Boxoffice-11.11.1950

V/etoen. 

MctuM yndocd^ 

Bob Hope, Lucille Boll ond Joseph Vitale in a scene from Poramounf's 'Fancy Ponts.' 

Entertd as secand-class matter at the Post Office 

at Kanus CItv. Mo., under the act March 3, 1879. 

of 

/ 

Fancy Pants' Wins Blue Ribbon Award 

for October Story on Page 30 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

Including tht Sectional News Pages of All Editions 

NOVEMBER 11, 1950

^ 

MUSIC HALIl 

Now: M-G-M! 

M-G-M presents GREER GARSON • WALTER 

PIDGEON in "THE MINIVER STORY" tostarring 

JOHN HODIAK • LEO GENN with Cathy 

O'Donnell • Reginald Owen and Henry Wilcoxon 

Screen Play by Ronald Millar and (ieorge Eroeschel 

Based on characters created by Jan Struiher 

Directed by H. C. POTTER • Produced by 

SIDNEY FRANKLIN 

Next: M-G'M! 

M-{;-M present!, "KINCi SOLOMONS MINES 

starring DEBORAH K-ERR-STEWARTGRANCiEK 

with Richard Carlson • Clolor by TECHNK;OLt)R 

Screen Play by Helen Dcutsch . Based on the Novel 

by H. Rider Haggard . Directed by COMPTON 

BENNETT and ANDREW MARTON • Produced 

bv SAM ZIMBAI.IST

OF FAME ! 

Next: M-G-M! 

M-G-M presents Rudyard Kipling's "KIM" starring 

ERROL FLYNN • with DEAN STOCKWELL • Paul 

Lukas • Robert Douglas •Thomas Gomez • Cecil 

Kellaway • Arnold Moss • Lauretta Luez • Color by 

TECHNICOLOR • Screen Play by Leon Gordon, 

Helen Deutsch and Richard Schayer • Directed by 

VICTOR SAVILLE • Produced by LEON GORDON 

Next: M-G-M! 

M-G-M presents "THE MAGNIFICENT Y ANKEE" 

starring Louis Calhern • Ann Harding • Written 

by Emmet Lavery • Based on his play produced by 

Arthur Hopkins • Directed by JOHN STURGES 

Produced by ARMAND DEUTSCH 

A NEW ALL-TIME RECORD! 

For the first time! Four pictures in a row from one 

company at Radio City Music Hall. They're just a 

few of M-G-M's 24 Hits From Now Till May! On 

every Film Row they're talking M-G-M and here's 

proof positive from the World's Largest Theatre.

way I 

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j^J0HNAGAI)fc'FI!ANKL0VE)Oy^''SyZANNF'- 

[ay by BERNARD GIRARD and TED SHERDEMAN • From a Story by Joseph I. Breen, Jr. produced by BRYAN rOY

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Tc(jôft/ie7/MamP(^^(^/nd^ 

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NOVEMBER 11, 1950 

V 58 No. 2 

Mr. Larry Wood in 

Arcadia Theatre Company 

Wellsboro, Pa. 

Dear Larry: 

In your letter of November 4 you say. "I 

believe the beginning of the end of showmanship 

in this industry started with the beginning 

of the selling of motion pictures on a percentage 

basis." You attribute the lack of showmanship 

on the part of exhibitors to distributors' 

selling terms and you advocate a change thai 

"will inspire exhibitors to really get out and sell 

the product." Otherwise, you say. the industry 

will slowly die. 

I note, too, your feeling that "already the 

small situations are faced with closing due to 

the fact that they cannot keep open on percentage 

buving of pictures." You say, "Movies are 

better than ever and so would business be, if 

the exhibitors would roll up their sleeves and 

start selling." And. as for yourself, you admit 

that business is better than ever because you have 

never stopped selling. You advocate an "incentive" 

as an offset to "lazy operation and closed 

houses" via a downward sliding scale on percentages. 

I like your observation that show business 

cannot live without showmanship. But why that 

should depend only on the rental terms for percentage 

pictures is a puzzler. If showmanship 

Mi OPEN LETTER 

started to disintegrate when percentage selling 

began, then it should be completely dead by now. 

That form of selling—and buying—is virtually as 

old as this business. It was in vogue when I 

entered the industry 35 years ago. And it has 

become a part of merchandising policies in many 

other fields, from shirts to automobiles. 

You have a good point in advocating a sliding 

scale that will reduce the percentage to exhibitors 

as ticket sales increase. The Pacific Coast 

Conference of Independent Theatre Owners made 

a similar proposal and an attempt was made to 

put this into effect by Andy Smith of 20th Century-Fox. 

Another major company was considering 

a similar policy but. I understand, that 

this now has been discarded. Apparently 20th- 

Fox found it to be wanting, although it may not 

have been given a sufficient trial. 

There is another point on the question of percentage 

pictures and that is. "Just how many 

such are involved in the average exhibitor's bookings 

per year," insofar as the small exhibitor is 

concerned? The key runs play virtually all of 

their product on percentage. 

Doesn't it get down to the matter of how high 

the percentage is; and isn't the exhibitor pretty 

largely in control especially under the required 

selling practices as ruled by the courts? 

Yes, I know, these requirements are not always 

lived up to, but I rather imagine that the exhibitors 

may be as much to blame as are the distributors, 

because of long-standing competitive 

habits and the unwillingness to let a picture go by 

that is priced too high to allow them a fair profit. 

Further, virtually all of the companies have 

declared their willingness to drop percentage 

bookings for the small theatres, particularly in 

the so-called "critical'" situations. 

One of the things that has been t rossing my 

mind in connection with this problem of buying 

and selling is how much more effort does the 

exhibitor extend in his selling of flat rental pictures 

because he is assured a greater net return 

if his efforts bring results? Further, it seems to 

me that if these efforts are fruitful, then the average 

net results should be brought into fairly 

good balance in those instances where the percentage 

bookings may cost more under present 

conditions than on such a basis as you set forth. 

I know that you, Larry, are a consistent plugger 

and that you get just about all that it is possible 

to get out of pictures in your situation. But 

my thoughts and the questions I ask concern the 

many situations where I know efforts such as 

yours are not extended—in fact where virtually 

no selling is done by the exhibitors. I also have 

a feeling that exhibitors could help their own 

product situation by getting away from their 

habitual policies, playing fewer changes per week 

and, perhaps, making one of these changes a 

single-feature program, thereby reducing the total 

of their product requirement and, as a result, 

creating the inore favorable conditions of a "buyers' 

market" rather than continuing under the 

"sellers' market" which has existed since 1941. 

I think, Larry, that entirely too much stress 

for the industry's own good is laid upon making 

n profit out of buying, rather than out of selling. 

1 think that this is a shortsighted policy of which 

both exhibitors and distributors are guilty. I 

also think that this, as much as anything else, 

is the basic cause for the "lost audience" which 

the industry has failed to attract. The desires of 

too many to get "all the traffic will bear"—one 

from the other—instead of in terms of patronage 

volume is selfishly holding the industry down. 

Knowing for how many years there has been 

contention over this buyer-seller problem, it probably 

will take a miracle to bring about an understanding 

solution. For there seems to be altogether 

too little desire on either side to give the 

other a fair and equitable deal. There seems to 

be altogether too much effort on the part of both 

buyer and seller to outsmart one another. If 

such conditions did not obtain, then I think it 

would be a fairly simple matter to devise a workable 

formula that would divide between distributor 

and exhibitor a fair share for each of the 

boxoffice dollar. 

So we're right where we started— probably 

going back as far as the day when the first feature 

film was released. 

Sincerely vours. 

\Je^^J /ynîuA^t^^

BOXOFFICE :: November 11, 1950 

i 

DIVIDED TOA TO MEET COMPO 

ON REPRESENTATION DEMANDS 

Confusion Exists With No 

One Willing to Predict 

Outcome of Meetings 

By SUMNER SMITH 

NEW YORK—The future of the Council 

of Motion Picture Organizations, at the 

very least participation 

in it by the 

Theatre Owners of 

America, was in the 

lap of the gods as 

the week ended. No 

one connected with 

the industry minimized 

the seriousness 

of the situation 

arising from the TOA 

resolution at its 

Houston convention 

Ted Gamble calling for additional 

representation 

in COMPO. Pi-ivate views were expressed 

by some exhibitors, but none would attempt 

to predict what may happen. 

NO PREDICTION ON OUTCOME 

The absolute lack of any predictions was 

mainly due to the well-known fact that the 

TOA committee, headed by Ted R. Gamble, 

which will meet with COMPO officials, is 

split right down the middle. If it presented a 

united front, what actions might be taken at 

meetings of the COMPO board Thursday (16) 

and Friday (17) might be foreseen to some 

extent. 

In the meantime, COMPO was not pushing 

its organization of regional committees in the 

31 exchange areas, a setup that TOA has 

protested. It was said that each area had 

made its individual nominations of repre- 

.sentatives, and that completion of formation 

of full-sized committees is under way, but 

there was no indication the job of setting up 

the committees was being prosecuted vigorously. 

No one would say that the plan might 

be abandoned in favor of clearance through 

the member exhibitor organizations, but that 

loomed as a possible bargaining point. 

TRYING FOR TOA ACCORD 

TOA members were still trying to get together 

on what demands for more representation 

should be made to COMPO. That demands 

of some nature would have to be made 

was certain because of the resolution adopted 

at the convention calling on the Gamble committee 

to settle the following issues: 

(1) To in.sure the autonomy of local and 

regional exhibitor groups in the overall 

public relations program. 

(2) To limit COMPO activities to pubhc 

relations and to the national level. 

(3) To have COMPO reorganize itself 

along the lines of fairer repre.sentation. 

The third clause constituted the main difficulty. 

One prominent member of the Indus- 

Mayer Clarifies 

Protest 

On Construction Ban 

NEW YORK—The objections raised by 

Arthur L. Mayer, executive vice-president 

of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, 

to the 

building restrictions 

order of the 

National Production 

Authority had 

to do with restrictions 

on theatre 

repairs and renovations 

to an annual 

cost of $5,000 

and which put film 

theatres in the 

same classification 

as dance halls, 

L. S. Hamm 

gambling establishments 

and poolrooms. 

Mayer clarified his position in a wire 

to L. S. Hamm, president of the California 

Theatres Ass'n. Hamm had wired 

that his unit did not agree with the 

COMPO protest because the NPA ruling 

should be "loyally supported by our industry," 

and because a hearing would 

cause "unfavorable public reaction." 

Mayer wired 

Hamm: 

"Apparently there is considerable misunderstanding 

of our protest to the NPA 

which we are eager to dissipate. Realizing 

as you do that our business should 

not appear to be in the position of opposing 

the national defense effort, we centered 

our protest against the specific part 

of the NPA order that restricts structural 

repairs and renovations to $5,000 annually. 

try said : "The make-up of the COMPO board 

is a parliamentary puzzle." 

A circuit head told BOXOFFICE: 

"Sectional representation is very much to 

the fore in this dispute. Various TOA units 

have made this very clear to the national 

officers. Representation right now is unbalanced. 

We hope that adjustments can be 

made. For instance, TOA is not strong in 

Ohio and Minnesota where National Allied 

predominates. There is no reason why Allied 

should not demand additional representation 

in states like those." 

Another said: "The 8,000 theatres which 

are in the TOA fold entitle the national organization 

to fuller representation on the 

COMPO board." 

' 

When TOA objections to COMPO developed 

several months ago, it was thought 

they were being raised by Charles Skouras 

because of the presence on the board of only 

"It appeared to us that such a restriction 

might inflict serious hardship 

on many theatres without any compensatory 

benefit in the saving of critical 

materials for the purposes of national 

defense. At the very least we felt that 

we should get the same privilege now 

being extended to television and radio 

interests of arguing about regulations 

before, rather than after, they had been 

issued, and making a study of what the 

savings of critical materials proposed by 

the order would amount to. 

"We are constantly being asked to 

cooperate with government and quasipublic 

agencies in the distribution and 

exhibition of films connected with the 

present emergency, and to make theatres 

community centers for the dissemination 

of information and the maintenance 

of public morale. We welcome 

these opportunities for public service, 

but if we are to perform them adequately 

we should not be classified with 

dance halls, gambling establishments and 

poolrooms, but are entitled to the same 

respect and treatment that are being 

extended to other media of communication. 

"I would appreciate your conveying the 

contents of this wire to your members 

and advise me if they are not in accord 

with this action, as we are only the 

servants of the industry and, strongly 

as I feel in this matter, I must of course 

be guided by the industry's wishes." 

Hamm replied to Mayer that his telegram 

"satisfactorily clarifies your protest 

filed with the NPA and we are in 

accord as per the information set forth." 

two representatives for the 22 states west of 

the Mississippi. These were Rotus Harvey 

and Wilham Graeper jr., both of the Pacific 

Coast Conference of Independent Theatre 

Owners. However, other objections became 

apparent at the TOA convention. 

It will be remembered that at the last 

meeting of the COMPO board, invitations 

went out to board members to bring with 

them other associates to offer their views on 

organizational matters. The meeting apparently 

benefited from the views expressed by 

these nonmembers, who had no voting 

privilege. Some who recall that occasion 

feel that additional representation at COMPO 

meetings could be arranged for the sake of a 

full and free discu.ssion of problems, with the 

powers of the vote and veto limited as now 

to the two board members representing each 

member group. Though two in number, they 

(Continued on page 10)

i 

BOXOFFICE 

FAIR TRADE PRACTICES CODE 

FOR DRIVE-INS IS DEMANDED 

Arkansas ITO Asks an End 

To Carload Rates, Free 

Children Admissions 

UTTLE ROCK, ARK—The Independent 

Theatre Owners of Arkansas has asked 

Theatre Owners of America to take drastic 

action to halt free admissions to children, 

car and truckloads of patrons at 50 cents 

to a dollar a load and other "abnormal and 

unbusinesslike means of attracting attention." 

These techniques, the ITO charged, 

are having a damaging and detrimental effect 

on the normal operations of their 

conventional and outdoor competitors. 

Criticizing such practices as busloads and 

carloads of persons at per car prices of 50 

cents to $1, and free admissions to children, 

the ITO executive board has asked TOA to 

survey the "extraordinary and destructive 

methods" and draft a plan of action to halt 

the harmful practices. 

WARN OF 'CHEAPE^fING 

INFLUENCE' 

Unless this is done, the Arkansas exhibitors 

warned, the practices will "bring about a 

dangerous cheapening of the operating standards 

of the industry among the American 

public" and serve to destroy normal and fair 

competition in the business. 

In the Memphis exchange territory, some 

drive-in operators are abusing the per car 

admission price regulations by admitting 

buses and trucks to enter the theatres with 

as many as 40 persons at a single per car 

price. TOA is asked to cite such practices to 

the Treasury department and make an effort 

to obtain "a new and more reasonable ruling" 

that would be applicable under fair trade 

practices and would eliminate "this entirely 

dangerous and destructive technique." 

The Arkansas group also says free admissions 

to children under 12 should be eliminated 

because the practice "serves only one 

purpose, namely, to create the impression 

that motion pictures are free and convenient 

rather than important entertainment that 

should be appreciated and bought." 

PROPOSE TOA SANCTIONS 

Drafting of a code of fair trade practices 

for its membership is recommended—for both 

Indoor and outdoor exhibitors — and that 

violators be denied TOA membership. 

The resolution, signed by Sam Kirby, president, 

and Jack Bomar, secretary-treasurer, 

asked that the protested practices be brought 

to the attention of distributors. 

List 2,472 Drive-ins 

HOUSTON—Andy Smith jr., general 

sales manager for 20th-Pox, reported at 

the TOA convention last week that the 

company's latest census of drive-in theatres 

shows 2,472 in operation, or equal 

in number to 12.8 per cent of the 21,783 

indoor theatres the company found open 

in the U.S. 

AT THE TOA CONVENTION 

Outdoor Exhibitors See Need 

For Some Type of Arbitration 

Houston 

The drive-in committee of Theatre 

Owners of America has recommended 

that some type of an arbitration board 

be established to settle differences between 

outdoor exhibitors, particularly in 

the problem of establishing product 

availability. Arbitration should be on a 

local level, it was voted in committee 

meeting. 

The outdoor exhibitors also want some 

type of clearance to be established and 

that distributors work out a system to determine 

which exhibitor gets first run 

drive-in dates—preferably on a basis of 

gross business. 

The overall resolution, proposed by 

H. A. Daniel of Seguin, Tex., also recommended 

that drive-in exhibitors play as 

great a variety of pictures on the same 

days as possible. The idea is to make as 

many pictures available each day as possible. 

Among outdoor exhibitors present, it 

was generally agreed that children up to 

six years old should be admitted free and 

that children from six to 12 should pay 

a 9-cent admission. 

Claude Ezell, veteran Texan who heads 

TOA's drive-in theatre committee, said 

outdoor owners in his state recently met 

in Dallas to settle some of their controversial 

problems. The Texans agreed, 

he said, to raise prices, to issue no passes, 

to eliminate "Buck" nights and each "give 

a little" so that all drive-ins may benefit 

from a healthy operating condition. 

Jack Braunagel of the Commonwealth 

circuit. Kansas City, stressed the advisability 

of playing 56-day spots—a practice 

of all six drive-in theatres in the Kansas 

City area. No one plays on a 28-day 

availability schedule, and no one has 

found a need to do so, he said. Sometimes, 

he said, his circuit holds a picture 

for a year. All films are bought in March 

—approximately 90 for the season—and 

are used when the managers deem it most 

advisable. 

"It makes little difference at the drivein 

how soon a picture is played," he said. 

"One of the top musicals of the summer 

season did not draw any better than a 

year old 'standard' when shown at the 

same time at two of our theatres. If a 

picture 'has it' and is shown on the right 

days it wiU make money without any consideration 

as to its availability. 

"Play what your customers like best. 

Don't try to knife your competitors 

ignore them. Have clean rest rooms, good 

snack bars," he advised. 

By-the-Busload, Boxtop Operators 

Not to Get Top MGM Availability 

HOUSTON—The first distributor to establish 

a policy of denying product to drive-in cases such an operation may very well be 

handling of such type of operations. In some 

theatre operators who promote business along considered as substantial competition with 

lines which are considered injurious to the the conventional theatre, whereas in others 

industry is Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. W. F. it might not be so considered. 

Rodgers, vice-president and general sales "We do believe, however, that the operating 

policies of some drive-in operations can 

manager, outlined the new policy at the Theatre 

Owners of America convention here last be very well classed under the heading of 

week. 

unfair competition and I refer here to those 

Following is the text of Rodgers' statement types of operations who have free admissions; 

those that accept boxtops in exchange 

on drive-ins: 

"Another form of dissatisfaction in some for admission; those who advertise and invite 

quarters seems to be our treatment of the 

availabilities of our product to drive-in theatres. 

Although I can find no specific reference 

in the rulings of the federal courts 

to drive-in theatres, we believe that we have 

no alternative but to treat the drive-in theatre 

generally as we do the conventional 

theatre, if it operates as conventional theatres 

operate. Each theatre and each picture 

must be considered independently. 

"We do not have any formula for the 

busloads of patrons to attend the drive-in 

theatres at a specified price for the entire 

busload, and others who subordinate the attractions 

and level their sights on the development 

of their business on concessions. 

All of these we consider to be a deterrent to 

the development of our business. We do not 

believe that these offenders are entitled to 

the same availability on our product as those 

drive-in theatres that operate on a legitimate 

basis." 

:: November 11. 1950

Pcd^Se^tU COMPO Controversy 

Ascap and Majors to Meet 

For Talks on Music Fees 

Sessions scheduled soon with 20th Century- 

Pox, Paramount and Warner Bros, to reach 

agreement on performance charges which 

will replace old seat tax. 

CBS Video Shows in Color 

For Public Start Nov. 14 

Demonstrations set for old Tiffany building 

on Fifth avenue, New York City; Radio 

and TV Manufacturers Ass'n to start public 

relations talks same day. 

Century Sets TV Newsreel 

For Large-Screen Houses 

New York theatre circuit will be the first 

to carry a regularly televised newsreel with 

the "Camel Newsreel Theatre" at the Marine 

Theatre in Brooklyn and the Queens, L. I., 

Monday (13 1. 

X 

Good First Year Forecast 

For Paramount Pictures 

Trade sees a $7,000,000 net in initial year 

as exclusive production-distribution company; 

under old set up, filmmaking end of company 

earned $3,261,000 last year. 

* 

United Paramount to Vote 

On Its Stock Options 

Special meeting of stockholders called for 

December 15 

in New York to decide granting 

of options to purchase 250,000 shares of common 

by officers and employes. 

General Release Set Jan. 15 

For 'Samson and Delilah' 

* 

Cecil B. DeMille production will be one of 

nine top bracket pictures to be distributed by 

Paramount during the first four months of 

1951, regional sales meeting in Dallas is told. 

* 

'Harvey' General Release 

During Christmas Week 

U-I film will be given extended key-city 

runs at popular prices; only exception will be 

a limited engagement at the Carthay Circle 

in Hollywood late in December. 

Price Increase in Chicago 

For Morning Hours 

First runs in Loop go from 50 cents to 55 

cents at B&K and independent houses, with 

afternoon and evening schedule still at 98- 

cent tops; neighborhoods holding line. 

General Precision Income 

Jumps in Third Quarter 

Net for three months ending September 30 

is S299,438, compared with $88,367 for same 

period last year; equals 50 cents per share; 

25-cent dividend voted. 

(Continued from page 8i 

are entitled to only one vote. A single veto 

can prevent action. 

In the meantime, TOA technically is no 

longer a member of COMPO since a year has 

expired since it joined for that period, and 

it hasn't officially renewed its membership, 

But TOA exhibitors said that didn't mean 

TOA was "out." The possibility of a renewal 

of membership still remained. However, the 

same TOA sources said 

members aren't paying 

their COMPO dues until the current dispute 

is settled. 

STATEMENT FROM MYERS 

The reaction of National Allied to the TOA 

move was expressed by Abram F. Myers, national 

counsel. He visualized an attempt by 

TOA to widen its influence in COMPO, and 

.said that Allied will combat any such effort as 

upsetting the present balance, using the veto 

if necessary. He said TOA is perfectly free 

to select its COMPO representatives from 

the coast or any other section of the country 

which considers itself neglected, but that trying 

to change the structure of COMPO is 

something else again. Comments by 'Wilbur 

Snaper, president of the Allied Theatre 

Owners of New Jersey, echoed those of Myers. 

Both were against granting any favors to 

"dissident elements." 

Any change in the structure or objectives 

of 

COMPO would bring about a highly complicated 

situation. In the first place, the 

original setup was approved by all member 

groups and a change or changes would involve 

reconsideration by each of them. This 

would mean referring the changes back to 

the unit members for approval, and since 

these do not meet frequently in regular session, 

.special meetings would have to be called 

or a long delay could result. 

EXECUTIVE BOARD CONTROLS 

As it now stands, COMPO is managed and 

controlled by an executive board, the members 

of which need not be members of the 

corporation, consisting of the number of 

directors equal to twice the number of 

charter members of the council. Each charter 

member is entitled to select and nominate 

two directors to be elected to the executive 

board. The term of each director is for one 

year. In the case of any vacancy in the board 

arising from any cause between annual meetings 

of the council, the member who originally 

selected and nominated such director 

shall select and nominate a new director. 

The bylaws also provide: 

The executive board shall have power also 

to constitute and designate committees in 

regional areas such as exchange territories 

or states, and to prescribe the powers and 

duties of such committees in carrying out 

the aims of the council. 

Bylaws may be amended at any regular or 

special meeting of the executive board by 

unanimous vote of the board, provided written 

notice of the proposed amendment shall be 

given to each member at least 20 days prior 

to the meeting. 

No notice has been given. 

Gamble returned to New York during the 

middle of the week and continued conversations 

with the members of his committee on 

the specific nature of the proposals to be 

made to COMPO. His committee consisted 

of Charles P. Skouras, R. J. O'Donnell, 

Mitchell Wolfson, Sherrill Corwin, Tom Edwards, 

E. D. Martin, R. B. 'Wilby, Arthur H. 

Lockwood, S. H. Fabian, Max Connett, Sara 

Pinanski and Gael Sullivan. Gamble then 

was to arrange a meeting with Ned E. Depinet, 

COMPO president; Arthur L. Mayer, 

executive vice-president, and Robert 'W. 

Coyne, counsel. This was to precede the meetings 

of the COMPO board. 

Ellis Arnall, president of the Society of 

Independent Motion Picture Producers, who 

was unable to attend the previous COMPO 

board meeting, said he would attend the 

forthcoming one with Marvin Faris as representatives 

of the independent producers. He 

said they would attend with open minds and 

vote in accordance with what they believed to 

be the best interests of the whole industry. 

The executive board sessions will be preceded 

'Wednesday (15) by a meeting of the 

COMPO program and planning committee, of 

which Nathan Yamins is 

chairman and Abel 

Green vice-chairman. The other members 

are; Chester Bahn, Maurice Bergman, Max 

A. Cohen, Oscar Doob, Charles Einfeld, Earl 

J. Hudson, Maurice Kann, 'Walter Reade jr.,. 

Allen Rivkin, Robert J. Rubin, Fred J. 

Schwartz, Charles Smakwitz, Martin G. Smith, 

Leonard Spigelgass, Gael Sullivan, Morton 

Sunshine and 'Walter 'Wanger. 

On the same days the COMPO board meets, 

a National Allied committee will be sitting 

in New York to consider proposals to offer 

the distributors and the Department of Justice 

for changes in the competitive bidding 

provisions of the New York court decree. 

Tliat means that many of the most influential 

exhibitors in the country will be in 

New York those days. Anything can happen. 

Republic Has Realignment 

Of Studio Executives 

HOLLYWOOD- A realignment within the 

executive ranks of Republic studios, following 

the recent resignation of Allen Wilson 

as production chieftain, was disclosed by 

President Herbert J. Yates. 

Named studio manager in charge of all 

production and studio operations was Jack 

E. Baker, who has been in charge of the 

production department for the past six years. 

He is a veteran of 25 years' service with 

Republic and subsidiary enterprises. 

Robert V. Newman, former assistant to 

Wilson, was appointed executive studio assistant 

to Yates, responsible for all Republic 

production activities identified with independent 

and outside filmmakers. 

Both Baker and Newman have been 

named vice-presidents and Baker also will 

function as chairman of the studio's executive 

committee. 

Baker's duties in the production department 

will be taken over by Lou Rosso. 

Keep Daylight Savings 

CLEVELAND — Cleveland voters approved 

continued summer daylight savings time in 

Tuesday's election. Motion picture theatre 

exhibitors staged a strenuous campaign to 

repeal the city's fast time ordinance, but 

again no luck. 

10 BOXOFFICE November 11. 1950

k. 

State Censors Called 

To National Meeting 

NEW YORK—Film censors from six 

states which have statewide censorship 

rule will meet in New York December 

7, 8, in what is expected to be the first 

effort to solidify the official censorship 

approach on a national basis. The call 

for the meeting has been issued by Dr. 

Hugh M. Flick, head of the New York 

state censor board. No reason for the 

cal-ing of a conference of state censors 

was given, but it is believed that recent 

court decisions on film censorship, the 

anticipated fight by the industry through 

new court actions such as the Marshall, 

Tex., case, and problems created through 

television films are among the topics to 

be considered. In addition to New York, 

censors from Pennsylvania, Kansas, 

Maryland, Ohio and Virginia are expected 

to participate. 

Texan Ready to Fight 

Censor All the V/ay 

MARSHALL. TEX.—W. L. Gelling, manager 

of the Paramount Theatre here who 

was fined $200 for showing "Pinky" against 

orders of the local censorship board, will 

take his case to the United States Supreme 

Court, if necessary, to fight the conviction. 

It may well become the pivotal case on 

which the high court will rule on whether 

motion pictures comes under freedom of the 

press, the trade believes. 

Robert H. Park of Beaumont, counsel for 

East Texas Theatres, Inc., which owns the 

Paramount Theatre, is preparing an appeal 

to the state court. If the appeal is unsuccessful, 

he will ask the Supreme Court to 

hear the case. 

Meanwhile, Philip J. O'Brien, New York, 

of the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, was 

in Marshall last week to observe the trial 

in the county court. Eric Johnston, MPAA 

president, has spotlighted the Gelling case 

in several speeches the last two weeks and 

it is understood his organization is ready 

to make a test suit of the censorship. The 

direct action of a local censorship body 

against a small town theatre operator is 

expected to establish a clear-cut case on 

which the high court can rule. 

Gelling was jailed last February for 18 

minutes and released on bond. He showed the 

picture two more days and again was arrested 

and posted bond, but he was not 

jailed the second time. 

20th-Fox Will Circulate 

Trailer Free to Houses 

NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox will 

make available late in November to all theatres 

without charge a trailer plugging .six 

films set for release between December and 

February. Among the films to be plugged 

are; "American Guerrilla in the Philippines," 

a December release; "I'd Chmb the Highest 

Mountain," a February release; "All About 

Eve," "For Heaven's Sake," "Halls of Montezuma" 

and "The Mudlark." 

Kramer-Katz Again Try 

For Control of UA 

NEW YORK—Stanley Kramer and Sam 

Katz admit they are again negotiating to 

take over control of United Artists. Conferences 

have been held within the past two 

weeks, but what Mary Pickford and Charles 

Chaplin will agree to is still unknown. 

Miss Pickford is said to be doing most of 

the negotiating with Chaplin doing most of 

the listening every time she presents a new 

proposal. Usually he says "no." There is 

nothing new about this; the principal change 

is the increasing frequency of the proposals, 

because the day is approaching when UA will 

run short of independent product. 

The company's producers already are 

making new affiliations. Harry Sherman, 

Benedict Bogeaus and Horizon Pictures (Sam 

Spiegel-John Huston) have made deals with 

Eagle Lion. Kramer, who has the confidence 

of financial interests, hopes to line up 15 pictures 

in 1951 and an increase the following 

year, and he intends to do this through producers 

now being signed. 

Kramer's new distributing company is 

concentrating on roadshowing of "Cyrano de 

Bergerac," but he and Katz and George J. 

Schaefer intend to expand the distribution 

setup either through a deal with an existing 

distributor or by acquiring control of an existing 

distributor. 

Kramer is self-confident and aggressive. 

His theory is that if he can get the product 

the distribution will be easy. In this case, if 

he gets the product, he will make the UA 

position more difficult. 

Observers agree that somebody has the 

cart before the horse and an emergency will 

develop shortly. Paul V. McNutt and his associates 

set out to get financing before assuring 

a product supply and discovered financial 

interests looked askance at the plan. Before 

McNutt entered the picture Gradwell Sears 

had been trying to raise funds, so that UA 

could help finance its producers and thereby 

exercise some measure of control over their 

product. This bears a lot of resemblance to 

the Kramer idea. 

Gossip has it that Miss Pickford can see 

ahead to the day after Kramer delivers one 

more picture under his contract when he 

might blossom out as head of a combined 

distribution and production setup for independents. 

She is said to have listened to 

several proposed deals since McNutt and his 

associates acquired an option. 

In the meantime the financing of independent 

production has taken a number of 

turns. S. H. Fabian's proposed financing organization, 

with important exhibitor backing, 

has finally blown up. The Society of 

Independent Motion Picture Producers plan 

to get $10,000,000 from the Bankers Trust Co. 

and others—after submitting the books of 

members—has floundered. The independents 

didn't want to undergo this scrutiny. 

So when new groups approach Miss Pickford 

with new plans for taking over UA these 

days she inquires about product, according 

to report. So far, Kramer has been the only 

man who has insisted he can solve this problem. 

Chaplin continues to be the Sphinx who 

won't answer the $64 question. 

Film Salesmen Protest Insinuation 

They Are Forced Selling Villains 

MILWAUKEE — Film salesmen, through 

their national organization, this week sharply 

answered implications at recent exhibitor 

conventions that they were the "villains" in 

alleged forced selling of motion pictures. 

Dave Benzor, general counsel for the Colosseum 

of Motion Picture Salesmen of America, 

has sent an open letter to general sales 

managers of all distributors saying, in effect, 

that film salesmen objected to being maligned 

in the exhibitor-distributor controversy. 

Benzor's open letter was directly in answer 

to statements made by several general salesmanagers 

at the recent Allied States Ass'n 

convention to the effect that any salesman 

caught forcing the sale of pictures would be 

fired. 

"The salesman seems to have been made the 

villain of this rather poorly written drama," 

Benzor said. "Generally speaking, film salesmen 

can carry a load of criticism with good 

humor. But when their employers attempt, 

by means of some very shifty footwork, to 

sidestep responsibility and point a sanctimonious 

finger at the salesmen, that's where 

the salesmen must take a stand." 

Benzor said the position was untenable. 

"Not only is it a sad commentary on the 

loyalty of the sales managers toward their 

own personnel, but the 'charge' which caused 

the difficulty, if it has any validity, can hardly 

be laid at the door of the salesmen," he 

said. He said the one notable exception was 

RKO's Robert Mochrie. 

The letter pointed out that salesmen do 

not get commissions or bonuses, and it makes 

no difference in the salesman's pay check 

whether he sells the exhibitor one picture or 

ten. "So why should the salesman engage in 

forced selling?" Benzor asks. 

"The answer is simply that he does not. 

His continued employment is based on a relationship 

of mutual trust with exhibitors. High 

pressure methods would never stand the test 

of time when practiced in the same territory 

month after month." 

"We are persuaded," Benzor commented, 

"that the salesmen were maligned less out of 

malice than thoughtlessness. We are equally 

sure that in the future political expediency 

during another such meeting will not dictate 

such an intemperate censure of the very men 

upon whom rests so much of the burden of 

each firm's financial success." 

BOXOFFICE November 11. 1950 

11

METRO'S GUTS! 

A letter from the M. P. Herald, Issue of Nov. 4, 1950 

To THE Editor: 

Metro had the guts to release four of its 

top-budgeted productions during the usual 

dull period in the dead heat of the summer 

season. It has been a custom for producers 

to normally withhold such attractions for 

the cooler weather. But Metro has shown 

the way and proved that an outstanding picture 

can beat the heat, television or whatever 

other factors that have been responsible 

for the drop in box office receipts. 

The pictures were ''Annie Get Your 

Gun," 'Tather of the Bride,'' ''Duchess of 

Idaho" and 'Three Little Words," which 

were a much-needed shot in the arm and 

made you proud to be an exhibitor.—A^. 

DEL ROSSO, Cameo Theatre, Watertown, 

Conn.

e 6t 

V 

>-. 

r-^ «J 

^)- 

iM 

endorsement 

as the 

HAPPIEST 

ATTRACTION 

AN EXHIBITOR 

CAN BOOK FOR 

A HO LI DAV 

CLEAN-UP r 

/•]

Monogram Signs Pad 

For $1200,000 Loan 

HOLLYWOOD—Disclosure of a new loan 

agreement making available a direct credit 

of $1,200,000 highlighted the annual meeting 

of stockholders and board of directors 

of Monogram Pictures Corp. here Wednesday 

(8). 

The stockholders re-elected all incumbent 

members of the board of directors and the 

directorate, then renamed all incumbent officers 

to continue in their posts for the 1950- 

1951 fiscal year. 

President Steve Broidy and George D. 

Burrows, executive vice-president and treasurer, 

announced the signing of the loan 

agreement with the Security-First National 

Bank of California. Running for a one-year 

period and revolving in form, the agreement 

covers, in addition to the $1,200,000, 

a bank loan guarantee of an additional 

$500,000 for Monogram producers. 

Because of the revolving feature, it is anticipated 

Monogram will utilize for production 

purposes during the 1950-51 season an 

aggregate of from $6,000,000 to $8,000,000 in 

bank funds. Banks participating with Security-First 

National include the California 

Bank, Guaranty Trust Co. of New York and 

the Bank of the Manhattan Co. 

THOSE WHO ATTENDED 

Attending the stockholders' and directors' 

sessions, in addition to Broidy and Burrows, 

were Norton V. Ritchey, president of 

Monogram International; Morey Goldstein, 

general sales manager; Edward Morey, Monogram 

vice-president; W. Ray Johnston, 

chairman of the board, and franchise holders 

including Charles Trampe, Milwaukee; Arthur 

Bromberg, Atlanta; William Hurlbut. 

Detroit; Herman Rifkin, Boston, and Howard 

Stubbins, west coast franchise owner. 

Set to continue in office, in addition to 

Broidy and Burrow.5, were Harold J. Mirsch, 

Rifkin, Morey, Goldstein and Ritchey, vicepresid2nts; 

Sam Wolf, secretary, and G. N. 

Blatchford, controller and assistant treasurer. 

The re-elected incumbent directorate 

comprises Johnston, Broidy, Morey, Burrows, 

Rifkin, Stubbins, Brom.berg, Hurlbut, Trampe 

and Ritchey. 

Faith Domergue to Visit 

7 Key Cities for RKO 

NEW YORK — Faith Domergue, Howard 

Hughes' film discovery whose two completed 

features will be released by RKO late in 

1950, will visit seven key cities in advance 

of the openings of "Vendetta," originally 

completed in 1947, and "Where Danger 

Lives," completed early this year. 

Miss Domergue arrived in Cleveland November 

9 for magazine, press and radio 

interviews and went to Chicago November 

10, 11. She will visit Baltimore November 

13, Wa.shington November 14. Philadelphia 

November 15 and Boston November 16, 17. 

After visiting Cincinnati November 20. she 

will return to her Los Angeles home for the 

Thanksgiving holidays. 

Miss Domergue is accompanied by Edith 

Lynch of the RKO publicity staff and her 

schedule is being arranged by RKO field 

men, under the direction of Terry Turner, 

director of exploitation. 

14 

Industry Hears a Threatening Report 

Bar to Film 

Holding TV 

WASHINGTON—Rumors that 

the Federal 

Communications Commission plans adoption 

of a policy which would bar film companies 

as television station licensees, or at the very 

least severely limit the scope of their applications, 

are causing great concern among 

industry leaders, it was learned this week. 

The general policy which the commission 

is reported to be considering either would 

prohibit the film industry from entering the 

TV broadcasting field on the ground that 

it is a competing communications medium, 

or would grant a motion picture applicant a 

license only if there were no other equally 

qualified applicants seeking the same license. 

This is the same rule now applied to newspaper 

applicants for broadcast licenses. 

The proposed policy would be apart from 

any ruling which may be laid down with 

regard to the qualifications of antitrust violators 

as broadcasters, according to the reports. 

It is reported 20th Century-Pox has 

requested an industrywide hearing if the 

FCC contemplates any action which would 

place film company applicants at a disadvantage 

in relation to nonmotion picture 

company applicants. It was learned this week 

that the request was made in a letter to FCC 

Chairman Wayne Coy from Fox Attorney 

Kenneth Royall. of Dwight, Royall, Harris, 

Koegel and Caskey. The lett:r was written 

last 

month, but no announcement was made 

at the time. 

Also kept under cover for the past few 

weeks was a conference between Coy and 

MPAA President Eric Johnston on the problem. 

And another report from a key industry 

source, which MPAA officials declined 

to confirm, said that Johnston plans 

to huddle with top company executives and 

attorneys to design an industry defense if it 

becomes necessary. 

Royall told Coy that if the commission is 

considering the adoption of a "policy placing 

motion picture companies at a disadvantage 

in comparative proceedings which also in- 

Companies 

Licenses? 

volve nonmotion picture company applicants," 

Pox wanted a hearing on the issues. 

Basis for the concern, said Royall, was a 

business paper article last July (Business 

Week), which suggested that the FCC had the 

issuance of such an adverse general policy 

statement in mind. Royall pointed out in 

his letter that the article reached this conclusion: 

"At worst, movie men think that the FCC's 

new policy might be so tough that movies 

would be barred from TV on the ground that 

it is a competing communications medium." 

About the best they could hope for, said the 

article quoted in the Royall letter, is that 

"movie companies will be able to get licenses 

there are no other equally qualified applicants 

if 

seeking the same license." 

Royall said the industry also was concerned 

that "such a general policy might be confused 

with matters involved in the antitrust 

hearing." 

Pox believes, he concluded, that the motion 

picture industry has much to offer to television, 

and that its participation in the field 

would be "beneficial." Therefore, he declared, 

"its opportunity to participate should not be 

limited without an industrywide hearing." 

The PCC reply, written by vice-chairman 

Paul Walker, was nothing more than a formal 

acknowledgement stating that the Fox request 

would be considered if the commission 

took up the question. Royall then restated the 

Fox position in another letter, which stressed 

the difference between this issue and the 

antitrust question. 

Some industry circles here take the view 

that the threat is most serious, and a commission 

utterance of policy along these lines 

is imminent. Others, however, say the rumors 

are beginning to quiet down and that 

the idea may be dropprd entirely by the 

commission, presuming that the July article 

was correct in its original assumption that 

such a course was being considered in the 

first place. 

Independent Producers Say 'No' 

To Bank Offer of $10 Million Loan 

NEW YORK—The Society of 

Independent 

Motion Picture Producers will not participate 

in the tentative plan of the Bankers 

Trust Co. of New York to set up a $10,000.- 

000 corporation for independent film financing. 

Ellis Arnall, president, has notified Alex 

H. Ardrey, bank vice-president, to this effect 

after hearing from George Bagnell that 

not enough members are willing to op^n 

their books for bank inspection, a .stipulation 

made by the bank. Arnall originally said 

the plan was worth testing. Ardrey said it 

was made on a "take-it-or-leave-it" basis, 

and that if not approved the bank would 

abandon the project. 

The plan was suggested by the bank several 

months ago. It called for all independent 

producer participants to agree to open 

their books for bank inspection. The understanding 

was that if the inspection proved 

worthwhile from the bank's standpoint, 

means would be found for advancing the 

financing. 

Bagnall met with Ardrey on the coast. The 

matter of distribution of questionnaires prepared 

by the bank was taken up at a meeting 

of the SIMPP executive board on the 

coast early in September, and it was then 

decided to pass them around to members. 

The questionnaires proved to be voluminous 

and searching, calling for information on 

operations, profits and losses over a 12-yeBr 

period. 

BOXOFFICE November 11, 1950

There's Only One

Monogram Signs Pact 

For $1,200,000 Loan 

HOLLYWOOD—Disclosure of a new loan 

agreement making available a direct credit 

of $1,200,000 highlighted the annual meeting 

of stockholders and board of directors 

of Monogram Pictures Corp. here Wednesday 

(8). 

The stockholders re-elected all incumbent 

members of the board of directors and the 

directorate, then renamed all incumbent officers 

to continue in their posts for the 1950- 

1951 fiscal year. 

President Steve Broidy and George D. 

Burrows, executive vice-president and treasurer, 

announced the signing of the loan 

agreement with the Security-First National 

Bank of California. Running for a one-year 

period and revolving in form, the agreement 

covers, in addition to the $1,200,000. 

a bank loan guarantee of an additional 

S500.000 for Monogram producers. 

Because of the revolving feature, it is anticipated 

Monogram will utilize for production 

purpo.ses during the 1950-51 season an 

aggregate of from $6,000,000 to $8.00-0.000 in 

bank funds. Banks participating with Security-First 

National include the California 

Bank. Guaranty Trust Co. of New York and 

the Bank of the Manhattan Co. 

THOSE WHO ATTENDED 

Attending the stockholders' and directors' 

sessions, in addition to Broidy and Burrows, 

were Norton V. Ritchey. president of 

Monogram International; Morey Goldstein, 

general sales manager; Edward Morey, Monogram 

vice-president; W. Ray Johnston, 

chairman of the board, and franchise holders 

including Charles Trampe. Milwaukee; Arthur 

Bromberg, Atlanta; William Hurlbut, 

Detroit; Herman Rifkin, Boston, and Howard 

Stubbins. west coast franchise owner. 

Set to continue in office, in addition to 

Broidy and Burrows, were Harold J. Mirsch, 

Rifkin, Morey, Goldstein and Ritchey, vicepresidsnts; 

Sam Wolf, secretary, and G. N. 

Blatchford, controller and assistant treasurer. 

The re-elected incumbent directorate 

comprises Johnston. Broidy. Morey. Burrows, 

Rifkin, Stubbins, Brom.berg, Hurlbut. Trampe 

and Ritchey. 

Faith Domergue to Visit 

7 Key Cities for RKO 

NEW YORK — Faith Domergue, Howard 

Hughes' film discovery whose two completed 

features will be released by RKO late in 

1950, will visit seven key cities in advance 

of the openings of "Vendetta," originally 

completed in 1947, and "Where Danger 

Lives," completed early this year. 

Miss Domergue arrived in Cleveland November 

9 for magazine, press and radio 

interviews and went to Cliicago November 

10, 11. She will visit Baltimore November 

13, Washington November 14. Philadelphia 

November 15 and Boston November 16, 17. 

After visiting Cincinnati November 20, she 

will return to her Los Angeles home for the 

Thanksgiving holidays. 

Ml.ss Domergue is accompanied by Edith 

Lynch of the RKO publicity staff and her 

schedule is being arranged by RKO field 

men, under the direction of Terry Turner, 

director of exploitation. 

14 

Industry Hears a Threatening Report 

Bar to Film 

Holding TV 

WASHINGTON—Rumors that the Federal 

Communications Commission plans adoption 

of a policy which would bar film companie.s 

as television station licensees, or at the very 

least severely limit the scope of their applications, 

are causing great concern among 

industry leaders, it was learned this week. 

The general policy which the commission 

is reported to be considering either would 

prohibit the film industry from entering the 

TV broadcasting field on the ground that 

it is a competing communications medium, 

or would grant a motion picture applicant a 

license only if there were no other equally 

qualified applicants seeking the same license. 

This is the same rule now applied to newspaper 

applicants for broadcast licenses. 

The proposed policy would be apart from 

any ruling which may be laid down with 

regard to the qualifications of antitrust violators 

as broadcasters, according to the reports. 

It is reported 20th Century-Fox has 

requested an industrywide hearing if the 

FCC contemplates any action which would 

place film company applicants at a disadvantage 

in relation to nonmotion picture 

company applicants. It was learned this week 

that the request was made in a letter to FCC 

Chairman Wayne Coy from Fox Attorney 

Kenneth Royall, of Dwight, Royall, Hams, 

Koegel and Caskey. The letter was written 

last 

month, but no announcement was made 

at the time. 

Also kept under cover for the past few 

weeks was a conference between Coy and 

MPAA President Eric Johnston on the problem. 

And another report from a key industry 

source, which MPAA officials declined 

to confirm, said that Johnston plans 

to huddle with top company executives and 

attorneys to design an industry defense if it 

becomes necessary. 

Royall told Coy that if the commission is 

considering the adoption of a "policy placing 

motion picture companies at a disadvantage 

in comparative proceedings which al;o in- 

Companies 

Licenses? 

volve nonmotion picture company applicants," 

Fox wanted a hearing on the issues. 

Basis for the concern, said Royall. was a 

business paper article last July (Business 

Week), which suggested that the FCC had the 

issuance of such an adverse general policy 

statement in mind. Royall pointed out in 

his letter that the article reached this conclusion 

: 

"At worst, movie men think that the FCC's 

new policy might be so tough that movies 

would be barred from TV on the ground that 

it is a competing communications medium." 

About the best they could hope for. said the 

article quoted in the Royall letter, is that 

"movie companies will be able to get licenses 

if there are no other equally qualified applicants 

seeking the same license." 

Royall said the industry also was concerned 

that "such a general policy might be confused 

with matters involved in the antitrust 

hearing." 

Fox believes, he concluded, that the motion 

picture industry has much to offer to television, 

and that its participation in the field 

would be "beneficial." Therefore, he declared, 

"its opportunity to participate should not be 

limited without an industrywide hearing." 

The FCC reply, written by vice-chairman 

Paul Walker, was nothing more than a formal 

acknowledgement stating that the Fox request 

would be considered if the commission 

took up the question. Royall then restated the 

Fox position in another letter, which stressed 

the difference between this issue and the 

antitrust question. 

Some industry circles here take the view 

that the threat is most serious, and a commission 

utterance of policy along these lines 

is imminent. Others, however, say the rumors 

are beginning to quiet dow'n and that 

the idea may be dropped entirely by the 

commission, presuming that the July article 

was corract in its original assumption that 

such a course was being considered in the 

first 

place. 

Independent Producers Say 'No' 

To Bank Offer of $10 Million Loan 

NEW YORK—The Society of Independent 

Motion Picture Producers will not participate 

in the tentative plan of the Bankers 

Trust Co. of New York to set up a $10,000.- 

000 corporation for independent film financing. 

Ellis Arnall. president, has notified Alex 

H. Ardrey, bank vice-president, to this effect 

after hearing from George Bagnell that 

not enough members are willing to op3n 

their books for bank inspection, a stipulation 

made by the bank. Arnall originally said 

the plan was worth testing. Ardrey said it 

was made on a "take-it-or-leave-it" basis, 

and that if not approved the bank would 

abandon the project. 

The plan was .suggested by the bank several 

months ago. It called for all independent 

producer participants to agree to open 

their books for bank inspection. The understanding 

was that if the inspection proved 

worthwhile from the bank's standpoint, 

means w'ould be found for advancing the 

financing. 

Bagnall met with Ardrey on the coast. The 

matter of distribution of questionnaires prepared 

by the bank was taken up at a meeting 

of the SIMPP executive board on the 

coast early in September, and it was then 

decided to pass them around to members. 

The questionnaires proved to be voluminous 

and searching, calling for information on 

operations, profits and losses over a 12-yeBr 

period. 


. . 

. . amateur 

The High ^^^ of Crosby's Career 

-UÎTH THIS OCTAVE OF HIGHLIGHTS: 

starring 

BIMG * 

CROSBY 

-* MAIWC* *- 

OLSON 

* CH/IRLES * 

RVTH * 

SEE GROUCHO MARX team uith ISinR in hil 

iiif: .ind kiddinfi that's hoxoffitc ni itcn il ro 

SEE PEGGY LEE In a hep duet as she and BniR rock the 

llns «ilh hot lieu hitf hv liurke and Van Heusen . 

SEE DOROTHY KIRSTEN, star uf the NKtn.pohtan Op. 

and of radio, join her matchless voice with Ring's 

SEE MARGE AND GOWER CHAMPION, new dan 

sations. as the hfe of IJing's colorful penthouse party 

• ROBERT * 

sxacK 

- 

TOM EWELL 

CHARLES KEMPER 

Marge and Gower 

CHAMPION 

fi[/fsr %im 

GWHOMARX 

DOROmndRSIDI 

PEGCyiEE 

SEE THE MERRY MACS, radio and record favorites, har- SEE BING GO COLLEGIATE in a youth-and-beau 

inoni«- with Hliif; in one groovy nunihcr after another . show that's fresh, fast, furious and terrific . 

THE MEBUy MACS 

Prodnceil by ROBERT I. WELCH 

Directed liy RICHARD HAVDN 

Suggested by a Play by Samson Raphaelson 

SEE BING IN NEW GAGS with his butler. Cupcake, SEE BING'S FAVORITE BLONDE—she's Ruth Hussey, the 

played by comedian Tom Ewcll of "Adam's Rib" fame... most romantic screen sweetheart Bing's had in years... 

Written lot the Screen by Arthur Sheekman . Lyrics 

by Johnny Burke • Music by James Van Heusen 

SONGS 

"LIFE IS SO PECULIAR" 

"ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN" 

"HIGH ON THE LIST" 

"AND YOU'LL BE HOME" 

"WOULDN'T IT BE FUNNY" 

"WASN'T I THERE' • "MILADY" 

"ONCE MORE THE BLUE AND WHITE" 

"MISTER MUSIC" 

BOXOFFICE :: November U. 19iO

i 

NE\/\/ TV SURVEY SEES 30 MILLION 

REVENUE FROM PHONEVISION 

'Assumes' 5,700,000 

Sets 

Would Be Equipped for 

Apparatus in 1951 

NEW YORK—Television Research Institute 

is now in the middle of the television 

publicity bombardment with an assertion 

that if th2 Phonevision system of 

Zenith Radio Corp. were adopted, film producers 

would receive $30,000,000 in additional 

revenue during 1951 and this would 

ascend to $70,000,000 by 1954. 

John H. Eckstein, the research expert, 

figures it this way after making what he 

calls some "basic assumptions." 

9,600,000 TV SETS IN 1951 

In 1951 there will be 9,600,000 television receivers, 

with 5,700,000 equipped to get exclusive 

programs with the help of the telephone 

company at $1 per .show. Eckstein 

assumes that a subscriber will pay for 30 

shows per year. This makes the total $171,- 

000,000. He al:0 assumes that the producer's 

share of the total annual revenue would be 

385,000,000, and that this would be $30,800,000 

in additional revenue. 

He states there are slightly more than three 

persons to the average family who would 

see these programs. He says nothing about 

guests. If six per.sons per show at home 

should see a first run film 30 times per year 

on 5,700.000 Phonevision-equipped receivers, 

the total would be 1,026,000,000. All of these 

would stay away from theatres, which represent 

a two-bili;on-dollar investment. 

A few more "basic assumptions" like this 

will give a comedy touch to research. 

This is the fifth ".special report" by Television 

Research institute. It is called "Margin 

of Profit." 

The twice-postponed Phonevision test in 

Chicago was srpposed to have started November 

1 m 300 homes, but it was postponed 

again because Zenith Radio Corp. had been 

unabte to obtain satisfactory films. 

THEATRE CLOSINGS NOTED 

Eckstein says in his introductory note tliat 

580 theatres closed in the first six months of 

1950, but he makes no mention of the hundreds 

of new enclosed theatres and nearly 

1,000 drive-in theatres built during the year. 

A record number of theatres is operating. 

The survey makes the following comparisons 

on TV set ownership and motion picture 

admissions for the six months of 1950: 

TV Ownership 

Paid Admissions (Increase in sets 

(Percentage change) per 1,000 poorle) 

Columbus -20.3% +139.9 

Chicago —20.0% 72.? 

Pittsburgh -20.0% 45.0 

San Dieqo* -15.7% 63.9 

New Orleans — 6.3% + 37.6 

'First three months only. 

"These figures indicate," says the survey 

"that .some degree of inverse relationship 

exists between television set-ownership and 

movie attendance. This Is, however, merely 

a generalized pattern, not an absolute function." 

The survey enters Into a discussion of the- 

If the Price Is Right, 

Theatre TV Draws 

DETROIT—Theatre-type television can 

hold its own in competition with other 

show and sports media if effectively 

planned, but it cannot be overpriced. This 

is indicated by results of theatre television 

at the Michigan Theatre here, 

operated by United Detroit Theatres. 

The University of Michigan-Michigan 

State game opened the season with a $2.50 

tariff for reserved seats and $1.80 for 

general admission, and drew about 2,000 

persons. 

Attendance slumped to about 1,300 for 

the Dartmouth game, which indicates 

partly a decrease in interest in the contest 

itself as well as the result of a loss 

of novelty appeal following the first 

session. It was decided to cut the price 

to 80 cents, which is the regular Saturday 

matinee price for first run here and 

lower than the night charge of 95 cents. 

This resulted in an average attendance 

of 2,000 for the Wisconsin game. 

An appropriate atmosphere of a football 

game, including a 35-piece band, cheerleaders, 

baton twirlers accompanies the 

television show. Wliils not a spectacular 

success, even at the lowered prices, the 

Michigan appears to be doing the only 

consistently good business among the 

downtown houses on Saturday afternoons. 

atre television by saying "it was hoped that 

theatre TV would meet the supposedly greater 

threat of boxoffice TV (Phonevision), on the 

theory that Phonevision would pull aiiother 

big prop from under the already rickety theatrical 

structure, since indepsndents would 

certainly produce for such a system." 

It goes on to say that 1,000-line scanning, 

about twice that of present home telecasting 

standards, will be necessary. 

Editor's note: All the theatre television 

show7i thus far has been taken 

right off the air, or has been reproduced 

from receivers on film, and some 

theatrevien have marvAcd at the fact 

that patro7is seem to think they are 

seeing standard newsreels. 

Then the survey takes up another "as- 

.sumption" of the author. It reads: "If motion 

picture houses were able to establish a 

1,000-line 30-frame image as standard for 

their large-screen operations, they would 

need coaxial cable or radio relay channels 

approximately eight megacycles wide. (Videocasts 

now get 2.7 megacycles, later on will 

get four megacycles for their broadcast programs). 

"Coaxial cable and radio relay . . . now 

reach into 63 market areas (42 cities, 73 stations), 

major centers for both movies and 

video. By next year at least five more markets 

would be added to the circuits for videocasts. 

But this was 2.7 and 4mc. channeling. 

Two to three years would be required by 

AT&T to convert these channels to handli 

the wider signal required for 1,000-lini 

images. 

"Accordingly it was clear that theatre T\ 

circulation over an area wide enough to bt 

well financed remains three to four year 

away." 

Editor's note: Most theatremen 

agree with this, but they point out that 

nobody in the industry has talked 

about 1.000-line scanning as yet. Nowhere 

in the survey is there any mention 

of the controversy about color 

television, the need for converters and 

adapters which will cost set owners 

money. Nor is it pointed out that 

Phonevision requires still aiiother attachment. 

Film men ask quizzically why televisioi 

doesn't make its own films if there is $30,- 

000,000 additional revenue lying around wait 

ing to be picked up. 

Films, they point out, have a 90-day toi 

revenue life, and tliey are still picking uj 

sizable income another 90 days and are no 

written off for a year. 

A television film for 5,700,000 Phonevisioi| 

sets (this is Eckstein's figure) would ceasi 

to be a first run attraction after one showing. 

Eckstein makes no mention of the curren 

hear.ngs before the Federal Communication, 

commission for opening all the ultra higl 

frequencies to television use. He also ignore: 

the fact that there has been a freeze on nev 

television stations for a year; that thi; I 

chances for its removal are nil so long a;j ( 

the national emergency and steel scarcity exists; 

that television receiver production ha: 

already been cut back, and that tube scarcl 

ties are already apparent. 

RCA Refuses to Permit 

CBS to Use Color Tube 

NEW YORK—Frank M. Folsom, president 

Radio Corp. of America, has refused a Fed 

eral Communications commission request tha 

RCA turn over its tri-color television tube 

and circuits to the Columbia Broadcastini 

System for experiments. His letter, date( 

November 4, said the request "both shocked 

and surprised" RCA, and that the FCC re' 

quest "amounts to a request that our stock 

holders bear the heavy cost of color tele 

vision research and transfer the benefits ti 

a private interest." 

Folsom's letter said the FCC request "wa.: 

accompanied by an implied threat to revoki 

our experimental licenses unless you got fron 

us what you 'requested.' 

The letter continued that FCC adoption o 

the CBS color system has "disrupted am 

delayed" the RCA program for factory pro 

duction and commercial sales of color set 

and tri-color tubes, but that nevertheles: 

making "steady and substantial pros 

RCA is 

ress" in that direction. 

The RCA suit against FCC to set asui. 

federal approval of the CBS color systcii 

is scheduled to be heard Tuesday (14) by ; 

three-judge federal court in Chicago. 

18 

BOXOFFICE November 11, 195i

aagraphs That Are 

Paramount 

IN 

Discovered 

TODAY'S NEWS 

PARAMOUNT WILL BE THE BIG GUN IN '51 right from January 

1st, which has been designated general release date for Cecil B. 

DeMille's "Samson and Delilah," the top grosser of our time. 

• • • 

Echoing millions of femme fans, Louella Parsons, in 

her widely syndicated column, has called Charlton 

Heston "most promising personality of year" 

... in Hal Wallis' exciting film, "DARK CITY." 

• • • 

Dates on Betty Hutton and Fred Astaire 

in 

"LET'S DANCE" (Technicolor) are 

challenging the Thanksgiving booking 

record at Paramount exchanges. 

"Life Is 

MUSIC" is 

Rides Again 

• • • 

So Peculiar," one of 9 tunes Bing Crosby sings in "MR. 

climbing to top of "songs most played on the radio." 

Martin & Lewis, click team of 

• • • 

"BRANDED," which will be released in January, 

brings Alan Ladd back to his boots, saddle and 

color by Technicolor, for the first time since 

his big boxoffice hit, "Whispering Smith." 

• • • 

Dating 

Hal Wallis' "Irma" comedies and 

soon co-starred in "THE STOOGE," have been voted by the exhibitors 

of America the No. 1 Stars of Tomorrow in Fame's poll. 

The Winners 

Paris-Bound 

IT'S A PARAMOUNT 

PICTURE, IT'S THE 

5T SHOW IN TOWN! 

Here's welcome news; the first "Road" picture since 1947 is 

preparation. It's "THE ROAD TO PARIS" that Bing Crosby, 

Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour will take off on soon. 

* • • 

A celebrated trio of Academy Award winners— Director William 

Wyler, Laurence Olivier and Jennifer Jones — has just completed 

"CARRIE," based on a famous Theodore Dreiser novel. 

in

THctl OHCC S(^^CHt^ 

Iheaire Ad Budgets 

QHARLES Ei^rF'ELD, who has a flair 

for 

dramatizing statistics, startled those 

attending the Theatre Owners of America 

convention in Houston by pointing out 

that Chevrolet dealers spent $27,000,000 of 

their own money last year on advertising. 

This was after he had previously pointed 

out that General Motors had spent $41,- 

000.000: that there was also a joint fund 

furnished by both General Motors and the 

dealers. 

Then he contrasted this lavish national 

and local point-of-sale advertising with 

what theatres do and pointed out that a 

big Atlanta theatre spends $120 a week; 

a Pittsburgh house spends $350; an Oklahoma 

City house, $150; a Salt Lake City 

first run, $75. 

Advertising budgets for theatres usually 

include the cost of trailers, lobby displays 

and window cards and about 50 per cent 

of the total goes to newspapers. As newspaper 

advertising rates go up, space used 

•By JAMES M.JERAULD 

rental or a percentage picture he raises 

the admission scale and lets it go at that. 

He admits the customers don't like it and 

stay away the following week, but to counteract 

this he buys the cheapest B film he 

can find. 

TV vs. Film Advertising 

JJERE is the record of two days of film 

and television advertising In New York 

newspai-'Ks by inches: 

November 2 

Films 

Television 

Mirror 342 307 

News 392 1,304 

Compass _... 18 

Times 380 636 

Tribune 440 363 

Post 466 848 

Journal 631 164 

World-Telegram-Sun 216 858 

Totals 2,885 4,480 

November 3 

Ralph Branton Resigns 

From Tri-States Post 

DES MOINES—G. Ralph Branton, general 

manager of Tri-States Theatre Corp. for 18 

C^H|H 

Ralph Branton 

years, has resigned to 

devote full time to his 

^^^H interests in a HoUy- 

^^^H wood, Calif., firm pro- 

.,^^^1 ducing television films. 

^^M Branton said he in- 

. 

^^1 tonds to leave "im- 

^^^^ mediately" for HoUy- 

:^^^H wood, where he is asso- 

^^^^1 

ciated with Motion 

l^^H Pictures Television 

^^K Productions, Inc. 

^^^ A. H. Blank, presi- 

^^nt of Tri-States, 

said no one will be 

appointed to replace Branton as general 

manager. However, Dale H. McFarland, for 

the last six years the chief buyer and booker 

for Tri-States, will be advanced to a newlycreated 

post of assistant to the president. 

MGM Men to Attend Four 

Exhibitor Conventions 

NEW YORK—MGM Will be represented 

at four forthcoming regional exhibitor con- 

Films 

Television 

Mirror 39S 201 

News _... 347 1,106 

Compass 36 

goes down. This trend set in during World Times 346 353 

War II when business was so good nobody 

noticed the difference and economy- 

Journal 284 705 

Tribune 218 143 

Post 413 875 

minded district and general managers and World-Telegram-Sun 185 583 vention. H. M. Richey, head of the exhibitor 

relations 

individual operators decided it would be 

department, will be at the Allied 

2,224 3,966 

a good idea to make further cost cuts. 

Two-day Independent 

totals 5.109 8,446 

Theatre Owners of Indiana convention 

at the Lincoln hotel and will speak 

Now, by contrast, many papers carry It is estimated that there are now 1,- 

more television advertising by far than 

at the final banquet November 13. This 

555,000 TV sets in the New York area. 

theatres 

banquet will 

use. 

be in honor of Trueman Rembusch, 

national Allied president, No national survey to find out what 

and Marc 

The total number of theatres in the 

New York metropolitan area, which includes 

northern New Jersey, is 1,086, with 

Wolf, head of Variety 

proportion of theatre receipts is now being 

International. 

devoted to advertising has ever been made, 

Richey and Marshall Thompson will attend 

the final sessions of Independent Thea- 

1,244,145 seats. 

but scattered circuit operators are authority 

for the statement that the national 

tre Owners of Ohio at the Netherlands Plaza 

Interesting? 

average for 20,000 theatres, including 

hotel, November 15. Thompson will then go 

drive-ins, is less than $25 per week. 

to Lexington, Ky., for the premiere of "Dial 

Public Bidding Figures 

Twenty thousand multiplied by $35 totals 

1119" at the Ben Ali Theatre. He also will 

$500,000. Contrast that with the $27,000,- ÎLLIAM F. RODGERS' offer to make take part in other publicity activities. 

000 Chevrolet dealers spend. 

bidding figures public after the films Thompson is also scheduled to be the guest 

What percentage of their grosses do have been awarded may do more to suppress 

of the Theatre Owners of North and South 

Chevrolet dealers devote to local advertising? 

this form of selling than all the Carolina at Charlotte November 20-21. 

That would be an interesting item talk that has developed to date. Exhibitors Richey will accompany him. 

for exhibitors to study. 

in the habit of overbidding for personal Mike Simons, assistant to Richey, will repeat 

his "Selling Seats to Your Neighbors" 

It used to be accepted as an axiom that or business reasons will soon discover they 

from five per cent to eight per cent of a can cut their own throats. 

talk at the convention of Motion Picture 

gross could be profitably spent on advertising, 

Not only will their competitors find out Theatre Owners of St. Louis, Eastern Mis- 

but it's safe to say that the percentage what they were paying for films, but all souri and Southern Illinois November 13, 14 

is far below that now. 

the distributors will find out at the same at the Chase hotel, St. Louis. 

Hundreds of theatres do not even use time. 

their marquees for advertising. The copy Film prices are based on a distributor's 

reads: "Always Two Big Features.'' On estimate of what an exhibitor can pay. Harry Garfman Dinner 

most of these marquees bulbs are out and Bidding is a voluntary offer by a buyer. 

the letters are so dusty nobody 

NEW YORK—The Movie Social Club of 

looks at If he can't show a profit after making the Kings County, Inc., will give a testimonial 

them. This practice is not confined to offer, it is unfortunate. If he persists in dinner to Harry Garfman, business representative 

of the Moving Picture Machine 

small cities. One is located in downtown making unprofitable offers, his position 

Pittsburgh. An inquisitive customer who will become worse, because in the course Operators Union. Local 306. lATSE. at the 

wants to know what's playing has to examine 

of time all his flat rentals will tend to bear Hotel New Yorker November 15. Richard F. 

the 8x10 stiUs in the lobby. 

some relation to his bids. 

Walsh, 

What 

lATSE international president, and 

should be done? 

circuit executives are expected to attend. 

Twentieth Century -Fox formerly sold 

from 5,000 to 10,000 24-sheets a year. Now 

it has trouble giving away 300. 

Sullivan to Aid Hospital 

A complete national survey—exchange NEW YORK — Ed Sullivan, .syndicated Davis Gets Goldwyn Post 

area by exchange area—with distributors newspaper columnist and lelevi.sion star, has NEW YORK—Martin Davis, who has been 

and exhibitors cooperating might develop been named chairman of the radio and television 

handling exploitation for Samuel Goldwyn 

some interesting information. 

committee of the "Entertainment In- 

Productions for the past four years, has taken 

One exhibitor in the Pittsburgh exchange dustry's Christmas Salute" to the Will Rogers over the duties of Jock Lawrence, who resigned 

last week as publicity and advertising 

area told this writer that he doesn't advertise 

at all. When he plays a high flat to Robert Mochrie, national chairman. 

director for 

Memorial hospital, Saranac Lake, according 

Goldwyn. 

20 BOXOFFICE November 11, 1950

dIe 

24.000 

YOU'VE GOT TO BE 

TO STAY 

tOOD, 

01 TOP! 

NUAM 

B 

in Total Paid Circulation 

in U. S. A. Circulation 

in Canada Circulation 

in Class "A" Exhibition 

in The Distribution Field 

in The Equipment Field 

in Film Advertising 

in Equipment Advertising 

in Reader Confidence

7i^€uAm^to*i êfiont 

•pHE MOVE TO GAIN representation by 

the Theatre Owners of America on the 

Council of Motion Picture Organizations appears 

destined to run into trouble. Allied 

Exhibitors Ass'n doesn't like it. 

Although he emphasized that the association 

could take no official stand until the 

board of directors studies it at the midwinter 

meeting. Allied board chairman and 

general counsel Abram F. Myers stated 

bluntly that if the TOA campaign "is a deliberate 

attempt at politicking. Allied won't 

go along." 

Myers said it was his personal view that 

everybody seems to be satisfied with 

COMPO's structure except TOA. Increased 

membership on the executive board, he declared, 

could only result in turning COMPO 

into a "town meeting." 

Intimating that behind the formation of 

the Gamble corrmiittee is the basic objective 

of getting California theatre operator 

Charles Skouras on the COMPO board, 

Myers said that Allied had split its two-man 

representation on COMPO geographically, 

and there was nothing to stop TOA from 

doing the same thing. 

"TOA could have appointed Charles Skouras 

or some other westerner as one of its 

representatives instead of electing two easterners, 

Sam Pinanskl and Gael Sullivan," 

he stated. 

Myers said he would not attempt to predict 

the action of the Allied board when it 

meets early next year, but his reputation 

as a weather vane of independent exhibitor 

thinking, coupled with the record of previous 

Allied-TOA friction, is strong indication 

that the board will take a very dim view 

of the TOA proposal. 

"If TOA insists on playing politics," Myers 

warned, "it stands a chance of wrecking 

COMPO." 

* * • 

TELEVISION SET manufacturers appear 

to be unconcerned over the prospects of a 

sharp drop in sales because of the new 

tax, consumer credit controls on instalment 

buying, or public confusion regarding the 

color situation. 

Their optimism is reflected in the latest 

report by the Radio-Television Manufacturers 

Ass'n, which placed production of television 

receivers in October at an all-time 

record rate. 

RTMA estimates, based on reports of both 

member and nonmember companies, set 

October TV production at 813,851 sets for a 

weekly average of 203,462 receivers. Total 

production for the first ten months of 1950 

amounted to 5,777,610 TV sets, RTMA reported. 

The survey pointed out that the October 

figure was only slightly below the September 

total of 817,157 sets, which covered a 

five-week reporting period. The October 

weekly average, however, was considerably 

above the September level of 163,431 sets, 

RTMA emphasized. 

Detracting somewhat from the significance 

of the TV set manufacturing record last 

month was the approach of the Christmas 

By ISABEL OLDER 

holiday buying season, which was reflected 

in peak radio set production in addition to 

the increased turnout of television receivers. 

Home, auto and portable radio sets produced 

in October totaled 1,413,563, high mark 

for the first ten months of this year. 

FCC CHAIRMAN WAYNE COY's letter 

to 

the Hallicrafters Co. is reminiscent of earlier 

"fighting" commissions with reputations for 

not letting the broadcasting industry slap 

them down, and indicates the beginning of 

a real showdown battle on the decision licensing 

the CBS color system. 

The TV set manufacturing company, in a 

full-page newspaper ad, charged that the 

FCC ruling was a "threat to the American 

way of life," that "five men have seen fit 

... to impose their will on an entire industry 

and on the nation." 

Coy, in a letter to Hallicrafters president 

W. J. Halligan, denounced the attack as 

"pretty contemptible," a "hit-and-run attack," 

"misleading," and said the FCC decision 

"means giving the people the advantage 

of new inventions as soon as they 

are developed instead of trying to shelve 

them so as not to interrupt the flow of 

profits from existing products." 

It is considered unlikely by observers here, 

however, that the commission will make any 

reply to RCA's refusal to make its tri-color 

tube available to CBS, or take any punitive 

action against RCA. There is no legal 

method of forcing RCA to turn over its tube 

to CBS for experimental purposes, but there 

has been some speculation that a rejection 

of the commissions' request would be followed 

by further restrictions against RCA 

experimental color broadcasts. Only recently, 

the commission ordered RCA to cut out 

color broadcasts during regular commercial 

broadcasting hours. 

It is considered far more likely that the 

commission will maintain silence on this 

question until it comes up for a complete 

airing in the Chicago court. In view of the 

imminence of the court test, some informed 

sources were expressing the opinion that the 

refusal was bait for the commission to 

swallow by taking reprisals and thereby 

damaging its chances before the three-judge 

tribunal. 

As it now stands, the FCC is serenely 

confident that its jurisdiction will be upheld, 

although commission attorneys concede that 

the issue will not be finally settled until it 

reaches the Supreme Court, where it is expected 

to be taken immediately following 

the lower court's judgment. 

Buys Film About Saint 

NEW YORK — Amber Films, Inc., newly 

formed company of which Joseph Burstyn is 

president, has bought U.S. distribution rights 

to "The Girl From the Marshes," a dramatization 

of the life of Maria Goretti who was 

made a saint last June. The Italian film has 

received three foreign awards. It was directed 

by Augusto Genia. 

Trade Commission Order. 

No Long, Exclusive 

Ad Film Contracts 

WASHINGTON — The four largest com-' 

panics making and distributing advertising' 

films have been ordered by the Federal Trade 

commission to stop making exclusive screening 

contracts with exhibitors if the contracts 

run for more than a year. 

The companies affected are Reid H. Ray 

Film Industries, Inc., formerly Ray-Bell 

Films, Inc., St. Paul, Minn.; Alexander Film 

Co., Colorado Springs, Colo.; United Film 

Service, Inc., Kansas City, Mo., and Motion 

Kcture Advertising Service Co., Inc., New 

Orleans. The PTC action came almost four 

years after the original complaint and follow- 1 

ing lengthy hearings all over the country. 

The exclusive screening contract binds the 

exhibitor not to show any advertising films 

on his screen other than those furnished by 

the contracting ad film company. A majority 

of the commission — Commissioner Lowell 

Mason dissented—found that such contracts 

running for more than a year violated the 

FTC act in that they unduly restrained competition. 

Contracts of less than a year, even 

when exclusive, were legal, the FTC majority 

held. They argued that the advertising film 

companies needed some assured screen time 

on which to sell prospective advertisers. 

Chairman James M. Mead wrote the majority 

opinion. In his dissent. Commissioner 

Mason said trailer ads were an important 

source of income for small theatres and that 

• 

any restriction on their right to lease suchi 

films might represent the difference between 

profit and loss. He questioned whether the 

commission was acting wisely in trying to 

decide "how long an ad taker's lease shall 

run." 

In addition to barring future exclusive contracts 

that run for more than 12 months, the 

FTC order directs the companies to end present 

exclusive contracts that have more than 

a year to run. 

The commission order emphasized that it 

was still perfectly legal for advertising film 

companies and exhibitors to enter into longterm 

contracts so long as they were not exclusive 

screening agreements. 

As of August 1, 1947, there were 12,676 U.S. 

theatres showing advertising films, the commission 

found, and approximately three- 1 ( 

fourths had exclusive contracts with one or' 

another of the four film companies involved 

in the action. It said these agreements deprived 

competitors of outlets for their films, 

and in some instances had forced competitors 

out of business. 

Variety-AGVA Benefit 

Scheduled December 1 

NEW YORK—"Agvariety of 1950," a 

benefit show, will be jointly sponsored by 

Tent 35 Variety Club and the American Guild 

of Variety Artists December 11 at Madison 

Square Garden. The welfare funds of both 

organizations will benefit from the proceeds, 

as well as the Will Rogers hospital in Saranac 

Lake. 

S. Jay Kaufman is coordinator for the benefit 

show committee, and he will w-ork with i 

Max Wolff and the entertainment committee! I 

which includes Cy Seymour, Lou Wolff. Harry!" 

Jackson and Dave Ferguson. 

" 


Portrait of an 

l^xhibitor^s Wife 

.(5>\ 

V

' 

GUN 45 FILMS FOR NOVEMBER; 

8 ABOVE SAME MONTH IN '49 

HOLLYWOOD—Although a number of 

industry executives have expressed the 

optimistic prediction that the bottom has 

been reached in the boxoffice slump—an 

analysis partially borne out in spot surveys 

in key U.S. centers—that hopeful viewpoint 

apparently has not yet begun to 

manifest itself as concerns filmdom's production 

facet. 

Still beset by budgetary problems and an 

array of other worries, Hollywood's filmmakers 

could muster up a total of but 45 

subjects which were slated to go before the 

cameras as major and independent ventures 

during November. This reflects a drop of 

three from October's 48-picture aggregate, 

but is eight above the 37 productions started 

in the .same month last year. 

Setting the pace is Columbia, with six entries 

on its docket. In place position, with 

five each, are MGM and RKO Radio, while 

tied for the show money are Eagle Lion 

Classics, Monogram, Paramount and Universal-International. 

The lineup, by studios: 

Columbia 

Ranking as the busiest lot in town, this 

studio has a six-picture starting schedule for 

the period. Under the banner of Santana 

Productions, Humphrey Bogart will have the 

starring role in "Sirocco," with Robert Lord 

producing, Curtis Bernhardt directing and 

Lee J. Cobb in a top supporting role. Bogart 

is cast as a veteran of the Foreign Legion in 

Syria. Set for release through Columbia is 

"No Help From Heaven," an independent 

entry to be co-producsd by Lou Appleton and 

Monty Shaft. At month's beginning, however, 

neither a cast nor a director had been 

assembled for the cops-and-robbers melodrama. 

Likewise sans casts and directors were 

two projected offerings from Producer Sam 

Katzman — "Rookie in Korea," a topical 

drama about that Far Eastern conflict, and 

"The Mysterious Island," a cliffhanger adapted 

from Jules Verne's adventure novel. In 

western vein is "Bonanza Town," another in 

the venerable "Durango Kid" series, co-starring 

Charles Starrett and Smiley Burnette, 

with Fred Sears to meg for Producer Colbert 

Clark. Also on the docket is "The Barefoot 

Mailman," a Robert Cohn production to be 

directed by Earl McEvoy. Uncast as the 

month began, it deals with the Florida postal 

service in the early 1900s. 

Eacrle Lion Classics 

On the heels of the recent announcement 

by William C. MacMillen jr., company president, 

that ELC will distribute nearly 60 pictures 

on the 1950-51 slate, a .sharp upswing 

in filmmaking activity was reflected with the 

scheduled launching of four subjects. 

As its first for release through ELC, Horizon 

Pictures—headed by Sam Spiegel—will gun 

"When I Grow Up," an original screenplay 

by Michael Kanin, who was al.so pegged to 

direct. Uncast as the month began, the opus 

is a father-and-son yarn spanning the era 

Claudette Colbert Cast 

As a Nun in U-l Film 

Apparently, from the standpoint of 

critical acclaim and public patronage, it's 

s u r e-fire casting 

when an established 

film name 

dons the vestments 

of a servant of the 

church. Witness: 

Bing Crosby as a 

parish priest in 

"Going My Way," 

Spencer Ti-acy as 

cleric in "Boys' 

Tow n," Loretta 

Young and Celeste 

Holm as ener- 

Claudette Colbert ^^^^^ ^^^^ .^ 

"Come to the Stable." ad infinitum. 

Latest to join this distinguished company 

is Claudette Colbert, to whose already 

lengthy list of screen portrayals 

will be added that of the inmate of a 

Catholic convent in Universal-International's 

"Bonaventure." going before the 

cameras this month as the picturization 

of a play by Charlotte Hastings. 

With Michel Kraike producing. Douglas 

Sirk as the director, Miss Colbert is cast 

as Sister Bonaventure, who saves an innocent 

woman from the hangman's noose 

through an adroit blending of religious 

faith and detective work. In the top supporting 

role will be Ann Blyth as a girl 

unjustly accused of murder. 

from 1880 to the present. Producer J. Barrett 

Mahon will tee off "South of Singapore," an 

action melodrama about pearl-diving in the 

Orient, in which Forrest Tucker and Rod 

Cameron were slated for the co-starring roles. 

Bernard Szold will be the director. The newly 

formed Allart Pictures unit, headed by Jules 

Levey and Arthur Gardiier, li.sts "Invaders 

From Mars," a science-fiction drama, as its 

initialer. The subject is to be lensed in Cinecolor, 

with Paul Landres directing, but early 

in the period no cast had been recruited. And 

from United-International, for release 

through ELC under the banner of Jack 

Schwarz Productions, will come "Fighting 

Rebel." a sagebrusher which was sans actors 

as the period got under way. Co-producers 

are Jack Seaman and Richard Talmadge. 

with the latter to direct. 

