar. 18—PO-n25 

HI (87) Comedy 641 

THE ADMIRAL WAS A 

UDY 

E. O'Brien-W. Hendrh 

R—May 13—PO-1143 

a (85) Drama 840 

THE MEN 

M. Br.indn-Teresa Wright 

Everett Sloane-Jack Webb 

R—May 27—PO-1150 

rSl (721 Drama 62R 

IF THIS BE SIN 

Myma Lov-RIchard Greene 

PegK>' Cummlns-R. Llvesay 

R-îuly 22—PO-1167 

(78) Crimfdv 642 

THREE HUSBANDS 

Eve Ard.'n-Emlvn Williams 

(86) Drama 918 

©CURTAIN CALL AT 

CACTUS CREEK 

Donald O'Connor 

R-ûne 3—PO-1151 

(83) Drama 919 

©SIERRA 

Wanda Hendrlx-Burl Ives 

Audie Murphy-D. Jagger 

R—May 6—PG-1141 

(75) Drama 920 

SPY HUNT 

Marta Toren-Howard Duff 

R. Douglas-P. Friend 

R—June 10—PG-1154 

(92) Drama 921 

WINCHESTER '73 

James Stewart-D. Duryea 

Shelley Winters 

R—.lune 1(^—PO-1183 

(77) Drama 922 

©PEGGY 

Diana Lynn-C. Greenwood 

Charles Coburn 

R—June 24—PG-1159 

(70) Com-Dr 923 

ADAM AND EVALYN 

S. Granger-J. Simmons 

Edwin Styles-Helen Cherry 

R— Nov. 26—PG-1093 

(79) Comedy 924 

Abbott and Costello in 

the Foreign Legion 

Bud Abbott-Lou Costello 

R—July 22—PG-1168 

(90) Comedy 926 

LOUISA 

Ronald Reagan-R. Hussey 

Hiarles Coburn-R. Owenn 

RÎune 3—PO-n52 

(77) Adv-Dr 925 

©THE DESEflT HAWK 

Yvonne DeCarlo-L. Andrews 

Richard Greene-R. Hudson 

R— Aug. 12—PO-1175 

(74) Drama 927 

Madness of the Heart 

Margaret LockAVOod 

Paul Dupuls-K Byron 

(76) Drama 928 

©SADDLE TRAMP 

Joel MeCrea-W. Hendrh 

J. Russell-J. Mrlntire 

R—Si'pt. 2—PO 1182 

^ 

(SO) Melodrama 929 

SHAKEDOWN 

Howard Duff-Peggy Dow 

Brian Dnnlevy-L. 'Tleme? 

