Boxoffice-June.12.1954

. . ?agQ
JATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION
JUNE 12, 1954
IJie TuAe &jf me m&toen. HctuAe Sruucd^i
1
Fredric March, Borbara Stanwyck, Walter Pidgeon and William
Holden in one of the many tense sequences which characterize
MGM's "Executive Suite," winner of the May BOXOFFICE Blue
Ribbon Award . 18.
drttfm, J3 00 per yew; Notional Edittoft, J7.S0

!
ATUNTA
REATER
BEATS EVERY
SHOWING OF
"GWTW"
EXCEPT THE
FIRST-WHICH
WAS THE
FAMOUS
WORLD
PREMIERE
Press-Time Flash! H
2nd Week in Atlanta beats N

!
!
FRISCO!
GONE WITH
rHE WIND"
rAKES SAN
FRANCISCO
3Y STORM!
rOPS EVERY
DTHER
SWTW"
IE -ISSUE!
ess-Time Flash!
siness continues sensational
lids over
NEW YORK!
(Astor Theatre)
NOW!
{Capitol Theatre)
FIRST 6 DAYS AT STATE
THEATRE TOPS COMBINED
GROSS OF ORIGINAL
RELEASE {which played at
Christmas) IN 2 THEATRES,
ASTOR AND CAPITOL!
Press-Time Flash!
Business SRO! Long Run!
||
Crowds
PRESS-TIME FLASH!
Every New GWTW Opening Terrific!
HAPPY HOUSTON TOPS ORIGINAL RELEASE!
Imagine! The fifth time around beats the very FIRST! Opening day tops
"Quo Vadis," "Show Boat" and other M-G-M Big Ones!
SYRACUSE SENSATIONAL!
thrilled by Wide-Screen "GWTW" ! Opening day tops M-G-M's
very Biggest: "Knights of the Round Table," "Show Boat" and others!
CANSAS CITY VERY PRETTY!
They're beating record-breaking "Ivanhoe" business and so czn you!
ind again and again AND AGAIN!

^•"•^
,-.>*-l
^^/ BUSINESS HITS NEW
THE RAVES ARE
I
FOR WILLIAM A.WELLMAN'S
Cbcacn
\ II ( CTXIB
.^^ ^^ kiH^ WARNERCOLOR and STE!9
JOHN
WAYNE
PAUL KELLY SIDNEY BLACKMER DOE MDOr KAREN SHARPE JOHN SMITH SCREEN PLAY BY ERNEST K.GANN mus.c compostd .«»

THE MIGHTY
—
SMASH TWO-CITY PRE-RELEASE
WNGS IN tOS ANGELES
mm
-^w^ m w u
SAN FRANCISCO
liNER BROS:
(RiP©mriR
rUE HIGH AXD THE MIGHTY
tANKS WITH ALL-TIME
iREAT PRODITCTIONS
^E HIGH AND THE MIGHTY is highly
.ertaining, widely appealing and handpely
mounted— high, wide and handsome
?very sense of the word. This is one of the
iot
pictures of our time. Played with fast
ce, steadily mounting suspense, it conis
every successful dramatic ingredient
m uproarious farce to literate tragedy.
:ombines physical thrills,
d
tender passion
hard-boiled realism to make a picture
t will appeal to everyone.
With this
production, the young Waynelows
company leaps to the front ranks
HDroducing organizations. But the achievefnt
is
more important than that. "The High
^
and the Mighty" will benefit not only Wayne-
Fellows, who made it, and Warners, who
distributes it; its benefits will be felt by the
entire motion picture industry — including
every exhibitor. For this is one of those
films that the screen cannot live without.
It will satisfy millions and it will be widely
talked about. Beautifully photographed in
WarnerColor and using the breadth of
CinemaScope with sure and skillful dramatic
effect, it gives the public something
it cannot get on television. It makes a trip
to the movies a big event for any family
and it restores to the screen a place of
importanceJn our national experience.
IONIC Sound
PHIL IIMi ROBERT
HARRIS iNEWTON
DAVID
BRIAN
flriomkin
A
WAYNE FELLOWS PRODUCTION p,,.c,e»t, WILLIAM A. WELLMAN DB, WARNER BROS.

20th Century-Fox invites you to
Soon we win announce the dates of preview
screenings of THE ROYAL TOUR OF QUEEN
ELIZABETH AND PHILIP, a truly amazing motion
picture made possible only by GinemaScope.
This is
the only complete, feature-length production
of the thrilling six -month, 50,000 -mile journey of the
British royal couple, photographed by GinemaScope cameramen
who were on the spot to record every glorious moment of this
historic tour by land, sea and air.
•
You will visit far-flung strange and exciting places, take part in
y
colorful ceremonies and watch unusual native rituals, many of 1
them never before filmed. You will travel with Elizabeth and !
Philip from London Airport to span great continents, sharing
every wonderful mile of the way.
Watch for the date in your exchange center, and be sure to see
this superb entertainment. Then book it and play it
in your theatre
to the everlasting delight of your patrons.

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
Published in Nine Sectional Editions
BEN
SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
ARE THEATRE ADS MODERN?
DONALD M. MERSEREAU. .Associate
Publisher & General Manager
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
t^lATHAN COHEN. .Executive Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
WAN SPEAR Western Editor
I. L. THATCHER. .Equipment Editor
MORRIS SCHLOZMAN. Business Mgr.
Published Every Soturday by
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liditorial Offices: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New
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iuston: Frances W. Harding, Lib 2-9305.
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4029 ."inclnnatl: Reading, Lillian Lazarus.
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In
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Jules Larochelle.
t. John: 116 Prince Edward, W. McNulty.
oronto: 1675 Eayvlew Ave., Willowdale.
Ont., W. Gladlsh.
ancouver: Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
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Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Altered as Second Class matter at Post
fflce, Kansas City, Mo. Sectional Edition,
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j
U
'ol 65
N E
1 2, 19 5 4
No. 7
^.DJUSTING theatre
advertising to
the needs of the automobile age may be a problem
that has crept up on the exhibition branch
of the film industry without much attention. It's
growing with the increase in drive-ins and the
introduction of new projection techniques. Customers
think nothing of driving ten or 15 miles
to see what they want, so an exhibitor with a
superior attraction or a superior method of
showing it has to sjtread his sales message over
a wide territory.
Leonard H. Goldenson, head of American
Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, pointed this
up at the 20th Century-Fox exhibitor forum, by
saying that a theatre with old-fashioned equipment
would become as obsolete as an old-time
grocery story in a territory invaded by a supermarket.
Further testimony to the same effect was presented
recently at a meeting of the Independent
Grocers Ass'n in Kansas City by Orville W.
Johler. advertising director. There are no longer
any "captive" customers content to do their
shopping within walking distance of their homes.
And there is no more "customer loyalty."
"If you recognize these two influences, customer
mobility and lack of loyalty, and consider
them in your advertising plans, you can prosper
and grow," he said. "If you fail to recognize
them you may fail in business, too, and not even
know why."
He urged retail advertising programs that will
capture the imagination of customers and create
loyaltv. He listed five jioints for retail advertising:
Eye-stopper items, sale of the store as well
as the merchandise, appetizing as w'ell as commercial
appeal, "leader" items which lead the
customer to buy, and flexibility.
How to apply this form of appeal may seem
like an overwhelming problem to an exhibitor
alreadv disturbed by the need of spending from
.Sl.5.000 to $20,000 for equipment in order to
keep up with the parade, but if he has to make
the investment he has to think up ways of making
it
pay off.
In medium-sized cities that are definite shopping
areas for wide territories it may be necessary
to go back to roadside 24-sheets and threesheets
and mailing lists built up among patrons
by use of trailers. This is an era of experimentation.
No rules can be laid down, because of the
rapidly shifting competitive picture. Watching
the methods used by shopping centers may help.
Some of the ingenious drive-in men have already
done this and quite frequently have come u])
with exploitation ideas that make the methods
of five years ago seem archaic.
Profit
Reports Good
That late winter and early spring recession
talk which disturbed so many people doesn't seem
to have affected the film business. In a single
week, Warner Bros., Walt Disney Productions
and Columbia reported net intake alaove the
same periods for 1953. The Disney net was
nearly double the previous year and the Columbia
report was sensational, largely as a result
of the grosses on "From Here to Eternity." It
also is understood that Universal is cracking
records on several pictures, the latest of which
is the revival of "The Egg and I," all of which
seems to prove that standard-size pictures have
a terrific kick if they are what the public wants
to
see.
The Warner net for six months ending February
27 was .$1,618,000, up .$585,100 over the
same period last year. Disney nearly doubled
its profit, reporting .$283,662, compared with
$140,939 for the 1953 period. Columbia's 39-
week net for the period ending March 27 hit
S2,664.000, compared with $310,000 for the 1953
period.
Political
Maneuver
During the final maneuvers leading to passage
of the five per cent admission tax by the New
York Board of Estimate, administration leaders
made it ])lain that they expected theatremen to
transfer their fight to Albany where a special
session of the legislature is to be held for the
purpose of approving a plan to get the Long
Island Railroad out of bankruptcy.
Repeated crackings of the party whip forced
both members of the city council and of the
Board of Estimate to carry through the tax plan
in the face of an unprecedented public protest
that was carried to the homes of every councilman
by men living in their districts.
The special session can consider only the sub-
by Governor Dewey.
jects named in the call
Governor Dewey moved swiftly. He called a
special session Monday, June 7, for the following
Thursdav while the tax bill was still lying
on Mayor \^'asner's desk as required by law, and
again charged that other sources of taxation
were open to the city administration.
In the meantime, exhibitors held another meetins;
and decided to call the ticket tax "the
\^^asner tax." Harry Brandt predicted that it
would lienome "the best hated tax" on the city
books. Tliere was no doubt, theatremen were
prepared to fight to the end.
— /. M. JERAULD

PATRON POLL TO PICK TOP FILM,
BEST ACTORS, MOST PROMISING
Annual Theatre
First
Balloting Scheduled
Jan. 1 to 15. 1955
NEW YORK—The public will ballot January
1-15 on the best picture released in
1954. best male and female performances
and most promising new male and female
players, if present plans work out.
The decision on the conduct of the first
in a series of annual audience polls was
reported Monday i7i to the Council of
Motion Picture Organizations by a special
committee meeting over the weekend, and
will be passed on by the three-man COMPO
governing board. Its approval is expected.
No grandio.se effort will be made to enlist
many thousands of theatres in the initial
balloting, it was said. Instead. COMPO hopes
that about 5.000 will take part. It was said
the cost to them would be nominal, consisting
largely of expenditures for minor a

COMPETITIVE BIDDING BRAKES
ARE SEEN UNDER ARBITRATION
Levy Tells Northwest Meet
It May Be Used Only With
Written Exhibitor Okay
SEATTLE—Competitive bidding may be
used by distributors only when it is requested
in writing by exhibitors "under the
provisions as now proposed" of the arbitration
plan, Herman M. Levy, general
counsel of Theatre Owners of America, told
the convention Wednesday (9) of Theatre
Owners of Washington. Northern Idaho
and Alaska.
Levy called the provision "one of the greatest
accomplishments of the arbitration conferences,
both in 1952 and last week" as constituting
an "area of agreement on the arbitrability
of competitive bidding."
CSED TO RAISE RENTALS
"There is little doubt," he said, "that competitive
bidding has been used by distributors
in many instances for the sole purpose of
obtaining increased film rental. Distribution,
for the most part, has not been able
or has not wanted to realize that in the long
view competitive bidding is unfair and economically
unsound; that its use can be
justified only in those very, very rare instances
where it will avoid a lawsuit, and
where no other method of avoiding a lawsuit
is available.
"It is an inherently dangerous instrument
and must be restricted to a most narrow area
of
activity."
Levy did not explain whether the clause
"under the provisions as now proposed" indicated
distributor acceptance of brakes on
competitive bidding, but since he mentioned
it in connection with an "area of agreement"
it seemed likely that he had received at least
tentative distributor assurances.
That would Indicate a change in the position
of distribution, since at the conference
here when Mitchell Wolfson of TOA expressed
strong opposition to comj>etitive bidding
without exhibitor agreement in writing, Al
Lichtman, distribution head of 20th Century-
Pox, said the distributors had a legal right
to competitive bidding, wanted to retain it
and would "fight to the last ditch for it."
NO DISTRIBUTOR COMMENT
Lichtman was in Hollywood during the
week and Adolph A. Schimel, vice-president
and general counsel of Universal-International,
another member of the distribution
committee, was in Europe. Austin C. Keough,
Paramount vice-president and general counsel,
and A. W. SchwaJberg, president of Paramount
Distributing Corp., the other members
of the distribution committee, could not
be reached for comment. Exhibition members
declined comment.
In his speech. Levy saw it as likely that
an arbitration system will be operating in the
not-too-distant future. He told the exhibitors
present that they, "so far removed from
the national offices of distribution, have
almost no point of contact with distributors,"
and that an arbitration system would afford
them a way to contact distribution.
"In fact," he said, "it will be your only
BOXOFnCE June 12, 1954
LEVY IN OREGON;
Scarcity Policies Driving
Subsequents to Disaster
PORTLAND, ORE.—Whether conscious or
not, present policies of the distributors calling
for limited production are driving the smaller
theatres to disaster, Herman M. Levy, TOA's
general counsel, charged at a meeting of 85
exhibitors gathered here this week to establish
an Oregon exhibitor association.
Levy struck out boldly at the policy of
scarcity.
"It appears obvious that distribution feels
that a scarcity of product in this industry
makes for greater profit because it makes
exhibitors hungry and reckless," he declared.
"This is a fallacious premise. It is encumbent
upon distribution to recognize the error of
its ways, and go back to the system of a
steady flow of good product and an inventory
way, short of litigation, just so long as distribution
does not give its branch managers
sufficient authority to act expeditiously and
with finality on local level problems."
Levy estimated that more than 200 antitrust
suits involving damage claims totaling
over $500,000,000 are pending, and he said that
exhibitors help to foot the bill in the form
of increased film rental.
Levy foresaw an improvement in distributor-exhibitor
relations through arbitration.
He said he could not remember any time in
Arbitration
Meeting
Delayed Second Time
NEW YORK—The first
meeting of the
arbitration drafting committee has been
delayed for the second time. Now it will
not be held until after the June 17-19
meeting of the Theatre Owners of America
board and executive committee at Beverly
Hills, Calif., because TOA officials,
including Herman M. Levy, general counsel,
are attending a series of regional
unit meetings in the west, to culminate
with the Beverly Hills meeting.
The first delay occurred when exhibitors
here were obliged to concentrate on
fighting the imposition of a local five per
cent admissions tax. Exhibitor members
of the committee are Levy, S. H. Fabian,
Max A. Cohen and Leo Brecher. Distribution
is represented by Al Lichtman,
Adolph O. Schimel, A. W. Schwalberg
and A. Montague.
on the shelf. The time for that is now, and
not a later date, when again, assistance may
come too little and too late."
Levy said that thinking people in this industry
"ai-e beginning to believe that distributors,
by and large, really do not care
what happens to the subsequent run operation
in this industry."
While exhibitors do not belong in production
and distribution, the TOA counsel said
it now appears that they will be forced into
it by their regular sources of supply.
"It is ridiculous that customers who are
willing and able to license pictures cannot
get theii' producers and distributors to market
those pictures in sufficient numbers to meet
their needs, but ai-e compelled to seek frantically
for other people to help them and to keep
them in business. Imagine an automobile
dealer, or a retail clothing merchant, or a
shoe merchant being threatened with the
closing of his doors because of the inabUity
to get manufacturers to supply sufficient
merchandise for him to stay open. It is just
as simple and ridiculous as that," he declared.
his many years in the industry when they
had been at a lower ebb.
"The last 12 months have found those relations
at the jungle warfare level," he said.
"No industry can siu-vive that. A system of
arbitration will bring exhibitors and distributors
ai-omid the conference table, which is
the way trade disputes should be solved.
"It also must be kept in mind that one of
the great plus points of an industry arbitration
system is its policing effect. When
branch offices know that their companies may
be summoned into arbitration because of
under-the-coimter shenanigans in competitive
bidding, for instance, there will be fewer attempts
at under-the-counter shenanigans."
Levy called on distribution to realize that
theatres are more than bricks and mortar, that
they are operated by "good, honest people
who have invested billions of dollars in them,"
that "this is an interdependent industry and
that because of that fact injury to one segment
means injm-y to the entire industry."
"When distributors adopt a policy of scarcity
of product." he said, "primarily because
of the lure of the fast dollar, they give the
kiss of death to hundreds, perhaps thousands,
of theatres which can sm-vive only with a
steady flow of good product and with some
semblance of an inventory."
"The time is here," Levy said, "for distribution
to get familiar with the problems that
face the theatre owner in the operation of
his theatres today. The time is here for distribution
to understand that the quick dollar
is historically the unsound, uneconomic dollar.
The time is here for distribution to
understand that it must not drive the smaller
theatre out of business."

^uUe Se^tU
Majors Evasive on Plans
To Aid Product Shortage
Robert J. O'Donnell. Texas Interstate head,
says that Universal-International and United
Artists will release more "A" pictures than
originally scheduled, but 20th Century-Fox.
Paramount and Allied Artists are unable to
give definite assurance of additional product.
•
General Distribution Plan
Again Gets Consideration
Possible early approval seen of project
shelved some time ago by MPAA sales managers
committee after failure to agree on
mechanics of New York tryout; consolidated
operation would reduce company costs.
*
Marciano-Charles Fight
Going to 61 Theatres
An estimated 200.000 spectators, largest
ever for a closed circuit telecast, to watch
heavyweight championship bout at Yankee
Stadium, New York June 17; nine drive-ins
will use mobile equipment.
*
Popcorn Ass'n to Exhibit
At Chicago Trade Show
J. J. Fitzgibbons jr., president, says it will
join TESMA, TEDA and TOA at exposition
October 31 -November 4 at Conrad Hilton
hotel; called guarantee of industry's biggest
trade show.
•
Eric Johnston Plans Visit
To Far East in October
Schedule calls for business surveys in Japan,
Philippines, Malay States, Indonesia, Burma
and Pakistan with hope of expanding markets;
now in Near East for Jordan River Valley
discussions.
*
To Use New York Paramount
For Firestone Telecast
The 3,664-seat theatre will become the
originating point of ABC's "The Voice of
Firestone" telecast and broadcast Monday,
June 21; admission will be free.
•
Extend Deadline Disposal
For Cincinnati Shubert
RKO Theatres granted until Feb. 28, 1955
to dispose of the theatre; action actually is
academic since RKO does not plan to renew
its lease, which expires on that date.
•
Harold Lasser Takes Post
In Universal Legal Dept.
Widely known in the film indastry as a
result of his ten-year connection with the
antitrust division of the Department of Justice
In the New York office.
*
Senate Group Increases Fund
For Overseas Film Program
In raising the House figure of $75,814,000
for the U.S. Information Agency by $8,000,000.
the Senate committee allocated $3,931,000 for
films as against $2,931,000 given under the
House measure; final approval awaited.
Distributors Join Fight
On A/.y. Ticket Levy
NEW YORK—Pi-oduction and distribution
representing hundreds of millions of dollars
in investments and thousands of employes
joined Wednesday i9) with exhibition in
calling upon Mayor Robert F. Wagner to veto
the local 5 per cent admissions tax bill.
Support of the exhibitor campaign was reported
by Ei-ic Johnston, president of the
Motion Picture Ass'n of America, after an
emei-gency meeting of the MPAA board.
Financial aid to exhibitors in the conduct of
the campaign was discussed. Hari-y Brandt,
president of the Independent Theatre Owners
Ass'n, and Emanuel Frisch, president of the
Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n,
attended the meeting.
SAYS THE FIGHT NOT OVER
Mayor Wagner was urged to act to prevent
havoc in the industry and grave danger to
the city's life generally, and for the sake of
people who rely on films for relaxation. He
was warned that if he signed the bill, "let no
one think that the fight will be over" because
"with the heartening and concerted support
of the businessmen, merchants and people we
shall press om- efforts to remove the tax from
the books."
Johnston sU-essed that when a theatre
closes, business activity in the neighborhood
dwindles and that for that reason and because
of consequent unemployment the city
would lose substantially more than the
$4,000,000 it "optimistically" hopes the tax
would raise.
"What kind of fiscal policy is it that would
bring economic blight to the city?" he asked.
"What economic justification is there for the
tax? From city hall we've heard a lot of talk
but no sound arguments and only apologies.
"We hope that Mayor Wagner, after calm
and objective deliberation, will recognize the
harm that this tax will do to everyone in the
city. If he gives the proposal this kind of
consideration, how can he reach any conclusion
but to veto it?"
Johnston said the MPAA would consider
supporting exhibitors elsewhere faced with
similar tax difficulties.
PAWNS IN POLITICAL FIGHT
Tlie exhibitors found themselves pawns in
a political battle between the city and state,
with the former insisting on the need for
additional revenue and the latter saying the
city has sufficient funds. They declined the
city's invitation that they appeal to the state,
thus bolstering the city's demands, on the
grounds the invitation was political. Governor
Dewey called a special session of the
legislature which opened Tlim-sday (10) but
made it plain he wouldn't relax his position.
No hope was held out for a change of mind
by the city though Mayor Wagner must
hold another hearing before signing the bill
into law. It is likely to prove an even hotter
session than that before the Board of Estimate.
The tax, to become effective July 1, will be
passed on to the public and the campaign
against it will continue. It will be widely proclaimed
as the "Wagner city tax." Feelings
continued to mount against the Democratic
mayor who had been considered a friend of
the industry.
Strike Out at Efforts
To Tack on City Tax
Washington—In granting tax relief to
the industry the Congress had no idea of
encouraging municipalities to impose oftsetting
excises, .4bram F. Myers, board
chairman and general counsel of National
Allied, said Wednesday (9). He said there
was nothing whatever in the record of
congressional tax deliberations to suggest
otherwise. He said all Allied members
have been alerted to meet local tax
threats.
Rep. Noah Mason (Rep., lU.) indignately
protested the New York plan to
impose an admissions tax. He said the
Congress had provided relief because it
was needed, and that if cities now impose
the tax, their action will be directly
counter to the purposes of the Congress.
Mason was largely instrumental in aiding
the industry in getting federal tax relief.
Cooper Foundation Loses
Tax Exemption Appeal
OMAHA—The Cooper Foundation, which
operates theatres in a number of states, has
lost its appeal to recover $77,000 paid in taxes
on a 1943 transaction. The ruling was handed
down by federal Judge James Donahue.
The foundation's petition contended it
leased a theatre in Colorado Springs to Interstate
Theatres, Inc., and received a premium
of $117,500 in addition to rent. That was in
July 1943. Six months later, the foundation
bought the capital stock of Interstate and
dissolved that corporation. Interstate then
claimed the $117,500 as a deductible loss for
that year.
However, the Bureau of Internal Revenue
disagreed and ordered the foundation to
pay $77,000 in taxes. The foundation is now
a tax-exempt charitable organization and its
eai-nings from theatre operations go to many
charitable and educational institutions.
First Schwartz Film Set
For Yearend Release
NEW YORK—First picture from the group
headed by Fred Schwartz of Century circuit
will be ready for release around Christmas
time. Details of the dLstribution plans may
be made known to members of the board of
directors of Theatre Owners of America June
17 on the coast.
The first film is called "Long John Silver."
Joseph Kaufman, partner in the deal, was in
town last week. He will return to Australia
.soon to finish the picture. He has plans for
six more productiohs.
Ellis Gets Italian Film
NEW YORK—Jack Ellis, president of Ellis
Films, has acquired the Italian film, "The
Temptress," starring Anna Marie Ferrero and
Michel Simon, for distribution in the U.S.
George Chasanas, Industry veteran, will be
associated with Ellis Films in this production.
10
BOXOFFICE :
: June 12, 1954

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ScretnpUy by ALEC COPPEL ind MAX TREU • Adaptatiin by RICHARD MAIBAUM • Band tn the nivel '7be Whtte Siatb" b|
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.
DRIVE-IN BUILDING STEPS UP;
46 NEW ONES IN LAST 4 WEEKS
$4,818,000 Estimated
Construction Cost;
Total 22,090 Cars
KANSAS CITY—Drive-in theatre construction
which was slow in the first months
of the year—due principally to the uncertainty
over availability of wide-screen
product—has stepped ahead in the last
four weeks.
In this period, 46 drive-in theatres have
been announced as either being placed under
construction or as having opened by BOX-
OFFICE correspondents across the country.
In addition, an additional 12 have been announced
for construction within the near future.
In contrast, less than 100 new drive-ins
were reported in the first quarter of 1954.
$200 PER CAR AVERAGE
It is estimated that 46 drive-ins have a
combined capacity of 22,090 cars and cost
approximately $4,818,000. Builders now figure
the average cost of drive-ins at about $200 a
car, but among those opened in May and
early June were a number exceeding the
national average price level. While the inexpensively
planned outdoor theatre still may
attract the customers in some areas, exhibitors
in metropolitan areas, particularly, are
finding themselves required to present de luxe
situations in order to meet the competition.
Another factor in the increased cost of
drive-ins is the necessity for installing a
wide screen and wiring the area for stereophonic
sound. Although di-ive-ins now are
assui-ed that Cinemascope pictures will be
available without stereosound, about 60 per
cent of the exhibitors building outdoor theatres
this season are putting in the extra wiring
which is necessary for directional sound. Not
all of them are putting the extra wiring to
use immediately, but they want to have it
available if it is found that stereophonic
sound in a drive-in is an advantageous
adjunct to outdoor screen presentation.
MOVING CAUTIOUSLY
Although drive-ins are more or less
assiu-ed of getting Cinemascope on singletrack
sound as well as other wide-screen
product, they are moving rather cautiously in
spending money to expand their present
screens. A rush toward the wide screen had
been anticipated following the shift in 20th
Century-Fox policy on availability of Cinema-
Scope without stereophonic sound. This
headlong rush has not materialized, although
there is a steady demand for conversion
equipment, according to executives of Drivein
Theatre Equipment Co. and First-American
Pi'oducts, both of which are located here.
Exhibitors in the open air field are moving
cautiously. They want to be sure before
they involve themselves in any substantial
outlay of funds, although they are convinced
that the big wide picture is ideal for driveins.
Many theatres with small screens are
converting, in order to be able to play the
wide-screen product. A great many of the
towers which have had a screen face of 50
to 60 feet are being widened to 90 feet. On
the other hand, there seems to be some in-
Wide Screen Conversion
Costs About $5,500
KANSAS CITY—The average cost of
converting a conventional drive-in theatre
tower to wide screen ratio amounts to
about $5,500, with a variation of a few
hundred dollars one way or another, depending
on the dimensions of the structm-e.
This is based on the first experience
of several companies in the field of
supplying materials necessary to converting.
An exhibitor extending a 60-foot tower
to 90 feet will require two 15-foot sections
of steel bents, costing $2,500 to $3,000 (including
steel, anchor bolts and plates for
foundation, detailed drawings Eind plans)
In addition, there would be these expenses:
freight (based on 500 miles), $250;
excavation, concrete work, erecting,
$600; steel facing at $1 per square foot,
$1,200; painting entire screen, $450, for a
total of $5,500. If the exhibitor used facing
other than steel, such as Masonite
or plywood, there would be a variation in
cost. Another cost factor would be additional
trim which the exhibitor may want
to place on the tower to match the old
section.
One manufsicturer estimated the cost a
little higher. He set the cost of footings
for the addition at $1,000 and the erection,
facing and finishing touches at
$1,500 to $2,000.
The Heart Drive-In here spent $8,000 to
expand its laminated wood screen tower
from a 76x68-foot screen to one of
128x76-foot dimension.
clination on the part of exhibitors who have
screens measuring about 70 to 75 feet in
width to stick with that size—which allows
them to play the wide-screen films at the
same width as always but with the height
cut down.
However, in the metropolitan areas where
screen size can be a competitive factor, exhibitors
are vieing for the privilege of proclaiming
"the largest screen in the world."
The Heart Drive-In Theatre here, for example,
has gone from a 76x68 screen to a 128x76
dimension, with a conversion cost of $8,000.
One of the Phil Smith drive-ins in New Jersey
is enlarging its screen to 120x60. Across the
coimtry there were other evidences that the
100-foot screen, considered a novelty as late
as the TOA convention last November, is no
longer an attraction-getter among exhibitors.
Among the metropolitan centers acquiring
super de luxe drive-ins in recent weeks are
Denver and St. Louis. In Denver, the Wadsworth
Drive-In with a 1,000-car capacity and
a 600-seat auditorium was opened two weeks
ago by L. K. Lee, head of Lee Theatres.
Equipped for CinemaScope, it has a 103x69-
foot screen. The second drive-in, the Centennial,
just opened, is a twin-tower operation
with a 1,200-car capacity. Owned by
Television Theatres of Colorado, Inc. A feature
is a swimming pool located in the concessions
area which divides the two theatres.
Each screen is 100 feet wide.
In St. Louis, a $450,000 drive-in is in its
last stages of construction and will be opened
this month. It is the South Twin Drive-In
and Indoor Theatre which the Wehrenberg
circuit is building, a 1,000-car project which
wUl have two outdoor theatres of 500 cars
each and twin indoor auditorium of 350 seats.
One screen will be 102x45 feet and the other
will be 85x45 feet.
COMPETITIVE SPIRIT STRONG
The competitive spirit in St. Louis is turning
the attentions of theatremen not only to
accelerated promotion of pictures but to improving
the physical condition of the outdoor
theatres. The Wehrenberg circuit, for
example, has acquired a 200-foot strip of
property adjoining its 66 Park-In Theatre
and will add four ramps to boost the size
of the theatre from 800 to 1,200 cars. The
screen also wUl be widened. The first of
the Wehrenberg drive-ins, the Roiuiie, is
getting a 102x66-foot screen, the most important
segment of a $50,000 renovation program.
Likewise, the North Drive-In, which
is owned jointly by the Wehrenberg and
Kiamann interests, is getting a 102-foot
screen. The Phil Smith organization improved
the Manchester and Airway drive-ins and
Ray Parker, mayor of Brentwood, and associates
just has opened the Broadway Drive-
In, the fii-st drive-in within the city limits of
St. Louis.
Another indication of the kind of money
going into outdoor operations is the Big
Sky Drive-In opened within the last few
weeks in Madison, Wis., by a corporation
headed by Dean Fitzgerald, son of H. J.
Fitzgerald, president of Fox Wisconsin Theatres.
The Big Sky was erected at a cost of
$250,000. It covers a 20-acre tract, has ramp
accommodations for 1,200 cars and an 80-
foot concessions building.
MAJOR OMAHA PROJECT
Meanwhile, Omaha, which got a model
drive-in several weeks ago when J. Robert
Hoff, vice-president and general sales chief
of the Ballantyne Co., entered exhibition
with the Airport Drive-In, learned it was to
get another important outdoor theatre.
William Miskell, veteran executive of Trl-
States Theatres, this week aimounced that
he has resigned from the A. H. Blank organization
to construct a $325,000 drive-in In
partnership with Ralph Blank who owns two
de luxe neighborhoods in Omaha. The two
have acquired a 30-acre site in a northwest
Omaha residential area and will build a 1,200-
car theatre. Ground will be broken this
month, but the theatre is not expected to be
in operation this season.
AB-UP Pays 25c Dividend
NEW YORK—The board of directors of
American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres
has declared a dividend of 25 cents per share
on the outstanding preferred and 25 cents per
share on the outstanding common stock, payable
July 20 to stockholders of record June 25.
BOXOFnCE :
: June 12, 1954 15

Rathe Asks FTC to Bar
Technicolor in Name Use
NEW YORK—Pathe Laboratories, Inc., has
brought the background feud over color processes
out into the open by asking the Federal
Ti-ade Commission to bar the use by Technicolor
Motion Pictures Corp. of the word
Technicolor for pictui-es made by the Eastman
color process.
The situation developed after the introduction
of Cinemascope and anamorphic
lenses. At that time. 20th Century-Pox began
using Eastman color negative and the
processing was done by Technicolor and by
the De Luxe Laboratories in New York under
the terms of an arrangement with Technicolor.
The Pathe move presents advertising on
"The Robe," "How to Marry a Millionaire,"
"Beneath the 12-Mile Reef" and "Prince
Valiant," showing the use of the words
"Technicolor" or "Color by Technicolor." Recently
20th-Fox has been using "Color by
De Luxe."
RECENT SWITCH EXPLAINED
Pathe, a subsidiary of Chesapeake Industries,
Inc., which uses the Eastman process,
says this is unfair.
The Pathe letter to the FTC says that for
approximately 20 years it has been using the
"dye transfer imbibition process," but adds
that since the recent introduction of the
Eastman negative-positive process, Technicolor
has switched to it for many pictures,
but continues to use the Technicolor title in
these cases.
Technicolor promptly issued a statement
in which it qualified two of the Pathe charges
as "totally unfounded."
"Statements by Pathe Laboratories, Inc.,
that Technicolor is making any misuse of its
registered trademark or that Technicolor's
customers aie being misled as to the character
of the prints furnished them or that
Technicolor is losing ground with its imbibition
process are each totally unfounded.
" 'Technicolor' is the trademark of Technicolor
Motion Picture Corp. and is registered
in 67 countries. The credit phrases
'Color by Technicolor' and 'Print by Technicolor'
are used and have been used to connote
that prints of pictures bearing such phrases
are products of Technicolor or its related
companies as authorized by the trademark
laws.
PROCESS TYPE OPTIONAL
"Technicolor Motion Picture Corp. manufactures
colored motion picture prints at the
option of its customers by either the dye
transfer imbibition process or by using Eastman
color positive stock. In either type of
printing process—imbibition or color positive,
the photography may be and has been done
on any of the several well-known types of
negative or taking material—three-strip
negative, Eastman color negative, Ansco color
negative, 16mm Kodachrome, Agfa color
negative, etc. Prints are manufactured pursuant
to contracts between Technicolor and
Its customers and in each case the customer
specifies the type or types of process to be
used in the production of the prints.
"The dye transfer Imbibition method has
been used by Technicolor for many years
FIRST NEW CINEMASCOPE LENS—
Shown against a blackboard diagram of
a new 40mm CineraaScope camera lens
is John D. Hayes, head of the photographic
department of the Bausch &
Lomb Optical Co. He holds the first of
the new lenses, shipped recently to 20th
Century-Fox. The complex 12-element
lens, now in production at Bausch &
Lomb, was developed under Hayes' direction.
The 40mm lens is the first of a complete
range of focal lengths up to 152mm
now under development. Its attributes include
markedly Improved resolving power,
much less distortion, enhanced definition,
and improved color correction, Hayes said.
and was the first widely successful color
motion picture process to be used in the
production of prints.
"The dye transfer imbibition method has
been used by Technicolor for many years and
was the first widely successful color motion
picture process. The advent of large screen
presentation has required that the techniques
involved in the imbibition process be modified
in certain respects to meet the requirements
of larger screens. Technicolor is proceeding
successfully to adapt the imbibition
process to meet these requirements and expects
that it will continue to lead the industry
as in the past."
C'S Demonstration Plans
Are Nearing Completion
NEW YORK—Plans for the worldwide
demonstrations of the special Cinemascope
reel were being completed dui'ing the week by
Spyros P. Skoura-s, president of 20th Century-
Fox; Darryl F. Zanuck, production head: Al
Lichtman, distribution head, and Murray
Silverstone. president of the international
corporation. They met in Hollywood.
Home office executives and field representatives
will conduct the demonstrations,
due to get under way within two weeks.
Zanuck will narrate the 60-minute film which
will compare full four-track magnetic stereophonic
sound and regular optical sound, and
show .scenes from coming Cinemascope films
made with the new Bausch & Lomb lenses.
Industry Challenges
Ohio Censorship
COLUMBUS—The Ohio censorship board is
disregarding the United States Supreme
Court deci.sions on censorship by refusing to
eliminate its $3 per reel fee on films reviewed
by the body, in briefs filed this week by RKO
Pictures, Independent Theatre Owners of
Ohio, Horace Smith, president of the association,
and Martin G. Smith, past president,
with the Franklin county common pleas
court.
RKO, Ohio's Allied unit and the two exhibitors
have directly challenged the legality of
the state's censorship setup, in a move to
obtain a clearcut court decision on film censorship
instead of decisions on specific pictures.
Harry Wright and John Harlor, industry
attorneys, told the court that the fee is unconstitutional
and a denial of the due process
of law clauses. The fee is "an unauthorized
taking of the plaintiff's property and is
grossly discriminatory and alien to our precepts
of government and law," the industry
contended.
The industry is paying $300,000 a year In
fees to the state. While the state declares
that this is a levy primarily for the purpose
of supporting the state's visual education program,
the industry says it in reality is a tax.
On the other hand, the attorney general
William O'Neill said in his brief that censor-
,ship is not unconstitutional per se and the
common pleas court should not declare it so.
He contended that both the U.S. Supreme
Court and the Ohio supreme court have refused
to hold the Ohio law unconstitutional,
although he admitted that in the "M" decision,
the "tends to promote crime" reason
for censoring films was eliminated. The
.state's position is that the fee is not a tax.
Exhibitors Ask Money Back
For 20th-Fox Stereosound
MINNEAPOLIS—A "sizable number" of exhibitors
in this area who installed stereophonic
sound now want 20th-Pox to reimburse
them for the equipment "which has
become unnecessary," S. D. Kane, North
Central Allied executive counsel, reported.
Kane said he is making a study to determine
if any grounds for legal action against 20th-
Fox exist.
"The representation was made to the theatre
owners in question that they only could
obtain 'The Robe' and other Cinemascope
pictures by installing stereophonic sound,"
declared Kane. "This, it now develops, was a
misrepresentation.
"The exhibitors proceeded and made substantial
investments on such a misrepresentation.
We now want to determine if Fox
is legally liable for the unnecessary expenditures."
Loew's Moves for Trial
Against UA Theatres
NEW YORK—Loew's, Inc., has moved to
have its suit against United Artists Theatre
circuit to terminate joint interests In some
eight theatres put on the trial calendar of
the federal district court. The deadline for the
taking of depositions of the defendants in the
action has been extended from June 8 to
July 8.
16
BOXOFFICE
:
: June
12, 1954

Vice President and Director of Loew's, Inc., says:
"I thought Columbia's
^Eternity' was tops.
They've done it again with
FHE CAINE MUTIPiY! >?
STARRING
Humphrey Bogart - Jose Ferrer
Van Johnson - Fred MacMurray
and
tntfoducing
ROBERT FRANCIS- MAY WYNN
.....TECHNICOLOR
Screen Pla) b) STANLEY ROBERTS Based upon the PuliUer pnie •innin| novel b» HERMAN WOUK
o„«t.db, EDWARD DMYTRYK A COLUMBIA PICTURE • A STANLEY KRAMER PROD.

JUNE ALLYSON AS THE LOYAL WIFE CONFRONTS
POWER MAD JULIA, PUYED BY BARBARA STANWYCK
'ixecutive Suite' (li/iGM) Wins
May Blue Ribbon Award
By DOROTHY F.
MARTIN
The May Blue Ribbon Award made by BOXOFFICE to the best all-family entertainment
in the motion picture field, as selected by members of the National Screen Council,
has gone to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Executive Suite." The film version of Cameron
Hawley's best-selling novel concerns the impact which the death of the president of a big
corporation brings to bear in the lives of those associated with him in the enterprise. The
film is studded with star names which will give a field day in exploiting star values.
WILLIAM HOLDEN IN THE MEMORABLE SCENE IN WHICH
HE MAKES HIS GREAT SPEECH TO THE BOARD
The producer of "Executive Suite" is
John Houseman who has won acclaim with
his "Julius Caesar" and "The Bad and the
Beautiful" previously for MGM. A great
deal of credit for the skillfull handling of
the long list of great established stars goes
to the director, Robert Wise. With such
names as William Holden, June AUyson,
Barbara Stanwyck, Predric March, Walter
Pidgeon, Shelley Winters, Paul Douglas and
Louis Calhern with which to conjure, it
would be a feeble showman indeed who
could not exploit "Executive Suite" to the
hilt.
In 18 first run situations in key cities
across the country "Executive Suite" has
scored an average gross of 155 per cent. Top
figures of 200 per cent have come in from
Chicago, Memphis, New York and San
Francisco while Boston and Los Angeles
reported 170 and 180 respectively.
Members of the National Screen Council,
which makes the selection for BOXOFFICE,
are motion pictiu'e editors of newspapers
and magazines, radio commentators and
representatives of civic and educational organizations
in the 48 states. The majority
for "Executive Suite" was a large one and
comments ranged from approval to enthusiasm
for this story of conflict in the whitetowered
jungles of big business. The selection
is a switch from recent winners of the
award which were a farce and a musical.
Critical acclaim and popular acceptance are
in accord so far as the May Blue Ribbon
Award picture is concerned—a happy circumstance
for exhibitors.
Members of the Council are increasingly
of the opinion that the term "all-family"
need not necessarily exclude pictures of
adult appeal. Certainly if there is nothing
objectionable in such film fare, even though
it may be over the heads of the youngest
members of the family, it should find a
place in the roster of Blue Ribbon Awards.
"Executive Suite," although definitely a dish
for Mom and Pop and the more thoughtful
teenagers, deserves a place among those
approved for family groups and, in this
case, the selection should be a strong con- i
tender for Academy Awards.
The cry for good story and star names
has here been answered wholeheartedly
by a producing company with its ear to the
ground. From large city situations to the
250-seaters, "Executive Suite" should prove
a popular booking as well as a profitable one.
|
The Cast
FREDRIC MARCH. PAUL DOUGLAS AND SHELLEY
WINTERS IN A TENSE SCENE FROM THE PICTURE
McDonald Walling William Holden Eva Bardeman Shelley Winters
Mary Blemond Walling June Allyson
Julia O. Tredway Barbara Stanwyck
Loren Phineas Shaw Predric March
Josiah Walter Dudley Paul Douglas
George Nyle Caswell Louis Calhern
Jesse Q. Grimm
Erica Martin
Dean Jagger
Nina Foch
Frederick Y. Alderson Walter Pidgeon Mike Walling Tim Considine
Production Staff
Producer John Houseman Art Directors Cedric Gibbons.
„ „, Edward CAFrAGNO
Director
Robert Wise
Associate Producer Jub Kinberg Recording Supervisor Douglas Shearer
Screenplay Ernest Lehman FUm Editor Ralph E. Winters. A.C.E.
original Novel Cameron Hawley
^„^g„,. Costumes Helen Rose
Director of Photography....Geokge Folsey.
A.S.C. Makeup William Tuttle
O
This Award is oiven tach month by Ihe National Scrwn Council on the basis of outstanding merit
and suitability lor family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio
(Mm commentators, and representatives of better film councils, civic and educational organizations.

—
—
TOA and Production
Heads to Confer
NEW YORK—Theatre Owners of America
officials will discuss exhibitor problems with
the production heads of the major companies
during the three-day special summer meeting
of the TOA executive committee to open
Thursday tl7> at the Beverly Hills hotel, Los
Angeles. A top subject will be product shortage,
according to Walter Reade jr., TOA
president. That will include shortages during
May and June, which both TOA and National
Allied have been protesting.
"Certainly we recognize the fact," Reade
said, "that new processes as well as an increased
number of epic pictures have caused
a decrease in the number of pictures produced,
and, just as certainly, we are not
pleading for quantity rather than quality.
"But we feel that there are practical answers
if we have cooperation and understanding
from our suppliers, and we are convinced
that once a closer liaison is established between
the producer and the exhibitor, we can
have a sober and sincere meeting of the
minds that will bring hope and prosperity
back to our industry."
On the eve of the first TOA session, the
members of its executive committee and board
of directors will be guests of Universal-
International at a cocktail party at the U-I
studio commissary.
Hal Danson Named Ad-Pub
Head at National Screen
NETW YORK—Hal Danson has been named
advertising, publicity and TV director for
National Screen Service by Herman Robbing,
president. He succeeds Mel Gold, who resigned
recently to go into television.
Danson has served as trailer production
head for Paramount and has been assistant
advertising director for the same company.
Later he was advertising manager for Eagle-
Lion. For the past two and one-half years
Danson has been saJes manager of Adler
Communications Laboratories.
At the same time it was announced C. J.
"Pat" Scollard, who joined NSS a year ago,
has resigned as executive assistant to Herman
Robbins, president, and will announce his
future plans shortly. Previously, Scollard had
served as vice-president of United Artists and
assistant to the sales manager of Paramount
Pictures.
Oregon Theatremen
Form TOA Affiliate
PORTLAND—Exhibitors from aJl sections
of Oregon met here this week to
establish an organization to become affiliated
with the Theatre Owners of America.
Eighty-five theatremen attended the
meeting and elected a 15 -man board
after hearing talks by Walter Reade
jr., TOA president: Herman Levy, general
counsel: Albert Pickus, vice-president,
and Roy Cooper, west coast vicepresident.
Art Adamson of the Adamson
circuit, which operates theatres in Oregon
and Washington, called the meeting.
Big Showmanship Drive
Tops Fabian 40th Year
NEW YORK—Stanley
Warner Theatres
all 337 of them in 15
states and the District
of Columbia on both
sides and in the middle
of the continent
are about to erupt into
a three-month promotional
drive called "Fabian's
Fabulous Forty."
It will run through
July, August and September.
S. H. Fabian
This happens to be
the 40th anniversary of S. H. Fabian's entrance
into exhibition as an usher in his
father's new Regent Theatre, Paterson, Aug.
24, 1914. History doesn't record that his early
ushering was a national event, but he intends
to use the 40 years of accumulated showmanship
experience to make the anniversary
drive a thermonuclear concussion.
TRIP THE GRAND PRIZE
To start with, all managers have been informed
that the prizes—121 in number and
including a two-week trip to England for
some manager and his wife—will total $18,800,
mostly in U.S. bonds.
The trip to England will be the first national
prize. Second will be $1,500 in bonds
and third $1,000. For the best series of promotions
there will be a $500 award. The best
series of kiddy show activities will draw
$250. Three awards will keep district managers
on their toes—$500 for the district man
whose territory wins three top awards, $250
for second and $150 for third.
Monthly prizes of $100, $50 and $25 have
been set for each zone. The number of these
will be larger in large zones.
Nine distributing companies have offered
awards for the best campaigns for their products.
Columbia, 20th Century-Fox, MGM,
Paramount, RKO, United Artists, Universal,
Warner Bros, will put up $500 each and AlUed
Artists will offer $250. Special campaign
books must be submitted to the local Stanley
Warner advertising offices to get in on this
competition.
Fabian's outstanding characteristic is enthusiasm.
Samuel Rosen, his partner, and
Harry M. Kalmine, general manager, share It.
QUALirV ENTERTAINMENT
Says Fabian in an elaborate press sheet
issued for the campaign:
"From the silents to Cinerama/ it has been
40 fabulous years.
"In all these 40 years, from the day I
entered my father's theatre, the Regent,
Paterson, as an usher in 1914, I have always
considered it a lucky break that I started
in the motion picture business.
"Through prosperity and depression,
through world wars and ever new competition,
it has been a wonderful experience. In that
time the motion picture theatre became the
most popular institution of mass entertainment
in the world.
"This popularity was achieved not only by
the quality of the entertainment but by entertairmient
plus showmanship. Showman-
Sam Rosen
Harry Kalmine
ship is how we sell. Showmanship is what
we contribute to the product to insure a
successful boxoffice.
"This celebration is a showman's device
to arouse public interest in our new season's
product. To create opportunities for publicity,
merchandising, exploitation and ballyhoo
which will attract more business to the theatre.
The celebration enables you to call
upon the merchant, the radio, the TV station,
the clubs and service organizations for special
cooperation.
"We are able to launch this jubilee at a
fortunate time. Our advance Information
from Hollywood indicates the studios are
sending us the best product in years.
"By aggressive selling, by resourceful promotions,
by special events we can build for
our boxoffice the bonanza awaiting and zeal
and skill of the showman.
"By reputation and proved results in the
past, I know that Stanley Warner showmen
are second to none. This time you get not
only the satisfaction of a job well done but
the fabulous prizes which will reward the outstanding
managers.
'MUST BE GREATEST*
. . .
"This celebration can be, should be, must
be, the greatest business building campaign
in the history of the exhibition Industry.
"Showmen Show them your best.
Show them you are the best!"
Harry Goldberg, publicity head of the company,
has turned out an elaborate press sheet
in color and on coated stock, measuring 17x11
inches. After the outline of prizes there is
a "Here's How You Can Win" page with 11
principal points.
It reads: "The winner will be decided upon
the best consistent over-all contribution of a
theatre manager which reflects his ingenuity,
resourcefulness, promotional merchandising
skill.
"The judging committee in each zone will
take into consideration: (1) The creation or
adaptation of stage contests, stunts and giveaways.
(2) Picture selling. (3) Kiddy shows.
(4) Theatre rentals and benefits. (5) Economy
of operation. (6) Service. (7) Parking
lot solutions. (8) Baby sitting plans. (9) Public
relations. (10) Rental of commercial
space. (11) Group sales for Cinerama.
All campaigns will be submitted to local
zone managers for consideration by the judging
committees. At the close of the drive all
outstanding showmanship entries will be forwarded
to the national judging committee for
consideration for the national awards.
BOXOmCE :
: June 12, 1954 19

Shirley Booth
TOPS
her Academy Award
triumph, "Come
Back, Little Sheba"
n
The winner of the ''Oscar," the
New York Film Critics Award
and scores of other tributes, is
the most honored actress of our
time. Her new, eagerly awaited
smash hit is
Coming Soon:
SHIRLEY BOOTH
ROBERT RYAIM
in
HAL WALLIS'
production
ESUE
MARJIE MILLAR • ALEX NICOL
Directed by DANIEL MANN
Screenplay by KETTI FRINGS and HAL KANTER
From the novel by vina oelmar
A PARAMOUNT PICTURE

Sponsored by Actors' Equity Association to
benefit the Actors' Fund of America. Stars
^•T „4- ]:_ ] 'T

Ti>nielil. Rplax ^^ itb the '^lar*,
lakr Your famiK to llir Movip!
f liinu irouad n^i e
run
Bui. if
Tou dM- r»l l.kt
- !''. X.ll (UT « )>«M U «ld
liihi.Ofd in«»i» lurtt br nil
ini umf frirndi lod • tth to
...you need a night out!
YES. you and your family need a night out ... e night o* felaiafion
end (un! And whet better place to have It than down,
town PWlburgh. The theatrei are offering outstanding at-
Iraclioni. Bert of all parking !i no problem There is plenty
of perking ipece cloie lo all theatres » you have a car,
ihare the ride with a neighbor If. not. go by bui or cab.
RELAX! HAVE FUN! gi« rou.sat .nd
YOU« f AUIiy A UFT COME DOWNTOWN 10 »0U« —.^^i^iJTl
FAVOBITE TH6ATEB TUWI^ani.
The Pittsbursh Press
S## th» \ttr» about tk* .\«ir Sh«u»
tm todaf't SmM'T^Ufraph
4ad fcirfvnrsf faur pro^lmu
And (or do «I ahii't plti
mt. rud ibc PhiCihik'
To stimulate attendance at downtown
movies, Pittsburgh newspapers have been
running: advertisements similar to those
reproduced here. The Pittsburgh Press
suggests sharing rides with neighbors, to
beat the no-trolley service. The Sun-Telegraph
is promoting its movie news as a
method of stimulating movie attendance.
Movies Are Hard Hit
In Pitt Tram Strike
PITTSBURGH—One month after the start
of the city's mass transit strike, the New
Kttsburgh staggers. With trolleys and busses
of Pittsburgh Railways knocked out, business
continues but at a crippled pace.
Motion picture theatres, hard hit since the
war by television and other factors including
a 10 per cent city tax on amusements, have
been further injured in the transportation
strike. Receipts are said to be down another
30 to 40 per cent.
Adding to the woes of the community is a
seven-month-old strike of department store
employes in the Golden Triangle area. All
this has had a severe effect on business in
the downtown area. At the rush hours, automobiles
are loaded with pickups coming into
the city and departing outbound after work.
With such schedules, those depending on
others for transportation have no time for
shopping or remaining downtown to attend
a, movie.
"
Newspapers here have recognized the need
to get people to go downtown to attend
movies, eat at restaurants, and shop. All of
the dailies have been carrying display space
selling Pittsburghers on the need for relaxation,
to spend a night at the movies, to have
fun. The Warner Theatre, where "This Is
Cinerama" is playing, is running display ads
offering to pay $1 of a patron's cab fare
home, provided four tickets or more are purchased
to an evening's performance.
Many downtown stores are closed, many
specialty houses have close-out sales, some
cafeterias close in early afternoon as there
Is no dinner trade, hotels have more vacancies
than would be admitted by the proprietors.
The Ritz Theatre on Fifth avenue which
lived through the depression, is dark and
silent. A sign over the boxofflce reads: "Will
remodel to suit tenant." Pittsburgh's only
legitimate theatre, the New Nixon, canceled
two shows because of the trolley strike, and
the theatre is closed.
Economists figure that the "two strikes"
have clamped a strangle-hold on the city's
"Renaissance." These sources figure that the
two strikes are costing one million dollars
CINERAMA will
n" of your YELLOW
CAB fare home!
During the present emerg«ncT
if Tou purchate 4
or more lickelt lo an
evening performance,
ask for a Charge-Il Cou*
pon which will pa^ for
$1.00 of your Yellow Cab
fare home.
pay
The Warner Theatre showing Cinerama
is running this copy, offering to
pay $1 of back-home cab fare when
tickets are purchased in groups of four
or more for evening performances.
'"a'.n. lU n.|l>< -Ivl^ lL< ahi.. lU fr.Uui«i>ie
. . ih. R \ hHn »l Iht crnl r > ', tkc h>«t.l .|hu it T>ur
R'l*l . Il,^ VV'H T.L. lU tmm.l, -hM Tlvf'e pl-nlf
•( IMrL.pf •< *

Ad Accessories Tax
Test Case Filed
DETROIT—A legal test of the Michigan
use and sales tax applied to theatrical advertising
is being filed in Wayne county
circuit court, following more than a year
of discussion and informal opposition to the
tax collection on the part of Michigan exhibitors.
The tax of 3 per cent is being assessed by
the Michigan department of revenue on the
purchase and rental of posters and advertising
accessories, and has been billed for the
last year by National Screen Service, which
supplies a large part of this accessory service.
Some exhibitors have made the payments,
but others have refused to do so, leaving the
issue a subject of serious contention between
exhibitors and the state. NSS in any case has
acted as the collection agent only, since the
tax is applied by statute on the sale, use,
consumption and/or storage of commodities
to which it applies.
The court is being asked in the action filed
by David Newman, counsel for Cooperative
Theatres of Michigan, for a declaratory decree
exempting advertising accessories of
motion picture theatres.
Highlights of Newman's argument for the
industry are:
is
1. This type of commercial advertising
exempt under the statute.
2. The statute specifically exempts
handbills produced on the special order
of the purchaser; and, it is contended,
this exemption covers the transactions
for the sale or rental of theatre advertising
accessories.
This is being filed as a class action with
a nominal plaintiff representing the motion
picture industry.
Old Autry and Rogers Films
Ruled Available for TV
SAN FRANCISCO—A new flood of releases
of old theatrical films to TV appears a virtual
certainty following a Friday 1 4) ruling handed
down by the ninth U.S. court of appeals and
primai'ily involving the video fate of vintage
Gene Autry and Roy Rogers western starrers
produced by Republic.
The appeals court upheld a Los Angeles
federal district court decision denying Autry
an injunction to prevent Republic from making
his old films available for commercial
video progi'ams. It also, in another ruling,
reversed another Los Angeles federal district
court decision through which Rogers had been
granted an injunction in a similar suit against
Republic. Both cowboy stars brought their
actions on the grounds that the release of
their theatrical films to TV would constitute
unfair competition with their own respective
video programs.
In the two cases the appeals court held
that both Autry and Rogers had contracts
which gave Republic the right to reproduce
"any and all" of the contents of their pictures.
Fergum Theatres Granted TV License
WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications
Commission made effective immediately
a grant of a television license to Fergum
Theatres, covering channel 36 in Mansfield,
Ohio.
^./ Hits Production Peak
With Eight Films Rolling
HOLLYWOOD—With eight pictures to be
shooting simultaneously, six of them on location
throughout the U.S. and abroad, Universal-International
will hit a five-year peak
in production activity within the next three
weeks.
CuiTently in work on location are "Five
Bridges to Cross," an Aaron Rosenberg production
stai-ring Tony Curtis and Julia
Adams, being filmed in Boston with Joseph
Pevney directing, and "Smoke Signal," Technicolor
w-estern being lensed in Moab, Utah,
with Dana Andrews and Piper Laurie toplined,
Howard Christie producing and Jerry Hopper
directing. They'll be followed by:
"Captain Lightfoot," to begin shooting
Tuesday i22) in Dublin, Ireland, as a Rock
Hudson staiTer, Douglas Sirk megging for
producer Ross Hunter.
"Chief Crazy Horse," Technicolor western
starring Victor Mature and Suzan Ball, rolling
Thursday (17) in South Dakota. George
Sherman will meg the William Alland production.
"Return of the Creature From the Black
Lagoon," a 3-D sequel to "Creature From the
Black Lagoon." which will get under way
Friday (18 1 in Florida. Also an Alland production,
it will be directed by Jack Arnold.
Set as co-stars were John Agar and Lori
Nelson.
"To Hell and Back." World War II biography
of Audie Murphy, in which he portrays
himself, rolling July 7 at Camp Carson, Colo..
as an Aaron Rosenberg production. Jesse
Hibbs will direct.
In addition to these six on locations,
shooting continues at the studio on "Abbott
and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops," being
directed by Charles Lament for producer
Howard Christie, and filming will begin Monday
(211 on "Man Without a Star," a Rosenberg
production featuring Kirk Douglas,
which King Vidor will meg.
High School Student Survey on 'GWTW
Reveals 90% Want to See the Film
NEW YORK—A nationwide survey of high
schools, conducted by a special research department
set up by Howard Dietz of MGM
in preparation for the fifth release of David
O. Selznick's "Gone With the Wind," shows
that over 90 per cent of the high school students
want to see the movie, according to
Oscar A. Doob.
The survey, which was started in April,
actually questioned 34,723 high school girls
and 31,328 high school boys in over 2,000
high schools. On the basis of 7,500,000 high
school students in 28,000 public, private and
parochial high schools in the U.S., MGM
predicts that at least 6,000,000 teenagers are
awaiting the return of "Gone With the
Wind." Although most of them have never
seen the picture, the vast majority know
about it, are familiar with the Margaret
Mitchell book in school and want to see the
picture. Those who have seen it, express a
desire to see it again on wide screen with
stereophonic sound.
Questionnaires were sent to 2.500 typical
high schools, some in every state. Teachers
were asked to ask their students just two
questions, keeping the boys' and girls' responses
separate. They were: "Have you ever
see it?
seen 'GWTW'? If not, do you want to
If you have seen it, do you want to see it
again on wide screen?"
Over 65 per cent of the teachers to whom
the questionnaires were sent responded with
written reports. The total enrollment in the
schools that participated was 443,601 boys and
girls. Five states failed to respond—Colorado,
Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota and
New Mexico.
Of all the girls questioned. 92.4 per cent
said they wanted to see "GWTW," while 88
per cent of the boys questioned said they
wanted to see it. The boys showed a slightly
less interest than the girls, right across the
nation. MGM discovered, through the survey,
that "Gone With the Wind" is required
or supplementary reading in thousands of
high school systems.
MGM is also conducting surveys among
adults and anticipates a potential adult
audience of over 20,000,000, more than half
of these repeat customers.
The fUm is pulling record grosses with indications
of long runs in several cities.
Paramount Officials Start
Series of Exchange Meets
NEW YORK—The first seven of a series of
27 exchange meetings planned by Pai'amount
sales, advertising and publicity executives to
tie in local activities with the national effort
were held during the week. The rest of the
schedule is to be announced soon.
Home office and studio executives are
divided into groups—sales, distribution, advertising,
publicity and exploitation, and
technical men who can explain VistaVision,
intended for use on "Living It Up," "Knock
on Wood," "About Mrs. Leslie," "Rear Window,"
"Sabrina," "White Christmas" and
"Three Ring Ciixus."
Those making the trips are: A. W. Schwalberg,
president of Paramount Distributing
Corp.; E. K. (Tedi O'Shea. vice-president;
Hugh Owen, executive assistant to O'Shea;
Jen-y Pickman, vice-president in charge of
advertising, publicity and exploitation; Sid
Blumenstock, his assistant; Herb Steinberg,
national exploitation manager; Dr. Charles
R. Daily, aide to Loren L. Ryder, head of
technical research at the studio; Cy Baer,
studio technical aide, and Frank LaGrande,
home office technical representative. Robert
J. Rubin will join the teams at a number
of branch meetings.
BOXOFFICE :
: June 12, 1954 23