Independent 

Heading for the cameras prior to the establishment 

of distribution arrangements 

were five subjects—three of them the brainchildren 

of Producer Ron Ormond. who does 

business under the banner of Western Adventure 

Productions. To be filmed by Ormond 

in consecutive order are "Vanishing Outpost." 

"Thundering Trail" and "The Black Lash." 

all starting in November. With Ormond pro 

rucing and directing, the sagebrushers lis 

Lash LaRue and Al "Fuzzy" St. John as thi 

cast principals. The newly formed Gothan 

Productions, headed by Tom McGowan, planned 

to launch "The Hyde Side," described a; 

a suspense mystery. E. A. Dupont has beer 

signed to direct but, as the month began, nc 

cast had been assembled. Also on the deckel 

as the initialer in a projected series is "Tucson 

Joe." a western in which off-beat casting 

finds George O'Brien, veteran sagebrush hero 

teamed with the Three Stooges. The opus 

will be produced by Bernard Glasser. who al 

month's beginning had not filled the directorial 

post. 

Lippert Productions '1 

One of filmdom's stock situations—Custer's 

Last Stand—is being given a new twist in 

"Little Big Horn." one of three entries on 

this company's docket. To be produced by 

Carl K. Hittleman. with Harold Shumate 

directing from his own script, the opus is 

described as the story behind the massacre, 

involving a cavalry patrol dispatched to res-| 

cue General Custer and his men, but which 

arrives too late. Early in the period the only 

cast name set was Tom Hubbard. From the 

producer-director combination of Sig Neufeld 

and Sam Newfield will come two other 

starters, "P. B. I. Girl" and "The Lost Continent." 

The former, uncast as the month 

began, is a cops-and-robber yarn penned 

by Rupert Hughes. The latter is in the 

science-fiction category and lists Preston 

Foster. Barbara Britton and Barton MacLane' 

as the thespian headliners. 

jj 

Metro-Gold'wyn-Mayer 

Musicals are on the upbeat at this Culver 

City film foundry, with two out of a total of 

five projected starting subjects being in the. 

tunefilm category. Producer Joe Pasternak, 

long a specialist in the manufacture of such 

fare, accounts for one of them, "Rich, Young 

and Pretty," which Norman Taurog will; 

direct and which includes Jane Powell,' 

Crooner Vic Damone and Danielle Darieux in 

the cast. From Producer Arthur Freed will 

come the other, "Show Boat." a new version 

of the Jerome Kern musical success, which 

will have Ava Gardner, Howard Keel and Joe 

E. Brown as the topliners. The megaphonist 

is George Sidney. In the suspense drama 

niche are "Kind Lady" and "No Questions 

Asked." The former, co-starring Ethel Barrymore 

and Maurice Evans, will be produced by 

Armand Deutsch and directed by John 

1 

Sturges. It concerns a wealthy, elderly woman 

living alone in a big house, who invites two 

strangers to share her hospitality. They repay 

her kindness by plotting to rob and murder 

her. "No Questions Asked," a Nicholas 

Nayfack production, deals with racketeers in 

i 

the insm-ance field. With Harold Kress megging, 

the cast toppers are George Murphy, 

Barry Sullivan and Jean Hagen. Described as 

a romantic drama is "People in Love," an 

Edwin H. Knopf production with Ray Mll- 

24 BOXOFFICE 

:: November 11, 1950

land, Nancy Davis and John Hodiak. The 

story line concerns the efforts of Milland, a 

college professor, to adjust to the sudden 

death of his wife and child in an accident. 

Fletcher Markle is the director. 

Monogram 

Dropping a notch below the October tempo, 

[his studio lists four starting subjects. Producer 

Barney Gerard will gun "According to 

Mrs. Hoyle," a comedy drama in which a 

retired schoolteacher becomes involved with 

gangsters. It's to be directed by Jean Yarbrough 

with a cast which, as the month 

began, had not yet been chosen. Similarly 

uncast were "Rhythm Inn," a musical to be 

produced by Lindsley Parsons, and "Flight 

to Mars," science-fiction fantasy which is 

on Producer Walter Mirisch's agenda for 

lensing in Cinecolor. From Producer Jan 

Grippo will come another contribution to the 

"Bowery Boys" saga, this one titled "Bowery 

Battalion." Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall are, 

as usual, the cast toppers, and the offering 

is in the directorial hands of William Beaudine. 

Paramount 

Matching last month's pace, four subjects 

are destined for camera work during the 

period at this Marathon St. film factory. As 

his third historical western for the company. 

Producer Nat Holt will roll "Devil's 

Canyon," a Technicolor sagebrusher which 

has Arizona in the 1870s as its locale. With 

Ray Enright directing, the opus will topline 

Sterling Hayden. Co-starring in "Rendezvous" 

be Joan Fontaine. John Limd and Mona 

will 

Freeman. The romantic drama, to be megged 

by Mitchell Leisen for Producer Harry Tugend, 

is an adaptation of Sir James Barrie's 

play, "Alice-Sit-by-the-Fire." The Hal Wallis 

production unit will gun "Night Man," a suspense 

drama by Lucille Fletcher, authoress of 

a previous Wallis success, "Sorry, Wrong 

Number." Heading the cast is Burt Lancaster 

but, at month's beginning, no director has 

been recruited. A carryover from an earlier 

starting date, which it did not meet, is "Here 

Comes the Groom," a Bing Crosby starrer in 

which he becomes involved with a passel of 

French war orphans. Frank Capra is the producer 

and director. 

RKO Radio 

Messrs. Jerry Wald and Norman Krasna, 

who have been rapidly acciunulating a stockpile 

of literary properties upon which to base 

their ambitious program for release through 

the Howard Hughes company, selected "Cowpoke," 

a story about a modern cowboy, as 

the first of their features to hit the cameras. 

Robert Mitchum will have the title role as a 

rodeo rider who risks life and limb in that 

hazardous but profitable profession. Also on 

the RKO docket are two topical subjects, 

"Flying Leathernecks," a story of the U.S. 

marine corps' air arm, and "High Frontier," 

dealing with the development of the superbomber, 

the B-36. Robert Ryan will be the 

topliner in "Leathernecks," an Edmund 

Grainger production, which Nicholas Ray will 

direct, while "Frontier"—minus a cast early 

in the period—wiU be produced and directed 

by Robert Sparks and H. C. Potter, respectively. 

A late October starter, but not previously 

tallied, was "Gun Notches," an entry 

MGM PACT 

FOR SINGER 

Billy Eckstine, popular vocalist, is 

shown signing an MGM film contract 

which will take him to Hollywood next 

year. Eckstine also renewed his MGM 

Records contracts at the same time 

which will keep him on the MGM 

label for the next ten years. Charles 

C. Moskowitz, vice-president and treasurer 

of Loew's, Inc., is seated with 

Eckstine. Standing, left to right: 

Harry Meyerson, artist and repertoire 

director for MGM Records; Prank B. 

Walker, general manager for the recording 

company, and Milton Ebbins, 

Eckstine's personal manager. 

in the Tim Holt sagebrush series. Herman 

Schlom produces, Lesley Selander directs. 

Also on tap, after innumerable postponements 

and delays, is "Two Tickets to Broadway," 

Technicolor tunefilm to co-star Janet Leigh 

and Tony Martin. Listed as a "front office" 

production, it will be megged by James V. 

Kern. 

Republic 

Somewhat of a slowdown appeared probable 

at this valley studio, which projected 

three starting films as compared to five last 

month. Hitting the cameras in the latter 

days of October was a new chapter in the 

western series starring Rex Allen, "Silver 

City Bonanza," with George Blair megging 

for Producer Mel Tucker. Sans casts as the 

period got under way were two others 

"Million Dollar Iûrsuit" and "Fighting U.S. 

Coast Guard." The former is a cops-androbbers 

programmer, to be directed by Phil 

Ford and produced by Stephen Auer: the latter, 

glorifying one branch of our nation's 

armed services, will be produced and directed 

by Joe Kane. 

20th Century-Fox 

Both of the starting entries on the Westwood 

studio's agenda are in military vein. 

"U. S. S. Teakettle." starring Gary Cooper 

and adapted from a New Yorker magazine 

article, deals with navy experiments with a 

steam-propelled vessel. Eddie Albert and 

Richard Erdman have the top supporting 

roles in the Fred Kohlmar production, which 

Henry Hathaway directs. An item on Producer 

Samuel G. Engel's docket is "The Frog 

Men," the heroes of which are members of 

the underwater demolition squads who functioned 

in World War II. The topliners are 

Richard Widmark, Millard Mitchell and Oary 

Merrill, and Lloyd Bacon will direct. 

Universal-International 

Exceeding the October tempo, during which 

three vehicles went onto the sound stages, 

this studio plans to launch four subjects 

during the current period. One of them, 

"Bonaventure," looms as probably the most 

interesting to be undertaken by any studio 

and is therefore di.scussed fully in a box on 

the opposite page. The other three, early in 

the month, were suffering from shortages as 

concerns casts and other assignments. "Cattle 

Drive," a high-budget western to be produced 

by Aaron Rosenberg, was without actors or 

a director. Producer Leonard Goldstein, 

readying "Francis Goes to the Races" as a 

sequel to last season's success, "Francis," had 

Donald O'Connor booked for one of the starring 

spots, but the directorial niche had not 

been filled. And "Little Egypt," a tunefilm 

with the Chicago World's Fair as its background, 

boasted neither players nor a megaphonist. 

It will be produced by Jack Gross. 

Nassour Bros. Plan 

Independent Films 

NEW YORK—Edward and William Nassour 

have disposed of their interests in the Nassour 

Studio in Hollywood to concentrate on 

film production, for which they plan to make 

separate deals with independent producers. 

The Nassour Bros, and Paul Henreid have 

recently formed H-N Productions for the 

filming of "For Men Only" which will be 

made by Henreid with himself in the leading 

role. 

Henreid, who has been in New York for 

ten days to interview stage and radio actors 

for leading roles in his new picture, will 

leave by air for the coast November 7. Henreid 

also used unknowns in his previous film, 

"So Young, So Bad," which was produced in 

the east with the Danziger Bros. This picture 

was made at a cost of $252,000 and has 

grossed over $480,000 in seven weeks of release. 

It also brought fame to Rosita Moreno, 

who has been signed by MGM, and Anne 

Francis, now playing the lead in Louis De 

Rochemont's feature, "The Whistle at Eaton 

Falls." 

"For Men Only," which was written by Lou 

Morheim, author of the first "Ma and Pa 

Kettle" feature for Universal-International, 

will have a budget "under $500,000" and much 

of it will be filmed in outdoor locations. It 

is scheduled to start filming early in December 

but it may be postponed until just after 

the Christmas holidays. 

The Nassour brothers are also producing 

"Valley of the Mist," an exploitation special 

in Technicolor and they have a verbal agreement 

with Henreid to produce future pictures 

of which all three parties approve. One of 

these may be "Rendezvous in Vienna." which 

would be filmed in Austria next summer. 

Montague Marks, head of the British producing 

firm. Film Locations, may also participate 

in this deal. 

Henreid originally planned to make this 

picture in Austria last summer but he found 

that it takes four or five weeks to get basic 

approval from foreign governments for American 

filming. 

BOXOFHCE November 11, 1950 Zi

Mj^gfether #or 

\ 

JOHN CARFO 

ESTEI 

.i.h FRANK (John L. C. Sevonyj FONT; 

STEVE FLAGG PAUL CAVANAGH ROSE ROE 

• • 

BOBBY RAMOS AND HIS RUMBA BAND s» . 

Story by Aubrey Wisberg • Associate Producer-Director-JOHN M

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RIGUlZ "the CUBAN FIREBi 

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lEIOUSE FIVE PLUS TW( 

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iLpUBLIC 

PICTURE 

Republic Pictures Corporation 

Herbert J. Yates, President

TOA Convention Sidelights 

Random Items From the Houston Conclave 

Houston 

Q,LENN MCCARTHY, a fabulous figure in 

these parts, builder of the Shamrock 

hotel where the TOA 

convention was held, 

occasional motion 

picture producer and 

an Irishman with a 

great love for everythuig 

Irish—they say 

there are 59 shades of 

green in the hotel's 

decorative scheme — 

launched his latest 

project at the convention. 

He started the 

Sham- 

Loyal Order of 

Glenn McCarthy rocks and the first 

Irishmen he recruited for membership were 

Gael Sullivan, TOA's executive director; Robert 

J. O'Donnell, Interstate circuit's general 

manager; and Morton Downey, the Irish 

thrush here for the meetings. All were presented 

with shillelaghs, flown here from New 

York for the occasion. 

McCarthy announced all visiting celebrities 

will be honored with memberships and 

the first group to whom he bestowed the 

honors were such well-known Irishmen in the 

film industry as Charles O'Skouras, Samuel 

McPinanski, Si McFabian, Ted O'Gamble, 

Spyros McSkouras, Dennis O'Morgan, Alexis 

O'Smith and George O'Murphy, all here for 

the convention. 

At the rodeo and chuck wagon dinner, held 

as a convention feature, several showmen 

gave plenty of evidence of the fact they 

aren't kidding when they sing 'Tm an Old 

Cowhand.' Bob Hoff. Omaha, of the Ballantyne 

Co. and Tom Edwards, president of 

the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of St. 

Louis, Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois, 

got into the calf-roping events and displayed 

plenty of skill at riding and roping. 

Both Ted Gamble and Bob O'Donnoil rode 

horses in the parade which opened the rodeo. 

In for the convention were Mr. and Mrs. 

A. P. Moulder who have been operating a 

theatre in Sapulpa, Okla., since 1911 and with 

Ralph Talbot of Tulsa are the veterans of 

exhibition in the Sooner state. Moulder 

opened the old Empress 39 years ago, a theatre 

he replaced with the Criterion Theatre 

in 1931. 

Sidney Lust, veteran Washington, 

D. C. exhibitor, says there is too much 

worry about television. "I just tell my 

boys to stop thinking about it, and get 

out and hustle. I tell them to get better 

acquainted in their neighborhoods, 

to put in some extra minutes thinking 

about better exploitation of pictures, running 

in an extra kiddy show, playing 

every angle. Do that, and you won't have 

to worry about teleTision," he says. 

J. C. McGinnis of Tulsa conducted his own 

private little survey to find out the rea- 

Building Ban Puts Mundo 

'Out of Business' 

HOUSTON — Claude C. Mundo, prominent 

exhibitor in Little Rock, says the 

building ban "put me out of business." 

Here is his story: Last spring, he was 

invited to put up a new theatre in a 

pleasant Arkansas community which had 

no theatre. He visited the town, liked it 

and the people and decided to build. 

Then the Korean war broke out. Fearing 

restrictions on materials, he had the 

house planned so that a wood-constructed 

arch would be used and other materials 

would be of a type unlikely to be limited 

in supply. 

A few weeks ago, plans were ready. 

The contractor reported he was all set. 

So Mundo got in his car and started 

out for the contractor's home town. En 

route, he stopped at a hotel and as he 

walked through the lobby a radio newscaster 

announced the government ban on 

new theatre buildings. 

"So here I am." says Mundo. "I sold 

my theatre in Little Rock. I've got my 

plans ready, and a town all waiting for 

a showhouse. and can't do a thing." 

son for an unexpected dip in business this 

fall. The answer, he found, is in the heavy 

instalment payments contracted by customers 

when the Korean scarcity scare frightened 

thousands of persons into buying big ticket 

appliances, etc. Not much left for motion 

pictures, they told him. McGinnis won back 

one patron who had temporarily switched to 

television entertainment. It wasn't so much 

that the TV programs weren't up to the 

caliber of movies, the patron said, it was the 

expense. She had simply decided that trying 

to entertain everybody in the neighborhood 

was too expensive—even if the refreshments 

consisted of no more than a coke. 

Jesse Lasky, veteran producer, revealed to 

delegates that within the last month he had 

an offer to produce a series of 15 pictures 

at an average cost of $100,000. each to run 

about 50 minutes, for television exclusively. 

"I turned the offer down, because I could 

not be unfaithful to the theatremen who have 

been playing my pictures for years," he said. 

Steve Broidy, Monogram's president, was 

kidding about the invitation the company 

got from TOA to prepare a special trailer 

on its product at the convention. The staff 

talked it over, went over productional problems, 

the costs, etc. 

"One of the men said, 'Why, Steve, it will 

cost as much to make the trailer as it would 

to produce a picture.' So, we've just added 

another picture to our program, instead," he 

said. 

Morris Loewenstein, chairman of the local 

and state taxation committee, suggested tha 

TOA issue a manual covering legislative ex 

periences of exhibitor associations throughou 

the country, so that theatremen can benefi 

from techniques used to fight specific type 

of tax legislation. "It would be a good ides 

for all exhibitors to report their legislativi 

experiences to TOA so that a complete rec 

ord of tax campaigns may be maintained, 

Loewenstein said. 

Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox president, 

said he favors the idea of regional film 

festivals—five to ten a year—with all 

companies putting their best pictures forward 

and coming through in a joint effort 

on mass openings, star appearances, 

cooperative advertising and topgrade exploitation. 

This sort of industry promotion, 

he said, would create a lot of excitement 

and enthusiasm and creating enthusiasm 

for motion pictures is currently 

a big job for the film business. 

Claude Ezell. veteran Texas exhibitor, saic 

his theatres had never been affiliated with 

an exhibitor association—until now. He announced 

he would break precedent and sign 

his circuit with Theatre Owners of America 

He didn't elaborate on why he had shied from 

association membership. 

If you're thinking of getting into the telecasting 

business, says Mitchell Wolfson of 

the Wometco circuit which owns a Miami TV 

station, it will cost you from $300,000 to $500,- 

000. Wolfson thinks telecasting is a natural 

for exhibitors—and they should get into it 

before newspapers and radio stations become 

competitors for the TV entertainment dollar. 

If the dailies keep on going into television, 

exhibitors will find themselves in the position 

of paying advertising dollars to a principal 

competitor, he said. 

The morning newspaper delivered to the 

door of each delegate's hotel room on Monday 

was Lippert Productions News, an 8-page 

tabloid with news about the company's productions 

and stars. On 'Tuesday the "morning 

paper" was a Hallmark Productions publication. 

The western motif was very much in evidence. 

The convention badge was a Texas 

ranger star. The Coca-Cola company was 

host at a colorful rodeo and chuck wagon 

dinner on Tuesday, and convention headquarters 

had beautifully tooled leather boots, 

ties, and shirts on sale for those who wanted 

to dress as well as eat the part. 

C. B. Akers (L) of Tulsa chats with 

two visitors from across the border 

Luis Montez, president of the Exhibitor 

Ass'n of Mexico City, and Emilio Azcarraga, 

also of Mexico City, at TOA. 

28 BOXOFHCE :: November 11, 1950

they've played Columbia's 

sensational combination show! 

RKO Hillstreet and Pantages . Los Angeles 

Criterion 

Astor 

Wisconsin 

Loew's 

Hew York 

Boston 

.... Milwaukee 

Hewark 

Loew's . . .

. . Mr. 

October's Blue Ribbon Award 

To Paramount's 'Fancy Fonts' 

By VELMA WEST SYKES 

^ÎTH national and international crises filling the newspaper headlines and the ai 

waves. National Screen Council members picked a Technicolor farce comedy. Para: 

mount's "Fancy Pants," as the current release which the whole family would enjoy mos 

together, so it receives the BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award for October. Bob Hope as i 

•eentleman's gentleman"—excuse, please, it says "Mr. Robert Hope" right here in thi 

pre.ssbook—spoofs the British, the Americans, and in general carries on. with Lucille Hal 

riding herd on his rollicking buffoonery. It all adds up to the kind of entertainment tha 

never gets serious for a moment—no problems, no social justice .speeches, no great dra 

matic acting, no down-to-earth-realism In this picture. It is make-believe in the trui 

theatre tradition, a zany kind of make-believe that moves almost as fast as the ol( 

Keystone cops and leaves nothing to the imagination—it leaps way ahead of it. 

That this has pleased the first run houses some of the reasons for voting "Fancy Pants' 

is evidenced by its having scored an average the whole family Award by writing comments 

in key cities of 129 per cent and i.s now doing 

on their ballots. The.se ballots, by thi 

well in neighborhood and small town theatres. 

way, contain a list of the current release;; 

The Hope following will be greater and their choice is limited to one film onlj 

in .some areas than others, but in general on that list. A few of the comments are th( 

the family can go along with this for the following: 

laughs and without expecting anything but 

comedy that not only borders on farce, but 

"Bob Hope is one of the few comedians lef' 

crosses the border back and forth in zigzag 

fa.shion. 

When BOXOFFICE reviewed "Fancy Pants" 

in its issue of July 29. it said: "Over thar at 

the Bar-Nothin'-Paramount film ranch, they 

rode thataway in the gosh-dangdest roundup 

of gags ever staged ag'in a sagebrush background 

. Robert Hope (formerly Bobi 

carries the top brand in the picture and rides 

every fun-making mustang until there isn't 

a laugh left In it. His support is top hand 

and the spread is lushly fenced by Producer 

Robert L. Welch." 

First Award for Many 

This is Producer Robert L. Welch's first 

Blue Ribbon picture as it is for all members 

of the cast except Bob Hope, who now has 

four winners to his credit, his last being 

"Where There's Life" for December of 1947. 

Director George Mar.shall has one other Blue 

Ribbon winner, "Star Spangled Rhythm" for 

February of 1943. As for Paramount, this 

is the first time has scored for the Blue 

it 

Ribbon Award since December of 1947, so 

congratulations are in order. 

National Screen Council members gave 

who is capable of satisfying the appetite o: 

the entire family for pure entertainment."- 

Mahmud Shaikhaly. Hollywood Foreign Correspondents' 

Ass'n ..." 'Fancy Pants' i; 

D'ood family entertainment."—Mrs. W. Rob-j 

ert Fleming. Indiana Indor.sers of Photoplays! 

Port Wayne. 

Amusing for All Ages 

" 'Fancy Pants' is for youngsters, teenager 

and adults. Most of them are Bob Hopf 

fans. He is also good boxoffice."—Mrs. S. B' 

Cuthbert. G.F.W.C, Atlantic City ..." "Fancj 

Pants' is the best at the boxoffice. too."— 

R. B. Schuessler, Rome (Ga.') News. 

| 

" 'Fancy Pants' is better than the averagq 

Bob Hope picture, with some very amusine 

scenes, and it is good entertainment for the 

whole family."—Mrs. Howard Thwaits. GJP 

W.C., Milwaukee ... "I enjoyed the costume."^ 

especially in 'Fancy Pants.' " —Mrs. R. Ear^ 

Peters. Indiana Indorsers of Photoplays. Indianapolis. 

"Hope and Ball's rollicking, frolicking antic; 

in 'Fancy Pants' supply the ingredients ol 

good family entertainment."—^Leonard H. 

Santwire. Minneapolis film critic. 

Humvhrev 

Bob Hope 

Aaatha Floud 

Lucille Ball 

Cart Belknap 

Bruce Cabot 

Mike Floud 

Jack Kirkwoob 

Effie Floud Lea Penman 

Georae Van-BasingweTl Hugh French 

Sir Wimbley Eric Blore 

Produced by Robert L. Welch 

Directed by 

George Marshall 

Screenplay by Edmund Hartmann. 

Robert O'Brien 

Based on story by Harry Leon Wilson 

Director of Photography 

Charles B. Lang jr., A.S.C. 

Art Direction Hans Dreier, 

Earl Hebrick 

Technicolor Consultant Francis Cugat 

Special Photographic Effects 

Gordon Jennings, A.S.C. 

The Casf 

Wampum 

Teddy Roosevelt 

Lady Maude 

Joseph Vitale 

John Alexander' 

Norma 'Varden 

Rosalind "Virginia Keiley| 

TtDomhley 

Wong 

Production Staff 

Colin Keith-Johnston| 

Joe WohgI 

Process Photography Parciot Edouart 

Set Decoration Sam Comer. Emile KuriI 

Edited by 

Archie Marshek 

Women's Costumes Mary Kay Dodson 

Men's Costumes 

Gile SteeleI 

Specialty Number Staged by 

Billy Daniels 

Makeup Sjipervision Wally Westmore 

Sound Recording 

Gene MERRrrr. 

Don Johnson 

Assistant Director Oscar Rudolph 

Music Score "Van Cleave! 

Songs by Jay Livingston. Ray Evans 

t> This Award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of mitstandtno merit 

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

film commentators, and representatives of better film councils, civic and edunitionil orjanijatlons.

I 

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ORDER FROM YOUR 

NEAREST NSS EXCHANGE 

October 

Winner 

of the 

Blue Ribbon 

Award 

Here's the SPECIAL 

TRAILER that tells 

your Patrons iusi 

what the Award 

means to them! 

Order by number: 

BRA-1 

$325 

"Winner of the BOX OFFICE Blue 

Ribbon Award . . . selected by 

the NATIONAL SCREEN COUN- 

CIL . . . comprised of 242 Motion 

Picture Editors of Newspapers 

and Magazines ... 30 Radio 

Commentotors ... 170 Clubwomen 

and representatives of 

social, civic, religious and educational 

organizations ... as the 

BEST PICTURE OF THE MONTH 

for the whole family!"

. . . Pausing 

. . David 

f^M^CiMMd ^C^KWt 

Dorothy Lamour Gets Role 

In DeMille Circus Film 

You can call her "Iron Jaw" Lamour now 

Dorothy, that is. She's been signed by Producer-Director 

Cecil B. DeMille to portray 

a trapeze performer who hangs by her teeth 

. . . Gene 

in his forthcoming entry for Paramount, 

"The Greatest Show on Earth" 

Autry and Smiley Burnette will be reunited 

for the first time in eight years on Autry's 

next Columbia release, "Whirlwind." Burnette. 

who supplies the comedy in the Charles 

"Durango Kid" Starrett westerns at Columbia, 

will take the place of Autry's regular 

comic, Pat Buttram. in the one picture 

Buttram having been forced out of action 

temporarily as the result of injuries received 

when he was working in a video picture a 

Robert Lord's Santana 

month or so ago . . . 

Productions borrowed actress Marta Toren 

from U-I to co-star with Humphrey Bogart 

in "Sirocco," the outfit's next for Columbia 

Topline roles in MGM's "Rich, 

release . . . 

Young and Pretty," starring Jane Powell, 

went to Wendell Corey, Una Merkel and 

Marjorie Main. 

Only Three Story Sales 

Recorded During Week 

Things continued to look tough, mighty 

tough, for that segment of the film colony 

which depends upon the sale of literary properties 

to the studios for the wherewithal to 

keep their swimming pools filled and their 

sports cars running. The typewriter brigade 

and their agents could muster up no better 

than three .«ales during the period. To 20th 

Century-Fox, as a vehicle for Jeanne Crain 

Quimby's Pact Renewed; 

25 Years With MGM 

Twenty-seven years in the short subjects 

field—the last 25 of them with 

MGM—is the record 

set by Fred C. 

Quimby, head of 

the Culver City 

studio's shorts department 

and producer 

of the company's 

cartoons. 

Quimby, Just 

signed to a new 

term contract, 

joined Leo a quarter 

of a century 

ago to organize its 

then new short 

.subjects department. 

He began his career 

in the field with Pathe in 1913 after 

gaining his early show business experience 

as a theatre owner in Missoula, 

Mont. 

He has accepted six Academy Oscars 

for his organization during the past ten 

.years. 

Fred C. Quimby 

By 

IVAN SPEAR 

. . . "College Days," an 

and Mitzi Gaynor, went "The Loud Red 

Patrick," a novel of high school life by Ruth 

McKenney. It will be produced by Jules Buck 

amid his activities as a nightclub 

impresario, Herman Hover dashed out 

an original "Gestapo," and peddled the yarn 

to Lippert Productions. It's concerned with 

postwar Germany 

original by Richard English, was purchased 

by Warner Bros., where Louis F. Edelman 

has been assigned as the producer. 

Film Stars Entertain GIs 

At California Air Base 

With a minimum of fanfare and a maximum 

of efficiency filmdom has been shouldering 

its share, and more, of the burden 

of boosting the morale of Uncle Sam's armed 

forces now involved in the Korean conflict. 

"Operation Starlift," sponsored by the 

Hollywood Coordinating Committee, landed no 

less than 74 film players at the Fairfield 

Suisun air base in northern California during 

October to comfort wounded GIs returning 

from Korea and cheer departing replacements. 

Thirteen units of from one to ten personalities 

visited the giant base, which serves 

as a combined evacuation hospital and staging 

area, the HCC reported. Stars played to 

wounded who four days earlier had been 

fighting on the Korean front—in some cases 

appearing before troops who had flown out 

from the base less than three weeks before. 

Players began their "Operation Starhft" 

appearances in mid-September as soon as 

airplane transportation could be arranged by 

the U.S. air force. Trips will be continued at 

the present rate of approximately two a week 

"as long as they are needed," the HCC said. 

In addition to the Fairfield-Suisun appearance, 

17 other film entertainers have journeyed 

to Camp Cooke and the Victorville air 

base. 

Video Producer Is Signed 

For Wald-Krasna Film 

While the growing TV medium continues 

to attract motion picture technical and creative 

names, the situation periodically re- 

. . . Charles 

verses itself when a video personality is 

lured into the moviemaking field. A recent 

case in point is the signing by Producers 

Jerry Wald and Norman Krasna of Marc 

Daniels to function as associate producer 

on "Girls Wanted." Among other TV assignments, 

Daniels directed the "Ford Television 

Theatre" for two years 

Marquis Warren, author and scenarist, will 

make his debut as a director on Lippert's 

upcoming "Little Big Horn." He steps into 

the spot vacated by Harold Shumate, forced 

to withdraw becau.se of a conflicting commitment 

Twentieth-Fox handed the associate 

. . . producer chores on "The Silver 'Whi.stle," 

forthcoming Clifton Webb starrer, to 

Andre Hakim . Butler and William 

Jacobs were handed the directorial and production 

reins, respectively, on Warners' 

"Painting the Clouds With Sunshine" . . . 

Edward H. Knopf, MGM producer and writer, 

will try his hand at the megaphone for the 

Disney TV Debut Set 

For Christmas Day 

To the growing list of motion picture 

brass that opines video can be made a 

"vital medium" for the exploitation of 

movies has been added the name of Walt 

Disney. The cartoon producer has closed 

a deal for his own TV debut on Christmas 

day in an hour-long program. 

Disney's television bow will be made on 

film—combining his own pen-and-ink 

characters with the talents of Edgar 

Bergen and Charlie McCarthy in "One 

Hour in Wonderland," which will be 

beamed simultaneously on Christmas afternoon 

in all television areas reached 

by the NBC network—a total of 62 stations. 

The Disney cartoon characters will recreate 

scenes from his past productions 

and, in addition—as a plug for motion 

picture attendance—will present a trailer 

of his next feature-length animated subject, 

"Alice in Wonderland," due for release 

in 1951 by RKO Radio. 

People will always want to go to the 

theatre, Disney declared. Television wiU 

not kill this desire any more than did 

radio. His Christmas day TV appearance, 

he said, is an "experimental effort 

to reach millions of people who might 

otherwise never see our motion pictures." 

The creator of Mickey Mouse, Donald 

Duck and other celluloid immortals 

added: 

"I've always felt a keen dissatisfaction 

over the fact that out of 150,000,000 people 

in America, only about 20,000,000 ever 

see even the greatest of our films. I'm 

hoping that by taking the American people 

behind the scenes, in our studios, to 

meet our characters and see how oiur 

pictures are made, we will gain millions 

of new friends and theatre patrons." 

Along with Disney himself, who will be 

facing TV cameras for the first time, 

will be Mickey, Donald, Pluto, Goofy, 

Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and 

others. Real-life characters set for the 

show include Bobby Driscoll, who starred 

in Disney's "Treasure Island," and Kathryn 

Beaumont, the voice of "Alice" in 

"Alice in Wonderland." 

The TV show is under the sponsorship 

of Coca-Cola, which is participating in 

an exploitation campaign on behalf of 

"Alice." 

first time on "The Law and Lady Loverly," 

next Greer Garson starring vehicle . . . 

Frederick de Cordova drew the megging assignment 

on U-I's "Little Egypt." 

Warners Promotes Weisbart 

To Full Producer Status 

Promotion from within caught up with 

David Weisbart. former film editor who was 

boosted recently to an assistant producership. 

W'hen Warners elevated him to a full producer 

status. His fli-st assignment under the new 

title has not yet been made. Meantime the 

Burbank studio lost one producer-writer when 

Everett Freeman, winding up a one-year 

tenure, checked off the lot. He has just 

completed "Jim Thorpe— All American" for 

the studio. 

32 BOXOFFICE :: November 11, 1950

Monogram and U-I 

Have Big Backlogs 

HOLLYWOOD - Impressive backlogs of 

-ompleted product have been tallied by two 

studios, Monogram-Allied Artists and Universal-International. 

Monogram-AA reported that since the companies' 

1950-51 program was disclosed at its 

Linnual convention two months ago, two AA 

uid seven Monogram films have been completed 

and two more are now in work. 

U-I revealed its backlog has reached a new 

1950 high, with 19 features either editing or 

.^waiting release—seven of them in Techni- 

ôlor. Additionally, four films are now before 

the cameras on the valley lot. 

Monogram's backlog includes: 

Two AA films, "Southside 1-1000" and 

•Short Grass." 

Seven Monogram entries, "Cavalry Scout," 

Joe Palooka in the Squared Circle," "Falier's 

Wild Game," "Blue Blood," "Fangs of 

:he North," "Outlaw Gold" and "Colorado 

\mbush." Currently in production are "Mas- 

âcre Valley" and "Trail Dust." 

The U-I backlog: 

"Harvey," "Tlie Milkman," "Deported," 

Under the Gun," "Ma and Pa Kettle Back 

m the Farm," "Double Crossbones," "Underover 

Girl," "Katie Did It," "Frenchie," 

Pi'isoner of War," "Tomahawk," "Bedtime 

or Bonzo," "Lights Out." "Apache Drums," 

'Mystery Submarine," "The Fat Man," 

Smuggler's Island" and "Kansas Raiders." 

Theatre Construction, Openings and Sales 

CONSTRUCTION: 

Anchorage, Alaska—700-seat theatre under way 

for Chris Poulson, to open before Christmas. 

Athens, Tex.—$70,000 drive-in planned by Thomas 

Matthews, E, B. LaRue and Vern West. 

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Lake Amusement Center 

Drive-In, 500 cars, under way for April 1951 opening. 

Detroit. Mich.—Drive-in under way for Cash R. 

Beechler south of 

Detroit, Mich.—750-car 

Charlotte city limits. 

drive-in under way for 

Charles A. Anderson. 

Long Beach, Calii.— Circle Drive-In, 1,000 cars, 

$250,000, under way for Eagle Theatre Corp. 

Oceonwava, Fla.—T. E. Bell constructing drive-in 

for 

Pahokee, Fla.—Drive-in under way for Gold-Dobron 

January opening. 

Theatres. 

Prairie City, Ore.—300-seat theatre under way for 

I^rs. Bertha Dixon. 

Seattle. Wash.— 1,500-seat theatre under way at 

Northgate development. 

Vancouver, B. C.—350-car Lion Drive-In under way 

for Leslie Miller and Gerry Paddon at North Vancouver. 

Vancouver. B. C—Paramount Drive-In, 800 cars, 

$100,000, under way for Walter Mead and Pat 

Murphy. 

Vancouver, B. C.—Bill Johnson & Associates constructing 

second drive-in. 

OPENINGS: 

Blountsvillo, Fla.—The B. B. Drive-In will open 

November 15. 

Canby, Ore.—The Canby Theatre, 450 seats, will 

open soon for Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Nelson. 

Checotah, Okla.—30Q-car 66 Drive-In opene-i south 

of town on U. S. 69 by Dick Grumpier, J. P. Jones 

and Harvey Grilfin. 

Clarksville, Term.—Sunset Drive-In opened by Neil 

Blount, manager. The Sunset is owned by Crescent 

Amusements Co. 

Clarksdale, Miss.—Delta Theatre opened by T. E. 

Williams and R. W. Tyson. 

Doniphan, Mo.—Stadium Drive-In, 150 cars, opened 

by Mrs. Ethel Chilton. 

East Windsor, Conn.—East Windsor Drive-In, 600 

cars, $125,000, opened by Kupchunos Bros, and Peter 

Kostek. 

Gallipolis, W. Va.—Kanauga Drive-In, 500 cars, 

opened by Harry Wheeler. 

Houston. Tox.—Irvington Drive-In, 750 cars, opened 

by Ezell circuit. 

lackson. Miss.—Varia Drive-In, 500 cars, opened 

by Jim DeNeve. 

Enoxville, Tenn,—Family Drive-In, 512 cars, opened 

by R, I. Barnes of Drive-ln Theatres Operators. 

Las Vegas, N, M.—Remodeled 726-seat Serl reopened 

by Fox Intermountain, 

Leadwood. Mo. B&W Drive-In opened by Jimmie 

Bradley and Eddie Wilkerson. 

Park Forest, III.—Holiday 

opened by H&E Balaban. 

Theatre, 1,000 seats, 

St. Fla.—28th Petersburg, Street Drive-In to open 

soon. 

San Antonio, Tex.—Blue Bonnet Drive-In opened 

by Hiram Parks and Lut2er Bros. 

Sturgeon Bay, Wis.—Donna Theatre to open in 

November for H. H. Graefe. 

TreCaie. N. B.—Rex Theatre, 400 seats, to open 

m November for North Shore Theatres. 

Warrington. Fla.—Warrington Drive-ln, 500 cars, 

opened for Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Stewart. 

Woodward, Fla.—Woodward Theatre, 804 seats, 

opened November 6. 

SALES: 

Athens. Tex.—Liberty Theatre to Roy Pamell and 

Owen Killings worth. 

Columbia. Miss.—Dixie Drive-In opened October 

30 under the new ownership of Frank W. Corbert. 

Cottonwood, Ida.— Cletus Uhlorn purchased the 

Mode from William R. Padgett. 

East St. Louis, III.— 50 per cent interest in Avenue 

Theatre to Andy Dietz of Cooperative Theatres. 

Fort Worth. Tex.—Jacksboro Highway Drive-In by 

Ezell & Associates from Maurice S. Cole. 

Gibsonburg. Ohio—Del-Lu Theatre to George 

Wakely 

Gillette. 

by D. 

Wyo.—The 

B. FoUett. 

Rialto Theatres, Inc. of Casper 

purchased building housing the Fiesta Theatre. 

Greenville. Miss.—Delta Theatre from Paramount 

Gulf by Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Azar of Greenville. 

fl 

COLUMBIA PICTURES ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS OF THE FOLLOWING 

PICTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING 

;OAN CRAWFORD WENDELL COREY LARRY PARKS BARBARA HALE 

Produced by WILLIAM DOZIER • Directed by VINCENT SHERMAN 

HARRIET CRAIG 

EMERGENCY WEBBING 

with 

with 

Lucile Watson • Allyn Joslyn • William Bishop • K. T. Stevens 

Wjilard Parker • Una Merkel • Alan Reed 

Screen Play by Anne Froelick and James Gunn 

Screen Play by Nat Perrin and Claude Binyon 

Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play, "Craig's Wife," by George Kelly 

Produced by NAT PERRIN • Directed by EDWARD BUZZELL 

JOHNNY WEISSMULLER 

« JUNGLE JIM m 

PYGMY ISLAND 

with Ann Savage • David Bruce • Steven Geray 

Written for the screen by Carroll Young 

Based upon the famous Jungle Jim King Features Syndicate newspaper feature 

Produced by SAM KATZMAN • Directed by WILLIAM BERKE 

in 

GENE AUTRY ""?««"" 

and CHAMPION World's Wonder Horse 

THE BLAZING SUN with 

Lynne Roberts • Anne Gwynne • Edward Norris 

Kenne Duncan -Alan Hale, Jr. and PAT BUTTRAM 

Written by Jack Townley 

Produced by ARMANO SCHAEFER • Directed by JOHN ENGLISH 

A GENE AUTRY PRODUCTION 

. 

THE TEXAN MEETS CALAMITY JANE 

tSlCOlO^ w,th EVELYN ANKERS • JAMES ELLISON 

LEE 'LASSES WHITE 

RUTH WHITNEY • JACK INGRAM 

Written, Produced, and Directed by ANDE LAMB 

CHAIN GANG 

with 

DOUGLAS KENNEDY • MARJORIE LORD 

EMORY PARNELL • WILLIAM "BILL" PHILLIPS 

Written for the Screen by Howard J. Green 

Produced by SAM KATZMAN • Directed by LEW LANDERS 

f! 

lOXOFTICE November 11, 1950 33

LETTERS 

••CHILDREN" LETTER GREAT SER>1CE 

To BOXOFFICE; 

Your letter, "My Children and the Movies" 

from Mrs. Leslie C. Smith, was a great piece 

of public relations for this business. What an 

impact it would have were it published in 

some leading woman's magazine like Woman's 

Home Companion or Good Housekeeping! 

Another great service would be to have it 

copied in Reader's Digest. Could that be accomplished? 

Also, what are the chances of RKO taking 

a letter like this, turning it over to the producers 

of This Is America for a nice piece of 

interesting public relations for the movies? 

I am sure that if handled right, this could 

make a good short subject. We plug everybody's 

business in our March of Times and 

This Is America shorts and in other ways, 

but nary a mention about the movies. 

Again, Mrs. Smith's letter deserves great 

circulation: we in the movie theatres can do 

it by distributing reprints to our patrons, 

but the folks we want to reach are the women 

who are not now attending the movies. 

think every theatre manager should also 

I 

show the letter to the editor of his paper. I 

believe they could get some important points 

from it, which might perhaps result in an 

editorial. Some papers might print the entire 

letter, although it is lengthy. 

Resident Manager. 

North Carolina Theatres, Inc. 

Hickory, N. C. 

EARLE M. HOLDEN 

ASKS ACTION AGAINST CENSORS 

To BOXOFFICE: 

We should mark well these recent quotations 

by Eric Johnston, and inscribe them 

in the foyers of our motion picture theatres, 

where all may be reminded of their eternal 

truths, even as statements of profound legal 

principle are engraved on the faces of our 

courthouses: 

"... If the motion picture and the radio 

had existed when the Bill of Rights was 

drawn, they would have been included as 

agencies of free expression." 

"No one but people with common sense 

deserve democracy, and no people without 

common sense can preserve it very long." 

"The one thing a democracy can't tolerate 

for very long is an officialdom that arrogates 

to itself the right to say what we shall read, 

see and hear." 

These statements strike to the heart of 

what democracy is all about. They are not 

idle Fourth of July speeches, solemnly intoned 

but empty of meaning. 

They are truths by which our nation lives 

—or has lived for a long time, anyway. They 

are a vital part of a system on which we are 

now staking everything we have, to match it 

against a competing system which we think 

is inferior. They are truths which aren't as 

self-evident these days as they used to be. 

There's a lot of nibbling at them going on, 

and it's all done in the .sanctimonious spirit 

of what is said to be "security" or "decency" 

or even—Heaven help us! — "our way of 

life." 

Now. who's against .security, decency or our 

way of life? Heck, nobody. So we all keep 

our mouths shut, until we get one of those 

shives poked into us right where we livein 

the motion picture business. Freedom is 

everybody's business—sure. But give it a 

small switch, too—everybody's freedom is our 

business! It makes even more sense. 

Have we, in the film industry, let them 

hack away at the freedom of others, thankful 

they weren't giving us the business? Well, all 

that has done has been to encourage "them" 

to get around to us. We should have stopped 

'"them" while they were working on the other 

guys. Tyranny needs no encouragement to 

spread its poison; but it can get discouraged 

awfully easy, too. It's kind of late, but not 

too late to attack censorship in general 

starting at its sorest spots—with some powerful 

discouragers. 

For meeting heckling censorship at its 

WILL 

ENHANCE OUR INDUSTRY 

7-0 BOXOFFICE: 

We should like to order IfiOO reprints 

of the article, "My Children 

and the Movies," by Mrs. Leslie C. 

Smith, in the October 28 issue of 

BOXOFFICE. 

We intend to mail these reprints 

to organizations such as Civic, Veterans, 

Churches and Synagogues, 

Social Clubs, P.T.A., Fraternal Organizations, 

Industry and Trade 

Groups, Women's Clubs and other 

organizations that would be interested 

in this comprehensive digest 

of a mother speaking her mind. 

A great deal can be accomplished 

in the public relations field by this 

article y/hich would enhance our industry 

in the public's light. 

J. R. WEINSTEIN 

District Manager, 

Century Theatres, 

New York, N. Y. 

worst, there's no business like the foreignfilm 

distributing business, as Irving Berlin 

forgot to specify in that song. The foreign 

film distributors are the little guys. They 

have no central organization through which 

their censorship problems are cleared. It's 

every man for himself, bucking individually, 

and usually in person, every one of the 200 

or so censors mentioned by Mr. Johnston. 

You'd think the foreign-film distributors, 

being for most the vital sort of people they 

are, would eventually wear these censors 

down. But a lot of them just don't wear 

down easily. Putting 'em out of business is 

just more than a one-man-at-a-time operation. 

Only concerted effort will do it. 

229 W. 42nd St., 

New York, N. Y. 

NOEL MEADOW 

AGAINST FREE KIDDY TRADE 

To BOXOFFICE: 

As one of the many exhibitors who reac't 

your magazine every week, and also anxiousljH 

look forward to it, could not but help readinj; 

the editorial Ben Shlyen wrote and then thf 

rebuttal to it, furnished by the officer of t 

circuit theatre in St. Louis. Mr. Shlyen's editorial 

dealt with concession stand versus ficf 

kid admissions as did the reply by the offic^' 

of the circuit theatre in St. Louis. WouU 

like to add a little more fuel to the fire, a 

it is only through the exchange of ideas, that 

progress is made. 

First, I sincerely agree with Mr. Shlyen 

that the theatre should try to keep utmost 

in the minds of the theatregoers that thf 

theatre is a place where you look forward tc 

having a wonderful time and seeing a wonderful 

picture. It is a place where you can gc 

and let your imagination run the limit, putting 

yourself in the hero's place or the villain's 

place whichever you choose. It shoulc 

not be a place where the kids are admittec 

free and the exhibitor counts on his concession 

trade to bring back that lost revenue 

As far as the children or kids being salesmer, 

for the theatre, I am sure that the kid's tast« 

for entertainment, differs very greatly fron 

that of the average adult. 

The main reason, that the students do not 

attend the shows more often, is due to the 

fact that from the time they were old enougt, 

to remember, till they reached the age of 

12, they could always go to a show for IC 

cents or 12 cents, or as in the case of thL' 

circuit theatre and some of these drive-ir 

theatres, they were and are being admittec 

free! . . . 

Opposes Cheapening Films 

If the theatres could get together and raise 

the prices of the kids' tickets (we did anc 

have certainly noticed no drop in kids' business), 

to a point where the children woulc 

realize that to be able to go to a show, wat 

and is an event to look forward to, the theatres 

would be impressing in the minds oi 

these children, who in years to come we hope 

will be our adult admissions, that a movie if 

something, it is a form of entertainment thai' 

is worth paying for. My oldest girl is ten: 

naturally she gets in the show free. Neithei 

my wife nor I can excite her about going tc 

the movies, but just mention going to the 

amusement park and she gets all wound up' 

Why! Because she knows she can go to the 

show when she just about pleases: it is free 

but to get to go to the amusement park, thai 

is 

SOMETHING DIFFERENT! 

SOMETHING DIFFERENT! That is what 

I wish we could get all the patrons of the 

theatre to thinking, that the movie is something 

different instead of just run-of-themill 

entertainment. I sincerely don't see how 

this trend of thought can be forwarded, when 

all over the country, the drive-ins and alsc 

more theatres are beginning to let their future 

audience in free. Might add that the 

same thing is going to happen to television; 

everybody gets a set. everybody can see it all 

they want and any time they want to. anc 

as soon as everybody gets tired of seeing all 

the television they can stomach, they will 

begin to look for something different also. 

Logan Theatre, 

Logan. Iowa. 

DON HOWARD 

34 BOXOFTICE November U. 195(

i P. 

.^( 

CHESTER FRIEDMAN 

EDITOR 

oxofFie 

HUGH E. FRAZE 

Associate Editor 

SECTION. 

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN 

mo BRITISH SHOWMEN WIN 

BONUS AWARDS FOR OCTOBER 

The 42nd monthly BOXOFFICE Bonus of 

ilOO was divided among ten exhibitors and 

nanagers for submitting ideas and promoions 

helpful to the boxoffice during October. 

A Scotswoman, a Yorkshireman, a Canaiian 

and seven American showmen were 

ited to receive a $10 Bonus and a Citation 

if Honor each. Miss Lily Watt, an attractive 

icottish lass who manages the Odeon Theare 

in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, has been a 

onsistent contributor to the Showmandiser 

ection since the Bonus was first announced 

a 1947. Many of her ideas have been up for 

Jonus consideration since then. Her present 

.chievement is for window tieups she sub- 

'initted on several recent attractions. 

G. Foster, manager of the Ritz Cinema, 

jforkshire, England, was the other overseas 

Ivinner. Foster was cited for his skill in 

i;reating lobby displays of special distincion. 

W. K. Trudell of London, Ont., received 

Bonus for a general tieup he arranged in 

iresenting the local Miss America candidate 

'11 the stage of the Capitol Theatre in a 

homecoming celebration. 

ivic 

Paul Sapoch, manager of the Plaza Theare, 

Charlotte. N. C, topped all entries in the 

>rogram field. Sapoch makes effective use of 

lisplay mats in his house program and uses 

he front page for institutional gimmicks. 

A clever display ad created to sell a horror 

)rogram earned a Bonus for Gray Barker. 

idvertising manager and booker for Snyder's 

3rive-In, Clarksburg, W. Va. 

Ben Tureman, manager of the Russell Theitre, 

Maysville, Ky., originated and carried 

Lily Watt 

out a Sleepless Marathon 

in conjunction 

with his campaign for 

"The Sleeping City." 

His exceptional ingenuity 

and originality 

earned him a Bonus 

and a Citation of 

Ben Tureman 

Honor. Tureman had 

a man stay 32 hours 

in a store window. 

Jack Crouthers, Harrod 

Theatre. Harrodsburg, 

Ky., took top 

honors in the public 

relations phase of showmandising. 

Crouthers 

organized a posse composed of members of 

his Roy Rogers Riders club to assist the Kiwanis 

fund drive for National Kids week. 

Additional Bonuses and Citations were 

awarded to the following: Edward Monroe, 

manager of the Strand, Jacksonville, Fla., 

front display; John Manuel, manager of the 

,^ 

Walter Knoche Jack Crouthers 

W. K. Trudell Gray Barker John Manuel 

Strand and Liberty, Cumberland, Md., co-op 

advertising; Walter Knoche, manager of the 

Palace Theatre, Fredericksburg, Tex., ballyhoo. 

November entries for the BOXOFFICE 

Bonus should be addressed: Showmandiser 

Section, BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, 

New York 20, N. Y. 

->^r J 

olnt to ^^^raue 

For years, newspapers have discriminated against motion picture 

theatres by charging an excess advertising rate. In New York, 

for instance, the Times charges theatres five cents more per line 

than general advertisers pay. In the Herald Tribune, theatres 

pay 10 cents a line more; in the Mirror. 12 cents more. At 12 

cents a line extra, it costs $1.68 more per inch to advertise a motion 

picture than it does to advertise other products. 

This amusement rate, a surcharge on general advertising 

rates, is a IkmcIhIh tl.t in(liistr\ iiihi nti d troiii tin li.'

Outdoor Ballyhoo Does Successful Job of Local Selling 

Stl 

ONE WAY 

POUg • DEP T. 

THiSWAY TO 

vemsaoomm. 

NOWCOLLEGE 

Sid Kleper, manager ol the College, New Haven, Conn., pulled all 

the established exploitation stops to sell "Devil's Doorway" and 

"Champagne for Caesar." He supplied home owners with signs 

calling attention to garage driveway and advertising his 

playdates. The Indian in center photo covered shopping and 

residential areas. At right, directional arrows caught attention of 

motorists and pedestrians. Kleper imprinted place mats and menus 

for downtown restaurants; distributed oversize heralds promoting 

the show and offering the public a chance to win free passes by 

guessing Saturday football scores, imprinted shopping and hosiery 

bags and promoted free radio time. The outdoor type of promotion 

proved effective for the Connecticut theatre manager. 

Glassblower Draws 

'Menagerie' Trade 

Jim Barnes, manager of the Downtown 

Tfieatre, Los Angeles, located a sensational 

attraction which helped "Tlie Glass Menagerie," 

and he had the satisfaction of knowing 

that liis alertness accounted for extra 

sales. 

Barnes got in touch with George Hammesfahr 

jr., the man who made all the glass 

set pieces for the film. He then suggested an 

arrangement whereby the glass artisan would 

receive special publicity by using the theatre 

lobby as a temporary workshop. For a week 

prior to opening, Hammesfahr sat at a specially 

created workbench in the theatre lobby, 

making glass objects. 

Crowds of curious bystanders watched. 

Safety Tiein Provides 

'Faust' Flash in England 

For "Faust and the Devil" at the Cinema 

Theatre in Detroit, Manager Neil Tailing had 

a man dressed in brilliant scarlet devil's costume 

drive a flashy car through the main 

streets of the motor city, bamiered with signs 

reading: "Don't drive like the devil . . . Save 

a life." Copy included feature title and 

credits for the theatre. Civic officials commended 

the stunt because of its relationship 

to a local traffic safety campaign. 

Mammoth Display Aids 

For "The Petty Girl," Russ Bovim, manager 

of the State Theatre, St. Louis, set up 

a 30x30-foot lobby piece over the exit doors 

leading to the street. The lower half of the 

display was a colorful design bordered with 

autumn leaves lettered with the title and 

.star names. The upper half was a tremendous 

color cutout of the Petty girl against a 

background of an artist's palette and brushes. 

^'°^^ ^®' ^""^ '^'°^^' 

Leonard Tuttle, manager 

Editor Commends 

of the St. Albans 

dollars. 

to patrons. The stickers carried a courtesj 

— Chester Friedman imprint and urged the public to read more ol 

IN. Y.i Theatre, created a special lobby display 

representing a stage setting to exploit Booking of Opera 

"Summer Stock." The set was built from 

miscellaneous materials found around When 

the 

Matt Saunders, manager of the 

theatre and was completely draped with 

Poll Theatre in Bridgeport, Conn., received 

borders, valances, etc. 

notice that he would present the San Carlo 

Opera Co. in Verdi's "La Traviata" during 

f 

the first week in November, he contracted 

the editor of the Bridgeport Post and sug-' 

/"

I 

I 

American 

-1 bVANCE PROMOTION REPORTS; 

TWENTinH century-fox's "Flower of France" 

National Tieups Helping 

Presell New Product 

Major film companies are making important 

;trides with preselling promotion tieups. 

To acquaint the public with star players and 

itles, far in advance of release dates, and 

nore directly to assist the exhibitor in reiucing 

local sales resistance, the trend is 

limed at getting manufacturers and dealers 

extend greater cooperation to the theitreman. 

This particular type of tieup makes 

t possible for the theatreman to obtain free 

iccessories and to gain community saturation 

celling for his product through wholesale 

ieups with all retail dealers handling the 

iein merchandise. 

GREETING CARDS, HOSIERY 

TIEUP FOR 'LET'S DANCE' 

Paramount, as an example, has set a deal 

with American Greeting Publishers, Inc., one 

]f the largest manufacturers of greeting cards 

whereby exhibitors who play "Let's Dance" 

~ Avill be able to obtain poster displays in 

countless stores. The tieup is timely, coming 

just before the holiday season when stores 

are anxious to dispose of their stock of 

seasonal cards. It is timely from the exhibitor's 

vantage since "Let's Dance" will be 

playing in theatres concurrently with the 

buyers' splurge for greeting cards. 

is backing the campaign with 

^45,000 posters to be distributed among its 

^retail outlets. The poster features a color 

illustration of Betty Hutton and calls atitention 

to her newest release. Exhibitors 

iwill natiu-ally take advantage of the tiein 

,: potentiality through local tieups for addi- 

.tional display material and co-op ads. 

A second major preselling promotion created 

for "Let's Dance" has been created in cooperation 

with Prim Hosiery, Inc., of Chester, 

111., which has, for the occasion, introduced 

"Let's Dance" nylons. The campaign was 

launched with cooperation advertisements in 

Life, Photoplay, Vogue. Seventeen, Charm and 

'Mademoiselle magazines. However, the campaign 

is not being ended with the national 

advertisements. It is being carried down to 

the retail level. The manufacturer has sent 

a complete promotion package to all dealers 

—including posters, streamers, counter cards, 

Betty Hutton photos, mats, etc. As a special 

incentive. Prim is offering prizes to the best 

window displays tieing in with the picture. 

The campaign has been arranged so that 

exhibitors can tie in with the national promotions. 

Names of local dealers may be 

' 

obtained from Ken Consaul, Prim Hosiery, 

[Inc., Chester, 111., and exhibitors may make 

I arrangements to tieup with the window displays, 

1 local advertising and other merchandising 

plans through these home town merchants. 

P U-I'S 

PRESELLING TIEIN 

^ WITH DAIRYMEN HELPS 

The U-I tieup with the National Dairymen's 

Ass'n on "The Milkman" has already 

proved fruitful in conjunction with the premiere 

of the film at the Riverside Theatre 

in Milwaukee last week. 

Mayor Prank Zeidler of Milwaukee proclaimed 

"The Milkman" day to honor the 

premiere and the three stars of the film who 

were in the city. As part of the premiere 

activities, milk trucks from Milwaukee's 

dairies participated in a parade hooked in 

with State Teachers college homecoming celebration. 

Local dairies distributed milk punch 

streamers to fountains and milk bars 

throughout the city and groceries and delicatessen 

stores displayed window streamers 

and posters heralding the premiere of "The 

Milkman." Large co-op newspaper ads were 

another important part of the campaign. 

National promotion which reached a large 

portion of the television audience also helped 

to focus attention on the Milwaukee opening. 

The three film stars appeared on Durante's 

Wednesday night television debut. 

They presented a skit which took place theoretically 

backstage at the Riverside and 

posed in front of a seven-foot poster announcing 

the premiere. 

20TH-FOX CREATES TIEINS 

ON SIX TOP PICTURES 

Twentieth Century-Fox is keeping pace 

with strong national preselling tieups on 

many of its forthcoming releases. "I'd Climb 

the Highest Mountain" will benefit from a 

tieup with Lever Bros., manufacturers of Lux 

soap. Some 4,000,000 mailing pieces will be 

sent out by the distributor featuring a star 

illustration of Susan Hayward as she appears 

in the picture. 

More than a score of national tieups will 

support "The Jackpot." Dealers and retailers 

handling Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. products 

will display posters showing star players 

of the picture. Farberware kitchen utensils 

and Libby frozen food products will advertise 

the film in thousands of posters and co-op 

ads carrying a Barbara Hale endorsement. 

Tied in with preselling campaign for 

"American Guerrilla in the Philippines," 

Micheline Prelle was selected by the National 

Florists Ass'n as Queen of National 

Flower week. More than 30,000 posters will 

be displayed in florist shops throughout the 

nation carrying a direct plug for the picture 

and opening the door for local promotions 

between the florists and theatremen. 

Look Magazine Play 

To 3 MGM Films 

The Look magazine issue dated November 

21 and now on the stands has 

about 12 pages devoted to three MGM 

pictures. These include photos of Clark 

Gable and Lady Ashley on seven consecutive 

pages and mentioning "Across 

the Wide Missouri." There also is a 

full page of photos of Leslie Caron, 

who appears in "An American in Paris," 

and part of four pages on "King Solomon's 

Mines," selected as Movie-of-the- 

Weeli by the publication. 

NATIONAL FLOWER WEEK 

SAY 

>TOR inearre NOV./ 

iTWlWHOWtHS 

Baldwin piano dealers and retailers handling 

the Kirsch Venetian blinds have been 

alerted to give allout cooperation to local 

exhibitors in their respective areas. Twentieth-Fox 

has also established tieups with 

most of the companies whose products are 

used in the air show from which the picture 

is adapted. 

Lever Bros, will participate in a national 

magazine plug for "I'll Get By" through a 

full-page ad scheduled to appear in 11 publications 

having a combined circulation of 50 

million. Two-thirds of the space is devoted 

to a scene illustration showing William Lundigan 

and June Haver. 

Doubleday & Co., book publishers, will 

launch a national campaign advertising a 

reprint edition of "The Mudlark" in magazines 

and newspapers with emphasis on the 

fact that 20th-Fox has just completed the 

motion picture based on the novel. Doubleday 

salesmen are equipped with kits of stills 

from the picture and instructions to urge 

complete cooperation among dealers in local 

tieins with the picture. 

With continued emphasis on the national 

phase of preselling motion picture product 

by the producers and distributors, exhibitors 

have special opportunity to supplement their 

own advertising by taking advantage of the 

cooperative tieups in their local situations. 

BIG AD CAMPAIGN OPENS 

ON 'WEST POINT' STORY 

Full page and double-spread advertisements 

on James Cagney's return to the songand-dance 

in "The West Point Story" have 

been scheduled by Warner Bros, for 25 national 

magazines. 

•The first ads appeared during the week 

and will continue to appear every few days 

through December. The film goes into national 

release Thanksgiving Day. It Is 

Cagney's first musical film since his "Yankee 

Doodle Dandy" won the Academy Award 

eight years ago. 

Publications include: Life, Look, Time, 

Newsweek, Saturday Evening Post, Quick, 

Cosmopolitan, Collier's, Redbook, Photoplay, 

Motion Picture. American, Good Housekeeping, 

Modern Screen, Movieland, Screen Guide, 

Movie Stars Parade, Screenland, Movie Story, 

Hit Parader, Movie Life. Silver Screen, Popular 

Songs and Song Hits. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Nov. 11, 1950 — 373 — 37

Selling 

Ideas 

Have Impact 

Theatremen provide pictorial evidence ol successful 

merchcmdising ideas. At right: British ingenuity is 

applied to a lobby display which commanded unusual 

attention for "The Happiest Days of Your 

Life" when it played at the Regal Cinema, Coatbridge, 

Scotland. Manager R. S. Kinniburgh borrowed 

a bathtub and bedroom suite from friendly 

merchants and rigged up this laugh-provoking exhibit. 

Local newspaper cooperated by sponsoring 

a "Happiest Days" photo contest. Passes were offered 

for most unusual snapshots forwarded to the 

newspaper. 

IN TECHNICOLOR 

PETIT CIRL «i" 

H iOIMMDilCS J CAULFIili) 

to i. 

EXTRA 39SaWOBLO SERCS

Football Fans Enter 

Guessing Contest 

For The Men' 

Special heralds advertising "The Men" at 

[•^ the College Theatre in New Haven announced 

a contest in which the public was invited to 

select the winning teams in six nationally 

prominent football games. Manager Sid 

Kleper asked that entries be returned to the 

theatre, and those predicting the winning 

teams correctly received guest tickets for 

'The Men." 

Kleper tied in with the Travelers Aid 

society to obtain an attractive display at the 

railroad depot. Downtown stores cooperated 

by tieing in merchandise sales of men's clothing 

and accessories with the playdates. 

Two weeks prior to opening, a 40x60 was 

placed in the lobby with a personal message 

from Kleper, emphasizing the wonderful reviews 

the picture had received in national 

magazines. 

Three girls walked through the downtown 

area carrying posters with copy ; "We're crazy 

about 'The Men,' etc." Two co-op ads were 

promoted from a beauty salon, tieing in the 

hair-do featured by Teresa Wright in the picture. 

Permission was obtained from the public 

utility company to place stickers, on all 

street poles. 

Hosiery bags were imprinted with playdate 

copy, directory announcements were arranged 

at leading hotels, a thousand doilies 

with theatre copy were distributed to the 

better class hotels and cards were displayed 

on all downtown newsstands tieing in national 

magazine reviews of the picture. 

Free radio announcements were promoted 

on radio stations WYBC, WBIB, WELI and 

WAVZ. 

University Scientists Are Enlisted 

In Campaign for 'Destination 

In one of the most energetic promotion 

campaigns on a picture in the Salt Lake City 

area in some time. "Destination Moon" was 

".scld" to hundreds of extra moviegoers. 

Worked out jointly by Jerry Smith. ELC 

representative and Warren D. Butler, manager 

of the Lyric Theatre, the picture gained 

several columns of extra space in the newspapers, 

many minutes of tree time over local 

radio stations and added attention when the 

homecoming football parade theme was built 

around travel in the future. 

Extra newspaper breaks included a full 

column of opinions of scientists who saw the 

picture at a special screening. These opinions 

were cari-ied in the Deseret News and the 

University of Utah Chronicle. The Deseret 

News also carried a column-long story on 

the picture written by a University of Utah 

scientist. 

At least four floats in the university homecoming 

football parade carried rocketships 

and were built around the theme of travel 

in space, and this promoted local newspapers 

and radio accounts to refer to this as the 

theme of the parade. Jerry also arranged for 

a university scientist to be interviewed on 

radio stations about possibility of space 

travel and about the moon. He and Warren 

also arranged for several students to walk 

around Salt Lake and into various dance 

halls wearing suits donned by travelers in 

the picture. 

I 111 Mi finiir^'"*'i^''^^*r^' 

It added up to one of the biggest grosses 

in the history of the Lyric. 

Search for Marchers 

Launches 'Solomon' 

Norman Levinson, assistant manager of the 

Poli Theatre in Hartford, planted a novel 

story in the Hartford Times to stimulate interest 

in the Thanksgiving booking of "King 

Solomon's Mines." Levinson notified the local 

drama columnist that a parade would be 

staged opening day with local residents 

dressed as African natives or big-game 

hunters. The story announced that all who 

showed up in costume and participated in 

the parade would be admitted to the opening 

show as guests of the management. 

-"- 

i 

40&8 Car Ballyhoos 

'Rock Island Trail' 

Spencer Steinhurst, manager of the Weis 

Theatre in Savannah, promoted a 40&8 locomotive 

and boxcar from the local American 

Legion Post, as an effective street ballyhoo 

for "Rock Island Trail." The vehicle was 

equipped with a public address system and 

records were played as it toured Savannah. 

During the evening hours, the car was parked 

in front of the theatre. 

In cooperation with the Central and 

Georgia Railway, a coloring contest was conducted, 

with the winner getting a free trip 

to Atlanta. In the theatre lobby, an exhibit 

of trains comparing models of yesteryear with 

modern ones attracted great attention. 

Steel Firm Distributes 

'Destination' Memos 

Lloyd Seiber, manager of the College Theatre, 

Bethlehem, Pa., arranged a display 

on the bulletin boards at Lehigh university 

for "Destination Moon." A tieup was made 

with the science department at Bethlehem 

Steel Corp., whereby mimeographed announcements 

distributed to all employes included 

mention of the theatre playdates. 

Seiber promoted a classified contest in the 

Bethlehem Globe-Times, exchanging passes 

for five consecutive days' announcements in 

the classified ad columns. 

Runs Out of 

/His Ears! 

Novembers 

nor 

dotes the other doy, soying "Krog needs these like he needs o 

hole in his head!" But that Iowa theatre man's wrong. 

"NOVEMBER FOR KROG" is 

Hallmark's employees' idea of soluting 

our boss. He thrills us every Friday (pay checks) ond chills 

us every Christmas (bonuses)—ond how! We wont your help 

in putting over o record month for him! 

NO MAN IN this nation has done more "To Keep Showmonship 

Alive" these post 10 years than K. B. Hallmark Agents will get 

out crowds thot'll knock your doors down. And think of the pop 

corn you con sell! 

"MOM AND DAD 

" 

PEACE" pocks 'em a 

"DEVIL'S WEED 

" 

to book "HAVE FUN" 

sports lovers of your community 

in 

front of your box office. 

yîf(S?^». HALLMARK BLDG., WILMINGTON, OHIO 

BEVERLY HILLS • CHICAGO • CLEVELAND • TORONTO 

MEXICO CITY "AUCKLAND •SIDNEY* SINGAPORE 

HONGKONG • CALCUTTA • KARACHI • CAIRO • ATHENS 

ROME • PARIS • LONDON • AMSTERDAM • STOCKHOLM 

! a guaronteed woll-buster. "PRINCE OF 

id pleases 'em, too. Choose between 

its sister "SHE SHOULDA SAID NO." Be 

^ 

t 

HALLMARK 

^^^M0^ 

BOXOFFICE Shovmiandiser Nov. 11, 1950 — 375- 39

RKO Managers Put Spurs 

To Better Business Drive 

From coast to coast, RKO Theatres' managers 

are engaged in a sustained drive to 

boost business through exploitation and showmanship. 

The circuit is offering large cash 

prizes to those managers who make the 

best showing while the drive is in effect. 

Showmanship techniques developed over a 

period of many years are being utilized weekly 

in the allout effort to attract more patronage 

to the boxoffice, as evidenced by the 

campaigns received at the New York office 

each week. Accent is on both the promotion 

of current stage and screen shows, and special 

tieups aimed at stimulating business on 

specific nights. 

At the Orpheum in Denver, Manager Bill 

Hastings had the cooperation of the Rocky 

Mountain News in promoting a contrest for 

models when he played "A Life of Her Own." 

The newspaper and the theatre set out to 

find Denver's most beautiful fashion model. 

Tlie contest, staged at the Orpheum, gave the 

house an excellent night's business. A prominent 

photographer, artist, and the fashion 

society editor of the Rocky Mountain News 

served as judges. Prizes were promoted for 

winners, with the contest getting tremendous 

publicity in the new columns. 

THEATRE HOSTS NEWSBOYS 

To create goodwill with the Denver Post, 

Hastings invited all news carriers to be guests 

of the management on National Newspaper 

Boys day. The paper came through with good 

publicity breaks for the current screen show. 

In 'Waterloo, Iowa, Roxie Soles, assistant 

manager of the Orpheum, introduced a 

Mystery 'Voice contest in conjunction with 

Screeno, a money giveaway. Each week, patrons 

are asked to identify the voice of wellknown 

personality. Soles arranged a permanent 

display with Mid-Continent Airlines plugging 

the theatre's coming and current screen 

shows, and he promoted a disk jockey contest 

for a song most symbolic of the slogan, 

"Hit After Hit, 'Week After Week." 

At Lowell, Mass.. Sam Torgan, manager of 

Keith's Theatre, promoted roses which were 

given away to women attending the opening 

matinee of "Louisa." He tied up with the 

Downtown San Francisco window exploits reissue 

program ol Zane Grey ieatures at the 

Golden Gale Theatre. 

manufacturer of Airliner Handbags to obtain 

window and counter displays, tieing in the 

product with the picture playdates. 

Norman Wrobel, manager of the Orpheum, 

St. Paul, Minn., tied up with a restaurant for 

the duration of the business drive, whereby 

2.000 cards are distributed there every week. 

The first ten which are presented at the theatre 

boxoffice with a paid admission entitles 

the holder to a guest dinner check at the 

cooperating restaurant. No cost is involved 

for the theatre, and the cards carry complete 

information on the theatre's current attraction. 

TV SET OFFERED 

In conjunction with "The Sleeping City." 

Wrobel made a tieup with the Muntz television 

dealer to run a contest with television 

sets as prizes. The gimmick was a drawing, 

with contestants clipping coupons from newspaper 

ads which were paid for by Muntz 

all four-column size carrying announcements 

on the drawing and the complete theatre 

program. The drawing was held on the theatre 

stage, with the mayor of St. Paul drawing 

the lucky ticket. The stunt was responsible 

for considerable added patronage. 

The return of vaudeville to the Orpheum in 

Des Moines inspired Manager Jerry Bloedow 

to arrange a terrific tieup through the 

Chamber of Commerce. That organization 

got several hundred members to pay for a 

1,750-line ad in the Des Moines Sunday 

Register, saluting the return to vaudeville 

in that city. The newspaper used several 

stories, and art on each act in the opening 

show. The advertisement broke at an opportune 

moment, while 10,000 state teachers 

were holding a convention. 

John Dostal, manager of the Orpheum, in 

New Orleans, promoted extensive tieups on 

"Joan of Arc." He arranged theatre parties 

with Catholic schools and obtained announcements 

on bulletin boards in churches throughout 

the city. An airplane towing a huge banner 

flew over the Sugar Bowl game for an 

hour, advertising the film dates. 

CONSUL SENDS LETTERS 

The French consul mailed letters to all 

French societies which, in turn, informed 

their respective membership of the Orpheum 

playdates. Good newspaper breaks, under- 

Unes in all display ads, teaser trailers, and 

advertising in Catholic publications served 

to promote the booking. 

In Kansas City. Lawrence Lehman, manuser 

of the Missouri Theatre, set up two contfsts 

with local sponsorship. He tied in with 

the national to find the Donut Dunking 

cliampion. Eliminations and finals were held 

on the theatre stage, the contest and current 

screen show getting excellent ballyhoo on 

delivery trucks serving the local area. The 

second contest will seek to discover the most 

beautiful baby in the city. This contest will 

be launched December 1. under the complete 

sponsorship of local merchants and photographers. 

A lobby radio show has proved an excellent 

Herman Stoefile, assistant manager ol 

the RKO Palace, Columbus, Ohio, plays 

a mechanical horror man to ballyhoo 

special midnight spook show. 

attention-getter and useful in publicizing 

current screen shows. No cost is involved for 

the theatre. A popular disk jockey program 

emanates from the theatre lobby, with patrons 

interviewed periodically. Any of those 

who mentioned the "magic" word during the 

interview received a prize. The same program 

conducts a mystery tune contest sponsored 

by a local music store. Prizes include jewelry, 

candy, etc. 

To exploit "Helltown" and "Buffalo 

Stampede" at the Golden Gate Theatre in 

San Francisco. Manager Mark Ailing and 

Publicist Al Jenkins used a covered wagon 

on the streets. A covered wagon ox yoke 

was on display in the theatre lobby a week 

prior to opening. Three full window displays 

were promoted from neighborhood merchants, 

and the public library advertised the 

picture in conjunction with outdoor fiction.. 

One hundred and fifty orphans were invited 

to see the show, with the newspapers 

running feature art on this and mention of 

the double feature program. Free radio plugs; 

were promoted in exchange for theatre passes..' 

New York theatre managers have likewise' 

been busy with promotional tieups and exploitation. 

Fred Smith, manager of the Ken-, 

more Theatre, Brooklyn, used a 24-sheet effectively 

as a lobby display prior to the opening 

of "Broken Arrow." The 24-sheet was 

mounted and shellacked and hung on the 

main stairway wall. It gave the impression 

of being an immense oil painting. 

A store handling Indian articles and relics 

was tied up for a full window display including 

stills and posters. To instill enthusiasm 

among the small fry. Smith conducted 

an Indian costume contest, awarding 

prizes for those coming to the theatre on an 

appointed day in the most original and picturesque 

outfits. 

George Baldwin, manager of the 23rd 

Street Theatre, developed an atmospheric 

touch which induced comment among patrons 

by using a rose perfume scent in thei 

lobby, in the interest of "The Black Rose."' 

The perfume was sprayed through a fresh 

air fan and permeated the entire entrance. 

Near the entrance doors. Baldwin placed 

a doll in a baby carriage, and had a record 

player repeating the sound of a crying baby 

Card copy announced. "I won't stop crying 

40 376 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Nov. U, 195(

; 

In 

' 

and 

• 

Almost 

f 

until I see Tyrone Power in 'The Black 

Rose'." 

To provoke curiosity among patrons of the 

Franklin Theatre in the Bronx, Manager J. J. 

Thompson had all the ushers wear turbans 

with a "black" rose attached, two weeks before 

opening with "The Black Rose." This 

developed into an excellent teaser campaign. 

Brooklyn, Max Levine, manager of the 

Dyker Theatre, promoted an automatic slide 

machine from a bank, with 92 Indian scene 

slides. This was used in the theatre lobby 

to stimulate interest in "Broken Arrow." The 

merchants sponsored a coloring contest, paid 

for the distribution and imprint of several 

circulars, and donated 12 prizes for the winners. 

On opening night, Levine had neighborhood 

Boy Scouts dressed as Indians entertain 

with war dances in front of the theatre. 

Gable Car Pleases 

Racing Crowd, 

Stirs VIease a Lady Interest 

Halloween Kid Shows 

Offer Prizes. Gifts 

Murray Meinberg. manager of the Ritz in 

Brooklyn, booked a special Halloween program 

on Saturday before the holiday. The 

program featured "TTie Fighting Seabees" 

iand "Flying Tigers." 

From the local music store, he promoted 24 

stuffed toy animals, 12 kiddy record albums. 

$25 in cash. Part of the money was used 

'to buy jelly apples which were given to every 

youngster at the show, and the rest of the 

money went for special heralds advertising 

the event. 

an hour before the boxoffice 

J opened, the kids started to line up. and by 

the time the regular opening hour arrived. 

^the house was jammed, giving the theatre a 

''matinee gross as large as a normal full day's 

[business. Prizes were awarded to winners of 

[stage games such as pin the donkey, apple 

ducking, etc. 

Meinberg reports that the candy stand was 

'completely cleaned out by the end of the day. 

Douglas Craft, manager of the State Theatre, 

Lima, Ohio, also put on a Halloween 

kiddy show on October 28 which was sponsored 

by the local W. T. Grant store. To supplement 

the regular screen program, four 

color cartoons were booked. 

The sponsor donated Halloween costumes 

which were given away to lucky youngsters 

in the audience, and provided the materials 

for a colorful lobby display including the 

usual Halloween symbols. This was on display 

two weeks in advance and attracted 

great interest. In addition, the store used 

a full window display of Halloween gimmicks 

with a sign advertising the kiddy show. Every 

child who attended the matinee received a 

Halloween half mask through the courtesy 

of Grant's. 

The show was advertised in the theatre's 

regular display ads and in the house program. 

According to Craft, a triple business resulted 

from this special effort. 

A uL-uiJ iiiili iiic iuifuu i^ciceway Park and 

a parade of Ford cars were highlights of the 

campaign on "To Please a Lady" at the Valentine 

in Toledo. Ohio. Abe Ludacer, manager 

of the Valentine had the actual racing car 

used in the film available for use as an exhibit 

and for a street ballyhoo. 

The vehicle was placed outside the theatre, 

and was periodically taken around the downtown 

business section on a trailer, with signs 

calling attention to the playdates. During the 

Sunday races, a week in advance of the picture 

opening, the car was placed on exhibition 

at the raceway. The announcer made 

eight separate announcements directing attention 

to the racing car and to the theatre 

booking. 

Toledo Ford dealers joined in a vehicular 

parade, headed by the racing car, which 

toured the shopping and residential areas. 

Signs tied in the new Ford with the picture 

playdates. 

Ludacer promoted a four-column newspaijî 

Loi^H ad ',vUh Bascli juv.^l.;. - ,j:l, Iluturing 

a large scene cut from the film and 

playdate mention. A window was arranged 

with a man's clothing store. To further 

stimulate advance interest, a huge lobby display 

was created three weeks prior to opening. 

Special ads and art work were designed 

for newspaper advertising in the Toledo 

Blade and the Times. 

Florists throughout the city displayed 

special floral exhibits with the tie-in line, 

" 'To Please a Lady,' give flowers." 

Roses for Women 

National Flower week was celebrated by 

Associate Florists of WheeUng, W. Va.. in 

theatre tieups. Free roses were presented to 

women in attendance at the Rex, Court and 

Capitol. 

Following renewing of a contract with 

20th-Fox June Haver has been signed for a 

part in "Friendly Island." 

Qlce Cream Joe 

The Serrao brothers were not too sure that 

"The Good Humor Man" title identified its 

character. In exploiting the picture at the 

Circle, the Serraos told their friends that 

the Good Humor Man is to New York as Ice 

Cream Joe is to New Kensington. Now they 

know. 

EXPORT DISTRIBUTOR: FRAZAR & HANSEN LTD., 301 CLAY STREET, SAN FRANCISCO .. CANADA: DOMINION SOUND 

EQUIPMENT LTD. .. OFFICES IN ALL PRINCIPAL CITIES 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Nov. 11, 1950 — 377 — 41

I 

| 

Music Promotion Tops 

Campaign Activities 

For Stage Show 

NUGGETS 

Gil Scouten, manager of the Van Wert 

Ohio) Theatre, promoted the largest window 

in town lin a department store i in his campaign 

for "Treasure Island." A huge treasure 

chest filled with prizss was in the center of 

picture accessories and still display. Prizes 

in the chest were given to lucky ticket holder.s. 

The display tied in with "a treasure in 

values" within the store. 