R— Aug. 26— PG- 11 80 

(85) Drama 930 

THE SLEEPING CITY 

Richard Cnnle 

Coleen Gray 

(87) Comedy 

THE MILKMAN 

Donald O'Cnnnor-P, Laurie 

J. Durante-J Holden 

(. .) We»l-nr 

©WYOMING MAIL 

S. McNally-A. Smith 

(142) Drama 

HAMLET 

I, nilvler-J Simmons 

B 8vdney-E. Herlle 

R—Julr 10. '48—PG 950 

U (74) Drama 922 

©COLT .45 

Randolph Scott-R. Roman 

Zachary Scott -Alan Hale 

R—May 6—PC-lHl 

^ (96) Drama 925 

CAGED 

E Parker-A. Moorehead 

Ellen Corbv-Hope Emerson 

R—May 6—PC-1141 

53 (74) Drama 926 

THIS SIDE OF THE LAW 

Vlveca LIndfors-K Smith 

Janet Palge-M. Blue 

R—June 10— PC- 11 53 


©RETURN OF THE 

FRONTIERSMAN 

Gordon .MacRae-J. London 

R—May 20— PG-1148 

(D (110) Drama 928 

BRIGHT LEAF 

Gary Cooper-L. Bacall 

Patricia Neal-Jack Carson 

R—May 27—PO-1149 

El (91) Drama 929 

The Great Jewel Robber 

David Brian-John Archer 

Mariorie Reynolds 

R—June 24—PO-1159 

P (9S| Drama 930 

©The Flame and the Arrow 

Burt Lanca.ster-V. ^!ayo 

R. Douglas-A. MacMahon 

R—June 24—P(}-1160 

51 (70) Documentary 931 

50 Years Before Your Eyes 


[Til (102) Drama 932 

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye 

James Cagney-B. Payton 

Ward Bond-Ijither Adier 

B—July 22—PO-1168 

H (98) Musical 001 

©TEA FOR TWO 

Doris Day-Gordon MacRae 

B»e Arden-Blllv DeWolfe 

R— Aug !9—PO-1179 

m (92) Comedy 004 

PRETTY BABY 

Dennis Morgan-Betsy Drake 

Zachary Scolt-E. Ovenn 

R^July 29—PO-llTl 

» (97) Melodrama 005 

THE BREAKING POINT 

P Nral-J Garfield 

J. Ilemandex-P. Ttuxter 

int (102) Melodrama 

THREE SECRETS 

R. Roman-E Parker 

P. Neal-P. Lotfloy 

R—Srpt. 2—P0-11R2 

FEATURE CHAR1 

REISSUES (Cont'd) 

Aug. 18 (..) Mus-Coo 8-lS' 

MARCH OF THE 

WOODEN SOLDIERS 

Stan L.iurel-01iver Hardy 

Dec. S (107) Drama 15 

JOHNNY EAGER 

Robert Taylor-Lana Turner 

Feb, 5?1 (99) Drama 17 

©Blossoms in the Dust 

Greer Garijon-Walter Pidgeoo 

Mar. (97) Drama 4913 

SO PROUDLY WE HAIL 

C. Colbcrt-P. Goddard 

Mar. (83) Drama 4914 

WAKE ISLAND 

B. Donlevy-W. Bendlx 

Mar. (114) Drama 4920 

BEAU GESTE 

Gary Cooper-Brian Donlery 

Mar. (Ill) Drama 4921 

Lives of a Bengal Lancer 

Gary Cooper-Franctiot Tone 

Ian. (93) .Musical 

IF I HAD MY WAY 

Bing Crosby-Gloria Jean 

Jan (88) Mus-Com 

EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN 

Blng Crosby-J. Blondell 

F.b 194) Comedy 

BOWERY TO BROADWAY 

Donald O'Connor-A. BIytb 

Mar (80) Melodrama 

I STOLE A MILLION 

George HaflC. Trevor 

Mar. (60) Drama 

FRAMED 

C. Moore-F- Albertson 


PAROLE 

Henry Hunter-Ann Preston 


You Can't Get Away With It 

J. E. Uouier-J. Dlllinger 

Alir ra (108) Drama 

FIGHTING COMMAND 

R MItchum-M. ODrlscon 

Apr 55 (83) Drama 

FURY IN THE SKY 

Lurettu Young-G. Fitsgerald 

Apr. (94) Drama 

FLESH AND FANTASY 

E 0. Robin.ion-B. Stanwyck 

Apr. (64) Com-Dr 

LEATHER PUSHERS, The 

R Arlen-A. Devlne 

Ai.r. (6Si .Melodrama 

MR. DYNAMITE 

Lloyd .Nolan- 1. Henrey 

May (61) Melodrama 

KEEP EM SLUGGING 

Dead End Kids 

.May (61) Melodrama 

TOUGH AS THEY COME 

Dead End Kids 

May (82) Melodrama 

NIGHTMARE 

B. Donlfvy-I). Barrymore 

Mav (64) Melodrama 

DEAD MAN'S EYES 

Lnn flianey-Jv.ui Parker :er 

June fil (751 Melodrai 

GYPSY WILDCAT 

Maria Montra-Jon Hall 

June (91) Musical 

MERRY MONOHANS, Tht 

D. O'Connor-Ann Biytll 

June (80) Mys-Dr 

GUILTY OF MURDER: I 

Sanders-O. FItiigerald 

June (85) Mys-Dr 

THE SUSPECT 

C. Laughton-E Ratnei 

am^H 

Dec (77) Drama 049 

STORMY WEATHER 

Bill Roblnson-Lefla Horne 

Dec F? (78) Drama 909 

A FAREWELL TO ARMS 

Helen Hayes-Oary Cooper 

Dec E5 (74) M'drama 910 

THE HATCHET MAN 

E. 0. Roblason-L Young 

June [S (135) Drama 933 

DESTINATION TOKYO 

Cary Orant-John Garfield 

June 5) (88) Drama 924 

GOO IS MY COPILOT 

D. .Morpm-D Clark 

S.-I>t. (61) Drima nni 

ALCATRAZ ISLAND 

Ann Sheridan 

Sept (701 Drama 003 

SAN QUENTIN 

P.il OBrlcnll Bosart 

1I

. 

