Boxoffice-Febuary.18.1956

I
FEBRUARY 18, 1956
7£ /Vf&ti&n, HotuAe y?tcuuti(j
. . . Story on Page 9.
Ruben Shor (left), president of Allied States Ass'n of Motion Picture Exhibitors, ond Abram F. Myers,
general counsel ond chairman of the board, will play prominent roles in the important midwinter meeting
of the board of directors to open this weekend in Cleveland, and at Allied's national drive-in
convention which will follow Tuesday through Thursday, February 21-23
Important
Problems
Policy
Before
jn. 11 00 o«r v
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION
Allied
Board
Page 9

(I
When those
cheering M-G-M
representatives
from overseas reach
home, they'll say:
IN ANY
LANGUAGE,
HAPPY
DAYS ARE
HERE
AGAIN!JJ
"Pas
***** S***
^Vr»
Ac
"e/-
Or

Leslie f>
To- ne -T
"We
fte Cast:
A nthony Quin
TbeC
taV^d -
S usan a Conte-
3
Ta^ot '
's the
*"* WOrd
has ^oa
/ for «. The
,U '
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fortune
fame ami
io America. "e overwheiming ,.
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7
The Cost'- Pidgeo°-
L« sue eve rvs,
andr«"° d
^ob ot.
HUNT'
Robert Taylor,
Stewart Granger,
Woyd
' J " Nolan, x^oian,
n n -
Debra P aget> I
R uss "*» re
Tamblyn. , f/

!
THE MOST GLOOM-CHASlN'
fill
She's more
he-larious
THAN EVER
ON THE
Big Theatre
SCREEN

!
!
N-CHASIN ~rfclOT OF THE YEAR
^1
making passes
after classes
in Warner Bros!
new full- of- roars
smash
J
A GAIf GORDON
^ROBERT ROCKWELL DON PORTER
Screen Piay by AL LEWS and JOSEPH QUlLLAM
Based onthe CBS Television
program series "Our Miss Brooks" A Lute Production
Produced by DAVlD WElS BART- Directed by AL LBViS
Presented by
WARNER BROS.

2Oth SWEEPS THE ANNUAL
PHOTOPLAY AWARDS!
The Gold Medal
Picture of 1955
LOVE IS A
MANY-
SPLENDORED
THING
Award to
BUDDY ADLER
Producer
Play again!
it
$Ll-JL^
"^oreo"
tep eo***-
'r 0o/
*****
SriZfi***
**•*£'
"*H£2*
'n
«
t*r*?
SK
The Most Promising
Actress of 1956
JOAN
COLLINS
Star of
'The Girl in
the Red
Velvet Swing"!
rw of the
Most
•inn Actresses
Promts^
ikiNtf*
Bring ; r
back for
Easter.'
AC ^0Sl . THANKS
»* fo f/ie readers
I and editors of/
y'PHOTOPLfY!
*
SHlRtf Y
JONIS
Becomes a
great star
• _ ^rarooset •
in
*&

"PuAe of the //lotion rictube /ndu&fo//
t
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FEBRUARY
Vol. 68
1 8, 1 9 5 6
No. 17
2>1
DRIVE-INS POINT THE WAY
RIVE-I.N theatre growth continues
apace, as evidenced by the survey published in
Boxoffice two weeks ago. This revealed that
398 new outdoor projects were constructed in
1955 at a cost of approximately $80 million.
Total additional car capacity amounted to 311,-
053. Figuring three persons to the car, this is
equal to nearly one million additional theatre
seats.
Evidently this new phase of theatre operation
has not yet seen its full development, despite
frequent reports that the saturation point had
been reached.
There is a good sign in the fact that a number
of projects costing as much as $750,000 were
built last year. One of these was a giant with
3,000-car capacity. Several others were in the
2,000-car bracket, included in which were socalled
luxurious supertype operations. These
certainly reflect confidence in the future, not
only of outdoor theatres but in the motion picture
as the great mass entertainment medium.
The ozoners. as they have come to be called,
have developed a variety of ways of attracting
patrons, accenting interest in whole families.
They have, in large measure, become the "neighborhood"
family theatres. In fact, many of those
houses have been supplanted by the drive-ins,
whose owners and managers have shown remarkable
ingenuity in catering to virtually every public
whim in diversion, recreation and refreshment.
On the latter phase, there appears to be no end
to the possibilities. Whether the food and refreshment
facilities are not much more than
counter installations or magnificent cafeterias
providing table seating, they have tapped new
sources of revenue by constantly enlarging their
bills of fare.
However, a negative note has been heard in a
number of places where prices for hot dogs,
popcorn and ice cream concoctions have been
overpriced. There is a danger here that should be
assiduously avoided.
During the past fall and current winter season,
year-around drive-in operation has been expanded
in regions where, heretofore, closings began
to get under wav during October. Patronage
has been the heaviest on Fridays through Sundays,
as might be expected, but value is seen in
continuing the attendance habit of regular patrons,
who are kept warm by their own car
heaters or by the in-ear heaters that are provided
bv the drive-ins. Aside from this, it has been determined
that the year-around operation is a safeguard
against theft and deterioration of equipment.
a> well as offering a saving in the cost of
shutting down and reopening with the attendant
personnel problem thus- incurred.
\\ iih so much of "the world on wheels," the
drive-in was a natural development. At first, its
location was far-removed from city limits. But
some have been built within city environs, or
close in, supplying the need for parking facilities
— at no extra cost. That 50 oi 75 cents thus
saved the patron may well be the ''added attraction"
to bring the family to the theatre. And it
can also be a source of added income to the theatre,
through being used to purchase confections
and refreshments.
It has been noted that grocery chains, building
new supermarkets, acquire large plots of ground.
the greater part of which provide parking facilities.
Taxes are held down on corner locations,
by setting the building back, away from the
corner. It has also been observed that each new
supermarket generally displaces or replaces three
or four other stores in a neighborhood.
This gives rise to the thought that combination
indoor-drive-in theatres could follow a similar
pattern, especially in neighborhoods where three
or four houses have been closed ; or where new
residential sections have been developed. Perhaps
less cost would be entailed, if propertv adjoining
one of the closed neighborhood theatres
was acquired. leveled and converted into on-theground
parking space; and the theatre, of course,
refurbished and re-equipped.
Be that as it
may, drive-in theatre success and
progress may serve, not only as an operational
example, but as a stimulus to new thinking in
theatre planning that may be helpful in
re\ italizinfi
the conventional theatre.
A Vital Necessity
According to an Ohio exhibitor, announcement
by the .Motion Picture Assn. reported in Boxoffice
of January 14. 1956. that it had rebuilt
its Children's Film Library, listing about 35
films available for this purpose, was meaningless.
The reason given: The Cincinnati exchanges
are out of prints on most of these pictures and
unwilling to borrow them from other exchanges
where t hex are available.
The Children's Film Library was designed to
cultivate theatre attendance of children, not alone
for their patronage, but for their influence oil
their parents and other family members, as well
as to develop them as future adult patron-. II
this was considered desirable in pre-T\ days, it
i> a rita] necessitx now. when children arc cutting
their "'entertainment teeth" on television.
The child patron potential is 50 per cent
greater today than it w;b in 1940. Il i- well worth
going after through ever} avenue of approach
and without stinting in anj waj to provide prints
of the Library films. This ma} entail some cost
above immediate return, but it wiD be repaid
mam limes in future dividends.
\JLv //hJLz^

NO CIRCUIT RUSH FOR PERMITS
TO PRODUCE SEEN ON HORIZON
Chill on Allied-TOA Talks
With D of J Leaves Big
Circuit Heads Silent
NEW YORK—Present indications are
that there will be no rush of divorced theatre
circuits to go into production in spite
of the Allied-TOA plea to the Department
of Justice that it clear the way for this
activity by approving amendments to the
consent decrees.
STILL HOPE FOR EFFG
Sam Pinanski, principal backer of the Exhibitors
Film Financial Group, Inc., is still
strong for the plan, but is having difficulty
raising the $10,000,000 capital authorized by
the Securities Exchange Commission late in
1954. At that time, the EFFG proposed to
supply backing for independent producers.
E. D. Martin, then president of TOA, sought
Justice Department approval of the project,
and there have been conferences since then,
but exhibitor support has been something less
than enthusiastic.
When Leonard H. Goldenson, president of
American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres,
told the TOA in Chicago in November 1953
that exhibitors would be forced into production
unless more pictures were made available,
many counted him as one of the sponsors
of EFFG, but recently he has indicated
his company has no production plans.
The situation with this outfit is somewhat
similar to the Allied-backed Makelim plan.
The money has not been laid on the line
sufficient quantities.
The one outstanding success in backing independent
pictures and having control over
their distribution has been United Artists.
This widely known situation, plus the increasing
number of independent producers who can
get distribution through major companies,
have affected the attitudes of circuit operators,
according to observers who have been
asked for their views on the outlook for financing
more pictures.
The two exceptions among the big circuits
are Stanley Warner with Cinerama and National
Theatres, headed by Elmer Rhoden,
with Cinemiracle. Rhoden has talked with
the Department of Justice several times on
his plans and has received outlines of what
restrictions the department would place on
his producing activities. A time limit may be
imposed, it has been reported.
NO ADVANCE RULINGS
Maurice Silverman, head of the antitrust
division, told the Allied-TOA committeemen
that no advance rulings would be handed
down and that each circuit application for
permission to produce would be treated on its
merits.
This would not prevent the big divorced
circuits from getting together with the EFFG
and going down to Washington in a group,
but the few circuit representatives who have
talked off the record on this plan have shown
no enthusiasm. Their attitude seems to be
they have enough problems for the present.
in
Tushinskys Demonstrate
New Superscope-235
HOLLYWOOD—Marking a further step
toward standardization of anamorphic release
prints, Joseph and Irving Tushinsky, developers
of Superscope, on Friday (10) demonstrated
their new Superscope-235, which has
the exact dimensional characteristics of
Cinemascope's optical-sound prints, with a
screen aspect ratio of 2.35 to 1. The new
Superscope eliminates the necessity for
changing projection apertures when films
printed in it and in Cinemascope opticalsound
are double-billed.
The development, the Tushinskys said, was
perfected because of exhibitor requests for
some form of standardization. Heretofore
Superscope anamorphic prints were projected
at a 2 to 1 ratio.
Cinemascope is photographed for a 2.55 to 1
ratio, but is reduced to 2.35 to 1 when the
optical sound track is added.
Superscope-235 will, the Tushinskys predicted,
"bring about a tremendous increase in
the number of anamorphic widescreen productions"
and will "stop the 1.85 to 1 movement
that has gained momentum during the
past five or six months."
Usage of the "anemic" 1.85 to 1 ratio has
"already taken its toll at the boxoffice," they
Coyne Presents Statistics
To Treasury Department
WASHINGTON — Additional statistics
on
ticket tax payments were presented to the
Treasury Department Tuesday (14) by Robert
W. Coyne, Council of Motion Pictures Organizations
executive. The move was in fulfillment
of a promise made to Secretary of the
Treasury George Humphrey by a COMPO
committee which visited him February 1.
Don Thorp Smith, assistant to the secretary,
received the material. Coyne promised
to supply more later.
Pat McGee Is Mentioned
For TOA Executive Job
NEW YORK—Latest name to be added
to the list of those who are supposed to
be under consideration by the board of
Theatre Owners of America for the post
of general manager is Pat McGee. The
board will meet at New Orleans March
4. 5.
McGee was the TOA leader in the
ticket tax campaign which brought about
a reduction. Until recently he was general
manager of Cooper Foundation Theatres.
asserted, and the dual-billing of a 2.35 print
with a 1.85 print "shows up the latter as a
non-competitor." This reflects, in their opinion,
"a dangerous regression that defeats the
forward movement that the widescreen stimulated
as a counter to television."
The new Superscope-235 is photographed
with standard cameras, lenses and films, and
the anamorphic prints are produced in the
laboratory stage. It is available for both color
and black-and-white (through Technicolor in
the former category), and will cost the same,
in either case, as normal flat prints. The
only additional charge incurred by producers
over 1.85 to 1 processing is a license and service
fee of $1.00 a foot, based on the cut
negative footage, amounting on an average
to $8,000 to $9,000 per picture.
Through the use of Superscope, it was
pointed out, the filmmaker has the benefit
of both anamorphic and flat prints because
it is unnecessary to utilize an "unsqueezing"
process to obtain flat prints.
More than 30 pictures in Superscope were
released during the first year of its availability,
the Tushinskys reported, and licenses
for Superscope-235 are being granted "immediately."
Talks on Production Code
Will Start Next April
WASHINGTON—Discussions on changes in
the Production Code and appeals machinery
will not get under way until April, says Kenneth
Clark, vice-president of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America, who will act as secretary
to the committee made up of Barney
Balaban, Daniel O'Shea and Abe Schneider.
Eric Johnston will leave Monday (20) for an
extended tour that will combine association
and governmental business. He will hold new
consultations with the Arab states and Israel
on use of the Jordan River waters. Premier
Ben Gurion of Israel has decided to delay
further work on an irrigation canal until
after further talks.
Johnston will be accompanied by Irving
Maas, MPEA vice-president in charge of the
Far East division.
TOA Members Get Booklet
On Widescreen Films
NEW YORK—Theatre Owners of America
has distributed to its full membership the
booklet, "Widescreen Motion Pictures," prepared
by the Society of Motion Picture and
Television Engineers. It has been reprinted
and distributed several times. The latest
edition includes the projector aperture dimensions
for Todd-AO.
B BOXOFFICE
:
: February
18, 1956

U. S. Court Turns Down
All-Encompassing Suit
NEW YORK—Something new in the way of
triple damage antitrust suits by an exhibitor
was rejected in U. S. district court Wednesday
(15) by Judge F. X. McGohey. The
exhibitor's attorney argued that he properly
represented all the independent exhibitors
in the United States "similarly situated."
The attorney, Arnold Malkin, was acting
for the Austin Theatre, Kew Gardens, L. I.
He was told he could file a new complaint
within 30 days, limiting the action to the
New York area. Runs and clearances are
involved.
In the complaint, filed Nov. 15, 1954, the
attorney named 58 defendants, including the
major distributors, the large circuits and the
Motion Picture Ass'n. Damages sought
totaled $1,080,000.
A large battery of attorneys cooperated in
planning the defense. George Raftery of
O'Brien, Driscoll & Raftery represented them
in court. Raftery argued that the complaint
contained a "vague and indefinite classification
of claimants" and that "most of the defendants
had no business relationship with
the plaintiff."
The court found that the claims of jurisdiction
were not specific, that repeated
characterizations of the "big five" could be
inflammatory in nature if used at a jury
trial and that "all the misdeeds of the motion
picture industry from the 1920s to date
have been pleaded."
Malkin had also sought to represent Lasky
Bros., West Virginia exhibitors, in a similar
suit but failed. At the time the distributors
and circuits were concerned over what they
saw as a possibility that Malkin would try
to consolidate a large number of antitrust
suits across the country. The courts permitted
him to argue in the local court, but
Judge McGohey ruled that the case was only
local in character.
Distribution Completed
Of Brotherhood Kits
NEW YORK—Distribution has been completed
of 19,300 Brotherhood Week campaign
books and promotion kits, according to William
J. Heineman and Spyros S. Skouras, national
co-chairmen of the event. The material
went to exhibitors and exchanges
through National Screen Service and under
the direction of William B. Brenner, accessories
committee chairman. It was prepared
by a committee of which Alfred H. Tamarin
was chairman.
Brotherhood Week will start Monday (19).
Each participating theatre will select a single
day for collections. The National Conference
of Christians and Jews, sponsor of the event,
is providing containers for the collections.
Plan Color Photo Sessions
NEW YORK—A color processing conference,
the first of its kind, is to be conducted
in Rochester, N. Y., May 25, 26 under the
sponsorship of the technical division of the
Photographic Society of America. It has
been organized with the central theme of
color processing to provide photofinishers.
photographic scientists and engineers and
equipment manufacturers an opportunity to
exchange information.
Major Policy Decisions
Facing Allied Board
CLEVELAND— Allied's board of directors
will open a two-day meeting here Sunday
(19), with important decisions to be reached
on future policy.
Of prime importance
is the new unified
front which Allied and
Theatre Owners of
America have created,
in their effort to seek
a solution to the controversial
trade problems
of the day. The
recent decision to join
with TOA on a policy
of seeking arbitration
Horace Adams
with film rentals in-
Convention Keynoter cJuded and asking gov .
eminent sanction of production of motion
pictures by divorced circuits comes before
the board.
The meeting is the first formal session of
the board since the unity step was taken
several weeks ago on the basis of a telephone
check of members. The action now must take
on the formality of a board vote. More important
than the approval of the joint action
will probably be a full discussion of how
extensive the Allied-TOA fusion should be,
and what areas of common interest should be
tied into programs of joint action.
Last summer, talk of a broad unified front
was uppermost in tradepaper headlines—as
the exhibitor association leaders prepared to
meet with distributor presidents and sales
chiefs on sales policies. But, no sooner had
the meetings ended than Allied and TOA
parted company, and a series of highly
volatile statements were issued by both sides
which declared, in effect, neither association
wanted any part of the other.
There has now been a change of approach,
and the two associations have compromised
their original positions on arbitration and
film production by divorced circuits, and are
ready for a single-purpose presentation of
evidence before the Senate subcommittee on
small business which is to hear exhibitor
complaints on sales policies.
In addition to policy matters, the board will
Report Syndicate Seeks
To Buy Warner Control
Current during the week also was a
New York—Wall Street heard reports
Thursday (16) that an offer had been
made to acquire control of Warner Bros.
The Warners own 25 per cent of the
stock of the company, and a west coast
syndicate was said to have offered them
$25 a share. The stock has been selling
at about S21. Warner officials on both
coasts declined to comment on the report.
report
that a deal had been closed to sell
the Warner backlog of features produced
before 1948. and the company's shorts for
S2 1,000.000. There was no confirmation of
this report either.
elect officers for the year. Ruben Shor of
Cincinnati is now completing his first term
as president.
Following the board meeting, the annual
drive-in convention will be held on Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday. With more than
50 manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting at
the tradeshow, and drive-in owners and
managers from all sections of the country
and Canada attending, the convention promises
to be the most successful of the outdoor
theatre meetings sponsored by Allied.
The opening day's program will include the
keynote address by Horace Adams of the
Ohio ITO, and forums on concessions, equipment
and exploitation. On Wednesday, film
clinics will be held for large and small-town
drive-ins and Wednesday afternoon, general
trade problems will come before the convention—with
Ben Berger reporting for the
Emergency Defense Committee and Abram F.
Myers, board chairman and general counsel.
outlining policy for the year.
Warner Bros. Re-Elects
All of Its 16 Officers
NEW YORK— All officers of Warner Bros.
Pictures were re-elected at a meeting of the
board of directors held at the home office
Tuesday (14).
They were: Harry M. Warner, president:
Albert Warner, vice-president and treasurer;
Jack L. Warner, vice-president: Herman Starr,
vice-president; Stanleigh P. Friedman, vicepresident;
Samuel Schneider, vice-president;
Benjamin Kalmenson. vice-president; Mort
Blumenstock, vice-president; Robert W. Perkins,
vice-president, secretary and general
counsel; Samuel Carlisle, assistant treasurer
and controller; Cyril H. Wilder, assistant
treasurer; Harold S. Bareford. assistant secretary:
Edward K. Hessberg, assistant secretary;
Roy Obringer. assistant secretary:
Thomas J. Martin, formerly auditor, assistant
treasurer, and Walter Meihofer. formerly assistant
controller, auditor.
Brotherhood Media Award
Goes to Hall Bartlett
NEW YORK— Hall Bartlett Productions was
among the 30 winners of media awards for
contributions in the cause of brotherhood,
sponsored by the National Conference of
Christians and Jews. Bartlett received recognition
for the film. "Unchained." The CBS
television programs, "The Family of Man"
and "A Man Is Ten Feet Tall," also received
awards.
Taylor Mills of the Motion Picture Ass'n of
America was chairman of the media awards
committee. Among his aides was Leon J.
Bamberger of RKO Radio.
Jerry Lewis to Emcee Awards
HOLLYWOOD—Comedian Jerry Lewis will
serve as master of ceremonies at the upcoming
annual Academy Awards event, to be
staged March 21 by the Academy or Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences at the Pantages
Theatre. In the emcee spot last year was
Bob Hope.
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18. 1956

MATCHING HIS MEMORABLE
PERFORMANCES IN "MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION"
AND "ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS".
ROCK HUDSON
'nternaiiont,
CORNELL BORCHERS
GEORGE SANDERS
Directed by JERRY HOPPER • Screenplay by CHARLES HOFFMAN Produced by ALBERT J. COHEN
Based on the screenplay by BRUCE MANNING, JOHN KLORER and LEONARD LEE
print by TECHNICOLOR
From the Play "Come Prima Meglio di Prima" by Luigi Pirandello

AN EXCITING NEW STAR...
A GREAT AND TALENTED
NEW SCREEN PERSONALITY...
PRESOLD !
a national
magazine ad
campaign
aimed to reach
maximum readership...
Eleven leading
publications
with a combined
circulation
in
excess of
25 million!
ON THE
HUDSON BORCHFRS SAN0£RS
Notion
The
battle
cry or
the SouthPac.f.c!

:
i many
T&cd&e Seafo
National Theatres' Production
Okayed by Justice Department
Divorced circuit given permission to make
16 features in its new Cinemiracle system in
five and one-half years, and show them in 24
of its theatres, and elsewhere under certain
restrictions; equipment must be licensed to
others at end of period: court hearing on
application set for February 24.
*
Eric Johnston Set to Leave
For Global Trip Feb. 20
Will take up film export problems in the
Far East, the Near East and Europe: first
stop will be Honolulu; Mrs. Johnston and
Irving Maas, MPEA vice-president, will accompany
him.
Two Wall Street Men Nominated
As Loew's Inc. Directors
Stockholders will vote Thursday (23) on
Paul E. Manheim of Lehman Bros, and
Charles J. Stewart of Lazard Freres & Co., as
Benjamin Melniker and Eugene W. Leake
withdraw names from slate: Melniker made
a vice-president.
*
Republic Sees 50% Increase
In Its Foreign Business
Reginald Armour, executive vice-president
of Republic International, says European outlook
very good, in spite of slight setback due
to British television.
*
Screen Gems Sales
To Share in the Profits
Staff
Columbia's television subsidiary to have
plan effective at the end of the year; Robert
H. Salk, director of sales, says net has risen
400 per cent in 12 months.
•
David A. Levy Planning
To Retire on March 2
New York metropolitan district manager for
Universal-International will be succeeded by
Joseph B. Rosen, Detroit branch manager;
Richard B. Graff, sales manager in Chicago,
will succeed Rosen.
*
Virginia Exhibitors Vote
To Aid Tax Campaign
Pledge to support COMPO's admission tax
drive is made by Virginia Motion Picture
Ass'n at Richmond meeting; to hold annual
convention April 17-19 in Washington.
•
UA Field Heads to Meet
At N. Y. Home Office
All United Artists district managers in the
U. S. and Canada to convene Friday (24) and
Saturday; will mark first general meeting of
the field men in New York in over two years.
*
'Carousel' Premiere Raises
$52,000 for Medical School
Three governors, United Nations leaders
and huge delegation of industry leaders
climax week of activity; streets blocked north
Reagan and Dietz Outline
MGM Exploitation Plans
HOLLYWOOD—Closing sessions of
MGM's
worldwide sales conference, a five-day affair
which ended Friday (10) at the company's
Culver City studio, were climaxed by outlines
of exploitation plans for upcoming releases as
discussed by Charles Reagan, sales chief, and
Howard Dietz, in charge of publicity and advertising.
Every film today must be sold as an "individual
enterprise." Dietz declared, "with the
promotion resources of both domestic and
international markets combined for fullest
effect."
NEED FOREIGN IMPACT
Sales executives numbering 78, and representing
MGM in 60 countries around the
world, were told by Dietz that competition
in the world market requires tremendous impact,
"especially with the revenues from
abroad contributing so tremendously to the
company income."
Putting definitively to rest rumors circulating
as to the status of Dore Schary as MGM
studio head, Arthur M. Loew, newly elected
president of Loew's, Inc., issued a statement
at the conclusion of the week of conferences
asserting that no changes in executive personnel
at the studio are contemplated. Said
Loew
"In my opinion, as well as the opinion of
the various international representatives, the
pictures we have seen are commendable in
every way. In fact, I would venture to say that
they are the finest group of MGM pictures in
the company's history. This sounds like typical
showmanship exaggeration but I suppose
there is no way of giving a superlative appreciation
without the use of superlatives . . .
While I am indulging in the age-old executive
sport of making statements I should like
to correct a rumor that has been aired since
my election to the presidency of Loew's. The
rumor is to the effect that Dore Schary is
about to sever his connections with the company
as head of the studio.
"There is no truth to this rumor.
SCHARY REMAINS IN POST
"Dore Schary remains in his executive post
and I am contemplating no other changes in
the executive personnel.
"The studio is functioning in fine shape, it
seems to me, and the pictures about to be released
will be the best evidence of that fact."
As an example of the promotional policies
being implemented for new MGM product.
Dietz and Reagan cited campaigns on "I'll
Cry Tomorrow," "Forever Darling," "The Last
Hunt," "Meet Me in Las Vegas," "Bhowani
Junction," "The Rack," "Tribute to a Bad
Man." "The Swan," "Gaby" and "The Catered
Affair."
The campaign for "Vegas" will be touched
off with its Tuesday (21) world premiere at
the El Portal Theatre in Las Vegas, with
drama critics to be flown there from key
cities. Milton Berle's network TV show will
be telecast live, and in color, from the Sands
Hotel and the El Portal, and will be renamed
the "Milton Berle 'Meet Me in Las Vegas'
Show" for the occasion. Tieups are being
made with retail RCA dealers and Whirlpool,
sponsors of the Berle program. The broad-
Charles Reagan Howard Dietz
cast will immediately precede the premiere,
which is for the benefit of the Las Vegas Variety
Club Children's Hospital.
Cyd Charisse, femme star of the musical.
will then go on tour for pre-release premieres
in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis,
Dallas. Houston, Denver, Washington,
D. C, St. Louis and Memphis and will do
press, radio and TV interviews.
"The Last Hunt" had its world premiere
Thursday (16) in Sioux Falls, S. D., with
Stewart Granger, who co-stars in the film
with Robert Taylor; director Richard Brooks,
and Russ Tamblyn and his bride Venetia
Stevenson among the Hollywood luminaries in
attendance. Gov. Joe Foss of South Dakota
proclaimed a statewide " 'The Last Hunt'
Week" in honor of the picture, which was
filmed on location in the Black Hills and Badlands
near Rapid City.
Delegates to the sales sessions brought with
them representative pairs of dolls native to
their home countries, and which were presented
to Samuel Goldwyn at a dinner after
a special screening of "Guys and Dolls," the
Golclwyn musical which MGM is releasing.
Goldwyn, expressing his appreciation for the
gift, told the visitors he is "proud" to be distributing
his picture through the company
which he helped to found, and praised the
job the MGM sales organization has done on
the film thus far.
Chas. Coe, Oscar Doob
Join in TV Net Series
PALM BEACH, FLA. — Charles Francis
"Socker" Coe. former vice-president and general
counsel of the Motion Picture Producers
and Distributors Ass'n (then known as the
Hays Office), has signed a contract to become
a TV star. He will appear as a raconteur on
a weekly network TV series entitled "The Living
Story," produced by Theodore Granik,
known for his American Forum and Youth
Wants to Know TV shows. Oscar A. Doob,
who resigned as an MGM executive last September,
will be associated with Coe in his TV
venture.
The deal also includes access to Coe's vast
storehouse of literary properties. He has
authored some 250 published short stories
in the Saturday Evening Post) and
around 50 novels. Until recently he was
editor and publisher of the Palm Beach Post-
Times.
Granik will produce and film the TV series
here.
12 BOXOFFICE
•
. February
18, 1956

: February
:
To Produce a Second
Feature in New York
NEW YORK—Michael Myerberg, whose
"Patterns" was the first feature to be completely
made in New York in about 30 years,
also will make his next film, "Line of Duty,"
in New York. Both will be released and financed
by United Artists. "Patterns" and
"Line of Duty" are part of a series planned
by Myerberg to cover various aspects of
American life.
Myerberg plans to make two "live" pictures
a year and one annually using his Kinemins
puppet process, first used in "Hansel and
Gretel," distributed by RKO in 1954. The
new puppet films, planned for production in
England, are "The Borrowers" and "Aladdin,"
as well as a science-fiction adventure.
"Patterns," which is based on Rod Serling's
TV drama of the same name, stars Van Heflin
with Everett Sloane, Ed Begley and Joanna
Roos, the three last-named having appeared
in the same roles in the TV drama, as did
Fielder Cook, the director. "Line of Duty,"
based on "Incident in an Alley," also written
for TV by Rod Serling, will start production
in April, probably at the Vitagraph Studios
in Brooklyn, where "Patterns" was filmed.
Arthur B. Krim. UA president, is anxious to
foster production in New York, according to
Myerberg, who said that the first class technical
job done on "Patterns" demonstrates that
good films can be made entirely in the east.
In the fall, Myerberg plans another picture
starring Heflin, but no property has been set
and no distribution arrangement made yet.
In reference to "Patterns" having been
shown twice on TV (the second time being a
repeat "live" because of its wide acclaim when
first shown), Myerberg said that "television
is only a trailer for theatrical films" and
"commercials destroy the real kick." The
film version of "Patterns" runs 84 minutes,
compared to 53 minutes for the TV show.
Harry Novak Now Europe
Sales Head for Columbia
PARIS—The appointment of Harry Novak
as continental sales manager for Columbia
Pictures with headquarters in Paris has been
announced by Lacy W. Kastner, president of
Columbia Pictures International.
Novak will serve under Nick Pery, vicepresident
and continental manager. Until
recently Novak had been continental manager
for Universal. Before that he was divisional
manager for Warner Bros, in Latin
America.
Norbert Auerbach has been named as assistant
continental sales manager.
Sidney Harmon and UA
Sign Ten-Picture Deal
NEW YORK— Sidney Harmon, producer,
and Arthur B. Krim, United Artists president,
have closed a deal whereby United
\it: is will finance and distribute ten pictures
from Harmon's Security Pictures, Inc.
This supersedes a previous deal for the financing
and distribution of two films, "Step
Down to Terror." now in production, and
"Men at War."
Harmon has purchased screen rights to
W. R. Burnett's novel, "Little Men. Big
World," which will follow "Men at War" into
production.
Tent 35 Completes Plans
For Variety Convention
NEW YORK—Complete plans for the
forthcoming 20th annual convention of
Variety Clubs International were made public
Wednesday (15) at a luncheon of Tent 35,
the host tent, at Toots Shor's restaurant.
Martin Levine, general chairman, said there
already had been an excellent response from
all tents, that a registration of 1,500 was
expected and that all attending will be "in
for a great time."
The convention, to be held at the
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, will open May 9 and
end the evening of May 12. There will be
morning and afternoon sessions the first three
days and a morning session the last day.
Much entertainment will be provided, including
guests tickets to television broadcasts,
Broadway and, it is hoped, art theatres, a
special screening of "Oklahoma!" and the
New York Coliseum's "Showcase for Better
Living." That is the entertainment schedule
for the evening of the first day. The same
day there will be luncheon for the delegates
and the ladies.
The morning of the second day the ladies
will visit the United Nations and attend a
fashion show. In the evening there will be
a cruise around Manhattan island with dinner
and entertainment with Coca-Cola as
the host.
The morning of the third day there will be
a special meeting of lady barkers, and at
noon a luncheon of delegates, ladies and
distinguished guests in the grand ballroom.
In the evening, Pepsi-Cola will be host at
a "Mardi Gras" in the grand ballroom with
E. P. Curtis of Eastman
To Presidential Post
WASHINGTON—Maj. Gen. Edward P.
Curtis, USAF, Ret., vice-president of Eastman
Kodak, has been named by President
Eisenhower to a new
Presidential staff post,
that of special assistant
for aviation facilities.
Curtis was chief
of staff in the Strategic
Air Force during
World War II.
In his new post, the
Kodak executive will
direct and coordinate a
long-term study of the
nation's aviation facilities
and future requirements.
Top executives
in both the Defense and Commerce
departments will be assigned to serve on
the project.
Curtis will retain his association with
Kodak. He will spend two months in Washington
setting up the program and then devote
parttime to the Washington activities.
.
I :4
Edward P. Curtis
Ponedol to Philippine Post
NEW YORK—Carl Ponedol. Republic Pictures
International special representative in
Spain, has been made general manager in the
Philippines, succeeding Fred Paulus.
cocktails, dinner, dancing and entertainment.
Costumes are suggested but not mandatory.
The Humanitarian Award dinner will be
held the final evening after a "grand finale"
cocktail party. Prom midnight to 2 a.m.
there will be an "au revoir" party.
Registration fees are $45 for barkers and
$35 for ladies. Choice rooms have been
reserved at the Waldorf-Astoria, Belmont-
Plaza, Shelton. Biltmore and Ambassador
hotels. The following apparel is suggested
for the boat ride, sports clothes for the men
and informal wear for the ladies; costumes
for the Mardi Gras (there will be a costume
service available); the award dinner, black
ties for the men and formal or semi-formal
dinner dress for the ladies; for the convention
sessions, business suits for the men and
informal attire for the ladies.
The convention will see a special film on
epilepsy, "The Dark Way," to be made by
20th Century-Fox. Al Gerson reported on the
tent's tieup with the Albert Einstein College
of Medicine here. It is establishing an epilepsy
clinic at the college. It is also organizing
borough groups of epileptics which will meet
and discuss common problems.
Larry Morris, luncheon chairman, presided.
Harold Klein, chief barker, inducted the following
as members: Arnold Jacobs, William
Mishkin, Bernard Jacon, Manny Youngerman,
Lou Allerhand, Saal Gottlieb. Herman
Ripps, Joe Wohl and Peter Horner.
Bernard Kranze, who recently resigned as
general sales manager of United Artists, introduced
James R. Velde. his successor.
British Academy Awards
To Olivier's 'Richard'
LONDON— Sir Laurence Olivier and his
production of Shakespeare's "Richard in,"
which he also directed and starred in. won
three of the 1955 awards to be given by the
British Film Academy. The awards will be
presented here March 1.
"Richard ni" was voted the best film from
any source, as well as the best British film,
and Sir Laurence's performance in the title
role was declared best by a British actor.
Katie Johnson. 77-year-old character actress,
won the best actress award for her performance
in J. Arthur Rank's "The Ladykillers."
"Richard III" will open a two-a-day engagement
at the Bijou Theatre, New York
March 11, the same day it is presented on
television by NBC-TV. "The Ladykillers" will
open at the Sutton Theatre February 20—this
being the first time both British films will
open in the U. S. after the awards publicity.
Three awards went to the U. S.— to Ernest
Borgnine, for his "best performance by a foreign
actor" in United Artists' "Marty." to
Betsy Blair, for her "best actress" performance
in the same film, and to Walt Disney's
"The Vanishing Prairie." named the best
documentary. The British Academy's award
for the best picture illustrating the principles
of the United Nations Charter went to the
Japanese "Children of Hiroshima." not yet
shown in the U. S. William Rose was named
"best screen writer" for "The Ladykillers."
BOXOFFICE :
18. 1956
13

From the studio that brought you "Bend of the River"
WAS THE
SIXTH MAN
THE SECR
THE FIVE
EMPTY G
...the
a woman's I
Answer waited in
ips
.
. .
and watched from the
shadows of a
frightened
town!

RICHARD WIDMARK
DONNA REED
TECHNICOLOR
CO-Starnng WILLIAM CAMPBELL • JOHN MclNTIRE
BARTON MacLANE • EDWARD C. PLATT • HARRY MORGAN • o.rected by JOHN STURGES • Screenplay by BORDEN CHASE • Produced by AARON ROSENBERG

Automatic Projection jReweat > >
Developed in Britain
LONDON—It appears that automation is
to enter the motion picture projection room.
An automatic projection device, known in
the trade as "Projectomatic," is now nearing
a two-year test in theatres throughout the
country, and an official report is expected to
be made to the government soon. Today's
Cinema, trade daily, says that so far, reports
have all been favorable.
Sometime this month, a group of 50 to 60
experts of the National Ass'n of Theatrical
and Kine Employes (NATKE) is expected to
attend a full trade demonstration of the
equipment. It is hoped that the group will
put its seal of approval on the machine.
TOM O'BRIEN IS IMPRESSED
Tom O'Brien, M.P., general secretary of
NATKE, saw Projectomatic in action some
months ago and said it "impressed him" very
much.
The Cinematograph Exhibitors Ass'n,
through its technical department, has made
an official report on the system. The equipment
was developed by the Essoldo Circuit
some years ago, and is capable "of controlling
arc lamps and projector mechanisms, operating
the switchgear controlling house lighting.
curtain motors and performing other functions
associated with the projection of motion
pictures."
Two years ago, an application was made
by Essoldo to the government asking that
the efficacy of the equipment be recognized.
However, the government authorities felt that
the equipment should be tested in actual
operation under normal conditions in theatres.
This was done, and the reports are
about ready to be made public. The CEA informed
the trade recently that preliminary
reports indicate that the equipment is operating
satisfactorily, and that within the near
future, if present satisfactory results are
maintained, the equipment will receive official
recognition.
STILL NEED PROJECTIONIST
The mechanism will not do away with projectionists.
The government is expected to
require a competent operator to be in charge
of the projection room where the automatic
equipment is installed, although the operator
will be permitted to leave the projection room
for periods up to 15 minutes. What effect the
automation device will have on the two-operator
booth was not revealed.
Essoldo has entered into an agreement with
B.O.P.E., Ltd., for the manufacture of the
equipment while marketing agents will be
G. B. Kalee, Ltd. The latter is to offer exhibitors
a rental plan under which the equipment
will be installed and maintained at a
fixed weekly rental, with the exhibitor paying
for the entire wiring costs.
Zukor to Bank Post
NEW YORK—Adolph Zukor, Paramount
Pictures board chairman, has been elected
chairman of the advisory board of the Times
Square office of the Chemical Corn Exchange
Bank, located at Broadway and 44th street.
Announcement of the election was made
Tuesday (14).
Carl Krueger to Produce
Second Film in Mexico
NEW YORK— Carl Krueger, who completed
"Comanche" for United Artists release in six
weeks in Mexico at a cost of just under
$1,000,000. will make his next picture, "St.
Carl Krueger, left, producer of "Comanche"
for United Artists release, tells of
his plans to promote the Mexican-made
feature in CinemaScope. Myer Beck, the
producer's representative, looks on.
Patrick's Battalion," in Mexico, with UA to
have first crack at the release.
"Comanche," which was filmed entirely on
location near Durango, Mexico, would have
cost about $750,000 more if shooting had been
done in Hollywood, Krueger estimates. No
studio photography was used, but Krueger
took 27 Hollywood technicians to Mexico and
employed a 175-man Mexican crew. United
Artists financed the picture 100 per cent.
The picture will open at the Worth Theatre,
Fort Worth, March 15 with Dana Andrews,
the star, and Krueger making personal appearances.
Krueger will then tour for a
month in connection with regional openings.
Easter week bookings have been set for the
Interstate circuit in the southwest and the
Fox West Coast chain.
"St. Patrick's Battalion" is an adaptation of
a Spanish-language novel by Patricia Cox, a
Mexican of Irish extraction, who will get a
small percentage from all rights, including
movie, theatre, TV and book. Krueger will rewrite
the book for American publication and
he also has started the screenplay. The original
book was published in Mexico late in
1954. No cast has been set.
Krueger will leave for the coast next week
after conferring with UA executives on sales
and promotion for the CinemaScope picture.
'Conqueror' Trailers Made
For Use on TV Stations
NEW YORK—Trailers assembled from film
shot at the worldwide premieres of Howard
Hughes' "The Conqueror" are being circulated
to television stations as the major phase of
the publicity drive for the pre-release domestic
openings in 45 theatres February 22.
Tape recordings have been made for use
with the films. These include interviews with
John Wayne and celebrities who attended the
openings in London, Rome, Paris and Berlin.
< <
*?6u4ed
SLIGHTLY SCARLET (RKO)—Two of the
screen's most attractive redheads, Rhonda
Fleming and Arlene Dahl, add decorative
color as well as name value to an effective
crime melodrama in Superscope and Technicolor.
The title and John Payne, who
plays the lieutenant to a crime syndicate
boss in capable fashion, are additional selling
points. Based on a James M. Cain
novel, "Love's Lovely Counterfeit," this was
produced by Benedict Bogeaus and well directed
by Allan Dwan, who keeps the pa«e
lively r.ght up to the tragic "crime doesn't
pay" fadeout. 99 minutes. John Payne,
Rhonda Fleming, Arlene Dahl, Kent Taylor.
TIMETABLE (UA)—For his debut as an independent
producer-director, Mark Stevens
has picked a different type of crime melodrama
and peopled it with supporting players
who are comparatively unfamiliar and
thus add realism to an above-average programmer.
Stevens, an excellent actor who
has lately been making a name on TV, is
the main selling point. The suspense is well
maintained throughout and the climax is
in the best shooting-chase tradition. 79
minutes. Mark Stevens, King Calder, Felicia
Farr, Wesley Addy, Marianne Stewart.
These reviews will appear in full in
a forthcoming issue of BOXOFFICE.
RKO Will Have Four Films
Before Cameras in March
HOLLYWOOD—Supplementing "The First
Traveling Saleslady," now before the cameras,
RKO Radio will launch three more
features within the next month, it was reported
by William Dozier, vice-president in
charge of production, upon his return from
a two-week trip to New York.
Slated to go March 1 is "Tension at Table
Rock," to be produced by Sam Wiesenthal
and directed by Charles Marquis Warren.
It will be followed March 5 by producer-director
John Farrow's "Back From Eternity,"
starring Robert Ryan and Anita Ekberg, and
on March 14 by the Bert Friedlob production,
"Beyond a Reasonable Doubt," starring
Dana Andrews and megged by Fritz Lang.
"Saleslady," in which Ginger Rogers is the
title-roler, is being produced and directed
by Arthur Lubin.
Manley, Inc., District Men
In Sales Meeting at K. C.
KANSAS CITY—Manley, Inc., held a meeting
Monday through Wednesday for district
managers from all over the country at the
Hotel Muehlebach. It was an executive session
devoted to a discussion of sales plans for
new concession equipment developed by the
company.
B J. McKenna, executive vice-president,
and Charles G. Manley, vice-president, conducted
the meeting. The managers who attended
and their district headquarters are:
A. T. Rowe. Kansas City; F. E. Malia, Minneapolis;
John F. Saunders, Memphis; L. O.
Seley, Boston; W. H. Turpie, Los Angeles:
Arlie E. Berry, Denver; P. A. Warner, Dallas.
16 BOXOFFICE :
: February 18, 1956

GOODMANSWINGS
TO TOP SPOT!
VKX£&^***^}*-J!*
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F
Cisco,
n biz f
ted to i
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doing
ut, of I
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Philadelphia. Feb 7 'Goofo*
Favorable weekend trade.'
Goodman" with
eland, Feb. is ]0U d at Stanlev
wI"le "Jester" is rate"
°dr
ar
STMjtoEN
&/*& 7W musical greats
%r DONMREED
GENE KRUPA • LIONEL HAMPTON • BEN POLLACK • TEDDY WILSON • EDWARDWORY
atuftou. guest stars HARRY JAMES • MARTHA TILTON • ZIGGY ELMAN
and the incomparable music recorded by
BENNY GOOOMAM{
Written and Directed by VALENTINE DAVIES Produced by AARON ROSENBERG

Movies to Ease Tension,
Big Factor in Filmgoing
NEW YORK—Nearly half of the moviegoers
in 33 major cities go to see films in
order to relieve nervous tensions, according
to a survey just completed among 4,798 theatres
by the Willmark Service System. Patrons
were questioned as they were leaving theatres
at both downtown and neighborhood houses
in low, middle and high income areas.
According to the Willmark tabulation 48.5
per cent were women and 51.5 were men.
More women than men gave the nervous
tension explanation for their presence at
theatres. The percentage of these was 90.2.
Of the remainder, some said they came to
see a particular star, liked the movies in
general, or wanted to get away from home.
Of the men interviewed, 80.2 per cent
stated they sought to relieve the pressures of
other responsibilities by attending the movies.
Others offered a variety of reasons for attendance,
such as "waiting for a train," "out
of town with time to spare," "wanted to get
away from home," "like the movies in general,"
or "came to see a star."
When asked for a good way to forget their
troubles, 86 per cent said they would recommend
the movies.
The survey provides exhibitors with a good
selling slogan, tying relaxation with entertainment.
Actually 74 per cent of those interviewed
said that the theatre was a better
place in which to relax than the home.
Other statistics revealed that 91.1 per cent
enjoyed the film they had just attended. In
the case of double features, 47.2 per cent enjoyed
the main feature more than the second
feature; 15.9 per cent enjoyed the second
feature more than the main feature, and
33.5 per cent enjoyed both features; 3.4 per
cent said they did not enjoy either picture.
Some said they attended movies regularly.
Of these, 57.5 per cent said they were regular
moviegoers, with 23 per cent attending twice
a week and 34.5 per cent once a week. Of the
remainder, 5.2 per cent said they attended
three times a month; 15.7 per cent twice a
month; 11.8 per cent once a month, and 9.8
per cent rarely attended.
The survey was conducted in the following
cities: Albany, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston,
Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas,
Denver, Detroit, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis,
Kansas City, Los Angeles, Memphis,
Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Newark,
New Orleans, New York City, Norfolk,
Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
Providence, Richmond, St. Louis, San Francisco,
Seattle and Washington.
AA Sets Writers Fees
On Films Sold to TV
HOLLYWOOD—Similar to the company's
arrangement with the Screen Actors Guild,
Allied Artists will pay scriveners from 12%
to 15 per cent of the fees they originally
received for working on theatrical features
that are sold to television.
The agreement, reached by AA president
Steve Broidy with Writers Guild of America,
West, calls for the 12% per cent fee on pictures
sold to video for $20,000 or less, and the
higher amount if the studio receives more.
Broidy currently is negotiating with the
Screen Directors Guild to draft an arrangement
in the same pattern.
Any Exhibitor Who Thinks He Is
Overworked Should Read This
BETHESDA, OHIO—Most people are
glad to have a job, work at it eight to
ten hours a day and then go home to
relax. But not Mr. and Mrs. John
Romanowski owners of the local Wayne
Theatre, who are currently holding down
six jobs between them.
Mrs. Romanowski, still in her 20s, not
only keeps house for her ambitious husband
but is a regular cashier of a large
chain grocery store during the daytime
and at night is ticket taker at the Wayne
Theatre.
Meanwhile John works daily as a contractor's
helper. At the end of the day's
work he hurries home for a quick dinner
and then rushes to open his theatre on
time for the first show. At the theatre
he is the projectionist as well as the
manager.
In spite of this full program, Romanowski
has time to serve at his newly
elected job of constable of Goshen township
and helps patrol the territory.
When John Romanowski came to
Bethesda six years ago and took over the
Wayne Theatre, one of the first moving
picture theatres to operate in Belmont
county, the going was tough. But having
learned the picture business in Dillonvale
under the late John Olszeski, owner of
the Dillonvale Theatre, he had confidence
that he could make a success of it.
At first he was his own janitor, as well
as owner, manager and projectionist.
Mrs. Romanowski took tickets and said
"howdy" to folks at the theatre's front
door. To help the family budget, John
took a job as a contractor's helper laying
tile, spreading concrete and building
framework for new homes. He did these
things so well that he is now a member
of a trade union and maintains a high
standard of work.
Last election the people of his township
thought so highly of his stability
and civic enthusiasm that, unknown to
him, they elected him constable in a
write-in campaign. The Romanowskis
are busy and happy but they don't see
much of each other. "Sometime," said
the triple job Mrs. Romanowski, "I'll be
asking my husband for a ticket before he
comes in the front office."
Newsreels Continue
Global Coverage
NEW YORK—The importance of motion
picture newsreels as sources of information
as well as entertainment has been demonstrated
again by a survey conducted by the
Motion Picture Ass'n of America that covered
the number and type of subjects presented
on the screen in 1955.
While treatment of U. S. news continued
predominant, of a total of 3,673 subjects covered
1,200 had to do with foreign countries
and 670 dealt with both U. S. and foreign
subjects. The remaining 1,803 subjects were
concentrated on U. S. events. During 1954
1,308 subjects were devoted to foreign events
and 667 to U. S. and foreign, with 1,965 focusing
on U. S. events only. The 1954 total was
3,940.
BRITAIN TOPS FOREIGN NEWS
Great Britain and Northern Ireland led
with France second, Germany third, Italy
fourth and the Soviet Union fifth. The
first four were in the same order as in 1954.
The Soviet Union supplanted Korea in fifth
place last year.
The total number of subjects, or clips, in
1955 was 3,673, compared with 3,940 the preceding
year. Several complete issues were devoted
to a single subject, as the Salk polio
vaccine or a review of the year's news.
Sports coverage constituted one-quarter of
the total. The leading events were, in the
following order, football, winter sports, horse
racing, baseball and water sports. The clips
totaled 936.
Six hundred and 76 clips were devoted to
foreign and U. S. government topics. Foreign
led with 305 against 222 for the U. S. government,
and there were also 149 clips that had
both U. S. and foreign coverage, as when the
Canadian prime minister visited the White
House.
Next highest in the categories were human
interest clips for a total of 404.
National defense followed with 318. In obtaining
newsreel coverage the Air Force led
with 111. Trailing were the Army, with 91;
the Navy, with 80, and there were 36 in the
general category. The U. S. Coast Guard had
none.
In the political arena the figures were low.
That may not prove true in this presidential
election year. It is known that preliminary
overtures have already been made to the
newsreels—and to television—by both major
parties.
CATHOLICS LEAD RELIGION
The 1955 record shows 28 clips devoted to
U. S. politics and seven to foreign politics for
a total of only 35. That is exactly 1 per cent
of all 1955 newsreel coverage.
As for clips devoted to religions, the Catholic
religion led with 38, followed by the
Protestant with nine and the Jewish with
three.
The remainder were minor classifications.
They follow:
Agriculture, 34 clips; civilian aviation, 31;
acts of God, 91; other disasters, 79; education.
54; fashion, 103; health and welfare, not including
industry participation in those activities,
65; labor, 26: motion picture industry,
including participation in health and welfare
activities, 133; prominent personalities, 166;
scientific and industrial progress, 93; trial
and investigation, 21; violence, warfare and
riot, 123; weather, 13, and miscellaneous, 202.
18
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

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"Laura" and "Black Widow"
/FANTASTIC STORY TWIST!
like
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"5 Fingers"
/IMAGINATION!
like "The Day the Earth Stood Still"
and "Titanic"
/THAT SPECIAL FLAVOR!
like
"Broken Lance" and "House of Bamboo"
/INTRIGUE!
like IM
"Garden of Evil" and "Soldier of Fortune"
Kg
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like "3 Coins in the Fountain" and
"Love is a Many-Splendored Thing"
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the water bearing documents that shook the
world ... spinning a web of intrigue
that changed the course of
history.
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TEASED

;
February
Having Difficulty Getting
Exhibitor Affidavits
MINNEAPOLIS— North Central Allied is
having a tough time getting affidavits from
exhibitors in this territory to back up its
charges to be presented at the Senate Small
Business Committee hearings that small theatres
aren't able to buy top boxoffice pictures
on a basis of ability to pay.
A complaint that enough affidavits aren't
coming in is made in the current issue of the
NCA bulletin. Curiously enough, the president
of NCA is Ben Berger who is chairman
of Allied's Emergency Defense Committee and
in charge of marshalling testimony to be
presented to the Senate group.
Stanley D. Kane, the association's executive
secretary, attributes the lack of response
to fear by exhibitors of distributor "retaliation."
He assures members that NCA will
see to it that "there will be no retaliation.
If, however, there is any distributor effort
to retaliate because you gave an affidavit,
we will see to it that you will not be harmed.
Also, if you wish to keep your name confidential,
we will arrange it that way."
In this quick second appeal for affidavits,
Kane tells the exhibitors "if you want us to
help you. if you want to help yourself, you
must cooperate with your organization." He
explains if they don't want to make an affidavit,
following an enclosed form, they
can just write a letter telling exactly how
exorbitant the film rentals were "that made
it impossible for you to operate successfully."
"In the case of those pictures that you
have purchased in order to keep your doors
open," Kane instructs the exhibitors, "tell us
the prices you paid and the results. Tell us
exactly what top pictures you have been unable
to buy the past two or three years.
"We are particularly interested in the
Buena Vista pictures. If you have not played
them give us the reason for it. In the case
of this company also let us know if they refuse
to call on you or do business with you.
"The same questions apply to other companies'
pictures. If you did not play any
of the following pictures (eight past top boxoffice
releases of various distributors are
specified), let us know why. If you did, tell
us about the terms and the results. Tell us
about any other big pictures that you wanted
to buy, but couldn't.
"I repeat: Send us an affidavit or write us
a letter in connection with this most urgent
request. Remember that if you don't wish
to have your name revealed, we shall be glad
to abide by your request.
"But send us either an affidavit or a letter.
This is the ammunition that we need to fight
with if we're to succeed in our present fight
to help you get the top pictures at prices
you are able to pay and still emerge with a
reasonable profit. You can go back in your
records for the past three or four years. This
is your last chance and ours, too."
A definite date for the hearing is pending.
Berger, Stockholder in Most Majors,
Sees No Inconsistency in EDC Role
MINNEAPOLIS—Ben Berger, North Central
Allied president and national Allied's
Emergency Defense Committee chairman.
who is
regarded as one of the industry's most
inveterate and belligerent foes of the film
companies and who is
engaged much of the
time in fighting them in small exhibitor's behalf,
admits to being a stockholder in many
of the companies that he's battling.
Berger, who says he bought the stocks because
he considers them a good investment.
doesn't believe that he's biting the hand that
helps to feed him in fighting currently for
lower film rentals for small exhibitors even
if it requires government regulation of such
rentals to accomplish this.
In his opinion, there's nothing paradoxical
in his actions because he believes that
in the long run the film companies and the
industry generally and he, as a film company
stockholder, will benefit if the extinction of
the smaller theatres is halted. And it's his
belief that if these theatres are allowed to
buy the top pictures on an ability to pay
basis many of them can be saved.
Berger argues as an owner of common
stocks in most of the major film companies
and therefore one of their owners that the
distributors' current sales policies, while, perhaps,
temporarily garnering greater profits,
are destructive for the long range and, in the
end, stockholders will wind up behind the
eight ball if they're continued.
"So I don't feel I'm being unselfish in
this matter, although I believe I'm incapable
of selfishness," explains Berger. "As North
Central Allied president, I represent some 500
small exhibitors who are in bad shape because
of the film rental situation and it would be my
duty to fight for them. The present sales
policies are not only killing the small-town
and subsequent -run theatres, but also driving
many people out of the moviegoing habit because
they don't have the chance to
see top
pictures that are kept out of their towns by
exorbitant terms."
Berger, who is blamed for/or credited with
originating the idea of a fight for government
regulation of film rentals, was recently
denounced by a tradepaper editorially for having
made "millions" from the film industry
as an exhibitor and now allegedly showing
his ingratitude by injuring the industry by
trying to bring about federal intervention.
He doesn't deny he's a millionaire, as
charged. His holdings include a dozen theatres
and the foundation of his fortune was
exhibition. He also is a part owner of the
Minneapolis Lakers, NBA professional basketball
team, one of the leading Minneapolis
restaurants, much real estate and many other
holdings. He's a heavy contributor to charities.
He has been in exhibition 35 years.
Buena Visia Names
2 Division Heads
James O'Gara Jesse Chlnich
NEW YORK—Two new top sales posts have
been created for Buena Vista Film Distribution
Co. by Leo P. Samuels, president and
general sales manager. James O'Gara has
been named eastern division manager and
Jesse Chinich has been named western division
manager. Both O'Gara and Chinich have
been home office sales supervisors since formation
of Buena Vista more than two years ago.
They will continue to make their headquarters
in the New York office.
The new executives will report to Irving H.
Ludwig, domestic sales manager, who has
divided the district offices as follows: Eastern
—New York, Boston, Atlanta, Cleveland.
Philadelphia and Canada; Western—Chicago,
Denver, Dallas and Los Angeles.
Before joining Buena Vista, Chinich was a
film buyer for Paramount Theatres. O'Gara
joined the company after five years as division
manager for Republic. Prior to that he
was with Warner Bros, and 20th Century-Fox.
Likens Pay TV to Putting
Turnstiles on City Parks
NEW YORK—Pay-as-you-see television is
like putting turnstiles on city parks and libraries
and charging admission, says Louis
Hausman, vice-president of Columbia Broadcasting
System.
"When in operation." he declared, "it would
black out the channels dedicated to the use
of the entire public except to those willing
and able to pay; and, if successful, would
siphon, from free television, all the popular
programs now being broadcast free. For the
first time it would divide the television audience
along economic lines, reducing to second-class
citizens those who cannot afford
to pay for their television programs."
Hausman also said pay-as-you-see television
would be a "betrayal" of more than four million
families in the New York area. His statement
was one of the features of a hearing
before the rules committee of the New York
City Council. Then he suggested that free
baseball would disappear. He derided the
prediction of those favoring pay TV that
educational programs would be introduced.
The hearing was on a resolution of Abe
Stark, council president, calling upon the
Federal Communications Commission to
"protect" the public against the "threat" of
pay-as-you-see.
Opponents had a field day, as none of
those favoring pay TV put in an appearance.
James M. Landis, counsel for Skiatron. wrote
that the hearings were a waste of money.
Councilmen went on record opposing toll TV.
22 BOXOFFICE :
18, 1956

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST HIT
IN
AMERICA?
It's the picture that has grossed more than FIVE
AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS in its first
% play- dates.
It's the picture that is still running in 7 out of 8 of
its original special engagements, which currently
range from 12 th to 15 th week.
It's the picture that gets extended runs wherever
it
plays.
It's the picture your patrons are eagerly awaiting.
It's the one and only —
GUYS AND DOLLS

"Charlie
88.5
MANY FILMS STILL 20-25 YEARS OLD
Claim TV Films Watched
By 90% of Viewers Is Hit
By FRANK LEYENDECKER
NEW YORK—The extravagant statement
that TV movie programs are watched by 90
per cent of the New York metropolitan area
TV audiences, according to a survey made
by Advertising Research, seems highly improbable
in the light of a list of films shown
on TV in New York during the last two weeks
In January. This figure may be closer to
fact when the RKO or other majors' backlogs
are released to TV, but even then it seems far
too
high.
TALES OF HOFFMANN' 51%
WOR's "Million Dollar Movie" for the week
of January 16-22 was "The Tales of Hoffmann."
a British-made opera film which was
not a boxoffice success when shown in U. S.
theatres in 1953. Despite this, a special Telepulse
survey of "Million Dollar Movie" on
WOR-TV claimed that "Tales of Hoffmann"
pulled a rating of 51 per cent, said to be
the highest rating ever garnered by a purely
cultural film on television.
"Pulse tells us that more than half of the
television sets in the greater New York area
were tuned to Channel 9 during the showing,"
Gordon Gray, WOR-TV general manager
said. Of course, this did not say how
many had tuned in on "Tales of Hoffmann"
and later tuned it off for some other program.
But WOR was so impressed with this rating
that it scheduled "The Great Gilbert and
Sullivan," another British-made film which
was released by United Artists in 1953 with
scant success, as the "Million Dollar Movie"
for the week of February 13-19.
Of the more than 100 films shown on TV
during the week of January 22-28, almost
one-fourth were British films and, of these,
many had never been shown in U. S. theatres
and only a few, including "The Cruel
Sea" and "The Green Scarf,"
had any success
in U. S. bookings. "The Cruel Sea" was
distributed by Universal in 1953 and "The
Green Scarf" was distributed by Associated
Artists in 1955 and played the RKO Palace
on Broadway and, later, the RKO Theatres
circuit to fair success, mostly on the strength
of
Michael Redgrave's name.
OTHER ENGLISH FEATURES
Other British pictures included such titles as
"Master of Bankdam," "Bees in Paradise,"
"Come Back Peter," "Wall of Death," "The
Girl Who Couldn't Quite," "Jacqueline Misbehaves,"
"I Thank You," "Girl in the Taxi,"
"The Calendar," "Tony Draws a Horse," "A
Boy, a Girl and a Bike" and "Sixty Glorious
Years," none of them with either stars or
name appeal for U. S. patrons.
Of the Hollywood pictures shown on TV
during the end of January, only "Mr. Peabody
and the Mermaid," released by U-I in
1948, and "D.O.A." released by United Artists
in 1950, were comparatively recent or of any
boxoffice importance. The majority were old
series pictures, including "Charlie Chan and
the Black Camel" (1931); "Charlie Chan in
Increased Film Industry
Interest in TV Predicted
New York—A steady increase in interest
shown by the motion picture industry
in television programming is predicted by
Robert Lewine, vice-president and director
of the program department of ABC-
TV. He spoke recently before the National
Television Film Council.
"The major studios have jumped in
with both feet," he said. "Vaults are being
opened to release important recent
features. Sound stages are being opened
to production for television. Today, all
three networks are using film in increasing
proportions.
"At the end of 1955, the total amount
of network commercial time in the evening
hours devoted to film was 31" • hours
a week. On ABC, it represents about 42
per cent. On Columbia, the figure is
even higher, 50 per cent. And on NBC, it's
The ratio is still about
about 32 per cent.
60 per cent live to 40 per cent film."
Lewine said a sponsor can now repeat
some of his best at minor cost, while
continuing to expose his regular program
in the same time period, because repeats
are actually first runs for most viewers.
He cited "Disneyland" films which have
been re-run not once but twice. He said
the original telecasts had an audience
share of 57 per cent, the first repeats a
share of 63 per cent and the second repeats
a share of 59 per cent.
"Indeed," he said, "the value of repeating
is one of a film's great assets.
By one TV series which consisted entirely
of re-nins it was calculated that the
odds were about five to one that any
home viewing a particular episode would
be viewing it for the first time. So, all
in all, the sponsor may be paying more
initially for his film program, but it is
proven to mean greater economy in the
long run because of residual values."
< 19341 : London" "Charlie Chan's Secret"
1 1936i
; Chan in Reno" (1939) ; "Bulldog
Drummond's Revenge" (1937) and "Bulldog
Drummond's Peril" (1938), or early
westerns starring Tim McCoy, Rex Lease,
Johnny Mack Brown, Rex Bell, Russell Hayden,
Ken Maynard, Bob Steele. Buster Crabbe,
Eddie Dean, Tex Ritter or Bob Allen and a
few starring Roy Rogers, John Wayne or Bill
Boyd, the only three who are still current
favorites. The Rogers and Wayne westerns
were from ten to 15 years old, while some of
the other dated back to 1931.
A few of the other Hollywood films shown
on TV during the latter part of January
dated back more than 20 years and many of
their stars are long since dead. They included:
"By Appointment Only" (1933), starring
the long-dead Lew Cody; "Probation"
(1932), starring Betty Grable; "City Park"
(1934), starring Sally Blane; "Beggars in
Ermine" (1934), starring Lionel Atwill and
Henry B. Walthall, both dead, and Betty
Furness, now doing commercials on TV;
"Behind Stone Walls" (1932), starring Eddie
Nugent and Priscilla Dean; "The Iron Duke"
(1935), starring the late George Arliss; "Big
City Interlude," for which no date could be
found, although its star, Bessie Love, has long
left the Hollywood scene for London, where
she is now a character actress; "Thrills of
Youth" (1932), starring June Clyde, also now
a character actress in London; "Lady in
Scarlet" (1935), starring Reginald Denny, now
playing character roles in Hollywood, and
"Becky Sharp" (1935), starring Miriam Hopkins,
now active on the Broadway stage.
PLAY A 1931
PICTURE
Other ancient films recently seen on TV
screens include: "Salvation Nell" (1931),
starring Helen Chandler, long since dead, and
Ralph Graves; "The Spanish Cape Mystery"
(1935), starring Helen Twelvetrees; "Jane
Eyre" (1933), starring Virginia Bruce; "Are
We Civilized?" (1933), starring William Farnum,
veteran star who died a few years ago;
"Beauty Parlor" f 1932 > , starring Barbara
Kent; "Dragnet Patrol" (1932), starring Glen
Tryon; "Frankie and Johnnie" (1935). starring
Helen Morgan and Lilyan Tashman, both of
whom died in the late 1930's: "Ticket to
Paradise" (1936), starring Roger Pryor;
"Women Must Dress," starring Minna Gombell
in clothes of 1935 vintage, and "Vogues"
(originally "Vogues of 1938"), starring the
late Warner Baxter and Joan Bennett, wearing
fashions of that year.
Apparently the Charlie Chan pictures are
the most popular with stay-up-lates who
watch the "Late Show," but most of these
are repeated again and again on TV. A total
of 21 Charlie Chan pictures are available for
TV, none later than 1942. Certainly none of
the old westerns of 1932-36 vintage would
have other than a mild curiosity interest to
any viewers other than the youngsters. And
what teenager would tune in to a feature
starring actors who died years before?
The new TV study by the independent research
organization is called "The Television
Audience of Today" and is said to be based
on 746 personal interviews. The 672 people
interviewed who said they watched television
movies split their watching time as follows:
"Million Dollar Movie" (WOR-TV
i
per
cent; "Late Show" (WCBS-TVi 50.4 percent;
"Early Show" (WCBS-TV) 31.4 per cent;
"Late, Late Show" (WCBS-TV) 22.5. No
other film TV show was more than 20 per
cent, the survey said.
ONLY ONE TO SHOW GAIN
According to a survey asking the same
questions made a year ago, "Million Dollar
Movie" was watched by 81.8 per cent, the
only TV film show to have an audience gain
in 1955.
Imagine the uproar if an advertising
sponsor in any other media tried to sell their
product by showing 20-year-old entertainment.
Put any of these old films up against
such present-day theatre pictures as "Guys
and Dolls," in Cinemascope and color;
"Artists and Models" in VistaVision and color,
or "Oklahoma!" in Todd-AO and "Cinerama
Holiday" and it will be seen that only the
confirmed stay-at-homes would prefer to get
their film entertainment on their TV screens.
24 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

THE MAN WHO MADE
Wl
BREAKTHROUGH"
DOES IT AGAIN!
BRYAN FOY, WHO GAVE YOU THAT TERRIFIC BOX-OFFICE
BONANZA ABOUT THE FIGHTING
GI's...N0W BRINGS YOU
THE GREAT STORY OF THE NAVY'S FIGHTING FLAT TOPS!
BlftilBJigl
OP
Authentically filmed aboard a
U. S. Navy Carrier!
it
starring
JOHN WILLIAM KEEFE RICHARD WILLIAM
LUND BENDIX BRASSELLE BOONE LESLIE
Screen Play by CRANE WILBUR • Based on a story by Ben Finney • Produced by BRYAN FOY • Directed by LEWIS SEILER
,\
...WITH FLYING COLORS
FROM
cOs:

. . "The
. . Richard
:
. . Alan
:
February
—
^oUc^KA&od ^efcont
Film Council Launches
Boycott Against 'Boone'
Firing another barrage in its continuing
campaign against so-called "runaway" production
by American filmmakers on foreign
location sites, the Hollywood AFL Film Council,
comprising unions and guilds with a total
membership of more than 24,000 film industry
workers, is launching a nationwide consumerboycott
campaign against "Daniel Boone," a
Gannaway-Ver Halen theatrical release which
was lensed in Mexico.
The Film Council charges that "Boone," although
produced by U. S. interests and "telling
the story of a famous American's activities
in this country," was made entirely bekw
the border "under non-union conditions and
without American union technicians." George
Flaherty, IATSE international representative,
has told Albert Gannaway and Charles Ver
Halen that the feature will be denied the IA
union emblem. No release for the picture,
stalling Bruce Bennett and Lon Chaney jr.,
has as yet been announced.
In rebuttal to the Film Council charges,
Gannaway declared "Daniel Boone" had originally
been scheduled for shooting in Kentucky,
but that inclement weather developed
there and because of commitments with stars
and other personnel it was deemed necessary
to switch the location to Mexico. Some of
the financing for the opus was obtained in
that country, he added, and union labor was
employed there, while approximately 100 IA
members in Hollywood have worked on "various
phases of processing the picture." He
pointed out further that his company is sending
a unit to Kentucky next month to pick up
backgrounds for a "Daniel Boone" TV series.
To implement its campaign against the
feature, the Film Council is calling on national,
state and local groups in the AFL-CIO
to warn members against it, and claims it
has already been pledged the active support
of the Kentucky state federation of labor.
Flaherty charged "Daniel Boone" was made
in Mexico "to escape paying American standard
of living wages which make possible attendance
at our movie theatres." The council
recognizes, he said, that some pictures must be
filmed in other countries to insure authentic
locales, but in the case of "Boone" the plot
is laid entirely in the U. S. and "it should
have been made in this country."
Two Filmmakers Purchase
Magazine Story Apiece
Two stories originally penned for magazine
consumption have been gobbled up by filmmakers
for addition to their upcoming dockets.
Purchased by Columbia was "The Missing
Witness," a mystery drama by John and
Ward Hawkins and now running in Cosmopolitan,
the film version of which will be
produced for the studio by Jonie Taps and
directed by William Asher from a screenplay
by Blake Edwards . Wreck of the
Mary Deare," by Hammond Innes and soon
to be published in the Saturday Evening
Post, went to MGM. The maritime drama
deals with the history of a freighter whose
owners conspire to sink her for the value
of her cargo. The vessel is preserved, in part,
By
IVAN SPEAR
by her tenacious captain, who exposes the
plot and at the same time removes a former
blot on his record ... A Spanish-language
novel, "Saint Patrick's Battalion," by Patricia
Cox, herself a Mexican of Irish descent, was
acquired by independent producer Carl Krueger.
It is the historical account of a battalion
of 700 Irishmen who were hanged by
Gen. Winfield Scott for fighting against him
m the Mexican War of 1847-48, and is a
best-seller in Mexico, where Krueger plans
Two purchases were recorded
to film it . . .
by Universal-International, which bought
"The Tattered Dress," an original melodrama
by George Zuckerman, and "For Love or
Money," a Broadway play by F. Hugh Herbert.
"Dress," centering around a New York
criminal lawyer, has been assigned to Albert
Zugsmith to produce, with Zuckerman inked
to prepare the screenplay. "Money," which
. . Director
will be produced by Ross Hunter, is set in
the Long Island home of a celebrated actor
who falls in love with a young gal who stops
at his house to use the telephone after she
has become stranded in a storm .
Francis Lyon, who recently formed Leo Productions
as an independent unit, bought
"Deborah," an original screenplay by Richard
Collins. It will follow "Man Tracks" on
Lyon's slate.
Tony Curtis to Promote
Trapeze' in Global Tour
Short takes from the sound stages: Hecht-
Lancaster is projecting a worldwide exploitation
tour for Tony Curtis in conjunction
with the global release of "Trapeze," in which
he co-stars with Burt Lancaster and Gina
Lollobrigida for United Artists release. The
proposed trek would begin on the east coast,
thence to Europe, Asia and Japan . . . Henceforth,
cartoon-maker Walter Lantz has decided,
all his animated subjects will have
singing main titles; the first short to get
the new treatment will be a "Chilly Willy"
subject, "Hold That Rock," for which Bonnie
Baker will vocalize "I'm Chilly Willy the
Penguin"
. Carruth, who had been
an assistant to Robert L. Jacks and Robert
Goldstein in Crown Productions, has been
set as an associate producer by Jacks in the
latter's independent organization, which will
roll "The Lonely Gun," for United Artists
distribution, next month.
Samuel Goldwyn Jr. Signs
James Olson for 7 Years
Here and there in the Hollywoodlands
Samuel Goldwyn jr., off on a "new faces"
kick, inked James Olson, young Broadway
. .
actor, to a seven-year deal, under which his
debuting appearance will be in Goldwyn's
"The Sharkfighters," a Victor Mature starrer
for United Artists, which rolls March 1
on location in Cuba .
Roger Corman set
Producer-director
"Reception" as the sixth
on his slate of ten independent subjects for
lensing this year. It deals with a Confederate
hero who brings a northern bride back to
his home in an embittered town in Georgia
. . . C. V. Whitney, president of C. V. Whitney
Pictures, and Merian C. Cooper, vice-president
in charge of production, have retained
Writers Guild Selects
Screenplay Nominees
Members of the screen writers' branch
of Writers Guild of America, West, have
selected nominees for the "best written
screenplay of 1955" in three categories
comedy, drama and musical—upon which
final voting will be concluded this month.
Toppers in each of the three divisions will
be announced March 8 at the scriveners'
eighth annual awards dinner.
The candidates:
Comedy—Frank Nugent and Joshua
Logan, "Mister Roberts," Warners; George
Axelrod, "Phffft," Columbia; Billy
Wilder and George Axelrod, "The Seven
Year Itch," 20th Century-Fox; Julius
Epstein, "The Tender Trap," MGM; John
Michael Hayes, "To Catch a Thief," Paramount.
Drama— Millard Kaufman, Don Mc-
Guire, "Bad Day at Black Rock," MGM;
Richard Brooks, "Blackboard Jungle,"
MGM; Paul Osborn, "East of Eden,"
Warners; Paddy Chayefsky, "Marty,"
Hecht-Lancaster-United Artists; Daniel
Taradash, "Picnic," Columbia.
Musical—Phoebe and Henry Ephron,
"Daddy Long Legs," 20th Oentury-Fox;
Joseph L. Mankiewicz, "Guys and Dolls,"
Goldwyn-MGM; Betty Comden and
Adolph Green, "It's Always Fair Weather,"
MGM; Daniel Fuchs and Isobel Lennart,
"Love Me or Leave Me," MGM, and
Sonya Levien and William Ludwig, "Oklahoma!"
for Rodgers and Hammerstein.
the Music Corp. of America to handle the releasing
deal for the next Whitney film project,
as yet unannounced. MCA negotiated the
distribution, through Warners, of Whitney's
initialer, "The Searchers," starring John
Wayne . Ladd inked Van Heflin to
co-star with him in Ladd's upcoming Jaguar
production, "Guns of the Timberland," which
will roll late this year for Warner release.
The teaming reunites the topliners in Paramount's
"Shane."
AA Completes Music Deal
For Tunes From Its Films
Allied Artists has completed a deal with the
Music Publishing Holding Corp., a Warner
Bros, subsidiary, whereby that organization
will publish, through three music houses, all
tunes used in current and forthcoming AA
releases.
The transaction was set by Victor Blau and
Herman Starr on behalf of the holding company
and Marvin Mirisch for AA. First films
to be affected are "The First Texan,"
"Mother-Sir." "Three for Jamie Dawn" and
"Hold Back the Night."
George Pal to Produce
Another Wells Thriller
Science-fiction specialist George Pal, who
checked out of his berth as a Paramount
producer several months ago after a tenure
of several years, is launching a new independent
production setup with the acquisition of
the H. G. Wells story, "The Time Machine."
Wells and Pal are no strangers, the latter
having made as his last Paramount entry
the Wells thriller, "War of the Worlds." Pal
has retained David Duncan to prepare the
script
for a late-summer start.
26 BOXOFFICE :
18. 1956