Youngsters Turn Out 

For Cowboy Roundup 

At 'Riders in Sky' 

Cowboy Round-up 

stunt on WHIM, WPCI and WJAR-TV. 

strong emphasis on exploitation helped attract 

extra patronage to the State in Providence, 

R. I., for Manager Maurice Druker, 

when he played a stage show and "Lady 

Without Passport." Jerry Colonna and the 

Three Suns who appeared in the stage show 

rated front-page publicity in the local press 

three days in succession, when the stars took 

part in the Community Chest campaign. The 

headliners also made an appearance in connection 

with the Red Feather drive at a 

Sunday in the Park radio program, and at a 

Brown university football rally before more 

than 3.000 students. 

For advance lobby publicity, special displays 

were created and a juke box featured 

records of the various stars three weeks prior 

to booking. Radio publicity was garnered 

for the show when the Three Suns appeared 

on disk jockey shows over radio stations 

WEAN and WFCI. Jerry Colonna did a similar 

WEAN featured a six-day contest, twice daily, 

using Three Suns recordings. Listeners were 

asked to identify the titles of various song 

hits. Druker promoted a Victor recording 

machine from the RCA distributor as a prize 

for the winner. 

Special exploitation was concentrated in 

the downtown area with the distribution of 

3,000 special heralds; 2,000 restaurant menus 

imprinted with full theatre copy, and 200 

record envelopes printed and distributed by 

Central Radio stores 

DRIVE-m EXHIBITORS with 

CENTRAL SOUND or POST SPEAKERS! 

CONVERT to IN-CAR SPEAKERS 

at economical prices before the seasonal 

Order immediately to assure prompt cJelivery. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MANUFACTURING CO 

729 Baltimore (Phone HA. 6007) Kansas City, M^ 

42 

Bill Daugherty, manager of the Plaza, 

Windsor, Conn., gave free comic books to the 

first 100 children who showed up at a recent 

Saturday matinee performance. He advertised 

the giveaway in his ads and from the 

stage a weak in advance. 

Jake Weber, manager of the Liberty, Herkimer, 

N. Y.. promoted a 3-column, 18-inch 

newspaper co-op ad as part of his "Tea for 

Two" campaign. Three leading restaurants 

sponsored the ad which was headed, 

"Whether It Be 'Tea for Two" or a Full 

Course Dinner, etc." Picture title and theatre 

dates were mentioned in two places in the 

ad which also included a display mat for 

the picture. 

Art Olivey, manager of the State, Tupper 

Lake, N. Y., has set a pre-Christmas giveaway 

with 20 local merchants which will 

serve as a two-night business booster. Some 

$500 in merchandise awards will be given to 

lucky ticket holders December 14 and an 

equal amount on December 21. Merchants 

will give drawing coupons with each purchase 

until the night of the first giveaway. All 

merchandise is on display at the theatre. 

Merchants advertise the coupon giveaway in 

ads and radio advertising. Theatre advertising 

urges patrons to shop at the cooperating 

stores. 

Raymond Langfitt, manager of the RKO 

Orpheum, Dubuque, Iowa, helped the city's 

annual Halloween parade by offering prizes 

to marchers dressed in the most original costumes. 

Prizes were given away from the theatre 

stage. 

Old Indian Head Pennies 

Worth Pass to 'Arrow' 

Murray Meinberg, manager of the Ritz, 

Brooklyn, advertised that every person bringing 

in an Indian head penny dated before 

1899 would receive free admission to "Broken 

Arrow." For more than a week, people lined 

up in front of the boxoffice, checking their 

coins. More than 100 Indian heads were 

taken in and each was pasted inside the 

cash-box window with Scotch tape. 

PTOUlOtiOIlS fOT 'TOCtSt 

Fred Greenway, manager of the Palace, 

Hartford, contacted all music schools, music 

stores and record shops for special displays 

advertising "Toast of New Orleans," The 

telephone directory was combed for persons 

having the name Kathryn Gray.son and they 

were invited to a screening. This resulted in 

extra new.spaper stories. A record shop spon- 

.sored a half-page newspaper co-op ad tieing 

in the playdates with -song hits heard in the 

film. 

— 378 — 

Calling All Boys & Girls! 

Get Dressed Up in Those 

Cowboy Clothes and 

Gome to Our Big 

COWBOY ROUND-UP. 

PALACE THEATRE 

SATURDAY, AT "2 P. M. 

PRIZES! 

To the Best Dressed 

Cowboys and Cowgirls! 

ON THE SCREEN! 

"SIDEB8IK 9c 

THE SKY" 

A group photo of all tbe boys and 

GENE AUTRY 

Special! 

girls ia costume will be taiten in 

front of the Palace theatre at 1 :30 

p.m., Saturday before the show. 

Remember the time apd be sure 

to be there! 

i 

A cowboy roundup, topped by a contest for 

the most colorfully costumed boys and girls, 

were responsible for special interest in a Saturday 

matinee kiddy show put on by M. T. 

' 

Helgerson, manager of the Palace, Waupaca, 

Wis. The roundup was staged in behalf of 

"Riders in the Sky." I 

Helgerson promoted prizes for the best 

dressed cowboys and cowgirls, and arranged, 

for the local newspaper to take pictures of 

the crowd of youngsters who showed up. TwO; 

of the kids came to the theatre on horseback.. 

Helgerson arranged with a former actor' 

to appear in theatrical western wardrobe 

and act as judge. This was a fascinating attraction 

for the kids. 

A five-column photograph of the huge' 

crowd which turned out for the roundup appeared 

on the front page of the Waupaca 

County Post, and another photo ran in the 

Picture Post. Special newspaper ads helped 

to publicize the event. 

Teenagers Jam Drive-In 

For Jalopy Giveaway 

A capacity audience of teenagers turned 

out for a midnight jalopy show promoted by 

G. W. Amerine, manager of the Jewel Theatre, 

Humble, Texas. Amerine promoted a 

Model-T Ford from a car dealer, talked a 

paint firm into a real bright color job on 

the vehicle, and got an upholsterer to furnish 

seat covers and a top. 

The car was placed in front of the theatre. 

Advertising played up it would be given 

away at the specified midnight show. Lucky 

tickets were distributed to theatre patrons 

in advance in order to get the most out of 

the business stimulant. 

Cooperating merchants were paid off 

througli theatre advertising, and Amerine 

reports that the teenagers turned out In 

droves to try and win the fancy "hot rod." 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Nov. 11, 195(

I 

In 

^ 

Senator 'Has Nothing 

fo Hide' on Color TV 

WASHINGTON—Senator Edwin C. Johnon, 

chairman of the senate Interstate Comnerce 

committee, called for "full disclosures" 

lif all joint activities by TV set manufacjurers 

regarding color television. Johnson 

laid he hoped that "every shred of corespondence" 

between him and the FCC and 

bss dealing with color television would 

made public. 

lie 

identical letters to FCC Chairman 

Vayne Coy and CBS Pi'esident Frank Stan- 

Ion, Johnson said he had read newspaper 

eports that Pilot Corp. had served subpenas 

III the commission and CBS asking them to 

iroduce all such correspondence with the 

enator. 

Pilot is a party to the RCA suit which 

lies to court in Chicago Tuesday. Its presi- 

.ient was reported by the press to have sug- 

;ested that Johnson "has evidenced more 

han a legislative interest" in color teleision. 

Said Johnson: "I have nothing to hide and 

have nothing to cover up. I am sure that 

my correspondince will only go to show that 

iiiy sole interest has been to see that the 

l)ublic is not denied color television. In 

iddition, I believe it would be well for Pilot 

liadio Corp. to make full disclosures of meetings, 

correspondence and understandings beween 

them and other television manufacturrs 

in relation to color television." 

Quaker City Associates 

Elect 1950-51 Officers 

PHILADELPHIA—The Motion Picture 

Asociates 

of Philadelphia Monday (6) elected 

ifficers for 1950-51. They are Jack Engel, 

nanager at Screen Guild, president; George 

iiutcheon, WB cashier, vice-president; Harry 

i3ache, office manager at MGM, treasurer, 

iind Joseph Farrow, RKO office manager, 

ecretary. 

Elected to the board of directors were 

Seorge Beattie. film buyer; William Goldnan; 

Joe Engel, office manager, Quality 

Premiums; Jack Greenberg, exhibitor; Lester 

lAfurtele, sales manager, Columbia; David 

liupowitz, architect. Two past presidents, 

3ill Doyle, salesman at Republic, and Sleg 

lorowitz, manager at 20th-Fox, automaticaly 

became members of the board. 

Dinner was served prior to the meeting, 

i radio donated by Meyer Adelman of the 

êw Jersey Messenger Service was won by 

Jaurice Levin of National Screen Service. 

The MPA of Philadelphia is an organizaion 

composed of film salesmen, exploiteers, 

lookers, office managers, etc., of the film exhanges 

and allied service organizations. The 

)urpose is to look after the needy in the 

listribution end of the business. 

Robert Flaherty Forms 

Shorts Producing Firm 

NEW YORK—Robert Flaherty, documentary 

producer-director of "Nanook of the 

North" and the more recent "The Louisiana 

Story," has formed a new production company, 

Robert Flaherty Film Associates. 

The organization will produce short documentary, 

industrial and institutional shorts 

under Flaherty's supervision. Flaherty will 

serve as president of the firm and his brother, 

David, and Kenneth Cofod of Kenco Films 

are other officers. 

Tri-Dimension Meet 

Called for Monday 

NEW YORK—Officers of Cinerama Corp. 

and Cinema Productions will meet Monday 

(13) to decide if the latter will supply financing 

for production by Lester Cowan of 

a three-dimensional picture using the Cinerama 

process. The matter has been under 

discussion for some time. The tentative plan 

has been to show the film on a large panoramic 

screen in a New York theatre, and 

later to roadshow it throughout the country. 

Cowan also will make a special film for 

Cinema Productions which will call for the 

use by audiences of polaroid glasses to attain 

a three-dimensional effect. No special 

theatre equipment will be required. 

All exhibitors backing Cinema have seen 

the Cinerama process. One problem to be 

ironed out, if the deal goes through, will be 

the manufacture of a portable outfit consisting 

of projectors and a special screen to 

tour the country in a truck. 

FYed Waller, chairman of the board and 

inventor of the process, and Hazard E. Reeves, 

president, who is head of Reeves Sound Studios, 

will represent Cinerama during the 

negotiations. The Cinema group consists of 

M. A. Lightman, president; Fred J. Schwartz, 

treasurer; Ben Trustman, attorney for Sam 

Pinanski, secretary, and the following sponsors; 

Harold Stoneman, Boston; Prank 

Walker, Scranton; Mitchell Wolfson, Miami; 

George Skouras, S. H. Fabian and Sam 

Rinzler, New York. 

Reeves said that negotiations for use of 

the Cinerama process are not limited solely to 

Cinema. 

UPT Reported Eager 

To Buy ABC Network 

NEW YORK—The film, radio and television 

industries were agog late in the week 

over reports that United Paramount Theatres 

is negotiating for the American Broadcasting 

Co. network of 289 radio stations and 

five owned and operated television stations. 

The latter have 50 affiliates. No comment 

was forthcoming either from Leonard H. 

Goldenson, UPT president, or any ABC official, 

ABC stocks went up on the New York 

Stock exchange. 

The only film company that has owned a 

broadcasting company is Paramount Pictures, 

which was obliged to give up the Columbia 

Broadcasting System during an economy 

wave several years ago. Since then two other 

attempts have been made by film interests 

to buy ABC. Negotiations conducted by 

20th Century-Fox early in 1949 fell through, 

presumably because of the high price demanded. 

Reports were current last April 

that Howard Hughes sought to acquire the 

network, but nothing came of that. 

At the time the UPT- ABC report broke 

here, reports were coming out of Washington 

that the Federal Communications commission 

may turn thumbs down on film companies 

as television station licensees. This 

resulted in a 20th-Fox request for an industrywide 

hearing if any FCC action affecting 

film company applications is planned. 

From the viewpoint of film men, special 

interest in the UPT-ABC rumor attaches to 

the fact that if it is true and negotiations 

result in a passage of title, Goldenson, a firm 

believer in large-screen theatre television, 

would have available a setup of great value 

to a very active group of television-minded 

exhibitors with whom he is associated. The 

television stations he would acquire are 

located in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Los 

Angeles and San Francisco, in other words 

practically spanning the U.S. 

Goldenson's recent suggestion to film company 

heads that they cooperate with Phonevision 

by supplying features was under fresh 

scrutiny to determine if there was any link 

between it and the reported negotiations for 

purchase of ABC. 

êw Offices for Ettinger 

NEW YORK — The Ettinger Co.. public 

elations counselors with offices here and in 

loUywood, has moved into larger quarters at 

45 Fifth Ave. The eastern staff, headed by 

iichard E. Tukey, vice-president, has been 

augmented by Lida Livingston, who served in 

he Ettinger Hollywood offices for many 

/ears, according to Margaret Ettinger, presilent. 

POXOFFICE :: November 11, 1950 

PRIZE WINNERS—Ted .Schlanjftr, zone manager for Warner Theatres in Philadelphia, 

recently distributed prizes to winners of the Midcentury showmanship drive. 

Left to right: Jerry Weissler, Leader Theatre; Dominic Lueente, Savoia manager; Nat 

Watkins, manager of Capitol, Yorlt; Schlanger; Lew Black, Warner, Wilmington, and 

Ben Blumberg, Uptown manager. 

N 43

. . Fortunat 

. . David 

. . Buddy 

. . Arleen 

: November 

BROAD\/\/AY 

garney Balaban, president of Paramount, returned 

on the Llberte after a four-week 

tour of England, the Continent and Israel. 

George Weltner, president of Paramount International, 

was on the same boat . . . Harold 

Boxall, managing director of London 

Film Productions, and wife left for Europe 

on the Queen Elizabeth. Sarah Churchill, 

actress-daughter of Winston Churchill, and 

her husband Anthony Beauchamp; Peggy 

Cummins, British film star, and author 

Somerset Maugham were on the same liner 

- . . Russell Holman, eastern production 

chief for Paramount, got back from Europe 

after a three-week business trip to London 

and Paris. 

Richard Todd, British actor under contract 

to Warner Bros., arrived in New York via 

TWA 

. Baronat, U-I foreign 

advertising-publicity director, was in Rio de 

Janeiro to set up advance arrangements for 

the U-I South American sales convention 

November 13 . . . Alberto Walker, 

of MGM of Colombia, is in 

manager 

New York for 

two weeks of conferences with Loew's International 

executives . . . Douglas Fairbanks 

jr. returned from London to cooperate on 

publicity interviews for "State Secret," currently 

at the Victoria Theatre. 

George Cukor, MGM director, arrived from 

Madrid en route to the coast . . . H. V. Zeppelin, 

manager of Westrex Corp.'s subsidiary. 

Western Electric Co. of Argentina, arrived 

from Hollywood 

. A. Lipton, U-I 

director of advertising and publicity, returned 

to California after the district managers 

meeting in New York . . . Joseph H. Moskowitz, 

vice-president and eastern studio representative 

for 20th Century-Fox, went to 

the coast for conferences with Darryl F. 

Zanuck 

. . . Jack Cohn, A, Montague, Nate B. 

Springold, Abe Schneider, Joseph A. Mc- 

Conville and Leo Jaffe left the Columbia 

home office for a series of studio conferences 

on the coast. 

Irving Helfont, MGM home office assistant 

to George A. Hickey, western sales manager, 

returned from a three-week visit to 

Portland, Seattle and the Canadian branches 

. . . Charles Boasberg, RKO north-south 

division sales manager, and Alfred Crown, 

vice-president in charge of sales for Samuel 

Goldwyn, left on a business trip to Charlotte 

and Atlanta. 

Ray Milland, who recently completed 

"White Heather" for ELC in England, returned 

on the Liberte with his wife and 

children. Robert Florey, director of Chaplin's 

"Monsieur Verdoux," and Mrs. Florey; 

Harry Kurnitz, script writer who did "The 

Inspector General," and Ira Gershwin, lyricist 

and brother of the late George Gershwin, 

were on the same boat . 

Bear, who 

recently completed MGM's "Quo Vadis" in 

Rome, planed in November 9 en route to the 

coast. Robert Taylor, who played the lead 

in the same film, planed in a day earlier. 

Suzanne Dalbert, the French girl who plays 

the only feminine role in "Breakthrough," 

came in via TWA from the coast to publicize 

the Warner picture and attend the November 

16 opening at the Strand . . . Leon J. Bamberger, 

RKO sales promotion manager, leaves 

Sunday cl2) to address the annual convention 

of the Allied Theatres of Indiana November 

13, 14. Robert Mochrie, RKO general 

sales manager, also will be one of the speakers 

.. . Carroll Puciato, Realart manager 

of exchange operations, left on a two-week 

tour of southern exchanges . . . Sidney 

Kramer, RKO short subjects sales manager, 

is on a business trip to the branch offices in 

Cleveland, Buffalo, Atlanta and Charlotte. 

Jules Lapidus, Warner eastern and Canadian 

division sales head, was in Gloversville 

Thursday (9) . . . D. L. Smith, manager of 

the Venezuelan branch of the Western Electric 

Co., is in New York for discussions with 

Westrex home office officials . . . Victor 

Volmar, publicity director of Monogram International, 

is author of an article, "Foreign 

Versions," in the November issue of the 

Society of Motion Picture and Television 

Engineers Journal. 

Joseph Bernhard, veteran film executive 

and independent producer, has been confined 

to his home for the last few weeks 

Arthur Kerman, son of Moe 

by illness . . . 

Kerman, president of Favorite Films, is engaged 

to Anita Goldstein, daughter of Sol 

and Mrs. Goldstein of Rockville Center, L. I. 

Adele Marion Cohen, daughter of Ida Cohen 

of RKO Theatres booking department, is engaged 

to Maurice Gittleman . . . Terry 

Turner, RKO director of exploitation, is 

convalescing at his home in Flushing, following 

a recent illness on the coast . . 

. 

Jacqueline Cole of MGM's library, recently 

married Frederick Jenkins . Whelan, 

wife of Paramount's Hugh Owen, left 

on a leisurely motor trip to Hollywood accompanied 

by her mother. 

Shifts Made in Republic 

Publicity Department 

NEW YORK—Steve Edwards, director of 

advertising and publicity for Republic, has 

realigned the home office publicity department 

under the supervision of Milton Silver. 

Tom McCabe will handle newspaper, syndicate 

and column contracts, and will work 

with radio and television. Al Slep will contact 

fan and national magazines and work 

on special features. 

Booked for Romantic Lead 

Gail Ru.ssell has been signed for the romantic 

feminine lead in Paramount's "Devil's 

Canyon." 

Of Fiffy Shaw Plays 

Only Three Filmed 

NEW YORK—Of the 50 plays by the laU 

George Bernard Shaw, only three were filmed 

all in England. They were "Pygmalion." produced 

by Alexander Korda and released bj 

MGM in 1938: "Major Barbara," also produced 

by Korda and released here by Uniteo 

Artists in 1941, and "Caesar and Cleopatra,' 

produced by J, Ai-thur Rank and released bj 

United Artists in 1946. Gabriel Pascal, whc 

co-produced "Caesar" with Rank, is planning 

a production of Shaw's "Androcles and thf 

Lion" in England in 1951 with Rex Harrisor 

and Jean Simmons starred. 

On Broadway, two of Shaw's plays, "Arms 

and the Man" and Mrs. Warren's Profession" 

are current and productions of severa 

others are planned for the 1950-51 season 

His "The Devil's Disciple" and "Caesar anc 

Cleopatra" were successes of the 1949-5( 

theatrical season. 

Shaw died November 2 at the age of 9< 

in his cottage on the outskirts of Ayot, St 

Lawrence, England, village of 110. He cami 

home a month ago from a nearby hospital 

where he had spent 24 days after a fall whih 

trimming a fruit tree September 10. 

Astor Has Shaw Short 

NEW YORK—Astor Pictures Corp. will re 

lease "Bernard Shaw's Village," a short pro 

duced in England last year by United Motioi 

Pictures, for its first showing in the U.S 

It was filmed entirely in his little Ayot St 

Lawrence village and Danny Kaye, who vis 

ited Shaw last year, is also seen. It run 

ten minutes. 

Military Display to Open 

'Breakthrough' in Strand 

NEW YORK—Warner Bros, will stage 

. 

big military demonstration for the premier 

of "Breakthrough" at the Strand Thursda 

(16). In the audience will be officers of th 

First army, veterans of the Normandy cam. 

paign in World War II, wounded veteran 

of the Korean fighting, society and civi 

leaders, and the mayor and all five boroug' 

presidents of the city. 

The First army band and officers fror 

Washington and West Point are also ex 

pected to take part. 

'Blue Angel' to Carnegie 

NEW YORK—"The Blue Angel," the Ger 

man picture which brought stardom to Mai 

lene Dietrich, will be reissued by Classic, 

Pictures and open at the Little Carnegi 

Theatre late in November. The pictun 

which stars the late Emil Jannings and W8 

directed by Jo.sef von Sternberg, has nc 

been shown in the U.S. for nearlv two decade 

IMPO to Entertain Swedes 

NEW YORK—The International Motio 

Picture Organization, a group of importer 

will entertain delegates of the Swedish ir 

dustry at a luncheon recently at the Asto 

The delegates are Carl A, Dymling, Gusts 

Scheutz and Rune Walderki-anz, who ha\ 

been in Hollywood as guests of the Motic 

Picture Ass'n of Ajnerica. 

44 

BOXOFFICE : 

11, 19E

' 

Two 

, 

(London). 

I viUe 

' 

BUFFALO 

Two New Films Good 

On Mild Broadway 

NEW YORK—Weekend rain, followed by 

mother spell of mild weather, kept many 

jatrons away from the film palaces, and 

!31ection day saw the smallest crowds on 

j-ecord strolling along the main stem. Two 

hew pictures. "I'll Get By" and "Harriet 

braig." had strong opening weeks at the Para- 

'TiGunt and Loew's State, respectively, but 

nany holdovers dropped to far below normal. 

"The Miniver Story," which received poor 

eviews. played only two weeks at the Radio 

:ity Music Hall, the shortest run there in 

'ight months, despite the fact that previous 

ireer Garson pictures broke records. Clark 

Trable's "To Please a Lady" also played to 

mly two weeks of average business at the 

bapitol and Errol Flynn's "Rocky Mountain" 

vas just slightly above average in its first 

veek at the Strand. However, "All About 

ive" continued strong in its fourth week at 

ihe Roxy and "Deported" had a good opening 

veek at the Criterion. 

widely heralded pictures, "American 

juerrilla in the Philippines" and "King Solonon's 

Mines," opened during the week at 

he Astor and Radio City Music Hall, repectively. 

Other new pictures were "Devil's 

doorway," "Undercover Girl," "Tripoli," "The 

fireball," and "Prelude to Fame" which 

tarted a first run policy at the Trans-Lux 

2nd Street. 

(Average Is 100) 

slor—Edge of Doom (RKO), 6 days of 14th wk 50 

i)OU—The Red Shoes (ELC), 107th wk. of twoa-day 

98 

:apiloI—To Please a Lady (MGM), plus stage 

show, 2nd wk 100 

rilenon—Deported (U-I) _...!! 

;iobe—Walk Sollly, Stranger (RKO), 4th wk 75 

ittle Carnegie—The Happiest Days of Your Life 

8th wk 90 

oew's State—Harriet Craig (Col) - 120 

faylair—Louisa (U-1), 2nd wk ICO 

alace—Southside 1-1000 (Mono-AA), plus vaude- 

110 

aramount—I'll Get By (20th-Fox), plus stage 

• show 115 

ark Avenue—The Mad Queen (Azteca), 2nd wk... 9(3 

adio City Music Hall—The Miniver Story (MGM), 

plus stage show, 2nd wk ............100 

ivoli—Two Flags West (20th-Fox), 4th wk 85 

oxy—All About Eve (20th-Fox), plus stage show, 

4th wk 120 

trand—Rocky Mountain (WB), plus stage show....l08 

[ulton—Trio (Para), 4th wk 125 

rons-Lux Madison Avenue — Kind Hearts and 

Coronets (ELC), 21st wk 90 

ictoria—Slate Secret (Col), 5th wk 98 

Buffalo Paced by 'Right Cross,' 

itage Bill at Shea's Buffalo 

— Shea's Buffalo, with Dick 

faymes heading a stage show and "Right 

iross" on the screen, did the top business 

ff the week here. The Paramount also enbyed 

a very satisfactory week with "So 

'oung, So Bad," and "If This Be Sin." "All 

bout Eve" crowded the center all week and 

ill go into another seven days with a third 

eek a possibility. 

aifalo—Right Cross (MGM), plus stage 

enter—All About Eve (20th-Fox) 

entury-The Next Voice You Hear . . . 

mema—City Lights (UA), reissue 

itayette—Wyoming Mail (U-I) 

iramount—So Young, So Bad (UA).... 

ick—To Please a Lady (MGM). 2nd 

.110 

hiladelphia Business Down; 

3nce a Thief Leads at 130 

PHILADELPHIA — Although the weather 

, 

;rked up to give Philadelphia a week of 

idian summer, business at first run situaons 

remained depressing. The best aver- 

AT TRADESHOWING—Any calls for the author at the tradescreenlng of 

RKO's, 

"Never a Dull Moment" would have been answered by Kay Swift who attended the 

show. Shown at the Paris Theatre in New York, left to right, are George Freedley, 

curator of the theatre collection of the New Yoric public library; S. Barret McCormick, 

RKO advertising director; Miss Swift, and Edgar Van Blohm, theatre manager. 

age was scored by the Stanton with 130 for 

"Once a Thief." 

Aldine—Hamlet (U-I) - - 70 

Boyd—The Miniver Story (MGM) 95 

Earl^Deporled (U-I); Cassino to Korea (Para).... 55 

Fox—All About Eve (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 80 

Goldman—To Please a Lady (MGM), 2iid wk 75 

Mastbaum—Rio Grande (Rep) 105 

Randolph—The Next Voice You Hear . . 

." 

(MGM) -105 

Stanley—Copper Canyon (Para), 2nd wk 50 

Stanton—Once a Thief (UA).. 130 

Greenblatt Holds First 

Of 3 Lipped Regionals 

NEW YORK—Arthur Greenblatt, general 

sales manager for Lippert Pictures, Inc., presided 

at the first of three regional sales 

first three quarters of this year are reported 

by Jack Prye, president of General Aniline 

and Film Corp. The net income for the 1950 

period amounted to $5,120,000 on net sales of 

$69,468,000, compared with a 1949 net income 

of $3,236,000 and net sales of $59,545,000. The 

1950 earnings are equal to $7 a share on the 

527,661 shares of class A common stock and 

70 cents a share on the 2,050,000 class B 

shares. Frye said the improvement was largely 

due to an increase in volume which permitted 

a reduction in unit costs. 

Schwalberg to Aid Salute 

NEW YORK—Alfred W. Schwalberg, president 

of Paramount Distributing Corp., has 

been named national distribution chairman 

of the entertainment industry's Christmas 

Salute to the Will Rogers Memorial hospital 

by Robert Mochrie. national chairman. 

Michigan Campaign 

On 'Let's Dance' 

NEW YORK—A Michigan campaign on 

"Let's Dance," starring Betty Hutton and 

Fred Astaire, will feature a tri-city opening 

at the Michigan Theatre, Detroit, November 

16: the Michigan Theatre, Lansing, November 

18. and the Bijou Theatre, Battle Creek, November 

20. There will be homecoming celebrations 

for Miss Hutton, who was born in 

Battle Creek, and her mother, Mabel Hutton, 

who lived in the state for many years. Participating 

with Paramount in the campaign 

will be the United Detroit and Butterfield 

meetings at the Hotel Warwick Saturday and 

circuits. 

Sunday (11,12). Lippert franchise holders attending 

were Harry J. Arren, Toronto; Bert Homecoming celebrations will begin November 

15 when Miss Hutton is to receive the 

Stearn, Pittsburgh, and Arthur Lockwood, 

Boston. Lippert eastern branch managers keys of the city from the mayor of Detroit, 

were present also. The second regional meeting 

is scheduled for the Hotel Muehlebach, press and radio, revisit her childhood school 

entertain exhibitors and members of the 

Kansas City, November 18, 19, and the third and appear on a radio show. A dance carnival 

will be held in San Francisco later in with prizes will be staged outside the Michigan 

Theatre before the picture opens that 

November. 

evening. She will visit the Chrysler plant 

November 17. Her mother worked there nine 

General Aniline Income 

years. She will also visit the Crippled Children's 

hospital. 

Exceeds That of 1949 

Details are being completed by Earl Hudson 

NEW YORK—Improved earnings for the of United Detroit, Monty Gowthorpe, Butterfield 

chief; Alice Gorham, advertising-publicity 

director of United Detroit; Oliver 

Brooks, who holds the same position with 

Butterfield; Jerry Pickman of the home office 

and Milt Hale, field representative. 

Italian Market Curbed 

WASHINGTON—High ad valorem duties 

and limitations in licenses to open new theatres 

have curbed the theatre equipment market 

in Italy, Commerce department film chief 

Nathan D. Golden reported this week. Only 

a few samples of German equipment, mostly 

projectors, have been imported. The Italian 

government is issuing licenses for new theatres 

only when old theatres close, Golden 

said. Nevertheless, by the end of 1950 it is 

estimated that the total number of theatres 

will reach 8,000. 

OXOFFICE November 11, 1950 4S

. . Sidney 

. . Branch 

. . "Doc" 

. . Jerry 

WAS H I 

N G T O N 

. . . The 

Effective November 12, theatres in Salisbury 

will present Sunday shows 

Marty Kutner's named their new son Robin 

Michael Deneau, Eagle Lion 

Classics 

. 

home office, visited the local exchange. 

lATSE Local F-13 has nominated the following 

officers: President. Agnes Turner and 

George Sullivan: vice-president. Luther 

Buchanan; corresponding secretary, Mrs. 

Willie Benick; financial secretary. Lillian 

Lee: treasurer, Alice Reighly and Charles 

Groff: board of trustees. Myrtle Friess, Mildred 

McDonald, Grace Stein, Ethel Risdon 

and Alice Reighly: guardian. Fred Van Langen: 

executive board. Max Rutledge, George 

Sullivan. Henry Ajello. Jack Kohler, Walter 

Bangs, Hazel McCarthy, Jesse Smith and 

Edward Kushner: business agent, Sara S. 

Young. President Turner appointed this 

committee for the annual dinner dance and 

installation of officers in January: Louise 

Winfield, Marcia Parnell, Mildred McDonald 

and James Collins. 

. 

Clark Davis, general manager of District 

Theatres, has been confined to his home with 

pneumonia for the last ten days . . . Rose 

Gonella. U-I, has resigned Westfall, 

president of Theatres, Inc., spent several 

days in Washington lining up bookings for 

the Rives and Rex theatres in Martinsville, 

Va., and the Ritz, Danville, Va. 

Bemie Depkin jr., Martinsville, Va., now is 

living in Coral Gables, Fla. . . . E. M. Loew 

has closed the Mount Vernon Drive-In, Alexandria, 

Va., and the Governor Ritchie Drive- 

In, Glenburnie, Md., as of November 11. 

At 20th-Fox new clerk-typists in the cashier's 

department are Marie Schriver and 

Dorothy Evans . Manager Glenn 

Norris held a sales meeting of his Dollar 

Delivery crew Monday afternoon . . . Ashley 

Abendschein, Ashley Theatre, and his wife 

attended the Pimlico races . . . Sam Egert, 

Gem, has a new Chevrolet . Wagner, 

Dupont, still is in Georgetown hospital 

recovering after a recent operation. 

The K-B circuit is putting on an extensive 

exploitation campaign with the showing of 

"Mister 880," in cooperation with all supermarkets 

in the vicinity. To all persons whose 

sales checks total $8.80 free passes to the 

K-B theatre in their neighborhood are given. 

Any person who brings in a dollar bill with 

the numbers 880 on the bill also receive 

The Fairlawn Amusement 

free passes . . . 

Co. is exploiting "Destination Moon" with a 

man dressed in a space suit and standing in 

front of the theatres. 

Featured Roles in 'Korea' 

Featured roles have been handed to Brett 

King, Larry Stewart, Tommy Farrell and 

William Tannen in "Rookie in Korea," a Columbia 

picture. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE 

Pre-Fab Steel Screen Towers 

and Pre-Fab 

The Washington premiere of Warners' 

"Breakthrough" last week featured personal 

appearance by Suzanne Dalbert. femme lead, 

and a concert by the army band. Miss Dalbert 

preceded her stage bow with two days 

of intensive press, radio and TV interviews 

. . . Mr. and Mrs. John S. Horton became 

parents of a daughter, Evlyn Spencer. Horton 

is studio representative in Washington 

for U-I. Mrs. Horton is the former Edith 

"Drucie" Snyder, daughter of Secretary of 

the Treasury John Snyder. 

Philippine Films Gain, 

Nathan Golden Reports 

WASHINGTON—Philippine-produced films 

are becoming stronger competitors to foreign 

imports because producers have been 

able to improve their facilities and consequently 

the quality of their pictures, the 

Commerce department reported this week. 

However, the expansion of production there 

is being seriously impeded by tlie impact 

of exchange and import controls, and by 

raw stock shortages. Commerce film chief 

Nathan D. Golden said. 

One of the principal forward steps taken 

recently, he said, was the opening of the 

new studios of Premiere Productions, including 

a new color-processing laboratory. LVN 

Pictures also is installing a color laboratory, 

he reported. With the addition of these facilities, 

time and money now spent sending 

color films to the United States for processing 

can be eliminated. 

Co-Chairmen Re-elected 

At Nat'l Conference 

WASHINGTON—Charles E. Wilson, president 

of General Electric Co.; Roger W. 

Straus, chairman of the American Smelting 

and Refining Co., and Thomas E. Braniff, 

president of Braniff International Airways, 

were re-elected national co-chairmen of the 

National Conference of Christians and Jews 

at the 22nd annual meeting at the Hotel 

Mayflower. The three-day meeting opened 

Pi-iday (10) and was to close Sunday. Other 

officers elected were Dr. Everett R. Clinchy, 

president; Herbert J. Osborne, treasurer: Dr. 

Sterling W. Brown, general director, and 

Robert A. Ashworth, secretary. 

'Fury' Field Men Busy 

NEW YORK—Four field 

men are working 

on opening campaigns for Robert Stillman's 

"The Sound of Fury," UA release. Irving 

Rubine, vice-president in charge of publicity 

and advertising, is supervising the job. Harold 

Salemson is working on the Granada 

Theatre campaign at South Bend, Dick 

Weaver is on the Palace Theatre job at 

Huntington, W. Va., John Markle, State, 

Lincoln, Neb., and Murray Roman, Victoria, 

Wheehng, W. Va. All dates will begin November 

15, 16. These are test engagements. 

Two Companies Merge 

Henry Rogers-Warren Cowan and Mack 

Millar, two public relations firms, have 

merged as National Public Relations Associates. 

SHOOT AT WASHINGTON — Robert 

Walker, Alfred Hitchcock and Farley 

Granger are shown at the Union Station 

in Washington where they are shooting 

scenes for "Strangers on a Train," which 

Hitchcock is directing for Warners. 

John Davis Sees Increase 

In Canadian Business 

TORONTO—Visiting here for a periodi 

conference with Canadian Odeon and Eagl 

Lion officials in behalf of J. Arthur Rank 

John Davis expressed himself as pleasei 

with the business advancement of the com 

panics here in the past two years. 

Referring to television, Davis remarked tha 

TV had made little difference to theatre 

in the United Kingdom, but the chief bur 

den there was taxation. He intimated thai 

Rank had no film production plans for Can, 

ada because of the foreign exchange situa; 

tion, the only alternative being for such pic 

tures to be financed by Canadian money. 

ELC Will Honor Kranze 

During Heineman Drive 

NEW YORK—Eagle Lion Classics will pa 

tribute to Bernard G. Kranze, general sale 

manager, by designating the two weeks be 

ginning November 25 in the current Bi" 

Heineman drive contest as "Bernie Kran/ 

Weeks." according to Milton E. Cohen, easier; 

division manager and drive captain. 

The drive, which began September 16 an 

ends March 2, 1951, is a $63,000 prize contes 

open to all ELC sales personnel. 

Air Plugs for 'Guerrilla' 

NEW YORK—Six radio plugs an hoi^ 

were put on by the American Broadcastin 

Co. Tuesday (7i while an estimated 3.300,0r 

persons in the New York metropolitan are 

were listening to election returns. The plug 

which were on "American Guerrilla in tl" 

Philippines," were arranged by Charles Eir^ 

feld, vice-president in charge of publicity 

advertising and exploitation. 

; 

'Trio' Bow in Capital City 

WASHINGTON—Paramount Pictures ar 

the Playhoikse Theatre will premiere Somers' 

Maugham's "Ti-io" in Washington Tuesdt 

(14) as a tribute to the work of the Wasl 

ington hospital committee of the America 

Theatre Wing. The list of sponsors for tl 

invitational opening is headed by Mrs. Har. 

S. Truman, and includes Mrs. Perle Mesf 

minister to 

Luxemburg, and other notable.' 


I 

I 

i 

ALBANY—The federal ban on theatre con- 

struction seems to be generally welcomed by 

i 

I exhibitors 

I 

. . Hellman's 

. . Filmrow 

. . Dave 

. . 

T 

Building Curb Liked 

In Albany Area 

in this area. Three reasons were 

advanced: The ban will eliminate for the 

duration threats of new competition; current 

poor grosses make unpalatable the idea 

of spending large amounts on construction 

or rehabilitation, and high costs of materials 

and labor have deflated in many spots the 

urge to build or modernize on a large scale. 

Drive-in owners openly expressed pleasure 

over the ban because they face a stronger 

threat of new competition than regular theatres 

since the cost of constructing a drive-in 

is considerably less than that for a conventional 

theatre, and land being plentiful and 

comparatively cheap in suburban areas. 

The W. W. Farley-Klein brothers Catskill 

Drive-In. on which work started last season, 

only to be halted in August, will be completed 

for 1951 operation since the materials 

had been purchased long before the ban. 

Another Farley project, an indoor theatre 

near the Lathams traffic circle, will have 

to be deferred. 

Charles A. Smakwitz. Warner zone manager, 

said several substantial improvement 

jobs in the circuit's upstate theatres would 

be put on ice. 

Stanley Kramer Receives 

Special One World Award 

NEW YORK—Stanley Kramer was presented 

a special One World Award Thursday 

(9) at ceremonies in the United Artists 

projection room. The presentation was made 

by Benjamin Cohen, assistant secretary of 

the United Nations, after a screening of 

"Cyrano de Bergerac" for members of the 

One World Award committee. 

Kramer was chosen for the award after 

delegates to the One World meeting held 

in San Remo last August had seen his 

pictures. "Home of the Brave" and "The 

Men." The decision of the delegates was 

later approved by the executive committee. 

The citation says the choice was made 

"for his courageous and realistic approacii 

in pictures, which have broken new ground 

in presenting controversial issues." 

Film Executives Arrange 

Conrad Hilton Dinner 

NEW YORK—Barney Balaban, Y. Prank 

Freeman, Spyros P. Skouras and Gen. Will 

H. Hays are members of a committee of 

150 arranging a dinner in honor of Conrad 

Hilton, president of the Hilton Hotels Corp.. 

sponsored by the National Conference of 

Christians and Jews, to be held November 

21 at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. 

Andrews Is Signed Again 

NEW YORK—Herbert Andrews has been 

made art director of the Louis DeRochemont 

film, "The Whistle at Eaton Falls," now 

being shot on location at Portsmouth, N. H. 

He was also art director of the previous De 

Rochemont film, "Lost Boundaries," and has 

. been connected with the Roxy Theatre here 

|l 

in a similar capacity for a number of years. 

SHORTS CHIEF VISITS STUDIO — 

During: a nationwide survey tour of 

branch cities Oscar A. Morgan (right), 

Paramount short subjects and newsreel 

sales chief, visited the studio in Hollywood. 

He expressed optimism as concerns 

increased demands for newsreels and 

shorts. Morgan is shown here with Richard 

Czinner, co-producer of "The New 

Pioneers," two-reel documentary on 

Israel which Paramount is releasing. 

Children's Film Shows 

Offer TV Competition 

NEW YORK—Successful competition with 

daytime television shows aimed at juveniles 

is being offered by special children film shows 

built around selected short subjects, according 

to Oscar A. Morgan, Paramount general 

sales manager for .short .subjects and for 

Paramount News. 

Morgan said the short subjects and newsreel 

situation looks much better than it did 

a year ago. He said the Telenews Theatre, 

Chicago, has followed the example of several 

local newsreel houses in restoring an allnewsreel 

policy, and that many regular theatres 

have reinstated newsreels as a part of 

their daily program. He attributed this to 

interest in hostilities in Asia and unsettled 

conditions In western Europe. Morgan is touring 

company branches in the U.S. and 

Canada. 

New K-B Ontario Theatre 

Started in Washington 

WASHINGTON—Contracts 

and equipment 

deals were completed just before the government 

ban on amusement type construction 

became effective, and preliminary work started 

by Kogod-Burka Theatres on the 1,300- 

seat Ontario Theatre at 17th and Columbia 

road in northwest Washington. 

Fred Boucher, general manager, said Bodiform 

seats will be installed, the contract having 

been signed by Fred S. Kogod, president, 

and Fred Van Slooten, representing the American 

Seating Co. 

The house, planned as one of the most 

luxurious in the east, will be completed early 

next spring. 

ALB ANy 

, . . 

. 

Oandy Miller, manager of the Menands 

Drive-In who is to be married Sunday 

to Eleanor Yaguda, was given a bachelor's 

dinner at the DeWitt Clinton hotel. Miller's 

father and drive-in partner is Joe 

Miller, one-time Columbia manager here 

Irene Smith, secretary, represented Warner 

Theatres Zone manager Charles A. Smakwitz 

at a meeting of more than 60 physicians and 

laymen from 16 counties of eastern New 

York held in the DeWitt Clinton hotel to 

discuss plans for the 1951 American Heart 

Ass'n drive. Smakwitz is co-chairman for 

Albany county Paramount 

handed free ice cream to the first 300 children 

entering Saturday's matinee of "Treasure 

of Monte Cristo" and "Bomba on Panther 

Island." 

The current "On Your Mark. We're Set, 

You Go" campaign was discussed at a meeting 

in Gloversville of Schine zone managers 

and bookers. Speakers included Louis W. 

Schine. Gus Lampe, Bernard Diamond. Bill 

Kraemer and Seymour L. Morris. Among 

those attending were Lou Hart, Watertown; 

Harry Unterfort, Syracuse; Clayt Young, 

Geneva; Gus DePauw, Rochester; Harold 

Raives, Cleveland and Cincinnati; Harold 

Sliter, Lexington, Ky.; Harold DeGraw, 

Maryland; Myi'on Gross, Buffalo; Chris Pope, 

Albany, and Gus Lynch, Washington. The 

general message was, "Roll up your sleeves 

and work harder." 

Four Schine theatres, the Avon in Watertown, 

the Rialto in Glens Falls, the Glove 

in Gloversville, the Rialto in Amsterdam and 

the Capitol in Ilion, are playing vaudeville 

as a supplement to pictures, varying from 

one to three days a week . callers 

included Bob Flockhart of Corinth, Sam 

Davis of Phoenicia, Jules Perlmutter of 

Watervliet and Lake George, and Isidore 

Berinstein of Schenectady . Willig 

closed the Auto-Vision at East Greenbush 

October 27, six days later than last year . 

Fabian's Mohawk Drive-In on the Albany- 

Schenectady road closed November 6. Virtually 

all ozoners in the immediate Albany 

area now are dark. 

Leland patrons won two jackpots the first 

night Manager Pat Patterson officiated at 

Banko following his return to work. Patterson 

had been ill for three months . . . Mrs. 

Chris Pope and her daughter Stephanie, born 

October 7, were due to arrive in Albany by 

plane from Washington Sunday (5). Mrs. 

Pope had been in Washington for the last 

two months. Her husband, a Schine booker, 

was to drive from Gloversville to meet them 

here. 

Screen rights to Don Gordon's screenplay. 

"War Bonnet," based on the novel by L. L. 

Foreman, have been purchased for Paramount 

production. 

FORT LAUDERDALE ARTS. FOR LEASE BY YEAR 

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Daily Maid Service; Utilities & Linens Furnished; Shuffleboard Courts; Secluded Patio with 

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above to sleep 6. Write Box 1102, c/o BOXOFFICE, 1009 Fox BIdg., Detroit 1, Mich. 

BOXOFTICE November 11, 1950 47

. . Eastern 

. . 

. . 

. . Betty 

PHILADELPHIA 

CJtanley-Warner theatres here and some independent 

houses, including the A. M. 

Ellis chain, have reduced their advertising 

in the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily 

News. Spokesmen for the exhibitors claim 

the action is part of an economy drive to 

eliminate duplication of promotion efforts. 

They also say that the move may prove 

temporary. 

Suzanne Dalbert. who plays the only feminine 

role in "Breakthrough," appeared in 

person at the Stanley premiere Thursday 

(9) . . . Bill Wolf and Joe Conway, who 

managed the Nixon-Nirdliner circuit 20 years 

ago. now are operating the Wayne in Germantown. 

They reopened the shuttered house 

and will introduce a policy of class and foreign 

films. 

Civic leaders, ministers and educators attended 

the premiere of the 16mm "Again 

Pioneers" Wednesday (8) at the Asbury university 

Methodist church. The Rev. Anthony 

Vasquez, member of the committee on audiovisual 

aids of the Philadelphia Council of 

Churches, was chairman . Enterprises 

has taken over the amusement interests 

of Henry Otto and his family in Mount 

Gretna Park, Pa. 

. 

John Cahill of S-W's contact office was 

Moe Sherman. Screen 

in the hospital . . . 

Guild salesman, was in Jewish hospital . . . 

Sam Varbalow's brother-in-law died 

Jack Engel and Harry Brillman were to 

attend the November 11. 12 Lippert sales 

meeting at the Warwick hotel. Branch managers 

and franchise holders of eastern exchange 

centers will be present. The meeting 

will be conducted by Arthur Greenblatt, 

general sales manager. 

Paramount Decorating Co. is redecorating 

Abe and Dave Altman's Rialto Theatre . 

Dave Hirsch. owner of the Century, has 

been praised by Cardinal Dougherty on the 

showing of "The Holy Year at the Vatican." 

Wurtele's Great Northern Theatre has tied 

. . . Eddie 

in Catholic .schools and churches in his 

neighborhood on the same short 

Gabriel's Capital film exchange now is disf 

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'KING' BEST OF MONTH — Howard 

Uietz. right, MOM vice-president and 

director of advertising, publicity and exploitation, 

receives the plaque presented 

by the Christian Herald, in association 

with the Protestant Motion Picture council, 

for "King Solomon's Mines" as the 

best picture for the month of November. 

William McVey jr., eastern representative 

of the Christian Herald, makes the 

presentation in New York. 

tributing "Flying Saucer," a short subject 

which will have its first run at the Stanton. 

Louis Astor, Columbia sales executive, was 

here in connection with the Montague 

Sweepstakes sales and liquidating drive . . . 

Max Miller, ELC tubthumper, was in upstate 

New York beating the bushes in behalf of 

his exchange's product. 

Charles Kaselman, MGM booker, was on 

vacation in Florida McCaffrey 

Ziegler, UA office 

. 

manager, was in New 

Orleans with her husband on vacation . . . 

Twentieth-Fox home office representatives 

Ed Dymian, Morris Caplan and Roger Ferry 

were here for a dinner at the Warwick 

hotel, hosted by Paul Terry of Terrytoon 

cartoons, who came in from New Rochelle, 

N. Y., with William Weiss, general manager 

of Terrytoons. The dinner was given for 

local bookers, salesmen and bookers' stenographers 

for their efforts in the last cartoon 

Walt Donohue has resigned as 

drive . . . 

office manager at Columbia. Harvey 

Schwartz, formerly with S-W, took over the 

position. 

Russell Markert Abroad 

NEW YORK—Russell Markert, one of the 

stage show producers at Radio City Music 

Hall, left by plane for London on a threeweek 

talent search. He will see shows and 

catch acts throughout the continent. 

Print Schary Book Excerpts 

HOLLYWOOD—E.xcerpts from "Case History 

of a Movie," a just-published book by 

Dora Schary, MGM production chieftain, 

have been selected by the National Board of 

Review for publication in the November issue 

of its official magazine, "Films in Review." 

Miss Skouras to Debut 

NEW YORK—Odyssia A. Skouras, daughter 

of George P. Skouras, president of 

Skouras Theatres Corp., will be presented 

at the Gotham ball on Thanksgiving night 

at the St. Regis roof. Pi'oceeds will go to 

the New York Foundling hospital. 

File Exhibitor Class Suit 

Against National Screen 

PHILADELPHIA—Max M. Korr and Loen 

W. Korr have started suit against National 

Screen Service Corp. and various motion picture 

distributors in the U.S. district court 

here. 

The suit is a class action on behalf of all 

the motion picture exhibitors in the U.S. 

claiming that National Screen Service and 

the other defendants monopolized the motion 

picture advertising industry in violation 

of the antitrust laws and as a result have 

forced the motion picture exhibitors to pay 

excessive prices for trailers and advertising 

accessories. 

The Korrs, who own six theatres in the 

Allentown area of Pennsylvania, ask that the 

defendants be compelled to pay triple damages 

to themselves and the other motion picture 

exhibitors in the U.S. and also seek 

injunctive relief. 

The suit charges that National Screen and 

the 17 companies have agreements under 

which National Screen has exclusive rights to 

manufacture and distribute advertising materials 

for films, such as previews and various 

kinds of posters. 

The co-defendant companies are: Loew's, 

Inc., 20th Century-Fox, RKO, Columbia, 

United Artists. Eagle Lion. Film Cla.ssics. 

Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal. Monogram 

and Republic distribution and production 

companies. 

McCormick Head of MPAA 

Ad-Pub Directors Unit 

NEW YORK— S. 

Barret McCormick, RKO 

advertising-publicity director, was made 

chairman of the advertising and publicity 

directors committee of the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of America at a meeting Wednesday 

(8). The term is for six months. McCormick 

succeeds Arthur A. Schmidt. Columbia advertising, 

publicity and exploitation director, 

who was given a unanimous vote of thanks 

for his services. 

Ai'thur L. Mayer, executive vice-president 

of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations, 

and Charles E. McCarthy, information 

officer, described COMPO public relations 

activities, and the committee reaffirmed full 

cooperative support of COMPO. 

Call Off Puerto Rican Trip 

For 'Cyrano' Opening 

NEW YORK—Stanley Kramer's plan to 

take a group of Hollywood personalities and 

newspaper and magazine writers to Puerto 

Rico for a preliminary opening of "Cyrano de 

Bergerac" in Jose Ferrer's birthplace has 

been called off as a result of the recent disturbances 

there. The group was to have 

gone by air November 10 as guests of the 

Puerto Rican government. 

"Cyrano" will open at the Bijou Theatre 

Thursday (16) for an extended two-a-day, 

reserved seat run at $2.40 top. Extra performances 

will be put on Satiu'days, Sundays 

and holidays at 5;30 p. m., with a late 

show Saturdays. 

Signs TV Singer 

Producer Wally Kline has signed Jacqueline 

Fontaine, nightclub and TV singer, for the 

femme lead in "Skipalong Rosenbloom Meets 

Jesse James." 


. . Bill 

, . Manager 

. . The 

. . . Pete 

. . Frank 

. . Charlie 

. . Dave 

'Samson' General Date 

Set for January 15 

DALLAS—A. W. Schwalberg, president of 

Paramount Film Distributing Corp., told the 

opening session of the regional sales meeting 

here on Friday (3) that "Samson and Delilah" 

would go into general release January 15. The 

gathering at the Stoneleigh hotel was made 

up of branch managers, sales supervisors and 

field men from the central, south-central and 

western divisions. 

The Cecil B. DeMille production will be 

one of nine top bracket pictures to be distributed 

by the company during the first 

four months of 1951. Release of two top "A" 

films per month is part of the company's 

program. 

In addition to "Samson," the schedule for 

January will include "Branded," a Technicolor 

western, and "The Goldbergs." 

During February the list will include Hal 

Wallis' "September Affair," and "The Great 

Missouri Raid," in Technicolor. 

The March list will include "Quebec," in 

Technicolor, and Bob Hope's "The Lemon 

Drop Kid." The April offering will be "The 

Redhead and the Cowboy" and "Something 

to Live For." 

The gathering continued through Sunday 

afternoon (5). Schwalberg discussed driveins, 

group selling, the need for aiding small 

independent exhibitors and for observing all 

the trade practice provisions of the antitrust 

decree. He urged all branch managers 

to keep in touch with the home office and 

to report frankly on local situations and problems. 

INCORPORATIONS 

Lapidus Service Center. Inc.: Formed to furnish 

amusements to the public in Bethel, Sullivan county; 

100 shares, no par. 

Picture Films Corp of New York: I 

ilal stock from $5,000 to $10,000. 

Abby Television Inc.: Theatrical business in New 

York; $5,000. 

North American Films Ltd.: Motion picture and 

theatrical business in New York; 200 shares no par. 

Carman Drive-In: To operate a drive-in theatre; 

ofhces in Schenectady; $40,000, $100 par; John Uarotta, 

Peter Marotta, Sarah Marotta, 248 East Main 

St., Amsterdam. This is the corporate setup for the 

Carman Drive-In which the Marottas have been 

operating at McCormick's Comers in Guilderland 

since October 1949. 

First Run Films: New York, dissolved. 

H&R Properties: Theatrical business in New York; 

100 shares, no par; William Shea, Michael Roth, 

Samuel J. Ohringer, 150 Broadway. 

Paerdegat Amusement Corp.: Kings county, reduced 

capital stock from $850,000 to $175,000. 

Art Film Productions: Motion picture business in 

New York; 100 shares, no par. 

Zenith Features: Motion picture business in New- 

York; 200 shares, no par. 

Interstate Theatre Service Corp.: Dissolved. 

Idlewild Drive-In Theatre: Queens county; 200 

shares, no par. 

Silliphont Heads New Unit 

For 'Paradise' Promotion 

NEW YORK—Stirling Silliphant, promotion 

manager for 20th Centiu-y-Pox, has been 

named by Charles Einfeld as head of a 

special promotion unit set up for "Bird of 

Paradise," Technicolor production, which is 

scheduled for release during Easter week. 

TKSTI.MOM VL DINNER GUESTS—Helping to celebrate Jim Fater's promotion 

to the managership of the Buffalo Columbia exchange at a testimonial dinner in 

Syracuse were, left to right, Elmer F. Lux, general manager of Darnell Theatres; 

Arnold Febrey, RKO salesman; Harry VVeincr, Columbia division manager; Fater, 

George Miller, Republic salesman and Harry Berinstein, president of Cornell Theatres 

of Ithaca. Fater was salesman for Columbia in Syracuse for many years. 

BUFFALO 

Duffalo Filmrow friends of Ed Catlin, former 

local WB manager, hear that Ed is back 

on the job after .several months of illness, 

and now is covering the Toledo territory 

for Warners as salesman . Harry 

Weiner of the Syracuse Eckel gave passes to 

"Steamboat Round the Bend" to the first 

ten persons bringing a written list of at least 

three Will Rogers pictures they saw at the 

Eckel with the title and year it was screened. 

Carol Grim won the Shea's Kensington- 

Kiwanis club talent search and will go to 

New York to audition for Ted Mack's Original 

Amateur hour on TV. The Shea house 

attracted a lot of business through the contest 

put on over a period of several weeks 

... A stage .show featuring Dick Haymes, 

Eileen Barton and the Three Stooges attracted 

crowds to the Buffalo . 'Variety 

Club will nominate new crew candidates 

Monday (13). The election will be held 

November 27 . . . Jack Byrne, MGM eastern 

sales manager, conferred with local Manager 

Jack Mundstuk. 

Mrs. Ben Belinson of the Little Theatre 

in Rochester arranged for the American premiere 

of "Hue and Cry" in behalf of the 

Civic Cinema Ass'n. Tlie picture was produced 

in England at the Ealing studios . . . 

William P. Rosenow of Skyway Drive-In Theatres 

is continuing his Theatre Service Organization 

office at 505 Pearl St. all winter. 

He expects to handle some independent product 

. . . Jack Goldstein, manager at National 

Screen, almost fell out of his desk chair the 

other day when James H. Eshelman, district 

manager of the Buffalo Paramount Corp. 

called him up and ordered 50,000 heralds 

on "Let's Dance" to be used in a distribution 

tieup with a big Buffalo department store. 

. 

John Zimmerman, manager of the Niagara, 

is a cop by day and a theatre manager 

by night Brereton, director 

of advertising and publicity for Basil Theatres, 

. . . Joseph 

returned from a vacation 

B. Clements, manager of the Paramount, is 

using TV trailers on WBEN-TV to promote 

the showing soon of "Let's Dance." 

The Paramount and Regent in Rochester 

have completed the installation of new 

screens and projection equipment and also 

Charlie Kosco, 

new illumination units . . . 

20th-Pox manager, and Bill Graham, office 

. 

manager, journeyed to Gloversville to confer 

with Schine bookers Harter, 

office manager-booker at Columbia, and wife 

have adopted a baby boy, who will be a 

brother to their other child Terry . . "All 

, 

About Eve" is enjoying a record run at the 

Center Theatre. 

Edward J. Wall, Paramount field representative, 

worked with Charles B. Taylor, 

Paramount Theatres ad-pub chief here, on 

campaigns for "Tripoli" and "Let's Dance." 

A mammoth parade has been arranged for 

the former, in which Buffalo and western 

New York marines will participate, as well 

as five or six drum corps. There also will be 

a big advance lobby display, manned by 

marines, who also are using the choice location 

A boards for one-sheet posters all over 

western New York. 

Jules Pillar jr., son of Jules Pillar, former 

member of the Shea's Buffalo orchestra, has 

been appointed assistant manager at the ace 

Shea circuit house . . . Carl Rindcen, house 

manager at the Buffalo, is back on the job 

after a brief illness . J. Bradley, 

president of Automatic Equipment Co., and 

wife celebrated their 20th year in the candy 

vending machine business the other day by 

throwing a party for employes in their home. 

George H. Gammel, president of the MPTO 

of Western New York, is eating very lightly 

these days in preparation for the Thanksgiving 

party to be staged by Buffalo Court 

22, Royal Order of Jesters, in Hotel Markeen 

Becker, manager of the Cinema, 

new art house here, accompanied by a beautiful 

house cashier, visited critics, editors, 

radio folk, etc., presenting all with duplicates 

of the cane Chaplin used in "City Lights," 

current at the Cinema, with a note attached 

inviting recipients to see the picture. 

Harry Weiner, manager of the Eckel Theatre 

in Syracuse, has engaged Orlando Roberson 

as soloist for a month on Paul Forster's 

Organ Interlude program . Miller, 

U-I, distributor chairman, and James H. 

Eshelman, Buffalo Paramount, and George 

H. Mackenna, Lafayette Theatre, co-exhibitor 

chairmen for the motion picture industry 

in the Community Chest drive, did a 

great job in rounding up contributions. 

Marjorie Main has been signed for the 

leading comedy role in MGM's "Rich. Young 

and Pretty." 

BOXOFnCE November 11, 1950 49

' 

United Para, to Vote 

On Stock Options 

NEW YORK—United Paramount Theatres. 

Inc.. has sent out a call for a special meeting 

of stockholders to be held December 15 for 

the purpose of voting on the granting of 

options to purchase 250,000 shares of common 

by officers and employes. The options will be 

fixed at 95 per cent of the market price of 

the stock on the day the stockholders approve. 

Options on 125,000 shares will be issued as 

follows: Leonard H. Goldenson. president. 

75,000 .shares; Walter W. Gross, vice-president 

and general counsel, 12,500 shares; 

Robert M. Weitman, vice-president. 12.500; 

Edward L. Hyman. vice-president, 12,500, and 

Robert H. O'Brien, secretary and treasurer. 

12,500. The options on the remaining $125,- 

000 shares will go to 50 individuals to be 

selected by the management. 

Proxy statements are now being sent to 

stockholders. Outstanding voting securities 

at the close of business November 1 consisted 

of 3,261.371 shares of common. Of these, 

857,634 shares are held under a voting trust 

and the right to vote is vested in the Bank of 

New York and Fifth Avenue as voting trustee. 

In addition, there are outstanding options to 

purchase 40,000 shares of common stock of 

the corporation at any time prior to Dec. 28, 

1951. at $12.50 per share. Under the plan of 

reorganization of Paramount Pictures, Inc.. 

United Paramount Theatres assumed the 

obligation to take care of $500,000 in convertible 

notes issued in 1944 by Paramount 

Pictures to Barney Balaban. president. These 

notes were prepaid in January 1950 and at 

that time options for 40,000 shares were issued 

in lieu of the conversion privilege. 

Westrex Manager Leaves 

On Tour of the World 

NEW YORK—Reeve O. Strock, recording 

manager of Westrex Corp., subsidiary of the 

Western Electric Co., has left to visit 

branches around the world. His principal 

stops will be at Tokyo, Hong Kong, Jakarta. 

Singapore, Bombay, Madras, Karachi, Tel 

Aviv, Carlo and Rome. He is expected back 

late in December. 

Two managers have arrived here from outlying 

posts. They are D. Van Spankeren, 

manager of the Indonesian branch, who came 

from Holland where he visited relatives while 

en route from Jakarta, and W. H. Meisel, 

manager of the Puerto Rican branch, who 

.spent several days in Hollywood. 

'Hollywood Reel' Now 

On Ten TV Stations 

NEW YORK—Paramount Television Productions 

to date has signed ten television 

stations for the showing of "Hollywood Reel," 

a series of 26 programs in which more than 

50 Hollywood film celebrities appear. They 

are in Philadelphia, Norfolk, Boston, Bloomington, 

Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, 

Minneapolis, Oklahoma City and Salt 

Lake City. 

The commentator is Erskine Johnson and 

the cameraman is Coy Watson. Paramount 

acquired the distribution rights in July. 

Loew Foreign Staff Plans 

London Meet on 'Mines' 

NEW YORK—A three-day 

European sales 

and publicity convention to be held in London 

December 11 has been called by Morton 

A. Spring, first vice-president of Loew's International 

Corp., for discussion of sales plans 

on "King Solomon's Mines." The picture 

opens at the Empire Theatre on that date. 

This will be the first gathering of the kind 

on a single picture. David Lewis, sales director 

of continental Europe, North Africa and 

the Middle East, will preside. 

Among those who will attend will be the 

following managers; Cesar Alba, Spain; F. W. 

Norman Beckett. Germany; Olaf Borgesen, 

Denmark; George H. Chasanas, Egypt; Sverre 

Dulin, Norway; Leon Feldun, Israel; Jack 

Guggenheim, Switzerland; Ai-ne Hallin, 

Sweden; Robert Lacoste, France; Lazare 

Leon, Portugal; Abbe Drisin, Finland; 

Armando Massimelli, Italy; Seymour Moses, 

Holland, and Robert Schoham, Belgium. 

Twentieth-Fox Sets 123 

Dates for 'No Way Out' 

NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox has 

set 123 early dates throughout the U.S. for 

"No Way Out." 

Among dates set were the following key 

city engagements; Paramount, Syracuse; 

Hippodrome, Cleveland; Poll, Bridgeport; 

Metropolitan, Boston; Poll, Springfield, 

Mass.; Paramount, Toledo; Palace. Columbus; 

Harris, Pittsburgh; St. Louis, St. Louis; 

Poll, Worcester; Poll, Hartford; Capitol, Cincinnati; 

Buffalo, Buffalo; Circle, Indianapolis; 

Coliseum, Seattle; three Kansas City 

hou.ses; Lincoln, Springfield, 111.; Strand, 

Vancouver; D. M. and Roosevelt, Des Moines; 

State, Minneapolis; Poll, New Haven; Wisconsin, 

Milwaukee; Byrd and State, Richmond; 

Paramount. Portland; Paramount, 

Omaha; Orpheum and Boulevard, Wichita; 

Lincoln, Lincoln; Orpheum, Spokane; New, 

Baltimore; Capitol, Montreal; Paramount, 

Denver, and Grandin and Lee, Roanoke. 

Two U.S. Pictures Are Out 

Of West German Market 

FRANKFORT. GERMANY — Two U.S. 

films nave run into difficulties in Germany. 

German reaction to criticism by Orson Welles 

has led 20th Century-Fox to cancel its release 

of "The Black Rose," set for January. 

Attendance at "Pi-ince of Foxes," recently released, 

was bad after Welles was quoted in a 

French newspaper as saying that real anti- 

Nazis were as scarce as hen's teeth. Welles 

appears in both films. 

"The Informer," RKO film dealing with 

Irish rebellion against England, has been 

banned in western Germany by the voluntary 

censorship board representing the film 

industry. The reason given was that it might 

"disturb German relations with one of the 

western occupying powers." 

Germans Stall UFA Sale 

NEW YORK—Germans have tried to delay 

the sale of the $12,000,000 UFA Empire. 

The Bonn Ministry of Culture would override 

the order of the Allied high commission, 

calling for the auction to begin Wednesday 

NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CEMTER 

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

AFL Council to Ask 

Living-Cost Hikes 

HOLLYWOOD — Cost-of-living wage in 

creases will be sought on behalf of memberunions 

of the Hollywood AFL Film council, 

even though basic agreements of the crafts 

with the major producers have not yet ex- 

cent cost-of-living increase in January 1947. 

but that when new contracts were negotiated 

they were signed without a basic increase 

"because of the condition of the industry 

and its predicted future." 

The council's letter added that although 

at that time it was predicted "all of the 

major companies would be operating in the 

red." the record now shows that this has 

not come about. On the other hand, it contends, 

holders of industry stocks "have over 

the past five years participated in the greatest 

dividend earning period in the history 

of this industry." 

Further, producers were informed by the 

council: 

Many employers throughout the nation are 

voluntarily increasing wages. 

The California State Federation of Labor 

reported that 50 unions negotiated wage 

boosts during September and "daily additional 

reports are received of increases being 

p. R. Ruddick to Service 

BRIGHTON. COLO.—M. H. Philipsen. 

manager of the Kar-Vu Theatre here, will 

manage the Rex Theatre to replace P. R. 

Ruddick who was recalled to the service. 

Two Plush-Lined Premieres 

Staged 

In Filmdom on Successive Nights 

HOLLYWOOD—Pomp and glitter, klieg 

lights and glamor invaded Hollywood boulevard 

on two successive nights as a pair oi 

new releases were given plush-lined openings. 

Military dignitaries, foreign diplomats and 

filmdom's elite attended the world premiere 

of Warners' "Breakthrough" at the Warner 

pired, because living costs are "increasing by 

leaps and bounds." the council declared in a 

Ass'n of Motion 

Picture Producers. 

letter sent Tuesday (7) to the 

Hollywood Wednesday (8i, while on Thurs- 

Expressing the hope that the filmmakers day (.9) 20th-Pox staged the invitational west 

"will give our request the attention it deserves," 

coast premiere of "All About Eve." 

the council pointed out that the last The opening of "Breakthrough was high- 

salary boost took the form of an 11.7 per lighted by a parade of infantrymen, tanks, 

color guard and a marine corps air station 

band along Hollywood boulevard, reviewed 

by army. navy, air force, marine and coast 

guard officers. Gordon MacRae and Frank 

Lovejoy. Warner contract actors, were comasters 

of ceremonies, handling lobby activities, 

and Harry M. and Jack L. Warner were 

official hosts. 

Attending, along with army brass and industry 

notables, was Mogen Skot-Hansen, 

United Nations representative to the motion 

picture industry. 

"Breakthrough." produced by Bryan Foy 

and directed by Lewis Seller, stars David 

Brian, John Agar and Lovejoy. 

Invitations to the "All About Eve" opening 

were extended to all available Academy 

award winning industry personalities. Among 

those in attendance were Darryl F. Zanuck, 

20th-Fox vice-president in charge of production; 

Joseph Mankiewicz. who produced and 

scripted the opus: Bette Davis and Anne 

granted." 

Baxter, who starred, and representatives from 

The council's missive expressed the belief virtually every production organization in 

that "the best interests of the industry will the film capital. 

be served by the recognition of this case 

and for increased wage structure for our Producer Robert Stillman's initial vehicle 

industry." 

for United Artists release, "The Sound of 

At midweek no date had been set for Fury," will have two simultaneous prerelease 

meetings between management and labor openings Wednesday (15) and three others 

representatives concerning the demands. the following day. It wUl tee off in Phoenix, 

Ariz., and Wheeling, W. Va., and will begin 

A membership meeting of the Screen Producers 

Guild will be held Tuesday (14) to and South Bend. Ind. 

runs the next day in Lincoln, Neb.. York. Pa., 

draft an overall program of activity in the The Phoenix opening will be marked by a 

public relations and related fields. President 

William Perlberg will function as chair- 

"Fury" is the first Hollywood film ever to be 

civic celebration commemorating the fact that 

man of the session, expected to be attended lensed in its entirety in Arizona's capital 

city. Gov. Dan Garvey and other state and 

by more than 100 filmmakers. 

municipal officials will be in attendance. 

U-I's "The MUkman," starring Donald 

O'Connor and Jimmy Durante, was worldpremiered 

Friday (3) at the Riverside in Milwaukee, 

with O'Connor, Durante and Joyce 

Holden on hand for personal appearances. 

The event was tied in with the Wisconsin 

State Teachers college annual homecoming 

celebration and the premiere launched a 50- 

theatre territorial opening of the comedy. 

Hollywood's press fraternity, name personalities 

and the general public will mingle at 

the special press preview Tuesday il4) of 

Columbia's "Bom Yesterday" at the Pantages 

Theatre. The film version of Garson 

Kanin's stage success stars Judy Holliday, 

Broderick Crawford and William Holden. It 

was directed by George Cukor. 

"Tripoli," the new Pine-Thomas production 

for Paramount, was premiered for charity 

Friday (10) in St. Louis, with proceeds earmarked 

for the marine corps. John Payne, 

who stars, made a personal appearance. The 

opus concerns the marine corps in the early 

days of U.S. history. 

Employes of the Mount Whitney Lumber 

Co. were special guests when Monogram's 

"Big Timber," starring Roddy McDowall, 

opened Friday (10) at the Kernville in Kernville, 

Calif. Facilities of the lumber firm 

were utilized by Producer Lindsley Parsons 

in making the picture. 

West coast premiere of "Southside 1-1000," 

produced for Monogram-Allied Artists by the 

King Bros., will be held Wednesday (15) at 

the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco. 

United Appeal Reaches 

Two-Thirds of Its Goal 

HOLLYWOOD — Passing the two-thirds 

mark in its $1,345,000 goal, the Permanent 

Charities committee's annual United Appeal 

fund-raising drive among studio employes 

and affiliated industries had garnered $858,- 

291.35 at the end of the third week of the 

campaign, it was reported by John Larkin. 

PCC president. 

Pledges averaging $65.56 each have been 

received from 13.503 donors. First film plant 

to go over the top was Technicolor, which 

exceeded its $30,000 goal by $606. 

N. Peter Rathvon. film financier, has been 

elected president of the Arthritis and Rheumatism 

foundation's southern California 

chapter and. in that post, is spearheading a 

drive to raise $150,000 in the southland to 

aid in medical research and to establish 

clinics. The campaign started Wednesday. 

BOXOFFICE November 11. 1950 

51

Casting 

(Harry 

Blurbers 

STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES 

Independent 

The U.S. savings bond division o( the Treasury 

department has retained the Ettinger Co. as pubhcity 

and public relations counsel. First chore tor 

the firm will be to plan a national promotion program 

signalizing the forthcoming 200lh weekly 

Guest Star transcription in a series which began 

in 1947 and is now broadcast weekly over more 

than 2,800 radio stations. 

The public relations firms of Henry Rogers- 

Warren Cowan and Mack Millar have merged and 

are now operating as National Public Relations 

Associates. New offices have been opened in New 

York. 

Added to the drumbeating staff of Maury Foladare, 

independent praise agent, was CHARLEb 

DAGGETT. 

Briefies 

Metro 

'Tishin' Around," sports fishing short, is being 

readied by Pete Smith and will be filmed in Lower 

California with Dave O'Brien starring. 

Warners 

"Skiing Through Europe" has been added to the 

Europe filming scenes at ski resorts for inclusion 

in the subject. It is being produced by Gordon 

Hollingshead. 

Cleffers 

Metro 

DAVID ROSE was signed as musical director on 

"Rich, Young and Pretty." 

Republic 

VICTOR YOUNG will compose and conduct the 

score lor "Bell Le Grand." 


ALEX NORTH, Broadway composer, was signed 

' 

write the score for "The Scarlet Pen. 

to 

Loanouts 

Columbia 

MARTA TOREN was borrowed by Sanlana Pn 

ductions from Universal-International to star wr 

Humphrey Bogart in "Sirocco." 

Meggers 

Columbia 

SPENCER BENNET is piloting "The Mysterious 

Island," a serial, for Producer Sam Katzman. 

Lippert Productions 

CHARLES MARQUIS WARREN, making his directorial 

debut, replaces Harold Shumate on "Little 

Big Horn " Shumate was lorced to withdraw because 

of a conflicting commitment. Warren has 

been active as a novelist and scenarist 

Metro 

Producer EDWIN H. KNOPF will make his debut 

as a director on the forthcoming Greer 

comedy, "The Law and Lady Loverly." 

Garson 

STANLEY DONEN has been given a new directorial 

ticket. His next assignment will be "Love 

Is Better Than Ever," starring Elizabeth Taylor. 

Monogram 

LEWIS D, COLLINS will direct "Man From. El 

Paso," forthcoming Johnny Mack Brown starring 

western. 

Republic 

PHIL FOHD will pilot "Missing Women," upcoming 

Stephen Auer production. 


ANDRE HAKIM will function as associate producer 

and HENRY KOSTER will direct "Silver 

Whistle," upcoming Clifton Webb vehicle. 

Universal-hitemational 

"The Iron Man," Aaron Rosenberg production 

star leff Chandler, will be directed by JOSEPH 

lo 

PEVNEY. 

Warners 

Assigned to direct "Painting the Clouds With 

Sunshine" for Producer William Jacobs was DAVID 

BUTLER. The script is being prepared by Mol 

Shavelson and Jack Rose. 

Options 

Columbia 

SMILEY BURNETTE will rejoin his old sagebrush 

saddle-pal. Gene Autry, in the latter's next starring 

western, "Whirlwind." Burnette returns to .he 

Autry told for just the one picture, replacing comic 

Pat Buttram, recuperating from injur. es received 

in a recent accident. 

Set for roles in "Dick Turpin's Ride," starring 

Louis Hayward and being produced by Harry Joe 

Brown, were FRANK HAGNEY and GEORGE BAXTER 

BRETT KING, LARRY STEWART, TOMMY FARRELL 

and WILLIAM TANNEN were handed leatured roles 

in Producer Sam Katzman's Lon McCallister topliner, 

"Rookie in Korea." 

Independent 

JACQUELINE FONTAINE, nightclub 

and TV singer, 

was signed for the temme lead in "Skipalong 

Rosenbloom Meets Jesse James," to be produced 

and directed by Wally Kline and starring Maxie 

Rosenbloom and Max Baer. 

Metro 

WALTER KINGSFORD was booked for a character 

role in "Soldiers Three." The Walter Pidgeon- 

Stewart Granger-David Niven starrer is being 

megged for Producer Pandro S. Berman by lay 

Garnett. 

Leading comedy role in "Rich, Young and Pretty," 

toplming Jane Powell and Vic Domone, goes to 

MARJORIE MAIN. The Joe Pasternak musical will 

be directed by Norman Taurog. A comedy role 

also was handed UNA MERKEL. 

BETSY BLAIR was assigned a featured part in 

"Kind Lady." ANGELA LANSBURY has been signed 

for the picture which has Ethel Barrymore and 

Maurice Evans in the leads of the Armand Deutsch 

production. John Sturges will direct 

Monogram 

VIRGINIA HEWITT was signed for the feminine 

' 

lead in "Bowery Battalion was completed 

with the signing of JOHN BLEIFER, SELMAR 

JACKSON, ELLEN HALL, LISA WILSON and PAT 

HALL. 

PHYLLIS COATES draws the femme lead opposite 

Johnny Mack Brown in "Man From El Paso," being 

megged by Lewis D. Collins. 

Paramount 

JEFF COREY will portray the principal heavy and 

FRANCIS McDonald a US. marshal in "Quantrell's 

Raiders," current Hal Wallis production. Cast 

additions include NORMAN KENT and WHIT BIS- 

SELL. 

GAIL RUSSELL was booked for the romantic 

feminine lead in Producer Nat Holt's "Devil's Canyon," 

to topline Sterling Hayden. ARLEEN WHE- 

LAN will portray a dance hall queen. 

Moppet NATALIE WOOD was added to the cast 

of "Dear Brat." 

JAN STERLING will star with Ray Milland m 

"Rhubarb," which Arthur Lubin will direct for the 

William Perlbera-George Seaton production unit 

Republic 

Cast additions for "Honeychile," the Judy Canova 

starrer, include BRAD MORROW. BETTY LORING, 

TREVOR BARDETTE, IRVING BACON and EMORY 

PARNELL. R. G. Springsteen is directing. 

Set for a heavy role in Producer Stephen Auer's 

"Missing Women" was JAMES MILLICAN. 


Contract of actress JUNE HAVER was renewed 

for another year. She goes next into "Friendly 

Island." 

JAMES ROBERTSON JUSTICE, British actor, will 

have one of the leads with Gregory Peck and 

Susan Hayward in "David and Bathsheba," Biblical 

opus to be directed by Henry King. 


MICHAEL PATE, Australian actor, was booked for 

one of the leads in the Claudette Colbert vehicle, 

"Bonaventure," which is being produced by Michel 

Kraike. JOHN ABBOTT has been added to the 

roster. 

NANCY GUILD joined Rhonda neming and Mark 

Stevens in the topline cast of "Little Egypt " 

Warners 

MICKEY McCARDLE, former college football star, 

was added to the cast of Producer Bryan Foy's 

"The Folsom Story." 

Booked to portray a rancher in the Kirk Douglas 

starrer, "The Travelers," was HUGH SANDERS. 

Raoul Walsh directs. 

Scripters 

RKO Radio 

NORMAN HOUSTON completed the screenplay of 

the next Tim Holt starring western, "Pistol Harvest," 

which will be produced by Herman Schlom. 

Novelist ALFRED HAYES will screenplay Budd 

Schulberg's "The Harder They Fall" tor Producers 

Jerry Waid and Norman Krasna. 

LESLEY SrORM, British playwright who penned 

"Black Chiffon," arrived from London for huddles 

with Producer Sol Lesser concerning his projected 

iilm version of the stage drama. 

Warners 

Screen treatment for "The Big Trees," story of 

California's giant redwood country, is being wntle.-i 

by JAMES WEBB, Louis F. Edelman will produce 

FRANCIS SWANN is developing. They Took 

Manila" as a comedy to be produced by Robert 

Arthur. 

Story Buys 

Lippert Productions 

"Gestapo," an onginal by Hern 

been added to the 1950-51 lineup 

D Ho 

Warners 

Richard English's original, "College Days 

acquired and added to Louis F Edelmon's 

tion agenda. 

Technically 

Columbia 

SERGT. OSWALD S. ORNELAS, first Gl to 

the Purple Heart since the start of the Korean war, 

has been signed as technical director on Producer 

Sam Katzman's "Rookie in Korea," 

Metro 

WILLIAM FERRARI has been set as art director 

on "Kind Lady." 

Assistant to Director Harold Kress on "No Questions 

Asked" will be REGGIE CALLOW. 

Monogram 

EDWARD MOREY JR. was named assistant on 

"According to Mrs. Hoyle," with HARRY NEUMANf. 

as cmematographer. 

RKO Radio 

Assignments on "Two Tickets to Broadway" include 

CARROLL CLARK, art director; HARRY 

MARKER, f:lm editor; FRED FLECK, assistant director, 

and CHARLES WOOLSTENHULM, unit manager. 

Technical adviser on "Operation O," story of the 

Korean war, will be Ueut. Col STANLEY P. 

LATIOLAIS, director of combat operations for the 

Fifth air force. 


Camera assignments include WILLIAM DANIELS 

"Bonaventure"; MAURY GERTSMAN. "Little Egypt,' 

Warners 

Art director on "The Front Man" 

LEY FLEISCHER. 

Title Changes 

Monogram 

"Fangs of the North" to CALL OF THE KLON- 

DIKE. 

REO Radio 

"The Stars and Stripes 

" 

Forever (Wald-Krasna' 

to LET ME SING. 

Republic 

"Torero" to DEATH IN THE SANDS 


"Don't Fence Me In " to MEET ME AFTER THE 

SHOW. 

"The Flying Teakettle" to US S. TEAKETTLE. 