. 10-28 

SHORTS CHART 

title. 

First date is national release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE. 

Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review. ++ Very Good. 

+ Good. - Fair. ~ Poor. = Very Poor. O Indicates color photography. 

Columbia 

Prod. Ho. Title Rtl. D alt R ating Rtv'd 

ASSORTED COMEDIES 

2423 French Fried Frolic 

(I61/2) 12-8 

2413 His Baitiiio Beauty (18) 1-12 ± 2-11 

2424 Ho d That MonVey (16) . . 2-16 + 4-8 

2414 Dizzy Yardbird (16!/2).. 3- 9 i: 415 

2415 Marinated Mariner (16).. 3-30 

. 2425 Nursie 

2426 One Shivery 

Behave 

Nioht 

(15'/j) . 

(leVi) 

5-11 

7-13 + 8-5 

2416 House About It (I6I/2) . . 

7-20 

3411 A Blunder-(ul Time 

(le'.'j) 9-7 — 

CAVALCADE OF BROADWAY 

2652 Blue Angel (lOI-'j) 1-26 ± 3-25 

2653 Village Barn (IOI/2) 4-27 

2654 Leon and Eddie's ( ) 7-27 

COtOR FAVORITES 

(Technicolor Reissues) 

2605 Poor Elmer (8) 12-29 ± 2-11 

2606 Ye Olde Swap Shoooe (8) 1-19 2-11 

2607 Kangaroo Kid (7'/2) 2- 2 + 4-8 

2608 Tom Thumb's Brother (7) 3-23 ± 3-18 

2609 The Wise Owl (7) 5-4 

2610 The Little Moth's Big 

Flame (8'/2) 6-1 "t 7-8 

2611 The Timid Pup (7) 7-6 ff 8-5 

2612 The Gorilla Hunt (8) . . 8- 3 

3601 Hanoy Tots' Expedition 

(7) 9-7 

COMEDY FAVORITES 

(Reissues) 

2434 Calling All Curtains (16) 2- 9 ± 4-8 

2435 His Ex Marlis the Spot 

(17'/2) 5-25 ± 9-2 

2436 Oh. My Nerves! (17) 7-27 

3431 Shot in the Escape (..) 9-14 

FILM NOVELTIES 

2901 Yukon Canada (10) 12-22 

3901 Stars of Tomorrov»—"Tots 

and Teens" (..) 9-28 

JOLLY FROLICS 

(Technicolor) 

2502 Punchy de Leon {61/2) . . 1-12 

± 2-11 

2503 Spellbound Hound (7) . . . 3-16 ++ 3-25 

2504 The Miner's Daughter 

(61/2) 5-25 ± 7-15 

2505 Giddyap (ff/z) 7-27 + 9-2 

THE MOVIES AND YOU 

2999 The Sound Man (10).... 1-19 ff 12-24 

MR. MAGOO 

(Technicolor) 

3701 Trouble Indemnity (6I/2) . 9-14 

ONE-HEEL SPECIALS 

3552 Candid Microphone. No. 2 

(U) 12-29 

2553 Candid Microphone. No. 3 

(IV/z) 2-23 tt 3-18 

2554 Candid Microphone, No. 4 

(10'/2) 4-20 


(11) 6-15 + 7-8 


(10

20th Century-Fox 

Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd 

SHORTS CHART 

+

. . An 

. . Life 

. . Trapped 

. . Sam 

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; AdI'mos for Newspaper dad Programs 

THE STORY: 

"The PeJly Girl" 

THE STORY: 

"The Breaking Point" 

Artist George Petty (Robert Cummings) draws sketches oi 

glamor girls in intriguing poses between times when he is 

painting, which he considers his serious work. One of those 

rich gals with an art patron complex (Audrey Long) tries 

to steer him into highbrow portrait painting by getting him 

commissions from friends. Petty meets Victoria Braymore 

(Joan Caullield), ward and teacher of an old-fashioned college 

for girls, at an art gallery. In pursuing her, he gets 

her involved in several incidents that are innocent enough 

'-•'A loot damaging. When she returns to the college he 

Uows her and convinces her school-teaching is not the 

ireer for her, while she shows him his hobby is where 

nis real talent lies. 

