Boxoffice-January.24.1953

—
EASTERN OKLAHOMA
By ART LaMAN
TULSA—The spread of virus influenza in
the state during the last three weeks, causing
more than 50.000 cases and closing a number
of schools, was expected to affect theatres
in a big way. But most theatremen contacted
in recent days reported a very slight
drop in attendance, and in some spots business
was reported on the upgrade for the
last
two weeks.
• • *
CHELSEA—When Jess Cooper took over the
Lyric Theatre here last fall, one of his first
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actions was to remove the coal stoves with
which the theatre had been heated for many
years. He installed gas heaters. But during
the last real cold spell, Jess was forced to
put back the coal stoves. The reason; Chelsea,
like so many towns which have experienced
large growth in recent years, does
not have gas mains large enough to carry
the extra load when cold weather hits. This
situation makes Jess and other businessmen
quite unhappy.
TULSA—The successful operation of motion
picture theatres nowadays most often
brings high praise to house managers and,
perhaps, publicity men. But infrequently are
bouquets extended to men behind the projection
machine—the man in the booth
whose responsibility it is to place a technically
perfect picture on the screen and who,
day in and day out, give entertainment to
those who buy the tickets.
Locally, back in 1914. operators and stage
hands formed Local 354 and today many
members of the first local are working. A
chronology of the types of shows, the history
of films, the turn of events and the many
new developments in films during those years
would fill several volumes.
Then in 1918 the locals dissolved the first
charter and a new local was formed solely
for the boothmen. This was Local 513, which
now has a working membership of more than
35 men. Under the capable management of
Jere Murphy, Local 513 is very active. Jere
came here from Kansas City in 1940 and has
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held office in the local since then. He al.'io
helped install much of the equipment now in
lcM;al theatres.
Jere also oversees any crews shooting; films
in the area, and he acts as operator at the
Delman, in addition to doing much sound
work and trouble-shooting on the side.
Some years back. Local 513 gave Ralph
Talbot, former owner of the Downtown Theatres
here, what is known as a gold card, the
highest honor a union can bestow. While
motion pictures have come a long way since
1914, so has the operating of the projectors
which helped to make film's the world's
finest entertainment.
* • «
PRYOR—Taylor Joyce, local theatre owner
who is building this city's first drive-in, said
this week that construction is going ahead
just south of town. Headway has been made
and, with favorable building weather, an early
spring opening date can be announced soon.
« * •
TULSA — One of the finest jobs on the
March of Dimes drive to ever be staged was
completed here Saturday (17i at the Cimarron
ballroom by local TV station KOTV,
under the direction of Program Director Don
Thompson. A March of Dimes Marathon
was televised featuring all of the top local
talent, singers, dancers, comedians, magic
acts, bands and other acts, lasting for five
hours. Stage hands, sound men and entertainers
donated their services and others
handled the phones and other services without
pay. During the entire five hours, Cy
Tuma, TV news commentator, acted as emcee,
giving directions as to how to make contributions,
announcing names, reading telegrams,
etc. Cy is a polio victim and knows what
the cause means to others. When the end of
the marathon came, well over $11,000 had
been raised in the five-hour period.
* • •
TULSA—The pa.ssage of each day sees
more and more features added to the Allied
Theatre Owners of Oklahoma convention and
trade show to be held at the Biltmore hotel
in Oklahoma City February 23-25. R. V. Mc-
Ginnis, Allied board chairman, has just returned
from the national board meeting in
New Orleans and he said he had unlimited
success in lining up more top names for the
Oklahoma event.
In coming weeks, BOXOFPICE will present
the entire program for the three-day conclave.
It can be said now that this convention
proinises to be one of the lai'gest
gatherings of theatremen ever to be held in
Oklahoma. All persons connected with show
business have been invited te attend.
* « «
TULSA—"Invasion, U. S. A.." Columbia's
"shock drama," was previewed Monday il9)
at the Plaza Theatre here for civic leaders
and members of the Red Cross, civil defense
and safety groups and the Military Affairs
committee. Dave Rosen of Columbia acted
as host. Public .-showings of the film will start
at the Plaza February 7.
Westerns-Features-Serials
Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
302 S- Harwood Si. Dallas 1. Texas
Phone RA-7735
70 BOXOFFICE :: January 24, 1958