United Artists 

" 

"The Magic Face M Popkin) lo HEILi 

Warners 

JOSEPH I. BREEN JR. has been set as dialog direc 

tor on "The Folsom Story." 

Engineers Slate Meeting 

HOLLYWOOD — Television 

transmission 

and reception will be discussed when the Pacific 

coast section of the Society of Motion 

Picture and Television Engineers holds its 

next meeting Tuesday (141 at the CBS studios 

here. The session will be followed in 

December by another devoted to television 

production. 


I 

'! 

AFM Places Monogram 

On Union 'Unfair' List 

HOLLYWOOD—Already far from harmonious, 

the relationship between motion pictures 

and television was marred by another 

sour note when the name of Monogram Pictures 

was placed on the "unfair" list of the 

American Federation of Musicians. 

The action, stemming from James C. Petrillo 

in the AFM's New York headquarters, 

was taken because of the showing on video 

circuits of a number of Monogram features 

filmed since 1946. Some time ago Monogram 

disposed of nearly 150 pictures to 

Telinvest. a New York firm, which has been 

booking them on TV stations. 

It is the AFM's contention that video 

screenings of pictures produced after 1946 

are a violation of its contract with the Independent 

Motion Picture Producers Ass'n, 

of which Monogram is a member. Acting 

under Petrillo's orders. J. W. Gillette. AFM 

studio representative, accordingly notified 

Monogram that no AFM member will be 

permitted to work at the studio. 

At midweek, efforts were being made by 

Monogram and IMPPA representatives to 

negotiate the difficulty with Petrillo's group. 

William Stephens Television Productions 

has been organized by Stephens, veteran film 

producer, and Joseph Justman, picture financier 

and head of the Motion Picture Center 

studios. The new firm plans a series of TV 

films based on the "Florian Slappey" stories 

by Octavus Roy Cohen. 

his regular salary in the event the script 

was not used. 

The action alleges that although Small 

duly notified Gibney that his screenplay was 

not used, the scenarist has not been paid the 

$5,000 assertedly owed him. 

The war in Korea had its reverberations in 

federal district court here when the Unasia 

Trading Corp. filed an action against Monogram 

seeking dissolution of a contract under 

which it was to have distributed Monogram 

films in that wartorn country. The pact 

had been entered into some months prior to 

the beginning of hostihties there. 

Unasia claims it is now unable to distribute 

pictures in Korea and seeks the return 

of $8,000 which it allegedly advanced to 

Monogram in partial payment on the releasing 

commitment. 

Brackett Joins 20th-Fox 

HOLLYWOOD—Joining 20th Century-Fox 

as a writer-producer early next month will 

be Charles Brackett, who recently secured 

a release from the balance of his contract 

at Paramount. His first assignment will be 

set soon after he reports to the Westwood 

studio. The commitment is for a straight 

seven years. 

THERE 

was a time, when Hollywood was 

living in a more rarified—and financially 

more salubrious—atmosphere, when the 

self-elected elite of the filmmaking fraternity 

were prone to look down their noses at the 

production executive who wielded a sharp 

pencil over a budget. Tho.se were the days 

when the fabricators of animated celluloid 

assumed a hang-the-expenses, we-must-belavish 

attitude toward their chores, when 

producers and directors were inclined to feel 

that they could not be recognized as top 

craftsmen unless they spent stratospheric 

sums on virtually everything that went into 

the filming of a feature and regardless of 

what, if anything, such expenditures added 

to the offering's entertainment worth. 

But those days are gone—probably forever 

—and undoubtedly to the long-pull benefit of 

every branch of the motion picture industry. 

Today, and at long last, coming into his own 

is the man who was trained in the heretofore 

comparatively limited school where every 

budgetary buck had to count — sometimes 

count as much in the generation of screen 

entertainment as many dollars lavished by 

the more lush spenders. 

One such, and a shining example, is Lewis 

J. Rachmil, now a full-fledged producer at 

Howard Hughes' RKO Radio studio. Rachmil 

Scenarist Sues Producer 

received his early training as production assistant 

and budget watchdog for veteran 

For Breach of Contract 

Harry 

HOLLYWOOD—Charging Sherman when the latter 

breach 

was 

of contract, 

scenarist Sheridan Gibney named 

producing 

the Hopalong Cassidy 

Producer 

Edward Small 

programmers in 

vast quantities, and 

the defendant 

an occasional more expensive 

in a superior 

court 

morsel of 

action 

sagebrush 

involving 

screen fare. 

Small's recently 

completed "Valentino as I Knew 

When Sherman gave 

Him," 

up the "Hoppy" pictures, 

Rachmil, 

slated for Columbia 

along with star Bill 

release. Gibney contends 

he was 

Boyd and distribution 

executive 

hired 

Carl 

to work on 

Leserman, 

the 

organized 

screenplay 

of that opus and was 

Hopalong Cassidy 

promised 

Productions and 

$5,000 plus 

made a 

series of the gallopers for United Artists distribution. 

In both situations, Rachmil built himself a 

reputation as a canny hombre with a production 

shekel, a reputation which subsequently 

won him plenty of free-lance assignments 

from independent producers who hired 

him to go over their budgets and show them 

where money could be saved without sacrifice 

of entertainment values. On several occasions 

—and this is a little-known fact—he was 

commissioned by local bankers to analyze 

scripts and render an opinion as to whether 

or not the budget was "loaded" and to voice 

his views regarding the safety of a loan for 

the making of the picture. In short, Rachmil 

became known as a script and budget doctor, 

and in such specialty he salvaged many a 

picture from being over-financed. 

Since he joined RKO Radio Rachmil has 

produced four pictures, "Bunco Squad," "7 

Witnesses," "Crackdown" and "Roadblock," 

all made on expectedly modest budgets. Only 

one of the quartet has been released— "Bunco 

Squad" — which was well treated by the 

tradepress film appraisers and which is doing 

yeoman service as a supporting piece on dual 

programs. In the review digest which is a 

widely read weekly feature of this publication, 

"Bunco Squad" is credited with six pluses 

and three minuses in the composite rating— 

and that's several cuts above many a feature 

which cost much more to make. 

Rachmil's current and future assignments 

include "Blackbeard the Pirate," "Secrets of 

the French Police" and "Cat and Mouse." 

There is a crying need in Cinemania for 

more men of Rachmil's background and experience, 

but unfortunately, and as chronicled 

above, the school in which he was trained always 

has been limited in enrollment. 

But the student body is growing—it must, 

if Hollywood is to survive. 

It wouldn't do, of course—most especially in 

the motion picture trade — but the new, 

ambitious and widely touted production outfit 

recently organized by Stanley Kramer 

and Sara Katz would be a natural under the 

handle of K. K. K. Productions. The third 

"K" is for kibitzer, none other than Garrulous 

George Glass, vice-president in charge of 

publicity and sundry other activities. 

A-GUY-CAN-DREAM-CAN'T-HE? 

DEPARTMENT 

(Marty Weiser Division) 

From Lippert Productions, word that " "The 

Steel Helmet' will have its world premiere in 

Seoul during Christmas week and will also 

be premiered about the same time in Berlin, 

through arrangements just completed . . , 

with military authorities and Syngman Rhee, 

President of Korea." 

If Headman Lippert attends the Korean 

premiere—if any—President Rhee is a cinch 

to wind up as a stockholder in Lippert Productions. 

Understandable it would be if Hollywood's 

tradespress film appraisers adopted "Ol* Man 

River" as their theme song. In one and the 

same week they looked at Republic's "Rio 

Grande" and RKO Radio's "Rio Grande Patrol." 

The Ettinger Co.. formerly Margaret 

Ettinger & Co.. but still spearheaded by genial 

and effective "Maggie." can take a bow over 

being selected—with remuneration, presumably—to 

handle the publicity and public relations 

for the U.S. saving bond division of the 

Treasury department, including promotion 

for the division's weekly radio "Guest-Star" 

transcription series. 

Not only is the assignment a proud one 

for "Maggie" and her gang but it augurs well 

for the recently formed association through 

which Les Kaufman, veteran theatre and 

studio publicist, joined the organization to 

be in charge of its Hollywood office. 

From Anxious Alex Evelove comes information 

that Warners' weekly news and feature 

bulletins sent to the press "will henceforth 

be translated into French and German 

for servicing newspapers and magazines in 

the European area." 

Evelove's staff of Burbankian blurbers 

might try translating their trivia into English, 

too. 

BOXOFTICE November 11, 1950 

53

J 

ôkcUm' ê^tont 

MOW THAT THE UPROAR over this 

years 

royal film performance has died down it 

might be as well for the organizers of the 

event to decide now that they are going to 

Iron out some of the inconsistencies which 

occur regularly every year. Apart from the 

very large sum of money which is handed to 

the industry's own charity after the show the 

performance itself does a great deal of good 

in focusing public attention on the good 

things in the industry. It therefore deserves 

support, but that support is going to be more 

difficult to obtain in future years if the present 

bickering and lobbying is not stopped. 

First, the question of the chosen film should 

be dealt with. If the present system of alternate 

years for British and American pictures 

is adhered to there must obviously be a definition 

of what constitutes the nationality 

of a film. Apart from the representatives of 

American companies most people here feel 

that a film which is made in England by 

an American company with a American producer, 

director and star cannot be regarded 

as British picture. The American distributors' 

answer to that is that if the film counts 

for quota then it is legally British and therefore 

eligible for selection for the royal performance. 

It is interesting to speculate what 

would happen should Sydney Box put up the 

picture which he is reported to be making in 

Texas for next year's performance when an 

American film should be chosen. 

There is a growing feeling that the present 

system should be changed and that the 

choice each year should be for the best film 

from any country and that the selection 

should be made by an impartial committee. 

Then, too, better arrangements should be 

made for the press since the newspapers are 

largely responsible for the success of the show. 

At the party preceding the performance it is 

impossible to get near to the American stars 

By JOHN SULLIVAN 

STAR MEETS ROYALTY — Irene 

Dunne, who portrays Queen Victoria in 

"The Mudlark," is shown being presented 

to the king and queen of England at the 

royal command performance of the 20th 

Century-Fox film produced in Great 

Britain, at the Empire Theatre in London. 

since the room is full of people who apparently 

have Uttle connection with the industry. 

They may, of course, be heavy supporters of 

the charity which benefits, but if this is the 

case it might be better to arrange for the 

press to meet the stars at the dress rehearsal 

of the stage show. Again, tickets are 

issued admitting the bearer to the lounge 

during the presentation of the stars to the 

royal party, but unless the holder leaves his 

seat before the end of the show he will find 

his way barred. This happened this year to 

some of the critics who came from New 

York to see the performance. 

The gentlemen who run the Cinematograph 

Trade Benevolent Fund (in whose supyWOV/fS 

ARi. BETTER THAN EVER . 

ARE 

BUT 

. . 

THEATRES better 

THAN EVER ? ? 

• CAN YOUR THEATRE COMPETE IN GLAMOUR WITH THE 

LIVING ROOM AND ITS SMALL TV SCREEN? 

• AMERICANS ARE A GREGARIOUS PEOPLE . 

TO GET OUT AND MINGLE WITH OTHERS. 

THEY WANT 

• YOUR PATRONS ARE AN ATTRACTION TO OTHER PATRONS 

... ARE YOUR CHAIRS ATTRACTIVE AND COMFORTABLE? 

• WOMEN STEER THE FAMILY ON THE NIGHT OUT 

SHE GUIDE IT TO YOUR 

THEATRE? 

• ARE YOUR CARPETS THICK AND 

RICH LOOKING? 

THINK! 

DOES 

WESTERN 

IHeamaeiQWmiHm 

337C0LDENGATUVE.*HE 1-6302. 

SAN FRANCISCO Z.CALIF. 

port the show is held) undoubtedly do a fine 

job of management. They should, however, 

hand over the running of this particular event 

to the Film Industry Publicity Circle, the 

guild of screen publicists, whose members are 

much more experienced in handling these 

pre-performance receptions. 

ARTHUR DENT OF ADELPHI FILMS has 

put forward an interesting plan to the British 

Film Producers Ass'n about the allocation 

of Eady plan funds to independent producers. 

Although no decision has yet been 

made about the disposition of these funds it 

seems almost certain that the money will be 

paid out on a "per seat" basis which would, 

of course, go to help the big producer distributing 

through one of the major circuits. 

Dent, in a letter to Sir Henry French, puts 

the suggestion that the independent producer 

is entitled to a greater share in proportion 

to the gross busine.ss done on his film than 

is the producer who is virtually, though not 

legally, a part of one of the big combines. 

He suggests that a figure of 1,000 bookings 

from independent exhibitors outside of the 

circuit should qualify the producer for a 

larger share of the Eady plan money. "Bad 

films should be discouraged whether they 

have a circuits deal or not" he maintains— 

and obviously an independent picture which 

plays several thousand houses outside of the 

circuits must have something to recommend 

To be successful a film which has not had 

it. 

a circuit deal must get some 2,000 bookings 

from small halls, but in the aggregate these 

bookings would probably not mean as much 

in cash as 500 bookings on the larger cinemas 

of the circuits. In these circumstances Dent 

feels that the independent has a claim for a 

higher rate of return. It is unlikely that the 

BFPA will look upon it in the same light 

since its answer probably will be that the 

independent who is looking only to the 

smaller houses adjusts his production budget 

accordingly. 

[ 

Carlton Theatre. Haymarket, is the latest ' 

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger film, 

"The Elusive Pimpernel." which has been two 

years in the making. Tliis is the film over 

i 

which Sir Alexander Korda and Sam Goldwyn 

fell out and recently reported that they 

had made up their differences. The picture 

was written, produced and directed by Powell 

and Pressburger and stars David Niven and 

Margaret Leighton. 

Once again the producers have shown that 

they are masters of the art of Technicolor 

for every scene is brilliantly photographed 

quite as well as it was done in "The Red 

Shoes" or "Black Narcissus." Unfortunately 

the similarlity ends there as where both those 

films had considerable pretensions to boxoffice 

appeal this present film has little or 

none. Baroness Orczy's adventure yarns of 

the Scarlet Pimpernel have been read by millions 

and the dual role of a dandy at the English 

court and a scheming adventurer against 

the Pi'ench revolutionaries is one that any 

rea.sonably competent actor can usually make 

believable. Niven seems unhappy as the Pimpernel 

and the result is that he is incredible 

as either character in spite of a mass of disguises 

that would not fool a myopic child of 

ten. 

Unless drastically amended for the American 

market this looks like a poor bet for the 

American neighborhood theatres. 

54 BOXOFFICE :: November 11, 1950 

J

. . Among 

DENVER 

\rive-ins in the territory are starting to 

. . . Al Kohtz, 

close for the winter. First one were at 

.amar. Salida and Durango 

listrict manager for RKO, started a series 

visits to exchanges in his area, including 

if 

Kansas City. Des Moines, Omaha and Den- 

Ted and Elsie Knox went deer hunting 

lear Durango and bagged a deer and an elk 

Dick Stafford, former RKO salesman, is 

jack from a visit to the coast . . . Gene 

lerbase. manager. Republic, and Jimmy 

;cker. salesman, teamed up on a sales trip 

New Mexico. 

Robert Tankersley, salesman for National 

Theatre Supply, who had been ordered to 

eport to the marines November 15. has reeived 

notice that the date has been postjoned 

Jack Bloeser. former 

indefinitely . . . |)ffice manager at Eagle Lion Classics, who 

,juit to enter training in the air force, has 

)een released from the service. 

John E. Schulte, 91. father of Ed Schulte. 

lasper, Wyo.. theatre owner, died at his 

i,ong Beach, Calif., home . those 

ittending the TOA convention from the 

Denver area were Charles Gilmour. presi- 

Jent of Gibraltar Theatres. Denver; Tom 

klurphy, Raton, N. M.: W. H. Osteng«rg III. 

5cottsbluff. Neb.; Ed Ward, Silver City, N. M., 

md Ed Pringle, secretary of the Colorado 

Vss'n of Theatre Owners, Denver. 

Theatre folk seen on Filmrow included 

Jr. and Mrs. Fred Hall. Akron; Floyd Butet 

and Jack Brandenberg. Taos. N. M.; 

foe Maul and Gerald Little. Calhan; C. G. 

Diller. Ouray, and Nora Wright, Flagler. 

San Francisco Averages Climb; 

'All About Eve' Leads at 190 

SAN FRANCISCO— '-All About Eve" led 

percentages with 190 at the Fox Theatre. 


Cinema- No Way Out (2ath-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk 140 

Esq u.re—Woman on the Hun (U-I), 2nd d. t. wk....lOO 

Fox—All About Eve (20th-Fox) 190 

Golden Gae— Outrage (RKO) 90 

Orpheum Harriet Craig (Col); Madness of 

the Heart {U-U 175 

Paramount Surrender (Rep) plus Lewis and 

Martin m person 200 

St Frances—Dark City (Para). 2nd wk _ 85 

United Artists—The Fireball (20lh-Fox) „ 110 

United Nations—rU Get By (20th-Fox), 2nd 

d. wk t. 90 

Wartield—To Please o Lady (MGM) 7b 

'Petty Girl' Paces New Bills 

At Denver; Three Held Over 

DENVER—"The Petty Girl" copped the 

top money for new entries at the Denver 

and Esquire. There were three holdovers. 

Aladdin, Tabor, Webber—Wyoming Mail (U-I); 

Brewster's Millions (Astor) 110 

Broadway—To Please a Lady (MGM) 200 

Denham—Union Station (Para) ..-. 140 

Denver, Esquir^Thc Petty Girl (Col); On the 

Isle of Samoa (Col) 175 

Orpheum-Walk Softly, Stranger (RKO); Train 

to Tombstone (LP) 95 

Paramount Champagne for Ceaser (UA); Johnny 

One-Eye (UA) 125 

Vogue— City Lights (UA), 2nd d. t. wk., reissue....300 

Business Still Off at L. A.; 

'Flags,' 'Rio' Fail to Draw 

LOS ANGELES—The cavalry rode into a 

total of seven first run houses, with "Two 

Flags West" day-dating in five showcases, 

"Rio Grande" in two, but failed to jar 

theatregoing Angelenos out of their lethargy. 

Chinese, Los Angeles, Loyola, Uptown, Wilshire 

Two Flags West (20th-Fox) 

Egyptian, State—To Please a Lady (MGM), 

2nd wk 

Four Star—The Dancing Years (Mono) 

Hawaii, Orpheum—Between Midnight i nd Down 

(Col); Hot Rod (Mono) ... 

1 

Downtown, Hollywood Paramoun's-Hit Grande 

(Rep); Hit Parade ol 1951 (Rep) IIU 

Hillstreet, Pontages—Hell Town; Buiialo Stampede 

(Realart reissues) 90 

United Artists, Rilz, Culver, Studio City, Vogue 

Woman on the Hun (U-I); Madness ol the Heart 

: 

(U-I). 2nd wk 65 

Warners Hcllyv/ood. Wiltern, Downtown—The 

Glass Menagerie (WB), 2nd wk 85 

Broadway Double Bill Hits 

High Portland Percentage 

PORTLAND—The Broadway dual, 

"Devil's 

Doorway" and "Prisoners in Petticoats," 

scored highest percentage last week. 

Paramount—All About Eve (20th-Fox) 95 

Broadway— Devil's Doorway (MGM); Prisoners in 

Petticoats (Rep) 130 

Maylair—Louisa (U-I); Savage Horde (Rep), 2nd 

t. d. wk - 95 

Orpheum—Breaking Point (WB); Dynamite Pass 

(RKO) - 

United Artists—A Life of Her Own (MGM), 2nd 

90 

wk. .-- - 100 

Music Box—Jolson Sings Again (Col) 100 

WE HAVE THE BUYERS 

LIST WITH 

FRED B. LUDWIG, Bkr. 

'7AeaUe £a/ed. div. 

IRV BOWRON, Sales Mgr. 

4229 N. E. Broadway MU-4300 

Portland 13. Ore. 

Tent 38 of Salt Lake City 

[*Iominates Officers 

SALT LAKE CITY—New officers for Vaiety 

Tent 38 were nominated at the regular 

iieeting last week, and elections will take 

)Iace at the December meeting. Nominated 

or chief barker were Dan Kostopulos. Art 

roUey, Don Tibbs, Gift Davison and Harry 

Swonson. First assistant chief barker nomnees 

are Hal Hawk, Jay Christensen, Bob 

3raby, Kenneth Friedman and Sam Gillette. 

Nominees for second assistant chief barker 

ire Irving Gillman, S. R. Ross, Shirl Thayne. 

ilarold Chesler and John Krier. Property 

nan nominees are Howard Pear.;on, Walt 

Sing and Shirl Thayne. Those nominated 

or doughguy were Hal Hawk, Bob Braby. 

jOU Athas. Charles lacona and Ken Friednan. 

For canvassmen. the tent nominated Frank 

Smith, Charles Walker, Ken Bourne. Gene 

3owles. Bill Seib. Joe Solomon. Nevin Mc- 

3ord. Harold Chesler. Sidney L. Cohen. Ray 

W. Hendry. Harry Swonson. John Krier and 

5hirl Thayne. 

"ail to Crack Safe 

ALBUQUERQUE—Thieves took an undeermined 

amount of money from a cigaret 

nachine at the 66 Drive-In Theatre here 

ecently. 

They were unable to open the safe. 

m HOTTEST 

NAME IN 

SHOW BUSINESS 

TO-DAY! 

GLORIA SWANSON * MELVYN DOUGLAS 

in TONIGHT or NEVER 

Featuring BORIS KARLOFF • J. CARROLL NAISH 

Produced by SAMUEL GOLDWYN • Directed by MERVYN LEROY 

ASTOR— 1656 Cordova St.—Los Angeles 

ASTOR—250 Golden Gcrte Ave.—San Francisco 

ASSOCIATED—260 E. 1st So. St.—Salt Lake City (also serving Denver) 

iOXOFFICE November 11, 1950 55

. . Hal 

. . Madge 

. . . Louis 

. . Roy 

. . Al 

. : 

' 

SALT LAKE CITY 

fêorge Murphy was to wind up his coastto-coast 

trip with his two-day visit to 

Salt Lake this weekend. He was scheduled 

to address the Kiwanis club and a press 

luncheon in addition to meeting a group of 

teenage representatives . . . Shirl Thayne 

combined business with pleasure to bag a 

four-point buck during a trip into southern 

Utah. He was alone on the trip and luckily 

shot his deer only 100 feet from the car. 

Charles M. Pincus, manager of the Centre 

Theatre, has been receiving congratulations 

from national advertising and publicity directors 

for "jazzing up" ads. Most recent 

pictures to receive the Pincus treatment were 

"The Men," in which the paraplegic angle 

was played down: "Caged" and "Three Secrets." 

in which the "sex" angle was played 

up. 

Remodeling jobs included a new front on 

the theatre at Monticello. Utah; new sound 

systems in showhouses at Dove Creek, Moab 

and the Bonnie at Helper . 

Hawk, 

^'^îs^ss^^^^m^^^^ 

operator of the Hawk Theatres, has leased 

the Lyric in Logan and expects to open it 

this month with Bob Steed, formerly of Paramount, 

has accepted a position as salesman 

for RKO out of the Chicago office, and will 

be joined by his wife and family in the 

Windy city soon . Morris is nowbooking 

for Associated. 

Don DeFore and wife, in Utah for deer 

hunting, helped put out a forest fu-e in the 

hills a few miles east of Salt Lake. They 

dropped into the Utah Theatre, where Don's 

latest picture, "Dark City," was showing. 

They hadn't seen it previously . . . John Krier, 

purchasing agent tor Intermountain Theatres, 

returned from a confectionery meeting 

in the east to discover a fire had damaged 

his home. 

PCCITO Groups Confer 

In Salt Lake Gathering 

SALT LAKE CITY—Members of the Utah, 

Utah-and-southern Idaho and Montana 

groups of the PCCITO, met here recently 

to discuss changing conditions facing theatres 

as a result of television and drive-ins. 

Although no resolutions were passed and 

the group discussed several issues, members 

agreed it was a profitable meeting and that 

another session should be held in the near 

future. Sam Gillette was named to represent 

Utah on COMPO, and Max Lloyd of 

Twin Falls to represent Idaho. 

Portales, N. M., Airer Closed 

PORTALES, N. M,—The Varsity Drive-In 

here has been closed for the season. Cliff 

Keim is manager. 

WE'RE CARPET SPECIALISTS! 

...becouse we deal in nothing but fine floor coverings. 

^ We're speclalisfs in helping you select just the rig/if 

« carpetfor your establishment.. and, very important, we're 

'^ I 

specialists in seeing that your carpet is properly laid. 

Come in and see our selection of carpet styles 

naturally we feature 

OVIiMS^VJk, 

's^ 

Shown a\ left. FLORAL by GULISTAN, a swirling rhythmical «one 

on tone design in the new decorating trend. In five shades of 

Red and Green. 

B. F. SHEARER COMPANY 

LOS ANGELES: 1964 South Virmont • DOchisttr IMS • PORTLAND: IS47 N. W. Kiirnty DTwatir 7543 

SAN FRANCISCO: 243 Coldin Cati A>|. • UNdirhiil MI16 • SEATTLE: 2311 Sicond «ino clearer and cleaner projection. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. k;?,;,"",!.:;;'."?, 

I 

I 

We 

have the 

for 

YOUR 

I CountC c (or Quick AclionI 

TH EATRE 

THEATRE EXCHANGE CO. 

201 Fine Arts BIdo PorlLind 5. Ormon 

i 

LOS ANGELES 

'Deplacing Art O'Connell, who retired after 

32 years with Universal. Tony Pursee has 

joined the local branch as a salesman. He 

came here from the Des Moines office . . 

Shuttered for several months, the Brea Theatre 

in Brea has been reopened by P. H 

Beesac and J. W. Chapman . Grubstick 

assistant general sales manager for Lippert 

Pictures, came in from his San Franciscc 

headquarters for huddles with Lippert executives. 

Harry Levinson, RKO salesman, has beer 

upped to sales manager, replacing Jack Osserman, 

who recently left for England as 

sales representative abroad for Producer Sol 

Lesser. Shifting into Levinson's spot wai 

Johnny DeCosta, office manager, while De- 

Costa's post was taken over by Frank Schindler, 

moving over from the Lippert branch 

K. Ansell, St. Louis theatre ownei 

and independent producer, was a Filmro« 

visitor . . . Al Olander, operator of the Garmar 

and Vogue theatres in Montebello, returned 

from a brief vacation in Omaha. 

The face-lifting job just completed on thf 

Republic exchange is attracting a numbei 

. 

of exhibitors. Visitors have included Hugl- 

Bruen, who operates three houses in Whittier; 

Sam Ozonoff of the Astor; Izzy Barman 

and Jack Goldberg of the Eastlanc 

chain: Ben Peskay and Tom Dolby of the 

Popkin-Ringer circuit Wolff anc 

Johnny Bannerman of the Southside anc 

Cabart circuits were booking and buying 

visitors. 

Grauman's Chinese, built 23 years ago bj 

the late Sid Grauman and now a flagshii, 

house in the Fox West Coast chain, underwen 

a $12,000 renovation process, including carpet, 

ing, drapes and paint, before the invitationa 

premiere Thursday (9i of "All About Eve.' 

Visited annually by an estimated 400,00i 

sightseers, the theatre's famous forecourt; 

with footprints of Hollywood great preserveq 

in cement, is being retained unchanged . . 

John Beall of FWC's home office became « 

father Wednesday iD when John jr. waj 

born to Mrs. Beall. 

• 

Stricken by a heart attack, Judy Poynterj 

operator of an exhibitors' booking service; 

has been ordered to recuperate in bed at hlj 

home for the next five or six weeks . . . 

Ai 

Montague, general sales manager for Colum' 

bia, checked in from New York for confer 

ences here with Jerome Safron, western di' 

vision chief, who flew down from his Sai^ 

Francisco headquarters for the huddles . 

Bill Wasserman, former booker for the Jacl 

Chazin circuit, has joined Lippert Picture 

as a salesman. 

George A. Smith, Paramount's western di 

vision sales manager, headed a Los Angeles 

delegation attending a two-day meeting ii 

Dallas of the company's central, south^ceni 

tral and western divisioiis November 3. 4 

The local Paramount branch delegates wer< 

A. R. Taylor and Ralph Carmichael, brand 

and sales manager, respectively. Lester Cole 

man, aide to Smith, and Robert Blair, fielc 

exploiteer, also made the trek to Texas. 

Stage Acts in Lakewood 

LAKEWOOD. COLO.—The Lakewood The 

atre here is running vaudeville ever. 

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 


; 

On 

I 

I 

. . Back 

. . 

. . ELC 

^ 

SEATTLE 

'enry Haustein, Paramount manager, and 

B 

Walter Hoffman, exploiteer, attended the 

ballas, Tex., powwow. Leading topics were 

sales policies on "Ti-io" and "Mr. Music." 0£iicials 

from the home office and the west 

•oast studio attended. 

the Row for a screening of WB'.s 

[Breakthrough" were Les Theuerkauf of Ta- 

:;oma, Arthur Zabel of Olympia and Willard 

"indre of Kent . at work from vacaions 

were Pat Curton of the Hamrick Tlieitres 

auditing department and Dan Redden, 

nanager of the Music Hall. 

B. F. Shearer hosted a luncheon at the 

Gainer club in honor of William J. Heineman. 

,ice-president and general manager of ELC. 

jtleineman was here on his return from a deer 

'lunting trip into the Montana hills with Rex 

Thompson, Port Orchard exhibitor. 

Frank L. Newman sr., president of Ever- 

;reen Theatres, was host at a luncheon given 

it Ginos for managers of the Washington 

iiid Seattle districts and the heads of desartments. 

He awarded bonuses to winners 

n the spring and summer sales 

drive. 

. 

, Chili Robinett went to San Francisco to 

^1 attend a 20th-Fox managers meeting 

- .\mong exhibitors on the Row were J. W. 

:, Wordenberg. Ferndale; A. G. Peehia, Eaton- 

!?ille; Ed Johnson, Spokane; Norman Anirews, 

LaConner; Earl J. Stierwalt, Mc- 

Les and Cora Theuerkauf of Tacoma. 

:;leary; 

Seattleites saw the only existing all-color 

ilm of Korea at the Metropolitan Theatre 

Sunday and Monday (5, 6). The film was pre- 

;ented by Col. Homer Kellems, formerly of 

jeneral MacArthur's staff, under the auspices 

of World Cavalcade. 

[Majors Ask Modification 

Of Inspection Ruling 

SALT LAKE CITY—The various 

distribuor 

plaintiffs in a percentage suit versus 

3. L. Gillette, Tooele, Utah, exhibitor, have 

iled a motion for modification of U.S. Disrict 

Judge Willis Ritter's order of Novem- 

)er 1 permitting inspection of certain recirds 

of the distributors in the Salt Lake 

:;ity branch exchanges. The matters inolved 

in this ruling will be reargued shortly. 

Judge Ritter has also signed an order permitting 

the distributors to audit Gillette's 

ecords back to Jan. 1, 1941. With the inipection 

order previously granted the disributors 

last March, this makes a total 

ludit period of over nine years. 

At the argument of the motion for an adiitional 

audit period this October, the disributors 

also brought on for hearing their 

ibjections for various of the interrogatories 

iropounded by the exhibitor defendants, and 

ill the distributor objections to the exlibitor 

interrogatories were sustained by 

ludge Ritter. 

êw Canby Opening Soon 

CANBY. ORE.—The new Canby Theatre, 

ihich is expected to be opened here soon by 

ir. and Mrs. O. A. Nelson, will institute Satirday 

and Sunday matinees. The old theatre 

lere has been holding Wednesday evening 

Greenings. 

Mrs. Edna Simons Weds 

Edward Sharp in East 

NEW YORK—Mrs. Edna Wilma Simons, 

president of the W. A. Simons Amusement 

Co., Missoula, Mont., 

was married at the 

Little Church Around 

the Corner here recently 

to Edward 

Sharp, an executive of 

the Simons firm. The 

couple left here the 

day after the ceremony 

to fly to Spokane, 

Wash. 

The theatre circuit 

which Mrs. Simons 

„,., „, heads operates a chain 

Edna VVilma Sharp ^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^^ j^ 

Montana and Idaho. 

Mrs. Helen Farber, cousin of the groom. 

was bridesmaid at the ceremony and L. H. 

Francis, New York theatre circuit contact 

for Heywood-Wakefield Co., was best man. 

Both the bride and groom are close friends 

of B. F. Shearer, president of the B. F. 

Shearer Co., theatre equipment distributor 

with executive offices in Seattle. 

The wedding was followed by a dinner 

at the Astor hotel at which the bridal party 

was .joined by Fred Farber, husband of the 

bridesmaid, Dorothy Scott and Cele Carton, 

close friends. 

Southwest Theatres Buys 

Interest in Imperial 

LONG BEACH, CALIF.—Southwest Theatre 

Corp., a subsidiary of Fox West Coast, 

purchased a 50 per cent interest in the Imperial 

Theatre here from Ralph Davis sr. 

and Helen Speck, president and secretary, 

respectively, of the Adolph Ramish Corp. 

Purchase price was reported as $137,500. 

The remaining 50 per cent interest is retained 

by Sol Lesser, Hollywood producer and 

circuit operator. 

PORTLAND 

John Parker, son of Mrs. J. J. Parker, head 

of the Parker circuit, became father of 

a baby girl named Laura Lee. He is an 

employe in the casting office at the Republic 

studio. The young Parkers live in Burbank, 

Calif. The grandmother now is in New York 

on vacation. 

A general renovation will be started at 

Hamrick's Music Box Theatre as soon as 

new carpeting arrives. Scheduled improvements 

include new carpets, draperies, recovering 

and repairing of -seats and repainting 

inside and out . 

representatives called 

on Evergreen and Parker officials to make 

way for the opening of "Rouge River" at the 

Mayfair. 

Santa Barbara Airer Launched 

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.—Ground has 

been broken and construction launched on 

this community's first drive-in, the 900- 

car Airport Drive-In, being built by Sher«ll 

Corwin and Jay Sutton, Los Angeles exhibitors, 

and Edward Greybill, who will 

manage the ozoner. 

Present plans call for the unit to be ready 

for operation during Christmas week. 

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'mm^mmmi:imi. 

Academy Makes New Rule 

For Music Achievements 

HOLLYWOOD—New rules governing the 

balloting for achievements in music in the 

forthcoming Academy awards sweepstakes 

have been approved at a general meeting 

of the Academy's music branch. 

Five nominations will be made for each 

of the two scoring awards instead of the 

previous three. 

Theatre Building Sold 

GILLETTE. WYO.—Tlie Rialto Theatres, 

Inc., of Casper has purchased the building 

housing the Fiesta Theatre and other downtown 

property here. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

Tlarney Levy, former Filmrower, becams 

father of a baby boy named Todd Eugenf 

Sandt is the new secretary al 

Monogram . Hurley of the firm ol 

Bowles & Hurley w'as in the hospital . . 

Harry Kaiser, office manager at United Artists, 

is vacationing. 

The top honors in the Variety Club annua 

golf tournament was won by Freddie Dixon 

Golden State. Second spot honors went t< 

Nate Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld circuit. The an 

nual event included a buffet luncheon, dinner 

and door prizes. Art Rosenbaum woi 

the Sports Writer trophy—he was the onl; 

sports writer who came out to the tourna 

ment. 

In a recent column, this reporter state( 

that Matt Trotter, former manager of thi 

State for West Side Theatres, was shifted t( 

Fox West Coast's new Valley Drive-In a- 

Pleasanton. Actually, the new Valley i' 

owned by West Side and Trotter was madi; 

manager of both that theatre and the Rox; 

at Pleasanton. 

Ann Belfer, publicist for North Coast The 

atres; Horace Tapper, manager of the Unite( 

Artists Theatre, and Eddie Yarborough o 

20th-Fox worked together on promotion o 

"The Fireball." Among the stunts was ; 

roller skating contest held at a local skat' 

emporium with outstanding skaters from th' 

Bay area participating. Glenn Corbett, on 

of the featured actors in "The Fireball," flev 

here to make the trophy presentation to th 

winner, with special art breaks cracking th 

sports pages. Skates, which were proinotec 

were given away at the theatre. Newsboy 

of a local daily attended a private screeninof 

the film, and in turn, the paper ran spe 

cial art break and story. 

ITH 

I just can't wait to see the "BUSINESS BREVITIES" 

we're running for the Local Merchants this week* 

BUSINESS BREVITIES 

LOCAL SCREEN ADVERTISING OF QUALITY 

2269 FORD fAV.K'Ây 

ST. PAUL, MINN. 

APOLOGIES TO FOX MOVIETONE NEWS 

FILM INDUSTRIES, INC. 

208 SO. LASALLE ST. 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 

The Coronet celebrated its first year of op 

eration with a gala birthday party . . . Whil 

Joan Evans and Farley Granger were her 

for appearances at the Golden Gate, the 

took time out to participate in the presenta 

tion of a new station wagon to the Re 

Cross, donated by Roos Bros, store . . . i 

large group of Monterey peninsula womei 

were up in arms recently over the casting C; 

extras for a 20th-Fox production. The cast 

ing manager had put out a call for 85 womet] 

They caine, but jobs were filled from lisl, 

drawn up earlier. 1 

William Heineman of ELC was at the la 

cal exchange . Levy of ETLC and Hale; 

Wabbe, former publicist girl at Golden Gat 

Theatre, were vacationing in New York . .j 

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez were schedule 

for a Paramount Theatre stage revue to sta; 

November 15. 

The MGM new booker is Ray Haberlan 

.' 

transferred from the Minneapolis office . 

Alex Corley, booker at the United Artist 

left to join the Ed Rowden Tlreatre Servii' 

staff. Taking over the Corley post at U 

is George G. Glosser. transferring from U- 

Glosser's post at U-I will be filled from with 

Walter G. Preddey returni' 

the office . . . 

Bob Bemis of tl 

from a European tour . . . 

Pi-eddey office brought back a new car trO' 

the east. 

The forthcoming Monogram Johnny Mfli; 

Brown starring western. "Man From El Pas( 

will be directed by Lewis D. Collins. 

i_ 


. 

' 

I 

I 

lenses, 

f 

' 

office 

, 

an 

C 

|New Crest Is Opened 

By Commonwealth 

KANSAS CITY — A large delegation of 

Filmrow personnel went to Great Bend, Kas.. 

Thursday (9) for the opening of the Commonwealth 

circuit's new Crest Theatre. Attending 

from the circuit head office here were 

Howard Jameyson, president: Bob Shelton, 

Dick O'Rear and others. 

Special railroad IûUman cars went out 

from Kansas City for the opening and remained 

in Great Bend until the return trip 

Friday. Among other industryites attending 

the affair were Joe Negar. 20th-Fox; Edward 

Aaron, 20th-Fox district manager: Jerry 

Lively: Don Davis, RCA Victor division; 

Robert Boiler and Dietz Lusk, theatre 

architects; Arthur DeStefano, National 

Theatre Supply; Fred Muhmel, Commonwealth; 

L. J. Kimbriel, Missouri Theatre 

Supply; E. Gossage, Great Western Stage 

Equipment. 

Also attending: Leon Robertson, Fox Midwest 

district manager: Bob Wolfe: Finton 

Jones; Elmer Rhoden sr., president. Fox 

Midwest; Elmer Rhoden jr.. Commonwealth; 

Bob Marchbank, division manager for Commonwealth 

from Washington. Mo.; Bob 

Withers, Republic; Jack Braunagel, head 

of Commonwealth drive-in theatres; Al 

Adler, manager for MGM; Lou Pope, Fox 

Midwest, and Roy Tucker, Commonwealth. 

The modernistic-designed new Crest, a 

1,000-seat, $230,000 house, is a replacement 

in Great Bend for a former circuit house. 

Opening ceremonies were invitational and 

featured a buffet luncheon served to guests 

at 8 p. m. Theatre doors opened at 6:30 with 

the opening performance at 7 p. m. 

Elton Kuhlman is manager of the theatre. 

Equipment for the new theatre, with the excaption 

of chairs, was sold by Arthur De- 

Stefano of National Theatre Supply here and 

included Simplex projectors. Walker screen, 

Aluminex wall display cases, Supersnap light 

Crestwood carpeting, telephone sys- 

(tem and Powerstat dimming equipment for 

lighting. 

,Safe Cracksmen Fail 

At Des Moines Family 

DES MOINES—Burglars attempted to 

open the safe in the Family Theatre here 

, 

with a claw hammer. The police report said 

H J the burglars entered the building through a 

1 I coal chute, then broke a window from an 

door to get to the safe. The burglars 

'apparently left the building through the coal 

• chute. Nothing was reported missing. 

Arthur Cole Week Set by Paramount 

To Honor Dean of Kansas City Row 

KANSAS CITY—Paramount Films has set 

aside the week of November 26-December 2 

as Arthur H. Cole week, a tribute to the 

ARTHUR H. COLE 

dean of Kansas City's motion picture industry, 

who has spent some 36 years on this 

city's Filmrow. 

Cole, industry representative for Paramount, 

joined the printing department of 

the Kansas City Feature Film Co., owned 

by A. D. Flintom, in January 1914. He soon 

found himself in complete charge of the 

branch of Flintom's business, which at that 

time was a states rights distributor for Paramount 

and other companies. 

Late that year the Paramount Distributing 

Organization was created and Flintom obtained 

the distribution franchise for the 

area. Cole's responsibilities grew. He kept 

enlarging the poster and accessory printing 

plant and took over distribution of national 

material supplied by Paramount. 

In 1918 he took over public relations 

work for Paramount, a job which involved 

not only selling the company's product, but 

also battling the horde of reformers who 

started attacking the industry. He was so 

successful in winning over the reform elements 

that he found himself unofficially 

appointed public relations ambassador for 

the entire Kansas City film colony. 

In 1921 the organization, then known as 

Famous-Lasky, created the post of office 

manager and Cole was named to that position. 

Cole has been widely known throughout 

the city and the industry for his diligent 

work in behalf of motion pictures in both 

public relations and in legislative matters, 

and he has served on many committees. 

He served as the first secretary of the 

Kansas City relief committee and he represented 

the Film Board of Trade here and 

was secretary of the local office from 1934 

until its discontinuance. 

Bremer Theatre Struck 

By Fire at Waverly, Iowa 

WAVERLY, IOWA—Two persons 

.suffered 

minor burns, but a panic and possible major 

disaster were averted here Sunday evening 

when fire broke out in the Bremer Theatre. 

The fire started at 10 p.' m. when a film 

ignited. The blaze got through a vent and 

was licking at the theatre ceiling when the 

alarm was sounded. Patrons filed out in 

orderly fashion. The Waverly fire department 

extinguished the blaze in short order. The 

Bremer was closed most of the week for 

repairs. 

Hunting Season Blamed 

For Slump in Grosses 

MINNEAPOLIS—Newest reason suggested 

here for declining grosses is the hunting 

season. Local newspapers estimate that 

about 350,000 people have taken advantage 

of the opening to duck and pheasant seasons. 

The hunting season in this area has 

an opening that almost corresponds to the 

premiere of a new play on Broadway. 

R. C. Carmean Named 

MASON CTY, IOWA—R. C. Carmean is 

the new manager of the State Theatre here. 

He succeeds Glenn Beckett who has been 

transferred to Kansas City to manage the 

East Town Theatre for Consolidated Enterprises, 

Inc. Carmean has been in Mason City 

for a year operating Gretchen's Sweets. This 

is his first venture into the theatre business. 

Walter Kingsford has been booked for a 

character role in "Soldiers Three," an MGM 

picture. 

Dubinsky Office Moved 

ST. JOSEPH—Irwin Dubinsky has opened 

office at Savannah, Mo., for the manpagement 

of theatre interests which he shares 

kwith his brother, H. W. Dubinsky. The move 

was made to comply with a court injunction 

which decreed the Dubinskys could not manage 

their interests from St. Joseph offices. 

I. B. Retzer Buys Hecla 

HECLA, S. D.—John B. Retzer is the new 

owner of the Hecla Theatre. He bought it 

from Ursuala Moerke. 

Aids to Young Talent Urged by Jacob Wilk 

MINNEAPOLIS—Jacob Wilk, Warner Bros., 

eastern story editor, predicted here that industry 

will have to underwrite the creative 

arts in the next few years in order to encourage 

talented young people. Wilk, a 

Minneapolis native, graduated from the University 

of Minnesota and at one time was 

an assistant drama editor of the old Minneapolis 

Tribune. 

"The theatre, films, radio and television 

all make it difficult for the young newcomer 

to find a place 'on the inside' and too 

much talent never has a chance to find recognition," 

Wilk said. 

He said he tries to see as many young 

hopefuls as his time allows. If young writers 

can get past the office boy and several secretaries 

to leave their scripts, he turns them 

over to an expert reader. If the reader reports 

the unknowns' ideas are better than 

average Wilk reads the scripts. 

"But for all we know, we may be missing 

a chance at a lot of talent that doesn't get 

by the office boys," he said. 

BOXOFFICE November 11, 1950 MW 59

Friday Owl Shows Spread to 'A' Runs 

MINNEAPOLIS—Special midnight shows 

on Fridays, a double feature, have spread 

downtown from the independent neighborhood 

houses. The first run RKO Orpheum 

now is offering a second unadvertised feature 

in addition to the regular screen attraction 

on Fridays, the second feature going on at 

midnight. The second features will be revivals, 

or. in other words, reissues. Neighborhood 

houses generally have new pictures for 

their second features. 

In an effort to revive declining grosses, the 

Orpheum and many neighborhood houses are 

resorting to many devices that haven't been 

in evidence hereabouts for years. Both the 

Orpheum and the other Loop first run. the 

RKO Pan, recently reduced its early admission 

from opening to 1 p. m. on weekdays, 

from 50 to 35 cents, without similar action 

by the Minnesota Amusement Co. and other 

downtown first run opposition. 

The Orpheum, too. is also engaged in a 

drive to line up organization theatre parties. 

For such parties the theatre offers a discount 

of 12 cents a ticket when bought in large 

lots. A screen trailer is used to advertise 

the offer. 

About 30 Twin city neighborhood and sub- 

urban houses are banded together to hold a 

joint weekly Bank night with a jackpot starting 

at $1,000. There's also more double featuring 

both downtown and in the neighborhoods, 

with the latter even twin billing A 

pictures for the first time. In this single 

feature territory this latter development has 

been disturbing to the trade. 

In connection with the Bank nights, distributors 

are turning a deaf ear to exhibitors 

asking for film rental reductions for those 

nights. Branch managers generally tell the 

theatre owners they'd rather not have their 

pictures playdated on those nights. 

Recifield House Started 

By Rapid City Concern 

REDFIELD, S. D.—Construction has been 

started on a new theatre here for the State 

Theatre Co. of Rapid City. Harold Spitznagel 

of Sioux Falls is architect. The building, 

to replace the present State Theatre. 

will have a frontage of 50 feet and a depth 

of 

165 feet. 

First Drive-In Closes 

OMAHA—Tri-States Theatres has closed its 

first drive-in in this territory, the one at the 

Hastings. 

The Grand Island Drive-In closed this 

week, and the Council Bluffs, Iowa airer will 

shut down next week. The Omaha drive-in 

will continue to operate. 

Star at Ute, Iowa, Sold 

UTE, IOWA—Tim Elliott has purchased the 

Star Theatre here from Archey Mahoney. 

Mahoney will enter the armed forces December 

1. 

Bar to Hamilton Till 

HAMILTON, MO.—A soft drink fountain 

has been installed in the lobby of the Til) 

Theatre here for W. L. Presley, owner. 

New Seats at Wilson House 

WILSON, KAS.—The Opera House Theatre 

here has installed 210 new automatic 

swing back chairs. 



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ST. PAUL, MINN. 



DRIVE-IN THEATRE IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS 

•V/ITH APOLOGIES TO FOX MOVIETONE NEWS 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. Ki^'^l'i'iiTMo 


I 

Minneapolis Bills 

Headed by 'Lady' 

MINNEAPOLIS— "To Please a Lady" led 

the field the past week. Other newcomers 

making a good boxoffice showing included 

"Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "The Glass 

Menagerie." Holdovers were "Mister 880" 

and "I'll Get By," in their third and second 

weeks, respectively. Colder weather seemed 

a help for the theatres. 


Century—I'll Gel By (20th-Fox) 100 

Lyric—D.O.A. (UA), Thi3 Side of the Law (WB).. 90 

Pix—Mister 880 (20lh-Fox), 3rd d. t. wk 100 

Radio City—To Please a Lady (MGM) 110 

RKO Orpheum—The Glass Menagerie (WB) 95 

RKO Pan—Shakedown (U-I), The Texan Meets 

Calamity Jane (Col) 90 

State—Where the Sidewalk Ends (20th-Fox) 95 

World—Flesh and Fontasy (SR), reissue 90 

'Please a Lady' Paces 

Kansas City at 145 

KANSAS CITY—"To Please a Lady" 

brought in the patrons at Loew's Midland 

here to top the local first runs with 145 

per cent. The local art house, the Kimo, 

ranked second with 140 for "The Winslow 

Boy." "The Glass Menagerie" in an eight 

day stand at the Paramount grossed 125 

and win be followed with the Armistice day 

opening of "Breakthrough." 

Esquire— Abilene Town (Realart); Guns A'Blazin' 

(Realarl), reissues 70 

Kimo—The Winslow Boy (ELC) 140 

Loews Midland—To Please a Lady (MGM); 

Hooki« Fireman (Col) 145 

Paramount—The Gla:s Menagerie (WB), 2 days... 125 

RKO Missouri—So Young, So Bad (UA); The 

Iroquois Trail (UA) 120 

Tower, Uptown and Fairway Destination Moon 

(ELC); Snow Dog (Mono), Tower only at 85 

'Mad Wednesday' Grosses 

120 to Pace Omaha 

OMAHA—The best business of the week 

went to "Mad Wednesday," heavily exploited 

at the RKO Brandeis. New high temperature 

records were being set. 

Omaha—The Fireball (20th-rox); Holy Year 1950 

(20lh-rox) 85 

Orpheum—The Iroquois Trail (UA); Four Days 

Leave (ELC), 5 days 80 

Paramount—Mister 880 (20th-Fox) 110 

RKO Brandeis—Mad Wednesday (RKO) 120 

S;ate—The Men (UA) 100 

Town—Cowtovra (Col); The lackie Hobinson Story 

(ELC), 2nd run; Lucky Losers (Mono), 2nd run 115 

Son to Bernard Joffee 

KANSAS CITY— S. Bernard Joffee, manager 

of the Tower Theatre here, is the father 

of a baby boy born at Menorah hospital here 

Monday (6). The son has been named James 

Samuel. The Joffees have a daughter Nancy 

Kay. 

(Popularity Poll at Theatre 

HERINGTON, KAS—Tile Dreamland Theatre 

here ran a popularity contest for high 

school students with passes as prizes. Thomas 

Wolfe, manager gave ballots with adult 

tickets. The contest wound up November 12. 

You 

Chick

. . Maxine 

. . J. 

. . Ruth 

. . Elmer 

KANSAS CITY 

p 

L. Lowe of the Star Theatre, Lebanon, 

Mo., was on Filmrow this week and spent 

a large part of his time answering questions 

about the recent forest fire in the Ozark 

hills near that city. Lowe said he was out 

of tott'D when the fire drew near the Bennett 

Springs State Park, near Lebanon. He 

said that many of the Lebanon men went out 

to help fight the fire. Damage was not intensive, 

he added, since the fire was limited 

to underbrush and debris. 

Other Filmrow visitors included M. E. 

Beamer, Ron-Don, Waverly. Kas.; Marvin 

Banks, Banks T?ieatres, Inc., St. Louis, operator 

of the Linn at Pleasanton, Kas.; 

This Weatherproof Plastic Attraction Sign 

COMING 

Eliminates need for metal frames. In Rosy 

Red - A Sure-Fire Attention-Getter. 

THEATRE SUPPLY 

SHREVE '? COMPANY • 

217 W. 18th HA. 7849 K. C. Mo. 

STEBBINS THEATRE Equipment Co. 

rÂ'f Fff'f f 'f ^Ta^X ^ 

George Campbell. Norb, Norborne, Mo.; H. 

Danbury. Lucile. Kingdom City. Mo.; Sam 

Senseney, Minor, Moran, Kas. . K. Chapman, 

supervisor of exchanges for Eagle Lion 

Classics, New York City, stopped at the local 

exchange. 

Stopping by the Shreve Theatre Equipment 

Co. were M. S. Heath, Plaza, Liberty, 

Mo.; Glen Lantz, Hardin, Hardin, Mo.; T. S. 

Wilson, Beyer, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Irwin 

Dubinsky, Dubinsky Theatres; P. D. Crawford, 

Dearborn. Mo.; Herb Jeans, Roxy, Warsaw, 

Mo.; J. Leo Hayob, Marylu, Mar-shall, 

Mo.; Billy Thomas, Lee, Harrisonville, Mo.; 

R. L. Adkins, Arcadia, Kas.; George Wadlington. 

West, Parsons; Art Pugh, State. Columbus, 

Kas., and Fred Eberwein, Weston, 

Mo. 

R. R. Biechele and Clarence Schultz of 

Consolidated Agencies Inc., returned from 

the TOA convention in Houston on the same 

plane with George Murphy . Turgeon. 

secretary to Paramount Manager Harry 

Hamburg, was due to return from South 

America, and her two-week flying trip. 

M. E. Anderson, Paramount manager in 

Omaha and Don Hicks, manager for the 

company in Des Moines, stopped by the local 

office on their way to a company branch 

manager's meeting in Dallas. 

Martie Landau of Horton, Kas., visited on 

the Row ... A. J. Simmons, Lamar, Mo., also 

was in . . . Myrtle Cain, secretary to MGM 

Manager Al Adler, was on vacation . . . Jimmy 

Wishner, MGM, is the father of twin girls 

born last week . . . Rube Melcher of Poppers 

Supply was due to return from a business trip 

to New York. 

Seen at National Theatre Supply this week 

were Alex Nigro, Center City; C. S. Shafer, 

Regent, Blue Rapids, Kas.; Ward Spelman, 

Gem, Baldwin, Kas.; J. A. Burton, Chester, 

Neb.; P. G. Weary, 13 Highway Drive-In, 

Henrietta; Kenneth Ehert, Clay Center; Fred 

Munson. drive-in, Arkansas City; R. C. Moskau. 

Regal, St. Joseph. 

Woody Latimer was to leave Friday (10) 

for Wall Lake, Iowa, where the Popcorn 

Growers & Distributors plant is located. 

Latimer and a group of friends will open the 

pheasant hunting season there. Latimer returned 

last week from trips to Kirksville, 

Slater. Fayette, Marceline, and Brookfield. 

He was in Kirksville to train attendants at 

the new concessions stand at Jim Spain's 

Lyric Theatre. Latimer taught proper procedures 

for popping, proportioning and boxing 

popcorn along with proper presentation 

and sales methods. 

George Baker and Clarence Schultz of 

Consolidated Agencies here were planning to 

attend the opening of the circuit's newly 

renovated Strand Theatre in Marshalltown, 

Iowa. November 15. R. R. Biechele, also of 

the company, will attend the MPTO convention 

in St. Louis, then go on to Marshalltown 

for the opening . DeVault, 

cashier at the Barron Theatre, Pratt, Kas., 

was a candidate for 1950 football queen in 

that city. 

C. R. Shaner, owner of the Dixie at Odessa, 

and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding 

anniversary Tuesday (7), according to son 

Bernie . . . Edward W. Aaron, midwest division 

manager for 20th-Fox, prepared to 

continue his convention tour with an appearance 

before the MPTO of St. Louis conclave 

in that city November 13, 14. Aaron spoke 

before the Wisconsin Allied Independent Theatre 

Owners last week. Chick Evans, publicist 

for 20th-Pox here, said actor Bill Lundigan 

also would appear at the St. Louis meeting. 

Don Davis of RCA Victor division returned 

to the office early in the week after a trip 

to Absecon, N. J. He plans to attend the 

Arkansas football game this weekend. 

Nelda Allard, daughter of Joe AUard of the 

Consolidated Agencies staff, was married recently 

at the Grandview Christian church in 

Kansas City, Kas., to Gilbert Hill jr., a law 

student at the University of Kansas City.' 

Mrs. Hill operates a dancing school in Kansas 

City, Kas. The ceremony was performed 

by AUard's oldest son the Rev. Robert AUard 

of Chicago . Rhoden jr. of Commonwealth 

Theatres plans to attend the St. 

Louis MPTO convention next Monday and 

Tuesday (13, 14). 

Allstars Tie Fox Vixens 

In Women's Bowling 

KANSAS CITY—Hartman's Allstars hit a 

winning streak in the women's Filmrow 

Bowling league here to tie the Fox Vixens 

for first place, while the Columbia Gems 

and Warner Starlets each moved up a peg 

in the standings to send the Fox Out-of- 

Towners down the scale. 

, 

In the men's league MGM moved one' 

notch over National Screen Service to hold' 

second place, while Finton Jones retained 

undisputed title to top honors. 

Men's league standings: 

Team Won Lost Team Won Los( 

Finlon Jones 19 8 Michael's 13 14 

MGM 17 10 Fox Terriers 13 14 

NSS 16 11 Film Delivery. 13 14 

Fox Trotters 14 13 Shreve 9 18 

Diablo 13 14 20th-Fox 8 19 

Fox Trotters held team high ten with 851. 

while Shreve retained high 30 with 2,243. 

Individual high ten and high 30 was Leatoh 

with 243 and 610, respectively. 

Women's League standings: 

Team

. . . Add 

. . Merle 

. . Don 

. . 

Hollywood's Envoy 

Meets Teenagers 

DES MOINES—Screen actor George Murphy, 

on a coast-to-coast goodwill tour for 

Hollywood, met a barrage of questions from 

teenage audiences at Lincoln and Roosevelt 

High school assemblies in his recent stop 

here. And he refused to duck even the 

inevitable question: "What do the .stars think 

about television?" 

"Most of them," Murphy said, "like it. 

The reception on the west coast isn't too 

good yet, of course ... but I'm of a mind 

that eventually much of television will be 

made in film with motion picture techniques." 

Before the question-and-answer session, 

Murphy told the students about Hollywood, 

which he described as a "conglomeration 

of all hometowns." 

OMAHA—George Murphy told local exhibitors, 

advertising and newspapermen that in 

Hollywood "smoking of marijuana isn't general; 

marriages last as long on the average 

as in other places; there is no more liquor 

consumed among film folk than among 

others, and teenagers like musical comedies 

and older folk like family films. 

"And though you may not believe It," he 

said, "the greatest objection to deliberate sex 

in pictures comes from the youngsters of 

high school and college age. They like good 

stories, good character acting and good production." 

Lippert Managers to Hold 

Meeting in Kansas City 

KANSAS CITY—Arthur Greenblatt, general 

sales manager for Lippert, has called a 

regional meeting of all branch managers and 

franchise holders November 18, 19 at the 

Muehlebach hotel here. 

Discussions will center around the company's 

new product and sales formulas and 

new franchises will be signed in line with 

the company policy of signing year-by-year 

contracts. 

Lion Giveaway Staged 

OMAHA — Excitement was rampant here 

over the lion cub giveaway staged by Larry 

Caplane, manager of the Brandeis, for the 

opening of Harold Lloyd's "Mad Wednesday." 

The six-week old lion was won by Neil Reed. 

He sold his acquisition to Mrs. E. J. Lewis, 

who donated the cub to the Riverview Park 

zoo. The cub almost doubled itself in growth 

during the brief stay at the theatre. 

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PES MOINES 

pilmrowers and exhibitors were congratulating 

Myron Blank last week as he returned 

from the TOA convention with his 

Ted Mendenhall, 

new office of vice-president . . . 

former Paramount and United 

Artist 

salesman, has been named salesman for 

Columbia, replacing Paul Leatherby who recently 

joined the staff at Warners . . .Goldie 

Hartnagle is the new receptionist and switchboard 

operator at Pai-amount . Hicks. 

Paramount manager, has returned from a 

division meeting in Dallas. 

Barbara Bumgarner, Lou Levy's secretary 

at Universal, was away from her desk with 

Ken Levy, head booker 

an eye infection . . . 

at Universal, spent his vacation in Kansas 

City . . . Screenings of "Frenchie" and "Deported," 

new Universal releases, were held 

November 3 in the Fox screening room . 

Velma Schadegg is Columbia's new booking 

Bill Toney, Tri-States, has 

clerk . . . 

returned from a vacation in Atlanta, where 

he visited his parents . Blair, manager 

of the Regent Theatre in Cedar Falls, 

was a guest in the Tri-States home offices 

last week as was Art Stolte, former district 

manager for the circuit. 

George Murphy visited the Metro exchange 

Tuesday afternoon while in Des Moines on 

his goodwill tour. As an emissary of the 

entire film industry. Murphy told of the 

good side of Hollywood in his many appearances 

in the city. Out of his trip which began 

in September, Murphy said he has 

learned that "teenagers are fed up with 

mushy love scenes and psychological dramas 

and want more musicals and comedies." 

James Sparks, ELC booker, spent the weekend 

in Omaha ... At the ELC exchange 

for special meetings last week were Ed 

Hieber, district manager; Milton Cohen, 

chairman of the Bill Heineman drive, and 

Murray Greenbaum and Bob Daley, salesmen 

in the Omaha territory. Carl Olson, 

ELC manager, was host to the visitors. 

Commonwealth Acquires 

Seats for Three Houses 

KANSAS CITY—L. J. Kimbriel, manager 

for Missouri Theatre Supply Co. here, has 

sold 700 deluxe Heywood-Wakefield chairs 

to the new theatre under construction in Superior, 

Neb., for Commonwealth Theatres. 

Commonwealth also purchased 400 seats for 

its 

newly renovated Patee at Lawrence, Kas., 

and another 330 seats for its Arcadia Theatre 

at Holton, Kas. 

Other recent sales included 600 RCA chairs 

to the Main Street Theatre, Beloit, Kas., and 

to the Missouri Theatre, Maryville, Mo. A 

new RCA sound system also was .sold to 

Louis Sutter, one of the owners of the Castle 

Theatre here. 

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BOXOFnCE November 11, 1950 63

. . Henry 

. . Columbia 

. . Drive-in 

j 

j 

OMAHA 

. . . George 

llAona Hansen, U-I secretary, showed up 

the male contingent from Filmrow on 

the pheasant season opener. She came back 

Murphy 

with three pheasants 

called at the MGM office . . S. R. Nothem, 

. 

owner of the Vogue at Ramsen, Iowa, can 

tell you all about the arrival of a granddaughter 

. . . Ferd Reuter, MGM booker, 

went to the Missouri-Nebraska football game. 

But some 16 other employes from the same 

office can tell you a sad story about how 

they didn't come up with tickets . . Bill 

. 

Miskell, Tri-States Theatres district manager, 

was at Grand Island at midweek. 

Jack Andrews, Paramount salesman, reports 

running into the first snowstorm of 

the season in the Storm Lake, Iowa, vicinity 

.. . Max McCoy, U-I salesman, has a 

new Ford . 

Saggau, Dennlson, 

Iowa, exhibitor, was in Minnesota hunting 

... It was quite a party for Judy Cannon, 

daughter of Evelyn, the MGM office manager, 

on Judy's fifth birthday. Seventeen 

youngsters and 22 adults attended the special 

screening of "Cinderella" for Judy, then 

later at the office came the serving of ice 

cream and cake. 

Ray Brown, Harlan, Iowa, exhibitor, is 

home from the hospital improving and ready 

to take on any of the visiting firemen in 

gin rummy . screened "Emergency 

Wedding" Saturday night . . . Mr. and 

Mrs. Elmer Swenson. owners of the theatre 

at Alta, Iowa, went to Minnesota to visit 

the new home of Mrs. Swenson's parents. 

Elmer, who is proficient at many sidelines, 

has a shovel ready to hook to his tractor 

and help with clearing the winter's snows. 

Visitors along Filmrow included: Arnold 

Miererdierks, Pender; Woody Simek. Ashland; 

H. O. Qualsett. Tekameh; Carl B. 

Harriman. Alton, Iowa; Harry Hummel. 

Scribner; Mr. and Mi-s. Earl Wilson, Pierson, 

Iowa; Paul Tramp, Oxford; Cliff Shearron. 

Genoa; Jamie Booth. Harlan, Iowa; 

Carl Johnson. Red Oak. Iowa, and Walter 

Bradley, Neligh. 

. 

Ann Schreiber, Wisner exhibitor, and her 

mother were sideswiped as pedestrians in 

Princeton, 111., while en route to an exhibitor 

convention. Ann was bruised .some, but 

was able to drive her mother back to Norfolk. 

Neb., in an ambulance. The mother 

Jack Andrews 

suffered a fractured knee . . . 

jr., son of the Paramount salesman, 

has been transferred to an aircraft carrier 

at Bremerton. Wash. business 

has been below expectations in the territory 

this year. 

New Screen Installed 

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64 

FILMING 'SHOWBOAT'—Shown above 

on the MGM location site for the film 

"Showboat" arc members of the film 

crew. The men are pictured on the 

riverboat Sprague on the Mississippi river 

near Natchez and Vicksburg. Left to 

right: Earl Metz of Technicolor; Hal 

Parker of Hal Parker studios in Kansas 

City, and Bob Hager of Technicolor. 

National Theatre Supply, Dallas, installed 

a Servemaster in the Don Gordon Theatre. 

Houston, and the Beltonian. Belton. Tex., 

while Minnesota Amusement Co. purchased 

six Servemasters for circuit houses and Theatre 

Confections. Inc.. Minneapolis, bought 

two for theatres in which it has concessions. 

Wil-Kin Theatre Supply, Charlotte, installed 

a Servemaster at the New Austin Theatre 

and the Midwest Theatre Supply. Cincinnati, 

installed one at the Cain Auto Theatre. 

Paintsville. Ky. 

Renovation Near Finish 

At Kansas City Kimo 

KANSAS CITY—Bill Meyer, manager of 

the Kimo Theatre here, said this week that 

remodeling of that house probably would be 

completed within two or three weeks. New 

installations in the ladies restroom are being 

completed this week and exterior painting of 

the house is nearly finished. 

A new office has been built for Meyer and 

seats remain to be installed in the auditorium. 

Delivery of seats has been held up by 

a strike in the seat company factory. Meyer 

said. New AJuminex display cases were installed 

at the Kimo by National Theatre 

Supply. 

New Exhibitor Group 

Formed at Huron, S.D. 

HURON. S. D.—A new association of South 

Dakota exhibitors was formed at a meeting 

called here by Leo Peterson, circuit owner. 

Peterson, who acted as chairman, was chosen 

first president of the new organization. 

Willard Tammen, Yankton, was elected 

vice-president and Woody Praught, South 

Dakota district manager for Minnesota 

Amusement Co., secretary-treasurer. Elected 

to the board of directors were Bert Johnson. 

Rapid City; Doug Chapman. Lemmon; 

George March. Vermillion and Huron; Ernest 

Schweigert. Miller, and Jane Hoover. Gettysburg. 

The new association is unaffiliated, and 

was reported only four of the 30 exhibitors 

it 

present were members of North Central 

Allied. Attendance of Praught at the meeting 

and his election as secretary-treasurer, 

gives rise to speculation that the new association 

may affiliate with Theatre Owners 

of America as NCA holds its ranks closed to 

affiliated theatres. 

The old South Dakota Exhibitors Ass'n, 

which worked closely with NCA, has been inactive 

the past two years, meeting only on 

Hans Lorsch Reports Sales 

occasions 

Of Popcorn Warmers 

when NCA called a state meeting 

for specific discussions. 

KANSAS CITY—Hans Lorsch. sales manager 

for Hollywood Servemaster here, has re- 

Title of the association is to be decided 

by directors who will draw up bylaws, map 

ported installations at Kerasotes Theatres 

policy and procedure and complete plans for 

circuit's Decatur Outdoor Theatre. Decatur, 

an early meeting in a central location yet 

111., and the circuit's Starlite Drive-In, Pekin, 

to be selected. 

111. 

Discussion at the first meeting was confined 

to purposes of the new association, 

with stress placed on state fire laws governing 

theatres, and the advisability of increasing 

admission prices. 

A majority of tlie exhibitors present indicated 

a desire to hike prices but were uncertain 

as to the amount of raise required 

to meet increasing operating costs. 

Remodeling at Waterloo 

WATERLOO. IOWA—A remodeling program 

has begun at the Waterloo Tlieatre 

here. The theatre will continue operations 

during the work which will include a fluorescent-lighted 

.shadow box display, a glass block 

front and an ultramodern lobby sales shop. 

Manager John Pritchard said the project 

will take a month to complete. 

Willard Tammen. Yankton, said he had 

increased adult prices from 45 to 50 cents 

last spring, with no complaints, and contemplated 

another hike soon. Ivan Besse. 

Strand. Britton, increased adult prices 10 

cents without patron complaint. 

Kansas City Circuit Men 

At Montague Luncheon 

KANSAS CITY—Columbia Pictures held a 

noon luncheon for circuit officials at the 

Muehlebach hotel here Thursday (9) to publicize 

its current Montague Sweepstakes drive, 

which started October 27. 

About 40 persons attended, including western 

screen star Smiley Burnette. Ben Marcus, 

Columbia district manager, and T. L. Baldwin, 

branch manager here, were hosts. 

Among those attending were Ralph Adams, 

Fox Midwest buyer; Ed Haas. FMW division 

manager; Joe Redmond, publicity manager; 

George Hunter, city manager at Springfield 

for FMW. and about eight FMW bookers; 

Eddie Mansfield. Commonwealth; Eddie 

Erickson and George Darling. Theatre Enterprises; 

Ralph Gregory. Paul Kelly and 

Glen Dickinson jr., Dickinson Theatres; 

Woody Longan and Pat Rayhill, Durwood 

circuit; Ed Hartman, Winston Brown and 

| 

Gladys Melson. Hartman Booking Agency: 

Fred Harpst and William Blockberger, Allied, 

and Mrs. Lora Murrell. city censor. i 

BOXOFFICE 

:: November 11, 1950' 

j

. . Louis 

. . 

. . 

Ticket Tax Suit Ended 

KANSAS CITY—Vircil Stamm and Herman 

lUmer have been placed on five-years 

probation by Judge Albert Reeves with the understanding 

that they must pay all back taxes 

and penalties due the government. The government 

estimates the amount at between 

$40,000 and $50,000. Both men pleaded guilty 

October 20 to charges of evasion of admittance 

taxes at the theatres they formerly 

owned. The men were partners in the operation 

of three theatres here. 

Drive to Pay Off Loans 

THOMPSON, IOWA—A week's drive to 

raise $7,000 to pay the indebtedness on their 

theatre is being conducted by members of 

the Johnson-Tapager American Legion post. 

The theatre has been in operation more than 

two years. Original debt was $18,000. 

Fort Dodge Rialto Sold 

FORT DODGE, IOWA—The A. H. Blank 

Theatrical Enterprises have taken over the 

operation of the Rialto Theatre here which 

they purchased recently from William M. 

Johnson for a reported $40,000. 

"Gestapo," an original by Herman D. 

Hover, has been added to the Lippert lineup 

for 1950-51. 

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MINNEAPOLIS 

A large delegation from here attended the 

convention of the Allied Independent 

Theatre Owners of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. 

In addition to Bennie Berger and S. D. Kane, 

North Central Allied president and executive 

counsel, it included Ted Mann, Bob 

Karatz, Gilbert Nathanson, Don Swartz and 

Ralph Green. Berger was a speaker . 

Abe Kaplan and Charlie Rubenstein, independent 

circuit owners, were in Lansing, 

Mich., to attend the Minnesota-Michigan 

State game. 

. 

Herman Field, Gordon MacKinnon, Art 

Farrell and Don Smith of Harold Field's 

Pioneer circuit, came to Minneapolis from 

Iowa to attend the chain's meeting 

Mary Seibel, talented daughter of E. Seibel, 

Miimesota Amusement Co. advertising and 

publicity head, left for New York in pursuance 

of her theatrical career. She has 

won kudos here for fine performances in 

productions and Twin City critics predict a 

brilliant future for her on the stage and 

screen. While Jacob Wilk, Warner executive, 

was in Minneapolis he coiiferred with 

Miss Seibel. 

Ben Blotcky and Bill Mussman, Paramount 

manager and salesman, respectively, are 

back from Dallas where they attended a 

sales meeting . 

Orlove, MGM exploiteer, 

was in from Milwaukee to beat the 

drum for "King Solomon's Mines" which 

opens at Bennie Berger's Gopher Theatre 

for a minimum three-week run . . 

Because 

. 

of building restrictions, Ben Spewack has 

abandoned plans for a $300,000 1,500-car 

Twin City drive-in theatre. 

Reports of admission price hikes continue 

to pour in. In Sioux Falls, S. D.. 

Eddie Ruben has jumped his scale from 50 to 

Art Contest on 'Girl' 

BOONE, IOWA—The Rialto 

Theatre here 

ran an artists contest in ballyhooing "The 

Petty Girl." Paintings and sketches of 

glamor girls were solicited in the competition 

for artists kits. S. N. Fangman is manager. 

Manager to Head Parade 

ATCHISON, KAS.—Jack Maes, Fox Orpheum 

manager, has been chosen as chairman 

for the pre-Christmas parade. 

Omaha Minister Boosts 

Hollywood in Magazine 

OMAHA—An Omaha minister had some 

good words to say about Hollywood this week. 

The Rev. Lawrence Acker, pastoral adviser 

of a Lutheran film at the RKO studios, was 

featured on the cover of the World-Herald 

Sunday magazine with a full-page story inside. 

"I went to Hollywood thinking I was going 

into a cesspool of hell, but I found many of 

the supervisors, actors and actresses to be 

regular churchgoers and active in religious 

activities," he said. "I formed a very different 

idea about them." 

The film people, he said, were not arrogant 

—they weren't even unfriendly. He soon 

found them consulting him on scenes of the 

picture and eager to sit down and talk things 

over. 

The pastor of First Luthern church here 

first went to Hollywood in 1946 to a.ssist in 

the making of "Messenger of Peace." Two 

years later he was back to help with "The 

Sickle and the Cross." He plans another 

trip this spring, he said. 

Two Iowa Theatres 

Make Price Boosts 

DES MOINES—Admission prices at two 

Iowa theatres were raised last week. The 

rapid rise in the cost of living was given as 

reason for the boost both at the Ogden in 

Ogden, Iowa, and the Sutherland at Sutherland. 

For the Sutherland the 10 cent increase, 

from 40 cents to 50 cents for adults, 

was the first in six years. The 10-cent childrens' 

admission remains the same. Owner 

Don Herny of the Sutherland said high film 

transportation costs, film rentals and other 

operational expenses made the admission advance 

necessary. 

At Ogden the boxoffice is selling tickets to 

adults for 45 cents, boost of five cents. Children's 

admissions remain at 10 cents. Similar 

reasons for the increase were given by 

Manager McGraw. 

60 cents and is planning similar moves in 

New theatres under construction 

his circuit . . . 

before the federal ban on amuse- 

ment building which will be allowed to be 

completed, include the Volk brothers' 1.200- 

seat house in Robbinsdale, Minneapclis suburb: 

the Minnestta Entertainmert Enter- 

Redecorating at Milford 

MILFORD, IOWA — The Strand Theatre 

prises fifth Twin City drive-ir. and the theatre 

being built by Leo Peterson and asso- 

here is being enlarged and redecorated by 

owner H. A. Parrott. A new glass front is 

ciates, circuit owners, at Redfield, S. D. 

being installed. New stairways on either side 

The city council is out to stop broadcasting 

of the lobby will allow patrons to enter a 

in local streetcars and buses. It has a smoking lounge upstairs over the lobby. New 

committee report recommending this step restrooms are being built on both sides of 

. . . "South Pacific" at the Lyceum finished the smoking lounge. A 25-foot addition will 

a run of nine nights and three matinees be built on the west end of the theatre after 

to capacity houses. The theatre had to return 

the front has been completed. The screen 

more than $150,000 in mail orders. 

will be moved back and additional seating 

capacity provided. 

A sports fishing short, "Fishin' Around," 

is being filmed in Lower California for MGM 

release. 

Pop-Mor' 

COSTS LESS TO POP THE BEST

Tell 

and Sell 

Scores of busy little messages 

go out every week to a tremendous 

audience— and they get a tremendous 

response! 

Every exhibitor is 

busy— buying, 

selling, renting, hiring. All this is 

made easier and more profitable 

with the classified ads in Clearing 

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gg BOXOFFICE 

:: November 11. 1950

' 

ATLANTA—East 

, 

tured 

I 

The 

I 

drive-in, 

I 

booth 

! 

manager's 

I The 

i because 

! 

tre 

showmanship Expressed in Design 

Of College Park, Ga., Drive-ln 

Point Amusement Co., headed by Fred C. Coleman, recently 

opened its new Roosevelt Drive-In at College Park. Ga. The 550-car situation is the 

latest ozoner to make its bow in the Atlanta area. 

The drive-in is equipped with 400-watt in-car heaters, wired separately from 

the speakers. Coleman, who is pictured at lower right, said the heaters have 

proved indispensable in the operation of his circuit's drive-ins. 

In the Roosevelt, Coleman and his firm carried out their belief that a drive-ln 

'Should have "plenty of flash." The curved concession bar, picat 

upper right, is made of glass blocks, lighted in four 

colors from behind. Cashiers sell concession tickets for purchases 

to speed sales during rush hours. 

concession stand, as seen in the aerial view of the 

is located on the eighth ramp, while the projection 

is between the third and fourth ramps. The office and 

home are to the right of the ramps. 

ticket booth is labeled "popcorn" rather than "tickets" 

Coleman said, "Everybody knows he has to purchase 

a ticket, but not everyone knows we sell popcorn." A warmer 

stands in front of the ticket booth and here "flash" is added 

with the use of four multicolor flags. 

The flat-roofed concession building is provided with a patio 

measuring 40x40 feet and equipped with four speakers. Flower 

boxes and other landscaping will be added to the patio. Welllighted 

steps lead to the patio from the ramp area. 

The drive-in tower provides an attention-getting device in 

the revolving lighted ball sitting atop it. Indirect lighting is 

used on the current attraction panel with gold neon tubing. 

The indirect lighting keeps the reflection away from the screen. 

Reopen Hastings House 

HASTINGS, FLA.—The Hastings Theahas 

been reopened by W. L. Scott, who 

has operated theatres in Alabama and Florida 

for many years. 

A. W. Vowell Drive-ln Open 

NEW ORLEANS—The Lakeview Drlve-In 

at Taylorsville, Miss., owned by A. W. Vowell, 

was opened earlier this month. Vowell. who 

also owns the Liberty Theatre, was here 

booking recently. 

Wm. Harris Buys Theatre 

PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK.—The Beverly 

Theatre here has been sold to William J. 

Harris, owner of the Crown Theatre at Lincoln, 

Ark., by Donald Parks and partners. 

BOXOFFICE November 11, 1950 SE 67

. . Dottie 

NEW ORLEANS Plans for 850-Seater 

Wisiting at Screen Guild were A. L. Royal, 

Theatre circuit. Meridian, Miss.; Arthur 

Lehmann, Jackson. Miss., and E. I. Fessler. 

Mobile, owner of the Do-Drive-In Theatres 

at Mobile. Ala., and Pascagoula. Miss. . . . 

O. J. Gaude. Port Allen, and Earnest Delahaye. 

Marigouin. also were on the Row. Delahaye 

will open his new theatre within the 

next 60 days. 

Philip Salles, owner of the Majestic and 

Star, Covington, was in . . F. G. Prat, Vach- 

. 

erie, Lockport and Raceland. called on C. J. 

Briant. branch manager . . . Frank J. Barry, 

office manager. Republic, received word that 

the Star at Pineville had been sold by Charles 

Morel. 

J. R, Grainger, executive vice-president 

from New York, spent three days at Republic 

. . . Ike Katz. president of Ray Films was to 

arrive here from Atlanta . Cabiellano. 

clerk at Columbia, will be married November 

25 to Norman Lanoyx of the army at 

St. John the Baptist church. 

Mageehe Drive-In Debuts 

MAGEEHE. MISS.—The Mageehe Drivein 

at Mageehe, Miss., has opened under the 

management of Mrs. H. A. Everett. Motiograph 

sound, projectors and lighting equipment 

was installed by the Hodges Theatre 

Supply Co. The new outdoor cost about 

$75,000. Mrs. Everett also is owner of another 

theatre here. 

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HARTSELLE — Dr. B. N. Lavender and 

R. D. Dickson of Albertville, Ala., have abandoned 

plans to build an 850-seat theatre here. 

This leaves the field for a second theatre 

here open to Hubert Mitchell, who had announced 

plans for a $100,000 800-seat theatre 

the same week as Lavender and Dickson. 

Mitchell, operator of Hubert Mitchell Industries, 

is proceeding with plans for the construction 

of his theatre. 

