Boxoffice-May.03.1952

'Convertible' Theatre
Started at University
CHATTANOOGA—A "convertible" theatre
went under construction during April at the
University of Tennessee. Patrons of the Carousel
Theatre have financed the project.
Architect Frederick Roth of Knoxville drew
up the plans.
Believed to be the first of its kind in the
nation, the building can be transformed from
an open-air theatre in the summer to a
weather-tight auditorium in winter. It will
be octagonal in shape with the roof extending
out over the sides. Its convertibility is
achieved by vertical panels, four feet wide,
easily bolted on in the fall and removed in
the spring. A concrete floor, depressed toward
the center, will serve as foundation for
tiers of seats surrounding the stage. Seats and
stage will be dismountable, making the auditorium
adaptable for stage performances, motion
picture exhibition, concert presentations,
conventions and exhibits.
No Hunger Among Thieves
FORT MYERS. FLA. — Tile Fort Myers
Drive-In was broken into and robbed of $238
in cash and some foodstuff and cigarets.
Thieves got into the office between midnight
and 6:45 a. m., when a bread delivery salesman
discovered the open door. More than 75
packs of cigarets were taken, as well as a few
candy bars, gum and ice cream packs.
Cerebral Palsy Trailer available from May 15 to
July 1.
MACK ENTERPRISES
Present
the Daring Drug Expose
of Shame, Horror and Despair
AWARDED FIRST
'Academy of
PLACE
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And Soon! Brand New!!
"STRIPTEASE -GIRL"
MACK ENTERPRISES
408 South Harwood
DALLAS, TEXAS
Tributes Paid at Majestic Fete
To Hoblitzelle and O'Donnell
DALLAS—The 31st anniversary of the
opening of the Majestic Theatre here waa
celebrated on April 24 before a packed house.
Film stars Rory Calhoun and Robert
Mitchum added to the gay evening's entertainment,
which climaxed with the showing
of "With a Song in My Heart."
Robert J. O'Donnell was master of ceremonies
and opened the stage ceremony after
preliminary music by Hyman Charninsky and
his orchestra and a shower of rose petals
from the theatre roof.
"It is my privilege," O'Donnell said, "to
bid you welcome 31 years after the original
opening of the Majestic, although I have
been here only 28 of those 31 years."
O'Donnell introduced four members of the
Majestic staff who have been with the theatre
since its opening. They are Arch Mosely
and William Coz, stagehands: Leon Dickson,
stage manager, and Sarah Burton, who sold
the first ticket still is on duty at the Majestic
boxoffice,
Mr. and Mrs. Dunning of Arlington were
introduced from the floor as having come to
the theatre every wedding anniversary for 31
of their 33 years of married life.
"We have tried," O'Donnell said, "to make
this and other theatres your amusement home
and available for civic purposes through leaders
in your community. It has been my privilege
and good fortune to have traveled for the
last six years for Variety International and
I want to say that as a citizen of Dallas I
am always accorded a warm welcome."
O'Donnell introduced William McCraw.
"My business is a pleasant one," McCraw
said. "It is to say a few of the many nice
things I know are in the hearts of you people.
Karl Hoblitzelle represents one of the great
citizens of Dallas. I doubt if any one man
has given more unselfishly in almost every
activity where human needs make themselves
felt. He has a great heart. This is an
occasion in which we can take a great deal
of pride.
"Those of you who know' O'Donnell know
that his field of activity is not limited. Bob
O'Donnell knows personalities all over the
U.S. in show business—stars, artisans and
technicians. This is a great industry that has
grown from a mere beginning 50 years ago
to become today the fifth largest industry in
the country. It has grown under the guiding
hand of great hearts and great minds not
unlike Bob O'Donnell and Karl Hoblitzelle.
"In these great theatres you and I see
week in and week out the finest and greatest
entertainment for a mere pittance. This
is a product, not of accident, but of painstaking
labors. Citizens of Dallas and Texas
are deeply proud of Karl Hoblitzelle and Bob
O'Donnell. I hope you will give some careful
thought to what the industry has done. In
time of war it was the greatest contributor
to the war effort. This industry has brought
the finest of entertainment to the crossroads
as well as the big city."
O'Donnell. before introducing Karl Hoblitzelle,
said that in another three years Hoblitzelle
will pass his 50th anniversaxy in the
amusement business.
Hoblitzelle said: "I can't thank you enough
for coming here tonight to help us celebrate
the 31st anniversary of the opening of this
great theatre. It meant a great deal to us,
to Dallas and Texas. It has not been all
sunshine and honey. We have had .some trying
times. This building and the Industry
repre.sents a lot of thought, imagination and
hard work. I am proud to be the symbol of
the organization that made this building and
many others possible in Texas. During that
time we have tried to build up an institution,
not merely an organization for profit only.
We have tried to develop an Institution with
a heart.
"The human side of this enterprise Is much
dearer and means more to me than what we
have been able to accumulate in a material
way. This represents the efforts of a loyal
organization.
"We have not only tried to build theatres
over Texas but have tried at the same time
to build another temple much more expansive
and lasting, namely, a temple in the hearts
of the people of Texas, that our good deeds,
whatever they may be, may bring their just
rewards. An organization does not last long
that does not fill a need.
"Bob joins with me in receiving more satisfaction
and more real pleasure out of the
younger generation coming to take over the
reins and control of this business. It Is
the younger men and women who have the
imagination and enthusiasm and are dedicated
to community service.
"On behalf of thLs organization again,
thank you for coming here tonight. It will
be our aim to try to make this institution
worthy of your continued support."
The guests of the evening were then introduced,
William and Mrs. Demarest, Bob
Mitchum and Rory Calhoun and his wife. Mrs.
Calhoun and Billy Daniel from Fort Worth
gave a series of dance routines which preceded
the showing of the picture "With a
Song in My Heart," in which Rory Calhoun
stars with Susan Hayward.
Alvin Hancock Succeeds
Ed Story at Pulaski
PULASKI. TENN.— Alvin L. Hancock of
Springfield, Tenn., has arrived here to become
manager of the Sam Davis and Best
theatres. He has been employed by Crescent
Amu.sement Co. for about 15 years and has
been a relief manager for the past seven.
Ed Story, who managed the situations the
past four years, left for induction Into the
army at Ft. Jackson, S. C.
Your help apprecioted—run the Cerebral Paljy
trailer. Available from May IS to July 1.
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An ASTOR Office in Every Film Center
BOXOFFICE May 3, 1952 79