CATCHLINES: 

The Most Luscious Magazine Girl of All Time, in a Picture 

An 

Jjbbling With Youth, Music, Color and the Calypso . . . 

Alluring, Curvaceous Sex-tette That Has Love, Laughter, 

Music, Dancing, Excitement . Intimate Closeup of 

The Glamor Girl of 

Hollywood's Most Beautiful Girls . . . 

All Time Steps From Magazine and Calendar to the Screen! 

It h( 

ort. 

John Garfield, an ex-GI with a wife and family, owns a 

cruiser but is deeply in debt. Desperate, he agrees to smuggle 

Chinese into the states, but they have to go overboard 

when Garfield is double-crossed. Next, Lawyer Wallace 

Ford, an unwelcome friend, has a deal for him and Garfield 

is persuaded to transport some gangsters to their destination. 

On entering the boat, the gunmen kill Garfield's helper 

and Garfield knows he is also on their list. In a stalking 

battle he manages to pick off all four "hoods," but is so 

badly wounded his arm must be amputated if he is to live. 

His wife gets him to agree to the operation and the Garfield 

family face the future together. 

CATCHLINES: 

High Adventure . . . Breathless Suspense 

Warrant Was Signed but Never Delivered by 

Four Hoods on a Tiny Boat . . . One by One He Picked 

And Then There Were None. 

Them Off . . . 

THE STORY: 

"The Sleeping City" 

THE STORY: "The Return oi Jesse lomea" 

Dr. William Foster (Hugh Reilly), an ambulance interne, 

shot by an unseen assassin on the bridge over the East 

ver drive at the edge of Bellevue hospital grounds. Police 

inspector Al Gordon (John Alexander) places his confidential 

man (Richard Conte) in the emergency ward as an interne. 

His roommate (Alex Nicol), another interne, is moody and 

morose and announces he is giving up medicine. He, too, 

is shot. An elevator operator (Richard Taber) hustles horse 

race bets lor internes and carries them on credit. Conte goes 

along with this scheme until he is confronted by a demand 

for money he can't raise and is told by Taber that he can 

pay off in dope with the help oi Coleen Gray. Taber is 

shot in a roof chase by Conte and the nurse is arrested in 

an emotional climax. 

CATCHLINES: 

Strange Figures in the Night Play With Fate . . . Sinister 

Men and a Woman Steal Dope Intended for Hospital Patients 

. . . Two Doctors Die . . . Romance Creeps in . . . .Thrilling, 

a Shadowy Metropolis. 

Throbbing Drama in 

THE STORY: 

"Madeleine" 

-:at- 

-OU- 

John Ireland, who resembles the deceased outlaw, Jesse 

James, teams with the Younger family for a series of holdups, 

leading the citizenry to believe Ford killed the wrong 

man and that Frank James rides with Jesse. The real Frank 

James (Reed Hadley), now living respectably, demands and 

receives from the gang a promise to end the impersonations 

and robberies. The outlawry, however, continues; Ireland 

assumes leadership of the band, and kills the Ford brothers. 

When Frank returns to force a showdown, the pseudo-James 

gang has split and Ireland is wounded in the iracas. Ann 

Dvorak, a Younger, attempts to double-cross Ireland as Frank 

• 

arrives and the dying outlaw shoots her. Frank, vindicated, 

returns to his peaceful life. 

CATCHLINES: 

. . Until 

Ridin', Shootin' and Killin' ... A Pseudo-James Gang 

Goes on the Rampage . . . And the New-Found Respectability 

He 

of the Real Frank James Is Threatened . 

Proves He's Tougher Than They Are. 

THE STORY: 

"With These Hands" 

Ann Todd, oldest daughter in a characteristically strict 

upper-class Glasgow household, is clandestinely carrying on 

a torrid affair with Ivan Desny, French adventurer who 

hopes to be introduced to her family and ultimately marry 

her. Meanwhile she is being wooed by Norman Wooland, 

choice of her tyrannical father. She concludes to run away 

with her lover, but he refuses to marry her under such 

circumstances and she decides to become the bride of Wooland. 