Lavender and Dickson said that they considered 

the construction of two new theatres 

in Hartselle "impractical." 

Meanwhile, plans have been announced for 

the construction of an addition which will 

provide 10.000 more square feet of space for 

Mitchell Industries, national stage and theatre 

outfitters. The new building will be of 

concrete block, steel and brick construction. 

The front third of the new building, one story 

high, will house the office force. The twostory 

middle section will be used as working 

quarters and for storage. The rear third, 

40-feet high, will be used for assembling the 

Bill Briant, manager for 20th Century-Fox 

was in Mobile . . . Bill Lighter of the Lighter 

highest stage curtains and drapes. 

circuit at Franklin and T. E. Williams, Tyson, 

Clarksdale. Miss., were on Filmrow . . . Hugh 

Owen of New York eastern and southern 

division manager for Paramount, was here 

for a series of meetings 

Isle, was in . . . 

Grande Theatre, Grand 

Milton Auftermorte, booker, and his wife 

returned from a vacation in Hollywood. 

Florida State Chain 

Rededicates House 

JACKSONVILLE — The Florida Theatre 

was rededicated recently after undergoing a 

two-month remodeling program. Mayor Haydon 

Burns reopened the theatre by clipping 

a ribbon, across the entrance, with golden 

Jane Wyman will be Bing Crosby's leading 

lady in Paramount's "Here Comes the 

Groom." 

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TN ATLANTA. I visited A. C. Cowles and 

wife, the oldtime booking team who maintain 

offices in the Peachtree Arcade building. 

We had a fine 

time talking about 

oldtimers we have 

known. He said he 

would pay for a BOX- 

OFFICE subscription 

for any exhibitor in 

Mi-ssouri too poor to 

pay for it, as it would 

help that exhibitor get 

ahead. 

W. M. Richardson of 

Astor Pictures had just 

returned from a trip to 

Albany, Ga., Montgomery 

and Tampa, Fla. He said Astor's action 

pictures featuring Wild Bill Elliott were 

doing a good business. 

John Gillooly will reopen the Capitol 

Theatre in St. Petersburg on November 19 

with "Jolson Sings Again." ABC Theatrical 

will do his booking. Harris Robinson, president 

of Dixie Drive-In Theatres of Atlanta, 

and R. A. Edmondson attended the TOA 

convention in Houston, as did Oscar Lam of 

Rome, Ga. Hudson Edwards, city manager 

for Dixie Drive-ins at Savannah, and his, 

wife, were entertained by friends in Atlanta. 

scissors. The Julia Landon High school band 

played for the ceremony and newsreel cameras 

recorded the event. 

Among officials present for the ceremony 

Cowboy Star Wounded 

By Accidental Shot 

were Leon D. Netter, president of Florida JACKSON, MISS.—"Sunset" Carson, cowboy 

State Theatres, operator of the Florida; Jesse 

star, was shot in the thigh here by the 

L. Clark, general manager in charge of operations; 

accidental discharge of a .22 pistol. He was 

Guy Kenimer, general manager in not seriously injured. 

charge of construction and maintenance; The accident occurred while Carson was 

Jack Pitzwater, Jacksonville district manager, 

and Robert L. Heekin, manager of the 

visiting at the home of a young admirer who 

recently broke his leg. Carson was showing 

Florida. 

The theatre was not closed for the redecoration 

the boy, and some neighborhood youngsters, 

his collection of weapons when a .22 caliber 

and the rededication took place dur- 

pistol was knocked off a bed and discharged. 

ing a pause in operations. Kemp, Bunch & A fragment of the bullet hit Carson. The 

Jackson were architects for the remodeling. 

cowboy star was in Jackson at the time with 

the Clyde Beatty circus. 

Block Parties Planned 

By Jasper, Ala.. House 

JASPER. ALA.—Tlie New Jasper Theatre 

is planning a series of block parties to be! 

held at regular intervals. The new house 

will entertain the residents of city blocks or 

rural communities selected by lot by Manager 

W. A. Steppe. The neighbors will be 

treated to a free movie with reserved seats 

and refreshments. The theatre also will furnish 

transportation if necessary. 

A Kiddy club recently organized by the 

theatre held its first party on November U 

The stage program was broadcast. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE COMBINATION tXIT 

and EXIT DRIVEWAY FLOODLIGHT 

Also .v,illable willi Entrince Paiitis 

Arrows m.iy bp either right or left. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. K^^^.L^/c'in; 

68 

BOXOFFICE November 11, 195(

I surest 

, The 

; 

intricacies 

I I 

I 

. . . Kay 

> 4 

Georgia Theatre Co. 

lis Host to Teachers 

ATLANTA—The Georgia Theatre Co., under 

direction of William K. Jenkins, president, 

participated in the Atlanta Chamber 

of Commerce program to keep public school 

teachers informed on the operations and 

problems of business under the American 

system of private enterprise. The theatre 

company was host to a group of city and 

county teachers at a luncheon at the de 

luxe Capitol City club, a forum conducted 

in the home office and a tour of the home 

office departments and the mammoth Fox 

Theatre. 

Leading the forum discussion, which pointed 

up the increasing threats to private enterprise 

and the advantages offered by the 

"American way" as compared to that of 

.socialistic countries, were Frederick G. 

Storey, Georgia Theatres' vice-president, and 

Willis J. Davis, executive assistant to Jenkins. 

all-day program featured visits by the 

(teachers to all departments of the theatre 

jcompany's home office operation. In the 

ibooking department, T. R. "Tom" Jones, buyer 

'and booking supervisor, briefly explained the 

of setting up programs in ad- 

[vance for a circuit of theatres. Controller 

T. H. Eubanks gave the teachers an idea of 

(the efficiency demanded in theatre accounting. 

And advertising and public relations 

'procedures and standards, were summarized 

'by Holt Gewinner jr., the publicity director. 

Concessions also came into the complete 

coverage, with the teachers making an inspection 

of the company's refrigerated candy 

and popcorn warehouse. 

T. H. Read, Atlanta operations manager 

for the company, arranged a special afternoon 

screening of "Breakthrough" for the 

.teachers, through cooperation of the Warner 

exchange here. 

Reasoning that the coming generation 

should be made more familiar with the prac- 

[tical application of free enterprise as the 

protection for our competitive system 

[of American business, leading business firms 

[cooperated with the Atlanta Chamber of 

[commerce's move to give the youngsters' 

teachers a first-hand resume of present day 

business operations. 

Other groups of teachers were conducted 

on visits to banks, department stores, Atlanta's 

municipal airport and other types of 

"free enterprise" businesses. 

DIXIE BOOKING OFFICE 

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JACKSONVILLE 

Wisitors to the TOA convention in Houston 

included L. A. Stein, head of Stein Theatres; 

Carl Floyd, Floyd Theatres, and B. F. 

Hyde jr., general manager of Talgar Theatres 

Jack Barrett, 

of Lakeland, Fla. . . . representative from Monogram's Atlanta exchange, 

and Jack Galloway from ELC, were 

visitors in the Jacksonville offices of Talgar 

Theatres . . . Ollie Williamson, southeastern 

district manager for Warners, also visited the 

Talgar offices on business . . . Jesse L. Clark, 

manager of Florida State Theatres, Inc., and 

Howard Pettengill, advertising director, have 

returned from a trip around the circuit to 

promote the Leon Netter Appreciation drive 

Strickland. Florida State Theatres 

employe, is engaged to J. J. Deitch, head of 

the buying and booking department there. 

Paramount: Miss Laura Artille is the new 

switchboard operator, replacing Mrs. Carolyn 

Marjorie Trescot, contract 

Lowther . . . clerk, spent a recent weekend at Newark, 

N. J. ... J. C. Goodson, branch manager, has 

moved his family to Jacksonville . . . Paramount's 

"Mr. Music" was sneaked at the 

Florida Theatre recently before a large audience. 

$5,000 Fire at Greenwood 

Drive-In at Shreveport 

SHREVEPORT. LA.—Fire at the Greenwood 

Road Drive-In just outside the city 

limits November 2 caused a loss estimated by 

Fire Chief Kendrick at between $4,000 and 

$5,000. This drive-in which is owned by Joy 

Houck. operator of a chain of film houses in 

the south, was the first drive-in theatre 

erected in Shreveport. 

The operator continued to reel the film 

during the fire and no excitement was 

caused. Many remained in their cars but a 

few got out and watched firemen extinguish 

the blaze with an emergency water wagon. 

The blaze was under control in about 25 

minutes. Fire did not damage the film equipment 

or screen, the blaze being confined to 

the front of the building. 

Week of Spooks at Drive-In 

PRATTVILLE. ALA. — A Halloween week 

program at the Pratt-Mont Drive-In here 

brought in over-average business. The airer 

put out programs and ran special ads. The 

ticket booth and snack bar were decorated 

and the staff wore masks and caps to effect 

a Halloween atmosphere. 

Clarksdale Delta Leased 

CLARKSDALE. MISS.—T. E. Williams has 

leased the Delta Theatre here from Holcomb 

& Holcomb, and has reopened the house. 

I 

\ 

J 

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Local Newsreels Shown 

At Hickory, N. C„ Center 

HICKORY, N. C—Automobile dealers here 

are using the Center Theatre's local newsreel 

to display new models to patrons. Earle 

M. Holden, Center manager and amateur 

filmmaker, has 35mm equipment with which 

the scenes are made in newsreel style. While 

the local news films are returned from the 

laboratory without sound, because of the 

e.xpense involved, commentary during projection 

is provided by a recording made at 

one of the local radio stations. Synchronization 

of the projected film and the recording 

is so timed that patrons are unaware that 

the film is silent. 

The presentation of new cars on the screen 

is just one of the many local news coverages 

which Center patrons have seen. A nominal 

charge is made to the car dealers to cover 

the cost of the film and the processing at the 

laboratory. 

The Center manager is also a free-lance 

cameraman representative for Warner-Pathe 

News. 

Work Started on DeRidder 

Airer Before Federal Ban 

DE RIDDER, LA.—Construction on the $80.- 

000 Gay Ranchero Drive-In on the Leesville 

highway got underway before the federal 

ban on amusement place building. The airer 

will feature a playground, a rustic concession 

stand, special ramps for the use of trucks 

and colored patrons and a Spanish type patio 

for walk-in patrons. John Harvey will be 

manager of the new situation. 

New Tiger to Showr First Runs 

NEW ORLEANS—The new Tiger Theatre, 

recently opened at 2939 Franklin Ave. here 

by T. A. Plttman Theatres, will show first 

run films only. The house has air conditioning, 

a large parking lot and a big concessions 

stand. 

The lobby has a terrazzo floor and walls 

will be covered on two sides with display 

cases. Stage and sound equipment were supplied 

by RCA. 

The house will seat 1,450 persons. It has 

two balconies. Greorge J. Conrad is manager 

of the house, the tenth in this state to be 

operated by the Pittman circuit. 

To Open in Covington, La. 

NEW ORLEANS—Philip Salles of Covington 

will open his new drive-in in approximately 

three weeks. He is also the owner of 

the Star and Majestic theatres there. 

Business Conditions 

In St. Louis Area 

From Central Edition 

St. Louis—General business conditions 

are showing a decided trend, with unemployment 

decreasing and average pay for 

individual worker on the increase. In fact, 

business has been so good in recent weelts 

that the employment security division has 

laid off some 50 employes, Director 

Charles A. Kicker reported. 

Ricker also revealed that unemployment 

compensation claims in the state have 

dropped 34 per cent, compared with the 

same period last year. Forty workers at 

the central office in Jefferson City have 

been dropped from the payroll. Most of 

them have been transferred to other state 

agencies, have found employment in private 

industry or are in military service. 

NYU Offers Film Course 

NEW YORK—New York university's division 

of general education is holding Monday 

evening classes beginning October 30 in 

"New Frontiers in the Cinema" in cooperation 

with Cinema 16. Dr. George Amberg, 

theatre consultant at the Museum of Modern 

Art, will instruct. The course will deal with 

the aesthetic qualities of motion pictures, 

mainly treating experimental films produced 

during the last 25 years. Classes will meet 

at the Washington Square center. 

May Build Near Paxton 

PAXTON, FLA.—Olin Evans and Dan Raybourn 

plan a 200-car drive-in, the Starlight, 

on the DeFuniak Springs Highway near here. 

Evans has been manager of several theatres 

in North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. 

Raybourn formerly was connected with a 

Florala, Ala., plumbing and electrical appliance 

company. 

Bowling Green Ritz Sold 

BOWLING GREEN, FLA.—The Ritz Theatre 

has been sold by Mi's. Audry Murphy to 

Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Campanale, formerly of 

Mishawaki, Ind. Mrs. Murphy plans to join 

her husband in Israel where he was called 

as a jet aircraft consultant to the government. 

Girl Scouts See Free Show 

LANGDALE, ALA.—Al Dunn Amusement 

Co. entertained Girl Scouts with a special 

showing of "Two Weeks with Love" at the 

Langdale Theatre. The free show was in 

celebration of Girl Scout week. 

Anthony MaruUo Recuperates 

NEW ORLEANS—Anthony Marullo of the 

Rendevous Theatre at Grand Isle, has returned 

home after spending several weeks in 

a local hospital recuperating from injuries 

suffered in an automobile accident. 

Veteran Cameraman 

Teaching at Miami U 

CORAL GABLES. FLA.—America's oldest 

active newsreel camerman is now an instructor 

at the University of Miami here. Ralph 

Earle, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, 

teaches a motion picture camera class 

three days a week at the university. 

Earl started as a newspaper photographer 

in 1900, and became a newsreel camerman 

for Pathe in 1911. He kept grinding for Pathe 

until 1932, then left the company to freelance. 

During the season, he frequently teams 

with W. F. Gerecke, Paramount News staffer 

for this area. 

He has had many interesting a.ssignments. 

One was to accompany Marshall Joffre when 

he made his world tour in 1922. His camera 

subjects have ranged from world celebrities. 

Including seven U.S. presidents, to wild 

animals in their native habitats. 

Miami Beach Remembers 

Al Jolson as Resident 

MIAMI — Reminiscing about Al Jolson, 

whose second home was Miami Beach, George 

Bourke remembered the March of Dimes 

benefit that played in the same hotel where 

Jolson was ill with malaria. After listening 

to the show below him, Jolson loosened the 

screen and tossed his wallet containing 

$2,000 to the stage below. Then he went down 

and sang 13 songs to boost donations. 

Jolson owned considerable property here 

from time to time, and had homes on Rivo 

Alto and Di Lido islands, but preferred life 

in the hotels. He is believed to have still 

owned a valuable lot here where he planned 

to build an eight-bedroom residence. 

Marines to Aid 'Tripoli' 

NEW YORK— All 

posts of the U.S. marine 

corps have been authorized to help promote' 

local theatre publicity for showings of 

"Tripoli," Paramount Technicolor film that 

glorifies the corps. The order was issued by 

Maj. Gen. M. H. Silverthorn, assistant commandant, 

at Washington. A print of the film 

has been sent to Korea for screening at 

Seoul. 

Know Nothing of Warren Report 

MIAMI—Reports of a major studio move 

from California to Florida w-ere doubted by. 

two officials of 20th-Fox. The prediction was, 

made recently by Gov. Fuller Warren. 

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NEW ORLEANS—Arthur C. Bromberg of 

Atlanta, president ol Monogram Southern, 

left here Sunday, (5) to spend a week in 

Hollywood. 


$ DIPT. 

$ 831 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago S. III. 

70 BOXOFFICE November 11, 195(

. . . John 

. . W. 

. . Walter 

. . Emory 

. . George 

. . Robert 

. . Mr. 

. . 

. . The 

. . The 

ATLANTA 

pxhibitors on the Row included Roth Hook, 

Hook Theatres, Alicevile, Ala., Ellison 

Dunn, Dunn Theatres, Donalsonville; Ed Mc- 

Closkey, Dania Drive-In, Dania, Fla.: Sidney 

Laird, Al-Dun Amusements, West Point; 

Hap Barnes, Montgomery; Tom Miller, Cordova, 

Ala.; W. W. Fincher, Fort Theatre, 

Chatsworth; J. S. Silverstein, Oak Ridge; 

Nelson Scott, Trion; R. D. Page. Maury, 

Mount Pleasant, Tenn.; Fred McLendon, Mc- 

Lendon Theatres, Union Springs, Ala. 

of the Astor franchise in this territory . 

Dave Williams, salesman at ELC. suffered 

an injury to his hand in Savannah, Ga., 

which necessitated hospitalization and amputation 

of one finger. 

The Wednesday night sneak preview at the 

Fox Theatre was "All About Eve" . . . Halloween 

midnight shows were held at the Fox 

and Roxy, downtown and at the neighborhood 

Gordon, Tenth Street, Techwood, Euclid, 

Cascade and Emory . 

Cum- 

mings and Jerome Courtland, actors, were 

here briefly en route to Florida for the filming 

of "The Barefoot Mailman." . . . Bob 

Burnett, RKO booker, was in Georgia Baptist 

hospital for an operation. 

Walter Titus, Republic district manager, 

was in . . . Poster Exchange is now settled 

in their new quarters at 163 Walton St. N.W. 

Huff, Paramount booker, is the 

father of a baby boy . McEver has 

sold his business and is back at his old stand 

with Abe Brown at K&B . and Mrs. 

George Roscoe (Columbia manager) have returned 

from Birmingham where they attended 

the wedding of Cam Price jr., son of 

the RKO sales manager. 

The Benton brothers have moved into beautiful 

new homes. Lex now lives on Knollwood 

drive and B. D. on Edinborough drive. 

Work has begun on the Carver Theatre at 

Athens, by Georgia Theatres . . . J. C. Peters 

has started construction of a 350-car drive-in 

in Blakely, Ga. . Titus, Republic 

division manager, stopped here en route to 

San Antonio for the world premiere of "Rio 

Grande" at the Majestic there. 

R. R. Thomas, Colony Theatre, Palm 

Beach; Rufus Getzen, Spalding Drive-In, 

,i 

Griffin; Carl Floyd, Floyd Theatres, Haines 

I 

City, Fla., Luke Stein, Stein Theatres, Jacksonville; 

Howard Schuessler. Lam Amusements, 

Rome, and John Peck, Pex Theatre, 

Eatonton, Ga., were on Filmrow . current 

attraction at the Penthouse Theatre is 

Zero Mostel in "The Imaginary Invalid" . . . 

Hugh Owens, Paramount home office, stopped 

at the local exchange, accompanied by his 

wife Arleen Whelan, the actress. 

Nelson Towler, Lippert manager, is back 

the office after a recent illness . . Ellen 

in . 

. . Ralph lannuzzi, 

. 

Owen of MGM's accounting department underwent 

The new booker at Warners is Bernard 

an operation at Georgia Baptist 

Caldwell, who replaces M. V. McAfee, recently 

Louis Pauza, booker at the Para- 

hospital . . . 

transferred to Charlotte . Cothmount 

Jacksonville exchange, has been in- 

ran, RKO, reported for duty in the army ducted into the army . 

this week M. Richardson returned manager at Warners, has returned from a 

from an extended business trip through south trip through Alabama. 

Georgia and Florida. He now is sole owner 

A. C. Bromberg, Monogram Southern, returned 

from the west coast where he went 

following the TOA convention in Houston 

. . . Lukie Stein attended Parents' day at 

Emory university where his son is a student. 

The father of Ed Bledsoe, RKO booker, was 

injured in an auto accident . wedding 

of Jackie Roscoe, daughter of George Roscoe, 

Columbia manager, will take place November 

18. 

For over 20 years 

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. . Mrs. 

. . Roy 

. . W. 

' 

^ 

' 

, 

Trans-Color Co. Begins Production 

Of New Type Convex Film Screen 

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N. C—The Trans- 

Color Screen Co. has started production at 

its plant hM-e of a new type polarized convex 

screen invented by Otto Hehn, president 

of the company. 

Other officers of the company are J. G. 

Darracott. vice-president and general manager: 

F. R. McCurdy. production manager 

and W. R. Craig jr., sales manager. 

Tlie new screen will be exhibited at the convention 

of the Theatre Owners of North and 

South Carolina in Charlotte November 19, 20. 

The screen, according to Hehn. is designed 

to overcome defects in light and sound in 

projection with older type screens. He said 

the screen polarizes the light, and has a 

side illumination rating equal to the center; 

it eliminates side glare and distortion, making 

side seats as desirable as those in center, 

and distributes sound evenly over the house. 

The convex screen also has advantages for 

drive-ins, he said, among which he listed: 

Quick, easy installation. Mounting can be 

accomplished with three telephone poles. 

Weighing only 350 pounds, it can be raised 

or lowered at will. It can be put up in 

three and one-half hours. 

Economic upkeep. It requires only infrequent 

painting, not more than once in every 

five 

years. 

In addition, Hehn said, ramps can be built 

closer to the convex screen than the present 

concave ones, thus saving on drive-in space, 

an important consideration in metropolitan 

areas. 

Among first installations is the Cameo 

Theatre, a Sidney Lu.st house at Mount 

Ranier, Va. 

Tlie story of the invention of the screen 

covers some 35 years and dates from the 

day Hehn received his degree from Foote 

college, now California Tech, in Los Angeles. 

"I bought a little mirror in a five and 

ten cent store," he said. "It was a new idea. 

MONARCH 

THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc. 

492 So. S 

Memphis 

:ond St. 

Tenn. 

NOW BOOKING 

HALLMARK 

M -^m 

t^^ 

OTTO HEHN 

Science. Twelve and one-half years later 

he had a clue. He knew where to begin. 

But Germany had been watching him closely. 

Hitler had come to power and the Nazis called 

him to Berlin. 

"They wanted my formula," he said. "They 

offered me German citizenship for my ideas 

and a television set I have perfected. But 

I turned them down. I expect I was too 

abrupt with them. They kept me in concentration 

camps for 15 V= months before the 

American consul found out about it and 

PRODUCTIONS. INC 

MOM AND DAD' 

PRINCE OF PEACE' 

DEVIL'S 

Box 2054 DeSofo Station 

Memphis and New Orleans Territory Write 

L. H. (Lew) Andrews 

WEED 

Memphis, Tenn. 

had me released. The consul was John 

Potter, a Hickory man." Hehn came back 

to America, but it took ten more years to 

iron all the kinks and wrinkles out of his 

screen. Meantime he invented a new type 

of concave screen. 

The new screen is made of fiber glass 

with Duraluminum frame and masking 

frame. It was constructed in Hehn's own 

factory in Kings Mountain. Because it is 

convex in shape, the same as the human 

eye. Hehn says it gives the motion pictures 

a third dimensional quality. 

His other inventions include a television 

.set and an electric automobile. His TV set, 

| 

he says, would have a very large screen and 

| 

could be made to sell for $100. 

MEMPHIS 

pred Brown, theatre owner in Memphis and 

the midsouth, was home from a deer hunt 

in Colorado where he killed a big buck. He 

owns theatres here, in Prescott and Fort 

Smith, Ark. . Louise McCann is the 

assistant bookkeeper at Exhibitors Services, 

replacing Mrs. Wildean Wyatt who resigned 

to move to Jacksonville, Fla. . . . Mrs. Nancy 

I 

Finch, inspector at 20th-Fox, underwent a 

, 

major operation at St. Jo.seph's hospital and 

was recovering. 

. 

I 

a convex mirror. I noticed that the mirror 

seemed to make straight lines crooked and 

crooked lines straight. I thought, 'Why not 

Robert 

versal, was 

Wilkinson, 

back from 

branch 

a vacation 

manager. 

. . . 

Uni- 

Warner 

exchange has much interest in the draft 

a convex movie screen.' It would eliminate 

distortion. I started my research and read 

nowadays. Bob Pedretty, apprentice booker, 

a German authority on optics. I thought I 

took his physical November 8 and Charles 

would have to go to Europe to study." 

Elgin, second booker, had his physical October 

And Hehn, who was born in Bucharest, 

31 . . . L. W. McClintock, branch man- 

Romania, did go to Europe. It was in 1917 ager. Paramount, was in Dallas attending a 

and he wore the uniform of the American sales meeting . . . Joe Thorp is the assistant 

army. He was in the 19th division transportation 

shipper at 20th-Fox. replacing Sherron Hopterpreter 

corps, but later became an inper, 

who resigned. 

for President Wilson. Wlien the 

war ended, he went to Paris and became one 

of the founders of the American Legion. 

He returned to the United States, but soon 

went back to Europe when he found no way 

to continue his research here. He studied 

in the Institute of Motion Pictures and 

shopping on Filmrow Dillard, Lil- 

. 

burn. Warden, Mo., was here on business. 

J. C. Brents, Joyce, Senatobia; L. B. Bays, 

Grenada. Grenada: Howard Langford, Folly, 

Marks: Jack Watson, Palace, Tunica: Fred i 

Crawford, Ashland, Ashland, and Charles 

I 

Shivley, Skylark Drive-In, Clarksdale, were 

| 

among the Mississippi exhibitors visiting and 

David Flexer. head of Plexer Theatres, Inc., 1 

has returned from the TOA convention at 

Houston ... A burglar got away with $300 in 

receipts from Idlewild Theatre here after the 

boxoffice was closed. A window to the office 

was jammed and the money taken from a 

cash box in tlie office filing cabinet. Chalmers 

Cullins, Nate Evans and Edward O. Cullins 

are associated in the Idlewild . F. 

Ruffin sr., of Ruffin Amusements Co, has 

opened the new Sunset Drive-In at Martin. 

Tenn. 

Exhibitors from west Tennessee seen on 

Filmrow included Louise Mask. Luez. Boli- 

, 

var: J. A. Petty, Wayne. Waynesboro; Amelia 

Ellis. Mason, Mason: W. A. Peel, Rutherford,] 

Rutherford: Aubrey Webb, Webb, Ripley, and 

Hobert Goff. Rustic. Parsons. 

'•»• 

TRI-STATE 

THEATRE SUPPLY 

320 S. Second St.. 

MEMPHIS 

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Projectors and 

Sound Systems 

72 


' 

I 

. . . Abe 

. . . MGM 

q 

I 

CONGRATULATIONS—Sidney 

Meyer, 

left, head of the Wometco, circuit of 

Miami, congratulates Rube Jackter, who 

was named head of the sales cabinet 

committee for the Montague Sweepstakes, 

and to assure him cooperation in the 

sales and liquidation drive. Their meeting 

took place in New York. 

' 

Liberty in New Orleans 

To Start Spanish Films 

NEW ORLEANS—The first of the all- 

Spanish programs started at the RKO Liberty 

Theatre Monday (6) with the Showing 

of "El Hombre del Mar" tMan 

of the Sea), which stars Maria Mercader. 

Messimo Serato, Enrico Glori and Elli Parvo. 

The theatre's new policy of presenting 

two Spanish programs each week is the result 

of numerous requests from Spanishspeaking 

persons residing in New Orleans, 

according 

","f 

to John Dostal, local manager for 

[ 

'"' 

the RKO theatres, the Orpheum and Liberty. 

Films made on location in Spain, Argentina 

and Mexico have been booked. The 

reception of these programs for the first few 

weeks will determine whether or not they 

will be continued. 

This introduces the first all-Spanish showings 

in New Orleans, the manager said. There 

are no English titles or dialogs. 

Martin Theatres Make 

Changes in Alabama 

COLUMBUS, GA.—Martin Theatres has 

made several changes in personnel of their 

houses in Alabama. O. R. Hughes, formerly 

of the Eagle Drive-In Theatre at Brewton. 

Ala., is new manager of the Phenix Drive-In 

Theatre at Phenix City. He replaces Jimmy 

Smith, who is now in the navy. Myrl 

Thompson has moved up to manager of the 

Ritz in Opelika, Ala. Olin Evans is new 

manager of the Fix Theatre, Eufaula. 

David Brown, projectionist at the Auburn- 

Opelika Drive-In Theatre, is the father of 

a 6 '/2 -pound baby girl, born at a West Point, 

Ga., hospital. 

Sam Shain Will Speak 

NEW ORLEANS — Sam Shain, 20th 

Century-Fox, New York, will be one of the 

speakers at the convention of the Allied 

States Ass'n of Motion Picture Exhibitors 

scheduled here December 5, 6 at the Roosevelt 

hotel. 

MIAMI 

The Flamingo and the Mayfair Art cooperated 

with American Art week. They featured 

exhibitions in lobbies ... A demonstration 

of Thimble Drome racing was staged 

at the Paramount shore by Stan Hancock. 

Curry Andrews, manager, featured the racing 

contest with a double bill, five cartoons 

and a serial . . . Variety Club has .set February 

2 for its annual all-star heart fund at 

the Miami Beach auditorium. Jack Bell is 

general chairman. 

The Flamingo Theatre is using scheduled 

performances for its art films. Al Brandt, 

manager, followed "Devil in the Flesh" with 

"The Queen of Spades" and "Satin Slippers," 

a ballet film . . . Three men were arrested for 

the holdup of the 27th Avenue Drive-In. The 

$1,200 taken was found inside their shirts 

Danches, will import Scalera pictures 

from Italy, including, "The Mulatto." 

Eugene Race played "The Affair Blum" at 

the Cameo. The film was recommended for 

sociology students and students of the cinema 

Director Joseph Lewis owes his 

first trip to Florida to skepticism. Lewis 

questioned a sun-drenched view of Florida 

which he saw on a screen during a freezing 

Brooklyn whiter as a boy. He hitch-hiked to 

Miami, saw the sun and returned home with 

renewed faith in films. 

Renovate at Baton Rouge 

NEW ORLEANS—Carl T. 

Wethers, owner, 

has closed the East End Theatre, one of the 

larger Negro houses in Baton Rouge, for two 

weeks of remodeling and repairs. Simplex 

mechanisms are being installed by National 

Theatre Supply Co. Redecoration of the interior 

is under way. 

D. E. Hendren in Hospital 

ERWIN, TENN. — Diamond E. Hendren, 

manager for the Cumberland Amusement Co., 

here, underwent an operation in the hospital 

at Loudon, Tenn. 

Richard Burroughs Killed 

ORLANDO, FLA.—Richard A. Burroughs, 

husband of Mrs. Manira Austin Burroughs, 

for many years cashier of the Grand Theatre, 

was killed in an automobile accident. 

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BOXOFFICE :: November 11, 1950 

73

. . 

LATEST I>fFORMATION-Absorbed by the latest information on sales of theatre 

equipment at a sales meeting in Atlanta are these employes of the Wil-Kin 

Theatre Supply. Inc. Front row. left to right, are Harry Wayne, Charlie Moore 

Charlie Fortson, "Tip" Tipton and Bill Hendry. In the back row, left to right, are 

Bill Edmondson, Walt Woodward, Jack Hunt and O. C. Alexander. Harry Garcy. 

who also attended the meet, played photographer for this picture and missed getting 

in the shot. 

CHARLOTTE 

fji Holston, manager for 20th-Fox, returned 

to his office from the convention of the 

Theatre Owners of America in Houston . 

Everett Olsen, advertising representative for 

Paramount here, visited several towns in 

North Carolina lining up advertising programs 

on new films . . . The Variety Club 

was to hold its annual election of officers 

this week. 

Ringling Bros.-Bamum & Bailey circus was 

was here this week. Only one performance 

was open to the public as the afternoon 

show had been bought out by Firestone Tire 

& Rubber Co. for its employes in Gastonia 

and Benettsville. 

Airers Started Before Ban 

DAYTONA BEACH—The two drive-in projects 

here will not be affected by the federal 

ban. Work is well under way on the Neptune 

Drive-In and the unnamed drive-in in 

Daytona. 

South 

A B C THEATRICAL ENT.

Texas Variety Club 

Re-EIec!s Officers 

DALLAS—The Variety Club of Texas unanmously 

re-elected its entire 1950 crew at a 

\ 

JOHN H. ROWLEY 

meeting held in the Adolphus hotel clubrooms 

Monday (6i. John H. Rowley was 

re-elected chief barker, and others to keep 

their same posts are C. A. "Pappy" Dolson. 

first assistant chief barker; L. M. "Mike" 

Rice, second assistant chief barker: Meyer 

Rachofsky, doughguy: and Don C. Douglas, 

property man. 

Four new directors were named: Charles 

J, Freeman, Harold Schwarz, Kendall Way 

and Harry Kaplan. Other directors are 

Charles E. Darden, Al Reynolds, and five 

^former chief barkers, Julius Schepps. Paul 

'short, WiUiam O'Donnell, James O. Cherry, 

and Claude Ezell. 

Variety of Houston Ready 

To Construct Boys Club 

HOUSTON—Trustees of the Boys club here 

have approved architects plans for construction 

of the $160,000 concrete and brick Variety 

Boys' Chib on Clio street here facing Montie 

Beach park. The approval of tlie building 

is a milestone in almost five years of planning 

by the local Variety Club. The trustees 

also adopted a program of financing the club 

building and operations over the next fiveyear 

period through a series of variety shows. 

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the clubhouse, 

planned for a membership of more 

than 2,000 boys, will be held Christmas day. 

Construction will get under way about January 

1. according to Fred Nahas. chief barker. 

Karl Kamrath of the architectural firm of 

Mackie & Kamrath, .said the building was 

designed to serve as many as 250 boys per 

liour in numerous activities. He said the 

building would require a minimum of upkeep 

and would be constructed so that it could be 

expanded easily in the future. 

The two-story structure will be fireproof 

and will include a 48x80-foot gymnasium, 

complete with an upstairs parents observation 

gallery facing a long stage. Locker rooms, 

the check room and general office are near 

the gymnasium. A game room, measuring 

33x48 feet, and offices also will be on the 

first floor. 

Upstairs will be a library, crafts shop, wood 

shop, wood fini.shing room, machine space, 

two clubrooms, a small kitchen and miscellaneous 

rooms. The building will be centrally 

heated. The ball park facilities at Montie 

Beach park will be accessible to members and 

it is expected that the city soon will build a 

swimming pool there. 

The $7,500 site for the club was acquired 

about two months ago. In addition to the 

cost of the building, the unit will include 

$20,000 worth of equipment. The estimated 

annual operating cost will be about $25,000. 

Suburban Dip Blamed 

On TV in Oklahoma City 

OKLAHOMA CITY—A slump in 

boxoffice 

receipts here is credited partly to television 

by Eddie Thorne, manager of the Criterion. 

Neighborhood houses seem to be the hardest 

hit and are going into a depression, he said. 

There may be other reasons for the general 

slump in show business but the Oklahoma 

City exhibitor said television was one 

of the contributing factors. His business, he 

added, was consistently satisfactory. His 

sneak preview policy on Monday nights 

would have to be cut, he said. Monday evenings 

are the regular show nights for many 

patrons and the sneak is no real draw then. 

Circuit Owner Building 

$200,000 Sports Center 

OKLAHOMA CITY—First units of Barton's 

Sports Center, a $200,000 project was opened 

in the Capitol Hill business section recently 

by R. Lewis Barton, circuit owner, and Ray 

Barton. The project will occupy all but one lot 

of a city block. Only bowling alleys are reaHy 

for operation but a skating rink is planned. 

Parking space for ino cars is available. 

Broadway composer Alex North will write 

the score for "The Scarlet Penn," a 20th-Fox 

film. 

Dallas Exhibitor Says 

Cugat Broke Contract 

OKLAHOMA CITY—Jack Swiger, Dallas 

theatreman and former manager of a local 

theatre, filed suit here in district court 

against Xavier Cugat, charging the rumba 

.king with breaking a contract made with 

him in November of 1946. The damage suit 

jasked for $22,750. Cugat arrived here for his 

first concert in the city in three years to find 

himself facing the suit. 

Swiger charged the breach of contract cost 

him $7,750. He also asked another $15,000 

.damages. He contends Cugat agreed to re- 

|cord a series of dancing instructions which 

could be used in setting up dance studios in 

the United States, South America and Mexico. 

Swiger says he was to set up the studios 

and use Cugat's voice in teaching dancing. 

They were to split 50-50. 

Swiger alleged that after the contract was 

signed in Chicago, he spent "or obligated 

himself" for $5,000 in the promotion of the 

enterprise and made a trip to Beverly Hills, 

to confer with Cugat. He said it wasn't until 

March 1947, that Cugat's attorney informed 

him the agreement was off. 

INSPECTING BLEVINS DISPLAY—Looking over a display of the Blevins Popcorn 

Co. of Nashville, set up in the Variety room in the Shamrocli hotel during the 

TOA meet, is Monte Hale, who starred in Republic oaters. Stormy Meadows, Dallas 

district manager for Blevins, is the genial hostess. 

BOXOFFICE November 11, 1950 sw 75

. . John 

. . When 

. . Herman 

. . The 

. . Al 

. . 

SAN ANTONIO 

'The Fiesta Drivc-In now is admitting kids 

free when with adult ... A dual Halloween 

owl show was given at the Highland Theatre 

with gifts for all the patrons. Similar 

midnightors were held at the Harlandale and 

Uptown. Southern Theatre Company neighborhood 

houses. 

Film stars who were recently interviewed 

over KABC here included Diane Hart, Hugh 

Marlowe, Janice Carter, Maureen O'Hara, 

Zasu Pitts and Richard Widniark . . . KTSA 

made a wire recording on board the streamliner 

bringing stars and Republic executives 

here for the opening of "Rio Grande," and 

broadcast it during the noon hour on the 

m HOTTEST 

NAME IN 

SHOW BUSINESS 

TO-DAY! 

oepning day. KEYL televised the colorful 

premiere . Wayne, who was here appearing 

at the Majestic, said that his next 

picture most likely will be "The Alamo," 

centered around the cradle of Texas liberty. 

. 

Herbert J. Yates, Republic president, was 

named a grand commodore in the San Antonio 

river navy during his recent visit . . . 

Bobby Bixler, formerly a salesman for Warner 

Bros, in Dallas and the Toledo, Ohio, 

territories, has resigned to return to his ranch 

in Texas Maureen O'Hara and 

John Wayne laid wreaths at the Alamo shrine 

liere in honor of the Texas heroes who lost 

their lives fighting for freedom, the stars 

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drew the largest crowd to Alamo Plaza since 

the recent visit of Pi'esident Truman to that 

historic spot. 

John Ford, who was here for the opening 

of "Rio Grande" was made an honorary 

sheriff of Bexar county by Sheriff Owen Kilday 

. Craver of United Artists, 

Dallas, was in town calling upon the theatre 

booking managers over the weekend . 

Tony Carreon of Carreon Service made a 

trip to Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande 

valley in his new Packard . Sommers 

drug store fountains featured "Rio Grande" 

sundaes during the showing of the Republic 

film by the same name at the Majestic. 

Exhibitors who were here visiting the film 

exchanges included Benito Silvas, Mexico, 

Carrizo Springs; Jose Garcia, Nacional, Ash- i 

erton, and Mr. and Mrs. Enrique Flores, Rio, 

Mission . . . Louis Santikos, owner of the 

| 

Olmos, was in New York City on a buying 

and booking trip . . . Local theatremen who 

attended the TOA convention in Houston 

were Charles Albert, San Pedro Outdoor; 

Eph Charninsky, Southern Theatre Co.; 

Leon Glasscock, Glasscock circuit, and Richard 

Landsman, Statewide Drive-In Theatres. 

. . . Robert 

: 

The Trail Drive-In has lined up "Country 

Pair" for a first run showing 

Shelton, manager of the Highland, starts 

"Six to Sixty" matinees November 18. This 

same neighborhood hou.se recently raised its 

admi.ssion price from 40 to 50 cents . . . The 

Josephine has dropped its Monday-through- 

Friday matinees . . . "Hollywood Burlesque" 

earned a two-day holdover at the Prince. 

Price was upped to 50 cents. 

. 

Four showcases played the leading southw-est 

conference football game pictures. They 

were the Josephine, Varsity Drive-In, Prince 

and Highland Palace has booked 

Evelyn West for a midnight ramble New 

Ten neighborhood houses 

Year's eve. . . . 

will hold kiddie matinees November 24 to 

benefit the Bluebird cancer fund with a 26 

cent admission charge and all small fry re- i 

ceiving free gifts and favors. The suburbans 

having the early morning shows will be the 

Broadway, Highland, Josephine, Hi-Ho, Uptown, 

Guadalupe, Olmos. Harlandale, Rital 

and Sunset. Two of the houses will have allcartoon 

programs, while eight will run a fea-| 

ture with three cartoons. 

H. K. Carrington, head of Nationwide Pic-! 

tures, Dallas, will premiere his "Spanish 

Texas" historical short here at the Almeda 

on Armistice day. The local made subject was 

adapted for the screen by Carey Lange, with 

voice narration by Gustav Garcia, local at-' 

torney. Jacob Rodriguez of the Mexicanl 

Chamber of Commerce here wrote the; 

original story. It was praised by press and 

radio critics alike at a recent advance showing 

in the International Enterprises building 

here. 

'Polite' Holdup Man Robs 

Birmingham Theatres 

BIRMINGHAM—Two Waters Theatres 

here have suffered losses at the hands of a 

"nice-looking, polite" bandit. Other business 

houses have been robbed by the same 

man. Mrs. Betty Johnson, cashier at the 

Avon Theatre, was robbed of $74 and Miss 

Elsie Murphy, cashier at the Central Park 

Theatre, was robbed of $40. 


;. 

mary 

Lowgrade Operations Are Threof 

To Drive-ln Business, Says Ezell 

HOUSTON—Claude Ezell. 

pioneer drive-in 

exhibitor, warned outdoor exhibitors that too 

r 

many of them are for- 

getting that the pripurpose 

of the 

drive-in theatre is to 

provide entertainment 

» 

and not to operate as 

a restaurant. 

^ 

Ezell, who is chairm^. 

man of the Theatre 

^. •}^,_ Owners of America 

III^B — JJIh drive-in committtee. 

^^B ^ ^^M made a plea for op- 

^^^ " ^^^ eration of outdoor the- 

Claude Ezell atres on a high entertainment 

plane—and 

urged that drive-in exhibitors turn to participation 

in community enterprises as a 

means of promoting better public relations. 

The veteran Texas exhibitor had planned 

to speak on such problems as proper selection 

of sites for drive-ins, costs, and points of 

interest for the theatreman planning to erect 

an outdoor project. "I had my speech prepared," 

he commented, "but the government 

[took care of it for me by issuing the ban on 

(new construction." 

So he turned his guns on the type of outdoor 

operator who runs a lowgrade situation, 

with little knowledge of the theatre, and no 

loyalty to standards. These newcomers are 

destroying the business that legitimate exhibitors 

have been building and protecting 

for 

years. 

"A few weeks ago, we ran into a drive-in 

theatre where back of the house was the 

screen, the kitchen window the concession 

counter and accommodations for 40 cars in 

the backyard," he said. 

That this type of an operator is able to 

buy film is what irritates Ezell. He wants 

distributors to classify drive-ins in some manner. 

He contended that outdoor theatres 

have not been classified as are indoor theatres. 

"They're just tossed into one general 

group—drive-ins." he criticized. 

Texas he said has 300 outdoor theatres and 

all of them can't be put in a single category 

for determination of what product they 

should get and how they should be regarded 

by the film business. 

Ezell said that drive-ins are "the finest end 

of the business." The outdoor exhibitor is 

closest to his patrons—he opens his theatre 

to the physically handicapped, the smallest 

children and makes going to the theatre a 

real family enterprise. 

He thinks the drive-in also offers great 

opportunities for area developments. His 

organization, he said, is buying wherever it is 

possible all adjoining land to its theatre with 

the view of building a shopping center in 

the future. 

The Texan also had some other advice to 

offer to TOA members. He said his drive-ins 

are offered for afternoon use by organizations 

in the community. He makes them 

available for symphony concerts, for Easter 

and Christmas services—adds a personal interest 

touch by serving coffee at these occasions. 

"Keep the theatre clean, answer all complaints, 

even the most unreasonable ones, 

keep your washrooms as clean as the concession 

stands, know your patrons, make good 

service your motto—and along with an interest 

in community welfare you'll keep the 

drive-in theatre at a high level," he said. 

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Cable Laying for Airers 

Perfected by Builder 

OKLAHOMA CITY — "Weldon & Sons, a 

local firm which handles construction of 

drive-ins, has perfected a new way of laying 

cables in outdoor theatres. With a new device, 

the firm can lay cable for a 700-car 

operation in about ten hours where previously 

a week to ten days was required. The company 

did this type work for 'Video Independent 

Theatres, and did grading and cable installation 

for many other ozoners in Oklahoma 

and Texas. 

Pike Amusement Formed 

McCOMB. MISS.—A new firm, the Pike 

Amusement Co., has been formed by J. E. 

Alford, operator of the State, and T. G. Solomon 

of the Palace, competitive theatres, with 

E. Sarphie, local businessman as president. 

Tlie company was formed to facilitate booking 

and other operations. 

Named South Texas Salesman 

DALLAS—Alfred J. Delcambre has been 

named a salesman in the southern Texas 

zone for Monogram studios, replacing the late 

H. A. Harlanson. Delcambre has worked with 

United Artists. Paramount and Selznick and 

is a former screen actor. 

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BOXOFTICE November 11, 1950 77

. . . The 

. . The 

DALLAS 

\]LT F. "Pop" Miller, a Filmrow pioneer who 

has been with the Fox companies in 

Dallas since September 1918. was given a surprise 

party on his 63rd birthday by 55 coworkers 

at the 20th Century-Fox office 

Miller now is sales manager. The Fox office 

presented him with a huge birthday cake. 

Interstate Theatres announced that the 

world premiere of Warners' "Dallas" will be 

held at the Majestic here November 23. 

Thanksgiving day . . . Four suburban theatres, 

the Delman, South Loop Drive-In. Casa 

Linda and Arcadia, played "Champagne for 

Caesar" in a first Dallas run. Jack Crow of 

the Delman sneak-previewed the film first. 

and says he got a "very favorable response" 

Palace dated "All About Eve" for 

November 15 on a continuous showing policy. 

. . . The 

L. B. Crow, owner and manager of the 

Sunset Theatre, reported that "some stickyfingered 

crooks" entered his theatre and 

made off with chewing gum and candy. The 

two thieves were routed from their work by 

an alert watchman. T. C. Person 

Coronet began a Shaw Memorial Film festival 

two days following the playwright's death. 

The theatre is showing "Pygmalion" and 

"Major Barbara" . . . Film actor Leo Carillo 

was added to the Texas tour of the American 

Legion show, "Red, White and Blue." Actress 

Lnida Darnell will join the show for its 

Kansas and Missouri tour. 

Dallas film men returning from the Theatre 

Owners of America convention in Houston 

called it "the most successful convention 

ever held." They quoted Gov. Allan Shivers. 

who had said. "This convention made a lot 

of people familiar with modern-day Texas. 

and they were amazed." The R. J. O'Donnells 

motored back, and brought actre.ss Alexis 

Smith to Dallas' Love Field, where she caught 

a plane to Hollywood. O'Donnell, chairman 

of the convention, was much praised here. 

. 

Mrs. Charles T. Manley, president of Manley, 

Inc., had just arrived at Houston for the 

TOA convention, when she received word 

that her mother was seriously ill in San 

Francisco. She left that afternoon for the 

Associated Film Laboratories 

west coast city . . . 

of Grapevine has moved to 7544 South 

Lamar Ave., Dallas. The business is operated 

by Olin and Cecil Dalton 'Variety 

Club was well represented at the Southern 

Methodist-University of Texas football game 

at Austin. Two special railroad cars transported 

the group there and back. . 

Rufus Harris jr., equipment counselor of 

Blevins Popcorn Co., Nashville, Tenn., has 

been visiting in the Dallas office. 

Bank Night Pool Formed 

By 26 Twin City Houses 

from Midwest Edition 

MINNEAPOLIS—A huge Bank night pool 

of 26 local independent neighborhood and 

suburban theatres has been formed to hold 

weekly drawings in which all will participate. 

It will offer a $1,000 cash prize for a 

starter and until there is a claimant $250 

will be added each week. 

Called Mill City Theatres, the group has 

established offices to handle the physical 

work involved in the plan. As conducted by 

the group. Bank night has been legalized by 

the state supreme court. The latter's decision 

reversed a lower court ruling in a 

test suit brought by the Albert Lea, Minn., 

Amusement Co. 

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Milkmen See Film 

At 5 A. M. Matinee 

Shreveport, La.—The first before-daylight 

film matinee ever presented in 

Shreveport theatres was given at the Don 

on a recent F'riday at 5 a. m. when "The 

Milkman." the U-I comedy, was enjoyed 

by 65 drivers of the Foremost Dairies. 

Don George, owner of the Don, was master 

of ceremonies, assisted by Doyle Maynard, 

general manager. Preceding the 

showing doughnuts and coffee were 

served in the foyer of the theatre. 

The 65 drivers who begin work at 3 ' 

a. m. each morning were given a special 

concession to attend the matinee by 

George H. Kinmon, manager of the Foremost 

Dairies. He was represented by 

W. G. Earp, assistant manager. 

"The Milkman" began a run the following 

Sunday at the Don. 

Harry Holt, 62, Dies 

At Oklahoma City 

OKLAHOMA CITY—Harry Arthur Holt, 

the Wes-Ten Theatre here, 

former owner of 

died Friday (3), about a week following hisj 

wife's death. Burial was in Chetopa. Kas. ; 

A brother. Eddie Holt of the Wigwam 

Theatre, Coalgate. was here for the services. 

Holt was 62 years of age. a veteran of World 

War I. Born in Pryor Creek. Indian Territory, 

in 1888, he had operated a grocery i 

store in Picher and owned a movie house 

in Maud before coming to Oklahoma City. 

He came here ten years ago, and owned the 

Wes-Ten until his retirement about one, 

year ago. He was a member of the First; 

Methodist church here and the American 

Legion. He belonged to 'Variety Tent 22 and 

other organizations. He once operated the 

Filmrow Coffee shop. 

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Elaine 

Clark, city, four sLsters and two grandchildren. 

Lynn Smith Opens Ozoner i 

At Gonzales; His Fifth 

GONZALES. TEX.—The fifth in a chain 

of theatres owned by Lynn Smith, the $50,- 

000 Twi-Lite Drive-In, was opened here recently. 

Smith manages the airer which is, 

located on the Yoakum highway about two 

miles from Gonzales. The outdoor situation 

features a moonbeam pole with colored, diffused 

lighting equipment. A large concrete 

patio is near the refreshment stand and parking 

is on raised ramps. 

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78 BOXOFFICE November 11. 195(

• 

hotel, 

' 

jSays Exhibitors Share 

Blame for Trade Ills 

From Canadian Edition 

AMHERST, N. S.—"Don't blame it all on the 

producers and distributors—on Hollywood 

look to defects in your own exhibiting setup 

when business is down," John J. Fitzgibbons, 

president of Famous Players Canadian Corp. 

and the Canadian Industry Council, advised 

a luncheon assemblage of members and 

guests at the convention of the Maritime 

Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n, at Amherst. 

His topic was "The Future Welfare 

of 

Exhibitors." 

100 AT LUNCHEON 

Besides members of the association in the 

luncheon group of about 100, there were all 

the managers of film exchanges in the maritimes, 

most of their salesmen, and executives 

of the theatre supply firms, including 

projection and sound, from St. John, Halifax, 

Moncton and Montreal. 

Mr. Fitzgibbons held the close attention 

and interest of all in the hotel dining room 

for about an hour as he dwelt intimately on 

the current and future problems facing theatre 

operators. He urged them not to blame 

Hollywood wholly for lack of boxoffice, although 

he pointed out that some of the product 

had not been appealing in recent years. 

"There have been stinkers, and Famous 

Players, like all others in exhibition has had 

a share, but I wonder if you have been 

going really allout for business? Have you a 

cashier who is a frostypuss, a doorman who 

is discourteous, ushers who let people find 

their own seats, a staff individually or collectively 

or both, that manifests disregard 

for patrons, and show annoyance when called 

on for service? Are your rooms and fixtures 

for convenient use by the patrons clean and 

tidy? Are there always available paper 

towels and tissue? Do you and everybody 

on the staff act as if you really like yompatrons 

and want them in your theatres? 

Do you and each staff member try to make 

each patron feel you wish to make him feel 

at home, as for example, the bellboy in this 

who took my bag to my room, and 

parted from me with the expression, T hope, 

sir, you enjoy your stay in this hotel.' 

STAFF, SOUND IMPORTANT 

"Or, are you paying little or no attention 

to how each and every member of your 

staff acts with patrons? How are your projection 

and sound? People are quick to 

realize something is wrong although they 

are not able to diagnose it, exactly. Our efforts 

should not be limited to getting people 

into the theatres, as is often the case, 

but also to keep them coming regularly." 

Fitzgibbons advised against altering admission 

prices for children. He cited that 

while a profit with children's patronage may 

not be evident, there is not a more effective 

way of assuring future business and patrons 

for any theatre. It is also useful for 

current advertising among adults. 

Referring to the quality of pictures headed 

for the screen or recently reaching it, he 

said his company has had much boxoffice 

success in coupling "Treasure Island" and 

"Beaver Valley," and praised both as topbracket 

entertainment. He also commended 

"All About Eve," "The Flame and the Arrow" 

and "Broken Arrow." 

RCA 

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Now you can buy carpet custom loomed for use in your theatre. Your 

requirements for long wear, your preferences in color, your need for 

arresting patterns—have all been transformed into Wiltons of outstanding 

durability, beauty and low price in the new RCA Theatre 

To assure theatre owners of the best buy in floor covering, RCA has 

entrusted its carpet requirements to the Thomas L. Leedom Company 

of Bristol, Pa., specialists in attractive contract carpet— floor covering 

that has proved its wearability in heavy traffic areas such as theatres, 

hotels, and other public places for scores of years. 

Before you buy another yard of carpet, come in and sec tlie 

Theatre Carpet line now on display. 

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BOXOFFICE November 11, 1950 79

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For your convenience small orders may be picked 

up ot our downtown warehouse at 2013 Young St. 

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DRIVE-IN THEATRE COMBINATION CXIT 

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Also available with Entrance Panels 

Arrows may be either right or left. 

DRIVE.IN THEATRE MFG. CO. Ki;?,'s,1»cV,rMo 

Dezel Will Distribute 

20 Zone Grey Reissues 

NEW YORK—Albert Dezel has closed a 

distribution deal with Moe Kerman of Favorite 

Films Corp. for the Chicago. Milwaukee 

and Detroit territories on 20 Zane Grey features 

formerly distributed by Paramount. The 

first unit, consisting of John Wayne in "Hell 

Town" and Randolph Scott in "Buffalo 

Stampede," has been booked by RKO to play 

the Grand Theatre, Chicago starting November 

15. 

Dallas Grosses Off; 

'Rio' Leads With 100 

DALLAS—Boxoffice receipts hit a season 

low. Only "Rio Grande" reported a 100 per 

cent mark at the Majestic. 


Coionel—Henry V (U-I) -...- 90 

Dallas—Gigi (Spalt 

Grande (Rep) 

Meiba—Pretty Baby (WB).. .. 

Palace—Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion 

(U-I) 

Tower—ni Get By (20th-Fox), 2nd d t wk 

it 

Once having Motiographs, a theatreman 

never buys any other projector . . . actually 

becomes hostile v/hen anyone suggests that he 

change. What can you do with people like that? Thinking 

over, Motiographs must be quite satisfactory. 

MODERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. 

214 South St. Paul St. Phone Riverside 5509 

DALLAS, 

TEXAS 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION

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OKLAHOM A 

C R. Slocum of El Reno and Video Independent 

Theatres, Inc., was pictured in 

;he Times, in a story on an El Reno Bible 

:lass which he heads ... A study by Unlersity 

of Oklahoma radio students reveals 

:hat television has had no effect on theatre- 

;oing. The survey shows TV has not changed 

:he living habits of Oklahomans. Basis for 

.lie report was 3,615 interviews with families 

from two Oklahoma cities. The students con- 

Jucted six separate surveys on which they 

Dased their conclusions. The first was made 

16 months ago, before telecasting began in 

Oklahoma, with followup studies six and 12 

Tionths later. 

Variety Tent 22 changed its annual meetjig 

date to November 17. The directors and 

pfficers will be named and a stag supper 

jwill be held at the annual session, C. A. 

'Dewey" Gibbs of Columbia, chief barker, 

The American Legion is bringing 

said . . . 

['Red, White and Blue" to the Municipal 

auditorium November 17, 18 . . Opening 

. 

Tuesday (7) in the auditorium was the anlual 

Shrine-sponsored Polack Bros, circus. 

'TU Get By" did a "very nice" business 

luring its one-week stand in the Criterion, 

Plaza and Ritz. Eddie Thorne, manager of 

'-.he Criterion, reported the film did a good 

:onsistent business in his house. He said it 

.vas about the same as if the Criterion had 

•jeen playing it alone . . . Paul Townsend, 

inanager of the Midwest, reported "Two 

Weeks of Love" did "pretty good" business 

Hepburn comes to the Home 

lere in "As You Like It" on November 20, 21 

Boheme" is booked into the Home 

or November 13 for one performance . 

The Frontier suburban situation is still playng 

classies and foreign products, and seemngly 

is doing good with the new policy. 

"The Skating Vanities of 1951" will open 

ts ninth annual run here November 21 in 

he Municipal auditorium. The engagement 

I 

s for six nights with two matinees . . . 

• MACHINE FOLD 

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CITY 

Doris Drennen, RKO secretary to R. B. 

Williams, branch manager, was honeymooning 

with her husband. Grover Starky of the 

navy. He's stationed in California. Mrs. 

Starky will return to work . old 

quarters are being remodeled with air conditioning 

and a general overhaul job. The 

building hasn't been leased yet as far as 

anyone can learn. 

. . . H. L. Boehm of 

Catherine Clark of RKO's branch office 

was back at work after an operation. She 

was away three weeks 

the Rook Theatre, Watonga, was a Filmrow 

Also visiting were Fred Collier 

visitor . . . 

of the Kiowa in Kiowa and his brother, 

Howard Collier of the Oak in Hartshorne; 

Volney Hamm, Ritz, Altus; Earl Rains, 

Rialto. Fort Cobb; Reese Wilkerson, Tiger. 

Konawa; L. B. Burns, Majestic, Temple; L. 

A. White, Tech, Weatherford; O. J. Kemp, 

Victory, Poteau, and F. D. Cummings, Roxie, 

Stratford, Tex. 

Glen Fowler is the new apprentice booker 

at the Universal branch office . . . The three 

Universal film salesmen got new companyrented 

Plymouths. The old policy of each 

salesman furnishing his own car is out . . . 

Barton's 77 Drive-In was leased to the Rev. 

William H. "Bill" Alexander, GOP senatorial 

nominee, for a public appearance on 

the eve of the general election. The fiery 

showman invited the public to a free entertainment 

bill which included a double feature. 

Alexander, a former emcee on the 

theatre stages of St. Louis, not only talked 

to the drive-in crowd, but appeared on TV 

and elsewhere for his last ditch stand Monday 

night (6). 

Goldenson Gives Check 

For Research to UCPA 

From Eastern Edition 

NEW YORK—Leonard H. Goldenson, president 

of the United Cerebral Palsy Ass'n and 

also president of United Paramount Theatres, 

has given a check for $30,000 to the 

newly formed UCPA research council. The 

money was raised during the first annual 

campaign last May. 

The council, under the chairmanship of 

Dr. Sidney Farber, professor of pathology at 

Harvard Medical school, plans to "establish 

an institute to meet in the near future to 

assemble all know'n, relevant information 

in order to better determine the needs for 

specific research projects and to stimulate 

interest in investigation in this field." It 

estimated that $1,000,000 will be needed for 

an effective research attack on the problem 

of cerebral palsy. 

The first anniversary meeting of the 

UCPA began Saturday (4) at the Hotel 

Statler here and continued the following 

day. 

Fire Destroys Film 

LINNEVILLE. ALA.—Fire in the projection 

booth of the Linneville Theatre here destroyed 

a roll of film. The theatre was 

evacuated during the blaze but no one was 

injured. 

RESEARCH BUREAU 

for 

MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City 1, Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU 

to receive information regularly, as released, on 

the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

n Acoustics 

n Air Conditioning 

n Archifecfural Service 

"Black" Lighting 

n Building Material 

n Carpets 

n Coin Machines 

n Lighting Fixtures 

n Plumbing Fixtures 

Projectors 

n Projection Lamps 

n Seating 

Signs and Marquees 

D Complete Remodeling Sound Equipment 

D Decorating 

Television 

D Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts 

Drive-In Equipment D Vending Equipment 

D Other Subjects 

Theatre 

Seating Capaciiy.- 

AddresE 

City 

State 

Signed 

Postoge-poid reply cords for your further convenience 

in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN 

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

BOXOrnCE :: November 11, 1950 81

'%:, 

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Idmj^&yt Cthtc^t 

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Even a small Christmas Seal contribution is a 

gift to countless thousands in a myriad of ways. 

As just one example, it makes possible 26 tuberculosis 

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Because of the importance of 

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BOXOFFICE 


HALT TO COMPETITIVE BIDDING 

IS ASKED BY WISCONSIN ALLIED 

Practice Is Destructive, 

Resolution Contends; 

Rename Ben Marcus 

MILWAUKEE — A resolution condemning 

the practice of competitive bidding for films 

was passed by the convention of Allied Independent 

Theatre Owners of Wisconsin and 

Upper Michigan here October 31-November 1. 

The resolution stated that competitive bidding 

was for the sole purpose of extracting 

more of the boxoffice dollar, making it impossible 

for the exhibitor to operate his 

business at a legitimate profit. 

It resolved, "That competitive bidding be 

condemned and all distributors are hereby 

exhorted to discontinue this destructive practice 

and resort to saner and more equitable 

methods of selling their pictures." 

PRAISE SCREENING COMMITTEE 

Another resolution passed praised the work 

of members of the screening committee for 

confidential screening reports of pictures. 

The resolution praised the committeemen for 

attending the screenings and compiling honest 

and unbiased reports on the merits of 

the pictures screened. Appreciation was expressed 

officially to Joe Strother, chairman: 

Harry Melcher, Dick Saeger, Harry Perlewitz, 

Ed Vollendorf, Angelo Provinzano and Joe 

Woodward. 

Abram F. Myers, general counsel and chairman 

of the board of National Allied, stressed 

the power of the screen in cultural and intellectual 

spheres in his addresses before the 

group. He reminded the exhibitors of the 

industry's efforts in charity and education. 

To prove the patriotic sincerity of the industry, 

he pointed out that the fight against 

the 20 per cent tax on admissions was 

dropped at the beginning of the Korean war. 

Trueman Kembusch, president of National 

Allied, told the group that the best way for 

them to fight against the new enemy, television, 

and against unfair distributor practices 

was by attending conventions which 

would keep them informed. 

SAYS TV MAKES DIFFERENCE 

Henry Toilette, Neenah, district manager of 

the Marcus theatres which include 20 theatres 

and three airers, emphasized that television 

had made a difference in business. 

"Where television has not reached, business 

is still normal," he said. In Milwaukee, 

business has been -off 10 to 25 per cent in the 

last two years, he added. 

Andrew M. Spheeris, owner of the Towne, 

Milwaukee, was not as willing to admit the 

impact of television. He attributed the drop 

in business to other reasons, such as the 

weather, and said that ultimately, television 

may help the film industry. 

Robert Gross, manager of a drive-in theatre 

in Milwaukee, also said that video may 

help the industry. The novelty of television 

will not last long, he said. Meanwhile, it will 

stimulate interest in entertainment, he insisted. 

S. J. Goldberg, Wausau, owner of a 

drive-in and conventional house, agreed with 

The newly elected officers and directors of Allied ITO of Wisconsin are shown 

in the top photo. Standing, left to right. Russell Leddy, director, Green Bay; A. M. 

Spheeris, Milwaukee, treasurer; directors, Eric Brown of Plymouth, Floyd Albert of 

Mount Horeb; John O'Connor of Platteville; Fred Krueger. Milwaukee, secretary, and 

directors Jerome Goderski of Milwaukee, C. E. Baldwin of Gillett. Seated: F. J. 

McWilliams, Portage; Charles Trampe. Milwaukee, directors; Ben A. Marcus, Oshkosh, 

president; John Adler, Marshfield, director, and S. J. Goldberg, Wausau, vicepresident. 

Conventioneers seen in the middle group: Orville Langheinrich, Anthony LaPorte, 

Angelo Provinzano, A. J. Honthaner, Jerry Goderski, Arnold Brumm, who is behind 

Ed Johnson, Harry Krueger, Billy Pierce, Evelyn Gutenberg, Clem Kraemer, Rose 

Vogel, Helen Hanke, Gil Nathanson and Sig Goldberg. 

In the bottom photo, rear: An unidentified exhibitor. Fred Miner. Frank 

Manske, William Ainsworth. Ruth Huebner. Russ Leddy and F. J. Williams. Front: 

N. F. Kellenhausen. Ranee Mason, Larry Beltz. A. Brock and Mr. McCormick. 

Gross but said he had not been confronted 

with television in his area. John Schuyler, 

Hartland, Wis., manager of the Delft Theatres. 

Inc. was optimistic and said indoor 

houses of his chain had enjoyed a better 

business this year than last. The consensus 

at the conclave was that better films was 

the reason for good business. 

Ben Marcus, head of the S&M circuit of 

Oshkosh and Milwaukee who was re-elected 

president of Wisconsin Allied, cited the 

achievements of the group in the last year. 

These were showmanship campaigns, screening 

reports, PTA sponsored kiddy shows, the 

COMPO, and elimination of Ascap expenses. 

Other officers elected by the new board 

were: S. J. Goldberg, Wausau, vice-president; 

Fred Krueger, Milwaukee, secretary, and 

A. M. Spheeris, Milwaukee, treasurer. 

The new directors cho-sen are: Floyd Albert, 

Mount Horeb: John P. Adler, Marshfield; 

C. L. Baldwin, Gillett; Eric Brown, Plymouth; 

Russell Leddy, Green Bay; F. J. McWilliams, 

Portage; Charles W. Trampe. Milwaukee; 

John O'Connor. Platteville and Jerome Goderski. 

Milwaukee. 

The convention drew more than 250 members 

to the Hotel Schroeder to hear prominent 

speakers in the film industry. Exhibitor 

groups were held in three sections, for small 

town exhibitors with Eric Brown as chairman; 

for subsequent runs with Edward Johnson 

as chairman, and for large town theatres 

(Continued on next page) 


Wisconsin ITO Asks 

End to Film Bidding 

(Continued from preceding pagei 

with Russ Leddy as discussion leader. 

Displays of theatre equipment and supplies 

were set up in the foyer of the fifth floor of 

the hotel. Firms with exhibits were: Romer 

Vide Co., Chetek, Wis.; Merchandising Corp., 

Vic Manhart Co., Theatre Equipment Co., National 

Theatre Supply, Theatres Candy Co., 

Variety Tent 14, Vendex Co. and Poblocki 

Co., all of Milwaukee. Kroehler and Price 

Theatre Pi-emiums Co., Chicago; Hires, Refresho 

Co. and Manley, Inc. 

Convention highlights 

Mrs. Nagel of the Crescent Theatre, 

Shawano, Wis. was introduced as the oldest 

woman exhibitor, in point of service, in show 

business. 

John E. O'Connor, Gem and Avalon Theatres, 

Plattsville, stood head and shoulders 

over other exhibitors. He towers at six feet, 

prices. 

Freuler helped to found a goodwill group 

for the industry and did a turn at producing 

silents and talking films. He exhibited 

in Wisconsin and Kansas City and is proud 

to own the Century in Milwaukee, a far cry 

from his first theatre there. 

F. J. McWilliams, operator of the Portage 

Theatre at Portage, Wis., was another oldtimer 

present at the convention. He has been 

a director of Wisconsin Allied for many years 

and has missed few conventions. He is 77 

and has been in the theatre business for 

40 years. 

Mi's. Donna Borchert of the Door Theatre 

at Sturgeon Bay, Wis. entered the theatre 

business after the death of her husband. She 

will open a new house, the Donna, at Stiu-geon 

Bay the latter part of November. 

The convention was shocked by the death 

of George Panka, Prairie du Chien exhibitor, 

at a Milwaukee hospital during the conclave. 

He and Harry Melcher operated the Metro 

Theatre at Prairie du Chien. The house was 

completed last year to replace a theatre of 

the same name which burned in 1949. 

'Smoky Tom' Edwards Star in 

Staged for TOA Guests in 

ST. LOUIS—A star performer in the calf 

roping and tying contest at the rodeo staged 

for the delegates at the TOA convention at 

Mac's ranch in Houston, was "Smoky Tom" 

Edwards, president of the local area MPTO. 

"Smoky Tom" played to full stands of 

delegates from all parts of the U.S. and 

Canada who were decked out in full western 

regalia. He made a nice try but missed 

winning the contest in roping and tying 

the calf by a scant margin. He also missed 

the calf. "Smoky Tom" drawled in explanation, 

"I didn't aim to rope it—it was a bum 

steer anyhow." 

Mrs. Bess Schulter of St. Louis, co-owner 

and operator of the Columbia and Roxy 

theatres in St. Louis, was featured in a 

special story that appeared in the Houston 

Chronicle. The feature started: 

"Mrs. Bess Schulter, St. Louis theatre 

owner here for the Theatre Owners of 

America convention at the Shamrock, is a 

queenly woman. But she does the work of 

a half dozen men. So the Variety Club, 

one day three years ago, officially recognized 

her as 'one of the boys' and crowned 

five inches. 

John R. Freuler, owner and operator of 

the Midcity and Century Theatres here, was 

called the oldest exhibitor attending the meet, 

His autobiography written for the official 

program was entitled, "My First 50 Years." 

her king. That day King Bess presided over 

It described his start in the nickelodeon days 

the club's luncheon. 

on Milwaukee's south side at a house called 

"Co-owner and operator of the Columbia 

the Theatre Comique. He purchased films 

and Roxy, neighborhood theatres, Mrs. 

in those days from George K. Sporrer who 

Schulter has been in the business since 1916. 

produced the Broncho Billie films. It was 

She started as a film inspector and booker 

difficult to get enough pictures in those days, 

for Universal, later she went into business 

Freuler said, the features being too short to 

for herself when she bought the Ashland 

keep patrons happy. 

Theatre in St. Louis. In 1926 she built the 

In 1906, he started his own distributing 

Columbia and Roxy, with George Skouras as 

firm. Western Film exchange, the first in 

partner. 

Milwaukee. He later helped to form the Motion 

Picture Patent company which collected 

" 'I am a student of the old school of 

theatre operations,' she said. 'You must run 

a two-dollar fee per week from exhibitors for 

your theatre like you would your home. 

using patent rights which the company 

Cleanliness, efficient and courteous service, 

owned. Later associated with Mutual Picture 

Corp., Freuler remembered making 

and catering to children are musts.' The 

a contract 

59-year-old exhibitor, who was busy meeting 

with Charlie Chaplin for 12 pictures at a total 

old friends in the industry Tuesday, empha- 

of $670,000 per year, and later, running D. W. 

Griffith's "Birth of a Nation" at road show 

sized the need for the personal touch in 

running a theatre. 'During the war courteous 

service to the public slipped badly. It 

Equipment Installed 

INDIANAPOLIS—Midwest Theatre Supply 

Co. reports the following installations: The 

Rialto, Plymouth, Ind., new RCA sound. Tlie 

house is operated by the Settos Tlieatres. The 

Lincoln, Indianapolis, operated by Peter 

Fortune, has installed 300 International chairs. 

The drive-in at Noblesville, under construction 

by F. I. Mitchell of Veedersburg, complete 

RCA equipment. 

New Front at Shullsburg 

SHULLSBURG, WIS.—A new black and 

white vitrolite front has been installed on 

the Burg Theatre here. A new generator 

also is being installed to give a brighter 

light on the screen. 

Hebron Theatre Sold 

BROOK, IND.—Arve and Henry Hermansen, 

owners of the Brook Theatre, have purcha-sed 

the Hebron, Ind. Theatre, a 350-seater, 

from C. W. Ritenour of Milford, Ind. 

Rodeo 

Houston 

has improved, but there is still much we 

can do to improve public relations.' 

"She is fighting the general drop in boxoffice 

by holding school benefits, popularity 

contests, giveaway programs, birthday club 

sessions for children, and such. 

" 'We are doing all the tricks today that 

we did 25 years ago. For example, we dress 

our ushering staff in costumes apropos of 

the movie—cowboy outfits for westerns, sailor 

uniforms for navy pictures, and the like. 

We have trucks with banners and loudspeakers 

to advertise our pictures.' " 

The story also mentioned two other women 

from St. Louis at the TOA meeting: Mrs. 

Lillian Krueger, former chairman of the 

TOA's board and executive committee, who 

with her mother and husband operates a 

chain of 11 indoor theatres and two drive-ins 

founded by her father, and Miss Myra Stroud, 

managing secretary of the MPTO. 

The feature closed with this paragraph; 

"A folder of the organization being passed 

out by these St. Louis women at the convention 

says, "There ain't no bull in Texas 

that cain't be throwed in Missouri.' 

The following delegates from the St. Louis 

trade territory received assignments to serve 

on the various TOA committees during 

1950-51: 

Theaire television—Tom Edwards, Farmington, Mo. 

National legislation—Loren Cluster. Salem, 111. 

Stale and local legislation—A. L. Matreci, St. Louis. 

Concessions—Paul Krueger, St. Louis. 

Public relations—Bess Schulter, St. Louis. 

Organization and membership—Tom Bloomer, Belleville, 

111. 

Distributor-Exhibitor relations—Tom James, St. Louis, 

Theatre equipment and accessories—Pete Medley, 

Sikeston, Mo. 

Theatre maintenance and operation—Philip Nanos, 

St- Louis. 

Drive-in theatres—Frank Plumlee, Farmington, Mo. 

Each delegate from the St. Louis sector 

wore a four-inch lapel button carrying the 

following appeal: "Meet Me in St. Louis, 

November 13, 14, Hotel Chase." The same 

slogan appeared on a sign prominently displayed 

in the Shamrock room during the 

business sessions of the TOA gathering. 

Beaver Dam Airer to Open 

By April for Chos. Lowe 

BEAVER DAM. WIS.—A drive-in, 

under 

construction here for Charles Lowe, is expected 

to be completed and in operation by 

April 1951. Nine ramps and approaches for 

the airer have already been completed and 

no halting of work by the federal ban on 

amusement building is expected. 

The outdoorer is located on Highway 33, 

three and one-half miles east of here. There 

will be spaces for 500 cars with additional 

room for waiting cars. A snack bar will be 

built in the center of the location. The 

Valley Construction Co. of Minneapolis is 

contractor. 

350-Car Drive-In Started 

BLUFFTON, IND.—Tile Tomkinson Bros, 

of Fort Wayne have started a 350-car drivein 

on 20 acres at the junction of state highways 

1 and 116, one mile north of here. Clifton 

and Richard Tomkinson leased the site 

from Ed Culver and have begun grading. 

84 BOXOmCE November 11, 1950

; 

BOXOFFICE 

Small-Towner Must 

Watch Competition 

MILWAUKEE—The small-town exhibitor 

must keep alive the public interest in films 

and concentrate on selling tickets to every 

potential customer he can reach or he will 

run the risk of losing business, Mike Simons, 

assistant to H. M. Richey, MGM exhibitor 

relations director, told the 1950 convention 

of Allied Independent Theatre Owners of 

Wisconsin Wednesday (1). 

Simons said that today the public wants 

to know all the facts about the industry because 

so many statements have been made 

about it being in a desperate plight. 

•SOLID AS A ROCK' 

"They're finding out. of course," he said, 

"exactly what we in the industry already 

know—that the movies are solid as a rock. 

Under the bright spotlight of renewed interest 

brought about by our own howls of pain, 

the public is being convinced that operating 

a picture theatre is a pretty good business 

just as they thought it was. Even Wall Street 

recently made a survey of the movies and, 

among other things, denied charges that 

Hollywood is extravagant, despite huge sums 

spent on production. 

"This interest in our business is great stuff 

for the showman who keeps it alive and hot 

by selling tickets to every last potential showgoer 

in his community. But if he allows any 

segment of the public to turn elsewhere for 

entertainment, he may wake up any morning 

from now on to find that a more enterprising 

showman is filling the vacuum—and taking 

business away from him in the bargain. We 

can't be too sure that opposition will not 

arise, despite restrictions on new theatre construction." 

DRIVE-IN GROWTH 'MIRACLE' 

Simons said the "miracle growth" of driveins 

is only a sample demonstration of what 

happens unexpectedly In the industry when 

new capital is available. 

"What the next new and forward-looking 

development in exhibition will be is anybody's 

guess," he said. "When it will come, 

how long the war scare will last, is something 

none of us can predict. 

"In the meantime, the small-town theatre 

owner is not safe from opposition nor is he 

ready to reap the benefits of any new development 

in this business if he is not serving 

the whole public of his community. Even 

those who profited by their proximity to 

army camps in World War II may find that 

the GI of 1951 will be demanding a better 

shake than his older brothers got in 1941-45. 

Conditions then were not always the best because 

the crisis was not anticipated. It's a 

different story today as the country prepares, 

through increased production, to enjoy life as 

much as possible even in the face of threats 

of the A-bomb. This means that even the 

lowly private is going to insist on seeing his 

movies in style and comfort. 

"At the same time, the civilian public, as 

it starts working longer hours and worrying 

about war, is going to demand that the local 

picture house live up to all those bright and 

snappy slogans we've been coining to prove 

that we're on the ball." 

Edwin H. Knopf will make his debut as a 

director on the MGM film. "The Law and 

Lady Loverly," starring Greer Garson. 

St. Louis MPTO Prepares 

For Record Attendance 

ST. LOUIS—Prominent industry personalities 

have made plans to attend the annual 

meeting of the MPTO of St. Louis, 

Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois to 

be held in Chase hotel November 13, 14. 

Among those expected are Sam Pinanski of 

Boston, president of TOA; Gael Sullivan, 

executive director: Herman Levy, TOA general 

counsel; Robert Mochrie, vice-president 

in charge of distribution, RKO: Senn Lawler. 

director of public relations. Fox Midwest, 

Kansas City; Jack Braunagel. head of the 

drive-in division. Commonwealth Amusement 

Corp., Kansas City; David Walerstein, Publix 

Great States Theatres, Chicago, and 

Robert L. Lippert, president of Lippert Productions. 

Several stars of the screen will appear at 

intervals during the meeting, which will be 

climaxed by an outstanding floor show at 

the banquet session. All of the business sessions 

are to be open to theatremen and 

exchange managers, salesmen and other representatives 

of distribution 

A full report of the recent TOA convention 

held in Houston will be made by members 

of the delegation of two dozen from this 

territory who went to the Lone Star state 

gathering. The delegation was headed by 

Tom Edwards of Parmington, Mo., president. 

At Houston, the St. Louis group handed 

all delegates of the TOA meet a four-page 

brochure on the MPTO meeting here. This 

brochure proved a real hit at the TOA 

gathering and gained recognition from the 

Houston newspapers. 

The program will start with the registration. 

The first business session will follow 

a luncheon at 12:15 p. m. with talks on 

"The COMPO Story," the Houston TOA meeting, 

concessions and on third dimensional 

screens. The second day's program includes 

Indiana Allied Parley 

Also Opens on 13th 

Indianapolis—The program for the 24th 

annual convention of Associated Theatre 

Owners of Indiana here November 13, 14 

has been completed with preparations 

made to include Gov. Henry F. Schricker 

as a speaker at a testimonial dinner for 

Trueman Rembusch and Marc Wolf on 

the 14th. 

Convention speakers will be Abram 

F. Myers, general counsel of National Allied; 

H. A. Cole, Dallas; Sam Shain, 20th- 

Fox; Leon Bamberger, RKO; H. M. Richey, 

MGM, and Arthur Mayer, executive 

director of COMPO. 

Mrs. Trueman Rembusch, Mrs. Marc 

Wolf and Mrs. Ernest L. Miller compose 

a ladies' entertainment committee for 

the conclave. 

Closed sessions for theatremen will be 

led by Guy Hancock, Plainfield exhibitor, 

and sessions for drive-in operators will 

have Richard Pell, Rnshville, as moderator 

Ṫom McCleaster, chief barker of the 

Variety Club here, is in charge of the 

dinner for Rembusch and Wolf. Both 

are ATOI leaders and, in addition. Rembusch 

is national president of Allied and 

Wolf is chief barker of International 

Variety. 

discussions on drive-in theatre operations, 

television and showmandising with the principal 

address to be made by the general 

counsel. Entertainment will include cocktail 

parties at 5:30 p. m. Monday and at 6 p. m. 

Tuesday. Special entertainment for women 

will include a motor tour of St. Louis. 

