Boxoffice-12.1953

. . . Bennie
i
;
I
i
t
Clarinda Plans Big Day
For 'Miller Story
CLARINDA, IOWA—Clarinda is pushing
plans for the preview showing of "The Glenn
Miller Story" Januai-y 13 at the Clarinda
Theatre.
The Herald-Journal in a 120-point type
banner line announced the event and plans
for "one of the biggest one-day events in the
history of the tovm." The paper emphasized
the fact that this southwest Iowa town of
several thousand will see the picture "even
prior to its world premiere at Miami, Fla."
The showing in Clai-inda is based on the
fact that the town is the birthplace of the
famous orchestra leader. Pictures are being
sought in the area showing Miller and his
family, who lived in Clarinda until 1909. His
father was Lewis Elmer Miller and his mother
the former Mattie Lou Cavender.
The Iowa Historical Society has asked for
photos which might be available for loan
locally in order to gather official facts for a
special article.
C. W. Anthony, executive secretary of the
Chamber of Commerce, and Herman Field
of the Clarinda Tlieatre head a committee
which is making contacts with Universal-
International studio. Stars of the picture are
scheduled to make a personal appearance.
The Herald-Journal predicts that the preview
will surpass the biggest day of the
town's recent centennial celebration or the
Golden Spike days celebration when President
William Jeffers of the Union Pacific and
other midwest leaders came to town.
Four Install Screens
DES MOINES—New screens were installed
last week at the following Iowa theatres: the
Dunlap in Dunlap, owned by C. C. Moore; the
Watts in Osage, the Orpheum in North English,
Dean Smith, manager, and the Grand In
Estherville.
Bow
MILWAUKEE
T^elft Theatres and the Jeffrey Theatre Co.
have revealed plans for the construction
of a 600-car drive-in near Marquette, Wis.,
on the Michigan peninsula . . . Elroy Hirsch
received a big ovation on his appearance in
his hometown, Wausau, with the opening of
the picture, "Crazylegs," in which he plays
the title role . . . J. W. Nordquist of Shullsburg
has been named manager of the Towne
at New Holstein and the Kiel at Kiel, both
owned by the Chapman circuit.
The LaCrosse Theatre, LaCrosse, and the
Bruce at Bruce have installed wide screens
Benjamin of Lippert has returned
from New York where he secured distribution
rights for "Martin Luther" in the
lower Wisconsin and Michigan upper peninsula
regions . . . Filmrow visitors included Paul
Notwatske, Vista, Mukwonago; Don Deaken,
Dells, Wisconsin Dells, and Ted Mellin,
Marion, Marion.
Don Schwartz of Realart was in town conferring
with the local staff . . . James Coston
of the Riverside has withdrawn his appeal
against the ruling which upheld 20th-Pox in
denying him "Tlie Robe" for the Riverside.
Bids in the Zala Theatre
MADRID, NEB.—Mrs. Otto Weddingfeld of
Madrid was the successful bidder at the public
auction of the Zala Theatre equipment.
She plans to have the projectors and soimd
equipment overhauled and is making an attempt
to secure additional booking outlets.
Speakers Are Better
Drive-in speakers are being improved each season.
If your old equipment needs repairs or replacement,
see us at once for complete satisfaction.
We sell and guarantee RCA Speakers.
POPCORN & SUPPLIES
Popcorn, 100 lbs $12.50
Popcorn Seasoning, Popsit Plus $15.50
See Our Latest in
VENDING EQUIPMENT
'WESTERN
THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
RCA products are
among the best to
be had—buy wisely!
3-D Is a Winner!
Be Ready to Show It
Everybody's talking about 3-D. Many exhibitors
are getting ready. Don't be left behind
in the race. See us soon.
Award $158,369 Contract
On Minot. N.D., Theatre
MINOT, N.D.—Mackley & Ralston of
Minot has been awarded the contract for
general construction on a bid of $158,369 on aj
1.200-seat theatre to be built here for Minne-,
sota Amusement Co. The new theatre will be]
located on the west side of Main street on'
three lots between Bill's service station andj
the Thomas funeral home. It will replace the!
present State Theatre. A screen, measuring
58 feet in width, has been planned. Lieben-I
berg & Kaplan, Minneapolis architects, saidi
construction work wiU proceed immediately;
'
with spring operation in view.
George Craig to Retire
At Detroit Lafayette
L
DETROIT—George W. Craig, stage manJi
ager of the Shubert Lafayette Theatre, in-'
tends to retire shortly. Craig, who just returned
from a four- week stay at his northerr'
Michigan home at Roscommon, said he anticipates
returning there permanently "in thel
very near future." He has been employee'
at the Lafayette since its opening in 19391
In the show business for 65 years, first as ar{
electrician, then as stage manager, Craifj
had been connected with the Lafayette dur-j
ing its previous management for about 2(1
years.
Ashmun Circuit Adding
CinemaScope in Four
CARO. MICH.—Ashmun Theatres is installing
Cinemascope in its Strand here, CeU'
ter in Marlette, Family in East Tawas am
Garden in Frankfort, according to R. D
Ashmun. In some cases stronger lamps wil
be installed. Joe Burnett of National Theatre
Supply, Detroit, is supervising the work
Head COMPO Setup
MINNEAPOLIS—COMPO drive in thiJl
being headed by Harry B. Prenchl
territory is
Minnesota Amusement Co. president; Jesi' Si5 o[
McBride, Paramount manager, and Eddii!
Ruben, circuit owner. Film salesmen are no^l
conducting the annual solicitations with thai,
i
exhibitor accounts.
Carl Schwyn Is Home
CYGNET, OHIO—Carl Schwyn, banker and
theatre owner, has been returned to his honn;
here, after suffering a heart attack m Louis
ville, Ky., in October. He owns theatres ij
Toledo, Bowling Green, Napoleon and othe
northwestern Ohio communities.
First Closing in 30 Years
LEXINGTON, KY.—The Ben Ali Theatr
closed its doors to the public for the first tlmi
in at least 30 years when it darkened twi
days to install Cinemascope, according t
Bob Cox, zone manager for Schine theatres
Twelve men worked "practically day ani'
night" to be ready for the opening of "Tti]
Robe."
Nick Polman to the Sebeka
SEBEKA, MINN.—Tlie Sebeka Tlieatre, lo
cateri in the Memorial Hall, has resumed show
ing again. Nick Polman succeeds Cliris JeS;
sen as operator. Jessen now operates the the
atre at Sauk Rapids, Minn.
)l
ilDU
iJlussc
jiilCai
o,iiiiWl(
*i.l|isi
-at Onii
BOXOFFICE December 12, 195]