Boxoffice-March.10.1951

Errol Flynn and Dean Stockwcll in a scene from 'Kii
^
February Blue Ribbon Award
Goes to MGM's 'Kim.'
See Page 24
Entered u Mcoiid-cla» matttr at tlw Pvit Off'ct
at Kansas City, Mo., under tht act of March 3, 187$
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION
IndadiRi tba Stctianal Nfm Pa«a »f Alt Edition
MAR !I 1 19 5]

1 reported
BOXOFFICE : : February 3, 1951
Patau Theatre Sugarland. Tex. Fox Theatre Winiield. Kas. Paradise Theatre Los Angeles Martin Theatre Bainbridge. Ga.
321 New Theatres Are Opened in 1950
131 Others Placed Under Consfrudion; Tofal Cost: $55,580,600
itres in
true-
''And, as usual,
M-GM is ready
with
the
hotfest line-up
of hits
in
+Ke entire
industry /"
3231)ta^^^aa^Trdoor uX II in thi^
try. or approxin"' " d\ |nt/
seating capacit
Texas,
P
which yl
capacity for ab^ V^^Hf
door anc»- -^^
new c r ///
'r
Wometco
bean motji
flowers
matlcall]|
trace of I
*/,.
^eu
i
SS
[as
ALABAMA
Alabama City: Rltz, Crescent
Amusemi'nl Co., 800
Aliceville: I'nlace, Koth E.
Hook, 450
Ariniston: Itosc. C. E. Cooiwr^
J. A. Fuster, 900
Athens: Harlem. XScl Thfatres,
Inc., 500
Clantoti: Acme Theatre Corp.,
790
Eufaula: Martin, Marlln Tlieatres,
1.159
Tort Payne: Nc« DcKalb,
DeKalb AmusemeTit Co.,
69»
Hartstlle: SIndio. Huljcrt R.
Mitchell. 800
Jasper: New Jasper. Alabima
' Theatres. Inc., 1,085
PrichanJ: Waterall, Charles
Waterall, 1.200
Sheffield: Carver (no detalk),
500
Sycamore: Sycamore, Harry
.MacGoican, 400
Sylacauga: Martin. ^iJ
Tlieatrei. 1,^00
Tuscumbia: Tiiscun'
^•L- ^hoal.'i TTiji
Nationwide Tabulation of New Theatres
nan.
'.Lightman,
' New, Jeff F.
600
fco, .McGehee
poo
_, Rose, C. K.
Q
I.ee
Pleree
k
Barrack.^
[ 500
|NA
K. Ue Wll-
Wil-
KaiilUiK.1-
J3r6
nfield, Long
fo
R L. t H.
450
ftima, Kox West
flFORNIA
11. Jim BanduccI,
'irii< Theatres, 900
Uke: Rruln. Glenn
2.50
California, W. J.
*r Jr., 2,000
ITro Valliy: Chahet, Norman
Ooodln, 1.000
Davis: Varsity, Westslde,
Inc., 850
East Palo Alto; Palo, Westland
Theatres, 1,400
Elk Grove: Cow Palace, Carl
Amundson jr., 300
Elsinore: Uke, H C Scott,
830
Fairfax: Fairfax, Blumenficld
Theatres, 600
Half Moon Bay: Patio, Harvey
R. Hatch. 500
Healdsburg: Avon, George M^
Mann, 800
Hollywood: Ivar, Yegl^h^
out, 398
Laguna Beach : N'i'.H
Bill Alford, 24fl
Lodi: Sunset,
966
Long Be
500^
Los.
TiflOO
ffmar, 0. J.
ITill: Granada, Jack
, Binan, 700
anslde: Crest, Brwin Sklar,
1,000
Oxnard: Oxnard. JIanny Fcldsteln
& Paul Dietrich, 900
Palm Springs: Memory Lane,
Bill Alford, 3(iO
Placervillt: T&l) Theatres,
1,300
San Francisco: 8err.i, Gcilden
SUt« Thealres, 1.000
San Joie: Studio, I^rwrence
Borg. 905
San Jost: Rurbank, Fred
SalBl, 1,275
San Mateo: Palm. H J. Hutton
k J. M. Sullivan, 7.50
Santa Paula: Fox. Fox West
Coaal, 1,038
Venice: Crest. Fox West
Coast, 1.100
Victorville: Bl liancho. Western
Amusement, 970
Wawona: Idliwild, Roy Cav-
Ini, 300
Yub» City: Butler, Till Theatres,
91 n
COLORADO
Boulder: Flaiimiis, Wllhtir
Williams k Assoc, 1,115
Colorada Spriniis: Colorado,
Cooper Fuundalloti. 1,300
Copt: Kalnbow, David nomnlon,
176,
Denver: Westnond, Westwood
Theatres, 70n
Oenw: Fox Iniermountaln.
1,200
Evtrgreen: Trail, D. Gales.
250
ijiJunU: Mesa, Pox Inler-
DHnjntaln
Lakevnod: LakrwmHl, Jefferson
Amusement Co., 900
Stratton: Lake, Floyd MerrU
364
Wray: Olff, J. K,
k J. A. HuRhes^
Florida
70a
Hilans, Carl
''k L. A. Stein, 801
tables: (^aughton Theatres,
1,500
Goodland: Rex, Milton Jolinsoti,
500
Graceville: (no details), 500
Jacksonville: Lake Forest
Theatres, 600
Leesburg: Cirver. R. A. Getford,
300
Mcintosh: Mcintosh, Jim
Camp, 250
Madison: Woodward. L. R.
WoodwSrd, 804
Miami: New Bunche, Bernstein
Theatres, 1.500
Miami: Gateway, Wometco
Theatres, 2,500
Miami Beach: Carlb, Wometco
Theatres. 2,600
Niceville: Nicevllle, Ncal
Robinson, 342
Palm Beach: Riviera, Tellco.
Inc., 750
Panama City: Lincoln, Elmer
B. Gregg, 470
Ruskin: Community Interests,
500
St. Petersburg: State, fliarlle
RIchlleii. 750
Tarpon Springs: Tarpon, Stein
Theatres, 500
West Palm Beach: Florida,
Florida Slate 500
West Palm Beach: Mirncic,
R. R. Ttiomnv 1.000
GEORGIA
Athens: 0. H Martin. 500
Atlanta: Carver. It. G Spears,
650
Bainbridgc: Martin, Marlln
Tlieatres. 1.960
Clayton: W M Snelsnn. 800
Hailtm: Wehlon Whltaclier.
200
Haielhurst: Jeff Davis. Stein
Theatres. 1,000
Lwsnii: H. .1 Ford, 470
McCrn: Rene, Martin-Tltomn
son. TSO
PdlMMi: Interstate Bnterprlsw,
BOO
TDAHO
Spur, J. Ed Mer-
Dl. 400
Cmvlston: Orchards. Dean
Baird-W. Campbell. 700
Lewiston: Sterling Theatres,
Inc., 1.000
Pauld: ArVon, Arvis Edraondson,
400
ILLINOIS
Asbton: Ashton, Communit;
interest, 400
Chicago: Stony. Stony Theatre
Corp., 1.000
Clifton: Aioah, Olfton Reed,
500
Decatur: Star, George Kerasotes,
500
Flora: Flora. Flora Amusement
t;o , 500
Fox Lake: Towne, Fox Ijike
Blnterprises, 600
Hardin: Town Hall. Geonc
E. VarWe, 400
Mount Prospect: Prospect (no
details). 500
Nauvoo: Nauvno. J. A. k B.
J. Knuis. 500
Park Forest: Hiilld.iy, 1I*K
Balaban Cori).. 1,000
Pittsfield: Zoe. Russell Armentrout.
400
Sparta: Gr.ind. TvirnerFarrar
TTio.ilres, 600
Springfield: Rmy, Frisina
Amtis*'mpnf Co . 1 .000
Washington: Bailey F.nterprlses.
500
Wauconda: ITIm. F,lm Theatre,
Ine , BIO
INDIANA
Alexandria: Town. AllMiire
Tbealro Corp.. 600
Alexandria: Alex. R. 8 Wrllcrt.
400
Charleston: Foster. Roland
P. Fosler, 448
Fort Wayne: Quimhy Southwest
Village. Helen M.
Quimhy Realty Corp , 5110
Georgetown: Trolley (no de-
Ulls). 300
Uwtll: P. A. Byrnes, 400
Muncic: M ii n e I e Theatre
Realty Corp., 1.000
Williamsporl; Zeno. Commu
nity niealre, 400
IOWA
Belttndorf: I •> w ;i n, 1)*S
16

UP!
"THE GREAT CARUSO"
One BIG M-G-M Technicolor Musical after another from Leo!
—and many, many more!
THE FIRST
wifh the
M-G-MOSTI I

.£bf«^'
were six; SLnd they -Poi
x: hundred..
^^
%-^
iw^iKir 1
1
t
^•wl
J
.'N.
^IW.
^^
^^^^^^^n^v^
^*

l(bur Next
Demonstration
of the Power
Flowing from the
Warner Studios
jjS-^ Jw-Jlg^
will be
S^l©@^^ [P
©Morwil^:
W
ALSO STARRING
BARBARA PAYTON-WARD BOND g,g young- lonchaney
Directed bt
GORDON DOUGLAS
,. A WILLIAM CAGN LYpROD- DISTRIBUTED BYWAKNER BROS. r^^.H^^c».Z"^.,^^'H.^.^lcx»V2^i!^

The hilarities of 20th Century-Fox's "II.S.S. Teakettle" carry over into the off-moments
as Jane Greer and Gary Cooper relax between scenes. The merry nautical story of "90
Day Wonders" Is currently bowling them over at the Roxy in New York with national release
set for the month of April.
(Advertisement)

I
I THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
Published in Nine Sectional Editions
BEN
SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
[AMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN. ..Executive Editor
lESSE SHLYEN Managing Editoi
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
KEN HUDNALL Equipment Editor
JOHN G. nNSLEY..Advertising Mgr.
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Offices: 9 Rockereller Plaza, New
York 20, N. Y. .lohn G. TInsley, Advertising
Manager; James M. Jerauld, Editor:
Chester Friedman, Editor Showmandlser
SiKtlon; A. J. Stocker and Ralph Scholbe,
Gquipment Advertising. Telephone COliimbus
5-6370.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd..
|K,Tnsa.s City 1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Execuif"
ISditor; Jesse 8hlyen, Managing Edlr;
Morris Schlozman, Business Manager.
iKennelh Hudnall, Editor The MODEUN
JTIIBATItE: Herbert Roush, Manager Ad-
Iverllslng Sales. Telephone CHestnut 7777.
fCentral Offices: Editorial—624 8. Michigan
Ave., Chicago 5. III. Jonas Perlberg
Telephone WEbster 9-4745. Advertising
35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago 1, 111.
En lug Ilutchlson and E. B. Yeck. Tele-
I'hntie ANdover 3-.'i042.
I'.estern Offices: Editorial and Film Advertising—
6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calif. Ivan Spear, manager. Tele-
Shone OLidstone 1186. Equipment and
Ion-Film Advertising—672 S. UFayetta
Park Place, Los Angeles, Calif. Bob Wettiteln,
manager. Telephone Mlnklrk 8-2286.
Washington Offices: 6417 Dahlonega Road,
Isabel Older, manager. Phone WIsTOnsin
3271. Sara Young, 932 New Jersey, N.W
London Offices: 47, Gloucester Terraca,
Lancaster Gate, W. 2. Telephone Pad-
7609. John Sullivan, Manager.
Idlngton
Publishers of: The MODERN THEATRE,
published monthly as a section of BOX-
OFI OFFICE; BOXOFFICE BAROMETER.
Alb; Albany: 21-23 Walter Ave.. M. Berrigan.
Bin Birmingham: The News, Eddie Badger.
Boston: Frances W. Harding, Lib. 2-9305
Cha: larlotte: 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CIni InclnnatI: 4029 Reading, LHllan Lazarus,
Clev leveland: Elsie I>oeb, Falrmount 1-0046
Dallas: Hie Times-Herald, Virgil Mleri.
Denver: 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose.
Des Moines: Register-Tribune, Russ Sehocb
Detroit: Foj Tlieatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Indianapolis: Route 8, Box 770, Howard
M. Rudeaux, OA 3339.
Memphis: 707 Spring St., Null Adams.
Milwaukee: 3057 No. Murray, John Hubel.
Minneapolis: 2123 Fremont, So., Les Rees
New Haven: 42 Church, Gertrude Lander.
New Orleans: Frances Jordan, N.O. Statea.
Okla. City: Terminal Bldg., Polly Trlndle.
Omaha: World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
Philadelphia: 5363 Berks, Norman Shigon.
Pittsburgh: R. F. Kllngensmlth, 516 Jeannette,
Wllklnsburg, Churchill 1-2809.
Portland, Ore.: Keith Petzold, Broadway
Theatre. Advertising: Mel Hickman, 907
Terminal Sales Bldg., ATwater 4107.
St. Louis: 5149 Rosa, David Barrett.
Salt Lake City: Deseret News, H. Pearson.
San Antonio: 210 Slocum Place, 0. 9718,
L. J. B. Ketner.
San Francisco: Gall Llpman. 25 Taylor St.,
Ordway 3-4812. Advertising: Jerry Nowell,
Howard Bldg., 209 Post St..
Yllkon 6-2522.
Seattle: 1303 Campus Pkwy. Dave Ballard
In Canada
Calgary: Tlie Albertan, Helen Anderson.
Montreal: 4330 Wilson, Roy Carmlchael
St. John: 116 Prince Edward, W. MoNulty.
Toronto: R. B. 1, York Mills, M. Oalbraith.
Vancouver: Lyric Theatre Bldg.. Jack Droy.
Winnipeg: 282 Ruperts, Ben Sommers.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post
Office, Kansas City. Mo. Sectional Edition,
13 no per year: National Edition, $7 SO
MARCH
Vol. 58
I
'0, 19 5 1
No. 19
THE PUBLIC BE PLEASED
%ROM time to time recommendations have
been made for a continuing research program
that would enable the industry to keep a finger
constantly on the public pulse. In fact, a research
committee has been established to work
within the sphere of operations of the Council
of Motion Picture Organizations. This committee
has advanced a plan through which it is
hoped to obtain accurate guidance data on which
to base picture making, exhibiting, advertising,
etc. But, in the light of circumstances, we wonder
if the investment of some $50,000 for this
|)urpose actually is necessary.
Surveying the public to ascertain its tastes in
motion picture fare came up early in the planning
stages of COMPO. And, pending the completion
of this organization, which has not yet
been fully achieved, some independent public
checking has been undertaken. The industry
could very well benefit by giving consideration
and taking proper action on the resuhant findings.
But, judging from the record of the past,
Hollywood will go merrily on making the types
of stories it wants to make; the distributors will
continue releasing in the "cycle" manner; and
exhibitors will not heed the demand to change
their programming and operations.
So why spend good money, time and effort
to find out what the public wants, when little or
no attention will be paid to what the public says?
If there is a sincere interest in this matter,
the industry can benefit from what Detroit exhibitors
have learned in their recent cooperative
campaign to stimulate theatre attendance
which brought forth a by-product of much valuable
information. Other exhibitor groups, circuits
and individual operators have probed their
communities to learn why people have stopped
going to movies and what is necessary to bring
them back. And these "investigations" cover
sufficient numbers and types of people and a
wide enough geographical range to have application
most anywhere. In fact, the answers are
pretty much the same, whether they come from
Detroit or Denver.
For instance, letters from the Detroit public
revealed as a cause for patron loss the day-anddate
booking by subsequent run houses. It was
said that this forced jjcople to stay away because
each of the nearby houses would be playing
the same program, thus limiting their selection
and requiring them to go to some remote
theatre to see a picture of their choice. This
calls
for traveling great distances and added expense,
making the theatres inaccessible to people
who do not have their own automobiles.
This same condition obtains in virtually any
city of size. And why does it persist? Because
of the shortsightedness of exhibitors and distributors
and their consequent failure to work
this problem out among themselves, equitably
and fairly for the common good of all concerned,
not forgetting the public.
Day-and-dating stems from the desires of exhibitors
to have earlier runs than their so-called
competitors, most of whom are actually not
competitive. This latter fact is given as one of
the reasons for the day-and-dating practice. But,
when eight theatres in a city like, say, Milwaukee,
show the same film on the same night and
another eight follow the next and the next, that
picture gets played out pretty fast and what
desire there may have been to see it is lost. This
is not a new problem. It has existed for a long
time, but it has become aggravated as a result
of the "cycle system" that keeps one type of
picture current for too long.
How can this be corrected? Human nature
being what it is, that's a difficult question to
answer. But, if we were an exhibitor involved
in a situation like that, we'd either get together
with our "competitor" on an alternating of runs
or we'd skip a sufficient number of availability
slots to relieve the monotony. In which instances
we'd strengthen our program offerings to bolster
their attraction value. Giving the public a greater
choice, fewer people would be staying away
from our house or that of our competitor. This
might take a little "nursing," but we believe
it would work.
Speaking of cycles, another finding that seems
to be quite general is the public's voicing of
strong objection to "so many stories of crime,
violence and murder." The blame can pretty
largely be placed on the cycle system, which
puts so many of this type of story into release
all at one time. The public could just as well
get fed up on "too much comedy," if enough of
them were made. And there has been some
notice of "too many musicals," which have been
bunched in release. This, too, is not a new, but
an old and chronic industry pain-in-the-boxoffice.
With such large backlogs of product among all
the companies, this problem could very easily be
eliminated. But the mercurial nature of this business
throws it for a loss every time a particular
type of theme makes a sudden and unexpected
hit.
There would not be "too many" of any particular
type of story, if judicious release planning
would be instituted and maintained.
Here, again, the exhibitor can do something
to relieve this situation—if only he will do his
booking to avoid cycles. It won't be easy to
juggle dates around; it may upset some of the
accepted "traditions," but it should prove highly
worth while— if it will be giving the public what
it says it wants and if something will be done
to
assure that.
\.^&*w /04uu^t,^i>^

COMPO NOW ASKS EXHIBITORS
Individual Is
By Mail After His Unit
Ratifies New Setup
NEW YORK—Distributor objections to
acting as clearing houses for the collection
of membership dues in the Council of Motion
Picture Organizations has resulted in
a new system of collection which COMPO
put in force during the week. This has
taken the form of pledges with a return
envelope mailed to regional units of National
Allied and Theatre Owners of America
as they ratify COMPO.
The regional units will take care of their
distribution to the individual members,
who are asked to sign a pledge to pay onetenth
of one per cent of the feature film
rentals they paid all distributors during
1950, and to inclose a check for the entire
amount or pledge to pay it semiannually
or quarterly.
PLAN SAVES BOOKKEEPING
The decision to adopt this method of collection
was reached after clerical forces of
the distributors took the stand that the
handling of collections from exhibitors involved
too much bookkeeping. However, the
distributors are not out of the collection
picture entirely. They will receive quantity
lots of the new pledges. These they will turn
over to their salesmen with instructions to
see that the pledges reach all exhibitors unaffiliated
with organizations as well as those
affiliated. The sa 1 e s m e n, according to
COMPO, will urge signatures and the forwarding
of the pledges direct to COMPO
with enclosed checks.
The plan has been cleared with Trueman
T. Rembusch, president of National Allied,
and Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director,
who are telling COMPO how many pledge
cards to mail each regional unit as it ratifies
the new COMPO corporate setup providing
for additional exhibitor representation
at top levels.
Before the TOA opposition to COMPO was
ironed out, COMPO had a pledge card printed
asking for exhibitor contributions. Distributors
found fault with it because no return
envelope had been provided. There
were mailings to exhibitors, but, according
to COMPO, less than a couple of dozen returns
were received.
NINE TOA UNITS RATIFY
To date, nine out of 28 TOA regional units
have ratified COMPO. They are: Independent
Theatre Owners of Arkansas, Motion Picture
Owners of Arkansas, MLssissippi and
Tennessee, Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
Connecticut, Motion Picture Theatre Owners
of Metrot>olitan District of Columbia,
New Jersey Chapter of TOA, New Mexico
Theatre Ass'n, Theatre Owners of Oklahoma,
T^nne.ssee Theatre Owners Ass'n and Texas
Theatre Owners Ass'n.
Still to be heard from during the week
were Alabama Theatres Ass'n, California
'Bares' Film Costs
NEW YORK — Reports that some regional
exhibitor leaders are objecting to
revealing their annual film rentals
through the- COMPO system of collecting
dues began filtering into New York late
in the week.
One-tenth of one per cent of any given
sum would constitute an exhibitor statement
on his rentals, they were pointing
out.
Both the Theatre Owners of America
and Trueman T. Rembusch, president of
National Allied, have authorized COMPO
to send to their units printed forms calling
for the information as fast as the
How-
units ratify COMPO participation.
ever, some exhibitors are asking whether
or not the figures will be kept confidential.
Some have suggested that they prefer
to pay dues on a seat or an abilityto-pay
basis.
Theatres and Affiliated Industries, Southern
California Theatre Owners Ass'n, which
was meeting over the weekend; Colorado
Ass'n of Theatre Owners, Florida Theatre
Owners Ass'n, Motion Picture Theatre Owners
£ind Operators of Georgia, United Theatre
Owners of Illinois, Kansas-Missouri Theatre
Ass'n, Kentucky Ass'n of Theatre Owners,
MPTO of St. Louis, Eastern Missouri and
Southern Illinois, Nebraska Theatre Ass'n,
Theatre Owners of Albany, New York Exchange
Area; Motion Picture Theatre Owners
of New York State, Theatre Owners of
North and South Carolina, United MPTO
of Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey
and Delaware, Theatre Owners of Rhode
Island, Virginia Motion Picture Theatre
Ass'n and Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
West Virginia. Only one, according to TOA
records, has a meeting scheduled. That is
the Georgia unit, which will meet May 13-15.
New
Independent Theatre Owners Ass'n of
York has ratified COMPO, and it is certain
that Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres
Ass'n of New York will do so at a meeting
to be called in about a month. Pacific Coast
Conference of Independent Theatre Owners
has not reached a decision as yet.
Like TOA, National Allied has ratified
COMPO on the national level. Allied of New
Jersey has done so on the regional level. Allied
Theatre Owners of Michigan have just
voted to apply for membership and two
members of Independent Exhibitors of New
England, W. L. Bendslev of Wellesley,
Mass., and Albert D. Lourie of Dorchester,
Mass., have mailed their pledges and checks,
with others expected to follow from that
area.
There are 20 National Allied regional units.
To date, only one, the Eastern Pennsylvania
unit, has clearly shown its lack of interest In
TO SEND THEIR DUES DIRECT
COMPO by declining to take any action at
Approached
all at its recent meeting. However, the storm
Protest Dues System
signals are up in the offices of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio from which
members have received a bulletin protesting
that "representatives of all other organizations
were invited, except National Allied," to
a COMPO meeting on theatre business late
in February.
One paragraph read: "We have made an
investigation and have ascertained that no
National Allied official was given any notice
of or invited to the meeting, and until this
matter is straightened out to the entire satisfaction
of the officers and directors of this
organization, we urge our members to withhold
all future dues payments to COMPO."
MAIN REVENUE SOURCES
COMPO revenue must come from exhibitors
and distributors, with the latter
matching the amounts contributed by exhibitors.
Variety Clubs International, which
has ratified COMPO, is not a dues-paying
group, neither is the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers which is expected
to ratify at its next general meeting, not yet
scheduled. Any contributions which members
of the Society of Independent Motion
Picture Producers may make will be through
their releasing organizations.
Distributor revenue will be derived from
the majors, members of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America which has ratified COMPO.
However, with many independent producers
having released in the past and planning to
do so in the future through United Artists
and Eagle Lion Classics, which are not in
the COMPO picture, it seems as though those
sources of revenue will be absent. Independents
like Goldwyn and Disney releasing
through RKO, of course, are in the picture.
All this adds up to a period of uncertainty
chiefly because of the number of exhibitor
regional units which must pass individually
on COMPO before taking any official position
that their members should contribute.
However, there is nothing to prevent any individual
exhibitor from pledging his financial
support.
PROGRAM GOING FORWARD
Meanwhile, COMPO, now largely
supported
by contributions from the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America and large circuits, is going
ahead with its planning to stimulate boxoffice
attendance, improve the industry's
public relations, cooperate with the government,
improve relations among all factors of
the industry, combat discriminatory legislation
and taxation and set up research for
better guidance of all branches of the industry,
the objectives as stated on the new
pledge cards.
During the week S. Barret McCormick,
RKO advertising-publicity head, acting as
chairman of that group affiliated with
MPAA, has asked group members to submit
ideas for what has been generally described
as a film festival, to be conducted
under COMPO auspices. The ideas will be
(Continued on next page)
8 BOXOFnCE March 10. 1051

No Shortage of Carbons
Seen by Manufacturer
NEW YORK—In a news release appearing
in the motion picture press under
a March 2 dateline, attention was
called to a shortage of monazite sand
as a raw material essential in the production
of carbons for projectors, spot
lamps and other equipment used in the
motion picture industry.
Quick to realize the trade disturbances
that might be caused by such reports,
National Carbon Co. said that in its
opinion there will be an adequate supply
of carbons in the foreseeable future
and that, as a consequence, there is no
need for theatres and suppliers to overstock.
The company announced to
the trade
last December, at the time of the issuance
of Copper Conservation Order
M-12, its viewpoint that an adequate supply
of carbons was assured. Despite current
reports, the company at this time
does not foresee any change in this outlook.
COMPO
(Continued from preceding page)
passed along to a committee to be named by
Ned E. Depinet, RKO and COMPO president,
when he returns from the coast.
COMPO has said it doesn't like the word
"festival." It would much prefer something
like "Greater Movie Season." It thinks the
public would confuse a U.S. industry "festival"
with those being held in Europe and
South America and which are becoming so
numerous as to lose prestige.
COMPO also is greatly interested in the
The TOA
visit of Gael Sullivan to the coast.
executive director said before he left that
he will approach studio heads in furtherance
of a COMPO seminar plan to combat public
criticism by telling how the industry operates.
COMPO said it hoped Sullivan will press
other COMPO projects, including the Starmakers
Contest and an exposition.
Sullivan left Tuesday (6) by train with
Herman M. Levy, TOA general counsel, and
both will attend the March 9-11 meeting of
the Southern California Theatre Owners
Ass'n in Los Angeles to urge participation in
COMPO.
In the meantime, Arthur L. Mayer, COMPO
executive vice-president, and Robert W.
Coyne, counsel, will be scanning the returns
from the pledge cards mailed exhibitors.
There should be an indication of the extent
of the response within a short time.
In his formal notification to COMPO that
the Motion Picture Industry Council has
ratified the COMPO bylaw changes. Art
Arthur, executive secretary, has asked for
prompt ratification by all member organizations.
"The industry continues to face many complex
and difficult problems," he wrote.
"These problems can best be met under a
formula which makes possible drawing upon
the best brains of
the industry when, where,
how and as needed—in other words, the
COMPO formula."
He added: "COMPO has a great script.
Now let's put it in production."
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951
NPA Willing to 'Talk Over
Easing of Building Ban
WASHINGTON—The National
Production
Authority will meet with representatives of
the motion picture equipment manufacturers
to consider easing the ban against theatre
construction, if three members of the industry
advisory committee request it, Nathan D.
Golden, chief of NPA's motion picture division,
said Tuesday (6). One such request,
from J. Robert Hoff, of the Ballantyne Co.,
in Omaha, has already been received.
Hoff based his request on World War II
regulations, which provided exemptions from
the building ban in theatreless areas, where
population movements made it desirable, or
near war industries or camps where new theatres
would benefit morale. These conditions
are part of NPA's order governing commercial
construction, M-4, but construction of
amusement facilities is under a flat ban.
EXEMPTIONS SEEN LIKELY
Prospects for getting such an exemption,
which would permit the building of a theatre
when it could be shown to be in the public
interest, appear to be very favorable. Informal
statements by NPA officials indicate
that while the language is not In the order,
"common sense" would govern the treatment
of such applications. Some supporting evi-
in the case of an
dence would be necessary;
application to build near a training camp
a statement by the commanding officer
should be submitted; in the case of a defense
plant or government facility the statement
should come from the official in charge.
Hoff told Golden that during World War
II "when our country was engaged 100 per
cent in the war effort, provisions were made
in orders, promulgated at that time banning
theatre construction, for exceptions to be
entertained where a need could be shown
for a theatre because (1) one had never been
built in a given area, or (2) movements of
population, due to war industries, and camjjs,
called for the construction of a theatre for
morale purposes."
Hoff then called attention to the fact that
"in the present emergency, the people have
been given to understand that the industry
of the country is only on a 35 per cent war
basis, and 65 per cent of the productivity
and raw materials of the country were being
channeled into civilian use. Under these
circumstances, I believe the department
should be permitted to issue permits in special
cases where the need can be shown for
a theatre under the same circumstances as
during World War 11."
Iron, Steel Cutback Ordered;
Affects Theatre Equipment
WASHINGTON—The National Production
Authority Wednesday (7) cut back the
use of steel for theatre seats, show and display
cases, cabinets and counters, radio and
television sets, and 8mm motion picture
cameras and projectors.
NPA ordered manufacturers of some 150
consumer durable goods, including automobiles,
household appliances and signs and
advertising displays in addition to those
items directly affecting the film industry,
to use only 80 per cent as much iron and
steel in making these products from the second
quarter of 1951 on, as they used in the
average quarter of the first six months of
1950.
The agency also cut back from 80 to 75
per cent of the base period of consumption
the amount of copper permitted to be used
by fabricators. Fabricators of aluminum will
be permitted to maintain the 65 per cent
rate in effect this month. However, no further
restriction was placed on the amount of
copper and aluminum to be used by the
consumer durable goods producers.
NPA emphasized that the order did not
put any ceiling on the rate of output of
consumer durable goods, with manufacturers
allowed to maintain the highest rate possible
by conservation and substitution. It also
said no limit was being put on the use of
steel for replacement parts.
NPA Turns Down Six Applications
For Theatre
WASHINGTON—The National
Construction Jobs
Production
Authority has announced decisions on six
applications for exemptions for motion picture
theatres. The entire group was rejected.
Included was one application for a drive-in,
two for remodeling and additions to existing
theatres, two for new theatres, and one for
an addition to provide ground floor sanitary
facilities for an existing theatre.
This is probably the last batch of applications
outside the Washington area to be
handled by the central office, and was in the
works before regional offices were granted
authority to act locally on such pleas. In the
future, only "big" applications, involving
more than a million dollars or 50 tons of
steel, will be sent directly to Washington.
The six applications denied:
Sanford, N. C—Drive-in theatre, O. C.
Cagle.
Birmingham, Ala.—Remodeling of theatre
building. $100,000. R. M. Kennedy.
St. Louis—Theatre, $550,000. Bernard
Steinger.
Dallas—Addition to theatre to provide sanitary
facilities. $9,800. Interstate Circuit, Inc.
Midland, Tex.—Addition to theatre, $54,000.
J. Howard Hodge.
North Bend, Ore.—Theatre. Jones Enterprises,
Inc., Portland, Ore.

T^ttjUc ^eat^
Allied States Convention
Scheduled October 28
National confab to be held In New York
at the Biltmore hotel for five days; New Jersey
unit to be host; Theatre Equipment
Manufacturers Ass'n to contribute displays.
*
Labels Reports 'Unfounded'
On Cutbacks of Raw Film
Nathan D. Golden, chief of the motion
picture division of the National Production
Authority, says Eastman Kodak and DuPont
are not ready to announce such deliveries.
Eric Johnston Will Report
On Price Control by Air
Progress on work of Economic Stabilization
Agency set over CBS network March 22
and April 5 to cover business-labor-farm cooperation;
spoke on commodities March 9.
*
American Arbitration Ass'n
Now Covers Entire U.S.
Expands facilities to "every industrial nook
and cranny" and alerts its 12,500 arbitrators
to be on 24-hour call to settle labor and
business disputes anywhere in the country.
*
Ohio Drive-Ins Oppose
Proposed Tax Boost
Measure introduced in state legislal
would allow township trustees to levy 3 per
cent admission taxes and reinstate the state
3 per cent admissions levy.
32% of UK Quota Failure
By 3 Major Circuits
Defaults last year were registered by 2,335
theatres on first feature quotas, while 1,864
theatres filled or exceeded; reduced quotas
granted 1,510 theatres in United Kingdom.
*
Robert P. Young New Head
Of Ansco Picture Sales
Eastern sales manager for the past two
year.s advanced by James Porrestal, vicepresident
of General Aniline and Ozalid;
succeeds J. Kneeland Nunan, who has resigned.
'Miracle' Appeal Scheduled
For March 12 in Albany
Appellate division to hear arguments to
review the Board of Regents action canceling
the license for the Italian film, on the
grounds that it is sacrilegious.
Musicians Federation Calls
Radio-TV Strike March 14
Local 802 membership to walk out of networks
In New York City at 6 p. m.; negotiations
for increased wage scales recently
suspended Indefinitely.
Congress Opens Hearings
On Hollywood 'Reds
WASHINGTON—The house un-American
activities committee failed Thursday (8) to
elicit any information concerning suspected
Communists and Communist- front organizations
in Hollywood from V. J. Jerome, reported
to be chairman of the cultural commission
of the Communist party.
Jerome, who is alleged to have been active
in reorganizing the Communist party in
Hollywood and in many pro-Red organizations
composed of film, radio and television
personalities there, refused to answer more
than 100 questions concerning his connections
with both the individuals and the
groups, on the grounds that they might tend
to incriminate him.
WHY JEROME WAS CALLED
Principal reason for calling Jerome, according
to committee sources, was to gain
"some information connecting him with
Hollywood activities, and in order to lay the
foundation for the Hollywood hearings." The
committee is expected to call some 40 or 50
film figures to testify on Communist activity
in Hollywood, beginning March 21.
Whatever information the members hoped
to get out of Jerome still was being sought
at the end of the day. The Polish-born
"writer and editor" stood on his constitutional
privilege of refusing to testify on the
grounds of self-incrimination except in a
very few instances. On the advice of his attorney,
Paul Powe of New York, he told the
committee that he had the discretion of determining
whether a specific question might
tend to incriminate him, regardless of
whether or not the committee members
thought so.
He not only declined to admit being connected
with the party, either as head of the
cultural commission or as an instructor of
the Hollywood branch of the party on Marxism
and the theory of communism, but also
refused to answer questions concerning his
acquaintance with more than a score of film
personalities and his connections with a number
of suspected front organizations.
REFUSES TO TALK OF THESE
Among the persons and organizations Jerome refused
to talk about were: New Century Publishing
House, League of American Writers, Hollywood
Writers Mobilization, the magazine "Clipper," People's
Educational Center, Hollywood Quarterly, writer
Gordon Kahn (editor of "Clipper"), Sam Moore
(chairman of the radio subcommittee of the Hollywood
Writers Mobilization), writer Waldo Salt (associate
editor of the "Clipper"), Actors Laboratory,
Hollywood Chapter of the Arts, Science and Professions,
actor J. Edward Bromberg, Stanley Lawrence
(alleged to be in charge of Hollywood communist
party activities in 1936), Dr. Inez Decker,
James Thorme, Eva Shaffron, Rudy Lambert (alleged
to be four members of the Communist party executive
committee in Los Angeles).
Hollywood Anti-Nazi League (or its reported activities
in organizing among the film crafts and
guilds, including carpenters, technicians, screen
writers and screen actors guilds, or in directing
that the league be used to bring non-communist
"Hollywood personalities" into contact with the
party, writer Donald Oqden Stewart, Marian Spitzer,
Alan Campbell, Bern Bernard (all officers of the
league), the Hollywood League for Democratic
Action, director Frank Tultle, writer Dudley Nichols
(officers of the League for Democratic Action), actor
John Qarfield and his alleged connections with the
Anti-Nazi League, Robert Leeds (member of the
executive board of the School for Writers), Robert
Rossen, Paul Franklin, Pauline Lauber Flynn ((officer*
of the Hollywood Writer* Mobilization), playwright
Marc Connelly (chairman of the Hollywood
Writers Congress held at the University of California
in Berkeley in 1943), Charles Katz and Ben Margolis
(attorneys for the ten industry figures convicted of
contempt of Congress after the 1947 Un-American
hearing) and other faculty members of the Peoples
Educational Center, including Earl Robinson, Carl
Winter (Los Angeles Communist party secretary).
Revels Cayton and Viola Brothers Shore, and writer
Norman Corwin.
Following the hearings, the committee went
into closed session to question Jerome regarding
a list of some 300 persons in Hollywood
used by the Communist party in the
solicitation of funds—for the party and also
for such suspected front organizations as the
Committee for Spanish Aid and the publication
"New South."
In the vast majority of cases it was learned
later from committee members, Jerome refused
to say whether he knew the individuals
on the list, or whether he knew they were
Communists. In a few instances, however, he
denied knowing the people named and also
said he had no knowledge concerning their
membership in the party. The fact that he
deviated from his constitutional protection in
a few cases, said committee members, may
prove a source of valuable information to the
committee—on the theory that the ones he
refused to discuss must be known by him
since he was willing to deny any acquaintance
with the exceptions.
Committee members declined to disclose
any of the names on the list, but one said
that it contained "some of the biggest names
on the screen today."
Court Denies New Trial
In K. C. Brookside Case
KANSAS CITY—In a move for a new
trial, attorneys for nine film companies appeared
in federal district court Thursday (8)
and charged the jury verdict as "fantastic"
in the recent antitrust suit brought by the
Brookside Theatre Corp. Early in January
tripled damages of $1,125,000, based on a
verdict of $375,000, were awarded to the
corporation which operated the Brookside
Theatre in 1937 and sold out later that year
to Pox Midwest "because of inability to get
suitable feature films."
The appeal, however, failed to impress the
court. Judge Richard M. Duncan refused the
plea for a new trial the same day.
John Caskey and William E. Kemp, attorneys
for the film companies, made the
charge before Judge Richard M. Duncan.
Both lawyers alleged that "prejudicial evidence
and inflammatory closing arguments
put the Jury in the frame of mind," to return
a verdict for the maximum amount of damages.
In answering the charges, William G. Boatright,
attorney for the Brookside Theatre
Corp. said, "the attorneys are looking for a
scapegoat. The case could not have been
tried better."
W. D. Pulton and Stanley H. Schwartz formerly
operated the Brookside Theatre.
10 BOXOFTICE :: March 10, 1951

I
I
I
I
I
Independents Confident
Of UA Success: Arnall
ATLANTA — Independent
producers
have great confidence in the new United
Artists regime and are now going ahead
with production plans held up during the
company's reorganization, Ellis Arnall,
president of the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers, said on his arrival
here Tuesday (6) from the coast.
He will be In his New York office Tuesday
(13).
Arnall said that a general meeting of
SIMPP members previously planned had
not been held while he was on the coast
because of the absence of a number of
members, some of whom were In Europe
and some In the east. A general meeting
will be held later, he said, but no date
has been set.
On arrival In New York, Arnall will
tackle a number of problems closely affecting
the Independents, among them
the raw film stock situation, which the
independents regard as serious, and the
fixing of a formula with the German
industry for Import licenses for U.S.
films.
He also planned to meet with the Italian
delegation due In New York, in an
effort, In collaboration with the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America, to find solutions
to Import problems in Italy.
Film Salesman Exemption
From Wage Freeze Asked
MILWAUKEE — David Beznor, general
counsel for the Colosseum of Motion Picture
Salesmen, this week wired Eric Johnston,
economic stabilizer, asking that wages of film
salesmen for major distributors be exempted
from the wage freeze.
"Aside from the questionable legal right
to freeze wages in industries exempt from
price controls, film salesmen salaries are
lagging far behind the cost of living," he
said. He asked that the Colosseum be given
an immediate opportunity to be heard on Its
appeal.
Francis, the Talking Mule,
Wins First 'Patsy' Award
HOLLYWOOD—Francis, the talking mule,
won the American Humane Association's
first annual "Patsy" award as the best animal
actor of 1950. In a presentation ceremony
at the Carthay Circle Theatre March
7, Francis was decorated with a statuette.
Bonzo, chimpanzee star of U-I's "Bedtime
for Bonzo," was to have presented the
awards, with the aid of Ronald Reagan,
actor. But Bonzo was killed with several
other animals In a fire at an animal compound
in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Bonzo,
whose real name is Tamba, won an award
last year for his work in Paramount's "My
Friend Irma Goes West."
Other winners of the American Humane
award were Flame, an acting police dog;
Black Diamond, a movie horse; Jackie, a
movie lion; Jerry Brown, another horse, and
Lassie, the dog.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
Heineman Tells His Staff
UA Outlook Is Bright
NEW YORK—One of the first official acts
of William J. Heineman after taking over at
United Artists as vice-president in charge of
distribution was to send a wire to all members
of the sales force saying, "I know that
given a steady flow of quality product you
will come through with the kind of performance
that will again place United Artists
among the very top majors of the Industry."
Heineman pointed out expressions of goodwill
and cooperation which have come in
from leading exhibitors, and said that independent
producers were "rallying to the
UA banner."
He promised a quick list of new product
for the next 90 days.
"This is the happiest day of my life In
joining you at United Artists, having firsthand
knowledge of your wonderful record of
accomplishments," the wire began.
LAUDS SALES FORCE
"In my opinion no company In the industry
has had a harder hitting sales force
on quality product and I know that given
a steady flow of quality product you will
come through with the kind of performance
that will again place United Artists among
the top majors of the industry.
"There Is no mystery in distribution. All
that is required is know-how—enthusiasm
and the will to work. Every person in this
company will be given ample opportunity to
prove his worth by pulling his own weight in
the tremendous job that lies before us.
"My confidence and my enthusiasm are
heightened by the very able leadership of
Arthur Krim and his associates. I am happy
and fortunate that Grad Sears has consented
to remain with us and to work with me and
I am grateful for the privilege of being able
to utilize his great ability and experience.
EXPRESSIONS OF GOODWILL
"The expressions of goodwill and cooperation
that have poured in to us during the
past few days from the leading exhibitors
both independent and circuit throughout the
nation are conclusive proof of the great opportunity
that will be offered us. Furthermore,
leading independent producers and
agents representing top personalities are
rallying to our banner and are pledging the
top independent product now available and
to be made available in the future.
"Every day solid progress is being made in
the closing of important talent and product.
"This is it, boys! The chance of a lifetime
for you, for me and for every person
in every capacity connected with United
Artists. My very best wishes to you all."
Meanwhile it was announced that rental
returns from films released by UA for independent
producers will be received by
Walter E. Heller & Co. and deposited in a
special bank account under the terms of the
financial arrangement made by Arthur B.
Krim and his associates with the Chicago
banking firm.
Disbursements will be made only with the
countersignature by a representative of both
companies. The purpose is to assure producers
that their share of rentals will not be
used for any other purpose.
This applies to all films in current release,
the aim being, according to Krim , to
strengthen the confidence of banks and
other financial institutions.
The step, Krim's announcement read, is
designed not only to provide greater security
for active UA producers, but to create a fairer
financial climate for them and for all independent
producers.
The Heller company, however, wUl assume
no responsibility for the preparation of the
accountings of the disbursements, nor for
distribution in proper proportion to various
parties entitled to shares. This responsibility
will continue to be with United Artists.
Roster of New Officers
For UA Is Completed
NEW YORK—The roster of new officers
of United Artists has been completed by
Arthur B. Krim, president, as follows:
William J. Heineman, vice-president in
charge of distribution; Max E. Youngstein,
vice-president and national director of advertising;
Seymour M. Peyser, vice-president
and general counsel; Gradwell Sears, vicepresident;
Seward I. Benjamin, secretary;
H. J. Muller, treasurer; Loyd Wright and H.
J. Muller, assistant secretaries; H. A. Weimer
and Seward I. Benjamin, treasurers.
At the same time it was announced Leon
Roth, in charge of national tleups and promotion
for UA, has been named assistant to
Al Tamarin, publicity manager, by Youngstein.
Under the new setup. Roth will continue
handling the national tleups and promotion,
Integrating this with the total publicity,
trade relations and exploitation program.
Roth joined UA in June 1943 as a feature
writer and was subsequently named pressbook
editor and then promotion manager.
Blanket Retail Levy Asked
To Replace Excise Taxes
WASHINGTON—Replacement of
virtually
all existing excise taxes with a blanket retall
sales tax was proposed Wednesday (7)
by the National Committee for Fair Emergency
Excise Taxation.
Last year this group, consisting of officials
of corporations whose industries are hit by
excises was known as the National Committee
for Repeal of the Wartime Excises, and
Eric Johnston, president of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America, was a vice-chairman.
The new plan presented by the committee
to the house ways and means committee
calls for repeal of the present 20 per cent
admissions tax and all other excises except
those on alcohol, tobacco and gasoline. A
sales tax would be placed on all items now
subject to these excises, and on all other retail
items except food, medicine, rent and a
few others. The committee made no recommendation
regarding the rate at which the
proposed tax would be levied, but it would
certainly be lower than 10 per cent.
II

^
Allied States Convention
Scheduled October 28
National confab to be held in New York
at the Biltmore hotel for five days; New Jersey
unit to be host; Theatre Equipment
Manufacturers Ass'n to contribute displays.
Labels Reports 'Unfounded'
On Cutbacks of Raw Film
Nathan D. Golden, chief of the motion
picture division of the National Production
Authority, says Eastman Kodak and DuPont
are not ready to announce such deliveries.
Eric Johnston Will Report
On Price Control by Air
Progress on work of Economic Stabilization
Agency set over CBS network March 22
and April 5 to cover business-labor-farm cooperation;
spoke on commodities March 9.
*
American Arbitration Ass'n
Now Covers Entire U.S.
Expands facilities to "every industrial nook
and cranny" and alerts its 12,500 arbitrators
to be on 24-hour call to settle labor and
business disputes anywhere in the country.
Ohio Drive-Ins Oppose
Proposed Tax Boost
Measure introduced in state legislature
would allow township trustees to levy 3 per
cent admission taxes and reinstate the state
3 per cent admissions levy.
32% of UK Quota FaUure
By 3 Major Circuits
Defaults last year were registered by 2,335
theatres on first feature quotas, while 1,864
theatres filled or exceeded; reduced quotas
granted 1,510 theatres in United Kingdom.
Robert P. Young New Head
Of Ansco Picture Sales
Eastern sales manager for the past two
years advanced by James Forrestal, vicepresident
of General Aniline and Ozalid;
succeeds J. Kneeland Nunan, who has resigned.
'Miracle' Appeal Scheduled
For March 12 in Albany
Appellate division to hear arguments to
review the Board of Regents action canceling
the llcen.se for the Italian film, on the
grounds that it is sacrilegious.
Musicians Federation Calls
Radio-TV Strike March 14
Local 802 membership to walk out of networks
in New York City at 6 p. m.; negotiations
for increased wage scales recently
suspended indefinitely.
Congress Opens Hearings
On Hollywood 'Reds'
WASHINGTON—The house un-American
activities committee failed Thursday (8) to
elicit any information concerning suspected
Communists and Communist-front organizations
in Hollywood from V. J. Jerome, reported
to be chairman of the cultural commission
of the Communist party.
Jerome, who is alleged to have been active
in reorganizing the Communist party in
Hollywood and in many pro-Bed organizations
composed of film, radio and television
personalities there, refused to answer more
than 100 questions concerning his connections
with both the individuals and the
groups, on the grounds that they might tend
to incriminate him.
WHY JEROME WAS CALLED
Principal reason for calling Jerome, according
to committee sources, was to gain
"some information connecting him with
Hollywood activities, and in order to lay the
foundation for the Hollywood hearings." The
committee is expected to call some 40 or 50
film figures to testify on Communist activity
in Hollywood, beginning March 21.
Whatever information the members hoped
to get out of Jerome still was being sought
at the end of the day. The Polish-born
"writer and editor" stood on his constitutional
privilege of refusing to testify on the
grounds of self-incrimination except in a
very few instances. On the advice of his attorney,
Paul Powe of New York, he told the
committee that he had the discretion of determining
whether a specific question might
tend to incriminate him, regardless of
whether or not the committee members
thought so.
He not only declined to admit being connected
with the party, either as head of the
cultural commission or as an instructor of
the Hollywood branch of the party on Marxism
and the theory of communism, but also
refused to answer questions concerning his
acquaintance with more than a score of film
personalities and his connections with a number
of suspected front organizations.
REFUSES TO TALK OF THESE
Among the persons and organizations lerome refused
to talk about were: New Century Publishing
House, League o( American Writers, Hollywood
Writers Mobilization, the magazine "Clipper," People's
Educational Center, Hollywood Quarterly, writer
Gordon Kahn (editor ol "Clipper"), Sam Moore
(chairman oi the radio subcommittee of the Hollywood
Writers Mobilization), writer Waldo Salt (associate
editor of the "Clipper"), Actors Laboratory,
Hollywood Chapter of the Arts, Science and Professions,
actor I. Edward Bromberg, Stanley Lawrence
(alleged to be in charge of Hollywood communist
party activities in 1936). Dr. Inez Decker,
James Thorme, Eva Shaffron, Rudy Lambert (alleged
to be four members of the Communist party executive
committee in Los Angeles).
Hollywood Anti-Nazi League (or its reported activities
in organizing among the film crafts and
guilds, including carpenters, technicians, screen
writers and screen actors guilds, or in directing
that the league be used to bring non-communist
"Hollywood personalities" into contact with the
party, writer Donald Ogden Stewart, Marian Spitzer,
Alan Campbell, Bern Bernard (all officers of the
league), the Hollywood League for Democratic
Action, director Frank Tultle, writer Dudley Nichols
(officers of the League for Democratic Action), actor
John Qarfield and his alleged connections with the
Anti-Nazi League, Robert Leeds (member of the
executive board of the School for Writers), Robert
Rossen, Paul Franklin, Pauline Lauber Flynn ((officers
of the Hollywood Writers Mobilization), playwright
Marc Connelly (chairman of the Hollywood
Writers Congress held at the University of California
in Berkeley in 1943), Charles Katz and Ben Margolis
(attorneys for the ten industry figures convicted of
contempt oi Congress after the 1947 Un-American
hearing) and other faculty members of the Peoples
Educational Center, including Earl Robinson, Carl
Winter (Los Angeles Communist party secretary).
Revels Cayton and Viola Brothers Shore, and wruer
Norman Corwin.
Following the hearings, the committee went
into closed session to question Jerome regarding
a list of some 300 persons in Hollywood
used by the Communist party in the
solicitation of funds—for the party and also
for such suspected front organizations as the
Committee for Spanish Aid and the publication
"New South."
In the vast majority of cases it was learned
later from committee members, Jerome refused
to say whether he knew the individuals
on the list, or whether he knew they were
Communists. In a few instances, however, he
denied knowing the people named and also
said he had no knowledge concerning their
membership in the party. The fact that he
deviated from his constitutional protection in
a few cases, said committee members, may
prove a source of valuable information to the
committee—on the theory that the ones he
refused to discuss must be known by him
since he was willing to deny any acquaintance
with the exceptions.
Committee members declined to disclose
any of the names on the list, but one said
that it contained "some of the biggest names
on the screen today."
Court Denies New Trial
In E. C. Brookside Case
KANSAS CITY—In a move for a new
trial, attorneys for nine film companies appeared
in federal district court Thursday (8)
and charged the jury verdict as "fantastic"
in the recent antitrust suit brought by the
Brookside Theatre Corp. Early in January
tripled damages of $1,125,000, based on a
verdict of $375,000, were awarded to the
corporation which operated the Brookside
Theatre in 1937 and sold out later that year
to Pox Midwest "because of inability to get
suitable feature films."
The appeal, however, failed to impress the
court. Judge Richard M. Duncan refused the
plea for a new trial the same day.
John Caskey and William E. Kemp, attorneys
for the film companies, made the
charge before Judge Richard M. Duncan.
Both lawyers alleged that "prejudicial evidence
and inflammatory closing arguments
put the jury in the frame of mind," to return
a verdict for the maximum amount of damages.
In answering the charges, William O. Boatright,
attorney for the Brookside Theatre
Corp. said, "the attorneys are looking for a
scapegoat. The case could not have been
tried better."
W. D. Pulton and Stanley H. Schwartz formerly
operated the Brookside Theatre.
10 BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951

Independents Confident
Of UA Success: Arnall
ATLANTA — Independent
producers
have great confidence in the new United
Artists regime and are now going ahead
with production plans held up during the
company's reorganization, Ellis Arnall,
president of the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers, said on his arrival
here Tuesday (6) from the coast.
He will be in his New York office Tuesday
(13).
Arnall said that a general meeting of
SIMPP members previously planned had
not been held while he was on the coast
because of the absence of a number of
members, some of whom were in Europe
and some in the east. A general meeting
will be held later, he said, but no date
has been set.
On arrival in New York, Arnall will
tackle a number of problems closely affecting
the independents, among them
the raw film stock situation, which the
independents regard as serious, and the
fixing of a formula with the German
industry for import licenses for U.S.
films.
He also planned to meet with the Italian
delegation due in New York, in an
effort, in collaboration with the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America, to find solutions
to import problems in Italy.
Film Salesman Exemption
From Wage Freeze Asked
MILWAUKEE — David Beznor, general
counsel for the Colosseum of Motion Picture
Salesmen, this week wired Eric Johnston,
economic stabilizer, asking that wages of film
salesmen for major distributors be exempted
from the wage freeze.
"Aside from the questionable legal right
to freeze wages in industries exempt from
price controls, film salesmen salaries are
lagging far behind the cost of living," he
said. He asked that the Colosseum be given
an immediate opportunity to be heard on its
appeal.
Francis, the Talking Mule,
Wins First 'Patsy' Award
HOLLYWOOD—Francis,
the talking mule,
won the American Humane Association's
first annual "Patsy" award as the best animal
actor of 1950. In a presentation ceremony
at the Carthay Circle Theatre March
7, Francis was decorated with a statuette.
Bonzo, chimpanzee star of U-I's "Bedtime
for Bonzo," was to have presented the
awards, with the aid of Ronald Reagan,
actor. But Bonzo was killed with several
other animals in a fire at an animal compound
in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Bonzo,
whose real name is Tamba, won an award
last year for his work in Paramount's "My
Friend Irma Goes West."
Other winners of the American Humane
award were Flame, an acting police dog;
Black Diamond, a movie horse; Jackie, a
movie lion; Jerry Brown, another horse, and
Lassie, the dog.
Heineman Tells His Staff
UA Outlook Is Bright
NEW YORK—One of the first official acts
of William J. Heineman after taking over at
United Artists as vice-president in charge of
distribution was to send a wire to all members
of the sales force saying, "I know that
given a steady flow of quality product you
will come through with the kind of performance
that will again place United Artists
among the very top majors of the industry."
Heineman pointed out expressions of goodwill
and cooperation which have come in
from leading exhibitors, and said that independent
producers were "rallying to the
UA banner."
He promised a quick list of new product
for the next 90 days.
"This is the happiest day of my life in
joining you at United Artists, having firsthand
knowledge of your wonderful record of
accomplishments," the wire began.
LAUDS SALES FORCE
"In my opinion no company in the industry
has had a harder hitting sales force
on quality product and I know that given
a steady flow of quality product you will
come through with the kind of performance
that will again place United Artists among
the top majors of the industry.
"There is no mystery in distribution. All
that is required is know-how—enthusiasm
and tlie will to work. Every person in this
be given ample opportunity to
company will
prove his worth by pulling his own weight in
the tremendous job that lies before us.
"My confidence and my enthusiasm are
heightened by the very able leadership of
Arthur Krim and his associates. I am happy
and fortunate that Grad Sears has consented
to remain with us and to work with me and
I am grateful for the privilege of being able
to utilize his great ability and experience.
EXPRESSIONS OF GOODWILL
"The expressions of goodwill and cooperation
that have poured in to us during the
past few days from the leading exhibitors
both independent and circuit throughout the
nation are conclusive proof of the great opportunity
that will be offered us. Furthermore,
leading independent producers and
agents representing top personalities are
rallying to our banner and are pledging the
top independent product now available and
to be made available in the future.
"Every day solid progress is being made in
the closing of important talent and product.
"This is it, boys! The chance of a lifetime
for you, for me and for every person
in every capacity connected with United
Artists. My very best wishes to you all."
Meanwhile it was announced that rental
returns from films released by UA for independent
producers will be received by
Walter E. Heller & Co. and deposited in a
special bank account under the terms of the
financial arrangement made by Arthur B.
Krim and his associates with the Chicago
banking firm.
Disbursements will be made only with the
countersignature by a representative of both
companies. The purpose Is to assure producers
that their share of rentals will not be
used for any other purpose.
This applies to all films in current release,
the aim being, according to Krim , to
strengthen the confidence of banks and
other financial institutions.
The step, Krim's announcement read, is
designed not only to provide greater security
for active UA producers, but to create a fairer
financial climate for them and for all independent
producers.
The Heller company, however, will assume
no responsibility for the preparation of the
accountings of the disbursements, nor for
distribution in proper proportion to various
parties entitled to shares. This responsibility
will continue to be with United Artists.
Roster of New Officers
For UA Is Completed
NEW YORK—The roster of new officers
of United Artists has been completed by
Arthur B. Krim, president, as follows:
William J. Heineman, vice-president in
charge of distribution; Max E. Youngstein,
vice-president and national director of advertising;
Seymour M. Peyser, vice-president
and general counsel; Gradwell Sears, vicepresident;
Seward I. Benjamin, secretary;
H. J. Muller, treasurer; Loyd Wright and H.
J. Muller, assistant secretaries; H. A. Weimer
and Seward I. Benjamin, treasurers.
At the same time it was announced Leon
Roth, in charge of national tieups and promotion
for UA, has been named assistant to
Al Tamarin, publicity manager, by Youngstein.
Under the new setup. Roth will continue
handling the national tieups and promotion,
integrating this with the total publicity,
trade relations and exploitation program.
Roth joined UA in June 1943 as a feature
writer and was subsequently named pressbook
editor and then promotion manager.
Blanket Retail Levy Asked
To Replace Excise Taxes
WASHINGTON—Replacement of virtually
all existing excise taxes with a blanket retail
sales tax was proposed Wednesday (7)
by the National Committee for Fair Emergency
Excise Taxation.
Last year this group, consisting of officials
of corporations whose industries are hit by
excises was known as the National Committee
for Repeal of the Wartime Excises, and
Eric Johnston, president of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America, was a vice-chairman.
The new plan presented by the committee
to the house ways and means committee
calls for repeal of the present 20 per cent
admissions tax and all other excises except
those on alcohol, tobacco and gasoline. A
sales tax would be placed on all items now
subject to these excises, and on all other retail
items except food, medicine, rent and a
few others. The committee made no recommendation
regarding the rate at which the
proposed tax would be levied, but it would
certainly be lower than 10 per cent.
BOXOFFICE :
: March
10, 1951 11

For that
yfery Important ^Idiydate
book that
yfery Important picture
that's getting
^ery \mjpot\ant praise
and features that
Ifexy Important (Personality
"Best find of '51 !"
"She's sockeroo!"
—Louella Parsons
— Variety
"Nothing short of superb!"
— Harrison's Reports
"New star of Marie Dressier type."
— Ed Sullivan
"Will be nominated for Academy Award."
(And she is!) —Columnist Sheila Graham
"Hollywood's most talked about new star."
— Associated Press
"She is simply magnificent !" — Film Bulletin
"She wraps up everything in spite of sharp
competition." — Photoplay
'Most capable comedienne since Marie
— Daily Variety
Dressier.'
If it's a Paramount pictur

...Easter ,
* . The
PARAMOUNTS VERY FUNNY COMEDY
ABOUT THE MOTHER OF THE GROOM
"Slickest flicker since *Father of the
rSncIe .
—Hy Gardner, N. Y. Herald Tribune
*'One of 1951 boxoffice winners."
— Boxofice
"One of most entertaining pictures
I've ever seen."— L^j^^r Grady, Screenland
"Best comedy of the year."
— Movie Stars Parade
tt
tt
The surprise enchantment of year."
— Modern Screen
To be conservative— it's just plain
great.
— Columnist Edith Gwynn
"Merriest comedy in months!"
— Coronet
ttT, »
It's a delight to seel"
'Kind of movie a//2igQS want to see."
Gene Tierney
"^
and
John Lund
THE
5ryiJTING
SEASON
-Seventeen
— Movie Life
mth'
iriam HopKins
Thelma Ritter
Jan Sterling
MITCHELL LEISEN
PRODUCTION
Produced by CHARLES BRACKETT
Directed by MITCHELL LEISEN
Written for the screen by Charles Brackett,
Walter Reisch and Richard Breen
it's the best ^show in town!

Sale of Divested Theatres
Brings a Detroit Suit
DETROIT—Palling boxoffice receipts
are the background for Involved litigation
over operation of three major neighborhood
theatres filed in Wayne county circuit
court here. Involved on one side are
United Detroit Theatres and Earl Hudson,
XJDT president, local Paramount operating
affiliate, and on the other Goldhar-Zimner
Theatres, Inc., including Jack Goldhar,
former eastern divisional salesmanager
for United Artists, and his son-in-law,
Ben Zimner, former film salesman, and
their respective wives. A charge of "misrepresentation"
highlighted the proceedings.
The case involves disposition of over
$500,000 in leases.
TWO SUITS AKE STARTED
Two suits have been started—one as a law
case, by UDT, based upon alleged nonperformance
part of the agreement effective
May 24, 1950, by which GZ took over the
Regent, Annex and Alger from UDT, and
seeking recovery of $125,000 as damages. The
other, filed as a chancery case by GZ, sought:
1. Cancellation of the agreements,
notes, assignments, and bill of sale which
effected the transfer last May.
2. Return of $25,000 down payment
and "other damages . . they have suffered
.
in the premises."
3. That UDT be required to assume
GZ's contract with the L&L Concession
Co.
4. Appointment of a receiver for the
theatres.
5. A restraining order against UDT
from further prosecuting its original
lawsuit, taking any other action to enforce
or cancel the notes and agreements
outstanding, and from negotiating or encumbering
the stock certificates of Goldhar-Zimner
Theatres.
First round "in the court Friday may be
considered a draw, with UDT losing a motion
for rep)ossession or re-acquisition, and GZ
losing one for a receivership. The cases will
presumably go through the usual lengthy
legal process for adjudication.
GZ TRIES TO RESCIND DEAL
An attempt to rescind the whole deal was
made by counsel Ellman and Ellman for GZ
on January 24, with an offer to turn over
the keys to the theatres, but was turned down
on behalf of UDT by Rockwell T. Gust, who
has appeared in numerous major industry
legal battles, including the historic SIMPP
case in federal court. A proposal to negotiate
or submit to arbitration was made by Ellman
and Ellman for GZ, with the comment
that "Judicial considerations of this controversy
affecting three theatres which have
been and remain In a most precarious condition
may delay resolution of fundamental
dlffereijces for many months . . . The Interruption
In the operation of the theatres or
possible mismanagement by a receiver, the
damage to the reputations of the theatres and
perhaps to the parties can make any ultimate
courtroom victory pyrrhlc." This was not
accepted, and the filing of suit and countersvit
followed.
The record in the case disclosed that the
Goldhars and Zimmers each own 25 per
cent of stock in the company, and stresses
their inexperience in exhibition, except for
Goldhar's experience in Toronto 28 years ago.
The "warm and friendly" relationship hitherto
existing between Hudson and Goldhar is
emphasized, detailing Goldhar's "trust and
confidence" and "respect for (Hudson's)
knowledge and experience," as important factors
in the negotiations that led to the agreements.
Details of the leases assumed by GZ from
UDT, as recorded, are:
Regent, 1,400 seats, leased from Regent
Theatre Co. for ten years, ending
Dec. 31, 1955; Mrs. Ida Klatt, widow of
a pioneer exhibitor, appeared as president
of the company in the accompanying
documents; rental $1,500 per month.
Alger, 1,182 seats, leased from Saul and
Hattie Sloan of the Mercury and Radio
City theatres, Nov. 1, 1945, to July 14, 1963;
rental $1,820.83 monthly until July 14,
1950, and $1,987.50 thereafter, plus an unspecified
annual percentage of gross receipts
in excess of $170,000.
Annex, 1,496 seats, leased from Riviera-
Annex Theatre Co., from March 15, 1933,
to Dec. 15, 1954, at $30,000 per year, plus
a percentage of net yearly profits.
THE CHARGES AGAINST UDT
The case acquires significance as the net
result of the single largest divorcement procedure
in this city, with UDT disposing during
the past year of its first run Broadway-
Capitol and United Artists theatres, in addition
to the trio in this suit.
GZ charges that
UDT "falsely represented that (it) was required
to dispose of the Regent, Alger and
Annex theatres to comply with the antitrust
decree," and "that these were then the
only theatres which could be disposed of in
the Detroit area." It is charged that UDT
would sell only in a block, and that, because
of past friendship, indicated they would give
Goldhar a chance "upon terms much more
favorable" than offered others.
It is charged that UDT declined to show
its books on the operation of the theatres
involved, because Paramount considered them
confidential, but that it was represented that
the Alger was earning $35,000 per year net
income after taxes; the Regent $15,000; and
the Annex $5,000, and that it was represented
GZ "would be readily able to meet all current
expenses of ojjeration out of current receipts
from the three theatres" and in addition
"... readily able to pay the principal
and interest on the obligations they were required
to assume."
Following signing of the agreements, it is
charged, GZ found that revenue of the theatres
was greatly less than they had been led
to believe—from May 25 to Dec. 31, income
before taxes at the Alger was given as $5,000:
Regent, loss of over $2,500; Annex, loss of over
*25,000—a total loss of $22,500 or over for
six months, compared to the claimed represented
profit of $55,000 after taxes—with Income
of the one profitable house, the Alger,
taken before taxes.
pi^^^urgh variety Tent
'Adopts' a Nursery
PITTSBURGH—Variety Tent 1 of
Pittsburgh, which for years has adopted
an orphan child each year and selected
the foster parents, has "adopted" a whole
foundling home. Last week, the original
chapter of the showmen's philanthropic
organization disclosed plans to erect a
$250,000 nursery building for the Roselia
Foundling Home and Maternity hospital
as a memorial to Mrs. Eleanor Harris,
mother of John H. Harris, founder of the
Variety Club.
In addition. Tent 1 announced an annual
$12,000 grant for establishing a protective
adoption placement program at
the home. The twin Variety projects are
aimed at making Roselia one of the finest
adoption placement agencies in the
country.
An architect already is drawing the
blueprints for a circular three-story
structure on property next to the Cliff
street location of Roselia. Named to a
committee to supervise the projects were
Tom Troy, George Eby, Peter Dana, I.
Elmer Ecker and John D. Walsh with
Ben Steerman chairman.
Pincus Quits Intermountain;
To Join Blumenfeld Chain
SALT LAKE CITY—Charles M. Pincus,
manager of the Centre Theatre, an Intermountain
Theatres first run house in downtown
Salt Lake, resigned Thursday (8) to accept
a position with Blumenfeld circuit in
the East Bay region near San Francisco. Pincus
will leave Salt Lake in two weeks to take
over his new job. No successor has been announced
as yet by Intermountain.
Pincus has been a Salt Lake showman
since 1933, with the exception of two years
in San Francisco. He has gained nationwide
attention for exploitation and showmanship
on world premieres, children's shows and
other events. He has managed the Utah and
Centre theatres during years spent in Salt
Lake. He was featured on the cover of BOX-
OFFICE nearly two years ago, when he told
of the value of his children's shows and how
to run them properly.
Court Allows 20th-Fox
New April 1 Deadline
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox has
been granted an extension to April 1 for
filing its plan for divorcement. Since that
day falls on a Sunday, the due date will be
the following day.
The Department of Justice had approved
the company's request for an extension and
the New York statutory court granted it
Monday (5), the date previously set for filing.
Both the company and the Department
of Justice told the court that agreement on
a consent decree is near.
The court also approved an extension to
April 1 for final dissolution of 20th-Fox interest
in Golden State Theatres, which had
been set for March 15.
The annual stockholders meeting has been
scheduled for May 15. At that time a vote
will be taken on the terras of the consent decree.
14 BOXOFFICE March 10. 1951

ITS 34.928.741 READERS THE
w im
EXCITIN
m^i
######
r^m-
World Premiere
IN
Fort Worth
MARCH 23rd
BIGasTEXAS
MP
' W ' ^"^ «NTURY-FOX
UH^¥\M^

Some Suggestions From the Grassroots
A Smalltown Theatreman
Looks at His Industry
J. R. Denniston, Monroe, Mich., Says One of the First
Steps Should Be an End to
MONROE, MICH.—Television Is a robust
competitor that commands the respect of J. R.
Denniston, vice-president of the theatre company
here bearing his name. Also, he believes
that instead of being the ruination of the
motion picture business, television may prove
to be a great benefactor in the end.
"It may bring us to a realization that we
must have, in order to survive, a steady flow
of good clean pictures that our 'lost audience'
will come to see and will enjoy enough
to send their friends to see them," Denniston
states.
He admits that this seems so simple and
has been said so often that it sounds trite
but adds that Hollywood either does not believe
it, or realize it fully. While there
were many good pictures last year, he contends
there were not enough to back up the
slogan, "Movies Are Better Than Ever" and
that it takes more than slogans.
SMALLTOWNERS PROTEST CRIMfl
"We exhibitors in the small cities and rural
communities have known for a long time that
we were getting too many pictures based on
crime, murder and violence, and a survey we
have been making shows that people who
have expressed goodwill for and interest in
the movies say they wish Hollywood would
stop making so many pictures about gangsters,
murder and crime. They want more
pictures with wholesome, inspiring stories
pictures the whole family could see and enjoy,
and go away from the theatre feeling
refreshed, with the comfortable and satisfying
knowledge that they are taking something
worth while home with them."
Denniston adds dryly that he has been
trying to get this fact over to the producers
and through Michigan Allied, but that because
he is just a "small exhibitor from the
sticks, nobody pays any attention to me."
However, he is certain that in order to pull
the industry out of its present slump, the
common, average people have to be convinced
that motion pictures contain more
good than evil.
WANTS REGULATION OF STORIES
He does not wish to be understood by this
that he thinks there should be no crime pictures
at all—that crime should become one
of the taboos. He knows that drama comes
from the conflict between the forces of evil
and good, and that it was only the fourth
chapter of the Bible which told of the first
murder, when Cain killed Abel. Moreover,
he probably knows that a large percentage of
great literature would have to be thrown
out If all books containing violence, crime
and murder were discarded. This would include
a great many nursei^ rhymes and religious
works.
"What I mean Is that there are just too
Cycle of Crime Stories
darned many of these crime pictures," he
says, "and there has been a woeful dearth
of the clean, wholesome, family type of picture.
In order to get our programs back into
the proper balance, I would suggest that the
production of all crime pictures be discontinued
by all producers, and that those they
now have on their shelves be withdrawn from
the market until such time as there is again
a market for them. If these pictures were
then released only one at a time, they could
eventually be shown at a profit to everyone
concerned. All the pictures we have had in
the past year or two that made money have
been the wholesome, family type."
About that so-called "lost audience," Denniston
wonders how many people know who
constitutes it, and offers to shed a little light
on that subject. As he has been exhibiting
pictures for 46 years, 40 of those years in
Monroe, he feels in a position to do this.
"Ten or 15 years ago I could stand in the
lobby, recognize and call by name a large
percentage of the people coming and going,"
he stated. "Today I doubt if there is one in
50 that I can call by name. At my luncheon
club meetings every Thursday there are 75
business and professional men there, all of
whom I can call by their first names, and
not more than half a dozen are patrons of
my theatres. The same thing holds true at
meetings of the Monroe Business Men's
Ass'n. At our bankers' meetings and Savings
and Loan Ass'n meetings, the same
thing holds true, as it does at board meetings
of the St. Paul's Methodist church or
at the Masonic temple.
LOST THE "BETTER CLASS'
"Now a lot of these people were patrons
of the movies a few years ago. Why couldn't
we hold them? Well, I have asked a good
many of them and the answer is usually,
'Too many lousy pictures—too many pictures
about the same thing.' We have lost the
patronage of the so-called better class of
people and I think the reason is chiefly that
we have not maintained a high enough
standard of product. I also think the weakness
is mainly lack of story value. The acting
and production values are usually adequate—we
need most of all new and fresh
ideas, and less of following the other fellow,
which results in the universally condemned
'cycle.'
Denniston says emphatically that what
must be done is "to bring the movies back
to the people." He suggests more stories
based on the lives of great men, on great
events in our history. He thinks romances
can be written about business, industry,
farming, medicine and education; and that
these would have a ready market, for people
are hungry for uplifting and inspiring entertainment.
TV Manufacturers Agree
To Halt Advertising Line
WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade
Commission announced Wednesday (7)
that it has accepted written assurances
from 22 manufacturers of television sets
and their advertising agency that in the
future they will not resort to "child appeal"
advertisements to sell TV sets.
The FTC last November started an investigation
of this type of ad after wide
criticism of the first ad of the series,
which implied that a child would be
handicapped educationally and would
feel humiliated at home unlets his family
owned a TV set.
James M. Mead, FTC chairman, said
that since the manufacturers and Ruthrauff
& Ryan, their ad agency, had promised
not to resume this type of advertising,
the commission will not go ahead
with plans to institute legal proceedings.
Split-Week Policy Growing
In Cleveland and Toledo
CLEVELAND—There is a growing trend
among theatres which have been playing
three changes a week, to adopt a split-week
policy. Toledo is reportedly one of the larger
cities that is making this policy shift. And
many subsequent run neighborhood houses
in Cleveland are leaning in the direction of
two instead of three changes weekly.
One of the reasons for this is that movies
really are better than ever. Many of them
not only attract patronage, but have longer
staying power than the last year picture crop.
This is evidenced by holdover runs for such
pictures as "King Solomon's Mines," "Kim,"
"Born Yesterday," "At War With the Army,"
"The Steel Helmet," "Tomahawk," and the
fabulous "Bitter Rice" now in its tenth big
week at the Lower Mall, Cleveland, its second
week at the Strand, Youngstown and extended
runs in every key spot it has played.
Encouraged by the public response to pictures
such as these, the three-changes-a-week
policy is proving an injustice to the public,
the exhibitor and the distributor, according
to expressed exhibitor opinion. "The public,
shopping for picture entertainment. Is passing
up the minor product anyhow," theatre
owners say, "so why should we offer product
that has a very limited sales value?"
An Increase of Holdovers
Noted in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS—A sign of the improved
boxoffice here is the growing number of holdovers
and the Increasing length of runs
downtown, the trade points out.
In recent months, two pictures, "King
Solomon's Mines" and "Born Yesterday," ran
six weeks in downtown Minneapolis. The
latter could have remained longer except for
its breaking for uptown and suburban houses.
"Bitter Rice" went five weeks downtown.
"At War With the Army" is in its fourth
week. "Kim" also chalked up four weeks.
"Operation Pacific" Is now in its third week.
Any number of other pictures recently have
run two and three weeks in the Loop.
It not only signifies that business is staging
a fine comeback, but also attests to the
strength of current and recent product, according
to the trade.
16 BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1961

Hughes, Government
File Stock Briefs
NEW YORK—The argument between Howard
Hughes and the Department of Justice
as to whether he can be made to sell his
trusteed RKO Theatres stock completed the
brief-filing stage Tuesday (6) when Philip
Marcus for the government filed his views
in the matter. Thomas Slack, attorney for
Hughes, had filed previously. Neither of the
briefs was made public. The U.S. statutory
court will hear arguments Thursday (15).
Originally the government asked that
Hughes be obliged to sell his stock within
one year, with the provision that if he did
not so do, the trustee be obliged to sell
during the second year. Slack objected. The
court, with the consent of the government,
offered the compromise of two years for a
sale by Hughes or two years for the trustee,
the Irving Trust Co. Slack said he would
have to check with Hughes.
When the case was reheard February 21,
Slack told the court that Hughes had never
agreed to sell, that trusteeing the stock carried
with it no obligation to sell, that If the
court tried to force a sale, it would be in
conflict with the terms of the consent decree.
He argued that there could be no provisions
for a sale without a modification of the decree
after the filing of a supplementary petition
by the government and a hearing on it
by the court.
The court, consisting of Judges Augustus
N. Hand, Henry W. Goddard and Alfred C.
Coxe, then asked that briefs be filed.
Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen
To Direct MGM Musical
HOLLYWOOr>—The two-heads-are-betterthan-one
theory is getting something of a
workout out Culver City way, where MGM
has set Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen to
co-direct Leo's "Singing in the Rain." Kelly
also will co-star in the opus with Debbie
Reynolds.
Kelly and Donen made their debuts as codirectors
with "On the Town," a tunefilm
produced last season by the company.
"Singing in the Rain," to be produced by
Arthur Freed, will go into work in mid-
April from a screenplay by Betty Comden
and Adolph Green, and incorporating several
of Freed's pop tunes.
Also active on the lot as co-directors are
Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, who
additionally function as a team in the scrivening
and production departments. Their current
opus is "Strictly Dishonorable," co-starring
Janet Leigh and Ezio Pinza.
Bigelow-Sanford to Make
Rayon Carpeting Soon
NEW YORK—Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Co.
will start producing rayon carpeting within
the next six months for the purpose of getting
around the rising prices of wool. The
company also has begun making cotton rugs
and has gone into the broadloom field, according
to a report to stockholders.
The rayon operations will be at the Hartford
Rayon Corp. plant at Rocky Hill, Conn.,
which Bigelow acquired some time ago.
Net income for 1950 was $5,854,227, a new
record, and sales reached $97,672,074.
RCA Theatre TV Cost Cut;
To Speed Manufacture
NEW YORK—Radio Corp. of America intends
to go ahead with production of its
Model PT-100 theatre television projector
and has reduced the price from approximately
$25,000 to $15,800 in anticipation of
an increased demand.
Announcement of the plan, which came
at a time when many exhibitors were skeptical
about their chances of securing the
apparatus, was made by Barton Kreuzer,
general product manager of the RCA Engineering
Products Department.
Kreuzer said the apparatus was "on the
market and available for installation right
now," and is being offered by independent
theatre supply dealers in all television areas
of the United States. Tubes and other components
also are aivailable, Kreuzer added.
About 10,000 New Yorkers each week are
being introduced to theatre television and
"sold" on it as entertainment through the
use of the PT-100 installation in the Center
Theatre for benefit of studio audiences,
Kreuzer said.
RCA will continue its experimental work,
according to the armouncement, as it has
done over the past five years. Circuits are
designed so that a minor adjustment will
permit operation with higher definition," if
standards permitting such definition should
be adopted for closed circuit theatre television."
New improvements as new knowledge of
electronics and optics become applicable will
be supplied, Kreuzer declared.
As the latest instance of the drawing power
of theatre television for certain types of entertainment
Kreuzer cited the Siena College-Georgetown
University basketball game
televised to Fabian's Palace Theatre, Albany,
February 20.
Supreme Court to Hear Appeal
On Color Video March 26
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court has
agreed to hear arguments on the color television
controversy March 26.
The case will go before the court in the
form of an appeal by Radio Corporation of
America from a Chicago decision rendered
by a three-judge statutory court upholding
an order by the Federal Communications
Commission permitting Columbia Broadcasting
System to market its revolving disk color
system.
The high court decision will be just one
more development in the bitter controversy
which has been going on for several years
between the major broadcasting interests.
CBS was authorized to go ahead with
marketing of its color system on October 11,
1950. This left RCA and Color Television,
Inc., San Francisco, a lap behind the race,
so on November 15 an appeal was filed in
Chicago, with Emerson Radio & Phonograph
Corp. joining in the action. A Chicago court
upheld the FCC and RCA appealed to the
Supreme Court.
Since then RCA has offered to make Its
color tube available to its patent licensees
RCA Makes Its
Color TV
Available to Licensees
NEW YORK—Radio Corp. of America
has made its tri-color direct view television
tube available to other manufacturers
licensed to use RCA patents. Pull
information on how to manufacture the
tubes has been sent to them.
Nothing can be done with it so far as
the public is concerned until the Supreme
Court rules on an appeal from a
Chicago federal court decision upholding
the Federal Communications Commission
ruling in favor of the Columbia
Broadcasting System's color television
apparatus.
Scarcities of materials also make manufacture
on a large scale improbable.
The RCA apparatus does not use a revolving
disk to produce color effects.
There are 600,000 tiny red, blue and green
dots arranged in triangular form on the
tube. Only the desired dots are lighted
by the electron beam from a color telecast
to form a color image.
and CBS is interested in experimenting
with it.
RCA has contended the CBS color system
is "incompatible" with the 12,000,000 home
receivers now in use because it has whirling
disks. CBS has replied that the RCA system
can't be used by inserting the RCA color
tube in present sets and that expensive rewiring
will be necessary.
In the meantime the government has put
restrictions on strategic materials, making it
impossible to build the new color sets on a
large scale basis for some time to come, and
Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox,
has introduced a new factor into
television calculations, in so far as they affect
theatres, by making a deal for manufacture
of a Swiss projector called Eidophor,
which, he hopes, will be usable for color and
will be ready inside of 18 months.
Plastic Theatre TV Lens
Developed by Polaroid
CAMBRIDGE, MASS.—Polaroid Corp. engineers
have developed a new plastic lens
22% Inches in diameter for use on the RCA
theatre television projection system with the
Schmidt optical system. It eliminates the
need for expensive grinding of the huge
glass lens heretofore used, and, it is claimed,
makes it possible to throw 15x20 foot pictures
as clear as those on home receivers.
AFE Acquires French Film
NEW YORK—AFE Corp., distributor of
foreign features, has acquired American distribution
rights to "God Needs Men," French
picture starring Pierre Presnay, according to
William C. Shelton, general manager. The
picture, which was directed by Jean Dellanoy,
will be released this spring.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 17