When Desny refuses to return her incriminating letters 

and threatens to go to her father, he is seized with arsenic 

poisoning, which becomes fatal. All signs point to Ann, and 

Bhe stands a sensational trial. She is freed, but it never is 

determined whether or not she is guilty. 

After four decades as a member of the International 

Ladies Germent Workers union, Sam Levene, cloakmaker, 

applies for a retirement pension and reminisces about the 

early days of the union. When Levene's co-worker, Joseph 

Wiseman, is mistreated by a sweatshop boss, Levene is fired 

but he marches in to protest and the resultant strike is successful. 

Later, 146 women are burned to death in the 

Triangle Waist Co. fixe and better conditions for workers 

are brought about. During the years, Levene's wife, Arlene 

Francis, remains a loyal helpmate. Eventually, collective 

bargaining is established and Levene retires a happy man. 

CATCHLINES: 

CATCHLINES: 

She Was Accused of the Most 

Innocent or Guilty? . . . 

Terrible Crime of All . . . Britain's Most Famous Murder 

TriM . . . Brought to the . . 

Screen With Dramatic Impact . 

It '".'artled the World a Century Ago. 

. . 

The Story of the Sweat and Tears That Went Into the 

Building of the World's Greatest Union ... He Fought for 

Honesty and Freedom With Clean Hands . Levene 

and Arlene Francis, Broadway Stars, in a Drama of Honesty 

and Purpose . Every Working American Should See It. 

THE STORY: 

"The Original Sin" 

THE STORY: "Noah's Ark" 

In Berlin today, Bobby Todd, is a wealthy manufacturer 

oi apple cider, who has trouble keeping his wife and mistress 

apart. When he tries to commit suicide, he is saved by 

a psychoanalyst, who tries in vain to help him. Finally, he 

dreams he is in the Garden oi Eden, where he is Adam, his 

mistress is Eve and his wife and a friend of hers are Lilith 

and Lucifer. He is told he may have anything except the 

Apple, which is prominently displayed on a nearby tree. 

OI course. Eve persuades him to pick it and then—all Hell 

breaks loose. 

CATCHLINES: 

You Have to See It to Believe It—the Story of Adam and 

Eve in the Garden of Eden ... A Tired Little Adam and a 

Mousy Little Eve Are Let Loose in Heaven and Finally Land 

An Outstanding German Musical With the 

in Hell . . . 

Eve Taunted Adam Until 

Celebrated Lubitsch Touch . . . 

He Finally Plucked the Apple of Discontent. 

obs 

the 

After an advertising artist, Georges Rollin, draws a pinup 

of Claude Larue to plug auto sales for Alerme, an industrialist, 

it is discovered that Claude is Alerme's daughter, 

so Rollin is fired. He vacates a broken-down house with his 

friend, Pierre Brasseur, an anarchistic tramp, and the pair 

team with Jacqueline Pierreux and her father, Armontel, an 

eccentric inventor, to share the houseboat of a bankrupt 

count, Armand Bernard. When Armontel devises an aquatic 

motor, Brasseur takes it to Alerme, who confers with his 

board oi directors on its revolutionary implications. Alerme 

pursues, recovers the motor when he learns it will be used 

in destroyers and planes to make war, and destroys it. All 

embark on the houseboat. 

CATCHLINES: 

Six Saucy Scoundrels Make Merry on "Noah's Ark" . . . 

The Invention That Could Revolutionize the World Overnight! 

. on a Houseboat—As Only the French Can 

Loved by the Boss' Daughter, but Happier in 

Live It . . . 

Another's Arms.

— 

RATES: 10c per word, minunum Sl.OO, cash with copy. Four insertions for price oi three. 

CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to 

• Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. • 

HELP WANTED 

Need extra cash? Manager, operators—daytime, 

sell your neigtiborhood merctiants advertising gifts, 

calendars, penciis. matches, etc. Average order 

earns $25. Free samples. Klncoie, 8916 Linwood, 

lietrolt. Mich. 

Wanted: Experienced manager. perm;inent situation. 

Illinois location. Seating 470. population 

5,000. Send detailed qualifications, photo and 

salary expected in first letter. Boxoffice, 3974. 