The August National
.
Release of
.
2
IM1IFII<
...will be heralde ([
by one of the most powerful
National Magazine
Campaigns in
Industry History!
Including the entire ''woman appeaV markt
...through all the leading women's magazine!
In the home ...in the beauty parlor.
. in tie
shopping centers ...all women ...all ags
. . . everywhere .
. will feel the pre- selling
impact of this great campaigl
45,089,226 COPIES OF 26 NATIONAL MAGAZINE?
with a COMBINED READERSHIP OF OVER 100,000,001!
LIFE • LOOK • WOMAN'S HOME COMPANION • McCALL'S • WOMAN'S DAY • FAMILY CIRCLE • CLUBVC
REDBOOK • PARENTS' • SEVENTEEN • COSMOPOLITAN • TRUE STORY • PHOTOPLAY • GOOD HOUSEfi^
Pre-release World Premiere, R.K.O. Palace Theatre, Cleveland, July 15

*\
JANE WYMAN
ROCK HUDSON
BARBARA RUSH
L.UOYI
dou GU/^S-
J^fi^ AHft/t€»«A^
COl-OB
recHN xc.c^\J^^
I CONFESSIONS • MOVIE LIFE • MOVIE STAR'S PARADE • MODERN SCREEN • SCREEN STORIES • SCREEN
^lELAND • SCREENLAND • SILVER SCREEN
• MOVIE WORLD • SCREEN WORLD • MACLEAN'S (CANADA)
•»,» ''''' \
>''Y.
With AGNES MOOREHEAD •
OTTO KRUGER • GREGG
PALMER

'Caine Mutiny' a Triumph
For Kramer and 4 Stars
By FRANK LEYENDECKER
riRST a best-selling novel which won the
Pulitzer Prize for the year's outstanding
work of fiction, then a stage presentation as
"The Caine Mutiny Coiu't Martial." which
won the praise of critics and public alike.
Herman Wouk's monumental story about the
U.S. navy in wartime now ha.s become an
outstanding film— one which will reach its
greatest audience to date.
As produced by Stanley Kramer as his final
and most important production for Columbia
release, the picture has the advantage of a
four-star cast, superlative direction by Edward
Dmytryk and authentic production
values which had Commander James C. Shaw.
USN. as technical adviser for naval details.
Many of the scenes were filmed in the Pearl
Harbor area of Hawaii, the San Francisco
Bay area and a few introductory romantic
sequences at Yosemite National Park, all well
photographed in Technicolor. Actually, however,
the naval scenes benefit little from the
use of color and would have been equally
effective in black-and-white.
To the millions of potential patrons who
read the novel and will be anxious to compare
the screen version, there can be no hesitation
in saying that Stanley Roberts' screenplay
has followed it as faithfully as possible within
two-hour running-time limitations and omitting
the gusty dialog and situations. The love
story between the well-born ensign and the
nightclub singer is deftly handled in a few
scenes and never intrudes on the action
sequences.
In addition to this "want-to-see" reading
public, there is the terrific name value of
Bogart, Johnson, Ferrer and MacMurray, plu;
the teenager interest in the well-publicized
Robert Francis and May Wynn. Tliese elements
will attract tremendous audiences in
every type of house and make the picture the
Columbio
Pictures
Presents
"THE CAINE MUTINY"
A Stanley Kramer Production
Running Time; 125 Minutes
Color by Technicolor. Aspect Ratio 1.85 to I
THE CREDITS
Directed by Edward Dmytryk. Screenplay by
Stonley Roberts. Additional dialog by Michael
Blankfort. Based upon the Pulitzer Prize winning
novel by Herman Wouk. Director of photography,
Frank Planer. Technicolor consultant, Francis
Cugot. Production design by Rudolph Sternad.
Gowns by Jean Louis. Musical score by Max
Steiner. Songs, "1 Can't Believe That You're in
Love With Me" by Jimmy McHugh and Clarence
Gaskill, ond "Yellowstoin Blues," by Fred Karger
and Herman Wouk. Second unit photography,
Roy Cory, Art director, Cory Odell. Film editors,
Williom A, Lyon and Henry Batista. Set decorator,
Frank Tuttle. Assistant director. Carter
DeHaven jr. Technical adviser, Comdr. James C.
Show, USN. Makeup by Clay Compbell. Hoir
styles by Helen Hunt. Sound engineer, Lambert
Doy. Special effects, Lawrence W. Butler.
THE CAST
Humphrey Bogort as Captain Queeg, Jose Ferrer
as Lt. Barney Greenwald, Von Johnson as Lt.
Steve Maryk, Fred MacMurray os Lt. Tom Keefer
and introducing Robert Francis as Ensign Willie
Keith and May Wynn as Moy Wynn with Tom
Tully, E. G. Marshall, Arthur Fronz, Lee Marvin,
Warner Anderson, Claude Akins, Kothcnnc Warren,
Jerry Poris, Steve Brodie, Todd Korns, Whit
Bissell, James Best, Guy Anderson, Joe Howorth,
Don Dubbins, James Edwards and David Alpert.
Jose Ferrer (left), as Lt. Barney Greenwald,
interrogates Humphrey Bogart, as
Captain Queeg, while Van Johnson, as
Lt. Maryk, watches in the court martial
scene of "The Caine Mutiny."
equal of Columbia's big 1953 grosser, "Prom
Here to Eternity."
Humphrey Bogart, as the erratic Captain
Queeg. gives another performance of Academy
award calibre, comparable to his 1951 Oscar
portrayal in "The African Queen." Bogart
manages to inject most of the innate cruelty
into his portrayal of the meaty role of the
."^kipper of the U.S.S. Caine and, in addition,
he wins a degree of audience sympathy for
Queeg during the merciless questioning as
to his sanity during the climactic court
martial.
Equally effective are Jose Ferrer, in the
smaller role of the reluctant defense counsel,
Lt. Barney Greenwald, and Fred MacMurray,
as the novelist-intellectual. Lt. Keefer, who is
the actual instigator of the Caine mutiny.
Ferrer is excellent, as always, during the
coiu-t sequences but really lashes out in his
final drunken denunciation of Keefer in the
victory party celebration that follows the
court martial. MacMurray does his best screen
work to date as the cowardly Keefer, one of
his rare obnoxious roles.
These three are the outstanding performances,
but they are ably seconded by Van
John.son, who has gradually been developing
into a mature actor and who is thoroughly
convincing as the rugged Lt. Maryk, who
takes over command of the Caine from Queeg
during the typhoon. Robert Francis ha.s boyi.sh
appeal and contributes a good acting job
as En.sign Willie Keith, who aids Maryk in
the mutiny, and May Wynn, the former
Donna Lee Hickey who took the "Caine"
character name for her screen career, is attractive
and capable as the night club singer
Keith marries. Tom TuUy's Captain DeVriess
is a gem of a character portrayal, E. G.
Marshall stands out in his brief .scenes as
the prosecutor in the trial, Warner Anderson
lends dignity to the pre,siding officer at the
trial, Lee Marvin and Claude Akins add a
few humorous touches as sloppy .seamen and
Katherine Warren is good as Willie's po.ssessive
mother—the only other feminine role.
The story, which will be familiar to the
majority of those who come to see the picture,
centers around Midshipman Willie Keith.
a young Princetonian. who enters the navy
on his graduation in 1943. At Pearl Harbor.
Willie is first assigned to the destroyer-minesweeper
Caine under Lt. Commander DeVriess.
who explains that after 18 months of combat
it is difficult to keep the "beaten-up tub" in
one piece. When DeVrie.ss is transferred,
Captain Queeg. a perfectionist with a "spitand-polish
"
attitude, takes over. Queeg rides
the men. insists on strict discipline and soon
convinces his officers including Keith, Lt.
Maryk, his executive, and Lt. Keefer. who
writes novels in his spare time, that he is
mentally unbalanced. During a furious
typhoon. Maryk does not agree with the way
Queeg is handling the .ship and. to prevent
it from foundering, he invokes Navy Article
14 and relieves Queeg of command. Brought
up on charges of mutiny, Lt. Barney Greenwald
reluctantly agrees to defend Maryk and
Keith at the court martial. Through brilliant
questioning, Greenwald makes Queeg confused
on the stand and finally reduces him
to a helpless, babbling wreck. After a verdict ,
of acquittal for Maryk and Keith, Lt. Greenwald
attends the officers' victory celebration
and drunkenly defends Queeg as a man who
fought for his country while men like Keefer,
who he blames for inciting the mutiny, are
"without guts." During the story, Keith
marries May Wynn. a night club singer, whom
his society-minded mother had disapproved
of.
Edward Dmytr>'k must be praised for his
taut direction, which never permits interest
to lag. His handling of the typhoon sequence
is brilliantly done and the court martial procedure
is expert and consistently engrassing.
The special effects by Lawrence W. Butler
deserve special prai.se and the photography
by Frank Planer is noteworthy throughout.
May Wynn sings the old favorite, "I Can't
Believe That You're in Love With Me" effectively
during a night club sequence.
Stanley Kramer and Columbia Pictures can
be proud of their picturization of "The Caine
Mutiny." which will bring greater glory to its
stars and big business to boxoffices everywhere.
It's a triumph for all concerned.
Newspaper Interest Rises
In Film Personalities
NEW YORK—Newspapers are showing an
increasing interest in stories about Hollywood
personalities in response to reader interest
and as a means of combatting a loss
of readers due to television.
That is the theme in the 15th in the series
of institutional advertisements placed in Editor
& Publisher by the Council of Motion
Pictiu-e Organizations.
"One of the newspapers with the biggest
circulation of them all," the ad says, "has
just started a weekly full page of 'hot from
Hollywood' candid photos. A lot of papers
now are using contests and stimts tied in
with local movies. Others are switching to
movie star photos on the covers of their Sunday
mag sections."
Researchers estimate, according to the ad,
that American films are .shown in 120 countries
to a weekly audience of 245,000,000 persons,
and that the combined ABC circulation
of fan magazines in the U.S. alone is nearly
6.000.000. Mass magazines with huge circulations
show a great interest in movie topics.
Tlie ad concludes: "We were just wondering
if you have been running enough of them
lately. We're always happy to help."
26 BOXOFFICE June 12. 1954

REVENGE erupts into a
frantic man-hunt. ..in this
starkly dramatic picture
of the Pioneering West!
JOHN PAYNE LIZABETH SCOn - DAN DURYEA
,m DOLORES MORAN • EMILE MEYER • HARRY CAREY, Jr. • ALAN HALE, Jr.
OisUibuledby
R K O
RADIO
Directed by ALUN DWAN • Story and Screenplay by KAREN DeWOLF • Produced by BENEDICT BOGEAUS y^
PICTURES

eturned
. .
MGM
^oUtftMod ^efmt
George Marshall Celebrating
40th Year as a Director
Short takes from the sound stages; A veteran
among film veterans is George Marshall,
currently celebrating his 40th anniversary as
a motion picture director
and the piloting of
his 400th film. U-I's
Technicolor "Destry."
Marshall began his career
on the old Universal
lot in June 1914,
after several years a-s
an actor, makeup man,
prop man, cameraman
and assistant director.
Commemorating the
event, the cast and
crew of "Destry" presented
Marshall with a
George Marshall
gold -embossed script of the picture . . . Boris
Petroff, the independent filmmaker, is preparing
"Branded Lady," from an original
comedy-drama by Brooke Peters, as his next,
and has inked Lawrence Teale to write the
script . . . Also in the independent category is
"Fresh From Paris," a musical starring Margaret
and Barbara Whiting and being megged
under the aegis of Ohio Films by Leslie Goodwins.
Being lensed in Eastman color from
a script by Milton Lazarus, the project is
being shot largely within the confines of the
Moulin Rouge, Hollywood night spot.
'Until They Sail' Transferred
To Hecht-Lancaster Unit
At one time on the docket of Aspen Productions,
a now inactive independent unit
in which megaphonists Robert Wise and Mark
Robson are partners, "Until They Sail," one
of James A. Michener's tales of the South
Pacific, has passed into the hands of the
Hecht-Lancaster organization, where it will
serve as a starring vehicle for Burt Lancaster.
The yarn, which has a New Zealand
background, is scheduled to be filmed on location
next year.
Meantime, Hecht has from a
,
three-month stay in Mexico, supervising
"Vera Cruz," which co-stars Lancaster and
Gary Cooper and will be distributed by UA.
Hecht also spent a few days in New York
discussing with UA executives the release
plans for "Vera Cruz" and another completed
H-L entry, "Apache."
Hokien and Murphy Making
Industry Goodwill Tours
Drawing assignments as goodwill ambassadors
for their respective studios and the
industry as a whole are William Holden and
George Murphy, both of whom have embarked
on barnstorming treks to carry the Hollywood
message to other climes.
Holden took off for the Far East as a
Paramount studio ambassador to participate
in introducing the company's new widescreen
process, VistaVlslon, in a series of
demonstrations for exhibitors. Industry and
civic leaders, and the press. He will form a
By
IVAN SPEAR
•studio team with Louis Me.senkop of Loren
L. Ryder's staff, who has been in the Orient
for several weeks making preparations for
the demonstrations. Holden will make the
introductory talks and Mesenkop will explain
the technical details at sessions to be held in
Tokyo, Manila, Singapore, Bombay, Hong
Kong, Bangkok, New Delhi and Honolulu.
Murphy, who only recently returned from
a two-week tour which took him to Birmingham,
Atlanta, Boston and other points, planed
out to attend the annual convention of the
Virginia Theatre Owners Ass'n, a three-day
affair which opened Tuesday (8) in Old
Point Comfort, Va. On his just-completed
trek Murphy attended the annual civic music
festival in Birmingham, emceed the 15th
anniversary premiere of "Gone With the
Wind" in Atlanta, spoke at a "Great Heart
Award" Variety Club dinner in Boston, accepted
a "Silver Buffalo" medal from the
Boy Scouts in Washington, and was a motion
picture delegate to the city hall in New
York protesting that municipality's proposed
5 per cent entertainment tax.
Paul Gregory in Joint Deal
With Leonard Goldstein
Paul Gregory and Leonard Goldstein—each
of whom individually has a United Artists
releasing deal—have effected an association
under which Gregory will utilize the physical
organizational and production facilities of
the Goldstein unit, located on the RKO Pathe
lot, in the making of "The Night of the
Hunter," film version of the novel by David
Grubb, which will be Gregory's first motion
picture venture. Ruby Rosenberg, Goldstein's
production manager, will serve in that capacity
on "Hunter," a Robert Mitchum starrer,
but Goldstein will not otherwise be associated
in the project.
Meantime "White Feather," a frontier
drama in Cinemascope, has been set as
Goldstein's final production under the Panoramic
banner for 20th Century-Fox release
before he embarks on his ten-picture UA
.schedule. Robert L. Jacks will produce and
Robert Webb will meg. with a cast headed
by Robert Wagner, Terry Moore, Dale Robertson,
Rita Moreno and Jeff Hunter. Delmer
Daves penned the script from a magazine
yarn by John Prebble.
Curtis Reinhardt to Direct
'Interrupted Melody'
Curtis Reinhardt .snagged another direc-
. . . at
. . .
torial assignment at MGM following his recent
completion of that studio's "Beau
Brummel." This time around he'll pilot "Interrupted
Melody," film biography of opera
star Marjorie Lawrence, who is to
Formerly
be portrayed
by Eleanor Parker
Warners as a writer-producer, Ted Sherdeman
has shifted over to U-I to pen "Away
All Boats," from the best-selling novel by
Kenneth Dodson, which Howard Christie will
produce "Reminiscences of a Cowboy,"
which is on Columbia's 1954-55 schedule for
CinemaScope-Technicolor treatment, will be
.screenplayed by Peter Viertel from the novel
by Frank Harris.
Pete Smith Is
Recalled
To MGM for Series
Pos.sibly the briefest retirement on record
was that of Pete Smith, who ended
a 30-year association with MGM last
April and announced he was looking forward
to a long rest after producing several
hundred short subjects.
After a two-month hiatus. Smith has
been recalled by the studio to manufacture
another batch of four of his Specialties
to round out the 1954-55 program.
The four, to be penned by Joe Ansen. are
"Global Quiz," "Historical Oddities,"
"Animals in Action" and "The Fall Guy."
What Pete will do upon their completion
hasn't been disclosed. Chances are
thal^like the late Harry Lauder— this
may be the f rst in a series of "farewell
appearances."
Anne Baxter. Cornel Wilde
In 'Ten Commandments'
Roles in a DeMille movie—always casting
plum.s-were the lot of Anne Baxter and
Cornel Wilde, who were set to portray the
Queen of Egypt and Joshua, respectively, in
C. B.'s next for Paramount, "The Ten Commandments"
. . . Another Paramount casting
of interest was that of Fred MacMurray
to portray Merriwether Lewis, to Charlton
Heston's Clark, in the Pine-Thomas depiction
of the Lewis and Clark expedition. "Blue
Horizon"
. . . Ginger Rogers will portray the
femme heavy in 20th-Fox's upcoming murder
mystery, "Black Widow" is
.
importing Ban-y Jones from England for a
lead in the Leslie Caron starrer, "The Glass
Slipper" John Lund will portray a white
. . .
trapper in U-I's "Chief Crazy Horse," in
which Victor Mature has the title role . .
.
War Bond was cast as the champion athlete's
high school coach and trainer in "The
Bob Mathias Story," being filmed for Allied
Artists release by William E. Selwyn.
George Jessell Is Toastmaster
At Tony Martin Banquet
The toastmaster was—yep you guessed it.-
George Jessel when the Friars club paid
tribute to actor-singer Tony Martin for his
20 years in show business at a formal banquet
attended by more than 500 figures in the entertainment
world.
On hand to laud Martin, in addition to
Jessel, were Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Ronald
Reagan, Gene Kelly, Samuel Goldwyn, Dore
Schary, Jack L. Warner, Mei-vyn LeRoy, Joe
Pasternak and a couple of mayor.s—Hizzoner
Norris Poulson of Los Angeles and Harold
George of Beverly Hills. Martin received the
Friars' Gold Medal.
Gottfried Reinhardt Ready
For Independent Venture
"Rosalinda," a film version of the Strau.s?
opera, "Die Fledermaus," has been charted by
Gottfried Reinhardt as his first independent
venture following his departure from the
MGM payroll after a 20-year association.
Reinhardt will take off at mid-month for
Germany, where he plans an early start on
the effort, which will be made in both English
and German version.s. John Meehan is
collaborating with him on the screenplay.
28
BOXOFFICE
:
: June
12, 1954

Swedish Movie Drive
Boosts Attendance
HOLLYWOOD—A comprehensive "Go to
the Movies" campaign conducted jointly by
exhibitors and distributors and now in its
second year has been effective in boosting
theatre attendance in Sweden, it was reported
Monday (7) by Eric A. Pettersson, president of
the Swedish Motion Pictui-e Exhibitors Ass'n,
at a press luncheon at which he was the
guest of honor at the Paramount studio.
Pettersson came to Hollywood as an emissary
of the Swedish showmen's organization
and as a representative of L'Union Internationale
de L'Exploitation Cinematographique,
representing 27,000 theatres in
England, France, Belgium, Italy, Holland,
the Scandinavian countries. West Germany
and Luxembourg.
PRAISES VISTAVISION PROCESS
He had complimentary things to say about
VistaVision, Paramount's new wide-screen
photographic process, after viewing a demonstration
of it here. European exhibitors, he
said, have been slow in converting to new
wide-screen systems, but predicted increased
momentum during the next few months as
concerns the installation of such equipment.
Pettersson also had a measure of praise for
one-track optical sound systems, such as the
Perspecta stereophonic unit.
Here primarily to survey the various new
developments and techniques in filming and
projection, Pettersson will report on his findings
at a scheduled September meeting of
L'Union Internationale in Brussels. He said
that at a May meeting of the organization in
Paris the consensus opinion favored a 1.85 to 1
screen ratio. Pettersson left Thursday (10) for
New York en route back to Europe.
As concerns Sweden's "Go to the Movies"
campaign, the Scandinavian exhibitor declared
the cost is being underwritten through
contribution of proceeds, less tax, from two
special matinees in almost all of the country's
2,500 theatres. The distributors are
cooperating by waiving film rentals. Advertising
and lobby posters, brochures and press
coverage through stories and interviews with
Hollywood and European filmmakers are an
important part of the project, he reported.
VISITOR AT WARNERS STUDIO
While in Hollywood Pettersson also visited
the Warner studio and was the guest of
producer-director Victor Saville on the set of
"The Silver Chalice." During his trip through
the Burbank film plant, Pettersson was shown
the company's film product preview, promotional
subject featured by the appearance
therein of Jack L. Warner, vice-president in
charge of production.
In addition to hosting Pettersson at luncheon,
Paramount also entertained another overseas
showman when Norman B. Rydge, head
of Australia's Greater Union circuit, was a
Tuesday (8) Studio guest.
Bryan D. Stoner Appointed
Paramount Central Head
NEW YORK—Bryan D. "Buck" Stoner has
been named central division manager of Paramount
by A. W. Schwalberg, president of
Paramount Film Distributing Corp. He succeeds
James J. Donahue.
Stoner has held executive sales posts with
20th Century-Fox and MGM. He took over
his new' duties Monday (7).
Producer-Participation
Deals Favored by Ross
NEW YORK—Pi-oducer-participation deals
are a distinct advantage economically to the
major studios, according to Prank Ross, producer
of "The Robe"
and its sequel, "Demetrius
and the Gladiators,"
both in Cinema-
Scope for 20th Century-Fox.
After a participating
producer approves a
story idea for a picture,
he is concerned
with every part of the
film and, as his money
is concerned, he
watches the daily cost
Frank Ross sheets and eliminates
any scenes not essential to the story, Ross
said. During his two Cinemascope pictures,
Ross had an office right on the lot, instead
of in the executive offices. The contract producer
is not concerned with a picture's costs,
according to Ross.
These participation deals also are advantageous
to directors and imiwrtant stars and
are becoming more prevalent in Hollywood,
The budget for "Demetrius and tlie Gladiators,"
which went into work immediately
following the completion of "The Robe" and
used some of the players, most of the crew
and many of the same sets, was $2,500,000,
compared to $4,500,000 for "The Robe." However,
the first CinemaScope picture had the
added costs of Ross' years of preparation for
making the Lloyd C. Douglas best-seller. He
estimated that at least $200,000 was saved in
cost of sets and, because "Demetrius" was an
original story, the greatest saving was in preproduction
costs.
While Ross would not reveal how much he,
himself, will make on his producing-participation
deal on "The Robe," he estimated that
the picture already has earned about
$18,000,000 for 20th-Fox and may gross as
high as $50,000,000 eventually.
There will be no second sequel to "The
Robe," according to Ross, who said that making
two features in that Biblical period was
enough. His next picture, due to start in
India in December, will be "Alexander, the
Conqueror," dealing with the final phase of
Alexander's conquest of India. This also will
be in Cinemascope and Technicolor for 20th-
Fox release. Novelist Louis De Wohl is working
on the script for "Alexander," Ross said.
Ross said he is not concerned with the
20th-Fox policy about stereophonic sound except
that he believes that many small theatres
which could not equip with stereo sound
should be permitted to show "The Robe." As
for the eventual standard-size version, he
believes it "would lose a lot" in values. A
16mm version will be released some time in
the future for schools and churches only, he
said. Ross sees no standardization of fUm
processes for some time but he still believes
Cinemascope is best. He said he had not
seen Paramount's VistaVision.
Ross and his wife, Joan Caulfield, who has
been starring in the weekly TV comedy series,
"My Favorite Husband," left for Europe
Wednesday (9) to spend the summer in various
European capitals, where he will visit
the exchanges to talk on the forthcoming
"Demetrius and the Gladiators." The picture
will open at the Roxy Theatre, New York.
in mid-June.
Commenting on Miss Caulfield's success in
TV in "My Favorite Husband," Ross said he,
himself, or other motion picture people cannot
step into TV, which demands a new show
weekly, instead of months of preparation and
production on the average motion picture.
"Television is for very young people, under
30 years of age," Ross said.
M-6-M TRADE SHOW POSTPONED!
(Former Date, June 18th has been cancelled!)
"VALLEY OF
THE KINGS'
NEW DATE!
FRIDAY • JULY 2nd
Same Hour and Place As Originally
Advertised For Each Branch City.
BOXOFFICE June 12, 1954 29

. . large
'Hansel and Gretel' for Release Soon; New Orleans Forms
New Type of Animated Puppets Used Tenl 45 of Variety
' • ' • MRW ART.F.ANS—Tpilt 4fi of Vari
NEW YORK—A new form of motion picture
entertainment—a new type of animated
puppets in a feature length film—will be presented
for distribution late in the summer. The
picture is now nearing completion after two
years in production and about 15 years of
experimentation by Michael Myerberg.
The picture has a story, "Hansel and
Gretel." fairy tale classic by the Grimm
brothers, tiny life-like figures called Kinemins
are designed to give it children's appeal,
and minatui'e sets. The pictui'e is in Technicolor.
The stars and supporting players in this
unique film are a form of marionette dolls,
that operate without strings, their movements
controlled to a degree by magnets in
their feet and under the floor of the sets.
These new actors have an aluminum armature
body, covered by a form of plastic rubber
that permits unlimited action and expression.
Each of the characters measures
about a foot and a half in height but separate
heads, larger than those used on the
regular figures, are required for closeups.
By manual control of the eyes, mouths, eyebrows
and cheeks, over 800,000 facial expressions
are theoretically possible, each one
calibrated on a dial system so that it can
easily be reproduced.
Long associated with the amusement industry
as a theatrical and film producer
and agent, Myerberg and his staff of 50
Automatic
Animation
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wifh this remarkable nlZ?^?*'^«"i
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Choice of 6 New
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otways pipir>g HOT .
of exclusive patented heating principles.
Popular Servette ossures extra locations . . . fast
operations storage capacities end over
the counter selling allowing one attendant to
hondle more items.
WWte .
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SERVEMASTER
COMPANY
114 West 18th Kansas City 8. Mo.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS and LIGHTS
for Orive-ln>. Widest scltction and
moit desirable features ovailoble. An
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firsi 'American jjWucfe inc.
1717 Wyondolte S)., Kontat City 8, Mo.
technicians are now putting the fhiishing
touches on the production at the company's
seven-story studio in lower East Side, Manhattan.
Arthur Gray jr. left Kuhn, Loeb &
Co. in Wall Street last summer to become
president of Michael Meyerberg Pi'oductions
and John J. Bergen jr., formerly vice-president
of Film Daily and Radio Television
Daily, also joined the firm as vice-president
to direct television and all other nontheatrical
activities. William F. Rogers jr. is manager
of the studio.
The script for the film was adapted by
Padriac Colum, an Irish author, and the
picture is being duected by John Paul, a
close associate of Myerberg. Martin Munkacsi
is photographing the film by stop-action
process, similar to that used in cartoon production,
against three-dimensional backgrounds
designed by Evalds Dajemkis. A cast
of actors furnishes the speaking voices for
the different characters and the Apollo Boys
Choir and a 60-piece orchestra, conducted
by Franz Allers, sing and play the original
Humperdinck operatic score.
'Karamoja' World Premiere
Scheduled for July 2
HOLLYWOOD—"Karamoja," color feature
filmed in the wilds of Africa by Dr. and Mrs.
Wilham B. Treutle of Sebastopol, Calif., will
be world premiered Friday evening, July 2,
in the dentist's home town, according to
Ki-oger Babb, president of Hallmark Productions,
Inc. The showing will be at the Analy
Theatre in Sebastopol and Hallmark will
simultaneously release with it Quentin Reynolds'
atrocities story, "Half-Way to Hell."
The two films are being "packaged" by Hallmark
for national relea-se July 15 as a doublefeature
attraction.
Bands, flood-lights, Hollywood personalities,
a special radio broadcast and a personal
appearance on the stage of Dr. and Mrs,
Treutle, is planned. The films will play a
four-day regular engagement at the Analy,
Saturday through Tuesday, July 3-6.
"Karamoja" is historically of great importance,
bringing to the world its first photogi-aphic
account of the world's most primitive
tribe of people.
Merle Chamberlin Will Act
As lATSE Bulletin Adviser
HOLLYWOOD -
Merle Chamberlin, chief
projectionist at MGM studios and chairman
of the Motion F>icture Research Council, has
been named to serve, on a voluntary ba-sis, as
technical adviser on the staff of the lATSE
Official Bulletin, according to Richard P.
Walsh, president
Chamberlin is a member of Studio Projectionists
Local 165. He has appeared at a number
of lATSE functions to help acquaint
members with the new projection systems.
UA Acquires Indian Film
NEW YORK—"The Tiger and the Flame,"
produced and directed in India by Schrab
M. Modi, has been acquired by President Arthur
B. Krim for distribution by United Artists.
NEW ORLEANS—Tent 45 of Variety International
has been organized here with Page
M. Baker of Theatre.s Service as chief barker.
Harold Cohen, Lippert Pictures, was named
first assistant chief barker; W. A. Briant.
20th-Fox, second assistant; Dan Brandon,
general manager for Ti-answays, Inc.. property
master, and Henry Plitt. Paramount
Gulf, doughguy, and E. F. Briwa, Film Service,
membership chairman. Members of the
crew are the above and Page Baker, Carl
Babry, William Holiday, E. A. MacKemia,
Louis Boyer, L. C. Montgomery and Joel
Bluestone.
'Ecstasy' Ownership
Finally Established
NEW YORK—After 15 years of international
litigation over the ownership of the
copyrights to "Ecstasy," starring Hedy La-
Marr, the Czech government has finally
established and acknowledged that the copyrights
belong to Gustav Machaty, who is the
owner, author, producer and copyright owner
of the motion picture. In 1952, the U.S.
Supreme Court upheld the U.S. court of appeals
decision that the copyrights were in
control of the original distributors of the
film, the Elekta Films of Prague, which company
is controlled by the Czech government.
Samuel Cummins, general manager of
Eureka Pi'oductions, Inc., of New York, who
is exclusive representative for Machaty, has
appointed the following as distributors for
"Ecstasy" in the United States: Harry Rybnick,
Jewell Enterprises, Los Angeles; Leo
Gottlieb, Academy Pictm-es, Cleveland; J. O.
Brooks, Special Pictures Co., Detroit; Harold
Schwarz, Tower Pictures, Dallas, and to fill
in the rest of the areas, the Pix Distributing
Corp. of New York City, and the Jewel Productions,
Inc., of New York.
Allied Artists and Lippert
Get Independent Films
HOLLYWOOD—Distribution rights to two
independently made features have been secured
by Allied Artists and Lippert Pictures,
which respectively will release "Target
Earth," a science-fiction thriller, and "Silent
Railer," a World War II drama.
"Target," to be produced by Herman Cohen
of Abtcon Pictm-es, is scheduled for a late-
June start, with Sherman Rose megging. It
was .scripted by William Raynor from a magazine
story, "Deadly City," by Paul W. Fairman.
"Raiders," already completed, was produced
by Earle Lyon and directed by Richard
Bartlett, both of whom also doubled as the
stars, along with Jeannette Bordeaux, in a
story of World War II.
Father Trailers Exhausted
NEW YORK—Tlie Fathers' day trailer
featuring
Roy Rogers has been exhausted. The
trailers are dated to be used from June 13
through June 19. Orders came in so fast to
the National Fathers' day committee at 50
E^st 42nd St., that the supply ran out.
Tunisia Has 72 M.P. Theatres
Tunisia reports that there were 72
theatres
or auditoriums used for the presentation of
films during the year ending Mar. 31, 1954.
30 BOXOmCE June 12, 1954

;
during
'
map
;
ings.
'
had
!
in
',
another
,
town
; any
NEW YORK ASSEMBLY REJECTS
CITY APPEAL ON FINANCES
j
I
NEW
Solon Action Gimcels
Chances for Repeal
Of City Ticket Tax
ALBANY—The New York legislature, in
special session Thursday (10), refused to consider
Democratic pleas for widening the
state's financial agenda to include provisions
for helping New York City with its current
fiscal difficulties. The Republican-controlled
body thus supported Gov. Thomas E. Dewey
in his earlier rejection of a request by New
York City Mayor Robert P. Wagner for inclusion
of a three-point fiscal program.
Wagner had said earlier that inclusion of
that program would enable him to veto the 5
per cent amusement tax recently adopted by
the city council.
Senator Fred Morritt, Brooklyn Democrat
and officer of MacDonald Pictures, said after
the session that the motion picture industry
had at its command an unequaled means for
the dissemination of opinion, and that if the
industry convinced the people of the justice
of its cause, politicians and office holders,
high and low, would have to listen. He
emphasized that he sympathized with Wagner
in the latter's predicament on the city's
budget and in no wise criticized him for the
action taken. Morritt opined that the industry's
presentation of its case in New York City
had been "rather effective."
In an obvious reference to Dewey, Morritt
declared that the "tax-fed-up" public might
well "deliver a knockout blow" this fall. He
said he believed "New York state will follow
the splendid example set Tuesday by the
voters of the state which is the cradle of the
motion picture business, California."
No film industry representatives were noted
at the session Thursday.
Exhibitors Map Strategy
For Tax Campaign
YORK—Exhibitors met constantly
the first two days of the week to
the strategy of their tax campaign. Distribution
heads attended some of the meet-
Although according to law the tax bill
to repose on Mayor Wagner's desk until
June 14 before he could sign it into law, and
the meantime he had to give opponents
hearing, the need for haste became
apparent when Governor Dewey decided to
convene a special session of the legislature
Thursday (10).
The governor's move was seen as a smart
one. If exhibitors reversed their views and
decided to appeal to the legislature, it would
give him the opportunity to reply to the
Democratic charge the Republicans were
playing politics and to reassert that the city
treasury did not need the tax.
The exhibitors decided early in the week
the tax would have to be passed on to the
public. Emanuel FYisch, president of the
Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n,
said: 'TTiere isn't a neighborhood movie in
making a 5 per cent profit. How can
of them absorb this unfair levy?"
I
At air discussions, the tax was referred to
Smalley Sues Schine
For $2,250,000
UTICA, N.Y.—A $750,000 triple damage
antitrust suit was filed in U.S. district court
here by SmaUey Theatres, Inc., and Smalley
Norwich Theatre Corp. against four Schine
corporations, J. Myer and Louis W. Schine,
and the eight major distributors. Smalley's
Theatre, in this city of 8,815 population,
competes with Schine's Colonia. The Smalley
claim, tripled, would total $2,250,000.
The defendants are Schine Chain Theatres,
Schine Circuit, Schine Theatrical Co.,
Schine Enterprises Corp., J. Myer Schine,
Louis W. Schine, Loew's, Paramount Film
Distributing Corp., Paramount Pictures (in
dissolution), RKO, Warner Bros., 20th-Fox,
Columbia, Universal Pictures, Universal Film
Exchanges, and United Artists Corp.
Smalley charged the conspiracy was carried
out by "long-term franchise agreements,
pooling arrangements, master agreements
and formula deals; by the Schine defendants
pooling their buying power in the licensing
of films for theatres in both closed and open
towns in the Schine circuit and on behalf
of groups of theatres in which they and
others were interested; by producer-distributor
defendants granting to the Schine defendants
more favorable terms than were
given to independent exhibitors, especially
with regard to run, clearance, rental fees,
admission prices, choices of product, playing
dates, advertising allowances, score charges,
overage and underage, moveovers, contract
modifications, and contract provisions."
as the "Wagner city tax." Harry Brandt,
president of the Independent Theatre Owners
Ass'n, predicted the term would place the
responsibility where it belonged.
All agreed with Tom Murtha, American
Federation of Labor leader, that the tax
would be fought at another hearing before
the mayor and even after passage, if necessary.
Joining with exhibitors in the campaign
were Barney Balaban, Paramount president;
Nicholas M. Schenck, Loew's president; Jack
Cohn, Columbia vice-president; Arthur B.
Krim, United Artists president; John J.
O'Connor, Universal vice-president; Al Lichtman,
20th Century-Fox distribution head, and
others.
Earlier, there were masterly presentations
of the industry's case before the Board of
Estimate, which listened to the arguments
June 4 from 10:30 a. m. to 2 p. m. before
adjourning for lunch and an executive session.
Frisch told how members of the Metropolitan
Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n felt
after the federal tax reduction that at last
they had a chance to survive and how on the
Also, "by the producer-distributor defendants
granting to the Schine defendants unreasonable
clearances over competing independent
exhibitors; by the producer-distributor
defendants at the inducement of Schine
defendants refusing to sell any product to a
theatre or theatres operated by an independent
exhibitor in competition with those
owned or operated by the Schine defendants
or leasing films to such independent exhibitors
only on a subsequent run basis." Likewise,
by the Schine defendants contracting
with the producer-distributor defendants for
motion pictures "greatly in excess of the
exhibition requirements of the theatres
owned or operated by the Schine defendants
in order to prevent competing independent
exhibitors from obtaining said pictures" and
"by the indulgence by the Schine defendants
in predatory practices to injure and destroy
their competition."
The latter allegedly were "threats to open
additional theatres by reopening closed theatres,
by threats to build new theatres, by
contracting with the producer-distributor
defendants to prevent the sale of product
to prospective competitors, by interfering with
financial, contractual and real estate arrangements
and negotiations, by price cutting and
by resorting to unusual and costly vaudeville
shows and games."
Smalley Theatres commenced operating the
Strand, subsequently renamed the Smalley,
on Nov. 4. 1930. Norwich Theatre Corp. is
the present operator.
strength of the reduction, they had borrowed
from the banks for new equipment. He called
city tax estimates "mental gymnastics." He
said theatres now pay 151 different kinds of
taxes and fees amounting to 7% cents on
each dollar, and called it a "ruinous shame."
He asked why "destroy" the theatre business
for the sake of perhaps $4,000,000 included
in a budget running over $1,500,000,000.
Herman Gelber, representing the projectionists,
was caustic. He said city officials
had never intended to listen to facts and
figures but had meant all along to impose
the tax. He estimated that 500 projectionists
had lost their jobs in the last three or four
years, and that the proposed tax would put
many more of them out of work, not to mention
other theatre employes such as managers
and even cleaning women.
"Other countries subsidize their theatres
but here we tax," he said. "This is one grand
double-cross by our friends. It takes courage
to do the right thing and I hope you do it,
but I don't think you will."
Robert W. Coyne, special counsel of the
Council of Motion Picture Organizations,
(Continued on page 33)
BOXOFnCE :
: June 12, 1954 31

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—
—
—
—
—
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'GWTW in Second Smash B'way Week
As 'Suite Has 5th at Music Hall
NEW YORK—The revival of "Gone With
the Wind," which had a smash second week
at Loew's State, and "Executive Suite," which
had a strong fifth week at the Radio City
Music Hall, were the leaders among the
Broadway first runs, the former with the
longest waiting lines outside the house daily
and the latter with the biggest gross figure.
Both are MGM films.
With all theatres holding over Memorial
Day attractions, the other pictures which
continued to do strong business were headed
by "Three Coins in the Fountain," the only
Roxy Cinemascope picture since "The Robe"
to play four weeks; "Dial M for Murder,"
which had a big second week at the Paramount,
"Secret of the Incas," also good in
its second week at the Victoria, and "Johnny
Guitar," which held up well in its second
week at the Mayfair.
Among the longer run holdovers, "Knock
on Wood" is still good in its eighth week
at the Capitol, where it will stay until "The
Caine Mutiny" opens June 24 and "The
French Line" continues to attract crowds
to the Criterion in its fourth week. "This Is
Cinerama" completed a year's run of two-aday
at the Warner Theatre, following 35 weeks
at the Broadway and continues to attract
tourists to the evening performances although
matinees are off.
In the art houses, "Le Plaisir" leads the
rest with a smash third week, followed by
"The Spell of Ireland," which attracts crowds
of Irish patrons to the Baronet Theatre for
a fourth week. "La Ronde," in its 12th week
at the Little Carnegie, and "Genevieve," in
its 16th week at the Sutton also held up well
but "Beauties of the Night" is in its 11th
and final week at the Fine Arts and "The
Pickwick Papers" closed at the Trans-Lux
60th Street after 10 weeks.
Two 2-D 20th Century-Fox pictures, "Gorilla
at Large" and "The Princess of the
Nile," which opened at the Globe and Palace
Theatres, respectively, and two foreign pictures
were the week's only openings.
(Average Is 100)
Astor Elephant Walk (Para), 7th wk 110
Baronet The Spell of Ireland (Celtic), 4th wk. . . . MO
Beekmon Always a Bride (U-l), 2nd wk 100
Capitol Knock on Wood (Para), 8th wk 120
Cinema Verdi Mistress of the Mountoins (Davis)
2nd wk 100
Criterion The French Line (RKO 3-D), 4th wk 135
Fifth Ave. Dirty Hands (MacDonald), 4th wk. . . 90
55th St. Flamenco (Lewis), 3rd wk 120
Fine Arts— Beauties of the Night (UA), 11th wk. 110
Globe Barefoot BaHolion (Leon Brondt), 2nd wk 100
Guild Out of This World (Kupfermon) 8th wk. . . 105
Holiday The Westerner, Dead End (Goldwyn reissues)
120
Little Carnegie La Ronde (Hakim), 12th wk 110
Loews Stote Gone With the Wind (MGM), reissue,
2nd wk 200
Moyfoir Johnny Guitar (Rep), 2nd wk 130
Normondie Le Ploisir (Kingsley Int'l), 3rd wk 170
Polace World for Ransom (AA), plus voudeville. .110
Paramount Dial M for Murder (WB), 2nd wk. . . 1 40
Pans Coroline Cherie (Davis), 2nd wk 100
Plaza Dreams of Love (Davis) 105
Rodio City Music Holl Executive Suite (MGM),
plus stoge show, 5th wk 125
F1.2
ZEISS
WIDE ANGLE
SHORT FOCAL
2 " $295.40
2!/2" $306.20
23-4" $301 00
LENS
Roxy Three Coins in the Fountain (20th-Fox
C-S), 3rd wk 140
Sutton Genevieve (U-l), 16th wk 110
Trans-Lux 52nd St. Lili (MGM), 65th wk 110
Trans-Lux 60th St. The Pickwick Papers (Kingsley
Infl), 10th wk 100
Victoria Secret of the Incas (Para), 2nd wk 110
Warner This Is Cinerama (Cinerama), moveover,
52nd wk. of two-a-day 1 30
World Sensuolito (IFE), 6th wk 110
'Executive Suite' Remains
High in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA—Fii-st run business experienced
a letdown as
examination time hit
local colleges and high schools. Moreover, the
fact that no new features broke into first
Arcadia Executive Suite (MGM), 3rd wk 220
Boyd This Is Cineromo (Cinerama), 35th wk 80
Fox Three Coins in the Fountain (20th-Fox),
3rd wk 110
Goldman Johnny Guitar (Rep), 2nd wk 75
Mostbaum The Long Woit (UA), 2nd wk 85
Midtown Knock on Wood (Para), 7th wk 75
Randolph Dial M for Murder (WB), 3rd wk 75
Stanley Flame ond the Flesh (MGM), 2nd wk 70
Stanton Highway Dragnet (AA); Prisoner of War
(MGM), 2nd wk 85
Trans-Lux Rhopsody (MGM), 6th wk 70
Trans-Lux-World La Ronde (Hakim), 4th wk 80
"The Long Wait' Took Top Honors
In Its Buffalo Bow
BUFFALO—"The Long Wait" really lined
them up at the Paramount, tacking up a
healthy 160. "Three Coins in the Fountain,"
in a second stanza at Shea's Buffalo, proved
good for a 140. "Executive Suite" in its fifth
downtown week continued to hold up well at
the Shea moveover house. Business was
about average at other first runs. "La Ronde"
had a good opening at the Cinema but it
slowed off during the week.
Buffalo Three Coins in the Fountain (20th-Fox),
2nd wk 140
Center Make Haste to Live (Rep) 95
Century Gorillo at Lorge (20th-Fox) 100
Cinema—Le Ronde (Commercial) 110
Lafayette The Miami Story (Col) 100
Poramount The Long Wait (UA) 160
Teck Executive Suite (MGM), 5th d. t. wk....ll5
run situations did not help downtown business.
Best grosser was "Executive Suite," with
a strong 220 in its third week at the Arcadia.
"Three Coins in the Fountain" also was doing
good business with a strong 110 in its third
week at the Fox.
'French Line' Leads Baltimore
First Runs in Slack Week
BALTIMORE—Weekend grosses were substantial
but not sufficient to offset the slow
matinees and nights the rest of the week.
New attractions were encouraging, but holdovers
did not draw great numbers of moviegoers.
The controversial "The French Line"
was .somewhat above average.
Century Beachhead (UA) 95
Hippodrome The French Line (RKO) 115
Keiths Mo and Pa Kettle ot Home (U-l) 90
Little Julius Caesar IMGM), 6th wk 95
Mayfoir Johnny Guitor iRep), 2nd wk 95
New Three Coins in the Fountoin (20th-Fox),
2nd wk 95
THE WORLD'S
FINEST FOR WIDE SCREEN
Prices Per
Matched-Cooted
Pairs
BUY DIRECT-SAVE $75 to $240
3 '
VA"
..$312.50
...$195.30
3V2"
3^4
ALDEN
Write—Wire
THEATRE
$201.30
$211.80
F1.9
RUBE SHAPIRO
Phila. 29, Po.
Playhouse Genevieve (U-l), 7th wk 85
Stanley Diol M for Murder (WB), 2nd wk 85
Town Rose Marie (MGM), 5th wk 75
Pittsburgh 'Prince' Gross High
Despite Transit Strike
PITTSBURGH—Despite the transit strike,
which has continued to affect grosses adver.sely,
"The Student Prince" produced an
over average 115. Considering the strike
handicap, "Three Coins in the Fountain" also
did well at 90 per cent.
Fulton Three Coins in the Fountain (20th-Fox).. 90
Harris Indiscretion of on Americon Wife (Col). . 50
Penn The Student Prince (MGM) 115
Stanley Diol M for Murder (WB) 75
Warner This Is Cinerama (Cinerama), 25th wk. . ,115
Capitol Books 2 UA Films
To Follow 'Caine Mutiny'
NEW YORK—William J. Heineman, vicepresident
in charge of distribution for United
Artists, and Eugene Picker, executive in
charge of Loew's Theatres in New York, have
closed a booking deal for 'The Barefoot
Contessa" and "Vera Cruz" which will provide
pictures for the Capitol through March
1955.
The two UA pictures will open at the
Capitol following Columbia's "The Caine
Mutiny," which will open June 24 and is
expected to play there nine months. "The
Barefoot Contessa," which was produced,
written and directed in Europe by Joseph
L. Mankiewicz, stars Humphrey Bogart, Ava
Gardner and Edmond O'Brien with Marius
Goring, Rossano Brazzi and Valentina Cortesa.
"Vera Cruz," a Hecht-Lancaster production
starring Burt Lancaster and Gary
Cooper, was directed by Robert Aldrich and
co-stars Cesar Romero and Denise Darcel.
Both are in Technicolor.
A United Artists pictui'e, "His Majesty, the
American," starring Douglas Fairbanks, was
the first film to play the Capitol 35 years ago.
20th-Fox Sequel to
'Robe'
To Open at Roxy June 18
NEW YORK— "Demetrius and the Gladiators,"
the 20th Century-Fox Cinemascope
sequel to "The Robe," will open at the Roxy
Theatre June 18, following a four-week run
for "Three Coins in the Fountain," also in
Cinemascope. Victor Mature and Susan Hayward
are starred in "Demetrius and the
Gladiators," which was produced by Fi-ank
Ross.
Skouras Renews One, Drops
Leases on Four Theatres
NEW YORK—Skouras Theatres Corp. has
dropped the leases on four houses and has
renewed a lease on another. The four house.s
dropped are the Corona, Granada, Crescent
and Steinway in Queens. The lease on the
Forest Hills was renewed. All five houses
are owned by Interboro circuit.
'Hobson's Choice' Dated
NKW YORK—"Hobson's Choice," produced
and directed in England by David Lean and
starring Charles Laughton and John Mills
with Brenda DeBanzie, will open at the Paris
Theatre June 14. United Artists is releasing
the picture in the U.S.
Harold Gordon has been signed for a character
part in Warner's CinemaScope film,
•East of Eden."
BOXOFnCE
:
: June
12, 1954

New York Assembly
Leonard GorcJon Renamed
Rejects City Plea
(Continued from page 31)
asked that the administration "have the
patience to learn what the facts are." He
said an income of $133,000,000 five years ago
had now shrunk to $75,000,000. He offered to
supply the names of 83 theatres which would
close if the tax was imposed, and to throw
open all the books of the theatres for study
if the administration would grant a breathing
spell of six months. As for the Democratic
attempt to shift responsibility to Governor
Dewey, he said "we would be sorry Pilgrims if
we went to Albany." Much of his talk was
devoted to a recital of Congressional study
of the appeal for a federal tax reduction and
consequent federal admissions it was essential,
the constant implication being that New
York did not look the situation in the face.
AGREES ON 'DOXJBLECROSS'
Tom Murtha, representing theatrical employes,
agreed with the "doublecrossing"
charge and said he was "shocked."
"If you take one job away from me," he
said, "I'U not forget it."
He favored a payroll tax.
Leo Brecher, owner of theatres in the
Bronx, said five had closed already, three
of them sold to churches which meant no
more tax revenue for the city, and that two
more would close if the tax was imposed.
He estimated a tax loss to the city of $21,000.
He explained how prices could not be increased
or reduced, and the effect of a lot
of other amusement competition.
"Why should we go to Albany," he said,
"except with others for the welfare of all the
citizens?"
Ray Rhone, another Bronx operator, described
heavy New York taxes and fees. He
stuck the knife in by saying he couldn't
operate his Bronx theatres if it were not for
profits from his one New Jersey theatre, and
that if the tax was voted, he would shut up
shop and move to New Jersey.
Harry Brandt, operator of the large chain
bearing his name, spearheaded what became
a heavy attack on the tax yield estimates of
the city budget director. He said that these
were "completely wrong" and that an estimate,
which became a source of debate, of
$9,000,000 from the theatres out of $17,500,000
from the entire amusement industry was
completely out of line with the facts.
CHASTISES CITY COUNCIL
Brandt caused some seeming embarrassment
by recalling that the city council had
memoralized the Congress for the federal tax
reduction at the time the industry was waging
its campaign, and that now the council was
seeking some of the revenue.
Returning to the attack on budget estimates,
he forced the admission that they were
partly based on 1938 theatre revenues. He
asked that Al Sindlinger, researcher for the
industry, confront the budget director at a
later hearing,
"For God's sake, don't put us out of business,"
Brandt said. He asked that the bill be
amended at least to save the small theatre
owner, suggesting a tax exemption up to 75
cents admission. He had previously asked a
$1 exemption. Theatremen present said privately
that this would save the neighborhood
theatres, and the showcases would not object.
Virginia MPTA President
OLD POINT COMFORT, VA.—Some 200
exhibitors attending the 21st annual convention
of the Virginia Motion Picture Theatres
Ass'n here this week (15-17) re-elected
Leonard Gordon of Newport News as president.
Other officers, all renamed, are Seymour
Hoffman of Richmond, first vice-president;
F. M. Westphall, Martinsville, second
vice-president; Jack Rumsey, Covington,
treasurer, and Morton G. Thalhimer jr., Richmond,
secretary.
Carlton Duffus of Richmond is executive
secretary of the association.
TV HEARINGS HURT SHOWS
Speaking on the final day of the sessions
at the historic ChamberUn hotel here, actor
George Murphy told exhibitors that the Mc-
Carthy-army televised hearings are cutting
down theatre attendance, particularly on the
west coast.
Murphy said that he has observed generally
that TV hurts motion picture attendance
only in areas in which video is new, but, he
said, since TV comes in three hours later
on the west coast, the Senate hearings, which
are receiving full TV coverage, have an adverse
effect on theatre attendance.
Murphy, who is president of the Screen
Actors Guild, held that the industry as a
whole needs an organization with a definite,
overall plan. He said that film production
in Hollywood is extremely competitive and he
contrasted this to the recent past when
"Hollywood was curtailing production and exhibitors
were worried that there would not
be enough movies to go around."
As an example. Murphy pointed to his own
company, MGM, which has started production
on eight films in the last six weeks.
IMPORTANT TO CITIES
Mike Simons, MGM exhibitor relations
head, pointed out the close relationship between
the average exhibitor and his fellow
businessman, and to the important part the
theatreman plays in the community and in
the mercantile trades.
Rube Shor of Cincinnati, chairman of the
Allied drive-in committee, discussed problems
incidental to drive-in operations, listed the
pros and cons of wide screen and stereophonic
sound installations, and conducted a
roundtable discussion on new system innovations.
In other business, the VMPTA decided to
keep up its fight against higher utility rates
by the Virginia Electric & Power Co. The
Virginia Corporation Commission has appointed
a study group to go into increases in
rates of as much as 40 per cent for some
exhibitors.
The association also decided to take under
advisement group insurance plans proposed
by the Life Insurance Co. of Virginia and
the Lincoln National Life Insurance Co.
Hal Makelim, originator of the Makelim
plan of fUm production, reported at the
Wednesday session that his project is "snowballing,"
and its support and acceptance is
assured. With only half of the country canvassed
to date, he said, more than $1,500,000
has been subscribed by contracts to show 12
films a year to be produced under the Makelim
plan.
Makelim said all the films would be made
for projection on all kinds of screens. Two
will be made in color, but none will ue filmed
in Cinemascope "or any other 'scopes."
The producer left here for New York for
further conferences in behalf of the project.
Then he will return to Hollywood to complete
his plans. Ben Nathanson, sales manager
for the Borzage-Makelim Productions,
explained the projected distribution setup.
Rube Shor, Cincinnati, National Allied representative,
introduced Makelim and Nathanson.
Earlier at the Wednesday session, the convention
elected 30 directors for the coming
year. They are;
William Jasper, Newport News; J. K.
Crockett, Virginia Beach; Earle Westbrooke
and Syd Gates, Norfolk; Ben Somma, Highland
Springs; A. Prank O'Brien, Richmond;
Roy A. Richardson, Suffolk; Hal Lyon,
Franklin; F. H. Westphall, Martinsville; John
Lester, Wytheville; Jack Rumsey, Covington;
W. W. Grist jr., Lynchburg; Ellison Loth,
Waynesboro; William Dahlke, Woodstock;
B. T. F*itts, Fredericksburg; D. H. Covington,
Ashland; R. G. Planery jr., Richlands; H. C.
Chitwood, Marion; Frank B. Stover. Alexandria,
and Wade Pearon, Arlington.
Members at large; Sam Bendheim jr., Seymour
Hoffman and Morton G. Thalhimer
jr., Richmond; Harold Depkin, Salem; Robert
Levin, Portsmouth; Charles Grimes, Harrisonburg;
T. I. Martin, Culpeper; T. E. Wilson
of Crewe, and T. D. Field of Bristol.
Industry Group Inspects
Will Rogers Hospital
NEW YORK—Fifty- two industry distribution
and exhibition executives and representatives
of the press left Thursday (10) night
for Saranac Lake for the annual inspection
of the Will Rogers Memorial hospital. The
group was headed by A. Montague, president.
A tour of the hospital followed breakfast
there the first thing Friday morning. Luncheon,
which was attended by leading representatives
of other, sanatariums in the
Saranac area, was served following the inspection.
As in past years, the group was invited
by Herman Robbins. president of National
Screen, to spend the weekend at his Edgewater
Beach hotel on Schroon Lake. The
trip from Saranac to Schroon Lake was made
late Friday.
Walter Reade Jr. Honored
By NJ Jewish Veterans
NEW YORK—Walter Reade jr., president
of Walter Reade Theatres, has been awarded
a gold plaque for "service to the community"
by the Jewish War Veterans of Asbury Park.
Reade, who is also president of the Theatre
Owners of America, is a resident of the
North Jersey shore and has been active in
social and welfare activities in the majority
of Jersey communities where his theatres are
located.
BOXOFnCE :
: June 12, 1954 33