!
.
. . . may
well be a sleepe
-Daily Variety
Plenty

Gordon
: February
iV.* ^
In this colorful nautical scene from "Carousel" are left to right, Robert Kounseville.
Barabara Kuick. Gordon MacKae, Shirley Jones and Cameron Mitchell.
FEATURE REVIEW
'Carousel' Is Destined
To Be Top Attraction
By FRANK LEYENDECKER
^O INTRODUCE its new Cinemascope 55,
which adds extraordinary clarity and
sharpness to the scenic backgrounds and the
sides of the widescreen, 20th Century-Fox has
selected an ideal subject, "Carousel," generally
conceded to be Richard Rodgers' and Oscar
Hammerstein's finest work, both musically
and dramatically.
For this is a tremendously colorful and
profoundly moving story with some of
Rodgers' loveliest ballads and it has been
superbly filmed against authentic backgrounds
in Boothbay Harbor, Me. Starring
Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones, who
sprang to national prominence in the Todd-
AO "Oklahoma!" and a generally excellent
cast, it has unlimited exploitation possibilities
and is destined to be one of the screen's
top boxoffice attractions.
The picture has the advantage of being
based on Ferenc Molnar's "Liliom," originally
a Theatre Guild stage hit and later a successful
Fox film starring Charles Farrell.
Then Rodgers' and Hammerstein's musical
version, which switched the Hungarian locale
to New England, and was an outstanding
stage success, which ran for three seasons.
The tale has many moving moments and a
quality which endears it to women patrons,
who will shed tears at its touching finale.
In addition to the Maine backgrounds of
sailboats and a rocky coast, which have terrific
"eye appeal," and the half-dozen songs,
which will be familiar to everyone, the highlights
include some of the best and most
original choreography, by Rod Alexander,
seen on the screen to date and a dream ballet
by Agnes de Mille, splendidly danced by
Jacques D'Amboise, New York City Ballet
Co. star, which will win applause from dance
enthusiasts.
The opening scene, laid in heaven, leads
right into the credits and then into the
flashback of the New England amusement
park with its "carousel" music. From then
on. there is a succession of unforgettable
songs, including "If I Loved You" and
"What's the Use of Wonderin'," tenderly rendered
by Miss Jones, the "Soliloquy" which
MacRae sings magnificently while wandering
over a rock-bound beach, "June Is Bustm'
Out All Over," "You'll Never Walk Alone,"
an inspiring number warbled in Claramae
Turner's rich contralto, and "While
the Children Are Asleep." sung delightfully
by Barbara Ruick and Robert Rounseville.
Miss Jones has the properly childlike simplicity
for the role of the trusting Julie, Mac-
Rae is fine as Billy, Cameron Mitchell surprises
with his singing, as well as giving a
sinister quality to the part of Jigger, and
Barbara Ruick is a sheer delight in the
comedy part of Carrie. Miss Turner and
Rounseville, primarily opera singers, also
turn in capable acting jobs, as do Audrey
Christie and Gene Lockhart. while Suzanne
20th Century-Fox Presents
A CinemaScope Picture
Introducing CinemaScope 55
Rodgers' and Hammerstein's
"CAROUSEL"
In Color by De Luxe
Running Time: 128 Minutes
THE CREDITS
Produced by Henry Ephron. Directed by Henry
King. Screenplay by Phoebe and Henry Ephron.
Music by Richard Rodgers and book and lyrics by
Oscar Hammer5tein II. From their musical play
based on Ferenc Molnar's "Liliom," as adapted
by Benjamin Glazer. Originally produced on the
stage by the Theatre Guild. Choreography by
Rod Alexander. Louise's ballet derived from the
original by Agnes de Mille. Music supervised and
conducted by Alfred Newman. Orchestration by
Edward B. Powell, Herbert Spencer, Earle Hagen,
Nelson Riddle, Bernard Mayers and Gus Levene.
Director of photography, Charles G. Clarke. Set
decorations, Walter M. Scott and Chester Bayhi.
Art direction, Jack Martin Smith. Special photographic
effects, Ray Kellogg. Film editor, William
Reynolds. Wardrobe direction, Charles Le
Maire. Costumes designed by Mary Wills. Assistant
director, Stanley Hough. Makeup by Ben
Nye. Hair styling by Helen Turpin. Sound, Bernard
Fredncks and Harry M. Leonard. Color consultant,
Leonard Doss. CinemaScope lenses by
Bausch & Lomb.
THE CAST
Billy Gordon MacRae
Julie
Shirley Jones
Jigger
Cameron Mitchell
Carrie Barbara Ruick
Cousin Nettie
Claramae Turner
Mr. Snow Robert Rounseville
Starkeeper Gene Lockhart
Mrs. Mullin Audrey Christie
Louise Suzanne Luckey
Heavenly Friend William Le Masseno
Mr. Bascombe John Dehner
and Jacques D'Amboise, Frank Tweddell, Sylvia
Stanton, Mary Orozco, Tor Johnson, Horry "Duke"
Johnson, Marion Dempsey, Angelo Rossitto Dee
Pollock, Ed Mundy.
Luckey is a charming blond sprite as the
15-year-old Louise. Henry King's expert
direction, and the screenplay by Henry and
Phoebe Ephron also merit high praise.
The familiar story of "Liliom," transferred
to a New England setting, begins with Billy
Bigelow i
MacRae) polishing the stars
in Heaven when he is told that all is not well
with his kinfolk on earth and he is given
one day to set things right. Billy explains
his life to the Starkeeper and the flashback
shows him working for Mrs. Mullins' carousel
in New England when he meets Julie Jordan
(Shirley Jones), who immediately falls in
love with this arrogant fellow. Upbraided by
the jealous Mrs. Mullins, Billy quits his Job
and goes off with Julie. Although he isn't the
marrying kind, Billy is fascinated by this
trusting girl and they are wed. Later, disconsolate
over his inability to find work,
Billy takes up with Jigger (Cameron
Mitchell), who persuades him to join in a
robbery scheme. The news that Julie is to
have a baby delights Billy and he plans to
reform, but is drawn into Jigger's scheme
and, in a scuffle with the law, is killed.
The Starkeeper lets Billy go back to earth,
where his now-15-year-old daughter is
shunned by other children in the town because
of her father's mistakes. Billy manages
to console his daughter and make her happy
before he returns to Heaven.
Omnifilms to Distribute
'Wishing Well Inn'
NEW YORK—Omnifilms, Inc., which is
distributing the Spanish-language feature,
"This Strange Passion," has acquired U. S.
distribution rights to "Wishing Well Inn," a
British comedy-drama produced by David
Dent.
"Wishing Well Inn," which was brought
to the U. S. by President Films, headed by
Joseph Green, stars Brenda De Banzie, currently
featured in "Doctor at Sea," J. Arthur
Rank film distributed by Republic, and Donald
Houston, Petula Clark and the London
Welsh Choir, according to Aaron Sloan,
Omnifilms sales director.
Virginia Convention Sees
CinemaScope 55 Showing
RICHMOND — Delegates to the Virginia
Theatre Owners convention were guests of
20th Century-Fox Monday (13) at a special
showing of CinemaScope 55 at the Byrd
Theatre.
Martin Moskowitz, Atlantic division sales
manager, presided. He described distribution
plans for the 34 CinemaScope films
planned by the company, and presented
scenes from "Carousel" and "The King and
I."
The reels were presented the following day
at the Grandin Theatre, Roanoke.
Kingsley Bearish on Fate
Of French Pictures Here
NEW YORK—French producers are facing
new problems created by the use of Cinemascope
and color, says E. L. Kingsley, president
of Kingsley International. He has just returned
from a three-week European tour in
search of European imports.
Kingsley is head of the special Columbia
Pictures unit on foreign film sales. He was
quite restrained in his predictions about the
acceptability of dubbed French films in the
American market.
28 BOXOFFICE :
18, 1956

Para. Creates Studio
For TV Production
HOLLYWOOD—Plunging more deeply into
the field of television and electronics, Paramount
will make available as of June 1 production
facilities at its Sunset Boulevard studios
to TV filmmakers, including stages, technical
equipment, office space and cutting and
dubbing rooms, on a daily rental basis.
Barney Balaban, Paramount president, said
there are five complete modern stages, all
located on a ten-acre tract—with facilities
undertake any type of TV production. The
property, once owned by Warner Bros., also
houses KTLA, the Paramount-owned TV
station.
Stanton M. Osgood has been appointed general
manager, resigning as manager of Television
Film Productions and assistant director
of video operations for NBC-TV to assume
the new position.
The property was acquired by the Paramount
Sunset Corp. in 1954, and more than
$2,000,000 has been spent since to modernize
the plant. Officers of the company, in addition
to Balaban as president, include Y. Frank
Freeman, vice-president; Paul Raibourn, vicepresident;
James H. Richardson, treasurer,
and Arthur Israel, secretary.
By making a TV production studio available,
Paramount goes one step deeper into the
television field. It already has substantial
holdings in the DuMont Broadcasting Corp.,
the Allan B. DuMont Laboratories, Inc.,
Chromatic Television. Inc., which manufactures
television tubes, and the International
Telemeter Corp.. which has a pay-as-you-see
TV system.
Para. Branch Managers
Shifted by Hugh Owen
NEW YORK—Branch manager changes
have been made by Hugh Owen, vice-president
of Paramount Film Distributing Corp.
Edward C. DeBerry has been promoted
from Buffalo branch manager to Cincinnati
branch manager. He succeeds Herb Gillis who
has taken over as Washington branch head.
DeBerry has been with Paramount 16 years.
He started as assistant booker in Charlotte
and later became head booker and salesman
there before going to Buffalo.
Hugh Maguire has been named successor
to DeBerry in the Buffalo branch. Maguire
joined the company in 1931 as clerk and
shipper in the New Haven branch.
Some ABC Programs Shift
As Daylight Time Starts
NEW YORK—Eastern standard time television
stations will carry network schedules
one hour earlier and central time stations will
receive programs on their regular local time
via delayed feed from American Broadcasting
Co. when daylight time goes into effect.
Mountain time stations will carry most
programs on their regular local time. Pacific
time stations, like the eastern standard time
stations, will carry the network schedule one
hour earlier.
Special events are exceptions, along with
"Wednesday Night Fights," which will be
carried "live" and "The Mickey Mouse Club."
to be broadcast throughout the country from
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time.
to
Britain's Balcon Seeks
U. S. Distribution Ties
NEW YORK—U. S. distribution arrangements
for his future pictures are being sought
by Sir Michael Balcon of Ealing Studios in
London who. accompanied
by Reginald P.
Baker, another top
Ealing executive, arrived
here by air Monday
(13*. Questioned
at midweek about his
plans, Sir Michael said
Sir Michael Balcon
it was too early for
comment but that he
might have something
to say at the weekend.
It was believed he
was exploring television
as well as theatrical
possibilities. He also came here to attend
the opening of "The Ladykillers," his
latest picture, Monday (20), at the Sutton
Theatre.
Sir Michael has directed the destinies of
Ealing Studios since 1937 and more recently
has been responsible for some of the most
successful British comedies, among them
"The Lavender Hill Mob," "Tight Little Island"
and "Kind Hearts and Coronets."
When he has completed a contract to produce
three more pictures for the J. Arthur
Rank Organization, he will no longer be
associated with that group in any way, having
resigned a number of directorships. Last fall
he sold the Ealing plant outside of London to
the British Broadcasting Corp. for $980,000.
He has never explained the sale. Reports
from London have said he may produce at
the MGM studio at Herts, also a London
studio, on a rental basis.
Sir Michael arrived at a time favorable to
the distribution of British product in this
country, although there have been many
British complaints of discrimination. Within
the last six months all the major companies
except Paramount have had some British
pictures in release. Columbia is preparing to
distribute four. United Artists has five or
six. MGM released "Svengali" last fall.
Universal-International, which used to
handle a number of them, now has only one.
a Rank picture. "Lease of Life," distributed
by IFE. has just opened. Others are being
handled by Continental Distributors. Distributors
Corp. of America and Dominant Pictures.
The last company, formed a month
ago, has two Rank pictures.
On his arrival Sir Michael said he planned
to spend two weeks in New York meeting with
various distributors, and that he would then
probably go to Hollywood for a week before
returning to London. Before coming here he
sounded out U. S. representatives in London.
Hardy, These Massachusetts Folk;
They Like Winter Movies Outdoors
By W. HARLEY RUDKIN
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.—Although, weatherwise,
this has so far been the coldest, and
most generally unpredictable winter in Massachusetts
for the past decade, at least one
drive-in manager is not afraid of the elements
and is even daring them to do their worst.
Unfortunately, in a good many instances, they
are obliging.
He is Arthur J. Stein of the Round Hill,
believed to be the only open air staying open
through the winter in this state.
"We attract a few hundred customers on
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the days we
are open," Stein said optimistically. "Sometimes
we show a profit. Many times we don't,
but we figure on keeping our regular customers
happy, and in the habit of coming to
the movies."
Noting the trend, district manager Stein
said, "Families drive up in their cars; keep
their heaters running awhile, switch them off
until the motor begins to cool, then turn on
the motor again."
In his capacity as a year-around, drive-in
man, Stein is discovering that winter offers
its own particular problems. Occasionally, for
instance, some motorist runs out of gas, or a
battery conks out. If it's the former, he sees
that they have enough gas to get to where
there's a larger supply. In the second, he
either pushes them in his own car, or finds
some friendly motorist who is helpful.
When he first decided to keep the Round
Hill open through the winter, he was of the
opinion that most of his clientele would come
from the younger element—boys and girls who
wanted a nice, safe, friendly place to hold
hands, but that isn't the way it has turned
out. He still gets a big play from the families.
This is the first year he has kept "open
house," the whole year. Two years ago, he
stayed open until mid-January, when a major
snowstorm closed him for that week and the
remainder of the cold season. Last year, he
kept the turnstiles oiled until mid-December.
This year, he's determined, though.
"If we're snowed out, or in," he averred,
"we may shut down until the clearing job is
completed, but we'll open up again the next
weekend."
And why do people venture out on the
cold-cold New England nights to sit in an
auto and watch a movie when they might be
snug before their video set at home? Simple.
says Stein. People get fidgety and bored staying
home all the time, and when a whole
family is involved, It's easier for them to go
to a drive-in than to an indoor theatre.
And what do these die-hard outdoor fans
eat? Popcorn? Maybe, but the big attraction
is French fries and lots of hot coffee, which
also are available at the Round Hill.
And how about next year? Stein grins and
says he'll cross that iceberg when he comes
to
it.
WB to Show 'Jungle'
NEW YORK—Warner Bros, will tradeshow
"The Steel Jungle." featuring Perry Lopez.
Beverly Garland and Walter Abel, February
29. The picture will be released March 31.
BOXOFFICE :
: February 18. 1956 29

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— SHOWMENS TRADE Review
"Funniest Kaye On Movie Record!
— LiFe
1
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Uproarious Fun... Don't Miss Itl
WASHINGTON STAR
«
"'Jester' Wins By A Kaye-O!
N. Y. DAILY MIRROR
You'll Laugh Yourself
Into Hiccups!
— MIAMI NEWS
"It's Good Funl it
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Rides High, Wide
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PITTSBURGH POST-GAZeTTe
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"May Well Be The
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N. Y. HeRALD TRIBUNe
"Rich In Comic Invention!
— B UFFA L COURIER - EXPRES S
"Danny Is At Top Forml
— PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
1
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. . Entertainments
. .
. .
.
.
^o*tdw ^efeont
—By ANTHONY GRUNER
CALENDARiEVENTS
FEBRUARY
JJAROLD MACMILLAN. the new Chancellor
of the Exchequer, does not look like handing
over any entertainments tax relief to
the film industry He has warned leading industrialists
and trade unions about the grave
economic situation facing the country in the
most gloomy terms. In answer to questions
from members of Parliament about the need
for aid for small cinema exhibitors. Chancellor
Macmillan said he was unable "to give
either a positive or a negative answer." Noting
his caution, the industry is planning to
send a very authoritative deputation to meet
him to discuss this very important subject.
* • «
What is described as the biggest convention
held in British industry takes place on
February 21. when the J. Arthur Rank Circuits
Management Ass'n holds its first national
convention. Attending it will be every
cinema manager, district manager, district
regional controller and executive in the organization.
In short, no fewer than 800 delegates
will attend the Leicester Square Theatre
for this gigantic conference. They will
hear speeches on a wide variety of subjects,
ranging from a survey of current production
activities by John Davis; a lecture on censorship
by the chief censor, A. T. L. Watkins: a
special television survey, two panel sessionsone
an exchange of views between some of
Britain's leading film critics and the other
a publicity brains trust consisting of some
of the top advertising and publicity personalities,
outside the film industry.
* * *
Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat, the talented
makers of "Geordie," "Gilbert and
Sullivan." and "State Secret," are to write,
produce and direct a new film for Columbia
Pictures. Both of these director-producers
were for years with London Films and most
of their successes came while working for Sir
Alexander Korda. Now, Mike Frankovich, a
no mean producer in his own right, has induced
them to join the ever-growing roster
of talented British producers and directors
who are making films for Columbia over here.
Incidentally, Columbia held a midnight premiere
to give their Cinemascope production.
"Picnic," an appropriate west end sendoff.
Considering the near-Arctic temperature, the
number of stars who turned up on Saturday
for this first night was staggering.
* • *
Miss Mirva Arvinen, known as Finland's
most beautiful girl, is in London as a guest
of Elstree Studios. For a week, Mirva will be
wined and dined and photographed with all
the most important show-business folk in
town. In the words of Robert Clark, head of
Elstree Studios, "this is our way of thanking
Finland for her kindness to the British Film
Industry in organizing the recent highly successful
British film week in Helsinki."
* * •
News in brief: The British Film Institute
is organizing a month's salute to Warner Bros.
at its National Film Theatre on the south
bank. The films include some of the greatest
productions to come from Warner Studios . . .
David Lean has been signed by Horizon Pictures
to direct "The Bridge Over the River
Kwai," the Technicolor production for Columbia
Pictures to be filmed in London with
locations in Malaya. Lean directed "Breaking
. . . Philip
the Sound Barrier" and "Hobson's Choice" .
Bob Wolff, RKO Radios British chairman
and managing director, is now on his way to
the states to take part in conferences with
the company's executives in New York .
Ronald Lewis. London Films contract artist,
who played Aneas in Warner's "Helen of
Troy." ha-s been signed to play the lead opposite
Vivien Leigh in Noel Coward's stage
production, "South Sea Bubble"
Dorte has been appointed Midlands controller
for Associated Television, Ltd. . . . Twentieth
Century-Fox will present its British Cinema-
Scope 55 demonstration on March 13 at the
Carlton Theatre . tax collection
increased in December 1955, compared
with the same period for 1954. The figures
were £2,444,000 and £2,423,000 . . . Variety's
King for a Day at the next monthly luncheon
is Sir Tom O'Brien, whose two guest
speakers will be Hugh Gaitskell, the new
Labor party leader, and Christopher Soames,
M.P., son-in-law of Sir Winston Churchill .
Jack Hawkins is leaving the Rank Organization
after he finishes his next film for Sir
Michael Balcon, "The Man in the Sky." He
has just completed a Scotland Yard film for
Ealing, "The Long Arm."
• • •
For many years.
Arthur Christiansen, editor
of the Daily Express, has been a good
friend of Sidney Bernstein, chairman of
Granada Theatres. Last week, however, Bernstein
received a severe (and obviously an inspired)
wigging in the leader column of the
Express for a speech he had made criticizing
Sir Ian Jacob, head of the British Broadcasting
Corp. The Express took issue with Bernstein
over his claim that commercial TV had
as strong a sense of responsibility toward the
public as the British Broadcasting Corp. The
Express said this was a bold claim for him
to make in view of the fact that Granada
had engaged a newspaper crime reporter for a
series of TV programs in which people with
criminal records would appear. Said the Express,
"That such a program is in prospect,
is a powerful condemnation of the way commercial
TV is developing." Bernstein, who
usually likes controversy, has, up to this writing,
not replied to the leader.
* * *
The European premiere of Paramount's
Danny Kaye film, "The Court Jester," turned
out to be a great success in spite of the freezing
weather that has descended on London
and hit business at many west end theatres.
All the seats for the premiere, w-hich was in
aid of the West Indies Hurricane Relief
Fund, were sold a week before the film's first
night, which was attended by Danny's royal
friend and admirer, Princess Margaret. At
the end of the performance. Danny appeared
on stage and for 35 minutes clowned, danced
and sang to the obvious enjoyment of a
packed and enthusiastic audience.
Acquires TV Film Firm
NEW YORK—Official Films. Inc., has
taken over all the assets of Four Star Productions.
Inc.. in a deal involving an exchange
of 695.000 shares of Official stock. This means
the transfer of 192 television films.
The stock involved in the transfer is valued
at about $1,500,000.

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LETTERS
On Arty' Pictures, Advertising and Selling
I have just finished reading the Exhibitor
Has His Say section of the January 21 issue
of BOXOFFICE. Seldom do any of these
letters cause me to pick up the Den, but
concerning "The Little Kidnappers" and
"Uncle George" Marks of
the Grove Theatre,
Beech Grove. Ind., I wish to make a few
comments.
The office of his theatre must be connected
to the side of an old ladies' hospital. That's
where the snores originated, not from his
audience, unless Beech Grove is infested with
a pack of loons, and I doubt that very much.
If they are loons, why did he buy the feature?
Why did he play it Sunday and Monday? If
he knows that New York press notices are
misleading, why didn't he check more closely
and disregard them? Once the picture was
purchased, it should have been advertised to
attract the group of people that like that
type of show.
I have found that people do not like
camouflage advertising, but they do appreciate
accurate, true information. Of course.
the wrong type of advertising cannot be
blamed entirely on the theatreman, but, if it
goes to extremes, then the theatre should
make the correction ... I think one very
good example of very poor newspaper mats
are the ones available on "Aida." Anyone
that does not know it is grand opera would
believe it to be a wild western. I think that
is a correction which should be made by the
manager, because an opera fan wouldn't appreciate
some of the comments being made
by a person buying a ticket for an Indian
battle.
Last summer I had the pleasure of showing
"The Little Kidnappers" in a small-town theatre.
It was well received and enjoyed by
the audience. We had a very good attendance.
I'm not saying that it was the best, but it
was by no means a sleeper or a dud. Later
in the season, the county 4-H group requested
that we run it again for them at a private
showing.
We considered that the New York press
notices were a valued item, and on this feature
they were by no means misleading nor
were we sorry that we used them in our advertising.
If managers continue to feel that any showbeyond
the conventional trend of moviemaking
as it has been for the past 30 years is
bad for the boxoffice, we will find our theatres
all converted into supermarkets or maybe
an annex to Sears Roebuck. We have enough
of the old trash as it is, and the remaining
is available scot-free on television. RKO
supplied them with plenty.
Why should we expect the customer to buy
a ticket to a stinker when he can stay home
and see one free that is just as bad? The public
is not quite that dumb. Nor should we expect
that, when we get a show that is slightly
unusual, the house will be filled when we use
Likes Drive-In l$sue
Just a word to let you know that
your February 4 issue is about the
most comprehensive publication on
drive-in management, promotion, etc.,
that I have ever seen. Congratulations
on a wonderful issue.
President,
Selected Theatres Co.
Cleveland, Ohio
NATE SCHULTZ
no extra advertising. The people that like
shows like "The Little Kidnappers," "Oliver
Twist," "Macbeth" and "Aida" are not regular
movie fans and need to be convinced that
you're showing something that has value.
A feature such as "The Little Kidnappers"
cannot be palmed off the same as "Hell's
Island." Those are two entirely different
types of shows and both need a special type
of treatment toward the public. The old
word "arty" is used too often as a very poor
reason for a small audience. My feeling is
that we should give these pictures a chance
and let the audiences condemn them rather
than the theatre managers, buyers, etc. In
my experience as a manager, I find that many
of these so-called "arty" shows have held up
very well. I think that Walt Disney with his
"arty" shows has shown a profit!
FORREST CARMICHAEL
State Theatre,
Presque Isle, Me.
COLUMBIA PICTURES ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS OF THE FOLLOWING
PICTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN
OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING
CORNE
isj
Wl
MOT' EIL©C3m 1 m
a
HOWARD WELSCH production
co starring LUTHER ADLER * JOSEPH CALLEIA with MIKHAIL RASUIvlNY- Screen Play by JESSE LASKY, JR.
ALEC
Produced by HOWARD WELSCH and HARRY TATELMAN • Directed by NICHOLAS RAY
JACK
GUINNESS-HAWKINS
THE
A
Screen Play by BRIDGET BOLAND • Executive Producer SYDNEY BOX
Produced by VIVIAN A. COX • Directed by PETER GLENVILLE
Cinemascope
Color by
TECHNICOLOR
CLEO MOORE
BE°BE3QE0L1H
RICHARD
CRENNA
Screen Play br JAMES GUNN and GIL 0RL0VITZ
Story by RICHARD SALE and MARY LOOS
Produced by LEWIS J RACHMIL
Directed by LEWIS SEILER
Ens MORGAN
•
Patricia MEDINA Wiifiam Talman
Screen Play by GEORGE I SLAVIN. GEORGE W GEORGE ( NORMAN RETCHIN • Produced by SAM KATZMAN
Directed by WILLIAM CASTLE • A CLOVER PRODUCTION
DICK POWELL • EVELYN KEYES
Johnny O'ctoc&r
with LEE J. COBB • ELLEN DREW • NINA FOCH • S. Thomas Gomez . John Kellogg
Screenplay by ROBERT ROSSEN . Directed by ROBERT ROSSEN
Produced by EDWARD G. NEALIS • Associate Producer MILTON HOLMES • reprint
34 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

—
MPA Code Attacked
By Boston Herald
BOSTON — "Conservative Boston has come a
long way on censorship," comments the Boston
Herald in a recent editorial. " 'The Man
With the Golden Arm,' which is now playing
in a downtown theatre, was denied the Motion
Picture Ass'n seal of approval because
it deals with drug addiction. But the city
fathers have shown no concern, and there has
been no audible protest from the public. It
will complete its run here without a challenge,"
said the paper.
"The fact is, of course, that it is a restrained
and adult film with a powerful message.
It is on a vastly higher plane than
most pictures we are allowed to see. And
there is no excuse for banning it.
"Yet the industry did put its official
ban on the film. Less tolerant and more
timid than even this onetime capital of censorship,
Hollywood said in effect that 'The
Man With the Golden Arm' should not be
shown. Why?
"The reason is the outmoded and ridiculous
production code which provides, apparently
at the insistence of the Federal
Bureau of Narcotics, that 'neither the illegal
drug traffic nor drug addiction must
ever be presented.' So sweeping a prohibition
is illogical on its face, because, however
we may deplore the illegal use of narcotics, it
is a real problem which can't be handled by
pretending it doesn't exist. Even from the
federal bureau's point of view constructive
movie treatment of the theme should be
highly desirable.
"But constructive or unconstructive, who is
the Motion Picture Ass'n to say what shall be
discussed on the screen? No such censorship
applies to the legitimate theatre, or to television
(which frequently discusses the drug
problem i or to books or periodicals. Every
other medium is wide open on the subject.
What possible end is served by restricting
movies?
"We are glad that Nelson Algren's tough,
deeply moving story was finally filmed. And
we are glad it is being shown in Boston, as
well as in most of the cities of the country,
despite the industry's extra-legal ban.
"But we hope that its popularity and
obvious educational value will at last shake
the Hollywood moguls out of their 'see-noevil'
approach of self-regulation. The production
code should be radically rewritten or
abandoned before a seal of approval becomes
a seal of mediocrity."
Republic to Distribute
Rank's 'Doctor at Sea'
NEW YORK—Republic has acquired the
U. S. distribution rights to "Doctor at Sea,"
J. Arthur Rank Organization followup to
"Doctor in the House," which Republic also
distributed. Herbert J. Yates, president, and
Richard W. Altschuler, director of worldwide
sales, said the new Rank picture will receive
the same heavy promotion given its predecessor.
"Doctor in the House" played 24 weeks at
the Trans-Lux 52nd Street Theatre here and
from eight to 12 weeks in other theatres
throughout the country.
"Doctor at Sea" is in Technicolor and
VistaVision and again stars Dirk Bogarde.
The "Doctor" novels were published in this
country by Harcourt Brace & Co.
A Successful Policy for
5 Years
'English Films No Different Than U. S.,
// You Pick and Sell Them Properly
By ELSIE LOEB
CLEVELAND—Catering to the entertainment
needs of a highly selective audience of
Catholic tastes gives Leonard Greenberger,
manager of the super
de luxe Fairmount
Theatre in suburban
Shaker Heights, a fairly
free hand in making
up his programs. His
patrons support a wide
latitude of screen material
but demand
quality entertainment.
Greenberger
When
realized, about five
years ago, that quality
Leonard Greenberger
br0US ht large numbers
of people to his theatre
he reached out into the field of English
pictures and, by adhering to his established
high standard of selection, has made them
as commercially successful as our own Hollywood
brand of pictures.
"I do not do any special selling job on the
English pictures I play," Manager Greenberger
explains. "I treat them just like I
treat all pictures and sell them strictly on
the basis of quality. The only difference is
that we usually play English pictures on a
first run basis and this warrants the use of
greater newspaper advertising space than we
generally use to advertise our subsequent run
Hollywood programs. The reason for this is
twofold. First, we do not have the benefit
of following the usual first run campaign.
And, secondly, our first run English pictures
appeal to large numbers of people other than
our regular patrons—people who do not live
in our area but come from a considerable
distance.
"These people, in my judgment, don't come
to see these pictures because they are English-made.
They come because they are quality
pictures. While there are many good foreign
language pictures, we do not play them.
Rather, we confine our programs of foreign
films to English dialog pictures and through
a five-year period have found them profitable
boxoffice wise.
"Most popular types of English pictures with
our patrons," Greenberger continued, "are
comedies and dramas aimed to appeal to
women. The most popular stars are Alec
Guinness, Alastair Sims, Michael Redgrave,
Ann Todd, Celia Johnson, among others. Alec
Guinness is by far the most popular English
player.
"The most successful English pictures we
have played to date are Doctor in the House,
which played a record 20 days; Lavender Hill
Mob, 15 days: others that hit the boxoffice
bull's eye included The Promoter, The Man
in the White Suit and The Captain's Paradise.
"We have asked our discriminating patrons
why they like the English pictures we have
shown. They say they like them because they
are realistic, because they portray character
so well and, also, because they do not depend
upon star value to carry the burden of the
picture but instead, each member of the cast
is importantly developed.
"Ycu don't have to run an art house to
play English pictures," Greenberger continued,
"but if you are running a large theatre like
the Fairmount < 1,600 seats) with a fixed, high
overhead, you have to select them with an
eye on the boxoffice. You can't gamble with
'arty' pictures with a limited appeal.
"After interspersing our regular Hollywood
programs with top English pictures over a
period of five years, my advice to other theatre
owners is that this type of operation is
commercially successful only in theatres
which cater to high IQ patrons. And these
theatres should stick to those quality English
pictures which have commercial, not artistic,
appeal, such as sophisticated society drama
and comedies. One more word of advice
stay away from the war drama.
"My yardstick for British pictures is the
same as for Hollywood pictures—namely quality.
We have no trouble selling admission
tickets for quality product, either from Hollywood
or England."
Greenberger says he is not playing as many
English pictures as he used to, but there's
a reason. He initiated this policy. However,
when other theatres in the same classification
as the Fairmount saw its success, they, too.
introduced occasional English pictures. So,
the yardstick being picture quality and the
quality supply being limited, the Fairmount
Theatre doesn't have the field to itself any
more, the field in which it pioneered.
UA Sets Magazine Budget
On 'Alexander' in April
NEW YORK—United Artists has set a
$251,000 program of advertising in national
magazines and newspaper supplements for
"Alexander the Great," the Robert Rossen
production in Cinemascope and Technicolor,
according to Roger H. Lewis, national director
of advertising, publicity and exploitation.
The ad campaign, a feature of the SI,000,000
promotion for "Alexander," is expected to
reach a combined readership of 147.000,000.
The magazine program, starting April 2 with
a four-color, full-page in Life, will run in
Good Housekeeping, the Saturday Evening
Post, Look, Harper's Bazaar, This Week and
Pictorial Review in April and May issues.
The picture will open at the Capitol Theatre,
New York, around Easter and will be
released nationally later in the spring.
Trans-Lux to Distribute
'Lovers and Lollipops'
NEW YORK—Trans-Lux Distributing Corp.
has acquired "Lovers and Lollipops," the second
feature produced by Morris Engel and
Ruth Orkin, who made "Little Fugitive." according
to Richard Brandt, president. The
Myer P. Beck organization will publicize and
exploit the Trans-Lux release.
"Lovers and Lollipops," which is scheduled
to open in New York and Hollywood this
spring, is the fourth release of Trans-Lux.
The others are: "Dance Little Lady," already
in release: "Stopover at Orly." a French film.
and "La Strada." Italian-made feature starring
Anthony Quinn. Myer Beck will also
publicize the latter.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1956
35

WARMEST, HAPPIES
Tffl

Mh^ -
\OST WONDERFUL PICTURE SINCE
WIET MAN"
HERBERT J.
>reSents
YATES
in
5 r_ =rv0ir v C /
_
JMKUMT
r?
WALTER
SHERRY
Lr &/ rich,
with
EDGAR BUCHANAN • SONNY TUFTS • HARRY
WRITTEN BV
RICHARD EYER
SHANNON
DIRECTED BY
MONTGOMERY PITTMAN • R.G.SPRINGSTEEN
Song "COME NEXT SPRING" by LENNY ADELSON and MAX STEINER
Sung by TONY BENNETT
A REPUBLIC PRODUCTION
'
/

—
LhOO\^
-JS iR A(
100 BOXOFFICE
BAROMETER
This chart records the performance of current attractions in the opening week of their first runs in
the 20 key cities checked. Pictures with fewer than five engagements are not listed. As new runs
are reported, ratings are added and averages revised. Computation is in terms of percentage in
relation to normal grosses as determined by the theatre managers. With 100 per cent as "normal,"
the figures show the gross rating above or below that mark.
^js&ts&m

Procticolly every merchant in
Jamestown, N. Y., had displays
for the world premiere of "Forever
Darling," and the appearance
of Lucille Ball and Desi
Arnaz. Here is a window in
Bige'ow's deportment store featuring
men's clothes of the
sports type which Desi wears
and the valentine motif.
HUGH
Assoc

SMART BOOKING
Jet Age Short and Billy Mitchell'
Go SRO At City Near Air Force Base
Color Guards from the Self ridge Air Force base, Mount Clemens, Mich., lining up in the lobby of the
Jewel Theatre, while Manager Wilson Elliott, second from right, exchanges last-minute instructions
with WWJ disk jockey Bob Maxwell, who emceed the pre-movie presentation ceremony honoring the
local Ground Observer Corps ond the local Air Force personnel.
An all-out cooperative effort by theatre,
civic authorities and nearby militia per-
of the jet at Selfridge
Field.
sonnel, plus booking of two films on similar
topics on one bill resulted in SRO for the
Jewel Theatre at Mount Clemens. Mich., at Elliott put it on the same billing with "The
the cost of one single-column, 11 -inch Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell." He then
newspaper ad. The rest of the promotion, obtained permission from Selfridge Field
which included newspaper pictorial and for full cooperation from Air Force and
news coverage, radio and television spot Ground Observer Corps personnel to schedule
news and feature coverage was entirely
an opening night program that fea-
free.
tured a city council resolution presented
Ftesponse from the public was far beyond
expectation, and much beyond what salute for the work Selfridge personnel are
by the mayor to the air base commander in
had been previously given Detroit area runs doing in defense of the community, and included
the awarding of Observer Wings to
of "The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell."
The film ran five days at the Jewel Theatre
local citizen-members of the Ground Obple
with the short, "24 Hour Alert." Peoserver
Corps.
stood in line, picked up pamphlets, The program opened Thursday evening
listened to lectures, and even volunteered
at the Jewel with full military pomp and
for civilian defense work throughout the ceremony. The honor and color guards
run.
from the Selfridge air base marched on the
Much of the interest stemmed from the stage; a squad of Civil Air Patrol cadets
timeliness of "24 Hour Alert," which and members of the air base's military
touches on the mutual problems of a community
and a nearby jet base. It stars pamphlets and ushered people to their
police distributed Ground Observer Corps
personnel of the Air Force and only one seats: the Air Force band played dignitaries
on and off the stage at the beginning
professional. Jack Webb. It has a half
hour running time. Suburban Mount and close of the ceremony, and the entire
Clemens has experienced a great many
theatre stood at attention for the lowering
problems due to the proximity of the jetpropelled
Air Defense Command of Self-
of the flag.
At the close of the ceremony, screening
ridge Field, and currently citizens are
of "24 Hour Alert" and "Court-Martial"
waging a campaign against the screaming
was started. In the lobby, the waiting queue
of latecomers was treated to brief lectures
by sergeants on volunteer civil defense
World's most complete line of
work. The Air Force had transported
DRIVE-IN THEATRE DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS
A light for every purpose . . . controls troffic . . .
ossists potrons . . . helps move troffic. DIT-MCO
lights ore wc. I- built, smartly styled and easy to
Recognizing the significance of the short
to local citizenry, Jewel Manager Wilson
a huge 15xl0-foot Ground Observer Corps
poster display from Saginaw to the Jewel
lobby to illustrate the civilian defense volunteer
theme.
Bob Maxwell, disk jockey for WWJ and
WWJ-TV. emceed the program, and gave
it ample mention on both of his programs
throughout the three days preceding the
event, while the local station WDOG promoted
it throughout every afternoon program
via disk star Bob Milton. The local
daily, the Monitor Leader, came through
with extensive front page and pictorial
spreads—the editor breaking one of his
customary habits by personally covering
"opening night." The Detroit News, the
afternoon daily, also picked up the story.
A transcription of the program followed on
WDOG the following day.
The entire promotion was arranged by
Elliott in four days. Elliott, formerly with
the Fox Theatre in Detroit, has been manager
of the Jewel, owned by Community
Theatres in Detroit, for the past four years.
He describes the promotion as the biggest
exploitation he has handled for the Community
Theatres.
It's Still Time to Obtain
Leap Year Show Headers
If you are planning to build boxoffice
returns with the Leap Year promotion,
remember that February 29 is nearly with
us. There is still time, however, to get special
ad headers made up plugging your
special February 29 show gimmicks. Suggested
heads, used with success by exhibitors
to bring out extra patrons for the occasion,
include "Gals! Here's the perfect
show for your Leap Year Valentine! Take
him to see it (date) . . . Girls! Here's
your chance to get him in the mood to
propose! Leap Year Midnight Show, Com-
^
bined With on the Stage Pop-the-Question t
Contest: a Grand Romantic Show!*'
Another suggested head, capitalizing on a
current movie title: "Hey there, you 'Leap-
Year' Dolls! Treat your Guys to a show
that's jumpin'—and sure to set your
hearts a-thumpin'! Leap Year Midnight
Show!"
Mindful of the magic of words to whet
curiosity and add appeal, how about having
a Leap Year Sneak Peek for your romantic
young patrons instead of a Leap
Year Preview? And for added fun you
might let every 29-year-old male in free
or admit every 29th male patron without
charge to your special Leap Year show.
Hugo D. Jorgensen Sets
Arms Display for 'Hell'
When Manager Hugo D. Jorgensen
booked "To Hell and Back" at the Main
Theatre, Rigby, Ida., he contacted the
local National Guard unit, which responded
nicely with arms equipment for display
both inside and outside the theatre during
the picture's run. Guardsmen also were
used as ushers and doormen.
Promotes Special Ad -
Manager Chuck Barnes of the Granada ^
Theatre, Kansas City, Kas., recently promoted
a special institutional ad in the
progress edition of the Kansas City Kansan.
The ad ran nearly one-half page and made
use of a cartoon mat and plenty of white
space. It contained copy designed to get
people back into the theatre.
40 — 46 — BOXOFTICE Showmandiser Feb. 18. 1956

Mastery of picture-taking and laboratory technics have freed today's
motion picture production from the practical limitations of time and space.
For example, should director and crew be in Hollywood with story
scenes to be photographed in New York, the director shoots background
and action separately, combines them in the optical department.
There's an Eastman Motion Picture Film for every purpose
o
o

'
S^howmcindisina
DS WE VE mentioned before, most of the
circuits' house organs and employe publications
come across our desk, and we
always like to scan them all to see what's
cookin' around the country. We were pulled
up short the other morning, however, while
glancing through the February issue of
Contact, the Wometco Theatres publication.
the little
This is by all odds the breeziest of all
papers to come our way, but this
issue was practically gusty.
If you'd like a
sly chuckle, get a copy and note, especially,
the treatment of news on marriages and
births. One of the milder examples is this
commentary as the lead-in on the Wometco
Stork Club column: "Thus far in '56, production
has taken a sharp decline over last
year. If employes, especially married ones,
will make an extra effort in their leisure
time, we feel that the year may yet have a
better-than-average chance for salvation."
Well, if that's the way to keep up company
morale, who's to say nay?
*
Another of our house organ friends.
National Theatres' Shovnnan, carried
an announcement in its last issue that
we read ivith some regret. The paper
has signed off as a weekly, and will become
a once-a-month publication with
the March edition. True, it will be
back again "king-sise, bigger, better,
bolder," as the announcement read, but
this was one publication filled with
smart ideas week after week, and it
seems that 12 issues a year can't do as
effective a job in putting these ideas
before managers as 52 issues used to
do. We'll miss those extra editions.
*
A promotion piece from the Orlando
Evening Star came to rest on our desk from
we-know-not-where, but we hadn't seen it
before and it's certainly worthy of attention.
A footnote reads, "This is what the
Orlando Evening Star does for the industry:
full page free." Above it is a great
institutional full-page plug for moviegoing.
A line cut drawing shows a parlor-bound
couple in the throes of "Home-I-Tis," a
chronic condition of discontent and boredom
caused by habitually staying at home,
as the ad explains. There follows some
copy on a guaranteed cure—getting out to
a movie, naturally. "Central Florida's
many movie theatres offer: *Big screen pictures,
"Uninterrupted entertainment.
•Newest movies—no ancient replays . . .
Give your family a real treat . . . GO
TO A
MOVIE TONIGHT," the ad concludes.
Great stuff! Particularly in view of the
completely opposite tack taken by many
newspapers in regard to motion picture advertising!
*
Twentieth-Fox has turned out some
extremely provocative teaser ads for
"The Man Who Never Was," the film
based on one of the strangest espionage
viewpoints
By LARRY GOODMANstories
to come out of the last world
war. Well off the beaten track, even
for teasers, these ads are particularly
effective in that they are so unlike
other a7nusemcnt page ads they're
bound to catch the eye first and hold
it. The two showji here are Mats 213
and 214 obtainable from 20th-Fox.
These and many others, including a
SPY SIOBV
..> or NMAifsnoNW
very disarming one showing just a pair
of feet pointed to the sky will undoubtedly
appear in the pressbook for
Was."
"The Man Who Never
Credit Fred Goldberg of IFE and his
staff with a new type of publicity-exploitation
kit which you'll be receiving soon
if you've booked "Lease of Life," the first
film to get this specialized advance campaign
treatment. After concluding a careful
survey of exhibitors' needs in handling
specialized product, the IFE exploiteers
worked out material which they believe to
be suitable for the news and feature sections
of daily papers as well as the amusement
pages. Besides breaking down the
feedable material into short "takes" so
that it can be used for column mention,
fillers, featurettes, etc., the kit has a special
information sheet telling, in specific terms,
where, when and how to place the stories.
Also included are advertising artwork on
glossy stills if the theatreman wants to
make up his own ads, ad proofs if he prefers
to order mats from IFE, and stills from the
picture itself which are suitable for press
layouts. The regular pressbook promotion
suggestions, of course, are not ignored: in
this instance, tieups with bookstores on the
"Nearer to Heaven" novel stemming from
the screen story, and support of the National
Council of Churches in Christ, which
has written individual letters to pastors
in the areas where the film will play. These
kits, housed in special folders with compartments
for publicity stories, advertising
and for stills, also have been completed on
"Riviera," "Maddalena" and "The Return
of Don Camillo."
*
Elsewhere in this issue you'll find
some photos of the Jamestown, N. Y.,
opening of "Forever Darling." There
was quite a hullabaloo up there, thanks
to MGM's exploitation staff, the Dipson
circuit's fine cooperation and oh,
yes, the fact that Lucille Ball is a
£
"native daughter" of the town. Well,
the population went wild over their
Lucy and took Desi to their heart as
well. What gave us the biggest charge,
though, was a chat with a sweet li'l old
lady at one of the many receptions we
attended. This dear heart marveled.
"Tell me, has there ever been another
premiere as big as this one?" It struck
us that many another soul of the
40,000 in Jamestown must have had
the same sincere feeling that here was
the biggest, the best, the mostest ever,
for certainly they all reacted in just
that manner. So, our hat's off to Lucy
and Desi, to Emery Austhi and his
gang at MGM and to Dick Kemper and
his staff at Dipson's for creating this
impression and maintaining it for two
action-packed days in the life of this
good town.
Miss Dove' Inspires
Awards for Teachers
A campaign which captured plenty of
space in the local press, including editorial ^m,
comment, was that engineered by Wilfred C^
Gillenwater of the Paramount in Bristol,
Tenn., for "Good Morning, Miss Dove."
Gillenwater printed up certificates of merit
which read, "Distinguished Teaching Service
Award ... in grateful appreciation for
distinguished service to Bristol's youth the
Paramount Theatre wishes to bestow this
award to in recognition of —
years of teaching in our beloved schools
and for the inspiration you have given so
many through the golden years."
The manager ran a special award assembly
at the theatre, called "Golden Years of
Service," at which he distributed these certificates
to teachers of the public school
system with 30 or more years of service to
their credit. He also screened "Good Morning,
Miss Dove" at the same time.
The Bristol Herald Courier gave the event
and the playdate heavy publicity for days
in advance of the award assembly, and
then had followup stories in addition to
the editorial.
Action Shot of Shark Used
To Liven Sea Film Display
A front of house display depicting a fine
action shot of a shark attracted much attention
at the Savoy Theatre in Sale. /^
Manchester, England, for Manager J. W. vj
Turner and the playdates of "Under the
Caribbean."
Fish cutouts were pasted on the windows
and doors of the theatre. A card, 8x3 inches
and suitably worded, was placed on the
slab of 14 local fishmongers.
42 — 48 BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :
: Feb. 18. 1956

—
Stage Talk, Threat
Shush Teenagers
Ernest Buffington, manager of the Delman,
Houston, figured he and the adult
O
patrons had had enough when some "joker,"
as he put it, dropped a lighted firecracker
in a washroom and badly injured a small
boy during the recent holidays. On a night
when the theatre was showing "The Tender
Trap" and had full houses, he started doing
something about it. During a break when
the house lights went up, Ernest went up
on stage and started talking.
"We have checked the records today,"
he began. "There have been 1,500 adult
Oso
tickets sold and 74 to teenagers. That is
2 per cent to the teenagers—or actually
1 per cent money-wise, because we have
been inviting teenagers at a reduced fare
by honoring Interstate's teen cards. Yet
99 times out of 100 whenever we had to go
down into the audience and ask people not
to talk so loud because they are disturbing
the people around them—or to take their
feet off the chairs—or not to cut the seats
—or to stop indecent necking—or not to
shoot off firecrackers—99 times out of a
100 whenever there was any disturbance
it was from teenagers and not adults.
TAIL WAGGING THE DOG
"Now why should the tail wag the dog?"
he asked. "Why should we let 1 per cent
disturb the show for 99 per cent."
The good citizens, Ernest said, applauded
wildly they almost shook the house down.
"We all love young people," he went on.
adding that they wanted them as patrons,
but they just didn't like what some of them
were doing. They were going to give them
one more chance, he said, during January.
Unless the trouble was stopped—the invitation
to admittance at the reduced fare
through use of Interstate's teen cards would
be canceled.
That brought some boos from one section
of the house. Ernest calmly pointed
toward the noise and went on.
"You can boo," he said, continuing that
the theatre personnel was going to keep
very close check on their behavior during
the month, and unless it vastly improved
Interstate teen cards would not be honored.
Not only that, but the Delman would issue
Its own teen cards—and these could only
be acquired by those who signed pledge
cards to behave—and these would be taken
away at any time the holder misbehaved
again.
Othat
ADULTS APPLAUD
Again the adult audience showed its approval
by loud and long applause.
"It has done wonders for us," Emest
said. And he feels pretty certain now, because
of the great improvement already.
they will be able to go on honoring
Interstate's teen cards. "But the threat is
there, over their heads," he explained. And
any time their conduct should become bad
again, he will do exactly as he told them
he would. Apparently they believe it, for
since the night he candidly told them what
to expect, they have been good patrons.
Prisoner Promotion Revolves Around
Popularity of Star Alec Guinness
Alec Guinness was the focal point of
Manager Viola Berlin's exploitation campaign
for "The Prisoner," which played her
Exeter Street Theatre in Boston recently.
Relying on the past successes of Guinness
in a variety of roles, Miss Berlin made
heavy use of a wide poster, displaying
the actor in many of the "faces" he has
employed in past films. She arranged with
two newspapers to use similar stills in feature
layouts, while a third paper had an
artist make up a drawing based on the
same theme.
A local television station developed a
contest based on the photographs of Guinness
in his previous roles. The stills were
displayed on screen and viewers were required
to list the titles of the films they
represented.
In extending her campaign, Miss Berlin
found no less than 14 stores in the downtown
area which were willing to go along
on similar Guinness displays and promotions.
One store also sponsored its own
contest based on proper identification of
the stills.
The critics' reaction to the New York
premiere of the film also was a prime consideration
in developing the Boston campaign.
The film, the first offering of Columbia's
special imported films division,
had won the Best Foreign Film award of
the National Board of Review and other
prizes and commendations. Consequently,
Miss Berlin created special posters listing
the various awards and excerpts from reviews
in New York papers. These posters
were put up at the theatre and also were
distributed at schools, colleges and libraries.
Small copies of the posters were given to
newspapers, television and radio stations,
resulting in extra "breaks" in these media.
The New York reviews also were incorporated
on a postcard that was sent to a
5,000-name mailing list secured from a local
legitimate playhouse.
More than 35 branches of the Boston
library cooperated in the exploitation. In
addition to tacking up the posters, they
also used bookmarks supplied by the theatre.
These tied the film in with a number
of recent books written on the subjects of
"brainwashing" and prisoner interrogation
in totalitarian countries.
Miss Berlin also staged a number of special
preview screenings for opinion makers,
thereby developing a great deal of wordof
-mouth publicity for the movie. She also
capitalized on the fact that Catholic schools
and colleges in the Boston area were particularly
interested in material on the film,
since the central character, portrayed by
Guinness, is a cardinal.
Guess the Hero Contest
Used as 'Hell' Promotion
When RKO Proctor's, New Rochelle.
N. Y., played "To Hell and Back," the
manager set up a guessing contest, with
patrons asked to name four heroes
Ulysses S. Grant, Sgt. Alvin York. Theodore
Roosevelt and Robert E. Lee—and the
wars in which they fought. The first 15
persons submitting correct answers won
passes to the theatre. Photographs of the
war heroes were placed on a lobby sign
board announcing the contest.
Practically everybody in Jamestown, N. Y., turned out tor lost week's two-day premiere activities for
"Forever Darling," MGM release starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnai. In addition to being the world
premiere, the occasion was a homecoming celebration for Lucy, who was born and raised in the town.
Almost to a man, the merchants went all-out in their cooperation. The theatre front of Dipson s
Palace, above, serves os a backdrop to port of the huge crowd that thronged the street to catch a
glimpse of Lucy and Desi before the first of two premiere showings. The 1,400-scatcr was sold out
twice over in about one hour's advance selling.
BOXOFTICE Showmandiser Feb. 18, 1956 — 49 — 43

Feb.
—
No Kid Angle Overlooked at New Haven
In Solid Campaign for Heidi and Peter'
More than a score of promotions were set
n motion with no kiddy angle overlooked
when Sid Kleper, no stranger to Showdandiser
columns, presented "Heidi and
Peter" at his College in New Haven recently.
First on the list were the schools. He
contacted the education board members
and arranged for classroom saturation via
faculty cooperation. Announcements were
placed in bulletins to teachers and principals.
This was followed up with screenings
for literature teachers of sixth grade
classes and student editors of five high
school newspapers, all of whom wrote reviews
of the film in their student publications.
For grades one to six, Kleper set up a
coloring contest in 43 public schools. The
teachers fit the contest into the class work.
In addition, classroom announcements were
made in advance and during the run of the
picture.
At department stores, bookstores and
lending libraries, the manager got personnel
to plug the Johanna Spyri series in
tie-in merchandising. He also had printed
11x14 tack cards plugging the 25-cent edition
of "The Adventures of Heidi and Peter"
as well as the playdates. and these were
distributed in the cooperating stores and
in other shops and newsstands selling the
book. In the Greater New Haven area, 150
newsstands carried these signs.
Dolls and other toys were not omitted
from Kleper's campaign. In leading outlets,
he set up counter and window displays
on the Heidi replica dolls, and he persuaded
merchants to use cutouts of Heidi
and Peter to lend atmosphere to their toy
displays.
Since Switzerland is the home of many
famous watchmakers, the College manager
tied up with leading jewelers, too. Similarly,
clothes departments of department
Louis Vosser of the Little Carnegie in New York
stands omong the components of the lobby display
he built for the coloring contest spotlighting
"Heidi and Peter," conducted jointly
by the theatre. United Artists, and the Daily
Mirror. Similar contests have been set up
around the country for key-city engagements
of the film.
A scene still from "Heidi and Peter" is the
centerpiece of this display set up in a bookstore
in New Haven. Similar tie-ins were placed
in department stores, lending libraries, toy
shops and candy stores.
stores and children's clothing shops were
brought into the campaign with window
and counter displays, relying on Swiss
motif styles, particularly in snowsuits, for
the tie.
Counter displays were set up in five-anddime
stores, based on Swiss chocolate merchandising.
Milk bars around town were
sniped with soda streamers reading "Heidi
and Peter."
One of the largest department stores ran
its own contest for the young women,
offering 16 prizes for the girls with the
longest pigtails. First prize was a $25 bond,
In regular news-
others were guest tickets.
paper ads, a fairly large inset showed a
picture of Elsbeth Sigmund as Heidi, wearing
the longest pigtails ever.
Children from Boys Village, Milford,
Highland Heights and the Children's Center
were guests at a screening for underprivileged
youngsters, and this deed drew
photos in the local papers. All girls up to
the age of 8 named Heidi were invited to
the opening.
With the engagement breaking right
around Christmas time, Kleper landed
space in the newspapers on Santa Claus
and holiday customs in Switzerland, which,
of course, turned into big plugs for "Heidi
and Peter."
Among gimmicks not particularly slanted
toward the small fry, were window and
counter displays at stores selling ski supplies,
and tie-ins w T ith travel bureaus, exploiting
the beauty of Switzerland.
Downtown sidewalks, curbs and barricades
were stenciled.
Sells Photos of James Dean
Joe Ruddick. Fox Midwest Theatres manager
at Sedalia, Mo., is selling photos of
the late James Dean to the teenage crowd
as "collector's items."
Stores Aid Promotion
To Spur Matinees
A reduced price, merchant participating
promotion is stimulating matinee attendance
at the Villa Theatre, recently opened
by the Orbo Corp. in Rockville. Md. The
company was formed last year by Ed Linder
and Victor Orsinger.
The matinee admission was reduced from
40 cents adults and 20 cents children to
25 and 10 cents from 1 to 5 p.m. with a
sales slip, cash register receipt, bank deposit
slip or any other type of proof that
a purchase had been made that day at any
of the Rockville cooperating business places.
The merchants publicized the plan in
store cards and in their ads. Orsinger
launched the promotion in an address at a
weekly luncheon of the Rockville Board of
Trade. The Montgomery County Sentinel
gave the project front-page coverage. In
addition, through efforts of Linder, the
Rockville Shopper published some pertinent
remarks under the heading of "What's the
Matter With You People?" They follow:
"Have you forgotten we have a splendid
new movie house here? We mean, the
Villa down in Courthouse Square. So everyone
squawks and bellers because there's
nothing to do in Rockville. And when we
get something to do what do you do? In
the matter of the Villa, you sure as youknow-what
are not patronizing it the way
you should. Daily matinees have been going
on, starting at 1 p.m., ever since the
place opened. Those matinees are just
about to become a thing of the past—and
will unless you attend once in a while.
All top level movies have been brought in
movies that cost the management a whale
of a lot to show. Expect to sit around until
economic pressure forces the management
to bring in the old junk that used to play
here? Even movie houses can't exist on
your good intentions."
Department Store Pays
For Co-Op on 'Ransom!'
Stan Goodman, Hollywood Theatre.
Sioux Falls, S. D., promoted a half-page
vertical co-op ad in the Argus-Leader with
the General Stores on "Ransom!" Headed:
"The General sez, 'We're not holding our
stock for Ransom!'" the top of the ad
carried a scene cut from the picture and,
in bold face type, this "Bulletin":
"Calling all shoppers. The jib is up
300 'Ransom' notes are in our hands. We
have 300 sales slips stamped 'Ransom.'
When you make a purchase and your sales
slip is stamped 'Ransom,' take it across
the street to the Hollywood Theatre. It's
your 'bail' to see 'Ransom!'"
In addition to paying for the half-page
ad, the store also paid for TV and radio
time plugging the picture, and set up displays
in windows and inside. All sales slips
also carried "Ransom!" copy. In other
promotions on the picture, Goodman placed
100 jumbo da-glo window cards throughout
the city.
44 — 50 — BOXOFTICE Showmandiser :
18. 1956

O
Birthdays Promotion
Influences Elderly
Bob Walker, owner and manager of the
Uintah Theatre, has a birthday and anniversary
greeting card system working for
his theatre in Fruita, Colo., which is attracting
considerable attention, even from
the town's TV fans.
The American Legion auxiliary in Fruita
last summer started making up a 1956
calendar showing the birth dates and anniversary
dates of local residents. The listings
cost 25 cents each and the calendars
sold for 50 cents. To help the auxiliary
on selling the birthday listings, Bob oifered
to mail out passes to persons on their
birthdays and anniversaries if they were
listed on the calendar.
The first of the year after the calendars
were delivered, Bob made up a couple of
hundred postcards on the mimeograph,
both for birthdays and anniversaries. The
cards were imprinted to look like the
Uintah marquee, and to liven them up, Bob
drew colored lines to represent neon tubing.
The sign board part of the marquee bore
appropriate "Happy Birthday" or "Happy
Anniversary" lettering, and the card was
good for one admission to a specific picture
on stated nights.
"One card," he said, "was mailed to a
lady who is somewhere between 75 and 80.
Some time back she won a hundred bucks
on Money in the Bank night and bought
herself a TV set. Of course, she quit me
cold right then.
"Then she got the birthday card, which
just pleased the heck out of her. She
brought the husband along on Friday and
Saturday. She was so thrilled over the
show and so enthralled by Warners' short.
Hold Your Horses,' that she wrote me a
card to tell me about it and thank me
again. She's liable to get the TV habit
again, but at any rate, I pleased an oldtimer.
"Another one, who came in Saturday, was
a lady of 93. On my first oldtimers party
she was the longest-married bride. She and
her husband had been married 71 years
then. Her daughter and family never miss
a show, but the old lady doesn't get out
very often since her husband died last year.
"Well, they brought her and I never felt
better than when she came over to thank
me for the card. Those oldtimers really
appreciate being remembered on their
birthdays."
All in all, Bob said, the calendar pass
idea helped the auxiliary, and it seems to be
helping the theatre.
"I've already had a repeat from a few
that hadn't been here since TV," he said.
"It pleases them, I'm sure."
Star Photo Giveaway
Ed Beaman of the Jayhawk, Topeka.
recently gave away pictures of Tony Curtis
as a concession premium to build advance
interest in "The Square Jungle." Popcorn
boxes were marked to signify winners, and
Beaman said the teenage girls were really
buying popcorn to get the pictures.
Ballyhoos Receive Starring Emphasis
In Campaign for The Golden Arm'
For "The Man With the Golden Arm,"
William J. Trambukis of Loew's State in
Providence, R. I., planted giant six-foot
postcards addressed to Frank Sinatra on
various street corners during rush hours
each day for a week in advance. Pedestrians
were asked to affix their signatures
to the card, telling Sinatra that they were
awaiting the arrival of his most recent
film.
Trambukis also secured permission from
the landlord of a vacant store in the downtown
area to blacken one section of a
main window with the exception of a small
peephole. Copy on the window stated,
"Take a glimpse of an unusual picture."
Beyond the peephole, Trambukis set up a
suspended gold arm. Near the store entrance,
the manager stationed an usher
who distributed heralds to all passersby
who stopped for a peek.
GIRLS IN TIGHT COSTUMES
A black skintight costume was obtained
and one arm was gilded with gold paint;
then a pretty model put it on and toured
the downtown section wearing the costume
and a sign: "Curious? Call me at
GAspee 1-2987." That's the telephone number
of the theatre, of course.
Another crowd-stopper was a drummer's
marathon, worked out with the aid of the
Adam's music store. A drummer appeared
in the main window of the store from early
morning and into the night one day, with
the music concern advertising the event
in its ads. Arrangements were worked out
for serving of food, shaving by a barber,
etc. Every two hours, WRIB played a
record of a drummer as background, then
announced, "The drummer is still at it at
Adam's Music Store, as you just heard
over our direct hookup, etc."
DISPLAYS BY JEWELERS
Providence being the heart of the jewelry
industry in this area, the manager also
worked with the Jewelers Ass'n to have
counter and window displays on all forms
of gold, with proper tie-in credits.
For radio-television publicity, Trambukis
serviced the disk jockeys on WJAR,
WHIM, WRIB and WEAN with the Sammy
Davis jr. record inspired by the picture.
WJAR-TV used a trailer featuring Drew
Pearson, and an interview featuring Trambukis
and United Artists publicist Joseph
Manfield the day after the opening, adding
up to a total of 20 minutes of free
programming.
Six Silverstein News Agency trucks were
bannered on both sides plugging the Pocket
Book edition of "The Man With the Golden
Arm." The agency also serviced its distributors
with window cards and streamers.
A giant overhead display located on the
main theatre staircase three weeks in advance
utilized a giant golden papier-mache
cutout as an eye-catcher. After a week
it was moved into the main lobby, and.
finally, for the last week before playdate it
Illustrated here is one of the promotions being
used for "The Mon With the Golden Arm." This
one was arranged by Frank Henson, manager of
Loew's State in St. Louis. The "drummer marathon"
was conducted for 40 hours in the Ludwig music
store. It was picked up by local radio and TV stations
and newspapers.
became an overhead piece on the outside
of the theatre.
The front of the marquee bore only the
giant golden arm during the engagement.
The sides carried the usual billing copy,
which could also be seen when viewed from
directly in front of the house, because of
the angle.
Puts Trailer on TV
A television program, "Hollywood Today,"
gave time to Jack Golladay, manager of the
Lincoln, Springfield, 111., for a trailer on
"The Lieutenant Wore Skirts."
Harold Smythe used downtown vacant
buildings in Du Quoin, 111., for windowdisplays
and special displays on "The
Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell."
MO QUESTION ABOUT //•/
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FEPCO THEATRE ADVERTISERS BOX 79S OMAHA. NEBRASKA
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BOXOFFICE Showmandiser I
Feb. 18. 1956 — 51 — 45

Changes Location But Not
Brand of Showmanship
Paul Turnbull
The Frels Theatres circuit down Texas
way transferred Manager Bill Starr from
the Uptown in Victoria to the Rio in Wharton,
but the change didn't affect his brand
of showmandiser thinking. As head man
at the Uptown. Bill had picked up a Citation
award as recently as July of this past
year. Now, he starts the new year right
with the first BOXOFFICE Citation of
1956.
Bill's winning effort was a bang-up campaign
for a Saturday midnight show in the
face of admonitions that previous attempts
at owl shows had failed dismally in his new
location. For a behind-the-scenes report
on how this manager licked this prejudice
and set up a lively midnight program, see
page 25.
Winning the general tieup award for
January was John G. Corbett, manager of
Schine's Glove in Gloversville, N. Y.
A special merchants tieup that merited
a Citation last month was that carried out
by Stanley A. B. Cooper, president-manager
of the Citizens Theatre in Brazil, Ind.
Cooper staged a three-week six-party promotion
for which cooperating merchants
contributed numerous prizes, page 12.
Ray Monroe, manager of the Dunes in
Zion, 111., came up with the best ballyhoo
of the month. For a picture of what he did
with some abandoned Christmas trees,
brush from nearby fields and several lowcost
stuffed animals to create an impressive
"jungle" bally, see page 15.
The award for the best original idea in
January Showmandiser accounts went to
R. K. Peterson, manager of the Story in
Story City. Iowa. Peterson drew up a pub-
R. K. Peterson David Silger
lie message, printed on 8x11 sulphite stock,
pinpointing the improvements in motion
picture quality and the technical advances
made in recent months.
The first page of the Showmandiser-
Promotion section for 1956 contains a photo
of the award-winning theatre front set up
by Manager Chuck Barnes of the Granada
in Kansas City, Kas. The next page presents
a detailed account of the windows set
up by Paul Turnbull, manager of the
Downtown in Hamilton, Ont., for his tie-ins
on "The Girl Rush."
Mel Jolley, another Canadian entry last
month, took cooperative ads honors for his
promotion of a Valentine's Day page used
last year but submitted in time to showother
exhibitors the way this month.
Jolley manages the Century in Hamilton.
A reproduction of the ad page appears on
page 20.
The lobby display classification award
went to Mark Ailing, manager of the
Golden Gate in San Francisco, who turned
out an eye-arresting display on "Tarantula"
with a big assist from Joe DeVictoria.
David Silger's own byliner on rebuilding
lagging attendance for his Darb Theatre
in Manteno, 111., won him the public relations
top lienor for January. His thorough
"how to do it" piece appears on page 3.
This Week for January 29 carries a color
cover of Gina Lollobrigida and a two-page
spread on United Artists' "Trapeze." The
feature shows the Italian actress in her
role as a circus performer and includes
stills of the Paris location filming of the
Hecht-Lancaster production.
Mel Jolley Mark Ailing Bill Starr John Corbett
'Goodman 7
Campaign
In Peak at Cleveland
Promotion for "The Benny Goodman
Story" at the Hippodrome in Cleveland was
one of the most extensive ever staged there
for a motion picture, exceeding even the
campaign put on for the world premiere of
"Magnificent Obsession," at which Jane
Wyman appeared.
For the first time in many years the exclusive
Halle Bros, department store participated
in a film promotion. In three
different issues of the local newspapers,
Halle used a ten-inch ad to announce the
all-paid trip to Rome, plus a $50 gift certificate
from the store. Entry blanks in
the contest were available in the store's
record shop where Benny Goodman records
were featured and where advance orders
were taken on the de luxe album for early
release.
Another feature was a tieup with the
Sheldon Music Co. in which a $150 Selmer
Bundy clarinet was the prize in a contes
to name the factory serial number of the
clarinet.
The person submitting the closest
numbers together with a 25-word letter on
"Why I Want a Clarinet" was declared the
winner.
The May Co., Ohio's largest department
store, gave the picture one of its choice
Euclid avenue display windows, tieing it up
to Eagle brand men's clothes.
Glamor entered the campaign with the
personal appearance of Hillevi Rombin
'Miss Universe) at a press luncheon. She
also appeared on TV and made tape-recordings
for radio rebroadcasting.
The campaign was arranged by Jack
Silverthorne, manager of the Hippodrome:
Jerry Evans, U-I promotion director, and
Duke Hickey, publicist.
Infrared Photos Taken
Of 'Diabolique' Patrons
Tom Dowd, manager of the Ziegfeld Theatre
in Chicago, recently pulled a trick on
three of his patrons while they were viewing
"Diabolique." He arranged to have a
photographer take some candid infrared
photos during the showing of a "horror
scene" and came up with a study in concentration.
The Chicago American thought
enough of the photo to run it with a story,
which included a note that the three young
women could obtain passes at the Ziegfeld
by identifying themselves at the theatre.
"Diabolique" has been setting new records
at the Ziegfeld. Lines have formed
nightly as a result of the unprecedented
policy of refusing admittance once the feature
begins. The lining up of patrons outside
the theatre didn't even suffer when
temperatures hovered near the freezing
point.
On Film Wicketeers
The January 30 issue of Sports Illustrated
contains a lengthy, illustrated article
entitled, "The Wicket Men of Hollywood,"
dealing with film capital notables who also
are croquet fans.
46 — 52 BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Feb. 18, 1956