Projectionist, permanent job. southwest. Maintainance 

and some sign ability required. ,\lr mail 

qualifications, references, minimum salary. Boxoffice. 

3992. 

Help wanted: E.xperienced projectionist and assistant 

manager. lteli;ible. sober, ttilh best references, 

Boxoffice. 3993. 

Managing partner for expanding resort theaire 

ami (lancinn concession. Boxoffice. 3995. 

Wanted: Motion picture operator for the.iire 

in Ohio. New theatre, new booth and equipment. 

Good working conditions. Must be able 

to do general maintenance worlc. Apply Boxoffice, 

4onn. 

Want now—I'rojectionist. Call Bill Slepka, Tlicalre, 

Oktmah, Okla. 

POSITIONS WANTED 

Manager and owner of northern drive-in wishes 

jiasilion in soiilh for himself and operator. Next 

winter. Boxoffice. 3983. 

Position wanted, part owner-general manager two 

middlewest drive-ins desires winter season management 

position in Florida. Well financed and 

would consider partnership in existing or proposed 

drive-in or motel. Complete references. Boxoffice, 

3990. 

Theatre artist available Dctober 1: 12 years i.x- 

Iierience top circuit posters, displays, fronts. Boxoffice. 

3991. 

Manager. 28 years experience. Circuit and 

independent operation. Top reference. Box 5(>. 

Karinn City. Mich. 

Projectionist, 7 years experience, sober, reliable, 

usual projectionist repairs. Single, go anvwhere. 

Ceorge J, Eiff. 14 Park Place. Late Placid. N. Y . 

Manager, hooker, buyer, all phases. Box 71. 

H'Mflellboro. N. C. 

Theatre manager, long experience in all phases 

of theatre operation, exploitation, advertising, 

bonking, concessions — in both outdoor and conventional 

type the.it res. Prefer locating in or 

:iround St. Louis or will go to any of the New 

England states. Boxoffice. 3999. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Speaker stands fabricated to specification in 

our own plant. Immediate delivery, any quantity. 

Wire, write or phone. Long Distance 1024 

or Tllatcber 9243. Sonken-Calamba Corp.. Second 

.-ind Klvervlew. Kansas City 18, K as. 

Orive-in theatre tickets. Send for samples of 

our special printed stub rod tickets for drlve-lns. 

Safe, distinctive, easy to che;*. Kansas City 

Ticket Co.. Dept. 10. 1S19 Central St.. "Film 

llow." Kans.i.s City S. Mo. 

Popcorn machines, half price Wiener, Hamburger. 

Sno-Cone. Pe.inut Roasters, Bun Warmers. 

Toppers Supply. 179 Luckie. Atlanta. Ga. 

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

One stop store specials — Sensjtlonal — .New 

Bridgamatic Jr. Iflmm developing machines. Incl. 

taxi. $995: Auricon CIneiolce. demonstrator. 

$555: 5 Tim Hefrlgeratlon Plant. 230 DC motor. 

$395: CInefles 35 Camera. 12V or 21V motor. 

3 lenses. 2 magazines, tripod. $1,500 value. 

$495: Evemo 35 Spider turret nensreel camera, 

with motor mounting, less lenses. $455: W.-ill 

35mm .Movietone single system sound camera, B. 

M.'iurer gahaufimeter. 4 lenses, motor. 2 magazines, 

triiaiil, amplifier, $7,000 vabje. $3,4ti5: 

late .\uricon Pro 16 unit, powerpack, parall.ix 

finder. \U amiillfler, lens, tripod, mikebooni. 

etc. $2,000 v;ilue. $1,495: fltra 24" Sunspo-s. 