. . Edward
. . Alfred
. .
BROADWAy
Oinger Rogers and her husband, Jacques
Bergerac. who completed "Twist
of Fate" for United Artists in Europe;
Marlon Brando, who will make "Desiree" for
20th Century-Fox in Cinemascope, and Gene
Tierney, who has been vacationing in New
York, all flew to the coast via American Airlines
flagships . . Milton R. Rackmil. president
.
of Universal, flew to Barcelona. Spain,
June 4 to attend the 1954 European sales
convention, starting June 7 . . Ilya Lopert,
.
president of Lopert Films, planed in from
Rome June 9 via BOAC Monarch . . . Loren
L. Ryder, research executive at the Paramount
Studios, left for London June 8 via BOAC,
Bernard Zeeman, treasurer of Columbia International,
flew to London via BOAC June
6 and Robert L. Lippert, president of Lippert
Pictures, flew over via BOAC June 5.
Deborah Kerr, star of "Tea and Sympathy"
on Broadway, who will make "The End of the
Affair," Graham Greene best-seller for Columbia
Pictures in England this summer, and
her husband, Tony Bartley, and their two
daughters, sailed for Europe on the Queen
Mary June 9. Sir Philip Warter. chairman of
Associate British Pictures, Ltd., and Lady
Warter, and Lord Dunsany, British poet, were
on the same boat . Dmytryk, who
will direct "The End of the Affair," and
David Lewis, producer, also went to London
. . . Robert Clark, production manager of
Associated British Cinemas, and Mrs. Clark,
arrived in America on the Queen Mary June
8 . . . Barney Balaban, Paramount president,
and Mrs. Balaban, sailed for Europe on the
He de France June 9. Also on board were
FYank Ross, producer of "The Robe" and
"Demetrius and the Gladiators," and his
wife, Joan Caulfield, TV star of "My Favorite
Husband," and Franz Waxman, composer and
conductor of film scores.
Steve Broidy, Allied Artists pre.sident, has
arrived for conferences with Edward Morey,
Morey R. Goldstein, Norton V. Ritchey, and
other home office executives . . . Michael
Havas, RKO Latin American supervisor, returned
to Mexico City after home office conferences
with Walter Branson, general manager
of all foreign operations for RKO .
S. Hurok, musical impresario, sailed for Rome
on the Constitution June 4 to prepare the
American version of the opera-film, "Aida,"
for IFE release. Bernard Jacon, IFE vicepresident
in charge of sales and distribution,
left for Chicago June 7.
Nunnally JohiLson, producer, director and
writer of "Black Widow," Cinemascope picture
for 20th Century-Fox, left for the west
coast after completing New York locations
with Peggy Ann Garner . E. Daff.
executive vice-president of Universal, left for
the coast studio June 7 . . . Hugh Owen,
executive a-ssistant to the Paramount distribution
vice-president, was back from Chicago,
where he inducted Bryan D. Stoner as
central division manager. A. W. Schwalberg,
Paramount distribution head; Sid Blumenstock,
assistant director of ad-publicity, and
Prank LaGrande, VlstaVision engineer, got
back from Buffalo June 11.
BACK FROM EUROPE—Ginger
Al Fisher, UA exploitcer, returned to the
home office from Pittsburgh, where he .set
up advance promotion for "The Long Wait"
at the Stanley Theatre . . Leonard Golden-
.
Rogers
and her husband, Jacques Bergerac,
fly back to Hollywood aboard an American
Airlines flagship, after returning
from abroad where they completed "Twist
of Fate." which will be released by United
Artists and in which Bergerac will make
his film debut.
son. president of American Broadcasting-
United Paramount: Robert Montgomery, TV
director and former fUm star, with Mrs.
Montgomery, and Jack E3aker, vice-president
of Republic Pictui-es, sailed for Europe on
Anika Vaai
the United States Friday (11) . , .
Kooy, Dutch actress who is en route to Hollywood,
and Dr. Maurice Valency, translator
of "Ondine" and other French plays, arrived
from Europe on the Nieuw Amsterdam June
John B. Nathan. Paramount general
9 . . .
manager for continuental Europe, North
Africa and the Middle Bast, left for Hollywood
Greer Garson. who stars
June 9 . . .
in MGM's "Her Twelve Men," arrived from
the coast June 8.
Peggie Castle, Shawn Smith and Dolores
Donlon, who have ben publicizing "The Long
Wait" in the east, returned to Hollywood
Walter Reade jr., president of
June 6 . . .
Walter Reade Theatres, left June 7 for a business
and vacation trip to the west coast,
where he will attend .several regional meetings
of the Theatre Owners of America, of
which he is president. Mrs, Reade will join
him later in June and they will
New York July 1.
return to
Balaban Leaves for Europe
For VistaVision Showings
NEW YORK—Barney Balaban, Paramount
president, sailed Wednesday (9) on the He de
Fi-ance for a tour of a number of Eiu-opean
countries where VistaVision will be demonstrated.
He was accompanied by Mi-s. Balaban.
The .schedule follows: Plaza, London, June
16: Paramount, Paris, June 21: Supercinema,
Rome, June 26, and Tiu-n Palast, Piankfurt,
June 30,
Balaban also will visit several spots in
.southern Pi-ance and will stop off to watch
.scenes being made for Alfred Hitchcock's "To
Catch a Tliief," starring Cary Grant and
Grace Kelly,
CSC Petitions for Stamp
Honoring Legit Theatre
NEW YORK—The Cinema Stamp Collectors
at a meeting at the Hotel Astor voted
unanimou.sly to endorse and promote the
issuance of a United States commemorative
stamp honoring the legitimate theatre. This
was recently proposed by the Council of the
Living Theatre and has the active support
of Jack Minkus. Leon J. Bamberger, president
of CSC, has accordingly petitioned the
postmaster general to pass favorably on the
proposed issue.
At the meeting on June 23, the CSC will
be addressed by Prescott Holden Thorpe,
writer on philately and an authority on
postal stationery of the United States. Thorpe
is a former motion picture exhibitor and now
makes his home in Netcong, N.J.
A meeting on June 9 featiu-ed a philatelic
quiz with prizes awarded the winners.
CSC consists of philatelists from all
branches of the amusement and entertainment
fields and meets the second and fourth
Wednesday of every month at the Hotel
Astor. Summer meetings during July and
August are limited to only the second
Wednesday.
of
Edward Dowden of Loew's
Honored by Pope Pius
NEW YORK—Edward C. Dowden, assistant
director of publicity and advertising for
Loew's Theatres, has been named a Knight
of St. Gregory, one of the highest Papal
honors bestowed upon a layman, by Pope
Pius XII, according to word received by
Archbishop Thomas E. Molloy the Brook-
\
lyn diocese.
I
Dowden, who has been with Loew's for
more than 25 years, was chairman of the
special events committee of the motion picture
industry during World War II and
directed parades and other demonstrations
in the interest of war bond sales and recruiting
drives. He is director of the Roman
Catholic Orphan Asylum Society of Brooklyn,
the Angel Guardian Home for Foundling
Children and the Emerald Ass'n.
Actors Equity to Sponsor
Opening of 'Mrs. Leslie'
NEW YORK— Actors Equity Ass'n will
sponsor the reserved-seat opening of Hal
WallLs' "About Mrs. Leslie," starring Shirley
Booth, at the Victoria Theatre Sunday evening
June 27. Proceeds from the sale of
tickets will be turned over to the Actors'
Fund.
The Sunday evening opening will be held to
honor Mi.ss Booth, who is starring on Broadway
in "By the Beautiful Sea" and who will
be on hand to receive a special award from
Actors Equity. Tlie picture will open to the
public June 28.
Mrs. May Lightstone Dead
LONG BEACH, N.Y.—Mrs. May Lightstone,
widow of an oldtime New York exhibitor, is
dead. She was the mother of Oscar Lightstone,
vice-president of SOS Cinema Supply
Corp.; Irving Lightstone of CBS-TV and
Leonard and Morton Lightstone of the Island
Theatre circuit. New York. A daughter also
survives.
34
BOXOFnCE :
: June 12, 1954
i

Eric Johnston Starts Trip
For Jordan Discussions
WASHINGTON—Eric Johnston, president
of the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, began
a return trip to the Near East on June 10,
with the rank of ambassador, to continue
conversations with Israel and four Arab nations
regarding development of the Jordan
River Valley,
Johnston is acting as President Eisenhower's
personal representative and conferred with
the President at the White House on Friday
(4). The President has been pushing for
Jordan Valley development as a means of
raising living standards in the area and
thereby reducing causes of tension between
Israel and the Arab neighbors.
The Valley development program proposed
by the President contemplates construction
of an integrated system of engineering works
calculated to irrigate about 250,000 acres of
land and develop more than 60,000 kilowatts
of electricity for the five nations, according
to the State Department.
Johnston on his first trip presented a
broad program, and two separate detailed
engineering proposals also have been submitted
by Israel and by the four Arab states
acting as a group.
Johnston, Other Officers
Of MPEA Are Re-elected
NEW YORK—Eric Johnston, president, and
all other officers of the Motion Picture Export
Ass'n were re-elected by the board of
directors at its annual meeting last week.
All present directors were re-elected at a
previous meeting.
The officers, besides Johnston, are: Ralph
Hetzel, Kenneth Clark and G. Griffith Johnson,
vice-presidents; Sidney Schreiber, secretary;
F. W. DuVall, treasurer: Herbert J.
Erlanger. assistant secretary-treasurer, and
Frank J. Alford, assistant treasurer.
Directors-at-Iarge are: Johnston, Barney
Balaban, Samuel S. Broidy, Jack Cohn, James
R. Grainger, Arthur B. Krim, Milton R. Rackmil,
Nicholas M, Schenck, Samuel Schneider,
Spyros P. Skouras and Douglas T. Yates.
Representative directors are: Richard W.
Altschuler, Republic; Walter E. Branson,
RKO; Wolfe Cohen, Warner Bros.; Louis
Lober, United Ai-tists; George Muchnic,
Loew's; Norton V. Ritchey, Allied Artists;
Felix M. Sommer, Universal-International;
Emanuel D. Silverstone, 20th Century-Fox;
J. William Piper, Paramount, and Bernard E.
Zeeman, Columbia.
Zanuck Goes to France
For 'Egyptian' Prologue
HOLLYWOOD—En route to Paris, Darryl
F. Zanuck, 20th Century-Fox vice-president
in charge of production, left Friday (11) for
liuddles in France with Anthony Muto, the
company's public relations representative from
Washington, D.C., and Robert Snody, film
megaphonist. They will plan the Cinema-
Scope filming in Egypt of a prologue to "The
Egyptian," personally produced by Zanuck.
Arrangements are being made with the
Egyptian government whereby a camera crew
will be permitted to lens the recent important
archaeological discovery of a "Ship of Death"
near one of the pyramids—burial ground of
an ancient pharaoh.
Deal Is Closed to Use N.Y. Paramount
To Originate Firestone Telecasts
Universal Foreign Force
Convenes at Barcelona
BARCELONA—Milton R. Rackmll, president
of Universal Pictures Co., Inc., and
Americo Aboaf, vice-president and foreign
general manager, got the Universal-International
sales convention off to a fast start
Monday (7).
The program went smoothly because Felix
Sommer, U-I vice-president, and Fortunat
Baronat, director of foreign publicity, had
been here since May 22 supervising the preparations.
Twenty-two countries in Europe
and the Near East were represented.
David Lipton, vice-president, and guest of
honor at the convention, was an early arrival,
as was Harry Novak, European general
manager.
Others present were; John Spires, Novak's
executive assistant; Dick Brett, head auditor;
John Marshall, middle Europe supervisor;
Marion Jordan, southern Europe supervisor;
Andred Salib, Near East district manager,
and Bernard Goldman, district manager for
Prance, North Africa and Switzerland.
Product discussions centered around "The
Black Shield of Falworth" and "Sign of the
Pagan," in Cinemascope; "Magnificent Obsession,"
"The Glenn Miller Story" and "The
Bengal Rifles," all in Technicolor.
Goldenson Off to Europe
In Search for Product
NEW YORK—Leonard H. Goldenson, president
of American Broadcasting-Paramount
Theatres, sailed Friday (11) with Mrs. Goldenson
for a visit to film studios in Germa/ny,
Sweden, Denmark, Holland and France which
he hoped would stimulate production of films
attractive to American audiences.
"Italy is sending movie entertainment designed
for the American moviegoing public,"
he said. "I'm going to meet with the studio
heads of the other countries and try to convince
them to make features we can show
on this side of the Atlantic."
Goldenson previously had reported he would
go abroad to seek foreign product in an effort
to alleviate any film shortage in this
country.
Company Counsel Fighting
Double French Taxation
NEW YORK—Imposition by the French
government of what is called a "turn-over"
tax has resulted in the departure to Paris
of legal talent representing the major U.S.
distributors. They claim there is double taxation
in that there is a levy on business done
in France and a second levy on the share
allowed them in remittances.
Sidney Schreiber is representing the Motion
Pictui-e Export Ass'n in Paris, Adolph O.
Schimel, Universal-International, and Benjamin
Fink, Paramount. France has imposed
many taxes on the film industry which are
considered objectionable, and they have
been stumbling blocks in the way of reaching
a new U.S.-French pact, now overdue a
year.
NEW YORK—The Paramount Theatre, one
of the great film, showcases of the country,
will become the orginating point of "The Voice
of Firestone" telecast and broadcast Monday,
June 21. In a revolutionary policy change
for a major theatre, the Paramount will
throw its doors open without admission for
thase who want to see and hear the program.
The ABC network will handle the issuance
of tickets to the 3,664-seat theatre, and the
public already has been invited to write in
for them.
To allow for rehearsals, the theatre will not
open until 4:30 p.m. Mondays and patrons
attending after
that time may stay and see
the TV show on the stage from 8:30 p.m. to
9 p.m. Robert K. Shapiro, managing director
of the Paramount, said that at the conclusion
of the show, the theatre will present its
regular film program. A special section of
300 seats will be reserved for guests of Firestone,
and they will be permitted to remain
for the showing of the motion picture.
The theatre-TV deal became a certainty
Monday (7) when a contract was signed by
Robert E. Kintner, president of the American
Broadcasting Co., and Raymond C. Firestone,
executive vice-president of the Firestone
Tire & Rubber Co.
ABC wUl present the show on TV and
radio. The network is a division of American
Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres. The
deal was closed when agreement was reached
on use of the theatre. Firestone wanted a
big one to accommodate the crowds it expects
wUl attend. Permission to use the Paramount
Theatre clinched the deal.
The program has been presented over the
radio facilities of the National Broadcasting
Co. for 25 years and televised by it for five
years. Since its merger with United Paramount
Theatres, becoming AB-PT, ABC has
been concentrating on improving its programming
under the direction of Robert
Weitman.
Two Film Players Elected
To Actors Equity Council
NEW YORK—Lloyd Nolan, starring on
Broadway in "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial,"
and Robert Preston, recently on Broadway
in "The Magic and the Loss," both equally
well known on the screen, were among the 12
administration nominees elected for positions
on the Actors Equity Ass'n councU.
The others elected for five years were:
Helen Hayes, John Emery, Ruth McDevitt,
Dennis King, Kim Stanley, George Ives, Margaret
Hamilton and Jane White. Robin
CJraven was elected to the council for four
years and William Halman, also a screen
actor, for three. A total of 894 votes were
cast but only 861 of these were valid, an
Actors Equity spokesman said.
Brooklyn Theatre Sold
NEW YORK—Lawrence Kurtis and M.
Schoen, local circuit operators, have bought
the 800-seat De Luxe Theatre property at
Bath avenue, Brooklyn, from Joel M. Lieberman.
Morris Wolf represented the theatre
operators and Berk and Krumgold, real estate
brokers, handled the deal.
BOXOFTICE :
: June 12. 1954 35

. . The
. . The
. . . The
. . Wadsworth
. . Leon
. . . George
. . Leo
. . Eric
BUFFALO
n Filmrow spokesman returning from a trip
througli the western New York area reports
that business in the drive-ins is up from
. . . Ministers in the Ontario
20 to 30 per cent over the same period last
season. He understands it all is part of the
general improvement in the exhibition end of
the business
county area are planning a travelers drive-in
church this summer with services starting
June 20 at the Parkway Drive-In on the
eastern outskirts of Canandaigua on routes
5 and 20. Clinton E. Brooks has been a leading
figure in the movement.
.
Clarence, about ten miles from here, is
having growing pains. Before the town board
were requests to rezone specified sections to
enable a drive-in theatre, a second summer
theatre, a new shopping plaza and other
structures to be built. A public hearing was
heard on the request of Michael Ellis that
a plot of land near Main street and Transit
road be rezoned for a drive-in . . . The
Rialto, a Schine theatre in Lockport, has
been closed Mort Shea circuit closed
the Park in Jamestown . West End
Theatre is on a parttime policy in Rochester,
where the State and Lake theatres also have
been shuttered.
George Sussman, booker for Columbia, was
on the mend in a local hospital where he
was rushed a few weeks ago following a heart
attack on the job . . . W. E. J. Martin, drama
editor of the Courier-Express, ran a photo
of Buffalo's own James Whitemore and his
family on the theatre page. Whitemore, son
. .
of James Allan Whitemore sr.. civic leader,
is the featured artist in "Them!" WB production
The
coming to the Paramount . Monday noontime luncheons at the Delaware
avenue headquarters of Variety Tent 7 are a
big success, according to Chief Barker Billy
Keaton. There is much fun and discussion
of industry problems by the barkers assembled.
picture history, 1913 to 1928, dominate a display
opened in the Dryden gallery of the
George Eastman House in Rochester. The pictures
are part of the collection of 30.000
amassed by the late Theodore Huff and presented
to the Eastman House. It includes not
only the pictures, but several large display
posters, a souvenir program of "The Big
Parade" and an original score for "Birth of
a Nation." Huff, a teacher, author, historian
and film archivist, was one of the earliest
collectors of stills, and one of the most avid.
His collection is reputed to be the most
comprehensive ever assembled privately.
The 20th-Fox exchange now is in the headquarters
of the new northea,st division with
J. M. Connolly as the new division manager . . .
Joe Lebworth, 20th-Fox field representative,
was in .setting up promotion campaigns on
yuufCAUf
RIETYCLUB
. . .
1327 S. Wabiih - Ckicat*, III. (30 Ninlk Ait. Nfw Yaik N. Y. Troy. 15 years ago.
DINNER FOR BIG BROTHER—Saul
J. Ullman. Fabian division manager, was
feted by the Albany Variety Club for his
achievements as chairman of the Big
Brother committee, which raised $22,580
for the club's Camp Thacher, a summer
vacation spot for needy boys. At the
dinner, from left to right, seated: Chief
Barker Jules Ferlmutter, Ullman, and
Lewis Sumberg, toastmaster. Standing,
Irwin Ullman. Fabian theatres, and Peter
Dana, U-I division manager.
''The Siege at Red River" and "Demetrius
and the 'Gladiators." Both attractions will be
shown at the Center Theatre. An extensive
radio and billboard campaign will be part
of the whirlwind campaign on "Demetrius"
Center is using several hundred onesheets
in its outdoor campaign to advertise
the telecast of the Marciano-Charles battle
June 17.
Mike Simon, former manager of the Paramount
exchange and later manager of the
Detroit branch, is back working out of the
UA exchange as sales representative in the
Albany area The Community Theatre,
operated by Jack Zurich in Solvay, N.Y., was
Stanley Kozanow-
badly damaged by fire . . .
Picture stills from a great era of motion
summer .
Hanny . Serin, manager of the
Center Theatre, vacationed by putting in a
garden in the rear of his estate.
Albany Variety Prepares
For Annual Golf Meet
ALBANY—The 12th annual Variety Club
golf tournament will be held at Shaker Ridge
Country club June 28, as originally .scheduled.
Aaron Winig, co-chairman, said between
75 and 90 were expected to participate in the
event and to attend the dinner in the clubhouse.
Harry Alexander, who recently leased
the Middletown Drive-In from Harry Lamont,
is tournament co-chairman. Sylvan Leff has
charge of ticket sales, while Chief Barker
Jules Perlmutter is directing the solicitation
LOOK TO
of prizes.
Sid Summers to Wed
FOR THE FINEST
TROY. N. Y.—Sid Summers, Stanley Warner
city manager here, will marry Minnie
AlWArSi
ANNOUNCEMENT
good;
Wishner June 13. Sid. a graduate of the
University of Alabama, began his theatre
career as assistant manager of the Lincoln.
ski has instituted a half-week policy in his
Rivoli, east side community house, for the
Konczakow.ski has
taken over the operation of the Capitol in
south Buffalo on a lease from the Dipson
circuit. The property is owned by George
AiB Any
Illness confined Leonard L. Rosenthal, counsel
and adviser on film buying for Upstate
Theatres, at his home a day or two ... Ed
Foley. Strand doorman, has been discharged
from Albany hospital after a two-month illness,
during which he received a number of
blood transfusions . Williams, owner
of the WGAT Drive-In. Utica, suffered a
. . . heart attack Exchange visitors included
Don Gilson. operator of drive-ins at Canton,
Massena and Alexandria Bay. and of an indoor
theatre in the last named village; Tony
Scalise. his associate at Alexandria Bay. and
Rube Cantor, buyer-booker for the Star-Lit
Drive-In. Watertown.
. . .
Sandy Miller reported business at the Menands
Drive-In has been fair so far this season
with weather playing a deciding role . . .
The Kallet and WGAT drive-ins at Utica
turned away customers at their recent showing
of "Prom Here to Eternity." according
to Columbia Manager Norman Jackter
Jules Perlmutter said the screen for Cinema-
Scope will be ready at his Fort George Drive-
In. Lake George, June 17.
Sid Kulick of Bell Film Exchange in New
York, stopped here. He was returning from
a trip to Buffalo. Syracuse and Gloversville.
He reported business was "picking up." Kulick
will return June 28 for the Variety Club golf
tournament . Greenfield. U-I manager,
visited Smalley Theatres headquarters at
Cooperstown and Charles Gordon's Olympic
in Utica ... A fountain was installed in the
outer lobby of the Strand to spotlight the
opening of "Three Coins in the Fountain."
Thornton, operating theatres in
Saugerties and Windham, was on Filmrow.
It's graduation month in the family of '
Frank Mulderry. exchange owner and son of
Filmrow's co-developer. F^-ancis P. Mulderry
received a B.S. in biology from Holy Cross
college. Worcester, Mass., Wednesday (9i at i
exercises attended by his parents. A sister \
is being graduated from Holy Names academy.
Albany. She will enter the College of
St. Elizabeth. Convention Station. N. J., in
September. Incidentally, her brother's fiancee
is gi-aduating from that college. Francis and
his parents planned to attend that commencement,
too.
News Ads Sell TV Battle
ALBANY—Fabian's Grand began a newspaper
campaign for the Charles-Marciano
heavyweight championship telecast June 17.
Single column four-inch insertions on the
sports pages hailed the offering as an "Exclusive,"
not to be seen on home sets; tabbed
the price as $3.30. Seats were listed for sale
at the Grand. Palace and Leland. The Grand
is a three-floor house seating 1.500. It has
been the scene of boxingcasts for the past
three years. Most of them drew capacity audiences.
Manager Paul Wallen hopes for
another sellout.
;
lack Swarthout to Return to Work
AT.RANV—Jack Swarthout is preparing to
resume his duties as manager of the Ritz.
Confined to the home by illness for many
\
weeks, he is now feeling better. Don Germain,
assistant manager, has been substituting
for Swarthout.
i
36 BOXOFFICE June 12. 1954

I in
I the
. . Mrs.
. . Rita
. . Roy
. . Sam
. . Bob
. .
. . The
. . The
. . The
PHILADELPHIA
Ccreen Guild now is distributing Lorraine
Carbons in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey
and Delaware territories . . . R. M. Savini
congratulated Eddie Gabriel's Capital Films
on interesting exploitation stunts to publicize
"Turn the Key Softly" in its first run in
this area at the Green Hill. To help promote
the picture. Gabriel is having keys "lost" all
over town, in buildings, subway stations and
"Turn the Key Softly" is
streets. Some of the messages attached to
keys have the telephone number of the
Green Hill, and when the theatre is called, a
special man tells the caller that the key has
not really been lost. Also, Gabriel is sending
out hundreds of these keys to unsuspecting
business and professional men with a message
enclosed asking that they call "Turna."
When they telephone "Turna," they are told
the attraction playing
at the Green Hill.
Mort Magill, United Artists manager, was
on sick call for a couple of days ... A
101x49-foot screen soon will bow at the
Hi-Way Drive-In on Route 122 between
Prackville and Ashland in Schuylkill county.
Paul Kerrigan is owner of the operating firm.
. . . Columbia
I. J. Segall's Theatre Management Service
is handling the Easton, Easton, and the
Strand, Gettysburg . Jewel M. Frank,
Pittsburgh, is a new member of the Pennsylvania
state board of censors, succeeding John
C. Fisher, whose term expired
is celebrating Columbia week June 18-24.
This sales drive is seeking to place Columbia
features on every screen in the territory . . .
Ann Liebowitz, 40, sister-in-law of Ben Harris,
American Films, died of a heart attack. William,
her husband, was with Masterpiece at
one time.
. . Charles
Ed Gallner, Loew's tub-thumper, was in
New York for conferences
Amsterdam was recuperating
.
at home following
an operation at St. Joseph's hospital
. . . Nat Levy, eastern-southern division manager
for RKO, was in town before going on to
Washington . . . Jay Bonafield, executive
vice-president of RKO Pathe; Sidney Kramer,
general sales manager, and Harry Smith,
director-photographer, were in town for conferences
on a television program under consideration
by RKO Pathe.
. . .
Dorothy Wolfe, Herman Levine's secretary
in Stanley Warner's real estate department
and formerly in the billing department, replaces
Helen Roth, who left the company
David Kaplan, formerly manager of the
.
. . .
Vii'ginia in Atlantic City, became manager of
the Stanley in Atlantic City. Edward Schickman,
former assistant manager at the Warner
in Atlantic City, moved up as manager at the
Del Jones will take on the post
Virginia . . .
of manager on weekends at the Keystone.
Barney Sackett, former manager at the Key-
I
stone Theatre, resigned Melone is
the
i
new girl in the file room at Stanley
Warner Walter Reade Theatres will
SELBY ^ SCREEN TOWERS
for Drive-In Theotres
12 Standard Sizes
SELBY INDUSTRIES, INC.
1350 Ghent Hills Rd. MOntrose 6-2886
Akron 13, Ohio
enlarge the screen at the Lawrence Drive-In
so that Cinemascope pictures may be shown.
. . .
A Trenton, N.J. youth was arrested for
being an alleged prankster who freed a
pigeon in the RKO Lincoln so that the bird
disturbed the show for six hours. The pigeon
was finally caught when it flew into the
projection booth Carl Hermann, former
manager of the Hollywood in Pottsville, has
resigned to take over operation of the Little
in Littleton . . . John
the Capitol in Pottsville, is
Gibbons, manager of
recuperating from
an illness . . . Helen Westbrook Williams,
Penn, Wilkes-Baire, has been elected business
agent of Local B-96.
BALTIMORE
. . . Bernard
Trving Cantor, manager of the Hippodrome,
was in Syracuse, N. Y. Dick Dizon, the
Hippodrome's assistant, was vacationing in
Oscar Coblentz,
Wisconsin and Atlantic City . . .
jr., owner of the Alpha, Catonsville,
was in Washington . . . Jake Flax, Republic
manager, visited with Sam Tabor
Terry, Stanley's projectionist, vacationed
at Rehobeth Beach . Saunders flew
in from Wooster, Ohio to visit his Ridge
Drive-In at Westminster, Md.
.
.
. .
Lou Gaertner, owner of the Gaertner Theatres,
is mourning the death of his brother
George Knight, Stanley Warner's
sound engineer, was in checking the Stanley
Theatre . Mellits of the Dentonia at
Denton was in Washington booking
Universal's Bert Freedman was a guest at the
Baltimore Variety Club's Saturday night
party . Jack Whittle, owner of the Avenue,
was in Ocean City.
Harold "Bud" Rose,
Baltimore representative
for United Artists, flew to Hartford to
visit his mother who was ill . . J. Lawrence
.
Schanberger, owner of Keiths, and wife celebrated
their 35th wedding anniversary . . .
Jack Satterfield, treasurer of the Boyd, Philadelphia,
vacationed here with old friends.
Nonprofit Group Formed
To Promote Fine Films
ALBANY—Independent Film Makers Ass'n
has been formed to carry on the affairs of
Film Ai'ts Society, an unincorporated association,
and to foster public awareness and
appreciation of films as an art form. The
new association, a nonprofit organization,
also aims to direct the attention of critics
and the public to fine films, to protect the
interests of creative filmmakers by offering
helpful information pertaining to copyright,
censorship and other such matters, and to
promote interest in new forms of film arts,
according to the articles of incorporation
filed with the secretary of state. It will
undertake these and other projects calculated
to advance the production, distribution
and appreciation of films as an art form.
Directors and subscribers are Richard S.
Brummer, Ian Hugo, Lewis Jacobs, Maria
Nowosielska Korwin and Roger Tilton of New-
York City.
SW Circuit Closes a Theatre
TITUSVILLE, PA.—Stanley Warner circuit
closed the Orpheum here while its Penn
remains in operation.
WASHINGTON
Cherman Adams, assistant to Piesident Eisenhower,
has become an honorary member
of Variety Tent 11. Enrolled as a member
was Emanuel Lerner, president of the Store
Radio Co. ... A special matinee of "South
Pacific" will be given at the National Theatre
for wounded servicemen June 17 through the
efforts of the Variety Club under the leadership
of entertainment chairman Hirsh de La
Viez . The 20th-Fox Dynamo club elected
. .
these officers: President, Mrs. Mary Claspell;
vice-president, M. Williams; secretary, Mrs.
Janet Floyd; treasurer, Barbara Burgess.
Movietonews Washington representative
Tony Muto was in Spain . ceiling in
the Carver Theatre, Newport News, fell last
week. The house will be closed several weeks
for repairs. The accident happened at night
when no one was in the theatre . . . John Rose,
local distributor, received a suspended $25
fine on a charge of violating Maryland's
censorship code by being responsible for the
showing of an unapproved strip-tease film.
Sydney Traub, chairman of the state board
of censors, said investigation showed the film
was one of four versions of the same film,
one of the three which had not been approved.
The film was shown at the drive-in
in McCoUe nearly 14 months ago. Rose said
he had ordered the approved version sent
to the drive-in but the shipping company
had sent one of the unapproved copies instead.
.
. . . Marine Lt.
The Roth circuit office reports the Carver
The Lawrenceville
in Suffolk, Va., is closing . . .
(Va.i Drive-In will go on part-time
schedule, starting June 20 Queen
Theatre in Queenstown, Md., will operate
weekends only during the summer . . . Effective
midnight June 20 the Stanley Warner
Management Coip. will terminate operation
of the Avenue Grand here
Buck Stover jr., son of the Alexandria
Amusement Co. head, is now stationed in
Corpus Christi. His mother is planning a
visit to him about June 26.
John Krafclsin, owner of the Powell and Cornell
theatres in Chicago, was here a few days
as a delegate to the Uki-ainian National Ass'n
convention . . . Joining the ranks of benedicts
this week were Harry Margolis, RKO
and Walter Bathman, MGM . . . Bill Carrier
is building a drive-in three miles west of
Ocean City, and hopes to have it open about
the middle of July.
The English brothers have taken over the
Alta (Va.) Drive-In from J. E. Donohue. Independent
Theatres Service will buy and
book . new student booker at Universal
is Harry Hoar .
Atlanta
Charlotte
Memphis
New Orleans
BOXOFnCE June 12, 1954 37

. . WDTV
. .
S.
. .
PITTSBURGH
The State at Clyner closed June 7
Elman, son of
. . . Melvin
RKO manager's secretary
Eve Friedman Elman, was confirmed Monday
The Triangle in East Liberty is
wide screen . . . SW has shifted
(7) . . . installing a
Al Goddard from the Rowland in Wilkinsburg
to the Latonia in Oil City. He was
replaced at the Rowland by Dewey McCall,
who had been serving as assistant manager
at the downtown Stanley. Dewey Moore went
into the Stanley spot from the Hollywood
in Dormont, which now is managed by Ed
Dowling, who recently returned from military
service.
With the Stanley and Harris sold out,
Loew's Penn has joined the closed TV circuit
to present the Marciano-Charles fight
Thursday (17) ... The State in Johnstown
is installing Worthington air conditioning
imder the supervision of Joe P. Sobieski . . .
The Mario school of dance presented its
spring recital Saturday evening (5) in the
Mishler Theatre, Altoona.
sold at $5 and $3.50. The Harris seats 2,101
and the Stanley seats 3,700. No standing
The crew hosted the
room will be sold . . .
Variety Club Family night June 11 . . . Peggy
Daly of the Warner exchange office vacationed
in Florida and Joyce Schweitzer of
this office will vacation in Canada.
. . .
VistaVision quality was emphasized here
Tuesday (8) at the Paramount exchange by
visiting executives A. W. Schwalberg, Harold
Minsky, Sid Blumenstock and Prank La-
Grande, the latter an engineer of the research
department at the studios. Local Manager
David Kimelman and the office staff, including
members of the sales and booking departments,
received "all the answers on Vista-
Vision." Also here for the conference was
Ralph Buring, field representative . . . Frances
Ellen, daughter of Paramount salesman
Harold Henderson, and Gordon Dille of East
Orange, N.J., will be married here July 17
Warren Theatre at Apollo will go dark
after next week.
Richard McMaster Dies
From Accidental Wound
NEW KENSINGTON, PA.—Richard H. Mc-
Master, 34, of Valley Heights here and a
well-known theatreman, was found dead
with a .22 caliber gunshot wound in the
chest at a camp in Adrian, about one mile
north of Kittanning. Armstrong County Coroner
C. M. Woodward reported that the bookkeeper
for the Allied and General Theatres
Corp., who was alone at the camp when the
accident occurred, probably suffered a heart
attack and fell on the gun, accidentally discharging
it. He had suffered several mild
heart attacks in the past. McMaster's brothers
James and Harry, both of Kittanning,
had been setting up targets for target shooting.
The theatreman had arrived at the camp,
owned by a brother-in-law, Karl Watt, for a
rest.
Richard had purchased the gun a few
hours before the accident as a gift for a
nephew. Associated with the indoor and outdoor
theatres of the Serrao Bros, circuit,
McMaster is sm-vived by his wife Bertha and
a son Richard H. jr.
Mary, daughter of Mount Pleasant exhibitor
Chris Fourgis, and Gus Dombolis of Raleigh
were married June 6 . . . Jim Naughton,
National Carbon representative, was in New
York Thursday (10) to attend a dinner honoring
Paul Ries of lA's 25-30 club.
Variety Post 589, American Legion, elected
as 1954-55 officers William R. Kelley, commander;
Don Chaban, senior vice-commander;
Paul Krumenacker, junior vicecommander;
James Gallagher, finance officer,
and C. C. Kellenberg, adjutant.
Kittanning, Applewold and West Kittanning
Union school district has reenacted its
10 per cent amusement tax . . . Moe Silver,
SW zone manager, was at Saranac attending
a meeting of directors of the Will Rogers
Memorial hospital . is telecasting
the coloring contest information which exploits
WB's "Them!"
Hi-Lander Theatre, New Castle, has installed
a new curved Cinemascope screen and
complete four-channel sound equipments .
Vince Corso has installed one of his new
Mural Ai-t liquid glass screens at Wilham
Tallman's Ceramic Theatre in East Liverpool
... At a meeting in Harrisburg of
representatives of Filmrow B and F locals
and theatre ushers from Pittsburgh, Washington
and Philadelphia, Orlando "Slam"
Boyle, 20th-Fox, Pittsburgh; M. Evans, U-I,
Philadelphia, and Ted ToUey, MGM, Pittsburgh,
were named as delegates to the lATSE
convention in Cincinnati starting August 9.
The M. N. Shapiros celebrated their 37th
wedding anniversary . Innocenti, former
Belle Vernon exhibitor, turned up on Filmrow
30 pounds lighter ... All tickets for
the TV Marciano-Charles boxing show on
the Stanley and Harris screens have been
SAM FINEBERG i
TOM McCLEARY i
JIM ALEXANDER |
84 Von Broom Street I*
PITTSBURGH 19, PA. i
Phone Express 1-0777 i
^oviei Art Betttf Than E»tr - How's Your EquipmnilT^^
Thomas Cowell Starts
Boat Building Firm
ERIE, PA.—Thomas Cowell, industrialistexhibitor,
started building boats a year ago
at his home at the mouth of Six Mile creek
near his Lakeview Drive-In and his new
industry seems set for smooth sailing.
Tommy plans construction of a new plant
to employ from 20 to 25 men next spring.
The new boat works will be located on
Route 5 six miles from the city limits. Cowell
and eight employes turn out a capacity of two
14-foot Sea Pups a day in the present plant
on the lake shore. Next year's initial capacity
will be five boats a day.
Cowell, who test pilots each newly finished
Sea Pup, is a veteran in the rough surf here,
and he is one of the best-known outdoor exhibitors
in the territory. For a number of
years he has rented boats to fishermen here,
along with motel accommodations.
Sharon, Pa., House Sold
SHARON, PA.—The Gable Theatre here
has been sold by John Muller to Thomas J.
Yanta, furnace installation representative
of West Middlesex, and John Lemos, local
car salesman. Muller, who had operated the
Gable for 23 years, will continue as an exhibitor
here at the NuLuna Theatre, in which
he is a partner of the late Harry Stahl estate.
The Gable was opened about 45 years
ago by the late Charles Gable, uncle of
Clark Gable.
Township Tax Challenged
ALTOONA, PA.—The Logan township's
recently enacted 10 per cent amusement tax
is headed for a court test of its legality in
an action brought by the Lakemont Park
citizens advisory council.
Enlarges Drive-In Screen
CRAIGS'VILLE, W. VA.—Arden Richards is
remodeling and enlarging the screen at his
CraigsviUe Drive-In and within a few weeks
will feature wide-screen exhibitions.
Mrs. Ethel Michael
PITTSBURGH—Mrs. Ethel Doyle Michael,
widow of exhibitor Louis Michael, died June
7. She was the mother of Homer Michael,
proprietor of the Liberty on Carson street
in the south side; Mrs. Helen Halenda and
Mrs. Penelope Niemiec, and the grandmother
of six children. Requiem mass was celebrated
in St. John's church.
Johnston Gives a Recipe
For Peace With Russia
NEW YORK—The recommendation that
the American economy be used as a major
weapon in a campaign to force Russia into
raising its living standards at the exjjense of
her war potential was made Wednesday (9i
by Eric Johnston, president of the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America.
He told delegates at the 40th convention of
the National Ass'n of Direct Selling Companies
that campaign plans should be set up
at a conference of leadere of management,
labor, agriculture, education and government,
and spokesmen for American philanthropic
foundations. He called the campaign "the
best chance we would have at this time of
effecting some semblance of peace." It would
demonstrate to the Russian people that the
American "better life" should be allowed
them by their Communist masters.
Fined for Sunday Showing
BEAVER, PA.—Ralph Pelton, president,
and Virginia Felton, secretary-treasurer of
the Spotlight 88 Drive-In, were fined $50 and
the corporation assessed a like amount at a
hearing before Justice E. J. Malins, South
Heights, for operating a theatre on Sunday
contrary to the Pennsylvania act 211 of 1953.
Close Webster Springs Airer
WEBSTER SPRINGS, W. VA.—The Webster
Springs Drive-In foiu- miles from here
has closed and will be dismantled. An unsuccessful
enterprise last season, the ozoner
was reopened several months ago, but again |'l
failed to make expenses.
38 BOXOFFICE
:
: June
12, 1954

njie /Pf&tmt T^cime 4^eAxJiancllllna. GddcU
"Three Coins in the Fountain"
received both radio and television
publicity at Cincinnati
for two weeks as a result of a
Disk Jockeys Premiere tieup
arranged by Carl Ferrazzo,
manager of Keiths Theatre
there, in cooperation with the
local 20th-Fox office. The
platter ployers of radio station
WCPO issued invitations to a
morning showing of the film
Saturday, May 29, to listeners.
Tickets were issued on request
at Keiths office. The film song
was plugged on the radio station
two weeks before the special
screening and also on its
television affiliate, WCPO-TV.
The theatre was filled for the
morning show.
HAL SLOANE
Editor
THE
[HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
SECTION OF
BOXOFFiCE

WEALTH OF
PRE-SELLING
BENEFITS CAINE MUTINY'
Popularity of Herman Wouk Book, Navy, Toy and
Other Tieups Give Film Promotion Head Start
The public acclaim which greeted the
publication of the Pulitzer prize novel on
which the picture is based has aroused
tremendous advance interest in Columbia's
Technicolor production of "The Caine Mutiny."
starring Humphrey Bogart, Jose
Ferrer, Van Johnson and Fi'ed Mac-
Murray.
Approximately three million copies of
Herman Wouk's outstanding book have
been sold, and it is estimated that about
12 million persons have read the story. On
the best-seller lists for over two years, the
Book-of-the-Month Club, the Literary
Guild, the Dollar club and the Reader's
Digest Book club distributed "The Caine
Mutiny" to their memberships, and Doubleday
has pubUshed de luxe, regular and
popular priced editions, which are currently
on sale throughout the world.
MATERIAL FROM PUBLISHER
Every tieup with newsstands, book, department
and chain stores should have
mention of the book being a winner of the
Pulitzer prize, in addition to credits. Besides
the regular promotion material being
furnished by Doubleday to all dealers, all
retail book outlets will feature a specially
designed "Read the Book, See the Picture"
poster. Stills from the film should be
placed in every public and rental library
in town and posted on school bulletin
boards. Local book clubs should be circularized,
and book critics or reviewers invited
to screenings of the picture. A book
escorted through town by a man in
bally
a sailor's uniform also should prove effective.
The cover on the regular editions of the
book, available as Still No. ART-28, may be
blown up for this purpose while Mat 1-L
can be used for printing book marks, both
items on order from National Screen. Ai'-
range cooperative newspaper ads with local
book stores and provide a number of
tickets to the merchants as giveaways to
lucky purchasers of the books.
NAVY TO COOPERATE
Admiral Lewis S. Parks has authorized
all U.S. naval commandants to cooperate
in local campaigns. Contact should be
established with either the naval districts
public relations officer or the nearest navy
recruiting station for a variety of promotional
stunts. Invite service officers to the
premiere; arrange for a navy guard of
honor: spot a recruiting officer with a display
of naval weapons in the lobby; exhibit
models of naval ships, flags, equipment, etc..
and make the premiere an allout navy
night.
The General Federation of Women's
Clubs has endorsed the picture and all local
organizations should be enlisted for helpful
promotions.
Local amateur acting contests offering
Webcor tape recorders as prizes—to be
conducted in key first run situations—will
be based on the contestants' reading of a
scene from the picture. Tape recordings
of the performances will be forwarded to
New York where two national champions
will be selected. The champions will receive
free air trips to the city, a year's
scholarship to a school of drama and a
role on a nationally televised air show.
The Webcor Tape Recording Co., in addition
to supplying the local prizes, will furnish
all its dealers with promotional material
on the picture.
A manufacturer has produced a toy model
of a destroyer, inspired by "The Caine
Mutiny," and has forwarded posters, win-
well
dow and counter display material, as
as cooperative advertising suggestions, all
carrying full credits for the picture to retail
outlets. The company's field promotion
staff will cooperate in all local promotions.
The Carbonated Beverage Institute is
plugging the picture via its tens of thousands
of bottler outlets, displaying posters
picturing May Wynn, feminine lead in the
picture, holding a beverage bottle. Each
member bottler of the institute will conduct
an advertising program, distribute the
special posters and bottle toppers, and arrange
truck-side displays and TV commercials
giving full credit to "The Caine
Mutiny."
Shaleen Hosiery Co. also will feature
The Most Sentational fighting Ship Toy Iver Made ...I
ALL-ACTION
U.S. NAVY
DI^SIUOYFJI
THE
CAINE
MUTINY
Counter cards and special window streamers are
availoble for promotion of "The Caine Mutiny"
everywhere toys ore sold. The toy navy destroyer
pictured here was inspired by the picture.
display material promot-
May Wynn in its
ing a new style of womens' hosiery, to be
distributed for use in all displays. Miss
Wynn and picture credits also will be used
in co-op newspaper ads on this merchandise.
Whitman's Sampler chocolates, endorsed
by Humphrey Bogart, will feature full page
color advertisements bearing a picture of
the star and full credits on the film in the A
Saturday Evening Post and other national ^
magazines. Reprints of the ad will be
supplied to the thousands of Whitman's
retail
outlets.
Flex-Let. maker of Picture Album Ident
bracelets, will use the likenesses of Robert
Fi-ancis and May Wynn, the romantic leads
in the film, in promoting the bracelet.
More than 5,000 jewelers throughout the
country will be furnished with complete
display material tieing in with a nationwide
contest.
?, e«m *s A »o

color-in mat for planting in newspapers
and locally imprinted throwaways, may be
had on order from National Screen.
Two five-minute star interviews for radio
broadcast, featuring Bogart and Van Johnson
and newcomer Robert Francis, may be
had on order from Columbia exchanges. A
set of 15, 30 and 60-second spot announcements
on a single disk also is available
from the same source. A magic postcard
which reveals a message when dipped in
water, for mailing to all lists, may be had
on order from the vender.
Arrangements can be made for postcards
to be mailed in New York to local mailing
lists, cards to be addressed at the theatre
and returned to New York. The supply is
limited,
order postcards from Exploitation
Dept.. Columbia Pictures, 729 Seventh Ave.,
New York. A large selection of flags, pennants,
valances and other displays are
available from the manufacturer and precampaign
trailers, two teaser and one regular,
are available at National Screen. A
story in pictures and captions is available
for use in newspapers. If the local editor
is interested, write Publicity Dept.,
Columbia Pictures, 729 Seventh Ave., New
York, furnishing full information. A
souvenir book on the picture for resale
in the lobby or distribution free to newspaper,
radio and TV personnel, educators,
schools and libraries may be had on order
from the vender. A selection of art stills
used for the ads and posters, and specially
selected tieup stills, also may be had on
order from National Screen.
THREE WAYS OF USING THE 6-SHEET,
AND ADAPTING IT FOR SMALL TOWNS
1R. S. Lindamood, manager of the Vogue Theatre in Lee's Summit, Mo., is one of many small-
• town managers who have a limited budget to spend on exploitation—and like many of his
colleagues must resort to ingenious methods to accomplish his promotionol ends. Lindamood, therefore,
is not one to toss away materials after a first use. In these three photographs, he demonstrates
the way he has used and reused o frame originally built for a six-sheet promotion for "The Boy From
Oklahoma," which won him an honorable mention in Warners' national competition. With the aid
of Charles Turner of the staff, he built the derrick out of lx2s. As o backing for the one-sheets he
used corrugated popcr from appliance crates obtained from a neighboring merchant. To make his own
six-sheet of the map of Oklahoma (left), Lindamood had a slide made of a map of the state. He then
projected the slide on a sheet of paper the size of a six-sheet and traced the projected image on the
poper. Total cost of the project $15. But the extro effort brought more business than the theatre
anticipated, he said.
D-Mad Magician' Appears
All Over New Haven
i)
Sid Kleper, manager of Loew's College
Theatre in New Haven, Conn., plastered the
title of "The Mad Magician" around town
via posters, lobby displays, auto bumper
strips, window displays and restaurant
place mats. Few people in the neighborhood
were unaware of the playdate for the
show.
Two thousand masks pictured in the
pressbook were imprinted and distributed
in schools, a stencil was used at main
street intersections and directory cards and
displays were spotted in two large hotels.
Limerick and film title contests were promoted
over station WELI and a local disk
jockey, Bobby Lloyd, gave the picture numerous
plugs. Tie-ins were made with
photo stores featuring stereo cameras and
flash set pieces spotted in the theatre lobby
in advance of opening.
ears of colorful maize and an assort-
Indian Village in Display
Manager Harry Rose of the Majestic
Theatre in Bridgeport, Conn., arranged an
eye-catching window display at a local
music store for "Rose Marie." The imaginative
display included a model Indian village,
ment of plants against a background of
stills from the film. Blowups of posters picturing
Ann Blyth and Howard Keel in a
singing pose and giant music notes pasted
on the glass window completed the display.
2
Lindamood took one of the mounted six-
• sheets and created a pipe frame for it.
This frame he bolted to the sidewalk in front
of the theatre. He simply loosens the bolts and
replaces the frame whenever he has a picture on
which he desires special promotions. While one
of the boards is on display, the second is being
prepared for the next attraction or is on display
in the lobby. The six-sheet is a good size for
display both on the sidewalk and in the lobby,
he says, besides lending itself to many adaptations.
Anniversary Celebration
Builds Patron Goodwill
Harry Lamont devised a special anniversary
promotion for his Riverview Drivein
at Rotterdam, the Sunset in Kingston
and the Vail Mills in Vail Mills, N.Y.
He attracted over 400 cars to each of the
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : June 12, 1954 — 191 —
3
Variation for the lobby use of the six-
• sheet was obtained by cutting out figures
of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell and using
them as end supports. Plywood or heavy mounting
board can be used for this purpose.
airers on a Wednesday night by admitting
patrons at the rate of a penny for each
year he had operated the theatres. At the
Riverview he charged five cents; six at the
Sunset and seven at Vail Mills. Although
the gate receipts were low, the concessions
business boomed and according to Lamont
the idea "proved to be a terrific goodwill
builder."

Lobby and Street Protnotions
DETROIT: C. E. O'Bryan, manager of the Palms Theatre, goes
in for realism A large circular steel sow mounted in a
huge lobby set piece, ready to saw off a girl's head
(clothing store manikin) was a patron stopper. Jack
Haddock, chief of service, is seen in the photo.
LOUISVILLE: Singer Callahan, local disk jockey, got into a western costume and served
as a street and lobby ballyhoo, singing songs from "Red Garters" a week in advance
of the Kentucky Theatre opening. Art Stan'sh, monoger, built a "stage" as shown
above for her lobby oppearances.
INDIANAPOLIS Dconc Brown promoted a collection of modern ond
oldtime railroad equipment, train models and historicol photos
of obsolete locomotives and rolling stock from the H. 0. Gauge
Model Railroad Club for this display for "Rails Into Laramie."
Brown poses beside the display.
MEMPHIS: Manager W. W. Davis borrowed the above small fire truck from the Maico
circuit's drive-in for promotion of the Spike Jones picture at the MaIco Theatre.
.fe
jr*
TACOMA, WASH.: Bill Hupp of the Roxy Theatre placed several hens and chicks
in o wire net cage for this realistic display, and passcrsby stopped to inspect
it in detail. The chicks had their own heating lamp, water and feed bin.
MANILA, P.I — This illuminated display for "Miss Sadie Thompson"
at the Avenue and Capitol theatres in the Philippine copitol
city paraded the streets both night and day.
— 192 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :
: June
12, 1954
i

—
Showman Uncle Doug
Entertains Kids in
Monthly Column
Douglas Ewin, manager of the Savoy
Theatre in Stourbridge. England, is constantly
devising new ways and means for
promoting good public relations for the
theatre and publicizing its attractions. A
regular feature that has proved a favorite
with youngsters is the ABC Minors Matinee,
a Saturday morning show which is
advertised each week in the local press and
by posters displayed in the lobby. Those
children attending who are badge holders
signifying that they belong to the Around
the Town club—or who are very well behaved,
are presented a set of small star
photo stickers.
EDITS CHILDREN'S PAGE
Ewin also authors a children's page
a
under the signature of Uncle Douglas in
monthly magazine, Around the Town,
which is distributed free by local theatres,
cafes, clubs and news agents. It has a circulation
of 2.400 and contains local entertainment,
sports and shopping news. Ewin
frequently features a photo cover contest,
in which the children are asked to identify
pictures of local spots of interest appearing
on the magazine's cover. Sets of
large photographs of popular film stars
are awarded as prizes, and Uncle Doug's
fan mail increases with each issue. Although
the Savoy isn't mentioned, all the
youngsters know who writes the page and
they may become a member of the Around
the Town club by simply writing Uncle
Douglas.
ARRANGES WESTERN MONTH
Western films have proved popular fare
at the theatre, and Ewin arranged a special
Western month by booking four such
pictures on consecutive Sundays. A blown
up poster, with scenes from the four films
was placed in the lobby a month prior to
playdate. 1.000 handbills were distributed
at the theatre and a brief story on the
special attractions appeared in the local
newspaper. Not satisfied with putting over
these successful promotion stunts, Ewin
conducted a series of talent shows on the
theatre stage. These shows garnered favorable
press attention that not only helped
publicize the series but attracted artists
for future shows.
A former resident of the neighboring
town of Torquay. Ewin keeps in touch with
local events by subscribing to the town's
daily newspaper. He recently submitted
a summary of his activities since he left
Torquay, which resulted in a front page
story on the Torquay Herald and Express.
The American Weekly. Hearst papers'
Sunday supplement, features an article on
Paramount's "Knock on Wood." starring
Danny Kaye. written by Sylvia Fine iMrs.
Danny. Kaye), who wrote the songs in the
film.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser ;
BOXOFFICE Citations
For Promotions in May
f—
Mark AUing
Arnold Gould
Ben
Geary
John G. Corbett
Irving
Cantor
Promotions followed the seasonable trend
and burst into bloom throughout the country
during May. offering a garden-full variety
of colorful campaigns for the month's
BOXOFFICE Citation awards. In the general
tieup classification twin winners were
selected. Publicist Karl Fasick of Loew's
State and Orpheum in Boston was cited for
his comprehensive campaign on "It Should
Happen to You." and Ernest McKenna of
the Joy Theatre in New Orleans shared
honors with him for his excellent job on
"Creature From the Black Lagoon."
BEN GEARY'S DISPLAY WINS
It was difficult to select a winner for the
best window display from among the many
submitted but after careful consideration
Ben Geary of the Athena Theatre in
Athens. Ohio, was finally chosen for his
outstanding one on "Rose Marie."
Fred Lentz of the Paramount Theatre in
Toledo. Ohio, aroused widespread interest
in "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef" with his
exceptional lobby display and won a wellearned
award in the classification, while
Mark Ailing topped all entries in the theatre
front division wtih the spectacular display
that attracted a lot of attention to
"Carnival Story" at the Golden Gate Theatre
in San Francisco. He erected a ladder
some 70 feet up the front of the theatre
building and had two manikins secured
to it.
Gene Cram's humorous institutional
newspaper ad for the Burlington dowai
Drive-In Theatre rated top honors for the
month, and Marty Wucher's ballyhoo exploiting
"Top Banana" at the Town Theatre
in Miami, Fla., was picked for the award
in that classification. Irving Cantor, manager
of the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore,
was awarded a Citation for his
original idea for exploiting "The Glenn
Miller Story" through the cooperation of
six leading local disk jockeys.
TWO PR PROMOTIONS
There were two particularly effective
public relations promotions submitted during
the month, both of them well operated
and effective in arousing local interest and
excitement in general. John G. Corbett.
city manager for Schine's, received an
award for his fine Teenager Record Session,
held weekly at the Glove Theatre in
Gloversville. N.Y.. while Ai'nold Gould, city
manager of the Durwood Theatres, a previous
winner in 1947, richly deserved his
Citation for the Mother's day party which
is held annually at the Capitol Theatre
in Jefferson City, Mo.
BOXOFFICE Citations are awarded
monthly to ten showmen submitting outstanding
promotions. Material should be
sent to Showmandiser Editor. BOXOFFICE
magazine, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
20.
: June 12, 1954 — 193 —
Gene Cram
Marty Wucher
Fred
Lentz
Ernest McKenna

BOXOFFICE
To keep the youngsters entertained and
cut of mischief before the sliow, Manager
Chuck Rees of tlie Sherman Theatre at
Goodland, Kas., came up with an excellent
and inexpensive idea. He constructed
a comic book corner for the kiddies that
resulted not only in a lot of favorable
comments from parents but indorsements
from various church ministers as well.
Rees noted that the kiddies also utilized
the reading facilities while their parents
enjoyed the picture. Commonwealth passed
the idea on to other managers in the circuit.
read: "To you, as a member of the Class of
L. E. Jorgensen of the Regale Theatre,
Salem, S.D., remembers the graduating
high school class each year with a thoughtful
congratulating message.
Prior to the end of the school term this
year, each senior received a card which
1954, the Regale Theatre extends heartiest
congratulations on your graduation. During
the past years, we have been a part of
your school life and now we want to be a
part of your graduation festivities.
"You are probably graduating with
mingled feelings of joy and regret. Joy in
having successfully completed your studies
and stepping out to find your place in the
world—regrets at leaving old friends, old
associates and friendly places. However,
there is one institution you and your friends
have enjoyed that will continue—the Regale
Theatre, where you will always get the same
friendly welcome."
The message concluded by saying that
the Regale would honor the card as an
admission to the theatre on any Sunday
or Monday up to and including June 14.
This has been found to be an excellent
promotion gesture, particularly in smaller
town situations where a relatively stronger
personal relationship exists between patrons
and theatre management.
Jack Joines, manager of the Martin Theatre
in LaFayette, Ala., continues to make
good use of his weekly program, not only
to advertise coming attractions but to plug
some special event or occasion. In his most
recent Issue Joines carries the following
copy on the cover of his neat folder: "We
suggest as a gift for any graduate a book
NUGGETS
of admission tickets to this theatre! Treat
some young friend to many hours of fine
entertainment! Ask the cashier!"
In addition to giving free candy bars to
the first 500 children attending the Kiddy
Big Four show at the Playhouse in Canandaigua,
N.Y., Manager Joe DeSilva made
arrangements with the local Pepsi Cola
dealer to present a free cup of the soft drink
to every boy and girl as he or she left the
theatre. Not only did the kids empty out
of the theatre after one show to get their
free drink but the promotion was practically
cost-free, the only cost involved
being a credit line in the newspaper ad
and copy on the lobby board.
Motorists who parked overtime in downtown
New Haven, Conn., were saved many
a traffic tag, thanks to employes of Loew's
Poll who roamed the shopping area. Hundreds
of drivers returned to their cars to
find notices on their windshields reading,
"Just in case your overtime parking is
the
'Indiscretion of an American Wife.' the
management of the Poll has deposited five
cents to save you possible embarrassment."
Manager Robert Marhenke, of Loew's
Governor Ritchie Open Air Theatre in
Glen Burnie, Maryland, organized an unusual
promotion stunt that is reaping good
business and good public relations. Marhenke
arranged for Ray Martin (left and
right, respectively, in photo), a Washington
news commentator and correspondent,
to broadcast nightly directly from the theatre.
The half-hour program, called "The
Martin Manor," is beamed over WASL and
features a report on the latest national,
state and local news, as well as recorded
music and interviews with theatre patrons.
Prominent citizens from nearby
towns and cities, and stars of stage, screen
and television have appeared as guests on
the program. Each theatre patron interviewed
on the air is given a pass for a
return visit, and the program has proved
to be an outstanding attraction. Marhenke
has not only received plaudits from
his patrons, but from the local Chamber
of Commerce, who has termed the radio
series a valuable community service.
What's Exploitable
In
the Magazines
Newsweek for May 24 includes a lengthy
review of "Dirty Hands," with highlights
of Jean-Paul Sartre's career. Another review,
on "The Miami Story," is summed up
in the brief comment, "Set a reformed thief
to catch a thief."
Woman's Home Companion annual
movie poll navies John Wayne and
June Allyson as the top stars for 1954
a?id "The Robe." 20th Century-Fox's
first Cinemascope production, as the
most enjoyable picture of the year. The
results of the poll, published in the
June issue of the Companion, reveal
that American ivomen prefer romantic
stars on the new. larger-than-life motion
picture screens. They voted Jimmy
Stewart as their second favorite star,
and rated the perennially popular "Der
Bingo" as their third choice. The women's
second favorite fem,inine actress
is Lorretta Young, ivith Jane Wyman
coming in third in the film poll. A
newsreel of the presentation of the
Companion movie aioards ivill be released
nationally by Universal. Paramount
and Warner-Pathe.
Life for May 31 reproduces photographs
of 13 Hollywood male stars taken by feminine
photographer Sharland. The actors
pictured include William Holden, Burt
Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Richard Widmark,
Fi'ank Sinatra, Steve Forrest, John
Ericson, Cameron Mitchell, Tab Hunter,
Rxjbert Fi-ancis, Rock Hudson, Tony Curtis
and Robert Wagner.
Pictures reviewed in Newsiveek for
May 31 include "Three Coins in the
Fountain." "The French Line" and
"Man with a Million." A photo of
Jane Russell also appears in this
section.
In the June issue of Seventeen, on the
newsstands May 28, the United Ai'tists'
release "Man With a Million" is selected
a.s the Picture of the Month. The article
contains scenes from the J. Arthur Rank
presentation and a brief outline of the
story. Scenes from other pictures reproduced
with short reviews, are Warner Bros.'
"Them," United Artists' "Witness to Murder,"
and Columbia Pictures' "Hell Below
Zero."
Tempo for May 24 carries a i-pagc
spread on RKO's "The French Line"
in its Movie of the Week section toith
text accompanying scenes from the
Technicolor inusical.
Giant Disks Plug 'Miller'
Manager Jack Moylan made five giant
gold painted records to promote "The Glenn
Miller Story" when it played at the Kaye
Theatre. The records, each of which represented
one of Miller's million copy sellers,
was then placed in various Havana, 111.,
store windows. Appropriate sheet music
and the use of a trombone and trombone
case completed the displays and made for
an eye-catching and effective picture plug.
-194 — BOXOFFICE ShowmandiBer June 12, 1954

'
i
II
'
supper-hour
Anniversary Program
Ads Good for Passes
Five cooperating merchants paid for the
printing of 2,000 16-page programs, distributed
house to house throughout the
)area, announcing the 14th birthday celebration
of the Pix Theatre in Jackson,
Miss., in a stunt promoted by Manager E. R.
Edwards. Each patron who received one of
the souvenir programs could get passes to
the theatre by cutting out the five merchant
ads in the brochure and turning
them in at the stores. Each pass admitted
two for the price of one. A lucky Buck contest
also was included in the clever program.
As part of the birthday program, letters
were sent to the studio publicity departments
advising them their pictures were
being featured in a birthday cake promotion.
Several companies responded by
sending telegrams from their stars, autographed
photos and other congratulatory
messages which were made up into an interesting
lobby display that had people
from all over town stopping by the theatre.
Edwards took advantage of the local
schools being closed on two week days by
distributing 2,000 special heralds announcing
a special kiddy show both days and
pointing out to interested mothers the advantage
of having trained personnel taking
care of their children on these days.
The shows were well attended and the idea
helped promote good public relations for
A the Pix.
I
Everybody Gets in the Act
On 'Trailer' Promotion
The local Mercury automobile and Gen-
eral Mobile Homes dealers cooperated in
j
promoting the opening of "The Long, Long
Trailer" at the Capitol Theatre in Windsor,
Ont. Manager Joseph XjCfave arranged
the exhibition of a 38-foot trailer, loaned
by the distributor, in a prominent downtown
location and had a local radio station
stage a special broadcast from its interior.
The mayor participated in the affair,
along with a guest mayor from an English
city who was visiting Windsor at the time.
i The program was later repeated during a
news program for additional
coverage. A full-page newspaper ad promoted
with six local manufacturers had
star cuts and scenes from the picture dominating
the layout. A four-column newspaper
co-op ad was used by the Mercury
dealers, who also provided one of their new
models for use as a street ballyhoo.
'Egg' Gets Wide Promotion
U-I field men helped Nebraska and Iowa
exhibitors in the preparation of promotion
for the saturation rerelease of "The Egg
and I." Egg hatching and recipe contests
were promoted by leading grocery stores
and chains in both the Des Moines and
Omaha territories. The Nebraska Poultry
Improvement Ass'n was host at a breakfast
in honor of the re-presentation of the film.
National Pre-Selling Guide
A report on new films for which national pre-selling campaigns have been developed.
Listed with each picture ore tie-ins which have been created, plus tips to exhibitors
on how to use these pre-selling aids to exploit the picture locally.
BOWERY BOYS MEET THE MONSTERS
AA
Accessories: A two-column drawing puzzle
for planting in newspapers or use as a herald
in an easily arranged contest, order the free
mat, mentioning the picture title, from Allied
Artists Exploitation Dept., 4376 Sunset Drive,
Hollywood. Cartoon heads of Leo Gorcey and
Huntz Hall are also available free in two
column mat size from the same source.
DRUMS ACROSS THE RIVER U-I
WuKLiTZER Tieup: A special window poster
carrying a credit line for the picture title has
been sent by the Wurlitzer Company to all
dealers in the country. Supply stills and accessories
to local outlets for cooperative window
displays.
Accessories: A set of four 8x10 photos used
in the key advertising art campaign, and an
advance trailer are both available at National
Screen.
MAKE HASTE TO LIVE
Rep.
Book: This Best-Seller Mystery, a Crime club
selection published by Mercury, is in distribution
the country over. Contact local American
News branches for cooperative tieups,
contests and displays, and promote copies of
the book as prizes or for presentation to local
critics. A point-of-sale card is available for
all promotions.
Rauio-TV: a limited supply of spot announcement
recordings and a set of television trailers,
three 20-second and one 1-minute spots,
are both available on loan from Republic
exchanges or write Republic Pictures Exploitation
Dept., 1740 Broadway, New York.
Accessories: A flash circus herald mat, measuring
4%xl2% inches is available gratis
from Republic exploitation department. A
rayon silkoline valance for lobby or marquee,
9.\3 feet, may be had on order from the
vender. Two special sets of stills, three for
a front lobby display and a group of five
featuring scenes from the locale of the picture,
Taos, N.M.— a special Travel Set for
agency tieups—may be had on order from
National Screen.
ARROW IN THE DUST AA
Book: The pocketbook edition of ".\rrow in
the Dust," currently on newsstands, offers the
usual opportunities for tieups with the picture
including window displays in book stores,
newsstands, posters and book wrap-arounds
plugging the local playdate. Promote copies
as giveaways in local contests.
Records: Jimmy Wakely, co-starred in the
picture, has made several records that can be
used to publicize playdates via air plugs by
radio and television disk jockeys. A number
of his Coral recordings are available at music
stores.
TV AND Radio: A set of open-end TV trailers,
two 50-second and two 20-second film
spots and six recorded announcements on one
record for your radio tieups. For these free
items write Allied Artists Exploitation Dept.,
4376 Sunset Drive, Hollywood.
BOXOFnCE Showmandiser ; : June 12, 1954 — 195 —
Accessories: A two-column line dra ing action
scene for use as a coloring contest in your
local newspaper or on throwaways with promoted
items as prizes, order the free coloring
mat on the picture from Allied Artists exploitation
department. A Big Chief Indian
headdress, printed in two colors on heavy
cardboard for use as a giveaway to younger
patrons, may be ordered in quantity from the
vender. A photo news-flash herald with action
scenes from the picture and star stills,
to be posted in libraries and schools and used
as package stuffers, are available free in
limited quantity at Allied Artists Exchanges.
THE OUTLAW STALLION
Col.
Accessories: A three-column line drawing
(6.\6), for local coloring contests or as a
throwaway, order Mat 3-A from National
Screen. An advance action trailer, in color by
Technicolor, and a 9x12 four-page herald are
among the other accessories available at
National Screen.
THEMI
WB
Tabloid Herald: A newspaper flash headline
herald, for local printing, may be had on
ordering Mat 805-502X from National Screen.
Space is left for local city imprint on the
throwaway which pictures a composite of horror
scenes from the film.
Newspaper Strip: Story and pictures for
planting in the local paper, in the theatre
program or for general distribution. Order
Mat 805-501X.
Roving Photographer: A one-column interview
strip, for local papers or blown up as a
lobby display, with portraits of actors in the
film and the answer to a query. Order Mat
805-101X.
Color Contest: A four-color puzzle contest
for use with cooperating newspapers oi printed
as heralds for distributing from the theatre
and as a package stuffer. Order Mat 805-4O1X
from National Screen.
Music: Columbia Records have made a recording
of "Them!" with vocal by TV star
Art Carney. Contact music stores for tieups,
see that disk jockeys feature the record and
play it over the theatre PA system in advance
of opening.
Accessories: For television programs, five
1-minute spot announcements and one 2%-
minute scene clip, with station breaks, all on
16mm film. For radio, on one record with two
spot announcements. Both items available on
order from the Campaign Plan Editor, Warner
Bros. Pictures, 321 West 44th St., New York.
Two mats for a double-sided herald, both
measuring 7x10 inches may be had on ordering
Mat Nos. 805-4O2X and 805-403, both from
National Screen. A novel armband for kids
similar to those worn by regular civilian defense
members, with the picture title, may
be had on ordering Mat 805-201X from National
Screen. A set of merchant tieup stills
for a variety of displays. Order Window
Stills No. 805 from National Screen. Fluorescent
satin banners, valances and usher decorations
may be had on order from the vender.

MEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CEfNTER
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager)
Extras Guild Renames
Incumbent Officers
HOLLYWOOD—By majorities ranging up
to better than three to one, the administration
ticket of officers and board members
of the Screen Extras Guild was elected at
the annual membership meeting Sunday (6).
All incumbent officers, including president
Richard H. Gordon and treasurer Jeffrey
Sayre, were re-elected. Named to the board
were George Barton, Paul Bradley, Tex
Brodus, Eva Novak, Spencer Chan, Louise
Lane, Arm Roberts, Frank Losee, Emory
Dennis, Willie Bloom, Connie Conrad, Carmen
Chfford, Evelen Ceder, Anna Mabry and
VI Ingraham.
New officers, members of the directorate
and personnel of the assistant directors' council
will be named Sunday (13) when the
Screen Directors Guild holds its annual meeting.
George Sidney, concluding his third year
as president, will make his annual report
to the membership, including a discussion
of plans for the organization's projected new
headquarters building.
* * •
Its 26 delegates to the lATSE convention,
to be held next month in Cincinnati, have
been instructed by Cinetechnicians Local 683
to cast their votes for Roy M. Brewer for
lA president. Brewer, former lA vice-president,
recently formally announced his candidacy,
opposing the incumbent president,
Richard Walsh.
Local 683 isn't 100 per cent pro-Brewer,
however. James C. McDonald, a member
thereof, is chairman of the Hollywood committee
for Walsh.
* * *
Carey Wilson has been appointed chairman
of the public relations committee of the
Screen Producers Guild. The group includes
Lawrence Weingarten, Robert Arthur, Julian
Blaustein, Frank McCarthy, Prank P. Rosenberg
and William Thomas.
Van Johnson to Co-Star
In 'End of the Affair'
HOLLYWOOD—C o r o n a d o
Productions,
which will make the feature for Columbia
release, has signed Van Johnson to star with
Deborah Kerr in "The End of the Affair."
picturization of the novel by Grahame
Greene. It is slated for a nearly July start
in England, with David Rose producing and
Edward Dmytryk as the director.
The Johnson commitment will precede his
recently inked five-year ticket at Columbia.
Stillman-Ford Lawsuit
Settled Out of Court
HOLLYWOOD—With the out-of-court settlement
of a $1,750,000 lawsuit which Robert
Stillman Productions had lodged against
actor Glenn Ford, a Monday (14) starting
date was set on the resumption of filming
on "The Americano," for which considerable
footage was secured several months ago on
location in Brazil. Ford, Ursula Thiess,
Frank Lovejoy and Cesar Romero have the
top roles in the Technicolor action drama,
the balance of which will be directed by
William Castle and produced, in association
with Stillman, by Sam Wiesenthal for RKO
release.
Stillman had brought his legal action on
the grounds that Ford assertedly had refused
to complete his starring part in the venture.
Walter Wanger Is
Speaker
HOLLYWOOD—Walter Wanger, Allied Artists
producer, spoke Friday (4) at the annual
meeting of the Institute on Government in
Sacramento. Wanger, who made AA's "Riot
in Cell Block 11," spoke on prison problems.
Lon Jones and Bob Sill have joined the
Universal praisery as unit publicists.
COLLECTOR'S ITEM — Shown here
with his tenth BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon
Award is Mervyn LeRoy, veteran producer-director,
who received his latest
Blue Ribbon when the National Screen
Council voted MGHI's "Rose Marie" the
"best picture of the month for the whole
family" to go into release during April.
Shortly after completing the Cinema-
Scope musical, LeRoy terminated a longtime
association with MOM to return to
AVamer Bros., where he is preparing a
Greer Carson starrer, "Strange Lady in
Town," as his first assignment.
'Karamoja' Premiere
To Sebaslopol, Calii.
HOLLYWOOD—A July 2 world premiere in
Sebastopol, Calif., has been set for "Karamoja."
feature-length color film photographed
in Africa and being released by Hallmark
Productions. The subject, photographed by
Dr. and Mrs. William B. Treutle of Sebastopol,
has been booked into the Analy Theatre in
that community, with another Hallmark release.
Quentin Reynolds' "Half-Way to Hell,"
also on the program.
"Silver Lode," Technicolor western produced
by Benedict Bogeaus for RKO distribution,
began a three-theatre prerelease engagement
Thursday (10) at the Royal, Miami
and Variety theatres in Miami Beach and will
open Wednesday 116) at Keith's Memorial in
Boston. The galloper goes into general release
Wednesday (23).
Honors 'Gray Line' Makers
HOLLYWOOD—Honoring the makers of
Columbia's recently completed "The Long
Gray Line," which was lensed largely on location
at the U.S. military academy, the
West Point Society of Los Aiigeles will hold
a luncheon Tuesday il5) at the University
club. Guests will include Jerry Wald, Columbia
executive producer: John Ford, who directed;
Robert Ai-thur, who produced, and
Edward Hope, who wrote the screenplay. The
CinemaScope-Technicolor opus co-stars
Tyrone Power and Maui'een O'Hara.
Film Folk to Aid Fund
HOLLYWOOD—With guilds, unions and the
Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers cooperating,
a film telling the Community Chest
story has been scheduled for lensing in time
to be shown throughout the Los Angeles
area before and during the Chest's 1954 fundraising
drive. Y. Frank Freeman. Paramount
studio head and AMPP board chairman, ai'-
ranged for the picture to be filmed on the
Paramount lot. It will be produced by Carey
Wilson and directed by John Farrow, using
film supplied gratis by Eastman.
Rex Allen Starts Tour
HOLLYWOOD—With the Wednesday (9)
opening of a four-day engagement in Lubbock,
Tex.. Rex Allen, western film and recording
star, is resuming an intensive schedule
of personal appearances. The Lubbock
date wiU be followed by bookings at nightclubs,
rodeos and one-night stands throughout
the U.S. and Canada during the summer.
BOXOFFICE :
: June
12. 1954 39

: June
'
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
20th Century-Fox
With proceeds going to the Son Diego Boys club,
a special showing of "Demetrius ond the Gladiators"
was held at the Fox Theatre there. On hand for
^>__i"_..__
personal appearances were DEBRA PAGET, MICHAEL

—
—
National Installing CS
In Territory Theatres
DENVER—Manager Joe Stone reports that
National Theatre Supply is installing Cinema-
Scope at the Flatu-on in Boulder, in addition
to the following out-of-state theatres:
Montana—Orpheum, Havre; Liberty, Wolf
Point: Rose, Glendive, and the Falls, Great
Falls.
New Mexico—The Gila and Silco, Silver
City, and the Odeon, Tucumcari.
Wyoming—The Grand, Lander; Dogie, Newcastle:
the America, Casper, and the Cody,
Cody.
South Dakota—The Belle, Belle Fourche,
and the Elks, Rapid City.
National is also installing new American
Seating Co. Bodiform seats in the Alameda,
Denver, and the Chief, Colorado Springs.
H. Dohrmann Transferred
SPRINGFIELD, ORE. — Harrison Dohrmami.
now handling Western Amusement interests
in Portland, has been reassigned here
where he will manage the McKenzle, Varsity
and Cascade Drive-In theatres, it was announced
by Jack Baldock, Western's district
manager. Dohrmami previously managed the
McKenzie from 1947 to 1949.
Remodels Lyric Theatre
CHALLIS, IDA.—W. L. Stratton has remodeled
his Lyric Theatre in preparation for
a wide screen installation. Included in the
renovation program were improvements in
the ventilation and heating system and the
removal of the proscenium to make way for
the larger wall-to-wall curtain.
William A. Conlin Dead
RENO. NEV.—William A. Conlin, maintenance
director for the T&D Theatres here
and in Las Vegas, died after a short illness.
He is survived by his wife, two brothers and
three sisters.
Installs Walker Screen
ST. JOHNS, ORE.—Jesse Jones of the St.
Johns Theatre completed the installation of
a Walker curved seamless screen and a
new wide angle KoUmorgen lens.
GS for Sunnyside
SUNNYSIDE, WASH.—Tom Clark, manf
ager of the Liberty Theatre, repyorts that
J Cinemascope equipment along with four-
. track magnetic stereophonic sound has been
installed.
Wide Screen at Ilwaco
ILWACO. WASH.—The Interstate Theatre
Equipment Co. of Portland has installed a
new wide screen at the Long Beach Theatre.
Manager Tim Williams reports that the new
screen measures 12x23 feet.
Ketchikan to Be Filmed in Alaska
HOLLYWOOD—Arrangements for filming
"Ketchikan," the Lindsley Parsons production
for Allied Artists release, on location in
Alaska will be made by John H. Burrows,
associate producer on the Mark Stevens
starrer. Burrows will take off for Alaska
next week. The action drama, penned by
Warren Douglas, is set for a mid-July start.
THERE
isn't a dry eye on that thar
Hollywood range. The Reno chamber
of commerce has cancelled its fifth annual
Reno Silver Spurs award, and in so
doing tried snidely and unsuccessfully to
make Alan Ladd the heavy in the sagebrush
tragedy.
The shootin' came about this way:
In a broadside marked by a bitterness of
tone not usually associated with a chamber
of commerce of whatever community, the
Reno organization said its scheduled late-
May Silver Spurs presentation ceremonies
had been scratched because Ladd, hailed as
1953's outstanding western star for his performance
in Paramount's "Shane." assertedly
made all kinds of unreasonable demands
including a "substantial gratuity" to make
the personal appearance there. He accepted,
all right, said the chamber, but in addition
to the alleged "gratuity" requested that
"several personal guests" of his also be accommodated.
At a result of the cancellation, Ladd was
deprived of a truly munificent aggregation
of paraphernalia with which he was to have
been presented — including Silver Spurs
trophies, white Stetson sombreros, Indian
headdresses and other items.
This department knows not—and cares less
—whether Ladd requested remuneration for
the personal appearance. If he did, he rates
nothing but admiration therefor. It's high
time that ranking motion picture personalities,
who give so generously of their time
and talents—their sole stock in trade—to
patriotic and charitable endeavors, draw the
line as concerns ventures aimed at publicizing
and promoting unqualifiedly commercial
products or localities. And there is no gainsaying
that the Nevada community is that
in spades; that it had much more to gain
publicitywise through Ladd's appearance than
did the star himself.
So the master minds of the "biggest little
city in the world" seem to have seven-outed
when they took picks on Ladd. Anyway,
Alan's already got a pair of spurs and a
Stetson sombrero.
Reported as an independent venture being
produced by one Henry K. McCune, with
Angela Lansbury in the starring role, Ls an
opus tagged "Thousand Dollar Bill."
That's grand!
There can be no doubt that RKO Radio
and/or Howard Hughes have been a significant
factor in the building of the Super-
Scope anamorphic photographic and projection
process developed by Joseph and Irving
Tushinsky. But to what extent and exactly
why, nobody—even unto Hughes' studio
drumbeaters—seems to be able or willing to
reveal. During the time that SuperScope
was experiencing its growing-pains period,
the Brudern Tushinsky headquartered on the
RKO lot, and what small, fragmentary,
largely conjectural news that was printed
thereon leaked out of that film emporium.
But publicity chieftain Perry Lieber and his
crew averredly knew from nothing about
what was happening, or RKO's part therein
—if any.
Came then the recent occasion when Super-
Scope was to be demonstrated for southland
showmen, brass from other studios and the
Hollywood pre.ss. Invitations to the event,
staged at the Wiltern Theatre, were issued
by National Screen Service, distributors of
SuperScope equipment; but RKO's publicity
department was on hand virtually en masse,
including Praise Pundit Perry himself. Everybody,
that is, except a studio photographer
to snap pictures of the many prominent
exhibitors who attended the clambake. Such
logical approach to tradepaper news collumns
was too obvious for the space-snatching
sycophants.
So the conclusion is inescapable that
Hughes and company, somewhere or somehow,
have an interest of some kind in Super-
Scope. Which injects a loud note of irony
into the fact that "The Conqueror," currently
before the cameras and unquestionably
the most ambitious and opulent filmmaking
venture essayed by RKO in many
months, is being shot in CinemaSccpe.
Hollywood is become more and more
reminiscent of Mark Twain's celebrated village—where
everyone garnered a livelihood
by taking in everybody's else's washing
when one gossip columnist dusts off his
superlatives to report the "splashy soiree"
staged by another keyholer, Hedda Hopper
(Bertie McCormick's film front gal) for a
duo of Hearstlings.
Alex Evelove advises that his public relations
firm has been retained to represent
a forthcoming national monthly picture
magazine called Wisdom, and allegedly to be
devoted "to the presentation of knowledge
and understanding through pictures."
Is it too much to hope for anxious Alex
that some of it will rub off?
Minutiae from Howard Strickling's Rover
Boys informs that "Mrs. Mildred Knopf, wife
of MOM producer Edwin H. Knopf, is in
Europe . . . collecting famous recipes for a
new edition of the Perfect Hostess Cook
Book, which she authored several years ago."
A recipe or two for making good pictures
might help.
Teet Carle's statisticians come up with
the absorbing mathematical intelligence that
Cecil B. DeMille computes that "one word of
dialog in a script means one foot of film
regardless of how much wordless action
occurs."
So, if the script repeated "Yes, Mr. De-
Mille" 4,000 times, he'd have a movie—and
Dr. Einstein, move over.
In the works are "Five Bridges to Cross"
(XJ-I) and "Many Rivers to Cross" (MGM).
Just another double-cross for Cinemania's
annals.
BOXOFnCE June 12, 1954 41

C'X^ecutUfe.
East: James R. Grainger, president of RKO,
planed to Gotham to attend a meeting of the
board of dii-ectors.
* * *
East: Steve Broidy, Allied Ai'tists president,
left by train for New York for conferences
with eastern executives including
Edward Morey and Morey R. Goldstein, vicepresidents,
and Norton V. Ritchey, president
of AA International. Following the huddles,
Broidy planned to continue on to London.
Harold Mii-isch, vice-president, who had been
scheduled to accompany Broidy ea.st, postponed
his trip because of illness but was
expected to join the company president in
Manhattan within the next few days.
* * *
West: Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount vicepresident
and studio head, returned from Chicago
after presiding over a midwest demonstration
of the wide-screen VistaVision process
at the Chicago Theatre. The session was
attended by exhibitors, industry representatives
and press, radio and TV contingents.
* *
East: Charles J. Feldman, Universal-International
vice-president and sales head, returned
to his Gotham headquarters after
studio parleys with Edward Muhl. vice-president
in charge of production and other west
coast executives.
* *
East: Herman King of King Bros. Productions
checked out for New York for parleys
with RKO home office executives on "Carnival
Story," which RKO is distributing. King will
head for Europe after concluding the eastern
conferences.
* * *
East: Returning from his first series of
nationwide conferences with Allied States
exhibitor organizations regarding his plan to
turn out a series of 12 features for Allied
playdates. Producer Hal R. Makelim left
again almost immediately—this time his destination
being Dallas.
« « *
East: Frank Ross, 20th-Fox producer, and
his actre.ss-wife, Joan Caulfield, planed east
en route to Europe for a three-month holiday.
^^unf-eU^nA,
East: Edward Small, independent producer
whose theatrical celluloid has been distributed
through United Ai-tists, left for
Gotham on a two-week business trek. He will
confer with UA's eastern brass on releasing
plans for his product and also will huddle
with sales executives of Television Programs
of America, of which Small is board chairman.
* 4 «
East: Charles Schnee, MGM producer,
planed to New York for a week's .stay to interview
Broadway actors being considered for
roles in his next project, "The Pi-odigal."
* * *
East: David Flose, who will produce; David
Lewis, the associate producer, and Edward
Dmytryk, who is to direct "The aid of the
Affair," under the banner of Coronado Productions
for Columbia release, checked out
for London to start preparations for filming
the Deborah Kerr starrer.
* *
West: Twentieth-Fox executives including
Spyros Skouras, president; Al Lichtman, in
charge of sales: Joseph H. Moskowitz, vicepresident
and eastern studio representative,
and Miuray Silverstone, international division
chief, arrived from New York for a two-week
studio stay to gander new product and confer
with Darryl F. Zanuck, vice-president in
charge of production.
* * *
West: Alfred E. Daff, executive vice-president
of Universal-International, checked in
from New York for studio conferences.
* * *
West: A. J. Petel, head of a film studio
and laboratory in Bombay, India, arrived for
a sui-vey of the local picture making scene.
* * *
West: Due in over the weekend from New
York were Nicholas Schenck, pi-esident of
Loew's, Inc., accompanied by Charles Moskowitz,
Howai-d Dietz and Charles Reagan,
to view newly completed MGM product and
confer with Dore Schary, studio head.
* + *
West: Nunnally Johnson, 20th-Fox producer-director-writer,
returned from Manhattan
after completing second-unit work on
"Black Widow."
RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE PLANNER 1
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATK
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 24, Mo.
Gentlemen:
stalled.
6-12-
Please enioll us in your RESEARCH BURE/
to receive information regularly, as released,
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
n Acoustica
Q Air Conditioning
n Architectural Service
"Black" Lighting
n Building Material
n Carpets
n Coin Machines
n Complete Remodeling
Decorating
G Drink Dispensers
n Drive-In Equipment
D Other Subjects .
n Lighting Fixtures
n Plumbing Fixtures
n Projectors
n Projection Lamps
n Seating
n Signs and Marquees'
n Sound Equipment
n Television ||
n Theatre Fronts
Vending Equipment
Tunisia Uses U.S. Films
In the year 1953 there were 475 feature
films imported into Tunisia of which 40 per
cent were United States films.
ALWAYS
I
QOOU\
LOOK TO
FOR THE FINEST
ANNOUNCEMENT
1327 S. Waknk Cliict(*. "I' (30 Ninlli kit. Htm Yait. N. Y.
WE CAN SELL YOUR THEATRE
SUBURBAN HOMES CO.
THEATRE SALES DIVISION
CALL- IRV BOWRON -WHITE
Ph. PR. 4-3275
274S-S.E. aZnd
KE. 1374
Portland 66, Ore.
Building 500-Car Drive-In
YAKIMA, WASH.—A.
M. "Bud" Anderson
has begun construction of a 500-car Country
Theatre airer. It will have a cafeteria style
snack bar.
RCA Wide Screen Installed
SEATTLE, WASH.—A new RCA wide
.screen has been installed at the Burien
Theatre, according to Manager Bob Anderson.
Oregon House Adds Wide Screen
REDMOND, ORE. — A new wide-curved
Dyna-Lite screen has been installed in the
Odem Theatre here, according to Ray Benscoter,
the manager.
CENTRALIA, WASH. — The Twin City
Drive-In installed a wide screen with lenses
supplied by Bausch & Lomb. New generators,
hinip houses and projectors also were in-
Theatre
Seating
Address. ,
Capacity.
'
Postage paid reply cards tor your further conYenien(
in obtaining information ore provided in Tfie MODER
THEATRE Section, publislied with the tint issue
each month. 1,
42 BOXOFTICE
:
: June
12, 1954

;
LITIGATION,
FILM SHORTAGES
TOPICS OF NORTHWEST TOA
Head Tide of Problems/
Exhibitors Are Told
By Reade and Levy
By ROBERT H. ANDERSON
SEATTLE—Costly litigation and product
shortage, with their consequent higher rentals,
head "a rising tide of distributor problems"
facing exhibitors which point to the
urgency of the need for better interindustry
relations, according to Walter A. Reade jr.,
president, and Herman Levy, general counsel
of the Theatre Owners of America.
The TOA executives spoke at the convention
here in the Olympia hotel of the Theatre
Owners of Washington, Northern Idaho and
Alaska Tuesday and Wednesday. Reade and
Levy flew into this Rotary-packed convention
city Monday night with Albert M. Plckus,
TOA vice-president; Roy Cooper, TOA director
from San Francisco, and Joe Rosenfeld
of Favorite Amusement Co. Levy, Pickus,
Cooper and Rosenfeld met Reade's plane in
Spokane.
WILL J.
CONNER ARRANGED
Thanks to the efforts of Will J. Conner,
executive vice-president of John Hamrick
Theatres, reservations were obtained for the
TOA heads even though the town had been
sold out for weeks for the Rotary International
convention.
In a gay mood, Reade jumped right into the
problems facing the exhibitors today and after
a quick round of the town, interviews and
preparations of notes, greeted the more than
100 members who attended the luncheon at
the Olympia Bowl in his honor.
He wasted no time in denouncing the rising
tide of distributor problems facing exhibitors,
and called for a strong, united front in coping
with the situation. Relations with what
he called "the forces of distribution" must be
improved, he said, and the distributor must
be made "to realize that the little businessman
is and always has been the back bone
of our national economy."
PRAISES ORGANIZATIONS
The head of TOA drove home the point
that it was due to the strong aggressive efforts
of exhibitor organizations that the federal
tax on admissions was relaxed.
"The recent fight with 20th Century-Fox
on presentation of stereophonic sound in
theatres was solved due to a strong organization
aJl fighting for the common good," he
said.
"No longer do people mention that they
have not been to a theatre for a year or
two," he said, "but instead now are discussing
this featiu-e, that technique and rising
young stars. We must continue to feed such
thoughts and thinking to get people back into
the habit of attending the theatres."
Touching on all subjects from insurance
rates to television, Reade also admonished
exhibitors to improve the appearance of their
theatres and return to the days of real
service.
He said the forthcoming meeting in Los
Angeles June 17-19 will tackle the problem
Active in Exhibitor Convention at Seattle
of production in an effort to promote a better
supply of films to theatres. "The scarcity
of film is becoming a serious problem to the
exhibitor," Reade continued, "and we must
tackle this problem with vigor."
More emphatic in his drive against the distributors
tactics, Herman Levy told the members:
"I wonder how many of you realize
that there are today more than 200 antitrust
suits pending in the motion picture industry
involving claims for damages in excess of 500
million dollars. I wonder how many of you
realize that millions of dollars a year are
spent by distribution as a result of litigation
and in the payments of judgments, settlements
and verdicts, and that the exhibitors
of this country are compelled by distribution
to foot the bill of that litigation in the form
of increased film rental."
Calling for an industry system of arbitration
to improve distributor-exhibitor relations.
Levy emphasized that such a system
would bring exhibitors and distributors
around the conference table, "which is the
way trade disputes should be solved."
"The time has come," he continued, "for
distribution to recognize that motion picture
theatres are more than just brick and mortar;
that they are operated by good honest people
who have invested millions of dollars in them
that this in an interdependent industry and
that because of that fact injury to one segment
means injury to the entire industry.
"When distributors adopt a policy of
scarcity
of products primarily because of the lure
of the fast dollar, they give the kiss of death
to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of theatres
which can survive only with a steady flow of
good product and with some semblance of
an inventory."
J. M. Hone, executive secretary of the local
unit, introduced the members of the local
council, including Conner; William Thedford,
vice-president of Evergreen Theatres,
William Thedford
John Hamrick
Frank Newman
Fred Danz
Among
and Fred Danz of Sterling Theatres.
others present were Mayor Allen Pomeroy of
Seattle; John Hamrick, president of John
Hamrick Theatres; Prank Newman sr., president
of Evergreen Theatres; B. F. Shearer,
president of B. F. Shearer Co., and H. B.
Sobottka, vice-president of Hamrick Theatres.
The crowd of more than 100 from Washington,
northern Idaho and Alaska in an
open .session quizzed the TOA heads on
trends of the industry and what part the
individual theatre manager could play in
aiding the many problems yet to be solved.
Elections and resolutions were not undertaken
at the conference, but as indicated
by President Reade, it was to brief the
members on activities of the organization and
get a firsthand account of local area problems
to complete the over-all national picture.
"Much work is still to be done in the
battles that confront the industry," Reade
concluded, "and it is just as much the responsibility
of the operator in a small town
to carry his sh'are as the operators in the
larger situations."
BOXOFFICE June 12, 1954 43

,
. . Larry
. . The
. . Eddie
. . . Sammy
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
'High and Mighty' Hits 235 Per Cent
In Second Week at Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES—"The High and the
Mighty," in its second stanza, remained far
out in front of the balance of the first run
field with a sizzling 235 per cent, the only
other comparatively bright spots being "Three
Coins in the Fountain," hitting a 145 per
cent pace in its seeond week, and a healthy
125 per cent recorded by "Gog" in its opener.
(Average Is 100)
Chinese River of No Return (20th-Fox), 5th wk.
. 80
Egyptian The High and the Mighty (WB),
2nd wk
El Rey—One Summer of Happiness (Favorite),
235
16th wk 60
Fine Arts Genevieve (U-l), 9th wk 50
Four Stor A Queen's Royol Tour (UA) 100
Fox Ritz Sunderln (Cellini), 2nd wk 85
Fox Wilshire Three Coins in the Fountain
(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 145
Hawaii, Palace Flame and the Flesh (MGM),
2nd wk 75
Htllstreet, Pontages Indiscretion of an American
Wife (Col); Massacre Canyon (Col), 2nd wk 60
Hollywood, Downtown Poramounts—Gog (UA)...125
Orpheum, Vogue Elephant Walk (Para), plus,
Orpheum only. Undercover Agent (LP), 2nd wk. . 1 1
State, Uptown The Westerner (RKO); Dead End
(RKO), reissues 85
United Artists, Ins Yellow Tomahawk (UA);
Monster From the Ocean Floor (LP) 75
Warners Beverly Knock on Wood (Paro), 9th wk. 85
Warners Downtown, Wiltern The Long Wait (UA);
Overland Pacific (UA), 2nd wk
Warners Hollywood This Is Cinerama (Cineroma),
58th wk
'High and Mighty' Breaks Records
At San Francisco Paramount
SAN FRANCISCO—The Paramount Theatre
broke a house record with "The High
and the Mighty," which opened for its world
premiere. It made a tremendous 225 per cent.
Right in there keeping time with the top
grosser was the return engagement of "Gone
With the Wind" at Loew's Warfield, which
rated a neat 200.
Fox Three Coins in the Fountain (20th-Fox) . . . . 1 1 5
Golden Gote Black Horse Canyon (U-l) 70
Warfield Gone With the Wind (MGM) 200
Paramount The High and the Mighty (WB) ...225
St, Froncis Indiscretion of on American Wife
(Col), 2nd wk 90
United Artists Witness to Murder (UA) 90
"Three Coins' in Second Week
Leads Denver Grosses
DENVER — "Three Coins in the Fountain,"
in its second week at the Centre, practically
equaled the first week's business, and was
held. "Indiscretion of an American Wife"
was good at the Paramount, but other business
was somewhat off.
Aladdin Make Haste to Live (Rep); The Quiet
Man (Rep) 80
Centre Three Coins in the Fountain (20th-Fox),
2nd wk 130
Denhom Elephant Wolk (Paro), 3rd wk 90
Denver, Esquire Witness to Murder (UA); Song of
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the Lond (UA) 50
Orpheum Student Prince (MGM); Stormy
(Beuna Vista), 2nd wk 90
_ _
Poromount Indiscretion of on American Wife
(Col); Saracen Blodc (Col) HO
Tabor Cot Women of the Moon (Astor); Four
Sided Triangle (Astor) 40
Three Coins' Scores 225
In Seattle Opening
SEATTLE—"Three Coins in
opened at the Fifth Avenue to
the Fountain"
a smash first
week with 225 per cent. "The Long Wait,"
paired with "The Iron Glove," chalked up a
strong 150 at the close of its first week at the
Paramount. It was followed closely by the
combination, "Secret of the Incas" and
"Bitter Creek," vi^hich closed a second week
at the Coliseum with 140.
Blue Mouse Johnny Guitar (Rep), 2nd wk 115
Coliseum Secret of the Incas (Para); Bitter Creek
(AA), 2nd wk MO
Fifth Avenue Three Coins in the Fountain
(20th-Fox) 225
Liberty Fireman Save My Child (U-l); Drums
Across the River (U-l) 95
Music Box—Genevieve (U-l), 2nd wk 80
Music Hall Flome and the Flesh (MGM) 95
Paramount The Long Woit (UA); The Iron Glove
(Col) 150
DENVER
Jlrthur DeBra, director of community and
exhibitor relations of the ]V[otion Picture
Ass'n of America, spoke to the Rotary club
and suggested that Denver needed an active
motion picture council . Cinema Study
club gave Variety Tent 37 a $600 check for
the tent's supported child's speech clinic at
the University of Denver . Specht,
recently named manager of the Ritz. is an
accomplished organist and has instituted
daily organ recitals at the theatre. Specht
started playing back in the silent days.
. . .
.
Jerry Curran has been named assistant
manager at the Aladdin Janice Saville,
cashier, and Brent Jepson, projectioni.st, both
of the Chief, Pocatello, Ida., were married
last week Goodenough and Al
Nieto have been made assistant managers
Helen Spiller, manager of
at the Denver . - .
the Esquire, and Robert Nelson were terrorized
by a gunman who forced them to give
him a a sack containing $50 in change money.
They then convinced the thug that they could
not open the safe and he fled.
Robert Patrick, Preferred Pictures exchange
owner, went to Albuquerque on a sales trip
Kelly Baione, formerly of this area and
. . .
now manager of the Cottage, Tempe, Ariz.,
was in during his vacation renewing acquaintances
Merle Gwinn is installing Cinema-
. . . Scope in the Zorn, Benkelman, Neb., with
the sale and installation being made by
Western Service & Supply.
Theatre folk seen on Filmrow included
Larry Starsmore, Colorado Springs; Elden
Menagh, Fort Lupton: Glitt Butler, Albuquerque;
Glenn Wittstruck, Meeker; Lyle
Myers, Yuma: George McCormick, Canon
City, and R. L. Stanger, Windsor.
Reuben Stroh, owner of the Nuggett,
Telluride, has bought the Mesa, Norwood,
from James Odle.
SEATTLE
•The Jack Benny show, set for the Met in
July, already is sold out . . - Al Larpenteur,
Northwe.st Releasing Corp. salesman, is in
eastern Washington Hal Baetz, former
city manager for
. . .
Sterling and now owner
and operator of the Ballard Theatre, will
feature a .special children's matinee program
for the siunmer The New York City
Ballet opened
. . .
at the Orpheum June 10 . . .
"Magnificent Obsession" is scheduled for
screening at the Music Hall Tuesday (15) . . .
Mrs. Charles O'Connel of the recently reopened
Diamond in Black Diamond was on
the Row. as was Eldon Pollock, down from
Mount Vernon.
.
Chilt and Lola Robinett were in town for
two weeks and left Friday (4i for San Francisco.
Robinett repre.sents J. Arthur Rank
in the western territory, which includes everything
west of Chicago . Joe Wright, assistant
division manager
.
for the Army and
Air Force Motion Picture Service, was up from
San Francisco and contacted ai-my and air
force installations in the Seattle ai-ea. He
also checked into the Cinemascope installations
now going in at Fort Lewis and McChord
field.
Joe Kosenfield, Post. Liberty and Granada
theatres, was over from Spokane. He reports
that the old Liberty will close June 30 and
will be remodeled into a store . . . Mr. and
Mrs. Guy Spencer left for the east, where they
will attend graduation exercises of their son
Donald at Harvard university . . . Mike Barovic.
with theatres in Puyallup. Sumner. Tacoma
and the Fife Drive-In. escaped serious
Injury when his car was smashed in an accident.
. . .
John Kent, Paramount salesman, is on a
two-week .sellmg trip in eastern Washington
Siegel. Columbia fieldman. is
leaving soon for a New York vacation
Flecent negotiations assure the Paramount
three of the biggest attractions of the season.
Due to open June 16 is "Demetrius and the
Gladiators." It will be followed by "The
Caine Mutiny," then by "Knock on Wood" . . .
Willard Couglin. Warner Bros, fieldman, retm-ned
from San Francisco where he handled
the world premiere of "The High and the
Mighty."
Chuck Charles Is Named
Booker for Jesse Jones
PORTLAND—Chuck Charles, veteran Oregon
and Washington theati-eman. has been
appointed buyer and booker for Jesse Jones
Theatres. Charles moved to Portland this
week from Bellingham where he has been in
the contracting business.
He was associated with B. F. Shearer Co.
in Seattle and with the Jensen Von Herberg
circuit in Seattle and Portland. His last Portland
position was in 1925.
Tom Tom to R. J. O'Donnell
HOLLYWOOD—Robert Fellows and Humphrey
Bogart will speak at the Publicists
Guild's second annual Tom Tom award
luncheon Thursday (17». The award will be
presented to R. J. O'Donnell. general manager
of the Interstate circuit in Texas.
BOXOFFICE
:: June 12, 1954

:
June
. . Hospitalized
. . Plugging
LOS ANGELES
Injuries received in an automobile accident
sent Dean Hyskell, Fox West Coast advertising
executive, to Queen of Angels hospital
with a broken hip . for minor
surgery was Edith Samansky, bookkeeper for
the Dietrich-Feldstein circuit . . . Ben Goldberg
of Goldberg Film Delivery left the hospital
to complete his recuperation at home.
Vacationing here were Ben Maixus, Columbia
midwest district manager, with headquarters
in Kansas City, and his daughter
Joyce . . . Mr. and Mrs. Jules Seder (he
operates the Encino Theatre in Encino) took
off for New York to attend the 50th wedding
anniversai-y celebration of Mrs. Seder's parents
. . . Ben Kalmenson, Warner sales chief,
and Roy Haines, his assistant, checked in
from New York.
The new biller at the Warner office is
Shii-ley Golub . . . Booking and buying visitors
glimpsed along the Row included Johnny
Bannerman of Milt Arthui''s Cabart chain
in the Long Beach area; Joe Moritz, operator
of the Boulevard in East Los Angeles; Jack
Goldman, Aero Theatre, Santa Monica, and
Hugh McKee of the Montrose in Montrose . . .
Nick Estrada, who operates a Spanish-film
booking service, took off on a trip to San
Jose and Sacramento.
Vacationing in San Pi-ancisco for a week
were Jack Goldberg of the Eastland circuit
and wife . . . Lloyd Ownby, National Theatre
Supply vice-president and western division
chief, retm'ned from a trip to Kansas City,
Omaha and New York . its current
bill, "Three Coins m the Fountain," the Fox
Wilshire Theatre has installed a fountain
in the lobby. Coins deposited therein by patrons
are earmai-ked for charity.
Services were held for Joseph Bauer, 79,
pioneer west coast showman who retired a
decade ago. He entered show business in San
Fi-ancisco early In the century and was for
many years associated with the late Alexander
Pantages ... A capacity throng of more
than 500 attended the recent second annual
spring dance tossed by the Filmi-ow club. In
charge of arrangements was Fi-ank Prince,
Fox West Coast executive and club president
. . . Charles P. Skouras, president of National
Theatres, and wife returned from a five-week
Hawaiian holiday.
Charles Skouras Extends
Helping Hand to Churches
LOS ANGELES—Charles P.
Skouras, president
of National Theatres and Fox West
Coast, who was in the forefront among fundraisers
in the construction of St. Sophia,
Greek Orthodox cathedi-al here, now is lending
a helping hand to Greek Orthodox piarishes
In other communities in the southland,
including Long Beach. Bakersfield and San
Diego.
Drive-In Nears Opening
ROSEBURG, ORE.—The drive-in
now being
built here by Myrtle Creek investors
neared completion with the erection of its
wide screen.
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VALE, ORE.—Installation of a wide screen
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BOXOFFICE
:
12, 1954 45

. . Joseph
. . The
. . New
: June
85 Theatremen Initiate
Oregon Branch of TOA
PORTLAND—Eighty-five theatre owners
and operators from citias throughout Oregon
and southern Washington gathered Wednesday
(9) at the Benson hotel here to start or-
Roy Cooper
Art Adamson
ganization of an Oregon unit of the Theatre
Owners of America.
The session was called by Art Adamson of
the Adamson circuit in Oregon and Washington
to ijitroduce the national TOA executives
and to call the theatre owners' attention to
the advantages of forming a chapter here.
The all-day session was headed by Roy
Cooper of San Francisco, west coast vicepresident
of TOA. Cooper gave his audience
a picture of theatre business, and reported
that an upswing was in sight nationally. He
assured the group that a TOA chapter here
would help business by giving theatre owners
a means of sharing mutual problems and
learning a solution from each other.
Cooper introduced Albert Pincus of Stamford,
Comi., vice-president of TOA, and Walter
Reade jr., Jersey City, N.J., president.
Reade outlined the purpose of the national
organization, gave a report on taxation legislation
and discussed new developments in
sound, sci-eens and projection. He voiced
gi-eat optimLsm for the future of the industry.
Herman Levy, New York, general counsel
for TOA, predicted that arbitration will become
a reality in the near future.
By unanimous vote, a 15-man board of directors
was elected to organize an Oregon
group which eventually will become strong
enough to become a TOA chapter. Adamson
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stressed the point that such an organization
is desperately needed in Oregon.
The board includes Adamson, with Leo
Pallay as alternate: Tom Walsh, J. J. Parker
Theatres; Russ Brown, Evergreen Theatres:
Marvin Fox, John Hamrick Theatres: Al
Porman, United Theatres: Jesse Jones, Jesse
Jones Theatres; Jack Lovett, Oregon Film
Cooperative; Lee Corbin, Lippert Theatres:
Bill Graeper, Graeper Theatres; Ray Grombacher.
Squire Theatre, with M. M. Mesher,
Paramount Theatre, as his alternate; Tom
Blair, Western Amusement; Roy Brown,
Brown Booking Agency, and Walter Tibbets,
Portland theatre owner.
Following the session, most of those attending
were guests of James Beale at a
tradescreening of "The Caine Mutiny," held
at the Esquire Theatre.
Combined Walk-In Drive-In
Being Built at Denver
DENVER—The ninth drive-in in this area
is being built southwest of town by R. L.
Stanger, owner of the Windsor in Windsor,
Colo., and Cecil Willars of Denver. Willars
owned the land. The new ozoner will be
called the Evand Walk-In Drive-In.
It will have an initial capacity of about
500 cars, with an enclosed auditorium seating
120 on the first floor of a planned twostory
structure. In time they plan to build
a second story that will take care of another
200 walk-ins. The ozoner will start the
winter with 100 car heaters also.
Also on the first floor of the main buUding
will be the booth and a 25x30-foot concession
area. The screen will be 48x96 feet,
one of the largest screens in the Rocky
mountain area. Cinemascope is being installed,
but stereophonic sound will not be
included yet. The double ramp system for
parking cars will be used, and Motiograph
sound, projectors and speakers, installed by
Ted Knox, are being used.
The theatre will be on seven and a half
acres. Later a business building will be buUt
against the screen, since the area is in a
business district, and the screen is near the
street.
SAN FRANCISCO
Otephen Bosustow, cartoon chief of United
Productions of America, spoke at an Ai-t
in Cinema meeting at the Museum of Art
last week . Bauer, one of the bright
lights of early San Francisco theatrical history,
died on a train recently en route from
Los Angeles to Chicago. Bauer was the owner
of the old Wigwam Theatre. In 1906 after the
earthquake, he and Ralph Pincus scrounged a
tent and some benches and set up what was
to become the Wigwam. Pincus, now of San
Anselmo, recalled that the opening night
crowd was so large it simply shoved aside
the ticket .seller and pre-empted the tent.
Bauer and Pincus .sold out in 1925, and ten
years ago Bauer moved to Los Angeles with
his
wife.
.
. .
John Aquila, owner of the Roxy Theatre
since last November, has instituted many
innovations. As a matter of record, the folks
at St. Helena so appreciate his showmanship
they have saluted his accomplishments in
their local newspaper . . . William H. Strange
has taken over as manager of the State, succeeding
Art Young. Strange, who has been
assistant at the Seavue in Sharp Park, has
been in the theatre business for 21 years. He
was manager of a Selma theatre for 17 years.
Arnold Munson is the new assistant at the
Seavue American Civic Liberties
Union protested against the banning in Richmond
of the Swedish film, "One Summer of
Happiness" . The Patio Theatre reopened
at Half Moon Bay.
Stan Pooley is the new manager of the
Enean Theatre in Concord. He formerly was
associated with Stanley Warren and managed
several de luxe houses in the south. His
career started at the age of 14 when he was
a night usher ... A $100,000 remodeling program
is under way at the old State Theatre
in Stockton. It will be reopened as the
Esquire in about 60 days, according to Joseph
Blumenfeld. The renovation includes a 50-
new seats,
foot wide Cinemascope screen, all
a rocking chair loge section, air conditioning,
new lighting, carpets and drapes.
.
.
. . Mrs. L.
Along the Row were M. Stanatopoulis, retired
exhibitor; Ray Harvey; Mr. and Mrs.
Gilgert of the Grove Theatre at Walnut
Grove and Joe Boyd of the California at
Kerman Walter G. Preddey left for
Eui'ope
.
on
.
a pleasure trip Bodde
screens were installed at the Strand, Merced;
Rio, Santa Cruz; the State, Red Bluff,
Alameda
and
the Tower at Willows .
of the Oak PavUion Theatre at Hoopa, Warren
McKoff of the Ritz, Calistoga, and Bill
Blair of the Mecca Theatre at Crescent City
were in, as were George Stam, Antioch;
Jimmy Lima, San Jose, and August Panero
from Delano.
Neal East, Paramount exchange, was up
from his Los Angeles headquarters on a brief
vacation trip . . . The Paramount exchange
was entered by a prowler who departed with
several adding machines and typewriters.
. . . Harry Weaverling has joined
Bob Hazard, UA office manager, returned
from a vacation trip to Detroit and
Chicago
Seen on the
the National Screen staff . . .
Row; Nadine Price, Niles; B. Bish, Clovis; the
two McCoy brothers of the Hollywood Theatre,
Gaimi, and Gordon Allen and Brick Gannon,
who operate drive-ins in Hayward . . .
Charles Moorehead has taken over as manager
of the Blumenfeld Theatre in Pittsburg.
Two Airers Show C'Scope
ST. LOUIS—The first drive-in theatres in
St. Louis county to exhibit Cinemascope
pictures were the North on Highway 99, operated
by Clarence Kaimann and the Wehrenberg
Theatres, and Ronnie's on Lindbergh
boulevard, owned by the Wehrenberg circuit.
"The Robe" showed day and date at the
drive-ins. Huge tilting screens 105 by 41 feet
were installed in both theatres to accommodate
the Cinemascope pictures. The stereophonic
-soundtrack was mixed into one channel.
Bloomfield House Reopens
BIX30MPIELD, MO.—Tlie Edmundson Theatre
reopened after a remodeling program
that included the installation of wide screen.
46 BOXOFFICE
:
12, 1954

—
—
—
——
—
Holdovers Hold Pace
In Good Chicago Week
CHICAGO—A straight bill of holdovers
held grosses at an established pace. Outside
of "This Is Cinerama," currently in its
50th week at Eitel's Palace, "The Long Wait,"
in its second week at the Woods, was a leader.
But, not lagging in popularity were "Three
Coins in the Fountain," in a second week at
the Oriental, and "Dial M for Murder," in a
second week at the Chicago. "Pinocchio"
continued to produce above average grosses
in its eighth week at the Loop.
(Average Is 100)
Carnegie The Pickwick Popers (M-K), 2nd wk...165
Chicago Diol M for Murder (WB), plus stage
revue, 2nd wk 225
Eitel's Palace This Is Cinerama (Cinerama),
50th wk 270
Esquire Executive Suite (MGM), 2nd wk 195
Grand Make Haste to Live (Rep); Chomp for o
Day (Rep), 2nd wk 1 65
McVickers Flame and the Flesh (MGM); Paris
Model (Col), 2nd wk 1 90
Monroe Top Bonana (UA) 200
Oriental Three Coins in the Fountain (20th-Fox),
2nd wk 230
Roosevelt Men of the Fighting Lady (MGM);
Loophole ( AA), 2nd wk 1 60
State Lake River of No Return (20th-Fox},
3rd wk 200
Surf The Final Test (Continental) 1 80
Loop Pinocchio (RKO), reissue, 8th wk 220
United Artists Witness to Murder (UA); The
Golden Mask (UA), 2nd wk 195
Woods The Long Wait (UA), 2nd wk 235
World Playhouse The Overcoat (Procter) 170
Ziegfeld Act of Love (UA) 200
'Wind' Draws Top Money
At Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—That perennial patronpuller,
"Gone With the Wind," was the top
grosser here the past week. Given a promotion
beyond that accorded many first runs
at Loew's Midland, the film classic drew
crowds starting with a 9 a.m. show and closing
at 1 a.m. "Genevieve" was still doing
well at the Kimo in its eighth week, but
grosses were down in the other theatres.
Paramount is bringing "Quo Vadis" back to
town at regular prices.
Esquire Top Banang (UA); Fighting Lowman
(AA) 100
Kimo—Genevieve (U-l), 8th wk 150
Midland Gone With the Wind (MGM), reissue.. 230
Missouri Laughing Anne (Rep); The Untamed
Heiress (Rep) 75
Paramount Dial M for Murder (WB), 2nd wk. . . 1 00
Roxy Rob Roy (RKO) 100
Tower, Uptown, Fairway and Granada River of
No Return (20th-Fox); Miss Robin Crusoe (20th-
Fox), at Tower and Granada, 2nd wk 75
Vogue Tomorrow Is Too Late (Burstyn), 2nd wk, . 90
Indianapolis Trade Improves
With 'Prince' and 'River' Leading
INDIANAPOLIS — Boxof fice receipts improved.
The annual 500-mile race at the
Speedway stimulated theatre business. Theatres
have been well attended especially at
night.
Circle Dial M for Murder (WB) 100
Indiana River of No Return (20th-Fox) 120
Keiths Guy With o Grin (WB) 75
Loew's The Student Prince (MGM) 125
Lyric The Fighting Seabees (Rep); The Flying
Tigers (Rep) 90
Fred M. Walls Installs
Sound for Six Theatres
TOPEKA—Fred M. Walls, sound engineer,
has completed Ballantyne sound equipment
installation at John Brandt's theatre in
Plattsburg, Mo., and has made recent Ballantyne
stereophonic installations at the
Mayflower, Florence, Kas.; Mainstreet, Beloit;
Jess DeLong's Ute, Mankato; New Moon,
Neligh, Neb., and at the Rialto, Loveland,
Colo.
Western Kansas Exhibitors Form
Regional Group; Elect Ted Irwin
Six of the eight directors elected to direct the activities of the Western Kansas
Theatre Owners. Reading left to right, Kay Musselman, Roach Theatre at Lincoln; Ben
Spainhour, Twilight Theatre at Greensburg; Ted Irwin, Electric Theatre at Larned
(president) ; Paul Kicketts, Charm Theatre at Holyrood (secretary-treasurer) ; D. J.
Pelton, Turon Theatre at Turon; Glen Cooper, Cooper Theatre at Dodge City. Not
shown are G. L. Johnson, Lakin Theatre at Lakin and Charles Crocker, Crocker Theatre
at Ulysses.
LARNED, KAS.—Small-town exhibitors in
this area organized the Western Kansas Theatre
Owners at a meeting here last week (11.
In discussing the need for such a group and
the adoption of a constitution for it, members
of the temporary committee made it clear
that the organization was not meant to take
the place of either of the existing exhibitor
associations in the Kansas City territory.
In fact, it was suggested that each exhibitor
m.ember should also have a membership in
either the Allied Independent Theatre Owners
of Kansas and Missouri or the Kansas-
Missouri Theatre Owners Ass'n, "since these
are ever on guard to look after our interests
nationally."
Eight board members were elected, four
for two years and four for one year. They
were Ted Irwin, Larned; G. L. Johnson,
Lakin; Paul Ricketts, Holyrood; Ray Musselman,
Lincoln; Ben Spainhour, Greensburg;
Glen Cooper, Dodge City; D. J. Pelton, Turon
and C. V. Crocker, Ulysses. The directors
then elected Irwin president, Johnson, vicepresident
and Ricketts as secretary-treasurer.
At the morning session held at the Electric
Theatre there was a demonstration of
wide screen and Cinemascope, using the
Gottschalk lens and the Jack L. Warner
special reel outlining Warner production
plans. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and National
Screen Service furnished trailers of forthcoming
top pictures which will be available
in old-fashioned 2-D.
Ab Sher of Exhibitors Film Delivery and
Syd Levy and Jack Winningham of National
Screen Service discussed ways in which they
could improve their services to the exhibitor,
and to take up any difficulties individual
exhibitors had.
The attendance—some 70 since many of
the exhibitors brought their wives—proved
that the small town exhibitor is still in
trouble in spite of the elimination or reduction
of the 20 per cent federal tax. The fact
that a new TV station at Great Bend, with a
1,000-foot tower, will go on the air in early
fall, reaching areas not now getting good
reception, added to the conviction that the
small exhibitor has some stormy weather
ahead.
It was pointed out that there was now
a possibililty that exhibitors would be
threatened with state and local taxes and
should be on guard. Each exhibitor was
advised to get acquainted with his state legislators
so that the groundwork would be
laid if he had to go before them to protest
any tax move. A tax committee composed
(Continued on following page)
Here is a group shot of the meeting in Larned, Kas., of a local exhibitor group which
organized under the name of Western Kansas Theatre Owners. The luncheon was held
at the Blue Goose cafe in Larned on June 1.
BOXOmCE :; June 12, 1954 47

!
—
: June
Kansas Exhibitors
Elect Ted Irwin
(.Continued from preceding page)
of Porter Smith (Coldwatert, Jim Snyder
(Oakley) and Walter Bollinger (Ellinwood)
was appointed to watch thus phase.
In this connection, the secretary was instructed
to write a letter to Senators Schoeppel
and Carlson expressing appreciation for
the fine help they had given on the federal
tax admission. He was also given instructions
to write Colonel Cole, Pat McGee and Robert
Coyne in appreciation of their work with
COMPO.
The constitution calls for thi-ee WKTO
meetings a year. The next one will probably
be held in September.
theSKmrr
attraction
in town
Generally, after
one of our seating
"treatments," your
attraction
theatre has a feature
every show!
Our rehabilitation work is a
delight to patrons as well as to you!
Let
us examine your needs and
estimate the cost for you.
Your show goes on
while we work.
MANUFACTURERS
i''i);iMi r II l> ! I- r ami
siHtiii; ni.sliliins. buck
uiiil Bfat coicrs.
DISTRIBUTORS—
Ul'liiiMiTt l.thili's mill
KciUTal Hpallni; siiplilles.
theatre seat
service co.
160 Hermitage Avenue
Nashville,
Tennessee
Fire at Avenue Theatre
Fails to Panic Patrons
KANSAS CITY, KAS.—Patrons filed out
quickly and in orderly fashion on a recent
night when a tire at the Avenue Theatre was
discovered in a storeroom. Lester C. Rogers,
assistant manager, first saw smoke seeping
from the door of the room on the second floor,
and called to Clarence Bretz, projectionist.
Bretz used the chemical fire extinguisher
and Rogers ran to the boxoffice to telephone
the fire department. Then he turned
on the lights and quietly asked the patrons
to leave.
W. D. Fulton, owner, said the fire department
arrived in less than five minutes and
did a wonderful job, confining the fire to the
storeroom. Bretz had gone into the projection
booth and closed the door when the smoke
got too bad. He was rescued by firemen who
put a ladder from the lobby to a trapdoor
in the floor of the projection booth.
About 400 of the 500 patrons went back
into the theatre after the fire to see the rest
of "Executive Suite." Seven were given refunds
and others received tickets for later
shows. Fulton estimated the damage at about
$2,000.
Mayflower Adds 'Scope
To Keep Record of Firsts
BURNS, KAS.—Karl Gaston claims his
Mayflower Theatre here was the first fine
theatre to be built in Marion county, the
first to install sound, the first to install high
intensity lamps, and now is the first to have
complete Cinemascope on wide screen. The
screen, a Williams 33x13 (the same make as
the one in Radio City's Music Hall), has
been installed. The new sound system is by
Ballantyne and two Bausch & Lomb anamorphic
lenses complete the equipment. During
the past five years, other improvements
have been added such as new seats throughout
the house.
Theatre Backed by C of C
ROSEVILLE, ILL.—In an effort to rejuvenate
local business, the Roseville Chamber
of Commerce is subsidizing Fred Kirby, who
has opened the LaRose Theatre, for Wednesday
and Saturday night showings. The Chamber
leased the house from George Spicer for
$100 a month. Kirby announced he might
keep the theatre open on four other nights
in addition to the two days named. In line
witli the new operation, the Chamber also
voted to keep Ro.seville stores open on
Wednesday night in addition to Saturday
nights.
Theatre Damaged by Fire
WEBB CITY, MO.—The Larsen Theatre
was damaged by fire. Howard Larsen, owner,
estimated the damage at $2,000 to the theatre
and several thousand dollars to the theatre
building. The theatre had not been operated
by Livr.sen since May 1953 when he opened
a drive-in here. He had planned to re-open
the Larsen next fall after remodeling the
building front. He also operates the Civic
Theatre.
Directs Singer's Biography
Curtis Bernhardt will direct MGM's "Interrupted
Melody," film biography of singer
Marjorie Lawrence.
'Gone With the Wind'
Better Than Ever
Kansas City—If this town is any indication
of the public's response to the
reissue of "Gone With the Wind," the
Selznick opus is going to do better than
ever. Playing at advanced prices at the
Midland, running four shows each day
which start at 9 o'clock in the morning
and close at 1 the next morning, GWTW
on w.'de screen is even more of a sensation
than on its previous runs. In fact,
Manager Maurice Druker says it is outgrossing
the 1941 and the 1947 runs, although
not playing to quite as many
admissions.
On Saturday night after it opened on
Thursday (3), the line for the 9 p.m. show
extended around the comer of 13th and
Main to Baltimore. Some who saw the
crowds gave up and planned to attend
later. There are many that come who
remark that this is their fourth or fifth
time to see it. It was interesting to note
this unusually long show holds the attention
throughout in spite of the many
repeats who are seeing it.
Several Managers Shifted
By Commonwealth Circuit
KANSAS CITY—Commonwealth Amusements
here has announced several shifts in
its management personnel.
Doug Lightner has taken over the manager's
job at Commonwealth's Missouri in
Columbia. Bob Spencer, former manager, has
gone into business for himself, headquartering
in Columbia. Lightner comes from the
Wareham at Manhattan, Kas., which has
been taken over by Earl Douglass from Creston.
Iowa and Eldon Harwood has gone to
the Creston house. Harwood was formerly
manager of the Uptown at CarroUton, Mo.
John Newcomer, who was stationed at the
Patee Theatre at Lawrence, Kas., has been
transferred to the Page at Shenandoah, where
he is supervising the installation of Cinema-
Scope equipment.
Dave Forbes Is Building
Drive-In at Crocker, Mo.
CROCKER, MO.— Mr. and Mrs. Dave
Forbes, who at various times operated theatres
in Freeburg and Vienna, Mo., have
started construction on a small drive-in,
probably about 200 cars, about a mile from
the city limits on the road to Iberia. They
hope to have it operating early in July. The
Forbes some time ago announced plans for
a drive-in east and south of Waynesville,
but it is understood their plans for that
project have been abandoned, and instead
they are building the drive-in near here.
Curfew Proposal Killed
KANSAS CITY—The proposed curfew law
here was killed in council meeting Friday
(41 night. Theatre representatives had opposed
it on the ground that it would have
worked a hardship on them should any show
run later than midnight and those under
17 had not been weeded out of the audience.
48 BOXOFFICE
:
12, 1954

