Boxoffice-May.12.156

: May
lotwick Emphasizes
industry Triumphs
MIAMI—When Harry Botwick. Florida
State Theatres southeastern manager, was
invited to write a guest column on the Miami
Herald's amusement page, he declared he was
tempted "to lambaste some of our severest
critics, but we resisted this impulse so that
we could use the opportunity to say what we
think is 'right' with the movies." Botwick's
column emphasized the motion picture industry
ranks high among American industries
that contribute to the economy, the happiness
and the welfare of the nation.
"One hears of the nickelodeon days and one
speaks of the movies which is a literal magic
carpet, transporting the average patron into
{gold Mining in
a wonderful world, not only of make-believe,
but into a world of entertainment that no
other medium can provide. One speaks of
stereophonic sound, Cinemascope, Vista-
Vision and Technicolor. We often wonder if
the average patron, when he or she buys a
theatre ticket, realizes just what he is getting
for the price of that admission.
"We know that they seek out top entertainment,
such as Oklahoma! Rose Tattoo,
Guys and Dolls. I'll Cry TomoiTOW. Man in
the Gray Flannel Suit and The Swan, but
we wonder how often they realize that with
the privilege of witnessing a top production,
they also pm-chase the right to a comfortably
cushioned ai-mchair in a scientifically designed
theatre, thoroughly air conditioned
and witness a motion pictm-e projected and
shown through the best scientific and mechanical
equipment available, upon which
YOUR Concession Stand}
that's the slogan of this
ALABAMA
Joint Annual
Convention
Theatres Association and Motion Picture
Theatre Owners and Operators of
GEORGIA
(MAY 27 - 28 - 29
Dinkier Plaza Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia
Program Highlights:
• Personal Counselor Service • Cyclorama of Clinics
•Inspirational Message by Alfred Starr
•Lavish Entertainment for Exhibitors and Wives
•Special Showing, "THIS IS CINERAMA"
This convention has been carefully planned
to bring you maximum returns on your time
with a small expense to you. You'll certainly
PROFIT from this great, interest-packed
program. Enjoy the many entertainment
features.
The entire program is focused on features of
value to the average small town exhibitor.
All major phases of theatre operation and
management will be covered with emphasis
on the Concessions Clinic.
Other clinics will feature Product, Advertising,
General Theatre Equipment and Financing.
For further information and reservations contact:
J. H. THOMPSON, Chairman
Convention Committee
Something new has been added with the Personal
Consultation Service. Upon request,
your problem will be answered by well qualified
experts.
You'll hear a message of great importance
to you from Alfred Starr, post president of
TOA and a nationally-known champion of the
exhibition industry.
Exhibitors and their wives will both enjoy
"THIS IS CINERAMA," special showing
through the courtesy of the Stanley Warner
Corporation. Three days of fun and entertainment
are also scheduled for exhibitors
and wives.
Hawkinsville,
Georgia
constant research and improvements are continually
being made?
Just think of the vast technological advances
made in the past five years! Movies
are better, bigger, have more production
values, more talent, more creative ability and
more effort is being made constantly to provide
om- patrons with the best stories, best
plays and best musicals.
'During the last year, top pictm-es have
played to more people than ever before because
of an interest and hunger for pictui'es
of this type—this is in spite of Intense competition
from radio, TV, sports and other
amusements for your attention and leisure
time!
Culminating the technical and creative
triumphs of motion pictui-es over the past
years is the crowning achievement of all
the presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's
'Oklahoma!' in Todd-AO. This daring
process is presently and quietly revolutionizing
the motion picture business, since
more and more producers are considering the
production of films in this new technique.
'Already completed and to be shown this
year is Michael Todd's production of Jules
Verne^s Around the 'World in 80 Days.' In the
planning stage is Rodgers and Hammerstein's
'South Pacific'
"One of my greatest satisfactions in recent
years was to stand in the lobby of the Sheridan
Theatre and see people who have not
been to the movies in years walk in as skeptics
and come out as devotees, commenting
that they never knew that the motion pictui-e
could provide such glorious entertainment.
"At dinner tonight, ask yourself, or ask
your sons and daughters, if they like the
movies, and we will bet that everyone will
say they are wonderful!
"We of Florida State Theatres are very
proud to be motion picture exhibitors, and
I am even prouder to be associated with
PST, the pioneer organization of all motion
pictui-e theatres in the state of Florida, and
a sub.sidiary of American Broadcasting-
Paramount Theatres, Inc."
Two Knoxville Drive-Ins
Updated With $110,000
KNOXVILLE—The Family Drive-In
Corp.
has leased the Starlite Drive-In on Alcoa
highway and the Skyway Drive-In on the
Maynardville pike for 20 years from Eugene
Monday. Spence Pierce, president of the
corporation, said $110,000 will be invested in
remodeling the two drive-ins.
The Starlite will be renamed the Cinema
and $75,000 tabbed for its renovation, remainder
of the funds being used to improve
the Skyway. The Skyway will open about
May 15, Pierce said, and the Cinema on June 1.
The Family Drive-In firm also leases the
Family Drive-In on North Broadway and the
Knoxville at Bearden from Monday.
Prize to Thomas Waterfield
TAMPA — Thomas 'Waterfield of the
Seminole Theatre was a top winner in the
recently closed "Guys and Dolls" sales contest
sponsored by R. R. Harris, confection
sales manager of Florida State Theatres.
Airer Opens at Sanford, Ky.
SANFORD. KY.—Davis Drive-In Theatre
on the Hustonville road, near here, has
opened for the spring, summer and fall season.
The outdoor theatre is equipped to show
Cinemascope.
82 BOXOFFICE :
12, 1956