OW ADD I!!!S TO 1
OUTDOOR PICl
IT'S G01
Starring
ROD CAMERON -ADRIAN BOOT
withWILLIAM CHING • JIM DAVIS
Written by Charles Marquis Warren • Associate Producer Director JOSEPH KANE

IRES PRODUCED BY REPUBLIC!
THAT
[7OT THAT
Brave men
Beautiful >vomen
Romance, Adventure!
never-failing
box office
VyfiSbKf^iB.^.f.VfiSi^fl'V'J.'lt -
^^^^
FORREST TUCKER • CHILL WILLS
ALLY CASSELL
•
JAMES
LYDON
tUdLIIi PKUUUbllUN Republic Pictures Corporation-Herbert J. Yates, President

TfCcK €UtcC Sf^^cnU'
Exclusive TV Shows
pABIAN Theatres may have tapped a boxoffice
gold mine with its exclusive
telecast of a college basketball game in a
3,500-seat Albany house.
The circuit demonstrated that getting
an exclusive connection from one place
to another is almost as simple as making
a telephone call, except that the arrangements
have to be made in advance. And
the expense did not eat up too much of
the profit.
Having demonstrated this, the Fabian
executives are now considering their next
moves. The stunt proves that a theatre
could be filled by means of a television
projector without waiting for the kind of
national interest material for which the
big broadcasters are struggling with the
obvious sympathy of the Federal Communications
Commission.
There are hundreds of towns where college
and other local sports stir up great
excitement, and in every instance the
away-from-home contests make up half
the total. Putting the out-of-town half on
theatre screens might make the cash register
ring. Local news events could be
televised in the same way in cooperation
with local stations.
Beginning on these limited attractions,
theatres with investments running up to
$25,000 for TV projectors could start paying
off, while they are waiting for the PCC
to decide on a policy of granting wave
lengths to theatres.
Divorce by Installment
j^OST exhibitors who tried to understand
the verbiage in the Warner Bros,
consent decree gave up in despair. Obviously
it was a new gimmick invented by
a new administration of the Department
of Justice to make sure competition would
be introduced into closed towns while defendants
were actively trying to get rid
of theatres, or stalling, as the case might
be.
The new approach also has been introduced
Into the Interstate agreement and
probably will be included in the forthcoming
20th Century-Fox and Loew's, Inc.,
decrees.
Abram P. Myers' remarks on the subject
in his annual report to Allied States
Ass'n penetrate through the legalisms.
He reported as follows: "The former
scheme of requiring a defendant to sell
certain theatres in order to break up local
monopolies has not always been satisfactory
in practice. With receipts at a low
ebb, the value of such properties . is depressed
and to force a sale sometimes
means a considerable loss. This results
In application for delay which the courts
often feel are meritorious. Moreover, it
is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of
the local Independent exhibitor who Is
not able to purchase the theatre for himself.
It merely means the Injection into
'By JAMES H.JERAULD
the situation of another—possibly a meaner
—competitor.
"A main purpose of litigation, and certainly
the policy of Allied, is to aid and
strengthen the existing independent exhibitors—those
who have struggled so long
for a place in the sun. In the Warner decree
outright divestiture is required in
some cases, but in places where there is
an independent theatre capable of operating
on the same run as the Warner theatre,
divestiture is contingent upon the development
of such competition within a
year and its continuance for five years."
Myers calls this a "sword of Damocles"
provision and cites the provision affecting
the Warner house in Appleton, Wis. Warners
will have to get rid of one house there
if there is no competition.
The provision reads: "One theatre if
by the end of one year from the date of
this judgment an independent theatre is
not regularly playing first run, or if thereafter
(during a period of five years from
the date of this judgment) for the greater
part of any year an independent theatre
is not regularly playing first run."
It sounds complicated, but in effect it
requires Warners to see that there is competition.
The same idea is applied in other
situations.
Bidding in New York
^EW York City has been notably free of
competitive bidding on films. A pattern
of exhibition has developed over a
period of years. Occasional arguments
have developed between circuits and between
different groups of circuits, but
they have been settled without much public
disturbance and it has been practically
impossible for an outsider to get into the
city area.
Therefore, there was some eyebrowraising
last week when Harry Brandt announced
he had won three MGM pictures
from Century's Albemarle in Brooklyn
for his Flatbush Theatre nearby.
In addition, Brandt notified the exchanges
that he wants to bid for product
after first neighborhood runs in the Loew's
and RKO circuits.
There's some strategy behind this notification,
but if it should develop into a
bidding war it would be the biggest thing
of its kind since the antitrust decree.
UA Producers Enthuse
THREE United Ai'tists
producers—Robert
StiUman, I. O. Goldsmith and Sam
Spiegel—voiced their enthusiasm last week
over the new outlook for the company. The
changed attitude of banks and other
sources of film finance was the first thing
that Impressed them. In addition. Goldsmith
said the bookings on his current
UA release had suddenly taken a spurt.
He attributed this to new confidence and
enthusiasm in the UA sales department.
Both Goldsmith and Spiegel used the
word "miraculous" in describing the rapidity
of developments.
Milton Cohen Named
ELC Sales Manager
NEW YORK—Milton E. Cohen has been
made general sales manager of Eagle Lion
Classics by Bernard G.
Milton E. Cohen
Kranze, new vicepresident
in charge of
distribution. His successor
as eastern sales
manager is Clayton
Eastman. Kranze also
will name a sales executive
to concentrate
on distribution of foreign
product.
Cohen entered the
industry as a salesman
for United Artists at
Chicago in 1929 and
^^^^^^ Columbia in
1931. He became Detroit sales manager for
Columbia in 1932. He joined RKO in 1938 as
sales manager in the Detroit exchange, and
was named eastern central district manager
in 1946. He went to Eagle Lion as eastern
sales manager in 1948.
SUGAR TO ASSIST KRANZE
Eastman has been in the film business
since 1923 when he became a booker in the
Paramount Albany branch. In 1932 he was
named branch manager. He joined United
Artists as district manager for the Boston,
New England and Buffalo areas in 1946. He
was appointed New England district manager
for Film Classics in 1949 and held that
position for Eagle Lion Classics following
the merger of Eagle Lion with Film Classics.
Joseph M. Sugar has been named as assistant
to Kranze. Sugar
has been in the
industry since 1936
when he joined the
sales department of
Republic Pictures. He
was advanced to manager
of the contract
department in 1942
and later that year he
went into service. He
became manager of
the PRC contract department.
When PRC
merged with Eagle
Joseph M. Sugar
Lion he kept the same job.
Kranze said "Oliver Twist" will
be released
April 17. It has received a production code
seal as a result of cuts totaling about seven
minutes.
SCHEDULE 13
RELEASES
Thirteen pictures will be released in the
next three months as follows: March 15
"My Outlaw Brother"; March 22— "Circle of
Danger"; April 3— "Skipalong Rosenbloom"
and "Badman's Gold"; April 10— "The Long
Dark Hall"; April 17— "Oliver Twist"; April
20— "When I Grow Up"; May 1— "Volcano";
May 8— "Cairo Road"; May 15
— "Hoodlum"
May 22—"Man
and "Two Guys and a Gal";
With My Face."
ELC will sell in blocks to exhibitors who
want to buy that way.
There will be no television sales by the
company, but Kranze pointed out that films
revert to their producers after playoff and
there are no strings on the producers. A recent
sale of old foreign films to TV, he said,
was made by an "individual."
20 BOXOFTICE :: March 10. 1951

National Theatres Executives Discuss:
How Lagging Grosses
Can Be Stimulated
LOS ANGELES—Consensus of opinion that
lagging boxoffices can be stimulated through
large-screen theatre television and revitalized
showmanship, including a foUowup to last
season's Movies Are Better Than Ever campaign,
characterized the recent annual fourday
meeting of National Theatres' divisional
presidents, district managers, film buyers,
bookers and department heads. The sessions
were held at NT headquarters here with
Charles P. Skouras, circuit president, as
chairman.
SPYROS SKOURAS ALSO SPEAKS
The industry in all its facets faces a "severe
test," and the NT circuit "must demonstrate
how to succeed" under such conditions,
Skouras stressed. His remarks were substantiated
by Spyros Skouras, president of
20th Century-Fox, who as a featured speaker
said he regretted the "apathy and overconfidence"
which he claimed is pervading all
of filmdom's branches. The 20th-Fox topper
added, however, that he looked to COMPO to
develop a program which will "stimulate renewed
interest" in motion pictures.
As concerns plans for theatre TV, a detailed
report was presented by R. H. McCullough,
purchasing chief and TV director, on
the new Swiss Eidophor system, in which
20th Century-Fox has purchased a substantial
interest. McCullough said the device,
which will be ready for installation within
12 to 18 months, projects as well as any motion
picture and can be readily fitted into
any projection booth.
Blueprints for the followup to the Movies
Are Better Than Ever drive are being prepared
by NT's district and advertising managers
and another showmanship facet—the
ninth annual Charles P. Skouras campaign
will be inaugurated March 21, continuing
through July 10, the assembled delegates
were informed.
TO AID PATRIOTIC GROUPS
A resolution was passed pledging the full
cooperation of the circuit's 450 theatres and
staff members to city, state and national defense
authorities. Theatre personnel will be
trained in first aid procedure and "structurally
suitable" showcases will be made
available for emergencies. Civilian defense
trailers will be screened and support will be
given the Red Cross, USO, U.S. treasury
bond drives and other patriotic activities.
Every NT segment was represented. Divisional
presidents attending were Frank
Ricketson jr., Fox Intermountain, Denver;
EHmer Rhoden, Fox Midwest, Kansas City;
Frank L. Newman sr., Evergreen, Portland;
Harold Fitzgerald, Fox Wisconsin, Milwaukee;
David Idzal, Fox Michigan, Detroit; Harold
Seidenberg, Philadelphia; George Bowser,
PWC general manager; and Dick Dickson
and M. Spencer Leve, respectively southern
and northern California division managers.
^^m^^mmmmmmiimmmtmsmmmm^t.'iis'i^^m^mmsm
umiI
RKO to Show Tarzan Film
NEW YORK—RKO will tradeshow Sol
Lessor's "Tarzan's Peril," filmed in Africa
with Lex Barker in the title role, in all exchanges
March 13. The picture will be released
March 15.
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951
21

t NEW BABY IK THE iDisi
- and the whole farm's jumpin' with GLESf
RICHARD LONG • MEG RANDALL • RAY COLLINS
Story and Screenplay by JACK HENLEY • Directed by EDWARD SEDGWICK • Produced by LEONARD GOLDSTEIN

He Tells of His Success
Paramount Extends Division Meeting
With children's Shows
INDIANAPOLIS — A local exhibitor, who
has had considerable success with building
his children's shows, has discovered that a
good way to sell next week's attraction is to
get up on the stage during a specially scheduled
intermission and talk to the youngsters
about the forthcoming features. This sells
the new show much more effectively than
any other medium, he says.
Besides, he points out, parents like to see
the house lights go up about the middle of
the afternoon, as it gives them a good chance
for supervision and control.
It also gives the
children a chance to go to the restrooms.
("Usually they stop at the concession stand
on the way back to their seats.")
The imnamed exhibitor is quoted in the
current issue of the Associated Theatre Owners
of Indiana bulletin.
"I have heard many exhibitors say that
their children's shows are poorly attended
and that they do not get support from the
parents," he writes. "Maybe my success with
these shows has just 'happened' but I would
like to pass on a couple of practices I have
because I have received specific favorable
comment on them.
"First, I always arrange to start the program
at 1:30 p. m. and end exactly at 4:30
p.m. The mothers think that three hours is
all that their children should be in the show
and by letting out promptly we never keep
parents standing around and waiting for children
who are held in the show 15 minutes or
a half hour longer than expected. We also
always turn up the lights at the end of the
show because otherwise the children stay
on and their folks get angry and discipline
them by not allowing them to come back
again for a while. (It also clears our seats
for the adults who come later.)"
J. F. O'Brien Appointed
To New RCA Duties
CAMDEN, N. J.—J. F. O'Brien has been
appointed sales manager of RCA theatre,
film recording, visual and sound equipment
by A. R. Hopkins, general sales manager of
RCA Engineering Products Division.
O'Brien has been in charge of theatre
equipment sales since 1946. The new duties
assigned to O'Brien were formerly in charge
of Barton Kreuzer, recently made manager
of the Product Administration Division.
He has been with the company since 1931
when he started in the national credit department.
He is a native of Buffalo, a member
of Variety and the Society of Motion Picture
and Television Engineers.
Griffis Reduces Holdings
NEW YORK—Stanton Griffis, Paramount
director and chairman of the executive committee,
has sold 5,000 shares and made a gift
of 1,000 shares of Paramount common stock.
His direct holdings now total 2,000 shares and
he also holds indirectly 2,000 shares. Griffis
is U.S. ambassador to Spain.
Jq Discuss Merchandising Plans
PARAMOUNT DIVISION HEADS MEET—Seen at Paramount's division managers'
meeting held last weekend at the home office left to right: Jerry Pickman, acting
national director of advertising, publicity and exploitation; James J. Donohue, central
division manager; Howard Minsky, mideastem division manager; Duke Clark, south
central division manager; A. W. Schwalberg, president of Paramount Film Distributing
Corp.; E. K. O'Shea, vice-president of the distributing corporation; Hugh Owen, eastem
southern division manager; G«orge A. Smith, western division manager, and
(seated) Oscar A. Morgan, general sales manager of short subjects and Para. News.
NEW YORK — Merchandising plans for
Paramount product were gone into so
thoroughly at sessions of the division sales
managers meeting, originally scheduled only
for March 2 and 3, that they were extended
through March 4. One of the features was
a talk by Adolph Zukor, chairman of the
board.
Changes in the release schedule were reported
by A. W. Schwalberg, president of
Paramount Film Distributing Corp., who
conducted the meeting. "Passage West,"
originally set for June with "Dear Brat," is
now set for July. In its place will be two
reissues, the titles of which will be announced.
The July program now consists of
"Ace in the Hole," for July 4, and "Passage
West." "Warpath," set for July, will get a
new release date. To the August list of "A
Place in the Sun" and "That's My Boy" has
been added "Crosswinds."
Russell Holman, eastern production head,
reported on a two-week visit to the Paramount
studios. He said he was impressed
RKO Division Heads Make
3rd Depinet Drive Tour
NEW YORK—Three RKO divisional
drive
captains of the Ned Depinet 1951 Drive are
on a third tour of the branch offices in their
divisions as the drive enters its 11th week.
The closing date of the drive is June 28.
Walter E. Branson and Harry Gittleson,
who head the western division, held a meeting
in Chicago March 5 with Sam Gorelick.
branch manager, and his sales staff. They
went to Milwaukee March 7-8 and to Minneapolis
and Sioux Palls March 9-10. Both
will go to St. Louis March 12 and Kansas
City March 13-14. Branson will then return
to Chicago while Gittleson will proceed to
Denver, March 15; Salt Lake City, March
16-17; Omaha, March 19, and Des Moines,
March 20, before returning to New York
March 22. Nat Levy and Prank Drumm, eastern
division chiefs, held their first meeting in
by the first rushes of "The Greatest Show
on Earth," Cecil B. DeMille film now being
made at Sarasota, Fla. He gave some
biographical data on Don Hartman, newproduction
supervisor, at the studios.
Joseph Hazen, president and treasurer of
Hal Wallis Productions, discussed audience
appeal. Oscar A. Morgan, general sales
manager of short subjects and Paramount
News, reviewed promotion plans. Jerome
Pickman, director of advertising, publicity
and exploitation, talked merchandising of
features and shorts. Sid Blumenstock, advertising
manager, talked advertising.
Special reports were submitted by Ted
O'Shea, vice-president of Paramount FUm
Distributing Corp., and by Hugh Owen, eastem
and southern division manager; Duke
Clark, south-central division manager; J. J.
Donohue, central division manager; Howard
Minsky, mideastern manager, and George A.
Smith, western manager. All participants
attended a sneak preview of "That's My
Boy," the new Martin-Lewis comedy.
New Haven, March 5, followed by Boston,
March 6-7 and Washington, March 8-9. They
will then go to Pittsburgh, March 12-13;
Philadelphia, March 14-15-16; Cincinnati,
March 19-20; Indianapolis, March 21; Detroit,
March 22-23-24; Cleveland, March 26-
27; Buffalo, March 28-29, and Albany, 30-31.
Charles Boasberg and Carl Peppercorn,
heading the north-south division, are on a
tour of the Canadian branches, accompanied
by Sid Kramer, short subjects sales manager.
They have meetings scheduled for Charlotte.
March 19-20; Atlanta, March 21-22; New
Orleans, March 27; Oklahoma City, March
28; Dallas, March 29-30; Memphis, March
31, and New York, April 4.
Taurog Back With P(3ramount
HOLLYWOOD—Norman Taurog, film director,
has ended a 13-year association with
MGM and returned to Paramount to meg
"The Stooge" for Producer Hal Wallis.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
23

THE ORPHANED KIM (DEAN STOCKWELL) MEETS a
LAMA (PAUL LUKAS) AND BECOMES HIS SERVANT
MGM's Version of Kipling's Tim'
Wins February Blue Ribbon Award
By VELMA WEST SYKES
NATIONAL Screen Council members were adventure-minded this month. They chose
"Kim," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Technicolored translation of the Kipling classic to the
Teaming Dean Stoclcwell and
screen, for the February BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award.
Errol Flynn as KIM and RED BEARD, this espionage duo's activities are augmented by
contacts with the holy lama, played by Paul Lukas. The picture is a fascinating portrayal
of an orphaned white boy in the ancient land of India, with all the colorful trappings
such a background provides. Its family appeal is unquestioned, for it has something to
offer to every age group, and is particularly appealing at this time when interest in the
Orient ties in with current world events, though the story is laid at an earlier period.
A FRIENDLY HAREM ATTENDANT HELPS KIM TO RE-
SEMBLE A NATIVE AGAIN FOR SCHOOL VACATIONS
With a boxoffice score at this time on
key first runs of 146 per cent, it can be
seen this classic story has lost nothing with
the years—has perhaps gained by having
had to wait so long for screen interpretation.
It has been held over for from two to
six weeks and has been running up to as high
as 240 per cent, at Detroit. Moreover, this
is one of those films that will also please
patrons in the neighborhood houses and in
small towns, for it is strictly general in
its appeal. As for exploitation, the popularity
of Kipling's works in schools should give
exhibitors ideas about how to utilize this
valuable aid to SRO showings.
The BOXOFFICE Review Digest gives
this a 12-plus rating and it was reviewed in
our issue of December 2, with the reviewer
having this to say by way of appraising the
picture:
Made World His Oyster
"MllUons of adventure yarn lovers of all
ages who have thrilled to Rudyard Kipling's
story of India and the waif who made it
his oyster will find the screen version thereof
a sheer delight. And those not familiar
with the immortal tome nonetheless should
greet the picture for its scope, spectacle, intriguing
backgrounds (filmed in India), action
and suspense. Here, then, is a readymade
audience which, if properly sold,
should carry grosses to record proportions."
With the exception of Richard Schayer,
Blue Ribbon Plaques for those in the production
field will not be new. For the cast,
we find that Robert Douglas, Moss Arnold
and Laurette Luez are receiving them for
the first time. Cecil Kellaway establishes
something of a record, for while it is not
unusual for the same company's picture to
be chosen the second consecutive month for
the Award, it is unusual for a member of
the cast to have Blue Ribbon Plaques only
a month apart.
Kellaway received one for his part of
Dr. Chumley in "Harvey" last month and
now will have one for his part as Hurree
Chunder in "Kim." There is even alliteration
in the part names. Paul Lukas had not
played in a Blue Ribbon picture since winning
in December of 1933 with "Little
Women" (RKO), and ErrcJ Plynn not
since October of 1943 when he played himself
in "Thank Your Lucky Stars." Dean
Stockwell gets away from "Green" this
time—his two other winners, "The Green
Years" and "The Boy With Green Hair."
Ballot comments vary only in their intensity
of feeling about the winning picture,
as all of them stress its color and
excitement:
" 'Kim' is splendid. We had 40 junior reviewers
attend it and it was very much enjoyed
by all."—Carolyn Keil Staff, B.P.W.
Better Films Council, Worcester ..." 'Kim'
is pictorial—interesting for all."—Carol Cox,
Denver Cinema Study Club ..." 'Kim' has
everything for complete entertainment."—
•
Ethel W. HoUinger, Hollywood, S. California
Council of Church Women ..." 'Kim'
is typically Kipling, good for the family."—
John I. Quirk, Manchester (N.H.) Union
Leader.
RED BEARD (ERROL FLYNN) AND KIM ARE FELLOW
ESPIONAGE AGENTS. BUT KIM MUST GO TO SCHOOL
Mahbub Ali, The Red Beord. .Errol Flynn
Kim
Dean Stockwell
Lama Paul Lukas
Colonel Creighton Robert Dotjclas
Emissary
Thomas Gomez
Hurree Chunder Cecil Kellaway
The Cast
Lurgan Sahib
Arnold Moss
Father Victor
Reginald Owen
Laluli Laurette Luez
Hassan Bey
Richard Halk
The Russians
Roman Toporow. Ivan Triesault
studio Head
Louis B. Mayer
Vice-president, in charge of productio7i
DORE SCHARY
Produced by
Leon Gordon
Directed by
Victor Saville
Screenplay by
Leon Gordon,
Helen Detttsch, Richard Schayer
From a Story by Rudyard Kipling
Director of Photography
William Skall, A.S.C.
Technicolor Consultants
Henri Jaffa, James Qooch
Art Directors
Cedric Gibbons, Hans Peters
Production Staii
Film Editor
Mtisic by
George Boemler
Andre Previn
Recording Supervisor ....Douglas Shearer
Set Decorations Edwin B. Willis
Associates ...Arthur Krams, Hugh Hunt
Special Effects
A. Arnold Gillespie, Warren Newcombe
Montage Sequence by ...Peter Ballbusch
Costumes Designed by
Hair Styles Designed by
Sydney
Valles
Guilaroff
Technical Adviser I. A. Hafesjee
O This Award is tntn tach month by Ihi National Scrien Council on the basis of outstandino morit
and Miitabillty lor family «nt«rtainment. Council mtmbtrthla comprises motion pictura aditon. radio
nia craaiiiitaton, and rtprtsantatWts of baltv Ilia cmucIIi. dole and idvcatloxal organizations

^re's theJk^^at SjEZIS/
2" X 3" DIE-CUT
GUMMED SEALS
... in striking blue-andgoid!
Use them to snipe
8 X 10 and n x 14 stills!
FEBRUARY
RIBBON
AWARD
XIM'
...And All Previous Blue Ribbon Award Winners...
Make the most of your Blue Ribbon Award
HITS with the handy adaptable, Blue Ribbon
Award Kit. Use it
wide publicity given every VJlnnet of
Box Office Blue Ribbon Award .
to exploit the nation-
the
. . selected
each month by the National Screen Council!
pAATS
• • • three one-coli»mn,
three two-column.
;ideal for borders and inserts
on your newspaper ads!
4" X 14" DIE-CUT
GUMMED RIBBONS
..for sniping one-sheets,
30 X 40's, 40 X 60's and
Banners!
'//ii0//im
Colorful, attention-getting die-cut gummed
seals and ribbons . . . newspaper mats . . .
an attractive one-sheet ... all ready for
m%\an\ use in your Lobby, Billboard and
Newspaper advertising! And, for your
Screen, use the TAILPIECE with the Blue
Ribbon Emblem . . . plus the distinctive
SPEC/AL TRAILER that tells your patrons just
what the Award means to them! Order your
complete KIT... and both SPECIAL TRAILERS
. . . TODAY'
COMPLETE KIT
...attractively
printed in rich blue-andgold.
Use it for sniping
24-sheets and in a lobby
frame!
31/2x53/4
DIE-CUT
GUMMED SEALS
attention compelling!
Perfect for sniping 14 x
36 and 22 x 28 inserts!
^^
./'-
Here's the SPECIAL TRAILER that tells your
Patrons just what the Award means to them!
"Winner of the BOX OFFICE Blue Ribbon
Award .
. . selected by the NATIONAL
SCREEN COUNCIL . . . comprised of 242
Motion Picture Editors of Newspapers and
Magazines ... 30 Radio Commentators . .
170 Clubwomen and representatives of
social, civic, religious and educational
organizations . . .as the BEST PICTURE OF
THE MONTH for the whole family!"
BRA-1 . . . $3.25
/^//.
/
-.^-'^^y-^j/^^
mmmi,\c'ieG^ \Qci£m service
\J I'Mit mut* a/- mfi/iauir/n
Order by number
FRO/M YOUR
NEAREST NSS EXCHANGE

LETTERS
For Abating Television
To BOXOPFICE:
Feor
Pardon me for laughing at these exhibitors
who are complaining about so many pictures
with television sets in them.
Studios please copy:
I think you should make as many pictures
as you can with television sets in them. The
more television sets the public sees in pictures
the more they will respect the movies
for the lack of fear of television. The more
sets they see the more common they will
become.
A large percentage of people I have spoken
to about the theatre always say that television
is the way to fix the movie theatres.
The opinion I get is that the public is laughing
up their sleeves about the theatres being
afraid of television. They seem to be carrying
a chip on their shoulders.
MOVIES SHOULD BE A TREAT
I also want to tell the studios to give Mr.
MacDonald's Phonevision a quick brushoff
because I am of the strong opinion if movies
are shown at home that it will be the quickest
way to get the public sick and tired of the
movies. It would be like cramming a good
thing down their throats until they got so
much of movies they would not care for any
more of them. I say no movies should be on
television. When television becomes a coastto-coast
hookup and round the world hookup
and can bring us the big events and on-thespot
news that's when TV can show its real
value. I think you'll all agree with me that
it should be kept as a real treat to go to the
movie theatre and be able to relax and forget
everything. My opinion is that the public
will learn again that the theatre is the finest
place to go and relax ; entertainment at home
just isn't.
If entertainment at home is the coming
thing then I'm going to hurry and get into
the decorating business, because I think they
will at least want different wallpaper and
drapes once in a while to keep them from
getting monotonous.
I suggest that every exhibitor and employe
take a good deep breath and exhale their
hate for television. Hate is poison and the
sooner you expel it the better off you'll all be
for it. I even go so far as to suggest that you
have television programs printed to give
away to your patrons along with your own
programs of coming pictures advertised on
on the same sheet, in other words, a combination
theatre and television program.
WORRYING DOESN'T HELP
I don't think, but I know that if the exhibitors
would make their theatres a place
to come to and relax, a place to go to that's
the nearest thing to heaven, then the seats
will begin to fill to capacity. Sell your theatre
as the best tonic in the world for a place
to get away from it all.
This Idea of worrying and knocking television
is very much the same story as the
parents who tell their son or daughter whom
to marry. I think you know the answer.
2581 North Poljay Ave.,
San Gabriel, Calif.
B. McNAB
Exhibitor Plugs Newsreel in Ad
To BEN SHLYEN:
Your issue of February 17 carried an editorial,
"Count the Blessings," which I read
with interest.
I am attaching copy of the local newspaper,
showing you the advertisement of the Dixie
Theatre and the use of the newsreel. I
WARNER BROS.
rH THEATRES^=^
>S.
OPENING
THREE
OTXiC
Cont. ShoHKl til 1 1 P.M.
MONDAY s"
ONLY
ALONE.. .on the Isle of Capri!
...One of the most
romantic stories
ever filmed
A rwitiy nun ind i tovt'r |irf
find tKh other in rtic Mtu's
most ronunlK pliu— Cipii*
In
Our News
Kiret Pictures: Inside
Canada's
Factory
Atomic
• KOREA •
The Battle of The
Han.
Sports "Rx"
BaNltetball scandal
rock I'S Sp. Is.
•
fbntaine nCo&an
thought you would be interested in seeing
how this "filler" is used.
During the past few months we have had
some good short subjects that can be given
special attention and certainly attract patrons.
I am referring to the RKO shorts:
"Beaver Valley," "Boy and the Eagle," "Little
League Baseball," "House of Mercy," "Kilroy
Returns" and "You Can Beat the A-Bomb."
In the case of "House of Mercy" and "A-
Bomb," advance screening for groups Interested
in hospital work and civilian defense are
sure-fire promotion ideas that pay off.
Warner Bros. Theatres,
Staunton, Va.
Praises
PRANK K.
Newsreels on Screen
'
SHAFFER
To BEN SHLYEN:
My personal thanks for your editorial in
the issue of February 17 headed "Count the
Blessings."
You were right about news on television.
It is deadly and television cannot, in its present
form, compete with the theatrical newsreel.
Strangely, a lot of exhibitors do not
want to play this, so they drop the newsreel
or they do not advertise It. Strangely, also,
the newsreel has more value today than it
did six months ago or a year ago. It's a
funny thing, Ben, but I never met a person
yet who has ever said to me that they did
not like newsreels in theatres and I don't
believe you have met such a person. As a
matter of fact, I think that most people get
some kind of a thrill when a newsreel goes
on the screen to tell the story of what is
happening in the world. I think the real
answer is this—what subject pictorially could
replace the newsreel in theatres today':"
OSCAR A.
Short Subjects Sales Manager,
Paramount Film Distributing Corp.,
New York, N. Y.
Wonts More Protestant
To BOXOFFICE:
Films
MORGAN
With "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain"
reported doing record-breaking business in
many spots and at the same time getting
some of the most favorable audience reaction
ever accorded a picture, this ought to convince
the Hollywood producers that there are
at least some Protestants in the country and
should be their guide to have the Protestant
religion represented in more movies.
This is no cast-off on any religion, but
facts and figures at the boxoffice speak for
themselves and the religious angle on the
screen has been too one-sided for too long
a time.
"One Foot in Heaven" which should be rereleased,
"Stars in My Crown" were both top
grossers and "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain"
will probably outgross even these two
hits. All are pictures dealing with the
Protestant religion.
NORTH CAROLINA EXHIBITOR
Paramount Adds 11 Films
To Group-Selling List
NEW YORK—Paramount has added 11 pictures
to its so-called security service contact,
an arrangement whereby small exhibitors
can buy in groups.
The additions include all
releases from April through August, 1951, according
to A. W. Schwalberg, president of
Paramount Film Distributing Corp.
The list follows: April — "Molly," "Quebec,"
(in Technicolor), and "The Lemon Drop
Kid"; May— "Appointment With Danger"
and "The Last Outpost" (in Technicolor)
— June "Dear Brat" and "Passage West" (in
Technicolor) ; July—"Ace In the Hole" — and
"Warpath" (in Technicolor) ; August "A
Place In the Sun" and "That's My Boy."
RKO Sets Final Titles
On Forthcoming Films
NEW YORK—RKO has set final titles on
two forthcoming releases, "The Gaunt Woman"
and "Target." "Sealed Cargo" is the
new title for "The Gaunt Woman," starring
Claude Rains, I>ana Andrews and Carla
Balenda. "The Narrow Margin" has been
set as the final title for "Target," with
'Music' Set for Showing
In Minneapolis, Omaha
NEW YORK—"Of Men and Music"
Charles McGraw, Marie Windsor and Jacqueline
White.
(20th-
Pox) will be shown in Minneapolis and
Omaha on a reserved seat basis starting
March 19. Arrangements have been made
to use the mailing lists of the Minneapolis
Symphony Orchestra which totals 15,000
names and a similar setup is in work at
Omaha.
26 BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951

British Economic Crisis Expected to Affect the Film Pact
NEW YORK—The British Films Council
recommendation to the Board of Trade for
no change in the present 30 per cent quota
for first feature films and 25 per cent for
second during 1951-52 may not carry the
usual weight, although it is based on recommendations
to the council of the British Film
Producers Ass'n and the Cinematograph Exhibitors
Ass'n.
What will determine the quota and, incidentally,
the amount of remittances to be
permitted the U.S. industry under the new
film pact when drawn up, will be the British
economic situation in the near future. That
looks now as though it won't be too good.
Reports from London are that economic
recovery over there is running into trouble
and may result in a trade deficit next year,
although Britain has been exporting about
40 per cent of its production as compared
with only seven per cent due to the U.S. diversion
to defense work which will mean
more importation of critical materials and
at the same time reduce exports which supply
the cash for imported goods. It is questionable
whether another cut in the British
standard of living would help. One illustration
of the present standard is the allowance
for meat, which is about one lamb
chop a week for each person.
All this can affect U.S. film industry relationships
with Britain, including the quota,
but especially remittances. The present
Anglo-American film pact which expires
October 1 calls for an annual remittance of
$17,000,000 of U.S. earnings in Britain plus
bonuses for U.S. production there and U.S.
distribution of British product here. It will
have to be reviewed by the middle of June.
No plans for a review have been made as yet.
By the time they are set, perhaps the situation
will be more clear-cut.
M-G-M TRADE SHOW NEWS!
Except N-VrM ,^»h
Rough! Rioutous! Hilarious! Rudyard Kipling's
W
SOLDIERS THREE w
HBANY

'i^Mfttfcod^e^liont
By
IVAN SPEAR
Francis L. Sullivan, portly English character
actor, for the heavy lead in "Behave Yourself"
. . Bill Williams was booked at Republic
.
to co-star with Estelita Rodriguez in
"Havana Rose."
'Country Girl/ Broadway Hit,
Purchased by Paramount
Another Broadway stage success was
wrapped up for films with the purchase by
Paramount of screen rights to "Country Girl,"
the new play by Clifford Odets. Present plans
are to withhold release of the motion picture
version until after the stage vehicle has
concluded its roadshow engagements. The
behind-the-footlights yarn concerns an
alcoholic actor whose strength and support
comes from the wife who idolizes him . . .
Added to the independent production agenda
of Jack Skirball and Bruce Manning, for
release through RKO Radio, was "Desert
Padre," a novel by Irving Stone about the
Catholic priest who was largely responsible
for bringing water to Los Angeles through
the Owens valley reservoir and aqueduct . . .
MGM unlimbered the bankroll for two story
acquisitions. As a starring vehicle for Stewart
Granger it purchased "Beau Brummel,"
a play by Clyde Pitch, which will be produced
by Sam Zimbalist. And, as a part of
the trilogy comprising "Jealousy," which will
topline Spencer Tracy, Leo bought Paul Galileo's
original, "The Southern Souls of Clement
O'Reilly," with Stewart Stern inked to
develop the screenplay ... As an independent
venture, Arthur Lubin bought "The Inter-
Edmund Grainger to Film
'The Racket' for RKO
When opportunity knocks.
Edmund Grainger listens.
Producer
Recently Sen.
Estes Kefauver,
chairman of a senate
crime investigating
committee
which has been
conducting hearings
in key U.S.
cities, paid the
Los Angeles-Hollywood
area an official
visit. While
here he conferred
Grainger,
with
whose ceUuIold Is Edmund Grainger
being turned out independently for RKO
Radio release, and out of those huddles
came the solon's pledge of "complete cooperation"
in the filming of Grainger's
urmoming "The Racket." The producer
and the senator have scheduled a subsequent
series of conferences to be held
next month in Washington, D. C.
"The Racket" will be a modernized
version of the film produced by Howard
Hughes in 1928, starring Thomas Meighan,
Louis Wolheim and Marie Prevost.
Exhibited during the reign of AI Capone,
It wa.s banned in Chicago for several
years, but was finally shown there after
Capone was sent to Alcatraz for a stretch.
The new version will be directed by
John Cromwell from a script by William
WUter Haines and W. R. Burnett.
ruption," a novel by W. W. Jacobs, and will
package it with himself as producer-director.
Dorothy Reid has completed the script . . .
A Lou Breslow original, "You Never Know,"
went to Universal-International, which ticketed
Dick Powell for the starring spot and
tagged Leonard Goldstein to produce . . .
"Criminal's Mark," a Saturday Evening Post
story by John and Ward Hawkins, went to
Warners, where it will be filmed as "Don't
Cry, Baby," with Rudi Fehr producing.
Franklin Coen is writing the script.
WB Signs Ray Milland;
Jean Simmons to RKO
Warners expanded its thespian contract
roster with the signing of Ray Milland to
a non-exclusive term ticket. Formerly under
term contract to Paramount, Milland now
has a multiple-picture commitment at that
studio. His first starring role under the
Warner agreement—marking his initial appearance
on the Burbank lot—will be the
male lead in "A Baby for Midge," a domestic
comedy which will be produced by William
Jacobs.
Further on contractual matters, Jean Simmons
joined the RKO Radio stable of stars
when the Howard Hughes company arranged
to take over the British player's contract
from J. Arthur Rank. She had already been
borrowed from the Rank organization by
Producer Gabriel Pascal to star in "Androcles
and the Lion," film version of the
George Bernard Shaw play, soon to go into
work for RKO Radio release. Her new RKO
Radio ticket goes into effect after the completion
of "Androcles."
Macdonald Carey to Replace
Howard Duff in U-I Film
His busted gam still hasn't healed sufficiently—so
Howard Duff, originally announced
for the top role in Universal-International's
Technicolor western, "The Cave,"
has been forced to withdraw from the assignment.
Macdonald Carey was booked by
the studio as Duff's replacement and the picture
is being aimed for a start late this
month with Leonard Goldstein producing
and William Castle as the director.
Van Heflin and Helen Hayes
To Star in *My Son John'
Paramount is assembling Academy Oscar
winners at a great rate for Producer-Director
Leo McCarey's new venture, "My Son
John." Van Heflin, who bagged a statuette In
1942, has been inked to co-star with Helen
Hayes, a 1932 winner, and Dean Jagger, honored
by the Academy in 1949 . . . The loanout
department found MGM borrowing Paul
Douglas from 20th Century-Pox to star In
"Angels in the Outfield," while Universal-
International persuaded Paramount to lend
John Lund for "Week-End With Father" . . .
Warners signed a Czechoslovakian actress,
. . Judd
Amelia Cova, for "Force of Arms" .
Holdren, a screen newcomer. Is "Captain
Video" in the Columbia serial of that title.
. . . Jerry Wald and Norman Krasna inked
Production for March
Starts Off With 45
HOLLYWOOD—March, which proverbially
roars in like a lion, climatically speaking,
also appeared set to do a bit of roaring as
concerns the film capital's production pace.
As the month got under way a fairly impressive
total of 45 features faced the starting
lir.e, sufficient to bring some measure
of optimism to studio personnel which had
to tighten its collective belt a couple of
notches during February, when a meager 34
subjects were launched.
Three studios—Columbia, RKO Radio and
Republic—are contributing heavily to the
upped tempo, with each studio planning to
start six films. Five are on deck at MGM,
while four each are set under the Eagle Lion
Classics banner, 20th Century-Fox and Universal-International.
The count, studio by studio:
COLUMBIA—Five features and a serial are on
the docket for this studio. Newcomers to the lineup
include two from the independent company in which
Harold Hecht and Actor Burt Lancaster are partners
— "Small Wonder," a comedy, and "Ten Tall Men,"
action story with a Foreign Legion locale. The
former, to be directed by Frank Tashlin, stars Larry
Parks, while Lancaster has the topline in the latter,
which Willis Goldbeck will meg. With Seymour
Friedman directing, cmd Louis Hayward in the title
spot, "The Son of Dr. lekyll" is a holdover entry,
having originally been slated for an earlier starting
date. George Montgomery will star in a
historical western, "War Cry," to be produced by
Bernard Small, but lor which, at this writing, no
megaphonist had been tagged. The aforementioned
cUifhanger, "Captain Video," based on the TV program
has Sam Katzman as the producer and
Spencer Bennet directing, with Judd Holdren in
the title spot. From the Gene Autry production
unit—with, of course, Autry in the starring spot
will come "Silver Canyon." John English directs
and Armand Schaefer is the producer.
EAGLE LION CLASSICS—Earmarked for distribution
through this company are lour vehicles on
which camera work will begin during the month.
Ventura Pictures, the independent headed by Producer
Frank Melford and Director John Rawlins, will
gun "Fort Defiance," a cavalry-vs-Injuns opus, on
location in Arizona with Peter Graves in the star
spot. From Jack Schwarz Productions will come two
others, "The Hoodlum," featuring Lawrence Tierney,
and "I Was a Russian Saboteur," which—as the
month began—was uncast. "The Hoodlum," a copsand-robbers
melodrama, will be directed by Max
Nosseck; "Saboteur" is to be co-produced for Schwarz
by Jack Seaman and Richard Talmadge, with
the latter as megaphonist. Scheduled for filming
by Matty Kemp is "The Pan American Way," a
musical for which sequences will be lensed in
various Central and South American locales. Only
cast member to date is Orchestra I-eader Xavier
Cugat, while a director remained to be recruited.
LIPPERT PRODUCTIONS—With Sabu, the erstwhile
Elephant Boy, in the starring spot, "Savage Drums,"
a jungle melodrama, is listed as one of a pair of
starting subjects emanating from this film-making
unit during the period. Drawing the producer- director
assignment was William Berke. Also on tap, as
a carryover from a previously announced and earlier
starting date, is "Lost Continent," a science-fiction
drama, which will hove Cesar Romero in the topline
and will be produced and directed, respectively,
by the team of Big Neufeld and Sam Newfield.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER—Leo the Lion had five
subjects in his productional hopper as the month got
under way. Stewart Granger will have the starring
role in "The Wild Land," an adventure story of the
Canadian mounted police, which will be produced
in Technicolor by Stephen Ames and directed by
Andrew Marlon. Two others, "The People Against
O'Haro" and "Come Again Another Day," are being
readied by Producer William H. Wright. The former,
starring Spencer Tracy, Pat O'Brien and Diana Lynn,
will be directed by John Sturges^ while the latter,
uncast as the montn began, has r red Wilcox as the
megaphonist. Dore Schary, vice-president and production
chief, personally will supervise "Westward
the Women," a historical western starring Robert
Taylor, which William A. Wellman will direct. A
baseball comedy, "Angels in the Outfield," is on
28 BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951

aucer-Director Clarence Brown's agenda, with
Paul Douglas in the starring spot.
MONOGRAM—Leading off with "Casa Manana,"
a tunefilm to be produced by Lindsley Parsons, this
studio's picture-making paca for the period will
embrace three films. "Manana," which will feature
the Rio Brothers and other nightclub and vaudeville
acts, will be megged by Jean Yarbrough. An entry
in the "Latham Family" series being produced by
Peter Scully is "Father Takes the Air," featuring
Raymond Walburn and to be directed by Frank Mc-
Donald. Slated for filming in Cinecolor is "Rodeo,"
an outdoor subject starring Jean Nigh, which William
Beaudine will meg for Producer Walter Mirisch.
PARAMOUNT—Marking her first appearance before
a motion picture camera since the 1930s, Helen
Hayes has the starring role in "My Son John," a
story of mother-love being produced and directed
for the Marathon St. studio by Leo McCarey. With
Robert Walker and Dean Jagger in the male toplines,
the offering is one of two awaiting the green
light at this film plant during the period. The other,
which is in the carryover category, is "The Rage of
the Vulture," an Alan Ladd starrer, backgrounded
iti post-war India. Everett Riskin is the producer,
Charles Vidor the megaphonist, and Corinne Calvet
is the femme lead.
RKO RADIO—Attaining a rapid tempo, this company
planned March starts on no less than six subjects.
Postponed from its original February date
when H. C. Potter withdrew as the director,
"Andrccles and the Lion," film version of the George
Bernard Shaw play, is a major entry, with Gabriel
Pascal producing and Jean Simmons, Robert Newton
and George Sanders in the starring assignments.
Newcomers to the lineup are "Behave Yourself," a
Wald-Krasna opus, and "The Racket," which will be
produced by Edmund Grainger. "Behave Yourself,"
a satire on detective dramas, co-stars Farley Granger
and Shelley Winters and will be directed by George
Beck from his own script. "The Racket" is a modernized
version of an early day talkie about gangdom,
first produced by Howard Hughes, now the
RKO Radio studio boss. Uncast early in the month,*
it is slated for megging by John Cromwell. Wald
and Krasna also will roll "The Blue Veil," a remake
of a French film, with Raymond Hakim as
the associate producer, Jane Wyman in the starring
spot, and Curtis Bernhardt directing. Robert Young,
Janis Carter and Jack Buetel are the co-stars of "The
Half-Breed, ' ' a historical western which Edward
Lndwig megs for Producer Irving Starr. "The
Miami Storv," another carryover, toplines Victor
Mature and Jane Russell. The cops-and-robbers
feature lists Robert Stephenson as the director and
Robert Sparks as producer.
REPUBLIC—One top-budgeter, one contribution
from an independent unit and four programmers
three of them in the western category—comprise a
busy month's slate at this valley studio. To be
filmed with U.S. air force cooperation as a contribution
to the current cycle of war films is "Wings
Acro

ANSWER
TO YOUR
TECHNICAL
PROBLEMS
The Altec
Service Man and
the organization
behind him
161 Sixth Avenue,
New York 13, N. Y.
PROTECTING THE THEATRE—FIRST PLACE IN ENTERTAINMENT
...TARGET...... TUBERCULOSIS!
.#•11 «
Hi
'^i^'it
^*^*
Theatre Construction,
Openings, Sales
CONSTRUCTION:
Independence, Mo.—Permit for drive-in given by
county court to James E. Fortmeyer, Levasy, Mo.,
popcorn grower.
Springfield. Moss.—Work continuing on Round Hill
Drive-In tor May 1 opening by Joseph Levine, president.
Embassy Pictures, Boston.
OPENINGS:
Angleton. Tex. — Round-Up Drive-In, 350 cars,
opened by Manager Bob Dexter.
Arcadia, Fla.—DeSoto Theatre opened by Florida
Sta'e Theatres.
Ashton< 111.—Ashton Theatre opened by Manager
Clyde Sheppard.
Brownfield, Tex.—Jones Theatre opened new drivein
and has Regal Theatre under construction.
Dallas, Tex.—Lone Star Drive-In, 5500 Military
Parkway, opened by Lone Star Drive-In Theatres,
E. L. Pack, President.
Homerville, Ga.—L. O. West to open drive-in
March 15.
McGebee, Ark.—Malco Theatre to open in March.
Milwaukee, Wis.—Fox Bay Theatre, 988 seats,
opened by Cinema, Inc.
New Orleans. La.—Skyview Drive-In, 800 cars,
opened for Orleans Drive-In Theatres, Inc.
Redfield, Iowa—Redheld Theatre, 400 seats, opened
by Vol and Sue Gorham.
Sidney, Neb.—Plains Drive-In to open in April for
Don Gillman and Robert Carter. 350 cars, $50,000.
South Shore. Ky.—Blue Grass Theatre opened by
W, B. Hannah.
Tyler, Tex.—Rose Garden Theatre, 500 cars, opened^
by Robert Rogers and Howard Arthur.
Union City, Tenn.— Star Liie Drive-In opened by
A. B. Garrett.
West Point, Miss.—New theatre to seat 700 to open
March 15 for A. L. Royal of Meridian, Miss.
SALES:
Atkins, Ark.—Royal Theatre to Guy Hickman by
W. D. Buford and Bill Smith.
CentTolia, Wash.—Twin City Drive-In to Ron, Roy
S Willord Gamble by Ed Auer and Howard Barba:.
Clairton. Pa.—Colonial Theatre to William Kaniadakis
by Frank Panoplos.
Gait. Mo.—Gait Theatre to Gene Sanders of
Ottumwa, Iowa, and John Keating of Gait by
Paul McNeil.
Hartford. Conn.—George Ulyssis sold interest in
Meriden Theatre to his partners Nick Kounaris and
Paul Tolls.
Holiday. Tex.—Queen Theatre to G. I. Ford by
Pat Murphy.
Mankato, Minn.—New Town Theatre to A. R. Pfthau
by Minnesota Amusement Co.
Marshall, Tex.—R. W. Renyck sold interest in Ray
Drive-ln to associate Billy Fox lohnson of Alexcndria.
La.
Monona. Iowa—Plaza Theatre to Art Riedeset by
Mrs. N. J. Martin.
Notalia. Tex.—Dawn Theatre to Lee Estep by
M. A. Gallia.
St. Petersburg, Fla.—Roxie Theatre to Roxarl
Theatre by Florida State Theatres.
San Angelo, Tex.—Twilite and Starlite drive-ins
resold lo R. S. Sterling by Rotb & Rowley.
Stewfardson, 111.—Aloma Theatre to H. Bell by
Lewis M. Tatman.
Wefltville, N. J.—Embassy Theatre to O. B. Guilfoil
by Basil Ziegler.
.«'
>i
The Variety Clubs—Will Rogers Hospital at
'saranac Lake, New York. This famous sanatorium for the
care and treatment of chest diseases, operated free of
charge, serves the people of the Motion Picture and Allied Amusement
Industries. Industry people from all parts of the United States are
eligible for admission.
For information contact your nearest Variety Club Tent or Write:
Variety Clubs—Will Rogers Hospital
1313 Paramount Building, New York 18, N. Y.
30
To Cut Cast Credit Lists
For Film Conservation
HOLLYWOOrv—In an effort to conserve
raw film stocks, the board of directors of the
Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers has voted
to eliminate the common practice of carrying
cast names at both the beginning and
end of feature pictures. Henceforth such
credits will be listed only once.
The action was taken after a recent appeal
by Nathan D. Golden, director of the motion
picture photographic products division of
the National Production Authority; to the
producers to conserve raw stocks in every
po.ssible way.
Appointed MOT Director
NEW YORK—D. Corbit Curtis, who was
production manager for the "This Is America"
series and prior to that a.ssociated with
Pathe News, has been named a director of
the March of Time by Richard DeRochemont.
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951

MGM Promotes Four
In Realignment
NEW YORK—Two MGM salesmen have
been promoted to branch manager posts
and two branch managers have been given
more Important branch posts under a realignment
made by William F. Rodgers, vicepresident
and general sales manager. The
changes will become effective March 19.
Vincent Flynn, salesman at the New
York branch, has been put in charge of the
Omaha branch, succeeding William Gaddoni,
who will take over the operation of the Kansas
City branch. George J. Fisher, salesman
Vincent Flynn
George J. Fisher
William Gaddoni
H. Russell Gaus
at the Dallas office, will take over the Oklahoma
City territory supervision, succeeding
H. Russell Gaus, who has been promoted to
manager of the Atlanta branch.
Al L. Adler, who has been handling the
Kansas City branch for the past several
years, was relieved of the full responsibility
of the office at his doctor's request. He will
continue there as assistant to Gaddoni. In
Atlanta, Gaus succeeds Ansley B. Padgett,
who resigned to join a southern theatre circuit
as an executive.
All four men promoted are veterans and
served in uniform in World War 11.
Mutual Mails Pressbooks
On '13th Letter' Tieup
NEW YORK—Special pressbooks are being
sent out by the Mutual Broadcasting System
on "The 13th Letter" (20th-Fox) and Movie
Mystery Month, going to 544 stations.
The pressbook outlines the promotion campaign
and contains publicity and exploitation
material for use by local station managers.
It also has reprints of two pages
of the exhibitor campaign book.
EQUIP with STANDEE SPEAKERS!
isfor
and 7500 ohm impedance taps. Screw
control. Unparalleled sound reproductic
DRIVEIN THEATRE MFG. CO.
overflow
Wayne, Yates Tour London
After Opening New Office
LONDON—Ceremonies for the opening of
Republic's new headquarters here in Soho
Square turned into a week-long celebration.
Herbert J. Yates, Republic president, gave
a luncheon for David Jack Goodlatte and
C. J. Latta of the ABC Circuit, at which
Richard W. Altschuler, Republic International
president: Bruce Newbery, managing
director in Great Britain and Eire, and John
Wayne and Forrest Tucker were present.
After a tour of the Tower of London the
visitors went to a cocktail party for government
officials and dignitaries. That night
they attended the middleweight championship
bout and a cordon of police had to
escort Wayne to his car after he was introduced.
Later Wayne visited managers of London
suburban theatres during a tour, including
the Commodore in Hammersmith, the Granada
in Tooting, the Imperial in Canning
Town, the Essoldo in Kilburn. In Canning
Town school children were given the morning
off to see him and at Hammersmith 65
ABC managers were on hand to greet him.
Clubwomen Endorse Six
For Family Audiences
NEW YORK—Six features are recommended
for family audiences in the March 1
list of joint estimates of current motion pictures
compiled by clubwomen. Five are listed
for adults and young people and two for
adults only.
Those receiving family ratings are "David
Copperfield" (MGM), a reissue, which is
given a starred rating; "Ma and Pa Kettle
Back on the Farm" (U-I). "The Mating
Season" (Para), "Ridin' the Outlaw Trail"
(Col), "Blue Blood" (Mono) and "Rough
Riders of Durango" (Rep). The last three
are also rated as acceptable for children's
programs.
In the adult-young people grouping are
"Al Jennings of Oklahoma" (Col), "The
Groom Wore Spurs" (U-I), "A Yank in
Korea" (Col), "The Redhead and the Cowboy"
(Para) and "Sugarfoot" (WB). In the
adult only grouping are "Vengeance Valley"
(MGM) and "Lucky Nick Cain" (20th -Fox).
Ivor Novello, 57, Dies;
British Actor-Composer
LONDON—Ivor Novello, 57, British actor,
manager and composer who spent several
years writing and acting in Hollywood, died
March 6 of thrombosis.
He first came to the United States in 1930
to star in "The Truth Game" with Billie
Burke and then went to Hollywood to appear
in the MGM film version, which was titled
"But the Flesh Is Weak." He also appeared
opposite Ruth Chatterton in "Once a Lady."
He wrote the film scripts for "Tarzan, the
Ape Man," "Mata Hari" and "West of Broadway."
In England, Novello starred in several
films, including "Autumn Crocus" and "I
Lived With You," and composed the music
for several others. He was also composer
of "Keep the Home Fires Burning," one of
the most popular songs of World War I.
"The Dancing Years," the Technicolor film
version of his London stage success, was released
in the U.S. by Stratford Pictures in
1950.
NO MORE
for your
.Xi^^
eye-strained customers ^|^?,
for YOU,
^OjJt
Mr. Theatre Owner . . .
you can fill
every seat...
down front.. .on the side
or in the middle ...with
Mppycasn?M£Rs
\r The
Magic Screen
of the Future
is
here NOW!
NO GLARE
CUSTOM
SCREEN
NO PERFORATIONS
to dot your patron's eyes.
No
eye strain from distortion!
SAY PLEASED PATRONS EVERYWHERE
. . Improvement In rtie screen ot ". . . slnie you jnstolled the new
Copltol Tbeotre ...obvious ond Starke CVCIOIAMIC Screen ot our
outslonding . . »e Intend to Instoll Criterion Theotre. we hove the
these screens in oil our theotres. finest picture on Broodwoy.'
B.F. SHEARER
COMPANY
2318 Second Avenue, Seattle I.Washington
Sold Exclusively in Export by FRAZAR & HANSEN, Ltd.
301 Clay St. San Francisco, Calif. • Canada Distributor
Dominion Sound Eqpt., Ltd. Offices in all Principal Cities
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
31

Corwin to Distribute 'Man From Planet X'
\
/ ^ /
LOS ANGELES—Extending his activities
again into the production-distribution fields,
Exhibitor Sherrill Corwin—head of the Metropolitan
circuit here and who has theatre
interests in other parts of California—has
purchased "The Man From Planet X," a
science-fiction exploitation feature, recently
completed on an independent basis by Aubrey
Wisberg and Jack PoUexfen.
Corwin also has an interest in "At War
With the Army," the Jerry Lewis-Dean Martin
comedy produced by Abner Greshler and
Fred Finklehoffe, and being distributed by
Paramount.
Before setting national distribution on
"Planet X," Corwin booked the film for a
test engagement beginning Friday (9) at the
Paramount Theatre in San Francisco. Wisberg
and PoUexfen wrote and produced and
Edgar Ulmer directed the picture, with Robert
Clarke as the cast topliner. Wisberg and
PoUexfen will participate in the profits.
HALLMARK^S
many
i/fouT^nt/'T mf enough'
ROLLING/
TODAY/
P. S. Don't be so kind to your competitor that you
let him grob it away right under your nose. There
won't be another "Boxoffice" picture like it until
the next Hallmark picture comes along.
HALLMARK PRODUCTIONS, inc.
-,^/!!'^(S^.y HALLMARK BLDG.,
WILMINGTON, OHIO
'rs^c/, O^ets. BEVERLY HILLS •CHICAGO
^ CLEVELAND •TORONTO • MEXICO CITY •AUCKLAND • SYDNEY
ROME •PARIS •LONDON •AMSTERDAM •STOCKHOLM •CALCUTTA •KARACHI •CAIRO
^^^S^.
is^n^
Canadian Exhibitors contact Internotionol Film Distributors, Limited • Sole Distributors
of Hallmark Productions in Canada • 277 Victoria St., Toronto 2, Canodo
MOBILE VENDING CART
for Drive-ln Theatres
TIKE rOUR CONCESSION SUNO TO THE CARS'
Cold Orinki. Hot DoKf, Popcorn. Cdndy.
CiKarctItt jnd Ice Crcjm. Easy to pu«h.
ORIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO,
Tl% Ballln
anMi City. Ms
CLEARING HOUSE
(Continued from Inside back cover)
THEATRE SEATING
Char-lty begins at S.O.S. Get latest Chair
Bulletin for many outstanding used and rebuilt
chair values. Special: 1,400 Ideal Slidebacks,
like new, $13.95. Uept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply
Corp., 602 W. 52nd St., New Yorli 19.
Patch-0-Seat cement i'atching cloth, solvent,
etc. Fensln Seating Co.. Chicago 5.
Tighten loose chairs with Perinastone anchor
cement. Fensin Seating Co.. Chicago 5
Chair supplies. Everything for theatre chairs.
Kensin Seating Co., Chicago 6.
Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity
wanted. Photographs mailed with quotation. Fensin
Seating Co., Chicago 6.
No more torn seats: Repair with the original
Patch-A-8eat. Complete kit, $6. General Chair
Co.. Chicago 22. III.
Chair Parts; We furnish moat any part you require.
Send sample for price, bra

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
umm
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
Dwight Hanson
Keith Wilson
Jack Pardue
Bonus to Dwight Hanson
For Disk Jockey Co-Op
A comparative newcomer to the ranks of
exhibitors has earned his second BOX-
OPFICE Bonus for an outstanding original
idea he devised to stimulate free publicity
and extra theatre attendance. He is Dwight
Hanson, owner-manager of the Valley Theatre,
Eddyville, Iowa.
Hanson has operated the Valley for less
than two years. In August 1950 he received
a Citation of Honor and a $10 Bonus from
BOXOFFICE for submitting a co-op ad of
special merit. His latest achievement is for
buying a one-hour radio show, taking on the
chore of disk jockey and selling enough advertising
to merchants to underwrite the entire
promotion. The theatre attractions are
plugged periodically on the show. The promotion
is believed to be the first of its kind
ever undertaken by an
exhibitor as a co-op
tieup.
A Bonus for public
relations was awarded
to A. L. Tuttle, manager
of the Military
Theatre in Omaha.
Tuttle has been instrumental
in educating
the public to greater
art appreciation by exhibiting
paintings in
the theatre lobby. The
H. S. Carlisle innovation has also
helped to increase theatre patronage.
A British showman, W. J. Marshall, manager
of the Elephant and Castle, London, was
cited for outstanding ballyhoo.
Joseph Boyle, manager of the Poll Theatre
in Norwich, Conn., one of the most consistent
contributors to the Showmandiser section
since the Bonus was started in 1947, was
among the Citation winners for February.
Boyle excelled in the lobby display category.
Other winners: Howard Myers, manager,
Valencia Theatre, Macon, Mo., co-op ad; Bill
Chilton, manager. Palace, Antigo, Wis., window
display; Jack Pardue, manager Lyric,
Elkton, N. C., front; Spencer Carlisle, ownermanager,
Bellevue, St. Albans, Vt., general
tieup; WiUiam Cole, the Sheridan, Chicago,
program, and Keith Wilson, Roxy, Brampton,
Ont., display ad.
A. L. Tuttle
Howard Myers
Bill Chilton Joseph Boyle William Cole
^keu re the ^-/a
"f
>p6
We note that Jesse White, manager of the Martin Theatre
in Americus, Ga., has been named Showman of the Year in the
Martin circuit. White received a gold lapel pin as a tribute for
his worii in civic affairs, showmanship, exploitation, theatre management
and for his personality. That small pin, which he undoubtedly
will wear every day from now on, will serve as a
constant reminder of his faithful application to his duties during
the year 1950 and as an incentive in the years ahead.
White, like so many other top showmen in theatre business,
started as a doorman for Martin in 1937 at Opelika, Ala. He is
another reminder that the show business still offers golden opportunities
for those with ambition, drive, persistance and eagerness
to learn.
« * «
On the subject of awards, that master showman and producer,
Kroger Babb, was in town last week. Babb heads Hallmark
Productions, a company as successful and as fabulous as Babb
himself.
Recent awards presented to Babb include the Alberto Santos '
Dumont Aeronautical Foundation plaque as aviation's best friend
during 1950; the Special Commendation of the National Hairdressers
Ass'n for his outstanding contribution to the women of
America by producing "Secrets of Beauty," and the Sid Grauman
showmanship award.
The latter holds special significance for the Hallmark president.
It indicates outstanding achievement in rugged competition
with producers and distributors who were around when Babb
was trying to make his first dollar. While other companies have
been trying to develop new media for selling motion pictures,
Babb has demonstrated that there is nothing wrong with the old
methods.
His prolific use of window cards, posting, heralds and plain '"
down-to-earth merchandising methods has exhibitors literally '
gasping In amazement as the result of his showmanship makes
itself evident at the boxoffice.
— Chester Friedman
BOXOFFICE Showonandiser : : March
10, 1951 — 53 —
33

A Campaign in Pictures
'Samson
Making its premiere showing at popular
prices in Daytona Beach, "Samson and
Delilah" received a solid exploitation
campaign from Mark Dupree, manager of
the Daytona Theatre. Pictured are some of
the highlights of the promotion campaign.
Upper left: an artist attracts patron interest
in the lobby sketching scenes from the
film production. Below, 24-sheet stands
Lucas Manager Sells
'Breakthrough' Co-Op
A full-page newpaper co-op ad helped to
exploit the opening of "Breakthrough" at the
Lucas Theatre in Savannah for Manager
Leslie Swaebe.
Swaebe sold the space to 30 local merchants
as a public service, tieing it in with the recruiting
drive for all branches of the army
and air force. A reverse cut of the picture
title topped the page. Dominating illustration
was a four-column ad mat of the picture and
the theatre signature cut. One column of
space was devoted to qualifications for enlistment
in
one column was devoted to a listing of the
sponsoring merchants.
Swaebe arranged for an army air force
bomber to "raid" the main street of Savannah
the various branches of service, and
on the day before opening with heralds advertising
"Breakthrough."
A recruiting booth was set up in the lobby
of the Lucas, manned by air force personnel,
during the current run of the picture.
Big Displays on 'Kim'
Howard Burkhardt, manager of the Midland
Theatre, Kansas City, promoted window
displays in leading downtown department
stores, as part of his campaign for
"Kim." Rothschild's and the Jones store both
featured full windows tieing in men's clothing
with star illustrations and theatre
credit cards, along with Valentine gifts "suggested"
by Laurette Luez, featured actress in
"Kim."
Gets a Strong Send-off
caught the interest of motorists. Upper right:
Litho cutouts and stills on theatre boxoifice
provide extra flash for current ballyhoo.
Also pictured is the theatre's pick-up truck
which is equipped with an amplifier system
for making announcements as it tours
congested neighborhoods with theatre
signs. Window displays ployed major role
in publicizing the film.
45 Window Displays
Exploit 'Love Song'
Dan Redden, manager of the Music Hall
Theatre, Seattle, set up a record number of
45 merchandising tieups as part of his campaign
for "Pagan Love Song." The extensive
window campaign included all types of merchandise
displays in windows, with scene
stills from the picjure and prominent theatre
playdates.
To exploit "Tomahawk," Redden had a
theatre employe dressed as an Indian in full
war paint walk through the downtown districts
during peak rush hours.
NUGGETS
Capitalizing on the theme of "The 13th
Letter," in which the star endeavors to uncover
the writer of a series of poison-pen
letters by analyzing the handwriting of
suspects, Monty Salmon, manager of the
Rlvoli Theatre in New York, invited Muriel
Stafford, noted handwriting analyst, to
appear at the theatre on the first three days
of the picture's engagement. Miss Stafford
analyzed the handwriting of Rivoli patrons,
free of charge. The stunt was publicized in
the local press.
Ray MacNamara, manager of the Allyn
Theatre, Hartford, promoted a newspaper
contest in conjunction with his campaign for
"September Affair." The paper offered guest
tickets to readers who submitted the longest
lists of film titles containing the name of a
month.
Landau Perambulates
With Costumed Gals;
Rates Press Photo
The austerity program in Great Britain has
placed serious handicaps on the promotional
activities of theatremen in England. Any
time a picture ballyhoo is good enough to
rate a photo in the daily press, the stunt has
to have special news value and therefore is
doubly welcome as a stimulant in creating interest
for the film production.
D. Turner, assistant manager of the Majestic
Cinema at South Woodford, Essex, recently
promoted such a newspaper break
when he developed a novel ballyhoo to exploit
"Two Weeks With Love."
Turner made a co-op deal with the proprietor
of the Majestic riding stables who provided
an old-fashioned landau similar to the
one used by their Royal Majesties for state
functions. The two theatre cashiers, dressed
in typical period costumes seen in the picture,
took the parts of the main characters
in the picture, while the driver was dressed to
resemble the hero of the picture. Posters and
signs called attention to the picture playdates
and the procession toured the main
streets and shopping sections of South Woodford
and several adjacent towns. The tremendous
interest aroused by the unusual
sight prompted the local newspaper editor
to take a picture which broke during the
current showing with mention of the theatre
playdates.
Turner played up the music angle of the
picture by having local dance bands feature
song hits from "Two Weeks With Love."
Total cost of the campaign was negligible.
Car Dealer and Jeweler
Help 'Mines' Buildup
A. C. Henderson, manager of the Georgia
Theatre, Columbus, tied up for window displays,
newspaper co-op ads and promoted a
street ballyhoo as part of his campaign for
"King Solomon's Mines." The Dodge dealer
provided a truck and banners heralding the
theatre booking. The truck toured Columbus
and the surrounding towns for a week prior
to opening. He also paid for co-op ads and
arranged a full window display of posters
and stills plugging the picture.
A jeweler sponsored the "Keepsake Diamond"
Contest and backed up the promotion
with co-op ads and 5,000 special circulars.
Daily newspapers helped to publicize the contest
by running two advance stories and an
announcement of the winner.
Bottle Collars Exploit
'The Milkman' Booking
When Nick Tornichio, manager of the Holland
Theatre, Belletontalne, Ohio, played
"The Milkman," he contacted a local dairy
and arranged for 2,000 bottle collars to be
placed on all home deliveries in the area
with theatre copy. Delivery trucks carried
banners plugging "The Milkman" and a milk
bar was .set up in the lobby with all proceeds
going to the Polio Fund. "Elsie" the cow was
placed on top of the boxoffice and a sign was
lettered: "Elsie Says: 'See Jimmy Durante,
etc.'
34 — 54 — BOXOrnCE ShowmandUer :
:
March
10, 1951

I
Tadi( adio Contests Spark
New Haven Premiere
Of 'Yesterday'
Two radio contests plus special radio pro-
motion and merchant tieups helped exploit
"Born Yesterday" for Morris Rosenthal,
manager of Loew's Poli Theatre, New Haven.
Station WNBC conducted a quiz in which
listeners were invited to submit as many
words as possible composed from letters in
the title of the film. Station WELI sponsored
a song identification contest on the
Toby Baker disk jockey show.
Station WYBC and WBIB used gratis spot
plugs and the transcription record five days
prior to opening. All stations plugged the
song heard in the film, "I Can't Give You
Anything but Love." Trailer spots were purchased
on WNBC-TV and the station devoted
several free plugs to the picture.
Outside exploitation included displays by
25 merchants retailing Ronson lighters. The
Redbook tiein produced displays on ten
downtown magazine stands, and the Zenith
radio distributor arranged for still displays
in five retail stores handling their product.
The Gamble-Desmond company provided
a
full window display with stalls, and a co-op
newspaper ad plugging the picture.
All juke boxes in the area featured recordings
of "I Can't Give You Anything But
Love," with stickers calling attention to the
theatre playdates. Two thousand candy
kisses were promoted and enclosed In imprinted
envelopes. These were distributed in
the downtown area by an attractive girl, during
the luncl) hour.
Five hundred post cards from a New York
hotel, carrying picture copy, were mailed to
New Haven theatre patrons. Two thousand
imitation theatre tickets were imprinted and
passed out as special dodgers, a week prior
to opening.
A teaser trailer and the regular trailer
plugged the picture at the Poli. Two affiliated
theatres in New Haven used cross
plug trailers. Lobby displays included several
attractive setpieces and a board featuring
quotes by New York film reviewers.
Additional exploitation included display
cards in hotel lobbies, parking lots, garages,
downtown restaurants and the bus station.
Fashion Show Includes
Coat for Door Prize
Gil Scouten, manager of the Van Wert
(Ohio) Theatre, arranged with a local department
store for a style show of Easter
fashions. The show was booked Sunday night,
February 28, with the store giving away a
woman's coat as a door prize. The store supplied
models and advertised the show via
newspaper ads and radio plugs. Scouten tied
up with a florist for floral stage decorations
and a rose for every woman who attended.
The event attracted a capacity house.
\D Runs 'Bonzo' Sneak
Jim McCarthy, manager of the Strand Theatre,
Hartford, got column breaks in the local
newspapers, following a sneak preview of
"Bedtime for Bonzo" a week prior to opening.
Drama editors used the comments of the
preview audience.
Display Animation Is Intriguing
Here is an eiieciive display that intrigued patrons and helped stimulate interest
in "Mr. Music" for Archie Adams, manager of the Florida Theatre, Vero Beach, Fla.
Adams used his daughter's miniature baby grand piano and life-size doll as the feature
of this setting. A magnet motor was connected to the doll's hands to keep them
in motion over the piano keys. Each time the hand came down, a red light blinked
on the overhead 22x28. The stunt was so attractive, the local paper ran a threecolumn
cut of the display. Art work in the small towns is too expensive and hard to
get—so Adams contrives his displays simply, with stock paper and accessories obtainable
from National Screen Service.
National Guard Co-Op
Assists 'Steel Helmet'
The cooperation of national guard recruiting
officers helped to publicize "The Steel
Helmet" for Ray Boyer, manager of the Mohawk
Theatre, Amsterdam, N. Y. A recruiting
booth was erected in the theatre lobby,
attended by two guardsmen. Posters and
pamphlets advertising the picture were distributed
throughout the area by the local
unit.
A full company paraded to the theatre
opening night where the mayor officiated at
swearing-in ceremonies on the stage. This
was covered by a local radio station.
Advance lobby displays were created from
headline newspaper clippings and decorated
with steel helmets and army rifles. An illuminated
display created additional interest
prior to the picture's opening.
Boyer's assistant, Tom Holden, promoted
five window displays by tieing in the national
guard recruiting posters.
Previews Dinnerware
Dave Kane, exploitation manager for the
Palace in Passaic, N. J., arranged a preview
of a new dinnerware set, recently started as
a business stimulant. Invitations were imprinted
and delivered to householders in the
neighborhood, inviting the womenfolk to a
free matinee performance at which time they
could inspect the hand-painted crockery. As
an added Inducement to encourage attendance,
a complete set of the dinnerware was
given away as a door prize at the preview.
Sad Sack Celebration
Promotes 'At War'
Dave Dallas, city manager for TEI theatres,
Manhattan, Kas., used his official capacity
as chairman of the American Legion
post entertainment committee to put over a
clever exploitation ballyhoo for "At War With
the Army."
At a dinner given by the Post, Dallas presented
a "Sad Sack Celebration," representing
a takeoff on the picture and getting several
important plugs in for the theatre booking.
Dallas had all guests at the dinner wear
their castoff and outgrown uniforms. The
menu featured GI beans. Prizes were awarded
to the most unsoldierly ex-soldier in attendance.
Preceding the dinner, Dallas planted a
front-page story in the Legion weekly newspaper
which was picked up by two daily
newspapers, thus getting "At War With the
Army" additional publicity.
Uses Marquee Quotes
George Kraska, manager of the Beacon Hill
Theatre in Boston, used his theatre marquee
and front to exploit "Bitter Rice," a 13-week
holdover engagement. Provocative copy on
the attraction sign, and front created from
color blowups, stills, and comments of nationally
known newspaper and magazine writers
were used to supplement a strong newspaper
and radio campaign.
BOXOFTICE Showmandiser : : March
10, 1951 — 55 — 35

Mirror Strips in
Barber Shops Tell
About 'Three Guys at Hartford
A newspaper contest, special radio promotion
and tieups with five local barber
shops were highlights of Manager Lou
Cohen's campaign for "Three Guys Named
Mike" at the Poll Theatre, Hartford.
The barber shop tieup was rather unusual.
Each of the shops displayed a streamer across
the entire length of the mirror frames, with
copy: "Your favorite three guys named Joe,
Paul and Sal say 'Three Guys Named Mike'
is a comedy you shouldn't miss ... at the
Poll, starting Thursday." The owners expressed
pleasure at the idea, as it gave them
something to talk about other than the usual
shop talk and sports.
Cohen arranged with the American Airlines
office to obtain a newspaper co-op ad
that Included a display mat. The airlines
company also set up a full window display
in its downtown office and another at the airport.
On opening day, guest tickets were given
to people alighting from American Airlines
plans. This resulted in a news break. The
papers also carried a story announcing that
the first "three guys named Mike" who attended
the opening day matinee would be
guests of the theatre.
The Hartford Times sponsored a contest
on "Why I would like to be a flagship
stewardess." Winners received guest tickets
to the Poli, and the grand prize winner was
interviewed by American Airlines for a stewardess
position.
Transcriptions were set with radio station
WTHT and WCCC to supplement paid radio
spot announcements.
A miniature display stage in the theatre
lobby was dressed with giant cutouts of airplanes,
star cutouts, and model airplanes supplied
by American Airlines. On view three
weeks prior to opening, the display attracted
notable attention from patrons.
Cooperative Giveaway
Is 6-Week Stimulant
With $7,000 Prizes
Grover Hendrix, manager of the Venetian
Theatre, Seattle, Wash., recently concluded a
six-week cooperative merchant giveaway
which gave local theatre patrons more than
$7,000 worth of free merchandise, and consistently
packed the theatre and the sidewalk
out front with an overflow crowd.
Taking advantage of his incumbency as
vice-president of the Capitol Hill Commercial
Club, Hendrix made the deal with
leading merchants who distributed drawing
tickets with each purchase of merchandise
at their respective stores.
Drawings were held one night each week
through January and the first two weeks of
February. Prizes included a new Pontiac, a
trip to Hawaii, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators,
television sets and many other desirable
articles.
Because of the fact that there was no reward
for participating in the drawing, the
plan was okayed by city officals. One of the
judges who helped select the winning tickets
was Charles Carroll, the county district
attorney.
Each cooperating merchant displayed window
signs announcing the giveaways, and
each week the theatre lobby was filled with
the prize gifts for the following giveaway
night. The 1951 Pontiac was placed on exhibit
in front of the theatre. During peak
hours, it was driven about the shopping area
with a banner announcing the theatre promotion.
Orqanizalions Assist
In Benefit for 'Voice'
Thirty-five organizations sponsored a Joint
benefit show of "The Next Voice You Hear
. .
." for the School for Retarded Children at
the Kent (Ohio) Theatre. The benefit was
the largest ever held in the county and was
Inspired by William Hulbert, manager of the
Kent.
Hulbert launched his campaign by Inviting
clergymen and a representative from
every club and organization in the county to
a screening of the picture, three weeks prior
to the regular booking. Then Kent Evening
Record and Daily Courier-Tribune went
solidly behind the benefit with pictorial features
and stories as each group signified Its
Intention to participate in the fund raising
project.
Every church in the area mentioned the
benefit in bulletins and many ministers mentioned
the picture from the pulpit during
Sunday sermons. Window cards, handpainted
by art students of the local college,
and lobby displays helped to arouse further
enthusiasm for the benefit.
Braves Whoop It Up
For "Tomahawk" at the Orpheum in San
Francisco, Manager Jack Miller enlisted the
aid of a group of Indians. Dressed in colorful
tribal costumes, they entertained pedestrians
by demonsrating their native dances In front
of the theatre on opening day.
Fishbowl Adds Interest
To Setpiece on 'Pagan'
T. A. MacDougald, manager of the Ritz,
Panama City, Pla., made an inexpensive and
attractive lobby display for "Pagan Love
Song." He posted a six-sheet on beaverboard,
cut out a section, and behind it he
placed a large fishbowl containing goldfish.
Theatre patrons crowded around the display.
Manager Lee Fagg converted the front oi the
Roxy Theatre, Tacoma, Wash., to a western
setting when he played "Dallas." Sapling
trees were cut down to provide a barricade
effect. Twenty-lour-gheet cutouts of the stars
in action pose were especially effective in
attracting attention from passersby and
motoriats.
Bookmarks and Trucks
Spread News of 'Kim'
Duke Elliott, manager of the Olympic Theatre,
Watertown, N. Y., sold "Kim" to local
theatre patrons by window displays, a contest,
bookmarks distributed in schools and
libraries and special display signs at three
local skating rinks.
He tied in with the news delivery company
on the Pocket Book edition of "Kim."
Forty trucks carried signs advertising the
theatre booking, and ten downtown newsstands
displayed signs with the Pocket Book
display.
Bill Hart, assistant to Elliott, sold a co-op
herald to a neighborhood advertiser, with
2,000 delivered house-to-house.
Builds 20-Foot Rocket
J. B. Shuman, manager of the Martin Theatre,
Florida, Ala., built a 20-foot cutout of
a rocket and displayed it outside the theatre
front to exploit "Rocketshlp XM." The cutout
was lettered with the picture title and
was placed In an upright position against a
street lamppost.
Sets Travel Window
Jack Dudmond, manager of the Coliseum
Theatre in Seattle, promoted a downtown
window plugging "September Affair" with
one of the largest travel agencies in the city.
The window was filled with stills showing
some of the beautiful scenic backgrounds in
the film.
36 — 56 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : March
10, 1951