L. J. KIMBRIEL
THERE IS
WHEN IT
SOMETHING IN A NAME
STANDS FOR QUALITY
^nat 5 1/1/ku Ujou (^an t Cyo l/l/rona
WITH A
DYNALITE SCREEN
(For those who want to know more about the screen, we can refer you to scores of
RCA screen-users—people like Harley Fryer of Lamar, Mo., who will tell you the RCA
screen is the finest made irrespective of prices).
RCA STEREOSCOPE EQUIPMENT FOR
DRIVE-INS, WITH A SINGLE TRACK
MAGNETIC SOUND SYSTEM
ONLY $1,536!
ALSO, INDOOR RCA STEREOSCOPE
1, 3 OR 4-TRACK SOUND SYSTEMS
Cost Less Than You Think
$2,040 UP.
Kim's Right, Folks
(For example, the beautiful Claco Drive-in is now installing RCA. This classy drive-in
is operated by C. A. Schultz, Les Durland and Nick Sonday. Also, the famous drive-in
circuit. Smith from Boston, is going RCA Stereoscope in Kansas City, St. Louis
and elsewhere).
MISSOURI THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
115 W. 18th Kansas City, Mo. don davis
BOXOFFICE ;
: June
12, 1954 49

. . To
. . . New
. . Shreve
. . Other
. . The
. .
. . Plans
KANSAS CITY
piliotl Hechtman, son of Nat Hechtman of
Capitol Flag & Banner Co., home from
the Missouri university for the summer, has
enrolled at Rockhurst college for some summer
courses to shorten his college career . . .
Also, if you see Finton Jones eyeing the
younger and prettier girls down on the Row,
don't be alarmed. Finton Jones jr. is coming
home on a 17-day leave from hi.s coast guard
station at Eureka, Calif., and told pop he
wanted to meet some new girls . . . Bob Herrell
is pleased to have the first prints available
of Lippert's off-beat documentary, "The
Cowboy." Produced and directed by Elmo
Williams and narrated by Tex Ritter, it is
a 70-minute feature in color which Herrell
feels will appeal to this section's patrons.
Art de Stefano of National Theatre Supply
reports the sale of a Walker screen and Expansa
lenses to G. L. Johnson for his Lakin
(Kas.) Theatre . W. O. and Bill Lenhart
for their Plaza Theatre at Trenton, Mo.,
went a 16x36 Walker High Intensity screen,
also Super Panatar lenses . . . Irving Sochin,
short subjects sales manager for Universal
at the home office, was at the local office
... It was not one of those Kansas twisters
that hit Jack Braunagel's office last Monday
(7). An important letter had been lost
and desks were being ransacked for the missing
piece of paper. Braunagel's pockets were
finally emptied, because that's where the
last missing letter had been hiding.
MGM Manager Bill Gaddoni and wife were
"OUR BUSINESS IS SOUND"
PHONE 3-7225.
TOPEKA
THEATRE SERVICE CO., INC.
827 Wayne TOPEKA. Kansas
RELIABLE SOUND SERVICE PAYS
Dealers in BALLANTYNE
PDCHT \I1I[PT[DII
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
.UIILni IILUILIIII.
rVCRYTHINC rOR THE STAGE AUDITORIUM • LOBBV
BOX OFFICE • 1324 Grand Ave. Kanwk City 6. Mo.
Carpets— Door Mats
Complete Installation Servic*-~Fr«« Eitimatct
R. D. MANN CARPET CO.
928-930-932 Central, Victor 1 171, Konto* City, Me.
4SS Poul Brown BIdg., Chestnut 4499, SI. Lcub
3h 1/aM Situiea Suam 1S99
STEBBINS THEATRE Equipment Co.
KANSAS CITV S, MOr
rr rT'V
on a vacation to visit his parents at New
Rochelle, N. Y. . . . Salesman Vernon Smith
has resigned effective June 25 and is moving
to Florida . items gleaned in the
MGM office include booker Charles Stump
on a two-week vacation and secretary Renee
Haith on a week's vacation. Angela Kostelac
is the new booking clerk and Robert Mauss
is
the new assistant shipping clerk.
C. A. Schultz, president of Consolidated
Agencies, and Nick Sonday. general manager,
left on a tour to Mason City, Iowa, Marshalltown
and Des Moines . Durwood circuit
is installing ice-making machines in all
its drive-ins . . . Poppers Supply Co. has laid
out and equipped the concession stand for
George Wadlington at his new Fredonia
Drive-In Theatre which opened Tuesday (8).
Howard Strum of Poppers went out for the
opening.
Tommy Thompson, WB salesman, and wife
have returned from a vacation at Miami
Beach . . . F. L. Lowe of Lebanon, Mo., who
was on the Row, reported his theatre put
on an all-night party for the upper classmen
after the Junior-Senior prom. Charlton
Heston, w'ho was appearing in Springfield,
was invited to the prom but could not make
it, so made a tape recording for them to play
at the party. The picture offered was "The
Naked Jungle."
Eddie Golden, his wife and his two daughters
will start on a vacation next week
through the east. Since they are all interested
in theatres, business will be combined with
pleasure and they will visit art houses in
particular and new drive-ins. The Vogue Theatre,
which the Goldens operate here, is having
a "summer festival" of return engagements
on some of the most popular pictures
which have played there. It will last for five
or six weeks. The opening combination will
be a double bill of "The Promoter" and "The
Titfield Thunderbolt." Gus Kopulos will be
in charge of the Vogue and of Eddie's booking
agency while the Goldens are away.
. . Sales Manager Vern
Warner Bros, gave advertising support to
the seven drive-ins around Kansas City which
simultaneously booked "Hondo" recently with
an ad in the Sunday edition of the Star .
Mary Heueisen. Warner booker, returned from
a two-week trip to Seattle, the Grand Canyon,
the Royal Gorge, Brice Canyon and
others. Mary drove out with a friend and
came back by train . . . RKO salesman John
Wangberg has returned from a week's vacation
in Texas .
Skorey of 20th-Fox is taking a week of his
vacation.
Shreve Theatre Supply Co. has installed an
Astrolite screen and four-track stereophonic
.sound in Durwood's Capitol at Jefferson City
and the Hollywood at Leavenworth. Super
Panatar len.ses were also installed and the
Capitol opened w'ith "How to Marry a Millionaire"
on Sunday (6). with the Hollywood
opening the following Sunday at Leavenworth
. also furnished an Astrolite
screen with steel frame and Panatar lenses
to Leo Hayob's Mary Lou at Marshall, Mo.
lamphouses went to Mr. and Mr.s.
Walter Eisenhauer's Kiva at Slater, Mo.
Republic Manager Bob Withers attended a
district sales conference In Chicago last
. . .
week. Richard Altschuler, world-wide sales
manager, presided . . . C. A. Schultz has
opened his summer cabin at Gull Lake, Minn.
Ben Marcus, Columbia's division manager,
was on a trip to the west coast . . .
S F. Wilson is reported building a drive-in
at Buffalo, Mo. Frank Dabalack was
up to his old
. .
tricks
.
on the Row last Monday
(7). Dabalack, in case you have not seen
his sleight-of-hand performances, can make
a half-dollar disappear faster than a tax
collector—and then pull it out of an innocent
bystander's hat. He operates community theatres
one night a week in the Kansas towns
of Edna, Mound Valley and Arma as well
as in Welch, Okla.
Among Filmrow visitors was Ed Armold
who has the Chapman Theatre at Chapman,
Kas., still but is now living in California . . .
Missouri exhibitors in town lately included
Ken Winkelmeyer of Boonville, Herb Jeans
of Columbia, E. A. Peterson and wife of
Greenfield, J. Ray Cook of Maryville, Earl
Kerr of Bethany, Woodrow Rife of Knobnoster
and Mr, and Mrs. Ray Brown of
Eldorado Springs.
Glen Hall, up from Cassville, Mo., reported
he is building a drive-in . . . Secretary Dolores
Jaegels at Columbia W'as on a vacation . . .
Kansas exhibitors seen on the Row recently
included Mr. and Mrs. Lou Stein of Parsons,
O. C. Alexander of Kiowa, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd
Moore of McPherson, George Gano of Centralia,
F. L. Norton of Caldw^ell, Cle Bratton
of Council Grove, E. Van Hyning and Harry
Hixon of Atchison, Marty Landau of Horton,
Don Shade and Glen Underwood from Ottawa,
Vern Skorey, sales manager at 20th-Fox,
announced that Cinemascope prints with
magnetic or optical single .sound tracks will
be available earlier than expected. Starting
with "The Robe" on June 19, there will be a
Cinemascope picture a week released for
ilistribution with single track sound . . . O. C.
Alexander of Kiowa, Kas., is putting in Cinemascope
equipment which should be ready
for use in about 60 days. The wide screen
. . .
will be 22x12 feet, nearly twice the size of
the old one The rush at Kansas City
Ticket Co. which followed the federal tax
reduction has not been relieved since the
opening of drive-ins aggravated the demand.
Jay Robinson, who played Caligula in "The
Robe" was in town Tuesday (1>. He is on a
tour of the country to publicize "Demetrius
and the Gladiators," sequel to "The Robe."
Robinson came in Sunday (30 » and left Tuesday
for Omaha and Des Moin&s. He returns
June 8 to New York for the premiere of
"Demetrius." Because of the holiday, Robinson
did not appear before high school groups
here ihe has appeared before 100, giving the
final scene from "The Robe" in costume),
but he made ten TV and radio appearances.
The Vernie Andersons of the Starview at
McPher.son, Kas., are evidently bent on raising
their own Snack-Bar helpers. The fifth
girl arrived May 29 and was given star billing
on the Starview's attraction board. Her
name Ls Sonia Sue . are under way
to air condition the Missouri Theatre at
Columbia and keep it open during the summer,
according to its new manager, Doug
. . .
Lightner. The Missouri is a Commonwealth
operation Wayne Love is now managing
the Starlet Drive-In at Warrensburg.
Peter Viertel will write the screenplay of
the Frank Harris novel, "Reminiscences of a
Cowboy," for Columbia.
oO BOXOFnCE :
: June 12, 1954

Two more Film Exhibitors express their enthusiasm over the
Lower Delivery Costs and Better Service
offered
by
EXHIBITORS FILM DELIVERY and SERVICE
Cffiw\v.\GJS
. 1
Sher
City
'^0^
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,ISNSB"*°'
13. «^'
Mr. Sher- of the 1^ ^tiars^s-
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for yo^ ''. tW i^^"'''^ .,uy '
.or yo-^ "-"Tn^ ^'^' ally -^
comparison
aco».--°"°' o^ ,
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. . . William
. . . Exhibitors
The H. F. Higgins Will Hold
Golden Wedding Fete
ST. MARYS. KAS.—Mr. and Mrs. H. F.
Higgins. who have operated the Princess Theatre
here since 1927. will celebrate their
Mr. and Mrs H. F. Higgins of the
Princess Theatre at St. Marys, Kas., who
will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary
June 20.
golden wedding anniversary on Sunday, June
20. Both native Kansans, they grew up near
here and were married at Blaine.
Higgins. a one-time mail carrier and later
a car dealer, started in .show business when
he took over the operation of the Liberty
in Marysville, Kas., in the summer of 1926.
A short time afterwards he began operation
of the Princess here. Higgins has also taken
an active interest in civic affairs and has
served 18 years on the St. Mary's city commission.
The anniversary celebration will begin
with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 10 a.m. in
COMPLETE
CONCESSION SERVICE
IS OUR BUSINESS
RIO SYRUP CO.
3412 Gravois — St. Louis
• STU TOMBER • MITZI WEINSTEIN
• FRED BLASE • HARVEY KAHLE
. ... at *f044^ ien4Mce
LOOK TO
FOR THE FINEST
ANNOUNCEMENT
1327 S. Wikath Ckicat*. Ml. (30 Nintk Ait. Ntw Yirk. N. Y.
EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE
St. Louis Theatre Supply Company
Arch
Hosier
3310 Olive Street, St. Louis 3. Mo.
TolophonoB IE 3-7974. IE 3-7975
the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
They will hold an open house from two to
5 o'clock in the afternoon at their home
here, to which relatives and friends have
been invited.
The four children are: Brian R. Higgins.
Englewood, Colo.: Mrs. J. L. Keating, Blaine,
Kas.; Mrs. Richard Roberts, Overland Park:
Mark R. Higgins, St. Marys. They will all
be present as will 14 grandchildren and four
greatgrandchildren.
ST.
LOUIS
. . .
fJarry C. Arthur, general manager of Fanchon
& Marco, has returned here from
New York City Leo Keiler, president,
Columbia Amusement Co., Paducah, is due
to return to that city from the Pacific
coast in the next few days. He and Mrs.
Keiler flew back to Los Angeles from Hawaii
Caesar Berutt of Rolla and
recently . . .
his sister, who resides in Chicago, are in a
party of anglers who are enjoying bass and
trout fishing in the heart of the Ozarks.
They will be gone about two weeks.
Visitors along Filmrow were comparatively
few. They included A. J. Williams, Union:
Bill Zimmerman, Warrenton: Charley Beninati,
Carlyle, and Joe Goldfarb, Alton . . .
Services were held for Tom Canavan. supervisor
of sound and booth equipment for the
Panchon & Marco-St. Louis Amusement Co.
circuit at St. Francis Xavier church, Thursday
(31.
John H. Reid (Jack Reed), 84, a former
vaudeville actor who played many of the
country's pioneer de luxe theatres, died May
31 at the St. Louis city infirmary of heart
disease. He retired in 1929 and had been
in ill health for about three years. Funeral
services were held at the Schnur funeral
home June 3, followed by burial in Calvary
cemetery.
St. Louisans had lots of spots to see "Executive
Suite" when it was day-and-dated
at the Avalon, Esquire, Norside, Varsity and
Wellston brick-and-mortar theatres and the
following drive-ins: Manchester, Des Peres:
North, Ronnie's and St. Ann four-screen.
Five different circuits were involved in the
runs.
. . . Prances Karakas, sister
Clarence M. Turley, co-owner with Charles
P. and George P. Skouras in the Ambassador
and Missouri theatres and office buildings,
has been elected to the board of directors
of the Building Owners and Managers Ass'n
of St. Louis
of Nick Karakas, an executive of the William
K circuit of theatres and operating the
Roxy here, was crowned queen of the Ahepa
society in the Gold room of Hotel Jefferson,
as some 1,500 looked on during the impressive
pageantry and ceremonies. Her brother
placed the crown on her head. She will reign
over the social activities of the society during
the coming year. The queen's supper
that followed the ball was in the Club
Continental of the hotel.
The Crest, Granada, Gravois, Lindell,
Maplewood, Rio, Shenandoah, Tivoli, Victory
and Washington theatres of the St.
Louis Amusement Co. circuit put on cartoon
carnival matinees May 31. Admission fee
was 21 cents for adults or children. There
was also a special feature attraction at each
of the shows.
INDIANAPOLIS
'The French Line" was due to open at the
Ambassador here with Mannie Marcus
ignoring thi-eats of prosecution . . . Bob Cohn,
20th-Fox manager, set up 50 Indiana bookings
for a fast break on "The Rocket Man,"
starting at Keiths here.
The Hartford, Hartford City, has installed
Cinemascope with single track optical sound
Passen has taken over the Crescent
Theatre, Jasonville . . . The 20th-Fox
Pittsburgh office, has been added to the
central division of T. O. McCleaster. giving
him supervision of Indianapolis, Cleveland,
Cincinnati, Detroit and Pittsburgh . . . Salesman
Kenneth Dotterer returned from a vacation
in Washington and Virginia.
Allied Theatre Owners of Indiana at the
Hotel Lincoln meeting endorsed the Hal
Makelim plan. He assured exhibitors he now
was able to assure exhibitors that the 12 picture
proposition under his plan would be produced.
Secretary William CaiToIl attended
the COMPO meeting in New York on June
5-6 where plans for a promotional campaign
to select the best pictures of the month and
.season were discussed. Roy Calver, president
of ATOI was unable to make the trip.
. .
Rex Carr held "Genevieve" for a second
Johnny Bates, former
week at the Ritz . . .
booker for Republic, and now booker in Milwaukee,
was vacationing here . The Lido
Theatre. Lebanon, has closed for the summer
seen on Filmrow included E. L.
Orenstein. Orenstein Circuit, Louisville; Matt
Scheidler, Hartford, Hartford City; Al Borkenstein.
Wells, Fort Wayne; Pete Dawson,
Campbell circuit, Louisville.
K. C. Court Voids Petition
INDEPENDENCE, MO.—At a hearing before
the circuit court in Kansas City, the
petition filed to prevent the Associated Theatres,
Inc. from building a drive-in in the
northeast section of Independence was declared
inadequate. The plaintiffs have 20
days to amend their petition. Judge Joe Mc-
Queen, who held the hearing, sustained a
motion of the defendants to dismiss the petition
since some of the fourteen named as
plaintiffs, have no basis for complaint. The
city council had approved the application to
erect the theatre on January 12 by a vote of
11 to 1. J. A. Becker heads Associated.
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52 BOXOFnCE June 12, 1954

. . "Johnny
.
Exhibitor Harry Goldson
Dead in Chicago at 78
CHICAGO—Harry Goldson, pioneer Chicago
theatre owner, died at his home here
Saturday (5) at the
age of 78. Goldson at
one time owned a
chain of theatres
which included the
Plaza, Ideal, Gold
Coast and Harrison
theatres. He was also
a member of the Allied
Theatres of Illinois.
Goldson retired from
active participation in
the industry in 1946.
He is survived by his
Harry Goldson wife and a son. The
burial was in Woodlawn cemetery Tues-
day (8).
CHICAGO
TJen Katz of Universal has been in Toledo
promoting the premiere of "Johnny Darlc,"
which opens June 16 at the Rivoli there . . .
Al Klinenberg, 20th-Fox booker, now is a
four times winner in the grandpa sweepstalies.
His son Bob and his wife have a baby boy . .
A new look is in progress for the Clark Theati'e
in the Loop. Remodeling started last week.
. . .
. . . HaiTy
'Xa Ronde," embroiled in censorship battles
for a year, finally has a permit for Chicago
exhibition. The picture is being distributed
by Clark Film Delivery Service
Charges against the Ideal Theatre, brought by
RKO and Universal, were dismissed in superior
court by Judge Padden. The charges
were that the theatre was not presenting its
grosses properly. Judge Padden, in dismissing
the charges, ruled that the plaintiffs had
not suggested a course of action
Goldson, local theatre operator, died June 5
at the age of 71.
Bobby Burns, maintenance director for
Great States Theatres, is back on the job after
a checkup at Memorial hospital . . . "Hell's
Half Acre" will break in the city June 25
after outlying runs . Guitar" wUl
be shown in the areas outside the Loop starting
July 9.
"Farewell to a great guy!" was the theme
of a testimonial luncheon given June 1 for
James J. Donohue, division manager for
Paramount, who resigned because of ill health
after 29 years as a Par-amount executive. The
luncheon was held at the Bath of the Ambassador
East hotel.
Another Drive-In Opened
In Kansas City Suburb
KANSAS CITY—M. S. Heath and son
Marvin Pi-iday (4i opened their new Hillcrest
Drive-In ten miles north of town on U.S. 169
at Gashland with "an open house" showing
of "Gun Fury." The 540-car airer overlooks
a small lake and is high enough to catch
any stray breeze on a wai'm summer evening.
The patio seats 75 and the concession appointments
are all in stainless steel. Heath says
that the films shown on the Hillcrest 60x75-
foot screen, using a throw of 600 feet, are as
distinct as those on the screen of his indoor
Plaza, which he operates in Liberty, Mo. The
Heaths are looking forward to expanding the
Hillcrest into a twin by next year.
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little world of DON CAMILLO • BEHIND CLOSED SHUTTERS
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Para. Kaycee Staff Given
Briefing on VistaVision
KANSAS CITY—VistaVision came to the
Paramount exchange office here in the person
of Loren L. Ryder, research chief from
Ted O'Shea
Loren L. Ryder
the Hollywood studio, who briefed those at
the local sales meeting on the new process.
It was an all-day session, with Ted O'Shea,
Herbert Steinberg and Robert Rubin from
Paramount's home office taking part, Al
Kane, division manager from Dallas, also
attended.
Catholic Ban on Theatres
That Showed 'Line' Lifted
ST. LOUIS—James H. Arthur, president of
Fanchon & Marco Service Corp., said this
week it is his understanding that Archbishop
Joseph E. Ritter's order of May 21 lifting
the ban against Catholics attending theatres
that exhibited "The French Line" early this
year applies to both the circuit's Fox Theatre,
which world premiered the picture, and
the Missouri, which played the film on a
moveover.
Boothman's Pension Fund
Set Up in New Contract
ST. LOUIS—The first union contract in
the amu-sement field to contain a provision
for an employers contribution to a pension
plan or welfare fund for workers has been
negotiated here by Harvard O'Laughlin, business
agent of projectionists Local 143, with
the owners of eight drive-ins.
The agreement, retroactive to March 15,
extends for two years and provides for con-
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tinuance of the basic pay scale of $2.70 per
hour during the 1953 drive-in season and a
raise of $2.77 next year.
In addition to the basic wage, employes
will receive 5 per cent of their gross pay, to
go into the pension fund. The contract calls
for a 35-hour week, plus an additional ten
hours weekly to cover maintenance work on
machines and speakers. The contract also
continues provision for employment of two
boothmen.
The three-year contract of the union and
brick-and-mortar houses here does not expire
until August 31, but there have been
some preliminary discussions of a new contract
and its terms between the union and
theatremen.
SuperScope Showing
At Des Moines Theatre
KANSAS CITY—Lou Patz, division manager
for National Screen Service, flew to
Des Moines last week (2) to meet George
Dembow, general sales manager from New
York, and Joseph Tushinsky, and attend a
demonstration of the SuperScope lens, distributed
by NSS, given at the Paramount
Theatre. After the demonstration Myron
Blank ordered 13 pairs of lenses for his
Central States circuit and A. H. Blank ordered
three sets for Tri-States houses.
Patz said that the delivery of SuperScope
lenses has been started in the Kansas City
area with shipments being made daily from
the factory on the west coast. He said the
SuperScope lens projects a picture as well
as any he has ever seen, yet is being sold
at the low price of $700 a pair.
17 Wide Screens Purchased
For St. Louis Suburbans
ST LOUIS—National Theatre Supply is
installing Walker high-intensity seamless
screens in 17 St. Louis Amusement Co. neighborhood
and suburban theatres. The screens
are going into all of the circuit's subsequent
run houses, with the exception of the Shady
Oak in Clayton and the Pageant here, both
of which operate as art houses. National
also is installing Simplex X-L stereophonic
sound in the Varsity and Ritz operated by
Ansell Bros., and Norside and Esquire, owned
by Sam Shuchart, Sam Levin and Howard
Zulauf. The installations will be completed
before June 16 when the theatres are schedeuled
to present "Knights of the Round Table."
New Equipment at Bel-Air
WEST PADUCAH, KY.—Simplex X-L
mechanisms have been purchased by R. E.
Refrow and Hot Gilliam for their- Bel-Air
Drive-In near Barkley field, Paducah's municipal
airport. The 500-car drive-in is scheduled
for official opening June 16. The projection
machines and other equipment formerly
used in Gilliam's Arena Theatre in Paducah
is being converted for use in the drive-in.
The X-L mechanisms were obtained from
National Theatre Supply in St. Louis.
Dan Killmoim at the Wolcott
WOLCOTT, IND.—Danny KiUman, who has
worked at the Oxford Theatre the last five
years, is the new manager of the Wolcott
Theatre. Killman and his mother will occupy
the theatre apartment here.
Kansas City Ass'n
Slates Lake Party
Kansas City—The Motion Picture Ass'n
of Greater Kansas City canceled its plans
for a dinner dance at Blue Hills Country
club June 12, and instead will hold a
buffet dinner, western style, at Wyandotte
County lake Monday, June 21, at
6:30 p.m. Casual clothes will be worn and
those who wish to dance will be provided
space and music, while others who wish
to play cards will also find accommodations.
In fact, it is a kind of As-You-Like-
It party, according to Woody Sherrell,
chairman of the entertainment committee.
The dinner is for members and
guests and there will be no entertainment
previous to the dinner.
Jefferis Theatre to Be
Completely Remodeled
PIEDMONT, MO.—Mr. and Mrs. A. B.
Jefferis have closed their Jefferis Theatre
here for a complete remodeling job during
the summer months. They plan to reopen
the house this fall.
Plans for the refurbishing will include the
installation of a Magic Mirror Panoramic
Screen and new chairs which will be staggered
so that a clear view of the screen may
be had from any location. New stage curtains,
flooring, carpeting and a vari-colored
lighting system will also be added to the
theatre.
Jefferis said that when the theatre reopens
that it will be one of the "finest small theatres
in the state."
F. L. Lowe Plans to Replace
Civic With Larger House
BROOKFIELD, MO.—A building to replace
the Civic Theatre here has been purchased
by F. L. Lowe and will be completely
rebuilt. The structure is located directly
across from the city parking lot, and was
occupied by a dairy products concern.
Lowe's son Richard who is associated with
an architectural firm in Topeka, will supervise
the reconstruction. The building will be
extended to the alley and be given a new
roof. When completed it will provide more
than twice the seating capacity of the present
Civic, and will have stage facilities.
Lowe also owns the Star Theatre at Lebanon,
Mo., and the Royal at Sterling, Kas.
John Anderson manages the Civic.
KMTA Meeting on 16th
KANSAS CITY, MO. -The Kan.sas-Missouri
Theatre Ass'n will hold its monthly
board meeting at the Phillips hotel on
Wednesday (16). As usual, this will be a
luncheon meeting and President J. Leo
Hayob is anxious for a full attendance as it
is hoped the date can be set then for the fall
convention.
Prairie Theatre Opens
PRAIRIE DU ROCHER. ILL.—The Prairie
Theatre, 240-seater, dark for many months,
resumed operations Sunday (6) under the
management of H. McDonald. The theatre
formerly was operated by Russell More of
Ste. Genevieve, Mo.
54 BOXOFFICE
:
: June
12, 195*

—
MPEOF To Discuss Taxes
At June 17 Miami Meet
Jacksonville—Horace Denning:, Motion
Picture Exhibitors of Florida president,
announced that the list of subjects
to be disccussed at the group's re§:ional
meeting June 17 at the Biscayne Terrace
hotel in Miami will include talks on tax
problems, product shortages and new processes.
"The MPEOF is devoted to the
welfare and advancement of the independent
operators of Florida," Denning
said, "and all exhibitors are invited,
whether they are members or not."
'Dial M' in Second Week
Leads Memphis Grosses
MEMPHIS—The Warner Theatre, with the
second week of "Dial M for Murder," set the
first run attendance pace. Another second
week's run, "Johnny Guitar," at Malco did
10 per cent above normal business.
(Average Is 100)
Warner Diol M for Murder (WB), 2nd wk 125
Malco Johnny Guitar (Rep), 2nd wk 110
Palace
State
Witness to
The Scarlet
Murder
Spear
(UA)
(UA); The Golden Mask
90
(UA) 80
Strand Secret of the Incas (Para) 90
fe.
?tl(lin|
Duncan RENALDO
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Memphis, Tenn.
Tissues
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Drive-In Patio Opened;
Termed Insect Proof
STUTTGART, ARK.—The Starvue
Drive-
In formally opened what Col. Alger Lancaster,
managing director, calls the "world's
largest screened-in patio." The patio, measuring
eight feet high, 26 feet deep and 136
feet in length, seats 400 patrons and features
comfortable metal lawn chairs. It is screened
on the top, back and sides and has a front
made of nine sections of one-quarter-inch
plate glass panes, each measuring 14x5 feet.
Set in a curvature, the building conforms to
the car ramp pattern and permits an unobstructed
view of the screen from all seats.
The sound is brought in by nine speakers
spaced along the 136-foot front.
According to Lancaster, the patio is the
answer to patrons who complain about insects
during much of the summer. He explained
that insects are prevented from getting
into the patio by the use of a number
of elaborate traps at the various entrances,
including several strategically placed blower
fans.
The owners of the airer are Lancaster and
M. A. Lightman sr. and his son, both of
Memphis.
Florida Theatres Suffer
From Series of Holdups
ORLANIX3—Holdups of theatre cashiers
continue to be regular excitement on Florida's
east and west coasts. The drive-ins
appear to be the most common target for the
bandits. In Altamonte Springs in west Florida
the Prairie Lake Drive-In cashier was held
up by two gunmen and robbed of approximately
$100. The cashier, Mrs. Edith M.
Hallam, was alone in the booth when an old
sedan stopped at the window. The driver
pointed a shotgun out the open door and a
second man entered the booth and scooped
up all the bills. Manager L. P. Mynderse
could give no accurate figure on what was
taken, but estimated it to be about $100.
Across the state, in St. Augustine, at about
the same time, the Beach Drive-In was
broken into and looted. Money was taken
from the cigaret machine, and quantities of
food and candy were stolen.
W. F. Murphy to Represent
Disney in Southeast
NEW YORK—William F. Murphy has
joined the sales staff of the Buena Vista
Film Distribution Co., Disney distributing
subsidiary, and will represent the company in
the southeast. His headquarters will be in
Jacksonville. Murphy has been with Republic
and Universal in various posts. His
work for Buena Vista will be in the Atlanta,
Charlotte and New Orleans branch areas.
He will work under the supervision of Irving
H. Ludwig, domestic sales manager.
Lakeland Airer to Have CS
LAKELAND, FLA.—Manager Raymond R.
Crosby of the Silver Moon Drive-In closed
the theatre for a day while workmen remodeled
the concrete block screen and installed
projector fittings preparatory to a
Cinemascope and stereophonic sound equipment
installation.
ROLL OR MACHINE
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BOXOFHCE :
: June
12, 1954 SE 55

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MEMPHIS
T eon Rountree, who owns and operates the
. . . V. E.
Holly Theatre at Holly Springs and the
Valley at Water Valley, Miss., has undergone
surgery at Baptist hospital here
Crawford of the Jeran, Booneville, Miss., was
seriously ill at Baptist hospital.
Arthur Groom, manager of Loew's State,
was on a vacation trip in Mississippi ... Ed
Williamson, Dallas district manager of Warner
Bros, and former chief barker of the
Variety Club here, was in town on business
. . . Ditto Ben Cammack, RKO district manager
. . . Mrs. Jack Watson, Palace, Tunica,
and J. C. Bond, Von, Hernando, were among
Mississippi exhibitors in booking.
From Arkansas came Mr. and Mrs. Gordon
Hutchins, State, Corning; Moses Sliman, Lux,
Luxora; William Elias, Murr, Osceola; W. L.
Landers, Landers, Batesville; Roy Cochran,
Juroy, North Little Rock; Alvin Tipton, New,
Manila, and J. K. Jame.?on sr. and jr. of the
Joy at Bald Knob and Ken at McCrory . . .
Whyte Bedford, Marion, Hamilton. Ala., was
in town.
Howard C. Nelson, promoted from National
Theatre Supply Co. here to salesman at Oklahoma
City was back in town. He was accompanied
by his wife and 5-month-old son . . .
The 20th-Family club spent a weekend outing
at Paris Landing on Kentucky lake.
Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar; Mrs. Mary
Tidrow, Strand, Obion, and Guy Amis, Princess,
Lexington, were in town from West
Tennessee . . . Joe Davidson, owner, has reopened
his Own Theatre, Marvell, Ark.
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Wometco Adds to Office
Facilities in Miami
MIAMI—Wometco has lea.sed a downtown
building in order to provide some 15,000
square feet of additional space for storage
and more room for several departments.
Included in the transaction is an adjoining
parking lot.
The circuit house organ. Contact, carried
a description of the forthcoming changes,
which are expected to be completed in October.
The new quarters will house all of wholesale
confections storage, plus an enlarged
refrigerated confection stocki'oom. The art
department and advertising department offices,
as well as the poster room are to have
enlarged working space when they move into
the new quarters.
Reela Films will be provided with room
for a new and larger modern studio. All of
the equipment and supplies for Wometco
Theatres will be warehoused here. Maintenance,
air conditioning and carpentry divisions
will be joined in one large shop with
more square feet area than all the present
shops combined. A central delivery point will
make it possible to maintain more efficient
control of materials atid supplies.
MIAMI
Cuzanne Claughton, theatre owner Ed
Claughton's daughter, has appeared locally
on TV and in the papers as she bestowed
the Queen of the Poinciana Festival
crown on the current queen of this civic
event. Miss Claughton was last year's queen.
She is with the circuit in the advertising
department . . . Ralph Stolkin, who bought
a whole Florida community recently, is rumored
about to return to the film business
via a buy of Harry Cohn's control of Columbia.
Stolkin was a principal in the purchase
of RKO several seasons ago in a deal
that was eventually rescinded.
Tom Hayes, manager of the LeJeune Drivein,
booked children's cartoons and a serial
. . .
for an early evening showing as a treat for
the kids on a recent Saturday evening
Brandt's Flamingo has another longevity
champion in "Executive Suite" which went
into its seventh week. The house specializes
in long players.
Gene Bryant, who did photo work for
"The 12-Mile Reef" and "20.000 Leagues
Under the Sea," has a crew in Nassau at the
moment, making underwater sequences for
'The Big Rainbow." Shooting was formerly
done on this film starring Gilbert Roland and
Jane Russell in Hollywood and Hawaii, but
turned out not clear enough. The Bahama
waters are at their best now, and some of
the finest undersea color photographs ever
made are expected . . . June 5 was the
wedding date for Richard Wolfson, .son of
WOMETCO circuit owner Mitchell Wolfson
and WYVJ's legal director, and Elaine Reinherz
of P:-ovidence, R.l. The ceremony took
place in the Hampshu-e Hou.se, New York
City. The Wolfsons will reside in Miami.
Russell Wells Shifted
ST. PETERSBURG—Russell W. Wells, for
live years with the Claughton theatres, ha.s
been named manager of the Roxy.
.';-S
BOXOFFICE :
: June 12, 1954

. . An
. . New
JACKSONVILLE
foi. John Crovo, manager of the Arcade
Theatres, was re-elected to serve as the
_ Motion Pictui-e Council's liaison member between
the council and the industry Other
officers elected by the civic group at a
luncheon meeting in the Seminole Hotel
were Irene Scanlon, president: Mrs. A. V.
Sangster, vice-president: Dur Julia Kline.
treasurer; Rose Sheppard, secretary, and
Magdalene Dallos, recording secretary . .
.
Variety Club members report that work is being
rushed on alterations for the club's quarters
in the Roosevelt hotel. Installation ceremonies
for the new tent are expected to be
held as soon as the remodeling job is completed.
Lillian Parker, manager of the Brentwood
.
Theatre, is running far ahead of other local
FST theatre managers in a drive to increase
candy sales above the 1953 level . . Good
.
newspaper coverage was accorded Danny
Deaver, manager of the Normandy Twin
Drive-In. when he installed two 100-foot
screens and opened with "The Command"
as his first Cinemascope attraction . . . The
Volusia Drive-In, Daytona Beach, and the
Silver Moon Drive-In, Lakeland, are other
new- conversions to Cinemascope
at the summer opening of the
. . Seen
Beauclerc
Country club's social season were Sheldon
Mandell, manager of the St. Johns Theatre,
and Arvin Rotschild, National Theatre Enterprises
executive.
Teenage rowdyism has been effectively
curbed at the Beach Theatre, Jacksonville
Beach, by Manager Jesse Marlow. So many
noisy scenes and acts of vandalism occurred
that Marlow instructed his cashiers to refuse
to sell any tickets to the offending age
group. This brought Marlow an invitation to
address the students at nearby Fletcher high
school where he explained his position. Since
then, the house has been admitting the teenagers
and reports no cases of vandalism.
Robert Heekin, FST executive who is
.
. . Roy
confined
to a local hospital, is reported improved
Calling at distributor offices
. . . were Harlow Land, Mayo: MUton Moore, Lake
Shore; Bill Lee, Starke; and Mrs. Adeline
Gauthrop, Palatka office workers
include Sylvia Lindsey at Columbia and Carol
McCutcheon at the FST warehouse .
Smith, theatre supplier, is back from a sales
trip to Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, and
Daytona Beach.
Maurice Shaaber, Wil-Kin Theatre Supply's
projection expert, worked at the Howeil Theatre,
Palatka, for several days installing new
equipment
. excellent catch of fish was
made at Orange lake by Harvey Garland, FST
head booker; BjTon Adams and "Buck" Robuck
of United Artists; and Bill Beck, manager
of the Five Points Theatre.
Beach Drive-In Reopens
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FLA.—The newly
renovated Beach Drive-In has been reopened,
Jesse L. Marlowe, manager said. Under
present plans the theatre is to be operated
on a year-around basis, seven days a
week during warm months, and three days
in winter.
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Oky View Drive-In, Yanceville, opened with
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booking and advertising. The owner is J. T.
Foster . . . Sylvester Sandy of Sandy Films
Joe Bi.shop, manager
was out in the territory . . .
of the Kay exchange, left on vacation
. . . E. Y. Neil's Joy E>rive-In, Hendersonville.
was opened by Standard Theatre Supply
Co. with the latest Century equipment. Mighty
90 lamp.s and Eprad stereophonic sound . . .
Standard also equipped Marion Davis' Pines
Drive-In at Chadbourn.
A comet player in a circus band from 1910
. .
to 1950. James L. Hurtt, now is working for
Independent Theatre Supply . Wray Chapman,
Roseland Drive-In, Lincolnton, is suffering
from a lack of business on account
of road construction and repairs near his
place ... J. A. Collina, Cruise-In Theatre.
Lillington, is running for sheriff of Harnett
county . Drive-In, Taylors, S.C.
opened with Cinemascope and magnetic
sound . Sugg is the present operator
of the Capitol at Snow Hill, N.C.
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Chief Barker John H. Vickers recently
mailed the local barkers the first copy of
"The Bai-kers" ... A Cherokee Indian with
long hair and costume, who calls himself
"Chief Eagleye," is making personal appearances
at several drive-ins in the Carolinas .
U-I screened "Magnificent Obsession" at the
Plaza. Huge crowds registered approval with
vigorous applause
Boovy jr., booker and assistant cashier for
Universal, returned from a vacation at Myrtle
Beach.
. . Willard
Alice Carver, general clerk at Universal, is
back after an operation she underwent several
weeks ago . Assistant Manager
William A. McClm-es daughter Nancy
is good as new after a tonsillectomy .
Ayers, Universal office manager, and
wife were in Atlanta due to the death of
Mrs. Ayers' grandmother . G. Fussell,
Wonet at Bladenboro. is back on the Row
after eight days in the hospital in Fayetteville
Clark Theatre. Elizabethtown, is
. . . being equipped for Cinemascope.
Jack Wadsworth, manager Pineville Road
Drive-In, says he has the widest screen in
Morris Crafton.
the county, 40x70 feet . . .
with Manley-Burch. sold a new popcorn machine
to the Gloria Theatre, Myrtle Beach .
Cliff Allred, concession sales manager for
Manley-Burch. was on the Row . . . Visitors
on Pilmrow included E. M. Mobley, Towne
Theatre, Edgefield: Mr. Mason, Sanlee in Sanford:
Walter Bonds, Bonds Auto-Theatre.
Bennettsville: Harry Cook, Wayne in Mount
Olive: H. F. Lee, Duplin in Warsaw: E. C.
Sanderson, Pin-Lin Drive-In in Warsaw, and
Dewitt Holt, Dixie in Troy.
. . . Joe
Morris Abrams, Palace in Georgetown, S.C,
Filmrow .softball team was
has been ill . . .
on top of the local softball league
Johnson, booker with the Kincey circuit, has
moved into a new home . London,
salesman with Republic, is on a 30-day .sick
Scott Lett. Screen Guild manager,
leave . . .
gave his son Duke a Ford as a graduation
present. He enters State college at Raleigh
thLs fall . . . Pete Prince, RKO division manager,
conferred with Mr. Brannon. local
manager.
^ Rivervue at Morrilton
MORRILTON, ARK.—Rivervue will be the
name of the United Theatres Corp.'s new
drive-in near the Arkansas river here, according
to Clarence Hobbs, the manager. A
contest was held to select the winning name.
The theatre will be opened between June
15 and July 1.
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58 BOXOFFICE June 12, 1954

—
New Rialio Reopens
As Dallas First Run
DALLAS—The first VistaVision screen installation
has been completed at the remodeled
Rialto Theatre. William O'Donnell,
vice-president and general manager of Trans-
Texas Theatres, said the all-pui-pose seamless
screen is adaptable to any desired projection
aspect short of Cijierama and inclusive of the
old 2 to 1 pictures.
The remodeled theatre reopened this week
with "The Mad Magicion." The Rialto is
Elm street's oldest theatre. It is the former
Old Mill, opened more than 40 years ago.
It is a pleasant 1,500-seater with 900 seats
on the first floor and 600 in the balcony.
The Rialto was redecorated completely and
recarpeted. New chairs have been installed.
The air conditioning plant, one of the most
efficient on Elm street, has been brought
up to date.
The theatre also has made a parking tieup
with the Fidelity Union Life Insurance Co.
lot at Akard and Pacific whereby a 25-cent
fee will be charged at 5 p.m. to patrons of
the theatre.
The theatre, long used for routine screen
product or second runs, will be a first run
theatre, competing on equal terms with the
other A houses downtown. It will replace the
Melba in the T:-ans-Texas setup, which is
being converted for Cinerama.
Remodels Duncan Palace
DUNCAN, OKLA.—The Video-Wilbern circuit's
Palace Theatre has been closed for a
major overhauling project. Included in the
program is a new wide screen and stereophonic
sound, a new floor, new seats, new
front, a new air conditioning system and a
remodeled lobby. According to the circuit's
Jack Wilbern, the theatre will be entirely new
when the work is completed which is scheduled
to take about 90 days.
Lynn Smith and H. A. Daniels Honored
By Dallas Tent for Tax Relief Work
International Chief George C. Hoover and his wife, left photo, are greeted at the
airport by John Rowley. Col. H. A. Cole is seen in the other photo talking with the
two men honored by the Dallas Variety in behalf of COMPO for their tax relief work
left, H. A. Daniels and right, Lynn Smith.
DALLAS—The Dallas Variety Club, on behalf
of the Texas COMPO, honored Lynn
Smith, Gonzales, and H. A. Daniels, Seguin,
for their work on tax relief. R. J. O'Donnell
commended Smith and Daniel for "Untiring
efforts for the good of the industry during
the past year, particularly the outstanding
work performed in Washington during the
tax campaign." The honored two were then
presented engraved gold watches.
Other speakers at the Monday (7) buffet
dinner included Chief Barker Al Reynolds
and International Chief Barker George
Hoover, Hoover was introduced by Director
William McCraw who presented Hoover with
the application for a Variety tent in New
Orleans.
Wallace Walthall and Reynolds also conducted
an induction ceremony for eight new
members.
Twin Screens for Airer
PORT LAVACA, TEX. — Arthur
Helling,
local manager for the Long Theatres, announced
that the Port Drive-In will be made
into a 1,600-car twin-screen drive-in operation
by September 1. The project, which will
require about 60 days to complete and will
cost around $70,000, will introduce the first
Cinemascope screen in the county. Also included
in the improvements are a modern
cafeteria style concession stand and new restrooms.
Lynn Smith, who, along with H. A. Daniels, received a gold watch from the Dallas
Variety Club, expresses his appreciation at the buffet dinner. Seated in the background,
left to right, are Al Reynolds, John Rowley and William McCraw. R. J.
O'Donnell is standing and George C. Hoover is seated at the table.
Proposes Marlin Theatre
MARLIN, TEX.—Homer Walters, Friendly
Palls Theatre owner, is considering the construction
of a 1,200-seat theatre here. He
said that stock would be offered to finance
the venture and estimated the cost at about
$250,000. The stock will be offered in units
of from $5 up.
Airer Installs C'Scope
CORPUS CHRISTI-A curved 44x80-foot
Cinemascope screen was installed at the Twin
Palms Drive-In. The steel and marine plywood
screen had been built on the ground in
front of the original screen and then hoisted
into place and welded.
Artist Entertains Kids
GLADEWATER, TEX.—Bill Berg, an artist
with Walt Disney, entertained the youngsters
attending the Gregg Theatre's Saturday
kiddy show. Berg, who started with Disney
as an ai-tist in 1938, now is a member of the
story department.
Fire Damages Drive-In
GRAND PRAIRIE, TEX.—Fire caused an
estimated $800 damage to the Jet Drive-In.
The fire was believed to have been caused by
faulty wiring.
Mexican film actor Eduardo Noriega has
been signed for a role in Paramount's "Love
Is a Weapon."
Telethon Raises $65,000
GALVESTON—Sonny Martini of
the Martini
Theatres and John Browning, Interstate
city manager, were very active in the recently
held 17-hour TV and radio cerebral palsy
telethon which raised $65,000 for the fund.
Chill Wills was emcee for the program which
included numerous Hollywood and local theatre
personalities including singers Mel
Torme and Nellie Lutcher, actors Jack Pepper
and Kenny Mayor, band leader Terry Shand,
and Gerry Johnson of KRLD-TV, Dallas.
British Actress Joins 'Desiree'
British actress Elizabeth Sellers has been
added to the cast of 20th-Fox's "Desiree,"
starring Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando.
BOXOFHCE June 12, 1954 sw 59

. . . Disney
. . Two
f
Kernel Prunty Says:
"Are you using the variety of popcorn
H. G. Eaker Maintains
Theatre Seating
OKLAHOMA CITY—H. G. Eaker of Nicoma
your trade likes best?" Park, ail Oklahoma City suburb, has developed
quite a nice business for the workshop
I offer today,
f.o.b. St. Louis, my four brands of popcorn
which he maintains on
as follows:
his acreage to make
seat covers and to deal
RUSH HOUR $ 8.50
exclusively with seat
SILVER HULLESS 8.50
maintenance. There
was a time when Eaker
GOLDEN HULLESS 10.25
did lots of lobby furnituj-e,
Popcorn Processors— In our 80th Year.
POP KING HULLESS 9.50
too, but that
was in past years. Now,
Per 100-pound sack.
he devotes his entire
attention to theatre
1,000-pound lots 25c 100 less.
seat repair work.
Eaker entered theatre
seat work during
Send {or pricelist of "Toten Trays, Hot Dogs,
Sandwich and Popcorn bags, cartons, etc." World War II in California.
H. G. Eaker
He worked there for a company, then
PRUNTY POPCORN DIVISION
with a friend went out on his own. When he
returned to Oklahoma, he bought his friend's
620 North 2nd St. St. Louis 2, Mo.
fith Theatres, now Video Independent Theatres.
He still services that company.
For nine years he has been operating in the
southwest, doing theatre seat repairs in Oklahoma,
Ai-kansas. Kansas and Texas. He is
LOOK TO
equipped and prepared to service the entire
area and to give fast service. He started servicing
Griffith Theatres in 1945 and frequently
FOR THE FINEST
has been busy enough to operate two crews,
ALWAYS
i
ANNOUNCEMENT
GOOD!
gaged in seat installations and some in seat
interest in the tools to continue the business.
Here, he became chief seat repairer for Grif-
as many as 15 men at one time.
Eaker believes his work is unique to this
area. Although there are many persons en-
repairs, he believes his firm is the only one
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408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1, TEXAS
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
3409 Oak Lawn, Room 107 BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC. Oollos, Texas
devoted exclusively to the latter.
"Seat maintenance," he said, "is a considerably
different proposition to installation and
requires more and different tools and equipment.
The installation man usually does his
job in a new theatre or one remodeled and
the job is usually finished in a day or two
and he is off to the next.
"On the other hand, the maintenance man
works under less glamorous circumstances, in
an older house on seats that are sometimes
hardly a step ahead of the junkpile and has
to stay with it day after day for one or
more weeks, I have done several jobs which
required as much as two or three weeks with
a fairly large crew working ten hours per
shift, meaning mostly at night."
Eaker's background is varied. He spent 13
years here and in Houston with Hughes Tool
Co. His eldest brother now is vice-president
of that company. Eaker was a distributor of
auto polish in DaUas and worked in a steel
mill in Colorado, the latter just before going
to California.
He and his w'ife have one son, Lt. Ira Eaker,
now in Korea. Eaker is often seen on Filmrow,
but can be reached at Box 335, Nicoma
Paj-k, by mail, or at his residence phone
161-W
SAN ANTONIO
rxale Clark was emcee of
the cerebral palsy
telethon show at the Mumcipal auditorium
which ran Saturday and Sunday . . .
Grover McDonnell, 20th-Fox salesman,
Austin, is back following trips to Alice. Bee-
ville and other south Texas points . . .
George M. Watson, Interstate city manager,
is back from a business trip to Dallas
Robert Lucchese, Zaragosa
. .
Amusement Co.,
tied for second place in sweepstakes play of
the San Antonio Golf Ass'n at Brackenridge
Park on Memorial day.
Recent \isitors to the Azteca exchange included
Jose Carabaza. Laredo film exchange
owner; Gus Lavenant. Haydee Teatro, Dilley,
and Francisco Trevino, Ideal, Pearsall . . .
Tony Herrera is the new assistant manager
of the National Theatre . Dallas Interstate
officials, Robert J. O'Donnell and
Raymond B. WUlie, accompanied Joan Crawford
here to spark the opening of "Johnny
Guitar" at the Majestic.
John Houlihan of Republic, Dallas, was a
midweek visitor to San Antonio and Houston
artist Milton Schaffer was here
to promote the reissue of "Pinocchio" at the
Aztec. He was accompanied by Ed Terhune,
RKO publicity department, Dallas.
. . . Edward
Film exchange visitors included Frank
Fletcher, Ritz, Houston; R. S. Cook, Zaragoza,
Taft; Mateo Vela, Iris, Alice, and John
H. Flache, Alameda. Lamesa
Gray Edwards, booker, Clasa-Mohme, reports
that the Leland and Zaragosa theatres, Taft,
have booked extra pictures to play there during
the cotton season which is supposed to
be a record breaker this year.
Texan Theatre Opens
NACOGDOCHES, TEX.—The Texan Theatre
was opened by Bill Hardy, prasident of the
H&H Amusement Co., in ceremonies that included
a concert by the Nacogdoches high
school band.
CO BOXOFFICE June 12, 1954

.
—
Airers Cool to 'The Line/
Same as First Runs
From North Central Edition
MINNEAPOLIS—Having failed to sell
'"The French Line" into the conventional
theatres in this area except at the St. Paul
independent downtown Strand, where it
opens next month, RKO is now offering the
picture to drive-ins.
As far as can be learned thus far, however,
no ozoner has bought it. Moreover,
it has been definitely turned down by the
Minnesota Entertainment Enterprises which
operates five drive-in theatres in the Twin
Cities area and is the largest outdoor theatre
circuit here. The MEE, for one thing,
declined to deviate from a policy not to play
any pictures on percentage.
RKO Theatres is not booking "The
French Line" in its three Twin Cities' first
run theatres.
Houses that played "The Moon
Is Blue" in the face of lack of seal and
Catholic disapproval, including the Minneapolis
and St. Paul independent Worlds, are
passing up "French Line." So is the Minnesota
Amusement Co., which turned thumbs
down, too, on "The Moon Is Blue."
Carl Garner Resigns
DALLAS—Carl Garner has resigned as representative
of Hallmark attractions. The Hallmark
franchise went to Harold Schwartz and
Tower Kctures Co. The Tower organization is
gearing to distribute "Prince of Peace." "She
Shoulda Said No," "Karamoja" and "Half-
Way to Hell."
$50,000 Remodeling
At Okanogan Avalon
From Western Edition
OKANOGAN, WASH.—A $50,000 renovation
of the Avalon Theatre here, including
exterior and interior changes and enlargement
of the seating capacity, soon will be
started by owner Peter Barnes.
Barnes, here from San Angelo, Tex., said
plans call for closing the theatre during
July and August for the major part of the
renovation. No films have been booked past
July.
Exterior work, however, such as enlarging
the booth and new marquee and canopy installation,
may be started before the closure.
The new front to the theatre will be on
the Third avenue-Queen street corner of
the building. A Second avenue off-and-on
flash sign pointing to the theatre also Ls
planned.
"Everything will be brand new," Barnes
said, "including projector machines and
screen. When the remodeling is over, the
theatre will boast a larger foyer, completely
redecorated auditorium and new restrooms."
The balcony, now seating 55, will offer 150
loge seats. Total seating capacity will be increased
from the present 505 to about 600.
Barnes also is remodeling the Oroville theatre,
with a new front, glass doors and canopy
and a wide screen. That theatre will
not be closed for renovation. The Avalon
here is managed by Glenn Roberts.
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have a new slant on refreshment.
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figure-conscious, fashion-conscious woman of today.
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ip

[ 2
—
EASTERN OKLAHOMA
Art LaMan, extreme left, stands iit the mike during one of the amateur talent
stage contests he is resuming at the Rialto Theatre in Tulsa. The group of around 20
are competing in a semifinal event.
By ART LaMAN
pRANK LOVEJOY, the film star, was in
Nowata recently where he has become
interested in some oil property. Bud Hicks.
Nowata theatre owner, told this reporter
that Frank had dinner with him and they
spent the evening in chatting about Hollywood
and things picturewise.
* * *
E. M. Freiberger, theatre owner at Dewey
who was by the other day, has recovered
from injuries suffered in an auto accident
which this writer reported last year. He said
he had started on a short trip, but his car
went haywire at Bristow, so the balance of
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the trip was ma/de by bus. He stopped off at
Tulsa on his way back home. E. M. said
business is good when he gets a good show,
and we think this holds true in most theatres.
Jess Cooper of Chelsea reports he is going
to have some fireworks at his drive-in theatre
at Antlers. We bet he does all right with
them, too. Procters at Muskogee are putting
out extra effort to get the small-fry into the
drive-ins this summer. I think this is a grand
idea. Too many theatremen forget that small
people grow to be big people in a few short
years, and theatregoing habits are lasting.
The youngsters also pull a lot of older folk-s
up to the boxoffice.
* * •
Had a nice visit with Norman Walker,
assistant manager of the Avon in Weleeta.
owned by C. W. Duncan, who also has the
Red.skin and Avalon in Wetumka. It wa-s
interesting to learn that Duncan and Walker
build a large part of the equipment used in
the theatres, including 3-D. All the theatres
use special advertising, and business has been
good at all three locations.
Over at McAlester, Okla., the J. B and Mea
Lenkisters are having a nice season at the
Sky-Vue Drive-In. Their son recently returned
from the service and is helping with
the operation. Mrs. Lenkister reports that the
big train is the most popular ride in the large
play area at the rear of the drive-in.
• « *
A number of times we have mentioned
Alex Blue who came to Tulsa some time back
to take over the Admiral Drive-In. And
again we would like to say Alex is doing a
very fine job here. Having had years with
the R&R circuit of Dallas, he gained a wide
knowledge of promotions of proven success in
other places. These good ideas he brought
along with him and has and is putting many
of them into operation at the Admiral, all of
which has helped the boxoffice. Here are
some of his recent promotions: Thursday (3)
he offered comic books to all the youngsters,
and reported greatly increased business More
of these special nights now ai'e being planned.
A baby stunt was introduced with a number
of sponsors. This group sends the parents
of every newborn baby in the city a very fine
baby book. In the front of the book are seven
letters—one each from the Admiral Drive-In,
C. R. Anthony Co., Hawk's dairy, Barnes
Manley laundry, Pi-ofcssional drug shop. Ernie
Brickerton and the Juvenile furniture .store
each one welcoming the little one and offering
congratulations to the parents and containing
a pass to the Admiral for "Mom and
Pop."
Newcomers to Tulsa are Mr. and Mrs.
Luther Carter, who hail from Lemasa, Tex.,
where they were connected with show business.
Tliey have taken over the operation
of the Cove Theatre, owned by Vernon Mc-
Ginnis. We welcome the Carters and wish
them every good luck in their new positions.
For theatres that are just a wee bit sick at
the boxoffice, or may need a little shot in
the arm, I am sending along a photo of the
local talent stage show we are offering at
the Rialto. As can be seen, the talent ranges
from very little folks to 45 years of age.
The contest is arranged in four age groups so
the older talent does not compete against the
youngsters. The good public relations these
local talent shows create cannot be measured
in dollars and cents. Proof of this is the fine
letter, one of many we have received:
Thank you for permitting Tulsa's amateur talent
to perform at the Rialto Theatre. The young and
small-fry acts were unbelievably good, and the
audience appreciation at the close and during the
show was tremendous. The handling of these future
greats by your Rialto manager was wonderful. You
certainly have hit upon a fine thing for Tulsa and
your theatre group,
December 15
Tulsa
739 South Denver
(Signed) H. B. LEONARD
These letters and fine comments, also the
good business at the ticket window, have encouraged
us to start another series of local
talent nights, the first June 11, 12. Should
any readers desire details of how to conduct
local talent shows, we will be more than
happy to help, just drop a line to the writer,
care of BOXOFFICE. or to the Rialto Theatre,
TiiLsa, Okla.
G. V. Fleming Seeks Aid
To Reopen Walnut House
From North Central Edition
WALNUT, IOWA—G. V. Fleming of At-
former operator of the Walnut Thea-
lantic,
tre here, has been contacting local businessmen
to gain financial backing for a
theatre venture. Howard Brookings of Oakland,
latest operator of the Walnut, has
moved the last of his equipment from the
building after surrendering his lease May 1.
Fleming said he has all the necessary
theatre equipment and could start operations
with a loan of about $1,000 from local
businessmen. It was reported, however, that
his inquiries were being received with only
lukewarm interest. Fleming gave up the
operation of the theatre last summer after
a short period. He said a new equipment
setup would eliminate lagging attendance
during the summer. Meanwhile, Clarence
Walter, owner of the theatre building, has
it up for sale.
Tiger Theatre Gutted
KONAWA, OKLA.— Les Nordean's Tiger
Theatre was gutted by an early morning fire
which caused an estimated $25,000 damage,
$10,000 of which was in fixtures and equipment
which Nordean said was partially covered
by insurance. The entire inside of the
two-story building was a total loss. The
building owners, O. T. Damron and E. A.
Hudson, valued the structure at $15,000.
62
BOXOFTICE June 12, 1954

'Blue Law'Amendment
Causes Little Change
From Southeast Edition
JACKSON, MISS.—There has been little
change in the Sunday night theatre situation
in the wake of a state act amending a longstanding
"blue law." The old law prohibited
showings after 6 p.m. on Sunday though
theatres had been authorized to operate between
1 and 6 p.m. The new law, signed
by Gov. White, now permits operation of
theatres between 9 and midnight.
Some downtown theatres in Jackson and
Hattiesburg opened from 9 p.m. to midnight
the first Sunday the bill became law. Crowds
were fair and plans are to continue the
schedule. Meridian and Laurel reported theatres
would remain closed.
Towns in the Delta, on the Gulf coast, and
along the Mississippi reported houses had
been open Sunday nights for many years.
Drive-ins throughout the state also have been
doing business after dark on Sunday for as
long as patrons can remember.
Local laws govern Sunday hours for movies
in many localities.
MPEOF Regional Meeting
For Miami in Mid-June
From Southeast Edition
JACKSONVILLE—The second regional
meeting for 1954 of the Motion Picture Exhibitors
of Florida is scheduled for mid-June
in Miami, it was announced by Horace Denning,
Florida manager of Dixie Drlve-Ins
and MPEOF president. Mrs. E. N. Claughton,
Claughton circuit, is serving as head of the
arrangements committee.
One purpose of the Miami meeting, Denning
said, is to enlarge the South Florida
membership of the TOA unit. All independent
exhibitors in the area are invited to the
gathering to hear a number of prominent
speakers describe industry problems and
achievements.
Downtown Theatres Leases
Wilby-Kincey House
From Southeast Edition
JASPER, ALA.—Downtown Theatres, Inc.,
headed by R. M. Kennedy of Birmingham, has
leased the Jasper Theatre from the Wilby-
Kincey circuit and has closed the Downtown
Theatre.
William F. Call will operate the theatre,
replacing William A. Steppe, manager here
for 15 years. Mr. Steppe has joined an insurance
company as underwriter for Jasper
and surrounding territory.
Avalon Schedules Three
For Florida Filming
From Southeast Edition
WINTER PARK, FLA.—Avalon Pictures
has scheduled three full length pictures for
filming in central Florida, according to
Thomas Casey, president. The first, to be
called "Swamp Angel," will get under way
this month and will employ, in addition to a
number of local persons, professional actors
through the William Morris agency of New
York.
GIVES YOU
BALANCED
PROGRAMMING
with these 4 fresh, unusual, presold
American-language hits!
AUDIENCt-TESUD AND TERRIFIC!
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NEW YORK 36, N. Y.' * CHICAGO, ILL. \ ATLANTA, GA.
Italian character actress Maria Zanoli has
been signed for a role in Warners' "Helen
of Troy."