'Carousel' lo NY Roxy;
3 Governors on Hand
NEW YORK—The governors of three
states, New York, Maine and New Jersey,
and four of the stars of "Carousel" attended
the benefit opening of the first 20th Century-
Fox Cinemascope 55 picture at the Roxy
Theatre Thursday (16). All proceeds went
to the New York Medical College.
The governors were Averill Harriman of
New York, Robert Meyner of New Jersey
and Edmund S. Muskie of Maine. Much of
the picture was filmed at Boothbay Harbor.
Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, Robert
Rounseville and Claramae Turner headed the
list of players who were present. Stage and
screen notables on hand included:
Joan Crawford, Marlon Brando, Ethel Merman,
Orson Welles, Paul Douglas, Myrna Loy, Basil Rathbone,
Henry Fonda, Madeleine Carroll, Farley Granger,
Janet Blair, Montgomery Clift, Marlene Dietrich,
Phil Silvers, Margaret Truman, Kim Hunter,
Ralph Bellamy, Ralph Meeker, Beatrice Lillie,
Alfred Hitchcock, Gracie Fields, Sid Caesar, Martha
Scott, Wendell Corey, Nina Foch, John Kerr, Vivian
Blaine, Edward R. Murrow, Dorothy Gish, John
Forsythe, Rhonda Fleming, Sam Levene, Claire Bloom,
Dane Clark, Eva Le Gallienne, Jeffrey Lynn, Ilka
Chase, Harold Lang, Patricia Neal.
Several United Nations ambassadors and
permanent representatives attended. Station
WPIX telecast a live show from the front of
the Roxy between 8:30 and 9 p.m., hosted
by Tex McCrary and Jane Pickens. Bob
Haymes interviewed celebrities for CBS radio
as did Ray Heatherton for the Mutual network.
Full-page advertisements in the New York
Times and Herald Tribune February 19 will
kick off a national advertising and promotional
campaign by American Airlines.
The Roxy Theatre was closed all day
Thursday to prepare for the opening.
Frisch and Brandt Name
N. Y. Tax Campaigners
NEW YORK—Members of the metropolitan
area tax campaign committee have been appointed
by Emanuel Frisch, president of the
Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n,
and Harry Brandt, president of the Independent
Theatre Owners Ass'n, co-chairmen of
the campaign for the area.
The members are directors of the board
of each organization, plus Max Fellerman,
Walter Higgins and Spyros S. Skouras, unaffiliated.
The MMPTA members are: Herman, Leo
and Walter Brecher, Russell V. Downing,
Harry Goldberg, James F. Gould, Philip F.
Harling, Bernard Helfand, Murray Lenekoff,
Harry Mandel, William L. Miller, Martin
Newman, Eugene Picker, Samuel Rinzler,
Arthur Rosen, Samuel Rosen, Robert C.
Rothafel, Donald S. Rugoff, Leslie R.
Schwartz, Sol A. Schwartz, Robert K. Shapiro,
M. O. Strausberg and Solomon M. Strausberg.
ITOA members are: Max A. Cohen, William
Namenson, Julius Sanders, Abraham Leff,
Leon Rosenblatt, Edith Marshall, John C.
Bolte jr., Richard Brandt, Samuel Einhorn.
Norman Elson. Sam Freedman, Jack Hattem,
Ben Knobel, Larry Kurtis, Murray LeBoss,
Martin Levine, Al Margolies, Melvin Miller.
Irving Renner, Ray Rhone, Jack Rochelle,
Al Shukat and David Weinstock
Armand Deutsch has acquired the screen
rights to "A Public Figure," a TV program,
which he will film under his own banner.
Maine Clambake Staged on Broadway
As Prelude to 'Carousel' Opening
NEW YORK—The State of Maine Tuesday
night (14) aided and abetted the 20th Century-Fox
campaign in behalf of "Carousel,"
first picture in Cinemascope 55, by throwing
a real Maine clambake for the press at the
Lobster restaurant just off Times Square. It
was a novel event that preceded the opening
of the picture at the Roxy Theatre by just
two
evenings.
Celebrities, including stars in the picture,
lent color to the occasion when, promptly
at 11 p. m., famished newsmen began cracking
lobster shells, extracting clam meat,
chewing on portions of chicken, gnawing at
cobs of corn and drinking beer.
Maine and Gov. Edmund S. Muskie have
taken an interest in "Carousel" ever since
important sequences of the picture were
shot at Boothbay Harbor and other points
along the rugged coast. One sequence is a
clambake with catchy music and lyrics. That
was enough to give the governor of the vacation
state ideas. Twentieth-Fox did not
object.
The menu consisted of 18 barrels of lobsters,
clams and seaweed, 144 portions of
chicken, 300 ears of sweet corn and several
barrels of beer. The corn came from Florida
and the beer from New Jersey, otherwise it
was an all-Maine production, including five
barrels of suitable Maine rocks and a tarpaulin.
The governor was host. He remarked that
as Maine feels about its crustaceans, so should
the nation, and there were no dissenters.
It was quite a project, especially since it
happened only a few steps from Broadway
whose denizens aren't familiar with Maine
clambakes.
Down East the clambakes usually call for
a fire on the seashore to heat the rocks
which set the seaweed steaming which cooks
the delectable ingredients of the feast.
But the state is resourceful and provides a
booklet describing other completely acceptable
HONOR COUNCIL HEAD — The
Motion Picture and Television Council
of the District of Columbia feted Mrs.
Max M. Williams of Royal Oak, Mich.,
president of the Federation of Motion
Picture Councils, at a tea. Mrs. Eric
Johnston, wife of the president of the
Motion Picture Ass'n of America, is
greeted by Mrs. Williams, left, as Mrs.
Virginia Rollwage Collier, president of
the D. C. Council, second from right,
looks on.
methods. One is called the "iron plate
method," and since the restaurant couldn't
start a fire on the floor, it used that.
Insulation was placed on the floor of the
dining-room under a raised square of sheet
iron. Steam pipes from the city line were
run under the metal plate. The rocks, the
seaweed and the ingredients went on top in
bags, all covered with the trapaulin. The
steaming took a few hours. Guests served
from the barrels.
their own beer by pumping it
The occasion made local history.
Besides the governor, the guests were
greeted and urged on by Shirley Jones, Cameron
Mitchell, Robert Rounseville and Clarence
Turner of the "Carousel" cast. Among
other personalities present were Rod Alexander,
"Carousel" choreographer; John Raitt,
star of "The Pajama Game," and Jayne
Mansfield, star of "Will Success Spoil Rock
Hunter?"
None of the guests were in any hurry to
leave.
The next morning, the governor laid a
WTeath at the Maine Monument in Columbus
Circle, marking the 58th anniversary of the
sinking of the battleship Maine. He was accompanied
by Miss Jones.
Wile Again Tells Ohio ITO
Not to Pay Dues to COMPO
COLUMBUS—Robert A. Wile, executive
secretary of the Independent Theatre Owners
of Ohio, is again recommending that members
refrain from paying dues to the Council
of Motion Picture Organizations.
"When and if the Allied board considers the
time ripe to appeal for elimination of the
ticket tax we will advise you promptly, and
if the agency through which the campaign
will be conducted is COMPO, we will then
urge you to pay your dues," writes Wile in
the February 13 bulletin to members. "In
the meantime, if you pay COMPO, it will
simply be money going down the drain to
support an organization which, at last reports,
was spending over $12,000 a month and
doing nothing.
If, during the last year or two.
this money had been saved, any tax campaign
which COMPO wanted to conduct would have
been possible without any contribution from
exhibitors."
For Theatre Liguor Sales
ALBANY—Theatres would be permitted to
sell alcoholic beverages to patrons, a half
hour before a performance started and a
half hour after it ended, under an amendment
to the ABC law sponsored by Assemblyman
Alfred A. Lama, Brooklyn Democrat.
The measure, similar to one introduced at
the last session by Senator Stanley J. Bauer.
Buffalo Republican, provides that theatre
liquor licenses would be half the rate
charged for regular permits. This would
make the fee S600 in all the counties of
Greater New York, except Richmond. It is
presumed that legitimate theatres would be
the only ones interested in obtaining such a
license.
Mervyn LeRoy will direct and produce
Warners' "Toward the Unknown."
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18. 1956 47

5
lone Ranger and Forever Darling
Draw Holiday Crowds; Others Big
NEW YORK—A bright and pleasant
twoday
Lincoln's birthday holiday brought out
hordes of school kids who flocked to two new
pictures, "The Lone Ranger" and "Forever
Darling," both starring popular TV personalities.
The Mayfair, where "The Lone
Ranger" made a few personal appearances,
even had long waiting lines outside the house
Monday U3>. Big business was also
registered by "The Second Greatest Sex,"
Cinemascope musical at the RKO Palace
for a single week.
Several of the long run holdovers were
equal to or a bit above the preceding week,
including "The Rose Tattoo" in its ninth big
week at the Astor, and "The Man With the
Golden Arm" in its ninth strong week at
the Victoria, right next door on Broadway.
"I'll Cry Tomorrow" in its fifth and final
week at the Radio City Music Hall, "Helen
of Troy" in its third week at the Criterion
and "Guys and Dolls" in its 15th week at
the Capitol also benefited by the holiday
crowds, as did the two two-a-day pictures,
"Oklahoma!" in its 18th week at the Criterion
and "Cinerama Holiday," which started its
second year at the Warner. Both of these
gave extra performances February 12, 13.
"The Court Jester" also had a strong
second week at the Paramount. However,
"Bottom of the Bottle," with a Rock-'n-Roll
ice revue, was mild in its second week at the
Roxy.
A new art house film, "Lease of Life,"
garnered fine reviews and did excellent business
at the Little Carnegie. The revival of
"Fantasia" opened to smash business at the
Normandie and looks set for a long run.
"Carousel." the first Cinemascope 55
feature, had its invitation opening at the
Roxy Thursday (16) and "Picnic" opened at
the Radio City Music Hall the same day.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—The Rose Tattoo (Para), 9th wk 135
Baronet—Adorable Creatures (Cont'l.), 5th wk...l50
Capitol—Guys and Dolls (MGM), 1 5th wk 110
Criterion— Helen of Troy (WB), 3rd wk 150
Fine Arts— Diabolique (UMPO), 11th wk 145
55th St.—Foreign revivals
Globe—Three Bad Sisters (UA) 115
Guild—Golden Demon (Harrison), 2nd wk 125
Little Carnegie— Lease of Life (IFE) 125
Loew's State— Forever Darling (MGM) 140
Mayfair—The Lone Ranger ( WB) 140
Normandie— Fantasia (BV), reissue 150
Palace—The Second Greatest Sex (U-l), plus
vaudeville 130
Paramount—The Court Jester (Para), 2nd wk. ...150
Paris—Letters From My Windmill (Tohan), 8th
wk 120
Plaza—The Prisoner (Col), 10th wk 140
Radio City Music Hall— I'll Cry Tomorrow (MGM),
plus stage show, 5th wk 1 40
Rivoli—Oklahoma! (Magna), 18th wk. of two-aday
125
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Roxy— Bottom of the Bottlo (20th-Fox), plus ice
revue, 2nd wk 1 05
Sutton—The Night My Number Come Up (Cont'l.),
8th wk 120
Trans-Lux 52nd—The Littlest Outlaw (BV), 7th
wk. 1 1
Victoria—The Man With the Golden Arm (UA),
9th wk 1 30
Warner—Cinerama Holiday (SW), 53rd wk. of
two-a-doy 1 40
World— Inside a Girls' Dormitory (Ellis), 2nd wk.. .110
'Goodman' 175 Despite
Strike in Baltimore
BALTIMORE—Despite a street car strike,
tieing up all trolleys and buses and leaving
the public without any means of mass transportation,
"The Benny Goodman Story"
opened strong and attracted capacity audiences
over the weekend. "The Rose Tattoo"
was comfortably second, considering the
strike. "Helen of Troy" was satisfactory in
its second week.
Century—The Benny Goodman Story (U-l) 175
Hippodrome—Guys and Dolls (MGM), 8th wk 85
Little—Diabolique (UMPO), 8th wk. moving from
Film Centre 85
New—The Rose Tattoo (Para) 1 35
Mayfair—At Gunpoint (AA), 2nd wk 80
Playhouse—The Trouble With Harry (Para), 8th
wk 85
Stanley—Helen of Troy (WB), 2nd wk 90
Town—Ransom! (MGM) 85
The Cinema—The Bed (Getz-Kingsley), 5th wk... 80
"Littlest Outlaw' Turns
In 155 at Buffalo
BUFFALO — The Century, with "The
Littlest Outlaw" and a three-day Lincoln's
Birthday weekend, turned in a handsome 155.
"The Court Jester" ended up a second week
in the Paramount with a 130 and the third
week of "Helen of Troy" brought in a 140
at the Center.
Buffalo—The Man With the Golden Arm (UA),
4 days, 3rd wk 110
Center—Helen of Troy (WB), 3rd wk 140
Century—The Littlest Outlaw (BV) 155
Cinema—Guys and Dolls (MGM), 8th wk 125
Lafayette—There's Always Tomorrow (U-l) 110
Paramount—The Court Jester (Para), 2nd wk 130
ATONJ Continuing Study
Of Group Purchasing
NEW YORK—Allied Theatre Owners of
New Jersey at a board meeting Thursday (16)
continued discussing the possibility of group
purchasing of fuel and minor items as electric
light bulbs. President Sidney Stern noted
that large circuits save considerable money in
that way. A membership meeting will be held
February 28 to hear a report on the National
Allied board meeting in Cleveland which will
start Sunday (19). Wilbur Snaper, Irving
Dollinger and he will attend the board
meeting.
MGM Theatrical Talent
Puts on Stage Play
NEW YORK—The Ortem Players, a group
of MGM employes, presented "Picnic," the
Pulitzer Prize play, Thursday and Friday
(16, 17) at the McBurney YMCA auditorium.
Fred Nicholas handled ticket sales. It was the
second theatrical venture of the group, which
staged a Christmas musical entertainment
last December. It got its name by spelling
Metro backwards.
Lc-HITAC.O 11.7 s WABASH • NEW VOKI HI \ Russ Harlan will photograph MGM's "The
Teahouse of the August Moon."
PROMOTING 'ALEXANDER' Robert
Rossen, producer-director of "Alexander
the Great," and Claire Bloom, who
is co-staiTed in the United Artists release,
arrive at New York's Idlewild airport
from London to take part in the
Sl.000,000 promotion for the Cinema-
Scope picture which will open this
Easter. Miss Bloom also will play in
Shaw's "Caesar and Cleopatra" on TV
in March.
Two Rank Pictures Booked
For New York First Runs
NEW YORK—Two new J. Arthur Rank pictures,
"Doctor at Sea" and "Touch and Go,"
will open New York first runs in the next
month, according to Republic and Universal,
which are distributing them in the United
States.
"Doctor at Sea," in VistaVision and Technicolor,
will open at the Trans-Lux 52nd Street
Theatre February 29, one year after "Doctor
in the House," also released by Republic,
started a 24-week run at the same theatre.
Dirk Bogarde is starred in both "Doctor"
pictures and James Robertson Justice is featured
in both.
"Touch and Go," a Sir Michael Balcon production
in Technicolor, starring Jack Hawkins
with Margaret Johnston and Roland
Culver, will open at the Guild Theatre in
March, following the current run of "The
Golden Demon," Japanese film.
A Leap Year benefit premiere of "Doctor"
will be held on the 28th. All proceeds will go
to the heart fund. Seats will be reserved
and tickets will be $5 each. Sales started
February 16.
Columbia CS Short Opens
NEW YORK—"Wonders of Manhattan,"
Columbia musical featurette in Cinemascope
and Technicolor, opened at the Radio City
Music Hall Thursday U6), with the program
headed by Columbia's feature, "Picnic."
WANTED EXPERIENCED, RELIABLE
THEATRE PREMIUM SALESMEN for proven boxoffice
promotions. Liberol commissions.
Write qualifications to
MRS. F. HARDING 38 Church St., Boston 16, Mass.
48 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

BROADWAY
ITim Novak, who has been promoting "Picnic"
in New York, left on a ten-day tour
of five cities in connection with openings of
the Columbia picture . . . Anne Francis, MGM
starlet, got in from the coast to publicize
"Forbidden Planet." Leo G. Carroll and Jessie
Royce Landis, who recently completed featured
roles in Grace Kelly's "The Swan,"
opened in Emlyn Williams' "Someone Waiting"
February 14 with Hope Hampton, Cole
Porter, Marjorie Gateson, Raymond Massey,
Nancy Coleman and Kenn Berry among
those in the audience.
Heading for Hollywood were: Max Fellerman,
vice-president and general manager of
Lopert Films, on his annual product buying
visit for pictures to play the Astor and
Victoria Theatres; Roger H. Lewis, United
Artists national director of advertising, publicity
and exploitation, who flew to Hollywood
for a week-long series of conferences—his
first trip since assuming the post last November:
William Dozier, RKO vice-president in
charge of production, who went back after two
weeks in New York to establish story and
talent departments, and Robert Rossen, producer-director
of "Alexander the Great," who
went back after talks with United Artists
executives.
Ernie Emerling, Loew's ad-publicity director,
and Joseph R. Vogel and John Murphy all
returned from Miami, where they attended
the opening of Loew's new Riviera Theatre
Ned E. Depinet left for several
February 16 . . .
weeks in Phoenix, Ariz., February 15.
Harry Lipskin, Columbia International public
relations director, went to Mexico City
February 17 and F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal
southern and Canadian sales head, went to
Miami February 12 . . . James O'Gara, newly
appointed eastern division manager of Buena
Vista, got back from a five-week tour of
Latin America . . Sally Serin, secretary to
.
J. K. Chapman, United Artists supervisor of
branch operations, was married to Marvin
Bear February 12. They are honeymooning in
Florida.
The liners arriving from Europe are
crowded with film personalities or producers
planning to promote or make pictures in
America. Victor Mature, who completed
"Zarak Khan" for Columbia in England,
came in on the Queen Elizabeth February
14 to confer with Samuel Goldwyn jr. on
his next, "The Sharkfighters," to be made
in Cuba in March. Jack Hawkins, British
star of "The Prisoner" and the forthcoming
"Touch and Go," was on the same boat and
Ike's Decision Is Seen
Affecting Tax Drive
WASHINGTON — President
Eisenhower's
presidential campaign decision is
seen affecting the theatre admission tax
drive. Robert W. Coyne, Council of Motion
Picture Organizations executive,
said the industry would have a better
chance for relief if the President decides
not to run. Coyne believes that Congress
would then have a freer hand since
Eisenhower has opposed general tax cuts.
will appear in "Caesar and Cleopatra" on
NBC-TV in March. Robert S. Wolff, chairman
and managing director of RKO Pictures,
Ltd., also came in for conferences with
Walter Branson and other RKO home office
executives . . . Barry Jones, another British
actor who is featured in "Alexander the
Great," flew in to promote the UA picture
here. Herbert Marshall, who has completed
a picture in England, and William Sylvester,
British film star, who will appear in the
Theatre Guild's Broadway play, "Mister
Johnson," came in on the United States
February 11.
Also getting back from London were
Reginald Armour, executive vice-president
of Republic International, back after a sixweek
tour of Europe; Ilya Lopert, by a
BOAC; Leon Leonidoff, Radio City Music
Hall stage show producer; Robert Dowling,
head of City Investing, and Beatrice Lillie;
John Huston, producer-director of "Moby
Dick" for Warner Bros., who brought the
completed print for Warner Bros., and Kenny
Deland, unit manager on Paramount's
"Funny Face," en route to Hollywood, where
the picture will be made.
Returnees to Europe were Eric Pleskow,
United Artists general manager in Germany,
and Jacques Flaud, head of the French
government film division, who went back to
Paris . . . Alfred Katz, UA home office
foreign department executive, planed to
Venezuela. Trinidad and Mexico to map
sales and promotion plans; Doug Travers,
RKO Pathe vice-president, flew to Bermuda
and Robert L. Gaines, assistant director of
the international division of Du Mont Laboratories,
and Erich Gompertz, Caribbean representative,
left for Puerto Rico, Venezuela
and the Central American countries to survey
those fields.
Ray Danton, featured in MGM's "I'll Cry
Tomorrow," came in with his wife for a tenday
stay . . . Dick York, Columbia featured
player, is now at the Winter Garden in "Bus
Stop," prior to replacing Albert Salmi in the
road company of the play before returning to
Columbia for more pictures.
Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th
Century-Fox, flew to Hollywood for studio
talks following the premiere of "Carousel"
in New York. He was accompanied by Al
Lichtman, director of sales, and Charles
Einfeld, vice-president. Other executives
will join them on the coast.
Nat Levy, RKO eastern sales manager, went
to Dallas February 14 and Albert Margolles,
Buena Vista ad-publicity head, went to Atlanta
to arrange for the opening of Disney's
"The Great Locomotive Chase."
UA to Release 'Big Boodle'
HOLLYWOOD—Release through United
Artists has been secured by Lewis F. Blumberg
for "The Big Boodle," a story of counterfeiting
activities in Havana, which he will
produce on location in Cuba beginning in
April. Jo Eisinger wrote the screenplay from
a novel by Robert Sylvester. It marks the
first production venture for Blumberg, son of
Nate Blumberg, board chairman of Universal-
International.
David A. Levy Plans
To Retire in March
NEW YORK—David A. Levy, New York
metropolitan district manager for Universal-
International, will retire March 2 after more
than 35 years in the
industry. He became
New York branch
manager in 1939.
Levy will be succeeded
by Joseph B.
Rosen, branch manager
in Detroit since
November 1953.
Rosen will be succeeded
as Detroit
branch manager by
David A. Levy
Richard B. Graff, sales
manager in Chicago
since 1952 . Graff started
with Universal in Chicago in 1946 as a
student booker. He became a salesman in
1948 and was made sales manager in 1952.
After a Florida vacation, Levy plans to
return to New York and engage in limited
Richard B. Graff Joseph B. Rosen
film activities. He started his career in the
industry in 1920 with Paramount as a salesman.
In 1923 he moved to Educational Pictures
as sales and office manager. In 1925 he
joined Loew's, Inc., as New York branch manager
for MGM and held that post for 14 years.
UA Field Heads to Meet
At N. Y. Home Office
NEW YORK—All United Artists district
managers in the U. S. and Canada will start
a two-day meeting here Friday (24) with William
J. Heineman, vice-president in charge
of distribution. It will be the first meeting
with the distrct managers of James R. Velde
since he became general sales manager. It
also will be the first general meeting of the
field men here in two and a half years.
Arthur B. Krim, president; Robert S. Benjamin,
board chairman; Max E. Youngstein,
vice-president, and Roger H. Lewis, director
of advertising, publicity and exploitation, also
will attend.
One highlight will be planning for the
special distribution of Robert Rossen's "Alexander
the Great." UA has said it will have
a $1,000,000 promotion campaign.
Pat McGee Offered Another Post
NEW YORK—Pat McGee, former
general
manager of Cooper Foundation Theatres, has
been asked to head the Denver area activities
of the National Ass's, of Film Service Organizations
by Sidney Cohen, president.
McGee is considering a number of other
offers.
BOXOFTICE :
: February 18. 1956
49

. . The
. . Harry
. . The
.
.
ALBANY
•The Strand earned a fine pay off attendance
through the distribution of 15,000 discount
tickets for "Helen of Troy" to students in
local high schools and colleges. The stubs,
redeemable for 40 cents in the afternoon and
60 cents at night—Saturday evening and
Sunday were excluded—came in at such a
rapid rate that Manager Al LaFlamme estimated
the week's total would be around 3.500.
Assistant Norman Contois visited every public,
parochial and private school in the agerange
covered, as well as Russell Sage College
and the College of St. Rose. Andy Roy
had used a similar plan with good results for
the engagement at the Stanley in Utica. Sid
Sommer arranged to employ it for the date
at the Troy in Troy, while the Fabian interests
intend to follow suit in Schenectady.
Louis VV. Schine of Gloversville underwent
an ulcer operation at Harkness Pavilion,
Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, Tuesday.
He had recently been on a diet under
doctor's orders and had taken off weight.
Harold Gabrilove, chief barker of Albany
Variety Club and a close friend of the longtime
circuit executive, talked with him in
New York Tuesday and expected to visit him
Friday (17) . . . "Wiretapper" and "Jaguar"
comprised Paul Wallen's initial bill after
assuming operation of the Leland on lease
from Fabian Theatres Friday (17). He broke
newspaper copy on Wednesday heralding
"New First Run Policy."
As soon as the snow gets off the ground,"
Johnny Gardner will reopen the Turnpike
Drive-In at Westmere. Last year he relighted
March 17; in 1954, March 19. Gardner
and his son John jr. have gone over all
the loudspeakers. Cold weather interfered
with construction work at Gardner's new
325-car Unadilla Drive-In, but it had been
completed to a point where an April opening
was assured . sale by Neil Hellman of
the Mount Vernon Motel near the Auto-
Vision Theatre at East Greenbush, to Lillbett
Realty Corp. of New York City was disclosed
here. The property, valued at $400,000, will
pass to the new owner May 1, according to
Alan V. Iselin, assistant to Hellman in motel
operations. The New York group plans improvements,
including a swimming pool, to
the 60-unit motel.
Food, entertainment and sentiment neatly
blended at the Sweetheart luncheon the Variety
Club gave Monday noon in the Fort
Orange suite of the Sheraton-Ten Eyck. Held
in honor of "our wives," the affair attracted
about 30 couples. Clothes from the women's
store of Barker Josef Yezzi were displayed
during the meal. Among those attending were
Lewis A. Sumberg, Jules Perlmutter, George
Schenck, Jack Goldberg. Arthur Lowe, Ken
Farrar, Ben Becker, Aaron Winig, Sid Urbach,
Gene Teper, Jack Spitzer, Josef Yezzi, the
Bacher brothers, Jack Hamilton and Mrs.
Leonard L. Rosenthal.
Filmrow was shocked by the word Monday
that Bill Gaddoni had died in Kansas City
at the age of 42. MGM manager there, he
. .
had served with the company here as booker,
office manager and salesman for about nine
years. He was married to Alice Smith, who
was switchboard operator at Warners here.
They were parents of two children
William J.
.
Morgan, a graduate of Holy Cross
College last year, is the new assistant booker
for Columbia . Lamont sent word
from Key West, Fla., that the warm climate
and bright sunshine were improving his
hen lth. He is due back here March 1 . .
.
Jack Hamilton, Berlo Vending Co. manager,
Monday went to Monsey and the new Rockland
Drive-in, managed by Jerry Schwartz,
formerly of Albany. Berlo services the outdoorer,
which remained open for the winter
. . . Pat Patterson, manager of Fabian's
Leland for six years, was reported switching
to the Palace as replacement for Gene
Ganott—following Paul Wallen's leasing of
the former theatre. Patterson long served
as Wallen's assistant at the Leland.
Gene Ganott, promoted from assistant at
the Palace here to manager of the State and
Erie, Schenectady, is moving back to the
Electric City with his wife and young daughter.
Ganott lived there before World War II
and for a time after his transfer to Albany .
A second bill amending the penal law to
permit earlier starts for Sunday sports and
theatricals has been introduced in the legislature.
It would authorize a 1 p.m. opening,
instead of the present 2 p.m. Senator Samuel
L. Greenberg, Brooklyn Democrat, sponsors
the measure in the upper house. A companion
pends in the assembly.
. . . The
Oscar J. Perrin sr., dean of area managers
and a member of Albany lodge of Elks 47
years, attended the initiation of his sons
Oscar jr. and John by the lodge. The Knickerbocker
News ran a two-column picture of the
trio with hands interlocked. Perrin sr., Madison
manager, was recently honored by the
Elks with a "night" and a plaque
recent death of Sir Alexander Korda was
mourned by Rudy Bach, Allied Artists salesman.
Korda, Michael Curtiz (now of Hollywood
) and Bach all were producers in Vienna
at the same time . Knickerbocker News
ran a three-column picture of Al Levy, 20th-
Fox division manager; Clayton Pantages, local
Fox manager; Elias Schlenger, Fabian division
manager, and Bill With, Palace chief,
taken in the lobby of the theatre after the
preview of Cinemascope 55 . . . Malone, near
the Canadian border, was reported to have
been visited by a snowfall of nearly three
feet in two days.
Sponsorship of the 1956 Adirondack AAU
Golden Gloves championships was voted by
the Variety Club at a meeting Monday night.
The tournament, directed by Prof. Ben
Becker, honorary Tent 9 member and AAU
district president, will be held in Mid-City
Arena, Menands, March 19, 20. Proceeds
will go to the Variety Camp Thacher Fund.
Olivier, Dowling Heading
Actors Fund Committee
NEW YORK—Laurence Olivier, director,
producer and star of "Richard ni," will be
co-chairman with Robert W. Dowling of the
committee for the premiere of the picture to
be given for the benefit of the Actors Fund
of America March 11 at the Bijou Theatre.
Other members of the committee are
Katherine Cornell, Helen Hayes, Maurice
Evans, Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fontanne, Gladys
Cooper, Eva Le Galliene, Vinton Freedley,
David Sarnoff, Lewis W. Douglas, Mayor
Robert F. Wagner, Anthony Bliss, Robert
Goelet, Thomas J. and Mrs. Watson, Robert
Whitehead, Robert Benjamin, Arthur Krim
and William Griffin.
Albany Paper Suggests
End to Censorship
ALBANY—The Knickerbocker News has
twice suggested in editorials recently, that
motion picture censorship for New York
State might not be necessary or wise. The
first time, after listing 14 bureaus and state
activities which might be curbed or curtailed—considering
Gov. Averell Harriman's
record-high budget of IV4 billion dollars—the
local Gannett paper commented:
"We need more socially responsible movies.
Censorship is difficult at best, since the courts
are continually ripping holes in the law.
Some public-spirited citizen groups, though,
do much good."
On the second occasion, the Knickerbocker
News printed a long editorial in which it
stated the opportunity for settling the question
of screen censorship "may be imminent
because of the willingness of Capitol Enterprises,
Inc., to brush aside questions of fact
and present the appellate division—and
eventually the U. S. Supreme Court—with
an uncluttered constitutional issue."
Capitol Enterprises is distributor for "Mom
and Dad," which the motion picture division
has banned as indecent. In appealing the
bureau's ruling, attorneys for the distributor
are conceding for the purposes of the appeal
that the film is "pornographic." This technical
concession allows them to challenge the
state's licensing practice on constitutional
grounds. Appellants' attorneys also contend
that "bans imposed prior to exhibiting films
violate the First Amendment."
"If this were a simple issue," the News
added, "it would have been settled long ago.
Judging by the actions of their representatives
in the legislature, the people of New
York apparently want some sort of restraint
imposed on film exhibitors; every time the
courts knock out a movie censorship law the
legislature promptly passes another in slightly
modified form.
"Prior censorship is the easy way to handle
the problem; it doesn't involve policing and
prosecution. Usually the state doesn't have
to prove anything, but maybe the easy way
isn't the best way."
St. Lawrence Investors
Suit to Trial Feb. 20
ALBANY—The $1,500,000 antitrust suit
brought by St. Lawrence Investors, operating
Aleck Papayanako's American in Canton,
against Schine Chain Theatres, other Schine
defendants and the eight major distributors,
involving the Pontiac and Strand in Ogdensburg,
is scheduled to start Monday (20) before
Judge Stephen W. Brennan and a jury
in U. S. District Court at Utica.
Originally scheduled for Albany, the week
of January 16, court hearing was postponed,
and was later moved to Utica at the request
of the Schines.
A supplemental action for $600,000 recently
was instituted by the plaintiff to cover the
period from Oct. 19, 1950, to Jan. 5. 1956,
because of a new law making the statute of
limitations in federal cases four years. The
original suit was brought in 1951.
Comtois Heads ABC Sales
NEW YORK—George Comtois has been
named national sales manager for ABC Radio
Network by Don Durgin, vice-president.
Comtois has been acting national sales manager
since January 1 and before that he was
an account executive.
50 BOXOFFICE
:
: February
18, 1956

. . Lewis
BUFFALO
T\ick Smyth, who has been treasurer at the
Paramount Theatre, has been named
assistant at the Center, also a Paramount
operation in downtown Buffalo. Fran Kinzie
has succeeded Smyth as treasurer at the
Paramount. Leo LaVigne, a former Paramount
usher, has been named treasurer at
. . .
the Center. Mrs. Margaret Bailey,
Jack
assistant
Goldstein,
at the Center has resigned
former manager for National Screen
here and for the last several years a salesman,
has resigned and has started a "Pennysaver"
type newspaper in Fort Erie, on the
Canadian border across from Buffalo. Goldstein's
son is publisher of a similar newspaper
in Hamburg, N. Y. Goldstein sr. recently
returned from a motoring vacation in
Florida . . . The Lone Ranger (Clayton
Moore) was due here Saturday (18) to make
a single appearance on the stage of the
Center for a special showing of "The Lone
Ranger."
Lester Pollock, manager of Loew's Theatre
in Rochester, is president of Rochester tent
of Circus Saints and Sinners. The other
day the members of the tent entertained 360
orphans at Loew's with a film, candy and
gifts by Marty Sher.
Virginia Callahan, booker at MGM, left on
a motor trip to Florida . . . Harold Bennett,
manager at National Screen, left on a
month's vacation at Plantation Key, Fla. He
will have been with National Screen 30 years
The Arnett theatre in
on August 1 . . .
Rochester has cut down to Friday, Saturday,
Sunday and Monday.
. . .
A burglary investigation at the State in
Rochester has turned into an arson investigation.
Detectives say they found ashes
where fires had been started in a ticket
booth and the women's restroom. Both fires
burned themselves out, apparently from lack
of oxygen, the detectives said. Police added:
"There is nothing to steal there. Apparently
kids went in and started the fires." The theatre
has been closed several months
Charlie McKernan. manager of the Seneca,
a UPT community house in South Buffalo
and Bill Colson, manager of the Niagara,
also a UPT neighborhood operation, both
reported capacity audiences at their special
Lincoln's Birthday matinee Monday ... It is
reported that the Shea Amusement Company
of Jamestown has purchased the Pic 17
Drive-In on Chautauqua Lake's north shore.
. . . Evelyn
The Kensington, 525 Grider St., has been
sold by the Kensington Theatre Corp., of
which Menno Dykstra is the head, to Ireland,
the Plumber for an undisclosed price. The
plumbing company will remodel the building
and use it as a service center
Kraft, bookkeeper for Variety Tent 7, has
prepared a statement for 1955. It shows the
club to be in a good financial condition.
Stanley Kositsky, manager at UA, is all
set to try and grab some of that $50,000
prize money to be offered during the company's
37th anniversary drive. It will be a
drive for collections, billings and playdates.
Good luck, Stan! . J. Lieser, former
head of the Lieser Film Distributing Co., has
joined IFE. He will take over the Buffalo
and Pittsburgh areas from Sal De Gennaro.
who has moved to the Washington IFE office.
Character actor Jesse White will portray a
gangster in RKO's "Back From Eternity."
IN FOR LIFE—Elmer F. Lux, chief
barker of the Variety Club of Buffalo,
presents a lifetime gold membership card
to Joe McCarthy, the famous former
major league manager who now resides
near Buffalo. The occasion was a luncheon
in honor of McCarthy in Tent 7's
Delaware avenue headquarters.
SYRACUSE
John McGrail, U-I publicist, was here for the
showing of the new Cornell Borchers picture,
"Never Say Goodbye," which will introduce
the European star to American audiences
in her first Hollywood picture. The
showing at Schine's Paramount at a sneak
preview Tuesday (14) was the only test presentation
in the east.
Sam Gilman, manager of Loew's State, had
triple promotions under way with "Guys and
Dolls" at Loew's Strand. "Forever Darling"
due at the State, and "Picnic" being readied
to open at the State (22). John Newfield,
who has the Pelican Players at Panama City,
Fla., a summer theatre, is doing promotion
for Columbia on "Picnic" . . . Robert Sokolsky.
movie editor and radio and TV columnist for
the Herald-Journal, and Miss Nevart Apikian.
movie editor of the Post-Standard, were
among those present at the world premiere
of "Forever Darling" in Jamestown.
Sol Soridn, manager of RKO Keiths, hosted
screenings of "Helen of Troy" prior to the
opening on the 22nd.
Harry Greenfield Dead
SYRACUSE—Harry M. Greenfield, 53, of
1301 South Ave., former theatre manager in
Ithaca, and display artist for Loew's State
and Loew's Strand, died in University Hospital.
Services and burial were in Buffalo.
Surviving are his wife Martha, two sons, Alan
and Paul of Syracuse, and a daughter. Mrs.
Henry Steck of Buffalo.
Gene Heacock to DuMont Post
NEW YORK — Gene Heacock has been
named sales manager for Arnolt Communications
Service, distributors of two-way mobile
radio communications equipment for Allen
B. DuMont Laboratories. Heacock was
formerly with Westinghouse.
Buffalo Erlanger
Sold; To Be Razed
BUFFALO—The Erlanger, Buffalo's only
legitimate theatre which has been operated
for some 15 years by Dipson Theatrical
Enterprises of Batavia, has been sold by
Dipson, effective June 30, to a Rochester
real estate investor who will raze the building
at Delaware avenue and West Mohawk
street.
William Dipson said diminishing patronage
of the last few years had prompted the sale.
The new owner is the 118 Delaware Ave.
Inc., a corporation in which Isaac Gordon of
Rochester has the majority interest. The
site will be used for nontheatrical purposes.
Neither party would disclose the exact
purchase price, but it is believed to be
approximately the assessed valuation. $250,000.
Richard T. Kemper is resident manager of
the Erlanger in addition to his duties as a
zone manager for the Dipson circuit.
"Fifteen years ago," Dipson said, "when
our company acquired the theatre, we stated
publicly we welcomed the opportunity of
contributing something to the cultural life of
the western New York community. However,
for many seasons past, the operation of the
Erlanger as a legitimate theatre has proved
a highly unprofitable venture. Public interest
in and support of the attractions offered have
been insufficient to assure continued operation
except at substantial losses, while at
the same time the lack of patronage for the
productions which have been presented has
discouraged many Broadway producers from
including Buffalo in the itinerary of thenproductions."
Dipson Theatrical Enterprises, with headquarters
in Batavia, operate a large circuit
of motion picture theatres in several eastern
states.
Fast Expansion Is Noted
Of Microwave Associates
NEW YORK—Evidence of the rapid expansion
of Microwave Associates of Boston, in
which American Broadcasting-Paramount
Theatres and Western Union each have a onethird
interest, has been reported by Dana W.
Atchley jr., president.
Sales totaled $2,000,000 in 1955, an increase
of more than 40 per cent over those of 1954,
and stockholders have authorized a 20-for-one
stock split. A new building with 50,000 square
feet of space is being built for fall occupancy
at Burlington, Mass.
The company designs and manufactures
magnetrons, silicon diodes, radar components,
microwave test equipment and other electronic
devices.
Historic Edison Studios
Are Sold to Film Editors
NEW YORK—The historic Edison motion
picture studios at 2826 Decatur Ave., the
Bronx, have been acquired by a group of
film editors for theatrical and television use.
The editors are Gene Milford. Sidney Katz
and Ralph Rosenblum, constituting Mikaro
Studios. Jeffrey Selznick, son of David O.
Selznick. will be studio manager. The fourstory
building was acquired from Mrs. Dolorita
Wallace, owner, with the stipulation
that the property is to be purchased for $150.-
000 within four years. There are two sound
stages, the larger 100x75 feet.
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18. 1956 51

. . State
. . Kim
Virginia Ass'n Tribute
Given to Frank O'Brien
RICHMOND—A gold lifetime pass to Virginia
theatres was presented to A. Frank
O'Brien, recently retired Richmond manager
for the Fabian circuit,
m behalf of the Virginia
Motion Picture
Theatre Ass'n, by Morton
G. Thalhimer, as a
Frank O'Brien
tribute for 55 years in
show business. The
presentation took place
at a luncheon preceding
the annual association
winter business
meeting here Monday
at the John Marshall
Hotel.
O'Brien also received
a scroll as the first lifetime member of the
VMPTA and one of its founders. Other
founders present at the luncheon were Elmer
Brient, Sam Bendheim jr., Jeff Hofheimer,
Syd Gates and Thalhimer. VMPTA was
founded July 24, 1934.
Over 60 exhibitors, including VMPTA past
president Sidney Bowden and Leonard Gordon,
attended the luncheon and business
meeting which followed screening by 20th
Century-Fox of Cinemascope 55 at the Byrd
Theatre. During the business meeting the
members voted to work on the COMPO tax
campaign. Robert T. Barton jr., general counsel,
led a discussion on pending legislative
bills before the Virginia general assembly
which now is in session. President Seymour
Hoffman presided.
A report on the plans for the Washington
exchange area theatre convention to
be held
at the Shoreham Hotel in Washington April
17-19, was given by Wade Pearson, Arlington
manager for Neighborhood Theatres and general
chairman of the combined convention for
the entire exchange area.
The convention will open with a VMPTA
board meeting and election of officers on
Tuesday afternoon, followed by the president's
reception cocktail party. Brunches and business
sessions will occupy both Wednesday
and Thursday mornings with some free time
allowed for personal capital business during
the afternoons. The convention will have a
gala windup on Thursday evening with a
cocktail party, banquet and dance.
Bill Hoyle, advertising director for Dis-
55 BOOKLET TO MAYOR—Nearly a thousand exhibitors, newspaper workers and
20th-Fox stockholders viewed a demonstration of CinemaScope 55 held at the New
Theatre in Baltimore. Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro jr., one of the guests, is shown
receiving a brochure on the new process from Martin Moskovitz, division sales manager
for 20th-Fox. Jack Fruchtman, operator of the New, is at left, and at right is
Ira Sichelman, Fox executive from Washington.
trict Theatres and chairman of the convention
souvenir program, spoke on the importance
of obtaining advertising contracts at
the earliest possible time. Exhibit space at
the Shoreham Hotel will be limited to an
area immediately adjacent to the meeting
and dining rooms for the convention. This
space will hold a maximum of 11 displays and
should be arranged for immediately, according
to Carlton Duffus, VMPTA executive secretary,
who is in charge of the arrangements
for exhibits. He may be contacted at 206
East Cary St., Richmond.
Other convention chairmen are Morton
Gerber, coordinator; Jack Fruchtman and
Vincent Iorio, banquet; Julian Brylawski, distinguished
guests; Bernard Lust and Clark
Davis, drawings; Robert Johnson, drive-ins;
Joel Margolis, entertainment; Jake Flax, exchanges;
Joe Bernheimer and George Crouch,
exhibits; William Dalke jr. and Lloyd Wineland
sr., finance: Mrs. John Broumas, ladies;
Marvin Goldman and Harry Roth, president's
reception; Frank LaFalce and Jack Foxe,
publicity; Jerome Baker and Henry Hiser,
recreation; Harry Bachman and John
Broumas, registration, and Tom Baldridge
and Orville Crouch, talent.
PHILADELPHIA
The key run Roxy and Jeffries in Philadelphia
have been acquired by Robert S. Mar-
. . There is
cus' Ridge Theatre Corp. from Harry Waxmann
& Associates . Novak was due
in town to help promote "Picnic," which
opens at the Randolph .
sistent rumor being circulated
a
that the
per-
Erlanger,
long shuttered, may open soon on
a weekend policy. The theatre is located
at the end of the new Penn Center development.
The Stanley Theatre has been featuring a
short subject on Connie Mack, the grand old
man of baseball who just died . . . The
Lawndale Theatre has been advertising that
it "is the only theatre in the world that gives
its patrons their choice in cinema entertainment
at all times. All film plays are made
possible by the exclusive request of our patrons."
. . . Jack
.
Max Gillis, manager of Allied Artists, was
on sick call with a virus condition
Jaslow is distributing "The Sheep Has Five
Legs" in this area. It is currently in first
run at the Studio Theatre ... Ed Larson,
former booker at Universal, joins Screen
Guild Theatre in Boyertown, Pa.
has been taken over by Clark Theatres . . .
Charles Donohue. RKO booker, is on a leave
of absence due to a serious illness.
Retired former Columbia publicist Eddie
Rosenbaum was tendered a testimonial
luncheon. Among local tub-thumpers present
were Irv Blumberg, Max Miller, George Fishman,
Hank Howard, Milt Young. Ted Vannett,
Cy Cohen and Harry Freedman. Held
the Poor Richard Club, Bob Pryor, WCAU
at
executive, presided.
QUAKER CITY LEADERS—Plans for the Brotherhood Week campaign in Philadelphia
were completed at a meeting in the RKO projection room. Left to right: Tom
Walker, Edgar Doub, Charles Zagrans, distributor chairman; Ted Schlanger, Stanley
Warner zone manager, exhibitor chairman; Ward Kreag, Lew Black and Max Chasen.
New GPE Secretary
NEW YORK—E. B. Henley jr. has been
elected secretary of the General Precision
Equipment Corp. He succeeds R. B. LaRue.
who retired January 1. Previous to joining
GPE in November 1955, Henley has been with
the law firm of Mudge, Stern, Baldwin & Todd.
52 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

. . Hugo
. . Alan
. . Marguerite
. . Marion
BALTIMORE
•Twentieth Century-Fox demonstrated its
55mm Cinemascope process here at the
New Theatre for exhibitors, press personnel,
stockholders and friends. Martin Moskowitz,
division sales manager, addressed the audience
prior to presentation of excerpts from
"Carousel" and "The King and I." There
was prolonged and marked applause at the
finish of the showing. Jack Fruchtman, Nat
W. Hodgdon and Hal Colley were local hosts.
. . .
Lou Brown, publicist for Loew Theatres in
New England, was in town over the weekend
with his daughter, here to attend a cousin's
wedding Harry E. Welch, former Baltimorean
now with the Egyptian Theatre in
Hollywood, was here for a visit with friends
Ray Maxwell, accountant
and relatives . . .
for Rome Theatres, is recovering from a
heart attack . . . Charles E. Nolte, executive
of the Durkee Enterprises, and wife were
vacationing in Florida.
Police Commissioner James Hepbron was
an honor guest at the luncheon given for
the Lone Ranger by Stanley Theatre Manager
Rodney Collier . . . James Richards, who
resigned recently as assistant manager at
the Little, returned there as manager. The
former manager, Larry Hyatt, has been
moved to the Film Centre where he will serve
in the boxoffice for the reserved-seat showing
of "Oklahoma!" there. Willard Shoffer,
assistant at the Film Centre, has been named
manager to replace Miss Caryl Hamburger
who will devote her entire time to publicity
for that theatre and the other Rappaport
houses.
Rodney Collier, manager of the Stanley,
was a guest at the Ad Club's annual banquet
Saturday night. Jack Sidney, manager of
the Palace in Washington, came over for
the occasion. C. Elmer Nolte jr., general
manager for Durkee Enterprises, also was a
guest.
Testimony by Chesapeake
Ends in Antitrust Suit
NEW YORK—Chesapeake Industries ended
its presentation of testimony Wednesday (15)
in its $15,000,000 antitrust suit brought in
Federal Court against Loew's Theatres and
RKO Theatres. William C. MacMillen, CI
president, had testified that Eagle Lion Classics
was denied a fair share of local bookings.
ELC was a subsidiary of Pathe Industries
which has become Chesapeake Industries.
Judge Archie O. Dawson denied a motion to
dismiss.
The defendants base their defense on the
statement that in the years 1946 to 1950 they
played 111 of the 196 films released by ELC.
The first to take the stand were Robert
Miller, formerly an RKO accountant, and Sol
A. Schwartz, RKO Theatres president.
TODD-AO 10 BALTIMORE—Newspaper writers and staff members of Baltimore
radio and television stations were guests of Isador M. and M. R. Rappaport at a party
to introduce Todd-AO at the Film Center Theatre there. The gathering was in honor
of Henry S. Woodbridge, president of Todd-AO Corp.; Douglas Netter, vice-president;
Carl Warner, field installation engineer; Dr. Walter Siegmund, research assistant of
the American Optical Co.; Nils Tuxen of the Philips Co., and Harry K. McWilliams
of the Magna Theatre Corp. Nine radio and TV interviews were given and four stations
made tape recordings for later use. Left to right: Warner, Dr. Siegmund, Woodbridge,
Tuxen, Netter and I. M. Rappaport.
WASHINGTON
pd Lachman of the New York Variety Club use of his Filmrow screening room for meetings
of Local F-13 . Beavers, 20th-
attended a crew meeting of local Tent 11
last week to outline plans for the Variety Fox, resigned . . . Projectionist Frank Blake
International convention to be held May 9-12 and office manager Bob Smelzer celebrated
in New York. Orville Crouch, chief barker birthdays Thursday.
of Tent 11, appointed Jack Blank and Marshall
Walter Donohue, Columbia booker, was in
Coyne to serve as co-chairmen of the Mothers
Day Luncheon this year. Hirsh de La
the hospital . . . Sympathy to Mr. and Mrs.
Claude Ringer in the death of Mrs. Ringer's
Viez, chairman, met with the entertainment
mother . Egloff is the new
committee February 8 . . . Robert Levine,
. .
. . . Mrs.
head of the Levine circuit with theatres in
Portsmouth, Norfolk and Ocean View, has
taken over the Super 17 Drive-in, Cradock,
Va. It formerly was in the Johnson-Saunders
chain . The Keysville Drive-In, Keysville.
Va., is no longer affiliated with Independent
Theatres Service. Henry R. Nunnally now is
buying and booking.
WOMPI of Washington held a Valentine
luncheon in the Continental Hotel Tuesday
. . . Dr. Bernard Walsh, cardiologist for the
District of Columbia health department, spoke
on the causes and effects of rheumatic fever
on children and teenagers. Agnes Turner was
in charge of arrangements . . . Christine
Earisman is the new cashier at Allied Artists,
replacing Joe DeMaio resigned
Bob Grace, wife of the Paramount office manager,
was in Doctors' Hospital with the virus.
Harry Pickett, booker for Craver Theatres,
was on Filmrow . F. Cummings,
branch operations head, spent several days
Formato has offered the
at MGM .
switchboard
operator.
Turner, RKO cashier, and Mary Agnes
Sweeney, Bernheimer Theatres, are on the
committee of arrangements for the South
Atlantic regional conferences of Soroptimist
International, which will be held in Washington
Mrs. Marie Cannon, Allied
in April . . . Artists, and Guy Hancock were married February
7.
Historic Film to Be Made
For Use at Williamsburg
NEW YORK—George Seaton will direct
"The Williamsburg Story." a half-hour Vista-
Vision film, at historic Williamsburg. Va., in
May and it will be shown m two 250-seat
VistaVision theatres under construction at
the information center as a guide u> \.
It will recreate the city's 18th century atmosphere,
according to Paramount. At present
a 16mm film made up of stills and narration
is being used.
JL

OPEN PITTSBURGH STUDIO—Members of the Stern family
C.rSftC
(Associated circuit)
greeted film industry friends at the opening of Pittsburgh's new art theatre, the Studio,
in Bellevue. Left to right are Bill Brooks, Co-Op; Max Shulgold, Crown Film manager;
Peter Quiter, U-I salesman; Ernest Stern; Max Shabason, MGM assistant manager;
David C. Silverman, RKO branch manager; George and Arthur Stern, and
Francis Guehl, U-I manager.
PITTSBURGH
TSepublic exchange has been spring-housecleaned
home. Kimelman will not be able to resume
and newly painted, and awaits a duties for a month or longer . . . Joe Heidt
visit from Dick Altschuler, general sales manager
. . . Jack Nesbitt of the trailer depart-
seven-day appearance of Bill Bendix in the
was here exploiting "Battle Stations" and the
ment of National Screen here and Helen area early in March . . . John J. Maloney,
Clark of Carmichaels were married recently
. . . Peggy Lazor is the new secretary at
the Republic branch office . . . David Kimelman,
Paramount manager, was to return
home this week after undergoing a stomach
ulcer operation in Montefiore Hospital . . .
From all indications at press time it seems
that Pennsylvania Gov. George Leader's tax
program will be enacted. The new state
taxes probably will be a 2 per cent income
tax. plus 2 per cent gross receipts tax, plus
a 2 per cent sales tax.
Bill Eyth, film actor, this week mourned
the death of his father, Carl Eyth, 69. The
funeral was in St. Killiam's Catholic Church
at Mars, Pa. . . . National Theatre Supply will
move from the Boulevard of the Allies around
the corner on Van Braam street in the Morrone
building next door to Alexander Theatre
Supply. United Artists, second floor, over the
present NTS offices, also will move, but there
is no announcement on this. Meanwhile, the
new 20th-Fox exchange building is under
roof. It adjoins the present quarters of 20th-
Fox . . . Jim Balmer started his 48th year
with the Harris Amusement Co., having
joined the Harry Davis-John P. Harris firm
in 1909.
. . Howard
The Warner Theatre, Erie, April 25 will present
two evening vaudeville shows under the
auspices of Father Francis Schlindwein's
Hammett St. Boniface Church .
Minsky, Paramount eastern manager, presided
at the local branch office as David Kimelman,
recuperating from an ulcer operation, was
released from Montefiore Hospital to his
SAM FINEBERG
TOM McCLEARY
JIM ALEXANDER
84 Van Braam Street
PITTSBURGH 19, PA.
Phone EXpress 1-0777
Movits Art Better Than Ever • How's Your Equipment?
MGM central sales manager, and Father
Thomas McCarthy, director of the Catholic
Youth Council in the diocese of Pittsburgh,
accepted a plaque from Emmanuel Goldberg,
chairman of the organization and extension
committee of the Allegheny Council of Boy
Scouts. The veteran film executive is chairman
of the Catholic committee on Boy Scouting,
responsible for recruiting 25 per cent
of the new units into the Allegheny council,
more than any other one committee.
Winifred O'Brien Reilly, wife of John A.
Reilly, local theatre manager for more than
55 years, died in West Penn Hospital. Requiem
high mass was celebrated at St. Agnes'
Church. John Reilly started as a theatre
manager with the old Rowland & Clark circuit
here 40 years ago. and he has served
at a number of theatres in the city area with
the Warner and the Stanley Warner circuit,
also with independent exhibitors. His last
job was managing the downtown State Theatre
which closed a year ago to be converted
into a banking house. Reilly resides at 341
Robinson St., Oakland district.
M. A. Silver, SW zone manager, and Ernest
Stern of Associated circuit, are exhibitor cochairmen
for Brotherhood Week, and James
Hendel, UA manager, is distributor chairman
. . . Mi-, and Mrs. Ernest Stern of Associated
circuit vacationed in Mexico. They were to
stop at the drive-in convention in Cleveland
on their return trip . . Floyd "Fritz" Klingensmith,
.
former Columbia film salesman and
now WKPA's sports director and announcer,
reported to Heidelberg Raceway to broadcast
a soccer game but there was no electricity
connection ordered, so there was no broadcast.
45 Years a Film Shipper
PITTSBURGH—Ted Tolley, MGM shipper,
observed his 30th anniversary with this company
here. He has served continuously as
president of Local B-ll for 15 years and has
been a film shipper here since 1911.
a
Ohio Exhibitor Complains
About Children's Library
NEW YORK—A complaint that It is difficult
to obtain Children's Film Library films
from Cincinnati exchanges was noted by Robert
A. Wile, executive secretary of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio, in the
latest issue of its service bulletin. The complainant,
who was not identified, said that
because of the small rentals involved, exchange
managers are unwilling to borrow
from other exchanges where there are prints.
Wile quoted the exhibitor as follows:
"The situation is deplorable. How an industry
can be so short-sighted is unbelievable
to anyone interested in staying in business.
What is anyone doing to bring about an increase
in the availability of children's
movies?"
The point was made there could be tremendous
national promotion that "would
overshadow anything TV could ever accomplish."
The exhibitor said this could be done
lor the cost of new prints of the outstanding
classics "now hidden away in the film exchange
vaults." He said there would be no
better way of reviving family interest in
the movies.
"I could write a book on the subject," he
said, "giving facts and figures based on actual
experience with children's shows, and
there are many other exhibitors who could do
likewise, but definite action rather than talk
is needed now, for, as of this week, almost
all of the library pictures are gone. Unless
definite action is taken at once, special children's
shows of the proper type will be a
thing of the past."
BOXOFFICE recently carried an article
that noted that the Motion Picture Ass'n of
America has been asking the cooperation of
member companies in this respect and has
met with some success.
Herman Lorence Retires
ERIE, PA.—Herman Lorence, film distributor
and exhibitor who has been inactive in
recent years except as owner of the 18th
Street Theatre here, has retired. Owner of
this house for 15 years, Lorence has sold
this property to Nick D'Aurora, who has
operated it under lease in recent years. Formerly
D'Aurora operated the Lyric and other
theatres here. Lorence is remembered as a
Cattaraugus, N. Y., exhibitor a number of
years ago.
S. L. Rawson Sells Theatre
EDINBORO, PA.—Stanley L. Rawson, who
built and operated the Best Theatre here,
sold out to Bert Kiehl, local funeral director.
Rawson planned the theatre while in
a government hospital and his father assisted
him in building it. Kiehl stated that he would
employ showmanship to the best of his ability
to stimulate business at the Best. Young
Rawson now will devote all of his time to the
management of his 19-62 Motel, an 18-unit
enterprise near Mercer.
Bell TV Network Enlarged
NEW YORK—Television stations WDBJ-
TV at Roanoke, Va., and WHTN at Huntington,
W. Va., have been added to the Bell
Telephone System of nationwide network facilities.
The additions bring the number of
stations on the network to 377 and the number
of cities served to 248.
54 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CENTER
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear. Western Manager
i
Glamor Premiere
Given to 'Carousel'
HOLLYWOOD—Coincident with its opening
in New York, "Carousel," the new 20th-
Fox musical in 55mm Cinemascope, bowed
locally Thursday (16) amid the glamorous
trappings of a typical star-studded premiere
at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
The debut, on which 20th-Fox and the
Fox West Coast circuit worked in liaison
with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce,
also served as a "preview" of the "new Hollywood"
by presenting sections of special sidewalks,
glittering with spangles, in front of
the theatre and portraits of stars hanging
from the walls of the showcase's forecourt.
Such facelifting, throughout the Hollywood
Boulevard area, is the top current project of
the Chamber of Commerce.
First-nighters included:
Darryl F. Zanuck Buddy Adler
Henry Ephron Charles Bracket?
William Perlberg Nunnally Johnson
Mervyn LeRoy Howard Hawks
Walter Lang Charles LeMaire
Mayor Norris Poulson June Haver
Fred MacMurray Jon Hall
Judge Thurmond Clarke Judge Thomas White
Dick Powell June Allyson
Aldo Ray Dons Day
Dana Wynter Cameron Mitchell
Jack Webb Jeanne Crain
Zsa Zsa Gabor Esther Williams
Paul Douglas Jan Sterling
Rosalind Russell Frederick Brisson
Walter Wanger Joan Bennett
Groucho Marx Peggy King
Emmy Awards to Be Given
On Telecast on March 17
HOLLYWOOD — Plans have been completed
for the eighth annual Emmy Awards
event of the Academy of Television Arts and
Sciences, which will be staged March 17 via
two banquets, one at the Pan-Pacific Auditorium
here, the other at the Waldorf in
New York. The event will be telecast as a
90-minute program by NBC-TV. Don DeFore,
ATAS president, will be in charge.
Anne Francis to N. Y.
HOLLYWOOD—Anne Francis, one of the
stars of MGM's science-fiction opus, "Forbidden
Planet," and a mechanical "robot"
which also appears in the Nicholas Nayfack
production took off for New York for
TV, radio, press and theatre appearances.
The film was directed by Fred Wilcox.
Next for Arthur Freed
HOLLYWOOD—Arthur Freed's next MGM
production will be "Silk Stockings," from the
Broadway musical, based on the anti-Communist
satire, "Ninotchka." The opus features
a score by Cole Porter.
Spyros Skouras to Coast
To View 'Gray' Rough Cut
HOLLYWOOD—To view a rough cut of
"The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit" and
start blueprinting the national exploitation
campaign thereon, Spyros P. Skouras, president
of 20th-Fox, and top members of the
company's advertising, distribution and promotion
departments arrived Friday (17)
from New York.
Here for only a brief stay, Skouras was accompanied
by Al Lichtman, in charge of
distribution; William Gehring, executive assistant
general sales manager; Murray Silverstone,
vice-president; Charles Einfield.
vice-president in charge of advertising, exploitation
and publicity, and key members
of the exploitation and distribution departments.
"Suit," personally produced by Darryl F.
Zanuck, stars Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones
and Fredric March. It was directed by
Nunnally Johnson.
'Coral Sea' to AA
HOLLYWOOD — Allied Artists has obtained
western hemisphere distribution
rights to "King of the Coral Sea," an Australian-made
drama starring Chips Rafferty.
The film was produced by Rafferty
and directed by Lee Robinson.
HOMECOMING—A barnstorming
tour
is "the finest type of public relations."
enthused Fred MacMurray upon his return
from a cross-country, 14-city trek to
promote Allied Artists' "At Gunpoint,"
in which he stars. MacMurray. who never
before had undertaken such a trip, spent
22 days on the road, opening early in
January in Chicago and climaxing with
a swing through Texas. He was accompanied
by his wife, June Haver, right.
MGM Previews 'Vegas'
In 32 Film Centers
HOLLYWOOD—For the first time in the
studio's history, MGM sneak previewed one of
its films, "Meet Me in Las Vegas," at special
invitational showings in 32 exchange centers
during the week beginning Monday (13). Produced
by Joe Pasternak, the CinemaScopecolor
musical, starring Dan Dailey and Cyd
Charisse, was unreeled in Atlanta, Boston,
Cincinnati, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Kansas
City, Memphis, New Haven, St. Louis, San
Francisco, Washington, Albany, Buffalo,
Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Milwaukee,
Minneapolis, Omaha, Pittsburgh.
Portland, Seattle, Jacksonville, Charlotte,
Denver, Dallas. Salt Lake City and Oklahoma
City.
At the same time, MGM kicked off 22 prerelease
openings of "The Last Hunt," following
its Thursday (16) world premiere in Sioux
Falls, S. D., with double premieres at the
State in Minneapolis and the Reveille in St.
Paul, both on the day following the South
Dakota opening. Starring Robert Taylor and
Stewart Granger, "Hunt" was personally produced
by Dore Schary and megged by Richard
Brooks.
* • *
RKO.
The Howard Hughes production for
"The Conqueror," began its second foreign
date Tuesday (14) when it opened a roadshow
engagement at Hibiya Eiga Theatre in Tokyo.
The John Wayne- Susan Hayward starrer is
now showing at the Odeon Marble Arch in
London and will open Tuesday (211 at the
Monumental Theatre in Lisbon.
Danny Thomas Will Emcee
Editors Award Dinner
HOLLYWOOD — Recruited as guests of
honor at the sixth annual American Cinema
Editors awards banquet March 3 were Danny
Thomas, who will serve as master of ceremonies,
and Joan Fontaine, who will present
plaques to editors nominated for Academy
Oscars. Another femme star, as yet unselected,
will distribute similar honors to
editors in the TV category contending for
the Emmy award.
ACE president Warren Loew will pi
at the affair.
Ahead on 'Nightmare'
HOLLYWOOD — Republic signed Joan
Evans, Ben Cooper and Maria English for
the leads in "White Nightmare," a suspense
drama which will roll Monday i20> on location
as a William J. O'Sulhvan production. William
Witney directs from a script by
Houston Branch.
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18. 1956 55

Cleffers
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Allied Artists
HANS J. SALTER was set as music director on
"Mother-Sir!"
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Score for "The Swan" will be composed by
BRONISLAU KAPER.
United Artists
Bel-Air Productions, headed by Aubrey Schenck
and Howord W. Koch, signed LES BAXTER as
musicol director.
Warner Bros.
Musical score for "The Spirit of St. Louis" will be
scored by FRANZ WAXMAN.
Meggers
20th Century-Fox
Taking over the reins from Samuel G. Engel
CHARLES BRACKETT will produce "A Roomful of
Roses," based on the Broadway play by Edith
Sommers, which will star Virginia Leith.
RICHARD FLEISCHER was assigned to direct the
David Weisbart production, "The Day the Century
Ended."
United Artists
"Hot Cars," upcoming Bel-Air production, will
be directed by DONALD McDOUGALL for producers
Aubrey Schenck and Howard W. Koch.
Options
Allied Artists
Booked for a femme lead in "Hold Back the
Night" was MONA FREEMAN. PETER GRAVES was
signed for a top role with John Payne in the
Hoyes Goetz production, which is being piloted by
Allan Dwan. Also inked for o top role was
AUDREY DALTON. CHUCK CONNORS was signed
for a top supporting role.
Character actor CARL BENTON REID was booked
for the Lindsley Parsons production, "The Intruder,"
which Irving Rapper will direct.
RANKIN MANSFIELD, MICHAEL GARTH and RICK
VALLIN were odded to the cast of "Three for Jamie
Dawn," courtroom drama starring Laroine Day,
Richardo Montalban and Richard Havoc, which
Thomas Carr directs for Producer Hayes Goetz.
Independent
BRUCE BENNETT was signed to star in "The
Three Outlaws," a Sig Neufeld production, which
Sam Newfield will direct from a screenplay by
Orville Hampton. The galloper will be distributed
by Associated Film Releasing Corp.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Added to the cast of the Rocky Graziano autobiography,
"Somebody Up There Likes Me," was
DICK RICH. Starring Paul Newman and Pier Angeli,
the Charles Schnee production is being directed by
Robert Wise.
Joining Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery
the topline cast of "Raintree County" is
Cliff in
JARMA
LEWIS. The David Lewis production will be megged
by Edward Dmytryk. British actor NIGEL PATRICK
was signed for a role. Character actor RHYS
WILLIAMS drew a key role in the production. The
historical drama is based on the novel by Ross
Lockndge.
LOUIS JOURDAN wos inked to star with Doris Doy
in "Julie," to be produced independently by Martin
Melcher and directed by Andrew Stone under the
banner of Arwin Productions. Also booked were
FRANK LOVEJOY and BARRY SULLIVAN in starring
roles in the romantic drama which will roll next
month.
Paramount
GILBERT ROLAND was signed to
star with Charlton
Heston and Anne Baxter in the Technicolor-Vista-
Vision western, "The Maverick," which rolls next
month as a Hugh Brown production. Rudy Mate
will direct.
As his second starring feature for the studio,
European actor-singer ORESTE will topline "The
Singing Fisherman," an original by John T. Michael.
Oreste recently completed "The Vogabond King,"
with Kathryn Grayson.
Nightclub singer-dancer KAY THOMPSON joins
Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn in the upcoming
musical, "Funny Face," which will be produced
by Roger Edens and megged by Stanley Donen.
Cast as Jack Palance's son in "The Lonely Man"
was ANTHONY PERKINS. The western drama, a Pat
Duggan production, will be megged by Henry Levin.
RKO Radio
Cast as a prosecuting attorney in "The First Traveling
Saleslady" was JOHN ELDREDGE. One-time Quiz
Kid ROBERT EASTON, now a college student, drew
a featured part in the Arthur Lubin picture which
stars Ginger Rogers and Barry Nelson.
20th Century-Fox
SHEREE NORTH and GORDON MACRAE were set
for starring roles in "The Best Things in Life Are
Free," a musical biography of composers Buddy
DeSylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson, which rolls
next month as a Henry Ephron production.
ARTHUR O'CONNELL drew a featured lead opposite
Marilyn Monroe in "Bus Stop," which Joshua
Logan will direct.
United Artists
Bryna Productions, headed by actor Kirk Douglas,
BLUE RIBBON WINNERS—When the National Screen Council selected "Good
Morning, Miss Dove," starring Jennifer Jones, as "the best picture of the month for
the whole family" to go into release in December 1955, the creators and cast of the
20th-Fox production were the recipients of the coveted monthly BOXOFFICE Blue
Ribbon Awards. At right, Producer Samuel G. Engel poses with Peggy Knudsen,
featured in the cast of the picture. In the center photo, Henry Roster, right, who
directed, displays his plaque to Robert Taylor, one of the stars of "The Sixth of June,"
which Roster is currently piloting for Producer Charles Brackett. At right, starlet
Ripp Hamilton, featured in the picture, is shown with her plaque.
hoisted its option on Elsa Bortinelli, Italian player
who appeared opposite Douglas in "The Indian
Fighter."
Universal-International
Returning to the screen after o five-year absence
VIRGINIA WELLES will enact the femme lead in
"Francis in the Hounted House," starring Mickey
Rooney. The Robert Arthur production is being
megged by Chorles Lomont. MARY ELLEN KAYE
drew a featured part. Contractee DAVID JANSSEN
was added to the cast.
Warner Bros.
CHARLES MCGRAW, who has been starring in
the studio's TV series, "Casablonca," stepped into
one of the leading roles in "Toward the Unknown,"
William Holden's Toluca production, which stars
Holden and Lloyd Nolan. It is being produced ond
directed by Mervyn LeRoy. PAUL FIX was cost as
on air force officer.
Cast as a cowhand in "The Burning Hills," which
stars Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood under direction
of Stuart Heisler, was RON HARGRAVE. The
CinemaScope-WarnerColor western is being produced
by Richard Whorf.
Stage actor JAMES GARNER was signed to a
long-term contract.
Scripters
Allied Artists
Producer Lindsley Parsons set CHARLES EVANS to
do a polish job on "The Intruder."
United Artists
ROBERT C. DENNIS wos set by Bel-Air Productions,
the Aubrey Schenck-Howard W. Koch unit, to pen
"Fort Laramie" as an upcoming feature.
Story Buys
Allied Artists
"The Oklahoman," an original by Daniel B. Ullman,
was purchased as a Joel McCrea starrer. Ullman
was signed to develop the script, dealing with a
frontier physician.
Columbia
"The Missing Witness/' a Cosmopolitan magazine
serial by John and Ward Hawkins, was purchased
and assigned to Jonie Taps to produce. Blake
Edwards will prepare the screenplay and William
Asher will direct.
"Fortune Is a Woman," a story by Winston
Graham, was purchased for lensing in England as
a Jack Hawkins starrer. It will be produced by
Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat.
Independent
Leo Productions, headed by Director Francis Lyon,
acquired "Deborah," an original screenplay by
Richard Collins.
Filmmaker Carl Krueger purchased screen rights
to the Patricia Cox novel, "Saint Patrick's Battalion,"
and plans to shoot it on location in Mexico. The
historical tome deals with a battalion of 700 Irishmen
who were hanged by Gen. Winfield Scott for fighting
against him in the Mexican War of 1847-48.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
"The Wreck of the Mary Deare," a Saturday
Evening Post story by Hammond Innes, was purchased
and added to the studio's production docket. It
concerns efforts of the owner of a freighter to
scuttle the vessel, and how its tenocious captain
foils the plot.
Technically
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
WILLIAM DORFMAN was set as unit manager on
"Somewhere I'll Find Him."
"The Opposite Sex" will be edited by JACK MC-
SWEENEY.
Paramount
MICKEY MOORE wos named assistant director on
the Hal Wallis production, "Gunfight at the O.K.
Corral."
RKO Radio
Art director assignments include CARROLL CLARK
to "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" and JOHN MANS-
BRIDGE to "Tension at Table Rock."
20th
Century-Fox
JOE BEHM will be the unit production manager on
"Bus Stop."
United Artists
LEE GARMES will photograph the Samuel Goldwyn
jr. production, "The Sharkfighters."
Universal-International
Assigned to Ross Hunter's production slate was
"For Love or Money," o Broadway play by F. Hugh
Herbert, which concerns the love affoir between o
celebrated actor and a girl who stops at his home
56 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