It
The army brought up its heavy armor to
help Manager Nick Lavador ballyhoo "Salerno
Beachhead" when it opened at the Center
Theatre in Boston. The equipment was exhibited
in conjunction with recruiting tieup.
February Advertised
As Movie Month
Lamar Humphries, manager of the Pix
Theatre, Evergreen, Ala., advertised February
as Motion Picture month to stimulate
patronage and arouse public interest in the
outstanding attractions booked during the
four-week period.
He obtained a letter from the general
manager of the Martin circuit stating in
part: "I have advised our booking office to
go allout for you in making February your
Motion Picture month by bringing to the
Pix the finest pictures available from all the
major producing companies during this
period." The letter was blown up and displayed
in the theatre lobby along with four
calendar cards lettered with the weekly attractions.
Humphries promoted a full-page co-op ad
from local merchants, congratulating the Pix
and listing the February bookings. The ad
appeared In the Evergreen Courant.
Every '13th Letter' Wins
Box of Writing Paper
For "The 13th Letter," Monty Salmon,
anager of the Rivoli Theatre, New York,
vited women patrons to write in their opinion
of the "new" Charles Boyer. In the film,
Be Boyer plays an elderly small-town doctor,
Jjalding and with a grizzled beard. For the
5Wi best letters received, Salmon awarded
21-jewel Bulova wrist watches. The writer
of every 13th letter in the contest received
a box of Whiting Royal deckle writing paper.
Recruits Are Guests
As a public and patriotic service. Gene
Pleshette, manager of the Brooklyn Paramount
Theatre, and Henry Spiegel, publicist,
tied up with the army and air force recruiting
service to obtain extra publicity for "At
War With the Army." All accepted enlistees,
both male and female, were guests of
the theatre management during the run.
Civic Proclamation
Hails Astor Opening
With 'September'
The newly rebuilt and redecorated Astor
Theatre in Syracuse, N. Y., opened with September
Affair" as the feature, attraction and
a citywide celebration sparked by Mayor T.
J. Corcoran's proclamation marking Motion
Picture Entertainment day.
Fifteen hundred guests of the management
and Paramount Pictures attended a special
preview of the film, following a dinner at the
Syracuse Hotel for leading citizens of the
city.
The advance campaign for the picture included
large newspaper ads in the two daily
papers and in the Syracuse University daily.
Radio spot announcements and television
trailers were part of a saturation campaign to
reach the at-home audience. Three hundred
three-sheets were sniped in conspicuous
places throughout the area.
A tieup with the safety campaign enabled
the theatre management to placard several
hundred street poles with arrows pointing In
the direction of the Astor Theatre, copy reading,
"Drive carefully on your way to the new
Astor and the opening of 'September Affair.'
" Smaller arrows were stenciled on the
sidewalk in the downtown business area.
Sjrracuse university students selected a boy
and girl who most closely resemble the two
stars of the film. These two acted as proxy
stars at the opening night show. A halfhour
program broadcast the premiere festivities
opening night, and giant searchlights
and a local band lent a Hollywood touch to
the proceedings.
The campaign was conducted by George
Maxwell, manager of the Astor, and Ed Wall,
representing Paramount Pictures.
Ads Advise His Patrons
Newsreels Are Back
W. D. Van Derburgh, owner-manager of the
Pageland (S. C.) Theatre, used newspaper
publicity and special heralds to notify his patrons
that he was again featuring newsreels
as part of his regular theatre program.
Van Derburgh dropped his newsreel several
months back due to lack of public Interest.
Since the war in Korea, however, and the fact
that newsreels are now being flown Into the
area to make them timely, he decided to rebook
the U-I newsreel. A story was released
to the newspaper, stressing the fact that the
renewed service will bring local theatre patrons
a pictorial account from all branches
of the military service.
Special circulars were distributed, announcing
the fact that the newsreel would be shown
three times nightly. A special display in the
theatre lobby also publicized the added program
attraction.
Promotes Windows
E. E. Coxall, manager of the Capitol Cinema,
Barking, England, promoted window displays
tieing in hats, underwear and bathing
costumes as part of his campaign for "Two
Weeks With Love." The Abbey Valet Service
also used a full window tlein, exhibiting
star heads, posters and stills. Theatre playdates
were prominently in evidence.
Loew's exploitation department in New York
had this float tour neighborhood residential
districts to ballyhoo "Eim." Models in harem
costumes, three mechanical elephants, grass,
palm trees, etc., made an attractive ilash.
Hypnotist Promotion
Breaks AP Wires
Frank Paul, manager of the Lyric in Indianapolis,
used a ballyhoo in behalf of the
appearance of Jay Zee, a hypnotist, which
Associated Press.
made the
Working through a local radio station at
Shelbyville, Ind., Paul arranged for the hypnotist
to give a demonstration in the window
of a local furniture store. A boy and girl
were put to sleep, and other interesting
phenomena were performed while the subjects
were in a state of hypnosis.
The stunt was brought up to date by having
the store run a telephone line into the
window. While this was going on in Shelbyville,
the hjrpnotist placed the subjects under
his influence by telephone from the Lyric In
Indianapolis.
Paul tied up with a prominent market, arranging
to have Zee give a demonstration of
hypnotism on the store premises. In return
for this, the store purchased a full-page
newspaper ad announcing the event.
Truck Signs Promote
To Please a Lady'
Several effective tieups helped to exploit
"To Please a Lady" for W. L. Beck, manager
of the Five Points Theatre, Jacksonville, Pla.
Beck tied in with the local Ford dealer who
used signs announcing the theatre booking
on the back of all demonstrator cars.
The Firestone Tire dealers also bannered
delivery trucks and set up window displays as
well as paying for two large newspaper
co-op ads. A department store featured a full
page ad offering values "To Please a Lady"
and included a large display ad for the picture
with theatre dates.
A racing car, borrowed from the Jacksonville
Speedway, was exhibited in front of the
theatre and the Speedway made announcements
to fans during sports events. Window
displays connecting the title with bargain
sales were used by shoe stores, radio shops,
florists and the Jacksonville Gas Co.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : March 10, 1951
— 57 — 37

j
Charleston Contest
Packs Patron Appeal
For 'Let's Dance'
A Charleston contest that had special appeal
for neighborhood audiences was promoted
by Julius Lamm, manager of the Uptown
Theatre, Cleveland, for "Let's Dance."
The theatre, which has extensive lobby and
foyer space and a fully equipped stage, lent
itself admirably to this purpose.
Lamm tied in with the Fred Astaire studio
and local merchants as sponsors of the contest,
and obtained excellent press cooF>eration
in publicizing the event. The studio
supplied professional dancers to demonstrate
the Charleston in the theatre lobby a week
prior to opening.
Cash prizes amounting to $150 were donated
by the studio. Five thousand gift certificates,
each one good for a dancing lesson,
were presented to patrons with each adult
admission ticket, beginning two weeks in advance
of playdate. The studio also paid for
large newspaper ads advertising the contest.
Local merchants donated merchandise
prizes for the winners, and used one-sheet
signs in their windows, displaying the gifts
and announcing the contest.
Lamm got Bud Wendell, Cleveland disk
jockey on station WJMD, to act as master
of ceremonies during the eliminations and the
finals. Lobby and sidewalk displays and a
trailer helped to attract entrants.
Telephone Chcxin System
Aids Norwich 'Mountain'
Joseph Boyle, manager of the Poli Theatre,
Norwich, Conn., invited Protestant pastors,
PTA officers, radio and newspaper representatives
and prominent civic officials to
a sneak preview of "I'd Climb the Highest
Mountain." The screening resulted in widespread
word-of-mouth publicity. The Women's
Protestant Organization coopierated by
using the chain telephone method of publicizing
the picture a week in advance of
opening.
Boyle planted a classified ad contest with
the Norwich Bulletin.
Hulbert Doesn't Worry
About the Future
Among Schine circuit theatre managers,
there is perpetual rivalry to see who can
line up seasonal promotions far in advance
of holidays. These showmen have
been known to arrange tieups as much
as six months in advance.
Bill Hulbert, manager of the Kent
(Ohio) Theatre, has established a new
record for the circuit. He has set up a
morning show, to be sponsored by the
local Buick dealer, for next Christmas.
The contract was signed in January,
giving Hulbert the unusual distinction of
being the first exhibitor in the country
to report a December rental a year in
advance.
Silhouette in Window
Ballyhoos 'Harvey'
Jodie Wiest, manager of the Plains Theatre,
Roswell, N. M., launched his "Harvey"
campaign ten days prior to opening. Underlines
and teaser ads were used in the local
newspaper, and radio spots were used on
both local stations.
A window display was set up in a prominent
store window on the busiest street In town.
Cutouts of "Harvey" were placed behind a
blank sheet. Strong illumination behind the
cutout threw a silhouette on to the screen,
with provocative theatre copy explaining Harvey's
presence at the Plains Theatre.
Signs reading ""Harvey' Was Here" were
placed in all downtown stores and office
buildings, arousing curiosity and stimulating
advance word-of-mouth publicity for the
picture. Signs were posted on the theatre
delivery truck which toured the residential
and outlying districts.
Wiest tied up with the promoters of the
district Golden Gloves tournament on Sunday
before opening. Through this arrangement,
an empty chair was placed at ringside,
with copy, "Reserved for 'Harvey.' " As
a followup, mimeographed circulars were
placed in all parked cars at the stadium.
Showman Doubles Up Newsreels
And Wins Patron Interest
Being an individualist at heart and a
showman besides, W. Varick Nevins III,
owner-manager of the Campus Theatre,
Alfred, N. Y., believes that while so many
other exhibitors are complaining about the
inadequacies of newsreels these days,
theatremen should do something about It.
Nevins decided some months ago that
the newsreel is usually too short to be a
real attraction. Even in a small town,
he gets an early issue of News from Paramount.
He holds the extra issue and has it
delivered with the next even issue. These
are then spliced together to provide him
with a 15-minnte newsreel which is advertised
as a Double Newsreel. This is
beoomlnc a definite theatre attraction,
with many patrons coming regularly especially
to see this part of the program.
Numerous compliments received by
Nevins encouraged him to continue the
innovation, and he adds in his letter to
us a personal recommendation for other
exhibitors in small communites who would
like to substitute the double News for a
short subject where it can do them some
real good.
Another idea which demonstrates Nevins'
Individuality is the regular listing of feature
schedules in his theatre programs,
although they are prepared three weeks
in advance. It means that he has to plan
his program schedules three weeks before
playdate and stick to It.
Word-of-Mouth Praise
Overcomes Weather
For 'Next Voice'
Peter Nepote, manager of the Arcadia in
Olney, 111., played "The Next Voice You
Hear ."
. . during the worst sleet storm the
community has endured in years. In spite of
this handicap, the picture grossed almost 70
per cent more than the usual receipts due
to a saturation campaign which preceded the
booking.
Nepote launched the publicity five weeks
prior to opening by getting two teaser trailers
from MGM for use prior to the regular trailer.
Two weeks before opening, an invitational
preview was arranged for the Ministerial
Ass'n, PTA officers and civic heads, and
about 50 prominent citizens representative
of a cross-section of the community. The
following day, the head of the Ministerial
Ass'n devoted the entire devotional hour on
radio station WVLN to a discussion of the
picture, urging all listeners to plan on seeing
the picture during its engagement at the
Arcadia.
For a period of ten days prior to opening,
the director of radio station WVLN had all
time announcements made as follows:
"The
time is now 8:30 a. m. Watch for the story
of what happened one night at 8:30 p. m.
all over the world. You will see it soon on
the Arcadia screen." Although this amounted
to spot announcements, no charge was made
to the theatre. This was supplemented by
paid spots three days in advance and during
the entire current playdate. The spot plugs
were purchased for the noonday hour.
Nepote built a mammoth lobby display,
using elements of the 24-sheet and waste
newsprint as a background. Prominent on
the display was the Parents' magazine medal
which had been awarded the picture.
Newspaper cooperation was excellent, due
mainly to the fact that the editor of the
Olney Daily Mail had attended the preview
screening. The editor of the Olney Times
used an editorial on two successive weeks endorsing
the picture.
Going directly into the homes, Nepote
mailed 1,000 Imprinted postal cards to rural
boxholders in the surrounding communities,
with his personal recommendation. Two
thousand special circulars were distributed
door-to-door in Olney.
Institutional Ads Run
To publicize the new Lyric Theatre, re- j
cently opened at Pordsburg. Johannesburg.
(
South Africa, Hashim Hassim, manager and
i
co-owner, has been using institutional ad- 1
vertising in popular consumer magazines.
The advertisements include a large Illustra-
.;
tion of the Lyric and play up the comforts,
spaciousness and courtesy afforded Lyric patrons.
Copy includes an invitation to make
a date with romance by .seeing the outstanding
attractions booked at the Lyric.
Co-Op for 'Mountain'
Jesse Marlowe, manager of the Martin
Theatre, E^jfaula, Ala., promoted a page newspaper
co-op to exploit "I'd Climb the Highest
Mountain."
38 — 58 — BOXOFFICE Showmandisar : : March 10, 1951

'
beside
Doyleslown, Pa., Key
Seeks $375,000
PHILADELPHIA—Preliminary arguments
will be heard March 14 by Federal Judge
George Welsh in an antitrust suit filed last
week by the Key Theatre at Cross Keys, a
suburb of Doylestown, Pa., against Charles
Kahn, Lester Krieger, Ted Schlanger and
his son Claude J. and the major film companies,
requesting a total of $375,000.
The Key, a 824-seater opened last July 30
in Cross Keys, charges that Kahn, owner
of the County Theatre, 712-seater, in Doylestown,
attempted to prevent construction of
the Key and, after failing to do so, he leased
the County last October to the County Theatre
Co.. of which Claude Schlanger and Krieger
are officers. Ted Schlanger, the father of
Claude, is zone manager for Stanley-Warner
Theatres, and Krieger now is employed as
his assistant. In addition, it is claimed,
Claude was a 20th Century-Fox salesman till
a few weeks ago.
Besides asking $75,000 tripled against all
defendants, the Key is asking $75,000 from
Kahn and the County Theatre Co. officers for
alleged "unfair competition and disparagement
of the plaintiff," and an additional $75,-
000 from Kahn alone on a charge that he circulated
false reports that damaged the Key's
credit and business reputation.
Judge Welsh was asked to issue an injunction
against the seven distributor defendants.
Paramount, RKO, Warner Bros., Columbia,
U-I, MGM and 20th-Fox, ordering them "to
cease discriminating against the Key in film
bidding and other respects," and that they
be compelled to disclose bids on film for
which the Key is competing.
The Key charges Kahn leased the County
to the Krieger Schlanger company because
he knew they had substantial influence with
the distribution companies. The Key charges
that bids were disclosed to the County Theatre
and given an opportunity to bid higher,
and that where bids of the Key were higher,
these were ignored and the film were given
to the County.
'You're in the Navy Now'
Is New 'Teakettle' Title
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Pox has
changed the title of "U.S.S. Teakettle" to
"You're in the Navy Now" following test engagements
at the Roxy in New York and in
Philadelphia and Miami. The picture had
disappointing grosses, despite favorable newspaper
reviews. The picture will retain its
original April release date, prior to which it
will be given a publicity, advertising and exploitation
buildup with full-scale navy cooperation
lending itself to exploitation in
virtually every city in the U.S.
The pictiu-e will keep its original title during
the Roxy engagement, which will end a
two-week and five-day run March 13.
M. J. Lebworth Shifted
NEW YORK—M. J. Lebworth of the 20th
Century-Fox home office exploitation department
has been transferred to the Empire
state division and will cover the exchange
cities of New York, Buffalo and Albany.
Eastern Pa. Allied Hears
Rembusch Report on TV
PHILADELPHIA—A comprehensive view of
television and its effect on the motion picture
industry was given by Trueman T. Rembusch,
president of National Allied, when he addressed
125 exhibitors representing about 350
theatres at the 13th annual membership
meeting of Allied Theatre Owners of Eastern
Pennsylvania in the Broadwood hotel here.
Rembusch told members that AUied's TV
committee is trying to get channels of ultrahigh
frequency allocated to it by the FCC.
Claiming that theatre television was at
least several years away, Rembusch said that
exhibitors need not fear Phonevision.
Abram P. Myers, National Allied counsel,
told exhibitors the industry could not put the
entire blame for falling boxoffice receipts on
the doorstep of television. He said other
businesses had been making inroads into
money which ordinarily might have gone for
entertainment. Myers felt that the present
wartime economy would help improve business.
Myers suggested that motion picture
critics give more honest appraisals of the entertainment
value of films.
Sid Samuelson, general manager of Allied
Theatre Owners of Eastern Pennsylvania, introduced
Al Myrick, president of Allied of
Nebraska and Iowa, and Charles Niles, treasurer
of National Allied. In the open forum
sessions exhibitors attacked "the brutal sales
policy of 20th-Fox," particularly on "Halls of
Montezuma," and were critical of MGM's allocation
of films in this area. Also assailed
were terms reportedly being asked by Paramount
for "Samson and Delilah."
Exhibitors also attacked distributors for
alleged price discrimination between theatres
Milton Rogasner and Morris Wax; from
of the same character and grossing capacity.
Samuelson advised Allied members to bring
such complaints into the courts.
The membership approved all acts of its
officers and board for the last year and approved
the national policies in general. However,
members reiterated that they upheld
their original position of Oct. 17, 1950, objecting
to entering the Council of Motion
Picture Organizations.
The membership did not discuss nor act
on suits against National Screen Service, but
this will be the first order of business at the
next meeting March 13.
Elected to the board of governors: From
Philadelphia for a three-year term, Ben Fertel,
upstate Pennsylvania, Larry Woodin and
Jack Greenberg. Alternates elected for a
one-year term were Alfred J. Davis, Ardmore;
Max M. Korr, Allentown; Lester J. Stallman,
Reading; Mark Rubinsky, Harrisburg;
Thomas P. Thomas, Taylor, and Thomas
Lazarick and David Moliver.
Are the Film Companies Seeking
TV Transmitter Atop Empire State?
By SUMNER SMITH
NEW YORK—A newspaper report that at
least three motion picture companies are
negotiating with the Empire State Building
for the installation of television transmitting
antennas on the tower stirred into action
about everybody in the film industry interested
in television.
Investigation of the report gained impetus
when a spokesman for the Empire State said
no information would be given out until
"there is something more tangible to report"
and that the matter "is still in the discussion
stage."
What puzzled television-minded members
of the industry was the fact that only two
companies—Paramount and 20th Century-
Fox — have experimental broadcasting licenses.
It was asked why any others, whether
in the distributor or exhibitor group, should
approach the Empire State at this time when
the Federal Communications Commission
hasn't yet set a date for its hearings on the
allocations of frequencies. Those of a more
optimistic turn of mind said the report might
indicate inside knowledge of forthcoming
hearings at Washington, and a favorable reception
for applications filed by the industry.
The regular broadcasters expressed amazement
at the prospect there might be right
their own transmitters on the tower,
others carrying closed-circuit programs to
film theatres in competition with them. They
said that at present antennas are being installed
for five television stations and three
frequency modulation stations, and that they
didn't know of any others. An engineer reported
that the tower is 222 feet high and
could accommodate as many as 20 stations.
Because 20th-Fox and Paramount have experimental
licenses, an attempt was made to
check them first. Earl I. Sponable of 20th-
Fox, a television authority who recommended
investment by the company in the
Swiss Eidophor system, said he didn't know
a thing about it. Paul Raibourn, Paramount
telfevision expert, wasn't immediately
reached.
The effort continued to uncover the identities
of the companies. Gael Sullivan, executive
director of the Theatre Owners of
America, who is actively interested in theatre
television, didn't know. Robert H. O'Brien,
speaking for United Paramount Theatres,
said: "We're not one of them." Philip Harling
and Nathan L. Halpem, for Fabian
Theatres, said: "It's not us." D. John Phillips,
for the Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Ass'n, said: "We aren't involved."
The DuMont television network said it will
have an antenna on the tower, but wasn't negotiating
in behalf of any film comi>any.
C. C. Moskowitz of MGM couldn't be reached
for comment.
Then Raibourn was reached. He said
Paramount had had some talks with the Empire
State looking toward an antenna in the
future, but that nothing concrete had developed.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 39

BROADWAY
H dolph Zukor, chairman of the board for
Paramount Pictiues Corp., left March 5
for his annual stay In Hollywood. He was
accompanied by Mrs. Zukor and expects to
remain on for about two months . . . Jules
Lapidus, Warner division sales manager, left
for Buffalo and Albany . . . Roy O. Disney
arrived for a two-week stay to discuss plans
for "Alice in Wonderland" with RKO executives
. . . G. L. Carrington, president of
the Altec companies, arrived from Hollywood.
Carroll L. Puciato, Realart Pictures general
manager, left March 5 for a two-week
tour of midwest exchanges . . . Stirling Silliphant,
promotions manager for 20th Century-
Kox, left to consult with studio executives on
the exploitation for "Take Care of My Little
Girl" . . . Ben M. Cohn, U-I foreign department
executive, is on a quick business trip
to cover the territories of Trinidad, Puerto
Rico and the Dominican Republic . . . William
Pine and William Thomas, Paramount producers,
went back to Hollywood after screening
their latest, "Passage West," for home
office
executives.
Joan Bennett headed back for Hollywood
after a series for radio and TV appearances
here for "Father's Little Dividend" . . .
Barbara Bel Geddes opened in "The Moon
Is Blue," new stage play also starring Donald
Cook, March 8, three days after she opened
in her most recent picture, "Fourteen Hours,"
at the Astor Theatre . . . Olivia DeHavilland
also opened in "Romeo and Juliet," with Jack
Hawkins, British film star, and Evelyn Varden
and Isobel Elson in support, for her first
Broadway stage appearance March 10 while
her Warner reissue, "Dodge City," is playing
at the Mayfair Theatre. Fredric March,
Florence Eldridge, Kent Smih, Jane Wyatt
and Ethel Griffies, all Hollywood regulars,
opened on Broadway in "The Autumn Garden"
March 7.
Francis S. Harmon, vice-president of the
Motion Picture Association of America, is
in Florida "steadily improving" from his illness
. . . Abe Olman, head of the MGM music
companies, has gone to Miami for a vacation
. . . Edmund C. Grainger and wife will
leave March 14 for a month's vacation at
Fort Lauderdale. Their daughter Alice Patricia
will Join them during her spring vacation
from college . . . Lou Field of the
MGM art department left for a two-week
vacation.
Maurice Evans has returned from Culver
City after completing additional scenes for
his first American film, "Kind Lady." Angela
Lansbury went back to film an additional
sequence in the same picture and then will
return for a new Broadway play, "Young
Wives Tales" . . . Spencer Tracy, MGM star,
left for the coast after completing New York
scenes for "The People Against O'Hara" . . .
Barry Sullivan, MGM star, and his wife arrived
for a New York stay . . . Louis Jouvet,
French film star, and the entire cast of
"School for Brides" from the Theatre de
L'Athenee, Paris, arrived on the He de France
March 5 to tour Canada and then open on
Broadway at the ANTA Playhouse March 18.
David E. Rose, producer of "Circle of Danger,"
starring Ray Milland for ELC release,
returned from the coast . . . Seymour Poe,
Sol Lesser representative, is back at his desk
following a tour of RKO southern exchanges
setting up dates for "Tarzan's Peril."
Lila Grossman, secretary to Milton Cohen
at Eagle Lion Classics, Is on a honeymoon
in Bermuda following her marriage to Ernest
Katz . . . Louise Weyhrauch, Max E. Youngstein's
secretary at Eagle Lion and Paramount,
has joined him at United Artists.
E. T. Pickard jr., commercial assistant to
the manager of the Westrex subsidiary in
the Philippine Isles, has returned to New
York and has been assigned to the radio department
of Westrex Corp. here . . . Sid
Kramer, short subjects sales manager for
RKO, returned to New York from a tour of
Canadian exchanges . . . Milt Livingston,
Universal tradepress contact, has been given
the Indian name, Goes to War, by the Sioux
Indian chiefs who toured the key cities on
behalf of "Tomahawk," now at Loew's State
. . . Abe Bernstein, MGM Cleveland press
representative, conferred with Dan S. Terrell,
exploitation head.
Rex Allen at Flower Show
Rex Allen, Republic cowboy star, made a
personal appearance at the International
flower show at Hollywood Park.
j

Left, the Eastman 16mm. Projector,
Model 25, brings I6mm. projection
to the professional level.
Shown here, adaptedfor arc illumination,
permanently installed
alongside 35mm. equipment.
Below, working parts of the film movement
mechanism are in constant view of
the operator . . . readily accessible for
threading and cleaning.
The Eastman
16mm.
Projector,
Model 25, adapted /,
for 1,000-watt i\
tungsten light.
For Professional Quality Sound Projection from iGtnm. Film
The Eastman 16mm. Projector, Model 25
The Kodak Projection
Ektar Lens, in a
choice of four focal
lengths, insures superior
screen image.
This projection instrument—built to a
new design concept—eliminates the
three major obstacles to theatrical quality
I6mm. sound projection . . . excessive
wear and high maintenance cost;
low signal-to-noise ratio; and excessive
flutter.
A major cause of excessive wear and
poor quality sound is the constant transfer
of shock forces generated in the film
pulldown mechanism to other parts of
the system. In the Eastman I6mm. Projector,
Model 25, the intermittent (film
advance mechanism) is completely isolated
and independently driven by its
own 1440 r.p.m. synchronous motor.
Thus, shock forces are sealed off from
the rest of the instrument. The sprocketshutter
system is driven by its own 1800
r.p.m. synchronous motor. Exact phasing
between the two systems is accomplished
by specially designed synchromesh
gears. In addition, the take-up
spindle, rewind spindle, and blower are
driven by separate motors.
A highly corrected microscope objective,
adjustable for optimum sound
quality from any type of 16mm. sound
film, permits reproduction of variable
area or variable density I6mm. sound
tracks at extremely low distortion and
a maximum signal-to-noise ratio.
To get the best out of any I6mm.
sound film, project it on an Eastman
I6mm. Projector, Model 25. For information
on installation, availability,
and prices, write directly to the Motion
Picture Film Department, Eastman
Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y.,
or any branch office.
Motion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y.
Midwst Division
137 North Wabash Avenu*
Chicago 2, Illinois
East Coast Diviiion
342 Madison Avsnue
N*w York 17, N. Y.
Wost Coast Division
6706 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood 38, California
FBOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951 41

Along New York's Filmrow
yHE MOTION PICTURE Bookers club foreswore
business for a social gathering at
the open meeting in the Taft hotel, March 5.
Several of the 75 members who attended entertained
and the crowd also heard some
professional singing by a calypso artist.
There were refreshments of ice cream, cake
and coffee, and door prizes were awarded to
the booker "most likely to," "most likely
could" and "most likely did." The next
regular business meeting will be March 19.
The Ligget-Florin Booking Service will do
all the buying for the Union at Union; Shore
at Farmington; Brunswick at North Brunswick,
and the Morris Plains, all in New Jersey
.. . The Liberty Theatre, Freehold, N. J.,
and the WUliston, Mineola, L. I., have closed.
The Avon Theatre, Newark, reopened late in
February.
Walter Reade jr., president of Reade Theatres,
is on a vacation trip to Aspen, Colo.,
. By FRANK LEYENDEGKER .
. . . Larry Davee, sales
until mid-March
manager of the Century Projector Corp., attended
the opening of the Dryden Theatre,
newest of the George Eastman House projects
in Rochester, March 2. Century projectors
and sound system is used In the theatre.
. . . The Victoria and the Astor, side by side
on Broadway between 45th and 46th, are
admitting men and women of all branches
of the armed services at a special 50-cent
rate at all times, according to Maurice Maurer,
managing director of the City Entertainment
Corp.
At MGM exchange, Vincent Flynn, recently
promoted from salesman to branch manager
at Omaha, will take over his new post March
19. Among the MGM exchange folk who contributed
to the Red Cross blood bank recently
were Herman Ripps, assistant division
manager; Ralph Pielow, New York manager;
Harry Margolis, head booker; Augie
Kubart, shipper; Faye Reiss Jaffe, inspector,
and Rose Gillis, Laura Karlitz, Helen
Cohen and Marie Hitz of the staff . . .
Prances Papparello, New York biller, will have
a birthday March 14 ... At RKO exchange,
Julie DeMaggio had a birthday March 9 and
Pearl Yamjjolsky, boxoffice statement department,
will have one March 12.
Harry Fellerman, salesman at the Big U
exchange, Is on the mend following an operation
late In February. He is expected back
at his desk in mid-March. His secretary,
Sadie Cohen, had a birthday March 3 . . .
At RKO, Lillian Weiss, secretary to Phil
Hodes, New York branch manager, left
March 9 and Ruth Hall, contract department,
Milton Yeoman,
will take her place March 12.
RKO office manager, has been ill all week.
. . . Phyllis Warnow is a new typist at the
Republic.
Sylvia Langer, secretary to Hyams Green
of the Little CineMet Theatre and Globe
Film Distributors, was married March 4 to
Harold Leand, former manager of the City
Theatre on 14th street . . . Mrs. Chelly Wilson
is managing director of the new Cinema
48, new art theatre which opened March 9
with "The Lovers of Verona" . . . Capt. Harold
Autenis first release for Ballantine Pictures,
"Chance of a Lifetime," will open at
the Trans-Lux Madison Avenue Theatre
March 14 following eight weeks for "So Long
at the Fair."
Military Bonuses Granted
To Columbia Workers
NEW YORK—Columbia is granting military
bonuses to those with six months service
who go into the armed forces. Two
weeks salary is given to employes after six
months service and four weeks salary to
those who leave after a year with the company,
both retroactive to January 25, 1950.
The maximum grants will be $200 for those
with six months service and $400 for those
with a year's service. To qualify, an employe
must inform the company of his call
to duty before leaving and must actually
enter service within one month after ending
his employment.
RKO Has 32 in Service
NEW YORK—RKO now has 32 former
employes in service. They are represented
among all branches and one, Ruth Thomas,
is a woman from the studio who is a master
sergeant in the air force.
45 Loew Dates on 'War'
NEW YORK—A. W. Schwalberg, president
of Paramount Film Distributing Corp., has
booked "At War With the Army" into 45
Loew's theatres in the metropolitan area for
Easter week. The theatres are: Paradise
and Valencia, which will open it shortly before
Easter, and all the other Loew houses
in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Long
Island, Westchester and New Jersey to follow.
'Lady Paname' to Open
NEW YORK—"Lady Paname," French picture
released In the U.S. by Dlscina International,
will open at the 55th Street Playhouse
March 19. The picture, a Michael Safre-
Andre Paulve production, stars Louis Jouvet
and Suzy Delair. Jouvet will also make his
American stage debut In "L'Ecole de Femmes"
at the ANTA Playhouse March 18.
Catholic Charity Drive
Film Group Named
NEW YORK—The start of the 32nd annual
Catholic charities fund-raising drive of
the archdiocese of New York, with a 1951
goal of $2,376,196, was signalized Friday (2)
by formation of the motion pictures committee
of the cardinal's committee of the
laiety by John J. O'Connor of Universal,
chairman, and Bert Sandford of the ABC
Vending Corp., vice-chairman.
The committee includes Frank J. Alford,
Motion Picture Export Ass'n; John W. and
Charles A. Alicoate, Film Daily; E. C. Grainger
and William E. Barry, Jamestown Amusement
Co.; Harry Buckley; Prank E. Cahill
jr., Warner Theatres; Patrick Casey, Casey
Ent.; T. J. Connors; Frank C. Walker and
William Cronin, Comerford Theatres; Russell
V. Downing and J. F. Dailey, Radio City
Music Hall; Spyros Skouras, A. W. Smith jr.
and P. Carroll, 20th-Pox; S. H. Fabian and
Joseph Eagan, Fabian Theatres; James M.
Franey, United World Films; J. R. Grainger,
Joseph E. McMahon and William P. Murphy,
Republic; W. J. Heineman, United Artists;
W. J. Higgins, Associated Prudential Playhouses;
Al Hovell and J. M. Geoghan, Century
Theatres; William W. Howard and
Thomas F. O'Connor, RKO Theatres.
Also Austin C. Keough and E. K. O'Shea,
Paramount; Martin Quigley, Quigley Publications;
Sherwin Kane, Motion Picture Daily;
T. J. Martin, Warner Bros.; Joseph A. Mc-
Conville and John Kane, Columbia; Phil
Reisman, E. J. Smith jr. and William J. Mc-
Shea, RKO; Herman Robbins and Paul C.
Mooney sr., NSS; Peter J. Mooney, Audio
Productions; L. D. Netter jr., Altec; Paul E.
O'Brien, O'Brien, DriscoU, Raftery and Lawler;
John Murphy, Loew's; William F. Rodgers
and Charles M. Reagan, MGM; Robert H.
O'Brien, United Paramount; Joyce O'Hara,
Motion Picture Ass'n of America; Charles
L. O'Reilly, ABC Vending Corp.; George
Skouras and William White, Skouras Theatres;
Gael Sullivan, Theatre Owners of
America; C. J. Scollard; George J. Schaefer;
Nick Tronolone, Pathe Laboratories, and
Richard F. Walsh, LATSE.
Columbia Int'l Officer
Jacob Segal, 56, Dies
NEW YORK—Jacob Segal, vice-president
and treasurer of Columbia Pictures International
Corp., died March 2 on his 56th birthday
at his apartment at the Sherry Netherlands
hotel. Segal, whose office was in London,
became ill several months ago and came
to New York. His wife Shirley survives. After
posts with Principal Pictures and Loew's,
Inc., Segal joined Columbia in 1930 as a
member of Its accounting department.
Ted R. Gamble Plans Move
To Milwaukee Offices
NEW YORK—Ted R. Gamble, theatre circuit
head, is planning to move his offices to
Milwaukee. He will close his New York
headquarters, establLshed two years ago.
Gamble recently disposed of half Interest In
four Indianapolis first runs and acquired
four west coast houses dropped by National
Theatres under a divestiture program.
42 BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951

I6th
MMPTA Is Opposing
Booth Standards Bill
ALBANY—Orrin Judd, counsel for the
Metropolitan Motion Pictures Ass'n. says that
organization Is strongly opposing the Condon-Roman
bill now pending at the state
legislature. Judd added, "it is not quite as
drastic as last year's proposal, because a provision
that the Board of Standards and Appeals
might fix the maximum number of
consecutive work hours has been eliminated."
The bill which Judd says is unnecessary
and costly, "would require theatre projection
booths to be equipped with facilities to
promote the health, convenience and comfort
of occupants." MMPTA feels that the
rules of New York City and the state code
already cover the proposed requirements of
the bill.
Supporting the measure is the lATSE and
the State Federation of Labor.
The MMPTA
is also turning thumbs down on the Mc-
Gowan bill which would require that reserved
seat tickets indicate if the holders
have only a partial or obstructed view of
the stage.
The Condon-Roman bill extending until
July 1, 1952 the moratorium on cities with
less than 25,000 population voting a 5 per
cent admission tax is favored by the MMPTA.
The present prohibition expires July! of this
year. Cities of more than 25,000 population
can impose such a levy.
Local H-63 Invades Third
Stronghold of SOPEG
NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Home
Office Employes Local H-63 has signed up
enough employes at the 20th Century-Fox
exchange here to entitle H-63 to call for a
collective bargaining election under National
Labor Relations Board auspices, according
to Russell Moss, executive vice-president.
The 20th-Fox exchange is the third
Screen Office and Professional Employes
Guild unit to be invaded by H-63 since the
start of 1951, the others being Loew's New
York exchange and the Paramount home
office. Local H-63 has already filed with
NLRB for elections at these two SOPEG
units. Moss said.
Representatives of NLRB, as well as representatives
of Paramount, Loew's, SOPEG
and Local H-63, will hold informal hearing
March 12 to decide on the jurisdictional matter
at the two companies.
Move to Curtail Power
Of New York Regents
NEW YORK—A move is under way to
curtail the New York Board of Regents'
power. The education commissioner says a
special state commission recommends overhauling
and transfer of administrative functions
to him, leaving the group that banned
"The Miracle" only a policy and planning
body.
UA Gets Gardner Feature
NEW YORK—"The Man With My Face,"
produced by Ed Gardner in Puerto Rico, has
been added to the United Artists release list.
Arthur B. Krim, president, signed contracts
with Gardner for the picture to be released
this spring.
'Storm Warning/ Josephine Baker
Are B'way Hit Despite Snow
NEW YORK—Despite the snow and rain
of the weekend, the aptly titled "Storm
Warning," with the widely heralded Josephine
Baker in her first American stage
appearance in a decide, gave the Strand its
best three-day weekend in three years and
the strongest week in a year. The only other
new stage-screen bill, "Three Guys Named
Mike" and Johnny Long and Georgia Gibbs
on the Capitol stage, was slightly affected
by mild reviews, but had a good opening
week. "Target Unknown" had a fair opening
week at the Criterion.
Many of the longer run films were more
affected by the Lenten slump, including
"Payment on Demand," in its third week at
the Radio City Music Hall; "U.S.S. Teakettle,"
in its second week at the Roxy with
the Ritz Bros, on the stage, and "Cry Danger,"
in its second week at the Paramount,
all of them just fair. Holding up better were
"No Orchids for Miss Blandish," which is
advertised and exploited in a sensational
fashion, in its second week at the Globe;
the twin reissues of "Dodge City" and "Virginia
City," with its six-star name value, in
its second week at the Mayfair, and "Born
Yesterday," in its 11th good week at the
Victoria. "Tomahawk" and "Of Men and
Music" also held up well in third weeks.
In addition to the Music Hall, which
opened "Royal Wedding" and its annual
"Glory of Easter" stage pageant March 8, 17
days before Easter, the other new films Included:
"Molly," "Fourteen Hours," which
had an invitation opening, and "Three Husbands."
(Avemae Is 100)
Astor—Harvey (U-Il, 6 days of Uth wk 75
Biiou—Cvrano de Bergerac (UA) ,
wk of
two-a-dav
•.
^'J
Cacitol—Thrpe Guys Named Mike (MGM), plus
stage shf^w lOR
Criterion Tnrat Un''n-

GREET MODEKX CARUSO—Off on his nationwide concert tour Mario Lanza,
star of MGM's "The Great Caruso," is greeted at his first stop, Scranton, Pa., by
Comerford circuit executives. Pictured are AI Farrell, manager of Irving Theatre,
Carbondale; Thomas J. Wallter, assistant operations manager; Thomas Friday,
counsel; Lanza, and Jacl( Weber, district manager for Comerford in Lebanon, Pa.
Foreign Division of RKO
Starts '51 Sales Drive
NEW YORK—The foreign division of RKO
has launched its 1951 "P. R." sales drive,
honoring Phil Reisman, vice-president in
charge of foreign distribution, with supervisors
of the five divisions as captains.
The five supervisors are: Joseph Bellport,
Europe; Robert S. Wolff, United Kingdom;
Michael Havas, Latin America; Ralph Doyle,
Australia, and Leon Britton, Par East. Jack
Kennedy is drive coordinator.
Robert K. Hawicinson, assistant foreign
manager, is chairman of the home office
drive committee, which includes: Beverly
Lion, Ned Clarke, Jack Kennedy, Harry
Ehrreich, Rutgers Neilson, Arthur Herskovitz,
Mel Danheiser and Alfred Stem.
The 1951 Reisman drive is not between
all individual offices, but between the offices
in each division. Each division has its
own set of prizes. Special awards are offered
by the company's outside producers: Walt
Disney Productions, Samuel Goldwyn Productions
and Sol Lesser Productions. Additional
prizes will be awarded for specialized
fields; best publicity and exploitation effort
in each division; best showing in short subjects
and most outstanding work done in
the 16mm field.
The foreign division publicity department
is publishing a weekly "Reisman Rocket"
as a supplement to the regular house organ,
"The Foreign Legion," for the duration of
the drive, which will end June 2.
20th-Fox Staging Regional
Openings for 'Rawhide'
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox Is
at work on two regional saturation premieres
for "Rawhide," states Andy W. Smith Jr.,
vice-president and general sales manager.
The film opened in 40 houses in the Los
Angeles area March 9, playing day-and-date
for a week. On March 15 it will go into 161
houses of the St. Louis, Kansas City, Des
Moines and Minneapolis exchange areas.
The Kansas City premiere will be at the
Tower, Uptown and Fairway, with the other
theatres Joining immediately afterwards.
Irving Stone's novel, "Desert Padre," has
been purchased by Jack Sklrball and Bruce
Manning for RKO production.
'Tales of Hoffmann' Set
For B'way First Run
NEW YORK — Lopert Films Distributing
Corp. will open its first English-language release.
"Tales of Hoffmann," the Michael
Powell-Emeric F>ressburger Technicolor production,
at the Bijou Theatre April 4 following
a 20-week run for Stanley Kramer's
"Cyrano de Bergerac." "Tales of Hoffmann,"
which stars Moira Shearer, Robert Helpmann,
Robert Rounseville and Ann Ayars,
also will have a special preview benefit performance
at the Metropolitan Opera House
April 1, sponsored by the American Red
Cross.
Another Lopert release, the Herbert Wilcox
production of "Odette," will open at the Park
Avenue Theatre following the current run of
"Of Men and Music."
'Teresa' to Open April 5
At Trans-Lux Madison
NEW YORK — "Teresa," produced by Arthur
M. Loew for MOM release, will open at the
Trans-Lux on 52nd street April 5, following
a 14-week run for "Seven Days to Noon."
The picture stars Pier Angeli and John
Ericson and was directed by Fred Zinneman.
"Chanc« of a Lifetime," a Ballantine Pictures
release, will open at the other Trans-Lux first
run on the Madison avenue March 14, following
an eight-week run for "So Long at the
Fair."
Schools Use Films in Study
ATLANTIC CITY—Starting from scratch
six years ago the Cape May County schools
embarked upon a visual aid program which
now includes more than 200 films owned by
the schools as well as the use of others
borrowed from the state. At the present
time a school authority said the majority of
school studies Involve use of motion pictures.
Paramount Dividend Voted
NEW YORK—The board of directors of
Paramount Pictures Corp., has voted a quarterly
dividend of 50 cents per share on the
common, payable March 19.
N. J. Allied Elects
Two for COMPO
NEW YORK—Wilbur Snaper, president of
Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey, and
Irving Dollinger, chairman of the board,
were elected directors to the Council of Motion
Picture Organizations, representing New
Jersey, at the business meeting of the exhibitor
organization March 5.
The 25 exhiDitor-members who attended
the meeting discussed COMPO, which they
"expect to be a strong force in the business
of the industry."
The members also discussed extended playing
time by primary runs and its effect on
second runs generally. Snaper gave a report
on the recent meeting of the national Allied
board in Washington.
Dollinger proposed that a centralized
school, with morning classes, be held in New
Jersey for the purpose of indoctrinating theatre
employes in how to handle children
and other matters pertaining to the running
of a theatre.
Snaper set the date for the Allied of New
Jersey annual convention as October 28 to
November 1 at the Hotel Biltmore, New
York City.
Recover 24 Film Prints
From a Bronx Library
NEW YORK—Sixteen millimeter prints of
24 features have been recovered from a Bronx
film library as a result of reports that unauthorized
showings of these pictures were
being made in Catskill Mountain hotels. The
recovered prints have been turned over to
the distributors by Sargoy & Stein, special
counsel for major distributors in copyright
matters.
The prints were: Tall, Dark and Handsome,
Happy Land, Charley's Aunt, Sunday Dinner
for a Soldier, Sweet and Lowdown, Dark
Corner, Son of Fury, Tales of Manhattan,
Doll Face, Meanest Man in the World, Girl
Trouble, How Green Was My Valley, Return
of Frank James, Colonel Effingham's Raid,
Fallen Angel, Behind Green Lights (20th-
Fox), Duffy's Tavern, Emperor Waltz, Doctor
Broadway (Para) ; The Time. The Place,
The Girl. Key Largo (WB); Strange Conquest,
House of Fear (U-I), and Gunga Din
(RKO).
Douglas Fairbanks Heads
Korea Relief Program
WASHINGTON—Douglas Fairbanks jr.
has
been named chairman of American Relief for
Korea, the State department announced Monday
(26). The chief job of the organization
will be to collect warm clothing for several
million Korean war victims. The actor is already
serving as vice-chairman of the American
Association for the United Nations.
Goldstone, Savini in Deal
NEW YORK—Harry Goldstone, president
of Famous Pictures, has closed a deal with
R. M. Savini. president of Astor Pictures
Corp., to distribute four reissues—"Dark
Waters." "Mr. Ace," "The Great John L,"
"The Bridge of San Luis Rey"—and one new
film, Carol Reed's "Men of the Sea," in the
metropolitan and New York state territories.
44
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951

Eastman Kodak Net
For 1950 Increased
ROCHESTER — Eastman Kodak Co.
net
earnings for 1950 went up to $61,858,957, a
new record for the company and $12,088,258
above the previous year. The profit was at
the rate of $3.80 per share on the 12,996,228
shares of common outstanding, or 13.4 per
cent of sales.
Sales totaled $461,389,980, it was stated by
Thomas J. Hargrave, president. The fiscal
year 1950, which ended December 31, instead
of December 25 as in the previous year,
totaled 53 weeks.
Cash dividends on the common for 1950
were $1.80 per share and preferred dividends
at six per cent totaled $369,942.
Payrolls totaled $160,500,000 in 1950, compared
with $149,300,000 in 1949, and employe
benefits advanced from $37,512,997 in 1949 to
$44,701,144 in 1950. These benefits included
wage dividends, premiums on life insurance,
retirement annuities, disability benefits, unemployment
insurance and survivors insurance
taxes, pay for vacations and legal holidays,
sick benefits, and others.
The Korean war caused a big increase in
•demands for company products, jumping sales
during the last 29 weeks of the year by about
29 per cent over the same period in 1949.
Working capital was increased by $27,196,-
840 to $156,747,356.
A wage dividend of approximately $18,000,-
000 was distributed to 45,000 employes March 9.
Employment of Boothmen
Limited by Newark Law
NEWARK, N. J.—An ordinance limiting
the employment of motion picture projectionists
to Newark residents was approved
recently by the city commission. The action
was protested by the owners of two theatres,
which were closed during a labor dispute
and which have not reopened.
Jordan Eskin and his father Harold, officers
of the Harold S. Eskin Amusement Enterprises,
linked the "adoption of the ordinance
at this time" with labor difficulties
the closed Cameo and Avon.
Commissioners denied the charge and said
it was passed "solely in the interest and
for the welfare of the people of Newark."
The ordinance requires projectionists to be
residents of this city for a year before they
may be licensed. Another provision requires
(em to be examined at least twice a year.
^aradise' Fashion Show
Jet for 16 TV Stations
NEW YORK—A special
"Bird of Paradise"
fashion program will be put on the Columbia
Broadcasting System's television net
in 16 metropolitan centers March 13. The
ow win take the place of the regular Vanity
lir show in an arrangement worked out by
arles Einfeld, vice-president of 20th
Century-Fox in charge of advertising, pub-
Ity and exploitation.
The cities included in the program will be:
ew York, Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston,
Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton,
Detroit, Jacksonville, Kalamazoo, Louisville,
Philadelphia, Syracuse, Washington and New
~ ,ven.
Dipson Decision Charged
Contrary to Para. Ruling
FALL GUYS — Richard T. Kemper,
right, manager of the Erlanger Theatre
in Buffalo and zone manager for Dipson
Theatres, is snapped at the Wild
West bar during the spring Fall Guy
show and luncheon of the Circus Saints
and Sinners, in the Statler hotel. Kemper
was ringmaster. At the left Is Larry
Thebaud, president of Buffalo Bill tent,
and in the center is former Mayor
Thomas L. HoUing, founder and first
president of the tent.
George Breakston to Make
More Features in Japan
NEW YORK—George Breakston, who coproduced
"Tokyo Pile 212" in Japan, plans
to make two more features there. "Tokyo,"
which is the first picture made in Japan by
an American company, will be released by
RKO. Breakston has left for Washington,
following conferences with RKO home office
officials, and he expects to fly to Japan
late in March for a ten-week production operation.
He reported that Japanese business is
booming in its 1,200 film houses. Tokyo's big
cinema houses seat an average of 4,000.
Breakston-Stahl on Deals
NEW YORK—George Breakston and C.
Ray Stahl, heads of Breakston-Stahl Productions,
arrived Wednesday (7) to discuss
a releasing deal for "Unmei," first feature
from the new company, and to talk over exploitation
on "Tokyo File 212," soon to be released
by RKO.
Cite 'God Needs Men
ZURICH—The International Catholic Office
has awarded its diploma to "God Needs
Men" as the picture which contributed most
to the spiritual and moral uplift of humanity
during the year. Paul Gratz was the
producer. The film is being distributed by
20th Century-Fox outside of the United
States. It will be handled in this country
by APE Corp.
WASHINGTON—The decision of Federal
Judge Knight in the Dipson Theatres, Inc.,
case of Buffalo is completely contrary to the
Supreme Court's ruling in the Paramount New
York and Jacksonville Park Chicago trust
cases, according to attorneys for the New
York circuit court of appeal.
The $4,500,000 suit, brought by Dipson
against six major distributors and Buffalo
Theatres, was thrown out of the Buffalo district
court by Judge Knight. He held that
Paramount and Loew's, in pooling their theatre
interests in Buffalo and in favoring the
pooled theatres in distributing their films,
were not monopolizing or restraining trade,
nor were the other distributors in favoring
the Loew's-Paramount theatres. Knight said
that each distributor had individually decided
it would be to his advantage to prevent
such competition.
Dipson, in appealing the case, revealed it
was drastically reducing the amount of damages
sought, dropping claims for over $4,500,-
000. Dipson now seeks only $170,000 damages,
tripled to $510,000, for injury claimed to the
Century and Bailey theatres while Dipson
actually operated them. It has dropped the
$4,500,000 tripled damages originally sought
for the loss of the leases on the Century and
Riviera and another $75,000 claimed for injury
to the Ridge Theatre in Lackawanna.
Sutphen Plans to Appeal
Warners Consent Decree
WASHINGTON—Notice of its intention to
appeal to the Supreme Court provisions of
the Warner Bros, consent decree was made
by Sutphen Estates, Inc. During January
Sutphen tried to intervene in the case tiefore
the statutory court in New York. It
owns the property on which the Strand
Theatre is built, and said Warner had given
it a 98-year lease.
Sutphen objected to the consent decree on
the ground that a lease with the top WB
company would be replaced by a lease with
a company with only part of the assets of the
former company.
The intervention was denied by the New
York court after hearing attorneys for both
Warner and the government argue that Sutphen's
interests under the new setup would
be fully protected.
Hollywood Red Inquiry
Before MPAA Group
NEW YORK—What to do about the house
un-American activities committee's renewed
search for Communist sympathizers among
film personalities was the topic of a meeting
held Wednesday (7) at the Motion Picture
Ass'n offices. No formal decisions were
reached.
The session was called by Joyce O'Hara,
acting MPAA head, and was attended by
Howard Dietz, Max E. Youngstein, Jerry
Pickman, Art Schmidt, S. Barret McCormick,
Steve Edwards, Sid Blumenstock, Si Seadler,
John Josephs, Phil Gerard, Charles SimoneUi,
Jonas Rosenfield, Ulric Bell and Sidney
Schriber.
XOFFICE :
: March
10, 1951
45

THANK THE WOMEN—Women who helped the Variety Club at Washington
In its welfare funds drive were feted at a thank-you luncheon given by the club
in the Shoreham hotel. At the left is Irene Bordoni, the singer, and in order are
James Lake, barker; Fred S. Kogod, chairman of the welfare committee; Mrs. Sara
S. Young, who headed the women's committee; Morton Gerber, chief barker; Mrs.
Frank S. Boucher, women's committee co-chairman, and Mrs. William Newton,
president of the Home for Incurables.
Seven Features Honored
By National Reviewers
NEW YORK—Three features were given
starred selected features rating and four were
given selected rating in the weekly guide of
the National Board of Review for the week
ending March 3. This is an unusual number
for both classifications.
The starred selected films were: "Fourteen
Hours" (20th-Fox), listed as a "semi-documentary
treatment and some vivid characterizations";
"Go for Broke" (MGM); "Up
Front" (U-I).
The selected features were: "Circle of
Danger" (ELC); "Lightning Strikes Twice"
(WB); "Long Dark Hall" (ELC), and
"Volcano" (ELC).
Short subjects given special mention were:
"Airlines to Anywhere" (This Is America)
(RKO); "Boo Hoo Baby" (Para); "Bunker
Hill Bunny" (WB); "Busy Hare" (WB);
"Drippy Mississippi" (Para) ; "Football Headliners
of 1950" (RKO); "A Fractured Leghorn"
(WB); "Gandy Goose In Songs of
Erin" (WB); "Isle of Sport" (WB); "The
Neighbor Next Door" (WB); "Tex Williams
Western Varieties" (U-I).
U I's 'Up Front' Poster
Promotes U.S. Bonds
NEW YORK—U-I, in cooperation with
the Treasury's savings bonds division, has
prepared a special three-color poster to promote
the sale of U.S. defense bonds in connection
with "Up Front," U-I picture based
on Bill Mauldin's book.
Designed for use in banks, factories, stores
and outlets for the sale of the bonds, 50,000
of the posters will be distributed through the
U.S. savings bonds division representatives
in the 48 states.
Four-City Israeli Opening
For 'Bathsheba' Planned
PARIS—Israeli Ministry of Education officials
have been in conference here with
Darryl F. Zanuck on the possibility of including
Israel in a world premiere of "David
and Bathsheba" late In the year at the height
of the tourist season.
The tentative plans call for simultaneous
openings In Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem and
Jaffa. Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward
may make personal appearances.
Charlotte Stays in Lead
in Ned Depinet Drive
NKW YOitK—Charlotte was in first place
at the end of the tenth week of the HKO
Ned Depinet Drive, according to Robert
Mochrie, vice-president and general sales
manager.
Second place was held by Detroit, managed
by M. L. Devaney, which moved up from
tnird place. Lou Elman's Milwaukee branch
dropped to fourth place.
In the Canadian standings Harry Cohen's
Montreal branch continued in first place
with A. E. Elliott's Calgary branch in second
and A. Lee-White's St. John office in
third.
The Canadian district clung to first place
in the district standings with David Prince's
southeastern and Ben Y. Cammack's southwestern
trailing second and third.
Divisional standings remained unchanged
with Charles Boasberg's north-south, Walter
E. Branson's western, and Nat Levy's eastern
in that order.
Heineman Luncheon Guest
Of ELC Fellow Workers
NEW YORK—William C. Heineman, who
left Eagle Lion Classics March 2 to become
vice-president and general sales manager for
United Artists,
was guest of honor that day
at a luncheon in Toots Shor's. Among gifts
given to him was a ten-gallon hat.
Those present were William C. MacMillen
jr., ELC president; Bernard G. Kranze, vicepresident
in charge of distribution; Milton
Cohen, Sam Seidelman, Howard LeSieur, Joe
Sugar, David Melamed, Jack Schlaifer,
Charles Amory, Bernie Kamber, Ted Lazarus,
Lige Brien, Winston Frost, Jack Bellman,
George Waldman, Eugene Arnstein, James
King, Bob Hadley, Phil Cowan, Dave Wiener,
Joe Goltz, Lou Brager, Andy Albeck, Mike
Hoffay, Ted Hodes, FYank Heffernan, Murray
Kaplan, Robert Augenblich, Ray Sholz,
FYank Walcott, John McKenna and Leo
Brody.
John J. Reynolds, Inc., Buys
Hollywood, Fla., Theatre
NEW YORK—John J. Reynolds, Inc., real
estate firm, has bought the 1,200-seat El
Capitan Theatre, 1735 North Vine St., Hollywood,
Fla., from the Toberman and Grauman
Interests for $375,000 cash. The theatre
stands on a plot, 110x150 feet.
Newsreels and Broadcast
At Opening of '14 Hours'
im£,W YORK—Newsreels, an on-ihe-spot
broadcast, klieg lights and all the excitement
of a Hollywood opening were present at the
Broadway opening of "Pom-teen Hours,"
liOth Century-Fox picture, at the Astor Theatre
March 5. The picture started its regular
run on March 6.
The radio pickup of the arriving celebrities
was handled by Wayne Howell of National
Broadcasting Co., who taped the festivities
from 8 to 9 p. m. for broadcast at a later
date. The on-the-spot broadcast was handled
by Martin Starr, who presented a running
commentary over WINS from 8:30 to 9
p. m. Special police were assigned to handle
the incoming traffic near the Astor and
several intersections were blocked off to allow
the free flow of cars to the theatre.
Among the notables who attended were
Anne Jeffreys, Thelma Ritter, Lee Bowman,
Patrice Munsel, Anne Revei-e, Glenn Langan,
Louis Calhern, Alan Young, Fannie Hurst,
Phil Silvers, Irving Berlin, Max Gordon, Irwin
Shaw, Quentin Reynolds, Dorothy Kilgallen,
P. G. Wodehouse, Princess Jean Aga
Kahn and Garcia Olai, Spanish consul general.
Members of the cast on hand were
Grace Kelly, Lou Polan and Martin Gabel.
Name Bonafield, Travers
To Board of RKO Pathe
NEW YORK—The board of directors of
RKO Pathe has elected Jay Bonafield, who
supervises the This Is America, Sportscopes
and Screenliner series, executive vice-president,
and Douglas Travers, who has been
with the organization for six and one-half
years, vice-president in charge of production,
according to Ned E. Depinet, president of
RKO.
Harry J. Michalson, president of the RKO
subsidiary, which produces theatrical short
subjects and commercial, industrial and television
films, will supervise the overall operations
of RKO Pathe with Bonafield and
Travers as his chief aides.
Bonafield has been associated with Pathe
since 1931. He produced "The Tattooed
Stranger," first full-length feature made by
RKO Pathe, and will make its future features.
Travers spent 14 years in Hollywood with
RKO and worked on "Cimarron." He will
be associate producer on all features to be
made.
Albany Colonial Theatre
To Be Opened at Easter
ALBANY—The Colonial
Theatre here will
be reopened Easter Sunday (25) under the
management of attorneys Jack Olshansky
and Jack Holt. The Colonial had been under
lease to other operators, latest being Harry
Eisenstein of New York. It was shuttered
six weeks ago.
Olshansky, a member of the Variety Club
crew and a native of Albany, said that a staff
is being assembled. The theatre will reopen
with "Cyrano de Bergerac" playing
at roadshow prices of $1.20, $1.80 and $2.40.
Other art pictures will be offered later, many
of them at regular prices. The Colonial has
featured an art policy for the last five years
with vaudeville as an added attraction on a
one to three-day plan during the fall and
winter seasons of 1949-50 and 1950-51.
46
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951

. .
. . Herb
Jersey Showman Given
Community Award
WILDWOOD, N. J.-.The B'nai B'rith
award presented annually to a citizen of
Wildwood, N. J., in
'
"recognition of o u t-
standing service in the
community and civic
affairs for the general
advancement of Americanism
and citizenship
responsibility"
went this year to William
C. Hunt, theatre
operator and publisher
of the Wildwood
Leader. Since Hunt,
William C. Hunt who is 79 years old,
was in Florida, it was accepted by his son
Guy. Samuel Garfinkle, chairman of the
award committee, made the presentation for
the lodge and the Wildwood Civic club in
commemoration of National Brotherhood
week.
Hunt opened the first amusement house
in Wildwood in 1905. He now operates the
Shore, Casino, Strand, Blakers and Regent
at Wildwood, the Beach at Cape May and
the Starlight ballroom on the boardwalk at
Wildwood.
The qualifications the committee found for
making the award were many. They included
organization of the first Board of
Trade which later became the Wildwood
Chamber of Commerce, a founder of the
Wildwood Golf and Conutry club, active participation
in highway and airport improvements,
chairman of the war bond drive in
the second world war which far exceeded its
quota, work for several years for the March
of Dimes campaigns, a fund raiser for the
Red Cross during the last world war and a
fund raiser for the Burdette Tomlin Memorial
hospital. When the Wildwood Trust
Co. closed its doors in 1932, he obtained permission
to reopen it and served as its president
for 11 years without any compensation
with the result that all depositors received
over 96 per cent of their deposits.
Dick Perrys Celebrate
Their 31st Anniversary
ALBANY—Dick Perry, United Artists salesman
in this district, and his wife celebrated
their 31st wedding anniversary. They were
married 31 years ago in a brownstone residence
which now is the site of Loew's Ziegfeld
in New York.
A veteran of more than 35 years in the
film business. Perry reminisced here with
another oldtimer Joe Miller of the Menands
Drive-In. Dick at one time traveled in five
states with a trunkful of silent films, which
included "New York Society and the Underworld,"
photographed on Pell street in Chinatown
and featuring the original Chuck Connnrs;
"Auto Bandits of Paris," "Civilization"'
and others. Perry then was a states-rights
man. He said the daily rental for "Civilization"
was $200 and worth the price. Perry
also was a theatre operator in the five-andten
days. One of the houses which he operated
was the Greenport in Greenport, L. I.
Signed for a character role in 20th -Fox's
"Friendly Island" was Gene Lockhart.
ALBANY
T^^. Luther Grand, owner of the Mountain
Drive-In at Loch Sheldrake, probably will
not open the ozoner before May 15. according
to his buyer-booker Joe Miller. Loch
Sheldrake is in the CatskiU mountains, where
few summer vacationists check in before
Decoration day. Dr. Grant first operated the
Mountain in 1949 . . . Warner Theatres zone
office Is losing two men to the armed forces.
Bob Schraver, navy reservist, is being called
back and Jerry Oles is entering the army.
Both are in the bookkeeping department.
Frank Garcin was transferred from assistant
manager at the Ritz to replace Floyd Moon
in the circuit bookkeeping department. Moon
resigned to join Frigidaire.
Navy reservists in the theatre business in
this area were watching war conditions
cautiously. Eddie Fabian, roving manager for
Fabian Theatres and son of Si Fabian, is a
reservist. He trained in the midshipman's
school at Notre Dame during World War II
and served in the Atlantic theatre during the
war. Sandy Miller, manager of the Menands
Drive-In and another trainee of the midshipman's
school, also is in the reserves. Both
men were lieutenants.
Mrs. Blanche Van Buren, cashier at the
Eagle Theatre, died in Albany hospital recently.
She had been a resident of Albany
for 40 years and is survived by a son, living
in Buffalo, four brothers and two sisters.
Interment was in Boston . . Mike Kallet,
.
president of Kallet Theatres, has been vacationing
in Miami. His brother Sid is in
charge of circuit operations.
. . Clara
.
Nate Dickman, Monogram manager, went
to Oneida to talk with Sid Kallet .
bell, clown of a local television show, will
make a personal appearance at the Palace
Theatre Saturday morning kiddy show
Warners Madison staged a comedy-western
kiddy party on a
and gave away 15
recent
prizes.
Saturday afternoon
. .
A lighted cigaret butt caused minor damage
in the balcony of the Leland recently. Flames
did not get any headway, however, because
the Leland was fireproofed in a major remodeling
job which followed a serious fire
two years ago The annual inspection
of
.
Albany theatres, now almost completed,
has revealed that most houses are "in good
condition, barring a few minor conditions
that need attention," according to the city
building commissionei*.
Many drive-in operators in this area plan
to open about April 15. Easter comes too
early this year for a teeoff . . . Drive-in operators
on the Row included Don Gilson, who
has the Sunset in Canton and the Sunset
in Massena, and Santos Smalldone, who owns
the Malta in Malta . . . Bill Voss, RCA factory
representative from Camden. N. J., was seen
dining with the Variety Club in Keeler's
Monday . . . Gene Vogel, U-I manager. Is a
pipe smoker these days.
The Evangelist, official publication of the
Catholic church, this week denied that any
"responsible Catholic authority has approved"
the sex hygiene film, "Because of Eve." The
denial came after reports that promoters of
the picture had claimed in two midwestern
cities that "several Catholic bishops" had approved
the film. Reviewers for the Legion of
Decency, the Evangelist said, "have not been
given an opportunity to see the picture,"
thus no classification has been made for the
film by that body.
Janet Lee Coddington, Summit, N. J., is
engaged to Bob Halliday, Warner salesman
here . . . The report that Rocky Bellesario
had closed the Roxy, New Hartford, proved
erroneous. Salesman and bookers explained
that occasionally a Little Theatre group presents
a stage play in the house, but that
Bellesario features a picture policy the rest
of the time . Gaines, Warner salesman,
has been transferred to Buffalo as city
salesman, effective March 19. He will take
the place of Pat Sullivan, promoted to Buffalo
branch manager. A Warner employee
for six years, Gaines came here in 1949 from
the Buffalo territory.
"The Renee Waltz," composed by Mrs.
J. Myer Schine in honor of her daughter
and first played at Renee's marriage to
Lester Crown in New York last December,
was included in the Sunday concert in the
Boca Raton Club auditorium, Boca Raton,
Fla., recently. Mrs. Schine is a pianist . . .
Robert L. Shattuck of the Uptown, Rensselaer,
became the father of a baby daughter
named Janet Louise recently. They have
another daughter, Constance Ann.
The Evangelist, in an editorial titled
"Sabotaging Brotherhood," strongly criticized
the New York Times for "its espousal of the
cause of irreligious groups in attempting to
impinge the decision" of the Board of Regents
revoking the license of "The Miracle,"
The Regents, reviewing the film, "unanimously
judged it to be sacrilegious on the
grounds the picture takes the concept of the
Virgin Birth, sacred to millions of Catholics
and Protestants, and associates it with
drunkenness, seduction, mockery and lewdness."
A directory of the Albany Variety Club,
. . .
listing the 139 members, their business affiliation
and telephone number, is being printed
for the first time. Chief Barker Leo Rosen
showed a proof copy last week. The
inside back cover will carry the story of
the national Variety Club movement
The Albany area is not the only one singing
the boxoffice blues. The metropolitan sector
is doing likewise, an informant said. "The
bottom has fallen out of business there, even
for the first runs," he reported. "The reasons
are baffling. Only the Paramount, with 'At
War With the Army,' has held up. High
living costs may be the answer. Loew's has
compiled statistics showing that 80 per cent
of television sets and automobiles have been
paid for; that savings banks have the largest
deposits in history, with so-called small people
well represented, and that unemployment
is the smallest in years."
David A. Babcock Retires
ROCHESTER—David A.
Babcock, superintendent
of the emulsion coating department
at the Eastman Kodak Co. Kodak Park plant
retired March 1 after completing nearly 45
years service. He was honored at a dinner
held at the Powers hotel. Babcock joined
Kodak May 7, 1906, as a loop-shifter in the
emulsion coating department.
k
BOXOFFICE :
: March
10, 1951 N 46-A

. . Gradon
BUFFALO
. .
JJfoTe than 500 persons attended the big Fall
Guy show and luncheon of Buffalo BUI
Tent at the Statler hotel. The affair was sponsored
by the Saints and Sinners club. Richard
T. Kemper, zone manager. Dipson Theatres
and manager of the Erlanger Theatrs, was
ringmaster, and Brig. Gen. Edwin C. Zeigler,
county defense head, was the Fall Guy .
Richard Feldman, associated with Schine
Theatres for almost 12 years, has resigned
as manager of the Syracuse Paramount. He
had been at the helm of the house for the
last six years.
Anthony Rosato has been named manager
of the Waring in Rochester by Charlie Martina.
Rosato formerly was manager of Schine
Theatres in Gloversville, Amsterdam, Cortland.
Ilion and Oswego. He succeeds Anthony
Delelato . Hodges, who operates
the Empire Drive-In at Rochester, was expected
to return home from an extensive tour
through Mexico.
Robert Carbone has taken over the Roxy
Theatre in Rochester from Carol Fenyvessy,
former operator . . . Alex Stornelli is new
owner of the Star at Middleport, N. Y. The
theatre formerly was owned by Albert L.
Griffith . . . Lloyd Williams has purchased
the Rivoli in Rochester, formerly operated
by Don R. Stevenson.
Maury Slotnick and Dave Cohen extended
the run of "Bitter Rice" at the Rochester
Cinema for a third week . . . Earl Evans,
MGM exploiteer, has been moved to Florida
where he will work on special assignments.
Evans was forced to resign from his post here
because his wife was unable to live in this
climate during the winter. Evans came here
from New Orleans several months ago. A
successor here has not been named.
Gertrude Berg, star of "Molly," was here
for press and radio interviews and was a
guest at a luncheon in the Statler hotel.
"Molly" opens Saturday (10) at the Paramount.
Edward J. Wall, Paramount field
representative, was here working with James
H. Eshelman and Charles B. Taylor on the
advance campaign. Sid Mesibov, Paramount
exploiteer, accompanied Mrs. Berg here.
Harold Carroll, operator of the Strand and
Capitol in Rochester, was a Filmrow visitor,
having returned from a visit to Notre Dame
where his son was ill. Carroll will forego
his usual winter tour to Florida this year
. . . Robert T. Murphy, general manager.
Century Theatre, has a new entrance and
lobby at the big downtown house and a
modernistic upright sign over the Main
street entrance . . . Mary Rayan, office man-
setting up the vacation list
ager at MGM, is
for the office staff.
Variety Tent 7 celebrated Frontier night on
Saturday evening in the Delaware avenue
headquarters. A full house was on hand for
the night out of the old west. Chief Barker
Murray Whlteman did not attend, since he
still Is In Hot Springs . . . Elmer F. Lux, general
manager, Darnell Theatres, said that the
deal through which Darnell was to acquire
four small Schine theatres In Kentucky has
fallen through.
James Wong Howe will photograph "Behave
Yourself for RKO.
To New Warner Posts
Matthew Sullivan
Peter DeFazio
In a shift of Warner Bros, branch
managers in the eastern division the
two above were appointed last week (o
new posts. Matthew B. Sullivan (left),
former Buffalo salesman, succeeds Peter
DeFazio (right) as head of the Buffalo
exchange while DeFazio becomes Washington
branch chief. DeFazio was WB
city salesman in the Washington and
Baltimore districts before coming to Buffalo.
Sullivan was for many years manager
of the Buffalo United Artists exchange.
He also managed the Film
Classics branch there for a time before
becoming city salesman for WB.
Binghamton Is 43rd City
To Receive Network TV
NEW YORK—Network television reached
Binghamton, N. Y., Wednesday (7). bringing
to 43 the number of cities receiving network
service via Bell System facilities. Programs
to Binghamton travel on both coaxial cable
and radio relay. They go by cable to Albany
where they are microwaved along the Albany-
Syracuse radio relay route. At Cherry Valley,
two relay points west of Albany, they are
beamed south to Binghamton through new
relay stations at New Berlin and Windsor.
The new relay stations lack the usual
antennas. Instead, there are 10xl5-foot aluminum
reflectors. These bounce the signals
to a receiving antenna at the base of the
tower. After the signals are amplified, they
are beamed from a ground-level transmitting
antenna which bounces them against another
reflector to the next station. The reflector
tower at New Berlin is 300 feet high, while
that at Windsor is 150 feet.
The Bell System now has more than 18,000
channel miles of television circuits in service.
It reports it is making rapid progress
on a radio relay system which would make
coast-to-coast television possible late this
year. Network service now extends as far
west as Omaha.
Washington to Get 'Hours'
WASHINGTON — "Fourteen Hours" (20th-
Fox) will open Wednesday (14) at the Playhouse
Theatre with six weeks playing time
guaranteed. The picture will be given a
special campaign with emphasis on the unusual
nature of the picture and the adult
theme.
To See 'Miracle' in Court
ALBANY—Judges of the third department
of the appellate court decided Monday that
they would .see "The Miracle" in the courtroom
In the county court building March
12 instead of at a theatre.
Rosen Asks Support
In Hospital Drive
NEW YORK—A plea for
financial support
of the Will Rogers Memorial hospital both
as an aid to industry public relations and as
a research project for study of tuberculosis
has been issued by Sam Rosen, treasurer of
Fabian Theatres.
Rosen at the same time emphasizes that
the hospital is not a New York institution
for New Yorkers, but is national in scope
and treats patients from all parts of the
country.
This statement is a part of the general
effort to raise funds for the institution.
In Indianapolis, as a new feature of the
campaign, an exchange area goal of $50,000
has been set for 1951. The territory is being
broken down into sub-areas with an exhibitor
and an exchange representative as chairman
for each. About 30 of these areas will
be formed.
Sam Switow, president of M. Switow &
Sons Enterprises of Louisville, is chairman.
April has been selected as "Will Rogers
Memorial Hospital Fund Raising Month."
Only 75 per cent of the theatres in the area
have pledged their support. The means to
be employed include: Benefit shows, theatre
collections, Hollywood premiere benefit shows.
Will Rogers Roundup Community dances,
athletic benefits and testimonial dinners.
Buffalo Theatremen
Fight Amusement Tax
BUFFALO—Indications from recent city
council hearings here seem to be that local
theatre operators will escape an additional
5 per cent admission tax at this time. Instead,
to meet increased operating expenses
in Buffalo the city may double its sales tax.
At the hearings, Sidney B. Pfeiffer, attorney,
representing the Buffalo Theatre Owners
Ass'n, told councilmen, "if another 5 per
cent tax is levied on theatres it will be just
another tax for the theatre patrons." He also
noted that theatres now pay 16 separate taxes
and that downtowners pay a sales tax on film
rentals, amounting in one case to $5,000 a
year.
George H. Mackenna, manager of the
Lafayette, told the city council that "the
theatres are overtaxed and our group is
picked on constantly."
James H. Eshelman, Paramount district
manager, said the proposed tax "would not
come anywhere near raising the amount
needed to meet the city pay increases."
Only One Law Adverse
To Pictures Enacted
WASHINGTON—The state legislative situation
is "very favorable" to the motion picture
industry. Jack Bryson, legislative director
for the MPAA, reported there has been no
adverse legislation passed and probably won't
be, except the 3 per cent tax in Georgia on
admissions.
A recent New Hampshire bill calling for
two men in a projection booth failed to reach
the floor, as did an Oregon tax bill calling
for a 10 per cent tax on admissions. A bill in
the Massachusetts legislature extending the
present censorship of films shown on Sunday
is now dead.
46-B
BOXOFFICE
:: March 10. 1951

. . Melvin
. . The
PHILADELPHIA
parainount's Tower Theatre presented the
Lit Bros, fashion show on the stage . . .
RKO booker Ed Fisher became father of a
baby boy . . . Rich-Art Sign Co. has moved
into its new quarters at 307 N. 13th St. . . .
Paramount Decorating Co. has started work
on Sam Roth's new Park Theatre in Washington.
Jacob Kosenfeld, owner of Port Norris's
Colonial Theatre, says his house will offer
the New Jersey premiere showing of "Test
Tube Baby" . . . Two children, Donald and
. . .
Rose Marie Weston, who had been the objects
of an intensive police search for more
than 48 hours, were found on Monday (26)
emerging from the Jumbo Theatre, where
they had viewed "King Solomon's Mines"
Monogram booker Bill Schwartz has
resigned to join his brother in business in
Long Beach, Calif. He will be succeeded by
Walt Donahue, who resigned several months
ago from Columbia as office manager.
Mario Lanza, Philadelphia boy who made
good in the films, is making a big hit in
Pennsylvania on his concert tour . . . Claude
Schlanger resigned from 20th-Fox's sales
staff . . . Robert Stillman, producer of "'The
Sound of Fury," was here accompanied by
his associate. Irving Rubine. Jules Fields,
UA representative, was here working on
promotion for the film.
The Vine street link between the Delaware
river bridge and the Benjamin Franklin
Parkway will be open by "about June l,"says
Edwin J. Kinney, district engineer of the
state department of highways, who Is in
charge of the widening and repaving operation.
The project, which intermittently closed
off Vine street since demolition of adjacent
buildings began July 3, 1947, reportedly had
been scheduled for completion before JanjUary
1.
William Perlis, who was a Stanley-Warner
Imail clerk, is now John Nirenberg's assistant
nanager at the Forum ... A. J. Vanni, outof-town
zone manager, helped inspect Stanley-Warner
Theatres in Wilmington, Del., in
^preparation for the aftnual meeting of stock-
Iholders . Heinback and Alfred
IMazarcavage are erecting a 600-car ozoner
|on Route 611 at Bartonsville . . . H. J. Martin,
|tr-I manager, was vacationing in Florida.
Industryites were happy to see William
Hopkins, MGM Jersey salesman, back working
after undergoing a very serious operation.
f;*Eve' Back at Philadelphia Fox
PHILADELPHIA — "All About Eve" has
Ibeen booked for a return engagement at the
[first run Fox Theatre starting March 16. If
the booking is successful similar reruns will
ffill
tried elsewhere. Special new advertising
be used.
CAMELIA CORSAGES AND INDIVIDUAL BIRTHDAY CAKES were treats
offered
patrons attending the first anniversary party February 23 of the Georgetown
Theatre in Washington. The art cinema is operated under the consultating supervision
of Al Sherman, Washington film publicist. Shown above are Sherman, Ralph
Arbaloa, usher; William Callum, doorman and assistant; Maria Doukas, cashier;
Louis Heon, house manager; Eleanore Maslowskl, cashier; Peter Heon and George
C. Heon, owners.
WASHINGTON
Terry Murphy, formerly with 20th Century-
Fox, has joined the sales staff at Lippert
. . . The car of Dorsey Conklin, State Theatre,
Radford, Va., was wrecked in an accident
recently. She suffered slight injuries . . .
Aaron Seidler of the New Albert Theatre,
Baltimore, was laid up with the flu and Fred
Sapperstein visited the exchanges in his
stead . . . The Neptune in Wachapreague, Va.,
has closed permanently.
E. E. Ours was on Filmrow to book for his
Royal Drive-In, Winchester, which will reopen
for the season March 24 . . . Julian
Gordon was in to set up bookings for the
Palace, Wythe and Stuart theatres, Newport
News. The Stuart which will go to 30 days
after first run instead of moveover from first
run. Variety Club women held a tea and
card party in the clubrooms Tuesday afternoon
and had a large turnout. In charge of
arrangements were Mrs. Herb Sachs, Mrs.
Norman Cohen, Mrs. Jerry Adams and Mrs.
Eugene Kramer.
The Red Cross surgical dressing classes,
which are being held on Wednesdays in the
Walsh House, are building up each week and
all Variety Club and Filmrow women are
urged to volunteer their services. Classes are
held at 1 to 3 in the afternoon and 7 to 9
in the evening . RKO team still is
first in the Filmrow Bowling league with
20th-Fox second, the Warner No. 2 team
third. No. 1 fourth, U-I fifth and Republic
bringing up the rear. John O'Leary, 20th-
Fox, is still high man and Pauline Struck,
U-I, high woman.
Variety Club members and friends met to
honor F. Joseph Donohue, Donohue, nominated
by President Truman to replace Commissioner
Guy Mason, at a luncheon in the
Statler hotel Friday (9). Serving as honorary
chairman of the affair was Commissioner
John Russell Young. The general chairman
was Morton Gerber, chief barker of the Variety
Club, assisted by Frank Boucher and
Jerome A. Adams.
Mrs. Helen Matelson, daughter of Mrs.
Bertha Gordon of the Palace, Newport News,
and her 2-year-old daughter Wendy were
visiting Mrs. Gordon and other relatives . . .
Exhibitors on Filmrow included Ridley Green,
Chase City; Cecil Ward, Bassett; Mrs. Maizie
Evans, Solomons; Douglas Connellee, Elkton:
H. M. Rosin, Chesapeake City; Herman Hable
and Lewis Bachrach, Winchester; Jack
Fruchtman, Leonardtown; Joe Oulahan,
Gloucester and from Baltimore, Eddie Kimpel,
Walter Gettinger, Jack Levine, Joe Baer
and Mike Leventhal.
Agnes Turner, RKO cashier, who is active
in Soroptimist club affairs, went to Norfolk
to install officers in the newly formed group
there . . . Pete DeFazio, newly appointed
Warner manager here, took over the reins
Friday . . . Mrs. Peggy Kohler is the new
secretary of Gus Lynch, zone manager for the
Schine circuit.
Thelma Ritter on Tour
For 'Mating Season'
NEW YORK—Thelma Ritter, star of Paramount's
"The Mating Season," began a personal
appearance tour in Boston Wednesday
(7) which will cover Philadelphia and Washington
and wind up in Chicago March 22.
It will be followed by a later coast-to-coast
schedule.
Along with the personal app>earances at
openings goes a heavy schedule of radio appearances,
press interviews, etc. The stunt
was arranged by Jerry Plckman, head of advertising,
publicity and exploitation. Arnold
Van Leer handled the Boston details, with
Mike Weiss in Philadelphia, Hal Marshall in
Washington and E. G. Fitzgibbon in Chicago.
Maria Van Slyke is accompanying
Miss Ritter.
TAILORED SEAT COVERS
— Any Style
Any Size
Any Quantify
JOHN P. MORGAN CO.. INC.
317 N. nth STREET LO 4-022«
DETROIT OFFICE OR DESK SPACE TO RENT
With or Without Furniture
CONVENIENT • CENTRALLY LOCATED • GOOD ADDRESS
Excellent Proposition Available to Anyone Selling to Exhibitors
- Contact BOXOFFiCE, 1009 Fox BIdg., Detroit 1, Mch. Phone Woodward 2-1100 .
tBOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 46-C