AT DRIVE-IN CONCLAVE—Shown above are exhibitors who attended a recent 

drive-in conference, sponsored by the Cooperative Theatres and Andy Dietz, at the 

home of Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Brezany in St. Louis. Seated, left to right. Cliff Mantel, 

Mrs. Wayne Hackworth, Morty Gottlieb, Mrs. Betty Bahr, Andy Dietz, Mary O'Brien, 

Bates Donze, Mr. Caldwell and Johnny Walsh. Standing: Dick Ingles, Dr. Robert 

Courtney, Oliver Collins, Dr. Eugene Brezany, Frank Glenn, Wayne Hackworth, Mike 

Lee, Gordon Halloran, Harry Haas, Mrs. Rollen Robinson. Bill Earl, Herman Gorelick, 

John Kane. Mike Edel, Rollen Robinson. Wayne Smith and Emil Bebermeyer. 

November 11, 1950 85

. . . Charles 

I 

MILWAUKEE 

Dusiness was very good at most of the 

theatres here during the three days when 

approximately 14,000 teachers were in the city 

to attend their annual three-day convention. 

All the first run theatres had "Welcome, 

Teachers" signs out and ran invitations in 

newspaper ads. The most prominent ad was 

that of Fox Wisconsin, advertising "The 

PROGRAMS 

rîl^l 

• ONE DAY SERVICE- 

THEATRICAL ADV. CO. 

"SERVING EXHIBITORS FOR 33 YEARS" 

2310 CASS WO. 1-2158. DETROIT 1, MICH. 

Most Famous Beauties of Two Eras Combine 

Their Glamor in One Great Show" — 'Platinum 

Blonde.' " The Downer offered "Macbeth" 

for those who did not wish to go in 

for glamor. It was reported that thousands 

of teachers played hooky from the convention 

to attend the theatres and shopping places. 

"Vienna Night," not a film, attracted about 

900 of Milwaukee's German-speaking population 

on a recent Saturday night. There 

were many laughs, as Austria's and Germany's 

topmost stars were on the stage, 

including Theo Lingen of German films; 

Herbert Zernick, a Berlin comedian, and 

several Viennese humorous singers. The show 

is touring the country. Lingen said that in 

Germany and Austria a typical picture wlllj 

have a budget of about $60,000. Television, 

he said, had not reached Austria or Germany 

as yet. 

Schools were closed during the three-day 

teachers convention and neighborhood houses 

catered to the kids with matinee ."ihows. The 

most prominent appeal was made by eight 

Fox Wisconsin theatres: the East, Garfield, 

Jackson, Sherman, Shorewood, State. Uptown 

and Venetian, where 25 color cartoons were 

shown November 2, offering three hours of 

entertainment, with all seats at 25 cents, 

plus tax. 

Hartford Theatres has been formed here 

to operate theatres by E. J. Haggestad, A. J. 

Engelhard and E. W. Peck, who also have 

incorporated the Mineral Point Theatre Co. 

Lefebre, sales engineer for the 

Vic Manhardt Co., RCA distributors for 

Wisconsin, resigned. 

Milwaukee Service Union 

Demands Wage Increase 

MILWAUKEE—Members of the Building 

Service Employes Local 50 picketed many 

theatres here last weekend, specially downtown 

first runs, but the projectionists and 

other unions crossed the lines since th&re 

was a question on whether the strike had 

been sanctioned by the Milwaukee Trades 

council. The service employes ask an increase 

of 25 cents an hour from their current 

rates ranging from 86 to $1.20. 

Leonard Kielpinski, manager of the Kino, 

German-language house, said owners instructed 

him to grant the union demands 

if necessary to keep the house open. 

Adult Attendance Down 

But Kids Still Pour In 





2269 FORD PARKWAY 

ST. 

PAUL, MINN. 

Keid ^>A/. 

rKau 




CLEVELAND — Adult theatre attendance 

may be dropping off but the kids are still 

pouring in at Saturday matinees, Fred Holzworth, 

manager of the Hilliard Square Theatre, 

said recently. He attributed the success 

' 

of the kiddy shows to the cooperation of the 

PTA, the Lakewood board of education and 

Mrs. Ethel Brewer, president of the Motion 

Picture Council of Greater Cleveland. 

Mrs. Brewer keeps schools informed of the 

Saturday programs and parents are not hesi- : 

tant to send their children to the films because 

they are approved by the schools and 

the PTA. PTA members police the matinees 

at the Hilliard Square and Holzworth 

reported practically no vandalism in the last 

' 

five years. 

Old Theatre to Amvets 

SANDUSKY, OHIO—The two-story 

downtown 

building which formerly housed the 

Star Theatre has been purchased by the Sandusky 

post of the Amvets from Harry Gamber 

for new club headquarters. 

Theiitre EquipmEHT Co. 

•V/ITH APOLOGIES TO FOX MOVIETONE NEWS 

i?G BOXOFFICE November 11, 1950

, Samoa 

,s 

Monogram 

; .-,3—Copper 

. . . Milton 

. . Roger 

. . Robert 

. . 

D 

i 

Tripoli' Scores 110 

To Lead Chicago 

CHICAGO—A record heat wave, with tem- 

)eratures around 84 degrees, kept people out 

n the open and business at first run houses 

vas not so hot. A twin bill at the Roose- 

'elt, "Tripoli" plus "The Lawless," bowed in 

lery well and another newcomer, "Right 

3ross," plus "Last of the Buccaneers," had an 

iverage first week. 

The Oriental with "I'll Get By," plus stage 

ihow, and the Chicago with "The Glass 

Klenagerie," plus stage show, had average 

econd weeks 


".-iicago—The Glass Menagerie (WB), plus stage 

show, 2Tid wk - 100 

3rand—Edge ol Doom (RKO), 3rd wk 90 

Oriental— I'll Get By (20lh-Fox), plus stage show, 

2nd wk -105 

'alace—The Desert Hawk (U-I), On the Isle of 

(Col), 2nd wk 9b 

loosevelt— Tripoli (Para), 110 

The Lawless (Para) 

;iate-Lake— Panic in the Streets (20th-Fox); The 

Fireball {20th-Fox), 2nd wk - 105 

Jniled Artists—Right Cross (MGM), Last oi the 

Buccaneers (Col) ICO 

Voods—Sunset Boulevard (Para), 41h wk 105 

Vorld Playhouse—Devil in the Flesh (AFE) 110 

Toast' Tops Indianapolis; 

business Below Normal 

INDIANAPOLIS—"Toast of New Orleans" 

It Loew's topped the grosses at local first 

un theatres last week. 

Circle—Mistei 20th-Fox); Prisoners in Pelticoots 

(Rep) 60 

diana—Two Flags West (20th-Fox): Lonely 

Heart Bandits (Rep) - 80 

Canyon 

- 

(Para); Hi-Jacked (LP), 

o-veover 

-v.- 5— Toast 

70 

oi Nevr Orleans (MGM); Rookie 

Firemen (Col) 110 

r:c—Dark City (Para); Cassino to Korea (Para).. 75 

Kenneth Dotterer to Head 

jlndionapolis Colosseum 

liri INDIANAPOLIS — Kenneth Dotterer was 

•;-; j^lected president of the Colosseum of Motion 

i.: flcture Salesmen at the recent annual elec- 

7; lions. Other officers; George Devine, vice- 

.; president: Jules Goldman, secretary: Val 

iClaiber, treasurer, and Charles Acton, 

ergeant at arms. 

ilndicmapolis Monogram 

Plans Feb. 11-17 Campaign 

INDIANAPOLIS—Monogram has desiglated 

the week of February 11 through 17 

week. The goal will be to place 

western or a two-reel Little Rascal com- 

'dy in every theatre in the Indianapolis 

GEB^BAR 

THEâ^TRE EQUIPMENT 

442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET 

INDIANAPOLIS 

INDIANA 

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INDIANAPOLIS 

Thrive captain Milton Cohen and Edward 

Heiber visited Gene Tunick of ELC and 

his staff in behalf of the Bill Heineman 

Kenneth Law, operator of the 

drive . . . 

Cozy at Argos, is stuccoing the upper floor 

The interest of his uncle in the 

walls . . . 

Madrid at Akron was acquired by Roger 

Wright, who plans extensive improvements 

. . . Sol Kravitz, WB home office, was at 

the local branch. 

Marjorie Johnson, assistant cashier at Columbia, 

was at the Methodist hospital after 

an operation . Arvin, head shipper 

Columbia, was recuperating at home after 

being hospitalized for an infection . 

Curtis Butler, former salesman at Columbia, 

has gone to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for the 

winter . Wright, operator of the 

Madrid at Aki-on, reports the death of his 

mother who had been ill for a long time. 

Irving Mandel, Monogram franchise holder, 

and wife visited the local Monogram branch 

Krueger has become affiliated 

with Theatrical Enterprises of Cleveland. 

Robert Beasley, St. Louis, will be associated 

with him and their headquarters will be in 

Gene Tunick, ELC 

the Hotel Antlers . . . 

manager, visited the Alliance circuit offices, 

Chicago. 

Filmrow visitors included G. Griffis, Boswell, 

Boswell: Fred Wagoner, Rees, Plymouth: 

Guy Hancock, I^rewitt, Plainfield; 

Roger Sherer, Rodeo, Fort Wayne; John 

Austin, Austin, Versailles; George Heliotos, 

Rialto, Fort Wayne: Ed Campbell, Drive-In 

Theatres, Louisville . . . The Speedway has 

installed RCA Brenkert projectors and Enarc 

lamps furnished by Midwest Theatre Supply 

Co. 

Marines Are Guests 

INDIANAPOLIS— Manager Milton 

Kaiser 

of the Indiana Theatre "called out" the 

marines on active duty here to be guests at 

the showing of "Tripoli" Wednesday (1). 

Kaiser also had two Indianapolis relatives 

of the historical figure whose adventures inspired 

the film as guests. They were Mrs. 

Howard Alltop and Mrs. Robert L. Bach, 

both great grandnieces of Lieut. Pi-essley 

O'Bannon, whose part John Payne plays in 

the film. 

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OXOFTICE November 11, 1950 87

MPTO MEMBERS HAVE A 

FINEMEETINGJNSL LOUIS 

ENJOY PROFITABLE BUSINESS 

IN YOUR HOME TOWN 

by playing our Lum and Abner reissues 

now available, including: 

Bashful 

Bachelor 

Dreaming Out Loud 

Two Weeks To Live 

So This Is Washington 

Going To Town 

Partner In Time 

SCREEN GUILD PRODUCTIONS, INC. 

3326 Olive Street St. Louis 3, Mo. 

Phone JEfferson 6397 

1,000-Car ABC Airer 

Opened at Chicago 

CHICAGO — This area's newest outdo 

Gala Milwaukee Opening 

Given 'The Milkman' 

MILWAUKEE — Gala events surrounded 

the opening here Friday (3) of "The Milkman," 

Universal-International comedy starring 

Donald O'Connor and Jimmy Durante, theatre, the ABC at 47th and Western avem 

as part of a 50-plus theatre Wisconsin territorial 

opening. The two stars and Joyce Officers are Theodore Borek. president; C. 

is owned and operated by Theatrical Limite 

Holden made personal appearances at the Atkins, vice-president, and Leonard Carriei 

theatre and took part in a series of promotional 

events resulting from a five-week 

secretary- treasurer. 

Costing $250,000, the theatre will accomm 

advance campangn. These were highlighted 

date more than 1.000 cars. 

by a homecoming celebration at State Teachers 

The ozoner will continue 

college. 

to operate un 

cold weather sets in. 

Mayor Frank 

showing pictures dire 

Zeidler proclaimed Friday 

from first runs in the 

"The Milkman day." A Loop. 

parade along Wisconsin 

avenue presented the State Teachers 

college band and student body, dairy milk 

trucks, floats and fire department equipment. 

O'Connor, Durante and Miss Holden 

rode in special cars. The Pabst Brewing Co. 

was host at a luncheon. The Wisconsin 

Restaui'ant Ass'n proclaimed "Milk Week." 

Several thousand window cards and streamers 

and circulars were distributed by various 

organizations. The college named O'Connor council include Mrs. S. F. Sprengel, Sh 

and Durante "honorary kings" and Miss boygan, vice-president; Mrs. Henry Enghok 

Holden "honorary queen." All three appeared Fond du Lac, secretary, and Mrs. Geor: 

on television. 

Wheeler, Milwaukee, treasurer. Mrs. C. 

Mrs. Maurice Jewett Name 

Film Council President 

KIEL. WIS.—Mrs. Maurice G. Jewett, Mj 

waukee. has been elected president of tl 

state Better Films council, succeeding Mi 

P. K. Falz of Kiel. Other officers named 

the recent seventh amiual convention of tl 

i 

WELCOME 

MPTO AND GUESTS 

Don't fail to visit Booths 1 

and 2 during your Convention 

at the Chase Hotel. 

JOE HORNSTEIN. Inc. 

3330 Olive Street Phone LUcas 2710 St. Louis 3, Mo. 

Maurer. Kiel, was named chairman of tl 

nominating committee for next year. 

About 50 delegates from city film council 

throughout the state attended the convei 

tion here. Hosts for the session were councii 

in Sheboygan, Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Rip

. Word 

. handling 

: Marco, 

. . 

;t. 

LOUIS 

Dhn Payne, the actor, was guest of honor 

at the marine corps' big jamboree Friday 

10) at the St. Louis Theatre. His latest 

Icture, "Ti-ipoli," was shown at the jamboree 

"Bicycle Thief" opened an extended run 

the Shady Oak Theatre in Clayton 

t 

ulius Pirka, 52, projectionist for many years 

1 West Frankfort, died there recently. 

A fund to aid Deputy Constable Albert 

ipman, University City, who was badly hurt 

1 a fall two months ago from the roof of his 

.ubhouse at Times beach on the Meramec 

ver, will be raised through benefit shows 

) be held the nights of November 8. 9 

t the Manchester Drive-In. and the Airway 

heatre, operated by the Phil Smith organiition 

of Boston . . . Eddie Cantor put on 

one-man show in the Kiel Opera House 

riday for the St. Louis Heart Ass'n . . . 

lepartment store sales were off 8 per cent 

le week ended October 28 from the same 

leek in 1949. Sales in the Eighth Federal 

^serve district were down 4 per cent. 

I Employment in manufacturing plants here 

iicreased 6 per cent in the year ended Sep- 

;mber 15, Paul P. Connole, manager here 

3r the Missouri division of employment 

icurity announced . . . Harry Tanner, ownerlanager 

of the Tanner Drive-In at Pana, 

dvertised the elimination of the conditions 

lat caused a disruption of the water service 

t the drive-in the night of October 22. 

George Phillips of Screen Guild reports 

msiderable interest in the territory on the 

um and Abner reissues which this exchange 

... A number of theatres in the 

t. Louis Amusement Co. circuit are taking 

dvantage of the Accredited Newspapers of 

t. Louis tieup with the distributors of Starjst 

tuna fish and Peter Pan peanut butter, 

nder which labels from cans of the fish 

nd caps from jars of the peanut butter 

lay be exchanged for tickets to the theatres, 

Dod on week days only. 

Harry C. Arthur jr., president of Fanchon 

returned from the east on October 

1 1, He plans to leave for California about 

Ben Kalmenson, general 

'ovember 15 . . . 

lies manager for Warner Bros., visited the 

ical 

exchange. 

Exhibitors on Filmrow: Paul Schroeder, 

ebanon; B. Temborius, Breese; Joe Goldirb, 

Upper Alton; Gus Boemler, North 

Iton; L. A. Lieber, Pacific; Tilden Dickson, 

rystal City; Rani Pedrucci and John D. 

liachetto, Frisina, Springfield; Herman 

'anner, Vandalia. 

Court Record to Be Filed 

In RKO-Davis Appeal 

ST. LOUIS—A motion to extend the time 

for the filing of the record of the district 

court on an appeal to the U.S. court of 

appeals was granted to the defendant in the 

ca.se of Davis vs. RKO Radio Pictures. The 

time was extended to December 11 by U.S. 

District Judge Roy W. Harper. The appeal 

is being filed by the plaintiff. 

RKO also filed a motion to compel the 

plantiff to file a full transcript of proceedings 

of the trial in district court in his appeal 

and to force him to delete one item 

from his appeal. 

Matthew L. Davis, stereotyper for the Post- 

Dispatch, asked $300,000 damages against the 

film company because a character called 

Matt Davis was depicted as a juvenile delinquent 

who runs away from an orphanage, 

commits a robbery and murder in the RKO 

film, "Fighting Father Dunne." Davis at one 

time resided at the home depicted in tlie 

film, a fact which the film company did not 

know, evidence in the trial pointed out. 

Sosna Antitrust Suit 

Reset for January 22 

ST. LOUIS—The antitrust suit of Louis 

M. Sosna against the Frisina Amusement 

Co. of Springfield, 111., the Frisina-Mexico 

Theatres Co., and various film companies, 

which had been set for trial here on November 

13, has been reset in U.S. district court 

for January 22. 

In the action filed some months ago, Sosna, 

who at one time operated the Sosna Theatre 

in Mexico, Mo., is seeking a total of 

$450,000 under the triple damages provisions 

of the antitrust law, plus attorney fees. 

Sosna alleged that due to his inability to 

obtain films that could be shown at a profitable 

basis he "was compelled to sell the 

leasehold on the Sosna Jan. 14, 1944, and 

his theatre holdings in Mexico, Mo., to the 

Frisina circuit and agree not to show pictures 

in Mexico for ten years." 

WIcome 

riA 

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Former football star Mickey McCardle has 

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. (OXOFFICE :: November H, 1950 89

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SAVEREIDE THEATRE BROKERS 

Largest Exclusive Theatre Brokers in America 

Films Council Tea Held 

At Melba in St. Louis 

ST. LOUIS—The Better Films Council i 

Greater St. Louis held its annual Cinema tf 

Tuesday (31) at the Melba Theatre. Tl 

general theme of the tea was This Wor 

of Ours and the program included sever 

short motion pictures. 

Proceeds from the tea will be used to fii 

ance the annual Christmas party which 

given each year at the Missouri Theatre fi 

the residents of homes for the aged in tl 

area. 

Plans for the annual tea first were made I, 

Mrs. A. F. Burt, founder and honorary pres 

dent of the council and the late Fred Wehrei 

berg. It has been continued by Lester Krof 

and Paul Krueger, co-general managers i 

the Wehrenberg Theatres. 

Off-Street Parking Law 

Enacted in Fort Wayne 

FORT WAYNE. IND. — The city 

couw 

here has adopted an ordinance requiring £ 

new industrial and commercial constructic 

to include off-street parking space for cai 

Tlie only exemption from the new ordinanc 

is for residences and churches. The dowi 

town area also is excluded. 

Provisions of the measure require that th 

atres and sports arenas have one vehic 

parking space for each six seats. Bowlii 

alleys, skating rinks, lodge halls, etc., mu 

have one vehicle parking space for eai 

250 square feet of ground floor area. 

Supermarkets, retail stores, night clut 

taverns, etc., must have one vehicle parkii 

space for each 100 square feet of ground flo 

area. 

Michigan U. Grid Games 

Sought for Chicago TV 

DETROIT—A deal to bring two of tl 

three remaining University of Michigan foo 

ball series into Chicago for theatre tel 

vision was in the making here this wee, 

Games are being fed to the Michigan Thai 

tre, operated by the Paramount-affiliati 

United Detroit Theatres, using facilities 

WWJ. 

Pi'oposed coverage would be the games wi' 

Illinois and if line facilities and other a 

rangements can be cleared for Paramount 

Chicago houses having video. 

New Castle House Reopens 

NEW CASTLE, IND.—The Starette The.- 

tre is back in operation after a complete r 

modeling. The foyer was redecorated and ei 

larged and new carpeting was installed. Sea 

were reupholstered in the redecorated aud 

torium. 

Damages Liberty Union 

Fire 

LIBERTY, IND.—The Liberty Union The 

tre suffered $15,000 damage in a recent fii 

The interior of the theatre was gutted ai 

equipment not destroyed by fire was ruin' 

by water and smoke. 

USE BOXOFFICE ADS FOR RESULTS 

90 BOXOFFICE November 11, 19i

fcondenmed by many exhibitors for presentfing 

his films on TV, sent a telegram to Pete 

''^'- 

I Motion 

1 

A 

: 

DETROIT—Two 

EATO Directors Plan 

District Meetings 

FRANKFORT, KY.—The board of the Kentucky 

Ass'n of Theatre Owners, meeting at 

the Country club here recently, decided that 

iistrict meetings of the organization will be 

held in each of the nine congressional dis- 

•tricts in the state with the director of each 

district arranging and conducting his meeting. 

Purpose of the meetings will be to find out 

exhibitor problems, which the directors will 

report to the May board of directors meeting, 

''-i and to try to find solutions to individual 

problems. 

A big membership drive is in the offing for 

KATO, with the aim of bringing as many 

drive-in theatres as possible into the organization. 

Few drive-ins now are members. 

Detroit Censors Slash 

Two Films in October 

cuts, totaling 130 feet. 

were ordered in films reviewed by police 

censors in October. The offenders were an 

independent company release and a foreign 

ifilm. 

total of 511,000 feet of film was reviewed 

during October, a marked increase over the 

SSS.OOO feet reviewed in September. The 

amount of foreign films screened, 122,000, 

was the highest in six months. Mexican films 

were in the lead with 37,000 feet, and French 

releases were second with 35,000 feet. Also 

screened were 23,000 feet of Arabic film, 

19,000 feet of Italian and for the first time 

in at least two years, Poland was represented 

by 8,000 feet. 

' 

Gene Autry Plugs Films 

', 

COLUMBUS—Gene Autry, who has been 

"^'^ 

^ 

- 

'Wood, secretary of the ITOO, describing his 

- 

f efforts to cooperation with the industry. 

'- Autry said he was inserting copy on his 

Iradio show to appeal to the public to go to 

motion picture shows. 

iGus Vaveris Is Pioneer 

JOHNSTOWN, PA.—K. A. "Gus" Vaveris, 

popular showman here for 37 years, has been 

accepted as a member of the Pioneers of the 

Picture Industry. He will attend the 

1 

Pioneers' banquet in New York within a few 

C. A. Anderson Builds Drive-In 

DETROIT — Charles A. Anderson has 

started construction of a drive-in on Grand 

River road one mile east of Highway 23 near 

Brighton, Mich. The theatre will be on site 

fronting 500 feet on Grand River and 1,200 

feet deep and it will have facilities to handle 

750 cars. Improved projection equipment 

will be installed and the latest type in-car 

speakers will be provided. The Lakes Theatre 

Corp. will operate the theatre. The house 

will be in competition with the projected new 

drive-in announced several months ago by 

the Schulte circuit. 

PAL MEETS PALS—George Pal, center. 

Paramount producer, renewed acquaintances 

with exhibitor friends from 

Detroit when Joe Miskinis jr. and Mrs. 

Miskinis dropped in to see him at the 

studio during a Hollywood vacation. Miskinis 

operates the Civic Theatre in Detroit. 

Joseph Busic Named 

Tent 27 Chief Barker 

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.—Joseph Busic, 

upstate exhibitor formerly with the United 

Detroit circuit for many years, was elected 

chief barker of Variety Club Tent 27. The 

election was held in the clubrooms in the 

Rowe hotel. 

Other new officers: Allan Johnson and C. 

Dewy Allen, assistant chief barkers; Clive 

R. Waxman of Independent Exhibitors Theatre 

Service, secretary, and Walter Fisher, 

doughguy. Ed Lane, former chief barker, 

was elected national canvasman, while new 

directors will include Herb Boshoven, Walter 

Norris, Howard Sturgis, Gus Langerman and 

Don Elliott. 

Tent 27 will hold a buffet supper November 

26 at the Rowe with the giveaway of a 1951 

Packard as the main attraction. 

Albert Dezel to Handle 

20 Zane Grey Features 

DETROIT—Albert Dezel has consummated 

a distribution deal with Moe Kerman of 

Favorite Films Corp. for the Chicago, Milwaukee 

and Detroit territories on 20 Zane 

Grey features formerly distributed by Paramount. 

The first unit, "Hell Town" and "Buffalo 

Stampede," has been booked by RKO to play 

in the Grand Theatre, Chicago, commencing 

November 25. This unit also has been sold 

Larry McCowin Named 

to Great States, Fox and Butterfield circuits. 

HOMER CITY, PA.—Larry McCowin, assistant 

manager at the Manos in Tarentum 

since its opening in January, has been named 

manager of the Homer here. The theatre is 

operated by the Manos chain. McCowin Is 

a native of EUwood City. 

Richard Carter Sr. Dies 

YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO—Rechard C. Carter 

.=r., 50. projectionist at the Strand here until 

1948, died recently. Three sons, Richard jr., 

Robert and Raymond, and daughter Patricia 

survive. 

Carnegie Theatres 

Are Being Reopened 

CARNEGIE, PA.—The Grand here was reopened 

November 5 under the management 

of Howard Benson of Mount Lebanon, who 

scheduled a November 11 opening for the local 

Dixie. Both theatres have been renovated 

and further modernization is planned. These 

theatres, owned by the Manant family, formerly 

had been operated under lease for a 

number of years by the late Dr. C. E. Herman 

and his estate. The Grand and Dixie are 

represented for licensing and booking by 

Kanna Theatre Service. The local Herman 

theatres, the Carnegie and Liberty, are units 

cf Cooperative Theatres. 

Allied Films Slices Lead 

Of UA in Detroit Play 

DETROIT—Allied Films has forged ahead 

to cut the lead of United Artists to a slender 

single game in the Film Bowling league: 

Won Lost Won Lost 

United Artists 22 10 Theatrical Adv 15 17 

Allied Films 21 11 SSG Premiums 14 15 

Republic 19 13 Monogram 12 20 

PKO IG 16 Co-Op Thea. 9 23 

Cooperative set new highs of 918 for singles 

and 2,594 for three games for the .season, 

while Monogram rolled a third high 

with 2,513. Ford rolled 600 for a high individual 

score, third high of the season. In 

the 200 club for the week: Harr 211, Carpenter 

215. Goryl starring with 232 and 200, 

Golos 200, Metzger 209, Ford 226, Sturgess 

203 and Belinsky 209. 

DETROIT — Brenkert Projectors took 

three points from Ernie Forbes to move into 

a tie with Altec for first place in a close 

race in the Nightingales Bowling league: 

Won Lost Won Lost 

Brenkert 17 11 Natl Carbon 15 13 

Altec 17 11 Projectionists 12 16 

McArthur 15 13 Lorenzen 12 15 

Forbes Sup. 15 13 Noll Supply 9 19 

The Nightingale bowlers are beginning to 

get the range now, with Eddie Waddell and 

Floyd Akins taking over the lead with 268 

and 224, respectively, this week. Other 200 

scores rolled were William Fouchey 220, Hans 

Larsen 205, Matt Haskin 205, and Ralph 

Haskin 203. 

CINCINNATI—The keen rivalry between 

the two supply houses continue as Midwest 

Theatre Supply took two games from 

National Theatre Supply, which allowed 

Monte Vista Theatre to go into a tie for 

first place with National in the Theatrical 

Bowling league. Harry Burgoyne's 596 aided 

the Stagehands to take two games from RCA 

Service Co. 

Team Won Losl Team Won Lost 

Natl Supply 15 3 Keiths 9 9 

Monte Vista 15 3 RCA 8 10 

Stagehands 14 4 Altec 4 14 

Midwest 12 6 Berlo 2 16 

Wiethe 10 8 Idle Hour 1 17 

Monongah Strand Sold 

MONONGAH, W. VA.—Joseph Feeney has 

given up his lease on the Strand here, which 

has been closed since July 21. The building 

has been purchased by Stanley Shenasky of 

Monongah, who reopened the Strand. 

80X0FFICE November 11, 1950 ME 91

. . 

DETROIT 

IWTilton Hale of Paramount made a weekend 

trip to Texas and back . . . Ernie Forbes 

was on one of his rare upstate trips, and 

son How-ie had the staff virtually caged in 

with packing crates, a result of a sudden 

shipping activity . . . Jack Jackter, formerly 

of the Milwaukee office, has joined Columbia 

here as a third booker. Milt Zimmerman Is 

revamping the office, putting in a new 

booker's booth. 

The Sherlock & Taylor Theatre Co. is reported 

to be disposing of the Fowler at 

Fowler, which they recently took over . 

Robert Brutell, fomer assistant manager at 

the Dawn, and lately with the Beechnut 

Candy Co.. has returned as manager of the 

Dawn, replacing Bernard L. "Bud" Kilbride 

jr., who heads downtown to take over circuit 

^ 

Since 1917 — 

SEATING 

Specializino in 

INSTALLATION — REPAIR — MODERNIZATION 

We Go Anywhere — Complete Service 

RUSSELL N. CARR 7350 Chatham 

Phone LOgan 1-SS73 DETROIT 28, MIOH. 

^ 

Upholstcrino Is Our Specialty

' 

TOwTisend 

I 

DETROIT—lATSE 

1 The 

. Serge 

. Roy 

ito the booth at the Oliver, replacing John 

I. 

Tabor, who went to the Liberty. 

Leon Welch of the Royal is giving special 

•aining in economics to his growing family 

Carpenter of NTS left his locked 

ar in plain view of the store windows at 

le Film building. A thief broke in, took 

iree new suits, but left a television set . . 

am Ackerman of the East Side is back 

cm the MacFadden Physical Culture cen- 

;r. He reports his wife is in poor health 

Cook of Mark Theatre Service has 

M a bicycle deal to Arnold Wisper's 

tanley. 

)etroit Showmen Sign 

»Jew Union Contract 

Local 199 and Detroit 

heatre owners have signed a new working 

'greement in which general wage scales and 

orking conditions will remain unchanged 

or the next year, with only two major 

hanges. 

Men working holiday matinee shows will 

e paid an extra dollar, making a total of 

hree and men working on a job six months 

r more will be entitled to a vacation with 

|iay on the basis of one week for a full 

(ear's time on the job. 

contract was signed after weeks of 

legotiation, stalemated by the union demand 

or higher wages and the exhibitors protest 

if declining theatre grosses. 

The new contracts will run for one year 

nd will be dated as of November 1 in 

liace of the usual two-year agreement hereofore 

dated August 31 

Detroit Suburban House 

Switches to Art Policy 

DETROIT—The Rialto Theatre in the 

pouth end suburb of Wyandotte was the 

jatest to switch to an art film policy. The 

j)pening biU was "The Red Shoes," which 

!)layed first run here at the Cinema. This 

s the first time a Wyandotte theatre has 

J.ried an art policy and the move is being 

Ivatched by other suburban operators. 

The Rialto is operated by the Down River 

ifheatre circuit. 

Ceilings on Film Rentals 

Proposed for One Year 

DETROIT—A proposal that independent 

exhibitors be given a guarantee by distributing 

companies that their top flat rentals 

will not be raised for 12 months has 

been put forth here by Charles W. Snyder, 

executive secretary of Allied Theatres of 

Michigan. Snyder claimed such a guarantee 

would not be a handicap on distributors and 

suggested that they "join with the exhibitor 

in bringing back the lost audience, through 

showmanship and without fear." 

The plan is in answer to the fear of the 

small exhibitor that if he uses the extra 

showmanship which he admits is needed it 

would result in an increase in his 4op flat 

rental rate. 

Belgian Group to Export 

American Special Films 

DETROIT—Plans to buy American-made 

special films for export to Belgium are 

being made by a group represented by Ben 

Coronel, now in the industrial diamond business 

here. They plan to specialize in the 

sex education type of picture, dubbing in 

subtitles in Belgium. Coronel was formerly 

with MGM and Paramount in Belgium. 

Detroit 

Piccadilly 

To Run Art Films 

DETROIT—The Piccadilly, north end hou.se 

operated for over two decades by the Wisper 

& Wetsman circuit, will switch from a fifth 

run to art film policy on a subsequent run 

basis on November 12. This will be the 

first art film theatre for W&W, largest local 

independent chain, and will mark the fir.st 

time that an irt theatre policy has been 

tried in many years in the centrally located 

north end, outside of Woodward avenue 

houses. 

Admission price is being upped slightly, 

from 44 to 50 cents. Extensive promotional 

campaign is planned by Lew Wisper, concentrating 

on display and poster advertising 

in the neighborhood. Opening attraction Is 

"Quartet," with pictures definitely booked to 

follow being "The Red Shoes," "The Winslow 

Boy," "Blanche Fury," "Great Expectations" 

and "Tight Little Island." House will continue 

to be managed by Harry Huellmanel. 

Kevil, Ky., Airer Closes 

KEVIL, KY.—The Parks Drive-In, 200-car 

capacity, operated by Forrest O. Shelby, has 

been closed for the winter. 

Pitusville Drive-In Closes 

TITUSVILLE. PA. — The Auto Di-ive-In 

lear here has closed for the season, but work 

ontinues at the theatre's screen tower. 

Arthur V. Kunes is constructing living quarers 

in the screen structure for himself, wife 

ind small son. 

FLOWERS for 

Every Occasion 

LORENZEN'S 

DETROIT'S THEATRICAL FLORIST 

8-6232 

* 16457 Woodward Ave., Detroit 3, Mich. 

Aed OfUlLtf

. . Sam 

. . . Ernest 

. . Jim 

CLEVELAND 

/Cleveland showmanship committee is the 

new name adopted by the Movies Are 

Better Than Ever promoters. This committee, 

headed by Henry Greenberger of Community 

circuit, is composed of independent 

and affiliated theatre owners. It meets once 

a week to discuss plans to boost theatre 

attendance generally and to set promotions 

for better public relations. An extensive 

radio promotion is now in the making. 

J. W. Services of National Theatre Supply, 

in town to look over the local situation, predicts 

that carpet prices will continue to go 

up . Galanty, Columbia district 

manager, was around shaking hands with 

exhibitors . . . Rube Perlman, Lippert manager, 

left to attend a sales meeting this 

weekend (11, 12) on exploitation and sales 

policies for "Bandit Queen" and "Steel Helmet" 

. . . "Trio," Paramount's delightful 

picture of three Somerset Maugham stories, 

drew a full house at a recent projection room 

screening. 

Marvin Arent, booker for the Skirball circi:it. 

the last two years, has resigned. It is 

. . . 

understood that he plans to go to California, 

and that the booking will be handled by Joe 

Lissauer and Lou Blumenfeld 

Essick and Howard Reif have 

P. 

added 

E. 

the 

Lorain Fulton Theatre to their Modern Theatres 

circuit. The 1,400-seat house at 3405 

Lorain Ave. previously was owned and operated 

by John Urbansky . . . Abe Bernstein 

n 

of the MOM publicity staff was here to assist 

Loew's Dick Martin set up a promotion 

on "Two Weeks With Love," playing at 

Loew's State. 

For the first time in history, MGM has 

. . 

. 

. . "Macbeth," 

sold a picture away from its own circuit. 

"The Next Voice You Hear ." will play 

at the independent Esquire Kalafat 

headed south for a vacation 

a Republic release starring Orson Welles, is 

doing big business at the Lower Mall. It 

was held over a second week. 

Bob Snyder of Realart Pictures made a 

tour of5 Pennsylvania booking film operas 

Schwartz, president of the Cleveland 

MPEA, was on radio and television 

every day for one week before election day 

advocating repeal of the city daylight saving 

time ordinance. Most theatres want 

eastern standard time established all year 

instead of the fast DST in the summer and 

are running trailers on their screens. 

. . . Exhibitors 

Mrs. Nelson Stern whose husband is one 

of the partners in Stern & Warren, publicists 

in the Film building was stricken with 

On November 1 Realart here was 

polio . . . 

in top place in the playdate drive 

and friends of Bernie Kranze are 

asked to give support to the Eagle Lion 

Classics Bernie Kranze testimonial week the 

end of November. ELC Manager Bob Richardson 

and his sales crew are out to establish 

the fact that the friends Kranze made 

when he was RKO branch and district 

manager in Cleveland, are still pulling fc 

him. 

J. S. Jossey of Hallmark Productions lei 

for a couple of weeks vacation at his lodg 

in northern Canada . . . Herb and Liz Och: 

for the first time in Ochs history, will nc 

have the family Thanksgiving dinner. In 

stead, they are going down to Dayton t 

celebrate the day with their son-in-law an 

daughter, Peter and Pat Hill . . . Now come 

the reason why Hallmark's unit teams ofte 

consist of married couples. Last week i 

Virginia, when unit manager Bob Drai 

couldn't deliver the lecture that accompanie 

"Prince of Peace" because of a cold, hi 

wife stepped into the breach and really de 

livered the goods. 

"One Too Many," Hallmark Production 

newest picture, will receive its world premier 

starting New Year's day at the Murph 

Theatre. Wilmington, a 1,000-seat Chakere 

house. 

'Beauty' Shooting to Start 

Soon for Hallmark Co. 

WILMINGTON, OHIO — "Secrets o 

Beauty," on the Hallmark Productions pro 

ducing schedule for next year, has been ad 

vanced and shooting will start as soon as thi 

screen story, now being prepared by Agne 

Christine Johnson and Prank Dazy is com 

pleted. The advance followed decision to usi 

black and white instead of Technicoloi 

Ern Westmore, associated in the production 

agreed with HP President Kroger Babb tha^ 

the production will be just as striking i^ 

black and white and that the savings effectec 

by the shift from color will be considerable. 

Hallmark's planned screen sports shov 

"Have Fun," is having trouble getting clearance 

from sports performers on the grount 

that such releases of their screened exhibitions 

are limited to certain types of exhibition. 

HP attorneys are busy trying to cleai 

up the situation. 

m HOTTEST 

NAME IN 

SHOW BUSINESS 

TO-DAY! 

GLORIA SWANSON • MELVYN DOUGLAS 

in TONIGHT or NEVER 

featuring BORIS KARLOFF • J, CARROLL NAISH 


ALLIED—2310 Cass Ave.—Detroit 

SCREEN CLASSICS— 1632 Central P'kway- 

H IMPERIAL—2108 Payne Ave.—Cleveland Cincinnati 

ri CROWN— 1705 Blvd, of AUies—Pittsburgh 

Gsooooooooooooooooooc-i 

Radio Show at Theatre 

DAYTON—First live performance of Little 

Ji'.ry of Our Town, a radio program ovei 

WING, was held at the Dale Theatre hen' 

and will be presented from the stage then 

each Wednesday at 8:30 p. m. for one-hal: 

hour. Theme of the broadcast is built arounc 

questions sent in by children and answen. 

given by the jury, consisting of youngster 

from 5 to 13 years old. 

Back to Michael Halm 

WHEELING, W. VA.—The Marsh will re-^ 

turn to operation of Michael Halm on Novem-: 

ber 15, when the lease with Frank Slavik expires. 

Halm, veteran theatre owner, is wel 

known throughout the mideast as a distributor 

of quality foreign films. Slavik continue; 

in exhibition here at the Fedo. a Negro patronage 

theatre. 

The U.S. savings bond division of the treasury 

department has retained the Ettingei 

Company as publicity and public relation: 

counsel. 

DRIVE-IN 

THEATRE 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CD. Kif/;," (S.uy.'M 

94 BOXOFFICE November 11. 195(

; 

Hippodrome—The 

. . . The 

. . Seen 

. . William 

. , Bart 

. . Louis 

. . The 

T 

Pittsburgh Grosses 

Sink During Strike 

PITTSBURGH — Downtown theatres were 

40 per cent under average, and neighborhood 

houses have been off in the same manner, 

"only more so," according to all reports. 

The weeks pass and the city's three daily 

newspapers remain closed, due to strikes of 

mailers and drivers. Mass circulation of advertising 

is badly missed. Department stores 

have depended on mail advertising and radio. 

Theatres increased radio advertising but 

theatre grosses attest that this caused no 

boxoffice stampede. One theatre used television 

to exploit its attraction. 

While "Panic in the Streets" was one of 

the theatre offerings, there was a panic in 

the stores where thousands lined up to purchase 

television sets before the new federal 

excise tax was effective. 


Fulton—Panic in the Streets (20th-Fox) 60 

iHams-Womon on the Run (U-I) ^ ?0 

Penn—Tripoli (Para), Cassino to Korea (Para) bU 

Stanley-Born to Be Bad (RKO) 00 

Warner—Rocky Mountain (WB), 2nd d. t. wk 60 

|l "Macbeth' Paces Cleveland 

As Heat Drops Btisiness 

CLEVELAND—Summer weather, with temperature 

in the 80s, kept people outdoor.; 

• 

and away from theatres. "Walk Softly, 

[stranger" at the Palace, and "Copper Can- 

•yon" at the State made good showings with 

slightly better than average takes, "Macbeth" 

had a good opening, with support from 

schools, libraries and special groups. 

'Eve' at 130 Leads Detroit; 

Business on Even Keel 

DETROIT—Level of business is holding an 

"even keel," with the bigtime Movie Quiz 

contest probably helping. Fox got clear leadership 

of the week with "All About Eve," 

while "Miniver Story" at the Madison proved 

disappointing and was pulled, 

Adams— Destination Moon (ELC), 2nd wk 120 

Cinema—The Woman of Dolwyn (Lopert); The 

Chips are Down (Lopert) S5 

Downtown—To Please a Lady (MGM); Snow Dog 

(Mono) 100 

Fox—All About Eve (20th-Fox) 130 

Madison—The Miniver Story (MGM); The Happy 

Years (MGM) 80 

Michigan—The Glass Menagerie (WB) 100 

Palms-State—Rocky Mountain (WB); Prisoners in 

Petticoats (Rep) -_ 95 

Paradise—Trial Without Jury (Rep), plus stage 

show 115 

CINCINNATI 

"Twentieth-Fox sneak-previewed "The Jackpot" 

at the Capitol Theatre, where the 

film was to open . on the Row were 

Don Keesling and Goode Homes of Bramwell, 

W. Va.; Martin Junk, who operates 

theatres in Frankfort, Batavia and Sharonville, 

Ohio: Mr. and Mrs. Louis Martin of 

Circleville and Gloucester; Jack Needham, 

Columbus: John Gregory, Dayton: Frank 

AUara, Matewan, W, Va.; Col. James Howe, 

Carrollton, Ky., and George Turlukis, Middletown, 

Ohio. 

Marshall Thompson, featured player in 

"Battleground," is expected here for promotion 

of his latest, MGM's "Dial 1119." He 

will visit the ITOO convention at the Netherland 

Plaza hotel November 13-15 . . . Local 

Pox staffers heard from Carl Heineken, former 

assistant shipper who is taking basic 

training at Ft. Benning, Ga. They planned 

to send him a round-robin letter. 

Al Kolkmeyer, U-I West Virgina salesman, 

now operates a company-owned car 

local U-I personnel learned that 

one of their former managers, William Carmichael, 

now is manager for Monogram in 

Oklahoma City . Onie, exhibitor 

in Elmwood, Mariemont, Oxford, Ohio and 

at the Rialto, Cincinnati, was enjoying a 

stay at Hot Springs, Ark. 

Rex Carr, general manager of Theatre 

Owners Corp., returned from a duck hunting 

trip in Wisconsin . Shor of 

Williamson, W. Va., whose health is improving, 

plans to visit Pilmrow friends before 

he leaves for a prolonged stay in Florida for 

Allen—Gilda (Col); Platinum, Blonde (Col), reissues 

90 

lEsquire- I'll Get By {20th-Fox), 2nd wk 100 

Fireball (20th-Fox) 70 further convalescing . Cooke of Cooke 

[Lower Mall—Macbeth (Rep) 160 

Ohio—County Fair (Mono); The Golden Gloves 

& Payne, who operate the Moonlight Drivein, 

Chillicothe, was on the Row and reported 

Story (ELC) 80 

for 20th-Fox. 

iPalac^-Walk Softly, Stranger (RKO) 115 

that his chances of winning on the Republican 

ticket for sheriff of Ross county 

State—Copper Canyon (Para) 110 

Stillraan—Dark City (Para) 65 

were favorable. 

John Busse, former student booker for 

Paramount, is now regular booker . . . Marie 

Klag, cashier's department. Midwest Theatre 

Supply, has returned from a vacation 

in Florida . , . Joe Marshall, who operates 

the Starlite Drive-In, Danville, Ky„ is building 

an indoor theatre in Danville and plans 

to operate it as a first run house. 

At the Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen 

meeting officers elected were Ross Williams, 

president: Mort Perlman, first vicepresident; 

Pete Niland, second vice-president: 

Frank Schreiber, secretary; Manny 

Nagel, treasurer. Plans were discussed for 

the national convention which will be held 

in Cincinnati December 2, 3 at the Netherland 

Plaza hotel. 

The Findlay Theatre on Elm street, owned 

by Jack Frisch, has been closed temporarily 

... A new employe in the booking department 

of Paramount is Edward Farrell. 

Their first child, a girl, was born to Mr, 

and Mrs. Jack Kirschbaum. Kirschbaum is 

a booker for Paramount Paramount 

. 

Pep club had a masked Halloween party in 

the office on Saturday (28) . . . Jim Burnetti 

of Theatre Owners Corp. resigned to 

assume a position as office manager and 

head booker for Paramount. Replacing 

Burnetti at TOC is Harold Hoffert. 

Jack Furrer, former West Virginia salesman 

for RKO, resigned on doctor's orders 

and is currently resting at a resort in the 

west. Dave Litto was shifted from Kentucky 

to the West Virginia area ... A new student 

. . . 

Dennis 

booker at RKO is Bob Cooper 

Day visited the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet plant 

in conjunction with the food clinic held 

here. A cocktail party given in his honor 

was attended by Irene Sagel, office manager 

"College Days' Acquired 

"College Days" by Richard English has been 

acquired for Warner production. 

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'Mister 880' Leads 

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CINCINNATI—"Mister 880" at the Capitol 

was high last week, followed by "Mad 

Wednesday" at the Palace. 

RKO reduced morning admissions till 1 p. 

m. from 55 to 39 cents for "early bird" 

shows. Children's admissions will be 25 cents 

I 

at all times. 

lAlbee—The Glass Menagerie (WB) 100 

I Capitol—Mister 880 (20th-Fox) 115 

[Grand-To Please a Lady (MGM), 2nd wk - 90 

iKeiihs—Wyoming Moil (U-I). 100 

Palace—Mad Wednesday ( 

RKO ) 110 

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. . Laura 

. . Maurice 

. . The 

. . 

COLUMBUS 

proposal to erect a 1,000-car garage beneath 

the State House in the center of the 

downtown theatre district is being revived. 

A large insurance company, it is reported, 

is interested in financing a major portion 

of the cost. The company would put up all 

but $500,000 of the estimated $5,000,000 cost. 

The remaining half-million would be financed 

by the city. Local defense officials 

point out that such an underground garage 

would be ideal as a public air raid shelter 

in case of attack. 

The RKO Palace will have two high-budget 

stage shows in successive weeks—the Dean 

Martin-Jerry Lewis show November 14-16 

and the Bill Lawrence unit, sponsored by 

Arthur Godfrey, November 20-22 ... P. J. 

Wood said that Marshall Thompson, MGM 

NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME 

Every Theatre Owner Can Run 

OUR NEWEST PROMOTION 

"Make a slow night your best night" 

St to theatr 

,/;% HOPE CHEST,--- 

m Oenu/ne ffj^ 

player, will be a guest at the tristate convention 

of the Independent Theatre Owners 

of Ohio at Cincinnati November 13-15. 

The visit of Adolphe Menjou here for a 

guest appearance with Harold Stassen at a 

Republican rally and lecture dates at Capital 

university and Denison university drew attention 

to his current role in "To Please a 

Lady" and his forthcoming appearance with 

Clark Gable in "Acro.ss the Wide Missouri." 

Papers ran extensive interviews, with art, on 

Menjou and Stassen. Menjou pointed out 

that he's an ex-Ohioan, having lived in 

Cleveland as a youth. 

. . . Maurice N. 

The operation of the Curtiss-Wright plane 

plant here will be taken over November 25 

by North American Aviation. Expansion of 

the payroll of the huge plant is anticipated 

over a period of months 

Wolf pointed out in his talk before the 

Exchange club here that the film business 

is largely a local business, rather than a 

Hollywood industry. 

Admission to the World was advanced to 

$1 top for the showing of Orson Welles' "Macbeth." 

The picture took a lambasting from 

local critics . . . The Ohio premiere of Hallmark 

Productions' antialcoholism feature, 

"One Too Many," will be held January 1 at 

the Murphy Theatre, a Chakeres house, managed 

by Joe R. Murphy. The picture is 

scheduled for a six-day run in the 1,000-seat 

house. Murphy set a 31-year record of $4,500 

net for Hallmark's "Prince of Peace." 

LOUISVILLE 

Melson Miller has replaced Harry Newton 

as manager of the first run Strand here, 

owned and operated by the Fourth Avenue 

Amusement Co. According to reports, Newton 

has entered the insurance business . 

Clarence R. Hay, owner and manager of 

the Charlestown, Charlestown, Ind., died 

recently. His estate has leased the theatre 

to Moses I. Beeler of Louisville. 

Visitors on the Row recently included Mr. 

and Mrs. Jack Crouthers. Harrod. Harrodsburg; 

E. C. Barnett, Gala, Sacramento: Mr, 

and Mrs. Tom Maxedon, Ti-ail. Morehead; 

Ralph Cundiff, Kentuckian, Liberty: Oscar 

Hopper. Arista, Lebanon; C. D. Arnold, Arco 

and Melody, Bardstown: M. H. Sparks, 'Veterans, 

Tompkinsville: Phil Thompson, Strand. 

Edmonton: J. R. Freeland. Roxy. Franklin: 

W. T. Cain, Sipp, Paintsville: Mrs, O. J. 

Mimiix, Southland, London: Frances Wessel, 

Royal. Carrollton. and John W. Patton, 

Whitley, Whitley City. 

According: to the Kentucky Revenue, a 

monthly report of state revenue compiled 

by the department of finance and the department 

of revenue, amu.sement taxes for 

September 1950 were $26,822.75 under collections 

for September 1949. Amusement tax 

collections for July through September 1950 

were $24,900.96 under collections of the same 

period in 1949. 

Write, Wire — Phone lor complete details. 

2300 Payne Ave. Cleveland 14, Ohio 

Thirteen years of successiul theatre promotions. 

Sound iinancial background. 

Rel: American Bank Dun & Bradstreet 

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9 DEPT. B 


Good News for the Small Town Exhibitor 

"Protect Your hvestment" 

Investigate the possibilities of starting a PORT- 

ABLE 16mm ROUTE OF STORE ROOM THEATHES 

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Also INVESTIGATE the possibilittes of building a 

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We rent or sell all makes of 16mm "arc" or 

"bulb" projection eqpl. Wo hove the world's 

largest libraries from coast to coast. 100% availability 

on all 16mm sound film product on the 

market, such as "Fox. Universal-International. Columbia, 

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with three shorts and serial. 17.50 & $10.00 etc. 

For complete details and a copy of our latest 30th 

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address: 

16MM PICTURES CO 

A. I. St. Cair Box 310 Beckey, W, Va. 

Mrs. Mitchell Blachschlerger, wife of the 

UA salesman, is recovering after an operation 

at the Michael Reese hospital in Chicago 

. McDermott, inspector at 

Paramount, won a fur coat in a telephone 

quiz contest recently . . . Pat Newbury, former 

office manager and booking manager, 

Paramount, has started traveling the Kentucky 

territory, formerly covered by Jim 

Doyle, who now will travel in Ohio, replacing 

Fred Myers, who resigned. Newbury is 

being replaced by Jim Burnetti, formerly of 

TOC . N. Wolf of the MGM public 

relations department was the speaker at the 

Exchange club luncheon November 2 at the 

Neil House. 

Making Film for Police 

DETROIT—Tlie Jam Handy organization 

is preparuig a 20-minute documentary film 

for the Detroit police department to be used 

in public relations and educational work. 

Titled "This is Your Police Department," the 

picture takes the career story of a recruit 

policeman from his application, through 

training and into actual assignments. 

Couldn't Blame Him 

CLEVELAND — It's something unusual 

these days when an exhibitor looks over his 

expense vouchers with a smile. But it really 

happened last week. Leroy Kendis of Associated 

circuit received an expense voucher 

from Harry Henderson, manager of the circuit's 

Belmont and Newport theatres in 

Youngstown, Top item was 61 cents for 

aspirin. 

Star in 'Favorite Spy' 

Hcdy Lamarr and Bob Hope will star in 

Paramount's "My Favorite Spy." 

Willis Hopewell, chief engineer for the 

Switow Amusement Co. here, has returned, 

to his post following an extensive vacation 

in Florida . fog here on a recent 

Sunday night was so thick that at least two. 

of the drive-ins had to close down, refunding 

admission prices or giving return tickets 

to the patrons. 

A new popcorn machine has been added to 

the concession equipment in J. T. Kennedy's 

New Stanton. Stanton, Ky. ... A new 

Cycloramic screen will be included in the 

Stearns. Stearns. Ky.. which is under the 

direction of J. F. Bobbitt . . Guthrie F. 

. 

Crowe, president of the Kentucky Ass'n of 

Theatre Owners, has returned from Houston 

and annual TOA convention, at which he 

represented KATO. 

i 

I 

Morgan H. Galloway. LaGrange sportsman,' 

actor and farmer, w'as killed instantly when 

he drove his car into the path of a Cincinnati-bound 

train in LaGrange. A Hollywood 

actor from 1929 to 1936, Galloway 

played the male lead in "Lena Rivers" and 

was in "Ladies of the Jury." He was active, 

in the Little Theatre Co. at the University 

of Louisville. Galloway was 41 years old. 

Survivors are his wife, two small children 

and his parents. 

A meeting of officers and members of the 

KATO board of directors w-as held in Frankfort 

Wednesday (25 1 ... Mrs. J. B. Minnlx,' 

wife of J. B. Minnix. manager of the Southland 

Theatre. London. Ky., has been con-l 

fined to Norton infirmary here. 

j 

Clay Theatre Dark 

CLAYSVILLE. PA. — W. L. Zedaker has 

closed the Clay. He has owned and managed 

the theatre for a decade. 


f 

i 

I (15) 

• 

Rufe, 

Allied Film Clinic 

lln Holland on 15th 

DETROIT^The first of the intensive series 

of film clinics to be held by Allied Theatres 

of Michigan has been set for Wednesday 

at Holland under the chairmanship of 

exhibitor Henry Carley of Holland. Discussion 

of film and promotion policies will be 

held, with a luncheon meeting, to be followed 

by a screening of "All About Eve." Joseph 

Lee. 20th-Fox manager, has been scheduled 

i. 

to discuss distribution aspects. The 

meeting is especially tailored for exhibitors 

in the Fourth and Fifth congressional districts, 

but open to all. 

The regular district meeting of the Third 

district, scheduled earUer, turned into an 

informal clinic as well, with Frank J. Downey, 

MGM manager, assuring exhibitors that 

his firm wanted to take steps so that no 

exhibitor would lose money on any of their 

product. An MGM feature, "King Solomon's 

Mines" was screened. The outstanding subject 

of discussion in this gathering was the 

use of advertising in news weeklies. 

Among those noted in attendance were 

E. J. Pennell, who acted as chairman; W. W. 

[ 

Smith, Bronson; William Thick, Marshall; 

Cash Beechler, Charlotte; Carl Roelof, Galesburg; 

Louis Danley, Mendon; Lowell Hoag, 

1 Athens; D. J. Mitmesser, Union City; Paul 

Bellevue; George Bohm, Jack Ryser 

and Walter Campbell, Albion; Homer Cox, 

Quincy; D. E. Frank, Augusta; Howard 

Sharpley, Jonesville, and Robert Wessling, 

Reading. 

Max Schaffel Dead 

PITTSBURGH—Max Schaffel, 67, who 

died in Miami recently, once owned and 

managed the Brighton in New Brighton. He 

withdrew from exhibition more than a decade 

ago when he sold the Beaver at Beaver to 

the late A. W. McCormick. Later he was a 

partner in a manufacturing business here 

with a former Brushton exhibitor, E. H. Goldberg. 

Their Destination on Marquee! 

BOWLING GREEN, OHIO — Jack Armstrong, 

general manager of the Schwyn cu-- 

cuit houses, vouches for the authenticity of 

this story. A group of recruits was inducted 

into the army at the Lyric Theatre, a Schwyn 

house. As the groups marched out of the 

theatre, the first thing to catch their eyes 

was the theatre's marquee which announced 

the current attraction, "Destination Tokyo." 

!1.^ 

a/u: 

the best 



QnalilT Gel Tonr Next 

Specicd Trailer From 

FILMACICI 

Police, Gunman Battle in Theatre; 

Shooting Affray Terrifies Movie Fans 

MASONTOWN, PA.—A young ex-convict 

turned the Liberty here, packed with thea- 

the aisle. When notified he was being arrested, 

he drew a .38-caliber revolver from 

a shoulder holster and started firing at the 

officers. He emptied his gun and two police 

fired seven or eight shots in reply. The shooting 

affray terrified the theatre patrons. 

With Gaito hiding behind a radiator near 

the screen, Theodore Mikolowsky, who has 

owned and managed the theatre for more 

than 40 years, turned on the house lights, 

assisting members of the audience in scrambling 

for the exits. Gaito reloaded his 

weapon and fired several times from his concealment. 

Patrolman Thomas McWilliams 

secured a shotgun from a hardware store 

across the street and hurried to the projection 

booth. The theatre now was empty 

except for police guarding the exits. Gaito 

would not heed warnings to surrender. Mc- 

Williams turned over the shotgun to Floyd 

Carnicelli, councilman, who fired from a porthole 

in the booth, wounding Gaito, who surrendered 

after a second shot was fired at the 

radiator. Later Gaito said he "blacked out, 

that he remembered nothing. In recent years, 

he blamed marijuana cigarets for his acts of 

crime and violence. 

Richard Tassone, the youngster who was 

shot in the upper left leg, is recuperating. 

Gaito will go on trial in Fayette county and 

later faces a violation from parole at White 

Hill. 

Louis Lutz Condemns 

New Castle Tax Bill 

Film Council of Detroit 

Holds Annual Card Party 

DETROIT — The Greater Detroit Motion 

Picture council held its annual card party 

for Friday (3) at the central YMCA, with 

Mrs. Arthur D. Kirkwin and Mrs. Francis 

Krynicki as hostesses. New yearbook of the 

council is being distributed by Mrs. Florence 

M. Reynolds, publicity chairman. 

Named to Borough Post 

JOHNSTOWN, PA.—Dale council has 

named Leslie L. Chamberlain jr. as borough 

secretary for the period ending Dec. 31, 1951. 

He has been assistant manager of the Dale 

Les jr., 

Theatre, owned by his father, for sometime. 

a native of Dale, graduated from Valley 

Forge Military academy. He served in 

the ordnance department in the armed 

forces and spent 18 months in Korea. He Is 

married and the father of twin sons. 

James Millican will play a heavy role in 

Republic's "Missing Women." 

tregoers, into a battleground when he tried 

to shoot his way free of a police trap. Frank 

M. Gaito, 21, of Pittsburgh, who "occa.sionally 

takes dope," wounded a 9-year-old boy and 

panicked an estimated 250 patrons before he NEW CASTLE, PA. — Theatre managers 

was shot and apprehended. 

here are opposing a propo.sed 5 per cent city 

While "I Shot Billy the Kid" was holding amusement tax. In an appeal before the city 

the attention of the audience, police stood in council, Louis Lutz, manager of the Penn and 

the rear of the theatre as Miss Dorothy Rice, Victor Theatres, represented all exhibitors. 

who had preferred charges of assault and He told the council that exhibitors felt the 

battery, surety of the peace and pointing tax would be discriminatory—singling out a 

firearms against Gaito, walked down an single business for taxation. He pointed out 

aisle trying to spot him. He followed her up that the tax would be a blow against the age 

groups which use films as a sole source of 

amusement. He said an increase in admissions 

would drive away many customers to 

neighboring big cities which had theatre 

prices as low as in New Castle. 

Lutz explained that theatres nationally are 

suffering losses. He presented profit and loss 

sheets from his theatres to show that one 

house had a profit on boxoffice returns of 

only 6 per cent and at the other boxoffice, 

returns had resulted in a loss. Concession 

sales helped put the houses on a profitable 

basis, he said. The proposed tax would be 

greater than the boxoffice profits and would 

increase consumer resistance, drive patrons 

to other cities and bring the theatres to a 

loss point in operations. 

In petitioning the council to give theatres 

the same consideration of other businesses, 

Lutz said the city already had a payroll tax 

and that no city in Pennsylvania had both 

payroll and amusement levies. 

Carl Wilgus Named 

WEST MAJSrSFIELD, OHIO—Carl Wilgus 

has been named manager of the Strand Theatre 

which reopened here October 21 for another 

fall and winter season. 

Thehtre EquipmEni Co. 

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. . . Guy 

. . Mr. 

. . Rudy 

. . . Harry 

. . . William 

. . Altoona 

. . White 

. . The 

. . William 

. . Joe 

. . 

Ohio Commission Asks 

PITTSBURGH 1 

n nthony Schornagle, manager of Morris M. 

Pinkel's Hilltop, has been granted a leave 

due to illness and has departed for St. Petersburg. 

Fla. Succeeding Schornagle temporarily 

at the Hilltop is George Mandros of 

Wheeling ... A big yo-yo stage contest was 

featured last Saturday afternoon at the Kent 

in Arnold . and Mrs. Alexander R. 

Showe and Mr. and Mi-s. Raymond J. Showe 

of Theatre Candy Co. were November 3 hosts 

at the Variety Club family night party. 

Donald Chaban, former Film Classics salesman, 

has been named to the Monogram sales 

post formerly held by Howard Crombie, who 

resigned to join RKO. Chaban is a nephew 

of Hymie Wheeler, Screen Guild salesman 

Oglietti, Leechburg exhibitor, has 

discarded the special steel spine cast which 

he wore for many months. He was a Filmrow 

visitor Thursday last week with brotherspartners 

John and Frank . and Sam 

Navari presented a November 8, 9 benefit 

show for the Verona-Rosedale Kiwanis club 

at their de luxe Eastwood on Frankstown 

road, Penn township ... A 31-voice kiddy 

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MOTIOGRAPH — MIRROPHONIC 

i 

I 

WKRZ from the 

chorus was broadcast over 

stage of the Latonia in Oil City last Saturday, 

this being the first Mong Dairy show for 

the season. 

Charter members of the Theatrical Mutual 

Ass'n Lodge 37 were guests at a dimmer at 

the May club. Officers of the organization 

of projectionists and stagehands include 

Martin Torreano, president; Harold O'Donnell. 

Joseph Antal, Thomas Edkins. Aaron 

Hopkins, Julius Barbera, Michael Ventrone, 

A. Stanley, G. Bickerton and John Martier 

Russell, National Theatre Supply 

salesman, became father of his first child, a 

son named Larry David . first area 

showing of "Joan of Arc" at regular prices 

was at the Latonia in Oil City. 

. . . The 

The Manos Theatre at Monessen staged 

a Henry J giveaway and the Library and 

Columbia at Warren gave away a new 

Chevrolet . Publix Theatres, Inc., 

reopened the Mishler at Altoona 

Franklin exchange is releasing "Cavalcade 

. 

of Faith" and the Crown exchange is distributing 

"The Holy Year at the Vatican" 

A. McClay jr., son of the 

business agent for lATSE Local 208, Uniontown, 

is a freshman at Bethany college . . 

M. A. Rosenberg, former local and national 

Allied president who operates houses at Pittsburgh 

and McKees Rocks, was out of the 

Battle Creek sanitarium Mc- 

Gaughney, manager of the Cadogan Theatre, 

was vacationing. 

. 

. . . Gale 

. 

Prize winners of Warner Theatres' talent 

night contests will be booked for a week at 

Jackie Heller's Carousel here Rost. 

Warner office manager, suffered an arm injury 

when he fell in his home 

and George Neff hosted the October 27 

family night party at the Variety Club 

John Nickel, city projectionist, has an infected 

right arm Way Drive-In 

. 

at Warren has closed for the season ... A 

bakery at Bradford sponsored a doughnutdunking 

contest on stage at a Dipson's Saturday 

matinee . . . State at Uniontown featured 

a two-day vaudeville show. 

Harris in New Offices 

PITTSBURGH—The Harris Amusement 

Co. has moved into its new headquarters at 

3875 Bigelow Blvd. New headquarters features 

a large screening room, complete 

kitchen, recreation rooms and large private 

offices for circuit executives. For the past 

ten years the Harris offices have adjoined 

the Variety Club in the William Penn hotel. 

Charles L. Davis, 62, Dead 

GRAND HAVEN, MICH.—Charles L. Davis, 

62, owner and operator of the Airdome 

and Vaudette. first motion picture houses 

here, died here recently. After selling his 

theatres, he managed the Grand and Robin 

Hood theatres for Mrs. Margaret Vandenberg. 

Beatrice 

Oiimeer Dies 

AKRON—Beatrice M. Offineer, 34, radio 

and theatre columnist for the Beacon Journal, 

died recently after a long illness. 

Cut in Hours of Minors 

COLUMBUS—Ohio Commission on Children 

and Youth has recommended a numbei 

of changes in Ohio labor laws "for the furthei 

protection of children." Specifically, the 

commission recommended that the maximunr 

working week for youths under 18 be reduced 

from 48 to 44 hours, and that girls between 

16 and 18 be allowed to work until f 

p. m. Many hazardous occupations be prohibited 

to minors under 18, including work 

involving radio-active substances, and job; 

involving exposure to noxious dust, g£ises, vapors, 

or fumes. 

The group recommended that industry anc 

business and labor cooperate with schools anc 

employment service agencies in providing information 

and guidance on jobs, including 

visits to places of business as well as othei 

types of experience. Other recommendation; 

urged that both schools and the public employment 

agency strive to break down discrimination 

based on race or creed. 

Pittsburgh Legion Post 

To Fete William Zeilor 

PITTSBURGH—Theatrical Post 589 of the 

American Legion commended outgoing Commander 

William Zeilor, Harris circuit executive, 

installed new officers at a testimonia; 

dinner in the Monongahela room, Williair 

Penn hotel, Monday (6). Robert M. Kimelman 

is general chairman. 

Banquet committee included Past Commanders 

James G. Balmer, Joe Hiller, Harrj 

E. MacCadden, C. C. Kellenberg, Joe Misrach. 

Perry Nathan and Dr. A. I. Wise; anc 

Morris Berman. Bob Caskey, Carl Dozer 

George Eby, I. Elmer Ecker, Morris Finkel 

M. S. Gallagher, John H. Harris, Normar 

Mervis, M. A. Silver, Bert M. Stearn anc 

Thomas F. Ti-oy. 

To Rebuild Hudson House 

HUDSON, MICH.—Work has been started 

on a theatre on the site of the old Hudson 

Theatre. A. C. Schmidt, industrial engineer, 

from Hillsdale, purchased the property from 

the Schulte Amusement Co. of Detroit. He 

expects to open the new house by January 1 

The old theatre was destroyed by fire. 

Phone Employes Guests 

NEW CASTLE, PA.—Four hundred Bel! 

Telephone employes were guests of William 

Colella and Henry Brenner, managers of the 

Vogue, two days last week to witness a short 

film showing the broadcast of the Bell Telephone 

Hour radio show. The guests were 

invited by telephone. 

Memos Theatre Near Completion 

COLUMBIANA, OHIO—G«orge Manos, Toronto, 

said the 900-seat $300,000 theatre being 

erected here will be ready to open by January 

1. 

Mrs. C. P. Church Joins 

CINCINNATI—Mrs. C. P. Church, Mannington 

iW. Va.) Theatre, is one of the newest 

members of the West Virginia Theatre 

Managers Ass'n. 


Hartford Theatre 

Marks Fifth Year 

HARTFORD — The Hartford Theatr.= cirult, 

headed by Al Schunian and Giis 

jchaefer and is comprised of the Colonial. 

Gus Schaefer 

Al Schuman 

antral, Lenox. Lyric and Rialto theatres, is 

bserving its fifth anniversary. 

Schuman, who is general manager, has 

leen in the theatre business for some 30 

ears, and was a pioneer in neighborhood 

heatres construction. He was the original 

ilanner of the Lyric Tlieatre at Park and 

iroad streets, which was the first important 

leighborhood house in the city. 

Gus J. Schaefer, treasurer, started in disributicn 

back in 1914 in Boston and later 

ent to Europe to pioneer in film distribution 

or Paramount Pictures, and later became 

ontinental manager. He later became exlort 

manager for Universal, after which he 

epresented RKO Pictures in the Caribbean 

rea and in North and South America. He 

'as transferred to RKO's domestic division. 

Having visited Hartford many times in the 

ole of northeastern division sales manager 

Dr RKO, Schaefer last November became as- 

DCiated with Schuman in the operation of 

he circuit. 

Ernest A. Grecula, advertising-publicity 

lirector, and supervisor of the 1,200-seat 

:olonial, formerly was associated with Loew's, 

nd Warners and also independent circuits 

1 the Connecticut area. He has been in exibition 

for 20 years, having worked his way 

'p from a theatre usher's position in Bridge 

ort. 

Hugh J. Campbell, Central manager, was 

ith the Warner Bros. Theatre Management 

'orp. for many years. At one time, he manged 

the State and Majestic here. 

Mrs. Kate S. Treske, the wife of the late 

athaniel Treske, who had been managing 

ne Lenox for several years, is the city's only 

Oman theatre manager. She manages the 

rcuit's Lenox. 

Joe Ruggerio has been at the Lyric for 27 

:3ars. Like Grecula, Ruggerio started at the 

ottom. working his way up to the managerlip 

of that theatre. He is known personally 

V practically all Lyric patrons. 

Michael Piccirillo. manager of the Rialto, 

arted with Loew's theatres in Bridgeport 

nd New Haven, and later became manager 

)r Loew in New York. 

George A. Smith, circuit maintenance manner 

and purchasing agent, has been in the 

leatre business locally for 30 years. He is 

native of Scotland. 

o Film Casey Jones Story 

Paramount has announced plans to film 

le Casey Jones story as a super-musical. 

Ban Brings Beneficial Breather 

In 

Drive-In Building, Says Smith 

Salem Plaza Reopened 

After Redecoration 

SALEM~The Plaza Theatre here has been 

reopened by the North Shore Amusement 

Co. after a complete remodeling. Phillip 

Bloomberg, president, in company with architects, 

planned the redecoration of the house. 

The front was modernized with new outsize 

lobby ceiling lights and a new vitrolite 

marquee. The foyer walls are painted a 

French green and the carpeting is in deep 

red. The new candy bar featutres all merchandise 

under glass covers. New seats in 

the auditorium are covered in a Chinese red 

plastic. The walls are a pastel rose gray. 

Stage hangings are in a blue-gray dama.sk. 

providing a suitable background for the Cycloramic 

screen. New Century projectors 

and Westinghouse sound equipment were 

installed by the Massachusetts Theatre 

Equipment Co. 

The North Shore also operates the Orpheum 

at Danvers. Bloomberg is president 

of the Salem Rotary club and a veteran 

of World War II. Managing director of the 

Plaza is John W. Foster and his assistant 

is George Mulcahy. a former assistant at 

the Empire Theatre here. 

Union Troubles May Cause 

Picketing of Yamins Chain 

FALL RIVER, MASS.—Unless union personnel 

is employed in the construction of 

an outdoor theatre at Westport for Nathan 

Yamins, his theatres here may be picketed. 

A union spokesman said the Texas contractor 

who is building the airer. about 80 

per cent completed, offered only token recognition 

to requests from building trades union 

leaders for employment of union labor on 

the project. A spokesman for Yamins said 

the union refused to compromise on an offer 

by Yamins to employ 50 per cent union 

laborers on the job and to meet the pay 

difference. He also stated that the union 

insists on a blanket union employment 

Bristol Theatre Shifts 

To Single Bill Policy 

BRISTOL, CONN. — The Bristol Theatre, 

Warner circuit house, has launched a new 

policy of showing a single feature with a 

program of short subjects instead of two features 

on one program. Vic Morrelli is theatre 

manager. 

Free Coffee at Art House 

HARTFORD—A coffee lounge has been installed 

on the mezzanine floor at the New 

Center Tlieatre. serving coffee free to patrons. 

The 1.200-seat art house is owned 

and operated by Maurice Greenberg with 

M. J. Daly as house manager and Seymour 

Kroopnick as promotion manager. 

Virginia Hewitt will play the feminine lead 

in Monogram's "Bowery Battalion." 

BOSTON—Philip Smith, head of the Smith 

Management Co., operator of 21 drive-ins 

throughout the country and 13 conventional 

theatres, was not disturbed by the government 

ban on theatre building. 

"I have long been of the opinion that too 

many drive-ins have been erected in highly 

competitive areas," he said. "Certainly, it's 

difficult for one to make a profit when theatres 

are so carslessly placed. Perhaps this 

ban will give prospective drive-in builders 

time to consider each location more carefully. 

Personally, I am not affected by the 

ban, as my 1949-50 program is completed. 

We have been considering several desirable 

locations in various sections of the country, 

but now that the ban is definite, we can 

take a breather, too." 

Smith's only uncompleted theatre is in 

Framingham, now under construction as a 

part of a huge .shopping center going up in 

an area 20 miles from Boston. It is expected 

to be finished by early spring 1951. 

Smith signed a long-term lease on the theatre 

three years ago. 

The Smith company operates six summer 

situations, all closed now, on Cape Cod jointly 

with Interstate Theatres: three regular 

theatres in St. Louis, which he took over in 

1949; another in Ipswich. Mass.. and two in 

South Boston. All his other operations are 

drive-ins. two in New England and the others 

spread through New Jersey and the midwest. 

"If there were no building ban." Smith 

continued, "I would not consider building 

another closed theatre. I am a pioneer in 

the outdoor theatre and am a firm believer 

in catering to the automobile trade." 

Paul S. Purdy Will Book 

New East Windsor Airer 

HARTFORD—Paul S. 

Purdy, general manager 

of the Kounaris-Tolis-Ulyssis interests 

in Meriden and Newington, has become advertising 

manager and film buyer and booker 

for the newly opened East Windsor Drive-In, 

owned by the Kupchunos Bros, and Peter 

Kostek. He will retain his KTU circuit responsibilities. 

The East Windsor Drive-In. a 600-car capacity 

project costing an estimated $125,000, 

is the third outdoor motion picture theatre 

to be opened in recent years in the metropolitan 

Hartford area. 

'Whistle' Company Shoots 

Scenes at Boston Plant 

BOSTON—Louis DeRochemont's company 

moved here to shoot interiors at the Northern 

Industrial Chemical plant for "Whistle 

at Eaton Falls." Tlie company had been on 

location in Portsmouth. N. H.. several weeks. 

Lloyd Bridges and Dorothy Gish are costarred. 

The film deals with attempts of a 

young idealist to save his community from 

becoming an industrial ghost town. Columbia 

will release the film. Robert Siodmak is 

director. 

3X0FFICE November 11, 1950 

NE 

99

. . With 

. . Joseph 

. . Loew's 

. . Says 

. . James 

. . The 

. . Publix 

BOSTON 

Cam Feldman has leased the Allen Theatre, 

closed for several months from owner 

John Anthony. Feldman and his son operate 

the Capitol. Winchendon, and the Wilmington 

Meyer Stanzler of 

in Wilmington . . . Providence has sold his interest in the Cranston 

Drive-In, Cranston, R. I., to William 

Deitch of Warwick, R. I. The Stanzler brothers, 

Meyer, Joseph and Max. have sold their 

combined interest in the Greenwich Theatre, 

East Greenwich, R. I., to the Arinakis 

brothers, operators of the Kent Theatre, 

East Greenwich. 

. . . Dominic 

Samuel Horenstein, Manley's New England 

distributor, has installed a Manley Aristocrat 

at the Strand Theatre, Fall River, owned and 

operated by Norman Zalkind 

Turturro, owner of the Elms Theatre, Millbury, 

has been elected vice-president of the 

Max Levenson, 

Millbury Kiwanis club . . . 

his wife and daughter returned from a sixweek 

visit to London where they attended the 

wedding of their son Dr. Joseph Levenson 

. . . Visitors on Filmrow: Mr. and Mrs. Lester 

Hughes, Nordica, Freeport, Me.; Elihu 

Glass, Majestic, West Springfield; Joe 

Mathieu, Keene, N. H.; Ernie Warren, Warren, 

Whitman; Al Vonck, York Beach, Me.; 

Bob Wheeler, Riverside, Richmond, Me.; 

James Guarino, stockholder in several Springfield 

drive-ins; Bill Yeager, Plymouth, Leominster, 

and Ernest Hickey, former general 

manager for Shea's New England Theatres. 

Edward Fahey met with New England Shea 

Theatres managers Dale McCoy, Bernie 

Hickey, Jack Baumgardt and Fenton Scribner 

. . . Joe Cifre has returned from three consecutive 

conventions: the Tesma conclave 

in Chicago, the Variety International meet 

in Pittsburgh, and the SMPTE convention at 

Lake Placid, N. Y. . . . Massachusetts Theatre 

Equipment has installed Cycloramic 

screens in the following spots: Maine and 

New Hampshire's Cumberland, Brunswick, 

Me.; Arthur Viano's Broadway and Somerville 

Theatres, Somerville; George Markell's 

Hudson Theatre, Hudson, and Richmond & 

Stern's newly acquired Colony Tlieatre, Lynn. 

Leon J. Levenson, general manager of 

American Theatre Corp.'s candy vending department, 

has been appointed to the board 

of directors of the Boston committee on adult 

education ... A concessions contest among 

clerks and vending girls has been started in 

the Graphic circuit by General manager 

Newell Kurson. The four week contest, em- 

CJlE. 

the best 


For Speedy Service omd 

Quality Gel Your Next 


FILMACICI 

bracing the Graphic circuit's 16 theatres, 

will be finished by the 15th of November. 

Contest was instigated to stimulate profits in 

the concessions department . Johnson, 

manager of the Camden Theatre, Camden, 

Me., a Graphic circuit theatre, has been 

recalled into the navy with Merlin Piper replacing 

. Levine. distributor of 

Pentagon Pictures in New England, held a 

press screening of "Pink String and Sealing 

Wax," opening at the Copley Theatre. It 

was followed by a luncheon for the critics. 

Interstate's Modern Theatre, Brockton, 

clo.sed for several months, reopened November 

4 with six acts of RKO Palace vaudeville 

for Saturdays and Sundays. Ad:n;ssion 

is 74 cents top for the weekends. The vaude 

ville is booked through Ross Frisco agency 

of Boston and the Dow agency of New York. 

Mac Perlstein is manager. 

All the New England drive-ins of E. M. 

Loew will be closed by November 12 with 

the exception of the Norwich-New London 

Theatre which will remain open a few mor3 

weeks, weather permitting. The Kingston 

Drive-In was the first to close on October 

22 with the Brewer in Bangor and the Augusta, 

Me., theatres shutting their gates 

October 29. 

\N0RC£S1£R 

C^'\iy Manager Everett Merrill's announcement 

that he would grant a license to the 

new open-air theatre on Greenwood street 

drew adver.;e reaction from neighbors, and 

the city manager said he would grant a 

hearing . Poli awarded a trip to 

Bermuda to the winner of its amateur contest 

series . . . John Larson, former director 

of the Boylston Summer Theatre, will direct 

Eddie Dowling's next Broadway play, "Angel 

in the Pawnshop." 

. 

Bill Hebert, former Worcester new.^paperman 

now heading his own publicity office 

in Holywood collapsed there from overwork 

the Daggett Playhouse in 

Westboro in bankruptcy, the place has been 

converted into a night club by owner Joe 

Pezzella, and a series of name attactions 

Arthur Mabey, manager 

was started . . . 

of the State in Milford, held a preview of 

"Stars in My Crown" for clergymen. 

. 

Everett A. Hildreth, 52, former manager of 

the Worcester, suffered fractures of both 

legs in a truck accident on the Worcester- 

Boston turnpike. He is with the state department 

of public works Bill Brown, 

manager of the Park and Greendale, "I guess 

television's threat to the films is past. People 

no longer inquire if TV hurts us" . . . Murray 

Howard, manager of the Warner, has 

salvaged the big round mirror that formerly 

adorned his lobby and has placed it in his 

Felix Migliaccio, new manager 

office . . . 

of the Modern in Marlboro, was host to 

Telegram and Gazette newsboys. 

To Wear Divided Skirts 

Maureen O'Hara, who is learning to ride 

again, will wear divided skirts in the 20th- 

Fox picture, "Kangaroo." to be shot in 

Australia. 

From the BOXOFFICE Til^ \ 

(Twenty Years Ago) 

gOSTON may become the capital of a revi 

lutionary motion picture world, accon 

nig to Blair Coan, special representati' 

of George K. Spoor, whose laboratories a 

claimed to have developed natural-visio 

three-dimension picture. Coan was in Bo 

ton recently seeking a .site for a stud 

lot in eastern Massachu'êtts. It has take 

15 years to perfect the process at a cost i 

about $7,000,000. The new apparatus utiliz( 

90 per cent of the light, while the usu; 

camera utilizes only about 40 per cent. Wit 

this advantage, Coan says, pictures can \ 

taken in London fog. So average weath( 

in New England should be especially .sui'' 

able for good photography, he says. 