—
to telephone after she hos become stranded in a
storm.
Warner Bros.
ROBERT BURKS will photograph Alfred Hitchcock's
"The Wrong Man."
RICHARD MODER was assigned as assistant director
on United States Pictures' "Melville Goodwin,
U.S.A."
Title Changes
Metro-GoldwYn-Mayer
"All Our Yesterdays" to SOMEWHERE I'LL FIND
M.
'Anna Christie" to A SAINT SHE AIN'T.
as were Ben Pivar, Tom Lewis, Mark
Video Producers Elect
William Self President
HOLLYWOOD — William Self and William
J. Faris have been elected president
and secretary, respectively, of the National
Society of Television Producers. Self and
Faris also were named to the board of directors,
Stevens, William Stephens, M. Bernard Fox,
David Chudnow and Jaime Del Valle.
The new officers will be installed Friday
(24) at NSTP's annual meeting.
* * »
Rosalind Russell's General Electric Theatre
telefilm starrer, directed by Robert
Stevenson, has been retitled "The Night
Goes On." Formerly known as "At Paso
Rojo," the drama also features George Macready
and Carmen Mathews.
* * *
Producers Herbert B. Leonard and Norman
Blackburn have inked scripter Victor Mc-
Leod as supervising story editor for Norbet
Productions, which makes the "Circus Boy"
telefilm series for Screen Gems, Columbia's
TV subsidiary. "Circus Boy" stars Mickey
Braddock, Noah Beery jr., Robert Lowry and
Guinn "Big Boy" Williams. . It will begin
televising over the NBC network this fall.
» * *
Screen Gems, Columbia's TV subsidiary,
inked Ralph Bellamy and Patricia Medina
as stars of "Alibi," an entry in the Ford
Theatre series, which rolled Tuesday (14)
with Roger Kay directing and Joseph Hoffman
as the producer.
Citation to Columbia
For 'Battle Stations'
HOLLYWOOD—A citation to Columbia for
"meritorious service" was presented Wednesday
(15) by Hollywood Post 43 of the American
Legion in ceremonies at the RKO Hillstreet
Theatre, honoring the studio and producer
Bryan Foy for "Battle Stations." The
John Lund-William Bendix starrer was designated
by the legion as a "standout" film story
of the U. S. Navy carrier Franklin during
World Wax II.
Accepting for Columbia and Foy was actress
Felicia Farr. The presentation was made by
Thomas S. Ogilvie, post commander, and Raymond
D. Bowman, adjutant.
To Discuss Sylvania Lamp
HOLLYWOOD—With discussion to center
around the new Sylvania radio-frequency
lamp, the Pacific coast section of the Society
of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
will meet Tuesday (21) at the NBC-TV
studios in Burbank. Speakers will include
Richard H. Lindeberg of Sylvania, Dr. Armin
J. Hill of the Motion Picture Research
Council and Carl W. Hauge of Consolidated
Film Laboratories.
OME Hollywood railbirds have been
knocking themselves out conjecturing
on the passible repercussions of the
generally expected announcement that Darryl
F. Zanuck had decided to take a leave of
absence from his post as vice-president in
charge of production at 20th Century-Fox—
which he has held for more than two decades
—and is working out an arrangement whereby
he will head an independent unit, the output
of which will be for 20th-Fox distribution.
Confirmation of the move came jointly from
Zanuck and Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox president.
During his four-month leave the former
will, said Skouras, "render advisory services
to the company."
In the interim, Zanuck's post as head of
all the studio's filmmaking activity is being
taken over by Buddy Adler, who joined the
company as a producer in 1954 and more recently
was elevated to an executive berth.
Much of the speculation has concentrated
on Zanuck and his future, with comparatively
little attention to the man who is to succeed
him. While no one will gainsay that the departing
production chief is an outstanding
fabricator of celluloid entertainment—undoubtedly
one of the most talented the industry
has ever known—Adler, too, has a
record for which no apology need be offered.
In less than two years as a front-line producer
under Zanuck, he has been responsible
for such mastodons of popularity and profits
as "House of Bamboo," "The Left Hand of
God," "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing"
and "Soldier of Fortune." Not to be forgotten,
moreover, is the fact that under the banner
of Columbia, which studio he departed to
join 20th-Fox. Adler made the screen version
of James Jones' memorable best-seller, "From
Here to Eternity." The kudos and cash
garnered by that milestone offering require no
recapitulation.
So, hinted lugubriousness to the contrary,
there is every indication that under Adler's
skilled stewardship 20th-Fox product will
continue to maintain the uppermost, pacesetting
standards that have characterized it
for the past many seasons.
Jovial Johnny Fl inn's Allied Artists adjective-agitators
freighted the mall with a
fashion note stating that Dorothy Jeakins,
costume designer on "The Friendly Persuasion,"
had turned out a series of bonnets
"inspired by Quaker headwear in picture,"
which will be "merchandised for the spring
fashion market."
Sandy Abrahams will not model the new
chapeaux—nor will Marilyn Monroe.
Alert members of the Los Angeles vice
squad recently cracked down on a ten-theatre
day-date screening of a Swedish film.
"Monika," arresting a bevy of managers and
projectionists and confiscating prints of the
opus, being distributed by Hallmark Productions,
on the allegation the celluloid is "in-
decent" because it contains some footage of
an unclothed gal.
"That which we call a rose by any other
•Monika' would smell ..."
Macabre intelligence from Charles A.
Moses, newly appointed tubthumpcr for Bel-
Air Productions, that members of the cast
of "The Black Sleep," a horror chiller now
in work, are being "provided with a hearse
for transportation."
The hearse, if any, could be advantageously
utilized to haul on a one-way trip all such
trivia.
Boasting that "RKO knows an opportunity
when it knocks," Mervin Houser's Gower
street glorifiers wax enthusiastic over the
fact that the studio has rented shooting
space at Universal-International for "The
First Traveling Saleslady," and that passengers
aboard tourist busses roaming around
the lot are being presented with handbooks
"telling the story of the picture, its cast and
production crews."
• * *
The tourists paid their hard-earned cash
Some shapely movie stars to gander.
Perhaps some he-men with much dash
Hudson, Curtis or even Chandler.
And what got they for their squandered
dough?
A tired handbook from RKO.
Incorporating a rave for Republic's "Come
Next Spring," designated as "homey stufflikeable,
honest and moving," comes from
New York a mimeographed letter from Arthur
H. DeBra, director of the community relations
department of the Motion Picture Ass'n of
America. It is the first such communique to
reach this desk and, presumably, Is a promotional
approach that has been or is going
to be applied to other "earthy, homespun"
features; and, if accorded sufficient circulation,
the venture could be financially beneficial
to the films so treated.
Drumbeater DeBra is, however, a bit confused
as regards the calendar. Received well
after the first of February, his letter starts,
"Looking forward to the New Year ..."
Well, better late than never.
In a verbose release informing that singer
Tony Martin was the recipient of the seventh
annual Humanitarian Awards plaque presented
by Los Angeles chapters of the American
Medical Center, praiser Arthur Jacobs
makes reference, in tabulating guests at the
affair, to district attorney A. Ernest Roll as
Ernie Ross.
Arduous Arthur hadn't better run afoul of
the law in L. A. county until he learns to
spell names.
BOXOFFICE :
: February 18, 1956 57

_
Z

600 Industryites Launch
Brotherhood Campaign
LOS ANGELES—Upwards of 600 representatives
in independent and circuit theatres
and distributing organizations in the
southland attended a mass meeting Tuesday
(14> to launch the trade's participation in
the annual observance of Brotherhood Week.
The session was held at the Fox Boulevard
Theatre, with speakers including Edwin F.
Zabel. general manager of Fox West Coast,
circuit exhibitor chairman; Jack Dowd, Republic
manager, distributor chairman;
George Smith, exhibitor co-chairman; Evert
Cummings, independent theatre chairman;
actor Ernest Borgnine; Dr. William Lindsay
Young, executive director of the National
Conference of Christians and Jews in southern
California, and the Rev. Leonidas C.
Contos, dean of the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox
Cathedral.
Sherrill C. Corw.n, president of Metropolitan
Theatres, served as master of ceremonies
and introduced the speakers.
Zabel reminded that Brotherhood Week,
which begins Monday (19), is the time when
"we rededicate ourselves to promoting
goodwill, justice, understanding and peaceful
cooperation in our daily lives." He pointed
out that theatres will aid by running special
short subjects and raising funds to further
the NCCJ's objectives.
Four Star Productions,
Official Films Merge
HOLLYWOOD—Four Star Productions, in
which Dick Powell, David Niven, Charles
Boyer and Ida Lupino are partners, is merging
with Official Films, it was jointly announced
by William A. Cruikshank jr. and
Harold L. Heckett, respectively presidents of
Four Star and Official. The latter company
has acquired national and syndication rights
on future Four Star Playhouse telefilms and
syndication rights to the DuPont Cavalcade
Theatre, as well as all TV rights to W. Somerset
Maugham's literary properties, heretofore
held by Four Star.
Four Star TV, Inc., a related company, also
Is being merged with Official. However,
another corporation, Four Star Films, Inc.,
remains intact and will continue to operate
as it has in the past.
Solons of Georgia Thank
Disney for Filming 'Chase'
HOLLYWOOD — Because he chose that
state in which to film his Civil War spy
story, "The Great Locomotive Chase," Walt
Disney has been voted a resolution of appreciation
by the Georgia legislature. Read
and adopted in the house of representatives,
the citation listed the benefits the venture
brought to the state.
In Cinemascope and Technicolor, "Chase"
stars Fess Parker and Jeff Hunter and was
produced by Larry Watkin, with Francis D.
Lyon directing.
Alfred Berry to RKO
HOLLYWOOD — Further increasing its
studio staff, RKO has appointed Alfred B.
Berry executive in charge of studio relations,
including labor and personnel. Berry, who
takes over the post immediately, was for the
last six years an administrative assistant with
CBS in New York.
FILM MEN IN CIVIC DRIVE—Exhibition and distribution executives met recently
at the Beverly Hills Club to plan the industry's West Coast participation in
Brotherhood Week. Among those present were, back row, left to right, George Smith,
Ralph Clark, Spence Leve, Evert Cummings and Richard Carnegie. Front row, Edwin
F. Zabel, Dr. William Lindsay Young, William J. Heineman and Jack Dowd. All are
industry chairmen for the drive except Dr. Young, who is executive director of the
National Conference of Christians and Jews, sponsor of the special week.
Byrna Productions Set
New Five-Picture Slate
HOLLYWOOD—A five-picture, $8,000,000
slate has been charted for the next 18 months
by Bryna Productions, the independent unit
headed by actor Kirk Douglas, for United
Artists release. First to roll, going before
the cameras next month, will be "A Most
Contagious Game," starring Douglas, and to
be followed by "Spring Reunion," with Betty
Hutton and Dana Andrews; "King Kelly,"
toplining Douglas, "Shadow of the Champ"
and "The Viking."
Robert L. Lippert Seeks
Radio Station Permits
HOLLYWOOD—Exhibitor-distributor Robert
L. Lippert, planning to branch out into
broadcasting, has requested authorization
from the Federal Communications Commission
to build and operate a daytime radio
station in Fresno, Calif., and stations in four
other California areas.
The Fresno installation would adjoin Lippert's
Sunset Drive-In, while the others also
would be attached to ozoniers which he
operates.
Columbia to Construct
Sound Dubbing Stage
HOLLYWOOD—Columbia will begin construction
this month of a modern dubbing
stage incorporating new developments in
stereophonic sound. The stage, which will
have variable and controllable acoustics, is
being built under the supervision of John
Livadary- head of the studio sound department
Sinatra to Sing It
HOLLYWOOD—Frank Sinatra has arranged
to record "The Conqueror." title song
from the RKO release starring John Wayne
and Susan Hayward. for the Capitol label.
John Wayne to
'Eagles'
HOLLYWOOD—John Wayne will star in
and John Ford will direct MGM's "Wings of
Eagles," a Charles Schnee production based
on the career of Cmdr. Frank "Sprig"
Wead, one of the fathers of naval aviation,
who later became a prominent screenwriter.
Wayne replaces Robert Taylor, previously set
for the role, but relieved of the assignment
because of other commitments.
On Writers Program
HOLLYWOOD—Heading the entertainment
lineup at the eighth annual awards dinner to
be held March 8 by the screen scriveners'
branch of Writers Guild of America, West,
will be TV comic George Gobel and Dan
Dailey. Also attending will be Senator Estes
Kefauver, Gen. Omar Bradley and Adm.
Chester Nimitz. The affair will be staged
at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Singing those
'EMPTY THEATRE
BLUES'
WON'T FILL SEATS
Give em Something EXTRA
Then tell 'em with a punchy
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WANTED
by Experienced Manager. 15 years in New
England in drive-ins and conventional theatres in
booking, publicity, advertising and full operation.
desire to re-locate on the West Coast, prefcrrably
I
with drive-in. Age 40. Answer to Mrs. F. Hording,
38 Church St., Boston 16, Mass.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1956 59

. . Gene
. . Harry
LOS ANGELES
Chelby Bourne, winner of the Audience
Awards managers contest conducted by
the Commonwealth Amusement circuit,
headquartering in Kansas City, and wife
were here on a trip he won as the prize for
the best promotional job in the circuit during
the recent COMPO-sponsored poll. He
is the Commonwealth manager in Garden
City, Kas. . Arthur jr., head of
Fanchon & Marco and board chairman of
the Southern California Theatre Owners
Ass'n, returned from a business trip to St.
Louis.
VISITS SEATTLE TENT—When Al Grubstick of San Francisco, International
Variety representative, was in town recently he met with the officers of the newly
formed Variety Club of the Pacific Northwest Tent 46. In the gToup, left to right, are
Chief Barker M. "Bud" Saffle; Frank X. Christie, canvasman; Art Greenfield, second
assistant chief barker: Grubstick; canvasmen B. C. Johnson, Doug Forbes, Paul Mc-
Elhinney, Harry Plunkett; Ed Cruea, first assistant chief barker; C. B. Gustafson,
dough guy, and Fred Danz, property master.
Edward Hyman to Speak
At Meeting of SCTOA
LOS ANGELES—What the
Southern California
Theatre Owners Ass'n terms the "feast
or famine" practices of producers and distributors
will be discussed by Edward L.
Hyman. vice-president of American Broadcasting-Paramount
Theatres, at a Tuesday
1 21) SCTOA meeting at the Ambassador
Hotel.
In urging the SCTOA membership to attend,
board chairman Harry C. Arthur jr.
reminded that Hyman and Leonard H.
Goldenson. ABC-Paramount president, have
been discussing with major company sales
heads the possibility of establishing an "orderly"
release schedule to give showmen an
"even flow of top-grade features throughout
the 12 months."
William Forman Is Named
Heart Fund Drive Head
LOS ANGELES—Appointed chairman of
the exhibitors segment of the motion picture
industry division for the annual Los
5724 S.E. Monroe St
Portland 22, Oregon
WEST COAST THEATRES
FOR SALE
Write for
list.
THEATRE EXCHANGE
260 Kearny Street
San Francisco 8. Calif.
Angeles County Heart Fund campaign was
William C. Forman, president of Pacific
Drive-in Theatres. Committee members include
Sherrill C. Corwin, Metropolitan Theatres;
Spencer Leve. Fox West Coast; Fred
Greenberg, Warner manager; Wayne Hanson,
South-Lyn Theatres; Ezra Stern, chief
barker. Variety Tent 25. and Ida Schreiber,
secretary, Southern California Theatre
Owners Ass'n.
Paul Frees to Be Voice
Of Mule in New Series
HOLLYWOOD—Paul Frees, who does the
talking for Tom and Jerry in MGM's cartoon
series, will be the "voice" of Francis,
the "talking mule," in U-I's "Francis in the
Haunted House," seventh in the series. Frees
succeeds Chill Wills, who handled the dialog
for Francis in the preceding six features.
The new "Francis," a Robert Arthur production,
stars Mickey Rooney and is being
directed by Charles Lamont.
Press Group Goes to Sea
To View Filming of Fire
HOLLYWOOD—For one of the climactic
scenes in "Around the World in 80 Days,"
Producer Mike Todd shepherded 40 trade
and general press representatives and columnists
to sea on Wednesday (15) aboard a
chartered boat to witness the burning of a
yacht offshore from the Balboa-Newport
area. The firing and sinking of the vessel
was captured by Todd-AO cameras for the
offering, which United Artists will distribute
as a roadshow.
To Discuss Code Revision
HOLLYWOOD—Chosen panelists for the
Sunday 1 19) Motion Picture Industry Council
forum discussion on "Should the Production
Code Be Revised?" were Jerry Wald, Leonard
Spigelgass, Dick Powell, F. Hugh Herbert and
Robert Aldrich, with Kenneth MacGowan,
former film producer and now attached to
the UCLA faculty, as moderator.
Edward Cassidy will enact the role of President
Theodore Roosevelt in RKO'.s "The First
Traveling Saleslady."
Harry Novak, RKO booker, and Dan Rochin,
who manages the United
Artists Theatre
downtown, both became poppas of baby
girls, while Bill Swanson. onetime exhibitor
. . . After
who now owns Paradise Cove, a fishing resort,
was presented a grandchild
three years in the post, Alex Cooperman
resigned as western division sales head for
IFE. He plans to go into the independent
distribution field . . . Mel Evidon of Favorite
Films was hospitalized for a medical checkup.
. . .
Gordon West and Johnny Hatcher have
taken over a former Fox West Coast house,
the Tower, in Santa Paula Merle Cavanaugh,
booker-buyer for the Edwards circuit,
was on the Row as were Dick Ettinger
of the Metzger-Srere chain, and D. and E.
Mitterling, who operate the Mission in Fallbrook
. Wilbur, owner of the Palm in
Palm City, is recuperating in Chula Vista Hospital
after being kicked over a fence by a
horse . . . Herb Turpie. the Manley popcorn
man, headed for Kansas City for home office
huddles.
Resigning as an RKO salesman was Leo
Jensen . . . Fred Stein, head of Fred Stein
Enterprises, returned from a business trip to
New York . . . Millie and Lou LaMell, operators
of the Patio restaurant on the Row.
were given a dinner by their daughter and
son-in-law. celebrating the LaMells' 27th
anniversary . . . Joe Horn arrived from
Gotham to join the local Buena Vista staff
as auditor. He at one time was a U-I salesman
in New York . . . Open only a week under
management of P. B. Hackley jr.. the
Kiva Theatre on South Broadway has been
shuttered again. Among its previous operators
were Dave Rector, Moses Hernandez
and the late Sunday Monday.
U-I Signs Onslow Stevens
HOLLYWOOD—Veteran character actor
Onslow Stevens has been signed to a multiple-picture
contract by U-I. where his first
assignment will be a lead in "Kelly and Me,"
Technicolor-CinemaScope musical starring
Van Johnson and Piper Laurie. It rolls Monday
(27 1 as a Robert Arthur production,
with Robert Z. Leonard megging.
Domino Firm Is Formed
HOLLYWOOD — Domino Productions has
been formed by Ruben A. Calderon, distributor-exhibitor
of Latin American films, with
an initial slate of four features designed
for consumption in the American market.
They will be lensed at the Azteca studios in
Mexico City, with "Black Moon" as the first
to hit the cameras.
60 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

are
. . Emil
. . Mel
. . Myra
—
—
—
— —
—
——
. . Earle
. . Joan
. . Margie
. . Theatre
SAN FRANCISCO
•The Lone Ranger is scheduled to make a personal
appearance on the stage of the
Paramount Theatre February 24 in behalf of
the picture of the same name . Davis,
National Screen Service salesman, left on a
swing through the territory, and Dave Petersen,
Western Theatrical Equipment Co., returned
from a jaunt through the valley . .
.
Juanita Crowe resigned at NSS and joined
the Paramount Theatre staff . . . Kathy
Hamilton, former secretary to Jack Marpole,
NSS manager, now is at 20th-Fox.
The Sequoia Theatre, owned by Charlie
Holtz of Sacramento, was reported closed . . .
Don Prince, RKO publicist, was in town working
on "The Conqueror," booked in at the
Golden Gate on the 22nd . Hulling
and Harold Wirthwein, Allied Artists, returned
from a business trip north . . . The
local UA staff is quite happy about the
recent appointment of Jim Velde, former district
manager, to general sales manager.
Stan Lefcourt is pleased as punch about his
recent scores, according to co-bowlers. Stan
bowled 231, the high individual game score
for the entire season of the Variety Club
Bowling League. Los Angeles area please
Gen Sutton, Republic booker, reports
note! . . .
her husband Perry is recuperating nice-
ly following an operation.
The Variety Club announced its first gala
affair of the year, a supper dance to be held
at the St. Francis Yacht Club Saturday evening,
March 3. It is being sponsored by United
Candy Co. through the efforts of Marshall
Naify. Admission is free to Variety Club members
and their wives ... A group of local
Filmrowers, including Roy Cooper, Charles
Maestri. Al Grubstick, Homer Tegtmeier,
Marshall and Bob Naify, have donated money
to the YMCA to sponsor underprivileged children.
Contributions are still being accepted
for this outstanding enterprise by Stan Lefcourt,
membership chairman, Central YMCA.
Irving Levin, San Francisco Theatres district
manager, has been named to head the
Variety Club's Blind Babies Ass'n theatre
collection fund drive for the year . . Dave
.
Bolton is moving his offices to the new
General Theatrical offices on 230 Hyde St.
Other occupants in this building (the former
Columbia
i
exchange George Archibald
Booking and Buying Service, Buena Vista
Film exchange, and Filmack.
On the Row were Jim Toler, Chabot Theattre,
Castro Valley, and Carl Mahn, Park and
Guild theatres, Menlo Park . Armos
returned from a honeymoon to the Columbia
exchange switchboard.
Sunkist at Pomona Sold;
Plan Its Conversion
POMONA, CALIF.—Built in 1931 and purchased
by Fox West Coast in 1947, the Sunkist
Theatre has been sold to Charles Lapson,
Dr. Paul Resnick and Morris Weiss and is
being remodeled into an office building. The
house had 865 seats. Darkened for a brief
period in 1951, the Sunkist later reopened as
a Spanish-language theatre.
The new owners plan to lease the structure
for retail or wholesale business, as a bowling
alley or for professional offices.
'Cry' in Eighth Week
Scores 240 at LA
LOS ANGELES—"I'll
Cry Tomorrow" apparently
can't be nudged out of its position
as the local first run rialto's strongest draw.
The Susan Hayward starrer finished its
eighth canto with a 240 per cent estimate,
while "Cinerama Holiday," in its 13th week,
grabbed place money with 230 per cent.
(Average Is 100)
2nd wk
(Fox), 5th
Beverly
Chinese
Canon
The
The Prisoner
Lieutenant
(Col),
Wore Skirts
100
wk 75
Fox, Ritz,
of the Bottle (20th-Fox); Let's
Downtown Paramount, Loyola
Make
Bottom
Up
(UA), 2nd wk 90
Egyptian, United Artists Oklahomo! (Magna),
220
Trouble With Harry (Para) 225
13th
Fine
wk
Arts—The
Four Star
Fox Beverly
Cry Tomorrow (MGM),
Mon With the Golden
I'll
The
8th wk...240
Arm (UA),. .
7th 100
Fox Wilshire— Helen or Troy (WB), 3rd wk 150
wk
Los Angeles, Hollywood, Warners Wiltern The
Lone Ranger (WB); Blowing Wild (WB), reissue. 125
Pontages, State Forever, Darling (MGM); The
Naked Sea (RKO) 85
Paramount Hollywood Guys ond Dolls (MGM),
12th wk 160
Warners Downtown, Fox Vogue All That Heaven
Allows (U-l); Red Sundown (U-l); 2nd wk 110
Warners Beverly The Rose Tattoo (Para), 9th wk. 80
Warners Hollywood—-Cinerama Holiday (Cinerama),
13th wk 230
'Arm' in Second Week
Retains 'Frisco Lead
SAN FRANCISCO— Still winning top honors
at the United Artists theatre was the
second week of "The Man With the Golden
Arm" at the United Artists. Second spot
winner went to the second week of "Helen
of Troy" with a rousing 150 per cent high.
Fox—The Bottom of the Bottle (20th-Fox)
2nd wk 70
Golden Gate The Benny Goodman Story (U-l).. 125
Loew's Warfield Ransom! (MGM), 2nd wk 70
Paramount Hell on Frisco Boy (WB), 2nd wk,..100
St. Francis Helen of Troy (WB), 2nd wk 150
United Artists The Man With the Golden Arm
(UA), 2nd wk 200
'Court Jester' Leads Denver
With 200 Per Cent Score
DENVER—"The Court Jester" was the best
in town in its opening week at the Denham,
where it held over. "Helen of Troy" went into
its third week at the Centre, as did "Diabolique"
at the Esquire.
Aladdin The Deep Blue Sea (20th-Fox), 2nd wk. 90
Centre; Helen of Troy (WB), 2nd wk 110
Denham The Court Jester (Para) 200
Denver Bottom of the Bottle (20th-Fox); Duel
on the Mississippi (Col) 1 00
Esquire Diabolique (UMPO), 2nd wk 135
Orpheum Forever Darling (MGM); Toughest
Mon Alive ( AA) 115
Paramount The Man With the Golden Arm
(UA), 2nd wk 1 40
Seventh Week of 'Dolls'
Holds Seattle Lead
SEATTLE—"Guys and Dolls" continued to
reign, with a strong 215 per cent in its seventh
week at the Blue Mouse. A newcomer, "The
Littlest Outlaw," wound up a first week at
the Music Box with a healthy 200. Another
opener. "The Benny Goodman Story" completed
its first week at the Music Hall with
185.
Blue Mouse Guys and Dolls (MGM), 7th wk....215
Music Box The Littlest Outlaw (BV) 200
Music Hall The Benny Goodman Story (U-l).... 185
Orpheum—Flame of the Islands .Rep); The
Divided Heart (Rep) 75
Eric Stacey Resigns
HOLLYWOOD—Unable to reach an agreement
on contractual arrangements, Eric
Stacey has resigned as head of the Warner
studio production department. He had been
a Warner employe for 15 years and head of
the department for the last two.
DENVER
•IS/ith the resignation of Pat McGee as general
manager of the Cooper Foundation
Theatres, the headquarters of the company
has been moved from here to Lincoln, Neb.,
where most of the offices are located. Kenneth
Anderson, an attorney, now is general
manager. For the time being at least, Cooper
will maintain a small office here, with Cunnie
Wuebbenhorst, who has been with the company
for several years, in charge.
Wrist watches, as a memento of their 30
years each with the National Theatre Supply
Co., were given by Walter Greene, president,
to J. J. Morgan, for years manager of the
Denver branch, and to Mrs. Louise Ferguson,
office manager. Both were with the company
when it started operating here. Morgan was
in the theatre supply business on his own before
joining National.
Paul Thompson, bookkeeper at Service Theatre
Supply, has resigned to become bookkeeper
at the Denver Shipping & Inspection
Bureau, where he succeeds Mrs. Evelyn Benson,
who quit to devote her full time to housekeeping.
Denver Shipping has started a twostory
addition to its building, which will triple
the floor space . . . Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Chopping,
owners of the West Drive-in, Riverton,
Wyo., have returned from a two-month vacation
in Hawaii.
Joan Aulbach has been added as clerk at
Buena Vista . Amptman succeeds Lucille
Orrino as clerk at Denver Shipping &
Inspection . Northrup, assistant
cashier at Columbia, and William Grenemyer
were married.
Beverly McAdam, booking secretary at Columbia,
has announced her engagement to
Robert Biesemeier. They plan a June wedding
. Peterson, United Artists salesman
who has been covering parts of the
Denver and Salt Lake City areas, has been
moved into the Denver film area and will
cover the northern section, with William Sombar
being moved to the central.
United Artists is modernizing its phone
system and is adding another trunk line
necessitated by the increase in business . . .
Robert Ryan. Allied Artists salesman, was
stricken with a glandular- infection, causing
a swelling in his face, and was hospitalized
on his way home from Albuquerque, N. M.. in
a Pueblo hospital for a few days.
Richard Klein, Rapid City, S. D.. general
manager of the Black Hills Amusement Co..
was in for conferences with Fred Brown, buyer
and booker . folk seen on Filmrow
included Don Phillips. Colby. Kas.; Mr.
and Mrs. Everhart jr., Granada; Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Ring, Crook; Mr. and Mrs. A. L.
Kirk. Grant, Neb.; David Thompson. Cope:
R. D. Ervin, Kremmling; Glen Wittstruck,
Meeker; Neil Beezley, Burlington; Dr. F. E.
Rider, Wauneta, Neb.; Robert Smith, Steamboat
Springs.
Western to Build Airer
VISTA. CALIF.—Western Amusement Co.
will launch construction immediately on a
drive-in here adjoining the freeway to Carlsbad
and Oceanside. it was disclosed by Clell
McElroy, who manages the Avo Theatre for
the circuit.
BOXOFFICE :
: February 18, 1956 61

. . Jim
.
SEATTLE
t . w Pressler of United Theatres has purchased
the Boise and Broadway drive-Ins
at BoU He also has taken over the operation
of the Meridian Theatre, Meridian He will
continue his association, however, with the
Foreman circuit as general manager of the
le office . . . Mr. Eckman, new owner of
the Shelton Theatre, has changed its name
from the Melody to the Blue Ox.
.
Jack
.
Jay Gardner from Sandpoint, Alaska, was
in town, tils first trip in three years .
O'Brien and Morrie Siegel, United Artists
-ale men. were up from Portland to attend
a sales meeting held by A. J. Sullivan. Seattle
Ralph Clark, United Artists
manager . . .
district manager, visited the Seattle exchange
. Velde, former UA western
division manager, has been named general
sales manager of the company.
. .
Alien Wieder, MGM exploitation man. made
a trip to Alaska . Sammy Siegel, Columbia
publicist, recently hit the southern Oregon
Walter Hoffman, Paramount
territory . . .
publicity director, was in Oregon working on
"The Rose Tattoo" and "The Court Jester" . .
Zollie Volehok of Northwest Releasing also
was working the Oregon territory . . . "The
Rose Tattoo" opens the 21st at the Fifth
Avenue, accompanied by a strong publicity
campaign. A special screening of the film was
held recently for radio, newsmen and TV
people.
Jim Brooks jr., son of the 20th-Fox office
manager, left for Berne, Switzerland, aboard
the Queen Elizabeth from New York, where
he will continue theological studies . . . Howard
McGhee. John Dore, Pete Penagoes and
Ed Hickey were on the Row'. Others in from
out of town included Jim Griffin, Selah.
Selah; Joe Rosenfield, Spokane; Mrs. Charles
O'Connell, Black Diamond; Bing Fornier,
Grayland; Junior Mercy, Yakima, and Peter
Bornes, Okanogan.
Monterey and Carmel
Theatres Are Merged
SAN FRANCISCO—The Hill Theatre in
Monterey and the Golden Bough Theatre
in Carmel have merged under the management
of R. B. Read of Monterey, who has
shared ownership of the Hill Theatre Corp.
with Paul Clark of Pebble Beach. The Golden
Bough Cinema Corp. is owned by John Parsons
and Maury Schwarz of San Francisco,
following sale to Schwarz of a one-half interest
previously held by R. I. Kronenberg of
Los Angeles.
Merger of the two operating companies was
effected by means of an exchange of stock.
Both companies hold leases on their respective
buildings.
Screenplay 'Mount Horeb'
HOLLYWOOD—Russell Birdwell's third
tome. "Mount Horeb," which has a metaphysical
background, has been sold to the
publishing firm of Julian Messner, and Birdwell
is preparing a screenplay thereon which
he will produce and direct. Active in the
public relations field for a number of years,
Birdwell recently completed megging "The
Come on," a Lindsley Parsons production
starring Anne Baxter, for Allied Artists.
Flood-Damaged Theatres
Are Being Renovated
GUERNEVTLLE, CALIF.—Both the Rio
Theatre at Monte Rio and the River Theatre
at Guerneville suffered extensive flood damage
and are now being cleaned up for reopening.
Water reached to about one-third the
height of the screen in the River Theatre,
covering all the seats and lobby furniture.
Carpeting has been removed for cleaning;
seats have been cleaned but probably will
require covers, and the theatre should be
ready to reopen soon.
The Rio Theatre suffered similar damage
and must undergo the same program of
cleaning and renovating to be ready for
opening in the spring.
Pacific Drive-in Chain
Plans Six in Southland
LOS ANGELES—Plans for six more driveins,
bringing to 36 the number operated by
the company in the southland territory, have
been drafted by Pacific Drive-In Theatres,
the area*s largest ozoner circuit, headed by
William R. Forman.
The lineup of new installations includes the
Hollypark in southwest Los Angeles, which
will be a twin-screen installation with a
capacity of more than 3,500 cars. Construction
has already started on the first unit, to accommodate
2.000 cars.
It will be followed by a 1,500-car situation in
Nonvalk and by four others, all to be located
in the San Fernando valley.
Eight Circuits Are Cited
For Cancer Education
SAN FRANCISCO—Citations have been
presented to eight northern California theatre
groups for assistance in an American Cancer
Society educational campaign.
Receiving the awards were the Blumenfeld
Theatre, the General Theatrical Co., Nasser
Bros.. San Francisco Theatres, United California
Theatres, National Screen Service, Motion
Picture Projectionists Local 162 and
Theatrical Stage Employes Local 16.
The organizations were cited for their cooperation
in the showing of a film on breast
self examination for women. The awards were
made at a luncheon at the Clift Hotel here.
High Water Covers Floor
Of Bandon, Ore., Theatre
BANDON, ORE.—Although flood waters
came up in the Bandon Theatre recently, covering
the floor up to the 12 front rows for
four days, the house was able to resume operation
without extensive repairs. Owner
Raleigh Greene had the air conditioning
motors lifted high so heat could be resumed.
Chief damage was to aisle carpeting.
TV Film on Williamsburg
HOLLYWOOD—"The Williamsburg Story,"
a half-hour Vista Vision short, will be filmed
in that Virginia community in May for Paramount,
with George Seaton directing from a
script by Emmett Lavery. The offering, covering
the period from 1765 to 1776, will be
exhibited in two theatres being constructed
in Williamsburg as a "conditioner" for the
many tourists who visit the restored colonial
town.
SALT LAKE CITY
Cam Seigel came into Salt Lake on "Picnic,"
then took off a few hours later so
he could open the campaign in the northwest
. . . Merrilyn Kener Is new bookkeeper
at Paramount, and Myrna Erickson
has replaced Betty Salter as contract clerk
at the same branch. Mrs. Salter has moved
to
California.
The Allied Artists staff bought a big cake
and threw a party for Don Tibbs, manager,
this week. It was his birthday, but like
Jack Benny, he is saying only that he is 39
Scores of Filmrow personalities
years old . . .
attended the annual Valentine party
of the Variety Auxiliary at the Hotel Utah.
It was one of the swankiest film social events
of the year.
The husband of Vivian Speirs of 20th-
Fox underwent surgery this week . . . Bill
Gordon is lining up invitations for special
showings of "The Searchers" and "Serenade"
March 12 at the Villa Theatre. Special
attention is being given the former because
it was made in southern Utah.
San Diego City Council
Okays Sero Airer Permits
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.—Overruling an appeal
filed by counsel for the Midway Drive-
In Theatre Corp., which operates an ozoner
in the same area, the San Diego city council
unanimously upheld a board of zoning adjustment
approving a permit requested by
Sero Amusement Enterprises to construct
a $300,000 drive-in close to the Midway installation.
The Sero application also was opposed by
Theatrical Enterprises Corp., which has
leased a drive-in site from the city in nearby
Mission Bay Park. Opponents of the Sero
project said construction of a third drive-in
would cause a traffic problem and hurt development
of the area.
'Goodbye' Bows in Denver
HOLLYWOOD—Sparked by the participation
therein of Cornell Borchers. European
actress who stars with Rock Hudson in the
offering, U-I's "Never Say Goodbye" bowed
Tuesday 14 at the Denver Theatre in Denver.
The Technicolor drama, an Albert J.
Cohen production, was directed by Jerry
Hopper.
U-I Signs Curt Jurgens
HOLLYWOOD—European actor Curt Jurgens
has been signed to a five-picture contract
by U-I. Here for a short visit with his
wife, actress Eva Bartok, Jurgens has returned
abroad, and will return here later this
year, at which time his first picture under
the pact will be selected.
Yul Brynner to Paramount
HOLLYWOOD—Upon completion of "The
King and I." in which he stars with Deborah
Kerr at 20th-Fox, Yul Brynner will
swing over to Paramount to direct and star
in an as-yet unselected property. Brynner
also has a 20th-Fox commitment to appear
opposite Ingrid Bergman in "Anastasia."
62 BOXOFFICE
:
: February
18, 1956

—
—
—
— ——
—
'Helen of Troy' Takes
Kaycee Honors at 250
KANSAS CITY—Three of the first run
theatres, the Missouri, Paramount and Roxy,
went over the 200 mark in grosses, all three
playing features in their first weeks. "Helen
of Troy" led at the Paramount with 250 per
cent. All three houses held over and no first
run houses scored less than average business.
(Average Is 100)
G.'en The French Touch (Times) 125
K tmo The Great Adventure (DeRochemont)
4th wk 1 00
Midland The Man With the Golden Arm (UA),
2nd wk 1 00
Missouri The Littlest Outlow (BV), The Naked
Sea (RKO) 210
Paramount Helen of Troy (WB) 250
Roxy— Forever Darling (MGM) 200
Tower, Uptown, Fairway and Granada The Bottom
of the Bottle (20rh-Fox); Apache Woman
(ARC) 105
Vogue The Prisoner (Col), 2nd wk 125
Indianapolis Upturn
Headed by 'Goodman'
INDIANAPOLIS—Business was well above
average at most first run theatres. "The
Benny Goodman Story," first in both
money and percentagewise, opened at Keith's
as if it meant to stay for a while. "Forever
Darling" was very solid at Loew's, and
"Hidden Guns" gave the Lyric its best time
in months with Faron Young on the stage
over the weekend. "Helen of Troy" also
was getting a nice play at the Indiana.
Circle The Trouble With Horry (Para); To Catch
a Thief (Para) 100
Esquire The Prisoner (Col), 2nd wk 90
Indiana Helen of Troy ( WB) 110
Keith's The Benny Goodman Story (U-l) 250
Loew's Forever Darling (MGM); It's a Dog's
Life (MGM)
1 75
Lyric— Hidden Guns (Rep) 200
Four Newcomers Get
Good Chicago Scores
CHICAGO—There were four newcomers
highlighting Loop film fare, and one at the
Esquire on the city's near north side. However,
grosses might have been higher had it
not been for a steady run of bad weather,
with heavy snow over the weekend. Even so,
the opening of "The Lone Ranger" at the
Roosevelt looked promising, and it also appeared
that "Samurai" will have a substantial
run at the World Playhouse.
Carnegie To Catch a Thief (Para); Love Is a
Many-Splendored Thing (20th-Fox) 200
Chicago The Benny Goodman Story (U-l), 2nd
wk 275
Esquire The Night My Number Came Up
(Cont'l.) 200
Eitel's Palace Cinerama Holiday (Cinerama),
35th wk 350
Grand—Tennessee's Partner (RKO); Bengali
(RKO), 2nd wk 195
Loop;—The Desperate Hours (Para), 2nd wk 200
McVickers Oklahoma! (Magna), 7th wk 275
Monroe The Grapes of Wrath (20th-Fox);
Tobacco Road (20th-Fox), reissues 190
Oriental The Lieutenant Wore Skirts (20th-Fox) . 21
Roosevelt The Lone Ranger (WB), The Crooked
Web (Col) 220
State Lake Kismet (MGM), 2nd wk 195
Surf Wages of Feor (SR) 1 85
United Artists I'll Cry Tomorrow (MGM), 8th
wk 205
Woods The Man With the Golden Arm (UA),
7th wk 210
World Playhouse Samurai (Jacon) 215
Ziegfeld Diabolique (UMPO), 8th wk 235
Robs St. Louis Orpheum
ST. LOUIS—A bandit took $22 Monday (13)
in a bold holdup at Loew's Orpheum here.
Lillie Ashby told police the man walked up
to the boxoffice about 3:30 p.m., brandished
a small pistol and said, "Give me the money
and don't push the buzzer." She gave him
the contents of a cash box and he fled south
on Ninth street.
W. D. Gaddoni, Manager
At K. C. for MGM, Dies
KANSAS CITY — William D. Gaddoni,
MGM exchange manager, died at Research
Hospital Sunday
night after a heart attack
which he suffered
a few hours previously
at his home, 5804 West
78th street. Overland
Park. Gaddoni was 42
years old and seemingly
in excellent
health until the attack
occurred. Filmrow was
deeply shocked by the
news because of the
suddenness of his
William D. Gaddoni death and because he
was one of the best-liked men on the Row,
both officially and personally. He had been
here about five years, coming from the
Omaha branch, and had been with MGM
around 21 years.
The deceased served in the Navy in World
War II. His wife Alice, a son William L. and
a daughter Patricia Ann survive, as does his
father, two sisters and a brother.
Services were held Wednesday (15) morning
at St. Ann's Catholic church. Burial was
at New Rochelle, N. Y., Saturday (18), where
his father and two sisters live. Gaddoni
was born at Rimini, Italy, but came
to New Rochelle when a small child. He was
a graduate of the New Rochelle High School
and of New York University. He recently
was elected first vice-president of the Motion
Picture Ass'n of Greater Kansas City.
FILL 'ER UP!—Kansas City's Universal
exchange dramatized its current powerpacked
drive by dressing up its bookers
and office manager as filling-station attendants.
Standing, left to right: Jean
Calvert, booker: Chuck Decker, head
booker; Mike Daniel and Rex Wright,
student bookers; Larry Klein, office manager.
Kneeling, John Kelley. student
booker.
Film Service Leader
To Address KMTA
KANSAS CITY—George Murphy, film and
TV star who has been Hollywood's unofficial
goodwill ambassador the past few years, will
Sidney Cohen
George Murphy
speak at the Wednesday, March 7, luncheon
of the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n convention
at the President Hotel. The luncheon
will be sponsored by Coca-Cola. A Ford
ranch wagon is being given away.
The convention will open Tuesday morning,
March 6, at 8:30 but no program will compete
with booth displays until that afternoon.
There will be a meeting of the KMTA directors
at 11 o'clock in Room 207. No luncheon is
planned for that day but at 1 p.m. new officers
will be elected in the ballroom and
at 2 p.m. a "surprise program" has been
scheduled.
Wednesday the meeting will open at 8:30
a.m. with doughnuts and coffee by the
courtesy of the Alexander Film Co. At 10,
Sidney Cohen of Film Service Corp.. Salt
Lake City, recently elected president of the
National Ass'n of Film Service Organizations,
will speak on "The Evaluation of Film."
This will be a closed meeting.
The convention will close with a cocktail
party in the Walnut room at 4 p.m. Ed
Harris of Neosho, Mo., is president.
Tour of Mexico Contest
Stirs Patron Interest
ST. LOUIS—Six girls selected by the patrons
of several theatres in Missouri and Illinois
will start June 5 on their "Holiday in
Mexico" tours of Old Mexico under a theatre
promotion plan set up by W. V. Snider of
Dixon. Mo.
The girls, who are still to be selected in
voting contests, will meet at Acapulco, Mexico,
June 5, then proceed on their 18-day
all-expense-paid trip.
A number of theatres in southern and
southeastern Missouri have already joined
the plan, while this week Earl Kerr of Denver,
Colo., made arrangements for his theatres
in Iowa and western Missouri to adopt
the plan. Kerr, who resides in Shaffer's
Crossing. Pine. Colo., has nine theatres in
Iowa and Missouri, including drive-ins.
Snider, who was in St. Louis Monday (13;,
said that the theatres already in the plan are
very enthusiastic about the results, saying the
popularity contests have already stimulated
interest in motion pictures and attendance at
the theatres. Each theatre has a ballot box in
the lobby and each ticket purchased entitles
the holder to a certain number of votes for
any contestant. The girls in the contests
help things along by encouraging members
of their families and friends and acquaintances
to attend the shows
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956 63

j- He
ji Tom
INDUSTRY
PROFILE
Tom Norman Began Industry Career
With Storeroom Theatre in 1930
HARRISON. ARK.—Among the oldtimers
entitled to tilt back a chair and
start I -rememberwhen
stories ot show
business is Tom
Norman, who has
made this beautiful
Ozark town his
home since 1952.
Norman's theatre
career dates back to
1903-04, when he
began as a projection
operator in a
storeroom show at
Lincoln and Lill
Tom Norman avenues, Chicago.
became a booker for Universal on Lake
I street and remained with the company
I
until 1914. Tom still prizes the letter of
| regret at losing him from Carl Laemmle,
| a letter that also carried best wishes for
his future.
H
Reason for leaving Universal was that
liked exhibition and took over man-
I
agement of the Rex, Racine, Wis., and
| the Oshkosh at Oshkosh, Wis. Other
| ventures, in chronological order, were
I managing the Archer Bros. Portage Park,
I Chicago; field manager for Fischer's Para-
| mount circuit, Milwaukee salesman for
I MGM and field representative for Albert
I Dezel's Road Shows—a position in which
I he had much success selling and renting
| theatres in which to show the pictures.
While engaged in this work for Albert
I Dezel's shows, Norman found a spot in
Buddy Bregman Scores Terror'
Composing the score for Security Pictures'
"Step Down to Terror." a United Artists release,
is Buddy Bregman.
FAST:
Gaitlebe>i>iif, f d
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Profit
t
Preparation /
Sales
BAR B Q PORK or
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SANDWICHES
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Warmers and Trailers available at
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•
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SUPPLY CO.
1S38 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis 10, Mo.
Phone MOhowk 4-9579
Distributors: Blevins BecHive Popcorn, Candies,
Seasoning, Paper Items.
Palatine, 111., then a town of 2,100, where
he was to make his reputation as a show- ;
man. Against the advice of friends and
\
industry experts, Tom took over an old
\
store show, remodeled it
and by following
the sound policy of giving the people good
\
shows, he turned the Palatine situation
\
into one of the choice spots in Illinois.
\
He operated this theatre, the Norman, \
until 1947, when he sold out with one-year
option to buy the building.
Tom had been studying possibilities of
the drive-in field for some time, so h-5 %
looked around for a good spot to gain experience.
He settled on the Moonlight
j
Drive-In at Gary and Hammond, where \
a manager was needed. Tom held this
\
position two years, during which he scored
\
his greatest thrill as a showman— playing I
"Samson and Delilah" to capacity crowds i
at the drive-in following the feature's I
Chicago Loop run. He topped off his
\
drive-in experience with a move to the \
Traverse City, Mich., open air theatre, lo-
\
cated in a scenic spot on Lake Michigan's
shores.
In the fall of 1952, Tom accompanied \
William Kehe jr., then postmaster of Pala-
;
tine, on a trip into the famous Ozarks i
country. There the old impresario of the
\
Palatine found a bargain that even he ji
could not resist, and at this attractive 1
spot in Harrison, Tom and his wife are
now enjoying themselves. There's a stand- \
ing invitation from Tom to his friends to |
write to him or stop in for a visit ai 210
\
North Maple.
Kansas City Exhibitors
Fight Fast Time Move
KANSAS CITY—Area exhibitors are anxiously
supporting efforts to combat the instigation
of daylight saving time in this
area. The city council will take up the matter
after the return of Mayor H. Roe Bartle
and Councilman Charles C. Shafer from the
South American trade trip. Two ordinances
have been submitted; the older one would
submit the issue to the voters and a recent
one would effect the change by council action.
According to a local news story, radio and
TV stations, banking and investment institutions
favor the change because of complications
stemming from daylight saving time in
eastern cities. Organized labor, drive-in
operators and farmers oppose the change.
Martin Stone of
Drive-In Theatre Recording
Service presented the industry case to council
members.
The Chamber of Commerce is
\
\
pi
>:.
mailing out
4,500 postcard questionnaires to citizens asking
for opinions. Postcards protesting the
time juggling act sent to the council might
have weight when the question comes up.
WANTED EXPERIENCED, RELIABLE
THEATRE PREMIUM SALESMEN tor proven boxoHice
promotions. Liberal commissions.
Write qualifications to
MRS. F. HARDING 38 Church St., Boston 16, Moss.
Thomas M. Curley, 67. Dies;
Retired Theatre Owner
ST. LOUIS—Thomas M. Curley, 67,
retired
theatre owner, died at St. John's Hospital
here Tuesday .
He
had been a patient at
the hospital several
weeks.
Early in his career,
Curley worked for
William Goldman,
principally at the old
Kings Theatre. In
1923, he purchased the
Queens Theatre, and
the adjacent Queens
Airdome from Goldman,
who now heads
*,*
Thomas M. Curley tne William Goldman
Theatres in Philadelphia and other film industry
interests. In 1930, Curley purchased
the Ashland from Joe Litvag. He also for a
while owned and operated the old Lee Theatre.
For some years, the pictures for the
Ashland, Lee and Queens were booked as
part of the Kaimann circuit in the northern
part of St. Louis.
Curley retired several years ago when he
disposed of the Queens, the last of his theatrical
holdings. In recent years he was
interested in real estate and other nonfilm
business. He was in service during World
War I in the Navy. He is survived by his
brother Daniel M. and two sisters Marie
and
Catherine.
Services were conducted at the Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church Friday (17) with
burial in Calvary Cemetery.
MITO Makes Final Plans
For Louisiana Session
ST. LOUIS—Officers and directors of the
Missouri-Illinois Theatre Owners met Wednesday
(15) in the Paramount screening room
here to discuss plans for the March 13 regional
meeting to be held at Louisiana. Mo.,
under the chairmanship of Russell Armentrout
of Louisiana, assisted by Jimmy James
of St. Louis.
Convention Chairman Paul L. Krueger of
St. Louis was to make a report on steps already
taken on arrangements for the 1956
MITO convention. The exact time and place
of that gathering will be announced soon,
according to L. J. Williams of Union Mo.,
president. The regional gathering at Louisiana
will be slanted at more profitable operation
of theatres and drive-ins.
St.
Louis Area Drive-Ins
Set 1956 Opening Dates
ST. LOUIS—The 1956 season opening
dates for a number of drive-ins were set
this week, including: Broadview, Morningfield,
Ky., March 22; Winona, Winona. Mo., March
31; 66 Park-in, February 17, and Ronnie's,
March 22, both units of the Fred Wehrenberg
Theatres circuit in St. Louis County;
Starlight, Beardstown. 111., March 29;
21 Drive-In, Ellington, Mo.. March 31; Corral,
Farmington. Mo., March 15, and Pine Hill.
Piedmont. Mo., April 8. A. B. and Maud
Jefferis, owners of the Pine Hill, plan to close
their Jefferis Theatre, Piedmont, after the
final show April 7, as is customary in the
drive-in season.
Kirk Douglas will star as Doc Halliday in
Paramount's "Gunfight at trie O.K. Corral."
64 BOXOFFICE :
: February 18, 1956

indoor
theatre and
drive in convention
president hotel
march 6-7, 1956

. . Miss
. . Barbara
. . Bud
I
CETRON
KANSAS CITY
n Don Allen, director of advertising and
publicity for Tri-Statc Theatres, came
from Des Moines to present a gift watch to
Harold Lyon, manager of Paramount Theatre,
for having the most courteous employes
among 22 theatres competing. The presentation
was made at a party given for the
employes Wednesday (15> after the show
. . . Dixie Enterprises, operated by Harry
Gaffney. will distribute for United Motion
Picture Organizations, whose current releases
are "Mr. Hulot'.s Holiday." "The Sheep Has
Five Legs," and "Diabolique," all foreign.
Vernon D. Gelabert, who closed his
Crescent Drive-In at Galena, Kas., last year,
has announced he will reopen this year . . .
Dick Wiles of the Heart Drive-In, who played
the part of Roy Roberts, president of the
Kansas City Star, in the recent Nit-Wits
show at the University Club, had as his
guests at the show Frank Thomas, manager
of Allied Artists; Ed Hartman, Motion Picture
Booking Agency; Martin Stone. Mercury
Advertising and Drive-In Theatre Recording
Service, and Morry Relder, Universal manager.
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Dealers in BALLANTYNE
Friends of Guy Bradford, former salesman
for United Artists, can address him now at
St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Mo., where
he is convalescing after an auto accident.
It has been a long and tedious time since
December 16 and Bradford's daughter says
cards and letters from friends cheer him.
The residence address is 1758 South Fremont
St.. Springfield . . . Mrs. Jack Hillyer, who
has been such a gracious hostess with Jack
at many of the convention open house events
sponsored by United Film Service Co.. is
spending a week in St. Luke's Hospital for
the treatment of a neck injury suffered recently
when their car had to be brought to
an abrupt stop to avoid an accident.
Paul Amick has resigned as manager of
Fox Midwest's Orpheum Theatre in Wichita
to enter the jewelry business. Amick started
with FMW in 1935 at Boonville, Mo., but his
theatre career was interrupted twice by
military service . . . Sam Bihr, architect, is
back in the division office after a threemonth
convalescence from a coronary illness.
He is in fine shape now—which has a double
meaning, since his waistline has been
whittled down to enviable proportions.
. . Susan
Mrs. Jean Cook is the new secretary and
receptionist at L&L Popcorn and Poppers
Supply, replacing Mary Morrow .
Perkins, formerly with the Kansas City
Ticket Co., starts as contract clerk at Paramount
Monday (20) ... Gus Kopulos of
Regal Poppers Supply left on a trip through
southern Missouri and Kansas. Brother
George announces pizza ovens and hot dog
Louis Crowe was
rotisseries on display . . .
reported happy with the sales of Mickleberry
frankfurters from a machine in his Dixie
Theatre lobby at Odessa, Mo.
at Oakley, Kas., Shreve furnished a new wide
radiant screen, Wollensak widescreen lenses,
new backup lenses and miscellaneous parts
to change to Foxhole sprockets . . . Russ
Borg, manager for Warner Bros., attended
the division sales meeting in Chicago Tuesday,
Wednesday. John Kirby, division sales
manager, presided. Mary Heueisen, booker in
the local office, was off sick for several days
. . . Mercury Advertising Co. and Drive-In
Theatre Recording Service, operated by
Martin Stone, have outgrown present
quarters and are moving into the Zoglin
building at 1717 Wyandotte March 1.
Bob ftothbrock, manager of Fox Midwest's
Fox Theatre at Carthage, Mo., has promoted
a two-column art and publicity feature each
Friday evening in the local paper which plugs
coming attractions. The opposition is also
benefiting from it. Russel Rhyne is pleased
with the attractive new paint job at his De-
Graw in Brookfield and Gene Sappington
finds those new concession counters at the
Plaza in Ottawa are helping business. FMW
smart managers had their Friday 13 trailers,
used in January, made so they would also fit
the need in April and July. Bert Funke,
manager of the Liberty at Marysville, Kas.,
is sold on TV picture selling because of the
effectiveness of the TV campaign on "Rains
of Ranchipur" and its results.
Close Florine at Flora
FLORA, ILL.—The Florine Theatre has
been closed by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Spalding,
but they plan to continue operation of their
Town Theatre on a seven-day-week basis.
The Town will open at 4 p.m. on Saturdays
and 2 p.m. on Sundays for continuous shows.
Spalding has returned from St. Louis, where
he was a patient in Barnes Hospital for several
days. Mrs. Spalding operated the theatres
in his absence.
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. . . John Kelly, student
It's a boy, Marty Landau reported after
pacing the corridor of St. Luke's Hospital.
Born Sunday the young man, whose father
operates theatres in Horton and several other
Kansas towns, was only sure of his last name
at this writing
booker at Universal, became the father of a
baby son at St. Luke's Monday . . . Harold
Postman of the home office spent the past
week at the local MGM office . Truog,
office manager at United Artists, says every
time "Marty" wins another award (which is
often), the demand for bookings on It increases,
which includes repeat engagements.
July 1-7 has been designated as UA week
when every theatre is asked to have one
UA playdate.
The Army Motion Picture Service opened
a new theatre at the Grandview Air Force
base . . . The Vienna Choir Boys entertained
at the Plaza Theatre last Thursday (9). The
event is one of a series at the Fox Midwest
house, leased by the sponsor, the Kansas City
Musical Club . Ruick, who plays
the part of Carrie in "Carousel," was in town
Saturday . Universe, who played a
minor role in "The Benny Goodman Story"
before she won the international title, came
in Sunday from Sweden to help publicize the
picture via newspaper, TV and radio appearances.
She is 21-year-old Hillevi Rombin
and speaks five languages—but in the picture
she says six little words.
Shreve Theatre Supply Co. is furnishing
new anamorphic lenses and backup lenses to
the Kelly Theatre at Wakeeney, Kas., operated
by Avon Gregg. To the Center Theatre
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66 BOXOFTICE
:
: February
18, 1956

. . Nick
.
. .
INDIANAPOLIS
Tyfarc Wolf is installing a big playground at
the Cascades Drive-In at Bloomington .
Faron Young was the surprise draw of the
week in his four-day personal appearance
with "Hidden Guns" at the Lyric . . . Manny
Marcus returned from a three-week Miami
Beach vacation and reunion with his son,
a student at the University of Alabama, and
daughter now living in New York . . . Trueman
Rembusch left Sunday for a Florida holiday.
John and Jacob VVoehrles have withdrawn
their application for a drive-in on state road
62 at Jeffersonville because of a property
owners' protest. Another bid for a drive-in
at Jeffersonville was denied by the zoning
board last week . Mailers has reopened
the Lake at Warsaw, which was badly
damaged by a boiler explosion in the basement
last October 23. In addition to repairing
and remodeling the theatre, Mailers has installed
both electronic and electrically controlled
boiler controls ... Sol Greenberg,
booker for Y&W, was recuperating at home
after a minor operation.
Stanley A. B. Cooper reopened the Lark at
Brazil as a weekend art film house. It has
been closed two years. "It's a proven fact
the lost audience of movie patrons are the
adults," Cooper said. There will be no reduced
prices for children at the Lark. Cooper also
operates the Cooper at Brazil . . The Roxy,
.
in the Glen Park district of Gary, is being
converted into a commercial building by the
widow of the late Jim Bikos, who formerly
operated the house.
Hugh McLachlen, maintenance supervisor
for Y&W, will be a speaker at the national
drive-in convention in Cleveland. McLachlen
also was elected president of the Good Fellows
Club, a charitable organization, at Muncie
recently . . . Bob Conn, until recently 20th-
Fox manager, was back in town Monday on
his way to Fort Wayne to speak at the
Cinemascope 55 demonstration there Tuesday.
T O. McCleaster, central division manager,
spoke at the Louisville demonstration Thursday.
Claude McKean, WB manager, went to
Philadelphia for a sales meeting last week . .
Howard Swigert, who owns the property, has
taken over the operation of the Marion at
Poseyvllle from Tom Goodman . . . Frank
Carroll has informed the Allied Theatre
Owners of Indiana office that he is closing
the Orleans at Orleans
. . . ATOI has arranged
for members to have first option on
the Miss Universe contest in their counties
this year if they want it.
GIFTS TO SCHOOL—Exhibitors in the Missouri Ozarks last week gave to the
School of the Ozarks a General Electric stove and refrigerator, which had been
offered as prizes in the recent Audience Awards contest. No patron qualified to win
the prizes, so the showmen voted to give them to the School of the Ozarks, which
depends entirely upon gifts for its operation. The school has a student body numbering
300 and the students come from families throughout the Ozark area who are
financially unable to send their children through high school. Shown in the photo,
seated, left to right: Glenn Caldwell, Aurora; Jerry Drake, Bolivar; Dr. M. Graham
Clark, president of the School of the Ozarks, and Tom Condon, district manager for
General Electric. Standing: Blon Bryant, Fox Theatre, Springfield; Kyle Keltner,
Ozark; George Hunter, Fox Midwest manager, Springfield; Bob Hicks, Kickapoo!
Springfield; Tyndall Lewis, Gillioz, Springfield; Doyle Mowery, Springfield Drive-In!
and Bob Watts of the Kickapoo. C. R. McDonald of the Tower Theatre and Glenn
Hall of Cassville were not present when the picture was taken.
His Liberace Promotion
Brings Unusual Response
NEOSHO, MO.—Ed Harris, manager of the
Hugh Gardner Theatres and president of the
Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n, got unusual
results from some thousand postcards which
he had mailed from Hollywood to promote
the Liberace film, "Sincerely Yours." The
postcard read:
Honey: I'll be in Neosho Thursday,
Friday and Saturday, February 2. 3. 4.
Call 96 or see me at 204 South Wood.
You'll never regret the time you spent
ivith me.
Sincerely Yours,
Liberace
Addressed to Liberace at the number given
came this signed reply as follows, name
withheld for publication:
Dear Mr. Liberace: I received your
postcard today, and was very much
HANDY
surprised. Sorry to say I am not in
Neosho but visiting my folks in Desloge
while my husband is looking for
work in St. Louis, but would you please
write me and let me know if you are
having a program in Neosho, or what
it was you wanted to see me about?
Thank you for your invitation.
Sincerely Yours,

. .
. . Edward
. . Ivan
—
. .
CHICAGO
The local oensor board has proposed some
cuts in "The Rose Tattoo," which Is
scheduled to open at the United Artists this
month . . . UA publicist Wally Heim has lined
up a big exploitation program here for "Alexander
the Great." Dave Ballard, the giant, is
scheduled to spend February 20 here. It is
expected that national release date will be
announced around April 1 .
Heineman, UA vice-president,
. William J.
was here .
,
Lou Chiecki has been made manager of the
liimm division of United World Films, subsidiary
of U-I.
Fred A. Niles. president of Fred A. Niles
Productions, said the newly formed film company
will start operating immediately from
22 West Hubbard St. The three-story building,
comprising 12,000 square feet of space,
will be apportioned into offices for executives,
account executives, creative copy and art
staffs, production control, directors offices,
sound and editing departments, as well as
screening rooms, etc. Two stages, 2,000 square
feet each, will be totally soundproofed for
sound shooting. Prior to forming Fred A.
Niles Productions, Niles was executive vicepresident
of Kling Film Productions for nine
years.
The Belmont Theatre, owned by ALB Theatre
Corp., is the most recent to join the
ranks of Allied Theatres of Illinois . . . Irving
Mack, president of Filmack Trailer Co., at-
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. . . During
tended the United Theatre Owners convention
in Oklahoma City
January, the censor board reviewed 83 films,
of which 23 were foreign and three were
classified for adults only.
.
John Krutzlcr, head shipper at Republic,
became a father for the third time. This time
it was a daughter, Diana Marie . . William
.
Hollander, head of advertising and publicity
for Balaban & Katz and his wife start southward
February 23 for a Florida vacation
The Roseland, Kimbark and Lex theatres
celebrated Lincoln's birthday by running
special matinee features for children.
According to a special ARB survey for
WGN-TV, more adults than youngsters
watch the 123 western films televised exclusively
over WGN-TV Monday through Friday
at 7 p.m. Seventy-one per cent of the Autry
and 53 per cent of the Rogers audience is
composed of adults. Average audience breakdown
for both features is 61 per cent adults
33 per cent men, 28 per cent women and 39
per cent children and teenagers.
Herb Cohen is the new office manager at
Paramount. He succeeded Bill Hamm, who
resigned after 39 years of service in the
Chicago office ... Up to now. Republic's
. . .
Chicago branch is first in the national drive
and in the lead in the midwest division operaton
The Harlem Outdoor Theatre
opened as planned February 8. Business
wasn't too far off, either. "Artists and
Models" was the opening film. There are
now 11 drive-ins in this immediate area, and
it appears that they will all be in operation
early in March. The Halsted, one of the
largest, however, is planning a March 15
opening, with Herb Ellisburg as managing
director.
Kermit Russell, recently reported as joining
the RKO staff here, will be Chicago sales
manager
. Wolk of Wolk Supplies
is combining a business and pleasure trip
in Mexico . . . "Flame of the Islands" started
its first outlying run February 17 in 35 houses
belonging to Balaban & Katz and Warner
Theatres
. Fuldauer, who headquarters
in MGM's offices here, is currently
escorting Stewart Granger and Debra Paget
around Sioux Falls, Minneapolis and St. Paul,
where there are saturation bookings of "The
Last Hunt."
The trustees of the operators Local 110 report
that the union's pension fund now totals
$1,250,000 . . . "The Edge of Silence," a
motion picture film in full color designed to
foster sympatheic understanding of the
problems of hard-of-hearing people, was
shown for the first time this week by Zenith
Radio Corp. for members of the press and
professional persons engaged in medical and
other scientific research.
Jack Kirsch, president of Allied Theatres
of Illinois, is again chairman of the theatre
and amusement divisions of the Boy Scout
fund raising campaign in Chicago. This
makes the seventh consecutive year that
Kirsch has been appointed to this chairmanship.
Shutter White Hall Princess
WHITE HALL, ILL.—The Princess Theatre,
owned by Mrs. Joseph Lyman, has been
closed temporarily.
RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING DESTITUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 24, Mo.
Gentlemen:
2-18-56
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
to receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
Acoustics
Air Conditioning
Lighting Fixtures
r-j
Plumbing Fixtures
Architectural Service ,—, .
n
_J Projectors
"Black" Lighting
Projection Lamps
Building Material
D Carpets
D Seating
Coin Machines D Sians and Marquees
Complete Remodeling Sound Equipment
Decorating
Television
Drink Dispensers Theatre Fronts
Drive-In Equipment Vending Equipment
Other Subjects
Theatre
Seating Capacity
Address
City
State
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience
in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN
THEATRE Section, published with the first issue of
each month.
66-B BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

:
38
. . The
. . Charley
. . William
14
Leave Homes io Spend
If the Show Is Right
NEW HAVEN—Residents of this area have
plenty of money for entertainment and will
spend it for the right show. Proof of this
came when 45,000 persons attended an ice
show and a stage musical which played the
city almost simultaneously. During this same
period, motion picture theatres prospered and
several sports events attracted crowds in the
thousands. This surge of "going out" indicated
that the public will leave its TV
sets for theatre and live entertainment provided
the latter is better than that provided
on video boxes.
The 1956 Ice Capades was witnessed by 30,000
persons at ten performances in the New
Haven Arena at $2 to $4.80. At the Shubert.
the road company of "Damn Yankees" played
before 15,000 persons, at nine performances
at $1.80 to $6.
The two shows had their runs here during
a 13-day period. Almost all performances
were sold out and if the Arena and Shubert
seating capacities were greater, meeting
heavy demand for the weekend performances,
the overall attendance figures would have been
even greater.
Plan 1,600-Car Drive-in
Just West of Paterson
NEW YORK—Plans for another New Jersey
drive-in, the third to be announced in recent
weeks, have been drawn for the Browertown
Realty Co., a Paterson enterprise. The theatre
will be on a 30-acre tract with highway
frontage in Little Falls and extending into
West Paterson.
The Browertown company is headed by
Jacob Levine, a real estate dealer, and Joseph
J. Mangeney, pioneer in drive-in operation.
Both live in Paterson.
The estimated cost will be $500,000, with a
capacity of 1,600 cars, and early spring as
the target date for opening. Sherman, Taylor
& Sleeper are the architects. The plans call
for a large refreshment center with a dining
terrace and cafeteria and a playground for
children with motor driven rides.
BOWLING
KANSAS CITY—The Filmrow Bowling
League reports the following standings after
the games Friday (10)
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
Dixie 57 27 Finton Jones 43 23
Shreve's 45 39 Monley Ppprs 39 27
Filmrow > ? . 40 44 Borq & Kim . 28
Monley Ppcrn 40 44 Monley Inc. .36 30
Mode O'Doy 39 45 Hrt Drive-In 34 32
Roadrunners .39 45 Hrtmn's Hrm 28 38
Alley Rats... 38 46 101 Service. 23 43
United Film 38 46 Mode O'Doy 23 43
The RKO Missouri Theatre employes now
bowl every Saturday night after the last
show. They will bowl seven games, the winners
to be given a steak dinner by the losers.
At the present time, Matt Plunkett, manager,
has a score of 162; Ralph Buhimaster,
assistant manager, 158; David Huls, 156;
Glen Smith, 155.
Dallas City House Goes Dark
DALLAS CITY. ILL.—The Dallas Theatre,
owned and operated by C. Justus Garard has
closed temporarily. It is expected to reopen
soon.
ST.
LOUIS
n $15,000 marquee was the final touch in the
improvement program for the recently
remodeled Iowa Theatre, Keokuk, Frisina
Amusement Co. house . A. Guinan
has joined the sales staff of the St. Louis
Supply Co., owned by Mrs. Arch Hosier. Bill
was with McCarty Theatre Supply for the last
four years and also was with National Theatre
Supply for a number of years . . . Salesmen's
Colosseum Loge 19, George A. Cohn,
president, will meet Saturday (25) at the
Melbourne Hotel at 1:30 p. m.
A luncheon meeting was held by the Frisina
Amusement Co. in the Gold Room of the
Leland Hotel, Springfield, 111., Monday (61
for managers of some 50 Frisina theatres and
drive-ins in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.
Among those present were Domenic Frisina,
president; Ciro Pedrucci, vice-president; R.
A. Pedrucci, buyer and booker; Domenic
Giachetto, treasurer; J. B. Giachetto, managing
director and executive secretary; James
Frisina, buyer and booker, and Springfield
managers J. A. Pedrucci, James Reavy and
William P. Giachetto. Others present from
central Illinois included Russell Hogue, Litchfield;
Norman Paul, Carlinville; Earl Cleveland,
Hillsboro; Francis Starr, Greenville;
V. J. Helling, Taylorville; Coy Blythe, Shelbyville,
and Angelo Pellegrini, Decatur.
"Guys and Dolls" entered its eighth week
at the Esquire in Richmond Heights, a suburban
deluxer . case of St. Louis Amusement
Co. vs. Columbia Pictures et al has
been continued to the March term of district
Exhibitors seen in St. Louis included
court . . .
Bob Johnson, Fairfield: Bill Jackson,
Waverly; Tom Baker, Bunker Hill; Leo F.
Keiler, president; H. B. Palmer, buyerbooker,
and Glenn D. Schrader, maintenance
and personnel, Columbia Amusement Co.,
Paducah, Ky.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Miller,
Festus; John Rees, Wellsville; Dody Stout,
Cairo; Herschell Webster. Steelville; Ben
Kramer, Nameoki; Otto Ingwersen, Montgomery
City.
Irving Sochin, Universal short subjects
sales manager, was a local visitor . . Chick
.
Evans, 20th-Fox publicist was here for the
Cinemascope 55 demonstrations in St. Louis
and Springfield, 111. . . . Paul L. Krueger,
president and co-general manager, Fred
Wehrenberg Theatres, St. Louis, recently was
appointed marshal for Moolah Temple of the
Mystic Shrine. Paul, as chairman of the St.
Louis County housing authority, is planning
to erect three $l,000,000-plus public housing
projects in the county. This is in addition
. . .
.
to his duties in connection with the circuit's
operations and as convention chairman for
the 1956 annual meeting of the Missouri-
Illinois Theatre Owners The Birdland
Stars of 1956 were on the stage of the Missouri
Friday (17) Goldman and
Jules Leventhal are installing Cinemascope
equipment in their Lyric Theatre on Sixth
street.
Carver Closes in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, MO—The Carver Theatre at
1310 Franklin Ave., operated by Charley Goldman
and Jules Leventhal, has been closed
for an indefinite period.
Columbia's "The Return of Custer" has
been retitled "The Seventh Cavalry."
Warner Field Forces Hold
Two-Day Chicago Meeting
CHICAGO—John F. Kirby. Warner Bros,
midwest division sales manager, opened a twoday
meeting of district and branch managers
at the Blackstone Hotel Tuesday 1
<
for a discussion of product scheduled for release
during the summer.
Those present were Robert H. Dunbar, midwest
district manager; George Lefko, Chicago:
Joe Baringhaus, Detroit, and Frank
Reimer, Milwaukee, managers; Art W. Anderson,
north prairie district manager, and
H. T. Blass, Des Moines; M. B. Adcock,
Minneapolis, and F. J. Hannon, managers;
Hall Walsh, south prairie district manager,
and R. C. Borg, Kansas City, and Lester
Bona, St. Louis, branch managers.
Home office executives present were Bernard
R. Goodman, coordinator of field sales
activities; Robert A. McGuire, auditor of exchanges,
and Charles Baily, assistant to Norman
H. Moray, short subject sales manager.
Charles A. Bull, 76, Dies;
Wichita Area Exhibitor
WICHITA—One of the area's veteran
showmen, Charles A. Bull, died Sunday (12)
in a local hospital. Services were held Tuesday
for the 76-year-old theatre operator who
had resided in Wichita for 39 years. He
came here from Tonkaw'a, Okla., owning
and operating the Novelty Theatre from 1917
until 1946. At one time he was a partner
with the late W. D. Fite of El Dorado in
theatre enterprises and they publicized their
activities as "Fite an' Bull." Until Bull's
retirement in 1946 he had interests in the
81 and 54 Drive-ins, now operated by Consolidated
Agencies. He is survived by his
wife, three sisters and two brothers.
20th-Fox Demonstration
Of CS 55 Draws 550
KANSAS CITY—M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox
division manager, spoke at the demonstration
of the new dimension Cinemascope 55 at
the Orpheum Theatre last Thursday (9)
morning. There were 550 industry representatives
at the demonstration, including all the
20th-Fox salesmen and those of several of
the other exchanges. An unusual number of
out-of-town exhibitors were there and were
impressed by the continuing strides which
are being made in motion picture production.
Joe Neger, exchange manager, went to
Wichita to conduct the demonstration there
at the Miller Theatre.
"SELECT" FOUNTAIN SYRUPS
DRINK DISPENSERS
Select Drink Inc.
4210 W. Florissant Ave. Phone
St. Louis 15, Mo. Evergreen 5-5935
EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE
St. Louis Theatre Supply Company
Mrs. Arch Hosier
3310 Olive Street, St. Louis 3, Mo.
Tclophone JEfferaon 3-7974
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956 6G-C

Cancer and healthy cells seem to feed
on different kinds of "food." We
know how to make some cancer cells
die by starving them. Will we starve
out all
kinds of cancer cells one day?
Only more work and research will tell.
Some cancer patients develop
stances that fight their own tumors.
When science knows more about antibodies,
we may have a new cancer
treatment.
Only more work and research
will tell.
New drugs are being developed that fight specific kinds of cancer. Will any of them
turn out to be cancer-killers? Only more work and research will tell.
g
Some
ood news about
cancer
. . . and how you can make the news better
Some cancers are being halted by
atomic materials. Can new radioactive
isotopes affect other cancers in the
same way? Only more work and research
will
tell.
These photographs illustrate some of the work our scientists are doing in
the fight against cancer. Just one thing is needed to keep this research
going. Your help. If you— and all of us — give today, the research will go on
until we conquer our greatest enemy— cancer. Help fight cancer with your
check. Give generously. Send your contribution to CANCER, c/o your
town's Postmaster. American cancer society.
Through the Courtesy of
BOXOFFICE
6B-D
BOXOFFICE
:
: February
18, 1956