!B3 U.S. Features
Played UK in '50
WASHINGTON — A total of 584 feature
films were exhibited in the United Kingdom
in 1950, according to a report from the motion
picture division of the Department of
Commerce. Of these, 123 were British and
409 U.S. productions, leaving a total of only
52 features imported from other countries.
Short films shown totaled 762, of which 238
were British. The remaining 524 were almost
all American produced.
Biggest boxoffice success in Great Britain
in 1950 was an American film, with a British
feature in second place. Of the ten biggest
gross successes during the year, five were
American. Gross receipts for the year are estimated
at 112,000,000 pounds, with 38,000,000
pounds of the gross going for amusement
taxes. The gross after taxes was divided
about 60-40 between exhibitors and distributors,
the latter getting the major portion.
Imports of film raw stock in 1950 totaled
36,116,375 linear feet, worth approximately
350.000 pounds, the report states. Approximately
59 and a half million linear feet of
exposed film was imported, worth over 807,-
000 pounds. By July of this year all the film
imported into Britain is expected to be of
the new safety type.
British Censors Viewed
1,785 Films in 1950
WASHINGTON — The British Board of
Film Censors reviewed 1,785 films in 1950,
and classified 1,550 as "U," for universal exhibition,
and 234 as "A," for adults and minors
if accompanied by adults, according to a report
by the Department of Commerce. Three
hundred and twenty films were found objectionable,
but most were amended, and only
five finally rejected. One of the rejected
films was later allowed under a new license,
called "X," for films from which children
under 16 will be excluded.
442 Films Are Shown
In Austria Last Year
WASHINGTON—A total of, 442 motion pictures.
Including 18 Austrian productions,
were shown ;n Austria in 1950. Of this number,
45 per cent were American films, with
Germany the runner-up with 13.8 per cent,
according to a report from the Department
of Commerce. Fifty-one films were in color.
Native production of films is on the upgrade,
with seven films completed in the last
quarter of 1950, and. ten more scheduled for
the first quarter of 1951.
At the end of the year, there were 1,032
motion picture theatres in Austria, with a
seating capacity of 282,000. The number of
feature films that can be absorbed is estimated
at 300, and the over-supply In 1950
resulted in reduced playing time for most
films, it was reported.
To Show "Red River' in Germany
WASHINGTON — The Economic Control
AdminLstration has signed an additional contract
for a feature film to be shown in Westem
Germany, It was announced Thursday
(8). The film Is "Red River," produced by
the Motion Picture Investors Corp.. Inc.
Amount of the guaranty is $25,835, and Is
charged against last year's program.
4&-D
OFF FOR URUGUAY FESTIVAL —
Norton V. Rlchey, president of Monogram
International Corp,, and Florence Marly,
star of "Tokyo File 212," are boarding a
plane at Idlewild airport, N. Y., for the
first leg of their journey to attend the
Uruguayan Film festival, to be held at
Punta del Este, Montevideo.
Columbia Shifts Several
Foreign Department Men
NEW YORK—Several shifts have been
made in the personnel of Columbia Pictures
International Corp. by Joseph A. McConville,
president.
Nick Pery, managing director in Australia
and supervisor of several Far Eastern territories,
has been named European sales manager.
He will work under the direction of
Lacy Kastner, managing director and general
supervisor of all European operations.
Leroy Brauer, formerly supervisor in the
Near East and India and more recently a
member of the European setup, succeeds
Pery as managing director in Australia and
supervisor of other territories.
William Levy, who has been in the European
headquarters at Paris, has been
named assistant to Max Thorpe, managing
director in Great Britain and Eire.
Morris Goodman, who has been in charge
of distribution of foreign pictures in the
United States, will join Kastner's staff in
Europe and will supervise the countries
formerly supervised by Brauer.
Swedish Censors Approve
367 Features in 1950
WASHINGTON — Swedish censors passed
367 feature films in 1950. compared with a
total of 345 in 1949, the Department of
Commerce reported Wednesday (7). Of the
approved films, 236 were classified for adults
only. 21 films were rejected entirely, including
16 American features.
Of the approved 367, 63% were American,
35% French, and 33% British, productions.
Completes Screenplay
Dorothy Reid has completed the screenplay
for "The Interruption," a suspense yarn by
W. W. Jacobs, purchased by Arthur Lubin.
Swanson Wins Award
In Uruguay Show
MONTEVIDEO. URUGUAY—Gloria Swanson
was honored for the best performance
as an actress at the International Film
Festival here.
The awards were:
Best film — "Tomorrow Is Too Late," Italian study
of adolescence directed by Leonide Moguy.
Best show film — "Gerald McBoing Boing," American
color cartoon directed by Robert Cannon for
Columbia.
Best performance by an actress—Gloria Swanson
in "Sunset Boulevard."
Best performance by an actor— Michel Simon in
"The Beauty and the Devil," French film directed
by Rene Clair.
Best performance by a supporting actress—Josephine
Hull in "Harvey."
Best performance by a supporting actor—luano
Hernandez in "Intruder in the Dust."
Best director—Michelangelo Antonioni for "The
Story of a Love," produced by Franco Villani.
Best screenplay — "Tomorrow Is Too Late."
Best photography—Aldotonti for "Musolino, the
Bandit," Italian film produced by Luigi De Laurentis.
— Best sound "Seven Days
produced by Ray Boulting.
to Noon," British film
United States entries in the festival were:
"Harvey," "Sands of Iwo Jima," "Cyrano de
Bergerac," "Treasure Island," "Valentino,"
"Intruder in the Dust," "The Breaking Point,"
"Our Very Own," "Halls of Montezuma," "Of
Men and Music" and "Sunset Boulevard."
Australia Now Conducting
Better Movies Campaign
NEW YORK—Australia is carrying out a
version of the Movies Are Better Than Ever
campaign this month, with Hoyts Theatres,
Ltd., cooperating with 20th Century-
Fox. Warner Bros., RKO, United Artists and
London Films in a movie quiz.
The quiz includes filling in the lines of a
poem which ends "Hoyts movies now are
better than ever." The campaign is being
pushed through special trailers, newspaper
ads and pamphlets by the distributing companies
as well as the circuits, with LOOff
pounds in prizes.
Norman E. Gluck Chosen
V-P for United World
NEW YORK—Norman E.
Gluck has been
elected a vice-president and member of the
board of United World Films, non-theatrical
subsidiary of Universal Pictures Co, according
to James Franey, president. Gluck has
been with the company for the past three
years and for the past year has been In
charge of the television department. Gluck
was manager of the Park Avenue Theatre
during 1947 and 1948 and was with the
Skouras circuit for 12 years.
Republic Managers Meet
PITTSBURGH—Republic branch managers
I. T. Sweeney, Pittsburgh; I. H. Pollard,
Cleveland; George H. Kirby, Cincinnati, and
Sam Seplowln, Detroit, attended a sales
meeting at the William Penn Hotel here
Monday (5). Walter L. Titus jr., division
manager, presided and John P. Curtin,
New England division manager, sat in
on the meeting. Titus will visit Memphis,
Oklahoma City, Dallas, New Orleans and
Charlotte branches before returning to New
York. Curtin will visit the Cleveland and
Detroit branches.
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951

(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear. Western Manager/
War Aid Appearances
Total 80 in February
HOLLYWOOD—Film players made 80
appearances
during February to cheer wounded
GIs or otherwise aid the armed forces, it
was disclosed by the Hollywood Coordinating
Committee, which handles all such events.
On Operation Starlift, in which thespians
make weekend trips to the Travis air base
hospital, 34 players entertained there during
the month, while the HCC reported a total
of 157 appearances by Hollywood talent for
all approved functions, an increase over the
137 appearances chalked up in January.
* * •
Expected to reopen this summer is the
Hollywood Canteen, the organization which
during World War II gained wide fame as
a center of hospitality and service for members
of the armed forces. Bette Davis has
been re-elected president, Carey Wilson is
vice-president and treasurer and Mervyn
LeRoy is assistant treasurer. The Canteen
will utilize the Florentine Gardens, a defunct
night club on Hollywood boulevard, as its
headquarters.
* * •
First annual awards of the World Brotherhood
Organization will be distributed at an
International Brotherhood awards dinner to
be staged Thursday (15) at the Ambassador
hotel. The recipients will be L. M. Giannini,
president of the Bank of America, and Gen.
Carlos P. Romulo, secretary of foreign affairs
for the Philippines. Charles P. Skouras,
president of National Theatres and Fox West
Coast, has been named dinner chairman and
Dick Dickson, PWC's southern California division
manager, is executive director.
* * *
Mexico's Aztec Eagle decoration has been
presented Roy O. Disney, president of Walt
Disney Productions, for his work toward
"strengthening the unity of the Americas
and a better understanding of the peoples
of the world." The presentation was made
to Disney by Salvador Duhart, Mexican consul-general,
in ceremonies at the Biltmore
hotel.
Switches to RKO Pathe
HOLLYWOOD—Glenn McCarthy, oil tycoon
who made one picture two years ago
for RKO release, has switched his production
headquarters from the RKO studio in
Hollywood to the RKO Pathe lot in Culver
City. Making the shift are Robert Paige,
vice-president tof the McCarthy film organization;
Richard Steenberg and Maurice
Janov.
NLRB to Resume Hearing
On SAG-TA Jurisdiction
HOLLYWOOD—Focal point for a lengthy
jurisdictional dispute between the Screen
Actors Guild and Television Authority has
been transferred from New York to Hollywood,
the NLRB having agreed to resume
hearings here on the question of collective
bargaining representation for actors employed
by TV networks. Such was disclosed
with the return of SAG officials from
Gotham, after participating in eastern hearings
for the last two weeks.
Date for the Hollywood hearings has not
yet been set.
New TV Film Unit Formed
HOLLYWOOD—Incorporation papers were
filed for a new TV film production unit.
Home Star Theatre, Inc., listing as the directors
Edward and William Nassour; George
Bagnall, former west coast executive of
United Artists; Actor Charles Laughton and
the latter's representative, Paul Gregory.
Detailed plans are expected to be announced
later.
ROY DISNEY DECORATED—Roy O.
Disney, president of Walt Disney Productions,
is shown being decorated with
Mexico's Aztec Eagle, an honor similar
to one made by Mexico to his brother,
Walt Disney, six years ago. At the left
is Mexico's Consul General Salvador
Duhart attaching the medal on behalf
of President Miguel Aleman. The award
was made in acknowledgment of Disney's
efforts for the benefit of undernourished
children of Mexico through his
support of charitable work of Mrs. Ale-
'Monte Cristo' Shown
To Y-Teen Members
HOLLYWOOD — "The Sword of Monte
Cristo," Edward L. Alperson production being
released by 20th-Fox, which had its
tradepress preview here Tuesday (6), was
given an earlier screening Saturday morning
(3) at Grauman's Chinese Theatre at which
the guests were members of Los Angeles
chapters of the Y-Teen Clubs of America.
The Y-Teen members presented plaques to
George Montgomery and Paula Corday, stars
of the swashbuckler, and to Cinecolor for developing
its new Supercinecolor process, in
which "The Sword of Monte Cristo" was
photographed.
* • •
Although they have not as yet established
releasing arrangements for the opus, the
King Bros, are laying plans for a dual world
premiere on Decoration day of "Drums of
the Deep South" in Washington and Richmond,
Va. Both northern and southern dignitaries
are being invited to attend the showings,
located in the Civil war capitals of the
Union and the Confederacy. The James
Craig-Barbara Payton topliner deals with
the war between the states.
Highlighting the west coast premiere of U-I's
"Bedtime for Bonzo" Tuesday (6) at the
Carthay Circle Theatre was the distribution
of awards to filmdom's "best animal actors."
The event was staged under sponsorship of
the American Humane Ass'n and the Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Awarded the Patsy trophy was Francis, U-I's
"Talking Mule," with presentations made by
James Stewart, Leo Carrillo, Diana Lynn and
Rex Allen,
and Ronald Reagan.
* * «
Warners dispatched Dennis Morgan, Steve
Cochran and Dorothy Hart, who star in the
film, to Albuquerque and Raton, N. M., for
personal appearances Tuesday and Wednesday
(6,7) in connection with a two-day, twocity
premiere of "Raton Pass."
• • •
"My Outlaw Brother," produced for Eagle
Lion Classics release by Benedict Bogeaus,
will be world-premiered Wednesday (14) at
the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco.
Norman Siegel Elected
HOLLYWOOD—First studio representative
to be so honored, Norman Siegel, Paramount
studio publicity-advertising director, has
been elected a member of the PubUc Relations
Society of America, comprising public
relations representatives of business and industrial
firms in the U.S. and Canada.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 47

THAT
morsel of philosophy anent the
uneasiness of the head that wears a
crown, which was rendered archaic with
abolishment of most of the world's royalty,
might find paraphrasing in Hollywood's current
avalanche of award bestowals, which
every year are growing more numerous and,
resultantly, less important individually. To
wit:
"Sore is the arm that reaches for the
kudos."
Photoplay's annual gold medals-distributing
clambake launched this year's lineup,
followed a few weeks later by a comparable,
and characteristically well-staged, venture by
Look magazine. On the very next night, the
awards-snatchers went around once again at
the yearly "golden globes" event of the Hollywood
Foreign Correspondents Ass'n, subsequent
to which came the distribution of
"silver movie" citations for motion picture
achievement by Redbook magazine.
Then, too late as always and increasingly
anticllmactic, will be staged the granddaddy
of them all, the annual awards event of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,
scheduled for March 29.
Covering a year during which Hollywood's
output was not outstandingly scintillating,
it is most natural that the recipients of the
above-listed kudos are the same—with slight
variations—in each instance. By the same
logic, most of them are favorites among the
nominees for the Academy's 1950 honors.
Comes the night of March 29 and their
respective arms may be so charley-horsed
that they'll encounter difficulty in carrying
their Oscars off the Pantages Theatre stage.
By then, the glorified ones among the
beautiful people will probably be so bored
with accepting plaques, medals, awards,
golden globes, silver movie bestowals and
what-will-you-have, that poor ol' Oscar will
not look nearly as shiny as he did in earlier
years when he was not subjected to the intensive
competition that has made him lose
much of his luster in the eyes of the press
and the general public.
Of course—and on the ill-wind theory
there are those who are happy about the
whole thing. Witness: The tradepapers that
manage to clout the selectees for a few pages
of "thank you-all" advertising, no matter from
whom or whence came the kudos; the
cabinet-makers who build display cases and/or
shelves to house the bumper collections, and
the trucking companies retained to haul them
all home for the arm-sore winnahs.
Again it's open sea.son in Cinemania for
the avid headline hunters and them Hollywood
hilUs are resounding to the "yoicks"
of the house committee on un-American
activities. But that's too succulent a morsel
to dissipate in the limited space remaining
to complete this week's chore.
What's puzzling is why Senator Kefauver's
committee Investigating gambling practices in
48
California has overlooked Hollywood. Certainly
the good senator and his associates
should see grounds for suspicion in the fact
that upcoming features include:
"Inside Straight" (MGM).
"The Sure Thing" (Columbia).
"Secrets of Monte Carlo" (Republic).
"Chuck-a-Luck" (Fidelity Pictures, for 20th
Century-Fox)
"Skid Row" (Joseph Bernhard-Anson Bond,
also for 20th-Fox).
Further to assure that the 1951 awards
hysteria reaches a new high in ridiculousness
comes a release—cloaked in anonymity, but
obviously stemming from Al Horwits' Universal-International
praisery—informing that
the American Humane Ass'n has inaugurated
a special award, presented and named in
honor of Richard C. Craven, veteran film industry
humanitarian, for filmdom's best
trained animal actor.
Presentation of this citation augmented the
distribution of Patsy (picture animal top star
of the year) trophies and awards at a benefit
premiere staged by the humane organization
of IJ-I's "Bedtime for Bonzo" at the
Carthay Circle Theatre on March 6.
Says Trigger: Make mine hay.
Intelligence from Lou Lifton, Monogram's
publicity impresario, that Leo Gorcey, starred
in that company's "Bowery Boys" series, has
purchased a 10-acre almond ranch in Reddings.
And nuts to you, too, Leo.
Producer Paul Short plans an early start,
for Allied Artists release, on "The Frog Men,"
and 20th Century-Fox has nearly completed
an opus with the same title. Both are concerned
with the exploits of the navy's underwater
demolition squads.
Obviously, both cannot be permitted to
reach the nation's screens under the same
title, and, resultantly, much controversy
in tradepaper columns—has ensued. Perhaps
the issue could be resolved by putting Darryl
Zanuck and Paul Short under water to
determine who should demolish whom.
And at the same time they can establish
that movies are wetter than ever.
A gander at upcoming product gives assurance
that for the time being, at least,
Hollywood n^ted not worry about a Margaret
Sanger award being added to the groaning
list. Note:
"Rock-a-Bye Baby" (20th Century-Fox).
"A Baby for Midge" (Warners).
"Oh, Baby" (Universal-International)
"Don't Cry, Baby" (Warners).
"The Day They Gave Babies Away" (EMmund
Grainger-RKO)
"Billion Dollar Baby" (Samuel Goldwyn-
RKO).
lATSE Continues
Wage Hike Demand
HOLLYWOOD—Continued efforts to reach
agreement between studio labor liaison representatives
and the lATSE studio locals
concerning the latter's demand for cost-ofliving
wage boosts were being made at midweek
despite an earlier rejection by the
lATSE of a producer proposal for a ten-centan-hour
boost and other adjustments.
An additional and subsequent stalemate was
encountered when producer representatives
refused to talter their stand that a reopening
of the lA bargaining agreement be set back
to October 1953, although the union has been
holding out for an October 1951, reopening
date.
The same ten-cent hourly boost has been
offered to the five unions which are members
of the studio labor basic agreement, and that
offer has been under advisement.
In an effort to negotiate contracts similar
to the agreement recently reached with the
major producers, the Screen Writers Guild
has charted huddles with the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers and the
Independent Motion Picture Producers Ass'n.
An SWG negotiating committee was scheduled
to meet with IMPPA representatives
Thursday (8) and sessions with the SIMPP
will get under way later in the month.
* « *
A general membership meeting of the
Screen Producers Guild will be staged Monday
(12) at which President William Perlberg
will make a progress report and plans
will be discussed for holding an election of
officers and board members early in May.
Irving Asher is chairman of the nominating
committee.
Anthony Landi Rejoins
I. G. Goldsmith Unit
HOLLYWOOD—Anthony Z.
Landi has rejoined
the I. G. Goldsmith production unit
to function as associate producer on "Gardenia,"
which Goldsmith is readying as a
United Artists release. Landi and Goldsmith
were previously teamed on "The
Scarf," which will go into early distribution
under the UA banner. Subsequently Landi
had been associated with Lou Schor, independent
producer.
Teachers Vote 'Cyrano'
Top Educational Film
HOLLYWOOD—"Cyrano de Bergerac" has
been voted "the best educational film of 1950"
by the California Teachers Ass'n, and Producer
Stanley Kramer was scheduled to be
presented the organization's first annual
award Saturday (10).
To Topline Andrews Sisters
HOLLYWOOD—With Alex Gottlieb and
Jean Yarbrough—two veterans of the theatrical
film field—serving respectively as
producer and director, filming has been
launched on the first in a proposed series
of video films topllning the Andrews Sisters,
radio and recording singers. The unit
is headquartering at the Hal Roach studios.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951

Left, the Eastman I6mm. Projector,
Model 25, brings 16mm. projection
to the professional level.
Shown here, adaptedfor arc illumination,
permanently installed

STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Columbia
Title-roler ANTHONY DEXTER of Producer Edward
Small's "Valentino" checked in after a personal
appearance trek to Cincinnati, New York,
Boston and Springfield, Mass.
Republic
REX ALLEN, cowboy star, made personal appearances
Wednesday (7) at the international flower
show at Hollywood Park.
Blurbers
Metro
DON McELWAINE has returned to his studio
publicity desk after a two-week trip to Chicago,
Cleveland and Indianapolis, beating the drums for
"Three Guys Named Mike."
United Artists
ANN DEL VALLE, assistant to Irving Rubine of
Robert Stillman Productions, was dispatched to San
Francisco to handle the opening there Thursday
(8) of "The Sound of Fury" at the United Artis'.s
Theatre.
Brieiies
Columbia
"A Hitch in Time," two-reeler starring Waily
Vernon and Eddie Quillan, went into production
with Jules White producing and directing from a
script by Felix Adler.
Universal-International
Ziggie Elman and his orchestra were booked for
which the Sportsman quartet,
a musical featurette in
the Mel Henke trio and the Knight Sisters, adagio
dancers, also are featured.
Warners
Director Richard Bare has begun filming "So
You Want to Be a Bachelor," which will be followed
in the Joe MoDoakes series by "So You Want to
Get It Wholesale" and "So You Want to Be a
Plumber."
Cleffers
Metro
VAL ROSING, musical impresario, was inked to
stage cm operatic sequence in "Strictly Dishonorable."
Inked for ""Texas Carnival" were RED NORVO
and his trio.
Monogram
EDDIE LEBARON and his orchestra were signed
for Producer Lindsley Parsons' musical, "Casa
Manana."
Loonouts
Metro
On loan from Producer Hal WcUis, WENDELL
COREY shares the topline with Stewart Granger in
"The North Country."
Paramount
DEBORAH KERR, borrowed from MGM, will star
with Alan Ladd and Corinne Calvet in Producer
Everett Riskin's "Rage of the Vulture."
Universal-International
Borrowed from Paramount, lOHN LUND will star
in "Weekend With Father," a comedy to be produced
by Ted Richmond.
Meggers
Metro
HEN4Y BERMAN and DON WEIS were named
Eroducer and director, respectively, of "Banner
ine," newspaper drama how being scripted by
Charles Schnee.
Producer Arthur Freed's musical, "Belle of New
York," will be directed by CHARLES WALTERS
Fred Astoire and Vera-EUen have the starring spots
in the opus.
Paromoiint
BYHON HASKIN was signed to an exclusive term
directional commitment, effective In April.
Options
Columbia
ALEXANDER KNOX will play the principal heavy
role in the Louis Hayward starrer, 'Son of Dr.
lelcyll," which Seymour Friedman will direct.
Inked lor the title role in Producer Sam Kotzman's
50
serial, "Captain Video," was JUDD HOLDREN,
Little Theatre actor.
Director-actor FRED SEARS was added to the cast
of "The Big Gusher," the Wayne Morris-Preston
Foster starrer which is being raegged by Lew
Landers.
Metro
Set for a supporting role in "Westward the
Women," which will be directed by William Wellman,
was BRUCE COWLING. Also ticketed for the
Robert Taylor starrer was ARTHUR HUNNICUTT. The
feature will be personally produced by Dor-3
S'chary. HOPE EMERSON has been signed.
Set for the title role in "Callaway Went That-a-
Way," a comedy western, was HOWARD KEEL.
Norman Panama and Melvin Frank will produce and
direct.
Monogram
Set for AUied Artists' "The Highwayman," being
produced by Hal E. Chester, were PHYLLIS MOR-
RIS, POST PARKS, PAT O'MOORE and DAVID
CAVENDISH. The cast is headed by Charles
Cobum, Wanda Hendrix and Philip Friend.
Producer Lindsley Parsons signed the MARTELL
TWINS, tap-dancers, and the HIGH HATTERS, eccentric
dancers, for "Casa Manana." Also inked were
ROBERT CLARKE, VIRGINIA WELLES, ROBERT
KARNS, TONY RAUX and PAUL MAXEY. Cowboy
actor TEX RITTER was signed for a role.
TOD KARNES was cast as the romantic male lead
in "Father Takes the Air," a Peter Scully production
starring Raymond Walbum.
Paramount
VAN HEFLIN was signed to star with Helen Hayos
in Producer-Director Leo McCarey's "My Son John."
Inked to a long-term ticket was MICHAEL MORE-
HOUSE, Little Theatre actor.
SOO YUNG, Chinese-American monologist, was
added to the cast of the Hal Wallis production.
LUCKY RABBIT—"Harvey," U-I's film
version of the stage success, has been
reaping a heavy crop of kudos since it
went into release—among them its selection
by the National Screen Council as
the best feature to go into distribution
during January. The invisible rabbit remained
invisible while the BOXOFFICE
Blue Ribbon Awards were being distributed,
but here are two recipients of
the coveted plaques: Charles Drake, top,
who had a top supporting role In the
James Stewart starrer, and Oscar Brodney,
bottom, the scenarist.
"Peking Express," starring Joseph Gotten, Corinne
Calvet and Edmund Gwenn.
LAURA ELLIOT, contract starlet, has been repacted
for another year.
ANGELA CLARKE was inked for "My Favorite
Spy," Bob Hope-Hedy Lamarr topliner, being directed
by Norman Z. McLeod for Producer Paul
Jones. Set for a role was character actor STEVEN
GERAY.
JAMES MALONEY, a member of the original New
York cast, will re-create his role in the screen
version of "Detective Story," being produced and
directed by William Wyler with Kirk Douglas and
Eleanor Parker in the leads. EDMUND COBB,
screen veteran whose career began in 1909, has
joined the cast.
RKO Radio
Character actors ELISHA COOK JR. and HANS
CONRIED were signed for the Wald-Krcsna production,
"Behave Yourself." WILLIAM DEMAREST
and LON CHANEY were inked for the opus.
Republic
Tagged for the leads in Producer William Lackey's
"Secrets of Monte Carlo" were WARREN DOUGLAS,
LOIS HALL and JUNE VINCENT. George Blair is
directing.
Held for an additional term was ESTELITA ROD-
RIGUEZ, currently starring in "Havana Rose." BILL
WILLIAMS will have the male lead in the film, for
which LEON BELASCO, TOM KENNEDY, NACHO
GALINDO and MANUEL PARIS also were set.
PINKY LEE was set for the comedy lead in the
current Roy Rogers starring western, "South of
Caliente."
Radio and screen actor STEVE DUNNE was inked
for "A Lady Possessed," a James Mason starrer
being filmed by Portland Productions.
20th Century-Fox
RICHARD WIDMARK and HUGH MARLOWE, contract
actors, were given one-year extensions.
a character role
GENE LOCKHART was signed for
in Producer Fred Kohlmar's musical, "Friendly
Island," starring Gloria DeHaven and William
Lundigan.
Universal-International
RONALD REAGAN will star with Josephine Hull
in "Fine Day," to be produced in Technicolor by
Leonard Goldstein.
Warners
MICHAEL MILLER, 13-year-old actor, has been
cast in the Doris Day starring musical, "On Moonlight
Bay," being megged by Roy Del Ruth for Producer
William Jacobs.
Tagged for a spot in the tunefilm, "Painting the
Clouds With Sunshine," was JILL RICHARDS. The
Dennis Morgan- Virginia Mayo topliner is being
megged by David Butler and produced by William
Jacobs.
Scripters
Warners
"Operation Starlift" is being screenplayed
KARL KAMB for Producer Robert Arthur.
Story Buys
Independent
"The Interruption," a suspense yarn by W. W.
Jacobs, has been purchased by Director Arthur
Lubin, who will package the opus independently.
A screenplay has been completed by Dorothy Reid.
Metro
Paul Galileo's "The Southern Souls of Clement
O'Reilly" was acquired and will be a unit in the
trilogy of stories comprising "Jealousy," upcoming
Spencer Tracy vehicle.
"Beau Brummel," a play by Clyde Fitch, was
purchased and assigned to Producer Sam Zimbalist,
who will prepare it as a Stewart Granger starrer.
Paramount
The new Clifford Odets play, "Country Girl," has
been bought for filmization.
RKO Radio
"Desert Padre," a novel by Irving Stone, has been
purchased by Producers Jack Skirball and Bruce
Manning. It is a story of the priest who was responsible
for bringing water to Los Angeles from
the Owens valley.
Universal-International
"You Never Know," an original by Lou Breslow,
was purchased for production by Leonard Goldstein,
and Dick Powell was booked for the starring role.
Warners
"Criminals Mark," a Saturday Evening Post story
by John and Ward Hawkins, was purchased and assigned
to Producer Rudi Fehr. Franklin Coen is
writing the screeiiplay, which will be filmed under
the title, "Don't Cry, Baby. "
Technically
Metro
JAY MARCHANT was assigned the unit manager
(Continued on following page)
by
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951

'Hornblower' Debut
In London April 12
HOIiLYWOOD—Dignitaries including members
of the British royal family will attend
the April 12 world premiere of Warners'
"Captain Horatio Hornblower," co-starring
Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo, at the Warner
Theatre in London. Among the audience
will be Princess Margaret, Vice-Admiral Earl
Mountbatten and Mrs. Clement R. Attlee,
wife of England's prime minister. The premiere
is for the benefit of King George's
Fund for Sailors and the Foudroyant Appeal.
Kirby Bezzo to McFarland
McFARLAND, CALIF.—Kirby H. Bezzo
has been appointed manager of the McFarland
Theatre, to succeed Cal Boggus who has
taken over the management of the Del-Mac
Drive-In, between here and Delano.
Kiddy Matinee at Great Falls
GREAT PALLS, MONT.—A capacity crowd
filled the Civic Center Theatre for a special
Saturday kiddies matinee. Four cartoons and
a serial, "Cody of the Pony Express," made
up the program.
Portland
Drive-Ins Reopen
PORTLAND—Four drive-ins have reopened
here for the season. They are the 82nd
Avenue, Sandy Boulevard, Amphitheatre and
Super 99.
Amateur Show Is Held
THREE FORKS, MONT.—The Ruby Theatre
here was well filled when the Lions club
sponsored an amateur show recently.
^ersonnelities
(Continued from preceding page)
ioTe on "Angels in the Outfield." HOWARD KOCH
8^1 be the assistant director.
WILLIAM C. MELLOR will lens "Westward, the
.Vomen." with RALPH HURST named as set deco-
:ator. Unit manager will be RUBY ROSENBERG.
Art director assignment was drawn by DANIEL B.
mCATHCART.
Monogram
WILLIAM SICKNER was set as cinematographer
1 "Casa Manana," with ACE HERMAN as film
editor, DAVID MILTON as art director and WILLIAM
BEAUDINE JR. as assistant director.
RKO Radio
l
^BlAMES WONG HOWE will photograph "Behave
^ourself," with PAUL WATHERWAX set as film
^ditor and ORRY KELLY as costume designer.
^H| Janis Carter's wardrobe for "The Half-Breed" is
^Being designed by MICHAEL WOULFE.
^^
Republic
"A Lady Possessed" is being photographed for
Portland Productions by KARL STRUSS.
20th Century-Fox
EDWARD I. SYNDER was handed a new contract
:is head of the process department.
Title Changes
Independent
"The Golden Goose" (Thor Productions)
ROOM FOR THE GROOM.
to NO
"The Wild Land'
Metro
to THE NORTH COUNTRY.
RKO Radio
"The Thing" (Winchester Pictures) to THE THING
FROM ANOTHER WORLD.
"Girls Wanted" to HIGH HEELS.
C-xecu^lae
West: Top U-I executive echelons convened
Wednesday (7) at the Valley studio to
map the company's releasing plans for the
next several months. Attending from New
York were Alfred E. Daff, director of world
sales; Charles J. Feldman, domestic sales
chief; and Maurice A. Bergman, home office
executive. Daff and Feldman checked
in from San Francisco upon conclusion of
the company's third and final regional sales
meeting. Studio participants in the huddles
included Leo Spitz and William Goetz; Edward
Muhl, vice-president and general manager;
and David A. Lipton, vice-president in
charge of advertising and publicity.
* « *
West: Producers William Pine and William
Thomas returned after a ten-day visit
to Manhattan, where they conferred with
Paramount home office toppers on the advertising
campaign to be mapped for the
current P-T production, which goes into release
in May.
• * *
East: Mort Blumenstock, Warner vicepresident
in charge of advertising and publicity;
Gil Golden, advertising manager; and
Larry Golob, eastern publicity director, returned
to their New York headquarters after
brief studio conferences and a look at newly
completed product. They huddled here with
Jack L. Warner, Steve Trilling, his executive
aide, and Alex Evelove, studio publicity chief.
« « *
Elast: David Rose, president of Coronado
Productions, British filmmaking firm, planed
out for Gotham for conferences with executives
of Eagle Lion Classics regarding distribution
plans for a feature starring Ray
Milland which Rose filmed in England, Scotland
and Wales.
* * *
West: Sam Zagon, legal counsel for the
Stanley Kramer-Sam Katz production unit,
returned from a business junket to New
York.
* * *
East: Ellis Arnall, president of the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Producers,
checked out for his home in Atlanta after a
brief local visit, during which he huddled on
various matters with SIMPP members.
• « *
West: Spyros Skouras, president of 20th-
Fox; Al Lichtman, vice-president in charge
^
*7^uuAe/e^
of sales, and Donald Henderson, treasurer,
came in from New York for studio talks
with Darryl F. Zanuck.
* * *
West: Due in at week's end from New
York was John Joseph, eastern publicityadvertising
director for MGM.
* * *
West: Adolph Zukor, Paramount board
chairman, accompanied by his wife, arrived
on his annual trip to Hollywood. They expect
to remain on the coast for about two
months.
* • *
West: George Schaefer, sales manager for
the Stanley Kramer production unit, arrived
from New York to confer with Kramer and
George Glass, vice-president and advertising-publicity
chief, on future releasing plans
for "Cyrano de Bergerac." The Jose Ferrer
film will continue to be roadshown domestically
by Kramer during the balance of this
year, but during the current conferences it
was expected a date will be set for delivery
of the opus to United Artists for foreign
distribution. There is a possibility "Cyrano"
will be dubbed in Spanish for the Latin
American market instead of being sent out
with the customary English dialogue and
Spanish subtitles.
* * *
East: Sam Spiegel, partner of Director
John Huston in Horizon Pictures, left for
London to meet Huston, after which they
wUl journey to Africa to launch "African
Queen" in Nairobi next month.
West: Henry Hathaway, 20th-Fox director,
returned from a trek to Europe, where he
picked up background footage for his upcoming
assignment, "The Desert Fox."
* * »
East: W. R. Frank, midwestern exhibitor
and film and TV producer, left for his Minneapolis
headquarters after parleys with his
Hollywood associates.
Bonzo Dies in Fire
HOLLYWOOD—Bonzo. chimpanzee star of
U-I's "Bedtime for Bonzo," suffocated in a
fire Sunday (4) in a jungle compound in the
San Fernando valley.
BOOQOOOQO OOOGOOOOOOOOO oTfKD
li^O o O
,«,...•„ ^O HEYWOODWAKEFIELD CHAIRS. Q MOTIOGRAPH PROJECTION & SOUND. ©
«re H«*°* y^ •5"^'^^*'* '^'^''f^^S- "^"^TOM O WAGNER LETTERS & GLASS. O
VoOt1^*..c A^ O O
DRAPERIES & STAGE CURTAINS. LOBBY & CONCESSION EOUIPMENT.
*
-^,-0000 00000 000 000000000 0000
»i
'^f •
'M
'tv ',\ 'f\ 'p 't' /IN 'p '* 't^ 'f» I'- r> ''^ 'r ''^ 'p 'N 't> 'r 'n 'r -r J!^
The four B. F. SHEARER COMPANY offices, conveniently located, offer Pacific Coast theotre
operotors unequalled and exceptional SERVICE. Each office i$ completely stocked, equipped
and STAFFED by experts to completely satisfy every possible requirement ony theatre needs.
B. F. SHEARER COMPANY
LOS ANGELES: 1964 ShU Virmont . ROcbestcr Wti ' PORTLAND: 1947 N. W Keitnei . AT«3ler 7543
SAN FRANCISCO: 243 Golden Ealc A>e. UNdcihill 1 18IG • SEATTLE: 2318 Seconil «>e - ELImtl 6247
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 51

ii

i
[
ment
i during
Waive Wage Freeze
For Studio Talent
WASHINGTON — The film industry has
won its battle for a temporary waiver of the
wage freeze as applied to contractual talent,
including actors, directors, writers, producers
and others.
W. Willard Wirtz, executive director of the
Wage Stabilization Board, ruled late Wednesday
C7) that the industry could maintain its
present wage contract setup for talent, subject
to review by the board itself, it was
learned. Government sources said that the
"interim relief" requested by the Motion P>icture
Ass'n of America and west coast industry
representatives in a series of conferences
with Wirtz was granted in a letter handed to
Hollywood attorneys Maurice Benjamin and
Arthur Preston, who represented the Ass'n of
Motion Picture Producers in the negotiations.
The letter, addressed to MPAA, AMPP,
Screen Actors Guild and Screen Directors
Guild, stressed that the waiver of the freeze
is in accordance with Wage Regulation 5,
which deals with merit and length of service
increases, promotions, transfers and new employment.
TEXT OF RULING RELEASESD
The Wage Stabilization Board released the
text of its ruling granting interim relief to
film studio contractual talent pending final
review of the subject by the board.
The board listed these classifications of
talent as coming under the ruling: Actors,
actresses, extras, producers and associate
producers; directors and producer directors;
assistant directors, including technical directors;
dance directors, writers, song writers,
composers, musicians, art directors, wardrobe
designers, cameramen, sound engineers and
film editors.
Wirtz told the industry "it is contemplated
at the problems in this field will be the
ly subject of separate treatment in the
ievelopment of a salary stabilization program
as contrasted with the wage stabilization
program."
Karl:
i^^eve
l^_tioi
w
Wirtz said that in the meantime, with
:gard to contracts which were in effect
'anuary 25, date of the wage freeze, employers
can pay whatever the terms of the
contract required, including options and
^periodic increases.
^H "These seem to constitute merit and/or
^Bength of service increases within the
^Hneaning of wage stabilization regulation
^lumber 5," Wirtz stated. Contracts signed
^Rfter January 25, the letter continued, can be
considered as new or changed jobs or for
promotion or transfer purposes under the
terms of Regulation Number 5.
TO FOLLOW 1950 PRACTICE
In fixing talent pay, the employer must
follow the same practice in determining the
pay scale as he did in 1950 the letter explained
"compensation must be in balance
with the compensation paid to comparable
talent," Wirtz added.
Explaining this particular ruling he said
it would apply to new contracts and to contracts
replacing or modifying existing contracts.
He cited as an example of the ruling's
application "the case of significant enhancein
the talent value of an employe
an existent contract."
SENATOR TO VARIETY CLUB—
Senator Pat McCarran of Nevada is
shown at the Hotel Flamingo in Las
Vegas receiving his membership card to
Variety Tent 39 from Jack Walsh, right.
Bennie Goffstein, left, chief bariier and
a prime mover in establishing the Las
Vegas tent, looks on with approval.
Dale Evans Set to Star
In 'South of Caliente'
HOLLYWOOD—For the first time in a
year. Dale Evans will team with her husband,
Roy Rogers, in the sagebrush star's next for
Republic, "South of Caliente."
Miss Evans took time out for motherhood
and during the interval was replaced in the
Rogers oaters by Penny Edwards.
Plan Army Camp Shows
HOLLYWOOD—First step toward formulating
a united show business front in planning
entertainment for the armed forces was
taken when a joint meeting of the Hollywood
Coordinating Committee and the recently
reactivated USO Camp Shows organization
was held at the headquarters of the Screen
Actors Guild. George Murphy, HCC president,
and Abe Lastfogel, Camp Shows board
chairman, presided.
Tentative plans for pooling
the HCC and USO efforts were discussed.
Army Inducts Operator
LOVINGTON, N. M. — Walter Williams,
operator at the Lea Theatre, has been called
into the service. Bobby Haley, son of Alvah
Haley, theatre manager, has replaced him.
Install New Sound at Rex
ELGIN, ORE.—Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth
Kinzer, manager of the Rex Theatre, have
installed new sound and projection equipment.
Wm. Selw"yn Switches to Mono.
HOLLYWOOD—Succeeding Fred Messenger,
who recently resigned, William Selwyn
has been named casting director for Monogram
and Allied Artists. Selwyn was formerly
casting chief for Samuel Goldwyn.
New Owner to Plymouth Theatre
PAYETTE, IDA.—J. Dexter Whalen has
purchased the Plymouth Theatre from James
L. Jewell, who has operated it since 1949.
Influenza and Lent
Hit Grosses at L. A.
LOS ANGELES—A bad siege of influenza
and the Lenten season combined to strike
sharply at first run boxoffices. Four bills
managed to attain 110 per cent, but in most
other situations the take was under normal.
Still among the leaders, in its tenth record
week, was "Born Yesterday."
(Average Is 100)
Chinese, Lcs Angeles, Loyola, Uptown, Wilshire
—I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (20th-Fox),
Fingerprints Don't Lie (LP) 75
£gyptian, Loew's State Three Guys Named Mike
(MGM), Outlaws of Texas (Mono), at State only 110
El Rey—Seven Days to Noon (Maylux), 2nd wk. 90
Fine Arts Cyrano de Bergerac (UA), advanced
prices, 15th wk 105
Four Star ^Manon (Discina), 4th wk - 75
Hillstreet, Pantages—Bom Yesterday (Col), 10th
wk 110
Hollywood, Downtown Paramounts Molly (Para);
Quebec (Para) 55
Orpheum, Hawaii The Flying Missile (Col); A
Yank in Korea (Col) 110
United Artists, Culver, Studio City, Rilz, Vogue
Tomahawk (U-1), 2nd wk 70
Warners Hollywood, Downtown, • Wiltern Lightning
Strikes Twice (WB) 110
Three Denver Downto'wners
Hit 200 Column
DENVER—First run business was generally
good, with three houses doing 200 per cent
and four being pegged at 150. "Vengeance
Valley" is staying at the Broadway.
Aladdin, Tabor, Webber Storm Warning (WB);
Blondie Goes to College (Col) 150
Broadway Vengeance Valley (MGM) 200
Denham September Affair (Para) 150
Denver, Esquire Tomahawk (U-I); Bowery
Battalion (Mono) 200
Orpheum Payment on Demand (RKO); Law of
the Badlands (RKO), 2nd wk 85
Paramount California Passage (Rep); Belle Le
Grand (Rep) IOC
"Yesterday' Hits 186
At Frisco in 7th Week
SAN FRANCISCO— Still among the honored
three for its seventh consecutive week,
"Born Yesterday" claimed top honors last
week with a loud 185 per cent. An amazingly
strong record, the film claimed first spot
honors for six of its seven weeks booking.
Second spot honors went to the second week
of "Valentino."
Golden Gate Payment on Demand (RKO); Double
Deal (RKO) 160
Orpheum—Valentino (Col), 2nd wk 165
Paramount The Redhead and the Cowboy (Para) ISO
St. Francis—The Enforcer (WB) 150
United Artists—Bom Yesterday (Col), moveover
7th wk 185
Warfield—Vengeance Valley (MGM), 2nd wk 100
'Kim' Second Week Takes Honors
With 175 in Seattle
SEATTLE— "Kim" held the lead among
local first run theatres, with 175 in its second
week at the Music Hall. "A Yank in Korea"
took in 140 at the Blue Mouse to gain second
spot in its opening week.
Blue Mouse—A Yank in Korea (Col) 140
Liberty Target Unknown (U-1) 110
Music Box—Trio (Para) 100
Music Hall—Kim (MGM), 2nd wk _ 175
Orpheum—The Enforcer (WB) 90
Release 'Mexico' April 12
HOLLYWOOD—With the appointment of
Edward J. Peskay as his sales representative
on the two films, producer Irving Allen will
deliver his recently completed "New Mexico"
and a musical featurette, "The Return
of Gilbert and Sullivan," to United Artists
for distribution. The national release date on
"New Mexico" has been set as April 12. Allen
has arranged no distribution as yet on a
third vehicle, "Slaughter Trail."
BOXOFFICE :
: March
10, 1951 53

SEATTLE
philip Blake, branch manager of the Northwest
Automatic Candy Corp., has returned
from an eastern Washington trip
where he surveyed the Midstates Theatres
Chris Poison, Denali Theatre, Anchorage,
is doing very well with an additional daily
afternoon show. All other theatres are on
an evening performance schedule . . .
John
Hamrick's Music Hall and the B. F. Shearer
Co. received national publicity recently
when a rug manufacturer ran a full-color ad
in Time magazine featuring a view of the
lobby of the Music Hall.
Visitors to Monogram included Corbln
Ball, Columbia Basin Theatres, Ephrata;
Keith Beckwith, North Bend, and Junior
Mercy, Yakima . .
man for MGM, is
. Arne Eichenlaub,
home fighting
sales-
the flu, as
are many other residents these days . . .
Charles J. Rockey opened his Sno-King
Drive-In Wednesday (7) . . . Richard Ballantine
has bought the Hollywood Theatre from
Guy Michael.
Another theatre which recently changed
hands was the Lyric in Sumas, which was
purchased by Clarence Whaley from Mrs.
Helen Lytel . . . The Top Hi Drive-In, located
at Toppenish, will be reopened March
15 by owner E. A. Darby . . . Recent
visitors
to MGM included B. C. Johnson, operator of
theatres in Marysville and Stanwood, and C.
L. Theuerkauf, Frank Willard and Ray Stelcup,
Tacoma . . . Harry Lewis, Lippert salesman,
is on a trip to the eastern part of the
state, including Spokane and Walla Walla,
and also points in Idaho.
Al Grubstick, vice-president and western
division sales manager for Lippert, stopped
here after spending some time in Portland
. . . Bud Seale, eastern Washington salesman
for Columbia, was in town . . . Fred Danz,
vice-president of Sterling Theatres, and
Selma I>anz are parents of a new baby boy
bom at Doctors hospital. Unable to attend
the Louis Armstrong show at the chain's
Palomar Theatre, Mrs. Danz had a matinee
performance dedicated to her by Armstrong.
FIUUC
CAN'T BE BEAT
for SPEED & V
QUALITY ,>m
54
CHICAGO .
NEW YORK
U27S. Wabash * 619 W. 54th St
THEATRE /ALE/
15 TAVLOn if- 6AN THAHCISCO
PHONE PRogptcT S-^^4B
The entire stage show was tape-recorded
and played to her later in the hospital.
J. M. Hone, executive secretary of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Washington,
Northern Idaho and Alaska, is spending most
of his time in Olympia at the state legislature
keeping an eye on proposed legislation
that would have a bearing on motion picture
business ... A 17-year-old navy sailor
held up the boxoffice of the Paramount
Theatre recently and made off with $140
after firing a shot at the doorman to discourage
his chase. He was captured by police
the following week near Oak Harbor on
Whibey Island.
The Magnolia, Admiral, Granada, Arabian,
Uptown and Beacon gave special children's
matinees featuring Maggie and Jiggs films
on Saturday afternoon. Also on the program
were cartoons and other short subjects . . .
Will J. Conner, executive vice-president of
John Hamrick Theatres, is back in town
after an extended business trip to Los Angeles
. . . The Palmer Theatre has initiated
a new policy of presenting double features.
In the future, stage fare will be limited to
outstanding name attractions.
Mrs. Herbert Brock, former wife of the
late Ned Edris, Tacoma theatre manager,
was killed in her Brown's Point home last
week when her housecoat was ignited by an
electric heater . . . W. T. Coy, operator of
the Center and Hi-Line theatres in White
Center, is out on $2,500 bond after having
been arrested and charged with income tax
evasion. The federal grand jury indictment
charges that Coy failed to report all his income
for the calendar years, 1944, 1945,
1946 and 1947.
The Rodeo Drive-In, Bremerton, operated
by George Blair, Rex Thompson and Dwight
Spracher, reopened John Hamrick's redecorated
Rialto in
. . .
Tacoma has been reopened
. . Will Andre, Vale Theatre, Kent,
.
visited B. F. Shearer . . . Oscar Chiniquy,
Seattle manager for National Theatre Supply,
and Everett Clawson, salesman, were
in Denver for a regional meeting . . . Harry
Landstrom, eastern Washington salesman
for MGM, was in town.
'Helmet' Giveaway Stunt
Aids Lippert Picture
DENVER—Tom Bailey, Lippert franchise
owner, has bought an additional 2,000 army
surplus steel helmets for use in exploiting
"Steel Helmet." Bailey is selling them to
theatres playing the film and the hats are
given away at matinees to children with
lucky-number tickets. The helmets have on
the front of them a sign telling the name of
the film, the theatre and the date. The sign
is fastened on with scotch tape and, if the
youngster wears it until the film starts, he
can take the helmet to the theatre for free
admission. The doorman tears off the sign
and gives the helmet to the child.
In Riverton, Wyo., where the film ran three
days, Tom Knight, theatre owner, ordered IDO
of the helmets to be used In when the film
plays his drive-in soon after opening. In all,
Bailey has bought more than 5,000 of the
hats.
BIGGEST YET — From the B. F.
Shearer Co. offices in Seattle to the Fox
Theatre in Atlanta, Oa., recently was
delivered the largest Cycloramic screen
yet manufactured. With an overall size
of 28 feet, 3 inches by 42 feet, 3 inches,
the screen was produced and ready for
air express shipment within three days
after receipt of the order. Tom L. Shearer
of the Shearer firm pointed out that the
Fox is one of the biggest theatres in the
southern territory, with a seating capacity
of more than 4,500.
Sullivan, Levy Attend
SCTOA Board Session
LOS ANGELES—Exhibition problems in the
southland territory were discussed Friday (9)
at a meeting of the board of directors of the
Southern California Theatre Owners Ass'n
with Gael Sullivan, executive director of the
Theatre Owners of America, and Herman
Levy, TOA general counsel. The SCTOA is
a TOA affiliate.
The Friday meeting was preceded Tuesday
(6) by an SCTOA board session at which
G. A. Metzger, SCTOA board chairman,
presided.
Plugs 'Milkman' Showing
With Live Cow in Lobby
POCATELLO, IDA.—Andy Sutherland, city
manager of Fox Theatres here, used a live
cow in the lobby of the Chief Theatre to
help promote "The Milkman." Cooperating
with the Rowland Bros, creamery Sutherland
arranged to have the cow milked in the theatre
lobby each night. Sutherland invited all
milkmen and their wives to be special guests
at a Friday matinee.
Crown Pictures Buys
Farm for Westerns
ALTURAS, CALIF.—Crown Picture Corp.
has purchased 5,000 acres of the A. Hafer
farm six miles west of here. Birber Williamson,
president of the company, says the site
will be used to make television and motion
picture westerns.
Cameo to Open May 1
WHITE SALMON, WASH.—A grand opening
is being planned for May 1 by local theatre
man Larry Bristol for the Cameo Theatre
now under construction here. Bristol
also manages the Canyon Theatre here.
BOXOFFICE
:: March 10, 1951

Tcane Seattle Lioness
Gets Film Contract
SEATTLE—With a $1,500 a week contract
clutched in her paw, Little Tyke, a 4-yearold,
380-pound Seattle lioness has gone
to Hollywood and stardom in the forthcoming
Cecil B. DeMille circus film "The Greatest
Show on Earth." Accompanying the overgrown,
but very tame, "pussy cat" is her
owner George Westbeau, local rancher and
real estate operator.
Little Tyke first gained recognition last
month on a television broadcast when she
passed up a juicy filet mignon for a bowl of
cereal and cream, proving to an amazed
audience that meat held no charm for her.
Further proof that she was tame as a
kitten was shown by her mode of living as a
house pet on her owner's ranch south of
Seattle. Here, Little Tyke had the run of
the place and enjoyed such luxuries as her
own chartreuse sedan delivery truck equipped
with air mattress, radio and other comforts.
As a result of this pampered home life.
Little Tyke is more amiable than the average
house cat, even though her growls are loud
and authentic and frighten visitors half to
death.
With her interest confined solely to a
vegetarian diet, however, it is expected that
Little Tyke will go far in the film capital,
with eventual personal appearances and indorsements
of cereals and canned vegetables
jacking up her income to astronomical
amounts.
Color for Two by Grainger
HOLLYWOOD — Technicolor commitments
have been secured for two more features on
F>roducer Edmund Grainger's 1951 agenda
for RKO release in addition to the justcompleted
"Flying Leathernecks." The tint
process will be utilized on "African Intrigue."
planned for lensing in British East Africa,
and "Blackbeard the Pirate," to be photographed
in England.
Robert Patrick Clients Confer
DENVER—Robert Patrick, film buyer and
booker, called in the managers and owners
of the theatres he services for a one-day
discussion at the Cosmopolitan hotel, mainly
on drive-ins. It was decided to make the
meeting an annual event.
Record Star Troupe
Starts Long Tour
Holl.vwood—What was claimed to be
the largest talent caravan dispatched
since World War II to bring entertainment
to servicemen and defense workers
got under way Sunday (4) at the Travis
air force base. Headlining Phil Regan,
night club, radio and film singer, the
troupe embarked on a 39-week, 50,000-
mile cross-country tour, all of the shows
being broadcast over the full NBC network
under sponsorship of Pepsi-Cola.
Representatives of Imth the San Francisco
and Los Angeles press attended the
initial performance as guests of Col.
Joseph W. Kelly, Travis base commanding
officer. Every fourth broadcast will
be from a defense plant.
SAN FRANCISCO
f^omplete renovation of the old Mayfield
Theatre in Palo Alto has been started,
according to J. M. Stephens, vice-president
and general manager of Westside Theatres.
The theatre has been renamed the Cardinal
. . . Tlie Modesto area will be the setting for
a new Technicolor film to be produced by
Paramount. Nat Holt, producer, informed
Bert Henson, district manager for the
Modesto theatres, that technicians and actors
would be there soon.
About 100 patrons of the Mission Theatre
in Sacramento were forced to flee when a
fire broke out in the basement. Owner Henry
Heber estimated damage at $15,000 to $20,000.
Repairs will be started immediately . . . William
Holden, actor, was in town for a few
days shooting scenes at Mare Island naval
shipyards . . . Steve Moore, manager of the
Vogue, said thieves recently cracked open the
safe and escaped with $1,460.65.
W. R. DeGroat of San Jose is new manager
of the Westwood Theatre in Westwood, replacing
Dave Howell. DeGroat has been
with Westland Theatres for the last three
years and has managed theatres in McCloud
and San Jose . . . Bill Blake, publicist for the
Golden Gate Theatre, to publicize "Cry
Danger," had the stars of the film, Dick
Powell and Rhonda Fleming, accompanied
by June AUyson, met at the airport by the
cavalcade of Nash cars. Red Cross station
wagons, press and radio. From the airport,
an interview program was set up by station
-
KYA. The cavalcade went to San Francisco
State college, where Powell made a plea for
blood donors, then to the Fairmont hotel and
a luncheon with the drama critics of the
dailies. The luncheon was broadcast over a
local station.
Seen along Filmrow were Willard Wagner,
general manager of George Stamm Theatres,
Antioch; Paul Catalano, booking for his El
Rancho Drive-In, San Jose, and Morris
Safier on one of his frequent trips from Los
Angeles . . . Spencer Leve and George Milner
of Fox West Coast were on a business
trip to Los Angeles for a meeting with FWC
executives.
Sid Weisbaum, Sunnymount Theatres, is
out of the hospital and recuperating at home
. . . "Red" Jacobs, Favorite Films bossman,
returned to his desk following several weeks
of hospitalization.
About ready to move in and open for business
at new locations in the T&D Theatres
building ground floor are E. I. Rubin, the popcorn
man. Favorite Films exchange and
Emmet Cannon, cigar store magnate . . .
Robert Lippert was in from Los Angeles to
confer with the local staff . . . Francis Bateman
has returned to Republic after several
years absence to become district manager
serving this area.
The snow in San Francisco was a treat
to the kiddies, but the cold wave, coldest in
18 years, played havoc with drive-ins . . .
Adele Kotite, Golden State Theatres booker,
got news of her son, Lieut. Richard Kotite,
who is in Korea, through Time magazine
and an article headed "Stand at Chinyong."
Leonard Goldstein has purchased
Never Know" for U-I release.
"You
Double-Cily Debut
Given 'Raton Pass'
ALBUQUERQUE — Thousands of persons
from this part of New Mexico were on hand
for the opening of Warners' "Raton Pass" at
the Kimo Theatre Tuesday (6).
Dennis Morgan, Steve Cochran and Dorothy
Hart were met at the Santa Fe station
by a group of stock riders on horseback and
an Indian band and dancers from the Albuquerque
Indian school. Top city officials
were in the delegation. The newsreels covered
this ceremony.
Later the visitors were interviewed over
KOB and KOAT. Outdoor activities were
covered by a mobile broadcasting unit. These
included a parade in bannered automobiles
to the Hilton hotel. Stars and local groups
visited the Veterans hospital and were met
by Gov. E. L. Mechem of New Mexico and
Gov. Dan Thornton of Colorado. Later Governor
Mechem appeared on the stage of the
Kimo.
Ceremonies on a similar scale were carried
out the following night at the Raton Theatre,
Raton.
Red Norvo and his trio have been inked
for "Texas Carnival," a Metro film.
HATE
That is a horrible word . . . The world
is full of it . . . We dislike to use it . . .
BUT we HATE to remind you that your
ten and fifteen-year-old Theatre Equipment
will not last another ten or fifteen
years. Let us re-equip your theatre now
with fine, durable projection and sound by
Tfeztez^EOUIPMENTCO.
337C0LDENGATEAVE.*HE 1-8302.
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CALIF.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
w 54-A

I 201
. .
SALT LAKE Garfield Anderson DENVER
Phe case of the Arcade Theatre against distributors
and circuits was continued in
federal district court here until March 30
. . . Case of the distributors against Sam
Gillette and Associated Amusements was continued
to the same date in the same court
. . . Pretrial in the case of the Camark Theatre
against distributors and circuits was set
for some time in March.
George A. Smith, western division manager
for Paramount, was here to conduct a meeting
with Frank H. Smith, branch manager,
and his staff. The local manager spent last
week in Montana calling on several accounts
and lining up deals on the regular release of
"Samson and Delilah" . . . Bob Quinn of
Paramount was here from Denver to set up
the campaign on "Samson and Delilah" . . .
Harry Gwonson, Idaho salesman, has a new
Ford sedan in which he is covering the
territory.
Henry S. Ungerleider, . accountant for Durwood
Theatres in Kansas City and former
chief barker for Variety Tent 38 of Salt Lake
City, was here to confer on plans for appeal
of the adverse decision against Snooproof
tickets . . . Frank Jenkins, the perennial
good-humor man of the theatre industry,
was here en route from New York to California
. . . Bill F>rass of MOM was in Salt
Lake to set up campaigns on several pictures.
Due to expected drafting of ushers and
probable shortage of manpower, Charles M.
Pincus of the Centre is replacing ushers
with usherettes. Previously, the Lyric was
the only first run here with girl ushers . . .
Funeral services were held here for Mrs.
Charles E. Huish, widow of the veteran Utah
theatreman. Mrs. Huish was the mother-inlaw
of Vincent A. Gilhool, who has been operating
the Huish theatres.
Seen on Filmrow: J. Rodger Mendenhall of
Boise, Mrs. M. G. Price of the Novelty Theatre
at Paris, Ida., and Johnny Rowberry of
Cedar City . . . G, E. Callaway, United Artists
district manager, was here for a sales meeting
with the local staff under Clare Trowbridge
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Jose Montes, who operate
the Bonneville at Helper, have taken over the
Strand in the same town from Vincent A.
Gilhool of the Huish circuit.
TRAIIER^
mOTIOn PICTURE SERVICE Co.
ilSHTDE %T. M faCRALDLKAftSKI
>» HAHCHCOmOl. T^ «IN>ll>L MANAbta
w«
hav* Um
Coufil on u< lor Quick Actiool
|f a~. Out ••Ml I II mull
lor
YOUR
| |1BJ%| KC
.THEATRE EXCHANGE Ca
Fiof Art> Bid*. Pirtland 5, Orc«iinJ
Sells Airer Stock
PHOENIX—Garfield Anderson has sold his
stock in three Arizona drive-ins to the Harry
L. Nace interests for a reported price of
$200,000. The deal involves the Pioneer, the
Phoenix, and the Indian, which have a combined
capacity of 2,000 cars.
Stock in the open airers was purchased
in the name of Harry L. Nace jr., who will
operate in partnership with his father Harry
sr. The elder Nace and Anderson had formed
the previous partnership.
The Phoenix Drive-In, built here by Anderson
in 1941, was the tenth outdoorer in the
country and the first in Arizona. Nace sr.
joined forces with Anderson in the building
of the Pioneer on the Mesa-Tempe highway,
and the Indian, located in Phoenix.
PORTLAND
Tames Hommel, U-I manager, attended a
company sales meeting in San Francisco
with Charles Feldman and Al Daff . . .
Jack Matlack, J. J. Parker executive, spent
part of the week in Astoria checking on interests
in the coastal town . . . Lou Amacher,
MGM manager, guest-soloed at a recent concert
for the Shriners Crippled Children's
hospital in Portland.
"Bom Yesterday" broke records here, by
staying a third week at the Orpheum . . .
M. M. Mesher, district manager for Evergreen
Theatres, visited circuit interests in Eugene
. . . "Cyrano de Bergerac" held a second week
at the Theatre Guild, only local art house.
Brings Suit for Injuries
BOISE, IDA.—The father of a 16-year-old
Boise girl has filed a $5,000 damage suit
against the Menmar Theatre Co., operator of
the Ada Theatre here. Rex Jackson claims
his daughter Loretta was injured last May 28
during an audience participation "spook
show" at the Ada.
Stars to Phoenix Benefit
HOLLYWOOD—The film colony will be
represented by George Murphy, MGM player,
and actor Brian Aherne at a benefit to be
staged in Phoenix May 3 under sponsorship
of the Phoenix Symphony Guild. Murphy
and Aherne will assist in the selection of a
"Miss Symphony" and the affair will be
broadcast via NBC. Among the guests will
be ex-Ambassador and Mrs. Lewis Douglas
and Mr. Eind Mrs. Hal Roach.
Weiser, Ida., Manager Advanced
WEISER, IDA.—R. G. W. Pri.sbey, manager
of the Star and Mayfair theatres here,
has been transferred to a Salt Lake City
house, where he will also handle publicity
and advertising for the Lawrence circuit,
which operates the Weiser houses. The new
manager here is Jack Heigh of Salt Lake.
Reopen in Emmett, Ida.
EMMETT, IDA.—Virgil Odell, owner of the
Emmett Drive-In here, has reopened his
.showcase after extensive remodeling of the
tower.
jDalph Batschelet, Paramount manager, was
named by the mayor as a member of a
committee to decide what pay top city officials
should get. Such pay was set in 1915
and has not been raised since . . . Hall Baetz,
Fox Intermountain Theatres city manager,
was given an award for his work in the
recent intensive marine recruiting drive.
E. J, Ward, longtime theatre manager here
and more recently assistant manager at the
Jewel, is in St. Luke's hospital resting after
a stroke . . . The Monaco drive-in has opened
and others will follow in quick succession .
Elmer Martel, Billings, Mont., has received an
okay to build a drive-in at Loveland, Colo.
Milas Hurley, owner of theatres in Tucumcari,
N. M., is putting the finishing touches
on his Canal Drive-In there. It will open
with an Easter sunrise service. The drive-in
is a de luxe 550-car situation and cost about
$125,000. A feature is the new five-room
bungalow built at the back of the drive-in for
the manager. A stone wall surrounds the
area. Simplex equipment, bought from National
Theatre Supply, is
used throughout.
J. C. Parker is readying his new 350-car
$65,000 drive-in, Dalhart, Tex., for a spring
opening . . . Jack Henry, manager of the
Northside Drive-In, Colorado Springs, has
moved to Greeley, where he will manage the
Motorena Drive-In . . . Floyd Brethour,
Eagle Lion Classics booker, and Bobby
Spahn, secretary at Monogram, will be married
March 17 at St. James church. Miss
Spahn is the daughter of Robert Spahn, freelance
film buyer and booker.
. . Filmrow visitors
Betty Spicer, Eagle Lion Classics manager's
secretary, returned to work after a two-week
siege with the mumps .
included C. E. McLaughlin, Las Animas;
Leon Coulter, Loveland; Neal Beezley,
Burlington; Elden Menagh, FortLupton;
Sam Rosenthal, Buffalo, Wyo.; Mr. and Mrs.
Lloyd Kerby, Worland, Wyo.; Mrs. Delpha
Moreland, Simla; R. H. Phillips, Indianola,
Neb.; Ed and Russell Schulte, Casper, Wyo.;
William Ostenberg III, Scottsbluff, Neb.;
Tom Murphy, Raton, N. M., and E. J. Ward,
Silver City, N. M.
Milkmen Are Guests
HELENA, MONT.—Helena milkmen and
their families were special guests at the
showing of "The Milkman" at the Marlow
Theatre here. Friday afternoon at 2:30 the
milkmen parade down Main street attracting
many onlookers, despite cold weather.
Booking Agency to Alaska
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — Pictures, Inc.,
Alaskan distributor for MGM and Columbia
16mm motion pictures, has opened a distributing
office in Anchorage under the managership
of Robert Renkert.
Lensic Theatre Closes Contest
SANTA PE, N. M.—The Lensic Theatre
here closed its Child of the Year contest
with the selection of Jimmy Sanchez, 5-
month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Sanchez,
as winner. Tom PlUsbury Is assistant manager.
54-B
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
i

. . Edward
PHOENIX
nctress Virginia Mayo and Michael O'Shea,
her actor husband, plan to purchase a
2,000-acre ranch between Phoenix and Tucson.
Add ranch-buyers in Santa Cruz
county: Jack Warner and Spencer Tracy . . .
John K. Cook is mapping plans for a new
theatre in Tucson and is waiting for the
green light from federal authorities. The
site will be in the 800 block on East Third
street. Cook recently purchased the property
for $16,800. Cook, who comes from Logan,
W. Va., will head a corporation to build and
operate the theatre, which will have a
seating capacity of 600.
The Phoenix Theatre was robbed of $60 by
a gunman. Manager William Ellis gave chase
but lost the holdupman in an alley . . .
RKO will send a location company of around
100 to Sedona, Ariz., this month to start
work on "Halfbreed" .
Arnold and
Mae West appeared in separate plays at the
Paramount in Phoenix and Tucson ... A
Phoenician paid a $50 fine for stealing a car
speaker from the Pioneer Drive-In.
The Lowell Theatre, Bisbee, closed for several
years, will be reopened about April 1,
according to George Cavelarias of the Bisbee
Lyric . . . Aaron Rosenberg, U-I producer,
said "Air Cadet" will be previewed in Phoenix
simultaneously with the picture's first showing
this month in Texas. Scenes in the film
were photographed at Williams air force base
just outside Phoenix.
Hollywood studios are interested in erecting
a permanent western set in Douglas. A
representative of the Douglas Chamber of
Commerce journeyed to the coast recently
to discuss the project with representatives of
seven studios . . . The Palms Theatre, last
stronghold against the candy concession, has
finally siiccumbed. Management of the Paramount
house polled its patrons and then
gave in to the demands of the candy crowd.
SHOWMAN USES HEAD — Running
short of 8's didn't stop W. L. Stratton,
manager of the Lyric Theatre, Caliis,
Idaho, from telling his patrons he was
playing "Mister 880" recently. Rather
than leaving one side of his marquee
blanlt, Stratton simply tacked up the eyecatching
message "Mister Twice 440."
The trick got the whole town talking
and his gross on the picture was good.
Alexander Films Spends
$290,000 in Expansion
COLORADO SPRINGS—J.
Don Alexander,
president of Alexander Film Co., told stockholders
at meeting here that the company
spent $290,000 in improvements and expansion
of facilities last year. The company has
a full production schedule for 1951, he said.
Alexander reported that during 1950 the
company's business had increased 7.2 per
cent over the previous year and set a new
record for the firm. The organization has
been a leader in the film advertising field
for more than 32 years.
Directors elected at the meeting were: J.
Don and Don M. Alexander, Don Alexander
jr., E. B. Foster and Thomas Burgess. The
board of directors elected the following officers:
J. Don Alexander, president; Don M.
Alexander, vice-president in charge of production;
Don Alexander jr., vice-president;
M. J. Mclnaney, vice-president in charge of
sales, and E. B. Foster, secretary-treasurer.
KLAC-TV at Los Angeles
Acquires Film Theatre
LOS ANGELES—Television made further
inroads on the motion picture field when
Station KLAC-TV, local video broadcasting
unit, acquired a two-year lease on the 855-
seat Beverly Hills Music Hall from its present
operators, Al Galston, Jay Sutton and
the Corpin Co., headed by Sherrill Corwin.
KLAC plans extensive alterations, including
removal of several hundreds seats, to
construct a large stage from which video
shows will be presented before live audiences.
The showcase at one time was a unit in
the Music Hall circuit of four day-date theatres,
but in recent months has been operating
on a subsequent run basis, with occasional
bookings of art films.
It marks the second acquisition of a motion
picture theatre by television interests
here. Station KTLA some time ago took
over the Melvan, a neighborhood house in
the Hollywood area, as the site for presentation
of live TV shows.
Portland Books Stage Show
PORTLAND — Two Broadway stage hits
will be playing Portland soon. Frances Mc-
Cann will appear in the lead for "Kiss Me
Kate" at the Auditorium on March 13. William
Duggan, manager, reports a brisk mail
order ticket sale. On April 23 Henry Fonda
is booked to play "Mister Roberts" at the
Orpheum.
George Page Sells Bay
MORRO BAY, CALIF.—George Page has
sold the Bay Theatre hera to the Rono
Amusement Co., Inc., of Los Angeles. The
purchase price was not made public. Mr. and
Mrs. Harold Nash will manage the Bay for
the new owners.
E. K. Taylor Buys Theatre
MISSOULA, MONT. — Veteran theatre
executive E. K. Taylor has purchased part
interest in the Mtn-Vu Drive-In here. Speaker
outlets will be increased from 380 to 425
before the spring opening. Taylor plans to
buy and book and supervise the showcase's
management.
LOS ANGELES
rrom far-flung spots came exhibitor visitors
to the southland's sometimes-sunny slopes.
Making the trek all the way from Petch-
Tikvah. Israel, was H. Ludvinowsky, operator
of the Amphitheatre there, who was shown
around Filmrow and Hollywood high spots
by Jack and Izzy Berman of the Eastland
circuit . . . Bill Connors, general manager
of the Hamrick chain of Washington and
Oregon, also was in, as was M. K. McDaniel,
operator of two theatres in Lamarque, Tex.
McDaniel lays claim to being one of the few
showmen in the country to have private oil
wells—both on his theatre properties.
After many years of occupancy in the Film
building, Roy Dickson has moved his booking
service offices over on Washington boulevard
Max Gardens is reopening the Victor
. . .
Theatre, shuttered for several months, on
the Pike in Long Beach and has renamed it
Herman Wobber, 20th-Fox
the Follies . . .
western division sales chief, and his assistant.
Buck Stoner, came in from San Francisco
for talks at the local exchange with
Manager Clyde Eckhardt and other personnel.
Uncle Sam's navy added another recruit
in the person of Kenneth Weiss, assistant
manager of the Alto, whose father Lew at one
time managed the Savoy . . . C. T. Perrin,
operator of the Atlantic in Long Beach,
made one of his rare appearances on the Row
to book and buy . . . Another visitor. Judge
LeRoy Pawley of the Desert Theatre in
Indio, reported he had to fight his way
John Danz
through snow on the trip in . . .
of the Sterling chain in Seattle paused here
briefly en route home to soak up some sunshine
in Palm Springs. .
Eastland circuit managers flooded the Row
as they came in for huddles with the chain's
toppers. Jack and Izzy Berman. Among the
managerial visitors were Max Keen and Bill
Hughes of the Vern, Morris Rosen of the
Brooklyn. Jimmy Winsker of the Floral
Drive-In and Moe Stessel of the Meralta.
'49er Party on Stage
BUTTE. MONT.—A gala '49er party with
fun prizes and surprises galore was held on
the stage of the Montana theatre to herald
the theatre's 49th anniversary. All participants
were required to wear a '49er costume.
The party was held in connection with "Born
Yesterday."
"No Room for the Groom" is the new title
for Thor Productions' film formerly designated
as "The Golden Goose."
QUICK THEATRE SAUS!
Seven top-flight salesmen
thoroughly experienced in handling all
types of theatres, large and small, indoor
and outdoor, neghborhood and downtown.
WASHINGTON, OREGON, CALIFORNIA
IDAHO, MONTANA, UTAH
Inquiries Ansyrered Immediately
Write Irv Bowron, Sales Mgr.
FRED B. LUDWIG, Realtor
4229 N. E. Broadway * Portland 13, Ore.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
54-C

John Glass Named to Hoyts Board;
Theatre Tries 'Boulevard' Cafe
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Bureau, BOXOFFICE
PERTH, W. A.—Sir Benjamin Puller,
prominent in the film industry in Australia
and New Zealand for many years, recently
boarded the luxury liner Caronia in Sydney
for a trip to the Mediterranean, Spain and
London.
* * *
John C. Glass, general manager of Hoyts
Theatres, has been appointed to the board of
directors. Managing Director Ernest Turnbull
commented: "The election of Mr. Glass
to the board affords me the utmost personal
gratification. It is a recognition of the magnificent
work he has done for the company,
and is also a tribute to his outstanding ability."
Glass joined the industry in 1920, working
in Paramount's publicity department. He
later transferred to 20th-Fox and then went
to Union Theatre where he planned opening
campaigns for the Capitol Theatre, Sydney,
and the State in Melbourne.
He became director
of publicity for Hoyts in 1938 and in
1941 was made assistant to the managing
director. He became general manager in 1946.
Last year he was sent by his organization on
a visit to New York and Hollywood.
* • *
Arthur Brewer, managing director of Nedlands
Theatres of Western Australia, is to try
out a new venture which will be followed with
great interest by exhibitors here. This venture
is a boulevard cafe on the style familiar
in European countries, situated on the lawns
in front of and at the side of the Windsor
Theatre, Nedlands. The cafe will accommodate
200 persons at 50 colored steel tables.
Each table will be sheltered by a colored umbrella
and will have subdued lighting. Light
meals will be obtainable, and it is hoped that
it may be possible at a later date to serve
wine with meals. If the cafe is a success an
orchestra will be engaged. A high awning
simUar to those outside American hotels will
lead from the roadway to the cinema entrance,
and in winter the cafe will be removed
to the theatre lounge.
* * •
Lily Molloy, who starred opposite Snowy
Baker in one of the earliest Australian films,
"The Enemy Within," died in St. Vincent's
hospital, Sydney, recently at the age of 51
years. Miss Molloy at one time was a topflight
comedienne, but she retired from stage
and films in 1932.
* * •
Owing to the "one-day-a-week" coal strike
which has thrown some 150,000 persons in
Sydney out of employment, cinemas throughout
New South Wales have been debarred
from using electricity under any circumstances,
and managements must now rely entirely
upon their own auxiliary plants.
* • •
When an emergency plant at the Lyceum
Theatre, Sydney, exploded recently during a
matinee performance, an electrician and an
assistant projectionist were injured and one
member of the audience was struck by a
flying piece of timber. But only minor damage
was caused to the theatre and quick
action of Manager Cecil Shannon and members
of his staff allayed any tendency to
panic on the part of the audience.
• •
The following interim half-yearly dividends
have been announced (last year's final and
full dividends in parenthesis) : Greater J. D.
Williams Amusement Co., 3% per cent (3%);
West's Ltd., 4% (4%); Spencer's Pictures, 3%
(3%); Amalgamated Pictures, 3% (4%), and
Hoyts Theatres A preferred 3%, B 3 percent.
It will be seen that in all cases the halfyear's
dividend is very close to last year's
full
dividend.
• * *
The Queensland Local Authorities Ass'n
is to discuss the matter of admission prices
to cinemas in that state on Sunday nights.
In most centers cinemas close all day on
Sundays, but in a few cities and towns they
run a short program after church hours. In
the latter case it has been usual in some
places to make an ordinary admission
charge, but in others state laws make the
matter of admission one for the tendering
of a "silver coin" (threepence and upwards).
m * *
The New Zealand government's refusal to
permit an increase in cinema admission
charges is being hotly debated at the motion
picture exhibitors conference, particularly as
running costs are increasing almost daily.
Australian governments have allowed rises
recently and New Zealand exhibitors can see
no reason why such increases cannot be allowed
there.
* * *
The Film Weekly, Australia's leading motion
picture trade journal, points out in a recent
leading article that while the jubilee year
of Australian federation is being celebrated
by horse races, fishing contests, amateur
drama contests and special poems, "the jubilee
of Australian film production seems to be
going unnoticed. Nobody seems to know and
nobody seems to care . . . The first Australian
film, 'The Early Christian Martyrs,' was
made in 1900-01, produced and photographed
entirely by J. H. Perry for the Salvation
Army. Our film industry has come a long
way since then . . . Australian motion picture
activity once more stands on the threshold of
a boom (20th Century-Fox is naming 'Kangaroo'
as the Jubilee Motion Picture) and
the commonwealth government should capitalize
on this twin jubilee year of Australian
federation and Australian film by organizing
a film production contest."
Three California Drive-Ins
Sold for $500,000
DINUBA, CALIF.—The State, Alta and
Midway drive-ins near here have been sold
by George. Mann of San Francisco to Hans
DeSchulthess and G. Carleton Hunt of Unicorn
Theatres for approximately $500,000.
Good Grades Rate Theatre Passes
DOUGLAS, ARIZ.—Junior high .school students
have an extra incentive for making
good grades. At the end of each six-week
period the ten pupils with the highest scholastic
standing are awarded free passes to
the Grand Theatre by Mrs. Oeorge W. Cook,
manager.
RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE
PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
3-10-51
Please enroll us in your RE.SEARCH BUHEAU
lo receive informalion regularly, as leleased, on
Ihe following subjects for Theatre Planning.
n Acoustics n Lighting Fixtures
D Air Conditioning q Plumbing Fixtures
D Architectural Service
^ p^oj^cors
Q "Black" Lighting
Projection Lamps
n Building Material
D
n Seating
Carpets
Signs and Marquees
n Coin Machines
D Complete RemodelingD Sound Equipment
n Decorating D Television
n Drink Dispensers Q Theatre Fronts
n Drive-In Equipment Vending Equipment
n Other
Theatre
Seating
Address
City
State
Subjects
Capacity
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience
in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN
THEATRE Section, published w th the first issue of
each month.
54-D BOXOFFICE :
: March
10, 1951