Work has begun on demolishing properl 

on Main street in Torrington. Conn., recenl 

ly purchased by Warners for the site of i' 

new theatre at an estimated cost of $750,00 

It is expected that work will be pushed o 

the new project and that when finishei 

the Palace, also owned by Warners, will clos 

leaving the Alhambra and the new theati 

to fill the needs of local theatregoers. 

The Boston exchanges of First Nation: 

and Warner Bros, are now consolidated un 

der one roof . . . The RKO Keith BostO 

now presents a new front to the publit 

The name was changed from Keith Albes t 

Keith Boston . Levenson group ha, 

added the Plymouth Theatre in Worceste 

to its New England chain . wi:, 

erect a new 2.000-seater on the site of th 

old Adams House on Wa.shington street i:, 

Boston at a cost of approximately $2,000,00( 

Editor & Publisher, trade publication fo 

newspapermen, quotes a newspaper advertis' 

ing manager as follows: "Motion picture ad| 

vertising as run by the average local theatr' 

certainly has not kept pace with the in; 

dustry. There is very little difference ii 

size, typographical appearance, and the na; 

ture of the copy run today as comparei 

with that of ten years ago. If anything it i 

duller. The average theatre will submit : 

50-line advertisement containing a jumble » 

words and phrases, each word and phras' 

to be set in different size, and each sizproclaiming 

this particular picture as th 

greatest in the world." 

RKO Holds Firm Lead 

In Boston Bowling 

BOSTON—The RKO team managed ti 

hold a firm lead as the fifth week of th' 

Theatrical Bowling league went by. Stand 

ings are: 

Team Won Lost Team Won Los 

RKO 15 5 New England 11 9 

Independents 12 8 Macaulay Post 7 13 

A:iii;aled 11 9 Harry's Bar 4 16 

Peggy Lee at Hartiord State 

HARTFORD— Peggy Lee, the Capitol recording 

artist who recently completed a roli 

in the new Bing Crosby Paramount film 

"Mister Music," headlined last week's vaude 

ville show at the State Theatre. Hartford. 


I Palace—Right 

. . . Monogram 

. . . The 

. . . Bob 

. . Dave 

. . Al 

. . Hugh 

. . Lord 

. . Sneak 

. . 

New Haven Business 

Paced by Til Gel By' 

NEW HAVEN—Tile best business of the 

week was at the Paramount, where "I'll Get 

By" and "Surrender" stayed eight days. "To 

Please a Lady" and "Big Timber" went over 

from the Poll to the Bijou for a second week. 

Detail for the week ended November 1 


lou—San Quentin (WB), Alcatraz Island (WB) 90 

Iggj^Right Cross (MGM), West of Wyoming 

(Mono) 90 

pw's Poll—To Please a Lady (MGM); Big 

Timber (Mono) - 100 

raramount—I'll Get By (20th-Fox),- Surrender 

(Rep). 8 days 115 

Roger Sherman—The Glass Menagerie (WB) 100 

Hartford Week Average; 

"Walk Softly' Scores 125 

Get 

HARTFORD—"Harriet Craig" and "I'll 

By" were the sole downtown holdovers. Trade 

was fair. 

Ilyn-Rio Grande (Rep); Hit Parade of 1951 (Rep) 90 

Writer—City Ughts (UA) 85 

M Loew—Harriet Craig (Col); Texan Meets 

Calamity Jane (Col), 2nd wk 7J 

Poh—The Miniver Story (MGM); Gunfire (LP) 115 

Cross (MGM); Riders of the Pony 

\ Express (LP) 75 

Regal— I'll Get By (WB); County Fair (Mono), 

:nd wk 100 

:.nd—Walk Softly, Stronger (RKO); Hot Rod 

Mono) - 125 

Boston Has Average Week; 

TU Get By' Leader at 130 

BOSTON—The biggest grosser of the week 

was "I'll Get By" at the Keith Memorial, 

which was held over three extra days only 

to make way for "All About Eve." Other 

first runs were average or below. Two houses 

ran reissues to cover the gap between new 

product. 

^stor-Platinum Blonde (Col); Gilda (Col), 

reissues 95 

Boston—Dark Mirror (Col); Seventh Veil (U-I). 

reissues 90 

Exeter Street—The Rocking Horse Winner (U-I); 

lacqueline Misbehaves (Ellis) 110 

Memorial— I'll Get By (20th-Fox). ten days 130 

Metropolitan—Two Flags West (20th-Fox); Hot 

Rod (Mono) „ 100 

Paramount and Fenway Dork City (Para); 

Sunset in the West (Rep) 100 

State and Orpheum—To Please a Lady (MGM). .. 95 

LYNN 

|,lX7ork on the new Swampscott Theatre 

leased by Samuel Pinanski, is progressing 

n spite of the shortage of building materials. 

The brick walls are nearly completed ... At 

Salem, where E. M. Loew has completed plans 

ind signed contracts for a new $200,000 playlouse, 

the outlook is not so promising bemuse 

of the ban on amusement construc- 

;ian. A business block has been emptied of 

;enants and the work begun on tearing it 

lown. 

Teentinie, a 30-minute show put on weeky 

by teenagers, is so well received at the 

Paramount that Manager James Davis will 

;ontinue it for an indefinite period. Davis 

3Ut on a show for the Community Chest 

uncheon, a mental telepathy exhibition by 

Tom and Bettie Tucker . . Chandler 

. 

D'Blenes is the new student manager at 

Manager Harry J. Chapnan 

he Paramount . . . 

has started a community auction on 

viondays at the Strand, Peabody. 

FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE L()( AL PRESS—Sam Pinanski (R), who was reelected 

to his second term as TOA president, joined Julius Gordon of Jefferson 

Amusement Co. of Texas, in a gag shot. Donning a Stetson, a neckerchief and tossing 

his thumb over his right shoulder, Pinanski is reporting that "they went 

thataway." The girls are pretty Texas models at the registration desk of the Theatre 

Owners of America convention in Houston. 

NEW HAVEN 

. 

Jôvember also is election month for Local 

273 of projectionists. Business Manager 

Matthew Kennedy reports the 16th is the 

day at Trades Council hall . . Lord's Drivein 

. 

in Plainfield is expected to be ready for 

a March opening Kane, Paramount 

district manager, and John Moore, manager 

at Boston, conferred here two days with 

Henry Germalne and staff. 

"Clochemerle — Scandals of Paris" enjoyed 

a good second week at the Lincoln 

screened "Southside 1-1000" 

at the 20th-Fox screening room Thursday 

Bailey, Whalley, 'WTiitney and 'Westville 

theatres are going in for dish giveaways, 

the first time at the Whitney and the first 

in some ten years at the Whalley . . The 

. 

College has gone to a Saturday opening. 

. 

Morris Hadelman is back at the Shelton 

after inactive period because of health the 

last year . . 'Victory, New London, is now 

Amalgamated roster . . . Universal's 

on the 

Meadow street office is installing new booker's 

and cashier's receptionist cubicles as 

part of general spruce-up . Theatre, 

Norwich, will play "Louise," "Saddle 

Tramp," "Sleeping City" and "Wyoming 

Mail" first run during November . . . Frances 

DeMeglio, Monogram inspector, resigned to 

be married Thanksgiving day to Alfred 

Chiaramonte of New Haven, and go south 

for a honeymoon. The office staff gave 

Frances a farewell party. 

Saul Shiffrin, MGM booker, was presented 

a wallet and money gift by the fellow exchange 

members before embarking on matrimony 

. Squire, former 20th-Fox 

salesman now working in Springfield, has 

announced the arrival of a baby daughter 

Kaufman, former 20th-Fox exploiteer 

here, sends enthusiastic cards from 

Brussels, Belgium. 

Paramount bookers are working hard to 

come m first in Pine-Thomas drive ending 

early in December . Maguire, RKO 

office manager, is recuperating at home 

. after an operation at St. Raphael's 

Hannah Ginsberg, secretary to Al Daytz, 

Warner manager, also recuperating at home 

Frances Silverman, Warner 

after surgery . . . 

cashier, was back from her Florida 

vacation where she experienced the hurricane 

first hand. 

SPRINGFIELD 

The picture at Loew's Poll was "Crisis," and 

during the showing a real crisis cropped 

up for two women patrons. They reported 

that sneak thieves deprived them of their 

pocketbooks . previews have been 

coming here in clusters. Within two weeks, 

patrons have seen advance showings of "Harriet 

Craig" at the Bijou, and "All About 

Eve" and "King Solomon's Mines" at Loew's 

Poll. 

Big ballyhoo for the opening of "Breakthrough" 

at the Capitol, included the presence 

of Mrs. Edward Lovejoy, mother of 

Frank Lovejoy, who is in the film; a gun 

display from the Springfield armory in the 

lobby; the Red Cross serving coffee and 

doughnuts for invited military personnel 

from Westover Field, and a concert by the 

Westover band . . . Harley Rudkin, film 

critic for the Daily News, devoted his entire 

Saturday column. "Off Stage," to the pamphlet, 

"Exploding a Myth," distributed by 

Loew's Movie Memo, which offers authoritative 

opinion on the subject of films and juvenile 

delinquency. 

MOBILE VENDING CART 

for Drive-ln Theatres 

Take your concession stand to the customer 

Hot Dogs, Popcorn. Cold Drinks. Candy. 

Cigarettes. Ice Cream 

Lowest priced vend cart on the market 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG: CO. INC. .?'?'";„"" 

OXOFFICE November 11, 1950 101

. . Mrs. 

. . Dinnerware 

. . 

. . . Beatrice 

. . Harry 

. . Danbury, 

. . George 

. . Ray 

. . 

' 

| 

i 

i 

\ 

RESEARCH BUREAU 

for 

MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Konsas City 1, Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU 

to receive information regularly, as released, on 

the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

D Acoustics 

Lighting Fixtures 

D Air Conditioning 

q plumbing Fixtures 

D Architectural Service 

Projectors 

n "Black" Lighting 

n 

n Projection Lamps 

Building Material 

n Seating 

D Carpets 

n Coin Machines ^ Signs and Marquees 

D Complete Remodeling CI Sound Equipment 

D Decorating D Television 

D Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts 

D Drive-In Equipment Q Vending Equipment 

D Other Subjects 

Theatre 

Seating Capacity.. 

Address 

City 

Four Sections Slated 

For lENE's Clinic 

BOSTON — Ray Feeley, business manager 

of Independent Exhibitors of New England, 

and the convention committee are completing 

arrangements for the annual convention of 

the New England Allied units one-day meeting 

and banquet at the Copley-Plaza hotel 

December 5. Registration will be followed by 

a film clinic patterned after the one instituted 

at the Allied national annual conclave 

held recently in Pittsburgh. Theatre operators 

of each different kind of operation will 

meet in separate sections to discuss mutual 

problems. 

In all probability, Feeley revealed, the subdivisions 

will be broken down into four categories: 

(11 Drive-ins: 12) First runs; (3) 

Subruns: i4i Small town operations. A 

luncheon will follow in the foyer of the ballroom. 

At 2:30 there will be an open forum 

for the discussion from the floor of any industry 

problem with qualified moderators. 

At 5:30 there will be a cocktail party given 

by Image & Sound Service, with Lon Hacking 

as the host. Directly following will be 

the banquet in the main ballroom. Acceptances 

to attend have been received from officers 

of Allied States, representatives of distribution 

companies and supply houses, as 

well as New England independent exhibitors, 

circuit operators and their wives. 

FALL RIVER 

William S. Canning has been named to 

the Liberty statue committes of the Boy 

Scouts. The drive will result in a replica 

of the statue of Liberty for Fall River . 

All theatres of the community were presented 

floral bouquets by the Fall River Florists 

Ass'n during National Flower week. The 

bouquets were placed, with the cards of the 

donor, in boxoffices of theatres along the 

main street. 

HARTFORD 

Dussell C. Ordway, Webb Playhouse manager, 

and bride, the former Dorothy Treworthy, 

left on a honeymoon in the south 

following their November 4 wedding in Hartford 

. . . Paul W. Amadeo, general manager 

of the Pike Drive-In, Newington, and Ann 

Diakon, former E. M. Loew's cashier, wUl 

wed November 18 . . . Tom Harries, projectionist 

at the Pike, returned from a vacation 

. . . Ei-nie Richardson of the Poll and wife 

got back from a southern motor trip. 

Bernie Menschell, partner in the Community 

circuit, was called to New York by 

the illness of his dad . . . Thayer Benjamin, 

maintenance manager at the Eastwood, is in 

. 

a hospital recuperating from injuries sustained 

in an auto accident L. 

Hudak, house manager at E. M. Loew's, is 

slated for his army induction physical soon 

Sacco is the new cashier at 

E. M. Loew's. 

Paul S. Purdy of the Kounaris-Tolis- 

Ulyssis circuit, Meriden, was in town . 

Harvey King of lATSE Local 84 will mark his 

82nd birthday soon . Albee, projectionist 

at the Pike Drive-In, spent a week 

hunting in Maine . noted for 

its manufacture of hats, recently put on a 

street parade backed by all businesses. Some 

40,000 persons reportedly viewed the parade. 

The Warner circuit's Palace later featured 

films of the parade in a "See Yourself on the 

Screen!" program. 

. 

, 

Joe Borenstein, manager of the Strand. 

New Britain, is back at his desk following 

n parade, in which more than 800 participated, 

preceded the showing of "Women 

recuperation from an infection . . . Ted Harris. 

State, was in New York . 

Wylie 

of Tomorrow," which tells the story of Scouting, 

of R. J. Wylie Amusement Enterprises, New 

at the Empire Theatre. The parade Haven, chief barker of the Variety Club of 

was arranged by Manager John MoAvoy Connecticut, attended the screening of UA's 

and marked the opening of National Girl "City Lights" at the Newington Home for 

Scout week in this area William Crippled Children with Seymour Kroonpick, 

S. Canning, wife of the personal consultant promotion manager of the New Center Theatre. 

The theatre and Variety sponsored the 

to Nathan Yamins in the selection of films 

, 

shown in this area, was named team match showing. 

captain for the Women's Golf Ass'n at the 

. 

Fall River Country club is 

the new giveaway at Nonnan Zaldind's 

Strand, supplemented with the presentation NEW HAMPSHIRE 

of a cooperation 

Youngstown Electric dishwasher in 

with the Schwartz Lumber Co. . . . 

Rasil Blake. 58, at one time a Shakesperian 

Nathan Vamins' Somerset Playhou.se was 

actor, and in later years one of New Hampshire's 

best known newspapermen, died at 

used during tlie recent state election for a 

rally by the Republican party. 

The Manchester 

his home in East Rochester . . . 

Film society will present "Thirtyhis 

Nine Steps," November 21; "Man of Aran," 

December 20; "The Baker's Wife," January 

17, and "The Titan" February 21. 

Employes of the State, Strand. Palace and . 

Crown theatres and executives of Shea Enj 

terprises in Manchester, attended the funeral I 1 

' 

' 

of Mrs. Grace L. Fahey, wife of the theatre 

manager, at the Church of Our Lady of . 

Gene Autry, cowboy Perpetual Help . . . 

State , 

Signed 

Postagc-poid reply cords for your further convenience 

in obtaining information ere provided In The MODERN 

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

New Haven Drive-In Closes 

NEW HAVEN—Charles M. Lane, general 

manager, reports the closing for the season 

of the New Haven Drive-In. 

Hopalong to Star With Crosby 

Hopalong Cassidy iBill Boyd) has signed a 

contract to star with Bing Crosby in "Pardners" 

for Paramount release. 

: 

' 

, 

actor, served as honorary steward at the 

Rockingham racetrack in Salem November 1, 

when the Cowgirl classic was run for the 

10th time. Autry presented the $500 award 

to the winner. Norma Shoulders. , 

To Pilot 'Missing Women' 

"Missing Women," upcoming Stephen Auer 

production, will be piloted by Phil Ford for. 

Republic. 


f 

i i among 

: 

ea's 

; 3 

. 

:k 

' 

' 

irt 

' 

en 

I 

. of 

'our-Screen Drive-In 

i'or Vancouver Isle 

\ÂNCOUVER—Benny Chechik, owner of 

;rt Cooper Will Build 

îve-In in North Halifax 

.HALIFAX—A drive-in will be built in the 

wper north end of Halifax by Bert Cooper. 

'iB site is on Lady Hammond road where 

Joper built a swimming pool about five 

us ago. He has been operating it season- 

,y with refreshment stands and overnight 

^Tips. The permit for the drive-in calls for 

jout 250-car capacity. 

en Teams Vie Weekly 

ji FPC Bowling Loop 

TORONTO— Sixty enthusiasts make up ten 

Urns currently in the Famous Players Bowlj; 

league. Members include employes from 

(> head office, the General Theatre Supply 

i. and several theatre managers who can't 

\.y away from the alleys. The first series 

I games will close at the end of November, 

I 

be followed by winter and spring series, 

\h trophies and prizes being handed out at 

; annual banquet in April. Games are 

]iyed every Thursday night, 

[rhree representatives of General Theatre 

jpply are out in front with high scores for 

I games: Gordon Bridges with 217; Bob 

iroule 202 and Douglas Lowes 200. Among 

' 

women, Muriel Breckenridge is leading 

- ,h a high average of 178, followed by Louise 

iiith with 170 and Ann Kiss 168. 

iloseph Cardwell, manager of the Tivoli, 

li Don Stein, manager of the Alhambra, 

the contenders, each with an aver- 

of 190. Manager Leonard Bishop of 

has compiled an average of 179 while 

Ti-otter, manager of the Bloor, has 148. 

rhe officers of the league are Bob West, 

I'sident; Bob Sproule, vice-president: Mu- 

I Breckenridge, secretary, and Vicki An- 

I 'Off, treasurer. 

Honors of Industry Are Extended 

To Simon Meretsky by Pioneers 

lace Dealer Files Protest 

D New Verdun Theatre 

MONTREAL—Another obstacle has loomed 

1 ore Seagrave Construction, Inc., in its ef- 

; 

ts to build a tlieatre on Church avenue in 

rdun. Action has been taken in superior 

by Angelo Bartuccio, Verdun shoe 

turn, Meretsky recounted the highlights of 

his colorful life in a feeling speech which 

held his listeners spellbound. 

Meretsky was given an oil painting of himself, 

done by Harry Zeilig of Windsor, a young 

artist whom Meretsky had assisted. It was 

a gift from former employes, many of whom 

were present at the function. An illuminated 

testimonial from the Windsor lodge of B'nai 

B'rith was presented by M. M. Sumner, a 

prominent citizen there. 

Projectionists Local 580 of Windsor, through 

Edward Hale, business agent, made the presentation 

of an honorary gold membership 

card. Prom the Canadian Picture Pioneers, 

Meretsky accepted an honorary life membership. 

Miss Ray Lewis, president of the Pioneers, 

gave Meretsky an autograph book in leather 

binding, which contained a number of caricatures 

and signatures of many prominent 

persons in and out of the film industry. 

To commemorate the occasion, an anonymous 

donation of $1,000 was received by the 

CPP for its benevolent fund, to which Meretsky 

added a contribution of $500 for good 

measure. 

Miss Lewis, the only woman member of the 

Pioneers, made a gracious hostess in behalf of 

the 588 Pioneer members across Canada. 

Morris Stein of Famous Players, with which 

Meretsky was a partner for many years, officiated 

as toastmaster and master of ceremonies 

at the tiered head table, where sat 

the many special guests and their strikingly 

gowned ladies. 

Among the speakers who gave eulogies of 

the film patriarch were Paul Martin of Ottawa, 

minister of national health and welfare, 

WiUiam Griesinger, minister of planning 

rjRn 

^ 

^ 

1? Bay Theatre here, has applied to the 

,y council at Saanich on Vancouver Islid, 

a few miles from Victoria, for rezoning etsky, native of Russia and an adopted son J. Reaume, Windsor; Col. David H. Croll, 

TORONTO—Seventy-year-old Simon Mer- 

and development in Ontario; Mayor Arthur 

(j 

a 52-acre site to permit construction of a of Canada since 1888, was acclaimed by 350 member of parliament from the Torontos>0,000 

tour-screen drive-in. 

friends and theatre associates at a banquet Spadina riding; Oscar R. Hanson of Toronto, 

The council will call a public hearing on given by the Candian Picture Pioneers in his one of the founders of the Canadian Picture 

1.' application. Tlie drive-in would require honor at the King Edward hotel last Wednesday 

(1). The veteran exhibitor of Windsor, arines, who spoke in behalf of FPC asso- 

Pioneers, and Stewart Fleming, St. Cath- 

iim ten to 15 acres and would be the first 

installation in this country, who recently sold his interests to Famous 

Iir-screen 

me 300 seats would be provided for walk-in Players Canadian Corp., was showered with 

trons. Two other drive-ins are planned honors and tangible tokens of admiration by 

li 

the Victoria district and are expected to speakers of high place in Canadian life. In 

('=n by spring 1951. 

ciates. 

In the Windsor delegation were Eugene 

Fitzgibbons, managing director of Paramount 

Windsor Theatres, formerly headed by Meretsky; 

R. E. Knevels, manager of the Capitol; 

J. J. Lefave, manager of the Tivoli. and Ed 

Lamoureux, manager of the Empire. 

Among FPC partners who joined in honoring 

Meretsky were Jule Allen, N. A. Taylor. 

Sam Bloom, Sam Fine and William Summerville 

jr., all of Toronto; G. N. Ganetakos and 

Arthur Hirsch. Montreal; George Miller, Peterboro; 

Clarence G. Markell, Cornwall; Harold 

and H. W. Braden, Hamilton; T. Sasio of 

Barrie and Stewart Fleming of St. Catharines. 

All branches of the industry were 

represented. 

It was a great evening for a great veteran 

of the Canadian theatre business and an 

outstanding citizen of Windsor. 

Booking Service Gains 

TORONTO—Independent Theatre Services, 

a booking and buying organization, is making 

good headway, according to Harold L. Pfaff, 

manager, who said that 20 theatres around 

Ontario have joined the group. Pfaff, former 

sales manager here for Canadian Paramount, 

is associated with Bruce McL3od, independent 

theatre owner, in the company 

which is located at 600 Bay St. 

'Your Life' in Ninth Week 

TORONTO—"The Happiest Days of Youi 

Life" continued to be the semipermanent attraction 

at the International Cinema by 

rounding out its ninth week. The companion 

art theatre, the Towne Cinema, held the revival 

of "City Lights" for a second week. 

James Webb is writing the screenplay for 

"The Big Ti-ees," story of Cahfornia's giant 

redwood country, a Warner picture. 

1 iler, to annul the building permit as illal. 

I permit was denied early in September 

the motion before city council mus- 

' 

ed a 4-3 vote instead of the required five 

nine. The permit was granted at a 

1 er meeting on a 5-4 vote, with Mayor Ed- 

' 

rd Wilson casting the deciding ballot. 

NEWFOUNDLANDERS—Shown standing in the front of the Koxy Theatre in 

Deer Lake, N. F., are Phil King, projectionist; Melva Tucker, usher; Mrs. M. C. 

Mitchell, cashier; Edith Kumbolt, usher, and Manager M. C. Mitchell. 

1 XOFFICE November 11, 1950 E 103

I a.rlawn—Morning 

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Head Olfice - 4040 St. Catherine Street West, 

Montreal, Que. 

Branches at - - Haliiax, Saint John, Quebec, 

Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Ed- 

'Sunset' 2nd Week High 

In Vancouver Houses 

VANCOUVER—Fir.st run.s here continued 

their mild pace, with new bilKs suffering. 

Tliree foreign film.s and four revivals were 

on local screens. "Mister 880" in its second 

week at the Vogue and a moveover of "Sun- 

.set Boulevard" at the Dominion were best. 

'Eve' Collects the Crowrds 

In Soft Toronto Week 

TORONTO—Dirty weather, heralding the 

arrival of winter following a period of summer 

heat, caused a drop in theatre attendance 

generally, although there were big 

crowds for "All About Eve" at the University 

and Nortown. 

(Av Is 100) 

Biltmore- 1 Shot Billy the Kid (LP); To the Last 

Man (Para) 100 

Departure (EL), 2nd d. t, wk 100 

Hyland—Trio (Para), 2nd wk 105 

Imperial—711 Ocean Drive (Col) 110 

Loews—A Life of Her Own (MGM), 2nd wk 110 

115 

Odeon—Prelude to Fame (EL) 

Shea s—Walk Softly. Stronger (RKO) 110 

Capitol—The Black Rose 

wk 

; Within These Walls 

(20th-Fox), 

(20th-Fox) 

Tivoh and 

2nd d t .. 95 

University and Nortown— All About Eve 

(20.h-Fox) 

Uptown—Toast of New Orleans (MGM), 4th wk 

140 

SO 

Victoria and Eglinton—Reap the Wild Wind 

(Para); Saigon (Para), reissues 95 

'Broken Arrow' Second Week 

Paces Winnipeg First Runs 

WINNIPEG—"Broken Arrow" did so well 

at the Capitol that after an excellent twoweek 

run, it was moved over to the Gaiety 

for a third week 

Capitol—Broken Arrow (20th-Fox), 2nd wk ..Very gjod 

Mel—Summer Stock (MGM) Very good 

Ga.ely—A Lady Without Passport (MGM) Good 

Garnck— Destination Moon (EL), 2nd wk Good 

Odeon— Kind Hearts and Coronets (EL) Good 

Lyceum—Return of the Frontiersman (WB) Fair 

Grand—Movie Crazy (Cardinal) Fair 

I .;:;i;:i:or,— City Across the River (U-I); Johnny 

Stool Pigeon (U-I) Good 

y .; u:— The Women (MGM), reissue Good 

Ottawa Theatremen Plan 

Citywide Bingo Games 

OTTAWA—City police provided the only 

immediate reaction to a report from Toronto 

that Ottawa theatre managers are planning 

to enter the bingo business. The report said 

Ottawa theatre managers plan to meet bingo 

competition by staging a citywide bingo game 

in theatres linked by telephone for the contest. 

The Ottawa group asked the Motion 

Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario for moral 

and financial support in case a test case is 

necessary. 

Police Chief Duncan MacDonell .said that 

if the group wants to test its position in this 

way, the police department will be glad to cooperate. 

Casey Swedlove, a past president of the 

Ottawa Theatre Managers Ass'n who was said 

to have signed the resolution presented to the 

Ontario body, declined to comment. 

VANCOUVER 

The six-cent chocolate bar is back at theat 

candy counters, the result of one of tl 

most effective buyers strikes in history, f 

major candy companies reduced bars fro 

eight to six cents after, as one distribut 

said, kiddies showed so much consumer r 

sistance that it gummed up production . . 

The Composers, Authors & Publishers Ass 

of Canada started an action against Coza 

& Boyd drive-ins at Kelowna, B. C, for $1C- 

Good 

Capitol—A Lile of Her Own (MGM) Fair 

Cinema—Builalo Bill (20th-Fox), Susannah of the 

MountisB (20lh-Fo.x), reissues Fair 

Dominion—Sunset 

(2aih-Fox), 2nd 

Boulevard 

d t, wk 

(Para); Stella 

plus damages and a declaration that CAPA 

Odoon-Hastings- Passionelle (Dist), Torment 

owner of the Canadian rights to two son^ 

IS 

(Oxford) 

Fair 

Orpheum—The Breaking Point (WB) Fair The association also asks the court to decla 

(Para); 

(Para), reissues 

Paradise—Wake I land Lucky Jordan 

the Boyd Drive-In infringed upon CAPAC 

Fair 

Pla_a and Fraser—The Fireball (20tli-Fox); 

copyright by using the songs at the theati 

S:raight, Place and Show (20th-Fox) Moderate 

Strand— Crisis (MGM) Moderate Bob Holm, local projectionist, has inco 

S;u:iio—The Bicycle Thief (M-B), 2nd wk Fair 

vcgue—Mister 880 (20th-Fox), 2nd wk Good porated the Holm Equipment Service & Ml 

Co. to service theatre equipment and soui 

in British Columbia . Queen Theat, 

in the Vancouver east end has discontinui 

stage shows and now is on a straight tw 

bill film policy. Tire Odeon-Hastings in tl 

same zone has started a stage show poll, 

with three shows daily, including a first n 

picture. The new policy will start off at ; 

admission of 50 cents week days. 

Famous Players Managers Ass'n staged 

party for patients at Children's hospital. Tl' 

group sent many boys and girls to fresh-s 

camps last summer. It raises money throui 

the annual motion picture ball, Ivan Ackei 

president, said. 

A $2,000,000 motion picture on the life of 

Royal Canadian Mounted policeman may 

filmed in Alberta by MGM. An MGM c 

rector and a producer flew from Hollywoi 

and conferred with Alberta government of) 

cials on proposed locations for the film. Ro 

ert Taylor and Joel McCrea are being co: 

sidered for the starring roles and Alber 

Indians will be hired as extras. Direct 

Andrew Marton and Producer Ruben Rose 

berg scouted the area between Edmonton ai 

Jasper and west of Calgary. 

Irving: Helfont, MGM head office, N« 

York City, conferred with Charlie Rama; 

MGM manager here. This is Helfont's fii 

Canadian visit. He has now visited all MG. 

offices across the Dominion. He left f! 

Seattle and California before returning 

New York . . Violet Yates, Empire-Univc 

. 

sal Films, has been very ill . . . Jack Zaitzo 

owner of the Roxy and Princess at Melvil 

Sask., who now calls Vancouver home aft 

leaving the operation of the theatres to Ij 

two sons, is a member of Canadian Plcti^ 

Pioneers, Vancouver branch. 

Harry Page, Monogram salesman, is ba 

in town after a three-week trip through t 

territory. Bob Kelly, Odeon Movie club su 

ervisor, is back from a publicity trip to Vi 

toria, where he worked on a campaign t 

"They Were Not Divided." He made sor, 

excellent tieups with army authorities wi' 

gave parades, bands and tanks for the Br? 

ish film. Result was better than avers' 

business at the Odeon in Victoria. 

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104 BOXOFFICE November 11, IV

I 

1 

O'Rourke 

. . The 

. . For 

. . 

. . . Columbia 

. . Western 

. . Mrs. 

T 

1ST. 

JOHN 

C^nce a month on the stage of the St. John's 

Cornwall, one of Newfoundland's newer 

theatres, a giveway is held under the auspices 

of a local food manufacturing fir.n. Two 

prizes are offered, both products of Newfoundland. 

The giveaway is accompanied by 

songs and music by local talent . 

"Stars 

I in My Crown" at the Royal. Truro. N. S.. 

Manager Clarence Fraser gave patrons his 

personal recommendation. 

For "Treasure Island" and "Beaver Valley" 

at the Halifax Paramount, Manager Freeman 

Skinner had a local food store chain sponsor 

a treasure hunt. Prizes totaling $600. were 

offered to the holders of lucky number keys. 

The prizes were grouped in a treasure chest 

in the Paramount lobby and included electrical 

appliances, radios, shavers and a bus 

trip for two to Nova Scotia. 

The winter home of J. M. Franklin was undamaged 

by a series of big blows that 

rampaged along the Florida coast. Before 

heading north from Miami last spring, the 

theatre owner covered the windows with 

shutters. This saved the windows and interior. 

One palm tree was a casualty. The usual 

southward trek of the Franklins will start 

between November 15 and 30, after a week's 

trip to Montreal and a final inspection tour 

of F&H theatres in Nova Scotia. 

"It's in the Air" and "Come on George," 

both starring George Formby, were booked 

for three days at the Garrick, Halifax . 

I 

After 17 months in hospitals at Moncton and 

East St. John. Mary Hogan is back at her 

home here near the Mayfair, where she was 

cashier for a dozen years. 

Les Sprague, managing partner with Tom 

in the Gaiety. Fairville. N. B.. is a 

skilled photographer with both stills and 

[ films. He Is showing some on his screen for 

extra draw . Dominion Sound Equipments 

HaUfax branch supplied a new public 

address system and stadium chairs for the 

Halifax Forum. 

:lt 

At the Empire, Demerson & 'Vassis offered 

"Strange Woman" and "Young Widow" on 

one bill at 33 cents top and with an adult 

Tlie Palace in the 

entertainment label . . . 

north end. used for many years for films, has 

been rented to Fred Clark as a public dance 

spot. Repairs following a fire have been completed 

by Franklin & Herschorn, owner. 

Back Home on Theft Charge 

TORONTO—Accused of stealing $700 from 

a circuit theatre on Queen street, where he 

had been employed. David Ralph Satin has 

been brought back from the U.S. by immigration 

officers to face early trial. Satin is said 

to have walked away witli the money when 

he was sent to the bank to deposit the 

receipts. 

Change 'Torero' Title 

"Death in the Sands" is the new title of 

the Republic picture formerly called "Torero." 

NEO-SEAL BURIAL WIRE 

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ecliate Delivery From Stock 

C. E. McCarthy Speaks 

On COMPO in Canada 

TORONTO—The Motion Picture Theatres 

A.ss'n of Ontario in its annual convention 

here recently heard Charles E. McCarthy of 

New York, director of the Council of Motion 

Picture Organizations, say that the industry 

"as a whole is in a position, for the first 

time, to meet slanderous criticism from the 

outside." 

McCarthy spoke to some 200 theatremen at 

the convention luncheon. 

In other convention action .showmen returned 

the old board of directors with one 

change Harland Rankin of Tilbury was named 

to succeed Ben Ulster of Toronto. Association 

members also decided to renew their 

fight against bingo competition and they 

heard a report by Dick Main of Torontu 

on television. 

McCarthy told the showmen that over the 

years "the industry has permittd enmities 

to be formed and it is high time for COMPO 

to come into existence. 

"We had been wonderful in sailing our 

product." he said, "but we were a dismal 

failure in selling ourselves. In public relations 

we were novices of the worst sort." 

He said that television was a very serious 

threat to the industry in some parts of the 

states and that theatres had been held up 

to ridicule in TV programs. 

"Television in its present form is nothing 

more than an advertising medium." he said, 

"and it should not cast slurs on our business. 

COMPO affords the agency whereby 

the whole motion picture business can spring 

into action in its own defense." 

Dick Main, in his report on television, expressed 

the belief that TV influence on 

theatres in the States was exaggerated. A 

local ball game, he said, "is far worse competition 

for a theatre than television ever 

would be." 

Other factors than TV. such as increased 

community recreation and the five-day week, 

are affecting theatre business, he said. He 

said that television programs are limited by 

the amount of revenue they take in and he 

added that such shows could not measure up 

to the standard of film theatre entertainment 

until the TV industry could collect 

money from the people at home. 

Renamed to the board of directors were 

Clare J. Appel. Odeon Theatres; Morris 

Berlin. Somerset Theatre. Ottawa: Sam Fine. 

Bloom & Fine Theatres; Stan Gosnell. manager 

of the Uptown, Toronto; H. C. D. Main, 

MONTREAL 

. . . Bill 

Wisitors to Filmrow included Paul Gendron. 

co-owner of the Riviera. Drummondville; 

Princess. Princeville; Warwick, Warwick, 

Que., and the Victoria. Victoriaville . . . H. 

Harnick of Toronto, sales manager for Columbia, 

called at the local office 

Bourne, formerly with Montreal Lithographing 

Co.. has joined the display department of 

United Amusement Corp.. as assistant artist 

is releasing a single reeler, 

"Did You Know That?" proceeds of which 

will go to the Quebec branch of the Canadian 

Motion Picture Pioneers for charity. 

Quebec Allied Theatrical Industries held its 

annual meeting and banquet at the Windsor 

hotel Tuesday (7) ... Ted Atkinson, manager 

of Cardinal Films, has received prints of the 

first three of ten Zane Grey reissues, 

Thundering Herd," "To the Last Man" and 

"Fighting Caravan" . Suzanne Paquette-Goyette, 

professor at tlie Conservatoire 

Lassalle, recently, sailed on the Liberte 

for a pilgrimage to Rome and a tour of the 

continent. 

Montreal Botanical Gardens, maintained by 

the provincial government, has resumed motion 

picture presentations. First films of the 

current season deal with "the cell structural 

unit of life" . . . Canada will be cautious in 

implementing a ban on amusement constructions 

similar to that being enforced in the 

United States, a government official states. 

He added that no restrictions are being 

drafted now. 

Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne received 

a tremendous welcome on their first personal 

appearance at His Majesty's in "I Know My 

Love" . Quebec Drama league offered 

two films, a National Film Board production, 

and "Simplified Staging," a color 

picture dealing with the decorative aspect of 

the theatre. Philip Presner. secretary-treasurer. 

Montreal Posters exchange, is on the 

sick 

list. 

Capitol, Listowel; Harry S. Mandell, 20th 

Century Theatres; J D. McCulloch Iroquois 

Theatre. Petrolia; Roy Miller. Lincoln. St. 

Catharines, retiring president; Lou Rosefield, 

Westdale, Hamilton; Floyd Rumford, 

Kineto. Forest; Morris Stein. Famous Players 

Canadian, and Harland Rankin. 

Rankin and McCulloch are new executive 

members. The board will elect new officers 

for the coming year at its executive meeting 

later this month. 

Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs 

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202 Canada BIdg. Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Phone 25371 

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r 

BOXOFFICE November 11. 1950 105

. . . Al 

. . The 

. . Ben 

. . "Les 

. . The 

. . 

. . . Tlie 

TORONTO 

TUTanaser Howard Elliott of the Fairlawn has 

secured the weekly Singing Stars of Tomorrow 

broadcast, for a series of 26 weeks, 

with the programs of new artists being presented 

from the stage to the CBC circuit. 

The sponsor is Canadian Industries, Ltd. As 

president of the Bedford Park Busine.ssmen's 

Association, Elliott organized a fashion show 

at the theatre for Thursday afternoon in cooperation 

with local merchants. Tickets were 

sold by church organizations which realized 

proceeds of $750. The Fairlawn supplied, 

Romance on the High Seas." 

Gene Lockhart, veteran screen actor, attended 

a reunion at De LaSalle academy here. 

Lockhart recalled his Toronto days when he 

played football with the Argonauts and was 

a champion paddler with the Toronto Canoe 

club. Incidentally, he saw a great future for 

actors, writers and producers in television . . . 

Chief Barker Morris Stein of Toronto Variety 

Tent 28 became proxy owner of a passenger 

bus when it was presented to the Variety 

Village school by the transportation commission 

of Toronto. It used to be bus No. 574 

on the Wellesley street route and was reconditioned 

before presentation to the Variety 

club. 

George Degnon, former promotion manager 

in Canada for RKO Pictures, has suffered a 

serious illness since starting a business of his 

own in Toronto . betting in film circles 

locally is that Stan Gosnell, manager of 

the Uptown, will be the choice of next president 

of the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n 

of Ontario when the new directors meet to 

pick the 1950-51 officers. He was the treasurer 

during the past year and is the property 

master of Toronto Variety. 

J. J. Fitzgibbons, president of Famous 

Players, and wife were in London last week 

on the way home from a Holy Year trip to 

Rome. Fitzgibbons and Barney Balaban of 

Paramount combined in .sending a cable of 

congratulations to Simon Meretsky, former 

Windsor exhibitor, when he was being dined 

by the Canadian Picture Pioneer.s at Toronto. 

In a switch of organists by FPC here, Al 

Bollington has gone to the console in Shea's 

Theatre while Quentin MacLean, at that theatre 

for a dozen years, is replacing Bollington 

at the Victoria after recovery from illness 

Sedgwick, manager of the Palace at 

St. Catharines, had to pass up the convention 

of the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n 

of Ontario for the first time. He sent word 

that he was tied up with the organizing of 

a group of Junior Farmers for the winter fair 

in behalf of the Kiwanis club of St. Kitts. 

J. A. Flinn of Toronto, one of the oldest 

. . The 

projectionists in Canada, died here in his 

81st year. He was buried in Halifax . 

Kent at Windsor, started continuous performances 

with the presentation of the Italian 

picture, "The Iron Crown." The Kent 

uses the .slogan, "Windsor's Biggest Little 

Theatre," becau.se of its type of attractions. 

Manager Martin Simpson of the Downtown 

here capitalized on the construction of the 

city's first subway, which pa-s.ses the theatre's 

front door, by displaying a map showing 

the routes of the underground system in 

London, England. He reported, that with 

subway work under way nearby, the theatre 

diiplay caught the attention of countless per- 

Loas, including many war veterans who had 

visited London. 

Manager Simmons of the suburban Village, 

says that an unusually large crowd was delighted 

with the sneak preview of 'Jackpot" 

in the regular Thursday night series of advance 

showings, prior to downtown engagements 

. Ulster, local theatre owner, 

has retired as a director of the Motion Picture 

Theatres Ass'n of Ontario, and maybe 

there's a personal reason. His wife has presented 

him with a baby daughter. 

. . . Manager William 

N. C. Rae, former supervisor of Theatre 

Confections, has been appointed manager of 

the Montreal branch by President J. J. Fitzgibbons 

jr. The organization is a subsidary 

of Famous Players 

Payne of the Marks at Oshawa is recovering 

from injuries received when his car was hit 

by a hit-and-runner. 

A misspelling by the Odeon ad artist in a 

newspaper announcement for "Prelude to 

Fame" caused Manager W. C. Tyers to offer 

ten double passes for those who first spotted 

the error. The mistake was "applaudes." 

OTTAWA 

f^ttawa delegates to the ninth annual convention 

of the MPTA of Ontario at Toronto 

were Morris Berlin, a member of the board 

of directors and manager of the Somerset 

here, and D. B. Stapleton, proprietor of the 

Center . Enfants du Paradis," the 

French feature which created an issue between 

the French embassy in Ottawa and the 

religious authorities when brought to Canada 

a couple of years ago, was screened here recently 

and appears to be due for theatre engagements. 

The FPC Capitol presented a stage concert 

Wednesday night (18), by Jan Peerce, who is 

shortly appearing in a new Hollywood picture. 

There was a big audience . first big 

snowfall of the winter fell November 4, and 

that was the date on which the Ottawa 

Drvie-In near Britannia Beach decided to 

call it a season with the presentation of 

"Wake Island." 

Manager Fred Leavens of the Elmdale in 

the west end staged a full-fledged fashion 

revue of fall and winter clothes, worn, of 

course, by pretty young women on the three 

nights, November 6-8 . . . Crowd pressure for 

"Treasure Island" at the Regent was so great 

that Manager Henry Marshall started the 

continuous shows last Saturday at 11 a. m. 

and held the program for a second week . 

Arthur A. Crawley, who is associated with 

Crawley Films, has been re-elected national 

director of ,the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. 

Toronto State Robbed 

TORONTO—While a crime feature was 

being shown on the screen of the State here. 

Manager Dudley Dumond and the cashier, 

Mrs. Norma Sexton, were held up in the theatre 

office by two armed bandits who .secured 

the night's receipts of approximately $600. 

The crooks made a successful getaway. 

WINNIPEG 

J^r. and Mrs. Mort Calof announce tht 

birth of their first born, a son named 

Terence. The father is owner of the Vogue 

general manager of Paramount. 

Gordon Lightstone, presided over a threeday 

regional conference at the Royal Alexandra 

hotel. Present were all managers, 

salesmen and bookers from the Vancouver, 

Calgary and Winnipeg exchanges. 

Lionel Slaven, Warner in.spector who covered 

himself with glory playing for the Northern 

hotel team (Manitoba Softball champs) 

has been invited to try out with the New York 

i 

Giants during their spring training . . . Ron 

McPherson, Eagle Lion poster clerk, will leave 

! 

for Orlando, Fla., in January to attend the 

[ 

Ted Williams baseball school January 4 to 

February 8. McPherson, the son of Joe Mc- j 

Pherson, Toronto manager of Eagle Lion, 

played left field for the Rosedale Juniors, 

1950 Winnipeg junior champions. 

Plans are going ahead on a $160,000 theatre 

and bowling alley project for Fort Carry, 

Rudy Bessler, owner of the Park, reports. 

We will use concrete blocks in construction 

and stay clear of recently announced controls 

on entertainment structures," he said. 

"But we have yet to apply for permission to 

build. We may run into difficulties even 

with concrete blocks." 

Bessler negotiated for 

the Fort Garry property with the municipal 

council over the past year, and the sale was 

recently completed. One of the main attractions 

of the new theatre will be a 150-foot 

car park. Both the theatre and the bowling 

alley will be equipped with lunch bars. Bessler 

recently sold the Deluxe, installed Molly 

Schultz in the Park as manager, and went 

into semiretirement. News of the proposed 

entertainment project came as a surprise to 

the industry. 

Montreal Asks Action 

On Lease for TV Site 

MONTREAL — The municipal executive 

committee has reiterated its request that 

the CBC be given exclusive right to use of 

a site on Mount Royal on which to erect a 

building and television station. This resolution 

is tantamount to asking the Quebec government 

to pass an order-in-council permitting 

the construction. The issue still remains 

in the hands of Premier Maurice Duplessis 

who has consistently refused to give 

effect to the city's wish to shift a piece of 

the park property. 

The premier has received requests from 

the CBC, including visits from Dr. Augustin 

Frigon, general manager, asking that the legislation 

be approved at Quebec, but to date 

the premier has refused to pass the necessary 

order-in-council as a result of a deadlock 

since 1945 between the province of Quebec 

and the CBC over permits for a provincial 

radio chain, which have been refused 

by CBC. The resolution of the city executive 

committee has aroused speculation that 

Ottawa has agreed to accept the position 

that the province is entitled to operate radio 

stations. 

The matter of television rights on Mount 

Royal goes back to November 22, 1944 when 

the city agreed to the request of CBC to be 

allowed to erect the necessary buildings in 

the park. 

f 

106 

BOXOFFICE :: November 11, 1950

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Nov. 11, 19 

^ 

j 

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

ABOUT 

PICTURES 

Jimt as the Barompter vage shows first run reports on current pictures, this 

department is devoted tor the most part to reports on subseauent runs, made 

bv exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new. two stars means the 

exhibitor has been writing in for six months or longer, and a threes-star contributor 

is a regular of one year or more. All exhibitors welcome. Blue Ribbon 

pictures are marked thus O. 

COLUMBIA 

Kill the Umpire (Col)—William Bendix, 

Una Merkel, Ray Collins. This one is short 

and ideal for double billing, but for some 

reason Bendix doesn't have the deserved following 

that he should. This program with 

"The Crooked Way" (UA) held way above 

average for the first two days and on the 

third it was embalmed and buried, dead. The 

flicker was good for a lot of belly laughs, 

though, and was different in the material 

used. Played Tues., Wed.. Thurs. Weather: 

Clear and warm.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, 

Wichita, Kas. Downtown subsequent run patronage. 

• • • 

Mr. Soft Touch (Col)—Glenn Ford, Evelyn 

Keyes, John Ireland. This is another "oldie" 

that I had good luck on. It is suitable for 

Christmas time and should please the whole 

family. If you've been kicking some picture 

around from Columbia and haven't played 

this, pick it up. Columbia has been making 

lots of swell pictures for us "small fry" and 

selling them right. Keep it up. boys! Played 

Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Warm.—Carl 

Neitzel, Juno Theatre, Juneau, Wis. Small 

town and surrounding area patronage. * * * 

EAGLE LION CLASSICS 

Mr. Blanding:s Builds His Dream House 

(SRO-ELO—Cary Grant. Myrna Loy, Melvyn 

Douglas. I played this funny comedy on 

a Wed., Thurs. date to good houses and it was 

liked by those who saw it. I hope the producers 

make a sequel, which should be funnier.—Dave 

S. Klein, Astra Theatre, Kitwe/ 

Nkana, Northern Rhodesia, Africa. Mine and 

* 

government employe patronage. 

Red Stallion in the Rockies (ELO—Arthur 

Franz, Jean Heather, Wallace Ford. This was 

a natural and we packed them in for a 

change. Play it, by all means, is our suggestion. 

Played Sat., Men. Weather: Good. 

Sam Holmberg, Regal Theatre. Sturgis. Sask. 

Rural patronage. • * • 

Ride 'Em Cowboy (EDO—Reissue. Bud 

Abbott, Lou Costello. Like I said about "Hit 

the Ice," this pair goes over very well In 

this town, for the people that come. Again 

I repeat, people can laugh, even though the 

world is in such a mess. Let's keep them 

laughing. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Just 

right.—Theron Pollard, Garfield Theatre, 

Garfield. Utah. Mining town patronage. * 

LEPPERT PRODUCTIONS 

Rocketship XM (LP)—Lloyd Bridges. Osa 

Massen. John Emery. This picture failed 

miserably as a drawing card. We turned in 

about 40 per cent of the average weekend 

business, for the lowest gross in five years. 

The picture was not worth the playdate. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair and stormy. 

—W. L. Stratton, Lyric Theatre. Challis. Ida. 

Small town patronage. • • • 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Ambush (MGM) — Robert Taylor, John 

Hodiak. Arlene Dahl. This Is better than most 

westerns and I believe most audiences would 

enjoy It. Ours did.—C. E. Bennewltz, Royal 

Theatre, Royalton. Minn. Rural patronage. 

Annie Get Your Gun (MGM)—Betty Hutton, 

Howard Keel, Louis Calhern. This is 

the best musical show in a long, long time. 

It was produced lavishly in Technicolor, with 

plenty of comedy, singing and dancing, plus 

crack shots, Indians, Buffalo Bill, Pawnee 

Bill, Sitting Bull and Annie Oakley. This picture 

gave me nearly a full house, something 

which has not happened since World War II. 

By all means play this excellent production 

Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good. 

E. M. Freiburger, Dewey Theatre. Dewey, 

Okla. Small town patronage. 

"• ' • 

io; Father of the Bride (MGM) — Spencer 

Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor. I 

played this late and to good advantage, since 

it had played practically all Wichita theatres 

ahead of me. Many came to see it the 

second time and still enjoyed it immensely. 

Comments were good and the business was 

fine. Frankly. I thought it was cute but it 

didn't give me the happy boost I had expected. 

As long as the patrons were happy, 

however, I was too. I doubled it with an 

oldie of John Wayne's, "Adventure's End" 

(Realart). Played Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Clear and hot.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy 

Theatre, Wichita. Kas. Downtown subsequent 

run patronage. 

* ' • 

My Crown (MGM)—Joel McCrea. 

Stars in 

Ellen Drew, Dean Stockwell. This is a swell 

family picture which pleased above average 

business. Even the ministers came to see this 

one. This attraction should make the cash 

register click in any-sized town, and build 

prestige for the exhibitor who shows it. Play 

it if you can, and you and your customers 

New Contributor Hails 

From Northern Rhodesia 

"PHIS week we have a new contributor 

from far away Northern Rhodesia, 

Africa. It is Dave S. Klein, managing 

director of the recently opened Astra 

Theatre in Kitwe/Nkana, a town of about 

5,500 consisting of copper mine and government 

employes, with a large percentage 

of businessmen. 

The house seats 592 and is the first release 

house in Northern Rhodesia for 

20th-Fox, RKO and UA. Klein gives 

this additional information about the 

theatre: 

"This theatre is high up on the circuit, 

playing new releases shortly after their 

premiere in Johannesburg, South Africa." 

It is fine to have an international 

"voice of the exhibitor" angle to this department. 

We wish we might hear from 

other exhibitors in other countries, in 

addition to those from the United States 

and Canada. 

Comment of the Week 

Lauds Laugh Shows 

/^NE showman makes an observation in 

one of his reports that we have picked 

out as the Comment of the Week, because 

we think it is worth studying. It 

comes from Theron Pollard of the Garfield 

Theatre at Garfield, Utah, and is: 

"Again I repeat, people can laugh, even 

though the world is in such mess. Let's 

keep them laughing." 

will both be happy about the engagement 

Played Sun.. Mon. Weather: Good.—E. M 

Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla 

' 

Small town patronage. * • 

PARAMOUNT 

Furies, The (Para) — Barbara Stanwyck 

Wendell Corey, Walter Huston. This migh' 

be a super in some house, but here it is to( 

much drama and not enough action—especially 

for a Fri. -Sat. date. I paired it with i 

pretty good jungle travelog, "Jungl< 

Stampede" (Rep). In fact. I believe the patrons 

enjoyed the travelog more than thej 

did the Stanwyck terror. I wasn't proud o; 

the business either flicker did for the tw( 

days. Played Fri.. Sat. Weather: Fair aw 

cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita 

Kas. Downtown subsequent run patronage. 

Lady Eve, The (Para) — Reissue. Barbara 

Stanwyck, Henry Fonda. Everyone seemed t< 

enjoy this picture but we did 26 per cen 

below average business with it. It is a goot 

comedy and would go well on the lower hal 

of a double bill. I have been having Thursda: 

night trouble for some time and really don' 

blame the picture for this decrease.—N. D 

Patterson, Tate Theatre, Coldwater. Mis; 

Small town and rural patronage. 

Manhandled (Para) — Dorothy Lamoui 

Sterling Hayden, Dan Duryea. We felt thi 

was good entertainment but the public didn' 

go for it. Business was very bad. Playe( 

Wed.. Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Harland Ran 

kin. Rankins Enterprises, Chatham, Ont 

Rural patronage. 

* ' 

My Friend Irma Goes West (Para)—Johl 

Lund, Marie Wilson, Diana Lynn. This is an 

other winner for the fall season. Martin an( 

Lewis are a small town exhibitor's dream 

team, and the others in the cast acted thai 

parts to a T. Let's have more like it.—Arthu 

Goldstein, Ute Theatre, Strasburg, Col(j 

Small town and rural patronage. 

Riding High (Para)—Bing Crosby. Coleei 

Gray, Charles Bickford. As a horsemai 

would say. "This is a winner." It is a stor 

about a race horse, with a good cast, ani 

is a comedy that is well acted. Played Sun 

Mon. Weather: Warm.—L. Brazil jr.. Ne\ 

Theatre, Bearden, Ark. Small town patronagf 

RKO RADIO 

Bride for Sale (RKO)—Claudette Colber 

Robert Young. George Brent. The story wa 

okay and the people that came all enjoyeit. 

The print was excellent, the cast was we: 

chosen, and it ended on a pleasing note, t 

has quite a bit of comedy. Played Fri.. Sa' 

Weather: Warm and excellent.—Tlieron Pol 

lard. Garfield Theatre. Garfield, Utah. Mln 

ing town patronage. 

' 

feature 

1 

Crosby, 

! ging 

' 

Admiral 

' 

loved 

Joan of Arc (RKO)—Ingrid Bergman, Jose 

Ferrer, Francis L. Sullivan. This is an excel- 

lent film but was too long, although it played 

\ here to excellent houses on Fri., Sat. The 

all Uked it but I personally am glad 

these shows only come once in a while.— 

Dave S. Klein, Astra Theatre, Kitwe/Nkana. 

Northern Rhodesia, Africa. Mine and government 

employe patronage. 

• 

j 

I ica. 

' 

patrons 

after seeing it, there was nothing but praise. 

Played Sat., Sun.—C. B. Bennewitz, Royal 

Theatre, Royalton, Minn. Rural patronage. 

UCinderella CRKO)—Disney feature cartoon. 

While this picture lacks the music of 

"Snow White," it has that intangible top 

artistry of Disney, and I liked it whether 

anybody else would or not. The picture did 

a tremendous business first run here, and I 

was doubtful that it would do second run. 

The weather was cool Sunday, mild Monday, 

and we ran about 23 per cent under normal 

for the two days. — Robert B. Tuttle, Sky 

Drive-In Theatre, Adrian, Mich. Rural and 

• 

city patronage. 

UCinderella (RKO)—Disney feature-length 

cartoon. Like with other exhibitors, this one 

brought forth the wiggling kids and squalling 

babies to my house, too. Luckily there were 

enough of the adults bringing them that it 

did average business at the boxoffice. Sunday 

was great but by Tuesday it was dragbusiness. 

I coupled this with "The 

Was a Lady" (UA) , which wasn't a 

bad comedy, but certainly was not worth 

the near top price I paid for it. Played 

Sat. (preview). Sun., Tues. Weather: Clear 

and cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, 

Wichita, Kas. Etowntown subsequent run patronage. 

• * * 

Ulchabod and Mr. Toad (RKO)—Disney 

cartoon with the talents of Bing 

Basil Rathbone, Eric Blore. Tlie kids 

it and the adults sat through it. Disney 

is to be complimented for pioneering in the 

full-length cartoon feature, but they would 

: have to be short and the terms lower so that 

\ they could be double billed. That's the only 

way I can make any money on them. I did 

average business with it, doubled with "Texas, 

Brooklyn and Heaven." (UA). Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Cool.—Carl Neitzel, Juno Theatre, 

Juneau, Wis. Small town and surrounding 

area patronage. * * * 

Our Very Own (RKO)—Ann Blyth, Farley 

Granger, Joan Evans. All patrons said this 

was the best picture we had ever run. It is 

certainly a good family picture and I think 

it should be shown in every town in Amer- 

cellent houses on Fri., Sat. Don't miss it! 

—Dave S. Klein, Astra Theatre, Kitwe/ 

Nkana, Northern Rhodesia, Africa. Mine 

and government employe patronage. * 

Young, William Holden, Robert Mitchum. 

This is a very sensible picture that carried 

its story very well. It has a good cast and if 

you haven't played it and your town will go 

for a little bit of a real show, try it. Good 

luck. Played Mon., Wed. Weather: Cool.— 

Theron Pollard, Garfield Tlieatre, Garfield, 

Utah. Mining 

• 

town patronage. 

REPUBUC 

Desperadoes of the West (Rep)—Serial. 

We 

just started with this new serial and it looks 

like it will be a good one. Weather: Warm. 

L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. 

Small town patronage. * * * 

Scatterbrain, The (Rep) — Reissue. Judy 

Canova, Alan Mowbray. This was coupled 

with a Tex Williams short western and pulled 

a better-than-average crowd in excellent 

weather. Double bills always pull better, 

however, any night of the week for us—but 

then Judy Canova suits them there. Played 

Tues., Wed. Weather: Clear and warm.- 

Wants Special Handling 

For Small Towns 

TXriLLIAM J. HARRIS of the Crown 

Theatre at Lincoln, Ark. has his say 

about pressbooks 

"We get pressbooks on nearly all our 

pictures and use them as much as possible. 

But often, as we cannot play the 

picture at the same time larger cities do, 

all material for tie-ins offered by the 

companies is exhausted by the time our 

request is in. With quite a limited budget, 

small towns are eager to take advantage 

of most of these gratis opportunities, but 

the big boys have gobbled them up by the 

time they get down to us little guys. 

"Most recent example was the supply 

of Confederate bills to plug 'Two Flags 

West.' Said supply was gone before we put 

in our order. How about a pressbook department 

for the small towns, with plans 

that really work, or with tie-ins for small 

towns only? 

"Most of us are willing to put out the 

effort for showmanship, but without car 

agencies and other businesses found in 

cities, our opportunities are limited. 

Some tie-in material reserved exclusively 

for small town theatres would help a lot, 

and there have been many pictures lately 

which could have been plugged very effectively 

this way." 

this one Wed., Thurs. The kids and some of 

the miners liked this one but I am afraid our 

mining community is too sophisticated to 

really enjoy this. I am sure Randolph Scott 

could be given better material to work with.— 

Dave S. Klein, Astra Theatre, Kitwe/Nkana, 

Says Advertise Shorts; 

They are Important 

BABY PUSS (MGM) — Short.—Gold 

Medal reprint. These Tom & Jerry shorts 

merit special attention. People are constantly 

asking for these cartoons, and 

really get a kick out of them. Here is 

the way my patrons rate cartoons: MGM, 

Warners, Fox, Paramount, Columbia, 

RKO. Even the adults sit through them 

twice. Advertise your short subjects 

they are important.—Car! Neitzel, Juno 

Theatre, Juneau, Wis. Small town and 

surrounding area patronage. * * * 


employe 

• 

patronage. 

Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox) —William 

Powell, Betsy Drake, Mark Stevens. Don't 

be afraid to recommend this one. There is 

just enough music and comedy and the part 

is perfect for Powell. It you can get them in, 

they wUl like it. Played Sat., Sun.—C. E. 

Bennewitz, Royal Theatre, Royalton, Minn. 

Rural patronage. 

* * • 

It Happens Every Spring (20th-Fox)—Ray 

Mllland, Jean Peters, Paul Douglas. I made 

the mistake of letting the Eastern Star use 

this as a benefit show. They sold tickets in 

advance of showing and packed the place. 

The picture is a honey—very different and 

laughable. It's all about a professor who discovers 

how to throw a baseball that hops like 

a Mexican jumping bean. It is a baseball 

picture with laughs and is excellent. Played 

Tuesday only. Weather: Good.—Carl Neitzel, 

Juno Theatre, Juneau, Wis. Small town and 

surrounding area patronage. * 

When Willie Comes Marching Home (20th- 

Fox)—Dan Dailey, Corinne Calvet, Colleen 

Townsend. This is tops in entertainment and 

the producer, director and cast should be 

congratulated for a really fine picture. The 

details of every scene were carefully planned. 

Don't pass up this one. The attendance was 

good. Played Sat., Sun.—C. E. Bennewitz, 

Royal Theatre, Royalton, Minn. Rural patronage. 

' * • 

Whirlpool (20th-Fox)—Gene Tierney, Jose 

Ferrer. Richard Conte. I played this one also 

over the weekend to poor houses. Leave this 

out—you'll find the patrons do likewise. 

Dave S. Klein, Astra Theatre, Kitwe/Nkana, 


employe 

* 

patronage. 

We did 13 per cent above average busif 

Arden A. Richards, Craigsville Drive-In Theatre, 

Craigsville, W. Va. Farmer and coal 

ness with it. Played Tues., Wed.—N. D. Pat- 

UNITED ARTISTS 

' 

terson, Tate Theatre, Coldwater, Miss. Small 

• 

miner patronage. 

Crooked Way, The (UA) — John Payne, 

town and * 

rural patronage. 

Sonny Tufts, Ellen Drew. This has a good 

Twilight in the Sierras (Rep)—Roy Rogers, cast and a little different twist that seemed 

Raehel and the Stranger (RKO)—Loretta Dale Evans, Estelita Rodriguez. I teamed this to hold all patrons in their seat. Of course 

Roy Rogers with "The Black Book" (ELC) it was my misfortune to run UA's worst print 

and improved Sunday business over "Cinderella" 

the week before, but Monday night as well as many points to the plot. It is a 

and I lost two minutes just from splices 

Says Fox Was Wise to 

turned cold and the total boxoffice was about good action-type flicker, with fine marquee 

Leave Out Love Interest 

25 per cent under average.—Robert B. Tuttle, names to help sell it. Doubled with "Kill the 

UTWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH (20th- Sky Drive-In Theatre, Adrian, Mich. Rural Umpire" (Col) and played Tues., Wed., Thurs. 

Fox)—Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe, 

* 

and city patronage. 

Weather: Clear and warm.—Jim Dunbar, 

Gary Merrill. Play this one, by all means. 

Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Downtown subsequent 

run patronage. * * * 

It is one of the best war films for many 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

years, with top performances by Gregory 

Peck and Dean Jagger. Fox was 

Canadian Pacific (20th-Fox) — Randolph 

extremely 

If This Be Sin (UA)—Myrna Loy, Richard 

Scott. 

wise leaving 

Jane Wyatt, Victor Jory. I played 

out the love interest 

Greene, Peggy Cummins. We played this and 

in this excellent picture. Played to ex- 

a two-reel short, but still no draw. This being 

an Englisli picture might have had something 

to do with it. I saw it and liked it, and 

those who did break over and go admitted it 

(Continued on page 4) 

BOXOFnCE BookinGuide :: Nov. 11, 1950

' 

j 

' 

ExhihiioT Has His Say 

(Continued Irom page 3) 

was a fine picture. The acting was wonderful. 

Played Thursd?,y. Weather: Warm.—Marcella 

Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. 

Small town patronage. * * 

Love Happy cUA) — Marx Bros., Ilona 

Massey, Vera-Ellen. This one drew well, and 

to my surprise, it pleased nearly all patrons. 

One patron remarked that the violin-andpiano 

act was worth the admission fee. 

Played midweek. — C. E. Bennewitz, Royal 

Theatre, Royalton, Minn. Rural patronage. 

Red Light (UA) — George Raft, Virginia 

Mayo, Gene Lockhart. This was doubled with 

a Durango Kid western, "Bandits of El Dorado" 

(Col) and left such a good feeling with 

customers that no one left during the western. 

Both pictures are above par for their kind. 

Played Saturday. Weather: Clear and warm. 

—Arden A. Richards, Craigsville Drive-In 

Theatre, Craigsville, W. Va. Farmer and coal 

miner patronage. * 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer (U-D— 

Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Boris Karloff. Although 

funny in spots, this did not evoke 

the usual amount of laughs that this zany 

pair usually bring forth. Also, my gross was 

down due to the fact that it had been shown 

everywhere else in a radius of 50 miles from 

me. I find that reissues actually do better 

than do some of these A&C later features. 

It's the same old "beef" with the little town 

exhibitor — we just can't get any of them 

ahead of our nearest exhibitors. Played Wed., 

Thurs. Weather: Fine autumn weather.—I. 

Roche, Vernon Theatre, Vernon, Fla. Small 

town and rural patronage. * * * 

Curtain Call at Cactus Creek (U-I)—Donald 

O'Connor, Gale Storm, Walter Brennan. It 

is an amusing, light thing in pretty color, 

which was off slightly at the money window. 

O'Connor is good, no doubt, but here he still 

doesn't quite draw for top bracket prices, 

despite "Francis." We aren't griping, though, 

because in the main Universal has been a 

help to the small town in recent months. 

Played preview. Sun., Mon. Weather: Okay. 

William J. Harris, Crown Theatre, Lincoln, 

Ark. Rural and small town patronage. * * * 

Gal Who Took the West, The (U-I) — 

Yvonne DeCarlo, Charles Coburn, Scott 

Brady. This has a very fine plot, fine music 

but brought only a moderate crowd in very 

fine weather. The hunting season interfered 

and the picture was a wee bit too short for 

its quality of advertising. It had been here, 

too. Played Tliurs., Fri. Weather: Clear and 

warm.—Arden A. Richards, Craigsville Drive- 

Saves Superwesterns 

For Fall Business 

KID FROM TEXAS, THE (U-D—Audie 

Murphy, Gale Storm, Albert Dekker. 

This did 38 per cent above average business. 

All comments on it were good. 

The picture was short but we had no 

complaints about that. I saved most of 

the superwesterns for fall business 

when the people who like them have the 

money. It pays! Played Monday.—N. D. 

Patterson, Tate Theatre, Coldwater, Miss. 

Small town and rural patronage. * 

In Theatre, Craig.sville, W. Va. Farmer and 

coal miner patronage. * 

Ma and Pa Kettle (U-I)—Marjorie Main, 

Percy Kilbride, Richard Long. With the 

checker breathing down my neck, I found 

when we counted up that this picture grossed 

200 per cent. Why don't the checkers come 

when we take a beating on a picture? You 

really wonder where all the strangers come 

from, and how to convert them into regular 

patrons. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: One 

night it rained.—Carl Neitzel, Juno Theatre, 

Juneau, Wis. Small town and surrounding 

area patronage. * * 

Woman in Hiding iÛ-I) — Ida Lupino, 

Howard Duff, Stephen McNally. Aye, for 

shame! We got so interested in this one that 

we missed a changeover while spinning the 

reels in the booth. It is gripping all the way, 

and it's hard to remember a poor movie in 

which Ida Lupino was cast. It did only aver- 

Gangster Pictures Fail: 

Prefer Family Comedies 

TXTE WELCOME new contributor N. D. 

Patterson this week from the Tate 

Theatre at Coldwater, Miss. Patterson 

introduces himself thus: 

"I am new in theatre business (bought 

this theatre in April) and have read 

your EHHS with much interest but have 

felt I belong on the sideUnes. However, 

after seven months I have found that I 

am in a much better position when I am 

looking for pictures for dates rather than 

looking for dates for pictures! Reading 

the other exhibitor reports helps to find 

just the right picture for an open date. 

"We have a small town here with farming, 

dairy and cattle country around us. 

I do not consider this an action house, 

as gangster pictures always fall off 20 

or 30 per cent, and superwesterns will 

only go well in the fall. This is not an 

art house, either. We do our best business 

on good comedy and family pictures." 

WARNER BROS. 

Flame and the Arrow, The (WB) — Burt 

Lancaster, Virginia Mayo, Robert Douglas. 

I should have played this a whole week, 

judging from the turnout for three days. The 

boxoffice was happy, I was jubilant, and the 

patrons were well satisfied and entertained. 

This was a wonderful motion picture and a 

credit to the industry. For the first time, 

Burt Lancaster had a role that did the man 

justice and no doubt will boost him in the 

popularity polls. Coupled with Roy Rogers' 

"Twilight in the Sierras" for Thurs., Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Clear and hot.—Jim Dimbar, 

Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Downtown subsequent 

run patronage. • • • 

God Is My Co-Pilot (WB)—Reissue. Dennis 

Morgan, Dane Clark. Business was above 

average on this fine war picture. Tokyo Joe, 

the Jap fighter-pilot villain was hated by the 

patrons. They clapped when Morgan finally 

shot him out of the sky and there was enough 

action to satisfy everyone. War films are 

// They Like Musicals 

This Will Please 

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (MGM) — 

Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Louis Calhern. 

Betty Hutton, the energetic bundle 

of female dynamite and Keel make a nice 

selUng package. Good color, humorous, 

and if your crowd Ukes musicals at all, 

this should go over great. And the kids 

will Uke the Indians. We did 25 per cent 

above average business, but we did get an 

exceptionally nice break in the weather. 

It was mild and clear for the three days, 

Tues., Wed., Thurs.—Robert B. Tuttle, 

Sky Drive-In Theatre, Adrian, Mich. 

Rural and city patronage. * 

popular here if I don't ^lay them too close 

together. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.— 

Carl Neitzel, Juno Theatre, Juneau, Wis. 

Local and surrounding area patronage. * • • 

God Is My Co-Pilot CWB)—Reissue. Dennis 

Morgan, Andrea King, Dane Clark. If you 

haven't played this long ago, play it now. It's 

our best midweek yet and you can buy from 

this company right. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Good.—Curt and Elsie Bigley, 

Princess Theatre, Humeston, Iowa. Rural and 

• 

small town patronage. 

Smart Girls Don't Talk (WB)—Virginia 

Mayo, Bruce Bennett, Robert Hutton. We had 

the good fortune to be on the set at the 

Warner studio in Hollywood when visiting 

California a year ago. So we enjoyed seeing 

the picture, but we didn't have too many to 

enjoy it with us. Played Wed., Thurs.—Harland 

Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. 

General patronage. * * * 

Pie in the Eye (WB)—Short. For deep 

belly laughs, I do believe this brought forth 

more than any slapstick comedy I have ever 

run. This 18-minute short is a collection Of ! 

scenes from the old Mack Sennett days—all 

pure corn on the cob. I should have played 

this on Fri., Sat. and will bring it back in a i 

year or so, as folks ran me down to tell me 

I 

how much they liked it. Rural towns, play 

this, by all means. Played Tuesday. Weather: 

Pine.—I. Roche, Vernon Theatre, Vernon, 

age business. However, we consider that good, 

Fla. Small 

as we have yet to find a heavy drama 

town and rural patronage. * * ' 

that pays off well in a small town—unless it's Story of Seabiscuit, The (WB) — Shirley 

of Gone-With-the-Wind caliber. Played Temple, Barry Fitzgerald, Lon McCallister. I 

Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Okay.—William 

J. Harris, Crown Theatre, Lincoln, Ark. did poor business everywhere, but let me tell 

have read in BOXOFFICE that this picture 

Rural and small town patronage. 

* * • you, this picture topped them all here, of 

those shown the past six years. It had the 

praise of all the people and they are still 

talking about it. Figuring 100 per cent as the 

average crowd, we did 400 per cent with it. j 

Good going, Warners. Keep that McCallister; 

with you and get him in more pictures like 

] 

this and you have one of the biggest stars 

coming up. Mark our words, Lon will be one 

i 

of the top stars in Hollywood some day. He 

i 

sure is tops here. Played Sat., Mon. Weather: 

Fail-.—Sam Holmberg, Regal Theatre, Sturgis, 

Sask. Rural patronage. ' * * 

MISCELLANEOUS 

It Ain't Hay (SG)—Reissue. Bud Abbott, 

Lou Ccstello. I played this some time ago. 

but in checking over my records, found that 

it was sixth on my list of top-grossing pictures. 

It is average for these A&C reissues, 

which is plenty good. If these boys go In 

your spot, pick this one up. We had a new 

print. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.— 

Carl Neitzel, Juno Theatre, Juneau, Wis. 

Small town and surrounding area patronage. 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Nov. 11, 1950

Alphabetkal Picture Guide Index and REVIEW DICES 

.- 

Abbott and Costello in the 

Foreion Leoion (S2) U-l 7- 

Across the Badlantls (55) Col 9- 

Adam and Evalyn (93) U-l 11. 

Adam's Rib (102) MGM 11- 

Admiral Was a Lady, The (85) UA.. 5- 13-50 

All About Ev8 (138) 20-Fox 9- 16-50 

All Over the Town (88) U-l 6- 11-49 

All the Kinj's Men (109) Col 11- 

Always Leave Them Laughing 

(116) WB 11- 26-49 

Amazing Mr. Beecham, The (85) ELC 1- 14-50 

Ambush (89) MGM 12- 24-49 

American Guerrilla in the PhrMopines 

(..) 20-Fox 11. 11-50 

And Baby Makes Three (84) Col... 11- 12-49 

Annie Get Your Gun (107) MGM.. 4- 15-50 

Arizona Cowboy, The (57) Rep 5- 

Arizona Territory ( . . ) Mono 

Armored Car Robbery (67) RKO 6- 17-50 

Asphalt Jungle, The (112) MGM.. 5- 

Astonished Heart, The (92) U-l 2- 

22-50 

16-50 

26-49 

5-49 

5-49 

22-49 

6-50 

6-50 

25-50 

,i.- 

Ill Avengers, The (92) Rep 6- 24-50 

Backfire (91) WB 1-21-50 

Bagdad (88) U-l 12- 3-49 

Barbary Pirate (65) Col 9-17-49 

Baron of Arizona, The (97) LP 2-18-50 

Barricade (75) WB 3-11-50 

Battleground (118) MGM 10- 8-49 

Beauty on Parade (66) Col 4-15-50 

Belle of Old Mexico (70) Rep 2- 4-50 

Bells of Coronado (67) Rep 1-21-50 

Between Midnight and Dawn (89) Col 

Beware of Blondie (66) Col 4-8-50 

Beyond the Forest (96) WB 10-22-49 

Beyond the Purple Hills (70) Col... 7-22-50 

Big Hangover, The (82) MGM 3-18-50 

Big Lift, The (120) 20-Fox 4-22-50 

Big Timber (73) Mono 

Big Wheel, The (92) UA 11-12-49 

Black Hand (92) MGM 1-21-50 

Black Rose, The (119) 20-Fox 8-19-50 

Blazing Sun, The (70) Col 11-11-50 

Blind Goddess. The (88) U-l 7- 9-49 

Blonde Bandit (60) Rep 1-2S-50 

Blonde Dynamite (66) Mono 

Blondie's Hero (67) Col 3-18-50 

Blues Busters (64) Mono 10-28-50 

Blue Grass of Kentucky (72) Mono. 1-28-50 

Blue Lamp, The (84) ELC 6-24-50 

Bodyhold (63) Col 2-11-50 

Bomba and the Hidden City 

(71) Mono 

Bomba on Panther Island (77) Mono. 1-14-50 

Bond Street (107) Mono 6-10-50 

Border Incident (94) MGM 8-27-49 

Borderline (88) U-l 1-21-50 

Border Rangers (57) LP 930-51 

Border Treasure (60) RKO 9-2-50 

Born to Be Bad (94) RKO 8-26-50 

Boy From Indiana (65) ELC 4-22-50 

Breaking Point, The (97) WB 9- 9-50 

Breakthrough (93) WB 11- 4-50 

Bride for Sale (87) RKO 10-29-49 

Bright Leaf (110> WB 5-27-50 

Broken Arrow (93) 20-Fox 6-17-50 

Buccaneer's Girl (77) U-l 3- 4-50 

Bunco Sauad (67) RKO 8-19-50 

U Caged (97) WB 5- 6-50 

U Captain Carey, U.S.A. (83) Para. . . . 2-25-50 

-f 

+ 

10, Captain China (98) Para 11-5-49 + 

11 Captive Girl (74) Col 4-29-50 -f 

11; Capture, The (91) RKO 4- 8-50 ± 

11 Cargo to Capetown (80) Col 4- 8-50 + 

U Cariboo Trail, The (81) 20-Fox 7-15-50 -f 

11 Cassino to Korea (58) Para 9-30-50 -f 

ll! Chain Gang (70) Col 10-21-50 =t 

U| Chain Lightning (94) 2- 4-50 + 

WB 

I II -S ! If =1 >t 

g S3 -fe .1 ?l teS 1-5 

OD zo: > b. XK clS zo 

± + 

+ - 

+ ± 

± + 

H- ++ 

+ tt 

-f tt 

-f 

-f ± 

4+ tt 

+ 

ff 

Apache Chief (60) LP 10- 

-Hft 

++ 

-f + 

++ 

± 

-f 

+ 

tt 

+ - 

++ 

- 

-H- 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ -f 

ff + 

+ 

+ + 

+ + 

± ± 

H- 

+ 

-Htt 

+ 

+ 

+ -f ++ 

± 7-f4— 

± 5-f5- 

5+3- 

44 12+ 

it 7+5- 

4+ 14+ 

± 6+5- 

44- 13+ 

+ ± 10+1^ 

+ + 5+2- 

+ ± 8+2- 

2+ 

± 6+5- 

44- 14+ 

± 3+3-- 

± 6+6- 

± 2+2— 

6+5- 

4+ 14+ 

± 9+J- 

5+4- 

=t 8+3- 

± 7+6- 

± 4+6- 

± 6+4- 

— 5+5- 

44 14+ 

± 5+3- 

4+6- 

± 6+2- 

+ 6+3- 

4+4— 

± 7+4- 

± 6+3- 

± 8+4- 

+ 12+ 

± 4+2- 

± 9+2- 

+ 10+ 

44 11+ 

2+ 

± 6+5- 

± 6+6- 

2+3- 

4+2- 

5+1- 

+ 10+ 

5+2- 

2+1- 

+ 

± 3+3- 

- 5+3- 

1+1- 

± 8+1- 

± 8+4- 

3+1- 

5+3- 

+ 7+4- 

6+5- 

8+2- 

7+1- 

± 7+3- 

8+3- 

+ 13+ 

± 7+4- 

6+3- 

9+1- 

6+3- 

8+4- 

5+6- 

7+^ 

5+S- 

8+2- 

8+2- 

4+5- 

9+ 

.1 I I = i-5 £ Q il il 1^ ^ 

§ .2 s S S 3 i - ? I b ° E^ ^ 

= o a: lmxa=>iIxo:Q.EzQ 5 

+ + 

084 Challenge to Lassie (76) MGM 10-29-4 

116 Champagne for Caesar (99) UA 2-11-J 

130 Cheaper by the Dozen (86) 20-Fox 4- 1-! 

067 Chicago Deadline (87) Para 9-3-4 

099 Chinatown at Midnight (67) Col.. .12-17-1 

079 Christopher Columbus (104) U-l 10-15-4 

102 Cinderella (75) RKO 12-24-4 

130 City Lights (85) UA 4- 1-; 

146 Code fthe Silver Sage (60) Rep... 5-13-E 

154 Colorado Ranger (55) LP 6-10-: 

141 Colt .45 (75) WB 5- 6-E 

134 Comanche Territory (76) U-l 4-15-E 

146 Conjolaisc (58) ELC 5-13-; 

16 Conspirator (87) MGM 2-11-; 

67 Convicted (91 ) Col 7-22-5 

172 Copper Canyon (84) Para 7-29-! 

157 Covered Wagon Raid (50) Rep 7-22-; 

175 County Fair (77) Mono 8-12-! 

109 Cowboy and the Prizefighter (59) ELC 1-21-; 

143 Cow Town (70) Col 5-13- 

159 Crisis (95) MGM 6-24-! 

118 Cry Murder (63) ELC 2-18-; 

151 Curtain Call at Cactus Creek 

(86) U-l 6-3-! 