Atlanta Peachtree
Now New Theatre
ATLANTA—The Peachtree Art Theatre
here has completed a vast remodeling project
which has converted the sophisticated showcase
into one of the most modern theatres
in this area.
The Art management started at the boxoffice
and renovated the theatre straight
through to the stage curtain and screen, with
a new air conditioning-heating unit installed
at the cost of $50,000 listed as the major addition.
A new boxoffice which will accommodate
both reserved-seat sales and conventional
ticket sales at two windows was constructed,
replacing the old boxoffice which was situated
in the center of the foyer.
The lounge was redecorated to accommodate
a small art exhibition to be furnished
by local galleries and changed each three
weeks. The lobby was done in a beige motif
with the walls hung with Texalite, a new,
light-weight plastic material, which gives the
appearance of marble. The interior auditorium
was done in Velvetex, another plastic.
This time a pattern of red, brown and chocolate
was used on the walls.
New furnishings were especially built for
the lobby and lounges and new lighting was
installed.
A new Cinemascope screen was installed
and a new fire-resistant, silk stage curtain
on a circular track was put in.
The air conditioning plant consists of two
15-ton units for the auditorium and a fiveton
unit for the lobby and restrooms. This
plant incorporates heating facilities. It is
a blower type manufactured by Governaire.
All equipment was purchased through National
Theatre Supply Co., according to Mel
Brown, owner, and Walter Munroe, manager.
E. S. Gullett, Theatreman
And Engineer, Is Dead
BENOIT, MISS.—Edward Sidney Gullett,
54. owner and operator of the Benoit Theatre
for several years, died at his home here
after a sudden heart seizure. He had not
been ill.
A civil engineer, Gullett had been active
in the building of several drive-in theatres
around the state. Survivors include his wife,
his mother and three sons. Burial was at
Shaw, Miss.
X-Ray Effort Gets a Lift
ST. PETERSBURG—An all-out drive by
the Pinellas County Tuberculosis Ass'n to get
100 per cent participation in the free chest
X-ray program got a valuable assist from the
State and Florida Theatres here. Managers
at the two houses offered to aid by taking
over the job of baby sitting while the parents
were canvassing or being X-rayed. Free
children's shows were offered during the
survey.
Make Use of Closed Season
JAMESTOWN, TENN.—Lyman Hinds, manager
of the Twi-Light Drive-In here, said he
and his staff have been taking advantage of
the closed season to do some work at the
drive-in. Approximately 100 additional parking
spaces are being added, and the concessions
stand is being enlarged and improved.
George Krevo Takes Bow
For Fine Miss J Contest
JACKSONVILLE—A packed house of wildly
applauding fans attested to the success of
the annual Miss Jacksonville beauty pageant
George Krevo, manager of the Palace
Theatre, Jacksonville, was too modest to
take a public bow during his masterly
staging of the Jaycee-sponsored Miss
Jacksonville beauty pageant at his theatre,
so several of the contest lovelies
flocked around him for a backstage picture
with "Mr. Jacksonville," a title he
had won the day before at a Junior
Chamber of Commerce meeting. Betty
Repoff, right, was voted "Miss Jacksonville."
held at the Palace Theatre with Manager
George Krevo acting as impresario for the
Jaycee-sponsored event. The winning contestant
among 15 finalists on stage was a
blue-eyed blonde, Betty Repoff, a local girl
and former June Taylor dancer on the Jackie
Gleason Show.
Veteran showmen here said the contest
brought out the finest display of beauty and
amateur stage talent ever seen behind local
footlights. Among the judges were Judson
Moses, MGM publicity man from Atlanta;
Bob Dow, managing editor of the Jacksonville
Journal, and Dr. Paul Johnson, president
of Jacksonville Junior College.
Krevo staged the entire event, with assists
from Bill Beck, manager of the Five Points
Theatre who served as publicity chairman,
and other members of the Junior Chamber of
Commerce. In conducting the contest, Krevo
adhered strictly to the rules of the Miss
America contest, of which this was one of
the first 1956 preliminaries. Dick Fellows,
WPDQ announcer, served as emcee.
New Manager at Dawson
DAWSON, GA.—James C. Sanders of
Etowah, Term., has been named manager of
the Martin Theatre here and already assumed
his new duties. Sanders suceeeds Jerry Evans,
who was transferred to Brewton, Ala., as
manager of the Martin Theatre there.
Palatka Airer Screen Enlarged
PALATKA, FLA.—Work is under way on
enlarging the screen at the Linda Drive-In.
Arkansas ITO to Meet
At Hot Springs Apr. 2
HOT SPRINGS, ARK.—The 37th annual
convention of the Independent Theatre
Owners of Arkansas will be held at the Velda
Rose Motel here on April 2, 3, and Jim
Carbery, president of the organization, said
some excellent entertainment and some fine
speakers had been lined up for the event.
Myron Blank of Des Moines, president of
Theatre Owners of America, will be one of
the headline speakers, Carbery said.
At a recent board of directors meeting in
Little Rock, Carbery appointed J. Fred Brown
of Fort Smith as convention general chairman,
with Nona White, Little Rock, to serve
as assistant. Convention committee members
are Mrs. Jessie Howe Anderson, Mrs. Violet
Martin, Clarence Duvall, all of Hot Springs;
Carl Burton, Fort Smith, and Cecil Cupp,
Arkadelphia.
This will be the first time in some 20 years
that the ITO of Arkansas convention has
been held in Hot Springs.
The famed Arkansas Derby will be held at
the Oaklawn Race Track on the Saturday
preceding opening of the convention.
All industry folk have been invited to plan
to attend the convention.
'Osceola Story' Starts
Shooting in Florida
ORLANDO, FLA.—John Hugh, president
of Empire Studios, said here that a fiveweek
shooting schedule for the widescreen
Eastman Color feature, "The Osceola Story,"
has been started. The picture is the second
full-length feature production of the Florida
company. The script, written by Frank G.
Slaughter, noted historical novelist, sticks
close to history in telling the story of the
Seminole Indian chieftain and his wars with
the U. S. Government from the Indians'
viewpoint.
James Craig, Hollywood film star, is already
on the scene, as are co-stars Barton Mac-
Lane and Lita Milan. A replica of Ft. King
has been set up between Kissimmee and St.
Cloud, and much of the shooting will take
place in that area. Osceola County ranch
owners Mrs. Pat Johnson and Senator Irlo
Bronson are allowing the use of their land in
the picture's sequences.
Republic is budgeting the picture as one
of its major productions, and is expecting
a minimum boxoffice return of $1,000,000.
Fail to Produce Evidence
That Anyone Saw Film
CHARLESTON, S. O—An obscene film
charge was thrown out of court in Mount
Pleasant because no one would admit having
seen the alleged "shocker." Magistrate Paul
A. Foster dismissed W. F. Harris, manager of
the Seabreeze Drive-In Theatre charged with
showing an obscene film on grounds of insufficient
evidence.
There was no proof, the magistrate said,
that the film ("Untamed Mistress") was ever
shown publicly and therefore no proof Harrb
violated the law as charged in the warrant
for his arrest.
Jeannette Nolan has been assigned one of
the femme leads in Columbia's "The Seventh
Cavalry."
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956 67

. . From
i
INDUSTRY
PROFILE
Tom Norman Began Industry Career
With Storeroom Theatre in 1930
HARRISON, ARK.—Among the oldtimers
entitled to tilt back a chair and
start I-rememberwhen
stories of show
business is Tom
Norman, who has
made this beautiful
Ozark town his
home since 1952.
Norman's theatre
career dates back to
1903-04. when he
began as a projection
operator in a
storeroom show at
Tom Norman
Lincoln and Lill
avenues, Chicago.
He became a booker for Universal on Lake
street and remained with the company
until 1914. Tom still prizes the letter of
regret at losing him from Carl Laemmle.
a letter that also carried best wishes for
his future.
Reason for leaving Universal was that
Tom liked exhibition and took over management
of the Rex, Racine, Wis., and
the Oshkosh at Oshkosh, Wis. Other
ventures, in chronological order, were
managing the Archer Bros. Portage Park,
Chicago: field manager for Fischer's Paramount
circuit, Milwaukee salesman for
MGM and field representative for Albert
Dezel's Road Shows—a position in which
he had much success selling and renting
theatres in which to show the pictures.
While engaged in this work for Albert
Dezel's shows, Norman found a spot in
'Goodman Story' Does
150; Memphis' Best
MEMPHIS—All first runs except one had
average or better business for the week.
Loew's State did 50 per cent above average
with "The Benny Goodman Story."
(Average Is 100)
Malco— Come Next Spring (Rep) 100
Palace—The Man With the Golden Arm (UA), 2nd
wk 1 00
State—The Benny Goodman Story (U-l) 150
Strond—Storm Feor (UA) 75
Warner— Hell on Frisco Boy (WB) 1 00
Famous Playwright Likes
Residence in Key West
KEY WEST—A mild, relaxed man is Tennessee
Williams who calls Key West his
home. Williams was actually christened
Thomas Lanier but is best known by the
name of his grandfather's state, Tennessee.
One of his most famous plays, "A Streetcar
Palatine, 111., then a town of 2,100, where
he was to make his reputation as a showman.
Against the advice of friends and
industry experts, Tom took over an old
store show, remodeled it and by following
the sound policy of giving the people good
shows, he turned the Palatine situation
into one of the choice spots in Illinois.
He operated this theatre, the Norman,
until 1947, when he sold out with one-year
option to buy the building.
Tom had been studying possibilities of
the drive-in field for some time, so be
looked around for a good spot to gain experience.
He settled on the Moonlight
Drive-In at Gary and Hammond, where
a manager was needed. Tom held this
position two years, during which he scored
his greatest thrill as a showman—playing
"Samson and Delilah" to capacity crowds
at the drive-in following the feature's
Chicago Loop run. He topped off his
drive-in experience with a move to the
Traverse City, Mich., open air
theatre, located
in a scenic spot on Lake Michigan's
shores.
In the fall of 1952, Tom accompanied
William Kehe jr., then postmaster of Palatine,
on a trip into the famous Ozarks
country. There the old impresario of the
Palatine found a bargain that ever, he
could not resist, and at this attractive
spot in Harrison, Tom and his wife are
now enjoying themselves. There's a standing
invitation from Tom to his friends to
write to him or stop in for a visit ai 210
North Maple.
Named Desire," was playing recently in the
Miami area.
William blames his early job of serving
as a shoe clerk to his success as a writer. He
is not a self-made man in the sense that he
came up the hard way. Far from it. He
attended three colleges during the time he
was acquiring a formal education, and after
leaving served as a clerk in a shoe store for
three years. Here he overtaxed his heart
by hauling heavy packing-cases, and spent
the greater part of a year in a hospital "just
resting" and planning for his future.
Williams says that he loves the quiet and
old world charm of Key West, but that if
it "goes modern" then he will regretfully
take off for some more remote place—not too
far from the great cities, but where he can
write in peace.
Joy at Welsh. La., Robbed
"~WELSH, LA.—The office of the Joy Theatre
was robbed recently of $60. Jules Courville
is the manager.
I
MEMPHIS
Tyremphis film censorship will continue
"perhaps several months" longer before a
final decision is made on a Citizen's Committee
recommendation that it be abolished,
Mayor Edmund Orgill said.
Orgill asked Mrs.
B. F. Edwards to act as chairman and the
two remaining women members, Mrs. St.
Elmo Newton sr. and Mrs. Walter Gray, to
serve as board members until the city reaches
a final decision. Orgill said the board was
serving "satisfactorily." He said a final decision
will be delayed until after "more pressing"
business is handled—such as the building
of a 130 million dollar steam plant to provide
electric power for Memphis. The three
women have reviewed a few pictures since
January 1 and have banned none.
Tommy Pemberton, owner, has closed the
Ritz Theatre, Biscoe, Ark., for remodeling and
repairs. The house will reopen in May . . .
. . . R. L. Morgan,
H. A. Ligon, owner, has closed the Mary Drivein
at Cherokee, Ala., until spring . . . Dillard
Theatre at Wardell, Mo., has closed
Mrs. Helen Beck announces
indefinitely . . .
the reopening of the Arkansas Theatre,
Mammoth Springs, Ark.
owner, has closed the Roxy Theatre at Watson.
Ark., a few weeks for repairs . . . Owner
Frank Easley has closed the Lindy Theatre
at Linden, Tenn., until further notice.
Arkansas visitors in Memphis included
William Elias, Murr, Osceola; Moses Sliman,
Lux, Luxora; Gordon Hutchins, 64 Drive-in,
Russellville, and J. K. Jamison sr. and J. K.
Jamison jr., Ken at McCrory and Ritz at
Bald Knob .
Mississippi came Leon
Rountree, Holly at Holly Springs; Theron
Lyles, Ritz, Oxford; Clark Shivley, Skylark
Drive-in, Clarksdale; Bern Jackson, Joe Davis
and C. J. Collier, of the Collier-Jackson theatres
in Cleveland, Belzoni, Indianola, Shaw
and Ruleville.
West Tennessee exhibitors in town included
Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar; G. L. Helms,
Hill's, Scott's Hill, and W. H. Gray, Rutherford,
Rutherford . . . Whyte Bedford, Marion,
Hamilton, Ala., was on the Row . . . A. L.
Norman, new ow : ner, and J. W. Lyles, former
owner of the Kentucky Lake Drive-In at
Benton were in Memphis on business.
Lyle Richmond, Richmond Theatre, Senath,
Mo., entered a hospital at Poplar Bluff, Mo.,
for his second operation . . . Jack Braunagel,
United Theatres, Little Rock, was a Memphis
Tom M. Young, 20th-Fox manager
visitor . . .
and dean of Filmrow, is back from a
three-week winter vacation in Florida . . . Mrs.
John L. cMary Frances) Rygaard, cashier at
20th-Fox, has a new daughter, Elizabeth
Irene. Mrs. Rygaard, on leave of absence from
her job, has been succeeded by Margaret
Bradley, who was assistant cashier. Mrs.
Bradley was succeeded by Janiece Walkner,
stenographer. Betty Bramlet is a new employe.
JtWi&OM>
BOONTON. N. J.
Large Core
Greater Crater Area
means
MAXIMUM LIGHT
in Louisiona—NAT'L THEATRE SUPPLY, New Orleans—Raymond 4455
JOHNSON THEATRE SERV., New Orleans—Raymond 3562
in Tenn.—TRI-STATE THEATRE SUPPLY, Memphis—Memphis5-8240
in Florido—JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc., Miami—Miami 2-7596
Evenly Distributed A
68 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

: February
. .
.
—
JACKSONVILLE
T aMar Sarra, PST vice-president and general
counsel, was the only Florida lawyer
singled out for a page of praise in the 1956
Florida Governmental Guide by its editor for
his widely recognized quality in the fields of
"home and civic life, his thinking, spirituality
and business conduct." The editor wrote that
"his greatest quality is humility." A former
University of Florida football star, Sarra,
before entering the theatre field, served as an
athletic coach, high school principal, an
attorney in private practice, member of the
state advisory council on education, Army
officer in World War II, and president of the
university's alumni association. He is currently
chairman of MPEOF's legislative committee
and co-chairman of the TOA legislative
committee.
Jack Courtnay, dean of British theatre
organists, died here at his Southside home
February 8. He was well-known in manycities
along the Atlantic seaboard and
throughout the British Isles. Courtnay first
came here in the late 1920's to play the
Florida Theatre's Wurlitzer. He later moved
to London and returned to the console at
the Florida in 1948, leaving it in 1950 to open
a music store and to direct choirs at local
churches. He is survived by his wife and a
son Jack jr., a local banker.
R. C. Mullis fell from a ladder in front of
his High Springs theatre and suffered a
broken hip. Despite the accident, he made
his regular weekly call at the Roy Smith
Co. office supporting himself on crutches.
Arthur Davis of Gold Coast Pictures, the
only distributor which has chosen Miami for
office quarters, was here to transact business
with circuits and independent booking
agencies. He reported that his theatre accounts
have increased recently in the Tampa-
St. Petersburg and central Florida areas. His
offerings are mostly British films and other
European imports of high quality suitable for
houses with art policies. A one-hour condensation
of "Red Shoes" on TV has helped
theatres showing the uncut version of the
picture, Davis said.
Bookings for George Hoover's super-duper
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Golden Glades Drive-In near Miami are being
handled by C. H. Deaver of this city . . . Dave
Williams came down from Atlanta to present
film wares of the IFE Releasing Corp. . . .
"Buck" Robuck. UA salesman for Florida,
was accompanied by Byron Adams, his district
manager for Atlanta, when calling at booking
Judson Moses, MGM's southeastern
offices . . .
press representative, declared that
the Miss Jacksonville Pageant, in which he
was a judge, provided fine entertainment and
was conducted in extremely good taste at the
Palace Theatre the night of February 8.
. . . Phil Berler. booker for
Bender S. Cawthon, local film technician,
has produced and photographed an 18-minute
documentary, "Your Sheriff's Office," which
effectively pictures the drama of law enforcement
in a metropolitan area. Directed by
Glen Lambert, the film is a product of Public
Service Films
E. M. Loew's Theatres and a resident of
Boston, visited local film exchanges .
Exhibitors in town were Mayor J. M. Wells of
Kingsland, Ga., who operates theatres there
and at Folkston, Ga.; Kay Porter, Temple
Theatre, Perry; Eddie Myerson. Miami Drive-
In, Miami; George Norman, Famous Theatre,
Winter Park; Bob Daugherty, Floyd Theatres,
Haines City, and Bill Lee, Community Drive-
In. Keystone.
Ray O. Colvin of Chicago, a director of
COMPO, member of the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers and executive director of
the Theatre Equipment Dealers Ass'n, axrived
in Florida to make a series of addresses
before civic groups and clubs on the subject
of "What the Movie Theatre Means to Your
Community." Among his first talks was the
one at the local Optimist Club, with Bob
Anderson, Main Street Drive-In manager,
making arrangements. The industry needs
many goodwill ambassadors of Colvin's caliber
to show exhibitors how to improve their relations
with the communities in which they
live.
NEW ORLEANS
ITigh winds and rain hurt boxoffice receipts
all through the territory. Many drive-ins
were forced to close and conventional theatres
found patrons were far and few between.
W. Turner of
the Citronelle Drive-in,
Citronelle, Ala., said his screen tower was
down and asked that Transway suspend
service until damage has been repaired.
Sammy Wright of the Algiers Drive-in,
Algiers, said that part of the fence was torn
down by the high winds.
. . .
Patsy Mahoney, formerly secretary at
Transway, resigned to assume a similar job
with the New Orleans Baseball Club . . . Jean
Rabalais, clerk at Paramount, reported back
to work after an appendicitis operation
Johnny Harrell, Martin Theatres, Atlanta,
was in town buying and booking.
Exhibitors were scarce on Filmrow due to
the fact that hotel and motel accomodations
were at a premium due to the influx of the
carnival season visitors here . . . Dorothy
Lamour, born and raised in New Orleans is
a visitor for the carnival season.
Ray Teal will play the role of a ruthless
land baron in Warners' "The Burning Hills."
Pity the
Poor
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She sits on her . .
office chair all day.
When she goes to the
movies at night, she wonts
real relaxation and comfort
or she simply doesn't go! To attract
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friend and mother and father and
sister and brother— let us repair or
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BOXOFFICE :
18. 1956 69

. . Mr.
. . R.
ATLANTA
•Tommy Thompson, Georgia Theatre Owners
Ass'n president, reports after balloting by
members at the February meeting Atlanta
has been leased to Minor Stover by H.
'everything for the theatre except film // atre Supply
liam T. jr.,
Co., effective February 3 . . . Wil-
son of Mrs. Emma Brooks, secre-
L.
Huddleston.
AI Morgan, booker
was
and buyer,
selected as the site for the 1956 convention,
to be held May 29-31. Mrs. Ruth
McLendon
Theatres, Union Springs, Ala., was on the
Carter.
Row
introducing Phil
Buckhead Theatre, has been named chairman
Richardson who will take
over the booking of the
for women's activities during
McLendon
the convention.
towns
served from Atlanta. Morgan will
a post she has held
continue
during the last several
to
book for the situations served
conventions . . . State Rep. and showman Ebb
from New
Orleans . . . Exhibitor
Duncan, Carroll Amusement
Byron Gnann of
Co., Carrollton.
the
Pooler (Ga.)
Ga., finally got an extra million dollars added
Theatre was convalescing in the
Candler Hospital in Savannah . . .
to the 1956-57
Universal
budget for universities of
press agent Ben Hill
Georgia, which
was in Knoxville
represents at least a partial
and
Nashville setting
victory for Duncan's
up the campaigns
untiring efforts on
on
behalf
of education.
"The
Benny Goodman Story."
ACTOR IN ATLANTA—Steve Cochran,
right, was in Atlanta recently for the Steve Cochran, starred in Republic's "Come
On one of his infrequent trips to Filmrow
opening of the Republic picture, "Come
was A. C.
Next
Gortatowsky of the
Spring" opening
Albany,
at the Paramount,
State
Next Spring," at the Paramount
and Liberty
Theatre.
theatres at Albany,
Atlanta, was in town
Ga. . . .
publicizing the picture.
Mel
He is greeted above by WOMPI
Brown, director of
President
the
Cochran was accompanied
Peachtree Art
by
Theatre
Bill Saal, assistant
to Herbert J. Yates, president, and
Stella Poulnot and here, is
Republic Manager
spending two weeks in Miami Beach
Eddie Brauer.
with his father .
Eddie Dowden, W. Tarwater,
publicist. Eddie Brauer,
UA
local
sales manager, returned
manager,
from a trip to
introduced
Nashville
the visitors to the press,
radio and TV and Birmingham, while
at a buffet luncheon
Byron Adams,
at the
UA manager here, checked in
Dinkier-Plaza Hotel. While
from a business
in town Cochran
trip to Miami.
made several appearances at the Paramount
Hi BOOM OfFICE
and appeared at the Leap Year Junior Fashion
Show- at Davison's.
W. T. Yarbrough now is operating the Joy
Drive-in, Hartwell, Ga., on Friday-Saturdays
Experience — Industry Integrity
The Rev. Bennie Peacock, Dallas, Ga., was only . . . The Al-Dun Amusement Co., West
on Filmrow with Wendell Welch, Dallas Theatre,
and Cooper Welch of the local Grove there . . . MGM held a sneak preview of their
Point, Ga., is planning a 400-car drive-in
ALBERT E. ROOK. Owner
Theatre . . . Al Rook, Film Booking Office, new musical "Meet Me in Las Vegas," starring
160 walton st. n.w.
has returned from a week's stay in Jacksonville
Cyd Charisse, at Loew's Grand Theatre here
*

Morris of the Pike and Tower theatres. Also
in town was O. A. Roaden of Loyal, Ky., operating
the Home and Home Drive-in at Knox-
Tenn., and Hiland Drive-in at Rogers-
ville,
ville, Tenn.
WOMPI news: The regular board meeting
of the Atlanta chapter was held at Variety
Club following dinner February 13, with President
Stella Poulnot presiding. To succeed
Evelyn Snow, resigned as first vice-president
and program chairman. President Poulnot
appointed Mrs. Juanita Elwell for the unexpired
term. Mrs. Elwell was succeeded on the
board by the president's appointment of Mildred
Castleberry. All Atlanta WOMPI members
participated in the "Shower of Valentines"
which gladdened the hearts of the 221
patients of the Battle Hill Haven Home for
the aged.
Parkway in Fort Worth
Marks 20th Birthday
From Southwest Edition
FORT WORTH, TEX. — The Parkway
Theatre celebrated its 20th birthday as a
moviehouse recently, issuing special invitations
to the event to seven of the original
employes who are still in the area.
One of these was Lowell Bodiford, the
theatre's first manager, who now operates
children's clothing stores. Bodiford's onetime
assistant manager, Dan Gould jr., now
in the real estate business, was also on hand.
The Paschal High football squad was also
honored by the Parkway at one of its earlyevening
shows. The Paschal band serenaded
in front of the theatre.
Mississippi TOA to Meet
At Edgewater Park in June
JACKSON. MISS.—The Mississippi Theatre
Owners Ass'n has scheduled its 16th annual
convention for Sunday, Monday and
Tuesday, June 17-19, at the Edgewater Gulf
Hotel. Edgewater Park. Miss.
Teddy Solomon of McComb is president of
the association and other officers include
Bern Jackson, Ruleville; Tom Garraway,
Prentiss and Stan Taylor, vice-presidents, and
John Williams, Jackson, secretary-treasurer.
A. I,. Royal of Meridian is chairman of the
board.
E. P. Herber Sole Owner
Of Theatre Supply Firm
From Southwest Edition
DALLAS—Ernest P. Herber, who has been
operating his theatre supply business under
the trade name of Herber Theatre Equipment
Co. since the death of his brother in 1954,
has become sole owner of the firm. Ernest
said that the affairs of the old firm of Herber
Bros, have been liquidated and he has purchased
from the estate of his brother all
interests it had in that firm.
Herber will continue to operate as Herber
Theatre Equipment Co., with plans for additions
and improvements in the near future.
Atlanta to See Cinerama
ATLANTA—"This Is Cinerama" will open
here April 2 at the Roxy. which will become
the 16th theatre in the U. S. and Canada to
be converted for the exhibition of Cinerama.
John Payne will star in United Artists' aviation
drama, "Bail Out at 43.000."
SAVANNAH
Tee Vogues of 1956" has been booked to open
the new Savannah Sports Arena March 1.
It is being built by local businessmen and
will be managed by Sol Passink, former manaaer
of the City Auditorium. It will seat
4,000. Sports events and roadshows will be
booked . . . Certificates of commendation for
"distinguished service rendered the National
Guard of Georgia" were presented to the
Lucas and Avon theatres by State Adjutant
General George J. Heam by order of the
. . . governor Albert Weis of Weis Theatres
planned a round of activities for star Steve
Cochran, who was in the city for the opening
of his new film, "Come Next Spring." He
appeared on the stage of the Weis, talked
to high school students and was entertained
by the officers at Hunter Air Force base.
Charles Coburn flew in from Hollywood to
speak to students at the University of Georgia
in Athens. Coburn is a former Savannah
resident and started his career in show business
at the Savannah Theatre when he was
a young boy ... A flood of attractions has
been booked into the City Auditorium. A
recent hillbilly show drew 3,400 paid admissions
at two evening performances. This
cut into the boxoffices of all theatres.
Through efforts of local exhibitors, rental
prices on the City Auditorium were raised,
following a $75,000 facelifting job.
All local theatres will be requested to run
screen trailers on behalf of the new National
Guard recruiting plan. Lobby displays will
be used in some of the houses . . Boy Scouts
.
in uniform were admitted free to the Lucas
and Avon theatres February 8, their anniversary
date. City Beat, popular newspaper
column, gave the gesture a plug.
Editor Marks Closing
Of Geneva, Ala., Avon
GENEVA—The Geneva Reaper, in its editorial
columns, mourned the closing of the
Geneva Theatre, which locked its doors permanently
February 4. Following is the editorial,
which appeared under the heading:
"Geneva's Only Theatre Is Closing Its Doors."
"After next Saturday night Geneva's only
house theatre will close its doors. The Avon
has been an institution in Geneva County for
over 20 years.
"The lack of patronage is the reason the
Avon is closing up shop. The local theatre's
plight is not unusual. Such is happening in
most sections of the country. There are several
reasons that more and more movie houses
are closing: (11 Television has made it convenient
for families to be entertained in thenown
living rooms. i2t Fewer movies are being
produced, making a smaller selection the theatre
manager can choose from. However, better
quality films are being produced today
than several years previously. (3) More drivein
theatres are being constructed and families
find them practical. (41 People drive out
of town to attend movies.
"We regret that Geneva's Avon Theatre is
closing. It has been a significant part of community
life. Entertainment is limited in a
small town and movies are popular. The
Avon's patrons are unhappy—they appreciate
the fine quality of pictures that the management
has booked in the past."
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BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956 71

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MIAMI— Loew's new Riviera, on the South
Dixie highway opposite the University of
Miami, was formally opened Thursday (16)
with two ceremonies. An invited audience
was present on the preceding evening to view
the new luxury house and preview "Picnic."
Before the doors were opened at 1:45 Thursday,
Mayor Fred Hartnett of Coral Gables
and Mayor Carl Gluck of South Miami joined
in cutting the ribbon. The University Pep
Club conducted a pep rally.
At the formal evening opening, a typical
premiere, with film and night club personalities
present, was covered by television and
newsreel cameras. Joseph R. Vogel, Loew's
president, and John Murphy, vice-president,
welcomed the first-night crowd coming to
see the first new "hard-top" or conventional
theatre to be added to Loew's chain in 18
years.
BEAUTIES AID OPENING
Spotlights scanned the skies: University
fraternity sweethearts rode in a car parade.
and 14 Coral Gables high school lovelies
ushered. The Miami U. Band of the Hour
played for the pleasure of the crowd of stage
and screen notables. A cruising blimp flashed
greetings to the new theatre. The busiest
telephone in the city was said to be the
Riviera's, with people trying out what they've
heard is true that by dialing MO MOVIE, they
get the new theatre.
Construction is said to have cost close to
$1,000,000. Located in a section of town that
has grown rapidly and has felt the need for
its own entertainment center, the Riviera
construction has been watched by the university
with considerable interest. Later its
large auditorium may be occasionally used for
special university programs.
Free parking is provided for 200 cars immediately
around the theatre, with another 100
to be added when a lot extension is complete.
There is a 125-foot arcade with stone benches
at intervals, where patrons may keep out of
the weather or sit while waiting in line for
tickets.
ELECTRONIC AIR COOLING
The theatre's electronic air conditioning is
indirectly controlled by the audience itself.
Body heat regulates the temperature automatically.
The 80-ton equipment provides
32,000 cubic feet of cooled, filtered, washed
and dehumidified air a minute, ten cubic feet
of air a person.
The auditorium is 75x125 feet with a balcony
32 feet deep. It accommodates 1,300 persons,
including 250 in a smoking loge. Seats
are foam rubber and an extra large amount
of space has been provided between rows, insuring
easy passage.
The lobby walls are covered with a golden
beige wallpaper. Lighting is indirect fluorescent.
There are terrazzo benches, piped-in
music, even in the lounges, and a 20-foot wide
picture window. There are tropical murals on
both sides of the auditorium walls, done by
Paul Simone of Coconut Grove. Other interiors
are by the Maxwell Co.
Screen, projection equipment and highfidelity
sound (emanating from all four sides
of the auditorium) were installed according
to
Riviera
Miami
JOSEPH R.
Loew's specifications.
VOGEL
The building was designed by Peterson &
Shuflin. It was constructed by Anthony
Longo & Sons. The latter firm also owns
the building and has leased it to the theatre
chain on a long-term lease. The design incorporates
every conceivable modern convenience
for theatregoers.
Molly Picon Stage Show
To Miami Roosevelt
MIAMI—Caplan's Roosevelt Theatre has
reverted to an old theatre policy of a
once-in-a-while stage show. According to
Jack Caplan, he was able to make an attractive
deal on the Molly Picon show, "Farblonjete
Honeymoon," which enjoyed an 18-week run
in New York. He'll offer this stage presentation
for a limited time, then resume films,
maintaining a flexible policy of booking stage
shows when an appropriate vehicle comes
along.
No technical difficulties make this impractical.
"All we do," says Caplan, "is move
our screen back four feet."
As long as things were getting changed
around, it was decided to give all interiors of
the theatre a paint job. Throughout the
theatre, including both down and upstairs
as well as the lounges, the color scheme is
a light pink for the ceilings and blue for the
walls.
Sullivan Circuit Takes
Back Winfield's Regent
From Central Edition
WINFIELD, KAS—The Sullivan Independent
Theatres has taken back the Regent Theatre
and will operate it during litigation to
determine if the recent operator, Ray Winch,
had lived up to his contract. Fred Munson,
who operates the Winfield Drive-In, will
manage the Regent for the Sullivan circuit,
booking and buying for it. The Nile, also a
Sullivan house which Winch took over, has
been closed for several weeks.
72 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

. . . Ted
a
MIAMI
TlZometco is plugging its extra services at
drive-ins in daily ads. Free baby bottle
warmers are mentioned in recent headings.
A variation has been the "thriftiness" of
drive-ins, with children under 12, in cars, admitted
free. "Courtesy and service" is another
point stressed. Special effort is being made to
call public attention to the drive-in's function
as a real family entertainment place, with
many services available that make it possible
for young and old to be comfortably taken
care of. Quality of screen fare presented is
also being stressed, two ads in recent days
calling attention to the "first drive-in run"
of "Kismet" and of "The Court-Martial of
Billy Mitchell," both at the Coral Way.
Brandt's Flamingo is one of the sponsors of
a disk jockey program, emanating from a
nearby hotel late at night. The theatre's
name is included in the program's advertising,
and current pictures are ballyhooed nightly
over the radio . . . Mitchell Wolfson and the
WTVJ staff were presented with a certificate
of appreciation by the Dade County Tuberculosis
Ass'n. The award, which was given on
the day the financial goal was reached
locally, was for assistance in the year around
campaign . . . FST's Sheridan Theatre is
being made ready for "Oklahoma!" All seats
will be reserved. In the entire South, says
this Todd-AO feature will be seen
the circuit,
only at this theatre.
Filmmen currently in town include Jack
Wiener of MGM, Spence Steinhurst of RKO,
a score of Loew's executives for the Riviera
opening. Mori Krushen and Arthur Winikus
of United Artists and Dave Kane of Columbia
Breton, a bigtime vaudevillian before
the turn of the century, died here at the age
of 86. He and his wife had a song and dance
routine and trouped with nearly every type
of road show during the 1890s and the early
20th century. During their heydey they
played leading theatres in New York and
Philadelphia. They came here 16 years ago
to retire . . . Wometco's 10 cent candy bars
are now 12-cents, following a reported trend
around the country.
Actor Lew Ayres is booked to present a
series of documentary films, which he directed,
at the city auditorium on three succeeding
nights. Films depict religions of
Asia and the Middle East . . . Mel Haber, of
the Carib executive staff, celebrates his birthday
along with G. Washington's . . . "Disaster"
almost overtook Manager Al Panetz of the
Coral Theatre. Vice-President Nixon arrived
to see "The Rose Tattoo," when five minutes
later Panetz would have had standing room
only.
George Wilby, managing director of the new
North Dade Drive-in, is equipping the place
with car speakers with five-inch reproducers
instead of the usual four-inch
Bryant Brower, member of
. . .
the
Beatrice
Wometco
organization, always had an urge to paint and
finally got around to trying. Now she's had
five exhibitions and critics think she has
great talent. She has also co-authored a book
of poems, some of which have been used in
a local television program.
Franklin Maury arranged for an exhibition
of antique musical instruments in the lobby
of the Miracle Theatre during the run of
"The Benny Goodman Story." Some of the
instruments date back to 1795.
Added Risk Is Faced
By Independents
From Central Edition
CHICAGO—An exhibitor tendency to "discriminate"
against independent producer
product when business gets tight is a pet
peeve of Charles Teitel of the A. Teitel Film
Co., distributor of art film and some Hollywood
program drama in the Chicago, Milwaukee,
Indianapolis and Minneapolis territories.
This "discrimination," according to Teitel,
tends to force the independents into a "drowning
situation." He says that regular film
fare which exhibitors purchase constantly
from the majors is frowned on when sold by
the independent distributor—during stringent
times, theatres are reluctant to take on the
independent product except those few films
with proven boxoffice power.
"When business in the territory perks well,"
he said, "exhibitors buy independent product
because, as a rule, they get it cheaper and
it does as good a job as any in filling out a
double-feature program or hypoing a show
with gimmicks. But when things get tight
the majors come first and the independent
distributor finds himself with product that
just doesn't get off the ground."
It is Teitel's contention that since most of
the independent distributor's financial commitments
with Hollywood and New York producers
are made a year or more in advance,
he is "stuck" not only with current programmers,
but he must pick up productions as
they become due, thereby putting him in a
"drowning situation."
While Teitel agreed that some of the majors
have a similar problem, he maintains that
it is not as acute for them as for the independents
because they do move most of their
films on the strength of their name alone,
and that they "manage to always have A-
pictures coming up to help bolster their program
distribution."
Teitel emphasized he does not particularly
hold a pessimistic point of view in so far as
the future of this business is concerned, either
as an independent distributor or exhibitor.
tHe helps run the World Playhouse, a leading
midwest art house, with his father Abe, in
addition to being sales chief of A. Teitel Film
Co.)
"Enough exciting product is slated for general
release," he pointed out, "both in the
domestic and imported field to rejuvenate the
buying of all product, thereby releasing the
celluloid jam in independent quarters."
Don Fedderson Prepares
Three New TV Series
From Western Edition
HOLLYWOOD—In line with expansion
plans for his TV activities, Don Fedderson
has signed Gerald Mayer, film-video director,
as associate producer on the CBS series, "The
Millionaire." Walter Goetz remains in charge
of production and Fred Henry retains his
post as executive producer on all of Fedderson's
television presentations.
Fedderson, who recently launched the telequiz
series, "Do You Trust Your Wife?" over
CBS-TV, is preparing three new programs—
dramatic show, a situation comedy tentatively
tagged "The Dreams of Mrs. Angel." and
another comedy series. Mayer, who for
several years was a contract megaphonist at
MGM, will direct occasional segments of "The
Millionaire."
FETE STEVE COCHRAN — Executive
Secretary Arnold Sikes presents actor
Steve Cochran with an Arkansas Traveler
certificate in the absence of Arkansas
Gov. Orval Faubus, who was ill. Cochran
was in Little Rock for the prerelease
opening at the Center Theatre of "Come
Next Spring." A certificate also was
awarded to Republic President Herbert
J. Yates and accepted by William Saal,
his executive assistant.
$10,000 Loss in Fire
PINEVILLE, LA.—Fire did an estimated
$10,000 damage to the Star Theatre at 621
Main in the early morning recently. The
theatre, whose projection booth had just
been remodeled, had been sold recently to
Paul K. Sayers and Reuben Tarbert by
Charles Morrell of Natchez, Miss. The building
was owned by Mrs. J. T. Ball of Pineville
and O. C. Hauber of Pine Bluff, Ark.
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Mail Address: Box J7S, Tampa 1, Fla.
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BOXOFFICE :
: February
18. 1956 73

: February
AT MIAMI DEMONSTRATION—When
20th-Fox demonstrated its new Cinemascope
55 at the Carib Theatre in
Miami recently, Harry Botwick, left,
southeastern district manager, Florida
State Theatres, posed with Tom Tidwell,
20th-Fox Jacksonville manager, center,
and Howard Bettingill, director of publicity
and advertising, Florida State
Theatres.
Time Bomb Scare Spreads
To Windsor. Ont., Vanity
From Canadian Edition
WINDSOR, ONT.—The Vanity, a unit of
20th Century Theatres, was the most recent
business to have a time bomb scare in a
series of hoaxes in Ontario which have involved
both airplanes in flight and structures
on the ground.
Windsor police rushed to the Vanity and
the theatre was evacuated when a telephone
warning said that a bomb was due to explode.
A search, in which Manager E. Taylor and
staff cooperated, revealed no trace of explosive.
A similar incident occurred the previous
week at the Odeon Humber in Toronto.
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Prompt, Courteous Service 'Round the Clock
Remodeling Starts
At Portland Guild
From Western Edition
PORTLAND. ORE.—The Guild Theatre
here is undergoing a complete remodeling
program. Martin Foster, managing director,
said ovei"$40.000 will be spent on re-equipping
the house with new seats, projection, sound,
screen, lounge facilities and various other
necessities and luxuries.
The firm of Wick & Hilgers is the architect.
Present plans call for the Guild to be remodeled
into one of the more modern theatres,
with the motif suggesting the type of
pictures it plays.
The Guild for seven years has been Portland's
home for distinguished films. Many
pictures from foreign lands, as well as outstanding
Hollywood product, play the theatre.
The remodeling program will continue
through March. By that time Foster hopes
to add a lounge, with new fabrics and designs,
in addition to a new lobby.
Boston Common Garage
Faces Another Delay
From New England Edition
BOSTON—The construction of the huge
garage under the Common has reached another
snag which will cause a delay of another
several months.
Objections have been raised by private
citizens and others that the garage would
spoil the natural beauty of the historic Common
if the garage would loom several feet
above the ground. Plans show that the extent
of the protrusion will vary but in some
places the protrusion of the concrete roof
would rise from 4 to iVz feet above the
ground.
Judge Paul G. Kirk granted an injunction
restraining Boston Common Garage, Inc.
from starting construction until the plans
as set up are drastically altered so that they
do not violate the present statute passed in
1946 under which the garage was scheduled
to be built. Retail store heads and theatremen
have long urged the construction of
the underground parking space for 1,800 cars
as sorely needed as a boom to business.
Jamaica Plain Theatre
Is Destroyed by Blaze
BOSTON—The Center Theatre at Jamaica
Plain was destroyed in a five-alarm blaze
that broke out at 12:30 a. m. and destroyed
a block of stores adjacent to the theatre.
Damage was estimated at $200,000.
A November Attendance Drop
BIRMINGHAM—The University of Alabama
Bureau of Business Research reports
that November theatre receipts in the state
were 18.9 per cent below those for October.
The estimates are based on sales tax collections.
The Bureau also reported that the November
figures were 11.9 per cent below those
for November 1954.
Panama City House Is Rifled
PANAMA CITY, FLA.—Manager J. E. Ohlinger
of the Panama Theatre reported that
someone had broken into the theatre and
stolen a yellow shirt, a tool box and tools valued
at close to $50 and a quantity of candy
from the concession stand.
>••••«
RESEARCH BUREAU
for
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 24, Mo.
Gentlemen:
2-18-56
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
to receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
Acoustics
Air Conditioning
Architectural Service
D "Black" Lighting
Building Material
G Carpets
Coin Machines
Complete Remodeling
Decorating
Lighting Fixtures
Plumbing Fixtures
Projectors
Projection Lamps
Seating
Signs and Marquees
Sound Equipment
Television
Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts
Drive-In Equipment Vending Equipment
H Other Subjects
Theatre
Seating Capacity..
Address.
City
State
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards tor your further convenience
in obtaining information ore provided in MODERN
The
THEATRE Section, published with the first issue o<
eoch month.
74 BOXOFFICE
:
18, 1956

—
a
CS 55 Introduced
To 200 at Houston
HOUSTON—Newly invented penthouse attachments
can be added to projectors in theatres
equipped with only optical one-track
sound which will permit showing a Cinema-
Scope picture as it was originally photographed
in its full and proper aspect ratio
of 2.55 to 1. By using this new reproducer,
one-track magnetic sound may be utilized
with the same optical sound equipment exhibitors
now have. These penthouse attachments
can be bought from dealers at an
approximate cost of $950, or less per pair,
including installation. Twentieth Century-
Fox has approached dealers, some of whom
will extend credit up to about three years
for the equipment—less than $1 a day over
a three-year period. The film company's sales
force will help secure the equipment for
exhibitors, if they wish.
EXPLAINED BY MARK SHERIDAN
These facts were brought out by Mark
Sheridan, southwest district manager of
20th-Fox, during a speech preceding the
demonstration of the new Cinemascope 55
held at the Metropolitan Theatre last week
(6).
Of 16,450 theatres in the U. S. and Canada
equipped to show Cinemascope, only 3,650
are equipped to show it with full stereophonic
sound. This leaves 12,800 theatres equipped
with only one-track optical sound. These
exhibitors "are not taking advantage of the
great medium that is available even from a
photographic standpoint," Sheridan said. "The
picture is not as good as it was originally
photographed. Part of the picture is actually
cut off."
In the continual striving "to give the best
possible entertainment if we are to survive
the terrific competition of home free television,"
Sheridan pointed out. "Neither you
nor we can afford to stand still."
At least 200 interested theatremen and
women attended the showing of scenes from
"Carousel" and "The King and I."
ANSWERS QUESTIONS
Bruce Mewborn, 20th-Fox engineer, was on
hand in the lobby to answer technical
questions, along with Sheridan, local Manager
Henry Harrell and office manager Bill Keith.
Others from the local exchange were head
booker Grady Goodwin, assistants Wayne
Deum and Dean Gibbon, salesmen Grover
McDonnell and John Miller, and auditor
Arnold Kahn. Also present were Tom Vincent
and Alex McKinzie, Southwestern Theatre
Equipment Co. plus
Interstate Theatres: Al Lever, Conrad
Brady, Ray Hay, Johnny Smith, J. D. Raney,
James Webb, A. C. Weinberg, Vic Birgadamo,
Dick Twiller, Eddie Bremer, John Arnold,
Howard Skelton, Oliver Klauss, Bob O'Donnell
and Raymond Willie, the latter two from
Dallas. From Beaumont came Debs Hayle,
Jefferson head booker; Mr. and Mis. E. A.
Buckalew, Edgewood Drive-In, San Augustine;
Mrs. Edna Schulman and son Al, Bryan;
and from Houston, Homer McCallon, Loew's
State: Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Newton, Broadway
and Yale theatres; Al Zarzana. cameraman for
Bill Roberts; Victor Barraco, Bellaire and
Roxy theatres; Jack Farr and T. J. Cheney,
Trail Drive-In; Frank Wilke and Lowell
Bulpitt, Boulevard; Lillian Trammell and Fred
Cannatta, Horwitz Theatres, and Jack Groves.
Past Oak Drive-In.
Texas Drive-In Exhibitors
Open Dallas Convention
DALLAS—The Texas Drive-In Theatre
Owners Ass'n will open its annual convention
Monday (20) at the Statler-Hilton Hotel.
All booth space has been booked by theatre
suppliers, assuring the drive-in exhibitors
an outstanding exhibit show. Hardin Theatre
Supply will give away a 16mm camera and
projector set: Filmack will give four electric
clocks and many more suppliers will have
prizes that will be distributed during the
two-day exhibit.
In addition to the luncheons, cocktail
parties and banquet, several other entertaining
arrangements have been scheduled—
screening of Columbia's newest release,
"Picnic"; tours through the fabulous Republic
Bank and free admissions to all Interstate
Theatres by showing convention badges.
With very few changes anticipated, the following
is the program now outlined for the
two-day get-together of drive-in owners and
managers.
MONDAY — Registration and directors
TUESDAY—Address of
Masked Bandit in Outsize
Suit Holds Up Drive-In
WICHITA FALLS, TEX.—The figure
may
have been a fugitive from farce comedy but
his actions were straight out of a Saturday
afternoon action-dualer, decided Manager
M. J. Kelley of the Seymour Road Drive-In
Theatre after being held up at gunpoint by
a
masked bandit.
Kelley told police the masked man took
part of the night's receipts of the theatre
and some $64 and personal papers in his
billfold. The robbery occurred about 9:30
p.m. as Kelley was standing in the theatre
boxoffice. The man was dressed in a black
suit several sizes too large and wore a 10-
gallon black hat pulled low over his eyes. He
also wore a mask that fitted below his eyes
down to his chin.
The manager said the man walked into the
theatre, displayed a pistol and said, "This
is a stickup. Let's have your money." Kelley
said he thought at first it was a joke until
the demand was repeated.
The masked man then asked if Kelley had
any more money and took the manager's billfold.
Kelley said he had taken much of the
night's receipts to another place.
BOWLING
DALLAS—Men's high single and threegame
series were bowled by Lloyd Pullen.
Rowley United Theatres, with 198 and 555.
Joan Seely, Fox, made the women's high
scores with 164 and 427 for the single and
3-game series. Fox maintained its team lead
by rolling 666 and 1,887.
Tcom Won Lost Team Won Lost
Fox 55 29 Rustlers 41 43
Evons 53 31 Liberty 40 44
Metro 49 35 Tower 39 45
Rangers 49 35 Blazers 37 47
Rowley 45 39 Interstate 33 51
Paramount .42 42 Warner 23 61
meeting.
Welcome by President
Charles Weisenburg. Keynote address
by Herbert J. Yates, president of
Republic Pictures. Talks as follows: Insurance
problems, Arthur Stern; tax problems,
Arnold Ablon public relations, Jack
;
Jackson; advertising, Edwin Rookelly.
Rookelly.
Luncheon—Host, the Coca-Cola Co.;
Emcee, Gordon McLendon, KLIF; welcome
to Dallas, Mayor Bob Thornton, and
talk "Tax Relief for Exhibitors," by Robert
J. O'Donnell, Interstate Theatres.
Afternoon classes— Small-town drive-in
owners clinic, Joe Caffo, Frontier Theatres;
large-town drive-in owners clinic.
Al Reynolds, Reynolds & Russell Management
Co.; drive-in managers clinic,
Ed V. Green, Texas Theatre Service.
6 p.m.—Cocktail party.
11:30 a.m.—Concession
clinic by Popcorn Concession Ass'n,
moderator Augie J. Schmitt, assisted by
Charles E. Darden. Luncheon, talk by
Dr. Marvin Sandorf of Indianapolis.
1:30, election of officers. 2:30, open forum
for members of association only. Moderated
by Skeet Noret. 3, screening of
"Picnic" at 20th-Fox screening room.
6, cocktail party—Host, Pepsi-Cola Co.
7. banquet in Junior ballroom; speaker
Edwin Tobolowsky.
WEDNESDAY—9:30 to
Arkansas IT0 to Meet
At Hot Springs Apr. 2
HOT SPRINGS. ARK.—The 37th annual
convention of the Independent Theatre
Owners of Arkansas will be held at the Velda
Rose Motel here on April 2, 3, and Jim
Carbery, president of the organization, said
some excellent entertainment and some fine
speakers had been lined up for the event.
Myron Blank of Des Moines, president of
Theatre Owners of America, will be one of
the headline speakers, Carbery said.
At a recent board of directors meeting in
Little Rock. Carbery appointed J. Fred Brown
of Fort Smith as convention general chairman,
with Nona White, Little Rock, to serve
as assistant. Convention committee members
are Mrs. Jessie Howe Anderson, Mrs. Violet
Martin, Clarence Duvall, all of Hot Springs:
Carl Bur-ton. Fort Smith, and Cecil Cupp.
Arkadelphia.
This will be the first time in some 20 years
that the ITO of Arkansas convention has
been held in Hot Springs.
The famed Arkansas Derby will be held at
the Oaklawn Race Track on the Saturday
preceding opening of the convention.
All industry folk have been invited to plan
to attend the convention.
To Install CS 55 Process
ENID, OKLA—Plans are under way here
for installation of the new Cinemascope 55
process at the Chief and Esquire theatres, according
to local Manager Paul Shipley. Shipley
estimated that the equipment would be
installed by March 1, and that it would cost
"not over $5,000." The houses now are
equipped to show the standard 35mm Cinemascope
process.
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18. 1956 sw 75

STOW—
Notes on
OKLAHOMA CITY—Prizes of all kinds and
favors, including orchids, were given away at
the UTOO convention. Door prizes were supplied
by Filmack Trailer Service. United Film
Service, Alexander Film Co. and Sturm's, a
clothing store. Bob Walker of Fruit a. Colo.,
saw that the women and many of the men
were wearing tiny orchids. Lorraine Carbons
also had favors for those registering.
Mark Sheridan and Jimmie Gillespie, both
of 20th-Fox. Dallas, were in for the 55mm
screening at the Criterion which opened the
Mollie Goerke of Canton
convention program,
and Ann Thome, wife of Eddie, outgoing
president of UTOO, wore white doeskin Indian
dresses, bedecked with beads and bells,
to the ranch party buffet. Mollie brought
them from her stomping grounds for the
western event. Ann added a feather to her
tresses for an added effect.
Incidentally, the ranch party buffet, with
entertainment, and the cocktail party preceding
and Maxine and Eldon Peek of Oklahoma
Theatre Supply as hosts, drew more
than 400 men and women, while the dinner
dance, the closing night, had a crowd of about
325. We wonder why.
Pat McGee, Denver, speaks before a
convention session.
Oklahoma Convention
Governor Gary, left, was introduced at
the convention dinner dance by Ed
Thorne, new board chairman and outgoing
president, right. The governor
made a few remarks, then Thorne turned
the program to Al Good and his orchestra.
The wives of the exhibitors were guests at a
luncheon and style show, with fashions from
Sturm's and favors from Kamber's & Kerr's.
We understand the film clinic, moderated
by Seibert Worley, Shamrock. Tex., was quite
lively and interesting.
Claude Motley of Video was the only reelected
officer in the new lineup. He's treasurer
again. The new board includes 40 members
and an honorary member, C. B. Akers.
Tulsa, whose longtime loyalty to the industry
on legislative matters in Oklahoma is widely
recognized.
Opal Gray of Chickasha, board member,
found she had a little extra time when she
stopped matinees, so now she's in the housebuilding
business. She's also interested in
the western show, made up of early-day
characters such as Jesse James, all in wax,
of course, which is due to play the Royal
American circuit. Meantime, the show is
booked for some theatres and an Oklahoma
City exposition. Mike Carmichael and Jack
Emmenhiser also are interested in the western
show.
Ray Hughes of Heavener had returned from
The dinner dance, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Co. at the UTOO convention, was
held in the Persian room of the Skirvin Tower. Part of the official family and the
governor of the state were seated at this table. At bottom of the picture, center, is
the new president, Bernard McKenna jr., and his wife. Clockwise, from McKenna, are
Mrs. Thorne, Eddie Thorne (outgoing president and new board chairman), Gov. Raymond
Gary, E. N. Gault and Charley A. Bordelais jr. of the Coca-Cola Co., Mrs. E. R.
Slocum (wife of UTOO's executive director), Earl Snyder jr. and wife of Tulsa.
Manley Popcorn gave a cocktail party preceding the dinner.
California with a suntan. UTOO was quite
SWlsh, using the Perle Mesta suite for the
convention's press room.
• • •
R. J. O'Donnell of Dallas found us foggedin
and spent nearly all of the opening day of
the UTOO convention in the air over Oklahoma
City. His plane finally landed in Tulsa,
then he returned to Dallas, started out again
the next day and made it. His talk was slated
for the opening luncheon, but didn't occur
until the closing afternoon's session.
The Carl Burtons of Fort Smith were taking
in the convention, and no doubt Carl
got a few pointers from friend Red Slocum
on planning such a gathering since he's in
charge of putting together a similar convention
in Hot Springs. His fellow exhibitors
think of everything—the racing season
will still be on when the showmen gather
to exchange theatre problems in Hot Springs.
Such luck.
UTOO is trying something new with three
regional vice-presidents: namely, Seibert
Worley of Shamrock, C. D. "Buddy" Hicks of
Nowata and Eddie Jones of Tulsa.
Jim Byrd, with MGM 28 years, is retiring
March 1. we heard at the Manley open house
preceding the UTOO dinner and dance.
Byrd currently is city salesman, but has
traveled the entire state. He's winding up 45
years in the business. He was branch manager
for Warner Bros, for four years, and once
sold for 20th-Fox.
* * *
Very attractive convention badges were
supplied by Manley. Designed by Ralph
Warner, they were quite colorful and different.
When the clock struck 1, the band leader
at the UTOO dance announced there would
be another hour of dancing, courtesy Ralph
Warner and Manley. And, so it was that
the closing event went on an extra hour.
Elizabeth Tucker, formerly of Pauls Valley,
is now working parttime for the Lakeside.
The registration list:
OKLA HOMA CITY
Glen D. Thompson
J. Eldon Peek
Dick Thompson
Mrs. Ralph Worner
Chris Caporal
Bill Johnson
George Caporal
Matt Bucy
Choc Hudson
E. R. Slocum
Ralph Williams
R. O. Thompson
Audie Adwell
John N. Thompson
Earl Albright
Francis R. Thompson
Leonard Bateman
Forrest Finley
K. C. Blackledge
Bud Benjamin
Green Bond
Gilbert Clark
Ben Brewer
Haskell Robinette
Jack Brooks
Charles Hudgens
R. L. Browning
George Byrd
Robert Clark
Jack Box
Paul Cornwell
Dave Hunt
Raymond Davis
Athel Boyter
Krueger Dillender
Harold Combs
George Gaffaney
Bill Maddox
Lester Gibbs
Howard Nelson
Henry S. Gritting Mike Baldivid
C. R. Guthrie
Bob Busch
Bernhart Jacobs
Jake Guiles
Tom Kelley
Bill Raymond
Richard King
Mike Carmichael
William Kuester
Everett Mahaney
Don Lassetter
Joke Watkins
Frank McCobe
Jim Byrd
C. F. Motley
Bob Smith
Otis Mooney
Bob Egbert
Roger E. Rice
Marion W. Osborne
Dusty Rhoodes
Lois LeBlanc
Oran Rose
Eddie Thorne
Sam Stone
C. H. Weaver
W. B. Turk
Roy Avey
Louise Wesson
C. O. Fulghom
Cliff White jr.
George Fisher
Cecil Williams
Jim O'Donnell
Don Wind
Dr. L. A. Newcomb
Don Walls
Irene Mclntyre
Mike Comer
H. C. Federer
Emilie Houessler
Polly Trindle
George Friedel
A. D. Smith
Nelson Macarty
Jim Peacock
Gordon Leonard
Connie Carpou
George Grube
Paul Townsend
Farris Shanbour
Elizabeth Tucker
Leon Corning
C. A. Gibbs
J. R. Mullens
Holhs Herod
OKLAHOMA
BR I Henry Simpson
76 BOXOFTICE
:
: February
18, 1956

. . Cela
18
NOWATA—C. D. Hicks
BROKEN BOW—A. R. Walker
WOODWARD—D. V. Terry
STILWELL—Clyde Phillips
EDMOND— R. R. McCoy
TAHLEQUAH—Allender Scott
CANTON—Mrs. L. H. Goerke
MUSKOGEE—Charles Procter
ANADARKO— Robert Strowig
LAWTON—Don Jones, Volney Hamm
ELDORADO— Bill Cleverdon
YUKON—Max Feinsilber
TULSA—Jack Hull, Jimmy Hull,
Blue, Eddie Jones, J. C. Duncan,
Snyder jr.
B. Akers, Alex
d Potton, Earl
CRESCENT—Jess Jones
SAND SPRINGS—W. E. Jones
PAWHUSKA—Fred Brewer
CHICKASHA—Horace Clark, Opal Gray
DUNCAN—Dale Davis, Jack Wilbern
MANGUM—Joe Delorio
FAIRFAX— Lonnie Edwards
SAPULPA— Robert Getter, Jimmy Zartaludes
PONCA CITY—Donald Hall
HUGO—Claude Hanley
BARTLESVILLE— Phil Hays
HENRYETTA—Arville Hayes
OKMULGEE— Dale Hellwege
BLACKWELL—Gus Hoenscheidt
SHAWNEE—Johnny Jones, Ruby Jones
VINITA—David Karr
CHANDLER— Richard Klein
MIAMI— Pete Kempt
CLAREMORE— Bill Love
ADA— Frank Little
WEWOKA—Frank Love jr.
CLINTON—R. B. Miller
ELK CITY—John Monroe
FREDERICK—Nelson Myers
GUTHRIE—A. R. Powell
HOLDENVILLE— Bill Robinson
EL RENO—Jimmy Rush, Sen. Jim Rinehart
ENID—Paul Shipley
HOBART—Ray Sikes
DRUMRIGHT—Joe Smith
ALTUS—W. T. Spears, John Hart, Melvin Lottos,
Fred McElroy
STILLWATER—Claude Leachman, W. B. Sylvester
SEMINOLE—Milt Phillips, Harold Ward
HOMINY—Lawrence Wells
CUSHING—Mac Wood
NORMAN—John Kniseley, Bernord McKenna |r.
ARDMORE— A. B. Dean
LINDSAY—Jep Holman, Avece Waldron Holmon
CORDELL—Creal Black
ALVA—Homer Jones
WILSON—Amos Glenn
ATOKA—Edwin A. Phillips
WAGONER—Charles S.» Ralls
HEALDTON— H. L. Hawkins
TISHOMINGO—Jetty Kilmer
TONKAWA— Ed Asher
WALTERS—Dale Anderson
TURLEY—Juanita Miller
BINGER— H. D. Cox
HEAVENER—Ray Hughes
NEWKIRK—G. N. Walker
TEXAS
DUMAS— H. S. McMurry
KERRVILLE— Paul McDonald
DALLAS— Les Martin, Doug Desch, Sebe Miller,
J. A. Prichard, Jack Zern, Mark Sheridan, Paul Short,
Kyle Rorex, Charles Dorden, Fred Stovenour, Sally
Sewell, Bob Warner, E. N. Goult, Harry Paul, W. W.
Gilbreath, Hi Martin, R. J. O'Donnell
LUBBOCK—O. A. Woody, J. B. Rhea
SPEARMAN—Charles Townsend, J. D. Wilbanks
NEW BRAUNFELS—Floyd Barton
CUERO—Jack Dickerson
KERMIT—Paul Gay
REFUGIO—Marvin Gollehon
HOUSTON—Jack Jackson
MIDLAND— S. J. Hodge jr.
MEXIA— Robert Scott
CLEBURNE—Clyde Young
BORGER— Ed Lee
SHAMROCK—Seibert Worley
TEMPLE—James Jones
PERRYTON—Virby Conley
BOONTON, N. J.—Edward Lockman
SAN FRANCISCO—Gerald Korski
NEW YORK CITY—E. C. Grainger, Mike Simons
RIDLEY PARK, PA.—Al Sindlinger
FORT SMITH, ARK.—Carl Burton
ATLANTA, GA.—C. A. Bourdelais jr.
PULASKI, TENN.—David Cheatham
FRUITA, COLO.—Bob Walker
NEW ORLEANS, LA.—Abe Berensen
COLORADO SPRINGS—Frank Clinebell
DENVER— Pat McGee
CHICAGO— Irving Mack, Joseph Berendon
Announce Azteca Changes
SAN ANTONIO—Azteca Films has named
Robert Gallegos. former assistant booker to
the head booking post, succeeding Fernando
J. Obledo who has gone to the Denver
territory on a sales trip for three months.
Arnulfo Arias Roa, former assistant bookkeeper
takes the assistant booker job. Eusebio
Ortega Roa goes from head billing clerk to
assistant bookkeeper. Miss Toni Colindres is
promoted from assistant billing clerk to head
biller and a new assistant billing clerk will
be named soon.
DALLAS
.
A double funeral was held Thursday (16) at
the Trinity Heights Church of Christ for
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barnhouse, brother-inlaw
and sister of Mrs. C. W. Mattson, Mattson
Theatres, Rockland. Mrs. Barnhouse, who
had been ill several months, died at 2 o'clock
Tuesday afternoon. Her husband had died
at 2 o'clock that morning, following a heart
attack Malone, secretary at the
Leon Theatres for the past year, resigned to
be married Saturday 1 ) . Joy Mullen is the
new secretary.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Weber of MGM have
returned frcm New York. They accompanied
their daughter, Mrs. Henry Broadnax, there
She is going to Italy to join her husband,
who is stationed there with the Air Force.
Weber visited the New York office of MGM,
and both he and Mrs. Weber attended several
shows while there . . . Mrs. Ora Dell Lorenz.
during
circuit booker at MGM, had a bad fall
the last ice and snow storm and broke her
left arm. She is up and about now with her
arm in a cast.
Tom Griffing's new Sahara Drive-In, Big
Springs, was opened Friday (17). It is a twin
and located four miles west of town on Highway
80. Ted Lewis, among others, went
out for the opening . . . MGM gave a cocktail
party for Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball in
the assembly room of the new Statler Hilton
Hotel. Radio, TV and theatre people turned
out in force for the event Friday (10).
Kyle Rorex, executive director, Texas
COMPO, and one of the speakers at the
Oklahoma Theatre Owners convention in
Oklahoma City, returned with enthusiasm
about the new trade association and the plans
of its director, Red Slocum. "I am sure
that theatremen in Oklahoma will actively
support the new organization and in return
be helped in many different ways."
Ruth Sipler, Astor Pictures, spent many
hours rehearsing during the last two months
in preparation for the opera, "The Old Maid
and the Thief," in which she played the lead.
This was presented as the highlight of the
convention at the Baker Hotel for the Texas
Music Educators Ass'n February 9. The opera
was presented again at Southern Methodist
Repainting and
University February 13 . . .
decorating is near completion at Warner Bros.
Ed Williamson. H. E. Vogelpohl and J. C. Mc-
Crary returned from an important sales
meeting in New Orleans.
W. W. Spurlock, owner of the Elk in Italy.
Tex., reported that business was somewhat
improved in recent weeks. He spoke very
highly of J. B. Johnson, who probably has a
statewide record for length of time operating
in one theatre. Johnson started operating at
the Elk in 1910 and still operates there. Spurlock
said that Johnson's wife has been serving
as cashier for 24 years ever since she was
married.
Seen at the Variety Club recently were Mr.
and Mrs. Gerald Karski, Tent 32. San Francisco;
Ed Lochmon, Tent 35, New York; Abe
Benson and O. J. Wiesand, New Orleans;
Buddy Bornar, Chicago; Buleye Scallia,
Kernesville, N. C; J. M. Dryer, St. Louis;
R. M. Henson, Oklahoma City; H. R. Boynton.
New York; James S. Carbey, Washington,
D. C; N. G. Henthorne, Tulsa; Al Kattler,
Providence, R. I.; Tom Keese, Houston;
Mr. and Mrs. Homer Teghreen, Tent 32. San
Francisco; W. B. Luttie, Oklahoma City.
Roy Kantcr, southwest division manager for
MPA, said that Bill Wiesand, who has been
serving for the last eight years as sales supervisor
in the New Orleans home office, has
been assigned the northeast Texas and
southeast Arkansas territory as representative.
He will make his residence in Tyler.
Joe Noble, manager of the Big D Drive-in,
was recovering nicely from bad bruises received
recently in an 18-foot fall. He had
worked at home on Saturday planting about
24 rose bushes and several small trees. Under
Noble's efforts, the Big D has built up a big
concession trade, serving a big variety of
items, including fried chicken, corn dogs, hot
dogs, hamburgers, shrimp rolls, all kinds of
soups and the other regular items.
The WOMPI will hold an important business
meeting Thursday noon (23) at the
White Plaza Hotel. Among the other items
of business will be the election of a third
member for the nominating committee for the
coming annual election. Marilyn Bragg has
been appointed chairman and Grace Folsom
is the other member. Melba Martin, Interstate,
and Mildred Freeman, Rowley United,
were hostesses at the board meeting February
9 at Mildred Freeman's home. Those present
were President Lorena Cullimore, Maxine
Adams, Ruth Neff, Jo Bailey, Loia Cheaney,
Mary Jo Bills, Sue Benningfield, Joyce Smith,
Marilyn Bragg. Jean Johnson, Falls Theatre
Service, was appointed to replace Louise Clark,
who resigned as corresponding secretary.
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BOXOFTICE :
: February
18, 1956 77

MOSEY-ING
THROUGH CENTRAL €r WEST TEXAS
QLIVER B. KING, manager of Oskar Korn's
Lisbon Theatre in the southern area of
Dallas for the past seven years, is working
out the final details and looking forward
to the initial results of a unique plan for his
Saturday kid shows and he promised to
submit the outline to us as soon as possible.
When he does, we will pass It along.
The Lisbon is a suburban house named for
the community where it is located, near the
Veterans Hospital on Lancaster highway. Its
clientele is strictly average family and it is
perhaps the most small-townish operation
within the city limits. It is conceivable that
King's plan would have possibilities in both
the metropolitan and lesser populated areas.
He would not elaborate at all but to say
that he was most interested in the juvenile
business. He firmly believes that the child
moviegoer of today should be cultivated into
the adult moviegoer of the future. We heartily
agree!
King did pass along a story well worth
repeating now, which has its foundation on
his kid show development. He wanted to
know what other exhibitors are doing in this
line and he uncovered the following as a
result:
Two longtime Texas theatre owners were
interviewed and both of them came forth
with the same flat reply: "Nothing!" Moreover,
they could see no reason for the effort
nor had they ever seen the need for promotion
of any kind. He asked of them how was
their business holding up and the singular
.By EARL MOSELEY.
reply was "Terrible!" While King had no
doubt of it he was awed by their attitudes.
"How can they but sit in their boxoffices
and gaze out toward the empty fronts, knowing
that their houses are all but empty, and still
not want to get up and do something about
it?" he asked us. "We would try anything
to get the business back. And, if everything
failed, we would put on a clean shirt and tie.
stand in the lobby with our chin up and
go down -with the theatre gallantly."
There lies the difference between a theatre
man and a real showman.
Previously, King had gained much experience
in an altogether different type operation.
He was employed a number of years in the
downtown Dallas Queen Theatre by the late
L. S. (Uncle Lou) Bissinger and Albert
Raines. The Queen had a grind run policy,
charged a small admission and had a complete
change of program daily.
(Raines is now with Oskar Korn himself.
He is the Houston city manager but books
for the Dallas house also.)
In King's projection room at the Lisbon
is Carl Shockley who came to Dallas from
Gainesville in 1948. Shockley is first cousin
to Pat Murphxee, city manager of Waxahachie,
whom we profiled in our column last
week (11).
The Lisbon has been in operation sixteen
years.
* * *
A workable promotion that can be put to
a good and profitable use in the suburban
indoor theatre where the grosses have been
diminishing Is the shoppers matinee policy.
And it is a simple matter indeed to set it into
motion, yet it requires extra footwork in
order to make it run properly.
Most such theatres are located in or near a
shopping center and the showman can put
this forth to a good advantage. Contact each
merchant and explain to him his matinee
plan, being careful to outline the possibilities
of increased patronage to his own business. By
carefully pointing out the situations where
theatres have closed completely in direct relation
to the downgrade effect it has
rendered to the surrounding businesses, the
merchant is ready to listen. Continue by
explaining that theatres, especially those
operating daily matinees, have served to hypo
the trade district by serving as a magnet to
draw patronage into the neighborhood.
The merchant's place in it is such that it
requires little effort on his part. Arrange to
have a banner located prominently at his
store announcing the event thus: "Special
Shoppers Matinee at the Blank Theatre Every
Day. Doors Open at p.m. Continuous
Performances." The size of it doesn't necessarily
have to be large as long as it is eye
appealing and fits the surrounding decor.
Whereupon a display is constructed for the
theatre lobby including the names and locations
of the qualified merchants under the
heading "Shoppers Guide."
It is not remote to imagine that a cooperative
weekly advertising pamphlet or dodger
could be agreed upon (on a share the expense
basis), distributed from the stores and theatre
as well as house to house. The cost is
low in this form and the results can be
gratifying.
While some theatres have a summer
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:
: February
18, 1956

matinee policy only this one has proven
successful for the entire year. It is found
that the three weeks from Labor Day to
October 1 result in low grosses (due to the
beginning of school) but it builds back again
thereafter to better adult ticket sales. Extra
or new promotion should be in order during
this slump to notify the patronage that the
matinees are continuing.
Not only does this plan display merit in
the sub runs but in the small towns as well.
In these situations the overhead is generally
low, allowing the boxoffice receipts to become
surprisingly meager before the operation runs
into the red.
The exhibitor can compare the yearly
results with his past records for the proof of
profit. Comparisons on a daily basis do not
present an accurate picture of the venture.
Another advantage, it cements better relations
with fellow businessmen.
It has been noted on several occasions
where a theatre has eliminated its daily
matinee policy that the night receipts have
dropped at the time. While we have heard
several explanations concerning this oddity
it still remains mysterious to a degree. However,
it does happen. Whether the presence
of the weekday matinees serves to aid the
night business we cannot prove either but we
are inclined to believe that it does.
* * *
We were in the home of H. L. Woods sr.
of
Fort Worth recently on a social call and
wish to report here that Mrs. Woods serves
delicious coffee. And we love our coffee!
Drive-In concessionists would do well if they
could follow her recipe. Patrons would drink
more coffee and less water we feel.
Woods is one of the projectionists at the
downtown Trans-Texas Hollywood Theatre
and many of us recall his long service as
business agent of projectionists Local 330,
IATSE. During the war he was a flying
instructor too.
Just prior to our visitation with Woods we
spent some time with an old friend. Price J.
Lawson, also of Fort Worth. Not long ago he
was nearly electrocuted while working on a
generator at Bordertown's Belknap Drive-In
and he showed us his scars from it. We could
say this was shocking news about Lawson had
we not come so near losing our old friend.
Borne years ago we worked together at the
Plaza Theatre in Brownwood.
Another of our ex-Brownwood buddies
made news copy in Jack Gordon's Fort Worth
Press column in 1948 when he was compelled
to work in the Bowie boulevard drive-in projection
room while standing in a ghastly
amount of water. W. A. "Jack" Driskill not
only did that but he taught us how to play
rummy also. Which was the most hazardous
we have no way of gauging without bias.
The projectionist at the Bowie Boulevard
(now called simply the Boulevard) Drive-In
is R. C. "Cliff" Sparks, who has recently been
elected to serve his third term as business
agent of the local union. Let's hope he doesn't
find it necessary to make news there similar
to Driskill's.
This drive-in is the oldest in Fort Worth,
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J. T. Orr, who with partner Ruth Wafford
of the Dallas Plaza Theatre, is credited with
the last showing of "The Birth of a Nation"
in November 1954, mused recently over what
a double combination it and "Gone With the
Wind" would make—run "BOAN" first and
"GWTW" last. The two greatest grossers of
all time together!
Sure. They could sell their patrons three
sack lunches each at their concessions stand
too, for their breakfast, dinner and supper.
HOUSTON
Columbia has renewed its lease at 4521
Almeda, according to Rube Jackter, assistant
general manager, New York. Columbia
was the first major film company to open an
exchange in Houston. John Winberry is
manager and Jim Hudgens is office manager.
John Thompson, Columbia publicity man out
of Dallas, is here working on "Picnic," due to
show at the Majestic soon.
L. E. Newton left the Broadway and Yale
theatres this week to return to Interstate
Theatres. Ellis Ford, former manager of the
Delman Theatre and more recently at Augie
Schmitt's Houston Popcorn Co., is reported to
be taking over these theatres to manage for
Bob O'Donnell, Dallas . . . Johnny Howell,
booker for Rowley United Theatres in Dallas,
has been in Houston booking from Columbia
and 20th-Fox, according to 20th-Fox Manager
Henry Harrell.
Variety Club member Fred Nahas, KXYZ.
was given an engraved desk pen set by the
Downtown Optimists in appreciation of the
weekly "Tomorrow's History" newscasts he
does at the weekly luncheon meetings . . .
Cyd Charisse will be in town in March for
"Meet Me in Las Vegas," which is scheduled
for Loew's State . . . From Houston, where
he emceed the new Cinemascope 55 demonstration
at the Metropolitan, Mark Sheridan,
southwest district manager, went to Dallas
and then on to Oklahoma City for two more
showings of scenes from "Carousel" and "The
King and I."
. .
Variety Tent 34 held its first cocktail hour
from 5 to 6 p.m., and it was very much
enjoyed by the members, reported Manager
Rex Van . New president Paul Boesch is
back on his feet after that bad auto accident
near Galveston . . . The Alabama Theatre
was saved by firemen this week when the
grocery store and drug store next door to
it were destroyed by fire . . . Jefferson
Amusement Co.'s Julius Gordon, Beaumont,
was in New York.
Teenage Patron Is Killed
FORT WORTH — A teenage girl who
"never missed a Friday night at the theatre,"
according to her friends, was struck down and
killed by a hit and run driver on her way
home from a Friday evening visit to the Isis
Theatre. Helen Jane Beadles. 16, stepped
off a bus about 11 p. m., crossed N. Main
talking to her cousin about the picture, and
then was struck down by a car that sped
away. The cousin. Shirlene Dillon, 13. received
a hip cut in the accident.
Posey Given by Exhibitor
To Fair Film Reviewer
OKLAHOMA CITY—Morris Loewenstein,
owner of the Majestic Theatre, believes in
patting the press on the back. The only contact
with the local editor should not be when
there's a squawk to be made, he says. Because
the recently appointed motion picture editor
of the Daily Oklahoman, Aline Treanor. has
taken a constructive approach toward films,
Loewenstein sent the following letter to the
editor, which was published in full:
"Here's a posey for you!
"Your theatre columns long have reflected
cynicism, but now you have a really qualified
critic—Aline Treanor. Her fairness and competence
to evaluate entertainment from a
practical, instead of a destructive approach,
is admirable. She writes from a receptive
enjoyment and builds reader interest for
which our great theatre industry is most
needful and appreciative.
"Her reviews justify the efforts of the
artists of stage or screen, who, after all, are
trying most diligently to please. Their greatest
hopes are for audience acclamation. However,
with artistic perfection limited, and
tastes as divergent as people, all cannot be
super; yet there is always something appealing
in most efforts. To judge these, the midroad
is both safe and fair.
"May we suggest that you thumbnail a picture
of this efficient lady, with whom we have
not had the pleasure of acquaintance: so that
we may look upon what must be a happy and
considerate personality."
Not only was the letter published, but there
was a reply from Harold F. Johnson, assistant
managing editor, in which he informed
Loewenstein the paper appreciated hearing
about the movie editor's work. He also said
the paper was striving to keep improving
its coverage of motion pictures and the film
industry.
Piloting Warners' "The Burning Hills" for
Producer Richard Whorf is Stuart Heisler.
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BOXOFFICE February 18, 1956 79