Kansas Bill Seeks
To End Censorship
TOPEKA—A measure has been introduced
in the state senate here which would discontinue
operations of the state board of review,
official motion picture censoring body
of Kansas. The bill provides that the board,
with its offices in Kansas City, Kas., clear
its books by May 1 and turn over its property
to the state for disposition.
Senator Wilfred Cavaness of Chanute,
chairman of the senate ways and means
committee, said the attempt to abolish the
board was being made because the board is
"useless."
"The film industry," he said, "is doing a
good job in policing its films. I don't believe
Kansas needs a separate censor board."
The senator, noted for wielding the budget
knife during the current legislative session,
said the move was not necessarily an economy
measure. Chairman of the board of
review, Mrs. Frances Vaughn of Bonner
Springs, receives $2,100 a year. The other
two members, Mrs. Bertha Hail of Mission
and Mrs. J. B. Stowers of Kansas City, receive
$1,800 a year plus necessary traveling
expenses.
St. Louis Park Rejects
Otier to Bid on Film
MINNEAPOLIS—The St. Louis Park, de
luxe suburban theatre, has turned down an
offer from distributors to permit it to bid
competitively with the Minnesota Amusement
Co. Uptown here for the 28-day clearance
it is demanding. The offer came in response
to the St. Louis Park's demand for the 28-
day slot which the nearby Uptown now has.
The Edina, another de luxe suburban theatre
in the same area, also has been offered
the privilege of bidding competitively with
the Uptown and St. Louis Park. It also rejected
the offer.
St. Louis Park owners contend they are
entitled to the 28-day availability without
competitive bidding and they declare that
if they are refused they will start a court
fight.
Start 30-Day Celebration
For Remodeled Iowa House
JEFFERSON, IOWA—On March 1 the Iowa
Theatre here started a 30 -day celebration
in honor of the house's recently concluded
remodeling program. On the opening day the
first' 100 women received an orchid. Harold
Adams, manager, says special programs will
be held during the month.
The lobby and foyer and theatre interior
has been redecorated with aluminum and
glass front doors installed. Sunset pink was
the prevailing color used. New carpeting
covers the foyer and theatre aisles, new
lighting and new curtains and drapes have
been added.
G. V. Fleming Buys House
CUMBERLAND, IOWA—G. V. Fleming of
Dunlap has purchased the theatre building
formerly owned by Doc Pace of Masena
and will start operation about April 1. Fleming
has been in the theatre business in Iowa
and Nebraska for many years.
Twin Cities First Runs
Hike Night Admissions
MINNEAPOLIS — Downtown Minneapolis
and St. Paul first runs have tilted their admission
prices in the first boost in several
years, advancing the scale after 5 p. m. from
70 to 76 cents.
Thus far four Minnesota Amusement Co.
and two RKO theatres in Minneapolis have
made the move. Two other independent
Loop A houses, the Gopher and World, are
Nebraska Exhibitors
Rename Livingston
expected to follow suit soon.
Afternoon prices remain at 50 cents. Charlie
Winchell, MAC assistant general manager,
describes the slight evening readjustment
as "a leveling off process," similar to that
which has been taking place throughout the
area. No adverse boxoffice reaction has been
visible, said Robert Whelan, RKO Theatrea
city manager.
GRAND ISLAND, NEB.—Nebraska Theatre
Owners Ass'n went on record as opposing
a proposed sales tax
- "
^^^- bill before the legisla-
^^^^^^^^\ '^s association also
i^^^^^W •:% re-elected Robert Liv-
^^HF 'Jl^ ingston of Lincoln
^^^^^ '^ "
as president. Other of-
fleers :
^^l,^^
William Miskell,
^^Bv^ H^ Tri-States Theatres,
^^K ..^^^^1 Omaha, vice-presi-
'^^^^''
^^^ ll^^^l
Halph Falkinl^urg,
Lexington, treas-
^^^^ H^^^H
^^H^Q^I^H and Avis Rutherford,
Grand Island,
Robert Livingston secretary. Named to
the board of directors: Howard Kennedy,
Broken Bow; Ralph Ayre, Lincoln; WaUy
Kemp, Lincoln; Mons Thompston, St. Paul;
William Ostenberg, Scottsbluff, and M. E. Mc-
Lane, Fremont.
Hardy Hendren Returns
From Caribbean Tour
KANSAS CITY—Hardy Hendren jr., president
of the United Film Service here, has
returned to his desk after a Caribbean tour
via the Alcoa Clipper, which included stops
at Jamaica, at Curacao, Venezuela, and other
ports. He was accompanied by his wife and
daughter Carol and by Mr. and Mrs. Robert
H. Flarsheim of the Seavey & Flarsheim
Brokerage Co.
Hendren left New Orleans January 27 for
a 16-day cruise of the West Indies and South
America and returned to Mobile, Ala., in mid-
February.
New Dickinson Theatre,
St. Joseph, to Open Soon
ST. JOSEPH, MO.—A 800-seat Trail Theatre,
now under construction here for the
Dickinson Operating Co., will open in April.
The new showcase will be the fourth theatre
operating here under the Dickinson management.
Other houses are the Jo, Rialto and
King.
Named Defense Director
GREAT BEND, KAS.—Elton Kuhlman,
manager of the Crest Theatre, has been
named civil defense director here.
Northwest Variety
Plans Hospital Bow
MINNEAPOLIS—A. W. Anderson, Northwest
Variety Club chief barker, said this week
that only 500 tickets are available for the
testimonial dinner at Coffman Memorial
Union, University of Minnesota, to commemorate
the opening of its heart hospital, a
project brought to comp.etion after five years.
He urged members to contact Johnny Branton
at the Minnesota Amusement Co. for
tickets, which are priced at $7.50 per person.
A number of filin luminaries nave been
invited to attend, but as yet tnere have been
no acceptances, although such stars as Alan
Ladd, Danny Kaye, Ronald Keagan and Abbott
and Costeilo have assured tne club they
will make every effort to oe present.
"We have made some plans, wnich are
more or less in the tormauve stage, but if
tney materialize this event will be
one of great iniporcance to snowmen in the
terriwry, as we.l as to show business in general,"
Anotrison said in his letter to club
members.
Ine iNorthwest Variety Club has raised approximately
one-half million dollars for the
neart hospital, its greatest project, and has
pledged itself to contribute at least $25,000
additional every year. The hospital will be
devoted exclusively to the treatment of heart
ailiiients and heart research.
KMTA Directors to Meet
In Kansas City March 21
KANSAS CI'TY—Directors of
the Kansas-
Missouri Theatre Ass'n have set Wednesday
(21) as the date for the next board meeting,
to be held at the Phillips hotel at 12:15 p. m.,
according to Gladyce Penrod, executive secretary.
Directors, meeting here immediately
after the KMTA drive-in session last week,
issued a vote of thanks to Stanley Durwood,
chairman of the 1951 drive-in meeting, for
his excellent work in carrying out the sessions.
Hal Parker Completes
Mining Methods Film
KANSAS CITY—Hal Parker of the Hal
Parker Studios here has returned from a trip
with the State department in which he made
a film on mining methods for the Economic
Cooperation Administration. The trip included
tours of mines at Copper Hill, Tenn.;
Joplin and Miami, Mo., and a tour of the
only oil shale operation in the U.S., sponsored
by the government in Colorado. He
also toured a silver mine in Eureka, Utah.
$3,000 Palsy Benefit
OMAHA—Three thousand dollars was netted
at a special benefit for children suffering
from cerebral palsy staged at the
Omaha, a Tri-States Theatres house. The
audience saw "September Song" and heard
the Omaha Symphony orchestra. The picture,
theatre and all services were donated.
Kesner Owner Moves
LEROY, KAS.—Mr. and Mrs. Ray Miner,
owner of the Kesner Theatre here, have given
up the operation and moved to Rice Lake,
Wis. The move follows the death of Miner's
brother at Rice Lake.
BOXOFnCE :: March 10, 1951
MW 55

and
KANSAS CITY
HI L. Adler, MGM manager here, has been,
relieved of the full responsibility of the
office at his doctor's request. He will continue
on a parttime
basis as assistant and
adviser to William
Gaddoni, who has been
shifted from Omaha
to take over op>erations
of the local branch.
Adler has been in ill
health for some time.
Gaddoni, a native of
New Rochelle, N. Y.,
has been with MGM
since 1936 and has
been Omaha manager
AX L. Adler since 1948.
Les Henel, manager of Jack Shriner's Gem
Theatre, has returned from a one-week visit
with his family in Phoenix, Ariz. . . . Sym-
DE VRY and WENZEL
THEATRE and DRIVE-IN THEATRE
PROJECTION MACHINES, SOUND
EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES
•
STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
In Your Service Since 1899
1804 Wyandotte Kansas City 8, Mo.
C. H. Badger, Mgr.
GDCIIT MPTEPy
STAOE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
ILHI
MLUIHIIl.
1
rVERYTHINC FOH THE STAGE • AUDtTORIUM
BOX CFFICE 1724 Grand Avr.,
56
Satisfaction
— Always
MISSOURI
THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
L. ). KI>4BPIEL, Managej
Phon* BAIIimoie 3070
US W. 18th Kansas City S. Mo.
pathy to Martin Stone, owner of Screenland
cafe, upon the recent death of his father
Arnold, a former partner m Screenland. The
elder Stone, a native of Poland and a resident
of Kansas City for 40 years, was 66
years old at the time of his death.
Arthur Greenblatt, vice-president of Lippert
Productions, visited the local LP office.
. . . R. R. Biechele of Consolidated Agencies
reported that a new overcoat was stolen from
his automobile in a Kansas City, Kas., parking
lot recently while he was at a luncheon.
. . . Martie Landau was in town from Horton,
Kas., after returning from Ohio, where he
and his mother attended the funeral of an
uncle.
Visitors on Filmrow included Ray Cook,
Missouri, Maryville; Brice Brasel, Oak Grove;
Forest White and his father Ralph, Roxy,
Hopkins; Bill Bradfield, Carthage; Hariey
Fryer, Neosho; Homer Strowig, Abilene; Louis
Stein, Parsons; W. A. Michaels, Russell;
John Medlock, Appleton City; Irvin Dubinsky.
Savannah; Eddie Henderson, Marysville,
Kas.; Leo Hayob, Marshall; Tal Richardson,
Coffeyville; Howard Larsen, Civic, Webb City;
H. E. Porta, Humansviile; Jay Wooten, Liberal;
Ben Adams, Eldorado; Jack and Jim
Cook, Tivoli and Dude Ranch, Maryville, and
Bill and Audrey Flynn, Emporia.
Paul McCarthy of Shreve Equipment Co.
has resigned, effective March 15, and will
move to Algona, Iowa, to take over active
management of his theatre there . . . Bayard
M. Grant, vice-president of Durwood Theatres,
is vacationing on the ski slopes at
Winter Park, Colo. He is accompanied by
his wife.
Joe Allard, manager of the Eastown for
Consolidated Agencies, staged a Sunday afternoon
and night stage show, featuring
Hawaiian dances and acts. The Eastowii
audience, Allard said, "loved it." His daughter
Nelda, a dance studio teacher, and
another daughter Marjorie Ruth, also a
dance specialist, staged the show, made up
of local talent. Hawaiian costumes for the
affair were made by Allard's wife, who designs
and makes all costumes for the dance
studio shows.
Hal Parker of the Hal Parker Studios here
said this week that he planned to start making
sound trailers for motion picture advertisers.
Parker said he was working on an
Carpets — Door Mats
B I
*S M I
G E LO W
T
H
U. S. R Y A L I T E
SH AD-O-R.U G
Complete Installation Service — Free Estimates
R. D. MANN CARPET CO.
928-930-932 Central Victor 1171 Kansas City, Mo.
Room 455, Paul Brown Building Chestnut 4499 St. Louis, Mo.
Idea whereby the advertiser himself could
appear and talk in the trailer. He tried one
out in Morth Kansas City last fall, he said,
and the merchants were impressed with the
final film, inat film was called "Ihe Film
anopper ' mcluaed visits to thr^e stores.
Parser said he had the only mobile Ssmm
sound camtra in this area.
The Warner Starlets, bowling team in the
women s Fmnrow league, came into tne money
in bowling in me woiiieiis city kegler vouniameiit,
accoraiiig to iviary Heuiaen, WB DooKer.
Video Trailers Are Used
To i'iug
lesteraay' U»ate
KANSAto CIlY—iioward Jauiknardt, manager
of Loew's Mialand nere, became tne
second local theaireaian to use television
trailers in advertising a fortncoming first
run film. Buriuiardt made use of tne TV
trailers to boost "Born Yesterday," which
opens Thursday (8) at the Midland.
In other ballyhoo for the film Burkhardt
arranged for a contest to be run on radio
station WBH with a Zenith radio as first
prize for the contestant submitting the winning
entry telling the "dumbest thing he
ever did."
Burkhardt arranged an eight-column
spread in the Kansas City Star, and gained
tie-ups with Jenkins Music Store, Peck's department
store, Adam hats and Englanders.
topecial boards also were posted in all hotel
lobbies.
The use of television in advertising motion
pictures has been limited here, but Louis
Patz, manager of National Screen Servxe,
said TV trailers had been used once before
on the one local video outlet to advertise
an attraction at the Paramount Theatre.
Stills and interviews have been used on
television previously, most recently in connection
with the premiere of "The Great
Missouri Raid."
BOWLING
KANSAS CITY—Two bowlers in the women's
Filmrow bowling league broke records
last week with unusually high scores. Dorothy
Smith, Fox Out-of-Towner kegler, bowled
a 202 scratch game, while Marge Sarpolis,
Columbia Gems, racked up a 195 scratch
game. Standings in both men's and women's
leagues remained unchanged.
Men's league standings:
Team Won Lost Taom Won Lot!
Finlon Jonos 42 27 N3S M Ji
MGM 41 28 20:h-Fox 32 37
Michael's 37 32 Diablo 31 91
Fox Trotters 35 33 Fox Terriers 29 40
Film Delivery 3S 31 Shreve 28 41
leam high 10 went to Lee with 234
Women's league standings:
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
Allslars 4S 24 Columbia Cems .31 38
WB Starlets 43 23 Fox O-ol-T 27 42
Fox Vixens 40 29 Riv'side Scamps 22 47
L.A.AA^ J j^
STEBBINS THEATRE Equipment Co.
molt W,«nJolt* Si
KANSAS CITY 0, MO
Y^
BOXOFTICE March 10. 1961

Enjoy GREATER PROFITS
because it's Always
Just Right for the
BEST POP-OUT
Thanks to the Unique
CLEAR PLASTIC BAG
that keeps the moisture-content of this delicious
top-quality corn at a perfect W/i'U.
At a COST- SAVING Price
in NEW 10-lb. Clear Plastic Bags
Never before has popcorn been packaged so
ideally for tfieatres!
No more 100-lb. sack wastage and storage problems.
Takes less room than cans, costs less and is handier.
1 Clean, Safe, Tightly Packed — seals against water,
dirt and air. Light-weight but TOUGH and durable.
o Won't Tear, Snag or Break — Stand up under roughest
treatment. Store as long as you wish, it's safe
from all corn enemies. Stays fresh.
A ideal to Store and Handle — Easy handling 10-lb.
sacks use least possible space. Save paying for and
storing bulky tin containers.
Direct from PROCESSOR to YOU
With Golden Flake you know you're getting the best, from finest
hybrid seed to final moisture test, processed under the most
sanitary conditions by the most modern equipment . . . sealed at
precisely the moisture point to guarantee you the greatest pop-out
and profit . . . and delivered to you with no middleman cost.
Pops out at ratio of 33-to-1 into appetizing puffs of golden
goodness . . . tempting, tasty, fine-flavored. Brings 'em back for
more. And you'll find few unpopped kernels that cut profits. Over
ordinary corn that pops out 23-to-l, Golden Flake's 33-to-l ratio
gives you a pop-out dividend of more than $40 per hundred pounds,
or gross $143 per hundred!
That's PROFIT! See
M Quick Inventory Control — you con SEE more easily
what you have on hand, when to reorder.
C Useful when Empty — your wife or patrons will be
delighted to get these tough, handsome bags for
refrigerator use!
GOLDEN FLAKE PROCESSING CO.
3607 Broadway • Kansas City, Mo.
BOXOFnCE :: March 10, 1951

D E S
MOINES
Calesmen in this territory will be glad to
see sprine again. Several drove on ice all
last week and Ken Bishard, Paramount, and
Herman Coffman, ELC. even ?lid into the
ditch . . . Raymond McKit^rick and Sol Yaeger,
RKO salesmen, have their new company
cars . . . Warner Grossman, exhibitor from
Nevada, underwent surgery March 3 and is
recuperating . . . D. C. Kennedy, owner of
the theatre at Adel, has returned from a
vacation trip south which included a visit
in New Orleans during the Mardl Gras.
the new booker at RKO. He
Lloyd Street is
formerly was with Realart Pictures here . . .
Dwight Hanson, owner of the Vallfy Theatre
at Eddyvi'le. reeul^rlv dedicates times to
Filmrowers on his broadcasts over KBOE in
. . Chick Evens,
Ken levy, U-I booker, spent
Oskaloosa . . .
last weekend in Omaha .
20th-Fox exploiteer. was here working on
promotion for "Bird of Paradise."
. . Mr.
Marearet Neiman, Tri-States secretary, has
returned from a week's vacation in Florida
. . . Kermitt Carr. Tri-States district manager,
took three days of his vacation .
and Mrs. A. H. Blank have returned after a
winter stay at Hollywood, Fla., and the
IS IT ACTION YOU WANT?
Possibly more theatres are sold through oiir
offices 'n the oreas in which we operate than
most other mediums combined. No listing
fee—Multiple service.
HARRY BUCK HARRY SAVEREIDE
904-05 Pence Bidg.. 509 Securilies BIdg.
Minneapolis 2. Minn. Des Moines 9. towa
H. M. COPELAND HARRY BUCK
1012 Baltimore. Suite 415 1717 Blum BIHq.
Kansas City. Mo. Chicago 5. Illinois
SAVEREIDE THEATRE BROKERS
Largest Exctus'ive Theatre Brokers in America
Myron Blanks are back from their trip to
Mexico . . . Leone Mathews of the Tri-States
booking d:partment had a recent bout with
the flu . . . Bill Toney has returned from a
business trip to Kansas City.
Don Hicks, chief barker for Tent 15, and
Carl Olson, chairman of the entertainment
committee, are extending an early invitation
to all male exhibitors throughout the state
to set aside June 4 for the annual golf stag
to be held at Hyperion club here . . . Workmen
already have begun to get the Town
Drive-In theatre at Altoona ready for its
spring re-opening about April 1.
Harlan Mil'er, in his Over the Coffee column
in the Des Moines Register, had this
to say the other day: "The newsreels are too
short. They cou'd shorten some of the other
guff that's screened and give us 15 minutes
of newsrefls. If Mike Blank would poll his
customers, I think he'd find 85 per cent of
'em want more newsreels. The other nieht
I saw a bob-tailed newsreel which consisted
of ju.st one item. A mere aggravation" . . .
A columnist for the Dallas Center Times
wrote recently, "Notice a Des Moines theatre
apologizing for running only a single
feature. One thing for sure their reerets
are not for this corner. We'd rather eat one
good chocolate soda any day than two commercial
grade ice cream cones!"
Open 'Men and Music' First
At Minneapolis Roadshow
MINNEAPOLIS—The Lyceum, legitimate
roadshow house, will opsn 20th-Fox's "Of
Men and Music" March 19 on a $1.80 reservedseat,
advanced-admission policy, with one
showing a night at 8:30 o'clock and matinees
on Saturdays and Sundays. It will be the
picture's first roadshowing anywhere. In the
balance of territory it is expected the film,
which presents a number of the greatest
living musicians, will be regularly released.
ORDER YOUR POPCORN SUPPLIES FROM US
White Japanese Hulless Popcorn Per 100 lbs. $11.50
South American Yellow Hybrid Per 100 lbs. 10.00
(Pocked in 50 lb. bags)
Liquid "Popsit Plus" Seasoning Per Cose 19.75
(Pocked 6 gallons per case)
"Seazo" Coconut Oil Seasoning Per 50 lbs. 19.75
Morton's Popcorn Salt Per Cose 2.95
10c Popcorn Boxes, 2 ounce Per 1000 10.95
10c Popcorn Boxes, VA ounce Per 1000 10.25
1 lb. Popcorn Bags, flat bottom, brown Per 1000 1.80
1 lb. Popcorn Bogs, flat bottom, white Per 1000 2.20
Vz lb. Popcorn Bags, flat bottom, brown Per 1000 1.20
l'/2 lb. Popcorn Bags, pinch bottom, brown Per 1000 1.75
Special Softex Va lb. Bags, white Per 1000 2.00
Printed Socks, 1 lb. flot bottom, white Per 1000 3.10
Printed noiseless, 1 lb. pinch bottom Per 1000 4.15
Prices Subject to Change Without Notice
DES MOINES THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1121-23 High St. Des Moines, Iowa
'Enforcer' Grosses
135 at Kansas City
KANSAS CITY — "The Enforcer" paced
downtown first runs in its first week at the
Paramount where it grossed 135 per cent.
The Missouri ran a c'ose second with 120
on "Sugarfoot," while the fourth and final
week of the fourth run of "The Red Shoes"
held strong at 150 at the Kimo.
(Average Is 100)
Esquire—Black Angel (Realart); Tangier (Realart),
reissues 75
Kim';—The Red Shoes (ELC), ^th wk of 4th run....l50
^!i-ilan'^—Three Guys Named Mike (MGM); Cauas
f->r Alar-i (MGM) 7nd wk 105
Missouri Sugarfoot (WR), Sideshow (Mono) li!0
P^rr-moint—The Enforcer (WB) 135
Tover, UDtov/n and Fairwav Bedtime lor Bonzo
("-'); North oi the Great Divide (Rep), at Tower
only 85
Severe Weather Slashes
Minneapolis Grosses
MINNEAPOLIS—Atrocious weather continued
to slaughter grosses here. Two nearblizzards
within three days, extreme cold
and almost impassable streets were boxoffice
poison. Among the newcomers, the best showings
were made by "Call Me Mister" and "The
Great Missouri Raid." Holdovers still outnumbered
fresh entries. It was the sixth week
for "Bitter Rice," fourth for "At War With
the Army," third for "Operation Pacific" and
second for "Payment on Demand" and "The
Second Woman."
Aster Headhunters of the Amazon (SR); Paradise
Island (SR), reissues 90
Century— Caii-se for Alarm (MGM) 85
Gorher—At War With the Army (Para), 2nd run,
4th wk 90
Lyric—Operation Pacific (WB), 3rd wk 90
Pix—Bilier Bice (Lux), Rth wk ., 90
R-^-^io Citv— Cal' Me Mister (2nt>i-Fox) ...'.. 100
Ri'O-OrDheum-Cry Danqer (RKO) 90
RKO-Pan—Payment on Demand (RKO), 2nd wk.
moveover 90
State—The Great Mis-ouri Raid (Para) 100
World—The Second Woman (UA), 2nd wk 90
'Bonzo' Tops Omaha Gross at 130;
'Yesterday' Strong Second at 125
OMAHA—"Bedtime for Bonzo" at the
Paramount Theatre led a field of good pictures
at the boxoffice.
Omaha—Denorted (U-I); Shakedown (U-!) 9S
Orrheum—The Admiral Was a Lady (UA) US
Prrramount Bedtime f'>r Bonzo (TI-T) 130
"KO-Brf'idei'!-Bom Yesterday (Col) 1'5
State—The Steel Helmet (LP) 100
North Bend Shows Shift
To City Bldg. After Fire
NORTH BEND, NEB.—The Joy Theatre
here, damaged by fire, should be ready to
reopen about April 1. But, meantime, the
W. Waybills started regular showings in the
City Auditorium. The original report was that
the fire resulted from a furnace explosion.
Mrs. Waybill says that report is not right and
the cause still has not been determined. It
broke out behind the stage.
Theatreman Buys Grocery
SATANTA, KAS.—Jay Hagaman, who owns
and operates the Pic Theatre here, has added
a grocery store to his business activities. He
has bought Williamson's lOA grocery here.
Paola Cashier Is Married
PAOLA, KAS.—lUa Mae Phillips, cashier
at the Paola Theatre, was married recentlgi
to Donald J. Trumbly, son of Mrs. Phil Bach-_
man of Osawatomle.
^•\
58 BOXOFFICE
:• March 10, 1954

Allied Board Plans
Spring Convention
KANSAS CITY—The board of directors
of Allied Independent Theatre Owners of
Kansas and Missouri met at the office here
Thursday (1) to discuss preliminary plans for
the forthcoming Allied spring convention, national
drive-in equipment show and meeting
of the national organization's board of directors.
The Joint affair will be held May
15-17 in the Municipal auditorium here.
Fred Harpst, general manager for Allied
here, said that the equipment show would
be held in the Little Theatre section of the
auditorium and added that all drive-in men
are invited to attend the show whether they
are members of Allied or not. Harpst said he
would try to line up national speakers for
the event.
Circuit Drive-In Managers
Hold Home Office Confabs
KANSAS CITY—Circuit operators in Kansas
City followed up the recent KMTA drivein
meeting here with meetings of their drivein
managers in which discussions centered
around Improvements in business for the
forthcoming season.
Optimism about business for 1951 continued
high as managers for Durwood Theatres
and Commonwealth drive-ins met with
the home office staffs. Stanley H. Durwood,
general manager of that circuit, said
the chain's drive-in men discussed with home
office executives policies and booking for the
season. No definite opening dates have been
set as yet for Durwood open-airers.
Among those meeting in the Durwood office
were Ed Gardiner, Jack Campbell and
Howard Griffin, managers of the Skylark
Drive-Ins in St! Joseph, Leavenworth and
Jefferson City, respectively.
The managers of Commonwealth's 15 driveins
met with drive-in chieftain Jack Braunagel
for similar discussions.
Heating Plant Breaks Down
JUNCTION CITY, KAS.—The Colonial
Theatre was closed several days because of a
faulty heating plant. Francis Wright is manager.
Enlist in Blood Donor Drive
OMAHA—Sixty Filmrow employes appeared
along Davenport street for a picture taken
of those who contributed to the blood donor
drive. Sidney Epstein, local circuit owner,
was in charge.
OMAHA
parly March storms gave
some salesmen a
fit. Al Gardiner of Warners was one of
those who ended up in a ditch. Paul Back
of RKO barely escaped having to spend his
weekend in Plainview, Neb. Fortunately a
break of good weather followed . . . R. D.
Goldberg, local circuit owner, was in Chicago
four days . . . Leo McKechneay, Tri-
States Theatres treasurer from Des Moines,
was in town . . . Stuart Engel is new student
manager at the Orpheum here.
Mrs. Edna Dillin, who resigned as MGM
secretary a year and one-half ago to join
her husband in Germany, was back for a brief
visit with friends at the office . . . The
Andrews family had a grand reunion in
Japan, reports Jack, the father and Paramount
salesman. Brooks of the army, who
has been in Korea, had the chance to see
his brother Jack jr. of the navy, whose ship
was docked in Japanese waters.
U. G. Brown, Arnold, Neb., exhibitor, took
his son, a newspaper editor at Stapleton, to
the North Platte hospital suffering from
pneumonia . . Fred Stewart, projectionist
.
at the Omaha Theatre, is vacationing in
Florida . . . Jake Rachman, local screen
writer, picked Judy HoUiday as his choice
for an Oscar after seeing "Born Yesterday"
W. W. Cole filed for city commissioner.
. . .
His dad had the W. W. Cole shows, built
Krug Park and the Krug Theatre.
Visitors along: Filmrow included H. O.
Qualsett, Tekameh; Oliver Sclmeider, Osceola:
Frank Good, Red Oak; Mr. and Mrs.
E. L. Bartak, Greeley; Carl Harriman, Alton;
Wayne Nebbens, Rock Valley; Donald Johnson,
Lynch; Arthur Sunde, Papillion; Phil
Lannon, West Point; Jeanette Shoeneman,
Wahoo; Charles Lathrop, Neola; Arnold
Meierdierks, Pender, and Woody Simek, Ashland,
Neb.
MGM employes plan a dinner-dance March
17 at the Paxton hotel as a farewell to
Manager Bill Gaddoni and as a welcome to
Vincent Flynn of New York, the new chief.
Plynn pinch-hit here as manager during an
illness about three years ago.
To Produce 'Banner Line'
Henry Berman has been named producer
of "Banner Line," a newspaper drama being
scripted for MGM release.
You Have the FINEST
in a GRIGGS Chair!
Griggs All-Star chairs
liave proven nojHilar
with Exhibitors all
over the country.
Tltere is c o m I o r I
niul (Itirahtlily in
every clinir. Center
sifliiilfltfts are sohil
Ueel from arm to
Moor. Seal

RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR THE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
325 Van Brunt Blvd.
JTnnsa.s Cily 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
3-10-51
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
lo receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects lor Theatre Planning:
n Acoustics
n Air Conditioning
D Architectural Service
n "Black" Lighting
n Building
Material
n Lighting Fixtures
D Plumbing Fixtures
n Projectors
n Projection Lamps
n Seating
n Carpets
n Coin Machines
n Complete Remodeling ^ Sound Equipment
n Decorating
n Drink Dispensers
D Signs and Marquees
iH Television
D Theatre Fronts
D Drive-In Equipment D Vending Equipment
D Other Subjects
Theatre
Seating Capacity
Address
City
Sterte
Signed
Postage-paid reply cords for your further convenience
in obtolning information ore provided in The MODERN
THEATRE RED KEY SECTION (Nov. 18, 1950).
MINNEAPOLIS
Cidney Volk, circuit owner, is back from a
Florida vacation . . . North Central Allied
. . .
is opposing a bill in the state legislature to
outlaw theatre bank night . . . Ted Mann,
circuit owner, vacationing in Florida, as did
Ben Friedman, also owner of a theatre chain.
W. R. Prank, circuit owner and Hollywood
producer, tossed cocktail and dinner
parties for Dick Powell, star of "Cry Danger,"
of which Frank was co-producer, during Powell's
brief visit here for personal appearances
at the Orpheum Theatre on the picture's
opening day. Exhibitors, newspaper and radio
people were guests.
Paul Mans, circuit owner, is wintering in
Arizona . . . Eddie Ruben, circuit owner, and
his wife left on an European jaunt . . . Bad
weather has delayed the start of "Hy" Chapman's
motor trip to Florida. Roads hereabouts
were practically impassable. The
Columbia branch manager expects to begin
his vacation soon in the sunny south . . .
The Minnesota Amusement Co's newspaper
ads and campaign for "The Second Woman"
were so effective that some Milwaukee exhibitors
have asked Ev Seibel, MAC advertising
and publicity head, for copies of the
ads and a detailed account of the campaign.
Despite unfavorable weather, the picture did
surprisingly good business at the State here.
Bill Miissman, Paramount sales manager,
is back at his desk after a Florida vacation.
... A succession of blizzards and snow-cov-
icy roads made the going exceptionally
ered,
tough for film salesmen. Snow throughout
the area is unusually deep. This has been
the most i^evere winter In many years . . .
Irving Mills moved to Columbia as office
manaerer. succeeding Bill Woods, who was
promoted to the sales staff.
A Ned Depinet sales meeting at RKO was
prp^ided over by Walter Branson, western
dlvi-^ion sales manager; Harry Glttleson, his
assistant, and Herb Greenberg, district manager
. . . Louis Or'ove, MGM explolteer, was
in from Milwaukee, piloting the airline
hostess who was the Inspiration for the picture
"Three Guvs Named Mike" at Radio
City. She's making personal appearances at
the theatre and being Interviewed by the
newspapers and radio stations . . . The paraplegics
who wpre in the film "The Men" and
al-'o in a Bob Hope short anpeared in person
at the Lyceum here In their own revue,
"It's a Great Life."
To Remodel Roval Theatre
SIBLEY. IOWA—A full-scale redecoration
proeram for the Royal Theatre here is being
planned by R. C. Max. manager-owner. Plans
include a new air conditioning system, new
marauee and front and a lenthening of the
theatre area.
Byron Hookins Buvs Theatres
GLENWOOD, IOWA—The Rex and Gem
theatres here have been purcha.sed by Byron
Hopkins of Sidney, Iowa, from Karl S. Powers.
Hopkins also owns a theatre in Bellevue.
Neb. The late W. S. Powers and his son,
Karl, owned the two houses here for more
than 20 years.
Radio License Necessary
For Ontario TV Owners
From Canadian Edition
WINDSOR, ONT.—A local TV owner found
out the hard way he must have a license
to operate his home set. Ernest Bondy of
Windsor, who owns a television set but not
a radio, was hauled into Magistrate J. A.
Hanrahan's court recently charged with running
a TV receiver without a license. Bringing
the charge was J. R. A. Levasseur, government
radio inspector, who said the law
requires the TV owner to have a radio license
The case was thrown
to run his television set.
out when Bondy explained the police had
told him the law did not require a license
for
TV.
Contribute to Local Drive
PITTSBURG, KAS.—Theatres here raised
$569.45 through audience collections for the
local March of Dimes campaign.
NOTICE
Our Aftorneys Advise:
JUNGLE ROUNDUP IS
A GAME OF SKILL
NOT A LOTTERY"
CASH GIVE-AWAYS
HOLD ALL BOX-
OFFICE RECORDS
DEFY TELEVISION
and all competition
by using this money game
"JUNGLE
ROUNDUP
Copyriglited 1950— Harry Broolii
WILD ANIMALS
ON THE SCREEN
URRIFIC
AUDIENCE APPEAL
HARRY BROOKS ENTERPRISES
II
6220 Greenwood Chicago 37
Phone Plaza 2-4800
(DISTRIBUTORS WANTED)
60 BOXOFFICE :: March 10. 1951

[alco Chain Starts
Profit-Sharing Plan
From Southwest Edition
LITTLE ROCK—M. S. McCord of Little
Rock, vice-president of Malco Theatres, said
that the firm has started a profit-sharing
incentive plan for its 700 employes in four
southern states. The profit-sharing plan is
in addition to pension and group life, sickness
and accident plans which have been in
effect for Malco employes for many years.
All Malco employes become eligible for
sharing in the profits after two years' service.
McCord said about 300 of the firm's
employes in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi
and Kentucky already are eligible.
McCord explained the plan: If profits
exceed a certain formula figure, all eligible
employes receive a percentage of their base
salaries at the end of the year as dividends.
The percentage will be the same as the
percentage by which profits exceed the
formula figure.
In other words if profits go 10 per cent
beyond the formula figure, each eligible employe
will get 10 per cent of his base salary
as his share.
Of Malco's 64 theatres, 41 (and 480 of the
700 employes) are in 20 Arkansas cities and
towns.
Production of TV Sets
Ahead at a High Rate
WASHINGTON—Output of television sets
may be expected to continue at a "fairly good
rate" as new ways of using substitutes for
critical materials are developed, the electronics
industry told the NPA Thursday (1),
but added that they would like a clearer
picture on availability prospects.
Meeting with William H. Harrison, defense
production administrator, and Manly Pleischmann,
NPA administrator, to discuss the
availability of electronic materials and equipment,
industry members said that to date
military requirements had not impaired
civilian production to a great extent. TV
set production in January was about 650,000,
they said, but added that they have exhausted
their inventories of cobalt. However, industry
spokesmen stressed that they have already
achieved great savings in the use of
critical materials, including cobalt, in the
production of radio and TV sets, and that
engineering conferences are continually going
on in an effort to develop conservation
measures and substitutes for the materials.
Swift Show Postponed
OMAHA—Swift & Co. was to have taken
over the Orpheum Theatre here March 6-9, but
postponed the engagement due to the death
of Eugene T. Rainey, Swift manager here.
Swift rented the city's largest theatre for
the premiere of the Sv/ift film, "Big Idea,"
and the operetta, "A Waltz Dream."
Frank Hill to Manage Drive-In
GREAT BEND, KAS.—A native Great
Bend resident, Prank Hill, will take over
next month as manager for the Cheyenne
Drive-In in Hoisington. At present he is
manager of the Midland Theatre in Hutchinson.
Good Housekeeping Rated
No. 1 in Theatre Success
From Central Edition
CHICAGO—"There is no substitute for good
housekeeping," Alex Manta warned managers
attending the annual two-day session held
in Chicago recently by the Manta &
Rose's Indiana-Illinois Theatres. Held in the
Blackstone hotel, the meeting featured tallcs
by Manta and Jack Rose.
Enlarging on his "bad housekeeping" theme
Manta emphasized that rudeness and carelessness
by theatre personnel can kill the
finest of advertising campaigns or civic cooperation
movements. According to Manta,
"Hollywood can make the finest productions,
the distributor sell them nationally to the
public and the theatre manager in turn can
sell the attraction to a fare-thee-well on the
local level, yet all these efforts can be knocked
into a cocked hat by impoliteness of staff
members. If a patron's well meaning suggestion
or complaint, either in person or by
phone, is given a quick brush-off by the
manager or his subordinate, you cannot offset
it by hobnobbing with, or knowing all
the bigshots in town, proving that being a
'showman' from the selling, exploitation and
civic cooperation angle alone is not enough.
NO SUBSTITUTE FOR CLEAN THEATRE
There must be strict attention to good housekeeping,
cleanliness, maintenance and to service
personnel at all times. Even the best selling
efforts are no substitute for a clean
theatre, clean restrooms, proper temperature,
good ventilation, a comfortable seat in good
state of repair, good sound and projection,
a word of greeting and pleasant service."
Referring to "sound and projection and
effect on same by television in the home"
Manta pointed out that when sound was
first introduced in motion pictures, patrons
readily distinguished between good and bad
sound. The reason for this was that people
had radios in their homes and were sound
conscious, having learned during those earlier
years the difference between amplified sound
as in radio and the old phonograph or gramophone
recordings. In other words, they used
the radio reception in their homes as a basis
of comparison with sound in the theatre.
"Now because of television in the home,
people are even more conscious of sound
quality than ever before, since television
sound is better than radio sound, because it
is FM, and free of man-made noises and
static, as compared to the AM.
PATRONS PROJECTION CONSCIOUS
"Also because of television sound in the
home people are projection conscious perhaps
for the first time. Heretofore, they accepted
good, fair, poor or indifferent projection
as a matter of course, not having a
basis of comparison. With home television
the average person tries to tune in the
clearest, sharpest picture possible. Therefore,
he is certainly going to be critical of theatre
projection. Not only by the greater size of
our pictures in theatres, but also by the
greater clearness and sharpness as well as
the high quality of our sound due to lower
and higher range than the average television
reception must we maintain our superiority.
We only kid ourselves if we do not keep our
projection in tip-top form at all times." In
closing Manta said: "In the light of all this
we ask managers to re-examine themselves
are you a showman in the full meaning of
the word?"
16mm Theatre Video
Is Shown to Military
WASHINGTON—The new 16mm theatre
television system, manufactured by General
Precision Laboratory, was demonstrated to
representatives of the military services here
Tuesday (27). The equipment has already
been shown to the industry in New 'York and
other places.
Using the equipment, company representatives
working with Defense department officials
produced a 20-minute training film
in 14 hours at a cost of under $500 a minute
running time. The company claims that
this is less than half the usual cost and a
substantial reduction in production time.
Military use of the system, which is similar
to the Paramount TV system, in that the
televised action is put onto film and then
projected onto a large screen, need not be
limited to the making of training films, according
to the company, although this would
be the most immediate use. Films projected
on the big screen could be viewed by larger
numbers of servicemen, and prints could be
made for showing in other camps, at other
times.
The new equipment, sized so the projector
can fit into the projection booth of most
first run houses, is expected to cost around
$25,000 complete, the same price anticipated
for the Paramount system. Operating costs
will be about one-fifth of the 35mm system,
and certain performance advantages are
claimed by the company. Critical materials
have been avoided wherever possible, and the
company expects to be able to produce somewhere
between 35 to 50 complete sets in 1951.
Raibourn Says Old Films
On TV Could Hike Values
NEW YORK—Use of
old films now in the
vaults of major companies for television could
enormously increase the book values of these
firms, Paul Raibourn of Paramount told
the Association of Customers Brokers at a
meeting held recently. These films are
listed at $1 each. If reissued for TV use, he
said, it would be possible for one company
that he knows of to raise its book values by
about $4 a share.
Raibourn qualified this statement by saying
that there was at present no likelihood
that this could be done, because of objections
which would be raised by James Petrillo,
musicians' union head.
The topic of Raibourn 's talk was "The
Incredible Tale of the Changing Amusement
Industry." He criticized film critics for showing
definite leanings toward foreign fUms
in preference to the American product.
British Censors Viewed
1,785 Films in 1950
WASHINGTON — The British Board of
Film Censors reviewed 1,785 films in 1950,
and classified 1,550 as "U," for universal exhibition,
and 234 as "A," for adults and minors
if accompanied by adults, according to a report
by the Department of Commerce. Three
hundred and twenty films were found objectionable,
but most were amended, and only
five finally rejected. One of the rejected
films was later allowed under a new license,
called "X," for films from which children
under 16 will be excluded.
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951 61

SLUM
PREVENTION
1^ The BEST REMEDY
I^K
for slipping grosses
I M^^ is intelligent, well-
J|^ planned
promotion
^^ — based on best
ideas, tested by practical
showmen take it now!
READ and
USE the
SHOWMANDISER Section
(every week in boxoffice)
Scores of seat-selling stunts that build
business and keep paying patrons happy
.... Easy to file in a ring binder.
• ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW AND INTERESTING •
62 BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951

$310,000 Theatre Honors E.R. Rogers,
W-K District Head in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.—Wilby-Kincey's
new $310,000 Rogers Theatre was opened
here Friday (2). The 1,257-seat Rogers, the
only first run house to be built in Chattanooga
in 30 years, is named in honor of
EMMETT R. ROGERS
Emmett R. Rogers, now Chattanooga district
manager for Wilby-Kincey and a member
of the theatre industry in this area since
1917.
All 1,257 staggered seats of the Rogers are
on the main floor. Other features include a
Cycloramic screen, largest in the city; projection
machines with Ashcraft water-cooled
lamps, a contour curtain, indirect lighting
and an emergency power system. Murals on
both sides of the auditorium were designed
by Rogers.
R. B. Wilby of Wilby-Kincey paid this
tribute to Rogers:
"Emmett Rogers has had a very great part
in the development of the motion picture
theatre from the day of the small 'store
show' to the present standards. His influence
has been industry-wide. No one better
typifies the imagination and sense of public
service which has gone into the development
of the modern theatres scattered throughout
America."
Wilby was one of a group of theatre executives
attending opening day ceremonies.
Others were J. H. Harrison, J. R. Redd and
Emil Bernstecker, Atlanta, and H. F. Kincey,
Charlotte, N. C. A congratulatory scroll,
signed by every star on the MGM lot, was
given to the theatre by C. E. Kessnick
of MOM'S office in Atlanta.
Rogers is a native of Chattanooga, son of
the late Mr. ^nd Mrs. T. A. Rogers. The
elder Rogers was city editor of the Chattanooga
Times at the time of his death In
1941.
After starting what promised to be a
great newspaper career and after becoming
a first lieutenant in World War I, young
Emmett Rogers joined the Signal Amusement
Co. in 1917. Owned and operated by the
Prank Dowlers, Judge Wilkers and others,
the circuit had theatre properties in east
Tennessee. This later became Tennessee Enterprises,
afilliated with Southern Enterprises
of Atlanta.
It was this company that conceived and
began the construction of the Tivoli in 1919.
The Tivoli was opened, under Rogers' management,
to the public March 19, 1921.
In those early days of the industry, Rogers
introduced to the south the first poster work
in lobbies; the first pretentious lobby displays
and theatre fronts; the first uniformed
ushers, and made the first use of pipe organs,
pit orchestras and stage presentations
keyed to the then silent pictures. He personally
designs the set pieces and posters in
the Tivoli lobby and lays out the theatre's
newspaper advertising.
WITH FAMOUS PLAYERS
In 1923 Rogers became a district manager
for the Famous Players-Lasky Corp., operating
theatres in most of the key cities of the
nation with extensive holdings in the south.
The company later became known as Paramount-Publix.
He continued with Paramount-Publix
as a district manager covering
Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia
until 1931.
During this period, Rogers produced the
Alex Keese stage band shows at the Tivoli
and similar shows in Birmingham and Atlanta,
introducing in the south the moving
band stand. Among the performers appearing
in these shows were Ginger Rogers, Ray
Bolger and Mitzi Mayfair.
In 1931, the Wilby-Kincey Service Corp. of
Atlanta took over a large part of Paramount
holdings in the southeast.
A CIVIC LEADER
Rogers has always taken an active interest
in civic affairs and numerous organizations.
He has served as a member of the Little Theatre
board, of the Civic Chorus board, and
the Chattanooga Philharmonic board, with
which he is now active. He has helped in
many drives for Red Cross, bond sales, Community
Chest and similar groups. For years
he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce
executive committee. He was president
of Chattanoogans, Inc., for three terms,
and is now on the Visitors and Information
Bureau executive committee.
He was president of the Rotary club in
1947-48. He belongs to the Church of the
Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain and
is a member of Fairyland club.
Manager of the new Rogers is Dunlap
Henry, 34, who has had 18 years experience
with Wilby-Kincey. Assistant manager is
Clarence MeDade. Henry formerly was
manager of the Enzor Theatre in Troy, Ala.
He has been replaced there by Milt Newsome,
who had been manager of the Tivoli
here.
J. W. Powers Is Mayor
CEDAR BLUFF, ALA.—J.
W. Powers, local
theatre operator, is now mayor of Cedar
Bluff. Powers, who came here from Leeds,
Ala., in 1937, succeeds Alderman Ed Arnold,
who took over after the sudden death of the
former mayor last October.
Here Is a preopening scene at the new
Rogers Theatre in Chattanooga.
Two Drive-Ins Okayed,
One Is Denied by NPA
MIAMI—Applications have been granted
by the National Production Authority for the
building of a $110,000 drive-in by the Liberty
Ass'n, Inc., at Miami and to George H. Mercer
of Shreveport, La., for construction of a
$90,000 outdoorer.
Among the applications turned down by
NPA were: Gulfport, Miss., drive-in, Realart
Pictures of New Orleans, $75,000.
Alvin Sexton Promoted
By Moffitt Theatres
PRATTVILLE, ALA.—Alvin Sexton, manager
of the Lyric here, has been promoted to
booker and general assistant to John Moffitt,
president of Moffitt Theatres in Montgomery.
His successor at the Lyric is Frank C.
Brock, who has been in the theatre business
since 1921. Brock has been connected with
many of the larger circuits in the south and
also owned and operated a theatre of his
own in Okolona, Miss., for several years.
Theatre Receipts Drop
BIRMINGHAM—November theatre receipts
in Alabama were down three-tenths of 1 per
cent as compared with October. The figure is
based on sales tax receipt reports compiled
by the University of Alabama bureau of
business research. Receipts in November 1950
were off 2.9 per cent when compared with
the same month in 1949.
Showman Ends Vacation
FORT PAYNE, ALA.—The HamUton Drive-
In here reopened after a vacation of six
weeks for its owner-operator, D. P. Hamilton.
Hamilton has been operating the theatre
since his son, Cpl. Mack Hamilton, went
to Korea with the national guard.
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951
i
SE 63

I
. .
ATLANTA
f^eoTge Jones, U-I office manager, has been
promoted to sales manager to fill the
vacancy created when Bill Kelly was upped
to branch manager. Sam Sherman, salesman,
replaces Jones as office manager .
W. T. Murray's Hilan Theatre has installed
a popcorn machine . . . Harry Diamond, office
manager of Wallace Film Co., has resigned
. . . Mrs. Betty Paschel of Monogram,
has also resigned.
Judson Bell, U-I shipper, has joined the
marines. The new shippers on the staff are
Bill Johns and Carl Slappey. U-I Manager
Bill Kelly and Jimmie Frew, district manager,
attended a New York sales meeting.
f9f3
out "38tk AmVBtSARY'
A
Frew went on to Chicago for another sales
meeting.
£xhibitors on the Row: Howard Schuessler.
Lam Amusements, Rome; Clyde Sampler,
Duncan Theatres, Carrollton; H. M. Ford,
Ford Theatre, Lavonia; Sidney Laird, Al-Dun
Amusements, West Point; R. H. Dunn,
Camilla, and L. T. Sheffield, Headland, Ala.
Film Star Marjorie Reynolds will star in
the next Penthouse Theatre production, "Holiday"
. . . Vivian Langley, Realart Pictures,
will be married April 6 to Charles Robert
Gillespie . . . Tom Lucy, Exhibitors Service,
has returned from a trip in Alabama ... J.
E. Hutchinson will open his new Isle of View
1951
If you ore contemplating the replacement of any
equipment, or, a complete remodeling job.
Allow Us to Help You
(MAIL COUPON BELOW)
QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, INC
19121/2 Moms Aye.
Birmingham, Ala.
Drive-In in Panama City, Fla., about March
29. Exhibitors Service will handle the booking
and buying.
Jim Scott, manager of the Roxy Theatre,
was advised by Milton Farris, chairman of
the library board which exercises censorship
powers over legitimate theatre attractions in
Atlanta, that he would be permitted to play
"Mr. Roberts," Broadway hit, with some cuts
in the script. Henry Fonda, star of the
Broadway production, is scheduled to appear
in the play . . . Lois Fincher, formerly with
U-I, is the new booker at ELC, replacing
Ernie Compton who has returned to service
in the air force. Gwenn Rogers, booking
clerk, resigned to accept a position with the
goverrunent.
Exhibitors seen on the Row: Tom Brett,
Arcade, Sandersville, Ga.; R. J. LaCrosse Theatre,
Ashland City, Tenn.; John Peck, Pex,
Eatonton, Ga.; E. H. Moon, Peoples, Donalsonville;
Wendell Welch, Strand, Dallas, Ga.;
C. S. Pitman, Gadsden, Ala. . . . Visiting
friends on the Row was Ralph McCoy, former
Film Classics manager here . . . The Spalding
Drive-In at Griffin, Ga., has resumed fulltime
operation after running two days a
week during the winter.
A new assistant booker at Paramount is
David Goodson, son of the late Clyde Goodson
who was for many years manager of the
local exchange . . . Thomas E. Dodd is a
new booker at MGM . . . Metro employes
gave a farewell party for A. B. Padgett, who
has resigned as manager to become associated
with Wilby Theatres . . . Roy Hall, formerly
with MGM and Screen Guild, is now booking
at the RKO exchange.
Seek Video Permit
MOBILE, ALA.—Kenneth R. Giddens and
Thomas J. Rester, who operate a theatre circuit,
have made application to the Federal
Communications Commission in Washington
for a television station here. The application
asks that the station be permitted to operate
on channel 5.
Gives Passes for Seeing Queen
ST. PETERSBURG—As promotion for "The
Mudlark," the Florida Theatre and the Times
invited any person who had met Queen Victoria
during the years she reigned in England
to be the guest of the theatre. It was a surprise
to find the number of residents and
visitors who had seen the queen in their
childhood days.
"The Southern Souls of Clement O'Reilly"
has been acquired for MGM production.
Kindly have your representative calL We are interested in
COMPLETE STAGE EQUIPMENT
RIGGING, TRACK, DRAPES, LIGHTING
For Over 20 Years, Leaders in High Quality
HUBERT MITCHELL Industries
Hartselle, Alabama
NAME
Cmr
STATE..
Check
MflT. ( )
Owner ( )
20
I
THEATRE
AAAAAAAAA
64

Mayor Brings Change
To Higher Type Films
SHREVEPORT, LA.—The West End Theatre
here, for the past month offering the
public such films as "Nine Girls in Hell,"
Sunday (4) will inaugurate a new policy of
"better shows," such as "Birth of a Nation"
and "King of Kings." Mayor Clyde E, Fant
said the theatre manager, George J. Ragoa
sr., had willingly agreed to change the theatre's
policy at a conference Wednesday (28).
The mayor said he requested Ragon to
show a "higher type" of movies, after he
(the mayor) had received numerous letters
and telephone calls from citizens complaining
about the "low type" of film fare on the
West End screen. The theatre is at 1831
Texas Avenue.
Ragon agreeably complied to the request
Mayor Fant said, commending the manager
for his cooperative action.
The mayor described the type of film
shown at the West End for about the past
30 days as "suggestive."
Promotion material for the West End's
recent films had boasted such claims as
"Sensation . . . We dare not tell you more . . .
May make you blush but never ashamed . . .
Adults only."
Some of the attractions were "A Night at
the Follies," "Satan's Youth Aflame," "The
True Story of Life" and "Nine Girls in Hell."
Stars Appear on Stage
SARASOTA, FLA.—Cecil B. DeMille, producer
and director, and stars of "The Greatest
Show on Earth," currently in production
here, made personal appearances at the
Florida Theatre recently for the opening of
"Samson and Delilah." With him were Dorothy
Lamour, Betty Hutton, Gloria Graham,
Cornel Wilde, Lyle Bettger, Henry Wilcoxon
and Antoinette Concello.
FILMAC
CAN'T BE BEA-[
for SPEED &
QUALITY ' 'm
'^
^
CmC AGO . NEW YORK
1327 S. Wabash * 619 W. 54th St
ABC THEATRICAL ENT.
p. O. Box 1345 ATLANTA, GA,
Performing the Basic Service of
BU'imG and BOOKING
For Independent Exhibitors in the Atlanta
Territory.
Jacksonville Sub-OfHce Soon.
— Phone ALpine 7887 —
R. I. (Hap) Barnes Karl (Bud) Chalman
Albert E. (Al) Rook C. B. (CliH) Wilson
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
Four Charters Granted
To N. Carolina Theatres
RALEIGH, N. C.—Among recent state
charters granted theatre corporations was the
Lyons Theatre Co., of Raleigh with an authorized
stock of $100,(K)0 and a subscribed
stock of $300. Listed in the company were
Allen Langston, Katie Jones and R. P. Howard
jr., all of Raleigh. Also chartered: The
Cameron Theatre Corp. of Charlotte, claiming
$100,000 capital stock and listing as
heads, F. H. Beddingfield, T. A. Little and
J. F. White, all of Charlotte.
The Alan Theatre Co. of Raleigh with
capital stock of $100,000 and listing Fred
Levi, Mildred Levi and Allen Langston, all
of Raleigh.
The Hannah Pickett Theatre, Inc., of
Rockingham with authorized capital stock
of 1,000 shares at no par value and listing
Alex Monroe of Rockingham, Bette Behar
and Louise Wander, both of New York.
Plant City, Fla., Capitol
Taken Over by Talgar
PLANT CITY, FLA.—Talgar Theatres, with
headquarters in Lakeland, formally took over
the operation of the Capitol here last week
with Jesse L. Marlowe, veteran showman, as
manager. Florida State Theatres gave up
the Capitol and kept the State Theatre. The
splitup in operation of the two motion picture
houses here followed the government's
antitrust ruling which banned the control of
two theatres in one city by the same chain.
A similar change is In process in Ocala.
C. L. King, manager of the Capitol for
several years, moved over to the State.
Bolivar F. Hyde jr., general manager of Talgar,
said this would be the only change in
the Capitol staff. Hyde also said there would
be some renovating at the Capitol with a
new air conditioning to be installed.
Sailors Help Capture
Florida Theatre Bandit
JACKSONVILLE—An armed bandit who
held up the Florida Theatre recently fleeing
with $106 was captured minutes later after
a wild chase by five sailors and two police
officers. The navy men stepped up to the
front of the theatre just as the bandit stuck
up the cashier, Mrs. Virginia Riechardt,
escaping with the loot. Robert Heekin, manager
of the theatre, was in the ticket office
making a call when the holdup occurred.
The gunman was identified as 22-year-old
Kenneth Hester of Herlong Road. The stolen
money was recovered.
Open Gulfport Legion
GULFPORT, MISS. — Several dignitaries
were among those who attended the opening
recently of Gulfport's new 1,250-seat Legion
Theatre. The theatre, owned by the Joe
Graham Post of the American Legion, has
been under construction since last summer.
Charter to Northwest Theatre
COLUMBIA, S. C—A charter has been
granted to the Northwest Theatre Corp. of
Spartanburg. Capital stock was listed at
$16,000 with T. A. Little named as president.
State Sponsors Lenten Contest
ST. PETERSBURG — The Times and
Florida State theatres are sponsoring a Lenten
letter contest. Two passes are awarded
daily to writers of best letters based on personal
experience with religion. The contest
closes March 25. Best entry of the entire
contest will be awarded $50 by Florida State
Theatres, $25 for the writer and $25 to be
given a worthy charity of his or her choice.
"38th ANNIVERSARY"
Everything
for the
Drive-In
SCREEN
PAINT
Tlieatre
REPLACEMENT SPEAKERS
KOILED
KORDS
MARQUEE SIGNS
EXIT -ENTRANCE &
RAMP SIGNS
ALL
SUPPLIES
ALSO
1951
& LETTERS
BOOTH & CONCESSION
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, INC.
Driye-ln
DISTRIBUTORS
OF
and Theatre Equipment,
Also Complete Line of Supplies
1912-Vi Morris Avenue Phone 3-8665
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
LET US HELP YOU
MERCHANDISE FOR PROFIT
Jacksonville Popcorn & Candy Co.
329 E. Boy St, Jocksonville, Fla.
ROY SMITH B. J. PARRISM
65

HART BEATS
J^RS. LILLIAN CLAUGHTON of Claughton
Theatres in Miami requested that her
managers read BOX-
OFFICE's new PRO-
MOTION section for
discussion at subsequent
managers meetings.
Mrs. Claughton
has been commissioned
an ambassador - at -
large by Mayor William
M. Wolfart of
Miami for her outstanding
services to
the city.
Grover C. Schaefer
has been added to the Claughton staff as
auditor. He formerly was with RepubUc
and Eagle Lion Classics. Mrs. Claughton reported
business has fallen off in Miami the
last few weeks. She said BOXOFPICE "is
the only trade publication giving a complete
picture of the local trade territory and therefore
is invaluable to any exhibitor."
My old friend Al Wilkie of Paramount Enterprises'
advertising department, said "Storm
Warning" drew well at the Olympia Theatre.
He added, however, that it was getting
^ESirn/
VeARS OF
TRAILED MAinN&
30'
STRicKiiMD nkm GO.
220 Pharr Rd., N.L, Atlanta - Ch. S317
harder all the time to figure out what picture
would click with the public as conditions
are more uncertain now than they were
20 years ago.
• • »
C. W. Whitaker, manager of the Paramount
Theatre in Miami, took me on a personally
conducted tour of the newly redecorated
house. Whitaker recently played up Phillip
Carey in "Operation Pacific" as a local boy.
Carey attended the Miami university.
Jim Bennett, formerly of the Saul Korman
circuit of Detroit, and his wife Ella are manager
and assistant manager of the Flagler
Theatre in Miami. The theatre has been
renovated and reopened with an all-night
policy. During the remodeling program the
Bennetts installed a Cycloramic screen and
new sound and projection equipment.
Lief Ericson, assistant manager of the
Florida Theatre in Miami, will go into the
service soon.
• • •
Arthur Schwartz, former manager of the
Beach Theatre, is now in the booking department
of Paramount Enterprises at Miami.
James Barnett, manager of the Florida
Theatre in Miami, walked off with a $50 savings
bond as second prize winner in Warner
Bros.' recent "The Pretty Baby" contest. Jim
recently built up "Kim" for a two-week run
by dressing his ushers and doormen in costumes
and covering his plate-glass doors
with cutouts and stills from the picture.
Sonny Shepherd, a Wometco Theatres
top man for 25 years, showed me around the
new Miami Beach Carib. The house is a real
beauty with decorations that makes it blush
like a maiden on her first date. The house
has many unusual features with a rollback
roof over the lobby, a very attractive antique
mirror in the lobby entrance and some of
the most comfortable seats one could find
REPLACEMENT PARTS for
T
PROJECTORS-SOUND

I
with a large assortment of tropical plants and
flowers as well as many fruit trees.
• * •
The manager of the Dixie Theatre at
Goulds, Fla., was out when I called. The
assistant manager at the theatre in Perrine,
Haywood Robinson, said he was leaving soon
to go into defense work.
At the Hi-Way Theatre in South Miami,
W. F. Caudell, manager and owner, has remodeled
the front, added an attractive marquee
and cleaned up the interior with a coat
He also installed new seating. Since
of paint.
he did most of the work himself, Caudell was
forced to close down the 600-seater from
November 1 to January 1. With a large parking
lot the showcase is quite attractive for
neighborhood patronage and is rapidly gaining
back the juvenile customers. Caudell
hails from Fairmount, N. C, and says he has
not yet fully recovered from a long illness
during the early part of 1950.
• * •
George Wilby of the 27th Avenue Drive-In
at Miami showed me some of the improvements
made since the airer was opened last
May 26. He said three different churci'ies
will hold combined Easter sunrise services at
the drive-in this year. George will serve
everyone free coffee and doughnuts as he has
always believed in community effort to build
and hold patronage.
At the Hialeah Theatre, Manager David
H. Gridley showed me some of the improvements
made at the house since Claughton
Theatres took over. The showcase now has
an attractive boxoffice and lobby. Gridley
moved up to managership from assistant
manager at the Circle in Miami Springs.
• * *
L. A. Kortum, manager of the Circle Theatre
in Miami Springs, said he thought the
current cycle of war pictures was driving
patrons away from the boxoffice, since families
don't want to be reminded that their
menfolks were already on the front lines going
through the same horror that the pictures
depict. Kortum said people go to shows to
laugh and relax and ease the tension of
every day living. He said that it has become
common practice for patrons to call the theatre
to find out what the picture was about
because they had been so misled by titles
in the past.
Kortum said selling and advertising of a
picture was becoming more difficult and it
looked like house-to-house selling of pictures
might have to be done as the personal angle
and contact would help bring patrons back,
especially if the picture they came to see
was one of the better films. Kortum said it
ought to be apparent to Hollywood by now
that certain actors could only play certain
roles and should not be cast in parts which
did not fit them and which the public
resented. He thought that once better pictures
were produced on a large enough scale.
Shown above is the new boxoffice and
attraction board of the Naples Theatre,
Naples, Fla. The concrete building goes
bacli 115 feet to connect with the quonset
hut type theatre. The extension
opened last Christmas day.
the industry would have nothing to fear from
television.
* * *
George Hoover of the Paramount Theatres
has some construction ideas about theatres
and pictures. He thinks independent producers
have a chance to produce some worthwhile
pictures at prices the average theatreman
can pay and remain in the black since
the independents are not saddled with so
much overhead and might have a fresh approach,
not being bound by tradition.
The Olympia Theatre in Miami is celebrating
its 25th anniversary and Bob Daugherty,
manager, has put up in the lobby shots
of the construction and the original ad showing
the theatre opening with "The Grand
Duchess and the Waiter." Adolph Menjou
sent Bob a telegram which has been blown
up and displayed in the lobby. Daugherty
will soon celebrate his 23rd year with Paramount
as he was former city manager of
Tampa, Fla.
• * «
An old friend of mine, Edward Melniker,
former manager of Loew's Grand in Atlanta,
has purchased the Coral Way Drive-In at
Miami. He is working hard to get the theatre
in shape and has yet to put in a new attraction
board and driveway lights. Melniker has
always been a great community worker
wherever he has owned a theatre. He started
with toew's at St. Louis 224 years ago and
has managed several other important houses.
He has been living in Nashville, Tenn., for
the past two years.
* * «
I talked to Keith McComas of the Tropicaire
Drive-In at Miami who told me that his
brother Jack, who has been concession manager
there, will soon return to Kentucky.
Keith had been fishing and caught five
dolphin and several kingfish.
Theatre Tickets Given
For Traffic Violations
PRENTISS, MISS.—Theatre tickets, not
fines, were handed out to traffic violators as
Prentiss went on a week-long "traffic spree."
It all happened in the week preceding the
showing of the highway patrol's "Death on
the Highway" safety film.
Patrol Capt. A. S. Windham praised theatre
manager Dick Bryner for helping in the
success of the demonstration. Judge Frank
Gardner cooperated in issuing traffic violators
tickets to Bryner's theatre for a double
feature and the safety film. More than 2,000
saw the film and those who did not attend
were liable for the regular fines.
For POPCORN and SUPPLIES
"The Very Best at Right Prices"
A. H. Edwards Company
Phono 2-3444 20041/2 Tampa Strool
TAMPA, FLORIDA
ALLOW US TO REBUILD YOUR
PROJECTORS
RECTIFIERS
COIN CHANGERS
TICKET REGISTERS
•k
Satisfaction
LOANERS FURNISHED
Guaranteed
Don't Get Caught Short
REPLACE OR REPAIR SOUND AND PRO-
JECTION EQUIPMENT NOW WHILE
OUR STOCKS ARE COMPLETE.
UNITED THEATRE SUPPLY CORP.
110 Franklin St Tampa, Fla
Phone 2-3045
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, INC.
distributors of
Drive-In and Theatre Equipment, Also Complete Line of Supplies
1912-'^ Morris Avenue BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA Phone 3-8665
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 67

. . Malco
. . . Louise
MEMPHIS
XirilUam Collier is the new manager of
Malco's Memphian Theatre, replacing
Charles Britten . . . Capt. Edward Sneed,
booker at Monogram, has been recalled to
the army air force and has been replaced
by Patricia Bisendine . . . The Malco, a new
850-seat brick showhouse, was formally
opened at McGehee. Ark., March 6. Several
leading Memphis and Arkansas officials of
Malco Theatres attended the opening. C. B.
King is the manager. Malso has another theatre,
the Ritz, at McGehee.
William L. Spicer, owner, opened his 64
Drive-In at Russellville, Ark., March 1 ... J.
Henley Smith opened the Skylark Drive-In
at Clarksdale, Miss., February 27 . . . H. E.
Wheatley opened his Wheatley Drive-In at
Walter J. Leeper
Hot Springs March 1 . . .
set March 9 as the opening date for his
DeQueen (Ark.) Drive-In ... A. A. Tipton,
owner, reopened his New Theatre at Caraway,
Ark., March 3, rebuilt after a fire . . .
Guy Hickman closed his Royal Theatre, Atkins,
Ark., from February 27 to March 9 for
remodeling and redecorating .
Theatres
set March 7 as the reopening date for
Century Drive-In on Lamar avenue in Memphis.
Warren L. Moxley plans to reopen his
Starvue Drive-In at Blytheville, Ark., March
15 . . . Douglas Pierce opened the Jaxon
Drive-In at Jackson, Tenn., March 2.
R. L. Bostick, local manager, and salesmen
attended a two-day National Theatre Supply
NO PERFORATIONS
20% MORE LIGHT
and BETTER VISION from
EVERY SEAT!
CYCLMMIC
The FIRST
Custom Screen
'Potent applied for
Co. meeting in Atlanta . . . R. N. Wilkinson,
who has been promoted from U-I manager
here to the larger exchange at Dallas, will
join other Filmrow executives who have been
promoted to Dallas positions, including Ed
Williamson, Warner Bros.; Mark Sheridan,
20th-Fox; Norman Colquehoun, Film Classics,
and Jimmy Prichard, Monogram.
R. C. Settoon, new U-I manager, attended
a company meeting in Chicago . . . W. W.
Gilreath of RCA at Dallas was at Monarch
Theatre Supply Co. to see Neil Blount, manager
. . . Dorothy Jones and Izola Presson
are new temporary employes at Kay Film.
Mask, Luez, Bolivar, and L. J.
Denning, YMCA, Bemis, were among Tennessee
exhibitors seen on Filmrow this week.
John Davidson, office manager at Warners,
has been promoted to salesman at Atlanta,
and Glenn Calvert, booker, has succeeded
him as office manager . . . Thomas Ferris,
Shelby, Shelby; Mrs. Marvin McCuiston,
Princess, Booneville; J. M. Mounger, Mart,
Calhoun City, and J. H. Moore, Ritz, Crenshaw,
were among visiting Mississippi exhibitors.
From Arkansas came these exhibitors:
Douglas Pierce, Rand, Pocahontas; Henley
Smith, Imperial and Skylark Drive-In, Pocahontas;
Don Landers, Radio, Bebee; G. E.
Longacre, Mena, Mena; W. L. Moxley, Mox,
Blytheville; Moses Sliman, Lux, Luxora;
Orris Collins, Capitol and Majestic, Paragould
. . . S. A. Benson, Hi-Y Drive-In, Henderson.
Ky., was here on business.
Reopens Scott Theatre
ONEIDA, TENN.—Damage by fire several
weeks ago, the remodeled Scott Theatre here
was reopened by Manager Clarence Smith.
KNOXVILLE Scenic studios. Inc.
p. O. Box 1029 Knoxville, Tenn.
Contour Curtains ->< Theatre Decorating -K Stage
and Auditorium Drapes -K Murals + Rigging -(
Tracks ->< Controls -K Wall Fabrics -K Lighting
Most Modern Stage Equipment Studio in America
The Magic Screen of
The Future ... NOW
Perfect
sound transmission
Elimination of backstage
Reverberation
Perfect vision in
Rows
Better Side Vision
Front
Shutters His Theatre
'While They're Biting'
New Orleans—The Town Theatre
at Hackberry, La., owned by A. C. Bartolo,
closed for Lent on Ash Wednesday.
Bartolo, who also is a dentist, was
quoted as saying that "with so many
boys in service, mothers and families
will be rigorously observing their Lenten
obligations this year." Services were
scheduled every day in the week in the
Cameron parish church, he pointed out,
and the boxoffice take had lean prospects.
Hackberry is situated in the heart of
the fishing and oil industries where a
good many parishioners have an oil well
in their front yards and a creek in the
back. Chided by local bookers for calling
a general shutdown, the doctor observed
that he only ran two shows a
night, adding significantly that "they're
biting now."
Arkansas ITO Ass'n
Will Convene May 7
LITTLE ROCK, ARK.—The executive committee
of the Independent Theatre Owners
of Arkansas has selected May 7 through the
9th as dates for the annual convention. The
meetings will be held at the Hotel Marion
in Little Rock. Sam B. Kirby is president
of the organization.
Malco Thecrtres Faces
$10,000 Damage Suit
HOT SPRINGS, ARK.—United Jewelers
here have filed a circuit court damage suit
for $10,000 against Malco Theatres. The
jewelry company, which occupies space in
the Malco building, alleges that when the
theatre company erected a large sign the
length of the building United Jewelers lost
"the identity of its store."
The theatre marquee which was put up
last spring covers the entire front of the
building. Tlie jewelry company claims a sign
and awning belonging to it had to be removed
to allow the theatre to erect the
marquee.
The complaint charges a lease it holds on
the store space gives the exclusive right to
use the front for its own sign. The complaint
further claims that the action was taken
without the plaintiff's consent and over the
plaintiff's objections.
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Largest coveraoe in U.S. No "Net" listrings.
Highest reputation for know-how
and fair dealing. 30 years experience including
exhibition. Ask Better Business Bu.
^
reau. or our customers. Know your broker.
:
ARTHUR LEAK Theatre Specialists
[
3305 Caruth, Dallas, Texas
Telephones: EM 0238 EM 7489
CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE INVITED
Major Screen
improvement in
30 Years!
WIL-KIN THEATRE SUPPLY, INC.
Atlanto, Georgia Charlotte, North Carolina
J
"EYerything lor the theatre except film"
68
BOXOFFICE :
: March
10, 1951

MIAMI
Tack Cohn, executive vice-president of Columbia,
who was vacationing at the Boca
Raton, suggested that he'll try to arrange a
premiere of "The Barefoot Mailman" somewhere
in Florida. Theodore Pratt, author of
the book from which the film was made,
calls Boca Raton his home and presumably
would be happy to see the picture's debut
planned for near that locality . . . Candy
and Lindsay, daughters of Betty Hutton who
is working in "The Greatest Show on Earth"
in Sarasota, entertained guests at a Miami
Beach hotel with their dancing. The children
are with their father, Ted Briskin.
The Wometco neighborhoods are still playing
"Bitter Rice" with fine results . . . Variety
Club's women's committee is sponsoring
another of the fashion shows with which
they have been raising money for the children's
Featuring the Silver
hospital . . . Jubilee week at the Olympia were Kay Armen
and Lanny Ross in the stage show and "At
War With the Army," opened with the personal
appearance of Dean Martin and Jerry
Lewis . . . Excellent boxoffice was being
done by "Borscht Capades" in its sixth week
at Brandt's Roosevelt.
Samuel, Walter and Al Jacobs dedicated a
Jolson Corner in the supper room of their
Miami Beach hotel at a midnight supper
sponsored by the National Conference of
Christians and Jews. Among those present
were Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Durante and
George Jessel, who flew from New York to
attend. The $50 a plate supper was limited
to 150 persons. The Jacobses were close
friends of the late Jolson.
Phil Chakeres, Springfield, Ohio, circuit
executive, received the Look magazine award
at the Miami Variety Club. Chakeres, as
usual, is spending the winter in Miami Beach.
The Strand recently presented an "Indian
Revue" with songs and native dances . . .
The legal question of the tax classification
for exhibitors of motion pictures in Miami
Beach hotels was laid before Judge Stanley
Milledge. Exhibitors who obtained an injunction
against tax collector H. Ernest
Overstreet have deposited $150.25 in court
pending decision. They object to being termed
"itinerants" licensed at $37.75 a day and also
to being subjected to the regular theatre license
of $300.25 a year.
certs and other distractions considerably
narrows the entertainment field. With a good
product to put on the screen, he believes the
months ahead should" be good ones.
McComas' Tropicaire Drive-In will soon
complete an extensive expansion program,
with the enlargement of its refreshment
stand, the addition of seats where patrons
can be comfortable while eating and still be
able to see the screen, and the enlargement
of restrooms.
CHARLOTTE
JJal Keeter, manager for Eagle Lion Classics,
is seriously ill in Presbyterian hospital.
He suffered a heart attack at his home . . .
Jack London, Republic salesman, now is driving
a .new company Ford . . . Everett Olsen,
Paramount ad-man, is on a swing through
New Orleans and Memphis, outlining ad programs
for new releases.
Emery Wister,
Charlotte News film editor,
has been filling in on the paper's copy desk
and has been missing many trade screenings
. . . Mrs. Pauline Griffith, executive secretary
of Theatre Owners of North and South
Carolina, has been ill with a cold . . . The
Variety Club's social activities will be expanded
under a plan approved by the crew. Among
events planned are a spring festival, golf
match and dance, a picnic and an autumn
barbecue. The crew also voted to increase the
appropriation for Saturday night parties in
the clubrooms . . . Wilma
Roberts of Warners
was married recently to Heiro Taylor of
Charlotte.
Ralph W. Tippett Dies
ST. PETERSBURG—Ralph W. Tippett, 63,
died at Bay Pines hospital recently. He came
here from New Port Richey, where he managed
a theatre, two weeks before his death.
Bill McKenzie Jr. Is Married
BIRMINGHAM—W. H. "Bill' McKenzie jr.
of the Queen Feature Service here was married
February 24 to Helene Smith. The
couple honeymooned in Florida.
IT'S THE
"l/'ft/e
Things"
THAT COUnT
BELTING & BELT HOOKS
DATE STRIPS
FLASHLIGHTS & BATTERIES
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS & REFILLS
THE QUEEN
MADE TO ORDER ROLL
& MACHINE TICKETS
PROJECTOR OIL
REFLECTORS
AMPLIFIER TUBES
PHOTO CELLS
RECTIFIER TUBES
MARQUEE LETTERS
THUMB TACKS
NATIONAL CARBONS
POPCORN, SEASONING
SALT, BAGS & BOXES
FEATURE SERVICE, INC.
DISTRIBUTORS
OF
Dr'iYe-ln and Theatre Equipment, Also
Complete Line of Supplies
19121/2 Morris Avenue Phone 3-8665
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
A very important day at the Charles
Whitaker house was March 6, first birthday
of the son of the house. Whitaker is the
manager of the Paramount. The baby, born
by Caeserean section at six months, weighed
only 2 pounds 13 ounces and was kept in an
incubator for eight weeks.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
Earl Potter, manager of the Tivoli. was one
of the many local victims of the flu. Potter
feels very optimistic about summer business
in Greater Miami. He feels that, locally,
there are many incentives to go to the shows
in summer. The hot weather, for one thing,
makes a two-hour cool-off period in a theatre
a very attractive prospect to the summer
resident. The summer tourist crowd is apt
to be composed of people in lower Income
brackets who prefer movies over more elaborate
and expensive entertainment. With the
end of the winter "season," the closing of dog
tracks, horse racing, jai-alai, free band con-

MGM Manager C. J. Briant Called
Most Civic-Minded Film
NEW ORLEANS—The dean of local branch
managers, C. J. "Jimmy" Briant, has been
called America's Most
Civic - Minded Film
Worker.
An amazingly active
personality, M G M
'
s
branch manager since
1917, he has a string
of titles as president,
board chairman and
campaign director
which reads like a
Who's Who report on
a four-star general.
Jimmy is a one-man
C. J. Briant
dynamo. For instance
he handles a conference in his office, talks
long distance with New York and turns out
news to reporters without batting an eye.
When his three-ring circus tactics come
under fire, Briant's blue eyes twinkle and
he tosses it off with a simple statement:
"Oh, I don't do much ... I just get
around."
Jimmy Briant likes people and that is the
spring behind his personality. It is the reason,
too, that his pet project is teaching
Bible lessons to a group of 16-year-old boys
at the First Baptist church. When he recently
passed the ten-year mark as a Bible
teacher, Briant described his feelings this
way:
"You express your Christianity in service,
not words."
He related that he started out with 11-yearolds,
thinking that he might know a little
more than they did, then was graduated to
the 16-year Bible group.
These youngsters are a challenge to any
teacher, he adds.
"They usually have their minds on Saturday's
football game instead of Sunday's Bible
lesson."
He teaches them, Briant explained, to live
a Christian life by relating Bible lessons to
modern, everyday happenings. He points out
the application of Christian precepts to their
school work, social conduct and home life.
Briant attended public schools here and
Tulane university. Following in his footsteps
and with the same easy facility for making
friends is his son, C. J. "Bill" Briant who is
Worker
^«rf^^p^ro|