MR. EXHIBITOR
DRIVE-IN OR INDOOR THEATRE
THINKING ABOUT
INEMAdCOPE?
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to run any 4-Track CinemaScope film
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1 Mixer Panel and Power Supply
1 Pair Right and Left Anamorphic Lens
1 Pair Companion Lens
2 Anamorphic Lens Supports
2 CinemaScope Kits for Projectors
2 CinemaScope Kits for Optical Sound Heads
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714 So. Hampton Rd. WO-2235 Dallas, Texas
64 BOXOFHCE :
: June
12, 1954

,
I
'
White
[
"whopping"
'
spent
' life
. . Ernie
. . Pedro
finance—Miima
. . George
. . Joan
DALLAS
•Twentieth-Fox is equipping its screening
room for Cinemascope and stereophonic
sound . . . Mrs. Ma« E. Williams, who has
been employed by 20th-Pox as an inspector
since 1936, is planning to retire June 19 . . .
Here from San Antonio booking and buying
were Bill Rau, Alamo Booking Service, and
Tom Summers and Bill O'Donnell from the
Josephine Booking Service . . . The Maud
(Tex.) Theatre burned . . . Douglas Desch of
the Buena Vista Film Distributing Co., distributor
for Walt Disney, was here on his
first assignment.
C. E. Campbell, Trail Drive-In, Bowie, was
. . RKO's Hazel Puller underwent a tonsillectomy
in .
while on vacation . Pap,
division manager for United Artists, conferred
with W. C. Haymes, local manager
. . . Mrs. Ha Sample, secretary to Lloyd Rust,
UA, vacationed in Shreveport, La. . . . Mr. Allport,
manager of the Granada Theatre, and
his wife Isabell returned from a four-day
fishing trip in Marksville, La. They had
success and their neighbors and
friends enjoyed fish for several days.
. .
Gus Christian, former sales manager for
Cauger Film Co., now is representing Alexander
The
Film Co. in southeast Texas . following theatremen recently celebrated their
birthdays: Harry Calvert, Houston; Hans
Smith, Irving, Irving; Robert Lewis, Park,
Houston, and R. A. Noret, Sky Vue, Lamesa,
and Jack Parr, Trail Drive-In, Houston.
Joan Crawford spent a busy time in Texas
making pei-sonal appearances Ln behalf of
her latest picture, "Johnny Guitar." She
a day each in Houston, San Antonio,
Fort Worth and Dallas making radio and
press appearances as well as a stage presentation.
The week was climaxed with an
appearance at the Majestic in Dallas. She
was given a scroll by Maxine Adams, president
of the WOMPI, making her an honorary
member. Other members present at the
ceremony were Mildred Fulenwider, Loia
Cheaney, Gerry Hill, Blanche Boyle, Joyce
Smith, Stormy Meadows and Verlin Osborne.
his parents, who were celebrating their golden
wedding anniversary . Stroud, switchboai'd
operator at Paramount, has retm'ned
from vacation. Paramount screened "Knock
on Wood" Monday (7) night for Decca record
dealers . . . Charles Manley returned from a
week in Tulsa and the Oklahoma City territory.
Associated Popcorn Distributors now is
handling Coca-Cola fountain syrup, according
to Charles E. Darden, president . . The
.
annual meeting of the Variety Foundation
board of trustees will be held June 22 in the
Mercantile bank building.
Award in Cashier's Death
Appealed to High Court
From Southeast Edition
DURHAM, N.C.—Abercromble Enterprises,
owner of the Carolina Theatre here, has appealed
to the state supreme court a decision
awarding $4,750 to survivors of a cashier who
suffered a fatal collapse after directing patrons
to leave a theatre because of a fire.
Mrs. Elizabeth S. Lewter, 38, fell unconscious
at the Carolina here on Dec. 11, 1951,
and died in a hospital the following day. The
state industry commission awarded her husband
Wade and daughter Libby Jeanne compensation
of $13.50 a week for 350 weeks.
The theatre owners appealed to Durham
superior court, which upheld the award. The
firm then appealed to the supreme court,
contending the superior court erred in refusing
to make rulings as requested on exceptions
and objections filed during the hearing.
IVErs. Lewter collapsed after she walked
through the theatre telling patrons to leave
because of a fire which had broken oul. She
returned to the ticket booth and was making
refunds to patrons when she collapsed.
O. N. Shannon Builds Airer
PORTLAND, TEX.—O. N. Shannon of
Fowlerton has begun work on a new drive-in
to be located north of here. The dirt and
shell fill has been completed and work
started on the screen and the concession
house.
Legion Opens Theatre
WAUCOMA, IOWA—The Waucoma Theatre,
recently purchased by the American
Legion post here, was reopened under Legion
sponsorship June 5. Showings will be on
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with two
changes of program a week. Virgil Buschmann
will operate the projection equipment
and members of the post will take
turns as manager.
As a screen game,
HOLLYWOOD takes top
honors. As a box-office attraction,
it is without equal. It has
been a fovorite with theatre goers for
over 15 years. Write today for complete details.
Be sure to give seating or ear capacity.
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO.
831 South Woboth Avenua • Chicago 5, llllnolt
SPECIAL
TRAILERS
FOR DRIVE-IN THEATRES
CLEARER! SHARPER!
TO FIT ANY SIZE SCREEN
MOTION PICTURE SERVICE CO.
125 HYDE ST. SAN FRANCISCO (Z) , CALIF.
Jimmy Skinner, sound engineer for Sterling
II
Sales Co., returned from the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers convention in Washington
. Gall left RCA to become
director of technical operations for the Cin-
I erama Theatre . Gonzalez, who ap-
I pears in "The High and the Mighty," was
^
a recent visitor. The picture opens at the
Majestic early in July.
Replaces Maggie McNamara
Replacing Maggie McNamara, forced to
withdraw because of illness. Peggy Ann Garner
will play one of the top femme roles in
20th-Fox's "Black Widow."
1
II
Maxine Adams, president of the WOMPIs,
announced the following committee chairmen
and members: service committee—Melba
Marten, chairman; Frances Green and Adelin
Franklin; social—Flo Gann, chairman; LaRue
Jones, Lea McCain and Margarette Rowland;
membership—Billie Webb, chairman; Dorothy
McOullough, Margie Seely and Ruth
Woodard; program — Lorena CuUimore,
chairman; Dorothy Mealor, Thelma Bailey
and Loia Chaney; publicity and bulletin—Loia
Chaney, chairman; Betty Trotter, Gary Hill
and Sue Benningfield ; Mae
Stevison, chairman; Stormy Meadows, Msiggie
and Evelyn Neeley; bylaws—Rosa
Browning and Dorothy Johns.
Joe Caffo, Frontier Theatres and board
member of Variety Tent 17, returned from
his vacation in Permsylvania, where he visited

: June
7H

—
———
Northwest Drive-ins
Shun CinemaScope
MINNEAPOLIS—Drive-in theatres in this
area are still holding back from CinemaScope,
although the expensive stereophonic sound is
no longer required and they can qualify for
it by enlarging their screens to the necessary
width and buying the needed lenses at an
estimated cost of approximately $4,000.
There are about 150 ozoners in the area
and so far only two have gone to Cinemascope.
The first was the Minot at Minot.
N.D.. and now the 7-Hi, one of the Twin
Cities' eight drive-ins, is installing it.
It has been learned that the Minot, however,
has been refused "The Robe" and, accordingly,
will probably tee off on Cinemascope
with "How to Marry a Millionaire."
"The Robe" hasn't played Minot yet because
neither of the conventional theatres
there are equipped for it. The new Minnesota
Amusement Co. house now under construction
there will have the CinemaScope
equipment, including stereo sound, but it may
not be ready to open until August. Twentieth-
Fox is apparently holding back on "The
Robe" for Minot until that occurs.
Trade circles believe that there are several
reasons why the drive-ins continue to stay
out of the CinemaScope fold, although a
much smaller investment is involved since
Fox decided to release single optical sound
prints of the CinemaScope pictures.
Burt Parsons Celebrates
30th Show Business Year
SPRINGFIELD, MINN. — Burt Parsons,
theatre owner and NCATO board member,
celebrated his 30th anniversary in the industry
by presenting a free show at the
State Theatre. Four showings were actually
presented to accommodate the large crowd
of local picture enthusiasts. Parsons had
announced that he was presenting the free
film entertainment to express his appreciation
to Springfield picture fans for their
patronage over the years.
Parsons and his brother, F. L., had originally
entered the business with his father
at the old Grand Theatre here. The two
brothers, after working for their father two
years, formed a partnership with him in
1926 when the theatre was moved to its present
location. Since then. Parsons has remained
constantly active in the exhibitor
field and is, in addition to his industry affiliations,
a Variety club member.
Sells Majority Interest
In Airers to Central
WATERLOO, IOWA—The majority interest
in the Starlite and SkyVue drive-ins has been
sold by Philip E. Winslow to the Central
States Theatre Corp. Possession took place
June 1. S. A. Oellerich is retaining his
minority interest in the theatres and will
continue active in the management as he
was during his partnership with Winslow.
The Starlite, constructed in 1947 on Highway
218, was the first outdoor theatre to be
built between Chicago and California. The
SkyVue, on Highway 20, was constructed by
Winslow and Oellerich in 1950. Winslow, who
has been interested in breeding purebred
Hereford cattle, says he probably will expand
his interest in that field.
Monkey Gets Black Eye
In Escape at Ozoner
Grand Island, Neb.—The antics of
Blinker, largest monkey in the Grand
Island Drive-In zoo, drew newspaper attention
recently when he escaped from
his cage during the African jungle thriller.
"Ivory Hunter," wh"eh was showing on
the screen.
Blinker, according to drive-in Manager
Wally Kemp, not only stole the show, but
also led six drive-in attendants on a
merry chase. He scampered with glee
among the ears, then into a neighboring
alfalfa field, where he finally was captured
when an attendant tossed a coat
over his head.
Only casualty in the fracas was Blinker.
He suffered a black eye.
Berger Threatens to Sue
Over Loss of Fight TV
MINNEAPOLIS—Theatre Network Telecast
faces a possible breach of contract suit
as a result of awarding the Marciano-Charles
championship fight on its closed TV network
exclusively to the Minnesota Amusement
Co. 4,000-seat Radio City here. Bennie
Berger, whose local first run Gopher is also
equipped for theatre large screen TV, said he
is consulting his lawyer to learn if he has
grounds for legal action.
Berger said he received a contract from
TNT for the fight and signed it, but it never
was returned to him with the TNT signature.
However, he claims his original contract
permitting TNT to install the equipment in
the Gopher at its own expense entitles him
to every TNT telecast.
Harry B. French, Minnesota Amusement
Co. president, said he informed TNT that
Radio City only wanted the fight telecast if
it could have it exclusively, and he made it
clear he wouldn't object if the attraction was
given 'to the Gopher on the same basis.
Berger feels "it's obvious that TNT bowed
to French's demand because Radio City has
so much larger seating capacity than the
Gopher and it will mean more money for
TNT." The entire Radio City is scaled at
$2.50, including tax, for the fight and all
seats will be reserved.
No Trust Settlement Yet
For Milwaukee Colonial
MILWAUKEE—No settlement was announced
at the conclusion of the Colonial
Amusement Co.'s $4,500,000 suit against eight
motion picture firms. Federal Judge Robert
E. Tehan ordered attorneys to file briefs in
30 days, after which time he will take the
case under advisement.
The case, which ran a record of 42 days,
was the result of a suit on the part of
Colonial, seeking to prove that the film companies
set up a zoning system, and relegated
the Colonial to an inferior position with
respect to film playing times. The Colonial
claims loss of profits, while the defendants
maintain that their method of distribution
was fair.
Glen Theatre Installs Wide Screen
GLENWOOD CITY, WIS.—The Glen Theatre
has installed a wide screen, according
to Manager Gordon Spiess.
'Desert' and 'Fountain'
High in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS—Warmer weather was regarded
as a boxoffice deterrent, but "Three
Coins in the Fountain" and "The Living
Desert," nevertheless, cut a wide swath. "Cinerama"
was still big in its eighth week, "Men
of the Fighting Lady" was giving a good account
of itself and "Dial M for Murder," in its
second week, maintained a respectable pace.
(Average Is 100)
Gopher Men ot the Fighting Lody (MGM) 90
Lyric Marry Me Again (RKO); Port Sinister (RKO) 60
Radio City Three Coins in the Fountain
(20th-Fox) 150
RKO Orpheum Indiscretion of on American Wife
(Col) 70
RKO Pan— Bottfe of Rouge River (Col), Proiect
M-7 (U-l) 80
State Dial M for Murder (WB), 2nd wk 95
W9rld The Living Desert (Disney) 200
Onl-y 'Guitar' Tops
Average in Omaha
OMAHA—The movie business took a rap
over the holiday weekend which probably
is partially explained by the record-breaking
crowds attending the Ak-Sar-Ben race meeting.
An alltime mark of 18,800 persons
jammed the track recently. The Orpheum
was able to top average by 15 per cent.
Admiral-Chief Witness to Murder (UA); The
Homesteaders (AA) 100
Omaha The Egg and I (U-l) 90
Orpheum Johnny Guitar (Rep) 115
RKO-Brandeis The Miami Story (Col); The Black
Glove (LP) 95
State Flame and the Flesh (MGM) 1 00
Town Lure of the Silo (IFE), White Hell of Piti
Polu (IFE) 100
A. E. Blakkolbs Celebrate
Double Anniversary
BONESTEEL, S.D.—Ml", and Mrs. A. E.
Blakkolb who own and operate theatres
here and in Butte, Neb., celebrated a double
anniversary—25 years in show business and
25 years of marriage.
They opened their theatre here all day
and evening to the public and every performance
was attended by a capacity crowd.
The evening before, a group of 70 close
friends, charivaried the Blakkolbs. At midnight
a special screening of the MGM Technicolor
production "Gypsy Colt" was held
and refreshments and lunch were served.
The Blakkolbs received several hundred
cards and telegrams from their many friends.
Daughter Dana made a special trip home
from college in Denver to be with her parents
for the occasion. She is attending medical
school at the University of Colorado.
Editor Aids Exhibitors
In Avoiding Film Mixup
GRAND ISLAND. NEB.—Phil Cooke, editor
of the Cornhusker ordinance plant paper,
The Tank Buster, prevented a major explosion
along the Grand Island movie front.
Cooke discovered that both the Capitol
Theatre, managed by Tony Abramovich, and
the Grand, managed by 'Wally Kemp, had
"Dragonfly Squadron" listed on their futures
book at the same time.
Cooke called the managers. 'When things
were straightened out Kemp kept the "Dragonfly"
and Abramovich had "Fighter Attack,"
made by the same company. That was the
film intended for him in the first place.
BOXOFFICE :
: June
12, 1954 NC 67

. . With
: June
MINNEAPOLIS
. . .
"The 7 -Hi Drive-In will be the territory's first
ozoner to present 'The Robe." The presentation,
opening June 25, will be on onetrack
sound. The Minot (N.D.) Drive-In
already had qualified, but wa-s unable to book
"The Robe" because the film hasn't played
Bennie
a conventional house there yet
Berger's theatre at Fergus Falls opened with
"The Robe" Sunday on one-track magnetic
sound, and will go into his St. Peter. Minn.,
house June 20. The Comet, an independent
operation in the small town of Perham, Minn.,
has had four-track sound installed.
Ralph Branton, onetime film man here
DELIVERY
We aim to moke delivery
on lenses ond screens 2
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We try to g«t you the hoidto-get
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Our engineering service, plus
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places us in a much better
position to give you the best
of new equipment under
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For use on both drive-in and
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VNI-MAX" Metallic
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DES
WE ARE
Painf
High Street
MOINES
and now one of Allied Artists owners and
executives, was in from Hollywood to visit
his brothers here prior to a one-week fishing
jaunt in the northern Canadian woods.
The fishing party included his brother John
of the Minnesota Amusement Co.; Art Anderson,
Warner Bros, manager, and Ernie Hill,
WB salesman.
. . . Drivein
O. E. Maxwell reports Northwest Sound
Service has finished Installing equipment in
new drive-ins at International Falls, Mimi.;
Phillips, Wis., and Ashland, Wis.
theatres in this area have had their worst
weather break in their history. Unseasonably
TO SELL YOU
Complete 3-D Equipment
Stereophonic Sound
25" and 26" Magazines
For
Wide Angle Lenses
CinemaScope Lenses
Century—Motio— Simplex
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Des Moines,
Iowa
cold temperatures and much rain have prevailed
most of the time since their season
opened during April and May. Pi'actically
every weekend has brought rain, and over
the long Decoration day holiday there were
near cloudbursts in many sections of the
area, rain nearly everywhere and temperatures
fell as low as 30.
Jack Cohen, 20th-Fox manager and salesman
for many years until he re.signed to enter
his own commercial venture, is back at the
old stand, temporarily assigned to the sales
department prior to a permanent assignment.
Saul Malisow, present manager, started with
Fox as a salesman while Cohen was manager.
Minnesota Amusement's Radio City will
present the Marciano-Charles telefight.
Bennie Berger had tried to sign the telecast
for his 1,000-seat Gopher but Harry B.
French, MAC president, took the stand that
the presentation should be an exclusive and
shown at only one of the houses. Theatre
Telecast agreed with Fi-ench and awarded it
to his 4,000-seat Radio City.
M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox division manager,
stopped in Rochester to visit his daughter,
who is recuperating from an operation at the
Mayo clinic, before proceeding to a visit at
Bennie Berger
his Kansas City branch . . .
attended a family picnic at Winona, Minn
Terry Smoot, WB southern Minnesota salesman,
spent his vacation at home painting
the house.
The St. Paul World, a Ted Mann house,
grabbed off "The Student Prince" on bids,
while the Minnesota Amusement Co. landed
it for Radio City here. Mann also had bid
for it for the World here . the aid
of theatre managers Sam Goodman and Maky
Justed, MGM exploiteer Harry Sears staged
hefty campaigns for "The Student Prince"
in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Austin, Minn.
Fox-PTA Programs Start
SIDNEY, NEB.—The PTA sponsored Fox
Theatre 12-w-eek children's summer program
started Wednesday (2) with the first of its
special vacation pictures. The films to be
shown each Wednesday, including the first
program, are Mother Carey's Chickens, Savage
Splendor, Dog of Flanders, Two Thoroughbreds,
Double Crossbones, Ti-easure of
Lost Canyon, Henry Aldrich Boy Scout. Biscuit
Eater, Bright Road, Kim. Take Me Out
to the Ball Game and Hills of Home.
Weight Foils Burglars
CLINTON. IOWA—The weight of the
1,200-pound safe in the office of the Highway
136 Drive-In west of tow'n apparently
discouraged would-be burglars who entered
the place. When the theatre custodian entered
the office early one morning he found
the safe had been moved some distance from
its usual position, evidently as a preliminary
to hauling it way. There was no evidence
of an attempt to force the safe open nor
was anything else in the office disturbed.
Ad Congratulates Theatre
DELEVAN, 'WIS.—A double page congratulatory
ad was run by local merchants on the
occasion of the Delevan Theatre's 25th anniversary.
In addition, the newspaper ran a
story recalling the theatre's opening in 1929
quoting the news story the paper had printed
that date to cover the event.
68
BOXOFFICE
;
12, 1954

. . Avon
DES MOINES
Ijen Marcus, Columbia district manager, was
in for a few days . Lake was a
popular spot for several Pilnii-owers last weekend.
Lou Levy. Universal manager, claims to
have caught a long string of fish. He was
with the A, Rubles of Central States. Joanne
Hoffman, former Republic secretary, is spending
weekends at Avon working as a parttime
lifeguard. George White, owner and manager
of the beach, is a former industry man
himself, and so welcomes all those associated
with the film busine-ss . . . "Pat" Patrick, Universal
salesman, is vacationing, as is Irene
Lind, biller at the same exchange.
Lois Loar. the Warner manager's secretary,
has returned from her vacation . . . Mildred
Davis, Universal, was away from the exchange
for several days because of illness . . . About
26 members of Variety Club attended the
Saturday night party at the Standard club
June 5 and all reported a very fine evening.
Dinner, dancing and entertainment were all
on the bill . . . The annual golf stag, held at
the Hyperion club June 7, also was a big success,
according to Variety Club officials. Several
exhibitors who attended the day's events
at the Hyperion stayed over to view the
screening of "Magnificent Obsession" shown
by Lou Levy at the Ingersoll Theatre that
evening.
A. H. Blank, Ti'i-States executive, has begun
remodeling the store building at the southwest
corner of Seventh and Walnut streets
which he owns. The building houses several
women's apparel stores . . . The Paramount
Theatre is making plans for the telecast on
June 17 of the heavyweight championship
fight which will be shown on its screen.
'French Line' Going Great
At Twin Cities Drive-In
MINNEAPOLIS—"The French Line" is
racking up huge gi-osses at the 100 Twins
Di'ive-In, the only place where it has been
booked so far in the Minneapolis-St. Paul
area. It cun-ently was in the second of a
three-week engagement after record-breaking
takings the initial stanza.
It marks the first time an important film
has been booked into a Twin Cities' area
ozoner for its first Minneapolis-St. Paul run.
No other Twin Cities theatre, outdoor or conventional,
would book the picture. However,
Fay Dressell, RKO manager, said that out in
the territory he has approximately 80 drive-in
dates. He doesn't claim any four-wall theatre
bookings for it outstate.
At the 100 Tivins "The French Line" opened
on a cold and rainy Wednesday and the
700-car capacity ozoner turned 'em away.
There has been no "heat" from the Legion
of Decency or other Catholic quarters. Manager
Al Aved said. Owners of conventional
theatres here explain that on the theory "an
out-of-the-way drive-in can get away with
such a picture, but we couldn't and escape
heat."
Rialto Resumes Full Week
MISSOURI VALLEY. IOWA—The Rialto
Theatre has resumed a full week operation,
it was announced last week. For the past
few months, the Rialto has been closed several
days each week.
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CLEVELAND, OHIO
1255 SO. WABASH AVE.
CHICAGO, ILL.
115 WALTON ST., N.W.
ATLANTA, GA.
310 S. HARWOOD ST.
DALLAS, TEXAS
1907 SO. VERMONT AVE.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
246 STUART ST.
BOSTON, MASS.
BOXOFnCE June 12, 1954 69

. . . Arthur
Theatre
. . The
. . Wa.shburn
. . Harry
. . Benny
. . Larry
. . F.
. .
. . The
. . Jack
MILWAUKEE
. . . George
.
.
.
I32T S. Wakuh - CIiIm{0, III. 830 Ninth A«t. Ntw Y»k. - N. Y. manager here.
employe at the UA office. She formerly was
employed at RKO . Royal Theatre on
South Sixth street, will go up for auction .
Sam Miller of the Gladstone Theatre, who
Wariety Tent 14 attended the Milwaukee now resides in California, drove from California
Braves baseball game June 7. Members of
with his wife to book for his theatre.
the club and their ladies met the ball players
in person. Johnny Mednikow in charge of A new drive-in at Ashland, Wis., the Triad,
the dinner given for the Milwaukee Braves was opened by Prank Hahn
Johnson installed Cinemascope in the Stanley
on June 3. said attendance was good . . . J. R.
Velde, division manager for United Artists,
(Wis. I Boesel, man-
was in . . . Jeanne Lindquist is the new ager of Pox's Palace, announced the arrival
of a double feature. His wife gave birth to
twins, Cindy Jo and Randy Tod J.
THE BEST .
McWilliams, his son Jack and Don Hutchins.
manager of the Portage Theatres at Portage
were in booking of Wautoma
Theatre, was on Pilmrow . . . Fox's Jackson
Theatre initiated Two-Bits nights on Wednesdays
and Thursdays.
Advertising Method ... is
PROGRAMS!
Three youths admitted vandalism at the
FREE! Sample Kit! FREE!
Blue Mount Drive-In, Elm Grove, Wis. Plumbing
in the men's restroom was damaged to
the extent of over $200. Carlie Fox, burlesque
Theatrical Advertising Co. manager of the Empress Theatre, is laid up
2310 CASS AVE. DETROIT 1, MICH with a broken arm. He was attempting to
Phone: Woodward 1-2158
teach a youngster just starting out a striptease
technique . Benjamin of
Screen Guild exchange has the distribution
LOOK TO
rights for Kroger Babb's Hallmark pictures.
Jay Robinson, one of the principal actors
the Cinemascope feature, "The Robe." was
ii!
in to exploit the new picture, "Demetrius
FOR THE FINEST
and the Gladiators" . Belts of
ALWAYSi
ANNOUNCEMENT
Wausau Theatre, was on Filmrow booking
Greenblatt, general sales manager
GOOD!
for Screen Guild and Lippert Pictures conferred
with William Benjamin, Screen Guild's
"^
.ROKta
, nAeatte Bfoketa^e
fxcLusiyeLy
||||
James Wren to Fairbury
FAIRBURY, NEB.—James Wren has taken
over as manager of the Bonham Theatre,
replacing Loren Landkamer who resigned to
accept a government job. Wren had been
manager of Tri-States' Strand after having
been an assistant at the circuit's Paramount,
both in Waterloo, Iowa.
There's a Big Waiting List in the U.S. . . .
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OMAHA
TXTarner Manager Frank Hannon promoted
Ruby Houlihan from contract clerk to the
position of his secretary replacing Darlene
Nelson who resigned. Virginia DeMarco was
moved from stenographer to contract clerk,
with Francis Thomas taking her former position.
Rosemary Prusha was added to the
staff . . . Mrs. Paul Fine has joined the staff
at Western Theatre Supply, owned by her
husband, following the resignation of Wanda
Radik.
. . .
Chet Waterman of Film Transport is planning
a trip to California, his fir.st vacation in
five years . RKO exchange is going
to lose booker Betty Pantier, who announced
her engagement to Gordon Kohlscheen of
Avoca, Iowa Warren Hall, Burwell, has
installed CinemaScope and anamorphic lens
Jeanette Schoeneman and Pat Plumer,
. . .
Theatre Booking Service's new account, were
in town from Wahoo ... A big crowd turned
out for Universal's screening of "Magnificent
Obsession" at the Center Theatre.
.
. .
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Renfro of Theatre
Booking Service will leave next week for a
Florida vacation Andrews, Paramount
salesman, left last week for his annual
trek to Lac LaRonge in Canada and some
Sam
fishing at Red Bordman's camp .
Deutsch's beard is something to behold after
two weeks of growth. The Universal office
manager's crop is far more arresting than
Booker Ray Nielson's real growth at MGM
but Ray's backers haven't given up in the
Centennial sweepstakes.
M. E. Anderson, Paramount manager, is
back from Chicago where he saw a screening
of Vista Vision . . . Visitors to Filmrow included
Nebraskans Allen Pollack, Ewing:
Ollie Schneider, Osceola; Edward Hanzel,
Beemer: Phil and George March, Wayne
and Vermillion; Paul Tramp, Oxford; Art
Goodwater. Madison; Warren Hall, Burwell:
Don Campbell, Central City; lowans H. B.
Carleton, Griswold; Ray Brown, Harlan;
Richard Johnson, Red Oak; C. Moore, Dunlap;
Jim Redmond. Sioux City, and Fiank
Good, Red Oak.
Sophie Volkert, an employe of the Film
Transport Co., was injured when she apparently
fell down some steps onto a concrete
walk behind her apartment. She was
taken to County hospital and was reported
to have suffered a fractured skull. Attendants
said she regained consciousness but
could not recall what happened.
Construction Under Way
On De Luxe Omaha Airer
OMAHA—Work is well under way on the
$325,000 drive-in being built on the northwest
edge of the city by Ralph Blank, owner
of two de luxe suburban theatres, and William
Miskell, former district manager for
Tri-States Theatre Corp.
The drive-in will be half again as large
as any in the area, providing for 1,100 cars,
and a screen tower as tall as a nine-story
building.
Adds Permastone Front
CAMBRIDGE. NEB.- As part of the RitZ
Theatre remodeling program, the front of the
building was lined with Permastone. The
lobby has also been redecorated.
70
BOXOFnCE
;
I
; June 12. 1954

Detroit Tent to Hold
Golf Outing June 28
DETROIT—Local film exchanges and theatre
offices are being asked to close for the
annual golf outing sponsored by Detrqit
Variety Club Monday (28) at Tarn O'Shanter
Golf club, in a new move to build interest
and attendance in the event. Arrangement"?
are being made by a committee headed by
Milton Zimmerman. Columbia manager, and
William Wetsman. Wisper & Wetsman circuit.
Ticket sales for the outing are being
handled by Clive Waxman in Grand Rapids
and by the following filmites rn Detroit: Sam
Barrett. Ernest T. Conlon. Daniel J. Lewis. Ed
Stuckey. Alden Smith, Carl Buermele. WiUiam
Clark. Harold Brown, Adolph Goldberg, Ai--
thur Robinson, Lew Mitchell and Sol Korman.
'Man With Million' Debut
To Benefit of Koreans
DETROIT— All Detroit theatres are uniting
in joint support of a world premiere
benefit of "Man With a Million" for the
American Korean Foundation. Event is to
be held at the United Artists Theatre Thursday
(17). with tickets being sold at individual
theatres, circuit and independent houses
alike, throughout the city, as well as through
the Grinnell Ticket office.
The event is being sponsored by the
Women's Classified Service Clubs of Detroit
(representative largely business and professional
women of the city), with all proceeds
going to the foundation.
Michigan lA Session
Held in Grand Rapids
DETROIT— E. Clyde Adler. president of
Michigan lATSE, reports that a routine quai'-
terly meeting was held at the Pantlind hotel.
Grand Rapids, May 16, with general business
discussions. Most delegates stayed over to
take part in the Michigan Federation of
Labor meeting the 17th.
Adler also reported that John P. Fitzgerald,
stage manager of the Gladmer Theatre
at Lansing, was re-elected delegate of the
Michigan Alliance to the Michigan Federation
of Labor executive boai'd.
Martin Printz Dies
CLEVELAND—Martin Printz, Cleveland
theatre owner, died at 74 in Los Angeles
where he has been living since his retirement
in 1948. During his 30 years in the
industry he was active in the operation of
the Knickerbocker, Stillman, Circle and Alhambra
theatres. He was manager of the
Circle Theatre when the first sound film
was shown here and in later years was associated
with Sam and Merle Cowan in the
Alhambra. He refilled 15 years ago and
moved to the west coast.
Robbed of $1,600
YOUNGSTOWN—Three masked gunmen
kidnapped Samuel Scott, projectionist, from
the Sky-Hi Drive-In and robbed him of
$1,600. The gunmen tied his hands and feet
and put him out of the car several miles
from the Drive-In.
VISITING ACTRESS—Barbara Rush
stopped off in Cleveland to aid in the
promotion of Universal-International's
"Magnificent Obsession" which is to have
its world premiere at the RKO Palace
there July 15, and met exhibitors at the
U-I exchange. She is seen here with, left
to right, Jim Shulman, Shulman circuit,
Cleveland; Leon "Phil" Eaken jr., general
manager of the Robins circuit, Warren,
Ohio, and Jerome K. Levitt, city salesman.
J. Wilmer Blincoe Given
Owensboro Airer Pennit
OWENSBORO. KY.—A permit has been
issued to J. Wilmer Blincoe and the DBA
Twilite Amusement Corp. for construction of
a 1,000-car di-ive-in and amusement park on
Highway 431 two miles south of here.
Policy of the theatre will be last run.
Blincoe plans to purchase six rides from a
carnival operator. The amusement park will
be a separate operation from the theatre, but
both will be located on a 100-acre tract
now owned by Blincoe. Blincoe operates the
Twilite Drive-In, Central City, and the Parkway
here.
Church Film Premiere Set
DETROIT—The world premiere of "Light
Up the Land" has been set for June
11 at the University of Detroit Memorial
building. The film is a screen version of the
pageant which was produced here a year
and a half ago as a tribute to the 75th anniversary
of the university under the direction
of the Rev. Daniel A. Lord, noted in the
film industry as a principal author of the
basic motion picture code.
Len G. Shaw Dead at 81
DETROIT—Len G. Shaw, dean of Detroit's
theatrical press, died May 27 at the
age of 81. He served the Detroit Free Press
as drama critic from 1901 until 1947 when
he retired. Len Shaw had also represented
a motion picture trade paper, continuing
active in this field until recently. There are
no immediate sm'vivors.
Theatre
Owner Charge(d
IRONTON, OHIO—Mrs. Fronia Sexton,
who owns the Grand and Marlowe theatres
here, is awaiting federal court action on a
charge she embezzled $114,000 while president
of an Ironton bank.
Louis Berman Dead at G2
TOLEDO—Louis Berman, 62, Colony Theatre
partner and clothing store owner, died.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
John Himmelein Goes
With Clark Service
DETROIT—John Himmelein, for the last
12 years sales manager at the Detroit Paramount
exchange, has resigned to join Clark
Theatre Service in an executive capacity.
Himmelein has been with Paramount for
the last 32 years, starting with them in Cleveland,
prior to which he had been with the
old First National Pictures. Clark Theatre
Service buys and books for 44 theatres in
the Detroit area. Several recently added accounts
and plans for greater expansion by
the Clark organization is given as the reason
for securing Himmelein's services.
Recently added is the Grand, Grandville,
being reopened June 25 by realty owner
Howard Sturgess after being closed almost
a year. Previous owner was lessee Clark
Keller. Sturgess is installing all new equipment
and seats through Ringold Theatre
Equipment, Grand Rapids. Howard Sturgess
is a brother of Fred Sturgess. booker
at Cooperative Theatres in Detroit. Lester
L. Leonard, exhibitor and banker at Prescott,
is planning on reopening his theatre at
Turner and has engaged Clark Theatre Service
to handle buying and booking.
COLUMBUS
lV>rrs. Nancy Franklin won the title of "Perfect
Secretary" in the "Executive Suite"
contest conducted by Loew's Broad and the
Columbus Citizen. She will receive a week's
cruise on the Delta Queen from Cincinnati
for herself and a companion . . The first
.
RCA color television receivers have been
received here. WLW-C plans to start colorcasts
June 15 and WBNS-TV will do so in
the fall. By winter it is expected that between
five and ten hours of color TV shows
will be available locally.
Charles Sugarman reported continued big
business for "The Moon Is Blue" in its sixth
week. This run equals the run of "The
Living Desert," only other film in recent
months to play six weeks at the World . . .
The showboat Majestic, operated by Hiram
college students, started its annual summer
Ohio river tour June 10 at Wellsville. More
than 150,000 persons have seen shows on the
showboat since 1948.
Robert Sokol, manager of Loew's Broad,
announced introduction of auditorium speakers
with the showing of the Cinemascope
featui'e, "Three Coins in the Fountain" . . .
City officials have abandoned the Town-
Third parking garage site in favor of a location
near Broad and Fifth streets. The latter
location is several blocks further removed
from downtown theatres than the original
Walter Kessler. manager of Loew's
site . . .
Ohio, and wife are vacationing in the east.
They will attend the marriage of Kessler's
sister.
Bowling League Elects
DETROIT—At the annual election of officers,
the Film Bowling league elected the
following for 1954-55: Lou Marks, president;
Fred Stui'gess, first vice-president; Jack
Saxe. second vice-president, and Stan Baran,
secretaj'y.
BOXOFFICE June 12, 1954
ME 71

—
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DETROIT
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/^lair Townscnd, formerly with Albert Dezel
Productions, now is as.sociated with
Allied Films as sales manager
Lovett, assistant booker at
. . . Irving
RKO, returned
from a vacation trip through western Michigan
Clifford, accountant at Film
Truck Service, spent her vacation bowling
with the WIBC national tournament in Syi-acuse,
N.Y. Robbins of the Film
E.Kchange
.
building staff became a grandmother
to Kathy Sue White of Jonesboro,
Aik. . . Hazel Heuer. film inspector at Universal,
is on vacation.
Harold Harris, booker at MGM, ha-s a quick
. . Reports
.
new recipe for Italian spaghetti which he is
happy to share with all comers .
have reached the local film colony that Mike
Simon, former manager at Paramount here,
is working as salesman for United Artists out
of the Albany exchange Corey,
former local upstate salesman for Paramount
in Detroit, now is managing the East Side
Drive-In.
. . .
Dave Gouda, former booker at Paramount,
John
now is booking at Universal here
Gentile is the new sales manager at Paramount,
being promoted from salesman in the
Cincirmati territory. Gentile was at one time
head booker in the Pai-amount Detroit exchange.
Bert and Ed London, sons of the late cir-
. . . Millie A. Tork,
cuit owner Julius D. London are receiving
degrees from the University of Michigan in
the schools of medicine and architecture, respectively.
Mi-s. Julius D. London entertained
for them at an open house. Bert London
is leaving for an internship at Los Angeles
General hospital. Ed London has
worked for a number of Detroit architects,
including Ted Rogvoy
manager of the Booth, is on a three-week
vacation in Florida, postcarding from Miami
Beach. Alan Levy, relief manager, is handling
Claude Parker is now^ managing
his duties . . .
the Midtown Theatre, replacing Bill
Summers.
Manager Lou Kosenfeld of the Lucon at
East Lansing is doing a sound job of establishing
this theatre's character as the only
main street house in this unique college community,
your scribe found upon a visit. Lou
commutes regularly on Tuesday to circuit
headquarters . L. Shafer of the
Wayne Amusement Co. advises that the
Shafer in Garden City is closing June 12 for
the summer "because of lack of business."
Bill Clark reports that the DeWitt at De-
Witt, managed by Jerome B. Vincent, is set
to close for July and August, giving everybody
a long vacation . . . Walter Corey, formerly
with Monogram and recently upstate
salesman for Paramount, is the new manager
of the East Side Drive-In for the
Philip Smith interests, succeeding Phil
Feikert.
Radio Contest Plugs "Millionaire'
DETROIT—To publicize the key run of
How to Marry a Millionaire," seven Cooperative
theatres .sponsored a contest over
radio station WXYZ, featuring Helen Bower,
Free Press critic. The lucky winner received
a gold watch as the winning award.
'Elephant Walk' Leads
Cincinnati Grosses
CINCINNATI— With each of the downtown
attractions reaching a figure a little over
average, the results indicate a slight improvement
over recent weeks, though there
were no outstanding first runs. "The Moon
Is Blue," in its fifth week, did a satisfactory
110, and "Elephant Walk," in its first
week at the Albee, led with 125.
Albee Elephant Walk (Para) 125
Grand Flame and the Flesh (MGM), Gypsy
Colt (MGM) 110
Keiths The Moon Is Blue (UA), 5th wk 110
Poloce Dial M tor Murder (WB) 110
"Long Wait' Opens in
Detroit
To 200 Per Cent Score
DETROIT—"The Long Wait" opened to a
high double normal business at the State,
and an encoiu-aging note was that theatres
all over town enjoyed a nice volume of weekend
trade.
Adams Executive Suite (MGM), 5th wk 90
Broadway Copitol Arrow in the Dust (AA); Blackout
(LP) 80
Fox—Three Coins in the Fountoin (20th-Fox)
2nd wk 150
Madison The Moon Is Blue (UA), 3rd wk 110
Michigan Pinocchio (RKO), 2nd wk., reissue . , . .130
Polms The Long Woit (LIA); Massacre Canyon
(Col) 200
United Artists Flame and the Flesh (MGM), 2nd
wk 92
'Student' cmd 'Guitar' Take
Top Cleveland Honors
few exceptions,
CLEVELAND—With only a
holiday weekend business was reported very
poor . as fine weather and a double header
baseball game drew the crowds to other fields
of entertainment.
Allen Diol M for Murder (WB) 100
Hippodrome Johnny Guitar (Rep) 130
Lower Mall The Moon Is Blue (UA), 2nd wk.,
2nd run "0
Ohio Flame and the Flesh (MGM), 2nd d. t. wk.lOO
Paloce Carnival Story (U-l) 90
State Student Prince (MGM), CinemaScope . . . . 130
Stillman Prisoner of War (MGM) 115
As a screen game,
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72
BOXOFFICE
:: June 12, 1954

, Sea
,
turned
:
Detroit
;
Bowling
I
Lou
. week
; at
: recent
:
Rapids,
I
]
Arthur
'
June
I
The
. . Rapids
. . Word
CLEVELAND
Varo Miller, Warner office manager, is enjoying
a vacation which coincides with
the leave of his son Richard from a naval
base in Norfolk, Va. . . . Bernie Rubin of
Imperial Pictures is distributing free to exhibitors
a single reel science subject, "The
Atom Goes to Sea." It is the story of the
Wolf, the second of the navy's new
atomic submarines, and was made by General
Electric Co. . . . Norbert Stern of Pittsburgh,
1 drive-in cii'cuit owner, is reportedly ready to
start construction of an 1,800-car outdoorer
between Youngstown and Canfield.
Irwin Pollard, former Republic inanager,
has pulled stakes and moved his family to
where he is now affiliated with
Armstrong of Toledo,
Green, etc., went to Chicago to at-
!
United Artists . . . Jack
•
tend the VistaVision demonstration. Also attending
the demonstration was Paramount
manager Harry Buxbaum . has been
received here by sons Benton and Gilbert
that Nat Lefton, former distributor, was
taken ill while on a pleasure trip to Hawaii
and had to undergo surgery. Lefton has
: been retired for about eight years and divides
J his time between Florida, Michigan and
Cleveland.
. . . Mi's. Howard
P. E. Essick, president of Modern Theatres,
opened his Lakeside summer home over the
holiday weekend
I Roth, widow of the late Paramount head
booker who has been living in Texas, re-
to make her home here .
. . Mary
Weaver, secretary to Warner Manager
Ernest Sands, will go to Saranac the last
of the month for her annual checkup
the Will Rogers Memorial hospital, where
she was a patient for three years . . . Jack
Gertz of Jack L. Gertz Enterprises was in
Saluda. N. C, supervising the seasonal reopening
of his Mountain Manor in the heart
of the Smokies.
> Dave Cantor, RKO publicist, was in town
'i assisting Barry Bernard set up promotions
. . .
for the area saturation booking of "Sins
;) of Rome." The picture opens at the Palace
Jim Levitt, U-I city sales manager,
24 . . .
was having a busy vacation doing odd
jobs around home . Theatre, Grand
Ohio, closed for the summer. The
theatre had been open weekends only
Eclau- Theatre, which closed last week
when Marcel Rudzinski failed to renew his
I lease on the house, is open again under
Portugal, son of the property owner.
Jack Silverthorne, Variety Club chief
. . . The
barker, has issued a call to wives of members
to reactivate the women's group, which went
out of business several years ago
Shaker, an Associated circuit unit which
suffered an estimated $100,000 damage by
fire some weeks ago and is being rebuilt, is
expected to be back in business about July
Kenneth Sunshine, son of Al Sunshine
4 . . .
of Advanads Co., celebrated his bar
mitzvah.
Visitors during the week included Walter
Steuve, Findlay; George Settos, Indianapolis;
Shea managers Dale Tysinger of Ashtabula,
Harry Buck of Conneaut and Ray McNealy
of Geneva; Ed Prinsen, Youngstown; Peter
and Mike Wellman, Girard; Marvin White,
Steubenville; Joe Shagrin and Helene Ballin,
Youngstown, and the Spayne brothers, Akron.
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. . Early
: June
1
CINCINNATI
JJfTs. Jennie Carlin, vice-president of Associated
Theatres and a pioneer in the
Cincinnati motion picture business, died at
age of 85 after an illness of two years. She
began her association with the theatre organization
in 1905 as private secretary to
the late Frank W. Huss, president. She was
active in the 1909 establishment of the still
operating Royal Theatre.
Jerry Shinbaoh, RKO Theatres division
manager of Chicago, was a visitor . . Mrs.
.
Jerry Jackson jr., wife of the Williamsburg
. . .
exhibitor, was hospitalized here for treatment
of bursitis. Jerry Jackson operates a
drive-in theatre at Mount Holly and is interested
in a drive-in in St. Petersburg
Lloyd Rogers, exhibitor from Welch, W. Va.,
flew in to have his plane checked at Lunken
airport. Rogers has been piloting his own
plane for some time.
Exhibitors on the row included Floyd William.son,
Dayton; Joe Marshall, Danville.
Ky.; Charles Scott, Vevay, Ind.; Malcolm
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[ Buffalo
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'
—
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—
— —
. . Alec
.
Three Boston Aides
Promoted by Fox
BOSTON—Following the shift of James M.
Connolly to division manager for 20th-Fox
in Albany, Buffalo, New Haven and New
Kngland, other promotions in the local office
have been announced.
James A. Feloney, former sales manager,
has been upped to branch manager. John
Peckos, former salesman, is now sales manager,
and Frank Keller, booker, has been
named salesman.
Connolly left the New York office following
his promotion to visit both Albany and
before he returned to his Boston
headquarters. While Connolly was in the New
area, Phil Engel, 20tli-Fox local publicist,
addressed an open forum at the Jamaica
Plain branch of the Boston public library on
the progress of the motion picture, from the
innovation of sound and color to the development
of Cinemascope, pinch-hitting for Connolly,
who was set to speak.
Through the efforts of Phil Engel and Ben
Domingo, managing director of the Keith
Memorial, the 20th-Fox Cinemascope production,
"Three Coins in a Fountain," will
be tied in with the local cerebral palsy campaign.
A wishing well fountain has been
made available in the lobby of the theatre
during the engagement, where charity-minded
patrons may throw coins while they make a
wish. The fountain in Boston Common is
also being used for the same purpose. Both
fountains will be drained of water each evening
and the money collected will be given to
the cerebral palsy drive.
The theme song, "Three Coins in a Fountain,"
is being plugged over station WVOM
with saturation disk jockey recordings, rendered
by six famous singers, Frank Sinatra,
Julius LaRosa, Dinah Shore, Toni Arden,
the Pour Aces and Marti Stevens. Listeners
are asked to write in their favorite selections
for the best recordings. Guest tickets
to the theatre will be given out as prizes.
PROVIDENCE
P M. Loew's Drive-In had to dismantle its
gigantic electric display when the property
it was on was sold. The huge spectacle
which heralded current and forthcoming attractions,
was discernible from great distances
and motorists were impressed by its
size. It was dismantled to make room for
business structures . . . Cornelia Otis Skinner
made one of her rare local appearances when
the World Affairs Council of Rhode Island
sponsored her for a single performance.
Many of Hollywood's brightest stars will
trek to this vicinity to fulfill personal appearances
as guest stars at the Newport
Casino Theatre. Joe E. Brown, Terry Moore,
Jeane Pierre Aumont, John Barrymore jr.,
Dennis King, Steve Cochran, Margaret Truman
and Dennis James were among the first
to ink contracts for the season which gets
under way July 5. A reduced price scale
will be in effect, the management passing
along the federal amusement tax savings to
patrons.
E. M. Loew's Drive-In baseball entry in the
Providence amateur league continued to dominate
the pennant contenders when Jun
Anderson pitched and batted the team to a
2 to 1 triumph over the Colonial Novelty
aggregation.
WINS ROME TRIP—Gloria Burns,
26-year-old Springfield schoolteacher,
was declared the winner of a four-city
essay contest on "I think Julius Caesar
is a great play because . . ." Miss Burns,
who won over several hundred contestants
from Springfield, Worcester, Bridgeport
and Hartford, receives the glad tidings
that she and a companion get a free trip
to Rome via Scandinavian Airlines, from
Lou Brown, right, of the Loew's New Haven
office, and Charles Gaudino, pro-tem
Loew's Poli manager.
Construction Started
On Hartford Drive-In
HARTFORD—A new drive-in, with an
initial 600-car capacity, is being built in South
Windsor by the South Windsor Realty Corp.,
principals in which are Abraham Bronstein,
Hartford, president; Pasquale DiFazio, New
Britain, vice-president; Earl Shattuck, East
Hartford, secretary; Bernard E. Francis, West
Hartford, treasurer, and Isreal Bregman,
Hartford, assistant treasurer.
The unit, slated for a July 1 opening, will
be known as the East Hartford Family Drive-
In and will feature a screen 102 feet wide by
70 feet high.
The concession stand, to be operated by
the owners, will be a cafeteria style with
four lanes. An RCA sound system with individual
speaker boxes will be installed. The
20-acre site, which will later be oiled, is temporarily
being covered with calcium chloride
to settle the dust.
The owners do not expect any traffic tieups
as 400 vehicles can be accommodated on the
theatre grounds and approaches to the boxoffice.
In addition, a blinker will be installed
at the railroad tracks near the theatre entrance.
Two local constables also will be on
duty at all times.
Groton Drive-In Dispute
Still in Hartford Court
HARTFORD—New London superior
court
Judge W. J. Shea again deferred decision
on whether he will permit new evidence to
be introduced at an appeal for approval of
a license for a drive-in theatre at Groten.
Peter J. Boras, attorney representing opposing
property owners, wants to present new
evidence.
Assistant Attorney General T. J. Conroy
has asked the court to decide the appeal
solely on a transcript of the hearing conducted
last March 29 by State Police Commissioner
John C. Kelley, who approved a
license for Groton Open-Air Theatre, Inc.
Three Coins' and 'Dial'
Lead Boston Grosses
BOSTON—"Three Coins in the Fountain"
and "Dial M for Murder" both bowed in at
a healthy 125 to top Boston grosses for the
week and are holding over. First run business
otherwise was below average.
(Average Is 100)
Asfor Knock on Wood (Para), 7fh wk 70
Boston This Is Cinerama (Cinerama), 22nd wk. . . 85
Exeter Street Genevieve (U-l), 7th wk 75
Memorial Three Coins in the Fountain
(20th-Fox) 1 25
Metropolitan Secret of the Inccs (Para);
Loophole (AA) 90
Paramount and Fenway Dial M for Murder (WB);
Racing Blood (20th-Fox) 125
State and Orpheum Executive Suite (MGM),
3rd wk 75
'Flame' at
150 Per Cent
Tops New Haven
NEW HAVEN—Most of the downtowners
had an excellent week, in spite of the competition
of sunny, warm weather on two days
of the long Memorial day weekend.
College Flame and the Flesh (MGM); Terror
Street (LP) 156
Paramount Secret of the Incas (Para); The
Fighting Pimpernel (Carroll) 60
Poll Executive Suite (MGM); Gypsy Colt (MGM). 125
Roger Sherman Dial M for Murder (WB) 120
Three Coins' in First Week Leads
Hartford Grosses With 155
HARTFORD — "Executive Suite" was held
for a second week but "Three Coins in the
Fountain" led all downtown runs.
Allyn Make Haste to Live (Rep); Laughing Anne
(Rep) 75
Art—The Mudlark (20th-Fox) 80
E. M. Loew Indiscretion of an American Wife
(Col) 120
Poli Three Coins in the Fountain (20th-Fox) . . . . 155
Palace Executive Suite (MGM); Racing Blood
(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 145
Strand Top Banana (UA); Wicked Womon (UA).I30
NEW HAVEN
K new air conditioning- plant has been installed
at the 1,332-seat SW Warner Theatre,
Bridgeport . Schimel, Universal
manager, arranged a trade showing of "Magnificent
Obsession" at Loew's Bijou . . . Area
film houses now have still another form of
summer competition—weekend dancing at
Savin Rock park featuring big-name bands . .
Maurice Bailey, president of the W chain of
theatres, was named new president of the
city's economy committee by Mayor Richard
C. Lee . . . Harry Shaw visited the MGM
studios during his current west coast business
trip . . . U-I's "Black Horse Canyon"
was sneak-previewed at the Roger Sherman.
. . . Morris Rosenthal,
Bob Carney, manager of the Poli, Waterbury,
is the first manager in the Loew's-New
England chain to take a summer vacation,
starting June 16 . . . George Corcoran, manager
of the S W Palace, South Norwalk, was
manager
ill with the flu
of the Poli. made arrangements with the
Dictaphone Corp. to have patrons record messages
without charge in connection with
"Executive Suite." A Dictaphone employe was
on duty in the lobby for the week's run . . .
Harry Peinstein, manager of the SW zone
office, and Jim Totman, assistant manager,
presided at thi-ee meetings laying the groundwork
for the Fabian's Fabulous Forties showmanship
drive July through September. The
executives conducted New England zone sessions
here at Albany and in Boston (7-9).
BOXOmCE :
: June 12, 1954 NE 75

BOSTON
H rt Moger, WB fieldman, was an articulate
spokesman for the industry at a recent
panel discussion held at Boston university's
college of public relations. His subject was
"How Radio-TV and Pictures Contribute to
the Economy of New England" . . . Clarence
Pickard, manager of the Strand, Ipswich, is
back in harness following a short illness . . .
Frederick Fedeli jr., son of the owner of the
Rialto, Worcester, received his sheepskin
from the Tuck graduate school, Hanover,
N.H., June 6, and has accepted a position
with Ryerson Steel Co., Cambridge. The
Fedeli parents plan to sail on the S.S. Constitution
the latter part of June for a seven
week visit to Europe.
John A. Feloney has been promoted to the
post of Boston branch manager by 20th-Fox.
Feloney, who has been in the theatre industry
for 25 years, started
his career with the old
Paramount - P u b 1 i x
Theatres as booker,
joining 20th-Fox in
1935 in the same capacity.
He was later
promoted to salesman
and held the position
of sales manager prior
to his most recent promotion.
Feloney acted
as co-chairman of the
John A. Feloney theatres division for
the March of Dimes
drive and is active in many civic organizations.
He makes his home in Dorchester
with his wife and family.
Jay Robinson, who portrayed the Roman
emperor in "The Robe" and plays a similar
role in 20th-Fox's "Demetrius and the
Gladiators," will make a personal appearance
in Boston June 14, according to publicist Phil
Engel. In addition to meeting the press and
appearing on local radio and TV shows, the
actor has been booked to speak to students
of two high schools and will show slides from
the picture.
Sumner Shikes, 44, a partner in the Star
TelevLsion and Radio Co. of Allston, died here
recently. His father, the late David Shikes,
was one of the original ten owners of the
Fenway Theatre building, now operated by
New England Theatres.
. . Al-
Ken Mayer, former XJ-I salesman, makes
his bow as a TV producer June 21 when his
Chevrolet-sponsored half-hour variety show
hits the air waves from the Terrace room
at the Hotel Statler ... An Award of
Achievement, signed by all Boston critics, was
presented to Danny Kaye in absentia at a
cocktail party at the Press club recently.
Jack Brown, Paramount manager, accepted
the citation for the film star.
Jack McCarthy has resigned from the WB
sales department to enter the insurance business.
Jack Hill has replaced him .
IMAGE & SOUND SERVICE CORP.
"The Best Value In Sound Service"
Honcock 6-7984 445 Statler Building
Boston, Mossochusetti
though Charles Kurtzman, Loew's division
manager, is officially on a three-week vacation
he manages to drop into the office almost
daily . . . The MGM Pep club outing Is
slated for June 28 at the Cliff hotel,
Irving Sussman, Metro-Premium,
Scituate . . .
has returned to his Boston office following
a three-month sojourn in Nebraska where
he has extensive operations.
Following the close of the business day
May 28, the MGM effice personnel tossed a
farewell party for Elizabeth Dervin, who
resigned after serving 34 years as cashier,
and Enez SquUlario, who resigned as head
of the contract department following ten
years service . . . Sidelined for about a week
following a minor operation, Jerry Callahan,
AA city salesman, is back in action . . .
Carole M. Yarchin, daughter of Abraham
Yarchin, theatre insurance broker, was mai"-
ried to Pai-ley M. Marcus at the Sheraton
Plaza hotel.
Interstate Circuit Opens
New Cape Cod Drive-In
HYANNIS, MASS.—Interstate Theatres'
newest drive-in opened here May 21 with
Bill Sinnott as manager under the district
managership of Chris Joyce. Tlie new Cape
Cod airer is situated on Route 132 near the
airport and has a more than 500-car capacity.
It is equipped with a 104-foot wide Selby
screen and has RCA projection equipment
installed by Capitol Theatre Supply. The
concession building was designed by William
Riseman Associates of Boston.
Among the circuit officers present for the
opening, in addition to town officials and
selectmen, were Theodore Fleisher, Malcolm
Green, James Stoneman and James Mahoney,
all
with their wives.
Church Services Begun
At Massachusetts Airer
WORCESTER—The first drive-in church in
central Massachusetts held its fii-st .services
Sunday (6). The Rev. William C. Nelson of
the Mendon Baptist church directed the services
at 8 o'clock Sunday morning.
A stage has been built in front of the
screen so choirs from affiliated churches may
participate. The theatre's sound .system also
is used. Pastor Nelson encouraged worshippers
to come to the church dressed as
they wish, remaining in the comfort and
privacy of their cars.
Blue Hills Airer to Make
Several Improvements
HARTFORD—Milton LcRoy, executive vicepresident
of Blue Hills Drive-In Corp., announced
plans for construction of a new
road from the main highway plus re-olling
of the car ramps, a project estimated in excess
of $10,000. The theatre recently constructed
an eight-foot fence around its entire
property at a cost of $15,000.
Sneak Preview 'Witness'
HARTFORD—Jack Sanson, Stanley Warner
Strand, sneak-previewed UA's "Witness to
Murder" June 4.
Wide Screen for Natick;
Delay on Twi-Nite
NATICK, MASS.—Tile Natick Drive-In,
operated by Smith Management Co., installed
a new curved screen. The all-purpose
screen is 48x104 feet and can be used for
Cinemascope pictures.
The Smith company, producer of the new
Ttt'i-Nite drive-in screen, announced that
when that screen is ready for installation,
it easily can be added to the present one. A
slight difficulty with the proper dyes has
held up national production, but officials of
the circuit have arranged for another test
.showing of the screen which is said to permit
as much as two more hours of drive-in running
time due to its clearer picture during
the twilight hours. The test will be held at
the Natick Drive-In.
NEWHAMPSHIRE
John Voudoukis, well-known theatre owner,
spoke at a recent meeting of the Berlin
Chamber of Commerce, offering a number of
constructive ideas for making the businessmen's
group a more active organization.
Special prices prevailed at the Strand and
State in Manchester for "The Living Desert"
and "River of No Return." The top admissions
were 70 cents at the Strand and 75 cents
at the State. In addition to "River of No
Return," the State also had a sneak showing
of a new Cinemascope production with no
additional admission.
Theatres and other advertisers were affected
by abbreviated editions of the Claremont
Daily Eagle when most of the newspaper's
composing room staff went on strike
June 1 in a demand for union recognition.
Arthur Landry, president of the typographers
local, claimed management had refused to
recognize the union. The publication was cut
down to eight pages soon aft€r the walkout
began.
The Manchester Drive-In staged a big midnight
horror show with no advance in prices.
Tlie double bill featui'ed "Fi-ankenstein Meets
the Wolf Man" and "Dracula's Daughter."
The Princess Theatre in Berlin, which has
been closed for several years, has been purchased
from the Berlin Amusement Co. by
John E. Voudoukis, proprietor of the New
Berlin House, who formerly operated the^
Ritz Theatre in Gorham and the State
Amusement Theatre in Bellows Falls, Vt.
He also owned the building in Rochester
where the State Theatre is located.
The Pittsfield Theatre was visited as one
of the features of a 70-mile bicycle trip by
a group of Somersworth boys. It was believed
to have been the first bike caravan
to go on such a tour from Somersworth . . .
Mrs. Marjorie Casey of Somer.sworth, at one
time a theatre employe in Portland, Me., was
recently named by the New Hampshire Sunday
News as the state's Cook of the Week, i
The Plymouth Theatre was the scene ot
the annual commencement exercises of the
Plymouth Teachers college on June 5.
Edward Bernds is directing the Leo Gorcey-
Huntz Hall starrer, "Jungle Gents" for Allied
Artists
release.
|
76 BOXOFFICE
:
: June 12, 1954
I