39 Customs Agent (72) Col 4-29-! 

D 

11 Dakota Lil (88) 20-Fox 1-28-' 

133 Damned Don't Cry, The (103) WB.. 4-15-! 

089 Dancing in the Dark (92) 20-Fox. .11-12-4 

178 Dancing Years, The (98) Mono 8-19-! 

081 Danjerous Profession, A (79) RKO.. 10-22-' 

176 Dark City (98) Para 8-12-! 

130 Daughter of Rosir O'Grady, The 

(104) WB 4-1-' 

150 David Harding, Counterspy (71) Col. 5-27-! 

108 Davy Crockett, Indian Scout (71) UA 1-14-! 

090 Dear Wife (98) Para 11-12-4 

157 Death of a Dream (50) ELC 

197 Deported (89) U-l 

079 Deputy Marshal (72) LP 

175 Desert Hawk, The (78) U-l 

162 Destination Big House (60) Rep. 

164 Destination Moon (87) ELC 

153 Destination Murder (72) RKO... 

144 Devil's Doorway (85) MGM 

Dial 1119 (..) MGM 

7-22! 

10-28-1 

10-15-. 

8-12-; 

6-10! 

5- 13-: 

04D.O.A. (83) UA ...12-31-49 

58 Duchess of Idaho (93) MGM 6-17-50 

127 Dynamite Pass (60) RKO 3-25- 50 

E 

115 Eagle and the Hawk, The (103) Para. 2-11-50 

101 East Side, West Side (108) MGM.. 12-2449 

174 Edge of Doom (99) RKO 8- 5-50 

201 Emergency Wedding (..) Col 11-11-50 

058 Everybody Docs It (98) 20-Fox 9-3-49 

138 Everybody's Dancin' (65) LP 422-50 

172 Eye Witness (104) ELC 7-29-50 

Fallen Idol, The (91) ELC-SRO 10-15-49 

L172 Fancy Pants (91) Para 7-29-50 

1188 Farewell to Yesterday (90) 20-Fox.. 9-23-50 

L122 Father Is a Bachelor (84) Col 3- 4-50 

1151 Father Makes Good (61) Mono 6- 3-50 

[144 Father of the Bride (92) MGM 5-13-50 

1064 Father Was a Fullback (84) 20-Fox 8-20-49 

1146 Faust and the Devil (88) Col 5-13-50 

1128 Federal Agent at Large (60) Rep... 325-50 

Federal Man (57) ELC 

Fence Riders (57) Mono 

Feudin' Rhythm (66) Col 

1079 Fighting Man of the Plains (94) 

20-Fox 10-15-49 

1077 Fighting Redhead, The (60) ELC. 10- 8-49 

1162 50 Years Before Your Eves 

(70) WB 7- 1-50 

1147 Fighting Stallion (62) ELC 5-20-50 

1180 Fireball, The (83) 20-Fox 8-26-50 

1150 Flame and the Arrow, The (91) WB 624-50 

1109 Flying Saucer, The (65) ELC 1-21-50 

1145 Forbidden Jungle (66) ELC 5-13-50 

1148 Fortunes of Captain Blood (91) CoL 5-20-50 

1130 Four Days Leave (100) ELC 4- 1-50 

+t 4+ 

± + + 

+ + + 

± ± + 

± 44 + 

+ + + 

± ± + 

+ ± 

44 44 

+ + 

+ + 

± + 

44 44 

+ + 

+ + 

+ + 

+ ± 

+ 

4+ ± 8+3- 

4+ 1(H- 

44 44 13+ 

+ + 7+1- 

+ ± 6+4- 

+ 9+2- 

44- 44 4+ 13+ 

5+ 

5+4- 

J+4- 

5+6- 

fr+2- 

5+2- 

9+3- 

7+4- 

6+1- 

6+5- 

5+1- 

5+2- 

6+3- 

l(H-3- 

&f7- 

44 + 9+1- 

± 6+4- 

± + 7+5- 

± + 10+2- 

+ + 7+ 

+ 5+ 

± ± 7+5- 

+ + 10+1- 

+ + 

+ ± 

+ ± 

+ 

± ± + + ± ± 

+ 4+ ± + +4 ± 

7+ 

7+3- 

7+4- 

7+1- 

6+1- 

5+3- 

4+4- 

8+5- 

6+6- 

9+2- 

5+5- 

5-f4- 

6+1- 

8+2- 

8+1- 

5+2- 

+ ± + + + 7+2- 

± + + + ± 8+2- 

+ 4+ 44- + 8+1- 

1+ 

+ 44 44 4+ + 12+ 

± 3+J- 

+ ± + + 6+2- 

4+ 12+ 

10+ 

&+ 

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2+3- 

44 13+ 

44 8+ 

44 6+ 

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2+5- 

7+2- 

44- 10+ 

1+4- 

± 2+5- 

+ 7+4- 

+ ± 5+2- 

A interpretative analysis of opinions deeJucfed from the language of lay 

title. Date follovring distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings 

B< lOFFICE BookinGuide Nov. 11, 1950 : : 

tt Very Good; + Good; — Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. In the aummary rt is rated aa 2 pluses, = as 2 minuses. 

1

i 

(90) 

! 

Give 

i 

Square 

i- 

H Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. 

5-c -o^ -ri 

In ihe ummary ff is rcried as 2 pluses, = as 2 minuses. 

m xir > iZ xo:a.S zo 

'raine. The (65 ) LP 10-29-49 - 

>retly Baby (92) WB 7-29-50 + 

>rince of Foxes (107) 20-Fox 8-27-« ++ 

Visoners in Petticoats (60) Rep... 9-23-50 rt 

•risoo Warden (62) Col 12-10-49 + 

Q 

rimcksand (79) UA 3- 4-50 +4 

R 

lll!j(tar Secret Service (59) LP 1-28-50 ± 

12C ^.litters of Tomaliawit Creeit 

(55) Col 11- 4-50 + 

R.iniie Justice (57) Mono 

Ranje Land (56) Mono 

of Strip (60) lOSlaoBW Cherokee Rep.. 11-12-49 + 

11; Rapture (79) ELC 4-15-50 ± 

108 feckless Moment The (82) Col 10-29-49 + 

Udled Desert (60) LP 12-31-49 ± 

104 ted, Hot and Blue (84) Para 6-25-49 ± 

96 fed Shoes. The (134) ELC 10-23-48 + 

U^fedwooi) Forest Trail (67) Rep 9-23-50 + 

U^feformer and the Redhead. The 

MGM 3-11-50 + 

llileneoades of the Saoe (56) CoL.. 1-21-50 ± 

IWeturn of Ihe Frontiersman (74) WB 5-20-50 ± 

118 Return of Jesse James. The (75) LP 9- 9-50 + 

UMiaer from Tucson (60) HKO .... 6-17-50 + 

lO^liders the Sky (70) Col in 12-3-49 ± 

liders ol the Dusk (57) Mono 

IKitidini High (112) Para. 1-7-50 ^ 

USfioht Cross (90) MGM 8-26-50 + 

12C!io Grande (105) Rep 11-11-50 H 

llMocketship XM (78) LP 5- 6-50 + 

11^ lockinj Horse Winner. The (90) U-l 6-17-50 + 

ll^tock Island Trail (90) Rep 5- 6-50 + 

USfocky Mountain (S3) WB 10-7-50 + 

UHogues of Sherwood Forest 

llSiookie Fireman. The (63) 

(80) Col. 7- 1-50 

Col 9-16-50 

+ 

± 

llCiuooed ORiordans. The (76) U-l 12-17-49 ± 

113 tun for Your~Moncy. A (83) U-l .. 4-15-50 ± 

lOnusty's Birthday (60) Col 11-26-49 ± 

1+2- 

7+3- 

10+1- 

5+7- 

6+5- 

± ± 7+4- 

I13;alt Lake Raiders (60) Rep S-27-S0 ± 

UtJIalt to the Devil (Reviewed as 

Us This Day) (120) ELC. .12-17-49 ± 

lOSiamson and Delilah (130) Para ...10-29-49 ff 

11? laddie Tramo (76) U-l 9- 2-50 +|. 

Inlands of Iwo Jima (109) Rep 12-24-49 + 

— 

Us larumha (64) ELC 4-1-50 

lUlavaoe Horde, The (90) Rep 7- 8-50 ± 

lUiecret Fury. The (85) RKO 4-29-50 + 

IHieplember Affair, The (103) Para.. 10-21-50 + 

11^11 Ocean Drive (102) Col 7-22-50 +f 

lliihadow on the Wall (84) MGM... 3-25-50 ± 

11! Ihakedown (80) U-l 8-26-50 ± 

llf Showdown, Tlie (86) Rep 9- 2-50 + 

li;.;ideshow (67) Mono 6-17-50 ± 

llf Side Street (83) MGM 12-31-49 ± 

11': lierra (83) U-l 5- 6-50 ± 

10

1 Western 

: .'iinan-Ward 

I 

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

FEATURE CHART 

niEPUBLIC 20TH-FOX UNITED ARTISTS UNIV.-INT'L WARNER BROS. MISCELLANEOUS 

£|)| Melodrama -1907 

UNISKEO 

11 ck»ell-B. FiiUer 

Hi, id Burr-H Brooke 

tU 18-PO-lll? 

Sr'l)) Western 4962 

GU(EN OF ABILENE 

ilN'Kocky" Une 

gdiJITiller-D. HamlHoD 

^ 25— PC- 1119 

Boll Rockwell-T. Hall 

j-l ir. 25—PG-1128 

^7) Outd'r-Mtis 4942 

©TJighf in the Sierras 

Roi togers-Dale Evans 

gin) Western 4963 

Coij jf the Silver Sage 

B!8) Drama 491J 

HO'E BY THE RIVER 

Loii Hayward-Jane Wyatl 

fSiOl Melodrama 4913 

Hsi of Missing Men 

Silioi WeTlern 4972 

Till anishing Westerner 

Mi> Hale-Paul Hurst 

49S1 

ilZONA COWBOY 

(86) Cumedy DOS 

WHEN WILLIE COMES 

MARCHING HOME 

U.iti Iialley-Corlnne talvet 

It—Jan. 7— FO-1105 

I). 

Sill Outd'r-Mus 4909 

g"0) Mus-Com 490G 

004 (92) Drama 027 

OS;iNG GUNS 

(1.32) War Drama 

OTwel»e O'clock High 

Sll 

JOHNNY 

W. 

HOLIDAY 

Raines Gregory Peck-H. Marlowe 

Miinroe-Ella 

Bendlx-A. Marlln Jr. 

Bond Dean J.'iBCer-Paul Stenart St.inley Clements-J. 

18—PO-1126 It— Dec. 24— PG-1101 

Hagen 

It- Nov. :;ii—PG-ioaa 

Western (106 

Oraroa 4910 

15 (59) Western 629 

,, 

,, 

TAISHED 

(88) 

©DAKOTA LIL 

Girl From San Lorenzo 

Rod Cameron-M. Windsor Leo Carrlllo-J. Adams 

Franz-n. Patrick 

Atil 

Ban Fiiller-J. Lydon George Montgomery 

Duncan Renaldn-B. Lester 

-jl, .r. 

18—PG-1126 R—Jan. 28—PO-lUl R—Mar. 25—PG-1128 

^19) War Drama 4905 

a (85) Comedy 614 

5Ari OF IWO JIMA 

LOVE HAPPY 

Marx Bros.-llona Massey 

Joti Vayne-Jobn Agar 

Ad(j Mara-Forrest Tucker 

-H-j c. 24—PQ- 1101 

Vera-EUen-M. 

R—Oct. 

Button 

8—PG-1078 

51 (61) Mys-.Melo 630 

111 J 

LE OF OLD MEXICO 

GREAT PLANE ROBBERY 

E Tom Conway-M. Hamilton 

|drlgnez-R. Rockwell 

Steve Brodle-L. Roberts 

)trlck-T. Tall 

B-nb. 4—PG-1113 

R—Mar. 11—PG-1123 

Melodr; 0| 

ID) 4911 - 

(88) Com-Dr 006 

Large 

Didn't Tell Mother Me 

Fell Agent at I 

•K.]ylor-Dorothy Patrl* Dorothy McGulre-J. Havoc 

W. Lundlgan-G. Merrill 

R— Feb. 4—PO-1113 

0] 0) Western 4964 

5A LAKE RAIDERS 

All: "Rocky" Lane 

'^ 0) Western 4952 

"' OF OKLAHOMA 

Melodrama 4916 

From Headquarters 

R(ickwell-B. Fuller 

; Houston 

R-'iy 13—PG-1145 

B< 0) Outd'r-Dr 4914 

©IK ISLAND TRAIL 

Fol t Tucker-Adele Mara 

Adi I Booth-Bruce Cabot 

^ »y 6—PO-1142 

SO) Outd'r-Dr 4917 

TH JAVAGE HORDE 

Wl la Elllott-A. Booth 

Ori Wlthers-N. Beery 

R- ly 8—PG-1183 

_ 0) M'drama 4918 

De ation Big House 

(86) Drama 008 

UNDER MY SKIN 

John Garfleld-L. AdIer 

MIchellne PrelIe-0. George 

R—Mar. 18—PG-1125 

(92) Musical uin 

©WABASH AVENUE 

Betiy Grable-Vlctor .Mature 

Phil Harrls-R. Gardlnei 

R— Apr. 8— PG-1132 

(85) Com-Dr 009 

C*©Cheaper by the Dozen 

Clifton Webb-.Myrna Loy 

Jeanne Craln-B. Bates 

R—Apr.l—PG-1130 

(106) Drama 007 

THREE CAME HOME 

C. Colbert-F. Desmond 

P Knovvles-S. Hayakavya 

R—Feb. 18—PG-1118 

(90) Com-West Oil 

©Ticket to Tomahawk, A 

Dan Dallcy-W- Brennan 

.\nne BaxTer-R. Calhoun 

It—Apr. 22—PG-1138 

(120) Drama 012 

THE BIG LIFT 

Montgomery Cllft-B. Lobel 

Paul Dougtas-C Borchers 

R— Apr 22— PO-1138 

(95) Drama 013 

NIGHT AND THE CITY 

II alrlck-R. Rockwell R. Wldmark-Gene Tlerney 

Jat Lydon-R. Armstrong 0. Wlthers-H. Marlowe 

R- ly 1—PG-U62 R—May 27—PO-1149 

?S 0) Drama 4920 

TH, AVENGERS 

'"I "arroll-M. Marls 

•W: Mara-V. Rav 

It- ne 24—Pn-il60 

55 0) Western 4965 

CO (ED WAGON RAID 

All: Lane-Eddy Waller 

Aid lerry-Lynn Thomas 

jyiy 22—PO-1167 

S5: »l nnld'r-Mus 494E 

G1 3GER JR. 

Rn' :ngers-Pat Brady 

"i' Evans-Rordon Jones 

"^ ly 8—PG-1163 

^ «) Melodrama 4921 

TR; WITHOUT JURY 

R"l Itocknell-A. Long 

^•i Taylor-Barhra Fuller 

"i 'y 22—PG-1170 

(85) Drama 016 

LOVE THAT BRUTE 

Paul DougI,is-C. Romero 

.lean Peters-Keenan Wvnn 

1!— Mav 13— PG-1143 

(84) Western 015 

THE GUNFIGHTER 

Gregory Peck-M. Mitchell 

H. Westcott-J. Parker 

R—Apr. 29—PG-1140 

gl (79) Drama 631 

QUICKSAND 

Mlckev Rooney-J. Cagney 

Barbara Bates-P. Lorre 

R—.Mar. 4— PG-1121 

H) (99) Comedy 625 

Champagne for Caesar 

Ronald Colman-C. Holm 

V. Price-Barbara 

R—Feb 

Brltton 

n— PG-1116 

m (83) Melodrama 624 

D.O.A. 

E. O'Brien-Pamela Brltton 

Luther Adler-B. Campbell 

R—Dec. 31—PG-1104 

[D (78) Drama 626 

JOHNNY ONE-EYE 

Wayne Mnrrts-Pat O'Brien 

Dolores Moran 

R—Julv 1—PO-1161 

51 (91) Drama 

SO YOUNG, SO BAD 

Catherine McLeod 

Paul Henreld 

R—June 3—PO-1152 

16) (851 Dr..ma 63 

THE IROQUOIS TRAIL 

George Montgomery 

Brenda Marshall 

R—,Iune 10—PG-1154 

fTl (88) Dra 638 

ONCE A THIEF 

Cesar Rnmero-L. Chaney 

June Havoc-M. McDonald 

R—.July 15—Pn-1165 

[5] (88) Drama 908 

BORDERLINE 

Kred Ma?.\liirr,.y-n. Burr 

Claire Trovur-J. TorVay 

K—Jan. 21— PG-1109 

(911 Comedy 910 

FRANCIS 

I). O'Connnr-P. Medina 

ZaSu Pltis-llay Collins 

It— Dec. 10— PO-1097 

(78) Super-Western 911 

©KID FROM TEXAS 

Audio Mui|ihy-Gale Storm 

Alhert Dekker-Will Gecr 

li—Mar. 4—F0-112I 

(77) Mus-Melo 912 

©BUCCANEERSS GIRL 

Yvonne DeCarlo-li. Douelas 

Philip Friend- E, Lanchester 

R—Mar. 4— PG-1121 

(80) Drama 913 

OUTSIDE THE WALL 

Marilyn Maxwell-S. Hasso 

Richard Basehart-D. Hart 

R—Feb 11—PG-1116 

55 (91) Melodrama 916 

BACKFIRE 

Vlrj;liila Ma.vo-G. MacKat 

Eilmond O'Brlen-D. Clark 

u—Jan. 21— pr.-iun 

(94) Drama :i05 

gi 

CHAIN LIGHTNING 

lliimrihrey Bogart-E. Parker 

liavmond Masscy-R. Wnorl 

It— I'Vb. 4—PG-1113 

gr (112) Mus-Dr 916 

Young Man With a Ho-n 

Kirk Douglas-Lauren B.Hcall 

Dnris Day-H. Carmichacl 

It—Feb. 11— PO-1115 

H (88) Com-Dr 917 

PERFECT STRANGERS 

Ginger Rogers- D. Morgari 

Thelma Rltter-A. Reed 

R—Mar. 4—PG-1122 

(79) Comedy 914 (76) Western-Dr 918 

MA AND PA KETTLE CO 

E) 

©BARRICADE 

TO TOWN 

Ruth Roman-Dane Clark 

Raymond Massey 

.Marjorie 

R—Apr. 

.\lain-H Long 

8— PG-1131 R—Mar. 11—PG-1123 

(79) Drama 915 

ONE WAY STREET 

Dan Duryea-W. Conrad 

James Mason-Marta Toren 

R— Apr. 29—Pa-1139 

(76) Super-West 916 

©Comanche Territory 

Maureen O'Hara-C. Drake 

Macdonald Carey 

R—Apr. 15— PG-1134 

61 (103) Drama 921 

The Damned Don't Cry 

Joan Crawford-D. Brian 

Steve Cochran-Kent Smith 

R—Apr 13—PQ-1133 

(110) Mystery 919 

511 

STAGE FRIGHT 

Jane Wyman-.M. Dietrich 

Michael Wlldlng-R. Todd 

R—Mar. 4—PG-1122 

5| (104) Mus-Com 920 

©THE DAUGHTER OF 

ROSIE O'GRADY 

June Haver-G MacRae 

II— Apr. 1—PG-1130 

(74) Drama 917 

WAS A SHOPLIFTER 

Mnna Freeman 

Scott Brady-Andrea King 

R—Apr. 15—PO-1134 

m (74) Di 922 

©COLT .45 

Randolph Scott -R. Roman 

Zachary Scott-Alan Hale 

R—May 6—PO-1141 

(86) Com-West 918 

©CURTAIN CALL AT 

CACTUS CREEK 

Donald O'Connor 

R—June 3—Pa-1151 

S (96) Drama 925 

CAGED 

E Parker-A. Moorehead 

Ellen Corby-Hope Emerson 

R—May 6—PG-1141 

(83) Super-West 919 (74) Drama 926 

©SIERRA 

Ivil 

THIS SIDE OF THE LAW 

Wanda Hendrlx-Burl 

Vlveca Llndfnrs-K. Smith 

Ives 

Jagger 

Paige-M. Blue 

Audie Murphy-D. 

R—May 6—rG-1141 

Janet 

R—.Tune 10—PG-1153 

g (74) Western 927 

(T51 Drama 920 

SPY HUNT 

©RETURN OF THE 

Mata Tnren-Howard Duff FRONTIERSMAN 

R noiijIas-P Friend Gordon MacRae-J London 

R—June 10— PG-1154 R—May 2(>—PU-1148 

(021 Super-West 921 

WINCHESTER '73 

Jam.-s Slp«art-n Durvea 

Phelley Winters 

R—June 10—PG-1153 

(77) Comedy 922 

©PEGGY 

Diana Lynn-C Greenwood 

Charles 

R—June 

Cobiirn 

24—PG-n59 

nfTlW Drama 928 

PRIGHT LEAF 

Gary Cooper-L. Baca'l 

Patricia Neal-Jack Carson 

R—May 27— PG-1149 

(111) Rellglous-Dram 

©PRINCE OF PEACE 

Ginger Prince-Forest Ta 

R—Apr. 

9—PG-1026 

May m (60) Western 

ACROSS THE SIERRAS 

Wild Bill Elliott 

Miv (SO) Comedy 

BREWSTER'S MILLIONS 

Dennis O'lCecte-J. Havoc 

May (79) Comedy 

BEDSIDE MANNER 

John Carroll-Ruth Ilussey 

June 51 (61) Western 

North From the Lone Star 


Julv ri] (85) Drama 

DIAMONDS AND CRIME 

Dennis O'Keefe-June Havoc 

Nov, (85) Western 

THE DESPERADOES 

Randolph Scntt-G. Ford 

Astor 

Hallmark 

May (73) Comedy 057 

GETTING GERTIE'S GARTER 

D O'Keefe-M, McDonald 

Juno H (87) Drama 

©ARABIAN NIGHTS 

Maria Montez-Jon Hall 

June [H (76) Drama 

SUDAN 

Maria Montez-Jon Hall 

.hine 51 (82) Comedy 

One Night in the Tropics 

Bud .\hbott-Lou Costello 

Aug, IS (70) Mus-Com S-15 

MARCH OF THE VKOODEN 

SOLDIERS 

Stan Laurel-Oliver Hardy 

Claudette Colbert-P. Godd; 

REISSUES 

Astor 

June DO (87) Drama 

MESSENGER OF PEACE 

John Beal-Peggy Stewart 

July (93) Comedy-Mus 

tU 

DELIGHTFULLY DANGEROUS 

Ralph Bellamy-Jane Pouell 

v.ilg. 

m (61) Western 

Hands Across the Rockies 


Sep. fT} (90) Musical 

SENSATIONS 

Dennis O'Keefe-E. Powell 

Columbia 

Eagle Lion 

Sep, rri (90) Comedy 

The Bachelor's Daughters 

Gail Russell-Jane Wyatt 

Sep, 51 (62) Western 

KING OF DODGE CITY 


Nov, (88) Western 

RENEGADES 

Eielvn Keyes-W, Pa 

June fil (76) Comedy 

NAUGHTY NINETIES 

Bml .M.hntl-Lou Costello 

Julv (77) Comedy 055 

UP IN MABEL'S ROOM 

Binnie Barnes-D. O'Keefe 

Lippert 

Paramount 

.Inly (81) Drama 058 

ABROAD WITH TWO YANKS 

William Bendix-D. O'Keefe 

July (39) Comedy 054 

Tilie's Punctured Romance 

Ch.arles Chaplin-Marie Dressier 

Cooper-Brian 

Donlevy 

Mar. (83) Drama 4914 Mar, (111) Drama 4921 

WAKE ISLAND 

Lives of a Bengal Lancer 

Brian Donlcvy-William Bendlx Gary Cooper-Franchot Tone 

June (SO) 5Ivs-Dr 

GUILTY OF MURDER 

G. Sander.s-G. Fitzgerald 

.lune (85) Mys-Dr 

THE SUSPECT 

C. Laughton-E. Raines 

June (108) Drama 

FIGHTING COMMAND 

R. Mitchum-M. O'Driscoll 

June (83) Drama 

FURY IN THE SKY 

Loretta Young-G. Fitzgerald 

Julv (94) Drama 

BAYONET CHARGE 

Jean Gabin-Ellcn Drew 

July P (103) War-Drama 

ALL QUIET ON THE 

WESTERN FRONT 

l/'W Ayrcs-Louis Wolhelm 

Aug. 51 (80) Drama 

THE BIG CAGE 

CHyde Beatty-Anita Page 

Aug, 51 (74) Drama 

NAGANA 

Tala Blrell-M. Douglas 

Sen. [U (85) Comedy 635 

CITY LIGHTS 

C. Chaplln-H. Myers 

Realart 

Sep, [T] (89) Drama 

ABILENE TOWN 

R. Scott-Ann Dvorak 

Sep. [g (73) Western 

GUNS A BLAZIN' 

Walter Huston-Walter Brennan 

Sep. 51 (90) Drama 

SPIRIT OF NOTRE DAME 

Lew .\yres-Andy Deiine 

Sen, 51 (90) Drama 

SPIRIT OF CULVER 

J, Cooner-F. Bartholomew 

Oct E] (71) Melodrama 

HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN 

Boris Karloff-Lon Chaney 

net. Ui (67) Melodrama 

HOUSE OF DRACULA 

Lon Chanev-John Carradlne 

Oct. 51 (66) Drama 

SAN FRANCISCO DOCKS 

Barry Fitzgerald-M. Meredith 

United Artists 

Warner Bros. 

Oct. 51 (64) Drama 

RIVER GANG 

Gloria Jean-John Qualen 

June (3 (135) Drama 923 Sep. B] (64) Drama 002 

DESTINATION TOKYO ALCATRAZ ISLAND 

Cary Grant-John Garfield Ann Sheridan 

.luno (88) Drama 924 Sep. g] (70) Drama 003 

[3] 

GOD IS MY CO-PILOT SAN QUENTIN 

Dennis Morgan-D. Clark Pat O'Brien-Humphrey Bog,art

FEATURE CHART 

1

' 

J 

elles-J. 

I 

JJ. 

F PUBLIC 

(IjC Western 4973 

I Qi FRONTIER 

nte !!le-W. Henry 

,1 isi-C. Barrett 

1.;—PC-UT6 

n'lary 4922 

STAMPEDE 

ni'-Y. Coplen 

II 

ive cast 

,—PC- 1174 

: (fii Western 491 

eiLTE HIDEOUT 

lui ockj" Line 

dj Her 

.Au 12—PG-1176 

"(gi Drama 4924 

IE lOWDOWN 

El t-M. Windsor 

jter rennan-H. Morgan 

_gfl 2—rG-1182 

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

Drama 4925 (120) Drama 019 

1 (6( 

KeJ HEART BANDITS 

itolhPatrlck-B. Fuller 

©THE BLACK 

Tyrone Power-Ceclle 

ROSE 

Aubry 

Rockwell Orson Welles-J. Hawkins 

hn iredge-R. 

_Se 2—ra-1181 

Western 4953 

R—Aue. 

(96) 

19—PG-1178 

Musical 

\ (6 021 

aiWD FOREST TRAIL ©MY BLUE HEAVEN 

a A i-Jeff Donnell Betty Grable-Dan Dalley 

il Szer-Jane Darwell 

-8f 23—PO-1187 

^n»: Drama 6001 

David Wavne-Jane Wyatt 

R— Alls, 2(!—PG-1179 

(aii) Drama 022 

IRRDER 

inJ. 

PANIC IN THE STREETS 

1!. Widmark-P. Douglas 

Ri Carroll 

Gi'ddes-W. Palance 

:nnan-J. Darwell 

j i—pa-1196 

Mflodrama 4939 

B. B. 

R—June 24—PG-1160 

Dooumentary (90) 028 

FAREWELL TO 

Petticoats 

n 

YESTERDAY 

Miell-V. Perkins 

R—Sept. 23—PG-1188 

Nolan-A. Caruso 

- 23—PQ-1187 

i |C Outd'r-Mus 4943 

SUNT IN THE WEST 

ay I'TS-Penny Edwards 

Kent Rodriguez 

—Se 30—PO-1190 

(6 Western 4967 

1 

DISC TORNADO 

llan ne-Eddy Waller 

[yer-Stepben Chase 

artlij 

—Se 23—PO- 11 87 

Tl^ Musical 5002 

IT HADE OF 1951 

llm (roll-E. Rodrlguel 

^nonald 

larle 

—ni 28—PG-1198 

^ (8 Western 4 

irtl^ on Horseback 

lUn :ocky" Lane 

liudl Sarrett 

; 

• 

SHORTS CHART 

Short subjects, listed by compcmy, in order of release. Running time follows ^1 

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. No. rme Rc|. Da te Rating Rev'd 

ASSORTED COMEDIES 

2426 One Shivery Nioht (I6I/2) 7-13 + 8-5 

2416 House Aljout It (I6I/2) 7-20 ± 9-2 

1950-51 SEASON 

3411 A Blunder-ful Time 

(161/2) 9-7 - 10-7 

3412 Foy Meets Girl (..) 10- 5 

3421 Two Roamino Champs 

(161 '2) 10-12 + 11-11 

3422 A Slip and a Miss (. .).ll- 9 

CAVALCADE OF BROADWAY 

2654 Leon and Eddies ( . ) . . 

7-27 


3651 The Versailles ( . . 

10-26 

COLOR FAVORITES 

(Technicolor 

Reissues) 

2610 The Little Moth's BiD 

Flame (gi's) 

2611 The Timid Pup (7) 

6- 1 

7-6 

'- 

++ 8-5 

'' t 

2612 The Gorilla Hunt (8) 3 8- . . 


3601 Harpy Tots' Expedition 

9-7 ± 11-7 

3602 Land of Fun 

(7) 

(7) 10- 5 -f ll-U 

3603 Peaceful Neighbors (. .).l l- 6 

COMEDY FAVORITES 

(Reissues) 

2435 His Ex Marks the Spot 

(I71/2) 5-25 ± 9-2 

2436 Oh. My Nerves! (17) 7-27 


3431 Shot in the Escape (19) 9-14 — 10-14 

3432 Free Rent (..) 11-16 

FILM NOVELTIES 

3901 Stars of Tomorrow— "Tots 

and Teens" (10) 9-28 ± 10-14 

JOLLY FROLICS 

(Technicolor) 

2504 The Miner's Daujhter 

5-25 ± 7-15 

(6I/2) 

2505 Giddyap (61/2) 7-27 + 9-2 


3501 The Popcorn Story (..).. 11-30 

MR. MAGOO 

(Technicolor) 

3701 Trouble Indemnity (61/2). 9-14 H 9-30 

ONE-REEL SPECIALS 

2555 Candid Microphone, No. 5 

(11) 6-15 + 7-8 


(IOI/2) 

S-" 



(11) 10-12 

MUSIC TO REMEMBER 

3751 Borodin's Prince Inor and 

Polovetsian Dances (91/2) • 

3752 Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker 

Suite (91/2) + 10-11 

3753 Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto 

in B-Flat Minor (10) + H-H 

3754 Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite 

(91/2) 

3755 Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture 

(11) 

3756 Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake 

Ballet (10) 

SCREEN SNAPSHOTS 

2859 Hollywood Ice Capades 

Premiere (10) 6-22 ± 8-5 

2860 Hollywood's Famous Feet 

(8I/2) 7-20 


3851 30th Anniversary Special 

(11) 9-28 -f 10-14 

3852 Fun at Shadow Mountain 

(91/2) 10-19 

3835 Hollywood Goes to Bat 

(91/2) 10-19 

STOOGE COMEDIES 

2407 Love at First Bite (16) .5-4 

2408 Self-Made Maids (16) . . 7- 6 ± 8-5 


3401 Three Hams on Rye 

12 

Metro-Goldvryn-Mayer 

Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd 

CARTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

W-46Wags to Riches (7) 8-13 -)- 11- 5 


W132 Little Rural Riding Hood 

(6) 9-17 -f 

W-135 Out-Foxed (8) 11-5 + 

W-137 Counterfeit Cat (7) 12-24 + 

W-140 Why Play Leap Frog (7) 2- 4 

W-143 Ventriloquist Cat (7).. 5-27 +f 

W144The Cuckoo Clock (7).. 6-10 -H- 

W-146 Albert in Blunderland 

10- 1 

1O-29 

2-11 

7-22 

(8) 8-26 ± 9-9 


W-232 Garden Gopher (6) 9-30 

W-234The Chump Champ (7). 11- 4 

FTTZPATRICK THAVELTALKS 

T-18 Roaming Through Northern 

Ireland (8) 7 


T-lllFrom Liverpool to Stratford 

+t lO-lb 

(9) 9-10 + 10- 1 

T-112 Glimpses of Old England 

(9) 10- 8 -f 10-29 

T-113 In Old Amsterdam (9).. 11-12 -|- 12-24 

T-114 A Wee Bit of Scotland 

(10) 12-17 + 2-4 

T-115 Land of Tradition (9) . . . 1-21 

T-116 Colorful Holland (9) ... 3- 4 

T-117 Pastoral Panoramas (9) 4-15 + 7-1 

T-118 Roaming Thru Michigan 

(9) 5-20 + 7-1 

T-119 To the Coast of Devon 

(9) 7-15 -f 7-22 

T-120 Touring Northern England 

(9) 7-29 + 9-9 

T-121 Land of Auld Lang Syne 

(8) 8-12 -H- 9-16 

T-122 Life on the Thames (9) 8-26 -f 9-16 

GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS 

(Technicolor) 

W-161 Lonesome Mouse (8)... 11-26 

W-163 The Uninvited Pest (8) 4-29 

W-164 Yankee Doodle Mouse 

(7) 6-24 + 7-15 


W-261ZootCat (7) (reissue) .10- 7 

W-262The Early Bird Dood It 

(9) 12-2 

NEWS OF THE DAY 

(Released Twice Weekly) 

PASSING PARADE 

K-76 City of Children (10) . . . 8-27 

PETE 

SMITH SPECIALTIES 

S-60 Football Thrills No. 12 

(9) 8-27 + 10- 1 


151 Water Trix (9) 11-5 + 10-1 

152 How Come? (10) 11-19 -f 10-29 

153 We Can Dream. Can't We? 

(9) 12-3 12-24 

154 Sports Oddities (8) 12-31 + 12-24 

155 Pest Control (S) 1-14 -|- 2-11 

156 Crashing the Movies (8) 1-28 + 2-4 

157 Wrong Son (10) 4-8 

158Did'la Know? (8) 5-6 -|- 7-1 

159 That's His Story (9)... 6-17 4+ 7-22 

160 A Wife's Life (8) 7-8 + 7-15 


251 Wrong Way Butch (10) .9-2 

252 Football Thrills No. 13 

(9) 9-9 +f 9-9 

S-253 Table Toppers (8) 10-21 

SILVER ANNIVERSARY SHORT 

934 Some of the Best (40) . . 7-15 +f 7-2 

THE MOVIES AND YOU 

Paramount 

Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd 

++

' 

•.. 

:: 

((16) 

. 

(8) 

, 

Rabbit 

' 

i 

and 

! People 

i 

I 

(10) 

; 

Orch. 

No.3 

I (18) 

No. 

Dec. 

: 

.12-22 

ZUth 

Century-irox 

I. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'il 

FEMININE WORLD 

ItiDMS of Vesteiveat- 

,ilka Cliase) (8) No*. + 

MARCH OF TIME 

ii No. 10 Tlie Fight for Better 

Schools (20) Oct. + 

oi . No. 11 MacArthur's Japan 

(18) Nov. + 

/ol . 

5 As Russia Sees It 

(16) Aug. ++ 

\iOVIETONE ADVENTURES 

Boilioy. Oavy Jones (11). ...Oct. + : 

120} board the Flattop Midway 

Nov. 

K5 >Jewel of the Baltic (8) . + 

BO idwest Metrooolis (ll)..Dec. ++ 

1 

1950 SEASON 

M5J)Patlefn of Progress (8). Apr. + 

MOVIETONE SPECIALTIES 

I 

KOlhe Hunter (8) Aug. : 

+ 

960lhado*s in the Snow (9). Sept. : 

4 

SOohid-West Metropolis (9).. June ++ 

SCO' tw York Philharmonic 

(10) July 

BOOjIusic of Manhattan (10).. July ff 

MOVIETONE MELODIES 

7001 awrence Welk and His 

Champagne Music (10).. Jan. + 

3 led Ingle and His Gang 

(10) Mar. ++ 

kitch Henderson & Orch. 

Aug. + 

70(1{ he Fontaine Sisters (S)..Oct. ± 

MOVIETONE NEWS 


SPORTS 

300 kiing Is Believing (10).. Jan. i^ 

300 rom Jib to Topsail (9) . Feb. . Mar. 305 JFrolic in Sports (8) 300 living Maniacs (9) May + 

300 hooting the Salmon Rapids 

(10) May + 

300iction With Rod and Reel 

(10) June + 

300 I/inning Form (10) July + 

30C' lowlers' Fair (8) Sept. -j- 

30C ootball Pay-Off Plays 

(10) Sept. + : 

300;ircus on the Campus 

(10) Oct. + : 

301 ee Girls (10) Nov. + : 

, J 

LOU LEHR 

(Reissues) 

>90C*onkies Is the Cwasiest 

(10) Aug. 

SOdtonkey Doodle Dandies 

(9) Aug. 

! 

TERRYTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

500:omic Book Land (7) Jan. + 

SOJ Mississippi Swing (7) 

(reissue) 

SOC'he Talking Magpies in 

Jan. 

the Fox Hunt (7) Feb. ++ 

50?Vhat Happens at Night 

(7) (reissue) Feb. 

SOC'ictor the Volunteer in Better 

Late Than Never (7) Mar. + 

. 

50C tighty Mouse in Anti-Cats 

(7) Mar. + 

50C lesops Fable Foiling 

the Fox (7) Apr. H 

SOIlrphan Duck (7) 

(reissue) 

May 

50C)inky in the Beauty Shop 

(7) Apr. ± 

50C ha Talking Magpies in 

a Merry Chase (7) May 4+ 

50( )ream Walking (7) May ± 

so; ust a Little Bull (7) 

(reissue) 

50( Eighty Mouse in Law and 

June 

„ 

Order (7) June +| 

50- -be Red Headed Monkey 

„ (7) July + 

50j)mgbat in All This and 

Stew (7) July -H- 

I 

^ 

50] -he Dog Show (7) Aug. ± 

50. The Talking Magpies in 

King Tut's Tomb (7).. Aug. + 

50 .ittle Roquefort in Cat 

Happy (7) Sept. ± 

50, f Cats Could Sing (7).. Sept. 

' 

+ 

50 jttle Roquefort in Mouse 

Garden (7) Oct. + 

50: IJighty Mouse la Beauty 

on the Beach (7) Oct. ± 

50 jandy Goose in Wide Open 

Spaces (7) Nov. " ± : 

501 iour Grapes (7) Dec. -H- 

W; Hothef Goose's Birthday 

Party (7) Dec. + : 


Prod. No. Title Rel. Dale Rating Rev'd 

CARTOON MELODIES 

4388 Sailing With a Song (9). 10- 3 


5381 My Favorite Girl (10).. 11- 7 

5382 Songs o( the Range (10). 12-26 

53S3 Dream Dust (10) 2-20 

33S4 Sing Your Thanks (10) . . 4- 3 

± 

+ 

± 

2-4 

3-4 

4-29 

5385 Harmony Hall (10) 5-29 

5385 Melody Moods (9) 7-17 + 6-17 

5387 Sing Happy (10) 8-28 + 7-8 

5388 Feast of Songs (10) 10- 2 ± 8-12 

MUSICAL WESTERNS 

4357 The Girl From Gunsight 

(25) 9-15 ± 

4358 The Pecos Pistol (26).. 10-27 + 


5351 Coyote Canyon (26).... 11-17 ff 

5352 South of Santa Fe (29) . 

5353 The Fargo Phantom (24) 2- 9 

-H- 

+ 

5354 Gold Strike (25) 3-30 -f 

5355 R'lsller's Ransom 5-18 5356 Cactus Caravan (26) 

. . 

. . . 7- 6 ± 

(27) 

5358 Ready to Ride (25) 10-5 

5357 Western Courage (29)... g-31 -H- 

NAME BAND MUSICALS 

4311 Russ Morgan & Orch. (15) 9- 7 + 11- 5 

4312 Skinnay Ennis & Orch. 

+ (15) 9-28 12-24 

4313 Rhythm of the Mambo 

(15) 10-26 + 1-14 


5301 Herman's Herd (15) 11-2 

5302 Lionel Hampton & Orch. 

(15) 12-7 

5303 Freddie Slack & Orch. 

(15) 1-4 + 2-4 

5304 Etiiel Smith and the Henry 

+ King Orchestra (15).. 2- 1 3-4 

5305 Sweet Serenade (15) 3- 1 -f 4-29 

5306 Skitch Henderson & Orch. 

(13) 4-19 

5307 King Cole Trio and Benny 

Carter Orch. (16) 5-17 

5308 Claude Thornhill & Orch. 

(15) 6-14 + 7-15 

5309 Sarah Vaughan & Herb 

Jeffries (15) 7-12 + 9-30 

5310 Red Nichols and His Five 

Pennies (15) 8-9 + 8-12 

5311Sa'ute to Duke Ellington 

(15) S-30 4+ 9-30 

5312 Connie Boswell & Les 

Brown Orch. (15 9-2 

5313 Music by Martin (15).. 10-11 

SPECIALS 

5202 The Tiny Terrors Make Trouble 

(17) 1-lS -f 2-11 

5201 Thundering Rails (19) . . . 5-24 H 6-17 


6201 Fun at the Zoo (18) 9-30 

TECHNICOLOR CARTUNES 

(Reissues) 

4332 Cow Cow Boogie (7) 9-19 11- 5 

4333 The Screwball (7) 10-17 + 1-14 


5321 A-Haunting We Will Go 

(7) 11. 7 

5322 Kittens-Mittens (7) 12-5 

5323 Jolly Little Elves 1- 2 

(7) . . 

5324 Under the Spreading Blacksmith's 

Shop (7) 1-30 

5325 Barber of Seville (7) . . . 2-13 

5326 Mother Goose on the Loose 

3-6 3-4 

(7) 

5327 Candyland (7) 4-10 

-H- 

± 4-29 

5328 The Beach Nut (7) 5-8 

5329 Boogie Woogie Man (7) 

. . 6-12 -f 6-17 

5330 Fish Fry (7) 7-17 ± 7-22 

5331 Toyland Premiere (7) . . . S-14 

5332 Greatest Man in Siam (7) 9-11 ± 8-12 

5333 Ski for Two (7) 10-16 


6321 Life Begins for Andy Panda 

(7) 11- 6 

6322 Three Lazy Mice (7) 12-4 

UNIVERSAL NEWS 


VARIETY VIEWS 

4346 Singing Is Fun (11) 8-22 

4347 Beauty and the Beach 

9-5 (10) 10-29 

434SY0U Don't Say! (10) 10- 3 

-H- 

-|- 12-24 


5341 Boundaries Unlimited 

(9) 11- 7 

5342 Breaking the Tape (9).. 12- 12 -f 1-21 

5343 Future Skippers (9) 1-30 

5344 Progress Island (9) . 3-13 

5345 A-Camping We Will Go 

H 6-17 

(9) 5-15 + 7-8 

5346 Treasure of the Nile (9) 9-25 

5347 Brooklyn Goes to Hollywood 

(9) 10-16 

5348 In the Shadow of the Andes 

(9) 10-23 

Warner iJros. 

Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Kev'd 

BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE 

(Technicolor reissues) 

6306 The Sheepish Wolf (7) 

6307 Double Chaser (7) 3-1 

6308 Fifth Column Mouse (7). 

6309 Inki and the Lion (7) . 

6310 Tick Tock Tuckered (7). 

6311 Booby Hatched (7) 7- 

6312 Trap Happy Porky (7).. 

6313 Lost and Foundling (7). 


7301 Fagin's Freshmen (7). 

7302 Slightly Daffy (7) 10-: 

7303 The Aristo Cat (7) 11-! 

BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS 

(Technicolor) 

6719 Mutiny on the Bunny (7) 2-11 it 3-1 

6720 Homeless Hare (7) 3-11 :*: 5-2 

6721 Big House Bunny (7) . . . 4-22 5- 

6722 What's Up, Doc? (7)... 6-17 + 7- 

6723 Eight-Ball Bunny (7) . . 7- 8 4- 9- 

6724 Hillbilly Hare (7) 8-12 -hf 9-1 

6725 Bunker Hill Bunny (7).. 9-23 + 10-1 

6726 Bushy Hare (7) 11-11 

FEATURETTES 

Basket (20) . . 4-29 6105 Shoot the + 7-1 

6106 Just for Fun (20) 7-15 8-1 

-H- 


7101 Wagon Wheels West 

(20) 9-9 -f 9-3 

7102 Life Begins Tomorrow 

(20) (reissue) 11-18 

HIT PARADE OF GAY NINETIES 

7801 When Grandpa Was a Boy 

(..) .10- 7 

JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES 

6403 So You Want to Thow a 

Party (10) 2-4 +f 

5404 So You Think You're Not 

Guilty (10) 4-15 -14 

6405 So You Want to Hold Your 

Husband (10) 7-1 ± 

5406 So You Want to Move (10) 8-19 ± : 


7401 So You Want a Raise 

(10) 9-23 + 1 

MELODY MASTERS 

(Reissues) 

6804 Bob Wills and His Texas 

Playboys (10) 2-11 ± , 

6805 Hit Parade of Gay Nineties 

(10) 4-1 

6806 Leo Reisman & Orch. (10) 5-27 ± 

6807 Matty Malncck & Orch. 

(10) 6-24 + 

6803 Cliff Edwards & His 

Buckaroos (10) 7-22 

MERRIE MELODIES 

(7) 3- 4 + 

6707 Strife With Father (7) 

6708 The Hypochondri-Cat (7). 4-15 + 

6709 The Leghorn Blows at Midnight 

(7) 5-6 ± 

6710 His Bitter Half (7) 5-20 -f 

6711 An Egg Scramble (7) 5-27 . . . fl- 

6712 All Abir-r-r-d (7) 6-24 6713 It's Hummer Time (7).. 7-22 + 

6714 Golden Yeggs (7) 8-5 ± 

6715 Dog Gone South (7) . . . . 8-26 

6716 The Ducksters (7) 9- 2 

6717 A Fractured Leghorn (7) 9-16 + 

6718 Canary Row (7) 10-7 + 


7701 Stooge for a Mouse (7).. 10-21 

7702 Pop 'Im Pop (7) 10-28 

7703 Caveman Inki (7) 11-25 

SPORTS PARADE 

(Technicolor) 

6506 This Sporting World (10) 3-25 + 

6507 Alpine Champions (10).. 5- 6 -j- 

6508 Riviera Days (10) 6-3 + 

6509 Racing Thrills (10) 7- S ± 

6510 Champions of Tomorrow 

(10) 8-19 + 


7501 Wild Water Champions 

(10) 9- 2 

7502 Grandad of Races (10) . . 9- 2 -|- 

7503 Paddle Your Own Canoe 

(10) 10-21 ff 

TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS 

6004 Women of Tomorrow (20) 3-lS + 

6005 Danger Is My Business 

(20) 4-8 + 

6006 Pony Express Days (20) 

(reissue) .• 5-13 -H 

6007 Give Me Liberty (22) 

(reissue) 6-10 # 

7001 Wish You Were Here (20) 7-29 + 

6008 Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer 

Snerd in Sweden (20) . 

. 9- 3 +f 


7002 Royal Rodeo (20) 11-4 

VTTAPHONE NOVELTIES 

6604 Hands Tell the Story (10) 2- 4 

6605 Sitzmarks the Spot (10). 3-11 ± 

6606 Cavalcade of Girls (10) . 8-12 


7601 Slap Happy (10) 10-14 ff 

7602 Those Who Dance (10). 11-25 

WARNER-PATHE NEWS 


5-27 

7-22 

7-22 

7- 1 

9-30 

9-30 

SHORTS CHART 

Miscellaneous 

Prod. No. Title Rel. Dale Rating R#v'd 

MONOGRAM 

LITTLE RASCALS 

. . 

4961 Dogs Is Dogs 

(Reissues) 

(21) 4-1 

4-15 + 

4962 Forgotten Babies (17) . 

4953 Mama's Little Pirate 

(18) 4-29 -I- 

4964 Birthday Blues (19) 5-13 

4965 For Pele's Sake (17)... 5-27 

4966 Bedtime Worries (19).. 6-10 

4967 School's Out (I91/2) 6-24 

4963 First Roundup. The 

(I71/2) 7- 8 

4969 A Lad and a Lamp (17) 7-22 

4985 Bored on Education (10) 8- 1 

4970 Readin' and Writin' (20) 8- 5 

4971 Big Ears (20) 8-19 

4972 Wild Poses (18) 9-2 

PUBLIC RELATIONS 

1 Let's Go to the Movies (9) 

RKO 5-13 

2 This Theatre and You (10) 

WB 7-13 H 7-23 

3 Movies Are Adventure 

(10) U-l 8-22 

) The Art Director (8) 

20th-Fox 11- 1 

Sound Man 1-19 5 The (10) Col... ff 12-24 

6 H.Story Brought to Life 

(10) Para 3-15 

7 Screen Actors (9) MGM 5-13 + 6-17 

S Moments in Music (10) 7-13 -f- 7-15 

MGM 

9 Costume Designer, The (9) 

RKO 9-13 

REPUBLIC 

SERIALS 

4982 Radar Patrol vs. Spy King 4-15 

12 Chapters 

4983 Undersea Kingdom 

(reissue) 7-8 .... 

12 Chapters 

4984 The Invisible Monster 9-30 

12 Chapters 


SCSI Desperadoes of the West. 12-23 

12 Chapters 

THIS WORLD OF OURS 

(Trucolor) 

4975 Norway (9) 3-15 f+ 8-12 

4976 Denmark (9) 6-1 ± 7-8 

4977 G acier National Park (9) 7-15 + 8-12 

4978 Sweden (9) 8-30 + 9-9 

4979 France C9) 10-15 

4983 Holland (9) 11-30 

SPECIAL 

9495 The Battle for Korea (9)7-1 

UNITED ARTISTS 

SONGS OF AMERICA 

SA 2 Melodic Spirituals (9).. 8-19 -|- 2-18 

SA 3 Visions and Voices (9) . . 9- 9 + 2-18 

SA 4 Melodious Sketches (9).. 10- 7 + 1-14 

SA 6 Symphonic Shades (8)... 11- 4 -f- 1-14 

SA 5 Melodies Reborn (9) 12-2 ± 1-14 

SA 7 Cherished Melodies (10). 12-31 -f- 3-18 

SA 8 Southern A Cappella (9). 1-27 + 3-18 

SA 9 Tradition, The (9) 3-25 + 3-18 

SAIO Memorable Gems (9) 3-17 + 4-15 

SAll Tunes That Live (9) 4-14 + 4-8 

SA12 Glory Filled Spirituals (10) 5-12 + 4-15 

SA13 Highlights of Long Ago 

(9) 6-9 

SA14 Long Remembrances (9) . 

7-14 .... 

SA15 Folklore (8) 8-11 

SA16The Moods (9) 9-15 

INDEPENDENTS 

The Life of Vincent Van Gogh 

(18) Canton-Weiner + 4-15 

Waverly Steps (29) 

Film Renters, Inc -ff 4-15 

Preface to Life (30) 

Sun Dial Films + 5-20 

Springtime in Paris (29) 

Hoffbcrg Productions + 5-27 

in Death the Hand (44) 

Hoffberg Productions ± 5-27 

Paolina's Castle (10) Lux Films + 7-15 

Let's Talk About the Nose 

Rome. Eternal 

(10) 

Holy 

Lux Films 

Year 1950—The 

± 7-22 

-f- City (24) Lux Films 7-22 

of Experience Cubism (10) 

The 

-h Lux Films 7-22 

©Pattern for Survival (20) 

Cornell Film Co ± 11-4 

in Apple Blossom Time Poland (17) 

Travel Film +f 11-4 

Spanish Texas (10) 

Nationwide Pictures + 11-11 

Again . . . Pioneer (90) 

Protestant Film Commission.. +f 11-11 

BC OFHCE BookinGuide 

Nov. 11, 1950 13 

,^\^^

SHORTS REVIEWS Opinions on the Curront Short Subjects- ^ 

Tchaikovsky's Piano 

Concerto 

Columbia (Music to Remember) 10 Mins. 

Good. An excellent musical short which 

can serve as a contrasting item in a program 

made up of an action feature and cartoon 

shorts. As played by the Rome Philharmonic 

Orchestra, the magnificent concerto is heard 

to best possible advantage. The concerto will 

be familiar to most moviegoers, who heard 

it in many features, including "Brief Encounter." 

Closeup views of the pianist's 

fingers are shown. 

Two Roamin Champs 

Columbia (All- Star Comedies) 17 Mins. 

The Land of Fun 

Columbia (Color Favorites) 7 Mins. 

Good. An entertaining Technicolor cartoon 

in which Joe Tourist becomes interested in a 

travel folder and takes his car to visit some 

of the places he saw pictorially featured in 

it. He gets caught in heavy traffic, has trouble 

with mosquitoes in a sleeping cabin and 

finally wishes he had stayed at home. 

Spanish Texas 

(Historical Film) 

Nation-Wide Pictures 10 Mins. 

Good. This colorful featurette was filmed 

in the San Antonio vicinity by Nation-Wide 

Pictures of Dallas, under the auspices of the 

Mexican chamber of Commerce in the Alamo 

City. It shows the many historical and traditional 

spots of Te.xas including the Alamo, 

Missions, La Villita, Governor's Palace, and 

numerous other landmarks near the Mission 

City. Commentary is by Jake Rodriguez with 

Edward Martinez handling the musical score. 

Produced and directed by H. K. Carrington. 

Has English and Spanish versions. Reviewed 

at Almeda Theatre, San Antonio, Tex. 

IGmni Feature Revie'w 

Good. A new comedy team, the two Maxes, 

Rosenbloom and 

Again 

Baer, makes its two-reeler 

debut 

Protestant Film Commission 

in a laugh-provoking short. Rosenbloom, 

with his comic face and dim-witted 

antics, is the funnier of the two. Baer, with 

his heavy frame, merely acts as stooge. The 

two boys operate the Kayo Detective Agency 

and their first chent is a jittery little man 

who has been named heir to a fortune. Baer 

poses as the httle man during the reading of 

the will and the grasping relatives conspire 

to drive him out of his mind. 

Pioneers! 

90 Mins. 

Very good. Produced for the Home Missions 

Council of North America, this one will 

surprise you. It has excellent direction by 

William Beaudine, with a haunting performance 

by Sarah Padden as the mother of a 

migrant family, that leaves you thinking 

long thoughts. The gimmick is that no problems 

are solved, although they are simply 

presented and with terrific impact. Colleen 

Townsend stars in it, perhaps overacting a 

little, but the whole cast gives a smooth 

performance. Such professionals as Tom 

Powers, Regis Toomy, Pat Gleason, Jimmy 

Hunt (child actor in "Cheaper by the Dozen") 

make this special film produced in the MOM 

and Nassour studios a fine addition to the 

Protestant films produced by Paul P. Heard. 

Unfortunately, it is made only in 16mm, 

which limits it for commercial use, but 

churches will find this is good entertainment 

that has been skillfully combined with a 

stirring message for social betterment. 

In the Newsreels 

Movietone News, No. 88: Twelve North Atlantic 

nations discuss unified army; lates' 

films from Korea; New York film critics flj 

to London; astounding dance act; Princeton-Cornell 

game; Kentucky-Georgia Tech 

Wisconsin-Northwestern. 

News of the Day, No. 218: Atlantic defenst 

chiefs confer on unified army; Eisenhowei 

for Atlantic chief; Britain's king makes history 

in Parliament; farewell tribute to A 

Jolson; new home for the aged dedicated; 

chimp visits dentist; Princeton-Cornell game' 

Paramount News, No. 21: Atlantic pact nations 

rearm; Kjng George opens new House 

of Commons; Gustav VI succeeds throne; U.S' 

combat cameramen decorated; Jolson storj 

ends; football — Wisconsin-Northwestern; 

Kentucky-Georgia Tech. 

Universal News, No. 400: Atlantic defense 

nations plan for 50 divisions to guard west; 

combat cameramen decorated; king opens rebuilt 

House of Commons; football—Princeton- 

Cornell; Kentucky-Georgia Tech; U.CiA.- 

Purdue. 

Warner Pathe News, No. 23: Al Jolsonfinal 

curtain ; Britain's king dedicates restored 

House of Commons; army cameramen decorated 

in Korea; France—Patrice Wymore wed 

to Errol Flynn; Paris—wildlife fashions; 

Princeton wallops Cornell. 

Movietone News, No. 89: Assassins shot in 

attempt to kill Truman; film memories of 

Bernard Shaw; tennis goes glamorous. 

News of the Day, No. 219: Assassins' attempi 

on life of Truman shocks nation; film memento 

of Bernard Shaw. 

Paramount News, No. 22: Attempt on President's 

life; Bernard Shaw; bomb crews Inj 

joyous homecoming. 

Universal News, No. 401: Truman escapes 

assassination; Columbia class rush; German 

cycle classic; underwater theatre. 

Such Popularity 

Must Be Deserved 

Advertisers know the pulling power of 

BOXOFFICE classified ads. They keep 

coming back. Here's a tremendous reader 

audience that makes your advertising pay. 

Use BOXOFFICE Classified 

Ads for Quick Results 

at Low Cost 

Warner Pathe News, No. 24: Rout attempt 

to assassinate President Truman; Puertc 

Rico—30 killed as Puerto Rico quells revolt; 

New York—UN assembly defies Soviet, keeps 

Trygve Lie; Yanks whip Bears in Pro-football 

thriUer. 

All American News, No. 419: Twins day at 

Dallas fair; five generations in Chicago family; 

calisthenics at R. T. Coles school In 

Kansas City; Chi Chi Murphy returns from 

Europe; Los Angeles landlords protest over 

rent controls; lATSE banquet in Kansas City. 

All American News, No. 420: Sgt. John L.! 

Jackson recruits sparetime basketball buddies 

in New Rochelle, N. Y.; Harlem Theatre 

in New York is rededicated; ROTC inspection 

at R. T. Coles school in Kansas City; 

Catholic Youth Organization holds annual 

boxing bouts in Chicago. 

Telenews Digest, No. 44A: Czechoslovakia— 

Molotov reappears; Al Jolson buried; Morocco—Fi-anco 

visits Spanish Africa; Caribbean—navy 

demonstrates new underwater 

camera; New York—international silk show; 

New York — "American Dream Girl"; a king Is 

dead. 

' 

Telenews Digest, No. 44B: "Revolution" In 

America; jail break in Puerto Rico; attempted 

assassination of Puerto Rican governor; 

incident at Blair House; attempt on Presl-; 

dent Truman's life by Puerto Rican NaU(m-i 

alists; the cleanup. 

U BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : Nov. 11, 1960

'ipln/MS on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

(FOB STORY SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE. SEE REVERSE SIDE) 

20th-Fox (032) 105 Minutes 

(Technicolor) 

Rel. Dec. 'SO 

Accorded the same unstinting production mountings and 

film-making knowhow that earmarked other 20th-Fox pictures 

dealing with World War II and its altermath, the screen 

version of Ira Wolfert's widely read novel emerges as a 

thoroughly enthralling and exciting document. Under any 

circumstances it wins easy recognition as an inevitable boxoffice 

bonanza, while current renewed hostilities in Asia 

should enhance its appeal. The feature was filmed in its 

entirety in the Philippines, with Technicolor photography to 

accent their natural marine and jungle beauties. Prodigious 

in incident, but still adhering to interest-commanding 

continuity, the masterful screenplay—excellently performed 

by a sterling cast—has something to command respect 

from every taste in film fare: High adventure, emotionwringing 

suspense, touches of comedy and torrid romance 

aplenty. Expertly directed by Fritz Lang, 

Tyrone Power, Micheline Prelle, Tom Ewrell, Bob Patten. 

Tommy Cook, luan Torena, Miguel Anzures. Jack Elom. 

Rio Grande 

F 

Super 

Wutern 

Republic (5004) 105 Minutes Rel. Nov. IS. 'SO 

Director John ("She V/ore a Yellow Ribbon") Ford, firmly 

established as one of Hollywood's most effective fabricators 

of pictures projecting the colorful era of cavalry and Indian 

warfare, herein surpasses even himself with a feature so 

brimming with action, suspense, spectacle and drama that 

cannot avoid becoming a must-see among a preponderant 

it 

percentage of film fans. And further to assure such sureprofits 

evaluation, the feature has a gripping, tender story 

to appeal to those who may not be too enthralled with the 

derring-do of saddle soldiers. Although he is given tough 

competition by an excellent and wisely chosen cast, John 

Wayne, again portraying the hard-bitten commanding officer, 

turns in a thoroughly excellent and ingratiating performance. 

There are scores of facets to please the ticket 

buyers—musical interludes, alleviating comedy, and horsemanship 

the likes of which has seldom been photographed. 

John Wayne, Maureen O'Hcn-a, Ben Johnson, Claude Jarman 

jr., Harry Carey jr.. Chill Wills, J. Carrol Naish. 

Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone F Comedy 

MGM (ill) 

69 Minutes Rel. Dec. IS, 'SO 

A new comedy team, Marjorie Main and James Whitmore, 

is born in this rough-and-rowdy picture which will undoubtedly 

have several sequels. Played strictly for laughs and with 

plenty of slapstick action, it will go over big in the neighborhoods 

and in small towns. It's probably too corny for 

the metropolitan key theatres. Miss Main, with her frowzy 

getup, is in her element as a fiftyish and forthright widow, 

who wins a $50,000 prize on a radio program, and Whitmore 

overacts to good effect as a criminal attorney who is always 

just one step ahead of his creditors. While the others have 

less footage, Ann Dvorak stands out as a designing divorcee. 

Much of the action takes place on a Chicago-to-New York 

train and, after two people are murdered, Whitmore and 

Miss Main frantically try to hide the bodies in compartments 

and washrooms. Director Norman Taurog sticks to a fast pace. 

Marjorie Main, James Whitmore, Ann Dvorak, Fred Clark, 

Dorothy Malone, Douglas Fowley, Phyllis Kirk. 

Three Husbands 

^ 

Emergency Wedding 

Columbia (332) 78 Minutes Rel. Nov. 'SO 

This relates the hilarious misadventures which follow a 

whirlwind marriage between an heir to a department store 

fortune and a serious young woman doctor. His unsuccessful 

struggle to control his overpowering jealousy of her 

male patients brings about one crisis after another for them. 

The pace is fast and the situations amusing in the first half 

of the picture. The general tone becomes more serious in 

the latter half of the picture when the young husband develops 

a social consciousness and convinces his wife he is 

not the idler she has thought him. The American Medical 

Ass'n won't like the introduction of the subject of the licensing 

of foreign doctors, but this may create publicity-gaining 

controversy. The picture is entertaining and Larry Porks 

shows his timing is deft and his comedy sense sure. Direction 

is by Edward Buzzell. 

Larry Parks, Barbara Hale, Willard Porker, Una Merkel, Alan 

Reed, Edouard Franz, Irving Bacon. 

United Artists (642) 78 Minutes Rel. Nov. 17, '50 Columbia (246) 

70 Minutes 

Rel. Nov. '50 

Western 

(Sepiatone) 

Sophisticated, satirical comedy with clever lines and situations 

in which the flashback story-telling technique is used. 

It has a powerful appeal for women who yearn to make 

their men feel the pangs of jealousy. Suspense is maintained 

throughout. Emlyn Williams, as Maxwell Bard, 

wealthy bachelor, who entertains the wives of three friends 

and buys presents for them, leaves letters after his death 

which convey the impression he has had affairs with them. 

The story begins with the reading of these letters and the 

dramatic complications result from the husbands' efforts 

to reconstruct the past from memory. Bard leaves his money 

to the women. They threaten divorce. I. G. Goldsmith produced 

and Irving Reis directed from a story by 'Vera 

Caspory. 

Emlyn Williams, Eve Arden, Howard DaSilva, Shepperd 

Strudwick, Ruth Warrick, 'Vanessa Brown, Billie Burke. 

Undercover Girl 

F 

"""" 

Univ.-Int'l ( ) 81 Minutes Rel. Dec. 'SO 

Directorial eagerness to build incidents into over-dramatic 

situations and an aggregation of wooden performances detract 

from rather than enhance this, which, at best, was 

nothing more than a routine cops-and-robbers yarn to begin 

with. Resultantly it finds a niche somewhere below par in 

that standard category. To confront the showman who books 

it as a topside attraction with an additional problem is the 

paucity of sure-fire cast names. There is one story twist 

onto which the exhibitor might advantageously toss his 

merchandising lariat, to wit, the fact that the cop who 

relentlessly rounds up the dope peddlers is a femme, indicating 

tieups to appeal to the career gals of the community. 

Producer Aubrey Schenck mounted the vehicle substantially 

and convincingly as concerns atmosphere and backgrounds, 

but there just wasn't enough in scripting, megging and 

trouping to make the film jell. Directed by Joseph Pevney. 

Alexis Smith, Scott Brady, Richard Egan, Gladys George, 

Edmon Ryan, Gerald Mohr, Royal Dano, Harry Landers. 

The Blazing Sun 

This is a typical, well-made Gene Autry western which 

will please his many followers and the devotees of cowboy 

fare. Because the picture has two feminine leads, both of 

them involved in the plot in addition to being decorative, 

it will also satisfy general audiences in all except the key 

city first runs. Sepia photography, which adds to the beauty 

of the desert backgrounds, is anv^ther asset. The picture also 

has a goodly quota of action, including chases and several 

gun battles on a fast-moving train. The star sings only twice, 

but both "Along the Navajo Trail" and "Brush Those Tears 

From Your Eyes" are good standard numbers. Anne Gwynne, 

formerly featured in Universal melodramas, returns to the 

screen to give a convincing portrayal of a gun-totin' gal and 

Lynne Roberts also does well. Pat Buttram supplies a fair 

amount of comedy. Directed by John English. 

Gene Autry, Lynne Roberts, Pat Buttram, Anne Gwynne, Edward 

Norris, Kenne Duncan, Alan Hale jr., Tom London. 

The Sun Sets at Dawn 

Eagle Lion Classics (046) 

76 Minutes 

1202 BOXOFHCE November 11, 1950 1201 

3 

F 

Rel. Nov. 8, 

That the exhibition fate of this entry may be dismal is 

an inevitable surmise. It is an unrelentingly grim and 

gloomy yarn, off-beat in approach and treatment, written 

and directed with apparent disregard for those audiences 

which seek even a modicum of action in their celluloid 

entertainment. There are moments of genuine dramatic 

appeal, and performances—by a cast which carries no marquee 

weight—occasionally rise to compelling heights. But 

in the main the exhibitor who books it is going to find 

himself confronted with merchandising problems which he 

might discover to be insurmountable. Patrons who have 

been crying for new faces may react favorably to a pair 

of newcomers, Sally Parr and Philip Shawn, to whom were 

entrusted the leads. Credited as virriter and director is Paul 

H. Sloane, who also co-produced with Helen H. Rathvon. 

Sally Parr, Philip Shavm, Walter Reed, Lee Fredericks. 

Houseley Stevenson, Howard St. John, Louise Lorimer. 

'SO

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs 

THE STORY: 

"Rio Grande" 

John Wayne, commanding a Union detachment battling 

Apaches along the Rio Grande, has sacrificed his marriage 

to military duty. His wife, Maureen O'Hara, has been 

estranged lor many years, and he has lost contact with 

his son, Claude Jarman jr. Further, Wayne is hampered 

because the U.S. and Mexico have agreed their respective 

troops will not cross the border for any purpose—thus providing 

a convenient loophole for the marauding Apaches. 

Then by a fluke, Claude, who has enlisted, is assigned to '• 

*'' 

his father's command. Maureen follows to demand he be ^'^'' 

discharged, but Claude and Wayne refuse. Wayne's troops 

conduct a successful though illegal across-the-border campaign 

against the Apaches, from which both lather and son 

emerge as heroes and an all-around reconciliation is 

effected. 

CATCHLINES: 

The Stamp of Greatness Is Upon It . . . Here Is a Masterpiece 

of Unforgettable Screen Entertainment ... A Story of 

the Rugged West as Only John Ford Can Tell It.

; onal 

1 New 

! Box 

, 12 

: 

Advertising 

-,ii. 

San 

ATES lOc per word, Tninininin $1.00. cosh with copy. Four insertions for price ol three. 

tOSlG DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to 

Numbers to BOXOFFICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. • 

HELP WANTED 

J: 

T..iiiira easn? .Manager, operators—dayUmt;, 

,;>»]' clBhborhood merchants advertising gifts, 

diclls matches, etc. Average order 

PtOI* II 

quipm^ 

•liiry 

-PC samiiles Klncole, 8916 Linvtood, 

ixrtising salesmen: Yes. sir. old 

is getting bigger and 

weei, so now we want to hire more 

i.dvertlsing salesmen, men over 25 

iioiv how to sell and are not afraid 

< ..rting salary $70 per week with 

»ill rail for $150 per week within 

:i< is straight salary and not com- 

-I have late model car. Give full 

!,J photo first letter. Thirty-nine 

If yoii ilo not want to re«lly work, 

my lime and yours. Ted E. Wag- 

V Screen Advertising. Box- 6, South 

Tex. 

-Make $20 in 20 minutes full or side 

>,a's No. 1 Investment. Customers 

.111 later. Investigate. This is good. 

Mii^t be experienced in publicity and 

.South Bend. Ind.. house. Write. 

(lions and references, .\rthur Gould. 

,iS lighting fixtures, 45% off (send for 

Many other good buys. Tell us vour 

"e'U save you plenty. Dept. C. S.O.S. 

'iiPPly Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St New 

lOX TICE November 11. 1950 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED 

Exhibitors Compare our Values! E7 Mechanisms-, 

exoi-llinl. $725 pair: RCA MI-1040 soundheads, 

rebuilt. $475 pair: Grlswoid spli«rs, 

$12.75: Strong KW lamphouses, $325: 

1 rebuilt. 

Simplex 4-star E sound system, rebuilt, $850. 

Star Cinema Supply, 441 W. 50th St.. Nev» 

York 19. 

Holmes Sweet Holmes. Still available at our 

low. low prices. Time deals too! Completely 

rebuilt Holmes Educator 35mm sound projectors. 

2.000' 

gle outfit—$350: 

Other 

magazines, amplifier, speaker, lenses. Sin- 

dual—$550 (formerly $095). 

complete dual outfits— HeVry, $595: Simplex, 

$995. Write for complete descriptions. 

Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 

St.. 52nd New York 19. 

Two Simplex Acme projectors complete with 

amplifier, speakers. 1 W. lamps and rectifiers. 

K. 

Worth $2,500, but best offer takes them. Write 

for our list of other good used equipment. Akron 

Theatre Supply Co.. 936 E. Market St.. Akron. 

Ohio. 

For Sale: Freeze 

inai cost thirteen 

s. Used five months. Perfect 

Will take much les 

condition. Reason for selling, lack of space In 

It impossible to meet State 

our location made 

requirements for cleanliness. 

Board of Health 

Make me an 

Refer you to branch manager 

offer, 

of Nationiil Theatre Supply Co.. Memphis, or any 

Miss. P. E. Morris. Indian- 

bank in Indianola, 

Ola, 

Miss. 

King custard machine. Orighundred 

ninety-five dollars. 

For Sale: Used Spacarb 3 D-50's. Spacarb 

Multi's. also Mills Cup machines. Good condition 

at bargain price. United Services. Inc.. 

242 12th St., E., Atlanta. Ga. Telephone 

N, 

At. 0764. 

Mills Master Ice Oeam Freezer. Only used 

three months. Price for quick sale, $650. Boxoffice. 

4062. 

Pair Holmes 35mm sound projectors, less than 

fifty hours running; 25-watt amplifier speaker. 

Baby Strong lamps and rectifiers. Bargain, Bell 

& Howell IGmro sound projector. $175. Russell 

Schlecht. 1840 Morse .\ve.. Chicago. HI. 

For Sale—One pair Preddy SuperX lamps. 

Good condition. Will take pair of low. Earl 

Xeff. 530 Summit. Oconomowoc, Wis. 

Bargain for cash sale. Complete equipment for 

theatre. 245 spring seat chairs. Castle Theatre. 

W'illiamsport. 

Ohio 

DRIVE-m THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Drive-ins—Be Wise—Be Tlirifty. Order now on 

the Lay-a-Way plan. Small deposit holds equipment 

until readv. Pay balance out of income on 

S.O.S. Easy Payment plan. Dept. C. S.O.S 

Cinema Supply Corp. 602 52nd St. New 

W. 

York 19 

Speaker stands fabricated to specification in 

ur own plant. Immediate delivery, any quanity. 

Wire. wTlte or phone. Long Distance 1024 

r THatcher 9243. Sonken-Galamba Corp.. Secnd 

and liiverview. Kansas City 18. Kas. 

Popcorn machines, half price. Wiene^. Hamburger. 

Sno-Cone. Peanut Roasters. Bun Warmers. 

Poppers Supply, 179 Liickle. Atlanta. Ga, 

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

Duplex 35mm step printers, with light changers, 

rebuilt. $795: Presto studio disc recorder. $195; 

Simplex 35mm Preview projector with RCA soundhead, 

sync motor, special magazine and pedestal, 

worth $2,500, $1,595; Depue 35mm/16mm sound 

reduction printer, worth $7,500. $3,495; Prestoseal 

automatic hot splicer 16mm or 35mm. $350: 

sensational new Bridgamatic Jr. 16mra developing 

machines (incl. tax). $995: Auricon Cinevoice, 

demonstrator. $555; 5-ton refrigeration 

plant. 230 DC motor. $395; Eyemo 35mm spider 

turret news cameras. $495; Wall 35mm Movietone 

single system sound camera, B. Maurer galvanometer. 

4 lenses, motor. 2 magazines, tripod, 

amplifier, $7,000 value. $3,495; Background 

York 19, 

THEATRE TICKETS 

Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets 

100.000. $24.85: 10.000, $7.30; 2.000. $4.90. 

Each change in admission price, including change 

in color $3.00 extra. Double numbering extra. 

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

Kansas City Ticket Co.. 109 W. ISth St.. Kansas 

ntv. Mo 

MISCELLANEOUS 

2.000 yards black Vinyl leatherette. 50 yd 

rolls. 52 inches wide. Bargain. Irring Levin. 

III. 717 Indenendence. Chiweo 24. Nev, 8-73.3S. 

THEATRES WANTED 

Sell your theatre privately. Conlldentlil cui 

invited. rtspondence Leak Tlieatre Sales. 33U6 

Caruth, Dallas. 1109 llrchardlane, Des Molnea, 

loua 

Theatre, .Nebraska, western Iowa, northern 

Ka^âs. No lirokers. Over 400 seats. Town 1,800 

population or over. Confidvuiiai. Experienced. L 

.1, Biirkiit. Sparta. Wis 

Theatreman has up to $50,000 for a v»orthwhlle 

controlled town. Must stand rigid investigation. 

Boxoffice. 4036. 

Warmer climate required. $50,000 maximum 

on theatre of value In down Texas. New Mexico. 


DrJve-in In year-round climate, southwest. 

Ample finance if value there. Independent showman. 


Individual wants good small town theatre. Pay 

uii to $35,000 for right one. Have cash. Prefer 

Florida-Georgia. Others considered. Send full 

details. C. L. Jordan. 1302 Mary St., Waycross, 

Ga, 

Is your theatre for sale? One half million dollars 

of theatre sales this Morlh year. 100 

prospective theatre buyers for all types theatres. 

Dependable, personal seririce. Claude Cro-.-kett, 

Theatre Sales Exclusive. 10220 Galway llrive, 

Dallas 18. Texis, 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

Theatres For Sale: Selected listings In Orejoc 

list 

and Washington now available. Write for 

Theatre Exchange Co.. Fine Arts Bldg.. Portland. 

Build double parking drive-ln theatres unde* 

franchise Patent No. 2.102.718. reissue No 

22,756 and improvements, patent pending. Up 

(0 30 per cent more seating capacity with little 

additional cost. Louis Josserand. architect, 3908 

S. Main St.. Houston, Tex. 

Pacific Northwest theatres tor sale. Write lt< 

Bowron. sales manager. Tlieatre Sales (Dlv. ). 

Fred B. Ludwig, Brk. 4229 N. E. Broadway 

Portland 13. Ore. 

Theatres, businesses, Montana. What do you 

for listings. need? Write Gavin Realty. 2023 

S, Higgins Ave.. Missoula, Mont. 

Drive-ln theatre, Tennessee, 508 in-a-car speak 

ers. Excellently located just outside city limits 

of fastest growing Tennessee town, and within 

2^^ miles of ever increasing permanent largt 

army fort. Outstanding returns substantiated 

witli records. Exceedingly rare opportunity. Priced 

very reasonable. Write Bos 827. Guthrie. Ky. 

Buy or sell your theatre or drive-in. Leon 

isseock. Majestic Building. San Antonio. Tei 

Central Texas drive-in. Population lO.UOO. 

Land included. Finest new equipment. Complete 

roncesslons. patio, concrete tower. Tax records 

indicate short payout. $25,500, $17,000 down. 

Also area. San Antonio Controls lovely dtj 

13.000. .MI new. $39,750. $31,000 down. 

Others. Arthur Leak. Specialist. 3305 Caruth. 

Dallas 

One Texas' better properties. $1,000 month 

profit shown. Only show. Brick building, lale 

equipment. $15,000 down Thorough investigation 

requested. Others from $5,000 down. Arthur 

Leak. Specialist. 3305 Caruth. Dallas, Tex. 

Small town theatre for sale. 260 seats. Other 

business interests. Any reasonable offer considered. 

W. L. Cates. Kinmiindy. 111. 

West central Illinois town of 1.000. No competition. 

300-seat theatre building with two 

an;irtments for added income. Now in operation. 

Excellent business, tremendous drawing area. 

$40,000—will pav off in three years. Boxoffice, 

4054, 

Long established, only theatre in excellent sma'l 

ranching and farming Texas panhandle commiinitv. 

.and Real esta'e equipment. $22,500 

cwmnlele. Boxoffice. 4055. 

For Sale; In central North Dakota, 'owti of 

900 people, large drawing territory in diversified 

farming country. Only theatre in town. Showing 

profit. Brick modern building. P. J, Rchmltz. 

Box No, 51. Bismarck. N. D. 

Beautiful drive-in theatre. 360-car capacity, 

located on east coast of Florida. Write for 

further details. Boxoffice. 4057. 

County seat, only theatre northwest Arkansas 

town. 1.900. (5

1 

INDUSTRY LEADERS 

INSTALL RCA THEATRE TV 

> 

^ 

-NOW! 

^ 

Theatres Equipped 

to Cash-In On 

NeiMf Entertainment Era! 

SAMUEL PINANSKI President 

eatre3 Corporation 

Bought RCA Theatre TV for installation 

in PILGRIM Theatre 

(1800 seats), Boston, Mass. 

Heralding the epoch of a new era in emtainment, 

these progressive exhibitors equijed 

S. H. FABIAN President 

Fabian Theatres Corporation 


in FOX Theatre (.4000 

Brooklyn. N.Y.. and PAL- 

seats). 

ACE Theatre (3660 seats), Albans: 

N.Y. 

twelve houses with RCA Theatre Televisio to 

provide video entertainment as a supplemer to 

then- "better than ever" film attractions. 

. . . today! 

Yes, Theatre Television is here . . 

FRED J. SCHWARTZ 

Vice-President 

Century Circuit. Inc. 


in QUEENS Theatre 

{2146 seats). Queens Village, L. I.. 

and MARINE Theatre (2146 

seats), Brooklyn, N.Y. 

These industry leaders are pleased with{;h( 

progress being made in Theatre Television 

gramming. Furthermore, they recognize lal 

RCA Theatre Television represents a sound Inc 

practical investment. 

"ROBERT H. O'BRIEN 

Secretary -Treasurer 

United Paramount Theatres 


in TIVOLI Theatre 

(3414 seats), Chicago, III. 

SHERRILL C. CORWIN 

Vice-President 

Metropolitan Theatres Corporation 


in ORPHEUM Theatre 

(2213 seats), Los Angeles, Calif. 

We will be glad to discuss with you an Ip/ 

Theatre Television System for your theatre 

WALKER President 

SOL A. SCHWARTZ 

Executive Vice-President 

RKO 

^ 

Theatres, Inc. 

Bought RCA Theatre TV 

for installation in RKO 

FORDHAM Theatre {23.i3 

seats). New York, N. V 

FRANK C. 

Comerford Theatres. Incorporated 


in CAPITOL Theatre 

(2284 seats), Binghumton, N.Y., 

FAY Theatre (1704 seats), Providence, 

R. I., and two 

1$^' 

others. 

THEATRE BOUt/>M£MT 

RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA 

EMGIMEBRIMG RRODUCTS OERARTMENT. CAMDEN. M.J.

Boxoffice-11.11.1950

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