. . George
. . "Love
.
: February
—
SAN ANTONIO
. . . Also in town calling
The Alameda showed Azteca's ntw Eastman
Color release, "La Gaviota," starring Maria
Antonieta Pons . Bannon, public! I
lor Allied Artists at Dallas, called at the Interstate
offices here
on the trade were Bernard Brager, man-
ager, and salesman Lew Waide. Republic. It
was back in 1926 that Brager first made his
start in show business as chief of service at
the Texas Theatre here when that house
opened. On the ushering staff was Charles
A. Wolf, now manager of the Prince and advertising
director for the Lone Star-Pack
theatres here. Wolf and Brager met and
talked over the old days.
Visiting the film exchanges to contract for
Mexican product were W. T. Trisko and son,
Theatre, Runge; Reynaldo Benitez,
Benitez circuit, Weslaco, and Ernesto Ramirez
sr. and jr., Roma Teatro, Roma . . .
Clasa-Mohme employes gave Oscar Centeno,
shipping clerk, a going-away present. He left
the company to re-enter the air conditioning
business.
J. L. Greenwood, house manager of the
Joy, returned to duty following a long illness
Tom Sumners, owner of the Josephine,
who books a foreign-made picture occasionally,
currently has "The Sheep Has Five Legs"
. . . George Kaczmar, manager of the Empire,
has installed a widescreen . in the
City" was the Italian import at the Arts . .
Tommy Powers, skipper at the Texas, billed
two Columbia hits, "A Lawless Street" plus
"Devil Goddess."
Henry Zapata Garcia, San Antonio film
actor and musician who has been in Corpus
Christi working in a series of Mexican short
featurettes, plans to leave soon for Hollywood
where he has designs on playing a heavy
character part in a forthcoming John Wayne
production . . . Brandon, the magician, plays
the Municipal Auditorium theatre April 22,
according to Manager Sol Wolff . . . Seen
strolling down Soledad street: E. Doyle Garrett,
general manager of the Prince, and his
chief aide Charley Wolf, both hatless . . .
Former local theatremen Bob Nelson and Emil
Kupca were back in town greeting their many
friends.
Kevin Genther, new Warner publicist, was
in from Dallas making the rounds of the
press, radio and TV rows. He was advanceplugging
"Helen of Troy" at the Majestic.
Genther also informed the press that Barbara
Nichols, who plays a role in "Miracle in
the Rain," may visit San Antonio to spark
the opening of the picture at the Aztec during
March.
Fran Bennett, San Antonio actress, is seen
each week in the Republic serial, "King of the
Carnival," currently running at the Joy . . .
Mike Lane was in town heralding Columbia's
forthcoming "The Harder They Fall," soon
to open in a downtown Interstate theatre
either the Aztec or Majestic.
At Azteca Films: Manager Jewell Truex took
a one week vacation . . . The office staff cooperative
fund members elected the following
new officials: Tomas Garcia, president; Robert
Gallegos, treasurer; Jaime Ornelas, secretary,
and Ruben Ayala, vice-president . . .
Three employes on the shipping staff went
fishing on Lake McQueeny near Seguin over
the weekend. They were Rubin Ayala, head
shipper; Max Morales and Jessie Ramirez...
Fernando J. Obledo. head booker for Azteca
for a number of years, left for Denver on a
sales trip for a 90-day period.
The Alameda opened "Gitana Tenias Que
Ser," starring Pedro Infante and Carmen
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:
18, 1956

: February
——
Sevilla. This Azteca hit is packed with many
well-known Mexican songs and dances . . .
Jose Carabaza of the Carabaza exchange,
Laredo, was in town sporting a new Cadillac
coupe in lovely aquamarine . . . Additional
Mexican film stars who were in town for
the recent KCOR Polio Telethon were
Amanda del Llano and Jorge Sareli and their
appearance here helped to make the show a
success.
Ed Gomez, who has the Mexico, Raymondville,
is a city judge; also one of the town's
busiest citizens. His Honor did find time
the other day to visit San Antonio where he
called on the Mexican film market to do
some booking for his theatre . . . Several
Spanish actors and musicians have been appearing
all through the valley and bringing
in some good grosses at the boxoffice. Just
to name a few who were recently seen around
southwestern Texas—Antonio Badu, Andres
Huesca, Maria Victoria, Lydia Mendoza, Eva
Garza, Gloria Rio, Robert Canalo and Tito
Junco.
In town visiting the Mexican film mart were
Tito Sandoval, San Pedro Drive-In, Robstown;
Ignacio Luna, Teatro Luna, Crystal
City; R. B. Carpinter and his two lovely
daughters, Medina Valley Drive-in, Devine:
Alphonse Ponce, Three Rivers; A. Amaya,
Teatro Amaya, Poteet; Porfirio Olson, formerly
of the Arcade Theatre, Immokalee, Pla.;
Jose Ruiz, Azteca, Lockhart. and Gustavo
(Gavilan) Lavenant, KBOP, Pleasanton.
New Rey at Raymondsville
Is Opened by Partners
RAYMONDVILLE, TEX.—Martin Garcia,
Louis B. Puente and Ramon Ruenes have
formed a partnership and opened the New
Rey Theatre here for Mexican-made productions.
The luxury type showcase is equipped with
a widescreen and its auditorium seats 800
people on the first floor plus 80 seats in the
balcony. The three owners are well known to
the south Texas theatre industry and film
trade.
John Walker, 67, Dead
GRAND PRAIRIE, TEX.—John Walker, 67,
who came here in 1925 and built the old Texas
Theatre, died recently in a local hospital.
Before coming here Walker operated a theatre
in Moody, Tex. He retired after selling
the Texas in 1943.
Rob Two Vending Machines
SWEETWATER, TEX.—The money boxes
on the candy and cigaret vending machines
at the Rocket Drive-In Theatre were rifled
recently. Thieves broke into the building by
forcing open a door with a pinch bar and
screw driver. Heavy damage was caused to
the door and door facing.
Fire Loss at Dallas Peak
DALLAS—The Peak Theatre, operated by
Kenneth Crabtree, 1315 North Peak, suffered
damages estimated at $7,500 by fire recently.
Comedy Role in 'Unknown'
L. Q. Jones will have a comedy role in
Warners' "Toward the Unknown," a Toluca
production starring William Holden and
Lloyd Nolan.
Gulf Allied Discussions
To Highlight New Trends
NEW ORLEANS—What leaders of Allied
Theatre Owners of Gulf States describe as
vital subjects will be discussed at the ninth
annual convention to be held at the Roosevelt
Hotel March 12, 13. The program will
include discussions of flash changes, new
trends and methods that have become obsolete,
the advance bulletin said.
A "positive plan of action will be formulated
to curb inequitable film selling policies"
and "confiscatory rentals."
Tax problems, both local and national, are
on the agenda.
Dale Davis Is Appointed
Duncan, Okla., Manager
DUNCAN, OKLA.—Dale Davis, who has
been a theatre manager most of his 19
years with Video Theatres, has been named
manager for Wilbern Theatres here, succeeding
Morgan Duval. Davis has been in charge
of theatre operations for Video in Elk City
and Cushing, and was assistant manager at
Enid and Blackwell, Okla. Jim Barton of
Okmulgee, has been named assistant manager
to Davis, succeeding Bob Porterfield. Announcement
of the appointments was made
by R. F. Wilbern, co-owner of Video-Wilbern
Theatres here.
Warmer Days, Good Films
Give Dallas Good Takes
DALLAS—Warmer weather and good
product were considered the main reasons
for increased attendance at local first run
theatres. "Guys and Dolls" did a sparkling
185, although "Forever Darling" fell short
of average figures. Right on the average
mark of 100 was a third feature, "Red Sundown"
at the Rialto.
(Average Is 100)
Majestic Forever Darling (MGM) 90
Palace—Guys and Dolls (MGM) 185
Rialto Red Sundown (U-l) 100
New Columbia Lease
NEW YORK—Columbia has renewed for a
long time its lease on exchange space in
Houston and is seeking additional space, according
to A. Montague, vice-president and
general sales manager. The company opened
the exchange Jan. 31, 1955, and was the first
to open one in Houston. The only other company
with an exchange there is 20th-Fox.
Thief Shows Little Sense
WALLER, TEX.—The Horn Drive-In Theatre
here was broken into one night recently,
but nothing was taken, apparently, but a few
parts from one of the movie projectors.
he did not know
Nelson Horner, owner, said
why anyone would take the parts, as they
would be of no benefit.
Cigaret Machine Is Looted
LEMESA, TEX.—A cigaret machine located
at the Skyvue Theatre on the Big Spring
highway was robbed in the early morning
hours. Deputy Sheriff Morris Zimmerman
said the thief gained access to the machine
by forcing a door to the building in which
the machine stood and then removing a lock
and hasp from the vending machine.
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Gentlemen:
2-18-56
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BOXOFFICE :
18, 1956 81

Ǥ!255f(Jge
'^^joi*,^ *'
1. This is the story of an ordinary man
. . . worked from 9 :00 to 5 :00 . . . raised
hamsters in his spare time . . . steered
clear of doctors.
2. Oliver did twenty push-ups every
morning . . . took long bracing walks
in the fresh air . . . made sparing use of
condiments and stimulants.
3. Then one day while he was shaving,
he noticed a small lump. An icy hand
reached out and clutched at his heart
...This was it-CANCER!
4. Overnight Oliver became a changed
man. Hegave his hamsters to a neighbor,
bought a small harp and a booklet entitled
"Harp-playing for Beginners."
5. Instead of taking long bracing walks,
he tottered into his lawyer's office, cut
two nephews out of his will and hastily
added a couple of codicils.
6. His lawyer, a man of real intuition,
knew that where there's a will there's a
way, and firmly bullied Dancer into
seeing a doctor.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
\J
%
Gentlemen:
I WANT TO HELP CONQUER CANCER
D Please send me free information
about Cancer.
Enclosed is my contribution
of $ to the Cancer
Crusade.
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE-
I
I
I
I
I
/
7. A complete checkup showed he was
in perfect health, except for a minor
tone deafness that would preclude much
skill with the harp.
8. Dancer was so overjoyed he promptly
went home and made out a very large
check to the American Cancer Society,
and that's what you should do, too.
9. (MAIL TO: CANCER, c/o your
town's Postmaster.) Help others and
help yourself. Fight Cancer with a
checkup and a Check.
Through the Courtesy of
BOXOFFICE
82 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

C_AII
—
—
—
: February
Second Week of 'Arm'
Leads Twin Cities
MINNEAPOLIS—A pail- of fresh arrivals,
"The Benny Goodman Story" and "Helen of
Troy," were big boxoffice noises. Both came
through in major league fashion and held
over. Still outnumbering newcomers, holdovers
included "All That Heaven Allows,"
"Ransom!" and "The Man With the Golden
Arm," in their fourth, third and second
weeks, respectively.
(Average Is 100)
Gopher Ransom! (MGM), 3rd wk 85
Lvr That Heoven Allows (U-l), 4th wk 90
i
Rad.o City—Helen of Troy ( WB) 1 40
RKO Orpheum The Benny Goodman Story (U-l). .150
State—The Last Frontier ,Col) 80
World The Man With the Golden Arm (UA),
2nd wk 200
'Indian' and 'Ranger' Hit
Hot Trails in Omaha
OMAHA—In spite of a shortening of the
week's run to six and a half days," "The
Lone Ranger" galloped to a 110 per cent week
at the Omaha Theatre. A screening chopped
off part of the week's schedule. It was a good
week for the dusty trail, with "Indian Fighter"
scoring 120 at the State. The Orpheum went
a little under average the second week of
"All That Heaven Allows."
Admiral-Chief The Houston Story (Col), Fury ot
Gunsight Pass (Col) 95
Brondeis Three Bad Sisters (UA) 90
Omoha The Lone Ranger (WB); Dig That Uranium
(AA) "0
Orpheum All That Heaven Allows [U-l), 2nd wk. 95
State Indian Fighter (UA) 120
Richard Phillips Wins
Central States Award
DES MOINES—Richard Phillips, manager
of the Algona Theatre, Algona, won the
Master Showman award in the annual November-December
Central States Theatres
drive for the second consecutive year.
Joe Cole, Rialto, Fort Dodge; Karl Underwood,
Capitol, Burlington, and Richard Myers,
Strand, Mason City, won firsts in the three
divisions of the contest for increased business.
Exploitation awards were won by Phillips
for "The Tall Men"; Maynard Nelson, Mason
City, for "Rebel Without a Cause"; Burns
Ellison, Columbus, Neb., for "To Catch a
Thief." and Ed Schoenthal, Fremont, Neb.,
for "The Tender Trap" and "To Hell and
Back."
Carl Rose, York, Neb., won the award for
most theatre rentals during the Central
States Drive. Maynard Nelson, Mason City,
copped the prize for the morning and midnight
show promotion contest.
Paul Back Opens Quarters
For Buena Vista in Omaha
OMAHA— Paul Back, Buena Vista representative
in the Nebraska-Iowa-South Dakota
territory, has established quarters on Ftlmrow.
The office is at 307 North Sixteenth St.,
adjacent to the Paramount exchange.
Back formerly was on the sales force of
RKO in Omaha and was with 20th-Fox at
both Omaha and Des Moines. He said
that with the number of strong releases
already out or upcoming he is "very optimistic
for the future of show business."
Vivian Schertz, veteran of Ftlmrow, formerly
with Columbia, is now in the Buena
Vista office.
DRESS SUIT OCCASION—Bill Murphy,
projectionist for the Minnesota
Amusement Co., Minneapolis, for 35 years,
is pictured above in the booth at a screening
of "Picnic." H. J. Chapman, manager
for Columbia Pictures, mentioned to Murphy
that before he would be able to screen
the new release, he (Murphy) would have
to be dressed in his finest. So, Murphy
dressed for the occasion—tuxedo and
white gloves. The screening was for
buyers and bookers of MAC.
Omaha Theatremen Await
News of Investigation
OMAHA—No further word has been forthcoming
from the federal government on a
grand jury investigation of Omaha drive-in
theatre operations and film distribution, local
authorities reported last week. Testimony in
the investigation was gathered here and taken
under investigation by federal authorities.
Earl Jinkinson of Chicago, special assistant
of the U. S. attorney general and head of the
midwest antitrust division, was in charge
of the study here.
Although the sessions were secret, persons
close to the film industry indicated that the
jury was asked to probe concessions operations
and interrogate movie industry officials
concerning a possible film monopoly. It was
believed that the testimony gathered by
Jinkinson would be taken to Washington for
review to decide if further action is needed.
If so. the grand jury will be recalled and
drafts of indictments will be presented.
Milwaukee Club Installs
MILWAUKEE—Variety Club of Wisconsin
installed its 1956 crew February 6 at a buffet
dinner.
The End Has Not Arrived
Despite Rash of 'Lasts'
Minneapolis — Recent Loop bookings
have Ev Seibel, Minnesota Amusement Co.
advertising and publicity head, hoping
that buyers and bookers don't figure the
end has arrived.
It's because the past week the local
Loop State and RKO Pan theatres, respectively,
were playing "The Last Frontier"
and "The Last Command," while
currently the State's offering is "The Last
Hunt."
Urges Playdaies
As Producer Spur
MINNEAPOLIS — Harold Field, circuit
owner, advocates closer exhib.tor cooperation
with established efficient producers in the
belief that it would help to bring about increased
Hollywood production with new film
stars and faces. He would like to see a nationwide
movement in that direction.
He suggests that exhibitors pledge playdates
as an incentive to producers who have
proved their ability to turn out good boxoffice
pictures. He feels exhibitors generally should
do this for their own and the industry's
benefit. In a way, he points out. it would be
tantamount to exhibitors sharing in a way
with the gamble always involved in the
speculative business of making pictures.
"I'm sure the industry would gain right
down the line if exhibitors would band together
to give more encouragement to the
film producers who have proved their mettle."
says Field. "It would be conducive to the
creation of more new stars and the introduction
of more new faces so much needed
now and the lack of which is helping to
curtail production to a dangerous minimum
as far as theatres are concerned.
"In many instances, the limited number of
boxoffice names today are unavailable or
demand too much in the way of salaries
or profit shares when producers would like
to have them for pictures."
Morton Downey to Head
Brotherhood Kickoff
OMAHA—Morton Downey will head the
entertainment program at the kickoff for
Brotherhood Week here Monday (20 >. The
Variety Club is sponsoring a luncheon at the
Fontenelle Hotel, with Downey and trio
present. All Variety Club members are invited
to Bring a prospective member.
The annual Brotherhood dinner will be held
at the Fontenelle Hotel in the evening, sponsored
by the National Council of Christians
and Jews. Robert Merriam of Washington
of the Bureau of the Budget will be the
speaker.
Mayor John Rosenblatt is scheduled to be
presented the annual Brotherhood award.
Heading the Brotherhood committee are R. D.
Goldberg, exchange chairman; Ed Force.
publicity chairman, and Joe Jacobs, distribution
chairman.
Jacobs, Columbia manager, said indications
from the territory were that unusually good
cooperation from exhibitors is shaping up.
'Blackmail' Parties Raise
Heart Hospital Funds
MINNEAPOLIS—A brand new way has
been devised by Variety Tent 12 to raise
money for its heart hospital project. Two
units are staging what they call "blackmail"
parties. At a recent auxiliary meeting a
photographer shot pictures of the gals and
these have been processed into phony prints
that show them in the company of celebrities
and in exotic climes.
Idea is that the male members have to buy
their wives' pictures when they're shown at a
party February 18. All the funds realized
at that time will be devoted to the heart hospital.
BOXOFFICE
:
18. 1956 NC 83

. . . The
. . Russ
. . . Mallorie
. . What
DES MOINES
Wariety Club and the women's committee
have scheduled several meetings and
events during the next few weeks. The
women's committee will meet for a luncheon,
followed by a business meeting and cards,
on the 20th. Betty Olson hosted a board
meeting Tuesday at her home. Everyone is
reminded that a rummage sale will be held
March 10— with proceeds going to the heart
fund. So. when you're doing that spring
Cleaning, remember to save your rummage
for the women's committee I Details will be
announced soon. A spring fashion show Is
also in the offing, and the date, place and
details will be decided within the next few
weeks. The annual dinner dance and inaugural
will be March 3 at the Standard Club,
according to Carl Olson, entertainment chairman.
Frank Rubel will be installed for his
second year as chief barker.
Lou Levy, Universal manager, was a victim
of the flu bug which has been hitting many
Filmrowers.
was
Lester Zucker, district manager,
The gals at
at the local exchange . . .
Universal are happy that the little mouse
which had been leaving his tracks was
finally caught! They had been keeping one
eye out for him while working away at
their desks.
MGM hosted a sneak preview of "Meet Me
In Las Vegas" at the Paramount Theatre at
8:20 p.m. Monday . . . Harold Postman of
the New York office was at the MGM exchange
last week . . . Bob Fridley, co-owner
with Bev Mahon of the local Varsity Theatre,
has returned from North Hollywood where he
and his family have been since November 20.
They visited the 20th-Fox studio and watched
the filming of "The Man in the Gray Flannel
Suit." The Mahons have bought a home in
West Des Moines and Zora and the family
have moved here from Pella. Both Fridley
and Mahon will manage the Varsity, while
Fridley will oversee his theatre in Ida Grove
and Mahon will continue operating the house
in Pella as well!
.Also back from California are Don and
Iola West, rested and ready to go! Iola,
president of the Des Moines Insurance
Women's Club, is preparing for the big Insurance
convention to be held here the last
of March. She will be chief hostess and give
a couple of talks and has been assigned the
bridal suite at the hotel during the run of
the convention . Fraser has booked
several stage plays at KRNT Theatre. "Bad
Seed," starring Nancy Kelly, will play there
February 20; "Anniversary Waltz" is scheduled
tor March 2, 3, and Hank Snow will appear
m two shows of Grand Ole Opry February 19
Drake University Theatre presented
"The Tempest" on February 17, 18 in the
University Auditorium.
Anita, la.. House Reopens
With Pledges of Support
ANITA, IOWA—The Anita Theatre here
has been reopened with a vigorous endorsement
by the local Chamber of Commerce.
The house had closed a week earlier.
Bill Proctor, owner and manager of the
theatre, said he closed the house because of
lack of patronage. The CofC and other groups
then pledged to support Proctor in promoting
attendance.
The CofC sent out letters urging that local
residents patronize the theatre and recognize
that a community must provide such a place
of entertainment for its young people.
Story on Morgan House
MORGAN, MINN. — Clarence Morgan,
owner of the Morgan Theatre here, and his
showhouse were the subject of a four-column
story in the local weekly, the Morgan
Messenger. The spread included interior and
exterior shots of the theatre.
New Wisconsin Corporation
HUDSON, WIS.—Stanley Theatre, Inc., has
been formed here with an authorized capital
stock of 250 shares of common at par value
of $100 per share. Incorporation papers were
signed by John D. Heywood, 204 Locust St.
MINNEAPOL IS
Jt
will cost S10 a ticket to attend the Northwest
Variety Club testimonial dinner for
retiring Chief Barker LeRoy J. Miller at the
Hotel Nicollet at 6:30 p.m. March 5. In addition
to paying tribute to Miller and his
accomplishments, members and friends who
attend are assured of getting their money's
worth. Even more than $10 per person will
be spent by the club for the food, beverages
and entertainment that will be dished out.
State and local dignitaries will be present
as club guests. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
will precede the elaborate repast.
Cinerama Holiday," in its 32nd week at
the Century here, has instituted a charge
system for ticket buyers. The attraction is
a Trip Charge member and extends credit to
gasoline and air travel charge card holders
Engler, 6-year-old daughter of
the owner of the suburban de luxe Hopkins
Theatre, is a patient at the Glen Lake
sanitarium for tuberculars and was written
up by George Grim in his Minneapolis Morning
Tribune column, "I Like It Here," when
she presided over a Valentine party at the
hospital.
Full page ads were carried in the Minneapolis
Sunday Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer
Press for "The Last Hunt," which had its
world premiere at Sioux Falls, S. D., and its
second day engagements in the Twin Cities.
The picture boasts 48 first run saturation
bookings in the territory and all were listed
in the newspaper ads. Ev Seibel, Minnesota
Amusement Co. advertising and publicity
head, was in Sioux Falls for the premiere,
along with Richard Brooks, the film's director,
and Stewart Granger and Russ
Tamblyn of the cast.
Foster Blake, U-I western sales manager,
visited LeRoy J. Miller, local manager . . .
Columbia exploiteer Sam Hunt of New York
was still in town working on the Twin Cities
day-and-date openings of "Picnic" at the
Minneapolis Radio City and St. Paul Paramount.
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. . .
Kenny Adams, U-I sales manager here, is
back on the job after recovery from a broken
ankle . . . Bill Sears, general manager of the
Minnesota Entertainment Enterprises five
Twin Cities outdoor theatres, returned from
a Florida vacation Dorothy Higgins of
Joe Rosen's booking department at Paramount
attended a wedding at Tulsa, Okla.
Manager Joe Loeffler calls "one of
Republic's greatest pictures," "Come Next
Spring," is set for day-and-date engagements
at the Minneapolis State and St. Paul Riviera
March 16.
Bennie Berger is offering his Superior, Wis.,
. . Celebrating
drive-in, the only one in the town, for sale.
He acquired it two years ago .
its 45th anniversary, Reid H. Ray Film Industries
of the Twin Cities, one of the nation's
oldest and largest commercial films producers,
is distributing an elaborate 20-page
brochure telling of its accomplishments . . .
The Lone Ranger in person was in town for
the opening of the picture of the same name
. . . Father of Maurice Katz. Fisher Theatres
executive here, and of the late Harry Katz,
who was manager of the Suburban World,
United Artists exploiteer
died at the age of 80 . . .
Ralph Kettering was in town doing
a preliminary campaign on "Alexander the
Great."
04 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

. . Bob
.
. . Demura
MILWAUKEE
n 1
Meskis, Warner Theatre manager who is
on the sidelines due to illness, has been
replaced temporarily with the Alhambra's
Bob Groenert, who in turn welcomed Ralph
Krause from the Milwaukee Theatre as his
replacement. Meskis is recuperating and is
expected back at his desk in about a week. At
presstime, Groenert, who is also keeping his
weather eye on the Alhambra, was in a series
of huddles with Columbia's Doug Taussig,
who was in for promotion and exploitation on
"Picnic."
Perc Westmore, Hollywood makeup expert
who was scheduled to appear at the Boston
Store here to autograph copies of his new
book, failed to show up. Word reached officials
at the store that Westmore had been
ordered to bed in Chicago by his physician,
but that he might be expected at some later
date ... A film fan in a letter to the Journal's
People's Column commented on an article
which had appeared under the title, "French
Film Too Weird to Exhibit," adding that the
mayor's motion picture commission had said
that it "has excessive gruesomeness." The
writer said that he nearly died laughing, since
he had seen the picture in Chicago. "I've
seen worse gruesomeness in street fights. And
as for those filmy nightgowns, I've seen worse
in ads, store windows and buses," he added.
Valentine J. Wells, the commission's executive
secretary, asked for his reaction, said:
"We expect, and do get, all sorts of letters.
The one in the paper is typical of one portion."
Elmer R. Brennan, Standard Theatres district
manager, turned over a check for
. . .
$207.10 to Mrs. Mary Morgan, chairman of
the Mother's March, as a direct result of
jamming over 2,000 children into the Bay
Theatre at Green Bay. In the process, Brennan
passed out pamphlets plugging "Ransom!"
with a nod from chief of police H. J
Bero Ruth Chatterton, long a favored
screen star, headed the cast in "Little Foxes"
at the Fred Miller Theatre.
Exhibitors from Des Moines, Milwaukee and Omaha attended the special screenings
in their respective cities recently of "Anything Goes." Above, top panel, Des
Moines area showmen at the Des Moines Theatre, left to right: Don Hicks, Paramount
manager; Kermit Carr, buyer, Tri- States Theatres; Nathan Sandler, Sandler Enterprises;
W. F. DeFrenne, B&I Agency, and Don Knight, Des Moines district manager
for Tri- States. Second panel, at the Towne in Milwaukee: Andy Spheeris, general
manager of the Towne; Jim Coston, president of Standard circuit; Irving Werthamer,
Paramount manager; Ben Marcus, president of Marcus circuit, and Spiro Papas,
general manager, Alliance circuit. Bottom panel, at the Orpheum in Omaha: Linn
Pitts, Paramount salesman; Ralph Goldberg, Goldberg Theatres; Andy Anderson,
Paramount manager; Ralph Morgan, Theatre Booking Service;
manager, and Jack Renfro, Theatre Booking Service.
Don Shane, Orpheum
Francis Kadow, Manitowoc, owner of radio
station WOMT, and the Mikadow Theatre,
issues a weekly news bulletin in behalf of the
broadcasting station, entitled "Station
Breaks." In it, he covers topics of the day,
many of which concern the immediate area,
and frequently slips in some plugs on the
theatre. Said one exhibitor, "That guy Kadow
is really getting mileage out of that sheet!"
John Isely, Fond du Lac, is a busy man. In
addition to managing the Fond du Lac Theatre,
he also has charge of the adjacent Commercial
building containing seven stores and
18 apartments. He formerly was connected
with the Thomas Theatres in Marinette and
Menominee, with Alliance in Illinois and Indiana
and Fox Wisconsin as district manager
for nine years over 14 houses. Last year, he
placed first in competition in the annual
drive in the outside revenue category, giving
him his third straight year in accomplishing
this feat. And now for his latest citation:
he was named winner of the Junior Chamber
of Commerce distinguished service award at
Fond du Lac's Elk's Club. The DSA is presented
each year to a young man between
the ages of 21 and 35 for outstanding service
to the community.
A surprise gathering of close to 1,000 attended
the Cinemascope 55 demonstration
Tuesday C7i at the Fox Wisconsin Theatre
here . . . Harlan Croy, general manager of
Film Arts, is in Hollywood doing a survey for
some picture work in the offing. Latest addition
to the photography staff is Oscar Lindquist,
whose color shots have appeared
throughout the country. Charley Koehler,
Astor Pictures, who shares office space in the
Film Arts building and dispenses commercial
films free, says he has acquired the "Nike"
film, a print of which is available for the
asking.
Ray and Oliver Trampe and the Stanley
Warner circuit gave a luncheon for Fred
MacMurray at the Milwaukee Athletic Club
when MacMurray was here promoting his new
film "At Gunpoint" . . . Billy Pierce, manager
of the Savoy, just returned from a week's
vacation, his first this winter . Gross
and his wife are vacationing in Canada and
Minnesota. Gross is general manager for
Smith's Blue Mound Drive-in, Elm Grove . .
Frank Hahn of the Bay and Royal theatres
and the Tri-Ad Drive-in, Ashland, is a candidate
for mayor of Ashland. He is president
of the city council and is also on the board of
directors of the Wisconsin Allied Theatre
Owners Ass'n.
Sam Levisohn, formerly of Milwaukee and
now in the seating business, was in town
installing seats at the Uptown Theatre . . .
PTA approved children's shows will start tins
month at all Fox Wisconsin Theatres, and
the Oriental, Tower and Century . . . Sam
Goielick, midwest RKO sales manager, visited
the local exchange . Gossetti is
the new secretary to Louise Orlov, MGM
exploiteer.
. . .
J. D. McWilliams, with theatres In Portage,
is vacationing in Florida Mary, wife of
Jake Disch. who formerly operated the Majestic.
Cudahy, died recently.
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BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956 85

. Charles
. . Mariana
. . Katie
OMAHA
. . . Bill
pimer Huhnke. treasurer of the Iowa.
Nebraska, South Dakota and Midcentral
Independent Theatre Owners Assn. said plans
have been made for the annual meeting at
the Pontenelle Hotel May 8. 9. Huhnke i.s
an Omaha exhibitor . . . Elaine Carlson,
former secretary to Office Manager Evelyn
Carlson at MGM, has a baby girl, Catherine
. . Industryites were shocked to hear of the
death of William Gaddoni. Kansas City MGM
manager. Bill was exchange chief here a
number of years and left countless friends
here when he was transferred
Bricker is in town setting up "Picnic" for
Columbia.
The State Theatre at Lenox, S. D., has
changed hands. R. W. McKie of Sioux Falls
is now the operator, having taken over from
J. E. Doyle . McMillin has joined
the Columbia staff as bookers stenographer
W. Lee has closed the theatre
at Parker, S. D. . . . Allan Jensen of MGM
drew aim at the 254 rolled by George Regan
of 20th-Pox and nearly hit. But Allan's game
was 230 in the Filmrow Bowling League.
Barkers Co-Ops still lead, with Warner
Shorts second by a game and a half.
Rich Wilson, MGM salesman, returned
from an illness just in time to battle some
ot winter's iciest roads . . . The Laurel, Neb.,
Theatre, operated by H. E. Carlson, has closed.
Another shuttering was reported at Hurley,
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where Vincent Van Erem was the exhibitor.
The theatre at Pilger, which reopened last
November with Arnold Emery in charge, has
closed.
II.
C. Kaufman of the Columbia home office
visited the Omaha branch and among subjects
discussed was remodeling of the exchange,
said Manager Joe Jacobs .
Nodeen
received earrings and Flo Hamer gloves at
birthday observances in the MGM office.
The MGM branch had three big screenings
which received warm reception: "Ransom!"
"The Last Hunt" and "Meet Me in Las Vegas,"
the latter a sneak preview at the Brandeis
. . . Exhibitors on the Row included Phil
March, Wayne; George March, Vermillion.
S. D.; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schuler, Humboldt;
Dick Johnson, Red Oak; Marvin Jones, Red
Cloud, and L. J. Burkett, Mapleton.
MAC Sells 2 Theatres
For Other Businesses
MINNEAPOLIS—The Minnesota Amusement
Co. has sold two theatres, one in
Minneapolis and the other in Duluth, to be
converted to commercial uses. Other recent
shutterings have occurred in Glen Ullin,
N. D.; Hurley, Estelline, Clear Lake and
Carthage, S. D.; Rochester, Minn., and
Augusta, Wis.
Closing of the only theatre at New Richland,
Minn., is being considered and the
Mondovi, Wis., showhouse has curtailed operations
to weekends.
Dark at Thompson, Iowa
THOMPSON, IOWA — The Johnson-
Tapager American Legion has closed the Memorial
Theatre here for February and March
due to poor attendance. Since there will be
an unusual number of meetings and winter
activities in the community in the next two
months, it was feared that the attendance
would be even poorer than it has been. It is
hoped that the theatre can be reopened in
April.
Al Myrick Aids Campaign
STORY CITY, IOWA—The management of
the Story Theatre entertained businessmen
at a 10 a.m. coffee two mornings last week
at a "Trade at Home Campaign" meeting.
Discussion followed short talks by Al Myrick,
Lake Park theatre owner, and Charles Niles,
Anamosa, on the subject of "Developing a
Sense of Loyalty to the Home Town of
Today."
Good Business for GWTW
MINNEAPOLIS—Perhaps there's a new
generation of film fans, but whatever
the reason, "Gone With the Wind,"
which didn't fare so well when brought back
by neighborhood houses a year ago, is currently
goiryg great boxoffice guns. A year ago
several trying to revive the classic pulled it
quickly. But now it's getting bookings right
and left.
No Princeton, Wis., Sale
PRINCETON, WIS.—Contrary to rumors
circulated in this area, the Princeton Theatre
will not be sold, according to Manager
Edward Bartell. Bartell is anxious to scotch
the rumors which have no basis in fact, he
said vehemently.
86
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

: February
5
Allied of Michigan
To Meet April 4,
DETROIT— Detailed plans for the annual
convention of Allied Theatres of Michigan,
to be held April 4, 5 at the Hotel Tuller,
were announced by Ernest T. Conlon. executive
secretary. Opening business session will
be 10:30 a.m. April 4, with the second day
to be devoted to trade practices, starting at
10 a.m. At 11 a.m., a separate session on
concession operation for both drive-in and
conventional theatres is scheduled. Thursday
afternoon will be devoted to a session on
theatre equipment, followed by the annual
election of officers and directors and other
general business.
Luncheons will be held both days in the
Sky Room, with speakers and topics not yet
confirmed.
Highlight of the convention will be a
seminar on Wednesday afternoon and a visit
to the Todd-AO version of "Oklahoma!" at
the United Artists Theatre, now being readied
for opening.
Two evening social sessions are planned.
The annual banquet will be held at the hotel
on Wednesday evening, and the dinner dance,
which will have an international flavor, will
be on Thursday, with the convention moving
into Canada for a trip to the Elmwood Casino
in Windsor.
Registration fee for the entire convention
has been set at $15, covering both luncheons,
dinner, dancing and banquet and the incidental
events. Variety clubrooms will be
adjacent to some of the conventional session
meeting rooms and will be open for the entertainment
of visitors.
Gay Celebration Heralds
Reopening of Theatre
CLEVELAND—The neighborhood Homestead
Theatre here, newly renovated, was to
(.
be the scene of a gala reopening celebration
Saturday 18 > in which the Lakewood Post,
a suburb weekly, and Lakewood merchants
cooperated.
The merchants donated prizes and gave
coupon numbers to customers with purchases
during a promotion period of several weeks.
The Lakewood Post gave a full-page advertisement
to the event. Manager Kalmen
Erdeke added the personal touch by passing
out roses to women and cigars to men on
opening night.
The renovating job consisted of changing
the dark red velour auditorium walls to a
light grey covering in the modern decorating
mood of establishing cheerful rather than
ponderous surroundings. New soft red proscenium
curtains with new travelers offer the
proper degree of contrast to the soft wall
treatment. The old-fashioned auditorium
side wall lighting brackets gave way to
brackets of modern design in keeping with
the new wall treatment. This same wall
treatment is carried out in the adjoining
lobby adding the effect of size and continuity
to the decorating program.
The concession bar, which was brought up
to date about a year ago, was further modernized
with a new aluminum awning painted
red and white in circus style.
The 1,000-seat Homestead was built more
than 25 years ago and this is its first major
redecorating job. New projection equipment
was installed last year. The Homestead is
a unit of the Associated circuit.
'Holiday' Marks Full Year
At Detroit Music Hall
DETROIT—February 15 marked the first
anniversary of "Cinerama Holiday" at the
Music Hall here, with an estimated 750,000
people having viewed the Louis de Rochemont
production during its first 52 weeks, according
to S. H. Fabian, president of Stanley Warner
Corp., which produces and exhibits Cinerama.
This total is almost half of the entire population
of the city of Detroit.
With the exception of the first Cinerama's
two-year run, the longest record was set by
"Neptune's Daughter" with a 19-week run
at the Detroit Opera House.
The exceptional attendance recorded was
not chiefly from the city itself but included
areas of Flint, Lansing, Battle Creek, Grand
Rapids, Fort Wayne and Toronto. Much of
the patronage from outlying areas is attributed
to special accommodations and service
facilities arranged by the local Cinerama
personnel, which spurred the other 14 Cinerama
presentation areas to carry out similar
plans.
Charles Sugarman Leases
Indianola at Columbus
COLUMBUS — The Indianola, 550-seat
north side house operated by Frank Marzetti,
has been leased to Charles Sugarman, operator
of the art World. The Indianola opened
under a new art policy February 15 after a
week's closing for redecoration and refurbishing.
The Indianola is the only art theatre
here with Cinemascope equipment. A 50-car
parking lot is adjacent to the theatre. The
Indianola will have a policy similar to the
World, said Sugarman.
The Indianola formerly was a unit in the
H&S Theatres circuit operated by Lee Hof-
Albert Sugarman, father
heimer and the late
of Charles Sugarman. Marzetti continues as
operator of the Linden neighborhood. Conversion
of the Indianola to art films gives
Columbus three art houses. The Bexley,
operated by Maurice Sher, is the other such
theatre.
STAR VISITS CLEVELAND—Barbara
Ruick of the "Carousel" cast, in Cleveland
for a press, TV and radio luncheon
in advance of the opening of the picture
March 17 at the Allen Theatre, harmonizes
the industry branches with a double
hand holding with 20th-Fox Manager
I. J. Schmertz, left, and Stanley Warner
booker Joe Weinstein, right. At extreme
left is Howard Higley, manager of the
Allen Theatre.
Golden Wedding Dale
For Nate Schreiber
DETROIT — Pioneer exhibitor Nathan
Schreiber, who still operates the Colonial and
the Palmer Park theatres here at the age of
MR. AND MRS NATHAN SCHREIBER
71, and his wife Anna will celebrate their 50th
wedding anniversary February 20 with a dinner
for 100 and a ceremony repeating the
1906 marriage vows they spoke originally in
Cleveland.
Flying in from California for the fete is
Nate's brother Alex, owner of a chain of
houses on the west coast. The family and
friends will gather for dinner at the Holiday
Manor, and Rabbi Hayim Donin and
Cantor Hyman Adler from the Congregation
B'nai David will officiate as the couple repeat
their vows. Also present will be the Schriebers'
six children: Ray, Mrs. Gilbert Fink, Mrs.
Isador Burnstein, Mrs. Mervin Jacobson,
Mrs. Carl Fidler and Mrs. Irving Ellman, with
their families. Twelve Schreiber grandchildren
and one great-grandchild will attend.
A plane trip to Miami Beach for a twoweek
vacation will be the first plane trip taken
by the couple. Mrs. Schreiber is a year younger
than her husband.
Owner of the Colonial department stores for
26 years, Schreiber also has engaged in liquor
and building business, but is best known for
his work in the local film world since 1919.
He is the oldest of the 450 members of the
Congregation B'nai David, where he has been
treasurer for 17 years.
Schreiber once represented all Jewish actors
arriving here for a tour from the East. He
can remember booking and managing Maurice
Schwartz, Joseph Kessler, Bon Ami, Cantor
Rosenblott, Joseph Steingold, Bertha Kalis,
Leone Blank, Dolly Pikin, the Wilma Troupe
and many others.
BOWLING
DETROIT—Allied Films stepped from
behind to win a two-game lead in the Film
Bowling League. Standings:
Teom Won Lost Team Won Lost
Allied Films. 13 3 Republic 71, 8',
RKO 11 3 United Artists S 11
Allied Artists 101 j SI/, Theatrical Ad 1 15
Variety to Honor Weiss
CINCINNATI—Sam Weiss will
be honored
at a testimonial dinner by Variety Tent 3 for
his services in connection with the club and
for his recent promotion. Weiss soon will be
transferred to the 20th-Fox Cleveland exchange.
BOXOFFICE :
18, 1956 ME 87

—
DETROIT
^nother small-town theatre has closed, the
Bridgeman at Bridgeman, Mich., with
veteran exhibitor Bun Baldwin giving no announcement
of his future intentions, excepting
a terse note to his booking house in
Detroit that the house closed February 6 . . .
Oldtimer Nate Schreiber of the Colonial and
Palmer Park theatres here, was tremendously
proud of attaining his goal of 100 new
members for the local United Hebrew Schools
membership campaign which he achieved
solely by phone in honor of his wife and himself
on the 50th anniversary of their marriage
on February 20.
Steve Springett of Nashville. Mich., one of
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For
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buried in his home town. He operated his own
. . .
Family Theatre in Jackson, Mich., until his
death "Guys and Dolls," running here
at the Adams for the 11th week, was not causing
too much pessimism about the slight drop
in attendance—since it was caused by one of
the city's most severe ice storms of the season
last Monday, and Adams Manager Norm
Myer believes it will hold its own 'till the
end of February.
Sam Green has resigned from Korman
Enterprises to accept the position of general
manager of the Sterling Theatres circuit. He
has been with Sol Korman for the past ten
years ... In town for the Allied Theatres
meeting were two outstate exhibitors, Howard
Sharpely of Jonesville, Mich., and Frank
Spanyl of Utica, Mich. . . . The 400-seat
neighborhood house, the Ferndale, managed
by William Keaton, is finding boxoffice success
in an unusual six-week run of the twinbill.
"The Left Hand of God" and "Mr.
Roberts," both of which have been played
as the main feature by the adjacent house,
the Radio City. The final week is building
the greatest gross of the run according to
Keaton.
An election of officers was scheduled
for the stockholders meeting at the Film
Truck Service, the exhibitor-owned firm
transporting film throughout the state . . .
Promoting its newest and unique Filmorama,
"Ski Crazy." in an unusual way is the local
Alhambra Theatre, which announced the
opening of the run Thursday with the offer
of a free admission to any skier with a leg in
a
a
cast
Am
Also having a six-week run is "I
. . .
Camera" at the Krim Theatre, with
Manager Sol Krim attributing much of the
boxoffice increase to the starting up once
again of the daily newspapers ... So successful
have been the twin-billed. "The Bed"
and "Intimate Relations" at the Surf and at
the Coronet, that the two houses were holding
them over for another seven days.
Dillon M. Krepps, managing director of the
United Artists, who goes back in business
February 20 with "Oklahoma!" after two and
a half months of preparation, said the price
scale will be $1.10 to $2.75 for the attraction
. . . The report of a fire at the Radio City-
Theatre, from a usually reliable source, was in
error according to word from supervisor Hy
Bloom.
A sizable delegation of Michigan exhibitors
is planning to attend the national drive-in
convention in Cleveland Tuesday and
Wednesday (21, 22), Ernie Conlon of Allied
The drive-ins are open in
Theatres said . . .
the midsouth, but are not doing well because
of fog and rain, your wandering scribe reports
from Montgomery, Ala. . . . William H. Green
arranged for the anniversary presentation
of "Cinerama Holiday" February 15 . . . Score
for Jack Susami of Republic, who is rolling
a nice 153 average in the Film Bowling
League, hit the big red pencil score class
this week.
Rent — Small Private
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'Helen 7 Grosses 190
In Cincinnati Bow
to previous weeks.
Ice Storms Put Chill on Detroit
Boxof.'ice; 'Goodman.' 175
Guys' Leads Cleveland
the rest of the run.
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DETROIT
CINCINNATI—"Helen of Troy" reached a
sufficient high figure at the Albee to warrant
holding the picture a second week in that
house.
Other downtown grosses were not up
(Average Is 100)
Albee— Helen of Troy (WB) ion
Grand—Target Zero (WB); Toughest Man Alive
(U-l) 125
Polace—Lone Ranger WB), 4 days 90
Palace— East of Eden (WB); Bottle Cry (WB), three
days (return runs) 50
DETROIT—Severe ice storms here during
the early part of the week cut heavily into
house business, with a drop in the "Guys and
Dolls" boxoffice attributed to the weather.
Adams—Guys and Dolls (MGM), 1 1th wk 140
Broadway Capitol— Inside Detroit :Col); Fury ot
Gunsight Pass !Col) 105
Fox—The Bottom of the Bottle (20th-Fox). Bobby
Wore Is Missing (AA) |00
Madison—The Benny Goodman Story (U-l).. .175
Michigan—There's Always Tomorrow (U-l); The
Second Greatest Sex (U-l), 2nd wk 95
Palms— Hell on Frisco Bay (WB); The Vanishing
American (Rep), 2nd wk 100
United Artists—Closed
With 200 in 7th Week
CLEVELAND—Pictures got off to a good
start with good weather over the weekend,
but rain turning to ice kept folks at home
In spite of this handicap,
four pictures grossed 105 to 200 per cent.
For the seventh week "Guys and Dolls" topped
them all, scoring 200.
Allen—Helen of Troy iWB), 2nd wk. on a
holdover 125
Hippodrome—The Benny Goodman Story (U-l) 165
Lower Mall—The Bed :Kingsley) 100
Ohio—Guys and Dolls (MGM), 7th wk
'
200
Palms— Hell on Frisco Bay (WB); The Vanishing
State—The Man With the Golden Arm (UA), 2nd
wk. on a holdover 105
Stillman—Diane (MGM) 70
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BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

. . Jerry
. . . Walter
. . . Ray
. .
CLEVELAND
ll/Tilt Mooney of Cooperative Theatres of
Ohio and his wife were photographed
with Pope Pius during their recent visit to
the Vatican
.
Safron, Columbus
manager, will be host to Kim Novak, star of
"Picnic," at a press-TV-radio luncheon February
22 in the vice-presidential suite of the
Carter Hotel. Miss Novak also will put in
an appearance during the National Allied
Drive-In convention banquet ... All five
children of Jack Ochs, aged from 1 to 6
years old, are victims of chickenpox.
"Shack Out on 101" plays a
Allied Artists'
Greater Cleveland multiple first run in nine
theatres opening February 22 in the Beach
Cliff, Ezella, Parma, Lorain-Fulton, Madison,
Shore, Mapletown, Mayland and Park theatres
Harry Rice, Columbia exploitation
.
. . field representative, is spending about six
weeks in this territory working on "Picnic"
engagements. The picture opens here February
22 at the Hippodrome . . . Sam Weiss,
who recently returned here to succeed Ray
Schmertz as 20th-Fox local sales manager,
was in Cincinnati Monday (13) to attend a
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MRS. F. HARDING 38 Church St., Boston 16, Moss.
testimonial dinner sponsored by the Variety
Club in honor of his promotion from the Cincinnati
20th-Fox sales staff.
"Andy" Anderson has introduced Saturday
kiddy shows at the Colony Theatre, Toledo,
with great success . . . U-I's "Never Say Goodbye"
went into the Allen Friday (17), with
"Carousel" previously set for that date,
opening on March 17 . "Guys and Dolls"
. .
continued chalking up attendance records in
its eighth straight week at the Ohio Theatre.
. . . Bill
Jimmy Shulnian, associated with his father
Jack in the Lexington Theatre, Cleveland,
and the Lake, Painesville, is spending a fourweek
vacation in the Virgin Islands
Twig, Warner manager, spent the weekend
attending a division meeting in Philadelphia
Steuve of the State and Royal
theatres, Findlay, reports a slight upgrading
in business since the first of the year.
. . .
Word comes from Woodville that George
Wakely of the Limelite Theatre is convalescing
nicely following surgery There is
no information about Jerry Reinhart, until
recently owner of the Mozart and McKinley
theatres. Canton, who reportedly was rushed
to the hospital for emergency surgery . . .
The Sylvan Theatre, Sylvania, which Richard
Campbell leased from Ernest Walters, is getting
dressed up with Cinemascope equipment
and is scheduled to reopen in about ten days.
The house has been closed since last August.
Filmrow was talking about Bernie Kranze's
resignation as UA sales manager and his appointment
as Cinerama vice-president and
recalling when he was local RKO manager
Essick of Modern Theatres has purchased
the home of the late Sam Halle, one
of the show places of Cleveland Heights .
After seeing shots of "Carousel" on the 20th-
Fox TV program last Wednesday night, exhibitors
think they can profit by advertising
the difference between the small screen blackand-white
version and the sensational Cinemascope
55 version which will be seen on
theatre screens.
William Gehring, 20th-Fox general sales
manager, not only will attend the M. B.
Horwitz 70th birthday testimonial banquet
here February 20 in the Statler Hotel, but he
will emcee the affair, according to committee
co-chairmen Nate Schultz and I. J. Schmertz.
Some 300 industry members are expected to
Claudia Astrum, with the
be present . . .
local Columbia exchange for the last nine
years, has resigned to become office manager
and secretary for Milton Mooney's Cooperative
Theatres of Ohio. Prior to joining
Columbia, she was with Republic for 13
years. At Co-Op. she succeeds Stella Smetanka,
who resigned after almost ten years
with the organization.
Because of heavy snow turning to rain and
ice, visiting exhibitors were scarce. Spotted
on the Row were Joe Shagrin, Foster, Youngstown;
Blair Russell, Russell, Millersburg;
Steve Vernarsky and his son. Palace, Hubbard
. . . Bert Lefkowich of Community circuit
and his family are visiting the Max Lefkowiches
in Miami Beach.
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. . Henry
INDUSTRY
PROFILE
M.B. Horwitz, Theatreman 45 Years,
And His Outlook Still Is Forward
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO—M. B. Horwitz,
head of the Washington circuit, who
on February 20 will be honored by the
industry with a dinner
in the Statler
Hotel on the occasion
of his 45th anniversary
as an exhibitor,
is not only
a veteran but also a
pioneer. Although
profiting from experience
of the past,
Horwitz can proper
1 y be included
among the most
forward looking
theatre owners in
Horwitz
this or any other area.
Recently he demonstrated his ability to
venture into new policy fields. He bcoked
"Marty" into his super de luxe State Theatre
here for a four-day run, on a dual
policy. This was so successful that he extended
the run of "Marty" for 14 days.
COLUMBUS
Qolumbus is one of the 40 cities being considered
for participation in the proposed
American National Theatre and Academy 40-
theatre circuit. The Hartman here would be
incorporated in the ambitious plan, which
hopes to revive the days of a solid 40-week
theatre season. Prices would be scaled from
$1 to $2.50, with a lower student admission.
These prices would be competitive with
first run and art theatres here.
The Columbus Citizen's Adopt-a-Family
fund was about $1,000 richer through proceeds
of the presidential ball of Sigma Theta Pi
sorority here. Manager Walter Kessler of
Loew's Ohio arranged for Lucille Ball and
Desi Arnaz of "Forever Darling" to donate
trophies to the boy and girl chosen "Mr.
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But during this period, he presented it
with three different running mates. For
the first seven days "Marty" played with
"To Paris With Love." The following
four days It played with "Kismet" as the
second feature and for the final three days
"Marty" was teamed with "The Big
Knife."
This experiment was very successful boxofficewise,
according to Horwitz. While
many patrons came to see "Marty" a second
time, there also were many who were
attracted by the second feature and were
satisfied to see "Marty" again.
Tills novelty booking was accompanied
by an extensive advertising campaign in
the newspapers, on TV and on radio. TV
and radio announcements were made about
seven times daily. Newspaper advertising
space was double the average space used.
The answer to all this, according to Horwitz,
is that if a picture is properly sold
to the public there are still plenty of patrons
who will turn off their TV sets and
come to the movies.
President" and "Madam President" at the
ball.
First attraction at the Indianola art theatre,
taken over by Charles Sugarman, was "The
Divided Heart." Sugarman, who also operates
the art World, said acquisition of the
Indianola will enable him to play off many
art films which have been a backlog at the
World.
Jury Gives $20,000 Award
In Lawsuit on Accident
From Eastern Edition
NEW HAVEN—A superior court jury has
awarded a $20,000 verdict to a man who fell
down steps leading to a basement restroom
at the downtown SW Roger Sherman Theatre.
Nicholas Annunziata, 29, sued for $30,000.
He received spinal, back and other injuries
in the accident Aug. 16, 1953.
Annunziata's attorneys claimed that the
treads on the stairs were of Improper construction
and in need of repair and that
water and a foreign substance were on the
stairs.
The defendant was the Connecticut Theatrical
Corp., SW subsidiary which operates
the Roger Sherman. The trial lasted four
days, and the Jury deliberated less than two
and one-half hours before awarding Annunziata
two-thirds of the sum which he sought.
New Screen at Mt. Olivet
MT. OLIVET, KY.—Owner Bob Moran is
installing a larger screen at the Royal Theatre
here as the first step in a projected program
of modernization. A 14x19 screen is
replacing the old 9x10 screen. While only 15
feet of the new screen will be used In the
immediate future, its size will permit the
eventual showing of Cinemascope features.
Other equipment slated for installation includes
a new RCA sound system and new
projectors with wide-angle lenses.
CINCINNATI
Qrawford and Porter, exhibitors of Beckley,
W. Va., have taken over operation of the
Lyric there from the Meadows family, which
has managed the house for 35 years. The
theatre was closed for extensive remodeling
and redecorating, which will be done by
National Theatre Supply, including seats,
draperies, ceiling, screen, mechanisms, etc.
This will take approximately 45 days.
Lloyd Rogers, Welch, W. Va., has disposed
of his interests in the Skyline Drive-In outside
of Welch. Rogers owns the Pocahontas
Theatre there . . . Mrs. Catherine Jones of
Waverly is having Cinemascope installed in
her theatre, which is open for weekend operation
. . . Phil Gelb, booker, Allied Artists, and
his wife are receiving congratulations on the
arrival of a baby, Wendy Nan, their first
child.
. . . Lou
. . Ellen Metcalf has joined
Jim Abrose, WB manager, was in Philadelphia
for a managers meeting
Korte, booker, 20th-Fox, has been promoted
to salesman to cover the Kentucky territory.
Korte replaces Ray Russo, now covering
Columbus
.
Fox as clerk in
20ththe
booking department, replacing
Shirley Berry, who resigned.
I.eona Piper is a new bookers clerk at U-I
... F. J. A. McCarthy, Canadian and southern
division manager, TJ-I, was in the city for
several days conferring with Manager Frank
Schreiber
. . . Nellie Sebree, inspector, RKO,
slipped on ice and injured her back. Mrs.
Sebree has been unable to work, but expects
to return next week.
"The Trouble With Harry" is in its seventh
week at the local Guild, owned by Willis
Vance. Indications are that it will break
the theatre record for length of run and attendance
. Hilton of Recreation
Institute, Chicago, was in to meet with drivein
theatre owners at the Variety Club, and
with conventional theatre owners the following
day to explain in detail his companys
promotion project, Sport Sampler. The purpose
of the promotion project is to increase
theatre attendance Monday through Thursday.
The package is offered in a concentrated
three or four-day drive to employes of industrial
companies and it gives the purchasers
$70 to $75 worth of entertainment for a
nominal cost. Hilton said Sport Sampler has
been in existence 23 years, and this is the
fourth edition in this city.
Film Council Head Starts
Eastern Speaking Tour
DETROIT—Mrs. Max M. Williams, president
of the Federation of Motion Picture
Councils, who lives at Royal Oak, north end
suburb, opened an extended eastern speaking
tour February 6 at the District of Columbia
Motion Picture and Television Council in
Washington. Her trip has a twofold purpose,
including detailed planning of the coming
second annual conference of the council, to be
held at the Jefferson Hotel in St. Louis April
19, 20, with the Better Film Council of St.
Louis as host, and Mrs. G. F. Goetsch as
general chairman.
On her current eastern tour, Mrs. Williams
is speaking chiefly to council groups, on the
topic "The People—Power—Potential of Motion
Picture Councils."
90 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

. . . The
. . The
New Columbia Office
To Be Built in Boston
BOSTON—Columbia will have a new Boston
home about September 1. Five parcels of
property on Church and Winchester streets,
purchased recently in the largest real estate
transaction ever to occur on Filmrow, will
enhance and beautify the district when the
new building is completed.
Fred Barnard has sold to Samuel W. and
Sumner L. Poorvu, construction engineers,
the properties, consisting of four apartment
houses on Winchester street and a block of
one-story stores on Church stree*. the latter
now housing Nesti's Lunchroom and the display
shop of Independent Theatre Supply Co.
Demolition of these properties is to start
March 15, with a new two-story reinforced
concrete structure to take their place. The
new building will be made of fireproof brick
and will be air conditioned. Columbia has
taken a long-term lease on the property, moving
from its present quarters at 61 Chuch St
The first floor of the new building will be
used for the shipping and receiving rooms,
while the second floor will be devoted to
office space for district and branch managers,
salesmen, secretaries and bookers.
Plans do not include a screening room. It
will have a corner entrance. The architect is
Abraham Woolf, while the construction will
be handled by the Poorvu brothers, all from
the plans and specifications of Columbia. The
frontage is 80 feet on Church street and about
100 feet on Winchester street.
New Haven Industry Maps
Brotherhood Week Plans
NEW HAVEN—Plans for observance of
Brotherhood Week in the motion picture industry
were made at a meeting in the downtown
Crown Theatre Wednesday (8). More
than 175 persons, including exchange employes,
exhibitors and others, attended.
Dr. Louis A. Radelet, director of the commission
on community organizations of the
National Conference of Christians and Jews,
was the principal speaker.
Charles Benham, regional director of the
NCCJ, also spoke. Harry Feinstein, zone
manager for Stanley Warner Theatres, was
master of ceremonies. Feinstein and Henry
Germaine, Paramount manager, are co-chairmen
of the amusement division committee
for Brotherhood Week.
Believe Theatre Thieves
Stayed Behind to Rob
LEOMINSTER, MASS.—Police were investigating
a burglary at the Metropolitan Theatre
in which a total of $320.90 was taken. A
patrolman, while checking doors in the early
hours of the morning, found the exit door
of the theatre partly open. He notified headquarters
and other officers were sent to the
building.
Officers found the door to the manager's
office open. Inside, they found two cabinets
had been tampered with. The money had
been in four bags in one of the cabinets. A
check by the officers revealed that no forced
entry was made, and they believe the thieves
hid in the theatre after the final showing
Saturday night. Police said a key was used
or the lock was picked to open the office door.
H ART FORD
Timmie Dodd, emcee of the daily Walt Dis-
* ney Mickey Mouse Club TV show, and Ed
Hale of Buena Vista's exploitation department
were here several days for press, radio
and TV interviews and school appearances
as part of a Disney goodwill tour. Dodd has
appeared in over 100 motion pictures, he
told a press group at the Statler Hotel
"Helen of Troy" has been chalking up extended
playing time in both large and small
situations. In an unusual twist, the company
booked the spectacle into the Meriden
and Capitol, Meriden, day-and-date. Only
on rare occasions has a major attraction
played more than one theatre at a time in
that city, which is about 60,000 population.
The Children's Museum of Hartford sponsored
a one-evening performance of "Three
Coins in the Fountain," at 50 cents top at the
Bushnell Memorial Auditorium . Parsons
booked Columbia's "The Prisoner," to
follow the current extended engagement of
"Guys and Dolls" . . . The Sampson-Spodick-
Bialek Empress. Norwalk, tied up with radio
station WNLK for stage presentation of "Miss
Italian Program of 1956" selections.
Leon Webbe of the Schwartz Theatres
checked in from an Idaho vacation, and Bob
Schwartz, circuit chief, got home from Floria
Joe Dolgin, Pine Drive-In, returned
. . . from the southlands . . . The end is near for
the Glastonbury, Glastonbury, operated under
independent banners in recent years. A
classified ad was placed in the local dailies,
offering the structure for manufacturing and
like purposes. Mrs. Frances Lampert, sister
of Morris Keppner of the Burnside Theatres
Corp., East Hartford, had been operating the
small house until recent shuttering.
Ed Lord of Lord Theatres booked "The
Benny Goodman Story" into the Midtown,
Norwich, and the Lord, Plainfield, day-anddate
for TJ-I film's eastern Connecticut bow
Strand, Shelton, turned over an evening
performance's receipts to the Seymour
Congregational Church fund. Shown were
"The Desperate Hours" and "The Glass
Slipper" . . . Stanley Warner houses in the
territory offered special discount coupons for
students and teachers during the run of
"Helen of Troy."
Three Disk Jockey Shows
Play Goodman Records
BRIDGEPORT—Harry Luke,
program director
of radio station WNAB, in cooperation
with Manager Matt Saunders of Loew's Poli
Theatre, turned over the station's three disk
jockey shows to the exclusive playing of
Benny Goodman records on the day "The
Benny Goodman Story" opened at the theatre.
Approximately 14 hours of station time
was devoted to the Goodman recordings. A
visitor at the station during the day was
Dolly Houston, local girl who formerly was
a vocalist with the Goodman band. The
stunt earned story and picture breaks in the
local newspapers.
Ads in Hartford Papers
HARTFORD—Two Alperin houses, the
Colonial in Southington and Rialto in
Windsor Locks, have started advertising in
the Hartford newspapers.
Youths Raid Theatre
And Manager's Home
BRIDGEPORT—Seven youths, once barred
from the Hippodrome Theatre because of
their "tough gang antics," have been charged
with revengeful window-smashing raids on
both the theatre and the home of the manager.
The youths, ranging in age from 15 to 20
years, struck first at the theatre, then sped
to the manager's home in another section of
the city where they shattered five windows
in a terrorizing midnight damage spree.
In city court, Judge Samuel J. Tedesco
angrily branded the group "hoodlums of the
gangster type," seized the driver's license of
the youth who drove the "raid" auto, confiscated
the auto's registration plates and
warned the boys' parents that they would
have to pay all damages under a new state
liability law. All were held in bonds of $500
each, and their parents were ordered to
appear in court for the hearing.
Manager Nathan Greenberg of the theatre
said he had ordered the gang out of the theatre
sometime ago because of their trouble
making. At the theatre, they smashed three
large advertising display boxes and at the
Greenberg home, they hurled rocks, some
weighing 25 pounds, through five 28x28-inch
windows.
The owner of the auto was not involved in
the raid. He had loaned the car to one of the
youths and the registration was picked up
under the law regarding autos used in commission
of an illegal act regardless of ownership.
Flood-Damaged Theatre
Fully Reconditioned
HARTFORD — The
flood-devastated
northern Connecticut region is gradually resuming
its pre-1955 appearances. Latest theatre
to reopen, following extensive remodeling,
is the Jason Theatrical Enterprises' first
run Palace in downtown Torrington. A reported
$100,000 went into the remodeling
project by David and Irving Jacobson. who
also operate the Bristol at Bristol and the
Gem at Willimantic.
The house features a new front, designed
of glass and metal. All of the flood-damaged
fixtures and equipment have been replaced.
Renovation also included installation of new
seats and carpets, air conditioning system and
new heating unit. The walls have been
covered to a point approximately five feet from
the floor with a rose and silver pattern
material, and the lower portions give the
effect of blond wood wainscoting.
The resident manager for Jason is John J.
Scanlan III. On the reopening bill were
"All That Heaven Allows" and "Stormy the
Thoroughbred."
'Chef Philbrook Is New
Pilot at Hartford Airer
HARTFORD—William T. Powell ST., division
manager for Smith Management Co.,
has appointed Joseph "diet" Philbrook. formerly
at the Route 46 Drive-In. Saddle River.
N. J., as manager of the Meadows Drive-In
here, succeeding Harold Cummings. who resigned
to join Stanley Warner Theatres.
The Meadows is Connecticut's only allyear-round
operation, with electric in-car
heating units provided.
BOXOFFICE :
: February 18, 1956 NE 91

. . Lester
. . 20th-Fox
—
—
—
—
—
—
BOSTON
TV Harold Klein and Louis Josephs have
taken over the reins of the Bay State
Film Co. and will continue to sell independent
films in the New England territory, retaining
the offices at 36 Melrose St. Klein
is the son of the former president of the
company, Edward Klein, who died in January.
Under the new setup. Josephs will be the
general manager handling the sales and Anita
Counsel will remain as secretary. Klein, who
makes his home in Newbury port, will be a
nonparticipating partner. Louis Josephs, a
veteran film salesman who has been with Bay
State for many years, is leaving for a business
visit to New York for further product
for distribution in this territory.
H. Jeff Forbes has joined WNAC-TV as
.supervisor of special film projects, according
to James A. Pike, station film director . . .
Sam Horenstein, former Manley Popcorn
representative in New England, is a patient
at Waltham Hospital recovering from an attack
of pneumonia . Hughes, former
Paramount salesman who has been operating
the Nordica Theatre, Freeport, Me.,
for the last eight years, has called it a day
and has closed the theatre. He will devote
his entire attention to his real estate business
in that city, which he has been operating
for several years.
Homer E. Robinson, Park Theatre, Southwest
Harbor, Me., was seen in the district
booking with Al Fecke at United Artists. He
has decided to reopen the house which he
closed at the end of the year . . . The Lone
Ranger arrived in town for press interviews
February 15. The date of his arrival was
also the birthday of Ralph Iannuzzi, WB
eastern division manager. Art Moger, Warner
publicist, escorted the Lone Ranger
around town for the press conferences.
The Strand Theatre, Fall River, owned and
operated by Norman Zalkind, was entered and
ransacked after the Sunday night show, with
extensive damage to the manager's office and
basement. The safe in the office was demolished
and opened, with the robbers escaping
with about $1,500. No trace of the culprits
has been found, but police believe that it was
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a professional job. The theft was discovered
by Marshall Roy, theatre custodian, when
he arrived for duty at 7:30 the following
morning . . . Theodore Fleisher, president of
Interstate Theatres Corp., spent a short vacation
at Miami Beach . . . Irving Shapiro, head
of Concession Enterprises, is also a Florida
visitor.
The Brunswick, Me., drive-in has been taken
over by Al Lourie, becoming the fourth
theatre in the new Al Lourie circuit. George
Gould gave title to Lourie February 6. The
corporate name of the theatre is Bowdoin
Associates with Lourie as president and general
manager. This 500-car Brunswick drivein
is situated about eight miles from the
Bowdoin Drive-in, also in Brunswick, which
Lourie has operated for the past four seasons.
He also runs the Kittery-York Drivein
on the New Hampshire line, and the
Adams, Dorchester, Mass., a conventional
theatre. The Brunswick drive-in, equipped
with Cinemascope, will have minor improvements
made in the concession stand and in
the general appearance when Lourie takes
over.
News from the Warner exchange: when
Vergil Jones was transferred to the Albanysales
staff, Walter "Ollie" Almon was promoted
to salesman, handling Maine, Vermont
and New Hampshire. His booking position
was taken by Phil Prager, a shipper.
Succeeding Prager was Robert "Chuggy"
Davis from National Screen. Bill Kumins
and Ralph Iannuzzi took in the eastern division
sales meeting conducted in Philadelphia
by Jules Lapidus .
news:
Three workers, absent from the office for
several weeks for surgery, have returned.
They are Pauline Vallas, contract clerk;
Barbara Brown, maintenance clerk, and Marie
Madalina, bookkeeper. Al Cohen, head shipper,
is on a short vacation in Miami Beach.
The long-closed Fine Arts Theatre, which
is in Loew's State Theatre building and formerly
an art house for films, will be converted
into a legitimate situation. A local
resident theatre company has taken a lease
on the 570-seat house to present as its first
production, "Thieves' Carnival," by Jean
Anouilh, starting March 1. The company calls
itself Lyric Productions, Inc. The theatre
is being prepared for the stage productions,
with a new stage apron, draperies, stage
lights,
etc.
Joe Rapalus, owner of the Majestic,
Easthampton. Mass., suffered a bad
accident when he fell off a ladder while
changing the letters on the marquee. As a
result his leg is in a cast and he will be laid
up for several weeks.
MOD Commitment Takes
'Suit' Premiere to NY
HARTFORD—Connecticut won't be getting
the March world premiere of 20th-Fox's
newly completed "Man in the Gray Flannel
Suit."
Plans to stage the premiere at Sampson-
Spodick-Bialek's Fine Arts Theatre, Westport,
next month have been canceled because of
a prior commitment by 20th-Fox to stage
the debut in New York for the benefit of the
March of Dimes,
'Golden Arm 7
Grosses
220 to Pace Boston
BOSTON—"The Man With the Golden
Arm" at Loew's State and Orpheum, set the
pace for a standout week, including the best
business registered at the State in many
months. This controversial film was upheld
in the Boston press by Sunday editorials m
the Herald and Post. The program was
followed in grosses by "The Benny Goodman
Story" at the Keith Memorial. "The Trouble
With Harry" at the Paramount and Fenway,
in for six days, was below average. "Helen of
Troy" registered so well at the Metropolitan
in its second stanza that it was held for a
third.
(Average Is 100)
Astor Guys and Dolls (MGM), 13th wk.... 85
Beacon Hill Othello (UA) 80
Boston Cinerama Holiday (Cinerama), 23rd wk .110
Exeter Street The Prisoner (Col), 3rd wk 115
Kenmore I Am a Camera (DCA), 6th wk...
Memorial The Benny Goodman Story (U-l).. . 170
Metropolitan Helen of Troy (WB), 2nd wk. .
Paramount and Fenway
—The Trouble With Harry
(Para); The Forty Miners (LP), 6 days 85
State and Orpheum The Man With the Golden
Arm (UA) 220
'Bed' Rates 140 Per Cent
In 11th Hartford Week
HARTFORD—Brightest attractions on the
local scene were Getz-Kingsley's "The Bed."
in its 11th week at the Art, and "Guys and
Dolls," held for an eight week at the Parsons.
Freezing rain hurt receipts over the weekend,
but trade resumed near normal proportions
within a few days.
Allyn The Court Jester (Para); Track the Man
Down (Rep)
) 20
Art The Bed (Getz-Kingsley). 11th wk 140
E. M. Loew Lease of Life (IFE)
Palace East of Eden (WB); Bottle Cry (WB), reissues
75
Parsons Guys and Dolls (MGM); 8th wk.. ...... 105
Poli Three Bad Sisters (UA); Guilt Is My
Shadow (Stratford) 90
Strand Helen of Troy (WB), 2nd wk 130
'Helen of Troy' Grosses
225 in New Haven
NEW HAVEN—Extraordinary business was
recorded by "Helen of Troy" and "The Man
With the Golden Arm." They brought receipts
of 225 per cent and 200 per cent,
respectively, to the Roger Sherman and
Loew's Poli.
Both were held over.
College East of Eden (WB); Bottle Cry (WB),
reissues, 2nd wk 95
Paramount There's Always Tomorrow (U-l); The
Vanishing American (Rep) 85
Poli The Man With the Golden Arm (UA); The
Man Who Loved Redheads [UA) 200
Roger Sherman Helen of Troy (WB) 225
500 Persons View CS 55
At New Haven Showing
NEW HAVEN—One of the largest crowds
ever to witness a motion picture technical
demonstration in this territory watched
scenes in Cinemascope 55 at a 10 a.m. show
in Loew's Poli Theatre Tuesday (7). Over
500 persons attended. They included exhibitors,
20th-Fox stockholders, distributors and
representatives of the press and radio.
Harry Shaw\ division manager of Loews
Poli-New England Theatres, opened the program
and introduced Al Levy, northeastern
division manager for 20th-Fox, who explained
the new process.
Favor Efforts of Retailers
HARTFORD—Downtown first run houses
plan to participate in the annual downtown
shopping days later this month, a traditional
sales promotional effort by retailers.
92
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