. . Frank
. . Bob
HARTFORD
Cperie Perakos, general manager of Perakos
Theatre Associates, has been elected president
of the Yale club of New Britain. He is
a member of the class of 1938 . . . Mike
Adorno, assistant general manager of M&D
Theatres, Middletown, is enthused over the
upcoming VistaVision product from Paramount.
Atop an ad for "Elephant Walk" last
week he had the line, "Paramount's First
Big Vast-Vision Hit!"
Three nights of benefit performances for
the widow and children of Nelson Maruca
will be held at the Starlite Drive-In. Stamford,
June 8-10, General Manager WUliam
Sobel announced. The 27-year-old projectionist
died May 18 of cerebral hemorrhage,
leaving his wife and two boys, aged 5 and 3.
For a month since that time, fellow members
of the Stamford projectionists union have
been voluntarily performing his shift with
the income turned over to his family. Harold
Yanik is projectionists union chairman for
the benefit. Entire cost of operation of nights
of the benefit will be borne by the management
and employes, it was announced.
Joe Miklos, Stanley Warner Embassy, New
Britain, promoted a two-column co-op ad
for "Tennessee Champ" . . . B'nai B'rith
women of Manchester collected $125 for cerebral
palsy at the Stanley Warner State there
. . . VaJ Petei'son, national director of civil
defense, was house guest of Albert M. Pickus,
Stratford Theatre owner and Stratford civil
defense director. Peterson is a longtime friend
of Pickus.
Morris Keppner and Lou Lipman of General
Theatres are stressing the line, "Easy
to Reach Prom Anywhere," in newspaper
ads for their new Mansfield Drive-In, Willimantic.
Their ozoner had the Connecticut
drive-in premiere of Allied Artists' "Arrow In
the Dust" . . . Jack Keppner, son of the
Morris Keppners, will be on crutches for another
six weeks. He recently underwent
hip surgery at the Hartford hospital.
The Middlesex, Middletown, playing "Martin
Luther," advertised 35 per cent lower
prices than any other Connecticut showing.
Admission scale: Adults, 75 cents, including
tax; students, 60 cents, including tax, and
children, 50 cents . McQueeney of
the Pine Drive-In, Waterbury, enthused in
premiei-e ads for U-I's "Fireman, Save My
ChUd" that "We've Scooped the Entire State"
. . . Sam Harris, partner in the State Theatre,
has been recuperating from surgery . . . Sal
Adorno jr., Adorno Enterprises, was in from
Middletown . . . The Star marquee was
redecorated . . . George E. Landers, E. M.
liOew circuit, was in Springfield, Worcester
and Boston.
Allan Stewart, New Parsons, was a New
York business visitor . . . The Palace, Middletown,
reminds women patrons that its Monday
through Friday matinees start at 2 p.m.,
leaving "plenty of time for shopping, etc."
The performance begins at 1:45, with the
main feature at 2.
'Carnival Story' Is Cited
For 'Vulgar Advertising'
HARTFORD— "Carnival Story" was singled
out as an example of "vulgar advertising" at
a recent meeting of the Danbury board of
councilmen. Councilman Buzaid urged the
board to fulfill its moral obligation to the
community by taking steps to stop such advertising.
The matter produced a long discussion during
which it was explained the state reviews
motion pictures to be shown in Connecticut,
and municipalities are unable to stop them if
allowed by the state. Some members expressed
the opinion that any attempts locally to decide
the dividing line would be very controversial
and that any attempts to bar a
film would only help to advertise it.
"Carnival Story" played the Stanley Warner
Empress there.
Norman Bialeck Takes Over
Art Cinema in Bridgeport
NEW HAVEN—Norman Bialeck, manager
of the Fine Arts, Westport, has been named
managing director of the Art Cinema,
Bridgeport. In this position, he will formulate
policy and public relations.
His associates in the Westport operation,
Leonard Sampson and Robert Spodick, will
continue to do the buying for the Bridgeport
house, and Richard Cohen will become house
manager.
Lockwood St Gordon Plans
To Install Wide Screens
HARTFORD — Wide-screen facilities are
planned for all drive-in and conventional
theatres operated in the Lockwood & Gordon
Hartford division, Douglas Amos, division
manager, reported. Scheduled for installations
are the Norwalk, Danbury, Sky-Vue at
Torrington and East Windsor drive-ins. The
indoor theatres are the Webb at Wethersfield
and the Plaza at Windsor.
The Torrington Drive-In, now closed, wUl
resume operations thi-ough July and August.
Vincent Youmatz will supervise the ozoner,
said Amos.
Newington Equipped for C'Scope
HARTFORD—The latest suburban house
to equip for CinemaScope is the Newington.
WORCESTER
•The Evening: Gazette printed a roundup of
foreign-made films playing the first runs
during the month, with more than half
Lynn
the
features being imported
and Eartha Kitt of the
. . .
films
Jeffrey
were among
the numerous stars who contributed their
services to a telethon conducted here for
the Cerebral Palsy Ass'n fund.
Manager Michael Stranger of the Plymouth
used a parking-ticket bit to exploit "Indiscretion
of an American Wife" . Stringer
and Carmelita Parma, who operated the
Lakeside summer theatre in Putnam for
several years, will not be associated with it
this season. Noel Taylor, who has designed
costumes for numerous Broadway plays, including
"Teahouse of the August Moon," will
be the producer.
. . .
Manager Johnny DiBenedetto of Loew's
Poli had one of the first and blackest of the
summer tans Prom a column: "Theatremen
have more problems than you'd ever
dream of. It cost one cinema house $75 for
customers' clothes-cleaning and hair-dressing
after an embarrassing accident."
Fifty secretaries were guests of Loew's Poli
for "Executive Suite" . . . Whalom Playhouse
in Fitchburg will change its policy and drop
name stars this summer . . . Joe Mansfield
of UA was at the Warner to help with "The
Long Wait" campaign . . . Phil Harrington,
assistant manager, was the first of the Warner
staff to draw for vacation.
'M' Draws Big Crowds
NEW HAVEN—"Dial M for
Murder" gave
the Roger Sherman here its biggest opening
in nine months, according to the zone office
of Stanley Warner Theatres.
ALWAYS
i
COOD!
LOOK TO
FOR THE FINEST
ANNOUNCEMENT
1327 S, Wabaih - Chicago, III. 630 Ninlli A

"35^159 Payroll Savers
in Southern Bell . .
. ''
MR. FRED J. TURNER,
President, Southern Bell Telephone
and Telegraph Company
"Thrift is an old-fashioned virtue that has never gone out of style in America.
It is one of the foundation stones on which our material ivell-heing as a
nation is built. The payroll deduction plan for the purchase of t'. ^'. Savings
Bonds provides a particularly convenient u-ay for the individual to practice
thrift, to invest in his country, help provide for its security, and accumulate
a stake for the future."
True, thrift has never gone out of style in America. In
fact, thrift is more fasiiionable today than in any
previous period in our country's history.
For example:
• 8,000,000 thrifty employees of 45,000 companies—
among them the 35,159 men and women of Southern
Bell— are investing over $160,000,000 per month in
U. S. Savings Bonds through the Payroll Savings Plan.
• In I 'J.').', ihc Series E and H Savings Bonds bought hy
intlividuals— not hanks or corporations — totaled
$4,368,000,000.
• Thanks to the support of th(> Payroll Savings I'lan hy
industry and business, and the thrill ol millions oi
Payroll Savers, the cash value of Savings Bonds held by
individuals amounted to $36,663,000,000 at the end
of 1953.
What's good for Americans is good for America.
• Sales of E and H Bonds in 1953—22% bij^ier than
in 1952 — provided cash for nil K and H Bond maturities
and redemptions and still left more than $210,000,000
net, for the reduction of the debt.
• Think of the reserve of future purchasing power
rcjiresented hy tiie more than $49,000,000,000 in
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A telegram, [ilionc call or letter to Savings Bonds
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The United Stales Government does not pay jor this advertising. The Treasury Department
thanks, jor their patriotic donation, the Advertising Council and
BOXOFFICE
BOXOFFICE
:
: June 12, 1964

: and
I
I national
i ceremonies
I canvasman
: numerous
. . The
Variety Tent 28 Holds
Annual Ball Game
TORONTO—To drum up additional interest
for the eighth annual benefit baseball
game, scheduled for Friday night (11) at
Maple Leaf stadium, Toronto Variety Tent 28
staged an open house at Variety Village.
Chief Barker W. A. Summerville and members
counted on a realization of more than
$50,000 from the gate receipts and the sale
of the handsome souvenir progxam on which
the barkers had worked for a month. This
book, which also figured in the draw for many
valuable prizes, has always been an excellent
revenue producer in addition to the stadium
1 take.
The program consisted of a vaudeville show
and a burlesque game between sportswriters
the National Hockey league All-Stars,
the curtain-raiser before the scheduled Inter-
league game between the Toronto
Leafs and Buffalo Bisons. The advance sale
was heavy, the scale ranging from $1.25 to $5.
A. E. "Bert" Brown of Famous Players got
nice credit for his work as chairman of the
souvenii- program committee. The master of
for the show was Monty Hall, a
of the tent, who recently re-
1 ceived the year's Heart award for producing
Sunday night benefit performances
at theatres around Ontario, all in aid of
Variety Village.
Ontario Board Denies
Permit to John Dydzak
TORONTO—The Ontario board of censors
and theatres inspection branch has issued an
edict banning the erection of a drive-in by
John Dydzak on a site on the Mohawk road
near Hamilton, following objections by
nearby residents and by representatives of
the Mountain sanatorium. The site was not
very far from the hospital.
Board Chairman O. J. Silverthorne advised
the Ancaster township council that he
had suggested to Dydzak that he seek another
site that would be acceptable to the council.
Dydzak now operates the Clappison Drive-In
at Waterdown.
This was the first rejection of a permit
application by the government board since a
recommendation at the recent legislature that
local requests be considered.
R. S. Roddick and E. A. Zorn
Resign Famous Players
TORONTO—Famous Players announced
the resignations of Robert S. Roddick as district
manager for the Maritime provinces at
Halifax and Edward A. Zorn, district supervisor
at Winnipeg.
Roddick, who has been ill, joined the circuit
in 1924 and was manager of the Capitol
at London prior to his promotion to district
manager. He will be succeeded by James
McDonough, manager of the Tivoli Theatre
at Hamilton.
Zorn, who came to Famous Players from
the United States, is moving to California.
John Ferguson, engineering, purchasing and
maintenance manager for the Winnipeg district,
has been named his successor.
Ted DeCorsia will play the role of a Tartar
ruler in_RKO's "The Conqueror," historical
adventure drama in Cinemascope.
VANCOUVER Alberta Ass'n Seeks
f^oming and going on vacations:
Mike Hall,
MGM; Gerry O'Brien, International Cinema;
Mary Brown, Sydney Summers and
Hank Leslie of the Orpheum; Nip Gowen and
Dave Borland, Dominion; Charlie Doctor,
Capitol, and Ken Steele of Paramount Films
. . . Fritzi Lechner from Austria is a new
member of the Dominion Theatre staff . . .
. .
In town was Frank Soltice of the Pines
Bob Foster and
Drive-In at Penticton . . .
his wife Florence were in Seattle representing
the theatre employes lATSE Local B-72.
Foster is business manager . The Paramount
Drive-In at Buniaby is the first ozoner to
be equipped with Cinemascope in this area
. . . Percy Petersan is building a drive-in at
Borden, Sask.
High district scorers in the seventh week of
Odeon's Big Show contest were Al Jenkins of
the Vogue, Vancouver, with Odeon at Trail
and the Odeon at Ladysmith in the runnersup
positions . . . All British Coliunbia managers
of the Odeon circuit attended a luncheon
at the Georgia hotel here with C. R. B.
Salmon, vice-president, and Teddy Forsyth,
assistant general manager, speaking . . . Donald
Crisp, veteran actor, was on vacation
here . . . Joe E. Brown was on the stage
at the Avon in "The Show-Off."
Ivan Ackery, Oi^pheum manager, and Wally
Hopp, Cinema manager, were at Qualicum
beach where they caught the limit of Blue
Back salmon . . . T. M. Towris, who operates
the 320-seat Capitol at Pi-inceton, B.C., will
build a 450-seater this summer in the mining
town which has a population of 3,800.
The Canadian Legion at Edmonton has
asked the federal government to consider
legalizing bingo games and to recommend it
"as a proper and beneficial game" productive
of revenue for the Legion posts and organizations
now engaged in social service work . . .
Delegates from British Columbia, Washington,
Oregon and Vancouver Island gathered
in here for the British Columbia projectionists
Local 348 annual banquet at the Flame
Supper club June 13. Charter members of
the local still active in theatre booths are
Hank Leslie, Orpheum; Jack Lucas of the
Windsor and Joe Lowdon of the Odeon
Hastings.
Theatre owner Thomas Milnes, who operated
the Rex at Clai-esholm, Alta., for 26
years, died at the age of 85. He was mayor
of the town and member of the legislature
from 1921 to 1925.
A 400-seat theatre is planned for Wildwood,
Alta., by local businessmen. It will be the
town's first 35mm situation . . . D. B. Simpson
and Bill Crossley ai'e planning to build
a 400-car airer near Penticton, B.C. It will
be the second drive-in at the fruit town.
Lew Parry of Film Production, who is building
a modern studio in North Vancouver,
has just finished shooting "Prelude to Kitimat"
for the Aluminum Co. of Canada depicting
the $15,000,000 power project near
Prince Rupert.
Picks 'Money From Home'
TORONTO—Seven key neighborhood units
of Famous Players took on "Money From
Home" for the Show of the Week after its
main runs. The combination consisted of the
AUiambra, Beach, College, Palace, Parkdale,
Runnymede and St. Clair.
End of Ticket Tax
CALGARY—Exhibitors who attended a recent
meeting of the Alberta Theatres Ass'n
adopted a policy designed to bring pressure
on the provincial government for elimination
of the amusement tax. Alf Shackleford, president
of the group, mayor of Lethbridge and
a Famous Player partner in thret theatres
there, said that failing the complete removal
of the tariff, it should at least be eliminated
on all tickets up to 50 cents. Doug Miller, the
Roxy, Tabor, took the position that if the
amusement tax is continued, the Alberta
theatre license tax should be dropped.
It was also proposed that the projection
booth apprentice minimum age be lowered
from 18 to 16 since there is a difficulty in
hiring as many as needed. Airer owners were
also invited to join the ATA for a fee of five
cents per car.
The next meeting of the association will
be held at Edmonton in September.
OTT A W A
T eonard W. Brockington, president of J.
Arthur Rank's group of Canadian companies,
spoke at graduation ceremonies of
St. Patrick's college here . convocation
of the University of Ottawa was conducted
Sunday (6) at the Famous Players Capitol,
which was filled to its capacity of 2,500
seats. Incidentally, Manager T. R. Tubman
held "Night Faces" in Cinemascope for a
second week following "Rose Marie," "The
Command" and "Hell and High Water" in
quick succession.
Manager Jim Chalmers of the Odeon finally
got his wish with the installation of Cinema-
Scope, the second for Ottawa, and did well
with "King of the Khyber Rifles," with a
second week in sight . . . Clare Chamberlain,
manager of the Glebe Cinema, still welcomed
big crowds for "The Kidnappers" in its
eighth week. Because of the family patronage,
he offers a different program for Saturday
matinees, thus getting the juveniles who
have already seen the main attraction.
. . .
Although "Fi'om Here to Eternity" had already
played Ottawa several times. Manager
Don Watts of the Rideau really packed them
in for the Academy award feature with another
good picture, "Below the Sahara."
Watts said the queues were in evidence as
late as 10 p.m. The Rexy neighborhood
theatre has been closed by Mrs. M. N. Roy,
but the house did not go dark because crowds
turned out for thi-ee days of the week because
of an auction sale of antiques which
was conducted on the stage.
Manager Len Larmour of the Star-Top
Drive-In, Cyrville road, has adopted a policy
of reduced price for servicemen. The admission
for those in uniform is 35 cents . . .
When the International league ball game was
rained out, the Knights of Pythias took the
children of St. Patrick's orphanage to the
Somerset Theatre, owned by Morris Berlin.
Manager Ernie Warren held "The Living
Desert" at the Little Elgin for a third week.
He was also getting nice crowds for "Carnival
Story" in the Main Elgin, which is double the
size of its neighbor.
BOXOmCE :: June 12, 1954
E 79

. . The
—.
Art Theatres Doing Well
TORONTO — "Hobson's Choice" still drew
at a steady pace in its 14th week at the
International Cinema while most of the specialty
theatres continued to feature Italian
pictures including "Amo un Assassino" at
the Pylon, "Vivere" at the Studio, and "Paolo
e Prancesca" at Major's St. Clair.
of course!
POPCORN
it's
'Super Pufft'
Write for our new catalogue
SUPER PUFFT POPCORN LTD.
97 Duke St., Toronto
SERVICE CONFECTIONS LTD.
243 Lilac St., Winnipeg, Man.
WINNIPEG
"The annual motion picture industry picnic
will be held this year at Maple Grove
beach July 25, with free transportation in the
morning by bus from the Grand Tlieatre,
baseball and other games, a bathing beauty
contest and free refreshments for the kiddies
. . . MMPEA Director of PHiblic Relations
Harold Bishop sent the following letter to
Jolm Mclntyre. administrator of the King
George hospital: "On behalf of the members
of the MMPEA, I would ask you to accept
a 16mm motion picture projector ajid screen
for the use of the polio patients of the King
George hospital . . . We trust that this will
bring to these courageous people many happy
hours of entertainment and hope it will
in some small way contribute to their eventual
recovery."
ANNOUNCING .
the
The Kaufman-Calof management at the
Northmain Drive-In was host to Manitoba
multiple sclerosis patients, with proceeds in
aid of chapter service . . For years. Free
.
Press critic Frank Morriss begged exhibitors
to bring back Greta Garbo in "CamUle."
Morriss mentioned this in his column every
six months. Joe Barnicki now is showing
"Camille" at the Valour, along with "Shadow
on the Pi-alrie," an NFB short of the Royal
Winnipeg Ballet Co. depicting pioneers of the
Canadian west in modern dance, another item
which Morriss begged for pubUc exhibition.
Morriss is touring Italian studios at present,
thereby missing both pictures.
Northmain Drive-ln owner HaiTy Silverberg
has been appointed to the national executive
board of the Zionist Organization of
appointment of
. .
DOMINION SOUND EQUIPMENTS Limited
as
EXCLUSIVE CANADIAN DISTRIBUTORS
ol
PANAVISION SUPER
the
PANATAR"
VARIABLE LENS FOR ALL
ANAMORPHIC SYSTEMS
•VARIABLE—Just one knob adjusts to any aspect
ratio from 1.33:1 to 2.66:1
•SHARPER & BRIGHTER—Over the full width of
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aspect ratio
•SUPERIOR COLOR • NO FOCUSING • CORRECTS
DISTORTION • 'EASY TO CLEAN • SUPERIOR
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DOMINION SOUND EQUIPMENTS LIMITED
HEAD OFFICE: 4040 St Cafhcnnc Street West, Montrcol.
Canada in recognition of his contribution to
community work and in particular for his
leadership of the city's successful Israel bond
campaign . . . Sponsored by the River
Heights school for Jewish Children, a fun
frolic will be held Sunday i27) at the Circus
Di-ive-In. The program includes films, stage
entertainment, prizes and favors.
. . .
Molly Schultz, 40, who in the last 24 years
was associated with the De Luxe, Park and
Gary in a managerial capacity, died recently
at the home of her sLster, Mrs. Rudolph
Besler. Miss Schultz was most recently manager
of the Park, which is owned by Mr. and
Mrs. R. Besler Mesho Triller held over
his first United Artists first run picture,
"Beachhead," for a second week. The
Dominion recently adopted a first run United
Ai'tists policy and plans to make extensive
renovations to the house, which may close
for two months this summer to carry out the
modernization.
Manager Dave Robertson of the Garrick is
spotting small teaser ads in the society sections
of local dailies to catch the eyes ol
women for the showing of "Melba" on his
w-ide-vision screen . Odeon is getting
to be like Fladio City Music Hall in New
York in regard to the number of pictures
which show there in a year. For instance,
"The Kidnappers" has been at the Odeon for
two months and there is no sign of a letup . .
Now that the Northmain has given away its
1954 Plymouth in exchange for a 1940 WiUys,
the next car to go will be a 1954 Buick sedan
quite an inducement to any drive-in i>atron.
TV sets are being sold by the meter plan
here. The buyer drops 50 cents into the
machine every day and the TV store representative
comes once a month to take the
money out . . . The Circus Drive-In gives
away a $400 TV set every Friday, while the
Airport. Eldorado and Pembina give away
car- radios, seat covers and numerous other
car accessories on Friday evenings.
Children will not see "Camille" at the
Valour Saturday afternoon. Joe Barnicki instead
plies them with a Tim Holt western, two
Three Stooges cartoons, serials and 15 door
prizes . . . Member
of the House of Commons
,
E. G. Hansen told an Ottawa assemblage that
motion pictures showing murders, gun play,
love a:id drinking scenes should be banned
in Canada. Hansell also did not want these
to appear on television.
Rose Nackimson, wife of Toronto RKO
Manager Meyer Nackimson, dropped into the
local office to say goodby before departing for
Toronto. Wlien Nackimson was promoted
from the Winnipeg to the Toronto office,
Mrs. Nackimson stayed behind to wind up
John Ferguson, w'ho has
family affairs . . .
replaced Eddie Zorn as western supervisor
for Famous Players, was born in Glasgow and
came to Canada with Ms parents at the age
of two, settling permanently in Winnipeg.
Ferguson stai-ted in the fUm industry as a
deUvery boy with Perkins Electric, and
worked for Empire-Universal when George i
Law was Winnipeg manager. After a stint
j
as projectionist at the Starland, he joined
PPC in 1939 at the Tivoli. In 1942, he joined
Dominion Somid as engineer, but came back
to Famous Players in 1945 as assistant to Vic
Armand, who held Ferguson's present job
until he vanished in a plane crash in the
ocean off Vancouver.
30
BOXOFTICE :
: June 12, 1954

, "The
i council
I
posed
. At
!
gins
: the
: been
1 at
I tion
. . Art
MARITIMES
n Ithough the town planning commission for
the St. John and Lancaster district has
on two occasions approved construction of a
drive-iH inside Lancaster, another protest
meeting has been held in the suburban school
at which it was decided to appeal to the city
and to the provincial government.
The council originally approved the proozoner
and then reversed its decision.
the latest protest meeting, Rodney Wigexplained
his application.
:
Jim MacLagg:an, manager of the Strand at
Sydney Mines, an Odeon house, has been
on sick leave. Relieving him has been MUler
Tibbetts of New Glasgow. MacLaggan was
stationed at Halifax film theatres for many
years ... In an essay contest in behalf of
Actress" (MGM), five prizes of guest
tickets were offered at the Odeon in North
Sydney. The subject was "Why I'd Like to
Be an Actress" in 50 words . . . Named to
head the Yarmouth County Baseball League
was James BuUerwell, manager of the Commimity
in Yarmouth. The league is composed
of five teams, representing villages.
A new wide screen has been installed at
Casino, Sydney, with "Blowing Wild" and
"Double Crossbones" the introductory features.
The Casino is in the Whitney Pier
section of Sydney ... A new stop sign has
installed at the junction of the highway
and the road leading to the drive-in at
Martinon, nine miles north of St. John.
' At a St. John testimonial dinner in honor
of the sixth anniversary of the establishment
of Israel, a scroll was presented to Mitchell
Bernstein of St. John, a partner in the Bernstein
& Lieberman chain, who sponsored
the planting of a grove of trees in Israel . . .
Sunday midnight shows are being offered
the Corner, Petitcodiac, N.B. in cooperawith
a suburban "ranch" . . . Joe Le-
Blanc, owner-manager of the Capitol at
Shediac, is taking the lead in a plan to
develop Point du Chene, a sister port of
Shediac, for pulpwood and pitprop shipping.
He heads a committee organized to promote
the plan. He is mayor of Shediac and a member
of the New Brunswick legislature, and is
asking the Canadian government to dredge
the harbor to pave the way for
operations.
the shipping
Bingo is becoming an increasingly greater
problem for exhibitors all through the maritimes.
The latest addition to the number of
bingo locations is a hall in North Sydney
which has a seating capacity of 800. The
Lucky hall in St. John is used for bingo five
nights weekly . . . After bidding in a stamp
album at an auction for $24, S. A. Babb,
booker for FcScH Theatres, sold some of the
stamps for $70. Babb is representing B'nai
B'rith and the Stamp club, both of St. John,
in introducing stamp collecting at an institution
for delinquent boys. He has been
active with stamps for many years.
A 12-minute short took precedence over the
feature on a two-day bUl at the Russell in
Glace Bay. "Diggers of the Deep," made by
the National Film Board, was filmed mostly
on Cape Breton Island at Glace Bay, Sydney,
New Waterford, etc. Linked with the local
short was another on a Cape Breton girls
pipe band. Glace Bayers were urged to see
their friends and relatives on the screen since
all the people in the two shorts are miners
and pipers. The Russell showing marked
the w'orld premiere for "Diggers of the Deep."
Participating in the opening ceremony were
the local mayor, officials of the United Mine
Workers union, the National Film Board and
Louis Wener and Nate Green, partners in the
Russell.
It was the Vogue, Halifax, which was
broken into in a Sunday call by thieves, and
not the Casino. The two film theatres adjoin
each other. The loss was about $700 in cash.
Franklin & Herschorn own the Vogue, and
Odeon, the Casino. The local police did not
identify the scene of the theft. The thieves
stole the office safe and hauled it away in
a light truck.
TORONTO
n formal welcome back to Toronto was accorded
Archie Laurie, former manager
of the Seville in Montreal, when local film
columnists and promotion managers of distributing
companies tendered him a luncheon
at the Variety Club. Laurie is now with
United Artists and has started to boom
"Witness to Murder" for his first campaign
. . . Dale Robertson of 20th-Fox was taking
a holiday in Toronto, being spotted at the
Woodbine Jockey club. He was here last
year and liked it so much he came back for
a vacation.
Jack Chisholm, a former chief barker of
Toronto Variety Tent, is now sales manager
in Montreal for Associated Screen News for
which he was Ontario manager here for
many years . Cauley, manager of the
Paramount in Peterborough, has a continuous
tie-in with the Peterborough Examiner for
a weekly Names in the News contest, getting
nice publicity in exchange for ten passes
each time up.
Manager Barry Camon of the Hyland is
boasting about the new wide screen which
has boosted patronage for "The Kidnappers,"
now in its eighth week . . . Now that he is
on pension, Percy Smith, former booker
of B&F Theatres, has fulfilled a long wish
by going to Florida. Bert McLean ha.s moved
over from Famous Players head office to
become office m.anager of B&F, Murray Sherriff
having become manager of the Oxford,
an east end unit.
Gerry Collins, publicist for Loew's Theatres,
arranged a nice stunt for "Johnny Guitar"
at the Uptown in a contest to pick the bestlooking
Toronto gii'l in blue jeans. Collins,
Manager Jack Clarke of Loew's Downtown
and diet Friedman organized a tie-in with
office furniture firms on "Executive Suite"
. . . R. G. Darby, veteran official of Famous
Players head office and a charter member
of the circuit's 25 Year club, is taking a real
holiday. He and his wife have gone to the
British Isles and they will miss the PPC head
office picnic, scheduled for later this month,
for the first time.
One of those who took part in the tenth
anniversary reunion of D-day on the shores
of Normandy was the Rev. Ray McCIeary,
Protestant chaplain of Toronto Variety Tent,
who took part in the historic invasion of
Europe.
Circuit Requests Permit
To Build TV Station
MONCTON, N.B.—The Franklin & Herschorn
circuit has applied to the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation for a permit to
build and operate a television station here.
The application will be presented at a meeting
of the CBC board June 18 at St, John's
Nfld. The local broadcasting station headed
by F. A. Lynds, has a similar application.
Submitting the F&H application wil' be J. M.
Franklin, St. John, president; Mitchell
Franklin, vice-president and Peter Herschorn,
Halifax, secretary.
This is the first maritime film exhibiting
firm to attempt invasion of either radio or TV.
Signed to direct the George Montgomery
starrer, "Bugle's Wake," a Columbia release,
was William Castle.
CinemaJcOPE
PERKINS HAS IT-
AND EVERYTHING ELSE
PERKINS
THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
BUFFALO, NY.
MONTREAL, TORONTO, MONCTON
VANCOUVER
BOXOFnCE :
: June 12, 1954 81

. . John
—
—
. . The
^
EN AVANT CANADA
presence
LES INDES PARMI NOUS
Le plan Colombo a I'ocuvre en Asie du Sud
COUP D'OEIL
(no 63)
presente
Voyage d'adieu du "Minto"
La pelleterie canadienne a
Retenez cheque mots
I'honncur
EN AVANT CANADA et COUP D'OEIL
Realisation: OFFICE NATIONAL DU FILM
Distribution: COLUMBIA PICTURES
32
MONTREAL
T M. Bleackley, vice-president and man-
. . .
aging director of Perkins Electric Co., returned
from a business trip of a few days
in Toronto . Azaly, prominent Cornwall,
Ont., citizen, has erected the Azaly
Drive-In in the east end district there,
Perkins Electric supplied projection and sound
equipment Gerard Laliberte, Perkins
salesman, was in the Quebec City district.
Mayor Horace Boivin of Granby, Que., the
"Mr. Mayor" of a NFB production, is steadily
increasing the population of his pride and
joy. the Granby zoo. His latest addition is
an armadillo. The energetic mayor had asked
for a pair, in the hope of raising "armadillets"
but he received only one. However,
Boivin later was informed the armadillos
have never been known to breed
in captivity. Boivin also received at
about the same time an elephant ... A
lucky girl from Granby will receive a trip
to Hollywood and numerous other gifts she
won in a popularity contest staged at the
Granby 1954 exhibition. Mi-, and Mrs. Boivin
presented the many gifts to Pauline S. Amant.
NOW
Richard Howorth, manager of the Monkland
Theatre, was host to several hundred
veteran patients at Queen Mary's hospital at
two matinees of "Roman Holiday" and
Local theatres have never
"Stalag 17" . . .
had such long runs as at present. The Cinema
de Paris continued to enjoy tremendous boxoffices
in the eleventh week of "Manon des
Sources." "Les Enfants I'Amour" has been at
the LaScala and Le Canadien more than two
ASTROLITE screens
with
INVISIBLE SEAMS
at
NEW LOW PRICES
FROM
DOMINION SOUND EQUIPMENTS
LIMITED
HEAD OFFICE: 4040 St. Catherine Street West, Montreal.
BRANCHES AT: Holifax, Saint John, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto,
London, Winnipeg, Regino, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver
. .
and a half months. "The Kidnappers" was
in its eighth week at the Kent with no end
in sight, while "The Best Years of Our Lives"
was day-dating at the Avon Seville, Empress
and Normandie . Oscar Richards, manager
of the Belmont Theatre, was hopping around
on crutches, the result of a leg fracture, suffered
while inspecting the theatre.
. .
On the anniversary of the coronation, members
of city wing of the Royal Canadian Air
Force Ass'n were shown the Technicolor, "A
Queen Is Crowned" . The 39 "capsule mysteries"
produced here for television by Frontier
Films have been dubbed in Spanish and
Portuguese to be shown over stations in Central
and South America . first trans-
Atlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland
in 1919 will be dramatized on the screen
before the end of the year. London Film
Pi-oductions will .shoot the historical flight
of John Alcock and navigator Whitton Brown.
Graham Wallace, script writer of the movie,
has spent some weeks in St. John's, Nfld.,
talking to those who witnessed the takeoff.
Wallace said the film, still unnamed, will also
include the two unsuccessful attempts made
earlier in 1919. Some of the scenes will be
made in St. John's, but most other shooting
will be done in Scotland.
A 16-year-old youth was arrested and
charged with two holdups, all because he
asked an usher at the Rialto Theatre to help
him find something he had dropped. He became
overly excited during a western and
lost a gun he was waving during the film
showing. He whipped out the unloaded revolver
and in his excitement dropped it.
Police said he borrowed an usher's flashlight
to find "something he had lost." He
found it quickly, but not before the girl usher
noticed it was a revolver. She notified police
who arrested the youth before he left the
cinema. Police said the pistol fired only
blanks, but was realistic enough to fool even
an expert.
Toronto Holdovers
Maintain Averages
TORONTO—Grosses were generally average
for the week with five theatres showing
holdovers. "River of No Return" in its third
week held up well with 105 per cent. "The
Kidnappers" reported 95 for its eighth week.
(Averoge Is 100)
Eglinton, University— Laughing Anne (Rep) '00
Hyland The Kidnoppors (JARO), 8th wk 9i
Imperial River of No Return (20th-Fox), 3rd wk..IOb
Loew's Executive Suite (MGM), 4th wk 95'
Nortov^n The Naked Jungle (Para), 2nd d. t. wk.. »0
Odeon The Siege ot Red River (20th-Fox) 05
Sheas—Carnivol Story (RKO), 2nd wk .;.:'""
Tivoli, Capitol Cosanova's Big Night (Para); The
Command (WB) 05
Towne Marlog O (Eros)
1JJ5
Uptown Johnny Guitar (Rep) '"5
'Suite' and "Kidnappers' Lead Grosses
In Vancouver During Bad Weather ;
VANCOU'VER—The theatre business has I
been very spotty here with un.seasonable weather
keeping patrons from the downtown
first-runs. "The Kidnappers," in its fourth
week and "Executive Suite" were the best
grossers.
i(
Capitol— Executive Suite (MGM) ;A,'^°''
Cnema— Diamond Queen (WB); Wide Boy (SR) Fair
Dunbor—The Kidnappers (JARO), 4th wk Gooo
[
Orpheum—Rob Roy iRKO), 2nd wk Averoge
Park— It Should Happen to You (Col), 2nd wk. ..rajr
Porodise Bait (Col); Massacre Canyon (Col) ..Fair
Plaza— Riot in Cell Block 11 (AA); Texas Bod
Mon (AA) ,
i-'^'L
Strond—The Living Desert (Disney) 2nd wk.. .Averoge
Studio— Hobson's Choice (UA), 7th wk fo"
Vogue— Prince Voliant (20th-Fox) 8-days "ir
BOXOmCE
:
: June 12, 1954

—
—
OMICECi^DDiiiJli'^JJiB^
'- «^ -'- ^-^v^ -
The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY ABOUT PICTURES
COLUMBIA
El Alamein (Col)—Scott Brady, Edward
Ashley, Rita Moreno. Nice picture for a
double bill or single day. Story of a tank
and her crew in the desert. A German fuel
and ammunition place Is found and a stand
against the enemy is made. Finally the Allied
forces join the tank and victory is the end.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Clear and warmer.—James
Wiggs jr., Tar Theatre, Tarboro,
N.C. Small-town and rural patronage.
Last of the Pony Riders (Col)—Gene Autry,
Smiley Burnette, Kathleen Case. Autry is the
same as in most others. Used a stooge with
this which helped on the draw. Played Sat.
Weather: O.K.—D. W. Trisko, Runge Theatre,
Runge, Tex. Small-town and rural patronage.
Paratrooper (Col)—Alan Ladd, Leo Genn,
Susan Stephen. Probably drove my booker
crazy getting this set in for an early play off
and then spent the rest of the week wondering
why I was so anxious to waste a play
date. After you see it a couple of times you
begin to realize that, actually, it's just another
English picture with a so-so story that really
shouldn't excite anyone too much—and believe
me. it didn't! Columbia's fair terms
were steep enough. Played Sun., Mon. and
pulled it Tues. Weather: Chilly. — Bob
Walker, Uintah Theatre, Pruita, Colo. Smalltown
and rural patronage.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Apache War Smoke (MGM)—Gilbert Roland,
Glenda Farrell, Robert Horton. Truly
a great western. Our only mistake was playing
this great film with a co-feature. Book
it soon but don't make the same mistake
use it as a single attraction. Played Sat.
Weather: Fair and hot.—Donald H. Haymans,
Candler Drive-In Theatre, Metter, Ga. Smalltown
and rural patronage.
Easy to Love (MGM)—Esther Williams,
Van Johnson, Tony Martin. A nice feature
with Esther Williams doing a clown act
that's tops. Beautiful color. The only thing
wrong was that MGM wants too much rental,
especially with me. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Fair.—Lawrence GUbreath, Isis
Theatre, Lucas, Kas. Small-town and rural
patronage.
Llli (MGM)—Leslie Caron, Mel Ferrer, Jean
Pierre Aumont. Delightful show. Gave it
extra billing and it paid off. Exhibitor reports
praising the better pictures are a great
help to "us little fellers." Played Fri., Sat.,
Sun.—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka,
Mont. Small-town and rural patronage.
Mogambo (MGM)—Clark Gable, Ava Gardner,
Grace Kelly. A very good picture and
it did business. Not like old times but exceptional
for now. Gable is okay and that Gardner
girl does all right. Plenty of animal shots
and the gorilla hunt got exciting. So, it seems,
everyone was well pleased, including us.
Played Wednesday through Saturday. Weather:
Fine.—Mayme P. Musselman, Roach
Theatre. Lincoln, Kas. Small-town and rural
patronage:
Scandal at Scourie (MGM)—Greer Garson,
Walter Pidgeon, Donna Corcoran. Very good!
The Garson-Pidgeon combination rang the
bell again. This nice family picture did 175
per cent on a midweek date. It certainly deserved
better playing time. Let's have more
just like this one, MGM. Played Wed.. Thurs.
Weather: Good.—Mike Olienyk, Belfield
Theatre, Belfield, N.D. Small-town and rural
patronage.
Sequoia (MGM)—Reissue. Jean Parker,
Russell Hardie, Samuel S. Hinds. This must
have been a very excellent picture 'way
back in the dark ages (1931 release) of motion
picture history. Why they drag these
old ones out and sell them to us gullible
suckers is more than we can see. Why waste
time and money? Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Rainy.—W. J. Breitling and Ida V.,
Comfrey Theatre, Comfrey, Minn. Village
and rural patronage.
Story of Three Loves—(MGM)—Pier Angeli,
Ethel Barrymore, Kirk Douglas. The
fourth love was my cash register. It showed
the house full all the time except for one
night. And how did we sell the ballet in this
film to miners? We stressed the third story
for all we were worth, capitalized on the
trapeze act and got them all in. Personally
I loved the first and the last of the stories.
I thought Metro put the mediocre second
story in to allow the patrons a breathing
space. Actually, I heartily recommend it to
all houses. There's something for everybody
in this lovely film. Played Tues. through
Sat. Weather: Pine.—Dave S. Klein, Astra
Theatre, Kitwe-Nkana, Northern Rhodesia,
Africa. Mining, government, business patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Here Come the Girls (Para)—Bob Hope,
Arlene Dahl, Tony Martin. We sure didn't
kill them with this one—and couldn't brag
about the profits. It seems that our folks
just don't care for the music—and less for
Bob Hope, anjonore. The advice given to
him by an exhibitor in this department should
help, and the exhibitor should be complimented.
It was too high a price for us to
show any profit. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Dusty.—Mayme P. Musselman,
Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas. Small-town
and rural patronage.
Little Boy Lost (Para) — Bing Crosby,
Claude Dauphin, Christian Fourcade. We had
more good comments on this fUm than on any
we've shown in months. Excellent. Boxoffice
113 per cent. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good.—James H. Hamilton, Pine Hill Drive-
In Theatre, Picayune, Miss. Small-town and
rural patronage.
Roman Holiday (Para)—Gregory Peck,
Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert. Could have
run this four days instead of two and on
midweek besides as the Oscars were awarded
the week we played it. Definitely above
average entertainment like "Lili" and a few
others that haven't been exploited enough.
Played Wed., Thm-s. Weather: Fair.—W. J.
Breitling and Ida V., Comfrey Theatre, Comfrey,
Minn. Village and rural patronage.
RKO RADIO
Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer, The (RKO)
—Reissue. Gary Grant, Shirley Temple,
Myrna Loy. An excellent comedy that's very
long for a double bill and that didn't stand
up as a single. Print contained many splices.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Cool and clear.
—James H. Hamilton, Pine HUl Drive-In Theatre,
Picayune, Miss. Small-town and riural
patronage.
Blackbeard the Pirate (RKO)—Robert
Newton, Linda Darnell, William Bendix. If
you crave blood and thunder, this is your
dish. Maybe they had a reason for making
it. It's beyond me! Played Tues., Wed.
Weather: Okay.—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre,
Eureka, Mont. Small-town and rural
patronage.
Coon Dawg (RKO)—Short. Boy, this was
a pip! Run it and advertise it to all of your
customers who hunt or own hunting dogs.
L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre, Bearden, Ark.
Small-town and rural patronage.
Peter Pan (RKO)—Disney Cartoon Feature.
Because of many requests I finally played
this one. I showed to a bunch of happy kids
and a few grownups who came with them.
You can have your house full of kids and
still not make any money. I broke even on the
engagement. Every time I play a Disney cartoon
feature I say, "This is the last one."
Yes, it was 50 per cent. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Dewey
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small-town and rural
patronage.
Sword and the Rose, The (RKO)—Richard
Todd, Glynis Johns, James Robertson Justice.
The picture's only drawback was the accent
which some couldn't make out. Business
average. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: O.K.
—D. W. Trisko, Runge Theatre, Runge, Tex.
Small-town and rural patronage.
REPUBLIC
Crazylegs (Rep)—Elroy Hirsch, Lloyd Nolan,
Joan Vohs. Every once in a while we
have to lure the straying student customers
with one of these and must say we haven't
had, or seen, a better one to do it with.
Comments very good from old and young
alike. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold, rainy.
—^W. J. Breitling and Ida V., Comfrey Theatre,
Comfrey, Minn. Village and rural patronage.
Crazylegs (Rep)—Elroy Hirsch, Lloyd
Nolan, Joan Vohs. Our folks just don't seem
to go for football, maybe because it is about
the only sport not played here. But anywhere
football is played this picture shoujd
do well. Played Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat.
Weather: Rain.—Harold Bell, Opera House
Theatre, Coaticook, Que. Small-town and
rural patronage.
Sweethearts on Parade (Rep)—Ray Middleton,
Lucille Norman, Eileen Christy. Don't
let this one slip by. It's a good one from Republic.
The music is wonderful and it has a
pleasing story that ends happily, of course.
Trucolor is very clear and sharp. Comments
were good. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Nice.—James Wiggs jr.. Tar Theatre, Tarboro,
N.C. Small-town and rural patronage.
(Continued on following page)
BOXOFnCE BookinGuide : : June 12, 1954

—
'
:
|
The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
(Continued from preceding page)
20th CENTURY-FOX
How to Marry a Millionaire (20th-Fox)—
Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Lauren BacalL
The folks around here refused to get excited
about our second offering In Cinemascope.
Personally, I liked this highly amusing picture.
Business was not up to expectations
as Mariljfn Monroe is not a draw here.
Photography is still bad in about one-half
of the footage and impossible to bring into
clear, sharp focus. Comments ranged from
"cute," "good," to non-commital. The shot
from the nose of a landing plane was the
nearest thing to being right on the plane
that I have ever experienced. Played Pri.,
Sat., Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Good.
Mike Olienyk, Belfield Theatre, Belfield, N.D.
Small-town and rural patronage.
Kid From Left Field, The (20th-Fox)—Dan
Dailey, Anne Bancroft, Billy Chapin. Baseball
or a sports pictui'e doesn't mean a thing
here. This was one of the poorest Saturday
night grosses ever. A good, clean, enjoyable
picture that will please and should do business—but
it was below normal here. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—Ken Christianson,
Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N.D.
Small-town and rural patronage.
Pickup on South Street (20th-Fox)—Richard
Widmark, Jean Peters, Thelma Ritter.
As only Fox can make them. Another excellent
film on the same lines as "13 Rue Madeleine,"
and "House on 92nd Street." Fox does
these films so well no fault can be found
with them. Widmark, of course, is a top
attraction here, and in this film he adds to
his prestige. I can heartily recommend it
to all houses. Perhaps the title is the only
item in this film that may put a few patrons
off. Advertise it as Fox's entry in the Venice
Film Festival which won acclaim. It will
bring them in as it did in our situation.
Played Wed. through Saturday. Weather:
Fine.—Dave S. Klein, Astra Theatre, Kitwe-
Nkana, Northern Rhodesia, Africa. Mining,
government, business patronage.
Stars and Stripes Forever (20th-Pox)—
Clifton Webb, Robert Wagner, Debra Paget.
Wonderful. Clifton Webb perfect. His support
was tops and the music out of this
world. Grand show. Played Fri., Sat., Sun.
Weather: O. K.—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre,
Eureka, Mont. Small-town and rural
patronage.
Treasure of the Golden Condor (20th-Fox)
—Cornel Wilde, Constance Smith, Finlay Ciu--
rie. I skipped this one last spring when it
was having its state-wide showing. I think
business on it was better now than it would
have been then. If I can't play ahead of the
competition I prefer to play quite a bit later.
Now that Fox has gone CinemaScope we only
get a few of their pictures. Played Pri., Sat.
\Veather: Cool—Norman Merkel, Time Theatre,
Albert City, Iowa. Small-town and rural
patronage.
UNITED ARTISTS
Captain John Smith and Pocahontas (UA)
—Anthony Dexter, Jody Lawrence, Alan Hale
jr. This is a nice little color picture of the
Jamestown settlement. Leaves something to
be expected but it seemed to please the kids
as well as adults. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Clear and hot.—James Wiggs jr.. Tar Theatre,
Tarboro, N.C. Small-town and rural patronage.
99 River Street (UA)—John Payne, Evelyn
Kcyes, Frank Faylen. A commendable pictiu-e,
full of suspense. It has an outstanding
story with John Payne taking the bad breaks
The Way BOXOFFICE
Gets Around
pxcerpts from a recent letter from Bob
Walker of the Uintah Theatre at
Fruita, Colorado:
"... business has been holding steady,
nothing terrific but everything doing well
so May should end up very good. I've
been pouring it on though, trying to get
things humming. Never wrote so many
passes in my life, either. Gave my annual
Uintah Theatre Trophy last week
to the country school that made the outstanding
group showing in the Young
Citizens League annual contest. Same
school won it this year that won last
year for the best play. I let the kids decide
what it is to go for each year.
"Then I give a month's pass to each
boy or girl who wins a place in the contests,
speech, essay, handicraft, etc. It's
going to look like we're working for free
until the middle of June. Also gave a
month's pass to the oldest mother, and
longest married couple attending the
theatre on Mother's Day. Had to give two
of the latter as I had two couples who had
been married well over the 50-year mark.
The oldest mother was 77. I play up to
the old folks here in Colorado as the old
age pensions are one of our big pay
rolls and, anyway, the oldsters are a joy
to serve once you get them show conscious.
"More and more it becomes a thing of
amazement to me the way your magazine
gets around. I have visits from folks
the country over and I meet them in my
jaunts all around the states who read
me in your magazine and I^ve gotten letters
from all over the world."
as well as the dirty deals that are dealt to
him by his wife.—Donald H. Haymans,
Candler Drive-In Theatre, Metter, Ga.
Small-town and rural patronage.
Sabre Jet (UA)—Robert Stack, Richard
Arlen, Coleen Gray. I recommend this if
you want something new and different. It is
in color and pleased all who came—especially
the airplane addicts. It made me some
money. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Dewey Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small-town and rural patronage.
War Paint (UA)—Robert Stack, Joan Taylor,
Charles McGraw. Played this with "Roar
of the Crowd" (AA). Played both pictures
late but it gave us new hopes. Business was
good and so were the comments. These do
make a good combination. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Good.—Walter H. Finn, Chester
Theatre, Chester, Calif. Lumber, logging,
tourist, sportsmen patronage.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Border River (U-D—Joel McCrea, Yvonne
DcCarlo, Pedro Armendariz. Seems as though
my report is full of superwesterns, however,
when they come as good as this one they're
worth crowing about. Truly a splendid picture.
If your patrons appreciate a superwestern,
book it soon. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Cold.—Donald H. Haymans, Candler
Drlve-In Theatre, Metter, Ga. Small-town
and rural patronage.
Horizons West (U-D—Robert Ryan, Julia
Adams. Rock Hudson. Fair to average western.
Action addicts will okay it. Played Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Okay.—Frank Sabin, Majestic
Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small-town
and rural patronage.
Man From the Alamo, The (U-D—Glenn
Ford, Julia Adams, Chill Wills. Fair action
picture and its draw was just fair, too. The
Alamo as a plot for pictures has been done
to a turn in the last few years so can't comment
too favorably on it. Not too bad for
midweek. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Rainy
and cold.—Walt and Ida Breitling, Comfrey
Theatre, Comfrey, Minn. Village and rural
patronage.
Mississippi Gambler (U-D—Tyrone Power,
Julia Adams. Piper Laurie. This picture wa

interpretive analysis of lay and trodepress reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate degree of
•I
efit only; audience classification is not rated. Listings cover current reviews, brought up to date regularly,
lis department serves olso as an ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feoture releases. Numeral preceding title
Picture Guide Review page number. For listings by company^ in the order of release, sec Feoture Chart. illMnjDJfjiST
Very Good; + Good; — Fair;
oor

REVIEW DIGEST
very Good, ' Good, = Fair; - Poor, = very Poor In the summary i' is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses.
5 5
+ +
1531 Great Gilbert and Sullivan, The (112)
Musical '1-14-53 H
1489 Great Sioux Uprisino, The (80) Drama. . . .U-l 7- 4-53 +
1552 Greatest Love, The (116)
(American Dialoo) Drama I.F.E. 1-23-54 +
1579 Guilt Is My Shadow (86) Drama. .Stratford 5- 8-54 ±
1496 Gun Belt (77) Western UA 7-18-53 +
1553 Gypsy Colt (72) Drama MGM 1-30-54 +
1525 Gun Fury (83) Superwestern
(Three-dimension) Col 10-24-53 ++
+
+f
+
± +
+ + i:
1500 Half a Hero (75) Comedy MGM
1490 Hannah Lee (78) Western. .Jack Broder Prod.
Heat Wave (..) Drama UP
1548 Heidi (97) Drama UA
1556 Hell and High Water (103) Drama
(Cinemascope)
20th-Fox
1586 Hell Below Zero (90) Drama Col
1580 Hell Raiders of the Deep (93)
Documentary
I.F.E.
8- 1-53 +
7- 4-53 +
+ + ± + 4+
+ ± + i:
H- 13+
i: 7+1-
3+2-
1+2-
6+1-
1(H-1-
7+1-
7+2-
5+2-
1- 9-54 H H ++ 7+
2- 6-54 -H-
5-29-54 +
5- S-54 +
2-13-54 ±
1558 Hell's Half Acre (91) Drama Rep
1526 Here Come the Girls (78) Musical Para 10-24-53 -H
1586 High and the Mighty, The (153) Drama
WB
(Cinemascope)
1553 Highway Dragnet (72) Drama AA
1493 Hindu. The (83) Ferrin
1545 His Majesty O'Keefe (88) Drama WB
Hobson's Choice (..) C'"'''''y 1*
Hollywood Thrill-Makers (60) Drama LP
Home From the Sea (..) Drama AA
1538 Hondo (83) Drama (Three-dimension) WB
1551 Horse's Mouth, The (77)
Comedy
Mayer-KlngsUy
1535 Hot News (60'/i) Drama AA
1532 How to Marry a Millionaire (95) Drama
(Cinemascope)
20th-Fox
1494 Hundred Hour Hunt (84) Drama Greshler
5-29-54 -H
1-30-54 ±
7-11-53 +
1- 2-54 +
12- 5-53 44
H tt H ++ + + 12+
+ + + +++ 7+
- + + 3+1-
± ± + * d: ± 7+6-
+ + + + + + »+
tt tt ++ +f 4+ 12+
+ ± -H ± ±: 7+4-
± + + 4+1-
++ + + ++ +t + 10+
1479 1 Believe In You (91) Drama U-l
1498 1. the Jury (87) Drama UA
1575 Indiscretion of an American Wife
(64) Drama Col
1498 Inferno (83) Sup-West (Threedimension)
20th-Fox
1569 Iron Glove, The (77) Drama Col
1504 Island In the Sky (109) Drama WB
1550 It Should Happen to You (87) Comedy.. Col
1508 It Started in Paradise (88) Drama Astor
J
1526 Jack Slade (89) Drama AA 10-24-53 + — ± ± ± + ± 6+5—
1529 Jennifer (73) Drama AA 11- 7-53 — — + 1+2—
1554 Jesse James vs. the Daltons (65) Western.. Col 1-30-54+ — ± + ± + 5+3—
1552Jivaro (92) Drama Para 1-23-54+ ± ± + + ±. ± 7+4—
1520 Joe Louis Story, The (88) Drama UA 10- 3-53+ 4+ + ++ -H + 4 1»+
1588 Johnny Dark (85) Drama U-l 6-5-54+ + + -H 5+
1579 Johnny Guitar (110) Western Rep 5- 8-54 ± + ± -H — + + 7+3—
ISSlJubilee Trail (103) Drama Rep 1-23-54 +f ± ± + + * f 8+3—
1484 Julius Caesar (122) Historical Drama.. MGM 6-13-53 -H- 4+ tt ++ + +f -H 13+
1586 Jungle Man-Eaters (67) Drama Col 5-29-54 rt d: — 2+3—
K
1495 Kid From Left Field, The (80)
Comedy 20th-Fox 7-18-53 44 44 + +4 + + +10+
1537 Killer Ape. The (68) Drama Col 12- 5-53 :t ± ± ± ± - 5+6-
1554 Killers From Space (71) Drama RKO 1-30-54= — ± + — ±: 3+6-
1543 King of the Khyber Rifles (99) Drama
(Cinemascope) 20Ui-Fox 12-26-53 ff + + + 44 + -( »+
1530 Kris Me Kate (109) Musical
(Three-dimension) MGM 11- 7-53 44 4+ 44 44 44 44 + 13+
1545 Knights of the Round Table (126) Drama
(Cinemascope) MGM 1- 2-54 ff 4+ -(- +| ff +f +4 15+
1572 Knock on Wood (103) Comedy Para 4-10-54 44 44 4+ 44- 44 44 4)14+
L
ISlOUndfall (88) Drama Stratford 8-29-53 ± - ± 2+5-
1531 Last of the Pony Riders (59) Westefn.... Col 11-14-53 ± ± ± ± + - 5+5—
1578 Laughing Anne (91) Drama Rep 5- 1-54+ + — + — -(- .|- 5+^—
1543 Limping Man (76) Drama LP 12-26-53 - ± ± * * 4+5^
1514 Lion Is in the Streets, A (88) Drama WB 9-12-53+ + + + 44- + 44 9+
1491 Little Boy Lost (95) Drama Para 7-11-53 44 ± + 44 4+ 44 4^12+1-
1539 Uttle Fugitive (75) Drama Bur»ty» 11-12-55 44 + + 44 44 44 10+
1448 Little World of Don Camlllo. Tlie (96)
Comedy I.F.E. 2- 7-55 +4* 4+ •+

'
Phantom
j
(Three-dimension)
i (American
+f Very Good; + Good; ~ Foir; — Poor; — Very Poor. In the summary ff is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses.
KtV ItW vldCjll
s £ .2
] X Phantom of the Rue Morgue (E4)
(Three-dimension) WB 3- 6-54 +
Stallion (54) Western Rep
jjPickwick Paoers (109) Comedy M-K 4-17-54 4+
IJPIayoirl (85) Drama U-l 4-24-54 ±
J,} Plunder of the Sun (82) Drama WB S- 8-53 +
J) Pride of the Blue Grass (70) Drama AA 3-27-54 ±:
]! Prince Valiant (100) Drama
(Cinemascope) 20th-Fox 4-10-54 +f
I Princess of the Nile (..) Drama. .20th-Fox
11 Project Moon Base (63) Drama LP 9-5-53 —
] I Project M-7 (86) Drama U-l 12-19-53 ±
Q
1. Queen of Sheba (99) Drama LP 12-19-53 -f
1' Queen's Royal Tour, A (84) Documentary. .UA 3-20-54 +
•I Rmino Blood (76) Drama 20th- Fox 3-27-54 d:
Raid, The (. .) Drama 20th-Fox
i; Rails Into Laramie (82) Drama U-l 3-20-54 +
llRed Garters (90) Musical Para 2-13-54 #
liRed River Shore (54) Western Rep 1-2-54 +
1 1 Return to Paradise (S9) Drama UA 8- 1-53 +
liRhapsody (115) Musical-Drama MGM 2-20-54 #
I. Ride Clear of Diablo (SO) Drams U-l 2-6-54 +
I Ride. Vaquero! (90) Western MGM 6-20-53 ±
L Riders to the Stars (81) Drama UA 1-23-54 +
1 Riding Shotgun (75) Western WB 3-13-54 ±
Ring of Fear ( . . ) Drama WB
I'. Riot in Cell Block 11 (SO) Drama AA 2-13-54 ++
River Beat (73) Drama LP
t River of No Return (90) Drama
(Cinemascope) 20th-Fox 4-24-54 +f
U Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue (84) Drama. RKO 11-28-53 +
l| Robe, The (135) Drama (CS) 2ath-Fox 9-26-53 +f
a> Robot Monster (62) Drama
.
Astor
U Rocket Man, The (SO) Drama 20lh-Fox 5- 1-54 +
I' Roman Holiday (119) Comedy Para 7-4-53 +
L5 Rose Marie (102) Musical (CinemaScope) MGM 3- 6-54 +
U Royal African Rifles (75) Drama AA 10- 3-53 +
S
L£ Saadia (82) Drama MGM 1- 9-54 ±
15 Sabre Jet (96) Drama UA 9-12-53 +
1£ Saginaw Trail (56) Western Col 9- 5-53 ±
15 Sailor of the King (83) Drama 20th-Fox 8- 1-53 +
ISSainfs Girl Friday, The (58) Drama. ..RKO 3-20-54 +
15 Salt of the Earth (94) Documentary IPC 4-17-54 +
15 Saracen Blade (76) Drama Col 5-22-54 +
15 Saskatchewan (88) Drama U-l 2-27-54 ±
IS Scarlet Spear, The (78) Drama UA 3-20-54 +
IS Sea of Lost Ships (85) Drama Rep 10-24-53 ±
19 Secret Conclave. The (SO)
Dialog) Drama I.F.E.
S Secret of the Incas (101) Drama Para
8-29-53 +
5-22-54 +
SSensualita (91) Drama
i
(American Dialog) I.F.E. 5-22-54 +
Is Shadow Man (77) Drama LP 12-12-53 it
B Shadows of Tombstone (54) Western Rep 10-10-53 +
l* Shane (117) Western. Para 4-18-53 -R
15. Shark River (SO) Drama UA 11-14-53 +
15 She Couldn't Say No (89) Comedy. ..... RKO 1-16-54 +
^ Siege at Red River. The (86)
Drama 20th-Fox 3-20-54 #
Silent Raiders (..) Drama LP
151 ;even Brides for Seven Brothers (103)
' Musical (Cinemascope) MGM 6- 5-54 ff
Silver
P Lode. The (SO) Drama RKO 5-15-54 —
R Stu of Jezebel (75) Drama LP 11-21-53 +
iky
P Commando (69) Drama Col 8-22-53 i:
Blilaves of Babylon, The (82) Drama Col 9-19-53 +
Wl.nows of Kilimanlaro (114) Dr^ma. .20th-Fox 9-27-52 -H-
*< Big (101) Drama WB 10-10-53 4+
^0 Little Time (88) Drama MacDonald 9- 5-53 ±
* This Is Love (101) Musical WB 7-18-53 f|-
5< omcthing Money Can't Buy (82) Comedy.. U-l 10-17-53 ±
52 ong of the Land tTl) Documentary UA 11-28-53 +
^' outhwest Passage (82) Drama
(Three-dimension) UA 4-10-54 +
* land at Apache River, The (77)
tSuperwestern U-l 8-15-53 +
ted Lady, The (S4) Drama UA 10-17-53 ±
>FFICE BookinGuide :
: June 12, 1954