VARIETY LEADERS WILL SPEAK
AT OKLAHOMA TOA SESSION
OKLAHOMA CITY—Marc Wolf of Indianapolis,
cliief barker; R. J. O'Donnell and
W. C. McCraw of Dallas, executives of Variety
International, will be among the speakers
at the annual convention here March 25-
27 of the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma.
Following a directors meeting late Sunday
afternoon (25), Oklahoma Variety Tent 22
will host the exhibitors and other film men
present at a buffet supper.
Speakers at the Monday sessions will include
Herman Levy of New Haven, Conn.,
Theatre Owners of America counsel. C. B.
Akers of Tulsa will be in charge of an afternoon
session for exhibitors only. Wives of
exhibitors and film men at Oklahoma City
will serve as models for a style show which
will be put on by Peyton-Marcus following a
buffet dinner in the Civic room of the Biltmore
hotel. Debbie Reynolds, MGM starlet,
will emcee the show or else appear as a
model.
Later that night a reception will be held
in honor of International Variety Chief
Barker Wolf. Wolf was to be at the convention
prior to going to Tulsa to attend a Salute
to Variety to be given by the Tulsa
Chamber of Commerce March 29 in honor
of the Tulsa club members. R. J. O'Donnell
will speak at the luncheon, following an introduction
by Paul Short, district manager
for National Screen Service.
Marc Wolf R. J. O'Donnell W. C. McCraw C. B. Akers
Robert Coyne, executive counsel of COMPO,
will speak at the Tuesday afternoon session
following which the annual election will be
held. O'Donnell, Wolf, McCraw and the Rev.
W. H. Alexander, Oklahoma City evangelist,
will speak at the banquet that night.
Morris Loewenstein, TOO president who
is spearheading the convention plans, said
tickets are being sent to each theatre owner
affiliated with TOO, together with a note
urging attendance. The tickets are selling
for $10 for men, $5 for women.
Many door prizes are planned for the convention
sessions. Oklahoma Theatre Supply
will give a record player, while Goldfarb
Jewelers will donate a necklace, bracelet and
earrings to match a total value of $45. The
Goldfarb jewelry concern will be located In
the new Harber Theatre when it is completed.
The Liberty is being transformed
into the Harber by Cooper Foundation Theatres.
United Film Service, Inc., will give
$75 in cash door prizes. Manley Popcorn Co.
will give away two $25 merchandise certificates.
To be eligible for a door prize, the
exhibitor must register at the convention.
Many out-of-state convention delegates
plan to go on to Tulsa for the Salute to
Variety. R. V. McGinnis, Tulsa showman,
is helping the Chamber of Commerce there
arrange the affair. Short, who will introduce
O'Donnell at the affair, is the producer of
the film, "Variety Girl."
Planned the night of March 28 in Tulsa
is a reception to be given for the out-of-town
guests by Tulsa Downtown Theatres.
Texas Variety Club
Fetes Its Founders
DALLAS—Special tribute was paid to
charter members of the Variety Club of
Texas at a meeting held Monday (5) at the
Adolphus hotel. Eight of the original founders
who organized the club in 1936 are still
living. They are Buddy Harris, Ed Wilson,
Mike Rice, Jack Underwood, Clare Hilgers,
R. J. O'Donnell, Paul Scott and Wallace
Walthall. Of the original 11 Harold Robb,
Jack Duggar and BiU Underwood have since
died.
Speakers were R. J. O'Donnell and Claude
Ezell, who had brought the organization idea
to the original members. Wallace Walthall,
with high silk hat, pin, frock-tail coat and
large mustache, inducted new members into
the club.
Couple Own Brown-wood Drive-In
BROWNWOOD, TEX.—Former servicemen
so rash as to repay a return visit to the late
site of Camp Bowie here will be happily surprised
to find a $75,000 drive-in located at
what used to be the main entrance. The 400-
car outdoorer is operated by Mr. and Mrs.
Jack Needham and goes under the name of
Camp Bowie Drive-In.
Close Duke, Okla., Theatre
DUKE, OKLA.—The Duke Theatre here
has been closed indefinitely. No reason was
given for the shutdown.
War Scarcity TV Model
Introduced by Philco
WASHINGTON—A new television set designed
to save critical materials was demonstrated
to reporters here recently by Philco
engineers. The model uses a new type of
loudspeaker magnet which eliminates the
need for cobalt, one of the few materials
which is so scarce that it is under complete
allocation by order of NPA. The amount of
copper required is reduced by 26 per cent,
aluminum by 68 per cent, silicon steel by
58, ferrite by 51, and nickel by 15 per cent.
DofJ Not to Appeal
Griffith Lawsuit
WASHINGTON—Acting on recommendations
from the Justice department, the government
will not appeal the adverse decision
of the Oklahoma court in the Griffith antitrust
suit. The decision to drop the fight
against the southwest theatre circuit came
from the Justice department's antitrust division.
Showman Has Typical Face
ALICE, TEX.—Joel Smith, manager of the
Rex and Rialto theatres here, is beginning
to think he has the most typical face in the
world. Smith says "everywhere I go someone
thinks he knows me from somewhere else."
Once his face got him in a fight. On a happier
occasion a man tried to repay him $150
belonging to another Alice resident.
Dudley Tuckers Sell
Two Sun Theatres
OKLAHOMA CITY—Dudley Tucker and
his wife, whose theatre operations used to
keep them apart except for their booking
trips to exchanges here each Monday, now
are together again. Tucker operated the
Sun in Wynnewood and the Sun in Pauls
Valley while his wife managed their Cimarron
in Guthrie.
However, they sold the two Sun theatres
to Paul and Walsie Campbell, brother and
sister of Newkirk, and Tucker has moved
to Guthrie to be with his wife.
Campbell and his sister also have purchased
the Deal Theatre in Wynnewood from
Frank Deal, and have sold their OK in Newkirk.
William O. Kemp Dies
POTEAU, OKLA.—One of Oklahoma's veteran
showmen, William O. Kemp, died here
February 18. In theatre business here for
many years he had been in motion picture
business longer than any other person in
Oklahoma. He was operator of the Waldron
Theatre, Waldron, Ark., before coming to
Oklahoma.
Named to
Defense Job
CULLMAN, ALA.—William Griffin, local
theatre owner and councilman, has been
named chairman of the Cullman committee
on civil defense.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 sw 71

DALLAS
C M. Berry, F. R. Hansen, P. H. Morgan
and W. T. Strother, all of the Dallas
office of the National Theatre Supply Co.,
returned from a regional meeting in Atlanta
last week . . . Charles Darden of the Darden
Popcorn Co. and Harry Kaplan of the American
Printing & Poster Co. are co-chairmen
of the film industry allied concerns committee
in the Red Cross drive. James O. Cherry
of Interstate Theatres is general chairman
for the amusements industry.
Row's visitors included Mrs. Andy Sisk of
the Liberty Theatre, Louisville; Mr. and Mrs.
A. H. Cox, Cox Drive-In, Muleshoe; C. O.
Simmons, Plaza. Denton; Charles Thompson,
Grove, Blooming Grove; B. B. Sparlock,
Hawk, Hawkins; H. J. Robinson, Rancho,
Denton; Charles Cooper, Texas, Mart; R. A.
Erickson, Tower, Abilene; O. M. Kirkeby,
Mertzon; Joe L. Love, Palace, Snyder, and
Don Fuller, Roxy, San Angelo.
Also Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Grover, El Rancho,
Vernon; E. L. Walden, Crest, Seagoville;
Skeet Norrett, Sky-Vue, and Audrey Cox,
Palace, Lamesa; Gordon Bigham, Best, Holland;
Homer Hodge, State, Winters; Mrs.
Marie Burkhalter, Marine, Fort Worth; E. W.
Capp, Hi-Ho, Gainesville, and Mr. and Mrs.
H. H. Stroud, Strand, Hamilton.
Jack Crow, manager of the Delman, Dallas
suburban, said first run showing of "No Sad
Songs for Me" will begin there March 13,
with a midnight show preceding it March 10.
The Granada and Casa Linda theatres also
. . .
will begin first run engagements of the film
The Melba Theatre opened the mail
order ticket sale for the stage play, "Mister
Roberts," March 23 through 26 . . . Audie
Murphy drove out of here in a new car,
going to Hollywood for a three-month stay
. . . Leslie True, manager of Robb & Rowley
theatres in Waxahachie, visited the home
office here.
Dallas Showmen Stage
Benefit for Policeman
DALLAS—More than $1,000 was raised at
a midnight benefit stage and screen show
here Saturday (3) at the Majestic Theatre
for the family of police officer Johnny Sides,
recently killed in a gun battle here with desperadoes.
Wtih James O. Cherry, Interstate city
manager, heading the show's committee, organizations
helping were the stagehands, projectionists,
operating engineers and musicians
unions, Columbia Pictures, AGVA
and Interstate Theatres.
No expense was involved in the staging of
the show. A one-hour revue from Pappy's
Showland, Dallas night club, was given with
Pappy Dolsen as emcee. The Columbia film,
"A Yank in Korea," was shown. Tickets
were told at the Majestic Theatre and at
downtown booths operated by members of
the Junior Chamber of Commerce, of which
Sides was a member.
One DriveJn Okayed
Six Rejected by NPA
WASHINGTON—The National
Production
Authority has granted permission to Griffith
Theatres for construction of a $40,000 drivein
at Tulsa.
Among the requests denied in this area
was an application to build four drive-ins,
costing $112,000, in Pasadena and Bay City,
Tex, by Long Theatres, Inc. Also denied
were the applications of J. T. Paulsel of
Fort Worth for a $25,000 drive-in at Alpine,
Tex., and A. P. Boyet's request for a $40,000
drive-in at College Station, Tex.
Drive-In at Angleton, Tex.,
Opened by Long Circuit
ANGLETON, TEX.—The new Roundup
Drive-In has been opened here by the Long
circuit. Many local merchants cooperated
with the theatre by giving out passes for the
opening.
Both the Angelton Theatre and the new
drive-in are under the supervision of Bob
Dexter, city manager for Long.
Theatre Gets Facelifting
BUFFALO, OKLA.—The month-long remodeling
job on the Buffalo Theatre has
been completed. Jack Taylor, manager, said
the lobby and front have been repainted
and new carpeting installed. A new screen
and new projection equipment had been installed
earlier.
Tlice' Strong in Houston
HOUSTON — After three record-breaking
weeks at the River Oaks, Interstate's suburban
art house, "Bitter Rice" has been moved
downtown to the Kirby Theatre for additional
playing time. The first week at the River
Oaks, incidentally, was during a stretch of
sub-freezing weather.
pj:^
Carmen Dragon is writing the musical
score for the MGM film, "The Law and Lady
Loverly."
FlUUC
CANT BE BEA-J
^m
for SPEED &
QUALITY
'^
^
CHAS. E.
DARDEN & CO., INC.
308 SOUTH HARWOOD DALLAS, TEXAS
BOX 2207 PHONE RIVERSIDE 6134
lOUIPMlNT DISPLAY SALIS
MOUStON POrCO»N ( lOUIPMENT CO. Otll* tH€AT«l SUfPir
I3I> rAlMEl ST. }|4 i. lltEITY
HOUSTON, TEXAS NEW OIliANS. lA.
OKIAHOMA T:4EATRE SUPPIY CO.
6J9 W CtANO OKIAHOMA CITr. OKIA
WAREHOUSES
HOUSTON BEAUMONT
1315 Palmw Strtll SSO Mdn SUitl
LUBBOCK
702 Ttxu StrMt
CHICAGO . NEW YORK
1327 S. Wabash *

'Air Cadet' Will Open
In San Antonio 14th
SAN ANTONIO—"Air Cadet" (U-I) will be
given a formal opening here March 14 at
the Majestic with the cooperation of the air
force. Planes will fly overhead, air cadets
will march and the air force orchestra from
Washington will appear on the stage.
A series of Texas openings will follow, including
the Palace, Dallas, March 15; the
Worth, Port Worth, March 17; the State,
Galveston, and others in Houston and other
Texas cities.
Special air force exhibits are to be set up
in theatre lobbies. Peggy Castle, feature
player, will appear.
Will Open in Dallas March 15
DALLAS—Interstate Theatres began making
plans for the opening in the Majestic
here of "Air Cadet" the day after its world
premiere in San Antonio March 14.
'Cyrano' coid 'Mister'
Score 110 at Dallas
DALLAS — Best scoring was done by
"Cyrano de Bergerac" at the Dallas and "Call
Me Mister" at the Palace, both hitting a
In second weeks, "Manon" and "I'd
good 110.
Climb the Highest Mountain" held to healthy
scoring.
(Average Is 100)
Coronet Manon (Discina) 2nd wk 105
Dallas—Cyrano do Bergerac (UA) 110
Maiestic—The Steel Helmet (LP) 85
Melba—The Milkman (U-I) 65
Palace—Call Me Mister (20th-Fox) 110
Rialto I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (20lh-Fox),
2nd d. t. wk 100
Tower—Three Husbands (UA) 65
Incorporate Osage Theatres
CORPUS CHRISTI—Osage Drive-In Theatre,
Inc., was granted a charter of incorporation
February 13. Capital stock was
listed at $10,000. Incorporators are lone
Miller, Lester Miller and C. W. Kyle.
Burglars at Morley Theatre
BORGER, TEX.—An undetermined amount
of money was reported stolen from the Morley
Theatre reecntly. Ed Lee said the two
sacks of money taken contained Sunday receipts.
Former Theatreman
Now in
Fur Business
OKLAHOMA CITY—A former Oklahoma
theatreman, Bud Waldron, has forsaken
his first love for the breeding and
selling of chinchillas at his Wes-Ten Imperial
chinchilla ranch here.
Waldron went into the chinchilla-raising
business last May, and his ranch is
the first of its kind in Oklahoma City.
Claiming his new business gives both
"pleasure and real profit" Waldron is now
completing plans to exhibit a pair of his
prize chinchillas at the forthcoming Theatres
Owners of Oklahoma convention set
for March 26, 27 at the Biltmore hotel.
Waldron formerly owned the Rex Theatre
at Sentinel, Okla., the Elk Theatre in
Italy, Tex., and the Waldron in Cherryvale,
Kas.
Film Fans Demand
Authentic Settings
From Southeast Edition
NEW ORLEANS—Among Hollywood celebrities
in town for Mardi Gras was a motion
picture director who came to capture atmosphere
and was scouring the town for long
underwear. Mitchell
Leisen smiled goodnaturedly
as he recounted
for reporters
the "cold reception"
he received in New
Orleans. He brought
only light - weight
clothing and was
scheduled to attend
a ball that night (2)
in the huge, drafty
Municipal auditorium.
"On top of that
something happened
to the heating system
at the hotel and
Mitchell Leisen
my room is like a refrigerator,"
he added, shivering as he walked
into the lobby to hold a press conference.
Leisen, who has to his credit the direction
of such outstanding pictures as "Frenchmen's
Creek," "Captain Carey, U.S.A." and "The
Mating Season," is interested in making a
picture with a New Orleans background.
"Not just the Mardi Gras," he pointed out.
"That would be too much of a costume picture.
I would like to feel the attitude of the
city first by seeing it, then use it as a setting."
His reason for wishing to see the city firsthand,
he said, is that he never likes to make
a film concerning a locality which he has
never seen. That, he disclosed, is one of the
tricks of the trade.
"Since the war there are five million guys
who have been there," explained the director,
indicating any place on the map a director
might attempt to use as a setting. "Think
how the director would feel if these fellows
see a picture and say, What's this, the guy's
crazy."
Fighting men who have lived in different
parts of the world, he believes, are to a great
extent responsible for the film Industry's
search for authenticity.
"People who have been there like to see the
setting right . . . those who haven't like to
do their traveling on the screen."
Leisen planned to see all the sights of interest
while here as well as taste the Creole
cooking for which the city is famous. On
Mardi Gras day (6) he was presented a key
to the city by Mayor Chep Morrison.
Theatre at San Antonio
To Sponsor Hospital Show
SAN ANTONIO—Ken Lemke, exploitation
and publicity director for the Josephine Theatre,
said that the house would put on a big
show for bed patients at Brooke army hospital.
Ft. Sam Houston.
The show will consist of a name band and
many acts. Lemke also said that the theatre
is doing its best to entertain the boys that
have been fighting in Korea. The Josephine
entertains most of the soldiers, but there are
quite a few who can not leave the hospital.
Lemke decided that for those that cannot
make it to the theatre, the entertainment
will be taken to the hospital.
You Have the FINEST
'
in a GRIGGS Chair!
Self-Rising
Seat
See Forrest Dunlap
in our Dallas office, 2008
Jackson Street
Riverside 3595
Griggs All-Star chairs
liave proven popular
witli Exhibitors all
There is comfort
and dirrability in
every chair. Center
standards are solid
steel from arm to
floor. Seal self-rising.
See onel
Gtiigs_,
TIIEiTRE
Or Call. Wire or Write (or Samples and New Catalog.
G R 1 G G S ^ ^
* ^^^
COMPANY
BEITOMEXAS
POPCORN HITS FRONT PAGE
BIGGEST SHOW-BIZ MAGAZINE
Following is reprint from front page January 24,
VARIETY:
Popcorn Pays Off
Friends of a Nebraska theatreman are judging
him to be a shrewd business man as well as a
good guy.
To celebrate a recent anniversary he ran a
free show all day. Film rental for the party
cost him $17.50. His guests bought $32 worth
of
popcorn.
The Biggest Name in
Popcorn
P. A. (Bob) WARNER
Southern Division Manager
2013 Young St. Dallas, Tex.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 73

SAN ANTONIO
. . Jack Walker- is here
•Tom Sumncrs, manager of the Josephine,
returned from a trip to Houston . . .
Manager Buck Weaver of the Hi-Park Drivein
said the youngsters attending the show
have lots of fun with the free Shetland pony
rides at the ozoner . . . Bob D. Shelton, former
manager of the Highland, is new skipper
at the Uptown .
from Uvalde and now is managing the Highland.
Jack White h new assistant manager at the
Uptown . . . P. W. Zimmerman, theatreman
and mayor of San Marcos, said he would not
b2 a candidate for that office in the forth-
A PROVEN
ROADSHOW
BREAKING RECORDS
COAST TO COAST
Playing the Nation's
Top Circuits.
A unit is playing
your territory now.
Write, Wire or Phone!
MACK'S ENTERPRISES
700 West Grand,
Oklahoma City, Okla.
SELL
YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
* .
Largest coverage in U.S. No "Net" liftingi.
Highest reputation for know-how I
2nd fair dealing. 30 years experience in- f
eluding exhibition. Asit Better Business Eu
reau, or our customers. Know your broker.
ARTHUR LEAK Theotre Specialists
3305 Caruth. Dallas, Texas
Teechones; EM 0238 - EM 7489
CONFIOENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE INVITED
WE HAVE

I
Ben Cockrell Denver,
Buys Out Gamble
INDIANAPOLIS—Ben Cockrell, president of
Denham Theatres in Denver and a former
Indiana theatreman, last week (4) purchased
the controlling interest in four downtown
theatres here from Gamble Enterprises of
New York. The theatres are the Indiana,
Circle, Lyric and Keiths.
The minority interest is held by the Fourth
of Louisville.
Avenue Amusement Corp.
Cockrell will move here soon to take over
as president of Greater Indianapolis Amusements
Corp., operator of the four houses.
Cockrell operated theatres in Indiana from
1919 to 1929. He was president of the Associated
Theatres of Indiana, now Allied Theatre
Owners of Indiana, in 1926 and 1927,
when his headquarters was at New Castle.
Town
Larry Spalding 111;
Start May Be Delayed
FLORA. ILL.—The opening of the 500-seat
VARIETY HEART CENTER STARTS
—The heart diagnosis clinic sponsored
by Variety Tent 14 in connection with
the Marquette university medical school
at Milwaulcee, has started operations. In
the photo Robert Tice, the first patient,
is having blood samples taken at the
center with Dean Joseph Hirschlioeck,
left, of the medical school on the job and
Hugo Vogel, chief barker of Tent 14,
looking on. Vogel operates the Theatre
Equipment & Supply Co. on Filmrow.
new Town Theatre may be delayed by
the critical illness of one of its owners, Larry
Spalding, who is confined to a hospital here
'^^iifllofl^' f* 31 tie 1 Qfl
after suffering a heart attack Monday (26). ITlUlllClilv UullliJ LOU
The new theatre will be a unit of the Flora _ _ „_ ^ 1% 1
Amusement Co., which also owns and oper- T|» TfC | hlftflffn TiPnIll
ates the Plorine, 700 seats, and the Roxy, "^ "^ UlllUayU l^CU Ul
360 seats here. CHICAGO—"The Mudlark" bowed in strong
While there has been no definite announce- at the Ziegfeld Theatre and a twin bill, "Al
ment from the Spaldings as to what dis- Jennings of Oklahoma" and "A Yank In
position is to be made of the Roxy at 103 Korea," did fair in a first week at the State-
West North Ave., it has been rumored that Lake. "September Affair," with Guy Mitchell
it may be closed when the Town goes into and Ken Griffin on stage, had a good secoperation
and leased to some other business ond week at the Oriental, while the Chicago,
enterprise. In addition to Larry, the Flora with "Operation Pacific" and a stage show
Amusement Co. is owned by J. E. "Uncle headed by Connie Russell, did fair in a sec-
Red" Spalding and Buck Spalding.
ond week.
(Average Is 100)
Chicago—Operation Paciiic (WB), plus stage
John KoletiS Is President Gr^aiid^Th"e Crooin wore spurs (U-i)7Melody
-^ - . — , -1^ . — ^m^ Time (RKO), reissue 105
Ol Memri Drive-In COrO. Oriemal—Septemter Aacdr (Para), plus stage
^ show, 2nd wk 120
ROCK ISLAND, ILL.—John G. Koletis of Palace—Cry Danger (RKO); Boy From Indiana
( ELC) y5
Rock Island has been named president of RooseveiV-SugarfootiWBiriBiue mood (Mono) .. 95
Memri Drive-In, Inc., a newly formed COrp- Selwyn—Cyrano de Bergerac (UA), 6th wk.
oration. The drive-in was formerly operated stat'e-Lake^AYeirftiii Korea TCoirrXlI^
by Independent Amusements, Inc., which will of Oklahoma (Col) 105
... ,, i. J n ,
United Artists—The Company She Keeps (RKO);
contmue to own the property and will lease xhe Second Face (ELC), 2nd wk. 95
it to the new corporation. Other corporation }JC°°^—
,^° Yesterday (Col), 6th wk. 120
... T J »T T, 1. «« 1- World Playhouse—BiHer Hice Lux), 7th wk 115
officers are, Isadore N. Brotman, Mohne, Ziegfeld—The Mudlark (20th-Fox) 130
vice-president; Barney Brotman, Rock Island, «
secretary; Sam B. Shlaes, Rock Island, treasurer.
Opening date for the Memri Drive-In 'Bitter Rice' Bows at Keiths
has been set tentatively for April 6.
With 210 Per Cent
Another corporation will be formed soon INDIANAPOLIS-Local first runs did exto
operate the Semri, new drive-in also owned
cellent busmess here, with "Bitter Rice" leadby
Independent Amusements. i^S the film bills, grossing 210 in its opening
at Keiths. "Three Guys Named Mike," playing
nine days at Loew's, made 130 per cenf.
New Ticket Plan Started
whUe Pee wee King and his stage unit, play-
„^ ^^ ,,^TT„TT^^ TTT rm, T,
• rm, t ^'^^S ou thc samc bill with the film, "The Mis-
BLUE MOUNDS, ILL.—The Fix Theatre . „ „ j „„„ t 4.,. t .
., i i ^-.c i. , J sourians," made 220 at the Lyric,
•'
recently put mto effect a new plan under
which a box of tickets purchased for $1 will
S^?^-i"J?a'-,r''^l '^tlr "(^Oth'rx"," ^rulii'^DTa."'
provide the same number of shows as $1.20 (RKO) UO
would obtain at the regular daily rate. The l^::^^'^J!f'^,,.^m.riuGH)r'R^^^°
$1 tickets are good Monday through Friday. enue Agent (Col) 130
Lyric—The Mi^souricms (Rep), plus stage show ....220
Build New Sparta Drive-In
SPARTA, MO.—R. L. Honeyman of Springfield,
Mo., has started construction of a
drive-in near here. He expects to have the
theatre in operation by April 1.
BOXOmCE March 10, 1951
Form Wisconsin Corporation
JEFFERSON, WIS.—The Jefferson
Theatre
Corp. has been formed with a capital
stock of 100 shares of common by Sidney
N. Leshin, Lesie Roth and Monte Ogens.
85 Drive-Ins Gel Ready
In St. Louis Territory
ST. LOUIS—Owners of 85 drive-ins in this
territory are busy checking and rehabilitating
the equipment, concessions, buildings,
etc., for reopening late in March or early
in April.
The severe winter, the worst in many years
in this section, caused considerable damage
to roads and ramps. Frequent thaws and
rains followed quickly by extremely cold
weather caused extensive frost damage. High
winds also damaged fences and buildings.
However, apparently all of the screen towers
and the projection booths weathered the
storms without damage.
A number of the drive-ins again will be
used by religious organizations for Easter
Sunday sunrise services.
Republic Managers Meet
For Confab in Chicago
CHICAGO—James R. Grainger, Republic
executive vice-president in charge of sales
and distribution, presided over a company
sales meeting at the Blackstone hotel here
last Saturday and Sunday (3, 4). Among
those attending the sessions were branch
managers A. H. Fisher, Chicago; Bernard
Brager, Indianapolis; Jack G. Frackman,
Milwaukee; J. E. Loeffler, Minneapolis; R. F.
Withers, Kansas City; Harry Lefholtz,
Omaha; Paul Webster, Des Moines, and Nat
E. Steinberg, St. Louis.
Following the meeting here, Grainger went
to San Francisco, making stopovers in Los
Angeles, Portland and Seattle before returning
to his New York office in about three
weeks.
'Better Movie' Campaign
Carried On by Supplier
CHICAGO—The Theo B.
Robertson Products
Co., local manufacturers of antiseptics,
soaps and sanitary supplies, has started attaching
stickers with copy reading: "For
complete enjoyment there is nothing better
than a movie" to all outgoing mall, including
invoices and statements.
T. B. Robertson, president of the firm, said
that he believed other suppliers also are
working on ideas to revive interest of the
public in patronizing motion picture theatres.
Acquire 'Rice' Rights
CHICAGrO—Charles Teitel, sales manager
for A. Teitel Film Co., has acquired distribution
rights for "Bitter Rice" in the Chicago,
Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Indiana
territories from Lux Film Corp. of New York.
Teitel also has acquired from Lux distribution
rights for "Paris Waltz," "Mafia," "Oh,
Amelia!" "Flight Into France" and "The
Earth Cries Out."
National Guard Free Guests
MOUNT CARMEL, ILL.—Members of the
national guard stationed here were guests of
Keith Coleman, owner of the American Theatre,
at a 2 p. m. showing of "A Yank in
Korea" on a recent Sunday. The guardsmen
marched to the theatre from the Mount Carmel
Armory and occupied special seats reserved
for them.
75

. . The
ST.
LOUIS
. . . Larry Spalding was
Wince Schomaker of Centralia has purchased
a half interest In the Triangle Film
Co. states rights distributor in this area,
from Cliff Mantle
critically ill in a hospital at Flora, 111. . .
Sam Pirtle underwent an operation at Missouri
Baptist hospital here, and was reported
doing satisfactorily . . Bob .
Jones,
MGM salesman in southern Illinois, resigned,
effective March 17, to join a theatre circuit
in
Detroit.
Tom Baldwin, partner in the Mount Ver-
Drive-In, became father of a baby
non (111.)
son. The Baldwins have three daughters . . .
Mrs. Ciro Pedrucci, wife of the vice-presi-
Save
HIGHER GROSS RETURN
ON
MANLEY'S
Popcorn Supplies
ALSO
COMPLETE STOCK AT CONVENIENT
ST.
PICKUP LOCATION
ON
LOUIS FILM ROW
3138 Olive
J. G. MACKIE
Manley Representative
NE 7644
EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE
Personalized Service
SL Louis Theatre Supply Company
Arch Hosier
33in Olive Street. St. Louis 3. Mo.
Telephone lEtierson 7974
dent of the Frisina circuit, was in a hospital
at Springfield . . . Warner Moxley, owner
of the Starview Drive-In near Blytheville,
Ark., and the Chicksaw and Savoy theatres
there, has purcha.sed a truck line running
out of Memphis to Blytheville and other
Arkansas points.
The territory supervised by Mike J. CuUen,
division manager for Loew's here, was considerably
enlarged after the death in Atlanta
of Allen Sparrow, southern division manager.
The Cullen area now includes Atlanta, Memphis,
Nashville, New Orleans and Houston
. . . Harry Arthur, president of Fanchon &
Marco, left for Los
MGM manager,
Angeles . . . Herb Bennin,
and wife left for a threeweek
vacation in Florida.
Jean Engle, booker, and Eugenia Dolan,
Mary Ann Winter and Larry Williams were
off ill at MGM . . . Dean Davis, West Plains
exhibitor who has been a leader in wild life
conservation for years, attended a conservation
conference in Milwaukee . Ambassador
Bldg. Co., owned by Charles and
George Skouras and Clarence Turley, has
contributed $10,000 to a $2,000,000 fund
pledged by businessmen to finance a slum
clearance program.
Exhibitors on Filmrow: Bill Williams,
Union, Mo.; Gus Boemler, North Alton; Mrs.
Regina Steinberg, Madison; Tom Baker,
Bunker Hill; Marco Wolf, Fanchon & Marco;
Paul Stehman, Winchester; Rae McRae,
Camp Point; Clyde Hogg, Poplar Bluff, and
his daughter; Wayne Smith, Herrin, and his
wife; Herman Tanner, Vandalia, and Buzz
Magarian, East St. Louis.
. . .
The Arcadia and Elks theatres at Olney,
111., collected $359 for the March of Dimes
... A spring style show, sponsored by the
Ryan Style store, was presented at the Salem
theatre in conjunction with "The Petty Girl"
Some 2,000 dairy farmers attended a
session of the Sanitary Milk Producers Ass'n
of Southern Illinois held in the Lincoln
Theatre at Belleville, 111.
Leo Keller, Columbia Amusement Co., at
Paducah, Ky., who has been visiting his
mother in Los Angeles, became ill and entered
a hospital there . . . William Powell,
Midwest drive-In Theatres district manager,
urged increased use of television in a
The Lustiest Box-Office FIGURE in Years! Now in its Fourth
Sensational Month at the World Playhouse, Chicago.
SILVANA MANGANO
"Nothing Short of a Sensation!—N. Y. Times"
SHOWMAN FETED BY YMCA—Dominic
Giachetto, vice-president of the
Frisina Theatre circuit, Springfield, 111.,
was given a, citation for "meritorious
public service" for his work as Big Boss
of the annual membership drive. Under
Giachetto's direction the drive secured
a total of 1,506 memberships, 305 over the
goal. The roundup was conducted western
style and Giachetto is shown at right
above in his full cowboy regalia receiving
the award, from Carl Stair, left, general
secretary of the YMCA in Springfield.
speech at the KMTA drive-in conference at
Kansas City last week.
. . . Back from
Jack Kane, United Artists manager, and
members of his sales staff were in Kansas
City for a sales conference
Florida vacations were Mr. and Mrs. Lester
Kropp, Wehrenberg Theatres, and Mr. and
Mrs. James Tappella, Ivanhoe Theatre . . .
Harold Wirthwein, western sales manager for
Monogram-Allied Artists, was here Monday
through Wednesday last week.
Irvin Dubinsky, Savannah, Mo., who is a
partner in the Esquire at Cape Girardeau,
and the Altwood Drive-In near East Alton,
has entered a St. Joseph hospital for a minor
operation.
D. B. Stout Buys Drive-In
Near Charleston, Mo.
CHARLESTON, MO.—D. B. Stout of Cairo
has purchased from Selmer Campbell, retired
farmer, the 350-car drive-in which has
been under construction near here since last
September. Stout, who is owner of the Uptown
Theatre, Cairo, and the Arlee in Arlington,
Ky., has closed a deal with National
Theatre Supply Co. at St. Louis to equip the
drive-in with Simplex projectors and sound
equipment.
Lakeside Gets Facelifting
CHICAGO—The Lakeside Theatre at 4730
Sheridan Road, a Balaban & Katz house,
has undergone a recent facelifting. The front
of the theatre has been rebuilt and the boxoffice
moved from the center to the side.
795/ Academy Award Nominee
NOW BOOKING IN CHICAGO, INDIANAPOLIS,
MINNEAPOLIS ond MILWAUKEE TERRITORIES.
— Special Representatiye —
A. T E I T E L FILM CO.
410 So. Michigan Ave. Chicago 5, Illinois Phone HA 7-2300
CARPET?

. . . Jean
Drive-In Near Waukegan
Forced Into Receivership
WAUKEGAN, ILL.—George May has been
named receiver for the Highway Amusement
Enterprises, Inc., operators of the Highway
Outdoor Theatre here, and four other defendants
in a mechanics lien proceeding.
Listed as co-defendants in the $65,000
mechanics lien proceedings are the Midwest
Theatre Service & Equipment Co.; Irvin S.
Karlin, architect and secretary of the operating
corporation; John Selby, screen erection
engineer, and Staben and Hooper, consulting
engineers. May will safeguard the
assets of the firms bringing liens against the
theatre property which was constructed last
fall.
Continues Without Lease
ST. LOUIS—The King Bee Theatre, a 750-
seat neighborhood house which had been
operated several years by Marvin Bank under
a lease, now is being run by the building
owner, Ben Pautler, who took over March 1.
Bank did not wish to extend his lease and
made a deal with Pautler to continue active
operation. Pautler for some years was associated
with Mike Nash, a pioneer local
exhibitor in the operation of the King Bee,
one of the first neighborhood houses in that
section of St. Louis. It is a section that is
passing through a population transformation,
from whites exclusively to a large proportion
of Negroes.
Staff Member Turns Author
CHICAGO—Charlotte B. Chorpenning of
the Goodman Theatre in the Loop has turned
playwright. She has written a play for children
on Abraham Lincoln's early life. The
production will play for weekend engagements
through March 24.
FlUUC
CAN'T BE BEAX
for SPEED & ^
QUALITY '
'm
CHICAGO ^ NEW YORK
1327 S. Wabash * 619 W. 54th St
»wH
EQUIPMENT
MID-WEST THEATRE
SUPPLY COMPANY, Inc.
Brenkert Projection Equipment — Ideally
Suited for Drive-In Theatres.
448 North Illinois Sf.
Riley - 5655. Indianapolis. Ind.
Twenty-four hour service
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
INDIANAPOLIS
J^rs. Iva Moore, operator of the Orpheum,
Mitchell, is recovering from a severe
William Conway,
attack of influenza . . .
operator of the Irvin, Cannelton, returned
from an extended vacation in Florida . . .
Rosamond Parliment, secretary to the office
manager at RKO, has been promoted to
Jack Piatt, general
assistant cashier . . .
sales manager, RCA Corp., was a business
visitor
at Midwest Theatre Supply Co.
The father of Eddie Omstein, Marengo,
confined to a Louisville hospital . . United
is
.
Film Booking Service now is buying and
booking for the East Drive-In at Terre Haute
and the Family Drive-In at Evansville . . .
Louis Chowning, booker and buyer for
Sky-
Air Drive-In at Madison, has opened a radio
and television establishment at Madison . . .
While Herman Morgan, salesman for Realart,
was talking business to Earl Payne in
the Switow office in Louisville, Earl accidentally
dropped a cigaret in his waste basket,
causing a blaze and damaging the container.
The Colosseum of motion picture salesmen
local loge was to meet March 10 in
the Hotel Antlers to complete arrangements
for its second annual dinner dance in May
Brennan has joined the 20th -Fox
office personnel as stenographer in the booking
department . . . Exhibitors seen on Filmrow
were Floyd Morrow, Shively; Walter
Weil, Greenfield; J. Whitley, Kokomo; Ed
Campbell, Buechel, Ky.; Bruce Kixmiller,
Bicknell; Kathryn Fettig, Connersville, and
Matt Scheidler, Hartford City.
Film Starts Theatre Fire
TWO RIVERS, WIS.—Only slight damage
resulted when film caught fire at the Rivoli
Theatre here during a recent Sunday performance.
The blaze was quickly extinguished
by the local fire department. The
picture was stopped for only a short time
and there was no panic among the patrons.
St. Louis Annex Passes
ST. LOUIS— J. P. Murphy, owner of the
Annex, a 560-seat theatre at 8006 Gravois
Rd. which was closed recently, has leased
the structure to the Twentieth Century Auction
Co., which occupied the structure this
week.
Give Passes to Winners
LANSING, ILL.—Ten winners in a recent
"Atom Man vs. Superman" coloring contest
conducted by the Lans Theatre here have
been awarded passes by Charles Kloepfer,
manager.
Admission Prices Hiked
ST. CROIX FALLS, WIS. — Admission
prices at the Auditorium Theatre here have
been increased from 44 to 50 cents for adults.
Children's prices remain at 15 cents.
Don Roads to McLeansboro
McLEANSBORO, ILL. — Don Roads of
Carrollton has succeeded Jimmy Blades, resigned,
as manager of the McLean Theatre.
DRIVE-INS/
Place
\\f
Orders NOW for
TECA
rr
In-The-Car SPEAKERS
Teca's broad line affords a speaker
to fit your budget! There is a model
for every situation. Hurryl Place
your order today to assure delivery!
Teca spealcers were the sensation of
the 1950 convention, where they functioned
perfectly under the punishing
steam tank.
Write for
FREE LITERATURE
THERTRE EqUIPRIERT Co.
miCHIGIIII
ADAMS 8107
IS IT ACTION YOU WANT?
Possibly more theatres are sold through our
offices in the areas in which we operate thon
most other mediums combined. No listing
fee—Multiple service.
HABRY BUCK
8040S Pence BIdg.,
Minneapolis 2. Minn.
HAHRY SAVEREIDE
509 Securities BIdg.
Des Moines 9, Iowa
H. M. COPELAND HARRY BUCK
1012 Baltimore. Suite 415 1217 Blum BIdg.
Kansas City, Mo. Ciiicago 5. Illinois
SAVEREIDE THEATRE BROKERS
Largest fxc/osiVe Theatre Brokers in America
THE>W^E EQUIPMENT
442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANA
Drive-In Theatre Equipment
JOE HORNSTEIN has
3330 OUve LVcas 2710 St. Louis
it.
77

CHICAGO
Dube Levlne will open his 54 Drive-In on
route 54 Kankakee Marclj 23 . . . Irving
Mack left for an eastern business trip . . .
Eddie Solomon, former 20th-Pox exploiteer
here and recently on the coast, stopped over
for a visit with the B&K staff. He was en
route to New York to take over as assistant
to Rodney Buch, 20th-Fox exploitation chief
. . . Will DsVry and his wife have returned
from an auto tour of Mexico.
J. S. Arjrus jr. of Argus Ticket Co. is back
on the job after an extended stay in Florida
. . . Confection Cabinet Co., venders for
RKO and Warner circuits, opened temporary
quarters here and is bringing supplies from
Milwaukee for Chicago theatres . . . James
R. Grainger, vice-president in charge of sales
for Republic, was here for a conference
with branch managers from eight exchanges.
He left for the west coast. Members of the
armed forces in uniform are being admitted
free to the Clark Theatre to see "Salerno
Beachhead" and "The Fighting SulUvans."
. . . Sylvan
Roy Disney, president of Walt Disney studios,
and his wife came in from the west
coast, then left for New York
Goldfinger, district manager, Telenews Theatres,
has returned from an Arizona trip . . .
A new company has been organized to operate
the Bertha Theatre. Bettie Mitchell is
president and treasurer and Dan C. Paleologis
is secretary and manager . . . Burtus Bishop
jr., MGM division manager, returned from
a western business trip.
Albert S. Hecht has joined the candy sales
division of the Universal Match Corp. Chicago
headquarters staff . . . The Emboyd

Stench Bombs Tossed
In Louisville Scoop
LOUISVILLE—Two stench bombs and a
brick recently were tossed through a boxoffice
window at the Scoop Theatre here,
scene of a three-week-old labor dispute.
Scoop Manager Lloyd Mills told police that
a bellboy from a nearby hotel said the missiles
were thrown from a moving automobile
at 3 a. m. The boxoffice window and
door and a display case were shattered at
the downtown first run house.
It was the second stench bomb incident at
the theatre, which has been picketed by the
lATSE since late in February. A bomb was
exploded in the theatre auditorium on a Saturday
night when the theatre was filled with
patrons.
Mills charged that his assistant had been
"beaten up" and his car tires punctured since
the labor wrangle flared. John P. Flaherty,
business agent for the Local 163, said that
the union had never perpetrated violence
against the theatre or its manager. The
union called its strike after Mills said he
planned to reduce the projection crew from
four to three men. He offered $87 a week
to each projectionist working singly 30 hours
a week. The union demands $85 for four
projectionists working in double crews 45
hours a week.
After the union called the strike, Mills
continued operating the theatre with nonunion
boothmen. He said the union had
refused to submit the matter to arbitration.
Meantime, boothmen at all local theatres
have been working since September 1 without
contracts, which were delayed pending
settlement of a motion picture-television issue.
Union operators want jurisdiction when
and if televised films are shown in theatres.
Bonk Check Nite Deal
Receives Copyright
INDIANAPOLIS — Affiliated
Advertising
Distributors, distributors of copyrighted theatre
business stimulant deals since 1935, including
bank night and Lucky Name, have
received a copyright for Bank Check Nite,
which it is claimed will be legal in situations
where bank night has been banned. The
register number is AA-173849.
Maurice Gordon Heads
Ecorse Drive-In Firm
Cleveland—The Ecorse Drive-In, a
1,100-car situation at suburban Ecorse
near Detroit, is owned by Allied Drive-In,
Inc., of Cleveland, headed by Maurice
Gordon. A photo of the Ecorse in the
February 17 edition of BOXOFFICE incorrectly
read that the builder was Community
Theatres of Detroit.
Gordon also is head of Ohio Drive-In
Theatres, Inc., which operates the Miles
Drive-In, a 1,000-car situation near Cleveland.
Ben Wachnansy, who at one time was
booker for Allied and Ohio Drive-In Theatres,
left the circuit more than two years
aga
BOWLING
DETROIT—Allied held a narrow one-game
lead over Co-op in the Film Bowling league.
High scorers in the 200 club were Ford 200-
204, Lamb 203. Standings:
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
Allied 19 9 Monogram 14 14
Co-op 18 10 RKO 11 17
Theatrical 16 12 Republic 10 18
UA 14 14 S4G .10 18
DETROIT—In the Nightingale club, Altec
and National Carbon remained tied for first
as each won three games. Bill Gagnon, with
a 138 average, helped National Carbon with
a big 223 game in a 525 series. Brenkert beat
Ernie Forbes for three and National Theatre
Supply split with McArthur Equipment.
Standings
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
Altec 49 35 Brenkert 43 41
Natl Carbon .. .49 35 Nafl Supply 39 45
Ernie Forbes .44 40 Local 199 37 47
McArthur 44 40 Lorenzen _ .30 51
High games: W. Gagnon 223, G. Light 210,
Thompson 207-203, Waddell 204, Forest 200.
James Cagney in 'Fill the Cup'
James Cagney will star in "Come Fill the
Cup," Warner drama with a newspaper background.
'Tax-Anything' Repeal
Asked in Harrisburg
HARRISBURG—Introduced into general
assembly is a bill seeking repeal of the 1947
"tax anything" law. The measure, offered
by Louis Rovansek. Conemaugh, and Raymond
E. McDermitt, Johnstown, would wipe
out the so-called home rule tax law (1947),
which broadened the base of local taxation
by allowing municipalities and school districts
to tax anything the state doesn't tax,
except coal which was excluded in a test case
by the supreme court.
More than 1,025 units of local government
within the state are using this law to supplement
their revenue. Political subdivision
taxes on amusements and earned incomes,
among various other types of taxes, are collected
in hundreds of cities, boroughs, townships
and school districts because of the
enabhng act (481). Originally proposed and
enacted to give assistance to political subdivisions
that were in financial trouble, one
third of the state's districts eligible for home
rule are taking advantage of it. Opponents
state that where the act is in force these
political governments have not economized.
A fourth attempt to legalize pari-mutuel
horse race betting has been launched in the
legislature. Church forces immediately set
out to defeat the bill.
The Pittsburgh school board has asked the
legislature for new taxes designed to produce
an additional $2,000,000 in revenue next
year. A one-half per cent income levy is
among four proposals.
Matthew Daniels Named
PITTSBURGH—Matthew Daniels has been
named office manager at the United Artists
Pittsburgh exchange by Nat Nathanson, eastern-Canadian
sales manager. Daniels has
been in the home office playdate department.
He replaces J. Patterson, who resigned.
Shelley Winters and Farley Granger will
star in RKO's "Behave Yourself."
Ticket Tax crt Canonsburg
CANONSBURG, PA.—The borough council
here enacted a 5 per cent tax on amusements
and amusement devices and at the same time
amended its wage income tax to include a
1 per cent tax on nonresidents deriving income
from labor in Canonsburg. The two
theatres in Canonsburg are owned and
operated by Fred A. Beedle, president of
Allied MPTO of Western Pennsylvania. Burgess
Fred A. Caruse stated that he would
veto the wage levy.
Mrs. Rachael Congney Dies
CLEVELAND—Mrs. Rachael Cangney, 87-
year-old mother of Mrs. Herbert Ochs, wife
of the drive-in theatre operator, died Sunday
(4) at the home of another daughter, Mrs.
Verdi von Thron in Port Clinton, Ohio. She
is also survived by a son, J. Stuart Cangney.
CINCINNATIANS FOR BROTHERHOOD—The motion picture industry sponsored
a dinner meeting recently in Cincinnati in observance of Brotherhood week. The
meeting was attended by exhibitors and distributor representatives. Chief speaker
was Malcolm Chandler, Cincinnati director of the National Conference of Christians
and Jews. Shown above are Selig 3. Selig:man, vice-president of Northio Theatres
Corp., and distributor chairman; Vance Schwartz, chief barker of Variety Tent 3, Cincinnati;
Phil Fox, Columbia manager and chairman of the meeting, and Chandler.
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951 ME 79

PITTSBURGH
lyVrs. David C. Silverman, wife of the RKO
manager, accompanied their younger
son, Zoel Paul to the Mayo clinic at Rochester,
Minn., where the 18-year-old boy went
under observation for a spinal condition . . .
Joe and Molly Mulone staged a cooking
school at their Cheswick in Cheswick . . .
The Starlite Drive-In near Uniontown has
continued in operation most of the winter,
averaging four or five nights per week . . .
Max Shulgold, Crown Film manager, who
will reissue D. W. Griffith's "The Birth of a
Nation," also will re-release Pine-Thomas
productions "Flying Blind," "Power Dive"
and "Forced Landing" . . . Joseph Parrell of
the Fairview Drive-In at St. Marys, Pa., was
a Klmrow visitor, getting set for the new
outdoor season.
Bob Leiber, Braddock and Rankin exhibitor,
is back in circulation after undergoing
an operation . . . Mayor John J. Mullen
of Clairton ordered bowling alleys closed
on Sundays. The state prohibits the operation
on Sunday of bowling alleys and pool
rooms, but the regulation is seldom enforced
. . . Max Bloomberg, Beaverdale exhibitor,
has been renamed president of the
Israel Isaiah society at Johnstown . . . P. D.
"Dinty" Moore, Warner central district manager
who has been holding down the office
here, planned to go to New York for a district
managers meeting March 28, 29 ... A
Pilmrow visitor was George Wain of the
navy, former Republic cashier here.
SAM FINEBERG
TOM McCLEARY
1705 Blvd. of the Allies
PITTSBURGH 19, PA.
Phone Express 1-0777
Mo»iM Are Better Than Ever - Hovif's Your Equipment?
BANK NIGHT
(Copyrighted 1933)
SAVED a lot of theatres
during the depression
years, and is still going
strong in HUNDREDS OF
THEATRES.
LUCKY NAME
Is
(Copyrighted 1948)
being used by MANY,
MANY
THEATRES
throughout the country
very SUCCESSFULLY.
Making an early spring appearance on
Filmrow was the granddaddy of them all,
Alexander Parke. He
ballyhooed the world's
first commercial film
exhibition. When he
started there was no
industry, just a roll of
film. For some years
he has bsen area distributor
for American
Mat Corp., selling rubber
mats to theatres
and other business establishments.
Parke
doesn't like to find
Alexander Parke
fault with the industry,
but he suggests that both production and
exhibition are out of touch with the times.
He says the "feel" is missing, that most pictures
now appeal to a group at a time, that
few mass appeal films are prepared for the
market, that all branches of the industry
have forgotten that motion pictures should
be aimed to family patronage. Alex may be
reached at the Capitol Theatre building,
Braddock.
Newt W. Fredericks, veteran exhibitor at
Lock Haven, was ill with pneumonia . . . Sidney
Pink, former local theatre manager, has
returned to the United Artists circuit as advertising
director in California . . . Ralph M.
Felton of the Spotlight 88 Drive-In in the
Beaver Valley reports that after three seasons
of operating its own concession, the refreshment
stand there has been leased to
the Taylor Milk Co. of Ambridge. Taylor
operates several other outdoor theatre concessions,
including the ABC at Baden and the
Starlight at Wexford . . . More than 22,000
television receivers were sold in Erie last
year.
William Nidetch, Claysburg exhibitor, and
Harry Horoff, Portage exhibitor and department
store proprietor, recently purchased
the Freedom tavern in East Freedom, ten
NOW-k New and Improved Plan
ONE THAT WILL STAND THE ACID TEST
OF ALL LEGAL PHASES IN ANY STATE
BANK CHECK NITE
copyright and register No. AA-173849 1951
by
Affiliated Advertising Distributors,
Indianapolis,
Ind.
Combining the BEST QUALITIES of
BANK NIGHT and LUCKY NAME
For
INDOOR and DRIYE-IN THEATRES
Affiliated Advertising Distributors
EARL W. PENROD, Owner
(Ref. Indiana National Bonk, Indianapolis, Ind.)
Tel. Riley 5655
Wire
446 N. III. St., Indianapolis, Ind.
Write
Phone
iniles south of Altoona. Horoff also is an
exhibitor-partner of Max Bloomberg at
Beaverdale . . . Princess at Plepublic recently
show. Cousin Emmy and
featured a hillbilly
her Kinfolks, with an amateur contest on
stage . . . Norman Chussitt reports he has
changed his playing time policy at the
Kegent in McKees Rocks so as to compete
with the Milton Berle television program on
Tuesday evenings. First we've heard anything
like this.
Newspaper theatre advertising rates have
been increased in recent months in the tristate
area. The onetime theatrical page for
the most part has vanished, and the few
small theatre ads are lost somewhere at the
bottom of a page. Only a few newspapers
publish short readers and the use of scenemats
has nearly disappeared. Except in a
few instances, the newspapers of this mideast
territory publish only the distorted gossip
stuff from Hollywood.
The city amusement tax at Washington,
Pa., brought in $45,549.89 in 1950 ... A
spring fashion show with dozens of models
was presented by 12 merchants at the Star
in Monessen Tuesday and Wednesday evenings
last week. Tickets were distributed by
the merchants. Parked outside of the theatre
were 1951 models of automobiles placed on
display by car agencies. Special street lighting
was installed for the occasion ... A
daughter named Vicki Lee was born February
25 in Magee hospital here to Zelig and Dorothy
Bass. Papa "Zay" Bass manages the
Family Drive-In near New Kensington. Vicki
Local 171,
Lee is their first child . . . lATSE
has moved to new headquarters at 309 Cameo
Bldg., 347 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh 22.
Jim Lindsay, former Harris organization
publicist, now is in charge of current exhibits
at the Carnegie Institute here . . .
Harry Thomas, veteran independent producer-distributor,
was here for several days
in connection with his new Essex Films setup
which is completed and which is to be announced
. . . Harris South Hills in Dormont
and this circuit's Denis in Mont Lebanon
are featuring television awards.
Rainbow Gardens Drive-In at McKeesport
reopened March 3 for Saturday and Sunday
operation . . . Other tentative reopening
dates: March 24, Westover, Morgantown; 25,
Larkfield, Grove City; 30, Spotlight 88, Beaver
Falls; 31, Hi-Way, Latrobe; April 6, West,
Buckhannon; 7, Hilltop, Chester, and Odin,
Greensburg; 14, Hi-Way, CarroUtown; Moonlite,
Smithfield; Fairview, St. Marys; White
Way, Warren.
H. H. Cromwell, Bedford exhibitor, continues
his health improvement after a long
illness, with John "Bo-Peep" Robison busy
in the managerial department. John has
been associated with Cromwell for upwards
of a decade and formerly had been a theatre
manager at Everett for more than a dozen
years . . . Bob Lane, who has joined Exhibitors
Service Co., is the son of Gordon Lane,
one of the real pioneers in the Industry.
Complete Sound and Projection
ATLAS THEATRE SUPPLY
Service
Gordon Gibson, Mar.
425 Van Braam St. GRanl 1-4281 PiltJburgli, Pa.
MOTIOGRAPH — MIRROPHONIC
80 BOXOFnCE March 10, 1951

Gordon, who operates a commercial film production
business and laboratory at Belle Vernon,
Pa., and the late Walter C. Thomas were
employed here at the late Harry Davis-John
P. Harris' Nickelodeon, world's first all moving
picture theatre. Thomas' son Frank now
is Pilmrow contact manager for Exhibitors
Service . . . Tom Hickes, Saxton exhibitor,
is recuperating from an illness.
Perry Nathan, Bill Mack and Charles Truran
jr. of National Screen here attended the
New York convention . . . Jimmy Nash jr.,
Rockwood exhibitor, has purchased a new
home in Allison Park . . . John Bixler, Scottdale
exhibitor, who was vacationing in Sarasota,
Fla., returned home because of the illness
of his 82-year-old father . . . Dave
Wald, 20th-Fox salesman, became the father
of a baby daughter.
Irving Sherman, Columbia home office,
was a visitor . . . John Muller, Sharon exhibitor,
is building a new home ... Ed
Schafer of the Dipson circuit, formerly staff
assistant at Bradford and at the recently
opened Plaza in Erie, is now manager of the
company's Abbott in Buffalo . . . Members
of the Ladies Theatrical club were hostesses
at the March 2 family night party at the
Variety Club.
Floyd KUngensmith, Columbia salesman
and regional Colosseum vice-president, will
begin negotiations with film company representatives
soon in his capacity as eastern
division representative for the Colosseum's
bargaining committee ... J. Robert Lee's
American at Erie will now have only two
changes a week . . . Lund at Carmichaels,
already using several three and six-sheet
outdoor boards, will up the number of highway
post stands . . . Bart Dattola, New Kensington
exhibitor, is undergoing treatment
at Johns Hopkins hospital for treatment of a
leg injury suffered when he fell some months
ago in the lobby of the Dattola.
. .
Anthony Delisi, Saltsburg exhibitor, became
the father of a baby girl . . . The Delisis have
another daughter and a son . . . The downtown
Casino, which recently switched from
burlesque to vaudeville, closed down March
10 with plans to reopen March 25 with burlesque
again. The vaudeville policy failed
to click with patrons . . . The Albert Rosses
vacationed in Florida. He is a projectionist
at Loew's Penn . Some XJ-I stars will make
personal appearances here in connection with
the opening of "Up Front" at the Pulton
March 24.
Max Bloomberg, Beaverdale exhibitor and
deputy coordinator of civil defense in Cambria
county, spoke before the Nanty Glo defense
group recently . . . Jules Lapidus, Warner
division manager, is a grandfather with
the recent arrival of a daughter to the Larry
Lapiduses . . . Warner circuit zone manager
and Mrs. M. A. Silver were on a West Indies
cruise.
Johnstown area now has 68,125 television
sets, the number having more than tripled in
OtrtSTANOING
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ENCINEERINC
Mary Pickiord Photo
Is His Alter 25 Years
Pittsburgh—About a quarter of a century
ago the late George F. Callahan sr.
told Bob KUngensmith, local BOXOF-
FICE representative, that he would will
to him a beautiful 23x34 framed photograph
of Mary Pickford. Callahan, retired
president of Exhibitors Service Co.,
died several months ago. This week the
photograph was delivered to Bob.
the seven months from July 1 last year to
February 1 . . . Jim Baker's Mode Art Pictures
here turned out Allegheny Ludlum
Steel's "The Fifth Freedom," which copped
third honors for 1950 short subjects in the
Freedoms Foundation awards . . . Circle at
New Kensington admitted kiddies for nine
cents for one hour at a recent Saturday's
matinee . . . There is a bill in the Pennsylvania
legislature which calls for a referendum
vote on the question of changing eastern
standard time to daylight savings time.
The measure was introduced by Rep. Paige
Varner (R.) of Clarion county. For many
years fast time has been proclaimed by the
politicians without giving citizens any voice
in the matter . . . Hugh Mackenzie is the
Pennsylvania area exploitation representative
for RKO, succeeding Doug Beck, who was
transferred to Chicago . . . Milton Bailie, veteran
member of Local 171, LATSE, and projectionist
at the Kenyon for more than a
score of years, was stricken fatally with a
heart attack February 21. He is survived by
his wife Helen F. Dietrich Bailie; three
daughters, Mrs. Margaret Montgomery, Helen
Louise and Dorothy Jean, and son William
Edward Bailie.
COLUMBUS
JJarry Young, 58, former salesman for Univ.-
Int'l in the Cincinnati area, died here.
He is survived by his wife Blanche, a son,
Harry jr., a grandson and three sisters. He
was a member of the Variety Club . . . Roy
Wilson, native of Columbus, has been named
program director of WLW-C, local Crosley
television station, succeeding Tom Gleba,
who resigned. Wilson had operated a talent
agency in New York.
Bert Fletcher, operator at the Southern,
has returned from a vacation in Florida . . .
Members of the Ohio Drive-in Theatres
Ass'n met here to map strategy for the defeat
of two tax measures before the house of
representatives. One would permit township
trustees to levy admissions taxes and another
would reinstate the state admissions levy.
P. J. Wood, secretary. Independent Theatre
Owners of Ohio, urged ITO members to withhold
all future dues payments to COMPO
until the matter of "taxation without representation"
with National Allied is investigated.
Wood said that all other theatre organizations
except National Allied were invited
to a recent New York meeting of
COMPO member groups.
Producer Hal Wallis has acquired "Horses,
Horses, Horses" to be produced for Paramount.
Seven Seek TV Permits
In Pittsburgh Area
PITTSBURGH—The Federal Communications
Commission's two and one-half year
"freeze" on new television construction continues
with only one television station in
operation here and with seven applicants
before the agency for permission to build new
stations in Pittsburgh. Allocation plan at
present gives Pittsburgh four TV channels
in the very high frequency band. Under a
tentatively revised plan, the FCC has proposed
to allocate to Pittsburgh two channels
in very high frequency and two In the ultrahigh
frequency spectrum.
The government agency stressed the proposals
may require revision after lengthy
hearings, still unscheduled, are held on
specific allocations. The seven Pittsburgh applicants
are Allegheny Broadcasting Corp.;
Matta Broadcasting Co.; Pittsburgh Radio
Supply House, Inc.; United Broadcasting
Corp.; WCAE Inc.; Westinghouse Radio Stations,
Inc., and WWSW Inc. Dumont owns
and operates WDTV here.
H. G. Pattison Resigns
GREENSBURG, PA.—H. G. Pattison, controller
at the general offices of the Manos
circuit theatres for more than five years, has
resigned. He has not announced his future
plans.
'Bitter Rice' at Suburban Krim
DETROIT—The Krim in Highland Park
has booked "Bitter Rice" on a second run
basis. The film, which ran six weeks at the
Cinema Theatre, has also been sold to Butterfield
for 11 upstate houses by Dezel Productions,
state distributors.
DRIVE-INS/
Place Orders NOW for
\\f
In-The-Car
TECA
II
SPEAKERS
Teca's broad line affords a speaker
to fit your budget! There is a model
for every situation. Hurryl Place
your order today to assure deliveryl
Teca speakers were the sensation of
the 1950 convention, where they functioned
perfectly under the punishing
steam tank.
Write for
FREE LITERATURE
Theatre EquipmEHT Eo.
micHicnn
ADAMS 8107
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 81

. . Dave
DETROIT
^ave Idzal of the Pox is back after a
nine-day California trip . . Joseph Pick-
.
. . Frank BoUacker, manager of the
ering, who was operator at the Garden, is
back in the army again . . . Tex Carlson,
formerly of the Kramer, is out managing
the Atlas for the Oleszkowicz family . . .
Art Weisberg. former Korman circuit supervisor,
is said to be with the Crystal and
Senate .
closed Columbia, is at the Apollo for Saul
Korman . . . E. B. Dudley is managing the
Russell, former Irving Katcher house, recently
reopened by the Mabarak Real Estate
Exchange.
. . .
Walter Corey of Monogram is moving for
the third time in a year—this time to Eastlawn
near the water front . . . Rosaline Davis,
secretary to UA's Moe Dudelson, is engaged
to Ralph Sparr . . . Lou Marks, MGM sales
manager, moved into his new home
Commander Lawrence E. Yoder is joining
the training devices staff of Jam Handy . . .
Clifford Vericker, operator at the Greenwood,
reports business is surprisingly good
out in the Lodge highway construction area,
despite the cutoffs.
Alice Gorham rated a nice story in the
Detroit Times by Jack Theisen, when three
wounded veterans from the Percy Jones hospital
were brought to Detroit for a private
ERNIE
FORBES THEATRE SUPPLY
"BVERY THING FOR THE THEATRE"
DRIVE-IN THEATRES OUR
SPECIALTY
WO 1-1122 WO 1-1123
TheatTPSign and Marquee Maintenance
/^^^
Our Specialty
wJWorstman ^ Co,
3030 West Davidaon Ats.
TOwnsend 8-2230
Detroit 6, Mich.
FLOWERS for
Every Occasion
LORENZEN'S
DETROIT'S THEATRICAL FLORIST
TOwnsend 8-6232
16457 Woodward Ave., Detroit 3, Mich.
=EXPERT=
Upholstering* Repairing*
Rearranging & Installing.
THEATRE
SEATS
Over 25 years experience
Immediate service anywhere
DONOHUE SEATING SERVICE
7119 Webb Are. Detroit 4. Wch.
Phone Webtter 3-S4Z4
screening of "Steel Helmet." A three-column
cut of the boys and a story of their reactions,
favorable and otherwise, to the film were
given.
Jack Sage, Fisher manager, had an exhibit
of Detroit history in the lobby, tied in
with the 250th birthday celebration ... Ed
Johnson and Harold Bernstein went all out
in putting over the big Brotherhood campaign
in Bay city . . . Donald Woods and
Charles Snyder were among notables from
Dstroit who went up to see how they did it
. . . Arthur J. Hass, theatrical attorney, is
moving to 1910 Buhl building.
. . . Israel Eizen, former
Douglas F. Brosey, former owner of the
Amsterdam, moved into the brokerage business
this week with the George A. McDowell
Co. . . . Irene Carroll, who used to be with
Mike Falk years ago, has rejoined him in
the new booking office he opened in the
Book building
manager for Michigan Sportservice, is operating
a grocery store at Michigan and Third
street . . . James T. Powers, who fractured
his hip December 10, still is on crutches,
with a spell of convalescence still ahead, his
son Tiny of Altec reports.
George Hemp, now a newlywed, has moved
from Royal Oak to Mount Clemens . . . Sam
Green, supervisor of the Korman circuit who
recently was shot in the leg by a bandit, is
convalescing at home, but is on crutches . . .
Harold Stephens, operator at the Ace, has
moved into television at WJBK-TV .
. .
Jerry Carroll, 20th-Pox auditor, arrived in
Howard Minsky and E. K. O'Shea,
town . . .
Paramount executives, were in town to visit
Cooperative, Butterfield and other major circuits
. . . Joseph Oles has taken over operation
of the Stanley in Dearborn, recently
leased to Arnold Wisper. The house was
built by his father Stanley.
Oscar Orwant, said to be the former owner
of the Town at Grand Rapids, died recently
. . . Irving Belinsky considers his circuit
a sideline, with his new drug business his
main occupation ... Ed Plynn, nephew of
William Graham of the Majestic, is the new
manager of the Romeo, replacing Wilson
Elliott, who has gone into the car business
. . . Charles L. Anderson, formerly at the
Model, is the new operator at the Franklin,
replacing Al Watt.
. . William Plemion,
Ralph Peckham, former manager of Grand
National, was back on the Row, driving in
with Herb Schilds of Monogram. Ralph now
is living in New York .
former manager for Lippert, has returned to
the industry here with Albert Dezel Productions
. . . Mike Thomas has been named
manager of the Loop, replacing Fred Walton,
who goes to the Broadway-Capitol, where he
replaces Walter Kozaren. Thomas comes
from the Chic, which he managed for Harry
Balk, affiliated with the Korman Interests,
who has sold the house to Edward Jacobson,
who Just closed the Monroe for conversion
into a store.
Loma May, writer, and Edith Embury, theatrical
distribution chief at Jam Handy,
talked about their careers on the "Green
Lights" radio program . . . James Stephen
Dross is an addition in the family of Carl
Dross of the Detroit Popcorn Co. . . . William
J. Glrard, who left the managership
of the Virginia to go back In the navy, now
is at Guam. New manager is Edward Terris,
who used to be with the Farnum, and
who has been maintenance man for Saul
Korman for the last three and one-half
years . Korman has gone back to
a seven-day operating policy, after closing
up Wednesdays and Thursdays for a few
weeks.
Huge Amount of Film
Screened for Newsreel
DETROIT—A total of 3,744,000 feet of film
has been screened for editing purposes by
Norman Wheaton, manager of the Telenews
and Downtown Theatres. He made this estimate
in connection with the ninth anniversary
of the local operation. Excluding shorts,
an average newsreel output of 416,000 feet
is covered, boiled down to the programs selected
for actual exhibition in the two houses.
In contrast, 5,965,000 feet of feature films
were screened during 1950 for the local censor.
Sees "Himself in 'Halls'
NEW KENSINGTON, PA.—John Fontana,
winner of the Bronze Star for heroism and
veteran of four years in the marine corps,
was a guest of the Circle here to see himself
portrayed in "Halls of Montezuma." In the
picture, a group of marines are searching
for the source of a devastating barrage of
rockets launched by the enemy Japs. At a
cave occupied by several Nips, Richard Widmark,
portraying Lieutenant Anderson, orders
a non-com to cover a marine who is exposed
to enemy fire. Turning to another man he
says, "You go too, Fontana." Fontana knew
Lieut. Anderson on Tarawa and remembers
the "cave incident" where his name is used.
Sunday Operettas Proposed
HARRISBURG—Pittsburgh and other cities
in the state would be permitted to allow Sunday
civic light operas under terms of a bill
introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Rep. Theodore H. Schmidt of Allegheny
county is sponsoring the measure
which would permit performances between
2 p. m. and midnight by nonprofit corporations
and municipalities.
wm.
CAN'T BE BEAX
for SPEED &
QUALITY ^
CHICAGO . HEW YORK
1327 S. Wabash * 619 W. 54th St
L ERVISED SERVICE
DRIVE-IN AND INDOOR THEATRES
2937 SI. Aubin Detroit 7. Mich.
Phone Te. 13352
Te. 13884
82 BOXOFTICE March 10, 1951

'On Demand' Garners
Top Deiroit Gross
DETROIT—Local boxoffices were generally
brighter last week, with United Artists reporting
excellent business on "Payment on
Demand."
(Average Is 100)
Adams—Bedtime for Bonzo (U-I) 95
Cinema Cyrano de Berger'ac (UA), 3rd wk 140
Downtown Mister Universe (ELC); Battle Queen
(ELC) 85
Fox—Cry Danger (RKO), Double Deal (RKO) 90
Madison The Company She Keeps (RKO); Big
Timher (Mono) 85
Michigan—Born Yesterday (Col), 2nd wk 110
Palms-State-Tomahawk (U-I); Once a Thief (UA) 100
Paradise Coll of the Klondike (Mono), 2nd run,
plus stage show - 85
United Artists Payment on Demand (RKO); Short
Grass (Mono) 195
Flower Show Hits Grosses
At Cleveland Houses
CLEVELAND—With crowds flocking to the
annual flower show in the huge Auditorium,
attendance took a drop, hitting the lowest
point since the first of the year. "Bitter
Rice" held the top spot for its tenth consecutive
week, hitting 120 per cent at the Lower
Mall. "Cry Danger" got off to a good start
with the personal appearance of Dick Powell
on opening day, and finished at the Palace
with par.
Allen—I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (20th-Fox) 90
Esquire Operation Disaster (U-I) 90
Hippodrome—The Enforcer (WB), 2nd d.t. wk 95
Lower Mall—Bitter Rice (Lux), 10th wk 120
Ohio Tars and Spars (Col); A Thousand and
One Nights (Col), reissues 100
Palace—Cry Danger (RKO) .-- 100
State—Three Guys Named Mike (MGM) 90
Stillman—Vengeance Valley (MGM), 2nd d.t. wk. 90
Tomahawk' Makes 115
In Pittsburgh Bow
PITTSBURGH—Observance of the Lenten
season cut into theatre grosses. Best downtown
showing was made at the J. P. Harris
by "Tomahawk," only attraction to hit over
the average mark. "Joan of Arc" returned to
the Warner where it had a long and successful
roadshow engagement two seasons ago.
At popular prices, the RKO release approached
average.
Fulton Mystery Submarine (U-I) 50
Harris—Tomahawk (20th-Fox) 115
Penn September Affair (Para) 85
Stanley—Vendetto (RKO) _ 70
Warner—loan of Arc (RKO) _ 90
'Valentino' Leads Cincinnati
Gross With 130; Others Average
CINCINNATI—"Valentino," which led the
grossers here last week with 130 per cent,
moved into the Lyric for a second week.
"Born Yesterday" in its fourth week was still
going strong at 110 per cent. New product
showing at the other showcases was just
doing fair.
Albee—The Enforcer (WB) 100
Capitol—Call Me Mister (20th-Fox) holdover 100
Grand—Vengeance Valley (MGM) 110
Keiths—Operation Disaster (U-I) 90
Lyric—Bom Yesterday (Col) moveover, 4th wk 110
Palace—Valentino (Col) 130
LOUISVILLE
"phe Fourth Avenue Amusement Co. here,
which operates both indoor and outdoor
theatres in Kentucky and Indiana, is completing
a new screening room in the Strand
Theatre building here. The present screening
room, which is housed in the Rex Theatre
building, will be closed and stripped of
its equipment, according to reports . . . Seen
on the Row for the first time in a number
of months was C. C. Simms of Loretto,
owner and general manager of the Lebanon
Drive-In, Lebanon.
Other exhibitors visiting in town were Don
Steinkamp, French Lick Amusement Co.,
French Lick, Ind.; Jay Burton, Rex, West
Liberty; Phil Thompson, Twin Drive-In,
Horse Cave; E. L. Ornstein, Rialto, Marengo,
Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Robertson, Majestic,
Springfield; R. L. Gastrost, Victory, Vine
Grove, and Bob Enoch, State and Grand,
Elizabethtown . . Going into the completion
.
stage and being made ready for formal
opening is Fred Belcher's new Family Drive-
In at Charlestown, Ind. According to present
plans, the theatre should open with
approximately 300 Individual speakers, with
provision for additional speakers to be added
later if conditions warrant. Equipment for
the Family is being furnished by the Palls
City Theatre Equipment Co.
W. E. Gross has been appointed manager
of the St. Clair Theatre, Lebanon Junction,
replacing Edwin St. Clair ... As an incentive
for school children to obtain higher grades,
one theatre in the state is offering free
tickets to the honor students during various
periods. The idea appears to be clicking and
is meeting the approval of both the students
and parents.
In addition to the regular program at the
Switow Amusement Co. Cozy here, Louisville's
Our Gang comedy, made recently with
local talent and filmed in one of the parks
here, was shown. The filming drew much
local interest and the screening has been
long awaited by the participants, members
of their families and friends . . . George
Jaeggers, former manager of the Switow
Amusement Co. Elks Theatre, New Albany,
Ind., has been transferred to Seymour, Ind.,
as manager of the Majestic, which also is
controlled by Switow. George replaces Bill
Blank.
Boyd Neylcmd Retires
ERIE, PA.—With the closing of the Folly
on West 26th street, Boyd G. Neyland, local
exhibitor, is retiring from the business. He
will remodel the theatre building into an
apartment house.
Theatre Thief to Grand Jury
CINCINNATI—Walter Primls, 18, of St.
Clairsville, was held to common pleas court
to await grand jury action on a charge of
robbing the Old Trail Theatre following arraignment
before Mayor C. B. Bradfield, who
set bond at $5,000. Primis allegedly obtained
$81 at the theatre.
Stage Ceremony for
Recruits
WARREN, PA.—Seven recruits were sworn
into the naval reserve's organized surface
division at ceremonies on stage at the Liberty
Theatre here in connection with "Operation
Pacific."
THEATRE
2 COLOR PROGRAMS
• ONE DAY SERVICE — On Request •
THEATRICAL ADV. CO.
"SERVING EXHIBITORS FOR 33 YEARS"
2310 CASS wo. 1-2158. DETROIT 1. MICK
Now Is the Time to Order
usAIRco
Cooling Units
Madisonville Head Remains
MADISONVILLE, KY.—On the advice of
his doctor, Hal Howard, manager of the
Capitol and Cameo theatres here for the
past nine years, had turned down an offer
to manage 16 houses in Nashville, Tenn. Because
of his health Howard has decided to
remain in Madisonville. The transfer was
offered by his present employer, the Crescent
Amusement Co.
BOXOFTICE :
: March 10, 1951 83

CLEVELAND
J^ax Mink, RKO Theatres district manager,
has booked the Frankenstein stage and
screen midnight horror show at the Palace
Friday, March 13, at $1 top . . . John J.
Bendle has booked the roadshow, "Uncle
Tom's Cabin," into the Southern, Detroit
and Sun theatres, operated by General Theatres
circuit, to play day and date starting
April 8 ... E. J. Stutz was in Cincinnati
lining up bookings on "Bitter Rice."
Ray Brown sr., 57-year-old veteran showman
and district manager for Warner Theatres
in southern Ohio, suffered a fatal heart
attack March 1 while
watching a picture In
the Ohio Theatre at
Lima. Surviving are
his wife, a daughter
and a son Ray jr.,
. . .
manager of the State
Theatre, Cuyahoga
Some
Palls, Ohio
showmen and representatives
of allied industries
believe that
the admission prices in
the subsequfent run Ray Brown sr.
houses could be boosted right across the
board without lowering attendance and with
favorable boxoffice effect, particularly in
theatres which have had the benefit of
downtown runs, critics* reports and wordof-mouth
advertising.
There was a big turnout for the farewell
party to George "Bud" Gilliam at the Theatrical
GriU Thursday (8). Gilliam, with
Warner Theatres the last 15 years, has resigned
to join the Schine circuit as booking
manager in Cincinnati. Julius Lamm, manager
of the Uptown Theatre and president
of the Warner club, was in charge of party
arrangements . . . Nate Schultz, Monogram
franchise owner, reports he does not have
enough prints of the Our Gang comedies
to fill the demand. They are playing all A
houses in the territory, including the RKO
. . .
Palace and Loew's State in Cleveland
Drive-in owners are hoping for Kaster openings
. . . Harold and Mrs. Bodecker of the
Maple Drive-In, Zanesville, are vacationing
in New York. They plan to return by the
end of March.
Jack Ochs, his wife Grace and their two
children will return from Florida in time
the Allen Theatre is
for openings of Ochs-operated drive-ins late
this month . . . While
being reseated, the opening time is 4:30 p. m.
Monday through Friday . . . The Corlett. a
Paul Gusdanovlc house, is closed . . . Paul
Olszeskl of Dlllonvale purchased the Arcade
Theatre from Val DlNoble, and closed his
Ray Watts of
smaller Rex Theatre there . . .
the Star, Delaware, was in town looking over
the booking situation.
The Showmen's club, which is directing a
public relations program, screened "Mating
WANTED-THEATRE MANAGER.'
Fin* Opportunity for
Lirs Wire, Exp«rl»nc«d
DriT*-In Thcatr* Manager
SALARY NO OBJECT.
D* Lux* Operation in Nor1h*m Ohio
BOXOFnCE NO. 4183
Season" for members of the Press club in the
club's Hotel Olsted headquarters . . . Dick
Wright, Warner assistant zone manager, was
Rosian, the U-I
in Mansfield looking over the labor situation
. . . Florence Jentner, secretary to R. W.
Knepton of Warners, married Al Schwartz,
Cooperative Theatres
Paramount cashier . . .
of Ohio has added the following new accounts:
John Tender's Carlisle E>rive-In,
Oberlin; James Ramicome's Midcity Drive-In
at Ravenna and Gala Drive-In at Sawyerwood,
and Justin Knopp's Royal Theatre,
Oak Harbor
district
. . . Peter
manager, and local Manager Lester
Zucker attended a home office meeting. •
. . Loew's
Laura Kovach was promoted from branch
to district manager's secretary at U-I, a post
she previously held when Pete Dana maintained
his district headquarters here . . . J. O.
Guthrie personally built and erected a new
12-foot neon sign stop the marquee of his
Carolyn Theatre, New London .
Park Theatre is presenting amateur shows
on Wednesday nights at regular prices . . .
Leo Gottlieb, Lippert manager, was laid up
Ted Mash,
with the flu most of the week . . .
shipper, is recovering from an eye infection.
L. C. Glaab and wife, owners of the
Olympia Theatre and the 20 Grand bowling
Frank Finn,
alley (formerly the Broadway Theatre), left
for a month in Florida . . . Mrs. Myer Fine
flew home from Florida to reach the bedside
of her father, Philip Kendis, who succumbed
to a heart attack
tax man for
. . .
Hallmark Productions, has resigned
to go into the tax accounting business
for himself in Wilmington.
WEST VIRGINIA
f^klahoma!" will be featured on stage at
the Virginia in Wheeling March 19-21
with a matinee the final day. Admissions
range from $2 to $4.34 . . . While exhibiting
"Bedtime for Bonzo," the Capitol in Wheeling
featured Bonzo jr., in the foyer . . . The West
Virginia Senate-approved measure to broaden
city tax powers was recommended for passage
in the lower chamber by the house
municipalities committee. A substitute measure
granting all municipalities the power of
home rule to levy taxes on cigaret sales,
amusements and drivers licenses and to make
changes for special municipal services was
entered without change . . . Wheeling Symphony
orchestra presented its fourth concert
of the season at the Virginia in Wheeling.
A 10 per cent state tax on pari-mutuel betting
has been proposed in the West Virginia
legislature and has been termed "confiscatory"
by officials of Wheeling Downs Racing
Ass'n and others. The present take from the
pari-mutuel pot is 12 per cent—9 per cent
goes to the track and 3 per cent to the state.
The 10 per cent tax, a rise of 7 per cent,
would mean that 19 per cent would be taken
from the betting money . . . Robinson Grand
at Clarksburg featured "League for Service
Follies Revue" Wednesday and Thursday evenings
and Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra
were dated for four stage shows Sunday (18).
The Sunset Drive-In near Clark-sburg and
the Sky-View Drive-In near Phlllppl, operated
by Perez and Medve, will be licensed
and booked by the Co-op .setup In Pittsburgh.
University Students Try
Boycott of Theatres
MORGANTOWN, W. VA.—West Virginia
university students, under the leadership of
law students, have been observing "Don't Go
to Theatre Week" in protest against prices
charged at local theatres. Student pickets
were on duty in front of the city's theatres.
A resolution adopted by the law students said
that Morgantown theatres have raised the
prices of admission "beyond the normal
means of the average student," and have
refused to consider student pleas for a reconsideration
of prices.
The resolution alleges that theatre prices
here are "out of line" with admission charges
in other comparable communities in West
Virginia. The resolution concluded by calling
upon all university students to support "this
crusade against inflation" and not to patronize
the theatres during the week. George
Sallows of the Metropolitan showed that
his theatre grosses only 1 per cent more than
it did 20 years ago. Present 65 cents admission
includes federal tax of ten cents and
state and city tax of two cents each. Meanwhile
costs are increased for film service,
labor, advertising, etc.
Philip Kendis, 79, Dies;
Well Known in Industry
CLEVELAND—A retired showman, Philip
Kendis, 79, died Friday (2) at his home in
Shaker Heights of a heart ailment. For about
15 years he headed Exhibitor Poster Exchange
in the Film building. He sold out his
interest to National Screen Service Corp.
seven years ago.
He is survived by his wife Tillie; a son
LeRoy D. of Associated circuit; two daughters,
Mrs. Myer Fine of Cleveland and Mrs.
Fannie Falk of Detroit; four brothers and
six sisters.
Cleveland Council to Meet
CLEVELAND—The Motion Picture Council
of greater Cleveland will hold its next general
meeting at 2 p. m. Thursday (15) in the
Higbee lounge. Robert Welchaus, director of
Cinecraft Productions, will show and discuss
three 16mm film of The Movies and You
series. Mrs. Florence Craig, program chairman,
and head of the Cuyahoga county library
invites all council members to join a
monthly discussion group on "Books and
Movies." The course is conducted the first
Thursday of each month at 10:30 a. m. in the
Cuyahoga county library offices, 1150 West
3rd St.
Urge Ban on 'Miracle'
HARRISBURG—A resolution
in the house
of representatives would have the house express
Its unequivocal disapproval of "The
Miracle" and request the state censors to
prohibit its showing anywhere in the commonwealth.
Sponsors include Representatives
Louis J. Amarando, Wilbur H. Hamilton,
James J. Dougherty and Edward J. Conway,
all of Philadelphia.
Open Hi-Lander Theatre
NEW CASTLE, PA.—The newly constructed
Hi-Lander Theatre, first unit of a small
shopping center under one roof In the north
hill district here, held Its grand opening
recently.
84
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951