Theatre Passes Cut
By Brockton Mayor
BROCKTON. MASS.—Theatre passes, long
a headache to theatre owners here, have been
cut to an absolute minimum by Mayor Peterson
at the request of a group of theatre
chains, including E. M. Loew, Interstate, Rifkin
and New England Theatres.
The passing out of free weekly tickets to
a political listing resulted in more than
2.000 such pass cards being issued since 1952.
the theatre groups told the mayor, with many
persons receiving them who were not entitled
to them. Councilor Wilfred Derosier, in commenting
on the mayor's action to cut off the
long list to include only the city fathers and
councilors, stated that the passing out of the
free ducats was considered a "racket" and it
cost the theatres a lot of money.
"They have been passed out as a political
largesse since 1952," he said.
The Brockton Enterprise printed the following
editorial:
"A local theatre manager, in commenting
on how business was, said sourly, 'with television
and passes hounding us, business isn't
what you'd call booming.' That was about a
year ago. And, according to Councilor Derosier,
about 2,000 theatre passes have been
printed since 1952.
"Who got those passes? They were handed
out, says Councilor Derosier, as political
favors. But all that is over now, Mayor Peterson
has announced. Free entertainment
passes which allowed those holding them to
get into movies and other entertainment in
this city have been cut to the absolute minimum.
There's no valid reason why our theatres
should have to accept passes which were
given out with a generous hand. Theatres
have to make a living just as other businesses
do.
"And there's no record of our movie theatres
not having to pay their taxes or live up
to other financial obligations.
"Councilor Derosier brought out another
interesting point;—the so-called 'censor'
passes. How many of these passes are out?
Who holds them? Just how many official
censors does this city have?"
NEWHAMPSHIRE
. . Interest
•The attendance record at the State Armory
in Manchester was believed to have been
shattered when capacity crowds flocked to
the afternoon and evening show presented by
Gene Autry and his entire troupe, February 6.
The show was sponsored by the Manchester
Lions Club for its charity fund .
in the coming showing of the film, "The
Benny Goodman Story," at the State Theatre
in Manchester, was increased by a personal
appearance by Goodman and his orchestra at
the Carousel Ballroom in that city Tuesday
(7).
. .
The Empire Theatre in Manchester has
been having a Wednesday "Chum Night,"
with one paid admission admitting two
persons . The Strand in Manchester drew
a big Saturday morning crowd of youngsters
by offering an All Walt Disney Cartoon
Carnival, with 12 color cartoons, a comedy
and true life adventure, for a 25-cent adiin-Mon
charge.
INDUSTRY
PROFILE
Bill Trambukis Is One Local Boy
Who Has Made Good in Home Town
By FRED AIKEN
PROVIDENCE — "Local Boy Makes
Good" well deservies to be the caption
of this account of
the career of William
J. "Bill" Trambukis,
manager of
Loew's State Theatre.
It is seldom, at
least around this
area, that a story
similiar to Bill's
#|
could be told. Bill
was bom, brought
up and educated lo-
I
cally. His first venture
in theatrical
Bill Trambukis business took place
back in 1940 at the old Empire, where he
secured parttime employment as an usher.
The following year he switched to the
Strand in the same capacity. In December
1941. he went to Loew's State and after
a stretch of parttime ushering he was
placed on a permanent basis.
Bill's eagerness, initiative and determination
to make a name for himself in the
theatre business soon won recognition by
the State's management and he was promoted
to chief-of-service. Early in 1944,
he was advanced to student assistant manager,
but in the fall of that year Uncle
Sam beckoned and Bill answered the call
to the colors. He served 18 months overseas
with the Navy Seabees.
Back in civiliain life by June 1946,
Trambukis returned to Loew's State. He
soon was appointed assistant manager, in
charge of advertising and publicity.
In 1949 Bill became manager of Loew's
at Syracuse, N. Y. As he gradually fitted
into civic life, his ability to organize and
carry out successful undertakings developed
rapidly. He headed the Red Cross
advertising committee, was active in the
KiwanLs Club and engaged in many charitable
and civic campaigns.
Tranferred to Harrisburg, Trambukis
sparked drives put on by Kiwanis. Elks,
and the Advertising Club. He was advertising
chairman of the famous Penn National
Horse Show and his efforts brought
contestants from all parts of the world
for this championship affair. During
Pennsylvania Week celebration, Bill was
chairman of the theatre division for six
Pennsylvania counties. In 1952. he headed
the entertainment committee for President
Eisenhower's birthday ball at Hershey.
Returning in 1954 to Providence, "the
old home town," Bill took charge at Loew's
State, site of his fulltime start in the
theatre business. He returned at a bad
time. Rowdies, ruffians and bullies were
running rampant in local theatres. Patronage
was falling off. Families were
staying away from their favorite houses
in droves. Young girls, elderly people and
refined persons of all ages were actually
afraid to visit motion-picture theatres.
Trambukis immediately set up a training
school for ushers, employed plainclothesmen,
ruled out all offtime privileges
for his staff and spent tireless hours himself
supervising the situation. Every prospective
patron was screened. Those recognized
as trouble-makers were refused admission.
Those starting trouble were instantly
ushered out.
In less than a month
after instituting his vigorous campaign,
\
Bill had rid his theatre of objectionable
j
characters. The return of family groups, |
young girls and elderly people to Tramj
bukis' house was almost instantly notice-
:
able. Not only had he
trouble at Loew's, but the examples he set
helped other downtown houses, discouraging
the hoodlums from trying to disturb
respectable citizens in other theatres. He
received hundreds of letters, phone calls
and personal congratulations for his efforts.
All the while Bill was participating in
civic and charitable projects. As publicity
director of the Junior Chamber of Commerce,
director and enthusiastic worker
for the Kiwanis, Jimmy Fund Campaigns,
Red Cross drives and March-of-Dimes
campaigns. Bill is said to be the youngest
man to occupy the important posts he has
held in local affairs.
Hurricanes and floods also have left Bill
undaunted. In the tragic 1954 hurricane
and flood, it was Bill Trambukis who, when
hearing the cries of his stagehand, Raymond
Prew, jumped fully clothed into the
waters swirling around in the basement of
Loew's State, to search for the neardrowned
employe. In total darkness,
Trambukis dragged Prew to safety, and
applied artificial respiration The manager
was credited by hospital authorities with
saving Prew's life. (This feat came to
light only when reported by hospital
authorities.)
Seeing the damage that could be
wrought by reoccurrences of hurricanes
and floods, Trambukis pioneered in Providence
in the installation of protective
measures. His building was the first in
the city to erect flood-water barriers.
As in everything he undertakes. Bill
usually sets the pattern for other businesses
in this city. A quiet, yet genial
personality, he has a remarkable ability
for overcoming fatigue and illness. During
the 1955 storms and near-hurricane blows.
Bill worked 48 to 60 hours without rest.
Stopping just long enough for a quick
shower and snack. Bill in any emergency
was seen leading the van—side-by-side
with his associates, workers and rescue
officials.
He is proud of the many showmanship
awards that decorate his office. Including
several from BOXOFFICE.
Married to a Providence girl, the former
Betty Greene, Bill has one daughter, Jane.
The old saying that "A prophet is without
honor in his own country" has been
disproved by Bill Trambukis. But it Is only
because of his ability, genius and disposition
that Bill has gained the honor of
being "A local boy who made good."
BOXOFFICE .
: February 18, 1956
93

. . RKO
.
••••••••••«••
RESEARCH BUREAU
f or
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brunl Blvd
Kansas City 24. Mo
Gentlemen:
2-18-56
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
!o receive information regularly, as released, on
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
D Acoustics
Lighting Fixtures
Air Conditioning
D piumb ing Fixture?
D Architectural Service
n projec ,ors
"Black" Lighting -. __ . .
U Projection Lamps
U Building Material
Carpets
D Seating
Coin Machines
Signs and Marquees
Complete Remodeling ^ s°und Equipment
n Decorating
Television
D Drink Dispensers Theatre Fronts
Drive-In Equipment Vending Equipment
Other Subjects
Theatre
Seating Capacity.
Address
City
State
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards tor your further convenience
in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN
THEATRE Section, published with the first issue of
each month.
Edward Lider Heads
IENE for 2nd Term
BOSTON—The annual meeting and election
of officers of Independent Exhibitors.
Inc., of New England,
was held Tuesday (14)
I at Hotel Bradford.
Luncheon preceded
j
the
JM meeting.
The following offi-
B cers were re-elected:
Edward W. Lider,
president: Melvin B.
Safner, first vice-president;
Julian Ftifkin,
treasurer, and Nathan
Yamins, alternate delegate.
Elected for first
Edward Lider
terms were Edwin pe _
deli, second vice-president; Henry Gaudet,
secretary, and
Waterbury exhibitors
Edward W.
John Siraca and
Lider,
Fred
alternate
Quatrano
delegate.
have taken back the Hamilton in
that city
Directors
from Edward Miller,
elected included Norman
who had
C. Glassman,
been operating it
chairman;
under a lease.
W. The
__
Leslie
the-
Bendslev, Ned "
atre was
Eisner, Ray
reopened Thursday (16 1
Feeley, after
Leonard Goldberg,
a
Arthur
three-week
K. Howard,
shutdown for repairs
Frank
and redecoration
. . .
LePage, Albert B.
Lourie, Walter Nancy Olson and
E. Mitchell, Daniel
Wendell
J. Murphy,
Samuel
Corey were among
Resnik,
the film people in
Theodore
town for
Rosenblatt, Andrew
the
Tegu and
premiere of the
Robert
new Rex Harrison-Julie
Viano. Carl Goldman was
Andrews musical.
reappointed "My Fair
executive
Lady," at the
secretary.
Shubert.
Marine Corps Cpl. Ralph J. Mauro jr., son
of
VERMONT
the National Theatre Supply manager here,
has returned to his California camp after a
f^e Vermont Cooperative
30-day leave at
Council home . . .
showed
"Helen of Troy"
"Partners," for the first time at a recent
meeting in Montpelier. The new picture, prepared
by the National Council of Farmer
Cooperatives, deals with work being done to
increase farm incomes throughout the country.
The Vermont Film Library at the University
of Vermont in Burlington reports that it now
has approximately 1,200 films for rental to
non-members. They cover a wide variety of
subjects and are geared for age groups, ranging
from primary school children to adults.
The full-length color film of Verdi's opera
"Aida," will be presented at the Paramount
in Barre, February 28 and March 1, and if
the response is enthusiastic enough, the theatre
may arrange a series of similar art films.
Manager William F. Murphy has announced.
Seeks Permission to Erect
Outdoorer at Raynham
RAYNHAM. MASS.—T. Leo McCarron, former
Taunton postmaster, is attempting to
obtain permission to operate a drive-in theatre
on the west side of Route 44, south of
the intersection of South street. A protest
petition, signed by ten persons, some of
them residents of South street, was received
by the board of selectmen.
Objectors argued that the proposed theatre
would cause a traffic hazard and would
be a nuisance because of the late hours of
operation of the theatre. An opposition
spokesman said the theatre would not lead
to any real additional income for the town
since the only permanent structure which
would be erected would be the screen and
taxes could be received only on the land.
McCaiTon's attorney pointed out there was
no intention to have entrances and exits
in South street and that the theatre would
not have a direct traffic impact on that
street.
NEW HAVEN
•phe first drive-ins in this territory to announce
official opening dates are the
Plainville, Southington and Norwalk, all
scheduled to resume operation March 14.
The Plainville and Southington are owned by
Connecticut Theatre circuit. The Norwalk is
operated by Sam Rosen. The winter has been
unseasonably mild to date .
Manager
Barney Pitkin, salesman Bill Canelli and one
office girl are now situated in a ground floor
office in the Film Center building. The remainder
of RKO's local operation was transferred
to New York last month. Much larger
quarters on an upper floor of the Film Center
were vacated when the lease expired this
month. The ground floor spot is temporary
because the building is scheduled to be demolished
for a highway in 1957.
went into a second week in all key towns in
the SW New England zone . . . "Miracle in the
Rain," Warner Bros, production with Jane
Wyman and Van Johnson, will be the Easter
Week release in the SW circuit . . . U-I Manager
Alec Schimel and salesman Ray Squer
are wearing "Forward Look" pins in their
lapels noting the Charlie Feldman Drive . . .
The Strand, Hamden, made good use of the
Grace Kelly publicity, bringing back "The
Country Girl" and "To Catch a Thief."
PROVIDENCE
paul Tighe, Majestic manager, has been in
Scranton, Pa., on a business trip . . . The
Rhode Island premiere of "The Sheep Has
Five Legs" took place at the Avon Cinema . .
"Guys and Dolls" was a holdover at the RKO
Albee.
Showmen are eyeing the recent announcement
of the local transit company that Saturday
and Sunday service would be curtailed.
Lack of riders is blamed by transit
officials for the decision. Theatremen and
businessmen point out that further curtailment
of service would greatly threaten downtown
business. While the Sunday curtailment
would only affect theatre patronage,
both showmen and businessmen are expected
to seek restraining action through legislative
sources. During the recent stormy season,
many persons left their automobiles in
garages, traveling to downtown and surrounding
theatres by buses exclusively. Petitions
already are being circulated in some communities
to force the transit company to restore
vital service.
Babette Bain, 6-year-old actress, has been
signed to a long-term contract by Paramount.
94
BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

Winnipeg Endorses
Oscar Derby Plan
WINNIPEG—Approximately 90 per cent of
the theatres in the greater Winnipeg area
this week enthusiastically endorsed the
Academy Awards contest plan as formulated
by the Motion Picture Industry Council public
relations committee, headed by Charles S.
Chaplin.
The Winnipeg theatre owners met recently
and appointed Harold A. Bishop and Harry
Hurwitz as co-chairman of the Awards contest
here, with Ben Sommers as ex officio
member of the committee.
A financial pool was formed, with Robert
Hurwitz as treasurer, and contributions, in
advance, will be based on the special assessments
formula of the Manitoba Motion Picture
Exhibitors Ass'n.
General Motors has contributed at cost
two automobiles, a 1956 Oldsmobile 88 and a
two-door hardtop Holiday coupe, as main
prizes in the contest.
Publisher F. Auger of the Winnipeg Tribune
will spearhead the contest with advance
stories, printing the ballots in the paper, and
will also supply ballots for all the theatres
in the Winnipeg group. Only five theatres in
the greater Winnipeg area abstained from
participating. Trailers for each theatre were
ordered through the Toronto office. The
trailer shows the main prize Oldsmobile.
explains the contest briefly, mentions the
Winnipeg Tribune tie-in, tells patrons to
read detailed rules in the newspaper and
explains that ballots must be deposited in
the theatre lobby.
A special bulletin, explaining how to operate
the Oscar Derby, with a sample of a
ballot, was mailed out rush to all exhibitors
in the province by secretary Ken Beach. This
year, each rural exhibitor will have to operate
his own individual contest, approach his
own local newspaper, promote his own
prizes and do his own judging. It is hoped
by the Manitoba Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass'n that should this year's Oscar Derby go
off successfully, next year's contest will be
able to be operated on a provincewide scale
with bigger and better prizes and participation
of every theatre in Manitoba.
Morris Stein Is New Head
Of Canadian Pioneers
TORONTO—Morris Stein is
the new president
of Canadian Picture Pioneers. He succeeds
Nat Taylor, who held the office for four
years. In taking over the office Stein said
he hoped the growth of the organization
would continue.
Other officers named: vice-president. R. W.
Eolstad; secretary-treasurer. Tom Daley;
membership chairman, Charles Dentlebeck;
sick and welfare, Harold Pfaff; publicity,
Clare Appel; legal adviser, David Ongley, and
as directors. Frank Fisher. Frank Vaughan,
Archie Laurie. Rube Bolstad. Re-elected directors
were Clare Appel. Harold Pfaff, Dan
Krendel. Charles Dentlebeck. George Oullahan,
Morris Stein. Tom Daley.
$2 by Eastern Theatres
TORONTO — Eastern Theatres, Toronto,
a subsidiary of Famous Players Canadian
Corp., which operates the big Imperial here,
has declared a dividend of $2 which will be
paid February 28 to shareholders of record
February 20.
Tax Revision Promised
By Manitoba Solons
WINNIPEG—Manitoba legislative members
have promised exhibitors that they will take
up proposed revision of the amusement tax
act during the debate on the budget in the
current legislative session. The promises came
as the culmination of the campaign by the
Manitoba Motion Pictures Exhibitors Ass'n
for tax relief.
Latest move by the association was a tenpage,
fact-filled brief prepared by Secretary
Ken Beach urging abolition of amusement
taxes on admissions of 50 cents or less. The
brief was presented to provincial Treasurer
Ron Turner this week by MMPEA President
Ben Sommers. The following day a small
delegation of exhibitors from country points.
Rev Fredericksson, Glenboro; Gordon Mac-
Phail, Carberry; Ernest Hayne, Pilot Mound,
and Sommers presented a copy of the brief
to Premier Campbell, who granted a half
hour interview.
The campaign for tax revisions got into
high gear in the province last month when
MMPEA emissary Barney Brookler visited 80
per cent of the exhibitors in the province, explaining
in detail how the exhibitor should
approach his local board of trade, convince
that body to send a resolution to legislative
members or to call on the solons personally
asking pledges of cooperation and support in
the tax revision.
The majority of boards of trade followed
through with calls on legislative members,
most of whom either pledged support verbally
or wrote back to the exhibitors and boards of
trade promising support. A large number of
legislators went further, writing the provincial
treasurer urging him to take action in view of
the requests from his constituents.
Major credit for the brief prepared goes
to Beach, with assists from the other two
members of the amusement tax committee,
public relations chairman Harold A. Bishop
and President Sommers. The brief starts out
by establishing authority of the association,
traces the History of previous presentations
on June 27, 1953: Nov. 1, 1954 and March
14, 1955. This is followed by a statement
concerning the specific reasons for each
previous representation. Next item concerns
the premise "television competition more
severe in Manitoba," explaining that extreme
cold weather during the winter serves to make
TV a more powerful competitor here than in
other sections of the country. The direct
effect of television on exhibitors within a
150-mile radius of Winnipeg, Brandon and
the American border are supported with
statistics.
Comparison of theatre attendance figures
for the Winnipeg and Brandon areas are
quoted in detail, showing the drastic decreases
and pinpointing the emergency of the situation.
Factors other than television are
pointed out, such as large increases in business
taxes and the increase in competition
for the entertainment dollar, especially that of
professional sports.
In Beach's conclusion, the summation
reads:
"The motion picture theatres in the
province of Manitoba are in desperate
circumstances. The subsequent theatre and
the theatre operating in the smaller centers
of population are in such desperate circumstances
that they can no longer operate
successfully unless there is a revision of the
amusement tax scale to exempt this type of
theatre from amusement tax."
Beach further points out that theatres
throughout the province contribute heavily to
municipal economy as well as the well-being
of the retail merchants of every town which
has a theatre.
Columbia Premier
British
Promises Tax Relief
VANCOUVER—Efforts of the British Columbia
Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n in
behalf of amusement tax reductions apparently
will meet with some success during
the current legislative session.
Premier Bennett has indicated that the
tax will be cut from the present 15 per cent
to 12% per cent. This would be the second
reduction in the tax in the last three years.
About three years ago the tax was reduced
to 15 per cent from its original 17% per cent.
STUDIO VISITORS—Actor Paul Douglas, third from right, one of the -itars of
Paramount's "The Leather Saint," greets R. V. Kiefer, left, executive of Kiefers Shows,
operating six theatres in Alberta. With Kiefer are, from left, his wife; K. R. Kiefer.
head of the circuit, and their friends, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. DeWitt.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18. 1956 K 95

: February
ST. JOHN
prank Murphy, booker with Allied Artists the
past seven years, has resigned. Bill Mc-
Harry Cheney, Community Theatre,
Guire, who has been reviser and shipper for
the company for a year and a half, will take
over the booking. Jerry Hoyt is the local manager
at Allied Artists ... In buying and bookere
Grand Harbor, N. B.: Harry Adkins and
Romeo Nowlan of the Pine and Roxy theatres,
Bouctouche, N. B.. and Mildred McAllister
of St. John, booking for the Capitol
Theatre at Chipman. N. B., while the owner.
Mrs. J. A. Williams. Is recovering from an
illness. Lloyd Mason of the Capitol Theatre.
Springhill, N. S., was also here.
Theatre operators within range of TV station
CKCW at Moncton suddenly found their
boxoffices as busy as in "the good old times,"
owing to CKCW-TV's tower snapping off ten
feet from its base during a severe sleet and
wind storm. The station was off for two
days and since has made temporary repairs
but with half the power output. Exhibitors
are now thoroughly convinced that TV is the
major competitor to the theatres.
Archie Mason, president of the Maritime
Motion Picture Exhibitor's Ass'n. in a report
to members concerning the national meeting
in Toronto, urges every exhibitor to contact
his local government representative in an effort
to secure downward revision of the
amusement tax collected in individual provinces.
Mason also stated, in his report, that
"durinj depressed periods such as we are now
experiencing all over the country, both parties
(exhibitors and distributors) must deal
JUST
fairly with each other. If the terms demanded
of an exhibitor are such that he cannot
operate profitably, the exhibitor can
only blame himself if he accepts same." Enclosed
wiih Mason's report was an article
titled "A Plan to Stimulate Interest in Motion
Pictures." The article was prepared by
the public relations council of the MPIC,
Charles S. Chaplin, chairman.
Eric Golding, manager, and Eric Paterson,
booker and office manager at MGM.
were going all-out in an effort to have the
trademark Leo on all screens in the Maritime
provinces during Arthur Loew week.
Add 84 Seats at Weyburn
WEYBURN, SASK.—The seating
capacity
of the recently reopened Hi-Art Theatre was
boosted by some 84 seats with the opening
of the new balcony. It has been attractively
decorated and furnished with plush seats.
Owned by Rothstein Theatres, who have also
acquired the Soo and the drive-in theatre,
the Hi-Art will provide top level entertainment
for moviegoers of the district.
Opens at Grand Falls, Nfld.
GRAND FALLS, NFLD.—A new theatre,
with a seating capacity of 600, was opened
here Monday ( 13 > by Charles Edwards, who
has been operating a motion picture theatre
in a rented hall here for some time. The
hall will not be operated as a theatre hereafter.
3 ADMISSIONS A DAY
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It's as economical as that to equip any theatre sound system
with Magnetic sound to play the new composite magnetic-optical prints.
Furthermore, the parts supplied for the conversion include the
famous Westrex Magnetic Sound Head. It is capable of reproducing
full stereophonic sound after the necessary additional amplifiers
and loudspeakers are installed.
Maintenance Costs are low because only the wearable gaps on
the Magnetic pick-ups need be replaced.
For complete details
call
your nearest D.S.E.L office.
DOMINION SOUND Equipments United
_^ HEAD OFFICE: 4040 St. Catherine Street West, Montreal.
Ut^^ BRANCHES AT: Halifax, Saint John, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto,
Hamilton, London, North Bay, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver.
Series of Premieres
Ahead ai Toronto
TORONTO—An array of special premieres,
with celebrities making personal appearances
is underway here.
The festivities started this week with the
appearance of Kim Novak here two days (15.
16 1 for the Canadian premiere of "Picnic" at
Shea's, for which Manager Bishop busied
himself with a round of promotional activities.
Michael Wagner, star of the Israeli feature,
"Hill 24 Doesn't Answer," appeared at
the Vaughn for the benefit opening in behalf
of a community project.
Also due in is Clayton Moore for "The
Lone Ranger." Special trimmings were arranged
for the opening of "The Rose Tattoo"
at the FPC University and Eglinton.
Coming up in March is the North American
premiere at the Odeon of the JARO
special, "Cockleshell Heroes," which actor
Trevor Howard and Cpl. W. E. Sparks of
the Royal Marines will attend. The opening
will be under the auspices of the Navy
League of Canada.
The North American premiere of "Richaid
III" is scheduled for March 1 at the International
Cinema where it will play as a
roadshow. International Film Distributors,
which is handling the feature in Canada, has
invited Sir Laurence Olivier to be in Toronto
for the occasion. The British star is now in
New York City.
Herman Bernstein Busy
In Industry Since 1912
TORONTO—If you don't know Herman
Bernstein, you just haven't been around in
this business—or you haven't been in it very
long, comments a recent article in the Canadian
Film Weekly. Herman is that dark,
stubby, smiling man who is beside the display
of BOXOFFICE copies at every Canadian
motion picture gathering—or he is on
hand without the display. He's a real oldtimer
who began in the theatres but today
handles Canadian sales for a number of
USA magazines.
Herman first found his way into the industry
in 1912 as a candy boy for Harry Heller
of the Palace, Montreal, who now operates
the Majestic, Montreal. Then he went up the
street to the Wonderland as an usher and
after that to the Scala, later called the Rialto,
which was operated by Mark Brock of
Buffalo. While with Brock he met James
T. Malone of All Features Limited.
Having been an all-around man with Brock,
he was the same with Malone, acting as
booker, salesman, etc. In 1916 two brothers
operated the Bijou, Verdun and they hired
Herman as manager. They went broke and
left him to pay off the accounts. A little
while at this and he enlisted in the Canadian
Army, gave the Bijou back to the landlord,
and went overseas.
On being mustered out he started the Variety
Vaudeville Exchange and in 1926 married
Rose Vallin. Their one child Eddie is now 23.
"I have done a tremendous amount of traveling
in Canada and the United States," Herman
says. "I have watched the industry
grow to what it is today. If I had to go
through that experience again, I would be
glad to do it. I'm a poor showman but perhaps
I wasn't meant to be a rich one."
96 BOXOFFICE
:
18, 1956

. . . Fred
10
MONTREAL Dave Griesdorf Back TORONTO
ferry Chernoff, 20th-Fox manager, has invited
exhibitors and other industry people
to the Montreal showing of Cinemascope 55
at the Palace at 9:30 a. m„ Monday, March
5. Chernoff recalled that last November at
the National Allied convention in Chicago,
20th-Fox gave its first demonstration of the
latest advancement in motion picture photography
and presentation. He said the demonstration
would show portions from "Carousel"
and "The King and I."
The United Amusement Corp. art department,
in order to meet the demand for the
simultaneous showing of "Marty" at five of
its Montreal houses—the Snowdon, Outremont,
Strand, Papineau and Avenue—had to
prepare five front displays for the prizewinning
film . . . The Canadian Boy Scouts
film of the eighth world jamboree, taken at
Niagara-on-the-Lake last summer, was premiered
in Montreal during the opening of a
campaign for $150,000 for the Scout organization.
The film of the world event was
presented to the organization by the T. Eaton
Co., official presentation being made by J.
W. Eaton, assistant general manager of the
firm.
Maurice Dunamel, manager of the local
. . . Eloi Cormier, sales representative
. . .
Auclair Theatre circuit, was a visitor to
Filmrow and it resulted in heavy booking for
the various theatres of the circuit . . . Art
Bell, formerly booker at RKO, who left Montreal
for New York City to work for Paramount,
has been transferred by his company
to Pittsburgh
for IFDL, has returned from the
Gatineau Valley, where he visited exhibitors
in Hull, Gracefield and Maniwaki, Quebec
Mrs. Norma Smithson, telephone operator
at UACL, has resigned to move to Winnipeg.
She was given a well-filled purse by executives
and staffs of both the United Amusement
Corp. and controlled Confederation
Amusement. Mrs. Smithson will be replaced
by Mrs. Jennie Copeman.
Dorothy Holtzman has replaced Ellen O'-
Neill, office member at Warner Bros., who
John Levitt, Columbia
was married recently . . .
salesman, recently returned from
Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula, visiting among
other places Baie Comeau, Chandler, Grande
Riviere, Carleton-on-the-Sea and New Richmond.
On his way back, Levitt visited Quebec
City and district . . . Sam Kunitsky,
United Artists manager, left for a trip to
Shawinigan Falls.
The National Film Board ended the 1954-
1955 fiscal year with a surplus of $31,156 on
its main operation. The NFB's annual report
showed income amounting to $3,412,603 for
its main program. This compared with expenditures
of $3,381,447.
No Dates Yet for Toronto
TORONTO—From Detroit where "Oklahoma!"
in Todd-AO is opening February 21
comes word that Toronto will shortly have
the first installation of this process in Canada
but Toronto executives aren't talking.
There is also the rumor that Cinerama will
start in Toronto, for its second installation
in Canada, but the theatre is not mentioned.
Cinerama has been featured at the Imperial.
Montreal, for months.
As IFD Executive
TORONTO—Dave Griesdorf, former general
manager of Odeon Theatres, is returning
to International Film Distributors as executive
vice-president. He has acquired a substantial
interest in IFD, it is announced by
President N. A. Taylor.
Allied Artists Pictures of Canada is affiliated
with International Film Distributors
which handles product from the United
States, Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan
through its six Canadian branches.
Griesdorf is the chief barker of Toronto
Variety Tent 28 and immediate past chairman
of the Motion Picture Industry Council
of Canada. After attending the University
of Alberta, he became an exhibitor, then
joined the United Artists branch at Winnipeg.
He was British Columbia district manager
for Odeon Theatres when he accepted the
appointment as general manager of International
Film Distributors, which position
he held until he resigned in 1949 to take over
direction of the Canadian Odeon chain.
Just before severing his connection with
Odeon, after a period of more than six years,
Griesdorf secured "Guys and Dolls" for the
J. Arthur Rank circuit in Canada and this
picture now is playing long engagements at
first-run units.
Back with IFD a second time in an executive
capacity, Griesdorf will have his office
at the head office at 175 Bloor St. East,
where Douglas V. Rosen will continue as
general manager of the Nat Taylor film exchange.
Griesdorf recently returned from a
vacation in Florida and California.
Film Board Headquarters
Will Be Completed Soon
MONTREAL — Canada's National Film
Board annual report for the fiscal year that
ended March 31, 1955, shows that considerable
headway has been made in the erection
of its new headquarters in Ville St.
Laurent, a local suburb. The board's move
from Ottawa is expected to take place soon.
Arrangements are being completed to bring
here Ottawa staff members who are willing
to locate in Montreal.
The new headquarters will contain the
board's management office, administration
and distribution divisions, a board meeting
hall, an auditorium of 275 seats, clinics and
a cafeteria. Production and technical services
will occupy two wings of the new building,
connected by a series of offices and technical
rooms. In one wing will be the large studio
for film shooting, with a stage 120 feet wide,
70 feet deep and 35 feet high. A smaller
studio with a stage of 70 feet by 50 feet will
be used for musical and sound registering.
In the fiscal year under review, the NFB
produced 122 original films, 38 in French.
Other versions and revisions of films brought
the total to 235; 100 in French, 120 in English
and 15 in other languages.
OTTAWA— A. W. Trueman, chairman of
the National Film Board, has announced the
appointment of Dr. Leon Lortie, 56, of Montreal
as vice-chairman of the board, a new
post. Donald Mulholland, now director of
production for NFB, is slated to become assistant
film commissioner to direct administration
at the new Montreal plant which
la expected to have its full force in April.
Barkers and their ladies had a happy time at
<
. . .
the Valentine party of Tent 28 in the
clubrooms last Friday The program of
» .
dancing, entertainment and prize stunt was
arranged by Len Bishop, Chester Friedman
and Dan Krendel, members of the house committee
Another member of the Owen
Sound theatre family, Jim Georgas, Ontario
ski champion, came a cropper in training on
the Blue Mountain course for the Canadian
championships last weekend and fractured
a collarbone and several ribs. In January
his brother Bill broke his right leg and was
unable to compete.
It was a homecoming for Arthur Silverstone
of New York head office, former Canadian
general manager here, when he attended
the sales conference here last week
at the 20th-Fox organization . . . Gary Crosby,
son of Bing Crosby, has been doing some
barnstorming around Ontario as a vocalist
with Les Brown's band, whose engagements
are in auditoriums and arenas.
Florence Long, a director of the Toronto
chapter of Women of the Motion Picture Industry,
was appointed chairman of the national
membership committee. She is with
General Theatre Supply Co. ... A Toronto
acquisition is the Don Wright family from
London. He is the director of the Don Wright
chorus and daughter Priscilla is a song composer.
Both have appeared a number of
times on the stage of Bill Trudell's Capitol
at London, and elsewhere.
Last year Aid. Don Summerville, manager
of Toronto's Prince of Wales Theatre, complained
of civilian-defense deficiencies. This
year he has been named chairman of the
Metropolitan Toronto civil defense committee
Fink has adopted a new family admission
policy at the Astor. A whole family is
admitted for 66 cents on either Thursday or
Friday night. Previously it was a flat $1
for Saturday nights . . . Manager Barry Carnon
of the Hyland promoted a combination
page in the conservative morning paper, the
Toronto Globe and Mail. — But the title of the
picture was a natural "Value for Money."
t,

. . . The
. . After
1
—
—
— —
. . . Odeon
OTT AW A
p. pioneer projectionist. Arthur Bateman, 62,
died in a local hospital after a long illness.
He obtained the first motion picture operator's
license in Ottawa and served as business
agent of the Local 1918-1920. He was
employed at the Imperial and Rialto, and
also operated a photographic store on Bank
street. The survivors include his wife, a son
and two daughters.
For "The Lieutenant Wore Skirts" at the
Odeon. Manager Jim Chalmers. Monday (13
featured a recruiting booth in the lobby for
the Canadian Women's Army Corps, while
an army detachment paraded to the theatre
Lions Club, which is one of the foremost
promoters of Bingo games at the Auditorium,
announced the donation of $4,000
in proceeds to a number of local charities . . .
Manager T. R. Tubman of the FPC Capitol
hosted an invitational screening of "The Rose
Tattoo" . playing one week at the
Capitol, "Helen of Troy" moved over to the
Regent where Manager Bill Cullum presides.
Arrangements have been made for the concert
appearance of Cesare Valletti, Metropolitan
tenor, at the Capitol February 22.
Hye Bessin of the Glebe Cinema has announced
a series of Monday night roadshows
with Continental pictures for which the
single admission is $1. A season ticket for
four different shows sells for $3. The feature
for February 20 is "Native Land" and the
next will be "Marriage of Figaro." A similar
roadshow policy for Thursday nights has been
inaugurated by the Biltmore at Kingston.
Miss Lise Pelletier, only 17, qualified for a
Foto-Nite award of $4,000 by attending Bob
Maynard's Francais. The award included a
1956 automobile and merchandise worth $1,000
from Jack Snow, credit jewelers.
No Change on Carnivals
TORONTO—The civic board of control
stuck to its guns last week on the banning
of carnivals. The board rejected the application
of Ward 8 Ass'n for a permit to stage
tent shows as the feature of a picnic next
summer, even though the city parks committee
had approved the request.
f
'Darling's 7
130 Gross
Is Best at Toronto
TORONTO—The chief holdover of the week
was "Guys and Dolls" which was rolling
along in its eighth week at the Odeon, while
"All That Heaven Allows" was doing a surprising
fourth week at the Uptown. The
best grosser among new pictures was "Forever
Darling" at Loew's.
(Average Is 100)
Eglinton, University The Trouble With Horry
(Para), 3rd wk 100
Hylond Value for Money (JARO) 1 20
Imperial The Bottom of the Bottle (20th-Fox) 115
Loew's Forever Darling (MGM) 130
Nortown Helen of Troy (WB) 105
Odeon Guys and Dolls (MGM), 8th wk 100
Shea's The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell
(WB), 2nd wk 100
Towne Naked Sea (RKO) 105
Uptown All That Heaven Allows (U-l), 4th wk.. .100
Mild Weather Fails to Help
Business in Vancouver
VANCOUVER—Theatre business remained
on the downgrade both in the downtown and
suburban houses. Mild weather was no help.
"Guys and Dolls" in its eighth and final week
and a pair of imports, "Girls Marked Danger"
and "Barefoot Savage," were the only bright
spots.
Capitol
Cinema
Ransom! (MGM)
Girls Marked Danger (IFD);Barefoot
Average
Savage (IFD) Good
Orpheum Helen of Troy (WB), 10 doys
Fair
Paradise Konsul Strotthoff (5R), 3 days ... Moderate
Plaza and Circle The Big Knife (Col) Fair
Strand Target Zero (WB), The High and
the Mighty (WB)
Fair
Studio The Colditz Story (IFD), 2nd wk Fair
Vogue Guys and Dolls (MGM), 8th wk Good
Bloom & Fine Extends
Combination Policy
TORONTO—The Bloom & Fine circuit
here has gone in for combination bookings in
a greater way. Two groups of five units each
had the same programs. "I Am a Camera"
played the Lansdowne, Donlands, Grover, La-
Plaza and Eastwood, while "You're Never
Too Young" occupied the screens of the
Prince of Wales, Parliament, Bellevue, Beaver
and York.
Famous Players had a lineup of eight local
units for its Show of the Week, which featured
"It's Always Fair Weather" at the Alhambra,
Beach, Capitol, College, Parkdale,
Palace, Runnymede and St. Clair.
—.RODGERS AND HAMMEP
VANCOUVER
Jimmy Davie, who resigned from RKO after
27 years to enter the real estate business,
is back on Filmrow, replacing Henry Heck
as office manager at International Film Distributors.
Heck moved over to Empire-Universal
in the same capacity . . . Mary Archer,
who was with the Famous Players district
office here for more than ten years before
moving to Winnipeg, spent several weeks
visiting her parents ... Joe Archer, film
distributor, and his wife were renewing old
friendships before returning to Winnipeg . . .
Orin M. Jacobson, International vice-president
of AFL, was here from Tacoma in an
effort to break the deadlock with Famous
Players and Odeon Theatres and the projectionists
union. Boothmen, numbering 110,
voted overwhelmingly recently to go on strike.
The 800-seat theatre-restaurant, the
Sahara, built at a cost of $250,000, in Edmonton,
Alta., by Windsor Theatres, opened
recently. It is managed by Emanual Pyrez,
who operates theatres in Luduc and Wetaskwin,
both in the Edmonton area . . . Florence
McGraw, for the last five years in charge of
the concession department at the International
Cinema, resigned to join an automobile
agency. She has been replaced by
Lynn Kilkenny, former usherette . . . There
was a stage full of magicians at the Orpheum
for the weekly Personality Parade. All were
members of the Vancouver Magic Circle. The
Personality Parade is a business-getter at
the 3,000-seat Orpheum every Friday night.
The stage shows draw on the talents of local
and international entertainers.
R. Dederer is building an 850-seat theatre
at Medicine Hat, Alta. . . . J. F. Hawk of
Edmonton is constructing a 480-seater at
Edgerton in the Edmonton area of Alberta
Theatres is trying out a new policy
playing first run pictures simultaneously in
three theatres. The same policy will also
apply to four other suburban houses on a
day-and-date second run basis . . . The Delta
Drive-In opened for the 1956 season ... No
less than three foreign pictures were on the
screens of downtown theatres for first runs.
Imports used to find it hard to get playing
time, but with the shortage of product, they
are now playing up town deluxers.
Over 1,000 patrons were on hand at a bingo
game in North Vancouver held by the Kinsmen.
The top prize was $1,000 in cash, with 19
smaller cash prizes. It was held on a Saturday
night in the theatre area, killing the
Odeon Theatre's best night . . . Frank J.
Reiss, director of photographic services for
Saskatchewan, has resigned and will take a
position in private industry. In his two years
with the provincial government. Reiss was
instrumental in creating a comprehensive still
photo and motion picture production organization,
employing a staff of ten persons.
When 20th-Fox recently demonstrated its new Cinemascope 55 process at the
Imperial at Toronto, these showmen were among those in attendance. Left to
right: Peter S. Myers, Canadian division sales manager; Frank Fisher, vice-president
in charge of Odeon theatre operation; Rodney Bush, exploitation manager: William
C. Gehring, executive assistant general sales manager; C. R. B. Salmon, Odeon Theatres
vice-president and secretary-treasurer, and Arthur .Silverstone, assistant general sales
manager.
Skunk Goes to Movies!
TORONTO — Two police cruisers and a
couple of trucks of the Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals converged on
the big Imperial early the other morning (8>
to eject an unwanted visitor; namely, a polecat,
commonly called skunk. The operation
was a complete success, it was stated. There
was nothing subversive about the mysterious
incident and the theatre opened on schedule.
98 BOXOFFICE :
: February
18, 1956

OXOFFICE (3 fl fl]U]]£ i)i AS
The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY ABOUT PICTURES
ALLIED ARTISTS
Annapolis Story, An (AA)—John Derek,
Diana Lynn, Kevin McCarthy. Ran this with,
as usual for Sunday, three cartoons. The
extra cartoons drew more than the picture
did Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Mild.—Lew
Bray jr., Queen Theatre, McAllen. Tex. English-Spanish-speaking
patronage.
Betrayed Women (AA)—Beverly
Michaels.
Tom Drake, Carole Mathews. This lured a
few more adults in than we usually have on
this one-day booking. However, the children
didn't show up. So, this is one time we
couldn't count their dimes. In this case, it
hurt. Played Tues. Weather: Nice.—Michael
Chiaventone, Valley Theatre, Spring Valley,
111. Pop. 5,123.
Dig That Uranium (AA) — Leo Gorcey,
Huntz Hall, Mary Beth Hughes. I did not dig
uranium, but I did have the people digging
in their pockets for once. Nice crowd. The
picture is tops. The ending where the boys
go for a chase in an old car backwards had
the roof flappin'. I had a rival company
salesman call it "garbage," but none of his
high-priced pictures can come close to the
gross on this one. Thanks, Allied Artists.
You're fair. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather:
Cold—Kenneth Clem, Gem Theatre, Emmitsburg,
Md. Small college town.
BUENA VISTA
Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier
(BV)—Fess Parker, Buddy Ebsen, Basil Ruysdael.
This feature and "Arizona Sheep Dog"
were excellent film fare. However, it failed
to do anything for me at the ticket office.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cool.—Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va.
Pop. 1,343.
COLUMBIA
Count Three and Pray (Col)—Van Heflin,
Joanne Woodward, Raymond Burr. A good
small-town picture. The trailer did a good
selling job by showing plenty of action. Title
kept some away, but word of mouth was good.
Keep your eye on Joanne Woodward.
— Played
Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Okay. "Uncle
George" Marks, Grove Theatre, Beech Grove,
Ind. Population 5,685.
It Came From Beneath the Sea (Col)—
Kenneth Tobey. Faith Domergue, Donald Curtis.
Played this with "Creature With the
Atom Brain." The older young people don't
seem to care for this type of picture, and the
parents warned us a week in advance they
wouldn't bring the wee folk to see "It," so
we weren't disappointed when business was
slow for this time of the week. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Nice.—J. D. Wilbanks, Wagon
Wheel Drive-in, Spearman, Tex. Pop. 1,852.
Masterson of Kansas (Col)—George Montgomery,
Nancy Gates, James Griffith. In the
center of a solid week of westerns (during
Christmas vacation) this could have hit the
skids and it would have been the booker's
fault. (Me). Folks with Christmas bills to
pay and hoping I'd pay some of them, came
out in goodly numbers and this held its own
like a champion. It's a "B" western with "A"
coloring and produced to please the folks who
love "B" westerns. Played Wed.. Thurs.
Weather: Lovely.—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre,
Fruita, Colo. Pop. 1,463.
My Sister Eileen (Col)—Janet Leigh, Jack
Lemmon, Betty Garrett. This was a big disappointment
at the boxoffice, and it is positively
one of the best comedy-dramas that
we have ever played in our theatre. The
title is good and the cast is excellent, but
we played to the lowest three-day gross in
years. Perhaps playing it the Sunday before
TV Hillbillies on Stage
Bring Lines to Theatre
T AY THAT RIFLE DOWN (Rep)—Judy
" Canova, Robert Lowery, Jacqueline
DeWit. Just the right picture to team up
with a live stage show. Brought my TV
hillbillies to my "stage" (a few boards
over concrete blocks) and, fellows, believe
it or not, there was a line waiting.
You don't clear much because live talent
costs, but we did better than average when
everything was counted. Don't forget
that you're selling entertainment, and live
hillbillies look better on your stage or
platform than they do on a 21-inch
screen! Remember, TV wrestling put live
wrestling on a paying basis. It'll work
for us, too. Oh, yes, the picture is corny,
but pleasing. After all, Indiana is a great
corn state, and we love it!
"UNCLE GEORGE" MARKS
Grove Theatre,
Beech Grove, Ind.
Christmas may have been responsible for the
low gross. Anyway, it certainly was no fault
of the picture. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.—
Marion F. Bodwell, Paramount Theatre, Wyoming,
111. Pop. 1,496.
Ten Wanted Men (Col)—Randolph Scott,
Jocelyn Brando, Richard Boone. Very good
western. Scott always does a good job.
Plenty of action for a weekend date. Average
business. Played Sat. Weather: Nice.—D. W.
Trisko, Runge Theatre, Runge, Tex. Pop.
1,055.
Women's Prison (Col)—Ida Lupino, Jan
Sterling, Cleo Moore. This is a good movie.
Its fast-moving plot and really good acting
will give you a top double-feature program.
If your patrons like action and violence, it
might do okay on a single.—W. S. Funk, Star
Theatre, St. Stephen, S. C. Population 1,341.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Love Me or Leave Me (MGM)—Doris Day,
James Cagney, Cameron Mitchell. Here is a
picture that has been bragged up. You would
think this was IT. In our spot, it only did
average. Not Doris Day's best by a long
way. Maybe it was all the makeup she had
on, but, in our opinion, she did better with
Warners. As for Cagney, he did well and
lots have said he will most likely be up for
the Academy Award. Don't let 'em fool you.
fellows. Richard Todd still is our bet for "A
Man Called Peter" for the award. Good
color and sound. Not a weekend picture for
an action house. Played Fri., Sat., Mon.
Weather: Blizzard. —Sam Holmberg, Regal
Theatre. Sturgis, Sask. Pop. 640.
Marauders, The (MGM) — Dan Duryea,
Jarma Lewis, Keenan Wynn. A brutal western,
in excellent color with an unusual story
angle, but it lacked the MGM touch, and even
though it was sold right, we got a blizzard
that knocked it into the red for us. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Blizzard.—Ken
Chrlstianson, Roxy Theatre, Washburn, N. D.
Pop. 913.
Trial (MGM)—Glenn Ford, Dorothy Mc-
Guire, Arthur Kennedy. A black and white
production that didn't go over here. Weather
was against us, too, but the picture concerned
too much communistic propaganda, in my
opinion, to earn its rights as top bracket entertainment.
Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Snowy.—Robert Klinge, Uptown
Theatre, Sedalia, Mo. Pop. 20,354.
PARAMOUNT
Lucy Gallant (Para)—Jane Wyman, Charlton
Heston, Claire Trevor. A worthy show for
the price of a ticket any time. Did average
in this era of poor grosses. Good VistaVision
picture. Prefer VistaVision to Cinemascope
any time. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good,
but cold.—Leonard J. Leise, Roxy Theatre,
Randolph, Neb. Pop. 1,029.
We're No Angels (Para)—Humphrey Bogart,
Joan Bennett. Aldo Ray. A comedy that
hits right where it feels good—the pocketbook.
They came, saw and enjoyed a lovely picture
and all went home happy. I honestly believe
that Peter Ustinov stole the show, as he
usually does. All gave very good, convincing
performances. Play it, by all means. It's terrific
for any theatre that has an audience
that can laugh. Color and sound very good.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold.—Sam
Holmberg, Regal Theatre, Sturgis, Sask., Pop.
640.
Seven Little Foys, The (Para)—Bob Hope.
Milly Vitale, George Tobias. I expected something
big from this one, but was disappointed.
It is just a fair picture, and, brother, don't
look for anything more than that, either
from your patrons' reactions or from boxoffice
returns. No comments, either good or
bad. The bad weather prevented me making
any money. VistaVision sure is all right for a
picture on the screen. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cold, snowing.—F. L. Murray,
Strand Theatre, Spiritwood. Sask. Pop. 355.
Strategic Air Command (Para)—James
Stewart, June Allyson, Frank Lovejoy. An
air force picture with an educational angle.
Some of the best flying shots seen. Color
good. Enough action, etc., to hold interest.
Stewart and Allyson always a good team.
Business about average, which is good for
gross lately. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather:
Okay.—D. W. Trisko, Runge Theatre,
Runge, Tex. Pop. 1.055.
Those Redheads From Seattle (Para) —
Rhonda Fleming, Gene Barry, Agnes Moorehead.
I had the picture "We're No Angels"
set in for this date, but Paramount pulled
it and put in this one. I accepted it and I'm
not badly disappointed. It got by, but nothing
outstanding. Played Mon., Tues. Weather:
Good.—F. L. Murray, Strand Theatre, Spiritwood,
Sask. Pop. 355.
RKO RADIO
Bengazi tRKO>-Richard Conte, Victor Mc-
Laglen. Richard Carlson. Too slow moving
for our action date. A little too much accent
to suit here. Did a little below average.
(Continued on following page)
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Feb. 18, 1956

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
(Continued from preceding page)
Played Sat. Weather: Cool and damp.— D. W.
Trisko, Runge Theatre, Runge, Tex. Pop. 1,055.
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (RKO>—Reissue.
John Wayne, Joanne Dru, John Agar. Still
one of the best westerns ever made. I also
believe it was one of the most beautifully
filmed westerns ever made. Business was
fair. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cool.—
Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rlvesville
W. Va. Pop. 1,343.
Silver Lode, The (RKO)-^John Payne, Lizabeth
Scott, Dan Duryea. A very good western.
Somewhat different from the general run.
Business good. Comments good. It will please
your western fans. Terms fair. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Fair.—C. H. Pryce, Alma Theatre,
Alma, Wis. Pop. 1,068.
Fighting Kentuckian,
REPUBLIC
The (Rep)—Reissue.
John Wayne, Vera Ralston, Philip Dorn. A
nice reissue that played the TV rounds before
we got it. Still we did fair considering.
Guess the public didn't remember the title
on TV, but they remembered to tell me they
saw it two or three times on TV. Played Sat.
Weather: Chilly.—Robert Klinge, Uptown
Theatre, Sedalia, Mo. Pop. 20,354.
Lay That Rifle Down (Rep)—Judy Canova,
Robert Lowery, Jacqueline DeWit. Good ol'
Judy. These small-town and country folks
still like their movies kinda earthy, and they
got just that. No draw like the old days, but
better than average now. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Cold and dry.—Joe and Mildred
Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo. Pop. 758.
Roogie's Bump (Rep)—Robert Marriot,
Ruth Warrick, Robert Simon. Doubled with
"Stranger on Horseback" for fair average
weekend. This one is about a kid with a
bump on his arm that gives him a crazy fast
ball and gets him in with the Dodgers. Good
kids' program. Played Thurs., Sat. Weather:
Mild.—Lew Bray jr., Queen Theatre, McAllen,
Tex. English-Spanish-speaking patronage.
20th
CENTURY-FOX
House of Bamboo (20th-Fox)—Robert Ryan,
Robert Stack, Shirley Yamaguchi. Pretty
good mystery-action CinemaScoper, "photographed
right on the spot in Hong Kong."
After showing "Blood Alley," "Love Is a
Many-Splendored Thing," "Soldier of Fortune"
and "Three Stripes in the Sun," we're
ready for an Oriental picture shot at Iverson's
Ranch. Next one will force me to serve
chop suey and chopsticks. Likee picture, no
likee business.
— Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Not bad. "Uncle George" Marks, Grove Theatre,
Beech Grove, Ind. Pop. 5,685.
Left Hand of God, The (20th-Fox)—Humphrey
Bogart, Gene Tierney, Lee J. Cobb.
Most of the comments on this one gave it a
favorable nod, with some excellent characterization
by Bogart and Cobb. The color and
sound were above average. This show was
bucking some of the coldest weather of the
season (plus TV), yet it got back all the
film rental. Terms from Fox are the most
reasonable of all the distributors. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Below freezing!—I. Roche,
Vernon Theatre, Vernon, Fla. Pop. 610.
Man Called Peter, A (20th-Fox1—Richard
Todd, Jean Peters, Marjorie Rambeau. In a
town 80 per cent French this did not break
any records, but after playing it we were
not sorry. From all those who came we
got nothing but praise. This also got us a
lot of new faces that we hope will come back.
Played Wed. to Sat. Weather: Perfect-
Harold Bell, Opera House, Coaticook, Que.
Pop. 6,341.
Seven Year Itch, The (20th-Fox)—Marilyn
Monroe, Tom Ewell, Evelyn Keyes. Ewell and
Monroe put on a good comedy. Drew very
well and pleased most of the customers. Some
of the teenagers thought it on the square
side. Guess they put on better love stories
than the actors did. Business good. Played
Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Good.—D. W.
Trisko, Runge Theatre, Runge, Tex. Pop. 1,055.
Snows of Kilimanjaro, The (20th-Fox)—
Reissue. Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, Ava
Gardner. Damn, tl)is is a good picture. Only
why didn't it pay for the extra three-cent
stamps I used to waste time sending out invitations?
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Mild.
—Lew Bray jr., Queen Theatre, McAllen, Tex.
English-Spanish-speaking patronage.
UNITED ARTISTS
Barefoot Contessa, The (UA)—Ava Gardner,
Humphrey Bogart, Edmond O'Brien. This is
one of the very few shows we played three
days. Ava Gardner should have had an Academy
Award a, long time before she made "Con-
English Films Can't Be
Ignored, Says Holmberg
T^OCTOR rN THE HOUSE (Rep)—Dirk
Bogarde, Muriel Pavlow, Kenneth
More. Again the Englishman has done It.
No fooling, if they do not go for this
comedy, there is something wrong. We
did poorly on it only due to the weather,
as we had a blizzard for four days. But
if it had not been for that, we surely
would have packed them in. Was very
clear picture in color, blown up on widescreen.
I wholeheartedly agree with Ted
Ross of Vancouver in his recent letter to
BOXOFFICE. You cannot turn your back
on the English pictures now. They're good
and we don't mean maybe.
SAM HOLMBERG
Regal Theatre,
Sturgis, Sa.sk.
tessa," and another one when she made it.
As was stated in the picture, what she's got
no one can even spell. O'Brien won his award
fair and square, I'd say. Our customers who
departed this cinema life for TV returned
again briefly. But it was Edmond O'Brien's
winning the Academy Award that advertised
the picture, not UA. Played Sun., Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Ideal.—J. D. Wilbanks,
Wagon Wheel Drive-In, Spearman, Tex.
Pop. 1,852.
Fort Defiance (UA)—Dane Clark, Peter
Graves, Ben Johnson. Doubled with "Untamed
Women," for a fair weekend with a
fair Technicolor mesquiter. Played Thurs.,
Sat. Weather: Mild.—Lew Bray jr.. Queen
Theatre, McAllen, Tex. English- Spanish -
speaking patronage.
Kentuckian, The (UA)—Burt Lancaster,
Dianne Foster, Diana Lynn. Here is a good
picture. Not for the Saturday patron, though.
This is a love story as well as the st»ry
of a backward man with little learning. It
was well received and business was better
than usual. Terms were not for a small town,
but better than what some of the other
companies give. The Cinemascope from UA
is better than that of any other company
I have run. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather:
Cold.—Kenneth Clem, Gem Theatre, Emmitsburg,
Md. Small college town.
Vera Cruz (UA)—Gary Cooper, Burt Lancaster,
Denise Darcel. Would have to be paid
by the company to show it. After paying the
guarantee, had 28 cents left to pay my house
expenses. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather:
Cold.—Ray Kincade, Kessner Theatre, LeRoy,
Kas. Pop. 695.
Robbers' Roost (UA)—George Montgomery,
Richard Boone, Bruce Bennett. A Zane Grey
natural. Pulled good crowds both nights and
pleased very well. Photography nearly as good
as 'Scope. There are no Indians in this picture.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.—
W. L. Stratton, Lyric Theatre, Challis, Ida.
Pop. 728.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Black Horse Canyon (U-I)—Joel McCrea,
Marl Blanchard, Race Gentry. Joel McCrea
Is popular in these parts. Coupled with a
black stallion, a good story and Marl, in eyestopping
denim— well, it was quite okay.
Played Tues., Wed—Frank E. Sabin, Majestic
Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Pop. 929.
Foxfire (U-D—Jane Russell, Jeff Chandler,
Dan Duryea. This is just an average good picture,
which drew average business. Universal
had the guts to put it in the 40 per cent
bracket, which took so much of the gross that
I, as usual, held the bag. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather : Good.—W. L. Stratton, Lyric Theatre,
Challis, Ida. Pop. 728.
Man Without a Star ( U-I )—Kirk Douglas,
Jeanne Crain, Claire Trevor. About as rough
and sexy as a western can get. A good brawn
and blood thriller that did not draw too well
here, but if it does not rain soon, I'm going
to have the biggest one-man crowds in the
state. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Dry and
cold.—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn Theatre,
Linn, Mo. Pop. 758.
One Desire (U-I) —Anne Baxter, Rock Hudson,
Julie Adams. A picture with a pleasing
story of the troubles between a gambling
house lady and a rich banker's daughter.
Story works out in the end. Pleases all.
Average business. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Cool.—D. W. Trisko, Runge Theatre.
Runge, Tex. Pop. 1,055.
WARNER BROS.
Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell, The (WB)
—Gary Cooper, Ralph Bellamy, Charles Bickford.
A real hunk of celluloid that should
please any audience. The court scene and
Billy Mitchell's (Gary Cooper) predictions of
Pearl Harbor, the Air Force and the Air
Academy back in World War I days are aweinspiring.
Played Sun. through Wed. Weather:
Snowstorm.—Robert Klinge, Uptown Theatre,
Sedalia, Mo. Pop. 20,354. '
Mister Roberts (WB)—Henry Fonda, Jame
Cagney, William Powell. Swell show, but i
mal at the boxoffice. Would have done we
months earlier during the national advert
ing campaign, but by the time we small
hibitors run pictures, the biggest pictures
dead dodos. The public has lost interest
Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Good, but
cold.—Leonard J. Leise, Roxy Theatre, Randolph,
Neb. Pop. 1,029.
Sincerely Yours (WB)—Liberace, Joanne
Dru, Dorothy Malone. Liberace is a showman
and does surprisingly well in making the
jump from the 21-inch screen to the 21-foot
size. I promoted a grand piano, put it down
front with a candelabra on it and a sign,
"Coming." If you don't mind trading some
action fans, who will walk away, for some
TV fans you don't see often, play this. Lots
of music, but not as boring as some tenminute
production numbers you've played.
Weather: Cold. — "Uncle George" Marks,
Grove Theatre, Beech Grove, Ind. Pop. 5,685.
Young at Heart (WB)—Doris Day, Frank
Sinatra, Gig Young. Keep on getting features
as fine as this one and I'm liable to get to
loving this business yet and not minding so
much the times when I find I'm just working
for my health. This Day gal brightens the
night for the exhibitor who cares what his
customers think. A nice light family story
and a cast of competent people make this ona
you'll be glad you played if you've doubted
it longer than I did. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Lovely—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre.
Fruita. Colo. Pop. 1,463.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuido :
: Feb. 18, 1956

, 1927
1
I
1702
j
1692
I 1683
:
1746
|
1847
! 1898
m\m
in interpretive analysis of lay and trodepress reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate degree of
merit only; audience classification is not rated. Listings cover current reviews, brought up to date regularly.
This department serves also as on ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title
is Picture Guide Review page number. For listings by company, in the order of release, see Feature Chart.
ujjjsirr
Very Good; + Good; — Fair;
— Poor; — Very Poor In the summary is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses.
2 I 11 ilea I
i £ ec C
fllls=
a =c cd i x > , u_
A
1703 Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops
(80) Comedy U-l 2-5-55+ * + ± 4+ 7+4-
1763 Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy
(79) Comedy U-l 5- 7-55 + ±
6+4-
1784 Adventures of Sadie, The
(88) Comedy 20th-Fox 6- 4-55 * +
44- = + 44 7+3-
1821 African Lion. The (73)
Documentary Buena Vista 8-13-55 + + + + 4+ 4+ 9+1-
1720 African Manhunt (65) Adv.-Drama Red 2-26-55—
1—
1780 Ain't Misbehavin'. (81) Musical-Comedy. . .U-l 5-28-55 + * - * * 6+6-
Air Strike (67) Drama LP
1868 All That Heaven Allows (89) Drama U-l 10-29-55 4+ ++ 4+4+4+ 11+1-
1687 Americano. The (87) Outdoor- Drama. .. RK0 1-8-55+ + ± + + + 7+1-
1769 Angela (81) Drama 20th-Fox 5-21-55+ ± * + * - 6+5-
1692 Animal Farm (75) Satire DCA 1-15-55 + + +t + 7+
1733 Annapolis Story. An (81) Drama AA 3-26-55+ 4+ 4+ 4+ + + 10+
1916 Anything Goes (108) Musical Para 1-21-56+4 + + + 4+ 7+
1824 Apache Ambush (67) Western Col 8-13-55* it * + - 4+6-
1857 Apache Woman (83) Western ARC 10-15-55 ± *
3+3-
1875 Artiits and Models (109)
Comedy with Music Para 11-12-55 + + + + 4+ 4+ ± 9+1
1891 At Gunpoint (90) Western AA 12-10-55 + + + 4+ +4 + 8+
B
Battle Cry (148) Drama WB 2- 5-55 +4
. . Battle Stations
Battle Taxi
(
(82)
) Drama
Drama
Col
UA 1-15-55 +
Beachcomber, The (82) Drama UA 1- 1-55 +
Bedevilled (83) Drama MGM 4- 9-55 +
Bengazi (78) Adventure- Drama RK0 9-24-55 *
Benny Goodman Story, The
(125) Musical U-l 12-17-55 4+
Betrayed Women (70) Melodrama AA 2-11-56 *
1808 Big Bluff, The (70) Drama! UA 7-16-55 +
1709 Big Combo (89) Crime-Drama AA 2-19-55*
1723 Big House, U.S.A. (82) Crime-Drama UA 3-5-55 +
1845 Big Knife. The (111) Drama UA 9-24-S5 +
1759 Big Tip Off, The (77) Drama AA 4-30-55 +
1723 Blackboard Jungle (100) Drama MGM 3-5-55 4+
1676 Black Tuesday (80) Drama UA 12-25-54 +
1847 Blood Alley (115) Adventure-Drama WB 9-24-55 +
1876 Bobby Ware Is Missing (66) Drama AA 11-12-55 ±
Bold and the Brave. The ( . ) Drama RK0
1923 Bottom of the Bottle. The
(88) Drama 20th-Fox 2- 4-56 +
Brain Machine. RK0
The ( . ) Drama
1812 Break to Freedom (88) Drama UA 7-23-55 +
1682 Bridges at Toko-Ri, The (105) Drama... Para 1- 1-55 4+
1799 Bring Your Smile Along (83) Musical Col 7- 2-55 —
1930 Broken Star, The (82) Western UA 2-11-56 +
1752 Bullet for Joey. A (85) Action-Drama. .. .UA 4-16-55 ±
+ + + 4+ + + 9+
* 1+1-
+ - ± + ± 5+3-
+ + + + + 6+
*.
+
c
1731 Canyon Crossroads (83) Western Col 3-19-55 +
1711 Captain Lightfoot (92) Adventure- Drama. U-l 2-19-55 44
1635 Carmen Jones (105) Musical 20th-Fox 10-16-54 4+
1701 Carolina Cannonball (75) Comedy Rep 2- 5-55 *
Carousel (..) Musical Drama 20th-Fox
1827 Case of the Red Monkey (73) Drama .. AA 8-22-55 *.
1912 Cash on Delivery (82) Farce-Comedy... RKO 1-28-56 +
1751 Cell 2455. Death Row (77) Crime-Drama Col 4-16-55 *
1799Chicago Syndicate (86) Crime-Drama. .. Col 7-2-55 +
1719 Chief Crazy Horse (86) Adv.-Drama U-l 2-26-55 +
1869 City of Shadows (70) Action-Drama Rep 11- 5-55 —
1787 Cobweb. The (124) Drama MGM 6-11-55 +
1925 Come Next Srring (92) Drama Rep 2-4-56 +
Conqueror. The (..) Drama RK0
1746 Conquest of Space (80) Science-Fiction. Para 4- 9-55 44
1846 Count Three and Pray
(102) Outdoor-Drama Col 9-24-55
1663 Country Girl. The (103) Drama Para 12- 4-54
1925 Court Jester, The (101) Comedy Para 2- 4-56
1849 Court-Martial (105) Drama Kingsley 10- 1-55
1890 Court- Martial of Billy Mitchell. The
(100) Factual-Drama WB 12-10-55
1772 Crashout (90) Crime-Drama Filmakers 5-21-55
1792 Creature With the Atom Brain (70)
Science-Fiction Col 6-18-55
1882 Crooked Web, The (77) Melodrama Col 11-26-55 ±

REVIEW DIGEST
Very Good; + Good; - Fair; — Poor; — Very Poor. In the summary tt is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses.
£ S 2 S Icis-g \s
.A - K » £ .5 i»,':S.:
& |= tr f3 O oc |ca|xoc|>
If
1902 Hell on Frisco Bay (98) Drama WB 12-24-55 * ± +
1882 H ell's Horiron (79) Action-Drama Col 11-26-55 - + *.
1763 Hells Island (84) Adventure-Drama Para 5- 7-55 + *. +
1775 High Society (61) Comedy AA 5-21-55* ± *.
1888 Hill 24 Doesn't Answer
(100) Drama Cont'l. Dis. 12- 3-55 +
1722 Hit the Deck (112) Musical MGM 3- 5-55 +t +
1845 Hold Back Tomorrow (75) Melodrama U-l 9-24-55— —
±
1803 House of Bamboo (102) Drama 20th-Fox 7- 9-55 tt
1909 Houston Story. The (79) Melodrama Col 1-7-56 +
1811 How (o Be Very, Very Popular
(89) Comedy 20th-Fox 7-23-55 ff
1691 Hunters of the Deep (64) Documentary. DCA 1-15-55 +
I
1819 I Am a Camera (95) Comedy DCA 8- 6-55 +
1758 1 Cover the Underworld (70) Crime- Drama. Rep 4-30-55 +
1860 I Died a Thousand Times (109) Drama. WB 10-15-55 +
1835 Illegal (88) Drama WB 9-3-55 +
1894 I'll Cry Tomorrow (117) Drama MGM 12-17-55 ff
1900 Indian Fighter. The (88) Outdoor-Drama. UA 12-24-55 ff
1892 Inside Detroit (82) Action-Drama Col 12-10-55 +
1738 Interrupted Melody (106)
Musical-Drama MGM 3-26-55 ff
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
(80) Science-Fiction AA
1792 It Came From Beneath the Sea (80)
Science- Fiction Col 6-18-55 +
1831 Its a Dogs Life (88) Comedy-Drama
(Reviewed as The Bar Sinister") MGM 8-27-55 +
1830 It's Always Fair Weather (102) Musical. MGM 8-27-55 +
J
Jail Busters (61) Comedy AA
Jaguar (66) Adventure-Drama Rep
1917 Joe Macbeth (90) Melodrama Col 1-21-56 ±
1740 Jump Into Hell (90) Drama WB 3-26-55 —
1744 Jungle Moon Men (69) Adv.-Drama Col 4- 2-55 ±
MGM
B
+ ± + + 7+4-
- + * 3+4-
± + + + 7+2-
± * 5+5-
+ ft + 5+
ff ff ff + 11+1-

tt Very Good; + Good; - Fair; — P oor

BID
!
i
i
W.
. . D
.D.
.
1
: i Picnic
l llson.
D
.
.
i
Minn
'
'
"
. D
I
II
.MD.
M.
.
mms fiflxW
Feature productions by company in order of release. Number in square is national release dote. Running
time is in parentheses. Letters and combinations thereof indicate story type as follows: (C) Comedy; (D)
Drama; (AD) Adventure-Drama; (CD) Comedy-Drama; (F) Fantasy; (M) Musical; (W) Western; (SW) Supeiwestcrn.
Release number follows. '.,) denotes BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Photography:
O Color; < 3-D; Wide Screen. For review dotes ond Picture Guide poge numbers, see Review Digest.
ALLIED
ARTISTS
Lord of the Jungle (69) AD. .5518
Johnny Sheffield. Wayne Morris, N«nrj Ball
Fingermon (82) D. .5519
Frank Lovejoy. Peggie Castle, Forrest Tucker
COLUMBIA
Five Agolnat the Hoax (84) D. .742
Kim Nova. Brian letla
©Prlie of Gold, A (98) A0..738
Richard Wldmark. Mai letterllng, N Patrick
LIPPERT
m King Dinosaur (59)
Bill Rryant. Wanda Curtis
SF. .5418
M-G-M
id
to ©oLove Me or Leave Me
(122) MD .527'
Doris Day. James Cagney. C. Mitchell
>4 ©oMoonfleet (87) AD 528
Stewart Granger. \; J Greenwood
8 Cos* of th* Red Monkey (73). .D. .5521
lllrtuurd t'opit, Rons Anderson, R. N apier
SJOcWIchlto (81) .SW. 5520
Joel MeCrea. Vera Miles. Uoyd 1
H Betroyed Women (70) D. .5524
Beverly Michaels, Tom Drake. Carole Milln.
>i' Spy Chosen (61) C..5522
U-o Oorcey. Hunts nail. Lisa Dsrls
B Phenlx City Srory, The (100) .. D . .5525
Richard Klley. Kathryn Oranl. John Mclnttre
Chicogo Syndlcote (86) D..747
-te. Xavier Cugat. Abbe Una
Creature With the Atom Breln
70) SF. .746
Denning, Angela Stevens
It Come From Beneath the See
(80) SF..732
Faith Domergue, Kenneth Tobey. Ian Kelts)
©Bring Your Smile Alone (83). M. .803
Frankle Lalne, Keefe Braaaelle, Connie Towers
Q: Man From Loremle, The
(104) W. .801
Stewart, Cathy 0'Donnell. Donald Crisp
(D Lonesome Troll, The (73) W..5416
John Agar, Wayne Morris, slargla Dean
X ©^Interrupted Melody (106) .
.529
Eleanor Parker, Glenn Ford, Roger Moors
ii ©aCobweb, The (124) D. .531
Charles Buyer, Lauren Baeall. Richard Wldmark
5j ©oKing's Thief, The
I
Ann lllyth. Edmund Purdum. David Nlven
33 ©cScorlet Coot (100) D 533
Cornel Wilde. Michael Wilding. Anne t rands
M
3« Night Freight (79) D. .5526
Forrest Tucker. Barbara Brllton, K. Larsen
SS ©aWorriors, The (85) D. .5523
Plynn. Joanne Dru. Peter Finch
is Joil Busters (61) C. .5529
Lm Gone), llunti Hall. Barton MacLaine
db Pcturn of Jack Slade, The
(79) W. .5528
John Brlcsun. Marl Blanchard. Neville Brand
a Bobby Wore Is Missing (66). . . D. .5532
Neville Brand. Arthur Frana. Jean Wllles
Apache Ambush (67) W..804
Bill Williams, Richard Jaeckel. Ales Montoys
©Footsteps In the Fog (90) .D.. 802
irl Granger, Jean Simmons, BUI Travers
©Gun That Won the West, The
(71) W. .809
Dennis Morgan, Paula Raymond, B. Denning
Night Holds Terror, The (86). . ,807
lack Kelly, Hlldy Parks. Vlnce Edwards
Speciol Delivery 86) C. .806
©oCount Three ond Pray (102)OD. .811
Van Heflln, Joanne Woodward, Phil Carey
Devil Goddess (70) AD . 805
Johnny Weissmuller. Angela Stevens
©Duel on the Mississippi (72).. D. . 808
Lex Barker, Patricia Medina, Warren Stevens
U©oMy Sister Eileen (108). MC. .810
'Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Betty Garrett
31 ©Slmba—Terror of the
Mau Mou (99) AD.. 5421
Dirk Bogarde, Donald Slnden. Virginia McKenna
|] ©olt's Alwoys Fair Weather
(102) M. 601
Gene Kelly, Cyd (harlsse. Dolores Gray
s GSvcngoli (82) D 602
Hildegarde Neff. Donald Wolflt, Terence Morgan
171 Trial (109) D 604
Ford. Dorothy McGuire, Arthur Kennedy
IVI ©cnQuentin Durward AD 607
Robert Taylor,
(1 01
Kay Kendall,
) . . .
Robert Morley
SI Toughest Mon Alive (72) D..5533
bane Clark. Uu Milan. Anthony Caruso
Queen Bee (95) D. .819
Joan Crawford, Barry Sullivan, John Ireland
Teen- Age Crime Wove (77). . . D. .824
Tommy Cook, Molly McCart, James Bell
Three Stripes In the Sun (93). CD. .820
Uilu Kay. 1'hll Carey, Mltsuko Kimura
a ©cnTender Troo, The (111) C. 608
Debbie Reynolds. Frank Sinatra. Celeste Holes
9 Porls Follies of 19S6 (73) M. .5534
Forrest Tucker , M argaret k Barbara Whit ing
E Shock Out on 101 (80) D . . 5535
Terry Moore. Frank Lovejoy, Keenan Wynn
2j SI Sudden Danger (63) D . . 5546
1
0O Elliott. Beverly Garland. Tom Drake
" 61 OcAt Gunpoint (80) SW .
>-
|
as
< I
=>
. 553
Fred MacMurray, Doro thy Maloce. W. Brenn an
|(T Dig Thot Uranium (61) C. .5541
Lr>. Gorcey. Hunts Hall. Mary Beth Hughes
Crooked Web, The (77) D. .816
Frank Lovejoy, Marl Blanchard, B. Denning
Hell's Horizon (79) D . . 823
John Ireland, Maria KngDai, Bill Williams
©Lawless Street, A (78) W. .814
Randolph Scott, Angela Lansbnry. Jean Parker
Inside Detroit (82) D..815
Pat O'Brien, Dennis 0/Keefs
©aLost Frontier, The (98). . . .W. .812
Victor Mature, Anne Bancroft, Guy Madison
0©Guys ond Dolls (149) M 614
Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons. Frank Sinatra
(Prerelease)
2| ©aKismet (113) M. .613
Howard Keel. Ann Blyth. Vic Dimene
S ©olt's a Dog's Life (88) CD. .603
(Reviewed as "The Bar Sinister" 8(27 58)
Edmund Gwenn. Jarma Lewis. Jeff Richards
Flj ©oDiane (110) D. .616
[,ana Turner, Pedro Armendaris. Marlsa Paral
Ransom! (104) D 617
Glenn Kurd. Donna Reed. Leslie Nielsen
>
ac
<
ac
CO
i'i.
Deadliest Sin, The (75) D . . 5601
Sydney Chaplin. Audrey Palton, John Bentley
olnvosion of the Body Snatchers
(80) SF . . 5602
Kevin McCarthy. Dana Wynter. King Donovan
©No Ploee to Hide (72) D..5603
David Brian. Marsha Hunt. Cella Flor
Bottle Stations (81) D..
John Lund. Wm Bendli, Keefe Brasselle
Fury of Gunslght Pass (68) W..817
David Brian, Neville Brand, Richard Long
Houston Story, The (79) D. .821
Lee J. Cobb, Edward Arnold, Barbara Hale
822
Joe Macbeth (90) D .
Paul Douglas, Ruth Roman, Bonar
.
Colleano
©Forever Darling (96) C 620
Lucille Ball. Desi Arnaz, James Mason
©Lost Hunt, The (108) AD 621
Robert Taylor, Stewart Granvrer. Debra Paget
.
H Thunderstorm (81) D. 5604
Linda Christian, Carlos Thompson. Chas. Konln
©Four Seasons (84) D . . 5605
55
Davl--Soforl
AD.
Victor Mature, lanet Leigh
O' Zorok Khan D
Victor Mature. Anita Kkberg. Michael Wilding
Bhowcni Junction AD. .
Vva Gardner. Stewart Grander. Ahraham Sofaer
Catered Affair, The CD. .
Bettc Darts,
©Goby D .
.
drlc Hardwlcke
Invitation to the Dance (94). . .
Gene Kelly. Belila. Tamara Toumanova
I'll Cry Tomorrow .
i ; rj, Eddli Ubert, Itldiai
Living Idol, The D .
l.iliine Mont
Life Q=Lusf for D .
Kirk Douglas. Anthony Qulnn. I'
Rack, The D..
Francis, Wend
Swon. The D. .
Jmird.in
Tribute to a Bad Man D. .
Stephen McN'allT
.