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4
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r»r*r
pxiimis cufiiiT
Feoture productions by company in order of release. Number in square is national release dote. Running
time is in porenthcscs. Letters and combinotions there9f indicate story type os follows: (C) Comedy; (D)
Dramo; (AD) Advcnturc-Dromo; (CD) Comedy-Drama; (F) Fontasy; (M) Musical; (W) Western; (SW) Superwestern.
Release number follows. -> deno^cs BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Phorogrophy:
Q Color; \!- 3-D; ra Wide Screen. For review dates and Picture Guide page numbers, see Review Digest.
ALLIED
ARTISTS
[4] Yollow Banoon (80) D. .5430
Anilrrw Il\>-. Kjithlwn Ryan. Kenneth More
m Hot Newj (601/2) D. .5327
Stanley Clements. Olorta Henry. Ted DeCorsU
Jennifer (73) D. .5407
Idt Luplno. Howard Duff. Robert Nichols
ai Jock Slode (89) D. .5406
Mark Bartoo MacLane
Btetens. Dorothy Malone,
5ll Vigilante Terror (70) W. .5422
Wild Bill Elliott. Mary Ellen Kay, 0. WaUace
m ©Flgliter Attack (80) D . . 5402
Sterling Ilajdeo. Joy I'ii«e, J. Carrol Nalsh
a Private Eyes (64) C. .5321
Leo Gorcey, Htuti Hall, Joyce Holden
COLUMBIA
Big Heot, The (90) D. .615
Glenn Pord. Gloria Grahame, Robert BurtAO
OSIoves of Babylon, The (82). . .D. .6)2
Richard Conto. Linda Christian. Terry KUhura
Combot Squod (72) D. .613
John Ireland. Lon McCalllster. Hal March
©^Gun Fury (83) SW. .617
Roclt Hudson, Donna Reed. Phil Carey
Last of the Pony Riders (59). . .W. .573
Gene Autry. Smiley Bumette. Kathleen Case
Paris Model (81) D . , 621
Paulette Goddird, MarUyn MaiweU. &'a Gabor
©Prisoners of the Casbah (78) . D . . 622
.
Cesar Romero. Gloria Grahame. Turhan Bey
Killer Ape, The (68) AD. .626
Jolinny Welssmulier. Carol ITiurston. M. Palmer
'J'QNebroskan, The (68) D. .618
Phil Carey. Itoberta Haynes. Wallace Ford
LIPPERT
B ti
a Undercover Agent (69) D. .5306
Dermot WaLsh. Hazel Court
[U The Fighting Men (63) D. .5222
Kos.sauo Brazd, Ctaudlne Dupuls
H Shadow Man (77)
D..5316
Ce.siir Romero. Ka>' Kendall. V. Madern
a ©Sins of Jezebel (75) D. .5225
Paulette Goddard. George Nader, John Hoyt
i Man From Cairo, The (83). . . .0. .5302
George Ra/t, Glanna Uarls Caoale, M. Serato
SI Terror Street (83) D. .5304
Dan Duryea. Elsy AlbUn. Ann Gudrun
03 Limping Mon (76) D..5318
Lloyd Bridges, Molra Lister. Alan Wheatley
M-G-M
[D ©Mogombo (119) D. .41
Clark Gable. Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly
i OToreh Song (90) D..4,
Joan Craivlord. Michael Wilding. Gig Touoi
j©Take the High Ground! (101)..D..4i
Richard Wldmark. Karl Maiden. E. Stewart
Q ©All the Brothers Were Valiant
(101) AD..4'
Robert Taylor. Stewart Granger, Ann Bl^
!©>yKlss Me Kate (109)
M..^l
KathrjTi Grayson. Howard Keel. Ann MUla
El ©Escape From Fort Bravo (98).. D.. 4'
WUIlam Holden, Eleanor Parker, Jebn Fony>
a Texas Bod Man (62) W. .5335
Wame Morris. Elaine Blley. Hyroo Healey
HQEosy to Love (96) M..4I
Esther Williams. Van Johnson. Tony Marti
i Golden Idol, The (71) D. .5315
Johnny Sheffield. Anne Klnibell, P. Oullfoyle
1 Yukon Vengeance (68) D. .5331
Kirby Grant. Carol Thurston. Moote Hale
ig World for Ransom (82) D. .5408
Dan Duryea, Qene Utckhart. Patrlc Knowles
m HIghwoy Dragnet (72) D. .5405
Joan Bennett. Richard Conte. Wanda Hendrli
El Bitter Creek (74) W. .5423
WUd BUI ElUott. Beverly Garland. C. Young
gi Riot in Cell Block 11 (80) D. .S-1
Neville Brand, Emlle Meyer, F^ank Faylen
Porb Playboys (62) C. .5418
Leo Qorcey. Huntz Hall, Viola Venn
Mr. Potts Goes to Moscow (93) C. .5400
©scar Hiiniolta. Nadla Gray. George Cole
©DrogonHy Squadron (83). . . .D. .S-2
John Uodlak, Barbara Brltton, Bruce Bennett
Loophole (79) D . . 541
Harry Sullivan. Dorothy Malone. C. McGraw
OPride of the Blue Gross (70). .D. .5410
Lloyd Bridges, Vera Miles. M. ^erldan
SOArrow In the Dust (80) D. .5404
Sterling Uayden. Coleen Gray. Keith I^rsen
m Forty-Niners, The (70'/2) W. .5424
WUd Bill EUlott, Virginia Grey, Denver Pyle
[S Bowery Boys Meet the Monsters
(66) C..5419
Leo (;
gS Executive Suite (106) 0. .'i
Wiiltam Holden. Barbara Stanwyck. J. All) )
S3 ©Prisoner of War (81) D. .''
Ronald Reagan. Dewey Martin, Steve Forres
H ©Flame and the Flesh (104) D..'
Lana Turner. Carlos Thompson. Pier .\ngell
S3 ©Men of the Fighting Lady (80) . D
Van Johnson. Dewey Martin. Walter Pldce<
@©i=iSfudent Prince, The (109). . .M. .'i
^l\a Biyth. Edmund Purdom, John &teon
©Volley of the Kings (86) D..''
Robert Taylor. Eleanor Parker. Carlos Tlioiiii i
^African Fury
Boot HIM
Doc. .
W. .
Wild Bill Klllott
OGbost of O'Leary, The D. .
Yvonne DiH:arlo, David Nlven, B. Kllsgerald
Jungle Gents C .
lx

.
.
j
©Thunder
. D
.
j
4)
FEATURE
CHART
UNITED ARTISTS g |g
3]Mon in Hiding (79) D. .5330
I'liji licnn-lil. I^ib Muxcll, IIiKh SlBClilr
J] Stcei Lady, The (84) D. .533i
Kwl Cameron. Tab IluDler, John Debaex
iS Oregon's Gold (70) D . . 5332
Jiilui Arclicr. Hillary Brooke, Noel CrwiUi
B Village, The (98) D. .5333
Johi] Jusilii, E\« liahlbMk, Blgfrlt Stelner
S] Stronger on the Prowl (82). . .D. .5335
i'aiil Muni, Joan Lflrrlng, Vlttorlo MtnunU
j3 ©Shark River (80) D..5336
Sieve Cochran, Carole llatlhews, W. SteveiiJ
2§ OCoptoin John Smith ond
Pocohontos (76) D. .5337
AiDlmny Hester, Jody Lawruice, Al«n lUle Jr.
ill CSong of the Land (7)) Doc. 5338
d] Yesterday ond Today (57). .Doc. .5344
George Jessel
Si Coptoln'j Paradise, The (77). .C. .5339
Alec Guinness, Yvonne UeCirlo, Cilia Johntoo
3] OGreat Gilbert and Sullivan, The
(1)2) M..5341
.Vl:iurlce B\aDS, Robert Morler. E. Hcrllt
li] Wiciicd Womon (77) D. .5345
licrcrl; .Michaels, Richard Eeu, P. Helton
g Go, Man, Go! (82) D . . 5403
U.me Clark. Uarlcm fflobetrottert. Pat Brealln
S ©Conquest of Everest (78). .Doc. .5401
lliiiii lllllarv Espeilillon
jlC'Riders to the Stars (81 ) . . . . D. .5346
CBcochheod (89) D..5408
Itiiiy CiirtLi, .Mary Murpby, frank Lorejoy
Man Between, The (99) D..5340
James Ma.sun, Claire Bloom, midesirde Hell
OOverland Pacitie (73) W . . 54 )
Jack Maboncy. Pi'k'tle Castle, A. Jericns
Personal Af toir (82) D . . 5402
Cent ricrney, Leo Qenn, Glynls Johns
©Top Banono (100) M. .5409
I'bil Silvers. Rose Marie. Danny gcholl
Act of Love (105) D. .5406
Kirk I)iiugl.i.S^Creature From the Black
Lagoon (89) D. .415
Kiebard (Prison. Julia Adams, Richard Denning
©Genevieve (86) C..481
Dinah Sherlrlan. John Gregson. Kay Kendall
©Ride Clear of DIoblo (80) D..413
Aufile Mui-phy. Dan Duryea, Su.san Cabot
©Saskatchewan (88) D. .414
Alan Ladd. Shelley Winters, J, Carrol Nalih
Ma and Po Kettle of Home (81). C. .418
Marjorie Main, Percy Kilbride, Alan Mowbray
©Rails Into Loramie (82) D..419
John Payne. Marl Blancbard, Dan Duryea
©Yankee Posho (84) D. .417
Jeff Chandler, Rhonda Fleming, Lee J. Cobb
Fireman Sove My Child (80) C. .421
litiddy Haekett. Hugh O'Brlan, Adele Jergens
Ploygirl (85) D. .420
Shelley Winters, Barry Sullivan, G. Palmer
©Block Horse Canyon (82). . . . D. .423
Joel MeCrea. Marl Blancbard, Murvyn Eye
©Drums Across the River (78).SW..422
Aiidle .Murpbv. M.sa Cave, Walter Brennan
Always a Bride (83) C..485
Pesgy Cummins, Te-i "" MnvL'tin, Ronald Squire
©Johnny Dark (85) D. .424
Tony Curtis. Piper Laurie, Ilka Chase
©Tanganyika ( , . ) D . . 425
Van Heflin, Ruth Roman
©Bengol Rifles D. .434
Kork Ibr.lMiii. Arlene Dahl
OoBlack Shield of Falworth, The D. .430
Tony Curtis. Janet Lelgb
©Down at Socorro D. .431
Rnry Calhoun. Piper Laurie
©For Country, "The D . .
.lames Stewart. Rulh Roman
Francis Joins the WACs C..427
Donald O'Connor. Julia Adams, 7,asii Pitts
Mo and Pa Kettle Go to Wolklkl C. .
Marjorle Main. I'ercy Kilbride. Uirl Nelson
©Magnificent Obsession (108). .D. .428
Jane Wvman. Rock Hudson, Otto Kniger
Richochct Romance C, .
Marinrle Main. Chill Wills, Rudy Vallee
©c^Sign of the Pogon 0, .
Jeff Chandler. Rita Gam, Jack Palance
©This Island Earth D, ,
Bart Roberts, Faith nomergue, Jeff Morrow
WARNER BROS.
m ©Lion Is In the Streets, A (88) .
James Cagney, Barbara Hale, Ann
. 305
Frands
52 Blowing Wild (90) D..306
Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck
IWSo Big (101) D,,307
Jane Wyman, Sterling Hayden, Nancy Olson
aiOCalamity Jane (101) M..311
Doris Day, Howard Keel, AUyn HcLerle
j ©Diamond Queen (80) D..302
Fernando Lamas, Arlene Dahl, Ollbert Roland
Over the Plolni
(82) SW..313
Randolph Scott, Phlllla Kirk. Lei Barker
) ©Three Sailors ond a Girl (95). .M. .314
Jane Powell. Gordon MacRae. Gene Nelson
BJC-yHondo (83) D..312
John Wayne, Oeraldlna Page. Ward Bond
!
©His Majesty O'Keefe (88) D, ,315
Burt Lancaster, Joan BIre. Andre Mordl
63 ©Eddie Cantor Story, The (116) M, .316
Keefe Bra-sselle, Marilyn Erskbie, W. Rogers Jr,
Ol ©oCommand, The (94) D. ,319
Guy Madison, Joan Weldoo, James Whltmore
@ ©Boy From Oklahoma, The
(88) D..320
Will Rogers jr.. Nancy Olsoa. Lon Chane;
B Crime Wove (74) D. .308
Sterling Hayden, Gene Nelson. P. Kirk
Ol Duffy of Son Quentin (78) D,.321
Louis Hayward. Joarmc Dm, Paul Kelly
g2 ©sJ/Phantom of the Rue
Morgue (84) D. .322
Karl Maiden. Claude Dauphin, P. Medina
m ©Riding Shotgun (75) W. .323
Randolph Scott, Joan Weldon, Wayne Morrli
a ©oLucky Me ( 1 09) M .
Doris Day, Phil Sllieri,
. 324
Bobert Cummlogs
g3©'{'0iol M for Murder (105) D, .327
Ray MlUand, Grace Kelly, Bobert Cummlngs
BITheml (94) D. .328
James Whltmore. Joan Weldoo. Edmund Ovrenn
(HQDHigh and the Mighty, (153). D.. 329
John Wayne. Claire Trevor Laralne Day
IS ©oRing of Fear ( . . ) D . .
Pat O'Brien. Clyde Beatty, Mickey SpUlane
©oBattle Cry D. .
Van Heflln. Ablo Ray. Tab Hunter
©^'Bounty Hunter, The SW..
Randolph Scott. Marie Windsor
©Duel In the Jungle D. .
Dana Andrews, Jeaxine Crain, Darld Farrar
©CDHelcn of Troy D .
ICossana Porlesta, Jacques Sernaa. C, Hardvrieke
©c^KIng Richard and the
Crusaders D. .
Virginia Mayo. Rei Harrison. Wilton Graff
©oLand of the Phoroohs D. .
Jack Hawkins. Dewey M.irtln
©oSfar Is Born, A M . .
Judy Garland. James Mason, Amanda Blake
.
MISCELLANEOUS
ASTOR
Girl on the Run (63) D. .12-15)
Richard Coiigan. Rosemary Pettit
Turn the Key Softly (81).. D.. 1-151
Yvonne .Mltcbell, Terejice .Morgan, 0. Km
FILMAKERS RELEASING ORG,
Bigomist, The (80) D. .12-23!
Ida Luidno, Joan Fontaine, Edmund O'BrIa
I.F.E.
(.\merlcan Dialog)
©Golden Coach, The (105). .D. .Jon. |
Anna .Mat;nanl, Duncan Uimoot. Paul Cajopl
Greatest Love, The (1 16). . . .D. .Dec.)
Ingrld Bergmjui. Alexander Knox, T. Pellat
Lure of the Sila (75) D..Dec.i
Sllvana Mangano, Vlttorlo Gassman, A. Nail
Sensualita (94) D..Apr.(
Eleonora Rossi Drago. .\medeo Nazzarl
White Hell of Pitz Palu (75) AD Nov.
Hans Albers, LLselotte Pulser, H. Gretler
REISSUES
ASTOR
(88) Bogus Bandits C. 2- U
Stan Laurel. Oliver Hardy
Heroes of the Regiment
(80) C. 2-14
SL-ul Laurel, Oliver Hardy
Movie Struck (68) C. 2- U
Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy
COLUMBIA
Singin' in the Corn (64) . . . .M . . Jon.4
Jutly Caiiova. .\llen Jenkins
MGM
©Gone With the Wind (..) D...Jul.4
Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, 0. Dellavillan
PARAMOUNT
©Greatest Show on Eorth
(153) MD, ,July4
James Stewart, Betty Button, Charlton He;n
RKO RADIO
Badman's Territory (98). . . .D. .Mav4
Randolph Scott
Best Years of Our Lives, The
(172) D..Feb.4
Myrna Loy, l-'redrlc March, Dana Andrews
Enchanted Cottage, The (91) D. .Mar.4
liorolhy MeGuire. Robert Y'oimg
Mr. Blandings Builds His
Dream House (94) C. .Apr 4
Cary Grajit, .Myrna Loy, M. Douglas
©Pinocchio (87) Cartoon. .Apr 4
(Cartoon Feature)
Rachel and the Stranger
(93) D. .Feb,
I^iretla Young, William Holden, R. Ultehu
Spanish Main, The (100). .. .D. .May
Paul Henreid, Maureen O'Hara
Tall In the Saddle (87) W Mor.4
John Wayne, Ella Haines
They Won't Believe Me
(95) D..Apr4
Susan Harvard, Robert Toung, Jane Orr
Thing, The (87) D. .Jun 4
James Ameas, Margaret Sheridan
Valley of the Sun (79) D. .Feb 4
Lucille Ball, James Craig, Dean Jaeger
REALART
Flying Cadets (60) D.. I- 64
William Gargan. Andy Dcvlne
Flying Hostess (64) D. . 1-64
Judith Barrett. William Hall
Frozen Ghost, The (61) D. .
1-134
Lon Cltatiey, Kvelyn .\nkers
Terror House (60) D.. 1-134
Boris Karloff. Warren Hull
,
20th CENTURY-FOX
Cry of the City (95) D. .Mor.4
Victor Mature. Shelley Wbiters, R. Conle
Keys of the Kingdom, The
il37)
D.. Jon.4
Gregory Peck .
Orchestra Wives (98) M
, , Moy*
Glenn Miller * Orcb.. George Montgonefy|
Riders of the Purple Soge
(56) D. .Mor.4
George Mnntgomirv. Miry Howard
Scuddo Hoo-Scuddo Hoy (95) D. .Mor.4
June Hiver Walter Hrennsn. L, McCalllsUl
Street With No Nome (91). .D. .Mor.|«
Rlehlnl Wlilmark. Lloyd Nolan .
Sun Valley Serenade (86) . .M . .May*
Sotiia Henle, John I'aync, Glenn Miller Ortti
UNITED ARTISTS
Algiers (77) D. . I-25»
Hedy UMarr. SIgrld Ourle !
Charles Boyer.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Egg and I, The (..) C..July<
Claudetle Colbert. Fred MacMurray. .M, Mai
WARNER BROS.
Girl for Joe. A (formerly Force
of Arms) (100) C. .
5-1 5«
•lames Sltwarl. Rosalind Russell
Guy With a Grin (formerly No I
Time for Comedy) (93).. C. 5-15-P
James Slewarl. Rosalind Russell
Public Enemy (83) D. . 2- 6«
James C.igney. Jean Harlow. Joan BInndell,
Little Caesar (80) D 2-6'
K(l«ard I! Robinson. Douglas Falrlvinkslr

I
6426
1
(19)
i
i (10)
'
57
\
„
.12-17-53
I 5353
i (27)
Short subjects, listed by company. In order of release. Running time follows tltlo. First Is notional
releose, second the dote of review In BOXOFFICE. Symbol between dotes Its rating from BOXOFFICE
review. H Very Good. + Good. ± Fair. — Poor. ~ Very Poor. © Indicates color photography. rsm\n
.
CI\M
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Ratini Rev'd
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
6412 A Hunting They Did Go
(I6I/2) 10-29-53 -I-
11-21
6413 Down the Hatch (17'/2) 11-26-53
S414 Doggie in the Bedroom
(161/,) 1- 7-54
6415 Tooting Tooters (17) . 5-13-54
. .
i416Two April Fools (..).. 6-17-54
ASSORTED FAVORITES
(Reissues)
6422 Silly Billy (18) 10-22-53
6423 Strife of the Party (16) .12-17-53
6424 Oh. Baby! (ISi/a) 2-11-54
6425 Two Nuts in a Rut (18) 3-11-54
She Snoops to Conquer
'
(171/2) 4-29-54
CANDID MICROPHONE
(One-Reel Specials)
6552 Subject No. 2 (9/2) 12-10-53
5553 Subject No. 3 (10) 2-18-54 :
5554 Subject No. 4 (10) 3-18-54 :
5555 Subject No. 5 ( .
. ) 5-20-54
COLOR FAVORITES
(Technicolor Reissues)
>602 Fiesta Time (7) 10- 8-53
)603 Room and Bored (7) ... .11- 5-53
S604 A Boy. a Gun and Birds
a'/i) 11-26-53
J605 Skeleton Frolic (71/2) .. .12-17-53
"iSOe Tree for Two a'A) 1- 7-54
)607 Way Down Yonder in the Corn
(7) 2-11-54
i608 Dog. Cat and Canary (6) 2-28-54
-.609 The Egg Yegg (T/2) . . . 3-31-54
;610The Way of All Pests ,
(7!/,) 4-15-54
1611 Amoozin' But Confoozin
(8) 4-29-54
;612A Cat. a Mouse and a Bell
(7) 5-13-54
1613 The Disillusioned Bluebird
(7) 5-27-54
COMEDY FAVORITES
(Reissues)
431 Halt Stiot at Sunrise
(16) 10-15-53
432 Meet Mr. Mischief
(I71/2) 11-12-53
«33 Love at First Fright (16) 1-14-54
,U4Get Along Little Hubby
2-2S-54
± 2-27
3-2i
5- 8
ll35Slappily Married (W/g) 5- 4-S4
MR. MAGOO
(Technicolor)
'OlMagoo Slept Hare (7) . .11-19-53 + 11-11
f'02 Magoo Goes Skiing (7) 3-11-54 +t 4-10
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
152 Hollywood Laugh Parade
(10) 10-22-53 + U-21
53 Men of the West (10) . . 11-19-53
'154 Hollywood's Great Entertainers
(IOI/2) 12-24-53 -f
Memories 'i55 in Uniform
(IOI/2)
1
1- 2-54 -I-
56 Hollywood Stars to Remember
2-25-54
Hollywood Goes to Mexico
+
(10/2) 3-25-54 ±
58 Hula From Hollywood
„ (10^2) 5- 6-54 ±
59 Hollywood's Invisible Man
() 6-10-54
SERIALS
40 Jungle Raiders (reissue) .12-31-53
15 Chapters
SOGunfighters of the
Northwest 4-15-54 +
15 Chapters
STOOGE COMEDIES
V
.
)2 Bubble Trouble (ISf/a) . 10- 8-53 -|- 10-31
)3 Goof on the Roof
„ (16'/2) 12- 3-53
W Income Tax Sappy
„ (161/2) 2- 4-54 ± 2-27
ISSpooks! (16), 2-D
Version 3-18-54
16 Pardon My Backfire (16) 4-15-54
•7 Musty Musketeers (16).. 5-13-54
«Pal$ and Gals (17) 6- 3-54
THRILLS OF MUSIC
(Reissues)
2 Boyd Raeburn I, Orch.
, ..(11) U-26-53
3 Claude Thornhill & Orch.
,.„(11) 12-24-53
i4llachito & Orch (lOi/j) 2- 4-54
sChaflie Barnet & Orch.
,
(lOiA) 4-1-54
S Stitch Henderson & Orch.
(10) 6- 3-54
TOPNOTCHERS
I Canine Crimebustcrs (10) 4-15-54 -|-
»"••- Back the Edge
(10) 5-27-54
2-21
2-27
4-18
5- 8
5-29
4-24
5-29
.
OPA CARTOON SPECIAL
l»ne Tell Tale Heart (8). 12-17-53 -)- 10-24
9FFICE BooldnGuide : : June 12, 1954
UPA ASSORTED
(Technicolor)
6501 Bringing Up Mother (7) 1-14-54 +| 2-2»
6502 Ballct-OOp (71/2) 2-11-54 ++ 3-20
6503 The Man on the Flying
Trapeze (7) 4- 8-54 4+5-8
6504Fudget's Budget (..).. 6-17-54
WORLD OF SPORTS
6802 Hockey Thrills and Spills
(91/2) 10-15-53 + u-ai
6803 Snow Speedsters (lO'/z) .U-12-53
6804 Battling Big Fish (11) .
+ 2-2t
6S05 Gauchos Down Uruguay Way
(10) 2-18-54 + 3-2f
6806 Tee Magic (9) 3-25-54-)- 4-17
6807 Racquet Wizards (9) 4-22-54 ± 5-29
6808 World Soccer Champions
(10) 5-20-54
6809 Diving Cavalcade (..).. 6-24-54
Metro-Goldwyn-Moyer
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rcv'd
CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
W. 533 Two Little Indians (7) 10-17-53 -|- 12- 5
W.534 Life With Tom (8) 11-21-53 -|- 12- 5
W-535 Three Little Pups
(7) 12-26-53-1-12-12
W-536 Puppy Tale (7) 1-23-54
W-537 Posse Cat (7) 1-30-54 -|- 5-22
W-538 Drag-along Droopy (8) 2-20-54
W-539The Impossible Possum
(7) 3-20-54
W-540 Hic-Cup Put (6) 4-17-54
W-541 Billy Boy (6) 5- 8-54
W-542 Little School Mouse (6) 5-29-54
W-543 Sleepy Time Squirrel
(7) 6-19-54
W-544 Homesteader Droopy
(8) 7-10-54
W-545 Bird-Brain Dog (7) .. 7-31-54
W-546 Baby Butch (7) 8-14-54
CINEMASCOPE SPECIALS
K-571 Overture to the Merry Wives
of Windsor (10) -H- 3-20
K-572 Poet and Peasant (..)
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-5U Seeing Spain (9) 10-17-53 -f 12- 5
T-512 In the Valley of the Rhine
(9) 11-28-53 -f 12-12
T-513 Looking at Lisbon (8) 12-26-53
T-514 Glimpses of Western
Germany (9) 2-13-54 ++ 3-2i
GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS
(Technicolor Reissues)
W-561 Swingshift Cinderella
(8) 10- 3-53
W-562 Springtime for Thomas
(8) U- 7-53
W-563The Bear That Couldn't
Sleep (9) 12- 5-53
W-564 Northwest Hounded Police
(8) 12-19-53
W-565The Milky Waif (7)... 1- 9-54
W-566 Uncle Tom's Cabana (8) 2- 6-54
W-567Trap Happy (7) 3-6-54
W-568 Solid Serenade 4- 3-54
(7) . . .
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
S-552 This Is a Living?
(9) 10-10-53-1-11-14
S-553 Landlording It (9) 11- 7-53 + 10-24
S-554 Things We Can Do Without
(9) 12- 5-53 -t-
1.3«
S-555 Film Antics (8) 1- 2-54
S-556 Ain't It Aggravatin' (8) 2- 6-54
S-557 Fish Tales (S) 3-13-54 -|- 3-20
S-558 Do Someone a Favor
(9) 4-10-54 -)- 5- 8
S-559 Out for Fun (10) 5- 8-54
S-560 Safe at Home (8) 6-12-54
Paramount
Prod. No. Title Rel Dato Rating Rev'd
CARTOON CHAMPIONS
S13-1 The Wee Men (10) ... .10- 2-53
SL3-2The Enchanted Square
(10) 10- 2-53
S13-3 Cheese Burglar (7) 10-2-53
S13-4 The Stupidstitious
Cat (7) 10- 2-53
S13-5 Much Ado About Mutton
(8) 10- 2-53
S13-6 Naughty But Mice (7). 10- 2-53
CASPER CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
B13-1 Do or Diet (7) 10-16-53 -f 10-31
B13-2 Boos and Saddles (7) . .12-25-53 -|- 1- 9
813-3 Boo Moon (3-D) (8) 1- ' 1-54 "
B13-3
+ 2-13
Boo Moon (8), 2-D
version
B13-4Zero the Hero (7)..
B13-5 Casper Genii (7) . .
B13-6 Puss'n Boos (7)
3- 5-54
3-26-54 +5-9
5-28-54 + 5-15
7-16-54
CALLING SCOTLAND YARD
(English-made)
5351 Javanese Dagger (27) Mar.-54 -)-
5352 FalstafTi Fur Coat (27) . Mar.-54 +
4- 3
4-10
The Missing Passenger
Mar. -54 -|- 4-lB
5354 The Final Twist (27) Aor.-54 -+4-3
5355 The Sable Scarf (27) Apr.-54 -|- 4-10
5356 The Wedding Gift (27) . .Apr. -54 -1-4-3
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
R13-1 Rocky Mountain River
Thrills (9) 10- 2-53 # 10-24
R13-2 Mother Was a Champ
(9) 11- 6-53 12-12
R13-3 Choosing Canines (9) . .11-13-53 + 12-12
R13-4 Rough Ridin' Youngsters
(9) 12- 4-53 -f 1- 9
R13-5 Water Swimphony (9) . .12-18-53 + 1-23
R13-6 Angling for Thrills (9) 1-22-54 + 2-13
R13-7 Kids on a Springboard
(9) 2-26-54 -I- 3-20
R13-S Riding the Glades (9) 3-12-54 + 4-17
R13-9 Rough and Tumble Stick
Games (10) 4-30-54 -|- 5- 8
R13-10 The IVlen Who Can Take It
(..) 6-18-54
HEADLINER CHAMPIONS
(Reissues)
A13-1 Tuna (9) 10- 2-53
A13-2 Timber Athletes (9) . . .10- 2-53
A13-3 Try and Catch Me (9) .
.10- 2-53
A13-4 Who's Who in Animal Land
(10) 10- 2-53
A13-5 Bundle From Brazil
(10) 10- 2-53
A13-6 Broncs and Brands (9). 10- 2-53
HERMAN & KATNIP
(Technicolor Cartoons)
H13-1 Northwest Mousie (7) . .12-18-53 +f 1- 9
H13-2 Surf and Sound (7) . . 2-19-54 + 3-20
H13-3 Of Mice and Menace
(7) 6-25-54
NOVELTOONS
(Technicolor)
P13-1 Huey's Ducky Daddy
(7) 11-20-53 -t- 12-12
P13-2 The Seapreme Court (7) 1-29-54 -f 3-27
P13-3 Crazy Town (6) 2-12-54 ++ 4-17
PL3-4 Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
(7) 4-16-54 -I- 3-20
P13-5 Candy Cabaret (7) 6-11-54
P13-6The Oily Bird (..).. 7-30-54
PACEMAKERS
K13-lThe Spirit of S«venty
(9) 10- 2-53 -f 10-24
K13-2 Society Man (10) 12-25-53 -J- 1-23
K13-3The Room That Flies
(10) 3-26-54 -1-5-8
K13-4 What's Wrong Here!
(10) 4-30-54 -1- 5-15
K13-5 Million Dollar Playground
(10) 5- 7-54 +
POPEYE CARTOONS
5-15
(Technicolor)
E13-1 Pooeye, the Ace of Space
(7) 10- 2-53 ++ 10- 3
(Three-dimension)
E13-2 Shaving Muggs (6) 10-30-53 -(- 10-31
£13-3 Floor Flusher (6).... 1-1-54-)- 1-23
E13-4 Popeye's 20th Anniversary
(8) 4- 2-54 -t- 5- 8
E13-5 Taxi-Turvy (6) 6- 4-54
E13-6 Bride and Gloom 7- 2-54
(6) . .
TOPPER
M13-1 Rowdy Raccoons (10).. 10- 2-53 -)- U- 7
M13-2 Uncommon Sense (10) 1-29-54 + 2-13
M13-3 Wings to the North
(10) 2-19-54 3-27
M13-4 Bear Jam (10) 3- 5-54 + 4-17
M13-5 Three Wishes (10) 4- 9-54 4+ 5- ?
M13-6ln Darkest Florida (..) 7- 9-54 ....
RKO Radio
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd
COLOR SPECIALS
43,601 Pecos Bill (25) 2-19-54 H 2-27
DISNEY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
44.101 Football (Then and
Now) (7) 10- 2-53 -I- 11- 7
44.102 Rugged Bear (6) 10-23-53
44.103 Working for Peanuts
(7) 11-13-53
44.104 How to Sleep (7) 12- 4-53 -|- 1-30
44.105 Canvas Back Duck
(7) 12-25-53 + 1-23
44.106 Spare the Rod (7) 1-15-54 -I- 1-16
44.107 Donald's Diary (7)... 3- 5-54 ++ 5-15
44.108 The Lone Chipmunks
(7) 4- 7-54 H 5-22
44.109 Dragon Around (7)
44.110 Grin and Bear It (7)
44.111 The Social Error (7)
44.112 Chips Ahoy (7)
DISNEY MARQUEE MUSICALS
44.001 Two for the Record
(8) 4-23-54
44.002 Johnny Fedora and Alice
Blue Bonnet (8) 5-21-54 4+ 5-29
44.003 The Martins and the
Coys (8) 6-1S-54
44.004 Casey at the Bat (9) 7-16-54
44.005 Little Toot (9) 8-13-54
44.006 Once Upon a Wintertime
(9) 9-17-54
EDGAR KENNEDY
(Reissues)
43.505 Do or Diet (18) 10- 2-53
43.506 Heading for Trouble
(18) 10-16-53
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
(Reissues)
43,706 Maid Trouble (18) ,. .10- 9-53
MY PAL
(Reissues)
Adventure (20) . 9-
RAY WHITLEY
43,202 Pal's 4-53
(Reissues^
43,402 R'hythm Wranglers (19) 9-18-53
SCREENLINERS
44.201 Running the Red Blockade
(8) 9-18-53 -+ 11- 7
44.202 Herring Hunt (10) .. .10-16-53 -+ 11- 7
44.203 Laughs of Yesterday
(8) 11-13-53 tt 1- 9
44.204 Ocean to Ocean (8) . .12-11-53 -)- 1-16
44.205 Report on Kashmir
(10) 1- 8-54 -f 2-27
Fire Fighters (8) . . . . 2- 5-54 +4 3-6
44.206
44.207 Golden Gate (8) 3- 5-54 -)- 5-15
44.208 Mission Ship (10) 4- 2-54-)- 5-29
44.209 Black Power (9) 4-30-54
44.210 Untroubled Border (9) 5-28-54
SPECIALS
43.101 Shark Killers (15).... 10- 2-53 +4 10-10
43.102 This Is Little League
(15) 10-30-53 4-1-9
43.103 The Magic Streetcar
(20) 12-18-53-)- 1-16
43.104 Taming the Crippler
(16) 3-26-54 ++ 5-29
SPORTSCOPES
44.301 Ben Hogan (8) 9- 4-53
44.302 Bat Boy (8) 10- 2-53 + 10-11
44.303 Best in Show (8) 10-30-53 -+ 11- 7
44.304 Wild Birds Winging
(S) 11-27-53 + 1-16
(8)
44.305 Summer Scbussbooners
12-25-53 -+ 1-16
44.306 Railhird's Album (8). 1-22-54-)- 3- <
44.307 Golfing With Demaret
(8) 2-19-54 -+3-6
44.308 Dog Scents (8) 3-19-54 + 5-22
44.309 International Road
Race (8) 4-16-54 -+ 5-22
44.310 Leather and Lather
( .
) 5-14-54
.
SPORTS SPECIALS •
43,901 Football Headliners
(15) 12-U-53 -+ 2-27
43,801 Basketball Headliners
(15) 4-16-54 -+ 5-2J
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd
CINEMASCOPE SPECIAL
(Technicolor)
7401 The Coronation Parade
(71/2) N0V.-53
7402 Vesuvius Express
(15) Dec.-53 +4
7403 Finale From Tschaikovsky's
Symphony No. 4 (6)..Dec,-53 +4
7404 Dancers of the Dees
(6) Jan,-54 -+
7405 Polovetzian Dances From
Prince Igor (8) Feb.-54 -)-
7405 Tournament of Roses
(18) Feb.-54 +4
7407 The New Venezuela (10).Mar.-54 -+
7408 Haydn's Farewell
Symphony (9) Mar.-54 -+
7415 Roger Wagner Chorale (8).Apr.-54
7416 New Horizons (10) Apr.-54
7409 A Day on a Jet Aircraft
Carrier (..) Apr.-54
7410 Multiple Piano Concerto
(. .) May-54
7411 Stunt Pilot (..) May-54
7412 Stephen Foster Medley
(. .) June- 54
7413 Valley of the Nile (. . ) .
.June-54
SEE IT
HAPPEN
1- s
1- 9
1-30
2-13
4- 3
4-1?
4-17
6304 Impact of Tragedy (10) . . .0ct.-53 -)- 11- 7
6305 Calamity Strikes (9) Nov.-53 -)- 11- 7
6306 Focus on Fate (10) Dec.-53 44 1-23
6401 Accent on Courage (9)..Apr.-54
SPORTS
3304 Unusual Sports (9) 0ct.-53 -+ 12- 5
. . Dec.-53 -+
3305 Laurentian Sports Holiday
(9) Oct-53 -)- 11-
1-30
7
3306 The Golden Glover (9) .
3401 Touchdown Trophies (8)..Apr.-54
TERRYTOONS
(Technicolor)
5319 Aesop's Fable Sparky,
the Firefly (7) Sept.-53 + 10-10
5320 Little Roquefort in
Mouse Menace (7) S«pt.-53 * 10-31
5321 Terry Bears in the Reluctant
Pup (7) OcL-53 -+ 11-14
5322 Dimwit in How to Kee»
Cool (7) Oct-53 -+ 11- 7

. 9-24-53
SHORTS CHART
£323 Dinky in tht Timid
Scarecrow (7) Nov. -53 + 11-14
5324 The Talking Magpies
in Log RoHers (7) Noy.-53 + 11-14
5325 Migbty Mouse in Snare
the Rod (7) Dec-53 -(- 12- 5
5326 Terry Bears in Growing
Pains (7) Dec-S3 + 11-21
5401 Little Roquefort in Runaway
Mouse (7) Jan.-S4
5402 Dimwit in How to Relax
(7) Jan..54
5403 The Helicopter (7)
(reissue) Jan.-54 ....
5404 The Talking Magpies in
Blind Date (7)
5405 Nonsense Newsretl (7) .
Feb.-54
.Fel).-54 +
1-30
2-13
.
5406 Much Ado About NoUiing
(7) (reissue) Feb.-54 ....
5407 Mighty Mouse in the Helpless
Hippo (7) Mar.-54 + 3-20
540S Terry Bears in Pet Problems
(7) MV.-54 + 3-27
5409 The Frog and the Princess
(7) (reissue) Mar. -54
5410 Little Roquefort in Prescription
(or Percy (7) Apr.-5« + 4-3
5411 The Talking Magpies in
Satisfied Customers (7).Apr.-54
5412 Mighty Mouse in the Wreck of the
Hesperus (7) (reissue). Apr. -54
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rn'd
COLOR PARADE
83S4 Three Years to Victory
(6) 10-19-53 + 1-23
1953-54 SEASON
93S1 Go South Amigos (9) . . 2- 8-54 + 2-13
9382 Royal Mid-Ocean Voyage
(9) 3- 1-54 + 3-20
9353 Rolling In Style (9) . . - 4-12-54 + 5-22
9354 Fair Today ( . . ) 5-10-54
EARTH AND ITS PEOPLES
8372 Mountain Farmers (20) . 9- 3-53 ff 10-31
8373 Adobe Village (19) 10- 5-53 H 11-14
MUSICAL FEATDRETTE
8309 Camp Jaboree (18) 10- 8-53 + 11-21
8310 Fabulous Dorseys (16) 10-29-53 (- 1-16
1953-54 SEASON
9101 Carniial in April (18)
. . 1-22-54 2-13
(T-D) 11-12-53 + 1-23
9301Carni.al in April (18) . .11-12-53
9302 David Rose and His Orchestra
(15'/j) 12-24-53 H 1-30
+ 9303 Hawaiian Nights (17) .
9304 Jimmy Wakely's Jamboree
(15i/j) 2-26-54 +3-6
9305 Rhythm and Rhyme (15) 4-23-54 — 4-10
SPECIALS
9201 Perils ot the Forest (17) 2-14-54 ±3-6
VARIETY VIEWS
8345 Bolr.ar Bonanza (9) 9- 7-53 + 10-24
8346 Behind the Wall (10) .
ff 11-14
1953-54 SEASON
9341 Byways to Broadway
(9)
9342 Bow River Valley (9)
11-16-53
1- 4-54
+ 11-21
± 1-30
. .
Goes to Chicago
(Si/j)
9343 Brooklyn
2-22-54 -f 2-13
9344 Moving Through Spac*
(9) 4-12-54 ± 5-22
WALTER LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
8330 Belle Boys (6) 9-14-53 + 10-24
8331 Maw and Paw in Plywood
Panic (6) 9-28-53 1-23
8332 Hot Noon + 1-16
(6)
1953-54
10-12-53
SEASON
9321 Chilly Willy (6) 12-21-53+ 1-30
9322 Socko In Morocco (6) . . . 1-19-54 + 2-13
9823 A Horse's Tale (6) 2-15-54 +3-6
9324 Alley in Bali (6) 3-15-54 + 4-10
9325 Under the Counter Spy
9326 Dig That Dog (6) 4-12-54 4-10
9327 Hay Rube (6) 6- 7-54
WOODY VV^-^n^rciTER
(6) 4-10-54
+
(Reissues)
9351 Smoked Hams (6) 2-22-54
9352 Coo Coo Birds (..) 3-29-54
9353 Well Oiled ( . ) 4-26-54
.
9354 Overture to William Tell
. ( ) 5-30-54
.
9355 Solid liory ( . ) . 6-28-54
9356 Woody the Giant Killer
. . ( ) 7-26-54
Warner Bros.
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Ratlnq Rn'd
BLUE RIBBON HTT PARADE
(Technicolor Reissues)
1301 Old Glory (7) 9-12-53
1302 Walky. Talky Hawky
(7) 10-17-53
1303 Birth of a Notion (7). 11- 7-53
1304 Eager Beam (7) 11-28-53
1305Scent-lmenlal Over Vou
(7) U-26-53
1306 Of Fox and Hounds (7). 2- 6-54
1307 Roughly Squeaking (7) 2-27-54
1308 Hobo Bobo (8) 4- 3-S4
1309 Gay Antics (7) 4-24-54
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
1723 Duck! Rabbit, Ouckl (7) 10- 3-53 10-31
1724 Robot Rabbit (7) 12-12-53 1-38
1725 Captain Hareblower (7) . 1-16-54 2-20
1726 Bugs and Tbu»s (7) . . 3-13-54 + 4-24
1740 Lumber Jack- Rabbit (7) (3-D)
CLASSICS OF THE SCREEN
1101 Minstrel Days (20)... 9-26-53
1103 Spills for Tlirills (18) .11-21-53
1102 They Were Champs (20) 1-23-54
1104 This Wonderful World
( .
. ) 3-27-54
JOE McDOAEES COMEDIES
1401 So You Think You Can't
Sleep (10) 10-31-53 + U-21
1402 So Vou Want to Be an
Heir (10) 12-19-53+ 1-9
1403 So You're Having Neighbor
Trouble (10) 1-30-54 + 2-20
1404 So You Want to Be Your
Own Boss (10) 3-13-54 +
MELODY MASTER BANDS
4-24
(Reissue)
1801 OesI Arnaz and Band
(10) 10- 3-53
1802 Hal Kemp & Orch. (10) 11-14-53
1803 Rhythm of the Rhumba
(9) 1-2-54
1804 Songs of the Range (9) 2-27-54
Jammin' the Blues ( .
. ) 417-54
MERRIE MELODIES
1805
(Technicolor)
1701 A Street Cat Named Sylvester
(7) 9- 5-53 H 9-19
1702 Zipping Along (7) 9-19-53 11-7
1703 Easy Peckins (7) 10-17-53 U-14
1704 Catty Cornered (7) 10-31-53 11-21
1705 01 Rice and Hen (7)..U-14-53 12-5
1706 CaU A-Weigh (7) 11-28-53 + 12-5
1707 Punch Trunk (7) 12-19-53 ++ 1- 9
1708 Dog Pounded (7) 1- 2-54 2-20
1709 I Gopher You
1710 Feline Frame-Up
(7)
(7)...
1-30-54 +
2-13-54+
2-20
4-24
1711 Wild Wife (7) 2-20-54 ++ 4-24
1712 No Barking (7) 2-27-54 ±5-8
1713 Design for Leaving (7) . . 3-27-54 + 4-24
1714 The Cat's Bah (7) . . . . 4- 3-54 ± 4-24
1715 Bell-Happy (7) 4-17-54+ 5-15
SPORTS PARADE
(Technicolor)
1501 Royal Mounlies (10) .... 9-19-53 H U- 7
1502 Sea Sports of TaJiili
(10) 10-24-53 + U-14
1504 Arabians in the Rockies
(10) 12-15-53 + 11-14
1503 Born to Ski (10) 1-16-54 + 2-13
1505 When Fish Fight (10).. 2-20-54 +5-8
1506 Heart of a Champion (10) 3-20-S4 + 4-24
1607 Carnival in Rio (10) . . . 4-24-54 + 5-15
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
1001 Gone Fishin' (20) 9-12-SS + 10-3
1002 Romance of Louisiana
(20) lO-ia-SS
1003 North ot the Sahara (17) U- 7-53 ++12-5
1004 Don't Forget to Write
(17) 12- 5-53 + 1-16
1095 V/inter Paradise (20) ... 1- 9-54 + 2-13
1006 Hold Your Horses (20) . . 2- 6-54 + 4-24
1007 Monroe Doctrine (20)
(reissue) 3- 6-54
1008 Continental Holiday (20) 4-10-54 + 5-15
VITAPHONE NOVELTIES
1601 Hit 'Im Again (10) 9- 5-53
1602 Say It With Spills (10) 10-24-53 + 11-21
1603 Magic Movie Moments
(10) 12-26-53
1604 I Remember When (10) . 3-20-54 + 4-24
WARNEHCOLOR SPECIALS
Black Fury (32) 0cl.-54
MISCELLANEOUS
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd
Republic
SERIALS
5382 Return of Captain America 9-30-53
15 Chapters (reissue)
5383 Trader Tom of the China
Seas
l.U-54
15 Chapters
THIS WORLD OF OURS
(Trucolor)
9224 Japan (8) 10-1-53
9225 Hong Kong (9) 1- 1-54
Independents
Aloha Nul! (10) Dudley + 9-19
While Mane (40) Snyder.. H 1-16
Look Who's Driving (8)
Aetna Casualty Co. ff 1-23
Crucifixion (14) Noel Meadow + 3-27
Martin and Gaston (ll'/x)
George K. Arthur -H 5-27
Return to Glennascaul (26)
Maycr-Klnosley ff 3-27
Royal Symahony, The (26)
United Artists + 3-27
Sunday by the Sea (14) Notl Meadow ff 3-27
SHORTS REVIEWS
MGM Jubilee Overture
(CinemaScope Special)
MGM
10 Mins.
Very good. In a far more popular
vein than the previous orchestral
shorts in CinemaScope, this has 11
musical comedy numbers blended
into an overture, splendidly directed,
as per usual, by Johnny Careen. All
tunes were selected from various
MGM hits to mark the company's
30th anniversary. They are: "Singin
in the Rain," "I've Got You Under
My Skin," "Broadway Rhythm," "The
Last Time I Saw Paris," "Temptation,"
"Baby, It's Cold Outside," "Be
My Love," "Trolley Song," "On the
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe,"
"Donkey Serenade" and "Over the
Rainbow."
20th-Fox
Land of Legenid
(CinemaScope Special)
10 Mins.
GoocL A documentary travelog of
Greece, the native land of Spyros P.
Skouras, president of 20th Century-
Fox, this mokes fine use of the
CinemaScope screen to show the
ancient wonders of the land. Included
is a tour of Athens and the
Dodecanese islands, a Nev/ Year's
visit to a Greek cathedral and, best
of all, an intimate visit with the royal
family. Produced by Edmund Reek
of Fox Movietone.
The TaU Tale Teller
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Good. A new cartoon character.
Phony Baloney, tells an. outlandish
adventure with fair laugh results.
When a patrol wagon picks up a
little man carrying a public drinking
fountain under his arm, the judge
demands an explanation. The little
man tells an amazing story about
seeking the Fountain of Youth in the
Everglades. The judge is ready to
sentence him but the little man convinces
even the court that he really
has found the Fountain of Youth.
Univ.-Infl
Hay Rube
(Walt Lcmtz Cartune)
6 ^EL
Good. An engaging cartoon abd
Sugarfoot, an ordinary plow-hori.
The nag sees the picture of St -
brite on the Tingling Bros, circs
poster and becomes smitten oi
steals away to the circus groum.
He intercedes when Starbrits
trainer whips her and, when p-
sued, Sugarfoot blunders into b
big top and becomes the hit of a
show. The trainer then signs d
Sugarfoot and, when he returns o
the farm for a visit, he and Storbis
have an addition—a little colt.
The Hottest 500
(Two-Reel Special)
Univ.-Infl 16 Mil.
:
Very good. An excellent color ski
dealing with the story of the
j
3lii
running of the Five Hundred lie i
Memorial Day Race around the 5;- •
mile oval of the Indianapolis Mcir
,
Speedway. Early shots show e
qualifying rounds and then the r-
rival of the 'crowd, close to 100,0
people. After the start, against '0
degree temperature, the speed p: s
up and there is refueling and -
changes of tires before the v.
of the four-hour grind is decide
Vukovitch. It's' exciting stuff.
Univ.-Int'I
Un

Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips
—
^•iw^ia^miuirmMhimm
(FOR STORY SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE
REVERSE SIDE)
j
Demefrius and the Gladiators A^.^J^,,,^,
t 20th-Fox (415) 101 Minutes Rel. June '54
1 Amply endowed to parallel the stratospheric financial suc-
1 cess of "The Robe," to which it is a sequel, is this stirring,
[ action-crammed, spectacular and opulent drama—one which
1 is stamped inescapably as a special event for showmen
J
and the public alike. Productionwise the film is equal, prob-
• religious may leel that it stresses sex, heroics and unmiti-
1
gated ferocity at the sacrifice of the spiritual inspiration
1 which keynoted the former feature, more materialistic theatre-
! goers will regard such less-inhibited treatment as an en-
1 gaging asset. Customers of all tastes are certain to flock
I to the theatres where the photoplay, masterfully photo-
J
graphed in CinemaScope and Technicolor, and brilliantly
I performed by an outstanding cast, is booked. Productional
supervision by Frank Ross—who also made "The Robe"
J
I is expert, and direction by Delmer Daves is masterful.
1 Victor Mature, Susoot Hoyword, Joy Robinson, Debra Paget,
• Barry Jones, Michael Rennie, Anne Bancroft, William Marshall.
Bp.

. . Land
FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs
THE STOHY:
"Challenge the Wild" (UA)
Every year, Frank Graham planes from his CaUfornia home
to a base campsite at Lost Lake in the British Columbia
Rockies. This time, he takes along his wife, Edna, and Jheir
two children, 9-year-old Sheilah and 4-Year-old George. It is
spring and the animals are awakening from their winter
sleep. The Grahams use no firearms so the gentle animals
have no lear of them. Little George pokes a skunk with a
stick, plays with two bear cubs and adopts an abandoned
fawn. They later fly to Admiralty Island, where Edna shoots
an antelope, and then to Kodiak Island, where they watch
glaciers tumbling into the bay. In a fishing boat, they
photograph a giant blue whale. Back at the campsite, two
cougars stalk their little fawn but, while Frank is hunting
them, Edna bags them when they approach the camp. Then
Graham breaks camp to return to this wild land another year.
CATCHLINES:
A True Story of Family Adventures in the Wild Land of
Northern Canada ... He Shot Wild Animals and Birds—But
Only With His Camera . . . The Adventures of Two Youngsters
and Their Wild Life Pal—Zimmie, the Black-Tail Fawn.
>54
THE STORY: "Demetrius and the Gladiators" (2Clth-Fox)
Caligula (Jay Robinson), unstable Roman emperor, desires
the robe worn by Christ to the Crucifixion, now possessed
by the Apostle Peter (Michael Rennie). Peter entrusts the
robe to Demetrius (Victor Mature), who—after successfully
hiding it—is impressed into the emperor's service as a gladiator.
Messalina (Susan Hayward), beauteous wife of Caligula's
uncle, Claudius (Barry Jones), orders Demetrius into
combat although, as a Christian, he has persistently refused
to fight. Demetrius survives this test and resists Messalina's
ardent advances, but in furious rage slays five gladiators
whom he is tricked into believing have slain his loved one,
Lucia (Debra Paget). Rejecting Christianity, he becomes
a court favorite and Caligula orders him to recover the robe.
Securing the garment, Demetrius learns Lucia is no! dead;
in a resurgence of faith, he defies the emperor. Caligula is
assassinated and Claudius, sympathetic to Christianity,
ascends the throne.
CATCHLINES:
The Story of Demetrius ... a Fugitive Christian in Pagan
Rome . . . the Thrilling, Unforgettable Sequel to "The Robe."
THE STORY:
"Gog" (UA)
A scientist is mYsteriously murdered in an undergrourid
government installation in the desert where a giant "brain
machine" is being used in experiments on outer-space
rocketships. Herbert Marshall, director of the installation, is
positive there is a saboteur on the staff, and Richard Egan,
of the office of Scientific Investigation, is sent out from Washington
to probe the matter. The brain is the creation of John
V/engraf, brilliant member of the staff. Through it V\^engraf
activates two robots, Gog and Magog, which are to serve
as automatic rocket pilots. Several other employes are slain
and Magog disapjbears. Egan discovers an unidentified
enemy plane, flying far overhead, is controlling the "brain
machine." Gog, dominated by this influence, kills Wengraf;
Magog is destroyed by a flamethrower and the reign of
terror ends when the enemy aircraft is shot down.
CATCHLINES:
Gog Is on Its Way . . . The Most Mysterious
Menace the World Has Ever Known ... In
Reaches New Heights in Spine-Tingling Thrills
and
the
Terrifying
Picture That
. . . And
Chilling Suspense.
THE STORY: "Tarantella Napoletana" (IFE)
Heralded as "a joyous tribute to Naples—to its songs and
dances, its cries and laughters, its vivid color and, above all,
to the spirit of the people who team through its picturesque
streets," this has a Punch and Judy show announcing the 16
sketches and dances, performed by the players and singers
ol the Armando Curcio's Company and the Gauthier Ballet.
During the action, two blase Neapolitans comment- on the
various numbers and the entire troupe takes its final bow
while singing "Napule."
CATCHLINES:
Glorious Naples, Famed Italian City of Song and Story . .
.
The Songs, Dances and Comedy of Naples—Photographed
in Vivid Gevacolor . . . Armando Curcio's Company of
Strolling Players and the Gauthier Ballet—Exactly as They
Perform on the Stage in Naples . . . Lilting Songs and
Rollicking Humor in Old Napoli.
^0-5*
"20-54
•'4-5'
•24 ,.
15 I'
THE STORY: "Tanganyika" (U-I)
Exploring British East African forests in the early 1900s
to file a land claim for his lumber interests. Van Heflin finds
the Tanganyika region is being terrorized by a renegade
English murderer, Jeff Morrow, who rules the savage
Nukumbi tribe. On safari to track down Morrow, Heflin
is accompanied by Howard Duff, a young explorer, and en
route they pick up Ruth Roman, whose scientist brother has
been slain by the Nukumbi. It develops that Morrow is in
reality Duff's brother, and Duff fails in a try to talk Morrow
info giving up his life of violence. The Heflin safari falls
into Morrow's clutches, but by means of dynamite charges
Heflin manages to destroy the Nukumbi village which is
Morrow's headquarters. Morrow is killed; Heflin and Ruth
plan life together in now-peaceful Tanganyika.
CATCHLINES:
Tanganyika . of the Hunter . . . And the Hunted
Where Even a Woman's Hungry Arms . . .
Vengeance
Could Not
. . .
Make This Man Forget
Into
. . . the Trail of
a Madman's Empire.
He Followed . . .
THE STORY: "Angels One Five" (Stratford)
In the summer of 1940, John Gregson, new replacement
pilot, crashes his plane while trying to avoid a damaged
plane returning to the air base. Gregson, slightly injured,
is told by Michael Denison, duty officer in the operations
room, that he is grounded for a period. Gregson meets
Veronica Hurst, a sister of one of the pilots. When German
bombers head for the air base, Gregson scrambles into a
Hurricane and shoots down an enemy plane. But he had
left his radio transmitting and made it difficult for the other
pilots to hear ground directions and he is called down by
Jack Hawkins, group captain. Later, Gregson is made a
member of the "Pimpernel" squadron. During a flying mission,
Gregson and Denison are trailed by an enemy plane
and, although Gregson fires on the German plane, another
comes up behind him and opens fire. Gregson is unable to
keep the plane from plunging to earth and he dies a hero's
death.
CATCHLINES:
The Epic Story of the Courageous RAF Flyers and the
Battle of Britain, starring Jack Hawkins.
Handy Subscription Order Blank
BOXOmCE:
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City
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues
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—
HELP WANTED
janajer wanteii, Philadelphia, Pa. Must be
e riencfd and aggressive. Fine opportunity, good
•iiing s,nlar,v, chances for advancement. Write
2m. Ellis Theatres Co.
liinted: Manager with exploitation and promotitll
experience by theatre chain situated in
Slern states. Top salary paid, vacation, group
Urance and hospitalization. Please answer, giv-
|(lqualiflcations, experience and salary expected.
e«ffice, 5516.
'anted: House manager or experienced assistant
til knows theatre operation for eastern Maryland.
Aimail, special delivery full qualifications, theaiial
background and salary expected. Boxoffice
8 .
tnted: Experienced, exploitation-minded, nonpi
button, aggressive manager, .\pply Manos
r tre. Inc., Toronto, Ohio.
lerator for .Wtt. Te.xas. Contact 0. L. Smith,
M nv. Okla.
POSITIONS WANTED
n:
ijettlonist desires permanent position. Expe
iced in all booth equipment. References. Boxer.
5512.
.
Djectionist—young bachelor, 11 years expericni
all equipment, desires permanent position
tq lere. Steady, willing worker. All replies
in. red. Boxoffice, 5521.
Hremely promotional, exploitation minded
mi ;er, thoroughly experienced, circuit trained,
dei > good connection offering opportunities.
B( fice. 551S.
I THEATRICAL PRINTING
•idow cards, programs, heralds. Photo-OffscI
prlig. Cato Show Printing Co., Cato. N. Y.
AIR CONDITIONING
t the heat, but not these prices—Ballbearing
6u( blade exhaust fans, 12" —$25.50: 16"
ninous 1-sheets, bumper cards, etc. Prompt
«(!, Jambercy, 204 N. Spring, Tyler, Texas.
131 1;
18" —$45. Prompt deliveries blowers and
lir. ishers. Send for details. Dept. CC, SOS
Ciiti Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St., New
Yor 9.
_ ENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
JV lamphouscs and rectifiers, excellent conoli
$495 pair: DeVry dual projection and
«ul rebuilt, $895: Holmes, $495. Buy on time!
m CC, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
52rnt., Ne»- York 19.
Sire lamps, super Simplex, 5 point bases, WE
»u heads, etc, $695. Rialto Theatre, Amarlllo,
( screens at lowest prices! Write us! DeVry
m srojectors, heavy bases, Suprex lamphouses,
«itte, rebuilt, $1,495 pair: Ampro Arc 16mm
Jio, or, complete, excellent, $875; E-7 mechan-
; month guarantee, $475 pair; Pair Strong
W pere lamphouses, rebuilt, $375; RCA rotary
•"I :er soundheads, rebuilt, $395 pair. What do
td? Star Cinema Supply, 447 West 52nd
JJ"
"I" N'ew York 19.
f Holmes type 8 35mm projectors, rebuilt
»" !e with stands, lenses, amplifier, stage
vtt New 8'xlO' beaded sound screen, $500.
^vard. Box 171, Saskatoon, Sast., Canada.
^ sale immediately. 350 Arvln & Hcywood
•"tFS.OO each; Simplex A sound system, $750;
"» rongs & rectifier, $300: 5 P & stands. 18"
5;?';„'""'' ""'"

n
PRESIDENT
THEATRE OWNERS OF AMERICA
AND WALTER READE THEATRES
SUP£/fSCOPE
'Impress-ve
bW
. i„.,c .s
-...vremendou
versauUty
>vas
^^^^^.^^^^y lens
i-« «"' :" an
out.iandU.g
,V^o^vmansV^^V ^
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The Loyi/&^ price for
*Tr«4t Mofll 1*9. and Pot«nh r«ndln|
^/^/K
P^ 1 1 k~fa1 I h 1 1 J [•] M 4] i I [•* \^A [4
on the market today!
a4Az6&^^ ^tofft NATIONAL SCREEN SERVIC