50IMIW with rollin' stands. $250 value, $77 50: 

Olsen Creco 5000W Sr. 15" fresnel spots on 

nilllng si.mds. similar to B. M. A- M. li.. $300 

value. $127.50: Clnet>hon 35 News Camera, motor, 

1 lenses. $795' Evemo Ncwsreel Cameras less 

lens and vlewfinder. $75: Rotary Stablliz"r 

Film Phonographs. $395: Auricon 12V110AC 

nowerpaeks In case. $55. Send for cata'og sturelab 

Supiilement. Dept. C. SOS. Cinema Supply 

("orp . 

i;il2 W. .2nd St.. .New York 19. 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED 

Star saves you! Thousands of exhibitors admit 

it! K-7 meclianisms, ret)iiill. $itOO pair (last pair 

at that price): Ballatilyne iMit) Sotindmas'rr 

soundheads-, rebuilt, $225 pair: Brenliert Enarcs, 

rebuilt, $425: Electric 2-unit tiv-ket registers, 

rebuilt. $125: KeVry ESK portable pro ector-, 

complete, good. $215: Simplex rear shutter mccliariisms-, 

rebuilt, $215. What do you need? St;ir 

Cinema Supply. 441 \V. 50th St.. New York 19. 

Be wary—beware when buying rebuilt equipments. 

Get it from established, reliable sourrt-. 

Our record—24 years square dealing—speaks r'tir 

itself. Ho!mes Educators. $550; Simplex Acme. 

$795: Simplex SP or Standard. $995— all dual 

equipments with 2.000' magazines, lenses, amplifier, 

speaker, etc. Super Simplex Heads (like 

new), $895 pair. All available on lime payments. 

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

602 W 52nd St.. New York 19. 

New and used blowers, air deflectors, variable 

speed pulleys. Bargains. Southernalr, 179 Luckie, 

Atlanta, fia. 

Good pair Motiograph de luxe 18" magazines, 

Weber heads. Dual Opcradio, two-way horn, 

Mazda or Baby Strong complete. Bargain. A&T, 

Wickes. Ark. 

Bought out competitor— Complete theatre equipment: 

Super Simplex Prog and Sound High lamps; 

308 cushion ssats; genuine refrigerated air conditioning, 

also washed air. Water cooler, rest 

room equipment, popcorn machine, stainless steel 

displays, super beautiful neon marquee, screen 

curtain, etc. Bought new. used less two years. 

Cheap for cash. E. J. Hunter, Colquitt, Ga. 

Taylor Twin 10 soft ivie cream freezer, water 

cooled, and 40 gallon reach-in cooler. Used 2 

months. Dairy Queen, Inc., 4641 Forest, Kansas 

City. Missouri. 

Pair late model Simplex with PS24 RCA sound 

system complete. Standard bases and magazin.'s, 

rear shutters, double bearing intermit tents and 

Zipper changeovers. Strong Mogul high intensity 

lamps with 60 amp. tungar rectifiers. In fine 

condition and ready for shipment. A real bargain 

at $1,950. Boxoffice, 3996. 

Bargains! Simplex mechanism—front shutter— 

sinple bearing. Perfect condition; $65 eai*. Strong 

intensity lamps. 10^4 inch. Reflector rebuilt, $75 

per pair. Philip Bland, 1330 Chase Ave., Chicago, 

111. 

Two, practically new portable 35mm Simplex 

pro iec tors, with all sound equipment. 150 seats 

:m

YOUR BEST BUY! 

highest Quality 

Biggest Vaiuel 

SEE RCA BOOTHS 19- 

20-21-22 AT TESMA 

By every standard, the RCA 60 projector is your best 

buy. Its original cost is surprisingly low. It costs less to 

operate. It can be kept performing at top efficiency 

l|ith minimum expense. 

The RCA "60" is the first and only projector in the 

low-cost field to offer aufomafic lubrication. This proved 

feature, used for more than eleven years in RCA projectors, 

made by Brenkert, prolongs the life of the mechanism— 

removes the fear of mechanical bind-up. 

Other features of the RCA "60" such as the sturdy intermittent 

and heavy-duty gearing provide highest quality 

projection and trouble-free performance. The RCA "60" 

assures rock-steody projection throughout its long life. 

It's today's best projector buy for the medium-size and 

small-size theatre! 

See your nearest Independent RCA Theatre Supply 

Dealer for complete information. 

•Monulxmit^ kr MENKEIT LICHT PtOJEniON COMPANr— R» SUiSIDIAH 

ôoj best buy !n 

sound equ/p^ênt 

.s RCA TheaTRB sound 

RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA 

SMOIMeCRIMO RRODUCrS OeRARTMEMT. CMMDMM.M.J, 

In Canada: RCA VICTOR Campany Limited, Menlr*al

Boxoffice-September.09.1950

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