.OD.
. D. .
8
. Ain't
:
Reason,
i
Marie
.
.
.
]
©aRebel
]
©Court-Mortial
.
.
.
. D
1 4 1 ) . . D
. D
. Mar.
.Oct.
Dec.
.
FEATURE
CHART
UNITED ARTISTS id
Big Bluff, The (70) D..5519
John Bromfleld. Mirths Vickers. It. Ilutton
Seo Sholl Nof Hove Them,
The [91) AD. .5520
rife, Dirk Bogarde, Anthony Bteel
©Summertime (99) CD. .5521
Kith iriiu' Bepbura, Rossano Brazil. Marl Aldon
Breok to Freedom (88) D..55I2
Anthony Steal, Jack Warner, R. Beatty
Man Who Loved Redheads
(89) C..5522
Molra Shearer. John Justin. Roland Culver
Nof As a Stronger ( 1 36) D . . 55 1
Robert Mltrhum. Olivia de Uavllland, F. Sinatra
©Kentuckion, The ( 1 04) D . . 5524
Burt Lancaster. Diana Lynn, Una Merkcl
Nokcd Street, The (84) D. .5526
Farley Granger, Anthony Qulnn. Anne Bancroft
©Desert Sands (87) AD. .5529
Ralph Meeker. Maria English, J. Carrol Nalsh
Night of the Hunter (90) D . . 5527
Robert Mltchum. Shelley Winters. Lillian Clsh
©Gentlemen Morry Brunettes
(99) M. .5531
Jane Russell, Jeanne Craln, Rudy Vallee
©Fort Yuma (79) OD. .5533
Peter Graves, Joan Vohs, John Hudson
Othello (92) D. .5530
Orson Welles, Suzanne Cloutier, Fay Compton
©Savage Princess (101) AD .. 5534
(Filmed in India with native cast)
Big Knife, The (111)
D..5532
Jack l'alance, Ida Lupino. Shelley Winters
Killer's Kiss (67) D..5525
Frank Silvers. Jamie Smith, Irene Kane
Man With the Gun (83) W. .5535
Robert Mltchum. Jan Sterling, Henry Hull
©Heidi and Peter (89) D. .5538
Elsbeth Slgmund. Thomas Klametb
©Indian Fighter, The (88) . .5537
Kirk Douglas, Walter Mattbau, Walter Abel
Top Gun (73) W..5536
Sterling Hayden, Karin Booth, Wm. Bishop
Man With the Golden Arm, The
(119) D. .5540
Frank Sinatra. Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak
Storm Fear (88) D. .5539
Cornel Wilde, Jean Wallace, Dan Duryea
Three Bod Sisters (75) D. .5602
Maria English, John Bromfleld, Sara Shane
Killer Is Loose, The (73) D. .5608
Joseph Gotten, Rhonda Fleming. Wendell Corey
©Let's Moke Up (72) M . . 5604
Errol Flynn. Anna Neagle, David Parrel
©Monfish (76) AD . . 5607
John Bromfleld. Victor Jory, Lon Chaney
Shadow of the Eagle (93) D. .5605
Richard eene, Valentine Cortesa. Greta Gynt
Ghost Town (75) WD. .
Kent Taylor. Marian Carr, John Smith
Patterns (. .) D. .
Van Benin, Everett Sloane. Beatrice Straight
Timetable (79) D..
Mark Btefens, Felicia Farr. Wesley Addy
©Alexander the Great D. .
Richard Button, Claire Bloom, Fredrlc March
Daughter,
©Ambassador's
The CD. .
•llvia de Uavllland. Myrna Loy, J. Forsythe
©Beast of Hollow Mountain. . D. .
Guy Madison. Patricia Medina
©Comanche W. .
Dana Andrews. Kent Smith, Linda Crlstel
©Foreign Intrigue
.*
Ultenum, Genevieve Page
©Kiss Before Dying, A D. .
Robert Wagner. Mary A Cnlhown, Yvonne De Carlo. Neville Brand
WARNER BROS.
ID ©oSea Chose, The (118) D..416
John Wayne, Lana Turner, Tab Hunter
H ©aToll Man Riding (83) W..417
Randolph Scutt. Dorothy Malone. Peggie Castle
Misbchovin' 181) MC..529 E) ©oLond of the Pharaohs (1 12) . D. .419
Laurie, Kory Calhoun, Jack Carson
Jack Hawkins, Joan Collins, Dewey Martin
©Foxfire (92) D . . 528
Jiii Chandler, Jane Russell, Dan Duryea
©Purple Mask, The (82) D. ,530 fill Dam Busters, The (101) AD. .420
(Also in standard tendon, prod. no. 531)
Richard Todd. Michael Redgrave
Tony Curtis. Colleen Miller. Angela Lansbury
^©Mister Roberts (123) C. .418
Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell
H ©aPete Kelly's Blues (95) M. .421
Jack Webb. Janet Leigh, Edmond O'Brien
S W©aMcConnell Story, The
(107) D..501
Alan Ladd, June Ailyson. James Whltmore
El ©aBlood Alley (115) AD.. 502
John Wayne. Lauren Bacall, Anita Ekberg
SU Illegal (90) D . . 503
Edw. G. Robinson, Nina Foch, Hugh Marlowe
Without o Cause ( II 1 ) . D . 504
James Dean. Natalie Wood, Jim Backus
SD ©! Died a Thousand Times
(109) D..505
Jack Palance, Shelley Winters, Lee Marvin
IS ©Sincerely Yours (115) M . . 506
Liberace, Dorothy Malone, Joanne Dru
IS Target Zero (92)
D..508
Richard Conte, Peggie Castle, Charles Bronson
of Billy
Mitchell, The (100) D. .507
Gary Cooper. Ralph Bellamy, Chas. BickJford
Hell on Frisco Bay (98) D . . 509
Alan Ladd. Joanne Dru, Edw. G. Robinson
m ©nHelen of Troy (118) D..5I0
Rossana Podesta, Jack Sernas. C- Hardvvlcke
£l©Lone Ranger, The (86) W..511
Bonita Granville. Clayton Moore, Jay SUverheels
El Miracle in the Rain (107) D. .512
Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Peggie Castle
M River Changes, The (91) D. .513
mi Rory, llatold Maresch
53 Steel Jungle, The (86) D. .514
Perry Lopez. Beverly Garland, Walter Abel
As Long As You're Near Me. . . .D. .
0. W. Fischer. Maria Scbell
Bod Seed, The D. .
Nancy Kelly, Patty McCormick, William Hopper
©Giant D . .
Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, Rock Hudson
Goodbye, My Lady D . .
Brandon do Wilde, Walter Brennan, Phil Harris
©Moby Dick D . .
Gregory Peck. R. Basehart, Orson Welles
Our Miss Brooks C. .
Eve Ardrn. Don Porter, Robert Rockwell
©Santiago AD .
Alan Ladd, Rossani Podesta. Lloyd Nolan
©LiSeorchers, The D .
John Wayne, Vera Miles, Jeffrey Hunter
©Serenade MD .
Mario Lanza. Joan Fontaine, Vincent Price
©Seven Men From Now W. .
Randolph Scott, Gall Russell. Lee Marvin
.
MISCELLANEOUS g jj
AMERICAN RELEASING CORP.
©Apache Woman (83) W..
uoyd !' laylor. Lance Fuller
Doy the World Ended (80) SF. .
Richard Denning, l.uri Nelson, Adele Jurgeni
Fost ond Furious (74) AD, .
Jniiii Ireland, Dorothy Malone, Bruce Carlisle
i
©Five Guns West (78) W.
John Lund, Dorothy Malone, Paul Blrcb
Phantom From 10,000 Leagues,
The (80)
SF..
Kent Taylor, Cathy Downs. Mike Whalen
ASTOR
Master Plon, The (77) D. .Feb.-55
Wayne Morris. Tilda Thamar
Sleeping Tiger, The (89) D. .
Smith, Alexander Knox. D. Bogarde
BUENA VISTA
\|.
tj©Africon Lion, The (73). Doc. .Oct.-55
©Davy Crockett, King of the
Wild Frontier (95) AD.
Fcss Parker, Buddy Ebsen. Basil Itusydael
©Lady and the Tramp
(76) Cart. .Apr.-55
©Littlest Outlaw, The (75). AD. . Jon.-5o
Pedro Armendariz, Joseph Caliela
CARROLL
Four Ways Out (77) D.
Glna Lollubriglda. Renato Baldlnl. C. Greco
DISTRIBUTORS CORP. OF AMERICA
Frisky (98) C. .
Glna Lollobrlglda, Vlttorlo De Sica
I Am o Camera (95) C. .
Julie Harris, Laurence Harvey, Shelley Winters
©Long John Silver (109) AD..
Robert Newton. Kit Taylor. Eric Relmao
Princess Cinderella (72) C. .
Sllvana Jachino. Roberto Villa, Paolo Stoppa
Stranger's Hand, The !86) . . -55
Richard Basehart. Alida Valll. Trevor Howard
FILMAKERS
Croshout (90)
D. .Mor.-55
Wm. Bendix. Arthur Kennedy, B. Michaels
Mad at the World (71) D..Mar.-55
Frank Lovejoy. K. Brasselte, C. O'Donnell
LOUIS deROCHEMONT
Great Adventure, The (75) . . . .Sept. -55
Arne Sucksdorff, Anders Norborg
I.F.E.
(American Dialog)
©Aido (95)
M. .Oct.-54
Sophia Loren, Lois Maxwell, Afro Poll
City Stands Trial (105) D..Apr.-55
Silvana Pamjianlni, Amadeo Nazzarl
©Green Magic (85) Doc. Jun.-55
Travel Film of Brazil
©Lease of Life (93) D. .Jan.-56
Robert Donat, Kay Walsh, Adrienne Corrl
Love in the City (90) D..May-55
Nonprofessional cast
Too Young for Love (88). . . .D. .Apr.-55
Marin Vladv. P. M. Beck. Aldo Fabrlzl
Wayward Wife (91) D. .Apr .-55
Glna Lollobrigida, Granco Interlenghl
VISUAL DRAMA, INC.
Gongbusters (77) D. .Mar.-55
Myron Healy, Don C. Harvey, Sam Edwards
REISSUES
COLUMBIA
Petty Girl, The (87) CD..June-55
Boberl Cummings, Joan Caulfleld
They All Kissed the Bride (87). .June- 55
Juan Crawford. Melvyn Douglas, Roland Young
Walk a Crooked Mile (91). . .D. . -55
Dennis O'Keefe, Louis Hayward
MGM
Green Dolphin Street ( . -55
Lana Turner. Van Heflin. Donna Reed
Guy Named Joe, A ( 1 20) . . . Nov.-55
Spencer Tracy. Irene Dunne, Van Johnson
Philadelphia Story, The
(112) CD..Oct.-55
Carv Grant. Katharine Hepburn
30 Seconds Over Tokyo ( 1 38) . D . .
Nov.-55
Spencer Tracy, Van Johnson
PARAMOUNT
©Reap the Wild Wind (124J.D. .Nov.-54
John Wayne, Paulette Goddard. Ray Mllland
RKO RADIO
Big Street, The (88) D. .Jun.-55
Henry Fonda. Lucille Ball
. Mar.-55
Bringing Up Baby (1 02) . . . .C. .May-55
Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn
Informer, The (91) D..Apr.-55
Victor McLaglen. Preston Foster
I Remember Mama (1 19) .. D. .May-55
Irene Dunne. Barbara Bel Geddes
20th CENTURY-FOX
Coll Northside 777 (1 1 1) .. D. .May-55
James Suwart. Helen Walker
Dakota Lil (88) W .
George Montgomery. Marie Windsor, R. Cameron
Nightmare Alley (111) D . . Oct.-55
Tyrone Power. Joan Blondell, Coleen Gray
Thieves' Highway (94) D. .Oct.-55
Richard Conte. Lee J Cobb, V. Cortesa
Where the Sidewoik Ends
(95) D. .Moy-55
Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney
WARNER BROS.
Big Sleep, The (114) D . . Dec-54
Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall
Soratoga Trunk (135) D. . Dec. -54
IncTld Bergman. Gary Cooper

. 1-
6-17-55
11-11-55
. Aug-55
Short subjects, listed by company, in order or release. Running time follows title. First is national
release, second the dote of review in BOXOFFICE. Symbol between dates is roting from BOXOFFICE
review.' ++ Very Good. + Good. ± Foir. — Poor. = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography. Simn
fiijjia'j
Allied Artists
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd
5590 Mighty Fortress, The (31) ++ 1- 1
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Reissues)
5551 Subject J7-5 (10) 1- 9-55
5552 Subject J7-1 (10) 1-23-55
5553 Subject J7-2 (10) 2- 6-55
5554 Subiect J7-3 (10) 2-20-55
Columbia
Prod No. Title Rel Date Rating Revd
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
7415 ScratchScratch-Scratch

.
. 4-10-55
.Queen
Hildegarde
SHORTS
CHART
5512-9 Last Mouse of Hamlin,
The (7) Sept. -55
(1955-56)
5601-0 The Clockmaker's Dog
(7) Jan.-56
TERRYTOON-CINEMASCOPES
(Technicolor)
5531-9 Willie the Walrus in An Igloo
for Two (7) May-55 + 8-20
5532-7 Good Deed Daly (7) . .July-55 + 12- 3
5533-5 Bird Symphony (7) Aug.-55 ++ 12- 3
5534-3 The Little Red Hen (7).Sept.-55 +1-7
(1955-56)
5631-7 Park Avenue Pussycat
(7) Jan. -56
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd
CINEMASCOPE FEATURETTE
(Technicolor)
2600 The Nat '-Kino" Cole
Musical Story (IS) ++ 12-10
COLOR PARADE
1382 Moose Country (9'/2 ) . . 3-21-55
1383 White Magic (9) 4-25-55
1385 King Salmon (9) 7-11-55 + 8-27
1386 Swing Hi-Swing Lo (9). 8- 1-55 + 8-27
1384 The Big Test (10) 6-13-55 + 10- 8
1387 Dream Island (9) 9- 5-55 ± 11-19
1388 Against the Stream (9) . .10-10-55 + 1-2S
MUSICAL FEATURETTES
1307 Girl Time (16) 5-16-55 +8-6
1308 Webb Pieice and His
Wonderin' Boys (16) . . 6-20-55
1309 Roundup of Rhythm (16) 7-18-55 + 8-27
1310 Eddy Howard and
His Orchestra (14).. 8-22-55+ 8-27
1311 The Ink Spots (15) 9-19-55 + 11-19
1312 The Sauter-Finegan
Orchestra (18) 10-24-55 + 11-19
(1955-56)
2601 Mambo Madness (15) . .11-24-55 + 11-12
2602 Ralph Marterie & His
Orchestra (15) 11-28-55 + 11-26
TWO-REEL SPECIALS
(In Color)
1201 Gift From Dirk, A (15) .11-21-54 +f 1- 8
1202 Steve Allen Tells "The
King's Secret" (16) . ++ 6-11
1300 World of Beauty (17).. 3-15-55
VARIETY VIEWS
1343 Whatever Goes Up (9). 4-11-55+ 5-21
1344 Modern Minute Men (9). 4-25-55 + 8-20
1345 Brooklyn Goes to
Cleveland (10) 7- 4-55 + 10- 8
1346 Monkey Shines (9) 8-22-55 + 11-26
1347 Brooklyn Goes to Us Vegas
( . ) 9-26-55
.
1348 Small Wonders ( . ) 10-24-55
.
VISTARAMA SPECIALS
(In Color)
1203 Fortress of Freedom (10) 3-28-55
WALTER LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
1324 Witch Crafty (7) 3-14-55
1325 Legend of Rock-A-Bye-Point
(7) 4-11-55
5- 9-55 + 3-26
1327 Sh-h-h-h (7) 6- 6-55
1328 Bedtime Bedlam (7)... 7-4-55
1329 Paw's Night Out (7) . . 8- 1-55 + 10-22
1326 Private Eye Pooch (7) . .
1330 Flea for Two (6) 8-29-55 + 8-27
1331 Square Shootin' Sguare
(6) 9-26-55 8-27
1332 Hot and Cold Penguin (7) 10-24-55 + 12-10
1333 Bunco Busters (7) 11-21-55+ 1-7
1955-56)
2611 The Tree Medic (6) 10-24-55 + 11-12
WALTER LANTZ REISSUES
1351 Bandmaster, The (7)... 2-21-55
1352 Mad Hatter, The (7) . . . 3-28-55
1353 Banquet Busters (7) . . . 4-25-55
1354 Kiddie Koncert (7) 5-30-55
1355 Pixie Picnic (7) 6-27-55
1356 Wacky Bye Baby (7) . . 7-25-55
Warner Bros.
Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd
3910 24 Hour Alert (30) U. S.
Air Force Short (3 reels) fr 12-31
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor Reissues)
3301 Doggone Cats (7) 9-10-55
3302 The Rattled Rooster (7). 10-22-55
3303 Fair and Wormer (7).. 11- 5-55
3304 Mousemerized Cat (7) . .11-26-55
3305 The Foghorn Leghorn
(7) 12-24-55
3306 Bone, Sweet Bone (7>... 1-21-56
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2726 Sahara Hare (7) 3-26-55 ± 4-30
2727 Hare Brush (7) 5- 7-55 + 8-20
2728 Rabbit Rampage (7) 6-11-55 #8-6
2729 This Is the Life (7)... 7- 9-55
2730 Hyde and Hare (7) 8-27-55 + 10-22
(1955-56)
3723 Knight-Mare Hare (7).. 10- 1-55
3724 Roman Legion- Hare (7) .11-12-55 + 1-28
3725 Bugs Bonnets (7) 1-14-56
CLASSICS OF THE SCREEN
5501-3 Phony News Flashes (7>.July-55 +1-7
5511-1 Foxed by a Fox (7) . . . Aug.-55 + 1-14 3101 Small Town Idol (..).. 9-24-55
3102 It Happened to You ( .
. ) . 12-31-55
3103 Dog in the Orchard ( . . ) . 11-19-55
COLOR SPECIALS
)
2008 Old Hickory (17) 4- 9-55
8-13-55
2009 Festival Days < . .
2010 Wave of the Flag (19). 5-14-55 4+ 7-30
2011 Adventures of Alexander
Selkirk (17) 6-18-55 +8-6
2012 Uranium Fever (..) 7-16-55
(1955-56)
) .
.10-
.
8-55
3001 Movieland Magic ( .
3002 The Golden Tomorrow
(17) 11- 5-55
Behind 12- 3-55
3003 the Big Top ( . . ) .
3004 They Seek Adventure
( .
. ) 1- 7-56
JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES
2405 So You Want to Be on a Jury
(10) 5- 7-55 + 7-23
2406 So You Want to Run a
Model Railroad (10) . . 8-27-55 + 10-22
(19S5-56)
3401 So You Want to be a
Vice-President (10) .. .10-29-55 + 12-31
3402 So you Want to be a
Policeman (10) 12-17-55+ 1-28
MELODY MASTERS BANDS
(Reissues)
2806 Playgirls (10) 4-16-55
(1955-56)
3801 Jan Savitt & Band (10). 9- 3-55
3802 Artie Shaw & Orch. ( . . ) . 10-22-55
3803 Ozzie Nelson & Orch.
(. .) 12-24-55
MERRIE MELODIES
(Technicolor)
2717 Past Performance (7) . . . 5-21-55 + 8-20
2718Tweety's Circus (7) 6-4-55+ 8-27
2719 Lumber Jerks (7) 6-25-55 + 9-17
2720 Double or Mutton (7).. 7-23-55
2721 Jumpin' Jupiter (7) 8- 6-55
2722 A Kiddie's Kitty (7) 8-20-55 . . . + 11-12
(1955-56)
3701 Dime to Retire (9) 9- 1-55 ff 1-14
3702 Speedy Gonzales (7) 9-17-55 +1-7
3703 Two Scents Worth (7) . .10-15-55 + 1-14
3704 Red Riding Hoodwinked
(7) 10-29-55
3705 Heir Conditioned (7) .. .11-26-55
3706 Guided Muscle (7) 12-10-55
3707 Pappy' s Puppy (7) 12-17-55
3708 One Froggy Evening
(7) 12-31-55
3709 Too Hop to Handle (7) . . 1-28-56
SPORTS PARADE -
2507 Riviera Revelries (10) . . 5-21-55 + 7-JO
2508 Rocky Mountain Big Game
(10) 4-23-55
2509 Italian Holiday (10)... 7-9-55
2510 Aqua Queens (10) 8- 6-55 + 11-li
(1955-56)
3501 Picturesque Portugal (9) H 1-7
3502 Fish Are Where You
Find Them (. .) 1-14-56
WARNER VARIETIES
2604 Those Exciting Days (10) 3-19-55 + 5-14
2605 Fire, Wind. Flood (9) . . 4-30-55 ++ 5-21
2606 Some of the Greatest
(John Barrymore) (10) 6-18-55 ff 8- 6
2607 Gadgets Galore (10) 7-30-55
(1955-56)
3601 An Adventure to
Remember (9) 10-1-15+ 1-14
3602 Shark Hunting (9) 11-12-55
3603 Faster and Faster K-13-55
(9) . .
WARNERCOLOR SCOPE GEMS
(Two Reel)
3211 Journey to the Sea (18) . 9- 1-55
(One Reel)
3220 Heart of an Empire (9). 9- 1-55
3222 Ski Valley (9) 9- 1-55
3221 Springtime in Holland
(9) 12-10-55
Title
Independents
Rating Rev'd
Churchill. Man of the Century
(21) Br. Inf. Serv + 5-21
Herman Melville's Moby Dick
(30) Jos. Burstyn + 7-23
Thursday's Children (22)
Br. Inf. Serv ++ 7-30
Britain's Choice (14) (House of
Commons) Br. Inf. Serv + 9-3
Highland Journey (24) (Technicolor)
Br. Inf. Serv + 9-3
Baby Long Legs (16) (World of Life
Series) Noel Meadow + 9-3
Arabesques (9) (UltraScope)
Transatlantic + 9-3
Fiesta in Seville (9) (UltraScope)
Transatlantic 9-3
Queen's Navy, The (20) Br. Inf. Serv... + 9-17
Report on Love (15) Edw. Kingsley... H 12- 3
Goya (20) Edward Harrison + 12-10
Grey Ghosts (21) Br. Inf. Serv ± 1-14
The Heart of England (20)
Br. Inf. Serv. (Technicolor)... 1-21
The Rocket (17) Br. Inf. Serv + 1-21
Pantomimes (13) Go Pictures +f 1-21
FOREIGN FEATURES
Foreign-language productions by native country, listed alphabetically
by title, followed by running time. Date shown in issue of BOXOFFICE
in which review appeared. Name of distributor is in parentheses.
AUSTRIA
Reviewed
©Mariko (81) 4-11-54
(Baker-Brill) . .Marika Roff, Henry Puss
BRITAIN
Appointment in London (96). . .
12-31-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .Dirk Bogarde, Dinah Sheridan
Belles of St. Trinian's, The (90). 4-30-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .Alastair Sim, Joyce Qrenfell
Chance Meeting (94) 8-27-55
(Pacemaker) .Odlle Versois. David Knight
Court Martial ( 1 05) 10- 1-55
(Kingsley) . .David Niven. Margaret Leighton
Cure for Love, The (97) 1 1-26-55
(Assoc. Artists! . .Robert Donal, Renee Asherson
©Donee Little Lady (87) 12-24-55
(Trans-Lux) . .Mai Zetterling. Mandy Miller
Edge of Divorce (83) 7-17-54
(Kingsley) . .Valerie llobson, Philip Friend
Eight O'Cloek Wolk (87) 8-20-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .R. Attenborough, C. O'Donnell
Four Against Fate (84) 9-1 0-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .Anna Neagle, Michael Wilding
Front Poge Story (95) 7-23-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .Jack Hawkins, Eva Bartok
©Fuss Over Feathers (84) 1-29-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .John Gregson, Muriel Pavlow
Game of Danger (88) 11- 5-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .Jack Warner, Veronica Hurst
Glory of Sea (88) 9-1 1 -54
(Rogers & Unger) . .Trevor Howard, Sonny Tufts
Green Scarf, The 4-23-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .M. Redgrave, A. Tadd, L. Oenn
Heart of the Matter, The (100) . 1 2-25-54
(Assoc. Artists) . .Trevor Howard, Maria Schell
Innocents in Paris (103) 2-19-55
(Tudor). .Claire Bloom, AlasUlr Sim
Inspector Colls, An (80) 1- 8-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .Alastair 81m, BHeen Moore
Intruder, The (84) 2-12-55
(Assoc. Artists).. Jack Hawklne, Dennis Price
Midnight Episode (78) 9-17-55
(Fine Arts) . .Stanley Holleway, Leslie Dvryer
Runaway Bus, The (78) 12-11-54
(Kramer-Hyams) . .M. Rutherford, F. Howard
Scotch on the Rocks (77) 7-31-54
(Kingstay) . .Ronald Squire, K. Ryan, 8. Shaw
3 Stops to Murder (76) 7-17-54
(Astor).-Tom Conway, Naomi Chance
Teckmoa Mystery, The (90) 11 -19-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .Margaret Leighton, J. Justin
Three Cases of Murder (99). . . . 5-21-55
Orson Welles, John Gregson
(Assoc. Artists) . .
©To Paris With Love (78) 4-30-55
Continental) . .Alec Guinness, Odlle Versois
True and the Folse, The (80). . 4-23-55
(Helene Davis) . .Signe Hasso, William Longford
Welcome the Queen (50) 9-1 1-54
(BIS) . Elizabeth, Duke of Edinburgh
©Will Any Gentleman? (84).. 11- 5-55
(Stratford) . .George Cole, Veronica Hurst
Woman's Angle, The (87).... 9-18-54
(Stratford) . .Cathy O'Donnell, E. Underdown
EGYPT
Homido (122) 5-21-55
(Gould). Hoda Soultan. Farid Cbawky
FRANCE
Adorable Creatures (108) 1- 7-56
(Continental) . .Martine Carol, Edwige Feulllere
Caroline Cherie (118) 8-14-54
(Davis).. M. Carol, P. Cressoy, J. Daeqmlne
Companions of the Night (104) 8-28-54
(Arlan) . .Francoise Arnoul, Raymond Pellegrln
Daughters of Destiny (104) 8-21-54
(Arlan) . .Claudette Colbert, Michele Morgan
Diary of a Country Priest (95). 7-31-54
(Brandon) . . C. Laydu. N. Maurey, A. Gulbert
Dirty Hands ( 1 00) 1 2-25-54
(MacDonald) . .Daniel Gelin, Pierre Brasseur
Earrings of Madam De, The
(105) 8- 7-54
(Arlan).. C. Boyer. D. Darrieux, V. de Slca
French Touch, The (84) 9-25-54
(Times) . .Fernandel, Renee Devillers
Game of Love, The (108) 2-19-55
(Times) . .Pierre-Michel Beck, Edwige Feaillere
Heartbreak Ridge (86) 6-1 1 -55
(Tudor) . .Real French troops in Korea
Holiday for Henrietta (103)... 5-21-55
(Ardee) . .Dany Robin, Michael Auclair
Le Ploisir (90) 7-31-54
(Kingsley) . .Danielle Darrieux, Jean Cabin
Mr. Hulot's Holiday (85) 10-30-54
(GBD Infl). Jacques Tatl. Nathalie Pascaud
Reviewed
Moment of Truth )(87) 6-19-54
(Arlan) . .Michele Morgan, Jean Gabln
Naked Heart (96) 5-28-55
(Assoc. Artists) . .Michele Morgan, K Moon
One Step to Eternity (94) 1-28-56
(Ellis)..!). Darrieux, M. Auclair, C. Calvet
Pit of Loneliness (84) 5-15-54
(Davis). Edwige Feulllere, Simone Simon
Red Inn, The (100) 9- 4-54
(Davis) . .Fernandel, F. Rosay, Lud Germain
Seven Deadly Sins, The (1 24) .. 1 1-21-53
(Arian) . -Michele Morgan, Gerard Phillpe
Sexette (90) 8-29-53
(Arlan) . .Martine Carol. Frank Vlllard
Sheep Hos Five Legs, The (93) . . 1 1 -26-55
(UMl'O) .Fernandel, Francoise Arnoul, Delmoot
Spice of Life, The (71 ) 2-20-54
(Mayer-Kingsley) . .Noel-Noel, Bernard Bller
GERMANY
.
Angeliko (99) 11-27-54
(Brenner) . .Maria Schell, Dieter Borscht
Grapes Are Ripe, The (92) 7- 3-54
(Casino) . .Gustav Knuth, Camilla 8plra
Keepers of the Night (109) 2-20-54
(Casino) . .Luise Ullrich, H:ui3 Nielsen
No Way Back (87) 7-30-55
(Fine Arts Films).. I. Desny, R. Nletuuu
Sunderin (80) 1-22-55
(Prod. Reps.) Neff, G. Froehllci
GREECE
Barefoot Batallion (89) 6-26-54
(Brandt) . Maria Costi, Nlcos Fermas
ISRAEL
Hill 24 Doesn't Answer (100) . . 12-. 3-55
(Cont'l Dis.). Michael Wagner, Haya Hanlt
IRELAND
©Spell of Ireland, The (77) 5-22-54
(Celtic) . .Travel Feature. English dialog
(Color)
ITALY
Bed, The (101)
8-I3-5S
(Getz-Kingsley) . .B. Todd, Dawn Addams
Bread Love and Dreamt (90) .. 10-23-54
II.F.E.) . .Gina Lollobriglda, Vlttorlo de 81a
Four Ways Out (77) 1- 1-5J
(Carroll) . .Gina Lollobriglda, Benalte Baldlnl
Girls Marked Danger (75) 7-17-54
(I.F.E.) . -Eleonora Rossi Drago, V. Gassman
Hello Elephant (78) 1-29-55
(Arlan) ..Vlttorlo de Sica, Sabu
His Last 12 Hours (89) 6-26-54
(I.F.E.) . -Jean Gabin. MarielU Lottl
Love in the City (90) 4-23-55
Dino Rissi. Michaelangelo Antoolnt
(I.F.E.) . .
©Moddoleno (90) 10- 8-55
(I.F.E. ). .Marta Toren, Cino Cervl, J. Seratt
Mademoiselle Gobette (78) .... 4- 9-5S
(I.F.E.) . .Silvana Pampanlni. Lulgl Pavese
Man With the Grey Gloves (102)
(I.F.E.).. Mario Del Monaco. Annette Bach
Tarantella Napoleatana (86).. 6-12-54
(I.F.E.). .Maria Paris. Gabriele Vanorio
Too Bad She's Bad (95) 1-21-56
(Getz-Kingsley) -Sophia Loren, Vittoiio De Slca
Umberto D. (89) 12-31-55
(Edw. Harrison) .
.C- Battista. M. Caslllo
JAPAN
Devil's Pitchfork, The (Reviewed
as Ana-Ta-Han) (92) 5- 8-54
(Arias) . .Akemi Negishi, Suganuma
©Gate of Hell (Jigokumon) (89) 1- 8-55
(Harrison & Davidson) . .Machiko Kyo, Hawgawa
Hiroshima (85) 7-30-55
(Continental) . .Isuzu Yamada, M. Tsuklda
Imposter, The (89) 11-26-55
(Brandon) . .Utaemon Ichikawa, Chikako Mltagi
©Samurai (100) 11-19-55
(Fine Arts) . .Toshiro Mifune. Kaoru Yachlguai
Ugetsu (96) 9-25-54
(Harrison). Machiko Kyo. Masayukl Mori
MEXICO
This Strange Passion (82) 12-31-55
(Omnifilms) . .Arturo De Cordova. D. Garces
SWEDEN
Illicit Interlude (90) 12-25-54
(Hakim).. May Britt. Alf Kjellin. B. Malstea
One Summer of Happiness (92). 7-16-55
(Times-Film) . .UUa Jacobson, Folte Sundqulst
10 BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Feb. 18, 1956

. . Two
—
. . Men
. A
—
Opinions on Current Productions
The Last Hunt F Ratio:
2-1
Outdoor Drama
(Cinemascope.
Eastman Color)
MGM (621) 108 Minutes HeL Feb. '56
A spectacular and thrilling outdoors adventure film which
makes magnificent use of CinemaScope and color in photographing
a buffalo stampede in the South Dakota Bad Lands
Among the best of the recent outdoor epics, it has two top
marquee names, Robert Taylor and Stewart Granger, in a
realistically exciting tale to interest young or old, men or
women alike.
One of Dore Schary's personal productions, this is a big
picture in the true sense of the word—scenically, for its
mountains and plains backgrounds and its thundering herd
of 1.000 wild buffalo which go charging across the screen,
and dramatically, for its vivid story of two buffalo hunters,
one of them a kill-crazy wild sort, the other of a higher
character. Under the fine direction of Richard Brooks, who
wrote the screenplay from the Milton Lott novel, Taylor gives
a notable portrayal of a ruthless buffalo hunter and
Granger matches him splendidly as a man who foresees the
extermination of the beasts. Debra Paget, who has practically
made a screen career of Indian maidens, is again ideally
cast; Lloyd Nolan gives a salty performance as a one-legged
skinner.
In 1883, great buffalo herds roam the Montana plains when
Robert Taylor, who is bent on making a fortune from the
sale of the skins, and Stewart Granger, an old hand at
the game who sees the harm the uncontrolled slaughter is
doing to the Indians, team up. They take on a young halfbreed,
Russ Tarnblyn, whom Taylor despises, and a onelegged
old skinner, Lloyd Nolan, and start buffalo butchering
In chasing some Sioux, they kill all but Debra Paget, whom '
Taylor brings to their camp. When Taylor mistreats her,
Granger helps her escape and when Nolan attempts to
follow, he is shot by Taylor's gun. Granger brings her
to the Indian reservation, where starvation is setting in
When Granger goes for food, Taylor follows him and corners
him in a cave at night. He vows to kill Granger and the
girl in the morning but, although wrapped in a buffalo hide
when day dawns, Taylor is found frozen to death.
Robert Taylor, Stewart Granger, Debra Paget, Lloyd
Nolan, Russ Tarnblyn. Constance Ford, Joseph DeSantis.
CATCHLINES:
The Terror of Frantic, Pounding Hoofs as 1,000 Buffalo
Stampede Across the Screen . Mighty Hunters Come to
Robert Taylor and
Grips Over a Beautiful Indian Girl . . .
Stewart Granger in the Screen's Mightiest Epic of Adventure
and Excitement. y
The River Changes
F
Ratio:
1.85-1
Drama
Warner Bros. (513) 91 Minutes ReL Mar. 24. '56
Those comparatively limited fans who have appreciation of
superior picture-making will probably be happy with the
literary and thespian qualities of this off-beat drama. They
are the ticket buyers who presumably attend the so-called
art houses. In more conventional situations, those theatres
that depend upon the sweatshirt-and-sneakers set for a sizable
portion of their custom, it appears that the film will
confront towering hurdles as concerns both patronage and
spectator satisfaction. Nor will its commercial fate and its
merchandising potentialities be benefited by the fact that,
as regards average American patrons, the cast names will be
as unfamiliar as if the troupers were summoned from
Mars. These run-o'-mill fans are apt to adjudge the offering
as a tortuous, depressing symposium of suffering.
For the feature's artistic assets, a triple bow is due Owen
Crump, who is credited with writing, producing and directing;
and among such assets are breathtaking backgrounds
the photoplay having been filmed in an obscure Alpine
village; expert type casting; honest performances; a stirring
musical score; and other atmospherically authentic technical
details.
Somewhere in Europe, a river forms the natural boundary
between a village in free territory and an Iron Curtain
country. Torrential rains alter the course of the stream and
the small freedom-loving community now finds itself under
the oppressive rule of the dictatorial nation. The villagers,
stunned and bewildered, undergo hardship and torture, and
turn upon one of their number, Rossana Rory, who has
succumbed to the charms of one of the invading guards
However, she proves herself a heroine when the villagers
unite in a mass escape back to freedom.
Rossana Rory, Harald Maresch. Renate Mannhardt. Henry
Fisher. Jasporr V. Oertzen. Nick Solomatin, Otto Friebel.
CATCHLINES:
The Unforgettable Story of a Free People Who Refused
to Submit to Oppression ... a Thrill-Laden Duel Between
Brave Men Who Fought for Freedom Within the Shadow
of the Iron Curtain.
m ,ii i r if
'rice
For
take
1932 BOXOFFICE
.ill!
icessid
ii.
ii.'
400-c
The Come On
F
Ratio:
Drama
2-1 (Superscope)
Allied Artists (5608) 82 Minutes Rel. Apr. 1. '56
Attaining another sizable step in its determined march
toward major-company status. Allied Artists herewith offers
a photoplay distinguished, among other things, for boasting
the most impressive femme star ever to grace an AA cast.
And talented Anne Baxter's characteristically splendid performance
is but one of the elements that contribute to the
film's over-all superiority and which combine to earmark
the feature as an outstanding entry for the situations regularly
booking AA product. Further, it is amply qualified to command
attention from accounts not regularly appearing on
the outfit's ledgers. These ingredients, many of which
especially cast— lend themselves to effective exploitation,
should assure substantial grosses in all such playdates, bo
they established or newcomers.
Foremost among the above-mentioned plus factors is the
incisive, understanding direction by Russell Birdwell, the
skill of which is made the more noteworthy because it
marks his return to piloting after many years' absence from
the ranks of megaphonists. Taking full advantage of a solid
script by Warren Douglas and Whitman Chambers, Birdwell
made a successful pass at shock, at the same time keepir^
the story as much within the confines of good taste as its
seamy-side, downbeat theme permitted. Resultantly, suspense
is maintained at uppermost levels and it is not until closing
sequences that spectators will be enabled to decide whether
Miss Baxter is a conniving, murderous wench or a gal more
sinned-against than sinning. Supporting performances and
Lindsley Parsons' production mountings are of paralleling
top calibre.
Miss Baxter, pursuing an unsavory badger game in liaison
with her purported husband, falls hard for Sterling Hayden,
skipper of a fishing craft, and persuades him to help her
knock off her ostensible spouse. After a series of doublecrosses
and double-double-crosses, Ann mortally wounds the
man and, near death, he manages to kill her.
Anne Baxter. Sterling Hayden- John Hoyt, Jesse White,
Walter Cassell, Alex Gerry, Paul Picemi. Karolee Kelly.
CATCHLINES:
She Lured Men With Her Lips, but in Her Heart Was
Murder . Risked All for This Woman's Beauty, but
Her Soul Was Tarnished With a Searing Lust for Riches.
H^'_,_Ii_l. T? Ratio: Adventure Drama
ManllSn r ^g^ (De Luxe Color)
United Artists (5607) 76 Minutes ReL Feb. '56
An above-average adventure programmer, with some fine
underwater sequences, this will make a good supporting
dualler generally and is exploitable enough to stand alone in
most key city downtown spots. The handsome and virile John
Bromfield and Lon Chaney are familiar names to most
patrons.
Based on two Edgar Allan Poe tales, "The Gold Bug" and
"Telltale Heart" (a selling angle to attract the many Poe
devotees), this was produced and directed by W. Lee Wilder
in rather pale color by De Luxe, but the underwater stuff
and the Island of Jamaica backgrounds still show up effectively.
There are also two calypso tunes, "Beware the
Caribbean" and "Big Fish," sung by native musicians.
Chaney plays a dim-witted Swede, first mate of the Manfish,
in the inarticulate style audiences are accustomed to
and Victor Jory is a master of villainy as a bearded professor
seeking Jean LaFitte's buried treasure in a Jamaican cove.
Two voluptuous beauties, Tessa Prendergast, as a scantily
clad native, and Barbara Nichols, as a cafe singer, decorate
several scenes, but have little acting to do.
John Bromfield, owner of the Manfish, a turtle fishing boat
in the Jamaican waters, becomes involved in a fight with
Victor Jory, a professor who he notices is wearing a skulland-crossbones
ring. Days later, his native turtle divers
discover a skelton floating under water and Bromfield finds
a similar ring and a map in a bottle held in the skeleton's
hand. Bromfield confronts the professor with this ring and
learns that he has the other half of the map, but he alone
can decipher where its buried treasure lies. The two crre
forced to become partners and eventually they dig up a
chest of gold and jewels. Bromfield plans to kill Jory,
but learns that the latter has a map to further treasure. They
fight over a native girl and Bromfield is killed, but. when
the police arrive, Jory is taken into custody. The Manfish now
belongs to Lon Chaney, Bromfield's mate who love
"" "" The ironic ending has Chaney starting the propeller, which
cuts the rope to which Jory had tied the treasure chest
and it is again lost in the Caribbean.
John Bromfield, Lon Chaney. Victor Jory. Tessa Prendergast,
Eric Coverly. Barbara Nichols. Vere Johns.
CATCHLINES:
Two of Edgar Allan Poe's Fascinating Tales of Adventure
A Fabulous Treasure Is Found—But Then Lost Again
in the Caribbean . "Gold Bug" That Stings—To Death
February 18, 1956 1933

. . From
REVIEWS
Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
Cockleshell Heroes
F
Ratio:
War Drama
2-1 (Cinemascope,
Technicolor)
Columbia (813) 97 Minutes Rel. April '56
Based on a little-known operation of World War II, this
British-made CinemaScope feature in Technicolor has both
action and authenticity, in addition to incidental human
interest and humor. Jose Ferrer, who is director as well as
star, supplies the name value for the U. S. and Trevor Howard
will be familiar to all dovotees of British fare.
Based on a Reader's Digest story by George Kent, it was
produced by Irving Allen and Albert R. Broccoli and is by
far the best of the several they produced in England for
Columbia. As directed by Ferrer, the tale of the training
of a group of ten British marines to use canoes (or cockles)
to get to the German-held port of Bordeaux and attach mines
to destroy the enemy shipping captures the interest from the
start, especially as the spectator gets to know and like the
men. The early training scenes and the tests the men go
through are filled with chuckles, just as the actual "Operation
Cockleshell" is filled with suspense and excitement. The
women are incidental and seen only in flashbacks, except
for Yana, a blond songstress who warbles "The London I
Love" very effectively in a saloon sequence.
Ferrer gives one of his best performances as the major
commissioned to train the men and Howard is superb as
the frustrated non-combat adjutant who resents Ferrer, but
later volunteers to join his operation. Victor Maddern, as
a cocky sergeant and the eight other actors who play the
men are varied types—all of them excellent.
In March 1942, Jose Ferrer, who has been commissioned
by Britain to train a small force of marines manning canoes
and carrying mines to destroy the enemy ships in Bordeaux
harbor, reports to Trevor Howard in Portsmouth. Howard
despises Ferrer's unconventional methods, but he helps him
pick nine men, who are trained to man the canoes. When
the men are ready, a ship takes them to the mouth of the
river but one is injured en route. Howard volunteers to take
his place. Two men aie lost in the river, four more are
captured by the Nazis, but the rest attach mines to the
big ships. Howard disobeys Ferrer's orders to retreat and
he and his canoe partner are also lost. Only Ferrer and
one other survive.
. . .
Jose Ferrer. Trevor Howard. Victor Maddern, Yana,
Dora Bryan, Beatrice Campbell.
CATCHLINES:
Ten Brave Men Started Out on the Most Desperate Adventure
of the War . the Reader's Digest Story That
Thrilled Millions . . . They Called Them Canoe Commandoes
The Never-Before Told Story of the Top-Secret Guys.
Please Murder Me
F
Ratio:
Drama
1.85-1
Distrib. Corp. of America 78 Minutes Rel. Mar. '56
Through the combination of adroit scripting, sincere and
competent performances and able direction by Peter Godfrey,
an intricate and definitely original story idea is developed
into an engrossing picture that is generously qualified to add
appeal to any dual program and can proudly grace the
topside thereof in most situations. The plot, as the title
indicates, treats with murder, and the ending is anything
but a happy one. Nonetheless, the feature is not particularly
depressing, probably because the yarn "is so arrestingly
woven that the spectator is prone to ignore its seamy-side
facets. It is a Gross-Krasne production, the initialer in a series
of photoplays that the'outfit, heretofore specializing in fabricating
films for TV, plans to make for theatrical exhibition.
Heading the cast is Angela Lansbury in the type of role
which has characterized many of her previous screen appearances,
that of a conniving conscienceless femme heavy.
Her delineation is praiseworthy, as are those contributed
by co-starring Raymond Burr and every member of a thoughtfully
selected supporting cast. Donald Hyde, who produced
and collaborated on the screenplay, mounted the vehicle
convincingly, with an expert eye to technical and atmospheric
details.
Buddies during the war, Burr and Dick Foran have remained
close friends in civilian life, but Foran's wife,
Miss Lansbury, and Burr—now a prominent attorney—fall
in love. When Foran is found shot to death, Angela claims
she killed him in self-defense and, with Burr as her lawyer,
is acquitted when he reveals himself to be the other man,
and that Foran had tried to slay her. When Burr finally
realizes Angela used him as a pawn, and that she is in love
with still another man, he traps her and brings her to justice.
Angela Lansbury, Raymond Burr. Dick Foran, John
Dehner, Lamont Johnson, Robert Griffin, Denver Pyle.
CATCHLINES:
A Lovely Woman to Look at But a Killer Under the Skin
. . . She Knows How to Bring Out the Worst in the Best of
Men . . . Don't Miss the Thrill-Packed Story of a Crime That
Was Perfect—Almost.
1934 BOXOFFICE
23-5
Cil
Battle Stations
T7 Ratio: War Drama
r
1.85-1
Columbia (828) 81 Minutes Rel. Feb. '56
. . .
Life aboard an aircraft carrier in World War II has its
exciting moments for the action-minded fans, but this picture
also has considerable routine footage which includes training
of the crew and inspection of the ship—none of which
will interest women patrons, especially as romance has
been entirely omitted. John Lund, William Bendix and Keefe
Brasselle supply fair marquee draw, but the picture rarely
rises above the level of supporting fare. However, it can
stand alone in key city action spots.
Actually filmed aboard a U. S. Navy carrier, the inspection
tour conducted by William Bendix, playing the
ship's tough bos'n, is authentic and gives these scenes
a documentary quality. But the various characters are
stereotyped and also include an understanding chaplain,
a cocky sailor who resents discipline and a combat pilot
worried about his impending fatherhood. As directed by
Lewis Seiler, the actors inject some life into these portrayals,
especially Brasselle, as the trouble-maker. But the best
performances are those of Richard Boone (TV's "Medic") as
the stern captain, and Jack Dimond, as a courageous young
gunner. Lund doesn't have a chance to shine in his colorless
role. Produced by Bryan Foy.
In February 1945, John Lund, a Jesuit priest and Navy
chaplain, arrives aboard a big aircraft carrier and, during
his inspection tour, he meets the Protestant chaplain, as well
as Keefe Brasselle, a cocky sailor with no illusions or faith,
and William Leslie, a combat pilot who later disobeys orders
and lands on the carrier despite a fuel leak. Leslie is
grounded by the captain (Richard Boone), who has been
putting the men through rigorous training. Brasselle gets
into a fight with the bos'n, but Lund fails to report him.
In March, the carrier is within 100 miles of Japan when a
Kamikaze plane severely damages the ship. Brasselle leads
a rescue party that saves the men who are trapped below
the decks. The crippled carrier faces both enemy airplanes
and submarines, but the flat-top manages to survive. The
regenerated Brasselle is promoted for his heroism.
John Lund. William Bendix, Keefe Brasselle, Richard
Boone, William Leslie, Jack Dimond, James Lydon.
CATCHLINES:
The Screen Thunders With the Great Flat-Top Story . . .
Authentically Filmed Aboard a U. S. Navy
33,000 Tons of Explosive Human Emotion
Traps One Hundred Men in a Hold.
Carrier.. . .
Bomb Blast
SHORTS
REVIEWS
The Egg and Jerry
MGM (CinemaScope Cartoon) 8 Mins.
Good. A neat little tale and extremely well drawn. Madame
Woodpecker's egg hatches and the chick mistakes Jerry the
mouse as its mother. It immediaJely goes to work demolishing
furniture with its powerful bill until Tom the cat tries to take
over. Jerry watches with glee as Tom gets the worst of it.
Even after Tom swallows the woodpecker, it pecks holes in
him.
The Flying Sorceress
MGM (CinemaScope Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Good. Tom and Jerry fun at just about its best. Tom answers
an ad and finds himself employed by a witch who rides him
on her broom through the skies at a frantic pace. While she
sleeps, Tom steals the broom, goes on a solo flight and scares
the wits out of Jerry. Tom awakens to find it all a dream,
but when he experiments with the house broom, it suddenly
takes off with him. He is last seen passing the moon.
Lionel Hampton and Herb Jeffries
Univ.-Int'l (Musical Featurette) 15 Mins.
Good. Lionel Hampton, currently appearing in "The Benny
Goodman Story," is a favorite with dance and record
enthusiasts. The well-known orchestra plays "International
Boogie Woogie" and the Hamptones, a vocal quartet, do the
novelty "The Bug." Herb Jeffries sings "Adam and Evil
Blues'^ and Vicky Lee warbles "Baby Don't Love Me No
More," both in familiar style. This may rate marquee
billing where the teenagers abound.
Heart of an Empire
Warner Bros. (CinemaScope Gems) 9 Mins.
Fair. Although photographed in WarnerColor and wide- •
screen, this short dealing with London's historical spots is
similar to a half-dozen shown during the past few years.
The shots include: Buckingham Palace, with its changing of
the guard; the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and
Piccadilly Circus. These scenes will be familiar to anyone
who has seen the excellent shorts at the time of the
Coronation.
February 18, 1956
1931

'
bulbs,
602
City.
,
Ouray,
RATES: 15c per word, minimum SI. SO. cash with copy. Four consecutive insertions ior price
of three. CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and
• answers to Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo. •
HELP WANTED
Managers, experienced, ambitious. For indoor
and drive -in theatres in northern Ohio. Permanent
Dosltions good salaiy. Uood references essential.
ed Theatres. 300 Kilm BlJg,. 2108 Payne
Ave.. Cleveland, Ohio.
Manager or assistant manager for small circuit
uiih exploitation experience. Family group hospital
e, good opportunity and chance for advancement.
Strieker Enterprises. P. 0. Box 338,
prlngs,
likla.
Aggressive managers wanted for south Georgia
circuit. Must he exploitation minded. House
as well as drive-In managers, combination.
iry plus percentage. Homes and aparturnlshed
if we get together. Man with
his ability can write own ticket. Must be sober
and reliable. Please furnish full details first letter
elude references, experience and photo.
Boxoflice, 7051.
Aggressive, experienced manager. Immediate
opening- Forward complete information, photo,
nbrj requirements, references. Armstrong Circuit,
Inc.. Howling Green, Ohio.
Manager wanted with conventional and drive-in
experience. State qualifications in letter. P. 0.
1
Box 131. Bay City. Texas.
Managers wanted! Manager for drive-in theatre
located central Ohio. Submit personal history.
7050.
Wanted, manager, indoor theatre fast growing
town south Texas. Write. Boxofflce, 7068.
Manager, drive-in theatre western New York
Hood deal for good man. Write give lull
particulars, raperience, age, marital status, etc.
Boxofflce, 7065.
Man and wife to look after small drive in and
on in southwestern New Mexico. Healthful,
high, dry climate, fine for asthma and arthritis.
Must he sober, honest and willing, with references.
No buying, booking or superman needed. Give fuli
detail- ind salary wanted. Boxoffice, 7067.
POSITIONS WANTED
First class projectionist, 27 years experience, all
booth repairs and general maintenance, assist
id duties. Wife cashier, concession manoptional.
Florida preferred. Permanent.
umist. 6407 Wells. Wellston 14. Mo.
Manager, 35. family. Experienced in circuit
houses, independent and drive-ins. Booking and
baying Complete references. Will relocate state
of California Boxoffice, 7037.
Manager or general manager, now employed in
Virginia, desires change. Drive-In or indoor, prefer
southeast. Boxoffice. 7038.
General manager, film buyer and booker. Available
March 1. 25 years experience as district
manager theatre chain. Film salesman, branch
Currently head buying, booking combi-
Available now for personal appointment,
your convenience. Reply. Boxoffice, 7047.
Top (light house manager and promoter seeking
better opportunity. Best suited for location needing
gnud, strong promotional abilities, having 16
iperience. Excellent references. Write at
Boxoffice. 7066.
Projectionist. 7 years experience, best of
Non-Union, $50.00 per week to start.
full time job. anywhere. Boxofflce. 7069.
Film buyer, experienced circuit buying, presently
d. Will relocate. Excellent references,
-iiliilentlal. Boxofflce, 7071.
Manager, drive-in or conventional. 20 years exptrlenee
Prefer Michigan. Now available. P. 0.
Box 131. Schoolcraft, Mich.
MISCELLANEOUS
Popcorn sacks, dry wax pillow type, 6x%.\12.
imprint. Close out on 100M. Prices and
Hnples on request. Corn, Inc., 901 Paramount
Bldg , Dea Moines, Iowa.
STUDIO AND PRODUCTION
EQUIPMENT
Maurer 16 camera, lens. 2 magazines, syncmotor,
n battery, ill cases, complete (2,395;
r
5.000W b ickground projector, reconditioned,
"'
tiilr inlmatlon stand, motorized zoom.
>n, $2,500 value. $975; Bardwell Mc
tudlo floodlltes, 3 heads on rolling stand
$180 value, $29.50; Quadllte
inds only $19 95; Neumade
editing tables with worklight. $58 value. $33.95;
Moviola 35mm composite sound/picture, MM
Opt. cc, so.s. Cinema Supply Corp . W.
reet, New Ynrk 19.
BOXOFFICE :: February 18, 1956
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Used sound heads, Ultraphone or Western
Electric, any condition. Will pay cash. Write
Boxolfice. 7034, Kansas City, Mo.
30 amp. low intensity rectifiers. Spccitj nuke,
110 or 220 volts. Simplex Acme projectors.
Lenses Broadwalk Film Enterprises, 31 S. Stenton,
Atlantic City, N. J.
Wanted: Drive-In Theatre equipment. Will buy
all or any part. What have you? Write Boxoffice,
7053.
Wanted: Used booth equipment. Leon Jarodsky,
Lincoln Theatre. Paris, 111.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW
Best CinemaScope Buy! Adjustable anamorphics
$375 pair. Mirro-Claric metallic seamless screens.
75c sq. ft. Buy on time. Dept cc, S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St.. New York 19.
Prepare for "Kismet." Lowest prices, prompt
deliveries on Foxhole sprockets for Standard and
Super Simplex, E-7, X-L, Century projectors; also
most soundheads including RCA PS24, MI 1040,
1050, 1060, 9030, 9050; W. E. 206, 208. TA
7400; Simplex 4 Star and Ballantyne. Kept CC,
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St.,
New York, 19.
Attention Holmes users! Condenser lenses, B6c;
constant speed motors $12.50; shutter shafts
$1.25; sound optical lenses $9.95; intermittent
$24.50; Star-sprocket assembly $10.00; DE-14070
vertical drive shaft w/5 gears, bearings $9.75;
l.OOOW T-20C-13 Mogul prefocus lamps $25.00
dozen ($3.95 each). Dept. cc, S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd Street, New York 19.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
Excellent coated projection lenses, many brand
new! Wullensak "Sunray" series 1: 2", 3", 2 x /z"
334", 5", 5Vi", 5%". 6" 7%"—$35.00 pair.
Super Snaplite fl. 9-2" -2*4" $170 pair; Superlite
2%*' -3", -3*4" $150 pair; Superlite 3M>"
$90 pair. Trades taken. Wire or telephone order
today. Dept. cc, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.,
602 W 52nd St., New York 19.
Complete projector equipment, 250 seats, $800.
1.000 late model chairs. Box 1734, Dallas, Texas.
For sale: complete boot'i equipment; 2 Simplex
Acme 35mm projectors, Star E sound system. 1
Manley Aristocrat popcorn machine used only 1
year, 220 theatre chairs, 1 No. 105 blower tan.
All in good condition. Details and price, write:
Joe Davidson. Marrell, Ark. Phone: 3261.
70-140 Lincoln generator with Peerless magnarC
lamps. Guaranteed good as new $850. Two large
blowers with air washers, pumps and motors $400
each. 2-5 H P Fairbanks motors with pumps
$100 each. 2 Western Electric sound heads with
bases and motors, complete $200. 2 pair Peerless
low intensity lamps with generators, make offer.
State Theatre, Columbus, Kas.
For sale: Complete equipment, 330 seats, con
plete booth, curtain controls, cooling system. Sun
Theatre, Central City, Nehr.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT
Drive-In theatre tickets. Send for samples of our
special printed stub rod tickets for drive-ins.
Safe, distinctive, easy to check. Kansas City Ticket
Co., Dept, 10, 109 W. 18th St., "Film ltow."
Kansas City 8. Mo.
For Sale: Four creosote treated, 70-foot telephone
poles, suitable for drive-in theatre screen
tower. These have never been used. Write, Sanford
Hofleland Ride-In, Sanford, Fla.
For sale: 200 Ballantyne Soundmaster drive-in
theatre speakers, new cones, straight cords, KG 20
each. Motor Vu Theatre, Blackfoot, Idaho.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service. Special printed roll tickets
100.000, $28.75; 10.000, $8.95; 2.000. K4.95
Bach change in admission price, Including change
In color. $3.50 extra. Double numbering extra,
F.O.B. Kansas City, Mo Cash with ordei Kansas
City Tick 11 Co., Dent 11. 100 W. 18th St..
K in
1
Mo.
THEATRES FOR SALE
West coast theatres for sale. Write (or list.
Theatre Mxchange, 260 Kearny St., San Francisco
S, Calif.
Theatres. Texas, Colorado, Missouri, Kansas
and Arkan-av Ralph Erwin, Broker, 1443 South
Trenton, Tulsa,
CL€flRin6 HOUSE
Excellent opportunity for anyone interested in
drive-in theatre business in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
tOO speakers With excellet equipment. Good lit.
beautiful concession stand, excellent location,
Price $25,UOO, half cash, half in three years.
Theatre presently closed, reason, interests elsewhere
and ill partner. Write, Boxoffice, 7021.
For sale: Indiana, 440 seats. CinemaScope, concession,
modern building, paiking lot. Man and
wife operation. Small city. Terms. Suitable down
payment. Boxoffice, 7036
For sale: Modern equipped, suburban theatre,
Ed Mullikin. 1615 No. Kobberson. Springfield. Mo.
Manitou, Colo. 450 seats, no opposition, TV
or drive-ins. New air academy district, 8,000
population, summers 25,000, 1.200 school pupils.
Long lease. Ileal situation . Colo. 300
seats, nearest opposition 35 miles. No TV or
drive-ins. Good payroll mining camp. Theatre
equipment and building, 4 apartments above.
Write, C. G. Diller, Agent, both towns.
For sale: modern Montana theatre, Cinema-
Scope, widescreen. Good grosses with low overhead.
Must sell, illness. Boxoffice, 6032.
$22,000 netting. Town 10,000. OnemaSeope,
modern building, beautiful equipment. Return
23%. $50,000 down. Brochure. P. McAdam,
Livingston. Mont.
For sale, only drive-in theatre at Superior, Wis.
Capacity 500 cars, town population, 35,000. Apply
Gilbert Swenberger, Berger Amusement Co., 317
Plymouth Bldg., Minneapolis, Minn.
Variety Theatre, Akron, Colo. County seat,
population 1,600. Concrete bldg. and rental.
Fully equipped, 250 seats. No competition. Priced
for quick payout from net.
Dixie-Auto Vue, 175 cars. Snack bar. Highway
91, St. George, Utah. $5,000 down, $3,000
annually, 7 years 6%. Call: Las Vegas, Nev.,
DU. 4-7259, or Write: B. 0. Thornton, 1210
Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, Nev.
$3,500 cash buys my $6,000 equity in 300-seat
theatre. CinemaScoped, concessions. South. Boxoffice,
7054.
For sale: 400-car drive-in. central New York.
Make good family operation, reasonable. Hallenbeck
k Riley, 562 Broadway, Albany, New Vurk
For sale: drive-in theatre located close to large
city in southern New England. Grosses over $100.-
000. Please reply to Mrs. F. Harding. 38 Church
St.. Boston, Mass.
200-car drive-in, real bargain at $25,000. Wide
screen. CinemaScope. Write T. W. Bellamy, Swainsboro,
Ga. Welcome to check.
For sale: Warren Theatre, Warren. Illinois.
Building and equipment, CinemaScoped. Seats 300,
nearest to opposition, 30 miles. Two towns of
1,200 and 1,700 within 12 miles. Ideal family
operation. Income in keeping with asking price.
Write to Marchesi Brothers. Amboy. 111.
For sale: Drive-in theatre. 300 speakers. Only
operated three months after completion. Real
gold mine. Would like partner who knows operation,
or will -ell all, $40,000. Mc33 Drive-In
Theatre. 176 E. Allen St., Lancaster, Ohio.
Kansas. 400-car drive-in for sale or trade for
land. 6iixtiO structural steel tower. Simplex
equipment Only drive-in in county, 55.000 trade
territory. Boxoffice. 7061.
Four drive-in theatres, midweslern capital city.
Complete modern equipment, concession. 102 acres
real property. Owner retiring. Terms to qualified
buyer. Gross income approximately $532,000 per
year Boxoffice. 7064.
^^
Virginia Chain! For sale or lease, 4 Indoor.
1 drive in All within 40 miles. Controlled tOWBfi
1955 net profll OFer $50,000. Owner forced to
Arizona for health after 30 prosperous yean
$150,000. Real estate can also be purchased ll
fair market ralue or good leases arranged. Box-
DfflCi 7070.
POPCORN MACHINES
1
Popcorn machines, all m l;
placement kettles for all poppers. Complete replacemenj
unit (Its mod machines, $185. 120 80.
Halsted, Chicago, III.
REPAIRING
Your speakers (cones), microphones, driver-units
(horns! completely rebut it. Western Electronics
Co., 3311 Houston \- Bon I n v,
'
THEATRES WANTED
Theatres and drive-ins wanted! Te\a-, Colorado,
Oklahoma, Missouri, 1
Ralph
Erwin, Broker, 1443 South Trenton,
Independent theatreman would like to buy 400-
600 car drlve-in theatre located Ohio, Indiana,
Kentucky. Boxoffice, 7045.
Connecticut indoor theatre wanted, to lease,
rent or buy. All situations considered. Write,
Boxoffice. 7041.
Florida only. Theatrical management corp. will
staff, operate, book, pay all bills for your theatre
on percentage of 01 profits proms basis. uasis "Problem" houses
considered. isidered. Boxoffice, 7049.
West coast theatres wanted. Indoor and drivein
situations. Note full particulars in response.
Write, Boxoffice, 7063.
Wanted: Drlve-in theatres in Kentucky, for
lease. Boxoffice, 7062.
THEATRE SEATING
Chair supplies, parts fur ill Chain, Fcnsin Seating,
Chicago 5.
Repairing and reupholstering in your theatre.
Ferisiri Seating, Chicago 5.
New spring seats for all chairs, Fensin Seating.
Chicago 5.
Patch-o-seat cement, permastone anchor cement.
Fensin Seating, Chicago 5.
Seat coverings, sewed combination, all styles
Fensin Seating. Chicago 5.
Plastic leatherette, all colors, send
Fensin Seating. Chicago 5.
Upholstery fabrics, all types, send
Fensin Seating, Chicago 5.
New and used rebuilt opera chairs. Write for
photos, state incline and quality. Parts for all
chairs, send sample for quotation. Patch-A-Seai
to repair torn seats, $6 complete kit, specify color.
Firmastone to anchor loose chairs, $5 carton
F.O.B. Chicago, General Chair Co.. 1308 Elston
Ave., Chicago 22. 111. Phone ARmitage 6-0022.
Professional reupholstering. Factory trained crew.
Free estimate anywhere. For sale: 5.000 good
used chairs, all types. OGLE8BY EqlTPMENT
CO., 20356 Grand River. Detroit. KEnwood 3-8740.
Several lots of late type chairs. Bargain pricp.
Write for exact photo. Chicago Used Chair Mart.
829 S. State St., Chicago 5. 1.1.
25"x26" plastic leatherette, good quality, 55c
each. 27"x27" for spring edge. 65c each.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 S, State St.,
Chicago.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Bag-O-Tricks. New Ideas for drlve-in openings,
kid shows, schools out shows, premium campaigns.
Post card or letter will get information in regard
to complete working kits. If you really want
business, write now. Art LaMan Adv. Service.
2211 E 14th. Tulsa, Okla.
Bingo, more action! $4 50M cards. Other
games mailable, on-off screen. Novelty Games Co.,
106 Rogers Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Build attendance with real Hawaiian orchids.
Pen cents each. Write Finn.- q| Hawaii 670
S. Lafayette Park Place, Los Angeles 5. Calif
Bingo-die-cut cards. Increase your boxofflce,
75 to 100 numbers. $4.50 per M. Best Cards.
Premium Products, 339 West 44th St . New Ynrk
!8 N Y.
BUY! SELL! TRADE!
FIND HELP OR POSITION
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Advertising
Greatest Coverage in the
Field at Lowest Cost
Per Reader.
4 insertions for the price of 'i

They both bring out that
"WANT TO SEE"
It's
the nature of the human animal to be intrigued
by that glimpse of goings-on behind the fence . . .
and lured by the sights you give from your shows.
The more you show the more they'll go.
So, keep on showing and selling with all
the tools,
tricks and techniques of showmanship. You'll find
'em at your N.S.S. Exchange!
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