CINCINNATI
. .
f^eorge Fetick, operator of a booking and
buying service, and his wife left for vacation
at Daytona Beach . Ray Moon, division
manager for 20th-Pox, visited the local
exchange One of Ross Williams' twin
sons.
. . .
Tommy, underwent an appendectomy
last Sunday. He now is at home recuperating.
Williams is a salesman for UA.
Barbara Kraus, secretary at UA, was home
ill. Exhibitors on the Row were J. B. Steadman,
Marietta; John Holokan, Dayton; Moe
Potasky, Troy; Clifford Thompson, Mount
Sterling; George Combs, Harlan; Charles
Bowles, Russellville, Ky.; Jim Malavazos,
New Boston; Charles Rich, Cleveland, who
operates the State at Danville, Ky., and Howard
Marshall, Roseville.
Howard Spahn, booker, MGM, has resigned
. .
and, after a vacation in Florida, will join a
New bookers at
scrap metai company .
MGM, replacing Spahn and Stan Kamln, who
now is salesman with Lippert, are Charles
Basham and Robert Camery . . . Arlene
Huber is new receptionist at MGM.
The testimonial dinner held Monday (5)
for Peter Rosian was well attended by both
local and out-of-town friends and business
associates. Rosian formerly was district
manager for U-I in the Cincinnati area and
was transferred recently to the Cleveland
division office. Executives of U-I who attended
were A. E. Daff, C. J. Feldman, P. J.
A. McCarthy, Maurice Bergman, and Charles
Simonelli. Branch managers from Rosian's
former district and those from his new territory
also were in attendance.
William Blum, U-I manager who recently
underwent an operation, is back at his desk
. . . Visitors on Pilmrow included Herb Ochs,
drive-in operator of Cleveland; J. R. and
Ducky Myers, Chillicothe, George Delis and
Gus Metro, Portsmouth; Ross Pilson, Point
Pleasant, W. Va. . . . Mrs. Minna Fliehman,
Caldwell, who was in town this week, left
for Denver, Colo., where she will stay until
Easter visiting her sister and daughter.
Al Glaubinger, ELC manager, was host to
theatre representatives at a luncheon at the
Variety Club in honor of Sam Burkette, special
representative for Jack Schwarz Productions
. . . Lee Goldberg, Realart, expected a
visit from Carroll Puciato, controller.
Marvin R. White, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Maurice White, is engaged to Connie Levin
of Cleveland. Marvin is associated with Mid-
States Theatres, in which Maurice White is
an officer. The wedding is set for September
. . . Charlotte TuU, daughter of Max
TuU, who operates the Cincinnati Screening
Co. in the Palace Theatre building, is engaged
to Allen Loftspring of Cincinnati. No
date has been set for the wedding.
Prior to the regular engagement of "Trio"
at the Guild, an Invitational showing was
sponsored by the Times-Star, Paramount and
the theatre, in recognition of the work done
by the Cincinnati Cerebral Palsy Ass'n.
Vance Schwartz, owner of the Guild, said he
was happy to be able to assist in the workings
of the organization. A documentary
film, "Pioneering America's Children," was
shown.
The Council of Church women sponsored
the showing of "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain"
at the Shubert for one performance, as
a fund-raising project. The theatre, which
has been closed, was opened for the showing
by Midstate Theatres, and 20th Fox furnished
the picture . . . Harry Young, former
U-I manager here, died at his home in Columbus.
Young had not been actively engaged
in business in recent years because of
ill
health.
Academy at Meadville
Is Kept Open Part Time
MEADVILLE, PA.—The Academy here is
being extensively redecorated and modernized,
with the theatre closed throughout
the day, except for matinees on Saturdays
and Sundays. Ralph Shadley, owner and
manager, says the redecorating will be completed
by spring. The theatre continues in
operation every evening and will be closed
only for installation of new seating and carpeting.
C. E. Picard, Buffalo and Cleveland
contractor, is in charge of the gradual transition
for the 700-seat theatre.
A new marquee was completed in October
and is ready for erection. Plans call for new
Air-Lock seats, new draperies for stage and
auditorium, new custom-designed nine-tone
carpeting throughout, special cold-cathode
lighting and acoustical wall draperies. New
illuminated Sealuxe display cases will be installed
in the lobby. Several months ago a
complete new building section was constructed
for a modern projection booth. The
Academy's new projection and sound equipment
is Motiograph.
Ohio Voters May Decide
Daylight Time Issue
COLUMBUS—Submission to the voters of
Ohio at the next general election this November
of the question of adopting eastern
standard time for the entire state is proposed
in a house joint resolution submitted
by Rep. Millerson of Harrison county.
If approved by a majority of the voters it
would prohibit the adoption of daylight saving
time during the summer months.
Cleveland voters, in the fall election, repudiated
eastern standard time and came out
strong for daylight saving time.
Theatre Is Dismantled
UFFINGTON, W. VA. — The Ridgedale
Drive-In here on the Grafton road has been
dismantled, according to Robert F. Hanson,
proprietor.
WB Prince Reopened
AMBRIDGE, PA.—Warners' Prince here
was reopened recently. Policy is double
features with program changes on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays.
Rex Manager Resigns Post
ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.—Mrs. Emilu Betty
has resigned as manager of the Rex Theatre
here to take over the management of a
Genoa, Colo., drug store. Mrs. Betty has been
manager of the Rex for the last ten years.
The theatre cashier, Mrs. Ira Hyman, and
James Saunders, the operator, will manage
the house temporarily.
Two Drive-In Projecls
Are Approved by NP
PITTSBURGH—The National Production
Authority has granted an application by
Irving Hulst of Middletown, N. Y., to construct
a $25,000 outdoorer at Matamorls, Pa.;
and to William Reitz of Sunbury, Pa., to
build a $75,000 drive-in.
Among the applications denied by the
NPA were: Sharon, Pa., theatre with three
stores and office space, Chris Lampros of
Farrell, Pa., $75,000; and Somerset, Ky.,
drive-in, H. E. Otto of DanviUe, Ky., $30,000.
McKnight and Blake
Buy Florida Drive-In
SHARON, PA.—Two Youngstown train dispatchers,
who entered the outdoor exhibition
field near here five years ago, recently purchased
the Plant City Drive-In, 15 miles east
of Tampa, Fla. They are Carl T. McKnight
and Carl C. Blake of the Reynolds Drive-In at
Transfer on Route 18. Major improvements
have been completed at their new Plant City
unit which operates throughout the year.
Every season since the local Reynolds has
been in operation, the theatre has been improved
and beautified. Again ready for reopening
next month, the Reynolds is one of
the most attractive drive-ins in the area.
McKnight and Blake exploited their enterprise
during the winter by keeping on time
a giant electric neon-trimmed clock mounted
on the entrance tower. Their outside attraction
sign, Permastone based, featured four
weekly changes of mottoes and slogans.
The Reynolds is the only outdoor theatre
in the territory which displays an American
flag atop a 100-foot flagpole. Moonlight field
equipment is installed. McKnight is a believer
in institutional advertising and "on the
job" management.
Atlas Supply Purchases
New Shop Headquarters
PITTSBURGH—Atlas Theatre Supply has
purchased a large building at the corner of
Locust and Miltenberger street on Filmrow
as it new supply and service store and shop.
The building, in the rear of the Paramount
exchange, was transferred under direct sale,
according to Gordon Gibson, president of
Atlas.
Formerly a bottling factory, the new Atlas
building contains 6,500 square feet of floor
space. The building will be extensively remodeled
and modernized. Now located at
425 Van Braam street in the Van building.
Atlas expects to occupy its new building
late
in the spring.
Opens Ad Service
DETROIT—Harold Sandelman, who conceived
and had a big share in the recent
$50,000 Movie quiz program in Detroit, is
opening a new office for his own independent
agency. Theatre Ad Service, in the basement
of the Film Exchange building. Sandelman,
at one time a salesman for MGM and later
supervisor for the Broder circuit, offers advertising
service of all types for theatres.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 85

'
^%«^/^te Saeeft7^UK So^..y\OVi ABOUT YOUR THEATRE?
Jo win public favor, your theatre needs:
PATRON
COMFORT
CHARM of COLOR
HARMONY of
DESIGN
Improvement
" PAYS...
Do It
NOW!
MODERN
THEATRE
Theatre improvements are reported
in detail in the monthly
Modem Theatre section of
BOXOFFICE. The hows and
whys are detailed and pictured
to make them easy for you to
use in your own theatre, ioi
your own local needs.
Be sure to read this big. wellplanned
section, issued the
first Saturday of each month.
The information offered is invaluable
for any progressive
exhibitor.
Always out front
with leadership—
plans— methods
Improvements are an investment that pays.
Many a closed house lacks only the extra appeal
of color, design and patron comfort.
Thousands of passive ticket buyers can be
changed into enthusiastic supporters by extra
eye appeal, comfort appeal of an improved
modem building.
BOXOFFICE, from every angle, gives you
information you need and inspires you with
courage to do as others are doing to make
your business hum.
Keep up with the times—ahead of the demands. The
public is flocking back to pictures, disappointed with other
forms of entertairunent. Is your house clean and wholesome,
attractive at all times?
OXOFFICE
86
BOXOFFICE :
: March
10, 1951

Conn. Film Men Join
To Discuss 8 Bills
NEW HAVEN—Eight bills pending before
the state legislature at Hartford were reviewed
at the first joint Connecticut MPTO
and Allied Theatres of Connecticut meeting,
by Herman M. Levy, MPTO executive secretary
and registered lobbyist for exhibitors in
the legislature. George Wilkinson, president
of the MPTO group, called the meeting.
Among bills discussed were:
House bill 485, which seeks to classify
candy and confectionery as food and therefore
exempt from sales tax.
House bill 781, which would permit cash
prizes at bingo games.
House bill 1078, which would legalize horseracing
in this state.
Senate bill 13, which seeks to set a 75 centan-hour
minimum wage rate, time and onehalf
for overtime, with pwwer in the labor
commissioner to increase the rate where
there has been a 5 per cent or more increase
in the cost of living.
House bill 168, which also concerns minimum
wage, and attempts to set $1 per hour
as the minimum for a 45 -hour week and time
and one-half for overtime.
House bill 822, an additional labor measure,
also seeks the 75 cent-an-hour minimum in
a 40-hour week, with time and one-half for
overtime.
House bill 1228, introduced in several recent
sessions, seeks to make employment of
a licensed boiler inspector by theatres and
others compulsory, shifting boiler inspection
which now is carried on under boiler insurance
policies to the responsibility of owners
of certain types of property.
House bill 423, which seeks generally to
roll back prices to levels of July 1, 1950, and
prohibits any increases.
Representative attendance of many key
exhibitors was recorded, including attorneys
Herman M. Levy, Maxwell A. Alderman,
Morris Menlesohn, -Joseph Shulman, George
Wilkinson, MPTO president, and Dr. J. B.
Fishman, Allied head. Others were Ted
Jacocks, B. E. Hoffman, James Bracken, Ben
Rosenberg, Morris Shulman, Harry F. Shaw,
Lou Brown, Lou Ginsburg, Bernard Levy,
Samuel Weber, Al Pickus and Maurice Bailey.
A program of support or opposition to the
various bills was discussed and mapped out.
Two Salem Trade Unions
Endorse 'Lifetime' Film
SALEM, MASS.—Saul Rubin, publicist for
"Chance of a Lifetime" which had its American
premiere at the Copley Theatre, invited
30 officials of the CIO and AFL trade unions
to a screening. The following day he received
formal endorsements of the film from
both groups together with promises that union
members would be urged to see the film.
The Copley Theatre then made arrangements
for tickets to be purchased through the unions
at reduced rates.
Taking care of the management side of
the story, Rubin then contacted Roger Johnson,
executive secretary of Associated Industries
of Massachusetts and several bank officials.
These officials then were invited to
the premiere of the film Tuesday (27).
Charles Phelan Heads
Beverly Television Co.
BOSTON — Charles W. Phelan, former
Yankee network sales head and owner of
radio station WESX in Salem, is head of the
newly organized producing company. Films
for Television, Inc. The company will be
housed in the Strand theatre in Beverly,
formerly leased to E. M. Loew Theatres, but
shuttered for the past few years. The firm
will be ready to roll after extensive alterations
which include two sound stages, a laboratory
and complete television production facilities.
During the war years the Strand
was converted into a restaurant. Besides
Phelan, personnel of the new company includes
Harry Mamas, former Warner cameraman;
Edward Dobkin, former MGM film editor
and Arnold C. Nygren, former NBC technical
production head.
On the production schedule are five-day-aweek,
five, ten and 15-minute open-end
shows for lease to television stations. The
first production will be tagged "Quizzed by
the Stars" and will be a five-day-a-week
quarter-hour sports quiz. Negotiations are
under way for Harry S. Goodman Radio
Productions to represent the new company
nationally. Phelan is moving his Boston office
to the Beverly location.
Maurice Sidman Named
Lynn Colony Managei:
BOSTON—Maurice Sidman, who has been
in the industry for 30 years, has been named
new manager of the Colony Theatre at
Lynn, newly remodeled theatre of Richmond
& Stern Enterprises. It was known as the
Auditorium when it was operated by the
Morse & Rothenberg circuit. Sidman, well
known in New England for his promotional
theatre deals, entered the field following his
graduation from high school. He operated
several town halls in Millis, Holliston and
Medway near his home town.
In 1930 he went to Hartford, Conn., as
manager of the old Majestic. He also has
operated houses in Pittsfield, Haverhill, Utica
and Poughkeepsie, N. Y., as well as Fall
River. He opened the Holyoke Theatre,
Holyoke, for Fred Lieberman and has been
with the Morse & Rothenberg circuit for
20 years, 13 at the Strand, Haverhill. He replaces
Leonard Barrack at the Colony. Barrack
has gone to Florida. Sidman plans
special attractions at the Colony, Including
country store nights, auction nights and a
new dish deal.
Recent Flu Outbreak Bars
Salem Kids From Shows
SALEM, MASS.—All children under 14
were banned from local theatres for a 11 -day
period because of the flu epidemic. I. Kaplan,
chairman of the board of health, lifted
the ban when schools reopened Monday (5).
No other gatherings, such as churches, Sunday
schools or social functions were mentioned
in the ban.
Screen 'A-Bomb' for
Officials
HARTFORD—The Elm, West Hartford;
and the Capitol in Middletown conducted
special showings for civilian defense authorities
and other officials of "You Can
Beat the A-Bomb."
Connecticut Drive-Ins
Preparing to Reopen
NEW HAVEN—When the drive-in season
opens around April 7-8, following drive-ins
in the state wiU be operating, with a few
others started last year, in the offing for
possible operation:
E. M. Loew's, Milford; Phil Cahill's Post
Drive-In, East Haven; Skyview, Torrington
and the East Windsor, both to be booked by
Paul Purdy; Edward Lord's Plainfield; the
Lockwood-Rosen Torrington Drive-In, Carl
Goldman's Canaan; the Rosen Danbury
project; People's at Winsted, operated by
John Youmatz; the Lake Waterford, both
booked by Amalgamated; New Haven Drive-
In, North Haven, operated by Charles M.
Lane; Pine, Waterbury, Joe Dolgin; E. M.
Loew's Norwich-New London Drive-In at
Montville; Pike, Newington, and E. M. Loew,
Newington.
E. M. Loew's at Milford, the first drive-in
in the state, was opened four years ago.
Airer Bill Recommended
'Don't Pass' in Maine
AUGUSTA, ME.—A bill
which would prohibit
exit or entrance for drive-in theatres
from a state or state aid highway was given
a "don't pass" recommendation by the committee
on business legislation in the state
assembly here. The bill would have authorized
the insurance commissioner to carry
out its provisions.
Speakers who appeared in opposition to
the measure at a hearing included Ray
Feeley, business secretary of Independent
Exhibitors of New England; Katherine Avery
of Kennebunk; Norman Rolfe, Waterville;
Lewis Webber, Houlton; and drive-in owners
James Nadeau, W. L. Hammill, Mrs. Ella
Mills, Russell Martin, Eugene Boragine and
Lewis Packard.
21-Day Films Still
Sold
By Two at Bridgeport
NEW HAVEN—Warner and Paramount exchanges
again are the only two companies
serving Bridgeport subsequent runs 21 days
after run, pursuant to a policy adopted
shortly after an arbitration award reduced
the clearance of the Hi-Way, Bridgeport,
from 30 to 21 days. When the Hi-Way decision
was rendered, second run houses in
the Bridgeport arsa asked for a similar
breakdown of the 30-day precedent. For
a short time all the major exchanges except
MGM granted the reduction to 21 days. The
policy now has reverted to the original 30
days in all cases except the Warner and
Paramount.
No area except Bridgeport-Stratford was
involved.
Variety Board Meets
NEW HAVEN—Variety Tent 31 held a
board of directors meeting at the Hof Brau
Haus restaurant, with Chief Barker Herman
M. Levy presiding. Future plans for headquarters,
charity program, fund-raising and
other matters were discussed.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951 NE 87

NEW HAVEN
Come 16 drive-ins in the state are are preparing
for April 7, 8 openings now, instead
of Easter debuts as originally considered.
Edward Lord's Plainfield still is counting on
the early holiday opening . . . Paul Purdy
now is booking for the Meriden Theatre, the
Sky View Drive-In at Torrington and the
East Windsor Drive-In . . . Amalgamated
Buying Service has the Lake, Waterbury and
Waterford drive-ins on its roster . . . Jules
Lapidus, eastern sales manager for Warners,
and Norman Ayers, Boston district manager,
came in to see Al Daytz, WB manager.
Clayton Eastman, Eagle Lion district manager,
also was a Filmrow visitor . . . Arthur
Greenfield, U-I exchange manager, was busy
at an eastern meeting of division managers,
district managers and branch managers at
the Hotel Warwick . . . End of the eighth
week of the Charles Peldman drive found
Greenfield and his staff in first place . . .
Dixwell and Rivoli, Fishman theatres, started
Friday night quiz shows from the stage, conducted
by and rebroadcast over WAVZ.
Members of the audience participate in the
quiz and both the station, and Henry Cohen,
Dixwell manager, promote cash and merchandise
prizes.
"Prince of Peace" chalked up an excellent
two-day run at the Forest . . . Micky Nunes
started a dinnerware giveaway at the Lyric,
Hartford, for Tuesday-Wednesday featiures,
and a Monday glassware series at the Dreamland
. . . Columbia completely rearranged its
office and both Columbia and RKO are redecorating
for spring . . . The Harry Fishmans
of the Fishman Theatre circuit are off
for their annual vacation in Miami Beach.
National Theatre Supply has installed
American cliairs and Crestwood carpeting
in Nick Del Rosso's Watertown Theatre . . .
Among celebrities seen in the opening night
audience at the Shubert for "The King and
I," were Rodgers and Hammerstein, Richard
Green, Miriam Hopkins, Lionel Stander, Mrs.
Irene Mayer Selznick, Byron Palmer and
many others . . . Bernie Menschel, operator
of the Star, Hartford, was arrested and his
theatre was closed for a week because of
night showings of an allegedly indecent burlesque
picture . . . Otto Teff's lease on the
State, New Britain, expired and renewal is
In negotiation.
Pfominent in this season's social calendar
was the Jewish Smorgasbord given by 20th-
Pox at Ann Donner's apartment in honor of
HUMC
^m
CAN'T BE BEA-J
for SPEED & ^
QUALITY
Edwina Serfillippi, who will be married soon
to Richard Ronald Petrillo. The party was
complete with huge cake and gift of mirrored
hamper and basket . . . The flu bug hit
Jack Findlay's secretary and the exhibitor
was doing his own booking for Westerly and
Mystic . . . The Joe Shulmans left for a
month's vacation in Europe.
Bill Brown, Bijou manager here for many
years, was transferred to Lowe's, Evansville,
Ind., and Paul Klingler, of the Strand,
Waterbury, now a weekend only house, took
over the New Haven management, with
Charles Scalise assisting . . Ray Wylie, now
.
selling independent films, spent the week in
Dave Kaufman, Loew's
New York state . . .
Poli artist, took a last fling at skiing this
winter during a saved-up week of vacation
. . . Frankie Carle rang up good takes on
the cash register in three Loew's Poli towns.
Harry Rose, manager of the Globe, Bridgeport,
is vacationing at Atlantic City again,
while Matt Saunders keeps an eye on the
theatre ... On the sick list were Terry Reynolds,
A. Blackman and W. Pawley of the
Bijou service staff . . . Also Paul Nastri
Scalise of the Loew's Poli division office
switchboard . . . Janet Prussia is new at
Monogram . . . Walt Silverman, Columbia
manager, is back at his desk after a week
out with the flu . . . I. H. Rogovin, Columbia
district manager, was in town on a routine
visit.
py all indications Anthony Dexter, the mod-
going to have feminine
hearts panting just as his predecessor did
in the 1920's. Although his train was two
and a half hours late pulling into Springfield
there still was a large crowd of teenagers
waiting at the railroad station. His
two-day personal appearances here drew good
sized crowds everywhere Dexter appeared.
SPRINGFIELD
ern day Valentino, is
ill*. . . Norman
both Capitol and Art, will
tor, former candy attendant this month . '^
Job.
CHICAGO
1327 S. Wabash
NEW YORK
619 W. S4th SL
Capitol: William Kozak is back as assistant
after a try at sports advertising field
. . . Donald Clifford, assistant, was transferred
to Art, Warners' second house here
. . . Louis Roncarati is temporarily replacing
doorman Nap Shoiniere, who is visiting on
the west coast . . . Taylor Adkins is temporary
replacement for Walter Hart, out
Corbett, former assistant at
marry Rose Kan-
. .
Ande Sette, manager, and William Kozak, assistant,
both celebrate their birthdays this
month.
Art: Bob Howard, assistant, has resigned
. . . Prank DriscoU, doorman, out for six
weeks with an Injured shoulder is back on
Finishes Projection Training
HARTFORD—Cpl. Charles Walsh of
ThompsonvlUe, Conn., recently completed an
army projectionists' training course at Camp
Pickett, Va. He is stationed with the 43rd
Division there.
'Demand' Grosses 140
As Boston Leader
BOSTON—After four weeks of stage shows,
the Keith Boston shifted to a two-picture
policy. Loew's State had a successful week of
stage shows headed by the Ink Spots with
Larry Green's band and other acts. "Payment
on Demand" had a strong first week
at the Astor, as did "Call Me Mister" at the
Metropolitan.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—Payment on Demand (RKO) UO
Beacon Hill—La Forza Del Destino (Screen Art);
Beaver Valley (RKO) 100
Boston—Gambling House (RKO), plus stage show 90
Copley Seven Days to Noon (Maylux), (5th wk.)
split with Chance ol a Lifetime (Ballantine) UO
Exeter Street—The Happiest Doy« of Your Life
(London), 4th wk 90
Memorial—Tomahawk (U-I), Znd wk 90
Metropolitan—Call Me Mister (20th-Fox); Blue
Blood (Mono) 135
Paromount and Fenway The Enforcer (WB);
Model Wife (U-I), reissues 120
State Cause for Alarm (MGM), plus stage show-.130
Orpheum—Bom Yesterday (Col), 2nd wk 125
'Prince
of Peace' Paces
Hartford at 120
HARTFORD—Trade was about fair, with
only two holdovers in the downtown area.
The 4,200-seat State brought in "Prince of
Peace" to impressive business.
Allyn—Steel Helmet (LP); Fingerprints Don't Lie
(LP) 110
E. M. Loews—A Yank in Korea (Col); Operation
X (Col) 90
Poli—I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (ZOth-Fox);
The Agitator (Four Cont.) .- 100
Palace—Three Guys Named Mike (MGM); Short
Gross (Mono), 2nd wk 85
Regal—The Enforcer (WB); Cuban Fireball (Rep),
2nd wk 115
Statfr—Prince of Peace (HP) 120
Strand—Bedtime for Bonzo (U-I); Navy Bound
(Mono) 65
'Valley' and 'Enforcer' at 100 Pace
New Haven for Average Gross
NEW HAVEN — The Poli business with
"Vengeance Valley" and "My True Story"
and the Roger Sherman with "The Enforcer"
and "Rhythm Inn" were about average.
Otherwise downtown boxoffices were quiet.
College—The Magnificent Yankee (MGM); Rio
Grande Patrol (RKO), 2nd wk. 5 days 90
Loews Poli—Vengeance Volley (MGM); My True
Story (Col) .100
-
Paramount—The Great Missouri Raid (Para); The
Man Who Cheated Himself (20lh-Fox) 85
Roger Sherman—The Enforcer (WB); Rhythm Inn
(Mono) - 100
INCORPORATIONS
— HARTFORD —
Connecticut Theatre: Hartford; $50,000, commencing
business with $3,000; 2,000 shares, $25 par; H. S.
Carlberg, Wethersfield; William F. Condon, East Hartlord;
Paul Neil deSole, New Britain; Joseph Neiman,
James F. Dawson, Hartford.
Coleman Bro«. Shovrs: Middletown; $100,000, commencing
business with $50,000; 500 shares, $100 par;
Richard J. Coleman, Ellen N. Coleman and Francis
J. Coleman, all of Middletown.
Community Ploys: Amenia Union road, Sharon;
$2,000, paid in cash $2,000; president, Lee O. Snook;
secretary, Irene Snook, both of Illinois; vice-president,
Guernsey LePelley, and treasurer, Maxine Le-
Pelley, Sharon; directors, same as officers.
Continental Enterprises: 161 York St., New Haven;
$50,000, paid in cash $35,000, paid in property $15,000;
president, Michael J. Goode; treasurer and secretary,
Aldo DeDoninicis, both ol New Haven; vice-president,
Vincent DeLaurentis, Orange; directors, same as officers
and Patrick J. Goode, ol New Haven.
New England Reel Corp.i Hazardville; $5,000, paid
in cash; president. Douglas G. Bridges; treasurer,
Vernon Fairhurst; vice-president, C. Rockwell Bridge;
secretary, R. Dudley Bridge.
Bristol Drive-In Theotret 198 Terryville ave., Bristol-
$5,000, cash; paid in president. Hector M. Frascadore,
Bristol; treasurer, E. M. Loew, Miltoij, Mass.;
secretoiy, Gertrude Rittenberg, Mattapan, Mass.; directors,
Hector M. Frascadore, E. M. Loew, Bruno
Weingarlen, New London.
88
BOXOFFICE March 10. 1951

BOSTON
piizabeth Taylor, Anthony Dexter and
Jimmy Dunn, Hollywood stars, participated
in the huge Red Cross kickoff rally
held at Symphony hall, along with several
entertainers appearing at local night clubs.
Also on the stage were Connie Boswell, Jack
E. Leonard, Vaughn Monroe, the Ink Spots,
Ada Lynn and Sammy Eisen's band . . .
Tony Dexter, who plays the lead in "Valentino."
arrived in time to attend a special
screening of the film for a group of high
school students ... He also appeared at Red
Cross headquarters.
Embassy Pictures has booked "Seven Days
to Noon" at the Fine Arts Theatre, Maynard;
the Metropolitan, Providence and the Capitol,
Lynn. It ran three weeks at the Copley,
Boston . . . Nick Lavidor, energetic manager
of E. M. Loew's Center here, is submitting
his exploitation campaign on "Salerno
Beachhead" and "The Fighting SuUivans"
for the Realart Better Showmanship national
contest,
editors.
to be judged by BOXOFFICE
Ed Shulman of the New York pubhcity
staff of Universal and his wife sp)ent the
Washington birthday holidays in Boston
visiting friends . . . Joe Mansfield, Eagle
Lion Classics local publicist, is working with
James "Red" King on the promotion for
"Korea Patrol." A Red Cross blood bank
unit will be set up outside the Keith Boston
a full week to accept pledges. Mansfield
also is working with Viola Berlin on
"So Long at the Fair," the next picture to
play the Exter Street Theatre. It is also
booked at the Strand, Providence, along with
"The Blue Lamp."
Mild weather brought the following outof
town exhibitors to Filmrow: Bob Zerinsky,
Keene, N. H.; Mrs. WiUiam Sullivan, Enfield,
N. H.; Elihu Glass, Majestic, West
Springfield; Irving Dunn, Granite Square,
Manchester, N. H.; Spero Latchis, Vermont;
Ned Eisner, Uxbridge, and Phil Bloomberg,
Plaza, Salem.
Clarence "Dutch" Millett of the State
Theatre in Bridgton, Me., has applied for
membership in Independent Exhibitors of
New England . . . Two Boston theatres have
closed for lack of business. The Laff-Movie
on Washington street, operated by Fred Lieberman,
will be converted into another type
of business. The closed Cobb Theatre, also
on Washington street, was the fourth picture
house to be built in the city. It was
known' originally as the Dreamland.
Charles S. Howard, 86, dean of the Boston
drama editors, died at his AUston home.
He had been a member of the Boston Globe's
staff for 69 years and had been ill since
October 1949. He had been head of the
theatre, music and motion picture department
of the Globe for nearly 55 years.
When "Up Front" was sneak-previewed at
the Keith Memorial, the audience response
was most gratifying to the Universal officials
scattered through the house. The laughs were
so frequent and loud that much of the dialog
of this Bill Mauldin army comedy was
lost. Publicist John McGrail contacted Lieut.
Joseph DriscoU, now a local contractor who
was with Mauldin in the 45th division in the
Italian campaign, and he promised to help.
He was the original "Willie" in the famous
Mauldin cartoons.'
The new 600-car drive-in in North Smithfield,
R. I., will be opened by Arthur Mason
and Edward Strigus this spring. Century
projectors will be installed by Massachusetts
Theatre Equipment Co. . . . Sympathy to
Maxwell Andelman of Devonshire Film Co.
in the death of his mother, Mrs. Sarah Andelman
of Cambridge . . . The Dreamland
Theatre, Nantucket, operated by Miss Rita
Hull, daughter of Captain Hull who managed
it for many years, is being renovated
with new seats, a new boxoffice and new
restroom. Herbert Higgins does the buying
and booking for the house.
HARTFORD
. . .
"Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dolgin of the Pine Drivein
and Mrs. Erwin Needles have been
named to the advisory committee for the Jewish
Community Center's "Revuesical of 1951,"
slated for Bushnell Memorial auditorium
Leonard Greenberg, son of the
April 9 . . .
Center Theatre owner, will be married July
8 to Phyllis Spivack of New Haven . . .
Mickey Daly, manager for the Center Theatre,
is marking his 30th year in show business
. . . Lee Rosenberg of the Poli circuit.
New Haven, was in town . . . Frank Daly,
Mickey's son, is now with the state police
Manager John Petroski of the Palace,
Norwich, is running a series of Tuesday night
talent contests.
Jack Gallagher, E. M. Loew's doorman, was
ill with a cold . . . Hugh Connors is observing
his sixth year with Confidential Reports . . .
Bob Gentner of the Poli, Waterbury, and
Morris Sidman, Haverhill, Mass., exhibitor,
were among local visitors . . . Tom Carey of
Carey Theatrical Enterprises visited Matt L.
Saunders at the Poll, Bridgeport.
Whitey Harris, Center projectionist, entered
the Veterans hospital at Newington . . .
George E. Landers of E. M. Loew's Theatres
said the circuit's drive-ins would reopen for
the season about March 15, weather permitting.
The Bristol 800-car drive-in will open
April 1 . . . George Hudak, manager at the
Newington, has a new car . . . Lane,
Charlie
Warner circuit, was in Norwich . . . Cpl.
Donald Pierce, formerly of Thompsonville,
recently finished a projectionists' training
course at Camp Pickett, Va.
George H. Willdnson jr., president of the
MPTO of Connecticut, and owner of the
Wilkinson Theatre, Wallingford, has been
using the slogan, "Been to the Movies
Lately? They Are Really Good," in his newspaper
advertising.
Fred Abronzino, assistant chief projectionist
for E. M. Loew's, now on leave of absence,
has extended his leave to April 1.
He is visiting in Italy and will return in
March. His brother Al is chief projectionist
. . . Paul W. Amadeo, general manager of
the Pike Drive-In at Newington, used his
marquee during the winter to remind highway
passersby that the Pike planned to reopen
in the spring. Signs on the marquee
read: "Yes. we're closed for the season!
Why? Because, baby, it's cold outside!"
Fortunio Bonanova will play a leading
character role in Republic's "Havana Rose."
WORCESTER
A Ibert Leger, 50, projectionist at the Strand
in Fitchburg, collapsed at work and was
removed to Burbank hospital, where he was
pronounced dead from a heart attack. He
leaves his wife and a son . . . Murray Howard,
manager of the Warner, capitalized on the
fact that "The Second Face" was the first
picture in two years for Rita Johnson,
Worcester girl . . . Brice Howard and Jen
Jones joined the Circle . . . Jan Murray headlined
the Temple Emanuel show at the Auditorium.
. .
Herbert Rothschild, assistant manager of
the Warner, will report to the navy next
month . The Hudson in that town closed
"Outrage" to children under 16 . . . Sunset
Carson made a personal appearance at the
Modern in Marlboro . . . An article appeared
in the Shrewsbury Town Warrant that would
ban all future drive-in theatres in that
town. Two recently were turned down there.
The Warner observed the 34th anniversary
of its opening. "Roxy" was one of the noted
guests at the premiere . . . "Al Jennings of
Oklahoma" has three former Worcesterites in
the cast—Gloria Henry, Raymond Greenleaf
and Louis Jean Heydt . . . Robert Daggett,
who has operated stock companies in
Westboro for ten years, has given up the
Daggett Playhouse there and says he is
retiring from show business.
Johnny Cummins, 66, stage manager at
the Warner, died in St. Vincent hospital
after a long illness. He had spent all his
life working in the theatres, starting in London,
where he was a ticket-taker. He had
been with the Warner since its opening. He
leaves his wife, five daughters and a son
Thomas, who has succeeded him at the
Warner.
A 16-year-oId boy who had escaped from
the Shirley school was arrested for two alleged
attempted holdups in Framingham theatres.
Police said he confessed trying to get
cash from the HoUis and St. George. At the
HoUis, Esther Strafus, cashier, said the youth
came to the boxoffice and demanded the
"big bills." He ran away when she buzzed
for the manager. Joan Robinson of the St.
George reported a similar incident.
Newsboys of the Worcester Telegram and
Gazette were guests of the Hudson in that
town . . . Leo Lajoie, manager of the Capitol,
reports he will screen "Macbeth" for one day
only, the first time the picture has played
town . . . Bob Portle, manager of the Loew-
Poli Elm Street, got mention in the Sunday
Telegram as helping start Chick Cerrone on
the stage. Chick was an usher at the Plaza
when Bob arranged for him to join a show as
a dancer 20 years. Chick's now on the pohce
force.
Massachusetts House
Kills Beano Game Bill
BOSTON — The game of beano seems
doomed for the next year anjrway in Massachusetts.
By a roll call vote of 139 to 80
the house killed the bUl after a sharp debate.
The measure had the backing of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars, which requested that the
biU be passed to allow beano games to be
operated only by fraternal, veterans or religious
groups.
BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951
89

PORTLAND
T'd CUmb the Highest Mountain" was previewed
at the Civic Theatre here for clubwomen,
ministers, teachers and radio and
newspaper folk before opening to a very successful
run, according to Manager Vicky
Cousens. J. M. Connolly, manager for 20th-
Fox at Boston, and Stanley Young, Maine
salesman, were on hand for the showing.
Luncheon followed at the Eastland hotel . . .
Pisher Zeitz, owner of the Civic Theatre, has
returned from a Florida trip.
Manager Frank Clements, Capitol Theatre,
lost his relief doorman, Malcolm Carr, to
the army air force. Page Safford replaced
him . Kenneth Loew, auditor on concessions,
was in town recently . . . . .
The Port-
land Theatre has gone back to four changes
weekly . . . The Strand is making a concentrated
effort to attract more children. Admission
has been changed to 20 cents on Saturday
until 3 p. m. and on Sunday until 4
p. m. Marino, assistant at the Strand, has
passed his army physical.
Ralph TuUy, manager of the State Theatre,
held a marriage contest in connection
with "The Magnificent Yankee." A U.S.
savings bond and 20 pairs of guest tickets
were awarded for the best answers to the
question, "I believe in (early) or (late) marriage
because" . . . John Divney, manager
of the Star in Westbrook, cooperated with
the Westbrook merchants in their appreciation-day
promotion and gave away orchid
corsages to the first 50 women to buy tickets.
Divney reports good attendance at the special
all-French picture, "Seraphino," which
played two days.
Edward Flaherty, usher at the Maine
Theatre, has resigned to join the marine
corps. Miss Caroline Matzi hais been added
to the staff as cashier. Charles Hamilton,
formerly of the Main Theatre, is stationed
with the air corps military police in California
. . . The Hussey Theatre in Mars Hill
was damaged by fire recently.
BOWLING
BOSTON—By taking
filiated Theatres, the
stepped up to tie New
the Theatrical Bowling
took three from MGM.
Team Won Lost
NET 20 4
Indepandanti 20 4
.
Harry'* 16 8
Maeaulay 10 14
|BOOK IT
I WAHOO if
four points from Af-
Independents again
England Theatres in
league. New England
Standings to date:
Team Won Lost
ATC 8 IS
MGM _„.. 8 16
AttiUated 7 17
HKO 7 17
NOW!!!
the world's most thrile
successfully by hundreds of indoor
e and outdoor theatres all over America.
Send for complete details. Be sure
J
< and give seating or car capacity.
$ 831 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago 5,
Many Yale Drama Grads
Working in Hollywood
NEW HAVEN — A recent check on 548
alumni of the Yale university department
of drama, founded 25 years ago by George
Pierce Baker', disclosed that 42 per cent were
in education, 25 per cent in professional
theatre, 11 per cent in films, 9 per cent in
radio, 7 per cent in television, and 6 per
cent in community theatre. Among the successful
grads in Hollywood are writers Talbot
Jennings, Elaine Ryan, Valentine Davies,
Whitfield Cook, Marvin Borowsky, Leopold
Atlas, Frank Cavett and Bernard Schoenfield;
directors Elia Kazan, Henry Potter,
Michael Gordon, Richard Fleischer and Edward
Padula; producer George Haight; art
directors Monroe Burbank and Louis Rachmil.
NEW HAVEN—A recent labor
department
tabulation shows the average production
worker in the Hartford area receives $72.74
per week; Stamford second, with an average
of $70.19; Waterbury, $67.45; Bridgeport,
$67.44; New Britain, $66.75, and New Haven,
$58.25.
LYNN
IWTanager Edward Myerson, Capitol, got his
picture in local papers presenting complimentary
tickets to Chief Petty Officer
Irving McLeod of the navy recruiting station
during the showing of "The Flying Missile."
Store window displays helped the buildup.
Myerson and Lynn newspapermen attended
a dinner given in Boston for Lon Mc-
Callister, star of "A Yank in Korea," also
Korean veterans from
shown at the Capitol.
the Chelsea naval hospital were guests on
the first night.
Elliott Oshry and Joseph Comeau have
received orders to report to the army March
16, making four members of the Capitol staff
in the armed forces. The others are in the
marines and navy . . . When a columnist
of a local paper went on his vacation, he
prevailed upon Manager Myerson and Manager
Royce Beckman of the Warner to take
turns pinch-hitting for him. Both managed
to get in plugs for their respective theatres.
Manager Beckman received a letter from
Gloria M. Auger, publicity secretary of the
Lynn chapter of the American Red Cross,
thanking him for display space, which he
donated in the Warner lobby during the
bloodmobile campaign.
New Hampshire Balks
At Licensing Operators
CONCORD, N. H.—The New Hampshire
Senate has killed a bill to license all motion
picture operators, filed by Senator Sara E.
Otis. The measure would have set up a
three-man commission to examine candidates.
The license fee would have been $10
for the first year and $5 for each year of renewal.
At a public hearing early In February
more than 75 theatre owners voiced disapproval
of the bill.
Radio actor Norman Field has been booked
for MOM'S "Strictly Dishonorable."
BRIDGEPORT
projectionist George Liburdi and his wife
Virginia are the parents of a boy . . .
Birthday congratulations to Edward G. Trotter
of the Klein Memorial, Madge Blake of
Loew's Poll and Charles Guadino of the
Hippodrome . . . Managing Director John
MoUoy was back from three weeks in
Miami.
Peter Lawrence ana Robert Penn are planning
a theatre-in-the-round under canvas
on the property of singer James Melton in
Norwalk next summer for 12 weeks of
musicals . . . Arthur Fensore is substituting
for his ailing father James in the projection
booth at Loew's Poll.
Approximately 96,900 workers were employed
in Bridgeport factories at the end
of January, the highest total in two years
. Jose Iturbi and his sister Ampra booked
. .
for a concert at the Klein Memorial on
Thomas Murphy, Lyric stagehand,
March 31 . . .
observed a birth
anniversary.
Hartford Theatremen
Are Fined $50 Each
HARTFORD—Bemie Menschell and John
Calvocoressci, partners of the Community
Amusement Corp. here, were fined $50 each
by police court Judge Hyman Holtman for
the showing "Everybody's Girl" at the Star
Theatre, February 16. Judgment was suspended
in the cases of Michael W. Masselli,
Star manager, and Jack Kearns, projectionist
at the theatre. The 1,800-seat house has
been closed since February 24 when both
state and city licenses to operate had been
withdrawn.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
K Sunday evening film show, to which all
residents of the community were invited,
featured the Outing club's annual winter
carnival in Goffstown. "The Star Dust Ice
Review" also was an attraction . . .
Another
attempt to put a dog racing bill through the
legislature has failed. The measure, which
its sponsors claimed would bring anpual
revenue of $1,500,000 to the state, was overwhelmingly
defeated in the house of representatives.
The Palace in Manchester featured two
film revivals on a recent program. They
were the Douglas Fairbanks jr. fi: n, "Confessions
of a Model," and John i 'es and
Madge Evans in "Secret of a Sinn -" . . .
The state voluntary roadside impr> ment
committee, including representatives the
Outdoor Advertising Ass'n and the Nau nal
Roadside Business Ass'n, accepted a nuH.ber
of areas In the state for scenic improvement.
Pinal approval by the main body will call
for protection from unsightly billboards and
for various improvements.
Changed
'Renegade' Title
The title of U-I's picture, "Don Renegade,"
'
has been changed to "The Mark of the
Renegade."
^
90
BOXOFFICE
:
: March
10, 1951

Variety Village Affair
To Be Held Annually
TORONTO—The first
graduation night of
Variety Village, main project of Variety Tent
28, proved such a success that it was decided
to establish the ceremony as an annual
function.
The gathering in the Toronto tent's clubrooms
included members of the first class
of 22 boys who had completed the vocational
course of one year at the school, along with
their employers and many members of the
Variety branch. The boys were congratulated
by Chief Barker J. J. Chisholm after
the youths told of their progress in various
occupations in cities and towns of Ontario.
One group of eight boys is living in an
unofficial postgraduate residence in the Toronto
east end, which is conducted by Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas Whyte, formerly of Leeds,
England. These youths pay regular rent and
board but have the advantage of companionship.
Wide newspaper publicity was given the
graduation night, reflecting considerable
credit on the Variety tent. The boys themselves
urged that the meetings be held for
successive group of graduates each year when
the program could take the form of a reunion.
Film Ratings Published
Each Week at Ottawa
OTTAWA—In cooperation with the Ottawa
Film Council, the Evening Citizen newspaper
is publishing a weekly moving picture
guide of screen attractions recommended
for juveniles, the ratings being supplied by
Parents' Magazine. The first list, which appeared
for the weekend of March 2, 3, contained
the titles of a dozen features which
are described as excellent, good, fair, mature
or medal award pictures.
Pictures which are called "mature" included
"Let's Dance," "Odette" and "The
Story of G.I. Joe" while the "excellent"
rating is given "Iroquois Trail" and "On the
Town," the following being called "good":
"I'd Climb the Highest Mountain," "Toast
of New Orleans" and "That Midnight Kiss."
The following are listed as "medal" picures:
"Johrmy Holiday," "Stars in My
Crown" and "Tripoli." "Little interest" is
the rating that was given to "Last Holiday"
while "Pride of Maryland" is called "fair."
Two St. John Theatres Up
Colas to 10 Cents
ST. JOHN, N. B.—The Regent Theatre here
has upped its cola prices to ten cents for
a small bottle at the coin-operated machine.
The regular price in stores near the Regent
is still seven cents, but so far this hasn't
affected the theatre sales.
Last summer the nickel cola jumped to
six cents when the government put on a
30 per cent tax hike. Several weeks ago the
price went to seven cents and now most
coin-operated machines in St. John are selling
the drink for ten cents. Herman Kerwin,
manager of the Regent, said the increase
has been at least a third and will be heavier
when favorable weather arrives in a month
or so.
Ontario Reduces Its
Tax
On Theatre Admissions
TORONTO—A reduction from 15 to 12 V-
per cent in the provincial amusement tax, effective
shortly, was announced Tuesday by
Ontario Premier Leslie M. Frost in his annual
budget speech before the legislature. The
news came as thirlling surprise to operators
of more than 600 theatres in Ontario who will
pass on the reduction to patrons.
Premier Frost announced that the tax
revenue for the past fiscal 12 months totaled
$6,400,000, and estimated the receipts from
this tax during the year starting April 1 would
be $6,000,000 despite the reduced rate.
A year ago the Ontario government reduced
the ticket tax from 20 to 15 per cent. Previously
the Dominion government had collected
a 20 per cent amusement tax as a war
measure and the province of Ontario had no
such levy.
Premier Frost announced censoring fees
Amended Antinoise Law
Asked by Drive-In Man
HALIFAX—The board of works of the city
council here has postponed action on an application
by Bert Cooper for an amendment
to the city's antinoise bylaw, which would
allow him to operate a sound system after
10 p. m. for his drive-in theatre and dance
hall. The drive-in is located in the north end
of the city and is subject to the regulation
because it is located within the city limits.
Cooper told the board he could not get his
outdoor theatre and dancing starting until
9:30 p. m. due to daylight saving time in the
summer. The police chief was asked to report
to the board in three months on the noise.
He claimed there had been many complaints,
and an alderman contended he had received
complaints from residents of noise up to almost
1 a. m. Cooper said the prevailing restriction
on sound involves a severe hardship
for him financially.
RCA Quarter Century Club
Admits 1 1 New Members
MONTREAL—At the sixth annual meeting
of the RCA Victor Quarter Century club
in the Mount Royal hotel, 11 employes were
admitted to membership, bringing the total
strength of the club to 83.
The new members are Phillip J. David,
Albert Bedard, Ernest W. Reynolds, Real
Julien, Paul Emile Mantha, William F. Reilly,
Albert J. Conlan, Antonio Baril, Harold H.
Prinsky and Lawrence Landerman. Fred W.
Didgood, a new member from the RCA Cabinet
plant at Owen Sound, Ont., also was
present.
A. W. Schwalberg Visits
ST. JOHN—A. W. Schwalberg, Paramount
sales executive, made one of his infrequent
trips to the maritimes recently and
visited with Mitchell Franklin, acting president
of the Franklin & Herschorn Theatres
chain. They had met previously at New
York City and Miami.
and theatre operating licenses revenue totaled
$280,000 last year.
TORONTO—In answer to
Toronto's claim
for a larger share of the provincial amusement
tax for the local hospital expenditures.
Premier Leslie M. Frost of Ontario has announced
that the request "is being given
serious consideration."
The civic authorities, headed by Mayor
Hiram McCallum, contended that Toronto
theatre patrons contributed at least half
of the provincial levy but the municipality
probably wasn't receiving 25 per cent of the
total proceeds.
The amusement tax revenue is devoted to
hospital grants by the province of Ontario.
Toronto has a large bill for the care of
indigent patients.
Newfoundland Show
Closed by Ticket Tax
CURLING, NFLD.—^The new Mayflower
Theatre, opened by W. J. Boland late in 1950,
has been shuttered by its owner after the city
council here refused to relax a special admission
tax of ten cents per ticket and after
he was unable to get early runs on film product.
Boland, in 1950, converted a large local
building into a theatre and practically upon
the opening day of the house the council
levied its ten-cent per ticket tax. Boland, a
soft drink manufacturer and new to the film
industry, asked a waiver on the tax, but it
was denied. He then asked a pwstponement
by the council in collection of the tax until
conditions were more favorable. This also
was refused. He had said that the postponement
would give him an opportunity to stabilize
his business, new both to himself and to
the community.
The council has continued adamant on the
tax and Boland has made no plans for reopening
the theatre.
Maurice Elman Starts
St. John Booking Office
ST. JOHN—Maurice Elman, maritimes
manager for Alliance-SRO the last seven
years, has resigned to set up his own booking
business here after a trip to Montreal.
Gordon Stults, who has been manager for
International Films, has been named office
manager and booker for Alliance - SRO.
There will be no successor to Elman, as a
salesman from the Montreal branch will
cover the maritimes twice yearly.
International and Cardinal Films have
been combined In St. John under the managership
of Lou Michaelson, who was manager
at the United Artists. He was succeeded
at UA by Seymour Miller, who had
been a salesman-booker there.
At UA, Bill Campbell, who had been shipper,
has been promoted to booker.
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951 E 91

MONTREAL
Driefs from Fllmrow: Jack Roher, Toronto,
president of Peerless Films, was in town
on business . . . Arthur Larente, Montreal
manager for Peerless, has been ill . . . D. St.
Jacques of the Capitol, Thurso, was a visitor
. . . Georges Champagne of the Cinema
circuit, Shawinigan Falls, has acquired the
Empire Theatre, La Tuque . . . Garth Beckett,
salesman for Arrow Films, broke his
wrlit when attempting to start his car . . .
Simon Moreau, cashier at 20th-Fox, sent
the staff a card from Florida where she is
recuperating . . . Ruby Rabinovitch, booker
at United Artists, spent the weekend skiing
in the Laurentians. He stayed at the Vermont
hotel, Ste. Agathe.
A Walt Disney festival is being presented
at the Auditorium, St. Laurent . . . National
Film Board has invited the French-Canadian
pwet, Robert Choquette, to write the commentary
for a film about rural life in Quebec
. . . Cinema de Paris has been showing
Michele Morgan and Henri Vidal in "La
Belle Que Viola" in its sixth week ... At the
Canadien in its second week, "L'Escadron
Blanc" and "Apres TAmour" are featured.
Louis Jouvet, outstanding personality of
the Parisian films and stage, is being brought
by Prance Film to His Majesty's where he
. . .
will star in Moliere's "L'EcoIe des Femmes"
The old Place Viger hotel, which has
been sold to the city by the Canadian Pacific
railway, was built in 1849 on the site
of an early Montreal theatre, the Hays, belonging
to the chief of police of that period.
France Film brought Luis Mariano in person
to the St. Denis, where the famed operetta
singer was acclaimed by 21,192 persons
during a single weekend . . . Mistinguett,
idol of Paris for years, drew a crowd of admirers
each night to the Montmartre. She
arrived by air from Paris . . . Mayor Boivin
of Granby, Que., theatre owner, increased his
popularity with the young set by removing
the arm of every second chair in the theatre
so that spooning couples would not be hampered
by a projecting arm.
Thanks' for Cancer Drive
TORONTO—The film industry has received
official commendation from the Canadian
Cancer society for its active cooperation
in its fund-raising campaigns. The theatres
and film exchanges made extensive use of
trailers and devoted advertising space for
the crusade. The board of the cancer .society
expressed special appreciation to President
J. J. Pitzgibbons of Famous Players Canadian
Corp. and President Gordon Lightstone
of the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors
As.sociatlon.
Rally to Red Cross Aid
TORONTO—Stimulated by the seriousness
of the international situation, local film
executives have rallied to the support of
the Canadian Red Cross In its annual financial
drive. The film Industry committee
is headed by vice-president R. W. Bolstad
of Famous Players Canadian Corp. Its personnel
includes 17 officials of theatre groups
and film exchanges.
'Birdie' Hits High Spot
In Toronto Week
TORONTO—Although there continued to
be considerable sickness in the Toronto district,
the attractions at half of the important
theatres were held over, three of them for a
third week, these being "Born Yesterday" at
the Imperial, and "Call Me Mister" at the
University and Nortown. The chief feature
among the new pictures was "Watch the
Birdie" at Loew's. The weather was disagreeable
in spots.
(Average Is 100)
Biltmore—Cocaine (SR); Power Dive (Para) 110
Fairlawn Harvey (U-I); David Harding. Counterspy
(Col) 105
Hyland The Strange Case of Madeleine (EL),
2nd wk 9b
Imperial—Bom Yesterday (Col), 3rd wk 90
Loew's—Watch the Birdie (MGM) 120
Odeon The Woman in Question (EL) 105
Shea's—Cry Danger (RKO) 105
Tivoli and Capitol American Guerrilla in the
Philippines (20th-Fox); If I'm Lucky (SR), reissue
- 90
University and Nortown Call Me Mister (20th-
Fox), 3rd wk 85
Uptown—Tomahowk (U-1), 2nd wk 90
Victoria and Eglinton The Prince of Peace (HP),
2nd wk 100
Flu Epidemic, Rain and Lent
Hit Vancouver Grosses
VANCOUVER—First runs were suffering
from a minor flu epidemic, rain and the
Lenten season, but "Kim" had a big week at
the Orpheum "Harvey" at the Vogue did very
well.
Capitol Grounds for Marriage (MGM)
Cinema—The Steel Helmet (LP); Bandit
Average
Queen
(LP)
Fair
5th
d. t. Fair
Hastings The Admiral Wo« a Lady (UA), plus
stage show
Average
Orpheum Kim (MGM) Excellent
Dominion
wk
King Solomon's Mines (MGM),
Paradise Rocketship (Cardinal); Mars Attacks the
World (Cardinal) 5 days Poor
Plaza and Eraser Double Crossbones (U-I) Fair
Strand I'd Clinob the Highest Mountain
(20th-Fox)
Fair
Studio Faust and the Devil (Col) Fair
Vogue Harvey (U-I) Very Good
MARITIMES
Ilrchie Mason, owner of the Springhill Capitol
and president of the MMPEA, spoke
at the formal opening of the 1951 session of
the Nova Scotia legislature. He represents
Cumberland Center in the house as a Liberal.
At the 1950 convention of the MMPEA at
Amherst, in Cumberland county, he predicted
that a provincial sales tax of not more than
2 per cent would be introduced at the 1950
legislative session. Current indications are
that such a bill will be brought up, calling
for a tax of 1% per cent, a sharp contrast to
the 4 per cent tax in adjoining New Brunswick,
. .
The Mayfair and Dundas at Dartmouth
joined downtown stores in reviving Dollar
day. FVee bus transportation was provided
downtown for the hours during which the
stores operated. It has been several years
since a Dollar day sale was held at Dartmouth
. The Community Theatre and Community
barber shop, neighbors at the outskirts
of Rothesay, N. B., are offering bingo
games.
Arthur Burbank, who died recently at
Moncton at the age of 69, had been a musician
and entertainer In that city's theatres
for many years. Previously he had been In
vaudeville in the U.S., with a musical act,
playing a number of instruments.
OTTAWA
llJere for a federal government conference
recently was Fred C. Dillon, secretary
of the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors
Ass'n. He was also guest speaker at the
Rotary club luncheon in Smiths Falls March
2 and later at the Rotary meeting in Brockville
The Ottawa Imperial staged a word
. . . contest for juveniles in a tie-up with the
Classic Illustrated magazine. First prize was
a bicycle . . . Casey Swedlove of the Linden
gave cash awards for the best cowboy and
cowgirl costumes at a recent Saturday matinee.
Graeme Fraser, assistant general manager
of Crawley Films Ltd., was main speaker
at the Hull Rotary meeting in Standish
Hall. He stressed the growing imprartance
of the film industry in the Dominion. There
are 58 film producers, large and small, in
Canada.
Gerald Dillon, assistant manager of the
Ottawa Rideau, reaped some goodwill recently
when he learned that a theatre patron
discovered her son in a lobby photograph of
the Canadian troops in Korea. Dillon presented
the mother with a blowup of the
picture with the compliments of the theatre
. . . Ross McLean, former general manager
of the National Film Board, will also be chief
of the film division of UNESCO.
Manager Jack Gibson and the police are
baffled by the safecracking at the Glebe
when an estimated $500 was taken . . The
.
Kinsmen club of Kingston is cooperating
with Manager Ford of the Odeon in a draw
for an all-expense tour to Bermuda, the
Bahamas or Vancouver, sponsored by the
club.
Wide NFB Film Use
OTTAWA — The community film
movement
has had a spectacular expansion
throughout Canada, due mainly to the organization
work of the National Film Board,
it was brought out in a government report.
A total of 308 community film councils are
operating up and down the country, presenting
films in halls and recreation centers.
Also organized are 265 community film libraries
in which there are prints of many
National Film Board subjects. The Canadian
Film Institute, 172 Wellington St., Ottawa,
is active in the community and industrial
field as well.
Toronto 'Helmet' Moveover
TORONTO—After playing first run at five
units of 20th Century Theatres here with the
Downtown Theatre leading the way, "The
Steel Helmet" moved to the Astor, an affiliated
theatre, for a second week. Curly Posen's
King played the Canadian premiere of "The
Twins," an Italian musical feature with English
subtitles.
Korea Weapons on Display
OTTAWA—A special exhibit of military
equipment was on di-splay in the lobby of
the Rideau during the week's engagement
of "The Steel Helmet," the armament being
demonstrated by Canadian soldiers as representative
of the equipment being used by
Canada's troops in Korea.
92 BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951

People in Greece Look
For Invasion in Spring
From Eastern Edition
BATAVIA, N. Y.—Nikitas D. Dipson, head
of the Dipson circuit, flew back to his headquarters
here from Greece, where his wife
and daughter are remaining. On arriving in
Batavia, he presided at a meeting of all executives
of the company.
Dipson reported there is a general feeling
among the Greek people that war may come
in the Balkans this spring. He said the
Greek people point to a similarity in their
position and that of the South Koreans.
Their country, too, is a peninsula and is
bordered on the north by a Russian satellite,
Bulgaria. "The Russians always manage to
get someone else to do their fighting," Dipson
commented, "so it is natural to assume
that Bulgaria may invade Greece."
VANCOUVER
Cyd Western opened his new 325-seat OUver
Theatre at Williams Lake in the British
Columbia interior. The new building replaces
the old Oliver, the only one in the town.
Policy will be two pictures weekly . . Wadena,
.
a Saskatchewan farming community,
now has two theatres with the opening of
Mike Pluhator's 350-seat quonset-type
house, which will compete with A. Malowanchuk's
340-seat Roxy.
. .
Two more drive-ins in the Oka fruit belt
section have opened at Kelowna and Penticton
. . . The new Lions Outdoor theatre
in North Vancouver wUl open April 16 and
the Chllliwack Drive-In will bow at the end
of March . The Paramount Drive-In near
Vancouver and the 4-screen outdoor theatre
being rushed to completion near Victoria are
expected to be operating in May.
Guy Graham, who sold his Park Theatre
at White Rock, summer resort 25 miles
from here, now is operating a dance hall in
that town and is having a large television set
installed in the dance hall by General Theatre
Supply Co. Graham claims that his
dance pavilion is the largest in the Pacific
coast area ... It reported that theatre employes
local B-72 and the circuits have agreed
to a ten-cent an hour pay increase for doormen,
ushers and cashiers. Theatre workers
demanded a 20 per cent increase on a oneyear
contract.
W. D. and F. D. Welykholowa, operators of
the Capitol at Kamsack, Sask., have bought
the opposition Elite Theatre there from
Theatre Agencies of Winnipeg. The Elite
will be closed until spring.
TORONTO
. . . N. A. Taylor,
TXTalter Helm, former veteran manager at
the Biltmore at Kitchener, Ont., has
joined the H. E. Bacher Real Estate & Insurance
Co., there. Succeeding him as manager
is Howard Thomas
chief of 20th Century Theatres, caught the
. . .
flu bug upon his return to Toronto after
a New York business trip, but he recovered
quickly . . . Gerald Saunderson is the manager
of the Savoy, recently opened Toronto
unit of Biltmore Theatres The recent
flu epidemic sent a number of film executives
here to Florida for a winter holiday.
Kroger Babb of Hallmark Productions was
guest of honor at a Toronto Variety social
that used equipment
and sell it
by using—
. . . Mrs. Jack Arthur,
. . . Allen's
gathering recently
wife of the Famous Players' district manager,
trained the dancing chorus of the Lawrence
Park Players for their recent revue, "Community
Capers" . . . Harry Ginsler, veteran
film salesman, has returned to his office here
after an extensive eastern tour
Premier Theatres here has taken over the
Regent in CoUingwood, Ont. The showcase
was operated by Bull Bros.
Manager Al Sedgwick of the Palace in
St. Catharines, Ont., featured a complete
stage show, "The Musical Maniac," for two
nights with the regular feature at no advance
in prices.
quickly
BOXOFFICE
Want Ads
Most amazing wonderworkers
of the industry
oo u 10c
a word
4 insertions, price of 3
Mail with remittance
FPC Boosts Fcanily Nights
TORONTO — Famous Players Canadian
Corp. is promoting Family nights to boost patronage
in its leading neighborhood units
with general advertising which carries the
heading "Monday Night Is Movie Night.."
The copy suggests, "Make It a Family
Party," and the announcements carry the
line. "You'll always see a great show in your
nearest Famous Players' theatre." The public
is invited to phone the head office.
EMpire 4-0141, for information about any
show in the city.
Tell it and Sell it
EASY TO USE - WIDELY READ
BOXOFFICE :: March 10, 1951 93

^(mdoK ^cfiont
THE MUCH-DISCUSSED "group scheme"
of production came into being recently
and James Lawrie, managing director of the
National Film Finance Corp., gave details
to a press conference of the scheme's operation
when it is started.
About 30 of our leading producers and
directors have signified that they will take
part in the scheme and they are divided between
those which normally operate from
Pinewood and those whose films have been
made under the wing of Associated British at
EUstree. Each team will form a production
company quite distinct from any other and
will undertake to produce films for the two
companies formed by NFFC. One financial
company will take charge of all moneys invested
in productions at Pinewood and another
will work from Elstree. These companies
will have as their board in the one case a
delegate from NPTC and Earl St. John, and
In the other an NFFC man and Robert Clark.
Both companies will have as chairman Sir
Michael Balcon who continues as the advisor
to the NFFC.
The production company will choose Its own
subjects and approach the financial company
for money and this latter firm will handle all
the necessary financial details including the
bank discounting, insurance and guarantee of
completion. The job of the producer will be
to produce and he will have no money worries
at all. His company will be paid a flat rate
of 5,000 pounds a year which will be received
monthly and during the course of his agreement
with the NFFC the producer will not be
allowed to work outside the scheme. He will
also be required to give three months notice
if he wishes to withdraw. In each case the
distributor will put up 70 per cent of the
budget with the NFFC finding the rest and
producers will receive a share in the profits
as well as their flat salary. Profits will be
divided in the same ratio between NFFC and
the distributor after allowing for abortive
story costs and other losses that may occur.
Apart from the operations at Pinewood and
Elstree a new company will be formed known
as Group Three, Ltd. This will operate from
Southall studio and will be used to encourage
new talent among producers and directors.
John Grierson and John Baxter will be in
charge of this company and the finished
films will be distributed through Associated
British Film Distributors, Ltd., which has no
connection with the Associated British Picture
Corp., controllers of Elstree studios and
participants in the larger scheme outlined
above. ABFD is a smaller distribution house
which handles mainly reissues and cofeatures
and is tied up to Ealing Studios.
According to Lord Reith, NFFC's chairman,
the corporation will have about 1,200,000
pounds to spend during 1951 on the operations
given here. He stresses that there will
still be a certain amount of money available
for producers outside of the group scheme
who have a distribution contract, but in spite
of this there is still considerable criticism in
the industry which maintains that a government
corporation under a socialist government
Is financing the big film production
groups at the expense of the small.
By JOHN SULLIVAN
"MR. DRAKE'S DUCK" was made largely
on location with finishing work at Nettlefold
studio, Walton on Thames. It is an Angel
production distributed by Eros and produced
by Daniel Angel with Val Guest directing.
The stars are Douglas Fairbanks and Yolande
Donlan and there is a fine supporting cast
of British character actors.
"Mr. Drake's Duck" is a crazy comedy almost
in the Preston Sturges tradition. It
shows us an American who has inherited a
farm in England taking his daffy young
American bride there for their honeymoon.
The bride goes to a farm auction and buys,
by mistake, a pen of young ducks. To the
consternation of the honeymoon couple one
of these ducks lays an egg which turns out to
be of pure uranium and international complications
ensue when the British army occupies
the farm in an attempt to isolate the
particular duck.
On this slender idea Val Guest, who wrote
the script as well as directed, has hung a very
funny comedy that seems certain to do as
big a business as last year's comedy winner,
"The Happiest Days of Your Life." Like that
picture, the present one will be released on
the Associated British Cinemas circuit and
will enjoy one of the best release dates around
the Whitsun holiday.
Angel and Fairbanks have been in the
U.S.A. negotiating an American release for
the film and, properly handled, it should do
a good trade in the specialized cinema there.
« * *
"BLACKMAILED," a new independent production
distributed by J. Arthur Rank, was
tradeshown recently. It was produced at
Pinewood by Harold Huth and directed by
Marc Allegret. It stars Mai Zetterling, Dirk
Bogarde, Fay Compton and Robert Fleming.
This is one of those pictures where a good,
workmanlike structure has been placed on a
poor foundation. In Britain, in 1951, few people
have enough money left to be blackmailed
and the central situation of the blackmailer
and his victims has an old-fashioned air about
it, although an effort has been made to bring
it up to date by making his customers middle-class
people and the sums demanded
comparatively small. The film sets out to
show the misery that ensues when a good
woman murders a blackmailer, almost by accident,
and is persuaded against her better
judgment that she should not confess to the
crime. Ultimately, she goes to the police, but
not before several people have suffered and
one more man has died.
In contrast to its
mediocre plot the acting
talent is on a high level. Bogarde is excellent
as a young army deserter and the same applies
to Michael Gough as a self-pitying invalid.
The film is most notable for the introduction
of young Joan Rice, whose wide-eyed
innocent look and considerable talent make
her a possibility for stardom.
« * •
THE FINANCIAL EDITOR of the Kine
Weekly, in a report published recently, calculates
that the total value of film and cinema
industry shares has risen by nearly 18 million
dollars since this time last year when most
of them were at a low ebb. He attributes this
to a feeling among financiers that the industry
has put its house in order and that
sounder value is now being offered to the
public which is in turn reflected in higher
boxoffice takings.
This may be so, but it is more likely that
the increased take is due to the effect of the
current rearmament drive on the workman's
pay envelope. With increased wages and
more overtime it is natural that some of the
extra money should be spent on entertainment
and with money not quite -so tight patrons
might be less inclined to shop keenly
for their films. Whatever the reason all the
cinema shares have risen by quite considerable
amounts, Associated British Pictures
Corp. for example going up from $1.25 to
nearly two dollars and Odeon from 80 cents
to $1.70. Investors can look for even better
gains than this when the arms program gets
into top gear.
* « *
PRODUCED TWO YEARS AGO and held
up until now owing to an agreement with the
author of the play, the Gainsborough picture
"Travelors Joy" was screened recently and
will be released in March. Sydney Box
originally bought the story when he was
still at Shepherds Bush studios and agreed
that the film should not be released until six
months after the end of the run of the stage
play on which it was based. At that time it
looked like a safe bet since the play, although
a good one, was not expected to run more
than another year at the outside. To everybody's
surprise it ran for considerably more
than that and the film has been on the
shelf for nearly 18 months.
Antony Darnborough produced "Travelors
Joy" and Ralph Thomas directed with Google
Withers and John McCallum starring. It is
a comedy which deals with the tribulations
of British business men marooned in Sweden
without sufficient currency to see them home
or even to pay their hotel bills. Since the
regulations controlling currency to Scandinavian
countries came off some months ago it
might be expected that the piece would appear
dated, but this is far from the case. On
the contrary it is a pleasant, fast-moving
comedy with brilliant acting from everyone
from the principals down to the smallest of
bit
players.
"Travelors Joy" will come as a welcome
event to British exhibitors who are crying for
comedy. At first sight it would not appear to
be a propMDsition for American theatres, but
after the enthusiastic reception of "The Happiest
Days of Your Life" in New York, which
your correspondent did not see as a success
in the U.S., it might be better to leave the
question for the American reviewer to decide.
Detroit Monroe Dark;
Cut-Price Policy Fails
From Mideast Edition
DETROIT—The curtain has been rung
down for the last time at the Monroe, 250-
seat downtown house and one of the halfdozen
oldest theatres in Detroit, by Edward
Jacobson, who has operated it for the last
couple of years. The property will be converted
to a store.
The dramatic last-minute cut-price policy
inaugurated by Jacobson, who slashed adml.ssions
from 35 cents to a dime in an effort
to hold returns at a profitable level, failed
despite the generous use of handbills In the
downtown area.
94 BOXOFFICE March 10, 1951

BOXOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
BookiriGuide
FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHARl'
SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more of the 20 key cities
checked.
As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT
(Not
OF THE WEEK
an Average)
Bitter Rice
Indianapolis .210
Computed in terma of percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
Just as the Barometer page ahowa first run reports on current pictures,
ABOUT
PICTURES
department is devoted for the inost part to reports on subseguent runs, made
by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new, two stars means the
exhibitor has been writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor
is a regular of one year or more. All exhibitors welcome. Blue Ribbon
pictures are marked thus O.
COLUMBIA
FuUer Brush Girl, The (Col)—Lucille Ball,
Eddie Albert, Carl Benton Reid. This is a
good comedy which did a nice business for
me on Sun., Mon. It is slapstick stuff but
they like it. Red Skelton appears in two
scenes, but just for a moment. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Good. — E. M. Preiburger,
Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage. * * *
Good Humor Man, The (Col)—Jack Carson,
Lola Albright, Jean Wallace. This is not so
good and after I checked receipts, my humor
wasn't good. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Cold.—Rankin Enterprises, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
He's a Cockeyed Wonder (Col) — Mickey
Rooney, Terry Moore, William Demarest. Although
my patrons don't particularly go for
Rooney, this one was fairly well received. It
should serve nicely as a strong supporting
feature in any situation. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Cold.—Don Donohue, Novate Theatre,
Novato, Calif. Small town and rural
patronage.
Holiday in Havana (Col)—Desi Arnaz, Mary
Hatcher, Ann Doran. Nope, this didn't go
over. It's a cute feature but it flopped here.
There is plenty of music a la South American
in it. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.—
Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W.
Va. Rural patronage. • * *
Mutineers, The (Col)—Jon Hall, Adele
Jergens, George Reeves. I doubled this with
"The Good Humor Man" but did no good
with it. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold.
—Rankin Enterprises, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ont. General patronage. * * *
Nevadan, The (Col) — Randolph Scott,
Dorothy Malone, Forrest Tucker. Randy
Scott slipped when he made this one. My
folks didn't enthuse a bit. Played Tues., Wed.
Weather: Below zero.—Frank Sabin, Majestic
Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small town and
rural patronage. * * *
Raiders of Tomahawk Creek (Col)—Charles
Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Edgar Dearing. I
don't know if this, the first of this series to
play my house, had anything to do with It
but I had tiptop business for Fri., Sat. Many
said this was the best Durango yet. Weather:
Cool.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,
W. Va. Rural patronage. * * '
EAGLE UON CLASSICS
Destination Moon (ELO—Warner Anderson,
John Archer, Tom Powers. Business
wasn't what we thought it would be on this,
but we had many favorable comments. The
stars turn in swell performances, the color
is tops, the story unusual, and to me it was
very entertaining. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Bad.—Lloyd Hutchins, Pangburn
Theatre, Pangburn, Ark. Rural patronage.
• • •
Great Rupert, The (ELC)—Jimmy Durante,
Terry Moore, Tom Drake. We used this on
our Christmas show and it is perfect. Rupert
Is a squirrel, the center of the plot, which
this
includes a good Christmas scene. We had
good attendance at the evening shows, following
the free showing for children. This is
a good midweek family picture.—C. E. Bennewitz.
Royal Theatre, Royalton, Minn. Rural
patronage.
• » •
Timber Fury (ELO—David Bruce, Laura
Lee, Nicla DiBruno. This is a good action
outdoor picture for Fri., Sat. played with a
comedy and a serial. The comedy, "Scrappy's
Birthday" (UA) will appeal to your customers
that are hunters. They will get a kick out
of seeing it. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Warm.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre, Bearden,
Ark. Small town and rural patronage. * * *
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
(MGM)—Van Johnson, John
Battleground
Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban. We played this
one rather late and it didn't draw too well,
but our weather is still bad—icy. Now that
we are fighting again, I wonder if war pictures
will be popular? They were just beginning
to be again before Korea, so I think I
will sit back and wait and see what the
public wants. Played Sun., Mon.—Marcella
Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio.
Small town patronage.
* * •
Crisis (MGM)—Cary Grant, Jose Ferrer,
Paula Raymond. This is another good reason
why people stay home and look at television.
I would have, too, if I had had a
choice—but I had to suffer through "Crisis"
for too many nights. Avoid it and save
money. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Cold.
—C. W. Ritenour, Milford Theatre, Milford,
111. Rural patronage. • * *
Crisis (MGM)—Cary Grant, Jose Ferrer,
Paula Raymond. We did poor business on
this one and the comments were poor. There
was too much Spanish—our patrons want a
language used that they can understand.
He Likes the New Stars
In This Picture
CUN SETS AT DAWN (ELC)
— SaUy
Parr, Philip Shawn, Walter Reed. For
people and exhibitors that are looking
for something off the beaten path, here
it is. Brother, this one held them all the
way through. You start seeing this with
a lump in your throat and it gets blg^r
as the picture goes along—ibut they loved
it. The two new stars, Philip Shawn and
Sally Parr, are tops. It seems like when
Hollywood needs someone to play a really
emotional and very dramatic part, it has
to call on teenage newcomers and this
time they certainly called on the right
ones. I don't know of a veteran star that
could even touch the performance turned
in by these kids. Keep them together,
give them another picture or two, and
watch them climb to the top^fast! Business
was normal and everyone was more
than satisfied. Played Sun., Mon. in Kensett.
Weather: Okay.—Lloyd Hutchins,
Pangburn, Ark. Rural patronage. * * *
He Has Another Title
He Thinks Is Better
TWO WEEKS WITH LOVE (MGM)—
Jane Powell, Ricardo Montalban, Louis
Calhern. Wonderful! I believe this is as
good as "Cheaper by the Dozen," and a
grand family picture—but what a title!
MGM must have a bunch of old maids
that select its titles. Love, kiss, song—
think this picture would do three times
this business with "Papa Bought the
Corset" for a title. Yes, even in the
Music Hall. Business was below normal.
Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fine.—Ben Spainhour, Twilight Theatre,
Greensburg, Kas. Small town and
rural patronage. *
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair.—Louise
Bowen, Roxy Theatre, Winlock, Wash. Small
•
town patronage.
Framed Cat, The (MGM)—Short. Tom
& Jerry cartoon. Here is one of the best
I've ever seen. The gags kept the audience
howling all the way through. I play all of
these from Metro. In my estimation, they
are the best cartoons made. However, I
haven't bought a feature from them in
seven months. Their prices put me in the
position of being out of the league. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.—Don Donohue,
Novato Theatre, Novato, Calif. Small town
and rural patronage. *
Miniver Story, The (MGM)—Greer Garson,
Walter Pidgeon, John Hodiak. This is an
entertaining drama which played to poor
business, due to the cold weather. Too much
English accent in this show. Played Tues.,
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold.—E. M. Preiburger,
Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage. * * *
Outriders, The (MGM) — Joel McCrea,
Arlene Dahl, Barry Sullivan. McCrea is always
tops in any role, and this gal is the
loveliest thing in pictures. Whitmore does
another fine job, as does Sullivan. The
scenery, color and story are all above reproach
so it made a most satisfactory bill.
Business was average for the change so I'm
more than happy. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Beautiful. — Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre,
Fruita, Colo. Small town and rural patronage.
Please Believe Me (MGM)—Deborah Kerr,
Robert Walker, Mark Stevens. The title is
misleading on this very fine picture, as it is
actually a very funny comedy with a fine
cast. Business was average, in spite of the
heavy snow. I doubled this with "The Texan
Meets Calamity Jane," a color western that
gave us more walkouts than we have ever
had. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Snow.—
Jack Hammond, Shastona Theatre, Mount
Shasta, Calif. Small lumber town patronage.
Reformer and the Redhead, The (MGM)
June Allyson, Dick Powell, David Wayne.
This is an excellent picture, with plenty of
fun in it for everyone. It pleased our customers
100 per cent. We had more good
comments on it than on any picture we have
ever played. Played Sun., Mon.—R. D. Gibbons,
Mars Theatre, Falkville, Ala. Rural
*
and small town patronage.
Reformer and the Redhead, The (MGM)—
Dick Powell, June Allyson, David Wayne. ThLs
is the type of picture that pleased nearly
everyone. Dick Powell and June Allyson are
tops in this wholesome comedy. We had good
BOXOFFICE BoolcinGuide :: March 10, 1951

attendance. Played Sat., Sun.—C. E. Bennewitz,
Royal Theatre, Royalton, Minn. Rural
patronage.
• • •
Stars in My Crown (MGM)—Joel McCrea,
Ellen Drew, Dean Stockwell. Nothing can be
added to the flood of comments already given
it. It is tops for all classes. Played Sun.,
Mon., Tues. Weather: Fair and cold.—J. N.
Allison, Vivian Theatre, Carlisle, Ind. Small
town and rural patronage. * * *
Tension (MGM)—Richard Basehart, Audrey
Totter, Syd Charisse. Here is a picture
that I was afraid of but it did about 75
per cent of average in very cold weather.
One thing for sure—you can buy it right from
Metro. — Curt Bigley, Princess Theatre,
Humeston, Iowa. Small town and rural patronage.
*
Three Little Words (MGM)—Fred Astaire,
Red Skelton, Vera-Ellen. This is a very
lovely musical that you can make no mistake
to run. Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Snow
and cold.—Rankin Enterprises, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. » *
MONOGRAM
Lost Volcano, Tlie (Mono)—Johnny Sheffield,
Donald Woods, Marjorie Lord. Doubled
with "Side Show" and played for Monogram's
drive week. "The Lost Volcano" pleased all
the Bomba fans, "Side Show" was a very interesting
mystery. Both of them pleased and
drew good business against heavy odds.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cool.—D. W.
Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining
town patronage.
* • •
Triple Trouble (Mono)—^Leo Gorcey, Huntz
Hall, Gabriel Dell. I have been booking
these on my best playing time lately and am
not sorry, either, about the switch. The comments
and draw are good. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cold.—L. Brazil jr., New Theatre,
Bearden, Ark. Small town and rural patronage.
* * *
PARAMOUNT
Dark City (Para)—Charlton Heston, Lizabeth
Scott, Viveca Lindfors. This is a very
interesting crime drama that will hold
your patron's interest, but in our case, no
patrons. This is not for the small town or
any theatre where crime pictures are a
problem. We took a loss at the boxoffice and
the playdate and time were wasted. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair and cold.—Ken
Christianson, Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D.
Small town patronage. * * *
Eagle and the Hawk, The (Para)—John
Payne, Rhonda Fleming, Dennis O'Keefe.
Overpriced, overrated, and it did not draw
well. Business was sub-normal. Played Wed.,
Thurs.—Josef F. Nehring, Floodwood Theatre,
Floodwood, Minn. Small town and rural patronage.
Great Missouri Raid, The (Para)—Wendell
Corey, Macdonald Carey, Ward Bond.
This is not up to other Jesse James films in
finesse and detail, but I should worry about
that when it pleases the man who pays the
bills—Mr. Cash Customer. It is hotter than
a depot stove for the small town. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Joe and Mildred
Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo. Small
town and rural patronage.
• * •
RKO RADIO
Edge of Doom (RKO) — Dana Andrews,
Farley Granger, Joan Evans. Small towns
—beware! It is slow-moving and morbid,
plus the same t3T)e of trailer. It gave me my
poorest Wed., Thurs. in many months. I'd
say skip it if you can. My bunch prefers
either laughs or action and this has neither.
I had eight or ten walkouts. Weather: Clear.
—Don Donohue, Novato Theatre, Novato,
Calif. Small town and rural patronage. *
Boseanna McCoy (RKO)—Farley Granger,
Joan Evans, Charles Bickford. This is something
different, with a better than usual plot.
This boy. Granger, is. tops and his leading
lady couldn't have been better. Business was
good, with no walkouts. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cold. — James Lansden, Lansden
Theatre, Clairfield, Tenn. Small mining camp
patronage. • *
y Treasure Island (RKO)—Bobby DriscoU,
Robert Newton, Basil Sydney. With two special
school shows, we did okay on this. It
needs special pushing and will appeal mostly
to school children. Played Mon., Tues.—
James Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga.
Small town patronage. * * *
y Treasure Island (RKO)—Bobby DriscoU,
Robert Newton, Basil Sydney. I can't figure
what happened to this one, unless it was
milked dry—and it probably was. Although
looking back, I see where we never did do
much on a Walt Disney product, and after
Business Was Solid With
Circumstances Tough
HALLS OF MONTEZUMA (20th-Fox)—
Richard Widmark, Walter Palance,
Reginald Gardiner, This one came
through under the toughest of circumstances.
It opened Ash Wednesday in a
community heavily Catholic. Business
was solid both days. We sailed over the
split halfway through the second night.
It was played as a single with MOT
"Strategy for Victory" and a cartoon as
support. Excellent comments from my
patrons. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Clear.—Don Donohue, Novato Theatre,
Novato, Calif. Small town and rural patronage.
* *
showing this one, it ends all Disney features
on my screen. It played to the poorest Sun.,
Mon. business in years.—Howard C. Bayer,
Iowa Theatre, Schleswig, Iowa. Farm patronage.
• * *
Wagonmaster (RKO) — Ben Johnson,
Joanne Dru, Harry Carey jr. I coupled this
with a local flicker flashback I have started.
This is the first RKO picture that has clicked
here but it did very well. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Cold.—Josef Nehring, Floodwood
Small town and
Theatre, Floodwood, Minn.
•
rural patronage. •
Where Danger Lives (RKO) — Robert
Mitchum, Faith Domergue, Claude Rains.
This is a very good Mitchum picture. The
new girl, Faith Domergue, is a very pleasing
personality to look at and should be tops in
pictures before long.—D. W. Trisko, Ritz Theatre,
Jerome, Ariz. Mining patronage. • * *
Where Danger Lives (RKO) — Robert
Mitchum, Faith Domergue, Claude Rains.
About the only thing I can say good about
this one is that the price was right. If you
play it, give it plenty of support. This did
the poorest Sun., Mon. business in six
months. Many walked out before the picture
was half through. Weather: Clear.—
Everybody Disappointed
Because of Preview
so YOUNG, SO BAD (UA)—Paul Henreid,
Catherine McLeod, Grace Coppin.
I'm a newcomer, but now I know what is
meant by poor previews. The trailer suggested
a sexy deal. Ma and pa kept the
kids home and all my churchgoers stayed
home, too. Then the only ones who came
were disappointed because they thought
it would be a hot show! Played Wed.,
Thurs. — Josef F. Nehring, Floodwood
Theatre, Floodwood, Minn. Small town
and rural patronage. *
Don Donohue, Novato Theatre, Novato, Calif.
Small town and rural patronage.
•
REPUBUC
Bells of Coronado (Rep)—Roy Rogers, Dale
Evans, Pat Brady. We had nice draw with
this for the weekend. Rogers means extra
business for us. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Bad and cold. — Harland Rankin, Rankin
Enterprises, Chatham, Ont. General patronage.
* * •
Code of the Silver Sage (Rep)—Allan Lane,
Eddy Waller, Roy Barcroft. My first Rocky
Lane western, and it was very good. Within
a year I predict that Rocky will be as popular
here as Roy Rogers, which is certainly saying
something! Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Snow,
as usual. — Carl F. Neitzel, Juno Theatre,
Juneau, Wis. Surrounding and local patronage.
* * *
Hit Parade of 1951 (Rep)—John Carroll,
Marie McDonald, Estelita Rodriguez. This is
okay as a strong second feature. My only
critical comment is that it is 15 minutes too
long. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold.
—Don Donohue, Novato Theatre, Novato,
Calif. Small town and rural patronage. *
Kid From Cleveland (Rep)—George Brent,
Lynn Bari, Rusty Tamblyn. As previously
reported, it will go over with your easyto-please
fans and the kids. Played Tues.,
Wed. — Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre,
Eureka, Mont. Small town and rural patronage.
» * *
Lonely Heart Bandits (Rep)—Dorothy Patrick,
John Eldridge, Barbra Fuller. Here is
my idea of an excellent film. With business
good both days, comments good, I believe
everyone was well pleased with this one.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.—James
Lansden, Lansden Theatre, Clairfield, Tenn.
Small mining camp patronage. * *
20th CENTURY-FOX
All About Eve (20th-Fox)—Bette Davis,
Anne Baxter, George Sanders. It would be
difficult to find words to tell truthfully
what a grand picture this is. It is a natural
for any town, anywhere, anytime. It is
4-star all the way. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Reasonably good.—^Ken Gorham,
Town Hall Theatre, Middlebury, Vt. College
patronage. * * *
American Guerrilla in the Philippines
(20th-Fox)—Tyrone Power, Micheline Prelle,
Tom Ewell. This might have been a great
attraction with more action. It is a beautiful
production that missed. Doubled with
"Saddle Tramp" (U-I), a fair western which
also lacks action. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Cloudy.—AI Hatoff, Interboro's
(Continued on page 4)
BOXOrnCE BookinGuide :: March 10, 1951

