Boxoffice-Febuary.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.
•••••••••••••••'•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••a
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2-18-56
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BOXOFFICE :
18, 1956 81