Exhibitor Has His Say
(Continued from page 3)
Park Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y. Neighborhood
patronage. * * *
American Guerrilla in the Philippines
(20th-Fox)—Tyrone Power, Micheline Prelle,
Tom Ewell. This is an excellent action fea-
The
ture in color that was hurt by the title.
inadequate trailer failed to interest the patrons.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Snow.—
Jack Hammond, Shastona Theatre, Mount
Shasta, Calif. Small lumber town patronage.
Big Lift, The (20th-Fox) — Montgomery
Clift, Paul Douglas, Cornell Borchers. This
is very interesting and will satisfy all who
see it. Business was normal. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Good.—W. L. Stratton, Lyric
Theatre, Challls, Ida. Small town patronage.
Big Lift, The (20th-Fox) — Montgomery
Clift, Paul Douglas, Cornell Borchers. This
is an excellent picture that was liked by
the customers but it did less than normal
business. Me? I don't have any likes or dislikes,
because I can't out-guess my customers.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold.—
Josef Nehring, Floodwood Theatre, Floodwood,
Minn. Small town and rural patronage.
*
Broken Arrow (20th-Fox)—James Stewart,
Jeff Chandler, Debra Paget. This is an outstanding
picture that is well liked. Jimmy
and Jeff crowded each other for the lead,
leaving Debra almost out. We feel that it
would have helped to have an older and more
seasoned lady star. Give it your best. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.—L. E. Wolcott,
Melba Theatre, Oakwood, Tex. Rural and
small town patronage. * * *
Broken Arrow (20th-Fox)—James Stewart,
Jeff Chandler, Debra Paget. The grosses
from this were a satisfaction as it is a
small town natural, and the weather was
okay when we played it, on Sun., Mon., Tues.
—J. N. Allison, Vivian Theatre, Carlisle,
Ind. Small town and rural patronage. • • *
Cariboo Trail, The (20th-Fox)—Randolph
Scott, George "Gabby" Hayes, Bill Williams.
Here's a very good western in color which
should have been in Technicolor. This, to
my opinion, is the best Randolph Scott picture
I've ever run and it did a nice business.
Played Fri., Sat.—Orin J. Sears, Apache
Theatre, Loving, N. M. Small town patronage.
Dancing in the Dark (20th-Fox)—William
Powell, Betsy Drake, Mark Stevens. You'll be
dancing in the dark yourself if you have to
play many like this. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Bad.—Harland Rankin Enterprises,
Chatham, Ont. General patronage. * • •
Fighting IVIan of the PUIns (20th-Fox)—
Randolph Scott, Jane Nigh, Bill Williams.
What will we small towners do when Scotty
Is gone? We played this Fri., Sat. to above
normal In Just fairly decent weather. The
only thing wrong was that Pox was too high
In my situation. I guess 111 sell them down
the river. This Is really good entertainment.
Jane Nigh Is a fine young actre.ss and Bill
Williams, In my book. Is a boy that we are
all going to hear a lot about. You will do all
right with this If you can buy it right.—
Curt Bigley, Princess Theatre, Humeston,
Iowa. Small town and rural patronage. •
For Heaven's Sake (20th-Fox) — Clifton
Webb, Joan Bennett, Robert Cummlngs. The
power of Mr. Belvedere failed to bring in the
customers on this one. The theme is amusing,
as far-fetched as it is, but Clifton Webb
failed to make a very impressive cowboy and
certainly not an angel. Business, as a result,
was below average. The production and
photography were very good. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Snow. — Jack Hammond,
Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif. Small
lumber town patronage. * * *
For Heaven's Sake (20th-Fox) — CUfton
Webb, Joan Bennett, Robert Cummings. This
was a terrible let down from Webb's previous
pictures. In our situation, it fell flat on its
face. It is not much of a comedy. Do not
pay a premium for this one. I would allocate
it as a C picture. Played Sun. through Wed.
Weather: Cold.—M. W. Mattecheck, Mack
Theatre, McMinnville, Ore. City and rural
patronage. * ' *
I'll Get By (20th-Fox)—June Haver, William
Lundigan. Gloria DeHaven. This Technicolor
music did average business for me,
but business was not as good as I expected.
There is nothing wrong with the show.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.—E. M.
Preiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage. * * *
Leave Her to Heaven (20th-Fox)—Reissue.
Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde. Reissues of the
right kind still will outgross most present-day
B features and some A's. This did 25 per
Real Show for Grownups
On Midweek Dates
TyARS. MIKE (UA)—Dick Powell, Evelyn
Keyes, J. M. Kerrigan. I was late
playing this picture and then I only
played it because I had had many requests
from people who had read the
book. Although a little sad in spots, it
is a real show for the grownups on midweek.
Business was normal and I have
no complaints on the picture, although
I have seen other reports where they
complained. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger,
Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage. * * *
cent above average for the midweek. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold and fair.—J.
N. Allison, Vivian Theatre, Carlisle, Ind.
Small town and rural patronage. * * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Love Happy (UA)—Marx Bros., Ilona Massey,
Vera-EUen. This is just what the small
town wants. Business was good and everyone
was happy. Enough said. Played Tues., Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger,
Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage. * * *
Quicksand (UA)—Mickey Rooney, Jeanne
Cagney, Barbara Bates. This is very interesting
and good for its type. It is a hightension
drama and the title fits beautifully.
I lost money on the engagement as my patrons
don't appreciate this type of picture.
Personally, I think this would be okay on
a Fri., Sat. change, doubled with a western.
I played it midweek. Weather: Cold as usual.
—Carl P. Neltzel, Juno Theatre, Juneau, Wis.
Surrounding and local patronage. * • *
So Young, So Bad (UA)—Paul Henreld,
Catherine McLeod, Grace Coppln. This was
good and the adults ate It up. Play up the
Book This for the Lift
It Gives You Two Ways
STARS IN MY CROWN (MGM) —
Joel McCrea, Ellen Drew, Dean Stockwell.
Want that "ole good feeiin'?" Not
only financially but spiritually? Then
book this one, just for the lift it will
give you after the run. You will lock
your door and head for home, saying,
"Well done." Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Rain and stormy.—Joe and Mildred Faith,
Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo. Small town and
rural patronage. * * *
delinquent children angle and cash in. This
gave us a good gross but the high film rental
meant no profits. Played Tues., Wed.
Weather: Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre,
Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. * * *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Frenchle (U-D—Joel McCrea, Shelley Winters,
Paul Kelly. We opened the first night
to fair business but the second night was
the payoff. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.
—Rankin Enterprises, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ont. General patronage. * * *
OLoulsa (U-I)—Ronald Reagan, Charles
Coburn, Ruth Hussey. I did not get to see
this one, but it drew well and people really
liked it. They seem to go for their light
comedies and I hope Universal-International
keeps up with this comedy streak. Played
Sun., Mon., Weather: Cold.—Marcella Smith,
Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town
patronage. * * *
Rugged O'Riordans, The (U-I) — John
O'Malley, Thelma Scott, Michael Pate. A good
family picture and a nice story, but my patrons
still don't like that English accent.
They say an English picture is not natural
more like play-acting. It's my idea of a
picture one could get along without. Business
—nix. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather:
Blizzard—20 below.—Ken Christianson, Roxy
Theatre, Washburn, N. D. Small town patronage.
* * *
Sierra (U-I) — Audie Murphy, Wanda
We
Hendrix, Burl Ives. This is a very good western,
with good acting and a good story.
doubled it with "Blondie's Hero," which was
one of the best Blondie-Dagwood shows
we've had. Weather: Freezing. Played Thurs.,
Fri., Sat.—Loui.se Bowen, Roxy Theatre, Winlock,
Wash. Small town
*
patronage.
WARNER BROS.
Destination Tokyo (WB)—Reissue. Cary
Grant, John Garfield. This is an epic in
suspense rather than a war drama. Business
was poor during the "miserable" weekdays.
It is a good thing I have plenty of these low
rental, long running "epic" reissues. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Cold.—Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage.
* * *
Perfect Strangers (WB)—Ginger Rogers,
Dennis Morgan, Thelma Ritter. This isn't
too good for small towns. TV isn't hurting as
much as the poor Judgment used by film
companies in selling to small towns. I had
better watch my step after this, or that
mortgage never will get paid. There is no
action or "life" to the picture, and most of
the patrons were fidgeting around like they
had the seven-year itch. Played midweek.
Weather: Cold—icy roads.—Carl F. Neitzel.
Juno Theatre, Juneau, Wis. Surrounding and
local patronage.
* * '
BOXOFFICE BookinGuido :: March 10, 1951

Alphabetical Picture Go/1/0 ladex aad
REVIEW DIGES1
1
1168 Abbott and Costello in the
Foreign Leoion (S2) U-l
1185 Across the Badlands (55)
1093 Adam and Evalyn (93) U-l
Col.
U43 Admiral Was a Lady, The (85) UA..
1233 Air Cadet (93) U-l
1224 Al Jennings of Olilahoma (79) Col...
1186 All About Eve (138) 20-Fox
1202 American Guerrilla in the Philippines
(105) 20-Fox
U-n-50
1134 Annie Get Your Gun (107) MGM.. 4-15-50
1142 Arizona Cowboy, The (67) Rep 5- 6-50
Arizona Territory (56) Mono
U57 Armored Car Rolibery (67) RKO 6-17-50
1142 Asphalt Jungle. The (112) MGM.. 5- 6-50
1120 Astonished Heart, The (92) U-l 2-25-50
1213 At War With the Army (93) Para. .
1160 Avengers, The (90) Rep
7-22-50
9-16-50
11-26-49
5-13-50
.2-24-51
1-20-51
9-16-50
12-16-50
6-24-50

H Very Good: + Good; ± —

++VerY Good; + Good- ±Fair; -Poor =Very Poor. In the Bxaxxzaart -H is rated as 2 pltises, = as 2 minuses.
.1
i
i
E
•
o
1225 Prairia Roundup (53) Col 1-27-51
1219 Prehtstoric Women (74) ELC 12-30-50
1212 Prelude to Fame (78) U-l 12-9-50
1171 Pretty Baby (92) WB 7-29-50
1221 Pride of Maryland (60) Rep 1-13-51
1187 Prisoners In Petticoats (60) Rep. . . 9-23-50
1203Pyomy Island (69) Col 11-18-50

FEATURE CHART
feature pioductions, listed by company, in order oi release. Number in square is nouonoi
release aaie. Producuon number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, ae
tunusnea oy nome ouice oi Oistributor: cneckup with local exchange is reconunendea.
h—IS review date. FLi—is i'lcture Uuide page number. Symbol ^ indicates BOXOFFICE
blue Kionon Award Vi/inuei. bymbol ^iJ indicates color photography.
Week
Ending

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
1
REPUBLIC

FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES

REPUBLIC
_j (S5) Driuna SOOS
MACBETH
Orson Welles-J. Nolm
D. (VHerlihy-R. McDowall
R—Oct. 16—PQ-977
_! (67) Outd'r-Mus 4944
©NORTH OF THE
GREAT DIVIDE
m (105) Super-West 5004
RIO GRANDE
J (67) Western 4954
UNDER MEXICALI STARS
Bex Allen-U. Patrick
B (60) Western 4974
THE MISSOURIANS
Eg (90) Outd'r-Dr SOOS
CALIFORNIA PASSAGE
Forrest Tucker-Adele Mara
Jim Davls-E. Bodrigua
B—Dec. 23— G-121S
_J (67) Outd-r-Mus 4948
QTRAIL OF ROBIN HOOD
Boy Rogers-P. Kdwarda
Qordun Jones-Jack Holt
B—Dee. .23—PQ-1215
gg (60) Western 5058
Rough Riders of Durango
Allan "Rocky" Lane
Aline To«ne-W. Baldwin
B—Feb. 10—PG-1229
f
1.^ (60) M'drama BOSS
^RIDE OF MARYLAND
Stanley Clements-P. Stewart
Frankie Darro-J. Sawyer
B—Jan. 13—PO-1221
B (90) Drana BOOS
BELLE LE GRAND
Vera Ralston-J. Carroll
M. Lawrence-H. Emerson
R—Mar. 3—PG-1236
d] (67) Outd'r-Mus B041
Sgoilers of the Plains
Roy Rogers-Penny Edwards
0. Jones-0. Withers
R—Feb. 10—PG-1229
S (60) M'drama S02B
MISSING WOMEN
Penny Edwardi-J. Millioin
J. Gallaudet-J. Alvin
E—Mar. 3—PG-1235
S (60) Western 5059
Night Riders of Montana
Allan 'Rocky" Lane
Claudia Barrett
dl (67) Western BOSl
SILVER CITY BONANZA
Rex Allen-Buddy Ebsen
Mary EUm Kay
(S (78) Comedy 5007
CUBAN FIREBALL
Estellta Rodriguez
Warren Douglas
@ (90) Outd'r-Dr. 8008
©OH! SUSANNA
Rod Cameron-Adrian Bootb
Forrest Tucker
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
20TH-FOX UNITED ARTISTS UNIV.-INT'L
(92) Aet-Draraa 029
TWO FLAGS WEST
Joseph Cotten-Unda Darnell
Jeff t*andler-Comel Wilde
R—act. 14—PG-1194
(138) Drama 030
ALL ABOUT EVE
Belte Davls-.\nne Baxter
George 8anders-C. Holm
R—Sept. 16—PG-118e
(85) Drama 031
THE JACKPOT
James Stewart-B. Hale
Patricia Medlns-J. Gleason
R—Oct. 7—PG-H92
(105) Drama 032
©AMERICAN GUERRILU
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Tyrone Power-M. Prelle
R—No». 11—PO-1202
(92) Comedy 033
FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE
Clifton Webb-Joan Bennett
Robert Cummings-E. Gwenn
R—Dec. 9—PG-1209
(99) Hlst-Dr 1«1
THE MUDLARK
Irene Dunne-Alex Guinness
Andrew Ray-C. Smith
R—Dec. 2—PG-1207
(81) Drama 102
THE MAN WHO CHEATED
HIMSELF
Lee J. Cobb-Jane Wyatt
R—Dec. 23—PG-1215
(113) War-Dr 103
OHalls of Montezuma
R. Widraark-W. Palince
Karl Malden-R. Gardiner
R—Dec. 23—PG-121B
(95) Musical 104
©CALL ME MISTER
Betty Grable-Dan Dailey
Dale Robertson-B. Venuta
R—Jan. 27—PG-1225
(88) Drama 105
©I'D CLIMB THE
HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
S. Hayward-W. Lundlgan
R—Dec. 20—PG-1223
(86) Drama 107
THE 13th LETTER
Linda Darnell-C. Buyer
Michael Rennie-C. Smith
R—Jan. 27—PG-1225
( . ) Act-Dr 106
.

SHORTS CHART
Prod.
Short subjects, listed by company, in order oi release. Running time iollows
title. First date is national release, second tbe dote oi review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review. -HVery Good.
+ Good. — Fair. — Poor. = Very Poor. O Indicates color photography.
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd i
ASSORTED COMEDIES
3412 Foy Meets Girl (16>/2)..10- 5
3421 Two Roamtn' Champs
(le/z) 10-12 + 11-11
3422 A Slig ml a Miss (16). 11- 9 + 1-20
3423 Innocently Guilty (16).. 12-21
3413 He Flew the Shrew (W/z) l-H
3414 Wedding Yells (16) 2- 8 -f 3-10
2424 Wine. Women and Bong
(15!/j) 2-22
3415 Blonde Atom Bomb (..) 3- 8
CAVALCADE OF BROADWAY
3651 The Versailles (10) 10-26 -1-12-2
3652 The China Doll (11)... 12-18 + 2-24
3653 Havana Madrid (..) ... 3-29
COLOR FAVORITES
(Technicolor Reissues)
3601 Hagpy Tots' Expedition
(7) 9-7 ± 11-7
3602 Und of Fun (71 10-5 + U-U
3603 Peaceful Neighbors (8V2). 11- 9 -f- 1-20
3604 The Foolish Bunny (8). 12- 7 ++ 12-30
3605 Midnight Frolics (TVi).. 1-11
3606 The Caroenters (g> .2-8
3607 Poor Little Butterfly (S) 3-15
COMEDY FAVORITES
(Reissues)
3431 Shot in the Escape (19) 9-14 — 10-14
3432 Free Rent (ISVi) 11-16 ± 2-24
3433 Taming of the Snood (16) 12-14 -|- 12-30
3434 Tlie Champ's a Chump
(19) 2-15
FILM NOVELTIES
3901 Stars of Tomorrow— "Tots
and Tews" (10) 9-28 :t 10-14
JOLLY FROUCS
(Technicolor)
3501 The Popcorn Story (61/2) 11-30 + 2-24
3502 Gerald McBoing Boing (7) 1-25 +f 12-23
MR. MAGOO
(Technicolor)
3701 Trouble Indemnity (61/2) . 9-14 ++ 9-30
3702 Bungled Bungalow (6

20th Century-Fox
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
CARTOON MELODIES
5382 Songs of the Range (10) 12-26 ± 2-4
5383 Dream Dust (10) 2-20 + 3-4
5384 Sing Your Thanks (10) . . 4- 3 ± 4-29
5385 Harmony Hall (10) 5-29
5386 Melody Moods (9) 7-17 + 6-17
5387 Sing Happy (10) 8-28 + 7-8
5388 Feast of Songs (10) 10- 2 ± 8-12
44 9-16
(Technicolor)
THE MOVIES AND YOU
6351 Puny Express (7)
9702 Screen Writers Oi/j) Nov.
6352 Sleep Happy (7)
1-22
3-26
-f 2-10
Warner Bros.
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rw'd
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 16, No. 2 The Male Look
(16) Mar. + 4-8
Vol. 16, No. 3 Where's the Fire?
(19) April H 5-20
Vol.16, No. at 4 Beauty Work
(18) June +t 6-17
Vol. 16, No. 5 As Russia Sees It
(16) Auj. tt 9-2
Vol. 16, No. 6 The Gathering
1950-51 SEASON
Storm (17) StpL + 10- 7 6381 Brother John (9) 11-20 ± 1-6
Vol. 16, No. 7 Schools March On
63S2 Peggy. Peg and Polly (8) 1-22 1-20
(18) Nov. -f 11-18 6383 Lower the Boom (10) . . . 3-19 + 2-17
Vol. 16, No. 8 Tito—New Ally?
(I71/2) 12-22
MUSICAL
1951 SEASON
WESTERNS
Vol. 17. No. 1 Strategy for Victory
5352 South of Santa Fe (29) . 12-22 ++ 2-4
(17) 2-2 4+ 2-10 5353 The Fargo Phantom (24) 2- 9 3-4
5354 Gold Strike (25) 3-30
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
+ 4-29
5355 Rustler's Ransom (27).. 5-18 7-8
2051 ©Pattern of Progress (S) Apr. -f 4-29 5356 Cactus Caravan (26) 7-6 ± 8-12
5357 Western Courage (29) . . 8-31 +f 9-30
MOVIETONE SPECIALTIES 5358 Ready to Ride (25)... 10- 5 + 12-16
8002 New York Philharmonic
Orch. (10) July
NAME BAND
8003 Music of Manhattan (10) July ff 4-29
MUSICALS
5302 Lionel Hampton & Orch.
MOVIETONE MELODIES
(15) 12-7
7003Skitch Henderson & Orch.
5303 Freddie Slack & Orch.
(10) Aug. + 7-8
(15) 1-4 + 2-4
7004 The Fontaine Sisters (8) Oct. ± 9-16 5304 Ethel Smith and the Henry
King Orchestra (15). 2- 1 -)- 3-4
MOVIETONE NEWS
5305 Sweet Serenade (15) ... 3- 1 -f 4-29
SPORTS
5306 Skitch Henderson & Orch.
(Released Twice Weekly)
(13) 4-19
?03 Diving Maniacs (9) May + 7-8 5307 King Cole Trio and Benny
.^004 Shooting the Salmon Rapids
Carter Orch. (16) 5-17
(10) May + 5-6 5308 Claude Thornhill & Orch.
3006 Action With Rod and Reel
(15) 6-14 + 7-15
(10) June + 7-15 5309 Sarah Vaughan & Herb
3003 Winning Form (10) July -f 9-9
Jeffries (15) 7-12 -f 9-30
3007 Bowlers' Fair (8) Sept. -f 9-16
5310 Red Nichols and His Five
3008 Football Pay-Off Plays
Pennies (15) 8-9 -f 8-12
(10) Sept + 10-28
5311 Salute to Duke Ellington
3009 Circus on the Campus
(15) 8-30 H 9-30
(10) Oct -f U- 4 5312 Connee Boswell & Les
3010 Tee Girls (10) Nov. + 11-4
Brown Orch. (15) ... 9- 2 12-16
5313 Music by Martin (15) . .10-11 + 12-16
LOU LEHR
1950-51 SEASON
(Reissues)
9001 Monkies Is the Cwasiest
6301 The Harmonicats & Miguelito
People (10) Aug.
Valdes Orch. (15) 11-8 + 1-13
9002 Monkey Doodle Dandies
6302 Jerry Gray and the Band
of
(9) Aug
Today (15) 12-20 + 1-20
6303 Sugar Chile Robinson, Count
Basie and His Sextet
SPECIAl^-3 REELS
(15) 1-3
7107 Why Korea? (30) Jan. + 1-27
+ 3-10
6304 Frankie Carle & His Orch,
(15)
TERRYTOONS
+ 2-17
6305 Ray Anthony & His
(Technicolor)
Orchestra (15) 2-28
5023 Orphan Duck (7)
(reissue)
May
5006 Dinky
SPECIALS
in the Beauty Shop
(7) Apr. ± 4-29 5202 The Tiny Terrors Make Trouble
5007 The Talking Magpies in
(17) 1-18 + 2-U
a Merry Chase (7) May 4+ 5-6 5201 Thundering Rails (19) . . 5-24 ++ 6-17
108 Dream Walking (7) May ± 5-6
1950-51
i 024
SEASON
Just a Little Bull (7)
(rei'ssue)
June
6201 Fun at the Zoo (18) 11-8
5009 Mighty Mouse in Law and
Order (7) June H 9-9 TECHNICOLOR CAHTUNES
5010 The Red Headed Monkey
(Reissues)
(7) July + 7-8 5323 Jolly Little Elves (7) . . 1- 2
5011 Dingbat in All This and
5324 Under the Spreading Blacksmith's
Shop (7) 1-30
Rabbit Stew (7) July +f 7-8
5012 The Dog Show (7) Aug. ± 7-15
5325 Barber of Seville (7) . . . 2-13
5013 The Talking Magpies in
5326 Mother Goose on the Loose
King Tut's Tomli (7).. Aug. + 7-8
(7) 3-6 +4 3-4
5014 Little Roquefort in Cat
5327 Candyland (7) 4-10
Happy (7) Sept ± 9-9
± 4-29
5328 The Beach Nut (7) .... 5- 8
5015 11 Cats Could Sing (7).. Sept + 9-9 5329 Boogie Woogie Man (7) . . 6-12
5016
-f 6-17
Little Roquefort in Mouse
5330 Fish Fry (7) 7-17
and Garden (7) Oct +
± 7-22
9-9 5331 Toyland Premiere (7)
5017 Mighty Mouse in Beauty
5332 Greatest Man in Siam (7) 9-11
on the Beach (7) Oct ± 9-9
± 8-12
5333 Ski for Two (7) 10-16
5018 Gandy Goose in Wide Open
Spaces (7) Nov. S: 10-28
1950-51 SEASON
5019 Dingbat Hi Sour Grapes
6321 Life Begins for Andy Panda
(7) Dec. 4+ 10-28
(7) 11- 6 + 1-13
4020 Mighty Mouse in Mother
6322 Three Lazy Mice (7) 12-4
Goose's Birthday Party
6323 Chew Chew Baby (7)... 12-25 +f 2-17
(7) Dec. + 11- 4
6324 Dippy Diplomat (7) 1-15
1951 SEASON
6325 Adventures of Tom Thumb
5101 The Talking Magpies (7) 2-12 in
+ 3-10
Rival Romeos (7) Jan
6326 Woody Dines Out (7).. 3-19
5102 Nutsy in Squirrel Crazy
6327 Andy Panda Goes Fishing
(7) Jan. + 2-10
(7) 4-23
(7),
(reissue)
Jan.
5127 The Lucky Duck
UNIVERSAL NEWS
5103 Little Roquefort in Three
(Released Twice Weekly)
Is a Crowd (7) Feb. ± 2-10
5104 Woodman Spare That Tree
VARIETY VIEWS
(7) Feb. + 1-27
5343 Future Skippers (9)
5128
1-30
The Bird Tower (7),
6008 Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer
5344 Progress Island (9) 3-13
(reissue) Feb. ....
+f 6-17
Snerd in Sweden (20) , . 9-
5105
5345 A-Camping We
3
Will Go
Half Pint in Stage Struck
(9) 5-15
(7) Mar. -f 2-3
-f 7-8
5106
5346 Treasure of the Nile (9) 9-25
Mighty Mouse in Sunny
+ 12-16
Italy
5347 Brooklyn Goes to Hollywood
(7) Mar. + 1-27
(9)
5107 Gandy Goose
10-16
in Songs of
5348 In the Shadow of the Andes
Erin (7) Mar. -f 1-27
5129 Shipyard
(9)
Symphony
10-23 (7)
+ 12-16
1950-51 SEASON
(reissue)
Apr.
5108 The
6341 Battle of the Bulge
Talking Magpies
(10) 1-22
in
+ 2-17
6342 Brooklyn Goes to
Bulldozing
Beantown
(7) Apr. ....
5109 Gandy
(9)
Goose
2-19
in Spring
-f 2-17
Fever (7) Apr.
WOODY WOODPECKER CARTUNES
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor Reissues)
6310 Tick Tock Tuckered (7) . . 6- 3
6311 Booby Hatched (7) 7-1
6312 Trap Happy Porky (7) . . 8- 5
6313 Lost and Foundling (7) . 8-26
1950-51 SEASON
7301 Fagin's Freshmen (7) . . . 9-16
7302 Slightly Daffy (7) 10-14
7303 The Aristo Cat (7).... 11-11
7304 The Unbearable Bear
(7) 12-9
7305 Duck Soup to Nuts (7) . 1- 6
7306 Flowers for Madame (7) 2- 3
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
6722V«tat'$ Up DocT (7) 6-17 + 7-1
6723 Eight-Ball Bunny (7) ... 7- 8 -f 9-2
6724 Hillbilly Hare (7) 8-12 +f 9-16
6725 Bunker Hill Bunny (7).. 9-23 -I- 10-14
6726 Bushy Hare (7) 11-11 + 11-18
1950-51 SEASON
7719 Rabbit of Seville (7). .12-16 1-27
7720 Hare We Go (7) 1-6 + 2-17
7721 Rabbit Every Monday
(7) 2-10
FEATURETTES
5106 Just for Fun (20) 7-15
1950-151 SEASON
+f 8-12
7101 Wagon Wheels West
(20) 9-9 + 9-30
7102 Barbershop Ballads
(20) (reissue) 11-18 + 1-13
7103 Ace of Clubs (..) 1-27
HTT PARADE OF GAY NINETIES
7801 When Grandpa Was a Boy
(10) 10-7
7802 The Old Family Album
(10) 12-16
7803 The Naughty 20's (..).. 2-10
+ 2-17
JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES
6405 So You Want to Hold Your
Husband (10) 7-1 7-1
S406 So You Want to Move (10) 8-19 ± 9-16
1950-151 SEASON
7401 So You Want a Raise
(10) 9-23 + 11- 4
7402 So You're Going to Have
an Operation (10)... 12- 2 — 11-18
7403 So You Want to Be a
Handyman (10) 1-13
MELODY MASTERS
± 1-27
(Reissues)
6806 Leo Reisman & Orch. (10) 5-27 ± 7-22
6807 Matty Malncck & Orch.
(10) 6-24 + 7-1
6808 Cliff Edwards & His
Buckaroos (10) 7-22
MERRIE MELODIES
(Color)
6710 His Bitter Half (7) . . . . 5-20 + 7-22
6711 An Egg Scramble (7)... 5-27 4+ 7-22
6712 All Abir-r-r-d (7) 6-24 -f 7-1
6713 It's Hummer Time (7).. 7-22 + 9-30
6714 Golden Yeggs (7) g- 5 ± 9-30
6715 Dog Gone South (7) 8-26
6716 The Ducksters (7) 9-2
5717 A Fractured Leghorn (7) 9-16 + 10-14
6718 Canary Row (7) 10-7 4- 10-28
1950-151 SEASON
7701 Sto. e for a Mouse (7).. 10-21 + 11-18
7707 Por, 'Im ,op (7) 10-28 4- 11-18
7703Caem3n liki (7) 11-25 + 1-13
7704 Oor Collared (7) 12-2 ± 1-20
770=;rwos a Crowd (7) 12-30 -f 2-17
7706 A Fox in a Fix (7) . . . 1-20
7707 Canned Feud (7) 2-3
7708 Putty Tat Trouble (7).. 2-24
SPORTS PARADE
(Technicolor)
6508 Riviera Days (10) 6-3 + 7-22
6509 Racing Thrills (10) 7- 8 ± 7-8
6510 Champions of Tomorrow
(10) 8-19 + 9-16
1950-151 SEASON
7502 Grandad of Races (10) . . 9- 2 + 9-16
7503 Paddle Your Own Canoe
(10) 10-21 U 10-28
7501 Wild Water Champions
(10) 12- 9
7504 Ski in the Sky (..)... 1-13
+ 11-18
7505 Will to Win (..) 2-24
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
6006 Pony Express Days (20)
(reissue) 5-13 5.20
f|.
6007 Give Me Liberty (22)
(reissue) 6-10 4+ 7-1
7001 Wish You Were Here (20) 7-29 + 9-16
1950-51 SEASON
7002 Royal Rodeo (20) 11-4
7003 The Wanderers' Return
(20) 12-23 + 2-17
7004 My Country 'Tis of Thee
(20) 2-17 + 2-10
VITAPHONE NOVELTIES
6606 Cavalcade of Girls (10) . . 8-12
1950-51 SEASON
7601 Slap Happy (10) 10-14 ff 10-14
7602 Those Who Dance (10). 11-25 + 11-18
7603 Blaze Busters (10) 12-30 +4 2-17
7604 Animal Antics (..) 1-20
WAHNER-PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
SHORTS CHART
Miscellaneous
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
MONOGRAM
LITTLE RASCALS
(Reissues)
4963 Mama's Little Pirate
(18) 4.29 -1. 5.20
4964 Birthday Blu«s (19).... 5-13
4965 For Pete's Sake (17) . . . 5-27
4966 Bedtime Worries (19) . . 6-10
4967 School's Out (191/2) 6-24
4968 First Roundup. Th.
(171/2) 7- •
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 u 7.23
3 Movies Are Adventure
(10) U-l 8-22
4 The Art Director (8)
20th-Fox 11- 1
5 The Sound Man (10) Col... 1-19 ff 12-24
6 History Brought to Life
(10) Para 3.15
7 Screen Actors (9) MGM.... 5-13 6^i7
8 Moments in Music (10) MGM 7-13 + 7-15
9 Costume Designer. The (9)
RKO 9.13
10 Screen Writers (91/i) 20th-
Fox
Ninr.
REPUBUC
SERIALS
4982 Radar Patrol vs. Spy King 4-15
12 Chapters
4983 Undersea Kingdom
(reissue) 12 Chapters. 7- 8
4984 The Invisible Monster 9-30
12 Chapters
1950-51 SEASON
5081 Desperadoes of the West. 12-23
12 Chapters
5082 Flying Dies Man From
Mars 3.17
12 Chapters
THIS WORLD OF OURS
(Tnicolor)
4975 Norway (9) 3.15 +1
4976 Denmark (9) 6-1 £
4977 Glacier National P»k (9) 7-15 4978 Sweden (9) 8-30 +
4979 France (9) 10-15
4980 Holland (9) 11-30
1950-51 SEASON
5071 London (9) 1-15
5072 Portugal (9) 2-15
5073 Spain (9) 3.15
SPECIAL
9495 The Battle tor Kcrea (9) 7- 1
UNITED ARTISTS
SONGS OF AMERICA
SAIO Memorable Gems (9) 3-17 +
SAll Tunes That Live (9) 4-14 +
SA12 Glory Filled Spirituals(lO) 5-12 +
SA13 Highlights of Long Ago
(9) 6-9
SA14 Long Remembrances (9) . 7-14
SA15 Folklore (8) 8-U
SA16 The Moods (9) 9-15
INDEPENDENTS
Waverly Steps (29)
Film Renters, Inc. 44.
Preface to Life (30)
Sun Dial Films 4.
Springtime in Paris (29)
Hoffberg Productions -4-
Death in the Hand (44)
Hoffberg Productions ±
Paolina's Castle (10) Lux Films +
Let's Talk About the Nose
(10) Lux Films ±
Rome, Holy Year 1950—The Etemil
City (24) Lux Films -f
The Experience of Cubism (10)
Lux Films -4-
©Pattern for Survival (20)
Cornell Film Co ±
Apple Blossom Time in Poland (17)
Films of the Nation 44
Spanish Texas (10)
Nationwide Pictures -I-
Again . . . Pioneer (90)
Protestant Film Com 44
Grandma Moses (25)
AF J4.
Mystery of the Flying Saucers (8)
Hoffberg 41.
The Village Tale (35)
Palestine Films 44.
8-12
7- 8
8-12
9- 9
4-15
4- 8
4-15
4-15
S-20
5-27
5-27
7-15
7-22
7-22
7-22
11- 4
11- 4
11-11
U-U
12- 2
1-28
1-27
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide March 10, 1951
13

,
Paramount
SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on fhe C»rr«nf Short Sub'iects-
Overland With Kit Carson
(15-episode serial)
Columbia First episode^lS Mins.
Otiiers average—19 Mins.
Good. Bill Elliott, the star, has been prominently
featured in many topflight* action
films since this serial was first released. As
the greatest Indian fighter of them all, his
job is to keep open the way to the West,
through plotting redskins and plain ornery
whites. From the first appearance of
Pegleg and his Black Raiders, the accent
is on action all along the perilous mountain
trails as Kit Carson saves the settlers from a
mountainous rock slide to close out episode
,one. The second episode, free of the character
introductions of the first chapter, gets off to
a fast start, with the star on the trail of
plotters within the trading post Itself and
rushing to thwart a near massacre at the
Trappers' Rendezvous. Iris Meredith plays
the girl. Richard Flske, Bobby Clack and
James Craig appear in the top supporting
roles. A Columbia serial reprint.
Wedding Yells
Columbia (All- Star Comedies) 17 Mins.
Good. Eddie Foy is engaged to a big, burly
brunet who lands on him with both feet
when she misinterprets a situation which
finds Eddie a stand-in for a friend at a
wedding to a cute blond. The honeymoon
site, a country lodge, is soon a shambles
of who belongs to whom, but it all ends well
when the almost-bridegroom turns out to be
the brunet's true love and the cute blond
falls for Eddie—but not before he has taken
some real falls from the irate husband,
trusting wife and jilted sweetheart.
Dobbin Steps Out
Paramount (SportUght) 10 Mins.
Good. An exciting reel dealing with prizewinning
horses which should delight all
sports lovers. Kansas City has one of the
largest horse shows in the world at the
American Royal and one of its own horsewomen,
Mrs. Loula Long Combs, shows precision
performances of her famous Hackney
Ponies that have walked off with the prizes
which fill her trophy room at Longview
Farms. Of special interest to exhibitors is
that Linda Baker, 12 -year-old daughter of
George Baker of Consolidated Agencies, Inc.,
Kansas City theatre circuit, gives a riding
display which Is accented by her youth and
her pleasing appearance.
Tweet Music
(Screen Song) 7 Mins.
Good. Some amusing moments In birdland
is followed by a screen song In which the
bouncing ball induces the audience to join
in the chorus of "Let's All Sing Like the
Birdies Sing." Among the birds pictured In
cartoon form are the peacock, with its beautiful
plumage carrying an advertisement, and
the night owl, who is always out on a bat.
Vacation With Play
Paramount (Popeye) 7 Mins.
Good. Popeye and the ferocious Bluto vie
for the attentions of the lovely Olive Oyl
and, of course, Popeye wins out after swallowing
the inevitable can of spinach. Popeye,
who Is forced to carry his broken-down car
to the vacation spot. Is worn out and Bluto
Is able to flirt with Olive to his heart's content.
The cartoon work and the gags are
both clever.
Chicken in the Rough
RKO (Walt Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Very Good. Chip and Dale, the chipmunks,
are gathering acorns. Dale returns
with a hen's egg thinking it a king-size nut.
A chick hatches before he can return it to the
nest. Dale dives under the mother hen to
hide just as the entire brood hatches. He assumes
all the mannerisms of a little chick
to fool the rooster who brings him a worm to
eat. Chip enjoys the whole thing from a
rafter overhead as the chicks peck at Dale's
ears and make life
generally miserable.
Chinafown Chump
RKO (Leon Errol Comedy) 16 Mins.
Good. Leon poses as Soong Lee, Chinese
merchant, and makes a business date with
himself as a gag to get out with the boys. A
neighbor tips off Leon's wife who phones the
real Soong, a dealer in counterfeit plates.
Errol rushes down to Chinatown to head off
his wife and is mistaken by Soong for a gang
messenger in to pick up some plates. There's
a chase through the shop when the mistake
is discovered. The cops, summoned by Leon's
wife, arrive just in time. Leon tells her he's
been on the case all the time as an undercover
worker, but four aces slip from his
pocket revealing his real activities — and
even the cops can't help him now.
Movie Oldies
RKO (Screenliner) 9 Mins.
Good. Three real oldtimers, filmed about
1915, are given the comic commentary treatment.
The first features an early use of the
dream sequence technique as a struggling
trombone player of world acclaim. In the
second a be-mustached flirt annoys a lovely
shopgirl and the alert store detective throws
him out. The third is a near tragic romantic
triangle wherein Tom Truehart saves his
lady love from a false friend and a fierce
lire.
The Adventures of
Tom Thumb Jr.
UnlT.-Int'I (Technicolor Cartunes) 7 Mins.
Good. This Technicolor cartoon reissue
has a fairy tale quality which will especially
appeal to the youngsters. Tom Thumb and
his grasshopper pal are cast ashore on an
island where the flowers are enormous in '
comparison to their size. A kindly old lady
mistakes Tom for a baby and gives him a
bath in a teacup. Tom and the grasshopper
then have a series of misadventures with a
mouse, a duck and a cat, all of whom completely
dwarf them.
'Sugarchile' Robinson,
Count Basie and His
Sextet
Unlv.-Int'l (Name Band Musical) 15 Mbu.
Good. Three top night club acts will each
have a name draw for swing music lovers.
"Sugarchile" Robinson is a precocious youngster
who bangs out hot music with his fingers
and even with his elbows. The best Is "After
School Boogie." BUlie Holliday's stylized
singing is most effective in "God Bless the
Child" and Count Basle and his sextet really
go to town in "One O'clock Jump." It totals
up to a lively, tuneful short.
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 18: MacArthur starts
UN offensive at front in Korea; Dewey says
"free world must stop Reds' war plan";
British twin engine jet bomber; latest light
helicopter; sports—water skiing in Nassau,
ski jumping at Iron Mountain.
News of the Day, No. 252: MacArthur at
front sees Reds routed; Dewey favors troops
for Europe; jet helicopter; Freedom awards;
new set of quads; ace diving; wrestling
queen.
Paramount News, No. 55: U.S. welcomes
record breaking British jet; artillery stops
Reds at Wonju; troops to Europe issue: General
Eisenhower arrives in Paris, Dewey-
Wherry debate before senate; Brooklyn
Norseman wins Olympic trials; rough and
tumble Santa Anita victor.
Universal News, No. 434: Korea: British
jet bomber; White House press photos;
"Harvey" gets Look award; Olympic diving;
Olympic ski jumping; lady wrestling.
Warner Pathe News, No. 57: Korea, Operation
killer; Washington, men and arms for
Europe; Valley Forge, Bradley gives awards
for patriotism; four storks over Baltimore;
Truman honors news photos; British jet
races sun across Atlantic; jet helicopter—flying
torch; Olympic diver tunes up for South
America; Iron Mountain, Mich., Olympic ski
jump tryout.
Movietone News, No. 19: UN forces smash
Korean Reds with guns and planes; Pope appeals
for help to aid war orphans; Hollywood
spotlight; sports—motorcycle races; porpoises
in Florida; golden gloves.
News of the Day, No. 253: UN field commander
sees rugged action; Marshall rallies
New York civil defense workers; Parisian
magic; polar bear triplets; eastern glove
championship; baseball in the air; national
motorcycle speed championship; deep sea
athlete.
Paramount News, No. 56: Swiss on alert
high in Alps; paratroopers get warm welcome;
Marshall swears in defense volunteers;
Chile host to UN delegates; frying saucer;
Jacques Fath fashions; renew offensive in
Korea; British cycles dominate U.S. beach
classic.
Universal News, No. 435: Paris in the
spring; Secretary Marshall; aerial egg frying;
porpoise with a purpose; citrus fiesta;
motorcycle races; golden gloves.
Warner Pathe News, No. 58: UN forces
pound Reds in Korea; Marshall swears in
700 for New York civil defense; labor quits
all defense agencies; Santiago, Chile; United
Nations ecomonic and social council meets in
Chile; amputee vets give Doris Day first
atomic dog tag; porpoise is finished performer;
national motorcycle champion;
golden gloves.
Telenews Digest, No. 9A: Wilson reports;
Korea, Operation killer; News briefs: Dean
Acheson, speed record, exchange war prisoners,
worst floods, German war bride; Dewey
testifies.
Telenews Digest, No. 9B: Washington—the
debate continues: influenza spreads; overseas
bulletins—Korea, Berlin, Israel. West
German police, Italy; sports world—basketball
king of U.S.
14
BOXOFFICE BooldnGuida :: March 10, 1951

Opinions 00 Correof Prodaetlons; Exp/o/f/ps for Soling to tbo PoUlc FEATURE REVIEWS
Rawhide
(FOB STOBT SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTCBE, SEE BEYEBaE SIDB)
Western
20th-Fox (113)
86 Minutes ReL
As tough as the production from which it drew its name
is this exciting, suspenseful drama which, because of its
circa and locale, comes under the classification of westerns
but greatly transcends such category in dramatic wallop.
Somewhat in the tradition of the same company's popular
"The Gunfighter," the picture's appeal will not be limited to
the dyed-in-the-wool galloper fans but will be just as strong
for ticket-buyers who seek tense, action-laden screenfare
regardless of backgrounds. Add to such inherent entertainment
worth the fact that the feature is luminously cast and
inescapable is the conclusion that it will be a top revenue
producer in all bookings. Performances, production, writing
and direction all contribute their equal parts to the offering's
excellence. The stellar cast presents one exploitation approach
and much can be done with the colorful, historical
literary source. Directed by Henry Hathaway.
Tyrone Power, Susan Hoyword, Hugh Marlowe, Dean Jagger,
Edgar Buchanan, Jack Elam, George Tobias, leii Corey-
Fourteen Hours
20th-Fox ( ) 91 ACnutes ReL
Drama
Told as only the motion picture camera can tell it—in
broad, vivid strokes that reach masterful heights of sustained
suspense— is a story that most certainly will be regarded
by appraisers of film values as an outstanding and memorable
contribution to the season's output of celluloid. It's a
safe bet that, wherever booked, the feature will have the
cash customers gnawing their fingernails down to the
knuckles until the final compelling fadeout. As a deft combination
of cinematic artistry and productional knowhow,
the offering is certain to benefit from that most potent of all
exploitation angles—word-of-mouth—while from the merchandising
standpoint astute showmen also have the unique
story line and the strong performance of Paul Douglas, an
established marquee name, with which to work. It is a solid
credit for all concerned, particularly Director Henry Hathaway
and Producer Sol C. Siegel.
Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart, Barbara Bel Geddes, Debra
Paget, Agnes Moorehead, Robert Keith, Howard da Silva.
Oni
lerul/
Only the Valiant F ^'
Warner Bros. (002) 105 Minutes Rel. Apr. 2L '51
Filmdom's annals have been dotted, since the early days
of the silent screen, with memorable motion pictures in which
the protagonists have been the redoubtable U.S. cavalry
combating bloodthirsty redskins on the warpath. Of late, in
fact, there has been almost an over supply of such subjects.
Very few in the recent or distant past can, however, claim
much Superiority over this stirring, suspenseful and sweeping
entry, which veers sufficiently away from the established
formula to kindle and hold audience interest and at the
same lime packs a super-abundance of tested, rugged action
ingredients to satiate the most insistent adventure
addicts. Unstintingly produced by William Cagney, it boasts
a top-drawer cast, headlined by Gregory Peck, who is in
himself a strong boxoffice draw. His popularity and the
feature's many other exploitable assets point toward healthy
grosses and satisfied customers. Directed by Gordon Douglas.
Gregory Peck, Barbara Pcryton, Ward Bond, Gig Young, Lon
Chcmoy, Neville Brand, Jeff Corey.
Historical
Inside Straight
^
Drama
MGM (123) 87 Minutes Rel. Mar. 16, '51
A screenplay that bears down heavily on dialog but is
a bit light on the action ingredients that could have been
assembled, considering the film's subject matter and backgrounds,
emerges as the major weakness in this costume
piece. Consequently it is a distinct possibility that the offering
will not generate too great a degree of interest on the
part of average spectators, with indications that its rather
slow tempo may be paralleled in the ticket-selling department.
Prominent on the credit side of the ledger is a handpicked
and capable cast, in which David Brian and Arlene
Dahl are the headliners, while the technical contributions
also are noteworthy, with emphasis on the authentically
fabricated sets and costumes. "The merchandising campaign
can be most effectively concentrated on those facets, in
addition to the scenes which make reference to the fabulous
Comstock Lode mining country. Directed by Gerald Mayer.
David Brian, Arlene Dahl, Barry Sullivan, Lon Chtmey,
Mercedes McCambridge, Paula Raymond.
p
^^ L^_ Historical
T-"
y^UeOeC r
(Technicolor)
Drama
Paramount (5017) 85 Minutes Rel. Apr. '51
Because the picttire was produced largely in and around
the community from which it derived its title, the scenery and
backgrounds—filmed in Technicolor—are arrestingly impressive.
In the above-menti9ned asset lies the picture's only
hopes for audience satisfaction; and, parenthetically, its
best angle for exploitation. As concerns scripting, performances
and direction, it is as amateurish a job as has borne
a major company's label in many months. John Barrymore
jr., who showed considerable promise in his earlier tries,
herein is thrown for a loss in the attempt to have him follow
in the footsteps of his late father. Despite which his contribution
is as good as those from other members of the cast. In
toto the offering, despite its pseudo-historical genesis, is
reminiscent of the blood-and-thunder costume melodramas in
which traveling repertory companies specialized a halfcentury
ago. Directed by George Templeton.
John Barrymore jr., Corinne Calvet. Barbara Rush, Patric
Knowles, John Hoyt, Arnold Moss, Nikld Duval.
5oo)
Flame of Stamboul
Melodrama
Columbia (314) . 68 Minutes ReL March '51
Gendarmes-and-gangster stuff with an exotic, oriental
background has always been one of the favorite dishes of
that segment of film fans that like action, no matter how
much hokum accompanies. There is plenty of aforementioned
hoke in this one, but, at the some time, there ore
comparable quantities of action, villainy, gore and suspense.
Which makes the offering acceptable supporting fare and a
prize package for those situations which cater to the ticket
buyers described above. The production accouterments with
which Wallace MacDonald endowed the film accord its
backgrounds an air of authenticity. Under direction of Ray
Nazqrro, performances are adequate. The story is given a
timely twist through injection of an espionage theme, which
could be used for topical exploitation, while houses that go
in for more spectacular merchandising can do something
about the dancing gal after whom the film is named.
Richard Denning, Lisa Ferraday, Norman Lloyd. Nestor Paiva
George Zucco, Donald Randolph, Peter Mamakos.
The Long Dark Hall
Eagle Lion Classics 87 Minutes Rel.
F
Suspense
Drama
Several picture-making characteristics have come to be
associated with the better grade of British film imports
principally a meticulous attention to the selection of casts,
the development of well-etched portrayals and good technical
craftsmanship. All those ingredients are present in
this entry from the tight little isle. Ftirther, there is a bonus
in the fact that there is a certain amount of marquee magnetism
for American audiences, beyond the usual run of English
product, in the names of the co-stars, Rex Harrison and
Lilli Palmer, both of whom have made several U.S. pictures.
Consequently this feature's domestic bookings, either in the
art theatres or as supporting fare in conventional situa^ons,
should prove moderately successful. There are proven
elements of suspense and drama in the script—written,
incidentally, by Nunnally Johnson. The offering was co-directed
by Anthony Bushell and Reginald Beck.
Rex Harrison, Lilli Palmer, Tania HelcL Henrietta Barry, Doro
Sevening. Ronald Simpson. Raymond Huntley.
)0,0i
arti
The Inheritance
Drama
Fine Arts 90 Minutes ReL
A broadly played period piece in the "Wuthering Heights"
tradition, this British-made is best suited to art house showings.
Produced by Two Cities Films and released in England
in 1947 as "Uncle Silas," the picture is probably being
released in the U.S. now mainly because of the increasing
popularity of Jean Simmons, who played opposite Olivier in
"Hamlet" and is in two current British releases, "Trio" and
"So Long at the Fair." Miss Simmons gives a convincing
portrayal of a frightened young girl but Derrick DeMarney
is badly cast as a white-wigged old menace and Katina
Paxinou is guilty of such mugging and atrocious over-acting
that many audiences will chuckle at her black-hearted
villainies. Her stage fame may have some name value in
key cities. The production is a lavish one. Charles Frank's
direction is as mid-Victorian as the plot. Fine Arts is at
1501 Broadway, New York City.
Jean Simmons, Derrick DeMarney, Katina Paxinou, Derek
Bond, Sophie Stewart, Manning Whiley.
i9'?a BOXOFFICE March 10. 1951 1917

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Syaopsis; Adttaes for Newspaper and Programs
%
THE STOHY: "Only the Valiant"
Capt. Gregory Peck, an 1867 U.S. cavalryman, is a good
soldier but uncompromising disciplinarian. When Michael
Ansara—as Chief Tucsos of the villainous Apache tribe
— is captured the soldiers want him shot. Peck insists upon
taking him to the fort, where a decision is made to send
Both he and Lieut. Gig Young are in love with Barbara
Payton, an officer's daughter, who favors Peck. But when
she kisses Young farewell. Peck assumes the worst. Young
is suddenly ordered to replace Peck in the dangerous trans- 'oostf
fer of Tucsos; believing Peck has arranged this to eliminate i
his rival, hatred foments among his men. The valor Peck
later displays in hopeless battle—until the magic new
Galling gun disposes of the Apaches—re-establishes him as
a hero and wins him the girl.
CATCHT.INES:
Hotter Than an Apache War Torch . . . This Searing Story
Blazes Across the Screen ... As Treachery and Savage
Lust Mark the Winning of the Wild Frontier ... A Drama
Written in Fury and Flames.

I
CLOSING DATE: Monday noon pracading publication date. Send copy and ansT^rera to
• Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. •
HELP WANTED
Need extra cash? Manager, operators—aayilme,
lell your neighborhood merchants advertising gifts,
calendars, pencils, matches, etc. Average order
earns $25. Free samples. Klncolc. S916 Linwood,
Detroit, Mich.
Screen advertising salesmen: New company ; liberal
commissions; protected territory. Must have
theatre business or screen advertising experience.
Safety Screen Advertising, Boi 6, San .\ntonio,
Texas.
Theatre managers—If you aren't completely
h:i|>py i'l your present position and are a capable
shovvmnn, ;{0 to 45 years old, with a solid background
in front house operation, publicity, exliluitution,
public and employe relations, then It
may be profitable for you to talk with us. Here
is a rare opportunity for several men of A-1
character to join an independent theatre circuit
of 33 modern houses (seating 500 to 1,100) In
I'ennsylviinia communities of 5,000 to 30,000
liupulation. Goad pay. incentive bonus plan and
vacation. Send photo and st.tte your case fully
includinit salary requirements and recommendations
in first letter. I'oiiddenliiil. Address reply to
licixotflce. 4180.
Projectionist :it)d assistant manager for drivein.
Sober, re'lable, conscientious. Work twtween
8 and !t months. State starting wages.
liiixoffice. 4l;7.
Applications now being taken for managers for
diive-in theatres in Wisconsin. Employment
arranged ali year around. I'refer men who live
in .Middle West states. Boxoffice, 4195.
Orive-in theatre operator, manager wanted. Fernranent
job fur right man. Write details. Paul
Kothman. a2^-31sl St.. Denver. Colo.
Drive-in Theatre Manager. Experienced for
.\lehison. Kansas. Apply in iierson or write:
Atchison l)rive-ln Corp., 1890 Mcrriam Blvd..
Kansas City. Kansas.
Wanted : Ilonsemanager or experienced .Assistant
that knows theatre operation for southeastern
Virginiit territory. .\ir Mail Special Delivery
qnaiifications and salary expetted. Boxoffice,
4204.
Wanted: E\i)erienced liefrigeration-Air Conditioning
man having knowledge of heat and
general maintenance for theatres. .Mr mail
special delivery (inalifications and salary expected.
Boxoffice. 4205.
Immediate opening for manager of the State
Theatre, Waterloo, Iowa. Subsequent run. State
all qualifications and salary. Leotrard L. Kaplan.
Wanted— Experienced managers for drive-in the*
atre chain located in upper New York State.
Send qualifications and experience. Box 31,
Boxoffice. 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
New York.
POSITIONS WANTED
Attention real estate and insurance companies!
I
Have you theatre properties you are seeking
'
to operate? . . Highly qualified showman.
.
finest references, twenty years experience, will
operate your properties under contract. Boxo
fflce. 4171.
Assistant manager, projectionist, maintenance.
Twenty years' experience. Married. No liquor.
Draft exempt. Give minimum salary. Come on
trial anywhere. Available at once. Boxoffice,
4174.
Motion Picture executive with 13 years experience
operating own theatres in New England seeks
pov:ition in assistant or executive capacity. Knows
l)ooking. buying and administrative work. Boxofflce.
4191.
Theatre manager with 8 years experience.
Ilesires position within driving distance of
Kansas City, Missouri or will re-locate if future
possibilities :ire visible. Boxoffice, 4199.
Projectionist at Liberty. Single. 28 years old.
4-K. 10 years experience. Prefer New Mexico.
$50 weekly. Not less than $40 weekly. Boxoffice,
4208.
Theatre executive. 14 years experience. Circuit-Individual
booking, buying, administrative.
Confidential. Kefercnccs furnished. Boxoffice,
4201.
SPEAKER RECONING
We rebuild any type or size loudspeaker—New
parts installed by skilled personnel. Write for
prices and further information, or send one defective
speaker for sample job. Western Electronics
Co., 6220 Washingt«n Ave., Houston 7,
Tex.ts.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW
Save 40% on new equipment at S.O.S. Complete
H. I. outfits for 1.000 seat-indoor theatres.
$3,295: for 600-car drive-ins, $4,295.
Time deals and trades too! Send for details.
Pept, C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
52nd St., New York 19.
You can buy it at S.O.S. for less. Rectifier
blubs R amp. $2.95; 15 amp. $4.59: tempered
masonite letters (any color) 4"—35c: 8" —50c;
10"—60c; projector oil 85c gal.: intercom telephones
$9.95; attractive lighting fixtures 45 per
cent off. nept. C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.,
602 W. 52nd St.. New York 19.
Terrific savings at Star! White plastic coated
screens 33c foot: Rectifier bulbs, 1.500 hour
guarantee. $4.75: Wire reels $1.98: Film cabinets
$2.75 .section: Automatic rewinders $69.50: What
do you need? Star Cinema Supply, 441 West
5flth Street. New York 19.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
Holmes sweet holmes still available $605:
HeVry $655. These are dual equipments including
2.000' magazines, lenses, amplifiers,
speaker, all rebuilt like new. Time deals
available. Special: 2 DeVry suitcase 2,000'
projectors complete, excellent, $435. Dept. C.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St.,
.New York 19.
Nobody but nobody undersells Star! Hnl!-
Motiograph 115 ampere iamphouses, excellent
new 16" reflectors, $675 pair; DeVry XD projectors.
3,000' magazines, complete, rebuilt, $585
pair: Simplex rear shutter mechanisms, latest
features, rebuilt, $279.50; Knitron 60 ampere
rectifiers, 8 tubes, ammeters, slightly used.
$275 pair: Strong IKW Iamphouses, rebuilt,
$350 pair: Thousands other bargains. Star
Cinema Supply, 441 West 50th Street. New
York 19, New York.
2 Victor l€mm sound projectors. Model 40.
Complete. Take $275 Each. Pete Ginardi, Rlto,
Girard, Kansas.
Two Holmes projectors with 2000' magazines,
lenses, amplifier, speaker, rable and carrying
cases. .\iso spare amplifier and speakers. All
ready to go. First $300 takes all. F. 0.
Slenker. 1523-29th Street, Rock Island, Illinois.
We have several army surplus theatre cooling
and heating units. High pressure and low pressure
boilers, stokers for same and water coolers.
American blowers, all controls. Amett & Co..
Box 962. Gunnison. Colorado.
$150 takes everything. 2 Simplex front shutter
mechanisms good condition. One incomplete
head for parts. One used intermittent. Kramer.
Box 372. Burlington, Iowa.
Used projection booth equipment. Western
Electric 3UX46 sound with .\ltec Lansing speakers.
Simplex projectors, Brenkert lamps, also gener.itor.
Price $1,800. Also approximately 200
International full cushioned opera seats. Used
two seasons. Ten dollars ea*. Olympia Theatre.
East 55th St., Cleveland, Ohio.
Complete equipment for theatre operation
machines, sound, chairs, blower, popcorn and
drink machines, neon sign. Can be seen. Cecil
Kelly. Plain Dealing, La.
For Sale. Complete motion picture equipment.
Includes 2 Simplex Heads, Western Electric
Pedestals, Western Electric Sound, Generators,
Reels. Film Cabinet, Peerless Lamps, Screen:
Cost $3,000 complete. Write to Drawer F,
Three Rivers, Mass.
For Sale. Pair late model rebuilt rear
shutter Simplex mechanisms $700. New Holmes
and DeVry Projectors, Strong Mogul Hi Arc
lamps like new $600 pair. Howard Sales. Hanley,
Sask.. Canada.
Available for immediate shipment automatic,
enclosed, motor driven rewinder. rebuilt and refinished
to new standards $73.50 FOB, New
York City. Guaranteed one year against defective
material and workmanship. Refinished Steel
Rewinder Table 20x34x48 with drawer and cutout
for light. Light not included $32. FOB
New York City. Paromel Company, 4018 Astoria
Boulevard South. Long Island City 3. New York.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT~
Drive-ins—S. 0. S. has everything you need.
Complete projection and sound from $1,595:
No. 14-2 underground cable $65M: marquee
letters 35c up. Time deals invited. Write for
details. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.,
602 W. 52nd St.. New York 19.
Miniature Steam train—Ideal for large Drivein.
Entire train sixty feet long. 4 cars haul 32
adults, not an imitation, but a real steam
Miniature Railroad. Excellent condition. About
800 feet of track, indoor theatre business demands
my attention reason for selling. Priced
for quick sale at $3,000. Send for photo.
A. B. Jefferis, 105 West Elm, Piedmont, Missouri.
Speaker stands fabricated to specification in
oar own plant. Immediate delivery, any quantity.
Wire, write or phone. Long Distance 1024
or THatcher 9243. Sonken-Galamba Corp., Second
and lilvervlew, Kansas City 18. Kas.
Popcorn machines, halt price. Wiener. Hamburger,
Sno-Cone, Peanut Roasters, Bun Warmers
Poppers Supply, 179 Luckie, Atlanta. 0«.
STUDIO AND PRODUCTION
EQUIPMENT
Houston KIA 16mm reversal processor. Incomplete,
requires repairs $995: Duplex 35mm
sound and picture step printer with light
changer. $1,395: MB 2000W spots on stands,
$151.51: latest Hallen synchronous recorder with
9000' ITHmra film. $2,100 value, $1,495; new
35mm continuous sound printers, $995; Zoomar
16mm lens, original cost $1,800. $955: sensational—new
BRIDGAMA'nC JR. 16mm developing
machine (including tax) $1,175: Auricon
Sound Cinevoice, demonstrator, $555; Eyemo 35mm
spider turret news cameras, $495. We pay cash
for used equipment. Dept. C, S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St.. New York 19.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experience
needed for expert work. Write for free samnles.
John Rahn, B-1329, Central Ave., ChltsiBO
51. m.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Tlieatres For Sale: Selected listings In Oreioo
and Washington now available. Write (or U»t.
Theatre Eicbange Co., Fine Arts Bldg., Portland,
Ore.
Build double parking drlve-in theatres under
franchise Patent No. 2,102,718, reissue No.
22,756 and improvements, patent pending. Up
to 30 per cent more seating capacity wltk little
additional cost. Louis Josserand, architect, 3908
S. Main St.. Houston. Tei.
Pacific Northwest theatres (or site. Write In
Bowron. sales manager. Theatre Sales (Dir),
Fred B. Ludwig, Brk. 4229 N. I. Broadway.
Portland 13. Ore
Live in lovely Texas college town 25.000.
Recover entire investment two years. $24,100
down. l-lasily operated, non-union, .\partment
Included. One top investments anywhere. Complete
federal records available. Arthur Leak,
Speci.ilist. 3305 Caruth, Dallas, Texas.
Owner in service. Fine only show. North
Oklahoma wheat-oil town near 2.000. $15,000
handles. North Texas good town 1,400. Owner
seriously ill. $8,000 down. Similar Northeast
Texas. Should show $8,000 year profit readily.
$14,000. Liberal terms. Others all sizes, including
drive-Ins. Arthur Leak, South's Oldest.
Best known theatre specialist, 3305 Caruth,
Dallas. Texas.
For Sale: Picture theatre. Cheap. Small town.
Rural and town patronage. (^ontaot owner:
Chester Norman. Geneseo. Kans.
350 seat theatre Oklahoma. $10,000 down.
Accepting Civil Service Washington job. Will
sell about April 1st. See the Best! Details
Boxoffice, 4168.
Only theatre industrial town population 3.750.
$20,000: concession for cash. Management retiring
March 15th. Financially responsible
principals only inquire at Diana Theatre, Rittman.
Ohio.
Money making theatre suburban Dallas, 850
seats. Owner selling due to illness. Best of
equipment. Priced at $50,000. Will trade for
hotel or tourist courts. Southland Theatre
Brokers. 408 South Harwood, Dallas, Texas.
Theatres for sale: Pacific Northwest. Listing
In Oregon, Washington. Idaho. Write 0. M.
Durham, Sound Realty 4 Investment Co, 706
Stewart Street, Seattle. Washington.
On account of ill health, 2 modern drive-ins
for lease to right party. 200 and 400 cars.
Good city, year-around business. Eastern N.
Carolina. Boxoffice. 4175.
225 seats. $13,800: 210 seats, $15,500: 300
seat'. $17,000: 330 seats $47,000; 450 seats,
$62,000: 650 seats, $73,000; drive-ins Michigan
and one in Georgia. To buy or sell theatres,
write or call, Edwin Van Sickle, Broker.
Phone 1610-J, Charlotte, Michigan.
Drive-in; Ideal location above Ticonderoga. Heavy
resort population. Money maker. Now operating
May to November. Capacity 300 cars, expandable
to 500. Excellent equipment, buildings and
steel screen. Owner leaving, must sell. Asking
$45,000 for quick sale. Courtesy to brokers
Worden. Box 88. Crown Point, New York.
Drive-in theatre. West Palm Beach, Florida.
On Southern Boulevard. Beautiful layout. Established
four years, best equipment. 450 cars.
Show quick payout. Some terms. 100,000
drawing population. One other drive-in in area.
Will not correspond. If interested inspect. See
owner at theatre. Boxoffiw, 4179.
For Sale: Theatres. We have listings of theatres
in the towns of one thousand to fifteen thousand,
from $4,000 up, located in Texas. Contact
Texas Theatre Service Co.. 2013% Young, Dallas,
Texas
Modern drive-in. Ideally located Texas city
100,000 trade area. Everything latest. $67,500.
Terms. Also 510-car with acreage. Dominates
75 per cent thriving city 50,000. $35,000
profit indicated 1951. $42,500 down. Others
all sizes. Arthur Leak, South's Oldest, best known
theatre specialist. 3305 Caruth. Dallas, Texas.
SCO-seat theatre large trade area. Minimum
film rental. No city taxes. Building two years
old. Three apartments, two business stores. Air
conditioned. Less than replacement cost. Box
557. Zephryhills. Florida.
Texas small county seats getting factories under
de-centralizing program. This one building countries
largest of kind. $3,000,000. Only theatre
$48,580. Terms. 20 others from $8,000
down. Arthur Leak, Theatre Specialist, 3305
Caruth, Dallas, Texas.
For Sale! Drive-In Theatre % mile from business
center of growing town. Mrs. Ann Holder.
Liberty Drive-In Theatre, Inc.. Liberty, North
Carolina.
Long established theatre, southeast Missouri.
456 seats, brick building, good equipment. 6,000
population area. $40,000. One-half '."ash. Boxoffice,
4198.
For Sale or Lease, long established, modern,
380-seat, neighborhood theatre In business section
of 50,000. Iowa. Modern seven room manager's
apartment. Two rentals. See and check
this one. You will want It. Boxoffice. 4196.
Midwest-south or southwest. Will option 1 to
10 drive-in theatres. 2 year leases advance
rents. To be considered first communication
must contain complete information. Boxoffice,
4190.
liUHKNIli HUUSt
THEATRES FOR SALE (Cont'd)
Theatre Building with 300 seats, 6-rooig
apartment. Good brick building. Tile front,
modem booth, located In Chicago. Good neighborhood.
Price $25,000—$15,000 down. Boxoffice,
4189.
1,000-seat neighborhood theatre. Industrial
district, outstanding convsssions, low rent, long
lease. Terms. No brokers. Boxoffice, 4184.
Two theatres 350 seats each, located 20 miles
apart. Concrete and cinder block construction,
steam heat, profitable; owner wants to retire.
$22,500 for both. Terms. R. B. Summerson,
Hiirbin, West Virginia.
Small theatre, Dual RCA PG-201 16mm equipment,
practically new. $1,200 Cash. Strand
Theatre, Friendship, Tennessee.
Florida beautiful modem brick theatre, stores,
offices. Pretty town 2,500. No opposition.
$35,000 downpayment, no less. Chas. H. Richelieu,
Tarpon Springs, Florida.
THEATRES WANTED
Theatre, .Nebraska, western Iowa, northern
Kansas. No brokers. Over 400 seats. Town 1,806
population or over. Confidential. Eiperleneed. 1^
J. Burkitt, Sparta, Wis.
Sell your theatre privately. 32nd year. Higkest
reputation, know-how. Arthur Leak Theatre
Specialist, 3305 C^aruth. Dallas, Texas.
Wanted good theatre or drive-in in Alabama
or Mississipri showing nice profit. Do not reply
unless you vill sell. Not interested In breakeven
house. Boxoffice, 4170.
Theatre wanted by experienced showman. Will
furnish $15,000 down payment. No brokers.
Boxoffice, 4181.
Wanted to Lease; Theatre, 250 seats or more,
preferably In western Montana. Qualified, experienced
In ail phases of management. L. G.
Norrls, Box 216, Twin Bridges, Montana.
Only theatre, town 2,000-3,000. Southwest.
State best all cash price. Boxoffice, 4185.
Grind money maker only. Warm climate. Experienced,
financially able. Know values, potentials.
Boxoffice, 4186.
Family Operation that makes good living.
Have $15,000 down. Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas,
Texas. Boxoffice, 4187.
Theatres — Drive-ins preferred. .Middlewcst.
Maurice Rubin, 200 East Cooispring Ave., .Michigan
City, Indiana. Give complete details. No
proposition too large.
Theatre building 400 seats. Town 2,000 to
3.500 population radius 125 miles of St. Louis
or in Central Texas. Write, give details. Boxoffice.
4206.
Wanted to buy or lease modern theatre Florida.
Tampa-Miami area. First run, no opposition,
must be money maker—quick payout. Give farts.
Describe fully. Exiierienced showmen. Boxoffice.
4203.
Theatre wanted. Town of around 2,000. Anywhere
U.S. Must he money-maker. Boxoffice,
4200.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
100% pure refined Coconut Oil in 50 pound
steel palls $15.75 each. Noiseless popcorn bags
—10c size $4.10 per M. We reserve the right
to limit quantities. Ask for prices on other
supplies. Midland Popcorn Co., 67-8th Are.,
N E.. Minneapolis, Minn.
To sell as much or more popcorn than candy,
try genuine silver-plated good luck charms, 52
assorted, each atta'*ed onto an individual popcorn
prize gift card, one FREE to every purchaser.
Compelling stimulator for man, woman, boy or
girl. One thousand Lucky Charms, $7.50 postpaid,
check with order. Also as giveaways at
kiddy shows. EPPY, 91-15, 144th Place, Jamaica
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch, Manley, Cretors, Advance, ail electric
french fry types 50 Hollywood type, theatre
special electric poppers from $250. Karmelkors
Equipment. 120 S. Halsted, Chicago 6, HI.
Super Star popcorn machine, good condition,
$175, freight paid. Don Theatre, I.ovelady, Texas.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt service. Special printed roll tlcketa
100.000. $26.70; 10,000, $7.80; 2,000, $4.95.
Bach change in admission price. Including cnanje
in color $3.00 extra. Double numbering eiiri.
'FOB. Kansas City, Mo.) Cash with order.
Kansas aty Ticket Co., 109 W. 18th St., Kansas
City, Mo.
Drive-in theatre tickets. Send for samples of
our special printed stub rod tickets for drive-ins.
Safe, distinctive, easy to check. Kansas City
Ticket Co., Dept. 10, 109 West 18th St..
"Pilmrow," Kansas CTIty 8. Mo
THEATRICAL
PRINTING
Window cards, programs, heralds, Photo-Offset
Printing. Cato Show Printing Co., Cato, N. T.
MORE CLASSIFIED ADS
ON PAGE 32

An Exhibitor Tells
To Make Profitable
Use of
WOODFIBRE
WOODFIBRE, B.
THEATRE
C, CANADA
February 19, 1951
Editor of BOXOFFICE,
825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City, Mo.
Dear Sir:
After having sat idly by for the past few years enjoying and learning to use
your magazine to the best advantage, I feel now, at long last, I should compliment
you and your many experienced contributors for the valuable work done in helping
an appreciative exhibitor "bushed in the sticks" of rugged British Columbia.
SERVICES
THAT
SERVE!
It was quite some time before I learned to use BOXOFFICE to the best advantage
in helping to pre-select pictures in order to get quality, variety, and near perfection
in entertainment. Finally I realized that, if certain steps were taken, it was
possible to successfully book shows without having the advantage of having previewed
them.
A study of the FEATURE CHART will give a rough idea of what pictures are
available from each distributor. In addition it will give the type of picture, the running
time, the cast, black and white or in color, and the PICTURE GUIDE REVIEW
number, which, in turn, will give a fair and unbiased opinion of the picture . . .
On the back of this page, the STORY SYNOPSIS of the picture reviewed has been
invaluable in giving one an idea of what the picture is all about and if suitable for
your audience. A quick check of the REVIEW DIGEST will soon confirm your
choice or rejection of the picture under consideration. To double check your own
thoughts and findings, look up TffE EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY section, but give
due respect and consideration to the locale and patronage catered to by the contributor.
Having selected a picture, a
look through the SHOWMANDISER and PROMO-
TION sections may reward you with an idea for selling it to the public to the greatest
advantage. Also there are often a few timely tips from BOXOFFICE NUGGETS
that may pay off. These, Mr. Editor, are a few things along with your editorials,
news items of the day and of things to come, that have made your magazine a
must for the exhibitor to aid him in the struggle for survival.
Congratulations on the commencement of your 31st year of publication.
vou continue to grow in size and stature.
Most sincerely yours,
Wai/a^ W. Smith
Manager
May
More Than Ever
meais
BUSINESS